Suggestions for beginner astronomer.

From: Innominate Twice (innominatetwice_at_yahoo.com)
Date: 09/30/04 

Date: 29 Sep 2004 20:27:44 -0700

A fellow I know (I'll call him Jose) who works around the corner has
asked me to phrase this question myself. He is not a native English
speaker. Jose has about $1000 to spend on a telescope. He would like
very much to be an astronomer (of, I suppose, the amateur variety). We
live on Staten Island, in New York, and I would like to let him know:

a) What kind of telescope (make, model, etc., if possible) is best for
him.
b) How far does he need to get away from the city lights before this
telescope will do him any good.

Thank You