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bethpage state park

2010-03-06T16:08:00.000Z

Auricular Acupuncture for Chemical Dependency

2010-02-14T16:10:00.001Z

Auricular Acupuncture for Chemical Dependency

Posted by healer on 10/14/09 • Categorized as Auricular Acupuncture

Why Acupuncture for Detox?

Auricular Acupuncture reduces the physical symptoms of withdrawal.

Relieves depression, anxiety, and insomnia and help people relax.

Profoundly relieves withdrawal symptoms including cravings, body aches, headache, etc. Patients become comfortable with their own physical processes.

Patients learn to ‘let go’ of tension and preoccupations the calm stability in the acupuncture setting creates a relatively timeless process.

There is much less pressure to improve according to guilt-related standards.

Acupuncture treatments, taken enough times, clear the mind, build energy, and give a sense of well being. The acupuncture detoxification is an ideal partner with other programs and creates a calming response to life’s troubles.

Pioneering Work in the U.S.: Lincoln Hospital, New York

Acupuncture has been helping alcoholics and addicts at Lincoln Hospital in New York since 1975. This is a simple, drug-free modality, patients feel comfort and focus, and are better able to participate in the other phases of their treatment. Acupuncture can be especially useful for cocaine abusers, since there are no medications to treat this addiction.

The exact biological mechanisms are not well understood, and may not be so important; acupuncture has a peaceful, calming, and empowering effect.

.

How does this acupuncture for addictions actually work, i.e. what’s involved?

Acupuncture Treatment for addictions is called ‘Auricular Acupuncture’

Five to ten tiny needles are placed in each ear, and then the clients rest quietly for 45 minutes. This is a good time to relax, meditate or think.

In detoxification treatment, points in the ear correspond to specific organs including the lungs, liver, kidneys and nervous system. One of the points- shenmen- is for relaxation.

The treatment triggers the release of natural body chemicals, including endorphins, which help reduce cravings for drugs, ease withdrawal symptoms, and increase relaxation.

How Will I feel During the Treatment?

Once the needles have been placed, your ears may tingle or feel warm. Some people even fall asleep. These are normal responses. Some people say they feel very relaxed when they are having a treatment, others don’t feel much at all. Even if you don’t feel much

You are getting benefit from treatment. Acupuncture is most effective after a series of treatments over a period of time.

What are the unique benefits of acupuncture for addiction?

It can be used safely with any other health condition. Drug- free method.

Effective on an outpatient basis successfully used as a drug detoxification method at over 100 different drug treatment clinics in the United States and is used for this purpose in at least 25 other countries.

Paradoxically it’s even more effective with clients who are ‘hardest to treat.

It is balancing and non-symptom, non syndrome dependent.

The acupuncture Detoxification Process

During detoxification, your body filters out the toxins that you have been storing up. Blood circulation begins to improve…

How does ear acupuncture diminish the power of the mental obsession?

From a Chinese Medicine standpoint, the ear points are calming, and regulate the Liver, Lung, and Kidney. It is thought that stimulation to these nerve terminals in the ear; generate a neural chain of events responsible for the feeling of relaxation experienced by the patient.

Research has demonstrated that acupuncture can influence the neurochemical pathways of the brain.

In particular, those of the mesolimbic system.

This area is involved in the mechanism responsible for reward and pleasure.

Other benefits using Auricular Acupuncture

It is possible to provide kind, soothing, attention without the risk of enabling the addictive process.

Patients become comfortable with their own thoughts Patients develop their win spatial comfort zone, to remain comfortable while focused on present time activities.

Patients learn that their private, internal process can be a source of strength and renewal.

How Acupuncture Treatment for Substance Abuse Began –One Version

One day in the early 1970`s, H.L. Wen, M.D., then the only neurosurgeon in all of South China and Hong Kong, was preparing to use electro-acupuncture as surgical analgesia and the patient, who happened to be experiencing withdrawal symptoms from opium at the time, reported his symptoms had disappeared.

Wen cancelled the surgery and scouted the hospital for other patients in withdrawal. He gave his pre-op procedure to them and their symptoms also ceased. Acupuncture for substance abuse was born.

Regaining balance and control

Despite scepticism that there is something in the needles (addicts are often as stupid as they are charming), acupuncture does not add anything to the body; it simply helps to guide a person’s physiology toward a more optimal state.

Acupuncture helps us achieve balance and control, patients feel comfort and focus, and are better able to participate in the other phases of their treatment.

What About the Needles – Do They Hurt? Is it safe?

First of all, the needles used to stimulate acupuncture points have no resemblance to hypodermic syringes or body acupuncture needles.

Acupuncture needles are very slender, about the thickness of two human hairs- sterile and disposable- needles are single use only and approved by the FDA,

Most insertions are intradermal- just beneath the skin’s surface, which enable the skilled acupuncture practitioner to place a needle with little or no sensation or pain.

However, if you have a real fear of needles, discuss it with your acupuncturist.

An appropriate treatment strategy can always be agreed upon.

How many sessions do I need for treatment?

Each person is unique; the number of treatments needed will vary.

As a general rule of thumb- acupuncture for a serious addiction needs 1-2 sessions daily initially for 5-10 days.

The acupuncture is performed in a therapeutic setting with comfortable seating

When patients opt for the acupuncture treatment they are often amazed by the immediate feelings of well-being, relaxation, and focus that accompany their sessions.

Please feel free to contact LondonShiatsu to see how we can help.

Technorati Tags: acupuncture, Auricular Acupuncture, Biological Mechanisms, Chemical Dependency, cocaine, Depression Anxiety, Detoxification Treatment, Endorphins, insomnia, Kidneys, Lincoln Hospital, Nervous System

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Tagged as: acupuncture, Auricular Acupuncture, Biological Mechanisms, Chemical Dependency, cocaine, Depression Anxiety, Detoxification Treatment, Endorphins, insomnia, Kidneys, Lincoln Hospital, Nervous System
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via londonshiatsu.com

High Kitsch in Betpage at Xmas-Fabulous

2010-01-12T10:17:00.000Z

American Flag on Romscho Street

2010-01-09T10:50:00.001Z

Bethpage State Park

2010-01-09T10:48:00.001Z

Bethpage State Park in Winter

Bethpage

2009-11-30T17:52:00.002Z

Richard Henry Lee Quotations

2009-11-16T23:19:00.002Z

"To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them."^[1]

"The first maxim of a man who loves liberty, should be never to grant to rulers an atom of power that is not most clearly and indispensably necessary for the safety and well being of society.

Bethpage Photos- Powell Avenue School

2009-11-13T13:55:00.001Z

via powertolearn.com

Powell Avenue School on the site of the Bethpage Public Library

Bethpage Photos- Beau Se Jour

2009-11-13T13:53:00.001Z

via powertolearn.com

The "Beau" was on the corner of Stewart and Central for many years.

It was owned and operated by the Wilson Family

BHS Reunion Update ! Class of 1970

2009-11-13T00:47:00.001Z

Hello everyone! Time is passing so quickly. When the reunion planning committee first got together to discuss our upcoming 40^th reunion, July 2010 was nearly two years in the future. It is now only 8 months before we will see each other at the big event. The plans are all in place and we expect a wonderful weekend of fun and laughs with many old friends. All indications are that the turnout for this reunion will surpass all previous ones. Please plan to join us!

We thought this would be a good time to give you a status report. For this reunion we formed a planning committee of seven people: Stephanie Totone Dietz, Beth-Ann August Fenton, Barbara Keiler, Lorie Lerner Juliano, Gerry Davis, Larry Herzog and Bob Strauss. We decided not to use a reunion planning company due to poor communication and low turnout at our 30^th reunion. By using some of the social networking sites, primarily Classmates.com and Facebook, and Beth-Ann’s incomparable sleuthing skills, we have been able to contact almost 200 people from our graduating class. And by starting early, we were able to reserve a great room for the event at the Melville Marriott.

Since we are making all the arrangements ourselves and not working through a company that plans and coordinates reunions (for a fee), members of the planning committee have paid the Marriott a non-refundable deposit to hold the room for July 17, 2010. By January 1, 2010 the Marriott requires us to pay a larger percentage of the total expected amount. So, if you plan to attend we need you to send a check to Lorie Lerner Juliano before January 1. We are able to extend the early bird discount of $75.00 (if you are bringing a guest the amount is $150.00) to anyone who pays by December 31, 2009. Starting January 1, 2010 the cost will be $100.00 per person. Checks should be made payable to Lorie Lerner Juliano and mailed to:

Lorie Lerner Juliano

40 Oakdale Road

Centerport, NY 11721

We have heard from many classmates who are very enthusiastic about the reunion. Some are talking about planning a golf outing Friday morning. We also plan to organize a get together Friday night at one of the bars in Bethpage. And there is talk about a brunch Sunday at the high school. If you have ideas and would like to be involved in the planning of these or any other gatherings the weekend of July 16^th -18^th, let us know. This should be a fabulous weekend we will always remember. Please plan to join us!

We will also continue to update our website (http://home.comcast.net/~fedynyshyn/bhs70/) with information regarding the reunion.

The Reunion Committee

The Ghosts of Old Bethpage Village Restoration «

2009-11-10T01:36:00.001Z

The Ghosts of Old Bethpage Village Restoration

August 31, 2009 by Todd Atteberry

Attic of the Kirby House. Click to view large or order prints

Any town or village has its haunted house. Old Bethpage Village Restoration has its share, and like most villages, most are urban legends which sprang up over the years. Nearly all the buildings in the village were once located elsewhere, and some, like the Noon Inn, brought their legends with them.

And of course the restoration village has plenty of ghost stories of its own, dating from the years the buildings have existing in their current location.

A family spending the night in Lewis Ritch’s 19th century farmhouse reported hearing heavy boots walking about the porch during the night, which they presumed to be the former master of the house, who died in 1835 coming back to his home, which he once shared on Middle Island with his wife Charity and their six children.

The Conklin House. Click to view large or order prints

In the Conklin house, a fisherman’s cottage which once stood in Village of the Branch and now lives again at Old Bethpage, a woman has been reportedly seen upstairs in period dress, and who was decidedly not a 20th century interpreter. Another interpreter who has worked at the village for over 20 years refuses to set foot in the house. Still another I spoke to talked of being alone in the house reading, when over the top of his book saw a dark shape rushing towards him, only to look up and see nothing there. On another occasion he heard a loud bang, as though a shelf had fallen in the other room, only to find nothing amiss.

The Conklin house once set next to the inn owned by Thomas Hallock, and is one of the newer structures on the site. Walt Whitman is rumored to be one of the earliest tenants, and the house is typical of an English derivative style, with Greek Revival touches. Joseph H. Conklin, married to Thankful Hallock, Thomas’ niece bought the place in 1853. According to Long Island Oddities, the place is reputed to also be haunted by a small boy, afflicted by disability or deformity, who showed up in a census for one year and never again, and was supposed to have been shut away in the house.

Hewlett House Funeral at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Click to view large or order prints

The Hewlett House, now restored to 1840, was built during the 1890s in Woodbury, an example of Federal Period architecture. The house displays a gambrel roof, a milk room and large, beehive oven with an inscription of 1796. It also appears to be haunted.

The House was inhabited by the Hewlett Family, including a descendent of the original owners, Lewis Hewlett, who presumably carved his initials into the ceiling above the fireplace. What makes this unusual, is that for some time no one noticed the carving. Then one afternoon, a worker was leaning over the fireplace when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Upon turning around, she found nobody there. This was the first day that the initials were noticed.

There is a tapestry on one of the walls of the house, done by a child learning to embroider, which refers to being buried, rotting bones and their desire not to be forgotten. And appropriately enough, in the parlor one finds a coffin, lain out for a wake, which presents a unique opportunity to see how a family remembered and sent off their dead in the 19th century.

Another visitor reported feeling pulled towards the staircase every time she entered the Hewlett House, which she described as a strong desire to go upstairs, which she finally did, only to report seeing a noose hanging from the top of the stairwell. Another woman felt as if she was being pushed down the stairs, and reportedly the two women decided to hold a seance, at which they contacted Lewis Hewlett who stated that it was he who was hanging from the stairwell.

Security guards tell of one of their own, who heard the voices of men in the basement, and thinking they were intruders made for the door. Unfortunately, the door to the place locks from the outside, and the door had closed and the hapless man found himself locked in. So frightened was he that he went out the window rather than wait for help to arrive.

The Noon Inn at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Click to view large or order prints

The Noon Inn is one of the most popular stops, if Old Bethpage photos found on the internet are any indication. It was originally purpose built in East Meadow to be an inn and bar, before being closed down, when it was used for storage. Kids would break into the place and vagrants reportedly used to sleep in there. One such vagrant, according to popular legend which has been discredited by a fellow whose family formerly owned the home, was surprised by three teenagers whom he stabbed to death. The bodies lay undetected for some time, until a security guard found them, and a short time later, according to the story, the vagrant was arrested with some of their possessions, and confessed to the crime. As such with all urban legends, the place took on the reputation of being haunted, and the same night that the vagrant was supposed to have hung himself in his cell, a girl walking down the street outside the Noon Inn saw the three boys’ faces in the windows. It’s stories like this which as I said, appears to have no basis in fact, that add to the richness of a place. And Old Bethpage is fortunate to have brought along the legends, along with the structures which now line the streets of Old Bethpage Village.

The Williams House, restored to 1860, was once home to a certain Henry Williams, farmer and carpenter, and stood in New Hyde Park. A seamstress named Esther once lived there as well. Reports of poltergeist activity abounds in the Williams House. Trunks have been heard moving about upstairs, and upon investigation are found with their contents strewn about.

One hot afternoon, two interpreters were working the Williams House, and opened a window to let in the breeze, which is often quite nice there. They went back to their sewing, which is their charge at Old Bethpage, when they heard the window slam shut. One opened it again, this time propping it up with a stick, which is typically used to lock the windows, by jamming it into the top of the window. They left the room, only to hear the window shut again. Coming back into the room, they found the stick lain on the sewing table. A third time they opened the window, once again propped it open and once again left the room. The window slammed closed again, and this time the stick was found far from the house in the garden, by a child visiting the park. In the Williams house, the workers are on a first name basis with Esther.

Esther’s Dress in the Williams House at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Click to view large or order prints

On another occasion, two workers were cleaning up in the house. One picked up a small teacup, used originally as part of a toy tea set, when she head a small voice telling her to “Put my teacup down.”

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time at the Williams House. Turkey is roasted in the hearth, and the sights, sounds and smells of a Thanksgiving feast brings the house to life. During the preparations one year, the door to the place kept closing. Even on a November Day on Long Island, so much cooking and activity can quickly overheat a house, so one of the women there propped the door open with a fireplace tool, only to be hit in the head by the same tool when she went back to her work.

The spirits it seems at Old Bethpage Village Restoration don’t mind visitors, but they are very fussy about their homes, even to this day.

This is an excerpt from a longer piece on Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Click here to read the full article

(Thanks to Long Island Oddities and Newsday for some information in this article, which pointed out which questions to ask of the workers at OBVR, and a special thanks to them as well)

via gothicghoststories.com

Gary Bretton -Local Hero

2009-11-08T01:50:00.001Z

Hunger in America- Middle Class

2009-11-08T01:08:00.001Z

via ers.usda.gov

Teddy Roosevelt

2009-11-08T01:06:00.001Z

Behind the ostensible government sits enthroned an invisible government owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the people.

Theodore Roosevelt

Richard Henry Lee

2009-11-07T21:02:00.001Z

The first maxim of a man who loves liberty,

should be never to grant to rulers an atom of power

that is not most clearly and indispensably necessary for the safety and well being of society.

Edward P. Mangano would like to thank everyone for their love and support!

2009-11-05T19:39:00.001Z

Edward P. Mangano would like to thank everyone for their love and support!

The race isn't over yet but I am confident when all is said and done we will be the victors!

Al and Lana

2009-11-05T19:22:00.002Z

Halloween Romscho Street

2009-11-05T12:08:00.003Z

An Interview with John Ferrara one of the organisers

World Champions in the BronXXVII | MLB.com: News

2009-11-05T11:19:00.001Z

via mlb.mlb.com

Halloween 2009 Romscho Street

2009-11-04T01:28:00.001Z

Halloween Romscho Street

2009-11-03T19:38:00.003Z

Al and Lana local organisers of the Romscho Street Halloween event

Halloween 2009 Romscho Street featuring organiser John Ferrara

2009-11-02T00:10:00.001Z

Bethpage Halloween on Romscho Street 2009-1

2009-11-02T00:08:00.001Z

halloween

2009-11-02T00:07:00.002Z

One more time -Nightmare on Romscho Street

2009-11-01T23:57:00.002Z

Catapano's Deli Broadway Bethpage

2009-10-29T23:52:00.001Z

Halloween on Romscho Street

2009-10-29T23:28:00.001Z

Tomcat-neutered

2009-10-29T22:26:00.001Z

Tobay Beach

2009-10-29T22:21:00.001Z

Yankee Stadium

2009-10-29T14:45:00.002Z

Photos by Joe Parisi 516-650-8497

The 1939-40 New York World's Fair

2009-10-27T00:35:00.001Z

via youtube.com

Romscho Street -Halloween

2009-10-24T19:40:00.001+01:00

Romscho Street is getting ready for Halloween

Romscho Street

2009-10-24T19:33:00.002+01:00

Tomcat Farewell

2009-10-19T01:21:00.001+01:00

We used to make things in Bethpage

Grumman F8F Bearcat

2009-10-19T01:14:00.001+01:00

Joe Sambito - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2009-10-12T02:57:00.003+01:00

via en.wikipedia.org

The Astros Daily - An Interview with Joe Sambito

2009-10-12T02:57:00.001+01:00

An Interview with Joe Sambito
added 09/04/01 by Ray Kerby
Relief pitcher Joe Sambito was one of the most dominating closers to play for the Astros. After three consecutive years with ERAs of 1.77, 2.19, and 1.84, and elbow injury sidetracked his career and led to an early retirement. He finished his career with the Red Sox and made an appearance in the 1986 World Series. He now works as a player agent and graciously agreed to an interview through email.

(c) Houston Astros
Ray Kerby: As a child, did you always want to be a ballplayer? What made you want to be a ballplayer?
Joe Sambito: I cannot remember a time when I did not want to be a baseball player. It may go back to my earliest interests, or it could have been my father's influence, or it could have been growing up in New York when the Yankees were dominating Major League Baseball, much as they seem to be doing at this time, but to an even greater extent. It could have been a combination of those reasons, but the bottom line was that I loved playing the game from the time I could walk and through everyday of my career.
RK: Did you have a favorite team? Who was your idol? Why did you like him?
JS: When I first started understanding and following baseball, the Yankees were my team and Mickey Mantle was my idol. At that time, and in that place, Mickey was the Yankees and the Yankees were baseball. There was Mays, Aaron, Koufax, Musial, and others but to a young New York kid, there was only Mickey and the Yankees.
RK: Growing up in New York, how did you feel about being drafted by a Texas team?
JS: Being drafted by any team was exciting to me. I was a 17th round pick and just happy to have the opportunity to play professional baseball. It had always been a dream for me and I was now living my dream. It didn't matter where my dream took me.
RK: What were your primary pitches? Which ones did you have the most confidence in?
JS: My primary pitches were fastball and slider. I threw two different fastballs, as most pitchers do. One was a sinker and the other was a cutter. As my Major League career developed and I became a closer, the fastballs and the slider became my weapons. In game saving situations, there's no time to experiment with other pitches.
RK: After being a starter in the minors, you were immediately moved into a relief role in the majors. Why was that change made? How did you adjust to the switch in roles?
JS: I believe the change to a relief role came about for more than one reason. Among the reasons were my ability to get loose quickly along with the resiliency I had in that I could pitch often with a short recovery time. I was able to throw strikes, which is important to all pitchers, but crucial to relief pitchers who are often brought into games with runners on base. You can't kill a rally by walking batters. Another reason was that I was left-handed and there was a need for that in our bullpen, as is the case with most teams. Another reason was that I was the product of a pitching-rich organization. I was one of several young pitchers who came to the Majors at about the same time and I don't believe I possessed the variety of pitches the others possessed. Simply put, I didn't have the same "stuff," and that made me better suited for the bullpen. My initial reaction to the bullpen was, "I'll do anything to stay in the Big Leagues, but I'd prefer starting." However, I learned to enjoy the role and came to love it as I realized that I could come to the stadium each day with the thought of playing a role in the outcome of the game. I found that nothing compared to the rush of coming into a game and nailing down a victory.
RK: When you first made it to the bigs, who were some of your mentors? How did they help you?
JS: There were two minor league pitching coaches who taught me what pitching was all about. They were Cliff Davis and Bob Cluck. They schooled me on the mental part of the game and helped me understand the mechanics involved in being a successful pitcher. Cluck went on to become a Major League pitching coach with Houston and San Diego. I believe Cliff Davis left baseball to become a shrimper in Corpus Christi.
RK: On May 1, 1979, you gave up a game-winning grand slam to Roger Freed. But immediately after that, you started an incredible string of over 40 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run. How difficult is it to handle a tough loss like that, and did your response to it have anything to do with the scoreless streak that followed?
JS: The home run to Roger Freed was about as disappointing a game as I've ever experienced except for the game when my elbow came apart. We had a three run lead in the bottom of the 10th inning. I had just hit a double and driven in a run or two as we took the lead. I had sandwiched two outs between a couple of walks and an infield hit to load the bases. Roger Freed was the pinch hitter and he worked me to a full count. He then hit a high fastball over the left-center field wall for a grand slam and we lost the game. That was a tough night for me. Ironically, I didn't give up another earned run until July 19, a period on 27 games and 40.2 innings. I think the scoreless streak had more to do with the fact that I was throwing very well that year, than any conscious thought process of mine as a result of the Freed homer.
RK: In 1979, you were named to the All-Star team along with teammates Joe Niekro, Joaquin Andujar and Craig Reynolds. Do you remember who you faced and how you did? What was the pressure like when you were on the mound?
JS: Please keep in mind that as I looked across the clubhouse locker room at Rose, Morgan, Winfield, Carlton, Brock, Schmidt, etc. I was trying to understand how and why I was there. I recall sitting in the NL bullpen early in the game and looking directly into the AL dugout. Sitting on the bench, with his bat, was Reggie Jackson, fresh off of three successful seasons with the Yankees. He was the biggest thing in baseball at the time. I turned to Joe Niekro and told him that all I wanted to do was face Reggie. As it turned out, in the sixth inning, Gaylord Perry ran into some trouble and with Reggie announced as a pinch-hitter, Tom Lasorda brought me into the game. Reggie and I had quite a battle as he fouled off 4 or 5 pitches with two strikes. he then grounded to 2B. I intentionally walked Roy Smalley and got George Brett to fly out to shallow centerfield. When Don Baylor was announced as the next hitter, Lasorda took me out. I had my fun and maybe my most satisfying memory in my baseball career.
RK: What are your thoughts on J.R. Richard as a pitcher and on the stroke he suffered in July, 1980?
JS: At the time J.R. Richard suffered the stroke, he was arguably the most dominant pitcher in the game. It was a shame that his career had to end as it did.
RK: You were an important part of the 1980 team that reached the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. What are your thoughts on the team's win in the one-game playoff immediately following the three straight losses?
JS: That game, as you know, came on the heels of us losing three straight games to the Dodgers setting up the one-game playoff. With Niekro pitching, I felt we had our most consistent guy going and the guy who I felt would pose the most problems for the Dodger line-up. I was confident that Niekro would rise to the occasion and he did just that. Art Howe was our offensive hero. Having lost the three games leading up to the playoff put us at a disadvantage in that we no longer had our #1 pitcher going in Game 1, plus the fact we had to travel from LA to Philadelphia immediately following the playoff game, arriving in the early morning hours and having to play later that day.
RK: The Astros have never been closer to the World Series than they were during the 1980 playoffs. What was the mood on the team when the series started? How do you handle the tough losses at the end?
JS: I felt that the two best teams were playing in the NL Playoffs. It was one of the most exciting series ever. The Phillies were a more veteran team than we were and I believe that benefited them through the series. I was extremely disappointed when we lost, but at the same time, very proud to have been a part of it. I'm confident we would have defeated the KC Royals and become World Champions had we gotten by the Phillies.
RK: Who did you feel was the toughest hitter you had to face and why?
JS: Pete Rose and Manny Mota were very tough for me because they were pure contact hitters and they knew they were going to see the fastball from me. I think Mota hit .667 against me. The two toughest power hitters were George Foster and Bill Robinson, both good low fastball hitters.
RK: After years of being probably the best reliever in franchise history, you missed most of 1982 and all of 1983 with an injury to your left elbow. Can you describe the injury and what your rehabilitation was like? In hindsight, was there anything you could have done to avoid the injury?
JS: My elbow injury was a rupture of the medial collateral ligament. As a result, I had the "Tommy John" surgery, where a tendon from my leg was transferred into my arm to replace the ruptured ligament. I don't know if my injury could have been prevented. Over the years, the surgery has become almost common and has been improved to the point that pitchers are returning from this surgery throwing harder than they were prior to the injury.
RK: According to Nolan Ryan, your injury was supposedly one of the reasons Don Sutton wanted to leave the Astros and look for his 300th win elsewhere. What is your opinion on this story and was it well-known that Sutton's focus was on getting to 300 above all else?
JS: That's very flattering. I had heard stories to that effect, but those are questions better answered by Don Sutton. Ironically, Dave Smith, who took over for me as the closer, is the Astros All-Time saves leader.
RK: How did it feel to return to the mound in 1984 and pitch well after such a long rehabilitation? Did you have to change your style of pitching to accommodate your elbow?
JS: Although the numbers were fairly good upon my return in 1984, I was never able to throw as well after the surgery as I did prior to the surgery. I developed complications with the ulnar nerve, which still affects my left hand and arm. I was fortunate to get back to the Major Leagues after the injury.
RK: Your last year with the Astros was in 1984, you pitched very little with the Mets in 1985, and finished with two years in Boston. What caused you to leave Houston? Did you reinjure your elbow? Did the team give up on you? Did you leave on good terms?
JS: At the end of spring training, 1985, the Astros wanted me to play at AAA. They didn't feel I was ready to help them at the Major League level. Having eight years of Major League service, I had a choice to report to the minors or become a free agent. I elected to become a free agent and signed with the NY Mets. As it turned out, I was not throwing well enough to stay in the Majors and ended up in AAA for the Mets. Towards the end of the season, I asked the Mets to release me because I thought my career was over. In the winter, I decided to give it another shot and went to Venezuela to pitch. A Red Sox scout saw me throw and I was signed and brought to camp as a non-roster player. I made the 1986 Red Sox team and ended up playing in the 1986 World Series.
RK: At one point, you made a go at broadcasting. How did you like that? Why did you give it up?
JS: The only broadcasting I did was during the 1983 season. I was out for the season with my elbow injury and was asked to do "color" for the Astros cable telecasts.
RK: I understand that you are now a player agent. How has that worked out for you? Who are some of players that you represent?
JS: Since my retirement in 1988, I've worked with Randy and Alan Hendricks representing players. We were Hendricks Sports Management until three years ago. We are now called SFX Baseball Group, Inc. We have grown into the largest company in the industry with offices in Houston, Chicago, New York and Los Angeles. We also have agents in Florida. I enjoy my work and really enjoy working with and counseling players. My personal experiences have become very valuable to me as I apply what I've learned in advice for my clients. Some of my clients include Andy Pettitte, Ryan Klesko, Jeff D'Amico, and future Astro, Morgan Ensberg.
RK: Do you still find time to pitch nowadays? How does your elbow feel when you throw?
JS: I'm able to pitch in one or two "Legends" games each year. I don't use the term "Old Timer." In 1990, I was invited to participate in an "Old Timer's" game in Boston. The Red Sox opponent that day was the Texas Rangers. I was standing outside the visitor's dugout when I heard a familiar voice calling to me. It was Nolan Ryan, and he was scheduled to pitch that day for the Rangers. He yelled out to me, "How does it feel to be an Old Timer?" The man is eight years older than I am and I was the one in the exhibition game. The elbow is good enough to play golf and retire hitters in my age category.
RK: Thanks for your time!

via astrosdaily.com