Over 60...and Getting Younger: January 15, 2010

Prix Fixe

Four senior citizens, on a Friday night, trying to decide on a place to eat. Two couples, in a car, not knowing whether to go east or west to the dining place of choice.

From the Desk of Assemblyman Charles Lavine: January 8, 2010

Assembly Passes New Health Care Reforms

Managed care is fast becoming the health care delivery system of choice for tens of millions of Americans. Greater oversight and regulation has become necessary to ensure that consumers and providers alike are protected. In the 1990s, New York established new guidelines and requirements; however, as the system has since evolved, so must the regulatory process. For these reasons, the Assembly passed a law that I supported, effective Jan. 1, that will further bolster protections, expand consumer access and guarantee timely payment to providers (Ch. 237 of 2009).

Over 60...and Getting Younger: January 8, 2010

Albums

“Brrr … It’s freezing outside!”

“We are definitely not going out in that weather.” Lorraine says, “Let’s spend the day putting all those loose pictures into an album. I say, “We only have 24 albums of photos. We definitely need at least three more.”

Letter: How Can Town Officials Give Themselves Raises In This Economy?

It must be really nice to give yourself a raise. (Town of Oyster Bay Board Votes to Increase Salaries, Dec. 25 issue).

Over 60...and Getting Younger: January 1, 2010

The Little Things

As we arise to face the day, we have to be aware that the smaller, everyday things rule our life. “Boy, that orange juice tastes good!” It wakes up your mouth, and not long after, your whole being. Coffee and half a bagel are the next order of the day. Take your five pills and you are ready to go. I get my “good morning kiss” from Lorraine and I’m off.

Over 60...and Getting Younger: December 25, 2009

What to Serve?

The guys are coming over tonight to watch the Giants-Redskins game. What do you place in front of a group of ravenous guys who are going to watch a football game in your den?

Letter: A Message From MADD

“Tis the Season” has an entirely different meaning for victims/survivors of drunk-driving crashes.

Over 60...and Getting Younger: December 18, 2009

I Remember… (Part II)

Let me continue my outstanding memories of a lifetime. It probably is more fun for me than it is for my readers. However, I ended my last column with the Bay of Tonkin in 1964. Onward…

From the Desk of Assemblyman Charles Lavine: December 18, 2009

NYS Law Bans Use of PEDS While Driving

Whether you stay connected by mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), laptop, pager or two-way messenger, New Yorkers are constantly plugged in. While these devices have their benefits, increased usage is a significant distraction and danger on the road, which is why I helped implement a statewide ban on driving while using portable electronic devices (PEDs) (Ch. 403 of 2009).

A Bird’s Eye View: December 11, 2009

Heading South

In two weeks, my wife and I will be going to Longboat Key on Florida’s west coast for the fifth consecutive winter. Last year on the long drive, which we both dislike, we realized that we had gained a sense of some of the places we passed on the trip. Here’s what some of those places looked and felt like.