Blogs 12 Long Island

Journey of Heroes

By Virginia Huie

Veterans Day came early for a group of World War II vets from Long Island. On September 20 they went on a flight to their past -- an Honor Flight. It's a national organization that provides free one-day trips for veterans to see the World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. 

The memorial wasn't built until 2004 -- 59 years after the war ended. Many veterans now in their 80s and 90s are too frail or don't have the money to afford the airfare to make it to the memorial on their own.  Generous donors and volunteers are making the impossible possible for the aging veterans. Honor Flight picks up the tab for the plane ticket, bus fare and food. Volunteers known as "Honor Flight Guardians" help the veterans on and off the plane, push their wheelchairs and anything else they need to make their trip enjoyable.

Photojournalist Dave Garden and I had the privilege of accompanying 35 veterans from Long Island on an Honor Flight. They arrived at the airport to a hero's welcome. Complete strangers waved flags and cheered for them. When they got to the memorial the veterans marveled at the beauty of it all. The columns representing each of the fifty states, the breathtaking fountain and the inscriptions etched in stone describing their heroism.

That's Navy gunner Mort Roberts of East Northport with me on the left.  He was 17 when he enlisted. Now 82, Roberts says it was a dream come true to see the memorial.

Roberts' war buddies -- Harold Chambers of East Northport and Charles Waldman of Huntington were also there.  Waldman was particularly drawn to the Freedom Wall. It bears gold stars representing the 400,000 war dead. Among the fallen, Waldman's older brother and mentor, George. Waldman said, " I truly loved him. I mean I'm down here in his memory and I'm so happy to be here for him."

The lovely lady in the photo on the left is 91-year-old Marilouise Kelly of Hampton Bays. She was an Army nurse who served in Italy and London. The darkest moment of her service came when her brother was killed in the Battle of the Bulge.  "It's a gift for me, " said Kelly of the opportunity to come to the memorial to honor his memory.

The Long Island chapter of Honor Flight is located in Southampton. Organizer Virginia Bennett says it has more than 100 Long Island veterans on the waiting list to see the memorial. Time is not on their side. About 1,200 World War II veterans a day are dying nationwide. Some have passed away before their turn came for an Honor Flight. It costs about $250 to send one veteran on trip to Washington.  To learn more about how you can help with a donation or as a volunteer, call Honor Flight Long Island at ( 631) 702-2423.

It's a great way to say "Thank you" to the men and women who answered the call and saved the world.

To Honor Flight Long Island and the veterans -- thank you for letting me tag along. It was an unforgettable experience.

Tiny technology

By Elizabeth Hashagen

It's a microscopic microscope!

But while it may be small in size-- it gives you high quality images.

I have to admit--- the thing that struck me most about this mini microscope-- was that it could cost just 10 bucks!

Researchers from Caltech came up with this innovation.

They say their research was motivated by the fact that microscopes have been around since the 16th century but their basic design hasn't changed much over time. (and the price tag is quite hefty too)

Their new design operates on a different principle and allows them to do away with lenses and bulky optical elements. (hence the big savings)

They do it-- by using the same kind of chip as our digital cameras.

It pairs that technology with what's called "microfluidics".

Ok-- I had no idea what that was either--"microfluidics" is the science of channeling liquid at scales far smaller than a common droplet.

Not too sure if that clears up any confusion-- but that's the idea.

I have to admit I was never stellar at science so that's the best I can do to try and help you grasp this concept. :)

So since this microscope is so small-- it could one day be used by health professionals out in the field.

Try thinking doctors without borders getting new tools.

They could use it to examine blood samples for malaria and check water for parasites-- right on the spot!

Imagine what a difference that could make to communities around the globe.

There's even talk of it being used on the battlefield!

If you want to a more comprehensive explanation of the optofluidic 'scope-- check out what one of the lead developers of the device (Changhuei Yang, an assistant professor of Electrical Engineering and Bioengineering at the California Institute of Technology) had to say...just click here

Is My Money Safe?

By Eileen Lehpamer

My grandparents used to tell me Depression-Era stories about the run on the banks and people keeping their money under their mattresses.

But that was a foreign concept.

Until these past few weeks.

I have now interviewed several people who keep saying the same thing, as a joke, sort of.

One lady today said "I never trust the banks. I'm putting my money in my mattress."

Others say they've already withdrawn hundreds "just to keep at home".

So I asked finance experts today; Is any investment truly safe?

The answer: Yes, if you believe in the United States Government. Mainly the FDIC.

As you know, the FDIC promises to insure an individual bank account up to 100-thousand dollars. But I've also been asked, what if I have more than that? And what happens if numerous banks fail in a one day? Can the FDIC cover them all?

Brad Rock, who is the chairman of the Smithtown Bank and the American Bankers Association, says yes, it can. He says the banking industry has 1.35 trillion dollars behind it. The FDIC, he says, has a 45-billion dollar fund.

Rock also suggested a solution for those with more than 100-thousand who don't want to stick it in the stock market. He says there's a network of 2300 banks that take part in the CDARS Program (pronounced cedars). Basically, if you make a deposit over 100K, the excess is transferred to another bank in the network, and you are covered by the FDIC.

You can find out more about that at : www.cdars.com

What a Dummy!

By Jill Wagner

There's nothing worse than sitting in traffic--especially in rush hour when you're trying to get to work!  But if you commute alone, how far would you go to gain access to the HOV lane and cruise on by?   

As Suffolk County Deputy Sheriff Robert Howard points out, you need at least two people--two LIVING people--to ride in the HOV lane on the LIE.  Sounds simple enough, right?  Grab a friend and commute together.

So I'm sure you can imagine Howard's surprise when he was patrolling the HOV lane last week.  As he told me, he saw what looked like two guys in a Ford Explorer.  The driver was only going about 60mph, but something else caught his eye.  There seemed to be some kind of strange reflection coming off the passenger.  Hmmm.  Then the driver started talking.  But the passenger just sat there, motionless.  There was no head turning.  No arm movement.  No nothing. 

Nope, this wasn't a Weekend at Bernies situation!!! 

Howard pulled over the car... and it turns out that the side passenger was made of plexiglass.  That's right--two pieces of plexiglass that fit together.  Take a look--this picture was taken by the Sheriff's department.

The driver dressed up his plexi glass friend in a baseball cap, sunglasses and a black coat!  And if you think that sounds like a lot of effort, the Deputy says the driver works at a plexiglass factory... and actually MADE the cut-out! 

Howard gave him a summons, which comes with a 90 dollar fine and perhaps some points on his license. 

That's actually not too bad, when you consider how some other alleged HOV offenders were punished. The picture below shows a cop holding the mannequin he confiscated from a driver in Denver.  According to the Denver Channel, not only did the driver have to pay a $115 fine, but a judge ordered him to stand on the side of the road with a sign -- "HOV LANE NOT FOR DUMMIES."    

 

Apple's iPod Event - Part 2

By Andrew Ehinger

Aside from the redesign of the Apple Nano, there was also some other ground shaking news with the company's media players - a new iPod Touch.

    The Touch gets confused a lot with it's (almost) identical twin brother the iPhone. The main difference between the two (other than one being a cell phone) is their physical size. The Touch is a little thinner and lighter than the phone. But the second generation Touch really makes it a contender in the moble media and gaming market. Yes, I said gaming! Previously there were some games for the touch, but now software makers are introducing some pretty advanced games. Using its built in accelerometer you control the game by tilting the touch in the desired direction. It works pretty well - though it takes a bit of getting used to. The 2G touch also gets a built in speaker - that's pretty amazing for such a thin player. Steve Jobs admitted the speaker wasn't anything to write home about, but it does give the user the ability to shed the earbuds for the first time. The Touch will also be able to communicate with the Nike + iPod pedometer without the plug in receiver that the Nano needs.

So will the touch become the newest mobile gaming platform, going head to head with the Sony PSP? It's a question I asked Steve Jobs as he was walking through the media area just after his speech. He gave me a smile and shook his head as if to say, he couldn't say anything. But the message was somewhat clear, the Touch will be a mobile gaming platform for the future. But when you compare apples to apples (excuse the pun), next to the PSP and even the Nintendo DS, the Touch just doesn't seem to have the horsepower that hard core gamers really want. Still software companies are not going to ignore Apple's dominance. Expect some pretty cool titles in the future.

In last years "The Download - Holiday Gift Countdown" I chose the first generation Apple iPod Touch as my second top pick. This year the second generation Touch  (which comes in three memory sizes, 8, 16 & now 32GB) I'm sure will be a hot holiday gift. Apple iPod Touch.

Mets and Yankees Move Out

By Michael Coleman

      Twice in a week long standing baseball stadiums have closed for good.  Shea on Sunday after the Mets blew it and again missed out on the playoffs.  A week before it was the  Yankees bidding farewell to their 85 year old iconic stadium.  There's a huge difference between the two, structures.  That shortly.

               Yankees Stadium opened in 1923,ushered in by the game's most historic figure, Babe Ruth.  Of course, that laid the foundation for everything that's right with baseball.  Then, years later when the Dodgers packed their bags and moved west and the NL presence was missing--enter the Mets and Shea Stadium opened for business.

              2 World Championships and a handful of all stars and hall of famers is what Shea saw in its 44 years of existence.  Yankees stadium had 26 World Championships, and many all stars and hall of famers. That's the envy of every ballpark in the country, yet both franchises are special in their own right.

             Sure the Mets find ways to bungle a good thing, but that's sort of their trademark.  They're lovable, pitiful, and a sympathetic franchise.  The Yankees, while seemingly arrogant and definitely rich, are the poster team for MLB.  Yet for all that they've been and are, when they missed the playoffs for the first time in 13 years they were considered a failure.

        If only the Mets could be shown the same kind of love, but the bottom line is everybody loves a winner. So while the Yankees disappointed this year, the Mets have a hard time shaking the "anything can go wrong" stigma.

      Maybe a new home will usher in a more consistent winning era for the Mets. As for the Yankees, they'll continue to set the bar.  So the Mets fans can at least hope for a fresh beginning in every way come April of '09.

Sports Drinks are Junk Food

By Mary Mucci

Being on a nutrition committee these days takes courage. Parents who are trying to address the obesity issue and educate kids about some of the dangerous foods they are eating stand to upset their neighbors. But someone’s got to say no..no more… The Cold Spring Harbor school district had banned fried foods over ten years ago. Now the big job was to cut out some sports drinks.

Many sports drinks are just junk food according to all the usual standards. Sure soda is junk food. But at least most of us know that already. But sports drinks have been masquerading as good for you drinks. and they’re not good for anybody…at least not those that have high fructose corn syrup.

In addition to the usual problems, HFCS may increase your triglyceride levels… that what may be responsible for the rising bad cholesterol found in young kids these days.

So while the kids may not all be happy. They might just get used to it. And they might just learn that it makes little  sense to work out hard only to pump yourself full of sugar and chemicals the minute you stop.

Congratulations Cold Spring Harbor!

To Your Health,

Mary Mucci

Contacts:

Laura Lynn Iacono,

Registered Dietician/ Nutrition Educator

Roslyn, 516 286 5255, www.onepotatotwotomato.com

 

Lynn Newman, M.S.

Nutritionist, NYS Licensed

Glen Head, 516 674 4868, www.newmannutrition.com

The Great Debates

by Lea Tyrrell

After saying he wouldn't attend the first presidential debate in Mississippi unless a financial industry bailout package was approved by Congress, Republican John McCain was forced to backpedal on that pledge when his colleagues in Washington couldn't agree on anything.  So the presidential debate season is now in full swing.

There are three presidential debates and one vice-presidential debate scheduled.  The final presidential debate will take place here on Long Island at Hofstra University, and most interestingly, it will focus on domestic and economic policy, the issues that have everyone's attention right now.  News 12 Long Island will bring you team coverage of every angle of that final debate as it plays out in our own backyard.

We take these televised debates for granted these days to the point that some people have no plans to watch.  A recent News 12 Long Island Question of the Day asked "Do you plan to watch the first presidential debate?"  44 percent of those who responded said no.

But imagine what it was like when you didn't even have the opportunity to watch the candidates vying for the most powerful office in the world.  There were no televised presidential debates until 1960 when Richard Nixon squared off against John F. Kennedy for a total of four debates.  After that, there were no general election debates for the presidential races in 1964, 1968 and 1972.   They resumed with the 1976 election between Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford and have been held for every presidential election since then.

  The debates are sponsored and produced by the Commission on Presidential Debates, which was established in 1987.  The Commission chooses the locations and establishes the formats.  This year the first and third presidential debates will be traditional Q&A format with a moderator asking the questions.  The second one will be a town meeting format with a moderator, but with the questions coming from members of the audience and online.

The Museum of Broadcast Communications has a great section on its website on the History of the Televised Presidential Debates.  It includes photos, video, the top headlines, and even documents pertaining to the debates going back to 1960.   One document I found most fascinating was a memo from Kennedy lawyer and adviser Clark Clifford to JFK after the first Nixon/Kennedy debate.  In it Clifford tells JFK why Kennedy clearly came out the winner and offers suggestions on what Kennedy needs to do in the next debates including "adding warmth to his image."

It'll be interesting to see what this year's series of debates adds to an already storied history.

Long Island Fair

By Danielle Campbell

This weekend is the Long Island Fair held at Old Bethpage Village.

http://www.lifair.org/

I love the LI Fair at Old Bethpage because of its mission which is to keep LI History and culture alive.

Th old fashion games, petting zoo, fiddlers, mimes, jugglers and the exhibitions make the LI Fair so different from any other.

However my most favorite time is spent in Exhibition Hall--this is where Long Islanders show off their skills and talents.

Adults and children bake pies and cakes, build model airplanes, paint and draw pictures, sew clothes, grow flowers--the Dahlias alone are worth the trip!                                                                                     

 

 

I can spend hours in exhibition hall looking at all the amazing items Long Islanders have created.

Shag rugs of puppies, a cake that looks like a frog, beautiful paintings of Long Island's landmarks.  The arts and crafts are unbelievable, beautifully knitted blankets, flower arrangements, hand crafted cuckoo clocks and bird houses.

                                            

Everything gets judged and you can win a Blue Ribbon for First Prize!

  Every year I want to enter something--a pumpkin I have grown, my sunflowers--my grandmother's beach plum jelly, but I never seem to get around to it.  But this year we made it !  We entered Madeline, my ten year old daughter's, apple pie!  The culinary items have been judged so tomorrow morning we will head to the fair to see if we got a ribbon.  How much fun would it be to say she made a blue ribbon pie!

I'll let you know!                                                                                                                                           

Hurricane Gloria

  By Bill Korbel

23 years ago Hurricane Gloria hit Long Island as a strong Category 1 hurricane.  It was the last hurricane to actually hit the island and if you were living here at the time, I'm sure you will never forget it.  Gloria was not a Katrina or Ike, but it still did a lot of damage.  What I most remember was the incredible number of trees that the storm knocked down. Everywhere I looked were huge 50 year old trees toppled by the winds as if Paul Bunyan had run amuck through the neighborhood. 

   

A 75' tall oak in my backyard snapped in half.  Fortunately it did not fall on my house.  Power went out, of course, and it stayed out for 5 days. It was eerily quiet and without lights, the night sky was beautiful with many, many more stars then we normally see. It's the way it must have looked 200 years ago.  The next year I bought a portable generator.  We haven't had a hurricane since.

The storm arrived at low tide, which was very fortunate.  Still the storm surge reached 7 feet along the south shore and destroyed quite a few homes on Fire Island.    

Here is an excellent review of Hurricane Gloria and it's impact on Long Island.

http://www.geocities.com/hurricanene/hurricanegloria.htm

Return of The Challenge

By Scott Feldman

It's that time of year again. We're gearing up for the 12th season of "The Challenge" on News 12 Long Island.  And this year, the Long Island competition is expanding to 64 schools. 

Our season premiere weekend is Saturday & Sunday, November 8 & 9. A new show will be airing every Saturday (Nassau schools) and every Sunday (Suffolk schools) each week. My producers e-mailed me the other day saying to expect a special delivery package. It's every game for the year with thousands of questions and answers. So, I'll be busy evenings at home reviewing them, including pronunciations.

Thankfully, I've got a dictionary CD that speaks ! I really appreciate all of your kind comments about the program. Yes, I'm the "face" of The Challenge. But, it is dozens of people behind the scenes who  make the show as good as it is. And believe me, make my job so much easier. It is truly a team effort. Now, throughout the season if you'd like to check out more about The Challenge, including weekly results and standings, just go to http://www.powertolearn.com/challenge/li/index.shtml

Looking forward to having you join us every Saturday and Sunday night at 6:30pm and 9:30pm!  Are you up to The Challenge?

Go Green BABY!!

By Elizabeth Hashagen

If you haven't already noticed.. I'm expecting.
So this weeks Go Green was right up my alley!
How cool to have a diaper bag made from recycled water bottles..
And I have the Cozy Cocoon waiting to have my little one tucked inside--and how wonderful that it was made by a Wantagh mom.
And it's sooo cute!
And pregnancy is a great time to start making green decisions.
You can start by choosing organic foods.
The less toxins in you -- the less in your baby.
I found out that these fruits and veggies that have the highest levels of pesticides: apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, spinach, cherries and strawberries. (Is it just me or is that everyone I love?)
But these fruits and veggies have the lowest levels (& that means you can buy the conventional kind if you're looking to save a little cash b/c buying organic can really add up)--asparagus, avocados, bananas, broccoli, cauliflower, corn (sweet), kiwi, mangos, onions, papaya, pineapple, peas (sweet).

When you're "with child" one thing you'll hear over and over again is to drink plenty of water. Now don't go out and buy cases of water bottles..instead why not get a PUR or Brita filter for all of your water. Drink out of glass, and try carrying a reusable water bottle.  If you end up using plastic water bottles, remember to recycle :)

And when it comes to beauty--there are some changes you can try there as well.
A few months ago I told you about Dr. Hauschka products.  Right now there is no FDA regulation of organic beauty products, so you never really know if an organic product is truly organic, but there are certain products known to be more pure than others (like Weleda or Dr. Hauschka).
If you want to check out these and even more try this link -- www.saffronrouge.com.

Heroes

By Elisa DiStefano

I was excited to receive an email from one of my best friends. Lauren and I grew up together. She now lives in Texas. She is a newly wed. Her husband Jeff LaFrance, a Bethpage native and Chaminade & Hofstra grad, is a Chief Warrant Officer 2 UH-60 Blackhawk pilot. He was deployed to Baghdad in June for 15 months. Lauren sent an email to give friends and family an update on Jeff. She is one of the most positive people I know, so of course the email was very positive. She said that although Jeff's days are long and tiring, he is staying strong and maintaining a positive spirit. He's happy that it is finally cooling off there. After reading the email, I called her to see how she is doing... and how Jeff is "really" doing. I admire them both so much. I began to think about the things I worry about at work... and then what he has to worry about at work... and it blows my mind. Lauren gave me permission to share some pictures that she sent in her email with all of you. I am so proud.   

Speaking of bravery... this Sunday I will be surrounded by some of NY's finest. Every year I volunteer at the the "Tunnel to Towers Run/Walk". Have you heard of it?

Here's why it is called the "Tunnel to Towers Run/Walk". On the morning of September 11, 2001, Stephen Siller, a 34 year old firefighter from Squad 1 in Brooklyn, was off-duty. He was on his way to play golf with his older brothers when he heard on his scanner that the Twin Towers had been hit. Stephen wanted to help, turned his truck around and headed to the WTC. When he reached the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, he was not permitted to drive through. Stephen left his car, strapped on 75 pounds of gear and ran through the tunnel to the site. He was last seen alive on West and Liberty Streets. Every year, on the last Sunday in September, New York City closes the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel so that people around the world can "follow the footsteps"-- Stephen's footsteps-- and never forget him and all of our heroes.

I don't think words can really describe this event. It attracts thousands of people from around the world ( the runners from London wear little black ankle socks!), and famous New Yorkers like former Mayor Giuliani, John Turturro, Chief Sal Cassano, Tony Danza, and more. The inside of the Battery Tunnel is lined with 343 Firefighters holding picture flags of their fallen brothers. It's quite emotional walking (I walk, others run) through. 

Some firefighters, like Joe Siciliano of Oyster Bay Atlantic Steamer Fire Company, run in full gear to pay tribute to Stephen. At the finish line, there is a free street fair with every kind of food you can think of! It's all donated-- so it's free! There's entertainment for the kids and a live band. It's an amazing day.

The run has raises money for Burn Centers and to help children who have lost one or both parents or have other special needs. Stephen was an orphan by age ten, and was raised in Rockville Center by his eldest brother. I didn't know Stephen, but I do know his family. They are wonderful. I am honored to be a part of their team. I hope to see you at the run.

 

                        

                

There's another special event coming up on Sunday, October 12th. It honors another hero that we lost on 9/11, FDNY Firefighter & Franklin Square native Michael Kiefer. The event raises money for FDNY Firefighters Burn Center Foundation. Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge, Michael's favorite band, will perform.

Sunday, 10-12 at 6 pm

undefined Park Restaurant,1132 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square

For tickets, call 516-485-5021

I was not fortunate enough to have known Michael, but a few of my friends knew him well. I met his family when I did a story about them a few years ago. They are incredible. His father, Bud, sent me some photos of Michael to share.   

Michael was a Long Beach lifeguard, he was a part of the Franklin Square, Malverne, Freeport and Hempstead fire departments.  He then joined the FDNY and was assigned to Engine 280/Ladder 132 in Brooklyn.

Northport Middle School - School Talk

By Meteorologist Rich Hoffman

With the start a new school year, I get the chance to visit numerous schools on Long Island. I got a call from Miss Santoro at Northport Middle School and we were able to set up a time to visit Mr. D' Aquisto's 6th  grade class. The class was researching and learning about Hurricanes.  The students in the class have never seen the impact of a hurricane, and I was able to discuss Long Island's hurricane history.  The last direct hit by a hurricane was Gloria in 1985.  We also discussed the impact of the last tropical storm that hit Long Island, which was Topical Storm Hanna on September 6th 2008.

At the end of class I think I signed about 50 autographs. It's one of the things I love about the job. I think I put a smile on their faces, and, well...they put a smile on my face too.

Have a great School year.

Click on the images to make them bigger.

Weather Watcher email: [email protected]

HURRICANE SECTION-
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshs.shtml

Hurricane Preparedness Week http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml
National Hurricane Center - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Hurricane Tracker - http://www.hurricanecity.com/
Storm Names -  http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.shtml
Long Island Hurricanes - http://www.bnl.gov/weather/files/Hurricane/LI_hurricanes.htm
http://www.hurricanes-blizzards-noreasters.com/

Hurricane Archives:
http://www.wunderground.com/hurricane/hurrarchive.asp

http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/mtr/hurr/hurtrack/index.html

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastprofile.shtml
1938: The Long Island Express--forward movement was 60 mph. Landfall--Moriches to Westhampton. Winds over 120 mph.
http://www.hurricanes-blizzards-noreasters.com/1938HURRICANE.html

http://www2.sunysuffolk.edu/mandias/38hurricane/

http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/box/hurricane1938.htm
1944: Landfall--the east end
http://www.wunderground.com/hurricane/at194407.asp
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/history.shtml#great

1954: Hurricane Carol--Landfall--Westhampton
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/history.shtml#carol
http://www.wunderground.com/hurricane/at195403.asp

1960: Donna--Landfall--around Westhampton
http://www.hurricanes-blizzards-noreasters.com/carol_track.gif
http://www.hurricanes-blizzards-noreasters.com/hurricanecarol.html
http://www.wunderground.com/hurricane/at196005.asp

1985: Gloria--Landfall Babylon, Western Suffolk and Eastern Nassau County
http://www.hurricanes-blizzards-noreasters.com/HURRICANE-GLORIA.html
http://www.wunderground.com/hurricane/at198507.asp

1991: Bob--Eye wall never crossed LI, but winds hit 101mph in Montauk
http://www.hurricanes-blizzards-noreasters.com/HURRICANEBOB.html
http://www.wunderground.com/hurricane/at199102.asp

Storm Surge Maps - http://www2.sunysuffolk.edu/mandias/38hurricane/storm_surge_maps.html

Hello Fall

By Meteorologist Rich Hoffman

Fall began today at 11:44am Eastern Daylight Time. The Autumnal Equinox occurs when the sun's direct rays are over the Equator and the Earth sees 12 hours of Daylight and 12 hours of Darkness.
See graphic on left.

The sun is our energy source, so as the Earth tilts and rotates around the sun, the incoming radiation(energy) changes and this is why we see our different seasons. In the Summer, (summer solstice) the sun's direct rays hit the Tropic of Cancer, and this makes places like the northeast warm and our daylight is about 15 hours. As the earth continues to move around the sun the rays will move from the Tropic of Cancer in the Summer to the Tropic of Capricorn in the winter. The Northeast receives less radiation (daylight) and hence the colder temperatures.

This is also the time of year when the leaves start to change and it can be a beautiful sight. The leaves have started to change in New England and we will start to see a change here on Long Island by the first week of October.


List of foliage Reports.

Vermont - New York - Maine

Connecticut - Foliage Reports

Massachusetts  - New Hampshire

Winter begins Saturday December 21st at 7:04am Eastern Standard Time.

WHAT A RUUUUUSSSHHH!!!!

  By Jamie Stuart

And they said we wouldn't last.   

Now entering our 5TH SEASON on the air, drum roll please....The RUUUUUSSSSSHHH!!!!

For the first time ever, the RUSH can be seen on www.news12.com.  This year's version has more highlights, more games, and more action than ever before.

With more than 120 high schools on the Island, it's not easy putting together The Rush--just ask my producer, Andrew Rappaport.  He pulls his hair out every week trying to get all the highlights.   Think about the sports we've covered on our show:  football, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, track and field, wrestling, softball, soccer, volleyball, cross country, field hockey, swimming, badminton, tennis, fencing and golf.  And that's both boys AND girls!

We do this with four camermen, interns, producers and a whole lot of effort.  Now of course, there will always be some team, some parent, or some friend who feels slighted because we couldn't get to their game.  Well, I'm sorry.  We try.  But it's just not feasible to make it to EVERY boys and girls game or get EVERY score on the air.

So what we do is try and come up with a game plan that makes the most sense and hope we're at the game that gives us the best action. 

We put the show on for you, the fans.  High School fans are passionate.  There are sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, moms, dads, grandparents, pets, you name it.   They're all involved.

High School sports isn't about big contracts, holdouts or firings.  It's about families and sports.  It's about passion.  It's about that RUSH that you get.  And we're happy to give it to you.

Fall Fun on LI

By Doug Geed

     Okay, I think most Long Islanders would agree that summer is our best season. You get to swim in our wonderful beaches. There's all the backyard barbecues and swimming parties -- no school lunches to make for the kids -- less traffic on the parkways and LIE as you head to work.
 

  But all good things have to come to an end. And I've always believed what makes the end of summer a little easier to take is the terrific season that follows.

    Fall means so many things -- football -- apples -- pumpkins -- the best
and freshest vegetables at our local farmstands -- Halloween -- getting lost in a corn maze. Honestly, as great as it is lying out in the sand on a hot summer afternoon by the ocean, isn't it just as great on a bright, sunny fall afternoon -- the crisp air -- temperature about 60 degrees -- just cool enough where you need a sweater? And that smell ! To me, each season has a certain smell. Fall is like a combination -- a woodsy, smoky smell -- and a little cinnamon -- a certain crispness and certain sweetness in the air, like apple pie. (Roast turkey isn't far behind!)

   In the next few weeks, I'll be featuring all the great things about this terrific season on my East End Show. First up, this coming weekend, we'll visit a farm where you can pick your own apples and peaches. Pumpkins farms, haunted houses and wineries will follow shortly.

    You can catch "The East End Show" on weekends. On Saturdays, show times are 7 am, 9, 11, 1 and 3. On Sundays, it's 7, 9, 11:30, 1:30 and 3:30.

    You can also catch my East End news reports (which highlight the same interesting people, places and things in eastern Suffolk that the weekend show features) during our regular newscast every Sunday night beginning at 5 pm. They run all of Sunday night and all throughout the day on Monday.

     I really hope you can find the time to take a drive out east and appreciate all that Long Island has to offer. Whether you go out for an entire weekend or just for a day, it's an experience I guarantee you'll never forget. I grew up in Nassau County and it took me awhile to appreciate all the wonderful things that are right in our own backyard. Now as a parent, some of our best memories involve trips to East End farmstands, pumpkin patches, apple orchards and vineyards. I hope you get to enjoy some of them, too.

     Here are some links:

www.lifb.com/stands_location.0.html

www.pickyourown.org/nylongisland.htm

www.liwines.com

www.northfork.com

Your Car's Future

By Elizabeth Hashagen

Since I head to work so early each morning I don't see many other drivers on my way in.

But when I head home--the sun is out and so are the cars!

Ok, I'll admit I'm sure it's nothing like what most of you see during the height of the rush--but it's still annoying to me.

I can tell exactly where drivers will hit the brakes (because they think there might be a cop)--

I know when I make this one turn in my neighborhood I have to make it wide because there's this one pothole that for some reason has never gotten fixed for maybe 2 years now.  Ok, it's not as bad as this picture, but still it's annoying!

But in the future the road crew might know about my local pothole thanks to what's called the "vehicle infrastructure initiative."

We'll just call it Vii from now on.. :)

The Vii will head our way thanks to the people at Inform.

You know--they have the signs over the road to let you know there are back ups at exit 21 - 24.

You hear the lovely Elisa talking about those Inform cameras when she brings you the "delay of the day."

And now they have those signs on the side of the road that let you know how long till you reach your destination.

Well, inside their "homebase" is a mass of TV screens with what seems like every road on LI.

This room would put any MTV crib to shame--it really is just a massive wall of monitors.

That's how they let us know about the flow of traffic.

People are sitting there monitoring different regions and updating the information for us as we drive.

And one day -- in the not sooo distant future -- our cars may communicate with that Vii system be able to help them collect even more real time information, especially for spots they can't see with all those cameras.

http://www.vehicle-infrastructure.org/

So here's the deal--kind of boiled down...

Say you swerve to miss hitting a shopping cart that got blown out into the road -- or even a tire -- whatever -- your car would send a signal.

Now if it was just you dropping something -- then none of the cars behind you would swerve in the same spot and nothing would happen.

BUT if the cars behind you all maneuver around the same area -- then the Vii would pick up signals from all those cars and Inform would know to send a road crew b/c something isn't right!

And then before the road crew gets there that Vii could send a signal to the cars coming up tot hat spot-- warning them that there may be a problem up ahead.

It's almost like having your own "KIT" from Night Rider.

What a future we could have!

Long Island's Secret Stash - The Lloyd Aquifer

By Eileen Lehpamer

Did you know that Long Island has a "secret stash" of clean drinking water?  Really clean.

Rain water that is thousands of years old.

And it's under your feet. Well, not right under your feet.

Depending on where you live, it's either 500 feet underground, or 2-thousand feet underground.

Check it out: It's the Lloyd Aquifer.

Sounds prestigious, right? But it's basically a layer of the earth that is made up of water-bearing sand and gravel.

It 's like a tri-layer cake. The deepest layer - the Lloyd Aquifer - is sandwiched between the bedrock and a layer of clay.

There are only about 40 pumps that are currently allowed to drill into the Lloyd Aquifer and suck out the water. That's only 10-percent of all the water pumps on Long Island. Long Beach, for example, gets all it's drinking water from the Lloyd Aquifer because the other layers contain too much salt water.

The 90-percent of other water pumps take their water from the Upper Glacial or the Magothy Aquifer, which is separated from the Lloyd Aquifer by a think layer of clay. Water there is about 50 to 70 years old. This is probably the tap water you a drinking.

Make you think, huh?

I knew next to NONE of this when I started my story today. I got a crash course in it from Robert Santoriello, the Superintendent of the Greenlawn Water District.

He took me to one of their pump houses so I could see what a water pump looked like and get video of it for our story. Greenlawn, like most municipalities on the Island, is NOT allowed to tap into the Lloyd Aquifer.

As State Senator Carl Marcellino described it today, it's like "Long Island's safety bank account". For an emergency, or like in the case of Long Beach.

In fact, the Suffolk County Water Authority was recently barred from tapping into the Lloyd Aquifer.

So, now Governor Paterson has until Friday to sign a bill that bans New York City from pumping and storing some of the city's water in the Lloyd Aquifer. Here's diagram to give you an idea of what the city wants to do.

So what do you think?

Makes you wonder where your bottled water REALLY comes from.

Honor Flight

By Virginia Huie

I've taken many plane rides, but the flight I took from MacArthur Airport to Washington D.C. last Saturday was one of the most memorable. The plane was filled with American heroes -- 35 World War II veterans traveling aboard an Honor Flight. The national program provides free flights to members of The Greatest Generation see the World War II Memorial on the Mall in the nation's capitol. The memorial didn't open until 2004 -- 59 years after the war ended. Now in their 80s and 90s, most of the vets are unable to make the trip to see the memorial themselves because of physical or financial constraints. Honor Flight removes these obstacles by taking care of the trip's logistics and paying for airlines tickets, food and busing. I saw many happy faces and tears of joy as the veterans saw their memorial for the first time. I heard amazing stories of service and sacrifice. You can witness their trip aboard Honor Flight on October 1 on News 12 Long Island. I hope you'll join us for a memorable journey.

Good Luck Timbo

By Doug Geed

   Timbo got into a scuffle with a shark in Massachusetts. He got the worst of it -- lots of scrapes and cuts along his side -- plus a broken jaw. That's usually what happens when a gray seal comes up against a shark.

   When Timbo was found, he was pretty listless from all his injuries and all of the rehab centers in New England for sea mammals were filled. Luckily for Timbo, the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation had an opening.

    For those of you who haven't heard of it, the Riverhead Foundation is the only facility in New York State licensed to rescue and rehabilitate seals, sea turtles and dolphins (yes, all of them are swimming around in our local waterways.)

   Timbo came in (after catching a ride aboard the Cross Sound Ferry from Connecticut to Orient) in July and was just re-released the other day in Shinnecock Bay in Hampton Bays. I'm doing a story on it in my East End segments that will air next Sunday and Monday, the 28th and 29th beginning in our 5 pm show on Sunday.

   The people at the Foundation do remarkable work. It is entirely non-profit and they are some very, very dedicated marine biologists -- many of them schooled right here on Long Island. Southampton College (now run by SUNY Stony Brook) has an excellent program in marine biology.

   Before letting Timbo go, they attached a satellite transmitter to him so they can track his whereabouts. And they also want to get the word out to the public about the dangers of approaching seals. I have never seen one in the wild, but many Long Islanders have. They like to find sunny spots on a secluded stretch of beach or island. But many times they come ashore when they're sick or injured and it's important to stay away.

    Seals have big beautiful eyes -- dark and intense looking. Their faces are cute, almost like a puppy. And for that reason, they seem so approachable. But, unlike a puppy, they can bite your hand off. They are strong, with sharp claws and three-pointed teeth. (A dog has one point on its teeth.)

   So if you come across one -- or a sea turtle or any other sea creature -- keep your distance and call the foundation's stranding number -- 631-369-9840.

     You can actually see some of the Foundation's work. It's located inside Atlantis Marine World in Riverhead. And although the owners of Atlantis have been very generous in their support of it, the Foundation still relies very heavily on private donations. I've included a link to to their website that has information on how you can volunteer -- even adopt a seal.

    Hope you can catch my story next weekend. And hey -- you never know -- maybe if you're near the beach one day, you might even catch a glimpse of a seal popping his head out of the water or sunning himself. If he's got a pointy antennae sticking up from his neck, it's probably Timbo.

http://www.riverheadfoundation.org/

www.atlantismarineworld.com

 

Yankee Stadium 1923-2008

By Christine Insinga

   

Dear Yogi, now it is truly over.

I know as a reporter-  I'm not supposed to express my opinion- or have a favorite when it comes to- well- anything.  But when it comes to my NY Yankees- I gotta' break the rules! I LOVE 'em- I truly do!

The final game at THE House That Ruth Built- rich with all its pomp and circumstance- will be remembered as one full of magic- majesty and a little mystery.

The ghosts of the venue were resurrected by look-alike actors who took the field in old-fashion gear and gave all those watching the tiniest glimpse of what that place REALLY looked and felt like all that time ago.

           Derek Jeter, Andy Pettite, Jorge Posada and Tino Martinez- THESE are the boys in pinstripes of MY generation!!

 

And how AWESOME was it to see Bernie williams get that multi-minute Standing 'O'?!

I've listened to Lou Gehrig's farewell speech a thousand times.  I could never hear it enough.  Tributes to Babe Ruth, Munson, Mantle, Whitey Ford and Reggie- not to mention Randolph and Girardi- I'll tell ya' it all but made me want to cry. 

But tell me- HOW do you do this night without even uttering the name Joe Torre?  It's disgraceful, unacceptable and petty! He deserves a significant place in the memory of this cathedral-  no questions asked! Lord knows he generated enough memories (not to mention money) there.  Who knows- maybe he wantd it that way- but I doubt it.  And how about George?  Yeah you know the OWNER of the most celebrated team in sports?  The rumor is he's been sick but- c'mon people- the greatest fans in the world want answers why these guys weren't at the going away party?

On a happier- more celebratory note- which is what last night was all about after all: what class- what dignity- what pride those New York Yankees have.  It was there first year missing the playoffs in more than a decade but you'd never know it.  The smiles on their faces glowed all night long and Captain Jeter's off the cuff speech was so simple and heartwarming and you could just tell he was sincere.

New York- New York (the tradional last song of the evening after EVERY home game) was played at least 4 times before fans even CONSIDERED leaving their seats.  Some wept some cheered and anyone who could scooped up dirt from the field.  One held up a sign that read- The House That Became a Home' .

The memories will forever linger in the air there- but rather than say 'goodbye'-this die hard fan is saying-  see ya' at the next one!!

Thanks for reading!

I'm A Fall Guy

Norm Dvoskin

As far as I’m concerned, autumn is the best time of the year on Long Island. Summer’s too hot and buggy, with long traffic jams headed to the beach. Heat triggers aggression. All the major riots in this country have occurred in the summer. Crime statistics show that robberies, rapes, assaults and murders increase when the weather turns hot. Winter’s too cold, dark and snowy. January is like a month of Mondays and the only good thing about February is that it only hurts for a little while. Spring is usually very disappointing. It’s often much too chilly and damp. Every year we can hardly wait for spring. We go outside and look at the sky, the trees and check the temperature. Nice spring weather, when it finally arrives, usually lasts for about a week. April showers bring may Flowers? They also bring flooded basements and kids cooped up in the house for hours. But Autumn is just right with long periods of crisp, dry weather and lots of color. I don’t know why they don’t have a Fall Olympics?

People tend to ignore autumn. It needs a publicity agent. Writers ignore it and poets don’t write poems about it. Just to show you what I mean, I went to the “Oxford Dictionary of Quotations” and summer has 85 mentions. For example, “Summer time and the livin’ is easy.” It should be, summer time and the livin’ is sweaty. Winter is there with 58 quotes..."Now is the winter of our discontent"...”If winter comes can spring be far behind?” Spring has a mind boggling 91 such as, “The flowers that bloom in it, tra la” and “a young man’s fancy turns to you know what.” And autumn has a grand total of eleven measly mentions and none of these are even worth talking about.

Another reason Autumn is so terrific is that it’s the season that leads to romance. If you took a poll you’d find that more lasting relationships start in the fall. Why? Because the chill in the air gives rise to people wearing sweaters and sweaters have that remarkable capacity to add or subtract just what is required to compensate for those tiny flaws in our bodies. Aside from looking good, sweaters give the appearance of wanting to be hugged. The next thing you know romance follows.

In winter people wear too much clothes. Unless you’re an Eskimo, how can have desire for someone who looks like Nanook of the North?

In the summer the emphasis is on skin and the question people ask is “Will she or won’t she?” “Yes or No?” This leads to summer romances which we know are usually very short.

You Can Beat Colds this Winter

By Mary Mucci

This season you can fight off colds…and maybe even the flu like never before. There are reasons we get sick and there are ways to get better. And they are not complicated.

We get sick because we eat too much sugar, refined flour products and dairy.

We get sick because we eat too many very acidic foods like meat and don’t balance it with veggies.

We get sick because instead of water and tea we drink sodas and juices….which are all sugar. And sometimes we drink artificially sweetened sodas…which is worse.

We get sick because we don't rest and never exercise. 

We also get sick because we are Vitamin D deficient.

I know lots of nutritionists and naturopathic and holistic physicians. I promise you they hardly ever get sick and when they do they get well faster than you.

I’m sure if I asked every one of them "what are the best cold remedies”…I would get completely different answers.

I have to admit I reach for the Echinacea goldenseal, an herb immune booster first. Zand Immune is my favorite brand.  I take three dropperfuls under my tongue several times a day. Often that does the trick. I also double my 2,000 mg of Vitamin C a day.

I take a little extra zinc when I’m not feeling great. But my favorite remedies are anti-inflammatories : Vitamin D is the top of my list. There was a jail study that seemed to prove that Vitamin D deficiency is why people get the flu. I also take the omega 3 fats about 2,000 mg, and turmeric.

Truth is turmeric is a very powerful anti-inflammatory. If I still don’t feel better, I’ll take a level teaspoon of baking soda to alkalize my system. Yes, and I stay away from dairy. Though I don’t eat much dairy… I do enjoy it.

To Your Health,

Mary Mucci

Contacts:

Luanne Pennesi, R.N.

Great Neck 516 759 4200 and Coram 631 642 7050

[email protected]

www.mercola.com for all your natural health questions

Mary Mucci

Contacts:

Luanne Pennesi, R.N.

Great Neck 516 759 4200 and Coram 631 642 7050

wh[email protected]

www.mercola.com for all your natural health questions

With the Hall of Famers...

By Bob Wolff

    What a thrill reliving some of my basketball past in Springfield, Massachusetts during induction weekend earlier this month at the National Basketball Hall of Fame.
     Receiving the Curt Gowdy media award had particular significance to me. As an admirer of Curt's work, I now had the honor of joining him as the only two sportscasters in both the baseball and basketball Halls of Fame.
     Knicks TV network and play-by-play man Mike Breen, with future Hall of Fame potential, was impressive as the dinner emcee.
     It was fun chatting with former Knicks coach Hubie Brown, now an excellent TV analyst. We teamed together some years ago on the USA network, and I admired Hubie's perceptive comments.
     Dick Vitale, a show-stopper, was "awesome baby." Dick vibrated with frenzy and force for a half hour at full steam ahead. What amazing energy.
     Magic Johnson talked about his love for the game. Win or lose, Magic always felt joy, just in playing. A great interview.
     And Patrick Ewing and Pat Riley added a terrific Madison Square Garden touch.
     Great memories.
     I'm Bob Wolff and that's my Point of View.

Apple's iPod Nano Event

By Andrew Ehinger

PC or Mac. Its been a war between two computer companies for years. Though either company hasn't gone the way of Betamax or more recently HD-DVD into electronic obscurity, yo cool products. But probably the one that's created the most buzz and cash for Apple is the iPod.

iPod - the name is now synonymous for portable music player like Xerox is for a copy or Rollerblade is for in-line skates. So when Apple hinted it would unveil its rumored new iPod Nano, I pulled every string I could and flew out to San Francisco to bring you the story.  

Why - you ask - it's just an iPod. Well the iPod is the king of music players. In fact Apple CEO Steve Jobs who runs all of Apple's unveilings in his trademark black mock turtle neck, jeans and sneakers said the iPod controls 73.4% of the US market share in portable music players. Microsoft is the next closest with 15.4%. Apple is the 500 pound gorilla when it comes to portable music players. But this day was all about Apple's new one - and Steve Job did not disappoint.

The new Nano (4th generation) returns to the longer look of it's first and second generation relatives. It seems as if the short and squat look of the third generation iPod was not as popular. However this new iPod has the exact same size screen - it's just turned 90 degrees to a vertical position. The new Nano is sleeker, with a curved glass screen, and oval when seen from the side. Its got some new software that's borrowed heavily from the iPhone/Touch in addition to an accelerometer. That allows the Nano to know when it's turned on its side and will adjust the screen (photos, music covers and movies) accordingly. The accelerometer also give the Nano it's first unique feature - the Shake to Shuffle.

When you shake the Nano in a certain way it will automatically play a new song from your play list. I tried the feature and it works pretty well. But joggers don't fear, it takes a dramatic shake to change the song - so no worries if you use it when you exercise. The new Nano also has the ability to record audio without a third party attachment. It will detect a microphone in a new headset (coming out in October from Apple) and can record simple audio for later playback or even podcasts. 

Even with all of these new features and 9 new colors some critics say the 4G Nano is just the same old player with a new coat of paint. I disagree and feel Apple has gone in the right direction with its Nano. It brings back the more longer, thinner and comfortable shape, adds the accelerometer, and even lowered the price for the 8Gb model. If you've been wanting to upgrade to a new Nano from a first or second generation model, now may be the time.

Next blog: A look at the Apple iPod Touch.

The Ravitch Commission

By Drew Scott

One of the most important public meetings of the year will occur this Monday evening, September 22nd, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Nassau County Legislature Building in Mineola.

It's a meeting of the 13-member state appointed Richard Ravitch Commission. They are appointed by the governor to find out why the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York keeps raising its fares for commuters and continually operates its budgets in the millions of dollars in the RED!

By July of 2009, the MTA admits it will need $900 million to balance their books.

Experts I interviewed today, including MTA board member Mitch Pally, explain the problem is simple--fewer subsidies or grants of money from Washington, Albany and New York City. Additionally, they say with the current economic crisis on Wall Street, it might be better for the MTA to scale back some of its more ambitious projects.

Matt Crosson of the Long Island Association suggests there are more economic returns in adding a third LIRR track in Nassau than in the East Side Access project which will costs BILLIONS!

Smart growth planner Eric Alexander of Vision Long Island says we might have to re-think Congestion Pricing and the revenue it raises from automobile drivers.

But the most important people of all to offer suggestions aren't even being allowed to testify before the Ravitch Commission in person, because only invited organizations and officials are being allowed to speak! That, said many I talked to today, is a BIG problem. However you can e-mail your suggestions by using the following e-mail address: [email protected]

Give em' heck!

 

 

The Kid's First Jersey

By Erin Colton

So if you haven't heard by now, you're living on a different planet. Elizabeth Hashagen is pregnant and is one month away from popping out a boy or a girl. (The suspense is killing me!)

There was recently had a shower for Hassy and her soon-to-be new baby. So when I needed a present, my producer Annette directed me to the "baby's registry." Hold on, the BABY'S registry!? The BABY has a registry? It's not even born yet! (Give me a break, I'm new with this baby stuff.)

Ok, so after getting over the initial shock of Hassy's unborn child having it's own registry I headed over to Babies 'R Us to get the kid a gift. First of all, this store should not be named Babies 'R Us, it should be named Parents 'R Us because no baby could possibly understand or appreciate all of the millions of things for tiny people under the age of 5 in this store. I was inside for about 3 minutes and almost had a stroke.

Anyway, registry in hand, I set out to buy baby Hassy a nice little gift for entering the world.

0172653 "Hug Me BLKT" is one of the options on this list that makes no sense. What is the deal with registry's anyway? It's a bunch of numbers and make-shift words that not one person on this early could possibly understand without asking for help from a store employee. Because even if you know what the thing is, you don't know where it is in the store. Take the Hug Me BLKT, (which I'm assuming means blanket). Underneath the item it says I can find it in LOCATION #20. I think I was looking around for 15 minutes until I finally decided no, it wasn't me there really are NO numbered locations in this store. I went to ask someone about it and they said, "Oh, location 20, that's the bedding wall." OH REALLY? OF COURSE! THE BEDDING WALL! WHO WOULDN'T KNOW THAT?

Walking away instead of getting into a conversation that I knew I'd regret, I went looking for the bedding wall. But, not to my surprise, no "Hug Me" blankets. So I was left with no choice but to ask another employee where I can find this increasingly annoying item. They walked me right over to it, but (and I'm not joking when I say this) NOWHERE on this blanket did it say the words "hug me." Look to the left! I found the actual item online. Do YOU see the words "Hug Me?" Am I supposed to assume a bear walking next to a tree means "hug me." So let's backtrack here for a second, how the HECK am I supposed to know number #1 WHERE the thing is (oh right, location #20. The bedding wall) and WHAT the blanket looks like (it's the "hug me" blanket that has no trace of the words hug me, anywhere.)

In my second life I am developing a new system for registry's. (Of all kind, even ones for unborn babies.)

"Hug Me" BLKT in hand, although I'm despising it more and more by the second, I headed for the check-out aisle. (Because 5 more minutes in this store, and I guarantee you I would have collapsed.) But what's this I see? The SPORTS section. YES, there is a God. Mets hats, Yankee shirts, Giants sippy cups, even little Favre jerseys! I was in my glory. I immediately ditched the "hug me" blanket (sorry Erica, you were so nice in helping me find that darn thing) and I started picking up the unborn child's first official team gear. I couldn't stop myself! I LOVE Babies 'R Us!

I immediately swiped a miniature-sized Jeter jersey (because what Yankee fan isn't complete with your kid dressed up in a Jeter jersey?), and a "My First Jets Tee" off the rack and called it a day.

Remember parents, make sure the kid knows who bought them their first Jeter jersey. His/her favorite sports anchor.

And I thought shower shopping was supposed to be boring.

Let the Games Begin!

By Jill Wagner

The weather is getting cooler, kids are back at school, and fall sports season is in full swing..... well, almost!

Some very frustrated parents in Wading River say they registered their pre-school and elementary aged kids for a soccer league months ago.  The 75 dollar checks were cashed and the kids couldn't wait to lace up.   Needless to say, the league was supposed to start early this month, but still has not!  To make a long story short, that league insisted a different sports organization was going to take over.  That other organization told parents it wasn't true.  The kids, unfortunately, seemed to be caught in the middle.

This week I met with more than a dozen parents in Wading River.  They were passionate, frustrated, and losing patience.  They said they didn't care about the money or who's to blame, they just wanted their kids to get out on the field with their friends and start to play soccer.  One of the mothers told me, "IF YOU COULD JUST SEE THEM OUT THERE."  She said these young kids, some of them just four years old, are working together, building self esteem and just having fun.

On the way home from meeting with the parents, my photographer and I started talking about the value of little league sports.  For me, the memories flooded back.  I grew up in Jericho, and at the time, there was no separate little league for girls.  As a result, I was one of just a handful who ventured out (pushed by my father who coached the team) and played with the boys. 

Through the years, no matter the sport, the lessons were invaluable.  You learn how to be apart of a team; how to work together.  You learn how to lose.  And you also learn how to win.  Hopefully you learn how to do both with grace.  And there's also the lesson of commitment; putting in the hours before game day.  In the case of my dad's team, you couldn't "start" if you missed practice that week. 

For me, they're all lessons I'll never forget.  So for the sake of the little kids in Wading River, I hope their league starts soon! 

Blog This!

By: Carol Silva

So just about every 2 weeks - we here at News 12 have the honor of "blogging" for you - our thoughts - story ideas, etc.

Now, I'm still not used to spilling my guts in a blog. Honestly, I got some pretty cute pink diaries - keys included - when I was 10 or 11.  And I couldn't even blog - I mean "journal" or "Dear Diary" to myself.

About the best running commentary I've ever kept was during the first few years of my children's lives. I actually journaled (but then again, I'd do anything for those kids who are now 14-1/2 and Sweet 16.) I wrote about it all. The months of my pregnancies. Their arrival in this world, their earliest gold medal accomplishments. You know - the first spit up, the first bowl of spaghetti on the head, their first steps. Those sorts of things. (Actually, I take their journals out the night before their birthday every single year - and I read portions of their story to them. It's a great family tradition.)

But I'm not going to do that here. Nope. My job here is to blog for YOU! But sometimes I come up dry. So this time I thought I'd find out what other bloggers are doing in cyberspace. 

Here are a few of the more interesting blogs I've run across:

I like Karen Cheng. She writes about girl things - well I guess they're women things. Family, home, fashion, working, etc. I like Karen, even though today's blog is about a cow balloon. No kidding.

I mean people will write about/read about anything. The Ask Sister Mary Martha blog grabbed my attention, because I'm a veteran of LI's Catholic schools. On the good Sister's home page today, the question, "Should the beautiful nun contest have a deadline?" (Did you hear about the Italian priest, holding a cyber beauty "Beautiful Nun Contest" pagaent, to prove that nuns are not all the dowdy stereotypes?)

Among the big celebrity blogs, Commack's own Rosie O'Donnell's! She's got kids crafts, links to other blogs, and today, a rant about Sarah Palin is on Rosie's homepage. And speaking of celebrities, Perez Hilton's website is so popular, he's called the cyber bloggerazzi!

And how weird do they get? Check the official Freakin Weird Blog. Today's take - the cemetery BBQ. The Unique Weird Blog Spot actually has some cute baby pictures.

Just search "blogs" and you'll find blogs from our Presidential candidates, anti-candidates, religious leaders, psychics, athletes, video gamers, sports parents, nutritionists, kids, rock and rollers, and some real freaks!

Incredibly, you can enter or vote for the best of blogs, in the annual Bloggers Choice Awards!

And if you want to start to write your own blog, so your loved ones - dear but not so near - can read about you daily, try this: Suggestions for Blog Subjects!

Summer Vacation: Better Late Than Never!

By Shari Einhorn

I FINALLY WENT ON MY SUMMER VACATION!  Okay, it was the last week of August but better late than never -- right?  My husband is a teacher and off all summer...the kids are in camp...and I work...my regular schedule...all of July and August.

My 5 year old innocently asked me -- when do I have  summer vacation?  I never really have a good answer!  Except...I take the first week of school off so I can be sure the bus schedule works out and that everyone knows where they're going...NOW THAT'S A VACATION!!  Kids back at school...husband back at work...AN EMPTY HOUSE!!  I might sip a cup of tea and read a book -- yeah for me!

But seriously, that's not REALLY a vacation.  I'm not saying I haven't done anything fun!  We went to Splish Splash, played miniature golf, went to Chuck E Cheese, swam in the pool, hung out with friends, went to parties and bbq's...had a blast at our block party...and my sister got married!

So as a final hurrah..we went away for a week to the Jersey shore.  We went with a friend of mine from college and her family -- and had a terrific time.  The kids loved everything...the sand, the sun and the surf.  The boys spent days on their new boogie boards, ate way too much ice cream and stayed up 2 hours past bedtime...5 nights in a row!  Throw in a few dizzying spins on the amusement rides that stretch along the boardwalk and they were in heaven!

The summer goes by way too fast and seems to get shorter every year.  I hope you enjoyed every last moment of it.  I know we did. 

Now, we've settled back into a routine of school, work and homework. 

I don't know about you...but I'm ready to start planning next years summer vacation!!

Shari

Donate

By Elizabeth Hashagen

It's never fun-- but it's usually rewarding--
Cleaning out your closet!
I get very attached to some of my pieces--
I remember where I was when I wore it-- and I sometimes find it hard to part with-
But when you think about Long Islanders who could really use these clothes (especially professional ones!) it makes it a lot easier to say "here you go".
And with the seasons starting to change-- it's a perfect time to take a look at your closet and drawers and see what you can pass on to a Long Islander in need.
We've all heard we need to reduce- reuse- recycle-- well here's a way to make sure your clothes get reused!

The great thing about Big Brothers Big Sisters -- they will come to your house and pick it up!
They will even pick up your furniture (if you are lucky enough to get new stuff), kids toys-- all types of stuff. So don't put it on the curb-- put it to good use!
There are also donation boxes all across Long Island-- and they won't turn your clothes into rags like other horror stories you might hear about--
If you want to have a home pick up just call  (631) 234-0000

Most donations are tax deductible and you can get a receipt this way. You just label the bags- put them outside on the designated day and you're done!

Or if you just want to drop it in a bin--here's a list for Long Island so you can get started!

Bayport...Bayport Methodist Church...482 Middle Rd

Bayshore...Getty Gas Station..Corner of Brentwood Rd and NY Avenue..The Shell Gas Station...Corner of Bayshore Rd and Sunrise Highway..The LukOil Gas Station..Corner of Bayshore Rd and Ackerson...The OK Petro Gas Station..Corner of Main St and Lanier...USA Gas Station...95 Moffit Blvd...Saxon Ave

Bethpage...Zorn's Famous Chicken & Ribs...4321 Hempstead Turnpike...

Brentwood...B.P Gas Station...Corner of Suffolk Ave. and Jefferson
The Keyspan Across St....Corner of Sage and Rte 111

Centereach...OK Petroleum...1992 Middle Country Road...Holbrook Road

Commack...Smithtown Public Library...3 Indian Head Road … Tara Lane (Commack Branch) Commack Post Office..150 Vets Hwy & Harned Rd...Bank of America Parking Lot Jericho & Vets Highway ..

Coram Limousines...Rt 112 and Granny Rd

Cutchogue Landfill...Sound Ave (Route 48)

E. Hampton..Recycle Center...260 Springs Fireplace Rd…N. of Queens Ln.

East Islip...AM Vets Post 18...141 Carleton Ave

Farmingdale..New To You Thrift Shop..401 Main Street
Big Apple Gas Station...630 Main Street...Lambert Avenue

Freeport...Montessori Schools..87 Pine St…S. Ocean Ave..(Church Parking Lot on S. Ocean Ave)

Garden City Park...Storage America..211 Denton Avenue

Greenlawn...Getty Gas Station..490 E. Pulaski Road...Broadway

Hampton Bays...Recycle Center..Jackson Ave…(at the end of Jackson Ave.)

Hauppauge...Shell Gas Station..Motor Pkwy & LIE Service Rd. Ex 57....Mobile Gas Station..Rte 111 and LIE South Service Road...Citgo Gas Station500 Town Line Road...Rte. 111

Hempstead...Hofstra University..1000 Fulton Ave...Oak Street...

Hicksville....Cantiague Park..West John St (24 hour access)....Keyspan..175 E. Old Country Rd…Rte. 107 S. Oyster Bay Rd...Mobile Gas Station..Hicksville Road and Wantagh Avenue...Central Avenue

Holtsville...Holtsville Ecology Center..Buckley Road…Woodside Ave...

Huntington...United Methodist Church..180 West Neck Rd...Tanyard Ln. (back of building)...Park Avenue Tennis Court..Park Ave and Partridge...Jiffy Lube..Evergreen Avenue … Jericho Turnpike....Empire Oil..211 Broadway...Grange Street....Quality Gas..571 E. Jericho Turnpike...Depot Road....Quality Gas..585 W. Jericho Turnpike...Sweet Hollow Road

Huntington Station...Center of Sound, Inc...1290 New York Avenue...Rte. 110 and Depot Rd...Paradise Ice Cream
1291 New York Avenue...Depot Rd

Islip...St. Marks Church...Corner of St. Marks and Main

Levittown...Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island Office..70 Acorn Lane…Leaf Lane

Massapequa...YES Community Council..Parking Lot Between..Penn. Ave / New York Ave
(East of Hicksville Rd)

Massapequa Park...Capital One..5100 Sunrise Hwy…(East of Block Blvd)

Medford...Citgo Gas Station..Rte 112 and Commercial Blvd.

Melville...Melville Islamic Center..118 Old East Neck Road..S. Service Rd.

Mineola...American Red Cross..195 Willis Ave…Grant Ave & Garfield Ave..(2 Bins @ this Location)...Keyspan (5 Story Office)..250 Old Country Rd…Franklin Ave (turn onto 3rd ave)...Family & Childrens Services..Mineola Railroad Station…3rd st. & Mineola Blvd.

New Hyde Park...Capital One..2055 Hillside Ave…(West of Denton Ave)...Twin Park Fitness Center
15 Jericho Turnpike…South 1st Street (back of building)

Oakdale...B'Nai Israel Temple..67 Oakdale-Bohemia Rd..(opposite Jr. High School, South of Sunrise Hwy)

Patchogue...AM Vets Post 111..15 Cedar Ave…Divison Ave

Ridge..Millenium Gas Station..153 Middle Country Road…Panamoka Trail

Ronkonkoma...Sam Auto Repair of Suffolk..105 Portion Road…Ronkonkoma Ave...Capital One..131 Portion Rd…(West of Hawkins Ave)...Ryder Transportation..2075 Ocean Ave (Bet LIE & Vets Hwy)..

Roslyn...Roslyn Transfer Station..999 West Shore Rd…Seaview Blvd.

Sag Harbor...Transfer Station..Sag Harbor Tpke…(1/2m from Scuttlehole Rd.)

Sayville...Sayville Animal Clinic..32 Foster Ave & Montauk Hwy

Selden..Citgo Gas Station..Parkhill Dr & Middle Country Rd..Valero Gas Station..Parkhill Dr & Middle Country Rd

Smithtown...Smithtown Public Library..1 North Country Road…Judges Lane/N. of Main St.

South Hampton...North Sea Landfill..1370 Majors Path…N. Sea Rd...Red Barn Thrift..675 B North Sea Rd(Back Door)...Gulf Gas Station..2000 North Highway. . .Sunrise Highway Extension

Stony Brook...United Episcopal Church..Mill Pond Rd…25A (Back of Church)

Valley Stream...Capital One..5 Green Acres Rd…(Green Acres Mall, S. of Sunrise Hwy)

West Hampton...Transfer Station..66 S. Old Country Rd…(West of Depot Rd.)

West Hampton Beach...Streble's Dry Cleaners..644 Montauk Hwy…Meeting House Rd.

Westbury...Capital One...947 Old Country Rd…(Kinkle St)...Islamic Center..835 Brush Hollow Rd..(Talbot Dr. & Jamie Dr.)

Uh Oh...

By Erin Colton

Uh oh... It's not (gulp) happenning again, is it?

If you ask any Met fan, they'll tell you the Mets ARE NOT collapsing to the Phillies yet again this September. They'll say, "Oh c'mon, it's a pennant race, it's always this stressful!" Or they'll tell you, "We're not collapsing, we were never ahead by that much anyway."

Well, collapsing or not collapsing, it is a fact that the Mets just lost (for the second year in a row) their September lead over the Phillies. They've gone from thriving to nearly surviving, lost 4 of their last 5 games, and just dropped two straight of those games against the worst team in the National League, the Nationals.

I'll never forget standing outside Shea Stadium nearly one year ago, reporting on how the Mets just got swept by the Phillies to lose the NL East Division, not make it into the playoffs and watch the Phillies take their place. I stood nearly in a line with about five other news crews and reporters getting ready for our 5 o'clock live shot as thousands of fans streamed by us in disbelief. How could the Mets go from being up 7 games with 17 to go, and NOT make it into the playoffs. It wasn't that big of a lead this year. But, just a week ago, the Mets were up 3 and a half games, and were playing like last September never even mattered.

Ok, take a deep breathe Mets fans. I know that was more talk about last September than you would have liked. But it needs to be talked about. Maybe if David Wright didn't avoid the subject  like the plague every single time a reporter asked him about it, he'd be more up to making sure it doesn't happen again this year. At least Carlos Delgado acknowledged the fact that it actually happened. He publically said he wants the monkey off their backs, he wants him and his Amazin's to do what they could not do one year go, beat the Phillies into the playoffs.

The Mets have just got to play baseball. Win a lot and lose a little. It's simple. They don't need to work any miracles (yet) and they can't let last year get in their heads to the point of self destruction.

Because let's be honest, if they do self destruct and make it two straight September collapses -- New York is going to be one sad town come playoff time.

Storm of the Century

By Doug Geed

It was a non-stop, cross-Atlantic flight that headed right to Long Island -- and the results were absolutely devastating.
      I'm talking about the hurricane that was the worst storm ever to hit Long Island -- at least in modern times.
    It was Wednesday, September 21st, 1938. As Long Island gets ready to mark the 70th anniversary of the storm, tomorrow, Thursday, starting at 5:30 in the morning, we're airing a two-part series I put together that re-tells the story of this great storm from Long Islanders who survived it. We'll also show you rare home movies. A popular Greenport shop-keeper by the name of Sherwood Rouse took his 16 millimeter camera outside during the hurricane and recorded history. He has since passed away, but his son graciously shared the recordings with us.

       The '38 hurricane took everyone by surprise. Not only was it before the time when hurricanes had names, it was before there was any kind of public access to weather forecasting. As Beecher Halsey, an 86-year-old Westhampton resident put it, you just depended on the old-timers and whether their bones told you if it was going to rain.

       The hurricane took a common path -- starting off the west coast of Africa and making its way west. Check out this website provided by our Chief Meterologist Bill Korbel:

http://www2.sunysuffolk.edu/mandias/38hurricane/track.html

     It was a storm that moved very, very quickly. Remember, a hurricane is a storm that swirls counter-clockwise. Picture the hurricane like a big, swirling ball. The ball itself also moves. And this one moved quickly -- about 60 miles an hour.
     On Tuesday it was off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida. It moved rapidly along the east coast, curving slightly AWAY from the coast. It was expected to continue moving away and harmlessly go out to sea. But suddenly around the Maryland-Delaware area, it made a slight left turn. That took it right to Long Island.
      So within 24 hours or so, this powerful storm made its way from Jacksonville to Long Island. You can imagine the fury when it struck -- with Westhampton as its dead center.

      More than 50 people died on Long Island -- more than 700 throughout the northeast, as the hurricane continued to do major damage throughout New England. Most of those who died were on the barrier beach, by the ocean. By "barrier beach" we mean that relatively small sliver of sand that has the ocean on its south side and the bay on its north side. Long Beach is a barrier island -- Jones Beach -- Robert Moses Beach -- Fire Island. What happened is, the storm hit with such surprise and with such fury that any access from the barrier beach to the mainland of Long Island was cut off. People tried to row across the bay -- or float across while holding onto debris. The hurricane created more than a half dozen inlets -- where the ocean water washed right over the entire barrier island and met the bay water on the other side.

   Annie Ciacia (pronounced "Chy-chy) remembers the storm clouds moving in that morning and her friends expecting a bad rain storm. Now 95 years old, she remembers clear as day telling her friends "No, something's going to happen." They went into the house -- a tree crashed down on the porch. Later, the chimney on the roof collapsed.

     I've always loved history -- especially local history. And for those of you who have always found the subject boring in school and wondered why it was worth studying, this is a perfect example of how valuable it is. Spending just a little time with 95-year-old Annie and 86-year-old Beecher, I see their eyes light up. I see them as they were 70 years ago -- Beecher a 16-year-old high school student who ran home from school on that Wednesday when the hurricane approached so he could be with his family. And Annie -- a 25-year-old working at a rooming house in the North Fork community of New Suffolk. Her boyfriend trekked through the storm to make sure she was okay. (I imagine you can guess the rest of the story -- they were happily married for decades soon after.) The stories they have to tell are valuable lessons for us today.

    I think of the poor people of Galveston, Texas and what they're dealing with in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Two million people near the Texas coast lost electricity. Two MILLION. That would be like two-thirds of Nassau and Suffolk homeowners without power. Could you imagine the outrage, the impatience and frustration that would cause? People waited four hours to get gasoline for their cars. FOUR HOURS on a line for your local gas station. And while they were doing that, other members of their family were waiting on line just to get INTO a supermarket. And once inside, they were greeted by virtually empty shelves.

      Galveston, by the way, is a city on a barrier island -- the Gulf of Mexico on one side, the mainland of Texas across the bay on its other side. Sound familiar? It has a population of about 57-thousand. Long Beach, in Nassau County, is a city on a barrier island with a population of about 35-thousand. Another lesson to be learned.

    Yes it's true -- sometimes the media can overplay things. I've been in the news business for more than 25 years and it's just part of the territory. But wouldn't you much rather take that than have a major storm take you by surprise and devastate your home, your family and your community? Listen to the experts when a potential emergency could happen. And if you don't listen to them, then listen to the Long Islanders who were around during the '38 Hurricane. They only wish there were experts around back then that they could have listened to.

     Some more interesting links from Bill Korbel and me:

http://www2.sunysuffolk.edu/mandias/38hurricane/index.html

http://chl.wes.army.mil/shore/

http://www.suffolk.lib.ny.us/libraries/quog/hurricane/index.htm

http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ggl_main&s_subsrc=DonateToRedCross&s_src=F7FWE001&gclid=CMWi7qXv4ZUCFQK_Ggod21ZUYQ

Homeland Security Center

By Elizabeth Hashagen

So this week we got a peak at the plans for a new state of the art Homeland security center in Bethpage.

The project is expected to be a regional Hub for technology development -- aimed at keeping America safe.

It's called the New York State Applied Science Center of Innovation and Excellence in Homeland Security. {phew.. that's some name right!}

I'll just call it "the center" for the sake of my fingers:)

I spoke with Ken Morrelly of LIFT ( Long Island Forum for Technology) who said "we've created is a high tech test lab that focuses on info technology and sensor integration."

The hope is that Center will be a training facility-- that can bring in first responders and let them get hands on experience with new technology and give feedback on what they like and don't like.

It will also have the ability to be a emergency operations center.

So if the need arises-- there's hurricane-- or other natural disaster-- or even a terrorist attack-- this would be the place where everyone could converge.

If a crisis happens the center could coordinate the response of different government agencies. The first floor of the building is where all that action would happen.

Right now the plan is to have secure conference rooms,  communications, a command center and an auditorium that could be used for briefings and news conferences.

It could basically bring the counties together -- the Governor-- fire -- police--along with other entities like the 106th Rescue Wing and unify everyone into a single spot that has all the resources they need.

The building, (500 Grumman Ave. West in Bethpage) was once used by Northrop-Grumman. Actually the brick building has a pretty impressive history.  In the 1960s, it was the birthplace of the Apollo lunar module!! Right now the brick building is about 600,000 square feet of pretty much empty space. When it's up and running, the homeland security center will take up about 90,000 of those square feet. Northrop-Grumman will have an area on the 3rd floor-- with about 20 different organizations taking up the second floor--

Having everyone in one spot and having all resources in one place can make handling a worst case scenario-- a little better.

My Friend, the Author!!

By Lea Tyrrell

Life can get pretty busy these days, but it's always important to make time for friends. Especially those who go way back with you.

I reminded myself of that recently when I found out a friend of mine, who I hadn't been in touch with lately, had written a book. You may know her, especially if you're a sports fan and watch a lot of ESPN. I'm talking about sports anchor Linda Cohn.  She's the proud author of Cohn-Head: A No-Holds-Barred Account of Breaking Into the Boys' Club.  Linda recently made an appearance at the Book Revue in Huntington to sign copies of the book and do some Q & A with her fans.  I made sure I was there to cheer her on.  The best part was being able to surprise her because I didn't let Linda know I was coming.  Pretty easy to do, too, because our busy lives have kept us from staying in touch.

Linda's spent most of her life trying to break into the boys' club. She writes in her book about growing up a die-hard sports fan, and playing goalie on the boys' hockey team in high school.  Linda worked here at News 12 Long Island for a very short while when the station first went on the air. It was mostly as a news reporter, but what she wanted more than anything was to be a sports reporter and anchor. 

By the time she worked with me here at News 12, she had already proven herself as a top-notch sports reporter on radio (America’s first full-time U.S. female sportscaster, for ABC radio).  But there were few women doing sports on national television at the time, and practically no female sportscasters on local stations.  And sadly, the sports department at News 12 didn't have a place for her so she started looking elsewhere.

She had her sites on ESPN but they weren't interested. But somebody else was.  Linda got her "big break" when she was hired to do sports by the CBS affiliate in Seattle.  She recounts in her book some of the pep talks I gave her to help get through some of the anxious moments when she first started working there.  Seattle is a sports town so she knew she had a lot to prove.  She obviously did something right because ESPN took notice of her and not too long after that she got her dream job. And she's been doing it ever since.

I'm so proud of my long-time friend, and I hope her book is a huge success.  Now that we've exchanged ALL of our e-mail addresses and phone numbers, I just hope we can find the time to sit down for lunch and catch up.  You know two people who talk for a living have a lot to talk about.

Housing Vouchers In High Demand

By Holli Haerr

We all know how hard it is to find an affordable house to buy on Long Island.

Well, finding an affordable RENTAL is also tough.

A few years ago, when I was looking for an apartment, it seemed that all the "good ones" were gone before I even called the number in the paper. As for the "bad ones"? Maybe I'm picky, but I'd like a bedroom that I can at least fit a bed in, or a ceiling that's more than two inches taller than I am.

With the tough economy and rising foreclosures, more and more people need to rent. But there's a limited pool of legal rentals here.

The Community Development Corporation of Long Island says Long Island has a much smaller percentage of rentals than most parts of the country. Of course, when demand outstrips supply, prices go up.

That's where the Corporation comes in. They give out what's known as Section 8 vouchers to help qualifying people pay their rent.

But there aren't nearly enough vouchers to cover the demand.

The president of the Corporation says they recently advertised that they were looking for applicants; and 10-thousand people applied, the most ever. Now, they're holding a lottery to pick five-thousand names.

The lucky ones will be put on a waiting list until vouchers become available. It might take a while, the corporation gives out about 200 vouchers a month.

While that group is not accepting more applications right now, there are several other agencies that also distribute housing vouchers.

Affordable Housing Story:
Nassau County Housing Information Line
Call 516-572-1903

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
Community Development Corporation of LI
Rental Housing Assistance
Long Island Housing Partnership
Multiple Listing Service of Long Island
Long Island Volunteer Center
Long Island Fair Housing
Volunteer Match

Texting While Driving

By Eileen Lehpamer

So, ?4U . 

And CMIIW.

Doesn't it seem like everyone is texting now?

But, DUR when NO1 was texting.

Okay, I'll stop. :)

What's funny is that 7 years ago, I got made fun of for typing messages with my thumb on my little cellphone keypad. It all started when I got back from a month in Rome and had been using my rented cell phone to text all my friends who live there. I had to learn fast, because at the time, cell phone minutes were outrageous and no one would answer their phones.

So now, I consider myself a "pro." In fact, I almost always prefer to send a quick message to a friend, and get a response back even quicker. I catch up in person. (fear not - I'm not anti-social)

But even "a pro" should not be texting while driving.

Yes, you can justify it, as several people told me today. "I only do it while I'm at a red light", or "I'm very careful, I do it quickly."

But, as much as I love the distraction of texting while sitting in traffic on the LIE, it shouldn't be done.

And pretty soon, it will be illegal everywhere.

Suffolk County's ban on Texting While Driving goes into effect September 21st.

Nassau County's legislature plans a vote on its bill in early October, and assuming the County Executive signs off on it, it will be law by the Holidays.

So, farewell, texting while driving.

And in the future, if you know someone is texting you while driving, feel free to send them this text.

ST&D. 

Yes, that's "Stop Texting and Drive.".

It exists.

:)

And just in case you thought I was really fifteen years old and knew all these abbreviations. I don't.

I got them online:   http://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/textmessageabbreviations.asp

Huntington Humanitarian

By Danielle Campbell

Huntington humanitarian and human rights activist Steven Kim is a small voice screaming out against global oppression.  Steven Kim has dedicated his life to drawing attention to Chinese complicity in ongoing North Korean oppression.  Kim, was arrested in 2004 for helping persecuted North Koreans fleeing through China, find safety in South Korea.    He was sentenced to five years in a Chinese prison under Article 318.  He was released in September 2007 - one year early, due to sentence-reduction point credits earned for forced prison labor.  Born in South Korea in 1949, Kim moved to the US in 1975 where he became naturalized, married, started a business and a family.  Kim's story is epic.   Kim's determination to continue the humanitarian efforts that got him imprisoned is done with a zeal and passion and impatience, that can only belong to those who have witnessed first hand human rights atrocities.  So far Steven Kim has helped more than 100 North Korean refugees find freedom.  He is planning a trip back to South Korea in October to meet with those who have escaped slavery, forced labor, and the sex trade.   US politicians and civil rights activists who worked to free Kim from China, are now supporting this Huntington furniture salesman in his global attempt to halt China and North Korea's policies regarding human rights.  One person can make a difference.  For more information on Steven Kim click here:

http://www.318partners.com/pressroom.html

Better Safe Then Sorry ... Or Dead

By Bill Korbel

One of the most difficult decisions the residents of Galveston had to make as Hurricane Ike roared towards them was whether or not to evacuate.  To leave your home and possessions to the winds of chance must be an agonizing choice.  Many left, but some 10,000 or so decided to stay.  After listening to interviews with many of the survivors, without exception, they said that next time they would leave. 

I saw this in the Houston Chronical.  It should be required reading for anyone who decides to ignore orders to evacuate the next time a hurricane heads for Long Island. 

         "When Rita came three years ago, everyone was warned to leave or face a likely death, and when the storm turned away, people rode bicycles on the streets of Galveston.

Even as Ike bore down on the island where he has lived all his life and worked as a commercial fisherman, he felt assured, whipping up a bowl of chili for himself and six family members and cozying up in his living room to watch TV.

``I thought this was going to be like that. I was very wrong. It's bad, real bad. We barely made it out.''

At about 11 p.m., he took a look outside and saw the water. Before he knew it, the surge flooded through the door and the electrical sockets, up to his feet, his knees and his waist. His mattress and couch began to float, his 12 year-old son threw up in the bathroom and his 19 year-old son wrote down his social security number on his arm, assuring his father that he wasn't scared, but wanted to make sure he could be identified.

``We were staring down death,'' he said.

Rushing decided to try tying himself and his family members to a tree outside in hopes they would be rescued.

Just as he broke a window in the living room, though, something very unexpected happened: the eye passed over.

``It's like somebody pushed a button and turned off everything,'' said Rushing, 37. ``It was eerie.''

So he loaded up his wife, pregnant daughter, two sons, nephew, cousin and two dogs on a ski boat made for five people and navigated the streets, which were flooded with six to eight feet of water.

They were 20 blocks from the San Luis Hotel, where the city's leaders and emergency operations personnel were staying. The boat ran aground about four blocks from the hotel, and the whole crowd ran straightaway from there, making it before the fierce winds picked up again.

Once he arrived, he spoke wide-eyed to reporters and firefighters, almost in shock, while his family slept.

``I'm beat up, I'm traumatized,'' he said, wondering if the shrimp boat he depends on for his livelihood had been destroyed. ``My wife's mad at me. She wanted to evacuate. Next time, we'll leave a week early.''

This month marks the 70th anniversary of the last really big hurricane to hit Long Island; The Great Hurricane of 1938; The Long Island Express.  It was a storm that was similar in strength to Ike, perhaps a bit stronger.  If that same storm were to strike the island today, much of the south shore would look just like Galveston.  Keep the pictures of Ike's destruction in mind if the time ever comes for you to make a life or death decision. It's odd that many people are deathly afraid of getting on a commercial airliner where the chance of being killed is about 50 million to 1 but will risk their life and their families life to ride out a hurricane when the odds could be as low as 1 or 2 thousand to 1!

Oxygen Awakens Autistic Brains

By Mary Mucci

Imagine paying $225 as session to treat your autistic child in a Hyperbaric Oxygen chamber.  The problem of course is that 40 treatments are the recommended dose.  You do the math!!  The reason many people haven’t tried this is probably the cost.  I imagine the FDA approved uses are covered….but autism is not on that list.

Jack’s mom saved up to pay for his first twenty and is hoping to get some help from an online fundraiser to pay for Jack’s next twenty.  With the kinds of results she’s getting, it’s easy to see why she wants to continue.

Until we have universal health care, there will be no pressure to reduce costs….. no pressure to use natural therapies that work as well if not better than pharmaceutical ones.  There is no pressure to educate the public about prevention or to reduce the poisons in our air, water, food and everyday products.  There is no pressure to do adequate studies to determine what role vaccines are playing in autism. There is absolutely no pressure to offer the public well care , rather than what we have now which is SICK care.   The truth is: too many people are making money off the pain and suffering of others. Health care would cost a fraction of what it does now if only we were to tell people change our approach.

Meanwhile if you’d like to learn more about the on line fundraising charity or find out what Dr. Alan Sherr is doing to help autistic children go to [email protected].  That is Sherr’s website. He treats nearly 400 autistic children each year.

And on one other note:  Dr. Cecilia Yee who treats allergies of all sorts has been working with autistic children to reduce brain inflammation by treating their sensitivities.  She is very excited about her work because she has an autistic child and wants to help other parents.  You might try NAET for autism…by calling 516 799 5956.  It’s not covered by insurance either…but it’s a lot less expensive. 

To Your Health,

Mary Mucci

Contacts:

Great Neck Hyperbarics, 516 487 1902

Dr. Alan Sherr, Defeat Autism Now Chiropractor work with Holistic Pediatrician Dr. Larry Palevsky

Northport,  631 262 8505

Dr. Cecilia Yee, 516 799 5956 Nambutripad Allergy Elimination Technique or NAET

Gardens of Remembrance

by Scott Feldman

Wednesday morning, April 10. As I stepped out of the news car at the Dennison Building in Hauppauge, I couldn't help but thinking how much the day was like that infamous day 7 years before. The air was crisp and clean. The sky, bright blue and virtually cloudless.

News 12 was there to cover the ceremonial groundbreaking of a Suffolk memorial to the 180 county residents who lost their lives on September 11. From the architectural sketch, the memorial looks to be magnificent and a beautiful tribute to those who perished in the terror attack on the World Trade Center. Manhattan architects Barry Silberstrang and Barry David Berger have created an inaccesible wild-growing garden that will be surrounded on four sides by glass panels. Each panel will be inscribed with the name and biographical information about a Trade Center victim along with a holigram portrait. 

In talking to some of the family members gathered where the memorial will be located, the lawn between the Dennison parking lot and Veterans Memorial Highway, it is clear that this memorial will be the place they come to remember their loved ones, not the World Trade Center site where construction has really just begun. Going to Lower Manhattan, they tell me, would be too painful.  Emotionally, it will be easier for them to travel from their home in the county to the Suffolk memorial than trek 50 miles into New York City.

I'm told actual groundbreaking on the Suffolk 9/11 memorial will happen in the next four to six weeks. And Suffolk Executive Steve Levy seems confident it will be completed by next September, the 8th anniversary of the attacks. I look forward to going there. As I'm certain, every other Long Islander will too.

The Right Stuff

By Elisa DiStefano

I have a lot of "stuff". I saved pretty much all of my childhood memorabilia and favorite things. If you have an "awesome 80s" or "totally 90s" party to go to-- I'm your girl!

I have my crimping iron. It still works.

I also held on to my News Kids on the Block posters, trading cards, pins, I Love Jordan earrings, dolls, pillowcases, and tee shirts. Some say I am crazy-- or a pack rat-- but I knew "my stuff" would come in handy one day. That day was last Wednesday!

I was so excited when my pretend childhood boyfriends got back together earlier this year. I watched them on all of the network shows-- re-evaluating my favorite New Kid. You can imagine my reaction when a record label pal called and asked me if I wanted to interview the guys at Wal-Mart in East Meadow!

Against everyone's advice, I wore my original New Kids tee shirt that I had been saving for a decade and a half!

( when I interviewed Disney Star Demi Lovato a few months ago -- she is the one from Camp Rock who is on tour with the Jonas Brothers-- she was wearing the same tee shirt. I said "I have that tee-shirt" and she replied "it's vintage!". I felt super old! )

The guys, especially Donnie and Joe, got a kick out of it-- or they just thought I was crazy. I fit right into the crowd. It was so much fun to see ladies my age singing New Kids songs, doing the Hangin' Tough dance, and sporting all sorts of New Kids gear! I thought I was fan-- but these ladies had me beat!

What I would have given all those years ago to see the guys up close! I guess all of the wishing and praying I did when I was 9 paid off... a little late :-)

( thanks Ryan for the photos! )

I waited for the guys in the store. Joey Joe walked in first and took my mic! Then I was bombarded by the other four. Joey started interviewing the other guys and me! They started singing. It was a little nuts!  My photographer "Brave Dave" was trying to figure out what was going on! It took a few minutes for me to get control of the interview... and even then, it was still a little crazy. The guys were all really nice and very friendly-- and quite affectionate! Donnie likes hugging. I was a bit overwhelmed and speechless (I am rarely speechless!) for a few moments when Donnie had me in a headlock and kissed the top of my head. Again, what I would have given just to see any of them in person years ago! Back then, I would have passed out if Donnie even looked my way, but in that moment, I just wanted a good soundbite!

After our interview, the guys hung around and signed autographs for 700 fans! If you were there, tell me about your experience!

Speaking of nostalgia, what do you think of the new 90210? I teared up when I saw Brenda and Kelly back in the Peach Pit together!

I loved the original "Hills", and yes, I still have my Dylan McKay sweatshirt. I wish they would bring back the rest of the old gang!

Did you know new 90210 resident Lori Loughlin  (Full House's "Aunt Becky") is a native 11788?

One more flashback-- if you were around Times Square this week perhaps you saw huge Cabbage Patch Kids walking around! Xavier Roberts' adorable bunch celebrated their silver anniversary! To celebrate, Casey the Stork will deliver Cabbage Patch Kids with the same hair, clothes, and facial expressions as the originals! Of course I still have all of mine-- so I will have to compare and perhaps make a trip to Babyland General Hospital to adopt some more!

Don't Hide from Hard Work

By Elizabeth Hashagen

I'm always busy at work...
Actually whether I'm working or not I'm pretty much always running around.
But when it comes to working here at news 12 the pace can be pretty fast. Just the other day someone asked me if I'm done at 8 am... it took everything in me not to laugh!
The simple answer is "no"-- I'm not done at 8am when I'm no longer on set.
Each week I shoot at least 2 stories--Future Files & Go Green with 12.
So as soon as I leave the studio I hop in a car and head out to cover the stories.
I also have to come back and log the tapes, write the stories, and get them edited.  And for Future Files, I also have to head back into the studio to shoot that cool futuristic look...and then get those tapes to graphics so they can work their magic.
I also come up with all the ideas, do the research and set up the locations for the shoots, and try as often as I can to blog on the topics I choose as well.
Then I decide to add in other topics that excite or intrigue me, like the recent story I did on the tactical AMT's... the profile on distracted drivers... or my series on Long Island Lifesavers.
So I can often look like that Vaudeville performer trying to spin all those plates without letting one drop.
It's a delicate balancing act, especially considering I have to do the morning show before I can even start these projects..
But usually at some point between writing and editing, I start getting mad at myself for being an over achiever and giving myself more work to do all the time.

Why don't I try taking on a little less?

But it turns out all this work may be a good thing...  We shouldn't hide from hard work--we should embrace it. My type A personality loves this study--an analysis of work studies at Tel Aviv University has shown that a heavy workload means your boss has faith in you and they say it increases the likelihood you'll reach your full potential.

The author of the study, Dov Eden, says, "When people have high expectations, it raises your self confidence, which leads to improved performance." I think I agree with that--it seems the more things I have to get done in a day the more I do.

When I only have 5 things I get maybe 3 done, but when I have 20 I might just pop out 25!

So I guess I'll start working on my new story idea -- well, as soon as I finish the other blog idea floating around in my head...and return that person's phone call...:)

September 11, 2001

 

Can anyone remember September 10, 2001?  Aside from this picture, I can't...can't remember one iota of what I did that day, how I felt, how the WORLD felt.

Talk to someone long enough, however, and you'll be swapping stories about where you were the very next day when you 'heard.' Right?  Over the years, especially being in this business, I've heard hundreds, if not thousands, of September 11th stories.  Today, I thought I'd share mine.

I was at my parents house in Oakdale that morning. Hadn't turned the TV on yet.  The phone rang and I heard my mother go into something of a panic:  'what?  What do you mean, Joel?  Where are you - c'mon what are you talking about?!  CNN?  Ok- ok"  It was my cousin on the other line--the first plane just hit.  He couldn't find his father, my uncle, and was hoping we had heard from him.  We hadn't.   Joel worked in 5 WTC -- my Uncle in 7.

I turned on the television just in time see the second plane crash into the building.  What the hell was going on?  Was I dreaming? Within seconds it was very clear I was not.  I sat glued to the TV, as I would for the next few days, trying to make sense of it, any of it. My father came home from church around 10 and thought my mother and I were lying when we brought him up to speed.  We showed him the TV and when the first tower collapsed he just slowly took a seat and said, "That's not for real, is it? " 

My father worked for Fuji Bank, on the 82nd floor of the south tower.  He retired in May of 2001.  The phone rang off the hook for hours.  People who he hadn't spoke with in years didn't know he was no longer working there.  He kept answering, "I really shouldn't even be talking to you right now." I can't count how many times he said that.

The 3 of us watched the day unfold on television, like most of the country.  When the Pentagon was hit, I remember literally falling to my knees in the kitchen and thinking, Oh My God, it's the end of the world!  But what I remember most is that in that time of uncertainty and questionable safety surrounding me, I couldn't have felt more secure and thankful to be standing in a room, shoulder to shoulder, with the 2 people I treasure and trust most in the world.

Prosperity? Puhleez!

By Jamie Stuart

"It's our time!"

"What goes around comes around!"

"I can't wait till we KILL the Patriots!"

Sound familiar Jets fans?  Those were just some of the comments on the message boards after word came out that Pats legend Tom Brady was injured for the season.  I mean, it couldn't have been set up any better for the J..E..T..S.      

                  Brady is out.   Favre is in.  Home opener.  The vultures are circling.  And my words of advice are:  Stop it.  Hold on a minute.  You DO realize what team we're talking about here, right?

                  These are the Jets.  The team that handles prosperity as well as a a vegetarian handles a porterhouse steak.  They tease you enough to make you THINK something special might happen, only to drag your lifeless body over the coals as they lose a 1-point game in the final seconds with a fake punt, fake spike, fake time-out  drive.

                  Let's remember that even WITHOUT Tom Brady, the Patriots have more offensive talent than the Jets.  And let's remember that the Jets haven't beaten the Pats at HOME since Vinny found Wayne in 2000!

                And finally, let's remember way back in 2001, when Mo Lewis knocked out Drew Bledsoe for the season, the Patriots were FORCED to go to an unheralded backup who hadn't started a game in the NFL.  Three Super Bowl titles later, I'd say backup Brady did just ok.

                Don't take this the wrong way, Jets fans.  I want you to scream.  I want you to cheer.  I want you to SMELL the division title starting with a Sunday victory over the Patriots.

               I just also want you to be prepared for the inevitable.  Same old Jets?  I hope not.

 

McCain Or Obama - Ask Latinos!

By Drew Scott

Interested in an advance peak at the November 2nd election?

A lot of political experts are banking on the Latino vote this fall, and there are thousands of new Latinos planning to vote in November on Long Island!

I just covered a rally and news conference in Mineola for nine community organizations including ACORN, The Long Island Alliance for Immigration, and 7 others. They say the fastest growing minority voting block this year is the Hispanic or Latino voter.

Example: On Long Island, 14,500 Latinos became new citizens this past year. There are an estimated 400,000 Latinos living in Nassau and Suffolk and many of them are working toward becoming citizens if they're not already!

Hofstra political science expert Dr. Leslie Feldman tells me she thinks unlike previous years, when Latinos traditionally voted democrat, this year many plan to vote for John McCain and Sarah Palin because of their lenient stand on immigration. Another factor she says, Palin is a Roman Catholic and supports strong family values, something many Latinos can identify with!

So who's got an early track on the November presidential election if it's as close as the experts say it will be? Go ask Latinos!

 

The Biggest Science Experiment...EVER!

By Shari Einhorn

Okay folks...I learned more about physics today in 4 hours than in all of high school and college combined!  My head might actually explode or implode...whichever is worse!

We went to Brookhaven National Lab today to watch a really cool experiment going on in an underground ring 300 feet below the Swiss French border.

Scientists from around the world sent the first beam of protons through a 17 mile racetrack -- officially called a particle accelerator -- in what they hope is the first step toward understanding how the universe was created.

You've heard of the Big Bang theory?  No, not the show that's on CBS.  It's the theory that there was some colossal explosion about a gazillion years ago that began the universe. 

Today was sort of a first step.  But once they get the ball rolling...or protons accelerating...the experiment will eventually involve two proton beams that are fired in opposite directions smashing into each other in a head-on collision.  Scientists are hoping to re-create the conditions that existed a split second after the Big Bang! 

I've spent the day trying to digest all of the science behind it -- but I have to admit it's a little ... no, a lot mind boggling.  We got to watch a recap of the days events via satellite from the lab in Switzerland and that was really interesting!  I'm comparing it to what is like the Superbowl for scientists -- and their team just scored the winning touchdown! 

The folks at BNL were fantastic at explaining things in English (I take offense to the phrase...dumbing it down, because I'm not dumb.  I just majored in English, not physics).

This is what I love about my job...you learn something new everyday.  On Monday I learned about bamboo plants.  On Tuesday it was eminent domain.  And today it was about particle accelerators.  Who knows what it will be next time?

If you want to learn more about what's going on in Switzerland...check out these websites.  I think it's fair to say they'll be a little more detailed than I was! 

European Organization for Nuclear Research

The U.S. at the LHC

Large Hadron Rap

Shari

No more waiting

By Elizabeth Hashagen

Doing Future Files each week, I get to see some really innovative ideas that Long Island companies are working on.

This week we head to Plainview and visit Clever Devices--the company that's leading the way when it comes to technology for transit.

They've started the nation's largest passenger information system--it's in Chicago.

But when I headed to their Plainview offices -- I got to see the bus tracker system in action.

Riders can track their bus in real time from the Internet.

That way they know the actual location and arrival time of the bus.

So if it's raining, just log on and see what the delays are so you know when to go outside.

If you're running late and aren't sure if you can make it, just go right on line and see-- maybe the bus is raining late too.www.ctabustracker.com

It even tells you how full the bus is, so if you have on those dead sexy heels, log on and see which bus will have a seat :)

It may be worth waiting a few minutes for a comfy commute.

The buses have an what's called an "IVN" on board.

 

It's a computer that handles the monitoring of the bus--it counts how many passengers get on and off and predicts the time it will arrive at each point and makes automatic announcements.

Company president Bill Long explains it this way:

"It takes the mystery out of riding public transportation -- you can accurately detect when buses will arrive and you can plan your trip around that."

Clever Devices is the same company that created the Automatic Voice Annunciation System (that's the announcements you hear saying, "Next stop...").

The system is crucial to riders with disabilities & really helpful if you're a tourist!

It's so great to discover all the things being created on Long Island.

Tropical Storm Hanna Recap

By Meteorologist Rich Hoffman

We had our first Tropical storm warning in a few years and it is my job to warn the public about the upcoming weather. A lot of people ask me if its going to be a bad storm. I said, well, everyone has a different opinion on a bad storm. It a tree falls on you car and makes it a pancake, well I think that person may call it a bad storm. It goes the same with a snow storm. We may get only an inch of snow, but if someone gets in a car crash and gets injured, that may be a bad storm to them.

Hanna was a Tropical storm as it made landfall early on September 6th and then quickly moved north. Just like with a snow storm, the track of a tropical is very very important. Closer to the center or eye of the storm, and just to the right are usually the worst part of the storm.

So what happened with Hanna? What is a Tropical Storm?
First, a Tropical Storm is: a strong area of low pressure associated with maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph. It is at this point a tropical cyclone gets a name.

Click on the picture to the left to see a radar loop of the rain that Hanna gave us on Saturday 9-6-08.

On this picture to the left you can see the heavy rain fell just to our west as Hanna moved over Long Island.
Here you can see the track of the storm and it actually moved right over Nassau County.

A few things did happen to prevent Long Island from more damage.
1. The storm took more of the western track. This cut off energy from the Atlantic Ocean, which made Hanna weaker, so we had lower wind amounts compared to the gusts of 60mph forecasted. We had gusts  to 35-47.
2. The storm was moving northeast around 30-35 miles per hour. A storm that fast doesn't allow enough time for heavy rain to fall.
3. We had a Neap tide and the storm came ashore during low tide which cut down on the waves, flooding and beach erosion.

List of Long Island Hurricanes

Long Island Hurricane Activity (BNL)
http://www.bnl.gov/weather/files/Hurricane/LI_hurricanes.htm

Storms passing with 75nm of Montauk Point
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/okx/pdf/montauk1.pdf

LI Hurricane Section from National Weather Service
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/okx/hurricane.html

LI Hurricanes and History
http://www.hurricanes-blizzards-noreasters.com/

Hurricane Archives
http://www.wunderground.com/hurricane/hurrarchive.asp

Tropical Cyclone Tracker
http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/mtr/hurr/hurtrack/index.html

Tropical Cyclone Climatology
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastprofile.shtml

LI Hurricanes and History
http://www.hurricanes-blizzards-noreasters.com/

National Hurricane Center
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov

Long Island Local Tropical Page
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/okx/tropical/

FILE ON LONG ISLAND TROPICAL WEATHER - Download 2008hurricane.doc