A Bird’s Eye View: October 16, 2009

Migrating Hawks Ride the Wind

The sun is up a short while, illuminating the dark brown coat of a grazing whitetail deer that turns to look at three humans coming onto Fire Island. Grasses are shimmering in a stiff breeze that will blow all day across this strip of land with a bay on one side and the ocean on the other. I’m with a small group of observers who will be on a platform watching and recording migrating raptors all day.

Over 60...and Getting Younger: October 16, 2009

‘I Was Scammed!’

“Do not – I repeat, do not” open an email from me asking you to be my friend! It is a scam!

You are all my friends, my readers.

I received an email about 10 days ago from a lovely lady in my writing group. She is a kind and wonderful person and she asked me to be her friend. Not wanting to insult her, I followed all the questions until the end. Suddenly, at the end, I saw my entire address book printed out in a long column. I suspected nothing, and then it struck.

Over 60...and Getting Younger: October 9, 2009

Ode to the King of Naked Reverse

Stanley Greenberg may be your favorite columnist, but he’s our father and in honor of his 75th birthday we are giving him the week off. Don’t worry, he’ll be back next week. In the meantime, allow us to introduce you to the Stanley Greenberg you may not know…the Joe Montana of Marshall Lane.

Adam Greenberg: When we were growing up in Westbury – and it was not that long ago - there was a period after school and before dinner, when all the kids in the neighborhood would actually play sports in the street. Nowadays kids are shuttled off to some officially sanctioned football or soccer practice on a nightly basis. I’m not sure what happened, but I rarely see kids gather by themselves for a football game in the street anymore. Organic foods, yes. Organic football games, no.

From the Desk of Senator Kemp Hannon: October 2, 2009

Health Fair in Your Backyard

Senator Kemp Hannon is sponsoring his eighth annual Health Fair and Awareness Day on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the David S. Mack Sports Complex at Hofstra University in Uniondale on the north side of campus.

Flu shots, various health screenings and the health information you want to know will all be available as over 90 health providers and health specialists gather at one venue to address your every concern.

Over 60...and Getting Younger: October 2, 2009

The Necessary Unpleasantries of Life

There are daily, minor annoyances that we face as citizens of the world. Some people do not mind them but others revel in them. Examples:

Fasting – Not eating for 24 hours does not seriously affect dieters. “It cleans out your system!” they say. It is an exercise in self-denial. But most individuals love their toasted bagel (and a schmear) and coffee every morning. Feeling holy and repentant is another by-product of fasting. The gnawing, empty sensation tests our ability to persevere but still we carry on. The breaking of a fast is a magical experience. “I did it!” are the words of accomplishment.

From the Desk of Senator Kemp Hannon: September 25, 2009

Hannon: We Hope for the Best, But We Need to Be Prepared

Following the 8th anniversary of the tragic 9/11 attacks, Senator Kemp Hannon encourages Long Islanders to review important terrorism safety precautions.

“We hope for the best, but we need to be prepared for the worst,” Senator Hannon said. “The grievous September 11th attacks have demonstrated the crucial importance of planning ahead for disasters and being informed.”

Over 60...and Getting Younger: September 25, 2009

Propaganda!

What do you know about propaganda? I have always been intrigued by this question.

Propaganda is not necessarily a lie, but it does have by definition an element of deception. A propagandist seeks to change the way people understand an issue for the purpose of changing their actions in a way that is beneficial to the propagandist. He wants change through trickery instead of information.

Letter: McMillan Column a Compilation of Distortion and Innuendo

I generally enjoy reading Robert McMillan’s column, although I occasionally disagree with him. The column in the Aug. 21 issue of the Syosset-Jericho Tribune, however, was such a compilation of distortion and innuendo that I find that I must comment. I am not a health care expert, but, I listen to experts and I read the papers. I would encourage everyone to do the same and form their own opinions based on facts and not on prejudices. One of my sources is The New York Times which in an Aug. 23 editorial refutes or corrects much of what Mr. McMillan has written.

Over 60...and Getting Younger: September 18, 2009

Memory Pro and Con

I have always had a prodigious memory!

Sometimes it has been a boon and occasionally it has caused me embarrassment. I would never have been able to write this column “Over 60 and Getting Younger” for over 11 years without the aid of a huge recollection factor.

A Bird’s Eye View: September 11, 2009

‘Duckies’ Set for Championship Run

Nassau County’s entry in the All-Avian Football League (the AAFL), the Not So Mighty Ducks, affectionately known as the “Duckies,” is set for a run at the league’s championship this season. While high flying offenses put fans in the stands, rock ribbed defenses win titles. The Ducks have spent the off-season revamping their defense whose first priority is to stop the run. The passing game, while always dangerous, is secondary because in northeastern winter’s cold, balls are sometimes dropped by frozen feathered “fingers.” Here position by position is the unit that hopes to compete in the league’s championship game, the Feather Bowl, to be played this year at Stillwell Woods in Syosset.