Affordable Care Act about coverage not cost containment
TRENTON – The Affordable Care Act that will go into full effect in 2014 might as well be a misnomer.
That’s according to one expert – Joel White, president of the Council for Affordable Health Care Coverage in Washington, D.C. – who said Wednesday that the federal health insurance law is “more about coverage than cost containment
Minhaj Hassan-State Street Wire
A Change in Tone for the Village
May 20,2013
the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, three recent letters to the editor posted in the Ridgewood News may be signaling a change of tone for the Village .
All three were noticeable in the absence of heaping praise for the irresponsible spending and outlandish promises that usually make headlines in this town .
So what gives ,Ridgewood is no longer a safe heaven for left wing loons , like the mad bomber or supporters of New Jersey’s Democratic machine politics . Maybe the grip of Hudson County is soiling the upscale nature of the Village and degrading residents self image ?
No , its seems more like the reality of the continued negative impacts of Big Government or Government knows best policies are hurting more and more people . It is one thing to read about it in the paper its anther to see your neighbors go down the tubes .
It seems the tax payer is feeling far less generous and growing weary of the we know best shut up and pay attitude .
https://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/207826851_Letter__No_thanks_for_paying_taxes.html
Van Gogh , the cat has a Facebook page
10% of Facebook’s users are not human – including Mark Zuckerberg’s dog Beast who has 1.5 MILLION followers
Facebook currently has more than one billion ‘monthly active users’
At least 100 million of these users are pets, brands and companies
Biggest growth in membership is in India, Brazil, Russia and Middle East
Much slower growth in Western Europe and North America
Half of the population of the UK and the U.S. are Facebook members
Investors fear that young people are losing interest in the site
By Emma Innes
PUBLISHED: 10:13 EST, 17 May 2013 | UPDATED: 12:03 EST, 18 May 2013
Dogs, cats, horses, toasters: You name it, it has a Facebook page.
Facebook now has one billion users – but ten per cent of them are not human, according to new research.
At least 100 million of Facebook’s ‘monthly active users’ are pets, brands and companies – and even Facebook founder Mark Zuckeberg’s dog Beast has a page.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2326049/Ten-cent-Facebook-users-human-including-Mark-Zuckerbergs-dog-Beast.html
Abolish the IRS (and the Income Tax With It)
No dissenter can ever rest assured he is safe from the arbitrary power of the IRS.
Sheldon Richman | May 19, 2013
The Internal Revenue Service has been caught engaging in political profiling while processing applications for tax-exempt status. In this case it was against organizations with “tea-party” or “patriot ” in their names and other right-wing groups. Next time it could be libertarian or left-wing antiwar and pro-civil-liberties groups. No dissenter can ever rest assured he is safe from the arbitrary power of the IRS.
Nothing will have been learned from this scandal if all that happens is the firing of some IRS administrators and the issuance of new guidelines on 501(c)(4) applications. That is not nearly enough.
Obviously, tax exemptions exist only because individuals and some organizations are subject to income and other forms of taxation. Congress levies a tax on incomes, then in its “wisdom” chooses to exempt certain activities but not others. This is social engineering, with Congress seeking to encourage some kinds of organizations — while not forgoing more revenue than necessary. The IRS then writes rules to carry out the directions of Congress.
Where possible, people will naturally strive to qualify for exemption by pushing the boundaries of the regulations. That incentive will always be strong because a nonprofit organization that is exempt from taxation will have more resources with which to pursue its mission. Since the language of statutes and regulations is inevitably vague, the IRS will have room to interpret when ruling on who qualifies and who doesn’t qualify for exemption. The line between vigilance and harassment is not bright, and the potential for abuse is great.
It should be apparent that this power, which is inherently arbitrary, ill suits a society that sees itself as free.
https://reason.com/archives/2013/05/19/abolish-the-irs-and-the-income-tax-with
2nd Annual Bergen County Law Enforcement Blue Mass
Ridgewood NJ , Please join us for the 2nd Annual Bergen County Law Enforcement Blue Mass to honor fallen and deceased law enforcement officers. Sponsored by the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association. Wednesday May 22nd 9:00am. Our Lady of Mt.Carmel Church, One Passaic Street Ridgewood NJ.
Any department wishing to participate please contact Fairview Police Captain Kahan @ [email protected]
‘Facebook fatigue’ stirs investor concern
By Robert Cookson
High quality global journalism requires investment. Please share this article with others using the link below, do not cut & paste the article. See our Ts&Cs and Copyright Policy for more detail. Email [email protected] to buy additional rights. https://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8b7ab90e-bc91-11e2-b344-00144feab7de.html#ixzz2TVsI67CD
As Facebook prepares to mark its first year as a public company on Saturday, it is facing pressure from investors to address fears that young people are losing interest in the service.
Though their views are mostly based on anecdotal evidence rather than hard statistics, many investors believe that under-25s are suffering from “Facebook fatigue” and defecting to services such as Twitter and WhatsApp.
“One of the most frequent conversations I have with investors is about whether the younger demographic is disengaging from Facebook,” says Mark Mahaney, internet analyst at RBC Capital Markets.
https://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8b7ab90e-bc91-11e2-b344-00144feab7de.html#axzz2TVsCU6eC
A Mano Announces Delicious Demonstrations in Ridgewood
Sizzling Summer Series to Include Pizza-Making with Masters, Homemade Pasta Making and Mozzarella/Dessert Duo
(RIDGEWOOD, NJ, May 14, 2013) — This summer, Ridgewood New Jersey’s authentic Neapolitan trattoria A Mano, will host a three-part series of delectable demonstrations. Taking place on Thursday evenings beginning June 6th, the first of the tasty tutorials includes Pizza-Making with Neapolitan Pizza Masters Roberto Caporuscio and Antonio Starita, followed by How to Make Homemade Pasta Like a Pro, and concludes with a Mouthwatering Mozzarella and Dessert Making Combo.
Pizza-Making with Neapolitan Pizza Masters, Roberto Caporuscio and Antonio Starita -June 6, 6pm
Pizza Powerhouses Roberto Caporuscio and Antonio Starita, will demonstrate the art of Neapolitan pizza, including dough making and stretching, traditional
recipes and expert techniques. The world-famous pizza masters will highlight the secrets of perfecting both classic and specialty Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas. Caporuscio is the Chef/Owner of New York City hot spots Kesté Pizza and Vino and Don Antonio by Starita. His mentor, Antonio Starita, is the Chef/ Owner of one of Naples’ oldest, most popular pizzerias, Pizzeria Starita ai Materdei, and Don Antonio by Starita in New York. Both Caporuscio and Starita are ranking members of the Association of Neapolitan Pizzaiuoli (Association of Neapolitan Pizza Makers – APN), the Italian governing body that teaches the art of Neapolitan pizza making, and certifies quality and adherence to authentic procedures. Caporuscio’s title is President of the United States division, while Starita serves as International Vice President.
How to Make Homemade Pasta Like a Pro -Thursday, July 18th 6pm
Guests will take an up close look at tasty techniques of making fresh egg pasta, from dough making and rolling, to pasta cutting and other expert methods used to create homemade pillowy pasta. Favorite housemade pasta dishes on A Mano’s menu include: Lasagna Bolognese, Vegetable Lasagna, Tagliatelle ai Funghi (ribbon pasta with assorted wild mushrooms and truffle cream) and Gnocchi alla Sorrentina (gnocchi with fresh tomato sauce, basil and homemade mozzarella).
Mouthwatering Mozzarella and Dessert Making Combo – Thursday, August 15th 6pm
Viewers will learn to make melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella, including stretching, forming and setting the cheese, and the methods of making one of A Mano’s featured desserts. A Mano’s mozzarella which is made in-house daily, is featured on its wood-fired pizzas, and in recipes of dishes such as the Mozzarella Pinwheel (mozzarella roll with prosciutto and grilled vegetables) and Caprese Salad (mozzarella, vine-ripe tomatoes, basil and extra virgin olive oil). Signature homemade desserts include panna cotta with seasonal berries, ricotta cheesecake, creme brûlée, tiramisu and more.
The cost of each demonstration is $10 per person, which will be credited towards dinner immediately following the events. Reservations are required.
About A Mano
A Mano, meaning “by hand,” is focused on presenting the ultimate combination of authentic ingredients and techniques to create an unmatched Neapolitan experience. The restaurant has gone to great lengths to ensure the quality and authenticity of the craft of traditional Neapolitan foods, with results that speak mouthwatering volumes in every bite.
A Mano is one of only three restaurants in the United States certified by both Italian governing associations, the Verace Pizza Napoletana and Associazone Pizzaiuoli Napoletani, to offer authentic Neapolitan Pizza. The exacting standards are what stand A Mano apart from the rest, from the expertise of the pizzaiolo (the specially-trained pizza chef) to the use of ingredients imported from Naples (from all natural Caputo flour to the San Marzano tomatoes, grown in the foothills of Mt Vesuvio). Add-in fresh mozzarella made by hand daily, along with outrageous homemade gelato and desserts, and the true concept of artisan foods are revealed.
Down to the tiles and equipment from floor to ceiling, the restaurant’s entire makeup is imported from Italy. Its twin domed ovens with round chimneys, hand-built on site by Neapolitan Artisans using stones and volcanic soil from Naples, are the centerpiece of the restaurant, stretching to the ceiling of the two-story dining room. The architecture of the wood-fired ovens allow them to reach temperatures of 1,000 degrees, creating beautifully blistering, bubbling pizza in less than two minutes.
A Mano is located at 24 Franklin Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450. Hours of operation are: Monday through Thursday, 11:30 AM–10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 11:30 AM-11:00 PM and Sunday 12:30 PM–10:00 PM. For more information, please call 201.493.2000 or visit www.amanopizza.com.
State Task force may look at full-day kindergarten in all districts
A proposal to explore the idea of bringing full-day kindergarten to schools statewide advanced in a state Assembly committee Monday.
While most of New Jersey’s elementary school districts offer full-day kindergarten, at least 114 districts still offer half-day only, according to the state Department of Education. The Assembly Education Committee approved a bill that would create a task force to explore full-day options. (Rundquist/Star-Ledger)
https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2013/05/ta.html#incart_river
PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC MEETING AND WORK SESSION – MAY 13
PLANNING BOARD
AMENDMENT TO MEETING SCHEDULE
Work Session & Public Meeting: Monday, May 13, 2013
In accordance with the provisions of the “Open Public Meetings Act,” please be advised that the Planning Board has scheduled a special public meeting and work session for MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013, in the VILLAGE HALL COURT ROOM, 4th Floor, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NJ beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The Board may take official action during this Work and Public Meeting at which time the Board will:
? have discussion regarding multifamily housing and mixed use development in and near the CBD.
? discuss Ordinance #3368 amending the regulations in the Land Use and Development chapter of the Village Code for Houses of Worship, Schools and Public Utility Facilities.
All meetings of the Ridgewood Planning Board (i.e., official public meetings, work session meetings, pre-meeting assemblies and special meetings) are public meetings which are always open to members of the general public.
Jane Wondergem
Secretary to the Board
School traffic change at Ridge School needs more study
May 13, 2013
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Village Council has decided to “study ” the issue of traffic congestion at Ridge Elementary School ,thereby voting down the proposed ordinance that was aimed to address traffic concerns from parents of Ridge Elementary School students.
The new traffic and pedestrian study will be conducted to determine the best course of action.
Chris Harris of the Record reported that the ordinance ,”Specifically, the ordinance would have amended regulations that prohibit vehicular traffic on Clinton Avenue when the West Ridgewood Avenue school is in session. Eastbound traffic on West Ridgewood Avenue, where left turns into the school’s driveway are prohibited, has caused backups during pickup and drop-off time” .https://www.northjersey.com/news/206882321_School_traffic_change_put_off_in_Ridgewood.html
Traffic issues have been at the center of controversy for the school the last several years , with residents , parents and Ridgewood PD at odds over congestion in the area . Recent efforts by the BOE to encourage kids to walk to schools has done little of nothing to help the situation.
Mayor Paul Aronsohn told the Record that , “the council wants to review an overall traffic and pedestrian safety pattern for the Ridge School area” .
sourced : https://www.northjersey.com/news/206882321_School_traffic_change_put_off_in_Ridgewood.html
2013 Village of Ridgewood Introduced Budget – June 12 Budget Public Hearing
The Village 2013 tax levy of $33,040,375 is $36,725 less than Village 2012 tax levy of $33,077,101. The average residential property assessed at $686,994 in 2013 will experience a municipal tax bill of $3,966. This municipal tax for the average taxpayer represents NO increase over the 2012 year.
The introduced 2013 Budget totals $45,343,651. This is a budget decrease of $677,509 from amended 2012 budget (a 1.4% decrease).
The exact tax rate and average tax paid will be determined by the Bergen County Tax Board after the Village Council adopts the Budget. The 2013 Budget Public Hearing will be held at 8PM June 12, 2013.
Click Here for Budget document.
24th Community Hymn Festival of Choirs
All Are Invited! Sunday, May 19 at 7:30PM
West Side to Host Community Hymn Festival of Choirs On Sunday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m., choirs from multiple Bergen County churches of all denominations will participate in the 24th Annual Community Hymn Festival of Choirs at Ridgewood’s West Side Presbyterian Church.
The ecumenical event is open to the public. Free will offerings will be taken ($10 suggested). Presented by The American Guild of Organists’ Northern New Jersey Chapter, the annual festival and a fall campaign benefit the John R. Rodland Memorial Scholarship Fund for Church Music. The Rodland Scholarships are the largest such awards to church music majors in the nation. Since its inception in 1990, $206,450 has been awarded in scholarships to future church musicians. This year’s winner of a $9,000 first prize is Abigail Rockwood, a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate at the Eastman School of Music, studying with David Higgs. She was a student of Dr. Huw Lewis at Hope College, receiving her Bachelor of Music, and earned her Master’s Degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music, with Todd Wilson. “The Music of Pentecost” is the theme of this year’s festival. Organists and choir directors from participating churches will direct or play for the over-80-voice adult choir, children’s choir, hand-bell choir, and brass ensemble.
Singers are invited to join the chorus at the only rehearsal on Thursday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m. Music will be provided. The church is at 6 S. Monroe St., corner of W. Ridgewood Ave. For more information, call the West Side Church Office at 201-652-1966, ext. *839.
N.J. may close motor vehicle inspection stations, forcing drivers to pay
Friday, May 10, 2013 Last updated: Saturday May 11, 2013, 12:01 AM
BY MICHAEL LINHORST
STATE HO– USE BUREAU
The Record
New Jersey drivers who get their cars tested for free every other year at a state inspection station may find themselves having to pay $50 or more at a private garage.
The state is still in the early stages of deciding whether to privatize the inspections, and any change is at least three years away, Raymond Martinez, the Motor Vehicle Commission’s chief administrator, told an Assembly committee this week. He said it was too soon to know precisely how much a privatized system might cost drivers or save the state.
But that hasn’t stopped Democrats from raising questions about why New Jersey would consider changing the current inspection system, which Martinez has said boasts “very little wait times” and “very high customer satisfaction.”
https://www.northjersey.com/news/NJ_may_close_motor_vehicle_inspection_inspection_stations_forcing_drivers_to_pay.html
RHS High Times receives honors in the 2013 Newspaper Review Contest
May 9,2013
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood High School newspaper, The High Times, was recently awarded second place for schools with an enrollment of 1001 to 1700 students, in the 2013 Newspaper Review Contest sponsored by the American Scholastic Press Association.
Pictured left to right: Elizabeth Kopec, Joyce Kwon, Curran McSwigan, Gabriela Bonfiglio, Theo Hong, Sarah Sandler, Jackson Stone-Esposito, Ethan Sapienza, Sumita Rajpurohit and Steven Lee.
PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC MEETING AND WORK SESSION – MAY 13
PLANNING BOARD
AMENDMENT TO MEETING SCHEDULE
Work Session & Public Meeting: Monday, May 13, 2013
In accordance with the provisions of the “Open Public Meetings Act,” please be advised that the Planning Board has scheduled a special public meeting and work session for MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013, in the VILLAGE HALL COURT ROOM, 4th Floor, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NJ beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The Board may take official action during this Work and Public Meeting at which time the Board will:
? have discussion regarding multifamily housing and mixed use development in and near the CBD.
? discuss Ordinance #3368 amending the regulations in the Land Use and Development chapter of the Village Code for Houses of Worship, Schools and Public Utility Facilities.
All meetings of the Ridgewood Planning Board (i.e., official public meetings, work session meetings, pre-meeting assemblies and special meetings) are public meetings which are always open to members of the general public.
Jane Wondergem
Secretary to the Board
