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Posted on February 4, 2015February 4, 2015 by James — 1 Comment

RadioShack’s exit could trigger retail space grab in North Jersey

RadioShack’s exit could trigger retail space grab in North Jersey

FEBRUARY 4, 2015 LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015, 11:42 AM
BY JOAN VERDON
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

The expected news that RadioShack will close or sell all of its stores is likely to have a significant impact on shopping centers throughout North Jersey.

A decision to close locations in the region could put sought-after locations back in play in the neighborhood strip malls favored by RadioShack. And if Amazon, reportedly one of the bidders interested in RadioShack stores, moves into those shopping centers, it will mean a whole new ballgame for the country’s largest online retailer.

RadioShack, the 93-year-old company created to sell supplies to ham-radio enthusiasts, is on the brink of filing for bankruptcy after numerous failed attempts to turn the chain around. RadioShack was able to survive, and at some times thrive, through waves of new technology — from ham radios, to do-it-yourself phone installations, to citizens band radios, to the first personal computers. But it is being outmaneuvered in the digital age by more nimble competitors.

The company announced in March 2014 that it planned to close about 1,000 of its more-than 4,000 stores, but investors vetoed that strategy, pressing instead for liquidation.

Bloomberg News reported Tuesday that Amazon, telephone service provider Sprint, and the investment group behind the Brookstone stores are all possible bidders for RadioShack locations, if they become available.

North Jersey retail real estate experts said any empty RadioShack stores not locked up as part of a bankruptcy bid probably would be easy to lease.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/north-jersey-real-estate-may-see-new-retail-game-1.1263984

Posted on February 4, 2015February 3, 2015 by James — 1 Comment

Ferriero wants U.S. attorney disqualified from RICO case; prosecutors cite new evidence against ex-Democratic leader

Ferriero wants U.S. attorney disqualified from RICO case; prosecutors cite new evidence against ex-Democratic leader

FEBRUARY 3, 2015, 4:29 PM LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015, 5:43 PM
BY JOHN C. ENSSLIN
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

Federal prosecutors and lawyers defending Joseph Ferriero are exchanging strong new allegations as they enter the final week before the former Bergen County Democratic chairman is scheduled to stand trial on racketeering charges.

Prosecutors are seeking permission to bolster their case with new assertions that Ferriero made hundreds of thousands of dollars by using his influence in four matters: a landfill redevelopment, a land use matter in Hackensack, a disputed Port Authority lease, and a criminal case involving a medical practitioner.

Meanwhile, Ferriero’s lawyers are demanding that either the indictment be thrown out or U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman and his office be disqualified from prosecuting the case. They claim he has an “irreconcilable” conflict of interest because he represented a key government witness before he became U.S. Attorney in 2009.

Moreover, Ferriero’s lawyers say that a member of a prominent Teaneck law firm, referred to as “Attorney 3” in court documents, is “now an immunized government witness central to the government’s case.” Fishman and Attorney 3 once represented the same client, Ferriero’s lawyers said in court documents filed Monday.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/ferriero-wants-u-s-attorney-disqualified-from-rico-case-prosecutors-cite-new-evidence-against-ex-democratic-leader-1.1263661

Posted on February 3, 2015February 2, 2015 by James — Leave a comment

Take Care, Take Heart February is American Heart Month

Take Care, Take Heart February is American Heart Month
Feb 2,2015 9:00 AM EST
Valley Health System

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — February is American Heart Month, the perfect time to be reminded to take care of your heart. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women,” says Gerald Sotsky, M.D., Chair of Cardiac Services, Valley Medical Group. “But there is good news,” he says, “heart disease is largely preventable and controllable.”

Heart health can be easier to achieve than you might think. It doesn’t require hours of grueling exercise or giving up all of your favorite foods. A few simple lifestyle changes can make all the difference. Here are some tips to get you on your way:
• Exercise 30 to 60 minutes a day on most days of the week. This can be as simple as taking a daily walk.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Quit or don’t start smoking.
• Eat a diet that’s low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt.

It’s equally important to be alert to the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, which can include:
• uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest;
• pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach;
• shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort;
• nausea, lightheadedness, or breaking out in a cold sweat; and
• chest pain or discomfort.

If you have any of these signs call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital right away.

Symptoms of a heart attack in women can be less distinctive than they tend to be in men. “Both men and women can experience the typical chest pain, pressure or discomfort, but women are somewhat more likely than men to experience more subtle symptoms, such as shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness, pressure or pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen, or extreme fatigue,” says cardiologist Benita Burke, M.D., Medical Director of Valley Medical Group’s Heart Care for Women medical practice.

Even if you have no symptoms of heart disease, Dr. Sotsky suggests that an evaluation by a cardiologist may be appropriate if:
• you have a family history (mother, father, siblings) of coronary artery disease, aneurysm, and/or sudden death before age 50; and/or
• you have significant risk factors for heart disease,, which include high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, poor diet and inactivity.

Everyone should be aware of their personal risk factors for heart disease. To raise awareness of the cause, symptoms, and prevalence of heart disease The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ, has established the Men’s Heart Center and the Heart Care for Women Screening Program. Both offer free comprehensive heart risk assessments to individuals between the ages of 20-79. Learn more about Valley’s free heart risk assessment for men and women:

Posted on February 3, 2015February 3, 2015 by James — 10 Comments

Ridgewood advances on parking meter plan

Ridgewood advances on parking meter plan

FEBRUARY 3, 2015 LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — The village council is moving closer to a plan to partially automate its parking meters — an effort that could reduce the potential for theft of meter revenue.

The village manager also is recommending that the council set aside $13,000 to update all its single-head parking meters with secure canisters, which would restrict access to the coins inside them.

The council is expected to vote on a resolution to contract with Atlanta-based Parkmobile — the makers of a smartphone app that allows people to pay with credit cards — when it meets Feb. 11.

“I think this is a great opportunity for us, and it’s something we could do relatively quick,” Mayor Paul Aronsohn said, pointing out that the system could be “up and running” within six weeks.

“I, too, believe [this] is the way to go, as the meter system will become obsolete in the future,” Councilwoman Susan Knudsen said.

The village started examining how it collects and stores parking meter revenue following the arrest two years ago of its public works manager for stealing more than $450,000 in meter quarters from a storage room in Village Hall. Thomas Rica used a building master key he was given to regularly enter the room and stole quarters for two years.

Rica pleaded guilty in March to four counts of third-degree theft. He was sentenced in July to five years’ probation and ordered to repay about $250,000.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-advances-on-parking-meter-plan-1.1263409

Posted on February 3, 2015February 2, 2015 by James — Leave a comment

NYPD: Ridgewood visitor found fatally shot in Queens

NYPD: Ridgewood visitor found fatally shot in Queens

February 2, 2015, 1:22 PM Last updated: Monday, February 2, 2015, 5:10 PM
By STEFANIE DAZIO, CHRIS HARRIS and ABBOTT KOLOFF
staff writer |
The Record

An Italian national who specialized in the study of Croatian history was fatally shot during an argument with a friend in a Queens, N.Y. park over the weekend, authorities said, just days after he stayed at a home in Ridgewood while preparing to move to the New York City area.

William Klinger, 42, was shot twice in the head following an argument with a friend in Astoria Park in Queens on Saturday, authorities said Monday in a news release. A 49-year-old Queens man, Alexander Bonich, who was identified by police as a friend of Klinger’s, has been arrested and charged with second degree murder, authorities said.

The historian arrived in the U.S. last week and stayed three days in Ridgewood, where a village man, Mijo Mirkovic, said he hosted him as a favor to a relative. Klinger, who told his hosts that he was about to begin teaching at Hunter College, moved to Queens late last week after saying he found a roommate, Mirkovic said.

Hunter College officials were not immediately able to verify whether Klinger had been hired by the school.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/nypd-ridgewood-visitor-found-fatally-shot-in-queens-1.1263241

Posted on February 2, 2015February 2, 2015 by James — Leave a comment

Poll: Scott Walker and Rand Paul up in Iowa, Jeb Bush and Chris Christie lag

Poll: Scott Walker and Rand Paul up in Iowa, Jeb Bush and Chris Christie lag

Scott Walker and Rand Paul are ahead of the GOP pack in Iowa, while Jeb Bush, Chris Christie and Ted Cruz are lagging behind at single digits, according to a new poll released Saturday.

The survey conducted for Bloomberg Politics and the Des Moines Register showed Walker at 15 percent among Republican caucus-goers, Paul at 14 percent, and Mike Huckabee, the 2008 victor in Iowa, at 10 percent. Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson was the first choice of 9 percent of respondents. (Zapler/Politico)

https://www.politico.com/story/2015/01/2016-elections-iowa-scott-walker-rand-paul-jeb-bush-chris-christie-114796.html#ixzz3QaliKPNT

Posted on February 1, 2015February 2, 2015 by James — Leave a comment

Nation Magazine: If You Want The Patriots To Win The Super Bowl, You’re Racist

Nation Magazine: If You Want The Patriots To Win The Super Bowl, You’re Racist

Even as the final days before the Super Bowl draw to a close, the liberal media refuses to quit its slanderous campaign against the 2015 AFC Champion New England Patriots.

The most recent salvo of Pats-hate comes from noted liberal-weekly, The Nation, which decided to abandon any and all shreds of journalistic bias in favor of declaring the Seattle Seahawks as America’s chosen team. The Deflate-Gate scandal has been revealed as a smoke and mirrors effort to undermine the house that Belichick built, and at this point in the game, these last futile proclamations from the self-proclaimed “flagship of the left” are not only easy to see through, but just flat-out repetitive.

For starters, the article’s main argument is basically as follows: “The NFL is part of a changing, more socially-conscious America, and if you aren’t pulling for the Seahawks, it’s probably because you’re a racist.”

Seriously. It’s all in there.

When I started writing about the intersection of sports and politics in 2003, a countless number of sentences started with two words: “if only”. “If only” star athletes used their hyper-exalted-brought-to-you-by Nike platform to actually say something about the world instead of just trying to sell us more crap. If only they stood up to tired sports media that for decades had treated outspoken athletes with a sneering and, in the case of black players, transparently racist contempt…

This is a team that has had players speak out for the Black Lives Matter movement and a team that has felt no compunction against calling out a commissioner in Roger Goodell who cares more about public relations than the players and the families of players that the league employs…

To have Marshawn Lynch consciously try to control his own labor and by doing so, dredge up the worst impulses in the sports media aristocracy was, intentionally or not, a national service. Thanks to Lynch, we have seen a layer of sports writers regurgitate all of their suppressed bile against young black athletes—tweeting things like their desire for an “English to Marshawn dictionary”—and exposing the long-standing resentments older and mostly whiter sportswriters have towards the people they cover…

The NFL—a brutal, damnable sports league—is now intimately connected to how we discuss issues ranging from violence against women, to workplace safety, to the movement against police brutality. But as long as that is the truth, we should want the people who hold that platform to be the most conscious possible participants in this discussion. This is reason enough, if you aren’t from the Maine-to-Connecticut-corridor, to pull for the Seattle Seahawks.

https://dailycaller.com/2015/01/31/liberal-magazine-if-you-want-the-patriots-to-win-the-super-bowl-youre-racist/

Posted on February 1, 2015January 31, 2015 by James — Leave a comment

Resale sites renege on tickets

Resale sites renege on tickets
By Darren Rovell | ESPN.com

PHOENIX — Hundreds of fans won’t be going to Super Bowl XLIX after brokers and resale sites reneged on tickets that they already sold.

In most cases, those selling tickets never had them to begin with. The practice, called short selling, has become common for big games over the years. Brokers sell tickets and buy them cheaper closer to the event to make their profits. But the idea of selling before having anything in hand became more commonplace as the returns consistently came in for previous Super Bowls.

That was until this year, when too many brokers sold tickets they didn’t have and for lower prices than in previous years, making it impossible to get the real ticket for a price that was affordable when it came time to pull the trigger. By last Sunday, brokers were buying the worst seats for $5,000 just to save their company. Five days later, finding a ticket even for $10,000 was a challenge.

It’s unknown exactly how many were affected, but many stories have heartbreak.

https://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/12255886/hundreds-super-bowl-tickets-fall-through

Posted on February 1, 2015January 31, 2015 by James — Leave a comment

Businesses stay clear of using Super Bowl name

Businesses stay clear of using Super Bowl name

January 31, 2015 Last updated: Saturday, January 31, 2015, 1:20 AM
By TERRY TANG
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS |
The Record

* Companies steer clear of NFL’s strident defense of the title of that event on Sunday

PHOENIX — It is the game that must not be named — at least not without permission.

For most people, the game Sunday between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks is the Super Bowl. But for many business owners, it’s simply the “big game” or “game day.”

Radio hosts are tripping over their tongues and airport signs are carefully worded to keep from referring to it as the Super Bowl, a trademarked name the NFL strictly polices. Mom-and-pop shops and large companies hoping to cash in on the game — but also not wanting to run afoul of league lawyers — have found ways to color inside the lines.

Tyler Ellis, whose Coney Island Grill is located within the downtown Super Bowl Central village, is selling souvenir tie-dyed shirts. The garments say “Coney Island 2015” as well as “the big game.” The $15 shirts come in pink, red, blue and green.

Fortunately, the restaurant owner was fully aware of the league’s reputation for coming down on trademark infringers.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/a-big-game-by-any-name-1.1262152

Posted on February 1, 2015January 31, 2015 by James — Leave a comment

In Ridgewood, frenzied fans savor the Super Bowl

In Ridgewood, frenzied fans savor the Super Bowl

January 30, 2015 Last updated: Friday, January 30, 2015, 3:03 PM
By Darius Amos
Staff Writer | The Ridgewood News

North Jersey doesn’t have much skin in this weekend’s big game, but Ridgewood is still finding plenty of reasons to focus its attention on Super Bowl Sunday.

And most of those reasons revolve around parties and celebrating with family and friends – though supporting either the New England Patriots or the Seattle Seahawks might also have something to do with it.

“Football’s replaced baseball as America’s game so you naturally want to watch and enjoy the game with others,” said Midland Park resident Mark Livingston, 45, as he nestled onto his perch inside Mac Murphy’s bar in Ridgewood late Wednesday afternoon. “The Super Bowl is the last game of the year, and the biggest game of the year. Even if the local teams aren’t playing, fans will still watch. They’ll watch any football game.”

Indeed, the Jets and Giants failed to reach this year’s NFL playoffs, but Bergen County still has a slight connection to the game. The Patriots’ Devin McCourty played his high school football at nearby St. Joseph Regional, but that local angle isn’t enough to win the favor of some fans in this area.

Livingston, a Giants fan, will be pulling for a Seahawks’ victory since he always roots for the team representing the Big Blue’s conference. His brother, Eric, said he’ll be cheering for Seattle simply because of his disdain for the Patriots.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/in-ridgewood-frenzied-fans-savor-the-super-bowl-1.1261985

Posted on February 1, 2015February 2, 2015 by James — Leave a comment

Roger Goodell: No judgments yet

Roger Goodell: No judgments yet

PHOENIX — The NFL is conducting a “serious” and “thorough” investigation into the deflation of footballs in the AFC Championship Game, commissioner Roger Goodell said Friday, but there have been “no judgments made” against the New England Patriots or any of their employees.

The league previously announced that 11 of the Patriots’ 12 game footballs were found at halftime to be below the league’s mandate of 12.5 psi. Ted Wells, the NFL’s outside investigator, is attempting to determine why the balls were used in the first half and if it was “the result of deliberate action,” Goodell said.

“We don’t know enough in this case to know who is responsible or if there was an infraction,” he added.

Whether the Patriots gained a competitive advantage is “secondary,” Goodell said, to whether a rule was broken.

Speaking at his annual state of the league news conference prior to Super Bowl XLIX, Goodell faced a series of questions about his job performance and the league’s controversial year. He said he has not considered resigning, even as the league has faced intense scrutiny for its handling of the Ray Rice domestic abuse case among other issues, and does not think he will be fired.

“It has been a tough year,” Goodell said. “It’s been a tough year on me personally. It’s been a year of what I would say is humility and learning. We obviously as an organization have gone through adversity, but more importantly, adversity for me. It’s an opportunity for us to get better. … We’ve all done a lot of soul searching starting with yours truly.”

https://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/12254585/nfl-commissioner-roger-goodell-said-league-looking-why-new-england-patriots-used-footballs-compliance-was-deliberate

Posted on February 1, 2015January 31, 2015 by James — Leave a comment

Super Bowl Footballs To Be Taken Into Custody By NFL On Friday After Pats, Seahawks Prepare Them

Super Bowl Footballs To Be Taken Into Custody By NFL On Friday After Pats, Seahawks Prepare Them

January 30, 2015 7:59 AM

PHOENIX (CBS Connecticut/AP) — NFL officiating chief Dean Blandino says the inspection of the footballs by referee Walt Anderson before the AFC championship game was handled properly.

Blandino also said Thursday the process of checking the footballs and security surrounding the inspections will be enhanced for Sunday’s Super Bowl.

As the league’s investigation into the Patriots’ use of under-inflated footballs moves along, Blandino made it clear the officiating crew for New England’s win over Indianapolis did its job.

“My major concern is did we follow proper protocol?” Blandino said. “Everything was properly tested and marked before the game. Walt gauged the footballs himself; it is something he has done throughout his career.

“Officiating is not part of the investigation.”

https://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2015/01/30/super-bowl-footballs-nfl-custody/

Posted on January 31, 2015January 31, 2015 by James — 1 Comment

Restaurant review: Novo in Ridgewood

Restaurant review: Novo in Ridgewood

January 30, 2015 Last updated: Friday, January 30, 2015, 5:45 PM
By Elisa Ung
The Record

With its gentle lighting and soothing tones of blue and cream, the modern dining room of Ridgewood’s Novo lulled me into a false sense of calm. Then the food began arriving, and I spent the rest of the evening on the edge of my seat.

Piles of tiny handmade couscous, the lightest I have ever had, cushioned impeccable sautéed mussels, shrimp, squid and fish, putting other seafood pasta dishes to shame ($32). Slices of rich house-made lamb bacon gave heft to a flatbread appetizer ($14) and character to steak-like Colorado lamb chops layered over a musky date-eggplant purée ($38). And the only dish I ate that didn’t look like it belonged on a magazine cover — a powdered-sugar-dusted duck confit pie called duck bisteeya — made up for its plain appearance with an exhilarating sweet-spicy-tangy flavor ($33).

https://www.northjersey.com/food-and-dining-news/restaurant-reviews/restaurant-review-novo-in-ridgewood-1.1261629

Posted on January 31, 2015January 31, 2015 by James — Leave a comment

Salaries and benefits for two suspended Glen Rock police officers restored

Salaries and benefits for two suspended Glen Rock police officers restored

January 30, 2015, 11:33 AM Last updated: Friday, January 30, 2015, 1:02 PM
By CHRIS HARRIS
Staff Writer |
The Record

GLEN ROCK — Two suspended policemen have had their salaries and medical benefits restored while they face disciplinary action for allegedly deleting photo files from a police department computer.

Officer Christopher McInerney confirmed Friday morning that the Glen Rock council informed his lawyers on Thursday that he was returned to the borough’s payroll with his benefits back in effect. Officer Bryan Scott also started receiving pay again from Thursday on, and he and his family’s benefits are active once more.

Both officers received checks from the borough on Thursday. The suspensions remain in effect, McInerney said, but with pay.

A statement issued by the borough Friday said the council agreed to restore the officers’ benefits and salaries “based upon the prior habit, custom and practice of the borough.”

The move, the statement added, in no way “questions or challenges the decision by Chief [Fred] Stahman to file disciplinary charges against the two officers.”

Glen Rock retroactively paid McInerney and Scott from the date of their suspensions in late December, McInerney said.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/salaries-and-benefits-for-two-suspended-glen-rock-police-officers-restored-1.1261868

Posted on January 31, 2015June 27, 2021 by James — 2 Comments

E NOTICE – Post Storm

E NOTICE – Post Storm

Village of Ridgewood E-Notice

Post-Storm Village Services January 28, 2015

Dear E-Notice Residents,

Hope everyone fared well through the storm.

Just wanted to let you know about our provision of services to you after the storm.

Sanitation: Garbage pick-up will be as usual this Thursday and Friday EXCEPT that we are asking you to bring your trash cans to the curb.

Bulk Curbside Pick-Up: As you know we canceled bulk pick-up for the east side today; because of holidays this would have meant waiting an entire month for another pick-up date; we found this too extreme and as a result are adding a bulk pick-up for the east side on Wednesday February 4th.

Christmas Trees: Tomorrow (Thursday) for the west side and Friday for the east side. After these dates there will be no further Christmas tree pick-up. Christmas trees will have to be dropped off at the Recycling Center.

Clearly the above remains weather-dependent. As always please check our website for additional updates.

Best,

Roberta Sonenfeld
Village Manager
201-670-5500, ext. 203

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