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Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) :Mr President stop creating jobs at the IRS

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Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) :Mr President stop creating jobs at the IRS
january 21,2015

the staff of the Ridgewood blog
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) issued the following statement tonight after President Obama delivered his State of the Union address to Congress:

“As outlined in tonight’s speech, President Obama is pressing hard to continue to advance his ideological agenda at the expense of our economy.  The president talks about bringing in ‘more revenue’ and ‘investing’ it.  But you and I both know that this is a fancy way of saying he wants to tax you more so he can spend more.

“The answer isn’t higher taxes; it’s about creating more jobs.  It’s time for the president to stop creating jobs at the IRS and get out of the way of the job creators in New Jersey and the rest of America.  The first step in this process is working with Congress to enact real, meaningful tax reform that will lower rates, simplify the code, and close special-interest loopholes.

“Given the recent election, it’s clear that the American people are eager to get our economy back on track.  They want to be rewarded for their hard work and ingenuity, they want to maximize their opportunities so they can get ahead, and they want to forge a better future for themselves and their families.  Republicans in the House and Senate are in total agreement with this plan and fully expect the president to help us achieve it.

“Although we are only three weeks into the new Congress, my colleagues and I in the House have already shown that we are serious about working together to make positive changes.  We have advanced several bipartisan bills that will allow Americans to find better paying jobs, help American businesses to grow, and put more money back in American taxpayers’ pockets.

“It’s time to put aside partisan politics and advance public policies that help poor and middle class Americans, not those who curry favoritism in Washington.  Mr. President, join us.”

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Ridgewood church’s cross ideal spot for antenna

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Ridgewood church’s cross ideal spot for antenna

JANUARY 20, 2015    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015, 9:08 AM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

A group of residents was at odds with the planner retained by a telecommunications firm hoping to build a cellular antenna atop the cross at West Side Presbyterian Church.

According to James Kyle, a planner for Verizon Wireless, the inherent benefits of a properly placed and concealed antenna at that location would outweigh the detriments, which, during a Jan. 13 Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting, he said the company has “gone to great lengths to minimize.”

Verizon is seeking a use and height variance from the zoning board to build what representatives are calling a 2-foot tall “micro site” antenna at the top of the cross. The proposed equipment would help alleviate a significant gap in coverage north of West Ridgewood Avenue.

The antenna, which is not allowed in a residential zone, would bring the total building height to 68.5 feet where 30 feet is permitted by zoning regulations. Currently, the building stands at 65.5 feet when measured to the top of the cross.

“None of what we’re doing impacts the existing conditions,” Kyle said. He added that Verizon believes constructing smaller antennas on existing tall structures is “the new solution” and alternative to large, obtrusive monopoles.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/verizon-seeks-to-place-antenna-on-top-of-ridgewood-church-cross-1.1228126

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Central bank prophet fears QE warfare pushing world financial system out of control

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Central bank prophet fears QE warfare pushing world financial system out of control

Former BIS chief economist warns that QE in Europe is doomed to failure and may draw the region into deeper difficulties

By Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, in Davos
6:48PM GMT 20 Jan 2015

The economic prophet who foresaw the Lehman crisis with uncanny accuracy is even more worried about the world’s financial system going into 2015.

Beggar-thy-neighbour devaluations are spreading to every region. All the major central banks are stoking asset bubbles deliberately to put off the day of reckoning. This time emerging markets have been drawn into the quagmire as well, corrupted by the leakage from quantitative easing (QE) in the West.

“We are in a world that is dangerously unanchored,” said ,William White the Swiss-based chairman of the OECD’s Review Committee. “We’re seeing true currency wars and everybody is doing it, and I have no idea where this is going to end.”

Mr White is a former chief economist to the Bank for International Settlements – the bank of central banks – and currently an advisor to German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/11358316/Central-bank-prophet-fears-QE-warfare-pushing-world-financial-system-out-of-control.html

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Iowa Sen. Ernst promises GOP focus on Americans’ concerns

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Iowa Sen. Ernst promises GOP focus on Americans’ concerns
Jan 20, 8:13 PM (ET)
By ALAN FRAM

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans controlling Congress will focus on people’s concerns about jobs and health care and steer the country away from President Barack Obama’s failed policies, the newly minted senator delivering her party’s official response to the State of Union address said Tuesday.

In remarks that mixed calls for bipartisan cooperation with a flexing of GOP independence, freshman Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, cited Americans’ worries about stagnant wages, lost jobs and canceled health care coverage. She called on Obama to cooperate with Republicans to simplify the tax code by lowering rates and eliminating unspecified loopholes, and to ease trade barriers with Europe and Asia.

“Americans have been hurting, but when we demanded solutions, too often Washington responded with the same stale mindset that led to failed policies like Obamacare,” Ernst, referring to Obama’s health care overhaul, said in excerpts from her speech released before its delivery. “It’s a mindset that gave us political talking points, not serious solutions.”

Ernst’s speech marked her party’s first State of the Union response during the Obama presidency in which the GOP has had majorities in both the House and Senate. It came as Republicans are hoping to expand their appeal among women and minorities in advance of the 2016 presidential and congressional elections.

“We plan to make Washington focus on your concerns again,” she said. “We heard the message you sent in November, loud and clear.”

The evening’s speeches came as the economy has been adding muscle, with economic growth accelerating and unemployment falling. In his remarks, Obama said it was time to “turn the page” on years of war and economic weakness and turn to investments that would strengthen the country.

https://apnews.myway.com/article/20150121/us–state_of_union-gop-129d9847cf.html

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YWCA Senior Fitness Open House

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YWCA Senior Fitness Open House
Wed, January 28, 2015
Time: 11:45 AM – 2:15 PM

Location: YWCA Bergen County, 112 Oak Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Event Description

“Safe and Simple Balance Techniques for Active Older Adults”

On Wednesday, January 28, 2015 YWCA Bergen County will hold a free Senior Fitness Open House from 11:45am to 2:15pm at 112 Oak Street, Ridgewood, NJ. Open to the public, active seniors can drop in for aerobic and therapeutic fitness classes. Safe and Simple Balance Techniques for Active Older Adults, a special presentation and class instruction, provided by Robin Abrett, will also be offered.

Balance problems are among the most common reasons that older adults seek help from a doctor. Having good balance means being able to control and maintain your body’s position, whether you are moving or remaining still. From 11:45am to 12:15pm, Safe and Simple Balance Techniques for Active Older Adults will explain simple techniques to help improve balance.

Always wanted to try Pilates and have trouble moving up and down from the floor? Golden Barre/Standing Pilates is the answer! From 12:30pm to 1:30pm, stretching movements are done at the ballet barre or using a chair. Improve your balance, range of motion, muscle tone and posture! From 1:30pm to 2:15pm, start to feel better from your head to toes with Arthritis Class, where you will learn gentle exercises and stretches that will increase range of motion and relieve pain.

Men and Women are welcome. For more information, please contact Colleen Fontes at 201-444-5600 x351 or [email protected].

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Village of Ridgewood Public Meetings Civility Roundtable, Winter Workshops at SHARE , Meet the Manager

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file photo Boyd Loving

Village of Ridgewood Public Meetings  Civility Roundtable, Winter Workshops at SHARE , Meet the Manager

Civility Roundtable – January 20th – All are Welcome!

Mayor Paul Aronsohn will be holding a Roundtable meeting to discuss related to more civility in our public discourse. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 20th at 7:30pm in the Senior Lounge at Village Hall.

Rev. Jan Phillips will lead the discussion. We will drill down on ways to take the civility conversation forward.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

Winter Workshops at SHARE – Housing for Seniors 1/22

The Shared Housing Association for Ridgewood and Environs (SHARE, Inc.) is hosting a Winter Workshop series designed to address issues concerning seniors, their families and caregivers. Area residents are invited to attend these free programs presented by local service providers and businesses.

The following workshops will be held at the SHARE residences indicated in January and February:

• Thurs., Jan. 22 – Medicare Questions Answered: Robert Luperi, 7 p.m., 104 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, N.J.

• Tues., Feb. 3 – Healing Yourself, Finding JOY: Anne Deatley from eQuantum Breakthroughs, 7 p.m., 130 Prospect St., Ridgewood, N.J.

• Wed., Feb. 18 – Matching Seniors with Home Health Aids: Elise Merhige from Interim Healthcare, 7 p.m., 104 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, N.J.

RSVP’s are welcome but not required. Call 201-670-9605 or email [email protected] to register or for more information.

SHARE, Inc. is a New Jersey non-profit that provides an affordable, home like environment for independent seniors in shared residences located at 104 Cottage Place and 130 Prospect Street in Ridgewood, N.J. For more information visit www.shareridgewood.org.

Meet the Manager – Saturday, January 24th 9:00am to 12 Noon

Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld will hold office hours for Ridgewood residents and business owners on Saturday, January 24th between the hours of 9:00am to 12 Noon. This is an opportunity to share your thoughts and provide input to Roberta. These sessions will be scheduled at 15 minute intervals and will be held in the Council Chambers on the 4th Floor of Ridgewood Village Hall. Please contact Beth Spinato at 201-670-5500, ext. 203 to make an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome but should realize that the schedule may already be booked. We will announce the schedule for these meetings on a monthly basis.

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Vitamin D deficiency can affect seasonal depression, study says

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Vitamin D deficiency can affect seasonal depression, study says

JANUARY 20, 2015    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015, 1:21 AM
THE RECORD
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Low vitamin D may be a culprit in winter depression

Vitamin D deficiency might impact mental health and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a depression linked to changes in the season, according to research recently published in Medical Hypotheses.

Seasonal depression, or SAD, is believed to affect up to 10 percent of the population, depending upon geographical location.

Based on researchers’ findings, vitamin D was likely to be a contributing factor in seasonal depression in that vitamin D levels fluctuate in the body seasonally, in direct relation to seasonally available sunlight.

Vitamin D is also involved in the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine within the brain, both chemicals linked to depression, according to the researchers.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/health-news/vitamin-d-deficiency-can-affect-seasonal-depression-study-says-1.1228057

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Bergen County Republican Chairman Bob Yudin ,” the blame for the Izod Center closure on “failed Democratic policies”

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Yudin strikes back at Stellato over Izod Center closure vote

Bergen County Republican Chairman Bob Yudin ,” the blame for the Izod Center closure on  “failed Democratic policies”

After getting shellacked by Bergen County Democratic Chairman Lou Stellato for his January 15 vote to close the Izod Center at the Meadowlands Complex in his capacity as a board commissioner of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, Bergen County Republican Chairman Bob Yudin struck back at Stellato, laying the blame for the Izod Center closure on both circumstances and “failed Democratic policies.” (Bonamo/PolitickerNJ)

Yudin strikes back at Stellato over Izod Center closure vote | New Jersey News, Politics, Opinion, and Analysis

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Ridgewood manager waives pay for CFO work

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Ridgewood manager waives pay for CFO work

JANUARY 16, 2015    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld is waiving her right to a compensation that will save taxpayers up to $35,000.

According to the non-unions officers salary ordinance, Sonenfeld is entitled to $5,000 to $35,000 for serving in the position of temporary chief financial officer (CFO).

Sonenfeld has taken on the position – which she cannot hold for more than a year – while the village continues its quest for a new CFO, who would also serve as a new director of the parking utility.

The former CFO, Steve Sanzari, who will remain the village treasurer, will serve as Sonenfeld’s temporary deputy chief financial officer for a stipend of $1,000 per month, according to a resolution that the council unanimously approved on Wednesday.

Sonenfeld is also serving as head of the parking utility for the time being, at no additional compensation.

“My feeling was I didn’t want the village to expend any more dollars on this,” Sonenfeld said. “I’m just putting everything into my regular workday.”

Sanzari previously received a $5,000 stipend, on top of his $110,000 salary as treasurer, for working as CFO.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/sonenfeld-waives-pay-for-cfo-work-1.1196446

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Temporary cell tower returns to Ridgewood location on Route 17

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file photo Boyd Loving

Temporary cell tower returns to Ridgewood location on Route 17

JANUARY 19, 2015    LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015, 2:04 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

The recently removed temporary cell tower that overlooked the Exxon Mobil station along Route 17 is returning.

The Ridgewood Zoning Board of Adjustment on Jan. 13 granted a five-month extension to a previously approved resolution that allowed AT&T to install and operate a temporary tower at the site. Dubbed a cell on wheels (COW), a tower is needed in that location to provide customers with seamless coverage of the latest network technology, as required by the Federal Communications Commission, company representatives said.

During last Tuesday’s hearing, zoning board members discussed few details of the extension but verified that the terms of the original resolution would be in effect through the length of the extension.

“Bring back the COW exactly how it was,” said Bruce Whitaker, zoning board attorney.

Last June, the board approved AT&T’s original application to install the trailer-mounted, 75-foot cell tower at the service station site.

A board resolution included terms for required setbacks, shielding and operation, among other details, and stated that the equipment would be removed on or before Dec. 31, 2014.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/temporary-cell-tower-moves-back-to-ridgewood-spot-1.1226591

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Sick traveler who worked with Ebola patients at Hackensack University Medical Center

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Sick traveler who worked with Ebola patients at Hackensack University Medical Center

January 19, 2015, 4:33 PM    Last updated: Monday, January 19, 2015, 6:03 PM
By ABBOTT KOLOFF
staff writer | The Record

A woman who had been working in Sierra Leone with Ebola patients was taken off a United Airlines flight at Newark Liberty Airport in a hazmat suit Monday afternoon and transported to Hackensack University Medical Center after she exhibited a high fever and vomited on the flight, government officials and law enforcement sources said.

The woman was identified only as a health care practitioner by authorities. They did not detail whether she is a doctor, a nurse or an aide and did not specify where she lives. Newark is one of five airports in the United States designated as a point of entry for people coming from parts of West Africa where there was an Ebola outbreak last year, and Hackensack is one of three hospitals in New Jersey authorized to isolate and assess potential Ebola patients.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/sick-traveler-who-worked-with-ebola-patients-at-hackensack-university-medical-center-1.1227223

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NFL investigating Patriots for possible deflation of footballs

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NFL investigating Patriots for possible deflation of footballs

Updated January 19, 2015 11:37 AM
By BOB GLAUBER  [email protected]

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The NFL is looking into whether footballs used in the Patriots’ 45-7 win over the Colts in Sunday’s AFC Championship game were not fully inflated.

NFL spokesman Michael Signora confirmed in an email to Newsday on Monday morning that the matter is being investigated. Signora declined to offer further details about the matter.

According to the NFL rule book, footballs must be inflated to between 12.5-13.5 pounds per square inch (PSI) and weigh between 14 and 15 ounces. There also are specific rules about how many footballs are to be available for each game, as well as testing procedures by the on-field officials. Each team provided 12 footballs before the game, plus an additional 12 in the case of bad weather, as was the situation in New England on Sunday.

It is unclear as to where the complaint originated. On-field officials removed one football from the game Sunday to have it checked.

“If something is noticed, It’s not unheard of for a ball to removed from circulation and then tested during the week for whatever issue there was,” NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino said Monday on the NFL Network’s show “NFL AM.”

https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/super-bowl/nfl-opens-patriots-deflated-football-probe-after-afc-championship-win-1.9821346

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America’s Middle Class Is Unlucky

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America’s Middle Class Is Unlucky

President Obama’s tax plan is Piketty-lite, aimed at reversing years of economic rot among America’s poorest 50 percent

Derek Thompson Jan 19 2015, 1:51 PM ET

At this stage in Obama’s presidency, ambitious tax proposals to soak the rich are the political equivalent of desert rain dances—sometimes impressive, often well-meaning, always doomed, and essentially ceremonial. The administration’s latest tax-modification ritual would raise taxes on wealthy estates and large banks to pay for larger tax breaks for middle-class households, particularly those with two working parents and kids. The plan is Piketty-lite, skimming the wealth of the 1 percent to redistribute among the incomes of poorer workers.

Why should America’s richest families have to withstand yet another tax increase to benefit poorer Americans? The short answer is that the United States has, since the turn of the century, cemented its status as the best place in the world to be among the working rich, while poorer workers have suffered compared to other advanced countries. Here’s the longer answer…

Twenty-five years ago, the United States was the richest country in the world, for richer and for poorer, for both the 10th percentile and the 99th. Although America’s richest 50 percent is still the richest top half of any country, our distinction as the land of opportunity is eroding from the bottom up, as the Upshot elegantly showed. American superiority is rotting from the bottom up.

https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2015/01/americas-other-half-problem/384588/

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Today is ‘saddest day of the year’ — and there’s a ‘Blue Monday’ equation that ‘explains’ why

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Today is ‘saddest day of the year’ — and there’s a ‘Blue Monday’ equation that ‘explains’ why

Wintry weather. Post-holiday debt. Failed New Years resolutions. And everyone back in the office after taking time off.

Those things added together amount to what is believed to be the most depressing day of the year for many: today, January 19, dubbed “Blue Monday.”

https://www.myfoxdc.com/story/27884109/today-is-saddest-day-of-the-year-and-theres-a-blue-monday-equation-that-explains-why

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Paris Attacks challenge ‘lone wolf’ terrorist theory

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Paris Attacks challenge ‘lone wolf’ terrorist theory

By Michel Moutot 23 hours ago

Paris (AFP) – The attacks in Paris and the radical Islamist cell dismantled in Brussels have challenged the idea of the “lone wolf” terrorist who works alone, without the help of a jihadist organization, analysts say.

Every terrorist that has attempted or carried out attacks in the West in recent years — down to the Kouachi brothers who struck the Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris this month — has had some level of ties to extremist groups engaged in global jihad, according to experts.

For Jean-Pierre Filiu, of Sciences Po university in Paris, the events in France and Belgium had shown “once again” that the idea of radicals acting in isolation was “an inane myth”.

“This largely fantastical figure is an intellectual creation that appeared in the United States as part of the Bush administration’s ‘global war on terror’ in 2001”, he argued.

Although they may have acted without direct instructions from above, the Kouachi brothers had training from Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), its Yemen branch, and struck a top target on Al-Qaeda’s “most-wanted” list.

https://news.yahoo.com/attacks-challenge-lone-wolf-terrorist-theory-164725772.html