There's a great (and famous) diner in Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard. It's been around since the 1940's where Art and Cliff parked their truck on a lot a few hundred feet from Five Corners. The decor is reminiscent of the era of the diner's birth and the metallic menu signs over the counter offer such specialties as "Tendernived Steak" for $1.25. Unfortunately, but understandably, the menu that the waitstaff presents as you are seated offers a different fare and different prices. And there are words of wisdom on the menu..."Keep your words sweet.

It’s almost that time. The time you heard about but chose to ignore or disregard because it did not apply to you, to your family. But it does apply, now. Not only do you have to accept it, but also you have to take many proactive steps to make it all happen. You have to shop and pack and prepare your first child for college -- to leave for college, to leave.  

  We aren’t accustomed to this type of news in my neighborhood.    

There has been a huge controversy going on in my town of Oceanside for approximately three years. It began when Costco filed permits to build one of their warehouses in Oceanside. Immediately those opposed to the project began letting their voices loudly be heard, at Town of Hempstead and local meetings. Their objections were varied from traffic concerns to the effect a Costco might have on the  local small  businesses.  

A signature issue involves keeping our free East River and Harlem River bridges toll-free.  

Is Terminator that far behind? A Japanese company has introduced a new application for their humanoid robot acting as a Buddhist priest for hire at funerals.   They put the robot on display at a funeral industry trade show in Tokyo chanting sutras in a computerized voice while tapping a drum.      

I was a Newsday carrier (on my bike) when I was a boy and have been a subscriber all my adult life.  I read it every morning.  I admit it's greatest draw is its Sports Section (former Sports Editor Stan Isaacs was a valued running mate and friend). 

I was going to blog about our star -- the Sun -- and the eclipse. Where was I, where were you? But there was another "star" on Monday worth noting. At a concert at Madison Square Garden on Monday night, Billy Joel wore a yellow Star of David (actually, he wore two -- one in front and one on his back) reminiscent of the Stars of David that Jews were forced to wear by the Nazis during the Holocaust. I commend Billy Joel.