“The People’s Map” was developed by members of the Bayshore Tea Party. It was drawn in full compliance with the New Jersey State and Federal Constitutions and supporting redistricting legislation.
Director of the Polling Institute at Monmouth University, Professor Patrick Murray, says “… the map’s parameters are solid. It also maintains and perhaps enhances minority representation (basically as well as the map proposed by the minority coalition!) and provides for real competition for control of the next legislature.” https://www.bayshoreteaparty.org/
>Abbot v. Burke: Not simply about poor, inner-city school districts
“Below adequacy.” It’s not a pleasant phrase, but it could prove to be a critical one as the state Supreme Court weighs what to do next in New Jersey’s ongoing debate over the Abbott v. Burke school funding case. (Mooney, NJ Spotlight)
It gets better…my wife and eldest daughter were at Paramus Stop & Shop this afternoon and one of the solar collectors was covered in bird droppings. Now, are they still effective? I can think of a few statues who would love the respite from our feathered friends.
M
“NIMBY activism has blocked more renewable projects than coal-fired power plants…”
Are environmentalists an obstacle to clean energy production? By John Rossomando – The Daily Caller | Published: 1:04 AM 03/28/2011 | Updated: 4:26 PM 03/28/2011
The Obama administration has set a target of having 80 percent of America’s electricity come from “clean energy sources” by 2035, but ironically one of the biggest obstacles to this goal could come from within the environmental movement itself.
From coast to coast, efforts to build everything from wind farms to solar plants has run afoul of local environmental groups and the “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) phenomenon. Pro-environmental journals, such as the Vermont Journal of Environmental Law, as well as business groups, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, have each cataloged this trend.
“Often, many of the same groups urging us to think globally about renewable energy are acting locally to stop the very same renewable energy projects that could create jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Bill Kovacs, senior vice president for environment, technology and regulatory affairs with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, wrote in the introduction of the group’s recent “Project, No Project” report. “NIMBY activism has blocked more renewable projects than coal-fired power plants by organizing local opposition, changing zoning laws, opposing permits, filing lawsuits, and using other long delay mechanisms, effectively bleeding projects dry of their financing.”
>Aetna sues doctors over bills it calls ‘excessive’ Friday, March 25, 2011 BY MARY JO LAYTON AND LINDY WASHBURN THE RECORD STAFF WRITERS
One of the nation’s largest insurers has sued six North Jersey physicians over bills it considers “unlawful and excessive,” including $56,980 for a 25-minute bedside consultation.
In one case, Aetna Inc. claims it paid a Ridgewood neurosurgery practice $3.9 million more than it was entitled to receive. It also alleges the practice billed a patient $116,000, even after the insurer had provided payment in full.
In another case, Aetna claims a cardiologist at Hackensack University Medical Center increased his charges more than sixfold for catheterizations, from $3,000 to $18,720. The fees drove his income from Aetna up from $155,310 in 2006 to $2.5 million in 2008, according to the lawsuit obtained by The Record on Thursday
>“Dance of the Lemons” keeps ineffective teachers moving from school to school
In education circles — and a few parent ones — it’s been called the “dance of the lemons,” a derisive description of the way districts’ central offices shuffle ineffective teachers from school to school. (Mooney, NJ Spotlight)
>Appointment of Robbert O’Malley to Land use Authority calls in to question Village Managers Judgement
Ridgewood NJ – It’s scary to think that you can be indicted by a federal grand jury for fraud, then be promoted to a civic leadership post. On top of that, Mayor Gabbert aka Ridgewood Village Administrator, is okay with this. Seriously, is this the kind of decision making we want in Ridgewood? Does anyone else in Ridgewood even question these types of actions by the guy tasked to run the day to day operations of Ridgewood. Are there no more ethical boundary lines in this state?
I would hope somebody such as our mayor, or someone from the village council asks Mr Gabbert why he is comfortable supporting a person indicted on 68, yes 68 counts of fraud to a substantial decision making board?
“O’Malley, 47, was indicted in August on 68 counts of fraud and other federal crimes. Prosecutors say O’Malley falsified mortgage applications at his private business, Residential Mortgage Corp. of Ridgewood, and used improvement authority workers to confirm the falsified applications when lenders called.”
>Annie Zusy’s daughters to run half-marathon to raise money to fight lung cancer and promote research the Staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ – Eliza and Katie will be doing their FIRST EVER race! Both sisters will be doing a half marathon in NYC/Brooklyn on April 2nd! They’re running in honor of our mother, late councilwoman Anne Zusy . The ladies are looking to raise money and awareness for lung cancer research and prevention!
As you know, Anne Zusy passed away in June from lung cancer. Duaghters Katie and Eliza , Katie, will be running a half marathon in Queens on April 2nd in an effort to raise money to fight lung cancer and promote research for it. Their goal is to raise $1000 which has already been exceeded with the generous support of friends and many Ridgewood residents!
The sisters have set up a website set-up where people can make donations of any amount to help our cause. They are called “Team Annie” and are excited to do they’er part in fighting lung cancer. The web-site link is below:
>Annual St. Patrick’s Dinner Dance Saturday, March 19th, 7:00 p.m.
Mount Carmel gymnasium
52 Passaic Street
The Village Caterer will be providing traditional Irish fare of corned beef and cabbage. Renowned New York City musicians Bob and Norm will be playing Irish classics and great dance music. There will also be a special appearance by the Irish Step Dancers. “This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, and it is a great opportunity for friends and neighbors to get together for a night of fun”, said Doug Findlay, organizer of the event.
>AOL Lays Off 20% Following Huffington Purchase By VERNE G. KOPYTOFF AOL said it would lay off 1,000 employees on Thursday in the wake of its acquisition of news and commentary site The Huffington Post.
The cuts, which represent 20 percent of AOL’s work force, also include reductions in its operations in India.
>A wake-up call for gadget lovers; Text, tweets robbing us of needed sleep, study finds By Mary Jo Layton The Record (Hackensack N.J.)
HACKENSACK, N.J. — Nearly two-thirds of Americans say they’re not getting enough sleep and late-night computer use, texting and video games are a significant part of the problem, according to a national survey released Monday.
Virtually all of Americans surveyed in the Sleep in America poll reported “very active” use of technology at least a few nights a week within an hour of bed.
“It is clear that we have a lot more to learn about the appropriate use and design of this technology to complement good sleep habits,” said David Cloud, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation, which conducted the survey.
More than half of kids ages 13 to 18 text an hour before bed most nights and this group reports being the sleepiest of all, the survey found.
On average they report seven hours and 26 minutes of sleep a night on weeknights, nearly two hours shy of the nine hours and 15 minutes recommended by sleep experts.
It’s a familiar story to Dr. Tracy Carbone, a sleep expert at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, N.J., who treats a growing number of adolescents for sleep disorders which are affecting school performance, driving ability and moods and mental health.
>Abbot v. Burke fact-finding hearings: It’s all over – but the final report
The deputy attorney general was the last to speak after three weeks of hearings in the Abbott v. Burke school equity case, and she was barely into her closing statement when the judge chimed in with a question. (Mooney, NJ Spotlight)
>Presidents Day: more than just a Presidents Day sale
Presidents Day: How George Washington and Abe Lincoln Got Screwed Out of Their Own Holidays
Feb 20, 2011 – 10:07 PM
Happy birthdays!
This year, the holiday informally recognized as Presidents Day falls on Monday, Feb. 21. Commemorating the birthdays of two of the nation’s most beloved presidents — George Washington and Abraham Lincoln — the holiday was not always a joint celebration. Surge Desk takes a look at the birth of this mash-up federal day off.
George Washington gets his day
The father of our country was so beloved by American citizens that his birthday, Feb. 22, was celebrated across the land long before it actually became an official holiday. Congress proclaimed that date as “Washington’s Birthday” in the year 1880; starting in 1885, all federal workers were given the day off.
What’s Abraham Lincoln, chopped liver?
Unfortunately for Abraham Lincoln, his birth date was too near Washington’s; if not, he no doubt would have been granted his own holiday. But with Feb. 12 right around the corner from the 22nd, it was hard to justify two days off so close together for state and federal workers. Though Lincoln’s birthday was never formally recognized by the federal government, following his assasination in 1865, commemorations were observed by a number of states.
Have a Heart Tue, February 01, 2011 – Mon, February 28, 2011
Cupcakes by Carousel, 192 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
During the Month of February, the American Heart Association will receive $1.00 for every Red velvet heart cupcake and $2.00 for every Red velvet cake with hearts sold, to help fight heart disease in America
“It’s Raining Men” ,Thu, February 10, 2011 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Red Velvet Luxe, 59 E. Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood NJ 07450
All your special someones will be cordially invited to an evening of whiskey tasting, cigars and then some, to make all your wishes come true. Start wishing, hoping and dreaming now!
Includes FREE Ballroom dance lesson with
Dance Master Lestat from 5:00pm-5:30pm.
Continued dancing 5:30pm-7:30pm
Singles and couples are welcome.
The cost to attend is $15pp or $25 per couple and includes a 20% discount coupon for a pre or post dance dinner at local Ridgewood restaurants Smith Brothers or The Office.Contact Carol Livingstone at 201-444-5600 ext 330 or email clivingstone@ridgewoodym.org
Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance
Sun, February 13, 2011
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Arthur Murray Dance Studio, 257 E. Ridgewood Ave. (entrance on N. Maple Ave.)
Event Description
Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance -Join Arthur Murray Dance Studio and Mediterraneo Restaurant make your Valentine’s Day one to remember, with elegant dancing and a romantic sit down candle-lit dinner.
$90 per person, BYOB
Reservation and deposit required
Sunday, February 13, 2011
rsvp 201-389-6980 – 201-447-0022
