Posted on 6 Comments

No Global Warming for 18 Years

url

No Global Warming for 18 Years
October 6, 2014

H. STERLING BURNETT

Climate Change Weekly #141

According to Professor John Christy, director of the Earth System Science Center at the University of Alabama/Huntsville, October 1 marked the 18th anniversary of no warming as measured by Earth’s climate satellite system. Despite a continued and marked rise in emissions and atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, Earth’s temperature has plateaued for the past 18 years.

Christy told CNS News, “That’s basically a fact. There’s not much to comment on.”

Christy and former NASA scientist Roy Spencer compiled raw temperature data collected from 14 instruments aboard various weather satellites. The data show no warming. While all of the climate models used by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicted steeply rising temperatures over the past two decades, the data show they were wrong.

The gap between the data and the model projections shows scientists have a very limited understanding of the complexity of the climate system and the factors that affect climate changes. And because the model projections were all wrong in one direction – all projecting ongoing, increasing warming – the assumptions were biased toward predicting warming.

Christy says it is “a fool’s errand” to base government policies affecting millions of Americans and billions of people around the world on these badly flawed models.

CNS News quotes Christy saying:

Our ignorance is simply enormous when it comes to the climate system, and our understanding is certainly not strong and solid enough to make policy about climate because we don’t even know what it’s going to do, so how can we make a policy that says ‘I want to make the climate do something’ when we don’t know what makes the climate do what it does?

https://news.heartland.org/newspaper-article/2014/10/06/no-global-warming-18-years

Posted on 1 Comment

Aides knew of possible White House link to Cartagena, Colombia, prostitution scandal

Picture 1

Aides knew of possible White House link to Cartagena, Colombia, prostitution scandal
By Carol D. Leonnig and David Nakamura October 8 at 11:40 PM  

As nearly two dozen Secret Service agents and members of the military were punished or fired following a 2012 prostitution scandal in Colombia, Obama administration officials repeatedly denied that anyone from the White House was involved.

But new details drawn from government documents and interviews show that senior White House aides were given information at the time suggesting that a prostitute was an overnight guest in the hotel room of a presidential advance-team member — yet that information was never thoroughly investigated or publicly acknowledged.

The information that the Secret Service shared with the White House included hotel records and firsthand accounts — the same types of evidence the agency and military relied on to determine who in their ranks was involved.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/aides-despite-denials-knew-of-white-house-tie-to-cartagena-prostitution-scandal/2014/10/08/5b98dc90-4e7e-11e4-aa5e-7153e466a02d_story.html

Posted on 5 Comments

Swimming champ Charlotte Samuels honored by Ridgewood Village Council

unnamed-19

photo by Boyd Loving

Swimming champ Charlotte Samuels honored by Ridgewood Village Council

OCTOBER 8, 2014, 11:08 PM    LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014, 11:13 PM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — Swimming sensation Charlotte Samuels was honored Wednesday night by the Village Council.

The 16-year-old athlete set records recently by swimming across the English Channel, thus becoming the youngest person to complete the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming that requires the Channel swim, Catalina Channel swim and Manhattan Island Marathon Swim.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/swimming-champ-charlotte-samuels-honored-by-ridgewood-village-council-1.1105011#sthash.rqCuaheh.dpuf

Posted on 3 Comments

Newly Vigilant, U.S. Will Screen Fliers for Ebola

10672233_10204906752173807_2122721278921697149_n

Newly Vigilant, U.S. Will Screen Fliers for Ebola

By SABRINA TAVERNISEOCT. 8, 2014

ATLANTA — Federal health officials will require temperature checks for the first time at five major American airports for people arriving from the three West African countries hardest hit by the deadly Ebolavirus. However, health experts said the measures were more likely to calm a worried public than to prevent many people with Ebola from entering the country.

Still, they constitute the first large-scale attempt to improve security at American ports of entry since the virus arrived on American soil last month.

They are also a notable policy shift at a time of rising concern about the disease. Public health officials had initially resisted the move, saying such checks would be an unnecessary use of thinly stretched resources. But pressure for tougher action mounted. Republicans sharply criticized President Obama for what they called a lax response. Many, including Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, have suggested looking at air travel restrictions from West Africa, something the administration has rejected.

https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/09/us/newly-vigilant-us-is-to-screen-fliers-for-ebola.html?src=twr&_r=0

Posted on 3 Comments

Rutherford industrial tract getting 2 hotels, 500 apartments, retail space

imgres-3

file photo of “Jim” McGreevey’s Xanadu

Rutherford industrial tract getting 2 hotels, 500 apartments, retail space

OCTOBER 7, 2014, 7:26 PM    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014, 10:46 PM
BY LINDA MOSS
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

North Jersey’s Meadowlands, once home mainly to warehouses and industrial sites, will be getting a new mixed-use redevelopment with two hotels, 500 apartments and retail space in Rutherford.

The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission has approved amendments that Lincoln Equities Group LLC sought to the roughly decade-old redevelopment plan for its Highland Cross project.

Lincoln Equities is ready to proceed with the project, set for 26 acres near the intersection of Routes 17 and 3, said Joel Bergstein, president of the East Rutherford-based real estate firm. The property, a former “brownfield” site, fronts on Veterans Boulevard and is behind the Meadows office complex on Route 17.

Construction is likely to start in about 18 months, Bergstein said.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/rutherford-industrial-tract-getting-2-hotels-500-apartments-retail-space-1.1104204#sthash.utuenaVg.dpuf

Posted on 2 Comments

Drones Could Be Next Tool for Ridgewood Real Estate Agents

drone-300x170

file photo of the Ridgewood blog Drone

Drones Could Be Next Tool for Ridgewood Real Estate Agents
Real Estate News 
Jan 2, 2014 
By: Erik Gunther

Scott Gerami says he’s always “had a passion for gadgets and technology,” and after 26 years in real estate, he’s still looking for an edge to make his listings stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Over the past year, the REALTOR® and managing broker of RE/MAX in Naperville, IL, has been tinkering with a camera-equipped drone aircraft to make his real estate photography really soar.

Folks in the Chicago suburb shouldn’t be alarmed if they see Gerami standing outside a home with a control panel, piloting one of his do-it-yourself flying machines overhead.

The intrepid Gerami is not alone. According to The New York Times and Chicago Tribune, the next trend in real estate photography is being deployed in increasing numbers to capture new angles on high-end homes for sale.

While regulatory issues on these unmanned aircraft are still being sorted out, the birds-eye views are enticing to agents such as Gerami. “I’m looking for unique ideas to set myself apart,” he said.

After watching one of Gerami’s drone-driven videos, you’ll get a sense of how the next wave in real estate photography is taking flight. He first built a couple of “rough and crude” devices “from the ground up,” but he’s continued to make refinements that have allowed him to explore new ways of deploying his flying machine.

He said his latest model, his fourth, cost him about $1,200 to build.

https://www.realtor.com/news/bring-in-the-drones-real-estate-from-above/#.UsuDEWRDuMQ

Posted on Leave a comment

Confidence in Obama on economy hits new low

Obama-Golf

Confidence in Obama on economy hits new low

Confidence in President Obama’s economic policies has reached an all-time low.

Just 24 percent of Americans say they are extremely or quite confident in Obama’s plan for the economy, according to the CNBC All-America Economic survey released Tuesday. In June 2013, 33 percent gave Obama’s economic policies a thumbs-up, which was the previous record low.

Forty-four percent of Americans say they have no confidence in Obama’s economic policies, tying a previous record set in August 2012.

The lingering economic pessimism comes despite signs that the economy is growing at a solid rate and with the unemployment rate at its lowest level in six years. However, wage growth remains muted at best, leaving many Americans feeling as if the economy has not improved much at all since the recession hit.

The persistent discontent is also complicating Obama’s attempts to tout the economic gains under his watch in an effort to help Democrats hold off Republican challengers at the polls. At the same time, he acknowledges much of the lingering concern, pushing for initiatives like increasing the minimum wage and equal pay for women to further bolster Democratic campaigns.

Obama is facing broad concern about his economic policies from all groups. Just 45 percent of Democrats say they have confidence in his policies.

https://thehill.com/policy/finance/219978-confidence-in-obamas-economic-plan-hits-new-low

Posted on Leave a comment

BROKEN DREAM: EMOTIONAL AD HITS DEMOCRATS FOR YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT

millenial-unemployment-ad

BROKEN DREAM: EMOTIONAL AD HITS DEMOCRATS FOR YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT

A dramatic new political advertisement underscoring the plight of unemployed Millennial voters is taking aim at vulnerable Democratic senators who aligned themselves with President Barack Obama’s economic policies.

The ad, sponsored by Americans for Prosperity, takes a striking new approach to economic messaging, one that replaces the usual blizzard of statistics and jargon with the forlorn faces and emotional angst younger voters—and, by extension, their parents—are experiencing in today’s hostile jobs market.

https://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/10/08/BROKEN-DREAM-Emotional-Ad-Hits-Democrats-for-Youth-Unemployment

Posted on Leave a comment

Prosecutor: Suspect dies during attempted car theft in Paramus

images-5

Prosecutor: Suspect dies during attempted car theft in Paramus

OCTOBER 8, 2014, 6:37 AM    LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014, 7:17 AM
BY STEFANIE DAZIO
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

PARAMUS — Route 4 westbound at Forest Avenue is closed as police investigate an attempted car theft that resulted in an officer firing a weapon, Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli said via Twitter.

One of four suspects died, he added. The other three suspects are in custody.

According to Molinelli, the driver struck a police officer while fleeing. The officer fired his gun, and the car struck a highway divider. The driver got out of the car, but later was pronounced dead at the hospital. It was not clear whether the suspect was killed by gunfire or from injuries sustained in the crash.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/prosecutor-suspect-dies-during-attempted-car-theft-in-paramus-1.1104609#sthash.o4EvR3oF.dpuf

Posted on 5 Comments

Readers says ; Valley Hospital A community hospital that sues the community it is serving

imgres-12

Readers says ; Valley Hospital A community hospital that sues the community it is serving

Want a laugh — see the below from Valley’s website:

“As a not-for-profit hospital, Valley is committed to giving back to the community.”

“The Valley Hospital is proud of its history of … community service ….”

“We are privileged to collaborate with and serve our … community ….”

“We will remain committed to … responsiveness to community needs ….”

So in line with these goals in mind, Valley has decided to file an expensive lawsuit against the community as a way of giving back to the community, adding to Valley’s history of community service and collaboration and responsiveness to the community???

A community hospital that sues the community it is serving. Town now has to spend money fighting the lawsuit. Sounds like a wonderful place that cares about the people it serves. So Ridgewood residents, what are you going to do about a hospital that is suing your town and causing your tax dollars to be spent defending the lawsuit?This is a not-for-profit hospital SUING the very community they claim to serve. They’ll have to change their website to “We sue the communities we claim to serve”. If the Council thinks they’re just going to settle or negotiate here, then they’ll all lose their seats in the next election. Where is the Mayor ? He could come out swinging and publically deliver a multi-million dollar bill for municipal services to Audrey and her out of touch board. He could note that we resent the lawsuit and won’t negotiate or settle.

What hospital people approve this sciocchezze ? I would like to know who are the directors because maybe they dont know what they are doing and we should write to them. I dont understand why manager makes so much money if the hospital is not for profit. I dont care for lawyers, most will argue wrongs for money. Maybe the directors just follow what that lady and lawyer tells them but maybe people who are well paid just do what directors and lawyers want. This is town, not city. We pay alot of tax and they pay none. I would like to tell directors to think more about the troubles they cause this nice town than just think about being big and making more money . They are suppose to be non profit not greedy. It is not good that they show no respect for the values of our townspeople and town leaders.

Posted on 3 Comments

Reader says ,The Ridgewood BOE should vote to sever their agreement with Valley and return any and all bribe money they have received up to this point

images-1

Reader says ,The Ridgewood BOE should vote to sever their agreement with Valley and return any and all bribe money they have received up to this point

It really is amazing that Valley has taken the step to sue the entity it claims so proudly to be a part of. Despite the fact that they will most likely prevail I think they may finally realize this is not a “neighborhood issue.” A LOT of people in town really do not want the monstrosity they want to build in the middle of a residential neighborhood and next to a middle school. I did hear that this came without any notification to their doctors and staff and there are a lot of pissed off employees who are now going to face the fall out of lost patients, incessant criticism, questions and ridicule.

I would expect the Ridgewood BOE will be holding a meeting as soon as possible to vote to sever their agreement with Valley and return any and all bribe money they have received up to this point. These are the kinds of things the BOE members have no clue on. They were questioned on their stance about the construction for months and refused to address it. When Valley offered them $500,000 in return for their silence they conveniently refused to consider the consequences of accepting the money. Well gues what? Now they are in deep doo doo. An entity they accepted a large sum of money from, is now suing every single one of them, evey single one of us as well as all the children in this town. How is the BOE going to spin that one?

Posted on 9 Comments

Freeholder chief checks Ridgewood parking shortage

113012_Ganz_DNGMA

Freeholder chief checks Ridgewood parking shortage

OCTOBER 8, 2014    LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014, 1:21 AM
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — Residents, officials and business leaders all seem to agree on one thing when it comes to the village: parking is scarce.

On Tuesday afternoon, Freeholder Chairman David Ganz took a quick tour of the downtown area, to survey the village’s parking situation.

Village officials have spent the last year talking with representatives from the Bergen County Improvement Authority about the possibility of the county financing, building and operating a parking deck in Ridgewood.

First, the freeholders would need to authorize the expenditure of $100,000 on a comprehensive study of the village’s current parking situation.

“We recently included Chairman Ganz in that conversation,” said Mayor Paul Aronsohn, “because the freeholders would have to approve BCIA’s use of transit funding for such a study.”

The funding issue could be discussed at the freeholders’ next meeting on Oct. 22.

– See more at:  https://www.northjersey.com/news/freeholder-chief-checks-ridgewood-parking-shortage-1.1104416#sthash.K0CobFFL.dpuf

Posted on 20 Comments

Our new motto is – “Leave” no leaf behind!

leaf3_pickup_theridgewoodblog.net_1

file photo Boyd Loving

Our new motto is – “Leave” no leaf behind!

IMPORTANT NOTICE CONCERNING LEAF REMOVAL – REVISED SCHEDULE

As you may have heard In our continuing efforts to improve services, a new leaf removal program will begin with the upcoming leaf season. The preponderant portion of Area B will be outsourced to a private contractor for the removal of leaves. This change is being implemented so that our resources can be better utilized by providing more manpower and extending collection times in all areas to achieve the services that Ridgewood residents deserve. 

Residents in Area B will remain the same with the exception of the following streets which will now be considered “Area D” for leaf season only.

N. Monroe St. (house #108 to #412)

Valley View Ave.

Elm Court

Wastena Terr.

Beechwood Road

Unadilla Rd.

Palmer Court

Kemah Rd.

Woodland Ave. (house #116 – #223)

Carlton Terr.

Sheridan Terr.

Windsor Terr.

NEW dates for collection are as follows:

Area A: Oct. 20 – 23, Nov. 6 – 13, Dec. 1-5

Area B: Oct. 22 – 28, Nov. 6 – 12, Nov. 24 – 28, Dec. 11 – 17

Area C: Oct. 24 – 29, Nov. 14 – 19, Dec. 8 – 12

Area D: Oct. 30 – Nov. 5, Nov. 20 – 26, Dec. 15 – 19

Leaves must be placed directly in the street no more than 7 days prior to your scheduled pick up date. Please have your leaves in the street on the first day scheduled for collection. No brush will be collected during leaf season. You may continue to bring leaves as well as brush to the Recycling Center. The hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Leaves can also be placed in paper biodegradable bags. Bags are available at the Recycling Center on a first come, first serve basis. When using bags please place them on the curb area and they will be collected separately. As weather is a key component to this operation if changes become necessary it will be posted on the Village of Ridgewood website. In addition you are encouraged to sign up for e-mail notifications via the Village website. As a reminder, please use caution when our leaf removal crews are on your block. When possible please take an alternate route to ensure the safety of all. Should you have any questions, please call the Street Division (201) 670-5585.

Our new motto is – “Leave” no leaf behind!

Thank you for your continued cooperation.

Posted on Leave a comment

West Milford police release new details about aftermath of deadly bear attack

proxy

file photo Ridge School bear

West Milford police release new details about aftermath of deadly bear attack

OCTOBER 6, 2014, 4:45 PM    LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014, 6:52 PM
BY MINJAE PARK
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

As West Milford police searched for the victim of the fatal bear attack on Sept. 21, they tried calling him and contacted his cell phone carrier about conducting a trace, information newly released by the West Milford clerk reveals.

The victim, Darsh Patel, a 22-year-old Rutgers student, had been missing after he and four friends with whom he was hiking separated while fleeing a black bear at the Apshawa Preserve.

Previously redacted portions of police incident reports offer new details on law enforcement’s search for Patel’s body and the disconsolation of Patel’s parents as they heard his body was found.

The Record obtained the incident reports on Sept. 25, but they were redacted because of the ongoing police investigation into the incident, Township Clerk Antoinette Battaglia said at the time. Some parts can now be disclosed because the information has been verified, Battaglia said.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/west-milford-police-release-new-details-about-aftermath-of-deadly-bear-attack-1.1103630#sthash.X3TxzJU0.dpuf

Posted on Leave a comment

CDC multitasking hurts Ebola fight

Workplace-Virus-1

CDC multitasking hurts Ebola fight: Column
Glenn Harlan Reynolds5:07 p.m. EDT October 5, 2014

Disease control shouldn’t extend to playground safety and occupational hazards.

“You had one job!” is the punchline on a popularInternet meme involving organizational screw-ups. Now critics are saying something similar about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in response the agency’s handling of the Ebola outbreak. Unfortunately, it’s not true. While we’d be better off if the CDC only had one job — you know, controlling disease— the CDC has taken on all sorts of jobs unrelated to that task. Jobs that seem to have distracted its management and led to a performance that even the establishment calls “rocky.” Going forward, we need to learn this lesson, for the CDC, for other agencies, and for the government as a whole.

Ebola, as fans of The Hot Zone know, is nothing new, and neither are worries about it spreading beyond its usual range. And disease control experts have long known that the key to stopping it is finding people who were exposed, tracing their contacts, and keeping them under observation until they are past the disease’s incubation period, and keeping anyone actively contagious under quarantine until they have died or recovered.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2014/10/05/ebola-cdc-jobs-tasks-multitasking-thomas-duncan-column/16766801/