Editorial: Officially Replaced
Written by Cory Twibell Friday, 05 October 2012 00:00
What will forever be remembered as the symbol of the replacement official saga in the National Football League is the image of two referees standing in the end zone over a crowd of Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks – and both men in stripes are signaling different calls.
The real loser wasn’t Green Bay – who were given a raw deal following a series of questionable calls and non-calls on Seattle’s final drive – but the replacement officials themselves. The abuse directed toward these men, who are likely just middle-class workers and diehard football fans just like the rest of us, was, pun intended, uncalled for.
The replacement refs stepped in to make sure football was delivered to its fans. The replacement refs threw themselves into unfamiliar environments under the highest stress level possible with coworkers they likely never met before in order for the season to start on time. How are they at fault?
Clearly, the referees were overmatched and underprepared for professional football. That much was obvious throughout the NFL’s first three weeks. The history books may include an asterisk to include the fact that regular referees didn’t step in until week four, who knows? What we do know is that football returned on schedule and yes, replacement refs we should be thanking for that.
— C.T.
News
Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00
In what is hoped to be a step forward for the Westbury School District’s ongoing search for a superintendent, the board of education voted to terminate its contract with search firm Hazard, Young, Attea. However, questions still remain. Will the board continue the search with another firm? Will the board conduct the search themselves? Will it consider current Interim Superintendent Mary Lagnado for the position? And of course, how long will the process take before a permanent superintendent is named?
Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00
The Westbury Board of Trustees has decided to grant Avanti a special use cabaret permit for a probationary six months.
The club had its permit rescinded six weeks ago after being in violation of several conditions, including noise and not reporting police activity. It now is required to operate under stricter conditions, including revised operating hours (they can be open until1 a.m. Sunday to
Wednesday and until 2 am. Thursday to Saturday) and having to keep a log book of any police activity. Much of the debate over Avanti had to do with an advertisement that promoted an event of a sexual nature. Club owner Barry Ceriano insisted that nothing of such a nature happened at Avanti and he was unaware of the ads, however the mayor said that the advertisement itself was in violation of the club’s permit and that the owner was responsible for all events that went on in his club. In that strain, the new permit includes a condition that says “applicant shall be responsible for any and all activities or events occurring at the premises. In the event that the applicant uses or engages the service of a booking agent, event planner, promoter…applicant shall use a written contract…and shall remain responsible and liable for any and all violations of the permit.” The following condition also says “any advertisement…of any event at the Premises, that advertises or promotes an event that would be a violation of this Permit and conditions, is itself a violation.”
Sports
Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00
Carle Place softball avenges semi-final loss to Locust Valley
Avenging the previous day’s loss and moving themselves one step closer to a possible county title, the Carle Place Frogs Softball team beat out the Locust Valley Falcons Wednesday, May 15 in a game two rematch for the Nassau County Class B Semi-Final, 12-3.
Friday, 17 May 2013 00:00
Westbury Okinawan Karate recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary of coming to the Westbury Recreation Center. Since then, the dojo has trained 250 students, ages six and up, in the art of karate with the style of traditional Okinawan ShorinRyu Shidokan.
Founded by sensei John Power, the classes seek to instill the confidence and strength needed to obtain success in everyday life.
“A lot of kids are lacking confidence,” said Power. “We let them practice leadership in the class and this contributes to their confidence.
Calendar
Kevin James At NYCB - May 30
Car Show And Wash - June 1
The Price Is Right - June 2
Columns
Building Better Legislators
Written by Michael A. Miller, Millercolumn@optimum.net
Quietly Vindicated
Written by Mike Barry, MFBarry@optonline.net
Health Insurance Crisis Still Here
Written by Michael A. Miller, Millercolumn@optimum.net
