Photo Gallery: The Homes of South Nyack

Today's Photo Galley: Life And Times On The Frozen Hudson.

Today's FrankieFunFact 2/23/2015

Words by F loBuono

Homonyms are words form the English language that sound the same but have different meanings, e.g. site and sight. Sometimes, they may even be spelled the same way and still have different meanings, e.g. bark - something that a dog does AND bark - the skin of a tree.

This led (or, is it lead) me to believe that, in terms of volume, English was lacking in words. Certainly, Italian, or French, or Chinese must have more. However, this is not the case. English, at over 250,000 words in current use, is the current World Champion of Language*. In fact, that's about double the amount of words used in most Romance languages! Linguists believe this is due (or, is it do) to the fact that English is an amalgamation of languages, borrowing from German, Latin, Greek and many other cultures.

So, it would be right (or, is it rite) to say that, in a multicultural world, English truly is the international language.


* the language with the least amount of words currently in use is Taki Taki, used by the people from Suriname. They use about 340.

Today's MOZEN: Where Have You Gone, Rudy Giuliani? 2/23/2015

Photo Getty Images/Words F LoBuono

I wanted to like Rudy Giuliani. I really, really did. There was much to admire - first, as an organized crime busting Federal Prosecutor and then as America’s Mayor, i.e. the man who led the City through the carnage of 9/11. What was not to like? Throw in the fact that he was a fellow Italian-American and we’re talking about a potential role model here.

Then reality sunk in. Rudy Giuliani is simply not a very good person – at least not if you scrutinize not only his words, but his actions.

His latest assault on the character of President Barrack Obama defies any positive purpose or intent, except to keep him in the public eye and line his pockets with money from what that exposure will bring to his many business ventures. This is the same tactic employed by other so-called Conservative pundits like Ann Coulter and Michelle Malkin. In the case of Ms. Coulter and Ms. Malkin, they say outrageous, indefensible things simply to sell more books to their eager and largely uninformed followers. However, Rudy Giuliani is so much more than a political pundit – at least he was supposed to be. For a political leader who once had (and may have again) aspirations to be President, to question a sitting President’s patriotism, loyalty, love for his Country and fellow Americans is not only foolish, it is potentially treasonous.

Mr. Giuliani’s approach to his criticism of Mr. Obama was on a slippery slope from the beginning. First, he made assumptions that, somehow, Mr. Obama was raised differently from “most Americans”, certainly from Mr. Giuliani. This, according to Mr. Giuliani, caused Mr. Obama’s loyalty to this country to be somehow different and lacking. Mr. Giuliani claimed that he could infer this from the comments the President has made during his administration. Really? You would think that as a lawyer and former federal prosecutor, Mr. Giuliani would know that cases built on inference are at best tenuous!  Second, by implying that Mr. Obama’s personal experience would certainly influence his thinking, we might assume the same of Mr. Giuliani. Well, a quick check of Mr. Giuliani’s personal background would reveal what most people would call a train wreck –infidelity, divorce, troubled children, etc. Then, he dug himself an even deeper hole by playing the race card, using it to defend his statements.

Of course, the former mayor has his defenders, mostly among his legion of followers at Fox News. And, this is part of the issue. A man who once had great leadership qualities (at least we thought that he did) has become nothing more than a political hack on a network that thrives on his type of unsubstantiated vitriol – especially when it comes to this President. A former Democrat, turned moderate Republican, turned Conservative, Mr. Giuliani seems to change his stripes to suit the highest bidder. And, Fox News gives him the platform. He will use that bully pulpit to attempt to condemn the President on inconsistencies in his policy, often without real basis or fact. Such is the case with his latest statements. It’s the height of hypocrisy.

This is still a free Country and all of us have the right to speak our minds. I certainly do and always encourage others to do the same. This, of course, applies to Rudy Giuliani. But, he is also someone that, as a leader, should be held to a higher standard of accuracy and honesty with that opinion. So far, his latest round of blather has backfired. The great majority of Americans are outraged by his comments and many wish that he would simply go away. If he had further political aspirations, I think that he can pretty much forget about them now. Somehow, however, I’m not sure that it bothers him all that much. As long as his has the platform that Fox News will provide him, he can continue to do what he does best – make money for himself.  Rudy, my Rudy, where have you gone?

Today's MOZEN: Saving The World

Words: F LoBuono - Photo: Matt Hinshaw/EPA

Travel the world, change lives, save souls. (Note: Results not typical.)
A young idealist heeds the call to radical obedience, gives away all of his belongings and shaking off the fetters of a complacent life, travels halfway around the world. There he discovers, among the poor and the fatherless of West Africa, that he has only surrendered to a new kind of captivity.
There is no doubt that young people today are fully invested in social and human rights issues. They start their own nonprofits, they run their own charities, they raise money for worthy causes. Books on saving the world abound, topping the bestsellers’ lists, fueling the drive to prove not only commitment to the world but devotion to God.

That paragraph comes from the liner notes of the book "Runaway Radical: A Young Man's Reckless Journey To Save The World" by Amy and Jonathan Hollingsworth (Amazon). The description is self-explanatory. Ironically, I had just finished reading the book a few weeks before the death of 26 year-old humanitarian aid worker, Kayla Mueller at the hands of the terror group ISIS. The similarities between the two young people intrigued me. Of course, the circumstances between their situations were somewhat different, but they had one thing most certainly in common: a faith-fueled missionary zeal to help others. Mr. Hollingsworth's ill-fated trip to Africa was sponsored by his local church and if you Google Ms. Mueller, this will pop-up with her photo: American hostage Kayla Mueller shared her strong faith in Jesus Christ in a letter before she was killed after she was captured by the ISIS terrorist group. BREATHEcast

Ms. Mueller had dedicated her life to helping others and did so from her hometown of Prescott, Az. to some of the most dangerous places on the planet. One of those places included Syria, where she was kidnapped and held by ISIS for more than a year before she was killed. The circumstances of exactly how and when she died are not yet known, and may never be. Since her death she has been eulogized as a hero and even a "saint". Anyone who gives their life to help others can certainly be considered those things and more. By all accounts, she was an outstanding young women in every way.

However, her death has filled me with ambivalence. On one hand, I greatly admired her passion and commitment. She certainly practiced what she preached. And, I am a firm believer in this Gandhi quote, "Be the change you would like to see in the world". She lived that ideal. Still, as Mr. Hollingsworth, who was about the same age as Kayla when he first encountered his own travails discovered, all that devotion and all that commitment may not be enough to single-handily change the world. In the case of Mr. Hollingsworth, despite his dedication to the cause of helping others, the political realities of who sent him, and why, crushed him emotionally and spiritually. He was in over his head and he was being used. His intentions were so pure and, yet, his understanding of the situation so naive. In my opinion, Ms. Mueller was in a similar position,. Plus, she exacerbated her condition by putting herself in grave danger. And, that bothers me. Some of these aid organizations, many of them so-called faith based (i.e. Christian), sell these kids on idealism and then puts them in harms way, often ill prepared for the real dangers that they may encounter. It's as if they are saying not to worry, god will protect you. If you do their bidding, you are doing "god's work". What utter nonsense. Mr. Hollingsworth describes how this doctrine is often used to bully young people into doing the bidding of the organization, often to their own detriment.

Mr. Hollingwood is also reported to be a fine, dedicated young man, committed to doing the right things for the right reasons. He actively practiced what he preached on a regular basis for a long time before his disillusionment. He was also fortunate not to be in a situation that was literally life threatening, as was the case with Ms. Muellar. But, I still think that he learned a valuable lesson that's worth sharing; sometimes, less can be more. The smaller things that we do, on a daily, local basis, can often be more effective than attempting to save the whole world. Considering the size and complexity of the place, it's just not realistic. And, it can be a deadly misconception.

Now, from my understanding, Ms. Muellar eventually traveled to Syria of her own accord (and illegally) and was not sent directly by any organization. Therefore, it was a personal decision. As an adult, she was capable of choosing the direction of her own life. In a passionate letter she wrote to her parents nine months into her captivity, see mentioned her continued commitment to alleviate suffering and her unwavering faith in god. Her spirit was not crushed. This is indeed laudable. So is her awesome courage. However, to put herself in that situation, at that time, under those conditions, was just plain foolhardy. Zeal MUST be tempered by reality. The best of intentions, even by the pure of heart, must be balanced by the credo of risk versus reward. Of course, this should not prevent of us from attempting to do good. However, in this case, it was most apparent that the risk was just too great - or, at least it should have been apparent. Ms. Muellar allowed her passion to overwhelm her reason. Considering what she could really do to help compared to what could have happened (and did) should she fall into the wrong hands should have been enough to prevent her from going. And, therein lies my ambivalence. I love that she was willing to live her commitment, but am also saddened that the same commitment caused her to make a VERY poor choice. Young people NEED to understand the full consequence of their actions. It is also the responsibility of the aid organizations that send them to these places to make sure that they understand the risks completely. I fear that in the effort to take advantage of the courage and dedication of these wonderful young people of Faith they blind them to reality, even at the cost of their safety.

This is not a indictment of faith, or to detract from who that wonderful young woman was or what she had accomplished in her tragically short life. Like many others, she used her faith to drive her to do the right things. We need more like her who are committed to non-violence in order to make the world a better place. And, I respect those who use their faith to help.  But, don't be reckless. Understand your "faith" and what it truly requires of you. And don't buy the company line. You don't have to save the whole world. Being a good person and helping where, and when, you can will do just fine. We don't need more martyrs. God already has enough of them.

Today's MOZEN: The Eagle Has Landed 2/17/2015

Photo: Robert OToole. Words: F LoBuono

The morning had broken to bitterly cold temperatures and a biting wind that roared straight down the Hudson from The Great White North. It had been a long, hard night turning the lobster trick but, now, it was time to get home. It was the President's Day holiday, so the traffic would be light. Driving against the prevailing rush hour pattern, it wouldn't take me long; maybe a half-hour to get to Nyack. The sun was already blazing but hardly making a dent in the subfreezing temperature. I  got in my car, fired her up, adjusted my shades, threw her in gear, turned down W57th St., and headed for home. As I rumbled from W57th and up the West Side Highway, my eyes were on the road, but my thoughts were on the fire I would soon have roaring in my bedroom fireplace. And, sleep. Yes, there would be blissful slumber, a commodity most valued when one works the graveyard shift.

Even though it was frightfully cold, the day was beautiful. The sky was crystal clear and a gentle turquoise hue. The brilliant sunshine was reflecting off the ice flows that were clogging the river making them appear as huge, floating diamonds. As I drove north, I was able to relax a bit and enjoy the glorious scenery. I was approaching 125th St. when suddenly, off to the left, above the river, some movement in the sky caught my eye. It was a large bird and she was soaring. I got a good look at her and broke into a big smile. It was a Bald Eagle!! They are unmistakable with a huge wing span, dark brown feathers, and a bright white head. She circled high over an ice flow before gently gliding down onto it. To my surprise she joined another bald eagle who was roosting there. They must have been a mating pair - eagles are known to couple for life. At 60 m.p.h. it was not possible to linger, but I saw them clearly enough to know that they were eagles.

Thanks to conservation efforts, the bald eagle, which had been so close to extinction, has made a remarkable comeback, particularly on the Hudson River. The magnificent, shear cliffs of the Palisades and abundant supply of fish make an ideal habitat for these raptors. Virtually non-existent a few years ago, they are now frequently sighted, particularly on the northern reaches of the river. However, I have never seen them this far south before. It must mean that their recovery has been successful enough for them to expand their territories. Competition among the birds is driving them to find new hunting and nesting grounds. And, they have - right in the middle of one the busiest cities on earth. Remarkable.

The bald eagle is a fitting symbol for America in so many ways. It is a large animal, wild, and free - much like the land it represents. And, its recovery from near extinction represents the American can do spirit. When it seemed that we might lose the very symbol of our Country, every effort was made to insure that wouldn't happen. It didn't. And, we are the better off for it.

Love, Joanie.

Words and photo by F LoBuono

In Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is a being who has achieved enlightenment, i.e. they get the mystery that is life - completely. However, they delay their passage into Nirvana, or heaven, to "stay behind" and help others discover their own paths to enlightenment.

I am very fortunate to have one. Her name is Joan. She lived in town until she recently moved to California to live with her sister. We still communicate - the old fashioned way - by letter. I received one the other day. In it she told me this:

I have been praying to Jesus today and thought about you. The Lord Thinks very highly of you , Al (she calls me "Al" because I remind her of Al Pacino). You are an "upright man" He says in His Word. I agree.

Love,
Joanie

Now, Joan knows that I am not religious. In fact, I generally eschew formal religion. But, that's not what's most important - not to Joan. As a Bodhisattva, her job is to spread light and love. And that's exactly what she does.

Today's MOZEN: Fifty Shades of Not For Me

Words and photo by f LoBuono

Fifty Shades of Grey, the erotic trilogy written by EL James and originally published in 2011, is nothing short of an international sensation. It has sold over 100 million copies world-wide. The highly anticipated film version is due out this week. In short, it is the story of college student, Anastasia Steele, who meets and falls in love with young, handsome, exciting multi-millionaire, Christian Grey. After a torrid love affair they marry. Although their marriage seems traditional and rewarding, behind closed doors they harbor a secret: Christian is into kinky, violent sex. Of course, Anastasia is the object of that desire. In some ways, she is totally turned on by it. In other ways, she is completely repulsed. But, she feels that to share their love and support their marriage she must submit completely to his sexual desires.

Weather it turns you on or off, that plot has sold a lot of books! In fact, the current publisher, Random House, sees it as nothing short of a phenomenon. So, obviously, Ms. James struck a cord, especially with women . Studies have shown the overwhelming majority of its readers are women. The author, who's real name is Erika Leonard, had never published before. In fact, she was first noticed while writing on a fan blog for the "Twilight" series (another women's book phenomenon). But, still, she must have found something that resonates with the ladies, a whole lot of them! It implies, by its very success, that the theme of submissive women, at least sexually, is very appealing.

And, I have to say that I don't get it - at least not totally.

When it comes to what consenting adults do in the privacy of their own homes, I am a total Libertarian. What people do to one another in their own time and space is truly their own business. I do not judge. So, it's not the act that I don't get, it's the intent. Women have worked so hard to be equal partners in life, Since sex is a part of life, why would they relinquish THAT much control at such a key and intimate moment? I get it: part of sexual satisfaction comes with relinquishing, on occasion, total control to your partner. This is part of the trust that can make sex so rewarding. However, it's a matter of degree. At least it is to me. Being totally submissive to your partner as the only way for him (or her) to achieve sexual gratification may be rewarding for them, but where does it leave you? I know that I would not like to be in that position (at least not all of the time) and I don't believe that I know many women who do either.

Perhaps, I feel that way because of my upbringing. Both of my parents had strong personalities. Sometimes they clashed. However, more often they worked together to form an equal and powerful partnership. The key words here are equal and powerful. Yes, there was a form of traditional roll playing - the boys took out the garbage while girls washed the dishes. But one chore was never more or less important than another. No one person was more or less important than any other. My father would lead when it was necessary and appropriate and my mother would do the same when it was her turn. This is how we were taught and this is what we learned. The women in my family would never consent to be treated as less than equal in every sense of the word. And I believe that attitude translates to the bedroom, too. My mother is 91 years-old now. If you discuss sex in front of her, does she blush? Hell no!! Instead, she will look you in the eye and say, Really? Do you think that you invented sex? Now, does THAT sound like a submissive woman to you?

I must say that I find the facts that the trilogy was written by a woman, the screenplay was written by a woman, and the film was directed by yet another, highly disappointing. It seems terribly ironic to me that after all that has been gained, they would so easily cede control of one the things they fought so hard to have - their own bodies.. Women can do better.

An Open Letter to The State of New York.

Words and photo by F LoBuono

2/8/15

Mr. Brian Conybeare

Special Advisor to the Governor

New NY Bridge Project

New York State Thruway Authority

Dear Mr. Conybeare:

Please add my voice to what I am sure must be a legion of other South Nyack residents who implore the State of New York to address our concerns over the Shared Use Path’s (SUP) location. I have been involved with the process from the beginning, attending all the meetings that I could. I even had a private meeting with South Nyack mayor Bonnie Christian to discuss the issue of the SUP.

Because the issue of the SUP is bound to impact the lives of all who will live around it, it has become somewhat contentious with a lot of “we said, they said” or “they said this, and we said that” innuendo. I do not have the time to waste, and I’m sure that you don’t either, on arguments that, in the end, are counterproductive. I believe that the State has an obligation to work through these difficult and contentious issues to the betterment of the people it will affect the most. And that should be the bottom line goal of ALL government.

With that in mind, I would urge the State to place the Rockland-side terminus at the location of the current Thruway Exit 10. It makes the most sense in almost every way. First, I’m sure that you are aware of the history of that land, the original Tappan Zee Bridge, and the Village of South Nyack. The Village, with little or no input, was forced to relinquish almost one-third of its property, causing untold hardship to many homeowners and destroying a once vibrant downtown – all for a giant, lopping turn to connect to a highway that NEVER MATERIALIZED. Well, Mr. Conybeare, it is time to right that wrong. It isn’t often that we are presented with the opportunity. Second, locating the terminus there is the right thing to do physically -there’s PLENTY of room for parking AWAY from private homes and already busy streets. And there would even be enough left over to build a comfort station or group of small stores. It could be an actual DESTINATION. Third, there is the element of giving back that which was almost literally taken. The Village could certainly make the most of the use of the land that was ONCE OURS IN THE FIRST PLACE.

I have lived in this wonderful village for over thirty years. I have rented and owned a home here. I am very fortunate to be able to live just about anywhere, but I have chosen to live here. Why? Because this village has a great quality of live because the people work hard to make it so. We are INVOLVED. THIS is what this is all about. I support the SUP. In fact, I think it’s a great idea and I will use it frequently. However, it should be done right. It must be done right – for ALL to enjoy – especially the people it will affect the most – my neighbors in South Nyack.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Frank LoBuono

Long-time South Nyack resident/

Today's FFF - FrankieFunFact. 2/6/2015

Words and photo by F LoBuono

I'm a lid guy. I love hats. Always have. Baseball hats, cabbie caps, Panamas, Fedoras, Stetsons, warm hats, berets, bowlers, pork pies, top hats, beanies, sun hats, rain hats, trilbies, etc. If you can wear it on your head, I'm interested. I like just about everything about hats. So, I was curious about the term "Mad as a Hatter". Are hatters truly mad? And, if so, why??

Well, I did a little research and this it what I discovered: Hats, particularly felt hats, became the rage in the middle of 17th Century Europe. One could certainly not attend court if one's head was not topped by the proper chapeau. That trend continued well into the 20th Century (think Abraham Lincoln and his Stovepipe). Felt is apparently made by separating the fur of a beaver from the skin that lies underneath. That skin is then processed to create the felt. Caustic chemicals where used throughout the entire procedure. Now, with the discovery of the New World and its seemingly endless supply of beaver pelts, the hat business was booming. So, the hatters were "hatting away", i.e. making dozens of hats a day while, at the same time, inhaling toxic fumes, hour after hour. It was enough to made one, well, mad!

Now, what that says about people who WEAR hats is a story for another day.

When You Think About It 2/4/2015

                                                           

Photo and words by F LoBuono

FOR ADULTS ONLY

In the modern vernacular, reaching sexual climax during coitus is known as cumming. However, when you think about it, considering what is LEAVING your body in terms of emotion, respiration, perspiration, and the like, wouldn't it be more accurate to call it something like GOING?

Today's Photo Gallery: The Beauty of The Tappan Zee.

 All photos the property of F LoBuono

Today's FFF FrankieFunFact 2/2/2015

Words and photo by F LoBuono

Broadway, arguably the street most famously associated with the island of Manhattan, was originally a Native American footpath that ran from the southern most tip of the island all the way north to what would become Albany. Originally called The Wickquasgeck Trial, it was named form the tribe that lived along its length . The Dutch, the first European settlers to the island (aprrox. 1626), used it freely, widened it, and eventually called it The Gentlemens' Street, High Street, or simply The Highway. The English, who took the island from the Dutch, eventually renamed it Broadway. Although it has always run continuously North and South, its early route was much more circuitous than it is today.