Dan's Papers - January 11, 2008

Dear Dan,
Just wanted you to know, once again, how much I truly enjoy reading Dan's Papers.
I obtain about twelve copies every week and distribute them all. Those who receive them enjoy them just as much as I do. I usually get them from King Kullen in Glen Cove or Syosset.
I am an international flight attendant for American Airlines who flies turn-around trips to Santiago, Dominican Republic and to Bermuda. I always keep a copy of Dan's Papers in my tote bag. In fact, the other day, while speaking with a first class passenger going from Santiago to Los Angeles and then on to Fiji, I gave him a copy of Dan's Papers. He enjoyed reading it very much.
Just thought I'd let you how much we all enjoy the paper. I live in Carle Place, L.I. and it is convenient for me to go to Glen Cove or Syosset to get them.
Thank you so much for having them available for us here in Nassau County. I look forward each week to the new edition.
Best wishes for a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and holiday season.

- We are distributed in about 100 locations in Nassau County. - DR

Dear Dan,
As a New York City based year-round weekend resident of Bridgehampton, it would seem the politics of the big city changes little Out East.
The disingenuous back-slapping and handshakes that would seem to permeate East Hampton's governing body provide little benefit for the community other than to underline and support the hidden agenda's of persuasive residents, constituents and businesses in cahoots with Town leaders.
It's time to lace up the skates. This town council is standing on some very thin ice.

Dear Dan,
Just a quick note, to see if you ever check "facts" in your "South O' The Highway" column. I refer to the following, which I found posted on MySpace:
"Montauk resident Debra Markowitz has just published a new novel, Naked in the Rain, about an older woman and a younger man who kindle a relationship in Montauk. Debra Markowitz is the Nassau County Film Commissioner as well as the Vice President of the Long Island Film/TV Foundation."
Truth in advertising does not exist on MySpace, and apparently not in Dan's Papers. My search of Nassau County government positions shows there is no such position in Nassau County as "Film Commissioner," and Debra Markowitz was not a resident of Montauk in May of 2007, nor any other time. Some people who self-publish (otherwise known as the vanity press) will do anything to sell books that nobody in the standard publishing business had any interest in publishing. Buyers beware!
I was just wondering if you accept anything from anyone for publication in your paper?

She's listed as such in the International Movie Data Base. - DR

Dear Dan,
My daughter is trying to do a report on the Ponquogue Bridge in Hampton Bays. We have searched the web but can't find the information we need. Do you have or know of a website that we can research to find out:
1) Materials used in construction
2) Type of bridge
3) Main architects and engineers
4) Cost-financial and manpower
5) Importance of any other helpful, interesting or pertinent information
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Dear Dan,
I read with great interest your compassionate, clear-headed article on the dispute between Southampton Town and the Shinnecock Indians. For many years I taught "Spirituality of the Environment" at Southampton College. Annually, the Shinnecocks would openly, lovingly invite the students to one of their powerful ceremonies. I receive emails from these former students telling me that this ceremony dramatically changed their lives for the better and they thank me. But it's the Shinnecocks who deserve the credit - bless them. I suggest that the solution to the Southampton Town - Shinnecock impasse lies in the Indians putting together a raiding party (I'll join) and capture town officials. The officials can be brought back to the reservation and put into a sweat lodge, where they would not be let out until they have been purified of their ignorance, arrogance and small-mindedness.