Volume 5 Issue 07

Sheepshead Bay • Brighton Beach • Marine Park • Manhattan Beach • Coney Island • Flatlands • Gerritsen Beach • Mill Basin • Bergen Beach

Highlighting the Best Neighborhoods in Brooklyn

Vol. 5, No. 7, January 13 - 26, 2009

The Visually Impaired:

Yes they can Page 4

Remembering Martin Luther King I.D. thieves target seniors Cyclones in the New Year Bullies are not brave More than just boxing Great websites Pier Pressure

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Member of the New York Press Association David J. Glenn Publisher Suzanne H. Glenn Editor Rachel Berger Art Director Patrick Hickey Jr. Sports Editor

Writers I. Friedin Gisele Strauch Kerry Donelli Jacqueline Donelli Contributors Matt Lassen Yitzchak Relkin

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Publisher’s Notebook The final frontier Picture this: Saturday Night Live runs a skit with an Obama impersonator shining someone’s shoes while eating a watermelon and repeating, “Yassir, yassir.”

The public outcry would be swift and strong. The NBC switchboard would light up with complaints. Corporations would pull their advertising from SNL. NBC would promptly apologize and fire the skit writers.

Now picture this: SNL runs a skit with a Gov. Paterson impersonator bumping into walls and holding a chart upside down. He acts disoriented and stupid.

There’s a quiet protest from advocates for the blind. NBC says it did nothing wrong.

You don’t have to use your imagination for this one. The final SNL episode of 2008 featured the routine in its “Weekend Edition” segment. Hardly anyone said a word.

NBC defended the skit as “satire.”

Amid all the battles against racial, ethnic, sexual, and religious

discrimination, visual disorders have been left out, even among other disabilities.

It seems inexplicable, but perhaps it’s not. Baby-boomers grew up watching Mr. Magoo – Oh, look how he hilariously crashes into walls and falls down steps! Or all the “Revenge of the Nerds’-type movies of the ‘70s and ‘80s – they’re so goofy with those

January 13 - 26, 2009

thick glasses!

You would think that the ascent of a legally blind person to the governorship of New York would do something to ease the subtle and not-so-subtle ridicule of the blind and nearly blind. But judging from the general reaction – actually, the lack of reaction – to SNL’s infantile depiction of visual impairment, this doesn’t seem to be the case. We can only hope that, as we describe in our cover story, advocates continue to show employers – and society – that the blind and visually impaired are just as valuable and capable as anyone else.

Visual disability remains the final frontier in the battle for human rights and dignity.

Even if the producers of SNL can’t see it.

Visit us at: www.BayCurrents.net

Letters to the Editor It meant the world to them

My husband and I want to express how much we like the Senior Currents page, as well as the whole paper. My mom, 92, and my dad, 95, have enjoyed one or more of the centers you mentioned in the article. You know, once you begin to lose close friends and acquaintances, it means the world to the elderly to be able to meet new friends.

Cheryl Gerlan Midwood

Where do I sign up?

Please tell me how I can volunteer for the B’nai Raphael Chesed food pantry (Vol. 5, No. 6). I had no idea there was such a needed facility in the neighborhood.

Cheryl Katz Sheepshead Bay You can reach the Chesed store at 917-861-7282, or drop by at 2917 Avenue K, off Nostrand Avenue.

Kudos for the DOT

I applaud the positive response from the New York City Department of Transportation in regard to alleviating several traffic safety concerns of my constituents.

Although many City agencies are facing severe budget cuts because of the economic hardship that has plagued our city, it is still critical that these agencies perform their duties to the fullest extent, especially with regard to issues relating to the safety and security of the people of New York City.

The DOT has approved my request for 4-way stop

signs to be placed at Avenue Y and East 22nd Street. The installation was completed in December 2008.

DOT has also completed its investigation of the locations of the existing ceramic planters on the raised center malls on Oriental Boulevard in Manhattan Beach. DOT has found that the current placement of the planters is not appropriate because it severely limits sight distance for vehicles turning at each intersection. The agency recommends that they be relocated to a distance of 35 feet from the intersection.

DOT also has agreed to modify the traffic control device at Avenue N and Coney Island Avenue, to alleviate the confusion many pedestrians face when attempting to cross this street.

And, DOT has agreed to install a traffic signal at the intersection of Neptune Avenue and East 11th Street.

Currently, there is only a stop sign at this intersection and several accidents have occurred when drivers attempt to make left turns onto Neptune Avenue from East 11th Street. The traffic signal will serve to control the heavy flow of eastbound traffic on Neptune Avenue allowing turns to be made safely. Installation is tentatively scheduled to be completed by April 30, 2009.

Although an analysis by DOT of the intersection of East 21st Street and Voorhies Avenue did not necessitate the need for a traffic signal, orders have been issued to install a “Keep Intersection Clear” sign on Voorhies Avenue, which will allow motorists to safely exit East 21st Street.

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Cover Story

Help for the blind clearly in sight

By David J. Glenn Publisher The current economy has been devastating to many residents of the Bay area and across the rest of the city, state, and nation, but one group of people didn’t have to wait for a recession to feel the pangs of unemployment.

We’re referring to the blind, legally blind, or otherwise severely visually impaired. This is not to ignore people with other disabilities, but, as evidenced by a recent Saturday Night Live skit mocking Gov. David Paterson -not for anything he’s done as governor, but simply because he’s legally blind – people with visual disabilities face a particularly harsh, and curiously more accepted, type of discrimination.

In the past year, the state Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped, a division of the Office of Children and Family Services, reports placing more than 400 legally blind adults in an array of different fields,

including law, social work, teaching, financial consulting, family mediation, radio, youth services, physical therapy, counseling, retail, food services, banking and research. Of the total, 115 were placed in the five boroughs of the city.

Michael Godino, a board member of the New York Vision Rehabilitation Association, was assisted by the commission’s employment program. “It’s not surprising to me that the number of people placed in competitive jobs is increasing each year” through the program, he said.

Michele, a 45-year-old Bay resident who is legally blind in one eye and has low vision in the other, said she is looking to the program to find a decent-paying job. “I’m very good at the computer,” she said, “but many employers don’t think I could handle the work. They think I should just sell pencils from a tin cup on the corner.”

“When only about 37 percent of individuals with disabilities are employed in this country, it is incumbent upon the leaders of our state and nation to ensure that

the disabled community is provided full opportunity to contribute in a supportive environment free of discrimination,” said. Paterson. “Our work to confront this problem is only beginning, but I am pleased with the growing recognition that individuals with disabilities have the potential to contribute great things to our society. And with New York facing an economic crisis, it is critical that we give those opportunities to all capable individuals.”

Besides helping with job training and placement, the commission assists the visually impaired with the tasks of everyday living taken for granted by the sighted.

The commission also offers services to children who are legally blind, including working with parents, helping to get scholarships, helping them to learn independence. The programs include after-school and summer-camp activities.

More information is available at 866-871-3000, and on the agency website at www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/cbvh.

What is legal blindness?

The Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped defines legal blindness as: A visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better or stronger eye with best correction, or A restricted field of vision of 20 degrees or less in the better or stronger eye.

The commission states on its website: “If you are severely visually impaired but not legally blind, you may qualify for job save services. If you are unsure if you are legally blind or whether you would qualify for job save services, CBVH can assist you in determining eligibility.”

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Senior Currents Seniors are prime targets for identity thieves Every year, millions of people nationwide, including hundreds of thousands in New York City, become victims of identity theft –someone getting hold of their credit card, checking account, or Social Security number and going on a shopping spree.

“Seniors are especially vulnerable to identity theft, says state Senator Carl Kruger, who is pushing for stiffer penalties for identity thieves who target the elderly. “This is due in part to health problems, isolation, and in some measure to their alienation from the technological and informational flow with which personal financial reports

are inextricably linked.”

Kruger’s proposed law would make it a Class D felony to obtain goods, money, property or services, or use the credit, in the name of a person 65 or older, or who in this way causes financial loss to someone 65 or older.

Currently, identity theft is divided into three degrees, with no aggravating factors based on the age of a victim.

“Thieves also target seniors because they tend to be more financially solvent than younger groups, and are often more apt, through action or inaction, to reveal personally identifiable information,” Kruger said.

Renovation at Kings Bay Senior Center The Kings Bay Kings Senior Center at 3643 Nostrand Ave. last month unveiled its newly renovated Activity Rooms and restrooms.

Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein, who secured $40,000 in state funds for the renovation, joined in a tour of the new rooms.

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Adding to the problem is the fact that most seniors are not accustomed to using the Internet to regularly check their credit card or checking accounts, and they may not realize until much later that they’ve been victimized. Since they haven’t reported any loss, it might be very difficult to retrieve anything.

Senior advocates encourage the elderly to arrange with their banks to be informed if there is unusual activity in their accounts. If their bank won’t do this, they should switch to a bank that will. seniors@baycurrents.net

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Bay Currents Advertorial

Local trainer gives new meaning to boxing Ilya Mesishchev, who holds national and international certificates in amateur boxing, wants you to know that no matter how young or old you are, no matter what your personality, you can benefit from boxing.

“It’s about fitness, discipline, physical stamina,” said the 33-year old trainer and fitness consultant.

Mesishchev, whose certificates include one from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, offers one-on-one and small-group classes at two locations in the Bay area – 1515 Sheepshead Bay Road (near the Q/B subway station) and 2653 Coney Island Ave. (at Avenue X).

“We don’t offer a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all type of program that the chain fitness clubs do,” he said.

“Instead of the customer having to adapt to the program, we adapt the program to the customer.”

His classes are not only a good way to burn off the extra weight that many may have put on over the holidays,

but also “will help you in all-around fitness and better self-confidence,” Mesishchev said. His programs are a particularly good outlet for teenagers after school. “It’s certainly better than just hanging out on the street or watching TV,” he said.

Women are just as welcome as men -- Mesishchev can even design programs for mothers and small children to work out together.

The individual instruction is particularly appealing, especially to beginners, since “there is no one else in the gym at the time. You have all the modern exercise equipment to yourself,” he said.

Mesishchev, who started his classes just a few weeks ago, already has 30 members “and counting.”

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Pothole Central

A day after being rushed to safety from a missile attack in Gaza, Mayor Bloomberg picked the intersection of Jerome Avenue and Avenue Z on Jan. 5 to don a Department of Transportation vest and take up a shovel to signal the start of the DOT’s pothole-filling campaign.

Why there? Because, he said, the Bay area has the highest number of potholes in Brooklyn. In the past year, 1,055 potholes were filled in the area of Community Board 15, which includes Sheepshead Bay, the DOT said.

“We are in the midst of a citywide winter pothole blitz because our roadways are more than just traffic corridors,

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they are quality-of-life indicators,” Bloomberg said as he and DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan filled a pothole at the intersection, off of Ocean Avenue.

Reporters who gathered for the event expectedly peppered the mayor with questions about the war in Gaza.

Bloomberg reiterated his solid support for the Israeli action, saying that if New York City were under rocket attack as Israel has been for months from Hamas, “we would do the same thing.”

Israel ‘is justified’

Representative Anthony Weiner, whose District 9 includes Sheepshead Bay, joined Mayor Bloomberg and many other local

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“Israel has a right to defend itself,” the Democrat said. “No nation can be expected to abide a barrage of rockets falling on its citizens. In recent days Hamas had used Gaza as a staging ground for an air attack on its neighbor. It had to stop. Israel’s actions today were justified.”

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An unoccupied boat went up in flames Sunday evening, Jan. 4 at the Kings Plaza Marina. Firefighters took about 40 minutes to put out the fire, which was under investigation. No one was reported hurt. aroundbay@baycurents.net

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Sports Currents

By Patrick Hickey Jr.

Cyclones’ New Year’s resolutions -- suggested With 2009 upon us, Bay Currents discusses what a few of Brooklyn’s favorite ballplayers from last season have to do in the new year to get to the big leagues in the near future.

Brad Holt

-- Have another amazing season! With the Cyclones in 2008, Holt went 5-3 with a 1.87 ERA in 72.1 innings pitched. In spite of those impressive numbers, many insiders and scouts still believe the youngster isn’t cut out to be a starter at higher levels, due to the lack of a polished secondary pitch. As a matter of fact, Cyclones pitching coach Hector Berrios admitted in the off season that Holt had no idea what his secondary pitches were. A report from scouts during his college days also revealed that Holt threw his 96 mph fastball up to 85 percent of the time.

During the summer with Brooklyn however, Holt began to mix in his curveball and changeup more and prove that he had the intelligence to beat hitters in other ways. A strong season in St. Lucie or Binghamton in 2009 that shows the continued progression of his curveball and changeup will not only prove those scouts wrong, but it’ll put him on the fast track to the big leagues.

Jordan Abruzzo

-- Hit for more power. The last Cyclone to hit a homer from both sides of the plate in the same game, Abruzzo has the potential to be a legitimate offensive threat. However, for the season, Abruzzo hit only 14 dingers between 451 at bats with Cyclones, St. Lucie Met and Savannah Sand Gnats in 2008. Solid defensively and a great influence on the pitchers he’s worked with over the past few years as well, Abruzzo could end up at Citi-Field much quicker if he could hit the long ball with more consistency.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis

-- Cut down on the strikeouts. Despite tying a team record with 79 hits last season, playing amazing defense and leading the team with 11 stolen bases, Nieuwenhuis struck out 70 times. In order to eventually find himself at higher levels in the organization, the 23-year-old will not only have to continue to play his heart out like he did last season, he’ll have to adopt a more patient approach at the plate. It seems like a tough task asking a player with a genuine ability to hit like Nieuwenhuis to become even better, but if he does, he’ll be wearing a Mets jersey much quicker than the players he shared a locker room with last season. sports@baycurrents.net

Brooklyn-Boy Brannigan moves up to Utah rinks After leading the EPHL with 35 points Brooklyn to go play in Cedar Rapids in in just 17 games with the Brooklyn Aces the United States Hockey League, where this season, Dyker Heights-native James he was very successful and then went on Brannigan ended 2008 with a bang, to play at Colorado College, which is one signing a contract of the true Division-1 with the Utah powerhouses. We feel Grizzles, the ECHL he’s capable of helping affiliate of the New us a lot.”

York Islanders on Firriolo’s words rang Dec. 29. true every night this Highly regarded season, as Brannigan’s as the top player 22 goals led the league in the league by a long shot and during his time played a huge role in the there, Brannigan, team’s amazing 17-2-1 who earned his record this season. bumps and bruises Cool and confident on the Abe Stark throughout his time in hockey rink in Brooklyn, Brannigan Coney Island as a expected big things youngster, is often from himself and is now looked as one of just an earshot away the best players from the American to ever come out Hockey League and the of the borough as NHL. well.

“I knew that if I Because of that, before the season worked hard that the results would be BAY CURRENTS PHOTO/Patrick Hickey Jr. began, huge things there,” he said, just a were expected from James Brannigan day before the call up. the 24-year-old.

“But to be able to do it in my hometown “He’s going to be our poster boy,” has made it that much more rewarding.

Aces head coach Chris Firriolo said Regardless of what happens this season, before the season. “He’s a kid that left I’ve had a blast here.”

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Opinion

The Greatest American Leader of the 20th Century

By I. Freidin Bay Currents columnist What makes a leader great? Someone in a leadership position should be principled and have the integrity and dedication to follow the path without compromise and with the capacity to fulfill goals while overcoming the inevitable obstacles. Twentieth century America has produced great leaders in politics, the military and just about every other field of endeavor. Most however, have been flawed.

Politicians, by the very nature of their profession, have to make so many compromises that their original integrity and dedication, if they ever had any, tends to dim and often disappear completely. Probably the greatest president of the century, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, led the nation through the Great Depression and the most devastating war in history. Advancing economic justice as no other president before him, and beloved by his fellow countrymen, he was nevertheless a politician. As such, although abhorring the treatment of Afro-Americans in the Jim Crow South, he refused to act against the injustices lest the Democratic Party lose the states of the “Solid South” (which they did when the Democrats finally espoused the cause of civil

rights). Also, swayed by popular opinion and political pressure, he ignored the plight of European Jews seeking shelter from Hitler’s Germany by refusing to relax strict immigration laws, thereby condemning most of them to torture and death. A great leader, yes; but severely flawed.

George Patton and Douglas McArthur were probably the greatest military leaders of the century. The best field commanders, however, tend to be strong-willed and singularly minded, often having problems with the restrictions placed on them by the chain of command.

Their strong personalities, necessary for success therefore, often caused them to act contrary to the policies of their popularly elected civilian superiors -- a major flaw which severely compromised their ability and their careers.

There is, however, one who stands heads above the rest, a person of the highest moral character who dedicated his life to the noblest cause of all -- social and economic justice. Although identified with a specific ethnic group, truly a leader of world stature representing all Americans and one of whom we can all be proud -- Martin Luther King, Jr. Uncompromising in his quest for racial justice and economic fairness for all Americans, he rallied the

nation behind his peaceful resistance to the abominations of Jim Crow in the South and unequal treatment in the rest of the nation, as well as leading the fight for economic justice for all.

For too long the words of our forefathers and the documents they created had been spoken yet ignored; a nation shrouded in hypocrisy. The work of Martin Luther King, Jr. brought us closer to the American ideal. And this year Dr. King’s legacy takes on a special meaning. The election of an Afro-American to the highest office in the land is the fulfillment of a large part of the dream. And the great man’s methods of organizing from the grass roots have been recognized and advanced by technology to help in the election of Barack Obama to the presidency.

Truly the greatest leader of the past century, Dr. King has brought us closer to the American ideal of equal justice and opportunity for all. Unfortunately, in the years since his untimely death, the concept of economic justice has been subverted and has as yet gone unfulfilled. Hopefully, with the election of Barack Obama, we will be able to pick up where Dr. King left off and work toward the creation of a society based on social and economic justice for every American.

In addition to his leadership, Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the most eloquent and profound orators in our history. A few quotes: All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality.

of such a method is love.

Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.

Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars... Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.

In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.

Let no man pull you low enough to hate him.

Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man’s sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true.

Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation

The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.

All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another problem.

Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.

The good neighbor looks beyond the external accidents and discerns those inner qualities that make all men human and, therefore, brothers.

Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men.

Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time; the need for mankind to

One organization, Coney Island United, professes to represent the interests of all and, judging from its agenda, has provided no reason to doubt.

Following the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., working with the grass roots, United claims to “work together for each other and for ourselves”.

We hope that Coney Island United will be able to make a real difference for all in Coney Island.

Page 10

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Now, I say to you today my friends, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: - ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’

We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.

Can Anyone Save Coney Island?

The King Legacy If you remember the column, Can Anyone Save Coney Island?

(Bay Currents, Vol. 4 No. 13, Aug. 15, 2008), the wolves are the Coney Island Development Corporation -- the mayor’s people who have come to gentrify and displace Coney Island -- and the vultures are those from within and without who followed to cash in. But who is there to truly represent the interests of those in the residential community, the amusement district and small businesses?

overcome oppression and violence without resorting to oppression and violence. Mankind must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

A Few Things the Public Should Know About the Proposed Coney Island YMCA The mayor’s people are working to implement their plans for Coney Island as soon as possible. The first will be the construction of the YMCA and the adjoining residential buildings. A few things of which you should be aware: Did you know that the city sold public (our) land to the developer for $1?

Did you know that the Coney Island YMCA is a corruption of the requests by local residents for a multi-cultural community center for all the people in Coney Island?

Did you now that the YMCA’s in Brooklyn are all located in gentrified or gentrifying neighborhoods?

Did you know that the cost of joining the YMCA is beyond the means of most Coney Island residents?

Did you know that the adjoining residential buildings, although claimed to be affordable, are not affordable for most residents of Coney Island?

Did you know that all those additional people brought into the project will further overload an already distressed infrastructure? And what will all those extra people mean if an emergency occurs requiring an evacuation?

Is this project, as it stands, really good for Coney Island?

Write and let us know E-mail: ifreidin@baycurrents.net Mail: I. Freidin, Bay Currents 2966 Avenue U Suite 108 Brooklyn, NY 11229

The views of our columnists do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or managers of Bay Currents

January 13 - 26, 2009

Visit us at: www.BayCurrents.net

Financial Currents The Earned Income Tax Credit

By Joseph S. Reisman Tax accountant Every year, millions of Americans forfeit critical tax relief by failing to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, a federal tax credit for low-tomoderate income individuals who work. Literally billions of total dollars go unclaimed. Taxpayers who qualify and claim the credit could owe less federal tax, no tax, or even receive a refund.

The IRS estimates that 25 percent of people who qualify for the credit do not claim it. At the same time, there are millions of Americans

who have claimed the credit in error -- many simply don’t understand the criteria.

It’s easy to determine whether you qualify for the EITC. The EITC Assistant -- www.irs. gov/individuals/article/0,,id=130102,00 -- an interactive tool available on the IRS website, removes the guesswork from eligibility rules.

Just answer a few simple questions about yourself, your children, your living situation, and your income to find out if you qualify and estimate the amount of your EITC. You will see the results of your responses right away.

The EITC is based on the amount of your earned income and whether or not there are qualifying children in your household. If you have children, they must meet the relationship, age, and residency requirements. Additionally, you must file a tax return to claim the credit.

If you were employed for at least part of 2007 and at least age 25, but under age 65, you may be eligible for the EITC: if you earned less than $12,590 ($14,590 if married filing jointly), without any qualifying

children, your maximum credit is $428. if you earned less than $33,241 ($35,241 if married filing jointly), with one qualifying child, your maximum credit is $2,853. if you earned less than $37,783 ($39,783 if married filing jointly), with two or more qualifying children, your maximum credit is $4,716.

Your investment income must be $2,900 or less for the year.

For more information about the EITC, call us! financial@baycurrents.net

Twice the Advice

By Jacqueline Donelli and Kerry Donelli Editor’s Note: We’ve received several requests for reprints of this particular segment of Twice the Advice, so we thought it would be a good idea to offer it a second time....

Dear Twins,

Where did all the chivalry go?

I am appalled at how men don’t get up on the subways and let the women stand (including the more mature women) I’ve even seen grown men with their children letting an older woman stand. My father would have slapped me upside the head if I didn’t get up. Am I old-fashioned? Is it like this in all subways?

I have recently moved to New York from Philly where I always drove.

What’s wrong with these wimps? -- Tom

JACQUELINE says:

Dear Tom Here’s where I get popcorn thrown at my head, but I agree (ouch!) If my son (if I even had one) sat while a woman was standing, I too, would make him get up. I know, I know, women asked for equality and now that we get it we complain -- but it’s not quite as simple as that.

Our day-to-day experiences are NOT equal.

To set the record straight, I’m all for equality, but men and women are still quite different if not only for their strength (Guys, you are a lot stronger then us).

And men don’t wear heels and men don’t carry heavy handbags (at least the ones I date). I can’t tell you how many times I stood on the subway with a pair of high heels, with my purse and a heavy bag, and watched the strong young bucks comfortably sit. I’d be interested to have a man walk in a woman’s shoes (literally and figuratively) and see if he still insists on the seat.

KERRY says:

Dear Tom, I agree. Equality is fine, but come on; some things just shouldn’t be tampered with such as acting like a gentleman. For cryin’ out loud, guys, how would you like to have a period every month from age 13 until 55!

And do we gripe and complain because we have to bare children? We kill ourselves to look good for you. I mean,

how would you like to walk around in a form-fitting dress with three-inch high heels? We make it look so easy but it ain’t! Hell, we even spend huge amounts of money on hair, makeup, clothes… even going so far as the dermatologist for various treatments to make our skin young and smooth (ever hear of “Botox”?!) The point is, we make sacrifices, too, and some things, such as acting like a gentleman in the presence of a woman, should never change.

So here it is: If you want us to act like a lady, then start treating us like one. Begin by getting your behind up off the seat in the presence of a woman… and like it.

Dear Twins,

My husband has his weekly poker game at our house with his male, rowdy friends, and they usually meet on a weeknight. They are way too loud for the kids to get to sleep, they eat everything in the house (not to mention the things I’ve prepared for them), and drink beer until they’re obliterated.

When his friends have left, the house is in total disarray, which I have to clean up, and I never complain about it. Now I, on the other hand, have my bridge club over once a month to play cards, which is very quiet, and my husband acts like an overgrown child by turning up the TV, interrupting our games with questions, eating the hors d’oeuvres, and being a general nuisance, which is both disruptive and humiliating. When I complain to him about it, he denies it. Twins, what can I do with this inconsiderate, insensitive, overgrown kid!

KERRY says:

Dear Pushover (Need I say more?)

The obnoxious, inconsiderate husband concerns me less than WHY you put up with his behavior in the first place. Did it ever occur to you that you’re a respectable, honorable person who deserves a husband to treat her, at the very least, with respect and dignity? It’s hard to pretend a sentence or two here and there is going to undo a lifetime of personality traits in which you suffer from low self esteem and he a self centered brat, but let’s try.

Here’s what I’d do. First, give him the benefit of the doubt. Try a sit-down conversation with him where you kindly explain that your place is in not a frat house, nor are you his live-in maid. Explain that if he wants to remain in a healthy, functioning marriage he must live up to his

To advertise call 347.492.4432

January 13 - 26, 2009

end of the bargain and be a considerate husband. The deal is, he can bring the party to another house or rent a cheap room for his weekly keg parties, but you will absolutely no longer tolerate poker night in your own home, and there will be consequences to pay if he doesn’t respect your very reasonable request.

If being fair and rational doesn’t get through to him, then go to plan B. Collect all the garbage he left sitting all over the place in one trash bag -- this includes pizza boxes, beer cans, bags of potato chips -- and dump all of it on his side of the bed. If that doesn’t reach him, I then seriously suggest marriage counseling for the both of you or even go solo. You need to figure out why you allow your husband to walk all over you like a doormat.

JACQUELINE says:

Dear Doormat, Couldn’t have said it better. I’m leaving this one alone.

Have a problem?

Kerry and Jacqueline can help.

Contact them by writing to: Mail: TWICE THE ADVICE Bay Currents 2966 Avenue U Suite 108 Brooklyn, NY 11229 E-mail: advice@baycurrents.net Page 11

Tech Currents

By Harri Kwok Special to Bay Currents It’s easy to see that times have changed. When you board the Q train you see everyone in their own little world on their portable devices, either listening to mp3’s or even chatting with people across the world with Instant Messages. Even as you walk down Ocean Parkway you would see people texting and surfing the Internet with their mobile devices while driving. The question is: “What is on the Internet that is so compelling?”

Many use the Internet for instant access to information and communications, which is the reason why the Internet was developed in the first place. Here we list a few websites of general interest. I have no affiliations with any of them, and I’m only describing some of the features -- I cannot possibly cover everything in this sspace.

First up we have http://www.google.com, one of the largest Internet search engines out there. You can almost instantly get a list of results from your search. More advanced features that are available include Gmail, Google Finance, Google Earth, Google Maps and much more. Gmail is a Google-based email application that allows you to not only email but also have a contact list that you can synchronize with compatible phones/devices.

Google Finance allows you to create financial portfolios and monitor how well they perform and list relevant news concerning items in your portfolio. Google Maps enables you to pinpoint any location you are looking for, and even lets you see a street view of the location. Of course, it also allows you to find directions to get from point A to

point B and maybe C. Don’t take my word for it -- just visit the Google website and see for yourself the limitless possibilities you can find.

Next on the list we have http://www.weather.com. Ever find yourself planning a weekend getaway and not know how the weather will be? Weather.com will show you a forecast of the weather local to the zip code or location that you input. There are predictions for the current day, the next day, 10 days, or even a month. You can even pin down the forecast to the hour by hour for the current day. This site gives you details on the temperature, precipitation, humidity, and much more.

Third we have http://www.cyberhomes. com. In the market for new digs? Are you just curious to how much your neighbor sold their house for? Cyberhomes. com allows you to see the price of the previous sale of a property and the current “market” value of the property. The value is assessed based on the location and the surrounding values in addition to their own appraisals. All you need to do is type in a complete address and click search and you will see a satellite image of the property and the associated price.

Next we have http://www.facebook.com. Facebook. com is one of the more prominent social networks around.

There are more than 140 million registered and active users to date. What that means for you is that if you wanted to

Bay Crossword 1

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14 18

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33

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45 47

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Answers on page 14

40

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Vowel Language Across

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40. Plaything 2. Adjust a brooch 42. White House gofer 3. Where a diva sings an aria Page 12 46. Beer relative 4. Kitchen gizmo 48. Raises 5. ___ de Cologne 50. Memo abbr.

6. Ivan the Terrible was the 51. Bitter tasting first

Yitzchak Relkin is a crossword puzzle editor living in Brooklyn. To contact Yitzchak about customized crossword puzzles (for birthdays, anniversaries), email: crossword@relkin.com.

By Yitzchak Relkin

16

25 28

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find a handful of people, chances are you’d find them if not a person somewhat related to them. The great thing about these social networks is that you can connect with people whom you have lost communication with. Even on the slightest chance that you do not find someone you know, you can always make new acquaintances. Their web applications which comprises of many useful tools or even games like poker will always be at your disposal in case you have some time to waste.

Ever go shopping one day and feel that you can get a better price on the items you see can have a better price? Well, you are absolutely right! On our last general interest website topic, we will introduce you to an array of bargain sites. Some of the websites to visit daily if not hourly are http://www.bensbargains.net, http://www.slickdeals.net, http://www.fatwallet.com, http:// www.spoofee.com and http://www.dealsea.com. While most of these sites are technology oriented, often the items that are posted are general and everyday products. There are also websites that allow you to search for specific products: http://www.froogle.com, http://www.nextag.com and http://www.pricegrabber.com.

What are your favorite sites?

Tell us about them at tech@baycurrents.net

58

1. Chip away at 6. Donut, mathematically 11. Craze 14. Old photo tone 15. Major mess (Army acronym) 16. In the past 17. Conjecture 19. Let go, as a worker 20. The Emerald Isle 21. It may be in the fire 22. Look after 24. Some drums 26. Metal-refining machine 28. Elects 31. Needle case 32. Colorado ski resort 36. Bring in, as a paycheck 38. “Stop procrastinating!

Just _ _ _” 41. Fish in a can 42. Common link between theme words (but not necessarily in this order) 43. P r e f i x w i t h d o l l a r and Disney 44. Run into 45. Travellers’ stopovers 46. Test ore

January 13 - 26, 2009

47. Manipulated 49. Blue hue 51. A fan 54. Pekoe server 59. Witchy woman 60. Hops oven (for making beer) 63. Insult 64. Chickened out 65. Talk 68. A crowd, to 53 Down 69. The LIRR, for example 70. Catches forty winks 71. Watson and Crick’s study 72. Drops in the mailbox 73. General’s insignia

Down

1. Twisty turns 2. Adjust a brooch 3. Where a diva sings an aria 4. Kitchen gizmo 5. ___ de Cologne 6. Ivan the Terrible was the first 7. Savvy about 8. Frequent springtime events 9. Debatable sky phenom 10. Evening event 11. Playfully humorous 12. Shooting marble 13. Generous one 18. Why does this word have an “S”?

23. Dodges 25. Ages and ages 27. Drop down computer list 29. New driver, often 30. Holy one 32. Dough dispenser?

33. Seek damages 34. Complication of the flu, perhaps 35. Gets takeout, for example 37. Thorny bloom 39. 401(k) relative 40. Plaything 42. White House gofer 46. Beer relative 48. Raises 50. Memo abbr.

51. Bitter tasting 52. Sink feature 53. Caesar or Antony, e.g.

55. Fancy tie 56. Public square 57. Kind of space 58. Hair lock 61. In the center of 62. Catches some rays, with “oneself ” 66. Bauxite, for example 67. Driver’s lic., Soc. Sec. card, etc.

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School and Learning Bullies are not brave – they actually are very insecure and seldom feel good about themselves. They need to be identified at as young an age as possible so that parents, teachers, and

Bay Currents introduces this column by Prof. Gavi, a Bay area educational psychologist. If you have questions, comments, or any suggestions for future topics, contact him at gavi@baycurrents.net, or write to Prof. Gavi, Bay Currents, 2966 Avenue U, Suite 108, Brooklyn, NY 11229

counselors can work with them and perhaps put their development on a better track.

Without intervention at an early age, the bully as well as the bullied

may carry their fears and insecurities into adulthood. By dealing with them as children, individually, we may be able to reduce victimization during adulthood as well as childhood.

Home Economics: Not just for Girls

Bullies are not brave Bullies have always been with us, but today we are becoming increasingly aware of them and the problems they create. Bullies – as well as their victims -- may be male or female, large or small, of any ethnicity.

Children must learn to deal with bullies, and how to prevent them from bothering them. They prey on those they feel will be easy targets -- they can read their body language and single them out. Children must be taught to feel confident and emotionally strong enough to avoid being targets.

A bullied child needs and deserves help.

Learning to participate in the kitchen, to sew on a button, mend a sock, and the like is good for everyone.

More people, male and female, live on their own for longer periods of time than ever before.

Good health depends on exercise, balanced meals, and a healthy lifestyle. Being able to shop for food and prepare nutritious meals, keeping one’s living space

clean, doing the laundry, small sewing, and all the other tasks long considered “woman’s work” are critical life skills.

There’s an added benefit to co-ed home economics.

When girls and boys participate equally in these chores, they can become better able to work together as adults.

The theater: Much more than acting When students participate in a play, skit, or musical they have the chance to get involved in an exciting, creative enterprise.

Drama provides a variety of outlets for people with or without specific talents. In addition to those on stage, there are more behind the scenes. Someone has to make the sets; drawing, painting, and light construction skills are learned and honed. Someone has to operate

the sound system and others have to operate the lights.

Costumes must be designed and fitted. Makeup must be designed and applied. The curtains must be operated.

Advertising must be designed and distributed. Ushers are needed during the performances.

Amid all this, is the chance for young people to productively work together, socialize and make friends, and possibly find a career path along the way.

Prof. Gavi; MASP, ABSS School Psychologist Creates Logos Creates Newsletters Need a Custom image for Greeting Cards Need a CD Cover Design Ads for your Business Takes your words to make a professional Book

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January 13 - 26, 2009

Page 13

Here are just a few of the places to pick up Bay Currents -- and some great coffee!

ABS DISCOUNT GROCERY 2713 Ave. U (between East 27th and 28th Streets)

SICILY NEWS 2155 Utica Ave. (between Avenues M and N

AVENIUE U SUPERMARKET 1701 Ave. U (at East 17th Street)

APPLE NEWSSTAND 4404 18th Avenue 718-633-5722

JOSEPH’S CARDS & GIFTS 3042 Avenue U (at Coyle Street) 718-648-0105

LAUNDROMAT & CAFE 1244 Avenue U (between 11th and 12th St)

MILL BASIN STOP 61-22 Avenue U at Mill Avenue

CORNER MINIMART 2423 Ave. U (at Bedford Avenue)

CAFE VERTORIS More Than a Bagel 2803 Ave. U (at East 28th Street)

BAY STOP GROCERY 2970 Ocean Ave. (Ocean Avenue at Avenue Z)

Quick Stop Mini Mart & Deli, Coney Island Avenue at Avenue U

RAJ NEWSSTAND 2811 Glenwood Road (off Flatbush Avenue)

SHAKESPEARE & CO. 14 Hillel Place (at Brooklyn College) 718-434-5326)

STARBUCKS 33 Hillel Place (at Brooklyn College)

Answers to the Bay Crossword from page 12

Bay crossword

QUIZNOS 37 Hillel Place (at Brooklyn College)

E S S E S

R E P I N

O P E R A

D I C E R

A S P E T U N A M E E T U S A D M I C R O N R A N I I I D N A

E A U L I E S O P N A I E D R E E C O T R S E

T S A R

O N T O

T E E N

S A I N T

R O M A N

A M I D

R A I N S R O S E S U N S

U S F U O N S M E E T N U A A L T E T N I D S

E L U D E S

F A C E T I O U S

A G A T E

A S C O T

P L A Z A

O U T E R

D O N O R

I T R O A Y T R E S S

Here are some of the places you can pick up Bay Currents in Coney Island: Key Food – 505 Neptune Ave. Walgreens Drug Store – 532 Neptune Ave. CVS – 512 Neptune Ave. Peggy O’Neill’s -- 1904 Surf Ave. American Suds Laundromat – 2915 Surf Ave. Community Care Pharmacy – 2913 Surf Ave. Saul’s Pharmacy & Surgical Supply – 3514 Mermaid Ave. Major Meats – 1516 Mermaid Ave. Brooklyn Public Library (Coney Island) – 1901 Mermaid Ave. Sunshine of Coney Island Deli – 2120 Mermaid Ave. Rite Aid - Mermaid Ave – 3001 Mermaid Ave. Key Food – 3485 Neptune Ave. Madeleine Jones Day Care – 3415 Neptune Ave. Circles Bistro – 2801 Coney Island Ave. Surf & Turf Grill – 1315 Surf Ave.

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Page 15

Kenneth Lee Lic. R.E. Associate Broker 5817 Avenue N Bklyn, NY 11234 Office : 718-763-4110 Cell : 646-286-6912 www.BrooklynsBestHomes.com

Jason Sciulara

Doreen Alfano

Mill Basin - PRIME 1 family detached water front home boasting 4 bedrooms, 2 kitchens, 3 baths, this Royal Manor style home's special features include new dock, deck, jet ski ramp, in ground pool, 1 car garage, and private drive. Best location!

BB1320, $1,879,000

Mill Basin - OVERSIZED WATERFRONT property offering a custom split level home featuring three King sized bedrooms, marble jacuzzi bath, over sized family room, summer kitchen, wet bar, country club backyard, cabana, in ground pool, dock, deck and much more! Must see this beauty! BB1289 $2,499,000

Mill Basin - CUSTOM WATER FRONT MINI MANSION - 6 bedrooms, master suite with luxury spa, European kitchen, Banquet size formal dining room, formal living room, parquet inlaid floors, granite 2nd story entrance, maid's quarters, 2 car garage, radiant heated driveway, security gates, in ground pool and dock.

EXCLUSIVELY OURS!BB1311 $3,999,000

Gerritsen Beach - Privacy prevails in this sweet 1 family waterfront home offering three bedrooms, granite floors and new kitchen with stainless steel appliances. All on glorious grounds! Two and a half lots and water lot, six boat slips.

Unique, quiet and rarely available, this beauty is a must see and priced to sell! BB1324 $799,000

Gerritsen Beach/Marine Park - 2 bedroom co op, hardwood floors, full bath, 2 laundry rooms, pool, large living room & dinette. Close to shopping and transportation. Near Houses of Worship! Possible parking! WALK TO THE PARK! *SELLER WILL PAY 6 MONTHS MAINTENANCE!!!

BB1286 $181,000

Midwood - ULTRA CONTEMPORARY residences, this unit offers 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1, 1,041 square feet of living space, ultra desirable location within walking distance to transportation, cafes and shopping.

OA2A Low $400’s Some units available for rent too 041 square feet of living space, ultra desirable location within walking distance to transportation, cafes and shopping.

OA2A Low $400’s Some units available for rent too!

Marine Park - VERY LARGE – 2 family offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, lg Lr & DR, new kitchen w/new appliances, main floor has 2 BRs & 2 baths, new kitchen w/original details, full lg finished basement w/ 2 entrances, pvt drive, 2 car garage, oak floors, recessed lighting, lg cedar walk in closets, front porch and 2 terraces. Most desirable block!

BB1332 $769,000

EXTRA LARGE semi-det 3 bdrm duplex in prime gated community. 1st floor features large LR & DR, kitchen & family room with fireplace. 2nd floor features huge master bdrm very large custom bath with jacuzzi and 2 additional bdrms. Finished bsmt offers 3/4 bath, laundry area and lots of living space, central air throughout, large backyard with nice deck and plenty of parking. MOVE RIGHT IN! BB1346, Asking only $549,000

Most beautiful detached ranch on the market boasting 2 new custom kitchens, luxury baths, hardwood and ceramic tile floors, stucco exterior and 2 car private drive. Must see! BB1350, Created byAsking trial version, http://www.pdf-convert.com $1,199,000

Page 16

January 13 - 26, 2009

WARM & INVITING det 1 fam 4 bdrm duplex boasting chef size eat in kitchen w/granite throughout, vaulted ceilings, multiple skylights, beautiful hdwd & tile fls, 2 ½ baths, huge bsmnt with summer kitchen & sep. entrance, radiant heated floors, laundry rm, prestigious location & much more.

Exclusive! BB1158, Properly priced $849,000

Fully detached legal two family being used as a one family, R4 zoned (can extend), private drive, 30 x 100 lot and large yard. Great block! House is vacant! First time on market! Must see! BB1354 Asking $659,000

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