(Long Island, N.Y.) One thing I hear all the time when it comes to losing weight and keeping it off: Don’t Drink Your Calories. Not exactly easy for me considering if I’m not sipping something all day, I’m snacking. And another big problem–I hate the taste of plain water.

If you haven’t noticed lately, the beverage market is flooded with new beverages. The supermarket shelves are stocked with tantalizing sips. But which one do you choose? I’m not a big fan of diet soda, juices are way too sweet and all low-cal drinks I’ve tried leave a horrible after taste and I land out dumping them down the drain in frustration. But I think I finally found my new favorite: TrimWater.

Here’s the skinny: Lifestyle Beverages and Oak and Boening Distribution teamed up to launch a new line of “nutritionally enhanced water.” TrimWater is a progressive product that not only tastes great–it’s low in both sugar and calories.

I recently chatted with David Sackler, founder and CEO of Lifestyle Beverages to learn more about TrimWater. Sackler grew up in East Meadow and with the exception of time spent in college, has lived on the Island his entire life. Having had a weight problem as a kid, Sackler said it’s something that just stays with you. He’s come a long way and his career choice is rather fitting. He’s now a nutritional savant who really knows his stuff. “I’ve been involved with the beverage and nutritionally enhanced beverage business for quite some time,” said Sackler. “I’ve worked with major nutrition companies ranging from Atkins to Nature’s Bounty and the owners of Zenadrine.” Two years ago, he created TrimWater and rolled out a test with four flavors and his new product became a hit.

According to Sackler, the beverage business as a whole is cluttered with a lot of perceptually good products that are very high in sugars; natural sugars or high fructose corn syrup. And while there are alternatives out there, the question is: How does it taste? Sackler, who personally samples every flavor, found a satisfying solution and created TrimWater on a very simple premise: To provide a better product that is tastier, good for you and promotes an active lifestyle.

Here’s the flavors: Pomegranate-CRANBERRY, PINK GRAPEFRUIT-HONEY, BLACK CHERRY-BLACKBERRY and LEMON-CITRUS—in addition to the original three—RASPBERRY-VANILLA, PASSIONFRUIT-BERRY and PEACH-MANGO.

But how does it taste? Really? Well, let’s just say I’m hooked. (Hint: The Pink Grapefruit-Honey is amazing!) Sure, there’s lots to choose from but I think TrimWater is strong enough to make a case. Or buy one!

Want to try it? So if you tend to drink your calories and you’re looking for something that really does taste good–go for it. It’s touted as a lifestyle beverage so you can drink it throughout the day. Sackler said here on Long Island, you can pick up a bottle at many delis and bagel stores and it can be found at places such as King Kullen, Thrifty, Best Yet, Beverage Barn and 7-11. Or you can check out: www.TrimWater.com

(Long Island, N.Y.) In the Bible, fire and brimstone are known as “the torments suffered by sinners in hell”. But here on Long Island, Brimstone is anything but demonic. In fact, he one of the sweetest guys I ever had the pleasure interviewing. Don’t let the photo or the character fool you. Although professional wrestler, Will Kaye (AKA Brimstone) is a destroyer in the ring, he’s a smart, well-spoken family man with his heart in the right place. His larger-than-life character is about to hit the comic books.

Kaye, a father and Long Island resident was big on the music scene many years ago and has deep roots in the wrestling community. About his 11-year history as a wrestler: “I’m the person who originally launched the NYWC (New York Wrestling Connection), and created Critical Mass Pro Wrestling, the professional wrestling school which produced a few WWE stars, and many up and comers,” says Kaye. He currently works with PWR Wrestling (www.pwrwrestling.com) utilizing his years of knowledge. ” I’m also a member of the Unified Wrestling Federation run by my trainer and mentor, “The Original” Gino Carusso.

This is quite an accomplishment considering the dropout rate for pro wrestling in about 90 percent. “You have a 10 percentile that actually continues with it and makes it through training,” says Kaye. He says many people who get involved with wrestling think it’s all the glam and the glitz and they don’t realize it’s a lot of hard work and effort that goes into the training. But Kaye stuck with it and transformed into the character, Brimstone. “I’m the kind of character now who is an unstoppable force in the ring where I’ll go in and I’ll clean house.” A destroyer–with a heart. Kaye confesses he often likes to give the young guys in the ring their chance to shine. But make no bones about it (or “break” no bones, for that matter) he’s a dominant force in the ring not to be meddled with.

Interesting career choice considering as a kid growing up in Uniondale, he was never into sports. He dabbled in hockey,”I really didn’t play very well, but I was the bruiser,” jokes Kaye.”I spent most of the time in the penalty box.” If someone in your family is a wrestling fan, Kaye often does shows and autograph signings around Long Island. The big news these days: There’s a comic book in the works based on his wrestling character entitled, ” The Borderhounds.” www.borderhounds.com

As for being a professional wrestler, Kaye says he’s just a regular guy. “I do the same thing that everybody else does, except for ten-15 minutes in a match–I’m Brimstone. It’s a wonderful thing. I absolutely love the sport and the business.”

(Long Island, N.Y.) When I visited a friend’s apartment on the upper west side recently, I couldn’t help but feel a breath of fresh air when I walked around her place. I had been there many times before and quite frankly, it was always just a disorganized mess. But this time, something was drastically different.

“Wow, what on earth did you do to this place. It looks amazing,” I said.

“Feng Shui,” she proudly answered and began to tell me how much this healing art has helped restore peace in her hectic life.

I was immediately intrigued. I sure could use some harmony. Fortunately, you don’t have to venture to The Big Apple to benefit from this ancient art. I recently asked Carole Provenzale of Feng Shui Long Island to help enlighten me.

Long Island Exchange: How do you describe Feng Shui?

Provenzale: I think of Feng Shui as a healing art that seeks to create a balance and harmony in your life. We work with the premise that the Energy in your surroundings have a deep and profound impact on every area of your life so I consider Feng Shui also transformational. I address every area of your life such as financial, careers, relationships, health and many more issues to assist my clients to create a life they had not thought possible.

It really is such a fascinating topic, how did you become drawn to it?

I worked in a Wholistic Health Center for several years and I saw that clients were undergoing amazing healing through alternative methods such as acupuncture, Chinese medicine and Amma Therapy. These methods are all connected to the energy in your body so it made perfect sense to me that your surrounding would also have an impact on your well being. I was fortunate enough to have learned of the very first Certification class for Feng Shui by a licensed, accredited school being held here on Long Island and I am a graduate of that class taken in 1996.

What are some of the misconceptions of Feng Shui?

Since I believe the changes in your life occur because of Energy, it is not simply the changes you are making in your surroundings, it is the Intention behind them. In making changes, it is important to stay clear and focused on what you’d like to create.

I also believe quality Feng Shui consultations should be available to anyone and keep my prices low so that clients who couldn’t normally afford a consultation will be able to benefit as well. As mentioned above, Blessings are very powerful and an integral part of any consultation.

One thing I’ve always wondered about: can it be kid-friendly? I have two preschoolers and their toys have taken over the house. Can Feng Shui help?

I believe Feng Shui helps children a great deal. There are principles we achieve in children’s rooms including the use of color and placement (and organizational tips and advice) that have an effect on their behavior. Children can become calmer and more centered as well as allowing them to see their accomplishments to show them all they have achieved and encourage them to reach for their dreams in life.

So can you tell me a little about the process? How would I begin?

Feng Shui is a matter of perspective as we all look at things a different way while keeping many principles in mind. I suggest looking for a consultant that has been trained in a variety of methods as well as one that has been practicing Feng Shui for a long time. It is also wise to choose someone who is Certified. Most importantly, since some personal information is discussed so a practitioner can truly assist you, find someone you are comfortable with.

All consultations are done differently by each consultant. My consultations typically last about three hours and I do an “interview” with my client to find out what areas of their lives they are seeking to change and what they would like to achieve from a consultation. I also teach them how to use the Bagua so they can then take their new knowledge of Feng Shui to another place, such as their office. I do an exterior of the home or business as well as every room inside and use Transcendental Blessings, an Interior Space Clearing and an Exterior Blessing. I believe very much in the Blessings as I have seen things change for some clients almost overnight. For others it is a process that will take longer. Follow ups are essential so I speak to my clients to find out what changes they are experiencing.

What kind of results can I expect?

No practitioner should make any promises with regard to outcomes as each individual is different. I can only tell my clients what I have seen and experienced during the years and open up the possibilities of what may occur.

Ok, Now I’m VERY intrigued. I’d love to hear what some of your clients have experienced. Can you share a couple of testimonials?

• My name is Dr. David R. LaRocco, D.C., and I am a chiropractor who practices in Mamaroneck NY and when I began setting up my space to care for people, I had put the intention forth to find someone who was a master in Feng Shui. I was given the name of Carole. Was I glad the universe sent her to me. She is truly a visionary that can see beyond your moment needs and help your office and living space attract the energy you desire to grow your business or balance your home energy. You can be certain if you apply what she teaches you you will attract the energy you desire. She is loving, present, certain, inspirational and enthusiastic about what she does. Look no further you have found the right person. Lifetime Wellness for you, Holistic chiropractic,  701 Munro Avenue, Mamaroneck NY

• Hello Carole, I wanted to take a few minutes to thank you so very much for assisting me with my home needs as well as my real estate business. I have been reading up on feng shui for many years, as you know. The first time that I spoke to you I learned more in three hours that I’ve learned with the books I’ve read. Listening to your suggestions and advise have improved my life very much. I was amazed how quickly things changed for the best. I was very anxious to get started with your suggestions, and very excited that in a matter of two weeks things changed for the better. (even though you asked me to slow down, I couldn’t). Your a wonderful person and a friend that I will always cherish. I would recommend you to anyone, because I believe in you and I know that your suggestions and advise is true. I love that I can email you or call you at anytime for advice and that you will answer any questions that I may have. Always, Joanne Santos, Prudential Ragette Realtors

(Long Island, N.Y.) Recently, another news report awakened my deepest, darkest fear. While the kids slept careless in their beds upstairs, I listened to the news anchor reveal the details of the latest child kidnapping tragedy: the missing Georgia boy’s body was found on a roadside– murdered and discarded in a plastic bag. My heart broke in a million pieces. As I started to cry, my sleepy 4-year-old comes staggering down the stairs.

“What’s the matter, sweet heart? It’s after 10, you should be sleeping.” I said as I muted the television.

“Monsters.” he said.

“There’s no monsters, honey.” I motioned for him to rest on my lap and rubbed his back to make him feel safe and secure. Hoping he couldn’t feel my heart pounding in my own fear.
But there are monsters. And I wished he could stay here forever snoring on my lap. As I carried him up the stairs and put him back into his bed, my own fright started swarming. Monsters. Many of them.

I crept around the house, jiggling every door, checking every window– peeking out into the darkness outside, feeling like I never want my children to leave this house—ever. As I settled in my own bed I faced the task of talking myself down from my scary thoughts. My mind raced with frightening scenarios and I make that promise in my head whenever I hear sad news. I remind myself to always stay sharp, aware, guarded. To remember to make wise decisions and trust my instincts.

A few years back I was watching a television interview with a serial killer and the reporter asked him why he targeted one particular home. He said simply, “The door was open.” He had tried a few other houses that night and just happened upon an unlocked door. As simple as that. They are known as ‘crimes of opportunity’. There are things in life, horrible things you can’t control. But things like an unlocked door can be prevented. I hopped out of bed and checked the children again, the doors, the windows, the alarm, feeling temporarily paranoid.

I knew hearing the news about the poor innocent boy was playing tricks on my mind. A parents’ worst fear. It’s now past midnight and I was wide awake, feeling worried–as if something’s wrong. I guess that’s what happens sometimes, when you watch the news before you go to sleep. I thought, for now on, I’m going to watch old Seinfeld episodes because this is crazy. I got up –again–checking things around the house. Something didn’t feel right. I sniffed the air for smoke, checked to make sure the phone was working, even opened closets and peeked under my bed.

Now really, what on earth was I looking for? Monsters? Sure, I know why I was suddenly surveying the house–the news– but there was something deeper bothering me. This is crazy, I whispered to myself as I hopped out of bed for the third time to poke around the house. Surely, my fears were toying with my instincts but I decided to indulge myself and hoped all that walking around would tire me out enough to finally fall asleep.

As I jiggled the front door in my pajamas–something made me go ahead and open it. The freezing air rushed in and I stepped outside feeling like a total nut. All was quiet. But then I turned my head to the right and there it was—exactly what I was subconsciously looking for. Hours earlier when I took the garbage out, I must have got distracted. Right there, under the porch light in the middle of a small table—were my house keys. The keys to my life, just there for the taking. Talk about a potential crime of opportunity. I ran out in my bare feet, snatched the keys and locked up tight. As I jumped back into bed, I suddenly felt the strangest peace. Fear can be bossy and play tricks on you. But instincts — well apparently they bat last.

(Long Island, N.Y.) When it comes to the latest diet trends, it’s all about … location, location, location. The philosophy? When in Rome–EAT like the Romans. The South Beach Diet swept the nation with it’s spicy blend of exotic dishes and breezy tone, but move over South Beach–there are new diets in town poised to push your plan off the map.

Yep, regional diets are all the rage–and are not just fads like the enticing but flawed Cookie Diet (Oh, if only!) These latest and greatest regional plans are doctor-designed and scientifically sound to help weight-watchers near and far shed some pounds. And get a load of the covers–they look more like picturesque postcards than diet books

Here’s a quick tour of four regional diet programs that aim to send your saddlebags packing. (Sure gives new meaning to the term– traveling light!)

• The diet: The Sonoma Diet
• The dish: “The Sonoma Diet was inspired by the Mediterranean diet and emphasizes eating a generous variety of foods that boost your vitality, protect your heart, and improve your overall health.”
• The destination: www.sonomadiet.com

• The diet: The Nantucket Diet
• The dish: “The Nantucket Diet is not a fad diet – it is an evidence-based, effective and highly individualized approach to regaining control of your weight and health.” Best of all: This diet book features Nantucket and New England Culinary culture and is cowritten by a doctor.
• The destination: www.nantucketdiet.com

• The diet: The Hamptons Diet
• The dish: “Building on the low-carb, Mediterranean-style diet plan he pioneered in Thin For Good , Dr. Pescatore now presents The Hamptons Diet , a program that introduces a secret ingredient – Australian macadamia nut oil, the most monounsaturated oil on the planet -among other delicious benefits.”
• The destination: www.hamptonsdiet.com

• The diet: The Okinawa Diet Plan
• The dish: This program “adapts traditional Okinawan dietary principles for a delicious blend of East and West so that anyone can reap the very same benefits of the leanest and longest-lived people on earth”
• The destination: www.okinawaprogram.com

(Long Island, N.Y.) On the job hunt anytime soon? Read on.

• A proven track record
• Dynamic go-getter
• Team–oriented
• Superior interpersonal communication
• Entrepreneurial spirit
• Strong analytical skills
• Meticulously detail-oriented
• “We’re looking for a committed architect of exceptional consumer experiences designed to increase customer loyalty and revenue per customer.”

Okay-that last one. Huh? That was for a job answering phones! I lifted these descriptions right from the classifieds. With all those words describing the company’s “ideal candidate”, a person can go bongos trying to figure out the mind-boggling, over used, sometimes meaningless terms in the wanted ads. So what exactly does the human resource department at your-dream-company really mean when they say they’re looking for a dynamic go-getter? You’d think the words are self-explanatory, but after you read them over and over again, your strong analytical skills go a bit fuzzy.

To help clear things up, I asked Jim Bolton, CEO of Ridge Associates, Inc. (www.ridge.com) a company that trains managers and supervisors in Fortune 1,000 companies to communicate more productively. One of the skills they teach is called “descriptive speaking” which turns abstract jargon like entrepreneurial spirit—into specific behaviors. Bolton says when you’re interviewing, no one really tells you what those obtuse terms are– so they end up sounding pretty meaningless. In fact, he says, there are tons of those difficult-to-define buzzwords in the corporate world and no one-size-fits-all translation. “The truth is these often mean different things at different companies. Team player may mean the ability to collaborate at one company: at another it may mean that you pull your own weight,” says Bolton. His advice to put your best foot forward: take a peek at the company website and try to find the mission and value statements. That can give you the heads up as to what these terms mean to that particular organization. And don’t feel bad if you’re confused. According to Bolton, these terms are often obtuse– on purpose. “Interviewers want to know what YOU think they mean, as well as how you bring them to life.”

David Nour, managing partner of The Nour Group, Inc.(www.nourgroup.com) — agrees. He works with a lot of HR departments in attracting, retaining and developing their top talent and explains, “Sometimes the ambiguity of the terms is a test of creativity– to engage the candidates.” Nour, who says he probably helped a dozen Fortune 500 clients search and fill some 5000+ jobs in the past three or four years– helped me out with this little classified ad cheat-sheet below. According to Nour, specific to entrepreneurial spirit (since it’s one of the top requirements in every one of their searches), he’s also seeking:

• Seeking: Entrepreneurial DNA

Translation: Either because one or both parents were entrepreneurs and they grew up with it (i.e. “my dad always worked Saturdays and growing up I never got why other dads didn’t” or they themselves had it in them (i.e. the PT thing they started in their college dorm which ended up employing 20+ kids and generating $3M in revenue before they sold it by their senior year!)

• Seeking: Self-Motivating

Translation: These people don’t need babysitters; you show them something once and they’ll run with it.

• Seeking: Self-Correcting

Translation: If it was their fault; they fix it; even if it wasn’t their fault, they’ll do whatever it takes to fix it

• Seeking: Unbelievably Fast Learning Curve

Translation: Entrepreneurial environments don’t have the luxury to train; you need people who will hit the ground running, even if it is with a bruise or two. Don’t know what Podcasting is – figure it out by this afternoon and launch one tomorrow!

• Seeking: Passionate about Execution

Translation: I don’t need to know everything you know; just what we need to do to move this project from point A to point C. Don’t need a 400 page strategic analysis from you; just what you need from me to get this done – today!

• Bonus Translation! Team Player

1. Enough self-esteem to perform a key role but savvy enough to understands that it fits in a bigger picture.
2. More than a “warm-body”, an intelligent, articulate contrarian who will push-back on why we’re doing something vs. just what we’re doing
3. Creative to not only think outside the box – but throw the box out the window!
4. Diligent enough to remove the unimpressive, the complex, and the unnecessary – if it doesn’t make sense, don’t do it!
5. Business acumen to understand that the whole should be greater than sum of its parts. Read: we’ll get further, faster and cheaper with fewer headaches if we leverage the broad-based knowledge, experience and influential relationships we all have access to get things done!

(Long Island, N.Y.) I’m always on the hunt for some feel-good relationship, beauty and health advice. I recently asked April Masini, nicknamed “The New Millennium’s Dear Abby” by the media, (www.AskApril.com). Masini writes what Dear Abby will never print, and what your shrink doesn’t have the guts to tell you. That’s why she is America’s foremost online dating and relationship advice expert, as well as the best-selling author of four books: Date Out Of Your League, Think & Date Like A Man, 50 First Dates and The Next 50 Dates.

In less than 18 months, AskApril.com has become one of the most heavily trafficked dating and relationship advice sites in the world. I caught up with April and asked her to share some of her secrets.

Long Island Exchange: Since you’re the go-to girl for all kinds of awesome advice, I’d really love to tap into your beauty knowledge. I’m a mom with so little time for pampering. What’s the “least” I should be doing to indulge myself and feel like a lady?

Masini: The more you do for other people, the more you should indulge yourself. And don’t necessarily think of it as indulging yourself. Think of it as nourishing yourself so you can take care of others and other things. Think about it. Would a star athlete go out for a big game without pre-training and great diet, sleep and body care? No way! And you’re taking care of even more than an athlete — you’re taking care of a child, a husband, and the mother and wife of that child and husband — yourself. Shouldn’t you be spending time on yourself and not skimping when it comes to any kind of care? Even beauty care?

A great exercise routine, a great diet and sleep schedule and a great grooming and beauty routine are musts for every woman. Within that structure you do “leasts”, like exercising two to three times a week; eating junk every now and then, but eating well balanced meals 75% of the time, at least, etc.

Long Island Exchange: Hair tips. I swear by Kiehl’s Silk Groom and a hot air curling iron. What do you swear by these days?

Masini: I don’t endorse particular products, but I do have skin care and hair care tips I can share with you:

Skin: The most important thing you can do to get beautiful skin is to drink water – eight glasses a day – and get enough sleep. Stress in your life will show up in your skin.

Another way you can improve your complexion is exercise. Getting the blood circulating and sweating out toxins will give your skin a beautiful and healthy glow.

Sex is also great for your complexion – in addition to being fun, and a good workout!

Ways skin is negatively affected:

• Stress
• Hormones
• Pollution
• Sun
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Lack of sleep
• Lack of exercise
• Lack of hydration
• Climate (windburn and chapped skin)
• Medications
• Over cleansing
• Not removing makeup

Beautiful skin starts with clean skin.

• Always remove your makeup at night, even if you’re exhausted.
• Cleanse your skin each evening. Over cleansing is one of the biggest mistakes women make, stripping their skin of natural moisture. Always clean your skin with a gentle cleanser and warm water.
• Exfoliants that are gentle help get rid of dead skin, and dirt we can’t see that clogs our pores. Scrubs, like exfoliants, are cleansers that contain particles like sand, or crushedfruit pits that perform the same function as exfoliants. As you clean your face, theparticles gently massage and remove junk from your skin, and increase circulation. Thiscan leave your skin glowing instead of dull.
• Toners, astringents and clarifying lotions should be applied with cotton balls to clean skin, and remove dirt and oil that your cleanser or exfoliant left behind. Some of them are slightly harshly because they contain alcohol to chemically kill the germs. If you’re sensitive, choose a non-alcohol based toner.
• Masks are great deep cleaning or moisturizing treats for your skin once every two weeks. Always apply them to freshly cleaned skin.
• Monthly facials can be wonderful treats for your skin if it is not too sensitive. Sometimes breakouts can follow a facial, so go makeup free for a few hours after your facial.

Long Island Exchange: You’ve worked with some big names in Hollywood. Ever snag any beauty secrets from a celebrity?

Masini: I incorporate all my beauty secrets – celebrity and civilian – into the beauty tips I’ve mentioned above, and in my book, Think & Date Like A Man.

Long Island Exchange: I’ll admit, sometimes I just way to busy to get dolled up for my husband. But I do realize it’s important if I’d like to keep the passion going. How important do you think it is to not “let yourself go” ?

Masini: Very important. In fact, I’ve written The Next 50 Dates for women in relationships with their husbands, who want to keep the spark in their marriage. It doesn’t just stay lit by itself. Keeping a relationship fresh is work. Letting yourself go is letting the marriage go. Remember how you fell in love and got together? It was attraction. And keeping an attraction going is important to the longevity of your relationship.

Long Island Exchange: I’m a self-confessed beauty product junkie and I love to hear suggestions for the latest and greatest. What’s a couple of stand-outs in your beauty bag?

Masini: Believe it or not the best beauty tips are lots of good rest, stress–less living and good eating and water-drinking. There are always new products coming out and going out of style, but the classic beauty secrets are really no secret at all. And they’re all stand outs:

Rest, stress-less living and good food and plenty of water. Three of the cheapest and most potent beauty products available to everyone.

Stress can put pimples, pounds and a putrid look on your face because it affects all parts of your body, your spirit and your relationships with everyone around you. Alleviate the stress, and you’re going to have better skin, hair, weight, energy and happiness. It sounds like a miracle product, but it’s not.

Sleep improves your circulation, your nervous system functioning and your emotions. You can handle more when you’re well rested and make better decisions. This all trickles down to results in the mirror. When you’re well rested you’ll feel like exercising, taking care of yourself, getting that manicure and haircut and looking good. You won’t be thinking about when your next nap is — you’ll be thinking about how to have fun and enjoy life.

Good food and lots of water also improve your metabolism, your energy and believe it or not, your ability to sleep better and handle stress better. When you eat well, you’ll have more energy to do more things — like exercise and take care of yourself.

And all three of these beauty “products” lead to better relationships and better sex!

Do you need any more advertising? I don’t!

Long Island Exchange: Looking beautiful? Well, I think you got that covered! What’s the three top things you do–to make you feel beautiful?

Masini: I swear by RSF — rest, stress-less living and food and water that’s good for you. Those are the top three beauty secrets that aren’t so secret at all. Sorry — no rare products imported from exotic countries here! The best I can do for you, and the best you can do for yourself are my top three: rest, stress-less living and good food and lots of water.

(Long Island, N.Y.) I recently had the pleasure to listen to a CD from a hot, up-and-coming artist. My first thought seconds after I hit play: wow, he’s talented! His songs are catchy, smooth and memorable. And— he just so happens to be from Long Island. Danny is described as an expressive singer, guitarist and disciplined songwriter–mixing melody and rock n roll with honest and inventive lyrics. My description? Musically brilliant. I’m now a fan and I’ll be following in career, that’s for sure. I had a chance to Chat with Danny about his musical roots and his debut EP: Introducing Danny Ross!

The Long Island Exchange:
When did you know you wanted to be a musician? Did you love music as a child?

Ross: I grew up on 60’s oldies music when I was very young. I had a big Elvis poster hanging up in my room and I ran a radio station, playing records from my fictional group, Danny and the Sailors. It wasn’t until I was thirteen and listened to a Beatles Anthology record that my life was transformed by music. I was blown away. I went out and bought every Beatles record, which inspired me to start tinkering with the keyboard collecting dust in our basement. From there I started writing songs, joined a band, and here I am today.

Where on Long Island are you from? Did you grow up here?

I grew up in Melville, Long Island nearby Huntington, which was a great environment for a young, budding musician like me. I played venues all across the island, including the Long Island Music Festival (semi-finalist), Hamptons Music Festival and a benefit concert for 9/11 that I helped to organize at Half Hollow Hills High School East in November 2001, raising $1000 for the Dennis Leary Firefighters Foundation.

So tell me a little bit about your musical influences?

First and foremost, my influences are 60’s based pop and rock music, especially Paul McCartney’s work in The Beatles and The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds. But I also love The Kinks, Paul Simon, Elvis Costello, Neil Young. These artists put such detail into their craft that every melody flowed effortlessly and every lyric resonated, all while crossing over genres and barriers. In my opinion, the artists that continue this tradition today include Wilco, Ryan Adams and The White Stripes to name a few. I’ve also gotten heavy into old American music – mainly piano jazz like Oscar Peterson and Americana folk like Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. I’m doing my best to make pop music popular again.

Breaking in the music industry is tough. What was your biggest obstacle?

At first, my biggest obstacle was fulfilling my potential as a songwriter and performer. As a self-taught pianist, vocalist and songwriter, I always felt one step behind the kids that were classically trained. While at Cornell University, I was able to create a major called “Popular Music Composition and Performance,” which allowed me to work with Professors in Jazz and Poetry, and perform a concert of my material with a seventeen piece band for my college thesis. Now that I’ve put that behind me and recorded my first EP, Introducing Danny Ross!, my biggest obstacle will be to get out there and win people over.

Your CD is amazing! How did you get if off the ground? How long did it take you to complete it?

The internet has really helped to get the CD off the ground. Through my website (www.dannyrossmusic.com), myspace, and itunes, the album has definitely created some noise. Playing shows has also really helped to spread the word.

Because this is my first CD, Introducing Danny Ross! has a lot of ideas that stem back to my teenage years. Having learned so much about songwriting since then, I’ve applied what I know to these songs so that the lyrics are truthful and purposeful and the music is engaging and detailed. The most important thing I’ve learned is to follow my instinct completely, in music and in everything else.

(Long Island, N.Y.) Heading to the Big Apple? Here’s two terrific reasons to hop on the train this month. Flip open your day planner and pencil in these ideas for some upcoming book-themed Big Apple fun.

First stop: The Scholastic Store

Book It: The one and only big red playground for kids and parents—The Scholastic Store. If you love to bring your kids to stimulating workshops, exciting author signings, fun arts & crafts events, –this is one stop you don’t want to miss. And for an added bonus, you can shop for great books and toys, too.

While visiting the store, customers can pick up a newsletter announcing upcoming events and workshops at The Scholastic Store and check out the upstairs loft, which parents can RSVP to host a fantastic birthday party for their kids!

This is pretty cool– every Saturday, The Scholastic Store in SoHo and Scarsdale plays host to a free, themed event. If you go soon, you’ll be in for a treat: Now through February 10, parents can bring their kids into the store to help create a giant Valentine’s Day card that Clifford will deliver to local kids in need on or around Valentine’s Day!

Get there: The Scholastic Store (www.scholasticstore.com) is located between Prince and Spring streets on 557 Broadway in SoHo (There’s also a store located in on 450 Central Park Avenue in Scarsdale)

Second stop: The Madeline High Tea at The Carlyle

Book it: The magic of Austrian-born Ludwig Bemelmans’ most famous book about a mischievous little girl named Madeline lives on to this day at 76th street. In 1947, Bemelmans paid for 18 months of room and board at the legendary hotel by painting murals illustrating his popular book. The murals were so fetching that the room was named after him.

At the landmark hotel, the tea party features a three-tiered tea, served among the renowned Madeline murals, on Madeline-inspired linen and china. The menu includes Madeline’s favorites: from Bemelmans Teany Burgers and Fries and Pepitos Crudités and Dips to Petite Banana Splits Fontainebleau and Eiffel Tower Hot Fudge Sundae with a Cherry on top!

Get there: The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, (www.thecarlyle.com) is located at the corner of 76th Street and Madison Avenue. Reservations are required. Please call 212.744.1600. Rain or shine, visitors are welcome Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00pm to 4:00pm at Bemelmans Bar. Madeline High Tea is $40 per person.

(Long Island, N.Y.) Looking for something fun to do with the kids in February? Zip up those winter jackets, hop in the car and head down the Long Island Expressway! There’s plenty of cool events going on this winter where the kids can keep warm and entertained. Here’s one that will knock their socks off. If your kids are the inquisitive type, this is one event you won’t want to miss. Fun—with a twist:

“Genome: The Secret of How Life Works” is an interactive exhibit that opens at The New York Hall of Science on February 3, 2007. GENOME is a timely and important scientific exhibition that explores the history of mapping the human genome, the importance of this scientific undertaking, the future of genomic science and its impact on mankind.

What can you expect? GENOME presents genomics in a fun, kid-friendly environment, featuring displays and activities, such as:

• Giant Double Helix – An eight-foot-tall, 25-foot-long display of DNA’s double helix structure.
• Discovery Theater – An opportunity to meet the minds that were instrumental in the discoveries leading up to the sequencing of the human genome.
• Hereditary Slot Machines – A working slot machine that demonstrates the odds that children will inherit genes for certain characteristics.
• The Cookie Factory – A visualization of protein production that children and adults alike can grasp, with DNA, genes and proteins as the ingredients and recipes for “making” human beings.

The New York Hall Of Science was initially built as a pavilion for the 1964 World’s Fair and is now known as New York City hands-on science and technology center where visitor (of all ages) can explore over 400 interactive exhibits. Even if your kids are not big-time science fans, it’s worth the trip. You never know just what might spark a new, scientific fascination.

How do you get there? The New York Hall of Science is located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens. It’s accessible by car via the Long Island Expressway to the 108th Street exit, or the Grand Central Parkway driving east to the Midtown Tunnel. There’s ample parking. You can also reach the Hall by subway via the #7 to the 111th Street station.

How much does it cost? Adults (18+): $11, Students (5-17, with college ID), Children (2-17), and Seniors (62+) $8

Free hours: Friday 2-5pm and Sunday 10am-11am (September 1-June 30).