Black Friday less crazy in North Jersey as holiday openings soften the crush
Friday, November 29, 2013 Last updated: Friday November 29, 2013, 11:13 PM
BY JOAN VERDON, KATHLEEN LYNN AND AND REW WYRICH
STAFF WRITERS
The Record
It was a North Jersey Black Friday with a new twist — shoppers saying they went to malls and stores Friday because they wanted to avoid the craziness.
While Black Friday still is expected to draw the most sales and shoppers of the four-day weekend, the madness — the frenzied rush for door-buster deals — largely was pushed forward into Thanksgiving night, when more than a dozen major retailers opened their doors or began offering deals in the early evening.
As a result, the stores that opened on Thanksgiving were quieter and calmer on Friday, although stores and malls in Paramus — which delayed their openings until 7 a.m. Friday because of a borough ordinance restricting all-night shopping — still had lines of shoppers waiting for the doors to open.
Black Friday Spending Spree (in Washington)
11/29/2013
American shoppers aren’t the only ones getting ready to spend big this holiday season.
In Washington, members of the budget conference committee are considering several options that could increase spending by up to an additional $100 billion.
What’s standing in their way is sequestration: the automatic spending cut mechanism President Obama signed into law with the Budget Control Act (BCA). Sequestration enforces spending caps on the discretionary budget, which includes those domestic programs that brought you the infamous IRS Star Trek parody video and the $325,000 RoboSquirrel. The reductions disproportionately fall on defense, and lawmakers should do a better job of prioritizing this core constitutional function while staying within the agreed-upon spending levels.
According to news sources, some budget conference members are considering a compromise deal to bust the sequestration spending caps by up to $100 billion. In an attempt to find offsetting mandatory spending cuts and revenues to entice both sides into such a deal, lawmakers are reportedly considering an increase in “user fees.” This is simply a disguised tax increase.
Raising these fees to cover the cost of providing services is one thing. Increasing them to pay for more spending is just another Washington gimmick. Using gimmicks like this one to get around necessary spending reductions is a destructive habit that has helped fuel the now $17.2 trillion national debt.
What adds even more fuel to the fire is that Congress is not currently restrained by a debt limit.
Lawmakers suspended the debt limit through February 7 in the deal that ended the government shutdown. With no dollar amount to limit their spending, there is little to stop Washington from piling even more spending and debt on taxpayers. Imagine hitting the Black Friday deals with an unlimited credit card at your disposal.
A budget conference “compromise” may sound like progress in this era of congressional gridlock, but when it means higher spending and continuing on the current fiscal collision course, it will do more harm than good. Washington is already on track to spend nearly $150 billion more in 2014 than it did in 2013, largely due to growth in entitlement spending—the key driver of spending and debt.
Instead of spending even more of taxpayers’ money, lawmakers should address future debt by controlling the growth in entitlement spending, sticking to the Budget Control Act, and enforcing lower levels of spending. If the committee fails to begin solving America’s entitlement problem, this means spending and debt will continue to go up and harm the opportunities of all Americans.
The credit card has been maxed out too many times already. This is the season to curb Washington’s spending spree.
Ridgewood Police Answers : Why do New Jersey Police Departments refer to the person who is accused of committing a crime the “actor”?
Here is a quote from Title 2C, NJ Criminal law:
2C:1-14. Definitions.
2C:1-14. In this code, unless a different meaning plainly is required:
a. “Statute” includes the Constitution and a local law or ordinance of a political subdivision of the State;
b. “Act” or “action” means a bodily movement whether voluntary or involuntary;
c. “Omission” means a failure to act;
d. “Conduct” means an action or omission and its accompanying state of mind, or, where relevant, a series of acts and omissions;
e. “Actor” includes, where relevant, a person guilty of an omission;
f. “Acted” includes, where relevant, “omitted to act”;
g. “Person,” “he,” and “actor” include any natural person and, where relevant, a corporation or an unincorporated association;
As you see, the “perpetrator” or “do-er” or “defendant” fits in with that legal definition of “actor” and that term is used in lots of the individual statutes use that term, like this excerpt from 2c:2-3:
“e. When causing a particular result is a material element of an offense for which absolute liability is imposed by law, the element is not established unless the actual result is a probable consequence of the actor’s conduct.”
Because the term is used in NJ criminal law, police just tend to use it on complaints, in their reports and news releases. Lots of states that use the “model; penal code” as the basis for their criminal law use the word “actor” when reffering to the accused
1863 President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November
In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.
“Heavy Drop” slows down Village Leaf Pick Up
November 23,2013
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, According to the Village Hall website ,”Due to the heavy drop of leaves we are currently running about 4 days behind schedule. Right now we are in Area D and will finish by Monday. We will begin Area A on Tuesday, November 26th and continue until after Thanksgiving. We will not get to Area B before Thanksgiving.”
So we decided to take a ride around the Village and see for our self’s . And yes no surprise but the leaves piles towered over our car and work crews were hard at working playing catch up .
Almost 80 million with employer health care plans could have coverage canceled, experts predict
By Jim Angle ,Published November 26, 2013 ,FoxNews.com
Almost 80 million people with employer health plans could find their coverage canceled because they are not compliant with ObamaCare, several experts predicted.
Their losses would be in addition to the millions who found their individual coverage cancelled for the same reason.
Stan Veuger of the American Enterprise Institute said that in addition to the individual cancellations, “at least half the people on employer plans would by 2014 start losing plans as well.” There are approximately 157 million employer health care policy holders.
Avik Roy of the Manhattan Institute added, “the administration estimated that approximately 78 million Americans with employer sponsored insurance would lose their existing coverage due to the Affordable Care Act.”
Last week, an analysis by the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank, showed the administration anticipates half to two-thirds of small businesses would have policies canceled or be compelled to send workers onto the ObamaCare exchanges. They predicted up to 100 million small and large business policies could be canceled next year.
According to projections the administration itself issued back in July 2010, it was clear officials knew the impact of ObamaCare three years ago.
In fact, according to the Federal Register, its mid-range estimate was that by the end of 2014, 76 percent of small group plans would be cancelled, along with 55 percent of large employer plans.
All eyes on N.J. as online casino gambling rolls out
Online gambling in the U.S. today takes what industry experts say is the most significant step yet — the rollout of online casino gambling in New Jersey.
Nevada residents and visitors have been able to play state-sanctioned online poker since April, and those in Delaware have had that option since last month. (Brennan/The Record)
‘Modified’ tailgating at MetLife for Super Bowl
Monday, November 25, 2013 Last updated: Monday November 25, 2013, 6:24 PM
Associated Press
EAST RUTHERFORD — Tailgating will be allowed in the parking lot at MetLife Stadium for February’s Super Bowl, in a modified capacity.
In other words, don’t expect to bring your deluxe grill to the festivities. In fact, don’t bring any kind of grill unless you want to be turned away at the entrance.
The National Football League won’t allow grills in the parking areas at the Meadowlands sports complex on game day. League spokesman Brian McCarthy said Monday that’s a standard rule that’s been employed at previous Super Bowls.
Published reports last week suggested tailgating might not be allowed. But McCarthy said fans can bring their own food and beverages as long as they don’t bring a grill or spread out taking up empty parking spots as many fans do at New York Giants and New York Jets games.
The complex has more than 25,000 parking spots available for a typical Giants or Jets game, but more than half of those will be taken up by security and television equipment, organizers have said.
Bergen GOP chairman: Dems suffered “humiliation” in 2013; “I’m just the messenger” on GOP civil war
By Mark Bonamo | November 22nd, 2013 – 7:42pm
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HACKENSACK – Bergen Republican Chairman Bob Yudin defended his reputation on Friday, calling Democratic claims of victory in the 2013 election cycle “spin” while continuing to assert that the ongoing civil war among Bergen Republicans is not his fault.
“The Bergen County Republican Organization had an overwhelming victory in this past election, and the Democratic Party in Bergen County suffered a huge defeat bordering on humiliation,” Yudin said in response to a recent PolitickerNJ.com interview with Bergen Democratic Chairman Lou Stellato during the New Jersey League of Municipalities conference in Atlantic City.
In a Nov. 19 interview with PolitickerNJ.com, Stellato noted that Christie failed to take out state sen. Bob Gordon (D – 38) despite the governor’s big win, and that the Democrats gained a veto-proof five-to-two advantage in the freeholder board.
“There were five elections in the county this year: the governor, the sheriff and three freeholders. The Republican Party won four out of five of them, and the one we lost we lost by a razor-thin margin,” responded Yudin, referring to the very close defeat of GOP Freeholder John Mitchell. “I will take those kind of wins anytime.”
Yudin also singled out the top of the ticket when assessing the 2013 election.
The Ayn Rand Institute Summer Internship is an extraordinary three-week program for college students and recent and high school and college graduates who are new to Ayn Rand’s books and ideas and the debate surrounding them. Each June, the program brings twenty to thirty interns to ARI’s main office in sunny Southern California, where they are immersed in an educational curriculum taught by experts in Rand’s philosophy, and gain professional experience contributing to ARI projects and programs.
The internship is an ideal way for students of all disciplines, backgrounds, and viewpoints to begin serious exploration of Rand’s ideas. The program does not presuppose agreement with or significant knowledge of Objectivism, and the classroom is an open, respectful environment where students are free to express their views.
The summer internship class typically comprises a range of academic majors and career interests—from literature to business to medicine to philosophy to engineering to history—creating a unique learning and social environment which fosters fascinating discussions and lasting friendships.
On top of all this, each intern is supported by a $1,200 scholarship and $500 travel stipend to help with living and transportation expenses.
If you are a college student or a recent high school or college graduate who wants to understand what Rand stood for and why she matters today, we strongly encourage you to apply. The Ayn Rand Institute Summer Internship is a fun, rewarding and unforgettable experience that will challenge you to think deeply about complex and crucial issues, and provide concrete professional experience to strengthen your resume and apply in your future career.
The testimonials we’ve received from our interns speak for themselves. See the righthand column to read what they have had to say about their experience, and learn more about the program below.
12 Republican State Senators ask for more details on new NJ Common Core
Tuesday, November 19, 2013 Last updated: Tuesday November 19, 2013, 7:23 PM
BY LESLIE BRODY
STAFF WRITER
The Record
Twelve Republican state senators asked Education Commissioner Chris Cerf on Tuesday for more details on the Common Core, a new set of guidelines for what students should learn in math and language arts in every grade.
In a letter released by Sen. Joe Pennacchio, R-Morris, the group asked Cerf to explain the rationale behind the guidelines, their cost, the method for tracking student performance and the assurance of privacy for student data. Pennacchio said he was not hostile to the Common Core but sought answers to questions that parents and teachers have asked.
Cerf gave presentations recently to the New Jersey Education Association and the state Board of Education on the Common Core. Adopted by New Jersey in 2010, it has the support of Governor Christie, many school leaders and the NJEA, but the union has charged that its implementation has been too fast.
In an email, Cerf applauded the senators for reaching out. “Some citizens have questions about the new state standards because they need more information, while other citizens have questions that are fueled by the spread of misinformation,” Cerf noted. “We look to clearly answer any and all questions.”
New Jersey and 44 states adopted the Common Core voluntarily – with encouragement from the Obama administration – and have begun teaching to reflect its goals. Supporters say the guidelines focus on a clearer, more rigorous set of analytical skills than past standards, and will help American children compete with peers abroad. Critics, however, say the standards actually lower expectations, will usher in too much testing, and hurt local control.
“Veni, vidi, vici”
Ridgewood NJ, RHS Latin students traveled to Yale on November 9 to compete against nationally ranked teams in Latin and classics studies.
RHS Team A, comprised of veteran Latin students, battled their way to the semi-finals. Team B, comprised entirely of sophomores and led by Peter Psathas, made it to the top ten. Latin teachers are Catherine Venturini and Stefanie Gigante. Photo: Anthony Tokarz, Ben Bechtold, Peter Psathas, Matthew Casale, Poyani Bavishi, Britta Potter and Charlotte Kahan at Yale Unversity.
As Thanksgiving approaches, we at The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration would like to thank our 2013 supporters.
As the November chill sets in and we all prepare for the Holiday season, the Fourth of July is a distant warm summertime memory. However, we wanted to take time and recognize the generous contributions of all the businesses and individuals who “Support the Tradition.” Please help us thank them by giving them your support and shop locally this Holiday season.
Charles and Susan Snyder, David Zuidema, Inc., The Valley Hospital, Applebee’s, Miss Patti’s School of Dance, The Shannon Rose, Boiling Springs Savings Bank, Downes Tree Service, Key Environmental Pest Control, Law Office of Matthew Rogers, Ridgewood Press Printing & Copying Center, Stop & Shop,Tarvin Realtors, Terrie O’Connor Realtors, TD Bank, Columbia Bank, Ridgewood Fire Volunteer,Association, Ridgewood PBA Local 20, JT’s Wines and Spirits, TKL Marketing, Atlantic Stewardship Bank,Bagelicious, ConnectOne Bank, Country Pancake House and Restaurant, The Daily Treat Restaurant,Hillman Lighting, Park West Tavern, Pediatricare, Ridgewood AM Rotary Club, David Rutherford,Attorney at Law, Ulrich, Inc., C. C. Van Emburgh Funeral Home, Emery Chiropractic Group, Fidelity Lodge No. 113, It’s Greek to Me, Maple Eye Care, Pediatric Dental Associates, Ridgewood Guild, VFW Post 192,Belmar Spring Water, The American Red Cross, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Van Dyk Health Care,Parkwood Delicatessen, Wide World of Bagels, Whole Foods Market, Carlo’s Bakery, and Goffle Brook Farm and Garden Center and The Village Framer. We also would like to thank the many residents who sent us financial support and volunteer their time.
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee, Inc. is an all-volunteer community group of patriotic citizens who coordinate the Ridgewood Fourth of July Flag Raising, Parade, and Fireworks events. All aspects of the celebration, including the fireworks, parade bands, and evening performers, as well as the necessary police and fire personnel, are funded by the sale of fireworks tickets and the generous contributions made by local business and area residents.
The Committee was formed in 1910 to create a “safe and sane” holiday with an emphasis on Patriotism. Today we continue that goal and strive to educate the public about the true meaning of Independence Day. New members are always welcome, to learn more about how you can be part of the 2014 celebration. Please visit www.ridgewoodjuly4th.org or contact the committee at [email protected].
Sincerely,
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee
‘Selfie’ is word of the year, says Oxford Dictionaries
Tuesday November 19, 2013, 11:42 AM
BY SYLVIA HUI
Associated Press
LONDON (AP) — Michelle Obama shared one with her “first dog” Bo, Hillary Clinton tweeted one with her daughter Chelsea. Now “selfie” — the smartphone self-portrait — has been declared word of the year for 2013, according to Britain’s Oxford University Press.
The publisher of the Oxford dictionaries said Tuesday that “selfie” saw a huge jump in usage in the past year, bursting from the confines of Instagram and Twitter to become mainstream shorthand for any self-taken photograph.
Researchers behind the renowned dictionaries pick a prominent word or expression in the English language each year that best reflects the mood of the times. Previous words of the year have included “unfriend” in 2009, “credit crunch” in 2008, “carbon footprint” in 2007 and “Sudoku” in 2005.
Bergen County Republlicans trade barbs, breaking long election-season truce
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
BY JOHN C. ENSSLIN
STAFF WRITER
The Record
Strife within the Bergen County GOP broke wide open Monday as the party chairman blamed County Executive Kathleen Donovan for the loss of a freeholder seat, saying she sent a “stealth” email endorsing just one of the three GOP freeholders.
“The stealth, bullet campaign by Kathe Donovan was really a despicable act in my opinion,” said Bob Yudin, the county Republican chairman, who has long feuded with Donovan.
But Donovan’s chief of staff, Jeanne Baratta, said Yudin was making excuses for the Bergen County Republican Party having lost freeholder races for the third year in a row.
“Two years ago he blamed a snowstorm. Last year it was Hurricane Sandy,” Baratta said, adding that Donovan endorsed the entire GOP slate and actively campaigned for any Republican candidate who asked for her help. Yudin blamed President Obama’s victory for the party’s losses in 2012.
