a symbol of justice, mastery and honesty

A bronze statue of Bruce Lee, a Chinese-American martial arts master in a typical fighting pose, is unveiled during a ceremony in Mostar November 26, 2005. A new symbol of unity was erected on Saturday in the ethnically divided Bosnian city of Mostar - a statue of Kung Fu legend Bruce Lee, worshipped by Muslims, Serbs and Croats. A group of enthusiasts in Mostar, the scene of fighting between Muslims and Croats in 1993-1994, agreed they needed a symbol of justice, mastery and honesty - virtues upheld by the late Chinese-American actor. (Damir Sagolj/Reuters)

HOW THEY VOTED

HOW THEY VOTED
Gannett News Service
Your representatives in Albany
The Journal News tracks legislative votes by members of the regional delegation on key bills selected by our Albany bureau. There are two ways to use this feature.
•Click on the description of any bill listed below to learn more about that bill and to see how all area legislators voted on the measure.
•Select a member of the Assembly or Senate delegations from the dropdown menus to see how that legislator voted on all of the bills in the list.

Actor Pat Morita Dies at 73

Actor Pat Morita Dies at 73 By TIM MOLLOY, Associated Press Writer
13 minutes ago



Actor Pat Morita, whose portrayal of the wise and dry-witted Mr. Miyagi in "The Karate Kid" earned him an Oscar nomination, has died. He was 73.

Morita died Thursday at his home in Las Vegas of natural causes, said his wife of 12 years, Evelyn. She said in a statement that her husband, who first rose to fame with a role on "Happy Days," had "dedicated his entire life to acting and comedy."

In 1984, he appeared in the role that would define his career and spawn countless affectionate imitations. As Kesuke Miyagi, the mentor to Ralph Macchio's "Daniel-san," he taught karate while trying to catch flies with chopsticks and offering such advice as "wax on, wax off" to guide Daniel through chores to improve his skills.

Morita said in a 1986 interview with The Associated Press he was billed as Noriyuki "Pat" Morita in the film because producer Jerry Weintraub wanted him to sound more ethnic. He said he used the billing because it was "the only name my parents gave me."

He lost the 1984 best supporting actor award to Haing S. Ngor, who appeared in "The Killing Fields."

For years, Morita played small and sometimes demeaning roles in such films as "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and TV series such as "The Odd Couple" and "Green Acres." His first breakthrough came with "Happy Days," and he followed with his own brief series, "Mr. T and Tina."

"The Karate Kid," led to three sequels, the last of which, 1994's "The Next Karate Kid," paired him with a young Hilary Swank.

Morita was prolific outside of the "Karate Kid" series as well, appearing in "Honeymoon in Vegas," "Spy Hard," "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues" and "The Center of the World." He also provided the voice for a character in the Disney movie "Mulan" in 1998.

Born in northern California on June 28, 1932, the son of migrant fruit pickers, Morita spent most of his early years in the hospital with spinal tuberculosis. He later recovered only to be sent to a Japanese-American internment camp in Arizona during World War II.

"One day I was an invalid," he recalled in a 1989 AP interview. "The next day I was public enemy No. 1 being escorted to an internment camp by an FBI agent wearing a piece."

After the war, Morita's family tried to repair their finances by operating a Sacramento restaurant. It was there that Morita first tried his comedy on patrons.

Because prospects for a Japanese-American standup comic seemed poor, Morita found steady work in computers at Aerojet General. But at age 30 he entered show business full time.

"Only in America could you get away with the kind of comedy I did," he commented. "If I tried it in Japan before the war, it would have been considered blasphemy, and I would have ended in leg irons. "

Morita was to be buried at Palm Green Valley Mortuary and Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife and three daughters from a previous marriage

Why did less then 50% of Woodbury stay home on Election Day?

Why did less then 50% of Woodbury stay home on Election Day?
Could be a few reasons, but the same could be said of Monroe, Chester and all of Orange County. I knocked on so many doors this year and many of them all have the same issues; more baseball and soccer fields. Traffic along Rt 32, when are we going to fix the pond, bigger beach area for the Rez, a place for teens to go, what are you doing about our taxes. The one thing everyone spoke about was taxes, school taxes, town taxes, county taxes and how they can’t afford to live here any more. It could be a lot of then stayed home because they don’t care because they plan to leave ASAP. So many told me “Mike when our kids finish school we are out of here”. I heard only 42% voted in Woodbury but ones who voted I think voted for change. More to come

GOP to hold one-vote margin in 2006

Orange County Legislature GOP to hold one-vote margin in 2006

Three close Orange County Legislature races have been recounted at the Board of Elections and it appears that the Republicans will hold a slim one-vote margin over Democrats in the new year.

Democratic County Elections Commissioner Susan Bahren said three Democrats captured the trio of contested seats. Absentees and affidavits have all been counted and Wayne Decker topped Dennis Simmons by 11 votes in the 13 th District. Decker is the incumbent. In the Eighth District, Democrat Noel Spencer defeated Republican incumbent Dimitrios Lambros by 32 votes. In the 15 th District, Democrat Chris Eachus defeated Republican Christine Longinott. That was an open seat.

County Democratic Party Chairman Jonathan Jacobson said county residents voted for an independent county legislature.

“With the Democrats now within one vote of the majority, the people wanted the Democrats to have a strong say and I expect that we’ll be there representing the alternative point of view,” he said.

This year, Ulster County Republicans held a one-vote majority over Democrats, but the new legislature will have a 21-12 Democrat majority. Democrats also narrowed their wide gap on the Dutchess County Legislature.

write-in candidate

High School Student Sworn in As Mayor By AMY F. BAILEY, Associated Press Writer
Tue Nov 22, 5:44 AM ET



Michael Sessions began talking about running for mayor when he was a sophomore in high school. He realized that dream before he got his diploma.

Sessions, an 18-year-old senior, became the city's youngest mayor on Monday when he took the oath of office. The crowd included city residents, photographers and dozens of video cameras — some from news agencies as far away as Russia and Japan.

"The first couple of days are going to be rough, I think, on me. I've just got to get acquainted with the job," Sessions said earlier Monday as he took reporters on a tour of the city, which has a population of 8,200 and is located about 100 miles southwest of Detroit. "My confidence is gaining a lot each day."

Sessions beat Mayor Doug Ingles, 51, by two votes in the Nov. 8 election despite Sessions' status as a write-in candidate.

Sessions, who used $700 from a summer job to fund his race, already has appeared on the "Late Show with David Letterman" to read the Top Ten list titled "Good Things About Being an 18-year-old Mayor."

Richard Moore says the national spotlight on Sessions means more exposure for the community.

"I think people at first were like `What's going on here?' but I think as people got to know Mike, they realized he's not your average high school senior," Moore said. "It takes a special person to run for office at any age."

It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.
C. S. Lewis

Where do they all go?

Where do they all go?
The other day I was looking at a sign that had the Town Board from 1988. As I looked at the names I asked my self where are these people now. Only one was still around and that was Sheila who was a councilperson back then. Then I started to think when was the last time we saw a former board member other then Ralph attend a meeting? After you finish your term do you never come back? What about all the candidates that ran for office where they are too? I don’t think any of the persons who ran against me ever came back after they lost, why is that? Do you think anyone knows who the Supervisor was in the 1990’s or the 1980’s?

hey

So it’s been a while since I posted my own thoughts, but I am thinking its going to be a good 2006. Now that the election is over its time to move forward and get some work done for the better of the town. But first a few house cleaning topics: for those who read this I do not proof read my posting it’s a blogg not a term paper, just random thoughts so don’t expect it to get any better. There will always be spelling, grammar and other errors. FYI I was not able to attend a Republican committee either so I went out and won a seat to attend them and would like also to see them open to everyone some day. Last time I checked with myself I am able to make decision on my own. I also won an election I was not put into my seat by the board. I was voted by the other park commissions to be the chairmen not the Republican committee or the Town board. Oh and by the way I did show up for Town Board meetings when I was not in office for a few years before I ran. Yes I had a lot of fun growing up just like everyone else. Ok let’s move on I care about this town just like the rest of you on UB but we do have many other things in common. Time to go

An association of men who will not quarrel with one another is a thing which has never yet existed, from the greatest confederacy of nations down to a town meeting or a vestry.
Thomas Jefferson

Rockland and Orange counties are not a piggy bank for the MTA

Karben blasts MTA commuter lot parking fees

Assemblyman Ryan Karben of Rockland County today blasted a Metropolitan Transportation Authority decision to institute new parking fees of up to $200 at the agency’s commuter parking lots in Rockland and Orange counties. There are already parking fees on east of Hudson train facilities.

“The MTA is giving city subway users a free ride while they pick the pockets of suburban commuters,” Karben said, “The MTA refuses to use its surplus to assist Rockland commuters and may reduce suburban ridership with these outrageous fees.”

Karben said a study done several years ago found that Rockland already contributes $32 million more to the MTA than it gets in services. These fees will increase that gap.

“Rockland and Orange counties are not a piggy bank for the MTA,” Karben said.

Supreme Court ballots impounded, locking up all contested election races in the Ninth JD

Supreme Court ballots impounded, locking up all contested election races in the Ninth JD

With a slim margin between the two top vote-getters in the Supreme Court race in the Ninth Judicial District, Rockland County Republican Chairman Vincent Reda yesterday got all of the voting machines in Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Putnam and Dutchess counties impounded.

This affects ongoing recounts for other contests in the affected counties, including for two close Orange County Legislature races.

Reda said he wanted to protect the integrity of a recount. “We’re only about 150 votes apart and that involves five counties, so we impounded the machines and the ballots to insure a good count,” he said. “We’re optimistic at the outcome.” A Republican will win since they are the top two vote getters, Reda said.

The winner will be either Orange County Court Judge Stewart Rosenwasser or Suffern Village Justice Matthew Byrne.

To sit back hoping that someday, some way, someone will make things right is to go on feeding the crocodile, hoping he will eat you last - but eat you he will.
Ronald Reagan

Remember our veterans

Remember our veterans
By State Senator William Larkin


On Veterans Day, Americans should pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by our veterans. All who served need to be given proper praise for a job well done. Our veterans have faced unbelievable hardships and some have faced death in defending our nation's freedom. They possess the core American values of loyalty, duty, respect, honor, selfless service, personal courage and integrity.

In today's world, our nation does not need to be in a declared war for our military to be serving at great risk or hardship. Today in Afghanistan and Iraq our soldiers are in harm's way 24 hours a day. Also, our forces are not all active duty personnel. Now, more than ever before, the Reserves and National Guard are being deployed. These citizen soldiers also need all the support our communities can provide, not only to the soldier, but to their family members at home as well.

Veterans Day is the time we recall the courageous legacy of soldiers who fought in our nation's wars, from the War of Independence to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today our soldiers are carrying on a legacy of valor and service that soldiers before them established throughout our nation's history.
We cherish and honor both our older veterans and now our active duty soldiers. We remember that they are the American heroes who answered the nation's call, doing the hard work of preserving the peace and freedom all Americans enjoy, and bringing hope and justice to people throughout the world.

We all lead busy lives and so it is natural to overlook the meaning of the service of our veterans. They've done their job so well that our nation feels safe and secure from a very dangerous world. Veterans deserve to know that we appreciate their service. We must let them know that we truly believe America is better because of their service and sacrifice. Take the time to thank a veteran, not just on Veterans' Day, but any day that you get the chance to meet a veteran.

Whatever achievements our nation has attained, we owe to the men and women who have stood guard at the front lines of this great country. God Bless our veterans and God Bless America.

Burke's win was 1 step at a time

Burke's win was 1 step at a time

By Chris McKenna
Times Herald-Record
cmckenna@th-record.com

Woodbury – He started knocking on doors back in June to collect signatures to run for supervisor. Later, after he'd turned in his petitions, he kept going, testing if enough people really wanted him to run.
"They kept encouraging me to keep walking," John Burke said.
He stopped his travels on Monday, having hit 1,800 homes in the town by his reckoning. The next day, voters went to the polls and made the retired high school principal Woodbury's new supervisor, giving him almost 150 votes over the incumbent, Sheila Conroy.
Yesterday, Burke was fielding calls of congratulations and placing his own to thank supporters. He hadn't spoken yet to Conroy, who has occupied the supervisor's office for four years and was the town Planning Board chairwoman and a councilwoman before that.
Burke said he'd been hopeful on Election Day when he saw the large turnout. He attributes much of that turnout and his support to the Town Board's vote last week to approve zoning changes for a 451-home project that has roiled town politics.
"It certainly got people's attention," said Burke, who had helped lead opposition to the housing proposal. "It certainly left a bad taste in people's mouths."
Burke had vowed before the election to push for the repeal of those zoning changes if elected. But two Conroy allies won board seats on Tuesday and preserved their side's majority, making that repeal goal problematic.
Indeed, being in the minority on a 3-2 board could make Burke's two-year term tricky, especially after the emotional campaign he just fought. One thing he said he wants to do first is reconsider the firms that the Town Board has been using as its legal and engineering consultants.
Burke acknowledges the difficulty he'll face being in a board minority. But he says of his future colleagues, "I plan to work with them, and I hope they'll work with me."

Burke upsets incumbent

Burke upsets incumbent

By Chris McKenna
Times Herald-Record
cmckenna@th-record.com

Woodbury – John Burke, an outspoken Town Board critic who helped lead opposition to a 451-home development proposal, won a place for himself on that board yesterday by unseating Supervisor Sheila Conroy.
Burke, a Democrat, eked out a narrow victory over Conroy, the two-term incumbent and former Planning Board chairman, reflecting what must have been a fairly even division in Woodbury over a project that the board cleared only five days earlier.
But Conroy's allies will retain a 3-2 advantage on the Town Board. Her two Republican running mates, Councilwoman Geraldine Gianzero and Michael Queenan – the current Planning Board chairman – won a seven-way race for two council seats.
The campaign was dominated by debate over developer Bill Brodsky's proposal to build homes on a 400-acre tract off Dunderberg and Nininger roads.
Burke, a retired high school principal, and others had been crusading against the project since it arose a year ago. Brodsky was asking for zoning changes to increase the number of homes he could build, offering to donate open space and improve the town's water and sewer systems in return. The zoning then in place would have allowed 148 houses.
Conroy and three councilwomen went forward with the environmental review, arguing the project had benefits for the town worth considering. On Thursday night, the board met and voted 4-1 to grant the zoning changes Brodsky requested.

KJ ruling party launches 11th hour campaign blitz

November 8 , 2005

KJ ruling party launches 11th hour campaign blitz
"Vote Republican, Get 'KJ' "

By Chris McKenna
Times Herald-Record
cmckenna@th-record.com
Monroe - Kiryas Joel's ruling party appears to have launched an 11th-hour campaign blitz loaded with dark humor and deep irony to re-elect their allies on the Monroe Town Board.

Monroe residents going to the polls today have gotten recorded phone messages and fliers intended to drive voters away from the challengers that Kiryas Joel's leadership must regard as the incumbents' biggest threat: the Democrats.

"Vote Republican, Get 'KJ,' " reads one flier handed out at polling stations today. "Vote Democrat, Get 'KJ-Lite' " Kiryas Joel's leaders, recognizing their community's unpopularity with Monroe voters, have the political savvy and mordant humor to use that reputation to try to hinder the Democrats, one of two slates vying to unseat three longtime Republican board members.

Residents of the Camp LaGuardia homeless shelter, who often perform menial labor in Kiryas Joel, were hired to stand outside onroe polling stations today and distribute fliers supporting the aveMonroe-endorsed candidates or tainting the Democrats with Kiryas Joel ssociations.

Shelter residents also plastered the fliers on the windshields of hundreds of cars parked at the Metro-North station in Harriman, leading to an altercation this evening with members of the Woodbury activist group, SOCA At Work.

Monroe residents have gotten recorded phone messages the last two days pursuing the same tactic - either cheering for SaveMonroe or trumpeting the support of the Kiryas Joel Alliance party for the Democratic candidates for Town Board. Leaders of the Monroe Democrats, SaveMonroe and Kiryas Joel Alliance have disavowed any responsibility for the fliers and recorded phone messages.

Kiryas Joel Administrator Gedalye Szegedin couldn't be reached so far today to discuss the sly campaign, which surpasses in ingenuity an earlier effort to sink a Monroe village board candidate with a similar "kiss-of-death" strategy.

Do you think the cost of living in our region is excessive?

RECORD ONLINE POLL


Do you think the cost of living in our region is excessive?
Yes 91.2% (758)

No 8.8% (73)
Total votes: 831

Casting call: Vote today!

November 08, 2005

Casting call: Vote today!

By Brendan Scott
Times Herald-Record
bscott@th-record.com

You've heard the names. You've followed the issues. You've seen the campaign signs. Man, have you seen the campaign signs.
Now's your chance to close the curtain on another campaign season and pull the lever to pick the leaders and court judges of your town or county.
Today is Election Day. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Unlike other holidays, banks and other institutions will be open today, however, the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello will be closed.
While the presidency and governor's office aren't up for grabs today, numerous local posts are. These are the people who will decide, among other things, when your road gets repaved, how to plan for growth and who gets sent to prison and for how long.
Headlining the bill? Orange and Ulster counties, where control of both county legislatures is up for grabs. In Orange, there are also contests for county executive and county clerk. In Sullivan, voters can pick a new sheriff and treasurer.
The ballots in Orange and Ulster counties also feature battles for long-term posts on the courts. In Middletown, control of City Hall is at stake.
As with other recent elections, the hottest races are in places that have witnessed the most dramatic changes in recent years. Such locales include the towns of Cornwall, Goshen, Mamakating, Monroe, Montgomery, New Windsor, Wawarsing and Woodbury.
Also on the ballot today are two statewide propositions: a proposal that would reform the state's budget-planning process and a $2.9 billion proposal to pay for highway, bridge and mass transit projects in the next five years.

For more questions about your polling place or for more information, contact your local board of elections, in Orange County at 291-2444; Ulster County at 334-5470 and Sullivan County at 794-3000 ext. 5024.

Dune Records

Weird Uncle Betty

In Porn We Trust



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Track Listing

1. Sexorama
2. Lolita
3. Shemale Thunder
4. Wet'n'Shiny
5. The Intruder (feat. BATMAGOO)
6. Susan's Party Dress
7. Betty's Dirty Peepshow
8. Rubbergirls
9. Sticky Fingerz
10. I'm The Doctor
11. Pure Hardcore
12. The Gee-Thanx Theme (feat. BATMAGOO)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Weird Uncle Betty - the name alone hints at a very odd release, and the title of the album (In Porn We Trust) reinforces this immediate assumption. So what's in a name...? A solid release. This is a beat oriented body moving collection of tunes laced with samples based in a sexual nature. Structurally, sonically, and texturally, this resembles Norman Cook's output as of late. In fact, "Wet'n'Shiny" uses the drum loop from Fatboy Slim's "Everybody Needs a 303". These tracks are for moving the body, but they're not club-ready, which is a nice factor. The big-beat tends to get repetitive after a while, which is common in most big-beat groove oriented tracks, but there is enough sonic variation between the tracks to appease the groove palate.

Proposition 1

To the Editor:

As New Yorkers head to the polls on November 8th, voters will have the opportunity to vote on two important Propositions.

Proposition 1 is the Budget Reform measure. As you know, this year New York State had an on-time budget for the first time in 21 years. Proposition 1 is on the ballot as a result of these consistently late state budgets. It would vastly improve the budget process and put an end to late state budgets that create financial hardships for schools, hospitals, localities and hard working taxpayers who, for years, have been left to guess how much state aid they would receive when the budget is late. In addition, Proposition 1 would restore the balance of power between the Governor and Legislature and bring it more into line with most other states.

I believe the passage of Proposition 1 is needed to help bring about a more efficient and dependable budget process in New York State.

Proposition 2 is the Rebuild and Renew New York Transportation Bond Act of 2005. This $2.9 billion Bond Act will make an important investment in our State's critical transportation infrastructure, creating an estimated 120,000 jobs in the process. If the Bond Act is approved by voters, it will provide more than $180 million for projects in the Hudson Valley region.

By investing wisely now in our critical transportation infrastructure, we will be able to increase the safety of our roads, bridges, highways, and mass transit systems.

Therefore, I urge my constituents to vote yes on Proposition 1, Budget Reform Constitutional Amendments, and Proposition 2, Rebuild and Renew New York Transportation Bond Act of 2005, on November 8.

Senator Bill Larkin
39th Senate District
(Oct. 28)

Man glued to toilet seat, sues store Fri Nov 4, 8:26 AM ET

Man glued to toilet seat, sues store Fri Nov 4, 8:26 AM ET



A Colorado man who had a panic attack when he found he was glued to a toilet seat in a Home Depot restroom has sued the home improvement giant for negligence, saying staff ignored his plight.

Retired electrical engineer Bob Dougherty, 57, said on Thursday he was stuck in the stall with his pants down for about 20 minutes and that two years after the 2003 incident he was suffering from post-traumatic stress, which has triggered diabetes and heart complications.

"I have these nightmares every night where I am locked in this dark room, with no windows, no doors, no fresh air, no route for escape. I wake up in these cold sweats," Dougherty said.

Spokesmen for Home Depot Inc. could not immediately be reached for comment.

Dougherty said in a lawsuit filed last week in Boulder, Colorado, that he thought he was having a heart attack when he realized his buttocks and legs were stuck to the toilet seat in the Home Depot restroom in Louisville, Colorado.

He explained his plight to an employee who came into the restroom but other Home Depot staffers thought it was a hoax and he had to wait until someone else came in to again summon help.

Dougherty is claiming unspecified damages for help with medical and psychiatric bills, for humiliation and for the diabetes he said he has developed as a result of the stress.

"Home Depot not only ignored my plight, they refused my plight," he said. Dougherty said he suspected the glue had been placed there as a prank by three teens seen earlier in the store.

25th anniversary edition of "Enter the Dragon" which is truly cause for celebration.

By Steve Vivona

Warner, $24.98, Widescreen

For years Bruce Lee struggled to make it as an American film star. He starred as Kato opposite Van Williams in the short-lived "Green Hornet" series and after a number of guest appearances in TV and films he went to Hong Kong and made a trio of hugely successful features. When films like "Fists of Fury," "The Chinese Connection," and "Return of the Dragon," were screened here his future in Hollywood was assured.

Realizing Lee's amazing popularity, Warner Bros. set out to make the first U.S.-produced kung fu action film with him as the star. Lee shot "Enter the Dragon" early in 1973 and he knew this would be his breakout success. Sadly he died from a cerebral edema about a month before it premiered.

"Enter the Dragon" was a worldwide phenomenon and Lee became an international icon as a result of his untimely death, joining the ranks of other stars who died too young, such as James Dean and Marilyn Monroe.

People were so desperate for anything starring Lee that some of his "Green Hornet" footage was cobbled together into a feature. More notably an entire film was shot around 20 minutes of some of the best Lee fight footage and released in 1978 as "Game of Death." As ridiculous as the film is I'm happy they did it because that excellent footage (including the infamous fight with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) saw the light of day.

"Enter the Dragon" is Lee's answer to a James Bond film. The only real difference is the fact he's a martial artist, but all the other elements are there: the international intrigue, the beautiful girls, the despicable villain.

Lee's undeniable charisma is the heart of the film. Without him it could have been a lame kung-fu film, but he brings an intensity to the role that really makes the audience care about his character and his mission. It's important to note that he really was a fine actor in addition to being an incredible martial artist.

In the film he stars as Lee (yes, that's right) a martial artist who agrees to spy on Han, a reclusive crime lord who killed his sister and his father. Lee uses his invitation to a tournament at Han's island compound as cover, and is sent in with Roper (John Saxon) and Williams (Jim Kelly), two talented martial artists on the lam from their troubles at home.

Han suspects the trio as being spies and tries to entice them with the many pleasures a man in his position can provide. The three are unmoved and Han is forced to use other measures to deal with them.

During the tournament sequences Lee really struts his stuff. While I am an admirer of Jackie Chan he's a bit of a clown. Lee was pure kinetic force. His moves are so graceful and focused it's like watching a rapid-fire ballet. The choreography of the fight scenes, which Lee also did, is staggering especially during the climactic battle where he takes on at least 20 men. Then there's the famous finale in the mirrored room. Not only is that one of the more inventive fight sequences ever filmed it's a feat of cinematic wizardry.

We can only imagine what heights Lee would have soared to had he lived. His charm is evident even in his badly-dubbed Hong Kong films (it's refreshing to hear his actual voice in this one), and his skill makes the likes of Van Damme and Segal look like cheap knock-offs (which essentially, they are).

"Enter the Dragon" solidified the popularity of the martial arts film in this country and set the stage for hundreds of Lee imitators and imposters, as well as a ton of badly-dubbed kung fu period pieces imported for late-night viewing.

Jackie Chan, the reigning king of the martial arts, happily does not try to imitate Lee. Chan combines his formidable skill with a hefty dose of comedy and his films are a combination of Lee and Buster Keaton.

Warner has given us a wonderful 25th anniversary edition of "Enter the Dragon" which is truly cause for celebration. The remastered widescreen image is fantastic and the version provided on this DVD is an extended international version never seen before in the U.S. (the new scenes are denoted with asterisks in the chapter stops).

Also included on this fully-loaded DVD is an introduction and interview with Linda Lee Cadwell, Bruce's widow, as well as an audio commentary from producer Paul Heller and screenwriter Michael Allin. A featurette produced in 1973 is provided and a new documentary, "Bruce Lee: In His Own Words." Home movies, trailers and TV spots round out this excellent package.

A Fornario fan

A Fornario fan
I would like to thank Legislator Frank Fornario for choosing to run for another term of the Orange County Legislature. He has been referred to as a renegade, rebel, or maverick. He's been quoted as saying, "I'm not a politician, I'm a people-tician" corny, but accurate. He keeps excellent communication with local government. He has curbed wasteful spending by opposing the government acquisition of the Lycian Theater. He has honored the veterans by instituting additional burial benefits in the county veteran cemetery.
Many county and state officials viewed Kiryas Joel's attempt to tap New York City's aqueduct with a 13-mile pipeline as a done deal. Frank Fornario was one of the few politicians that stood up and took a stance against the pipeline. He took issue with the pipeline before the letter campaign that brought the county Legislature and county executive to take action. Not only am I glad to have a man of integrity like Frank Fornario representing me, but I'm also proud to call him a friend.
Brandon L. Nielsen
councilman
Town of Blooming Grove

News and Events

» Psychedelic / Rock / Progressive

» Americus, GA

» Allen, Phil, Kyle

» Downloadable Songs (1)


News and Events

The kick off show for the three night run will be Wednesday, March 23, at Allen's House. For information on how to get there email us at unclebettytheband@hotmail.com and we will shoot directions your way! The show will last from 8 until 12 or so. Oh...and of course, it is free!

Uncle Betty is currently booking some shows for March 24, 25, and 26 to add to the Tuesday, March 29th show at Georgia Southwestern. These shows would be in and around Albany and Americus.

ALSO!!! Go to www.myspace.com/unclebetty for more music. Two more songs will be on the myspace shortly.

Check back often for more updates on shows and music. www.myspace.com/unclebetty

Satmar Rivals Feud In Court and Outside It

Satmar Rivals Feud In Court and Outside It
Today's Forward reports on the controversy between supporters of two sons of the grand rebbe of the Satmar Hasidic sect. Each side claims that their rabbi is the rightful successor to the ailing 91 year old leader of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish group. New York Supreme Court Judge Stewart Rosenwasser is presiding in a case in upstate New York that focuses on which group should control a cemetery in Kiryas Joel.

Rosenwasser, who is up for re-election as judge next week, recently issued a temporary ruling in favor of one of Rabbi Aaron Teitelbaum's followers, but warned that it should not be read as determining the broader question of who controls the Satmar's communal assets of more than $100 million. Earlier, a different Brooklyn judge had ruled that followers of Rabbi Zalmen Teitelbaum, the other brother, should control the group. The Forward reports that coincidentally, Rabbi Aaron's followers are an important voting bloc in Rosenwasser's district. The feud between the two factions has led to physical violence between them at the main Satmar synagogue in Brooklyn. On Oct. 27, the judge wrote to lawyers on both sides demanding an explanation of the fight that broke out at the synagogue two days earlier during Shemini Atzeret services.


posted by Howard Friedman @ 7:10 AM

Levinson: Justice in Woodbury is ‘not delayed or denied’

Levinson: Justice in Woodbury is ‘not delayed or denied’

To the editor:

With election day 2005 rapidly approaching, I write this letter to reaffirm to the residents of the Town of Woodbury my steadfast commitment to maintain the Woodbury justice court free of political intrusion and a court dedicated to the swift administration of justice.

My commitment and dedication have not diminished one bit over the last 28 years as your town justice. My devotion to the prompt, fair administration of justice remains as strong today as it was in 1978. Although our court calendar has expanded measurably over the years, the court, with the assistance of a loyal and highly skilled staff, has kept rapid pace with the burgeoning case load. We have no delays in the handling of cases. Justice in Woodbury is not delayed or denied anyone.

I am proud of the opportunity I had to serve with my colleague and friend, the late Judge Edward Kellman. Ed will be missed and not be easily replaced. I am proud of the Woodbury Court’s accomplishments. I am also proud to have served as your town justice for almost 28 years. I sincerely hope you give me the same support on Nov. 8 as you did when I was first elected in November 1977.

David L. Levinson

Highland Mills

Support for Hasin as Woodbury town judge

Support for Hasin as Woodbury town judge




To the editor:

I am enthusiastically supporting David Hasin’s candidacy for Woodbury town judge. David has been my family’s attorney for many years. He is well qualified and experienced. In addition, I know David to be fair-minded and even-tempered. These are, I believe, the precise qualities that serve to make an individual an outstanding judge.

Throughout the years I observed David to be a man of integrity and I am confident he will be a fair, open-minded and principled town justice.

Please vote on Election Day and join me in my support for David Hasin for Woodbury town judge.

Dr. Sherri Alpert

Highland Mills

The race for Supervisor in the Town of Woodbury

The race for Supervisor in the Town of Woodbury

John Burke,Democrat

Biographical information: Personal: Age 65. Married 42 years; six children and 11 grandchildren.

Military Experience: Honorable Discharge United States Marine Corps Reserve.

Professional: Educator for 37 years, including 22 years as Nanuet High School Principal. Many leadership awards. Ten years of negotiating experience. Twenty two years of budget building experience and accountability.

Community involvement: 36-year resident. Former Little League coach. Former CYO basketball coach.
John Burke (Left) and Sheila Conroy (Right).

Candidate statement: We should control our own destiny.

The destiny of how our town will be in the future is to be decided now. The current residents are entitled, since they are paying the bills, to determine not only what Woodbury should look like but also will we be able to afford to live here in the not too distant future. A detailed audit will help us run a more efficient town.

Officials must make prudent decisions about our quality of life and maintain an affordable tax structure. Every day we are reminded as we travel on Route 32 that traffic is a nightmare. A new review of traffic conditions along Route 32 is necessary, by all parties involved, in order to allow a smoother flow of traffic.

Allowing five new laws which will permit more traffic and drain on our infrastructure (roads, water, sewer system, emergency services, courts, streams, schools, town and school taxes, etc.) is not what is needed. We can best control our own destiny by following our current zoning laws.

Our new town board must reach out to our greatest asset - the public. Those individuals with suggestions and expertise must be treated respectfully and professionally because Woodbury belongs to all residents, not just the town board. A total commitment to our master plan, fiscal responsibility and open government are basic if our elected officials are to meet the needs of our residents.

I am asking all Woodbury voters to support me so, with your help, I can help protect our zoning laws, infrastructure, hold down our taxes and give back our government to the people.

Sheila Conroy, Republican

Biographical information: I am currently supervisor of the Town of Woodbury, serving my second two-year term. I have 22 years of community-oriented experience in Woodbury, including being a founding member of our Historical Society and of a non-partisan citizen’s advocate group, serving as president in the mid 1980’s.

Prior to this, I was a secondary social studies teacher and taught New York State Government.

Candidate’s statement: Rather than being someone criticizing others, I preferred to become involved in a positive way by working with people and helping to solve problems. I have served our community as a town council member (four years), a Planning Board member (12 years) and now supervisor. When problems arose about Nepera, I was asked by the town to help form the Community Advisory Panel and then served as Woodbury’s representative.

Financially, I have worked to obtain grants (Timber Ridge sidewalks, Senior Center flooring and parking lot) and to phase projects in order to spread out costs. Preserving open space has been a high priority, such as initiating the town’s first open space plan and acquiring more than 70 acres of land for under $25,000.

On environmental issues, I have effectively used my knowledge of the state Environmental Law to insist that proper procedures are followed on projects affecting our town, such as the Kiryas Joel pipeline and the Sullivan County casino traffic.

I am a senior member of the Southeast Traffic Task Force, which recently received a Pattern for Progress award and federal money to redo the Thruway entrance.

I will continue to bring years of experience and knowledge to deal with the serious issues facing Woodbury, including the pipeline, annexation and sprawl.

I urge people to look at candidates’ government experience and what they have done for Woodbury. Hear both sides in order to make informed decisions.

Calhoun backs Lambros for re-election

Calhoun backs Lambros for re-election

To the editor:

As an incumbent Orange County Legislator, Dimitrios Lambros has stood up for what is right these past four years.

When legislation in Albany threatened condominium homeowners with exorbitant tax increases, who of the current candidates worked to get this bill killed? Only Dimitrios Lambros.

When neighbors of Camp LaGuardia held a press conference to demand a monitor and protection for their families, who was there? Only Dimitrios Lambros.

When the Chester Town Board held a hearing to address the 900 Sugar Loaf parcels who are double-taxed for library services, who supported allowing these residents to be permanently removed from the School District Library? Only Dimitrios Lambros.

When the Commission on Alternatives to School Property Tax held a hearing in the Legislative Chambers, who was there to support seeking change to this outdated system? Only Dimitrios Lambros.

When you cast your vote in the 8th District, whether in the towns of Chester, Tuxedo, Warwick, or Monroe, who has shown, through his dedication, that he will continue to work effectively in your best interests? Only Dimitrios Lambros.

Very truly yours,

Nancy Calhoun

Member of Assembly, 96th A.D.

Washingtonville

Caruso is ‘a tireless advocate’

Caruso is ‘a tireless advocate’

To the editor:

I am writing in support of Ralph Caruso in the race for Orange County Legislator representing the 14th District, which includes the Towns of Woodbury and Highlands.

Ralph, a 31-year resident of Highland Mills, has served as a Woodbury Town councilman, as well as a member of the Board of Police Commissioners, the Board of Health, the Architectural Review Board and most recently as chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Having had the pleasure to serve on the ZBA with Ralph for the past two years I have witnessed first-hand his dedication to public service, evidenced by the effort and hours of preparation that he puts in. I am certain he will demonstrate the same exceptional level of commitment as a county legislator.

With many of the serious issues regarding unrestrained growth, congestion, traffic and disproportionate sharing of county sales tax revenue facing our district we need a tireless advocate like Ralph Caruso to fight for us.

I hope that all residents of the Towns of Woodbury and Highlands will join me on Nov. 8th in voting for Ralph Caruso, a proven leader who will get results and give us the representation we deserve.

Buddy Mickolajczyk

Highland Mills

Ralph Caruso is ‘a proven leader’

Ralph Caruso is ‘a proven leader’

To the editor:

It is no secret that the town of Woodbury has had its share of major issues to contend with in the past. Our town has had to confront environment issues, controversial zoning matters, new construction challenges, increasingly heavy traffic patterns, rapid population growth, property infringements and a multiple array of other distractions which have impacted on the quality of our local community. Throughout all of it I have observed Ralph Caruso’s steady, selfless leadership. He is involved in just about every group or movement devoted to improving life in Woodbury.

Ralph Caruso has led others and been leader enough to know when to be a good soldier. In my own 35 years of community service in downstate New York and Orange County I have rarely seen a person with the level of integrity, enthusiasm and graciousness of this fine public servant. Make no mistake - Ralph Caruso is an effective gentleman in the rough and tumble world of local community politics.

Consider this: he is a 35 year resident of the town of Woodbury. He is active is his church, an fervent outdoorsman, a U.S. Navy veteran, a member of the local historical society, active in issues impacting on senior citizens and matters of law and order. Additionally, Mr. Caruso is college educated, a retired New York City transit worker, past town council member, a former Human Rights Commissioner, and a Board of Health member. He has been a loyal assistant and key aide to the Senator Bill Larkin for 12 years. Ralph Caruso goes the distance. He is a person who gets into the arena to do his best for his fellow neighbors regardless of where they reside.

I believe in this man and trust him to be an outstanding member of the legislature. Regardless of your political affiliation I urge the people in Highlands and Woodbury to elect Ralph Caruso. He will represent the interests of the residents of Highlands and Woodbury.

Leadership is never easy, but Ralph Caruso can make our lives a little easier through his earnest devotion to serve all of us. The challenges of our district’s past requires that we elect the best person for a positive future - Ralph Caruso, a proven leader, a devoted public servant.

Dr. Roberto Calderin

Highland Mills

Caruso challenges letter writer’s version of Woodbury park issue

Caruso challenges letter writer’s version of Woodbury park issue

To the editor,

This letter is in response to the letter in the Oct. 28 issue of The Photo News by Neil Crouse.

Shame on you Neil Crouse, for fabricating words to suit your needs, then putting quotes around them and crediting me with saying them. Your desperation to get my opponent elected is making you push the envelope on common decency.

Earlier in 2001, my opponent urged the Town Board to apply for an Orange County Municipal Park Grant. Dec. 20, 2001, after research, I correctly cautioned the Town Board not to apply for or accept any county, state or federal grants for our Woodbury Parks, because you will subject us to open Our Parks to all non-residents.

As Sal Marciano would say, Go To The Video Tape, of Dec. 20, 2001, where Councilman John Kelemen said: “I immediately the next day called the comptroller’s Office.” “Anytime you pretty much take any other kind of money unless it’s private funds … if it’s government money, you are open and libel somewhere down the road.” “I think Mr. Caruso is being protective and rightfully so….” I know of one grant you volunteered to complete, the application for a grant package I presented to the Town Board in October 2001, for improvements to the Woodbury Water System, from the Clean Water / Clean Air Act. In fact you came back to the Town Board in the early 2002, and told the Town Board, that the Town can not qualify for this grant. Councilwoman, Holly Gubernick-Borzacchiello and myself, took the grant application and completed it. I filed it in Senator Larkin’s office, where it was processed and forwarded to the Empire State Development Corporation on April 19, 2002. The Application was approved for $300,000 on August 1, 2002.

I hope this information clears up any of your confusion.

Sincerely,

Ralph Caruso

Orange County Legislator

Candidate 14th District

Woodbury board OKs housing

Woodbury board OKs housing

By Chris McKenna
Times Herald-Record
cmckenna@th-record.com

Woodbury – The Town Board met last night at the Woodbury senior citizens center and adopted a package of laws allowing developer Bill Brodsky to proceed with plans to build 451 homes on land previously zoned for 148, off Dunderberg and Nininger roads.
All the votes were 4-1, with Councilman Michael Aronowitz
casting the sole dissenting vote. Supervisor Sheila Conroy and councilwomen Geraldine Gianzero, Lorraine McNeill and Colleen Campbell voted yes.
It was a strangely muted conclusion to a controversy that has stirred fierce opposition at town meetings.
The crowd of about 100 was silent after the votes. Several spectators later rose to speak, but the board wouldn't let anyone talk about the project without the developer or his representatives there to respond.
Afterward, Conroy reiterated what she has said all along were some of the project's chief merits, including the donation of more than 100 acres of open space to the town and the inclusion of age-restricted houses.
"The thing I feel bad about is it was turned into a political issue from the beginning," she said.
Aronowitz, who has repeatedly urged the board to hold off on the votes until it finishes updating the town master plan, said afterward he was concerned both about the Brodsky project and a cluster-housing law just adopted that affects other large land parcels in town.
"To me, it's not just one project," he said.
Brodsky's proposal still needs Planning Board approval. That board has already begun reviewing the project, even though the Town Board had not yet adopted the required zoning modifications.

Will it be

Help I am Stuck

Last minute vote called on Woodbury development

Last minute vote called on Woodbury development

By Chris McKenna
Times Herald-Record
cmckenna@th-record.com

Woodbury – In a last-minute surprise before Election Day, the Town Board has scheduled a climactic vote tonight on the bombshell issue that has consumed town politics for a year.
After months of rancorous debate that spilled from Town Hall into political campaigns, the board will finally vote on a set of laws that would allow the developer Bill Brodsky to build 451 homes on land zoned for 148.
Town Supervisor Sheila Conroy said today the vote was scheduled after the board met on Monday and found only minor changes to make in a 30-page document that ends the project's environmental review.
"We're at the point where it's time to make a decision," Conroy said.
Tonight, the board will vote on that findings statement, then on five proposed laws that would allow the project to move forward to the Planning Board.
The decision to vote tonight caught opponents unawares.
John Burke, who has led the charge against the project and is challenging Conroy for office on Tuesday, accused the board of rushing to meet a "timetable set up by the developer."
"They are following a developer's schedule, and I think that's disgraceful," he said.
Councilwoman Geraldine Gianzero, anticipating criticism of the vote's timing, said it had nothing to do with the upcoming election or Brodsky's schedule
"All the information is in," said Gianzero, who's also up for election Tuesday. "As politically charged as this is, we will not put off the town's business."
Expecting a large turnout, the board has moved its 7:30 p.m. meeting from Town Hall on Route 32 to the senior citizens center nearby on Route 105.

Read more in tomorrow's edition of the Times Herald-Record.

A big zero for Woodbury!

Diana gives $1M for open space

With less than a week to go before he and the Orange County Legislature face re-election, Republican County Executive Ed Diana doled out more than $1 million in open space preservation grants to the area yesterday.
As some Democrats had expected, this round included $200,000 to help the Town of Chester pay down the $4 million cost of buying Broadview farm last year. Chester is the site of a hard-fought race between Legislator Dimitrios Lambros, R-Sugar Loaf, and Democratic challenger, Noel Spencer, a Chester councilman.
The grant is expected to help the incumbent. Diana had previously denied Chester funding, and the town had considered suing.
"I think the timing's fine," Diana said yesterday. "Everybody knew it was coming before Election Day. It wasn't hidden."
The other grants were:
- $75,000 to the Town of Crawford to help purchase a water supply well.
- $181,900 to the Town of Greenville to purchase the development rights of the Priest farm.
- $109,200 to the Town of Montgomery assist in the purchase of the development rights of Hodgson Farms.
- $436,000 to the Town of Warwick to help purchase the development rights of the Wisner Farm.

Brendan Scott

Why is memo ignored?

Why is memo ignored?
A June 1, 2001, memorandum from Town of Woodbury planner Stuart Turner to former supervisor Ted Jones gives reasons for rezoning all existing 2-acre and several 1-acre parcels to 3 acres: traffic congestion, lack of sewer capacity, water supply near capacity, increasing school taxes, and increasing loss of semirural and suburban character of Woodbury.
Turner wrote, "... the Town does not wish to permit additional stresses by allowing new development within its borders."
Since then, more than 250 homes have been built. And the current administration will vote on its proposed high-density cluster laws that will make development possible for Suburban (450 homes) and Legacy Ridge (281 homes). If those laws are passed, owners of more than 2,000 additional acres will also be able to apply for high-density zoning.
Why is the present administration ignoring the memorandum's advice? We'll be hit with escalating taxes, traffic and air and water pollution. That will be the legacy of the officials who pass the high-density laws, so they should be required to live in Woodbury for life and deal with their legacy.
Mary Gross-Ferraro
Highland Mills

New Worm Targets AOL Instant Messenger

New Worm Targets AOL Instant Messenger Jay Wrolstad, newsfactor.com
Mon Oct 31, 4:23 PM ET



A dangerous new worm is spreading through the AOL (NYSE: AOL - news) Instant Messenger (AIM) network. Identified by security experts, it provides hackers with an opening for installing all kinds of malware on compromised PCs.

The W32/Sdbot-ADD worm is particularly nasty because it includes what is called a "rootkit," which is software designed to go to the root of an operating system, circumventing virus protection and firewall software.

When a machine is compromised with such software, it gives hackers the ability to execute remote commands and install anything they want on the vulnerable PC.

New Attack Vector

"This is the first time a rootkit has [targeted] instant messaging," said Tyler Wells, senior director of engineering for instant-messaging security specialist FaceTime Communications.

Wells explained that this worm goes far beyond installing a single version of malware. He explained that the rootkit can include software to intercept data from network connections and even from the keyboard. It also acts as a vector for installing adware, worms, and viruses.

The worm works by targeting AIM users, who might get what appears to be a message from someone on a buddy list asking them to click on a link in the message. If they comply, the virus is downloaded to the machine.

Disturbing Trend

The worm was detected in a "honey pot" machine set up by FaceTime to track malware on instant-messaging networks and Web sites for malicious code and hazardous URLs.

FaceTime indicated that all AIM users are at risk.

"This is part of a disturbing trend, and attacks based on instant-messaging clients will only get worse over time," Wells said.

FaceTime noted that in the past year there has been a 20-fold increase in the number worms and viruses hitting messaging clients.

The best advice for AIM users is to avoid clicking on any URLs included in instant messages, even if the links look legitimate.