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Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Dick Clark Remembered On New Year's Eve
Dick Clark died of a massive heart attack in April, 2012.
The host of American Bandstand who later succeeded Guy Lombardo as "Mr. New Year's Eve" was 82. But he always looked decades younger. He was the timeless teenager.
Clark's legacy lives on through so many TV shows and innovations that he pioneered.
Dick Clark got his start in Philadelphia and was once as much a part of the fabric of the city as a Mummer's string band or a soft pretzel. It all began when he landed a gig as a DJ at WFIL in Philadelphia in 1952, spinning records for a show he called "Dick Clark's Caravan of Music." There he broke into the big time, hosting Bandstand, an afternoon dance show for teenagers. The show was such a hit locally that lines wrapped around the old WFIL-TV studio as teenagers waited to get in for the live, late-afternoon broadcasts.
When the show went national things really started to take off.
Within five years, the whole country was watching as ABC presented "American Bandstand" and Clark introduced the nation to some of the biggest rock 'n roll acts (and songs) ever.
The show was never quite the same after it moved to Hollywood in 1963 but Clark continued to succeed and rake in the dough as he became a hugely successful TV producer. His "Dick Clark Productions" became a veritable license to print money.
"Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" on ABC became a Dec. 31 tradition, with Clark hosting the festivities for more than three decades, introducing the entertainment acts and, of course, counting down to midnight as the ball dropped in New York's Times Square.
In 2004 Clark suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed and barely able to speak. Courageously, he continued to appear on the annual countdown.
He was a shrewd businessman, a consummate showman and an American icon.
Kathy Griffin Is An Obnxious Jerk
Kathy Griffin will once again appear on one of those silly New Year's Eve telecasts that have absolutely no redeeming social value.
And that's appropriate, we guess because there's nothing to redeem Griffin herself. Nothing.
Kathy Griffin is a loud, disgusting, foul-mouthed jerk.
In a world where almost nothing is shocking, this vulgar, in-your-face "comedienne" keeps trying to top herself with outrageous comments and offensive behavior.
Kathy Grifin isn't attractive.
Kathy Griffin isn't clever.
Kathy Griffin isn't entertaining.
And Kathy Griffin isn't funny.
If fact, she's obnoxious.
But Big Media routinely give Kathy Griffin a pass.
Why? You know the answer. Because Kathy Griffin is a shrill, full-out liberal.
So, while Dennis Miller rarely gets a pass from critics and the enforcers of all that is deemed politically-correct. Kathy Griffin is allowed to verbally vomit on just about any Republican, conservative or tea-partier she can find.
Well, the effete liberals can keep her. They can have her.
because the whole thing is a sorry, sordid spectacle and a sad commentary on the state of affairs in this country.
And that's appropriate, we guess because there's nothing to redeem Griffin herself. Nothing.
Kathy Griffin is a loud, disgusting, foul-mouthed jerk.
In a world where almost nothing is shocking, this vulgar, in-your-face "comedienne" keeps trying to top herself with outrageous comments and offensive behavior.
Kathy Grifin isn't attractive.
Kathy Griffin isn't clever.
Kathy Griffin isn't entertaining.
And Kathy Griffin isn't funny.
If fact, she's obnoxious.
But Big Media routinely give Kathy Griffin a pass.
Why? You know the answer. Because Kathy Griffin is a shrill, full-out liberal.
So, while Dennis Miller rarely gets a pass from critics and the enforcers of all that is deemed politically-correct. Kathy Griffin is allowed to verbally vomit on just about any Republican, conservative or tea-partier she can find.
Well, the effete liberals can keep her. They can have her.
because the whole thing is a sorry, sordid spectacle and a sad commentary on the state of affairs in this country.
New Year's Eve And Day: Dumb And Dumber
About all the silly hoopla over the new year: we just don't get it. Never have gotten it, in fact.
New Years Day is a dumb "holiday." It signifies nothing. It's merely the first day of the year - just a unit of measurement, that's all. It's just a way to keep time.
New Year's Eve is equally as dumb if not dumber.
Just because the clock moved ahead an extra second we're supposed to get all worked up? I don't think so.
This is simply an excuse for clubs and restaurants to make a big deal of nothing and charge you big bucks for it.
New Years Day is a dumb "holiday." It signifies nothing. It's merely the first day of the year - just a unit of measurement, that's all. It's just a way to keep time.
New Year's Eve is equally as dumb if not dumber.
Just because the clock moved ahead an extra second we're supposed to get all worked up? I don't think so.
This is simply an excuse for clubs and restaurants to make a big deal of nothing and charge you big bucks for it.
The rudest, loudest, most
obnoxious people come crawling out of the woodwork on New Year's Eve.
These are the people who don't get around very much (and don't go out
very much) during the rest of the year. Trust us, you don't want to be
around these people.
This is a sadly artificial holiday - a holiday that reeks of beer, tobacco and lost dreams; a holiday plagued by sticky champagne stains, stale leftovers, weary Christmas decorations and nothing to look forward to but cleaning up and getting ready for the two dreariest months of the year.
Happy New Year, everybody!
This is a sadly artificial holiday - a holiday that reeks of beer, tobacco and lost dreams; a holiday plagued by sticky champagne stains, stale leftovers, weary Christmas decorations and nothing to look forward to but cleaning up and getting ready for the two dreariest months of the year.
Happy New Year, everybody!
Monday, December 30, 2013
37 Notable Deaths Of 2013 - Farewell!
Some of the greatest, most influential people the world has ever known passed away during 2013.
These including revolutionaries, heads of state, inventors, writers, actors, successful business persons, activists, singers, sports stars, social commentators, artists, scientists and many, many more.
Here's a partial list of some of the notable people who passed on:
Patti Page, 85. Singer of the great American songbook.
Conrad Bain, 89. Veteran stage, TV and film actor.
Pauline Friedman Phillips, 94. More popularly known as Abigail Van Buren.
Ed Koch, 88. Former New York mayor and curmudgeon/politician.
Mindy McCready, 37. Top of the country music singer.
C. Everett Koop, 96. Former US Surgeon General.
Van Cliburn, 78. World-renowned pianist who enjoyed rock-star status.
Hugo Chavez, 58. Fiery populist dictator of Venezuela.
Roger Ebert, 70. First journalist to win a Pulitzer Prize for movie criticism.
Margaret Thatcher, 87. Extraordinary British prime minister who transformed her country with a fearless dedication to free markets.
Annette Funicello, 70. Child star on "The Mickey Mouse Club" in the 1950s and 1960s movie star.
Maria Tallchief, 88. One of America's first great prima ballerinas.
Al Neuharth, 89. Founder of USA Today.
George Jones, 81. The undisputed king of country music, he recorded the classic "He Stopped Loving Her Today."
Jean Stapleton, 90. A stage-trained character actress who triumphed on TV.
Frank Lautenberg, 89. Multimillionaire New Jersey businessman and long-serving US senator.
Esther Williams, 91. Swimming champion-turned-movie star.
James Gandolfini, 51. Actor whose portrayed crime boss in HBO's "The Sopranos".
Doug Engelbart, 88. Visionary who invented the computer mouse.
Amar Bose, 83. Acoustic pioneer and founder and chair of the audio technology company.
Cory Monteith, 31. Actor/singer on the television show "Glee".
Harry F. Byrd, 98. US senator from Virginia political dynasty.
Elmore Leonard, 87. Acclaimed crime novelist.
Seamus Heaney, 74. Ireland's foremost poet.
David Frost, 74. Veteran broadcaster and topnotch TV interviewer.
Ray Dolby, 80. American inventor and audio pioneer.
Eiji Toyoda, 100. Member of Toyota's founding family.
Hiroshi Yamauchi, 85. He ran Nintendo for more than 50 years.
Tom Clancy, 66. Author of high-tech, Cold War thrillers.
Scott Carpenter, 88. Second American to orbit the Earth.
Lou Reed, 71. Punk poet of rock `n' roll.
Jane Kean, 90. Best known as Trixie alongside Jackie Gleason on TV's revival of "The Honeymooners."
Paul Walker, 40. Star of the "Fast & Furious" movie series.
Nelson Mandela, 95. South Africa's first black president and an icon of freedom.
Peter O'Toole, 81. Legendary actor and eight-time Oscar nominee.
Joan Fontaine, 96. Academy Award-winning actress.
Ray Price, 87. One of country music's most popular and influential singers.
These including revolutionaries, heads of state, inventors, writers, actors, successful business persons, activists, singers, sports stars, social commentators, artists, scientists and many, many more.
Here's a partial list of some of the notable people who passed on:
Patti Page, 85. Singer of the great American songbook.
Conrad Bain, 89. Veteran stage, TV and film actor.
Pauline Friedman Phillips, 94. More popularly known as Abigail Van Buren.
Ed Koch, 88. Former New York mayor and curmudgeon/politician.
Mindy McCready, 37. Top of the country music singer.
C. Everett Koop, 96. Former US Surgeon General.
Van Cliburn, 78. World-renowned pianist who enjoyed rock-star status.
Hugo Chavez, 58. Fiery populist dictator of Venezuela.
Roger Ebert, 70. First journalist to win a Pulitzer Prize for movie criticism.
Margaret Thatcher, 87. Extraordinary British prime minister who transformed her country with a fearless dedication to free markets.
Annette Funicello, 70. Child star on "The Mickey Mouse Club" in the 1950s and 1960s movie star.
Maria Tallchief, 88. One of America's first great prima ballerinas.
Al Neuharth, 89. Founder of USA Today.
George Jones, 81. The undisputed king of country music, he recorded the classic "He Stopped Loving Her Today."
Jean Stapleton, 90. A stage-trained character actress who triumphed on TV.
Frank Lautenberg, 89. Multimillionaire New Jersey businessman and long-serving US senator.
Esther Williams, 91. Swimming champion-turned-movie star.
James Gandolfini, 51. Actor whose portrayed crime boss in HBO's "The Sopranos".
Doug Engelbart, 88. Visionary who invented the computer mouse.
Amar Bose, 83. Acoustic pioneer and founder and chair of the audio technology company.
Cory Monteith, 31. Actor/singer on the television show "Glee".
Harry F. Byrd, 98. US senator from Virginia political dynasty.
Elmore Leonard, 87. Acclaimed crime novelist.
Seamus Heaney, 74. Ireland's foremost poet.
David Frost, 74. Veteran broadcaster and topnotch TV interviewer.
Ray Dolby, 80. American inventor and audio pioneer.
Eiji Toyoda, 100. Member of Toyota's founding family.
Hiroshi Yamauchi, 85. He ran Nintendo for more than 50 years.
Tom Clancy, 66. Author of high-tech, Cold War thrillers.
Scott Carpenter, 88. Second American to orbit the Earth.
Lou Reed, 71. Punk poet of rock `n' roll.
Jane Kean, 90. Best known as Trixie alongside Jackie Gleason on TV's revival of "The Honeymooners."
Paul Walker, 40. Star of the "Fast & Furious" movie series.
Nelson Mandela, 95. South Africa's first black president and an icon of freedom.
Peter O'Toole, 81. Legendary actor and eight-time Oscar nominee.
Joan Fontaine, 96. Academy Award-winning actress.
Ray Price, 87. One of country music's most popular and influential singers.
Even With Media At His Heels, Christie Still Wins
From our friend Susanne LaFrankie at Matt Rooney's great Save Jersey blog:
In the fickle world of politics, Save Jerseyans, you can often measure your success or your threat factor, by your bad press.
These days Governor Chris Christie, a one-time darling of the media, should view his quick decent from problem solving mediator to school yard bully as a badge of honor.
He must be doing something right as he toys with a run for the White House in 2016.
Christie, fresh off of a 20 plus re-election victory in a very blue state is now being outed as a vindictive bully who is accused of publicly shouting at detractors, withdrawing police protection from a former Governor and even ordering the shutdown of access lanes from Fort Lee into NYC, all acts of retribution.
A recent poll may shed some light on the abrupt backlash. A new CNN/ORC International Poll shows Christie the most popular Republican contender against possible Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at 48% vs 46% respectively among registered voters. A Fox News Poll also puts The Governor well ahead of eight other top tier Republicans.
I googled the words Chris Christie Bully and got 309,000 hits. The titles were, well, not surprising: Can Chris Christie Tame His Inner Bully; Stories Add Up as Bully Image Trails Christie; and The Single Biggest Question for Christie, is He a Bully?
But perhaps most intriguing are the results of a recent Rutgers/Eagleton poll which showed only 34% of registered NJ voters using the word “bully” in describing Christie, but nearly three-fourths (72%) say he’s more of a “fighter.”
Possibly fueling the Christie backlash is his recent election as Chairman of the Republican Governor’s Association, a post that gives him national exposure and access to big donors. It also likely means we can count on a lot more bully headlines as 2016 approaches.
Pope Equates Jesus' Family With Poor, Migrants
The Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated on the first Sunday after Christmas; during the Angelus prayer at midday yesterday, Pope Francis recalled that Jesus had wanted to be born into "a human family, and he wanted to have a mother and a father".
"Today's Gospel tells the story of the Holy Family's painful flight to Egypt in search of exile",ˇ said Pope Francis to the thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. "Joseph, Mary and Jesus experience the dramatic condition of life as refugees, full of fear, uncertainty, and discomfort. Unfortunately, in our times, millions of families can identify with this sad reality. Nearly every day, television and newspapers provide news about refugees fleeing hunger, war, and other serious dangers in search of security and a decent life for themselves and their families. In distant lands, even when they find work, refugees and immigrants are not always welcomed, nor do they find respect and appreciation for the values they bring. Their legitimate expectations clash with complex situations and problems that at times appear insurmountable".
The Holy Father urged those present to contemplate the Holy Family of Nazareth when forced to seek refuge, and to consider "the tragedy of migrants and refugees who are victims of rejection and exploitation ... of human trafficking and forced labour", as well as "those who are exiled within families: the elderly, for example, who are sometimes treated as a cumbersome presence".
"Jesus wanted to belong to a family that experienced these difficulties, so that no one may be excluded from God's loving closeness. The flight into Egypt due to Herod's threats shows us that God is present wherever man is in danger, where man suffers, where he flees, where he experiences rejection and neglect. But he is also present where man dreams, hopes to return to his homeland in freedom, makes plans for his life and dignity and for that of his family".
Before the Marian prayer, the Pontiff noted, "Today our gaze on the Holy Family is also drawn by the simplicity of its life in Nazareth. It is an example that does a lot of good to our families, helping them to become a community of love and reconciliation, in which we experience tenderness, mutual help, and mutual forgiveness".
Pope Francis reminded those present of the "three key words for peace and joy in family life: 'excuse me, thank you, sorry'", explaining that "when we do not want to be intrusive in our family and say 'excuse me!', when we are not selfish and say 'thank you', and when we make mistakes and apologise, then there is peace and joy within a family"ˇ.
Finally he encouraged families to "become aware of their importance in the Church and in society"ˇ, because "the Gospel is proclaimed first within the family, and then in the different spheres of everyday life". He invoked Mary, Joseph and Jesus, to "enlighten, comfort, and guide every family in the world, so that they may fulfil with dignity and serenity the mission God has entrusted to them."
Following the Angelus prayer Pope Francis commented that the next Consistory and the next Synod of Bishops will address the theme of the family and therefore recited the prayer to the Holy Family he had composed, inviting all to join with him spiritually, especially those linked to St. Peter's Square from the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and the shrine of Loreto:
"Jesus, Mary and Joseph, in you we contemplate the splendour of true love, to you we turn with trust. Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, authentic schools of the Gospel and small domestic Churches. Holy Family of Nazareth, may families never again experience violence, rejection and division: may all who have been hurt or scandalized find ready comfort and healing. Holy Family of Nazareth, may the approaching Synod of Bishops make us once more mindful of the sacredness and inviolability of the family, and its beauty in God's plan. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer. Amen".
"Today's Gospel tells the story of the Holy Family's painful flight to Egypt in search of exile",ˇ said Pope Francis to the thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. "Joseph, Mary and Jesus experience the dramatic condition of life as refugees, full of fear, uncertainty, and discomfort. Unfortunately, in our times, millions of families can identify with this sad reality. Nearly every day, television and newspapers provide news about refugees fleeing hunger, war, and other serious dangers in search of security and a decent life for themselves and their families. In distant lands, even when they find work, refugees and immigrants are not always welcomed, nor do they find respect and appreciation for the values they bring. Their legitimate expectations clash with complex situations and problems that at times appear insurmountable".
The Holy Father urged those present to contemplate the Holy Family of Nazareth when forced to seek refuge, and to consider "the tragedy of migrants and refugees who are victims of rejection and exploitation ... of human trafficking and forced labour", as well as "those who are exiled within families: the elderly, for example, who are sometimes treated as a cumbersome presence".
"Jesus wanted to belong to a family that experienced these difficulties, so that no one may be excluded from God's loving closeness. The flight into Egypt due to Herod's threats shows us that God is present wherever man is in danger, where man suffers, where he flees, where he experiences rejection and neglect. But he is also present where man dreams, hopes to return to his homeland in freedom, makes plans for his life and dignity and for that of his family".
Before the Marian prayer, the Pontiff noted, "Today our gaze on the Holy Family is also drawn by the simplicity of its life in Nazareth. It is an example that does a lot of good to our families, helping them to become a community of love and reconciliation, in which we experience tenderness, mutual help, and mutual forgiveness".
Pope Francis reminded those present of the "three key words for peace and joy in family life: 'excuse me, thank you, sorry'", explaining that "when we do not want to be intrusive in our family and say 'excuse me!', when we are not selfish and say 'thank you', and when we make mistakes and apologise, then there is peace and joy within a family"ˇ.
Finally he encouraged families to "become aware of their importance in the Church and in society"ˇ, because "the Gospel is proclaimed first within the family, and then in the different spheres of everyday life". He invoked Mary, Joseph and Jesus, to "enlighten, comfort, and guide every family in the world, so that they may fulfil with dignity and serenity the mission God has entrusted to them."
Following the Angelus prayer Pope Francis commented that the next Consistory and the next Synod of Bishops will address the theme of the family and therefore recited the prayer to the Holy Family he had composed, inviting all to join with him spiritually, especially those linked to St. Peter's Square from the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and the shrine of Loreto:
"Jesus, Mary and Joseph, in you we contemplate the splendour of true love, to you we turn with trust. Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, authentic schools of the Gospel and small domestic Churches. Holy Family of Nazareth, may families never again experience violence, rejection and division: may all who have been hurt or scandalized find ready comfort and healing. Holy Family of Nazareth, may the approaching Synod of Bishops make us once more mindful of the sacredness and inviolability of the family, and its beauty in God's plan. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer. Amen".
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.
US, Russia, Germany, France Lead Blog Visits
Pageviews by Countries
for the week just ending . . . .
Entry | Pageviews |
---|---|
United States
|
2679
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Russia
|
256
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Germany
|
128
|
France
|
90
|
China
|
69
|
Bulgaria
|
68
|
Italy
|
39
|
Malaysia
|
38
|
Slovenia
|
34
|
Serbia
|
30
|
Dan Cirucci Blog - Week's Ten Biggest Stories
Entry | Pageviews |
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Dec 26, 2013, 2 comments
|
188
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Dec 20, 2013
|
144
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Dec 28, 2013
|
131
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Dec 24, 2013
|
89
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Dec 28, 2013
|
78
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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!
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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