>Abbott Schools : Five justices, many questions
The New Jersey Supreme Court will issue today its 21st ruling in the long-running Abbott v. Burke school equity case, with the decision set to be posted on the court’s website at 10 a.m. (Mooney, NJ Spotlight)
https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/11/0524/0225/
>Poll: Fox, O’Reilly Most Trusted News Sources
By PAUL BEDARD
Posted: May 20, 2011
In a stunning rejection of network news and nightly news anchors, cable news, driven by the Fox News Channel and mouthy Bill O’Reilly, is now the top most trusted source—by a mile.
In a new poll from Boston’s Suffolk University, more than a quarter of the nation says Fox is tops when it comes to who they trust the most and O’Reilly is the most believable.
“This poll shows two things: first, the network news have completely lost their brand. Second, the only network with any intensity is Fox News,” says Brent Bozell, president of the conservative Media Research Center. “Bottom line: the more they attack Fox, the stronger it is getting,” he adds.
I know, liberal heads will explode over this post. They just can’t stand the fact that “Faux News” is number one in the ratings. According to a poll by Suffolk University, Fox News is also the most trusted news source.
The University polled 1,070 people which included democratics (39%), republicans (34%), independents (22%) and other (5%). Question 58 (on page eight) asked: What political news source do you trust the most? The results:
Fox News – 28%
CNN – 18%
Undecided – 12%
NBC – 10%
Other – 10%
MSNBC – 7%
ABC – 6%
CBS – 6%
C-SPAN – 3%
Guess that “Lean Forward” concept isn’t working so well for MSNBC!
https://fellowshipofminds.wordpress.com/2011/05/20/fox-news-is-the-most-trusted-news-source/
>Time for a boycott: Towns make up revenue loss with more tickets
With the summer driving season quickly approaching us this is a good reminder for drivers to slow down and also avoid towns altogether that write excessive tickets due to budget constraints perhaps even boycott towns all together that are looking to raise revenue through excessive ticket writing schemes .
Towns make up revenue loss with more tickets
6:24 AM, Mar. 6, 2011
Column by
BOB INGLE
TRENTON — Last week we discussed how so many towns have so many cops and so little crime and pondered what they all do. The answer is they write a lot of tickets to make up for lost municipal aid from Trenton.
In an impressive investigation, the Asbury Park Press found the top 20 ticket-writing towns and cities lost an average of $2.9 million in state aid last year. You think that’s a coincidence? The investigation showed each municipality wrote an average of 8,300 additional tickets in the last half of 2010 which could translate into $830,000 more per town from fines.
This story is a must read. It’s in print today, on line Tuesday, March 8.
When asked about the ticket increase, officials said the sped-up activity has nothing to do with a dwindling flow of cash from the state treasury. They would have us believe it was stepped up because they’re concerned for our safety.
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New Jersey’s Clean Energy By the Numbers
The New Jersey Renewable Portfolio Standard 2010 annual report
By Tom Johnson, May 23 in Energy & Environment
The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) annual report tracks the state’s progress in achieving its goals to shift New Jersey’s reliance on fuels contributing to global climate change to newer and cleaner ways of producing electricity. The reporting year ended May 31, 2010
77 million megawatt hours: The amount of retail electricity sold in New Jersey during the reporting year, down from 81 million megawatt hours the previous year.
$122 million: The one-year cost of complying with the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, expenses primarily associated with the cost of renewable energy certificates (RECs) and solar renewable certificates (SRECs), which owners of renewable energy systems earn for the electricity the systems produce.
24: The number of megawatts of solar capacity installed in December 2010, an all-time monthly high.
8,037: The total number of solar systems installed since the clean energy program began in 2001, as of December 31, 2010.
17: The total number of biomass systems, which burn renewable sources of fuel, such as wood chips, to produce electricity, installed since the program began.
8: The total number of fuel cells funded since the program began. Fuel cells create energy by converting a fuel, such as hydrogen, into electricity.
$373,192,234: The total amount of rebates handed out to help develop solar, wind, biomass and fuel cell projects.
$349,578,777: The total amount of rebates handed out to help develop strictly solar capacity in New Jersey.
132: The amount of megawatt capacity installed from solar projects in reporting year 2010, which is more than the cumulative capacity of solar since the inception of the program in 2001.
>State Senate panel’s tenure bill would add mentoring for new teachers
>Obama collecting dirt on Christie
President Obama’s re-election campaign is trying to dig up dirt in the Garden State.Despite New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s repeated pronouncements that he will not seek the GOP presidential nomination, Obama operatives are compiling a dossier of what they call “opposition research” — material that could be used to damage Christie if he changes his mind, The Post has learned. (Margolin, New York Post)
https://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/research_destroy_yhiecoqPgh4cpbgEZ4gmmM#ixzz1NAQ7jz3v
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Ridgewood’s unlimited parking pass included in revisions to rate structure
Friday, May 20, 2011
BY MICHAEL SEDON
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
STAFF WRITER
Commuters and downtown workers can stop saving bags full of change by getting a new unlimited parking pass, village officials said this week.
“The idea for unlimited parking was adopted to better meet the needs of customers, downtown workers and commuters,” said Councilman Paul Aronsohn, the liaison to the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce. “Currently, many are forced to move their cars or illegally feed the meters. This new approach recognizes and accommodates those that need more than two hours of parking.”
The “Unlimited Prepaid Parking Permit” (UP3) was part of revisions in the village’s parking rate structure approved by the Village Council last week.
The UP3 will cost $650 on an annual basis; the cost will be prorated if it is purchased later in the year. A parking pass purchased in June, for example, will cost $400 for the year.
The permit is a hangtag that will be displayed from a vehicle’s rearview mirror. The UP3 can be used on different days in different approved cars, allowing households with multiple vehicles to alternate.
https://www.northjersey.com/news/122278034_Keep_the_change.html
>Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration
Evening Activities and Fireworks Tickets
Summer’s Best Entertainment Value
Monday, July 4, 2011
Alternate Date – Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Veterans Field, Ridgewood, New Jersey
July 4th in Ridgewood is a very special day that our entire area looks forward to all year. This
year’s theme is “Celebrate the Constitution.” The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration
Committee is an all-volunteer community group that coordinates the day’s events and does not
receive direct funding from the Village of Ridgewood.
We are actively preparing for what we know will be a spectacular celebration, and it is vital that
we have community support. Please consider helping to “Support the Tradition”. Because of
generous support from the community, we have one of the best small town Independence Day
celebrations.
While the Parade is free, Fireworks Tickets are required for entrance to Veterans Field.
Donations for Fireworks Tickets are one of the Celebration’s largest sources of income.
Ticket sales cover the evening entertainment which begins at 6:00pm, the fireworks at
dark, as well as the bands in the parade, additional security and traffic control. Come
early and enjoy some great entertainment.
For many years the cost of our tickets remained the same while our costs increased.
This year we have increased our ticket prices. It was a decision that the Committee did
reluctantly in the face of rising costs. To keep the ticket prices as reasonable as possible
for attendees, while covering costs, pre-sales of tickets are being made available through a
wide range of local businesses.
Tickets to the Evening Entertainment and Fireworks will be on sale June 1 at the
locations below. Buy your tickets in advance for $8.00 and save over 50% off the
gate price of $15.00.
1. Backyard Living- 235 Franklin Avenue, Ridgewood, 201-689-9111
2. Daily Treat- 177 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, 201-652-9113
3. Goffle Brook Farm- 425 Goffle Road, Ridgewood, 201-652-7540
4. Harding Wines and Spirits- 305 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, 201-445-7122
5. Herold’s Farm & Garden Center- 909 Prospect Street, Glen Rock, 201-445-0069
6. Hillman Electric- 133 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, 201-652-1045
7. Hogan’s Restaurant Diner- 20 Central Avenue, Midland Park, 201-445-2849
8. Hoskins Propane, 523 Goffle Road, Ridgewood, 201-444-1950
9. JT’s Wines and Spirits- 607 N. Maple Avenue, Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-652-2220
10. Lacrosse Unlimited of Ridgewood- 206 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-670-3515
11. La Strada- 231 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park- 201-670-9233
12. North Jersey Community Bank- 171 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, 201-670-8484
13. Ridgewood Auto Wash Co.- 450 South Broad Street, Glen Rock, 201-444-6037
14. Ridgewood Cycle Shop- 35 North Broad Street, Ridgewood, 201-444-2553
15. The Wine Seller- 6 West Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, 201-444-3300.
16. Town & Country Apothecary- 60 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood- 201-652-0013.
Many thanks to our ticket vendors! All ticket vendors are volunteers and make no
money for their efforts.
17. At the Ridgewood Library –Saturday, June 25 from 9:00am to 3:00pm; Sunday, June
26 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, and Monday June 27 through Friday July 1 from 9:00am to
3:00pm. Thank you HILT for being our volunteer ticket sellers!
18. At the gate tickets are $15.00. Children 5 and under are admitted free of charge.
Patrons and belongings are subject to security checks when entering Veterans Field.
Handicap parking for the Parade is available on Dayton Street behind Van Neste Park.
Handicap parking for the Evening Entertainment is available at the parking lot to the east of
Veterans Field. Approach Veterans Field on Linwood Avenue from the east. Turn left onto
Northern Parkway. Turn right into the parking lot. There are 20 spaces available on a first-
come, first-serve basis. A police officer will be posted there to direct you. Those who park in the
handicap spaces will not have access to their cars during the fireworks due to the location of the
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration began in 1910 when the local papers, the civic
section of the Woman’s Club and the Ridgewood Fire Department joined forces to create
a “safe and sane” holiday with an emphasis on Patriotism. It has grown into one of the largest
celebrations in the New York City area and has been featured on CNN and Good Morning
America as well as local New York stations. The celebration was once again named Best Parade
and Fireworks by the readers of 201 Magazine.
Additional information and answers to many of your questions can be found on the Ridgewood
Fourth of July Celebration’s website at www.ridgewoodjuly4th.org. Thank you for
“Supporting the Tradition”.
>Junior New Players Summer Program registration deadline Friday May 27th
There are still some spaces available for the Summer Junior New Players program. The Junior Company is an intensive theatre program for Ridgewood students who have completed Grades 5-8. The three-week summer session will take place from July 5 – August 2. More detailed information and registration forms are available at www.rhsnewplayers.com. The deadline to register is Friday, May 27.
>
In North Jersey, teacher tenure is no sure thing
Sunday, May 22, 2011
LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY MAY 22, 2011, 9:41 AM
BY LESLIE BRODY
THE RECORD
STAFF WRITER
Five out of 20 teachers in the Leonia school system found out this spring they won’t get tenure after three years on the job because they weren’t making the grade.
At schools throughout North Jersey, officials say tenure is not a sure thing.
In Wayne, four teachers out of 41 eligible didn’t cut it.
And in Fort Lee, two teachers out of 15 hopefuls got the bad news.
In all, districts throughout North Jersey are denying the prize of tenure to some educators who, school officials say, aren’t performing up to standards, based on interviews with the leaders of more than a dozen North Jersey districts.
What percent of eligible New Jersey teachers are denied tenure for cause each year has long been a murky subject, and the New Jersey Education Department keeps no tally statewide. Teachers get tenure on the first day of their fourth year in a district, but reaching that point is by no means automatic, local leaders say, because they don’t want to get stuck with long-term teachers who can’t succeed.
https://www.northjersey.com/news/122406388_Tenure_s_no_sure_thing.html
>Lobster Fest at Smith Brothers Steak & Chophouse
Sat, May 21, 2011 – Wed, August 31, 2011
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Smith Brothers Steak & Chophouse, 51 North Broad Street
Smith Brothers is now serving fresh lobster for the amazing price of only $15.95, every night of the week!!! That’s right–only $15.95, and wait till you hear what that includes: each 1 1/2 pound lobster is steamed and served with fresh homemade coleslaw, fresh corn on the cob, and a fresh garden salad, ALL for only $15.95. Come in early and get yours as they are limited and when we run out that’s it for the evening. Looking forward to seeing you there!
>Remembering Richard Holbrooke
SATURDAY, 21 MAY 2011 07:31
BY PAUL ARONSOHN
COMMENTARY
Every once and a while, amidst all of the stories about Osama bin Laden and the U.S. war on terrorism, I am reminded of one very sad fact: Richard Holbrooke, the President’s Special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan, is no longer with us.
Granted, it has been almost six months since his untimely passing, but it still doesn’t seem real … and it certainly doesn’t seem right. And while death is always hard to understand and accept, his seems particularly disconcerting.
After all, Holbrooke was larger-than-life and an indefatigable force of nature. As one of our nation’s most influential and experienced foreign policy practitioners, he had played key roles in some of the most important issues of our day. And as one of the most visionary and effective people in government, he was often able to make the impossible … possible.
https://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/commentary/remembering-richard-holbrooke
>Readers continue to press for Consolidation at the Bergen County Sheriff’s department
Bergen County NJ- Why not consolidate the county police and county sheriff’s departments. 90% of the residents in Bergen County couldn’t tell you why we have two separate departments and how thateir duties are different. Their both law enforcement agencies. Combine them into one unit and eliminate a bunch of overhead?
However judging by the comments made by the county freeholders it is not going to happen. The County Sheriff is an elected constitutional officer over whom the freeholders have little control. No way they will give the sheriff additional power and personnel.
The recent study mirror one done over 20 years agio that said get rid of the county police.,but we are talking politics not finances and it seems all the prosecutor did was waste money on the same study that was done 20 years ago that was rejected at that time.
The reality is that the Bergen County Police are an offshoot of the Sheriffs department and basically created by “mission creep ” at the Sheriffs department ,. Particularly in a county like Bergen with all the police resources available at the local level and the State Police taking on an ever larger role ,to maintain country Police in Bergen is wasteful and a poor use of scarce resources .
>The End is Near
The end is near according to the so-called “Rapture” doomsday cult which has pasted the city’s subways and bus stops with ads predicting Armageddon this Saturday. The cult predicts the world will end sometime between 5 and 6 p.m. tomorrow in a massive outbreak of earthquakes and tidal waves.
Saturday’s “Rapture” as it is called will cause the souls of the saved to be sucked into heaven, while the rest of humanity plunges into the abyss to be left behind on earth to face the final Judgment Day.
Many New Yorkers feared their weekend plans might be severely impacted by the end of the world scenario.Robert Fitzpatrick, the Staten Island man who has spent $140,000 to buy the ads warning of the Apocalypse, the “Rapture” is no joke.Fitzpatrick, 60, warns doubters shouldn’t be so glib.”We’ve got the proof. There are irrefutable truths, too many to deny,” .
No its not global warming or mans’ inhumanity to man ,the end-of-the-world prediction is being made television evangelist Harold Camping, 89, an Oakland, Calif., man who founded Family Radio World Wide.
more: https://www.manhattanstyle.com/events/the-end-is-near/
>Paul Aronsohn should be addressing the anti-business climate inside the Village Hall.
You know, I read this letter by Aronson and it just didn’t resonate with me. Has he seen the business failures over the past 3 years? Has he noticed the remainder of the businesses struggling to stay afloat? Has he read the coupons – even by white linen restaurants – offering meal specials?
What struck me was there must be ordinances that prohibits selling in front of vacant stores and not your usual merchandise. The economic woes have turned store owners against each other to call the Village Hall if there is a minor ordinance infraction. I thought it was just the restaurant owners who called the health department on each other.
If Aronson really wants to be infuriated, he should direct it towards the anti-business climate inside the Hall. The local government should be working hand-in-hand with merchants and citizens. Ridgewood in its recent heyday was a destination – I know because 30 years ago, I didn’t live here, but I came to shop. It’s only in the last 10 years that the tide has turned against business of any kind and the VC trying to control every aspect.
It’s heartbreaking to see this unfold. Paul’s words are hollow, unless he is lecturing the government for their failures and not the readers of The Record.
Aronsohn: Support local business:
https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/122278244_Supporting_CBD_is_in_best_interest.html
