All Entries in the "COLUMNS" Category
NEIGH-borhood Tales: When Good Ponies Go Bad- Cherokee
I’m the last pony who’d ever think of “going bad”, but there was one time I broke the barn rules. When Sonny and I were the lone inhabitants of the NEIGH-borhood, we always shared a paddock. Although some owners lead multiple horses, Mom always takes the safe route by handling one horse at a time. [...]
Recognizing Depression in Kids
Children and teenagers can suffer from depression, and although some symptoms are similar to those experienced in adult depression, others are manifested differently. Parents who know how to spot depressive symptoms in children are better able to recognize when their own children need help. Depression can have serious negative effects on a child’s health and [...]
Predicting the Economic Forecast
Predicting the Economic Forecast What Economists and weathermen share in common is our ability to make forecasts for the future. Where we differ is in the sad fact that weathermen tend to be more accurate and uniform in their predictions. I believe I can say this with more of a vein of truth then sarcasm. [...]
Stick a Fork in it: Restaurant Roundup
The eateries for the May roundup are great options for casual dining. Both are outposts of restaurant chains, and both offer very good value for the money. HAVANA CENTRAL I attended the opening party for the Yonkers restaurant located in the new Ridge Hill shopping center. The sangria and mojitos were flowing and delicious appetizers were [...]
Leaving Children for the First Time
Any mother will tell you that leaving a child for the first time is a gut wrenching experience. Am I being selfish? Can relatives (even dad) care for him in the same way that I do? Will he be traumatized or forget me while I am gone? These are just a few examples of thoughts [...]
A Message to All Senior Student Athletes
Congratulations to all seniors. One small part in your long journey in life is coming to an end and another one is about to begin. Before you play your final high school varsity games and then get ready for graduation I have a few thoughts and some advice to share with you. 1. Don’t rush [...]
A Call for Financial Amnesty
As our nation moves into its fifth year of the Great Recession, our nation shows no strong signs of recovery. Which is easily confirmed with the current grim statistics: 15 million Americans unemployed; 50 million Americans either have lost their homes or are currently in foreclosure; with as many as 50 million Americans without proper [...]
Tigers Defeat Unicorn Behind Strong Arm of Sophomore Chris Medeot
It was a tale of two games for the White Plains Tigers baseball team in their opening week of action. They began the 2012 season with a horrible 8-0 lose to Pelham. In this game the Tigers didn’t get any hits, committed four errors and starting pitcher Stephen Schiavone had to come out of the [...]
Chris Medeot Sure Knows How to Make a First Impression
Very few high school athletes can say that in their first game started at the varsity level they played a significant role in helping their team win, but White Plains sophomore starting pitcher Chris Medeot will always have that distinction. Medeot, a right handed thrower, made a sudden impact by throwing a seven-inning complete game [...]
Remembering Shay’s Rebellion
Why We Need to Occupy Wall Street. If as a nation we are unable to remember Shay’s Rebellion; this article will help us remember the importance of historian, Santayana’s writing, “ those who can’t remember the past are condemned to repeat it” This is most appropriate today when we revisit the events of Shay’s rebellion [...]
Improve Yourself through Improv
Watching improv may make you laugh, but doing improv can actually make you smarter. Improv is often thought of as an adult activity, but it is also beneficial for children. Improv classes are a great way for children of all ages to socialize, improve their thinking skills, and enhance self-regulation. Here is one example of [...]
HAVANA CENTRAL OPENS IN WESTCHESTER
Cuban Eatery Hosts Special Events, Promotions to Fete New Location Havana Central – the popular Manhattan eatery known for its festive ambiance and high-quality, authentic Cuban comfort food – announced today the April 18, 2012 opening of its newest location in Westchester’s Ridge Hill shopping center (1 Ridge Hill Blvd #A3., Yonkers, N.Y. 10710) in [...]
America’s New Leper Class
America’s New Economic Leper Class (The Forgotten Faces behind the Great Recession) By now Americans are well aware of The Great Recession that has plagued our nation for the past five years, which for many is a depression that offers no end in sight. Regretfully, as a nation we have lost our conscience and morality [...]
Flower Power
Dear Garden Guru, We have a ficus tree in the kitchen and it’s losing leaves. I would like to know if there is something I should do in the spring. Thanks, Martha from Somers, NY Dear Martha, The Ficus tree is native to the tropics and the sub-tropic region. In its natural habitat it benefits [...]
OW Mom! I Don’t Feel So Good!
Beau Geste If Sonny is the King of the Wimps, then I guess I’m the King of the Accident-Prone. Despite our size and strength, horses are physically fragile, especially me. I’ve been to the horse hospital twice, cut my knee badly enough to need stitches, fractured my skull, contracted Lyme disease, popped a splint, damaged [...]
Dealing with Social Rejection
Bullying and its consequences have received extensive media coverage recently. Social rejection has similar consequences but has received far less attention. Take a moment to recall an instance of being rejected or ignored when you were younger. Even just thinking about social rejection can be emotionally evocative. All people have felt rejected at some point [...]
Fiddleheads!
I admit this may sound kind of sad to some, but all year I look forward to seeing fiddlehead ferns at market. Along with ramps and green garlic, they are a spring treat not to be missed. Yes, they have a very unique appearance that may not make your mouth water with anticipation to taste [...]
Getting Found on Google and the New Mobile-Social Imperative
Just when you thought you had this whole Google thing figured out, the world went mobile and your social influence just became a game-changer in the fight for page No.1 search engine placement. After recently attending the SES NY Conference & Expo, a leading search and social marketing event, I remain convinced that there’s one [...]
Is The Bully The Self Reflection of Our Society?
Up until now bullying was simply and incorrectly viewed as a right of passage. Now after many years of incidents of preventable death, untold emotional terrorism, and negative psychological effects it has inflicted upon its victims. American society has finally opened its eyes to this problem and social injustice. Not unlike, the injustice America inflicted [...]
THE HUNGER GAMES: Playing for keeps
Huge out of the gate comes The Hunger Games directed by Gary Ross (Seabiscuit, Pleasantville), and co-written with Suzanne Collins, author of the original book trilogy. If you’re wondering whether this movie, which has its roots in a young-adult (YA) novel, could appeal to you, read these Reel Answers. The Hunger Games Directed by [...]
My Favorite Athlete of All-Time: A Brother’s Tribute
I used to love March 24th every year but now I loathe it and I can’t wait for the day to be over. March 24th is my brother’s birthday. I used to love the day because I always liked to celebrate my brother. I’m a very proud older brother. He is my best friend and [...]
The Bridge from Yesterday to Nowhere
The Bridge from Yesterday to Nowhere The old adage, everything old is new again, has much relevance when debating the design options for the new Tappan Zee Bridge; as the obsolete bridge celebrates its 55th birthday and pending retirement. On one hand I have to applaud Governor Cuomo and President Obama for pushing for [...]
What To Do About Picky Eaters
Does your child seem to survive on only yogurt and cheese? Does she turn her head in disgust when you even mention the word broccoli? Many parents struggle to ensure that their children eat a variety of nutrient rich foods. Some children grow out of the “picky eater” phase, while others become malnourished adults. Why [...]
Most Successful Social Media Use Requires Effort and Time
When I was in fourth grade, I was certain that I had invented a perpetual motion machine. From clay, I had fashioned a device that would cause water to circulate continuously. You can imagine my disappointment when my teacher informed me that all I had created was a rather unattractive paperweight. People have always searched [...]
Flower Power
Dear Garden Guru, I would love to know what to do to decrease the earthworm population this year. It was overwhelming last year and would appreciate any advice, even as to why it is happening. Doreen from Somers,N.Y. Dear Doreen, Earthworms are small worms, about 2-4” in length who live underground. They thrive on organic matter found [...]
Ceola vs. Barone
We in the Yorktown area are lucky to have several catering venues to choose from. Last week I attended events at both Sinapi’s Ceola Manor and Villa Barone Hilltop Manor. Ceola hosted a Benjamin Franklin Elementary School fundraiser (card party). We were seated in the larger room, with the buffet set up in the smaller [...]
Death by Unemployment
As we enter another Presidential election little has changed on the economic front. Unemployment is still at record levels; approximately 15 millions Americans are still unemployed; 6.6. million of them long term -27 weeks or more, with many from this group over 50. We also have approximately 50 million Americans without healthcare benefits. The irony [...]
Separation Anxiety
Parents may notice that at 7 to 14 months of age, babies become more clingy and fear strangers. At this stage in development babies understand object permanence – the idea that their parents exist even when they are not present – causing many children to experience fear when separated. This is normal and subsides by [...]
Wild Fusion
Wild Fusion calls itself an “Asian Sushi Grill and Bar”, and it more than lives up to its name. I met a friend there Thursday night for Martini night, which is a choice of specialty martinis for $5.00. I tried the French martini which is fruity and yummy, and my friend had a Lemondrop (or 3), which [...]
Flower Power
Dear Garden Guru, Should I be concerned about my lawn and garden during this warm winter weather? Martha from Somers, N.Y. Dear Martha, At a recent gathering at my friend Margaret’s home one of the guests commented on the “wonderful weather” and how much he enjoys not having snow… To his surprise I did not [...]
