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National Federation of Independent Business : U.S. Small-Business Optimism Index Surges by Most Since 1980

Pence and  Trump

January 10,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Small business Optimism soared in December by the most since 1980 as expectations about the economy’s prospects improved dramatically in the aftermath of the Trump election.

The National Federation of Independent Business gauge jumps to 105.8 in month after presidential election and expectations for business conditions are highest since 2002

The National Federation of Independent Business’s (NFIB) index jumped 7.4 points last month to 105.8, the highest since the end of 2004, from 98.4. While seven of the 10 components increased in December, 73 percent of the monthly advance was due to more upbeat views about the outlook for sales and the economy, the Washington-based group said.

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Obama Administration : “Blue Line ” expressing support for law enforcement officers Illegal

Ridgewood Police Blue LIne

Interpretation Letter 3(09)-41(I) — Markings between Double Lines
DOT Logo

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.
Washington, D.C. 20590

December 8, 2016

In Reply Refer To: HOTO-1

Matthew D. Loper, P.E.
County Engineer
Somerset County Engineering Division
County Administration Building
20 Grove Street
PO Box 3000

Somerville, New Jersey 08876-1262

Dear Mr. Loper:

Thank you for your October 14 letter regarding the use of a color marking between the lines of a double-yellow centerline marking. You requested clarification on whether this type of installation would comply with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD).

Section 3A.06 of the MUTCD states that the pattern of a longitudinal double line shall be two parallel lines separated by a discernible space. For this space between the two lines to be discernible it must represent a lack of other markings.  Accordingly, the pavement surface must be visible in the space between the lines in the same way that it is visible outside the lines. On this basis alone, filling in the gap in a double line, either partially or fully, does not comply with the provisions of the MUTCD. The exception herein is the use of black in combination with one of the approved pavement marking colors, as noted in Section 3A.05.

Further, in accordance with Section 3A.05 of the MUTCD, the use of blue pavement markings is limited to supplementing white markings for parking spaces for persons with disabilities. The use of blue lines as part of centerline markings does not comply with the provisions of the MUTCD.

Further detail on the use of blue as a pavement color is provided in our August 15, 2013 Official Ruling 3(09)-24 (I), “Application of Colored Pavement”:

Blue is not a colored pavement and is not to be used as such in accordance with Paragraph 3 of Section 3G.01. Blue as it applies to a pavement marking is exclusively reserved for the background color in the international symbol of accessibility parking symbol (see Figure 3B-22) and for the supplemental pavement marking lines that define legal parking spaces reserved for use only by persons with disabilities as provided in Paragraph 5 of Section 3A.05.

We appreciate the impact of expressing support for law enforcement officers and value their contributions to society. There are many appropriate and fitting ways to recognize service to the public that do not involve the modification of a traffic control device, which can put the road user at risk due to misinterpretation of its meaning. It is therefore critical that the uniformity of pavement markings be maintained so as to present a consistent message that accommodates the expectancy of road users. For recordkeeping purposes, we have assigned your request for interpretation the following Official Ruling number and title: 3(09)-41 (I), “Markings between Double Lines.”

Sincerely yours,

Original signed by:

Mark R. Kehrli
Director, Office of Transportation Operations

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How to Politically Condition a Generation

clock work orange

Some insights from The Rape of the Mind.
Devin Foley | November 10, 2015

With all of the intolerance of “offensive” speech and ideas, it’s worth considering what could be happening. Is it all just to create a better society or are we being coerced into a certain mindset?

Sure, what’s going on is not on the level of some of the tyrannies of the 20th century or fictions such as Clockwork Orange, nonetheless the tactics seem eerily similar.

In The Rape of the Mind, Joost Meerloo points out that:

“…he who dictates and formulates the words and phrases we use, he who is master of the press and radio, is master of the mind.”

And who today dictates and formulates the words and phrases we use? Usually, those that matter originate in our universities and institutions of higher learning. They then trickle down through society as those who were embedded with the new words and phrases make their way through society and eventually into positions of leadership. It is the long march through institutions to bring about cultural and then political change.

As more and more individuals have been imprinted with the new way of looking at the world, the more the new thinking permeates the culture and pushes out dissenting views:

https://www.intellectualtakeout.org/blog/how-politically-condition-generation

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In a Christmas and New Year greetings Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes President-elect Donald J. Trump will restore the framework of bilateral cooperation

Trump Merry Christmas

December 24,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, yesterday President-elect Donald J. Trump released the following statement in response to the attached letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“A very nice letter from Vladimir Putin; his thoughts are so correct. I hope both sides are able to live up to these thoughts, and we do not have to travel an alternate path.”

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NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE – PREPARATIONS AND SAFETY TIPS FOR COLD WEATHER

cold

December 14,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The National Weather Service advises to follow suggestions and safety tips below to prepare for cold weather.  If you are in need of a place to stay warm, we suggest going to the Ridgewood Library.

Prepare for Cold Weather

The way to avoid frostbite and hypothermia is to plan for extreme cold before it arrives. Don’t get caught unprepared.

Check the Forecast at weather.gov or your favorite weather app, station, etc.: Make checking the forecast part of your regular routine so you’ll know when to expect cold weather.
Adjust Your Schedule: If possible, adjust your schedule to avoid being outside during the coldest part of the day, typically the early morning. Try to find a warm spot for your children while waiting for the school bus outside.
Protect Your Pets, Livestock and other Property: If you have pets for farm animals, make sure they have plenty of food and water, and are not overly exposed to extreme cold. Take precautions to ensure your water pipes do not freeze. Know the temperature thresholds of your plants and crops.
Fill up the tank: Make sure your car or vehicle has at least a half a tank of gas during extreme cold situations so that you can stay warm if you become stranded.
Dress for the outdoors even if you don’t think you’ll be out much.
Update Your Winter Car Survival Kit: Make sure your car survival kit has the following:

Jumper cables: might want to include flares or reflective triangle
Flashlights: with extra batteries
First Aid Kit: remember any necessary medications, baby formula and diapers if you have a small child
Food: non-perishable food such as canned food and a can opener, and protein rich foods like nuts and energy bars
Water: at least 1 gallon of water per person a day for at least 3 days
Basic toolkit: pliers, wrench, screwdriver
Pet supplies: food and water
Radio: battery or hand cranked
Cat litter or sand: for better tire traction
Shovel to dig out snow
Ice scraper for your windshild
Clothes: warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes for the cold
Blankets or sleeping bags
Charged Cell Phone: and car charger

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Ridgewood man third generation to wear PA police badge

Nick Farfalla

Mark Krulish , Staff Writer, @Mark_Krulish10:14 a.m. EST December 11, 2016

(Photo: Courtesy of Roni Farfalla)

Port Authority Police Badge No. 1214 may not be as shiny as most, but it’s every bit as treasured.

On Friday, Nick Farfalla accepted that badge as he graduated from the Port Authority Police Academy, just as his father and grandfather had before him.

https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/ridgewood/2016/12/09/ridgewood-man-third-generation-wear-pa-police-badge/95158486/

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President-Elect Donald J. Trump Picks Linda McMahon to Head the Small Business Administration

Linda McMahon
December 8,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, President-elect Donald J. Trump today announced his intent to nominate Linda McMahon to serve as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, a cabinet-level position.”My America First agenda is going to bring back our jobs and roll back the burdensome regulations that are hurting our middle class workers and small businesses. To help push our agenda forward, I am pleased to nominate Linda McMahon as the head of the Small Business Administration,” said President-elect Trump. “Linda has a tremendous background and is widely recognized as one of the country’s top female executives advising businesses around the globe. She helped grow WWE from a modest 13-person operation to a publicly traded global enterprise with more than 800 employees in offices worldwide. Linda is going to be a phenomenal leader and champion for small businesses and unleash America’s entrepreneurial spirit all across the country.”

“Our small businesses are the largest source of job creation in our country,” said Ms. McMahon. “I am honored to join the incredibly impressive economic team that President-elect Trump has assembled to ensure that we promote our country’s small businesses and help them grow and thrive.”

Ms. McMahon advises global businesses as part of APCO Worldwide’s International Advisory Council. She is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Women’s Leadership LIVE, LLC, a company that uses live events and ongoing mentorships to educate and inspire women to launch and expand their own businesses, advance their careers toward executive roles, and pursue opportunities for leadership in public service.

Ms. McMahon is a co-founder and former chief executive officer of WWE, based in Stamford, Connecticut.

In 2014, she was honored by the Fairfield/Westchester County Business Journal as one of its “Women Making an Impact.”  In 2013, she was named one of New York Moves Magazine’s“Power Women.” In 2007, she was named one of Multichannel News’ “Wonder Women,” recognizing her accomplishments as a leader in the cable television industry.

Ms. McMahon spearheaded a wide variety of community and charitable programs at WWE, including the company’s Get R.E.A.L. educational and literacy programs. The Make-A-Wish Foundation has recognized WWE as a top wish granter, awarding it its highest honor in 2004. Ms. McMahon was appointed to the organization’s National Advisory Council in 2005. During her tenure, WWE was the recipient of the USO of Metropolitan Washington’s first-ever “Legacy of Hope” award, in honor of Bob Hope, for its extensive support of our troops. In 2007, the company received the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Public Service Award for its support of deployed service members in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In 2009, Ms. McMahon served on the Connecticut Board of Education as an appointee of Governor M. Jodi Rell.

Ms. McMahon serves on the boards of Sacred Heart University of Fairfield, Connecticut; the Close Up Foundation, a Washington, DC-based nonprofit that works to educate and inspire young people to participate in our democracy; and American Corporate Partners, a New York-based organization that pairs returning veterans with mentors in the workforce. She also serves as President of the Advisory Board for Operation Helmet, which provides comfortable and protective helmet pads for U.S. combat troops; and is a member of the Advisory Board for SoldierStrong, which provides scholarships and rehabilitation technology for returning veterans. She is a graduate of East Carolina University.

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Downtown for the Holidays-Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration

Christmas tree Ridgewood NJ
Downtown for the Holidays-Tree Lighting Celebration
Fri, December 02, 2016
Time: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: End or E. Ridgewood Ave. at Train Station, E. Ridgewood Ave & Broad St

The Annual starting of Ridgewood
Downtown Town for the Holidays
Tree Lighting Celebration
Friday, December 2, 2016 5:30-9:00pm

NEW THIS YEAR…
BIG DISCOUNTS FROM THE FOLLOWING STORES
FROM 5:30-7PM…I am bringing my list, see you on the streets of Ridgewood.
Check the stores listed below!

SANTA – Starting at 5:30pm until 6:45pm
and 8-9pm – Santa in the Park

5:30pm -Streets are closed – merriment begins

5:30-7pm, Music by the Village clock.
by the clock GET YOUR MAP OF THE STORES THAT WILL BE GIVING BIG DISCOUNTS

7:00pm -On Stage – bring in the Holiday cheer –
music with the
RHS Concert Band,
Taekwondo all in,
Art of Motion,
Porch Light Production,

7:30pm Lighting of the Tree

8pm – 9pm – back on E. Ridgewood Ave. for some
merriment – don’t forget Santa in the Park.

December 3, 2016
-8am-10am, Breakfast with Santa at the
The Office Beer Bar & Grill
reservations required 201-670-1070
$8.00 for Kids-$12.00 Adults

-10AM Santa visits Ridgewood
in a big red fire truck… meet him at
Columbia Bank 10am-1pm – 60 S. Broad Street.
Gift for all the little kids.

-10:30AM FREE MOVIE for the kids at 10:30am
at the Warner Bow Tie Theatre
Great classic movie for the entire family-
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,
mom and dad will remember this one.

-Santa will be in the Park on
Memorial Park at Van Neste Square
12/3/16 Saturday 2-4pm
12/10/16 Saturday 12N-3pm
12/17/16 Saturday 12N-3pm
12/24/16 Saturday 12Nn-2pm
last day for that list!

Downtown for Holidays/Tree Lighting Celebration
brought to you by –

Columbia Bank –
Valley Health System
Van Dyk Healthcare
Freedom Bank
The Ridgewood News
Prestige Motors
Boiling Springs Savings Bank
Little Ivy Learning Center
Park West Tavern and Loft
C.C. VanEmburgh Funeral Home
West Bergen Mental Healthcare
Ulrich, Inc.
ConnectOne Bank
West Ridgewood Dental
Anik
Bagelicious
Country Pancake House and Restaurant
Clemente Orthodontics
Haagen-Dazs
Little Ivy Academy
Ridgewood Party Rental
Shelly Glam
Country Pancake Restaurant
Duxiana
Biltmore Tuxedo
S&SO Produce
Life Opportunities Unlimited
Art of Motion
Porch Light Productions
Sakuraana

Please “thank” these supporters by visiting their place of business. They are keeping this
Holiday “tradition” going in Ridgewood.

for more information call 201-445-2600
or email [email protected]

*BIG DISCOUNTS AT THESE STORE on
Friday December 2, 2016 from 5:30-7pm.

Bookends – 211 E. Ridgewood – 20% Lego’s +
Femmebot Clothing- 203 E. Ridgewood-20%entire store.
Kate Spade-202 E. Ridgewood-sale on selection
Double Take Consignment-189 E. Ridgewood-SALE
Pink Bungalow-185 E. Ridgewood-SALE Selection
Little Skye Children’s-171 E. Ridgewood-SALE
Hocus Pocus-103 E. Ridgewood-20%HocPocus stock
ANIK-119 E. Ridgewood-Store Sale
Learning Express Toys-111 E. Ridgewood-20% off
Lucky Brand-67 E. Ridgewood-Big Sale
Duxiana-63 E. Ridgewood-25% down products
Victor’s Men’s-55 E. Ridgewood-20% off $100 pur.
Shelly Glam-82 E. Ridgewood-30% entire store
Oasis Clothing-80 E. Ridgewood-Sale
Loft 41 Jewelry-41 E. Ridgewood 50% selection
The Green Olive Branch-37 E. Ridgewood 20%
Pangea Jelwelry-35 E. Ridgewood-sale selection
Ridgewood Man NEW- 66 E. Ridgewood-FUN STUFF
Town & Country 60 E. Ridgewood 15% purchase

SIDE STREETS
CHESTNUT ST.
Shoppettes-22 Chestnut – up to 80%

S. BROAD ST.
DPARZ SHOES – 12 S. Broad-Buy one pair get second 50% off.

N. BROAD ST.
RACEFASTER – 11 N. Broad-SALE, SALE.

CHECK BACK FOR NEW STORE LISTINGS.
Bring your list – checking it off at sale time.
It will be here before you know it!
Shopping for the Holidays in Ridgewood!

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Federation of Independent Businesses: Consumers plan to spend record amounts at small businesses during this year’s Small Business Saturday

CBD Ridgewood by ArtChick
November 18,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

New Jersey NJ, Across the country, small businesses and consumers alike are getting excited to support their favorite local, independent businesses on Small Business Saturday, which takes place this year on November 26th. Results from the fifth-annual Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, released today by the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) and American Express, show that more consumers than ever are aware of Small Business Saturday (58% vs. the previous high of 55% in 2015). More than six in ten (62%) consumers who are aware of Small Business Saturday and who plan to shop locally on the day say the main reason they plan to shop at small retailers or eat at independently-owned restaurants is because they value the contributions small businesses make to their community.

“Small Business Saturday reminds consumers of how valuable small businesses are to our communities, and we are incredibly proud to be the founding partner.”

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“Since its inception, Small Business Saturday has brought national attention to supporting the local businesses we love,” said Elizabeth Rutledge, Executive Vice President, Global Advertising & Brand Management at American Express, which founded Small Business Saturday in 2010. “Small Business Saturday reminds consumers of how valuable small businesses are to our communities, and we are incredibly proud to be the founding partner.”

Held annually on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express as a response to small business owners’ most pressing need: getting more customers through their doors, rallying communities to support local businesses and helping kick off a successful holiday sales period.

Planning to Put Their Money Where Their Mouth Is

Of consumers who are aware of Small Business Saturday, 89% agree that the day encourages them to Shop Small all year long, not just during the holiday season. Nearly eight in ten (79%) consumers say they are willing to pay slightly more for an item if it is purchased from a small, independently-owned retailer as opposed to online or at a large retailer – on par with last year. And just how much are they planning to spend? Of those who are aware of Small Business Saturday and planning to shop and dine on the day, two-thirds (67%) say that they plan to spend at least $100 at small businesses on Small Business Saturday – a slight increase from 2015 (65%).

Among U.S. consumers, the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey found:

On average, one-third (33%) of their holiday shopping this year is expected to be done at small retailers or restaurants – on par with last year.
76% say they will visit at least one small business as part of their overall holiday shopping, on par with last year.
Additionally, 91% reported that supporting small, independently-owned bars and restaurants is important to them.

“Small businesses across the nation are often run by the friends, family and neighbors that we know so well, so supporting them is not only personal but critical to their success,” said NFIB CEO and President Juanita Duggan. “Partnering with American Express to promote the awareness and importance of shopping small is something we are very proud of, and this year, we look forward to another successful Small Business Saturday.”

Additional findings from the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey include:

63% of consumers who are willing to pay slightly more for an item if purchased from a small, independently-owned retailer as opposed to online or at a large retailer say that in exchange for paying a higher price, they expect better customer service from small, independently-owned businesses.
Nearly half (48%) of consumers who are aware of Small Business Saturday and who plan to Shop Small on the day say they expect to spend more on Small Business Saturday this year than last year – up from 45% in 2015, and the highest amount yet recorded.
Consumers who are aware of Small Business Saturday and who plan to shop on the day say they plan to support many different types of small businesses on the day, including clothing/accessories/shoe stores (45%), restaurants/bars/pubs (41%) and bakeries (39%).

Neighborhood Champions and the Small Business Saturday Coalition Drive Excitement for the Day

Grassroots support for Small Business Saturday is largely driven by Neighborhood Champions, a program of advocates for Small Business Saturday comprised of small businesses, business associations, local Chambers of Commerce and other community organizers who help to rally their neighborhoods on the day. To date, more than 6,400 Neighborhood Champions – an increase of 56% percent from 2015 – have signed up to plan activities and events to draw consumers to commercial districts across the U.S., leading up to and on Small Business Saturday. In fact, 45% of consumers who are aware of Small Business Saturday and who plan to shop say they plan to attend a community event in celebration of the day.

Another important group that drives participation on the day is the Small Business Saturday Coalition. Led by Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), the Small Business Saturday Coalition was created in 2011 to help amplify the Shop Small message. The Coalition is comprised of national, state and local associations that help coordinate Small Business Saturday activities with merchants, consumers and small business owners.

Show Your Love for Small Businesses on Social Media

Each year consumers have made it a tradition to share their Small Business Saturday experiences on social media. This year, consumers and small businesses across the nation are encouraged to show their love for their favorite independent businesses by using the #ShopSmall, #SmallBizSat and #DineSmall hashtags on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Veterans Day celebration at Paramus Park Mall included a Flash Mob by the Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus featuring patriotic songs

Orpheus Club Men's Chorus of Ridgewood

Orpheus Club Flash Mob Honors Veterans

Veterans Day celebration at Paramus Park Mall included a Flash Mob by the Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus featuring patriotic songs.

November 15,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ, The Paramus Park Mall was the scene on Saturday, November 12, 2016, of a flash mob staged in honor of veterans and Veterans Day by the Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus. The performance began as Orpheus tenor Charles Brown of Hackensack stepped out alone in the atrium beneath the food court, and sang the opening words of “America the Beautiful” to the unsuspecting crowd of shoppers nearby. Quickly, he was joined by other singers until the full chorus had formed. Before long a large crowd of shoppers stood by as the Chorus’ voices swelled with patriotic fervor and filled the atrium with their second song, “God Bless America.”

Many shoppers sang along. More than a few onlookers had tears in their eyes. Some stated that they were thrilled to feel once again uncomplicated patriotism without faction or partisan discord. It was a pure, magical moment with no agenda save to honor those who served. To that end Orpheus accomplished its mission.

The Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus has been a keystone of the cultural life of the region for 106 years. Founded in 1909, it is the oldest cultural institution in all of Bergen County. Now almost 50 voices strong, the Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus is directed by John Palatucci and accompanied by pianist Ron Levy.

Your next chance to hear Orpheus perform will be at their Gala Holiday Concerts on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 7:30 pm, and on Sunday, December 18, 2016 at 4:00 pm, both at the Ridgewood United Methodist Church, 100 Dayton Street, in downtown Ridgewood. Tickets for these concerts may be purchased online, with a 20% advance purchase discount, at the Orpheus website: www.ridgewoodorpheusclub.org.

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Trump Administration Sets Ambitious Agenda

-donald-trump-candidacy-speech-thridgewoodblog

 

November 11,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Trump Administration rolls out ambitious policy goals . Some of the features are: “Building That Wall”, End “War On Coal”, Repeal Obamacare, Dismantle Dodd-Frank.

The Trump Administration  index:

Making America Secure Again

Defense & National Security
Immigration Reform & Building The Wall
Energy Independence

Getting America Back To Work Again

Tax Reform
Regulatory Reform
Trade Reform
Education
Transportation & Infrastructure
Financial Services Reform

Government for the People Again

Healthcare Reform
Veterans Administration Reform
Protecting Americans’ Constitutional Rights

https://www.greatagain.gov/index.html

 

Some highlights :

  • overhaul in immigration policies, including “Building that Wall” , the Trump transition team will “execute on the following ten-point plan to restore integrity to our immigration system, protect our communities, and put America first” – i) Build a Wall on the Southern Border; ii) End Catch-and-Release; iii) Zero Tolerance for Criminal Aliens; iv) Block Funding for Sanctuary Cities; v) Cancel Unconstitutional Executive Orders & Enforce All Immigration Laws; vi) Suspend the Issuance of Visas to Any Place Where Adequate Screening Cannot Occur; vii) Ensure that Other Countries Take Their People Back When We Order Them Deported; viii) Finally Complete the Biometric Entry-Exit Visa Tracking System; ix) Turn Off the Jobs and Benefits Magnet
  • promoting a strong, robust military force to defend against the “threat posed to our nation and our allies by radical ideologies that direct and inspire terrorism.” The administration will push for immediate and sustainable actions to counter the threats posed by radical ideologies; will address the “catastrophic threats posed by nuclear weapons and cyber attacks” and will “ensure our strategic nuclear triad is modernized to ensure it continues to be an effective deterrent, and his Administration will review and minimize our nation’s infrastructure vulnerabilities to cyber threats.”
  • dismantling and replacing of the Dodd-Frank Act financial-sector law with pro-growth policies. This means that banks will be allowed to not only engage in prop trading again, but to invest directly in hedge funds. “The Dodd-Frank economy does not work for working people. Bureaucratic red tape and Washington mandates are not the answer,” says statement on Trump’s official transition website.
  • changing the tax code: policies since President Obama took office “have been blocked in one way or another” by Democratic opposition, the transition website says in section outlining “tax reform/economic vision.” It adds that “a Trump administration tax plan can be summarized as lower, simpler, fairer, and pro-growth.” as the website summarizes “a Trump Administration tax plan can be summarized as lower, simpler, fairer, and pro-growth.”
  • addressing the millions of American jobs that have been lost over the last decade “because of trade deals that do not put Americans first.”  The administration will “reverse decades of policies that have pushed jobs out of our country” by making it more desirable for companies to stay, create jobs here, pay taxes here, and rebuild the economy. The new Administration will make it more desirable for companies to stay, create jobs here, pay taxes here, and rebuild our economy.  Our workers and the communities that support them will thrive again, as more and more companies compete to set up manufacturing in the U.S., to hire our young people and give them hope and a real shot at prosperity again.  America will become, once more, a destination for jobs, production and innovation and will once more show economic leadership in the world.
  • fixing education: Trump will advance policies to support learning-and-earning opportunities at the state and local levels for approximately 70 million school-age students, 20 million post-secondary students, and 150 million working adults, To achieve this, Trump will promote high-quality early childhood, magnet, STEAM or theme-based programs; expansion of choice through charters, vouchers, and teacher-driven learning models; and relief from U.S. Department of Education regulations that inhibit innovation.
  • restructuring US energy policies including ending the “war on coal”: “make full use” of both renewable and tradition energy sources. “America will unleash an energy revolution that will transform us into a net energy exporter, leading to the creation of millions of new jobs, while protecting the country’s most valuable resources –- our clean air, clean water, and natural habitats,” the website says. “The Trump administration is firmly committed to conserving our wonderful natural resources and beautiful natural habitats.” The transition team also vows to open onshore and offshore leasing for federal land and waters for fossil fuel producers, streamline energy permitting, end “war on coal.” The site also pledges “top-down review of all anti-coal regulations issued by the Obama administration.”
  • “Repeal Obamacare” – the Trump administration will work with Congress to repeal Affordable Care Act with replacement that “returns the historic role in regulating health insurance to the states,” according to transition plan released Thursday. Replacement would include promotion of Health Savings Accounts and option to buy insurance across states lines. The transition team also says it will act to “protect innocent human life from conception to natural death, including the most defenseless and those Americans with disabilities” and “modernize Medicare, so that it will be ready for the challenges with the coming retirement of the Baby Boom generation – and beyond.”
  • protect Americans’ constitutional rights: the Trump administration will veto legislation that exceeds Congressional authority, take actions as Chief Executive and Commander-in-Chief that are consistent with his constitutional role, and nominate Judges and Supreme Court Justices who are committed to interpreting the Constitution and laws according to their original public meaning.  Trump says “he will defend Americans’ fundamental rights to free speech, religious liberty, keeping and bearing arms, and all other rights guaranteed to them in the Bill of Rights and other constitutional provisions.” He hopes to minimize the role of government including the “Tenth Amendment guarantee that many areas of governance are left to the people and the States, and are not the role of the federal government to fulfill.” (https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-11-10/trump-reveals-policy-goals-building-wall-end-war-coal-repeal-obamacare-dismantle-dod )
 The full breakdown can be found here.
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Special Properties Real Estate Services Supports Restoration of Slave Cemetery in Upper Saddle River

Slave Cemetery in Upper Saddle River

Pictured (L-R) are Ferne Lambert, Special Properties Mahwah Office Manager; Daniel Hynes, a senior at Northern Highlands Regional High School; Alexandra Gregorek, Public Relations Manager; William Dator, Broker Associate; and Linda Dator, Realtor Associate.

November 8th 2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Upper Saddle River NJ, On October 30, 2016, team members from Special Properties Real Estate Services, LLC were among a gathering of donors, local leaders and members of the community who gathered at the rededication of the Hopper Slave Cemetery in Upper Saddle River. The restoration of the cemetery, made possible through individual and corporate donors, like Special Properties, was led by the Upper Saddle River Historical Society and Daniel Hynes, a local high school student who made the cemetery restoration his Eagle Scout project.

Special Properties Real Estate Services embraces the history and traditions of its flagship brokerage location in Saddle River, NJ, into an expanded, modern presence in Mahwah and Franklin Lakes, NJ. With a staff of accomplished real estate brokers, its clients across northern New Jersey and southern New York are provided with customized, personalized services, backed by the luxury real estate brand of Christie’s International Real Estate. Special Properties provides local expertise with global connections. For more information, call (201)962-9555.

 

 

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Millennial vs Boomer Generation in 10 Words

Millennial vs Boomer

November 6,2016

by Kristine DiGrigoli Page

Ridgewood Nj, sometimes you just do not understand your millennial ?  The main problem may be that words have different meaning to different generations .

Millennial vs Boomer Generation in 10 Words

1. Diversity – For Millennial’s: Blending of different backgrounds and perspectives within a team. Makes the team better verses Boomers: It’s like eating food at a buffet, getting to pick different things.. It’s just what it is, it defines people.

2. Acceptance – For Millennial’s: The want to blend in and be part of the team. Boomers: They have more confidence in their ability as an individual to change the circumstances, they don’t need to blend in.

3. Work – For Millennial’s: They don’t have confidence that working hard will give them what they want. Boomers: Through hard work you build your individuality. If you work hard you get what you want.

4. Communication -For Millennial’s: Use technology to verify who they are talking to, rather than face to face. Boomers: View it as networking, face to face interaction.

5. Inclusion – For Millennial’s: They believe in the “process” a collaborate participate environment. Boomers: Focus on the goal. They want to get the job done.

6. Career – For Millennial’s: Multiple tracks because they don’t feel confident in the system, so they like to keep their options wide spread Boomers: Would focus on the career goal and will do anything to conquer opticals to meet their goals with confidence.

7. Commitment – For Millennial’s: Idea of commitment doesn’t exist. They don’t have goal focus or feel confident in the process. Boomers: You have to put in an effort be it a relationship or career, and it takes time.

8. Global – For Millennial’s: View the whole world with its big issues such as global warming. If there is pain anywhere and everywhere. If one guy in India is hungry, then we are all hungry. It’s everyone’s problem. Boomers: “global” is a playground, an adventure. Is part of your journey. If there’s a problem in one place of the world it’s not in another, not my problem.

9. Language For Millennial’s: They don’t feel the need to articulate themselves fully. They use acronyms. They don’t assume anything will change. They take things as face value. What you see is what you get. Boomers: More expressive with language and express more of the grey area. Everything is not black and white.

10. Transparency For Millennial’s: There should be an openness all the time. All decisions are group decisions. Boomers: There are somethings better left unsaid. Just a requirement to fill the job.

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OBAMA ADMINISTRATION CONFIRMS DOUBLE-DIGIT PREMIUM HIKES FOR OBAMACARE

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BY RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR
ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON (AP) — Premiums will go up sharply next year under President Barack Obama’s health care law, and many consumers will be down to just one insurer, the administration confirmed Monday. That’s sure to stoke another “Obamacare” controversy days before a presidential election.

Before taxpayer-provided subsidies, premiums for a midlevel benchmark plan will increase an average of 25 percent across the 39 states served by the federally run online market, according to a report from the Department of Health and Human Services. Some states will see much bigger jumps, others less.

Moreover, about 1 in 5 consumers will only have plans from a single insurer to pick from, after major national carriers such as UnitedHealth Group, Humana and Aetna scaled back their roles.

“Consumers will be faced this year with not only big premium increases but also with a declining number of insurers participating, and that will lead to a tumultuous open enrollment period,” said Larry Levitt, who tracks the health care law for the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation.

Republicans pounced on the numbers as a warning that insurance markets created by the 2010 health overhaul are teetering toward a “death spiral.” Sign-up season starts Nov. 1, about a week before national elections in which the GOP remains committed to a full repeal.

“It’s over for Obamacare,” Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said at a campaign rally Monday evening in Tampa, Florida.

https://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_HEALTH_OVERHAUL_PREMIUMS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-10-24-17-03-27

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Oil Painting Demonstration by John C. Trayno at The Ridgewood Art Institute

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Oil Painting Demonstration by John C. Trayno
Sat, October 22, 2016
Time: 10:00 AM

Location: The Ridgewood Art Institute, 12 East Glen Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Event Description

Oil Painting Demonstration by John C. Traynor, born and bred in NJ

Saturday October 22nd, 2016 at 10am
The Ridgewood Art Institute
12 East Glen Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
201 652-9615

Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Art Institute, a prominent player in the perpetuation of Classical Realism today is proud to host an oil painting demonstration by esteemed painter and instructor, John C. Traynor.

Traynor has won numerous awards, including the Frank Dumond Award from the Hudson Valley Art Association and the Medal of Honor from the Salamagundi Club, of which he is an honorary member. John was also recently inducted into the Delbarton School of Honors and he has reached the level of Copley Master from the Copely Society of Boston. John is a skilled painter of every genre: landscape, still life and portraiture.

His unique blend of realism and atmospheric impressionism sets his work apart. Many people can recognize a “Traynor Painting” by it’s brushstrokes and unique feeling. Part of his success is connecting emotionally with others through his work. People are often reminded of moments in their life or memories of the past. His use of light and atmospheric effect is found in many of the Old Master paintings, such as the American Tonality painters and the French Impressionist artists. There is a richness and fullness to his work that is “old world” yet contemporary with his unique style.

Please don’t miss this rare opportunity to observe the creative process at work. This free event is worthwhile to both artists and art enthusiasts. All are welcome.

The Ridgewood Art Institute is a non profit organization providing the finest instruction in Classical Realism in a variety of mediums. Classes are offered on an open enrollment basis, and can be joined at anytime. Each student is taught in direct relation to their personal skill level. For more information on class scheduling, this and future events please visit ridgewoodartinstitute.org