2
W W W . 5 0 P L U S N Y . C O M
50+ LifeStyles
January 2015
3
Town of Oyster Bay Councilman Joseph G. Pinto (left) recently visited McKenna Elementary School in Massapequa and presented a Town Citation to Evelyn Reimer (right), a member of the Massapequa Senior Citizens Club, on the occasion of her 100th birthday.
Send your Around The Towns submissions to; editor@50plusny.com
W W W . 5 0 P L U S N Y . C O M
January 2015
At the November General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature, Legislator Tom Muratore (R-Ronkonkoma) recognized Anthony DuBois, Sr., for his 100th birthday. A Medford resident, DuBois was born September 27, 1914, in Dominica, West Indies. He served with the French Army from 19391941, the Merchant Marines, as well as the United States Merchant Marines from 1942-1972. In 1953, Anthony proudly became a United States citizen.
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto (2nd right), Councilman Joseph G. Pinto (right), and Councilman Anthony D. Macagnone (back right) recently joined with New York State Senator Elect Michael Venditto (back center) to visit the Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale for AMVETS Post 88 Annual Pearl Harbor Memorial Ceremony, to pay respects to the brave men and women who were killed at the attack on Pearl Harbor. Pictured above with the Town Officials are Master of Ceremonies Jack Maxwell and Commander of AMVETS Post 88.
50+ LifeStyles
The Queens Library Foundation is pleased to announce that Vincent Arcuri Jr. has been named president of its Board of Directors.
Jennifer Cane, RN, and Christy Spelman, PT, recently earned the Catholic Health Services (CHS) Living the Mission Award for exemplifying the CHS mission values of respect, justice, integrity and excellence.
4
EDITORIAL
2015: Here We Come
Here we are … January 2015. Does everyone have their resolutions up and ready to be broken once again? Me? I’ve resolved to start working out this year. I’m tired of hauling my stomach around (ah, to be half the man I am! Hmm, that would take my weight back to my Army days. To think I was a rock solid 135 pounds back then. Damn!). This time, I have a partner with which to work. The fact that he’s my seven-and-a-half year old grandson, doesn’t make him the optimum choice, but he’s already told me he wants to “work on his abs and pecs” (I’m still not sure where the can’t hurt, that’s for sure; he’s a tenacious little fellow. We here at 50+ LifeStyles wish all of you luck with your “pecs” are, but …),but I guess I’ll get some kind of a workout from all this. Nothing like explaining “New Years’ Resolutions” resolutions … and we hope all of you have a happy, blessed, — Gary P. Joyce; Ed. to a seven year old, and then trying not to keep one. Well, it successful and fruitful 2015.
W W W . 5 0 P L U S N Y . C O M
Hidin’ Harry Winners from December... and Rules for Playing Congratulations to the Find Hidin’ Harry winners from our December issue! Doris Ohlander of Wantagh will receive two tickets to the CM Performing Arts Center in Oakdale and Teresa Castellano of Mount
Sinai will get two tickets to Theatre Three in Port Jefferson. Once again, here’re the rules. We take all the responses received by the 15th of the month — both regular mail and e-mail
50 +LifeStyles GET A 1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Great TO 50+Lifestyles Holiday Gift
Plus A FREE Membership To Prime Time Travel Club
Send Check or Credit Card Info To 50+ Lifestyles 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 50+ LifeStyles
50 +LifeStyles Since 1975
www.50plusny.com
January 2015
Advertising Rate Card By Request COPY DEADLINE 15th of previous month ©50+ Lifestyles™
— and pick two winners of a pair of theater tickets each. Send your entries to editor@50plusny.com, or Hidin’ Harry, 146 So. Country Rd., Bellport, NY 11713. Be sure to INCLUDE YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!
LI EDITION METRO EDITION NEW RENEWAL
Harry ! looks like Me
Please, folks, no call ins, and only one entry per month. Well … don’t wait! Harry’s in these pages somewhere!
SAV 20%E $ $
1995
1595
NAME____________________________________________ ADDRESS__________________________________________ CITY__________________________ STATE_____ ZIP________ PHONE# _______________ EMAIL_______________________ CREDITCARD # ____________________________ EXP._______ V-CODE (3 DIGIT CODE ON BACK OF CARD)____________________________
President/Publisher Frank C. Trotta ext. 100 Executive Editor Tim Edwards ext. 111 Vice President Sales & Production Marie S. Trotta ext. 113
Editor Gary P. Joyce ext. 250 Art Director Clifford Chiesa ext. 231 Assistant to the Publisher Suzanne Bancroft ext. 112 Director of Community Relations Gene Pritz
EDITORIAL OFFICE: 146 South Country Road, Suite 4 • Bellport, NY 11713 Tel (631) 286-0058 · Fax (631) 286-6866 • www.50plusny.com
Fight Flu After 50
5
What you need to know to stay safe and healthy this flu season
W W W . 5 0 P L U S N Y . C O M
January 2015
the past with flu-like symptoms, you were prescribed a treatment without actually getting tested for the flu. While this may seem harmless, it can lead to patients being misdiagnosed and prescribed treatments that either have no effect on the flu or can actually delay recovery. For example, inappropriately prescribed antibiotics are not only powerless against the flu, but they can also lead to serious antibiotic-resistant infections. It is also important to diagnose and treat flu quickly because medications that treat the virus (antivirals) are most effective when started within 48 hours of getting sick. This flu season, there’s a new test available – the Alere i Influenza A & B test– that diagnoses flu with lab-quality results in under 15 minutes, allowing doctors to make more informed treatment decisions during the patient’s visit. The Alere i test was approved by the FDA in June, and is currently available in many hospitals and in certain physician offices, and will be more widely available later this flu season. For more information about the Alere i test and flu testing, visit alere-i.com/us/flu-facts.
50+ LifeStyles
Flu season is here, and it’s especially important for those 50-and-older to take steps to avoid getting the flu, since they are more susceptible to flu and at greater risk of its serious complications. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone take the following steps to reduce our risk for flu: 1. Get vaccinated 2. Practice good health habits to stop germs from spreading 3. Take antiviral medications, if infected Most people who get vaccinated will not get sick from flu. However, if you start experiencing the following flulike symptoms, it’s time to see a physician: • Muscle aches • Chills • Fever • Sore throat and congestion The only way to know for sure if you have the flu is to have your doctor conduct a diagnostic test. These types of tests have been available for many years but the most accurate tests have required sending samples out to a lab. Therefore, it’s likely that if you’ve visited your doctor in
6
W W W . 5 0 P L U S N Y . C O M
50+ LifeStyles
January 2015
I enrolled in Medicare when I turned 65 this past September. My friend told me that I should read my Medicare Summary Notices once I start receiving them. Can you explain what a Medicare Summary Notice is? Is this a bill? A Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) is a statement listing all of the charges Medicare has received for your health care services during the past three months. The MSN is not a bill. It is a summary that records the health care ser vices you have recently received. Review your MSN each time it comes in the mail to ensure that you are paying the proper amounts for each service. You can also check your MSN online at www.MyMedicare.gov. You will only get an MSN if you have Original Medicare, the traditional Medicare program administered directly through the federal government. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you will receive an Explanation of Benefits notice (EOB) detailing the health care services you have received. The MSN and EOB have the same purpose, but have different formats and can be sent at different times. Pay close attention to Section 3 of the MSN, which details claims your doctors recently submitted to Medicare. Look for whether Medicare
has approved the service, how much Medicare paid for each ser vice and the maximum amount you may be billed by your provider. Section 4 provides instructions and deadlines for filing an appeal if Medicare has denied any claims for services. You should always appeal when an item or service is denied. You can appeal yourself using Section 4 of the MSN; you do not need a lawyer. As mentioned earlier, your MSN is not a bill. You will receive a separate bill directly from your provider for any amounts that you may owe them. If you have already paid your provider, make sure that you have paid the correct amount by checking your payment to the provider against your MSN. If you have overpaid, contact your provider; he or she must refund any amount you overpaid. If you have secondary insurance, such as a Medigap, this insurance may cover the additional amounts listed on your MSN. Check the notes section of your MSN to see if Medicare or your doctor already submitted your remaining bill to your secondary insurance. If not, ask your secondary insurer how you can submit the claim. Keep in mind that Medicare will often send separate MSNs for Part A-covered and Part Bcovered services. For example, inpatient hos-
pital ser vices, Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) services, and hospice services will have their own Part A MSN. Outpatient ser vices and durable medical equipment (DME), like walkers and wheelchairs, will have their own Part B MSNs. Finally, regardless of how you receive your Medicare benefits, you will receive an EOB for your prescription drugs if you have a Medicare Part D plan. Remember, you can get your Medicare Part D benefit by having a standalone Part D plan, or by enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage. However you receive Medicare coverage, you will receive a separate EOB listing the prescription drugs you have filled in the previous month, what your plan paid, and what you paid at the pharmacy. It is just as important to review these EOB notices as it is to review your MSN. -Marci Dear Marci is a biweekly e-newsletter by the Medicare Rights Center (www.medicarerights.org) designed to keep you — people with Medicare, social workers, health care providers and other professionals — in the loop about health care benefits, rights and options for older Americans and people with disabilities.
W W W . 5 0 P L U S N Y . C O M
50+ LifeStyles January 2015
- Ask Marci Explaining the Medicare Summary Notice
7
8
Veterans
News ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
★★★★★★★★★★
W W W . 5 0 P L U S N Y . C O M
www.google.com/about/careers/veterans/index.html is an extension of Google’s career Senate Hearing page, offering information on on Vet Suicides The U.S. Senate Committee available jobs and how military on Veterans Affairs held a hear- ser vice can translate to working in November 2014 on ing at the company. “Mental Health and Suicide Military Funeral Among Veterans.” Testimonies from and a video of the hearHonors Program ing are available on the U.S. The Army National Guard Senate Committee on Veterans (ARNG) Military Funeral HonAffairs website at www.veter- ors program provides burial ans.senate.gov/hearings/veter- and memorial honors to eligians-mental-health-and-suicide ble veterans in 52 of 54 states 111914. and territories when requested by an authorized family member. The ARNG program covers Google Launches vast regions of the country that Vet Career Website On December 1, 2014, are difficult for the active comGoogle unveiled a new website ponent to cover with limited rehoping to lure military veterans sources. The ARNG trains the to work at the company. The Guard MFH team members to Veterans Hub at the ARNG program's professional ceremonial standards,
established in conjunction with the Army's Old Guard, to certify Soldiers as MFH team members and trainers. For more information, visit the Army National Guard (ARNG) at www.arng.army.mil/familyservices/Pages/MilitaryFuneralHonors.aspx.
(www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/10/14/world/middleeast/us-casualties-of-iraq-ch emical-weapons.html?_r=0) for the original The New York Times story. Considering the vehemence and years of media and political assertions that there were no WMDs in Iraq, why the story has disappeared still remains to be answered.
The Veterans Administration Scandal
The WMD Story On October 14, 2014, The New York Times ran an article, The Secret Casualties of Iraq’s Abandoned Chemical Weapons, indicating that despite the much ballyhooed assertion that there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, there actually were. The original article fairly quickly disappeared from the media. The men who researched and reported the article — all three were veterans — wrote an article on November 17, 2014, on the evolution of the story. Go here (www.veteransnewsnow.com/2014/11/17/veterans-uncovered-the-iraq-wars) for their story, and here —
In a piece titled, We’ve Cut Off the Chicken’s Head, Veteran’s Today’s (www.veteranstoday.com) Global Financial Affairs Editor, Marilyn MacGruder Barnewell talked with TV host and personality (and former Marine and Annapolis graduate — the first Black enlisted Marine to complete the Naval Academy Prep School, and the US Naval Academy) Montell Williams. In the piece (www.veteranstoday.com/2014 / 0 6 / 24 / wev e - c u t - o f f - t h e chickens-head/), Williams, an advocate for veterans, was explaining why the VA health care system is still in crisis mode — why the chicken is still flopping around even though, as he said, “We’ve cut off the chicken’s head…”
50+ LifeStyles January 2015
To Trust or Not to Trust…
9
By Nancy Burner, Esq.
A properly funded Irrevocable Trust can provide for asset protection in the event the grantor (creator) needs nursing home care. Your home and any asset you wish to protect can be placed into a Trust to be managed by a third-party Trustee, anyone other than you and your spouse. You will retain the right to live in the premises during your lifetime, and will retain any property tax exemptions that you were entitled to prior to placing your residence into the Trust. All income generated by trust assets are payable to the grantor, however the grantor is not enti-
tled to receive trust principal. With respect to asset protection, once assets have been in your Irrevocable Trust for a period of five (5) years, it is no longer considered an available resource in determining Medicaid eligibility for nursing home care. You should consult with an experienced Elder Law attorney to determine whether an Irrevocable Trust is best for your particular circumstance. Nancy Burner, Esq., is the founding and managing partner of Nancy Burner & Associates, PC, es-
tablished in 1995, with offices in East Setauket (631-941-3434) and Westhampton Beach (631-288-5612). Nancy Burner & Associates, P.C. is proud to announce the opening of our Manhattan office at 1115 Broadway Suite 1100, 11th Floor, New York, New York 10010. For more information, contact us at 212-867-3520.
It’s Not Too Late to Get a Flu Shot the spread of influenza and other germs. •Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. •Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. •Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way. •If you are sick with a flu–like illness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home for
at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) •While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. For additional information about influenza and the influenza vaccine visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu.
W W W . 5 0 P L U S N Y . C O M
50+ LifeStyles January 2015
“With rare exceptions, a yearly Influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone six months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against influenza disease,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein. “Influenza viruses can be unpredictable and differ from year to year which is why it’s important to get vaccinated annually.” County Executive Mangano and Health Commissioner Eisenstein remind residents to take everyday preventive actions to stop
10
3 Tips for Anyone Expecting an Inheritance By Michael Abbot and Christopher Bennett
P E R S O N A L F I N A N C E S
The odds are good that you will inherit money or assets in the coming years. And, if you’re like most people, you’ll save only half. “People need to plan for inheriting wealth to avoid the pitfalls that result in so many heirs making emotional or ill-informed decisions they later regret,” says Michael Abbott, a veteran financial consultant and CFO of The Abbott Bennett Group, (www.theabbottbennettgroup .com) “Particularly with the death of a parent, people can feel a whole range of emotions – guilt, overwhelming loss, anger, relief,” adds firm co-founder Chris Bennett. “It’s a very bad time to make decisions that can affect you and your family for the rest of your lives.” He and Bennett share three tips for planning for an inheritance: •If you inherit non-cash assets, ask questions before you liquefy. People inherit all sorts of assets. Different types of assets have different tax burdens attached. In order to preserve as much of
your inheritance as possible, you need to learn the best way to minimize the tax burden for each asset. “Once you’ve liquefied the asset – once you’ve turned it into cash – it’s too late,” Abbott says. “Life insurance is an exception. •If you inherit a tax-deferred retirement plan, consider rolling it into an inherited IRA. “An IRA or 401(k), for instance, is a tax-deferred asset – the person who left it to you did not pay taxes on it. So if you take it in a lump sum, which some plans require, everything you withdraw will be considered taxable income for you,” Bennett says. Alternatives include rolling the money into an inherited IRA – one that retains the deceased’s name along with language that clearly indicates it’s inherited. Don’t mix it with your own IRA. Then you can take small distributions over the course of years, and the money will grow. •The best planning starts with a conversation with your loved ones now. One of the biggest mistakes people
make is not discussing inheritance matters while everyone is still alive and well. It allows the heirs to know their loved ones’ wishes and to make plans – without emotion – for what they may do with the assets. If loved ones express a desire to talk about “what you’ll get when I’m gone,” allow them to. It will give them peace of mind, Bennett says. If you want to initiate the conversation, look for opportunities, such as when a family you know or a family in the news is dealing with estate issues. Receiving an inheritance can be a lifechanging experience, Bennett and Abbott said. It also represents your loved one’s financial legacy.
Realty Connect USA
50+ LifeStyles
Lisa Albinowski brings many years of business and real estate experience to her clients. She is a New York State Licensed Real Estate Broker who ran her own real estate business and is currently working as an Associate Broker at Realty Connect USA. She holds a Seniors Real Estate Specialist Designation (SRES), consults with seniors and their families to make sure there is a plan in place prior to putting a house on the market. She offers many resources to assist seniors and their families through this transition. She has personal experience with her own senior parents and worked in an assisted living community helping families. Lisa has a strong business background, her corporate staffing industry background combined with her years of ownership and operation experience and expertise, is brought to the real estate industry. As a result of her corporate background she has strong ethics as well as a broad knowledge of sales and marketing. Lisa and her team look forward to earning your trust and becoming your real estate agents for life. Lisa is committed to you and to and your goals. Lisa’s goal as your real estate agent is to make each real estate transaction a positive and enjoyable experience. She will dedicate 100 percent of her time and effort to assure your home purchase or sale gets all the attention it needs. Membership & Affiliations: Senior Real Estate Specialist; Certified Buyer Representative; Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource Certification; Member of the Long Island Board of Realtors; Member of the National Association of Realtors; Member of New York State Ass ociation of Realtors; Chair of the Suffolk County Women’s Business Enterprise Coalition; Executive Director Cares for Cars Foundation Inc.
January 2015
Lisa Albinowski CBR, SRES, RSSP lisa@lisabroker.com; Direct: 631-793-7329
3 Retirement Essentials Every Boomer Should Follow for the New Year
11
By Carl Edwards, MBA, ChFC worked too hard preparing for this time in your life. Let’s review three vital elements you should implement in your retirement plan this New Year.
It wasn’t all that long ago that the world’s financial system was shaken to its core, leaving many retirees running for shelter from the Ebola-like symptoms displayed by world financial systems. Fear over which institution or country would next display the almost certain deadly symptoms ran rampant. I am certainly not echoing the calls of the past and screaming it’s time to get your guns and gold. But if we fail to remember the past, we repeat it. You have
each of these products, but who also knows the value of how they work together. Diversification is important and it may include each of these products along with other assets such as individual stocks and bonds, Certificates of Deposit (struc•Get your annual financial check- tured and fixed), Business Development up. How can we possibly forget to do Companies, Real Estate Investment Trusts, this? Annual check-ups are the number precious metals, and numerous other inone preventative care tool at our disposal. vestments. While many individuals should be meet•Rebalance, Rebalance, Rebalance. ing more regularly with their financial advisor, everyone should have at least the With the great equity run up we have enminimum of an annual visit. Problems countered since the lows of March 2009, creep up and this is often the best way to it is vital to remember that we must continue to evaluate our investment portfocatch them before it is too late. lios. While equity portfolios have risen •Don’t forget to diversify. Are you significantly since that time, other areas working with a broker who always wants of our portfolio may not have fared so to sell you mutual funds full of stocks well, leaving our risk levels in need of adand bonds? Does your annuity guy think justment. It is often a good idea to capevery dime you have should be stuffed ture some of those hard-earned gains. You into insurance products? The reality is never know — the next major pullback they are probably both wrong. Find an ad- could be just around the corner. Be pruvisor this year who knows the benefits of dent, not greedy!
The Retirement Track … What Could Derail Your Plans
P E R S O N A L F I N A N C E S
The retirement track has a new third rail that is threatening to short circuit decades of carefully planned savings strategies. Many people who have retired in the last 10 years or will retire in the next 10 years were led to believe that these years were designed for lower expenses, smaller home and vacations to places on their bucket list. However, many retired people are faced with children moving back home. Some are moving back in their 40s after a failed marriage or job loss. Many children in their mid-20s are back after college not having been able to find a job after graduation. According to a report from the Pew Research Center there are 22 million Americans aged 18-31 living with their parents. That is nearly 1/3 of that age group living at home. The effects of that on a mom and dad in their late 40s or 50s saving for their own retirement can be long lasting. Many of these folks were told to spend the early
years of their working lives saving to buy a home. Then they were encouraged to save for college and finally after tuition was paid to spend the next 10 to 15 years saving for their own retirement. However, if there are more mouths to feed and higher electric bills and health care costs that will ultimately have a negative effect on how much is left for the 401K investment. Those who are already retired face perhaps a bigger challenge — they retired with an expectation of living on a yearly fixed income and now have to adjust their spending habits and be even more careful not to run out of money. Here is the good news — when I ask my clients how they like having their kids or perhaps their grandkids back in the house they are always happy to have them there and are thrilled to have more time to spend with their family. There are also many benefits of having younger people in the house. They can help cover expenses and many of the physical aspects of home ownership like
snow shoveling. Of course, when you have a question about any kind of electronics it is always good to have an eight-year old nearby! If you are faced with the financial challenge of supporting adult children and their families do not be afraid to establish ground rules for the home. Make sure that they realize that you are not a walking ATM and you must all live within your means. Also, do not be afraid to keep a tally of what your new living arrangement costs. Hopefully, when your children are back on their feet they can pay you back. Like every challenge you have faced along the way, embrace the moment. Adjust as you move forward and enjoy having your family back in your home and the memories that will bring. David Hartzman is the principle of Bristol Financial Services, Inc., located at 255 Executive Drive, Suite 209, Plainview, NY 11803; 516-605-6081.
50+ LifeStyles January 2015
By Michael Hartzman, CFP
12
A Guide for First-T
By Gary
Probably the best way to sum up becoming a grandparent for the first time is to quote the immortal Joe DiMaggio, who speaking on how a player should act, said, “There is always some kid who may be seeing me for the first time. I owe him my best.” Well, your grandchild is seeing you for the first time, so that adage holds true: give it your best. I’ve got three now (in seniority order from 7-1/2, Travis, Madeline and Keira), so I sorta’ have the hang of it. Regardless of the fact you’ve probably raised children before, becoming a grandparent is going to bring things to the fore that you’ve forgotten. Here’re some tips that should ease the first bunch of months along.
Pre –Emergence Activities
W W W . 5 0 P L U S N Y . C O M
Remember the old swing that had that incredibly loud ratchet that, when wound, woke up the child from the rocking motion which had just put it to sleep? Baby furniture has evolved into some fairly sophisticated, battery operated — and quiet — stuff that does everything but change the baby’s diaper. Now’s the time to start checking out garage sales. Preferably those of boomers on the long side of the boom, who are now getting rid of their second set of child caring “stuff.” Lot’s of good deals, and the grandchild’s parents haven’t a clue what — and
how much of it — they’re going to need. Best present should someone ask? A case of diapers.
Getting Ready for the Entrance Pack a small “bailout” bag with essentials for the call to come to the hospital. A book/Kindle, a pen and pad, crossword book if so inclined, a camera (or the ubiquitous cellphone), Lifesavers, etc. I constantly forget my wallet, so I threw a credit card in the bag as well. The main reason for the bailout bag? I met an erstwhile grandfather on my second visit who hadn’t had his first glimpse of his new grandson yet — 11 hours later. As the day nears make sure the cars are gassed and you know the route to whatever hospital will be used. Make sure the cellphone is charged and know that the call will come at an inopportune time, so get used to it. Remember, the baby is always on time, it’s everyone else who is early or late.
The author with Keira A
50+ LifeStyles January 2015
Time Grandparents
13
y P. Joyce
Whoever does the cooking in the house had better prepare a lot of wholesome stuff in aluminum foil-covered, frozen trays. No one has time to cook, and everyone who stops by or has something to do with the child, will eat whatever you put out. Ditto with libations soft and hard. Thankfully, my wife’s an ace cook, so I didn’t spend a week on coldcuts.
Names — Yours and Theirs As for what you’ll be called? The grandchild will, in all likelihood call you whatever the parents do, so you’re best off to straighten that out with the child’s parents — the mom’s parents get first dibs, by the way.
Talking with Other Grandparents You’re new at this, so this is how it goes. 1. Opening the Conversation. Etiquette dictates that guests be allowed to talk about their grandchildren before you do yours. Your job is to nod agreeably until they either run out of steam or you run out of patience. 2. Taboo. If your grandchild is younger than their grandchild, your grandchild doesn’t do anything better than theirs. Naturally, their grandchild is gorgeous, handsome and looks just like them. Yes, he is far advanced for his or her years. 3. In-Laws. Follow your guest’s lead. If they badmouth their in-laws (or families), feel free to agree. When in doubt, lie; i.e., agree with them. 4. General conversation. Etiquette demands that any and all conversations be about how special the grandchild is and how his/her role in the coming millennia will determine the future of American civilization as we know it. 5. Victualling. I found that good food served about midway through the first 30 seconds of the visit has a ten-
h grandchild #3, Angela.
dency to tone down the grandchild rhetoric … as does a martini or Manhattan. Hungry/thirsty people will break out weddingsized pocket albums. Avoid baby albums or endless iPhone pics by feeding and watering your guests. 6. If all Else Fails. Go the show-and-tell route. Disappear and re-enter with your latest gun collection acquisition and wax philosophically about the benefits of the Holland & Holland double for taking down the water buffalo roaming the veldt of Long Island. If that doesn’t bring the conversation back to reality, go back to the libations mentioned in #5. 7. When Is It Your Turn? Reciprocation is the key. And that means that anything they do/say to you, you can do/say to them. If they don’t adhere to that rule, the hell with etiquette. Tell them that your grandchild crawled, walked, drooled, spoke and mastered the intricacies of pottie training before theirs. And if they don’t like it, tell them to feel free to pack up their ridiculously subpar photos and hit the road. Yes, there’s more but the above should suffice to get you through the first six months or so. Sit back and enjoy. Remember, the big benefit of being a grandparent rather than a parent is … the kids will go home with their parents. So feel free to indulge them.
W W W . 5 0 P L U S N Y . C O M
50+ LifeStyles January 2015
Nourishment — Yours
75 Most Romantic Destinations in the World … and Why Every Couple Needs to Get Away
14
W W W . 5 0 P L U S N Y . C O M
Pepper Schwartz, PhD, has teamed up with Janet Lever, PhD, her former coauthor of Glamour’s “Sex and Health” column, to create Places for Passion: The 75 Most Romantic Destinations in the World— and Why Every Couple Needs to Get Away. As you might expect from Dr. Pepper, an expert star on “Married at First Sight” on A&E’s FYI channel, and Dr. Janet, a past host of the national cable show “Women on Sex,” they provide a guide to the world’s sexiest destinations and supply a lot of advice about how to make each destination even more romantic. Along with detail-rich text on the authors’ top 75 picks, the two intimacy experts make a solid case for why traveling together is essential in sustaining — and improving — the romance in our lives. “We took great care to help our readers understand how to pick the right destinations and discuss why travel can rekindle those sometimes-forgotten sparks,” says Schwartz, a professor of sociology at the University of Washington in Seattle, Today Show contributor, A ARP Sex and Relationship Ambassador, and author of 21 books on relationships.
Introductory chapters include “Going Away to Get Closer” and “Planning Your Romantic Vacation Destinations.” Then the 75 destinations are grouped under urban romance (think Barcelona, Marrakech, Miami, to name a few), natural romance (e.g. Aspen, Banff, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks), beach romance (e.g. Amalfi Coast, Bali, Oregon Coast), and adventure romance (e.g. Alaska, Botswana, the Great Barrier Reef, the Taj Mahal). Many places are singled out for readers’ specific romantic purposes, such as “Places to Pop the Question,” “Honeymoons,” “Making Valentine’s Day Special,” “Milestone Anniversaries,” “Special Birthdays,” “Romance on Family Vacations,” and “Places to Heal.” Ways to travel on a budget are sprinkled throughout, and a detailed index helps readers find the type of vacation that will suit them best. The destination chapters include rich information and the high standard of reporting that Frommer’s consistently delivers about locations that meet the authors’ criteria for romance.
“Frommer’s has always inspired passion for travel, so it seemed like a logical next step to encourage travel for passion,” says Pauline Frommer, the company’s editorial director. “We are delighted to have found such good partners in this endeavor as Dr. Pepper Schwartz and Dr. Janet Lever — and A ARP.”
FUNERAL DIRECTORY Elmont Funeral Home, Inc. James M. Soviero, Director
Services Available in All Communities Personal Service At Any Hour-Everyday Dedicated Professional Staff & Excellent Facilities Pre-Arrangement & Pre-Financed • Arrangement Counseling SSI-Medicaid Approved Pre-Arrangement • Account (FDIC Insured)
516-437-2100 • 1-800-564-9419 www.elmontfuneralhome.com
1529 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont, NY 11003
LifeStyles Puzzle Solution
LifeStyles Sudoku Solution from page 20
50+ LifeStyles January 2015
from page 20
S A K I
L I E N
I D Y L
S A L P R O A C C K E T H C R E H O E O D D
M B E O S T O A W S S I T N E P R R A A L E Y L S E S R E S X
I B A R N E A D W E D B I S C P U O S I S
O F F E R O O N A D D E C A U R L T S
M A L A R K E Y
S U E T
S O O T
E C R U
K N E E
E D V O E W S K I D
FAMILY FUNERAL HOMES
Lake Ronkonkoma Bohemi Hauppauge
Holbrook Central Islip Pt. Jefferson Sta.
• • • • • •
Aftercare Military Honors Catering Services Children’s Room On-line Obituaries On-line Condolences
(631) 588-1515
www.moloneyfh.com
FOR AD RATES CALL 631-286-0058, EXT. 113
50+ LifeStyles January 2015
15
W W W . 5 0 P L U S N Y . C O M
16
Get Up & Go Tours Inc.
286-7329 We’re Rolling Back PRICES! 631-
TO SEE OUR ROLLED BACK PRICE LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL PEDDLER’S VILLAGE AMERICAN MUSEUM New! STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL OF NATURAL HISTORY Wed Apr 15 $75
Sun May 3 $55
Spend the day on your own at the museum and see all of the regular exhibits as well as any special exhibits. Lunch on your own.
The village comes alive with entertainment and pie-eating contests. Lunch is on your own.
Thurs Apr 16, Sat May 16, Tues June 30 $99 Seniors, $105 Adults
LL RO CK BA ICE PR
The museum is divided into two parts, one dedicated to remembering the 2983 people who died at the site and the other devoted to the event’s history. Afterwords you will enjoy lunch at one of our favorite restaurants.
QVC STUDIO TOUR W W W . 5 0 P L U S N Y . C O M
Thurs Apr 16, Thur July 23 $89 First we will dine at an Italian restaurant. Afterwards go on a guided walking tour to see how QVC products are sourced, tested and brought to life on air and delivered to millions of customers.
CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA
Grand Central Terminal is a famous NYC landmark in Midtown Manhattan. A docent led tour will tell you the history and anecdotes about this beautiful building. Lunch and shopping on your own after the tour.
DUPONT DYNASTY Wed May 6 $106
AMISH EXPERIENCE
Thurs April 23 $99
Enjoy a delicious Dutch Colonial High Tea Luncheon at Locust Grove Mansion and Estate.
BROOKLYN BOTANICAL GARDENS/MUSEUM Friday April 24 $73
Radio City’s
New!
Laughter explodes when a zany cast of characters and madcap twists all lead to a surprise ending while dining for lunch.
Tues May 12, Wed July 15 $98
LL RO CK BA ICE PR
Saturday, 5/2
Wed May 13, Tues Sept 29 $109
New!
LL RO CK BA ICE PR
Tour the country villa in the hills of Riverdale, with 28 acres of gardens and greenhouses all with a view of the Palisades. Lunch followed by a visit to the Cloisters. Step back in time to the Middle Ages to see the Cloisters which was assembled from medieval European Architectural elements that date from the 12th through the 15th Century. Audio sets are available for $6 per person.
WEST SIDE STORY WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATER BRONX ZOO
Spend the day at Resorts World Casino. Package to be announced.
The world's largest urban zoo. Get up close to more than 600 species from around the globe. Meet exotic animals, birds, reptiles and insects from Asia, Africa, the Americas and more without ever leaving the Bronx. Price includes admission and unlimited access to special rides and attractions which may include the butterfly garden, congo gorilla forest, wild Asia monorail, zoo shuttle, 4-D theater and more.
Music, lyrics and dance explode in this beloved timeless tribute to young love. Includes such songs as “I Feel Pretty”, “Maria” and “Tonight”, Includes full course luncheon.
Thurs May 14 $69
50+ LifeStyles
NOSHING THROUGH NYC WITH ART ZUCKERMAN Tues Apr 28 $99
January 2015
Full day tour with radio personality Art Zuckerman as our guide giving us NYC history, anecdotes and trivia as we travel throughout the city and sample the many different foods. LL RO CK BA ICE PR
Guided tour of the West Point Academy with a step on guide. The history of West Point and places of interest will be highlighted. Then you will have lunch at the Bear Mountain Inn.
179 $189
$
Includes bus, lunch at the Mariott Marquis and show ticket
Last Year’s Postponed “Hearts & Lights” is now the...
LL RO CK BA ICE PR
AQUEDUCT & RESORTS WORLD CASINO Tues Apr 28, Sun May 31 $49
NEW SHOW is here!
Friday, 4/17 Wed 4/29 Thursday, 4/30
WAVE HILL/CLOISTERS
Thurs May 14 $108
Wed Apr 29 $95
THE CAROLE KING STORY MUSICAL $215
highly anticipated
Tour the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens to marvel at the magnificent Cherry Blossoms and enjoy a tour of the grounds. After lunch on your own, we will continue on to the Brooklyn Museum to enjoy their great collections.
WEST POINT/BEAR MOUNTAIN
“HONEYMOON IN VEGAS” $195 “AN AMERICAN IN PARIS” $195 “ON THE TOWN” $179 “ BEAUTIFUL”
Enjoy a meal at Plain and Fancy Restaurant, view a movie about Amish culture, tour the countryside stopping at farmlands & shops, tour the Amish Country Homestead & more.
Tribute show with Jim Van Slyke performing Neil Sedaka’s music. Includes $20 Slot, Lunch Buffet and Show at the Mt. Airy Casino.
HIGH TEA AT LOCUST GROVE
Wednesday Matinee Shows followed by early dinner at Marriott Marquis
HUNTERDON HILLS “A FOX ON THE FAIRWAY”
Dine at the American Bounty Restaurant at the world famous Culinary Institute of America. Afterwards, you will take a guided tour of the CIA campus and learn how the students prepare for exciting careers in the food industry.
New!
LL RO CK BA ICE PR
Begin your day with a delicious luncheon at the elegant Dupont Hotel. After luncheon it is on to the magnificent Nemours Mansion and Gardens. A tram tour of the beautiful gardens, the largest formal French garden in North America.
Thurs May 7 $105
Wed April 22 $89
Wed, May 13
Tues May 5 $72
Tues Apr 21 $102
MT AIRY CASINO & THE SEDAKA SHOW
BROADWAY
GRAND CENTRAL STATION
911 MUSEUM
AND SAVE!
New!
ARTHUR AVE AND THE BRONX WITH ART ZUCKERMAN Tues May 19 $105 Tour the highlights of the Bronx with radio personality Art Zuckerman. Visit some of the secret places in the Bronx, see the “original” Hall of Fame and a replica of the Pantheon in Rome. See Woodlawn Cemetery and its million dollar mausoleums and famous people. Luncheon will be at an Italian Restaurant on Arthur Avenue.
New! SIGHT AND SOUND THEATER Tues June 16, Tues July 14, Thurs July 30, Wed Sept 30 $135 Thurs - Fri July 30-31 CALL FOR PRICE Using live animals and memorable songs, this energy-packed show will leave you laughing, crying and uplifted with the message of forgiveness and integrity. Witness several amazing dream sequences including Joseph in his colorful coat “flying” above the audience, see dozens of live animals on stage, and enjoy Sight & Sound’s larger-than-life staging featuring scenes such as the spectacular Egyptian palace, which wraps around the audience, and 20 original songs. Before the show, enjoy a buffet at one of our favorite Lancaster area restaurants.
Get Up & Go Tours Inc.
286-7329 We’re Rolling Back PRICES!
17
631-
New!
$599 Double + $85 Single
Spend the night at the fabulous Sands Casino and Hotel in Bethlehem PA. This beautiful modern casino and hotel also has a mall of outlet stores attached to it. Package includes night accommodation, continental breakfast, 1 buffet voucher per person and $40 free slot play per person.
VILLA ROMA
GOURMET SUMMER GETAWAY
Enjoy the excitement of Price is Right live at the American Music Theater. Participants will be chosen from the audience. Spend the night in Lancaster and then travel up to Sands Casino for the day to try your luck there. 1 night lodging, 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, $10 Crackerbarrel card, $5 food credit.
Fri–Mon May1–4 $559 Double +$149 Single Embassies Around the World as a special treat on this trip to our nation’s capital where you can visit the embassies, experience the food, art, dance and fashion of different countries. Guided sightseeing tour includes National Cathedral, White House Visitor’s Center, National Archives and Capitol Hill. Visit the FDR, Jefferson, World War II, Vietnam and Korean War memorials. 3 nights lodging, 3 breakfasts, 3 full course dinners, and souvenir gift.
Wed Apr 29 – Thurs Apr 30th Thurs July 9 – Friday July 10 $279 Double +$69 Single
All inclusive mid-week package. Includes 4 days, 3 nights at one of our favorite resorts nestled in the Poconos of PA. Activities and amenities include indoor pool, dancing, fitness classes, shuffle board and entertainment.
PRICE IS RIGHT Sun–Mon Apr 19–20 $259 Double
WASHINGTON,DC NEW This Year: Embassy Tour
SANDS CASINO
WITH MICHAEL AMANTE Monday–Wed May 11–13 $379 Double +$69 single 3 days/2 nights at Villa Roma with a special treat of a Matinee Show starring Michael Amante, the People’s Tenor. Includes 5 meals, nightly music and entertainment each night, full program of daytime activities, indoor sports and swimming. All taxes and gratuities included.
LAKE GEORGE
Tues – Thurs June 9–11 $510 Double +$99 single
New!
Two night stay at Surfside on Lake George featuring some of Rachel Ray’s favorite destinations in her home town, as mentioned on her TV show. Visit Sutton’s Marketplace for cider and doughnuts, lunch at the Algonquin Restaurant overlooking Lake George, enjoy Oscar’s Smokehouse for their delectable presentation. Also includes a two hour guided tour of Lake George including Millionaires Row, Adirondack Winery, one hour captains cruise on the lake, and two hour guided tour of Historic Saratoga Springs featuring the Yaddo Gardens and the famous Mineral Springs. Two breakfasts and dinner theater at Surfside. All taxes and gratuities included.
FINGER LAKES NY Wed–Fri June 3–5 $449 Double +$125 Single
NORDIC LODGE LOBSTER FEST Fri–Sat June 19–20 $349 Double +$120 Single
Begin your visit to the Finger Lakes Region with a one hour narrated cruise on Seneca Lake. Afterwards, visit Belhurst Castle and taste their wines. You will also visit Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park, have lunch on your own at Wegman’s Marketplace, tour Casa Larga Vineyards, try your luck at Finger Lakes Casino and tour the Corning Museum of Glass. Includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners.
After a stop at Mystic Village in Connecticut for a few hours, you will depart for Charlestown RI where you will enjoy a fabulous lobster and Seafood feast dinner. Evening is at your leisure. On the way home, you will stop at Mohegan Sun and receive a bonus to be used towards lunch. Includes 1 nights lodging, 1 breakfast, 1 all you can eat buffet at Nordic Lodge.
NASHVILLE & MEMPHIS Sun - Mon May 31- June 7 $1159 Double +$319 Single Tour Elvis Presley’s Graceland, attend a performance at the Grand Old Opry, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and so much more. Includes 7 nights lodging, 7 breakfasts, 3 dinners including King’s Palace and Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theater, General Jackson Riverboat Luncheon Cruise.
W W W . 5 0 P L U S N Y . C O M
NIAGARA FALLS-CANADA (New This Year: African Safari) Mon–Fri June 15–19 $669 Double +$159 Single An all day tour of Niagara, including Niagara-on –the Lake, Maid of the Mist Boat ride, Welland Canal and the Floral Clock, Fallsview Casino, and FX Chocolate Factory. In Ontario board a Safari bus to go through the Game preserves at the fabulous African Lion Safari. 4 nights lodging in Niagara Falls, 4 full breakfasts, and 3 full course dinners.
CHICAGO NEW THIS YEAR: TASTE OF CHICAGO FOOD FESTIVAL
Sun–Sat July 5–11
FLY/DRIVE • CALL FOR PRICE
January 2015
Mon–Thurs Apr 27–30
50+ LifeStyles
COME ON DOWN!
18
Brookhaven Town Seeks Outstanding Women Nominations The Brookhaven Town Office Month with a special celebra• Visual & Performing Arts of Women's Services is seek- tion to be held in March 2015. The deadline for nominaing nominations for outstand. Categories for nominations tions is Friday, January 23, ing women of Brookhaven. include: 2015. Forms are available at Community groups, busi• Business nesses and individuals are • Communications/Media being asked to nominate • Community Service • Business: Geraldine S. women they believe are deVolunteer Sapanaro, Center Moriches serving of special recognition • Community Service • Communications/Media: for their service to the comProfessional Barbara LaMonica, munity as a professional or • Design Medford volunteer. • Education • Community Service Eligible candidates must live • Government Volunteer: Jane Alcorn, or work in Brookhaven Town • Health Care Provider Wading River and all nominations should in• Law • Community Service clude a resume or equivalent • Law Enforcement Professional: Artice Hale, document and two letters of • Medicine Medford recommendation. • Military • Design: Karen Ferb, This year, the Town will be • Religion Patchogue celebrating its 29th Annual • Science • Education: Judith M. Women's Recognition event • Sports Willner, Huntington Bay during Women's History • Technology
Brookhaven Town Hall, online at www.brookhaven.org or by calling the Office of Women's Services at 631-451-6146.
The 2014 Award Winners
W W W . 5 0 P L U S N Y . C O M
• Government: Nancy Curran, Shoreham • Healthcare Provider: Marie Mulligan MSN RN, Dix Hills • Law: Lisa Azzato, Wading River • Medicine: B. Hannah Ortiz MD, East Setauket • Military: Ensign Danielle Vivonetto, Rocky Point • Religion: Victoria Rybak, Mt. Sinai • Science: Dr. Mary Bishai, Mastic
50+ LifeStyles January 2015
Prostate Cancer: Will You Inherit It?
C
L A
FOR RENT ADULT COMMUNITY. Condo for rent. Beautiful Furnished 1.5 BR, 1.5 BA, LR, DR, Fla. RM, Pools, Minature Golf, near Beach & Shopping. Avail Immed. West Palm, Florida. Call 631-878-5316 OR 631-874-2088
WANTED SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS, See back cover. (631) 665-3245 x 8 OLD TOY TRAINS - LIONEL, or any other kind. Also old toys. Day 516-381-0892 Eve 631-2816293
PERSONALS SWF 59, Seeking SWM for companionship & friendship. I enjoy movies, theater, dining, traveling. Non-smoking please. Let’s talk. (516) 6581918 WM 59, Seeks WF for companion and possibly romance. Non Smoking. Let’s talk. Call (516) 982-7549 SWF Mid 60s, Seeks guys/gals to enjoy nature travels, card games. South shore. (631) 4957627 SENIOR WOMAN looking for new friends for dining, movies, tennis (beginer). I’m 78. 516364-4890 kidultcarole@Gmail.com. RETIRED MAN 63 Enjoys nature, walking,
and Latino heritage. The inclusion of several populations was done to improve the statistical power and increase the researchers’ chances of identif ying new
prostate cancer that are shared among diverse populations,” said a study co-author Barbara Nemesure, PhD, Professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine at Stony Brook, and Director of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program at Stony Brook University Cancer Center. “There is still a lot we do not know about the role of genetics and prostate cancer,” Dr. Nemesure explained. “But as a result of this study, we now have 23 additional and promising loci to further interrogate. This work represents a significant step forward in helping us to better understand the complex and somewhat allusive genetic contributions to this disease.” The research was funded in equal variants of disease common to diverse an- amounts by the National Institutes of cestries. Health in the United States, Cancer Re“This multi-ethnic analysis is one of the search UK, Prostate Cancer UK, and the largest of its kind, and the findings pro- EU. The Institute of Cancer Research UK vide new opportunities to further inves- was the chief institutional coordinator of tigate potential genetic influences to the study.
S
S
rotisserie chicken, pro-wrestling, Frank Zappa. Seeks female with similar interests and S.O.H. Rocky Point. 516-781-5195
REAL ESTATE LAND WANTED Eastern Long Island, Old File Maps, Scrub Oak, Pine Barren Land. Any unbuildable land in Southampton Town or Riverhead. Quick closings .Ask for Edward 631-287-0555. MANORVILLE- Spectacular top quality home in the original Hunter's Run community. Magnificent backyard with lighted IG pool, Bocci, horseshoes, Gazebo, multi level patios of slate, brick, wet bar and outdoor TV. Beautiful hardwood floors flowing throughout this beauty with fireplace for ambiance. Call 631 8302194 to view. $599,000. MUST SEE
I
F
I
PROF. SERVICES Senior Real Estate Specialist Knowledge – Integrity – Local Expertise. Call LISA ALBINOWSKI 631-793-7329, or Email: Lisa@lisabroker.com.
E
D
Y O U R H E A L T H
CLEAN HOMES BY STACEY Get ready for the holidays now! Weekly, biweekly-monthly, one time only, move-ins/outs. Low reasonable rates. East Moriches, Center Moriches, Shirley, Yaphank and Bellport. 631902-3787
CLASSIFIED FORM
ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCTS OR SERVICES $60 Businesses • $35 Individuals (Non-business related) 15 words - $1 each additional word All ads must be pre-paid. Rates are per month. For more information call (631) 286-0058 Ext. 220. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY OR TYPE ON A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER
Name: Address: City: State:
Section: ❑ Real Estate ❑ For Rent
Zip:
❑ Wanted
❑ For Sale ❑ Prof. Serv ❑ Other
Phone:
Edition: ❑ Queens/NYC only ❑ LI only
Word Count:
❑ All Editions (double above rates) Number of Months you Wish to Run Ad
Payment: $ ❑ Check ❑ Visa
❑ MasterCard
❑ American Express
Account #:
Exp. Date:
Name on Credit Card:
VCode:
Mail with check or money order to:
50+ LifeStyles Attn: Classified Department, Barbara Connolly 146 South Country Road • Bellport, NY 11713 Or, fax with charge card # to (631) 286-6866 Or, E-Mail with charge card # to Barbara@50plusny.com -NO PHONE ORDERS TAKEN-
January 2015
Cancer and genetic researchers can now explain one-third of the inherited risk for prostate cancer, after a large study identified 23 new genetic variants associated with an increased risk for the disease. Published in Nature Genetics (www.nature.com), the study involved nearly 100 medical institutions internationally, including researchers from the Department of Preventive Medicine at Stony Brook University School of Medicine. The main finding is that the study brings the total number of common genetic variants linked to prostate cancer to 100, and testing for them can identify one-percent of men with a risk that is almost six times as high as the population average. The study involved examining the genetic information from 87,040 men from all over the world. Approximately half had prostate cancer and the other half did not, serving as controls for the study. Men came from European, African, Japanese,
50+ LifeStyles
Health
19
20
Tech Talk with
Where All Your Technology Questions Are Answered By Nick Radesca and by tapping a company tile, it zooms to the company page - which provides a graph, some key information and current news. By “Pinching” a screen, (sliding two fingers together) you are transferred back to the previous screen.
QUESTION:
What is a good iPad app for following the stock market?
W W W . 5 0 P L U S N Y . C O M
ANSWER: I use a few stock market apps, but they are gibberish compared to StockTouch, which provides an instantaneous picture of various stock market data with heat maps. StockTouch uses square tiles to represent common stocks of the 100 largest companies within nine industry sectors and then color-codes the tiles to indicate the strength of displayed data. In the illustration, green shades indicate larger price gainers, red sizeable losers, while black show those stocks with smaller price changes. When you touch one of the industry sector maps, that sector zooms in to fill the screen
The beauty of this app is the color schemes associated with powerful sorting tools that allow for quick visualization of important aspects of the market. Sorting is accomplished via menus accessed by menu-icons on the black bar at the right of the screen. • The magnifying glass icon takes you to the company page of over 5,000 corporations. By touching the star in the upper right-hand corner of the company page, you make the company a Favorite.
• The map icon allows you change the displayed stocks. The choices are US Stocks, Global Stocks, Top 100 EFTs and Your Favorites. • The data menu lets you to select the type of data you want displayed (which may change the color scheme). Data choices are Price Change, Volume, vs S&P, vs Sector, PE Ratio, Dividend Yield. • The sort menu provides 5 ways to arrange the stock tiles: in a Spiral, according to Market Cap, by Winners, by Activity and Alphabetical. • Various data time-periods are available: current day, 1-week, 1month, 3-months, 6-months, 1-year and 5-years. • The star icon provides several setting choices. One is to highlight Favorites and another is to show stock market indices at the bottom of the screen – both of which I like. The heat map presented above shows: the Price Change of the largest 100 U.S. Stocks in 9 industry sectors for the 3-month period prior
to the point in time that I accessed StockTouch, sorted from Winners to losers. As you can see, the sector maps start with the winningest light green tiles progressing to dark green, black, dark red and lastly light red representing the largest losers. The stocks that I chose as my Favorites appear as popped out tiles. If you want to SEE what’s going on in the often mystifying stock market, this amazing app will help sort things out for you. I find it immensely insightful and fun.
Nick Radesca is a volunteer at SeniorNet at FSL L.I., a not-for-profit organization that provides technology training to people 50 years and older. For more information, visit SeniorNet websites at www.seniornetli.org and www.facebook.com/ seniornetli, call 631-427-3700 Ext. 268 or 235 or send e-mails to svero@fsl-li.org or nick2p @yahoo.com.
LIFESTYLES CROSSWORD
50+ LifeStyles January 2015
ACROSS 1. Slender 5. Clothing protector 8. Russian city 12. Helper 13. Rowing tool 14. Satyrlike creature 15. Pennsylvania, the - State 17. Run away 18. The Bushes, to Henry Hager 19. Add carbon dioxide 21. Perch 22. “Let’s Make a Deal” option 23. Bando of baseb all lore 26. Fresh 28. Unadorned 31. Support 33. Roulette bet 35. “Whip It” group 36. Capital of Ghana 38. “The Price Is Right” guess 40. Archer’s bow wood 41. Money, slangily 43. Moment 45. Some alcohols 47. Reasons 51. Algonquian language 52. Morgan of “Super Size Me” 54. Gardener, at times
1
2
3
4
5
12
6
16
21 25
31
32
27 33
37 41
28
30
38 42
49
50
35 39
43
40 44
47
48
51
52
54
55
56
57
58
59
Dawn goddess Actress Spelling Probability Greek consonants 59. Poker variety DOWN 1. H.H. Munro’s pseudonym 2. Borrower’s burden 3. Pastoral piece 4. Small plateaus 5. Vaccine supplement
29
20
34
46
55. 56. 57. 58.
11
22 26
36
10
17 19
24
9
14
18
45
8
13
15
23
7
53
6. Author Fleming 7. Staff of life 8. ATV’s place 9. Nonsense 10. Fat 11. Leg part 16. Doppelganger 20. A billion years 23. Resort 24. Joan of 25. Big name in aircraft 27. Symbol of intrigue 29. Leading lady?
30. NASDAQ counterpart 32. Bedtime recitations 34. Talk about 37. Every iota 39. Cherished 42. English county 44. Devoted groups 45. Reverberate 46. Trampled 48. Chimney dust 49. Beige 50. Pallet 53. Luau bowlful Solution on page 14
Solution on page 14
Deal Me In
21 by Mark Pilarski
Husband Penalized for Canny Play ily be on a machine that has a house edge of 15 percent. Your loss figures like this: $3 per pull x 15-percent house edge x 200 yanks per hour. Mathematically this comes to a loss of $90 per hour. Does this sound about right, Cheryl? Now say that your husband is play-
Gambling Wisdom of the Week: “I like to play blackjack. I’m not addicted to gambling. I’m addicted to sitting in a semi-circle.” – Mitch Hedberg happening here. We begin by multiplying each bet that you make by the house edge; then multiply that result by the number of bets you will make in each playing session (figured per hour). Say, for example, that on a penny machine you are putting in $3 per spin, which isn’t too farfetched for penny players these days. Moreover, you could eas-
ing that same $3 per pull on a dollar slot machine, that has a house edge of 3%, and he, too, is hitting the spin button 200 times per hour. His loss is going to total about $18 per hour ($3 x .03 percent x 200 spins = $18). That same mathematical formula holds true for your husband while he’s playing blackjack. If his average bet is $5, and he plays a satisfactory
game with the casino edge of, let’s say, two percent, and you multiply that by 60 hands per hour, his total losses will be $6 per hour ($5 x .02 x 60 = $6). Notice, Cheryl he is losing a whole lot less dough than you are. In the casino’s eyes, he deserves fewer goodies. By the way, players are NOT penalized for “winning” against the house. We instead could say that your husband is being penalized for playing smarter than you. One thing going in your husband’s favor is that when you couple proficient play with incentives like cash back and other comps, blackjack, mathematically at least, can become a winning proposition that can give him an overall return greater than 100 percent – in theory that is. Unfortunately, for you, Cheryl, you will never be in that category of play while playing on penny machines that typically have such low paybacks.
W W W . 5 0 P L U S N Y . C O M
January 2015
receive a greater amount of points than your husband if both of you are playing an equal amount. Since your husband mainly plays on dollar machines and $5 blackjack, the casino expects to win less from him, so, it rewards him less. Permit me to break down your play versus your spouse’s to see what is
50+ LifeStyles
Dear Mark: I play penny slots, and my husband plays $5 blackjack. If that is unavailable he will play on a one-dollar slot machine. We each use our own “Comp Cards.” What is interesting is that we do not equal out on comp points. I always get more points than my husband does. His complaint is that he always plays on a higher denomination machine or at a $5 blackjack game. Because he wins more often than I do, does this have anything to do with it? Cheryl C. Casino comps are usually figured as a percentage of the casino’s theoretical win against the player, or, another way of looking at it, compensation for your losing play. You take the amount of action you are giving the casino, multiply that by the house edge, and the casino will take a certain percentage of that result to calculate your comp value to them. You, Cheryl, are playing on low payback slots, so you certainly could
22
W W W . 5 0 P L U S N Y . C O M
50+ LifeStyles
January 2015
23
Age of Elegance By Ethel Bennett
Scenes from the 2014 Holiday Party
Women Must Be 60 Years or Over I would like to compete in the 2015 Ms. New York Senior America Pageant. Name Address Telephone E-mail Address Return to: Marleen Schuss, State Director 80 Banks Avenue - Apt. 2113, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 Or e-mail: marleenschuss@aol.com Phone: 516-678-3242
50+ LifeStyles
COUPON
January 2015
W W W . 5 0 P L U S N Y . C O M