My Own Private Southampton

This is the place I go to meditate, think and relax. This was the first time I was here since the summer. Missed it. The beach is desolate at this time of year and not much more peopled during the height of the season except in 90+ degree hot and humid weather.  The seclusion is why I love it so.

Also, I enjoy marking how the tides and wave action play havoc with the beach. Certainly, erosion becomes a dangerous enemy. The gorgeous swim club, which may have been a wag of a Hollywood director's estate before 1913 and income tax, has been well maintained thanks to the dues of the members. However, if you can imagine, 10 years ago, the land was level and there were steps going into the backyard of the club that faces out toward the ocean. Now the steps are buried. That is the effect of the wave action and the tides. Amazing.

Women Are At Greater Risk During Car Crashes Than Men, Study Shows

The article first appeared on Technorati as http://technorati.com/women/article/study-shows-women-at-greater-risk/

Do you always wear your seat belt when driving? Most states in the US have seat belt laws, so it is no longer an option to wear it despite any discomfort it may cause. Your safety is paramount, so the law is a good one because seat belts have saved lives. But researchers at the University of Virginia have shown that there are limits to their protection, especially if you are a woman.

For their study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, researchers reviewed information on 45,445 crash victims gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 1998 and 2008, over 11 years. Forty-three percent of the drivers were female and the overall average age of all the drivers was 36. Eleven percent of drivers were older than 60, according to news reports.

Various news articles stated that researchers compared male and female drivers and recognized that on average, women were 5 1/2 inches shorter and 35 pounds heavier than their male counterparts. Fewer women were overweight and more women were driving passenger cars at the time of the accident, which were involved in 67 percent of the crashes, followed by SUVs (15 percent) light trucks (11 percent and vans (6 percent).

The study, which controlled for these and other variables, produced a startling result about women's likelihood of enduring worse injuries, despite their wearing seat belts. Investigators found that women were 47 percent more likely to suffer severe injuries than men. Female drivers wearing seatbelts suffered a greater likelihood of injury, experiencing more chest and spine injuries than their male counterparts in commensurate accidents.

One reason for this might be that driving women are prone to hurt because their neck and shoulder muscles are not as toned or developed as mens'. The positioning of head restraints, women's shorter stature and preferred seating posture all play a part in the injury disparities, say investigators. Since car safety devices have been designed primarily for men, safety features should be designed to account for strength, stature and weight differences between women and men. This should be done especially in passenger cars which had the bulk percentage of accidents!

"Female drivers can ensure that their safety systems perform optimally, including maintaining a good belt fit and correct seating posture,” commented lead author of the investigation and University of Virginia scientist, Dipan Bose for The New York Times. 

Sexting Teens: Don't Think They Don't Sext; That's Naive.

 This article first appeared in Technorati
: http://technorati.com/lifestyle/article/sexting-teens-more-prevalent-than-you/page-2/#ixzz1d8dHmRT5

 A parent recently told me that she knew her kids had secrets. She knew they never told her the complete truth because they didn't want to disappoint her and besides, she would "hit the ceiling."
Most likely this is the case for the parents of the 13 percent of Boston area high school students who say they've received "sext" messages. Do these parents know or even suspect that "one in 10 has either forwarded, sent or posted sexually suggestive, explicit or nude photos or videos of people they know by cellphone or online?"

In a study of 23,000 students from 24 of 26 high schools in the greater Boston area, teens involved with sexting were found more likely to have reported being psychologically distressed, depressed and/or even suicidal. But then sexting can include overtones of bullying and coercion. The teens were surveyed in 2010 and the findings were presented Wednesday, November 2nd at the American Public Health Association's annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

There seems to be a link between sexting and depression or increased suicide risk, but there isn't enough evidence for a causal relationship and indeed, the opposite may be the case, that teens who are depressed are more likely to sext.

According to lead researcher Shari Kessel Schneider who explained about the results, "It's important to know there's a link between sexting and psychological distress. It's something to be considered if you know of a youth who is involved in sexting." (Teacher World)
Researchers noted the following. Ten % of boys and 11% of girls had sent a sexually related image in the past year, while 6% of males and 4% of females had had such an image sent of themselves.

Additionally, the likelihood of sexting increased amongst teens who described themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual other or not sure. (Esposito, Detroit Free Press)
Other studies have been undertaken about sexting, raising the question for parents, "How can I prevent my child from engaging in such behaviors as posting or posing for nude photos?"

One can't be with their kids 24/7, but there are some things a parent can do.

Parents can  "treat a kid's cellphone as a computer: thinking of securing, protecting and limiting it," said Marian Merritt, Internet safety advocate for Norton, part of Symantec Inc. As soon as a child receives his or her first cell phone, "Set family rules. Age 12 is standard." (Ashley Jennings, Channel 9 News, WUSA Today)

"If that phone is a smartphone, password protect it," she said. "It could prevent your child getting victimized" by someone else who picks it up and uses it. And to monitor your son's or daughter's use: "Check your online statement, to see if your child is sending a lot of photo messages." (Ashley Jennings, Channel 9 News, WUSA Today)

Parents cannot give up control and must assert their authority over their children's media by setting standards. For example, they might set time limits for the internet. Parents can also control access and privacy with such limits on the router. Another way is to  "Charge the phone in the kitchen, some central location, so it's not on their pillow, buzzing late at night with text messages," said Marian Merritt.  (Ashley Jennings, Channel 9 News, WUSA Today)

Justin Patchin, co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center, said his first advice to teens who receive a sext message is this: "You should delete it and not tell anybody. If it's doesn't get disseminated and distributed, it's ended." (Esposito, Detroit Free Press)  But parents tend to overreact and want to take an extreme action, and Patchin counseled teens who seem to know the difference, not to involve parents, unless the situation was very serious. (Jennings, WUSA Today, Channel 9 News)

Kessel Schneider and her group plan to do further studies on such issues, but for now, she thinks that the findings, though in the preliminary stages, will "draw attention to the link between sexting and mental health, which should be addressed by anti-bullying and health-promotion initiatives."  (Teacher World)

Halloween Day Parade in the Village: Beautiful Night After Ferocious Nor'easter

The Family Guy. I was about four rows back and heads were in front. Cute float.

Despite the devastating effects of the Nor'easter a few days before, NYC was able to hold its annual Halloween Day Parade in Greenwich Village. The parade which has been growing larger each year with participation from many in the tri-state area has seen its 39th year. Next year promises to be even bigger because it is in its 4th decade.


I'm glad the city officials decided to open it up to everyone as family friendly entertainment. Years ago, I remember a professor of mine who taught at NYU and who had seen lynched bodies hanging from trees in the South in the 40s was displeased at the parade. This was back around '91-'92. Those who had taken to the streets and were marching were essentially going through a "Here I am and I don't care if I offend you," period in their lives in the gay movement.

In fact, the intent for some WAS to offend what was perceived to be stupid, idiotic "middle class" sensibilities. Unfortunately, that starts an "eye for an eye" trading war of stupidities. And some responded with, Well, sorry to be middle class. If you can't help what you are and are wearing it on your sleeve, then I can't help what I am and am wearing it on my sleeve!"

Long story short, the parade was a veritable freak show of who can be more outrageous and offensive, according to my professor who was a super liberal and extremely flexible, but who was annoyed at the trading insult wars and hyped up "culture clashes."  Bottom line, if you wanted to take your kids, you would be exposing them to "exposure" of the  X-rated kind, in some instances.
 

But that parade is long gone, after twenty years. Times and culture inclusion have changed the landscape, thank goodness. And the very groups who lauded their superior values to "the middle class" have become middle class and have adopted children and are raising them with their same-sex partners. And I'm sure many of them have brought their own kids to the parade and they want it to be fun for everyone, not just for those whom they believe to be "the entitled."

 
Thank Goodness!!! That's why I went. And it was family entertainment and great fun with great good will from everyone there. Politeness reigned. As I pressed into the crowds in the hope of getting to the verge of Sixth Avenue to see some ghouls and goblins, in the crush of those around me, there were "please ns," and "thank yous," and "excuse me," and comments and jokes about eventually getting there to the parade's edge. The atmosphere was party and happiness, and sharing and participation.


Ever since 9/11 NYC has undergone a paradigm shift. Those who live there are just happy to come out and appreciate life and each other in one of the greatest cities of the world. We know how much we lost on that day, like no other group of city folk, unless they have experienced the same. So we are grateful for these events. Grateful we can be together, safe and joyful appreciating the ingenuity of the costumes, the over-all creativity and artistry of the floats.

I always loved Mad Magazine's Spy vs. Spy

I got there late, but just in time for a perfect parking space to "jet" down 3rd Street to join the throngs up and down Sixth Avenue. Great fun. My pix don't do justice. Better to see Youtube for the moving show. But a few pix do reveal the fun of the maskers and revelers who enjoyed costuming themselves.

People thought this guy was "for real." Make up is great!

This was one of the best of The Jokers who showed up.

Trash From Your Halloween Candy Shouldn't End Up In a Dolphin's Belly

The Ocean Conservancy and it members and volunteers endeavor to preserve our oceans whenever possible. Now that the first Nor'easter has blasted into NY, NJ, Mass. and Conn, setting historic records and pulling the plug on Con Ed, PS&G and other utility customers with a pre-winter, pre-Halloween goblin-like ferocity, the conservancy has some tips for Halloween and its after-effects that also will come in handy year-round.


Of course, the problem is trash and litter that can wash into storm drains and travel all the way to the ocean. And Halloween is a real trash burner from candy wrappers to decorations and costumes, except you can't burn paper trash any more, right? So the conservancy has listed some easy ways for everyone in the family to reduce their trash output during this scary time. That way, you and your kids feel good, and so do the ocean's creatures.
 Going trick or treating with the kids?
Why not reuse a pillowcase (have the kids decorate it...if it's an old one) instead of buying a plastic candy container. Or, if you really want to be innovative and artistic, use any larger container from a used-up food item, i.e. plastic milk container. Then get out the permanent markers, paste and colored paper and start your kids and their friends to decorating. When they're done, hold a contest for the best decorated container in the family or amongst friends. Of course, don't forget to recycle it after they've devoured the candy.
An additional way to make them feel good about helping the planet with their endeavors and forestalling any "smart mouth" who might try to "put them down" for their efforts. To any kid who makes negative comments about their container, they can say something like, "I'm conserving the oceans. What are you doing for marine habitats?"
Want to save some money?
I know, I know. merchandizers prey upon your kids, forcing them to coerce you into buying the "coolest costume on the block."   Again, turn these behaviors around to benefit a good cause. Using stuff in the house, have them create their own ocean-themed costume: i.e. sea creatures, sea monsters. For example you can make a jellyfish by attaching strips of bubble wrap around the outside of an umbrella. For a sea urchin, dress in black and tape cardboard triangles to a bandana. You can always go as an ecosystem and tell people that unfortunately, the trash in your costume is part of that ecosystem.
If your child does go as a marine animal and adults/kids ask about the outfit, your child can give the animal/fish a name (Seth, the sea horse). Proudly, they can tell these inquisitors that their costume is a reminder for folks to stop ocean trash build-up and preserve the oceans' creatures.
House Decoration
Decorate your house as a spooky trash gyre. Paint skulls on bottles or other items and make ghosts from plastic bags. For  trick-or-treaters who come by, explain the symbolism of the decorations. Also, don't forget to keep a trash can next to the door so they can dispose of candy wrappers since they’ve probably been snacking on treats along the way.
Contain Your Own Trash
In addition to your innovative trick-or-treat candy containers and artistic costumes, think about bringing a separate trash bag to collect candy wrappers you might see on your Halloween journey. Make it a fun challenge for your kids to collect as much trash as they see. And of course, at home, encourage your kids to keep all of their Halloween candy wrappers in a box, so stray wrappers aren't blown by the wind and washed down the street drain in the fall rains that eventually make it to the oceans. After combining everyone's wrappers, then  either throw them away, or if you are really ambitious and inspired by your helpful efforts, send/take them to Terracycle. There, the wrappers will be made into something new like a purse or a pencil case.
You don't have to be an ocean lover to do one of these fun activities with your kids. But you will be doing your part in educating them that their actions have consequences. Don't they want to be sure that the consequences are beneficial? This grown up and responsible behavior can make Halloween even more fun.
The bottom line is this. "Bottle caps, cigarette butts, candy wrappers" seem insignificant and such "tiny trash can appear harmless. The truth is, it has a BIG impact on wildlife when it reaches the ocean." (The Ocean Conservancy) And it will get there if it is in the street. Try to do your part for Halloween and educate your kids along the way. Years from now, they will have seen the difference, as will you!

Halloween Blaze!

Parents and children of all ages have been flocking to a nearly sold out show held outdoors at Van Cortland Manor, Croton-on-Hudson, New York in a month long recognition of fall and Halloween. It is one of the tri-state area's most creative and amazing events and perhaps Historic Hudson Valley's most well attended event. Each year its creators add to the breadth of exhibit themes. the production has grown so that his year it has spanned 21 nights. Blaze will end the first weekend of November, the Sunday after Halloween.


It's The Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze and it is indescribable. Photos do not do justice to the live, walk through experience. I have gone two years in a row and this year was even better than last year. Halloween couldn't be celebrated in a more spooky, thrilling and electrifying way. And there are still tickets available for the 6:30 PM show, Halloween night, but they are going fast. 



Michael Natiello, ArtsWestchester honoree for his efforts with Blaze is the creative director of the event. Since the first production in 2005 through 2011, Natiello has overseen the team that brings the eerie, magical jack o' lantern's to life by planning, designing, and executing Blaze's elaborate displays.  With his team members, Natiello carves, cuts, and scrapes the jack o' lanterns which must be replaced if they are destroyed by the weather conditions. Goldilocks weather is needed to keep the carved pumpkins robust. If it's too hot, the pumpkins melt. If if it rains, they rot. If it freezes and thaws and freezes and thaws, the pumpkins collapse. The team has renewed and re-carved hundreds of pumpkins by the end of the production month. They must replenish up to 700 pumpkins a week because of spoilage and hungry, snacking animals who don't care about ruining lovely and individually hand-carved works of art.


It takes around 33 or more volunteers and a labor of love to individually masterpiece the 4,000 + jack o’ lanterns which are set into Van Cortland Manor park's 18th-century riverside landscape and  illuminated against the backdrop of night. The inner lighted pumpkins create a beautiful yet macabre glow and amazing effects that are dependent upon the intricate carvings.

Thousands of visitors come to be enthralled and enchanted as they stroll by an 8 foot high sunflower patch and scurry past grinning, ghoulish jack o' lantern faces rising up from the misty ground. Displays pulsate vibrant oranges that penetrate the darkness:  huge, scaly ten-foot long snakes; a mammoth spider web and its attendant scurrying spiders; an undersea aquarium, replete with barracudas; dinosaurs (including the thunder lizard, himself) pirates, ghosts, arching Halloween cats and a collection of creatures from Greek and Roman mythology. Sheep skeletons ‘roam’ the Van Cortland landscape and a cemetery looms where headstones preside over "the dead," witnessed by living onlookers whose footsteps increase their pace to move quickly passed bony fingers stretching toward their feet. This year there is even a jack o’ lantern ‘King Kong’ perched and ready to jump off a building that towers over the glittering blaze! 



The spectacle, anchored with original, atmospheric music, sound effects, and elaborate, synchronized lighting, is innovative, original and artistic family entertainment. At the end of the walk, if the fresh air and eerie surroundings whip appetites, there is a large tent where the family can warm themselves and enjoy home-made pumpkin spice donuts, hot chocolate, apple cider, coffee, soda, snack foods, cookies, cappuccinos and other food items fit for the season. 

And of course, one can pick up a souvenir for this memorable experience to remind everyone in the heat of July, that the fall and the Blaze of Halloween will be coming in three months. A perfect closure to one of the best Halloween experiences in New York.

Nor'easter Didn't Deter Occupy Wall Street!

October 29th weather forecast in New York City. Historic and rare October Nor'easter: snow, sleet, wind. Temperature range around 35 degrees during the day, 32 degrees overnight. Wind chill makes it feel like 23 degrees. Snow accumulations could be two inches. Winds at 20-30 mph, wind gusts could be 40 mph. (Weather Channel)

But "neither snow nor sleet nor rain nor hail" are stopping the Occupy Wall Street protestors at Zuccotti Park. (New York Times) Today, they attempted, despite all odds, to remain warm and dry in the rare October storm which blasted through their environs, whipping tents and tree branches and dumping mixtures of sleet and wet snow on their already wet heads. And they are doing the same in the evening which has been forecast to be colder, snowier and windier.
Shivering in the wet, I walked through Zuccotti, umbrella overhead, camera at the ready, picking up snatches of conversation here and there. One young man covered in a yellow slicker and hoodie discussed how he was born in the protests of the feminist movement, his mother taking him to marches and sit-ins. He was used to activism and appreciated its power. When asked where his mother was now, he responded that she was out west and had "gotten religion." He said he didn't own property and lived with friends in Florida. He said he was at Zuccotti protesting because, "He was pissed." 
Walking along the pathway under tarps and between the tents where protestors had sought an uncomfortable shelter from the relentless blustering wind and damp, I saw organizers moving to and fro reminding the occupiers to check up on their neighbors to make sure they were doing OK. A medical tent had been set up to help those who might be overcome by the cold or who had other issues that needed attention .Others stood getting coffee and food. It was remarkable to me that they had the stamina and the courage to be there. Their presence heartened me, yet I was worried for them in such conditions.
 
I bumped into folks moving on the pathway. All were courteous to "the stranger." They wanted to be there, despite conditions and had prepared themselves for taking this stand, regardless: "neither snow, nor sleet, nor hail, nor wind, nor cold." Some were attempting to clean areas. Others were delivering boards and other materials so that they wouldn't have to place sleeping bags on wet concrete. Water was running everywhere, it seemed.
As I made my way along an exit route, I spoke to another young man in a blue slicker, hair dripping, no hoodie or hat, obviously cold, certainly preoccupied, but he stopped for a moment to chat. He told me he was from Charlotte, North Carolina. I told him he was supported by many folks and thanked him for what he was doing. He smiled and confided that he was trying to get an air mattress or some material to get off the wet pavement so he would be drier during the night.
As I exited, I saw others pulling out boards and readying themselves for the long, cold, untenable darkness. I scrambled back into my car, my feet were wet, my umbrella bent misshapen from the wind. I immediately  turned on the heater. They don't have that benefit. But as some would say, that is their choice. I wish it were that easy.
They are a determined bunch, these occupiers. The longer they stay, the firmer their resolve seems to be. But they certainly don't see that they have won. They have not gotten what they have come there for. And they are staying. 

Maybe what drives them was best summed up by one of the folks who was sweeping and cleaning within the barriers set up to protect the protestors and insure free passage on the public sidewalk on Church Street. I saw him arranging things, his back to me. I stopped at the light before the corner of Church Street and rolled down the window to take a picture of him, when I heard him singing, a tune, familiar, from an old musical, and he was somehow cheerful yet plaintive in the cold and drear.
What was he singing? "The sun'll come out, tomorrow..."   Little Orphan Annie's song of hope. And I was reminded, in a way we are all orphans in a storm. Some are just better able to handle the cold and the want. I am not one of them.