Staten Island Advance Living News

Living, parenting, health & more from the Staten Island Advance

• Bordeaux -- the undisputed king of red wines
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- If there is a hierarchy in wine, the undisputed king -- at least for red wines -- is Bordeaux.

• Coffee was a popular ingredient
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Cowboy cooks were famous for putting coffee in the gravy and coffee in the barbcue sauce. So, it's easy to see where Chef Robert Del Grande of the famed Cafe Annie in Houston, Texas, got inspiration for his coffee-rubbed beef tenderloin. This Southwestern classic has been on the menu at Cafe Annie for decades. And the idea has been imitated all over the country.

• Creating a tender, smoky flavor
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- "Mesquite wood gives the meat a nice, tender, smoky flavor."

• For Labor Day dining, it's chefs to the rescue
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Someone said: "Don't labor over holiday recipes."

• Rosebank chef scores ace with U.S. Open cake
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A love of tennis that goes back to his youth was the impetus behind Chef Laurent Chavenet's creation of a pastry he dubbed the U.S. Tennis Open cake.

• SIPPER
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Whether going high or low in midtown Manhattan's Dream Hotel, visitors are bound to find a niche for sampling Ric Addison's newest invention -- the August cocktail.

• Birth announcements
CIARAMELLA -- a son, Dante Joseph, to Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Ciaramella of Huguenot, July 31.

• DETHRONE YOUR TODDLER
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- If you're a parent of a toddler, this situation will sound all too familiar: It's 5:30 p.m., you're just about finished preparing dinner and your toddler is screaming at the top of his lungs, refusing to wait for his dessert. He wants his ice cream right now and is intent on acting out until he gets his way.

• Mothers struggle to juggle career and family
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- "Mommy, can you please stay home with me today? I'll be your best friend!"

• 'The Fairy on the Lake,' a Welsh tale
Once upon a time in Wales, near the Vale of the Beadhouse, there lived a strong young man who loved to roam the hills that surrounded his farmhouse. He especially loved the large field near the lake. He walked through the grass, amusing himself by watching the fairy family. On the hillside near the lake, they danced and sang beneath the light of the moon.

• Counting sheep?
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Sleep is a natural phenomena and a requirement for good health. Several physiologic changes take place during sleep, although it is not fully understood why we need to sleep. The most accepted theories are; to regulate our body temperature, protect our immune system, and also allow our brain to rejuvenate itself. This makes sleep a complex phenomenon, and truly a vital one.

• Ready! Set! Tape!
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Over the last two-and-half weeks, American TV viewers watching the Olympics have noticed a curious-looking black marking on beach volleyball star Kerri Walsh's right shoulder.

• Talk to your college-age kids about alcohol abuse
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- How can your very intelligent college-age child make poor decisions that often place his or her safety at risk?

• Add flair to any wall in your room
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Let's face it, as teenagers we spend a lot of time showing off our sense of style. With our clothes, accessories and even school supplies, decoration is never lacking and ever changing. If you are tired of staring at the same four walls of your room, maybe it's just time for another change.

• Brunch to celebrate 200th birthday of museum's namesake
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The 20th annual fund-raiser brunch for The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, Rosebank, will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 7, at the George Washington Manor in Roslyn, L.I. Tickets are $55. Reservations are required; call 718-442-1608.

• Customize your clothes!
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- It's hard to find what you like when you are limited to stores that only have what is "in." And even when you find something you really like, you may wish to make it more of your own.

• Peace and food go together
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Make Food Not War, featuring a family-buffet dinner prepared by some of Staten Island's Celebrity Chefs, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Central Family Life Center, 59 Wright St. (and Rev. Calvin Rice Place), Stapleton, held by Peace Action of Staten Island. Tickets are $35 per adult, $15 per child, and free for those youngsters under 5. To reserve, call Peace Action by Aug. 25 at 646-723-1749.

• Retirement party for outgoing director
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Dorothy Doran, founder and former executive director of The Staten Island Center for Independent Living (SICIL), will be honored at her retirement party on Thursday, Sept. 18, beginning with an open-bar cocktail hour at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. in the Staaten, West Brighton. The $100 cost for the event includes a gift for Mrs. Doran. For reservations and more information, call SICIL at 718-720-9016.

• Softball game will benefit HomeAid New York City
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Local politicians will square off against members of the Building Industry Association of New York City (BIANYC) in the inaugural Charity Softball Game benefiting the newest chapter of the national charity HomeAid. The game is on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Manresa Council Sofball Field, New Dorp Beach. Fans will enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, peanuts, popcorn and cold drinks, included in the ticket price of $30. Children under the age of 12 will be admitted at no charge and will be served food, snack and refreshments.

• So, how do you make sure you have a rockin' workout?
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- It's your average day on Staten Island. School comes and goes, and you're ready to hit the gym for a quick workout.

• Supporters of Visiting Nurse Assn. to be honored
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Staten Island will sponsor its 25th Annual Awards Luncheon Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 11:45 a.m. in the Staaten, West Brighton. Tickets are $60 each. For reservations and more information, call Maria of the VNA at 718-816-3510.

• TURNING TABLES
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In the last few weeks, we've gotten several calls and e-mails from readers with food allergies and health issues. Each person understands that making food at home is the best option. But the reality is that they want to dine out on occasion. So the question is out there: Where can a diet-challenged diner find a meal in this town?

• ANNIVERSARIES
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- At a party hosted by their children, Joan and Anthony Raisley of Westerleigh, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the summer home of their daughter, Donna Forte in Lavalette, N.J.

• Back-to-school weekend with hoops and Gospel music
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The United Ministerial Alliance of Staten Island will co-sponsor a weekend back-to-school event beginning Friday at Cromwell Center in Tompkinsville.

• Frank and Gaetana Coniglione
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The year was 1945 and Gaetana (Gay) Messina was enjoying the festivities at a carnivale in the town of Militello in Sicily, when Frank Coniglione, also a Militello resident, introduced himself to the young lady.

• Congregation B'nai Jeshurun welcomes new rabbi
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Rabbi Judah Kogen was determined not to be a rabbi.

• Molinaro hosts sitdown with JCC's 'sister cities'
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Borough President James Molinaro this week met with an international delegation from the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island's "sister cities" in Israel and England.

• A city with spirit
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Call it resiliency. Charge it up to being a city anxious to show its innate sparkle. New Orleans is coming back, locals continue to say. "We won't stay down!"

• image in foodphotos
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- It's been said that although other regions of the country boast their own food specialties, Louisiana, and particularly New Orleans, offers the only true regional American food culture.

• Hotel offers recipe for its signature cocktail
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- No bar in New Orleans matches up to the elegant decor of the Carousel Piano Bar and Lounge at the Hotel Monteleone on Royal Street, in the heart of the French Quarter.

• Shrimp and oysters are back on the menu
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- New Orleans is noted for its wild seafood, particularly the shrimp and oysters -- delta delicacies -- that can be found on almost every restaurant menu.

• Summer into fall camping trips call for hearty meals
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- "Few things can top a great meal cooked over an open fire," says celebrity Chef Jon Ashton. "And knowing how much people love to camp, these easy-to-make recipes are sure to be a hit around anyone's campfire."

• The Loire Valley in France produces world-class wines
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Loire Valley, one of the most beautiful regions of France, takes its name from the Loire, France's longest river.

• Birth announcements
AHMED -- a daughter, Duaa Rasheed, to Amir Rasheed and Nazia Aziz (formerly of Pakistan) of Graniteville, July 18.

• 'The Bullfrog's Laughter,' an Australian tale
The native people of Australia, the aborigines, tell us of the Dreaming Time, a time when the world was created, a time when myths were made. This tale happened in the Dreaming Time, long ago.

• Understanding an abuser's psyche
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Domestic violence is defined as a pattern of control, according to Juan Carlos Aren, senior program director for the San Francisco-based Family Violence Prevention Fund. "It's [men] wanting to have their way, wanting to dominate the other person."

• Victim hopes her story helps others
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In high school, many girls dream of dating the cute football player. They picture rooting him on during his games and being the envy of other girls at school.

• When love turns violent
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- It began like so many normal teenage relationships. In the early days of their romance, her new boyfriend treated Courtney Mitchell like a princess. The now-25-year-old remembers how he opened doors for her and held her hand.

• Add immunizations to your child's back-to-school list
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- There are just a few weeks left before your children will be back in the classroom -- whether it be elementary, intermediate or high school or even college. That means they'll be away from parental supervision for most of the day, or, in the case of college students, possibly months at a time. While there's much to do in preparation for the new school year, right now is the time to do a final checklist of what your child will need to maximize safety and health for the next 10 months.

• High school internship program puts teens in scrubs at RUMC
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The sand, the sun, the sound of waves pounding the shoreline. Sounds like a perfect summer day, but how about sonograms, stitches and "Stan the Man?"

• Understanding hypertension
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- It has always been a source of wonderment to me that despite the fact that we are all different -- some tall, some short, some slim, some fat, some aggressive and some submissive -- we all have some identical body systems. Everyone's normal temperature is 98.6. Everyone's resting breathing rate is 12 per minute. Everyone's healthy blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg.

• Up in smoke

• YMCA Day Camp hosts Olympics
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- "Greece's Pieces" shouted one team from a section of the field. "USA, USA" another group chanted. Athletes representing China and Peru held posters signifying their pride, as a bright torch made of multi-colored tissue paper signaled what was about to begin.

• 'An Eagle Finds a Home' teaches you to be kind to others
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Sampson was visiting Tommy the Turtle at his new home on the rock next to Duck Island. They were both taking the sun and playing Go Fish. All of a sudden, up in the sky, they saw a very large bird soaring above them.

• FLIP PICKS
'HOUSE BUNNY' Looking for a movie to watch this summer that is sure to make you laugh? "The House Bunny" takes place in the Playboy Bunny Mansion, where the beautiful Shelley gets kicked out to make room for younger bunnies. Now she has nowhere to go, and finds herself as a den mother of an unpopular sorority. Check out what happens to this ex-Bunny in this hilarious film, set to hit theaters this Friday. -- Ricardo Hernandez

• Flying through airport security
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Nothing can be more frustrating than waiting on a very long line to check in your luggage, and then waiting again while trying to go through security. People who are prepared and understand the procedure make it easy for everyone, including themselves. That's why it's important to know the rules and regulations of air travel before you pack for your flight.

• Life moves pretty fast for All Time Low
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- All Time Low has had three EPs and two albums since their start a mere four years ago (while they were all still in high school). Recently graduated and six singles in, these Maryland boys on Hopeless Records are working on a number of things, including a new album featuring a track with Mark Hoppus (ex-Blink 182 member) and a video for Poppin' Champagne.

• Start the first day of school on a high note
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- It seems like yesterday when the last school bell rang and the lazy days of summer were upon us. In a blink of an eye, we find ourselves in the dog days of August with the new school year looming ahead.

• Churches to host Tent Revival in West Brighton
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A host of North Shore pastors have come together to sponsor a Tent Revival Tuesday through Aug. 24 outside New Hope Community Church in West Brighton.

• Luke and Frances DeMattia
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- T%>he Veranda at Silver Lake Golf Course was the setting for the golden anniversary dinner celebration of Mr. and Mrs. Luke DeMattia of Stapleton. Joining the couple were family and friends, including the maid of honor, Catherine Condello, Mr. DeMattia's sister, from Manahawkin, N.J., and some guests traveling from California.

• Uphill journey for Africans with AIDS
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- It can't be easy living with AIDS anywhere, even on Staten Island where services like medication, housing, supplemental nutritional programs and even spiritual support are available.

• Hebrew School registration at CBJ Thursday
Congregation B'nai Jeshurun's Hebrew School will have registration from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

• Chefs share their recipes inspired by the Greenmarket
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Depending on a chef's imagination, hundreds of recipes can be created by the simple, farm-fresh ingredients being sold each Saturday at the St. George Greenmarket. Vendors will continue to sell their wares each week, from 8 a.m. to about 2 p.m., until the Saturday before Thanksgiving Day.

• Great Kills resident offers class for barbecue enthusiasts
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Hunched over barbecue tables clustered under leafy trees at Historic Richmond Town, the barbecue enthusiasts who came to expand their knowledge of barbecuing listened intently as Smokin' Joe Mizrahi, a Great Kills resident with a passion for authentic, wood-smoked barbecue, described the techniques needed to become an authentic pitmaster.

• Pumping up the health quotient of certain foods
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Regardless of the ethnic twist you want to give a dish, reduced-fat mayonnaise with olive oil whipped into the blend is a new convenience product on store shelves. It's designed to make classic dishes more nutritious while contributing to their flavor profile.

• Shopping with the pros
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- As they meandered from one tented farm stand to another, the neighborhood restaurateurs and chefs invited to shop at the St. George Greenmarket on a recent Saturday morning, took their time in examining the bins of fruits and vegetables, checking out the seafood, meat and turkey products and studying the bouquets of fresh herbs displayed in the mid-morning sun.

• SIPPERS
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Summer is strawberry season, so it was no surprise to find that a sweet drink called Madrono -- laced with fresh strawberries -- would be named winner in this past year's U.S. Sherry Cocktail Competition. It's a twist on the classic Sherry Cobbler cocktail, say the experts.

• Birth announcements
DORSCH -- a son, Peter John, to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dorsch (nee Christine Kitchen, Bay Terrace) of New Dorp, July 18.

• 'Dreaming Bees,' a Japanese folktale
Once upon a time, two peasants, Shin and Yuki, lived in a tiny cottage. Each morning Shin walked into the woods to gather cedar to sell. He worked with his friend, and one day in the high heat of summer, his friend grumbled, "I'm tired. Let's rest."

• Make a good first impression
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- You're going to meet your future in-laws for the first time and are just a wee-bit nervous. Here are a few hints, culled from several Web sites, to make sure things go in your favor.

• MEET THE PARENTS
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- For some, meeting their future in-laws for the first time can be rather uncomfortable.

• America is undergoing a health care revolution
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- America is currently embroiled in a health care revolution. As we have entered into this new millennium, the medical profession and America's health care delivery system are undergoing a great metamorphosis.

• Learn to recognize the warning signals of a stroke
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Your sitting with friends, enjoying dinner when suddenly, you feel dizzy. Your vision in one eye becomes blurry. As you reach up to rub your eye, you notice that your arm feels odd -- kind of heavy. What's happening? The word, "stroke," comes to mind. Panic sets in. Could it be?

• Nick Jonas speaks out about his Type 1 diabetes
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Once again, Nick Jonas is taking center stage.

• Something to smile about
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Having low self-esteem, feeling reluctant to smile and being unable to eat properly are just a few of the ways bad teeth can affect a person's physical and mental well-being.

• A party that rocks!
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Everyone loves a good party! And a fun idea for a celebrity-themed party is to throw a bash with music in mind. Here are some ideas for honoring your favorite rock star. 1. Pick any musical celebrity (this could be a singer, a musician or an entire band). 2. Research this person on the Web to find out about his or her favorite food, favorite color, etc. This will give you ideas on how to set up your party. 3. Find pictures of your rock star in the newspaper or in magazines. Use the photos to make invitations. 4. If your celebrity uses any sort of an emblem, consider using it to make party decorations. For example, singer Avril Lavigne has a star on her left wrist that matches the one on her first album, "Let Go." The star could be used in your decorating plans. 5. Remember to tell everyone you invite that they must dress like the rock star. For example, guests could wear bright red lipstick if your star is singer Gwen Stefani. 6. Serve your celebrity's favorite food at the party. For example, singer Miley Cyrus' enjoys Chinese food, so be sure to serve it at your next Miley Cyrus party. 7. Play only music associated with your rock star at the party! Let's say you chose the band Rooney. Of course, you should play songs by Rooney at your party. But you could also play music from the bands Rooney has toured with, such as Weezer and The Donnas. You could also play music by other band on the same record label as Rooney. 8. Do you know your rock star's favorite movie? Play it at the party!

• Chamber of Commerce mixer
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce had a business mixer in the Tiki Bar at the South Fin Grill, South Beach ... The Greenbelt Conservancy held its first barbecue and picnic fundraiser at the Greenbelt Recreation Center, Sea View ... The Manfredi Auto Group put on its annual company picnic at Nansen Lodge, Travis.

• Jammin' to remember a friend and firefighter
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The seventh annual Hangdown Memorial Jam in honor of firefighter Lt. Stephen Harrell will be next Sunday, Aug. 17 from noon to 7 p.m. at Nansen's Park, Travis. The donation of $40 for adults and $15 for children ages 6 to 14 (children under 6 are free) will benefit the Elsasser Fund and the Firemen's Transport Fund. The day will include barbecue, music and family activities. For more information, call Kevin Kelly at 917-533-4500 or Jimmy Steiny at 718-876-9422.

• Medical Center to host 1st Tournament of Heroes
Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) will host its First Tournament of Heroes fund-raiser, with local heroes playing one another in a baseball tournament at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George on Saturday, Aug. 23, beginning at noon. Admission is $20 for adults, $7 for kids, and includes a hot dog, soda and chips, DJ entertainment, a Kids Zone, shopping with vendors and raffles. T-shirts will also be available. For reservations and more information, call 718-818-2195.

• Starring Staten Island
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Staten Island has attracted various movie producers over the years. Think about the classic Mafia movie "The Godfather." Many scenes from this 1972 film were filmed right here on Todt Hill. Scenes from the 1988 romantic comedy "Working Girl" were shot in Stapleton and St. George.

• Stephanie Gutierrez,15, New Dorp
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Who really is Stephanie Gutierrez? She is definitely someone who is super-funny, talented, and very trustworthy. She is the girl everyone knows as the one who loves to make jokes, and is friendly with everyone. She is intelligent and definitely a person you'll never forget. If you go to New Dorp High School, you probably know who she is right off the bat. She is the girl who you see every day, laughing and being loud. She doesn't care what others think about her, and she is who she is, enough said.

• Tee off with Vietnam Vets
The Tori Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans is holding its annual golf outing Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the South Shore Golf Club. The day will start at 6:45 a.m. with a continental breakfast, followed by tee time at 8 a.m. and a deluxe barbecue at 1:30 p.m. Donations are $150 per person for golf and barbecue; $65 for barbecue only, and $75 for a hole sponsorship. Make reservations by Aug. 13. For more information, call Gene DiGiacomo at 718-720-0622 or Dan Ingellis at 646-823-7205.

• TURNING TBALES
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Hooray! Tomatoes are finally ready to eat from the garden.

• Alfred and Anna DeCrescenzo
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In the former DeSetto's Candy Store in Brooklyn, Anna Josephine LaBarca and Alfred DeCrescenzo first spotted each other. She noticed his black, wavy hair, and he caught her looking. A wink from Alfred was all it took for the two young people to begin dating. That first date led to a long and loving marriage that began on June 12, 1948, in Most Precious Blood R.C. Church in Brooklyn.

• ANNIVERSARIES
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- To celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Marino of Great Kills were presented with a luxury 10 day Caribbean cruise, aboard the Queen Mary 2, compliments of their children. In their lavish suite, the couple were welcomed with a bottle of French champagne and sugar-iced strawberries to be enjoyed while relaxing on their private terrace.

• 'Holy Women of God' at First Church of God in Christ
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Women's Department of First Church of God in Christ will have its Pre-Women's Day service tomorrow at 4:30 p.m.

• Priest from the Congo to meet with clergy, health care providers
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A Jesuit priest from the Democratic Republic of the Congo will meet with Staten Island clergy and health care providers next week to discuss his experiences in HIV/AIDS ministry in Africa.

• Society to host St. Rocco celebration
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The 119th annual Feast of San Rocco will take place Aug. 17 at St. Joseph's R.C. Church on Monroe Street in Manhattan.

• AMIT hosts day of learning for women
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Nothing is to be taken lightly during this mourning period known as the Three Weeks.

• Tisha B'av Webcast Sunday
The Orthodox Union will present a Tisha B'av Kinot Webcast Sunday at 8:45 a.m.

• Cafeteria at Eger features a new look and a healthy menu
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Employees and visitors to Eger Health Care and Rehabilitation Center will find something new -- and healthy -- in Eger's new cafeteria.

• Catering to Beijing's hordes of visitors
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Staten Island caterer Frank Puleo, co-owner with Frank Lombardi of the Clifton-based Framboise Caterers, peers from his window in Beijing and describes in an e-mail the spruced-up scene he sees stretched out before him.

• Makes use of squash bounty
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- While Staten Island was once known for its truck farms that delivered fresh produce to Manhattan markets as well as to local retailers, home gardeners now have taken over that role.

• Making organic shopping more affordable
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Although the controversy continues on the merits of organic -- with its steep prices, versus commercially grown produce, several thoughts are worth pursuing.

• More American wines being offered for sale in China
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- No one would have believed it possible a decade or two ago, but American companies like Beverly Hills Purveyors Inc. has announced that its latest wines are being aimed at the Chinese market.

• Nibble on flavors from the East and West when watching the Olympics
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- "Watch out for the roasted red chili paste," said Chef Katie Chin, speaking of the roasted red chili paste that she likes to use in some of her recipes. "The heat sneaks up on you -- so use it gingerly."

• Ringing in the Olympics at home
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The five Olympic rings -- in the form of the 2008 "Dancing Beijing" logo -- already are welcoming tourists to China's capital city for the Summer Olympics.

• SIPPERS
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- With the 2008 Beijing Olympics set to begin Friday, there's no better way to kick off the opening ceremonies, or toast a favorite athlete's win than with a cocktail that honors the home of this year's Summer Games -- Beijing.

• Birth announcements
BASCONE -- a daughter, Melissa Elisabeth, to Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Bascone (nee Lisa Cusumano, Sayreville, N.J.) of Sayreville, N.J., July 9.

• 'The Wizard,' an Armenian folktale
Long ago, there was a man who heaved a carpet bag over his shoulder and set off on a journey. He had been feeling weak and ill, and he thought travel would be good for him. As he trudged along, he came to a spring and saw water bubbling to the surface. He longed for a drink.

• Banding together
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- At 285 pounds, Tammy Gillispie sometimes found chasing after an active 7-year-old exhausting. But as nanny to country superstar Gretchen Wilson's daughter Grace, the job brought with it a life-changing perk -- a friend willing to address her obesity problem and health risks head on.

• Metabolic syndrome: An epidemic of the deadly quartet
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The worldwide epidemic of obesity and Type 2 diabetes is increasing the incidence of heart attack, stroke and kidney failure at an alarming rate. The classical risk factors for cardiovascular disease (high blood pressure, diabetes, elevated blood lipids (fats) and obesity) have been known for many years, but when they cluster together in the same individual, the risk of cardiac death may increase by more than four-fold.

• Not all jellyfish are dangerous
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- While relaxing in the waves you see a large translucent blob with long tentacles floating nearby. OK, most of us don't need to be told to avoid jellyfish. If you spot one of these fellow bathers, you're heading back to your blanket before the next wave breaks.

• Bryan Dodson, 18, West Brighton
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Standing six feet tall, this recent Curtis graduate stands out by his choice of colorful and creative T-shirts and his trusty skateboard, which he carries in his book bag.

• Mixing it up with pop & rock
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Pop princess sisters Aly (Alyson Michalka) and AJ (Amanda Michalka) are from the coast of California. In the acting game, they're regulars on the Disney Channel. They've also starred in the movie "Cow Belles." And Aly stars in "Phil of the Future." And both did "Super Sweet 16: The Movie" for MTV.

• Angelina and Vincent Innocenti
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Graniteville residents Angelina and Vincent Innocenti recently invited family and friends to join them at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn, Rossville, to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. The Rev. Louis Troiano, a friend of the family, officiated at the renewal of vows.

• ANNIVERSARIES
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Middletown, N.J., residents and former Staten Islanders Joseph and Grace Zaets were the guests of honor at a 50th wedding anniversary party given by their children in the Manalapan, N.J., home of their eldest daughter, Karen Cicero.

• Jehovah's Witnesses plan district convention
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- "Guided by God's Spirit," the district convention of Jehovah's Witnesses, will take place next weekend at the Jersey City Assembly Hall.

• Tibetan lamas to give teaching on 'Bodhisattva' Aug. 16
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Lama Pema Wangdak and Lama Guru Gyaltsen will present a teaching at 2 p.m. Aug. 16 at the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art on Lighthouse Hills.

• Language by democracy
STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE -- Have you ever been to apathy hour and noticed a bluetoothsome man who you can just tell has amoraphobia? Or, have you ever met a GHAG who convinced you to take a guyatus after your hobeau dumped you?

• Mom of slain yeshiva teen to speak at fund-raiser
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The mother of a 16-year-old murdered in his yeshiva in March will be the keynote speaker at the annual barbecue hosted by Yudi and Aviva Zuller at their Willowbrook home.

• See the Yankees with Arden Heights
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Arden Heights Boulevard Jewish Center will attend a Staten Island Yankees game at 2 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark.

• Words you won't find on the SATs - yet
STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE -- Ite, straight up, werd. The teens who hang out at the Benjamin Soto Skate Park in Midland Beach share some of the words and meanings they wish were a part of the English language.