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Analysts back off predictions of $4 gas
Filling your gas tank may not hurt as much for the rest of the year.
After surging nearly 60 cents from late December to a $3.79 peak Feb. 27, prices have fallen for 25 of the past 29 days. Nationally, regular-grade gas now averages $3.65 a gallon — about 26 cents below year-ago levels. USA Today
Amanda Knox “anxious” as Italy’s high court weighs her acquittal of roommate murder
By Associated Press, Updated: Monday, March 25, 7:16 AM
ROME — Amanda Knox was “very anxious” as Italy’s top criminal court heard arguments Monday from prosecutors appealing her acquittal in the murder of her roommate, her lawyer said.
“She’s carefully paying attention to what will come out,” attorney Luciano Ghirga said as he arrived at Italy’s Court of Cassation. “This is a fundamental stage. The trial is very complex.”
Prosecutors are asking the high court to throw out the acquittals of American Knox and her Italian ex-boyfriend in the murder of 21-year-old British student Meredith Kercher, and order a new trial.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/amanda-knox-anxiously-awaits-verdict-from-italys-high-court-on-acquittal-of-roommate-murder/2013/03/25/354108c2-952c-11e2-95ca-dd43e7ffee9c_story.html
Weird Laws in US Cities
All across the nation, there are strange, unheard of laws that sit in the back of the books and most people go their entire lives without knowing they exist. Even with a Morgan Chu resume containing years of legal experience, one still might not know about all of these stipulations. Here are some of the strangest laws from all over the United States:
In California, they have recently restructured one of their long-standing laws that had to do with hunting. Specifically, there was a law saying California residents could use dogs in order to hunt mammals. Now that they’re reworded the law, the state of California has decided that while hunting is still legal, dogs are no longer allowed to be used to hunt bears or bobcats.
Back in the 1800s, New York created a law that is still very much valid today. This law states that under no circumstances are people allowed to walk around New York wearing masks, scarves, or anything that might hinder others’ abilities to see their identity. Sometimes exceptions are made for large events, especially on Halloween, but ninety percent of the time, no masks are allowed in New York.
In an effort to keep the state safe in the case of an emergency, Florida actually has a law written in the books that dictates all public doors must open outwards. It’s designed so people can quickly leave a building in a panic rather than fiddling trying to figure out how to open the door. Anyone who owns a public building but doesn’t adhere to this regulation will be found guilty of a third degree felony.
In Maryland, motorists need to be careful what they say. While driving down any highway or street, or walking down a sidewalk, no one is allowed to behave in any type of disturbing or offensive manner. This includes excessive anger and profanity. If Maryland law finds out that a resident behaved improperly within earshot of someone else, they will be charged with a misdemeanor.
In Illinois, there is a law that mandates certain homeowners pay what is essentially a rain tax. What this law means is that those homeowners who – at the discretion of the law – have areas on their property where excessive water can collect after a storm will need to pay a special tax. High roofs and long paved driveways are the two most common reasons people need to pay this tax, and the money being paid into it is allegedly going toward the extra work the city has to take in order to deal with the run-off from these properties.
WINTER STORM TO IMPACT THE TRI-STATE TODAY AND TONIGHT...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT
TONIGHT...
* LOCATIONS...NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY...NEW YORK CITY...AND LONG
ISLAND.
* HAZARD TYPES...WET SNOW.
* ACCUMULATIONS...SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 2 TO 3 INCHES WITH
ISOLATED AREAS UP TO 4 INCHES.
* WINDS...NORTHEAST 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH.
* TEMPERATURES...AROUND 40.
* VISIBILITIES...LESS THAN 1 MILE AT TIMES.
* TIMING...LIGHT SNOW IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP THIS MORNING...AND
CONTINUE INTO TONIGHT.
* IMPACTS...ANY ACCUMULATING WET SNOW ON UNTREATED SURFACES WILL
RESULT IN DIFFICULT AND SLIPPERY DRIVING CONDITIONS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW...SLEET...OR
FREEZING RAIN WILL CA-- USE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR
SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND -- USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.
2013 Village Budget – March 20, 2013 – Update
The information in this section is a working document of Village Finance and Village Manager’s Office.
The Village Council approves the 2013 budget, after a thorough process of which these documents are the current discussion following department requests and CFO/Manager negotiations with the department.
Included in this folder are:
1.) 2012 Budget Newsletter (for reference) – Click Here
2.) 2012 Adopted Budget – Click Here
3.) 2013 edited budget discussion presented at 1-30-13 Council workshop
Pages 1 -14
General, budget options: base, zero increase, zero tax increase
Timeline (page 1-2)
Amount to be raised by taxation (page 3)
Budget Revenue (pages 4-6)
Budget Appropriations (pages 7-12)
Discussion of potential revenue increase (pages 13-14)
Please understand, this is not a final document. It will not be voted on by the Council in this form. There will be opportunities for you, if interested, to appear before the Council and comment or question the proposed 2013 Budget prior to final adoption by the Council. In addition to Council meetings the meeting times of department discussions with the Council will be posted on the Village’s website – www.ridgewoodnj.net
For the Report
https://mods.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/manager/2013VillageBudgetStatus.pdf
For Proposed modifications to the 2013 Village budget,
https://mods.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/manager/20130312BudgetMod.pdf
file photo by Boyd Loving
1 in 50 American kids has autism, controversial survey says
NEW YORK — A government survey of parents says 1 in 50 U.S. schoolchildren has autism, surpassing another federal estimate for the disorder.
Associated Press
https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2013/03/1_in_50_us_schoolchildren_has.html#incart_flyout_news
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Starting a Small Business in New Jersey
If you live in New Jersey, you are in a city full of career opportunities. As you work 9 to 5 to keep the bread and butter running, you can start up a small business alongside to help you ease out the finances even more. Starting up on your own entrepreneurship venture can have many benefits, especially for single women (or mothers).
There is nothing like an overnight success in business careers; you always have to start from scratch and work your way up the business ladder. Although private jobs can be sufficient for many people out there, having your own business gives a confidence boost and independence like no other job.
Maybe someday your little venture will become so successful that you can say goodbye to your job for good! Here are some small business ideas that are very much likely to thrive in a city like New Jersey:
Event Planning
Always full of life with delightful parties and happenings, New Jersey is undoubtedly an eventful city. Event planning is a business idea that can take you a long way, provided you are creative and full of fresh ideas. Not only does this venture require very little investment at first, there is also a lot of potential in it to grow into a large scale business.
You can start off by catering small events like birthdays, workplace parties, store openings, or even small wedding parties. Begin by taking small orders that you will complete via your vendors; as your business progresses, you can add in more personalized services.
Tourism Guide
So you feel you know New Jersey and its surroundings too well? If that is the case, this is the small business idea best suitable for you. Begin by providing services to tourists visiting the city for the first time; show them around, enlighten them about the city and its history, and get them the best places to stay.
Once you have the funds, you can expand your one-man-show into a proper tourism company. You can provide packages for day to day visits and also provide travel services; for the latter you will need some cars and some New Jersey car insurance to keep your business safe.
Food Services
The people of New Jersey always welcome a new eatery in town. Good food is appreciated everywhere, and there are so many ways for you to sell your culinary skills for good money. The first idea is to start a take-away or home delivery system for delicious home cooked meals. If you are a food expert, you can provide restaurants with delicious new recipes and make a living out of it.
Other ideas include setting up a cake boutique and providing cooking classes. Like all other small businesses, you can use e-commerce to expand your clientele. Once your idea is a hit with the people, you will see it growing exponentially.
The entire tri-state area offers numerous business opportunities, and you can always use this fact to your benefit. Once your small business idea takes off in New Jersey, you will start receiving feedback from patrons in New York and Connecticut as well. Moreover, you can set up your business as a product or service for both cities, so you can flourish at a faster rate.
Virtual learning means increased opportunity, advocates say
TRENTON – Proponents of virtual learning told the Joint Committee on Public Schools Tuesday that giving students the opportunity to receive their education online enables students who don’t find traditional schooling stimulating to learn at their own pace.
Minhaj Hassan – State Street Wire
https://www.politickernj.com/64092/virtual-learning-means-increased-opportunity-advocates-say
SPRING MIDDLE SCHOOL MIXER SCHEDULE
RIDGEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL MIXERS:
Sponsored by Ridgewood Recreation and the NJ Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
Village teens have the opportunity to come together as both George Washington and Ben Franklin Middle Schools join to form a “mixer”. Each evening offers students a chance to get acquainted with future classmates while enjoying music and dancing with DJ Sound Illusion, refreshments, fun and games.
6th Grade – Friday, April 12th, 7:30 to 9:30 pm
7th/8th Grades – Friday, April 19th, 7:30 to 9:30 pm
(Ridgewood teens only)
The Anne Zusy Youth Center, 131 N. Maple Avenue
(NOTE: all parents must drop off and pick up youth in the rear lot
of Village Hall at the Community Center entrance.)
A donation of $8 will be requested at the door. All donations will benefit the Community Center.
Adult chaperones are always needed. Please contact the Recreation Office at 201-670-5560 if you are able to volunteer.
Anglers Unite : Trout Season Opens April 6th
TROUT STOCKING HOTLINE: 609-633-6765
We know it hard to believe with snow on the ground but yes Trout Season officially open s in New Jersey on April 16th
The stocking trucks from the Pequest Trout Hatchery will begin rolling on March 18 as the spring pre-season distribution of this year’s trout gets under way. By year’s end, approximately 600,000 trout will be stocked throughout the state, but the action really got going on Opening Day, April 6, at 8 a.m.
The “production trout” average 10.5″ but were kept company prior to opening day by some of the more than 6,000 three to eight pound breeder trout which are also being stocked. This spring, trout will be placed in 88 streams and 90 ponds and lakes throughout New Jersey. Those trout will be in addition to some of the 26,000 bruisers still in the water from stockings in the fall and winter. Fortunately for the state’s anglers, trout remain available throughout the summer in many waters.
HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2013
Trout fishing in New Jersey continues to be some of the best available on the East Coast. The average size of the trout stocked is larger than trout stocked in neighboring states, and the Bonus Broodstock Lakes and the breeder stocking programs provide plenty of trophy size fish within a short drive from anywhere in the state. Aside from some allocation changes, noted below, the 2013 season is expected to provide the normally superb trout fishing opportunities New Jersey anglers have grown to appreciate.
Driving directions to some of the state’s better know trout water access points can be found at www.njfishandwildlife.com/accesswater.htm. Anglers are reminded that access to locations along trout stocked streams may be available only through the good graces of private landowners. Please be respectful of their property and take care not to damage trees and shrubs. Leaving your fishing location cleaner than when you arrived helps maintain good angler-landowner relations and ensures continued public access to trout streams.
The in-season stocking schedule, covering the seven weeks following opening day, is available online at www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtstk13.htm and through the trout stocking hotline at 609-633-6765.
SPRING TROUT SEASON BASICS
Anglers should be aware that most trout-stocked waters are closed to fishing during the 3 weeks leading up to opening day (March 18 – April 6 at 8 a.m.). During this time most trout-stocked waters are stocked with trout to provide anglers with great fishing opportunities on Opening Day, April 6.Successful trout angler
During this pre-season period you might want to try fishing one of a handful of trout-stocked waters that remain open for fishing. Farrington Lake (Middlesex Co.), Lake Hopatcong (Morris/Sussex counties), Lake Shenandoah (Ocean Co.), Prospertown Lake (Ocean Co.), and Swartswood Lake (Sussex Co.) are open year round to fishing. Designated Trout Conservation Areas (Seasonal and Year Round) and Holdover Trout Lakes also remain open to fishing. (Note that fishing is not permitted on Seasonal Trout Conservation Areas from 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. on April 6, 2013). Trout caught in any of these waters during the pre-season period must be released immediately.
Those looking to fish during the pre-season period and keep their catch can cast a line in either of the state’s two Trophy Trout Lakes, Merrill Creek and Round Valley Reservoirs.
Be sure to check the trout regulations (https://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/pdf/2013/trtregs13.pdf) pertaining to all the above waters.
On Opening Day and the days that follow, there are a few regulations to keep in mind. On most waters anglers may keep 6 trout per day, and the trout must be at least 9 inches long. Since the trout reared at the Pequest Trout Hatchery average 10½ inches when stocked, most of the stocked trout you catch can be harvested if you chose to. June 1 is an important date, as the daily creel limit for trout on most trout waters drops from 6 to 4 per day.
The state’s sixteen major trout streams are stocked every week after Opening Day for the next seven weeks and they are closed to fishing from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the day of stocking. This allows the trout a chance to disperse following stocking and gives anglers an equal opportunity to fish for freshly stocked trout. All other waters may be fished at any time following Opening Day, including the day they are stocked. Many are stocked at least three times after Opening Day so be sure to check the trout stocking schedule to determine the stocking dates for the waters you plan to fish. Since every county has waters that are stocked with trout, spring trout fishing opportunities are never too far away
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EDT THIS
MORNING…
* LOCATIONS…BERGEN AND EASTERN PASSAIC COUNTIES.
* HAZARD TYPES…FREEZING RAIN ON TOP OF EARLIER MODERATE
SNOWFALL.
* ACCUMULATIONS…A LIGHT GLAZE OF ICE ON TOP OF EARLIER SNOW
ACCUMULATION OF 3 TO 5 INCHES.
* WINDS…NORTHEAST 5 TO 10 MPH.
* TEMPERATURES…IN THE LOWER 30S.
* TIMING…LIGHT FREEZING RAIN EARLY THIS MORNING WILL TAPER OFF
TO SCATTERED LIGHT RAIN AND SNOW SHOWERS LATE THIS MORNING.
* IMPACTS…A LIGHT GLAZE OF ICE ON TOP OF ACCUMULATED SNOW WILL
MAKE TRAVEL DIFFICULT…ESPECIALLY DURING THE MORNING COMMUTE.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW…SLEET…OR
FREEZING RAIN WILL CA– USE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR
SLIPPERY ROADS…AND — USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.
30,000 books donated for Paterson children
Sunday March 17, 2013, 9:46 PM
BY DENISA R. SUPERVILLE
STAFF WRITER
The Record
PATERSON — The Big Book Drive, a four-week campaign that ended Sunday, has yielded more than 30,000 books — enough to give one to every school-aged child in the city.
“I think there is not a child’s book in any home anywhere in Bergen and Passaic counties because they were all sent to Paterson,” said Cindy Czesak, the director of the Paterson Free Public Library. “It’s beautiful. It’s overwhelming.”
As the drive wound down on Sunday, donors continued to drop off books. The lobby of The Record and the Herald News — the drive’s sponsors along with the library — had boxes and plastic bags of books, including a leather-bound series of Encyclopedia Britannica and children’s books from the Lizzie McGuire series.
https://www.northjersey.com/allendale/30000_books_donated_for_Paterson_children.html
Valley Rendering by Z. Putnins and C. Benson
Reader says Anything that the Valley Ridgewood location can’t fit should be done in Paramus
Parking Garages, Apartment Buildings, Turf Fields, Sports Fees, Rental and Garage Sale permits, $700 Dangerous Dog Licenses, Obscene Field Lighting, Insane Town Raises…All mean NOTHING compared to what VALLEY will cause!
Wake up Ridgewood and believe that Valley will eventually get what they want. This is really what this town doesn’t need and everything else is a minor distraction. The size and scope of this over expansion is the tip of the iceberg. Yes, we will allow them to overbuild. The only question now is to what extent??
This is not new news.: Valley, will raise your taxes (way more than 2% a year)! Valley, will cause major traffic issues (throughout the town, not just surrounding areas). Valley, will increase such a strain on the existing infrastructure that this affluent town will never recover.
Some believe this issue is between Valley and the people who live around Valley. If you are one of those then you are part of the problem. I only ask that you educate yourselves and understand the harm for the entire town.
Valley, can expand and should expand at their Paramus location. They should upgrade their Valley location to single rooms. The amount of rooms they will reduce to should be in line for today now that Pascack Valley has reopened. Please save our town and save Valley from over building. Yes, i said it. Please save Valley from over expanding based on Pascack Valley. Logical Sense has to prevail!
Times have changed drastically now due to Pascack Valley. I am amazed that Valley continues to ask for more than they ever deserved. Valley, is now saying, we won’t do as much underground because this ground water foundation issue is the problem why we can’t get approval? So we’ll just add another level of above ground parking…problem solved. Can we get our H Zone and Permits now? NO, should still be NO…should always be NO!
I’m sick and tired, of being sick and tired over Valley! I don’t think someone will save us. WE MUST ALL SAVE US. Please wake up and get the facts. Decades of NO should now not be okay. The H Zone and the existing building limits should apply to all, including Valley. These rules and laws we’re put in place to protect all of us. It was sad to hear a sitting planning board member stating that Valley needs to expand. Very sad to hear that the very people voting on this issue don’t really understand the long term issues. Since Valley pays NO TAXES, ask yourself who do you think is going to pay for the additional services? RIDGEWOOD WILL, we have no other option.
So what should Valley do? Yes, we all want a State-of-The-Art-Hospital; so they renew within their existing Ridgewood walls. Anything that the Ridgewood location can’t fit should be done in Paramus. This should have been started by Valley years ago before Pascack Valley. Valley, you shouldn’t get what you are currently asking for…End of Discussion!
41% Will Wear Green to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Many Americans will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day today by wearing green or having a drink even though they don’t consider it an important holiday.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 41% of American Adults plan to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day, but nearly as many (39%) don’t intend to do so. One-in-five (20%) aren’t sure yet.
https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/holidays/march_2013/41_will_wear_green_to_celebrate_st_patrick_s_day
St. Patrick: Taken Prisoner By Irish Raiders
It is known that St. Patrick was born in Britain to wealthy parents near the end of the fourth century. He is believed to have died on March 17, around 460 A.D. Although his father was a Christian deacon, it has been suggested that he probably took on the role because of tax incentives and there is no evidence that Patrick came from a particularly religious family. At the age of 16, Patrick was taken prisoner by a group of Irish raiders who were attacking his family’s estate. They transported him to Ireland where he spent six years in captivity. (There is some dispute over where this captivity took place. Although many believe he was taken to live in Mount Slemish in County Antrim, it is more likely that he was held in County Mayo near Killala.) During this time, he worked as a shepherd, outdoors and away from people. Lonely and afraid, he turned to his religion for solace, becoming a devout Christian. (It is also believed that Patrick first began to dream of converting the Irish people to Christianity during his captivity.)
St. Patrick: Guided By Visions
After more than six years as a prisoner, Patrick escaped. According to his writing, a voice—which he believed to be God’s—spoke to him in a dream, telling him it was time to leave Ireland.
To do so, Patrick walked nearly 200 miles from County Mayo, where it is believed he was held, to the Irish coast. After escaping to Britain, Patrick reported that he experienced a second revelation—an angel in a dream tells him to return to Ireland as a missionary. Soon after, Patrick began religious training, a course of study that lasted more than 15 years. After his ordination as a priest, he was sent to Ireland with a dual mission: to minister to Christians already living in Ireland and to begin to convert the Irish. (Interestingly, this mission contradicts the widely held notion that Patrick introduced Christianity to Ireland.)
St. Patrick: Bonfires and Crosses
Familiar with the Irish language and culture, Patrick chose to incorporate traditional ritual into his lessons of Christianity instead of attempting to eradicate native Irish beliefs. For instance, he used bonfires to celebrate Easter since the Irish were used to honoring their gods with fire. He also superimposed a sun, a powerful Irish symbol, onto the Christian cross to create what is now called a Celtic cross, so that veneration of the symbol would seem more natural to the Irish. Although there were a small number of Christians on the island when Patrick arrived, most Irish practiced a nature-based pagan religion. The Irish culture centered around a rich tradition of oral legend and myth. When this is considered, it is no surprise that the story of Patrick’s life became exaggerated over the centuries—spinning exciting tales to remember history has always been a part of the Irish way of life.
