Datasets:

nthngdy

/

ccnews_split

like 1

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A 60-year-old man allegedly was caught driving recklessly with heroin in his car on Thursday, according to police. Willliam Moser, 60, of Macfarland Avenue in Arrochar, has been charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and reckless driving, according to a spokeswoman for the NYPD's Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. He had two glassine bags of heroin when he was pulled over by police for allegedly driving recklessly and using his cell phone at Front and Wave streets in Stapleton at about 12:20 p.m. A police spokeswoman was not able to immediately confirm where Moser worked. However police said on Thursday that a New York state court officer was arrested in uniform on Thursday while allegedly in possession of heroin at the same time and approximate location.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- At least one weather outlet is raising its snow projection for this week's storm. According to AccuWeather senior forecaster John Gresiak, the previous forecast "has been updated based on new information," and Staten Island can now expect three to six inches of accumulation on unpaved surfaces. The storm is the fourth nor'easter to hit Staten Island in less than three weeks. "The main deciding factor is going to be the exact path that this storm ends up taking," Gresiak said, adding that factors such as the timing of the snowfall will be pivotal in determining the amount of accumulation. Because "the sun is getting higher in the sky, it is harder and harder for the snow to accumulate, especially during daylight hours," Gresiak said. Gresiak expects for the storm to begin late on Tuesday, with the heaviest section "coming later at night and during the day Wednesday." According to Gresiak, this would cause the greatest threat of travel to occur throughout Wednesday night. "If the heaviest snow does occur on Tuesday night, then it could accumulate on the roads," which would also create a hazardous morning commute on Wednesday. Gresiak says that it's likely that the storm will be heavy enough to cause "reduced visibility, and slushy and potentially slippery roads." Following Wednesday, Gresiak says that "it looks like the storm will be moving away on Thursday and clearing up." While he expects the weather to "still be windy and chilly... the sun will come out and help further melt whatever there is left on the ground." The National Weather Service is calling for one to three inches late Tuesday night into Wednesday evening, though it cautioned in a hazardous weather outlook that "depending on the eventual track of the storm, some areas may receive significant snowfall of 6 inches or more. "This would be more likely to occur across central and eastern Long Island, but also cannot be ruled out elsewhere, mainly in the New York City/Tri-State area and across coastal Connecticut."

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The FDNY is responding to a fire at a home in Greenridge on Tuesday afternoon. About 60 firefighters and 12 units are fighting the "all-hands" blaze called at 1:20 p.m. at 11 Ladd Ave., according to a spokesman for the FDNY/EMS and the department's Twitter feed. The fire in the three-story, occupied, 20-by-60-foot home was brought under control in less than a half hour with no injuries reported, according to the spokesman and the department's Twitter feed.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- An alleged threat to "kill all Americans" outside of Penn Station led to the arrest of a Staten Island man, officials said. Mohamed Nasar, 37, of Rosebank, was charged with making terroristic threats in connection with the Aug. 7 incident in Manhattan. The chain of events that led to the arrest reportedly began at about 12:20 p.m. outside of 2 Pennsylvania Plaza, where a 34-year-old male driver said he was threatened by the defendant, prosecutors allege. Nasar, who was seated in the passenger seat of another vehicle, asked the complainant to roll down his window, then, asked if the complainant was American. The complainant told Nasar he was, at which point Nasar said he'd kill him, prosecutors allege. The victim then reclined his seat out of view of Nasar, but allegedly heard Nasar say he was going to Penn Station, and would kill all the Americans he found there, according to the criminal complaint. The complainant then followed the car Nasar was riding in to 31st Street and Eighth Avenue, near the entrance to Penn Station. Nasar exited the vehicle holding a turquoise box, prosecutors said. It was not immediately clear what was in the box. Nasar was arraigned Friday in Manhattan criminal court, where a judge set bail at $3,500 cash or $7,000 bond. He's due back in court Aug. 23. His attorney could not be reached for comment Monday. It was the third time Nasar had been arrested since 2016, according to a NYPD spokesman. On Aug. 3, he was charged with criminal mischief in connection with an incident in Brooklyn; while in 2016 he was accused of leaving the scene of a crash with injuries on Staten Island, police said.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A weapons case levied this month against an aide to Mayor Bill de Blasio will be prosecuted by the Richmond County District Attorney's Office. Police arrested 42-year-old Reagan Stevens on April 7, when they allegedly found her inside of a parked car in Jamaica, Queens, along with two males and a defaced handgun, according to a New York Daily News report. Stevens -- whose mother is a Queens Criminal Court judge and stepfather is an acting Queens Supreme Court justice -- will be prosecuted by the office of District Attorney Michael McMahon, to avoid a potential conflict of interest. Police also charged Ceasar Forbes, 25, and Montel Hughes, 24, who were inside the car with Stevens. None admitted to owning the gun and all three face weapon charges, according to multiple reports. Police responded to the scene for a report of shots fired nearby, when they discovered the partially loaded weapon inside the 2002 Infiniti, according to a New York Post report. Stevens, the deputy director of youth and strategic initiatives at the Office of Criminal Justice, has reportedly been suspended from her job without pay. She was scheduled to appear Tuesday in Queens County Criminal Court.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher terrorized opposing offenses from the middle of the field. Randy Moss and Terrell Owens did the same to defenses on the outside. The two hard-hitting linebackers and two big-play receivers highlighted an eight-person class voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. Safety Brian Dawkins also received at least 80 percent support from the 47 Hall of Fame voters, along with contributor Bobby Beathard and senior nominees Jerry Kramer and Robert Brazile. But the biggest stars of the class are the two linebackers that made it on their first tries, and the pair of lightning-rod receiver who sometimes caused as many problems for their own teams as for the opposition. Moss also made it on his first try, while Owens needed to wait for his third year on the ballot to get enough support. "I've been going a long time. And now I can finally rest," Lewis said. "I want to go fishing with a cigar now and just sit back. I don't want to work out every day now." Moss and Owens each played for five teams in their careers as they often wore out their welcome with their inability to get along with teammates and coaches at times. But at their best, there were few players ever able to strike fear in defenses as much as Moss and Owens, who were both all-decade selections for the 2000s. "The door knocked and I started getting excited," Moss said of Hall of Fame President David Baker alerting him he has been elected. "All the emotions caught the best of me because it's been a long journey and it ends in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Tears of joy." Moss burst on the scene as a rookie in Minnesota in 1998 when he caught a league-leading 17 TD catches and helped lead the Vikings to the NFC title game. His combination of speed and athleticism made him the game's most dangerous big-play threat and led to the phrase "You got Mossed" for embarrassed defensive backs. He led the NFL in TD catches five times, including his record 23 for New England in 2007, and earned four All-Pro selections. He finished his career with 982 catches for 15,292 yards and ranks second all-time with 156 TD receptions. Owens, who didn't attend the announcement, entered the league as a third-round pick by San Francisco in 1996 but developed into a star known for some memorable playoff appearances, including his winning 25-yard TD catch to beat Green Bay in 1999; his 177 yards in a comeback win against the Giants in 2003; and his nine catches for 122 yards in the 2004 Super Bowl against New England just seven weeks after breaking his leg. Owens ranks second to Jerry Rice with 15,934 yards receiving and is third on the all-time touchdowns receiving list with 153. Lewis is widely considered one of the greatest middle linebackers, winning two AP Defensive Player of the Year awards and earning eight All-Pro selections. He anchored a dominant defense for the 2000 Baltimore Ravens in a season that ended with him winning Super Bowl MVP, then retired as a champion after Baltimore closed his last season with a title win over San Francisco in February 2013. "Growing up as a child, I know what that looked like, Mike Singletary, Dick Butkus," Lewis said. "Who dreams of being in that category, sitting with those guys?" Lewis joined tackle Jonathan Ogden as the only Ravens voted into the Hall of Fame as both of the team's first-round picks in its initial season of 1996 received the high honor. Lewis' career was also marked by legal problems off the field. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of obstruction of justice after initially being charged with murder in connection with two killings following a Super Bowl party in Atlanta in January 2000. Lewis was also fined $250,000 by the NFL. Urlacher wasn't far behind Lewis with his play on the field and is the latest in a line of great Chicago middle linebackers to make the Hall, joining Butkus, Singletary and Bill George. He was the Defensive Player of the Year of 2005 and joined Lewis on the 2000s all-decade team. Dawkins spent most of his 16-year career in Philadelphia, earning five first-team All-Pro selections for his versatility that included 37 career interceptions and 26 career sacks. He became the first player in NFL history with a sack, interception, fumble recovery and touchdown catch in the same game against Houston in 2002. Kramer got passed over 10 times previously as a finalist before finally getting enough votes as a senior to become the 14th member of the Vince Lombardi Packers to make the Hall. Kramer helped anchor the Green Bay line for 11 seasons, winning six NFL titles and making the block that cleared the way for Bart Starr's TD sneak in the "Ice Bowl" for the 1967 NFL championship. Brazile was a finalist for the first time after a 10-year career for the Houston Oilers that included five straight All-Pro selections. Beathard, also not on hand Saturday, helped build four Super Bowl champions in Miami and Washington and made seven trips to the title game during more than three decades as a personnel executive with a sharp eye for talent. Five offensive linemen were among the 15 finalists, with tackle Joe Jacoby getting eliminated in voting that reduced the candidates to 10, and tackle Tony Boselli, guards Alan Faneca and Steve Hutchinson, and center Kevin Mawae getting cut in the next round of voting. Cornerback Ty Law also made it to the final 10 in his second time on the ballot. Defensive backs John Lynch and Everson Walls, receiver Isaac Bruce and running back Edgerrin James were the other candidates eliminated in the first cuts. "I'm glad I didn't have to vote for this class," Urlacher said. "It's a great class." --By Josh Dubow

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Dozens of animals in the care of Staten Island's volunteer animal rescue groups are waiting for their forever families -- and you can save them. Click through the photo gallery above to see the dogs, cats, puppies and kittens up for adoption at events this weekend. FOR YOUR CALENDAR: Oct. 7: Strut Your Mutt Join actress and singer-songwriter, Amanda Seyfried, Louie's Legacy foster families and hundreds of other animal lovers for Strut Your Mutt Day. A one day celebration happening all across the country to help save the lives of homeless pets. Best Friends' Strut Your Mutt, a lifesaving dog walk and family festival will be held at Hudson River Park's Pier 26 in Manhattan, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, October 7. It's more than just a dog walk, Strut Your Mutt is a huge celebration with vendors, activity zones for pets and kids, live entertainment and more. This year's Strut Your Mutt event will include a special adoption event- Attendees will have the opportunity to adopt a pet affected by hurricanes in Texas and Florida. It's the best day ever for animal lovers, but it's also a huge fundraiser for the participating Best Friends No More Homeless Pets Network partners. Register at strutyourmutt.org and help us reach our goal of raising $425,000 for New York City's homeless pets. All animal lovers, with or without a mutt are welcome to attend along with well-behaved, leashed dogs under adult control. For your safety and theirs, please do not bring your other pets (e.g., cats, birds). For more information, adoption requirements or to register, visit strutyourmutt.org. Oct. 8: Barktoberfest Louie's Legacy annual charity event runs from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 8, at Big Nose Kates, 2484 Arthur Kill Road. A doggy costume contest will be at 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the patio. (Entry is free for those who enter dogs in the contest.) There will prizes, giveaways, raffle baskets, 50/50 raffle, live music, food and drinks! All $10 donations at door support Louie's Legacy. To register, your dog in the costume contest or for more information contact Rocker Jenn 631-645-6448 or Leighanne 718-877-3588 or Big Nose Kates 718-227-3282. Oct. 21: Go Get It Life 5K Race Series Go Get It LIFE invites you to the 2nd Annual 5K Race on Saturday, Oct. 21, 9 a.m. to noon. Rain or shine! (Race Day Schedule: 9 a.m. Packet pickup/ Registration opens, 9:30 a.m. race begins!) This family-friendly run/ walk will benefit the Louie's Legacy Animal Rescue and the Silver Lake Park Conservancy. There will also be an animal adoption event hosted by Louie's Legacy Animal Rescue. The Go Get It LIFE 5K Run will take you through the sprawling green acreage and around the picturesque waterway of Silver Lake Park. *Start Line/ Base Camp will be set up at the intersection of Victory Boulevard and Forest Avenue. **There are no refunds. T-Shirts are not guaranteed for race day registrants. To sign up now or for more info, visit eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-go-get-it-life-5k-r. Important info regarding "October- Adopt a Shelter Dog Month" October, during Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, the ASPCA(r) (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(r)) is collaborating with hundreds of animal shelters, rescue groups, and partners across the United States to support ASPCA Find Your Fido, a unique digital campaign to demonstrate how much love, loyalty, and joy adopted animals can bring to peoples' lives. ASPCA aims to expand digital exposure for the approximately 3.3 million dogs who enter the country's shelters each year and help increase their chances of adoption by asking everyone to join the #FindYourFido movement! During the month of October, Fido - a life-size cardboard cutout ambassador for shelter dogs across the nation - will be traveling the country through virtual fosters to raise awareness about the many benefits of adopting a pet. Fido's fosters will share their exciting adventures with him - hitting the town, visiting a local park, or socializing with other dogs at a shelter - on their social media with links directing back to the ASPCA Find Your Fido website, which features profiles of adoptable dogs across the country. Animal lovers everywhere can follow Fido's adventures and help his mission by posting photos on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook with their own rescue pet or a shelter pet in need of a home (a.k.a. a "Fido") with the hashtag #FindYourFido. Fido's fans can also enter to win a year's supply of dog chew toys courtesy of proud sponsor Nylabone(r) by sharing what makes their shelter pet so special. For more information, visit: aspca.org/findyourfido. For shelters or rescues looking to join Find Your Fido, visit aspcapro.org/adopt-out-more-dogs-find-your-fido-campaign.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Two people were hurt -- one critically -- when a van and bus apparently collided head-on in Rossville Friday morning. Emergency personnel, including the NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad, which generally investigates crashes where injuries are life-threatening, were immediately summoned to the scene at Arthur Kill Road and Johnson Street. The accident was called at 6:57 a.m., according to an FDNY spokesman. One patient is in critical condition and the other is in serious condition, the spokesman said. Officials had several blocks roped off at the site of the crash as detectives conducted their investigation. The bus and mangled van remained on the scene. Further information will be posted as it becomes available.

2 seriously hurt in Rossville car crash 5 Gallery: 2 seriously hurt in Rossville car crash STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A baby was among the four people injured in a crash between an MTA bus and a van on Arthur Kills Road in Rossville during the Friday morning rush hour. The 33-year-old male van driver was critically injured in the crash shortly before 7 a.m. at the intersection of Johnson Street. The van operator sustained multiple fractures in his torso and both legs, according to a spokesman for the NYPD's Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. The 42-year-old operator of an S74 bus and two passengers, a 3-month-old boy and a 35-year-old man, all suffered minor injuries. The injured were the only two riders on the bus, according to police. All of the injured were taken to Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze, police said. The accident is being probed by the NYPD's Highway Collision Investigation Squad. Preliminary reports indicate that the 33-year-old man old lost consciousness while driving the van and collided head-on with the bus, the police spokesman said. Arthur Kill Road was closed to traffic for several blocks surrounding the crash site located near industrial parks. Truckers had trouble moving their rigs through the road blocks and traffic jams along Arthur Kill Road.

George Stienbrenner didn't tolerate his Yankees losing to the Mets. Not ever. No matter what. The Yankees were the baseball kings of New York and Steinbrenner was going to do anything necessary to make sure they didn't fall from that throne. He'd screamed. He'd spit. He'd make changes. It was Steinbrenner's way or the highway, and Steinbrenner's way centered around winning. That obsession with winning was as clear as ever in a long ago 9-6 loss to the Mets. After the game, an annoyed Steinbrenner said, "The screws are coming down tomorrow." It was a March 22, 1981 exhibition game in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. In Steinbrenner's mind, it didn't matter whether it was an exhibition game or the World Series, losing - especially losing to the Mets - was not an option. After spending four years playing for the Yankees under Steinbrenner's rule, current manager Joe Girardi knows from experience just how much pressure "the boss" put on beating their crosstown rival. Even though seven years have passed since Steinbrenner died, that pressure to win the Subway Series is still there. "When George was here, obviously, he might have been more vocal about it," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "But we all understand it. We all feel it. We know the importance of it." The importance has only intensified with the Yankees trailing the AL East leading Red Sox by 5 1/2 games heading into the Subway Series. Every player in pinstripes knows how crucial this four-game set against the Mets is, especially with another rivalry series against the Red Sox - this time at Fenway Park - scheduled for the weekend. "(The Red Sox are) a longer rival," Girardi said. "The importance (of being) in the division plays a big part of that rivalry, but usually you're not in rivalry week for 10 days. That usually doesn't happen, but we somehow found a way to do it this year." While the Red Sox may be the Yankees biggest rival, they can't look past a struggling Mets team that would love play the role of an August spoiler. Although the Mets were sellers at this season and sit 16 1/2 games behind the NL East leading Washington Nationals, Girardi expects the squad from Queens to bring a challenge. "Obviously they are really important games for us and I'm sure that the Mets think they're really important too because it's part of the rivalry," he said. "But for us, too, in the standings, it's really important." Richard Greco may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @RichardGrecohs.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A Staten Island man who had been found guilty in federal court of supplying synthetic drugs known as "bath salts" to a Virginia video store owner had his 33-month prison sentence slashed in a case that went up to the U.S. Supreme Court. In January 2013, Stephen McFadden, then 52, was convicted on nine counts related to the delivery of synthetic drugs. He was tried in federal court in Charlottesville, Va., and later sentenced to 33 months behind bars. McFadden was re-sentenced last week to three months of weekends in jail and six months of home confinement, said Louis E. Diamond, one of McFadden's lawyers. According to Virginia federal prosecutors, McFadden was the primary source of bath salts for Lois McDaniel, a local distributor of the drugs and former video-store owner. McDaniel allegedly sold the bath salts at her store. The bath salts, called "MDMC," "MDPV" and "4-MEC," are snorted or ingested. McFadden, who remained free on bail after the verdict, appealed to a federal appellate court, which upheld the convictions. He then took the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. The high court determined that people accused of selling synthetic drugs can't be convicted unless they knew it was a "controlled substance" banned under federal drug laws or knew it was an "analog" with a chemical structure substantially similar to that of a banned drug. Prosecutors had argued that evidence demonstrated McFadden knew the bath salts were for human consumption and produced similar physical effects on users as controlled substances. The sales occurred in the summer of 2011, said court papers. Diamond, the defense lawyer, previously told the Advance the bath salts were for use in incense and potpourri burners, and McFadden had stamped them as not for human consumption. Diamond said the defendant sold the bath salts for aroma therapy and didn't know of any deleterious effects. In fact, McFadden contended in court papers he checked the federal Drug Enforcement Agency web site before selling the merchandise and determined none of it was a controlled substance. He threw out two of the chemicals when they were subsequently outlawed, he said. The Supreme Court returned the case to the appeals court for further evaluation. The appellate court vacated three of the convictions, but upheld the other six. The case was returned to the district court where it was originally tried for re-sentencing. In a presentence filing, the defense said McFadden had complied with all the terms of his bail since his arrest in 2012, to include 14 months of home electronic monitoring. The defendant said he had not broken the law during that time, and was gainfully employed. McFadden sought a non-jail sentence, contending his 54 months on probation, to include the electronic home monitoring, "is punishment enough." The judge didn't agree entirely, but did reduce the original sentence significantly. "I really admire the judge and prosecutor for the approach they took and listening to what I said for how [McFadden] conducted his life" while free on bail, said Diamond. "His actions dictated that he didn't want to break the law. The true meaning of justice is fairness, and that's what came out."

The Giants signed wide receiver Cody Latimer on Monday, adding a potential deep-threat to the wide receiving corps, and a key contributor on special teams. Latimer, 25, was a standout at the University of Indiana and adds some depth to the Giants' wide receiving corps that is already loaded with talent in Odell Beckham Jr., and Sterling Shepard. Here's a look at five things to know about Latimer: 1) An 'All-Pro' Gunner on special teams Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph had high praise for Latimer, who was chosen in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, particularly when it comes to his special teams prowess, going so far as to say that he played the position at an All-Pro level. "As a gunner, he was exceptional again," Joseph told the Broncos' official website last season following a loss to the Eagles. In addition to covering kicks and punts, Latimer also returned eight kickoffs last season, averaging 23.8 yards per return. 2) Coming off the best season of his career Despite the fact that he has been buried on the depth chart in Denver behind Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, and Bennie Fowler, Latimer has improved in each of his first four NFL seasons and is coming off of his most productive season as a pro. Last season, Latimer caught 19 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 17.1 yards per reception. Latimer's strong 2017 campaign encouraged Broncos general manager John Elway. "He has an ability to go up and really get the ball, catch the ball well in traffic -- as well as get the 50-50 ball as we've seen the last three or four weeks from Cody," Broncos general manager John Elway said, via the Denver Post. "It's been good to see him in the right situation to be able to show what he can do." Since being chosen with the No. 56 overall pick in 2014, Latimer has caught a total of just 35 passes for 445 yards and three touchdowns in his first four seasons. 3) Previous connection with Giants WR coach Tyke Tolbert: Latimer follows Giants wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert to East Rutherford, after the pair spent the last four years together in Denver. Tolbert has overseen the Broncos' productive receiving corps and will look to untap Latimer's potential with the Giants, after Latimer failed to live up to his billing as a second-round pick with the Broncos. 4) College Stats: During his time in Bloomington, Latimer was the focal point of the Hoosiers' aerial attack, hauling in 135 passes for 2,042 yards and 17 touchdowns during his three collegiate seasons, while averaging 15.2 yards per catch. It was primarily Latimer's frame that propelled him up draft boards, but his skill-set has yet to translate into consistent production at the NFL level. Below is a scouting report from NFL.com of Latimer, from ahead of the 2014 NFL Draft: STRENGTHS Very good size. Shows a jab step to get into routes cleanly and is equipped to combat the jam. Can use his frame and physicality to create separation on slants and "post-up" throws (strength was evidenced by bench-pressing 225 pounds 23 times at the combine, leading all receivers and besting some linemen). Nice catch radius -- extends to snag throws off his body. Soft, dependable hands. Nice strength after the catch. Good blocker -- subdues cornerbacks, shields, stalks and sustains. Improved steadily over three years as a starter.

(Courtesy of the Artist) BACK HOME STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Gail Middleton, a noted photographer and longtime West Brighton resident, is sharing her latest work at the Creative Photographer's Guild (CPG) Gallery this weekend in Livingston. The exhibit, titled "Schaghticoke: You can Go Home Again," presents Middleton's photos from the titular town where she grew up, a visit she described as cathartic and enlightening. "Suddenly I was looking at the area with a different set of eyes and from a different perspective," she said. "When I was growing up these beautiful sights were taken for granted."

Congratulations! Your weather is set to . You can change the location at any time.

Congratulations! Your weather is set to . You can change the location at any time.

Italian Chocolate Love Cake (Yields 4-6 servings) INGREDIENTS: 1 pkg chocolate cake mix. (No pudding in mix) 2 lbs ricotta 3/4 cups sugar 1 tsp vanilla 4 eggs 1 small box instant chocolate pudding 1 cup milk 12 oz container of cool whip defrosted DIRECTIONS: Make chocolate cake according to box directions. Spay Pam in a 9x13 inch cake pan Spread chocolate cake evenly in pan. In a separate bowl mix ricotta, sugar vanilla and eggs until well combined. Carefully pour and spread the ricotta mixture over the cake. I didn't go to the very ends. Do not mix into chocolate cake. Just allow it to sit on top. Cake will rise over ricotta when cooking. Cook in a preheated 350 oven for anywhere from 1 hr to 75 minutes. Took me 75 minutes for cake to feel firm to the touch on top. Allow cake to completely cool. This takes time. Then place in fridge overnight if possible. For the icing: Blend milk and instant pudding till it gets thick. Then add whole container of cool whip and combine well. Makes a very light mousse icing. Store both the cake and icing in the fridge. I don't ice the cake. I allow everyone to put as big a dollop of mousse as they want on their slice of cake. --Margie De Mario-Getuldsen, East Rockaway

The honors continue for graduate student Sierra Clark as the 5-11 forward has been named to the All-Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association (MBWA) Second Team.In her lone season at Wagner, Clark, who previously played for current Wagner head coach, Heather Jacobs at Adelphi, made a significant impact, both on and off the court.The Hughesville, MD native earned a spot on the All-Northeast Conference (NEC) First Team , where she ranked second in the league at 18.6 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. She was also the NEC-leader with 68 blocked shots, which is second on the Seahawk all-time single-season list. Additionally, Clark recorded an NEC-best 16 double-doubles on the season.Against LIU Brooklyn (1/13), Clark poured in 34 points, which was her Wagner high and two shy of her collegiate career high of 36, set back at Adelphi against Saint Michael's (1/9/16), where she earned Division II All-American honors at the conclusion of the 2016-17 season.Several of Clark's best games came against elite programs, as her second-highest output, as a Seahawk was a 30-point effort against eventual NEC champion Saint Francis U (1/22), a contest where she also grabbed 17 rebounds. Against NEC regular season champion, Robert Morris (1/20), Clark registered a career-high nine blocked shots.After graduating from Adelphi with a 3.65 grade point average, Clark posted a perfect 4.0 GPA during the fall semester at Wagner, while pursuing a master's degree in Higher Education Leadership Organization, which she is set to receive next month.Based on her combined accomplishments in the classroom and on the floor, Clark became the first Seahawk women's basketball player to win 2017-18 Northeast Conference (NEC) Women's Basketball Student-Athlete of the Year , in addition to earning a spot on the prestigious 2017-18 CoSIDA Academic All-District I First Team Clark will be recognized on Wednesday, April 25 at the 85th NIT/MBWA All-Met Haggerty Awards Dinner in Tarrytown, NY.Points....................... 34, at LIU Brooklyn (01/13/18)30, vs SAINT FRANCIS U (01/22/18)Rebounds..................... 18, vs Robert Morris (01/20/18)17, vs SAINT FRANCIS U (01/22/18Steals....................... 7, at Stony Brook (11/26/17)Blocked Shots................ 9, vs Robert Morris (01/20/18)Wagner Athletics Women's Basketball: Head CoachWagner Gameday:

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Students in Staten Island's public schools outperformed their citywide peers on the state standardized tests in every borough but Manhattan for the 2016-2017 school year. According to borough and District 31 results from the Department of Education: A total of 37.8 percent of students citywide met the standards in math, a 1.3 point increase from 36.4 percent last year. A total 41.8 percent of Island students met standards in math, up 1.6 percent from last year. The percentage of students proficient in math has increased by 27 percent since 2013. Using the Advance's interactive tool below, you can search to see how your school did on the math exam. To use the search tool: 1. Type the first few characters of your school's name in the first field, for example P.S. 3 or I.S. 75. (Note: You must use periods, as in "P.S. 50." It may not work if you omit the periods.) 2. A list of schools will appear; simply choose your school from the list. The search results will show the percentage of students who passed the exam.

Author Diane Morton-Gattullo on her wedding day, posing with Angela "Big Ang" Raiola "This Life of Ours" is like "The Sopranos" meets "Sex in the City" and revolves around Dannie, a female bartender and member of a group of women regarded as the “it girls” during the wild '80s and '90s. The plot? Dannie meets a street guy named Babe and quickly becomes embroiled in his life style. Set in NYC in the '80s and '90s -- the golden age of the mob scene with the requisite corruption and murder. But the book also focuses on how these "tough guys" were tough on the streets but tender to the woman they loved. "Dannie, an admired bartender works in several of the city’s hottest nightclubs and bars and met Babe the day he's released from prison," said Diane Morton-Gattullo, the book's author. "While he pursued her relentlessly, his work stood between them. Dannie was the only one he allowed himself to be vulnerable around and swore to protect her as they were hunted down." As the violence escalated, however, Dannie caught Babe in bed with another woman, and they break up. But since Dannie remains well connected to the mob, she continues to work as their bartender and eventually the couple reconciles.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Chef Massimo Felici has followed the "Best of Staten Island Awards: Global Eats" poll since it first launched in March. So, he was understandably "super-stoked" to learn of his restaurant VINUM's win in the "Best Italian" category. "I was pleasantly excited just to be on that list. Period," said Massimo. "When I saw myself go up the ranks, me and my wife were excited we actually had a shot at winning this thing." VINUM, as he reminds, is only six months old. And he didn't think he could compete with established businesses around the borough. Indeed, VINUM is a newcomer on the eating scene. The restaurant opened in October last year after months of construction. Massimo himself helped put the place together, a broken down storefront that was former home to a string of failed eateries. Now, only the checkered black and white wall at the very back of the kitchen remains from his predecessors at 704 Bay St. At a mere 22 seats in the dining room proper plus 8 seats at the bar, Massimo soon added tables in the patio area in the back, enclosing it and pumping in heat. "We've been getting new customers non-stop, even people from the other side of the world, the South Shore," he said with a chuckle. He appreciates the loyal regulars who come weekly. And he remembers the naysayers along the way. "When I told people I was coming to this neighborhood, their reaction was -- oh my God, it's like 1978 in the South Bronx," said Massimo. Suffice to say, VINUM packs the house on Friday and Saturday nights. The majority of guests are female, Massimo noticed, particularly during the week. "I read an article in The Times years ago that said the best place to meet women are at supermarkets and at wine bars," he said. So, his wine bar seems to appeal in that respect. On his modest menu, Massimo features wild boar chops, slow-cooked rabbit and filet mignon of venison. "I only serve grass-fed beef, organic chicken and wild-caught prawns with the heads on, locally caught. Organic meats -- it all makes a difference with taste and texture," he said. Lunch and dinner feature salads like "The Beets" with yellow and red beets plus goat cheese and almonds and "The Blues" which combines dried figs with walnuts, Gorgonzola, poached pears and Bibb lettuce. There are panini, assorted cheeses, olives in a "tasting" as part of the "tapas" section of the menu, a "Meatball Bar" with chicken, lamb, sausage and veal meatball versions plus pasta and platters to share. Desserts like a rum-soaked tiramisu are house made. Massimo also is opening an American bistro called The Richmond, former home to Gatsby's on the Bay, right across the street. He and partners Ted Nugent and Mike Esposito renovated the space and will be ready to open in late May or early June. Yes, it's busy for the chef, especially with his new place in the works. But he's loving life and delighted by the contest results. "You know what? The great thing about opening on Staten Island is that I am able to see my family. I can go home and have lunch," said the chef. VINUM is located at 704 Bay St., Stapleton; 718-448-8466, VinumNYC.com. The restaurant is open daily at 11:30 a.m. and serves through 10 p.m.

McKee/Staten Island Tech finished the week strong to defeat Tottenville in the quarterfinals round of Best of the Island's PSAL cheerleading teams. Since Thursday afternoon, MSIT outvoted Tottenville, 2,705-1,523. MSIT received 7,518 votes (56.01%), while Tottenville collected a more than respectable 5,905 votes (43.99%). MSIT advances to the semifinals round to join Susan Wagner and CSI/McCown. Next week will be the final quarterfinals matchup as Curtis faces Port Richmond for the final slot. That matchup begins on Monday so watch out for that poll!

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- An alleged air-gun attack, a chokehold, a lawsuit, and now, swordplay. The Hatfields and McCoys had nothing on these feuding Port Richmond neighbors. In the latest turn in a series of nasty disputes between a Nicholas Avenue resident and his next-door neighbors, Michael Codd was arraigned Monday on assault and weapon charges for allegedly cutting Joseph Mancuso with a sword on Sunday. The alleged attack stemmed from a long-standing property-line quarrel. According to a criminal complaint and police, Codd, 63, approached Mancuso, 51, at 11:22 a.m. while the victim was working in his backyard. "Hey, Joe, do you want to die today?" the complaint quotes the 6-foot tall, 280-pound defendant as saying. Codd tried to strike Mancuso in the chest with the sword, but Mancuso blocked his chest with his left hand and the sword cut him, said the complaint. Mancuso suffered a hand laceration and was taken to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton for treatment. Codd was charged felony and misdemeanor counts of assault and criminal weapon possession, along with misdemeanor menacing and a lesser count of harassment. He posted $7,500 bond, said Yan Katsnelson, his lawyer. Codd's next court date is Friday. "There's more to this case than meets the eye," said Katsnelson. "My office is still doing an investigation to find out what happened." At Codd's arraignment, Katsnelson said his client had called police to his house on Saturday after Mancuso entered his property in violation of an order of protection. Matthew Santamauro, Mancuso's lawyer, said cops were called, but no one was arrested. Codd and Mancuso have been at odds for a while. Mancuso has a case pending in Criminal Court in which Codd alleges Mancuso shot multiple pellets from the second-floor of his home into Codd's Ford F-250 pickup truck at about 6 p.m. on Jan. 3 of last year. The vehicle was parked in front of Mancuso's residence, said a criminal complaint. The blasts dented and scratched the pickup and also chipped paint, the complaint said. Mancuso allowed cops to search his home and they found two black air guns, said the complaint. He was charged with two misdemeanor counts of criminal weapon possession and one count of misdemeanor criminal mischief. "I don't believe my client did what he's accused of doing," said Santamauro. "He fully intends to defend himself in both actions." Santamauro said Mancuso was also accused of running over Codd's garbage pail in an unrelated incident prior to the air gun episode. Codd hasn't been getting along much better with another neighbor. In May, Riccardo DeBenedictis sued Codd, alleging Codd had tried to choke him and threw him to the ground on Jan. 7, 2017. The civil complaint, filed in state Supreme Court, St. George, said DeBenedictis' house sits on the property line dividing his land and Codd's. Consequently, DeBenedictis contends he is entitled to "specified access" to Codd's property so he can make necessary repairs to his own home. However, Codd has refused to allow him such access, said the civil complaint. In addition, DeBenedictis alleges Codd intentionally parked large trucks "in the way of" his driveway, making it difficult for him to exit or enter. Codd has also shined very large and bright floodlights onto his property, DeBenedictis' complaint alleges. Codd denies the allegations and maintains an easement over his property "was not absolutely necessary," according to his court filings. The civil suit is pending. Codd was arrested in connection with the attempted-choking incident. At a bench trial in December in Criminal Court, he was convicted of a misdemeanor count of attempted assault and a lesser charge of harassment. He was sentenced to a conditional discharge on Feb. 2.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- For the third time, Tom Brady is the NFL's Most Valuable Player. Now he goes for his sixth Super Bowl title, and perhaps with it a fifth MVP trophy for the NFL championship. Brady added The Associated Press 2017 NFL MVP award Saturday night at NFL Honors to his wins in 2007 and 2010. The New England Patriots quarterback was joined as an honoree by three Los Angeles Rams: Coach of the Year Sean McVay, Offensive Player of the Year running back Todd Gurley and Defensive Player of the Year tackle Aaron Donald. Other winners in voting by a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league were Los Angeles Chargers receiver Keenan Allen as Comeback Player; New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara and cornerback Marshon Lattimore as top offensive and defensive rookies, respectively; and former Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, now head coach of the New York Giants, as Assistant Coach of the Year. Brady is the second the player in the four major professional sports to win MVP at age 40; Barry Bonds won baseball's award in 2004. Wide receiver Julian Edelman, who missed the entire season with a knee injury, accepted for Brady. "Thanks, thanks. Wait up. I literally just found out I was doing this like 20 minutes ago. So, I've got to read the text," Edelman said. "No, but I'm joking. But serious, Tom said he wanted to say he's very honored and humbled that he gets this award for MVP. Also, he wanted to thank his teammates, his friends, his family and the Patriots organization for going out and doing what they do." Brady competed 385 of 581 passes (66.2 percent) for 4,577 yards and 32 touchdowns with eight interceptions as New England went 13-3 for the AFC's best record. At an age when many QBs are deep into retirement, Brady is throwing deep -- and short -- as well as ever. Donald was the first pure defensive tackle to win the award since Warren Sapp in 1999. He said it means "everything. That's one of the best to ever do it. So, even for my name to be next to that guy's name is beyond a blessing. This is what you dream about as a kid, dreaming about playing in the NFL to have success like this, to be able to (play good enough) to win this trophy." Gurley's sensational turnaround season in which he ran for 13 touchdowns and caught six TD passes sparked an equally impressive reversal of fortunes by his team, which won the NFC West at 11-5. "The Saints got the rookies and we took home the offensive and defensive" player awards," Gurley noted. "It just tells you the type of players we have on the team. We all help each other out, absolutely. We have some talent, but we're nothing without the whole nine yards and everybody together. And we also have a coach who's up for Coach of the Year." A little while later, McVay was handed the coaching award. In his first season running a team and as the youngest head coach in NFL history, McVay led the Rams to a seven-game improvement. McVay, who turned 32 on Jan. 24, ran away with the voting with 35 votes to 11 for Minnesota's Mike Zimmer. The Rams' hat trick of awards was not unprecedented. In 2003, Baltimore's Ray Lewis was top defensive player, Jamal Lewis won best offensive player, and Terrell Suggs was Defensive Rookie of the Year. And in 1999, the St. Louis Rams had three award winners: Kurt Warner (MVP), Marshall Faulk (Offensive Player) and Dick Vermeil (Coach). New Orleans' sweep of the rookie awards was the first since 1967, when Detroit running back Mel Farr and cornerback Lem Barney were honored. That was the first season for the top defensive rookie award. "You get caught up in the season, you don't really get time to pat yourself on the back," Kamara said. "But when the season is over you realize what you've done. I've kind of had to time to look back and say, I made some history this season." Kamara shared duties with veteran Mark Ingram as the Saints won the NFC South. He rushed for 728 yards with a 6.1-yard average, and scored eight times. He also caught 81 passes for 826 yards, with five touchdowns. The 11th overall draft pick and first from his position selected, Lattimore was a shutdown defender as the Saints went 11-5. He had five interceptions and 18 passes defensed in 13 games, was a sure tackler and, by midseason, was someone opposing quarterbacks tended to avoid. He missed three games, one because of a concussion and two with an ankle injury. Allen returned from two devastating injuries to win the comeback honor. Allen missed half of the 2015 season with a kidney issue, then was lost in the 2016 season opener with a torn right ACL. There were questions if Allen would ever player at a high level again. He answered those emphatically this season with the best year of his career. Allen caught 102 passes for 1,393 yards and six touchdowns. He was targeted 159 times, nearly 10 per game. The award were announced Saturday night at NFL Honors. By BARRY WILNER, AP Pro Football Writer. AP Pro Football Writers Josh Dubow and Arnie Stapleton contributed.

CITY HALL -- Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis wants more court-ordered outpatient treatment for the seriously mentally ill as part of a broader plan to reduce their numbers in jail and on city streets. Expanding implementation of Kendra's Law, which allows for such court-ordered treatment, is at the top of Malliotakis' six-page plan to help the city's seriously mentally ill called "Treatment B4 Crisis." The Republican nominee against Democrat Mayor Bill de Blasio pointed to police officers recently killed and other acts of violence reportedly perpetrated by individuals with a history of mental illness. "What's happening now with people with severe mental illnesses walking the streets, not knowing what they may do to themselves or someone else at any given time is not acceptable," Malliotakis (R-East Shore/Brooklyn) said, unveiling the plan on the steps of City Hall Monday. "We are seeing too many lives lost, people being injured." Malliotakis said that de Blasio's own $850 million mental health plan focuses on "high-functioning" New Yorkers and early intervention but "ignores" the seriously mentally ill that her plan would target. About 4 percent of adult New Yorkers had a "serious mental illness" in 2012, according to the city Health Department in 2015. About 40 percent of them were estimated to have not received mental health treatment in the last year, but the Health Department said this should be interpreted with caution due to the smaller sample size. Serious mental illness includes schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder "accompanied by substantial functional impairment." The 12-point plan from Malliotakis aims for "programs that actually reduce crimes committed by severely mentally ill individuals and save taxpayer money in the long run." NO COST ESTIMATE GIVEN But, when asked directly, Malliotakis didn't say how much her own plan is estimated to cost or about how much it would save taxpayers. Instead, she pointed to general statistics over the cost of jailing and hospitalizing the mentally ill versus providing them with supportive housing. Incarcerating a mentally ill individual costs about $118,000 a year, Malliotakis said, and hospitalization costs about $104,000 a year. Malliotakis said outpatient treatment would cost around $50,000 a year. Providing one supportive housing unit to someone exiting a psychiatric institution, she said, saves about $80,000 annually. Malliotakis would work with Gov. Andrew Cuomo to create 30,000 new units of supportive housing. Such housing is affordable, permanent and paired with support services intended to help residents improve their health and recovery. Malliotakis didn't say how much of de Blasio's $850 million plan she would cut, but will audit the city's so-called "ThriveNYC" effort to determine which components should be retained. "The majority of my plan saves money," Malliotakis said. EXPANDING KENDRA'S LAW Though she didn't say how much they would cost, several initiatives proposed by Malliotakis require additional city services. Malliotakis said she would implement training so correction officials are encouraged to petition for Assisted Outpatient Treatment, known as AOT. She would also put a Kendra's Law evaluator in all city hospitals and would require a review of court orders so they don't unintentionally expire. Her administration would require physicians to make a "reasonable effort" to get information from family of admitted patients. Malliotakis would also require the Health Department to investigate claims from family and community members over whether a Kendra's Law petition should be filed. But Malliotakis said that the city could potentially reduce funding for Mental Health First Aid, a program intended to "teach the skills to respond to the signs of mental illness and substance use." Malliotakis explained, "I think if you see somebody and they are doing something out of the ordinary, threatening to hurt someone, chasing someone down the street ... that in of itself is recognizing." 'THE FACTS ON THE GROUND SHOULD MATTER' De Blasio's office said that the use of Kendra's Law and AOT increased 20 percent under de Blasio and that the program serves 2,285 individuals. "This administration has made an unprecedented $850 million commitment to make sure New Yorkers struggling with mental illness or substance abuse disorder have access to the care they need," de Blasio spokeswoman Olivia Lapeyrolerie said. "The mayor's mental health programs have received awards and have become the gold standard for how cities are dealing with those in need. Our police department is, for the first time, receiving widespread training in de-escalation and in mental health crisis intervention. I know it's the political season, but the facts on the ground should matter."

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon and Borough President James Oddo were honored Tuesday by Mothers Against Drunk Driving for their "SI Safe Ride" initiative. Since its creation in 2017, the initiative provided free Uber rides for thousands of Staten Islanders on different occasions, including on Thanksgiving Eve, Super Bowl Sunday, and during the Staten Island St. Patrick's Day Parade. The group presented the local politicians with their Community Awareness Award at the organization's 11th Annual New York Metro Law Enforcement Recognition event. "Driving under the influence is a serious crime that can ruin a person's life in an instant and it will not be tolerated," McMahon said. "We look forward to continuing our partnership with Uber in order to provide safe modes of travel for Staten Islanders, and to remind everyone that there is no excuse to drink and drive." People who use the service are given a code and are credited $15 for a ride between two Staten Island locations. "This was a terrific partnership with DA McMahon, Uber and our sponsors to help Staten Islanders make the right choice and leave their cars home on big party nights," Oddo said. "I hope we can continue to build on the success of SI Safe Ride and provide Staten Islanders with smarter alternatives to drinking and driving."

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The deadline for filing congressional campaign donations with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) was Jan. 31, 2018 for the upcoming November race. How much did the three top candidates raise? Rep. Daniel Donovan (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) raised $379,410 in the fourth quarter of 2017, according to campaign spokeswoman Jessica Proud and FEC filings. "I'm enormously gratified by the support we've received in our campaign. It's the five or ten dollars from everyday New Yorkers that are the most meaningful to me, because those are the people who I am fighting for in Washington," Donovan said about the donations. "They believe in our mission and are a part of the team that will lead us to victory in November," he said. Former Republican Rep.Michael Grimm, Donovan's challenger in a primary, raised less than Donovan in the fourth quarter with $173,210. However, he out-raised the incumbent in individual donations in the 11th Congressional District. Grimm's in-district donations were $91,620 compared to Donovan's $75,375 -- a difference of $16,245. "I am incredibly grateful to have such loyal supporters. Together, we outraised a sitting congressman here at home, and it's not even close," Grimm said. Democratic congressional hopeful Max Rose raised $333,000 according to campaign spokesman Kevin Elkins. "I'm immensely proud of the support our campaign has received since we launched back in August, especially since we have not taken a dime in corporate PAC money," said Rose.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The following is a look at obituaries published Saturday on SILive.com. Viewing times and guestbooks can be found here. Mary Buchell, 93, of Dongan Hills, who worked as a crossing guard and was a CCD teacher and Eucharistic minister at St. Ann's R.C. Church in her community, died Thursday. Agnes Gates, 75, a Staten Island native and loving mother and grandmother, died Wednesday. Antonio Mancino, 83, a native of Monte di Procida in Naples and a former Castleton Corners resident, died Wednesday.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A Stapleton woman, who along with a co-defendant was charged in the stabbing of two other women two months ago at the housing complex where they live, pleaded guilty Monday to a misdemeanor weapon charge. Natasha Lecount and her co-defendant, Tirzah Bratcher, both 29, allegedly attacked the two victims at about 1:20 a.m. on June 21 in front of 212 Broad St., which is part of the Stapleton Houses, said police. The victims were ages 20 and 21, police said. The two patients were transported in serious but stable condition to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton, according to a Fire Department spokesman. Lecount pleaded guilty in state Supreme Court, St. George, to fourth-degree criminal weapon possession. In doing so, she admitted to possessing a dangerous instrument, namely, bleach, with the intent to use it against the two victims. The highest count against her had been attempted second-degree assault, a low-level felony. Bratcher has been indicted on more serious charges including first-degree assault. Her case is pending in state Supreme Court, St. George. In exchange for her plea, Lecount will be sentenced Sept. 27 to three years' probation. The defendant, who had been held in lieu of $25,000 bail pending the case's disposition, was expected to be released from custody on Monday. Her sentence is expected to run concurrently to a separate Criminal Court case that was to be resolved Monday by plea with a promised sentence of a conditional discharge, defense lawyer Kevin McKernan told the court.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Police are canvassing the area for a man who allegedly attempted an abduction in Stapleton Saturday night, according to an NYPD spokesman. At approximately 6 p.m., NYPD units were called to the apartment buildings at 180 Broad St. where a man reportedly attempted to abduct an individual near a public sidewalk, said the spokesman. The spokesman was unable to confirm the age or gender of the alleged victim. Police transmissions originally described the alleged attacker as a Hispanic male, between 20 and 30 years old, wearing a gray hoodie and black pants. The alleged suspect fled the scene following the struggle, according to police transmissions. Multiple NYPD vehicles were stationed in front of the apartment complex as investigators interviewed local business owners along Broad Street. No arrests have been made at this time and the investigation is ongoing, added the spokesman.

CLEVELAND -- Joe Girardi did nothing. That, more than anything, is the hardest thing to reconcile. He is a manager who never met a pitching change he didn't love, the ultimate hands-on dugout presence who is supposed to have a move and countermove for every scenario. How could he do nothing? The Yankees suffered a crushing 9-8 defeat in Game 2 of the American League Division Series. They blew a five-run lead in unthinkable fashion, losing a five-hour game when Cleveland Indians catcher Yan Gomes drove in the winning run with an RBI single down the third-base line in the 13th inning. The Yankees now need to win three straight against a team that has won 35 of its last 39 games. Turn off the lights. But it should never have come to this. The series-changing moment, one that will haunt Girardi straight into this offseason if his team doesn't pull off a miracle comeback, came in the sixth inning with the Yankees still ahead 8-3 and the Indians trying to mount a two-out rally. With runners on second and third, Yankees reliever Chad Green's seventh pitch to Indians pinch hitter Lonnie Chisenhall broke inside too far and nicked the nob of the bat. Home plate umpire Dan Iassogna, however, saw it differently. Chisenhall didn't even flinch, but Iassogna ruled that pitch brushed his hand and awarded him first base to load the bases. Sanchez -- who, obviously, had the best view in the entire ballpark -- immediately turned to the dugout and told his manager to review the call. Girardi did nothing. Sanchez had caught the ball off the knob, so it would've been foul-tip strike three. The next batter, shortstop Francisco Lindor, hit a long fly ball that bounced off the right-field foul pole. The grand slam cut the lead to 8-7, re-energized a glum Progressive Field crowd, and turned what should have been the best victory for this franchise in five years into a crushing defeat. It did something else, too: It served up a full offseason of second guessing for the Yankees manager. Because two things are undeniably true: 1. Girardi had absolutely nothing to lose by using one of this two replay challenges on the play. Worst-case scenario: The video is deemed inconclusive and the play stands. Best case? It's strike three on Chisenhall and the Yankees are out of the inning. 2. Sanchez was pleading with Girardi to go to the replay. The manager, a former catcher himself, had to trust his player in that scenario, and not doing so in the most crucial situation of the season sends an awful message to the young team that he is paid to lead. Girardi is in the final year of his contract, and this one decision won't -- and shouldn't -- change the decision to bring him back. He did a fine job navigating the 162-game season and used his bullpen to perfection when starter Luis Severino crapped out in the AL Wild Card. But he failed in the biggest moment of the season. He is going against one of the best postseason managers in Terry Francona in this series. Francona, who trusted his gut and used No. 3 starter Trevor Bauer in Game 1 with dominant results, isn't going to screw up. Girardi did. To think: This looked like it was going to be a brilliant night for his team. The Yankees came to Progressive Field without a hint of fear, gained confidence with every Corey Kluber pitch that missed its mark, and stunned the 37,681 fans expecting an easy night. Sanchez hit a two-run home run in the first inning. Aaron Hicks hit a three-run shot in the third. Greg Bird gave the Yankees a five-run lead in the fifth with towering fly ball that just stayed fair in right field. CC Sabathia, meanwhile, was dealing like it was 2000 again, cruising along with his usual mix of off-speed pitches. Sabathia out-pitching Kluber, the likely AL Cy Young Award winner? It was, in every way, the best-case scenario for the Yankees -- but even then, against a team that had won 34 of its previous 38 games, they had to know that no lead was safe. The sixth inning was more unneeded proof. Green, this team's most reliable reliever for most of the season, gave up a two-out double to Indians catcher Yan Gomes. With runners on second and third, Chisenhall fouled off four pitches before Green's 95-mph fastball hit the end of the bat. The umpire blew the call. Sanchez turned to the dugout and pleaded his case to the home dugout. His manager blew his team's chance to even the series in Game 2 of the ALDS, and barring a miracle comeback, that inaction will dog him into a long offseason. How could Joe Girardi no nothing? Steve Politi may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @StevePoliti. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Hoisin Shrimp on a Cloud (Serves 4) I went to the Asian market wanting to buy ingredients to make shrimp spring rolls but when the rice paper wouldn't cooperate I found a better and less complicated way to use them. The results were whimsical and tasty. I named my rice paper disaster a cloud, it's so easy, delicious and supports the shrimp and veggies perfectly. INGREDIENTS: 1 pound of medium raw shrimp, deveined 1 /2 cup hoisin sauce 3 Tablespoons olive oil 1 /2 teaspoon cayenne pepper salt and pepper to taste Pea pods 1 cup fresh snap peas 1 /4 cup sliced scallions 2 teaspoon canola oil salt and pepper to taste Enoki Mushrooms 2 bunches of Enoki mushrooms with 1 inch of the root trimmed off 2 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce 2 tablespoons of canola DIRECTIONS: Prep 20 min, cooking 10 minutes Season shrimp with salt, pepper and cayenne. Heat a large saute pan and 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add shrimp to pan making a single layer, saute for 2 minutes on each side, remove from pan. Add remaining tablespoon of oil and repeat with the rest of shrimp, do not cook through. After the last batch is cooked, add shrimp back to pan and hoisin sauce. Coat well, cook for 2 more minutes, mix in some of the scallions and remove from heat. For the pea pods trim the stems, preheat the oil in a skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add pea pods, scallions salt and pepper cook for 5 minutes.. Remove from heat. Use your fingers to separate the enoki mushrooms into small bundles, rinse and drain. In the same pan used for the pea pods add 2 tablespoons of oil on medium high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until slightly wilted. Add the soy sauce and rice wine vinegar, cook for about three minutes more. Remove from heat. Clouds 1package of spring roll wrappers 3 tablespoons canola oil Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet on medium heat, slide the rice paper in the pan for 5-8 seconds watch them puff and curl up! Take out with tongs and drain on paper towel. Toss with chopped scallions. They are done! So easy! Arrange clouds on a platter, lay out pea pods, top with shrimp and string enoki throughout. Garnish with chopped scallions and a drizzle of hoisin sauce. Be creative, add your own veggies and seasonings. These are light, crunchy and creative! --Jennifer Lamonica, Bay Terrace

Empanadas (Yields 4 servings) INGREDIENTS: 3lbs of 93% ground beef, one large green pepper, one large red bell pepper diced, one to two large onions diced. 2 small cans of diced green chilies, 2 cans of goya tomato sauce, adobo seasoning, salt and pepper, hot sauce to taste, shredded cheddar cheese and Goya Disco shells to stuff the meat pies. DIRECTIONS: Brown the beef half way and drain some fat, add the diced peppers and onions and get the flavors together. Season with salt and pepper, adobo seasoning. Drain the fat again and add 2 cans of goya tomato sauce, 2 cans of green chilies diced and sprinkle with hot sauce to taste. Cook down until the meat dires up so you can stuff them into shells. --Coleen Perine, Arlington

By Sonny Tannenbaum Ocean Breeze Last week, I had the unpleasant task of transporting three huge plastic bags of empty water bottles to the local supermarket. When I arrived, there was an elderly gentleman with a shopping cart inserting bottles one at a time. He noticed the frustration on my face and told me to go ahead of him. I said, "are you sure?" He replied, "yes, I have all day." I thanked him and began to place my bottles into the machine. At first, I thought he was homeless, basically due to the way he was dressed, but later learned that you cannot always judge a book by its cover. During this tedious task, he began to instruct me on the proper way to insert bottles in order to prevent the machine from jamming. Then he introduced himself as Joe and told me he was 92 years old and that he is a world war II veteran. Joe did not look his age. I thought he was around 72 at best. He reminded me of the actor Burgess Meredith and even had his raspy voice to boot. He spoke with wisdom and knowledge in politics and current events. Joe continued to tell me he used to be a high school teacher and how much he enjoyed working with kids. Now, he comes to the supermarket daily to assist customers with their empty bottles along with keeping the area clean. I asked Joe how much does he get paid for his time and he said: "nothing but it keeps me busy." By this time I was done, and thanked Joe for his assistance and good conversation. I asked him if he comes here every day and he smiled: "Well, if you don't see me here . . . you'll know where I am." Sometimes, those individuals who appear to be an average Joe may just surprise you.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Seven women, who worked at the Perkins in Dongan Hills, say in a lawsuit that they were victims of a lecherous cook, according to a report by the Daily News. The lawsuit, which was to be filed Monday, alleges long-time cook Humberto Cuenca created a work environment "of unmitigated sexual harassment, degradation, assault and abuse," according to the report. Behavior ranged from inappropriate words and gestures to violent gropings, and an assault in the kitchen freezer at the Hylan Boulevard restaurant, one of the alleged victims told the News. The women allege that management allowed the perverse culture to flourish, according to the report. A Perkins media relations employee said the national office does not comment on franchised locations or on lawsuits.

NEW YORK (AP) -- One of the social media posts resembled a wanted poster or a missing-persons flyer: Photographs of men were arranged in rows, seeking their names and employers. But the Facebook post wasn't circulated by law enforcement in the search for a suspect or by relatives looking for a missing loved one. It was an example of ordinary people trying to harness the power of social media to identify and shame the white nationalists who attended last weekend's violent rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. A Twitter account dedicated to calling out racism identified people who attended the rally using photos culled from the news and social media and listed their places of employment and other information. The account with the handle YesYoureRacist was created by Logan Smith of Raleigh, North Carolina, who said his followers grew from around 64,000 on Saturday to more than 300,000 Monday afternoon. Cole was part of the violent protests in Oakland back in May pic.twitter.com/yQQkTqXUMl -- Yes, You're Racist (@YesYoureRacist) August 12, 2017 "I'm a white Jewish man. So I strongly believe that white people in particular have a responsibility to stand up against bigotry because bigotry thrives on silence," he told The Associated Press. "It requires good people standing by and doing nothing." A website created Sunday dedicated itself to collecting the names, social media profiles, colleges and employers of people photographed at the rally. At least one person has lost his job as a result. Together, the efforts showed that angry online groups can be used to renounce racism as well as promote it. "The goal with online shaming is very short term and driven by people's desire to feel as if they are fighting back and having an impact," said Brian Reich, who's written several books on digital communications, behavior and political influence. "They are afraid, appalled and they want to stop it." But is it helpful? Reich said those behind these efforts "are arguably fanning the flames," giving attention to a group -- white supremacists -- that feeds on attention. THE END OF ANONYMITY? Nicholas Brody, professor of communications at the University of Puget Sound, said the events show that in the age of social media, "nothing is really anonymous anymore." People attending a white supremacist rally decades ago may have had the comfort of knowing that their schools, employers and disapproving family members probably wouldn't find out about their activity. These days, not only can information be quickly and widely shared, but a lot of data is available about people on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Image searches and facial-recognition technology, meanwhile, can make it relatively easy to identify people online. Smith said he called out the people pictured in photos from the rally through a combination of tips from former classmates and others and online sleuthing. But the method isn't foolproof. In 2013, users of Twitter and the website Reddit wrongly accused a man of being a suspect in the Boston Marathon bombing. Reddit later apologized . COLLEGE STUDENT IS EXPOSED This angry young man is Peter Cvjetanovic, a student at @unevadareno pic.twitter.com/7rLGJkcT3o -- Yes, You're Racist (@YesYoureRacist) August 12, 2017 Peter Cvjetanovic, a 20-year-old college student, was photographed shouting with a group of torch-wielding protesters Friday during a march through the University of Virginia campus. Cvjetanovic said in a television interview that he didn't expect the photo to spread as widely as it did. But spread it did. And thousands of people signed an online petition to have him kicked out of school. Cvjetanovic told a local TV station that he is "not the angry racist they see in that photo," but a white nationalist who cares for all people. The University of Nevada in Reno confirmed Monday that Cvjetanovic is a student there. Spokeswoman Kerri Garcia said the university is "still monitoring the situation and reviewing information." A message left for Cvjetanovic through the school was not returned. There was no telephone listing available for him in Reno. Meanwhile, Top Dog, a hot dog company in the San Francisco area, said one of its employees resigned after being confronted by management about participating in the rally. 'DOXING' AS INVITATION TO VIOLENCE The practice of publishing private or identifying information -- such as an address or phone number -- about people online in an attempt to hurt, shame or abuse them is known as "doxing." In the 1990s, anti-abortion hackers infamously exposed abortion providers' home addresses, photos and other information on a now-defunct website called the "Nuremberg Files." Names that were greyed out indicated people who had been "wounded." A strikethrough meant they had been killed. Collecting and posting publicly available information, such as a photo of a person attending a public protest, is not the same thing, even if that can still hurt or shame people. Paul Levinson, a communications professor and social media expert, called it a "moral obligation" to expose white supremacists for who they are, something for which social media provides a good opportunity. Gordon Coonfield, communications professor at Villanova University, said there is an important difference in the reasons people get doxed. "Doxing an advocate of racial equality is an implicit -- and often explicit -- call for violence against them," he said in an email. "Doxing a white nationalist is a call for accountability. Compelling individuals to be accountable for their words and deeds online or off is not a threat to freedom of expression. It is the foundation of freedom of expression." Case in point, Smith said, he has received many death threats because of his Twitter posts, so he's going to consider whether to continue. "They got ahold of all my personal info and have been threatening me and my family and even my wife's family," he said. Of course, mere presence at a rally does not imply willing participation. Tiki Brand Products, whose torches were used and widely photographed during the rally, took to Facebook to distance itself from the march. "We do not support their message or the use of our products in this way," the company wrote on its Facebook page. Our products are designed to enhance backyard gatherings and to help family and friends connect with each other at home in their yard." Written by Barbara Ortutay, AP Technology Writer. Associated Press Writer Jonathan Drew contributed to this story from Raleigh, North Carolina.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- About 3,000 cases of ice pops shipped to New York and 14 other states are being recalled for possibly being contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The West Virginia-based Zeigenfelder Company is making the voluntary recall of its Budget $aver Cherry Pineapple Monster Pops and Sugar Free Twin Pops. The ice pops were distributed to retail grocers and distributors in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Maine, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. They were delivered during a 15-day period from April 5 through April 19, 2018. The Cherry Pineapple Monster pops carry the UPC code 0-74534-84200-9, and have lot codes D09418A through D10018B. The Sugar Free Pops carry the UPC code 0-74534-75642-9, and have lot codes D09318A through D10018B. The recall was the result of a routine inspection of the company's Denver production facility which found Listeria monocytogenes in environmental samples collected by the inspector. Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals can suffer only short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. No illnesses or incidents involving the products have been reported. Consumers who have purchased the affected ice pops are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Those with questions can call the company at 1-888-683-0379.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A Staten Island court officer accused of drug possession while on duty has the support of his union. "We're going to try to get him through this," said Dennis Quirk, the head of the state Court Officers Association, of accused officer William Moser. "[The union] is going to try to turn him around." Moser, 60, of Macfarland Avenue in Arrochar, was charged by police with criminal possession of a controlled substance and reckless driving after a traffic stop on Thursday. Moser was pulled over after driving recklessly while using his cell phone at Front and Wave streets in Stapleton at about 12:20 p.m. Moser was then found to be in possession of two glassine bags of heroin while in his uniform, according to police. Moser has entered the Heroin Overdose Prevention and Education (HOPE) program. The HOPE program was created as an initiative designed to combat the borough's heroin and opioid addiction issue by diverting low-level drug offenders into treatment instead of into court and jail. The program was announced in February of this year by District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, Borough President James Oddo and NYPD Assistant Chief Edward Delatorre, the NYPD borough commander.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Peter Botros, who recently opened Violette's Cellar, a dining spot in Grant City, has embarked on a yet another unique venture along with partners Phil Farinacci and Marc Zurlo. Because Violette's Cellar is committed to supporting cancer treatment and research, when Botros and partners were apprised of the new Comprehensive Cancer Center coming to Staten Island University Hospital, they were eager to learn how they could get on board. In fact, while the new dining spot was still in the works, the community-spirited partners already had a handle on their fundraising efforts -- particularly within the cancer community. So, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, Violette's Cellar presented a check that pledged their $250,000 commitment to the new Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Ocean Breeze health care facility. The restaurateurs reveal they'll donate a portion of the proceeds from Violette's Cellar, as well as funds accumulated from charity events throughout the year. Interestingly, Violette's Cellar was recently opened in loving memory of Botros' mom, Violette Botros, who courageously battled cancer for more than a decade -- with a smile on her face, a star in her eye and warmth in her heart. After a long day of treatment and barely enough energy to walk, Violette would insist on going out to dinner with her husband and two young sons. There was nothing she enjoyed more than sharing a meal with those she loved. In addition, Zurlo's father, Ralph, is a two-year cancer survivor and Farinacci's mom, Sally, is a 35-year cancer survivor. In fact, Botros -- who also sits at the helm of the Stone House at Clove Lakes Park in Sunnyside -- was also diagnosed with cancer six years ago when he was just 26 years old. The center promised to make life easier for those receiving cancer treatment. "We are continuing the evolution of our cancer program by integrating the cancer services currently located at different points across the North Campus into our brand new Comprehensive Cancer Center, making them easier for our patients to navigate," said Dina Wong, deputy executive director of SIUH. The new center will include brand new adult and pediatric oncology units with consultation and examination rooms, infusion stations, a laboratory, a pharmacy, and a cancer registry. "These three men saw the value in constructing a center here on Staten Island that will treat both adults and children affected by cancer in a state-of-the-art facility, close to home, and we are immensely grateful for their generosity," said Laura Long, director of Oncology Services of SIUH. For additional information on the restaurant, located at 2271 Hylan Blvd., or to receive information on how to donate, phone 718-650-5050 or visit violettescellar.com.

TORONTO -- The suspect in the deadly van attack in Toronto posted a chilling Facebook message just minutes before plowing into a crowded city sidewalk, authorities said Tuesday, raising the possibility that he may have nursed grudges against women -- a possible echo of a 1989 massacre of 14 women that remains one of Canada's most traumatic acts of violence. The 25-year-old suspect, Alek Minassian, was charged Tuesday with first degree murder in the deaths of 10 pedestrians he mowed down in the rented van he sent careening along the busy walkway. Fourteen others were injured. Toronto Police Services Det. Sgt. Graham Gibson told a news conference that those killed and injured were "predominantly" women, though he declined to discuss a possible motive. "All the lanes are open with this investigation," said Police Chief Mark Saunders. Authorities have not yet released a list of victims. Those known to have been killed include a 30-year-old woman from Toronto, Anne Marie D'Amico, who was active in volunteer work, as well as a female student at Seneca College, which Minassian also attended. A Jordanian citizen and two South Koreans were also among those killed. The gender issue arose because of what police called a "cryptic" Facebook message posted by Minassian just before the incident that suggested he was part of an online community angry over their inability to form relationships with women. The now-deleted post saluted Elliot Rodger, a community college student who killed six people and wounded 13 in shooting and stabbing attacks near the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 2014. Calling Rodger "the Supreme Gentleman," the Facebook post declared: "The Incel Rebellion has already begun! We will overthrow all the Chads and Stacys!" Rodger had used the term "incel" -- for involuntarily celibate -- in online posts raging at women for rejecting him romantically. Like-minded people in internet forums sometimes use "Chad" and "Stacy" as dismissive slang for men and women with more robust sex lives. The anti-women sentiment recalled the 1989 massacre at the Ecole Polytechnique, an engineering college in Montreal, when 25-year-old Marc Lepine entered a classroom, separated the men from the women, told the men to leave and opened fire, killing 14 women before killing himself. In a suicide note, he blamed feminists for ruining his life. Since then, there have been sporadic mass shootings in Canada, but none with a higher death toll -- reinforcing the view among many Canadians that their country is less violent than the United States. "Canadians don't know who they are, but they know who they are not -- they're not Americans," said Nelson Wiseman, a political science professor at the University of Toronto. "They perceive that Canada, relative to the U.S., is a peaceable kingdom." "This isn't to say everything's hunky dory in Canada," Wiseman added. "But we don't have this constant string of mass shootings that keep happening, and then nothing changes." Wendy Cukier, a professor of justice studies at Toronto's Ryerson University and president of Canada's Coalition for Gun Control, said Canada may avoid some types of violence because its social programs are stronger than those in many U.S. states and it has less income inequality. But the main difference, she contends, is tighter gun regulations in Canada. "If you take guns out of the mix, Canada and the U.S. are identical," she said, citing statistics indicating the two countries have similar rates of non-firearm homicides. Although police say Monday's rampage does not appear linked to international terrorism, the use of a vehicle to kill mirrored tactics used by terrorists in France, Germany, Spain, New York City and elsewhere. Since 2014, there have been at least two terror-related cases in Canada of vehicles being used as weapons -- they caused several injuries and one death. But overall, Canada has been spared high-casualty terror attacks; its most striking incidents of violence over the past 50 years have varied widely in nature. In 2014 a Muslim-Canadian gunman killed a member of the honor guard at Ottawa's national war memorial, then stormed Parliament, where he was shot dead by a sergeant-at arms. Last year, a French-Canadian man shot dead six Muslim men during evening prayers at a mosque in Quebec City. Back in 1972, 37 people died in a Montreal cafe deliberately set on fire by three men who had been refused entry. In Toronto, Canadian rapper Maestro Fresh Wes returned Tuesday to the scene of the rampage, pausing by a newly erected memorial. Wes, who lives nearby, was strolling down Yonge Street, heading to his barber to get a haircut when he saw a body bag on the ground. "Yesterday was the most beautiful day of the year and then look what happened," he said. "Toronto is a safe city but things could happen anywhere. When these things happen, you have to reflect." Also revisiting the site was Saman Tabasinejad, a New Democrat Party politician who was canvassing in the area when the attack occurred. "I saw shattered glass everywhere, a fire hydrant knocked over and then five body bags," she said. "People were holding others and I saw solidarity all over, people trying to help others." "When something like this happens, you think people are going to run away from the tragedy but people didn't, they ran towards it to try to help others," she added. "It shows that something like this could happen at the hands of one person, but so many more stand against it and show their humanity."

WASHINGTON -- The American workplace is grueling, stressful and surprisingly hostile. So concludes an in-depth study of 3,066 U.S. workers by the Rand Corp., Harvard Medical School and the University of California, Los Angeles. Among the findings: --Nearly one in five workers -- a share the study calls "disturbingly high" -- say they face a hostile or threatening environment at work, which can include sexual harassment and bullying. Workers who have to face customers endure a disproportionate share of abuse. --Nearly 55 percent say they face "unpleasant and potentially hazardous" conditions. --Nearly three quarters say they spend at least a fourth of their time on the job in "intense or repetitive physical" labor. "I was surprised at how physically demanding jobs were," says lead author Nicole Maestas, a Harvard Medical School economist. --Telecommuting is rare: 78 percent say they are required to be present in their workplace during working hours. --Only 38 percent say their jobs offer good prospects for advancement. And the older they get, the less optimistic they become. --About half say they work on their own time to meet the demands of their job. "Wow -- (work) is pretty taxing place for many people," Maestas says. "I was surprised by how pressured and hectic the workplace is." In many cases, less-educated workers endure tougher working conditions. For example, fewer than half of men without college degrees can take a break whenever they want to, compared to more than 76 percent of men with college degrees. Likewise, nearly 68 percent of men without degrees spend at least a fourth of their time moving heavy loads. Maestas wonders whether toxic working conditions are keeping Americans out of the labor force. The percentage of Americans who are working or looking for work -- 62.9 percent in July -- has not returned to pre-recession levels and is well below its 2000 peak of 67.3 percent. The unemployment rate is at a 16-year low, and many employers complain they can't fill jobs. "There's a message for employers here," Maestas says. "Working conditions really do matter." Not everything about American workplaces is grim. Workers enjoy considerable autonomy: more than 80 percent say they get to solve problems and try out their own ideas. Moreover, 58 percent say their bosses are supportive, and 56 percent say they have good friends at work. The first-time survey of Americans ages 25-71 was carried out in 2015. It is similar to a long-running European survey, and researchers plan to conduct another survey next year and eventually to draw comparisons between U.S. and European working conditions. --By Paul Wiseman

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A year after the de Blasio administration launched Healing NYC -- a $38 million effort to tackle the opioid epidemic - the mayor and First Lady Chirlane McCray paid a visit to Staten Island Monday to announce a $22 million enhancement to the program in the hopes of saving as many as 400 lives by 2022. The mayor was joined by dozens of borough politicians, advocates and medical professionals at a time when the Island has made strides in fighting the opioid epidemic. In 2017, the number of fatal opioid overdoses on Staten Island decreased as the number of overdose saves rose sharply with a 26 percent reduction in overdose fatalities in 2017 compared to the previous year. "As painful as this process is, we're beginning to see some real progress and Staten Island has led the way," the mayor said, calling the opioid epidemic a "manmade crisis" being fueled by "corporate greed" and the actions of big pharmaceutical companies. Although overdose statistics for 2017 are not yet final, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Herminia Palacio said overdose deaths had "flattened" since the previous year. FLOOD OF DEADLY FENTANYL But with the deadly fentanyl flooding the streets, city officials stressed the need to ramp up its efforts to fight the epidemic. With the $22 million investment that will be in "full ramp up" come fiscal 2020, the city plans expand District Attorney Michael McMahon's H.O.P.E. program to the Bronx. The program diverts low-level drug offenders into treatment instead of into court and jail. The money will also increase the number of emergency department peer-based intervention programs from three to all 11 of its emergency departments by the end of 2018 and complete the expansion of the Relay peer intervention program to 15 private hospitals by June 2020 including on Staten Island. The city's latest effort will also expand inpatient hospital interventions at six new city hospitals hit the hardest by the epidemic; launch an enhanced naloxone program; create an "end overdose" training institute that will teach 25,000 New Yorkers annually how to administer and distribute naloxone; as well as hire 29 additional staff to expand the capacity of the Health and Engagement Assessment Team, and Rapid Assessment Response Team. Although he said the opioid epidemic had different origins from borough to borough, de Blasio said the city now shares a "common struggle" in the crisis. He admitted the city was still in the test phase of programs to see what works and that the city's fight in the epidemic would continue to be an uphill battle. "If we find [programs are] working, we're going to invest a lot more, if we find they're not working, we're going to go in other directions," de Blasio said. "But the goal is to go as far as humanly possible ... there's no sense that we can't ultimately win here. It will take a while ... no one's saying 'mission accomplished,' no one's saying it's going to be an overnight victory. It's going to be a long battle because we're up against a very complex problem." The mayor's announcement came as President Donald Trump proposed imposing the death penalty for some drug dealers as part of his push to "get tough" on the opioid epidemic, a plan which de Blasio said he disagreed with. Also on Monday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced nearly $1 million in funding to establish four new addiction support centers, known as youth clubhouses, in New York City including one on Staten Island. The borough facility will be operated by Camelot Counseling of Staten Island with $241,150 in state funding. 'TOO HARD TO SAY' While some local advocates welcomed the city's announcement, others said they were unsure if they felt the drop in overdose deaths. Michael Buckley, the director of operations at Christopher's Reason Recovery Center, it was "too hard to say" if opioid deaths on Island were really going down. "It seems like somebody's passing every other week or multiple times a week, we have our good weeks and our bad weeks," Buckley said. "We'll have to look at the statistics when they're released to show if there really has been a decrease." Buckley said it was "refreshing" to see the mayor and first lady visit Staten Island and talk about addiction so openly now, a topic that nearly two decades ago he said was one no one wanted to talk about. "I think it's very important to recognize how many fronts we are going to have to attack this crisis and I think that's been one of the strengths on Staten Island," Diane Arneth, the executive director of Community Health Action of Staten Island, said. "Before the city decided to have a large scale response, folks on Staten Island, the NYPD, the FDNY, the hospitals, the community based organizations the district attorney's office, was really in the forefront of working together collaboratively and aligning all of our efforts across a wide variety of interventions to try to make a difference."

Raspberry Peanut Butter Cake (Yields 4-6 servings) INGREDIENTS: Cake 1 cup sugar 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 3 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon raspberry extract 2/3 cup sour cream 2 1/2 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt Peanut Butter Cake Swirl 3 tablespoons sugar 1 egg 1/4 cup butter, softened 1/4 cup milk 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter 1/2 cup flour 1/4 cup raspberry jelly, set aside Crumb 1 1/2 cups butter, melted 1 cup white sugar 3 cups flour 2 teaspoon cinnamon DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl mix the sugar and the butter. Slowly add in the eggs, vanilla, raspberry extract and the sour cream, mix until well combined. Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder and the salt, mix well. Place the mixture into the prepared baking dish. In another large mixing bowl add the sugar and egg and mix until well combined. Add in the butter mix until smooth. Slowly add the milk and peanut butter and beat until light and fluffy. Add the flour. Place the peanut butter mixture by tablespoons onto the white cake mix, and swirl using a knife. In a small bowl microwave the jelly on low for about 10 seconds. Take the jelly and place by teaspoons evenly onto the cake and use a knife to make swirls. Place the cake in the oven and bake for 25 minutes then set aside. In a separate bowl make the crumb mixture by adding the butter, sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Mix with a fork until large crumbs form. Place the crumb filling evenly on top of the cake. Bake for another 20 minutes, or until center is set and crumbs look golden. --Kristen Heigl, Eltingville

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Surveillance footage provided to the Advance by a Bulls Head resident shows a man attempting to break into cars outside her home Sunday morning. Suzanne, who asked her last name not be used for fear of reprisal, said the thief can be seen outside her home around 5:54 a.m. attempting to break into a silver Ford Edge, a black Porsche Cayenne, and a gray Mercedes-Benz. "It's very disheartening to see someone doing this," she said. The man fails to open the Porsche and Ford, which were locked and parked on the family's driveway, but managed to gain access to the Mercedes. That car's alarm goes off, and the man quickly walks away from the scene. Suzanne said police told her they could not investigate the incident "since they (the individual) didn't break in."

President Donald Trump authorized the release and declassification of a memo written by Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) that paints the FBI and Justice Department as being politically biased against him. FBI Director Chris Wray said he had "grave concerns" about the memo's accuracy, and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi questioned the accuracy of the memo. But conservatives argue the American people have the right to know if the FBI is working against the president. What do you think? PERSPECTIVES The White House has declassified the Nunes memo, allowing for it to be released in full. The White House says it has declassified a GOP-authored memo on the Russia probe. That clears the way for the House Intelligence Committee to release the document, which is based on classified information and alleges the FBI abused U.S. government surveillance powers in its investigation into Russian election interference. The Latest: AG Sessions defends deputy amid Trump criticism Earlier this week, House Republicans voted to release the memo, written by Rep. Devin Nunes, that allegedly paints the FBI and Justice Department as being politically biased against President Trump. Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee voted Monday to release a memo that paints the FBI and Justice Department as being biased against President Donald Trump... The memo was written by Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA), and it reportedly frames special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation as an FBI effort to hurt Trump. Read the full text of the Nunes memo FBI Director Christopher Wray urged against the release of the memo, stating he had "grave concerns" about its accuracy. "The F.B.I. was provided a limited opportunity to review this memo the day before the committee voted to release it," the bureau said in a statement, referring to the House Intelligence Committee. "As expressed during our initial review, we have grave concerns about material omissions of fact that fundamentally impact the memo's accuracy." And House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said in a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan that the memo was likely inaccurate due to reports that House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes has altered the memo. It was revealed that [Rep. Devin Nunes] altered the contents of a reckless, partisan memo released to the White House after it had already been voted on by the Committee and presented to House Members. Chairman Nunes' action is a violation of House rules and is part of a partisan pattern to discredit the investigations into the Trump-Russia scandal. Both the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation have warned against the release of Nunes' memo, stating grave concerns about the accuracy of the memo and its misrepresentation of classified information. But conservatives argue Democrats and FBI didn't have a good reason for the memo not to be release other than the fact that its contents would make the FBI look bad. As Andrew McCarthy argues in the National Review, if the FBI has nothing bad to hide, why should they care if the memo is released? Shouldn't we want assurance that the FBI is not politically biased? The point here is to preserve and protect the FBI as an institution, which requires getting to the bottom of any potential effort to exploit the FBI for purposes of electoral politics. Democrats used to think diligent oversight of the FBI's exercise of national-security powers was pretty important. Democrats have traditionally been in favor of more transparency, especially when it comes to the Justice Department, yet suddenly they are arguing against public accountability of officials if it doesn't fit their interests. It's almost as if the press cannot get behind public accountability unless it is the New York Times, rather than a congressional committee, deciding what gets published and which government operations warrant careful examination. Trump and his supporters have argued the FBI and Justice Department are politicized, and now they feel vindicated. The top Leadership and Investigators of the FBI and the Justice Department have politicized the sacred investigative process in favor of Democrats and against Republicans - something which would have been unthinkable just a short time ago. Rank & File are great people! -- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 2, 2018 It's confirmed. The FBI and Department of Justice lied and used the dossier so Hillary could spy on Trump. This is what the Dems didn't want you to know. #FBI #Scandal #SteeleDossier -- John Washington (@JohnWashBlog) February 2, 2018 But others argue the attack on the FBI and DOJ by the president and congressional Republicans is extremely dangerous to our democratic institutions. The attack on the FBI and Department of Justice is an attack on our safety and security, all to save a cult figure. There are now "Trump Lives Matter" enemies of the state. They will destroy us to save Trump. #MemoDay -- Hayden_C_J (@Hayden_C_J) February 2, 2018 Plus, the memo is deliberately misleading and hardly reliable. It's release proves nothing but threatens our national security. The #NunesMemo was written and selectively edited by those with a stated agenda of protecting the President above all else, even our national security. -- Sen. Cory Booker (@SenBooker) February 2, 2018 The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Digital, Inc. property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- The CEOs of athletic wear manufacturer Under Armour, computer chip maker Intel and pharmaceutical company Merck resigned Monday from the White House's American Manufacturing Council -- with the Merck withdrawal drawing a quick and angry Twitter outburst from President Donald Trump. Merck CEO Kenneth Frazier cited the president's failure to explicitly rebuke the white nationalists who marched in Charlottesville, Virginia, over the weekend. He wrote on Twitter Monday that "America's leaders must honor our fundamental values by clearly rejecting expressions of hatred, bigotry and group supremacy, which runs counter to the American ideal that all people are created equal." Frazier is one of the few African-Americans to head a Fortune 500 company. .@Merck Pharma is a leader in higher & higher drug prices while at the same time taking jobs out of the U.S. Bring jobs back & LOWER PRICES! -- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 14, 2017 Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank resigned from the panel later Monday, saying his company "engages in innovation and sports, not politics." Plank did not specifically mention Trump or Charlottesville, but said his company will focus on promoting "unity, diversity and inclusion" through sports. Intel CEO Brian Krzanich followed, writing that while he had urged leaders to condemn "white supremacists and their ilk," many in Washington "seem more concerned with attacking anyone who disagrees with them." Trump was under increasing pressure to call out the white supremacist groups involved in the Charlottesville demonstration. He lashed out almost immediately at Frazier, saying on Twitter that he will now "have more time to LOWER RIPOFF DRUG PRICES!" Now that Ken Frazier of Merck Pharma has resigned from President's Manufacturing Council,he will have more time to LOWER RIPOFF DRUG PRICES! -- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 14, 2017 The president followed up later in the day, tweeting that Merck "is a leader in higher & higher drug prices while at the same time taking jobs out of the U.S. Bring jobs back & LOWER PRICES!" Drugmakers have come under withering criticism for soaring prices in the U.S., including by Trump, though he has yet to act on a promise to contain them. With the barbs, Trump appeared to attack an industry executive who has tried to make drug pricing somewhat more transparent by revealing his company's overall drug price changes. In January, Merck reported that its average net prices -- the amount the company receives after discounts and other rebates -- increased in the years since 2010 in a range between 3.4 percent and 6.2 percent per year. That's about half as large as the increase in its retail prices. Much of the furor over drug prices recently has been over increases that have been far bigger and come one after another for drugs that have been on the market for years. The exchange lit up social media early Monday, with many people lauding Frazier and blasting the president. Trump eventually made a statement condemning bigotry Monday afternoon at a press conference. Meanwhile, other executives stated their support for Frazier. Unilever CEO Paul Polman wrote on Twitter, "Thanks @Merck Ken Frazier for strong leadership to stand up for the moral values that made this country what it is." Thanks @Merck Ken Frazier for strong leadership to stand up for the moral values that made this country what it is pic.twitter.com/ckabeobZBL -- Paul Polman (@PaulPolman) August 14, 2017 Frazier, who grew up in a poor neighborhood in Philadelphia, resigned from the manufacturing advisory council days after one person was killed and others wounded in violent clashes between white supremacists and protesters. Frazier and his siblings were raised by their janitor father after their mother died when they were very young. He has earned a reputation as a risk taker in the drug industry, pouring money into daunting research areas, particularly trying to develop a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Frazier is not the first executive to resign from advisory councils serving Trump. Tesla CEO Elon Musk resigned from the manufacturing council in June, and two other advisory groups to the president, after the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement. Walt Disney Co. Chairman and CEO Bob Iger resigned for the same reason from the President's Strategic and Policy Forum, which Trump established to advise him on how government policy impacts economic growth and job creation. The manufacturing jobs council had 28 members initially, but it has shrunk since it was formed earlier this year as executives retire, are replaced, or, as with Frazier and Musk, resign. William Galston, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, said he couldn't "think of a parallel example" of any president responding as viciously as Trump to a CEO departing an advisory council. "Usually, certain niceties are observed to smooth over a rupture," said Galston, who served as a domestic policy aide in the Clinton administration. "We've learned that as president, Mr. Trump is behaving exactly as he did as a candidate," Galston said. "He knows only one mode: When attacked, hit back harder." By LINDA A. JOHNSON, AP Medical Writer. AP Economics Writer Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this story.

Bowling Rab's Country Lanes Golden Oldies: Wayne Maddlone 213; Rose Opulencia 188; Ralph Loggia 221; Artie White 200; Victor Wilson 212, 217; Elanore Curran 184; Kathy Currao 189. Golf Silver Lake Ladies Away Game at Marine Park Low Gross Low Net Tournament Low gross: Eileen McKee 88, runner-up Margaret Grenier 88 with match of cards with Pat Sansone Low net winner: Pat Sansone, runner-up Peggy Becaccio 69. Birdies: Sansone#6, Postiglione #4&5, McKee#14. Chip-in Viverito#10, Devlin #6 Vagabond's Golf Club Final round of our Gross and Net Championships Gross champion: Paulette Gabel; Mary Ann Weibel was 2nd and Soon Choi was 3rd. Paulette Gabel had low round of 95. Net Champion: Mary Ann Weibel, Karen Marcucci was 2nd and Roe Carroll was 3rd and Mary Alice was 4th on match of cards. Weekly game: Paulette won 95, Karen won low net 65, Paulette bird #6, Weibel #3, 14. Karen and Weibel low putts 30

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A suspect remains at large on Friday in an alleged attempted robbery where a victim was shot in West Brighton. An 18-year-old man told police that he was walking home at about 8 p.m. Thursday when he was approached by a suspect who demanded money at Caroline Street and Cary Avenue, said an NYPD spokeswoman. A struggle ensued and the suspect allegedly fired a round, striking the victim in his right leg. The suspect then fled on foot. The 18-year-old man found his own way to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton and is expected to recover from his injuries, police said. Police described the suspect as a Hispanic male in his 20s who stands about 5'9" and sports a mustache. He was seen wearing black clothing.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The countdown to prom season 2018 is on. From disco ballrooms at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bloomfield to party cruises out of Chelsea Piers, Staten Island high schools coordinate some incredible celebrations for their students on the big night. That's why the Advance/SILive is filling out its annual prom calendar. We're making sure every school has a shot at showing off its students' tuxedos and dresses -- from the limo to the dance floor. Check out the in-the-works schedule below (and images from last prom season in the gallery above). If you don't see your school here, it means they haven't taken us up on our offer for coverage yet. Email the details (when, where, time, venue, address, etc.) to [email protected] and I'll add them to the list. St. Peter's H.S. Date: Friday, May 4 Where: Pier 81 in Manhattan When: 7-8 p.m. "on the boat"; must be off boat by 8 p.m. Docks at 12th Ave and 44th St., Pier 81 near West Side Highway. Staten Island Pride Center Date: Friday, May 11 Where: Greenbelt Recreation Center, 700 Rockland Ave. Time: 6:30-10:30 p.m. Moore Catholic H.S. Date: Thursday, May 17, 2018 Where: Richmond County Country Club, 135 Flagg Pl. Time: 7 - 11 p.m. Monsignor Farrell Date: Wednesday, May 23 Where: Hilton Garden Inn, 1100 South Ave. Time: 7 p.m. (No livestreaming allowed; will be escorted out by security) Notre Dame Academy Date: Thursday, May 24 Where: Nicotra's Ballroom, Hilton Garden Inn, 1100 South Ave. Time: 7 p.m. - midnight St. John Villa H.S. Date: Thursday, May 24 Where: Hyatt Regency, Jersey City, 2 Exchange Pl. Time: 6 p.m. McKee H.S. Date: Thursday, May 24 Where: Island Chateau, 900 W Fingerboard Road Time: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. New Dorp H.S. When: Friday, May 25 Where: Friday, El Caribe Country Club, 5945 Strickland Ave in Brooklyn Time: 7 p.m. Michael J. Petrides High School Date: Thursday, May 31 Where: Hilton Garden Inn, 1100 South Ave. Time: 6:30 p.m. Port Richmond H.S. Date: Friday, June 1 Were: The Hilton Garden Inn, 1100 South Ave. Time: "Red carpet" event starts at 6:30 p.m., prom starts at 7 p.m. Staten Island Academy H.S. Geranium Ball Date: Saturday, June 2 Where: Richmond County Country Club, 135 Flagg Pl. Time: 7 p.m. St. Joseph by-the-Sea H.S. Date: Monday, June 4 Where: Hilton Inn, 1100 South Ave. Time: 7 p.m. Bishop Patrick V. Ahern H.S. Date: Monday, June 4 Where: Old Bermuda Inn, 301 Veterans Rd W. Time: 7-11 p.m. The Hungerford School Date: Wednesday, June 6 Where: Auditorium of St. Sylvester's/Lifestyles, Targee St. Time: 6-10 p.m. Gaynor McCown H.S. Date: Wednesday, June 6 Where: Hilton Garden Inn, 1100 South Ave. Time: 7 p.m. St. Joseph Hill Academy H.S. Date: Wednesday, June 6 Where: Grand Oaks Country Club, 200 Huguenot Ave. Time: 7 p.m. CSI High School for International Studies Date: Thursday, June 7 Where: Shadowbrook, Shrewsbury N.J. Time: 7 p.m. Tottenville H.S. Date: Saturday, June 9 Where: Pier 60, Chelsea Piers Time: 7 p.m. Curtis High School Date: Saturday, June 9 Where: Cornucopia Majesty boat at Pier 13, 1301 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken N.J. Time: 7 p.m. Great Kills High School Date: Monday, June 11 Where: Hilton Garden Inn, 1100 South Ave. Time: 7 p.m. Staten Island Technical High School Date: June 14 Where: Grand Marquis, 1550 U.S. 9, Old Bridge, N.J. Time: 7-11:45 p.m. Schools we still need information from: Eden II (with On Your Mark and G.R.A.C.E.) Susan Wagner High School New World Prep Charter School Feel free to submit the who, what, when and where to [email protected].

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Opening statements and witness testimony are set for Tuesday in the murder trial of a Brooklyn man accused of fatally stabbing his girlfriend and two of her young children - one of whom was his - in a Willowbrook hotel in the winter of 2016. Jury selection has been completed for Michael Sykes' trial with the selection of 12 jurors and eight alternates. The trial, in state Supreme Court, St. George, is expected to last several weeks. The defendant is charged with multiple counts of first- and second-degree murder and other crimes, stemming from the stunning Feb. 10, 2016 incident inside the Ramada Inn. He potentially faces life in prison without parole if convicted of first-degree murder. Authorities allege Sykes, 26, fatally stabbed Rebecca Cutler, 26; Maliyah Sykes, 4 months; and Ziana Cutler, 1. Sykes also badly stabbed Miracle Cutler, then 2, who recovered from her multiple wounds. All three girls are Rebecca Cutler's children. Maliyah Sykes is the daughter of Rebecca Cutler and Michael Sykes. Police said Sykes was jealous over Rebecca Cutler's relationship with the father of her two older daughters. The victims had been living at the Ramada since Dec. 6, 2015, when the city Department of Homeless Services placed them there. Prosecutors are expected to call numerous witnesses, including police and emergency medical service personnel, the medical examiner and others. Attorneys Mark J. Fonte and Anthony Katchen represent Sykes. Assistant District Attorneys Ann Thompson and Nina Spadafora are prosecuting the case.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- If you tuned into an episode of "Chopped" on the Food Network recently, and thought you noticed a familiar face, you weren't wrong. Frank Bilotti, executive chef of Mr. Ciao in Charleston, was among four chefs who were presented with donut-shaped sushi and a crunchy snack in their appetizer baskets. FYI: Bilotti, who calls Grant City home, taped the episode back in November and wasn't at liberty to divulge any of its contents until the segment aired on TV. "I opened the first basket for the appetizer round and I saw that I had a sushi donut, salmon eggs, sushi rice, radish, cucumber, and sushi salmon," Bilotti said. "I also had little neck clams, corn nuts, and certain types of pepper and had 15 minutes in which to work with them." Frank went on to explain he opted for stuffed clams oreganato with the sushi rice. "And we all went up to describe our dishes before the judges," who critiqued all dishes," he added. Frank was home free and until the next entree round when he was then eliminated. "The experience was wonderful. But after the first round and we went on to the second round, we were presented with ingredients like frog legs, Japanese pasta, and cricket," he said. "I converted the pasta to a into another pasta - like a gnocchi and created cricket Bolognese." The judges opined Bilotti's frog legs were the best of all three and that he was extremely ambitious -- and crazy. FYI: Judges based their decisions on taste, presentation and texture. "They often give ingredients and sometimes you're really not sure know what it is. But I really love doing this crazy stuff," Bilotti said. When asked about what's new and innovative at Mr. Ciao, Bilotti noted he intends to conduct cooking classes at the South Shore hot spot and working on producing live demos there as well -- perhaps a web TV social media show. But Bilotti's no stranger to the small screen. Many may recall the expert chef made his TV debut on season 13 of "Hell's Kitchen" back in 2014.

Stuffed Sweet Yellow Plantain (Serves 2) INGREDIENTS: 2 Yellow plantains which are yellow with a little bit of black spots; that just means they are little ripe mixing bowl add 1/2 pound of ground beef, turkey or ground pork(your choice) 2 packages of Sazon adobo (orange packet) 1 package of chicken bouillon in powder (yellow packet) 2 tablespoons of sofrito, 2 tablespoons of recaito (find in the Goya section ) 2 tablespoons of chopped up garlic in oil (jar ready made ) 1 tablespoon of Mrs. Dash herbs and garlic 3-4 cups of tomato sauce 1 package of shredded cheese (you may add onions, peppers and olives) DIRECTIONS: Cut the ends of the yellow plantains and peel off the skin , get a baking tray and put aluminum foil on the bottom -spray bottom of aluminum foil with canola oil and also the plantains some people don't like the taste of canola so you can also butter your plantain like I do :-)) preheat oven 350 bake on each side for 15-minutes or until your desired golden brown , remove from the oven and let cool place warm the skillet and 2tbsp of corn oil 1tablespoon of tomato paste and the two tablespoons of the garlic in oil add meet cook the meat and let cool) get a spoon and core out the middle of the plantain not too deep or you might break the plantain spoon in the meat mixture drizzle some shredded cheese let bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is oozing of the side remove from oven and enjoy! --Agnes Cruz, Manor Heights

Chicago suffered record-breaking violence in 2016: 4,331 shootings and 762 homicides, more deaths than in New York and Los Angeles combined. Gun rights groups say Chicago's strict ordinances prove gun laws don't work -- they just add to lawlessness and violence. But gun control advocates argue New York and Los Angeles actually have stricter gun laws than Chicago, and lax gun laws in nearby states flood Chicago with guns. What do you think? PERSPECTIVES Gun rights advocates have argued for years that gun control doesn't work because criminals don't care about laws, and Chicago's out-of-control gun violence proves it. As David Rittgers argues: Strict gun-control policies have failed to deliver on their essential promise: that denying law-abiding citizens access to the means of self-defense will somehow make them safer ... The simple, undeniable truth is that gun control does not work. Chicago does have some of the most restrictive gun ordinances in the country. Gun shops and civilian gun ranges are banned, as are assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. But more than 15,000 of the guns traced by the police in the last decade came from just outside the city limits in neighboring towns that permit gun stores. Gun control advocates argue Chicago's laws can't make up for the easy access to guns in the rest of Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana. Gun violence is a collective national problem, not a local one that can be reduced to debates over a single city's gun laws. Many still argue stricter gun control laws are not the answer. Chicago has the some of the strongest gun laws in place, yet it is still rife with gun violence. Liberals ignore the real problems. -- Bernard Lawes [?] [?] (@lawesbernard) May 24, 2017 The fact remains that laws do not stop criminals. Period -- Jay Seals (@jayseals0079) October 5, 2017 But others say Chicago only proves that gun laws must be universal, and it is impossible for any city to eliminate gun violence when neighboring municipalities have loose gun laws. Part of Chicago violence is because Pence loosened gun laws in neighboring IN. Criminals get guns there & use them in Chicago. -- America Resurgent (@ProgressOutlook) June 1, 2017 Chicago tried to limit guns. Efforts were blocked. Guns come in from Indiana where it is much easier to get guns. -- Chicago Voter (@VoterChicago) October 5, 2017 The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Digital, Inc. property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A man was shot in the hip early Monday morning in New Brighton and transported to a nearby hospital. Police responded just before 1 a.m. to 81 Jersey St. for a report of shots fired, according to an NYPD spokesman. The 19-year-old victim was transported to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton and is expected to survive, police said. It was uncertain if the victim lived at the address, and he was initially uncooperative with police in regard to the ongoing investigation, the spokesman said.

Gregg Leather can't imagine many things more prestigious than representing your country. So you can imagine his delight last week when USA Softball named him the Men's National Fastpitch head coach. "To have those three letters (U.S.A.) across your chest ... it's really something special,'' said Leather, who has managed a number of club Men's National modified and fastpitch championship teams since the turn of the century. "I see it in the players' eyes when they put on the uniform too. It's just an exciting thing. "And I've met all kinds of people and made friends (through softball) all across the world, but to represent your country in this way, it's just something different. "It's an honor,'' added Leather, a New Dorp HS alum. Leather was appointed by the USA Softball Men's National Team Selection Committee, which is based out of Oklahoma City. A SMOOTH TRANSITION Leather is no stranger to the squad he's taking over. When previous head coach Denny Bruckert got the job in August of 2013, Leather became one of his assistants. Unfortunately, Bruckert, who is from Illinois, needed to step down for health reasons. Leather, however, believes the transition will be smooth since he had a good relationship with the former coach. "I know Denny eventually wanted me to take over for him and unfortunately it was sooner than expected because his health hasn't been great,'' said the 51-year-old Leather, who's a former city police officer. In a press release from USA softball, Leather added: "Denny has been a mentor to me for a long time and we will work hard to continue the progress he has made with the program.'' With Leather as his right-hand man, Bruckert led the National team to a combined record of 16-10 at the 2013, 2015 and 2017 World Baseball Softball Confederation Men's World Championships. SEVERAL CLUB NATIONAL TITLES But Leather also has an impressive resume of his own on the club National softball circuit. He guided three teams to the men's modified national championships, including L&P Tree Service in 2002-03 and The Gremlins (a team consisting of players from Staten Island and Clifton Park, N.Y.) in 2005. When modified pitch faded around 2007, Leather began managing men's major fastpitch teams and wound up leading the Gremlins to National titles in 2011, 2012, 2016 and this year. Leather's first game action as head coach will come between Sept. 15-24 during a Pan American qualifier in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The event serves as a qualifier for both the 2019 WBSC Men's World Championship (Czech Republic) and the 2019 Pan American Games (Lima, Peru). "I like the travel, especially since I retired from the police department. I have the time to do it,'' he said, noting the 35 players in the national team pool come from all different parts of the country. OFFENSIVE-MINDED Leather said the present team has improved with the bats in recent years and, as has been the case with most U.S. teams, the defense is top notch. He noted runs are scarce at this level of competition and because of it, he values outs. "I'm big on on-base percentage and not so much on the sacrifice bunt unless we need a run late in the game,'' the new coach said. "We rely a lot on offense and speed. He added in the USA softball press release: "As a staff, we challenged our players to make an effort to play in the top club team tournaments and face elite international pitching. Our players answered that call and our program is starting to reap the rewards of their hard work.''

In his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, President Donald Trump called the Iran nuclear deal "insane" and "ridiculous." He's threatened to pull out of the agreement in the past, calling it an "embarrassment." Critics argue the Iran nuclear deal was a diplomatic debacle -- Iran has a history of noncompliance and no one is convinced the deal actually prevents a nuclear Iran. But many world leaders, including Macron, believe the deal is necessary to avoid proliferation and maintain a hard line in any future talks with North Korea. What do you think? PERSPECTIVES During his meeting with French President Macron, Trump blasted the Iran nuclear deal and also threatened Tehran would have "big problems -- bigger than they've ever had before" if it chose to restart its nuclear program. "It was insane. Ridiculous. It should have never been made," Trump said, warning Iran: "If they restart their nuclear program, they will have bigger problems than they've ever had before." Many are hoping Macron will be able to dissuade Trump from dissolving the Iran deal during his visit, but Trump's latest comments aren't promising. Macron interjected that the nuclear deal "is an important issue," adding: "But we have to take it as part of the broader picture, which is security in the overall region." After giving a speech at the U.N. that was deeply critical of the agreement, experts worried Trump would withdraw from the deal without considering the serious repercussions. Zack Beauchamp outlines in Vox the potential outcomes that could come about if Trump chose to sabotage the Iran Nuclear Deal. Beauchamp believes the deal would only put the U.S. in a weaker position to monitor Iran's nuclear proliferation. Beauchamp also points out that, thus far, Iran has complied with the terms of the deal, so punishing a country for honoring their side of the deal would be unwise. The president himself has not publicly offered a detailed policy case for decertification beyond general calls to renegotiate the deal's terms, nor are there any reports of him doing so privately. Experts don't see any signs that he's particularly well-versed in the arguments. Decertification does not formally end the Iran deal -- but it creates serious threats to its continued existence... What's certain is that decertification would create a crisis in US-Iranian relations, as it would be the first concrete step the Trump administration has taken towards attempting to renegotiate or cancel the nuclear agreement. But Trump is not alone in his criticism of the Iran deal. When the agreement was first reached in 2015, Republicans tried to kill the deal, and 47 Republican senators actually sent a letter to Iranian leadership in an attempt to undercut Iran's negotiations with the Obama administration. Since Trump took office, many conservatives have urged him to abandon the deal. Jonathan S. Tobin of the National Review encouraged the president to "ignore experts" and trust his "instincts" when it comes to foreign policy, arguing the Iran deal does nothing to actually prevent the possibility of a nuclear Iran. Trump should ignore their arguments and those inside the administration who are echoing them. It's wise to have some skepticism about experts' opinions; their consensus can have little to do with achieving the goals they're tasked with accomplishing. But the problem is not only that the deal was a bad one. It's also that plenty of experts place more value on diplomacy per se -- getting a piece of paper signed and then defending its value -- than on the conviction that diplomacy will stop Iran from getting a bomb. The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Digital, Inc. property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A Staten Island family's heartbreaking immigration saga didn't even end with a goodbye. Wael Kassem, 43, who was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Aug. 3, was deported back to Egypt Thursday, according to the family's lawyer, Paul O'Dwyer. Kassem did not get to speak to his family before he was taken to the Egyptian consulate for paperwork and put on a plane Thursday night, the attorney said. "The family is extremely upset," he said. "There was no reason for them not to allow him to remain here." O'Dwyer said a person who was detained with Kassem notified the family that he was leaving, and he was informed by a deportation officer. The Board of Immigration Appeals denied the stay of deportation filed for Kassem, he said. "That doesn't mean they had to deport him," O'Dwyer added. "What they did was unnecessary." In 2001, Kassem came to the United States from Egypt on a six-month tourist visa that was eventually extended to one year, said the lawyer. But he never left. The following year, his wife, Sherien Shady, and eldest daughter, Hana, 15, then a newborn, came to join him. Shady and Hana have also overstayed their tourist visas. The three have pending immigration cases, O'Dwyer said. His other two daughters, Jana and Farah, were born here. 2014 ARREST In 2014, Shady said her husband was taken into custody after police stopped him in the mall parking lot. He was driving with an international driver's license and the officer took him in to run a background check, the family said. The officer discovered there was an order for removal and ICE took Kassem into custody. A couple of days later, they released him under supervision. Since that incident, he's had to check in with an immigration probation officer every three to six months, and has never missed an appointment, O'Dwyer said. During his last check-in on Aug.3 at Federal Plaza in Manhattan, he was detained and taken to a New Jersey prison. A spokeswoman for ICE did not immediately return a request for comment. Attempts to reach the wife Friday were unsuccessful.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- A Massachusetts police officer in a post on Facebook has mocked the anti-racism demonstrators who were run down during a fatal incident Saturday at a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Va. "Hahahaha love this, maybe people shouldn't block roads," wrote Springfield officer Conrad Lariviere in a comment on a news article about the crash. Lariviere in a Facebook conversation with MassLive.com confirmed that he is a patrolman, and he expressed remorse for what he described as "a stupid comment about people blocking streets." "Never would I want someone to get murdered. I am not a racist and don't believe in what any of those protesters are doing," Lariviere told MassLive.com. "I'm a good man who made a stupid comment and would just like to be left alone." Springfield Police Commissioner John Barbieri said the department has launched an investigation into the comments. He confirmed that an officer named Conrad Lariviere is employed by the department. "I received notification of this Facebook post earlier today via email from a complainant. The post is purportedly from Springfield police officer. I took immediate steps to initiate a prompt and thorough internal investigation," Barbieri wrote in an email. "If in fact this post did originate from an officer employed with the Springfield Police Department, this matter will be reviewed by the Community Police Hearings Board for further action." Videos from the protest, which saw neo-Nazi, white supremacist and right wing groups face off against leftist and antifascist demonstrators over the planned removal of Charlottesville's Robert E. Lee statue, show scenes of carnage and panic as a car plowed into antiracist demonstrators. The videos show a gray Dodge Charger drive down a clear section of street and crash, without any sign of braking, into a crowd of protesters and two other vehicles. The Charger then reverses away from the scene of the crash. Heather Heyer, a 32-year-old Charlottesville paralegal, was killed in the crash, and 19 other people were injured. Later, police arrested James Alex Fields Jr., 20, of Ohio, and charged him with second degree murder, malicious wounding and failing to stop at an accident that resulted in death. The original post including Lariviere's comments has since been deleted, but MassLive reviewed multiple screenshots of the comments and confirmed their contents with people who viewed the exchange. In another comment on the Facebook post, Larivere expressed doubt that the driver, who at the time had not been identified, was a Nazi. "How do you know he was a nazi scumbag?" Lariviere wrote. "Stop being part of the problem." But Fields was photographed at the rally carrying the wooden shield of Vanguard America, a white supremacist organization that bills itself on Twitter as "the face of American fascism." And one of Fields' high school teachers told the Washington Post Fields was a white supremacist and appeared fascinated with Nazism as a teenager. Lariviere berated another Facebook commenter who criticized his post. "I've been hit by a s------ with warrants but who cares right you ignorant brat live in a fantasy land with the rest of America while I deal with the real danger," he wrote. Earlier on Sunday, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno released a statement condemning the violence in Charlottesville. "My thoughts and prayers go out to all those families that suffered a terrible loss of life and were injured. These actions by white supremacists - the 'new KKK' groups - should be denounced by all," he said. "Don't be fooled by their propaganda, once again, they spew hate and enjoy violence. In the end, they will not prevail and good will overcome evil." Shortly after 9 p.m., Sarno released a statement condemning Lariviere's comments. "I just got done issuing a statement this morning on how upsetting the tragic incidents were in Charlottesville, Virginia and one of our own officers does this? Unbelievable! There is no place for this in our society, let alone from a Springfield Police Officer," Sarno said. "I stand by and commend Commissioner John Barbieri's steps for a thorough internal investigation and review by our Community Police Hearing Board to pursue the appropriate discipline against said officer."

Somerset, NJ - The Wagner College baseball team was predicted to finish fourth in the Northeast Conference (NEC) Coaches' Preseason Poll as released by the league office on Friday. Bryant, winners of three of the last five NEC championships, was predicted to finish first by the seven head baseball coaches, as the Bulldogs garnered four first-place votes. Defending NEC champion Central Connecticut was tabbed second, claiming the remaining three first-place votes. Sacred Heart, the 2017 NEC runners-up a season ago, rounded out the top-three schools. Wagner, which earned its first NEC Tournament victory a season ago under now seventh-year head coach Jim Carone, was predicted to finish ahead of nearby rivals, LIU Brooklyn & Fairleigh Dickinson, who claimed the fifth and six spots. Mount St. Mary's rounded out the seven-team preseason coaches' poll. The NEC will once again host its four-team postseason event at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, CT, marking the seventh time in eight years that the league awards its automatic NCAA Tournament at the home of the Connecticut Tigers (Detroit Tigers' Single-A affiliate). The top-four finishers in the NEC regular season standing will earn a berth into the double-elimination championship bracket and compete for a ticket to the NCAA Regionals. The NEC Tournament games will unfold May 24-27 with an "if necessary" contest slated for May 27.The 2018 Seahawks returns a total of 17 upperclassmen, highlighted by a quintet of All-NEC selections in senior outfielder Anthony Godino, senior pitcher Danny Marsh, senior infielder Nick Mascelli, junior catcher Phil Capra and sophomore designated hitter, Freddy Sabido.For third-year Seahawk, Capra, he repeated as an All-NEC Second Team performer a season ago, as he finished the 2017 campaign batting a team-high .369 while ranking third in the circuit in batting, slugging (.568), and on-base percentage (.455). Capra was also named to the 2017 Northeast ABCA/Rawlings All-Region Second Team. The North Salem, NY native belted seven home runs on the year while producing 17 multi-hit games and ten multi-RBI contests, which was highlighted by a five-RBI game against LIU Brooklyn back on April 28. Capra was one of three Seahawks to start in all 50 games as he enters his third season with 117 career-hits.Godino, now a two-time All-NEC First Team honoree, concluded 2017 with a .329 batting average while posting team-bests in runs scored (43), doubles (11), triples (4) and slugging percentage (.578), which was the second-highest in the NEC last season. The Thornwood, NY native tied Capra with seven round-trippers, stole 17 bases last year. The 2015 Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American accounted for 16 multi-hit games and nine multi-RBI games, both second on the team while making 46 starts in left field.Marsh, who along with Capra, was named to the 2017 Northeast ABCA/Rawlings All-Region Second Team, added to his trophy mantle with his this most recent accolade, as he was tabbed to the All-Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) First Team on May 30 . An All-NEC First Team performer this season, the Central, NJ native was the starter in Wagner's 6-5 walk-off victory that ended top-seeded Bryant's chance at repeating as league champions. Though not factoring in the decision, Marsh pitched seven strong innings while striking out seven Bulldogs. The Monroe Township, NJ native finished the 2017 regular season with a 6-2 record, highlighted by a minuscule 1.52 ERA, which topped the NEC and ranked No. 7 in the entire nation. Marsh closed out the year with a 1.96 ERA, which was among the top-20 nationally and was also the 13th-best single-season ERA mark ever by a Seahawk pitcher. A 2017 co-captain, Marsh was the nation's ERA leader back on April 10, when he sported a 0.40 ERA. In addition, Marsh earned two NEC Pitcher of the Week citations while pitching two complete games. His best start of the season came back on April 30 when he struck out a career-best 11 batters over eight innings in a 12-0 victory over LIU Brooklyn.Mascelli, who was tabbed to the NEC Second Team squad back in 2016, missed the entire 2017 campaign and is set to regain his form from his all-conference selection. Serving as the Seahawks' primary leadoff hitter, Mascelli was a consistent table-setter at the dish in spearheading the Green & White's offense. In 2016, he ranked among the NEC's top-ten in six statistical categories as the North Jersey native finished the year with a .374 batting average, which ranked second in the league while his splits were quite astonishing, connecting for a .418 batting average against left-handers, and hitting close to .500 with runners on base. He also ranked 17th out of 150 Division I players as a tough batter to strike out, only striking out an average of one time per 17.7 at-bats.Sabido had a tremendous rookie campaign, finishing third on the squad with a .294 batting average while clubbing a team-best nine home runs. The nine homers in 2017 were the tenth-best single-season total in Wagner history, surpassing Peter Delleani's eight homers, set back in 2007. The Staten Island native had back-to-back two-home run games, both coming against Fairleigh Dickinson back on May 6. The 6-7 left-handed hitter also saw time as a relief pitcher, tossing 13.2 innings, allowing just two earned runs while striking out ten .Wagner opens the 2018 season in Durham, NC with a three-game series vs. the North Carolina Central University Eagles on February 16-18.Wagner Athletics: Wagner Baseball: Wagner Gameday:

CITY HALL -- Staten Island is littered with trashy zombie properties -- but the city can't simply clean them up. The reason? Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia points to the U.S. Constitution and the broader restrictions placed on any government from entering an American's private property. "There's a lot of restrictions just in terms of the constitutionality," Garcia said. "There's the premise that your home is your castle even if you're not caring for it." MUST BE A 'SIGNIFIANT' HEALTH RISK The Sanitation Department can only enter private property with a court order obtained by the Health Department for a "significant public health problem," according to Garcia. This is rare. Only 36 access warrants for court-ordered cleanups were issued between July 1, 2016, and this past June 30, according to the Sanitation Department. Most were in Brooklyn, followed by Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx. None were on Staten Island. The Health Department said the process for obtaining this access is pretty automatic and is only done for rat infestations. The Sanitation Department will inspect a property and forward the results to the health agency to secure a "Commissioner Order to Abate." The Health Department issues one on behalf of the Sanitation Department, which decides whether to pursue action to secure an access warrant. And even then, crews can't enter homes for cleanups. "We understand the frustration of people's neighbors confronted with this issue but it's just one in which the broader federal constitution requires us to be limited in terms of how aggressive we can really deal with it," Garcia said. 'A COMPLETE DUMPING GROUND' Hundreds of homes and properties are neglected, abandoned or vacant across Staten Island. So-called "zombie" homes are typically in foreclosure and abandoned, but others are left vacant and in disrepair by landlords and other private owners or family estates. Staten Islanders have shared the locations of more than 150 "zombie" properties in their communities with the Advance in recent months. Neighbors worry that trashy conditions on the properties aren't just gross but risk public health and safety. Rats living off garbage piles can spread disease and mosquitoes can breed in standing water that collects on the debris. "This house and the one next to it is a complete dumping ground," a West Brighton resident wrote about one zombie in his neighborhood. "The people in the house next to it appear to just throw garbage over the fence to this property." "Pool in the back is loaded with garbage, standing water and overgrown weeds and high grass. Garbage alongside house. House has several cats living inside," a neighbor wrote about a Port Richmond home. "This house and its back yard need to be investigated ASAP for a major health hazard. The pool is a landfill." "There are rats, mice, ice in the winter and no one maintained the property. It is absolutely disgusting...people throw trash," another Staten Islander wrote to the Advance about a Bulls Head property. "There is a mattress sitting there for over a year. My neighbors and I have constantly called 311." WHEN SANITATION RESPONDS New Yorkers can report loose garbage or excessive debris on properties to the city's non-emergency line at 311 or local elected officials. The Sanitation Department can clean up anything in the "public right of way," such as sidewalks blocked by trash. "We will go and do an inspection if it's sort of on the perimeter of the property," Garcia explained. "We can take care of things that are in the public right of way, we can always do that. It becomes a little trickier when you're talking about entering private property. And, in those cases, we can enter private property if we have an order from the Health Department." If there's no "significant" public health issue warranting such a court order, the Sanitation Department can also issue tickets to owners over property upkeep. "We'll write a lot of tickets, which sometimes is persuasive and sometimes is not persuasive for the building owner," Garcia explained. The city acknowledges that this method can be ineffective for certain vacant and abandoned houses with owners already missing in action. The Sanitation Department's tickets are sent to the owner of record with the Department of Finance, which handles property tax bills. "When you have someone who's completely abandoned their property, they also usually are not paying their taxes," Garcia said. Unpaid tickets get turned into liens placed on the property's title and transfer to any new owners. Garcia said that banks responsible for properties in foreclosure will usually pay water bills and property taxes. "They won't necessarily take maintenance responsibility until they have control over it," Garcia added. The city website makes clear where responsibility for property upkeep lies. "Property owners are responsible for keeping the yards, alleys, and courts surrounding their property clean," the city explains. "The Department of Sanitation will investigate and issue a violation to the owner, if necessary, but will not clean private property." _____ (This is part of an ongoing series of reports on Staten Island's zombie properties.) Part 1: 'Zombie' properties: Is there one in your neighborhood? Part 2: 'Zombie' properties persist as blights on their blocks Part 3: 'Zombie' property neglected by city: 'It's horrendous' Part 4: Zombie homes on fire: 'That's my biggest fear'

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- City and State Magazine has ranked Councilwoman Debi Rose one of the worst members of the City Council in 2016, naming her 46 out of 51 councilmembers based on several factors, which she says don't accurately reflect her work. By comparison, the two other Staten Island councilmen, Minority Leader Steven Matteo and Minority Whip Joe Borelli, were ranked overall 27 and 17, respectively. Rose (D-North Shore) is fending off a challenge from fellow Democrat Kamillah Hanks and Conservative Michael Penrose. She had knee surgery in early 2016, and then shoulder surgery in the first quarter of 2017, keeping her from attending meetings. The political magazine examined the attendance rates of the Council members in 2016, ranking Rose 49 in the attendance category for a 67 percent attendance rate. The councilwoman introduced one bill in 2016 (for which she was ranked tied at 42) that would allow employees to request from their employers a change in their work arrangements -- their schedule, work location, the number of hours -- without fear of retaliation. Rose had two bills enacted in 2016 (ranking 29 in this category): one requiring the NYPD to report annually the number of Civilian Complaint Review Board complaints, investigations and suspensions of police officers. The second bill enacted included "caregiver" as a protected class against employment discrimination. City and State also conducted its own test for how responsive councilmembers are to constituents and to press requests. They sent an anonymous constituent request, and rated the councilmember based on how long it took to get an answer. Rose's office, like nearly half of the councilmembers, didn't respond at all, essentially tying her in last place with the other councilmembers. They were asked, as C&S described "a simple question, albeit one that the City Council doesn't directly deal with" -- Could you provide any information on how to sign up for Medicare? The magazine also sent a press inquiry, and rated similarly. They asked for a current headshot and Rose's office took 3 hours, 25 minutes to respond, ranking her at 23. Lastly, councilmembers were rated based on Google results, with Rose ranked No. 43, and with number of Twitter followers, ranked No. 30. While Rose's ranking for constituent response was based on a single instance, her office has long been said to be slow and ineffective when answering constituent requests. Local Democrats, some of whom are allies and some of whom are not, acknowledge the Rose Council office needs work in that area. "She takes a long time to respond," and sometimes can't help constituents, one local Democrat said Monday, unsurprised at the ranking. Rose said the following to City and State when the ranking was first published: "My constituents know that I represent their interests where it counts, when I vote and when I fight for and secure the parks, libraries, school seats and quality jobs that they deserve. That is my measure of success, not how many laws I add to the books or social media followers I have. I invite City and State editors to join me on a tour of the North Shore, where they would see, after decades of stagnation, a new energy, with new and renovated parks, additional school seats, new libraries, hundreds of miles of newly paved roads and thousands of high-paying jobs boosting quality of life to its highest level in a generation. I am proud of the work I have done, and I look forward to continuing to bring new investment to the North Shore." She added in a statement to the Advance, "The inclusion of my statement in City and State is an inadequate response to my objection. The methodology used by City and State is seriously flawed and does not come close to accurately reflecting my work on behalf of my constituents. It presents a distortion of my record. Frankly, my constituents don't care how many followers I have on Twitter. They care about substantive issues that affect their daily lives." She said that while she was recovering from surgery, she continued to work and stayed in touch with staff via phone and email. The anonymous constituent request was viewed suspiciously, she said. "A single email from a spam-like address with an incomplete name is again a distorted reflection of my responsiveness to constituents' emails. My staff helps hundreds of constituents with a multitude of issues, and I invite anyone who would like help to call my office at 718-556-7370."

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Spring is coming and we've got your rainbow connection: Pride Center of Staten Island invites the LGBTQ+ community -- and its allies -- to PrideFest 2018, a week's worth of inclusive celebrations from May 11-19. "I look forward to seeing and meeting many members of our community, as well as the many allies we have on Staten Island," said Pride Center Executive Director Carol Bullock. "Join the Pride Center to support, resist, celebrate, and most importantly -- have fun and show your pride!" BTW: "Ru-Paul's Drag Race" star Carmen Carrera is set to host the free PrideFest Festival finale on the campus of Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden. The model, reality TV personality and trans activist will introduce the performances and entertain with her signature sharp wit and runway style. Here's an advance look at the full PrideFest 2018 schedule: May 11: Youth Prom Many Staten Island youth do not feel that they can wear clothing that corresponds to their gender identity or dance with the partner of their choice at their school proms. The Staten Island LGBTQ Youth Prom, taking place at the Greenbelt Nature Center standing at 700 Rockland Avenue, serves as a safe space for young people to dance, dine, and create community. Those of ages 14 - 20 are welcome. The prom goes from 6:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. Tickets go for $40 per person and are available at Pridecentersi.org/youth-prom/. May 12: PrideFest Resist March Come back to Midland Beach, where PrideFest on Staten Island began back in 2005. Sign up now (space is limited) and lend your voice and support to the greater Staten Island community as we march. This is a free event, taking place at parking area 8 from noon to 3 p.m. Email [email protected] to register. May 12: Lil's PrideFest Edition Next up: Lil's in the spirit of Pride! Pride Center welcomes those 21 and older to their headquarters -- located at 25 Victory Boulevard, third floor -- for a free night of music from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This event is BYOB -- wine is also allowed. May 13: 5K Pride Fun Run Get to steppin' with a 5K at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, 1000 Richmond Terrace, starting at 9 a.m. The race will be held on a USA Track and Field Certified course for competitive runners, but all are welcome to participate. Tracking chips, race bibs, and race statistics are available to runners in each age category. Registering as a walker gives you a race bib with number, but does not include tracking and statistics. Registration also includes a race t-shirt. For more information, visit PrideCenterSI.org/5k-race/. May 14: Community Day at Chipotle Make dinner a selfless act by joining a fundraiser to support Pride Center of Staten Island from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with five percent of proceeds from every meal purchased at Chipotle in Dongan Hills -- 2606 Hylan Boulevard -- going to the Pride Center. Donating is a breeze: Come in to Chipotle and bring the flyer found on the Pride Center's Facebook page or pick up a copy at 25 Victory Boulevard, third floor, show it to or tell the cashier you're supporting the cause. May 15: Spectrum - a Transgender Open Mic Night For the fourth year in a row, members of the Transgender and Gender Non- Conforming community of Staten Island share their stories via poetry, spoken word, music, or comedy at Flagship Brewery, 40 Minthorne Street, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. This event is free, open to the public and is standing-room only. This open mic is sponsored by Brooklyn Pride. May 16: Sober Coffee House The Sober Coffeehouse Social -- taking place at Pride Center's home base, 25 Victory Boulevard, third floor, is a great way to celebrate Pride with family, friends and the community in a fun, safe, sober environment. This free event goes from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is open to individuals of all ages. So, come grab a seat, sip an iced cappuccino and enjoy! May 17: Pride Project The Pride Project is an opportunity for intergenerational dialogue about what "pride" means to our community. Staten Islanders are invited to join the conversation through a free event at the Pride Center -- 25 Victory Boulevard, third floor -- from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. where stories will be shared. Pride Project videos will be posted on social media throughout the month of June to invite others into the conversation. To participate, please contact [email protected]. May 18: PrideFest Pizza Potluck Pride Center's monthly potluck just got Pride-ified. Staten Islanders are invited to a free event at the Center's headquarters -- 25 Victory Boulevard, third floor -- to meet new friends, connect with old ones and, well, EAT. Bring a dish/pizza that says "Pride" to share. The event is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. BTW: Feel free to invite your friends - the more the merrier! May 19: Staten Island PrideFest Festival Join the party and rejoice in the rich diversity of the LGBTQ and allied community. The annual PrideFest Festival -- a free event hosted by "Drag Race" star Carmen Carrera from noon to 5 p.m. at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, 1000 Richmond Terrace-- invites all to celebrate pride with live music, artists, craft vendors, food trucks, drag performers, beverage area, and more. BTW: This event has activities for the whole family, so make a day of it. This event is sponsored by Signature Construction.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Three Islamic State group sympathizers plotted to cause bloodshed at New York City concert venues, subway stations and Times Square before U.S. agents thwarted the international terror plot, authorities said Friday. One of the defendants, Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy, was arrested after traveling from Canada to New Jersey in May 2016 to stage the attacks, authorities said. The capture of the Canadian citizen came after an investigation using an undercover FBI agent posing as an Islamic extremist that also led to the arrests last year of U.S. citizen Talha Haroon in Pakistan and Russell Salic in the Philippines, where he's a citizen. According to criminal complaints, El Bahnasawy, 19, sent the undercover agent an image of Times Square with a smartphone message saying, "We seriously need to car bomb times square. Look at these crowds of people!" In another, he expressed a desire to "shoot up concerts cuz they kill a lot people. ... We just walk in with guns in our hands. That's how Paris guys did it," the papers said in an apparent reference to the slaughter by men armed with assault weapons at the Bataclan concert hall in Paris during a performance of the rock group Eagles of Death Metal in 2015. The complaints unsealed Friday did not name the New York City venues. The undercover agent and El Bahnasawy also were in communication with the 19-year-old Haroon, who wanted to join El Bahnasawy in New York City for the attacks, authorities said. Haroon, who at one point met with an explosives expert in Pakistan for information on building bombs, told the undercover agent the subway was a "perfect" place to shoot passengers, and that "when we run out of bullets we let the vests go off," the court papers said. After Haroon talked about what was needed to build explosives, El Bahnasawy bought 40 pounds of hydrogen peroxide, batteries, Christmas lights, thermometers and other ingredients commonly used in homemade bombs, authorities said. He later shipped the material to the undercover agent in the United States, where he and Haroon planned to use a cabin in a rural area within driving distance of the city to build bombs and take target practice, they said. Salic, 37, was accused of sending money to help fund the attacks, court papers said. He told the undercover agent his ultimate goal was to join the Islamic State group in Syria but that "it would be a great pleasure if we can slaughter" people in New York, the papers said. El Bahnasawy pleaded guilty in October 2016, but the case was sealed while the investigation continued. His attorney, Sabrina Shroff, declined to comment Friday. Haroon and Salic were awaiting extradition overseas. It's not clear if they have attorneys. All three men face possible terms of live in prison on charges including conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction and conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said it assisted the FBI in the investigation. "At no time was the safety or security of the public at risk," it said.

The NCAA Tournament's signature chaos has been in full effect, with low-seeded teams like the University of Maryland-Baltimore County and Loyola-Chicago becoming March Madness darlings. UMBC shot its way into hearts of sports fans everywhere by becoming the first 16-seed to knock out a one-seed in men's tournament history. Loyola-Chicago won games in dramatic fashion as an 11-seed, and its good luck charm, Sister Jean Dolores-Schmidt, has become an internet sensation. Who do you love more? PERSPECTIVES If you want to talk about long shots, the odds don't get any longer than a 16-seed versus a one-seed. But that didn't matter the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. They became the first 16-seed to win in the NCAA Men's Tournament, knocking off the mighty Virginia Cavaliers with hot shooting. The team's swag and adorable mascot has made UMBC an instant darling to college basketball fans everywhere. Who doesn't love a true underdog? Instant classic: Relive UMBC's incredible win over Virginia in 8 minutes UMBC was a cool story. The operative word being "was." Loyola-Chicago advanced further in the tournament and did it in style. The Ramblers may not have a big program, but they have a flair for the dramatic, winning two games with last-second shots. Plus they have the cutest secret weapon in Sister Jean, a 97-year-old good luck charm for the team. UMBC had one good game. Loyola-Chicago stuck around. The Ramblers are the underdog story you've been waiting for. The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Digital, Inc. property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

Pizza 99..A Frat Boy's Creation All ingredients purchased from the 99 cents store. Who said frat boys only eat ramen? INGREDIENTS: 1 small pizza crust 8 oz can of oysters 1 /2 cup frozen artichokes, chopped 1 /2 cup flavored Panko breadcrumbs small jar Fettuccine cheese sauce buffalo wing sauce 1/4 cup vegetable oil parsley flakes garlic powder cooking spray DIRECTIONS: Sprinkle garlic powder on a 1 /2 cup artichokes, saute in 1 /4 cup oil until brown and crispy. Drain and set aside. Drain oysters and rinse with cold water. Spray oysters with cooking spray and roll in flavored Panko bread crumbs, pressing firmly. Fry in the same oil you used for the artichokes, about 10 minutes or until crunchy. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, spray round pizza tin, put pizza crust on top, spread cheese sauce to the ends. Top with fried oysters and crunchy artichokes. Drizzle wing sauce across and sprinkle with parsley. Bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy. Cool and cut into appetizer bites. A creative snack on a college budget. --Jennifer Lamonica, Bay Terrace

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A Bronx politician wants the hate-tweeting son of a former FDNY commissioner kicked out of the department after he was recently transferred to Staten Island, according to a report from the Daily News. Democratic City Councilman Andy King spoke out Tuesday after he learned that probational Firefighter Joseph Cassano had been transferred to FDNY Engine 162/Ladder 82 in Great Kills after complaints from the Jewish community in Borough Park, where he'd been previously assigned. "We have been saying for years now that this individual, who has expressed hate towards multiple groups, including the African-American and Jewish communities, should not be working with the public in any diverse neighborhood of our great city," King said. The younger Cassano reportedly tweeted in February of 2013: "Getting sick of picking up all these Obama lovers and taking them to the hospital because their Medicare pays for an ambulance and not a cab." In other tweets, he reportedly referred to black people as "shwoogs," said "I like Jews about as much as Hitler," and on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, added: "MLK could go kick rocks for all I care, but thanks for the time and a half today." The younger Cassano, who lived with his parents at the time of the rants, later apologized for the posts. "What does it say that he was transferred to a community in Staten Island that is seemingly willing to have him?" King asked. "Are there no blacks and Jews in Staten Island?"

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Today's archive page is from Aug. 13, 1934. The championship cinder track motorcycle competition will resume at Thompson's Stadium. The riders will be competing for the usual cash purse, as well as points in both the Trophy Cup event and the All Around Championship point standings. The first event will be a return match between Goldie Restall and George Matheson. A second event will bring together Palmer Tamburro and Crocky Rawding.

Pamela Silvestri | [email protected] The officially unofficial chicken holiday is upon us. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — No, we're not talking about Super Bowl Sunday: Monday, March 19, is NATIONAL POULTRY DAY! Yep, we love us some fake, foodcentric holidays. Whether slathered with sauce or crisp with a dry rub, there are some really good specimens out there — but who says you have to wait until the next BIG game day (i.e. February 2019) to indulge? Think your restaurant does it best or your favorite wing hut should be included on the list? Send your recommendations to [email protected] and we'll see what we can do. (Wink. Wink.)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- One store owner who witnessed the fight that left a 16-year-old New Dorp High School student injured called the scene "chaotic." "About 75 kids poured in from both sides," the owner said, adding that she saw "two large groups" come from both sides of the plaza across the street from New Dorp High School just after dismissal. The fight occurred at about 2:40 p.m. in a parking lot at 430 New Dorp Lane, said a spokeswoman for the NYPD's Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. The boy, who lost consciousness after he was hit, spent about two days at the hospital, but now is back home, a source with knowledge of the investigation said. One student who saw the fight on video following the altercation said that the student was injured after other participants joined the fight. Another owner of a store located next to the fight location said police came pretty quickly to the scene. More than one store owner said school safety agents were slow to respond. "The NYPD and EMS immediately responded to this off-site incident and it is under investigation," according to a statement from the Department of Education. "Safety always comes first and we will ensure appropriate follow-up action is taken." The 16-year-old boy was treated at Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze for injuries that included bruising to his face. He also received stitches to his left ear, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation. The victim lives in the vicinity of Park Hill and Osgood avenues, according to various sources.

INGREDIENTS: 3/4 C. organic dark brown sugar 3/4 C. organic white sugar 2 TBSP organic unsweetened cocoa powder 2 1/4 C. organic all purpose flour 3/4 tsp baking soda Wet ingredients: 1 C. all natural peanut butter 1/4 C. vegan butter 1 C. organic unsweetened applesauce 1 tsp vanilla extract About half a bag of Enjoy Life brand (dairy free, egg free) dark chocolate chips DIRECTIONS: Pre-heat oven to 375 F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Mix all dry ingredients together. In a separate mixing bowl, with an electric mixer, mix together wet ingredients, then add to the dry mix. Continue mixing until smooth. Add in chocolate chips and stir. Use your own discretion for how many chips to use. Roll dough into tiny balls and place on top of cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for about 10 - 15 minutes. Transfer hot cookies onto a cooling rack and allow to cool. Enjoy! --Coryanne Cook, Granitville

CHARLOTTESVILLE - Years before a 20-year-old Ohio man allegedly rammed his car into a panicked crowd of activists in Charlottesville, it was his disabled mother who was terrified. James Alex Fields Jr. was barely a teenager in 2010 when his mother - who uses a wheelchair - locked herself in a bathroom, called 911 and said her son had struck her head and put his hands over her mouth when she told him to stop playing a video game, according to police records. On another occasion, records show, he brandished a 12-inch knife. Once, he spit in her face. Mom is scared he is going to become violent here ," a dispatcher wrote in a log of the November 2011 call in which Fields's mother, Samantha Bloom, requested police help in getting her son to a hospital for assessment. The portrait of a violent teen emerged as Fields was denied bail Monday during his first court appearance in connection with the Charlottesville attack that killed one and injured 19 others when his Dodge Challenger plowed into a mass of counterprotesters at a white nationalist rally Saturday. He is charged with second-degree murder, hit and run and three counts of malicious wounding. Prosecutors did not detail the evidence against Fields, who appeared via a video link from the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail. Fields came to Virginia to attend the rally, according to Bloom, who spoke to reporters over the weekend. Fields replied, "No, sir," when asked in court whether he has any ties to the Charlottesville community. The college town, along with the nation, continued to grapple with the violence that took three lives, including two Virginia state troopers who were killed when their helicopter crashed in woods not far from Charlottesville. Heather Heyer, 32, of Charlottesville, was killed when Fields barreled toward her and other counterprotesters "at a high rate of speed," police said. A few hours after the court hearing, President Trump responded to growing criticism about his initial response to the violence by singling out the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis and other white supremacists as "criminals and thugs . . . that are repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans." Earlier on Monday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in television appearances that the violence met the definition of domestic terrorism. Charlottesville Police Chief Al Thomas said that his department responded to 250 calls on Saturday and that officers were still taking reports of assault from the weekend. Thomas defended his department's handling of the explosive convergence of white nationalists from around the country and hundreds of counterprotesters. Both sides have criticized the failure of officers to keep the sides apart, but Thomas said officers coped as well as they could with protesters, who were determined to cause trouble despite agreements worked out in advance. "We worked out a plan to bring the groups in," Thomas said at a news conference. "They changed the plan and entered the park in different directions." Richard Spencer, a leader of the alt-right, which calls for a form of American apartheid, told reporters Monday that his group would "one hundred percent" return to Charlottesville to protest the planned removal of a Robert E. Lee statue. He also held his followers blameless in the Charlottesville melee. Speaking in his Alexandria office after two Washington hotels canceled his reservations, Spencer said that blame for the deadly attack fell on authorities who he said failed to keep order. "Mayor Mike Signer and Governor Terry McAuliffe have blood on their hands," he said. "Their job is to keep order. They kept chaos." Spencer also refused to condemn Fields, claiming that he had seen video footage of Fields's car being attacked by someone with a baseball bat. "I'm not going to condemn this young man at this point," he said. "This man could have lost control because he felt in danger and slammed on the accelerator and unintentionally killed someone." Spencer also dismissed Trump's condemnation of white supremacists as "hollow and vapid . . . kumbaya nonsense." "I don't think anyone takes it seriously, including the president," he said. At his appearance before Judge Robert H. Downer Jr. in Charlottesville General District Court, Fields said he could not afford an attorney and was appointed one by the court. Fields, who served a four-month stint in the Army in 2015, worked for about two years as a security guard in Ohio, earning $10.50 an hour and taking home about $650 every two weeks, according to income information filed with the court. The judge informed Fields that he could not be defended by the Charlottesville public defender's office because a relative of someone who works for the office was involved in Saturday's incident. He did not specify whether that meant the protests or the crash. "I'm going to make a decision that you could not have a bond until you see your attorney," the judge said in appointing Charles L. Weber Jr. to represent Fields. Downer set Aug. 25, at 11 a.m., as the next court date to consider scheduling of a preliminary hearing. The judge asked Fields whether he understood everything that had taken place, and Fields responded, "Yes, sir." The city's decision this year to change the name of Lee Park to Emancipation Park and to order the removal of the Robert E. Lee statue from the park has made it a lightning rod for white nationalists and extremists who see the moves as an attempt to erase white history. Weber, Fields's court-appointed attorney, is one of a dozen plaintiffs in a lawsuit seeking to stop the removal of the Lee statue. The lawsuit, filed on March 20, describes Weber as a Vietnam fighter pilot with "a special interest in the protection and preservation of war memorials and monuments located in the City, including those of Generals Lee and Jackson." Those who wish to defend the statues had "no recourse but to proceed in a court of law," he told The Washington Post when the suit was filed. Weber did not return repeated calls on Monday. The 911 records indicating Fields's teenage outbursts, first reported by the website TMZ, cover police calls made while Fields and his mother lived in Florence, Ky., about 20 minutes southwest of Cincinnati. In the past year, they moved near Toledo. The records seem to indicate that he was arrested and held in juvenile detention after the November 2011 call. In the 2010 call, Bloom reported that her son had struck her in the head and threatened to beat her after she told him to stop playing video games. Bloom said her son was taking medication to control his temper and told authorities that she was locked in the bathroom. In October of the following year, Bloom called 911 to say that her son was "being very threatening toward her" and that she didn't feel "in control of the situation," according to a dispatcher's notes. And in November 2011, police were asked to come to the house because Bloom was said to want her son to be assessed at a hospital, according to the records. He had spat in her face, said the caller, whose connection to the family is not clear in the records. The previous night, Fields had stood behind his mother with a 12-inch knife, the caller reported. "Scared mom to death not knowing if he was going to do something," the dispatcher's report continued. In Charlottesville on Monday, the late-summer rhythms of the college town began to reassert themselves. Parents helped students move into dorms and apartments ahead of the first day of classes at the University of Virginia next week. In places, it almost seemed as if the violence that shook the country had never happened. Pedestrians made their way silently to one of two impromptu memorials for Heyer. But at the center of it all, leaning against the controversial statue of the Confederate general, stood a reminder of all that had changed. A hand-lettered sign read "Heyer Memorial Park" - an informal name change for a contested space. (c) 2017, The Washington Post. Written by Jack Gillum, Michael E. Miller, Arelis R. HernaNdez, Steve Hendrix. The Washington Post's Joe Heim, Justin Wm. Moyer and James Higdon contributed to this report.

What makes a scorer a scorer? Well, for starters, you certainly need some natural ability, which St. Joseph by-the-Sea's Devin Nicholson obviously has. A terrific work ethic, which Nicholson also possesses, doesn't hurt either. But it also means finding a way to put points on the board when you don't necessarily have your best game. Monsignor Farrell, primarily behind the defensive prowess of senior Will Edwards, made the sharp-shooting Nicholson earn every point during a 55-47 CHSAA/SIHSL victory over the visiting Vikings on Friday. But Nicholson, nonetheless, still managed to score a game-high 20 points, including a pair of free throws that made him Sea's all-time leading scorer in the second period. Monsignor Farrell and St. Joseph by-the-Sea rocked the building in CHSAA A/Staten Island action Friday night 19 Gallery: Monsignor Farrell and St. Joseph by-the-Sea rocked the building in CHSAA A/Staten Island action Friday night Remarkably, Nicholson, a three-year varsity player who missed 10 games this season due to a serious ankle injury, broke a 36-year-old record that was held by former Sea cager Ed Pavia (class of 1982). Nicholson needed four points on Friday to surpass Pavia's mark of 1,214 points and did so midway through the second period. "I'm honored to break the record,'' said a disappointed Nicholson, who was hoping to defeat the Lions for the second time this season. The Vikings opened the campaign with a victory over Farrell at Wagner College on Nov. 22. "There's been a lot of great players at Sea over the years and to even be mentioned with them is great.'' Nicholson, who scored the 1,000th point of his career in Sea's second-to-last game a year ago, notched a first period bucket to get within a point of tying the mark. With 4:19 left in the half, he drew a foul and stepped to the line for two. Like he's done so many other times in his career, he drained both shots to become Sea's career points leader. "I work out with my family every day, lifting and playing, even if we have practice,'' he said. "I also have to give credit to my teammates, who get me going in games. "I had no idea how I'd get the record,'' he added. "I just wish we could have come away with a win tonight as well.'' Sea coach Mike Cortese said Nicholson's work ethic is second to none. "As I said earlier this week, it couldn't happen to a better student-athlete or family,' said Cortese of Nicholson, who presently has 1,231 career points. "The games are the easy part for him. It's all the work he puts in during the off-season and in practice that makes him the player he is. "It's also that competitiveness that gives him an edge,'' the coach continued. "His will to succeed and get better got him to where he is today.'' Nicholson didn't have his best shooting game against the Lions, but regardless, with the game winding down and the Vikings looking for some late-game magic, they still looked for their top gun. "They played solid defensively,'' Nicholson said of the Lions. "Unfortunately, the shots weren't falling and we had some defensive breakdowns that cost us.'' "I'm not surprised, we know their game plan is to shut him down,'' added Cortese. "It's no secret, he's our main guy and we look to him to put the ball in the basket. "Our players have to do a better job working as a team and I have to do a better job making adjustments. Hopefully, the next time we will.''

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Vikings, Gators, Hilltoppers and Bears! Oh my! They may be rivals, but on Friday night Staten Island cheerleading squads came together to show off their routines before heading to the National High School Cheerleading Competition in Orlando, Florida. For the seventh-straight year, St. John Villa played host to the Staten Island Alliance pep rally to bring the cheerleading community in unison before the teams showcase their stuff at Walt Disney World. While the event was a sendoff for all squads headed to the NHSCC in Orlando, this year's crowd was larger than usual with many Villa alum returning to show their support. With the announcement of St. John Villa's closure this year, former coaches Debra Lauro and Kristie Perrotta expressed the bittersweet atmosphere in the gym, as the girls prepared to say goodbye to their beloved school. "The girls reacted amazingly to the crowd and were really uplifted to perform their best," said Lauro, who praised the friends and family that came out for the athletes. "You could feel the love and support for all of the Villa girls from the entire crowd." Schools in attendance included Notre Dame Academy, St. Joseph Hill and St. Joseph by the Sea high schools, along with St. Joseph/St. Thomas elementary. Gators coach Andrea Vindigni described how much the pep really means to her team as well as the others who participated. "It really helped the girls get amped for Nationals because they loved performing in front of their home crowd before Florida," said Vindigni, who described the venue as the Super Bowl of cheerleading. "It can be overwhelming, but knowing that all the teams come together to be there for one another goes a long way." For the Bears, head coach Britni Hogan described the emotional rollercoaster her girls have been through this year and how proud the coaching staff is of how they handled everything. "It's bittersweet for them heading into this week, but as coaches to see the girls go through this and come this far is really rewarding," said Hogan. "They're hoping to make their last routine in Disney their best one." No matter who you spoke to in the gymnasium, everyone expressed gratitude for Sue Shepherd, who played a crucial rule in allowing cheerleading to be recognized as a sport in New York. To show their appreciation, the cheerleading community honored Shepherd in front of the large crowd after each squad performed their routines. Humble in her approach to the podium, Shepherd thanked all for coming and for the great memories made throughout the years. While each twist and flip left everyone on their feet, the highlight of the night was when former Villa cheerleaders joined together on the mat to do one final cheer on their home turf. The performance included alumna dating back to graduating classes in the 70's, as they put on a show that demonstrated just how tight knit the Bears really are. So what legacy is St. John Villa cheerleading leaving behind? From the feeling spectators got during the school's final pep rally -- one that helped unify all of Staten Island cheerleading.

Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria. In the wake of the storm, some say the U.S. government should erase Puerto Rico's crushing debt. The island's economy was already in deep crisis before the hurricane hit, and advocates argue that since the debt was caused by bad and often rapacious policy choices on the mainland, erasing it is the right thing to do. But skeptics say simply wiping out the debt would have complicated financial consequences. Should Puerto Rico's debt be forgiven? PERSPECTIVES President Donald Trump roiled the markets on Oct. 3 by saying Puerto Rico's debt should be wiped out: "We have to look at their whole debt structure," he said Tuesday evening on Fox News's Hannity. "You know, they owe a lot of money to your friends on Wall Street, and we're going to have to wipe that out. You can say goodbye to that. I don't know if it's Goldman Sachs, but whoever it is, you can wave goodbye to that." MORE: Trump is right -- we need to forgive Puerto Rico's debt But Director of the Office of Management and Budget Mick Mulvaney quickly contradicted Trump's statement: "I think what you heard the president say is that Puerto Rico is going to have to figure out a way to solve its debt problem," he told Bloomberg News. "We are not going to bail them out. We are not going to pay off those debts. We are not going to bail out those bond holders." Critics argue that since U.S. policies like the Jones Act are what landed the territory in a financial crisis in the first place, the least we can do is wipe the slate clean and give them a fresh start -- especially after they've suffered $95 billion in hurricane-related damage. Thanks to the law, the price of goods from the United States mainland is at least double that in neighboring islands, including the United States Virgin Islands, which are not covered by the Jones Act. Moreover, the cost of living in Puerto Rico is 13 percent higher than in 325 urban areas elsewhere in the United States, even though per capita income in Puerto Rico is about $18,000, close to half that of Mississippi, the poorest of all 50 states. This is a shakedown, a mob protection racket, with Puerto Rico a captive market. Nobody was talking about debt in Puerto Rico in 1898 when the US snatched it up hoping to make a killing in the sugar markets. -- jelani cobb (@jelani9) October 3, 2017 But others say Puerto Rico got itself into this crisis, and they need to get themselves out of it. Yea PR is done. They borrowed too much like socialists normally do. Don't expect us to pay it back. -- Eleonore Bucher (@EleonoreBucher) October 4, 2017 And while most people would be happy to see Wall Street hedge funds lose in a Puerto Rican debt forgiveness agreement, three quarters of the island's debt is owned by individuals and mutual funds that are held by mom-and-pop investors. Just wiping away that debt could create its own financial problems. "For the most part, Main Street America owns this debt," Long said. "It's not as though these are vultures circling around the island." The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Digital, Inc. property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- When Rossville resident Alyssa Faretra lost her engagement ring on Aug. 4, recovering the valuable seemed to be an impossible task. She set out to social media to help find the ring, though efforts were fruitless -- at first. Then on Friday, an article on SILive.com called for any information available. By the time she woke up Saturday, she had received a message: "Good news, I believe we found your ring. My pup almost ate it.'" A woman named Darlene, also a Rossville resident, had been walking her dog, Lacibear, when the pet came across the ring. Earlier, Darlene saw the SILive.com article on the ring's whereabouts and contacted Faretra as soon as she recognized that it was her's. "I immediately told my fiance, who was skeptical because [the message] was under a co-worker's Facebook because the woman doesn't have a Facebook account," Faretra said. "He called her and she confirmed that she did have the ring, and that her dog found it and almost ate it while she was walking her." From there, Faretra received the ring and its long journey has come to an end. "My fiance and I were so grateful and offered a reward," she said. Darlene, however, said she just wanted prayers for her dog because she has liver disease and very bad arthritis. Lacibear, the four-legged hero of the day, recently had a cancerous tumor removed from her leg. In response to the dog's incredible find, Faretra's fiance "went to Petco and bought Lacibear Merrick salmon steak treats as a reward."

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A Staten Island woman was arrested upstate over the weekend after police allegedly found her in possession of 90 oxycodone pills, according to a Times Union report. Regina T. Gavin, 37, who according to public records lives in Arrochar, was riding in a car that police pulled over just after midnight Saturday on Route 149, according to the report. Police smelled marijuana, at which point they searched the vehicle and allegedly found the pills, in addition to marijuana and drug paraphernalia, the report says. Gavin faces charges that include criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and unlawful possession of marijuana, according to the report.

It's back! The Subway Series is back as the New York Mets and New York Yankees get ready to play each other in a four-game series -- two games at each other's park. The Subway Series will start at Yankee Stadium. In the photo above, New York Yankees infielder Charlie Hayes, left, shakes hands with New York Mets outfielder Bernard Gilkey, right, before the start of their interleague game Wednesday, June 18, 1997 at Yankee Stadium in New York.

The win avenges an 82-75 setback in Brooklyn back on New Year's Eve in a game that Wagner led most of the way. The Seahawks are now 17-6 on the season, 10-2 in the NEC. The Terriers, meanwhile, saw their overall mark fall to 10-14 and are now 7-5 in league play.Sophomore guard Blake Francis, the reigning Metropolitan Writers Association Player of the Week, led five players in double figures with 15 points, 12 of which coming in the second half of action. Senior guard JoJo Cooper stuffed the stat sheet by adding 14 points, eight assists, six rebounds and a steal, in 37 minutes of action. Redshirt junior guard Romone Saunders had 12 points, while junior guard Devin Liggeons and redshirt junior forward AJ Sumbry added 10 apiece.In addition to his 10-point outing, the 6-8 Sumbry pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds to finish with his third double-double of the season in just 19 minutes of action. Since being inserted into the starting lineup six games ago, freshman guard Chase Freeman continues to give Wagner solid play, finishing with seven points on 2-of-3 shooting, with four rebounds while playing turnover-free in 25 minutes of play. Junior guard Elijah Davis, who led Wagner with 15 points in Thursday night's 72-59 win over Central Connecticut, also hit for seven points this afternoon.Wagner's NEC-best defense delivered its usual effort throughout, holding the Terriers to 33.9 percent on 19-of-56 shooting. From three-point range, SFBK wasn't much better, hitting on 6-of-21 for 28.6 percent. Chauncy Hawkins paced the Terriers with 18 points of the bench while Glenn Sanabria and Rasheem Dunn added 12 and 10 points, respectively.Despite struggling to find their rhythm in the first half, Wagner was able to build a 33-22 lead at intermission, in large part to limiting the visitors to just 28.6 percent shooting over the first 20 minutes. After connecting on just 36.4 percent in that first half, which included an 0-of-7 effort from three-point range, the Seahawks found their momentum following the break, shooting 53.3 percent (16-of-30) overall and 54.5 percent (6-of-11) from beyond the arc in the second half.When Hawkins drained a three-pointer for the Terriers with 18:22 left to make it a 35-25 deficit, the Seahawks went on a 12-4 burst over the next seven minutes, increasing their lead to 19 at 47-28, on a three-ball by Cooper, and never looked back. Wagner held a 46-34 advantage in the rebounding department, a 44.3 percent to 33.9 percent edge in overall shooting, while holding sizable margins in points in the paint (42-22) and second-chance points (15-9).Wagner concludes its three-game homestand on Thursday, February 8 when the Seahawks welcome Bryant to Staten Island for a 5:00 p.m. The matchup between the Seahawks and the Bulldogs will be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network with Dave Popkin and former Seahawk coach, Tim Capstraw, calling the action, along with Paul Dottino who will handle the sideline duties.Wagner Athletics Men's Basketball: Head CoachWagner Gameday:

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - So now the Democrats are suing over President Donald Trump's alleged election collusion with the Russians. Have they lost faith in special counsel Robert Mueller? It's hard to come to any other conclusion as the whole Trump-Russia saga continues with no end in sight. The most recent "gotcha" moment came the other week, when the FBI swooped down on Trump attorney Michael Cohen. Now they've got Trump, right? Wrong. At least so far. Because while we've heard a lot about Cohen's relationship with Fox TV talking head Sean Hannity, we haven't heard anything more about how Trump and Vladimir Putin stole the election from poor Hillary Clinton. What we do know is that nobody seems too concerned about what the FBI raid on Cohen's office means for attorney-client privilege. Because it involves Trump, we're not even supposed to ask. It almost seems like the strategy now is that anybody who works for Trump is going to become an FBI target. Maybe one of them will flip on the president, and we'll have something tangible after all these months of investigating. Maybe. Or maybe something will just goad Trump into doing something crazy, like trying to fire Mueller. Even though logically it's the last thing that Trump should do. But logic has never been one of Trump's strong suits. But he's shown no inclination to bounce Mueller so far. Still, those big protest rallies are ready to go should Trump make a move. Talk about astroturfing. Is this what the U.S. criminal justice system is for, to keep plugging away until Trump just throws up his hands and leaves? Or commits an impeachable offense? I guess the anti-Trump folks can't get any more FISA warrants in order to do their dirty work. So now they have to work through the non-secret courts. And after all the revelations about former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe, and underlings Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, all their email and text lamentations over Trump winning the election, does anyone really have absolute trust in the FBI anymore? Former FBI director James Comey has had his say as well, coming out with his long-awaited book. And we finally got a look at those memos that Comey wrote about his interactions with Trump. Interesting from a fly-on-the-wall perspective, but, again, no smoking guns. Unless you're intrigued that Comey leaked potentially classified info to the press that spurred the Mueller investigation in the first place. But nobody cared when that news broke months ago, so why should they now? And how can we question the FBI when they were doing the right thing, i.e., trying to get Trump thrown out of office? After all, that's the FBI's job. Isn't it? We've also heard a lot about Trump's supposed affair with porn star Stormy Daniels, whom he's alleged to have had sex with what, twelve years ago? Yeah, it was fun to watch her on CNN while the cable channel ran ads for its show on the Kennedys, including JFK's legendary sex life with women other than his wife. While he was in the White House. Or as commercials for the "Chappaquiddick" movie went flitting by. Teddy Kennedy was the lion of the Senate. An advocate for women and the downtrodden. Who cares if he left Mary Jo Kopechne to die after driving his car off a bridge with her in it? That's not how we judge statesmen. He would have made a great president. Not to mention all the allegations and actual facts that have followed Bill Clinton around for decades. When he was accused of assault and rape by women, we were told that the ladies were just trailer trash. Nope, nothing to see here, even when he was dallying with a White House intern. Imagine all that happening in this #MeToo moment. So why should I care about Trump's old peccadillos? Isn't that between him and his wife? Let's remember where this all started: With Trump allegedly colluding with the Russians to steal the election. We're still waiting for that proof. And the Dems are getting impatient, so they've launched a lawsuit to keep the issues of Russia and Trump and Wikileaks alive on another track. That'll do the trick.

Well, that didn't take very long. Long-time radio host Mike Francesa is in the midst of working on a project with the agency CAA that will ultimately put him back on WFAN's airwaves in some capacity, according to several reports, including Newsday and the New York Post. "It is time to return to WFAN,'' the controversial host told Newsday. Francesa didn't elaborate on the project, but told Newsday, "I have been working on a project with CAA for months. That will be explained in the days ahead.'' According to Francesa, his decision to return to the station that made him a household name stems from a negative campaign to keep him from returning to the radio big. "(My pending return to WFAN) is for those who started this campaign in recent days,'' he told Newsday. After a long farewell tour that included a large gala named "A Night to Remember,'' at the Tilles Center on Long Island, Francesa left WFAN after a show on Dec. 15 and has been relatively quiet since. His contract obligation to WFAN expired on April 1, according to both Newsday and the Post. Francesa was replaced by the contingent of Chris Carlin, Maggie Gray and Bart Scott, who now host a 2-6 p.m. slot dubbed 'The Afternoon Drive.' Francesa caused some friction last month when he and former 'Mike and the Mad Dog' co-host Chris Russo poked fun at the trio's mediocre ratings. So what exactly will happen next? Stay tuned.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Great Kills residents who have been plagued by the mosquito-ridden, algae-covered Jack's Pond for over a decade may finally be receiving some relief. The New York City Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Design and Construction (DDC) announced Friday that a $35 million project to improve drainage and enhance Jack's Pond is now underway. "This $35 million investment in Great Kills will enhance Jack's Pond and utilize it to better manage stormwater and reduce localized flooding," said DEP Commissioner Vincent Sapienza. The pond, named after the giant snapping turtle known as "King Jack," was obtained by the DEP in the mid-1990s. The once bucolic hub of ice skating, hockey and fishing, located between Adrienne Place and Clovis and Ramble roads, had since turned into a swamp-like wasteland littered with drug paraphernalia. The project will include the construction of 90 catch basins and over a mile of new storm sewers which will collect and direct rainwater to an enhanced Jack's Pond, where it will be naturally filtered to protect the environment. To improve the conditions at Jack's Pond, crews will enhance wetlands and stream channels that will slow the flow of stormwater, reducing erosion and allowing pollutants to settle out. Jack's Pond will also be deepened in order to increase its storage capacity. The area serves as part of the Staten Island Bluebelt, an ecologically sound and cost-effective storm water management system that criss-crosses about one third of Staten Island. "We know from experience the positive effects of the Bluebelt Program on our communities, so I am happy to see a similar project taking place at Jack's Pond," said Borough President James Oddo. "Additionally, the installation of storm sewers and catch basins will mitigate many of the flooding issues currently plaguing residents in Great Kills," Oddo added. The infrastructure upgrade will also include two miles of new sanitary sewers, which will allow approximately 51 residents to connect to the city sewer system, allowing for the discontinued use of septic tanks. "Our continued efforts to improve the infrastructure in Staten Island, with the help of natural wetlands, is beneficial to both the residents and the environment alike," said DDC Acting Commissioner Ana Barrio. The city will also upgrade the water delivery system in the area, replacing old cast iron water mains with 11,820 linear feet of new ductile iron mains, in addition to installing 48 new fire hydrants. Construction is expected to be completed in 2020 and will take place along portions of Ramble Road, Dent Road, Hillside Terrace, Cleveland Avenue, Brown Avenue, Nelson Avenue, Amboy Road, Adrienne Place, Locust Place, Rustic Place, Grandview Terrace, Clovis Road and Monticello Terrace.

Canadian singer Shania Twain recently landed herself in hot water after she said would've voted for Donald Trump in 2016. Twain has since apologized for her remarks, claiming they were taken out of context, but others feel she should've stuck to her guns. Celebrities are celebrated for bashing Trump, why can't they express support for Trump? From Roseanne Barr to Ted Nugent, many feel the public has an unfair double-standard when it comes to Trump-supporting celebs. What do you think? PERSPECTIVES Shania Twain landed herself in hot water after she said she would've voted for Trump in 2016. The Canadian singer has since apologized for her comments, claiming the question caught her off guard. I would like to apologise to anybody I have offended in a recent interview with the Guardian relating to the American President. The question caught me off guard. As a Canadian, I regret answering this unexpected question without giving my response more context (1/4) -- Shania Twain (@ShaniaTwain) April 22, 2018 Many feel the backlash against Twain was unfair. Celebrities are applauded when they attack the president, why should Trump-supporting celebrities be held to a different standard? Even stupider than Shania Twain apologizing for something she didn't do, are the rabid leftists who won't forgive her (even after an apology) for the thing that never actually happened -- Chet Cannon (@Chet_Cannon) April 23, 2018 That @ShaniaTwain would think she needed to apologize for a vote she never cast for @realDonaldTrump is a sad commentary on today's political incivility -- Michael Smerconish (@smerconish) April 23, 2018 But others feel Trump-supporting celebrities should be shamed. To them, Trump is a bigot who poses a unique threat to American democracy. It's not a matter of differing political opinion, it's about a person's moral character. Ya know, the whole Shania Twain thing is a recurrent theme. It's not that poorly educated white people like Twain didn't see Trump's vile bigotry. They think every white person feels that way and therefore saying it out loud is "honest". -- The Hoarse Whisperer (@HoarseWisperer) April 23, 2018 I hate using the Hitler card, but it will make sense in the end. If Hitler said Jews are rapists and murderers, then according to Shania Twain, she would have voted for him because he was being honest with the German people. See how what she said is very problematic? -- Ethan From Houston (@EthanObama) April 23, 2018 But while Hollywood may be known for its liberalism, not everyone is on the same page. Roseanne Barr is famously an outspoken Trump supporter, and proudly plays a Trumpster in her reboot of "Roseanne." Celebrities are people who are allowed to have their own political opinions. Shaming one side is a double standard and is unfair. 31 celebrities who have publicly supported Donald Trump The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Digital, Inc. property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

When tennis players are on the court they are, for all intents and purposes, alone. In most sports, there is a coach guiding the player in some form or another in the middle of competition. Tennis should allow in-match coaching in all of its tournaments because getting the best out each athlete is paramount. However, one of the draws of the sport is whatever happens on the court is a product of the competitor's brilliance and fortitude alone, not any coach. What do you think? PERSPECTIVES On-court coaching would be great for tennis. Coaches bring the best of out of a player, and if fans get the best of each player, there will be more exciting matches. The athletes show emotion on the court, but fans don't really get a true sense of their personality. If coaching were allowed on court, we could really see how fiery these competitors are on the court. Are they silent? Are they angry? Do they crack jokes in tight spots? All things fans would find out in the heat of battle. The Positives of On-Court Coaching in Tennis Some top talent like Novak Djokovic would be open to on-court coaching: I mean, we're probably one of the only, maybe only global sport that doesn't use coaching during the play. Even golf, individual sport, you have caddies that you communicate with throughout the entire course. So why not here as well? Why Djokovic is in favor of a rule change that would revolutionize tennis Solitude is one of the best aspects of tennis. Players are all alone on the court. There is no safety net. There is only you and your opponent giving it everything you got for a victory. In-match coaching would add an unnecessary element that would eliminate that solitude, and put some matches in the hands of coaches rather than the players. When there is a result in tennis, there is no doubt the victory or defeat can all be accredited to the player. Add in on-court coaching, and now fans don't know who to credit. On-court coaching would be more trouble than it's worth. On-court coaching disrupts the sport's core values When the one of the greatest players ever speaks, people should listen: You can look over to your coach for comfort and support, but other than that, I think tennis should be one of those unique sports where you don't get coaching. Roger Federer says 'No' to on-court coaches The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Digital, Inc. property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump is allowing more employers to opt out of providing no-cost birth control to women by claiming religious or moral objections, issuing new rules Friday that take another step in rolling back the Obama health care law. The new policy is a long-expected revision to federal rules that require most companies to cover birth control as preventive care for women, at no additional cost. Preventive services are supposed to be free of charge to employees and their dependents under former President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act. Trump's religious and moral exemption is expected to galvanize both his opponents and religious conservatives that back him, but it's likely to have a limited impact on America's largely secular workplaces. Most women no longer pay for birth control, and advocates immediately announced plans to try to block the new rule in court. Although tens of thousands of women could be affected by Trump's new policy, the vast majority of companies have no qualms about offering birth control benefits through their health plans. Human resource managers recognize that employers get an economic benefit from helping women space out their pregnancies, since female workers are central to most enterprises. The administration estimated that some 200 employers who have already voiced objections to the Obama-era policy would qualify for the expanded opt-out, and that 120,000 women would be affected. However, it's unclear how major religious-affiliated employers such as Catholic hospitals and universities will respond. Since contraception became a covered preventive benefit, the share of women employees paying their own money for birth control pills has plunged to under 4 percent, from 21 percent, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. The Trump administration's revision broadens a religious exemption that previously applied to houses of worship, religiously affiliated nonprofit groups, and closely-held private companies. Administration officials said the new policy defends religious freedom. Privately owned for-profit companies, as well as publicly-traded for-profit companies will be able to seek an exemption. Officials also said the administration is tightening oversight of how plans sold under the health law cover abortion. With limited exceptions, abortions can only be paid for through a separate premium collected from enrollees. No public subsidies can be used, except in cases that involve rape, incest, or preserving the life of the mother. Doctors' groups that were key to derailing Republican plans to repeal the health law outright expressed dismay over the administration's move on birth control. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said the new policy could reverse the recent progress in lowering the nation's rate of unintended pregnancies. "Instead of fulfilling its mission 'to enhance and protect the health and well-being of all Americans,' HHS leaders under the current administration are focused on turning back the clock on women's health," said the organization's president, Dr. Haywood Brown. Women's groups said they would try to stop the administration from carrying out the changes. "The rules give employers a license to discriminate against women," said Fatima Goss Graves, president of the National Women's Law Center. "We will take immediate legal steps to block these unfair and discriminatory rules." Administration officials said the new policy takes effect right away.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. --There is a very special pageant in the works for very special people. The inaugural Miss Special Staten Island/Miss Special Richmond County Pageant, Produced by Kaleidoscope Mode, Inc., will be held at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, July 8, in Nictora's Ballroom at the Hilton Garden Inn of Staten Island, Bloomfield. All young ladies ages 13-30 with any disability are invited to compete. All contestants will receive a tiara, sash and trophy. Talent competition is optional. "The Miss Special Staten Island pageant is a wonderful opportunity to promote empowerment amongst young women in the disabled and special needs community through our borrow," said Holly Bonner, 2016 Advance Woman of Achievement and creator of BlindMotherhood.com. "Beauty comes in all shapes sizes colors and abilities. It shouldn't matter if someone is in a wheelchair or live our lives with the help of a service animal. We are all beautiful." There will be an open call from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at the Hilton Garden Inn. There is a $25 application fee. All prospective contestants must preregister at: [email protected] or 718-300-3297. "On Your Mark excited to participate in the inaugural Miss Special Staten Island pageant," said Teresa Cirelli, director of community relations at On Your Mark. "Many individuals have a passion for sharing your talents with their peers in the larger community. We are thrilled to be a part of this unique stage that celebrates inclusiveness."

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A shooting on Grandview Avenue in Mariners Harbor on Friday night drew a large police response. The 19-year-old male victim was shot twice -- once in the torso and once in the wrist, according to a spokesman for the NYPD's Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. The victim was taken to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton, said an FDNY spokesman. Police said the victim is being "a little difficult" and not cooperating with their investigation. A level one mobilization was called to search for the suspect, who's described as a black male wearing a grey sweater, according to police radio transmissions. An NYPD helicopter could be seen circling the neighborhood with searching lights. A man who lives in the neighborhood said he was walking his dog nearby when he heard "pop pop pop pop" and followed the police sirens to see what happened.

Congratulations! Your weather is set to . You can change the location at any time.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has launched a new Bus Performance Dashboard, offering riders performance metrics for bus routes throughout the five boroughs. The online dashboard bases its performance data off farebox, GPS and other information. Data can be filtered by borough, types of service such as local/limited, express or Select Bus Service and time periods such as weekday, peak or off-peak hours. Since taking his position as MTA New York City Transit President in January, Andy Byford has made improving the city's bus system one of his top four goals. "When I came to New York City Transit, I immediately recognized the importance of bus service because millions of our customers rely on buses as a viable mode of transportation, and New York City presents one of the largest and most challenging bus operating environments in the world," said Byford. Metrics available on the dashboard include: Average bus speeds The average time customers wait at bus stops longer than scheduled The average time customers spend on trips longer than scheduled The percentage of customers whose trips are completed on time Percentage of service delivered vs. service scheduled Mean distance between bus equipment failures Passenger environment quality "Now more than ever, riders are holding the MTA accountable, and having this bus performance data helps them advocate for improvements and track when promises are being delivered. I am excited to see how this data will help customers and the other strategies in the works to improve bus service in all the boroughs," said Andrew Albert, New York City Transit Riders Council chairman and MTA Board member. The dashboard is live now at http://busdashboard.mta.info/.

When the Brewster Whitecaps captured the Cape Cod Baseball League Sunday with a 2-0 victory over Bourne Braves it set off a celebration up and down the New England coast. And some of that celebrating spilled over to Staten Island as well. That's because Neil Barbella and Tommy Weber, who have connections to Staten Island, were part of the Whitecaps' coaching staff and deserve a tip of the cap. Barbella, an Eltingville resident, is an assistant baseball coach for the College of Staten Island, while Weber is a Susan Wagner product, who now lives in Manhattan but runs a mortgage company on the Island. Weber also coaches the Staten Island Tide, a team he founded in 2010, of the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League. The Whitecaps capped their improbable title run Sunday by winning the deciding game of a best-of-three series against the Braves. The Whitecaps, who finished third in the regular season with a 20-20-2 record, bounced back from Saturday's devastating loss, which saw the Braves score eight runs in the fifth inning that erased a 7-3 deficit. The Braves wound up winning 13-7. Even more impressive was how the Whitecaps advanced to the championship round, staving off elimination in the Eastern Division finals twice to beat the Orleans Firebirds. Prior to that, the Whitecaps topped three-time defending Cap Cod champion Y-D Red Sox, 8-7, in a do-or-die game three in the Eastern Division semifinals. And Weber and Barbella had front row seats for it all.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- You have to be in it to win it. The 121st Precinct took to Twitter Monday to warn the public about scammers telling them they won the lottery, and to be particularly suspicious if they had never played. Don't fall for LOTTERY SCAMS! Ignore any notifications of winnings,especially if you have not participated in #DontBeScammed pic.twitter.com/q9GyjlPyjN -- NYPD 121st Precinct (@NYPD121Pct) August 14, 2017 The Mega Millions, which just had a $393 million jackpot won in Illinois, has a list of helpful tips on its website including not giving out your banking information to strangers. That jackpot ticket has still not been claimed, according to Illinois TV station WGN 9. Saturday night's Powerball drawing did not produce a winner, so the jackpot for that lottery is now at $490 million. The next drawing for that lottery is Aug. 16.

Many people in the Ciprello family would say that bowling was the best thing that ever happened to Tottenville senior Jacqualyn Ciprello, and they probably wouldn't be wrong. The 18-year-old Oakwood resident went from being a shy student with average grades, to an outgoing honor student after joining the Pirates girls' bowling team sophomore year. "When she joined she was very shy and kept to herself," said her father Joseph Ciprello. "When she joined the bowling team they took her in and matured her from a child to a woman in my opinion. She became very outgoing, she used to sit in a corner and not say much to now where if she sees someone struggle she is the first one to help." Ciprello played at an elite-level during her three-year career for Tottenville and is set to attend and play Division I bowling for LIU Brooklyn this fall on a scholarship. "It's indescribable," said Jacqualyn. "It's the most surreal feeling in the world to be bowling with people who are as passionate about bowling as I am." She also received offers from Molloy College, St. Francis Brooklyn and Felician University, but her decision to attend LIU Brooklyn came pretty easy. "The difference for LIU was as soon was I walked on campus I just felt like I belonged there," said Jacqualyn. "When she went on her first school visit they took a liking to her and felt it was family oriented," added Joseph. "That drew her there and she saw the graduation rate was high and the job placement was great." Jacqualyn plans on enrolling in the nursing program to be a neonatal nurse and take care of newborn babies. "I've been wanting to do nursing ever since I was little," said Jacqualyn. "When I would be in hospitals I would see babies and I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing that." TAKING UP BOWLING Jacqualyn's decision to take up bowling started after the Ciprello family went to bowl for fun. "I went out with my family to bowl for fun and my mom and dad said I had potential and we just went from there and it escalated," said Jacqualyn. After joining the Pirates, she quickly fell in love with it. "It was just over the time I bowled I was happy and I loved doing it," said Jacqualyn. "I met some other bowlers and it changed my life. The people that I met at bowling were outgoing and they brought a different person out of me when I joined." Her talent was showcased often throughout her high school career as she became a two-time Advance All Star, bowled two 700 series, a high game of 289, earned an MVP award and won two PSAL championships with her team. Jacqualyn credits much of her success to her parents for their endless support and professional bowler and Islander Vinny D'Ambrosio who she practices with at Showplace. Ray Laursen, the owner of the pro shop at Rab's Country Lanes, also gives her lessons. "I wouldn't be where I am without them [parents] today," said Jacquelyn. "My dad was always there for me he paid for leagues and all of my equipment and my mom was there physically and emotionally every day. "After matches at Tottenville, we [Jacqualyn and D'Ambrosio] would stay later and practice until I couldn't feel my fingers." After joining the bowling team, Jacqualyn's grades skyrocketed. "She saw that the kids on the team when she first joined had better grades," said Joseph. "She was an average student maybe around 75. She saw that everyone had better grades and were getting scholarships and that made her hit the books harder and now she's around a 92 average."

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- If you're driving fast enough, you're gonna miss the Baya Bar location in Richmond Valley. But the hole-in-the-wall shop is nothing to pass by. The juice, smoothie and Acai bowl joint is the latest South Shore spot to jump on the "bowl" trend. From kale to Nutella, Baya Bar has a long list of combinations to crowd in their cylinder containers. A post shared by BAYA [?] BAR * An Acai Shop (@baya_bar) on Jul 18, 2017 at 8:08am PDT Baya Bar made it's Shore Shore Staten Island debut in June -- expanding its flagship shop in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. "We've been seeing a very good response here," said owner Bill Loesch. "At our Brooklyn shop, there's a high school nearby, so kids would come in, order a bowl and put it up on social media." A post shared by BAYA [?] BAR * An Acai Shop (@baya_bar) on Jun 8, 2017 at 1:56pm PDT "At that point, we went sort of viral. We decided to move to Staten Island to get the momento going," said Loesch. Let's be real -- if you didn't Instagram it, did you really eat it? The South Shore shop has over 8,000 followers on Instagram, where they post vibrant photos of a variety of bowls. We can all learn a thing or two about marketing from Baya Bar: A white stencil, reading "You're limited edition," is placed on the floor in front of the shop so your bowl perfectly fits perfectly for a photo. The Baya Bar goal: Give consumers a bigger bowl with more product and high quality nutrition. The base of the bowls are made with coconut milk and a hint of organic apple juice. Inside Baya Bar in Tottenville 6 Gallery: Inside Baya Bar in Tottenville Baya management says the Acai, pitaya and coconut come to the shop frozen -- while the kale is freshly pureed. The shop also sells fresh juices and smoothies. North Shore foodies -- don't feel left out. Baya Bar says they've been scouting out some locations near the West Brighton area and hope to open a second Staten Island shop in the near future. Baya Bar is located at 6833 Amboy Road, Richmond Valley. For more information, follow @baya_bar on Instagram.

Ratatouille with Raisins and Pine Nuts (Serves about 7 as a side dish) This is what I make when I feel like having meatballs and raisins, but don't feel like being weighed down by the chop-meat and bread. The raisins sweeten it up and pine nuts give it an extra crunch! INGREDIENTS 1 1 /2 cups prepared tomato sauce (you can use jar or make you own) 1 yellow squash, 1 small eggplant, 1 zucchini, trim each one and slice thinly (like coins) 1 red bell pepper and 1yellow pepper, cored and very thinly sliced 2 tablespoons of golden raisins 2 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts 3-4 sprigs of Thyme 1 /2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes 2 tablespoons of Italian flavored bread crumbs 1 tablespoon of fresh basil (optional) salt and pepper to taste 3 tablespoons of olive oil DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F Spray the bottom of a 10x10-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread 1 cup of tomato sauce into the baking dish. Season with salt and red pepper, add raisins and pine nuts.Layer alternating slices of eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper, starting at the outer edge of the dish and work towards the center. Overlap the slices a little to display the colors. Drizzle the vegetables with 3 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle with thyme leaves and the bread crumbs. Cover the dish with tinfoil and bake for 40 minutes, remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes until the veggies are soft. To serve spoon out onto a dish adding the pine nuts and raisins from bottom. Top with ricotta or Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley and some extra pine nuts. You can serve with garlic toasts rounds or toasty warm garlic bread. This meal satisfies even the fussiest diners and you never walk away from the table wanting to take a nap :) --Jennifer Lamonica, Bay Terrace

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Long lines at Macy's -- especially during "one day sale" events -- might be lessened due to a new app-powered mobile checkout being rolled out at the Staten Island Mall store in New Springville. Mobile Checkout -- powered by the Macy's app and designed to speed the in-store checkout process -- is slated for a nationwide rollout to all full-line stores by the end of this year. "We are excited to expand our launch of Mobile Checkout powered by the Macy's app, providing our customers with the opportunity to self serve and speed their transactions with us in-store," said Jeff Gennette, Macy's Inc., chairman and chief executive officer. "We think of the Macy's app as a key we hand to our customers, a key that allows them to unlock Mobile Checkout, an enhanced shopping experience," he added. Macy's Mobile Checkout -- first tested at the Macy's Woodbridge, N.J., store -- is available for iOS and Android devices. Mobile Checkout leverages the app's in-store mode to power the self-service feature. To use the service, customers will need to download the free Macy's app and join Macy's free Wi-Fi network. As they browse the assortment, customers can scan the items they wish to purchase using their phone's camera and the app's built-in scanner. The app will allow customers to apply relevant offers and rewards to eligible purchases. Once they are ready to checkout, they can pay on the app with their pre-registered credit card to complete the transaction. From there, they will walk to the special Mobile Checkout counters set up in close proximity to store exits to have associates verify the purchase, remove security tags, and bag their items. Most merchandise in stores will be available for Mobile Checkout, with the exception of certain product categories as noted per store, such as leased departments or fine jewelry, where a sales associate is needed to complete the purchase. The company's Bloomingdale's division will begin testing the Mobile Checkout feature later this month at its SoHo location in Manhattan. FOLLOW TRACEY PORPORA ON FACEBOOK and TWITTER

The law firm of Norton & Ancona strikes again for Wagner's fourth goal of the game! pic.twitter.com/JgQD7tEr4K -- Wagner College Men's Lacrosse (@WagnerLacrosse) March 19, 2018 Wagner first half highlights vs. Hampton pic.twitter.com/HBhADhoFjq -- Wagner College Men's Lacrosse (@WagnerLacrosse) March 19, 2018 Pictured Above: Sophomore Nic Ancona (photo by Bob Park)The Wagner men's lacrosse team combined a balanced offensive effort with stingy defense in running past Hampton by a count of 15-3 on Monday afternoon at Hameline Field.Four different Seahawks hit for a pair of goals on the afternoon, as Wagner improved its season record to 3-5 while the Pirates fall to 2-4.Junior attack John Norton accounted for the Seahawks' first two scores of the game, both coming on assists by sophomore attackman Nic Ancona, who would finish with a career-high four helpers on the day.After freshman midfielder Tyler Grady made it a 3-0 game with an unassisted blast at the 3:25 mark of the first quarter, Hampton got on the board via a Jonathan Napier score with just three seconds left in the first quarter to cut the deficit to 3-1.Wagner put the game out of each in the second quarter, outscoring the Pirates 7-0 en route to seizing a 10-1 halftime lead, with senior attackman Andrew Streilein notching two of the scores.With head coach Matt Poskay substituting liberally in the second half, Wagner then outscored the visitors, 5-2, over the game's final 30 minutes in recording the 15-3 win.Ancona was the Seahawks' leading scorer on the day with six points (2g, 4a), while Norton wound up with three points (2g, 1a). Finishing with two goals were Streilein and freshman attackman Prince Davis.Junior Matt Sefcik earned the win in goal, recording seven saves while allowing just one goal in the first half before junior Omar Alhagiko came on to play the entire second half, recording three saves.On the defensive end, freshman Kyle Stofko recorded six-caused turnovers and five ground balls. For Stofko, both were game and career-highs for the neophyte defender.The Green & White won 14-of-21 faceoffs today with Hank Ontiveros' 10-of-12 effort leading the way while sophomore Nick Warren was 4-of-9.Pierce Johnson paced Hampton with two goals while Derain Williams-Sturdivant had two assists.Wagner held a 39-30 edge in shots while Hampton led in ground balls, 40-34.The Seahawks are next in action on Saturday, March 24 when Wagner hosts NJIT in its final non-conference game of the season under the lights at Hameline Field with faceoff set for 7:00 p.m.Wagner Athletics Men's Lacrosse: Wagner Gameday:

Congratulations! Your weather is set to . You can change the location at any time.

The NFL's Super Bowl LII (52), which will pit the AFC champion New England Patriots against the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles for the league championship, will be held at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on February 4, 2018 (2/4/2018). The game will mark the second Super Bowl in Minneapolis, which also hosted in 1992. The Super Bowl will be the sixth in a cold weather city. Here's what you need to know: Who: Patriots vs. Eagles What: Super Bowl LII (52) Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minn. When: Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018 Time: 6:30 p.m. Eastern TV: NBC (This will be NBC's 19th Super Bowl) Announcers: Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya, Heather Cox Halftime show: Justin Timberlake will headline the halftime show. Timberlake performed in Super Bowl XXXV in 2001 as a member of NSYNC and Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 with Janet Jackson. In 2004, Timberlake's performance of "Rock Your Body" with Jackson ended with him pulling off part of Jackson's costume, revealing her right breast. The FCC implemented a five-second delay during live TV performances. Super Bowl facts and figures: AT STAKE -- National Football League Championship for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. PARTICIPANTS -- Philadelphia Eagles (NFC) and New England Patriots (AFC). This the third appearance for the Eagles (0-2) and the 10th appearance for the Patriots (5-4). SITE -- U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis. SEATING CAPACITY -- 66,860. DATE -- Feb. 4, 2018. KICKOFF -- 6:30 p.m. EST. NETWORK COVERAGE -- By NBC-TV to more than 200 stations throughout the United States. Westwood One Radio to 600 stations within the United States. The Armed Forces Television will also provide broadcast to 175 countries throughout the world. PLAYERS SHARE -- Winners: $112,000 per man. Losers: $56,000 per man. PLAYER UNIFORMS -- New England will be the home team and has its choice of wearing its colored or white jersey. OVERTIME -- At the end of regulation playing time, the referee will immediately toss a coin at the center of the field, according to rules pertaining to the usual pre-game toss. The captain of AFC team (the visiting team) will call the toss. Following a three-minute intermission after the end of the regular game, play will continue by 15-minute periods with a two-minute intermission between each such overtime period with no halftime intermission. The teams will change goals between each period, there will be a two-minute warning at the end of each period. Both teams must have the opportunity to possess the ball once during the extra period, unless the team that receives the opening kickoff scores a touchdown on its initial possession, in which case it is the winner. If the team that possesses the ball first scores a field goal on its initial possession, the other team shall have the opportunity to possess the ball. If (that team) scores a touchdown on its possession, it is the winner. If the score is tied after (both teams have a) possession, the team next scoring by any method shall be the winner. OFFICIAL TIME -- The scoreboard clock will be official. OFFICIALS -- There will be seven officials and five alternates appointed by the Commissioner's office. TROPHY -- The winning team receives permanent possession of the Vince Lombardi Trophy, a sterling silver trophy created by Tiffany & Company and presented annually to the winner of the Super Bowl. The trophy was named after the late coach Vince Lombardi of the two-time Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers before the 1971 Super Bowl. The trophy is a regulation-size silver football mounted in a kicking position on a pyramid-like stand of three concave sides. The trophy stands 20 3/4 inches tall, weighs 6.7 pounds and is valued more than $25,000. The words "Vince Lombardi" and "Super Bowl LII" are engraved on the base along with the NFL shield. ATTENDANCE -- To date, 3,947,121 have attended Super Bowl games. The largest crowd was 103,985 at the 14th Super Bowl at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. Future Super Bowl sites: Super Bowl LIII Sunday, February 3, 2019 Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga. Super Bowl LIV Sunday, February 2, 2020* Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla. Super Bowl LV Sunday, February 7, 2021* Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla. Super Bowl LVI Sunday, February 6, 2022* LA Stadium at Hollywood Park, Los Angeles, Calif. *Tentative date pending possible changes to the NFL calendar.

Courtesy of Mother Mousse STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Among the attributes of Staten Island are that you can have your handsome calamari and pretty cakes... and eat them, too. Such is the case at Mother Mousse with pastry chefs Teri Rutigliano and Joan Sheheen, known for their stunning creations and seasonal spirit.

By John Nappi Port Richmond I recently saw a TV program about the debacle of the NYC subway system. The system needs heavy repairs and sorely needs long-term maintenance and upgrades. No kidding -- did anyone other than me see this coming? In the past 5 years? 10 Years? 20 Years? 25 Years? Mayor de Blasio believes the rich should be soaked to pay for the massive upgrades. But they don't even really use the system. In reality, these politicians have been kicking the can down the road on these massive expenses, and, at some point, the piper has to be paid. The riders of the subway system have been getting over for more than 25 years with low subway fares. It's about time the riders pay for what they get. Stop scapegoating the rich, which, by the way, I am not a part of, and make riders pay a fair fare for what they get. A $4 subway fare, with no deductions, would pay for a colossal upgrade of the subway system. Ignore the protesters, who would rather have the city pay for them to ride the subway, because "the service is so terrible." Give me a break, you cry babies.

By Matt Lombardo | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com BLOOMINGTON, Minn. -- The Eagles look to end their 58-year championship drought and win their first Super Bowl in franchise history on Sunday against Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn. While it would be easy for Doug Pederson, Nick Foles, and the rest of the Eagles to get caught up in the mystique of the Patriots' five championships in this era of dominance, they have managed to downplay that factor all week. "I am not worried about their dynasty. They may have a dynasty but that's what we are looking to start here in Philly," Jeffery said at the Mall of America on Wednesday. "I am trying to win a trophy man. We want to bring this thing back to Philly for the first time. All of that dynasty stuff, that [expletive] doesn't matter to me." Here's a roundup of picks and predictions from national NFL reporters and analysts for Super Bowl LII: The Sporting News Super Bowl 52 should not be a defensive struggle. There are too many ways for both teams to move the ball. Foles will get going with better support from his rushing attack, while Brady will keep letting it rip in the air. Vinny Iyer, of The Sporting News, doesn't think the Eagles have quite enough to fulfill Jeffery's prophecy: This game has the feel of a back-and-forth affair with neither team starting slow. It probably comes down the last possession, and Brady will need only one final minute to push the Patriots to victory -- and the first Super Bowl repeat since they beat the Eagles in Super Bowl 39. Prediction: Patriots 30, Eagles 27. Meanwhile, Iyer's colleague David Steele expects the Eagles' defense to contain Brady and power a victory: It seems inconceivable that any defense can stop Brady if he decides he's not going to be stopped. The Jaguars, ranked at or near the top of every regular-season defensive category, couldn't keep it up when it counted in the AFC championship game; neither could the Falcons in last year's Super Bowl. Yet this Eagles defense, fresh off of a lockdown of the Vikings in the NFC title game, has what it takes to finish the job. More important, the Eagles offense, Nick Foles and all, can handle the hard work of keeping Brady off the field, exploiting the Patriots' defense, holding and maintaining a lead, and keeping a foot on the Patriots' throats. The Patriots are historically great, but they're not infallible, and this will be proof. PICK: Eagles 26, Patriots 24. Benjamin Hoffman, of The New York Times, sees a competitive game with the Eagles coming up just short of pulling off the upset: The Eagles will fight hard, and certainly have a chance at pulling off an upset, but Brady's experience and Foles's volatility give New England a slight advantage. The Patriots won three Super Bowls in a four-season period from 2001 to 2004, and they appear poised to repeat that accomplishment. Pick: Patriots 28, Eagles 26.

RECIPE: Gluten-Free Savory Crepes with Goat Cheese, Cucumber and Pistachios INGREDIENTS: 4 eggs 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/4 cup brown rice flour 1/2 cup potato starch 1/4 cup tapioca starch 1 teaspoon xanthan gum 2 cups whole milk 3 tablespoons sunflower oil or melted butter More oil for frying Thinly sliced cucumbers Fromage blanc AKA Spreadable goat cheese Chopped Pistachios Salt & Pepper to taste DIRECTIONS: Break eggs in a bowl. Add salt and whisk until uniformly yellow. Combine flour, starches and xanthan gum. Gradually add flour and milk alternately, whisking until smooth between each addition. Next add the oil / melted butter and whisk until smooth. Ideally it would be best to let the batter sit for at least and hour, or even overnight in the fridge to allow the ingredients to really "melt" together. Next put an 8-inch pan on medium high heat to warm the pan. Add about 1/4 cup of the batter and move the pan quick to coat the bottom of the pan completely. It doesn't necessarily need to be totally uniform, but as you make these, you will get the knack of it. It should take about 30 seconds to cook on the first side. Use your fork to loosen the edges, which will be slightly crispy, and peel it off the pan with your fingers or the fork (BE CAREFUL) and turn it on the other side for about another 20-30 seconds. Stack the finished crepes on a plate with a dish towel or paper towel so the edges will soften. Fill each crepe with 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese, sprinkle with finely chopped pistachios, add a layer of cucumbers and fold. Best with chilled pinot noir! -- Sara Kabatsky, Great Kills