Iowa’s Grassley responds to Obama’s executive privilege move on ‘Fast and Furious’ Attorney General Eric Holder facing contempt charges
9:30 AM, Jun 20, 2012
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Dept says that President Barack Obama has asserted executive privilege to withhold documents a House committee is seeking in an investigation of a flawed gun-smuggling probe.
In a letter to Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., a Justice Department official said the privilege applies to documents that explain how the department learned that there were problems with the investigation called Operation Fast and Furious.
““The assertion of executive privilege raises monumental questions,” Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley said in a statement released Wednesday shortly after the president’s move. “How can the President assert executive privilege if there was no White House involvement? How can the President exert executive privilege over documents he’s supposedly never seen? Is something very big being hidden to go to this extreme? The contempt citation is an important procedural mechanism in our system of checks and balances. The questions from Congress go to determining what happened in a disastrous government program for accountability and so that it’s never repeated again.”
Grassley is the ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee and has previously called a Justice Department investigation into the “Fast and Furious” gunrunning operation “botched.”
File Photo Ridgewood PD will the beat cop be back?
Ridgewood Police Back on the Beat ?
06/20/12 10:57 AM
the Staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ , As part of the new community policing initiative, Ridgewood Police Chief John Ward is bringing back the beat cop to the Ridgewood Central business District. The feeling is that with an increased pedestrians activity in the downtown and a serious issues with pedestrian-involved accidents Chief Ward plans to put one officer on foot patrol during the busy afternoons and nights over the entire summer.
According to the Bureau of Justice in the monograph A Frame Work for Action : Community policing is, in essence, a collaboration between the police and the community that identifies and solves community problems . Obviously Chief Ward’s summertime initiative is an attempt to improve traffic safety conditions in the downtown Ridgewood.
Community policing came in to favor in the early 1980’s .It gave the police and the community greater opportunity to interact as opposed to what had become the tradition that stressed efficiency over effectiveness with rapid response as the primary means of addressing serious crime.
Many old timers remember Ridgewood PD paroling the downtown spinning their night stick .According to Deputy Mayor Tom Riche this is “Something I have been asking for a long time. We should have a walking cop downtown on the busy nights. ” Richie went on ,”The Central Business District already has a patrol car stationed but the car often gets pulled away for calls. The walking post assures that someone is there regardless of the call volume. ”
The issue of foot patrols in the Central Business District (CBD) has been hotly debated over the years on this blog with most readers seem in favor .
Village Council members however are rightfully concerned about the cost impact : Deputy Mayor Tom Riche once again explains , “The issue is the Chief has been told to manage his huge overtime budget. On face value it appears he is going to give out comp time in lieu of pay. This plan just defers our liability to be cashed in at a later date at possibly a higher rate of pay. If he requires that the comp time be taken within a specific time frame ie: same year, and those comp days don’t create additional overtime issues then it may be OK. “
Heat Wave: Prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity.
Heat Index: A number (in degrees Fahrenheit) that tells how hot it really feels when relative humidity is added to the actual air temperature. Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees F.
Heat Cramps: Muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are an early signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.
Heat Exhaustion: Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke.
Heat Stroke or Sunstroke: A life-threatening condition when the victim’s temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.
Know What to do When a Heat Wave is Predicted/Happening
Slow down! Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. Try to go to a public building with air conditioning each day for several hours. Remember, electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy.
Drink plenty of water regularly and often (even if you aren’t thirsty). Your body needs water to keep cool.
Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly, but make the heat’s effects on your body worse. This is especially true about beer, which dehydrates the body.
Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.
Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
Signals of Heat Emergencies
Heat Exhaustion: Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.
Heat Stroke or Sunstroke: Hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high – as high as 105 degrees F. If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry.
Know What to do When a Heat Emergency Occurs
Heat Cramps: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.
Heat Exhaustion: Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position, and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition.
Heat Stroke or Sunstroke: Heat or sun stroke is a life-threatening situation. Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.
Registration for YWCA Bergen County Summer Classes Now Open
June 19, 2012
Registration is now open for the YWCA Bergen County’s summer session. Classes run from June 24th through August 18th, 2012, and members can register at www.ywcabergencounty.org, by phone or in person.
New summer classes include one-week concentrated swim lessons (June 18th to 22nd) for children and adults and Aqua Adventures, a two-week class for kids aged five to 10 that combines swim lessons and structured free play. American Red Cross certified swim lessons for ages three through 16 are split into two four-week sessions to accommodate family vacation and camp schedules.
The YWCA has also expanded its summer fitness class schedule, which includes Bellydance Boogie, Aqua Zumba®, Vinyasa Yoga and Integrated Pilates, and is offering additional Aquatherapy classes. Drop-in child care is available at the 112 Oak Street Ridgewood facility. Visit www.ywcabergencounty.org for details or call (201) 444-5600 for a free brochure.
The YWCA Bergen County is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. They are the area’s largest provider of child care services, a recognized leader in health and fitness programs, and operator of the county’s only Rape Crisis Center. Celebrating nearly a century of commitment to our community, today they improve the lives of thousands of women, girls and their families. Visit www.ywcabergencounty.org for more information.
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
404 PM EDT TUE JUN 19 2012
…HEAT ON THE WAY…
.LARGE AREA OF HIGH PRESSURE WILL PROVIDE HOT CONDITIONS THROUGH
MID WEEK.
...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON WEDNESDAY TO 8 PM EDT THURSDAY…
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON HAS ISSUED A HEAT ADVISORY…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON WEDNESDAY TO 8 PM EDT THURSDAY.
* LOCATIONS…NEW YORK CITY…NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY…THE LOWER
HUDSON VALLEY…PORTIONS OF SOUTHWEST CONNECTICUT…AND NORTHERN
NASSAU COUNTY.
* HAZARDS…HIGH HEAT.
* HEAT INDEX VALUES…100 TO 105 DUE TO TEMPERATURES IN THE MID TO
UPPER 90S AND DEWPOINTS IN THE UPPER 60S TO AROUND 70.
* TIMING…WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING AND THURSDAY AFTERNOON
AND EVENING.
* IMPACTS…THESE EXPECTED HEAT INDICES WILL RESULT IN DANGEROUS
CONDITIONS FOR THOSE SPENDING PROLONGED PERIODS OF TIME OUTSIDE.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A HEAT ADVISORY IS ISSUED WHEN THE COMBINATION OF HEAT AND
HUMIDITY IS EXPECTED TO MAKE IT FEEL LIKE IT IS 100 TO
104 DEGREES FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE HOURS. TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS IF
YOU WORK OR SPEND TIME OUTSIDE. WHEN POSSIBLE…RESCHEDULE
STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES TO EARLY MORNING OR EVENING. KNOW THE SIGNS
AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE. WEAR LIGHT
WEIGHT AND LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING WHEN POSSIBLE AND DRINK PLENTY
OF WATER.
A HEAT ADVISORY IS ISSUED FOR NEW YORK CITY WHEN THE COMBINATION
OF HEAT AND HUMIDITY IS EXPECTED TO MAKE IT FEEL LIKE IT IS AT
LEAST 95 DEGREES FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS…OR 100 DEGREES FOR ANY
LENGTH OF TIME. TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS IF YOU WORK OR SPEND TIME
OUTSIDE. WHEN POSSIBLE…RESCHEDULE STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES TO EARLY
MORNING OR EVENING. KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION
AND HEAT STROKE. WEAR LIGHT WEIGHT AND LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING WHEN
POSSIBLE AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER.
NEW YORK CITY RESIDENTS SHOULD CALL 3-1-1 TO IDENTIFY COOLING
CENTER LOCATIONS AND TO OBTAIN BEAT THE HEAT SAFETY TIPS.
TO REDUCE RISK DURING OUTDOOR WORK THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND
HEALTH ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDS SCHEDULING FREQUENT REST BREAKS
IN SHADED OR AIR CONDITIONED ENVIRONMENTS. ANYONE OVERCOME BY
HEAT SHOULD BE MOVED TO A COOL AND SHADED LOCATION. HEAT STROKE
IS AN EMERGENCY…CALL 9 1 1.
Angry public wants treason charges for media leaks
June 19, 2012
Paul Bedard
Washington Secrets
The Washington Examiner
@SecretsBedard
A clear majority of Americans believe the media is jeopardizing national security when publishing intelligence leaks, but the degree of anger depends on their political bent.
According to Rasmussen Reports, 82% percent of conservative voters think publishing secrets hurts national security, a view shared by 68 percent of moderates but only 56 percent of liberals.
In a poll that damns the media and the administration, 72% of likely U.S. voters say the leaks undermine national security. Rasmussen adds that only 14% believe the media is providing a public service when it releases that information.
Most importantly, some 51% of voters said leaking classified documents is an act of treason, bolstering congressional and Justice investigations into leaks that led to stories about the killing of Osama bin Laden and the high-tech raid on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
New Handicapped Parking Area for Ridgewood July Fourth Fireworks
The handicapped parking area for the Ridgewood Fourth of July fireworks has been moved to the parking lot at the corner of Meadowbrook Avenue and Northern Parkway. This move was necessitated by an increase to the safety zone surrounding the fireworks.
Disabled patrons may be dropped off at the parking lot behind Veteran’s Field, located at Fairway Road and Northern Parkway. Vehicles will then need to park in the lot at Meadowbrook Avenue and Northern Parkway.
Please be aware that the vehicles may not be able to return to pick up the disabled patron until after the other patrons have left Veteran’s Field. Pedestrian and vehicular traffic following the fireworks is always heavy and there may be a significant delay when bringing your car from
Meadowbrook Avenue and Northern Parkway back to Fairway Road and Northern Parkway. The disabled patron should expect to wait before they are able to get back to their car following the fireworks.
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee has worked closely with the Ridgewood Police and Fire Departments as well as our fireworks exhibitor, Fireworks Extravaganza, to plan a safe evening for all of our patrons. After many meetings and great discussion, this was the
safest and best option for all involved.
Ridgewood Police Department cracks down on drivers, caught violating crosswalk laws
Tuesday June 19, 2012, 11:19 AM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News
If waterfowl could pay fines, Ridgewood Police Chief John Ward might have ticketed the ducklings that jaywalked themselves into a storm drain last month. But alas, the laws in town apply only to the pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists who share the roads, not necessarily to birds.
“Had they been crossing in the crosswalk, there wouldn’t have been a problem,” Ward quipped, noting that he was conducting his usual pedestrian safety checks that morning.
Village residents can expect a beefed-up law enforcement presence now through the end of summer as the Ridgewood Police Department cracks down on anyone, particularly drivers, caught violating crosswalk laws.
PSE&G gets green light on major transmission upgrade
Public Service Electric & Gas yesterday won regulatory approval to upgrade its transmission system, a project that could cost up to $390 million and cut through 15 municipalities in Morris, Essex, Union, Somerset, and Middlesex counties.
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities unanimously approved the project, the latest in a series of transmission upgrades planned by the state’s largest electric utility in a program that will lay out $3.5 billion in capital expenditures over the next several years. (Johnson, NJ Spotlight)
Superintendent Daniel Fishbein Promises RHS Bridge will be open for Graduation
June 18,2012
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The long delayed opening of the RHS/Stevens field bridge may finally be at hand . Ridgewood Schools Superintendent Daniel Fishbein said at Monday night’s BOE meeting that the bridge will be open in time for the Ridgewood High School graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 21.
file photos of RHS Bridge
The bridge connects Stevens Field to the main RHS campus and RHS Stadium . The bridge was found to be structurally damaged in late 2009. In November of 2011 the bridge was finally shut down to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Repairs cost the BOE approximately $85,000 .
The RHS bridge has been closed since November due to serious structural problems. Years of flooding, wear and tear and old age had finally taken its toll.. Repairs began in May , and as work proceeded it became apparent that the bridge needed far more work than originally anticipated. Bad weather and construction related delays have also pushed back the project.
Pilot Plan to deploy refueling stations for compressed natural gas
In a step that reflects a goal of the state Energy Master Plan, regulatory officials yesterday approved a pilot program to allow a utility to spend up to $10 million to build compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling stations in its service territory.
The state Board of Public Utilities approved the one-year pilot proposed by New Jersey Natural Gas to build between five and seven CNG refueling stations at companies that plan to convert a portion of their fleets to run on the fuel, as well as provide opportunities for the public to fill up their natural gas vehicles. (Johnson, NJ Spotlight)
New Jersey bill on dismissing tenured teachers advances
A New Jersey Senate panel advanced changes to tenure laws that would make it easier for administrators to fire ineffective public-school teachers.
The measure, sponsored by Senator Teresa Ruiz, a Democrat from Newark who heads the Senate Education Committee, was approved unanimously today by the chamber’s budget panel. Governor Chris Christie, a 49-year-old Republican, has pushed for similar changes since last year.
“We have been supportive of Senator Ruiz’s efforts on tenure reform and will await the final bill,” Michael Drewniak, a Christie spokesman, said by e-mail. (Dopp, Bloomberg)
U.Va. research: Arguing kids could have benefits
Monday – 6/18/2012, 7:57am ET
By SAMANTHA KOON
The Daily Progress
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) – Though parents have been teaching their children not to argue with adults for generations, new research from the University of Virginia shows that young teenagers who are taught to argue effectively are more likely to resist peer pressure to use drugs or alcohol later in adolescence.
“It turns out that what goes on in the family is actually a training ground for teens in terms of how to negotiate with other people,” said Joseph Allen, a U.Va. psychology professor and the lead author of the study, results of which were published in a recent edition of the journal Child Development.
Allen said that parents are often “scared to death about peer pressure,” but also frustrated by argumentative children.
“What we’re finding is there’s a surprising connection between the two,” he said. Allen noted that teens “learn they can be taken seriously” through interactions with their parents.
“Sometimes, it can be counterintuitive to tell parents to let their teens argue with them,” said Joanna Chango, a clinical psychology graduate student at UVa who worked on the study. In fact, learning effective argumentation skills can help teenagers learn to “assert themselves and establish a sense of autonomy,” she said.
June 19, 2012 Harmony Celebration Chorus – Sweet Adelines
Kasschau Shell Performance Free Concert Under the Stars! On Vets Field, behind the Ridgewood Library at 8:30PM. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the music! Sponsors : Vam Dyk Health Care, Inc. and Ridgewood News
June 21, 2012 Free Concert – Ticket2Ride – Beatles
Kasschau Shell Free concert Under the Stars! At 8:30PM on Vets Field, behind the Ridgewood Library. sponsored by: Keller Williams – Ridgewood and Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill
June 24, 2012 Real Estate – Benefit Concert for Nick Currey Fund Kasschau Shell on Veteran’s Field Real Living Gateway Realtors presents Real Estate A Benefit Concert for the Nick Currey Fund for Ewing Sarcoma Research Sunday, June 24th at 7 PM Kasschau Memorial Shell Ridgewood, NJ Opening for Real Estate will be Toasted Plastic and Spook Houses from Ridgewood.
June 24, 2012 FARMER’S MARKET OPENS! Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce
Located on the westside of the Ridgewood Train Station in the parking lot, every Sunday from June 24 to October 28th from 9am to 3pm. Come enjoy Jersey Fresh produce and products!
