The Boulevard October 2008

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F

or our two-year anniversary we are celebrating our planet and addressing the need for all of us to make a conscious effort to take necessary steps to protect it.

There is a difference between the environmentalist movement that started in the ’60s and the go green movement of today, but what some people may not realize is that had it not been for the efforts of many over the past 40 years, today’s problems would be drastically worse.

While some still debate the issue, we all know there is a problem that needs to be solved, regardless of its cause. We also know that we, as humans, have used our natural resources in ways that have created destruction, extinction, and numerous potential catastrophic problems for our planet. So what do we do? It’s impossible to just stop everything that supports our way of life. With its current population, the earth cannot sustain human life without the use of technology. It is also impossible to simply implement new technology that is either not available on a wide scale or not available at all. We need an intermediate solution that will allow for a smooth transition so we are self-dependent on clean fuel sources while making it affordable for all people to take action.

In this issue, we talk to several key celebrities about these very issues. Our cover, Sam Champion from Good Morning America, talks to The Boulevard about global warming and his experience witnessing the melting of icebergs firsthand, while colleague and meteorologist Bill Evans from Eyewitness News and WPLJ's The Morning Show with Scott and Todd discusses his book Category 7 and the very scary, but realistic, manipulation of weather.

One of the most recognizable faces for an eco-friendly world, Ed Begley, Jr., tells us how he has saved money by going green while Matthew Modine bikes for charity. From making a splash as a mermaid, Daryl Hannah has gone to making a splash for the environment, and Jeff Pantukoff and Hayden Panettiere are saving the oceans and whales.

We revisit our friend Nelson DeMille as J. Anthony Parise takes us into The Gatehouse, Nelson's sequel to his bestseller The Gold Coast.

In September the stock market took an unprecedented tumble. Cheryl Castone from Fox Business Network helps us understand what happened.

Throughout each section you will not only find great articles on sustainable, recyclable and eco-friendly products but also tips on every page on how you can contribute, even if just a little bit, to a cleaner, healthier world. It's the little things that we take for granted that will make the most difference.

We’re talking about our families, our home, our planet - and our need to protect them.

Go Green!

Angela Susan Anton Publisher The Boulevard

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Design

From the

Savannahs of Brazil to to your your Home: Home:

Moura Starr offers

Sophistication and Elegance with with an an

Eco -Friendly Mindset

By Ilena Ryan

S

tepping into the Moura Starr trade showroom on Wooster Street in New York City, one is inundated with excellence and luxury. Every aspect of the showroom is carefully considered and planned to perfection, from the furniture itself, to the newly designed white tiled floors, to the impeccable displays and wall panels. The furniture is entirely crafted by hand, and features stunning wood, beautiful lacquers and brilliant crystal, all completely customizable.

Aside from its designs, what makes this company stand out is its environmentally friendly approach. Moura Starr has been eco-conscious from its very beginnings, when Brazilian architect Luiz Moura and California-born designer Shelley Starr owned separate furniture companies. In fact, Shelley’s company in Los Angeles was the only one legally allowed to use finishes and lacquers because of the environmentally safe techniques she used. When she connected with Luiz Moura about six years ago, the company packed up and moved to Brazil to form the Moura Starr that exists today.

As Shelley walks around the showroom, she explains how every aspect of the factory is environmentally conscious, sitting in the middle of a Brazilian savannah that features some of the world’s most fertile, untouched land. The factory uses natural light, a natural ventilation system that maintains the same temperature all day, solar paneling and a cafeteria that serves food grown on the property. Though going green is a trendy (and beneficial) way for factories to go, Shelley explains this is always who they were: “There is no other way for us to make our product. It may be trendy now, but this never mattered to us because we understood what amazing resources we have.”

The finishes and lacquers of the furniture is one of the amazing qualities an observer immediately notices. The lacquer process is also eco-friendly ­– there is no waste. Stains are deposited in a pressure cabinet; the chemicals fall into water that goes to a tank that is filtered and emptied every six months.

Everything is 100 percent recyclable, from the chemicals to the tanks Moura Starr uses. “This was always a commitment of our factory. If we’re taking something so beautiful, we have to give it back,” Shelley says.

A contributor to the beauty Shelley is referring to is the

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The Boulevard • October - November 2008

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wood used in the collections. All wood comes from Brazil, is exclusively from fallen trees that are typically 300 years old, and it is purchased from the Bureau of Environmental Protection. The Brazilian government is very strict; all wood is monitored from the moment of purchase to its transportation to the factory.

The new Cerrado collection is inspired by the savannah where the factory sits, though this theme is not exclusive to the many designs Moura Starr has to offer. All pieces offer an understated yet powerful elegance, designed to last for generations and generations while always being in style. All products are completely handmade and it shows in the detail; the craftsmanship is impeccable. Each piece has a production time of 60 days, but the company has stock, because, Shelley believes, even when people want quality pieces, it’s nice to have them immediately. Many other high-end companies do not offer this to customers.

Every product that features the raw surface of the logs is unique, Shelley explains. “We don’t change the logs—they’re not stained; each comes with a different crack or grain. We stick with what we do best, and that’s wood. It’s a live material, you don’t have a lot of control, but we take that risk, and we stand behind our client and our product.” The combination of beautiful woods with crystal and lacquer is stunning and unique compared with other products on the market. Each element of the Moura Starr trade showroom is a conversation piece and holds its own as a work of art.

The company is run by passionate and creative designers who find inspiration in their surroundings. Shelley, originally a stockbroker, was overwhelmed by her love for the home and entered the design business 14 years ago: “Everything that I do and design is self-taught. It’s what I love and want to see, and my partners are proficient in engineering and design. Aesthetically, you put together our different personalities, and that’s where you get Moura Starr. It’s years of falling on our faces, doing it right, doing it wrong, but always coming back and trying again.”

The years of trying are worth it—the proof is in the flawless products Moura Starr creates. One glance into the trade showroom and you’ll never be able to look at other furniture without comparing it to the perfection of Moura Starr.

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Design

The Yin and Yang of

Feng Shui

F

or those who are not familiar with feng shui (pronounced foong-shway), it is the ancient Chinese art of connecting the heavens and the earth to bring harmony and good health into your home and your personal life. The practice of feng shui dates back thousands of years and its concepts really work. It should not be considered as some crazy superstition. You don’t have to believe in it to use it.

It will work for you regardless.

Feng shui is all about flow. It simply suggests that it is easier to go with the flow rather than constantly struggle upstream. For example, the front entrance to your home should not open to any obstruction such as a large tree, a statue or a telephone pole. The ch'i, or energy, enters through your main entrance like a cosmic breath. It circulates throughout the rest of the house. The layout of your hallways and stairs will determine how freely energy can pass through. Barriers create stagnant ch’i which builds up negativity. Therefore, minimize your clutter and disorder. How good do we feel after that spring cleaning?

Our mood swings into optimism! Avoid messy corners, don’t over-decorate with accent pieces, keep balance in your colors (a good interior designer could help you with this). Subconsciously, cleanliness is not as important as coordination in the home.

Unattended piles of paperwork nags on our brain at every glance.

The center of your main living room should be left unobstructed; circular tables and round-back chairs create good feng shui. Lots of light and plants encourage positive ch’i. Overhead beams press down and burden the room, so camouflage them into your ceiling, and keep away from too many dark colors and heavy furniture. Round pillows are a better choice than square.

Since most of us spend significant time in our bedrooms (studies show a full one-third of our lives!), the room is obviously going to affect us deeply. Always have your bed facing the doorway. This avoids uneasiness in our minds as to who might be entering the room. Electric blankets are definitely out. You don’t want to sleep in a magnetic field. Heat your bed up with it and then turn it off if you have to. Personally, on a cold winter night, I take my chances. Never have a mirror pointing at the bed – it will cause sleepless nights. The same goes for hanging pictures or ceiling fans above the bed. Subliminally it causes a feeling of threat, which reduces the quality of your sleep. Be sure

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The Boulevard • October - November 2008

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By Maria Galgano

to purchase a headboard if you do not have one. A headboard against a wall for support reinforces your sense of security. In this instance, size doesn’t matter.

The kitchen is also one of the most important rooms in the house. It is associated with the nourishment and health of the family. Since the principles of feng shui are about the elements (fire, water, wood, metal and earth), the kitchen is an excellent example. The stove is related to fire and the fridge and sink relate to water. As fire opposes water, the stove should not be opposite the sink or refrigerator and the stove should not face the back or front door. The kitchen doorway should be wide, enabling plenty of good ch’i to flow in. Try to introduce the color green (symbolizing wood), as it promotes the unity of fire and water, ultimately increasing family bonds and wealth.

There are many interior decorating feng shui cures to mask any bad feng shui that is generated. Decorative mirrors placed at eye level help move ch’i around the home. Wind chimes, bamboo flutes or any cylinder or tube chime can be used to ease obstructions (like overhead beams). Hang them at an angle horizontal to the problem area.

Color is a cure all. Most people stick by the age-old white and cream décor. Although it is eye pleasing, it is out of balance in the natural. Color is male and female (yin and yang) and must be balanced. If you are in all neutrals, throw in some red.

Rearrange your furniture if you can. The best arrangement for furniture is one in which there are no sharp protuberances.

Avoid the L-shape as it is incomplete and creates a missing corner. Missing corners create imbalance and that is undesirable.

The best décor is groupings in circular or square patterns in the middle of the floor. Try to create a focal point such as a fireplace or a large coffee table. A TV is not the best focal point, so place that off to the side. Aim to walk around freely without bumping into corners or having to go around furniture.

Now don’t panic. The last thing we want is to see is Lshaped ranches up for sale, electric blankets at the curb, lines at the paint store, and people flushing toilets and hanging owl feathers for water and wind flow. Just remember movement.

Use flags, windmills, banners and mobiles to stimulate a breeze around your home, preventing any congestion. Positive changes in your living space can enhance your life in every aspect. There is nothing like a breath of fresh air!

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Design

T

here are a number of factors that make Long Island a perfect place for solar: high utility rates, a generous rebate from LIPA, state and federal tax credits, soaring gas and oil prices, and lots of sunlight.

Add to that the reduction in your carbon footprint and you simply can’t lose by installing solar panels. Whether you own a beachfront home in Montauk or a ranch house in Babylon, the benefits are long term and the return on your investment gets better and better each year.

Four Long Island homeowners, Dr. Gregory Letica of Northport, Liliana Nealon of Southold, Peter Sabbeth of Sagaponack, and David and Heather Saskas of North Haven, explain why they installed solar panels and how it both helps the environment and makes financial sense.

Rebates: The Financial Incentives We’ve always known that solar is good for the environment, but the recent improvements in technology coupled with rebates and tax credits and high electricity costs now make solar viable for those who previously thought it was out of range.

The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) is offering a $3.50 per watt rebate for residential and commercial installations, and $4.50 per watt rebates for non-profit l installations. LIPA’s Solar Pioneer program offers rebates for solar systems up to 10 kilowatts (10,000 watts), which translates to $35,000 -$45,000! Although LIPA’s rebate was at $6 a watt in 2001, it has steadily declined over the years, and is slated to continue to decrease gradually down to zero. For now, the current rebate block of $3.50 is holding steady, but homeowners interested in solar should consider doing it now while the rebate is still $3.50 a watt. Either way, the LIPA rebate makes installing a solar system affordable.

Dr. Gregory Letica and his wife Linda installed a 3.173 kW system on their house in Northport in June 2007. The installation, which included 19 Sharp 167 watt panels, cost $25,000 before the incentives. “Because of LIPA rebates and tax credits, the cost reduced our outlay, and our return per year made sense,” Dr. Letica said.

The 3.173 system cost him closer to $7,500 after the LIPA rebate and federal and state tax credits were subtracted from the cost.

Long Island’s high utility costs are part of what drove him to install solar. “If our electricity bills weren’t 20 cents per kilowatt hour, it wouldn’t make sense to install solar,” he said. But the cost of electricity on Long Island is high and certain to keep going up. Since the installation of the solar system the Leticas’ electric bill now averages only around $25 a month. In fact, Dr. Letica said that the after-tax return on his investment was over 10 percent – and it’s pretty hard to find returns like that today.

Peter Sabbeth, co-founder of Modern Green Homes, a design-oriented development firm in the Hamptons specializing in green building, has installed solar panels on houses he built in

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The Boulevard • October - November 2008

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Sagaponack and North Haven. He said the LIPA rebate was a huge incentive and made the price of installing solar systems on both houses more affordable.

Heather and David Saskas, who recently installed solar laminates on their new house in North Haven, also agreed that the rebate was important. “I don’t think we would have done it if there wasn’t a big rebate,” Heather said. “The cost would have been just too much.”

But it’s not only the rebate that puts money back in your pocket – if your residential solar system produces more energy than you can use, you “bank” the excess electricity and your meter will run backward. Then when you use more than you produce, you can tap into your energy “bank.” This is called net metering. And if you produce more energy than you consume over a full year, LIPA will even pay you 8-10 cents a kilowatt hour for the excess and will issue you a check at the end of the year.

When Liliana Nealon received a $97 check from LIPA this year, she said she was “thrilled.” How often does that happen?

She installed a 6.012 kW solar system on her house in Southold in May 2007 and has been banking solar credit ever since.

Because Heather and David Saskas installed their solar system many months ago and are just finishing construction on their house with a plan to move in this month, they have been producing more electricity than they need and have been banking solar credits.

Although the LIPA rebate is the biggest incentive to many homeowners, some towns on Long Island – like Southampton – offer their own solar rebate, adding to the already lowered cost. Mike Benincasa, chief building inspector in Southampton, explained that the town started offering $2,500 rebates in 2006.

Since then they’ve paid out 28 rebates to homeowners in the Town of Southampton who have installed solar systems. “We’ll do whatever we can to promote energy conservation,” he said.

Increase Your Property Value Many people interested in installing solar wonder how it will affect their property value. Well, solar increases property value for the obvious reason that it significantly reduces the operating cost of the home. A home’s value increases $20,000 for every $1,000 reduction in annual operating costs from energy efficiency, according to a 1998 Appraisal Journal article

by Rick Nevin and Gregory Watson. The rationale is that money from the reduction in operating costs will be spent on a larger mortgage with no net change in monthly cost of ownership.

A typical solar system on Long Island will save $1,500/year, resulting in an increase in value of $30,000 which is far in excess of the post-incentive cost of the system.

Solar systems will appreciate over time rather than depreciate as they age. The appreciation comes from the increasing annual savings the system generates. What home improvement or remodeling investment pays you back faster as it ages? Solar equipment carries a 20-25 year warranty from the manufacturer, which include such well-known names as Sharp, SunPower and Sanyo. So the savings will continue for a long, long time, while the cost of traditional energy is likely to continue increasing steadily.

Liliana Nealon believes that her solar system definitely increased the resale value of her home. “If I wanted to put it on the market now it would probably sell quickly,” she said.

Her utility bills come out to $5 a month, and that alone adds tremendously to the resale value of her house. Going green is a big selling point, according to Peter Sabbeth. Dr. Letica is convinced that his solar panels have increased his property value more than the $7,500 he invested. “I think it makes your

Tax Credits and Exemptions As part of the Federal Energy Bill, the federal government offers tax incentives for the purchase of a photovoltaic system, making the purchase of a solar system even easier.

Residential customers can receive up to 30 percent tax credits, with a cap of $2,000. Commercial customers who install solar systems can receive up to 30 percent tax credit with no cap.

Unfortunately, the federal tax credit will expire at the end of this year (politicians in Washington have not yet agreed on whether to extend the credit). New York State offers a 25 percent tax credit toward the total cost of a photovoltaic system, with a maximum credit of $5,000. These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of tax you owe, and if you can’t use the full credit in a given year, any credit in excess of the tax due can be carried over for up to five years.

New York State also has a 15-year property tax exemption for people who install solar systems. What this means for the homeowner is that the increased value to your home from installing a solar system is exempted from a property tax increase for 15 years.

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Design house worth more because you are spending less on bills.”

Soaring Oil and Gas Prices, and a Zero Carbon Footprint Soaring oil and gas prices on Long Island is another reason why now is a good time to go solar. LIPA rates have gone up an average of 7 percent per year for the last six years to meet increasing fuel costs.

With LIPA rates going up, everyone’s electric costs will rise.

Some people mistakenly think that solar panels will bring down heating costs. Solar reduces your electric bill, not your heating-related costs, unless your home heating system is electric. In addition, the more things in your house you convert to electric, the bigger impact your solar system will have on your utility bill.

Determined to cut costs and save the world at the same time, Liliana Nealon started out by converting all the energy uses in her house—heating, air conditioning, hot water ­– to electric. Then she installed solar. She now has a zero energy and zero carbon footprint house.

“I went against conventional wisdom and changed everything to electric,” she said. She took “one piece of the puzzle” at a time and tackled each energy cost in her house. Each room is individually heated with electric heaters (Energy Star rated) and “mini-split” air conditioning systems, a wallmounted air conditioning unit more common in Europe than in America.

She also has a wood-burning stove and changed her oil water heater to an electric one. All her appliances are energy efficient.

“Solar has been amazing,” she said. Before she installed the solar, she thought the payback for the installation would take six to eight years. But after the solar and all her energy-saving efforts, her payback will be more like two to three years.

“The upfront costs were well worth it,” she said, especially considering the price of oil, the continued rebate from LIPA and federal and state tax credits.

The Environment: Save the World One House at a Time The consensus in the scientific community is that climate change

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is caused by human activity, specifically carbon released into the atmosphere from cars, houses, factories etc. Solar is just one of the many ways you can contribute to reducing your carbon footprint.

Some people install solar panels not just for the financial savings and increased marketability, but because they feel a kind of moral responsibility to the environment. Peter Sabbeth is one of those people. He recently finished building an entirely “green” house in Sagaponack. The house, once the home of the author James Jones, had fallen into disrepair and was slated for demolition. Peter stepped in with the idea of restoring the original house, adding a more contemporary addition to the back, and making the whole house green.

“Green is the only way to go,” he said. “There simply isn’t another option. What could be more important than the quality of your home and the quality of your environment?” So he used solar for the house, geothermal for heating and cooling, more sustainable materials (such as concrete floors) in some parts of the house, purchased local woods or lumber from managed forests, and used the highest density insulation. He even has a table in the backyard made from a solar panel!

Peter chose to install solar laminates, which are manufactured in long strips and can be installed on standing seam metal roofs and flat roofs that have a rubber (EPDM) roof surface. In fact, solar laminate strips sit between the seams of a metal roof and can simply blend into the roof in a way that actual panels are less likely to. He wanted the largest possible solar system and ended up with 9.092 kilowatts.

Not long after Peter bought the property, Hampton’s

Cottage and Gardens magazine approached him about making the house the 2008 Idea House. (Each summer HC&G highlights a recently built residence in the Hamptons.) The house, which is open to viewing by the public, has welcomed hundreds of visitors. Peter said the many people who comment on how they like the way the solar laminates look surprised him. His solar design demonstrates how attractive solar has become.

David and Heather Saskas also installed solar laminates on their house in North Haven. Originally they looked into solar “on a whim,” Heather said. But once they found out more about it and understood the incentives, they signed on. “Now, we feel ‘Thank God we did it.’ It would have been irresponsible not to,” she said.

Although the Saskases have a 9.750 kilowatt solar system on their roof, you would never know it. The laminates blend in so seamlessly with the metal roof that you hardly see them. “That’s one of the things I love most,” Heather said. Originally she and David were concerned with how the laminates would look; most people are surprised when Heather tells them there are solar laminates on the roof.

Solar contractors know that the number of people requesting solar installations on Long Island has skyrocketed for many reasons. As Liliana Nealon said, going solar is a “no-brainer.

It’s worth its weight in gold. I would highly recommend it.”

GreenLogic Energy is Long Island’s leading designer and installer of alternative energy solutions.

Learn more at www.greenlogic.com

Each of our clients saves an average of $1,850 and prevents more than 17,500

The more you save with our solar systems, the more you save.

pounds of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere annually. At GreenLogic, we’re proud that our solar systems are helping a growing number of people protect the environment and spin their electric meters backwards. Maybe that’s why we’re the leading alternative energy company on Long Island.

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Design

Live

The

Las Vegas

Experience

In The

Greenest

Of

Ways

At

CityCenter

By Beth Edwards

C

ityCenter, a joint venture between MGM Mirage and Dubai World, is an unprecedented urban metropolis defined by spectacular architecture, unrivaled as the address at which to live and live it up in Las Vegas.

CityCenter will open in late 2009 on 67 acres and owners will enjoy exclusive privileges at MGM Mirage resorts in Las Vegas with an unmatched array of entertainment, gaming, shopping, dining, spa and nightlife offerings ranging from priority restaurant reservations and preferred seating at shows to exclusive invitations for special events and VIP treatment at nightclubs and lounges.

What’s more, CityCenter is seeking out the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at CityCenter, incorporating ecofriendly elements to the already fabulous designs.

Each building is as unique as it is luxurious. Aria, the resort tower casino and convention center will be CityCenter’s most iconic feature. The sophisticated, contemporary design will be different from any building that has preceded it, contributing to the Las Vegas skyline and providing a variety of experiences at the street level.

Vdara Condo Hotel, the complex’s sole condo hotel, will include studios, deluxe studios, one- and two-bedroom residences, as well as one- and two-bedroom penthouses.

Amenities and services will include a spa and salon, pool with cabanas, fitness center, destination restaurant, 24-hour concierge service, conference and meeting facilities, in-room dining, housekeeping and valet parking. When a unit isn’t in use, owners will have the option to rent on a nightly basis. Unit prices begin at $600,000.

Veer Towers will rise from CityCenter’s retail and entertainment district. Innovatively designed as two glass towers leaning in opposite directions, the towers will each house modern condominium residences available in studios, one-and two-bedroom flats, and penthouses. At the top of each tower, residents will enjoy an amenities floor featuring an “infinity edge” pool, fitness center, spa, cabanas and a patio for outdoor entertaining. Each tower will feature a private valet and staffed

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lobby, business center and clubroom, fitness center and steam room. Steps away, residents can partake in the upscale dining, shopping, exhilarating nightlife and entertainment of Las Vegas.

Unit prices start at $500,000.

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences will mix the prestige of a renowned resort brand and matchless amenities with a world-class hotel and residential experience. Residents will enjoy gourmet cuisine with 24-hour room service, concierge, doorman, housekeeping and valet services, and a wide range of dining, entertainment and wellbeing facilities. The residences at Mandarin Oriental will feature condominiums situated on the upper floors of the hotel tower, with a private owner’s lobby and clubroom. Available for purchase is the Mandarin Penthouse collection, including two- and three-bedroom units. The residences are priced from $3.7 million to $9.1 million and will be delivered as grey shells.

The Harmon Hotel, Spa & Residences will define exclusive living and deliver luxury. The tower’s top floors will be dedicated to residences and provide full access to the hotel’s amenities, including a conference facility and erudite concierge, a salon, fitness center, gourmet dining, luxurious spa with in-home services, pool deck, valet parking, housekeeping and the most elite retail offerings in Las Vegas. The hotel’s pool deck will be perched 100 feet above the Strip, providing full views of the world’s most dynamic street below. The Harmon’s contemporary tower will boast hotel rooms and condominium residences available as one-and two-bedroom flats and penthouses. Unit prices are from $1.5 million.

The Crystals Retail and Entertainment District will feature clubs, gourmet restaurants, high-end retailers and galleries in an experiential environment that complements the overall city scene. This inviting neighborhood of unique retail shops, dining and entertainment venues will form the core of this urban metropolis.

Validating its status as a cultural destination of worldwide significance, CityCenter is launching a $40 million Public Fine Art Program, which will feature works by acclaimed artists.

The CityCenter Fine Art Program will encompass a multitude

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9/30/08 6:56:20 PM

of styles and media, engaging visitors on both a visual and intellectual level. The program is designed to become a benchmark for enlightened corporate involvement with the arts on a global level.

This fantastic complex is also going green. Among the ecofriendly features of CityCenter are a few key points: CityCenter designed a central plant that utilizes a combined heat and power co-generation plant. In addition to providing about 10 percent of the electricity needed, each of the towers will use domestic hot water created using the waste heat generated by the plant. Many aspects of the buildings, including windows and roofs, feature heat- and light-reflecting capabilities, which help reduce heat transfer. Preference is given to materials with recycled content, reclaimed materials, or materials that could be manufactured locally. Paints, sealants, adhesives, carpet and composite wood products do not contain toxic substances that could later be released into the air. Each of the CityCenter buildings is designed for significant water savings with lowflow faucets, showers and toilets throughout the development.

The buildings will use efficient irrigation systems with moisture controls that will ensure landscaping is irrigated only as needed.

Each of CityCenter’s buildings will implement green cleaning practices, and guests arriving in alternative fuel vehicles such as gas/electric hybrids will have access to preferred parking.

In addition, areas where chemical use occurs are negatively pressurized with separate outside exhaust and no recirculation of air. These are only a few of the long list of ways that CityCenter is helping to make the buildings as environmentally friendly and safe as possible.

Charting a new course for responsible growth in Las Vegas, MGM Mirage is pursuing LEED certification at CityCenter.

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The project will incorporate these eco-friendly elements, among many others to make it one of the world’s largest environmentally sustainable urban communities. The LEED Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of highperformance green buildings, promoting a “whole building” approach to sustainability, which CityCenter is looking to achieve. In other words, you can live the fabulous life while also reducing your carbon footprint, and what can be better than that?

www.boulevardli.com

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9/30/08 6:56:36 PM

Fashion IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR WHEN COUTURE BECOMES COAT-TURE. Fall 2008 brings A BEAUTIFUL and ROMANTIC COLLECTION OF OLEG CASSINI COATS and LUXURY tailored clothing. The collection

is made of PURE NATURAL FABRICS, SILKS, WOOL, and fabulous CASHMERE. The fabrics are LUXURIOUS, EXCLUSIVE, are NOT HARMFUL TO ANIMALS, and are SAFE FOR THE

As they say in Hollywood...

IT’S A WRAP. A refined classic from Oleg Cassini coats, the wrap coat. The fabric is a rich, luxurious, and sublimely soft, 100 precent cashmere with a smooth, silk like finish done in a perfect fall wardrobe color of ANTHRACITE BLACK. The notched color and lapel curve into a narrowed wrap, with slash pockets and cuff-buttoned flap details. A perfect look to wear over the little black dress by

Oleg Cassini.

ENVIRONMENT.

An animal and nature lover, Oleg Cassini received the James Herriot Award from the HSUS * for his work with promoting humane treatment for all animals. *Humane Society USA

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“To be well dressed is a little like being in love� ... Oleg Cassini

The little black & white dress with jacket The Cassini signature houndstooth sheath dress in fine wool/silk fabric with inseam pockets.

The dress features a squared neckline with velvet bow trim. The cropped jacket is accented with velvet ribbons and bows. www.boulevardli.com

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Fashion

Oleg Cassini Couture at it’s best...

THE THREE PIECE SUIT. The ease of a cardigan jacket is teamed with its own silk charmeuse tank and narrowed pencil skirt. The fabulous French fabric is a woven boucle of wool, metallic and silk charmeuse in a vision of matte and shiny textures, trimmed with matching lush silk satin charmeuse on the borders of the jacket, the turn back cuffs, hem of skirt and matching tank.

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A love affair that never ends.

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Fashion

Gallery Couture Offers It All …

Trendy, Eclectic Fashion With Personal Service

“W

e love what we do," says David Haghani, founder and co-owner of Gallery Couture.

Along with his brother Afshin, who acts as the creative director and buyer for the store, the brothers have created a niche for themselves in the tony town of Manhasset. “ We are reaching our 18th anniversary, and have rarely seen a dull moment,” David adds with a smile.

His statement is borne out on any morning when Gallery Couture is buzzing with women coming in from Pilates class looking to find an outfit for that night or the regulars coming to chat and see what new merchandise has arrived. “ We are not a typical Long Island store,” says Afshin. "Our product mix, our window displays and our merchandising is reminiscent of stores in major metropolitan cities." Even the background music is formulated to be as eclectic as the clothing.

Gallery Couture may not be a trendy store, but it is always in trend with the world of high fashion. On any day, shoppers will find tried and true designers such as Nanette Lepore, Tory Burch, and Alice and Olivia mixed in with pieces from lesser known brands such as Nieves Lavi, Julie Brown, and Yoana Baraschi. This mix creates a unique, eclectic combination. While many of the designers featured in Gallery Couture can be found in upscale department stores, the actual styles or colors handpicked by Afshin are rarely the same.

Afshin comments that one of his pet peeves is a woman who wears the same designer look from head to toe, because the look lacks originality. Instead, he tries to customize each look for each particular customer. “Two women may be leaving the store with the same top, but it will never look the same, since it has been styled differently for each one,” he says.

It comes as no surprise, then, that with Afshin’s discerning eye and David’s business savvy, the brothers would expand in to other stores, such as G. Couture, and Loop. “ We opened G. Couture because we saw a void in up-tothe-minute, well-designed fashion on the North Shore," states David, the brain behind all the brothers’ ventures. With its mix of branded and smaller independent designers, G. Couture, for example, has become a destination for all types of women looking for something trendy, without breaking the bank. G. Couture originally opened in the fall of 2000 under the name Junior Couture. When the store first opened, it was geared

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toward a younger market, yet as time passed they needed to grow with their customers. The brothers changed the name to G. Couture (G. is for Gallery), and customized the product mix to appeal to all ages. G. Couture is very trend-driven and very fast fashion. “It’s about finding that item that is so trendy you don’t want to spend too much money on it. Says Afshin. "It is fascinating to see a 17-year-old shopping alongside a 40-yearold woman and creating a look that is appropriate for each."

Since nothing tops $200 at G. Couture, it's easy to get carried away with the latest fashion offerings and still have money left for shoes.

Loop is all about what to wear everyday while running errands. David comments he had noticed a lot of women buying their casual wear at jean stores that cater to the high school set, so he created a store with a product mix that addresses the needs of the stay-at-home mom. She could be a young mother in her 30s, or someone in her 50s, but the look is the same: polished, chic, comfortable, a bit trendy, and always casual.

Loop carries such pant designers as G1, Billy Blues, Sanctuary and Fabrizio Gianni, as well as tops from Velvet, Linq and James Perse. It also carries collections by Joie, Generra, John Vibratos, Splendid and Ella Moss.

So what does Afshin think are the trends of the season? “ There is a move towards classic shapes, punctuated by advancement in fabric designs. The full, shapeless trends of the past seasons are behind us and we are moving towards a shapely, narrower silhouette. The little black dress is important again, and winter florals are a key print trend. Leather will be on everyone’s mind, whether it’s a bomber jacket or skirt. But the trend that will have the greatest lasting effect, even into the next season, is bohemian chic.”

Afshin offers the personalized service that is unique to Gallery Couture by appointment in any of the three stores.“ I am there if you need that perfect fit pant, or that perfect fit wardrobe,” he says.

Gallery Couture is located at 346 Plandome Road, Manhasset (516-627-5333); G.Couture at 292 Plandome Road, Manhasset (516-627-4949) and LOOP at 347 Plandome Road, Manhasset (365-5454). One visit will convince you you've found a shop that's right for you.

Buy Eco Friendly/Organic and Free Trade cloth and clothes

9/30/08 8:40:50 PM

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10/1/08 12:20:00 PM

Fashion Uptown Classic

PFYH PFYH Alpaca Inc., which stands for Peace for Your Heart, was founded by friends Bridget Reid and Lizann Grupalo. All handbags are designed by PFYH and produced using fine Italian leather and hardware and incorporate 100 percent baby alpaca fleece from Peru. PFYH maintains an ardent sense of corporate responsibility, a percentage of every sale is donated directly to The Mirasol Project. A non-profit organization in Peru that raises funds to build schools and educational programs for children of the shepherd families that tend the alpacas. PFYH embodies classic style with modern flair, with the intention of creating physical as well as emotional beauty. On June 25, 2008, PFYH won Most Socially Responsible Handbag at the 2008 Independent Handbag Designer Award, held in New York City. For more information on the Mirasol Project please visit www.mirasolperu.com.

in Berry red with Monte Carlo “Black Cherry” smooth leather, red baby alpaca fleece, and nickel hardware.

EcoFriendly Belmont Bolster in Cream Teju (reptile

print) leather and Monte Carlo “Bone” (matte) leather trim, and nickel hardware.

Hampton Hipster

in Black Teju (reptile print) leather with black patent leather trim and nickel hardware.

Cardinal is a heeled

cork wedge made from red and taupe coated linen and adorned with metal trimmed cork buckles.

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Pig is a bright pink velveteen

strappy stiletto and decorated with baby pink crystals a top playful criss cross straps.

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Ecoist

Slim Portfolio fair-trade handbag is

made from 100 percent repurposed candy wrappers with a cutout handle; handmade in Mexico and Peru.

Ecoist, a Miami-based company, develops fashion accessories for the eco-minded individual. All products are made of recycled, organic or earth-friendly materials and are manufactured through a network of fair-trade partnerships around the world. Recently Ecoist added the latest collection of the Colombian designer, Nazly Villamizar, handbags.

In both design and creation, the bags marry the world of fashion and sustainability. Each handbag is meticulously handcrafted using jute, which is 100 percent biodegradable and recyclable. With a background working for Sony Music Colombia as a fashion stylist, Nazly’s rock star aesthetic and trend-setting fashion sense become exemplified in the elegant handbags.

Fashion The Nazly Villamizar’s Cubik handbag, refreshingly adorned, displays a sculptural simplicity.

It has a padded shoulder strap, classic square quilt body and is made of jute. Available in red, green and blue.

Nazly Villamizar’s Eyes clutch made of jute, features a graceful designed handle of four finger holes. Available in mustard, green and black.

For more eco-friendly fashion visit their websites: www.ecoist.com www.minkshoes.com and www.pfyhalpaca.com

Cock is a bright cherry satin

t-strap with a titanium spike heel. The peep-toe shoe is adorned with brass-studded hardware and gold chains hung from the ankle strap.

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Mink Mink Shoes, a line of eco-friendly footwear was created by Rebecca Brough. She is a card-carrying vegan, former model and fashion stylist. The collection is known for its strappy, elegant sexy style manufactured from sustainable materials such as wood, rubber, cork, cotton denim and satin. Her designs are whimsically named for animals and imbue the corresponding characteristics of each animal. www.boulevardli.com

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Fashion

Stella McCartney

Organic Collection

A sexy style mixing a knee high boot with a short dress ,finishing with a defining-waist belt.

Stella McCartney exclusive collection with Barneys New York is made entirely with the environment in mind. Part of Barneys Green Christmas initiative, the spring summer collection consists of 18 styles including jackets, dresses, tops and trousers in completely fresh designs. Trims and recycled fabrics, from past stock, are used throughout to reduce the landfill impact and avoid extra wastage and transport. The collection uses organic fabrics where possible, all are certified either with the Ecocert or QAI Japan. The Japanese fabrics are made with American and Mexican certified organic cotton fibre and processed on organic only looms. The organic collection will be available in stores at the end of November. For further information, please log on to www.stellamccartney.com

Winter approaching comfort is key with a poncho coat and long leggings.

An evening dress to turn heads, intricate lace design turns a simple black dress into a alluring style.

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With a luxurious coat making the statement, this outfit is perfect for the sosphiticated woman.

A sultry golden dress sets the bohemian trend.

Buy sustainable organic clothing.

10/4/08 7:22:31 PM

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9/30/08 8:41:44 PM

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Reuse plastic newspaper sleeves by wraping paintbrushes in them.

10/6/08 1:33:36 PM

Mix white vinegar and water for effective glass cleaner.

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www.boulevardli.com

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Profiles

I

hated homework and going to school when I was a kid.

When you had faked your last cold, stomachache or other 12-year-old excuse, there was one last resort in your bag of adolescent tricks – the weatherman. If the weatherman said there was going to be a lot of snow, then school just might be cancelled. And so like many restless young boys in grammar school, I religiously watched the evening news with my father in the winter months in the hopes that a big nor’easter would blow up the coast and sock us with a foot of snow and grant me clemency from my scholastic prison. For the Gen Xers that lived in New York, it was Sam Champion that we looked to for our “day off” pass, and while most of the time his broadcast was a disappointment to my mischievous hopes, his decades on the air as the WABC evening weatherman became institutionalized as a comforting portion of the day after dinner. Broadcasters have a way of becoming part of your family scenery when they are good. That audience connection has you inviting them into your home on a daily basis until you can’t really imagine a time without them – but like I said – when they are good.

Sam Champion, 47, is now the weather anchor for Good Morning America and speaks to an audience of roughly six million viewers every morning. He is a national figure alongside only two or three other network weather correspondents and gives the country critical information about their forecasts and climate. He also broadcasts feature stories about Americana from all corners of the 50 states – some serious, some offbeat. He is one of the most popular and well-liked faces on the air and we chose him to lead the Green Issue of The Boulevard because of

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the vital role he plays in the newest and most tragic journalistic beat – global warming.

I don’t think about snowstorms anymore. There aren’t as many as when I was younger. Now, a snowstorm would frustrate my day, toughen my commute and disrupt plans. I watch Sam looking for a different type of absolution – I need an “all clear” message that the weather is good enough to go to work rather than an order to stay home. I feel old. The child is grown; the dream is gone. Embedded somewhere in that lament is the reason Sam’s work is so important.

“Most times we are telling our audience that it’s going to be a beautiful day and everything is fine, but we have to build a relationship because it’s very important that the audience be able to trust you and turn to you when the weather is bad and [know] you are not going to give them a panic or misinformation. You’ll be delicate and balanced when there is a difficult storm. That is the most important thing you can do when delivering weather information,” says Sam about his role in helping his viewers navigate public safety.

But nowadays it’s about more than snowstorms. I don’t know about you, but my non-scientific anecdotal assessment is that all hell seems to be breaking loose with the weather in the last 10 years, and I am sure I am not the only one. There seems to be less snow now and more hurricanes. I spend more time being surprised by the weather than taking it in stride. I don’t gamble on snowstorms any more to get out of homework – I add up my heating bills and I pray I don’t get stranded on a business trip every time another hurricane hits.

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10/6/08 1:33:46 PM

All of these circumstances are likely connected to a climatological pattern that is perhaps the single most important discovery and story of our lifetime – the phenomenon of global warming. Under all the disagreement by the smartest people walking the planet is one undeniable fact – the earth is getting warmer. The great debate is how large our role is in the process.

How we adapt or affect the pattern will be one of the most significant events in human history. Sam Champion started out when reporting weather meant telling people whether to plan a picnic. Yet at the pinnacle of his career, weather is a story about advocating for a global collective effort of cooperation that may, in fact, decide our fate. I discussed with Sam that The Boulevard chose him for the Green Issue cover because his work on ABC exemplified this. I then asked him what one of the more dramatic and archetypical moments were in the field which could affirm this phenomenon: “I think of a situation where I was watching some Arctic Sea ice. The heartbreaking thing is that you see the ice breaking into the water and the longer you stand there and watch the ice that has been there for thousands of years float away, you realize it’s a devastating change and it’s incredibly damaging to the environment. You look at the conditions and you wish there was something we could do. You stand there after that big television Switch to a natural lawn care service.

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moment and you realize the ‘gee whiz’ factor is gone and this is a profound change as the ice shelf floats away.”

The recollection describes the awesome and terrifying nature of a good day at work for Sam – you show close to six million viewers huge action events from the North Pole, but they indicate a progressive emergency. Great journalism can be so bittersweet. Sam has immersed himself in this story of our age so deeply he doesn’t just provide on-location interpretation, he gives his audience useful tips on how they can live as part of the solution rather than contribute to the problem.

On the ABC/Good Morning America website is his terrific column “Just One Thing.” Because his list is long, I asked him if there was a single most important thing that a person could do which would contribute to greening the planet a bit further.

“It depends on what you do most in your daily life. I challenge people to look at their schedule and find out what is wasteful and what can be changed. Maybe you use the reusable water container or not leave the lights and TV on.

We were conditioned to think we would always have water, power and oil and we could treat it and use it without respecting it, but we need to look at them very carefully because we were not promised it would always be here forever for us to waste,” he reflects.

Sam and I discussed a lot of the small steps that can occur on the individual level that will result in a big impact when a person acts responsibly. We both agree the tide is turning in the public consciousness and there are significant cultural watermarks that indicate the inconvenient truth causing ice shelves to float away or kids to enjoy fewer snow days is bothering everyone. But there are big problems that need to be dealt with on a grander scale.

I suspect I speak for others as well as myself if I reveal a deep fear that even if I lived with utter responsibility – went totally green, wasted nothing and left no carbon footprint ­– the powers that be would somehow be oblivious to the collective conscience developing in our society.

At the heart of that fear is the realization that we need to change the way we think about the world to deal with the challenges of global warming. I asked Sam what he thought our single biggest challenge was – in his eloquence, it was the emergency of a new perspective that he felt was most critical.

“I absolutely think it’s the time for us to take on an entirely different perspective with how we fuel this country. People think that coal and oil come from the ground and you burn in and it creates energy and you’re done. We have science that wasn’t available 50 or 100 years ago. How could we think it’s the only way to power this country? It isn’t. For us to take these new ways and invest the same amount of time and personal energy into making them is just the smartest and the best thing to do. The thing that has to change is a lazy way that we deal with getting energy just because it’s part of our history. We must build more ways to get energy for this country.”

And therein lies the stature of the television meteorologist of 2008: Mission critical! Hurricane Katrina was an awful reminder of how devastating a perfect storm could be. It taught us that after years of complacency, we are left with a vulnerability to meteorological events that must be addressed immediately and with sober attention. It’s a lot to digest as a thinking adult, enough to keep one up at night. I asked Sam www.boulevardli.com

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Profiles

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The Boulevard • August - September 2008

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Filter your water for drinking and cooking.

10/6/08 1:34:01 PM

“I think of a situation where I was watching some Arctic sea ice. The heartbreaking thing is that you see the ice breaking into the water and the longer you stand there and watch the ice that has been there for thousands of years float away, you realize it’s a devastating change and its incredibly damaging to the environment. You look at the conditions and you wish there was something we could do.

You stand there after that big television moment and you realize the gee whiz factor is gone and this is a profound change as the ice shelf floats away.”

Buy recycled aluminum foil.

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www.boulevardli.com

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10/6/08 1:34:11 PM

Profile where the threshold was between study and action or panic.

“Remember, all of these things are theories, but we should be informed about what the experts of our time and the scientists of our time think is happening and what we should be doing. It’s the same thing if we learned about cancer: you would find out as much as you could about the problem so you could monitor it as it’s happening, and then you would figure out what your options were to deal with the situation. It’s the same with global warming,” he says. “We try to show people places of the globe you don’t see in your normal everyday experience.

You can’t blame news agencies for not jumping on this story right away. When someone comes out and says something is changing, there is a natural skepticism. We only have 200 years of weather records, so until the scientific community came out with evidence, this didn’t emerge as a big story.”

Ironically, the “street cred” for a television meteorologist on these gigantic scary topics is still the evergreen feature that shows us Americana. People listen to Sam tell them to recycle because he goes to their towns, he goes to the out-ofthe-way Main Street in any number of states and reaches out to the viewers. He lets them tell their side of what makes our country so terrific – quirkiness, ingenuity and pizzazz that you find in every corner of every town. He recently completed his Whistle Stop tour where GMA took him to dozens of states as the network tried to report in all 50 states in 50 days during the election cycle. I asked him if any stories stuck out that he liked in

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particular and he told me about a piece he did on a small group of specialty automobile collectors who own a rare vehicle that is both a car and a boat. I had seen these strange and hilarious contraptions 10 years ago in South Jersey, and Sam had done a story on a gathering of these odd, proud car/boat owners. He got a ride from a street into a lake. He had a blast. One of the perks of being on the weather beat is you get to find and report adventures that most people only read about.

So this morning as I dressed for work, I looked at my raincoat without the winter lining and listened to Sam give a beautiful forecast saying I wouldn’t need it. At a certain age you stop praying for snowstorms and start hoping for sunny days.

Nice that America has a morning weatherman that can bring us both. Nicer still that he’s on the job to help us through the greatest challenges our species has ever faced. Thanks, Sam, for making it easy to be green!

To read Sam’s great “Just One Thing Column” about what you can do in your personal life to go green go to: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/SamChampion

Use baking soda and cornstarch for carpet deodorizer.

10/6/08 1:34:17 PM

Photographer:

Clifton Parker for Patrick McMullan Company Assistant: Jana Sanford

The Boulevard Magazine:

Angela Susan Anton, Jason Feinberg, Tina Guiomar

Left to Right: Tina Guiomar, Clifton Parker, Sam Champion, Angela Susan Anton and Jason Feinberg Photo by Jana Sanford Invest in solar panels.

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www.boulevardli.com

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10/6/08 1:34:38 PM

profiles

Y

ou have seen him on television and on the big screen playing a wide range of characters. But this isn’t a story of an actor’s ability to entertain; it’s about a man’s quest to stop the world from bleeding. Generally considered the man that started it all, Ed Begley, Jr. has set the standards and social obligations for an eco-friendly world.

Actor, director, author, environmentalist and Merrick, Long Island native, Ed Begley, Jr., took time from his busy schedule to speak with The Boulevard about environmental issues and the successes he has had with his eco-friendly ideas.

Ed, who came to the world's attention as Dr. Victor Ehrlich on the hit television series St. Elsewhere, moved to a smog-filled LA, which triggered what would become a lifelong dedication to creating a cleaner, healthier life that unintentionally evolved into an profitable one.

While 1970s' America was suffering a fuel crisis, a novel event was about to take hold – Earth Day. The movement was to become iconic. For Ed, LA’s thick smog had finally taken its

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toll: something more had to be done. Having been a Boy Scout, as well as having a father who lived through the depression and knew how to conserve, helped to ease Ed’s transition to a better way of life. On a modest budget, Ed started the change by recycling, composting, buying biodegradable soaps and detergents, changing his diet and purchasing an electric car.

These are simple everyday events in 2008; however, this was the 1970s and what Ed soon realized was how much money he was saving by doing something that would benefit the world. “In 1970, I was a struggling actor. I had very little money so I did the cheap and easy stuff and, lo and behold, I started saving dough right away. I stayed with it and I did more and saved more.”

Thirty-eight years later times have changed considerably.

For most of us, the go green push is a new concept, while for Ed, it is his daily routine: “I think that people woke up to this for a number of reasons ­– high gas prices for certain … Al Gore – but a woman named Katrina really got everybody’s attention [not suggesting that Katrina was a result of global climate change].

Compost your food scraps ... Use Low Flow shower head

10/6/08 11:36:07 AM

“A woman named Katrina really got everybody’s attention, it’s the perfect storm of all of these things coming together.”

Use a Library card ... Install a Programmable thermostat

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www.boulevardli.com

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10/6/08 11:36:12 AM

Profiles

“You can’t ask people to do things that isn’t in their budget.”

It’s the ‘perfect storm’ of all of these things coming together.

“There is such a body of evidence of people out there talking about serious matters such as overfishing, loss of coral reefs, downwater contamination, global climate change - and when you put a PhD after their names, people start to listen and think, ‘Well, maybe they’re right.’”

Global warming is just one of many challenges we have today and certainly one of the most concerning. Can it be fixed?

“I think it can be fixed," says Ed. "We have to look to the past to see what is possible in the future.”

Los Angeles was a prime example of what can happen if things are left unregulated. We have all seen photos of LA with that deep, think haze. This is called photochemical smog, and it comes from three key ingredients: sunlight, hydrocarbons (from engine exhaust), and nitrogen oxides (high temperature combustion involving air, causing pollutants). When sunlight is added to the equation some of the nitrogen oxides split to create oxygen atoms. Not the good kind, but that toxic form of oxygen called ozone. “If you look at the air in LA, we have four times the amount of cars since 1970 and we have half the smog,” Ed notes. “We’ve come a long way and have proven we can do this. People thought it would impossible to clean up and we would go broke trying. But others, like myself, said, ‘No you won’t go broke because you can make money in the process of cleaning it up.’ There is money in making catalytic converters, combining cycle gas turbines, spray paint booths; all the things that cleaned up the air in Los Angeles are industries, too.

Industries with jobs, salaries and profits – things associated with capitalism.”

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And it’s true. Industries have, in fact, played a key part in “cleaning up.” Some of the Top 10 companies that have gone beyond the requirements to operate in an environmentally responsible way include Honda, Continental, Suncor, PG&E and S.C. Johnson. It has made them more profitable, but has also given them a better public face. One industry that we as Americans have always counted on is the automobile industry.

Ed takes no joy in watching Detroit’s market decline. He has been very supportive of Toyota because of their cars like the Prius and his 2002 Electric Rav 4 (which he still drives) that have benefited the public. “They didn’t crush their electric cars,” he says, referring to General Motor’s EV1. “I really hope they pull this one out of the fire and start making cars that get better mileage and that people want and can afford.”

Ed remembers the Town of Islip’s famous garbage barge that essentially started a massive recycling campaign which made its way across the country. Yet some towns, even Islip, still do not have mandates on commercial zones or apartment buildings to recycle. This would require people to carry their recyclables to their local recycling center at a cost. “You can’t ask a people to do things that isn’t in their budget, which is why I put a book out about this called Living like Ed: A Guide to the EcoFriendly Life.” In his book, Ed shares his experiences from solar power to solar cooking, from eating healthy and sharing recipes to converting kitchen scraps to compost. There are hundreds of tips that can help you be a better you, as well as educational information such as the seven different types of plastics and their uses. At the end of the book, Ed provides a workbook area for people to keep track of the changes they have made and Use Washable rags and napkins .. Use Reusable/cloth grocery bags

10/6/08 11:36:20 AM

“We’ve come a long way and proven we can do this.”

actually see the financial difference. Something as simple as changing your light bulbs or bringing your own canvas bags to the supermarket can accumulate savings over time, and time and patience may be what we need to see the results.

It’s a great way to get started. You can take the cheap and easy way first and work your way up as you save. It has taken almost 100 years of industrial might, both the good and the bad, to bring us to where we are today. It may take time to see the benefits of using certain products or to afford a specific item. “It took me 20 years to be able to afford solar electric, 15 years to be able to afford solar hot water, so I don’t expect anyone to do anything different than I did. It just took many years to get those big-ticket items. You do what you can do.”

To get a firsthand experience, Ed and his beautiful wife, actress Rachelle Carson, allow viewers into their home in a reality program called Living with Ed which airs on the Planet Green channel (http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tv/livingwith-ed). In its second season, Living with Ed is almost a modern day version of Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple. “Rachelle really cares about the environment, not to the level that I do, but she does cares a great deal about it. I’d like to think I had a good influence on her over time. She certainly influenced me about what I didn’t have any sense of whatsoever, which was visual appearance and esthetics,” Ed laughs as he describes his drought-tolerant garden as something from the Addams Family yard. “It was drought-tolerant, but it looked like hell.”

Inside the house, you are immediately aware that Rachelle has brought style to their home while continuing to be energy efficient. They have a white picket fence made out of recycled milk jugs, a beautiful new kitchen counter top made from recycled glass bottles, and their very own wind turbine, which attributes to their $300 per year electric bill.

Living with Ed also takes viewers in to the homes of celebrities such as Jay Leno (see The Boulevard February 2008), Larry Hagman, Helen Hunt and neighbor Bill Nye (the Science Guy), who are all making significant environmental

Use Small, Efficient Devices to cook food ... Buy a Fuel Efficient car

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contributions in their lives as well.

One of Ed’s more recent performances was in the HBO movie Recount, a film that told the story of the 2000 presidential election. Ed played David Bowes, the attorney that defended the Gore campaign. I asked Ed what would things be like today if Al Gore had become president. “I feel fairly certain it would be a lot better ­– there would have been a lot less of the rollback of environmental laws, more incentives for solar and wind power.

We wouldn’t have had this decision that was made to allow power plants that were ready to settle [the lawsuit] on clean air regulations, but the Justice Department was told to call off the action and they went back to business as usual. A lot of these decision that were made I feel were a mistake and I don’t feel that Al Gore would have done the same thing. He wouldn’t have done everything that I wanted, but he would have done a lot more that would have been a good common-sense approach to the environment.”

To help even more, Ed has come out with a biodegradable cleaning product called Begley’s Best (www.begleysbest.com), an all-purpose cleaner designed to replace all other cleaners.

The unique product is made from pine extracts, de-acified citrus, maize, fermented sugar cane roots and olive seeds. Since the products are all natural they biodegrade in less then a week.

Begley’s Best can be used on any surface that is compatible with water.

There is no question that Ed has done more then any of us could imagine. What started out as the need to get smog out of a smog-filled city has set standards that all of us can both learn from and take part in. Through conservation, Ed has turned his quest into a profitable one and in the end is living a simple and better life. He has allowed the world to see into his life while continuing to entertain and protect that world. He has shown it’s easy to live like Ed.

Ed’s Website -

www.edbegely.com www.boulevardli.com

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profiles

I

t’s 11 a.m. on a steamy afternoon in New York City and actor/activist Matthew Modine rolls into the popular East Village bar Phebe’s Tavern and Grill nearly 30 minutes late for his interview, looking relaxed and smiling. His tardiness was not premeditated to keep the press waiting. The delay was one anyone could relate to. The star had to stop at his apartment and take care of his 15-year-old French bulldog, Decaf.

Like most of us, Modine is one busy New Yorker. With his Blackberry and bicycle (a Puma Biomega 8-speed urban mobility bike) in tow, the 6 ft. 4 in. actor takes the role of multitasking seriously. After wrapping up his Showtime series, Weeds, Modine and his four-legged friend drove cross-country in his two-seater Pontiac – from California to New York ­­– just in time to appear on the Fox Business Network show Happy Hour. Modine went on the show to help promote his new initiative, Bicycle for a Day (BFAD), a grassroots movement he started to encourage people, communities, governments and corporations to ride bicycles rather than use gas-powered motor vehicles, something he hopes will help solve the environmental issues our country is facing. He has two strong environmental organizations supporting his initiative, the Waterkeeper Alliance and American Forests Global ReLeaf. The Waterkeeper Alliance, the fastestgrowing and most effective advocate for clean water worldwide, works to connect and support grassroots organizations while American Forests Global ReLeaf helps individuals, organizations, agencies and corporations improve the local and global environment by planting and caring for trees. Before the interview, Modine had spent the morning traveling to different bicycle stores in the city, using his star power to get the word

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out about his cause and inviting the public to join him at his first annual art auction exhibition taking place at Phebe’s later that day. The benefit, produced in conjunction with Phebe’s and Creative Seven NYC, was being held to raise awareness about the official launch of BFAD on Sept. 20 at the South Street Seaport as well as to raise funds for the project.

“Anyone who joins me along on the ride, I will buy them a beer,” says Modine, looking more preppy than hard-core bicyclist in his tan khakis, light blue button-down shirt, rubbersoled loafers made from hemp and brown baseball cap with the initials BFAD. “What is really important is that people feel empowered. Bicycling is something you can do immediately to have an impact on the environment. Our country has terrible problems with diabetes, obesity and heart failure. Bicycling accomplishes three things right there. It helps to curb your weight. It strengthens your heart and by physical activity it reduces the risk of diabetes immediately," he says.

Modine, who has always been passionate about the environment, was studying to become an oceanographer in college until his oceanography teacher offered what Modine described as his “fatalistic views about the future of the oceans, rivers, lakes and streams." Looking back, Modine says, “It was really scary to have someone so smart, this teacher, really paint this grim picture of the future. He essentially was like, 'You might as well drop out of college.'"

Drop out he did, and Matthew moved to New York where he began acting lessons under the direction of Stella Adler.

Nevertheless, when he was approached by a group of young global leaders who were looking for alternative ways to reduce carbon emissions, he was eager to get on board. Modine came Recycle your Worn Out Tires to a local recycling plant

10/7/08 11:39:40 AM

Join a local Environmental organization ... Use Public Transportation

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Profiles

up with the idea of a global bicycle day and made a film called BFAD that he showed at the economic forum in Switzerland.

The film, he said, was such a great success that these young ambassadors subsequently relied on him to execute the mission … and so it goes.

“I never had any intention of becoming a mouthpiece for a movement, but as time went on after the event and people kept on asking about it, it sounded like a good idea,” says Modine, a veteran of more than 50 films and probably better known for his acting, directing and screenwriting talents than his environmental endeavors.

Earlier this year, Modine reached out to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, writing him a letter about the history of BFAD, which, Modine explains, helped influence the mayor’s decision to declare Sept. 20 as the official BFAD day.

Even with his Hollywood fame, Modine is extremely likable and down-to-earth. His no-nonsense hands-on approach to life stems from his days growing up in Utah. The youngest of seven children, Modine learned at an early age how to deal with things that came his way – good, bad or indifferent – a lesson he has applied throughout his life.

“My father was a drive-in theater manager and my siblings and I all had responsibilities at the drive-in. Since I was the youngest, I had to pick up trash and clean the toilets. On a hot summer night with people being sick drinking beer and vomiting in the bathroom and the toilet being clogged, my job was to clean it up. It was horrible. My dad said to me, ‘Look, you can complain about it and get angry about the people who did it but it is not going to do anything to solve the problem.' You have to do something, and that type of thinking has always kind of stuck in my head,” says Modine. “If there is a problem, if there is something that is unpleasant, he taught me not to complain about it. You can be upset about it – how can you not be upset about cleaning up someone else’s vomit? – but it is not going to get it cleaned up, you have to do it. So you can point the finger and get mad or point the finger in the direction that solves the problem. BFAD is just that.”

Using his creative talents, Modine partnered with Tumi, a leading international brand of luxury travel, business and lifestyle accessories, to design the BFAD messenger bag, making it both comfortable and versatile. He also contributed many of his own photographs taken with his 2-1/4 by 2-1/4 Rolleiflex camera, the same model used by filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, which Modine taught himself to use, that were being sold at the July BFAD fundraiser at Phebe’s Tavern and Grill.

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For the actor, who has two children of his own, 17- year-old daughter Ruby and 22-year-old son Bowman, being self-reliant has always been a goal and he encourages not only his own children, but all individuals, to aspire to do a variety of things well. “This is America. The idea that somebody does one thing, I don’t know when that happened. Just because you are an actor doesn’t mean you cannot be a photographer. I come from pioneer stock. You had to be able to fix a toilet when it was leaking and not call a plumber. Fix your car when it breaks down.

Build a house when you don’t have any money,” says Modine, whose films include Birdy, Married to the Mob, Full Metal Jacket, Pacific Heights and On Any Given Sunday.

In 1984, Matthew was recognized by the Venice Film Festival for his work in Robert Altman's Streamers. In 1993 he received a second award from the festival, a Volpi Cup for Best Ensemble Cast, for Altman's Shortcuts. He earned Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominations for his performance in HBO's And the Band Played On and received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in the 1998 Hallmark Entertainment production What the Deaf Man Heard (CBS).

He has also written a number of books, including Full Metal Jacket Diary (2005), If You Had Five Minutes With the President (2004) and New York September Eleven Two Thousand One (2001), a book on which he collaborated with his wife and other prominent individuals.

Modine applies his can-do attitude as he steers BFAD in a positive direction. Much of his inspiration comes from leaders he has admired over time – leaders who have set out to accomplish things that others said couldn’t be done. These include former President Jimmy Carter, who put solar panels on the White House; Donald Trump, who built up Wollman Rink; and President John F. Kennedy, who set the stage to send the first man to the moon, to name a few.

“If we want to accomplish something, we can,” says Modine.

“I grew up in a country of problem solvers … a country that said, not 'why,' but 'why not.' Why take 20 years to fly across the Atlantic Ocean? Why not climb the highest mountain? That is the spirit of this country and that spirit has to be reawakened. The beauty of BFAD is that it is not about me. It is about individuals and the cause. In a country that is really fiscally broken right now, doing one thing can make an immediate impact on the entire country.”

For more information on Bicycle for a Day visit www.bicycleforaday.org Ride Your Bike ... Carpool ... Telecommute

10/1/08 6:45:49 PM

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profiles

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Know your evacuation route. Plan ahead! If an evacuation is called for, EVACUATE

9/30/08 9:06:27 PM

A

s I start writing, the National Weather Service broadcasts a severe storm warning for Long Island. A couple of days later, 20 people are reported missing when a flash flood hits an area in the Grand Canyon that normally receives nine inches of rain a year …

A chill ran up my spine as I emailed meteorologist Bill Evans about the eerily similar event that had taken place in his book, Category 7, which I had just finished reading. The summer of 2008 had spawned unusually turbulent weather for this region.

The area is not known for hailstorms or tornadoes, but this year they came. I pause and wonder if there is more truth to the novel than I thought. What sounded like something out of a science fiction novel was actually more science fact and more realistic than one could ever think. We are talking about human intervention with weather manipulation. What was intended to be a conversation about a great book and strengthening hurricanes became a sidebar as the focus turned to science, climatology and covert government operations, all of which were really happening.

Tucked away in Old Greenwich, CT just up the street from the Long Island Sound, stands a 17th century home that was once the First Church of Old Greenwich. The church was built on a slightly higher elevation because of its proximity to the water. This is the current home of Eyewitness News' senior meteorologist Bill Evans, a 20-year veteran of the show, who is also heard on the Morning Show with Scott and Todd on WPLJ. Bill hobbled out on his crutches, nursing a recent softball injury that had left his leg in a cast and left Bill reporting the weather from his home for weeks.

Relaxed, with his leg elevated, Bill took me back to his southern childhood in Mississippi, which nurtured his love for broadcasting. It was his father, a pastor, who made weekly visits to the local radio station and by age 10, Bill was begging for a job. “I wanted to do anything, stock the records, anything!” His persistence paid off and at a young age he was “in the biz.” “I was reporting on a tornado outbreak and I heard that little voice in my head tell me, ‘You don’t know a hell of a lot about tornadoes,’” he says, laughing. “So I decided to go to meteorology school.”

After a time reporting from down south, Bill made the leap to the big city in 1989. As Bill described his first experience in New York City, it sounded more like Crocodile Dundee as he, “the weather guy,” wasn’t prepared for one of the coldest winters on record. But his love for New York outweighed Mother Nature’s little joke and he stayed. Bill stood the test of time, something that is not easily accomplished with a major New York network.

He has been the face of local weather for the New York region for 20 years. After watching him on Channel 7 and listening to him on 95.5fm, I was finally speaking face to face with the man, and I saw why he's been able to do it. Bill is exactly what you see and what you hear. He is real. He still carries his southern charm and knows how to entertain and not cross that invisible line when serious issues arise. This is even more apparent in the camaraderie when he joins his longtime friend (and best man), traffic reporter Joe Nolan on air. Joe, ever so talented, never skips a beat, as Bill taunts him with comic antics.

Bill's serious side shone through as we talked about his latest book, Category 7. Bill’s passion for weather and concern about the public’s perception of hurricanes was ever apparent as he told me about the misconceptions that people have, the lack of action they take and the lack of information that should be readily available to the public in the event of a hurricane and evacuation.

Category 7 can be placed alongside the great works of Clancy and Grisham. Had what Bill planned as a scientific book turned into a great novel? Surprisingly, and even disturbingly, the technology and the events that ensue in the book are, in

most cases, very real. The book takes place in present day and follows mid-western billionaire Carter Thomason, a fictional Warren Buffett, who runs a successful company that rebuilds weather-ravished communities. A hero to many, Carter, through his life’s work, uses his own resources to develop the capability to manipulate the weather. What starts out as a scientific man focused on helping the world quickly turns in to a vindictive mad scientist who intensifies his manmade Hurricane Simone into the “biggest storm in history.”

Combining truth with fiction, Category 7 teaches its readers about authentic government experiments to manipulate the weather begun during the Cold War that continue to the present day. Unknown to Carter, the government had suspected others of controlling and creating weather systems.

In a twist of events and a separation of six degrees, we find our characters’ paths all innocently intertwining, bringing our heroes closer together unwillingly. Meteorologist Kate Sherman, employed by Carter Thompson, becomes frustrated after missing three weather events. She seeks answers from fellow meteorologist and former teacher Richard Carlise (who has a striking similarity to the author). He is disturbed to find similarities between the unusual weather phenomena and work that he and his former CIA buddy, Carter Thompson, had done in the past.

Simone is artificially increased and the storm grows to beyond the Saffir-Simpson scale to what would be equivalent

In today's day and age, there is no reason why anyone should die in a hurricane.

Deaths

11,000 – 18,000 Hurricane Mitch 8,000 – 10,000 Hurricane Fifi 7,186 – 8,000 Hurricane Flora 3,037 Hurricane Jeanne 2,063+ Hurricane David

1,836+

Have CASH, DEEDS, INSURANCE INFORMATION and BIRTH CERTIFICATES.

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Hurricane

1,145 1,000 500+ 500+

Year 1998 1974 1963 2004 1979

Hurricane Katrina 2005

Hurricane Gordon Hurricane Inez Hurricane Hanna Hurricane Ike

1994 1966 2008 2008

www.boulevardli.com

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Profiles

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Turn off ELECTRIC and GAS

9/30/08 9:06:39 PM

to a Category 7, unleashing biblical destruction and gruesome deaths along the East Coast of the United States. As the government gets involved by pre-launching the fictional USS Clinton aircraft carrier into harm’s way, it all comes down to whether or not the technology that helped create the disaster can destroy it.

Bill’s explanation of how the book came to be and how he created the characters is as exciting as the book itself. “I was at a golf outing just up the road and I met these two guys who had worked for the CIA," he recalls. "Back before President Ford, the CIA would hire citizens to provide information on certain things.

So I told them about this book I was writing and they said, ‘Well, let us tell you about the work we did with the CIA.’ They talked about how back during the Cold War days, our government and the Russian and the Chinese governments were all working on manipulating the weather with great success. It turned out that it became easier to focus on nuclear power than the weather.”

This was such a real concern that in 1976 the United Nations adopted UN Resolution 31/72 titled “Convention on the prohibition of military or any other hostile use of environmental modification techniques.”

Even more impressive is the response Bill gave about coauthor Marianna Jameson. “That’s another interesting story,” he laughs. “The two CIA agents told me about a writer they knew that wrote books for the CIA,” which sounded reminiscent of Clancy’s Jack Ryan, except this was for real. “That isn’t even her real name. I don’t know her real name.” But what she did for the book was brilliant. “She really knew how to introduce the characters and arch them from one chapter to another.”

What I found difficult in the book was figuring out what was real and what wasn’t and that was just it. The science fiction parts were only just barely science fiction. “Did you see what they did in Beijing?” Bill asks. “No, I didn’t,” I say, thinking I was about to be told the U.S. won another gold medal, as our interview took place during the 2008 Summer Olympics. “They fired missiles in the sky to break up the rain clouds.” “Didn't I just read about this in his book?” I thought. But no, this was real. I had heard about cloud seeding before but hadn't taken it too seriously.

Dropping silver iodine into the clouds can create rain or attempt to weaken a tropical cyclone (google Project Stormfury). “They continue to do this in Russia and China to break up hailstorms. The hail can devastate crops.” Bill has had firsthand experience working with companies in the Midwest and in Alberta, Canada, which have had a great deal of success in refocusing weather. Aside from the moral aspect, what are the consequences? “It’s too early to tell. The most obvious would be creating a storm over another community. Another method they are working on is taking compressed air, running hoses along the ocean or gulf floor and allowing the air bubbles to move the cold water to the top disrupting the warm air.”

Obviously, the role of the meteorologist has grown from simply reporting on the weather to becoming the voice of weather and science. “Weather is what we have outside: It’s beautiful and sunny. Climatology is looking at the weather for 200 years and finding a pattern,” he explains, “something that has gotten progressively harder over the past 15 years with the hottest years on record.” I noted how in Category 7 both meteorologists Kate Sherman and Jake Baxter worked on television. “There are more meteorologists being hired by private companies today than any media outlet,” said Evans.

This is something that the general public is probably unaware of. Figuring weather patterns through climatology is extremely important for a number of companies that rely on farming or commodities.

If you stay, contact local fire department and family so they know where you are.

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Profile

You can see Bill on Channel 7 Eyewitness News in the morning and noon, as well as hear him on 95.5 WPLJ’s Morning Show with Scott and Todd.

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Stock up on plenty of food, water, cash, medication, etc.

9/30/08 9:07:05 PM

An important character in the book is Hurricane Simone, which grows into a not so far-fetched category 7. After an explanation of how the Saffir-Simpson Scale was established, Bill explained, “We have in fact had hurricanes that should have been categorized higher than 5.” But are we New Yorkers really prepared? “It’s appalling what happened in New Orleans. But what is interesting, the forecasting was right on the money. They predicted that storm’s eye within 50 miles. It was the failure of the [infrastructure]. The buses never picked anyone up. They told them to walk to the Superdome in a hurricane. New York City has an evacuation plan in effect. It’s a vertical evacuation plan. They evacuate 24-36 hours in advance, moving about three million people. Consider these people are not going to be that happy about having to move. On Long Island, they will move people closer to the north shore. Amazingly, through interviews, [I found] there was a disturbing amount of New Yorkers who felt the best place to be in a hurricane was the shelter of a subway. This habit for many New Yorkers as a means to shelter themselves against rain, wind and snow would be the worst place to be by far.

“People need to be prepared," Bill continued. "If there is an evacuation, you should leave. Have a plan; keep it on file. If you leave, make sure you have the necessary items … clothes, keys, cash, passports, birth certificates, deed to your house, insurance information. If you decide to stay, there is another list – cash,

generator, gasoline, water, batteries, etc.”

Before I could ask if we can expect to see a sequel to Category 7, Bill told me that he is just finishing up his next book, Frozen Fire, due out in May, and is already working on his third novel as well as a book for middle schoolers, Did You Know That Fish Can Fly and Other Acts of Cod. Frozen Fire, a novel that includes some characters from Category 7, revolves around the alternative fuel issue and the use of methane hydrate.

There are many other things that Bill is involved with ranging from acting on Broadway, as Lumiere, the candlestick in Beauty and the Beast and in Radio City’s Christmas Show, to teaching at the local high school and community college level.

He has reported in different venues (even sustaining a weatherrelated injury), with different celebrities and is very active with the charities Babies’ Hospital at Columbia Presbyterian, the Juvenile Diabetes Association, Junior Achievement, and YAI, The National Young Adult Institute. He also hosts golf tournaments to raise funds for the Red Cross of New Jersey and Special Olympics of New York. å As we wrap up, I tell Bill that when I was in high school, my earth science teacher told me something that has stuck with me since: “There is no reason in this day and age that someone is killed by a hurricane.” Bill smiles and calmly says, “That’s absolutely right.” I relax, as it helps put a calm before the storm.

Eyewitness News Team There is no reason people are killed in today’s age by a hurricane ... don’t become a statistic.

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profiles

T

he whales, and our earth, still need saving. That’s what Jeff Pantukhoff, founder and president of the Whaleman Foundation, is trying to emphasize with his Save the Whales Again! campaign. “Because of the success of the original movement in the '70s and '80s, most people think the whales have been saved, but nothing could be further from the truth,” Jeff says. He’s looking to bring back that passion and invigorate the masses to make a change in our world.

Jeff grew up in St. Louis, MO, “about as far away from the ocean as you can get,” he says, but he recalls always having a special love for the water. By the age of 3, he was water skiing, and by 5, he was a competitive swimmer. A family vacation to Laguna Beach, CA when Jeff was 6 solidified his love, and added a new one. On a side trip to Catalina Island with his father, Jeff saw dolphins and whales for the first time and remembers them as “the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.”

That love and admiration for the ocean stayed with Jeff, but because of his parents’ practical advice, Jeff “buried his ocean dream,” and followed in his father’s footsteps as an engineering major at the University of Missouri. He ended up selling large phone systems and one of his clients brought him repeatedly to the West Coast; spending time in southern California brought his childhood emotions back. Jeff questioned his career path, asking himself, "Do I really want to be remembered for selling the most phones in the world? Is that my true calling?"

After learning that producer, filmmaker and still-life marine photographer Howard Hall lived in California, Jeff immediately scrambled through the phonebook to find his number. Howard graciously offered Jeff his time and advice, and Jeff began photographing dolphins and whales. His photographs, along with a dive instructor certification, proved him worthy to work with Howard and his wife Michelle, learning film skills on the set of the IMAX 3-D film, Into the Deep in April and May of 1994.

Howard told Jeff to visit San Ignacio Lagoon, with the direction that a “whale hugger like [me] had to go.”

In 1995, Jeff visited the lagoon, the last pristine mating and birthing lagoon for California Gray Whales. “Mother whales will bring their newborn calves up to the boats. You can reach over, touch them, make eye contact…to see them showing

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that kind of trust with us was amazing and really moved me,” he says of the encounter. The owner of the camp he was visiting asked Jeff if he had been to Scammon’s Lagoon and Jeff said yes, noting that the place looked like an industrial zone. The camp instructor told him that the Mexican government and Mitsubishi Corporation wanted to build a salt plant in San Ignacio. Jeff recalls that “Something inside me just snapped – an ‘over-mydead-body’ reaction.” When his phone sales job wouldn’t allow him a leave of absence because of his strong performance with

Sustainable seafood: clams, oysters, mollusks, anchovies and sardines

10/6/08 12:44:47 PM

the company, Jeff resigned on the spot and started Whaleman, the credo of which is “whales and mankind coming together to preserve and protect our world.” He’s been running the foundation for more than 15 years.

With the help of friends, as well as Pierce Brosnan and wife Keely Shaye Smith, Jeff created a 10-minute documentary comparing San Ignacio to Scammon’s Lagoon. The film was completed and sent to the United Nations after some effective phone calls. By September of 1998, the film was reviewed by the UN, which sent an investigative team to Scammon’s and San Ignacio, met with the Mexican president and told him that if he went ahead with the Mitsubishi project, they would pull all funding. The Mitsubishi project was dropped. Though the film wasn’t single-handedly responsible (it was a comprehensive campaign), it took a front seat in preserving the lagoon. “It’s something I look back on and have to pinch myself about,” Jeff says. “It was like David vs. Goliath—they told us we were crazy to take on Mitsubishi, but it just shows you can overcome any odds as long as you stay with it and present yourself with integrity.”

Since then, Jeff has been involved in many more environmental and whale-saving projects and his hard work has paid off. His documentary short, Deadly Sounds in the Silent World, which warned people of the dangers of sonar testing on the whale population, was presented to Congress and played a huge role in that issue. The film took home the award for Best Short Film at the Jackson Hole Film Festival in 2003.

Save the Whales Again! was initiated in response to what is happening to the environment. We often hear about global warming, but what does that mean? How is it affecting marine life and, consequentially, affecting us? “There are huge pieces of ice in those polar regions that have broken off that are melting down. We’ve seen huge glaciers that have melted in years where scientists thought it would take decades. A huge amount of the polar ice will be gone within the next two to three years, a melt that people had no idea could happen this fast.”

This melting is affecting the krill population, which form the basis of the ocean food chain. Krill production happens underneath the ice, and as the ice diminishes, krill production does as well; the most recent study noted a decrease in krill population by 80 percent. Arthropods, another food chain staple that is eaten by Gray Whales, have also crashed by almost 80 percent.

The fluidity content of the ocean is changing because of fresh water from the melting being put into the system and that is causing a chemical imbalance; the acidity level of the oceans is changing dramatically. It’s also altering current flows, which could mean a major climate change in five to 20 years that, according to Jeff, “could be really devastating.”

Slogans such as “Drill, baby, drill!” cause great alarm to Jeff when he hears them. Jeff says that, while we want lower gas prices, people need not to be fixated on oil and gas production. “We need to get a new energy infrastructure, investment into wind, solar and hydrogen, and make sure Detroit is producing the most fuel-efficient, energyconservation type of vehicles that still have nice luxuries.” More drilling would only risk more oil spills and catastrophic events, he says, adding more carbon to the atmosphere. In

the arctic, an area of national wildlife refuge is being targeted for drilling, but despite claims that there are new, safer ways of drilling, Jeff insists that “Anytime you drill into the ocean, you always have a leaking effect. Some areas need to be left untouched…None of that oil will make it to our market for almost 10 years; we’re only going to see a few cent reduction in what people are paying at the pump. We need to get off gas— it’s a horrible addiction we’ve gotten used to.”

Jeff also spends time working with endangered marine species. Endangerment is due in part to over-hunting and over-fishing and is evidenced by the slow disappearance of the vaquita, a small porpoise in Mexico. Says Jeff, “The fish it eats are over-fished, the fishing practices are catching vaquitas in the nets, there’s less than 200 left and they’ll be extinct in the next two to five years, but we haven’t changed the fishing practices.”

This concept of “by-catching,” where fisheries that work to catch tuna or cod end up catching other marine life, has resulted in more than 1,000 dolphins and whales being trapped in nets every day. That's more than 300,000 annually.

Pollution is also a huge concern. “We’re treating our oceans as a toxic dump site,” Jeff says. Phytoplankton absorbs these chemicals, which get eaten by krill, which get eaten by bigger sea creatures, and as you go up the food chain, you get higher levels of toxicity. The bigger fish and mammals are the most polluted, with sharks, dolphins and whales showing the highest levels. Their levels of pollution are far beyond what are considered safe for human beings.

And that toxicity is going back into our food chain. We’re even seeing doctors’ warnings for pregnant and nursing mothers against eating tuna and other types of fish high in mercury and other contaminants.

Save the Whales Again! is not just about saving the whales.

“If we could save dolphins and whales, we are saving ourselves, because what we’re doing to the oceans through pollution is, we are poisoning the food chain from the bottom up … we are ultimately poisoning ourselves,” Jeff explains.

Jeff emphasizes that the oceans are very resilient. Given the chance to rebound, they will. “We have the technology, the capabilities. We have to act now; preserving and protecting the natural world is only going to help us preserve and protect the earth. We need clean air and water. We need to change our habits. That’s what the rallying call around dolphins and whales

Buy local sustainable seafood ... Volunteer at a local environmental group

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Profile

Jeff filming humpback whales is to me.”

Actor Hayden Panettiere began helping Jeff with the Save the Whales Again! campaign four years ago. While on the set of Shanghai Kiss, a movie Hayden was working on, Jeff found an admiration for her passion and professionalism, and when he talked to her business manager—and mother—he learned of Hayden's love for animals. It didn’t take long for her to jump on board the campaign. “She takes a considerable amount of her time for the work that we do because she truly believes in it … Our campaign wouldn’t be anywhere near where it is today without her. She’s reached out to friends in the community, held fundraisers and benefits to promote and help our cause, and has gone above and beyond in her commitment and dedication,” Jeff says. Her voice is speaking to a new generation and hopefully, it will listen.

How can the average person help? It comes down to fundamental daily choices. “Moms like to buy SUVs because it’s safe for their kids. I’m not going to argue with that, but if you really want them safe, you have to give them clean air, water and healthy food, things vital to human life that we tend to overlook when making purchases.” Look for environmentally-safe cleaners, shampoos, conditioners and makeup. If everyone starts making small decisions, it turns into millions of people making

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decisions together and consequentially, saving the planet.

When remodeling a home, people should look at solar as an alternative energy source and at environmentally safe floorings and carpets. New home construction needs to be done with an environmentally conscious mindset. Poor construction practices on a beachfront property can do severe damage to the ecosystem it overlooks. “Anything worthwhile in life comes with some sacrifice but ultimately, you end up with a far better place,” Jeff says.

Jeff mentioned a very striking fact: “Native peoples around the world used to look seven generations ahead before making decisions. Today, we look three months ahead. Quarterly reports are determining our decisions; that short-term thinking has caused us to be in this place where we are.” If we can re-shape the way we think and act, we all can make a difference.

As for what’s next, “We haven’t even scratched the surface,” Jeff says. And in a time where awareness is key for the future of our planet, it’s the right attitude to have.

For further information, visit www.whaleman.org or www.savethewhalesagain.com.

Eat dolphin-safe tuna ... Do not use ivory or animal furs

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AR GO GR EEN ..

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The C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University is committed to doing our part to promote a healthier planet and to raise awareness as to how beautiful green can be.

Through special lectures, energy conservation, tree planting programs, recycling and other initiatives, we seek to protect the environment for future generations.

Our goal is to educate our campus community and the greater public about environmental issues...to inspire dialogue...and to spur action.

www.liu.edu/cwpost/green

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9/30/08 9:19:30 PM

Oil Tycoon Finds New Ways to

Fuel Our Country

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n July 2008, T. Boone Pickens published an op ed piece in The Wall Street Journal announcing his concern for the United States’ dependency on foreign oil, and, consequentially, what we need to do. He began his article with honesty and urgency, explaining his time spent in the oil industry (almost 60 years), his drilling experience, knowledge on the energy business, and an extremely disconcerting two lines: “I’ve never been as worried as I am now. Like all of us, I ignored what was happening and now our country faces what I believe is the most serious situation we have seen since World War II.” While most Americans are aware of the oil crisis and our foreign dependency, many do not realize how our dependency has skyrocketed. In 1990, at the beginning of the Gulf War, we were at a 42 percent dependency rate. We have exceeded that number and now are at a whopping 70 percent. If the gas prices haven’t shocked you, that number should. We need to be concerned.

For those who don’t know T. Boone Pickens, he’s a man who made his money in the oil industry.

But he has come to realize that the efforts he has put into oil need to be redirected into reducing our foreign oil dependency and finding new domestic resources that we can use to fuel our country. Pickens, founder and chairman of BP Capital Management, is principally responsible for the formulation of the energy futures investment strategy of the BP Capital Commodity Fund and the BP Capital Equity Fund. BP Capital manages one of the nation’s most successful energy-oriented investment funds. Pickens uses his experience in the industry to evaluate potential equity investments and energy sector themes, and has been uncannily accurate in predicting oil and gas prices.

He is currently proposing “The Pickens Plan,” with which he hopes to reduce America’s foreign oil imports by more than one-third in the next five to 10 years, starting with wind power, which is 100 percent domestic, renewable, and clean, as well as natural gas. Where will this wind power come from?

The stretch of land starting in west Texas that reaches all the way up to the border with Canada called “the Saudi Arabia of the Wind.” According to Pickens, “We have the greatest wind reserves in the world.” While wind can supply power our country needs to run, natural gas can help reduce our foreign oil dependency.

“My plan calls for taking the energy generated by wind and using it to replace a significant percentage of the natural gas that is now being used to

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fuel our power plants. We can use new wind capacity to free up natural gas for use as a transportation fuel. That would displace more than one-third of our foreign oil imports. Natural gas is the only domestic energy of size that can be used to replace oil used for transportation and is cheap and clean.

With 8 million vehicles on the road worldwide, the technology already exists to rapidly build fleets of trucks, buses and even cars using natural gas as a fuel.”

As the price of oil hits record highs, the development of alternative energy sources is necessary. New technologies and tax incentives for renewable energy have decreased the cost of producing wind power, and the amount of electricity generated from wind has accelerated, tripling in the last decade. Wind machines currently generate energy in 34 states, but the Department of Energy said in its 2007 study that the U.S. has the capacity to produce wind power in 45 states. The DOE also stated there is enough capacity from wind to generate approximately 20 percent of our nation’s power by 2030. Today’s wind machines stand up to 410 feet tall, with blades that stretch 148 feet in length. The machines capture gusts of wind, slow down the speed and use their blades to collect the wind’s kinetic energy. One 3-megawatt wind turbine can produce the same amount of annual energy as 12,000 barrels of imported oil.

Wind is domestic, free and clean…so why aren’t we using it? It just doesn’t make sense.

Let’s break it down in terms of how it affects American households. Wind machines will generate 48 billion kWh of electricity in the United States in 2008, enough to serve more than 4.5 million households. However, that number is just over 1 percent of the country’s total energy production. The American Wind Association reports that North Dakota alone could supply one-third of the nation’s electricity. A 2005 study by Stanford University asserted there is enough wind power worldwide to satisfy global electricity demand seven times over, even if only 20 percent of the power could be captured. That’s the entire globe, and we’d still have plenty of extra energy left over. We have the energy available to us; we just have to start implementing it.

Now comes the problem of fueling our transportation. Pickens’ sensible answer is natural gas, a fossil fuel produced from reservoirs underground, like oil and coal. Once brought to the surface, it is refined and transmitted through a network of pipelines across the country, making it available nearly everywhere. Domestic Turn off lights when leaving a room

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Profiles

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reserves are estimated to be twice that of petroleum, and is still being discovered with reserves increasing and renewable biogas being developed as a resource. About 98 percent of natural gas used in the United States is produced in North America, while close to 70 percent of petroleum used is imported. Think about those numbers. Less than 1 percent of natural gas is used today as transportation fuel, while over 60 percent of petroleum is used. Considering that natural gas is the cleanest alternative fuel available with low carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, why are we using petroleum?

The EPA estimates vehicles on the road account for 60 percent of carbon monoxide pollution and around one-third of hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions in the United States.

As federal and state emissions laws become more stringent, many requirements will be unattainable with conventionally fueled vehicles, so natural gas vehicles (NGVs) are increasing in abundance and popularity. What’s more, natural gas costs less than gasoline or diesel. By finding new ways of power generation, we can shift the use of natural gas to a higher value role in our energy production cycle.

Surprisingly, Mr. Pickens is getting flack for his new plan.

Some see his intentions as impure, claiming Pickens is looking to use the government to put more money in his own pocket. Even aesthetics are playing a part: throughout Long Island there are towns refusing to allow for windmills to be put up because of their appearance. Regardless of accusations made against him, Pickens remains one of the most generous philanthropists in the world, so it’s hard to undermine his good intentions. Pickens is right, and what needs to happen next is that Congress and the president need to act. As he reflects upon the upcoming election, Pickens states: “We have a golden opportunity in this election year to form bipartisan support for this plan. We have the grit and fortitude to shoulder the responsibility of change when our country’s future is at stake, as Americans have proven repeatedly throughout this nation’s history.”

On Aug. 15, Mr. Pickens issued a statement following his meeting with Sen. John McCain in Aspen, CO: “It was a pleasure to sit down with Sen. McCain and discuss firsthand

Use a ceiling fan to cool off in the summer ... Take a shorter shower

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… ending our dependence on foreign oil … This is a threat to our economic and national security and something that requires bipartisan support … Any credible domestic energy policy must reduce our foreign dependence on foreign oil by at least 30 percent in the next 10 years (on top of conservation that is beginning to happen), must utilize proven and available technologies and be 100 percent comprised of American resources … While I cannot speak for the senator, my sense is that he was interested and encouraged by the work we are doing and recognizes that citizen education and citizen involvement is key to changing course and actually developing a real energy policy with teeth that will help this country from our current disastrous path.”

Although active with the Republican Party, Pickens is transcending his political association, planning a meeting with Sen. Obama to discuss the same issues. Pickens understands that change needs to happen regardless of who wins the impending election, and commented on Sen. Obama’s speech on U.S. national energy policy: “I’m strongly encouraged by Sen. Obama’s speech on America’s energy future. Foreign oil is killing our economy and putting our nation at risk. When I started this campaign, my goal was to make this the biggest issue in the coming election and the top priority to be addressed in the first 100 days of the next administration. This issue is clearly moving up in the priority of political debate. Sen. Obama’s statement is an indication that is what is indeed happening.”

Fortunately, Pickens is not the type to back down and it seems as though nothing is going to stop him from implementing his plan; he has the clout to do it. We can only hope that the government chooses to hop on board sooner rather than later, to bring our dependency back to the United States while also contributing to aiding the impending energy crisis. We need to take action, and we need to do it now.

Visit www.pickensplan.com for further information.

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he made a splash in New York as Tom Hanks' mermaid girlfriend but today Daryl Hannah is making a splash on the environment. Like Ed Begley, Jr., Daryl is another well-known celebrity who has been fighting to be ecofriendly and again, doing it long before anyone else.

HJ – When, how and why did you first become environmentally conscious and at what point did you know that you could make a difference and wanted to dedicate your life to this? Was it a global warming issue, financial issue or something deeper?

DH – I wanted to try, as best as possible, to live in harmony with the environment, each other, and other species. [It] has always seemed to simply be an issue of common sense to me.

It just so happens that concerns about climate chaos, financial plus health issues, and ultimately our very survival are also positively impacted by making these considered choices.

HJ – Daryl, we have all seen the photos of this awesome biodiesel El Camino that you own. Tell us about it.

DH – My first El Camino ran on B100 biodiesel - it was a factory '83 diesel, so no conversion was necessary. My second El Camino (also an '83 diesel) was modified. We added an s-bar heater plus an extra tank so it can run on either B100 biodiesel, sourced from waste grease, or on S.V.O. (straight veggie oil). I found 1,000 gallons of hemp oil that someone intended to use in body care products. They forgot to pay their refrigeration bills and it went rancid. Not great for body care, but perfect for S.V.O. fuel! I got the hemp oil for $2 a gallon and I get great mileage because the El Camino is pretty light and a diesel!

HJ – What is DHLovelife?

DH – DHLovelife is my website. I started it because I wished something like it already existed. I wanted to find a place I could refer people who ask me questions about sustainable options, or for recommendations and information. There was nothing that remotely satisfied my high standards or took a holistic approach in terms of considering humanitarian concerns and the concerns of other species. Optimism, fun and inspiration are also key elements of DHLovelife.

I try to shoot and post a three- to five-minute video blog

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(vlog) a week. Post related in-depth articles on each vlog subject. Post alerts and the best of the best in goods and services. At the moment there's a community message board but we're building a real community site now!

HJ – Are there any plans to turn DHLovelife into a TV show?

DH – I'd really like to reach the widest audience possible so I’m negotiating with Fox right now.

HJ – What do you enjoy doing more, being an activist or the creative director behind your documentaries? Which do you think has a more profound impact on the masses?

DH – They are one and the same. It's all about communicating information and being effective. Sharing information is the best thing we can do to help each other make wise decisions. Whatever way your talents and heart lead you seems to work best.

HJ – It's more and more acceptable for celebrities to become involved in advocacy of world issues beyond the scope of their acting. Often Hollywood is criticized when actors step in the role of championing a cause. The green movement seems different, with Hollywood leading the charge to finally bring it into vogue after almost 50 years of it being "fringe." Do you see it as a dual purpose of your career and the entertainment industry to change how the public treats the planet, and why?

DH – Whether you are a butcher, a baker, actor, musician, or candlestick maker, we are all facing a time of serious crisis and it's imperative that we all speak out, share information and take action.

HJ – You are advocating to end sexual slavery. This is much more of a human rights and human submission than a global environmental issue. How did you become involved and what steps are you taking to bring public awareness to the issue, as well as bring it to an end?

DH – Slavery is a global issue as it's the fastest growing criminal industry on the planet. I'm advocating to end all forms Use fragrance-free paraben-free products ... Buy Used

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of slavery, and I'm currently editing a documentary on sex slavery. There are more slaves now than at any other time in human history. That's just crazy! To promote human welfare [and] the welfare of our planet and other species is a call for sanity. These issues are intrinsically interconnected. Who wants "green" jeans made by slave labor or wants to eat "organic" chocolate harvested by kidnapped children on the Ivory Coast (as 90 percent of it is)? Considered, thoughtful choices made with the long-term goal of every living thing having the ability to thrive may sound idealistic, but why not aim for the ideal?

5. Grow food; even a windowsill can grow lettuce, herbs, plus tomatoes.

HJ – You played a mermaid in Splash. What are your feelings about offshore drilling?

7. Just say no to GMOs (You can tell how to identify them on the dhlovelife.com "tips" section).

DH – Fossil fuels (including natural gas) are an outdated, dirty, 20th century addiction. We have solutions and the technology now to shift to a clean, renewable energy and transportation matrix. What we are missing is the will and coordination on behalf of entrepreneurs and politicians to speed up and scale up their implementation.

8. Compost! It's like a fun science project to watch soil build from your kitchen scraps.

HJ – Tell us about your experience in Rwanda.

DH – I went there for World Water Day to help inaugurate a community cistern and to see some of the last 350 remaining mountain gorillas.

HJ – With all of your outdoor and environmental experiences, how did you overcome your agoraphobia?

DH – I still suffer from it a bit, but my passion to communicate forces me to override it occasionally.

4. Go veg! It’s way healthier for you and the meat industry is a huge contributor to our carbon crisis, not to mention the gross and inhumane practices.

6. Support your local farmers market. They save money by cutting out the middlemen and the veggies are way fresher and more nutritious.

9. Rescue your next pet - you can even find specific breed rescues if you are particular.

This question and answer interview was conducted with Daryl via email.

To Learn More Ways to Help the Environment Visit www.dhlovelife.com and view Daryl Hannah’s video blogs.

HJ – We’ve read about protests that you have been involved with. Does the situation now with the environment warrant civil disobedience?

DH – Civil disobedience is a useful and often necessary tool to give voice to injustice. In many other countries it's quite respected and even considered a sign of great patriotism.

HJ – Is there any word that the county or the city of Los Angeles will be rebuilding the South Central Farm?

DH – There has been a proposal to build a warehouse in the shape of an H (for Horowitz, the developer) for Forever 21.

Forever 21 already has a history marred by using sweatshop labor. There is a temporary stay on the progress while they do an environmental impact study. I believe anything but returning that land to the community for open space or food will have some serious bad juju coming their way. You can find regular updates on the South Central Farmers website.

HJ – We spoke with Ed Begley, Jr, for this issue of The Boulevard. He gave us some great tips on how to conserve energy, buy sustainable , and recycle while saving money. Can you give us your Top 10?

DH – 1. Don't buy disposable items! Choose things that can last a lifetime.

2. Downsize. It's much cooler and makes life easier and cozier.

3. Get a power strip, plug your appliances into it and turn it off when you're not using them (40 percent of most people's energy bill comes from appliances when they're turned off!).

Buy organic or free-trade products ... Use CFC (Chloro Fluoro Carbons) free products

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Photo Gallery The Boulevard

The Boulevard August Cover Party Chateau Briand, Carle Place Aug 25th

To Benefit the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research Photos by: Patrick McMullan

Anthony Michael Hall and Jason Feinberg

Anthony Michael Hall and Joanna Rosen

Dr. Barbara Capozzi, Beth Donner, Anthony Scotto, Angela Susan Anton, and Tina Scotto

Tom Burke, Angela Susan Anton and Wendy Smith

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Drew Anton, Angela Susan Anton and Kristen Anton

Rob Grady and Jennifer Smith

PJ Grady’s Delorean car on display at the party.

Use Cast Iron pans instead of nonstick

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Photos By: Ed Kennedy

Lidia Szczepanowski, Mrs. New York America

Spence and Dwight Terrence

Catrina Migliorino, Kerry Liles and Jennifer Mils

Darrie Bonfanti and Anthony Michael Hall

John and Arlene Conte

Sal and Roseann Peritore with Anthony Michael Hall

Michael and Kristine Marrale

Rosaria Peacock and Nicole Pytel

Jolanta Gackowski and Monique Zorn

Lisa Aberle and Macky Digilio

Barbar Nelson and Kim Rizzito

Lindsay Lockwood

Buy Biodegradable plastics ... Never buy anything with Styrofoam

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Photo Gallery The Boulevard

Photos by Thomas Carroll

Michelle Vitier, Arlene Stevens, Angela Susan Anton and Beverly Gelb

Connie Wasserman and Joe Gannascoli

Cheryl Fertello, Joann Hertzman and Courtney Mechelski

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Cibel Horne, Alissa Mishkin, Venessa Hernandez, Kristine Quattrone and Tina Guiomar

Larry and Barbara Rocker

Dr. Stephen Greenberg, Gail Fox and Steve Carl Never release Helium Ballo0ons into the air

10/3/08 1:21:41 PM

Entertainment Tonight Emmy Party Sponsored by People magazine Sunday, September 21, 2008

Photos by Patrick McMullan

Will Arnett and Amy Poehler

Jesse Spencer and Louise Griffiths

Jeff Probst

Brooke Shields

Rex Lee

Andrea Bernard and Ricky Schroder

Keep recycling bins in the rooms where you use the products

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Around The Town

Tuning In with WLIW21 New York Public Television

W

LIW21 New York’s diverse programming schedule is a destination for viewers of all ages, featuring public television favorites from PBS KIDS to celebrity chefs in the kitchen, enhanced by a rich local public affairs lineup.

Leading With Kindness Premieres Sunday, Oct. 19 at 10 p.m.

William F. Baker, Ph.D., President Emeritus of Thirteen/WNET, and Michael O’Malley, Ph.D., author, psychologist and consultant to Fortune 500 companies, travel across America to seek out the kindest companies and leaders. The documentary features profiles of five highly successful companies -- from technology superstar Google to mom-and-pop clothier Mitchell’s of Westport, CT -- to demonstrate how leading employees with kindness increases profitability.

The Gen Y Factor: Election 2008 Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Voters in Generation Y (born 1980-1994) discuss what their vote in this year’s presidential election means to them and the issues influencing their candidate choice in a Town Hall format hosted

by Dara Welles, WOR Radio 710 HD news anchor and co-host of WLIW21’s Crosson & Welles.

Healthy Minds Sundays at 9:30 a.m. beginning Nov. 2

Worldfocus anchor Martin Savidge Photo courtsey of Martin Savidge

Worldfocus Weekdays at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.

A new, half-hour nightly international newscast offers diverse voices for a diverse world, giving global affairs an American context while drawing from a unique array of partners, including NBC, ABC, international television broadcasters, United Nations TV, The New York Times, Christian Science Monitor and other print, radio and online news organizations. Anchored by awardwinning journalist Martin Savidge (NBC News, CNN), Worldfocus will feature breaking news, analysis, enterprise reporting, roundtables with policy experts, live interviews with reporters from around the globe and real-time online coverage of news and issues.

Francis O’Donnell and Denis Belliveau Journey In the Footsteps of Marco Polo. Photo courtsey of Denis Belliveau

In the Footsteps of Marco Polo Coming in November

Leading with Kindness co-host William F. Baker, Ph. D., president emeritus of Thirteen/WNET.

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Season two of WLIW21’s mental health series begins with a twopart special on autism and includes episodes exploring schizophrenia, mental abuse, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), chemical dependency (with William Cope Moyers), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), neurogenesis and troubled teens. The series aims to remove the stigma that can prevent patients and their families from seeking help for mental disorders.

Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein returns as host.

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Two friends from Queens, Denis Belliveau and Francis O’Donnell, set out on a remarkable two-year, 25,000-mile adventure, tracing Marco Polo’s entire path by land and sea to answer the controversial question of whether Polo really reached China.

Recycle Toner/Ink Cartridges

9/30/08 10:17:01 PM

Old Westbury Gardens: Autumn at the Gardens Photos by Vince Kish

October at Old Westbury Gardens is the perfect place to experience some of the finest fall foliage anywhere.

The East Lake Bridge

The Walled Garden in October

Saturday, Oct. 18 Poetica Musica 6:45 p.m. – Guided tour of house or gardens 7:30 p.m. -- Pre-concert talk 8 p.m. – Concert Renowned pianist Gilbert Kalish will join Maria Antonia Garcia in the Red Ballroom for a program titled Ten Fingers, One Piano.

In addition to compositions by Schubert, Mozart, and Ravel, the magnificent Fantasy in F minor for piano duet by Franz Schubert will be among the major piano four-hands works presented. Registration required. Cost is $25 (includes admission to the house and gardens and a meet-the-artists dessert reception); $20 members, students, and seniors

Sunday, Oct. 19 Young Musicians Concert 3 p.m.

Pre-collegiate students from the region’s premiere music schools perform.

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25-26 Fall Dog Festival All day long, beginning at 10 a.m.

Bring your leashed pooch to enjoy some healthy exercise (in designated garden areas), and to participate in pet trick contests and Halloween costume parades. Presentations on canine health issues will be provided by leading local veterinarians. Dog food, collars, clothing, art, books, and other products will be available.

Hours Oct. 1 – Oct. 31, open every day except Tuesday from 10a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admissions Through Oct. 31: $10 general admission; $8 seniors; $5 children (712). children 6 and under and members are free.

House and Garden Tours Old Westbury Gardens’ volunteers lead 45-minute tours of Westbury House daily on the hour and half-hour.

Garden tours are held daily at 11a.m. and 2 p.m.

The European Linden Entrance Allée Use drip irrigation systems in your garden

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Old Westbury Gardens 71 Old Westbury Road Old Westbury 516-333-0048 www.oldwestburygardens.org www.boulevardli.com

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Around the Town

Upcoming Events at the de Seversky Center de Seversky Favorites Jazz Brunch Featuring Al Cardillo and Friends Sunday Nov. 23 Sunday Dec. 21 Relax and groove to live jazz at our fabulous Sunday Brunch.

Reservations taken for seating between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. $29 per person; tax, service and beverages additional

Breakfast with Santa Get into the holiday spirit! Enjoy breakfast with your family, view our spectacular holiday decorations throughout the mansion and spend time with Santa on his annual visit to the deSeversky Center.

Sunday Dec. 7 Sunday Dec. 14 Thursday Dec. 18 11 a.m. (Reservations required) $29 per person; tax, service and beverages additional $19 Children 10 years of age and under

how you can prepare it at home. Not only will you enjoy their wonderful menu but learn the chef’s secrets as well.

7 p.m. $75 per person; tax and service and cocktails additional

October Events

Wednesday, Oct. 29

Thursday Oct. 16

Chef’s Demonstration Luncheon

The Cabaret Club at de Seversky Presents Sue Matsuki's Ella’s American Songbook Series

Everything you always wanted to know about heart healthy cooking but were afraid to ask.

See how culinary magic is made. The de Seversky's Executive Chef and Pastry Chef will create a menu and demonstrate tableside how you can prepare it at home. Not only will you enjoy their wonderful menu but learn the chef’s secrets as well! And what is a party without cocktails? Learn to pair the perfect drink specials and how easy they are to prepare the perfect (non-alcohol) punch at home.

Live cabaret performances by New York’s hottest cabaret entertainers. Sue Matsuki performs a tribute to her favorite singer with an evening of familiar songs in celebration of the incomparable Miss Ella Fitzgerald. Dinner featuring a delicious selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts will be served in the elegant newly appointed dining room.

7 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.) $55 per person; tax, service and beverages additional Thursday Oct. 23

12 p.m. $25 per person; tax, service and beverages additional Reservations are required for all events. Menus are subject to change and events are subject to cancellation based on customer participation. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are gladly accepted, however, gratuities cannot be left on credit cards.

Chef-Demonstrated Gourmet Dinner and Wine Pairing Delicious four-course dinner expertly paired with wines from around the world.

See how culinary magic is made. The de Seversky's Executive Chef and Pastry Chef will create a menu and demonstrate tableside

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For further information, call 516-686-7675 or visit www.nyit.edu/deseversky.

Plant shade trees near your home; reduces the need to cool the home

9/30/08 10:22:00 PM

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10/6/08 12:35:54 PM

T

he old-fashioned, universal and timeless themes of love, sex, betrayal, adultery and inheritance are back in Nelson DeMille’s follow-up to his New York Times bestseller, The Gold Coast. Throw in a pinch of intrigue, a dash of local color and history, and more than a dollop of biting humor and you have the perfect recipe for the sequel, titled The Gate House.

In the prologue, DeMille brings the reader who might be unfamiliar with the plot of the original up to speed. Susan Stanhope Sutter, wife of tax attorney John Sutter, has had a torrid affair with neighbor and powerful Mafia don, Frank Bellarosa. Subsequent to his untimely death at Susan’s hands, she departs for Hilton Head and the consolation of her snobbishly aristocratic parents, and John leaves on a three-year journey around the world, settling at long last in London as a tax accountant.

Through a confluence of events 10 years later, the recently remarried and now widowed Susan and John have both returned to the Gold Coast, that once “old money” stretch of land along Nassau’s North Shore, to attend the imminent funeral of a longtime loyal Stanhope family servant. Susan has reacquired their former marital home, the six bedroom “guest cottage,” and John has moved into the small gate house, once a part of the Stanhope estate, less than a quarter-mile down the road from his ex-wife.

However, Susan is not the only person from John's past to re-emerge. Frank Bellarosa’s son, Anthony, has moved into his family home, conveniently located adjacent to the Stanhope property and is intent on two things – to draw John into the underworld doings of the Bellarosas and to exact revenge on his father’s murderer – namely Susan. John is torn between re-involving himself with the Bellarosas, and his ever-rising attraction to his former wife. He finds himself drawn into this web of seduction and betrayal, at times unwittingly, but more often, quite willingly.

Upon his return to the Gold Coast from London, John discovers a post-9/11 world, a world that is largely unfamiliar to him. In his 10-year absence, the country has become chauvinistically patriotic, American flags are ubiquitously displayed, SUVs abound and Iranians are living in the Stanhope mansion. Nothing is certain anymore. The once sprawling and timeless estates of the Gold Coast’s heyday have been reduced to subdivisions of cookie-cutter “McMansions.” The past has collided with the present, giving way to a future which, at best, is uncertain. DeMille’s descriptions of the decline of the Gold Coast’s former glory serve as backdrop to the crumbling

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morality of its present inhabitants. And Susan and John are not immune.

As Fitzgerald says in The Great Gatsby, “We beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” John’s return to Long Island was to be temporary. Yet having Susan in such close proximity draws him back to a life that once was.

Demille delays the first “Susan sighting” for several chapters and it is not until much later that they actually acknowledge each other’s existence. In between, Sutter doth protest any idea of reconciliation so much that its occurrence seems inevitable, leaving John and the reader to wonder why Susan Sutter still has the power to affect his frame of mind. But this is not

Use rechargeable batteries ... Use both sides of computer paper

10/7/08 11:42:06 AM

how DeMille creates the novel’s suspense. In part, that comes through Susan’s character. We question what is real and what is not. Susan is enigmatic and aloof. She is ambivalent and her declarations of love are therefore circumspect, especially given her past history. We don’t know whether to trust and forgive her or to shout out to John to run as fast as he can back to the sanctuary of his London law firm.

Enter Anthony Bellarosa, the dumbed-down, second generation manifestation of his father. He doesn’t have his father’s classic seductive manner, the Iago-like deception. He is brash and impulsive, unctuous and thuggish by comparison, a loose cannon, with little self-restraint. He is blatant and “in your face.” Nonetheless, his threat to the Sutters’ future is very real and must have attention paid to it. Even in the underworld subplot of the novel, he is of concern to the “family.”

Of particular note in The Gate House is the development of one of the minor characters from The Gold Coast. DeMille uses Ethel Allard’s illness and impending death as the catalyst to bring John and Susan back to Long Island. But it is her checkered past and the mysterious relation to Stanhope family forefathers that spurs the reader to discover the connection as revealed in

her deathbed letter to John, the contents of which lead to the unraveling of the Stanhope family pretension.

DeMille fans will welcome the sequel to The Gold Coast. Its short chapters allow you to stop at convenient points, but you won’t want to. Although the plot takes its time to gather steam, it never flags. Rather we are entertained by John Sutter’s wry, biting “under-his-breath” sarcasm directed at the most deserving targets, particularly his ex-in-laws.

In his summer newsletter, DeMille expresses his excitement about The Gate House and says he believes “It is as good as, or maybe even better than, The Gold Coast” – his personal favorite.

He is also quick to point out that by Oct. 28 (the scheduled hardcover release date by Grand Central Publishing), “…we will all be sick of the presidential campaign and we’ll be looking for escapist reading. If not, by the week after the election, we’ll be trying to forget it with the help of a good novel.” If DeMille is this skilled in writing sequels, this reader will patiently await the contemplated sequel to The Lion’s Game. But until then, by all means, pick up a copy of The Gate House and be delighted, amused, and kept on the edge of your seat.

J. Anthony Parise and Nelson Demille Stop drinking from plastic water bottles ... Use aluminum reusable water bottles

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Y

ou can’t visit or vacation there; and they don't have the same security as Plum Island, but the Plastic Islands do exist. Some say they are twice the size of Texas; however, new research maintains they might be twice the size of the continental United States.

Over the past 50 years, all of the waste that has fallen into the oceans has found a place to live. In the Pacific, north of Hawaii and in an area east of Japan, lies a region where ocean currents mix and form a giant eddy, an enormous facsimile of a little whirlpool of water. Over time, massive amounts of plastics and other marine garbage have wound up here.

The Plastic Islands are not islands on which you can walk. They have more of a “soup-like" consistency and are located 100 feet or so below the surface of the ocean. Over time, the plastics have degraded into smaller microscopic pieces, growing like a school of fish in this location.

If it is microscopic, what is the problem, you ask? Plastic, even microscopic, is still plastic. At this size, fish eat it and it ultimately winds up in the food system.

Remember, you are what you eat!

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Recycle your plastic bottle check with your local recycling center. Some places require the tops to be removed

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10/1/08 1:06:35 PM

Lifestyles Events

Michael Pascucci A Man for All Seasons

Entrepeneur, Environmentalist, Philanthropist, and Sports Enthusiast

By Barry Kay

I

was fortunate to have recently visited and toured the magnificent and ultra-exclusive Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton. After my tour, I had many questions about Sebonack, and wanted to meet and interview Michael Pascucci, the owner/developer.

At our interview in Melville, I learned that Pascucci's dad, Ralph, was a first-generation landscaper with only a third grade education. He had found employment with the Levitt Organization, one of Long Island's biggest land developers, and through hard work and perseverance became one of Levitt's biggest contractors. He was instrumental in developing organic compounds to help fertilize the soil on Levitt's developments long before chemical fertilizers were developed.

Ralph encouraged his son Michael (a football teammate of the legendary Jimmy Brown at Manhasset High School) to take up golf. Michael only became interested in the game at age 35, and only as a means of socializing with business clients and friends.

Michael Pascucci is a graduate of Bucknell University and received an MBA from NYU School of Business. Not long after graduating, Michael formed his own construction company.

In 1974, after surveying the business field, Michael created Oxford Resources Corporation, a mortgage finance company, and five years later created an auto leasing division, which ultimately transformed the way automobiles are sold. Pascucci said he realized that after a house, a car was a consumer’s biggest purchase. Pascucci developed automotive leasing programs so people with good credit could choose to lease a car at a fraction of the price of car ownership. The key to Oxford's success was a viable moneymaking plan, and the company spent 10 years developing a network of 8,000 automobile dealers who sold Oxford's programs to their customers. Oxford quickly became the largest publicly traded independent auto leasing company in the nation. After more than 20 years of success, Oxford was acquired in 1997.

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Michael translated his own personal success into philanthropy in his Long Island community. In 1985, Pascucci offered to help the Diocese of Rockville Center with its television station, Telecare, after he met and became friends with Monsignor Thomas Hartman, better known as Father Tom. To help Father Tom raise funds for much-needed TV equipment, Michael started a golf tournament and offered to match funds raised at the tournament.

Pascucci had no background in broadcasting, except for one brief school course in radio and TV and what he learned as a local businessman who advertised on TV. However, he soon realized that Long Island had no TV station of its own; there was an allocation for a LI TV station but it had never been built.

He created WLNY-TV55 in 1985 and serves as the station’s chairman. Today TV10/55 has captured many of the nation’s toprated shows including Jeopardy, Oprah, Wheel of Fortune, The Dr. Phil Show, Ellen, Rachael Ray, Judge Judy and Deborah Norville's Inside Edition.

The Sebonack Golf Club saga really began some years ago when Pascucci and his family, who maintain a residence in Florida, were invited to visit and play the ultra-exclusive Florida golf course owned and built by friend Wayne Huizenga and his wife Marti. The Huizengas had decided to build a golf course and homes on 2,000 acres they had accumulated over the years. At Marti's insistence, they ultimately decided to build the golf course just for their family, and to invite friends to play. Pascucci and his family were so impressed with the idea of a "family golf course" that they decided to set about finding one of their own on Long Island.

In 2001, after a six-year search, Pascucci purchased a 300-acre property from the IBEW called Bayberry Land, on the Great Peconic Bay in Southampton. The location fit perfectly into Pascucci's vision of his dream golf course as it offered two major components of his dream: waterfront property on Unplug cellphone once it’s done charging

10/8/08 11:41:03 AM

Long Island and the ability to have the most environmentallyconscious golf club on Long Island. Sebonack is also located within “a wedge shot or two” of the most prestigious and famous golf courses on the East Coast, Shinnecock and National.

According to Pascucci, in order to gain approval for his golf club, he attended more than 350 meetings with town, community and environmental leaders and traveled through rain and snow, including four blizzards, to make his promised rounds at these meetings. He knew that sending a surrogate in his place would not win him the permission he needed to build his dream golf course. Pascucci built a team of experts that included trusted executives from his original Oxford management, as well as top consultants in the environmental field. He also sought advice from the Long Island Pine Barrens Society, along with the Nature Conservancy and the Group for The East End. Pascucci obtained the support of the "Neighborhood Network" which historically has fought against the building of any golf courses on the East End. Construction of the 18-hole course began in 2004 with the help

of two of the world's top designers. Pascucci brought along his Florida neighbor, golf legend Jack Nicklaus, and worldfamous course designer Tom Doak. The end result of combining two unlikely, totally different personalities was Sebonack, a championship course that preserved the integrity and ecosystem of the original land.

Sebonack's clubhouse is an example of understated elegance built with the finest materials and interior decoration, but without any glitz. Pascucci emphasized throughout our interview that Sebonack is a golf club, not a country club.

Sebonack opened in 2006, completed its clubhouse in 2008, and shortly thereafter was awarded the prestigious 2013 Women's LPGA Open tournament, Michael Pascucci is a visionary, a legendary entrepreneur and a philanthropist who has enriched the lives of the residents of Long Island, where he lives. His efforts have helped create an eco-friendly man-made "eighth wonder of the world" ... The fabulous Sebonack Golf Club.

Bring your own coffe mug to your local coffee shops (Starbucks/Dunkin’ Donuts)

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Lifestyles Events

Hadassah Installs New Regional President

R

hoda Smolow of Great Neck was recently installed as president of the Nassau Region of Hadassah at its conference at the Marriott Hotel in Uniondale. The conference theme celebrated Hadassah’s connection to Israel while commemorating Israel’s 60th anniversary. Hadassah’s achievements in Israel and in the U.S. were highlighted throughout the conference.

Among the distinguished guest speakers were Ruth Gruber, distinguished author-journalist; Bernice Tannenbaum, past national Hadassah president; Jochevet Knopp; former member of the Haganah and IDF; and author Liel Liebovitz.

Founder Rhoda Smolow with Nancy Falchuka and Ms. Schwartz

Hadassah Committee Members

NuBest salon and spa “be Green” Initiative in support of Global Unity and awareness of Global Warming September 8, 2008 Photos by Jason Feinberg

Leslie Gross, Dr. Andrew Jacono and Angela Susan Anton

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Donna and Michael Mazzei

Use “green” cleaners ... Install a water filter

9/30/08 10:25:56 PM

“Stars and Cigars Gala�

Benefit for Bright Steps Forward The Vanderbilt, Staten Island, NY September 16, 2008 Photos by Jason Feinberg

Annette Di Benedetto - Cavaliere, Michael Bell, Joe Gannascoli, Eileen De Oliveira, Frankie Vincent and Dominic Chianese

Nestor Serrano and Tony Plana

The Tony Darrow 7th Annual Celebrity golf Tournament and Dinner To Benefit the United Cerebral Palsy of New York city The willow Ridge Country Club, Harrison NY July 28, 2008

Photos by Jason Feinberg

Comedian Jeff Pirrami

Federico Castelluccio and Tony Sirico

Water grass early in the morning; reduces the amount of water you need to keep the grass green

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Tony Darrow shows off the Hole in One prize www.boulevardli.com

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Lifestyles Events

Andy Roddick and INgrid Hoffman Headline BNP Paribas Taste of Tennis

T

he world’s top tennis players and chefs served up the U.S. Open’s hottest pre-tournament action at the 9th Annual BNP Paribas Taste of Tennis at a star-studded evening, produced by AYS Sports Marketing and benefiting Food Bank for New York City. The event took place on Thursday, Aug. 21 at the W New York Hotel.

Tennis superstars including Andy Roddick, Jelena Jankovic, Robby Ginepri, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Lleyton Hewitt cooked up culinary aces alongside such acclaimed chefs as the Food Network’s Ingrid Hoffmann, John DeLucie of the Waverly Inn and Gotham Bar and Grill’s Alfred Portale. A.J. Callaway, host of Extra served as emcee and music was provided by DJ Berrie and DJ Mel DeBarge. One of summer’s most anticipated New York events, BNP Paribas Taste of Tennis gave guests the chance to mingle while sampling an eclectic mix of specially designed dishes. The “doubles team” of Roddick and Hoffmann took center stage for an action-packed cooking demonstration.

The BNP Paribas Taste of Tennis benefits Food Bank for New Bank for New York City, which provides 68 million pounds of food annually to more than 1,000 emergency and community food programs and provides 250,000 free meals a day for New Yorkers who otherwise would go hungry, mainly women and children, the elderly, people with disabilities and the working poor.

Ingrid Hoffman, Food Network Host, and Andy Roddick

Andy Roddick

James Blake

Stony Brook Film Festival Honors Award Winners

T

he 13th annual Stony Brook Film Festival, acclaimed by filmmakers for consistently drawing the largest audiences on the fest circuit, announced its award winners at a reception on closing night, Saturday, July 26. The awards were presented by film critic John Anderson. In addition to the Jury and Audience Awards, a special award for Achievement in Filmmaking was presented to Kari Skogland, writer/director/producer of The Stone Angel. Ms. Skogland is the third female director to be recognized at the Stony Brook Film Festival awards ceremony for outstanding feature filmmaking.

Dana Delaney of Route 30

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Jayce Bartok and Mary Stuart Masterson of Cake Eaters

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David DeLuise, Kevin Grahm, Dana Delaney, Alan Inkles, and Robert Romanus

Use baking soda and water to make an all purpose cleaner

9/30/08 10:29:04 PM

After 25 Years ... A Sparkling Silver Celebration Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala Kickoff Photos by Patrick McMullan

T

he kickoff for this year’s Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala took place at Nancy Corzine’s recently opened luxe home furnishings store in Southampton. The gala, themed After 25 Years…A Sparking Silver Celebration, will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 28 in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.

Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, daughter of Ms. Hayworth, established the gala in memory of her mother, who suffered from the disease for many years before her death. The Rita Hayworth Gala is one of New York City’s most prestigious and successful fundraising events. Over the past 24 years, the galas in New York and Chicago have raised more than $50 million for Alzheimer’s Association care, support and research programs. Lily Safra is the 2008 Rita Hayworth Award recipient and the Hearst Corporation, Frank A. Bennack, Jr., vice chairman and CEO, is the 2008 Corporate Award recipient. Princess Yasmin Aga Khan and Allen Brill are the gala co- chairs, and Rolex Watch USA, Inc. is underwriting the gala.

For gala ticket information, contact the gala benefit office at 212-843-1712, by fax at 212-843-1730, or e-mail alz@hgnyc.com.

Mark Locks and Nancy Corzine

Bettina Zilkha and Dennis Basso

Nancy Corzine and Larry Peters

Diana Ross Concert Raises Funds for Feinstein Institute for Medical Research

T

he weather was great and the camaraderie greater at Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Oyster Bay, when more than 800 supporters of groundbreaking medical research congregated for a performance by Diana Ross to benefit The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, part of the North Shore-LIJ Health System. This third annual concert brought together a veritable “who’s who” of Long Island business and social communities.

Ralph Nappi, chairman of the board of The Feinstein Institute, announced that the proceeds of the concert had totaled $1 million and later in the evening, Robert Catell, U.S. chairman of National Grid, presenting sponsor for the event, presented the National Grid Fellowship Award to Dr. Joseph Tumang, a promising young assistant investigator in the Immunobiology Laboratory at The Feinstein Institute.

Star of the evening, the lovely Diana Ross Unload your car; excess weight requires more fuel

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Robin, Jack and Allison Ross

Robert Catell presents award to Dr. Joseph Tumang www.boulevardli.com

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Lifestyles Events

AHRC Annual Rose Ball is Great Success

T

he Nassau County AHRC Foundation recently held its 58th Annual Rose Ball at the Crest Hollow Country Club. More than 650 guests attended the event, which raised more than $440,000 for the AHRC Foundation. Honored with the Leadership Award were Cynthia Rosicki, founding principal of Rosicki, Rosicki & Associates and Tom Rosicki, president of the AHRC board of directors and founding principal of Rosicki, Rosicki & Associates. The Leadership Award recognizes leaders in the business world who have opened the doors to the corporate community and helped build the AHRC Foundation. New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli received the Humanitarian Award for his efforts on behalf of the individuals whom AHRC supports.

The Humanitarian Award recognizes community members who have advocated for the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Jack Posner, Michael Mascari, guest and Cynthia and Tom Rosicki

Betsy and Tom Gulotta

Michael and Diana Liburdi with Gloria and Vincent Liburdi

Landmark on Main Street Starlight Society Reception

L

andmark on Main Street hosted its second annual Starlight Society Reception at the home of Elin and Michael Nierenberg.

The Starlight Society is a special group of major donors dedicated to supporting Landmark on Main Street’s mission to serve the community. The evening was glorious and a perfect sunset over Manhasset Bay served as a stunning backdrop to wonderful hors d’oeuvres, delightful music, sparkling drinks and conversations with old and new friends.

Landmark on Main Street runs the intimate Jeanne Rimsky Theater that offers a full season of programming. the 2008-09 season begins with two-time Tony Award-winner Christine Ebersole. Other season highlights include Shelby Lynne, Steve Earle, Tom Rush, Michelle Shocked, Tito Puente, Jr., Lucie Arnaz, Peter Yarrow in Peter, Bethany and Rufus, and much more. Visit www.landmarkonmainstreet.org for schedule.

Frank Ullman, Claudia Caruso and Lillian McCormick

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Erika Ades, Mike Nierenberg, Elin Nierenberg, Joe Ades, Lee Alper and Iris Keltz Avoid using pesticides in your garden and yard

9/30/08 11:11:45 PM

MidIsland Y JCC Tour De Fundraiser is Huge Success

T

hanks to hundreds of generous supporters of the Mid-Island Y Jewish Community Center in Plainview, families who could not afford to send their children to day camp will now have an opportunity to do so. The Mid-Island Y JCC’s seventh annual Tour de Fundraiser family event held on July 30 raised more than $5,500 to provide financial support to this end.

The family celebration was attended by more than 400 parents and children. Music, dancing, games, air bouncers, a watermelon-eating contest, Chinese auction raffle, snacks and refreshments were enjoyed by all at the Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds in Wheatley Heights. Added exciting attractions included Hotshot Hoops – a timed free-throw basketball contest – and hair braiding for the girls. Skateasaurus from United Skates of America of Seaford made a special guest appearance.

As always, Bobby Kanowitz and Keith Senzer of Del-Mir Caterers of North Shore Synagogue offered their kindness, generosity and support by donating and cooking hundreds of hamburgers, hot dogs and pretzels for Tour de Fundraiser participants. Laura Young of Plainview chaired the fundraising committee, which included dedicated members Debbie Baer, Lori Frucht and Dalia Lisker.

Hallie Kessler and Samantha Battista model their hair beading

Adults get messy competing in the watermelon-eating contest.

Everyone enjoyed competing in the water balloon toss.

American Cancer Society Hosts MidSummer Cocktails

T

he American Cancer Society, along with Honorary Chairmen Patrick Pinto and Peter Pinto from Oxford Management Services and fellow committee members partnered with local Long Islanders to introduce its first Midsummer Cocktails event on July 16 at the Westbury Manor. The event featured a meet-and-greet with pop star Lucas Prata; a presentation by rock cover band Soul Practitioners from Rivkin Radler; tastings by LiV Vodka, Martha Clara Vineyards, Fretzels by Jill and Chocoversity; comedian Chipps Cooney; Chris Cardone, flair bartender and a DJ from Bravura Entertainment and Casino.

The event raised in excess of $23,000, which will go toward the American Cancer Society’s cancer research programs, early detection and prevention education, advocacy efforts and patient and family services.

Committee members Pete Coen, Patrick Pinto, Jill Frechtman, Tony D’Elia and Peter Pinto Mend your clothes; don’t throw them away, try fixing them.

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Lucas Prata

www.boulevardli.com

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Lifestyles Events

Super Saturday for Ovarian Cancer Photos by Henry Truglio

Christy Turlington Burns

Russell Simmons

Hosted by Beth Ostrosky and Kelly Ripa

Lung Cancer Run Photos by Blanche Williams

O

n Sunday, Aug. 24, the Lung Cancer Research Foundation hosted the third annual Strides for Life three-mile fun run/ walk around Lake Agawam in Southampton. A record 800 people turned out to enjoy the early morning sunshine and raise funds for critical lung cancer research. Three-time lung cancer survivor Lorette Pucylowski cut the ribbon to start the race alongside the event’s Honorary Chair and Co-Anchor of FOX 5 News Rosanna Scotto, who raced with Team Caryl in memory of Caryl Palin, Ms. Scotto’s mother’s late best friend. At the finish line, runners were rewarded with a fabulous Tory Burch goodie bag. The event raised more than $425,000 for the Lung Cancer Research Foundation. The race’s co-chairs were LCRF founder and president Laurie Carson, Kimberly Kravis Schulhof and Lynne Tarnopol; the teen chair was Carolina Cordon- Bouzan.

Rosanna Scotto, co-anchor for FOX News

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Team Hedi spearheaded by Kimberly Kravis Schulhof, LCRF vice president and Strides for Life co-chair.

Buy in Bulk; reduces the amount of packaging

9/30/08 11:15:19 PM

Southampton Hospital

50th Annual Summer Party

Golden Gala Saturday, August 2, 2008

Wickapogue Road, Southampton NY Photos by Tina Guiomar

Margo, John, and Andrea Catsimatidis

Robert Zimmerman

Anne and Jack Grimm

Dr. Feder and Angela Susan Anton

Ellen and Chuck Scarborough

Emily, Zack and Bob Chaloner with Jean Shafiroff

Andrea Buccellati and Candi Udell

Romona Singer, Krista Krieger, Kristen Gray and Mario Singer

Jean Shafiroff and Mayor of Southhampton, Mark Epley

Use dryer balls instead of fabric softener sheets

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Lifestyles Events

MercyFirst Tees Off at Annual Summer Golf Outing

O

n Monday, Aug. 18, MercyFirst held its annual Summer Golf Outing, sponsored by State Bank of Long Island. The daylong event, held at the Mill River Country Club in Upper Brookville and the Nassau County Country Club in Glen Cove, raised funds for the 4,000 children and families served annually by MercyFirst. The day began with a lavish breakfast buffet and a shotgun start at noon. Dinner and an awards ceremony followed at the Mill River Club. This year’s event raised in excess of $200,000.

The Annual Summer Golf Outing supports MercyFirst’s range of programs, which includes family support and after-school programs, foster homes and adoption services, community homes and campus-based residential treatment programs, medical and mental health care, as well as the innovative Bridges to the Future, a range of specialized skills development and workforce preparation experiences designed to help adolescents learn to be self-sufficient.

Anne Gildea with Enid and David Newman

Jeffrey Barber and Joseph Perry

Angelo Silveri and Gerard McCaffery

HFOI Hamptons Benefit Raises Funds for Vocational School in Kenya

H

elp for Orphans International’s (HFOI) second annual Hamptons benefit at Nova’s Ark Project in Watermill drew more than 300 guests and raised essential funds to build a vocational school for 50 orphans in Kisii, Kenya. The evening was co-chaired by HFOI founder Sarah Ehrlich and star of The Real Housewives of New York City, Jill Zarin. Among the guests were all the stars of the hit series, including Bethenny Frankel, Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, Alex McCord, Ramona Singer and the newest housewife Kelly Killoren Bensimon. Guests bid on art by the likes of Andy Moses, Colette and Hunt Slonem and enjoyed food provided by Creative Cuisine.

The Kisii school will give older orphans, those who have finished their basic education, the skills needed to develop careers to participate in their villages. They will be taught sustainable agriculture, dairy farming, horticulture, art and other skills needed to support themselves, their families and hopefully others, including other orphaned children. In addition to providing a foundation in education and basic living skills, Help For Orphans International will work actively with the community to offer tools necessary for a stronger foundation in life.

Kelly Killoren Bensimon

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LuAnn de Lesepps and Michael Mione

Jill Zarin and Sarah Ehrlich

Buy from Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

10/1/08 12:32:25 AM

South Shore Sweethearts Tennis Tournament

T

he South Shore Sweethearts Tennis Tournament was held at the Inwood Country Club, preceded by the second annual parent-child tournament with more than 20 teams participating. On Sweet Thursday, July 10, more than 150 women participated in a morning of round robin tennis, followed by a luncheon and fashion show at the Woodmere Country Club.

That evening the men's participation began and on July 13 the finals for both the men's and women's division as well as mixed doubles were held. This was the 31st year of the tournament and more than $160,000 dollars was raised for the Diabetes Research Institute.

Evan and Joe Seplow, Peter Grossman and son

Greg and Marilyn Durso, Robin Carrick and David Hammerman

Boaz and Tala Avani, Gary and Brian Adler

Ross School Center for Well-Being Great Hall

Jonas Brothers Rock Out! Saturday, August 9, 2008 Photos by Henry Truglio

The private concert by the hottest teen act in America, the Jonas Brothers, benefited the Ross School Scholarships.

Joe Jonas with the Jonas Brothers

Use products Not Tested on Animals

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Lizzie Grubman

Abigail Breslin

www.boulevardli.com

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10/1/08 12:34:03 AM

Wine & Dine

Vine Speak

By Heather Muhleman

Degrees of Separation

T

here is a new addition to my family. I am now the proud owner of a 16-bottle wine refrigerator. While living in the boroughs of NYC has restricted my space, my priorities still stand in the form of a large wine rack in the corner of my living room, now complete with a device that will keep my wine at the perfect temperature in any season. This season in particular is my favorite … it’s the season of harvest.

This summer I found that without air conditioning, my living room can get to be upward of up to 90 degrees, with no air circulation. I’m learning to take care of my wines, as I do the plants in my household. More than once in this overly humid and stifling summer, some red wines from my stock did not taste as they should. Yes, just the normal heat of the day can change a wine’s flavor, feel and chemical composition. This can be overly scientific for those just looking to drink good wine, but to get to that point, major science geeks are needed.

The higher the temperature of the wine, the more alcohol you will taste. Conversely, the lower the temperature, the more dull and tasteless it is. This all has to do with the chemical reactions happening in the wine. Heated wine will age more quickly because heat speeds up those reactions.

The rules of the harvest and the grapevines are a precursor to the rules of the grapes after they have been put into bottles.

That is one of the greatest things about wine. It is so complex and there are so many wonderful chemical reactions that happen to make wine, but it seems so simple in the end. The weather, the soil and the season affect everything about the year’s vintage. Too much sun will lead to too much sugar, and too little might lead to acidity. The harvesting of the grapes is the most important step in the process. The winemaker must know the exact levels of sugar, acid and tannins in each grape.

The season typically falls between August and October in the northern hemisphere, depending on the type of wine being produced. Sparkling wine grapes are harvested earlier, some as early as July, to maintain a higher level of acidity, while ice wine grapes get harvested later, even as late as January, to retain the sugar.

While drinkers don’t necessarily have to know how the grapes got into the bottle, they do have to know what they are drinking and what to expect and how to take care of the wine

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once it’s there. Red wines should be stored between 55 F to 65 F while whites should be stored at 40 F to 50 F. Of course, some like really cold whites and some like very hot reds. It really is preference, but the wines were made to be kept and drunk at these temperatures so you’ll get the most of their personalities.

Thank goodness my new addition has a digital temperature control.

Harvest is about the perfect temperature, as with any fruit or vegetable. The grape is a fruit unlike any other; after all, it makes wine. Every day can change the taste of the end product. Every degree impacts the flavor, the sugar content and the acidity level. While there is much to know and learn about the grape’s integrity, the only way to do so is to drink it. And as always, drink what you like.

Cheers to good wine.

Buy fruits and vegetables from local organic farmers.

9/30/08 5:58:41 PM

Three Hamlets, Unlimited Options

A

s you plan your fall or winter affair, you would be wise to consider The Hamlet Golf and Country Club, Hamlet Wind Watch Golf & Country Club or Hamlet Willow Creek Golf & Country Club, all of which offer elegant settings, exceptional cuisine and service, and affordable party packages.

The Hamlets will help to create the lovely event you’ve always dreamed of. All locations host just one event at a time, allowing you and your guests the staff ’s full attention.

Hauppauge’s Hamlet Wind Watch Golf & Country Club boasts impressive panoramic views and scenic beauty. Wind Watch is situated atop one of the highest points on Long Island with stunning views of the North Shore for you and your guests to revel in the colors of the season. As the club has recently been renovated, you can be one of the first to have your special occasion in these exquisite new surroundings. Everything has been redecorated down to the tiny details that make for a perfect day.

At The Hamlet Golf and Country Club in Commack, your guests will have a memorable experience in surroundings of understated elegance. The private country club setting offers a quiet atmosphere and the beautiful, recently renovated ballroom is perfect for your special occasion. At The Hamlet, every detail has been crafted so that you may luxuriate in your day, knowing Volunteer at a local organic farm

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that every need will be anticipated and fulfilled.

For a magnificent lakeside event, Hamlet Willow Creek Golf & Country Club’s North Shore Mt. Sinai facility provides the perfect setting. Affordable fall and winter party packages deliver quality service and cuisine in a secluded atmosphere graced with stunning water and golf course views.

Along with exceptional catering, each club boasts superbly groomed and conditioned golf courses designed by renowned architect Stephen Kay. Allow your organization to experience an outing with exceptional cuisine in a true country club setting.

Whether on the course or in the beautiful catering rooms, you'll provide your golfers with a memorable outing. The courses offer a challenge to golfers of all skill levels.

Add some magic to your next holiday party. No event is too big or too small at The Hamlets and the staff welcomes the opportunity to work with you to customize a package to fit your needs and budget.

Whether your guests dine in the newly perfected ballroom at Hamlet Wind Watch Golf & Country Club, take in a private country club setting at The Hamlet Golf and Country Club or dance the night away in the magnificent Lakeside Ballroom at The Hamlet Willow Creek Golf & Country Club, you are sure to experience stellar service and exquisite cuisine in all locations. www.boulevardli.com

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10/1/08 12:35:04 AM

Wine & Dine

Luna Piena

Ristorante…

By Heather Muhleman

T

he full moon shines brightly on the gem known as Luna Piena in midtown Manhattan. Located on a street that looks more like it belongs in Brooklyn Heights, this cozy ristorante peeks out from under the stairs of the beautiful brownstones of East 53rd Street. A neighborhood family feeling emanates from the moment you approach the door.

Lunch or dinner, it’s home.

Newly renovated, Luna Piena is a lunch staple for the highend businesses around the corners and a sure bet for families, tourists and young professionals for dinner. This undoubtedly Italian restaurant can seat up to 100 people in its main room as well as in the newly added open garden, adorned with a waterfall and flowers. Also upstairs is a private room for meetings, parties and get-togethers accommodating about 20 people. The piece de résistance is the new bar. Accessible, friendly and chic, this brick design by Frank Borbely is very likely the centerpiece of the restaurant. That is, of course, in addition to the food.

Owned by three native Italians, each brings his own flavor to the traditional Italian food. Giovanni Apicella, the chef from the Amalfi Coast, embraces many seafood dishes including their specialty, octopus. Luigi Scarpelli, the sommelier (with a chef’s background), has an exquisite wine list, mostly of Italian wines, including greats like Super Tuscans, Planeta from Sicily

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and the restaurant’s own personal reserves. Tony Spirioligliozzi, the restaurateur, brings it all together and welcomes guests like family coming to his home for a traditional Sunday Italian feast.

The menu is consistent, with seasonal changes to the specials. Always available are two or three pasta specials, glorious veal and the best fresh fish around. And presentation is everything. My fish was de-boned and served at the table, but if that visual is not to your taste, it will be served sans fins and eyes. Their best dishes include fish with sea salt, the aforementioned octopus dishes, oxtail, lobster salad and risotto, lasagna (the No. 1 seller), veal cutlet with mozzarella, and the mixed fish stew. This fall and winter season will focus on meats as well as the divine truffle. I can’t wait to taste their fettuccine basked in truffle oil.

Luna Piena is fine dining with more choices at great prices.

The atmosphere tends to make one linger and the company is more than you can ask for. This ristorante is a sweet spot to hit any time of the day, just factor in a bit more time because you will want to stick around longer than you would expect.

Luna Piena is located at 243 E. 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022. Call 212-308-8882 or go to www.lunapienanyc.com for further information.

Join a Co-op farmer’s market

10/6/08 5:21:10 PM

The Inn at New Hyde Park has been transformed into a magnificent turn-of-thecentury catering facility and gourmet restaurant. The award-winning Chef and partner Alan Kruger has prepared an extensive menu inspired by old Mediterranean tradition, wisely revised and respectfully embellished to delight and satisfy A myriad of emotions and pleasure.

The Inn at New Hyde Park will make your fairy tale wedding come true. A whole new catering venue has been created with one wedding taking place at a time, enjoy peaceful patios for outdoor cocktail receptions, gazebos, waterfalls and fountains where you are transported to a world of “Civilized Grace and European Charm”. All your expectations will be surpassed.

Frank Marino - Managing Partner Alan Kruger - Executive Chef

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214 JERICHO TURNPIKE, NEW HYDE PARK • 516-354-7797 • www.innatnhp.com

10/2/08 3:59:51 PM

Wine & Dine

Frank's Steaks: More than Just a Top-Rated Steakhouse

By Ruth Bashinsky

A

s Long Islanders in the know can tell you, Manhattan and the East End are not the only trendy locations for locals to enjoy a 5-star dining experience. Frank's Steaks, an upscale steakhouse rated by Zagat as having the "best Romanian skirt steak on earth," has become a destination for food aficionados across the tri-state area.

The restaurant, often frequented by celebrities, television personalities and sport stars, boasts two locations on Long Island – Jericho and Rockville Centre (formerly The Lincoln Inn) – and one in Rye Brook, Westchester. Each location offers exceptional cuisine, an impressive list of international wines, and outstanding service all set in a handsome backdrop that features a sophisticated, yet warm and inviting atmosphere.

The Rye Brook location, open just one year, is a stunning venue adorned with beveled glass, copper ceilings, black cherry hardwood floors and detailed mahogany millwork from the estate of J.P. Morgan that dates back to the early 1900s. One fine work of art is a plaster sculpture located in the front lobby of the restaurant. In addition to the beautiful architectural detail, the spacious restaurant also features five separate rooms, including the Lounge and Bar with its waterfall display and Chicago rail mahogany bar; the Sushi Room; the Rye Brook Room, which has a striking stone fireplace and mahogany wood panels and blinds; the J.P. Morgan Room, a private party room; and the very special VIP Room, which seats 12 to 20 guests in a private dining room. The room's interior is unique, with hand-sculpted wood beams, decorative wood panels and detailed moldings, also from one of the Morgan estates.

Patrons feast on generous portions and imaginative fare that satisfies even the most discerning palate. The selection of prime dry-aged beef is first-rate – from the porterhouse for two, a 42-oz. steak cooked to order and served sliced, to the Cowboy garlic rib steak (also known as Frank's signature steak), a 24-oz. bone-in rib steak rubbed with a seasoned mixture of fresh garlic, ground black pepper and a touch of olive oil. Another popular favorite is the 12-oz. filet mignon served with a choice of Béarnaise, Bordelaise or au poivre sauce. A 30-oz. king cut prime rib of beef is known as their "monster cut prime rib."

However, as regular customers of Frank's Steaks can attest, this bistro is much more than a traditional steakhouse. The chef's diverse selection of roasts, racks and chops is supreme, including the grilled veal loin chops seasoned and marinated with fresh

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thyme and garlic, and a 14-oz. New Zealand rack of lamb. The menu also features an enticing assortment of succulent seafood, chicken and pasta entrees, savory salads, appetizers and side dishes. You don't want to miss such standouts as the Brazilian twin lobster tails or the pan-seared jumbo shrimp. Side dishes include Cajun calamari with remoulade sauce, French fried onions, and Frank's creamed spinach, which literally melts in your mouth. Desserts are just as compelling, including Frank's signature dessert, a deep-dish cheesecake served with a raspberry puree; also included are the triple chocolate layer cake with chocolate mousse filling brushed with frangelica and topped with ganache, and the homemade apple cobbler served warm in a deep soufflé cup with vanilla bean ice cream.

The portions are large enough that one dessert and a couple of spoons will perfectly satisfy several people's sweet tooth.

At the Rye Brook location patrons can enjoy extraordinary sushi prepared by chef Ruby Fnu, formerly of Nobu in Manhattan. His sushi is superior in taste and spectacular in appearance. Ask Chef Ruby about the special sauces he creates for his unique rolls. Due to popular request, the Rye Brook location has just added a child-friendly menu.

Restaurateur/owner Richard Gerzof is the brainchild behind Frank's Steaks. Gerzof, whose grandfather opened one of the first kosher hotels in the Catskills back in the 1920s, the Evans Kiamesha Hotel, has been in the restaurant/hotel industry most of his life. Gerzof takes pride in the fact that his restaurants have become a Long Island (and now Westchester) institution, serving the finest choice cut meats in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Frank's Steaks ... a must for fine diners near and far.

Frank's Steaks is located in Jericho at 4 Jericho Turnpike (516-338-4595), in Rockville Centre at 54 Lincoln Avenue (516-536-1500) and in Rye Brook at 275 South Ridge Street (914-305-4465).

For more information visit http://www.frankssteaks.com.

Buy produce at your local farmer’s market

10/1/08 6:41:23 PM

Legends Restaurant A Northfork Culinary Treasure

By Barry Kay

L

egends Restaurant, located in the quaint town of New Suffolk on the North Fork of Long Island, proved to be a delightful treat on a beautiful summer night by a beautiful water view and sits on a block with tiny shops that could be found in almost any small town in America.

As we walked into Legends, we were amazed by the fascinating and eclectic interior. Our eyes were immediately drawn to a bright and beautifully decorated canoe, suspended upside-down from the ceiling, as well as the wall decorations, which worked perfectly with the soothing earth tone colors of the walls. The decorations and African-inspired wall coverings were collected by Diane Harkoff, creator and owner of this highly regarded restaurant, on her worldwide travels. Diane greeted us at the door; her knowledge, upbeat personality and insistence on high standards for her food and service were evident throughout the evening and made us feel right at home.

Legends serves American cuisine featuring local seafood, fresh local produce and premium steaks and chops, all prepared with the unique culinary artistry of Executive Chef Michael Reilly. Legends is actually two restaurants under one roof. The restaurant we ate in that night is the more formal gourmet dining room, while in a separate room, the other restaurant is a comfortable pub and sports bar.

Each course was exquisitely prepared and presented on fine china with beautiful crystal-clear wineglasses. Although every selection was delicious, we particularly enjoyed the mouthwatering bouillabaisse and the diver scallops. I was impressed with the size and quality of the portions of each dish, and the choice of fine wines selected for the meal.

Legends offers an unbeatable combination of great food, service and ambiance at reasonable prices.

Legends is located at 635 First Street, New Suffolk, New York. For reservations, call 631-734-5123.

Make Your Holiday Party One to Remember at Blackstone Steakhouse

T

he goal of a holiday party is to put everyone in a festive mood and say thanks for a job well done. Blackstone Steakhouse in Melville is a new and exciting venue with the perfect combination of cuisine and ambiance for a holiday celebration.

Blackstone’s three beautifully appointed banquet rooms can accommodate from 15 to 225 guests and feature a posh décor with rich natural wood, warmed by the glow of chandeliers and stone fireplaces – an elegant backdrop for a festive occasion.

Patrons can choose from a private dining package, such as the Platinum Menu, which starts with a presentation of passed hors d’oeuvres, followed by a three-course meal featuring prime dry-aged sirloin, filet mignon or Panko-crusted tuna and topped off with a choice of decadent desserts. You may also have the chefs create a customized menu for your event. Blackstone’s fabulous raw bar can also be added and meals can be expertly paired with selections from a wine list of more than 1,000 labels or a celebratory toast of champagne.

Director of Banquet Sales Maureen Murphy attends to every detail and helps make every celebration a memorable one. If you want to reward your guests at a very special place this year, check out Blackstone.

For information about Blackstone Steakhouse, call 631-692-2456or visit www.blackstonesteakhouse.com.

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10/3/08 4:19:06 PM

Wine & Dine

Aquadeco Pure Spring Water From An 18,000 Year Old

Canadian

Glacier

By Barry Kay

A

rnold Gumowitz, founder and CEO of Aquadeco, pursues life with passion and conviction as a highly successful real estate businessman, world traveler, sports enthusiast, art deco lover, and tango dancer. After 30 years in the garment industry and children's wear, Gumowitz left the apparel arena to pursue a highly lucrative career in real estate. By 1979, Arnold had become a real estate mogul and lover of art and architecture.

He became an avid collector of art deco sculpture and French impressionist art.

Arnold's focus on healthy living led him to a worldwide search for premium spring water that did not merely sustain life, but actually enhanced it. He then set about designing the world's most unusual art deco bottle to package the "world's finest water." He worked with a top New York design firm to build a 750ml bottle that stands tall and resembles the original great New York skyscrapers (Waldorf Astoria, Essex House).

Design in hand, Gumowitz then had to find a glass manufacturer who could maintain the integrity of the bottle design when it went into production. Ultimately, after much research and travel, he found Steklarna Hrastnick in Slovenia, well known for its glass clarity and ability to handle intricate molds.

Traveling the world with an engineer and hydro-geologist in tow, Arnold then worked his way through Europe, Armenia and Nepal. His quest for the finest water culminated when he found his "fountain of youth" spring water in Oro Medonte, Ontario Canada. There he met

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and partnered with Michael Billinghurst and Terry Galbraith, owners of Muskoka Springs Natural Spring Water. The aquifer that supplies Aquadeco water contains an abundant reserve of the purest water ever tasted, created by a glacial till formed during the last ice age some 18,000 years ago. The glacier left a unique filtration system composed of deposits of sand and gravel. The filtration removes pollutants and undesirable compounds at an atomic level, leaving one of the purest and healthiest spring waters in the world as confirmed by independent laboratory testing.

The complete Aquadeco package was introduced via a soft launch in 2007 and has since won several awards including a gold medal for People's Choice Packaging and a gold medal for Best Tasting Non-Carbonated Spring Water at the 2007 Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting Festival. Aquadeco is a superior product available at the right time. Society is concerned with healthy lifestyles, the effects of global warming, and a new interest in maintaining the delicate balance of our eco-system.

Aquadeco pure glacial waters is very much in sync with the search for a healthier lifestyle.

Aquadeco is available at fine retail stores, luxury hotels, and gourmet restaurants nationally and throughout the world.

Recycle paper, plastic, glass and metals

10/3/08 4:33:32 PM

WHEN IT COMES TO STEAKHOUSES...

We’re A Rare Treat

IT’S THE PLACE TO GO FOR AN INTIMATE DINNER, A GATHERING AFTER WORK OR A NIGHT WITH FRIENDS. EVERYTHING ABOUT BURTON & DOYLE IS EXCEPTIONAL.

THE FINEST PRIME DRY-AGED STEAKS MOUTHWATERING SEAFOOD & SUSHI WINE SPECTATOR AWARD OF EXCELLENCE CLASSIC AMBIANCE & ATTENTIVE SERVICE ZAGAT SAYS BURTON & DOYLE IS: “Handsome and luxurious…mouthwatering cuts, backed by an impressive wine cellar and gorgeous décor.”

661 Northern Boulevard. East Great Neck, NY 516-487-9200 • www.BurtonAndDoyle.com page 093 BurtonDoyleAd.indd 93

10/1/08 3:51:23 PM

Wine & Dine

Planning A Romantic Picnic

By Robert Rizzuto

de Seversky Center 516.686.7675 www.nyit.edu/deseversky Gold Coast Caterers 516.686.1440 rrizzuto@nyit.edu

T

he fall months are perfect for a discreet, romantic culinary experience. Whether you are in a new or existing relationship, a surprise picnic for your sweetheart can end up with passion for dessert if you plan it right, especially if Mother Nature cooperates.

Two of the most important parts of a memorable picnic date are the setting and the food. If you are lucky enough to catch an Indian summer afternoon, or evening under the stars, you need not worry about props or atmosphere. No stunning natural scenery nearby? No problem - you can still have a romantic evening right in your own backyard. If you live in an urban location and have a creative mind, private balconies can be fun! On rainy or cooler days, lay a blanket out on your living room floor or on a covered porch and arrange plants and candles to set the mood. Let's not forget those little romantic details such as flowers and music to put on the finishing touches.

Are you trying to come up with the perfect plan to sweep your loved one off his or her feet? The most romantic element of a picnic is often the element of surprise. Depending on the location you choose, I offer a few ideas. If you choose a location away from home, show up at the door with a single rose, or pick your date up after a hard day of work with picnic basket packed and ready to go. If you choose to stay home, leave an enticing invitation to have a special evening together at home, not revealing what's in store. There are so many ways to implement spontaneity into your romantic picnic for two, making it all the more enjoyable and memorable.

Stick with picnic foods that are less prone to spoil and safe to eat. Sandwiches, paninis, cold chicken, and fresh fruit are simple and safe foods that are easily handled and stored. If you enjoy cooking, create a Mediterranean feast with tomato and basil bruschetta, tortellini salad and calamata olive spread with crackers or pita. Take a cue from the French and bring along fresh baked baguette with a selection of hard textured cheese, grapes, apples and oranges, paired with a nice bottle of wine, all perfect for picnic dates.

When purchasing a picnic basket choose one that is well built and includes cheese boards and knives, corkscrews and cloth napkins. Every detail in the planning adds a touch of sophistication and will save you the time of finding and purchasing each item separately. You'll also want to have a pair of picnic chairs, pillows and a waterproof blanket depending on how the mood progresses.

Roast Turkey Panini 4 slices rustic Italian bread 2 teaspoons olive oil 6 ounces cooked turkey, sliced thin 2 ounces Asiago cheese, sliced 4 thin slices Granny Smith apple 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce ½ bunch fresh arugula, stems removed Procedure: 1. Brush one side of each piece of bread with olive oil and lay the bread oil-side down on the work surface.

2. Spread cranberry sauce on the top and bottom layer of the bread.

3. Place the turkey, cheese, apple slices and arugula on the slices of the bread. Place the second slice of bread on top, oil-side up.

3. Heat the panini grill and grill the sandwiches on each side until golden brown.

4. Transfer the sandwich to the work surface, slice the sandwich in half and cool.

Serving size: 2 sandwiches

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Eat Low Mercury fish like tilapia and pollack.

10/1/08 12:39:30 AM

Let’s Talk Organic

By Barbara Capozzi, D.O., CNS

Board Certified in Family Practise Certified Nutrition Specialist Assistant Professor of Family Practise Clinical Coordinator at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Guest on Cable Television “Ask the Doctor,” CNN, Channel 55 News, Channel 4 News, Television Channel One-Live

Clarifying terminology

Chemically speaking, organic means that something contains the element carbon. One might argue that since all living organisms contain carbon, all foods are technically organic, but that doesn't include all the facts. In short, 'organically grown' or 'organically produced' refers to plant (fruit, vegetable, grains) and animal (dairy products and meat) foods that are produced with little or no synthetic fertilizer or pesticides, and no antibiotics or hormones. As such, these products possess both similarities and differences from conventionally farmed foods that are sold in grocery stores.

Go Green

With the popularity of the 'Go Green' philosophy, we are becoming more aware about what we as individuals can do to make not only our present, but also our future environment safer and healthier. Inherent to this is the idea of increasing our internal health as well as improving and saving our external environment.

Organic evolution

You may recall that organic farming in the U.S. first took off in the 1990s and at that time it was only possible to buy these organic products in health food stores (hence their notoriety for being healthier), but again there’s more to the story. The flip side of the coin is that these organic foods were also more costly for the consumer. This makes sense, since producing and handling these products requires more manual labor than is needed in conventional farming and crop yield is also smaller in volume compared to conventionally grown crops. Environmentally speaking, the tradeoff is that we are contributing to creating a better living environment for the future as organic farming ensures conservation of water and soil, as well as less pollution.

How it works for plants

Organic farming uses natural products such as manure and compost to fertilize healthy crops and naturally occurring chemicals such as sulfur and copper for pesticides. In lieu of pesticides to protect certain crops from dangerous mold, destructive insects or serious diseases, organic farmers rely on using insects that don’t harm a particular crop to control other insects that may be harmful to that crop. Finally, manual crop rotation is used to maintain soil. The downside is that the shelf life of organically grown products is generally shorter. Another possible benefit is that irradiation, which is a heating process Buy locally raised organic meat, eggs, and dairy

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used to lower potentially harmful pathogens that can cause foodborne illness, is not allowed.

How it works for animals

Common sense dictates that organically produced feed is used for organically raised livestock. Although animals may be given vitamin or mineral supplements, they cannot be given growth hormone or antibiotics. Also, if an animal is treated with medication, it cannot be sold as an organic product.

Know your labels

The National Organic Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates the organic food industry. Its role is to ensure that certain standards are upheld, but consumers need to be clear about what these labels mean. Labeling appears one of three ways: '100 percent organic,' 'organic' (which represents 95 percent organic), or 'made with organic ingredients' (which means that the product has at least 70 percent organic ingredients). For products that contain less than 70 percent organic ingredients, the ingredient list may say organic, but only for the specific ingredient that was produced organically. These will not have the USDA Organic seal on the package.

Comparison of conventional and organic

There is no true taste test that differentiates either product and there’s no clear-cut difference in nutritional value. Aesthetically, some organic products may not be as appealing since they have no protection with wax, may bruise easily, and may be smaller in size.

Your choice

Choosing organic may be your first way to join the movement.

Today, almost all grocery stores sell organically grown foods.

Regardless of whether you choose conventional or organic, washing fruits and vegetables, as well as proper handling, storage, preparing and cooking of meat are all paramount for safety.

www.boulevardli.com

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10/6/08 12:58:54 PM

Travel

From High Tea To Spa Purrrrrfect At Victoria’s Fairmont Empress

By Sara Duncan Widness

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Conserve on printing, store it or email it

10/1/08 6:17:49 PM

Afternoon Tea

C

irca 1908 was the Golden Age for folks who had a few coins in their pocket, including a newly minted U.S. $10 gold coin featuring the head of Victory wearing an Indian headdress designed by Augustus Saint-

Gaudens.

For those who were the most fortunate, the Belle Époque still reigned. For example, in 1908 in Victoria, British Columbia, the Belle Époque’s joie de vivre resonated wherever people of distinction and means traveled and gathered. The hub on BC’s harbor on the edge of the continent was the newly opened Empress Hotel. One hundred years later (2008 is its grand centennial) the hotel, now known as the Fairmont Empress, continues to evoke the retinue required to assist with volumes of luggage, hatboxes and portmanteau redolent of Queen Alexandra and her influence on the Edwardian fashion of slinky georgette and velvet silhouettes.

A recent visit to this stunning Grande Dame created a slight havoc with efforts to retain a slinky silhouette. The hotel’s first piece de resistance is its afternoon tea that required a curled pinky finger (not the broken one that won’t bend anymore) when sipping from Royal Doulton. The tea also required a moment of patience when a sister-in-law sharing the tea table reflected that the Devonshire cream served on scones here isn’t the same as clotted cream. This wasn’t the time or place to challenge her knowledge of the niceties of High Tea so her observation was allowed to slip away along with the vanishing pastries and a glass of champagne that went to the accommodating waistline.

Mineral Spa

Originally High Tea, served annually to reportedly 115,000 guests of the hotel, was dreamt up by a duchess who was ladyin-waiting to Queen Victoria to preclude that “sinking feeling” between lunch and terribly late dinners. (This does make one wonder on how many occasions the doting duchess had to scoop her patron up off the floor.) Now, with a new kind of sinking feeling brought on by sugar and bubbly, we pondered the myriad vacation options presented by the Fairmont Empress that help restore well-being.

We narrowed our choice the next day to a practical decision to visit Willow Stream, a signature Fairmont spa with 11 treatment rooms and a mineral soaking pool all discreetly tucked into 8,000 square feet on two levels off the main lobby. A Willow Stream program signifies a commitment to a destination spa experience. This is not just a few amenities tucked into a hotel but a presentation of commendably appointed space and staff that can sequester guests sanctuary-style for hours a day and over a few days assist them on a new path to well-being.

Each Willow Stream sanctuary features flora and fauna appearing naturally nearby. Here at the tip of Vancouver Island, the Pacific Northwest’s aromatic lavender, roses and pine play starring roles. In addition to a range of treatments, this spa also features what it calls The Spa Ritual, 5-10 minutes each in a traditional Finnish dry sauna followed by a steam inhalation room and a thermal mineral pool. This 20-minute triage is recommended before other treatments begin and after any exercise.

We asked our Willow Spa host what she would recommend as three perfect days here. She suggests for arrival day the Jet Lag Recovery before dinner. On day two, after an in-room breakfast and a walk through museums and Parliament, lunch can be taken al fresco on the hotel veranda followed by, perhaps, whale watching or a stroll through Butchart Gardens.

The day ends with a 60 or 90-minute massage called La Stone.

Day three is a vineyard tour with lunch at a winery followed by a facial, pedicure, manicure and hairdressing. (Willow Stream also features special treatments for men.) On departure day, she suggests a spa morning that begins at 9 a.m. with revitalizing body treatments and a late breakfast before checkout.

Not to be missed is a 60-minute hotel and environs walkabout with Mandy Kray who, attired in fin de siècle costume, shares stories of the hotel and some of its past guests.

Her stories are, as the tea and spa treatments, delicious.

For information about the hotel visit www.fairmont.com or call Canada at 250-384-8111.

Choose your restaurants and take-out wisely when it comes to packaging

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www.boulevardli.com

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Travel

Going Green at the

Inn at Fox Hollow

By Ilena Ryan and Gary Cucchi

T

he Inn at Fox Hollow has long been involved in the go green initiative. Seven years, ago, a geothermal program was introduced at The Inn in its efforts to contribute to saving the planet.

The program is based on the ground temperature in Long Island, which remains at approximately 56 degrees year round.

When the winter months start and the air temperature drops, the technology at The Inn raises that ground temperature a few degrees to heat The Inn with it. Once the cold of the winter weather subsides, the heat circulating through The Inn is then drawn out of the hotel and placed back in the ground by the air conditioning units in the building.

So, how do they do it? The equipment involves both a water and a heat pump. The water pump circulates water from the ground, through the building, and back again. The heat pump functions as an air conditioner-type device that removes heat from the water, or replenishes it to the water, depending on the season.

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Although the initial cost for the system is relatively high, a LIPA rebate allowed for cost effectiveness. If designed properly, the geothermal system ultimately becomes less expensive and easier to maintain than many other systems. According to Michael Maurantonio, CIO, Scotto Brothers, “The return on the investment in our facility was one year, leaving a huge savings for every year thereafter.”

Maurantonio went on to say that “Living on Long Island, going green is very important to our family and with this initiative actually becoming a profitable business decision, it’s a win-win.”

The technology has already proven itself to be a worthwhile investment, and from an environmental perspective, it’s proving to be a green practice that works. The Inn at Fox Hollow proves that you can enjoy luxury while reducing your carbon footprint and helping save the earth.

Buy items without extensive packaging.

10/3/08 4:37:12 PM

Your life’s journey

DESERVES AN EXCLUSIVE BEGINNING

At The Hamlet Golf and Country Club, we have redefined the word “exclusive.”

Here it is our strict practice to accept only one affair at a time because we pride ourselves on providing unrivaled attention to you and your guests. You will experience extraordinary cuisine and unparalleled service in an atmosphere of understated elegance. At The Hamlet, every detail has been crafted so that you simply enjoy your day, knowing your every need will be anticipated and luxuriously fulfilled in our beautiful, private country-club setting.

For information and reservations, call 631-499-5200 or visit www.hamletgolfandcountryclub.com.

The Hamlet Golf and Country Club • Commack, NY

Hamlet Golf and Country Club - Catering • Job# 80007 • 4C, 7.5" W x 10" H • EGC Group 516.935.4944 page 099 HamletAd.indd 99

10/1/08 12:58:53 AM

Travel

The Equinox…

By Shoshana Blasko Photos by Tina Guiomar

Unrivaled Luxury and Unparalled Experiences in Vermont

A

t The Equinox, a Luxury Collection Golf Resort & Spa located in Manchester, Vermont, historical integrity and contemporary décor convey a sensibility that travelers immediately embrace. Having just undergone a meticulous refurbishment led by designer Geoffrey Bradfield, the resort is a seamless blend of architectural styles and is comprised of several elegantly detailed lodgings.

The 1811 House, the former home of Abraham Lincoln’s granddaughter, is a historic bed and breakfast that boasts fireplaces, private porches, oriental rugs and period antiques.

The Orvis Inn, home of Orvis founder Charles Orvis, contains nine suites, each with a gourmet kitchen, living room with fireplace, and marble bath. The main building offering 136 guest rooms is part of the original Marsh Tavern. The wooden clapboard façade is lined with stately two-story pillars and is considered the main hub of The Equinox. All of the rooms in each structure feature a demure color scheme of slate blue, dark brown and beige. Custom-made beds, 42” plasma televisions, plush Frette robes, and overstuffed leather armchairs are just some of the resort’s new deluxe amenities. As a finishing touch and a nod to its history, all of the guest rooms boldly display an oversized black and white photograph depicting The Equinox in the early 1900s.

Upon entering The Equinox’s lobby, one is immediately aware that service and style have been mastered. The bright and well-appointed front desk and concierge alcove spill into a large sitting room with a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. There is a modernity here that is slyly chic. It beckons you to linger and with The Equinox’s superlative dining offerings, the decision on where to begin can be enticingly difficult.

Let’s start at the Falcon Bar. Considered the heart of the resort, it features grand roundabout seating and unique fixtures.

A wall of French doors reveals the open-air fire pit deck where

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guests can take in incredible mountain vistas while sipping on signature cocktails. The Falcon Bar offers an extensive collection of single malt scotches and a comprehensive wine list. A menu of local cheeses and Knipschildt chocolates are also available.

Next is the Chop House and as the name implies, it serves up delectable steakhouse fare. The intimacy of the space, which is cloaked in sensual browns, burgundies and reds, makes you feel that you have passed through the velvet ropes. The original wide-board flooring, stone hearth and rich leather banquettes add depth and dimensional texture. The menu features classics such as a 24-ounce porterhouse, grilled lamb chops, as well as roasted king salmon. The Chop House is located at the original site of The Equinox Hotel, which lends to the distinct manor house vibe.

Undoubtedly, the showplace of the hotel is the Marsh Tavern. Dating back to 1769 it is considered the “old soul” of The Equinox. The cuisine is sophisticated New England style, full of nostalgic flavors and simple farm fresh ingredients. Meals at the Tavern are hearty and leisurely paced. On the evening my dinner companion and I dined at the Tavern, we were lured by a lobster tail perfectly poached and cradled on a bed of fresh mesculin drizzled with the lightest lemon butter emulsion. This was followed by a sensational prime rib that simply melted on the palate. There is also an extensive wine list and a beer sommelier is on hand to help pair locally produced beers and ales with your meal.

The unique activities offered, like the exceptional dining options, is what sets The Equinox distinctly apart from other resorts. Where else could one find the British School of Falconry, the Land Rover Experience, the Orvis Fly Fishing School and the Orvis Shooting School, in addition to an archery program, plexicushion tennis courts and a golf course that was listed on Golf Digest’s Top 100 in the U.S.?

Do not feed wild animals; it makes them dependent upon human food

10/8/08 11:50:05 AM

Land Rover Experience

Spa Treatment

British School of Falconry

Spa Indoor Lap Pool

Orvis Fly Fishing School

Always up for a challenge, I decided to give the Land Rover Experience a try. The school offers off-road driving lessons using the latest Land Rover models. For my instructional session, I found myself behind the wheel of a titanium gray 2008 Range Rover. As we began maneuvering through the course my heart began to race. Learning how to navigate this terrain is incredibly exhilarating. Obstacles vary from boulders to seemingly endless drops. The degree of difficulty ranges from introductory to advanced off-road training. Don’t worry about your knowledge of driving in these conditions because there is a highly skilled Land Rover instructor guiding you at all times. However, this detail might not be as comforting to the passengers seated behind you.

Next we headed to the British School of Falconry. Being the first of its kind in the U.S. the school offers hands-on falconry

Clean up after yourself at the beach and the park

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training. During our lesson we learned how to handle and fly Harris hawks. Watching these magnificent birds sail across Hildene Meadow was spectacular. Guests can choose from different types of falconry experiences. There are hawk walks where one meanders through the forest while a hawk flies majestically above. How about hunting with a hawk? Under the tutelage of experienced falconers guests can take the hawks into the hunting field and learn how to work in harmony with specially trained dogs to facilitate a positive hunt.

After all this excitement you will probably require a trip to the resort’s Spa at Equinox. The 13,000 square foot state of the art facility includes an indoor lap pool, men’s and women’s sauna and steam baths, relaxation room with fireplace, an innovative Image Center, movement studio and a fitness gym.

The spa seems to reflect the transcendent beauty and nature of Vermont’s pristine environment in both its treatments and décor, offering an array of massage therapies, skin care rituals, body treatments and signature experiences that all draw from the natural energy and revitalizing power of the fresh mountain air, towering trees, and crystal clear water of its surroundings.

Nestled on 1,300 acres, The Equinox has been enticing travelers with luxurious accommodations and unsurpassed amenities since 1769. Vermont’s natural beauty is part of the allure of the resort. With this in mind, The Equinox formed the non-profit Equinox Preservation Trust to ensure the protection of nearly 900 hundred acres of The Equinox Mountain. As part of its conservation efforts The Equinox opened an on-site office for the Vermont Institute of Natural Science. Here guests can participate in natural history programs, wildlife studies, nature walks and more. In keeping with its “green” dedication, the golf course at The Equinox is registered as a Cooperative Sanctuary by the Audubon Society. This helps increase habitats for enhanced wildlife populations. The Equinox’s commitment to environmental responsibility is just another reason why it is one of the Northeast’s most desirable destinations.

www.boulevardli.com

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10/8/08 11:50:39 AM

Travel

Mohonk Mountain House A Travel Back in Time to Tranquility

By Sasha Wallace Photos by Tina Guiomar and courtesy of Mohonk

*Quotes referred from the book Mohonk Its People and Spirit by Larry E. Burgess

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Use Natural fertilizers for your lawn.

10/6/08 11:50:06 AM

Photo by G. Steve Jordan

“Shawagunk Grit” The porch is the place to be for mineral body treatment. lounging and enjoying the view of the lake.

Victorian Red room with fireplace.

Photo by Jim Smith

Spectacular Gardens in the summer

M

Photo by Michael Grimm

ohonk Mountain House Resort has been in the industry of bringing guests closer to nature for more than 100 years. The resort brings the Smiley family ideals of “fashioning a resort where the guest could feel free from his cares and become invigorated by the bracing air and vivid scenery.” It was a revolutionary eco-friendly resort before the term eco-friendly was coined.

Mohonk is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

To fully appreciate the resort, a visitor should learn its history.

In September 1869, Alfred Smiley, accompanied by family and friends on a nature walk, lay his “eager eyes in full view of the still waters of Mohonk [where] the farthest reaches of their gaze stretched the lands of adjacent states [New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Vermont].” Alfred and Albert Smiley were the founders of the Mohonk Mountain House. As Quakers, they believed that God can be experienced through everyone and everything; they must have experienced God in this picture perfect scene. Mohonk Lake, nestled between two mountain cliffs, was the ideal place for the Smiley family to create a retreat for the weary urban vacationer.

The old world Victorian and Edwardian charm is a time capsule within the architectural bounds of the castle, created

by N. LeBrun and James E. Ware. But the charm has continued on in the 138 years of Smiley family tradition. Mohonk has been perfected to the smallest, most unassuming details.

Each Victorian-decorated guest room (there are 265 rooms) is adorned with balconies and fireplaces, overlooking the spectacular view of either the Hudson Valley or Lake Mohonk.

Televisions are located only in the recreation rooms, which encourages guests to venture outdoors or enjoy the serenity of peace and quiet, as guests did in the 1900s.

Mohonk Mountain House Resort is a 2,200-acre property in the heart of the Shawangunk Ridge natural area that encompasses a vast state park preserve. Hikers, runners, equestrians, skiers and adventurers lay claim to the 80 miles of trails. Activities are bountiful, depending on the season, with golf, tennis, ice skating, boating, fishing, caving, rock climbing, hiking and horseback riding. Even the simple pleasure of sunbathing is covered.

The most alluring part of the resort is that in 1994 it was recognized by the United Nations Environment Program for 125 years of environmental stewardship. The Smiley brothers had envisioned a resort that brought a respected relationship between people and environment, and the Mohonk recognizes the importance of retaining that beauty, guaranteeing preservation by donating 26,000 acres to a national trust. They continue environmental practices today by composting food to reuse in the gardens and landscape. Mohonk also uses natural

local food in the culinary feasts of breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Spa at Mohonk presents the newest addition to environmental awareness. The 30,000-square-foot wing is an earth-friendly spa. Mohonk excavated into the nearby natural glacier-formed cliff and utilized 600 tons of the quartz into the construction of the spa; the fireplace in the solarium and the Shawangunk Grit treatments use the fine quartz quarried from the cliffs. The Green Roof Garden Terrace, an 8-inch deep planting bed, cuts summer cooling costs by 20 to 30 percent, filters the air and supplies a habitat for birds and butterflies and a relaxing space for guests. The environmentally sound geothermal system is comprised of 48 480-foot-deep wells that use the constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool the building, which eliminates on-site emissions and results in a low heating bill.

Both the exterior and the interior are environmentally aware. The interior works on the eco-friendliness of the guest’s body and soul. The spa uses many lines of eco-friendly products, including Eminence 100 percent organic Hungarian skincare products and the Naturopathica botanical skincare line. The staff heals body and soul with countless treatments and amenities to soothe the weary soul. The spa includes a heated outdoor mineral pool, an indoor heated swimming pool, a genderseparated picturesque veranda for relaxing with a tea and fruit bar, a eucalyptus-infused steam room and a sauna. If you are in the mood to get the heart pumping, there is a fitness center and numerous fitness/yoga/Pilates/dancing/aerobic classes. No stop at the spa is complete without the signature Elements of Nature Mohonk Red Massage by Michael, who has hands to soothe any kink in the body. The massage begins with an aromatic inhalation of calming evergreen. With a combination of Swedish, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi and traditional Thai stretches, every sore muscle is relieved, followed by the use of Mohonk Red witch hazel, grown on the property, and infused on warmed towels to calm the face and shoulders. Treatments are accompanied by a chanting bell to stir the remaining stress out the door.

The Mohonk Mountain House Resort is the perfect place for New York City urbanites to get away for a week, but close enough to be a weekend getaway. To quote Henry David Thoreau, “I went to the woods because I wish to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” A guest of Mohonk leaves relaxed, enlivened with nature, and comes back with gained knowledge that life is too short to have not experienced a little pleasure.

Visit www.mohonk.com for special seasonal packages and reservation information.

Check for leaks in your water pipes ... Sufficiently insulate your home.

www.boulevardli.com

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Travel

Seven Stars and Stripes Review

Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort

By Barry Kay

C

osta Rica is a peaceful, enlightened, democratic republic located in Central America and bordered by Nicaragua and Panama. While small in size (19,730 square miles, about the size of West Virginia) and population (4.1million), Costa Rica ranks No. 1 among Latin American nations in environmental performance as of 20072008, according to studies conducted by the United Nations. In 2007, Costa Rica announced its goal to be the first country to become carbon neutral by 2021.

Costa Rica is noted for its excellent whitewater kayaking/ rafting, thanks to two renowned rivers, the Rio Pacuare and the Rio Reventazon, located just two hours east of the capital of San Jose. The country offers spectacular rainforests, waterfalls, volcanoes and wildlife sanctuaries that make it a major tourist attraction.

Tourists from around the world visit this small nation to experience its extensive national parks and protected areas. Costa Rica has an incredible variety of exotic plants and animals and contains 5 percent of the world's biodiversity within only 0.1 percent of the world's landmass. At the national parks, tourists can view and interact with magnificent birds, big cats, tapirs, howler and capuchin monkeys, three-toed sloths and 320 species of birds and reptiles, as well as endangered species of turtles - leatherback, green, hawksbill and loggerhead - that come to the island to nest and lay their eggs. Spanish is the national language of Costa Rica and when speaking of their life and country, use the phrase “Pura Vida,” which translates to “This is living.”

Our destination was the famous Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort in Fortuna, located near the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano and the Arena National Park. We expected an exotic paradise and we were not disappointed. The Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort is located about 100 miles from San Jose. We arrived at the unique, inviting main entrance of the resort, naturally decorated and surrounded by luscious, wild and diverse flora and the sounds of the tropical rainforest. Costa Rica has only two seasons, which are "dry" and "green," affording a mild climate and fine weather year-round. At the front desk, we were welcomed first in Spanish, then in English. In Costa

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Rica, Spanish is spoken more clearly and at a slower pace than in other Latin American countries. It took only minutes for our check-in and we were guided to our accommodations.

The name Tabacon originates back to a local hot spring pool and restaurant in the 1980s known as Balneario Tabacon.

Our accommodations were, in a word, handsome, featuring cool earthy floor tiles and dark wooden doors and trimmings. It was so uniquely laid out that the suite appeared more spacious than it actually was. The dark wooden furniture and natural fabrics contrasted with the relaxed colors of the suite. The open-air bath facilities and sapphire blue bathtub created the overall feeling of style, comfortable, and serenely designed luxury.

We headed to a Sky Tram and Trek Tour that promised to be a truly exciting adventure. Although not normally adventurous, we had scheduled ourselves for one of the most thrilling experiences of our lives. We took the tram up to one of the many mid-Costa Rican jungle mountains. While gliding up the hill with ease, we couldn't believe the multitude of monkeys sitting and jumping around in the trees below us. We arrived at the Sky Tram platform where we were able to observe the dense flora and fauna of the jungle. We first tried a short trip with a guide in the harness. Our adrenaline was pumping as we zipped over the treetops, hanging high on cables. It was a breathtaking experience which we will never forget.

We were quite relieved to get back to the Grand Spa, where we experienced a new feeling of serenity involving spa services.

Rediscovering the balance of body and soul, supported by the sounds, aromas and tastes of this enchanted jungle paradise and under the guidance of expertly trained therapists, was the goal of the afternoon. In the middle of this Garden of Eden we received exclusive spa treatments in open-air bungalows with private Jacuzzis that afforded a spectacular view of the volcano.

General Manager Uwe Wagner has had the natural mineral waters from the volcano analyzed by a top laboratory in Germany, where they were found to have an extremely high content of minerals and other healing elements. We all experienced an immediate effect on our bodies as the hot mineral waters of the Arenal Volcano opened our pores, allowing access to the healing elements.

Use a bar of soap instead of a plastic contained liquid soap

9/30/08 6:31:18 PM

Sky Tram

Tabacon Hot Springs

Tabacon Grand Spa Resort

Tabacon Grand Spa Resort Exterior

We were then given foot reflexology, a treat for body and soul. The bowl for the foot massage as well as the chairs were made of solid wood and smelled exactly like the wild jungle. The avocado pit massage increased circulation and helped detoxify.

The large avocado pit was rolled with a light but targeted pressure along the soles of our feet.

Our massage therapists led us through wondrous gardens to a private hut exposed to the rainforest on all sides. It was there that we received a combination deep tissue and Swedish massage that reinvigorated our jetlagged bodies. This type of massage is said to increase joint mobility and improve the circulation of oxygen and blood flow. The massage was followed by a shower-in-tub filled with warm mineral water continuously fed by bamboo pipes.

Our next day was another unforgettable adventure - a safari float trip on the lower part of the Penas Blancas River. The trip took us, along with our guides, about 20 minutes to enter the river adventure. Our air rafts were fully inflated and carried down Donate or recycle E-waste (computers, cell phones, electronics)

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to the edge of the river. We all were given life vests and a quick lesson on raft safety and etiquette. We were seated in a compact but sturdy raft that would carry us into a normally inaccessible jungle.

The trees above our heads seemed connected by their branches and by the hundreds of monkeys jumping back and forth, screaming loudly. We slowly paddled to a location where a couple of large crocodiles lay sunning. We estimated them to be about 250 pounds and around 6 to 7 feet long. Covered in mud, they didn't budge as we moved in closer. We came back to the spa amazed at the beauty of the rainforest and at the many sensory pleasures of Tabacon.

Our accommodations, spa treatments and adventure tours were amazing and made our stay all the more memorable at this upscale beautiful resort in the middle of the Costa Rican rainforest. The management and staff had a clear vision of where they intended to take their guests, and fulfilled that vision to perfection. www.boulevardli.com

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SPA

Back to School Means Time for Moms to Focus on Themselves

By Richard Calcasola Richard Calcasola is founder of Maximus Spa/Salons and North American Creative Director, Intercoiffure Mondial. For a fresh point of view with Richard call 516-333-3511, ext. # 217. By appointment only.

S

o by now, the kids have been groomed and are off to school. Maybe you can finally take a deep breath, re-energize and begin to get ready for the upcoming holidays. (Just a little more stress added to your everyday challenges!). How to get ready? First, you need to take care of yourself. You need to be calm, clear, collected, with feet planted and with a strategy.

Make some appointments for yourself. Whether it’s for an hour or a day, spa services work wonders for rejuvenation (a couple of cans of Red Bull just don’t do it). The quiet surroundings of a spa will help, if you can manage to separate yourself from your cell phone, which are taboo in spas. You will be amazed at how well the world continues while you are disconnected.

Check with your favorite spa for special offers on services and packages to help with the stress of budget. Appointments for early in the week can often save some dollars. Frequently, spas like to bundle services to fill in appointments as a way to provide special pricing. Also, check to see if the spa is participating in Spa Week, Oct. 13-19, which is generally the best opportunity to save money on that much-needed deep treatment facial to get your skin back in shape from the hot summer sun, a relaxing massage or indulgent spa manicures and pedicures at incredibly reduced prices.

With that being said, a healthy lifestyle includes healthy spending patterns. For example, you may not want to spend $1500 on this year's “hot bag” that is much lighter in weight than usual, since there’s less money to carry. You may not be spending that same $1500 for a great party dress but decide to get more creative. A great pair of jeans and a fabulous white shirt will get you through almost anything, providing you have decided to go beyond the seasonal changes with a great new look.

For roughly $200 and some courage, a great new haircut with new color can carry you through the entire year. It's your best investment when you consider you will be wearing it every day. New hair color, new hairstyle and a new lipstick will give you the biggest bang for your buck. As for your health, how much stress is alleviated with fewer bad hair days? The exhilaration of a sexy, youthful look can change your posture, your attitude and your presence. How healthy is that?

The trends that are being seen on the runways this season are all about looking confident and comfortable. Secondday sexy hair that is touchable and believable is always more flattering than contrived, fixed hair that doesn’t move, sometimes held down by industrial-strength hairspray.

With political history in the making, keep an eye out for the piled-up hairdo that provides height and a sense of “I do it myself" hair. Long hair devotees will love the trendiness of

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high hair (vintage Bridget Bardot) and textured ponytails. The over-the-eyebrow fringe is beginning to really catch on, with salons offering free bang trims in between regular cutting appointments.

Remember that transition takes time to comprehend and accept. Take small steps if necessary to catch up to trends. As Louis Martino of Maximus says, “Make amends with split ends.”

Donate your old items to the thirft store.

10/1/08 6:19:51 PM

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10/1/08 3:48:21 PM

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10/1/08 1:01:02 AM

Escape With Natural Spa Rejuvenating� ���������� Experience

F

antastic Spa possesses all the natural ingredients for the������������������������� perfect ������������������������ spa experience: soothing aroma water, scented air of� flowers, ��������� calming ocean sounds, tranquility of island

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The lavish ��������������������������������������������� and reparative facials���������������� from excellent esthetician����������������������������������������� s consistently deliver promised results.

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10/1/08 1:02:17 AM

SPA

November Is Spa Month at De Franco Spagnolo

A

t De Franco Spagnolo Salon/Day Spa, November is Spa Month and the salon is offering 20 percent off all gift certificates on spa services for the entire month.

Start your holiday shopping early.

De Franco Spagnolo Day Spa provides a complete range of skin, body and nail services. The expert staff of licensed estheticians, masseuses, therapists and manicurists recognizes the distinct needs of each client and provides the services that best suit each individual’s needs. Every product used in the spa is all natural and has been tested for effectiveness and reliability.

De Franco Spagnolo Salon/Day Spa welcomes you to be good to yourself. Let it be your relaxing refuge for an hour or two or your private retreat for a full day of papering in the luxury and privacy of their upper quarters. Visit Dfssalon.com for the spa package that is right for you or that special someone.

After all, you deserve it.

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Unplug appliances ... Turn off lights when not in use.

10/1/08 5:56:04 PM

dfssalon.com

Where the art / science of beauty and the wellness of hair begins GREAT NECK 200 MIDDLE NECK ROAD

516-466-6752 page 111 DeFrancoAd.indd 111

ROSLYN

1345 OLD NORTHERN BOULEVARD

516-625-2933

10/1/08 1:13:05 AM

SPA

N2 Beauty Spa: An

Intimate

Oasis OF

Well-Being

A

waken your body, mind and spirit and leave stress behind at N2 Beauty Day Spa, where state-of-the-art skin care treatments by a superbly trained staff will pamper your body and soothe your soul. "We're like a resort spa," says founder Nicole Nelson. "The service is very personal and very luxurious, and the atmosphere is serene and friendly. It's all about being pampered. People tell us they feel like a celebrity here." You're never rushed between services, and therapists always take time to talk with you about maintaining your well-being.

All rooms are private, including the fabulous makeup/wig studio that looks like a backstage dressing room. There's also an area for lounging. Brides receive special treatments from the N2 Cosmetics "matron of beauty," who can give them that flawless look on their wedding day. The spa offers a bride-to-be package, which includes a facial, massage, manicure, pedicure and body scrub. N2 Beauty Day Spa is also available for private parties/ events, and can arrange delicious catered meals, champagne

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and tea parties.

For after the wedding, N2 Beauty has a couples Jacuzzi room, where newlyweds can arrange a fabulous dinner and romantic side-by-side massage by candlelight. The spa uses N2 Elements of Beauty cosmetics and skincare products, so you can bring home any product you love at the spa or visit www. n2beautydayspa.com and click the online store.

N2 Beauty Day Spa 800 Northern Blvd.

Great Neck, NY 11021 516-487-5200 info@n2beautydayspa.com www.n2beautydayspa.com www.n2cosmetics.com

Recycle newspapers and magazines.

10/1/08 5:54:40 PM

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10/1/08 3:04:29 PM

SPA

Find the Hidden Jewel for Body and Soul

L

ong Island’s North Shore socialites have long known about a hidden jewel nestled in East Norwich. Essa Salon & Spa, with its Manhattan-style and Europeaninspired décor, offers the finest in spa treatments and dermatologist-grade products. Owner Mark DeRugeriis sought to offer a unique experience for clients who enjoy the best in spa treatments and appreciate luxury service and with Essa, he succeeded.

When clients arrive, they are whisked downstairs by a friendly, professional staff to a soothing, tranquil environment.

The spa offers everything from clinical skin treatments and massage to cosmetic procedures, all to enhance the beauty and wellness of its clients.

The spa’s most popular treatment is its signature Essa Hot Stone Facial and Body treatment. The 90-minute treatment uses heated lava stones to relax the body and facilitate the absorption of product into the skin. This blissful experience stimulates blood flow, hydrates the skin and induces a state of total relaxation.

For those clients who want the ultimate tranquility of body and soul, Essa offers its signature Aromatherapy Massage.

Therapists use essential oils and light stretching to promote healing and complete body relaxation.

Essa provides state-of-the-art laser hair removal and skin

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rejuvenation by certified technicians using the most advanced lasers. The spa continues to expand services and has associated with Dr. Douglas Phillips to administer Botox and other cosmetic procedures such as liposuction. Essa has crafted skin treatments to enhance results when used in conjunction with these procedures.

The spa caters to the affluent clientele of the North Shore seven days a week, as well as serving clients for weddings and special events. Essa has two locations that can accommodate any client or group. Clients are advised to book treatments in advance and come ready for the ultimate spa experience. Visit Essa on the web at www.EssaSalon.com

Essa Salon & Spa 1023 Oyster Bay Road East Norwich, NY 11732 516.802.4927 Essa Salon & Spa 1000 Shames Drive Westbury, NY 11590 516.333.8082 Don’t run water while you brush.

10/1/08 5:53:12 PM

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10/1/08 3:26:54 PM

SPA

Le Visage Spa, Where Beauty Comes to Life By tina Guiomar

A

visit to Le Visage Center for Aesthetic Excellence reveals exactly what its name promises: a place that raises one’s aesthetic beauty to a point of excellence … a place where enhancements can coax one's inner beauty to the surface and let it shine. The center offers services for any aspect of the individual that might need tweaking, either with cosmetic surgery, cosmetic dentistry or at its new medi-spa, aptly named Le Visage Spa. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Pankaj Singh and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Amiya Prasad added the spa to the center in order to offer their clients a comfortable place to indulge in all their beauty treatments under one roof. Le Visage Spa is a place where the integration of cosmetic beauty and natural beauty coexist.

The spa creates an immediate sense of peace with its tranquil fountain, soothing music and wide range of invigorating and relaxing treatments. Clients are offered Vela Shape, facials, hair loss treatments, microdermabrasion, the new seasonal autumn pumpkin body scrub from Eminence, seaweed body scrub, body wraps, and traditional massage therapy. There is a

makeover service featuring the organic mineral line by Jane Iredale. Those who are reluctant to use chemicals on their faces needn't worry; all spa products contain natural fruit-based and organic ingredients that provide visual results, such as Eminence Organic skincare. Between the expert estheticians and the certified massage therapists, clients are in good hands.

One comes away from Le Visage Spa with a beautiful body, a youthful face, and an inner feeling of wellbeing and relaxation. It is a haven in which to briefly relinquish the physical and mental problems of daily life while supported by a staff that helps further the beauty enhancement with informative knowledge and natural beauty regimens.

This fall, Le Visage Spa will host a Fall Face and Body Beautiful Event. Guests will learn how to look as young as they feel and information will be offered about cosmetic surgery, dentistry, and all non-invasive ways to enhance the skin and body. The event will be held at Le Visage Center of Aesthetic Excellence on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. RSVP to 516-222-4530.

Le Visage Center of Aesthetic Excellence is located at 901 Stewart Ave, Suite 206, in Garden City. For an appointment, call 516-742-4636 and for further information, including the extensive list of treatments available, visit. www. levisagecosmetic.com.

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Change air filters in heating/cooling system regularly.

10/3/08 1:30:59 PM

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10/1/08 3:46:38 PM

Health

Fitness Corner

By Pam Polestino

Fitness Above the Neckline Fitness Professional 646.261.3350

W

hen most people think about fitness they usually think about keeping the parts of the body below the neck in shape. True fitness incorporates keeping the part of your body above your neck, your face, in shape as well. While exercising and eating right can help give your face that healthy glow, for a lot of us that may not be enough. So I spoke with Dr. Scott B. Wells, a renowned, board certified plastic surgeon. One of Dr. Wells’ specialties is facial rejuvenation. I am excited to share some of his "facial fitness" facts with you so that you can keep your face in shape as well as your body.

Dr. Wells explained that in addition to the obvious cardiovascular effects on the body, regular exercise stimulates the release of natural growth hormones within the body that amplify the functions of all the cells in the body. In particular, for both men and women, there is a natural increase in all hormones beneficial in the restoration processes, not the least of which includes skin and of course, your face. Also, when you sweat, it cleanses your pores and increases circulation. But your face needs more if you want to keep it in exceptional shape.

There are two components to achieving facial fitness— nutrition and exercise.

Nutrition of the skin involves using topical vitamins and antioxidants. This slows down the aging process and promotes healing. Dr. Wells also explained that vitamins C and E are strong

antioxidants. However, as well as you may eat, the best results are achieved through medical-grade cosmeceuticals applied directly to the skin.

The exercise end of skin care involves laser and lightbased treatments that promote healing. They stimulate the body’s natural repair mechanisms. Laser treatments for facial rejuvenation stimulate the body's collagen-producing cells to rebuild at a faster than normal rate.

Remember that the first thing everyone sees, and the first thing you see when you look in the mirror, is your face – you need to keep it in shape, too.

Exercise of the month

The pushup. When we do pushups, we are not only exercising our chest, but our abs, lower back, glutes, arms, shoulders, legs and calves are also benefiting. If you maintain your body in a straight position, even your neck muscles become stronger and your posture will benefit. Don't be discouraged if they are too difficult to do at first. Increasing the amount of repetition does take time. I recommend doing pushups every other day for maximum benefit.

(Thank you to Scott B. Wells, MD, 655 Park Avenue, NY for assistance in the preparation of this article. Email scott@ scottwellsmd.com or visit www.skinrefab.com)

My student, Veronica, doing a fabulous pushup.

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Use phosphate-free laundry detergents.

10/1/08 5:49:52 PM

Health

Cosmetic Surgery Today

By Stephen T. Greenberg, MD

After All, It’s Your Turn

Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg is board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic surgery.

He is the director of New York’s Premier Center for Plastic Surgery with offices in Woodbury and Manhattan.

For a complimentary consultation, call 516-364-4200. If you have a question for Dr. Greenberg, please email docstg@aol.com or listen to his radio show on Saturdays nights at 10 p.m. on WKJY 98.3 FM. Join Dr. Greenberg on Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Woodbury office for a special pricing Injectable Evening. RSVP is required: 516-364-4200.

Visit www.greenbergcosmeticsurgery.com

W

ell, the pregnancies are long gone, the babies are all grown up, and now you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. Looking in the mirror you realize that your body has taken the toll of the long nights, the worrying and the stresses of daily life.

One of the first things you may notice is the change in your breasts. The breasts show signs of aging just like other areas of the body. The most common change when you hit 50 is the loss of volume, with or without droopiness of the breast. In order to restore the breast to the way it was years ago, the proper cosmetic procedure must be individualized to fit each patient’s specific problems and needs. More specifically, a variety of procedures such as breast augmentation, breast lift (mastopexy), or a combination of both can be performed to regain shape, volume and form to the breasts. The most common cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States is now breast augmentation, which can be done with the newest FDA-approved silicone memory gel implants, or a saline- (saltwater) filled implant. Both implants can create a natural, soft breast and often go undetected. Breast augmentation is a quick half-hour procedure done in the office ambulatory center, with the patient returning to normal work activities within one to two days.

Age affects the abdomen. This can be addressed with a tummy tuck, liposuction or a combination of the two. Liposuction is an in-office procedure which often only takes about an hour. The newest smart liposuction MPX is great in helping to tighten skin while at the same time removing the fat.

Often we combine VelaShape, a new non-invasive cellulite-reduction procedure, with surgical procedures to remove fat and cellulite to obtain smooth, slim legs.

The face also shows signs of weight fluctuation, age and pregnancy. Using a combination of the latest injectable options of non-invasive laser skin-tightening procedures, we can rejuvenate the face with minimal or no downtime. Years can be taken off the face in a matter of minutes.

One of the most exciting new skin care lines is Dr. Stephen Greenberg’s Cosmetic Surgeon in a Jar. This brand new skin care line is one of the most advanced anti-aging products on the market. It tightens the skin, reduces wrinkles and lifts the face.

So if you are ready to start looking younger, there are many great options available for you.

Buy durable, long lasting well made products.

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10/1/08 5:51:25 PM

HEALTH

Health Watch

By Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum

Being Polite Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum is the director of Woman and Heart Disease at the Heart and Vascular Institute at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York

T

he beginning of the school year brings on multiple levels of angst. It’s the “back to reality” factor coupled with the notion of sending the little ones off to the deep dark place of real life. You hope that they will not be coerced by drugs, alcohol, sex and any other potential darkness lurking behind every corner, but each one of us would be lying if we didn’t hope that at least they remember their manners in the middle of it all.

I recently was called regarding a new research study looking at the effects of politeness on health – the simplicity of saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and paying attention to using kinder words and approaching people in a more gentle manner.

The hypothesis is that politeness, in the middle of the stress of life, is a mechanism to improve health, by ultimately decreasing the stress response. My initial instinct was that this concept is another way of giving hype to a new issue. But then I thought about it.

Chronic stress is a risk factor for heart disease. A trial of over 25,000 people from 52 countries demonstrated that even adjusting for age, gender, geographic region and smoking, chronic stress was associated with a twofold increase in the risk of heart attacks. When stress was defined, it simply stated that an individual might feel “irritable, filled with anxiety, or having sleeping difficulties from conditions at work or at home.”

In essence, simply being part of humanity can be a stressful condition.

With the summer season having been filled with European tourists traipsing through NYC in their understated elegance, holding maps and wearing suitable walking shoes, there was an element of reserve noted in the streets. There were quiet "Excuse me's" to help with directions and hushed “Pardons” in locating the nearest Starbucks. There was a moment that there was juxtaposition between our sometimes aggressive American nature and the coolness on the streets. As guests, they at least tried to be polite.

A patient came in the office flabbergasted. He was riding on his motorized scooter to get to the appointment and as he was turning a corner, a woman screamed out expletives that he was going to run her over. He was watching his way and was certain she overreacted. He said he was ready to start screaming back but decided not to. Then he overheard two cab drivers’ blaring tones through the windows of their taxis, while the passengers were sitting in the back screaming at them to start driving. He explained this story to me to justify why his blood pressure might be elevated.

It becomes a real area of interest when we understand how words and their delivery can alter a situation and how you can have an effect on other people. In fact, how you respond to a situation, for example, “Move!” as opposed to “Excuse me” may not just be a one-sided stress. How you talk to other people may

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be stress-inducing for both parties. Cursing a fellow driver in a slew of traffic or giving the person who cut in line a piece of your mind may actually be making things worse, instead of allowing you to blow off some steam, as you think it does. Hostility and anger go hand-in-hand with the personality traits contributing to what may lead to heart disease. Call it impolite or hostile; either way, the blood pressure and stress hormones soar or the body gets driven in the wrong direction.

My 2-year-old has joined the ranks of society and is in school. He is learning about different cultures, global warming and what it means to put his toys away after using them. He has learned ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and ‘excuse me.’ He is being initiated into the world where making a difference happens with your neighbor. He is learning to keep peace and decrease stress, in both himself and others.

And I get to honestly say to him, the world would be a better place if everyone learned to say “Thank you.”

Inflate tires to recommended pressure; saves fuel and tires last longer.

10/1/08 5:43:03 PM

Live Your Life We’ll Take Care of the Rest

At Oyster Bay Manor, we provide gracious assisted living at affordable prices with a comprehensive care program. Enjoy the life ahead of you surrounded by a caring community. Join in activities, find a friend around every corner and celebrate each day.

At Harbor House, we specialize in people with Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory impairment and realize that they require individualized care in a compassionate and therapeutic environment.

Our all-inclusive assisted living programs provide residents with a variety of recreational activities, comprehensive medical care and all the love and respect they would receive at home.

150 South Street, Oyster Bay • (516) 624-8400 • www.oysterbayseniorcampus.com LICENSED BY THE NYS DEPT. OF HEALTH ELIGIBLE FOR MOST LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE

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Oyster Bay Manor, Harbor House • Boulevard Magazine 4C, FP • 8” x 10.5” • Job# 80015 • EGC Group 516.935.4944

10/1/08 3:06:58 PM

Health

Easing Back Pain With

Minimally Invasive Techniques

B

ack pain, spinal stenosis and compression fractures are just a few of the many painful conditions the physicians at Neurological Surgery, P.C. are treating with new, exciting, minimally invasive techniques such as kyphoplasty, spinal stimulation, and X-Stop that cure these problems efficiently and effectively.

Kyphoplasty is a new technique for repairing spinal compression fractures in patients with intractable pain. A special needle is inserted into the fractured vertebral body under fluoroscopy, a balloon is inflated to restore vertebral body height, and cement is injected into the space left by the balloon. Patients can actually go home the day after the procedure and pain relief usually occurs within 48 hours.

Doctors William Sonstein, Benjamin Cohen and Artem Vaynman are three of the few neurosurgeons in the area who perform kyphoplasty.

Spinal stimulation, also known as dorsal column stimulation, offers relief for patients with low back and leg pain. The stimulator, a flexible tiny wire, is placed just under the spinous lamina in the epidural space and sends signals to the brain that can serve to cancel out pain sensations. The newest version of this device (octad) uses a lead with eight stimulation electrodes for faster, easier delivery of relief. It also has a rechargeable pulse generator which looks like a small pacemaker battery and powers the stimulator lead. Since this device can be recharged externally, it will last for nearly a decade. Long Island neurosurgeons Dr. Michael Brisman and Dr. Jeffrey Brown are working wonders with this octad spinal stimulator.

X-Stop is a titanium implant that can provide relief from the pain of spinal stenosis without a traditional laminectomy. Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) suffer from pain in the low back and legs as a result of compression of the nerves in the spinal canal. The pain is classically more severe when walking, and less painful when flexing forward, as the flexion tends to open up the spinal canal. The X-Stop places a small metal implant between the affected levels in the spine and produces a permanent slight flexion, thus providing symptom relief. New York's Drs Stephen Burstein, William Sonstein, Benjamin Cohen and Artem Vaynman offer this new procedure. Says Dr. Sonstein, “This X-Stop is really wonderful! My patients keep calling to thank me for how much better they feel." And there's no more satisfying call a doctor can receive.

For more information about any of these procedures, call 516-255-9031 or visit www.neurosurgeryli.com.

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Use an electric water heater blanket.

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10/1/08 3:03:35 PM

Health

Skin Deep

By Dr. Sarnoff

So Long, Scars

Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, with offices in Manhattan and Greenvale, Long Island, is a pioneer in state-of-the-art cosmetic dermatology, lasers and Mohs surgery for the treatment of skin cancer. An associate clinical professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center and vice president of the Skin Cancer Foundation, Dr. Sarnoff has demonstrated her procedures on The Today Show, 20/20, Good Morning America, Dateline and The View. Dr. Sarnoff is co-author of Beauty and the Beam and Instant Beauty: Getting Gorgeous on Your Lunch Break. For additional information, call 516-484-9000 or visit www.cosmetiqueMD.com.

O

ne of the most exciting developments in laser technology is in the treatment of scars. Acne, chicken pox, surgery or trauma can sometimes leave you with scars. Whether they are raised, indented, red or white, old or new, scars can be unattractive and embarrassing.

There are now specific lasers that can address specific types of scars with amazing results. For example, the V-Beam pulsed-dye laser is used for red, elevated scars and keloids (scars which result in an overgrowth of tissue at the site of a healed injury). With laser treatment, the scars become much less noticeable. The V-Beam makes them flatter, softer and much less red.

The Q-switched Alexandrite laser, such as the Accolade, treats scars that are darker in color, and the Excimer and Affirm lasers treat white scars to help stimulate re-pigmentation.

Acne scarring can be especially troublesome.

Treatment options depend on skin tone and severity of the scarring. Clinical studies of over-the-counter scar remedies, such as Vitamin E creams and herbal products, demonstrate that these types of products do not significantly improve the appearance of scars.

Resurfacing the skin with a CO2 laser has long been considered the treatment of choice for improving the appearance of acne scars. With a traditional CO2 laser, thin layers of tissue were removed and the heat produced from the laser stimulated new collagen to form. This effectively tightened the skin and helped smooth the surface of the scars. Results were often dramatic, if not miraculous; however, this type of “ablative” procedure was painful and resulted in redness and prolonged downtime.

A new generation of CO2 lasers provides what is known as ablative “fractional resurfacing” of the skin.

These lasers deliver light in a stippled fashion, ablating miniscule areas without damaging the surrounding skin.

One particular laser, the SmartXide DOT, is extremely effective for reducing scars. Through a process known as DOT therapy, the laser delivers precise amounts of CO2 energy and gently vaporizes the skin in a "polka dot" pattern, sparing the bridges of normal skin that lie between the areas that are zapped by the laser.

The laser stimulates new skin and collagen growth and the bridges of skin that remain untouched by the laser are the key to rapid healing.

The SmartXide DOT provides all the benefits of the traditional CO2 laser without the negatives – no need for IV anesthesia, no significant downtime, no extended redness or prolonged discomfort.

In addition to treating scars and wrinkles on the

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face, DOT therapy can also be used on the body to treat scars and stretch marks, as well as to rejuvenate skin almost anywhere, including hands, neck, décolletage, forearms and legs.

Since scars differ in appearance and location, treating them can be an intricate process. For the very best results, it is important to seek professional advice from a dermatologist or plastic surgeon with extensive experience in laser technology.

While scars may not disappear entirely, with all of the wonders of today’s lasers, their appearance can be greatly improved.

Use toaster oven, crockpots, microwaves and electric grill to save energy.

10/16/08 12:12:53 PM

PET SMART

BY Diane Levitan

Pets Go Green!

Diane Levitan, VMD, Dipolomate American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and Hospital Director at the Center for Specialized Veterinary Care 516-420-0000 www.vetspecialist.com

T

he movement to lessen our carbon footprint has many pet owners exploring how they – and their pets – can “go green.”

Until recently, people showing concern for the environment were sometimes referred to as tree-huggers, hippies, even eco-nuts! But the more we understand about climate change and our impact on the environment, the more we want to protect our natural resources – and pet owners are no exception to the trend. As we become a greener society, companies are delivering. From organic pet foods and treats to beds made from recycled materials, choices and green alternatives are becoming more readily available to the consumer.

At SimplyFido (www.simplyfido.com), pet owners can purchase dog toys made entirely of cotton and organic dyes.

And according to their website, only natural dyes, like clove, are used. And because of their dyeing process, each toy has a unique appearance, making it one of a kind.

Planet Dog (www.planetdog.com) makes all natural hemp collars, leashes and harnesses, as well as toys made from 100 percent recyclable materials.

And when playtime is over, eco-conscious dogs and cats sleep on PoochPlanet and SmartyKat pet beds from Worldwise (www.worldwise.com). These comfortable beds are filled with fiber created from recycled plastic bottles. Worldwise estimates that every year, 30 million bottles that could have been destined to landfills end up in comfortable, eco-friendly pet beds.

Safe and Green cleaning products are out there as well. I can personally recommend one we now use in our hospital, called PureGreen 24 (Puregreen24.com), which is a hard surface antimicrobial and antiviral disinfectant and deodorizer with rapid efficacy. PureGreen24 kills the most deadly of superbugs as well as everyday household germs, and is EPA-registered to be safe enough to use on children’s toys and is great for pet toys and surfaces as well.

Commercial or organic, some of your pet’s diet will ultimately end up in your yard or litter box. Although it doesn’t seem glamorous or trendy, eco-friendly waste disposal is gaining nationwide attention. For example, in Austin, Texas, city officials estimate that the town’s 100,000 dogs produce 25 tons of waste daily. Some of the waste is ending up in the town’s water supply and affecting recreation areas for people and their pets. Since dog feces can contain potentially harmful bacteria and parasites, the city has started a campaign urging dog owners to “scoop the poop.” Providing biodegradable Mutt Mitts in dispensers around the area, the city of Austin is reducing the amount of dog waste and potential for disease. Similarly, Poop Busters in Chicago provides environmentally friendly canine cleanup crews for dog Use earth friendly kitty litter; clay based litter piles up in landfills.

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shows and even for personal property.

If cleanup crews aren’t an option, you can still reduce the amount of dog waste in your yard and local landfill. The Doggie Dooley system (www.doggiedooley.com) provides your canine with his very own personal septic system and will help protect your family from parasites.

For feline lovers, several companies offer environmentally friendly, biodegradable cat litter. GPC Pet Products (www. gpcpet.com) is making a scoopable and flushable cat litter from whole kernel corn. Next Gen Pet Products (www.nextgenpet. com) also produces biodegradable cat litter derived from green tea leaves and sawdust. Both companies claim improved odor control when compared with standard litters. With more than two million tons of cat litter ending up in U.S. landfills annually, these products offer better options for environmentally conscious cat owners.

As a final note, some pet owners may decide that “going green” means finding holistic or natural remedies for their pets’ illnesses. Before you change any of your pet’s current medications or start something new, be sure to talk with your veterinarian and find out how the change might affect your pet.

Keep in mind that, like you, your veterinarian wants only the best for you and your pet. Keeping your veterinarian informed about your thoughts and concerns is a great way to keep communication lines open.

www.boulevardli.com

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10/3/08 2:13:01 PM

Music

Chris Cornell

I

f you’re in a band, or you’re a solo artist, really, what are the odds of making it these days? And if you are lucky enough to have some success, it’s usually with one band.

That’s what’s so impressive about Chris Cornell. He’s had massive success as the lead singer for not one, but three bands!

And he did it the old school way back in the '90s, with relentless touring, long before this digital – MP3 – MySpace – Facebook – file-sharing age we live in. Do I need to list the bands? Temple of the Dog, Soundgarden and Audioslave.

Now he’s doing it as a solo artist. This year he won a Grammy for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture with “You Know My Name,” the theme song for last year’s Bond movie Casino Royale and also the title track to Chris’ latest solo album.

So, who has it better than Chris Cornell? He lives with his wife and kids in Paris now, where he also has a new restaurant. I sat down with Chris and talked about his favorite bands of all time, what he would play on the radio if he were a DJ and his new, and third, solo album, produced by, of all people, Timbaland. Will Chris Cornell be the first rock star in the club?

world. I didn’t really know, in terms of music, what gets played in a club, you know, what works and what doesn’t. To me, any song off this album could probably do that, though.

JC - I think you surprised a lot of your fans by covering Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” on your last solo album and now perhaps are surprising even a few more with your new album produced by arguably the king of the pop and R&B world right now, Timbaland.

JC - So I am envisioning the first time you got together with Timbaland. Was it like, you bring in a guitar and start strumming away with ideas and then Timbaland starts playing you beats from a Mac?

CC - To me it doesn’t make sense to choose just one style, and then do that style forever. I got turned on to music by listening to The Beatles, who did pretty much whatever they wanted to do, and it always made sense. That’s kind of where I come from. I don’t think I’ll ever be interested in just one specific genre of music as a fan or as a songwriter. In the early days of Soundgarden, we were an aggressive hard rock band and that was at a time when heavy metal sort of dominated everything. My first big struggle in my career was to go out there and do what I did and avoid that kind of tag. Temple of the Dog was probably my first real left turn musically, and also going from Soundgarden’s Badmotorfinger album, which was extremely aggressive, to the next big single we had, “Black Hole Sun.” I’m always going to do what inspires me and let the fans decide later how they feel. Hopefully there will be new fans and hey, there might even be old fans that feel this might not be their favorite version of what I do, but I’ll always be making albums and doing different things.

CC - Yeah, pretty much that’s how it was. He would play me a beat and literally within like, 50 seconds, I would start to write something and that’s how it was for the whole album, which really is how it’s supposed to be.

JC - I read that Timbaland says that he feels his work with you on this new album is the best work of his career and that Chris Cornell will be the first rock star in the club.

CC - Yeah, I think when he said that he was talking about literally taking what I do and have it exist in my world and in the club

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JC - The album is called SCREAM and tell me if I have this right: the album is one continuous song for 60 minutes with each sort of musical movement blending into the next.

CC - There are 13 songs and it was really easy working with Tim (Timbaland). You respond as a writer differently to new people who work in different ways, and he inspired me in a way where I was very prolific. Once we had the songs done, we switched the focus to having it be a music conceptual piece from beginning to end, so that the whole thing has a flow. And that’s very reminiscent of records I listened to as a kid, like Pink Floyd’s The Wall or Dark Side of the Moon. So it’s very much an album-oriented album with a lot of songs that, if you took them out of context, could be singles. So, I think it can live in both worlds. My favorite albums I’ve always listened to beginning to end.

JC - There’s a song on the album called “Ground Zero.”

CC - I’ve been an old school R&B fan for years and years and musically, I’ve wanted to write this sort of song for quite awhile.

Lyrically, I think the tragedy of 9-11 has been used to manipulate things politically where we as Americans in the business world have been taken advantage of based on a horrible tragedy. This song is about recognizing that and hopefully not allowing it to happen again.

JC - You did the Projekt Revolution tour this past summer which was an eclectic and diverse lineup of acts that included yourself, Linkin Park and Busta Rhymes among others. What was this tour all about?

CC - Remember that the Lollapalooza tours, a tour I did three times, really started out as mimicking a typical European rock festival where you would have a huge group of diverse bands and it would last three days with different themes on different Rinse out cans and bottles before placing in recycling bin.

10/1/08 5:35:19 PM

days, and that’s really what we tried to do with this tour. What I like that Linkin Park tried to do is they tried to keep it eclectic and diverse. When someone buys a ticket, they’re not going to just see the top eight bands of the same genre or just the bands that were available to tour at the time. Projekt Rev mixed it up.

album in its entirety anytime soon?

CC - I plan on playing New York for the next 40 years [laughs] and anything that you can possibly imagine me playing, I'll be coming back to New York and performing that.

JC - So you have this cool restaurant in Paris?

CC - Yes, it’s called Black Calavados and the cuisine is kind of like gourmet junk food like truffle macaroni and cheese and Kobe beef sliders … comfort food in a sense.

JC - I’m hungry already. So, if you were a DJ on the radio and you could only introduce one song, what would it be?

CC - That’s a good question. Probably a really long song like “A Day in the Life” from The Beatles. That one had a big impact on me as a kid. When I discovered The Beatles, they had already broken up but that’s how I learned what rock music was. But that song lyrically really has amazing depth and was so experimental at that time and it’s one I really hold close to my heart. They’re my favorite band of all time and I would say Zeppelin is number two on that list. With Zeppelin, I wasn’t really a fan of them growing up, since all the people I didn’t like, you know, the jocks with their Camaros in high school, loved Zeppelin. It was only after being in Soundgarden when people started comparing me to Robert Plant, and the band’s music to Zeppelin, that I started listening to their records and then became a huge fan.

JC - So will you be back here in the New York area doing this

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Music

T

he MMMBoppers are all grown up. Hanson is roaring through the fourth leg of a hugely successful tour and a wonderfully selling album called The Walk. Yes, these are the fellows who seemed like they would always be the longhaired boys from Kansas bopping around as a pop sensation. It was 1997 when they burst on the scene with their huge hit and almost as quickly disappeared from view in the way so many hyper-pop acts do when they break that big.

But Hanson never went anywhere nor stopped making music, and they certainly never disappeared from their fans' radar. Their fans grew up along with them and are still a loyal following of college-age young adults – rabidly screaming for their new record The Walk and buying tickets in a fury as the band rolls into town next week. I spoke on the phone with Isaac Hanson, the band of brothers’ guitar player, about the Walk Around the World tour and their recent work in Africa.

“It's very gratifying to be able to go to Africa and contribute in some way,” said Isaac. “We are building a school and we were so moved by our first trip to South Africa that we decided we would begin a long-term project. We see this as ongoing mission-oriented work, not a [one-time pledge] associated with only this tour.”

After a series of charitable concerts, Hanson released a song called “The Great Divide,” the proceeds of which went to fight poverty and AIDS in Africa. As part of their American tour, they partnered with the TOMS Shoe Company for a campaign in which every shoe sold equated to the band donating a pair of shoes in Africa. The band asked fans to join them in a one-mile walk barefoot to simulate what African children go through on a daily basis.

So here are the brothers – Isaac, Taylor and Zac – 10 years down the road as anointed princes of teen pop. The music is more mature, more introspective. It even rocks a little. Known for their terrific live shows which have garnered critical acclaim from the harshest of music concert critics, Hanson has truly come into their own. MMMBop! Catch the Walk tour at the Nokia theater on October 20, in Atlantic City on October 30 and in Montclair, NJ on November 1

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Art

Torrance York Functional Grounds Series

by Tina Guiomar

A Utopia of Utilitarianism

N41°46.562’W073°50.899’7/16/04 425ft.

Tractor in Field

N41°46.831’W073°50.854’9/23/04 455ft.

Cross in Cornfield

N41°46.557’W073°50.863’10/27/01 441ft.

Harvested

Below: N41°46.555’W073°50.997’10/17/04 421ft.

Cow in Clouds

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U

N°41.46.868’W073°50.853’9/23/04 461ft.

Birds

tilitarianism is defined as the belief that the value of an item or an action is determined by its contribution to overall utility. The Functional Ground series of photos by Torrance York is a visual expression of this definition and her photographs manifest the function of the earth and its usefulness and purpose related to humans in a positive way.

Torrance York gained an appreciation for the rural country despite her urban upbringing; she grew up in New York City. York majored in American Studies at Yale. As an accomplished gymnast, she had the attraction for precision that complemented her interests in photography. She earned her MFA in photography from Rhode Island School of Design in 1994.

Torrance York began photographing nature for her work, Selections, in the '90s while living in Washington DC. In 2001, Selections transitioned into Functional Ground, where she returned to the subject, in color, and directed her focus on the dairy farm in Pleasant Valley, NY, a town in the Hudson Valley region near her mother’s home.

After securing permission from the farmer to explore the land, she freely wandered the terrain and developed it into the series. She realized that "by the time it would take me to get [to another farm], weather permitting, it wasn’t efficient … I knew that this place was beautiful and I had seen it throughout the seasons – I knew it well.”

The earth is a precious commodity; humans are a part of its complexity. York’s work focuses on the value of the land in relation to the way humans utilize it. In (��� N41° 46.562) Tractor��������� in Field, (N41° 46.831) Cross in Cornfield, and (N41° 46.557) Telephone Pole, all the compositions have some form of mankind within, creating a symbiotic relationship between nature and humans. Humans can coexist with Mother Earth when they can employ nature in a purposeful and positive way. A tractor, a cornfield, a telephone pole and a horse field all help man feed, transport and communicate, without raping or destroying the land.

The beauty of York's compositions lies within the dynamic contrast between the shallow depth of field and the strip of sharply detailed focus. York shoots with a Hasselblad at an F2.8 or F4 aperture, creating a shallow depth of field with a focus on the place and the moment. The images draw the viewer into the environment, “to the microcosm within the ecosystem.”

Torrance York employs a scientific methodology in her process. She tracks her GPS position while shooting to record the specific location and experience from which each image was seen. The coordinates, simple in number, also represent an experience of that specific environment, with its own character and narrative. “The GPS coordinates provide a skeleton and viewed together, these images create a portrait of the place,” explains York. As the observer, the viewer becomes a part of that experience but more importantly, the artist is also part of the artwork. The character of the work is based on the artist’s experience and relation to the place and time.

The Functional Ground series has a complexity. It’s the artist’s perspective on how the earth functions, a scientific recording, and an examination of the marks humans make on their environment. Torrance York’s dairy farm becomes the utopia of the function of the earth – a perfect example of how to utilize the land in a harmless way. A living union between man and earth.

A keen eye for capturing nature in intense compositions gained York photographic recognition in the New England area. She has had two solo shows in Connecticut over the past year (at Silvermine and the New Canaan Library) and participated in group shows at the Woodstock Center for Photography, 401 Projects in New York and Nelson Hancock Gallery in Brooklyn, among others. This spring, she was also awarded first place in the Ridgefield Guild Annual Juried exhibition by juror Benjamin Genocchi. She won second place in the 59th Art of the Northeast at the Silvermine Guild Galleries in New Canaan, CT, for an image from her new Road Works series. In 2007, she won second place in the National Photography Triennial at Silvermine Guild Galleries for work from the Functional Ground series.

Torrance York’s work can be seen in the Silvermine Guild Galleries in New Canaan, CT and at Littlejohn Contemporary in New York, NY. Littlejohn will present her work at the AQUA Art Fair in Miami this December. To view her recent series, Road Works, visit www.torranceyorkstudio.com or www.littlejohncontemporary.com. For an appointment to visit her studio, call 917-838-4714 or email ty@torranceyorkstudio.com.

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I

t’s hard to escape the issue.

We are living in a time of economic uncertainty. American minds are flooded with questions. What is going to happen next? How will we be affected in the long run? Who do we turn to for advice? Although facing a confusing time, it’s comforting to know that there are people delivering the news to us who have our interests in mind. Cheryl Casone from Fox Business Network is one of those people.

October marks the one-year anniversary of the launch of Fox Business Network and Casone has been there from the start. While she wasn’t always a business reporter, Casone knew she wanted to be on television since her college years.

Originally from Phoenix, Casone moved to San Francisco about 10 years ago, working behind the scenes. After her relentless begging to be in front of the camera, the network said yes, and thus began her on-camera career. To Casone, the appeal of broadcast journalism was being able to share information with an audience. “I loved that I could learn something and tell someone something they didn’t know,” Casone said.

Casone took an interest in business from a young age, recalling the moment when she began learning about the stock market. At the age of 21, Casone’s father told her she could either buy a nice car and clothes, or learn about the stock market. Her inner business journalist chose the market.

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However, becoming a business reporter was a complete accident. “When I started 10 years ago, it was my dream to be an international correspondent, I wanted to cover wars, go overseas, but the first on-air job I got offered was in business,” Casone said.

It was only a matter of time before Casone found herself in New York, taking a job with MSNBC anchoring the overnights twice a week. She quickly adjusted to the fast-paced New York lifestyle and found she flourished from the stresses of her job.

“I love the adrenaline rush…I compare it to being an actor in a Broadway play; it might go your way, it might not, you may fall flat on your face and you’ve got to get back up and roll with it.

You’ve got to roll with the live action,” Casone said.

And lately, there’s been a lot of live action. Casone has watched many of her sources feel the pressure as well, with some not as fortunate as she to thrive under such conditions.

“What I’m observing is a lot of confusion. Some of my top sources, some of the smartest people I know in the city are scratching their heads saying, ‘What is going on?’”

The answers often depend on where people are getting their information. According to Casone, there’s a multitude of misinformation out there. Rumors and speculation are plaguing the media. Journalists need to make sure the facts are straight, and Casone says that’s what we need to focus on right now.

Working in the heart of New York’s financial district, Casone has watched the stock market change dramatically. With the government takeover of such big business names as Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and AIG, and the economic losses of Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers among others, times are certainly changing.

And these changes can be quite unsettling.

When we spoke on Sept. 18, Casone commented, “It is a scary time. I’ve done this for a long time, and I’ve never seen the market react like this. It’s not as bad as 1987, it’s not the Great Depression, it’s not a big crash, but it’s troubling in that people are shooting first/selling first and asking questions later.”

If making a big financial decision at this time, it is necessary for you to proceed with caution. Casone said it’s all about going with what feels right for you; quick decisions and hasty choices are not the way to go.

“Nothing good ever comes out of making a fast financial choice. Really look at where you are, evaluate your own situation, and if there’s something you’re invested in that you don’t feel good about, change it, but don’t do it because you see a news headline. That’s a mistake that even the professionals are making - they’re just shooting and not asking questions,” Casone advised.

As New Yorkers, we have to prepare ourselves for the effects. This is a situation that will be hard on the New York economy. “It saddens me,” Casone says, “These are jobs, people’s families. It’s going to affect our real estate market, it’s going to affect the taxes, it’s going to be very heartfelt in New York because of all the Wall Street jobs.”

Through it all, the financial crisis the country is facing reminds business reporters like Casone why they became journalists to begin with. Casone says that now, more than ever, it’s all about the truth and the facts.

With any big problem, there is usually a solution.

Casone draws attention to both: “We need jobs and we need the housing market to get corrected. Those two things have to happen before this is going to be undone.

What started [it all] was housing, bad loans, loans made to people that couldn’t afford those loans … and you can point blame in several directions … but then you have the job problem. If people don’t have jobs, they can’t pay their mortgages, if they can’t pay their mortgages, Invest in High Quality Sustainable/Recyclable products

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it hurts the financial system, and that’s what needs to be fixed...

It’s the basic principle of you go to work, you pay your bills, the banks honor their commitments, people on Wall Street trade fairly.”

Hopefully, Americans will never have to see the effects of government takeovers, but according to Casone, there’s no guarantee. However, Casone says if these major companies can figure out their problems and get back in business, American taxpayers will never feel the reverberations of the takeovers.

The economic situation is becoming very personal. “This is having a [more] direct effect on the person at home. Can you pay your credit card? Can you get a loan to send your kid to school? These are our friends, our colleagues, people we love … it’s sad and it just does not make sense,” Casone says.

What it comes down to is that there’s a lot of information being thrown at us, whether it’s through the Internet, the newspaper, television broadcasts, even word of mouth, but we have to know how to sort through it all. “Be your own advocate,” Casone says. “You can listen to me, listen to the experts on TV, but you’ve got to do your own homework. I’ll help you do it, but you need to be aware, pay attention.” It will be a while until we see the economy fully bounce back from the effects of recent events, but journalists like Cheryl Casone will help make the journey a little easier.

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LONG ISLAND LIMO TAKES ITS PARTY ON THE ROAD

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President Kenneth J. Caldwell, will commemorate this milestone by hosting an open house every day in 2008 where visitors can experience their 2009 Double Decker Limousine Bus. Designer Limousine Bus is unique for many reasons, including accommodations for up to 80 passengers, a downstairs and upstairs bar, 2 hostess stations and a first-level dance floor, with in-style night club lighting. Guests can dance to over 100,000 songs from our juke box or enjoy entertainment on one of the 15 flat screen satellite TVs. A VIP room allows you to accommodate special guests.

“From 28yrs in business we have learned that comfort and flexibility are as important as style… we have an offer with this bus that no one could ever turn down; that is why we invite everyone to come and see the future transportation. Take your party on the road, ” said Caldwell.

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