"Happy writes white,” the novelists say. Talk about a happy man or happy news and before you complete the thought, your readers will fall asleep. It was Tolstoy who glibly indicted happy families by saying “they are all the same.” more

Q. We have a turn-of the-(last)-century front-porch colonial. It needs substantial modernization, and I've found that problems that seem unrelated in fact do contribute to one another, leading to bigger costs than expected. For example, we need new wiring. I've seen knob-and-tube in parts. What’s the best way to rewire, since we need new insulation, there’s some termite damage and the steam boiler needs an overhaul? more

Each year, drunken drivers cause deadly accidents and claim innocent lives. Their stories often become local and sometimes national lore, cautioning others about the potentially deadly consequences of a crime that some see as socially acceptable. But there is another type of loss that goes with drinking and driving, I recently learned. One that may be considered insensitive or politically incorrect to discuss. Three defense attorneys I interviewed saw the possible loss of one's reputation and even future employment as an unfair fate that befalls many of their clients. I contacted the lawyers after the Nassau County Police Department and the district attorney's office gave me a firsthand look at what a DWI arrest entails. Police simulated my arrest for DWI, including everything from handcuffing me to locking me up. Later, the district attorney's office brought me to District Court, where I took a tour of holding cells, courtrooms and assistant district attorneys' offices. I wrote about the experience for Herald readers. But as I spoke with defense lawyers, expecting to hear mainly about the financial burden of a DWI conviction, I learned that some of the most serious consequences for the convicted are harder to quantify. more

Nassau County Legislator Roger Corbin rejected a plea agreement offered by the federal government on Sept. 25, which would have limited a jail sentence for the charges he faces, for filing false tax returns and obstruction of justice, to a maximum of 18 months. more

Kevin McDermott gives the word "determination" a new definition. The Chaminade and Duke alumnus, just 22, suffered a life-changing accident in July, and has shown a tremendous strength of will in his efforts to prevail over his severe injury. Many of his friends are taking action to help. more

President Obama is asking Gov. David Paterson, a fellow Democrat, to withdraw from the governor’s race, according to The New York Times. Paterson should consider obliging. As a matter of fact, why bother waiting until 2010? He should consider stepping down now. more

As summer fades to a memory and the leaves start to turn, civic-minded local residents are beginning to think about election season. more

Republican Chris Browne will have one fewer tool to use in his bid to unseat incumbent Nassau County Legislator Joe Scannell (D-Baldwin) come November. And if some county Democrats have their way, Browne will be fighting a legal battle over allegations of fraud as well. more

Eight years ago to the day, hundreds of people had gathered at Lido Beach Park and watched the clear, sunny sky in the distance fill with black clouds of dark smoke from the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. more

Just a nice little musical video from Long Beach. more