My Back Pages

My Back Pages: Dan Viola: Goodbye To A Friend : We got the news tonight that our friend, Dan Viola, has died of throat cancer. This is a sad time for us, and anyone who either grew up in C...

We got the news tonight that our friend, Dan Viola, has died of throat cancer. This is a sad time for us, and anyone who either grew up in Carmel, NY, or wh has been here, as we have, for a long time. Dan was a local icon, along with Tony Porto, and others who were local innkeepers and restauranteurs, they were local characters, well known and well loved by many. Tony is still with us, and Dan has now left. Dan was a kind soul who had a kind word for most of the people that he came in contact with. He was a soft touch, and I saw him many times feed some poor soul who was out of luck and out of money. He could be tough on you, if it was needed, but most of the time he was and easy going local legend. I met Dan one night when, as many have done, I had a few words at home and needed to get away. I was younger and not very bright in those days. Dan welcomed me into his place and bought me my first two drinks. He was kind and made me feel welcome. I never forgot that.  As the years went on,

My Back Pages:                         In Honor Of GrandparentsA ... :                         In Honor Of Grandparents A short Grandparent's Day 'My Back Pages' Theresa and Angelo Zaffino  cir...

                        In Honor Of Grandparents A short Grandparent's Day 'My Back Pages' Theresa and Angelo Zaffino  circa 1950 Grandparents are special people. They comfort you when you are hurt or upset. They chastise you when you are misbehaving, and tell you that you are still loved, and all is forgiven. They find that extra dollar in their pocket or purse, even after mommy has said “No, not today!”, for that ice cream or special toy that you wanted, and smile at mommy’s exasperation. “It’s a grandparents right to spoil the child!” they will say.  Grandparents are often the gentle victims of a child’s wrath when he or she is overtired. Grandparents are forgiving of the eye roll when they attempt to give advise, both from a parent or the child. Grandparents always have a hug or a kiss for a child, even when that child does not want it at the moment. Grandparents are always ready to listen, and give advise, if asked.. or just nod and understand if that is what

My Back Pages: The Miracle Continues- My Quest To Lose 54 Pounds ... :                                       May 21, 2013                                     September 6,2013 When I last posted, I had dro...

                                      May 21, 2013                                     September 6,2013 When I last posted, I had dropped from 226 pounds to 205 pounds in about three months time. I was going to wait a while before I posted again, but I felt that I had to post now, since I have now arrived at one of my self-made goal weights.. 200 pounds. I am now well on my way to reaching my goal weight of 162 pounds. I still have a long way to go, 38 pounds more, to be specific, but I now know that it is not only possible, it is going to happen, as long as I stick to what I am doing, and remember to shake. Sensa has given me one tool, and made me realize that I must also use others to achieve my goal. Once I am there, the fight will not be over. I will not pull a George Bush and say "Mission Accomplished", because getting there is just half the battle. Staying at that weight, and perhaps even losing an additional ten pounds is the other half. And like ever

My Back Pages: Labor Day Blues : September 2, 2013 Kent New York   It's a nasty, rainy and windy day outside. A fitting start for a day dedicated to the Labor Movement...

September 2, 2013 Kent New York   It's a nasty, rainy and windy day outside. A fitting start for a day dedicated to the Labor Movement, considering the sorry state of labor in the United States. The once vibrant industrial powerhouse that was the center of the country's economy has all but fallen silent; a victim of the stupidity and greed of politicians from all sides of the political spectrum, and the monolithic corporations who have taken over the country and now decide the course that it will head, at least in the near future. The ghosts of the old robber baron industrialists inhabit the bodies of today's greedy movers and shakers, in the form of the Koch brothers and the Trumps of the world. They care not about the bodies of the workers that they have crushed under their feet in the name of ever increasing profits. They care not for the families that they have torn asunder and driven to bankruptcy by moving all but the last vestiges of the mighty industries to the fa