Patients prefer wrist route to blocked vessels
(Hackensack N.J.) Record
Updated 12:06 p.m., Wednesday, July 4, 2012
HACKENSACK, N.J — For decades, physicians treated blocked heart vessels by snaking a thin tube from an artery in the groin up to the heart area. But now some cardiologists are adopting a method that goes through the wrist instead of the groin, an approach European physicians have used for years.
Using the wrist – to look for a blockage or to treat one – causes fewer complications and allows almost immediate mobility afterward.
The procedure, known as radial artery catheterization, usually involves less time in the hospital, which means lower costs, and requires a short recuperation period, according to cardiologists.
“Patients love it. If they’ve had a catheterization done from the groin and then through the wrist, they never want to go back,” said Dr. Janet Strain, director of cardiac clinical research at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, N.J.
8,733,461: Workers on Federal ‘Disability’ Exceed Population of New York City
By Terence P. Jeffrey
July 2, 2012
(CNSNews.com) – A record of 8,733,461 workers took federal disability insurance payments in June 2012, according to the Social Security Administration. That was up from 8,707,185 in May.
It also exceeds the entire population of New York City, which according to the Census Bureau’s latest estimate hit 8,244,910 in July 2011.
There has been a dramatic shrinkage in the United States over the past 20 years in the number of workers actually employed and earning paychecks per worker who is not employed and is taking federal disability insurance payments.
D.C. area power outages after storm could last for days
By Donna St. George, Ted Trautman and Mihir Zaveri, Updated: Sunday, July 1, 12:22 PM
As the temperature crept past 90 degrees at noon on Sunday, the number left to swelter without out power in the Washington region crept down by degrees, but many people will be without air conditioning, lights and refrigeration for days to come.
The number without power was dropping by the hour — 739,187 at noon, down by almost 40,000 since 8:30 a.m. — but many people were forced to seek refuge in malls, coffee shops and emergency shelters.
Free speech at parades Some say leave message home
SUNDAY, JULY 1, 2012
BY REBECCA BAKER
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD
According to Jane Tappen, the “Choose Life” banner she carried in Leonia’s Memorial Day parade this year wasn’t an antiabortion message; it was a tribute to the nation’s servicemen and servicewomen.
“If their parents had not chosen life, they wouldn’t have been here,” she said.
But some along the parade route were offended that a day meant to honor the military and men and women who died serving their country had been politicized. Criticism filled an online community comment board, bringing an apology from the American Legion organizer, who said he didn’t know the slogan has been adopted by abortion opponents.
….The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Inc., a non-profit, bars groups from using the town’s parade as a “platform for political, commercial or special interest groups.” It bans elected officials from campaigning and requires them to ride in motorized vehicles. It also prohibits anyone from distributing handouts along the parade route and limits marchers to one sign identifying the group.
“What happened in Leonia has been specifically prohibited in our parade for years,” said Margie Downs, a member of Ridgewood’s July Fourth committee. “We monitor any signs they carry to guard against prohibited activity. We have always sought to be sure that our parade remains a community event that is not inherently political.”
Zurofsky said Ridgewood’s rule appears to violate the First Amendment because the committee and village are “intertwined.” Perhaps worse, he said, the committee is violating the spirit of Independence Day….
STATEMENT OF SENATOR AND CANDIDATE FOR U.S. SENATE JOE KYRILLOS ON SUPREME COURT DECISION
Kyrillos: “The massive, expensive health care overhaul voted for by Senator Menendez is bad policy.”
Middletown, June 28…State Senator and Candidate for U.S. Senate Joe Kyrillos released the following statement today regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act.
“Today’s Supreme Court decision may have confirmed the constitutionality of the legislation, but one fact remains: the massive, expensive health care overhaul voted for by Senator Menendez is bad policy.
Government run healthcare spends money we don’t have, loots Medicare, limits patient choice, and continues to place a cloud of uncertainty over our economy. Congress can and must repeal and replace it with more sensible reforms like providing coverage for those with pre-existing conditions.
Here in New Jersey, we’ve seen how the Corzine-Menendez pattern of raising taxes, spending more and leaving the bills to future generations does not work- it left us nearly bankrupt.
We need change in Washington. Real, meaningful change. The same kind of change Governor Christie is bringing to New Jersey. And I intend to deliver that kind of change as your Senator.”
MENENDEZ SAYS AFFORDABLE CARE ACT IS NOT A TAX INCREASE
Kyrillos calls on Menendez to end his assault on New Jersey Families
Middletown, June 29… Yesterday, Senator Bob Menendez said the massive health care overhaul he voted for was “far from a tax increase” actually calling it a “tax cut.” Really, Senator?
Senator Joe Kyrillos is calling on Menendez to end his continued assault on New Jersey families and his support for the largest tax increase in 20 years.
“Bob Menendez thinks the largest and most obscene tax increase in the last 20 years is a tax cut. Clearly, Bob Menendez has been in Washington so long and voted in favor of higher taxes so much that he can no longer tell the difference. This is bad policy and a massive tax increase on New Jersey families and businesses that will kill economic growth and job creation.
“This is a fundamental difference between Sen. Menendez and me. I don’t believe that a tax increase on New Jersey’s families is reform. He does. I believe it’s the same old Corzine – Menendez pattern of raising taxes and increasing spending that leaves the bill for future generations. We have seen how that story ends – it left us nearly bankrupt.
“New Jersey families need jobs and economic security, not higher taxes. They deserve real reform that includes coverage for those with pre-existing conditions, makes healthcare more accessible and affordable, but not a massive, mandatory tax.”
In case Senator Menendez needs a clearer definition of what “tax increase” means, we have listed those in the Affordable Care Act below…..
A Clarion Call for the American People
Robert Alt and Nina Owcharenko
June 28, 2012 at 11:49 am https://tinyurl.com/7f8t6fe
The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Obamacare reflects a tragic misreading of the law, one which could cost us not just economically but also in terms of liberty. On the bright side, the Court recognized that there are limits to what Congress may do under the Commerce Clause. But this was the silver-lining of a dark cloud. The Court then fundamentally misreads ObamaCare, contorting to find another authority—the power to tax—for Congress to enact the law.
The effects of the decision will be felt far beyond ObamaCare. By allowing government to require Americans to buy a product or service at the federal government’s direction, the Court has seriously damaged the principle of limited government. The decision announced today could open the door to even more dictates from Washington for generations to come. Indeed, anyone who has any doubts about this need only read the Court’s suggestion that Congress could force Americans to buy energy efficient windows or pay a tax.
Fortunately, Americans have always fought for freedom, and won’t give up now. We must turn to the task at hand and work for full repeal of this law. The Supreme Court has in essence given this decision back to Congress and the people, where political power resides.
The American people have spoken—they don’t support Obamacare and fear its consequences more every day. Just this month a new poll conducted by The New York Times and CBS News showed that more than two thirds of Americans want to see the Supreme Court strike down Obamacare in whole or in part, and only 24 percent would keep the law in place.
Thankfully, the duty to defend the Constitution is not given solely to the Supreme Court—it is one shared by Congress and the President. It is now Congress’ turn to do what’s right both for the Constitution and policy reasons: repeal Obamacare.
The American people know this year will be a turning point in American history. We have a big decision between constitutional, limited government on the one hand and Leviathan on the other.
This law fails American families—it raises premiums and taxes, drives up spending and debt, undermines the doctor-patient relationship, tramples on religious liberty and expands the role of government in our daily lives.
It is time for full repeal.
…AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 10 PM EDT
THIS EVENING…
THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION HAS ISSUED AN
AIR QUALITY ACTION DAY FOR THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES…
BERGEN…ESSEX…PASSAIC…UNION…HUDSON.
IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 10 PM EDT THIS EVENING.
AN AIR QUALITY ACTION DAY MEANS THAT GROUND LEVEL OZONE WITHIN THE
REGION MAY APPROACH OR EXCEED UNHEALTHY STANDARDS.
Hazardous Weather Outlook
…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 7 PM EDT THIS
EVENING…
THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY.
.DAY ONE…TODAY AND TONIGHT.
THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK PROVIDES A SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL
WIDESPREAD HAZARDOUS WEATHER EVENTS THAT MAY REACH NWS WARNING
CRITERIA. MOST LONG F– USED NWS WATCHES…WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES IN
EFFECT ARE HIGHLIGHTED.
Heat Advisory
…SUMMER HEAT FOR TODAY INTO THE WEEKEND…
.HOT TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 95 TO 100 IN MOST OF NEW YORK CITY
WITH LOWER 100S IN PARTS OF NEW JERSEY ARE FORECAST TODAY.
HUMIDITY LEVELS WILL FORTUNATELY ONLY BE MODERATELY HIGH. THUS…
HEAT INDEX VALUES WILL REMAIN CLOSE TO THE AIR TEMPERATURE.
TEMPERATURES ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY WILL REMAIN HOT…BUT AT THIS
TIME ARE FORECAST TO BE A FEW DEGREES LOWER THAN TODAY.
…HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING…
* LOCATIONS…MOST OF NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY.
* HAZARDS…POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS HEAT.
* HEAT INDEX VALUES…AROUND 100.
* TIMING…THIS AFTERNOON INTO EARLY EVENING.
* IMPACTS…POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARDS TO THOSE PRONE TO HEAT STRESS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A HEAT ADVISORY IS ISSUED WHEN THE COMBINATION OF HEAT AND
HUMIDITY IS EXPECTED TO MAKE IT FEEL LIKE IT IS 100 TO
104 DEGREES FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE HOURS. TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS IF
YOU WORK OR SPEND TIME OUTSIDE. WHEN POSSIBLE…RESCHEDULE
STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES TO EARLY MORNING OR EVENING. KNOW THE SIGNS
AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE. WEAR LIGHT
WEIGHT AND LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING WHEN POSSIBLE AND DRINK PLENTY
OF WATER.
TO REDUCE RISK DURING OUTDOOR WORK THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND
HEALTH ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDS SCHEDULING FREQUENT REST BREAKS
IN SHADED OR AIR CONDITIONED ENVIRONMENTS. ANYONE OVERCOME BY
HEAT SHOULD BE MOVED TO A COOL AND SHADED LOCATION. HEAT STROKE
IS AN EMERGENCY…CALL 9 1 1.
In its final voting session before Saturday’s budget deadline, the Senate on Thursday approved dozens of bills previously passed by the Assembly, including one to stiffen penalties for drivers who have injured or killed others because they were using their cellphones.
Under the bill, which the Senate and Assembly passed unanimously, prosecutors could charge distracted drivers with assault or vehicular manslaughter – a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Currently, those caught texting or talking on a cellphone without a hands-free device – even those involved in a fatal crash – face a maximum of 18 months’ incarceration. (Farrell, The Philadelphia Inquirer)
Romney: ‘If We Want to Get Rid of Obamacare, We’re Going to Have to Replace President Obama’
12:15 PM, JUN 28, 2012 • BY DANIEL HALPER
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney reacted to the Supreme Court’s Obamacare decision by saying that, “if we want to get rid of Obamacare, we’re going to have to replace President Obama.”
“Let’s make clear that we understand what the Court did and did not do,” Romney said today, speaking in Washington, D.C. “What the Court did today was say that Obamacare does not violate the Constitution. What they did not do was say that Obamacare is good law or that it’s good policy.”
Romney added: “Obamacare was bad policy yesterday. It’s bad policy today. Obamacare was bad law yesterday. It’s bad law today.”
This presidential election is “a choice,” Romney said. “You can choose whether you want to have a larger and larger government, more and more intrusive in your life—separating you and your doctor—whether you’re comfortable with more deficits, higher debt that we pass onto the coming generations. Whether you’re willing to have the government put in place a plan that potentially causes you to lose the insurance that you like or whether instead you want to return to a time when the American people will have their own choice in healthcare. Where consumers will be able to make their choices as to what kind of health insurance they want.”
Holder Voted in Contempt of Congress
June 28,2012
the staff of the Riodgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ , The House today cited Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. for contempt of Congress It does little to break the stalemate over his decision to withhold documents over the Justice Department’s actions in a botched gun-walking operation ,called ‘Fast and Furious”
The 256-67 vote amounted to a political spanking for Mr. Holder and President Obama, 17 Democrats joined Republicans in demanding the documents be released. It also marks the first time an attorney general has been held in contempt by a chamber.
Scott Garrett: The Supreme Court Fails to Protect the Constitution in Health Care Ruling
On June 28, 2012 the United States Supreme Court ruled to uphold President Obama’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in a 5-4 decision. I am deeply disappointed by the failure of the Supreme Court to protect the American people from an unprecedented assault on individual liberty.
The individual mandate, the foundation of the PPACA, further extends the heavy-hand of the federal government into the lives of every American by forcing individuals to purchase health insurance regardless of whether they want it or not. This Supreme Court decision will fundamentally alter the role of the federal government in our lives.
The PPACA has also passed along billions of dollars in costs to taxpayers during one of the most serious economic downturns in American history. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) recently projected that government spending on health care will reach $1.8 trillion while premiums will continue to rise by thousands of dollars per family in the next decade. Clearly the PPACA has not lived up to its expectations.
With our national debt ballooning to over $15 trillion, now is not the time for the federal government to increase spending on government programs we cannot afford. This unprecedented expansion of federal spending threatens our long-term economic vitality and the prosperity of future generations. Our children and grandchildren deserve to live in an America free from the strangling burden of inherited debt.
The PPACA has also suffocated small businesses with increased burdens and compliance costs. This has not helped a struggling economy where the unemployment rate has sadly been above 8 percent for 40 consecutive months. While we continue to remain in the slowest economic recovery since the Great Depression, Washington should work to eliminate the job-destroying taxes found in this legislation to give small businesses the confidence they need to create jobs.
The side-effects of the PPACA have been disastrous. Millions of lower-income families and seniors now have less choice when selecting a healthcare provider. Religious organizations have even been forced to provide services that run contrary to their fundamental religious beliefs. This is not the America our Founders envisioned.
Rather than come to the defense of our liberty, the Supreme Court has continued the century-long tendency of the judicial branch of stripping government of all limits to its power. It is now up to Congress to fully repeal and replace this legislation with market-based reforms that bring down the cost of health care for families and small businesses without sacrificing American jobs and our overall economic prosperity.
Conflicting priorities slow efforts to save NJ towns from floods
In a state subject to recurring floods in many places, attempts to solve local or regional problems have left some officials groping for a more comprehensive approach.
photo by Boyd Loving
When the Christie administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced plans to cooperate on a new $2.4 million study of flood prevention in the Passaic River Basin, they raised hopes in hard-hit towns in that area.
photo by Boyd Loving
A bit to the south, though, the Passaic announcement caused consternation along the Millstone River. That’s because residents of Manville and flood-prone areas upstream were equally encouraged in 2002, when the Corps agreed on a similar study of their area. But a decade later, that study is creeping along, waiting for the promised funding, while attention turns elsewhere. (Tyrrell, NJ Spotlight)
Tax cheats got $1.4 billion in stimulus loans
By Stephen Dinan The Washington Times
Tax cheats were given $1.4 billion in government-backed mortgage loans under President Obama’s economic stimulus, and the government doled out at least an additional $27 million in tax credits to delinquents who took the first-time-homebuyer tax break, according to a government audit released Wednesday.
Under government rules, delinquent taxpayers are supposed to be ineligible for the mortgage insurance program unless they have reached a repayment agreement with the Internal Revenue Service. But the Federal Housing Administration didn’t have the right controls to weed out bad applications, said the Government Accountability Office, Congress‘ chief investigative arm.
That meant FHA insured $1.4 billion in mortgages for 6,327 borrowers who collectively owed $77.6 million in unpaid taxes, or an average of more than $12,000 each.
Fraud Ring In Hacking Attack On 60 European Banks Some 60m euro is stolen from bank accounts in a massive cyber raid, after fraudsters raid dozens of banks around the world.
By Pete Norman, Sky News Online
Sixty million euro has been stolen from bank accounts in a massive cyber bank raid after fraudsters raided dozens of financial institutions around the world.
According to a joint report by software security firm McAfee and Guardian Analytics, more than 60 firms have suffered from what it has called an “insider level of understanding”.
“The fraudsters’ objective in these attacks is to siphon large amounts from high balance accounts, hence the name chosen for this research – Operation High Roller,” the report said.
“If all of the attempted fraud campaigns were as successful as the Netherlands example we describe in this report, the total attempted fraud could be as high as 2bn euro (£1.6bn).”
