Obama Says U.S. Needs Revenue Along With Spending Cuts
By Roger Runningen – Feb 4, 2013 6:52 AM ET
President Barack Obama said there is “no doubt” the government needs new revenue from closing tax “loopholes” and limiting deductions, along with enacting spending cuts, to reduce the federal deficit.
There’s “no reason why we can’t have really strong growth in 2013,” the president said in an interview with CBS television yesterday before the network’s Super Bowl broadcast. He cited a recovering housing industry, strong manufacturing and rising car sales.
Revenue could be raised through an overhaul of the tax code, he said, “and we can do it in a gradual way so that it doesn’t have a huge impact.”
“There is no doubt we need additional revenue, coupled with smart spending reductions in order to bring down our deficit,” he said. “I don’t think the issue right now is raising rates.”
Two reports last week suggested worrying signs about the economy. The Commerce Department said Jan. 30 that the gross domestic product, the value of all goods and services produced, dropped at a 0.1 percent annual rate in the fourth quarter, the worst performance since the second quarter of 2009, when the world’s largest economy was still in the recession.
The fourth-quarter drop in GDP was largely due to a decline in government outlays and a smaller gain in inventories that subtracted a combined 2.6 percentage points from growth, Commerce Department data showed Jan. 30.
The “Cake Boss” announces the Grand Opening of the Wilsey Square Carlo’s City Hall Bake Shop
February 3,2013
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, After several delays “Cake boss” Buddy Valastro has finally set the date to open his Wilsey Square ,Carlo’s City Hall Bake Shop in Ridgewood . Carlo’s City Hall Bake Shop will hold its grand opening on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 12
Since the initial announcement Valastro has opened the 2,774 square foot “Cake Boss Cafe” on the ground floor of the Port Authority bus terminal in Times Square. The Wilsey Square location will be the second location in New Jersey .
The Cake Boss is an American reality television series, airing on the cable television network TLC. The show follows the operations of Carlo’s Bakery, a family-owned business in Hoboken, New Jersey . The show focuses on custom cakes, and the interpersonal relationships among the various family members and other employees who work at the shop.
There is always some interesting interplay bwetween the siblings Buddy Valastro Lisa Valastro, Maddalena Castano, Grace Faugno and Mary Sciarrone.
One, Two, Three is a 1961 American comedy film directed by Billy Wilder
Check Out Adult Programs at Ridgewood Recreation
Start the New Year
Senior Programs with Ridgewood Recreation
January/February Session
The Ridgewood Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to offer winter programs for active senior adults at the Community Center, 131 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood.
Don’t stay in; the senior bus runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 201-670-5500, ext 200 for details or to make reservations.
A variety of classes offered are as follows beginning the week of January 7, 2013:
Mondays Zumba 10:30 a.m.
Tuesdays Silver Strength & Motion 10 a.m.
Mindful Meditation 11 a.m.
Wednesdays For Men Only – Men’s Fitness 9:15 a.m.
The Art of Chinese Brush Painting 9:30 a.m.
Jazzercise 10:30 a.m.
Chair Yoga 11:30 a.m.
Fridays Silver Strength & Motion 10:30 a.m.
Each class is $24 for 6 sessions; priced for Ridgewood residents 55 and older. Registration may be open to others if space is available; additional fees will apply. Please let us know if special accommodations are needed for any program.
In addition, don’t miss our free Classic Movie Tuesday, sponsored by The Hobbyists Unlimited, the first Tuesday of each month, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
January 8th – “Chariots of Fire” (1981)
February 5th – “One, Two, Three” (1961)
March 5th – “Grand Illusion” (1937)
You may register in person or by mail to The Stable, 259 N. Maple Ave., Ridgewood. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information call 201-670-5560. A listing of programs with all details and the registration form can be found at www.ridgewoodnj.net/recreation.
Reader says Have Paul and Al learned nothing from the Valley fiasco?
46 emails and mulitple meetings between only two councilmen, meetings that other council people were not aware of despite asking if anyone was meeting with developers does not sound above board, nor ethical given the scope of zoning changes being asked of the village. Have Paul and Al learned nothing from the Valley fiasco.
And the irony of Gwenn “can’t we all just get along” Hauck, blaming Bernie Walsh for the dysfunction on the Council, while Al didn’t even have the courtesy to stay seated while Bernie spoke, (or tried to speak – as Paul gave the floor to everyone but her), was laughable.
Paul and Al are bullies and appear to be in bed with the developers. And I would strongly recommend that the League of Women Voter’s review the tape – because in my view they are misogynists as well.
Reader says Aronsohn and Pucciarelli should be impeached if this is possible
Bernie did NOT try to get her ticket “fixed.” She paid her ticket, and was simply advising the Village Manager that the police were not checking cars for parking passes as they should be. In other words, she was doing the responsible thing as an elected official, informing the person in charge that proper procedure was not being followed. If you watched the meeting you might have missed this, because the Mayor and Deputy Mayor were so busy stepping on her words and trying to distract from the matter at hand.
Aronsohn and Pucciarelli should be impeached if this is possible. They are unprofessional and their behavior was akin to middle school – let’s shout louder than she does and call her names and maybe she will cry. Bernie held her ground, she had a point to make and she did eventually make it, in spite of the jackass shenanigans of her three colleagues. Hauck looked like she was reading from a computer and she out-and-out stated that getting along was more important than following the law. Geeezzzzz, this is such a mess for our Village.
Readers Support Councilwoman Walsh’s right to raise an issue over perceived secret meetings held with developers
It’s Councilwoman Walsh’s right to raise a stink, both as a Ridgewood resident and as a fellow member of the Council, if her colleagues engaged in a series of off-the-record meetings and related communications with interested third parties on a matter of public interest, only to do a data dump at the end of a closed session, once the public has gone home!
Her suggested remedy of repeating the meeting is appropriate and I’m glad the council agreed. Yes, this will slow things down, but sometimes this is needed in order to get things right.
The possibility that her colleagues will learn a few things about both the letter and the spirit of open meetings laws also makes it worthwhile. And as we “go forward”, I would hope that Ms. Walsh stands ready with additional monkey wrenches to throw should the need arise!
WHAT CAN A CITIZEN DO IF A PUBLIC BODY VIOLATES THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW?
The Law permits any person to file a lawsuit in New Jersey Superior Court to invalidate any action taken by a public body at a meeting which violates the Open Public Meetings Law. The lawsuit must be brought within 45 days after the public body’s action sought to be nullified has been made public.
In addition, any person may apply to New Jersey Superior Court for an injunction or other judicial relief to insure future compliance with the law.
Usual Suspects look to distract focus with fake Parking Ticket Hullabaloo
February 1,2012
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Due to misinformation reported in Paul’s Glen Rock Patch Councilwoman Walsh has been getting flack for what has been misreported and repeated by the usual suspects of an alleged attempt to fix a parking ticket ,Of course they don’t get the fact that Council Women Walch pays $650 a year for a UP3 pass that lets her park in any lot in the Village.
Readers ask if the Ridgewood PD is now playing favorites?
Any doubt yet that Hudson County is now running Ridgewood ? Shame, shame we noticed James Kleiman of Paul’s Glen Rock Patch buried the story altogether! Looks like the Patch is doing for Mayor Paul Aronsohn what he did for then Governor Jim McGreevey.
Strange how local media continues to ignore the Tiger Teams recommendations and gloss over the cozy relationship between some of our present council members and the rather tarnished Senator Bob Menendez .
Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg : Menendez Dominican scandal a “distraction” , yes child sexploitation usually is
February 1,2013
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ , Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg said today that the burgeoning scandal surrounding U.S. Sen Bob Menendez is a “distraction” from what’s important to Garden State residents right now. Funny we didn’t hear that when both the Bergen Record, Star Ledger and Channel 12 News spent the better part of last year discussing seat belts for dogs, only to be told that this was stupid by Christie himself. (https://www.politickernj.com/62836/weinberg-menendez-dominican-scandal-distraction )
Weinberg told Politico , “It’s very distracting,” Weinberg said while aboard the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce train to Washington D.C. “Certainly I haven’t seen anything that makes anything true. Whne there are side issues like this they are distracting.” . I’d say so sleeping to underage prostitutes in third word countries smacks of human trafficking and appears even for ethically challenged New Jersey politicians this may be a bit to far . Couple this with and illegal intern with a dubious record and an whole host of of other election as well as ethical violations being investigated by the FBI and I bet this story has legs .( https://www.politickernj.com/62836/weinberg-menendez-dominican-scandal-distraction )
Given Menendez beat Christie’s good friend Joe” Kyrillos and TV personality Geraldo Rivera is contemplating a run for NJ Senate this story is bound to get even bigger . The only people who had a worse week than Menendez is the NJ media establishment which ignored story till it became national as well as an international issue .
New Jersey ‘s media establishment has for too long been a tool of special interests and Democrat party bosses . This has lead to the states precipitous decline in economic standing . Menendez is the latest in a long line of fools ,Robert G. Torricelli, Jim McGreevey , Jon Corzine to name a few ,who’s image is carefully cultivated and maintained by the New Jersey media making him one more example of why people all over the WORLD think NJ is full “Jersey shore” wannabes .
With media backing Trenton’s view is that the only bigger fools than them and the people who report on them in the media are New Jersey’s voters .
My question for Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg , do you really think people are this stupid? Oh that’s right Dominican under age girls don’t vote in New Jersey .
Photo credit:Boyd A. Loving Car Hits Tree After Careening Off Of Road, Driver Injured
February 3,2013
Boyd A. Loving
4:09 PM
Ridgewood NJ, The driver of a Honda Accord sustained minor wrist and facial injuries on Super Bowl Sunday afternoon after her car careened off the road and hit a tree in front of a home located in the 900 block of East Ridgewood Avenue in Ridgewood.
Members of the Ridgewood Volunteer Ambulance Corps transported the victim to The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood for treatment. A police source at the scene indicated that the accident was likely due to an existing medical condition. No summonses were issued at the scene; the accident remains under investigation.
Here we go again Foes Push to Repeal Bergen County “Blue laws”
February 3, 2013
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ , Bergen County’s blue laws in some peoples eyes represent the last vestige of a civilized society are once again being challenged by the forces of darkness.
According to the Bergen Record a group lead Rosemary Shashoua, a resident of Westwood think the time is right “once again” to attempt to get rid of the highly prized ,traffic-less Sundays in Bergen County . While the record goes to great lengths claim this Westwood grandmother is the guiding force ,we all know from past experiences that most of the charge to be open on Sundays comes from outsiders , political consultants, lobbyists, big retailers and Xanadu supporters.( https://www.northjersey.com/news/189548961_A_Sunday_shopping_fight_for_the_21st_century_gear_up_again.html )
Previous attempts to repeal the “Blue Laws” have been met with overwhelming failure , and politicians seeking reelections should be careful if they wish to stay in office. County residents much prefer that time be better spent seeking indictments for those that proposed “Xanadu” to begin with and push for both jail time and confiscation of assets to help pay for the taxpayer funded mall fiasco.
Any attempt to eliminate the “Blue Laws” will met the fiercest opposition from residents of Paramus, who feel the “Blue Laws” are a quality of life issue ,little to do with religion and everything to do with their right to have one weekend day free of traffic.
Frankly the opposition to “Blue Laws” will have to find more a compelling reason than residents cant live for one day without shopping at Bloomingdales . Local malls are open till 9:30 pm 6 days a week and Food and liquor stores open on Sundays after 12. Gas stations are open every day and many movie theaters are open Sundays, street fairs operate and many sporting events are held. And you can always go to church !
The White House has releases a photo purporting to show President Obama “skeet shooting” at Camp David
February 3,2013
the staff of the Ridgewood blog with a little help from our friends
Ridgewood NJ, The White House has releases a photo purporting to show President Obama “skeet shooting” at Camp David. An activity he claims he does “all the time.” They also warn all you mischievous internet types, digital hipsters , bloggers ,social media mavens and hackers not photo shop this picture for you viewing pleasure .
“This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.”
Sorry Mr. President we couldn’t help ourselves and I think perhaps we all need to lighten up a little …
RHS. Wrestling: Ridgewood head coach pins down 100th career win
Friday, February 1, 2013
BY ANTHONY LOCICERO
CORRESPONDENT
The Ridgewood News
RIDGEWOOD — The Ridgewood High School wrestling team is heading into the final dual meets of the season before the state qualifying cutoff.
The Maroons look to continue a season that became momentous for their personable head coach, Torre Watson, who joined the Coaches’ Century Club last weekend, gaining the 100th career win of his seven-year tenure guiding the Ridgewood varsity.
The Maroons (8-6) travel to Warren in Somerset County tomorrow for a quad meet with host Watchung Hills, Morris Knolls and Saint Peter’s Prep – all quality opponents.
Quiet Time at Valley Gives New Moms Privacy for Rest and Bonding with Baby
January 31, 2013
Ridgewood NJ, Excited visitors, squabbling siblings, and photo ops can take their toll on a new mother who is exhausted from giving birth and needs private time to bond with her new baby.
At The Valley Hospital’s Center for Childbirth, the afternoon hours of 1 to 3:30 p.m. have been designed as “Quiet Time,” a period when the lights are dimmed, soft music plays, and new moms and their support persons are encouraged to sleep and bond with their baby with skin-to-skin contact. During Quiet Time visitors and siblings are asked to wait in the waiting rooms, and hospital personnel only enter a mother’s room if she asks for assistance. There is a sleeper chair in each room to allow the father or other support person to rest.
“My husband, Robert, and I loved Quiet Time because it gave us private time to talk, sleep, and get to know our new daughter, Emily,” says Limor Regular, of Wyckoff, who delivered her third daughter at Valley in early January. “I had a lot of visitors and with my two other little girls in the room with us, I wouldn’t have been able to rest without Quiet Time.”
In addition to giving new moms needed rest and privacy with their newborns, Quiet Time also encourages them to room-in as a family, learn their babies’ feeding cues, and prepare for caring for their baby at home. When a family rests during the day in the hospital, they are better equipped to room-in with their baby at night.
“In observing Quiet Time, we are responding to patient satisfaction surveys that told us new mothers felt they did not have adequate rest time after childbirth and were disturbed by hospital interruptions and too many visitors,” says Beth McGovern, MSN, RN-OB, a clinical practice specialist for Valley’s Women’s and Children’s Services. “Now, just before 1 p.m. our nurses and patient care associates go to each room to see if the mothers need anything, and then we tuck them in for a nap. Our whole floor instantly feels calmer. Everyone, even our staff, is noticing the benefits of Quiet Time.”
Quiet Time is also observed in Valley’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, when parents are encouraged to practice “kangaroo care” by placing their babies skin to skin.
Quiet Time is an important component of the hospital’s Patient- and Family-Centered Care model and a step on Valley’s journey to become a designated Baby-Friendly Hospital. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is a global initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the goal of which is to achieve optimal infant feeding outcomes, mother-baby bonding, improved health outcomes for mothers and babies, and elevated patient satisfaction.
Valley’s quest to become designated a Baby-Friendly Hospital is a four-phase rigorous endeavor that includes the development of new policies, research, data collection and dissemination, and a site visit. The journey creates an environment that is supportive of best practices in maternity care.
This process fits in with Valley’s holistic approach to childbirth and mission to keep mothers and their babies together as much as possible. In 2011, mother-baby nurses began newborn admitting procedures directly after birth. Such duties as assessing the baby’s health and taking footprints are now accomplished in the room with the mother, instead of whisking the baby away to the nursery for a bath and assessment.
“Research has shown that as newborns transition to life outside the womb they self-regulate their body temperatures better when placed skin to skin to their mothers right away rather than being separated,” says McGovern. “Keeping them with their mothers after birth also enables them to breastfeed successfully for the first time.”
Mrs. Regular says she was pleased with Valley’s approach to promoting a natural birth experience. “I enjoyed keeping Emily with me as much as possible, and giving her special time alone with me and her father before her sisters came to visit,” she says.
The Valley Hospital Center for Childbirth is a component of the hospital’s comprehensive Women’s and Children’s Services, which includes private labor/delivery/recovery suites and private post-partum rooms; the Center for Holistic Birth and hydrotherapy tub; maternal-fetal medicine services; genetic counseling and screening; the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and its Peek-a-Boo ICU™; Birth Doula Program; the Women’s and Children’s Resource Center; the Fertility Center; a host of family education and childbirth preparation classes; and the eLearning Childbirth Education Program. For more information, call 201-447-8403 or visit www.valleyhealth.com/Obstetrics.
Caption: Robert and Limor Regular at home in Wyckoff with baby Emily and daughters Tamara (left) and Maya.
