Leaning Right in Hollywood, Under a Lens
By MICHAEL CIEPLY and NICHOLAS CONFESSOREJAN. 22, 2014
LOS ANGELES — In a famously left-leaning Hollywood, where Democratic fund-raisers fill the social calendar, Friends of Abe stands out as a conservative group that bucks the prevailing political winds.
A collection of perhaps 1,500 right-leaning players in the entertainment industry, Friends of Abe keeps a low profile and fiercely protects its membership list, to avoid what it presumes would result in a sort of 21st-century blacklist, albeit on the other side of the partisan spectrum.
Now the Internal Revenue Service is reviewing the group’s activities in connection with its application for tax-exempt status. Last week, federal tax authorities presented the group with a 10-point request for detailed information about its meetings with politicians like Paul D. Ryan, Thaddeus McCotter and Herman Cain, among other matters, according to people briefed on the inquiry.
The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the organization’s confidentiality strictures, and to avoid complicating discussions with the I.R.S.
Kentucky bill would let service monkeys help paralyzed people
Posted: Jan 21, 2014 9:16 AM ESTUpdated: Jan 21, 2014 1:02 PM EST
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky legislators may soon debate whether to allow service monkeys to assist paralyzed adults with simple household tasks.
A northern Kentucky lawmaker has introduced the bill at the request of a family that looked into bringing in a service monkey to assist their daughter, who was paralyzed in an automobile accident. The family found out Kentucky prohibits the use of service monkeys.
“Like all families do, they were searching for ways to help,” Sen. John Schickel, R-Union, said in a recent interview.
A malfunctioning NJ Transit website raises concern for Super Bowl transportation
Wednesday January 22, 2014, 8:04 PM
BY KAREN RO– USE
STAFF WRITER
The Record
NJ Transit customers on Wednesday faced another grueling commute, having to cope with fewer trains as a snow storm pulled away and the NJTransit.com website, which continued to malfunction, raising questions about whether the site would be ready for thousands of out-of-towners arriving next week for the Super Bowl.
These challenges come a day after NJ Transit’s website went down for more than three hours in the middle of a massive snow storm that sent commuters dashing for bus or train home. A spokesman initially said on Tuesday that the site was taken down for maintenance, but later said it went to down due to technical issues.
On Wednesday, rail riders who were able to access the site were greeted with the message: “Due to inclement weather, all NJ TRANSIT Rail Lines except the Atlantic City Line will operate on enhanced weekend schedule on Wednesday, January 22.”
Nasa says Mars mystery rock that ‘appeared’ from nowhere is ‘like nothing we’ve seen before’
A mysterious rock which appeared in front of the Opportunity rover is “like nothing we’ve ever seen before”, according to Mars exploration scientists at Nasa.
Experts said they were “completely confused” by both the origins and makeup of the object, which is currently being investigated by Opportunity’s various measuring instruments.
Astronomers noticed the new rock had “appeared” without any explanation on an outcrop which had been empty just days earlier. The rover has been stuck photographing the same region of Mars for more than a month due to bad weather, with scientists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California monitoring the images it sends.
Nasa issued a Mars status report entitled “encountering a surprise”, and lead Mars Exploration rover scientist Steve Squyres told a JPL event it seems the planet literally “keeps throwing new things at us”.
Hybrid Procedure Offers New Option for Those with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
January 6, 2014 — For two years, entrepreneur and recreational hockey player Deron Siddons was unable to take to the ice, and even considered quitting his job, because an arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation caused his heart to beat erratically for up to 48 hours every week.
Today, thanks to an innovative minimally invasive hybrid ablation procedure that represents a new treatment option for patients with chronic or difficult-to-treat atrial fibrillation, Deron’s heart is beating normally. He’s also back on the ice, touring with his Hockey North America team and coaching his son’s Montclair (NJ) Hockey Club team.
Deron underwent his innovative procedure at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ, the first in New Jersey and one of the few hospitals in the New York metropolitan area to offer this new approach. The hybrid approach combines the skills of a cardiac surgeon and an electrophysiologist, who work side-by-side to block the abnormal electrical signals emanating from the heart’s left atrium. It is a combination of the catheter and surgical approaches to cardiac ablation, and is done through minimally invasive incisions, not open-heart surgery, in the cardiac electrophysiology suite.
“Three other types of ablation procedures had failed to put my heart back into a normal rhythm, so I was almost ready to quit my job” says Deron. “I couldn’t exercise, my quality of life was terrible, and the fear of a stroke loomed over me at all times. Now, I have my life back to enjoy with my wife and four children.”
Cardiac surgeon Jason Sperling, M.D., and electrophysiologist Jonathan Steinberg, M.D., Director of the Valley Arrhythmia Institute (part of The Valley Heart & Vascular Institute) performed Deron’s procedure — called a hybrid ablation — together.
“This is an exciting advancement for the treatment of atrial fibrillation because it targets long-suffering patients who may have failed other forms of treatment,” says Dr. Sperling.
Atrial fibrillation (also called AFib) is a quivering or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. An estimated 2.7 million Americans are living with AFib, according to the American Heart Association.
In most cases, normal heart rhythm can be restored with medication or a standard catheter ablation procedure. But sometimes, the AFib is more persistent and does not respond to these first-line treatments. The persistent AFib interferes with the patient’s quality of life and can even lead to feelings of depression. To date, effective options in these patients have been limited; thus, for many this has meant learning to live a life with AFib.
“Through ongoing clinical research with industry partners and other heart centers, we are working toward best practices to define the correct amount of ablation needed to treat all forms of atrial fibrillation optimally,” notes Suneet Mittal, M.D., Director of the Electrophysiology Laboratory at The Valley Hospital.
For more information, or to find out if you are a candidate for the hybrid ablation procedure, please call 201-HEART DR (201-432-7837) in NJ or 212-HEART DR (212-432-7837) in NYC.
The YWCA offers convenient and affordable rehabilitative exercise classes for people of all ages living with physical limitations or challenges. Our experienced and caring Aquatics Specialists conduct water therapy classes in two spacious, heated pools, and you can take advantage of a free trial session to find out if a program is right for you.
Since 1985, the YWCA’s Health and Therapeutics department has continuously developed programs in conjunction with physical therapists to treat a variety of physical and medical conditions. Aquatherapy classes are designed for adults with orthopedic and/or neurological conditions. These group classes use water movement exercises to increase range of motion while strengthening muscles and improving flexibility. Aquatherapy “Plus” offers additional deep water work, swimming and advanced exercises for those in need of a challenge. One-on-one instruction is available for individuals who are unable to participate in group classes.
The YWCA also offers water therapy classes specifically for those dealing with Arthritis. Gentle group exercises help increase range of motion, relieve joint stress and relax stiff muscles.
All classes are held at the YWCA’s 112 Oak Street, Ridgewood location. This facility is handicapped accessible, and our Habernickel pool is equipped with a hydraulic lift to provide easy entrance and exit. For more information or to schedule an interview and free trial class, please call Linda at (201) 444-5600, ext, 348 or visit us online at www.ywcabergencounty.org.
FBI questions aides to Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer, report says
HOBOKEN — FBI agents have begun questioning aides to Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer as they investigate her allegations that members of the Christie administration pressured her to support a development project in exchange for Hurricane Sandy relief money, according to an NBC News report.
According to the report, Dan Bryan, Zimmer’s chief of staff, and Juan Melli, her communications director, are among at least five witnesses Zimmer told the FBI could confirm earlier conversations she said she had about the threats from the administration.
On Saturday, Zimmer told MSNBC that she was pressured by the Christie administration to approve a development deal with the Rockefeller Group, alleging Hoboken would get Sandy relief aid if she agreed to support the project. (Nix/Star-Ledger)
PRE-GAME CELEBRATION Super Sales and Special Game menu’s
Mon, January 27, 2014 – Sun, February 02, 2014
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Ridgewood, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Come to Ridgewood and join in on the
Shop and Restaurant Super Specials:
We will start to list some of the businesses that will have Sale Days and Special Menu’s
BOOKENDS – 20% OFF on ALL Sport books 211 E. Ridgewood Ave.
LUCKY BRAND – 20% OFF REGULAR PRICE 67 E. Ridgewood Ave.
KATE SPADE – 10% DISCOUNT 202 E. Ridgewood Ave.
GYPSY WARRIOR BOUTIQUE – up to 80% 203 E. Ridgewood Ave. $10-$50
FEMMEBOT CLOTHING – 75% 203 E. Ridgewood Ave.
LaBottega Restaurant – Super Bowl Specials 14 Oak St.- Nachos/Buffalo Chicken + more.
Controversial app allows residents to report crime , zoning violations, service requests and dangerous conditions — and track the progress of their complaint
Mahwah tops website’s list of 50 safest towns in N.J.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
BY ALLISON PRIES
STAFF WRITER
The Record
Mahwah has been named the safest community in New Jersey by a website that provides home security comparisons and reviews.
But one of the main reasons cited for the top ranking is a controversial app that is scheduled to be discussed at tonight’s Township Council meeting.
Mahwah Stay Connected is an app that Mayor Bill Laforet and Police Chief James Batelli purchased without the council’s knowledge. Typically, the council is asked to approve such expenditures. The service cost about $3,000 for 2013 and would run about $6,000 for 2014.
The contract with app provider PublicStuff Inc. began in September and was set to expire Dec. 31. Continuing the service was expected to be decided during budget discussions.
“I’m happy the app has gotten some recognition,” Laforet said. “It’s working in a very good way.”
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/241598311_Mahwah_tops_website_s_list_of_50_safest_towns_in_N_J_.html#sthash.ElMSfU6U.dpuf
Five open regulatory meetings in two years? That’s not good enough.
By
SCOTT GARRETT
Jan. 21, 2014 7:35 p.m. ET
While many have raised concerns about the Federal Reserve’s unprecedented monetary policies, there is comparatively less discussion of its regulatory activities—most of which take place in secret. This is especially problematic since the Fed was granted broad-ranging regulatory authority after the financial crisis, particularly in the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010.
Congress is all that stands today between the central bank’s exercise of power over the financial system and the American people. So it is vital to ensure that the Fed is accountable to the people’s representatives.
Transparency and accountability have not been hallmarks of the Federal Reserve. The Fed has spearheaded a barrage of new rules that will fundamentally transform our banking system, including a supplemental leverage ratio, liquidity coverage ratio, net stable funding ratio, foreign banking organization rule, and new risk-weighted capital requirements. But as the Fed’s own website notes, the central bank has convened only five open meetings on rule-making during 2012 and 2013.
This situation requires reform, and to this end I will shortly introduce in Congress the Federal Reserve Accountability and Transparency Act. Its straightforward provisions will help open up the often opaque workings of the central bank.
Dodd-Frank created the role of vice chairman of supervision at the Federal Reserve—a position intended to increase accountability regarding the central bank’s authority to regulate our banking sector. The president has not submitted a nominee to the Senate and the position remains vacant, although the Fed continues to make rules. As long as this vacancy continues, my proposal would require the responsibilities of the vice chairman—including testifying to Congress on all Fed rule-makings—to be assumed by the Fed’s second-in-command.
Unlike most other rulemaking entities, the Fed is exempt from an executive order that requires regulators to assess the costs or economic impact of their regulations. Consumers and businesses will not be exempt from the higher banking and loan fees that Fed regulations may impose. My bill would require the Fed to assess whether the benefits of proposed regulations justify the increased costs for consumers and the potential loss of jobs.
The Fed can also improve its transparency in international negotiations. The Fed enters negotiations with our international partners without the benefit of comments from market participants about how any new agreements may affect U.S. competitiveness. For example, the Basel III accord on capital standards and market-liquidity risk was negotiated primarily with global financial institutions in mind, and will impose additional burdens on small banks that do not have a systemic effect on the banking system. At the end of the day, international agreements can punish smaller banks in favor of their large global competitors.
My bill would require the Fed to publish a notice that details the subject, scope and goals of any international agreements and solicit comments from market participants ahead of negotiations. This mechanism—similar to that for bilateral investment treaties—would allow market participants a formal process to ensure that the concerns of institutions of all sizes are represented. The legislation would also require the Fed to provide relevant committees with details of the agreements before they are finalized.
Last April, after a Fed official testified before the House Financial Services Committee, it took the Fed six months to respond to the committee’s written questions. This is not an isolated example. The Fed took more than four months to respond to committee questions for the chairman’s February appearance. Such delays are unacceptable.
The Fed’s current employee ethics requirements also should be strengthened. As the central bank’s regulatory reach becomes increasingly intertwined into our capital markets, its employees should be subject to conflict-of-interest and financial-disclosure requirements similar to those of capital-markets regulators such as the Securities and Exchange Commission. My proposal would require certain Fed employees to disclose brokerage accounts and trading activities, prohibit investment in certain securities, require pre-clearance on trades, and ban trading on material nonpublic information.
In recent years the Fed’s conduct of monetary policy has become more transparent, but its rule-making and negotiations with international partners remains a black box to the American people. It is my hope to foster greater accountability and transparency at the Fed and re-establish Congress’s constitutional role in providing robust oversight of the central bank’s regulatory reach.
Mr. Garrett, a Republican, is a U.S. representative from New Jersey.5th District , He is a senior member on the House Budget Committee and chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government-Sponsored Enterprises.
Iranian official on nuke deal: ‘We did not agree to dismantle anything’
By Tom Cohen, CNN
updated 8:59 PM EST, Wed January 22, 2014
(CNN) — Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif insisted Wednesday that the Obama administration mischaracterizes concessions by his side in the six-month nuclear deal with Iran, telling CNN in an exclusive interview that “we did not agree to dismantle anything.”
Zarif told CNN Chief National Security Correspondent Jim Sciutto that terminology used by the White House to describe the agreement differed from the text agreed to by Iran and the other countries in the talks — the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany.
“The White House version both underplays the concessions and overplays Iranian commitments” under the agreement that took effect Monday, Zarif said in Davos, Switzerland, where he was attending the World Economic Forum.
As part of the accord, Iran was required to dilute its stockpile of uranium that had been enriched to 20%, well above the 5% level needed for power generation but still below the level for developing a nuclear weapon.
A ‘tsunami’ of store closings expected to hit retail
Published: Wednesday, 22 Jan 2014 | 12:58 PM ET
Get ready for the next era in retail—one that will be characterized by far fewer shops and smaller stores.
On Tuesday, Sears said that it will shutter its flagship store in downtown Chicago in April. It’s the latest of about 300 store closures in the U.S. that Sears has made since 2010. The news follows announcements earlier this month of multiple store closings from major department stores J.C. Penney and Macy’s.
Further signs of cuts in the industry came Wednesday, when Target said that it will eliminate 475 jobs worldwide, including some at its Minnesota headquarters, and not fill 700 empty positions.
Experts said these headlines are only the tip of the iceberg for the industry, which is set to undergo a multiyear period of shuttering stores and trimming square footage.
Shoppers will likely see an average decrease in overall retail square footage of between one-third and one-half within the next five to 10 years, as a shift to e-commerce brings with it fewer mall visits and a lesser need to keep inventory stocked in-store, said Michael Burden, a principal with Excess Space Retail Services.
Record 20% of Households on Food Stamps in 2013
January 21, 2014 – 4:34 PM
By Ali Meyer
(CNSNews.com) — A record 20% of American households, one in five, were on food stamps in 2013, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
![deron-siddons[2]](https://theridgewoodblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/deron-siddons2.jpg "Hybrid Procedure Offers New Option for Those with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation")
