Who's Who in OCCUPY NYC 2012: Jonathan "KazooCruiser" Gilbert

Jonathan "KazooCruiser" Gilbert, Master of Ceremonies
(Zuccotti Park, NYC, November 2011)

Jonathan "KazooCruiser" Gilbert is the undisputed symbol of the Zuccotti Park contingency. More than a veteran, he is the recipient of the one and only "Purple Heart" for his tireless and impassioned demonstrations to educate the public on the 99% ideology espoused by the Occupy Wall Street movement.

From abstract performance art spectacles featuring the true nature of the monetary and capitalist system to his impromptu and unscripted monologues and dialogues with the multitudes that gather to hear him speak, one can not avoid being irrevocably changed by witnessing his presentation.

In this November 2011 photo (top left), we find KazooCruiser in the midst of one of his fabled demonstrations and dialogues with a crowd of passersby on the Church Street side of Zuccotti Park directly across from NYPD temporary headquarters in the immediate aftermath of 9/11.

Jonathan "KazooCruiser" Gilbert, Guitarist & Master of Relaxation

When not on "active duty" evangelizing the 99% ideology, we find Mr. Gilbert playing his guitar and contemplating new and interesting ways to educate others in an unconventional way.


Most memorable quote? "You don't know how to weep."

Favorite food? Roasted chicken!

Who's Who in OCCUPY NYC 2012: Caroline X.

Caroline X., Future Long Island Mom

Caroline X. is the epitome of Occupier Mom-Energy. I first met Caroline while the Occupiers were being graciously hosted at Church of St Paul and St Andrew. She and her husband Chris would harmoniously go about their daily routine just a few feet away from me and my Occupier camping buddy.

Chris, being strong and silent, and Caroline, being gentle and ever-smiling, the most words we ever exchanged at that time amounted to "goodmorning", "goodnight" and "hello".

I recently happened upon Caroline near the Amsterdam Theatre on 42nd Street in Times Square, literally in the glow of the Mary Poppins marquis.

Most memorable quote? "How are you?"

Favorite food? Something good.

Who's Who in OCCUPY NYC 2012: Kenn L.

Kenn L., Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist,
Actor, Construction Worker &
founding member of "Fatal Puppy Band"

Kenn L. is truly a multi-talented fellow and a Zuccotti Park veteran. I first encountered Kenn at the barricades on the Broadway side of Zuccotti Park during the days immediately following the raid at the original encampment.

He introduced himself to me by handing me a CD of original music by Fatal Puppy Band titled "Wall Street Takeover Vol 1". The music is really great and puts one in the mind of 70's David Bowie.

Fun facts about Kenn? He has two children in college, he plays multiple instruments, he had a speaking role in a film where he shared a scene with Willem Dafoe and I have it on good authority that he was offered a role in the now classic film "Platoon".

Most memorable quote? "I give you the same thing I give my son."

Favorite food? Omaha Steak!

Who's Who in OCCUPY NYC 2012: Outlaw Bobby Steele

Outlaw Bobby Steele, Master Communicator

Outlaw Bobby Steele is a true-blood Zuccotti Park veteran. In the aftermath of the raid at the original encampment, he could be found faithfully manning his post at the Broadway side of the Zuccotti Park barricades holding a sign designed to catalyze thought.

If engaged in conversation, Outlaw Bobby Steele will speak to you, but other than that he prefers to allow his abstract and unarguably artistic manner of presenting himself and his signage to convey his messages.

Yes, his face is covered in tattoos. Their meaning is much fodder for deep thought.

Most memorable quote? "Stand your ground."

Favorite food? Something hot.

Who's Who in OCCUPY NYC 2012: Alison X.

Alison X., The Fresh Face of Zuccotti

Alison X. is the very definition of unpretentious beauty and the face of the USO of Zuccotti veterans if there is such a thing.

Each during my tour of duty at the encampment, in addition to serving her breakfast at Food Tent, I invariably happened upon Alison--zaftig, fresh-faced and Ivory girl gorgeous--gliding calmly and seemingly without a care on her own adventure in Occupy.

Most memorable quote? "I'm Alison."

Favorite food? Whole grain carbohydrates.

Who's Who in OCCUPY NYC 2012: Mike X. aka Menace

Mike X. aka Menace, The Charmer

Mike X. aka Menace is likely the most charming fellow you'll ever meet and a bonafide Zuccotti Pak veteran.

I first noticed him whilst serving him breakfast at Food Tent in the original encampment. With a fearless spirit and unboastful confidence, he looked me deeply in the eye at each of our encounters.

Aside from his potent form of Casanova charm, his concern and interest in the well-being of other people--especially women--is particularly special.

Most memorable quote? "Are you OK with him?"

Favorite food? Whatever I was serving that morning.

Who's Who in OCCUPY NYC 2012: Dave & Donna X.

Dave & Donna, Road Dogs for Life

Dave & Donna X. are the very symbol of term "There is no "I" in team". Wherever you see Dave, Donna is nearby and vice versa.

My first introduction to Dave and Donna occurred at the Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew. The space in the sanctuary being as vastly expansive as it is, I witnessed them silently going about their lives--together. Their endearing togetherness can also be witnessed at the local Whole Foods where they share meals and what appears to be pleasant conversation, minor squabbles and companionship.

They represent another aspect of OCCUPY NYC 2012: marriage and family. And isn't that the goal of all of this "activism"? To create a world where we can do simple things like have a meal with our spouse in an environment safe enough to raise children if that is what we choose to do?

Most memorable quote from Dave? Non-verbal. He looks like Freddie Mercury.  'nough said!

Most memorable quote from Donna? "But, this is free..."

Favorite food? Something from Whole Foods.