June is a time of beautiful weather and plentiful celebrations, including graduations, Father’s Day and weddings. Outdoor spaces at these events can be crowded with drones, kites and metallic foil balloons. PSEG Long Island reminds customers that any of these objects can become entangled in overhead electric equipment and cause a host of problems.
“While we all want to make our celebrations as fun and memorable as possible, a drone, kite or metallic foil balloon coming into contact with a power line or other electrical equipment could lead to power outages, fire and, possibly, injuries,” said Michael Sullivan, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Electric Operations. “The safety of customers and employees is PSEG Long Island’s No. 1 priority. We want customers to know the risks and take steps to ensure their recreational activities and celebrations are a success.”
To mitigate these risks, PSEG Long Island encourages the public to follow these safety guidelines:
Power lines
Stay at least 200 feet away from power lines or other electrical equipment.
NEVER touch a power line. Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon, kite, drone or anything caught in an overhead power line. Report it by contacting PSEG Long Island at 800-490-0075 so a specially trained crew can safely address the issue.
Drones
Fly your drone at or below 400 feet.
Do not fly in dark, stormy or windy conditions.
Read and follow the drone manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the safety of your drone and people around you.
Balloons and kites
Never fly kites or balloons in the rain or during an electrical storm.
Never cross a road or street while flying a kite or holding a balloon.
Kites and Mylar balloons should be kept away from overhead power lines and equipment, and never purposely released into the air.
All balloons with helium should be secured to weights that prevent them from floating away.
To properly dispose of a Mylar balloon, safely puncture it in several places to release the helium, and discard it in the trash.
A classic adventure returns for Father’s Day! Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade heads to select theaters nationwide on Saturday, June 14, Sunday, June 15 and Wednesday, June 18, courtesy of Fathom Entertainment Big Screen Classics and Paramount Pictures.
The 1989 action adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg from a screenplay by Jeffrey Boam, based on a story by George Lucas and Menno Meyjes, is the third installment in the Indiana Jones film series and the sequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981).
Sean Connery and Harrison Ford in a scene from the film.
There’s nothing more exciting than trying to keep up with the Joneses in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Indy’s Nazi enemies are back and have kidnapped his father, Professor Henry Jones Sr. (Sean Connery), to aid them in their search for the Holy Grail. Following a trail from America to Venice to the deserts of the Middle East, it’s up to Indy (Harrison Ford) to save his father, save the Grail, and save the day in this non-stop, action-packed adventure the whole family will treasure.
Each screening features an exclusive introduction by cinema critic and historian Leonard Maltin, discussing the landmark film’s timeless appeal and offering special insight.
Locally the film will be screened at AMC Loews Stony Brook 17, Regal Ronkonkoma, Island 16: Cinema de Lux in Holtsville, Showcase Cinema de lux in Farmingdale, Regal UA Farmingdale, and Regal Deer Park.
Fathom’s Big Screen Classics series continues with the following films heading to select theaters nationwide:
— Clueless in honor of its 30th anniversary on June 29 and June 30
— This is Spinal Tap in honor of its 41st anniversary on July 5, July 6 and July 7
— One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest in honor of its 50th anniversary on July 13 and July 16
— Sunset Boulevard in honor of its 75th anniversary on August 3 and August 4
— The Sound of Music in honor of its 60th anniversary on September 13, 14 and 17
— Rocky IV: Rocky vs Drago — The Ultimate Directors Cut on November 5 and November 9
For times and tickets, visit www.fathomentertainment.com.
The John W. Engeman Theater in Northport continues its Main Stage season with a production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific from May 15 to June 29.
The beloved musical takes place on a South Pacific island during World War II where two love stories are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war. With songs such as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “Younger Than Spring-time,” and “There Is Nothin’ Like A Dame,” the show’s lush score contains some of the best songs ever written by Rodgers & Hammerstein.
Directed by Tony-nominated director, actor, and writer HunterFoster, with musical direction by Kyle Dixon, the cast features Taylor Aronson as Nellie Forbush, Mike McGowan as Emile De Becque, Carol Angeli as Bloody Mary, Philip Bryan as Luther Billis, Malia Munley as Liat, and Alec Nevin as Lt. Joseph Cable.
The cast also includes Ellie Baker, Madeline Benoit, Michael Bingham, JR Bruno, Peyton Cassity, Ylvie Cuisine, Maxime Detoledo, Joah Ditto, Travis Flynt, Tyler Gallaher, Mike Keller, Landon Koh, Leo London, Danny Maguire, Carmella Manapat, Vivica Powell, Kristin Tagg, Matthew Wautier-Rodriguez and Elizabeth Zhang.
South Pacific‘s schedule includes Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m, Thursdays at 8:00 p.m., Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets start at $82 and may be purchased by calling 631-261-2900, going online at engemantheater.com, or visiting the Engeman Theater Box Office at 250 Main Street, Northport.
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Monty Python and the Holy Grail will return to select theaters nationwide on Sunday, May 4, and Wednesday, May 7, courtesy of Fathom Entertainment.
“Fathom Entertainment has prided itself in bringing classic and cult classic films back to the big screen where they deserve to be enjoyed by fans – old and new alike. Few classic comedy films top the great Monty Python and the Holy Grail in terms of legendary status. Fathom is delighted to bring it back to theaters upon its 50th anniversary,” said Ray Nutt, Chief Executive Officer at Fathom Entertainment.
Grossing the highest box-office of any British film in the U.S. when released in 1975, this “cult classic” comedy from the Monty Python team loosely follows the legend of King Arthur (Graham Chapman), along with his squire (Terry Gilliam) and his Knights of the Round Table (John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin), as they embark on a fearless quest in search of the elusive Holy Grail.
Locally, participating theaters include AMC Loews Stony Brook 17, Island 16: Cinema de Lux in Holtsville, Regal Cinemas in Deer Park, Showcase Cinemas de lux in Farmindale and Regal UA in Farmingdale.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at Fathom Entertainment in advance or at participating theater box offices.
What better way to hop into the spring season than with these adorable bunny butt cupcakes? These Easter bunny cupcakes have a bright, lemony white cake base with a marshmallow and white chocolate bunny diving into homemade buttercream “grass” frosting. Not only does this spring dessert make a delightful addition to your festive Easter spread, it’s also the perfect way to get the kids involved with seasonal activities.
Bunny Butt Cupcakes
Recipe courtesy of Amanda Rettke
Bunny Butt Cupcakes
YIELD: Makes 24 servings
INGREDIENTS:
1 (2 layer size) white cake mix or your favorite cupcake recipe
1 tablespoon Pure Lemon Extract divided
1 tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract
3/4 cup white chocolate chips
2 sticks butter softened
16 ounces confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons milk
10 drops Green Food Color
1-2 drops Red Food Color
12 large marshmallows halved crosswise
3 tablespoons white nonpareil sprinkles
DIRECTIONS:
Prepare cake mix as directed on package, adding 1 tablespoon lemon extract and vanilla. Spoon 3 tablespoons batter into 24 paper-lined muffin cups. Bake as directed on package for cupcakes. Cool cupcakes on wire rack.
To make bunny feet: In medium, microwave-safe bowl, microwave white chocolate chips on high 30 seconds. Stir until completely melted and smooth. Spoon into pastry bag or re-sealable plastic bag. Snip small corner from bag. Pipe 24 pairs of bunny feet onto parchment or wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Use toothpick to smooth out bumps or rough edges, and gently tap cookie sheet on counter to help settle. Allow to harden 2 minutes in freezer or 15 minutes in refrigerator.
To make frosting: In large bowl, beat butter and remaining lemon extract until light and fluffy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating well after each addition and scraping sides and bottom of bowl frequently. Add milk; beat until light and fluffy. Remove half the frosting and place in medium bowl. Add green food color; mix until evenly blended. Spoon into pastry bag fitted with grass decorating tip. Set aside. Remove half the remaining frosting into small bowl.
Add red food color; mix until light pink. Spoon into another pastry bag.Using pink frosting, pipe three toes and padding on each bunny foot. Once frosting has set (about 1 hour) gently press down on pink frosting to create smoother look.
To assemble cupcakes: Pipe green frosting onto each cupcake in series of short motions to create individual grass spots. Cover top of each cupcake completely.
To make bunny butts: Place cut sides of marshmallow halves onto each frosted cupcake, leaving room for bunny feet. Shape remaining white frosting into dime-sized balls then roll with white sprinkles to cover. Pipe small drop of remaining pink or white frosting onto top of each marshmallow. Press bunny tail on top. Place both bunny feet against base of marshmallow with toes facing down.
Decorating tip: If you don’t have a grass tip, simply spread a thick layer of green frosting over the top of the cupcake. Then, using a fork, fluff frosting with an upward motion to create grassy texture.
If you feel like it’s a struggle to get the entire family together for a meal, it might be time to put fun back on the menu. A little creativity and a few favorite ingredients are all it takes to bring back family mealtime and spend precious moments at the table.
These Individual Sweetpotato Breakfast Pizzas are a perfect way to start a weekend morning, offering a delicious invitation to loved ones to join you in the kitchen. Equal parts sweet, savory and nutritious, you can enjoy seeing smiles on their faces while feeling good about what you’re serving them.
Providing just the right touch of sweetness are North Carolina Sweetpotatoes, one of the most versatile vegetables in the produce department. They’re easy to add to a variety of recipes – even breakfast pizza – to enhance flavor and nutrition. Try them on the stove, baked, microwaved, grilled, slow-cooked or air-fried for quick and easy options that are a breeze in the kitchen.
Spelled as one word to avoid confusion with the white potato (a distinctly different species), sweetpotatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, all of which are good for overall health and may help prevent disease. In fact, they’re even considered a “diabetes superfood” by the American Diabetes Association. As a natural sweetener, they give recipes that sweet flavor you crave without the added sugar.
Whether they become your favorite oft-used ingredient or you stock up on the abundant veggie, sweetpotatoes also boast a long shelf-life – up to 4 weeks if stored properly in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources – meaning you can buy in bulk without worrying about waste.
Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission
Individual Sweetpotato Breakfast Pizzas
YIELD: Makes 4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
4medium North Carolina sweetpotatoesabout 2 pounds, divided
1tablespoonolive oilplus 1 teaspoon, divided
1/4teaspoongarlic powder
1/4teaspoononion powder
1/4teaspoonpaprika
1/8teaspooncayenne pepper
kosher saltto taste
freshly ground black pepperto taste
all-purpose flourfor rolling out dough
1poundwhole-wheat pizza dough at room temperaturedivided into four equal portions (4 ounces each)
1cupfreshly shredded Gouda cheese
4large eggs
1/4cupdiced chives
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400 F. Place 1 pound sweetpotatoes directly on rack and bake until soft, about 1 hour. Remove from oven and let cool 5-10 minutes. Peel and puree flesh until smooth; reserve 1 cup.
Increase oven heat to 450 F. Peel remaining sweetpotatoes and dice into 1/2-inch pieces. Toss 2 cups diced sweetpotatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne and salt and pepper, to taste; place in even layer on baking sheet. Roast until softened but not crisp, 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway. Remove from oven.
Lightly flour clean, flat work surface. Roll each ball of dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness (about 7 inches diameter).
With remaining oil, lightly coat rimless baking sheet. Transfer rolled out dough to baking sheet.
Spread pureed sweetpotato over surface of each dough round, about 1/4 cup each, leaving about 1/2-inch border. Top each with 1/4 cup shredded Gouda. Add 1/2 cup roasted sweetpotato cubes, leaving open space in center of pizzas.
Carefully crack one egg into center of each pizza; bake 15 minutes until crusts are golden brown on bottom, cheese is melted and egg whites are fully set. Carefully remove pizzas from oven.
Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Top each pizza with 1 tablespoon diced chives.
Great news for all Harry Potter fans! Fathom Events and Warner Bros. Discovery are partnering to bring back the first four films of the quintessential fan favorite Harry Potter film series to select theatres nationwide this February.
Harry with his pet owl Hedwig in a scene from ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.’ Photo courtesy of Fathom Events
The Harry Potter film series will be the first series highlighted in Fathom Fan Favorites, a new theatrical series that will feature films from iconic franchises.
For more than 20 years, the world has been captivated by the magic of the Harry Potter stories from J.K. Rowling and starting February 13, moviegoers will be able to relive, or experience for the first time, the first four films in the wizarding saga on the big screen.
Additionally, starting February 27, fans will be able to experience the films from the series in 4DX motion seats to get the feeling they are in attendance at Hogwarts alongside the Golden Trio.
Also for the first time in the United States, the UK version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, named Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, will be presented in 3D and will give fans the chance to see some never-before-seen moments.
Each screening will also include an exclusive introduction by cinema legend Leonard Maltin, sharing unique insights for each film. The complete schedule for the “Fathom Fan Favorites: Harry Potter” series is as follows:
— Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone onFeb. 13 , Feb. 20 and Feb. 27
— Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (UK version) on Feb. 13, Feb. 20 and Feb. 27 in 3D
— Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets on Feb. 14, Feb. 21 and Feb. 28
— Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban on Feb. 15, Feb. 22 and March 1
— Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 20th Anniversary on Feb.16, Feb. 23 and March 2.
Locally, the films will be screened at AMC Loews Stony Brook 17, Island 16 Cinema de lux in Holtsville, AMC Huntington Square 12 in East Northport, Showcase Cinema de lux in Farmingdale, and Regal Cinemas in Deer Park. Tickets are available at www.fathomevents.com or at participating theatre box offices.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Arson Section detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the person who set fire to a car parked in Central Islip in November.A person set fire to a vehicle that was parked on Cypress Street on November 22 at approximately 1:45 a.m. The person fled the scene on foot. Detectives are asking any neighbors with video to contact the Arson Section or Crime Stoppers.
For video of this incident, go to YouTube.com/scpdtv
and Click on Wanted for Central Islip Arson CC24C071129.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.
If you’re in need of a quick breakfast, consider starting your day with one of these tasty breakfast ideas. This on-trend Acai Bowl with Whole-Wheat Toast provides a flavorful serving of fresh fruits while Overnight Oats can be made the night before for a grab-and-go solution as you head out the door in the morning.
Acai Bowl with Whole-Wheat Toast
Acai Bowl with Whole-Wheat Toast
INGREDIENTS:
1 frozen acai smoothie pack (100 milligrams)
1 cup low-fat milk
1 medium frozen banana, sliced
1 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries
2 slices whole-wheat bread
fresh blueberries
granola
coconut flakes
DIRECTIONS:
Under warm water, thaw frozen acai smoothie pack about 5 seconds.
In blender, combine acai, milk, banana and mixed berries. Blend until smooth.
Toast bread slices to desired doneness.
Pour acai mixture into bowl and garnish with blueberries, granola and coconut flakes before serving. Serve with toast.
Overnight Oats
INGREDIENTS:
1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup low-fat milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons mixed dried fruit
1 tablespoon walnuts, chopped
1 tablespoon honey
DIRECTIONS:
In bowl or jar, combine oats, milk and vanilla extract. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Before serving, stir in dried fruit, walnuts and honey.
In the wake of Black Friday and sliding headlong into the Buying Season, Netflix is streaming Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy. Written and directed by Nic Stacey, the 84-minute documentary reminds us that corporations are for profit, not for humanity.
The voice of Sasha, a computerized personal assistant, guides the viewer through five rules of profit maximization: Sell More, Waste More, Lie More, Hide More, and Control More. Presented as a video tutorial, Sasha promises success to those who follow the guidelines. (The Sasha gimmick is effective but might grate on some. Her voice is reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey’s HAL smoothly saying, “I’m sorry, Dave. I’m afraid I can’t do that.”)
A scene from ‘Buy Now’. Photo courtesy of Netflix
Under attack are the usual suspects. Amazon, Apple, Adidas, and the clothing industry at large (Gap, H&M, Shein, etc.) represent the major culprits. Marketing products that are single-use or have built-in obsolescence drive profits. Worse, companies rarely consider the end-of-life of objects. The film puts a great deal of focus on the environmental carnage of landfills and burnings. It is not litter. It is hazardous waste.
Statistics are a large part of Buy Now’s attack: 68,733 phones produced per hour, 190,000 garments produced each minute, and 12 tons of plastic produced each second. According to the Or Foundation, a not-for-profit trying to reduce textile waste, more than 15 million unwanted clothes are sent to Ghana—one of the world’s largest importers of used clothes each week. Globally, approximately 13 million phones are tossed out daily. An anecdote about the lightbulb cartel of 1925 introduces the established cornerstone of industry: planned obsolescence. In the present day, products are sealed and seamless. Laptops, printers, and phones are replaced, not repaired. And the sooner, the better.
The film calls out the fallacy of recycling, noting that barely ten percent of claimed recycling is accomplished. The markings on plastics range from half-truths to outright lies. Companies contend that recycling fixes the problem. “Truth is very different.” As packaging rules are lax, “You can say whatever the hell you want.” The symbols are largely meaningless. Most will be buried or burned. The sole solution is manufacturing less plastic.
The talking heads are mostly reformed staff members of the big companies, many of them openly paying penance for their part in the destruction. As one states, “I think I definitely have some sins to make up for.”
Buy Now’s tone blends horror with tongue-in-cheek commentary. The film only rests in the interviews and, even then, cuts to different angles. The peripatetic nature leans into a non-stop modern lifestyle as well as the problem’s urgency. The avalanche of shoes, laptops, and phones cascades, oozes, stampedes out of buildings and garbage cans, falls from the sky, and rolls down the streets. Clothing even vomits out of dryers.
A scene from ‘Buy Now’. Photo courtesy of Netflix
The science-fiction essence harkens to films like The Blob, where cities are overrun, here played against the unknowing citizens in An Invasion of the Body Snatchers oblivion. The visuals have a mordant wit, and the techno music raises the future-of-the-damned tone. (A nice touch is the underscoring of the Adidas section with Saint-Saëns’s “Danse Macabre.”) Clips from Wall-E show the future of the planet. However, something is disconcerting about the presence of Disney/Pixar when it is probably responsible for more plastic toys and disposable souvenirs than any other company in the world.
Buy Now represents waste in myriad ways. These include shores clogged with plastic and shoveled into hell-like infernos. But the most startling image is the most common. Boxes upon boxes stacked in front halls and on kitchen floors; teetering piles spilling open. We buy everything we think we need—and more of it—often at one a.m. Amazon is the thing that occurs to you. “If the system is magic, what would it do? There is just a conveyor belt that goes straight from wherever the item is to your door as quickly and frictionless as possible.” With the internet, the next shoppable moment is always now. Buying new stuff feels great. But the flip side is where does it go?
The massive destruction of merchandise that prevents food and even healthcare products from being salvaged is equally horrifying. A United Kingdom Amazon warehouse destroys 130,000 pieces a week. There are five billion pounds of landfill waste in destroyed products. (More images, more statistics.)
Buy Now is an unequivocal indictment of the way we live. Enhanced by Brendan McGinty’s cinematography, Samuel R. Santana’s sharp editing, and engaging VFX and animation by Colin Thornton and Neil Wilson, the film is a bold statement about consumption and responsibility. You will look at your daily take-out cups of coffee, each plastic water bottle, and every item of clothing with a different eye.
The final line goes to Kyle Wiens, the CEO and co-founder of iFixit: “That’s it. Just buy less. It will be fine. Life is about experiences and the people that we’re with, and the stuff that we have supports it. But it’s not the end. It’s not the objective. Whoever dies with the most stuff does not win.”
INGREDIENTS:
