Blogs 12 Long Island

Eat It Raw and Lose Weight!

By Mary Mucci

Note to my Viewers,

     After meeting David Dreyfus, you can’t help but be intrigued by his experience with raw food. He was not very overweight.  In fact he only wanted to lose 10 or 15 pounds. But he was a triathlete, and, despite the high intensity workouts, he couldn’t lose the weight. Imagine that….all that running and biking and swimming and stuck with extra weight. Hard to believe. Now he says he’s proof that the food we eat or don’t counts more than the exercise we do. Of course, exercise is important, but it wasn’t until he went on raw food that he lost weight. Then he lost it fast. Ten pounds in one week. Sounds great, right? 

      It’s not easy to make major changes in the way one eats. You have to really want to change. And when it comes to raw food, it actually takes time for your body to get used to the extra fiber. So don’t go too fast, advises David.

     Fortunately, I already like vegetable juice, and salads with flax seeds and avocado. The kale salad we made together was really delicious. I tried a version at home with some cooked beans and it was totally satisfying. Another easy raw dish is nori or California rolls without the rice. Seaweed is one of the most nutritious foods on earth. And I would guess among the most alkalizing. What makes a food alkalizing is the mineral content. Sea weed or veggies are abundant in minerals including iodine which is a breast cancer preventative and so lacking in the American diet. That alone is a reason to eat it. But actually sea veggies can be really delicious.

     So why does eating raw food make such a difference?  The answer according to proponents is that the abundance of natural enzymes enables our bodies to digest and absorb all the nutrients.  They theorize that we are all stuffed but starving. Our bodies give us the signal to eat because it is hungry for vitamins and minerals. 

     If you want to give eating more raw a try, summer is the best time. Remember David does not advise eating raw meat or even raw fish. There are too many health issues with those. So cook your protein, but cut back in favor of raw food.

To Your Health,

Mary

 

Contacts for Raw Cuisine:

David Dreyfus

Un-cooking lessons and how to transition to a raw foods diet

Mt. Sinai at 631 331 7798

[email protected]

Chris Califano - The Best Weigh

Group and Individual preparation classes

Glen Cove at 516 759–2606

[email protected]

 

 

 

 

He Won't Forget

by Scott Feldman

I'm sure you've seen them. Those black and white battlefield films of U-S soldiers in action. Well, the other day I met a Long Islander who shot them. He was one of the top combat photographers of the Korean War. 77 year old Len Totora, Jr. I caught up with Len at his camera and video store in Huntington. It was the 58th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. Photography was Len's first love. And the U-S Army trained him well. When General Douglas MacArthur wanted the best photographers in the military to show him exactly what was happening in Korea, he picked Len. His footage went directly to McArthur to show him how his men were doing and what was needed to defeat the enemy. As Len put it, "It was a little unfair. They were shooting at me with a gun, I was shooting at them with a camera." But then he quickly added, "I was full of you-know-what and vinegar and I had no fear." Len and other combat photographers were saved on more than one occasion by their film cans. They would strap a bunch of them around their necks. In each can, there was a 100 feet of film tightly wound. Len says when they got back from a battle, they discovered bullets in the cans, stopped by the thick film! They didn't even know they had been hit. Len returned home to Long Island with the Bronze Star. And ever since, he has been speaking around the Island to let all who don't know what Korea, known as the Forgotten War, was all about. Len tells me, "It is not the Forgotten War, not as long as I'm alive." If you ever get the chance, stop in to L&L Camera and Video at 267 New York Avenue. Len is quite a guy.   

The Threesome

By Erin Colton

I've been waiting 364 days to write this blog. Because what could be more fun than writing about spending the day golfing with evening anchor Scott Feldman, or as we like to call him "Anchor-In-Charge" (AIC, for short).

For the past four years, every summer, myself, morning anchor Elizabeth Hashagen, evening anchor Lauren Sivan and "AIC" have been a foursome in a charity golf tournament. We play 18 holes of non-stop, high-energy, can't miss a second of down right fun golf.

Sadly, this year Lauren couldn't come and believe me, it wasn't the same. But the three of us had to re-group and pull it together, because there was fun to be had.

As you all may know, Ms. Hashagen (Hassy, for short) is pregnant. 6 months! And it's funny, she looks the same way I do after having a big dinner. Oh well. Anyway, we thought her little belly would hinder her swing this year, but I actually think the baby gave her power because she was knocking balls on like Tiger at the Open.

Scott, of course, was on his game all day. I personally think we bring him good luck. Because I swear, every single time I screamed "GET IN THE HOLEEEEEE" (18 times) he would knock it on. Ok, maybe not every time, but he loved when I screamed because it distracted every other golfer teeing off. (Golf etiquette rule #42 -- scream whenever possible to throw off your opponents.)

Is everyone aware of Mr. Feldman's golfing capabilities. I swear, if this whole anchoring gig doesn't work out he could have a spot on the tour. I, of course, would be his caddy. (Who else is going to distract the other golfers?)

I'm not going to lie, I was knocking the ball pretty hard as well. Take a look at the picture on the left here of my longest drive. I mean, it has to be like 300 yards! (Ok fine, maybe like 150) But still, look at how far it went PAST the hole! I had to take a picture. A couple guys from NBC were playing behind us. I don't think they liked that we stopped to take pictures on every hole. But 'cmon, golf is a leisurely game. (And who cares what Channel 4 thinks anyway.)

 

The best part of the outing this year had to be when Scott spotted a couple kids on the links that didn't belong there. Uh-oh. We all know his deep voice, right? So just imagine this deep, loud bellow down the fairway, "Guuuyyys! (Remember, really loud, low voice) "What do you think your dooooooing?" I've never seen 3 more scared teenagers in my entire life. Scott told them we were going to play through them, because they didn't belong there. (Note to self: don't mess with "AIC" on a golf course.) I gave them a little wave as we passed on the cart to smooth things over.

Whether people loved us or hated us that day, no one could argue that we (as always) had the most fun. In between taking pictures, doing a cartwheel or two, racing golf carts, screaming, laughing, falling and oh yeah, playing golf -- I realized how lucky I am to work with such good people.

And I swear, if we didn't forget our scorecards in the clubhouse -- we would have TOTALLY come in first place.

I'm Back Baby

By Shari Einhorn

Hi there strangers! I know it's been an incredibly LOOOOONNNNNNNNGGGGGGG time since I've written anything on my blog. I apologize to anyone who went looking for new and exciting entries and came away disappointed.

I'd like to confess...I haven't really been into this blogging thing. Don't get me wrong...I can gab with the best of them...I'm sure my family and friends will attest to that...but the technology is passing me by and FAST!!! I'm far from a computer idiot...I'm just more into post it notes and day planners!! What can I say? I'm an old fashioned gal!

We just had a big mandatory meeting about being better bloggers...so I guess I have to do better.

This semester I have a new intern with me...her name is Kim Saltmarsh. I have to say it's refreshing to see the world of journalism through her eyes. She's so excited to be here and gung ho about what's going on...she says she's wanted to be a reporter since she was little!

Now let me be clear...I LOVE MY JOB!! I worked hard to get here...and I work hard to stay here! But when I was little, I didn't know I would end up in tv...I didn't have any on-air experience until college. In high school (last graduating class of Commack High School North) most of my news experience was newspaper writing. And once I got to college (SUNY BINGHAMTON) I did news, feature and magazine writing.

Let me tell you when and why things changed. I had an internship at the CBS affiliate in Binghamton. I followed reporters around in the field and set up stories. They used to let me write what they called fin mins...the final minutes of the newscast. Those were the little stories about library grants or special programs that impacted smaller communities in the surrounding areas. I hate to sound corny but it suddenly hit me that THIS was what I wanted to do!! My parents were thrilled--I finally knew what I wanted to be when I grew up!

At the time, though, Binghamton didn't really have a tv program. So I majored in English Literature and Rhetoric (my mom used to say I got a degree in reading and writing). Then I went to the New York Institute of Technology and LI News Tonight. It was a terrific program with awesome teachers(hi Ken, Carol, Gary and Sharon if you read this) and I learned so much and for which I will forever be grateful.

While getting my Masters degree, I interned here at News 12 Long Island. I don't want to date myself but that was 1993!! For you long time watchers...I'll throw out some names...I worked with Julie Kessler and Patti Ann Browne and Bill Zimmerman and Judy Martin. I was hired two years later as a freelancer -- then two years later I got my full time position. In 2003, I gave up my full time position. I'm now part time...so I have some time with my kids...and I couldn't be happier!!!

For the past few years...it's been my turn to mentor others...and I really enjoy it. I'm proud to say I have a reputation for being a good teacher...at least that's what they say to my face!!

So back to my intern Kim...being a reporter has been her dream for so long...I'm glad I can help her live it...for now at least...I can teach her and guide her...as others have done for me. And she'll tell you all about it...in my next blog...she will be my guest!

PS....I know some of my fellow bloggers are much better at this than me...but show me some love...and I'll return the favor.

Guest Blogger: Kim Saltmarsh

By Shari Einhorn

Here's a little something from my guest blogger...Kim Saltmarsh is interning with me for the summer semester.

Enjoy...and no...I didn't pay her to say nice things about me or News 12 Long Island...though I did consider it!

By: Kim Saltmarsh

 Intern. It often has a negative connotation to it. Some people refer to it as the "gopher" while others find that the word "non-existent" suffices. Well, I am here to tell you that as Shari Einhorn's intern at News 12, I am neither a gopher nor non-existent. I like to think of the intern as a "sponge."

     As a "sponge," I simply absorb everything that I possibly can at every opportunity I can do so at. The reporter internship at News 12 means I am assigned to a reporter who I observe and assist on the assigned days. I am assigned to Shari and that is good news for me because just by observing, I have already sharpened both my writing and reporting skills.

     You see, I have wanted to be a reporter from the time I learned to talk. It is my passion and my dream, and Shari respects that passion by giving me tips out in the field. Not only do I observe her, but I have also put those observations into actions by doing my own stand-ups and packages that I can add to my resume tape. The more work I have to choose from, the better my reel will be, and as an aspiring reporter entering her senior year at Hofstra University, I want my tape to be the best it can be.

     A News 12 internship is not about stapling papers or making photo copies. It's about utilizing the resources right in front of you and watching the professionals, like Shari, do what they do best.

What came first? The Chicken or the Egg?

By Lauren Sivan

Forget the Presidential race, or the battle over global warming--the REAL debate was here on this blog.

"Does Lauren Look Like Trish .... or does Trish Look Like Lauren?"

Thanks to all of you who weighed in on this burning issue (including Trish Bergin herself!)

"You are so funny! Thank you for the compliment. And when viewers think I'm you- which happens all the time- I feel 10 years younger!" --xo- Trish

No problem Trish. Maybe you can "guest"' blog here a few times a week and see if the readers (or management) notice the difference!

At least one of you disagrees with the notion that Trish and I are one in the same.

"Great blog and funny, but I don't see how people can mistake you for Trish Bergen you are both VERY good looking but do not look the same." -- Larry C

Good eye Larry! Have you thought about detective work? Thanks for your diplomatic description of us as "separate but equal."

"I know you and Trish are both taken, but how does someone not in the news/entertainment industry meet someone like you or Trish? - StevieD"

I can't speak for Trish but I know I ONLY interact with those "in the biz" as we like to say. I have my "people" deal with the regular folk because if you're not in TV News--I have nothing in common with you. So my advice, get a job in showbiz and start meeting all the beautiful people! (For those of you working on an angry response to this--I'm JUST KIDDING)

"I would enjoy seeing entries more often from you. They are great reads. Pictures would be nice also and I am sure that I am not the only one here who would enjoy vacation photos."--Jon

Jon, I never want to let my readers down so thanks for the compliment and here are a couple photos from my trip to Croatia... land of Soccer, Spirits, and Sausage.

For my birthday, my amazing sister Margot gave me a trip to the Balkans.

(do WE look alike?)

Croatians are a proud people-- especially when it comes to the "Futbol." With the Euro Cup in full swing--these folks pulled out all the stops!

Thanks for the all the comments and if you ever get to go to Croatia--make sure you bring your shin-guards (and hot pink tights!)

LI's Fittest Athletes

By Carol Silva

It is said that the fittest of all athletes are rowers! And this weekend, some of Long Island's best rowers have made it all the way to "The Nationals." They're are competing in Oakridge, Tennesee. That includes students from: St. Anthony's High School, Chaminade High School, Half Hollow Hills Rowing Club (which includes kids from about 10 different high schools,)

They qualified at the New York State at Saratoga on Mothers Day weekend. Yes, hundreds of LI Moms made the 4 hour trip north, to watch their kids compete in one of the most beautiful sports. There were rowers from St. Anthony's High School, Chaminade High School, Half Hollow Hills Rowing Club, Sagamore Rowing Club along with Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Syosset, Manhasset High School, Cold Spring Harbor High School, Bay Shore High School and Friends Academy in Locust Valley.

You can find the States results on the NY State Saratoga Rowing Association website.

OK - so obviously I'm hooked. I have a high school daughter who rows, a son who probably will next year, and I rowed on LI's first high school crew team - at Holy Trinity High School way back when.

So what is Rowing? I love the way it's described on the Kansas State University Crew Team website:
"Rowing is a water sport where human-powered boats race against each other. These boats usually contain rowers in numbers of 1,2,4 and 8; and sometimes an additional person to steer and coach (that's the coxswain.) ... The athletes train in skill, strength and, most importantly, teamwork."

And US Rowing, America's rowing governing organization has a lot more background on their website  including:

1. Rowing is a total body workout. Rowing only looks like an upper body sport. Although upper body strength is important, the strength of the rowing stroke comes from the legs. Rowing is one of the few athletic activities that involves all of the body's major muscle groups. It is a great aerobic workout, in the same vein as cross-country skiing, and is a low-impact sport on the joints.

2. Rowers are probably the world's best athletes. Rowing looks graceful, elegant and sometimes effortless when it is done well. Don’t be fooled. Rowers haven’t been called the world's most physically fit athletes for nothing. The sport demands endurance, strength, balance, mental discipline, and an ability to continue on when your body is demanding that you stop.

Rowing is a 2 or 3 season sport for our Long Island high school athletes. That means these kids practice 5 days a week, from August til November. There's running (6 or 7 miles a day, cals, then they being "pulling" inside those boats for miles at a time.) Human driven machines, propelling the boats forward. During the winter, there's a lot of indoor "erging" going on - on indoor rowers, or rowing machines. The machines simulate water rowing. Then it's back in the water in March.

It's such a great way to get fit and see LI from the water - no 4-buck gasoline needed! And now you can sample rowing yourself. Half Hollow Hills Rowing Club out of Coindre Hall in Huntington and Sagamore Rowing Club at Beekman Beach in Oyster Bay both offer summer crew experiences for kids and adults. Check it out.  You'll be hooked too!

And good luck to all those rowers LI has sent to Tennessee!

Promise Kept, Lessons Learned

By Virginia Huie

When Elmer Driscoll dropped out of West Babylon High School in 1936, his older brother Townsend said, "Elmer, I want you to promise me something... I want you to promise me that you'll go back to school someday."

Elmer kept his promise -- 70 years later.

Soon he'll march up the aisle in a cap and gown along with 620 graduates at Ward Melville High School in East Setauket.  The 87-year-old Port Jefferson Station resident will stand out because of his age and his can-do spirit. As Elmer puts it, "Never too late to go back. Never... I don't care if you're 110 years old. Go back to school."

Elmer went back to school at age 85.  He spent two years studying for his G.E.D. at Middle Country Public Library.  Elmer says he learned a lot. His favorite subject was geography.  His least favorite -- mathematics. But Elmer got a tutor to help him because he was determined to pass his courses. His fellow classmates say he taught them about the power of persistence.  Ward Melville High School student Dan Munoz said, "I learned to never give up because he didn't."

Now, Elmer will enjoy all the pomp and ceremony he missed 70 years ago.  His picture is in the yearbook.  He'll don a tuxedo and dance at the senior prom with his niece. After receiving an honorary diploma from Ward Melville High School, he'll celebrate with a big graduation party hosted by his daughter.

By redefining what it means to be a "senior," Elmer kept a promise, inspired hundreds of students and fulfilled a lifelong dream. Elmer says he's looking forward to graduation day on June 29.

"I'm just thrilled to death about it.  I think it's wonderful."

Congratulations, Elmer!

NEWS 12 VERSUS GRUMMAN

By Norm Dvoskin

I started at News 12 Long Island at it's inception in December, 1986.  After a few days on the job I said to myself, "The people here are smart, hard working, creative and attractive.  I'M GOING TO GET FIRED!" 

Before News 12 it was the Grumman Aerospace Corporation in Bethpage. I worked in the Advanced Systems Department and was there for 30 years.  You never heard anyone swear.  Grumman people were conservative, laid back, and very well educated.  The professional staff there had so many degrees they could start their own heat wave.  Grumman was the largest Company on Long Island and at one time had over 30,000 employees. 

If you didn't work in the shop, you wore a shirt and tie.  Most people had jackets but didn't wear them unless they had to go to a meeting.  At Grumman, I started work at 8 A.M. and left at 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday.  It almost never varied.  If you were assigned to a government sponsored project, it could last forever.  You were encouraged to initiate your own projects, which hopefully could result in future business for the company.  The only times I had to really work furiously was when I was on an RFP (contract proposal).  RFPs are the "bread and butter" of the aerospace industry and there were occasions when I'd be required to work 18 hours a day, seven days a week, for periods of up to three or four weeks. 

I had an office in a large area (called "the black hole") located on the second floor, in the interior of a large brick building in Bethpage.  There were no windows.  Security was extremely tight and every time anyone entered this area they were screened by a guard with a gun(no bullets).  My office had a desk, book case, 2 chairs, a locked filing cabinet and a telephone.  The cabinet contained highly sensitive secret and top secret information, like the batting averages of our intramural softball team. We started getting computers in the 80s, but no one had their own computer.  There was a common area where the computers were located.

At News 12, I share an office with Bill Korbel and Rich Hoffman.  I almost never see them because we work different shifts.  This office is about 14 feet by 10 feet and is never locked.  It has a desk, two chairs, two filing cabinets, two book cases, two televisions, two refrigerators, a personal computer, a telephone with a lot of buttons that I don't know how to work, DVR, CD, DVD, VHS players and recorders and a weather radio.  The only thing missing is a bed.  There are so many remotes lying around that you need a remote to work all the other remotes.  The best thing about this office is that it has a large, sophisticated and amazing meteorological observing system that I use frequently to make accurate weather forecasts.  It's called a window. 

Fashion is not an issue at News 12.  People are neat and wear comfortable clothes.  If you're on-air, management expects you to be well groomed and have a professional look.  However, some of the on-air anchors often wear shorts or jeans when they're sitting behind the desk delivering the news. It's quite a treat seeing Drew Scott walk into the studio wearing a spiffy jacket, dress shirt, tie and Bermuda shorts. I can't do that because my body is fully exposed standing in front of the map.  Besides you wouldn't want to look at my knobby knees.

At News 12 there's seldom any down time.  Even if you're on a break, you have to be aware of what's going on and  be prepared and ready to respond to breaking news and extreme weather at any time.  No two days are the same.  There's a new research project every day I walk in the door.  People want to know, "What's the forecast?"  However, there is one long-term project that I've been working on for years--it's how to get the weather to match my forecasts.

Do cell phones pop corn and fry your brain?

By Mary Mucci

Note to My Viewers:

I think the popcorn video on You Tube is a hoax.  But I hope it makes people think about the risks of cell phones.

You see, I can’t use a cell phone for more than 30 seconds without my ear getting very warm and throbbing. It scares me. So I’m constantly asking people to call me back on my home corded phone. {Cordless house phones are said to pose a similar danger.} In my car I use a speaker and when I know I have to make a call, I bring along a headset. Now I know about an air tube head set that is far more protective. It’s being sold on www.mercola.com.

Do I think cell phones are dangerous. Yes, but they are so helpful {as well as so annoying } that I can’t imagine living without one. Although all you have to do is watch a few videos on this website   www.emfhealthsolutions.com/index.htm  and you’ll be wondering if we should go back to calling each other with conch shells.

Patti Wood of Grassroots Environmental Education at [email protected] says we should be especially careful with children. The science I’ve seen bears that out. The younger they are the more vulnerable they are. 

Take care,

Mary Mucci

Ten Precautions:

These measures are also important for people who are already suffering from cancer and who

must avoid any external influence that may contribute to disease progression.

1. Do not allow children under 12 years of age to use a mobile phone except in

emergencies. The developing organs (of a fetus or child) are the most sensitive to any

possible effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields.

2. While communicating using your mobile phone, try to keep the mobile phone away

from the body. (The amplitude of the electromagnetic field is four times lower at a

distance of 10 cm (4 inches), and fifty times lower at 1m (3 feet)– see figure 2)

Whenever possible, use the speaker-phone mode, or a hands-free kit equipped with

an air tube in the last 20 centimeters, which seems to transmit fewer electromagnetic

waves than a traditional hands-free kit, or a wireless Bluetooth headset, (less than

1/100th of the electromagnetic emission of a normal phone.)

3. As much as possible, stand away from a person using their mobile phone, and

avoid using your mobile phone in places like the subway, the train or the bus where

you can passively expose your neighbors to your phone’s magnetic fields.

4. Avoid carrying your mobile phone with you, even when turned off (on standby). Do

not keep it near your body at night (under the pillow or on the bedside table)

particularly if pregnant. You can also put it on “flight” or “off-line” mode, which

stops electromagnetic emissions.

5. If you must carry your mobile phone on you, make sure that the face (key pad) is

positioned toward your body and the back (antenna side - stronger magnetic field) is

positioned toward the outside.

6. Only use your mobile phone to establish contact or for conversations lasting only a

few minutes (biological effects are directly related to the duration of exposure). It is

best to call back from a land line with a cord (not from a cordless phone, which uses

microwave technology similar to that of mobile phones).

7. Switch sides regularly and, before putting your mobile phone to the ear, wait until

your correspondent has picked up (which limits the power of the electromagnetic

field emitted).

8. Avoid using your mobile phone when the signal is weak or when moving at high

speed, as in a car or train (this automatically increases power to a maximum as the

phone repeatedly attempts to connect to a new relay antenna).

9. When possible, communicate via text messaging rather than making a call (thus

limiting the duration of exposure and the proximity to the body).

10. Choose a device with the lowest SAR possible (SAR = Specific Absorption Rate,

which measures the strength of the magnetic field absorbed by the body). SAR

rankings of contemporary phones by different manufacturers are available on several

websites. { Search for SAR rankings by typing sar ratings mobile phones in a search engine.}

Contacts:

www.emfHealthSolutions.com/index.htm

site with several interesting videos about cell phone radiation

Patti Wood

[email protected]

Grassroots Environmental Education in Port Washington

 

You Tube

Search for “Cell phone Popcorn “ videos

I'm Not That Strong

By Jamie Stuart

When I heard the Strong Man Series was coming to Madison Square Garden, i had just two questions:

When is it....and how much will I be lifting?

Ya see, I consider myself strong and in shape...and as my co-anchor Strongwoman Sivan says, "Don't sing it, bring it!"

So I went and all I can say is, I've never felt weaker in my life.

First, they denied my entrance into the competition because I could walk too easily through the door.

If you've never see a Strongman Contest, and come on, even my mom has stopped to watch it on TV for a few seconds at 2am, this is what you get:

Uhuh.  And in case you're looking at these photos like I did and find yourself saying, "I could do that", read on.

- Power Medley (Flip & Carry): Contestants flip a 900 lb. tire four times, followed by carrying a 385 lb. weight 50 feet to the finish line

- Eleiko Last Man Standing Deadlift: Contestants must dead lift an Eleiko Bar in 20 seconds, with the weight of the bar increasing each time, until there is one man left standing.

- Husafeld Stone Carry: Contestants lift and carry a 400 lb. "Husafeld Stone" as far as they can.

- Axle Lift (Clean & Press / Jerk): Contestants have one minute to lift a 300 lb. axle from the ground to their shoulders, and then over their head.

- Super Yoke / Duck Walk Medley : Contestants carry a 900 lb. yoke 41 feet, and then carry a 500 lb. weight another 41 feet to the finish line.

- Atlas Stones: Contestants lift and load stones ranging in weight from 295 lbs. to 420 lbs. onto raised platforms.

Is it really necessary for me to continue?  Didn't think so.

Oh, one more thing.  These guys are not just incredible super human freaks, they're nicer than most football, basketball and baseball players I've ever spoken to.  And that's AFTER lifting a 400 lb stone onto a six-foot tall cylinder.

Event Picks for this week!

By Elisa DiStefano

WEDNESDAY 6-18

The one and only Stevie Wonder on tour for the first time in over a decade! His show is at Jones Beach at 8! 516-221-1000

See Blondie live at the Brookhaven Amphitheater in Farmingville at 8 pm! 631-888-9000

THURSDAY 6-19

Flash back to the 80s! Eddie Money performs live at the Crazy Donkey in Farmingdale! Doors open at 7pm. 631-753-1975

FRIDAY 6-20

See comedic history in the making! Bay Shore's own Joey Kola will attempt to headline 8 shows in two nights-- and become the first comic ever to do so on Long Island. See him run between the Brokerage & Governor's Comedy Clubs on Friday & Saturday night! 516-781-LAFF

The Party 105 Summer Concert Series kicks off with Lucas Prata! See him perform his hit songs " And She Said" and " Let's Get it On" at Adventureland on Route 110 in Farmingdale from 6-10 pm. 516-284-3335

SATURDAY 6-21

Kathy Griffin performs live at the Capital One Bank Theatre at Westbury at 7 & 10:30pm! 516-334-0800

The strongest men in the world are gathering at MSG for the World's Strongest Man Super Series. It's at 7 pm at the WaMu Theater at MSG. 212-307-4111

See Disco Queen Gloria Gaynor and other freestyle artists live at MSG at 8 pm! 212-307-7171

James Taylor hits Jones Beach! See him live Saturday and Sunday at 8 pm. 516-221-1000

SUNDAY 6-22

Howie Mandel performs live at the Westhampton Beach Performing Art Center (without the suitcase girls!) at 8 pm. 631-288-1500

Meet singer/ songwriter Kate Voegele! Maybe you remember her from One Tree Hill. She'll be at the Smithaven Mall from noon- 6 pm.

Event Picks for this week!

p>By Elisa DiStefano

        Watch out Miley Cyrus! Demi Lovato is being called "the new teen queen"! She just starred in the new Disney movie "Camp Rock" (it premiered this weekend), is going on tour with the Jonas Brothers this summer, and is the star of the new Disney series "Welcome to Mollywood".  See her live-- up close-- when she performs at the Crazy Donkey in Farmingdale. Get tickets in advance! 631-753-1975 Doors open at 6 pm. Melissa Reyes (Pussycat Dolls runner-up) opens the show!

See four time Grammy Award winner (and Julia Roberts' ex husband!) Lyle Lovett live! He performs at the Capital One Bank Theater at Westbury at 8 pm. 516-334-0800

Pearl Jam performs at MSG! Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30 pm. 212-307-7171

WEDNESDAY 6-25

She is one of my favorites. Tony award winner-- and Syosett native-- Idina Menzel is going on tour. She was so amazing in Rent and Wicked... and I loved her in the movie "Enchanted"! I just interviewed her at the Tony Awards and she was as sweet as she is talented. I think that her new album "I Stand" is fantastic. See her perform live at Town Hall in NYC (123 W. 43rd st) at 8 pm. 212-840-2824

FRIDAY 6-27

Chicago at Jones Beach! I saw them there years ago and they were amazing! 516-221-1000

SATURDAY 6-28

Attention Fleetwood Mac fans! See Stevie Nicks at Jones Beach at 8 pm! She still rocks! 516-221-1000

SUNDAY 6-29

Beatlemania! Ringo Starr comes to the Capital One Bank Theatre at Westury. The show starts at 8! 516-334-0800

George Carlin Liked LI

By Carol Silva

I'll never forget the first day I walked into the "My Fathers Place" club on Bryant Avenue in Roslyn. George Carlin - the dean of counterculture comedians - was on stage. I remember being so close I could almost touch him.

It was the first of many LI appearances for the comedian. In fact, despite the fact that they could be paid a lot more in other venues, some of the comic greats of the 70s, 80s and 90s chose "My Fathers Place" for the intimate setting and the LI atmosphere.

Carlin was an innovator. He was the "Hippie Dippy Weather Man" who talked about a lot of "highs" and promised, "Tonight - it will be dark. And tomorrow, it will be light!"

He reminded us that no matter how big our house is, we'll always fill it with so much "stuff" that before we know it, we'll need another house for more "stuff."

Carlin was a television staple through the decades. In fact, he was the host of the "Saturday Night Live" debut in 1975 - he said on his Web site that he was "loaded on cocaine all week long."

He also appeared 130 times on "The Tonight Show," produced 23 comedy albums, 14 HBO specials, three books, a couple of TV shows, and appeared in several movies, from his own comedy specials to "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure" in 1989.

I loved this Carlin-ism: "Why do they lock gas station bathrooms? Are they afraid someone will clean them?"

Carlin won four Grammy Awards, each for best spoken comedy album, and was nominated for five Emmy Awards. On Tuesday, it was announced that Carlin was being awarded the 11th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, which will be presented November 10 in Washington and broadcast on PBS.

He voiced kid-friendly projects like episodes of the TV show, "Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends," and the spacey Volkswagen bus, Fillmore, in the 2006 Pixar hit "Cars."

But one of his personal favorite, shining moments revolved around his "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television." George uttered all seven at a show in Milwaukee in 1972. That's when he was arrested on charges of disturbing the peace. He was freed on $150 bail - and exonerated when a Wisconsin judge dismissed the case. The judge said Carlin had been indecent. But he also cited a free speech right - and said there hadn't been any disturbance.

In 1973, listener supported WBAI-FM radio played the skit. A parent complained about what his son had heard, the FCC fined the radio station, and by 1978, the U-S Supreme Court upheld the FCC ruling. The court said the broadcast was "indecent but not obscene." The high court also said the government can sanction stations for broadcasting offensive language during hours when children might be listening.

It was a moment that meant something to George Carlin. He said, "So my name is a footnote in American legal history, which I'm perversely, kind of proud of."

I'm not sure who is on the receiving end today, when George Carlin is telling his edgy jokes. But they must find him unforgettable, too.

He died of heart failure yesterday after complaining about chest pains in California. George Carlin was 71.

BREAKING NEWS!!!!

By Elizabeth Hashagen

There is nothing like breaking news when you're a journalist!

Don't get me wrong: I love doing feature stories--being there for the memorable moments of someone's life and getting to show the world all they've done is so rewarding, BUT as soon as I get the call that I'm needed for breaking news, I get a rush.

Not to say I'm an adrenaline junkie--but I love skydiving, scuba,and living life to the extreme--so when it's a fly by the seat of your pants opportunity, I love to jump in with both feet.

And that's exactly what today had in store for me.

I came in thinking I was in for a day of meetings.

Instead I've been sitting at the anchor desk for more than 2 hours now!

When we first began our breaking news coverage, we had very few facts to go on.

Possibly 2 bank robbers on the run--they ditched their car at Nassau University Medical Center and there was a large police presence in the area.

That's it.

We had 2 reporters heading to the scene, and Chopper 12 flying, but we weren't there yet.

So Elisa DiStefano pulled up the traffic cameras in the area so we could see what it looked like.

People called East Meadow high school to see if they were going into lockdown.

I headed to the district website to find out what tests kids were taking or if there was any info for parents on the site that we could let them know about. The high school and the entire district ended up going into lockdown mode.. no one in or out!

Once we broke in--the information started flowing.

My producer, Erin Colton (yes, she also anchors sports too .. talk about talent!!!) was giving me updates about who is on the phone--new information from police--now the reporter is ready to talk to us on the phone--now we have the live truck ready to go--now we have a hospital spokesperson...now now now...

Phew! Within minutes of the police putting the cuffs on the alleged bank robber, we had it on the air with our chopper live on the scene, the office of Emergency management live on the phone to confirm, and even Sean Bergin talking to a witness to the whole thing.  The man actually picked up 3 grand that the robber threw in the street! We even had the head of the hospital talking about all the patients and the police command center inside!

What a day!!!

Dumping the Pump

By Drew Scott

  "Let's dump the pump," as a group of MTA big wigs and Nassau county officials pushed a mockup of a gasoline pump over on its side.

  MTA Executive Director Elliot "Lee" Sander encouraged Long Islanders to forsake their SUV's and local gas stations, and get commuting on the Long Island Rail Road. LIRR President Helena Williams joined the group by encouraging commuters to sign up for the "monthly Mail-N-Ride" program.

  Commuters we talked to however wondered out loud, "where are they going to put these new passengers they're inviting to ride?" After a 5% surge in ridership a month since January the daily commute is revealing standing room only on many trains, shortened express trains, and with the summer construction at the "Queens Interlock" more than a dozen canceled trains.

  The MTA says with help from the Albany Legislature, it can accomodate any new increase in ridership. But help from lawmakers could be months or years down the road. What do standees do now?

  So, save some money by riding the rails to work, but don't expect to get a seat every time!

Win Now...Or Else!

By Bob Wolff

New York sports fans are impatient. They pay higher prices and their pro teams purchase the highest-priced stars.
     These multi-millionaires arrive with no performance guarantee. When expectations aren't achieved, fans let them know. But it's the manager or coaches who get released.
     Baseball is a game based more on disappointment then success. The odds are always against the batter or pitcher. Pro players are trained to take the ups and downs in stride and not reveal their emotions. Celebrations are reserved for team championships, individual displays during games are considered bush league.
     Willie Randolph followed Joe Torre's winning example of remaining unemotional in the dugout. Both men believe that fighting spirit is shown by playing hard, not storming on the field and kicking dirt.
     When the Mets didn't win enough, some wanted Willie to become more demonstrative. But Willie believes in self-control. That's a leadership trait that should be applauded, not criticized.
     I'm Bob Wolff and that's my point of view.

Mr. Clean

by Scott Feldman

Ever wonder why Main Street in Islip is so clean? There's a good reason for it. You can thank 86 year old Alphonse Deck. I've seen him for years with his broom and pan sweeping up the sidewalks and parking lots. Mr. Deck comes from a small town in France. When Hitler invaded the country, he fled to Switzerland. Later, he would make his way to New York and eventually Long Island. He's been a resident of Islip for over 40 years. He was a carpenter and when he retired -- decided he just couldn't sit at home. So, for the past 12 years, he's been working part-time for the Town of Islip. Half the time keeping Islip clean. The other half, Main Street in Bay Shore. All the merchants in town know him. And, of course, so do many of the residents, like those who see him every morning at Starbucks where he gets his morning cup of coffee before setting off with his broom and pan that he calls his "instruments."

He really has the technique down pat. First, squashing the cup or can with his foot, then quickly sweeping it up. It's really too bad that so many people litter. But, as he told me, "without them, I wouldn't have a job." Mr. Deck has so much energy. And when I remarked about it, he kiddingly said his secret was "a shot of scotch and a little fooling around, on the side." That was followed by an infectious laugh. In fact, he's got a new joke every day for those he meets. And he loves to kid around with people. When they say, how are things? His reply, "things are picking up." And then that laugh. Yes, Alphone admits to getting tired. But after going home for a good night's rest, he says he can't wait to go back again the next morning. Alphonse Deck is Islip's Mr. Clean. If you ever see him, he's tanned with a shock of white hair, broom and dust pan in hand, say hi and thank him. As one resident told me, "it's nice he takes the time to do what we all should be doing in the first place." KIC. Keep Islip Clean.

A Cowardly Act

by Scott Feldman

Veterans, at the Brentwood VFW Hall, are angry and saddened by some recent vandalism. Harold Allen, tells me, "it hurts in the heart to see stuff like this." And Vic Yalowitz, adds, "to me, this is like a synagogue, a church." Four times in the past year, twice in the last couple of weeks, somebody has spray painted the building with graffiti. Suffolk's 3rd precinct was out to take pictures. And from what they can tell, they say it doesn't appear to be gang-related. So, it looks somebody, kids or whomever, for no good reason, are defacing a building where men and women who've served our country, who fought for THEIR freedom, come to spend a few hours to unwind. Every time the white walls have been marred, the vets have to spend a lot of money to have it repainted. They say "it hurts deeply." It's a real "kick in the stomach." The vets are pleading with the vandals, "just stop it, please." If you know anything about this, police would like to hear from you. You can call their hotline at 1-800-220-TIPS. The Vets at Post 6431 will be glad you did.

Tornadoes on Long Island

By Rich Hoffman

Its not Kansas but Long Island does get its fair share of tornadoes and waterspouts. The National Weather Confirmed a waterspout on June 16th in Northport Harbor and it weakened as it came ashore.

According the data I have found, since 1960, Long Island has seen 27 tornadoes. Suffolk County 18 and Nassau County 9.

Islip Terrace July 18th 2007 a EF-1 tornado,  a Tornado on Friday August 25th 2006 in the Massapequa/Amityville area was Classified as a F0 Tornado. We had a waterspout on September 27th 2006, in Port Jefferson Harbor. August 14th 2005 a F1 Tornado in Glen Cove.

How do tornadoes Form and how strong are they?
You need a lot of the right weather parameters for tornadoes. You need thunderstorms to form and you need vertical wind sheer. Vertical wind sheer is a change in direction in the wind with height. For example, a southeast wind with a speed  20 mph at 100 feet above the ground, At 3000 feet above the ground the wind direction is West/Northwest at a speed of 50 mph. The change in wind from Southeast to Northwest with height is the wind sheer. This sheer helps produce the rotation in the clouds and the formation of a funnel cloud. It is not called a tornado until that funnel clouds makes contact with the ground.

The scale which the National Weather Service uses to determine how strong a tornado is the Fujita Scale, named after T. Theodore Fujita. The scale has 6 level from F0 to F5.
http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/f-scale.html

In February 2007, The Weather Service changed the scale to the EF Scale or Enhance Fujita Scale. The new scale takes in to account DOD or Degree of Damage along with estimated wind speeds.
http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/ef-scale.html
http://www.spc.noaa.gov/efscale/

http://www.spc.noaa.gov/efscale/

Dr. T. Theodore Fujita first introduced The Fujita Scale in the SMRP Research Paper, Number 91, published in February 1971. From the National Weather Service, He wanted something that categorized each tornado by intensity and area. The scale was divided into six categories:

• F0 (Gale)
• F1 (Weak)
• F2 (Strong)
• F3 (Severe)
• F4 (Devastating)
• F5 (Incredible)

Dr. Fujita's goals in his research in developing the F-Scale were

• categorize each tornado by its intensity and its area
• estimate a wind speed associated with the damage caused by the tornado

The new EF Scale uses Damage to determine how strong the Tornado was. The waterspout in Northport Harbor if it remained a Tornado most likely would of been a EF-0. http://monroecounty.virtualave.net/southkystormchase/efscale.gif

In-dept report on the EF Scale.
http://www.wind.ttu.edu/EFScale.pdf

You can train and learn more about the EF Scale.
http://www.wdtb.noaa.gov/courses/EF-scale/index.html

On Long Island, we actually do get tornadoes. All have been on the lower potion of the Fujita. The Strongest reported was an F-2.

Here is a link to severe weather for Long Island
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/okx/severewx.html

Where tornadoes have occurred from 1950-2003 in southeast NY.
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/okx/pdf/TORNADO_NY.pdf

Read more about Severe Thunderstorms and Formation of Tornadoes here
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/ttl.pdf

Severe Weather Page and info on Tornadoes- Scroll Down the Page
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/okx/severewx.html

Information on Tornadoes
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/tornado.shtml

Trish Bergin: Patron Saint?

By Lauren Sivan

I got a couple curt emails about my lack of blogging recently like this one from Rob:

"Update the blog. And add more pictures"

Yes SIR! Thanks for the cut-to-the-chase advice and I apologize for not updating this thing sooner. That will change soon. The News 12 blogs are getting revamped. Just like you, our bosses want more of them and more often! Because they sign the checks -- we're taking them seriously, so look forward to fresh new blogs daily from all of us.

I don't like to make excuses for my lack of posts but here they are....

At first, I was out sick. Live blogging about phlegm (or displaying photos of it) just doesn't sit well with management. Then, before I recovered, I went on vacation. Since I often dread seeing other's vacation photos I figured I'd spare you the tired old "here I am trying Croatian muskrat legs for the first time!"

While I was off enjoying foreign cuisine, I also got THIS email:

"Like your new hair style, looks good on you."

Thanks! Some would say it makes me look like Trish Bergin .... because THAT'S who you were watching all week while I was gone! I'm constantly confused for Trish and it's a real blessing. In fact, my "Trish Bergin Look" is probably what landed me the job here at News 12. When I interviewed for the position I didn't think it was going too well until my soon-to-be-boss silently stared at me for a minute or two and then said "anyone tell you--you look a LOT like Trish Bergin?"

As a matter of fact they HAVE. Ever since Trish showed up on News 12, people have told me I look like her. I've been riding Bergin's coattails for over a decade now! But after I had been on the air here for a while, people REALLY started confusing us. They'd say they sat next to me at some event or they know my niece or saw me on the dance floor at a local watering hole (well, I guess that could have been either of us actually)

Trish says we have what she's coined "the guppy look"-- light coloring and big lips. Whatever it is, it's worked out for me so, Trish-- if I haven't told you in person-- thanks for paving the way and fooling the viewers into believing I NEVER take vacation. I'm proud to be your stunt double (or 'Single White Female')

But when I'm feeling a bit punchy, and someone asks me "anyone ever tell you--you look like Trish Bergin?"

I respond with "No! But I get Ken Grimball ALL THE TIME!"   

Need for Speed

I'm a newbie to the Nascar world.

I have to admit at first I wasn't a fan--

I didn't " get" what was so great about watching men drive in circles for hours-- aren't they just making a left turn over and over?

But my husband is a big racing fan and the more I watched the more intrigued I became.

Then we went to Lowes Motor Speedway with a bunch of friends -- and got behind the wheel of a real Nascar car!

Seeing just how hard it is to handle the turns -- handle the speed-- and get THAT fast and furious.. helped me turn the corner!

Now I'm a fan-- and boy oh boy I'm not alone!

Did you know there's an estimated 75 million people in America that call themselves Nascar fans?!

No wonder Nextel paid reportedly upwards of $700 million to be the title sponsor for the next decade. That's a whole lot of phone calls.

Well it was a big fan family that caught my attention earlier this month.

Rene Lutz wrote a letter to my blog letting me know about her family.. and most specifically her step son Craig. Craig is a national go kart champion!

Rene filled me in on all the intricacies --I was "on board" with learning about another type of racing-- the world of Go Karts.

And who better to teach me then a Suffolk family with 3 kids racing!

(And dad even races cars at Riverhead too and coaches the kids and is pretty much the pit crew for them too!)

Racing is a way of life for Lutzs'-- and they have to be committed--

There are the divisionals-- the regionals-- and the nationals!

Here's how it works for the Nationals.

Craig and his dad leave on a Thursday along with another competitor with his father and they drive to each location.

They have to wake up and get going early in the morning with a trailer with the go-karts.

Typically they meet up on the side of the expressway with other go-karters, and the parts guy with his trailer and they follow each other to the race.

They get to their location on Thursday and check into the track and pit their trailers, go off to check into their hotels.

On Friday morning the gates usually open around 7:00am.

Right away they need to register then they practice all day.

Each track is very different-- the turns the bumps, the lines, so it's really important to get a feel for the track before the race starts.

Last year the Craig only had the day to get used to the type of track it was, weather it was more round or oval, 1/4 mile or 1/3 mile, high banked or flat, etc.

After spending the entire day at the track they finally pack it in somewhere around 8:00pm to get back to the track bright and early.

(7:00am)

But it's the big day --Saturday begins the race day!

It starts with a practice then qualifying with time trials.

Even though it was his first time competing at the national level and away from his home track-- Craig set several fast times placing him at pole position for the main feature!!

After qualifying then it is the big race!

Each division is categorized into two divisions - for example - Jr. Sport Champ is the division and each competitor in this division runs Jr. Sport Champ Lite and Jr. Sport Champ Heavy so they get to race twice.

The heavy division gets weight added to it but it is the same go-kart.

When all the racing is over Sunday ( win or lose),they pack up and leave for the 12 hour drive home arriving in just enough time to shower and off to school on Monday morning for Craig and a nap for dad before work.

And look at the schedule for this season:

Nationals:

March 14 - March16 at OCR Action Sports Park in North Carolina

June 20 - June 22 at Chapel Hill Raceway in Humphrey New York

July 18 - July 20 in New Castle Indiana

August 22 - August 24 New Castle Motorsports Park in New Castle Indiana

September 19 - September 21 OCR action Sports Park in North Carolina (The Grand National Race)

Right now Craig is the defending National Championship in his division for 2007 in both lite and heavy!

The regionals are similar with the exception that they leave on Friday to park the trailers and practice all day long on Saturday and race both lite and heavy divisions on Sunday.

That makes for a much more hectic day.

If there are any problems with the go-kart then you do not have much time to adjust it or any practice time after the adjustment like you might have at the Nationals.

Craig is also the Regional Championship in his division for 2007 in lite.

Regionals:

July 12 - July 13 Route 106 Race Park New Hampshire

August 2 - August 3 Pomfret Conn.

October 11 - October 13

Then there's the divisionals! Are you tired yet?!

Riverhead raceway is the Lutzs' home track for divisionals.

It is called EEKR (East End Kart Racing) and this is run a little different.

EEKR holds 3 practice days before the season begins.

And that starts in early MARCH-- hellooo cold!

There is about 16 races depending on the weather.

For these races both the practice and the main race is all on the same day.

There are young kids-- full grown men out racing ( not in the same division)

There also isn't a lite and heavy divisions, just the class at one certain weight. Race days start April 6.. and we still have race days on June 29, July 27, Sept. 14, Sept. 27, Sept. 28, Oct. 5, Oct 19, Oct 26, Nov. 2, Nov. 9 & Nov. 16.

so if you watch to catch all the action-- especially right here at Riverhead-- there's still plenty of time for you to ready for racing!

I have to say the thing that struck me most when doing this story was the bonding. It was so great to see the relationship between this dad and his boys. they work on the Go Karts in their garage at night talking and spending hours together. You could really see how much they all loved each other and were their own "team" Good luck to Craig ( & his brothers too ) there's still a lot of racing left this season!!

Go Kart!

By Elizabeth Hashagen

I'm a newbie to the Nascar world.

I have to admit at first I wasn't a fan.

I didn't "get" what was so great about watching men drive in circles for hours--aren't they just making a left turn over and over?

But my husband is a big racing fan and the more I watched the more intrigued I became.

Then we went to Lowes Motor Speedway with a bunch of friends -- and got behind the wheel of a real Nascar car!

Seeing just how hard it is to handle the turns--handle the speed--and get THAT fast and furious.. helped me turn the corner!

Now I'm a fan--and, boy oh boy, I'm not alone!

Did you know there's an estimated 75 million people in America that call themselves Nascar fans?!

No wonder Nextel paid reportedly upwards of $700 million to be the title sponsor for the next decade. That's a whole lot of phone calls.

Well, it was a big fan family that caught my attention earlier this month.

Rene Lutz wrote a letter to my blog letting me know about her family... and most specifically her step son Craig. Craig is a national go kart champion!

Rene filled me in on all the intricacies--I was "on board" with learning about another type of racing--the world of Go Karts.

And who better to teach me then a Suffolk family with 3 kids racing!

(And dad even races cars at Riverhead too, and coaches the kids, and is pretty much the pit crew for them too!)

Racing is a way of life for Lutzs'--and they have to be committed.

There are the divisionals, the regionals, and the nationals!

Here's how it works for the Nationals.

Craig and his dad leave on a Thursday along with another competitor with his father, and they drive to each location.

They have to wake up and get going early in the morning with a trailer with the go-karts.

Typically they meet up on the side of the expressway with other go-karters, and the parts guy with his trailer, and they follow each other to the race.

They get to their location on Thursday, and check into the track and pit their trailers, and go off to check into their hotels.

On Friday morning the gates usually open around 7:00am.

Right away they need to register.  Then they practice all day.

Each track is very different--the turns the bumps, the lines... So, it's really important to get a feel for the track before the race starts.

Last year the Craigs only had the day to get used to the type of track it was, whether it was more round or oval, 1/4 mile or 1/3 mile, high banked or flat, etc.

After spending the entire day at the track they finally pack it in somewhere around 8:00pm to get back to the track bright and early.

(7:00am)

But it's the big day--Saturday begins the race day!

It starts with a practice then qualifying with time trials.

Even though it was his first time competing at the national level and away from his home track, Craig set several fast times placing him at pole position for the main feature!!

After qualifying then it is the big race!

Each division is categorized into two divisions - for example - Jr. Sport Champ is the division and each competitor in this division runs Jr. Sport Champ Lite and Jr. Sport Champ Heavy so they get to race twice.

The heavy division gets weight added to it but it is the same go-kart.

When all the racing is over Sunday (win or lose),they pack up and leave for the 12 hour drive home, arriving in just enough time to shower and off to school on Monday morning for Craig and a nap for dad before work.

And look at the schedule for this season:

Nationals:

March 14 - March16 at OCR Action Sports Park in North Carolina

June 20 - June 22 at Chapel Hill Raceway in Humphrey New York

July 18 - July 20 in New Castle Indiana

August 22 - August 24 New Castle Motorsports Park in New Castle Indiana

September 19 - September 21 OCR action Sports Park in North Carolina (The Grand National Race)

Right now Craig is the defending National Championship in his division for 2007 in both lite and heavy!

The regionals are similar with the exception that they leave on Friday to park the trailers and practice all day long on Saturday and race both lite and heavy divisions on Sunday.

That makes for a much more hectic day.

If there are any problems with the go-kart, then you do not have much time to adjust it or any practice time after the adjustment like you might have at the Nationals.

Craig is also the Regional Championship in his division for 2007 in lite.

Regionals:

July 12 - July 13 Route 106 Race Park New Hampshire

August 2 - August 3 Pomfret Conn.

October 11 - October 13

Then there's the divisionals! Are you tired yet?!

Riverhead raceway is the Lutzs' home track for divisionals.

It is called EEKR (East End Kart Racing) and this is run a little different.

EEKR holds 3 practice days before the season begins.

And that starts in early MARCH--hellooo cold!

There are about 16 races depending on the weather.

For these races both the practice and the main race are all on the same day.

There are young kids--full grown men out racing ( not in the same division)

There also aren't lite and heavy divisions, just the class at one certain weight. Race days start April 6.. and we still have race days on June 29, July 27, Sept. 14, Sept. 27, Sept. 28, Oct. 5, Oct 19, Oct 26, Nov. 2, Nov. 9 & Nov. 16.

So, if you watch to catch all the action--especially right here at Riverhead--there's still plenty of time for you to get ready for racing!

I have to say the thing that struck me most when doing this story was the bonding. It was so great to see the relationship between this dad and his boys. They work on the Go Karts in their garage at night talking and spending hours together. You could really see how much they all loved each other and were their own "team." Good luck to Craig (& his brothers too).  There's still a lot of racing left this season!!

Hypnosis Can Help You Lose Weight!

By Mary Mucci

Hi, In our culture, losing weight is no easy task. I say that because I was in Florence, Italy for four days recently and I did not see a single overweight person. Not a single one!   Of course, most everyone walks just about everywhere. There are few cars in the city and walking is a pleasure. Then there’s the food. No artificial anything. Plenty of vegetables, people actually eat vegetable soup. There are beans in the salad and my rare egg breakfast came with several sprigs of dandelion greens. {The bitter taste promotes digestion.}

Then there’s the stress. I’m sure they have some, but it wasn’t evident to my eye. Everyone ambles along. The only person in a hurry was me. And before long I fell into the rhythm of the place. Everything in it’s own time. No one was inpatient in shops, no one fought me for a table in restaurants. I think I want to live there. Back to reality:

It always amazes me that morbidly obese people who get gastric surgery to make their stomach’s tiny are able to do it. Of course they are starving on the two or four teaspoons of food they eat at every meal. But the fact is they do lose weight despite all their metabolic disorders, their obvious thyroid malfunctions, their liver congestion, their poor self esteem. I could never consciously choose to eat only a few teaspoons of food, nor would I. There is no doubt that can’t be very healthy. There must be a better way to control one’s appetite.

Studies have reported that the problem with diets is not that they don’t work, but that people can’t stick to them. Well that’s where hypnosis can help. The woman in my report said that thanks to hypnosis she was able to walk past candy machines and not think about her desire for sweets. And she doesn’t know how or why.  It sounds intriguing.

Best of Health,

Mary

Hypnosis Contacts:

Cynthia Lindner,

Weight loss, pain management

Port Jefferson,  631 331 4458

www.clinicalhypnotism.com

Katie Lipinski, R.N.

Weight loss, stress management

Glen Cove at  516 676 0200

Randi Realson

Eating problems, stress

Great Neck at  516 487 3981

Ina Rae Kurtzberg

Weight loss, phobias, pain, depression sexual issues, stress

Huntington at 631 549 1818

www.inaroe.com

Marianne Gurhis, LCSW

Hypnosis , Cert. Edgar Cayce Foundation,  also Carolyn Myss Sacred Contract Institute

Seaford at 516 221 5889

Honoring my dad!

This Sunday is father's day.. and even though many people joke that the holiday was created by Hallmark to sell more cards..there's actually a touching story behind it's inception.

According to holidays.net ... "Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington, first proposed the idea of a "father's day" in 1909. Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. William Smart, a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife (Mrs. Dodd's mother) died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state. It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent."

Don't we all have to grow up to REALLY appreciate our parents!

It was 1910 when the first Father's Day was observed. Then fast forward to 1924 and President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day. But it took President Lyndon Johnson ( in 1966) to sign a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day. Wow it really took a long time to get that one on the books.

But I think if those lawmakers met my dad-- it wouldn't have taken so long!

Many people know my dad as a decorated New York City firefighter ( as you can tell from this shot on the right he's not afraid to get a little dirty.. actually he's not afraid of much) He's an accomplished author, or as an adjunct professor at John Jay College... an artist.. a volunteer firefighter & & & ...

And while all those things are true and he has accomplished so much in his career, I think it's how he acts as a father that really makes him a man of distinction.

My childhood is filled with so many happy memories of my dad.

He taught me how to throw a ball, how to hold a tune,how to build a sand castle,how to ride a bike, how to draw ( OK that one didn't work out so well but no one is perfect)

I remember playing hide and go seek with him and laughing till it hurt. Going to the firehouse and spending hours just like  one of the "guys". The two of us would spend the day in the water at Jones Beach together as he would body surf with me on his back and I would just keep asking "Again Daddy"... and back in we would go! Every birthday he would make a " Pin the Nose on Beth" game. Forget pin the tail on the donkey, all my friends got noses and my father would make a cartoon drawing of me for that year and off we went! At Halloween I could be anything I imagined! All the costumes were home made, and when I asked to be an Oreo cookie ( still one of my favorite snacks) he didn't even blink-- and yes ladies and gentlemen I was an Oreo cookie knocking on doors across the Island!!

My father also taught me so much about believing in myself-- not only because he believed in me, but because he believed in himself!

He led by example. I saw that there was no dream to big, no obstacle that life throws at you that you can't over come! He never quit-- never took no for an answer.

He always said he would be there any time any place no matter what and he kept his promise. I could call him at 3 am and ask him to come and get me.. and there he would be...and just say " You OK Q-T? " like it was 3 in the afternoon.

I could always talk to my dad-- and he listens.. he doesn't lecture back.

He doesn't jump in and cut you off.. he listens to what you have to say and then if you " can handle the truth" he gives you that small dose of reality. And I can talk!! It's amazing the man has any hearing left!

For as long as I can remember I have been singing with my father-- He's a great guitarist and the 2 of us have been known to do multiple sets in a night for groups of friends. We even sang at my wedding. Now we have dinner once a week together ( with my mom and my husband) and when I walk into the house the sounds of his strumming fill the air and I feel so at home.

His guitar is the sound of love, of special moments, of smiles, of laughs, of family. And when I walk through that door and hear it -- it feels like the best hug!

So when I sat here wondering how can I tell my dad how amazing he's been-- what an impact he's had on my life. I thought-- I'll show him by being the same type of parent to my soon- to- be child that he was to me. And I can only hope they love me half as much as I love him!

Attention Ladies & Soap Fans!

By Elisa DiStefano

       Tonight is ladies night! Get pampered at a Girls Night Out "fun" raiser as they call it! They have everything from make-up to spa services to jewelry to life coaching to psychic readings by Bobbi (who I mentioned in past blogs--she rocks!). They are raising money for three fantastic local charities: Long Island Women's Agenda, Long Island Sole Sisters, and The National Association for Women's Safety Awareness. You also get to take home a goody bag! So get your girlfriends together and have fun!  It's tonight (Thursday 6-12 ) from 6 to 10 pm at Dance with Me (home of Dancing With The Stars' Max Chmerkovskiy) on Glen Head Rd in Glen Head. Call 516-222-0236 for ticket info.

Attention Soap fans! Tune in tomorrow (Friday) morning to see our live interview with General Hospital Star Tyler Christopher (aka Nikolas Cassadine). He's visiting our studio to tell us about life in Hollywood, how to start an acting career, and about his acting workshop on Long Island this summer!

TELL IT LIKE IT WAS

By Danielle Campbell

 

Each June the LI Press Club and News 12 LI honor Hank Logeman by awarding an aspiring LI high school journalist with a scholarship.

http://www.pcli.org/index.asp

{The Hank Logeman/News 12 High School Journalism Award went to James Brierton of Smithtown High School East. The $2,000 award, funded by New 12 Long Island, honors Logeman, a longtime journalist and UPI reporter who worked out of the Mineola press room.}

Hank, who lived and worked on LI for most of his life, was an accomplished correspondent from another era.

Hank graduated from the University of Michigan in 1942 with a Bachelor degree in Economics In 1947 Hank moved to NYC and took a job with the Long Island Press and the L.I. Star Journal as a reporter.

1951 Hank joined UPI, United Press International, retiring in 1991 at the age of 71.

Hank covered almost every major story of his era.

He interviewed The Beatles, General MacArthur, JF Kennedy, Liz Taylor, Marilyn Monroe.

He covered murders and scandals to numerous to count-- Many back in the day when reporters--all male back then, simply walked into the murder scene along with the cops and detectives.

He covered no less than 10 plane crashes--including Avianca where at the age of 70--he walked several miles from the town of Oyster Bay--all the way to Cove Neck where the crash site was located.

I remember giving a Hank ride back to town after we had spent close to 12 hours at the gruesome crash site.

Hank had a photographic memory--and was one of the most accurate reporters working--He was a real stickler for details--And everyday in the Press Room Hank was heard saying in his very distinctive voice--"EXACTLY how do you spell that?" He was a real whiz at details ---evident at a very young age.

He loved antique cars--- and Hank told us how at the age of five he could stand on the street corner and as the cars went by he could name every make and model--an ability he kept for as long as we all knew him.

He NEVER hesitated to help a young reporter.

In fact he patiently explained to me what an arraignment was when I was sent out on my first big murder case in Riverhead for 1010 WINS.

He had infinite patience and wisdom--He was a role model, not only as a journalist, but as a person.

He knew the courts and the criminal justice system like the back of his hand.

His writing was not only accurate --but beautiful.

I and many other reporters had the honor to work side by side with this great man.

Hank--was maybe 5 foot 2---always with folded paper under his arm--a cigarette draped from his mouth--and a small stub of a pencil ready to go.

How lucky I considered myself--to have worked with a true journalist--a man of integrity--wisdom and humor.

We all worked together in the Mineola Press Room--it was set up in the courthouse and it was where all of LI's important journalists worked--we were close to the action, the police and the politicians. {In those days Suffolk wasn't considered that news worthy}

One time I remember Hank asking me information about a story--I knew then he considered me a trusted journalist! Whenever that happened--it was a nerve-wracking honor!

Hank and his wife Laura raised their 3 children in Floral Park-- Near the end of his life Hank had been babysitting for his 3 grandchildren --they were by his side when he died.

Despite his height--Hank was one of the tallest people I ever had the pleasure of working with and knowing.

Hank taught us tenaciousness--accuracy --unbending integrity to convey the truth--and above all-he taught us to keep our sense of humor so that we could deal with the tragedies of life that bombarded us on a daily basis--- I personally thank Hank Logeman for all these gifts--

I asked Doug Geed, who also knew Hank to write his thoughts down:

Hank Logeman WAS the Mineola Press Room. It's where I and countless other young reporters learned our craft. Despite four years of college and a Bachelor of Journalism degree, I consider "Professor Logeman" one of my greatest teachers. One of my favorite pastimes would be discussing sports with Hank over a few beers. The memories of his beloved Detroit Tigers and so many other sports tales could entertain for hours. I just regret never following through on my oft-stated comment to Hank that I'd write a book with him about all the stories he had covered and people he had met. It's amazing how much territory he managed to cover by never once driving above 35 miles an hour. But his driving habits matched his journalistic skills: take your time, get it right. An outstanding journalist and a true gentleman, I've never met anyone who didn't love Hank Logeman. I'm just one person on a very long list. Thanks, Hank.

Ellen Mitchell of WCBS News radio 880, worked with Hank for over 20 years: "In looking back at the years I spent reporting out of the Mineola press room, my memories of Hank Logeman are among my most cherished. Our desks were adjacent. We sat four feet from each other on an almost daily basis and I cannot recall ever having a disagreement with the man. We became fast friends on the day we met and remained so until the day Hank died. Hank was tiny in physical stature and yet he stood heads above the rest of us when it came to journalistic integrity, writing ability and an aptitude for cutting to the heart of the story quickly and accurately.

He was a reporter of the old school, devoted to his craft, skilled as a communicator, tenacious about uncovering every detail and insistent that what he reported on be honest and unadorned. Hank never wrote to please an editor interested only in ratings or glaring headlines. Many of you are familiar with the Hank legends.

The man kept sheets of paper for note taking folded over so that they fit into his breast pocket. He was a formal person and sports jackets with pockets were his style. He wrote his notes in columns, between the folds of the paper and he did so with pencil stubs. I think Hank purposely ground down new pencils so as never to have one that was more than 4 inches long. When all the reporters in the room were on a conference call with the police, which was something we used to do regularly, Hank could drive us all to distraction with his insistence on minute detail. I can still hear him asking, "Officer Kohler…how do you spell that name Smith?" The man was blessed with a charming sense of humor and each day he arrived with a new joke. Hank was a raconteur and he had this incredible wealth of rich stories to share. He had been a reporter longer than any of us and as the UPI man at Kennedy Airport he had seen it all. He had personally interviewed such bigger than life luminaries as Marilyn Monroe, the Beatles and Richard Nixon.

He never went out of his way to tell people about any of this but then he'd casually mention a name as part of one of his stories…such as " I was standing on the tarmac with Paul McCartney" or " I was in the VIP lounge interviewing Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton." Time and again I suggested to Hank that he write a book about his memories. He'd shake his head and I knew he'd never do it. He was a very humble guy. Hank never lived to see the wireless, digitalized, Blackberried, instantaneous style of news reporting of today. But, he was always open to change and he would have mastered all the latest technology---maybe not easily, but he would have done it. Still, sometimes it's good to recall a man who wrote with a pencil stub on long sheets of paper, never missed a detail and never dramatized his stories. Life as it happened was drama enough and Hank told it like it was."

Thanks for letting me share our memories of a beloved LI Journalist--Maybe one day we will all write the book and call it "Tell It Like It Was!"

dc

The Check Up

By Elizabeth Hashagen

My morning show producer, Annette, is a rock star.

Ok, she's not like Hannah Montana--a normal person by day and on stage at night--but everyday she makes me feel like cheering because she's amazing. She rocks her job--making all of us look good everyday because of the work she does behind the scenes.

Annette picks the stories in our show--and the order all those stories go in.

Part of that is the morning check-up.

Months ago Annette started adding lots of great health news to the show.  Since then the segment has grown to what we now call "The Morning Check Up."

Annette really goes above and beyond to find such interesting stories everyday for the segment.  I know as soon as I start looking through my scripts and I read " Next--the drink that could curb your kids weight! "

I'm intrigued... I want to know...

Or...how about "Having kids could make you lose your teeth! The story--next."

Every day I look forward to what the morning check up (and Annette) have in store for us, and I haven't been disappointed yet.

So I figured I'd share today's interesting tid bit of information with those of you who didn't get to catch it.

You know those artificial dyes you see in some foods?

Now they're being linked to behavior problems in kids!

A consumer advocacy group is now asking the F-D-A to ban dyes--like Yellow Number 5.

That dye is found in dozens of foods like Doritos--corn flakes, even Gatorade.

The consumer advocacy group says the additive can make kids hyperactive.

But the F-D-A claims the ingredients in color additives are safe.

And get this--it's also in gum and all types of other things you wouldn't think..like yogurt!

Forego Gas

By Elizabeth Hashagen

We've all felt the burn of fuel prices!

Sometimes I think I'm in shock and our new reality hasn't quite sunken in--

I keep expecting one day for things to just go back to the way they were (I remember gas being 99 cents), but unfortunately I know somewhere deep down inside that it won't happen.

But Vitor Garcia doesn't share my sentiments these days.

Vitor owns the Downtown restaurant in Mineola and is putting his menu to good use.

He's not only feeding our bellies -- he's feeding his car's gas tank!

He bought a special conversion kit on greasecar.com and had it installed by a mechanic in Coram.

Now his work van has 2 fuel tanks:

One that holds diesel and another that holds restaurant-used cooking oil. (He filters it first!)

That tank has a heating element inside it, because the oil needs to be kept hot to burn.

Since it only took Vitor 1/4 of a tank to drive from Nassau to Montauk--he's saving some serious cash at a time when most of us are shelling out more than ever to fill up.

But the other benefit of his vegetable oil car--it's good for the environment!

I wanted to see just how good this conversion can be, and found that there is no sulfur content in vegetable oil, which eliminates the first major carcinogen associated with diesel fuel.

If you've seen a diesel engine start up you know how dark the smoke can be!

Also vegetable oil plants absorb more carbon dioxide from the air during their growing cycle than is released when the oil is burned, this means that vegetable oil does not produce excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (this is referred to as carbon neutral--you know that carbon footprint people keep talking about-- this keeps us in the clear!)

So if you're like me you may have started to wonder -- how good is the mileage-- do you need to drive around with extra oil in the trunk? Stop along your road trip at Chinese restaurant and ask for oil?

Nope!

Vegetable oil is similar to diesel.

Many diesel cars get 40 miles per gallon, so a tank should take you 600 miles!!

But just know you can't convert your gas car--the system only works with diesel.

Are Cicadas Bugging You?

By Carol Silva

You're paying more for gas than you ever have in your life. America is still at war. But our story that has everyone talking today - is the cicadas!

It seems an army of cicada bugs has invaded the neighborhood around  Deer Lane in East Setauket.

Some folks there find the sizzling, humming sound annoying. Marie Loeber says, "Sometimes my ears are ringing when they are not even there - it's crazy."

And Lillian Adelsky tells us it goes on all day! "All day til about 5. And then they are quiet for the rest of the night - til about 5am and then they start."

But to a lot of us, cicadas are just a sound of summer.

When I hear cicadas, I'm 10 years old again, walking out of my Levitt house in Hicksville, and on my way to swim team practice at Levittown Parkway pool. Cicadas reminded me - there were so many of those long, hot days ahead. And they each lasted so long.

When we did the cicada story this morning, Elizabeth Hashagen said they've been the sounds of the summers of her life too. And sports anchor Erin Colton said she and her best friend Jamie used to see who could find more cast off cicada shells in the walk between their houses.

Here's some of what we found out about the big buggers.

You may hear that cicadas only "return" every 17 years.

That's any single species of cicadas. But there are about 2,500 species of cicada around the world. And each different species comes back at various yearly intervals.

They're recognizable because they're some of the bigger bugs around - 1 to 2 inch chubby insects on average.

They won't hurt you (unless your ears bleed!) - bite or sting you. The Chinese use them in traditional medicine. They spend their earliest life, burrowed one to 9 feet underground - eating plant and tree roots. When they finally emerge as adults, they shed those hard shells you see left behind. In North China cicadas are skewered or stir fried - a real delicacy.

Oh, and about that constant humming, singing thing? It's the male cicada's mating call. Hey, whatever it takes!

My Event Picks- week of 6-9

By Elisa DiStefano

TUESDAY 6-10

Meet Tino Martinez! He'll be at the Book Revue in Huntington at 7 pm to sign the book Yankee Stadium: The Official Retrospective. 631-271-1442

Jakob Dylan's solo album debuts today. He performs live at the Blender Theater at Gramercy at 8 pm. 212-777-6800

WEDNESDAY 6-11

Meet Oscar De La Hoya! He'll be signing his memoir American Son: My Story at the Book Revue in Huntington at 7 pm. 631-271-1442

Central Islip Native, Five Towns College grad, and 2008 Grammy nominee Chrisette Michele comes home to Long Island. She performs with fellow 2008 Grammy nominee Raheem DeVaughn. The opening act is Beyonce's sister, Solange Knowles. See them all at Capital One Bank Theater at 8 pm. 516-334-0800

THURSDAY 6- 12

Grandmaster Flash is signing copies of his new memoir The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash: My Life, My Beats. Meet the hip hop legend at the Book Revue in Huntington at 7 pm. 631-271-1442

See three time Grammy Award winning country music star Trisha Yearwood. She performs live at the Capital One Bank Theater at 8 pm. 516-335-0800

Nickelodeon star of "iCarly", Miranda Cosgrove (aka "Carly"), will be at Best Buy on Old Country Rd in Westbury. She'll sign copies of the brand new iCarly CD from 5-8 pm.

See Jimmy Buffett at MSG! The show starts at 8 pm. Jimmy comes to Jones Beach on Wednesday, August 27th!

FRIDAY 6- 13

It's Friday the 13th! My favorite day of the year. I think it is good luck.

There is a special Friday the 13th celebration at Old Bethpage Village Restoration on Round Swamp Rd. Learn about 19th century superstitions and find out what the bumps on your head really mean. It's a great place and a lot of fun!  516-572-8400

The Backyardigans come to life onstage! See the NICK Jr. stars today or there are shows throughout the weekend at the WaMu Theater at MSG! 212-307-7171

SATURDAY 6-14

Jonas Brothers tickets go on sale at 9 am! A 3rd show at MSG was just added for Saturday August 9th! Call 212- 307-7171 or go to www.livenation.com

SUNDAY 6-15

You can go to the TONY Awards and see Broadway's brightest stars! It's a black tie event at Radio City. Doors close at 7 pm!   

Iron Maiden is back! See them live at MSG at 7 pm!

To my Dad, thank you for all that you do for me.  I love and appreciate you.

undefined, Grandpa, my uncles--and all of you Long Island fathers--Happy Fathers Day!

Field of Dreams

By Carol Silva

Hey, Billy Clark.  I know it may seem a long way off - but 40 years from now, if you're telling your grandkids about the time you saved the day - in the biggest baseball game of your school's history - I've got your back. Incredibly, you're not making up this fairy tale story. I was there to see the whole thing.

Here's how it went down yesterday, at Firemen's Field in Valley Stream. It was Oyster Bay High School (on the left) vs. Mattituck High School for all the "Class B Varsity Baseball Championship" marbles on LI. Oyster Bay was up early 1-0. But the  Tuckers from Mattituck wouldn't give up. They were strong. They were tough. They'd had a great season. And they had a loud crowd behind them that had made the long, hot drive west. They wanted to make it worth their while. Mattituck came back to a 7-4 lead going into the 7th.

But to hear Oyster Bay junior Billy Clark tell it later, "We never give up. We do it together!" And so they did. Oyster Bay's Alex Hudak got on base when he was hit by a pitch. Centerfielder Dan Roland singled. And catcher Mark Douglas hit a 3-run homer! Score tied, 7-7! New game!

I mean this game had all the intensity of the Yankees and Joba this weekend!

All of a sudden it's bottom of the 7th. Game tied. Oyster Bay loaded the bases - with some help from 6-foot-4 first baseman Kevin Silva (Yup. My tall, handsome nephew! That's him on the left and Billy on the right.) But I digress. Here we were, bases loaded, 2 out and Kevin's long time buddy Billy Clark comes up. Strike 1. Some balls. Strike 2. Now a full count. Come on - I mean you could make this stuff up, but who would believe you? LI Championships? Bases loaded? 2 outs? A full count - and Billy Clark hits the walk-off Grand Slam of his life!?! You betcha! Billy, I've even got the pictures to show to your future Grandkids!

Oyster Bay Varsity Coach Jay Davis admits, as hard working and committed as these boys have been all season, even he was a little blown away when his boys scored 7 runs in the 7th! Catcher Marc Douglas says, "We're just a scrappy team!"

Well, the crowd went wild! Forget the 93-degree heat. Billy Clark was the hottest thing in LI baseball this weekend! He's got the ball to prove it.

Chelation Therapy

By Mary Mucci

I don't know for certain if I've gotten rid of my mercury and lead problem. 

I've had eleven chelations so far and I've not been retested yet.  But I'm sure it's working.

Chelation has been used for years by holistic physicians, sometimes at the risk of losing their license.  Now it's so common, it doesn't seem to raise eyebrows. Still insurance won't cover it.  But that could change.  And that would be great.  Chelation is helping autistic kids, Parkinson's patients , alzheimers patients and people with heart disease. That because all of these people are suffering from heavy metal toxicity. Now thanks to an upcoming double blind placebo study, here and across the country, the gold standard of proof may be at hand. 

In this case, the study involves heart disease patients who are over fifty and postmenopausal.  They will be divided into four groups:  one getting supplements and chelation, another just chelation a third just supplements and a fourth a placebo.  No one will know which is which.  If you'd like to be considered please call Dr. Rick Linchitz in Glen Cove at 516 759 4200. 

The study is actually to see if chelation helps heal heart disease.  Dr. Linchitz says it does.

To Your Health,

Mary Mucci

Contacts:

Dr. Rick Linchitz

Glen Cove

516 759 4200.

Dr. Chris Calapai

East Meadow

[email protected]

516 865 7210

Bugged by Bird Mites

By Lea Tyrrell

Before today I don't think I'd ever heard of bird mites.  They're certainly something I'd never think humans would have to worry about, but that is certainly not the case, as we learned today. 

As News 12 Long Island reported, a Levittown woman had to be quarantined at Nassau University Medical Center after she became infested with the blood-sucking parasites.  They came from a bird nest in a bathroom vent of her house.

It sounded so unusual, but apparently it's not.  My research on the subject turned up a website dedicated to the problem - www.birdmites.org.  It has tons on information on what the mites are, how they affect humans, and how to get rid of them.  And getting rid of them is not easy and can be expensive.  But what's also interesting is how anyone can become infested.  You don't need to be in close proximity to a bird nest.  That's one of the biggest risks.  But if you're a fan of second-hand furniture or clothing, you can bring them into your home when you bring in furniture, rugs or clothing that has been infested.  They're so small, most of the time you can't see bird mites without magnification.  Your pets can become infested as well.

The intense itching and skin irritation the mites cause can be torture.  As one person writes on the website, "It is the worst torment a person can endure."  Another victim writes, "I would not wish this hell on my worst enemy."  Some people who have unidentifiable rashes and itching have bird mites and don't know it.

So if this story has peaked your interest about this "little-known but widespread condition," as one research paper calls it, take a look at www.birdmites.org.  It can link you to some other sites on the subject as well.

weekend Show with Mitch Yass on Overpower Pain

By Mary Mucci

After years of suffering with pain in my right hip area, I am now pain free.  Actually it was ten years of suffering.. And as much as I appreciate chiropractors, I went to half a dozen seeking relief and I only felt worse.

Well, the story I did on Mitch Yass impressed me so much . I decided to give him a try.  He identified the source of my pain and within a few minutes I was exercising to strenghten the tight muscle.

Wow!  What a revelation!  Actually I have been weight lifting for the past five years pretty religiously and it made little difference in this one area.  So I was surprised when Mitch's solution was exercise. But this time the exercise was targeted to strenghten the very muscle that was giving me a problem. 

Similiar stories can be heard everyday at Mitch's studio. 

If you'd like a real second opinion on whether you need surgery consider asking Mitch for his.

You may be surprised by the answer.

To Your Health,

Mary Mucci

Contacts:

Mitch Yass

Physical Therapist, PT2

Farmingdale

516 420 2900,  www.PT2therapy.com

 

Overpower Pain: The Strength-Training Program that Stops Pain without Drugs or Surgery by Mitchell T. Yass (Paperback - Sep 25, 2008)

available for pre order on Amazon.com

Healthiest Foot Forward !

By Mary Mucci

Our feet enable us to move forward. So it’s no surprise that spiritual teachers say that when we manifest an illness in our feet, the illness is in some way related to moving forward in life. 

Holistic podiatrist Dr. Robert Kornfeld knows this. Dr. Kornfeld has come far from where he started. As a traditionally trained physician, he was treating the usual problems in the usual way. But he became a bit frustrated. Fortunately for him, his wife pursued her interest in all things natural: yoga, meditation, healthy food, herbs , homeopathy and supplements. He wisely took the challenge to leap forward to practice medicine in a whole new way. 

I imagine it was scary twenty years ago to opt out of the usual treatments because insurance doesn’t pay for many of the things Dr. Kornfeld does. But he did, and clearly his patients are the better for it.

Dr. Kornfeld says the health of our feet reflect our health in general. So while he does do some surgery, he has discovered that many problems can be resolved with some healthy lifestyle changes. Instead of steroid injections he uses homeopathic and vitamin shots. He tries to find the root {get it root} cause of a patients problems. It’s wonderful. It’s the way all medicine should be practiced, I think.

To Your Health,

Mary Mucci

Contacts:

Dr. Robert Kornfeld

www.holisticpodiatry.com

516 869 3338

Sex and the City Premiere

By Elisa DiStefano

I've been waiting four years...for Sex and the City: The Movie! Did you see it? I loved it! I hear they are already planning a sequel and I am thrilled. I also hear that they will release a DVD with the scenes that didn't make the movie--I am most anxious to see the scene with John Corbett (AKA "Aidan") that was cut.

I was very lucky to attend the Premiere at Radio City. I met fans from around the country who waited for hours just to catch a glimpse of the stars. That's right--they didn't have tickets to the movie, they flew in just to see the stars get out of their limos.

I know that 2,000 people with tickets were turned away. I'm so sorry for them. That is so upsetting. The fans with tickets that I met on the street all said they paid $500 per ticket!

The red carpet was actually pink and it was covered with crystals. Luckily, all of the stars stopped to chat. They were all very nice. It was so hot in the city that day.

              

Kristin Davis ("Charlotte York") was walking around with a battery operated fan and was nice enough to fan me with it!

      I tripped on Sarah Jessica Parker's dress--she had a long train. Later on Kristin tripped on it, so I didn't feel so stupid! There are always rumors that the "girls" didn't get along, but they seemed to have good chemistry and were all quite funny on the pink carpet.

I got a real kick out of the guys--David Eigenberg ("Steve Brady"), Mario Cantone ("Anthony Marentine"), and Willie Garson ("Stanford Blatch"). I was laughing so hard I could hardly ask them questions! Hope you enjoyed the movie as much as I did!

 

 

My event picks for this week

By Elisa DiStefano

Here are my event picks for this week!

It's National Fishing Week! So get out on the water!

TUESDAY 6-3: 

Glen Cove native Ashanti debuts her new album "The Declaration". You can get your copy autographed and see her live at the Virgin Megastore in Times Square. The show starts at 6 pm, but get there early! Doors open at 9 AM! 212-921-1020

THURSDAY 6-5:

Ryan Cabrera is back with a 3rd album. Remember him? He's Ashlee Simpson's ex (he appeared on her reality show & is still managed by her papa Joe) and is dating Elvis Presley's granddaughter Riley Keough. See him live at the Highline Ballroom in NYC at 9 pm. 212-414-5994

SATURDAY 6-7:

Meet Barbara Walters! She'll be signing her new memoir "Audition" at the Book Revue in Huntington from 2-4 pm. 631-271-1442

See the legendary Chuck Berry & Little Richard perform together! I remember watching Little Richard on Pee Wee Herman's Christmas movie -- I thought he was so funny! See them live at the Capital One Bank Theatre at Westbury at 8 pm. 516-334-0800

Belmont Stakes!

SUNDAY 6-8:

Super cool Gnarls Barkley performing for free at the Fillmore at Irving Plaza! It's a "MySpace Secret Show" . Click here for more info 212-777-6800

In a League of Her Own

By Erin Colton

Did anyone catch Mariah Carey throwing out the first pitch at the Tokyo Dome in Japan? If not, here's a clip.  Mariah's Pitch 

Whaddya think? Pretty embarrassing, huh? I mean, that has to be the worst first pitch in the history of first pitches. I think it touched down just inches from where she was standing in her 6-inch stilettos and hot pants.

I can personally comment on throwing out a first pitch because I recently have, at the Long Island Ducks game. (I wore jeans. My hot pants were in the wash.) Anyway, I have to tell you, it is a little nerve-racking. Although you're only being asked to throw a ball straight in front of you, there's a lot of added pressure with thousands of people watching. That simple little throw can take a turn for the worse, literally. Fortunately, my pitch turned out a little better than Mariah's. No, it did not cross the plate. But in my book, it was a great amateur high change-up that juuuuuust missed the outside corner. Take a look at the action shot on the right here. 

So now that you've seen mine, and Mariah's, I'd like to comment a little on Ms. Carey, oops I'm sorry, I mean Mrs. Cannon's first pitch.

Let's start with the outfit. A pink shiny jacket. I assume is trying to resemble what a real baseball jacket looks like. (About 3 times smaller than it actually should be.) Jean shorts that it looks like I would have fit into when I was in the 5th grade. Big sunglasses to block the sun in the Tokyo DOME. (There's no sun in a dome, it's closed.) And last but not least, stiletto heels. Missed them? Take another look.  Mariah's Pitch

Next, the performance. I LOVE the double mascot entrance. They were probably requested by Mariah's people to make sure she didn't fall over on the way to the mound. I also love the catcher, who's laughing, probably thinking, "this is gonna be something." Then, the look Mariah gives him back, saying, "Yeah, this IS gonna be something." Then there's the pitch. Just priceless. You have to TRY to throw something that bad. And finally, my favorite part. Mariah's cute little bounce up and down at the end showing the entire world just how girly she really is. (As if the pitch hadn't already summed that up.)

But I give her credit. She's a girl and wants nothing to do with the game of baseball besides dancing up to a mound and throwing a pitch straight to the ground. But she's proud of that. And well, I respect that.

Mariah Carey did prove one thing by throwing out her first pitch. She's in a league of her own.

Future Files!!

By Elizabeth Hashagen

They're calling it a "quantum leap in diagnostic tools."

I headed to Stony Brook to check out Viatronix's non-invasive

3-D imaging for the heart.

And wow--is this amazing!

All at once your doctor can see not only your heart in 3-D, but actually isolate parts of your heart and manipulate them on the computer.

The entire procedure is done as an external scan--no more invasive procedures.

You lay down on a CT bed. They scan you and then Viatronix processes the data that is created from that scan.

Thomas Ruthinoski, head of operations for Viatronix says: "The potential is enormous, the more people that have this procedure done.  It's a prevention thing.  Not only can it diagnose when a problem has already occurred, but, based on the medical recommendations, you can see a symptom before a symptom actually develops."

These scans are not new to this Long Island company -- they have been providing 3D scans for other parts of the body...including virtual colonoscopy.

Right now colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths.

It has a prevention rate of over 90% when pre-cancerous polyps are detected early.  An estimated 80-85% of the population is never screened, in part due to the discomfort and risk of conventional optical colonoscopy.

Unlike the optical colonoscopy -- virtual colonoscopy requires no sedation.

Viatronix's V3D-Colon virtual colonoscopy is non-invasive!

For Viatronix, the virtual colonoscopy was only the beginning.

V3D-Calcium Scoring and V3D-Explorer are the next generation of Viatronix's sophisticated technology.

Using the digital data generated by computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MRI), and other digital scanners, the company's end goal is to provide medical professionals with a means to virtually explore inside the human body, detecting potentially serious abnormalities or disease, extending patients' lives, and lowering the net cost of providing health care worldwide.

If you want to read more about Viatronix's just click here