Dan Cirucci

Video: Tony Bennett Makes A Fool Of Himself - Again!

2012-02-12T21:12:00.000-05:00

This happened at the pre-Grammys affair at the Beverly Hilton Saturday.
Listen closely: Tony Bennett to this raw video from USA Today. In it Tony Bennett attempts to use the occasion to rally the crowd for the legalization of drugs following the deaths of Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Whitney Houston.
Tony Bennet is becoming a sad and vaguely disconnected distraction.

Obama Religion Ruling Threatens ALL Faiths

2012-02-12T20:58:00.000-05:00

Obama's attempt to trample on religious freedom continues to get bad reviews from enlightened and perceptive quarters. here's an excerpt from a fine column by Mary Kate Cary in US News & World Report:

The ruling to force universal "access to preventive care" was a deliberate decision by the White House, months in the making, and this so-called "accommodation" reinforces the administration's commitment to its prochoice agenda. It does nothing to accommodate people of good faith who disagree with the president; instead he accuses those who object to his policy of trying to create a "political football." The reason this struck such a chord with so many is not because it was about birth control pills or even access to care. This galvanized people across the board because it threatened religious freedom for all denominations.

Click here to read the entire column.

Obama's Macabre Dance Around Religious Liberty

2012-02-12T19:57:00.000-05:00

Our dear friend Christine Flowers has a beautiful column in the Philadelphia Daily News correctly lambasting Obama & Co. for treading on religious liberty. Here's an excerpt:

Catholics are pretty much like other American citizens in our taste and our beliefs, thereby demonstrating that President Kennedy was right when he promised a doubtful public that you could be both a person of faith, as well as a patriot.
But that is exactly the point that Obama and his tone-deaf supporters have missed in this whole, horrible debate about forcing Catholics to subsidize birth control - or else. Despite what the administration's apologists have tried to argue, any rule that penalizes a religious organization for holding true to its fundamental principles does great and permanent violence to the First Amendment. . . . The administration is doing a macabre dance around what is quite clearly a constitutional Inquisition. In telling Catholics that our religion is not as important as a woman's "choice," we are learning that JFK was wrong.

Click here to read the entire column.

Chaput: Administration 'Tone Deaf' To Faith

2012-02-12T15:50:00.000-05:00

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services refused on Jan. 20 to broaden the exception to its mandate that nearly all Catholic employers must cover contraception, abortifacients, and sterilization in their health-care plans.
An "accommodation" offered Friday by the White House did not solve the problem. Instead, it triggered withering criticism from legal scholars such as Notre Dame's Carter Snead, Harvard's Mary Ann Glendon, Princeton's Robert George, and Catholic University of America president John Garvey, along with non-Catholic scholars including Yuval Levin, the religious liberty law firm the Becket Fund, and numerous Catholic and other organizations.
Many Catholics are confused and angry. They should be.
Click here to read the rest of Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Caput's outstanding opinion piece in todays Philadelphia Inquirer.

Vote For You Favorite Whitney Houston Song Ever

2012-02-11T23:38:00.001-05:00

What's your favorite Whitney Houston song of all time?
As many heard of the tragic, untimely death of the great pop diva on the eve of the Grammy Awards, fans and music lovers are remembering her unforgettable voice, her sultry tones and -- above all -- her songs.
From I Will Always Love You to Saving All My Love For You to I'm Your Baby Tonight, Houston gave us one hit after another as she reigned as the undisputed queen of pop music.
Certainly one of the greatest performers of all time, she was the first person to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with seven consecutive singles. All of her top 10 hits reached number one. She sold over 170 million albums.

Whitney Houston is gone. But her music will live forever.

Remembering her -- and in tribute to her -- take the time to pick your favorite Whitney Houston song among the top ten listed on the top right corner of this page.

Vote for your favorite now!

Double-Barreled Wins: Romney Takes Maine

2012-02-11T23:19:00.000-05:00

More good news: Mitt Romney completed a double-barreled comeback Saturday night with a victory in Maine. He won 39 percent of the votes cast in preference polls at caucuses throughout the state.
Earlier Saturday, Romney pulled off a surprise win at the Conservative Political Action Committee conference in Washington. Romney clearly topped the CPAC field with 38 percent of the vote at the gathering of conservative activists.
Mitt Romney made the following statement on the results of the Maine caucuses:
“I thank the voters of Maine for their support. I’m committed to turning around America. And I’m heartened to have the support of so many good people in this great state.
“We stand for conservative principles, liberty and prosperity. All of these are under threat. I’m in this race because I believe that America can be turned around, that we don’t have to accept unemployment over 8 percent, a national debt that is as large as our entire economy, and a President who, even as his own policies fail, apologizes for America’s past successes. We’ve had enough. It’s time to reverse Barack Obama’s legacy of domestic disarray and foreign-policy weakness."

Romney WINS CPAC Straw Poll

2012-02-11T17:37:00.000-05:00

It's Romney in the CPAC straw poll. Here's an excerpt from the Washington Times:

Mitt Romney won The Washington Times/ CPAC Presidential Straw Poll on Saturday, and also nipped Rick Santorum as the top choice of conservatives nationwide, according to a new version of the poll conducted for the first time this year that suggests Romney retains strong support amongst self-idsentified conservatives.

Click here for more.

Romney: Obama 'Accommodation' Is A Deception

2012-02-11T17:30:00.000-05:00

Statement from Mitt Romney during a Town Hall in Maine:

You’ve got a president who has launched an assault on religious conviction.

I find it extraordinary that he feels he can tell the Catholic Church what they have to provide for their employees, including devices and instruments they find contrary to their conscience. And today he did the classic Obama retreat, alright? And what I mean by that is it wasn’t a retreat at all. It’s another deception.

And what he said was okay, the Catholic Church doesn’t have to buy policies that provide for sterilization and for the morning-after pill and for contraceptives, instead, they need to buy a policy and the company will just give them those things for free. I mean this is the idea that companies when they’re given an additional burden somehow don’t pass that on to their customer. Of course they do. It’s the same thing that happened with the rest of Obamacare when he said oh, we’re not going to tax individuals, we’re just going to tax the companies that provide medical devices to individuals. Well of course that gets passed on to the individual. Companies consist of people and someone has to pay: the owners, the employees, or the customers—and they pass those costs onto customers.

When the President says, deceptively, oh the Catholic Church won’t have to buy policies that include these things the insurance companies will just throw them in for free. It’s just disingenuous and deceptive and the American people have to see through it.

There’s been an attack launched on religion in this country and on conscience in this country and if I’m president that will end. And by the way just stepping back on that Obamacare thing for a moment, the idea that the federal government is going to tell all the states how your healthcare has to work. And frankly it’s going to end up telling all the people what kind of health insurance they can have. That’s simply something which is unacceptable; it’s something that we can’t afford…”

Romney Video: 'Santorum Grew Government; I Didn't'

2012-02-11T15:55:00.002-05:00

This Means War, And Guns, And Sex, And Laughs!

2012-02-11T15:03:00.002-05:00

Chris Pine, Reese Witherspoon and Tom hardy star in This Means War.

Chris Pine, Tom Hardy and Reese Witherspoon tear up everything in their path in This Means War, the new rollicking action/comedy from director McG.

The film doesn't open till February 18 (with special preview on Valentine's Day) but we've already seen it and we can tell you that it's sort of like a date movie on steroids: Lots of high tech action and bromance (Pine and Hardy are best-buds) combined with a feminist-inspired updated take on boys and their toys. Reese Witherspon and her gal pal (Chelsea Handler) scheme to find just the right guy for Reese. What Reese finds instead (via the Internet) are two guys. But she doesn't know that not only are the guys best friends but also CIA agents.

For the guys this becomes a macho competition. And since they're CIA agents that means plenty of gadgetry is tossed into the mix. For Reese, it's deliciously frustrating as she's torn between two certified hunks. There are worse dilemmas. And, it's vicarious pleasure for the barely-domesticated, married Handler who offers sometimes wacky advice to Reese throughout.

The guys swear they won't let the competition for the gal threaten their treasured friendship. But, well . . . . you know what happens when testosterone takes charge. They fight -- literally and figuratively, almost to the death.

Romance. Mayhem. Guns, love, sex and laughs.

And yes, there are lots of laughs. In fact the lines are so fast and so clever that sometimes you have to watch and listen very closely to keep up with this fast-paced flick. From the first scene to the end, it's like a wild roller coaster ride.

But to add just a dash of grounding and sensibility (along with sentimentality) is the great Rosemary Harris as

Yes, it's totally preposterous. But that's the kind of move this is. And it is a movie -- no question about that.

How does it all end. Does she pick Pine or Hardy, or -- both?

I'll never tell.

But I will tell you this: Go see the movie.

Obama 'Accommodation' Fails To Silence Critics

2012-02-10T21:30:00.000-05:00

Statement issued today by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops:

Today, the President has done two things;

First, he has decided to retain HHS's nationwide mandate of insurance coverage of sterilization and contraception, including some abortifacients. This is both unsupported in the law and remains a grave moral concern. We cannot fail to reiterate this, even as so many would focus exclusively on the question of religious liberty.
Second, the President has announced some changes in how that mandate will be administered, which is still unclear in its details.As far as we can tell at this point, the change appears to have the following basic contours:
·It would still mandate that all insurers must include coveragefor the objectionable services in all the policies they would write. At this point, it would appear that self-insuring religious employers, and religious insurance companies, are not exempt from this mandate.
·It would allow non-profit, religious employers to declare that they do not offer such coverage. But the employee and insurer may separately agree to add that coverage. The employee would not have to pay any additional amount to obtain this coverage, and the coverage would be provided as a part of the employer's policy, not as a separate rider.
-Finally, we are told that the one-year extension on the effective date (from August 1, 2012 to August 1, 2013) is available to any non-profit religious employer who desires it, without any government application or approval process.
These changes require careful moral analysis, and moreover, appear subject to some measure of change. But we note at the outset that the lack of clear protectionfor key stakeholders—for self-insured religious employers; for religious and secular for-profit employers; for secular non-profit employers; for religious insurers; and for individuals—is unacceptable and must be corrected. And in the case where the employee and insurer agree to add the objectionable coverage, that coverage is still provided as apart of the objecting employer's plan, financed in the same way as the rest of the coverage offered by the objecting employer. This, too, raisesserious moral concerns.

Video: Dolan Says 'I Don't Know Why' Obama Did This

2012-02-10T09:18:00.000-05:00

Gov. Video: Teachers Should Demand Leader's Ouster

2012-02-10T09:03:00.002-05:00

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie says the state's teachers should demand the resignation of New Jersey Education Association Executive Director Vince Giordano, the man who reportedly gets a half-million-dollars a year to run the state's most powerful union.

Christie Makes New Round Of Direct Appointments

2012-02-10T08:53:00.001-05:00

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has filed the following direct appointments with the Secretary of State’s Office.

DIRECT APPOINTMENTS

STATE ETHICS COMMISSION

Executive Branch Representatives

Appoint Wayne Hasenbalg, Esq. (Randolph, Morris)

Appoint the Honorable Harold J. Wirths (Wantage, Sussex)

DEPARTMENTAL APPOINTMENTS SUBJECT TO GOVERNOR’S APPROVAL

Governor Christie also approved appointments for local housing authorities by Acting Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Richard E. Constable, III. These direct appointments do not require Senate confirmation.

EDISON HOUSING AUTHORITY

Appoint Raymond Koperwhats, M.Ed. (Edison, Middlesex)

GLOUCESTER COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY

Appoint Frank B. Smith (Williamstown, Gloucester)

MORRISTOWN HOUSING AUTHORITY

Appoint Frank J. Vitolo (Morristown, Morris)

Bateman: Let Voters Decide Same-Sex Marriage

2012-02-09T10:35:00.000-05:00

New jersey State Senator Christopher "Kip" Bateman (R- Somerset/Hunterdon/Mercer/Middlesex) has submitted a Senate resolution (SCR-88) that would, if passed by the legislature and approved by voters, amend the State Constitution to permit same sex marriage in New Jersey.

"Let's stop the political games and let the people of New Jersey decide," said Bateman. "Marriage equality advocates and opponents would both have the ability to register their opinion at the ballot box. Nobody would be disenfranchised on either side of the issue."

Bateman noted that the proposal is modeled after efforts by marriage equality advocates in Maine, who have succeeded in collecting enough signature to place a measure permitting same sex marriage on the ballot this year. Bateman's Amendment would approve, rather than prohibit, same sex marriage if garnering a majority of votes on Election Day.

"This amendment is unique in that, unlike in the other states that have put the issue before voters, it would permit same sex marriage rather than prohibit it," he said. "This is not a so-called 'Defense of Marriage Amendment'. I am not sure why putting this to voters is acceptable to advocates in Maine, but not in New Jersey."

Bateman also said that, if approved, a constitutional amendment would be a more permanent resolution to the question. "A constitutional amendment really should be the preferred option for proponents of same sex marriage, as it could not be easily undone by a simple majority of the Legislature. Furthermore, it is the only option available to those who want to see same sex marriage legalized in the near term, as Governor Christie has promised to veto S-1. Supporters have a choice to make: is the process, or the outcome, more important?"

Clowns Will Entertain Children At Nemours

2012-02-09T10:09:00.000-05:00

In preparation for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents DRAGONS invading the Philadelphia region at Wells Fargo Center (Feb. 22-27), two clowns will bring The Greatest Show On Earth® to children at the Nemours/A.I. duPont hospital this afternoon.

Mike and Rob, a clown duo from the famous Clown Alley, will bring the antics, fun and excitement of the circus to children who may not be healthy enough to attend the Philadelphia engagement of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents DRAGONS.

Mike and Rob will perform for the children, passing out official Ringling Bros.® clown noses, adding children in their routines and spreading joy in as many ways as possible to the families and children.

Tickets for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents DRAGONS at the Wells Fargo Center from Wednesday, February 22 through Monday, February 27 are available exclusively through ComcastTIX at ComcastTIX.com, by phone at 1-800-298-4200, or at the Wells Fargo Center Box Office. Join the free Wells Fargo Center CyberClub and receive advance notice and special offers to future events at wellsfargocenterphilly.com.

Christie Reaffirms Commitment To Clean Air

2012-02-09T10:05:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, the Christie Administration continued its commitment to combating pollutants and protecting public health with the announcement that thestate of New Jersey will require all power plants to meet a 2015 deadline to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, including the “peaker units’’ used during high energy demand days (HEDD). Emissions from these HEDD units contribute significantly to the ozone problem because they are used primarily on hot, high humidity days during the summer when ozone levels are often at their highest.

The announcement coincides with the groundbreaking for LS Power Company's new 738 megawatt natural gas-fired electrical power generating facility. The energy station, to be constructed in West Deptford, is expected to create hundreds of construction jobs, improve the environment and increase the reliability of the electric grid while reducing costs to ratepayers. LS Power also announced that the company has begun the permitting process to construct an additional unit, which will increase the electric output of the facility by an additional 400 megawatts.

“This groundbreaking represents another important step to ensure an affordable, secure and reliable energy future for New Jersey by increasing in-state energy production from cleaner sources, and reducing the need for coal-generated power from across state lines. At the same time, the enforcement of these emissions standards represents my Administration’s aggressive commitment to combat in and out of state polluters and improve air quality for our residents,” said Governor Christie. “This new LS Power facility is a perfect example of how in-state, natural gas-fired electrical power can be produced more cleanly, more efficiently and more reliably for our state. I applaud CEO Paul Segal for his commitment to improving the economy in South Jersey and his contribution to protect public health and the environment.”

Enforcing the May 2015 deadline is consistent with the Christie Administration’s commitment to improving air quality statewide. By doing so, an average of 5 up to 20 tons per day of nitrogen oxides emitted by “peaker units” will be eliminated. A request to extend the compliance deadline to 2017 for these plants was denied by the Christie Administration. Other steps Governor Christie has taken to ensure and protect New Jersey air quality include signing an Executive Order that targets air pollution caused by diesel engines used on major transportation construction projects in New Jersey; successfully petitioning the federal government under the Clean Air Act to take steps to force a coal-powered Pennsylvania power plant to dramatically reduce harmful air emissions (by 81% within 3 years) or shut down; taking action in federal court to force four other coal-fired power plants in western Pennsylvania to clean up emissions of pollutants that cause acid rain and degrade air quality in downwind states, including New Jersey; and adopting rules requiring significant reductions in sulfur content for home heating oil and other types of fuel oil used in the state.

The LS Power project will reach a peak workforce of approximately 600 workers during the construction phase of the 738-megawatt natural gas-fired, combined-cycle electric generating facility. The impact of those jobs is expected to infuse $100 million in construction phase payroll, over three years, into the local economy. Long term economic impacts of the West Deptford Energy Station (WDES) project include the creation of 25 permanent jobs in operations and maintenance with an estimated annual payroll of $2 million.

“The West Deptford Energy Station will feature state-of-the-art combustion turbine technology with advanced emission controls. As a New Jersey company, we are thrilled to break ground on a project that will bring clean, low cost and reliable electric energy to our home state,” said Paul Segal, CEO of LS Power.

For residents and businesses, the West Deptford Energy Station will provide competitively priced, reliable electricity to New Jersey. As identified in the Long-term Capacity Agreement Pilot Program Agent's (LCAPP) Report, environmentally sound natural gas power generation projects such as the West Deptford Energy Station are expected to result in lower cost electricity for all consumers and businesses.

LS Power Group completed financing for this generation project in November 2011, and plans for commercial operations to begin in 2014. The project will utilize state-of-the-art combustion turbine technology with advanced emission controls.

New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan (EMP) supports the development of in-state natural gas-fired electrical generation to address grid reliability issues, to improve the environment, and to reduce prices for New Jersey’s ratepayers. New facilities like LS Power can protect air quality by eliminating the need to import power from poorly controlled units in other states, and by accelerating the decommissioning of older, dirtier, and less efficient electric generation plants in New Jersey, including heavy oil and some coal-fired power plants.

Dolan Tells Obama: Stay Out Of Church's Business

2012-02-09T06:12:00.000-05:00

“The federal government should do what it’s traditionally done since July 4, 1776, namely back out of intruding into the internal life of a church,”

NJEA Answers Calls For Chief's Resignation

2012-02-08T17:24:00.000-05:00

From a statement released by the New Jersey Education Association, the state's teacher's union:

"On the topic of taxpayer-funded private school vouchers, the interviewer asked Giordano what options low-income urban families have.
"His response was that for children and families in New Jersey’s most economically challenged communities, life is not always fair. While Mr. Giordano acknowledges that his choice of words may be open to misinterpretation, his intent was to make the point that providing vouchers to a select few students is not the way to address the challenges faced by urban school districts."

Video Bombshell - Christie To Union Chief: 'Get Lost!'

2012-02-08T16:41:00.000-05:00

SORRY, KIDS: New Jersey Education Association Executive Director Vincent Giordano appeared the "New Jersey Capitol Report" this weekend to discuss the costs of education and the NJEA's intractability on education-related issues. In the course of the interview, Giordano essentially told poor families
who want vouchers to send their kids to better schools that they can't have them because, well -- "life's not always fair." Both Dems and Republicans in the NJ legislature have demanded an apology from the NJEA bos

Romney: Fight Will Continue On Same-Sex Marriage

2012-02-08T13:33:00.000-05:00

Mitt Romney made the following statement regarding the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision striking down Proposition 8 as unconstitutional:

“Today, unelected judges cast aside the will of the people of California who voted to protect traditional marriage. This decision does not end this fight, and I expect it to go to the Supreme Court. That prospect underscores the vital importance of this election and the movement to preserve our values. I believe marriage is between a man and a woman and, as president, I will protect traditional marriage and appoint judges who interpret the Constitution as it is written and not according to their own politics and prejudices.”

NJ Government Succeeds In Reducing Red Tape

2012-02-08T13:14:00.000-05:00

Today, the Red Tape Review Commission, chaired by New Jersey Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno, released a report detailing progress the State has made reducing red tape and outlines further steps to make regulations less costly for business and non-profit groups. The report is based, in part, on input received at public hearings the Commission hosted at New Jersey City University, Thomas Edison State College, and Richard Stockton State College during 2011. The report highlights last year’s significant changes implemented by the Christie Administration to streamline government and cut red tape.

“For business, onerous and burdensome red tape is like death by a thousand paper cuts,” said Lt. Governor Guadagno. “It takes money from business and jobs from workers. In addition to summarizing what we’ve done, the Commission’s report outlines future steps to further reduce the regulatory burden on business and make it easier for them to grow and hire workers.”

Recent successes in reducing red tape include easing restrictions for non-profit groups with respect to mandatory independent audits, which is expected to save affected non-profits more than $10 million annually. Other changes include enabling professionals to apply for licenses online and permitting businesses to use the Internet to complete Urban Enterprise Zone filing requirements.

“As a licensed veterinarian, which is a regulated profession, I am grateful to the Administration, and to the Lt. Governor, in particular, for streamlining the regulated profession licensing process,” said Dr. Anthony DeCarlo, a Red Bank-based veterinarian, president of the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association and a member of the Coalition of Regulated Professions. “Reducing the obstructive burden of red tape will help attract highly qualified health professionals of all specialties to live and work in New Jersey.”

The accomplishments of the legislative members of the Commission include significant changes to the Administrative Procedures Act that, among other things, allow rulemaking agencies to make substantial changes upon adoption of regulations without starting the rulemaking process anew, extend the sunset of regulations from five to seven years, and limit the ability of agencies to regulate through the use of regulatory guidance documents. These changes will streamline rulemaking, provide businesses with greater certainty and save time and money.

Based on public input, the report also outlines further work that must be done to cut red tape for business and non-profit groups, including improving the State’s inconsistent bidding and procurement process. State departments often have different bidding rules, including specification for binding, margins, and type-setting for hard copy bids.

“Lt. Governor Guadagno and the entire Red Tape Commission have shown continued, vibrant, and proactive support for helping non-profits reduce the needless red tape that they have confronted in the past,” said Christine Michelle Duffy, Esq., senior staff attorney for the Pro Bono Partnership.

The commission’s agenda for 2012 includes examining obsolete permits and outdated and confusing laws.

Among New Jersey’s antiquated permits is a requirement that bus operators submit a 20-page application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. This certification, which dates back to when bus service was a public utility, provides no public benefit. Outdated laws include procedures for terminating private turnpike companies, which no longer exist in New Jersey. Another law requires hotels with ten or fewer rooms to have a guest register, but imposes no such requirement on hotels with more than ten rooms.

The goal of the Red Tape Review Commission is to streamline, not necessarily eliminate, regulations and to reduce unnecessary burdens and costs associated with regulatory compliance and is a permanent bipartisan commission created by Executive Order No. 41 in September 2011. The Commission is chaired by Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno and members include Senator Brian P. Stack (D-Hudson), Senator Steven V. Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, and Morris), Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli (D-Salem, Cumberland, and Gloucester), Assemblyman Scott T. Rumana (R-Essex, Passaic, and Morris), Franklin Township Mayor Brian D. Levine, Edward B. Deutsch, managing partner of McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP, John Galandak, president of Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey, and Tony Monteiro, business owner and former Elizabeth councilman.

Local Hoops Star Shines With Harlem Globetrotters

2012-02-08T13:08:00.000-05:00

Fatima “TNT” Maddox, who played collegiate basketball for Temple University (2005-2007), is now a full-fledged member of the World Famous Harlem Globetrotters. She and the Globetrotters will visit the Greater Philadelphia Region for shows at the Liacouras Center on Friday, March 9 at 7 p.m., the Sun National Bank Center in Trenton, NJ, on Saturday, March 10 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and the Wells Fargo Center on Sunday, March 11 at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Tickets for all three stops are on sale now exclusively through ComcastTIX online at ComcastTIX.com, by phone at 1-800-298-4200 or in person at each venue box office. Information on group and scout tickets can be found at www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

Maddox will arrive early in Philadelphia on Monday, March 5, to make appearances to promote the arrival of the Globetrotters later that week.

Maddox is the ninth women to don the red, white and blue. She stumbled upon the game on the playground at the age of 13. Maddox played volleyball and participated in track in field during her teenage years – setting state records in both the long jump and triple jump – but she didn’t love those sports like she loved basketball.

TNT began her college career at New Mexico before transferring to Temple, where she was coached by three-time Olympic gold medalist Dawn Staley. TNT says, “Coach Staley was not only a role model for me through her amazing basketball credentials, but she showed me balance…balance between being a player, taking care of family, and giving back to the community. I admired her so much for her unique combination of kindness, toughness, and ability to make the team feel like a family.”

TNT is currently working towards a master's degree in management, and her hobbies include skating, playing pool and she really likes to draw and paint.

Current Globetrotters stars Flight Time Lang, Hi-Lite Bruton and many others will team up with Maddox and the world class rookies for nearly 270 games on the North American portion of the World Tour, bringing the Globetrotter magic to over 230 cities in 46 states, the District of Columbia and five Canadian provinces.

Rosters in each city will vary and are subject to change.

Sponsored by Howard Johnson Hotels, Greyhound Lines, Spalding, and Russell Athletic, the Original Harlem Globetrotters are celebrating their 86th consecutive year, continuing a world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages. Throughout their history, the Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 120 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans—among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents—over more than eight thrilling decades. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase tickets and team merchandise, visit the Globetrotters’ official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

Comcast-Spectacor (comcast-spectacor.com) is the Philadelphia-based sports and entertainment company which owns the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), the home arena for both the Flyers and the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, the Wells Fargo Center, and four Flyers Skate Zone community ice skating and hockey rinks. In addition, Comcast-Spectacor is also the principal owner of Global Spectrum, the fastest growing firm in the public assembly management field with more than 100 facilities throughout the United States and Canada; Ovations Food Services, a food and beverage service provider; New Era Tickets, a ticketing and marketing company for public assembly facilities; Front Row Marketing Services, a commercial rights sales company; FanOne, a digital fan marketing company; and Paciolan, the leading provider of venue enablement, ticketing, fundraising and marketing technology solutions.

Go 'On The Road' With Mitt; Enter Now

2012-02-08T08:19:00.000-05:00

You can go on the road with Mitt Romney just by lending the Romney campaign your support. Here's a special message from Ann Romney with all the details:

Mitt and I have traveled thousands of miles on the road these last few months -- and we've got a whole lot more to go. At every campaign stop, we are greeted by overwhelming crowds of wonderful supporters like you as we journey across this beautiful country.
We draw great motivation and energy from your support. Our day-to-day interactions with you at rallies, town halls, and other campaign events serve as a constant reminder of why Mitt is in this fight.
We wish we could spend more time with each and every one of you. And that's why we're inviting a supporter like you to spend a day on the road with Mitt.
One lucky supporter will get to join Mitt for a day as he makes stops on the campaign trail. And by donating $5, you will automatically be entered for the chance to be Mitt's special guest on the road -https://secure.mittromney.com/donate/day-on-the-roadThe campaign trail is always full of surprises -- and this day with Mitt will be no different. Some details are still being sorted out, but it is shaping up to be a really exciting day.
We recognize that many of you have already donated -- and we can't thank you enough. It's because of you that we are able to share Mitt's vision and fight for the America you and I love.
So make a donation of $5 today to be automatically entered for the chance to meet Mitt and spend the day with him on the road:
https://secure.mittromney.com/donate/day-on-the-roadThanks for all your support.
Ann Romney

Loudmouth Lagerfeld Disses EVERYBODY!

2012-02-07T22:15:00.001-05:00

Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld has a penchant for stirring up controversy.

The outspoken fashion diva has now tagged British singer Adele as 'fat', called Russian men 'ugly' and said the Greeks and Italians have 'disgusting habits.' He said all this in an interview with a global newspaper.
The German-born Lagerfeld also said Britain's Royal Family was 'totally unnecessary, but pleasant' and described the Queen as 'a more smiley version of her grandmother'.

This guy just can't get enough attention -- and he'll do most anything to keep in the spotlight.

Funny thing is, he doesn't seem to be aging any better than the rest of us.

Kean, Lesniak Lambast NJEA Director, Support OSA

2012-02-07T21:13:00.000-05:00

New Jersey State Senator Tom Kean, Jr. and Senator Raymond Lesniak said today that dismissive comments made by NJEA Executive Director Vincent Giordano about school children in chronically failing districts make a compelling case for school choice.
When asked about children in failing districts whose families did not have the resources to pay for private education, Mr. Giordano responded, “Life’s not always fair and I’m sorry about that,” (CLICK HERE TO WATCH NJTV's INTERVIEW).
Kean and Lesniak are prime sponsors of the Opportunity Scholarship Act (OSA), which would provide privately funded scholarship grants to children in consistently low performing districts to attend a public or private school of their choice.
“Mr. Giordano’s remarks in opposition to OSA show a startling contempt for children and parents of limited means who are forced into failing schools by virtue of their zip code,” said Kean (R- Union). “His remarks, however, actually strengthen the argument in favor of the bill: that the educational establishment is not able or interested in providing an immediate remedy for students in these districts.”
Kean said that OSA does not abandon public education. Rather, it recognizes that long term structural changes are needed to fully address deficiencies in chronically failing schools. “Children should not be condemned to a subpar education while their schools are being improved; a process that will take a great deal of time,” he said.
"Life is only unfair when we don't have the courage to change the things we can," said Senator Lesniak (D- Union), "And it will continue to be unfair as long as those with the ability to do something to make it fair stand idly by and become resigned to the unfairness. Children from poor families forced to go to chronically failing schools deserve an opportunity to get a quality education. They deserve better from all of us."
Both Senators plan on reintroducing the legislation, which was not considered by the full Senate last session.

Allen Taxpayer Advocate Law Clears Committee

2012-02-07T20:50:00.000-05:00

A longstanding proposal by New Jersey State Senator Diane Allen (R- Burlington) to create an office within the Treasury Department to improve customer service for taxpayers and streamline compliance issues has been approved by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Committee.

S-1187 establishes the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate, a position appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate that would bear responsibility for improving taxpayers' experience in dealing with Treasury's Division of Taxation and make recommendations to improve tax law so as to ease compliance problems for businesses and individuals.

"The Christie Administration 'gets it' when it comes to easing the burden on taxpayers and improving their interactions with state government, but previous governors have not always been so accommodating to their needs," said Allen. "I submitted this legislation when Jon Corzine was governor because the myriad of tax and fee hikes that had been instituted last decade caused not only a financial hardship on taxpayers, but a bureaucratic nightmare when problems or disputes arose."

Allen said that the Taxpayer Advocate would be an office in, but not of, the Department of Treasury that reports directly to the Governor. The Advocate would be empowered to issue orders to the Division of Taxation and the Department of Revenue to take specific action in order to assist taxpayers who face significant hardship resulting from the administration of tax law.

Significant hardship is defined by the legislation as arising from a deficiency in the law or administrative procedures, rather than personal inconvenience or economic hardship.

"Taxpayers need someone on their side when navigating the complexities of government and the law," Allen said. "This position will be empowered to help individuals and businesses cut through red tape and bureaucratic hurdles when a significant tax problem arises through no fault of his or her own."

Christie, Cuomo Agree On NY/NJ Port Reforms

2012-02-07T20:45:00.000-05:00

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today released the following statement regarding the Phase 1 Interim Consultant’s Report on the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey:

“The interim report released today on operations of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey describes an agency which failed to exercise proper oversight, control costs and budget transparently. The report’s Executive Summary describes an agency that is ‘challenged and dysfunctional,’ and where poor management ‘obscured full awareness of billions of dollars in exposure’ to the Port Authority.
“Cause for further concern is the report’s conclusion that the WTC gross project costs, last publicly reforecast at $11 billion in 2008, have since grown a staggering $3.8 billion to $14.8 billion, at a minimum. Similarly, the report finds capital planning is plagued by management deficiencies that have resulted in a doubling of debt in 10 years as the agency drifted from its core responsibility as a transportation infrastructure organization. Coupled with the consultant’s assessment of the impact of ‘add-on’ compensation for agency personnel – an institutionalized practice that has contributed to an unacceptable 19 percent increase in gross compensation in just five years – the interim report makes clear that wide-ranging reform is long overdue.
“This record of historic failure must be reversed. Steps have already been taken in the last two years, but much more must be done to restore the Port Authority to a responsible, highly transparent, well-managed organization focused on its core mission of maintaining and expanding our states’ shared transportation infrastructure for the health and growth of our overlapping economies. We will demand nothing short of the agency’s implementation of comprehensive recommendations and reform to achieve this critical mission.”

Palm Philadelphia Offers Great Dinner Deal!

2012-02-07T13:13:00.001-05:00

We stopped by the Philadelphia Palm restaurant this past weekend and enjoyed this fantastic dinner with friends. It was great!:

Introducing Our Newest Prix-Fixe Menu

Featuring Filet Mignon with Cognac Lobster Cream Sauce

$49.95 per person

Only Available Through March 31st*

Click here to make your reservation.

Click here for recommended cocktail & wine pairings.

FIRST COURSE (Choice Of)
Classic Caesar Salad Garlic Focaccia Croutons and
Parmigiano Reggiano
Lobster Bisque Fresh Lobster Meat, Cream and Brandy
Mixed Green Salad Romaine, Iceberg, Baby Greens,
Cucumber, Carrots, Radish, Scallions and Cherry Tomatoes Tossed in a Garlic Vinaigrette
Wild Mushroom Ravioli Porcini Broth

SECOND COURSE (Choice Of)
Filet Mignon 9 ounce Cognac Lobster Cream Sauce
Tamarind Glazed Sea Scallops Grilled Baby Bok Choy with a Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette
Wasabi and Panko Crusted Jumbo Shrimp Sweet Thai Chili Sauce

SIDE DISH (Choice Of)
Choose any one of our Signature Vegetable or Potato Side Dishes from the á la carte menu

ALSO FEATURING
Nova Scotia Lobster Mac and Cheese $3 Additional Charge

Hurry -- this offer expires at the end of March!

* This offer is available January 15-March 31, 2012 at all Palm locations excluding London, Mexico City and the Palm Bar & Grille at JFK Airport. Price does not include beverage, tax, or gratuity. This offer cannot be combined with 837 Club birthday entrée certificates. No substitutions. Dine in only, please

With Lt. Governor Guadagno: More Jobs For Jersey!

2012-02-07T09:35:00.000-05:00

New Jersey Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno recently joined Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Tom Considine in Cherry Hill to mark the Farmers Insurance Group’s arrival to New Jersey. We had the pleasure of walking through Farmer's new offices at Garden State Park with the Lt. Governor and the Commissioner and we were most impressed with what we saw. Farmers arrival in New Jersey is a big deal.

The insurance provider expects to bring about 150 jobs to New Jersey by the end of the year and between 150 and 200 jobs annually over the next four years.

In her remarks, Lt. Governor Guadagno placed Farmers’ arrival in the context of the larger New Jersey Comeback. More than 60,000 private sector jobs have been created under the Christie Administration, with 2011 marking the largest increase since 2000.

“The commitment of Farmers Insurance Group is further proof that our Administration’s proactive approach to economic development is working,” said Lt. Governor Guadagno. “Farmers now joins many other companies that have taken note of New Jersey’s improved business climate.”

The Department of Banking and Insurance approved Farmers’ initial entry into New Jersey’s homeowners, passenger auto, and umbrella insurance market last fall. The company then opened recruiting and training offices – known as Agency Point – in Parsippany and Cherry Hill in November.

In May 2011, Farmers was approved for two Business Employment Incentive Program (BEIP) grants to support their move to New Jersey. The first BEIP, worth an estimated $471,460 over ten years, was tied to the creation of 80 new jobs at its new, 30,000-square-foot regional training and recruiting center in Cherry Hill. The second BEIP, worth an estimated $450,000 over ten years, is tied to the creation of an additional 120 new jobs at two new insurance claim centers with unknown locations at this time. New Jersey was competing with Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York for both the regional training center and insurance claim centers.

In making their decision, company executives specifically cited the Christie Administration’s pro-growth policies and reforms. This includes proposed personal injury protection (PIP) regulatory reform, quick response on rate filings, and the improved regulatory environment brought about by the ongoing bipartisan Red Tape Review Commission, which is chaired by Lt. Governor Guadagno.

“The 10% across-the-board income tax cut we’ve proposed will further enhance our competitiveness and provides a stark contrast to neighboring states that have or plan to raise taxes,” added Lt. Governor Guadagno. “The momentum is clearly with us as New Jersey moves forward into 2012.”

Businesses considering a move or in need of assistance are encouraged to call New Jersey’s Business Action Center at (866) 534-7789 or visit the State’s Business Portal at www.newjerseybusiness.gov.

About That Rowan/Rutgers Merger Or Takeover Or . . .

2012-02-06T21:05:00.000-05:00

In the above video New Jersey Governor Chris Christie tells a caller that the plan to join Rutgers South Jersey and Rowan University as one school is gonna be just great for everybody.
Well, let's face it: Rutgers South Jersey always got short shrift from the Big Real Rutgers in New Brunswick. That's an old story in these parts.
And Rowan really didn't take off until Henry Rowan gave sleepy old Glassboro State College $!00 million and the school changed its name to Rowan. As graduates of Glassboro's Master of Arts program at the time we were delighted with the change. We liked the new name, the new direction, the new status -- everything about the switch. But we remember that many Glassboro students and alumnae weren't in the least bit happy. They protested and demonstrated against the change. And it was good that they became involved in the issue and their voices were heard.
Their passion was legitimate and they raised reasonable arguments and concerns as well.
That was 20 years ago.
Today Rowan University is a respected regional powerhouse. The school has grown by leaps and bounds and the quality of its students and teachers has vastly improved. With campuses in Camden and Glassboro and a new Camden-based, Rowan/Cooper Medical School being built, things continue to look up for Rowan. It's all good.
But Rutgers Camden is no slouch. And the Rutgers brand means something. It's got international cachet. Rutgers students rightfully want a Rutgers diploma -- not one that says "Rowan."
Yes, when we first heard about the Governor's plan [actually devised by a special commission] our initial reaction was enthusiastic. But then again we're partial to almost everything Christie.
Still, we can understand the legitimate concerns that have been raised -- especially by our good friends at Save Jersey, one of our favorite blogs.
The issues certainly deserve to be fully aired. This is a big proposal with major implications and repercussions. And, as is often the case when Camden's involved, partisanship, bossism and vested interests lurk at every turn.
So, doesn't it make sense to open the doors to lively, meaningful discourse and let every voice be heard? A fair and open debate and a full vetting are in the public interest.
This is what democracy is really all about.
Besides, if this is such a good, sound, legitimate idea then the proponents of the plan should have nothing to fear from the concerns expressed in doubtful or opposing quarters.

Romney's Incredible Roll: Gaining Huge Momentum!

2012-02-06T20:20:00.000-05:00

Following is a special message from the Mitt Romney campaign:

Another swing state -- another big victory. Thank you for your support and hard work over these last few weeks.
Four days after Mitt's big win in Florida, he followed it up with an equally impressive victory Saturday in Nevada.
And just like in Florida, there are some really compelling statistics from last night's results that make it very clear that Mitt is the only candidate that can unite our party to defeat Barack Obama this fall:
Nevada's exit polls showed a very broad victory for Governor Romney, just like Florida. Mitt won among conservatives, Tea Party members, women, men, lower educated, higher educated, etc.
Mitt won nearly a majority of "very conservative" voters (46%). He defeated Newt Gingrich (35% - 32%) among strong Tea Party voters and also won 48% of the vote among evangelicals over Newt Gingrich (43% - 28%).
Like Florida, Mitt Romney won handily among voters who said electability was the most important quality in a candidate. He also won handily among those voters who said the economy was the top issue.
Mitt won a majority of LDS voters and also won among Protestant and Catholic voters.
With victories in the Northeast (New Hampshire), Southeast (Florida), and now the West (Nevada), Mitt has proven he is a strong national candidate.
In 2008, Barack Obama won both Florida and Nevada. Winning these states will be crucial this November. This week, Mitt showed he can -- and will -- make these states red again.
Thanks for your continued support.

Click here now to get involved in the Mitt Romney campaign.

Incredible True Story Testifies To Romney's Character

2012-02-06T19:46:00.002-05:00

The following story has been making the rounds on the Internet. It has been verified as true by the New York Times and snopes.com, among others. It's worth reading:

Sometimes, this facet of Romney’s personality isn’t so subtle.
In July 1996, the 14-year-old daughter of Robert Gay, a partner at Bain Capital, had disappeared.
She had attended a rave party in New York City and gotten high on ecstasy.
Three days later, her distraught father had no idea where she was.
Romney took immediate action.
He closed down the entire firm and asked all 30 partners and employees to fly to New York to help find Gay’s daughter.
Romney set up a command center at the LaGuardia Marriott and hired a private detective firm to assist with the search.
He established a toll-free number for tips, coordinating the effort with the NYPD, and went through his Rolodex and called
everyone Bain did business with in New York, and asked them to help find his friend’s missing daughter.
Romney’s accountants at Price Waterhouse Cooper put up posters on street poles, while cashiers at a pharmacy owned
by Bain put fliers in the bag of every shopper. Romney and the other Bain employees scoured every part of New York and
talked with everyone they could – prostitutes, drug addicts – anyone.
That day, their hunt made the evening news, which featured photos of the girl and the Bain employees searching for her.
As a result, a teenage boy phoned in, asked if there was a reward, and then hung up abruptly.
The NYPD traced the call to a home in New Jersey, where they found the girl in the basement,
shivering and experiencing withdrawal symptoms from a massive ecstasy dose.
Doctors later said the girl might not have survived another day.
Romney’s former partner credits Mitt Romney with saving his daughter’s life, saying,
"It was the most amazing thing, and I’ll never forget this to the day I die."
Many people are unaware of the fact that when Romney was asked by his old employer, Bill Bain,
to come back to Bain & Company as CEO to rescue the firm from bankruptcy,
Romney left Bain Capital to work at Bain & Company for an annual salary of one dollar.
When Romney went to the rescue of the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics,
he accepted no salary for three years, and wouldn’t use an expense account.
He also accepted no salary as Governor of Massachusetts.
People who know him say Mitt Romney simply can’t help himself.
He sees a problem, and his mind immediately sets to work solving it,
sometimes consciously, and sometimes not-so-consciously.
That’s just how he’s wired.

Christie, Giants Fans Will Rally Tomorrow In Jersey

2012-02-06T19:03:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow (Tuesday, February 7) Governor Chris Christie will join the state of New Jersey in celebrating the Giants’ 21-17 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI.

Following their victory parade in New York City, the Giants will return home to the Garden State to celebrate their win with New Jersey fans at a rally held at MetLife Stadium.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

BERGEN COUNTY

WHO: Governor Chris Christie and Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno

WHAT: ‘New Jersey’ Giants Super Bowl Victory Rally

WHEN: 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: MetLife Stadium

102 Route 120

East Rutherford, NJ

Audio: Christie Working With Giants On NJ Celebration

2012-02-06T16:01:00.000-05:00

Video: Happy Birthday, President Reagan. We Miss You!

2012-02-06T13:19:00.001-05:00

Two different visions for America. President Reagan launched his effort to return America to greatness with simple but profound words during his first inaugural speech, "In the present times Government is not the solution to our problems. Government is the problem."

From there he put words into action passing historic tax cuts, cutting back on onerous government regulations and the results of the President's free market policies: Growth, Prosperity, and Hope.
Happy Birthday President Reagan - we miss you! Find out more at www.AmericansForProsperity.org

Christie Video: Giants Win 'Great Day For NJ'

2012-02-06T10:57:00.002-05:00

Vote For Your Favorite Super Bowl Commercial Now

2012-02-05T21:49:00.000-05:00

Here's your chance to vote for your favorite Super Bowl commercial. You can vote here, right now.
Maybe you still like the Coke Polar bears.
Or maybe you thought that Chevy's "Happy Grad" was just too funny.
Maybe you still like Shatner for Priceline.
Or what about Jerry Seinfeld and the return of the Soup Nazi for Accora.
And how about those monkeys on that business trip from hell for Career Builder . . . . Funny?
Or maybe you didn't like any of these.
Cast your vote at the top right of this page. Hurry. Vote now!

Video: Jerry Seinfeld Super Bowl '12 Commercial

2012-02-05T21:35:00.001-05:00

Jerry Seinfeld is so excited about the new Acura NSX that he will stop at nothing to acquire the very first one. Check out the extended version of Acura's big game commercial. See what else Jerry would do for the first new NSX at www.acura.com. NSX projected debut in next three years.

Chevy Super Bowl Ad - A Personal Favorite!

2012-02-05T19:34:00.000-05:00

2012 Chevy Super Bowl Commercials: Watch Zack Borst's winning entry to Chevrolet's Route66 competition chevroletroute66.com. This Chevy appears during Super Bowl XLVI.

Check out more about Chevy and Super Bowl XLVI at http://www.chevrolet.com/culture.

Super Bowl '12 Commercials - Here They Are!

2012-02-05T19:18:00.000-05:00

Each year Big Game commercials go all out to top one another. They all want to be Super -- but only a few hang on to make it into "classic" status. And those we really remember can boost sales by billions.

But why wade through the whole game when you can see the commercials side by side, right here, right now.

Here are some of the best ones.

In this extended version of our 2012 Game Day commercial, the sporty, all-new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle inspires Bolt the dog to get in shape, and an intergalactic superstar makes a surprise appearance.

Get a behind the scenes look at the making of this commercial:http://vwoa.us/xbk0TE

William Shatner dies in a firey bush crash, doing what he does best: Give us great deals on Priceline.com. But will Priceline name a new spokesperson now that Captain Kirk is dead? Viewers are finding out during the game.

Business travel becoming a burden? CareerBuilder.com - Start Building; and take the chimps along (NOT!).

Downy remakes a classic Super Bowl commercial starring Amy Sedaris and Mean Joe Greene

Ferris Bueller Super Bowl Commercial - Long Version

2012-02-05T15:36:00.000-05:00

To celebrate the launch of the all-new 2012 CR-V, Honda brought Ferris Bueller's Day Off back in a big game commercial. They cast Matthew Broderick as himself, skipping out on a day of acting work and living it up in his all-new CR-V. You can relive movie history with Honda's fresh twist and wonderful homage to this '80s classic.
Think you're a true fan of Ferris Bueller's Day Off? They've hidden over two dozen references to the movie throughout the commercial. Some are obvious, some are VERY subtle. See how many you can find. #dayoff.

How You Can Help Fight The Assault On Values

2012-02-05T06:20:00.003-05:00

The following message comes to you via The Eagle Forum:

Last week, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the nation's largest breast cancer research and prevention fund wisely decided to do what the Senate has refused to do, de-fund Planned Parenthood.

In an outrageous move, 26 liberal Senators signed a letter chastising Komen, a private foundation, calling their action "troubling," declaring that the Foundation's decision cut "life-saving services" to women, and urging them to reconsider their decision.

The Komen Foundation provided grants to Planned Parenthood that are to be used for breast examinations, not abortions. However, breast examinations can easily be performed by any of the countless other medical facilities that do not profit from performing abortions.

Planned Parenthood and abortion advocates threw a tantrum and demanded that people stop contributing to the Komen Foundation and call and e-mail the Foundation to protest their decision. Pro-abortion donors have flooded Planned Parenthood with donations well beyond the amount the Komen Foundation provided. Some reports indicate that Planned Parenthood received over $1 million in 24 hours, far surpassing the $680,000 they received in Komen Foundation Grants.

The Komen Foundation caved to this pressure, and issued a confusing statement yesterday indicating they would continue funding all current grants, including those to Planned Parenthood, and that Planned Parenthood would be eligible for future grants.

Take Action

If you live in one of the states listed below, we urge you to contact your Senator and tell them that you do not appreciate them using their respected office to tell a private foundation how it should be appropriating money. Tell your Senators if they really care about women's health, they should vote to de-fund, not advocate on behalf of, an organization that profits from exploiting women. Please forward this alert to others in your state who are concerned about protecting life, and urge them to contact your Senator(s)

Alaska

Mark Begich, 202-224-3004

California

Barbara Boxer, 202-224-3553
Dianne Feinstein, 202-224-3841

Connecticut

Richard Blumenthal, 202-224-2823

Delaware

Chris Coons, 202-224-5042

Hawaii

Daniel Akaka, 202-224-6361

Maryland

Barbara Mikulski, 202-224-4654
Ben Cardin, 202-224-4524

Massachusetts

John Kerry, 202-224-2742

Michigan

Debbie Stabenow, 202-224-4822

Missouri

Claire McCaskill, 202-224-6154

Minnesota

Al Franken, 202-224-5641

Montana

Jon Tester, 202-224-2644
Max Baucus, 202-224-2651

New Hampshire

Jeanne Shaheen, 202-224-2841

New Jersey

Frank Lautenberg, 202-224-3224
Robert Menendez, 202-224-4744

New Mexico

Jeff Bingaman, 202-224-5521

New York

Kirsten Gillibrand, 202-224-4451

Ohio

Sherrod Brown, 202-224-2315

Oregon

Ron Wyden, 202-224-5244
Jeff Merkley, 202-224-3753

Vermont

Bernie Sanders, 202-224-5141
Patrick Leahy, 202-224-4242

Washington

Patty Murray, 202-224-2621
Maria Cantwell, 202-224-3441
Further Reading:
- The Komen Conflagration, Kathryn Jean Lopez

Here Are This Week's Most-Viewed Stories!

2012-02-04T15:30:00.000-05:00

Rutgers Pays Trashy Snooki $32,000 To Lecture

Apr 2, 2011, 1 comment

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Naked Bike Ride Photos, Philadelphia

Sep 6, 2010, 1 comment

806 Pageviews

The Bikini: How It Was Born; Why We Like It

Jul 19, 2011, 1 comment

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Hilton Head: Don't Miss 'Smokey Joe's Cafe!'

Jul 23, 2011

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Ten Ways That Obama Is Destroying The Middle Class...

Jan 28, 2012, 5 comments

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Dining: Firecreek At Vorhees Town Center

2012-02-04T14:30:00.001-05:00

The large luscious lump crab cakes with orzo pasta and spinach.

The plump, juicy scallops with risotto.

The creamy, delicious lobster ravioli.

The huge, sweet, bowl-sized apple brown Betty with vanilla ice cream.

The exposed-beam dining area and open kitchen at Firecreek, Vorhees Town Center.

Ohhh, the tempting aroma of fresh, delicious plates!

Many of you may remember that not too long ago we dined at Firecreek restaurant in Downingtown.
And we loved it.
Last night, dear friends introduced us to the newest Firecreek at the beautiful new Vorhees Town Center in South Jersey.
Formerly the Echelon Mall, Voorhees Town Center has been right-sized, renovated and renamed with two floors of specialty retail stores featuring Macy’s and Boscov’s. The Mall is a family friendly convenient place for your everyday shopping in a new fresh environment!
Next to the Mall is The Boulevard, an intimate shopping and dining opportunity in a modern venue. The Boulevard gives you a unique experience in a beautiful, outdoor, lifestyle setting.
The residences and offices here include apartments, condominiums, shops and a fitness center.
Along The Boulevard is where you will find Firecreek.

At Firecreek we were greeted by general manager Frank Muratore. Frank is one of the most accomplished and genial dining hosts in the Philadelphia region. In fact, many of you may remember him from Giumarello's Restaurant in nearby Westmont.
As soon as we surveyed the scene inside Firecreek we discovered that it achieves the same warm, open feeling that we found at the original location.
The menu offers an extensive wine selection and a fresh spin on classic cuts of top quality meats and fish. The restaurant's ambience pairs unrefined surfaces with contemporary accents that echo the interior of the historic Bicking Paper Mill which houses the original Firecreek location. In fact, this new Firecreek includes a mammoth wheel from the mill.

The open kitchen and nearby bar are lively centers of activity that lead to three inviting dining areas: an expansive main section with rustic woods, a high ceiling and exposed beams, a cozy back room with a shimmering fireplace and a stone-studed front area looking out onto The Boulevard where outdoor dining will come alive this spring.

We sat in a quiet corner in the front area and were treated to exceptionally attentive and helpful service.

Of course, I've already told you about Firecreek's food. It's wonderful.

We enjoyed the crispy calamari (really crispy with a slightly sweet sauce), duck tacos (a new quack on an old favorite), jumbo lump crab cakes (two, full and exceptionally meaty), plump, juicy, tender scallops and a divine lobster ravioli. Look at the photos of the actual food and try to tell me this wasn't heaven.

But I haven't gotten to the desserts: The apple brown Betty and the double chocolate cake. The apple concoction bests any Betty anywhere. It's huge, with apples, raisins, cranberries, sweet breads, caramel and luscious vanilla ice cream. And the rich chocolate cake with fresh whipped cream and raspberry sauce -- need I say more?

Check out Firecreek's full menu by clicking here.

One thing I missed: I wish this restaurant had full, plush cozy booths. I'm a booth person. And if the chairs aren't high enough and cushy enough, I'm not entirely comfortable. Still, we spent a good long time at Firecreek in Vorhees Town Center and I still found it to be remarkably comfortable.

BTW: Firecreek at Town Center has some great events and promotions coming up:

Cheer on your favorite team in the big game tomorrow (Sunday, February 4) and enjoy Chef Joel's special tailgate treats.
Spend $75 at Town Center and get a voucher for a $10 Firecreek gift certificate.
Enjoy Fircreek's special Valentine Lovers' Menu for two from February 10 through the 14th.
Join celebrity chef Delilah Winder for a New Orleans themed Mardi Gras menu February 20 and 21st featuring Cajun, creole and souther specialities.
Savor the special Trinchero Family Estates Wine Dinner with a more casual atmosphere featuring cheese and credit, buttered hors d'oeuvres, pasta station and carving station; $40.00 per person ++.
Enjoy lunch at Firecreek and get 20% off your total tab through the month of March for parties up to six.

Video: Beckham Sizzles In Super Bowl Commercial

2012-02-04T13:20:00.000-05:00

H&M features its new commercial for David Beckham Bodywear in Super Bowl XLVI.

In the spot he is sporting various pieces from the new collection including the briefs (USD 12.95) and trunks (USD 14.95).

The ad will air during the 2nd quarter of the Super Bowl.

Obama's Record: Facts Speak For Themselves

2012-02-04T11:47:00.000-05:00

Christie Video: Turning Things 'Upside Down'

2012-02-03T15:11:00.002-05:00

Has Obama Awakened A Sleeping Giant?

2012-02-03T13:48:00.000-05:00

Peggy Noonan has a superb column in the Wall Street Journal about an Obama decision that may in fact cost the president the election.
Noonan believes that Obama may have awakened a sleeping giant -- a giant that is 30 million voters strong, about 27 percent of the electorate.
This is a huge voting block and one that some people believe has previously been all too docile. But Noonan's betting they sure as hell won't fall for Obama's latest affront and his slippery attempts to wiggle out of it.
Here's an excerpt from the column:

President Obama just may have lost the election.
The president signed off on a Health and Human Services ruling that says under ObamaCare Catholic institutions—including charities, hospitals and schools—will be required by law, for the first time ever, to provide and pay for insurance coverage that includes contraceptives, abortion-inducing drugs and sterilization procedures. If they do not, they will face ruinous fines in the millions of dollars. Or they can always go out of business.
In other words, the Catholic Church was told this week that its institutions can't be Catholic anymore.
I invite you to imagine the moment we are living in without the church's charities, hospitals and schools. And if you know anything about those organizations, you know it is a fantasy that they can afford millions in fines.
There was no reason to make this ruling—none. Except ideology.. . .
The ruling asks the church to abandon Catholic principles and beliefs; it is an abridgement of the First Amendment; it is not acceptable.

Click here to read the entire column.

Fight Obama's Assault On Catholic Values, Institutions

2012-02-03T12:39:00.000-05:00

Once again, Catholic values are under attack.

Now, the Obama administration is out to force all insurance companies to cover artificial contraception, sterilization and related counseling services without any co-pay.

There will be no exemption for religious organizations like Catholic Charities under the guidelines proposed by the Health and Human Services Department, lead by pro-abortion “Catholic” Kathleen Sebelius.

We urge you to join CatholicVote.org in opposing this effort to deny the conscience rights of employers and healthcare providers who believe that contraception and sterilization undermine the health of women, families, and their unborn children. NOTE: This is an urgent issue! To date, 145 Catholic bishops throughout the nation have spoken out against this outrageous affront to religious liberty.

ACTION: Call Kathleen Sebelius at: (202) 690–7000 or send her an email at: Kathleen.Sebelius@hhs.gov

Tell her to respect religious liberty. Tell her the government shouldn't force every insurance plan in the country to cover birth control.

Susan G. Komen Disappoints By Caving to Pressure

2012-02-03T12:02:00.004-05:00

By now, we're all hearing the news. Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the largest grassroots campaign for breast cancer awareness, has reversed its decision on Planned Parenthood and will continue to fund their programs.

It's a disgrace. I'm very disappointed.

I've admired the work of Susan G. Komen for a long time. For years, I've participated in the Race for the Cure. And while I personally didn't agree with their funding of Planned Parenthood, I begrudgingly understood that you needed to "fish where the fish are," and help the underserved where they lived.

But they don't just live at Planned Parenthood. Komen provides grants to a multitude of organizations that help the poor and needy in a variety of communities. The funding Komen did provide to Planned Parenthood was a small fraction of the funds they receive for mammograms. Planned Parenthood is not the only fish in the ocean, and there are other, more appropriate organizations that could use the money. There are organizations that target poor African American women, the Asian community that shun doctors, Hispanic organizations that break the language barrier. Komen really didn't need Planned Parenthood to get the job done.

When Komen decided to cut ties, I felt they were taking a moral stand. That they no longer wanted an affiliation with an organization with a very dubious past and a current shady underbelly. That the fight against breast cancer was stronger without Planned Parenthood.

But it seems that doing what they felt, and what many people still feel, is the right thing, was too hard. And they changed their mind.

And now Komen no longer stands for a promise between sisters over 30 years ago. They stand for nothing.

For God's sake! If you want to stand for what you believe, then do it! Don't cave after days of pressure. Dissenters always scream the loudest. If you believe it's worth doing, it's worth fighting for.

Unless it's easier to cave under the pressure of obnoxious liberal bullies. Then doing the right thing goes flying out the window.

About All That Finger Waving . . .

2012-02-03T08:04:00.000-05:00

Hat Tip: Mark Levin

So, let's get this straight: Apparently it's NOT okay for Arizona Governor Jan Brewer to wave her finger at President Obama.

That's a "no-no!"

BUT, it is okay for Obama to wave his finger at anyone he wants, including Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. And Obama also slapped the table and scolded Speaker of the House John Boehner and accorded Congressman Paul Ryan the same sort of treatment at a budget round table.

And these are just a few examples of President Obama's ill temper, bad manners and disrespect for others.

But the dominant media won't remind you of these less-than-stellar presidential moments. Oh, no . . . they only want to dwell on their own take on the Brewer incident.

How quickly they forget!

NJ Governor's Mansion To 'Go Red' Tonight

2012-02-03T07:14:00.000-05:00

In recognition of National Wear Red Day today, February 3, New Jersey First Lady Mary Pat Christie announced that Drumthwacket, the Governor’s official residence, will be illuminated in red tonight and for the entire month of February to help bring greater awareness to the growing issue of heart disease in women.

While heart disease and heart attacks are usually associated with men, the fact is more women die of cardiovascular disease than from the four other major causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.

“National Wear Red Day is an opportunity to empower, inform and protect the heart health of our mothers, daughters, friends and acquaintances,” said First Lady Mary Pat Christie. “Heart disease claims the life of one woman every minute. That’s why it’s so critical to shine a light on this issue so that every woman can identify cardiovascular risk factors, take action to improve overall heart health and save lives.”

Heart attacks occur when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot; stroke and TIA (transient ischemic attack) occurs when a blood vessel feeding the brain gets clogged or bursts.

According to the American Heart Association, less than 50 percent of all women are aware of what are considered healthy levels for cardiovascular risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol. In addition, 80 percent of cardiac events in women could be prevented if women made the right health choices for their hearts.

“The Go Red for Women campaign helps raise awareness so that women can make vital lifestyle changes that lead to longer, healthier lives," added Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd. “Heart disease can affect women at any age, so it is important that women take steps, like maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise and avoiding tobacco use to keep their heart healthy.”

American Heart Association Facts:

· Cardiovascular disease (CVD) kills 480,000 women a year

· Coronary heart disease is the No. 1 single killer of women over age 25

· Sixty-four percent of women who died suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms

· Stroke is the No. 3 cause of death for American women, and is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability

Runyan: Congress Must Act For Job Growth

2012-02-03T06:46:00.000-05:00

A special message from Congressman Jon Runyan:

The United States of America is in the midst of one of the worst economic crises the nation has seen in the last century. Our unemployment has remained above 8% for the last 35 months...nearly 3 years. And while there are some indications that the economy is starting to improve, there is still a vast amount of work to be done to ensure the kind of recovery we need to get Americans back to work.

In an effort to help jump start the economy, and provide an environment for businesses to create jobs, the House of Representatives has passed more than 27 separate pieces of legislation that are aimed at creating jobs. THESE BILLS WERE PASSED WITH BI-PARTISAN SUPPORT. This includes H.R. 1070, the Small Company Capital Formation Act, which helps small businesses obtain access to the capital that is vital to their success and growth.

Congress is also working to end the excessive regulations that are forcing businesses to close or stopping them from expanding. The House passed H.R. 527, the Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act. This bill would eliminate red tape that prevents small businesses from growing.

The defense industry employs more residents of New Jersey's 3rd district than any other private sector business. This is why I was so honored to be appointed to the bi-partisan House Armed Services Committee Panel on Business Challenges within the Defense Industry, otherwise known as the Defense Business Panel. The panel's jurisdiction is to provide oversight of the current defense business environment and to identify contractor or regulatory issues facing the defense industry.

In December I hosted a panel discussion in Mt. Laurel with local small businesses that work closely with the Department of Defense. The discussion brought up many challenges that these small business owners face on a daily basis. I look forward to continuing my work with this panel so that we can help these businesses thrive so they can create the jobs New Jersey workers need.

There is still a long road ahead until we reach a true economic recovery. Congress must work together on a bi-partisan basis to pass common sense legislation that will promote economic expansion and job growth. This is the only way the United States will be able to end the trend of high unemployment and poor economic performance.

Christie Video: 'I Say It, I Mean It, I Do It'

2012-02-03T06:24:00.000-05:00

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie laying it on the line at one of his most recent Town Hall meetings (before the usual packed house) in the Garden State.
THIS is why he remains the most compelling public figure in America.

Philly Panel Will Explore Immigration, February 9

2012-02-02T20:20:00.000-05:00

A group of leading scholars will explore the shared and distinct experiences of Italians, Jews, Koreans, and other immigrant groups as they pursue the American Dream during Getting Ahead: Immigrants, Business, and Ethnic Identity . The panel at the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia on Thursday, February 9 at 6:30 pm will be moderated by Dr. Beth Wenger, NMAJH historian and professor of history and director of the Jewish Studies Program at the University of Pennsylvania.

Panelists include:
Dr. Hasia Diner, Paul S. and Sylvia Steinberg Professor of American Jewish History; Director of the Goldstein Goren Center for American Jewish History, New York University
Jennifer Lee, Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Irvine; Visiting Scholar at the Russell Sage Foundation (2011-12)
Diane Vecchio, Professor of History, Furman University

Reception to follow.

Presented in partnership by the Museum and the University of Pennsylvania's Jewish Studies Program, this discussion will explore and draw connections between key themes of the American Jewish experience and broader dimensions of American history and culture.

The program is supported by the Arlene and Stanley Ginsburg Family Foundation.

The program is free for Museum members and $8 for non-members.

To purchase tickets to this and other events online, please click here.

Watch Reagan Centennial Video Here FREE!

2012-02-02T20:07:00.000-05:00

O'Toole: Christie's Court Picks 'Exceptionally Qualified'

2012-02-02T12:50:00.002-05:00

The following is from New Jersey State Senator Kevin O'Toole, concerning Governor Chris Christie's nominees to the New Jersey Supreme Court:

The appointment of Justices to the Supreme Court of New Jersey is one of the most important duties afforded to the Governor under our Constitution. The men and women called to serve as members of our State’s highest judicial body must grapple with the most significant disputes arising from laws in a variety of areas, ranging from criminal justice to corporate governance. Rightfully, the qualifications of any attorney nominated to sit on the Supreme Court should be carefully scrutinized. In the case of Governor Christie’s two recent nominees, Bruce Harris and Phillip Kwon, that study reveals the backgrounds of extremely well qualified candidates whose experience is entirely consistent with the past and present Justices of the Supreme Court, all of whom enjoyed swift and strong Senatorial support.
Phillip Kwon has admirably dedicated nearly his entire career to various positions in public service within New Jersey. A graduate of Georgetown University and Rutgers Law School, Mr. Kwon has worked over the last decade for the State’s Attorney General and the United States Attorney’s Office as the lead trial prosecutor in matters such as narcotics trafficking, gang violence, and public corruption. He has served with distinction as a manager of dozens of federal prosecutors and thousands of state attorneys, earning the accolades of colleagues and adversaries. As both a private attorney and a judicial law clerk, he has experience in the same variety of civil matters that will occupy the Supreme Court’s docket in the years to come.
Mr. Harris has achieved the rare distinction of combining a successful career as an attorney at two of the State’s most prestigious private firms, with nearly eight years of elected public service. A magna cum lade graduate of Amherst College, Mr. Harris also holds an M.B.A, with honors, from Boston University and a law degree from Yale. In legal practice that spanned nearly two decades, Mr. Harris personally negotiated a wide array of financial transactions, in both the public and private sector, valued in excess of $8 billion. His legal advice and representation ranged from matters involving environmental projects, health care facilities, and public libraries, to assisted living homes, nonprofits, and residences for the disabled. Simultaneously, Mr. Harris volunteered his time with a host of local charities, including the Chatham Environmental Commission, the Chatham Historic Preservation Commission, and as a Trustee of the Foundation of the UMDNJ and New Jersey Health Foundation. He also combined his legal practice with nearly eight years of elected service, first as a member of the Chatham Borough Council and now as Chatham’s Mayor.
Notably, the backgrounds of both of these candidates are highly similar to the experiences and qualifications of our current and past Justices, all of whom received quick approval by the Legislature. Like Justice LaVecchia, who was confirmed within four days, Mr. Kwon is a graduate of Rutgers Law School. Mr. Harris not only has a legal degree, but also holds a Masters in Business Administration, which he obtained in 1979. Similar to Justice Rabner, who was confirmed within 17 days, Mr. Kwon clerked in the U.S. District Court, and held leadership positions in the Office of the United States Attorney. Both Justices Rabner and Patterson garnered experience at the Office of the Attorney General, as has Mr. Kwon, who has been with the Office since 2010. Three of the five current justices have extensive legal experience in private practice, as do both Mr. Harris and Mr. Kwon. Like all members of the court, Mr. Harris and Mr. Kwon have worked in prominent New Jersey law firms. Nor will Mr. Harris become the first elected Mayor and Councilman to sit on the Court, as Justice Daniel O’Hern served as both Mayor and Councilman of Red Bank before his service as a Justice.
Moreover, the confirmation of both Mr. Harris and Mr. Kwon will restore much-needed political balance to the high court. By unwritten rule, Governors have maintained a political party affiliation split on the New Jersey Supreme Court, with no more than four Justices of the Governor’s party serving at the same time. Since 1947, however, the implementation of that “tradition” has produced a Republican majority a mere five times compared with nineteen Democratic majorities. Governor Christie’s appointments will honor the real intent of the compromise by creating a true party balance comprised of three registered Republicans (Hoens, Patterson, Harris), two registered Democrats (Rabner, Albin), and two unaffiliated Justices (LaVecchia, Kwon).
The Constitution does not permit indefinite, or even lengthy, vacancies on the Supreme Court. While the power of appointment and re-appointment rests solely with the Governor, the Senate holds the privilege of providing advice and consent of all persons asked to serve the people as members of the Court. The Governor’s selection of these two exceptionally qualified candidates, whose backgrounds are substantially similar to the attorneys who have served our State with distinction, will allow the Senate to move swiftly to publicly consider the temperament of these nominees in fulfillment of our Constitutional duty.

Elmo To Celebrate Birthday At Please Touch Museum

2012-02-02T12:45:00.000-05:00

The loveable red monster Elmo, in town preparing Philadelphia for Sesame Street Live “1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo and Friends” at Liacouras Center (March 15-18) will celebrate his birthday in a special way at the Please Touch Museum with local children. The event will take place tomorrow, February 3 at 11 a.m. at the museum in Fairmount Park.

After a book reading, children gathered for the celebration will sing “Happy Birthday” to Sesame Street Live’s most popular fuzzy friend.

Sesame Street Live “1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo and Friends” is a high-energy musical that will transport audiences to far away places using the power of imagination. In the show, Elmo dances to the rhythm of the African rainforest while his friends meet an octopus who has the blues and captain the high seas. This story of adventure and fun teaches children they can be anyone, do anything and go anywhere.

Please Touch Museum® at Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park is dedicated to enriching the lives of children by providing learning opportunities through play. Recognized locally and nationally as one of the best children’s museums, Please Touch is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. -5 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and children age one and over. Children under one are free. For more information, please call 215-581-3181, or visit our web site at www.pleasetouchmuseum.org.

Tickets for Sesame Street Live “1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo and Friends” at Liacouras Center from Thursday, March 15 to Sunday, March 18 are available exclusively through ComcastTIX online at ComcastTIX.com/elmo, by phone at 1-800-298-4200, or in person at the Liacouras Center box office.

New Jersey 'Comeback' Fueled By New Investment

2012-02-02T12:38:00.000-05:00

Today’s announcement from two airline companies that they are investing $36 million into new facilities at Newark Liberty International Airport shows corporate confidence in the strength of the New Jersey Comeback, said Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno.

Leading up to the 2014 Super Bowl at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, companies have committed $70 million in private investments at Newark Liberty.

“The commitment these companies have made to New Jersey is just more evidence that our efforts to attract, retain and grow jobs in New Jersey is working,” said Lt. Governor Guadagno. “And today’s announcement highlights that by working together, the public and private sectors can help generate jobs and opportunity for our state’s workforce.”

United Airlines signed a new 25-year lease on a three-acre parcel for the development and operation of a new wide-body aircraft maintenance hangar. The company plans to invest at least $25 million in the hangar project, which is expected to create 210 jobs and generate $12 million in wages and $52 million in economic activity.

Signature Flight Support extended its lease at Newark Liberty and will invest $11 million for a new passenger terminal and ramp renovations. The project is expected to create 80 jobs and generate $4 million in wages and $19.5 million in economic activity.

Last year, Host Hotels & Resorts, owner of the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott, committed $34 million in capacity and infrastructure improvements at the hotel.

United’s new hangar will accommodate the new 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Built largely of light-weight composite materials, the “super-efficient” airplane uses 20 percent less fuel than today’s similarly sized airplanes, according aircraft manufacturer Boeing.

“Newark Liberty is vitally important to New Jersey’s economy. For many companies, establishing operations close to an airport that can take executives to nearly any city in the world is critical,” said Lt. Governor Guadagno. “Without question, Newark Liberty is a vital asset to the state’s economy, and today’s investment makes Newark Liberty even more valuable to the business community.”

According to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, about 24,000 people are employed at Newark Liberty, which contributes about $19 billion in economic activity to the region, including more than $6.8 billion in wages and salaries. About 141,000 jobs are derived from airport activity.

During the Christie Administration’s first two years, New Jersey added about 60,000 new private sector jobs and attracted scores of companies. In fact, 2011 was the best private sector job growth year in New Jersey since 2000, according to Rutgers University economist Joseph Seneca.

Ad Campaign Boosts New Jersey Comeback

2012-02-01T23:03:00.002-05:00

Committee for Our Children’s Future (CCF), a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, launched a third ad as part of its $1.5 million-dollar television campaign to highlight Governor Christie and bipartisan reformers’ efforts to strengthen the economy, improve education and cut income taxes in New Jersey. The new ads are airing on New York and Philadelphia broadcast and New Jersey statewide cable stations over the next four weeks. The television ads will be accompanied by a sophisticated statewide online advertising campaign.

Sen. Allen Remains Committed To NJ Anti-Bullying Law

2012-02-01T22:59:00.000-05:00

New Jersey State Senator Diane Allen (R- Burlington), co-prime sponsor of New Jersey's landmark Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act (ABBRA), says she is committed to making any legislative fixes necessary to preserve the legislation in light of the laws rejection by the State Council on Local Mandates.

"The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act is absolutely the correct response to increased incidences of bullying in our schools," says Allen. "While I disagree strongly with the Council's rejection of the law, the Legislature needs to fix the law in accordance with the Council's findings in order to preserve this important legal protection for children."

Senator Allen has spoken with Governor Christie and Senate President Sweeney, and is working with a bi-partisan group of legislators to begin crafting a remedy that will address the Council on Local Mandates' basis for rejection.

"Given the emotional and physical scars being inflicted on children by this behavior- sometimes with truly tragic consequences- we cannot afford to go without a comprehensive and compulsory response to bullying in the public school system," Allen said. "I have already spoken personally with the Governor and the Senate President, and it is my hope we can soon put forth legislation to address perceived deficiencies in the law so that ABBRA may continue to protect children without interruption."

Governor Welcomes African-American History Month

2012-02-01T22:53:00.000-05:00

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie released the following statement today in recognition of National African American History Month, which is observed during February.

“I’m proud that each February New Jerseyans explore the continued accomplishments of our thriving African American community and pay tribute to the trailblazing achievements that have shaped our state’s diversity and history.
“I encourage all New Jerseyans to join me in honoring the many contributions made by African Americans throughout our state and our nation. The lessons we learn by studying their experiences provide a powerful example to all New Jersey residents, regardless of race, socio-economic status, or gender.”

Governor Christie also proclaimed February as “Black History Month” throughout New Jersey

Christie Hails New Atlantic City Tourism Plan

2012-02-01T22:51:00.000-05:00

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today issued the following statement concerning the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority’s approval of its Tourism District Master Plan, a blueprint to guide Atlantic City’s revitalization:

“A successful, vibrant Atlantic City is vital to the economic growth of both the regional and state economies. Exactly one year to the day of signing landmark legislation that established the Atlantic City Tourism District, we now have an ambitious, visionary road map that will transform Atlantic City and lead its comeback.

“The steep challenges faced by the tourism and gaming industries in Atlantic City have been a long time in the making and will not be fixed overnight. But with this plan and the reforms already enacted, we are finally making meaningful progress to turn around the city, grow the economy and create sustainable jobs. I thank the CRDA Board Chairman James Kehoe, Executive Director John Palmieri, Deputy Executive Director Susan Ney Thompson, and the CRDA Board for their hard work in crafting this plan to revitalize Atlantic City.”

Soul Train's Don Cornelius Dead At 75; Suicide?

2012-02-01T17:04:00.000-05:00

The Soul Train has now really come to the end of the line.
Don Cornelius, the producer and television host who created the landmark dance show was found shot dead in his Los Angeles home early this morning in what appears to be a suicide, the Los Angeles Police Department and the county coroner’s office said.
Cornelius was 75.

What's With Gingrich And All His 'Grand' Ideas?

2012-02-01T09:16:00.000-05:00

Is Newt Gingrich the wave of the future or just the flavor of the month?
I'm not quite sure.
But I do know this: Sometimes when I listen to Gingrich I have to scratch my head and wonder: "What the heck is he thinking? Does this guy's ego know no bounds whatsoever?"
This man has compared himself to . . . .

Click here to read the rest of my column in today's Philadelphia Daily News.

Dog Safety Vest: World's Cutest Dog Stays Safe

2012-02-01T09:02:00.000-05:00

The world's cutest dog is wearing a bright safety vest when he ventures through the woods these days. This is to make sure that hunters don't mistake him for fair game.
Of course, he looks great no matter how you dress him.
And we're assured he will stay safe.

Here's How To Guarantee A 'One Term Proposition'

2012-01-31T21:24:00.002-05:00

'Broke' Corzine Still Raising Big Bucks For Obama

2012-01-31T21:19:00.000-05:00

We love the following post from Matt Rooney at the Save Jersey blog and we thank him for allowing us to post it here as well. Make sure you visit Save Jersey often. It's one of the best!

Jon Corzine is the gift that keeps on giving for conservative bloggers!

: Former Governor Jon Corzine: Sugar Daddy for Corrupt Politicians!

His problems at MF Global are now common knowledge. We know $1.2 billion disappeared on his watch.

That’s “billion” with a “B,” Save Jerseyans.

Unsurprisingly, that didn’t stop our well-heeled former governor from raising $500,000 for Barack Obama this cycle alone! Click here to see his honorary “$500K+” designation on the President’s campaign donor website.

It goes without saying that President Obama’s campaign should immediately return the money. $1.2 billion is still unaccounted for; plenty of hard-working Americans lost their shirts including 38,000 farmers who have already filed suit against Corzine.

We know the president is perfectly comfortable surrounding himself with crony capitalists. And he’s pocketed plenty of campaign cash from Corzine’s efforts in the past. But wouldn’t you think he’d draw the line somewhere? Particularly in an election year?

Sometimes, I think he’s beyond caring… we’re too far below him!

Why Romney Won Big In Florida: Five Reasons

2012-01-31T20:48:00.000-05:00

Behind the big Romney win in Florida are five significant factors that turned the tide of the election:

1) Romney's stellar debate performances leading up to the primary. Romney stumbled in early debates. But then he got a new debate coach and came roaring back. Romney showed he's willing to fight -- willing to mess things up a bit -- and GOP voters liked that. They want to see somebody who's gonna take it to Obama in November -- someone who's not afraid of a good fight; someone who can be sharp, feisty, fearless. Romney began to show them that and they liked what they saw.

2) Gingrich's crazy ideas. Gingrich's looney ideas about a colony on the moon and other pie-in-the-sky schemes began to catch up with him. The man likes the sound of his own voice so much that he doesn't pay very much attention to what he's actually saying. He's undisciplined. He's peripatetic. Sloppiness doesn't win elections. Discipline does. See my column in the Philadelphia Daily News tomorrow for more on this.

3) Senior citizens. Seniors vote -- and they went big for Romney. They like his steadiness, his sensibility and his stability. They like the fact that Romney looks and acts like a President -- that he appears to be ready to assume the office; ready to run the country. My hunch is they also like the fact that he has a real, intact family and that he's been married to the same woman his whole married life.

4) The economy. The more people worry about the economy, the more they turn to Romney, the businessman. Romney's business acumen plays well during economic upheaval and economic hard times.

5) Electability. Among those who made their decision based who has the best chance to actually be elected in November, Romney won running away. More and more people see him as a winner -- the one candidate who can lead the party to victory this year.

Now, look for calls from party leaders for Gingrich to get out of the race and for everyone to begin to coalesce around Romney. The GOP doesn't like long, bloody battles -- especially once a clear leader has emerged. There will be a lot of pressure on Gingrich. A lot. He would do well to pay attention to those who have the best interests of the party at heart.

Fox Calls It: Florida Goes To Romney!

2012-01-31T20:01:00.000-05:00

ROMNEY

WINS

FLORIDA

PRIMARY!

Christie Files Nominations, Announces Other Picks

2012-01-31T19:56:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie filed the following nominations with the State Senate. The Governor’s nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the State Senate.

NOMINATIONS

ASSOCIATE JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT

Nominate for appointment Bruce A. Harris (Chatham Borough, Morris)

Nominate for appointment Phillip H. Kwon (Closter, Bergen)

JUDGE OF SUPERIOR COURT

Nominate for appointment Paula T. Dow (Maplewood, Essex)

Nominate for appointment H. Matthew Curry (Lopatcong Township, Warren)

Nominate for appointment Kathi F. Fiamingo (Kenilworth, Union)

Nominate for appointment J. Christopher Gibson (Cape May Courthouse, Cape May)

Nominate for appointment Robert G. Malestein (Hopewell Township, Cumberland)

Nominate for appointment James R. Swift (Millville, Cumberland)

JUDGE OF THE PASCACK JOINT MUNICIPAL COURT

Nominate for appointment Harry D. Norton, Jr. (Ramsey, Bergen)

JUDGE OF THE FRANKFORD JOINT MUNICIPAL COURT

Nominate for appointment James G. Devine (Scotch Plains, Union)

DIRECT APPOINTMENTS

Last week, Governor Christie filed direct appointments for the Task Force on the Closure of State Developmental Centers with the Secretary of State’s Office.

TASK FORCE ON THE CLOSURE OF STATE DEVELOPMENTAL CENTERS

Public Members – Gubernatorial Appointee

Appoint Craig A. Domalewski, Esq. (Randolph, Morris)

Appoint Colin M. Newman, Esq. (Pennington, Mercer)

Appoint Nancy R. Thaler (Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania)

Public Member - Senate President Recommendation

Appoint Allison Murphy (Cape May Court House, Cape May)

Public Member - Assembly Speaker Recommendation

Appoint Valessa Rocke Goehringer (Wenonah, Gloucester)

Sweeney Promised Action In March; Now What?

2012-01-31T12:59:00.002-05:00

NJ STATE SENATOR STEVE SWEENEY (on May 2, 2011): The Governor has a couple nominations come March of next year and you know, one of the things I hope the Governor keeps in mind is the racial diversity of the Courts. We need to make sure we have a racially diverse Court that looks like the state of New Jersey. But there’s a commitment from me to move the nominations come March also.

Every Day, Philadelphia Is COMPLETELY Yours!

2012-01-31T12:37:00.000-05:00

This video is a new community asset, produced by the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau with Bozeken, highlighting the best of Philadelphia, from its universities and life sciences community to dining, shopping and culture, and features a welcome by Mayor Michael A. Nutter.
In addition to being used to welcome meeting attendees and visitors from around the globe, it is available to any business or resident looking to spread the word about Philadelphia as a destination of choice, whether it's to live, work or visit.
Click here to share it with others!

DemTime: In Trenton 'Timely' Means 'No Time Soon'

2012-01-31T12:25:00.000-05:00

Trenton To English Translation: “Timely” and “Expedited”

Senate Judiciary Chairman Nicholas Scutari Says That Governor Christie’s Supreme Court Nominees Will Not Have Hearings “Any Time Soon,” Which Seems To Contradict Senator Sweeney’s Promise Of A “Timely” And “Expedited” Confirmation Process

___________________________________________________________________

TRADITIONAL USE:

timely

adjective

1. Coming early or at the right time

2. Appropriate or adapted to the times or the occasion

TRENTON TRANSLATION:

timely

adjective

1. Coming after months of delay and political posturing

2. “No time soon”

EXAMPLES

· “Although the governor called on the state Senate to take up the nominations as soon as possible, Scutari said the hearings would begin ‘no time soon.’” (Christopher Baxter, “N.J. senator: State Supreme Court nominee's confirmation chances 'jeopardized' by legal issues,” Star-Ledger, 1/31/12)

· Sweeney “agreed the Senate would hold timely hearings when Christie makes nominations to permanently replace Wallace, as well as Justice Virginia Long, who also faces mandatory retirement in 2012.” (Maya Rao, “Sweeney, Christie End Impasse Over N.J. Supreme Court Nomination,” Philadelphia Inquirer, 5/3/11)

TRADITIONAL USE:

expedited

verb

1. To execute promptly

2. To accelerate the process or progress of

TRENTON TRANSLATION:

expedited

verb

1. To delay for delay’s sake

2. To slow down a process for political expediency, as in: State Supreme Court Justice Anne Patterson’s expedited confirmation process took 420 days.

EXAMPLE

· “As part of the agreement, the Senate President agreed to provide the same expedited process in 2012, holding hearings for Christie’s nominees in sufficient time to have them seated by March of 2012, if confirmed.” (Kevin McArdle, “Diversity And NJ’s Surpreme Court,” NJ 101.5, 11/3/11)

Congressman Runyan Reacts To Challenger's Candidacy

2012-01-31T10:11:00.000-05:00

Congressman Jon Runyan has released the following statement on Shelley Adler's candidacy for Congress:

I welcome Mrs. Adler into the race,” said Rep. Runyan. “If she is ultimately the Democratic nominee, I look forward to a spirited campaign on the issues that matter to the residents of Burlington and Ocean counties.”
“I intend to run on my record of standing up to President Obama’s failed big-government agenda, fighting to restore fiscal responsibility and implement pro-growth economic policies that create jobs and opportunity for all Americans, preserving and strengthening Medicare for current and future generations, and strongly supporting our veterans, active military and the operations at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.”
Runyan consultant Chris Russell pointed to Mrs. Adler’s decision to run despite not living in the newly-configured 3rd Congressional District.
“After the Carl Lewis fiasco and the public backlash towards him, you would think candidates would be more wary of seeking elected office in a district that they don’t actually live in,” added Russell.

Obama: Your Husband's Joblessness Is 'Interesting'

2012-01-30T22:55:00.000-05:00

Obama is stumped that an semiconductor engineer cannot find a job.
He flails as he tries to explain it away. Then, he simply says it's "interesting."
Without a telepormpter, he seems helpless.

Video: Obama Bungles Job Numbers!

2012-01-30T22:46:00.000-05:00

During his live online interview Pres. Obama claims that his administration helped create 22 million jobs (January 30, 2012). He should only wish. What a joke!

Did Michelle Really Spend $50,000 On Lingerie?

2012-01-30T19:28:00.000-05:00

WHILE PRICES CLIMB, HOME VALUES DROP, THE POVERTY RATE SOARS AND MILLIONS SEARCH FOR JOBS: Britain's Telegraph and other sources say that First Lady Michelle Obama conducted an estimated $50,000 lingerie shopping fest at NYC's chic Agent Provocateur. Reportedly, the First Lady closed off Madison Avenue to go on a shopping spree with the Queen of Qatar. Zillions on elaborate vacations, $2,000 for a dress, $1,000 for a skirt, tens of thousands in lingerie, unprecedented amounts on showy White House parties -- all this during an ever-lingering recession.

Where does it end?

Why Do So Many 'Conservatives' Oppose Gingrich?

2012-01-30T18:06:00.000-05:00

One would think that conservatives would be rushing to support Newt Gingrich.
After all, Gingrich presents himself as a sort of conservative champion.
Again and again he wraps himself in the cloak of conservatism.
But lots of conservatives simply aren't buying it.
Peter Wehner has a wonderful column in Commentary that examines why so many genuine conservatives actually oppose Newt Gingrich -- why they district him and his candidacy.
Here's an excerpt:

The reality is that conservative/”establishment” opposition to Gingrich generally falls into three categories. One is that if he won the nomination, he would not only lose to Barack Obama, but he would sink the rest of the GOP fleet in the process. A second area of concern is that Gingrich is temperamentally unfit to be president –he’s too erratic, undisciplined, and rhetorically self-destructive. A third area of concern is the suspicion that the former House speaker is not, in fact, a terribly reliable conservative, that he is not philosophically well-grounded

Click here to read more.

Guadagno Welcomes Watson Pharm's NJ Expansion

2012-01-30T17:34:00.000-05:00

Today’s announcement by Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. that the company is establishing its global research and development center in North Brunswick shows that the New Jersey Comeback is in full swing, said Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno. Watson develops and distributes generic pharmaceuticals and specialized pharmaceutical products focused on urology and women’s health.

"Watson's decision to further expand in New Jersey shows the Christie Administration’s strategy to attract business, rebuild New Jersey's economy and create jobs is working," said Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno. "Strengthening the state's competitive position in the life sciences is a priority, and the commitment by a global pharmaceutical leader like Watson is proof that companies are finding New Jersey increasingly attractive."

In 2010, Watson moved its global corporate headquarters to Parsippany, a move that included relocating certain corporate leadership functions that had been located at the company’s Corona, California site.

During the Christie Administration’s first two years in office, New Jersey added more than 60,000 new private sector jobs and attracted scores of companies. In fact, 2011 was the best private sector job growth year in New Jersey since 2000, according to Rutgers University economist Joseph Seneca.

Under the leadership of Lt. Governor Guadagno, the New Jersey Partnership for Action (PFA) worked with Watson to encourage the company to choose New Jersey for its global research and development center. The center, which will employ about 50 professional and support staff, will undergo a $4.5 million renovation and is expected to open in the spring of 2012.

The Partnership for Action is a three-pronged public-private approach to economic development and the starting point for all initiatives, policies, and efforts to grow New Jersey’s economy and create quality, sustainable jobs in our communities. The three elements of the PFA include the Business Action Center, which reports directly to the Lt. Governor and provides the business community with a single point of contact, applying a proactive, customer-service approach to businesses’ interactions with State government; the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, serving as the state’s “bank for business”; and Choose New Jersey, an independently funded and operated 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation created to encourage and nurture economic growth throughout New Jersey.

“The jobs Watson is bringing to North Brunswick are precisely the type of jobs we’re working to bring to New Jersey,” continued Lt. Governor Guadagno. “Watson’s move further strengthens the state’s already robust and admired life sciences industry cluster.”

Businesses considering a move or in need of assistance are encouraged to call New Jersey’s Business Action Center at (866) 534-7789 or visit the State’s Business Portal at www.newjerseybusiness.gov.

Click here for an audio clip of Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno discussing Watson’s move to New Jersey. A transcript of the Lt. Governor’s comments is below:

“New Jersey has targeted life sciences as one of the six key industries for New Jersey job growth in the 21st century.
“Watson Pharmaceuticals announcement today is just an early win, with Watson’s already strong presence and its plans to continue to invest millions of dollars in New Jersey, we have plainly begun to make New Jersey a home for growth again.”

Romney's Positive Message Resonates With Floridians

2012-01-30T17:03:00.001-05:00

Florida voters will have a chance to begin the process of putting our country back on the right track by voting for Mitt Romney. After three years of failed leadership in Washington, it is time that we have a proven leader in the White House.
Wherever you live, you can get involved and help Mitt Romney right now. Click here to get involved.

Christie Names Two New Cabinet Members

2012-01-30T16:44:00.001-05:00

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today announced the nomination of two cabinet members to lead the Departments of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) and Banking and Insurance (DOBI). Brigadier General Michael L. Cunniff, who has served as Acting Adjutant General since December 16, was today nominated to assume permanent leadership at the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Ken Kobylowski, currently chief of staff and Acting Director of Banking at DOBI, was nominated to replace Commissioner Tom Considine, who is resigning to return to the private sector.

“I am proud today to nominate Brigadier General Cunniff as New Jersey’s next Adjutant General, making permanent his leadership of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs,” said Governor Christie. “Over the past month, General Cunniff has impressed me with his effective leadership of the Department and its operations. I’m pleased he has agreed to continue that service and leadership to the people of this state as Adjutant General.”

Governor Chris Christie appointed Brigadier General Michael Cunniff to serve as Acting Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs on December 16. Prior to that, General Cunniff served as the 108th Air Refueling Wing Commander of the New Jersey Air National Guard. In that capacity, he was responsible for two flying units and the command of more 1,300 members in over 25 support units.

General Cunniff entered the United States Air Force in July 1982, and was commissioned through the Academy of Military Science in October 1983. He received his pilot's wings at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, in 1983. General Cunniff has served in many operations including Operations Northern Watch, Joint Forge, Allied Force, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Ken Kobylowski, currently Chief of Staff and Acting Director of Banking at the Department of Banking of Insurance, will replace Commissioner Tom Considine, who will leave the Administration effective February 10 for a position in the private sector. Considine will join MagnaCare, a health plan services company, as Chief Operating Officer.

“New Jersey's insurance regulatory climate and reputation in the banking sector have improved considerably because of the work of Tom Considine,” said Governor Christie. “Under Tom’s leadership, the Department was a model for bringing private sector metrics and performance management to state government. In just two years, 59 new insurers have come into New Jersey while 64 others have expanded their authority. I thank Tom for his service and demonstrated record of achievement to the State and people of New Jersey.

“At the same time, I am pleased to announce my nomination of Ken Kobylowski to succeed Tom and continue the important work at the Department. Ken is a person of considerable talent, expertise and accomplishment, who has been instrumental every single day in the Department’s successes over the last two years in his capacity as chief of staff. I thank him for taking on this new challenge and have no doubt he will build on DOBI’s strong record of the last two years,” Governor Christie continued.

Ken Kobylowski joined the Department of Banking and Insurance as Chief of Staff in February 2010 and took on the additional role as Acting Director of Banking in October 2011. He serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the Department with full responsibility for all legislative, regulatory, operational and administrative matters. Ken also serves as the Department’s liaison with other State departments and federal agencies, notably the Federal Reserve and the FDIC. Ken is a gubernatorial appointee to the State Employees’ Health Benefits Plan Design Committee and the School Employees’ Health Benefits Plan Design Committee.

Prior to joining the Department, Ken was in private law practice for 20 years, beginning at Connell, Foley & Geiser in Roseland, New Jersey, and then moving to Herrick, Feinstein LLP, first in its New York City office and then in its Newark, New Jersey office. He represented a wide array of clients, including banks, insurance companies, lenders, developers and public and private entities. Before practicing law, Ken began his professional career as a bank analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. He is a magna cum laude graduate of Seton Hall University and a cum laude graduate of New York Law School, where he served as Executive Editor of the Journal of International and Comparative Law.

Shortly after becoming Commissioner in 2010, Considine raised confidence in the banking community when he revised the government unit deposit banking regulation. In addition, he was instrumental in reforming New Jersey’s reinsurance and surplus lines laws and in establishing New Jersey’s captive insurance market. He also launched the Bureau of Fraud Deterrence at DOBI, making the fight against civil insurance fraud a key component of DOBI’s portfolio. Considine has played a significant role in reforming New Jersey’s PIP regulation to stem the upward pressure on auto insurance rates.

"When the Governor named me Commissioner in January 2010, I said that we would hang out a sign saying New Jersey is open for business for financial services companies,” said Commissioner Considine. “I am proud of the achievements and inroads the department has made in bringing a seismic cultural change that promotes growth in the banking and insurance industries as demonstrated by our repeal or scale-back of 21 burdensome regulations, as well as the reduction of our new product review and approval time by up to 58 percent. I thank Governor Christie for the opportunity to serve New Jersey and the positive changes we’ve been able to accomplish.”

Christie To Newt: Stop Attacking Romney's Character

2012-01-30T13:43:00.000-05:00

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie yesterday made the following statement on Newt Gingrich’s comments about Mitt Romney’s character:

“I know Mitt Romney. I know the kind of father he is, grandfather he is, and husband he is. I have seen Mitt Romney with his kids, and even with my own. Mitt Romney is man of impeccable character. Even though I am not the one being attacked, it offends me that Newt Gingrich would attack the character of Mitt Romney. If Americans are looking for a leader with character, there is no better choice than Mitt Romney.”

Click here to learn more or to become involved.

Obama Has Failed; Washington's Still Broken

2012-01-30T13:09:00.001-05:00

Pep Boys Sold; Inquirer/Daily News On Market Again

2012-01-30T10:29:00.000-05:00

The legendary Philly-based auto parts chain Pep Boys has been sold for $1 billion ($15 a share) to private equity buyer Alan Gores. Pep Boys chief Mike Odell says he expects his management team to stay in place "for now."
So, another Philadelphia institution slips into the hands of an outsider.
Also, the New York Post is reporting that the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News and philly.com are up for sale -- again! The report claims that the current owner, Philadelphia Media Network is hoping to get roughly $100-million for the papers and the website.
Philadelphia Media Network is mum on all this, refusing any comment. That's not a good sign.

See Elmo In Camden Today, At Liacouras In March

2012-01-30T10:18:00.000-05:00

Sesame Street Live’s most popular fuzzy friend Elmo follows his imagination to the Adventure Aquarium at 1 PM today, Monday, January 30 to join young children at the underwater destination.

Elmo is in town in preparation for Sesame Street Live “1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo and Friends” coming to the Liacouras Center from Thursday, March 15 to Sunday, March 18.
“1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo and Friends” is a high-energy musical that will transport audiences to far away places using the power of imagination. In the show, Elmo’s friend Bert meets an octopus who has the blues and Ernie captains the high seas. This story of adventure and fun teaches children they can be anyone, do anything and go anywhere.
Tickets for Sesame Street Live “1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo and Friends” at Liacouras Center from Thursday, March 15 to Sunday, March 18 are available exclusively through ComcastTIX online at ComcastTIX.com/elmo, by phone at 1-800-298-4200, or in person at the Liacouras Center box office.

Chocolate Raspberry Valentine At Seasons 52!

2012-01-29T19:43:00.000-05:00

Seasons 52, the highly acclaimed fresh grill and wine bar restaurant, is offering a special, limited-time addition to its menu of Mini Indulgence desserts this February.

From the 1st to 15th of the month, the seasonally inspired restaurant will offer guests Chocolate Raspberry Valentine, which features a combination of decadent chocolate cake layered between ribbons of chocolate syrup, raspberry puree and raspberry mousse, garnished with whipped cream and a chocolate “kiss.”

“Chocolate and raspberry are a classic dessert combination, as the richness of the chocolate balances the contrasting fruit flavor,” said Chef Clifford Pleau, Senior Director of Culinary at Seasons 52. “The Chocolate Raspberry Valentine is the perfect ending to your dining experience at Seasons 52, especially as we approach Valentine’s Day.”

Seasons 52 originally pioneered the smaller-portioned dessert concept at its first restaurant in Orlando, FL, in 2003. Mini Indulgences offer guests classic dessert flavors featuring top quality ingredients and highly creative presentations. The idea is to provide all of the pleasure of finishing your meal with a great dessert, but none of the guilt. In addition to perennial guest favorites like Rocky Road, Pecan Pie and Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse, the Mini Indulgence lineup also features seasonal favorites such as Pumpkin Pie with a ginger snap crust, Strawberry Shortcake and now the Chocolate Raspberry Valentine.

The ideal destination for any occasion, Seasons 52 changes its menu four times a year, with weekly fresh features to truly capture the flavors of the season. Nothing on the menu is above 475 calories, from the signature flatbreads and appetizers to every entree and the Mini Indulgence desserts. Seasons 52’s promise of “a fresh dining experience that celebrates living well” has been consistently praised by restaurant critics across the country and people’s choice awards alike.

About Seasons 52
Seasons 52 <http://www.seasons52.com/> , which debuted in 2003, is a fresh grill and wine bar that provides guests with a fresh dining experience, enabling them to celebrate living well. The menu is orchestrated by award-winning Chef Clifford Pleau, and is inspired by the seasons and the fresh appeal of the farmers’ market – 52 weeks a year. The award-winning wine list created and developed by Master Sommelier George Miliotes – one of 180 Master Sommeliers worldwide – is consistently praised for its diverse international selection of 100 wines, including more than 52 offered by the glass. Seasons 52 is recognized as a forward-thinking restaurant concept that is “right for the times” and always offers guests something new to discover.

Seasons 52 currently operates 21 locations in 12 states across the country and will open additional restaurants in Garden City (Roosevelt Field), NY, and Oak Brook (Oakbrook Center), IL, in spring 2012, and in Santa Monica (Ocean and Broadway), CA, in autumn 2012. For more information, please visit Seasons52.com, or find us on Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/Seasons52> and Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/Seasons52> .

Space Program Leaders Endorse Romney

2012-01-29T13:34:00.000-05:00

Leaders in America’s space program today wrote an open letter in support of Mitt Romney. The full text of the letter is below:

ROMNEY WILL RESTORE AMERICA’S SPACE PROGRAM

The U.S. space program is a strategic national asset, which makes critical contributions to our scientific knowledge, technological innovation, economic competitiveness, national security, and international leadership. We have watched with dismay as President Obama dismantled the structure that was guiding both the government and commercial space sectors, while providing no purpose or vision or mission. This failure of leadership has thrust the space program into disarray and triggered a dangerous erosion of our technical workforce and capabilities. In short, we have a space program unworthy of a great nation.

Restoring the U.S. space program to greatness will require the leadership, management skill, and commitment to American exceptionalism possessed by only one candidate in this race: Mitt Romney. We support Mitt’s candidacy and believe that his approach to space policy will produce results instead of empty promises. As his long record of success in both the private and public sectors attests, Mitt will do more than provide our space program with an inspiring vision and mission of exploration. He will also set aggressive yet achievable goals, adhere to realistic budgets, and execute on a carefully drawn plan.

As president, Mitt Romney will facilitate close collaboration not only within the government’s civil and national security space sectors, but also with the private sector and with research institutions. He will create conditions for a strong and competitive commercial space industry that can contribute greatly to our national capabilities and goals. And he will ensure that NASA returns its focus to the project of manned space exploration that uniquely affirms American strength and values around the globe. Under his leadership, America will once again lead the world in space.

Scott Pace, Chair of the Romney Space Policy Advisory Group
Director, Space Policy Institute, The Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University
Former Assistant Director for Space and Aeronautics, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

Mark Albrecht
Chairman of the Board, USSpace
Former Executive Secretary, National Space Council

Eric Anderson
Chairman and CEO, Space Adventures
Chairman, Commercial Spaceflight Federation

Gene Cernan
Commander, Apollo XVII

Bob Crippen
Pilot, First Space Shuttle Mission
Former Director, NASA Space Shuttle Program

Michael Griffin
Former NASA Administrator
Former Head of the Space Department, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Peter Marquez
Former Director of Space Policy, National Security Council
Former Director of Special Programs, Department of Defense

William Martel
Associate Professor of International Security Studies, The Fletcher School at Tufts University
Former Alan B. Shepard Chair of Space Technology and Policy Studies, Naval War College

*Organization names are provided for identification purposes only.

Romney's New Debate Coach Sends Him Soaring

2012-01-29T13:26:00.000-05:00

THIS is the Mitt Romney we've been waiting for: More alive, more animated, more engaged, more pugnacious and unwilling to continue to allow himself to be misrepresented or maligned.
Those of you who were here for my live blogging during the debate will recall that I immediately noted that were seeing a more aggressive, sharper, feistier Mitt Romney.
Turns out Romney has a new debate coach and this change has certainly made a huge difference.
BTW: Check out Romney's body language and note that how you say it is as important as what you say.

Noonan: Gingrich As Heir To Reagan? Not Quite!

2012-01-29T12:44:00.000-05:00

Peggy Noonan has written a wonderful column in this weekend's Wall Street Journal about the Romney/Gingrich matchup in Florida, all the talk about the legacy of Ronald Reagan and the future of the Republican Party.
Here are some excerpts.

One way Newt is unlike Reagan is that Reagan was a constructive figure, not destructive. If Newt is the donkey who knocked down the barn, Reagan's the guy who'd build it. He wasn't driven by need, and anger wasn't his fuel. He was equable, even-tempered, personally content. Martin Anderson always said Ronald Reagan didn't need high office to feel good, Ronald Reagan dated Lana Turner. He already thought he was quite a fella. . . .
Mr. Gingrich does not disdain Reagan and surely never did. He says he loves him and he probably does, in the way that people come to love what they need to love. They come up with reasons!
But the point is Newt senses the lay of the land. If a new and modern strain of Rockefeller Republicanism looked like it was about to take hold, he'd see the virtues in that. Right now the growth area looks like it's in opposition to elites and establishments. So that's where he is.

Click here to read the entire column.

Why Did Bush & Bush Give Obama This Photo-Op?

2012-01-28T18:01:00.000-05:00

First. former Florida Governor Jeb Bush pulled away from making any endorsement in his state's GOP primary. In the all-important Romney/Gingrich battle he decided to remain neutral.
Then, he and his dad President George H. W. Bush paid a call on President Obama at the White House and effectively allowed the current occupant to take advantage of them via this photo which the White House promptly posted on Flickr.
Word is the Bushes were in DC to attend the super-exclusive Alfalfa Club dinner tonight that the President will also attend. No one will say why father and son Bush visited the White House or what they talked about.
But they did give the President an unnecessary photo opportunity. On the eve of the Florida primary, he gets to look non-partisan and they participate in the ploy.
George H. W. Bush has always had a goofy make-nice gene. But I didn't know that it extended to Jeb as well. Why play into the hands of someone who has attempted to batter you and denigrate your accomplishments -- and would gladly do it again once you're out of his sight?
Beats me.

Ten Ways That Obama Is Destroying The Middle Class

2012-01-28T17:31:00.000-05:00

President Obama spent a lot of time during his State of the Union speech talking about protecting, preserving and helping the middle class.
But the record shows that his policies are actually contributing to the destruction of the middle class.
In fact, the statistics paint a sobering picture for just what President Obama has achieved in his fight to “help the middle class reclaim a sense of economic security that will benefit the entire economy”:

Unemployment: The number of people unemployed has grown by over one million.
Long-term Unemployment: The average duration of unemployment has more than doubled, to an astonishing 40.8 weeks.
Jobs: Nearly 1.7 million jobs have been lost.
Income: Median household income has declined by nearly $1,000.
Poverty: The number of people in poverty has grown by over six million.
Hunger: Food stamp participation has increased by more than 14 million people, to a devastating 46.2 million.
Health Care: Average family health insurance premiums have increased by more than $1,500.
Energy: Gas prices have nearly doubled, to $3.38 per gallon.
Housing: Foreclosures have spiked to a record one-million-plus annually.
Debt: Each family’s share of the publicly-held national debt has skyrocketed by more than $35,000, to nearly $90,000.

When Barack Obama ran for the presidency, he promised to “fundamentally transform the United States of America.” Sadly, he is succeeding. He is pushing America toward a European-style entitlement society that would have been unrecognizable to our parents’ generation – let alone the Founders’ – with diminishing economic opportunity and ever-growing government programs and regulations.

The election this November will be about whether the America want to continue in this direction, or reverse course and rebuild the Opportunity Society that has made her the greatest in the history of the world. Mitt Romney looks forward to offering voters that choice.

Mitt Romney Gains Support Of Puerto Rico Governor

2012-01-28T14:51:00.000-05:00

Mitt Romney today announced the support of Puerto Rico Governor Luis G. Fortuño.

“It is an honor to have Governor Fortuño’s support,” said Mitt Romney.

“As president, I look forward to working with Governor Fortuño on the issues most pressing for the people of Puerto Rico – job creation, public safety and resolving the Island’s 113-year political status question. Every job created on the Island is another American job added to our nation’s economic comeback. Working together to continue Puerto Rico’s economic recovery will ensure Puerto Rico is part of the United States’ economic revitalization. By implementing pro-growth policies that promote job creation, we can help Puerto Rico and the rest of the country.

"We must also commit ourselves to stopping drug trafficking into Puerto Rico as a priority of the Federal Government and the required resources need to be assigned. I will never neglect the U.S. Caribbean border and will continue to support strong trade and economic opportunity, and robust border security. In addition, I pledge to work with Congress to help the American citizens residing in Puerto Rico resolve their century-long status issue by choosing from the constitutionally-viable status options. I look forward to working with Governor Fortuño on these issues as well as many other issues.”
Announcing his support, Governor Fortuño said, “Mitt Romney is the one candidate who has the record, leadership, experience, and pro-growth plan to continue the course of private-sector job creation we’ve begun in Puerto Rico and provide economic stability for generations. Mitt Romney has shown throughout his life that the principles learned in the private sector can be applied to all challenges, whether it was saving the 2002 Olympics or balancing the budget as Governor.”

Background on Governor Fortuño:

Governor Luis G. Fortuño Was Elected in 2008. As Governor, he has reduced government size, closed the biggest deficit in the country and set the course for a balanced budget in his first term, cut taxes and revitalized the local economy. He serves as Chairman of the Southern Governors Association and President of the Council of State Governments. Prior to his election, he represented the people of Puerto Rico in the U.S. Congress. During his time in the U.S. House, Fortuño served as Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Conference and was a co-sponsor of the Puerto Rico Democracy Act.

Newt's Favorite President: NOT Reagan; NOT Any 'R'

2012-01-28T14:28:00.000-05:00

Video: Gingrich Can't Run Away From His Record

2012-01-28T14:03:00.001-05:00

Romney To Obama In Michigan: Where Are The Jobs?

2012-01-27T16:01:00.000-05:00

Mitt Romney today wrote an open letter to President Obama ahead of his visit to Michigan. The full letter will run in the Detroit Newsand the Detroit Free Press.

Dear Mr. President,

Welcome to Michigan. I have a simple question for you: where are the jobs?

As we enter the fourth year of your term, unemployment here is a staggering 9.3 percent. Nearly half a million men and women are fruitlessly seeking work. Many others have simply given up looking. They’ve given up hope.

I recognize, of course, as do all Americans, that you inherited an economic crisis. But you’ve now had three years to turn things around. The record of those three years is clear. Your policies have failed, and not only in Michigan, but across the nation. We have now had 35 consecutive months of unemployment over 8 percent, the longest such stretch since the Great Depression. Your policies, from Obamacare to your regulatory onslaught to your out-of-control spending on a pork-barrel stimulus bill to your crony-capitalism “green” investments in companies like the now-bankrupt Solyndra, have gotten in the way of economic recovery.

The results are a continuing tragedy for millions upon millions of people. I’ve met too many Americans who’ve lost their homes to foreclosure, who’ve had to put aside retirement plans and take work at minimum wage, whose dreams of sending their children to college have been shattered, whose lives have been upended. This is not the way it is supposed to be in America. This is not the way it needs to be.

It is plain that your policies have made things worse, not better. You pressed hard for legislation that your team promised would hold unemployment below 8 percent. The price tag on that legislation was $787 billion, which vastly expanded our nation’s deficit and contributed to an unprecedented downgrade of our nation’s credit rating. And yet for all the taxpayer money that was spent and borrowed, unemployment remains tragically high.

Mr. President, forgive me for being blunt, but when it comes to economic affairs, you’re out of your depth. Unlike you, I am not a career politician. Unlike you, I’ve spent more than two decades working in the private sector, starting new businesses and turning around failing ones. Undoing the damage you’ve done will be a daunting challenge. But I’ve learned a thing or two about how government policies can kill private investment and stifle job creation and I have a plan to get government out of the way and unleash the potential of the American people.

Mr. President, Four years ago, campaigning for the presidency, you declared that you were “absolutely certain that generations from now, we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment when we began to provide care for the sick and good jobs to the jobless; this was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal.” Mr. President, the American people are tired of the grandiose promises. And they are even more tired of the paltry results.

Mr. President, your promises now ring hollow. If you have brought new ideas to Michigan for creating jobs, why have you waited three years to unveil them? Have you suddenly had a revelation, or is it because 2012 is an election year? Whatever the case, what you are offering Michigan now is too little, too late. What Michigan needs, and what the country needs, is not four more years of economic mismanagement and failed leadership, but a fundamental change in direction. I was born and raised in Michigan at a time when our state was the pride of America. With new leadership, Michigan can feel that pride once more.

Mitt Romney

Romney On Holocaust Remembrance Day: Stand Firm!

2012-01-27T15:57:00.000-05:00

Mitt Romney made the following statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day:

“On this day, we pause to remember the millions of Jews murdered in Europe.

"But it is not enough merely to reflect on those horrors and the evil that brought it about. We must also reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that there will never be a recurrence of such terrible events.

"At a moment when the state of Israel is under threat from violent terrorists, from tyrants seeking nuclear weapons, and from a campaign to deny the legitimacy of a Jewish state, the United States must stand shoulder to shoulder with our ally in its quest for peace and security.”

'Welcome Back Kotter' Actor Dies At 60

2012-01-27T15:37:00.000-05:00

You remember him as Phillipo de Huevos Epstein.
But his real name was Robert Hegyes and he was jersey born and bred.
Hegyes, who played Jewish Puerto Rican wheeler-dealer on the 1970s classic TV comedy "Welcome Back Kotter," died from an apparent heart attack this morning. This happened shortly after he sufferd chest pains at his Metuchen, NJ home. He was 60.
Hegyes, later co-starred on "Cagney and Lacey" and taught occasional master classes at his alma mater, Rowan University, in Glassboro NJ. But he was best known for his work on "Kotter," in which he performed alongside a young John Travolta.
Hegyes was one of the tough remedial students called the Sweathogs.
Hegyes and nearly all of the original cast members reunited last year at the TV Land Awards to recognize the show's 35th anniversary.
Click here to read more.

Ann Romney Wows Hispanic Crowd In Florida

2012-01-27T15:19:00.000-05:00

The Palm Beach (FL) Post has been reporting on Mitt Romney's campaign in Florida.
Here's an excerpt on a story that notes the huge success that Ann Romney (and the Romney sons) are having with Hispanic audiences:

Romney was introduced to the crowd in Spanish by the couple’s youngest son, who spent several years in Chile. After a quick “Ola!” from one of their 16 grandkids, Ann Romney delivered what appeared to be a heartfelt, funny and down home assessment of the rigors of being a candidate’s wife and raising five children while her husband traveled on business and why she agreed, once again, to join him on the campaign trail.
“Four years ago, I was definite about one thing: I would never do it again,” she said of her husband’s failed 2008 campaign. “Mitt said, you say that after every pregnancy. All the women out there know what I’m talking about.”
When he broached the subject again, she said she was reluctant. Before she was going to endure another campaign, she asked him to answer one question: “Can you fix it?” When he answered yes, she was in.

Click here to read more.
Click here to get involved with the Romney campaign.