Republicans strike back: FCC member invokes Star Wars in net neutrality fight
Dominic Rushe in Washington
Republican Ajit Pai quotes Emperor Palpatine, of Star Wars’s evil galactic empire, in attack on new broadband rules regulating the internet
Republicans invoked Star Wars’s evil galactic emperor in their attacks on new broadband regulations on Friday, warning that the public and Silicon Valley were in for an unpleasant surprise.
Quoting Emperor Palpatine, Republican Ajit Pai, a member of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), said: “Young fool … Only now, at the end, do you understand.”
Meme wars between the two sides of the debate continued through the day, as internet advocates Fight for the Future, Demand Progress and Free Press flew an airplane towing a 2,000 square foot banner over the towering corporate headquarters of the cable giant Comcast, in Philadelphia.
The victory banner depicted the feline internet star Grumpy Cat and the legend: “Comcast: Don’t Mess With the Internet. #SorryNotSorry.”
Referring to Pai’s comments Evan Greer, campaigns director at Fight for the Future, said: “What they didn’t know is that when they struck down the last rules we would come back more powerful than they could possibly imagine.”
Pai and fellow Republican FCC commissioner Mike O’Rielly, who have been consistent critics of the FCC’s new rules, said once they are published people will realise that they will stifle innovation and lead to taxes and increased rates for the public.
WINTER STORM TO IMPACT THE TRI-STATE TODAY INTO EARLY MONDAY
MORNING
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
324 AM EST SUN MAR 1 2015
…WINTER STORM TO IMPACT THE TRI-STATE TODAY INTO EARLY MONDAY
MORNING…
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS
MORNING TO 7 AM EST MONDAY…
* LOCATIONS…NEW YORK CITY…LONG ISLAND…NORTHEAST NEW
JERSEY…THE LOWER HUDSON VALLEY AND FAIRFIELD COUNTY.
* HAZARD TYPES…SNOW…WITH FREEZING RAIN ACROSS NEW YORK
CITY… LONG ISLAND…MOST OF NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY…AND
COASTAL PORTIONS OF THE LOWER HUDSON VALLEY AND FAIRFIELD
COUNTY.
* ACCUMULATIONS…SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 3 TO 5 INCHES…ALONG
WITH AROUND A TRACE OF ICE.
* VISIBILITIES…ONE QUARTER TO ONE HALF MILE AT TIMES.
* TIMING…SNOW DEVELOPS LATE THIS MORNING OVER WESTERN PORTIONS
OF THE TRI-STATE…THEN EXPANDS OVER THE REMAINDER OF THE
ADVISORY AREA THIS AFTERNOON. THE SNOW WILL MIX WITH OR CHANGE
TO FREEZING RAIN ACROSS NEW YORK CITY… LONG ISLAND…MOST OF
NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY…AND COASTAL PORTIONS OF THE LOWER HUDSON
VALLEY AND FAIRFIELD COUNTY SUNDAY EVENING. THE PRECIPITATION
WILL TAPER OFF FROM WEST TO EAST AFTER MIDNIGHT TONIGHT.
* IMPACTS…SNOW COVERED SURFACES…COATED WITH ICE IN AREAS…
WILL MAKE TRAVELING DIFFICULT AT TIMES.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW…SLEET…OR
FREEZING RAIN WILL CA– USE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR
SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES…AND — USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.
Reader says regardless of whether the act is considered criminal Sedon’s got a potential claim Tortious Interference with a Business Relationship
Sedon’s got a potential claim in civil court, regardless of whether the act is considered criminal. Tortious Interference with a Business Relationship is nothing to engage in lightly. If you engage in it, make sure you’ve got a darn good reason for doing so, because you should expect to be sued, and made to pay money in compensation for the damage you’ve done. To start with, the plaintiff could name the defendant(s) as John and Jane Doe if your identity is unknown at the time of filing the lawsuit. Only later, after your identity has been determined through the process of legal discovery (Sedon’s former employer can be forced to comply and cough up the relevant data and documentation) and/or forensic digital investigation (e.g., if the email was sent anonymously, examining the related metadata to determine the sender’s IP address, and going where the evidence leads you until the sender is identified), your actual name will eventually be added to the lawsuit, you will become a defendant, and you will be summoned publicly to answer the claim against you.
Tortious Interference:
What are the Rules of the Game?
By Robyn B. Gigl
In the seminal case of Printing Mart v. Sharpe Electronics1, the New Jersey Supreme Court laid out the four prong test that a plaintiff must satisfy in order to establish a cause of action for tortious interference with either contract or prospective economic advantage. The plaintiff must prove that it has some protectable right, either a contractual relationship or a prospective economic right; 2 the plaintiff must establish that the interference was done intentionally and with “malice”, which is defined to mean harm that was inflicted intentionally and without justification or excuse; 3 the plaintiff must establish that the interference caused a loss and in situations where the plaintiff does not have an established contract right but claims a loss of a prospective gain, the plaintiff must show that there was a reasonable probability that it would have received the alleged gain; 4 and finally the plaintiff must prove that the loss in question caused damages to the plaintiff. 5
While certainly there can be disputes as to whether or not a plaintiff really did have a legitimate prospective economic advantage that was interfered with, 6 the most difficult prong of the Printing Mart test for litigants, practitioners and the courts to deal with is whether or not the interference was done intentionally and with “malice” and exactly constitutes malice in the tortious interference context.7 In this regard, our courts have recognized that when looking at business practices, determining what conduct is justified is governed by a “somewhat amorphous”8standard. In particular, New Jersey Courts have appeared to have difficulty in defining and applying this somewhat amorphous test for reasonableness in the context of businesses that are in direct competition with one another. Trying to operate under admittedly amorphous standards makes it difficult for the business community, practitioners and trial judges to differentiate conduct that is sanctioned by the rules of the game and that for which liability may be imposed. This article gives an overview of the important cases in the area in an attempt to help practitioners navigate the murky “rules of the game”.
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25
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4 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
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Coldwell Banker, Ridgewood
Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 3/1
17
$1,029,000 in Ridgewood
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4 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
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Tarvin Realtors
Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sun. 3/1
20
$1,095,000 in Ridgewood
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Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sun. 3/1
25
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– See more at: https://www.njmls.com/NJ/BERGEN/RIDGEWOOD-open-houses#sthash.SyywpI7B.oF3SxwCu.dpuf
Bozell to CPAC: ‘Cultural Fascism Has Arrived in America’
February 27, 2015 – 9:57 AM
By Barbara Hollingsworth
(CNSNews.com) – “Cultural fascism has arrived in America,” Media Research Center President Brent Bozell said Friday in a speech to the Conservative Political Action Conference.
“Tyranny is knocking at our door,” Bozell said.
“Webster defines fascism as ‘a tendency toward or actual exercise of strong autocratic or dictatorial control,’” he said. “Cultural fascism has arrived in America.”
“Let us understand this soberly and unequivocally,” Bozell told hundreds of conservative activists.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we know this to be true. So it begs the question: What is our response?”
“Something terrible is happening to our country,” Bozell noted, listing numerous instances in which Americans in politics, the media, and academia have been persecuted for their political and religious beliefs, including the targeting of conservative groups by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which he called “the most feared arm of the federal government”.
Bozell reminded the CPAC audience that “the radical Left now controls most levers of political and cultural power, and is using both in a relentless campaign to destroy the last vestiges of freedom in America.”
“The radicals now control the Federal Communications Commission and the FCC is out of control in its zeal to control free speech,” he pointed out. “The North Koreans would approve of this. Last summer it was making quiet preparations to put a federal monitor in every newsroom to assess stations’ ‘news philosophy,’ and ‘the process by which stories are selected.’ This shocking abuse of governmental authority was exposed and stopped — but by no means have the radicals stopped,” Bozell said.
“The radicals have shown their fangs,” he added. “They will do anything, using any means at their disposal, legal or otherwise, to control our very freedom of speech.”
By Jeffrey Tucker from Beautiful Anarchy link Feb 26, 2015
A triumph of “free expression and democratic principles”? How stupid do they think we are?
It’s been painful to watch the gradual tightening of government control in the name of net neutrality. The Federal Communications Commission’s decision to rewrite the rules and declare the Internet as a public utility seals the deal. It cartelizes the industry and turns a “Wild West” into a planned system of public management — or at least intends to.
All the rest is a veneer to cover what is actually a power grab.
This whole plot has had all the usual elements. It has a good name and its supporters say it is about stopping private and public control. It’s had the backing of all the top names in content delivery, from Yahoo to Netflix to Amazon. It’s had the quiet support of the leading Internet service providers. The decision to impose the rule has been declared by a tiny group of unaccountable bureaucrats operating with the support of the executive lame duck.
The opposition, in contrast, has been represented by small players in the industry, hardware providers like Cisco, free-market think tanks and disinterested professors, and a small group of writers and pundits who know something about freedom and free-market economics. The public at large should have been rising up in opposition but people are largely ignorant of what’s going on.
John Boehner allies fret coup attempt
Conservatives warn the speaker’s fate could be determined by how he handles the next seven days
By John Bresnahan, Anna Palmer and Lauren French
2/28/15 1:46 PM EST
Close allies of Speaker John Boehner are worried that his conservative rivals could move to oust him as soon as next week.
Removing a sitting speaker is exceedingly difficult, and such an effort would almost certainly fall short. Yet growing speculation about the possibility of it – coming after Friday’s embarrassing defeat at the hands of conservatives and House Democrats on the homeland security battle — shows how vulnerable the speaker has become.
Five years into the job, he’s a leader consistently buffeted by forces beyond his control. The legislative calendar guarantees it won’t get any easier: in the coming weeks and months there will be battles over the debt ceiling, budget, taxes, and spending cuts.
The question is how many more of these episodes Boehner can withstand.
Frustration with the Ohio Republican is mounting after dozens of hardliners voted Friday against his three-week funding package for the Department of Homeland Security. Hours of frantic leadership meeting ensued. After some backroom maneuvering with Democrats, Boehner was able to push through a one-week bill to keep DHS open.
Internet Sensation Tuna will be at Bookends Wednesday, March 4th
Wednesday, March 4th@ 7:00pm
Internet Sensation Tuna, will paw print his new book:
Tuna Melts My Heart: The Underdog with the Overbite
The Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital will be here too! Raising awareness about adopting animals and more.
Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt
First In Line Certificate use is at the discretion of Bookends. Blackout dates may apply.
Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change.
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 the author and get their book 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 signings prematurely.
Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-0726
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February 27, 2015, 12:17 PM Last updated: Friday, February 27, 2015, 12:20 PM
By Elisa Ung
Staff Writer |
The Record
Glaze Donuts, the New Milford shop that sells outrageously delicious “artisan” doughnuts, has opened a second location in Ridgewood where you can get all of its fresh creations, including two of its popular hybrid pastries: the cronangle and the doughnish.
The cronangle ($2.50) is, of course, a play off the Manhattan sensation called the cronut – Glaze’s version is essentially like a fried flaky croissant, served glazed or with flavored fillings (such as apple and cheese) or toppings (such as chocolate and caramel drizzle). It’s quite rich, though much less oily than other cronut imitators we’ve tried.
Ridgewood Art Institute features paintings by Arthur Maynard
February 27, 2015 Last updated: Friday, February 27, 2015, 12:31 AM
By Eileen La Forgia
STAFF WRITER |
The Ridgewood News
For 41 years, from shortly after the purchase of the old Cameron Barn until his death in 1991, Arthur Maynard was the most constant fixture of The Ridgewood Art Institute. An immensely talented artist and teacher, his influence has been an ongoing source of inspiration. He taught thousands of students, 30 winning awards at the national level, with more than 20 becoming instructors at R.A.I.
A new exhibit of his paintings is opening this coming Sunday. Composed mainly of portraits, the new acquisitions are a gift of Alison Baetzel, Maynard’s daughter. The highly autobiographical work exhibited in this collection, which spans a period from 1933 to 1990, reveals a great deal about the artist’s perspectives, generosity and life. The paintings include subject matter that the artist cared about deeply. Since many of the works were in progress, the paintings suggest experimentation, evolution, dialogue. They also offer a rare view of Maynard’s work as a student at the Art Students League under the direction of Frank Vincent DuMond.
BFMS Student Wins New Jersey Youth Orchestra Competition
February 27,2015
Ridgewood NJ , BFMS flutist Sean Marron is the 2015 winner of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s Youth Orchestras Concerto Competition. As the winner, Sean will perform as a featured concerto soloist in the youth orchestra’s spring concert. Sean plays in Jason Curcio’s eighth grade band.
Glen Rock police hope to get break in bank robbery case soon
FEBRUARY 27, 2015, 4:38 PM LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2015, 7:01 PM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
GLEN ROCK — Police are optimistic the wig-wearing, epicene robber who is at large for the hold-up of the Glen Rock Savings Bank won’t be free for long.
Detective James Calaski said Friday the department’s investigation into last Wednesday’s bank robbery continues, and that he’s hopeful there will be a break in the case early next week.
The robber, who wore oversized black sunglasses, white boots, black gloves and a dark coat, made off with more than $100,000 in cash, police said.
The rose-colored wig and the robber’s gun were shed as the suspect fled, authorities said.
Police later said the weapon wielded during the stick-up was a paintball gun.
Late last week, Calaski said detectives were exploring a possible connection between the borough’s robber and a female suspect who pulled off a bank robbery last month in Connecticut.
Calaski said this week that he still isn’t confident about the Glen Rock suspect’s gender, which has been a source for much online speculation over the last week.
Reader says the deafening silence on the MIke Sedon email is very telling that little breach of civility had real consequences
The deafening silence for the three of them, most notable the large-and-in-charge Mayor speaks volumes. They want the MIke Sedon email forgotten. Sorry, Sir Paul, you keep sweeping it under the rung and we will keep pulling the rug back.
Why doesn’t the mayor open the case of Mr. Sedon’s job being threatened if he did not quit his candidacy two years ago???? Hello? Paul Aronsohn? Are you listening???
Very good question . Who did write that e-mail? Not a peep from the Council majority on that one. And that little breach of civility had real consequences unlike most of what these 3 are complaining about. Also, not a peep from our Deputy Mayor or Mrs. Hauck about their beloved Valley Hospital, its most uncivil attorney and even less civil lawsuit. How do they reconcile their support of Valley while sitting on the Council as defendants? How do they sit through these silly civility hearings knowing that Valley is the biggest bully in town next to them.
FEBRUARY 27, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2015, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
If Glen Rock can do it, why not Ridgewood?
Martin Walker
Ridgewood
to the editor:
The Record reported on Feb. 21 that Glen Park Village LLC plans three buildings to house a combined 67 apartment units restricted to residents aged 62 or older.
Why is there a relative lack of attention to this option in planning discussions about higher density in Ridgewood?
I have written several letters to the editor on this topic and spoken in at least three public meetings over the last 12 months. The Ridgewood News’ otherwise excellent New Year’s summary of housing issues in town made no mention of it at all. Commonly designated as over 55 housing, the issue was also absent from the council elections last year, save a single comment by one of the winning candidates that age 55 no longer guarantees families without children.
The only reference I’ve seen reported here was Mayor Aronhson’s question to the developer of the Dayton project, Scott Loventhal, as to why he had not considered this option. Mr. Loventhal’s unfortunate response was that an over 55 residency requirement would diminish the property’s “vibrancy.” As an over 55er, I am personally offended by It’s unlikely that any other major social group, much less the largest growing one in America, would be subject to such an implicitly negative stereotype without eliciting public opobrium.
What gives Ridgewood? Where is the public outcry and the political leadership for the most obvious and beneficial solution to downtown blight and low business activity? Where is the support for the only higher density plan that will both decrease school utilization and provide a wider distribution of our tax load?
Requiring that new higher density housing downtown be limited to an over 55 age demographic is a good start, but additional steps such as downtown assisted living facilities, and zoning changes to promote “in law” apartments in private residences are also called for.
A recent letter to the editor said we should plan for 2025, the very least we should expect from effective leaders. The demographic shift toward baby boomers, as well as the urban job creation trends at the expense of suburbs are unmistakable. For Ridgewood to miss out on the largest growing sector of the American service economy would be tragic.
