Montecristo Espada Event This Saturday at Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood
Join Us
Saturday, December 6th
1:00-5:00PM
The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood
12 Chestnut Street
Ridgewood NJ 07450
~Gary, Barbara and Collin
The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood
Author: James
How a former Beatle helped shape immigration policy
How a former Beatle helped shape immigration policy
DECEMBER 2, 2014 LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014, 8:10 AM
BY MICHAEL WILDES
THE RECORD
Print
FORMER BEATLE John Lennon left us a beautiful legacy of extraordinary music. He also left us an immigration legacy that, while less well known, could have an equally profound effect upon life in the United States as it relates to immigrants.
John Lennon and the author’s father, Leon Wildes.
The recent steps announced by President Obama to expand the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and now to offer deferred action to certain parents of U.S. and permanent residents have their roots in the John Lennon case. We can visualize a smiling Lennon because it was the successful litigation and outcome in his case that enabled the government to accomplish this feat.
How did he accomplish this?
John Lennon and Yoko Ono were placed in deportation proceedings precipitously in 1972 when their request for an extension of their visitors’ stay was summarily denied. The reason for instituting deportation was not because they had broken any American law, but simply because then-President Richard Nixon felt that their presence in the United States could adversely affect his chances for reelection.
Throughout the deportation proceedings, which lasted almost five years, from 1972 to 1976, immigration officials publically said they were treating the Lennons no differently than any other undocumented person and that the Immigration and Naturalization Service had no option other than to deport every illegal alien. Thousands of letters sent to the INS also received written responses to that effect.
Nothing was further from the truth.
Opinion: How a former Beatle helped shape immigration policy
DECEMBER 2, 2014 LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014, 8:10 AM
BY MICHAEL WILDES
THE RECORD
Print
FORMER BEATLE John Lennon left us a beautiful legacy of extraordinary music. He also left us an immigration legacy that, while less well known, could have an equally profound effect upon life in the United States as it relates to immigrants.
John Lennon and the author’s father, Leon Wildes.
The recent steps announced by President Obama to expand the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and now to offer deferred action to certain parents of U.S. and permanent residents have their roots in the John Lennon case. We can visualize a smiling Lennon because it was the successful litigation and outcome in his case that enabled the government to accomplish this feat.
How did he accomplish this?
John Lennon and Yoko Ono were placed in deportation proceedings precipitously in 1972 when their request for an extension of their visitors’ stay was summarily denied. The reason for instituting deportation was not because they had broken any American law, but simply because then-President Richard Nixon felt that their presence in the United States could adversely affect his chances for reelection.
Throughout the deportation proceedings, which lasted almost five years, from 1972 to 1976, immigration officials publically said they were treating the Lennons no differently than any other undocumented person and that the Immigration and Naturalization Service had no option other than to deport every illegal alien. Thousands of letters sent to the INS also received written responses to that effect.
Nothing was further from the truth.
Jonathan Gruber and the Truth About Obamacare
Sen. Chuck Schumer’s admission that passing Obamacare was a mistake.
Jonathan Gruber and the Truth About Obamacare
In a 2009 interview with George Stephanopoulos of ABC News, President Obama emphatically rejected the notion that the individual mandate is a tax. He was adamant that it was a penalty and not a tax, reasoning that because people without health insurance sometimes end up in the emergency room, causing costs to rise for the rest of us, the individual mandate penalty was not a tax.
Then in 2012, White House attorneys argued before the Supreme Court that it was indeed tax, and repeatedly called it that before the Court, which in its ruling found that the only way the mandate could pass constitutional muster was if it is construed as a tax, not a penalty. In what is by now Gruber’s most famous video, he explains that the bill was “written in a tortured way to ensure that CBO did not score the mandate as taxes. If CBO scored the mandate as taxes the bill dies.” Clearly, he considers the mandate a tax, albeit one cleverly written not to be scored as such by the Congressional Budget Office, but a tax nonetheless.
This is a pattern. In one of the Gruber videos, he admitted that the purpose of the “Cadillac tax” on certain employer-sponsored health plans is to discourage employers from providing health insurance. The ultimate goal, Gruber explained, is to get rid of the tax subsidy for employer health plans altogether, albeit indirectly, by “mislabeling it, calling it a tax on insurance plans rather than a tax on people when we all know it’s a tax on people who hold those insurance plans.” At a town hall meeting in 2009, the president specifically said this was not the purpose of the Cadillac tax and that it had been “taken off the table.”
In terms of understanding Gruber’s unexpected honesty about his deceit, it could be that four years is just the distance necessary for people in politics to admit their failings. That seems to be the rationale for Sen. Chuck Schumer’s admission that passing Obamacare was a mistake.
https://news.heartland.org/newspaper-article/2014/11/25/jonathan-gruber-and-truth-about-obamacare
Woman fatally struck by NJ Transit train in Rutherford is ID’d
Woman fatally struck by NJ Transit train in Rutherford is ID’d
DECEMBER 2, 2014, 6:58 PM LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014, 10:33 PM
BY JIM NORMAN
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
RUTHERFORD — A woman was fatally struck by an outbound NJ Transit train during the evening rush hour on Tuesday.
Lissy Perez, 22, of Passaic, was standing on the tracks and did not move when the engineer of the train sounded his horn, according to a spokeswoman for the rail line.
The seven-car train, with about 500 people aboard, had left Hoboken at 4:47 p.m. and was scheduled to arrive in Port Jervis, N.Y., at 6:55 p.m., said a spokeswoman for the railroad.
Tolls Set to Increase as Port Authority unveils proposed $7.8B budget
Tolls Set to Increase as Port Authority unveils proposed $7.8B budget
DECEMBER 2, 2014, 6:28 PM LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014, 6:34 PM
BY SHAWN BOBURG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
Days before tolls on Hudson River crossings are set to rise again, the Port Authority on Tuesday released a proposed spending plan for 2015 that relies heavily on those tolls to pay for upgrades to some of the region’s airports, rail lines, roadways and the World Trade Center.
The $7.8 billion overall budget — larger than that of approximately a dozen U.S. states — is about $400 million less than what the agency spent in 2014, mostly due to a significant drop in spending to rebuild the World Trade Center, which is taking shape and will start bringing in office rental revenues in 2015.
That may come as little comfort to motorist who will see the fourth toll hike in as many years starting Dec. 6. Cash tolls will rise $1, to $15, while E-ZPass rates will rise $0.75, to $12.50 during peak hours and $10.50 at off-peak times. It is estimated that an additional $100 million will be collected at the bridges and tunnels in 2015 compared with this year.
The agency’s 2015 budget will be voted on by commissioners at their Dec. 10 meeting.
The agency plans to spend $2.9 billion on day-to-day operations—a 1.8 percent increase over this year. The agency said Tuesday that it was the ninth consecutive year that it had kept its operating budget at or below the annual rate of inflation. That is despite adding hundreds of new officers to a police force that is expected to number 1,840 in 2015, the largest it has been in at least a decade.
https://www.northjersey.com/news/port-authority-unveils-proposed-7-8b-budget-1.1144925
Stephen Hawking warns artificial intelligence could end mankind
Stephen Hawking warns artificial intelligence could end mankind
By Rory Cellan-JonesTechnology correspondent
Stephen Hawking: “Humans, who are limited by slow biological evolution, couldn’t compete and would be superseded”
Prof Stephen Hawking, one of Britain’s pre-eminent scientists, has said that efforts to create thinking machines pose a threat to our very existence.
He told the BBC:”The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.”
His warning came in response to a question about a revamp of the technology he uses to communicate, which involves a basic form of AI.
But others are less gloomy about AI’s prospects.
The theoretical physicist, who has the motor neurone disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is using a new system developed by Intel to speak.
Machine learning experts from the British company Swiftkey were also involved in its creation. Their technology, already employed as a smartphone keyboard app, learns how the professor thinks and suggests the words he might want to use next.
Prof Hawking says the primitive forms of artificial intelligence developed so far have already proved very useful, but he fears the consequences of creating something that can match or surpass humans.
Ridgewood letter writer reveals his alter ego
Ridgewood letter writer reveals his alter ego
DECEMBER 2, 2014 LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014, 9:19 AM
BY JODI WEINBERGER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
On Thursday nights at The Office, 80-year-old George Shabet stands out among the amateur karaoke singers.
Fully transformed into his entertainer persona – Johnny Horizon – he belts out tunes like “Ring of Fire” and “Folsom Prison Blues,” conjuring the “Man in Black” himself, Johnny Cash, as he puts on a show in an all-black getup with a cowboy hat, wide belt buckle and bolo tie.
While readers of The Ridgewood News might know the longtime resident for his years of writing letters to the editor, for The Office’s Karaoke emcee Gerry Porto, on Thursday nights known as DJ Geryoke, this is the only version he knows of Shabet.
They first met more than a decade ago at a Hawthorne karaoke bar where the announcer/entertainer relationship blossomed; Porto channels his best Ed McMahon to introduce Johnny Horizon and Shabet ensures that all eyes are on Porto’s business.
“I would say it’s the best I’ve heard in karaoke,” Porto said. “Johnny kind of brings a flavor that makes it more genuine. You really get the feeling that he’s passionate about the song. It’s a Johnny Horizon tribute to Johnny Cash.”
https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/letter-writer-reveals-alter-ego-1.1144688
Constitutional Convention Gathers Some Steam
Constitutional Convention Gathers Some Steam
337 NOV 30, 2014 10:59 AM EST
By Albert R. Hunt
Rising frustration with Washington and conservative electoral victories across much of the U.S. are feeding a movement in favor of something America hasn’t done in 227 years: Hold a convention to rewrite the Constitution.
Although it’s still not likely to be successful, the effort is more serious than before: Already, more than two dozen states have called for a convention. There are two ways to change or amend the founding document. The usual method is for an adjustment to win approval from two-thirds of the Congress and then be ratified by three-quarters of the states. There have been 27 amendments adopted this way.
The second procedure is separate from Congress. It requires two-thirds of the states, or 34, to call for a convention. The framers thought this was necessary because Congress wouldn’t be likely to advance any amendments that curtailed its powers. But this recourse never has been used.
Two states, California and Vermont, have called for a convention to overturn the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision that permits huge amounts of unregulated money into federal campaigns. Larry Sabato, a University of Virginia political scientist, wants a conventionto adopt sweeping changes, including a single six-year presidential term and concomitant House and Senate terms, to create more of a parliamentary system. Petitions to adopt term limits for members of Congress have circulated for years.
But much of the current impetus comes from fervent fiscal conservatives. This includes calls for an amendment requiring abalanced budget and other restraints on the federal government’s spending and taxation powers.
https://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2014-11-30/constitutional-convention-gathers-some-steam
Mindfulness helps teens cope with stress, anxiety
By GOSIA WOZNIACKA, Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — As the morning school bell rings and students rush through crowded corridors, teenagers in one Portland classroom settle onto mats and Meditation Pillow . They fall silent after the teacher taps a Tibetan “singing bowl.”
“Allow yourself to settle into the experience of being here, in this moment,” teacher Caverly Morgan tells two dozen students at Wilson High School.
The students are enrolled in a for-credit, year-long mindfulness class meant to ease youth anxiety and depression and to prevent violence. For 90 minutes, three days a week, they practice a mix of yoga, sitting and walking meditation, visualization techniques, deep breathing, journaling and non-judgmental listening .
The idea behind mindfulness is that focusing on the present moment helps a person deal better with stress, difficult emotions and negative thoughts.
Mindfulness, yoga and meditation have gained popularity among Americans in recent decades, buoyed by studies showing their benefits to emotional, mental and physical health. The centuries-old practices have roots in Buddhism and Hinduism, but Western culture has secularized them to focus on physical postures, breathing and relaxation techniques.
Such practices are now offered by corporations like Google, Target and General Mills to their employees. Prison inmates, hospital patients and the U.S. Marines are using them to combat stress and illness, increase focus and well-being. And now schools all over the country are introducing the practices.
Some people have greeted the move with less than enthusiasm.
Last year, an elementary school in Ohio ended its mindfulness program after parents complained it was too closely linked to Eastern religion and a conservative Christian law firm unsuccessfully sued on behalf of a couple in Encinitas, California, arguing their school district’s yoga classes indoctrinate children.
https://hosted2.ap.org/ORBEN/b9c78830725e4646849871a247322f76/Article_2014-12-02-US-Mindfulness-In-Schools/id-fb894e7ffe9c4df9bab2e392a61887f2#.VH5XTWTF9LY
Reader says Free Speech If it ain’t broke don’t fix it
Reader says Free Speech If it ain’t broke don’t fix it
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. The First Amendment has existed for hundreds of years and it gives Americans enviable freedom (unlike, say, in the UK where people have been literally jailed for offensive tweets). It protects against politicians making speech that threatened their power illegal. If you can’t handle it, there are many countries you can relocate to where what you can say is state-controlled.
RHS PERFORMING ARTS SCHEDULE
RHS PERFORMING ARTS SCHEDULE
RHS New Players Company Puts on A Christmas Carol December 11-13
Click here for the flyer with full information on times and tickets.
Click here to view the 2014-2015 season program.
Click here to go to the New Players website donation section
The RHS Marching Band will have its last performance of the season on Friday, December 5 at Ridgewood’s Downtown for the Holidays event.
Children’s Puppet Show “Neighborhood Animals”December Recess
Children’s Puppet Show “Neighborhood Animals”December Recess
Ridgewood Parks and Recreation welcomes the return of Marcia the Musical Moose with a children’s show perfect for our youngest residents. You won’t want to miss it!
This fun, interactive puppet show and sing-a-long features Digger the dog who does not want to share his backyard. He chases and barks at all the underground animals until they are all gone. When he realizes they have left, he is so sad, learning a most valuable lesson.
The show will take place on Monday, December 29th, 1 pm, at the Anne Zusy Youth Center, Village Hall, 131 North Maple Avenue (snow date is 12/30, 1 pm).
Admission is $5.00 for all attending (under 2 free). As seating is limited, it is suggested tickets be purchased in advance either online at Community Pass, www.ridgewoodnj.net/communitypass, or at the Recreation Office at the Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue, weekdays between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
For additional information kindly contact the Recreation office at 201-670-5560.
EXPLORE Science for December Recess 12/29
EXPLORE Science for December Recess 12/29
Explore Science, Inc. offers December Recess
Special Programs to Village Youth
Ridgewood Parks and Recreation welcomes Explore Science, Inc. during the December recess with fun hands-on building events:
Balloon Buggies – Grades K through 2
Monday, December 29th, 10 am to 12 noon, at the Stable, 259 N. Maple Ave.
Cost: $40 per person, all materials provided (non-residents $50 if space allows).
Students will create their own balloon buggy while learning the third law of motion – for every action in nature there is an equal and opposite reaction. The group will enjoy racing fun with their finished projects.
Young Inventors Little Bits Engineering and Robotics – Grades 3 through 8
Tuesday, December 30, at the Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue.
Grades 3-5, 10 am to 12 noon
Grades 6-8, 1 to 3 pm
Cost: $40 per person, all materials provided (some for on-site use only).
(non-residents $50 if space allows).
Youth will engage in the scientific process of invention with the newest electronic components. Little Bits puts the power of electronics in their hands allowing them to turn something ordinary into something extraordinary. Modules include pressure sensors, LED sensors, sound sensors, fan sensors and more. Students will showcase their inventions at the end of the session.
Register online at www.ridgewoodnj.net/communitypass, or by mail/in person at The Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue. Locate the registration forms on the Recreation homepage at www.ridgewoodnj.net/recreation.
Don’t hesitate to contact the Recreation Office at 201-670-5560 with questions or if special accommodations are needed.
Ridgewood Police Announce Drunk Driving Enforcement Crackdown
Ridgewood Police Announce Drunk Driving Enforcement Crackdown
Drunk Driving Enforcement Crackdown to be Conducted Locally as Part of Statewide Year End Campaign
Village of Ridgewood — Law enforcement officials from Ridgewood will be cracking down on drunk drivers as part of the annual holiday season “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide campaign. Beginning December 5, 2014 and continuing through January 2, 2015, local and state law enforcement officials will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.
The national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” effort endeavors to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through a combination of high-visibility enforcement and public education. “This is a critical law enforcement program that can save lives during a time of the year when impaired driving traditionally increases by nearly 10 percent,” said Chief John Ward. “This initiative brings attention to the serious consequences of drunk driving and the grave danger those who choose to drink and drive pose to all who share the road with them.”
Last year, 22% of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol-related. Nationally, more than 10,000 people die each year in drunk driving crashes. The societal cost associated with drunk driving crashes is estimated to be $37 billion annually.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2014 Year End Holiday Crackdown offer the following advice for holiday season:
• Take mass transit, a taxicab, or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
• Spend the night where the activity or party is held.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.
• Always buckle-up, every ride. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.
• If you are intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive or escort you to your doorstep.
• Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.
Today 6pm Peter Yarrow from Peter, Paul & Mary Singing and Signing at Bookends
Today 6pm Peter Yarrow from Peter, Paul & Mary Singing and Signing at Bookends
At 6pm Tuesday December 2, PETE YARROW from Peter, Paul & Mary will be performing (for a half hour) and then signing his new book: PETER, PAUL & MARY: FIFTY YEARS IN MUSIC AND LIFE ($29.95).
*Seating for this event is First come, First served. Please call ahead to reserve your book and seat.
Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.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 insure 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
