This lawsuit is a tremendous win for women with breast cancer.  It is also a tremendous disgrace.  That women have died or will die needlessly speaks volumes about a business community's extreme greed for the almighty dollar.  As someone with breast cancer as far back as I can see in my family I am no stranger to this disease.  I have family, friends and friends of friends and family who currently bear the burden of this terrible disease.  To think some of it may have been prevented turns my stomach.   Pfizer and Wyeth were once names I never questioned.  I always felt secure when I heard those names.   I was sorry when I heard about the layoffs in Pearl River in what was such a strong company.  Now I think, how many of those "scientists" knew exactly what that drug was doing?  How many... 12/15/2009

NYS MISSING CHILD ALERTMissing From: Newburgh, New York  Date Missing: 12/14/2009Mark A. BookalDate of Birth: 10/07/2005                Race: Black                    Eyes: Brown                                    Weight: 42 lbs.Hair: Brown                                     Height: 3’06”Sex: MaleOther Information:  Mark was last seen at home by a caretaker around 1 pm.  A short time later, the front door was found open and the child has not been seen since.  He was last seen wearing a red long sleeve shirt, white Nike uptown sneakers and gray rokaware sweatpants.  He is light skinned, wears his hair in a medium length afro and has discolorations on the back of each hand from a previous injury. Investigating Agency: Newburgh City Police DepartmentIssue Date 12/14/09 NYS Division of Cri... 12/15/2009

Photo by Debra Walsh, Copyright © 2009 Debra Walsh. All Rights Reserved.  This photo may not be reproduced, used or transmitted without the express, written permission of Debra Walsh of Minisink Valley Homes Real Estate in Slate Hill, NY.  Thank you for not plagiarizing! So for everyone who asked here is my "after the snow picture."  Right now it is raining heavily freezing rain and is extremely treacherous outside. I nearly broke my neck trying to stand in the same spot I did last time to take this picture.  Not only that I was trying to keep my "non-waterproof" camera dry.  LOL  Unfortunately there is no moon this time in the background as the full moon has passed and it is daytime.  I do have more moon pictures and they will be coming over the next few weeks.   I MISS SUMMER!! 12/13/2009

Photo by Debra Walsh, Copyright © 2009 Debra Walsh. All Rights Reserved.  This photo may not be reproduced, used or transmitted without the express, written permission of Debra Walsh of Minisink Valley Homes Real Estate in Slate Hill, NY.  Thank you for not plagiarizing! 12/11/2009

Photo by Debra Walsh, Copyright © 2009 Debra Walsh. All Rights Reserved.  This photo may not be reproduced, used or transmitted without the express, written permission of Debra Walsh of Minisink Valley Homes Real Estate in Slate Hill, NY.  Thank you for not plagiarizing! Yesterday fall came to a close with snow that fell all day and part of the evening.  Luckily we only had about 4 inches total accumulation for our first snowfall.  Today everything has a coat of snow and ice and looks just beautiful.  By tomorrow the snow will have fallen off the trees and what little snow is left will no longer be white.  Ahhh winter! 12/06/2009

Xerox is doing a really nice thing.  Go to this web site, pick a card, pick your message and then Xerox will print it and have it sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq.   You don't know who it will go to but you know for sure it will go to someone who is in the service.  For someone who might be lifted by the gift of a card this is a chance to do something however small.  Please let everyone you know about this site-it is free and takes less then 2 minutes to pick a card and send it off.  No matter how you feel about the war we should always show 100% support for our military.  Thank you for taking the time! 12/04/2009

The Snaefell is a completely hand crafted vehicle, the frame, the wiring harness and, of course, the amazing body, which itself used 63 molds for the parts made of polyester or carbon fiber. Some parts were sourced from Renault, Citroen, BMW, VW and Audi. The entire 10,000 hour project comes in around 15,000 Euros, which, at today's rates, is about $21,000.Read the rest of the article by Paul Crowe in Motorcyle Builders and see the amazing pictures here: 11/28/2009

Photo by Debra Walsh, Copyright © 2009 Debra Walsh. All Rights Reserved. This photo may not be reproduced, used or transmitted without the express, written permission of Debra Walsh of Minisink Valley Homes Real Estate in Slate Hill, NY. Thank you for not plagiarizing! I was coming from an appointment last week and drove over an area they call the "Hawk's Nest" and after seeing the beautiful colors had to pull over on a little overlook and snap some pictures.  This overlook looks down on the Delaware River.  One side is New York, the other Pennsylvania.  In the summer this river is so full of rafts, rafting down the river some days that you can hardly see the water.  It is a beautiful site no matter what time of year you happen upon it.  It is a big attraction for motorcycle riders as ... 11/27/2009

Today is truly a day of thanks.  I am thankful my husband and I both have jobs.  I am thankful my daughter is able to attend college and one of her choice.  I am thankful we have a roof over our heads.  I am thankful we all have our health.  It may not be the best but it can always be worse.   I am so thankful for the people who call me their friend.   I am extremely thankful for my family and that I will get to be with them today.  For all those with family in Iraq, Afghanistan or anywhere where they can't be with you today you are in my daily prayers.  I am thankful that my clients bring me repeat business and I can also call them my friends.  Life is precious and it can change in an instant-will everything still be the same tomorrow?  We don't know and no one can predict.  So for tod... 11/26/2009

If you are looking for some new Thanksgiving recipes then click here to download Martha Stewart's FREE Thanksgiving Cookbook.  I have downloaded it myself and it is a 56 page color cookbook with a table of contents.  There are five chapters from Soups & Starters to Desserts and Wine & Entertaining.   Enjoy!                        11/17/2009

Police identify owner of wrecked Bugatti By Chris Paschenko The Daily News Published November 14, 2009 LA MARQUE — Police on Friday identified a Lufkin man who accidentally drove a $2 million Bugatti Veyron, a rare automobile that is perhaps the world’s fastest, into a saltwater lagoon.Andy Lee House, 34, owner of Performance Auto Sales, told The Daily News on Wednesday that a low-flying pelican distracted him, causing him to jerk the steering wheel a bit — and he then dropped his cell phone.The crash, however, was captured by someone filming the car as it traveled on the northbound frontage road of Interstate 45 about 3 p.m. Wednesday. The man filming was traveling north on I-45. No pelican was visible in the video, which shows the car veering from the road and splashing in the lagoon.... 11/14/2009

Want to know what price houses are selling for in Middletown?  During the month of October there were 22 homes that sold within the Middletown City School District.  The selling prices on single family residential houses ranged from $82,000 to $366,000.  The median of the data available shows us that homes are selling at close to 100% of the listing price at the time of sale.  This tells us that homeowners are listing the houses that are selling at very close to market value.  If you are out there looking at homes this is important for you to know. This is also something you will not learn from the listing agent or the homeowner trying to sell his home on his own. It is important for you as a Real Estate Buyer to determine the value of a property you are interested in.  Working with a B... 11/12/2009

Please consider giving one of these children a place in your heart and home.   November is National Adoption Month and time once again for the Heart Gallery of the Mid-Hudson.  Orange, Putnam, Westchester and Ulster Departments of Social Services have collaborated on the 5th annual Heart Gallery of the Mid-Hudson, which opens in Orange County this Friday, November 13th in the Galleria Mall, Dicks courtyard.     Please join us for a special opening ceremony at 3 PM on Friday.   The Heart Gallery is a touching portrait exhibit of children and youth who are waiting for adoptive families and a home to call their own.   A national movement, Heart Galleries have been very successful in raising awareness about adoption through foster care and the many children and youth who are waiting and ho... 11/09/2009

Sunday November 1, 2009 in Orange County NY Sunday's Weather - Sunny and around 60  (click here for the latest NOAA Information.) Special Events Ice Skating Opening Weekend - Bear Mountain NY Opening weekend of the Ice Skating rink at Bear Mountain State Park. From 9W follow signs to Bear Mountain Inn at traffic light.  Public Sessions - 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM, Noon - 1:30 PM, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM, and 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM.  Rink is outdoors and uncovered.  Skating season goes through March 7th. For Further Information 845-786-2701 Greenberg's Train and Toy Show - Middletown, NY Come to the Orange County Fair Arena, 100 Carpenter Ave, Middletown, NY today to see model train set ups and see vendors displays of model trains and toys. Hours from 10:00AM - 4:00 PM For Further Info... 11/01/2009

Saturday Oct 31, 2009 in Orange County NY   Saturday's Weather in the High 60's with Rain Likely  (click here for the latest NOAA Information.) Farmer's Markets Middletown NY - Farmer's Market is on Erie Way between Cottage and Grove Streets From 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Pine Bush NY - Farmer's Market just off Main Street Pine Bush NY From 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM Port Jervis NY - Farmer's Market in the Front Street Municipal Lot From 8:00 Am - 2:00 PM Tuxedo NY - Farmer's Market at 240 Route 17 From 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Sugar Loaf NY - Farmer's market at Romer's Alley across from the Barnsider on King's Highway.  Starts at 11:00 AM Special Events Learn About Orange County's Past - Montgomery NY Learn about the Mastodon Excavations, Quarry Caves, History of the Lenapes, Champlain, and Hudson.  There are... 10/31/2009

$299,900.00 - Middletown, NY Listing - $299,900 - SOLD!!Location: Middletown, NYWONDERFUL SETTING on almost one full acre!! This 5/6 bedroom home is over 3,600 sq ft. To many features to list them all. Soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, and a stone fireplace. The library has built in bookcases and a wall of windows that looks out to the AG pool. Must be seen to be able to appreciate. Easy access to highways, trains & shopping centers.Contact Information Katheryn DeClerck, Associate Broker845-629-3504PricingPrice: $299,900.00Additional Pricing Information: UNDER CONTRACTProperty Location10 Coolidge CourtMiddletown, NY 10940View MapFeaturesBedrooms: 5Bathrooms: 4Parking Spaces: CarportYear Built: 1957Lot Size: .910Garage Size: 1 Car School District: MiddletownSquare Footage: 3610Agent Nam... 10/22/2009

Sunday Oct 18, 2009 in Orange County NY Sunday's Weather - Rain Rain Go Away  (click here for the latest NOAA Information.) Farmer's Markets Higland Falls NY/ West Point - Located in the municipal parking lot across from the visitor's center for West Point From 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Warwick NY - Located in the South Street parking lot Warwick, NY From 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Special Events Orange County Arts Council Open Studio Weekend - All Over The County What an awesome celebration of our talented citizens.  Download a brochure and map from the Orange County Arts Council here and take a self guided tour through the county visiting artists and craftspeople in their studios and galleries.  11:00 AM - 5:00 PM For Further Information Call 845-522-9198 12th Annual Making Strides Against Breat Canc... 10/17/2009

Saturday Oct 3, 2009 in Orange County NY   Saturday's Weather in the Low 70's with a 50% Chance of Rain   (click here for the latest NOAA Information.) Farmer's Markets Middletown NY - Farmer's Market is on Erie Way between Cottage and Grove Streets From 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Pine Bush NY - Farmer's Market just off Main Street Pine Bush NY From 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM Port Jervis NY - Farmer's Market in the Front Street Municipal Lot From 8:00 Am - 2:00 PM Tuxedo NY - Farmer's Market at 240 Route 17 From 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Sugar Loaf NY - Farmer's market at Romer's Alley across from the Barnsider on King's          Highway.  Starts at 11:00 AM Special Events You Pick Apples and Pumpkins - New Hampton, NY Head for Soon's Orchards , 23 Soon's Circle, New Hampton, NY this October for  pumpkins,   app... 10/03/2009

It is hard to believe that it has been eight years since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, The Pentagon, and the attempt on the White House that ended in that field in Pennsylvania.  It is with deep sympathy for those who lost friends and relatives and with renewed resolve to be a strong nation that we honor this day. The suffering that began that day continue as many first responders and those who were on site for search and recovery deal with illnesses that they suffer as a result of the toxic wasteland they toiled in.  Our servicemen and women continue to fight and die for our freedom in lands far away.  We must never forget. There are several memorials and services planned for today in this area if you would like to join with others to remember. Town of Deerpark - 8:3... 09/10/2009

The difference of a few points in your credit score can impact whether or not you get approved for a mortgage or the interest rate you will receive with your mortgage loan.  A small difference can mean THOUSANDS over the life of the loan.   What can you do to improve, build or maintain your credit? Have utilities (cable, electric, phone) in your name and make sure they are paid on time Have checking and savings accounts in good standing If you are not disciplined DO NOT GET CREDIT CARDS Only open credit accounts that you truly need  Do not max out accounts Do not close your old credit accounts.   Keeping them active shows a credit history like the above accounts in good standing PAY ALL OF YOUR BILLS ON TIME With the banking industry tightening up their requirements for mortgages, the h... 08/17/2009