Times Square Gossip

Southampton Inn
The Hamptons has entered Phase 3 of reopening and that means there are summertime activities and treats at the Southampton Inn.
Phase 3, allows for indoor dining, boutique shopping, and cultural events to make a comeback. Pools are open, micro weddings and backyard gatherings can happen once again. So, whether you’re celebrating Independence Day, organizing a corporate picnic or putting together a picture-perfect micro-wedding, the Southampton Inn is your ideal getaway.
Since March, the Southampton Inn and its exemplary staff has been strictly following CDC sanitizing and disinfecting protocols. They have recently implemented a fascinating new technology, a mobile Ultratech UV/ozone light to sanitize guest rooms and public areas even more efficiently.
During your stay, be sure to visit Claude’s, the Southampton Inn’s signature restaurant, rain or shine. The indoor dining room has been expanded through the bar area and part of the ballroom, to allow extra space between …

Nikki Walter
During these apocalyptic times, where dieting and exercise have been thrown to the wind-along comes savior Nikki Walter. The 40-year-old fitness enthusiast continues to put those half her age to shame, winning one bodybuilding competition after another. This Cheryl Tiegs lookalike, with long blond hair and big blue eyes, never stops working-beginning her day at 7 in the morning and concluding in the wee hours of the evening. Her single-minded focus is bringing health and well-being to others so they can move forward in their lives. While Nikki’s bright smile and enthusiastic demeanor radiate joy, Walter has experienced a fair amount of grief and tragedy that have helped her assist others with effective coping mechanisms-tools that are invaluable in the current environment.
Growing up in rural South Dakota, Nikki discovered her love for sports in junior high school, joining the running team and cheerleading squad, while attending weekly ballet classes. Tragedy struck …

Hampton Hills
The ideal family getaway awaits at the members only world-class Hampton Hills Golf and Country Club. Located only 90-minutes outside of New York City, in the Northwest corner of Westhampton Beach, NY on a 2,000-acre pine and oak tree preserve, Hampton Hills Golf and Country Club offers even more facilities for the family to enjoy.
Additional facilities include two tennis courts constructed with the well-regarded hardcourt surface, DecoTurf, which is specially selected for the Olympic Games and the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament. Play like a pro or learn the basics from a specialized tennis instructor offering members, of any skill level, and they also have private complimentary golf lessons for club members children. Completing the Hampton Hills family experience is the children’s playground designed with swing sets, slides, kids putting green and an outdoor patio.
At the end of the course, members can enjoy a casual meal outside on the patio or inside the spacious clubh…

The parties are on pause but quarantine hasn’t stopped the giving. Young philanthropist, activist and entrepreneur Elizabeth “Lizzie” Asher has announced the launch of her new non-profit The Cura Collective.
Founded by Lizzie and four close friends, the new virtual charitable organization, which aims to help communities rebuild in the wake of major disasters, is working to care for those who are on the front lines of caring for others during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are driven by a belief that the most powerful care is given by the people and communities around us,” says Lizzie. “That’s why it’s so important to be compassionate and donate resources during this difficult time.”
The Cura Collective has already come to the aid of medical professionals who are caring for the sick in New York City hospitals. Lizzie -- along with Mercedes de Guardiola, Casey Kohlberg, Laura Day-Webb and Nora Boyd – worked with local restaurants such as NoMad Kitchen and delivered meals to the ICUs at N…

During these heady times, where life's hardships abound, there is no better salve than the delicious chocolates of Maribel Lieberman. Maribel, hails from Honduras, where her early love for confections was evident as she began selling candies to her neighbors at the tender age of 8. However, living with her mother and grandmother, who were both seamstresses, led her to pursue a career in fashion-arriving in the US at 17 to attend Parsons School of Design. Lieberman felt unfulfilled leading her to search for meaning in the field of gourmet cuisine. Soon thereafter, she opened a store "Lunettes et Chocolat" in 2000 which combined her love for chocolate with her friend’s collection of eyeglasses under one roof. Alas Maribel had found her niche and struck out on her own in December 2001: renting a small gallery space in Soho that would continue to serve as her flagship for the subsequent 18 years.
MarieBelle New York, which is located at 484 Broome Street, continues to…

Since the beginning of his legal career and the inception of his law firm, Thomas J. Henry has supported national and international charitable causes with the desire of making his own success work to the benefit of his local, national, and global community. With the simple philosophy of “Give what you can, when you can,” Thomas J. Henry has provided financial support, resources, and volunteers to more than 100 unique non-profit events and organizations, touching tens of thousands of lives while also inspiring others to do the same.
Thomas J. Henry’s law firm, Thomas J. Henry Law, PLLC., has pursued the dual objectives of success and giving through a distinctive approach that places client satisfaction and employee growth at the forefront of the decision-making process. For Thomas J. Henry, serving clients goes beyond the courtroom - client service within the firm means ensuring they are receiving proper medical care, are being respected as individuals, and are able to focus on their …

American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, today announced that renowned philanthropist Jean Shafiroff will serve as an ambassador and spokesperson for the Feed the Hungry fund.
“We are thrilled to have Jean as an ambassador for American Humane and our spokesperson for our critical Feed the Hungry fund,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “With Jean by our side, I am confident we can provide more than one million meals to hungry animals in need across the country. Importantly, Jean will also help educate people about the need to make their pandemic pets permanent members of their family.”
American Humane launched its Feed the Hungry fund to feed and care for animals across the country who have been abandoned during the novel coronavirus crisis. Through its grant program to rescues and shelters the fund has served more than 345,000 meals to date.
“Animals have a special place in my heart, and I am saddened to see so many being abandon…

What are you afraid of? That’s the simple question being asked from the new upcoming series SCRAWL.
Production is announced today for the haunting new series from the minds of Award-Winning Filmmakers behind “The Samaritans” movie, Doug Bollinger ("Waltzing Anna", "Mail Order Bride"), Keith Collins ("The Evangelist") and Cory Green ("The Jersey Devil"). Fear can only be kept hidden away for so long. Eventually, it finds a way to crawl out of the story and into your mind.
SCRAWL tells the story of a struggling writer as he battles his insecurities, mental health, and inner demons as he desperately reaches for success. A stranger presents him with a dangerous opportunity to achieve fame and fortune. He makes a pact that may turn his dreams into realities. But what will this deal do to his nightmares?
STARRING: Doug Bollinger, Keith Collins, Gervase Peterson ("Survivor”), Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (“Asia”, ”Guns N’ Roses”), Sarah Osman (HBO Ma…

Close your TD Bank accounts. This bank is a horror. I made a deposit of two checks almost two weeks ago and TD Bank put holds on them both, refuses to allow me access to my money, even know I contacted the people who wrote the checks and they said they were paid to TD Bank.
TD Bank has no customer service. Several phone calls for a total wait time of over 6 hours. You can call during the day or late at night, it does not matter. There is no customer service at TD Bank.
You know what are good businesses when something bad happens in our world and the company continues to service customers. TD Bank has failed and all their phone calls and their websites all blame Covid 19.  Sorry TD Bank, this is not a excuse. A company and especially a bank needs to be prepared in case of a emergency. For any emergency. 
During a pandemic companies need to step up to the plate and take care of their customers. TD Bank refuses. Endless calls, endless hours waiting to speak to someone and they still hav…

Sen. Chuck Schumer On The View
Sen. Chuck Schumer reacts to Pres. Trump saying he publicly he takes hydroxychloroquine, the racial disparities of COVID-19, and the firing of inspector general.
Sen. Schumer calls it “reckless” for Pres. Trump to say he is taking hydroxychloroquine, a drug the president has touted that’s unproven for COVID-19 treatment.
He adds, “Don’t take it. It doesn’t work. Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms.”
He tells us he understands the desire for Americans to return to work, but says, “If we move too quickly this could come back”: “If we don’t solve the health problem, we’re not going to solve the economic problem.”
Sen. Schumer calls Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ comments saying the state has succeeded in its fight against COVID-19 “premature.”
“To compare New York and Florida is sort of like apples and oranges,” he adds.
The Senate minority leader criticizes Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s response to the $3 trillion relief package the House pa…

Celebrities #PasstheMic To Experts On COVID-19 | ONE World
WASHINGTON  – The ONE Campaign, a global organization campaigning to end extreme poverty and preventable disease, today released a video announcing the launch of #PassTheMic, a campaign featuring global health, economic and policy experts, frontline workers and celebrities joining together to discuss the need for a global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The video launching the campaign features celebrities such as Penelope Cruz, Julia Roberts, Shailene Woodley and Rainn Wilson, and experts such as Ngozi Okonjo Iweala (Chair, Gavi Board and former Finance Minister of Nigeria), Jen Kates (Director of Global Health & HIV Policy, The Kaiser Family Foundation) and more.
Starting May 21, 2020 with Julia Roberts and Dr. Anthony Fauci and continuing for three weeks, celebrities will turn over their social media accounts and followers to frontline workers, health, economic and other experts. Experts will share their perspective…

Washington, DC-- In response to breaking news yesterday, that President Donald Trump, threatened to withhold federal funding from Nevada and Michigan after Michigan’s Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced vote-by-mail plans, Executive Vice President for Policy and Program Marge Baker released the following statement:
“Trump’s outburst over vote-by-mail options in two states is more forewarning that he will stop at nothing to corrupt the presidential election. He is making a dangerous -- and potentially illegal move -- by threatening to withhold federal funds from states that are working to ensure that the American public can vote safely in the midst of a pandemic. Many states have previously mailed out such applications and Republican states have made similar decisions to mail out applications this year, so this is clearly a partisan attack on states led by Democratic governors and illustrates Trump’s familiar pattern of corrupt retribution and extortion. Trump’s threat underm…

LOS ANGELES – May 20, 2020 – After global passionate fan calls to action and the #ReleaseTheSnyderCut movement, HBO Max and Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that it will exclusively world premiere Zack Snyder’s director’s cut of the Warner Bros. Pictures/DC feature film Justice League in 2021. Snyder surprised fans with the news this morning during a live online commentary of his film Man of Steel with Henry Cavill.
#ReleaseTheSnyderCut first became a passionate rallying social media cry among fans in 2017 and has not let up. From countless press articles and hundreds of thousands of social media mentions, it became a powerful global movement among cinephiles and comic book fans.
“I want to thank HBO Max and Warner Brothers for this brave gesture of supporting artists and allowing their true visions to be realized. Also a special thank you to all of those involved in the SnyderCut movement for making this a reality,” said Snyder.
“Since I got here 14 months ago, the chant to #Rel…

The View
Matt Lauer Responds to Allegations in Op-Ed
The disgraced former NBC anchor blasted Ronan Farrow’s reporting about his sexual misconduct allegations — the co-hosts discuss.
“I was really surprised that Mediate would actually publish this op-ed,” says Sunny Hostin. “Clearly, you know, Matt Lauer has an axe to grind.”
“He didn’t do himself any favors by trying to attack Ronan Farrow, who by all accounts is a fantastic journalist,” Hostin continues. “I just didn’t understand where he was coming from on this.”
“I don’t care anything what that guy has to say,” Meghan McCain says of Lauer. “He’s been accused credibly numerous times of sexual assault against numerous women.”
“I just think the timing of this is very fishy,” McCain continues. “We’re in the middle of a huge global pandemic. I want to know what article Ronan Farrow was working on that seems to be threatening so many people in media.”
“It worries me that… a Pulitzer prize-winner does his investigation. It’s thorough, and…

New York, NY -   Author Akim Bryant proudly announces the re-release of volume 1, 2nd edition (with new cover) to his debut novel trilogy, "Stuck Pages". "Stuck Pages, Vol. 1" is available now via all digital platforms, and the paperback version can be purchased via Barnes & Nobles.
In celebration of the one-year anniversary since its release, "Stuck Pages, Vol. 1: Exposing the Heart of a Heartbreaker", has been re-released with a new cover art designed by @shani.cmyk. This is a classic American love story seen through the eyes of a black-gay man (loosely based on true events in music, love and life). "Stuck Pages" is a sex-positive coming-of-age/coming-out journey of a heart-broken heartbreaker. The main character, Quincy Simmons, graduates college and gets a dream job in the music industry only to realize the life he has may not be the life he really wanted. He’s so caught up in trying to fill the hole in his heart that he can’t see the pe…

One of the less discussed challenges of the lockdown following the COVID-19 outbreak has been that individuals all over are finding themselves in dire need of a haircut with spouses, partners, parents and children are suddenly being drafted as amateur barbers and stylists – with potentially catastrophic (stylistic) results.
To help remedy the situation and deliver some much-needed relief, New York City’s Up-Scale men’s grooming boutique Barba, in partnership with agency, Terri & Sandy has launched the Quarancuts Virtual Hair School.
Each day, Barba’s Owner and Master Stylist, Xavier Cruz, will guide student "stylists" through the techniques of men’s haircuts online using Zoom. Anyone interested in taking the “course” can Direct Message (DM) Barba on Instagram, with all Quarancuts sessions airing simultaneously on IGTV so that friends, family and the wider community can get in on the lesson.
Every ground-breaking initiative must have a first star and the first amateur s…

NEW YORK, NY -- Broadway Teaches Kids launches virtual summer camp in support of Broadway artists during the COVID-19 emergency.
Broadway Teachers Kids (BTK)- The Children’s Performing Arts Virtual Camp is co-founded by Mom and finance executive Suzanne Murphy and Tony nominated, world renowned producer/director/choreographer and master teacher Michèle Assaf. Presented by Tezoro Productions, BTK will offer a virtual summer camp for students ages 5 to11 years old. The curriculum will consist of lessons, games, and exercises that will take children on a journey to artistically express themselves. The virtual summer camp will have an arts focus and all classes will be taught by talented professional artists who are out of work due to the COVID-19 emergency that has caused the closure of Broadway, theaters, dance companies, film studios, dance studios and more.
We are thrilled to include guest artist, award-winning principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, Tiler Peck, and others to …

TRUMP'S DID NOT WANT TO RENT TO AFRICAN AMERICANS OR HISPANICS
NOW THISvia You Tube -- The Trump's once forced 900 mostly Black families living in Coney Island out of their homes — here's how the family used taxpayer money to decimate a New York neighborhood.
This is a must see story. Trump's used the code letter (C) on apartment applications to tell the agents the person was colored and not to rent to them. 
Washington Post -- When a black woman asked to rent an apartment in a Brooklyn complex managed by Donald Trump’s real estate company, she said she was told that nothing was available. A short time later, a white woman who made the same request was invited to choose between two available apartments.

The two would-be renters on that July 1972 day were actually undercover “testers” for a ­government-sanctioned investigation to determine whether Trump Management Inc. discriminated against minorities seeking housing at properties across Brooklyn and Queens.

Federal inve…

Gov. Cuomo On Opening New York State
APRIL 26, 2020 -- During a press conference today in New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo talked about states reopening, and how coordination is "vital" to downstate New York, which includes New York City and Long Island.

Parts of upstate New York could begin “Phase 1” of reopening around the middle of May — provided COVID-19 hospitalizations have declined for two straight weeks by then — Gov. Cuomo said Sunday, though he noted that the Big Apple will require extra caution.

“I don't want to just reopen. We learned a lot of lessons here, painfully,” the governor told reporters in Albany. “We’re going to be better for it and we’re going to re-imagine what our life is and we’re going to improve for this pause.”

Jean Shafiroff  recently hosted a party for God’s Love We Deliver in early March 2020 at Alice + Olivia in Palm Beach. God’s Love We Deliver cooks and home-delivers nutritious, medically tailored meals for people living in the New York area who are too sick to shop or cook for themselves.
More than 75 men and women attended the store party including Jean Shafiroff , Kim Renk, Ava Roosevelt, Pamela O’Connor, the Countess Diane de la Bégassière, Anka Palitz, Mary Bryant McCourt, Christine Schott Ledes, Whitney Schott, Adam Weiss, Felicia Taylor, Amy Hoadley, Martin Shafiroff, Tom Shaffer, Alex Hamer and Nick Gold.

In addition to the Alice + Olivia apparel, SEQUIN of Worth Avenue also sold their fashion jewelry to benefit the charity. SEQUIN founder Kim Renk set up a lively table of fashion jewelry. All were welcome and the flow of guests into the colorful store was steady throughout the afternoon. The feel of the reception was more like a house party with dear friends, and man…