Author: James

Ridgewood Police Warn About “Ransomware”
October 10,2013

The Ridgewood Police Department has received an increasing number of reports from residents who have fallen victim to online scams known as “Ransomware”.

Ransomware is a type of malware that stops you from using your computer until you pay a certain amount of money (the ransom).
It is also called “FBI Moneypak” or the “FBI virus” as it often uses the FBI or local police logos and asks you to pay using Green Dot MoneyPak.

There are two types of ransomware.

Lock screen ransomware – which uses a full-screen image or webpage to stop you from accessing anything on your computer.

Encryption ransomware – which locks your files with a password, stopping you from opening them.

Most ransomware shows a notification that says your local authorities have detected illegal activity on your computer. They then demand you pay a “fine” to avoid prosecution and to get access to your files again.Typically a user encounters them when surfing the internet when suddenly the computer will lock up and a screen stating that the computer is now under control of a Police Department appears. DO NOT SEND MONEY.

You can regain access to your computer by starting it in SAFE mode (Shift F8 at startup) and then running a full antivirus scan. More information can be found by visiting the links below.

https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2012/august/new-internet-scam

For Microsoft users

https://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/mmpc/shared/ransomware.aspx

For Mac users

https://www.ic3.gov/media/2013/130718-2.aspx

White House, IRS exchanged confidential taxpayer info

Top Internal Revenue Service Obamacare official Sarah Hall Ingram discussed confidential taxpayer information with senior Obama White House officials, according to 2012 emails obtained by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and provided to The Daily Caller.

Lois Lerner, then head of the IRS Tax Exempt Organizations division, also received an email alongside White House officials that contained confidential information.

Ingram attempted to counsel the White House on a lawsuit from religious organizations opposing Obamacare’s contraception mandate. Email exchanges involving Ingram and White House officials — including White House health policy advisor Ellen Montz and deputy assistant to the president for health policy Jeanne Lambrew — contained confidential taxpayer information, according to Oversight

Read more: https://dailycaller.com/2013/10/09/white-house-irs-exchanged-confidential-taxpayer-info/#ixzz2hJ816qsK

Stewart to Sebelius on health care law “Am I a stupid man?”
Posted by
CNN’s Leslie Bentz

(CNN) – “The Daily Show” took a more serious turn Monday night when host Jon Stewart introduced his guest for the evening, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

Sebelius, who has been on a media blitz in recent weeks as the health care exchanges for the Affordable Care Act opened for business on October 1st, has appeared on multiple networks to promote the new law and to attempt to temper criticism of its rollout.

As the secretary sat down to begin the segment, Stewart opened a laptop on his desk. “I’m going to attempt to download every movie ever made, and you’re going to try to sign up for Obamacare, and we’ll see which happens first.”

Sebelius admitted the website rollout “started a little rockier than we’d like,” but said the administration had been working to make improvements. “It’s better today than it was yesterday, and it will keep getting better.”

The sign-up websites were offline for part of the weekend as efforts were made to fix multiple glitches that caused delays for many who attempted to use the program in the first few days.

When asked how many individuals had signed up for insurance so far, Sebelius admitted, “I can’t tell you, because I don’t know … we will be giving monthly reports.” She added that hundreds of thousands of accounts had been created, which indicated to the administration that those consumers “are going to go shopping” for insurance as the next step.

https://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2013/10/08/stewart-to-sebelius-on-health-care-law-am-i-a-stupid-man/

New Jersey Still Ranks Near bottom in 2014 State Business Tax Climate Index

Tax Foundation Releases New Stats on Business Tax Climate

Washington, D.C., October 9, 2013—Wyoming, Florida, and Indiana rank among the ten best states for taxes on business, while companies in states like New York, New Jersey, and California must struggle with the worst tax codes in the country, according to the newest edition of the Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index.

Several states have moved in the rankings since last year, with Texas dropping out of the top ten for the first time, landing at #11, and Virginia and Kentucky both falling three places to #26 and #27, respectively. On the positive side, Arizona climbed five ranks to #22 and Kansas shot up six spots to #20. Several other states also saw smaller changes.

“The states that lost ground this year usually did so because they changed policy in a way that makes the tax code more complex, burdensome, or economically harmful,” said Tax Foundation economist Scott Drenkard. “By contrast, the states that improved did so because they are moved closer to a tax code that collects revenue without unnecessarily distorting business decisions. Their tax codes became more neutral.”

The State Business Tax Climate Index, now in its 10th edition, collects data on over a hundred tax provisions for each state and synthesizes them into a single, easy-to-use score. The states are then compared against each other, so that each state’s ranking is relative to actual policies in place in other states around the country. A state’s ranking can rise or fall significantly based not just on its own actions, but on the changes or reforms made by other states.

The top ten states in 2014 are Wyoming (#1), South Dakota (#2), Nevada (#3), Alaska (#4), Florida (#5), Washington (#6), Montana (#7), New Hampshire (#8), Utah (#9), and Indiana (#10).

The 10 lowest ranked states in 2014 are Maryland (#41), Connecticut (#42), Wisconsin (#43), North Carolina (#44), Vermont (#45), Rhode Island (#46), Minnesota (#47), California (#48), New Jersey (#49), and New York (#50).

“The goal of the State Business Tax Climate Index is to start a conversation with policymakers about how their states fare against the rest of the country,” said Drenkard. “With this report, we’re asking: ‘how well is your tax code structured? Are businesses in your state spending too much time complying with onerous tax provisions? Are you double taxing things you shouldn’t?’”

Tax Foundation Background Paper No. 68, “2014 State Business Tax Climate Index” by Scott Drenkard and Joseph Henchman is available online.

The Tax Foundation is a nonpartisan research organization that has monitored fiscal policy at the federal, state and local levels since 1937. To schedule an interview, please contact Communications Associate Richard Borean at 202-464-5120 or [email protected].

Obamabots protest federal government shutdown Representative Scott Garrett Newton office?

“The Affordable Care Act was passed by Congress, signed by the President, and upheld by the Supreme Court. No part of government has the right to shut down the government because they don’t like one law that has been legitimately enacted by all three branches of government.”
Cathy Bao Bean Frelinghuysen Township

Well Cathy the real question is why is congress and their staffs exempt ,most government employees are exempt , business got a one year delay , and Unions got waivers from the law??? Law of the land for who exactly??? the staff of the Ridgewood blog

NEWTON — Between 40 and 50 people gathered outside the office of Representative Scott Garrett (R-5 District) in Newton on Friday evening, Oct. 4. They were protesting the federal government shutdown and calling on the Congress to pass a continuing resolution to reopen the government without conditions.

Congressman Garrett has been the most outspoken of New Jersey’s congressional delegation in support of linking a continuing resolution to repeal or delay of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, passed by Congress and signed by the President in 2010.

The people gathered on the sidewalk on Spring St. in Newton disagreed with Garrett’s position and demanded that Congress pass a “clean C.R.,” as it is called in Washington parlance.

– See more at: https://advertisernewssouth.com/article/20131008/NEWS01/131009944/Local-citizens-protest-government-shutdown#sthash.NJp3n1uc.dpuf

Paramus couple sues ‘Real Housewives’ stars over Ridgewood brawl
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY OCTOBER 8, 2013, 6:07 PM
BY  CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

A Paramus couple is suing three members from the cast of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” stemming from a bloody altercation in March during a salon opening in Ridgewood.

The civil lawsuit, filed on Oct. 2 in state Superior Court in Hackensack, lists “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Jacqueline Laurita as a defendant; it also names her husband, Christopher Laurita, and Joe Gorga as parties to the claim. All three live in Franklin Lakes.

The suit was filed by Penny and John Karagiorgis and further names the show’s production company, Sirens Media, as well as Bravo and its parent company, NBC Universal, as defendants.

The legal filing also seeks damages from the owners of Moxie Salon, where the March 30 brawl unfolded as Bravo’s cameras rolled tape.

The Karagiorgis’ suit alleges producers were aware Gorga “has known violent propensities and has a history of assaulting and attacking others.”

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/arts_entertainment/Paramus_couple_sues_Real_Housewives_stars_over_Ridgewood_brawl.html#sthash.RUKUA670.dpuf

Sign now asks Ridgewood drivers to stop
Tuesday October 8, 2013, 9:56 AM
BY  DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News

Ridgewood signal division workers recently replaced a missing yield intersection traffic sign, but posted a stop sign in its place. That was not a mistake, village officials said.

But seeing the familiar red and white octagonal sign in the unfamiliar location, at the intersection of California Street and Heights Road, alarmed many motorists who frequent the residential streets, Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh said at last Wednesday’s council meeting.

“Residents in the area were used to the yield sign, then they came home to find a stop sign there. They were concerned,” said Walsh, adding that the subject was scheduled to be addressed at the next Citizens Safety Advisory Committee session.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/226897131_Sign_now_asks_Ridgewood_drivers_to_stop.html#sthash.s3136Z8K.dpuf

file photo by Boyd Loving

Ridgewood officials to define who gets reserved parking spots
Tuesday October 8, 2013, 10:13 AM
BY  DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News

Ridgewood’s parking policy for special events in the Central Business District is so unclear that even members of the governing body have been unable to define it.

Village Council members last week opened a discussion with hopes of clearing misconceptions and misunderstandings while eliminating any vagueness that might exist.

“A resident asked what our policy is for [special] events, and I didn’t know the answer,” admitted Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh, who requested that the village explore the topic to “determine what our policy should be going forward so there’s no ambiguity.”

Councilman Tom Riche mentioned a recent conversation he had with a restaurant owner.

“I had one of the restaurant owners approach me on the subject and they were very unclear what the process is,” he said. “Is there a defined policy?”

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/226900381_Ridgewood_officials_to_define_who_gets_reserved_parking_spots.html#sthash.rGR1aHZx.dpuf

Ridgewood’s capital budget process scrutinized
Tuesday October 8, 2013, 10:32 AM
BY  DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News

In light of the pending approval of a general capital ordinance, Ridgewood’s recently formed Financial Advisory Committee hopes to change how capital funds are appropriated and spent in future years.

The Village Council this month will consider adoption of three ordinances to designate funds that will pay for capital improvements in the village as well as upgrades required by the water department and parking utility. The total general capital budget, which will fund various departmental purchases and projects, is north of $3.4 million.

According to Chief Finance Officer Stephen Sanzari, the capital budget “is necessary to make the appropriations and designation for the funding source of the capital projects.” The approval of the capital budget does not equate to the council’s authorization of the actual purchase or expenditure.

Capital expenditures are often described as long-term investments that require notable sums of money and labor, such as road work and repair. In comparison, the operating budget provides an outline of a municipality’s cash flow for its day-to-day operations, such as paying employee salaries.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/226902961_Ridgewood_s_capital_budget_process_scrutinized.html

 Ridgewood Water to buy new meters
Tuesday October 8, 2013, 10:34 AM
BY  DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News

Ridgewood Council members waved a cautionary flag last month when learning that Ridgewood has only one option from which to purchase more than $500,000 worth of water meters for Ridgewood Water.

But last week, acting Village Manager Heather Mailander said Ridgewood’s cost was reasonable compared to other options.

Ridgewood’s water utility has asked the Village Council to approve the acquisition of the meters and various individual meter components that are needed for repair work throughout the system. The water department is in the midst of a multi-year process to move the meter reading system from telephone lines to radio frequency.

In its current state, approximately 55 percent of the system’s meters use radio frequency and give off accurate readings. Most property owners with older phone-line based equipment receive estimated meter readings, according to Ridgewood Water business director Dave Scheibner.

https://www.northjersey.com/ridgewood/226903291_Ridgewood_Water_to_buy_new_meters.html

US adults are dumber than the average human

WASHINGTON — It’s long been known that America’s school kids haven’t measured well compared with international peers. Now, there’s a new twist: Adults don’t either.

In math, reading and problem-solving using technology – all skills considered critical for global competitiveness and economic strength – American adults scored below the international average on a global test, according to results released Tuesday.

Adults in Japan, Canada, Australia, Finland and multiple other countries scored significantly higher than the United States in all three areas on the test. Beyond basic reading and math, respondents were tested on activities such as calculating mileage reimbursement due to a salesman, sorting email and comparing food expiration dates on grocery store tags.

Not only did Americans score poorly compared to many international competitors, the findings reinforced just how large the gap is between the nation’s high- and low-skilled workers and how hard it is to move ahead when your parents haven’t.

https://nypost.com/2013/10/08/us-adults-are-dumber-than-the-average-human/

Reality of Obamacare is Doing More for Conservatism than the Consultant Class Ever Has

By: Ben Howe (Diary)  |  October 7th, 2013 at 11:01 AM  |  68

If you head over to San Jose Mercury News, you’ll see an article posted over the weekend talking about the impact of Obamacare on individuals. What’s most interesting is that it shows the evolving opinions from those who previously or currently support the healthcare law, and those opinions, unsurprisingly, vary depending on their personal situation.

For instance, Marilynn Gray-Raine, a breast cancer survivor, is thrilled to find out that her premiums dropped several hundred dollars per month. This was primarily because her cancer was no longer penalizing her as a pre-existing condition. Ending the penalties for pre-existing conditions was one of the few parts of Obamacare that received widespread bi-partisan support. In fact, during the famous “Healthcare Summit,” Paul Ryan & others specifically mentioned that they believed any health care reform should include it.

But of course the cost of offsetting the risk of covering someone with a pre-existing condition is going to find its way into someone’s wallet. For the purposes of this article, that someone was Cindy Vinson, a huge supporter of Obamacare who is seeing her premiums skyrocket.

There are many choice quotes from Cindy that show how the reality of Obamacare is not squaring with her rosy expectations, but the one that prompted my headline was this:

“Of course, I want people to have health care,” Vinson said. “I just didn’t realize I would be the one who was going to pay for it personally.”

As Lady Thatcher famously said, “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.”

https://www.redstate.com/2013/10/07/reality-of-obamacare-is-doing-more-for-conservatism-than-the-consultant-class-ever-has/