Not So Humble Opinion: June 20, 2012

Making Peace With Bad TV

There’s a show on the Food Network where pastry chefs compete for the title of “Sweet Genius.” Sweet Genius, hosted by cake maestro Ron Ben-Israel, challenges the chefs to make desserts with unusual ingredients like cactus, aloe vera, hot sauce and even baby formula. Nine times out of ten, the chefs try to hide the weird ingredients in some kind of batter or frosting, thinking they’ve beat the system, only to be devastated when Chef Ron says—with absolute, deadly seriousness—“I can’t taste the cactus in your cake….”

It’s incredibly silly and maybe even stupid, but I’m hooked: I love the show, and I even love watching Chef Ron stretch the concept of campiness to previously unheard of levels. It wasn’t always thus.

Covering All Bases: June 20, 2012

Four-Legged But Still An Inspiration

Can we really draw inspiration from a racehorse? In the movie Seabiscuit, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, many people identified with the horse, who had been given up on by many, yet overcame his doubters to rise to the top. Those struggling through the Great Depression felt a connection with the underdog. After Union Rags victory in the Belmont Stakes on June 9, I feel that this colt could be the inspiration for today’s generation.

I didn’t wager on Union Rags in the Belmont. He did carry my hopes and dreams, as well as my two dollars, in the Kentucky Derby but finished a very disappointing seventh. So, when it came to choose a runner to back in the Belmont, my support went to Dullahan. And although I am quite disappointed by Dullahan’s effort in the Belmont, there is still something about Union Rags’ story, and perhaps how he got there that we can find hope in.

Letter: Good Nutrition Program At The Senior Center

I am a member of the Glen Cove Senior Center and would like to share my thoughts on our wonderful nutrition program. We always have a choice of a hot or cold tasty lunch served by friendly staff and generous volunteers. The variety of food and cultures that are incorporated into the program make it a very colorful and enjoyable experience. The nutritious meals have helped lower my blood pressure and cholesterol. In addition, my weight is under control and I am confident that I have the proper nutrients I need to keep me healthy. After having lunch at the center, I no longer need to eat between meals. But just as importantly, I love the opportunity to socialize with friends.

From the desk of Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton: June 14, 2012

Fighting For Lives

Nassau County’s police and District Attorney Kathleen Rice have recently shifted their anti-drug efforts to focus on prescription drug abuse. This fast-growing epidemic threatens the health… and lives of many of our county’s residents, especially our youth. It also breeds heinous crimes like the Medford shooting.

I’d like to recognize the Long Islanders who traveled to Albany this week to speak to our New York State lawmakers, calling for legislation aimed at stopping prescription drug abuse. I applaud our local citizens for taking this initiative.

Letter: What Happened To The National Anthem?

I attended this year’s Glen Cove Memorial Day commemorative ceremony and parade and I must publicly ask the following question since it relates to a public event. Why wasn’t the national anthem of our great nation sung at Monument Park? And who decided that the national anthem would not be included along with the two songs that we did hear: “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America?”

Letter: Coverage Of Sgt. Colwell

I thank editor Jill Nossa and the Record Pilot for their wonderful article in the May 24 edition concerning William Kevin Colwell, a born and raised Glen Cover and a Vietnam War POW/MIA whose remains had been located along with his fellow crew members.

Recognizing William and the families of so many POW/MIAs provide them with a great deal of comfort and support. Being sensitive to and more educated on the POW/MIA issue will help future generations of American soldiers who may find themselves in the hands of the enemy know they will never be forgotten. Many families across our nation live with the fact that their loved ones are not among them, still serving their country, fate unknown far away.

Letter: Sewer Remediation Needed

(County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton sent this letter to County Executive Edward Mangano and to the Record Pilot for publication.)

I am formally requesting that Nassau County undertake a pressing environmental effort in Glen Cove. We need to connect roughly 75 homes around Crescent Beach to our county sewer system. Much like the situation that was remediated for the Birches community in Locust Valley recently, the Crescent Beach community – along with all residents of the entire greater Hempstead Harbor area - would benefit from the action that I am recommending.

Letter: Planned Parenthood Committed To Providing Women’s Health Services

Doctors and public health experts agree that birth control is a basic and essential component of women’s preventive health care. Following the medical community’s recommendation, the Obama administration mandated that employers provide health insurance, including birth control, for its employees. An exception for religious organizations was made, exempting them from providing birth control coverage, subsidizing the cost of birth control, or referring for birth control. Employees of these organizations were ensured access by requiring the employer’s health plan to provide birth control coverage directly to these women free-of-charge.

From the Desk of The Nassau County Executive: May 24, 2012

This Coming Weekend In Nassau County

I am so very proud of our parks system and all we have to offer in our great county. This summer we have an action packed line up of quality entertainment and the best part is that most events are free for Nassau County residents.

My efforts to create tourism, coupled with the immense support from local business sponsors, makes it possible to bring top notch events like the TD Bank fireworks spectacular to you at no charge.

From The Desk Of Assemblyman Charles Lavine: May 24, 2012

Remember Fallen Soldiers On Memorial Day

On May 28, Memorial Day, we are given a chance to honor our nation’s fallen heroes and reflect on their bravery in making the ultimate sacrifice to safeguard our freedom. This year, as we remember those who have died in America’s wars throughout our history, we can also commemorate the end of the Iraq War and honor the memories of the thousands of brave men and women who were killed in action.

In December, the Iraq War officially ended. From the time the war began in March 2003, to when it ended in December 2011, more than one million troops fought overseas. More than 4,500 American troops were killed and an additional 30,000 were wounded. As President Obama said, the remaining troops left “with their heads held high, proud of their success, and knowing that the American people stand united in our support for our troops.” This year, especially, we remember all those who lost their lives in Iraq.