FCC takes up text message spam
by Dave Nyczepir
Oct 25 2012
The legality of text message spam depends on who you ask.
The mobile industry’s at war over cellular privacy—or free speech—depending on how you look at it.
The Federal Communications Commission said Tuesday that it’s accepting comments on a petition that seeks to have Internet-to-phone text messaging declared a type of autodialing. The technology, which collects cell numbers without consent and then messages them via created email addresses, isn’t currently covered under the Technology Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), and some consider it a loophole for those who want to spam your cellphone.
EXCLUSIVE: CIA operators were denied request for help during Benghazi attack, sources say
By Jennifer Griffin
Published October 26, 2012
FoxNews.com
Fox News has learned from sources who were on the ground in Benghazi that an urgent request from the CIA annex for military back-up during the attack on the U.S. Consulate and subsequent attack several hours later was denied by U.S. officials — who also told the CIA operators twice to “stand down” rather than help the ambassador’s team when shots were heard at approximately 9:40 p.m. in Benghazi on Sept. 11.
Former Navy SEAL Tyrone Woods was part of a small team who was at the CIA annex about a mile from the U.S. Consulate where Ambassador Chris Stevens and his team came under attack. When he and others heard the shots fired, they informed their higher-ups at the annex to tell them what they were hearing and requested permission to go to the consulate and help out. They were told to “stand down,” according to sources familiar with the exchange. Soon after, they were again told to “stand down.”
Woods and at least two others ignored those orders and made their way to the Consulate which at that point was on fire. Shots were exchanged. The quick reaction force from the CIA annex evacuated those who remained at the Consulate and Sean Smith, who had been killed in the initial attack. They could not find the ambassador and returned to the CIA annex at about midnight.
Salute To Our Nation’s Veterans
Friday, October 26, 2012
8:00 PM
West Side Presbyterian Church
Ridgewood, New Jersey
Featured Guest Soloist
SFC Jason Ham
Euphonium, United States Military Academy Band, West Point
Guest Conducting Appearance
Johan de Meij
Guest Ensemble
Rutgers University Symphony Band – Darryl Bott, Director
Program Highlights
Heritage of Freedom Fanfare- James M. Stephenson
U.F.O.Concerto for Euphonium and Concert Band – Johan de Meij
Festival Prelude on Star Spangled Banner – Dudley Buck
Sabers and Spurs – John Phillip Sousa
Solid Men to the Front – John Philip Sousa
Stars and Stripes Forever – John Philip Sousa
Taps Eternal Father – Gen. Daniel Butterfield & John B. Dykes
Elegy – John Barnes Chance
Costs of Obama’s Plan to Raise Tax Rates on Incomes over $200,000
Washington, D.C., October 25, 2012—President Obama’s proposal to raise taxes on individuals earning more than $200,000 would slow economic growth and reduce future incomes across the board, according to a new analysis by the Tax Foundation. The amount of income that would be lost over the next ten years because of higher taxes varies by state, ranging from $2 billion in Vermont to as much as $241 billion in California.
“President Obama’s campaign to raise taxes on high-income earners presents an overly simplistic view of the economy, as if tax increases only affect those people who write checks to the IRS,” said Tax Foundation chief economist William McBride. “When high income families are hit with additional taxes, they reduce spending on goods and services and invest less. All of this hurts economic growth over the long run, resulting in fewer jobs and lower wages.”
In dollar terms, the states most affected are large, high-income states. California stands to lose $241 billion over ten years as a result of the president’s tax policies, followed by New York at $186 billion, Texas at $131 billion, Florida at $104 billion, and Illinois at $74 billion.
As a percent of income, Wyoming is most affected, losing 1.82 percent of income in 2013, followed by Connecticut at 1.76 percent, New York at 1.61 percent, Delaware at 1.49 percent, and Massachusetts at 1.40 percent. In all, thirteen states are set to lose at least 1 percent of income as a result of these tax increases, and every state loses at least 0.5 percent of income.
Many businesses would also be directly affected by the President’s proposed tax increases, since the vast majority of businesses file under the individual tax code. These so-called “pass-through” businesses, such as partnerships, S corporations, and sole proprietorships, earn more income and employ more workers than companies which file under the corporate code. Most of this pass-through business income (about 66 percent) is reported by taxpayers earning more than $250,000.
Recent economic analyses that take into account the pass-through business sector find that raising personal income tax rates on high-income earners does significant harm is done to the economy. Economists Robert Carroll and Gerald Prante, for example, found that 710,000 jobs would be lost as a result of President Obama’s tax policies.
Tax Foundation Fiscal Fact No. 333, “How State would be Affected by Obama’s Proposed Tax Increases on High-Income Earners” by William McBride 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 Richard Morrison, the Tax Foundation’s Manager of Communications, at 202-464-5102 or [email protected].
Ridgewood NJ , The District Supervisor of Fine & Applied Arts/Music Christopher McCullough and Music Teachers Jeffrey Haas and John Luckenbill gave a presentation on a new technology course at RHS on music production. Equipment and software has been added to the Mac Lab at the high school that enables students to compose and arrange music.
In addition, two software programs, “Garage Band” and “ProTools,” have been added to the music program, allowing students to edit and mix recordings. As part of the presentation, the teachers also introduced the “SmartMusic” software program now in use at RHS; this program is a web-based tool that allows students to practice and also be graded on instrumental performance.
A Step Forward – Even A Small Step Forward – Is Far Better Than Continuing Our Backwards Slide
October 25,2012
By Ian Linker
It is time for a modicum of pragmatism. Defeating Barack Obama will not be the end of a journey and it is not an end in itself. But it is a critical step. It is a critical step because an Obama reelection portends severe trouble for the United States and its economy and could – without much, if any, hyperbole – jeopardize our ability to function as a sovereign nation. Therefore, we must – quite simply – do what we can to defeat President Obama in this election.
Rather than supporting a third-party candidate, an idealist, who has virtually no chance of winning or standing on ceremony and not voting at all; thus, making an Obama win more likely, why not support the candidate who will lead us away from the abyss and has a bona fide chance to prevail. Even if a hypothetical third-party candidate had a chance at winning, however, he would likely not be able to govern effectively. Taking big steps often is neither practical nor possible in our political system. We effect real change in this country through baby steps.
Like it or not, America has a rigid two-party system. And the parties as currently configured have polar-opposite views on most of the big issues facing our nation. In such an environment, big steps – as much as many want them – may be impossible to achieve for two reasons. First, given the leftist proclivities of the mainstream media and the significant plurality of the American public that rely on the traditional media for its information, a principled idealist who wants everything or nothing would have virtually no chance to win a nationwide general election. Second, governing with anything other than a majority of like-minded Congressmen in the House and a cloture-proof majority in the Senate would be impossible for such a candidate to enact an agenda even if he or she could win an election.
Supporting Governor Romney, on the other hand, as difficult as it may be for some to do, is the only way to avoid a second Obama term – a mortifying proposition. But you should not fret. Governor Romney will ably lead us in the right direction – albeit in smaller steps than many would like – at a time, however, when we desperately need leadership.
So what will Governor Romney likely do? Romney will attempt to reform the tax code in a positive and revenue-neutral way, maybe not getting us to a flat tax or a Fair tax as some of us advocate for, but any simplification of the code that expands the tax base, brings down marginal rates, closes loopholes, reduces giveaways, and unleashes market forces to create growth and jobs is a good thing.
Romney also will work to reduce the size of government and cut government spending to rein in our trillion-dollar-plus deficit and reduce our $16-plus trillion debt to a manageable level. He also will repeal most, if not all, of the more insidious provisions of Obamacare. Moreover, Romney will not mandate cooperation on the American people as President Obama seeks to do. Perhaps Romney won’t balance the budget, solve the debt crisis in its entirety, or reduce the size and role of the federal government to its constitutional limits, but he will advance the ball in a meaningful way. And we desperately need to advance the ball.
Further, Romney will work to reverse or repeal some of the oppressive and deleterious regulations that hamper economic growth and kill jobs. If I was a betting man, which I am not, I would bet that Romney won’t eliminate all the infectious regulations that plague our economy, but he will begin the process. And it is an important process that must start somewhere.
The Judicial branch is another area on which a Romney presidency will certainly have a positive impact. Many federal judges appointed by President Obama, for instance, are judicial activists and results oriented, which means they legislate from the bench and do not have an uncompromising respect for the rule of law as we should demand from our jurists. A President Romney will nominate proven judges who strictly and faithfully interpret the Constitution and our other laws and uphold the rule of law.
With respect to foreign affairs, Mitt Romney will not obstinately snub his nose at the world acting unilaterally and without our allies’ support, despite what some Democrats would have us believe. Instead, as he explained in his last debate with President Obama he will lead by example and build coalitions of mutual opportunity with the nations of the world through leadership and shared interests, rather than through reliance on feckless multi-national organizations. The governor also will not travel the world apologizing and appeasing our rivals and adversaries. In short, a President Romney will be a welcome change in foreign policy.
Governor Romney will undoubtedly not take us to the proverbial Promised Land as quickly as some of us would like, if at all. But with baby steps, the rest of the American people may come to realize over time that we prosper with freedom, a limited federal government, and a judiciary that respects the rule of law. The bottom line: Governor Romney will move us away from the cliff that an Obama reelection could ensure we fly right off. At this point in our nation’s history, moving away from the precipice edge – even if we take baby steps away from it – is the only way to go.
Ian Linker is an attorney and former Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate from New Jersey.
The Village of Ridgewood Parks and Recreation Department
October 26,2012
The Village of Ridgewood Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring the following programs. Registration forms can be submitted in person or by mail (cash or check only). Online registration using Visa or MasterCard is done through Community Pass. Call the Recreation Office at 201-670-5560 with any questions or if special accommodations are needed. https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/department_detail.cfm?dept_id=34
A Fall Middle School Mixer for Grades 7 and 8 will be held on Friday, November 2 from 7:30-9 p.m. Sponsored by Ridgewood Parks and Recreation, the Bergen County Municipal Alliance Grant and the NJ Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, students from Village middle schools can come together to enjoy music, dancing, refreshments and fun at the Annie Zusy Youth Center. A donation of $8 is requested (all funding will benefit the refurbishment of the Community Center). The dance will be held in the Annie Zusy Youth Center, located on the ground level of Village Hall, 131 N. Maple Avenue. Parents must drop off and pick up children in the rear lot of Village Hall by the Community Center entrance.
Bats, Bats, Bats, a children’s show, will be held on Wednesday, November 7 at 11 a.m. in the Anne Zusy Youth Center, Village Hall, 131 North Maple Ave. Expert Joseph D’Angeli will present live bats and lecture on the vital role these endangered creatures play on earth. Co-sponsored by The Women Gardeners of Ridgewood and Ridgewood Parks and Recreation, the cost is $5 per person (free to “Green Kids” club members). Tickets may be purchased in advance at The Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telephone 201-670-5560.
Peas And Carrots Music, a children’s show, will be held on Thursday, November 8 at 1 p.m. at the Anne Zusy Youth Center, Village Hall, 131 N. Maple Avenue. Peas and Carrots Music uses music as that perfect medium to teach basic fundamentals of everyday life, such as the days of the week, the diversity of animals and nature, or just simple counting. Audience members of all ages will enjoy this live presentation with educational and traditional songs. The cost is $5 (ages 2 and up). Purchase tickets in advance at The Stable, 259 N. Maple Ave., Monday through Friday,
8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Telephone 201-670-5560.
Analysis: Americans to face tougher 2013 on rising prices, taxes
By Edward Krudy
NEW YORK | Thu Oct 25, 2012 7:25am EDT
(Reuters) – Consumers will have to dig deeper into their pockets next year to pay for costlier healthcare, more expensive grocery bills and higher taxes, an extra drag on the country’s already slow-moving economy.
The additional outlays look set to test the resilience of consumers, whose spending accounts for around two-thirds of the U.S. economy.
“We think it’s going to be a difficult six to nine months,” said Scott Hoyt, senior director of consumer economics for Moody’s Analytics. “If anything, conditions are likely to get worse, particularly at the start of the year.”
The strength of consumer spending has surprised some economists, given unemployment near 8 percent and anemic wage growth. Consumer spending has cushioned the blow to the United States from slower foreign demand for its goods.
U.S. households have shed about $880 billion in debt since the peak in the first quarter of 2008, according to Federal Reserve data. That has put many consumers on a path back to financial health.
But an expiration of payroll tax cuts in early January and a spike in food prices could wipe 0.8 percentage points off U.S. economic growth next year, according to some economists.
The economy is now expected to expand 2 percent in 2013, down from 2.1 percent in 2012, a Reuters poll showed.
Consumer groups are noting caution on the part of households when it comes to such things as taking on more debt, retirement savings and gasoline prices.
“People are very concerned about what is going to happen next year because they are already seeing price increases that are affecting their budgets,” said Bruce McClary, a spokesman for Clear Point, a nationwide credit counseling organization that helps consumers experiencing problems with debt.
Texas sparks international row with election observers
By Julian Pecquet – 10/25/12 03:04 PM ET
Texas authorities have threatened to arrest international election observers, prompting a furious response from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
“The threat of criminal sanctions against [international] observers is unacceptable,” Janez Lenarčič, the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), said in a statement. “The United States, like all countries in the OSCE, has an obligation to invite ODIHR observers to observe its elections.”
Lawmakers from the group of 56 European and Central Asian nations have been observing U.S. elections since 2002, without incident. Their presence has become a flashpoint this year, however, as Republicans accuse Democrats of voter fraud while Democrats counter that GOP-inspired voter ID laws aim to disenfranchise minority voters.
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott further fueled the controversy on Tuesday when he sent a letter to the OSCE warning the organization that its representatives “are not authorized by Texas law to enter a polling place” and that it “may be a criminal offense for OSCE’s representatives to maintain a presence within 100 feet of a polling place’s entrance.”
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
400 PM EDT THU OCT 25 2012
SOUTH SHORE BAYS FROM JONES INLET THROUGH SHINNECOCK BAY-
NORTHERN FAIRFIELD-NORTHERN NEW HAVEN-NORTHERN MIDDLESEX-
NORTHERN NEW LONDON-SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD-SOUTHERN NEW HAVEN-
SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX-SOUTHERN NEW LONDON-WESTERN PASSAIC-
EASTERN PASSAIC-HUDSON-WESTERN BERGEN-EASTERN BERGEN-WESTERN ESSEX-
EASTERN ESSEX-WESTERN UNION-EASTERN UNION-ORANGE-PUTNAM-ROCKLAND-
NORTHERN WESTCHESTER-SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER-NEW YORK (MANHATTAN)-BRONX-
RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND)-KINGS (BROOKLYN)-NORTHWESTERN SUFFOLK-
NORTHEASTERN SUFFOLK-SOUTHWESTERN SUFFOLK-SOUTHEASTERN SUFFOLK-
NORTHERN QUEENS-NORTHERN NASSAU-SOUTHERN QUEENS-SOUTHERN NASSAU-
400 PM EDT THU OCT 25 2012
THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR ATLANTIC COASTAL
WATERS…SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT…NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY AND SOUTHEAST
NEW YORK.
.DAY ONE…THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.
HAZARDOUS WEATHER NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.
THERE IS INCREASING CONFIDENCE THAT THE TRI-STATE AREA WILL FEEL THE IMPACTS OF A DANGEROUS COASTAL STORM LATE THIS WEEKEND INTO EARLY NEXT WEEK. THIS INCLUDES THE POTENTIAL FOR HEAVY RAINFALL
AND RESULTANT SIGNIFICANT URBAN…SMALL STREAM…AND RIVER
FLOODING…HIGH WINDS CAUSING WIDESPREAD DOWNING OF TREES AND
POWER LINES…AND SIGNIFICANT SHORELINE IMPACTS FROM COASTAL
FLOODING AND BEACH EROSION. THE SPECIFIC IMPACTS WILL ULTIMATELY
DEPEND ON THE EXACT TRACK AND EVOLUTION OF TROPICAL CYCLONE SANDY
AS IT INTERACTS WITH A DEEPENING UPPER LEVEL LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM
APPROACHING THE EAST COAST.
PLEASE REFER TO THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER FOR THE LATEST
FORECASTS ON SANDY…AND MONITOR THE LATEST NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE FORECASTS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK.
27 oct and 28 oct will be HUGE garage sale!Rain or sun!10 am – 4 pm
218 Steilen Ave, Ridgewood.
A lot of clothes, shoes, dishes, frames, electronics, sports equipment,books and every day stuff.
Don’t miss it!
GARAGE SALE Saturday, October 27 and Sunday October 28 , time 9-3
Ridgewood NJ 318 Willow court (off Grove)
Multifamily, huge variety, glass dining table, backyard lounges, designer clothing, souvenirs around the world, decorative items, european crystal vases, copper items, art, pictures, books, some baby stuff,
Just come and see, the price is right
Tuition at N.J.’s public colleges, universities third highest in the nation
Tuition at New Jersey’s public colleges and universities is the third highest in the nation, averaging $12,399, according to a report from the College Board released Wednesday
That price tag — $3,744 above the national average — is up 13 percent over the past five years, as is tuition at the state’s community colleges, which now averages $4,218, according to the report, titled “Trends in College Pricing 2012-2013.”
A high cost of living and a relative lack of state support for public colleges and universities help make New Jersey’s schools expensive for students, experts say. The state ranks 32nd in per-capita spending on higher education, according to the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities. (Alex, The Record)
Judge rules against parents in Camden case, kids to remain in failing district schools
Sub-Par education forced on children by Judiciary
An administrative law judge yesterday ruled against three Camden parents hoping to yank their kids from public schools on the grounds that they were failing to provide a “through and efficient” education.
The court’s decision in Vargas v. Camden adds to the state’s never-ending debate over constitutional rights to a quality education.
Essentially, the parents filed a class-action complaint with the state arguing that their children should be entitled to attend another district or even private school on the public’s dime because they were suffering “irreparable harm” for every day they stayed in the Camden system.
As part of the case filed with state Education Commissioner Chris Cerf, the three petitioners sought immediate emergent — or emergency — relief to flee what is arguably the lowest-performing district in the state. (Mooney, NJ Spotlight)
Hearing On School Violence, Vandalism And Substance Abuse
October 22,2012
By the Numbers
Ridgewood NJ, Hearing On School Violence, Vandalism And Substance Abuse (Including HIB) Report Ridgewood High School Assistant Principal Mr. Basil Pizzuto presented and reviewed the district-wide School Violence, Vandalism and Substance Abuse (including HIB) Report for January – June 2012.
The total number of students involved in all reported incidents was 51 over the whole school year. Regina Botsford, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, reminded the Board that this week is School Violence Week and that several awareness programs have been scheduled at the schools to supplement the ongoing efforts that are made all year.
o Incidents of violence, including HIB, January – June 2012: 16 (21 total year)
o Incidents of vandalism, January – June 2012: 5 (9 total year)
o Incidents of weapons, January – June 2012: 0 (0 total year)
o Incidents of substance abuse, January – June 2012: 5 (8 total year)
Panel Presentation on Language Arts in the Professional World
Hosted by the RPS Curriculum Communication Committee Tuesday, November 27 at the Education Center, from 7:30-9 p.m.
Featuring notable panelists: Harlan Coben — renowned novelist, Ridgewood resident and RPS parent Alan Finder — freelance writer and editor, former New York Times reporter, Ridgewood resident and RPS parent Laura Nicosa — Associate Professor of English and English Education Coordinator, Montclair State University Donald Taylor — Senior Vice President/Portfolio Manager, Franklin Equity Group/Franklin Equity Services, LLC., Ridgewood resident and RPS parent Nadia Tscherny — Art History scholar/college professor/SAT and college essay tutor, Ridgewood resident and RPS parent.
Parents and guardians are invited to come out and hear what these noted panelists have to say about:
What skills, attitudes and pursuits in the Language Arts literacies of reading, writing, listening, speaking or viewing have benefitted you in your professional life?How might schools best create learning experiences that foster success in using the Language Arts literacies in students’ lives and in their future careers?
