Book Review - "The Third Target"

BOOK REVIEW - “The Third Target” – Joel C. Rosenberg - 433 pages – Tyndale House - Reviewed by Jeb Ladouceur

To the delight of his growing legions of readers, Joel C. Rosenberg has produced his tenth novel in a series dealing with intrigue in the Middle East. He is also the author of four non-fiction books that this reviewer has not read, but that might be the subjects of a future critique. 

In his new thriller, Rosenberg turns his insightful lens primarily on the nation of Jordan, which he describes as a relatively insignificant monarchy with few if any tourist attractions, no oil, and indeed no Gross National Product to speak of. Nor does Syria fare much better in the author’s estimation. There seems little to recommend that country’s third largest city, Homs, for example, as he states in the book:

Just why anyone was fighting over this wasteland was beyond me. What was the point? What was left to fight over? The banks had been looted. There was barely anything to eat. No running water. No working sewage system. Even if you had a functioning car or truck, you couldn’t use it. The gas stations had no petrol.

Specifically, in “The Third Target” we learn of fictional, well-traveled New York Times reporter, J.B. Collins, whose resumé includes stints with AP, UPI, and a string of notable newspapers in addition to the esteemed Gray Lady. Collins has been invited to interview the new commander of rebel forces in Syria, variously known as ISIS, ISIL, and The Islamic State. His name is Jamal Ramzy … and for the rest of the story, you will have to read this compelling book for yourself (that, or wait for what surely would be a timely motion picture based on it).

Rosenberg’s protagonist, the daring newsman Collins, is not as multi-dimensional as Daniel Silva’s art restorer and sometimes spy, Gabriel Allon, but then again few fictitious characters in modern literature are. However, what the author of this fast-paced novel lacks in knowledge of things artistic, he more than makes up for in a relentless accounting of the perils that await his heroic journalist at every bend in the Middle Eastern road.

Though many will inevitably insist on comparing Rosenberg to Silva, the assessment is essentially an unfair one. The two authors are, after all, basically opposite numbers. Granted, each of them brings to his profession an acute knowledge of the mysterious world in which his stories unfold, but their underlying religious and cultural philosophies vis-à-vis the Judeo-Christian ethic are quite different in real life. And the diverse convictions of both men are apparent in a wide array of episodes that dot all (or most) of their novels.

Consider that Silva is a former Roman Catholic now converted to Judaism, and Rosenberg, a Jew until age seventeen, is now a staunch born-again Christian. Also, while Silva is a more private practitioner of his adopted faith, Rosenberg has made frequent appearances on radio and television in support of the religious views he embraced as a young adult. In particular he has been criticized for comparing apocalyptic scripture in the Bible to modern events, though he certainly has every right to do so.

The fact is that Joel C. Rosenberg has come a long way since penning “The Last Jihad” in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. Since the publication of that breakout thriller (eleven weeks on the Times bestseller chart), his books have sold three million copies, prompting the likes of ultra-Conservative Rush Limbaugh to gush that, “Regardless of your political views, you’ve got to read his stuff!”

That, obviously, is typical Limbaugh overstatement … we don’t have to do any such thing. The simple fact is that Rosenberg’s style is exhilarating, his stories timely, and his settings meticulously researched. That should make fans of international suspense eager to go along for the ride … without anyone telling them what they must (or must not) do.

________________________________________________________________________

Award-winning writer, Jeb Ladouceur is the author of nine novels, and his theater and book reviews appear in several major L.I. publications. In his newest thriller, HARVEST, an American military doctor is seized by a gang of vital organ traffickers in The Balkans, and ordered to perform illegal surgeries. His upcoming THE QUANTUM SYNDROME is patterned on the Atlanta child murders of the 80s and is due in mid-May.

St. James Celebrates St. Patrick's Day Parade - Saturday, March 14

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Saturday- March 14, 2015 - 1pm

2015  Grand Marshals, Princesses & Princes For the 31th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade In St. James

Grand Marshals - The Caliguri Family

The St. James Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that The Caliguri Family has been named the Grand Marshalls, of the 31^th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in St. James.

Caligiuri’s Restaurant first opened in 1956 on the corner of 347 and rt. 111. Opened by our grandfather who came from Italy in the 1930’s. After it sold in 1971, we bounced around a while; my dad had about 5 other pizza restaurants but finally settled in St. James in 1977. My parents Jean and Amedeo Caligiuri bought patio pizza, and with the help of their children Laura, Guy, Teddy, and Dawn, became the Patio Pizza of today. Probably only a handful of businesses have been around St. James as long. I don’t think any have seen a wider variety of people either.

We love St. James! We love sharing stories with customers or welcoming new ones who have just moved in. I feel like we are in the fabric of the town, we have been touched by so many lives, shared memories, and really have enjoyed serving the people of this town. Happy St. Patty’s Day!

Make sure to stop by Patty-O-Pizza for a fresh slice!

Kerry Maher, the Director of the Parade and a Board Member of the St. James Chamber of Commerce, The Caliguri Family is a well deserved family to receive this honor on behalf of the Chamber and his community!!

“On behalf of the St. James Chamber of Commerce and our great Community of St. James, we want to give you the honor in our parade to say THANK YOU for all your time and service” Congratulations on being chosen for our 31^h Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in St. James Grand Marshalls.

“With my diligent parade staff that has worked very hard to kick off this year’s planning for the parade, it will be a great turn out!! Participating this year we have local businesses, clubs, organizations, bands!

St. Patrick’s Day Parade the Parade Route:

We kick off our shamrocks at 1:00pm starting at the Smithtown High School East Parking lot next to the Track on Woodlawn Avenue. We traveled down Woodlawn Avenue to Lake Avenue to make a left onto Lake Avenue…following all the way down to the St. James  Gazeobo right by the St. James Railroad Station. That’s where our Grand Marshalls and our Princes & Princesses will watch the parade from the review stand.

We hope you can attend the best and biggest parade around!!!

 Princesses

Emma Campbell - Emma Campbell is 5 years old and is very excited to be starting Kindergarten in the fall at St. James Elementary. She’ll be joining her big sister, Katie who is in the 2nd grade. Emma resides in St. James with her mom, dad, big sis Katie and puppy, Molly. She enjoys dancing at Chorus Line and is honing her swim skills at Saf-T-Swim.

 Victoria Dawson is 6 years old and in kindergarten at Mills Pond Elementary. Her older sisters, Cassandra & Shannon, along with mom and dad are very proud of her accomplishments and ambition. Victoria is currently involved in soccer with the Smithtown Kickers, basketball and St. Patrick’s, gymnastics at Apex and a Girl Scout Daisy. She loves being active, part of a team, playing with friends, and always willing to lend a helping hand. We love you Victoria!

Sarah Emily Feeney is a 5-year-old princess. A St. James resident since birth. Her Nana, Bridget, was born and raised in Co. Donegal Ireland, where her family still resides in Ballyliffin. Her papa’s family is from Co Roscommon. She has an older brother, Brayden (9), her older sister Katelyn (7), and a younger sister Brianna (2). Sarah wishes to follow in the footsteps of her older sister and feels privileged to represent St. James as an Irish princess on the St. Patrick’s Day parade this March 14^th.

Isabella Jones, who was born here in St. James, just turned 7 years old and is a top student at Saint James Elementary. She is very active at school and the neighborhood. She had been a member of the Smithtown Kickers Soccer League for 3 years now and even plays through the winter. Besides the normal things young ladies enjoy she is excellent at computers and her new hobby of making movies. She also competitively plays her favorite online game of Minecraft with her teenage sisters and their friends.

Olivia Lane- is a fun, outgoing 3 year old that loves her baby sister Gia . Olivia loves playing with play doh and watching play doh eggs on her iPad . Olivia loves singing and dancing to Taylor swift and Katy perry. Olivia attends St. James Lutheran pre school .

Josephine Loughlin, 5 years old, attends Kindergarten at Saint James Elementary School.  She likes gymnastics and her dance classes. She enjoys to color and draw pictures, and loves her puppy Tinker Bell. Every year Josephine watches the St. James parade and is so thankful to be chosen as Princess

Princes - 

Carmine Abbate is 9 years old and a third grader at Mills Pond Elementary School.  He has been training in martial arts for the past 3 years and enjoys learning new self defense techniques and skills at karate class. Carmine is a Bear Cub Scout in Pack 228. His favorite scouting activity is the Pinewood Derby and he enjoys designing and racing his car each year.  He loves spending time with his family and playing with his two rambunctious dogs. Carmine’s biggest dream is to one day become a video game maker. 

Oliver Augier is 6 years old. He enjoys participating in sports, learning new things and spending time with his friends and family.

Braden McCormick is 8 years old but will be 9 on St. Patricke’s day! He loves flag football, basketball and baseball, is an excellent student at Mills Pond Elementary School, a great son and little brother. He is always lucky and always smiling.

Sonny Smith is 6 years old. He loves playing soccer, baseball, and basketball! He has one brother, Rocco, and my dog Olive! In the summer I love to go to the beach and out on the boat.

Harbor Country Day School Sponsors Two Miles In Historic Bull Smythe Relay

Harbor Country Day School Sponsors Two Miles in Historic Bull Smythe Relay 36-mile relay replicates Richard Smythe’s original ride around Smithtown, commemorates 350th anniversary of Town of Smithtown

St. James, New York — Harbor Country Day School announces that on March 1, 2015, members of the school’s faculty and staff participated in the historic 36-mile Richard Bull Smythe relay run/walk through the town of Smithtown. The relay, which traced the original route that Smithtown founder Richard Smythe rode in 1665, served as the kickoff to a year-long celebration of the Town of Smithtown’s 350th anniversary. 

Harbor Country Day sponsored two separate mile-long legs of the relay, beginning at the entrance of Harbor Country Day School at 17 Three Sisters Road. Harbor joined other sponsors to run or walk 36 consecutive one-mile legs through each of the hamlets and villages in Smithtown. Participants passed a ceremonial proclamation baton along the route that was read at the conclusion of the relay, officially opening the year-long festivities.  

“As an integral part of the Smithtown community since 1958, Harbor Country Day was eager to join in this celebration of Smithtown,” said John Cissel, Head of School at Harbor Country Day School. “We at Harbor are proud to be a part of a community that has such a rich and storied history. Being able to help commemorate that history was a great honor for us.”  

The 2015 Town Board Campaign Begins!

The Smithtown Democratic Committee announced in a press release that they are gearing up for the 2015 Town Board elections. Two Council positions currently held by Robert Creighton and Edward Wehrheim (both Republicans) are to be contested this year.  It is expected that both men will seek re-election and it is rumored that both men will face a primary challenge on the Republican line. 

Democratic Chairman Ed Maher was somewhat cryptic in his message, stating that former Democratic Supervisor Candidate, Steve Snair and Suffolk County IDA member Anthony Giordano are considering a run for the two council seats.  “Our screening committee will convene this spring and we are excited to hear what the potential candidates have in mind for the future of Smithtown,” said Mr. Maher, adding that he “will consider screening potential candidates from other parties,” and that the Democrats will put the strongest candidates on the ballot in November.”

What will the ballot look like in November? Behind the scenes there is a lot of talk about a Republican primary, and who the challengers might be. The Democrats press release adds a new conversation,  will there be Republican names on the Democratic line in November? Time will tell.  

First Baby Of Smithtown's 350th Anniversary - Christopher Granados

The town of Smithtown is rich in history and culture and 2015, marks the 350th year of its existence, also called sesquarcentennial—not the easiest word to pronounce, but a significant time to celebrate. Under the leadership of Smithtown historian and President of the 350th Sesquarcentennial Foundation Bradley Harris—the community of Smithtown has events planned commemorating its official birthday and as the only community hospital within the official borders of the historical town, St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center is proud to participate in the year long events.

The mission of The 350 Foundation, Inc., supported by Smithtown Supervisor Patrick Vecchio, the Smithtown Historical Society and enthusiastic residents, is to promote interest in Smithtown’s history by making town residents aware of its colorful and fascinating past; to encourage participation and involvement in the celebration of Smithtown’s history by getting residents, schools, other organizations, businesses, and corporations actively involved in activities and events associated with the Sesquarcentennial Celebration of the Year 2015; to promote [education through] public participation in the activities and events by creating a calendar of events for 2015, advertising and promoting those activities and events, and fundraising to help defray the cost of those events; and to actively promote, direct, and run activities and events on behalf of the Town of Smithtown that will include but not be limited to the Bull Smythe Run, dedication of the Statue of Richard Smythe, a Sesquarcentennial Parade, and a Fireworks Celebration.

“Smithtown has a rich history and its 350th anniversary provides a great opportunity to educate residents and celebrate the wonderful town in which we live,” commented Harris. To further commemorate the 350^th birthday of Smithtown, St. Catherine of Siena was proud to deliver the first baby of its anniversary year, marked on March 3^rd. After much waiting and anticipation, baby boy Christopher Granados was the first baby born at St. Catherine of Siena on March 4, 2015 at 8.49 am weighing 8 lbs. 3.4 oz., to Glenda Corvera and Jose Granados of Brentwood, delivered by Shehla Shabnam, MD.

On March 6, 2015, St. Catherine’s administration welcomed members of The 350^th Foundation, Inc., and Smithtown Supervisor Patrick Vecchio to meet the new baby and his family, along with the Maternity staff that helped welcome him to the world.  Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Paul J. Rowland welcomed the family and members of the foundation in its St. Luke’s Medical Library, followed by a welcome from President of The 350^th Foundation Bradley Harris. While they are not Smithtown residents, Supervisor Patrick Vecchio gave them an honorary lifetime residence in Smithtown. “Christopher is a star already,” said father Jose Granados and with excitement.

In addition to the proclamation, the family received a gift basket from the Foundation filled with baby essentials, along with a starter fund of $350 towards a NY529 College Savings Plan for baby Christopher, presented by committee member Kathleen Albrecht.

“We are proud of the staff at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center and are happy to be part of the 350th birthday celebration of Smithtown,” said St. Catherine’s Executive Vice President and CAO Paul J. Rowland. “We are all pleased to have the first Sesquarcentennial baby here at the hospital and look forward to participating in future events.”

Baby Christopher and his family will walk in the parade on September 12, 2015. For more information about future 350^th Foundation events, visit www.smithtown350foundation.org.

For more information about Maternity Services at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center, please call (631) 870-3444.