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Critics warn that bill would widen NSA’s reach

big-brother-theridgewoodblog.net

Critics warn that bill would widen NSA’s reach
Saturday November 2, 2013, 11:49 PM
BY  ELLEN NAKASHIMA
THE WASHINGTON POST
The Record

WASHINGTON — Privacy advocates and at least one U.S. senator are expressing concern that legislation introduced Thursday would not only endorse the National Security Agency’s collection of all Americans’ phone records, but would also give the agency permission to collect massive amounts of their email records.

The bill to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which advanced out of the Senate Intelligence Committee, would codify limits that a special court has placed on NSA’s use of the records.

But if the FISA Improvements Act became law, Congress would be validating expansive powers that have been claimed by the NSA and upheld by a court — but never explicitly written into statute — to harvest the phone and email records of millions of Americans, the advocates say.

“The bill that the intelligence committee voted on this week would expressly authorize this bulk collection for the first time, and that would be a huge step backward for the rights of law-abiding Americans,” said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., one of four committee members who voted against moving the bill.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/Critics_warn_that_bill_would_widen_NSAs_reach.html#sthash.AYN7hBTR.dpuf

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Dawn and Jennifer’s Philadelphia Engagement Shoot

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Dawn and Jennifer’s Philadelphia Engagement Shoot

Destination Wedding Photography

Dawn and Jennifer’s Philadelphia Engagement   photography shoot at Wissahickon Valley Trail, Philadelphia, PA. Save this date , I am so excited to photograph their wedding on October 2014.

The couple selected me because of my sensitivity and what they saw as my ability to photograph there special wedding day just as they envisioned it.

I specialize in wedding photojournalism, engagement photography and destination wedding photography. I began my career just over 12 years ago learning through apprenticeships with well established photographers. I have worked hard to satisfy my clients, building  my portfolio, and develop my skills. I adore this line of work and I am constantly striving to capture these special moments naturally.

I have worked with over the past 12 years. And then of course, there is my “Portfolio” which consist of images I selected over the years from Celebrities (such as Lady Gaga in 2008 for DJ Times Magazine), Bridal Couture, Engagements, and of course Weddings, to acquaint you with my style and experience.

When Dawn and Jennifer stumbled on my website they discovered a black and white photograph of two women in bridal gowns holding one another on market street with a crowd walking by staring at them. They instantly fell in love with my work. The liked my approach to wedding photography which is natural and non posed.

I picked the Wissahickon Valley Trail for their engagement session because they wanted to include a lot of fall foliage symbolizing the change in their life.

I prefer to customize packages based on my clients’ specific needs. But don’t feel worried. My prices are reasonable and competitive. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have. Wedding Consultations are free and can be scheduled at my studio at 122 Church Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. We can also connect via Skype (ArtChickbiz) , or phone: 215-650-7052

https://kristinepaigephotography.com/

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DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS THIS WEEKEND: CLOCKS TURN BACK

Clock_Ridgewood_theridgewopodblog.net_
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS THIS WEEKEND: CLOCKS TURN BACK

Daylight Savings Time ends at 2 a.m. this Sunday, November 3. Please remember to turn back your clocks one hour before turning in on Saturday night!

End of Daylight Saving Time can mean headaches for some

https://www.myfoxdc.com/story/23838643/beginning-of-daylight-saving-time-can-mean-headaches-for-some#axzz2jNqlvWe6

 Hotwire US

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Downtown for the Holidays and Tree Lighting Celebration Friday, December 6, 2013

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Downtown for the Holidays and Tree Lighting Celebration Friday, December 6, 2013

New this year – “for the kids” 5:30-6:30pm – Santa in the Park for the “wee tots” and a “Kids Corner” offering holiday Arts & Crafts in front of the Park along with live entertainment by the “clock” and in the stores and restaurant along E. Ridgewood Ave. Featuring the RHS Marching Band, RHS Singers, RHS Orchestra 7-8pm “on stage-live” Live Entertainment and Tree Lighting Celebration Featuring performances by Porch Light Productions, From the Top Studio, Art of Motion and Arthur Murray Dance Studio. 8:00-9:00pm “merriment” on E. Ridgewood Ave. Shh – Santa will be back in the Park Lots of music on the Avenue – two live bands, carolers, musicians Stores will be having special sales, restaurant reservation suggested.

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An Easter Message from Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan

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An Easter Message from Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan

I want to wish all our Christian families in Bergen County a very Happy and glorious Easter Sunday. I hope you get to spend this very special day with your friends and family reliving your long held traditions.
 
On another note, I want to thank the many people who have offered me their good wishes for a speedy recovery from the back problems that required me to seek medical attention. Your cards, flowers and messages of support mean a lot to me and are giving me added motivation to get through the rehabilitation process.

I look forward to returning to my full time duties as County Executive as quickly as possible. In the meantime, my staff continues to keep me updated daily on county business and to forward me all pertinent information about the operations of county government.

Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan

 

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Analysis: N.J. gas tax still taboo… and for good reason

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Ridgewood PD guarding road construction

Editors note : the Record always omits the fact that the only one making out from an increased gas tax are unions . An increase in gas taxes is a direct payoff to unions looking to get reelected .Years of mismanagement of the High Way trust fund is not even acknowledged . The fact is the state does a terrible jobs allocating resources and spending money . residents have already payed for good roads and bridges , yet politicians since Jim Mac greevey have failed to deliver .In our town look at all the waste , a $9 million Village Hall renovation that was nothing less than a total fiasco as well as many $400,000 golden toilet projects ,it is a wonder anything get done …

Analysis: N.J. gas tax still taboo
Friday March 29, 2013, 11:14 PM
BY  JOHN REITMEYER AND KAREN RO– USE
STAFF WRITERS
The Record

New Jersey commuters should get used to idling in traffic, making sudden detours when a bridge fails an inspection and standing on overcrowded railcars.

That’s because the $1 billion state fund that pays for transportation upgrades is tapped out, able to pay only the debt it has accrued over the past decade and leaving a transportation system ranked among the worst in the country with little money for repairs and improvement. And there is no political will in Trenton, by Republicans or Democrats, to increase New Jersey’s 10.5-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax, which provides the main cash for the state Transportation Trust Fund.

With Governor Christie seeking a second term this year, and gearing up for a possible presidential run in 2016, he is unlikely to push to raise the gas tax. In fact, he’s repeatedly dismissed talk of increasing the tax, even when asked in the wake of superstorm Sandy if it could be a tool to help fund the state’s recovery.

And Democrats, who control the Legislature and have been critical of how Christie has handled transportation spending, have not put forward a plan to fix the state’s transportation problems. They too lack the political courage to push a tax hike, especially with all 120 seats in the Legislature on the November ballot this year.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/Analysis_NJ_gas_tax_still_taboo.html

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Analysts back off predictions of $4 gas

gasprices_theridgewoodblog.net_

file photo

Analysts back off predictions of $4 gas

Filling your gas tank may not hurt as much for the rest of the year.

After surging nearly 60 cents from late December to a $3.79 peak Feb. 27, prices have fallen for 25 of the past 29 days. Nationally, regular-grade gas now averages $3.65 a gallon — about 26 cents below year-ago levels. USA Today

https://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20130329/NEWS05/303290045/Analysts-back-off-predictions-of-4-plus-gas?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s

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Amanda Knox “anxious” as Italy’s high court weighs her acquittal of roommate murder

Amanda Knox Awaits Murder Verdict

Amanda Knox “anxious” as Italy’s high court weighs her acquittal of roommate murder
By Associated Press, Updated: Monday, March 25, 7:16 AM

ROME — Amanda Knox was “very anxious” as Italy’s top criminal court heard arguments Monday from prosecutors appealing her acquittal in the murder of her roommate, her lawyer said.

“She’s carefully paying attention to what will come out,” attorney Luciano Ghirga said as he arrived at Italy’s Court of Cassation. “This is a fundamental stage. The trial is very complex.”

Prosecutors are asking the high court to throw out the acquittals of American Knox and her Italian ex-boyfriend in the murder of 21-year-old British student Meredith Kercher, and order a new trial.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/amanda-knox-anxiously-awaits-verdict-from-italys-high-court-on-acquittal-of-roommate-murder/2013/03/25/354108c2-952c-11e2-95ca-dd43e7ffee9c_story.html

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2013 Village Budget – March 20, 2013 – Update

Ridgewood_-Village_Hall_theridgewoodblog.net_10

2013 Village Budget – March 20, 2013 – Update

The information in this section is a working document of Village Finance and Village Manager’s Office.

The Village Council approves the 2013 budget, after a thorough process of which these documents are the current discussion following department requests and CFO/Manager negotiations with the department.

Included in this folder are:

1.) 2012 Budget Newsletter (for reference) – Click Here

2.) 2012 Adopted Budget – Click Here

3.) 2013 edited budget discussion presented at 1-30-13 Council workshop

Pages 1 -14

General, budget options: base, zero increase, zero tax increase

Timeline (page 1-2)

Amount to be raised by taxation (page 3)

Budget Revenue (pages 4-6)

Budget Appropriations (pages 7-12)

Discussion of potential revenue increase (pages 13-14)

Please understand, this is not a final document. It will not be voted on by the Council in this form. There will be opportunities for you, if interested, to appear before the Council and comment or question the proposed 2013 Budget prior to final adoption by the Council. In addition to Council meetings the meeting times of department discussions with the Council will be posted on the Village’s website – www.ridgewoodnj.net

For the Report
https://mods.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/manager/2013VillageBudgetStatus.pdf

For Proposed modifications to the 2013 Village budget,
https://mods.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/manager/20130312BudgetMod.pdf

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1 in 50 American kids has autism, controversial survey says

graydon_kids_theridgewoodblog.net_

file photo by Boyd Loving

1 in 50 American kids has autism, controversial survey says

NEW YORK — A government survey of parents says 1 in 50 U.S. schoolchildren has autism, surpassing another federal estimate for the disorder.

Associated Press

https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2013/03/1_in_50_us_schoolchildren_has.html#incart_flyout_news

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30,000 books donated for Paterson children

StackofBooks

30,000 books donated for Paterson children
Sunday March 17, 2013, 9:46 PM
BY  DENISA R. SUPERVILLE
STAFF WRITER
The Record

PATERSON — The Big Book Drive, a four-week campaign that ended Sunday, has yielded more than 30,000 books — enough to give one to every school-aged child in the city.

“I think there is not a child’s book in any home anywhere in Bergen and Passaic counties because they were all sent to Paterson,” said Cindy Czesak, the director of the Paterson Free Public Library. “It’s beautiful. It’s overwhelming.”

As the drive wound down on Sunday, donors continued to drop off books. The lobby of The Record and the Herald News — the drive’s sponsors along with the library — had boxes and plastic bags of books, including a leather-bound series of Encyclopedia Britannica and children’s books from the Lizzie McGuire series.

https://www.northjersey.com/allendale/30000_books_donated_for_Paterson_children.html

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41% Will Wear Green to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

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41% Will Wear Green to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
Sunday, March 17, 2013

Many Americans will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day today by wearing green or having a drink even though they don’t consider it an important holiday.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 41% of American Adults plan to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day, but nearly as many (39%) don’t intend to do so. One-in-five (20%) aren’t sure yet.

https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/holidays/march_2013/41_will_wear_green_to_celebrate_st_patrick_s_day

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10 Bergen County schools on list of highest performing in state

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10 Bergen County schools on list of highest performing in state
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
The Record

Ten Bergen County schools are among 57 that New Jersey has deemed to be “Reward Schools,” meaning they were among the highest performing in the state last year, or saw the greatest student gains in passing state tests.

Most of the schools winning the new designation — which the state Department of Education posted online last week with little fanfare — are in affluent communities or are selective magnet schools, such as the Bergen County Academies in Hackensack and Bergen County Technical High School in Teterboro.

The others in the high-performance category include Alpine Elementary School, Lyncrest Elementary School in Fair Lawn, Richard E. Byrd School and Central School in Glen Rock, Charles DeWolf Middle School in Old Tappan and Sicomac Elementary School in Wyckoff. The state said these schools had the highest rates of proficiency on state tests last spring — schoolwide and in various racial and ethnic groups.

Two Bergen schools, Hillside Elementary in Closter and Orchard Elementary in Ridgewood, were deemed to have shown especially high growth for three years.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/197719311_10_Bergen_County_schools_on_list_of_highest_performing_in_state.html

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Allendale moving on water privatization contract

tap-water

Allendale moving on water privatization contract
Monday, March 11, 2013
BY  ALLISON PRIES
STAFF WRITER
The Record

ALLENDALE — The council plans to vote today on a draft contract that would privatize the operation of its water system. The contract, if approved at today’s special meeting, would go before the public at the council’s March 28 meeting.

The contract awards the job of managing the water system to United Water, the low bidder for the job, at a rate of $590,000 per year for five years. The payment to the utility could increase annually based upon the average of two commonly used inflation indices, Mayor Vince Barra said.

The special meeting was called because the draft contract was not ready for the council’s Feb. 28 meeting. A vote is needed in time for the council to issue a public notice 14 days before its March 28 meeting, when the public hearing on the contract would be held, he said.

The privatization is expected to save the borough about $193,000 per year, which will be used to stabilize water rates, Barra said.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/196805431_Allendale_moving_on_water_contract.html

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Ridgewood’s tentative $91 million school budget contains tax hike

cottage_place_theridgewoodblog.net_2

Ridgewood’s tentative $91 million school budget contains tax hike
Thursday March 7, 2013, 1:48 PM
BY  LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News

The school district’s preliminary $91 million general fund budget for the next school year, which was unanimously approved Monday for submission to the executive county superintendent, would require a roughly 2 percent tax increase over last year’s spending plan.

The averaged assessed Ridgewood home, priced at about $690,000, would pay about $203 more in taxes if the tentative budget is approved by voters in April. The major cost driver for this year’s budget, according to Board of Education (BOE) members speaking at Wednesday night’s meeting, is an increase in the cost of special education needs.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/196022821_Ridgewood_s_tentative_school_budget_contains_tax_hike.html