Blogs 12 Long Island

Keep it Clean

by Scott Feldman

It looks like we're going to have a cold, snowy winter. We got another blast of snow last night. And on the way to work this morning there were a lot of cars that were still covered in snow. No, not just the hood or trunk, but the WINDOWS. I was behind a van with the entire back window covered. Where they depending on the side view mirrors to see what was around them? Hoping for the best? Or the sun to melt the snow away? Please, KEEP IT CLEAN. For your sake, mine and every other driver on the road.

We're Saving not Spending

by Scott Feldman

Never mind a snowy Tuesday morning on the Island. The Bethpage Federal Credit Union on S. Oyster Bay Rd. was hopping. Long Islanders lined up to make deposits. Yes, they were putting money in their accounts, not taking it out. That activity comes as a new government report shows consumers slashed spending for an unprecedented sixth straight month in December. The personal savings rate rose to 3.6 percent in December. That was nearly three times the savings rate for all of 2007 and far above the seven-decade low for savings hit in 2004, a year buoyed by a booming housing market. Kirk Kordeleski, the CEO of BFCU, tells me the credit union took in 40 million dollars last month for savings accounts. He says the number of people opening credit card accounts is down. But they've seen record business in mortgage refinances. They used to do 150 applications in a month, six months ago. But, in just one week alone they did 250 applications. As for people saving more, Anthony Cuccia, a retired window cleaner on social security, says he puts his food on a credit card, but there is no extra spending. Same story from Salome Claveria. She's widowed and on social security and a small pension. She tells me she goes to the movies less, and she no longer goes once a week to a restaurant. It's pretty much the story for young families. Kris and Christine Corey from Bayville have two young sons. Kris says vacations are a thing of the past. The Bahamas, Florida, just too expensive. Same thing for dining out. So, a steep cutback in consumer spending, the economy's key driver, can only mean continued trouble for struggling retailers, homebuilders and automakers. It remains to be seen just how much the proposed massive economic stimulus program that the Obama administration is lobbying Congress to quickly pass will turn things around. Some economists are predicting the recession will last until late 2009. The slump is already the longest in a quarter-century. So, if it lasts into the summer, it would be the longest downturn since World War II.  

Michael Phelps in Hot Water!

By Jackie Lukas

First off - are there any role model athletes out there anymore?

 As you may have heard by now - Olympic swimming sensation Michael Phelps got caught smoking marijuana. There's a lovely picture recently posted in a British tabloid of him inhaling from a bong! How nice.

After the photo surfaced, Phelps apologized for his "bad judgment" and said:

"I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again."

But let's keep in mind that this isn't the first time Phelpsy has had to apologize for doing something illegal and stupid. When he was an underage 19 year old, he was arrested for drunk driving! He pleaded guilty, apologized and said he wouldn't make the same mistake again. How many times does this guy get to say he's sorry?

I get that he's some sort of pool shark - winning a record 8 gold medals in Beijing - and a total of 14 gold medals in his Olympic career. Good for him. But as a role model for kids? I think not! I remember a couple months ago, Phelps came to Adelphi University and talked for an hour about his journey to become a star Olympian. Hundreds of kids watched in awe - as Phelps spoke about his work ethic and dedication as a swimmer. I don't remember ever hearing about his fondness for smoking pot!? I guess he forgot to tell the youngsters that part.   

I know that there are lots of people out there that have smoked marijuana. But this guy has more than 100 million dollars in sponsors! He represents our country as an athlete - and has tons of kids who look up to him. He should know better than that! If you ask me, Phelps' endorsements should quickly go up in smoke.                                                   

                                                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                                

44 more days...

By Elisa DiStefano

... until spring is officially here!

Will we have 6 more weeks of winter weather? There seems to be a bit of a debate. According to Holtsville Hal--yes, more winter weather on the way! Hal saw his shadow!  But Malverne Mel says no. I am routing for Mel, but Rich Hoffman says that there is no way that Mel did NOT see his shadow. Then again, Rich likes winter and snow.:-)

Personally, I am ready for spring--and summer! I used to love the snow--and snow days. Now, I dread driving on slippery un-plowed roads in the wee hours of the morning (or what most consider the middle of the night!). 

I got a taste of summer in the Florida Keys this weekend. It was so nice not to have to worry about wearing a coat! It's funny--I ran into a group of Long Island fisherman (Long Islanders are everywhere!) who also could not wait to get out on our water!
I was so happy to go kayaking and sit on the beach--while dreaming of summer here on our island! The highlight of my trip was hanging out with dolphin! They were so adorable. I have never been that close to them before. They are really beautiful-- and funny!
It inspired me to take a trip to Atlantis Marine World and visit some of our wonderful Long Island otters and seals!

While I was away I picked up a great book--Jack Canfield's Key to Living the Law of Attraction. If you are into positive thinking--I think you will be inspired by this book.

My friend Bobbie also just introduced me to a really great Long Islander, Tony d'Mattia. He is a musician who writes and performs really positive, inspirational songs. He is inspirational too- he performs for physically challenged children. Check him out! I love this song called "This is It" based on "The Secret".

Final Salute

By Virginia Huie

A fallen hero was laid to rest today. 29-year-old Specialist Jonathan Keller of Wading River -- remembered as a man of honor, a beloved son, brother and friend to many. Specialist Keller was critically wounded in a fierce firefight with the Taliban in Afghanistan. After nine months at Fort Bragg and multiple surgeries, he died of his injuries -- leaving his comrades at the Fighting 69th with heavy hearts and bittersweet memories. His friend, Specialist Ethan Garren, had tears in his eyes as he remembered Keller's sense of humor. Specialist Garren says, " It could be the worst of times, but he could make me laugh. Just one thing I loved about him, never a bad day with him. It was always fun." Keller's team leader, Specialist Jason Hwang of Bethpage, says Keller was a warrior to the end. Specialist Hwang was with Keller when he was shot. "To do what we do, what he did, takes a lot of courage." Since the war began, I have covered at least a dozen funerals of servicemen. It never gets any easier. The sorrow is palpable in the silent salutes, the wail of the bagpipes, the grief in the faces of family and friends. What I've learned from meeting the family and comrades of the fallen is the depth of their devotion to this country and their families. And I am inspired by the grace and dignity of the families left behind.

Working Outside in 20 degree Weather....& Thankful for it.

By Christine Insinga

   A good 4 days out the week, during our 5 o'clock newscast, you'll find me out in the thick of it...rain, hail, sleet, snow...etc.  I am thankful.  Mostly this winter, though, it's just been BITTERLY cold! But I am thankful.  No, I'm not a 'cold weather person' - unlike our Assignment Editor Ken who gets downright GIDDY whenever the mercury dips below 30.  Nope NOOO way!  I'm a summer girl through and through.  Still I slap on the layers of Under Armor, socks and boots.  I'll brave the elements and at the end of the day, still I am thankful.

    Last weekend I had the honor of emceeing an event called, "Rockin' for the Homeless." More than 400 people packed The Polish Hall in Riverhead, on that frigid Saturday night for the fundraiser benefiting Maureen's Haven.  The work they do is phenomenal.  Every night, from November until April they provide temporary shelter and food to the estimated 500 homeless on Long Island's East End.   Let me repeat that...they estimate 500 HOMELESS just on the EAST END.  Of course they're not the only organization to aid in this effort.

    For a donation of $25, guests feasted on kielbasa and sauerkraut, soda, beer and wine.  Not to mention the chance to rock out to 3 great Long Island bands:  Who Are Those Guys (yes, that's their name); Misspent Youth and The Mulligans (sorry I couldn't find a link for these guys). There was a Chinese Auction and your fill ofdoor and raffle prizes!

  It truly was a great night and the generosity was just tremendous.  Tom Gahan, the event organizer just informed me that they raised more than $11,000, exceeding their goal!!

   I was thankful this afternoon while it hovered around 30 degrees, as I walked the streets of Hicksville, interviewing people for my story  (Incidently- the story was about Health Insurance & the Uninsured).   I am thankful because I HAVE all those layers of Under Amor and socks and boots to put on.  No, I may not be thrilled to stand outside as Old Man Winter whips me around...but I will always be thankful.  Thankful that at the end of the day I have a hat for my head, shoes for my feet, a bed of my own and opportunities to help those who do not.  {##}

The Marriage Preservation Act?

By Mary Mucci

Can there be any doubt that a divorce is so stressful, both parties suffer serious health consequences? Sometimes the loss of sleep and high levels of stress hormones are obvious.  People gain weight and suffer anxiety and/or depression.  The anger and resentment that divorce creates is particularly detrimental to heart function, but negative emotions can lead to a whole host of diseases.  That’s because there is an emotional component to every illness. No one really wins in an acrimonious divorce--everyone loses.

Thanks to the lobbying by relationship therapist Ronnie Sonnenberg, the New York State legislature may soon consider a marriage preservation bill.  The idea would be to educate couples about gender differences before they tie the knot.  The bill has no mandates.  The counseling is merely an option that the state tries to encourage by forgiving the marriage license fee.   A few hours for a better relationship. Seems like a good idea.

If you’d like to learn more, contact Assemblyman Rob Walker of Hicksville .  He is at 516 937 3571 or 518 455 4684.  Ronnie Sonnenberg of  Commack can be reached at 631 543 3797. 

To Your Health,

Mary Mucci

Contacts:

 Assemblyman Rob Walker of Hicksville : 516 937 3571 or 518 455 4684

 Ronnie Sonnenberg , Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Relationship Whisperers :  www.relationshipwhisperers.com  Commack : 631 543 3797