Author: James

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An average N.J. resident needs to make this much to afford a 2-bedroom apartment

CBD high density housing

Updated on June 9, 2017 at 4:54 PMPosted on June 9, 2017 at 10:07 AM

BY JEFF GOLDMAN

[email protected],

NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

As expensive as it is to live in New Jersey, the cost to rent an apartment here isn’t close to being the priciest in the nation.

Renters in the Garden State — where the fair-market rate for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,420 per month — pay the seventh most in the country, according to a new report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

Hawaii, Washington D.C. and California are the most expensive. Those three are followed by Maryland, New York and Massachusetts.

So while renting in New Jersey is cheaper than a handful of spots, it still requires more money than most make.

In a state where the minimum wage is $8.44 an hour and the average person makes $17.86 per hour, a New Jersey worker needs to be paid $27.31 an hour to reasonably afford a two-bedroom apartment. The report defines “afford” as spending no more than 30 percent of your gross income on rent.

That translates to an annual salary of $56,810 per year. To live in a one-bedroom apartment, you need to make $46,619 per year on average.

https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2017/06/a_typical_nj_resident_needs_to_make_this_much_to_a.html#incart_river_home

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ACT for America is having March Against Sharia Saturday, June 10, 2017

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June 10,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, On Saturday, June 10, 2017, ACT for America is having March Against Sharia events in cities across the nation.

This is a march against Sharia law and for human rights. Our nation is built on the freedom of religion — a pillar of our democracy — which we must always respect, protect, and honor. However many aspects of Sharia law run contrary to basic human rights and are completely incompatible with our laws and our democratic values.

We, at ACT for America, are committed to protecting women and children from Sharia Law and its impact on Muslim women and children including honor killing and Female Genital Mutilation. We must ensure that every woman and child enjoy the protection afforded by the U.S. Constitution.Sharia is incompatible with Western democracy and the freedoms it affords.

We stand firmly opposed to any actions by individuals or organizations that seek to attack or intimidate based on race, religion, or sexual orientation.  Our June 10th nationwide marches are in support of basic human rights for all – and against the horrific treatment of women, children, and members of the LGBTQ community that is sanctioned by Sharia law.

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Where is Alfred P. Doblin of  the Bergen Record on this and all the “Gay Pride ” flag wavers  , maybe its time to come out of the closet  and really support the issue?

Please share this information with your family, friends, and mark your calendars for Saturday, June 10. #MarchAgainstSharia

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Tree-bound Bear Causes Stir in Fair Lawn

Tree-bound Bear Causes Stir in Fair Lawn

photo courtesy of Carol Tyler ,Tyco Animal Control, “Another great job by New Jersey Department of Fish and game, Fair Lawn Police department, Fair Lawn Fire department, the Fair Lawn department of public works. Every time I take a picture with the bear in my hair gets whiter LOL”

June 10,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Fair Lawn NJ,  on Friday a bear climbed a tree in the backyard of a residential area, and would not come down.

For several hours, the 130-pound bear plopped on the tree branch, right in the middle of homes and office buildings near the very busy Fair Lawn Avenue.

Fair Lawn residents first reported it around 7 30 a.m. , as the word got out the tree bond bear drew quite a crowd .Dozens of staff members from animal control, New Jersey Fish and Wild Life, plus Fair Lawn Police and firefighters all teamed up to get him down safe and sound.

The reported 2-year-old bear was smarter than the average bear ,commuted from  New York down Saddle River Trails. Several day ago the Ridgewood blog reported  he was spotted Valleau Cemetery in Ridgewood .

Finally, a wildlife expert loaded up the dart gun with tranquilizer then shot the bear as it slowly crawled down the tree and fell a few feet into a net. Animal control will be taking the bear to western New Jersey and releasing it back into the wild.

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Former Speaker of the House & New York Times Bestselling Author, NEWT GINGRICH, will sign his new book: Understanding Trump at Bookends In Ridgewood

NEWT GINGRICH

June 10,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Former Speaker of the House & New York Times Bestselling Author, NEWT GINGRICH, will sign his new book: Understanding Trump ($27.00).

*Each person attending must purchase a copy of the book*
*Books must be purchased from Bookends Bookstore*

Tuesday June 13th at 7 PM – 8 PM

Bookends Bookstore
211 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450

Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.

Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change.
First In Line Certificate use is the the discretion of Bookends. Blackout dates may apply.
Bookends cannot guarantee that the books that are Autographed will always be First Printings.
Autographed books purchased at Bookends are non-returnable.

While we try to ensure that all customers coming to Bookends’ signings will meet authors and get their books signed, we cannot guarantee that all attendees will meet the author or that all books will be signed.  We cannot control inclement weather, author travel schedules or authors who leave prematurely.

Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ   07450   201-445-0726

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Ridgewood Guild’s 2017 Movies in the Park!

Ridgewood Guild's 2017 Movies in the Park!
June 10,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Guild has release the schedule for their 7th season of Movies in the Park! This is a free program that takes place in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square every other Wednesday during the months of June, July & August! The movie begins when the sun goes down (approximately 9pm in June & July, and 8:45pm in August). If the weather doesn’t look good, please be sure to check our Facebook page, and come back here to our website to see the scheduled rain date!

Bring a blanket and/or chair, and enjoy a movie under the stars!

June 14 – A Place in the Sun

June 28 – Singin’ in the Rain

July 12 – Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

July 26 – Bye, Bye, Birdie*

August 9 – Moonstruck (30th Anniversary)

August 23 – Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

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Reader says Ramapoughs Must Find balance

teepees

I have read several articles about the Ramapoughs. The Pollution of their land by Ford was a crime that caused and still causes health problems. They need superfund cleanup and healthcare screening for this.

Their fights with neighbors will not win them many friends.. A few years ago three Ramapough members were arrested for arson for setting fire to a home (empty) that a tribe member had lost in foreclosure.

Assimilation is the name of the game. You can keep your culture alive and still participate in the life of the outside community. Education and jobs are the future. If you chose to live totally as a tribe member your opportunities will be limited. Find balance

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Ridgewood Baseball Softball Association Championship Saturday June 10th

RBSA

June 10,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Baseball Softball Association Championship Saturday schedule for Baseball and Softball Teams – June 10th.

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Main/Bergen and Port Jervis Lines Serving Ridgewood Spared Much of the Summer Track Work Mayhem

Ridgewood-Trainstation1_theridgewoodblog
June 10,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  In advance of the upcoming Amtrak track work at Penn Station New York (PSNY) during July and August, NJ TRANSIT has published new weekday rail schedules to assist customers in navigating the service changes and making their travel plans.

“More than 80 percent of NJ TRANSIT customers travel over a portion of Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor at some point during their trip, so in essence, they are customers of Amtrak as well,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Steven H. Santoro. “In developing this service plan, the safety of every customer was the top priority. Not only is this plan the safest, but it maintains the maximum number of seats across the rail system.
Main/Bergen, Port Jervis Lines Serving Ridgewood and Pascack Valley will operate on regular weekday schedules, however, connecting PATH trains at Hoboken Terminal may be different.

Printable versions of the timetables can be found at a new dedicated information portal at njtransit.com/theupdate after 12 p.m. June 9, 2017. Weekend service will not be impacted.

To accommodate Amtrak’s track repairs in July and August at PSNY, NJ TRANSIT must implement service changes weekdays only between Monday, July 10th and Friday, September 1st.

NJ TRANSIT is strongly advising customers on all modes of transportation to remain aware of the status of the system by signing up for My Transit alerts, monitoring Twitter (@NJTRANSIT) and the website njtransit.com/theupdate.

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. through 10:00 a.m., NY Waterway Ferry will operate special service from Hoboken Terminal to W. 39th St. in Midtown Manhattan every 15 minutes. This special service will also operate in the afternoon peak hours between 4:00 p.m. (W. 39th St. Manhattan) and 8:00 p.m. All of these trips will accept NJ TRANSIT tickets and passes to/from Hoboken.

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TAXING HEDGE FUND MANAGERS JUST LIKE REGULAR FOLKS — A MATTER OF FAIR PLAY?

ridgewood real-estate

chasing more tax payers out of the state , here is a clue you dont have to live in Jersey to run a hedge fund 

JOHN REITMEYER | JUNE 9, 2017

Performance fees earned by hedge fund managers are taxed at a far lower rate than personal income. The difference to NJ: as much as $100M annually

Lawmakers in the state Assembly gave their final approval yesterday to a bill that would establish a new tax in New Jersey to make up for what many consider to be a federal loophole that delivers a huge break to Wall Street fund managers.

Portrayed by supporters as an issue of basic fairness, the legislation would levy a hefty new tax on performance fees earned by managers of hedge funds and private-equity funds that are commonly referred to as “carried interest.”

The performance fees, under current federal rules, are generally taxed as capital gains instead of as individual income. The difference can provide huge savings for fund managers because of the higher tax rates that the federal government levies on personal income compared with the rates on capital gains.

New Jersey could generate $100 million or more in new revenue according to some estimates by establishing a state tax on the performance fees. The legislation, however, would also need to be passed in several other neighboring states to go into effect in New Jersey. If it were enacted only in New Jersey, it would be an open invitation for fund managers to move to a nearby state with a friendlier tax environment.

https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/17/06/08/taxing-hedge-fund-managers-just-like-regular-folks-a-matter-of-fair-play/

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The stoned minority might help elect the next New Jersey governor

POT-SMOKING-KID

Marijuana legalization is coming close to happening in New Jersey.

By Jeff Edelstein, The Trentonian

POSTED: 06/08/17, 11:08 AM EDT | UPDATED: 1 DAY AGO

And just like a puff of smoke (drifting out of a dorm room and blown through a empty paper towel roll with a dryer sheet stuffed in the end), marijuana prohibition in New Jersey is wafting away.

It feels almost ridiculous, knowing this, but it’s true: Democratic candidate Phil Murphy favors full, Colorado-style legalization, and he’s also the presumptive favorite to win the governor’s seat. (For the record, Republican candidate Kim Guadagno has stated she’s in favor of considering decriminalizing small amounts of pot, which is nice, but isn’t the full kettle.)

Anyway, I posited on Wednesday that marijuana might end up being a key issue in the race for governor. After all, nearly 400,000 adult New Jerseyans smoke weed at least once a month, according to a study done by New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform and New Jersey Policy Perspective. That amount of people could tip an election.

The question than becomes: Am I nuts, or could this really happen? Could the stoned minority be the difference-maker in the 2017 New Jersey governor’s election?

https://www.trentonian.com/opinion/20170608/jeff-edelstein-the-stoned-minority-might-help-elect-the-next-new-jersey-governor

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Populist uprising runs aground in New Jersey primary

Phill Murphy -Sara Medina del Castillo

By MATT FRIEDMAN

06/09/2017 05:03 AM EDT

Where were the Berniecrats? What about the populist uprising in the Republican ranks?

The anti-establishment mood that has taken hold in much of the country was nowhere to be seen in New Jersey on Tuesday night, when a former Goldman Sachs executive and the state’s current lieutenant governor easily prevailed in their respective primaries.

New Jersey Democrats were unbothered by the gilded resume of Phil Murphy, who made millions as a managing director at Goldman Sachs, delivering him 48 percent of the vote in a six-person race.

Kim Guadagno, a Republican who has served under Gov. Chris Christie for the last seven and a half years, did nearly as well in the GOP primary, winning 47 percent of the vote, to beat her nearest challenger by 16 points.

https://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2017/06/08/populist-uprising-runs-aground-in-new-jersey-primary-112638

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Ramapough leaders charged with criminal mischief

teepees

Tom Nobile , Staff Writer, @TomNobile

MAHWAH — Two leaders of the Ramapough Lenape Nation have been charged with criminal mischief after an investigation into vandalism at the Polo Club, a residential development next to the tribe’s property.

Tribe member Steven D. Smith, 29, is accused of tampering with a neighborhood surveillance camera by trying to turn the lens to a different view, according to police. He was driven to the scene by Chief Dwaine Perry, police said.

https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/mahwah/2017/06/08/ramapough-leaders-charged-criminal-mischief/382460001/

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Kelly: In Comey’s hometown, a mix of emotions as ex-FBI chief testifies

FBI Director James Comey

Mike Kelly , Record Columnist, @MikeKellyColumn

Ed O’Connell, a contractor and loyal Republican, dropped by the Allendale Bar and Grill just before noon on Thursday to check on one of his town’s favorite sons.

It wasn’t that James Comey, the recently fired FBI director, had suddenly returned in person to the intimately connected North Jersey community where he grew up. But Comey’s presence was hard to miss.

As O’Connell sat on a barstool, sipping a ginger ale and munching on chicken tenders, Comey’s face peered down from two TV screens. And as Comey testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee in Washington, his calm, methodical voice seemed to fill every corner of the restaurant that he occasionally visits when he returns to Allendale.

https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/columnists/mike-kelly/2017/06/08/kelly-comeys-hometown-mix-emotions-ex-fbi-chief-testifies/376048001/

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Move over, millennials: NJ businesses looking at undefined ‘Generation Z’

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file photo RHS

By Dino Flammia June 8, 2017 2:23 AM

Centennials. iGen. The Founders.

Any name you choose, the generation following millennials remains a mystery to those who will end up being their bosses.

But the oldest segment of Generation Z — somewhere in the age range of 17 to 21 years old — is hitting the workforce in the fashion of full-time employment and internships. Businesses and trend followers hope to get a better feel for what they’re all about.

“We don’t fully know their generational essence,” said James Hughes, an economist and demographer at Rutgers University. “We don’t have a good handle on them yet because we don’t have much experience dealing with them.”

Hughes said the post-millennial generation has been examined in several marketing studies, but they have not been the subject of true academic research.

“You can say they’re a connected generation. More than any other generation, their smartphone is their tie to everything else. They’re certainly technologically savvy, even more so than millennials,” Hughes said.

Read More: Move over, millennials: NJ businesses looking at undefined ‘Generation Z’ | https://nj1015.com/move-over-millennials-nj-businesses-looking-at-undefined-generation-z/?trackback=tsmclip

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Dangerous clinging jellyfish found in N.J. river

DANGEROUS CLINGING JELLYFISH , JERSEY SHORE

 

Updated on June 8, 2017 at 7:19 AMPosted on June 8, 2017 at 6:42 AM

BY ROB SPAHR

NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The jellyfish with a dangerous sting that caused a scare on the Jersey Shore last summer, prompting the cancellation of several events, have reappeared in a Monmouth County river, researchers say.

Clinging jellyfish – whose sting can cause “excruciating pain”, muscle weakness and serious medical problems, including kidney failure – were observed and recorded in New Jersey for the first time last June, specifically in the Manasquan and Shrewsbury rivers, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.

As a result, the DEP and Montclair State University initiated a sampling plan to assess the abundance of jellyfish in New Jersey waters.

https://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf/2017/06/dangerous_clinging_jellyfish_found_in_nj_river.html?ath=9c46bfc08d76232bb5a5e00eeaf0bfa2#cmpid=nsltr_strybutton