Category: Uncategorized

Federal Welfare Spending to Skyrocket 80 Percent in Next Decade
8:27 AM, Jan 15, 2013 • By DANIEL HALPER

Federal welfare spending will skyrocket 80 percent over the next decade, according to new analysis by the minority side of the Senate Budget Committee. Here’s a chart, provided by the committee, detailing the growth in spending:

This chart displays projected federal spending on federal welfare programs over the next ten years, based on data from the Congressional Research Service and Congressional Budget Office,” the Republican side of the Senate Budget Committee explains. “These figures do not count state contributions to federal welfare programs (primarily on low-income health assistance) which brought total welfare spending in FY2011 to more than $1 trillion – dwarfing any other budget item including Medicare and Social Security, and totaling enough to mail every household in poverty a check for 60k each year.”

https://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/federal-welfare-spending-skyrocket-80-percent-next-decade_696026.html

Readying for Sandy, NJ Transit erred in modeling storm
By Ryan McNeill and Janet Roberts

NEW YORK | Fri Jan 11, 2013 10:12pm EST

(Reuters) – New Jersey Transit incorrectly used federal government software that otherwise could have warned officials against a disastrous decision to leave hundreds of millions of dollars worth of equipment in a low-lying rail yard before Superstorm Sandy struck, a Reuters examination has found.

The agency based its decision, at least in part, on software provided by the National Weather Service that allows users to simulate an approaching hurricane and show areas vulnerable to flooding from storm surge, according to Sandy-related forecast documents obtained by Reuters from New Jersey Transit. Exactly how the agency used the software is unclear because the agency declined to answer any specific questions.

Reuters asked for the documents that New Jersey Transit relied upon in deciding to leave the trains at its Meadows Maintenance Complex in Kearny, New Jersey. Among the documents was a screen-shot of storm prediction software that indicated the user had the storm traveling northeast, away from the New York area, while moving at the wrong speed.

As a result, the software predicted surges that were about half the levels actually forecast – errors that underestimated the threat to the Meadows complex.

New Jersey Transit takes issue with the findings. But a Reuters analysis shows that had the software been used to produce surge estimates similar to forecasts, agency leaders could have seen a different picture. The result would have pointed to potential inundation of a large portion of the rail yard, mirroring the flooding that ultimately occurred.

Other metro railroads in the region moved their rolling stock to rail lines and yards on higher ground.

https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/12/us-storm-sandy-newjerseytransit-idUSBRE90B00I20130112

Banker Associates PC Joins Flackman, Goodman & Potter, P.A., CPA’s
January 11,2012

Ridgewood NJ, The accounting firm Flackman, Goodman & Potter, P.A., CPAs (FGP) is proud tp announce that Banker Assoicates PC, a Tenafly based accounting firm, has joined their team effective January 1, 2013 and Michael Banker, CPA has been admitted as Partner.

“The addition of Michael Banker and his staff will add significant talent into our dedicated team of professionals. Talent has driven the success of FGP and the addition of Banker allows a deeper pool of expertise and resources in the issues which confront our clients” said Jim Madormo, CPA, the firm’s managing partner.

Flackman, Goodman & Potter, P.A.,106 Prospect Street  Ridgewood, NJ 07450 phone (201) 445-0500 https://www.fgpcpa.com/

Urbanization: Has any one on the VC done ANY analysis of the economic impact of such projects?
Jamuary 6,2013

If it involves building in the CBD there will be no discussion as long as Mayor Ahronson and Mr. Puccarelli are in the leadership it will be build, build, build with no thought to how this is going to destroy our village. There are currently 3 housing projects, plus the additional one to be discussed tomorrow night (Ken Smith) as well as the parking garage before the planning board and council. If all of these are built it will be the end to Ridgewood as we know it. Wake up everyone…….. You are going to pay for this overbuilding one way or another.

Has any one on the VC done ANY analysis of the economic impact of such projects? Supporters of this or any similar project should at least come up with one spreadsheet or slide showing the costs and benefits to the village and the assumptions they’ve made as part of their analysis. This council advances its plans in vague “political speak” and really has not shown much in the way of detail to support the projects that they’re putting forward. Do the math please.

Urbanization : Whats the cost to the quality of life in the Village?
January 6.2013

No one has articulated a purpose for this overbuilding or its cost in terms of traffic, changing the quality of life, burdens on village services, etc. Who is going to pay the extra taxes that the extra costs entail? Who is going to make up for the devaluation of our property values as we become more like Patterson and Hackensack? Mr. Mayor? Mr. Vice Mayor? Any of the others?

Where is the historical preservation committee on these building projects. My understanding is that these building projects are completely in opposition to everything that they (HP) stands for. The CBD has height restrictions and all of these 3 current building projects greatly exceed these limits. They also blow away the FAR restrictions in the master plan. Again, the repercussions of the Pfund days and the allowing of spot changes to the master plan by individuals is coming back to haunt the village residents.

Reader uneasy with Christies Coziness with Obama

I find it very interesting that Christie cost the Republicans the election with all the cozy Obama pictures and now he is attacking the republicans for wanting to make sure that the money goes to the correct people in NJ.

The bill that the senate passed has more pork than substance. He should be calling out the senate for such a ridiculous bill. The senate is taking advantage of the devastation in NJ to pay off their cronies.

It is time that the people said no to pork. Congress should pass bills that can be read and only address the item of the bill not the add ons that are included to pay off some politicians to get their support of the major items.

Christie has lost his chance for any future in politics. I had no idea how small his thinking was until this tragedy happened in NJ. In hindsight he should have had Romney and Obama come to his state. He should be using the media coverage that he is getting now to explain the problem with the bill the senate passed, rather than whipping up the house for not passing such a loaded bill.

Village of Ridgewood Committee members named for 2013
Thursday January 3, 2013, 9:27 PM
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Council approved a set of resolutions last month to officially appoint members to various village committees for the new year. Volunteers named to the various boards and committees will serve terms that expire on Dec. 31.2013.

Community Relations Advisory Board (CRAB), which serves the Ridgewood and Glen Rock :

Pam Scarpa, Ridgewood Police Chief John Ward, Ridgewood Police Capt. Jacqueline Luthcke, Roann Rubin, Oliver Newton, Ridgewood Police Lt. Todd Harris, Rabbi Neil Tow, Sid Dawson, Avon Morgan, Catherine Robinson, Alice Newton, Yendi Anderson, Susan Donnelly, Simon Toffell, Rev. Jan Phillips, Mahmoud Hamza, Glen Rock Police Capt. Jon Miller, Medha Kirtane, Richard Majors and Richard Ostling. Ridgewood Mayor Paul Aronsohn and Glen Rock Mayor John van Keuren are also CRAB members.

The Open Space, Recreation, Farmland and Historic Preservation Committee includes: Planning Board Class IV member Kevin Reilly, Parks and Recreation Director Tim Cronin, Field Committee member Robert Lasky and Parks, Recreation and Conservation Board member Kari Sharry. Ralph Currey, William Gilsenan, Eleanor Gruber and Frank Schott were also named to |the committee as Ridgewood |residents.

Ridgewood’s recreation department, the Project Pride Committee :  chairman Gary Cirillo, student liaison Kelsey Cirillo;, Alyssa Becker, Tonia Cohen, Barbara D’Amato, Donna Dorsey, Ann Leahy, Debbie Higgins, Janet Fricke, Maribeth Lane, Rita Bernstein, Samantha Gibble, Mary Anne Sage, Ann Schott, Samantha Turino;, Victoria LaChapelle, Katherine Cirillo, Tara Cirillo, Katherine Merck and Jeanette Vadeika.  Holt, Neborsky, Stephan, Creegan, Stadulis, Saltalamacchia and Connelly families.

Sourced : https://www.northjersey.com/news/185613162_Committee_members_named_in_Ridgewood.html

Sorry Bob the Middle class took a big hit in the “Fiscal Cliff ‘bill
January 3,2012
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, while middle class families all over New Jersey face the sting of higher taxes . NJ Senator Robert Menendez , no surprise didn’t read the bill and announced  the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed legislation providing “tax relief to the middle class families”. This historic legislation will also bolster job creation by extending tax breaks to businesses that purchase American-made equipment and invest in America. …

According to Bloomberg more than 80 percent of households with incomes between $50,000 and $200,000 would pay higher taxes. Among the households facing higher taxes, the average increase would be $1,635, the policy center said and a 2% payroll tax cut, enacted during the economic slowdown, is being allowed to expire as of yesterday.

Spending was also increased in the bill kicking the can down the road just a bit to the next fiscal calamity .

$50,000 a year in New Jersey hardly qualifies for “rich ” ,in fact you can barely live in your moms basement for that , yet Menendez disrespects tax payers all over the state with his ridiculous comment .

As for Jobs the only jobs this bill will create is the need for additional CPA’s .

But don’t blame Bob ,the U.S. Senate had only 3 minutes to read the 154-page bill  and vote for it, something that has become all to familiar in special interest driven DC .

sources : https://cnsnews.com/news/article/senators-got-154-page-fiscal-cliff-bill-3-minutes-voting-it

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-01/senate-passed-deal-means-higher-tax-on-77-of-households.html

https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-lauds-senate-passage-of-legislation-that-provides-tax-relief-to-middle-class-families

Obama Orders Pay Raise for Biden, Members of Congress, Federal Workers
12:50 PM, Dec 28, 2012 • By DANIEL HALPER

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President Barack Obama issued an executive order to end the pay freeze on federal employees, in effect giving some federal workers a raise. One federal worker now to receive a pay increase is Vice President Joe Biden.

According to disclosure forms, Biden made a cool $225,521 last year. After the pay increase, he’ll now make $231,900 per year.

Members of Congress, from the House and Senate, also will receive a little bump, as their annual salary will go from $174,000 to 174,900. Leadership in Congress, including the speaker of the House, will likewise get an increase.

https://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/obama-orders-raise-biden-members-congress-federal-workers_692223.html

Statistics on New Years Resolutions?

What are the top ten news years resolutions of 2012 ? What is the success rate for new years resolutions ?

Top 10 Resolutions

1Lose Weight
2-Getting Organized
3-Spend Less, Save More
4-Enjoy Life to the Fullest
5-Staying Fit and Healthy
6-Learn Something Exciting
7-Quit Smoking
8-Help Others in Their Dreams
9-Fall in Love
10-Spend More Time with Family

News Years Resolution Statistics Data
Percent of Americans who usually make New Year’s Resolutions 45%
Percent of Americans who infrequently make New Year’s Resolutions 17%
Percent of Americans who absolutlely never make New Year’s Resolutions 38%
Percent of people who are successful in achieving their resolution 8%
Percent who have infrequent success 49%
Percent who never succeed and fail on their resolution each year 24%
People who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t explicitly make resolutions
Type of Resolutions (Percent above 100% because of multiple resolutions) Data
Self Improvement or education related resolutions 47%
Weight related resolutions 38%
Money related resolutions 34%
Relationship related resolutions 31%
Age Success Rates Data
Percent of people in their twenties who achieve their resolution each year 39%
Percent of people over 50 who achieve their resolution each year 14%
Length of Resolutions Data
Resolution maintained through first week 75%
Past two weeks 71%
Past one month 64%
Past six months 46%

https://www.statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/

Study: Facebook Could Cause Obesity no coloration found by reading the Ridgewood blog
December 23, 2012 11:46 AM

ATLANTA (CBS Atlanta) – Researchers at Columbia University have learned that using Facebook may be tied to obesity, due to the negative eating habits that could result from frequent visitation of social networking sites.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, obesity is a problem for approximately 35 percent of all American adults – a number that is reportedly rising with each passing year.

The study, led by Keith Wilcox, Ph.D., surveyed almost 500 people about their Internet use, specifically as it pertained to Facebook, Men’s Health is reporting.

Of the 470 participants asked, those who used Facebook the most had reportedly higher body mass indexes than those who were not as frequently engaged.

Researchers additionally learned that binge eating was commonly associated with high involvement with the social networking site.

https://atlanta.cbslocal.com/2012/12/23/study-facebook-could-cause-obesity/

Heat Your Home for Less Money this Winter

by Andrea Murad
Published December 21, 2012
FOXBusiness

With many professionals forecasting this winter to be colder than last year, homeowners are going to be feeling the heat on their utility bills.

When the reading on the thermometer drops outside, many dwellers rush to increase the temperature in their homes, which can push energy bills to budget-busting levels. But there are certain home maintenance steps that can help you stay warm and toasty during the cold winter months without pushing up your heating costs.

“There’s a lot of little things you can do to increase the heating efficiency [of your house],” says home improvement expert Bob Vila. Whether it’s a do-it-yourself home improvement project or upgrading appliances, here are expert tips to keep your heating bills low and your home warm and safe.

Read more: https://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2012/12/21/heat-your-home-for-less-money-this-winter/#ixzz2FxkCPTO5

Why the U.S. Won’t Lose its ‘AAA’ Rating…Yet
Published December 21, 2012
Reuters

The stalled progress in the Washington budget battle may be rattling markets but the gridlock among policymakers will not move the rating agencies to downgrade the United States – yet.

The U.S. credit rating is far from safe. All three major agencies have negative outlooks on the United States, which suffered its first downgrade in history last year when Standard & Poor’s stripped it of its triple-A rating.

But the fiscal cliff is only one event in a series of issues that will see ratings agencies looming over Washington for months.

Investors sold off riskier assets such as stocks on Friday and scooped up safe-havens such as the dollar and U.S. Treasuries after Republican Representative John Boehner failed to find enough support from his own party to push a measure raising taxes on millionaires through the House of Representatives.

With Boehner’s leadership as speaker of the House on the line, markets worry he can’t get any tax plan through Congress at all – much less the stricter terms Obama wants in what’s becoming the latest drawn-out political budget debacle.

Read more: https://www.foxbusiness.com/government/2012/12/21/why-us-wont-lose-its-aaa-ratingyet/#ixzz2FxjFZ7DD

Village Hall Closed December 24 and 25

In observation of the Christmas holidays, Ridgewood Village Hall will be closed December 24 and 25. Village Hall will reopen Wednesday, December 26 at 8:30A.M.

Rearyard Garbage and Curb Recycling will be collected on Monday, December 24. The schedule is suspended on Tuesday, December 25 and will resume on Wednesday, December 26.