Letter: In Favor of Zero Tolerance Distracted Driving Law

I’m glad that a new “law” has renamed a bridge in honor of police officer Michael J. Califano, but a law that would honor him even more (by saving lives) and better “ensure that his legacy or service and heroism will always be remembered” would be one that guaranteed that anyone found guilty of being asleep at the wheel (as his “killer” probably will be), or driving drunk, or texting-while-driving, will lose their driver’s license for life.

Over 60 ... And Getting Younger: November 23, 2011

On The Road

While traveling, I have been surprised at the variety of experiences that have opened for Lorraine and me.

Last Saturday evening, after a babysitting job, we arrived at Penn Station at 9:48 p.m. We scooted to take the 9:51 p.m. to Hicksville on the LIRR. We caught the only seats available, a foursome – two seats facing forward, and two seats riding backwards. Not my favorite seats, but when you just make the train, you do not have your pick of seating.

From the Desk of The Nassau County Executive: November 23, 2011

Combining Quality Bus Service With Fiscal Responsibility

Last spring, when the MTA threatened to eliminate more than half of the Long Island Bus routes, lay off hundreds of employees and hit our taxpayers with another $26 million in subsidy payments – I joined thousands of outraged taxpayers in saying, “Enough is enough!”

On January 1, 2012, Nassau County will make history when we take control of our own buses, turning Long Island Bus into the NICE Bus - Nassau Inter-County Express. This marks a new era of efficient bus service for riders and lower costs for taxpayers. Residents will save $32.4 million annually.

Over 60 ... And Getting Younger: November 17, 2011

Versus!

I was attending a lecture by Leon Uris at the 92nd Street YMHA years ago when he startled me. Uris, the author, was complaining that Otto Preminger, the director of the highly praised film Exodus, had ruined his image of the book.

I was completely shocked because I truly enjoyed the renowned movie with Paul Newman, Sal Mineo and Eva Marie Saint. Uris said that it did not represent his concept of what he was thinking when he penned the momentous novel.

From Long Island Wins: November 17, 2011

One Set of Facts, One Unavoidable Conclusion

In any debate, it’s said, each party is entitled to its own opinion. But not its own set of facts.

That’s why it’s so exciting that there’s been yet another important step in establishing a single set of facts about the contributions of immigrants to Long Island.

The Fiscal Policy Institute is out with a new study titled New Americans on Long Island, a Vital Sixth of the Economy. And while the whole thing is worth reading – it’s posted on the Long Island Wins website - we’ll skip to the good parts: the report finds that immigrants make up 16 percent of Long Island’s population and 17 percent of its economic output.

Over 60 ... And Getting Younger

The Paths Not Taken

When I was a teenager I was positive that I would someday be a writer in Hollywood. I fantasized that I would write scripts that would be Oscar-nominees that the world would view on the silver screen. It never quite happened.

I went to City College of New York and in my coursework I did very well in German Studies. When I told my mother I intended to become a teacher of German, she was shocked. Her immediate answer was “No”, and that took care of that career.

A Bird’s Eye View: November 10, 2011

When Leaves Fall, Starlings Flock

On a mid-November morning long puddles line a curb on an uphill street in Woodbury. They are filled with red and yellow leaves looking like summer garlands. Woodbury Road is choked with leaves that my sneakers push out of the way with a whooshing sound. It’s as if a tickertape parade has gone by and autumn’s pageant is winding down.

High on one of the tall, bare trees that line the street is the unmistakable form of a hawk. As I get closer the raptor turns in my direction. It’s a red-tailed hawk and judging by the large size, probably a female. I’d like a closer look but have, as usual, forgotten to bring binoculars despite reminding myself to do so when I go for a walk.

Over 60 ... And Getting Younger: November 3, 2011

What Is Really, Truly, Important?

I have just returned from a memorial celebration for my niece, Marla Silver. Marla died at age 48 after a yearlong bout with esophageal cancer. It was a tough fight, but at the end, the cancer was the victor.

The memorial celebration was held on Oct. 29 at the London Grove Friends Meeting House in Pennsylvania. I had never been to a Quaker Meeting House before. The benches were of unvarnished wood, but the service was direct and sincere. Actually, Marla herself planned the entire program, although she did not plan the weather: huge snowflakes covered the trees and the ground.

Liver Lines: November 3, 2011

I must say that the newly approved hepatitis C treatments have been a pleasant surprise. In May of this year, the FDA approved two new combination therapies for patients with hepatitis C. These therapies are a combination of two older medications, pegylated interferon and ribavirin and a new pill class of medications called a protease inhibitor. The two new protease inhibitors are named boceprevir and telaprevir. These new medications are pills, which a patient must take every eight hours for a time period ranging from three months to 44 weeks.

Over 60 ... And Getting Younger: October 27, 2011

The Retirement Years

When I retired from dentistry on November 4, 1994 (but who’s counting?) I was positive that some whiz-bang American company would pick me up and hire me for a position that I would enjoy.

Here it is, 17 years later, and that wonderful offer has not shown up yet. After all, I consider myself talented and interesting and I ran a successful dental practice for 48 years. What is the matter with these tycoons and industrialists?