Monday, December 30, 2013
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Rare Video: Reagan Quoting Bible, Speaks Of Faith
Being the President of the United States is not an easy task. But President Reagan knew God had his hand over his presidency. And Reagan was grateful for that and for all the blessings he received in life. President Ronald Reagan was a man after God's own heart.
And he wasn't shy when it came to speaking about God and his faith. Indeed, he spoke from his heart -- and soul!
This is possibly one of the most profound and inspiring video tribute to President Reagan that you will ever see.
This is possibly one of the most profound and inspiring video tribute to President Reagan that you will ever see.
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14 Big Predictions For 2014
What will 2014 be like?
Well, one would hope it would be better than 2013 which everyone seems to agree was not a particularly great year. Many are calling the year just ending "the year of the living dread" or a year of crassness, coarseness and calamity.
To be sure, it was not a particularly good year for President Obama or Obamacare. And, on that front 2014 doesn't look much better since Obamacare will really be kicking in as we move forward with all its new taxes, fees, regulations and repercussions that will rumble through the economy.
But, we'll try to find some bright spots as we preview the year ahead.
So, here are our 14 Big Predictions for 2014:
1) Fashion's obsession with the sleek, form-fitted look of the 1960s will continue to fade and designers will turn their attention to the postwar New Look as the latest inspiration Yes, the 1940s will move into the spotlight. People will look for simpler, less snug styles and toward the more wholesome values of the period roughly spanning 1945 to 1955. In a way, this will be the last hurrah for the booming postwar era that helped define the American Century.
2) There will be a strong reaction to the smarmy, snarky, slutty streak that the popular culture has taken in recent years and people will begin to focus more and more on what bestselling author Charles Krauthammer has called Things That Matter. This shift will take many forms as movies and TV roll out biblically-themed projects including the upcoming flick Noah, starring Russell Crowe and Emma Watson. It will be a time of re-grounding centered around home, hearth and family as Americans re-examine the erosion of solid values and the loss of stability the culture seems to have suffered.
3) The GOP will have a very good year as the Republican Party puts together a more diverse coalition with a more centered platform without abandoning the bedrock foundations of conservatism that have always held a common-sense appeal. Republicans will easily retain control of the House of Representatives, continue to hold a solid majority among the nation's governors and come thisclose to recapturing the U. S. Senate in what may be a cliffhanger 50/50 election that forces Vice President "Uncle" Joe Biden to be the tie-breaking vote. This will effectively paralyze our lame duck President Barack Obama as his administration heads into the sunset.
4) The long knives will be out for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in 2014 as conservatives continue to [wrongly] gripe that he does not lean far enough to the right while old-line, traditional GOP stalwarts question his bona fides and his reliability. The righties will look to people like Ted Cruz and Rand Paul while the country club Republicans will take a renewed look at Jeb Bush and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. Christie will have to work both ends and will need to walk a fine line even as he attempts to mend fences with such well-connected GOP blue bloods as former Governor Tom Kean. At home, his Democrat-controlled state legislature will give him additional headaches as his second term signals the beginning of the end of his tenure. But don't underestimate Christie or his immense appeal built on no-nonsense authenticity and a powerful connection with everyday voters and taxpayers. Christie will build up plenty of IOUs during the year traveling throughout the country on behalf of GOP candidates He will remain widely popular and by the end of the year he will be well-positioned for a presidential run.
5) The winter of 2014 will feature below average temperatures for about two thirds of the nation but this will not be enough to encourage those who believe in global warming. There will be about 17 named hurricanes in 2014 and some of them will be severe.
6) Best Pitcture Oscar nominations will go to American Hustle, The Wolf of Wall Street, 12 Years A Slave, Philomena, Nebraska, Captain Phillips and August: Osage County, among others.
7) Hillary Clinton will have a difficult year in 2014 as new allegations emerge about her time as Secretary of State and concerns arise over her health. Though she will try to stay out of the spotlight, she will find herself on the defensive. The idea of her automatically being the Democrat nominee for president in 2016 will lose some of its appeal and she may miss her own deadline to decide one way or the other (by the end of the year) about a presidential bid.
8) The idea of a perfect suburban lawn will begin to fade in 2014 as people turn more and more toward alternative ground covers that are viewed as more environmentally friendly. These will even include artificial turf or other synthetic surfaces as people turn away from traditional, water-dependent ground coverings.
9) One of the big new terms of the year will be "fandom." For businesses and other entities, the "fandom" is basically your most-enthusiastic audience -- the subculture of raving fanatics who can and will do a great deal of your marketing for you. They will effectively empower your brand and sell it to others. And social media makes this group more powerful than ever before. Watch closely as businesses and even non-profits take a page from sports and put diehard fans at the top of their list.
10) Come-from-nowhere political shockers of the year are likely to emerge from Maryland, Massachusetts or California where Governor Martin O'Malley, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Governor Jerry Brown will all toy with a presidential run as a possible Democrat primary challenger to Hillary Clinton. One (or even two) of these three could prove to be surprisingly viable.
11) Special mobile websites will die in 2014 as mobile browsers are being replaced by fully functional versions that run on any sort of device.
12) Best Actor and Actress Oscar nominations will go to Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Matthew McConaughey, Bruce Dern, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock and Judi Dench.
13) In home decor, wood surfaces will be on the rebound. Look for butcher block to re-emerge along with hardwood, textured wood, distressed wood and carpentry with natural edges. Painted walls will lose their appeal. The warm glow of wood will provide a more homey feeling.
14) And what about the Phillies and the Eagles? Well, the teams will not make it to the World series or the Super Bowl respectively. Look for the Seattle Seahawks to win the first Super Bowl ever held in New Jersey.
Oh, here's one more just for good measure: The honeymoon will begin to evaporate for Pope Francis in 2014 as the media prove more skeptical and the Pontiff is forced to grapple with the problems of the Roman Curia and other long-festering Church issues. The charm offensive will have to give way to the hard work of turning around a two-thousand-year-old institution. It won't be easy and it will take it's toll on the Holy Father. Pray for him!
Happy 2014, everybody!
Saturday, December 28, 2013
14 People To Watch In 2014
With the new year just days away, we want to take a look at the people you need to be watching next year.
These include both established figures who may be at a turning point or a critical phase in their lives and newcomers who seem destined to break away from the pack.
This will be a particularly important year for these 14:
1) Jeremy Jordan - This hugely talented, upcoming Broadway standout is a triple threat. He can sing, dance and act. And he's showing his worth on TV and in the movies as well. He's got what it takes to be a Very Big Star.
2) Nick Foles - Regardless of what happens during the rest of the year, this Eagles quarterback is a winner all the way. He's the sort of potential QB superstar that Philly fans have been dreaming about.
3) Chris Christie - After his sensational victory in November Christie is the one politico who's clearly captured the public's imagination from coast to coast. 2014 could be the year when he begins to make his moves toward the presidency.
4) Matt Dusk - This smooth, stylish singer of the great American songbook is already a popular crooner in Canada but in the new year he deserves America's undivided attention. He's got the goods.
5) Susana Martinez - The Governor of New Mexico is a rising GOP star and just the right person to lead the Grand Old Party into a new era of diversity and relevancy. Keep your eye on her!
6) Evan Feinberg - The young, savvy President of Generation Opportunity is on the cutting edge. He's leading the next generation of Americans away from blind allegiance to Obama and toward a new, informed sensible, no-nonsense political culture.
7) Jon Bernthal - One of the most exciting young actors on the scene today. Check him out in The Wolf of Wall Street and Grudge Match, both in theaters now. He's a winner!
8) Laura Osnes - Now starring in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderalla on Broadway, this absolutely radiant actress and singer has proven her mettle in a variety of roles. She's already been nominated for a Tony Award and we're certain that this will be the first of many honors that will follow in coming years.
9) Hillary Clinton - Like it or not, Hillary Clinton must be watched -- if only to be ready for any scheme she might hatch. If she's gonna go for the Top Spot, 2014 will be the year when she will show her cards. Hold on tight, America. You may be in for a bumpy ride.
10) Coach Jay Wright and the Villanova Wildcats. Ranked in eighth place nationally, this is destined to be a big year for the Wildcats. Can they be Big East champs? Will the make the Final Four? Anything can happen. Stay tuned!
11) Megyn Kelly - She's already the single most exciting person in TV news. Megyn Kelly hit 2013 like a comet and the future looks nothing less than incandescent. She's smart, savvy, sexy and insightful. There is no limit to how far she can go.
12) Elizabeth Warren - This uber-liberal Massachusetts senator may be just the person to challenge Hillary Clinton within the Democrat Party. She's already collected a slew of admirers and is a darling of self-proclaimed progressives.
13) Michael Carter-Williams - The most exciting thing to happen to the Philadelphia 76ers in a long, long time. This young hoops star is off to a great start and has proven to be a real asset to the team.
14) Pope Francis - The honeymoon has been great and the world is smitten with His Holiness. But in 2014, the real work begins and Pope Francis will have to tackle some big issues. Now we'll find out if he's really ready for his closeup.
And, just for good measure here's an added, bonus Person To Watch: Ronan Farrow - Who cares if he's Frank Sinatra's son or not? He's still Mia Farrow's son and an impressive talent in his own right as well as someone who seems thoughtful and engaged well beyond his years. With a new CNN show on the way and opportunities popping up everywhere, 2014 seems destined to be his year.
Photos above: Ronan Farrow, Laura Osnes, Michael Carter-Williams.
These include both established figures who may be at a turning point or a critical phase in their lives and newcomers who seem destined to break away from the pack.
This will be a particularly important year for these 14:
1) Jeremy Jordan - This hugely talented, upcoming Broadway standout is a triple threat. He can sing, dance and act. And he's showing his worth on TV and in the movies as well. He's got what it takes to be a Very Big Star.
2) Nick Foles - Regardless of what happens during the rest of the year, this Eagles quarterback is a winner all the way. He's the sort of potential QB superstar that Philly fans have been dreaming about.
3) Chris Christie - After his sensational victory in November Christie is the one politico who's clearly captured the public's imagination from coast to coast. 2014 could be the year when he begins to make his moves toward the presidency.
4) Matt Dusk - This smooth, stylish singer of the great American songbook is already a popular crooner in Canada but in the new year he deserves America's undivided attention. He's got the goods.
5) Susana Martinez - The Governor of New Mexico is a rising GOP star and just the right person to lead the Grand Old Party into a new era of diversity and relevancy. Keep your eye on her!
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7) Jon Bernthal - One of the most exciting young actors on the scene today. Check him out in The Wolf of Wall Street and Grudge Match, both in theaters now. He's a winner!
8) Laura Osnes - Now starring in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderalla on Broadway, this absolutely radiant actress and singer has proven her mettle in a variety of roles. She's already been nominated for a Tony Award and we're certain that this will be the first of many honors that will follow in coming years.
9) Hillary Clinton - Like it or not, Hillary Clinton must be watched -- if only to be ready for any scheme she might hatch. If she's gonna go for the Top Spot, 2014 will be the year when she will show her cards. Hold on tight, America. You may be in for a bumpy ride.
10) Coach Jay Wright and the Villanova Wildcats. Ranked in eighth place nationally, this is destined to be a big year for the Wildcats. Can they be Big East champs? Will the make the Final Four? Anything can happen. Stay tuned!
11) Megyn Kelly - She's already the single most exciting person in TV news. Megyn Kelly hit 2013 like a comet and the future looks nothing less than incandescent. She's smart, savvy, sexy and insightful. There is no limit to how far she can go.
12) Elizabeth Warren - This uber-liberal Massachusetts senator may be just the person to challenge Hillary Clinton within the Democrat Party. She's already collected a slew of admirers and is a darling of self-proclaimed progressives.
13) Michael Carter-Williams - The most exciting thing to happen to the Philadelphia 76ers in a long, long time. This young hoops star is off to a great start and has proven to be a real asset to the team.
14) Pope Francis - The honeymoon has been great and the world is smitten with His Holiness. But in 2014, the real work begins and Pope Francis will have to tackle some big issues. Now we'll find out if he's really ready for his closeup.
And, just for good measure here's an added, bonus Person To Watch: Ronan Farrow - Who cares if he's Frank Sinatra's son or not? He's still Mia Farrow's son and an impressive talent in his own right as well as someone who seems thoughtful and engaged well beyond his years. With a new CNN show on the way and opportunities popping up everywhere, 2014 seems destined to be his year.
Photos above: Ronan Farrow, Laura Osnes, Michael Carter-Williams.
Why New Year's Resolutions Are Useless
I've never made New Year's resolutions.
And I won't be making one this year either.
Why?
Because they're stupid.
Think about it: A resolution (promise) is a Big Deal. And when you make it with the entire year ahead of you, well -- that's a long haul.
Plus, January and February are just dreadful months and an awful time to have to keep your resolution.
For example, suppose you resolved to watch your diet. What the hell is there to do during the dreary months of January and February except eat. And now you've gone and prevented yourself from eating. How are you gonna enjoy those Super Bowl parties or that Valentine's dinner with your sweetheart? And what about those l-o-n-g winter days when you want a cheesesteak or a pizza? Don't tell me you're gonna deprive yourself.
Suppose you resolve to work out more and get more exercise.
You'll have to run on a treadmill or somesuch. What's more stupid than that? You're indoors, you're runnin, you're sweatin and you ain't goin nowhere. Then you're all perspired and running toward your car in the frigid weather. That's a quick way to get pneumonia. Why would you want to do that?
But people go ahead and make these dumb resolutions anyway.
And 99% of the time these resolutions are no kept.
Remember this: When you make a promise, that promise is gonna weigh on you. It's only gonna make you do the opposite because you're gonna be thinkin about the promise all the time.
"Don't eat."
Whoa -- Did someone say "Eat?" Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat!
Ya see what I mean?
When you make a resolution, you're your own worst enemy. You're fighting yourself.
Here's the one way to approach this year and every year: Don't get too carried away on any front. Try to live fully but moderately. Avoid excess whenever you can.
Yeah, you can go overboard once in awhile but don't make it a habit, OK?
Be sensible. Use your noggin.
Then, you won't have to worry and you won't have to make resolutions.
You'll be fine.
Happy New Year!
And I won't be making one this year either.
Why?
Because they're stupid.
Think about it: A resolution (promise) is a Big Deal. And when you make it with the entire year ahead of you, well -- that's a long haul.
Plus, January and February are just dreadful months and an awful time to have to keep your resolution.
For example, suppose you resolved to watch your diet. What the hell is there to do during the dreary months of January and February except eat. And now you've gone and prevented yourself from eating. How are you gonna enjoy those Super Bowl parties or that Valentine's dinner with your sweetheart? And what about those l-o-n-g winter days when you want a cheesesteak or a pizza? Don't tell me you're gonna deprive yourself.
Suppose you resolve to work out more and get more exercise.
You'll have to run on a treadmill or somesuch. What's more stupid than that? You're indoors, you're runnin, you're sweatin and you ain't goin nowhere. Then you're all perspired and running toward your car in the frigid weather. That's a quick way to get pneumonia. Why would you want to do that?
But people go ahead and make these dumb resolutions anyway.
And 99% of the time these resolutions are no kept.
Remember this: When you make a promise, that promise is gonna weigh on you. It's only gonna make you do the opposite because you're gonna be thinkin about the promise all the time.
"Don't eat."
Whoa -- Did someone say "Eat?" Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat!
Ya see what I mean?
When you make a resolution, you're your own worst enemy. You're fighting yourself.
Here's the one way to approach this year and every year: Don't get too carried away on any front. Try to live fully but moderately. Avoid excess whenever you can.
Yeah, you can go overboard once in awhile but don't make it a habit, OK?
Be sensible. Use your noggin.
Then, you won't have to worry and you won't have to make resolutions.
You'll be fine.
Happy New Year!
Friday, December 27, 2013
Christie Appoints Housing Authority Members
Today, New Jersey Governor Christie approved the following appointments for local housing authorities by Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Richard E. Constable, III. These direct appointments do not require Senate confirmation.
DIRECT APPOINTMENTS
ATLANTIC CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY
State Appointee
Appoint Jesse Kurtz (Atlantic City, Atlantic)
BAYONNE HOUSING AUTHORITY
State Appointee
Appoint MarÃa Piñeiro Karczewski (Bayonne, Hudson)
EDGEWATER HOUSING AUTHORITY
State Appointee
Appoint Jill W. Ostergren (Edgewater, Bergen)
ENGLEWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY
State Appointee
Reappoint Raymond Aspinwall (Englewood, Bergen)
FLORENCE HOUSING AUTHORITY
State Appointee
Appoint William E. Bott (Roebling, Burlington)
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP HOUSING AUTHORITY
State Appointee
Appoint Michael F. Gianotto (Somerset, Somerset)
GLOUCESTER CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY
State Appointee
Appoint Charles P. Kain (Gloucester City, Camden)
GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP HOUSING AUTHORITY
State Appointee
Appoint Linda Musser (Laurel Springs, Camden)
GUTTENBERG HOUSING AUTHORITY
State Appointee
Appoint Deborah L. Matulewicz (Guttenberg, Hudson)
HIGHTSTOWN HOUSING AUTHORITY
State Appointee
Reappoint Chief James M. Eufemia (Hightstown, Mercer)
KEANSBURG HOUSING AUTHORITY
State Appointee
Appoint the Honorable Thomas M. Foley (Keansburg, Monmouth)
MIDDLETOWN HOUSING AUTHORITY
State Appointee
Appoint Chantal Bouw, MBA (Red Bank, Monmouth)
MILLVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY
State Appointee
Appoint Brian Tomlin (Millville, Cumberland)
PASSAIC CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY
State Appointee
Appoint Alan Juszcyk (Passaic City, Passaic)
PENNS GROVE HOUSING AUTHORITY
State Appointee
Appoint Debra Pagnotto Bradford (Carneys Point, Salem)
PLAINFIELD HOUSING AUTHORITY
State Appointee
Appoint Louise A. Colodne (Plainfield, Union)
RAHWAY HOUSING AUTHORITY
State Appointee
Appoint Darren J. Lesinski (Rahway, Union)
SAYREVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY
State Appointee
Appoint Paula K. Duffy (South Amboy, Middlesex)
SECAUCUS HOUSING AUTHORITY
State Appointee
Appoint Richard D. Fairman (Secaucus, Hudson)
Christie Signs Six Bills, Vetoes Two
Governor Chris Christie today took action on the following legislation:
BILL SIGNINGS:
SCS for S-533/ACS for A-1401 (Norcross, Oroho/Wilson, Chivukula, Space, McHose) - The "Common Sense Shared Services Pilot Program Act"; concerns shared service agreements and joint contracts, in certain municipalities, for certain tenured local employees under "Uniform Shared Services and Consolidation Act"
S-2052/A-3132 (Singer, Beck/Vanieri Huttle, Sumter, Angelini, Benson) - Establishes bill of rights for continuing care retirement community residents
SJR-51/AJR-50 (Whelan/Conaway) - Designates November of each year as "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness Month"
A-732/S-2543 (Eustace, Schepisi/Beach, Madden) - Makes it a crime of the third degree to practice or represent oneself to others concerning certain licensed or certified health care related professions
A-4188/S-2740 (A.M. Bucco/A.R. Bucco, Codey) - Concerns requirements to report newly hired employees
AJR-65/SJR-64 (S. Kean, Angelini, Giblin/Beck) - Designates February as "Turner Syndrome Awareness Month"
BILLS VETOED:
S-116/A-3595 (Rice, Ruiz/Tucker, Vanieri Huttle, Wimberly) – CONDITIONAL - Establishes Disparity in Treatment of Persons with Disabilities in Underrepresented Communities Commission in DCA
S-418/A-3169 (Van Drew, Allen/Albano) - ABSOLUTE - Prohibits sale of certain laser pointers that exceed certain power output
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