PAINESVILLE, Ohio — Mary Ann Froebe stood feet apart with knees slightly bent and aimed the .22-caliber Ruger semiautomatic.
“You’ve got some adrenaline running through you right now,” said Esther Beris, the coordinator of the northeastern Ohio chapter of A Girl and a Gun Women’s Shooting League. “It’s O.K., just relax.”
Ms. Froebe, 42, a small-business owner who described herself as a “virgin gun shooter,” concentrated and pulled the trigger. “It was awesome,” she said, her face flushed, after emptying the 10-round clip. “The sense of control, of being in charge of me.”
Sen. Robert Menendez at Ridgewood REORG photo by Boyd Loving
Sen. Robert Menendez and the mainstream media: Malfeasance?
Posted by Erik Wemple on February 7, 2013 at 3:46 pm
Matthew Boyle is standing by his story.
On Nov. 1, Boyle published a piece on the Daily Caller site titled “Women: Sen. Bob Menendez paid us for sex in the Dominican Republic [VIDEO]“. To sort of nail down the story, Boyle conducted an Internet-video interview with two Dominican women who attested to having been (under)paid to have sex with Menendez and to having been treated both affectionately and indifferently by him.
The Daily Caller story introduced some terms now referenced frequently in hard-nosed coverage on the Democratic New Jersey senator. The romps, it reported, took place around Easter 2012 at Casa de Campo, a pricey Dominican resort. It noted that Salomon Melgen, a Florida eye doctor and campaign donor to Menendez, had a place at Casa de Campo. Also: Melgen’s plane around Easter 2012 took a trip from Florida to the Dominican Republic, with a detour through a private New Jersey airport near Menendez’s home. The senator recently had to reimburse Melgen $58,500 for free trips he’d taken on the aircraft, and a Senate ethics inquiry is homing in on the case.
To the readers of the Daily Caller, the prostitutes are anonymous, with video-fuzzing technology masking their faces. “Both asked that their identities remain obscured for fear of reprisals in the Dominican Republic,” says the piece.
That very anonymity is the reason why other news outlets, including the Associated Press, have called the prostitution allegations against the Democratic New Jersey senator “unsubstantiated.”
Unsubstantiated to other outlets doesn’t mean unsubstantiated to Boyle. “I talked to two of the prostitutes, I saw their faces, I heard their voices…and I know their names,” says Boyle, who has jumped to Breitbart.com since the Menendez story. “I’m not going to release [the names] because given the violent and dangerous nature of the business down there, these women are in jeopardy.”
Frostbite: Damage to body tissue caused by that tissue being frozen. Warning signs include loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, Get medical help immediately ! If you must wait for help, Slowly re-warm affected areas. If the person is also showing signs of hypothermia, warm the body core before the extremities.
Hypothermia: Low body temperature. Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If a person’s body temperature is below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, Immediately seek medical attention.
IF MEDICAL CARE IS NOT AVAILABLE:
•Begin warming the person slowly, warm the body core first. If needed use your own body heat to help.
•Get the person into dry clothing and wrap them in a warm blanket covering them completely, including the head and neck.
•Do not give the person alcohol, drugs, coffee, or any hot beverage or food; warm broth is better.
•Do not warm extremities (arms & legs) first! This drives the cold blood toward the heart and can lead to heart failure.
Strain from the cold and hard labor may cause a heart attack.
•Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snows, especially if you are not in peak physical condition.
•If you must shovel snow, take it slow and lift small amounts, especially when removing heavy snow, slush or ice.
Food & Drink Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Keep the body replenished with fluids (water and juice; limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol) to prevent dehydration.
How to be prepared at home:
• Keep a battery powered radio and extra batteries for news and official broadcasts.
• Store food that can be prepared without an electric or gas stove.
• Stock emergency water and cooking supplies
• Have flashlights, battery-powered lams and extra batteries in case of a power outage. Candles and matches can be a fire hazard
• If you have a wood stove or fireplace store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them and knows fire prevention rules
• Keep in touch with elderly neighbors or family
Be prepared if you go out:
• Wear layers of thin clothing instead of single layers of thick clothing
• Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. If you add unaccustomed exercise, such as shoveling snow or pushing a car, you may risk heart attack or stroke.
• Mittens are warmer than gloves.
• Wear a hat; most body heat is lost through the top of the head.
• Cover you mouth with scarves to protect your lungs from directly inhaling the extremely cold air.
Winter driving tips:
• If you must travel, take public transportation whenever possible. If you must use a car, take winter driving seriously. Travel by daylight, and keep others informed of your schedule. Drive with extreme caution; never try to save time by driving fast or using back-road shortcuts.
• Make sure you car has fuel, and is equipped with chains or snow tires
• Keep you car “winterized” with antifreeze. Carry a “winter car kit” that includes a windshield scaper, flashlight, tow chain or rope, shovel, tire chains, a blanket, a bag of sand or salt, a fluorescent distress flag and an emergency flare in case you are trapped in a winter storm. Keep extra outerwear and pre-packaged food in the car. Make sure you windshield wipers are working properly and there is windshield washer fluid in the car.
If a blizzard traps you in your car:
• Pull off the highway; stay calm and remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you.
• Turn on your emergency flashers and hang a distress flag fro the radio aerial or window.
• Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful; distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close but be too far to walk in deep snow.
• If you run the engine to keep warm, open a window slightly for ventilation. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Periodically clear away snow from the exhaust pipe.
• Exercise to maintain body heat (by clapping and moving around) but avoid over exertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat as a blanket.
• Never let everyone in the car sleep at one time. One person should look out for the rescue crews.
• Be careful not to use up battery power. Balance electrical energy needs — the use of lights, heat and radio — with supply.
• At night, turn on the inside dome light, so work crews can spot you.
AFP – A stock market slide, escalated conflict between Japan and China and more Gangnam-styled success for South Korean singer Psy will shape the incoming Year of the Snake, say Asian soothsayers.
Those who make predictions according to the study of feng shui — or literally “wind-water” — are influential in many parts of Asia, where people adjust their lives or renovate houses and offices based on the advice.
As they bid farewell to the Year of the Dragon, the fortune tellers warn that the “black water snake” that emerges to replace it on February 10 — the first day of the Lunar New Year — could be a venomous one that brings disaster.
A Whole Lotta Nothing: Kenneth Gabbert will remain village manager in Ridgewood
Thursday February 7, 2013, 1:28 PM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
The Record
RIDGEWOOD — Kenneth Gabbert will remain the village manager for at least the next few months, according to a statement from Mayor Paul Aronsohn.
The statement — composed by the entire council — says that the governing body “has agreed to work toward a common goal and is establishing an evaluation process for the village manager and will closely monitor it over the next few months.”
Earlier this week, administration sources contended the embattled village manager would be asked Wednesday night by a contingent of three council members to resign.
It is not clear if Gabbert was actually asked to step down during the closed session.
Readers say Deputy Mayor Albert Pucciarelli needs to apologize and resign
Let’s see, Councilwomen Walsh complained that she improperly received a ticket in light of the fact that she had a valid permit. She paid the ticket anyway, but HOW DARE SHE BRING THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE POLICE AND OTHERS. WHAT AN OUTRAGE!
Are these people serious? She did not ask for a favor or a quid pro quo. She did not threaten the police or try to use her position to get out of paying a valid ticket.
This is a pure attempt by Mayor Arrogant and his “partner in crime” Puke to distract us from what they did.
““You are the one who sent us down this dark road,” Pucciarelli said. Is this like Hamas saying that Israel has “opened the gates of hell”. How exactly does he plan to retaliate? Maybe he will just talk over her at every council meetying just to drive her crazy.
He needs to apologize or resign. I prefer that he resign.
Walsh, misleading? No thank god, this town has her as our watchdog, She’s doing the checks and balances for the others dirty politics! Thank You, Bernie! Going around the full council system with meetings with the developers, two by two, to make it just legal? Dirty, Dirty, Dirty. BTW: We are paying the town lawyer many dollars for these meetings
Someone explain why Riche and Walsh are being shunned from these developers meetings? We all thought this town council was divided 3-2 ! Now it’s been proven, in a very public manner. Horrific, pathetic actions against Walsh about a parking ticket and permits. She’s pointing out a problem that’s not just hers and due to her council position they claim she went about it in the wrong way? Paul you would have done the same-hypocrite. Pretty lame and I worry for this town. Can you smell Valley lurking again here or did Pascack Valley make them truly go away?
* ACCUMULATIONS…SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 6 TO 12 INCHES…ALONG
WITH UP TO A QUARTER OF AN INCH OF ICE.
* WINDS…NORTH 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH.
* TEMPERATURES…IN THE LOWER 30S.
* VISIBILITIES…ONE QUARTER MILE OR LESS AT TIMES.
* TIMING…FRIDAY AFTERNOON INTO EARLY SATURDAY MORNING.
* IMPACTS…HEAVY SNOW AND FREEZING RAIN WILL MAKE FOR DANGEROUS
DRIVING CONDITIONS. IN ADDITION…THE HEAVY SNOW AND STRONG
WINDS COULD RESULT IN NEAR BLIZZARD CONDITIONS…BRING DOWN SOME
TREE LIMBS…AND CA– USE SCATTERED POWER OUTAGES.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW…SLEET…OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.
Assistant Superintendent Angelo DeSimone gives a status report on the 2014 Budget
Volume 9, Number 13
February 5, 2013
Ridgewood NJ, 2014 budget preparations. Most recently, the Board was given all details on contractual salaries, benefits and out-of-district tuition, bringing the total information to 75%. The remainder of budget information will be sent to the Board this week. Once the budget is prepared, the Board will host a series of public information workshops.
April 16 Annual School Election business:
The Board approved Wednesday, March 6 at 3:30 p.m. as the date and time to hold the drawing of candidate names for ballot position in the annual School Election. The drawing will take place at the Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, in the office of the Assistant Superintendent for Business/Board Secretary.
The Board approved the list of the polling locations and hours for the April 16 Annual School Election, listed below. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
POLLING LOCATIONS FOR THE ANNUAL SCHOOL ELECTION DATE: TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013 HOURS: 7:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M.
DISTRICT LOCATION
1 Willard School, Auditorium, 601 Morningside Road
2 Willard School, Auditorium, 601 Morningside Road
3 Willard School, Auditorium, 601 Morningside Road
4 George Washington Middle School, Gym, 155 Washington Place
5 Orchard School, Cafetorium, 230 Demarest Street
6 Orchard School, Cafetorium, 230 Demarest Street
7 George Washington Middle School, Gym, 155 Washington Place
8 Travell School, Small Multi-purpose Room, 340 Bogert Avenue
9 The Ridgewood Public Library, Auditorium, 125 N. Maple Avenue
10 Orchard School, Cafetorium, 230 Demarest Street
11 Travell School, Small Multi-purpose Room, 340 Bogert Avenue
12 Ridgewood High School, Gym #1, 627 E. Ridgewood Avenue
13 Ridgewood High School, Gym #1, 627 E. Ridgewood Avenue
14 Glen School, Multi-purpose Room, 865 E. Glen Avenue
15 Benjamin Franklin Middle School, Auditorium, 335 N. Van Dien Ave.
16 Benjamin Franklin Middle School, Auditorium, 335 N. Van Dien Ave.
17 Somerville School, Gym, 45 S. Pleasant Avenue
18 Somerville School, Gym, 45 S. Pleasant Avenue
19 Hawes School, Cafetorium, 531 Stevens Avenue
February 6, 2013 7:41 AM
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ– The U.S. Postal Service has announced that it will stop delivering mail on Saturdays but continue to deliver packages six days a week under a plan aimed at saving about $2 billion, the financially struggling agency says. Saturday mail cutback would not begin until August.
The move allows the USPS to focus on package delivery which has increased by 14% since 2010, At the same time technology which aids in package delivery has caught up with the delivery of letters and other mail declining significantly with the ever increasing use of email and other Internet based technologies. .
Under the new plan, mail would still be delivered to post office boxes on Saturdays. and Post offices now open on Saturdays would remain open on Saturdays.
The Postal Service for some time has advocated shifting to a five-day delivery schedule for mail and packages . The US Postal Service is an independent agency that gets no tax dollars for its day-to-day operations but is subject to congressional control.
The agency would need congressional approval to make the change and It was not immediately if that would be forth coming or even necessary.
Patrick R. Donahoe, postmaster general , says Postal Service market research and other research has indicated that nearly 7 in 10 Americans support the switch to five-day delivery as a way for the Postal Service to reduce costs.
The PD manpower is very low, there are several employees eligable to retire at anytime. Minimum manpower on patrol is down to 4 patrol man and 1 supervisor to cover the entire town, that’s from Goffle and rock north to goffle and lake st all the way to the Paramus and Washington twp border near immaculate heart.and down into the lawns by Hawes school including the easternmost area east of Van Emburg. Pretty thin don’t you think? 1 domestic dispute and your down to one person on the road and do not be bamboozeled by the response “you got lots of inside people” they aren’t there any more,they have been eliminated through attrition, retirements, and a firing. 4 men assigned to the bureau, who don’t work 24/7 . The town needs to hire police officers now.
That depends on who does the staffing plan. People with no law enforcement experience, bean counters who work in the corporate world have no business dictating or recommending police staffing levels, there are actual facts, the state police ucr staffing report, which recommends 56 officers for Ridgewood the matrix report which say 44 officers as a minimum staffing level, and that came from a company that was hired by a previous coucil, also the department roster level of the rest of the PD’s in Bergen county, last check had Ridgewood at the lowest officer per resident rate in Bergen. The collective bargaining agreement has already been modified thru PBA cooperation to reduce starting salaries, and lower longevity payment, and lower capped sick time accumulation for new hires, yet the town has failed to take action and rehire. Who is the tiger tean and what are their qualifications to make recommendations as to how many police are necessary to protect the village.
If that is correct, it will be confirmed when a long-term staffing evaluation/plan is done. Right now, we have no actual facts to support whether we are under-staffed or over-staffed in a particular department. By creating efficiencies through other ideas proposed in the report, we may find that historical staffing needs no longer apply. We should get this comprehensive evaluation completed quickly to understand our actual staffing needs in the future. When employees retire, we definitely need to proceed with caution before deciding to hire a replacement.
Last i looked the village had 44 police officers, what do they all do?
The police department may be properly staffed. The staffing plan that the tiger team recommended does not appear to be about reducing staffing arbitrarily. From what I read, they recommended getting an understanding of pending retirements and what the necessary staffing levels in all departments should be. I don’t think they are suggesting that they should perform that evaluation. It stands to reason that any evaluation would need to involve input from appropriate personnel from the each department, who understand the needs. Of course, in the case of the police, the state UCR report is probably not the definitive reference for staffing needs in Ridgewood. I think it offers more of a guideline based on historical practices, which may or may not reflect the specific needs in Ridgewood. Nor does it take into account the long term cost of its staffing guidelines in a particular municipality, which is the most important consideration. It is quite possible that existing contracts can create a cost structure that limits potential staffing options.
The bottom line is that there are about 275 employees in town and the police are only 16% of them. Rather than laying off newer employees (as Gabbert’s budget proposes) to cut expenses, the Village should try to take advantage of normal attrition (retirement) to reduce costs according to a thoughtful plan. If a department is properly staffed or understaffed, then such a plan should have no impact or may even point to increased staffing in that department. Accordingly, this is something that employees should encourage, not resist.
The 2013 Congressional Art Competition has begun, and I am currently accepting submissions in my New Jersey district offices.
The Congressional Art Competition is sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives, and it is open to all 9th-12th graders. The first-place winner from each congressional district is invited to attend a reception in Washington, D.C., and the winning artwork is displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year.
On this page, you will find the 2013 guidelines and the Student Release form. Artwork may be dropped off at the Eastern District Office, 266 Harristown Road, Suite 104, Glen Rock (201-444-5454) or at the Western District Office, 83 Spring Street, Suite 302A, Newton (973-300-2000) between now and Monday, April 22, 2013. Please call in advance to let my staff know you will be dropping off the artwork.
I sincerely hope you will consider participating in this wonderful opportunity. Please do not hesitate to contact Christina Garfinkle at my Eastern District Office at (201) 444-5454 if you have additional questions.
A GUIDE TO THE NEW JERSEY OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT WHAT IS THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW?
The Open Public Meetings Law, which is commonly referred to as the “Sunshine Law”, was enacted in 1975. It establishes the right of all citizens to have adequate advance notice of all public meetings and the right to attend meetings at which any business affecting the public is discussed or acted upon. – N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 to 10:4-2
IS THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW THE SAME THING AS THE RIGHT-TOKNOW
LAW?
No. The Open Public Meetings Law refers to public meetings. The Right-to-Know Law refers to public records. N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 to 47:1A-4
TO WHOM DOES THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETING LAW APPLY?
The law applies to any public body of the state, county, or municipal level of government that has legal authority to vote on public matters or to spend public funds.
TO WHOM DOES THE LAW NOT APPLY?
The law specifically exempts the Judiciary, grand and petit juries, parole boards, the State Commission of Investigations, The Apportionment Committee and any political party committee. In addition, the Law exempts informal or purely advisory bodies and meetings of a
public official with subordinates.
ARE ALL GATHERINGS OF PUBLIC BODIES SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS
OF THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW?
No. In order to be covered by the provisions of the Law, a meeting (whether attended in person or conducted by means of communications equipment) must be:
(1) open to all the public body’s members, (2) attended by an effective majority of the members of that public body, and (3) the members present must intend to discuss or act upon public business. For example, political caucus meetings and change encounters of members of public bodies, or gatherings attended by or open to all members of three or more similar public bodies are not covered by the Law.
However, the Open Public Meetings Law specifically prohibits any person or public body from failing to invite a portion of its members in order to avoid the requirements of the Law.
WHAT MUST A PUBLIC BODY DO TO SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE
OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW?
The Law requires public bodies to provide the public with: (a) adequate advance notice of all its meetings, (b) the right to attend its meetings, and (c) reasonable comprehensive minutes of all its meetings. In each of these areas, the Law sets forth specific requirements:
A. ADEQUATE NOTICE
The Law requires the public bodies provide the public with adequate advance notice of all its meetings. This can be accomplished by either:
(1) an “Annual Notice” or (2) a “48-hour notice.” The “Annual Notice” containing the time, date, and, to the extent known,
the location of each meeting, must be provided within seven days of the annual organization or reorganization meeting of the public body. If there is no organization or reorganization meeting, “Annual Notice” must be provided by January 10th.
A “48-Hour Notice” is required when a public body wishes to convene a meeting which has not been listed on the annual notice or regularly scheduled meetings. The Law mandates the public body to provide a written notice at least 48 hours prior to the convening of the meeting.
The “48-Hour Notice” must contain the time, date, location and, to the extent known, the agenda of the meeting.
Both the “Annual Notice” and the “48-Hour Notice” must be (1) prominently posted in at least one public place reserved for such announcements, (2) transmitted to two newspapers in time for publication 48-hours in advance of the meeting, (3) filed with appropriate Municipal or County Clerk or the Secretary of State if the public body has statewide authority, and (4) mailed to any person upon request.
B. MEETINGS
The Law requires that public bodies permit all members of the public to attend their meetings. However, the right to attend meetings does not entitle members of the public to participate in the meetings. The public body may exclude the public only from portions of a meeting
known as the “executive” or “closed session.” Prior to excluding the public, the public body must first adopt a resolution at a meeting which is open to the public indicating generally what matters will be discussed in closed session and when these discussions will be disclosed to the
public. The following items are permitted to be discussed in closed session.
1. Any matter considered confidential by federal law, state statue,
or court rule;
2. Any matter in which the release of information would impair the receipt of federal funds;
3. Any material which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of individual privacy if disclosed;
4. Any collective bargaining agreements or other discussion of the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement,
including negotiations leading up to such an agreement.
5. Any matter involving the purchase, lease or acquisition of real property with public funds, the setting of banking rates or investment of public funds where disclosure of such matter could adversely affect the public interest.
6. Any tactics and techniques used in protecting the safety and property of the public and investigations of violations or possible violations of the law.
7. Any pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiations in which the public body is or may become a party, and any matter falling within the attorney-client privilege, to the extent that confidentiality is required to preserve the attorney-client relationship.
8. Personnel matters related to the employment, appointment or termination of current or prospective employees, unless all individuals who could be adversely affected request, in writing, that the matter be discussed at a public meeting.
9. Any deliberations of a public body occurring after a public hearing that may result in the imposition of a fine upon an individual or the suspension or the loss of license or permit belonging to an individual. The New Jersey courts have recognized the potential for misuse of the closed session exceptions by public bodies and have, therefore, strictly construed these exceptions in an effort to further the legislative intent of providing open public meetings in most instances.
C. MINUTES
The Law requires the public body to keep reasonably comprehensible minutes of all its meetings, showing the time and place, the members present, the subjects considered, the actions taken, the votes of each member and any other information required by law to be recorded by
minutes. These minutes are to be made promptly available to the public. In addition, the Law requires that a statement be entered into the minutes at the outset of each meeting indicating (1) that adequate notice has been provided (specifying the time, date, and manner in which the notice was provided), or (2) that adequate notice was not provided and an explanation for the failure of public body to provide adequate notice.
STEARCLEAR OF DUI ON SUPER BOWL SUNDAY IN NY, NJ & PA
Designated Driver Service Available Across Northern and Central NJ, NYC Rockland County, NY and Berks County, PA
WYCKOFF, NJ (Jan. 29, 2013) – STEARCLEAR, the smartphone app designated driver service, will be on high availability come Super Bowl Sunday across multiple counties in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Super Bowl Sunday is one of the worst days of the year for DUI and DUI related crashes and fatalities, and to help keep its customers safe and impaired drivers off the road, STEARCLEAR franchisees will be adding drive teams and expanding on-call hours to meet demand. For Super Bowl Sunday STEARCLEAR’s service will be available to customers in the following areas:
· Bergen County, NJ
· Mercer County, NJ
· Morris County, NJ
· Hunterton County, NJ
· Somerset County, NJ
· New York City – Manhattan
· Rockland County, NY
· Berks County, PA
In recent years Super Bowl Sunday has rivaled other big holidays for drunk driving in the U.S. such as St. Patrick’s Day, the Fourth of July and Halloween. In 2010, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), forty percent (40%) of the fatal crashes on Super Bowl Sunday were related to drunk driving. In that year, alcohol contributed to a fatal accident every 52 seconds.
STEARCLEAR is available on the iPhone and Android platforms and is the first app of its kind that connects customers directly with drive teams that pick them up and get them and their car home safely. STEARCLEAR began operating in NJ earlier last year. The company has more than 3000 customers and has completed more than 400 rides in the last few months.
“Unfortunately, many people opt to drive their car home rather than risk leaving it overnight somewhere after having a drink or two,” said Craig Sher, CEO and Co-Founder of STEARCLEAR. “We saw that it was a big problem and created STEARCLEAR in order to provide a safe, efficient and reliable alternative to driving yourself home after you have had a drink.”
Taking advantage of the service is easy. Just download the STEARCLEAR app for the iPhone or Android, fill out a few details, add a credit card for billing and you are ready to go. Open STEARCLEAR up and it will identify your location so you can call for and confirm a drive team. The team arrives and drives you and your car home. At the end of the ride STEARCLEAR calculates the pickup and mileage fee and allows you to leave a tip and complete the transaction with the drive team.
About STEARCLEAR
STEARCLEAR is a technology company dedicated to providing “last mile” services to consumers and businesses using smartphone applications and sophisticated GPS technology. Its flagship designated driver service provides customers with one-touch access to local driver teams that pick them up and get them and their car home safely and responsibly. The company is currently featured on SeedInvest.com, an equity based crowdfunding platform. STEARCLEAR franchise opportunities are available across North America, EMEA, Australia and South Africa. More information can be found at www.stearclear.com.
Valentines Day Boudoir Photo shoot for that Someone Special
At the Studio or in the Privacy of your own home
So, what is boudoir photography exactly?
Boudoir photography is a sexy new trend that’s especially popular as a wedding day gift from a bride to her groom. Some also create a gift for their boyfriend or just for themselves. Boudoir photos are usually taken wearing either just a little, or well, nothing at all. They’re hardly X-rated though, but rather PG-13 — as in classic pinup-inspired pics, or what the pros call ‘implied nudes.’ That means you’re not wearing anything, but you’re also not showing off anything either (think shot from the back, or lying on your stomach).
When should I schedule the session?
If you’re spending time and money on an exercise and beauty routine, you may want to wait until a week or so before the wedding to show off the results. Plus, a fun and pampering photo shoot is a good way to indulge and take some time out from wedding planning. Though you might be inclined arrange for the session on the morning of your wedding, resist the urge. For one, you’re not likely to feel very sultry if the rain clouds looming over your outdoor ceremony site are the first thing on your mind. Second, do you really want your to-be mother-in-law walking in on you while you’re posing in just your veil? Stick with a separate shoot so you’ll have time to really feel comfortable and get some great shots.
How long does it take?
Though it depends on the package you choose, your boudoir photo session will probably last about two hours. Why so long? It takes time for hair and makeup, plus the additional lighting setup. It may also take you a little while to relax. Most brides aren’t used to lounging around wearing little, if any, clothing in front of the camera, so your first few shots will likely look a bit stiff.
Where should I have it done?
In my studio in Old City Philadelphia or a posh hotel room. Your own home or a borrowed home is another option. The main key is to get a number of different backgrounds for poses are important, and they’ll also need lots of natural light.
What should I wear?
The most important thing — choose outfits that make you feel sexy. A good rule of thumb: Bring something white, something black, and something in a bright color so you can mix and match. A corset will create sexy curves. In addition to lingerie, don’t forget shoes, jewelry, and that engagement ring.
Should I bring anyone along?
Though you don’t want to turn your shoot into a three-ring circus, it’s a good idea to bring a friend. Why? You’ll feel more at ease if you can make a few jokes with a pal, plus she may be able to help with suggestions. Another idea: Bring a bottle of bubbly. A little champagne may help loosen things up. You’ll be posing like a pro in no time — but of course, this is a one-time-only exclusive for a very special audience (your very lucky groom).
ArtChick
Church Street Studios
122 Church Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
United States
Daytime phone 215-650-7052
“Kristine DiGrigoli” [email protected]
Art exhibit in Ridgewood features the Jersey Shore
Friday, February 1, 2013
BY EILEEN LA FORGIA
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News
Greg Bennett has spent his life in Cape May County – growing up in Bridgeton and now living and painting in his beach block home and studio in Strathmere. His oil paintings on exhibit at the Cottage Place Gallery capture the beauty of the New Jersey coast as only a native can. Bennett paints the bay and marshes of his small tight-knit barrier island community.
Bennett calls his most visited subjects the seascapes and landscapes that surround him. His work is greatly influenced by his environment. “I’m a perfectionist,” he said. “I like the winter palette because of the variations in the many grays in the landscape.”
“Winter Evening at the Point” shows St. Mary’s Retreat at Cape May Point on the bay where it meets the Atlantic; “Huddled” is a painting of backyard chairs which the artist felt were huddling to keep warm. Smaller oil paintings in the winter theme include: “Storm’s End,” “Inverted Boat in Winter,” “Changing Over to Rain” and “Winter Sunset.”
