Ari Berman at the White Slab Palace Bar

Photo by: Brooke Niemeyer

By: BROOKE NIEMEYER

Political journalist Ari Berman told NiteSide at "The Little Idea" rally last night that there is a core group he feels is being affected the most by the bad economy.

"The people who are really getting hurt by the economy are Obama's base -- young people, minorities to some extent, single women -- these are the ones who are really getting hit hard," Berman said at the White Slab Palace Bar in the Lower East Side. "They expected a change and now they're getting the short end of the stick with the economy."

Berman, a reporter for "The Nation" magazine, touches on this in his book, "Herding Donkeys: The Fight to Rebuild the Democratic Party and Reshape American Politics," which was released this month.

"Basically if you have a catchy title, you have to have a clunky, long subtitle," he joked. "But the subtitle is indicative because the book is about the evolution of the Democratic Party in American politics from Howard Dean to Barack Obama."

Dean, the former Governor of Vermont, was unsuccessful in his quest for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004 and Berman felt this was an important story to include in his book.

"I wanted to tell the story of the grass roots political movement that propelled Barack Obama to the White House," Berman said. "I felt like a lot of the books about Barack Obama, while a lot of them were very good, were missing that story."

He also felt it was crucial to visit states such as Indiana, Colorado, and North Carolina for his research so he could see how campaigners "turned these red states blue."

"I felt like then I wouldn't just have a book about politics," Berman said. "I would also have a book about the broader view into what is happening in the country.

Arianna Huffington: 9,000 Have Signed Up For Bus Ride to D.C. Rally

Arianna Huffington after speaking at the White Slab Palace.

Photo by: Brooke Niemeyer

By: BROOKE NIEMEYER
Arianna Huffington said more than 9,000 have taken her up on her televised offer to bus anyone interested from New York to Jon Stewart's rally in D.C. later this month.

"I'm expecting more to join us," Huffington told NiteSide at "The Little Idea" rally at White Slab Palace in the Lower East Side Wednesday night. "I'm sure Jon Stewart will be there too but probably the day before."

Though the media maven shocked "The Daily Show" audience on Sept. 28 when she offered free buses from her offices in SoHo to the Oct. 30 "Rally to Restore Sanity" in D.C., she had an agenda of her own last night: promoting her latest book "Third World America."

"We aren't a third world yet but are an interjectory to be a third world because it gives it a sense of urgency," Huffington said. "I talk about what we need to do to revitalizing ourselves, the community, and the country."

She encourages everyone to remove funds from big-time banks and instead invest in their local counterparts as part of her Move Your Money campaign.

"While money controls politics, we are less in control than we should be," she said. "Ultimately, the ones who are in control are the ones who are giving the big donations and sending the lobbyists up on the Hill."

This story ran on NBCNewYork.com's NiteSide.

Inside the Sunset Cruise Benefit Aboard the Yacht Atlantis

New York City skyline at night, taken from the Yacht Atlantis

Photo by: Brooke Niemeyer

Last night, I was lucky enough to attend a benefit for the Friends of Animal Rescue. It was aboard the Yacht Atlantis, which was docked on the East River and then took off for a cruise, bringing all of us to see the sparkling lights of the city and the Statue of Liberty all light up at night. It was stunning and an outstanding experience.

I created a photo gallery, which was leading the NBC New York website today.

NitePics: Inside the Sunset Cruise Benefit Aboard the Yacht Atlantis

Meet the Party Captain: Luxury Cruise Helmsman Fred Ardolino

me and Captain Fred Ardolino at the yacht's helm.

By: BROOKE NIEMEYER

Capt. Fred Ardolino has been at the helm of his luxury yacht The Atlantis for countless number of formal events -- but the swank sunset cruise held on board the sleek vessel last night was among his favorites. 

Last night, the Friends of Animal Rescue hosted a cruise around Manhattan where patrons sipped cocktails and bid on a silent auction to benefit animals as Capt. Ardolino navigated the East River alongside the glittering skyline. 

"I'm an animal lover, too," Ardolino said during the cruise. "I have enough of my own: three turtles, two dogs, fish all over the place and a bird."

The 150-foot custom cruiser was designed by Ardolino and boasts three massive decks, a dining salon that can fit 300 guests and amenities that include a Jacuzzi, VIP suite, and custom fish aquarium. He has hosted weddings, benefits and even events for the USA Olympic basketball team aboard his ship. But this benefit was different. 

"The people that are here are animal lovers and they wanted to do what they can to find a quality home for them and many times it's out of their own pockets," he said. 

He added, "An animal is a true friend. He doesn't care about what you look like or where you are. He's just going to be loyal to you."

This story ran on NBCNewYork.com's NiteSide.

President Barack Obama Greeted by Protestors on his Visit to Cooper Union

Joseph Kohn standing with signs outside of Cooper Union on Thursday.

Photo by: Brooke Niemeyer

By: BROOKE NIEMEYER

MANHATTAN—While President Barack Obama addressed leaders in the financial industry at a conference held at Cooper Union on Thursday, groups of protestors and activists stood outside of Cooper Union, all hoping to send their own messages to the president.

“We came here today to tell Obama that we want to live in peace with our neighbors,” Joseph Khon, 22, said. “We want him to stop dictating foreign policy, especially in Palestine.”

Khon and other members of the group Jews United Against Zionism arrived at Cooper Square before the president came and even though Obama left Cooper Union in the mid-afternoon, Khon and his group stuck around.

“Not only does the president need to know about our message, but so do other people,” Khon said. “According to our teachings, everyone should be working together in peace.”

Other members of the Jews United Against Zionism joined Khon in holding banners with their message printed on them in hopes that the president would notice what they had to say. But they were competing with many others.

Stacee Evarts, 36, held a poster with the words “Stop Harming Mother Earth” in block letters above a printed picture of the Earth that was surrounded by hand-drawn hearts.

“Today is Earth Day and all Obama cares about is money,” Evarts said. “He needs to get his priorities in order and make changes to save our planet.”

Evarts said she believes that this is a problem that affects everyone and is surprised that Obama is not doing more to help solve it.

“He has kids so he should want to look to the future for them and their kids,” Evarts said. “If we don’t have a planet for them to live on, money won’t even be a concern.”

But Devon Conoley, 20, had a different agenda.

“It took forever for me to even get to this point because of the traffic and now security won’t let me cross the street,” Conoley said as he watched the president’s motorcade of black SUV’s go by. “Yes it’s great that Obama is here, but I wonder if he can write me a note saying he’s the one who caused me to be late to work.”

Ping-Pong Club Helps Raise Money for Haiti Earthquake Victims

By: BROOKE NIEMEYER

MANHATTAN— Franck Raharinsy decided to use bad news to do good.

“You take one of the poorest countries on Earth and you give them the most powerful earthquake,” Raharinsy said of the Haiti earthquake that killed more than 100,000 people. “There must be a message for all of us from somewhere.”

Raharinsy, the co-founder of SPiN New York, a ping-pong club in Gramercy, desperately wanted to help. He teamed up with New York modeling agency, Modelina, as well as artists, designers, and actors to put together the Haiti Disaster Relief Fundraiser.

Raharinsy said he made a few calls to friends and before long the list of participants had reached a group he describes as “believers in a good cause.”

“It also doesn’t hurt to have an activist such as Susan Sarandon as a close friend and partner,” Raharinsy said.

Sarandon hosted the event and told attendees, “Even donating ten dollars can help.”

Donations are going to the Friends of the Orphans Haiti Initiative, which focuses on helping to improve the lives of orphaned children.

There was a suggested donation of $20 to attend the fundraiser, which was open to the public, as well as a silent auction, with these proceeds going to the charity Friends of the Orphans Haiti Initiative.

The Friends of the Orphans Haiti Initiative focuses primarily on helping to improve the lives of orphaned children and is teamed with a doctor at the sole cost-free pediatric hospital in Haiti.

“It is best to give and help organizations that are already up and running in Haiti since a lot of them have been destroyed,” Raharinsy said. “You have to help the survivors.”

The event was held at SPiN and Raharinsy felt it drew in a large crowd of donators not only because of the good cause, but also due to the fun atmosphere. SPiN offered free games of ping-pong all night and the opportunity to play games with celebrities as well.

“Ping-pong brings people together, opposed to sitting down at a charity dinner for hours with people you might not want to sit next to,” Raharinsy said.

Jennifer Rayno, the director of Friends of the Orphans Haiti Initiative described the evening as energetic and fast-paced and considered the results to be fantastic.

“We are so indebted to SPiN, Modelina, Susan Sarandon, and all the other celebrities who lent their names and presences to really attract attention,” Rayno said.

Other celebrities in attendance included Russell Simmons, Veronica Webb, New York Knicks player Al Harrington, 30 Rock’s Judah Friedlander, Top Chef’s Gail Simmons, and many others.

Although Rayno knew that this event would bring in a crowd, she didn’t expect to feel so humbled by the final results.

“Friends of the Orphans appreciates the effort more than we can say,” Rayno said. “Money raised will be put to immediate and good use.”

The event brought in $17,088 and Raharinsy felt this was a lucky amount and tried to see the positive in what he considered to be lucky numbers.

“Seventeen is my lucky number and 88 is the Chinese lucky number,” Raharinsy said. “The zero is the beginning.”
Raharinsy acknowledges that this is a time when not everyone has spare money to donate, but he said that there are other ways to help.

“They can offer some of their time for free to a charity as a sweat contribution,” Raharinsy said.

Even though the fundraising event has passed, this doesn’t mean the organizers work is done. They are also doing an online auction at Charity Folks, with the proceeds also going to the Friends of the Orphans Haiti Initiative.

What originally began as a tough day for Raharinsy just a couple weeks ago turned into something positive for those who are facing an even larger battle.

“Sometimes you’re having a bad day,” Raharinsy said, “and then you remember that you’re lucky to be where you are.”

Advocates Rally in Manhattan to Save Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation

Those in favor of saving Brooklyn A gather together with posters

and flyers outside of the LSNYC central office in Manhattan.

Photo by: Brooke Niemeyer

By: BROOKE NIEMEYER

MANHATTAN -- Despite the cold winds, a crowd rallied outside the central offices of Legal Services New York (LSNYC) in Manhattan yesterday to protest the consolidation of legal services in Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation, also known as Brooklyn A, is a civil legal service, providing legal assistance to low-income residents in North and East Brooklyn. They help with cases involving disability projects, rights for those affected by HIV/AIDS, community and economic development, domestic violence cases, fraud, and preserving low-income housing. LSNYC is working to find ways to make financial cutbacks and is considering consolidating all offices into one Manhattan location as a way to cut back on costs. 

One protestor, Maria Alvarado, said nothing could stop her from coming to stand up for her mother, who relies on the disability services provided by Brooklyn A. 

"My mother don't drive and she doesn't speak English, so she has no way to go (to Manhattan) or communicated," Alvarado, 28, of Greenwood Lake, said. "She would be without help if they close Brooklyn A."

Alvarado and hundreds of others who oppose the closing of Brooklyn A gathered in front of the LSNYC central offices to show their opposition the possibility of eliminating Brooklyn A which is outlined in the Brooklyn Planning Process. Brooklyn A has assisted the poor and working-class people in Brooklyn since 1967, providing assistance with legal services. 

"We are demanding that they save the office that has been helping our community for so long," Catherine Pinto, 37, of Williamsburg said. "So many people don't speak English or can't travel to the central office in Manhattan, so they will be out (of luck) if the one in Brooklyn closes."

"Taking away Brooklyn A is not fair for those without money," Alvarado said.

At the rally, people marched with signs and repeatedly shouted, "We want Brooklyn A!" Protest organizers spoke on a megaphone to reiterate their intentions. 

"We must remind them the importance of helping people with Brooklyn A," Councilwoman Diana Reyna told the protesters. Reyna is an advocate for saving the Brooklyn location of LSNYC and has been helping organize petitions and the rally. 

Those in favor of keeping Brooklyn A are hoping the restructuring committee will see the value of keeping multiple offices open. 

"They need to leave it the way it is," Alvarado said. "Keeping all offices open spreads the word across the state instead of just having it in one central place."

"They want to save money and cut funds so it doesn't hurt their business," Pinto said. "But what about them hurting people?"

The Children's Hope India Black Tie Event is One Step Closer to Success

By: BROOKE NIEMEYER

MANHATTAN -- Imagine being a young child in a country where the water you drank was the same color as the dirt you slept on. This is the reality for many children in parts of India and other parts of the world. Volunteers from a New York City based organization, Children's Hope India, work together year after year to gather funds to help in making changes for children suffering throughout the world and bring them a better life.

The annual black tie fundraising event for Children's Hope India was held today at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Manhattan. Tickets to the event ranged from regular seating for $250 per ticket to preferred seating for $350 per ticket. According to representative Lori Feigin, all of the tickets were sold out and they were having to turn people away who wanted to attend the event.

Since all of the work done by Children's Hope India is volunteer work, all of the proceeds from the event go towards Children's Hope Health and Education program.

Children's Hope India was founded in 1992 by Indian women who had a passion for helping children to have a safe, happy, and healthy childhood. It is based out of New York and has raised money for various causes which effect children, from those who have suffered natural disasters to any living in areas of India without clean water supplies. The organization helps fund over 20 programs in India.

This year's theme was "Evening in Rajasthan," with the slogan "A Royal Celebration of its people, music, dance, and cuisine." The two featured guests were the Princess of Rajasthan, Padmaja Kumari Mewar, and the Consul General of India, Prabhu Dayal.

Three awards were given out throughout the evening. The Lotus Award was given to the founders of Telebrands and Philanthropists, Poonam and AJ Khubani, and also to the former chairman and CEO of Mackay Shileds and Philanthropist, Ravi Akhoury. The "Making a Difference" award went to Surendra Kaushik, founder of Helena Kaushik Women's College in Rural Rajasthan.

The mission of the organization states that they want to "give disadvantaged children in India a chance for a brighter future." Tonight's fundraising event makes it one step closer to achieving their goal.

Burmese Hunger Strike at United Nations 2009 General Assembly

My first experience shooting and editing video at NYU. Check it out and let me know what you think! :)

An 11-Year-Old Boy is Planting Trees to Save the Future

Felix Finkbeiner with a poster of Wangari Maathai at Washington Square park.
Photo by: Brooke Niemeyer

By: BROOKE NIEMEYER

MANHATTAN - Felix Finkbeinger was working on a routine research project in his fourth-grade class in Paehl, Germany. He was reading about the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Professor Wangari Maathai, who started the Green Belt movement, a tree planting program in Africa, when he got an idea.

"I thought, if she can plant that many trees on her own, we children can do it too," Finkbeiner said. 

And so his group, Plan-for-the-Planet, was born.

Finkbeiner, now 11, travels all around the world as a spokesman for the organization that he started with the help of parents, teachers, and other community leaders in 2007. 

Today he was one of the child advocates at Washington Square Park in Manhattan for the first annual Global Climate Week, promoting activism and awareness to any of the approximately hundred people in attendance who would listen. He was joined by Girl Scout troupes who wore life vests at the rally to represent the concerns of rising oceans. 

The words "Stop Talking, Start Planting" adorned Finkbeiner's t-shirt and he stood next to a large poster of Maathai. 

"Each tree [planted] is a symbol for climate justice," Finkbeiner said. "We need to stop talking and start planting. 

Plant-for-the-Planet is now the branch of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) that is exclusively for young children. It encourages children to help in planting trees to improve the environment and to prepare for the future. The Plant-for-the-Planet program unites children from all parts of the world to achieve a common goal. 

"We need to think as a global community, not as many different places," said Finkbeiner.

The current goal of UNEP is to plant seven billion new trees in the world by the end of 2009, To help do their part, the goal for the Plant-for-the-Planet volunteers is to plant over 200,000,000 trees. Hundreds of children, in over 50 different nations, are working together to plant one million trees in each of their countries. 

"We children are working to save our futures," Finkbeiner said. "Adults talk too much. It's time for us children to do."

Also at today's event was model Gisele Bundchen, who was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for UNEP. She is expecting her first child in December and put emphasis on the importance of a clean environment for upcoming generations. 

"It's important on a global scale to secure a healthy future for the next generation, wherever they are in the world," said Bundchen.

Governmental leaders are also focused on these environmental issues. Representatives from almost 200 countries will gather for the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen, Denmark on December 7 to discuss a climate agreement. 

"We need our leaders to act now," said Finkbeiner. "If they only want to get re-elected, they are not good [leaders]."

"Seal the Deal" is the slogan for campaigns leading up to the conference in Denmark. Petitions encouraging leaders to create an agreement about mandating the levels of greenhouse gas emissions in their country were available for people to sign today. Supporters want leaders to come to an agreement that will protect the planet and everyone on it successfully and then "seal the deal."

What all began as a class project for a young boy has now turned into an international campaign for children. Over 365,000 trees have been planted by children in Germany alone since Finkbeiner began his campaign and he continues to gain support every day from around the world.

"If we children can each plant trees," said Finkbeiner, "we can change the world."