Daily Headlines In the Midst Of Bidenomics!

 

Yes, This Will Do Your Heart Good!

This Cristiano Ronaldo video will bring a smile to your face. 🥹https://t.co/S0ogLY4iR5 pic.twitter.com/k2rxZQDcf1

— 𝐕𝔦𝔫 ⚪️ (@vinrmfc) April 29, 2022

A Very Worthy Aspiration . . . AVANTI!

 

Marking The Passing Of A Remarkable Pro . . .

Oh, Yes -- We DO Miss Him Every Single Day!

 

Yeah, Go Ahead: Show Us All The Texting!

- April 29, 2022 -

Statement by Donald J. Trump, 45th President  of the United States of America

I immediately call for the release of all text messages sent to and from Barack Obama’s Chief of Staff during their attempt to overturn the 2016 Presidential Election. They spied on my campaign, they spied on my transition team, and they even spied on the White House while I was in the Oval Office. They did everything they could to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power, and stop the “Will of the People” with their Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, Mueller Scam, and more. I wonder what the texts would reveal? Unlike my Chief of Staff, which show patriotic Americans concerned about illegal and massive Election Fraud in 2020, I say bad things would be revealed.

Why Does Philly Lead In The WRONG Categories?

 

Voters See Biden As Weaker Than Predecessors

As the war in Ukraine raises issues of U.S. national security, a majority of voters continue to view President Joe Biden as a weaker leader than his predecessors.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 56% of likely U.S. voters think, compared to most recent presidents, Biden is a weaker commander in chief for the military. Only 24% now believe Biden is a stronger commander in chief than most recent presidents. Seventeen percent (17%) say Biden is about the same as most recent presidents as a military leader. These findings are practically unchanged since November. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

A Facebook Friend Wisely Opines . . .

 

A Laugh-Out-Loud Musical Schtick Show!

And so now the question must be posed: Is there any room left for Jews on Broadway? 

Is there?

Inasmuch as a noted producer once opined that getting a hit on Broadway is "simply a matter of pleasing 900 Jews," this would seem to be an absurd question. After all, Jews pretty much invented the Broadway musical. 

But today's Broadway is so insufferably woke, that we're forced to ask: Is there room for Borsht Belt humor? Would Neil Simon still feel at home? Will schtick still stick?

We certainly hope so.

Because Billy Crystal's new musical Mr. Saturday Night is, if nothing else, lovingly, hilariously and endearingly Jewish. But like corned beef and rye, you don't have to be Jewish to enjoy it. And, to be sure, this show may come kosher coated but it's a whole lot more than that.

The show is adapted from Crystal's 1992 movie of the same name which focuses on the rise and fall  (and possible rise again) of Buddy Young Jr., a stand-up comic who's down on his luck. To be sure, Buddy's predicament isn't all a matter of luck. A lot of his misfortune is of his own making. For Buddy, the same bitingly insightful take on things that makes him funny on stage poses problems in real life. Maybe it's because he's a bit of a wise guy who seems to specialize in alienating those who might be able to help him most, including family member and close friends. But Buddy's now sensing that there's not much time left and he wants one more chance -- one more reach for the brass ring. For someone with an ego like Buddy's, accomplishing this without prostrating himself poses a problem,.

We saw the show  a few days before its opening last night. While the original version was over three hours, it's been trimmed and is now crisp with rapid-fire punch lines and zippy tunes that convey some real meaning. It's not the Great American Musical and it's not Shakespeare either, nor does it pretend to be.  It's played for fun but it's wonderfully human and poignant as well. There's a message here for everybody -- a message about family, hard work, endurance, struggle and facing life honestly and with a laugh. 

Sadly, some of this may be lost on those with a social media attention span. But that's their loss and an unfortunate reflection on our current state of the affairs.  

Simply put, no one on a Broadway stage right now is working harder or giving more of himself than Billy Crystal. And in this show he's at the top of his game in the grand tradition of so many show business troupers who came before him. And he generously pays homage to all of them. He's a grateful entertainer who loves the business and loves his audience.

What's more, this is an ensemble effort. The entire cast is superb -- David Paymer as his neglected brother, Randy Graff as his incredibly durable wife, Soshana Bean as his daughter, Chasten Harmon as his agent and Jordan Gelber, Brian Gonzales and Mylinda Hull as his longtime sidekicks.

At times you have to wonder why all these people hang in there for and with Buddy. But the Billy side of Buddy always comes through and how can you turn away from that?

THIS is entertainment. This is a star giving his all. This puts the comedy back into musical comedy. It's laugh-out-loud funny all the way.

If that's not enough for 'ya all we can say is ver farblondjet!

No, Joe: They're NOT Their Children, Or Yours!

Biden to teachers: “They're not somebody else's children. They're yours when you're in the classroom." pic.twitter.com/iiBdxNkqOC

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) April 27, 2022

They're NOT everybody's children, Joe. 

And they're not YOUR children. 

And, they're not the teachers' children either -- even when they are in the classroom. 

They are simply temporarily loaned to the school and the teachers for a limited period of time.

Don't ever forget this!

This Looks Like It'll Be Lots Of Fun!

 

Let's face It: NJ Has A Serious CRIME Problem!

With evidence mounting showing a direct correlation between New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s policies of early release and easy treatment of convicted criminals and the sharp rise in of criminal activity across Monmouth County – Assemblymembers Victoria Flynn and Gerry Scharfenberger (LD13-R’s) have requested answers from the N.J. Attorney General’s Office as to what his office intends to do to stem the rising tide of crime:

 

“Over the past few months, there has been a steady increase of car thefts and home burglaries throughout Monmouth County. Constituents reach out to us on a daily basis asking for help. They know there have been changes to law enforcement protocols that prevent law enforcement from addressing these issues and they want their legislators to take action,” Assemblywoman Flynn stated. “It’s clear that the Governor’s administration has implemented policies that handcuff law enforcement while showing preferential treatment to convicted criminals - the public is fed up with jeopardizing the safety of our communities to implement liberal, failed policies.” 

 

“The recent surge in crime, in particular auto thefts is being fueled and exacerbated by two main factors, the Attorney General’s overly restrictive rules on police response to crime, and bail reform which allows prisoners out onto the street almost immediately. Bail reform is allowing dangerous criminals back out onto the street, as one police chief put it, before the ink is dry on the police report,” said Assemblyman Scharfenberger. “This cannot be allowed to continue, failing to act is putting our residents’ lives at stake.”

 

In the request sent to New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin last week, the legislators have called into question the December directives passed down from the office to police departments that purposefully prevent law enforcement from protecting and serving their communities. The legislators want these disastrous policies changed as well as an immediate plan to deal with the growing crime epidemic impacting their towns as a result of Trenton’s actions:

 

“Under the Attorney General‘s guidelines, police are not allowed to pursue an individual in a stolen car even if they are just pulling away from the scene. As a result, criminals confidently smile at the police and go on their merry way with their stolen property. This needs to stop now, we want answers before this situation gets worse,” Scharfenberger continued. 

 

“We do not have to look far to see the dangerous impact similar policies have had; case in point, the crime waves encompassing New York City illustrates exactly what will happen across New Jersey in the near future if we don’t act. This criminal utopia created by the administration needs to come to an end before it is too late,” concluded Flynn.

 

Assemblywoman Flynn and Assemblyman Scharfenberger plan on having open forum discussions with community leaders and police departments as well as advocate for policing policy changes until new policies are enacted.

Now THIS Is Quite A Collection!

Good riddance to all of 'em!

 

Voters Blame Biden For Gas Prices, Divided Nation

President Joe Biden has tried to shift blame for the spike in gasoline prices and he's argued that the hike is a transitory matter and not that serious. But most voters aren’t buying his excuses.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 84% of likely U.S. voters believe the rising price of gasoline, home heating oil and other petroleum products is a serious problem, including 61% who say it’s a very serious problem. Only 15% don’t think rising fuel prices are a serious problem. These findings are virtually unchanged since November. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

And there's more . . . . 

Two-thirds of voters think America has become more divided since Joe Biden was elected president.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 66% of likely U.S. voters believe America is now more divided than it was before the 2020 election. That’s slightly higher than when Rasmussen asked the same question last October. Just 12% now think the country has become more united since Biden’s election, while 18% say it has remained about the same. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

This Show Is Worth Your Immediate Attention!

GET TICKETS NOW BROADWAY NEWS RAVES, BILL T. JONES' EXPANSIVE CHOREOGRAPHY IS ASTOUNDING  IN ITS DENSITY AND GORGEOUS IN APPEARANCE." CLICK BELOW FOR A SNEAK PEEK NEW YORK, 1863. As the Civil War rages on, free Black Americans and Irish immigrants live and love together in the unlikeliest of neighborhoods — the dangerous streets and crumbling tenement houses of Lower Manhattan's notorious Five Points slum. Within this galvanizing story of racial harmony undone by a country at war with itself, we meet the denizens of a local saloon called Paradise Square — all with conflicting notions of what it means to be an American while living through one of the most tumultuous eras in our country's history. With visceral and nuanced staging and choreography that captures the pulsating energy when Black and Irish cultures meet, and set to a contemporary score that reimagines early American song, Paradise Square depicts an overlooked true-life moment when hope and possibility shone bright. PARADISESQUAREMUSICAL.COM

CLICK HERE to read our review of Paradise Square!

The Very Definition Of DEPRAVITY . . .

This is just another example of the depravity of Philadelphia and how the city is rotting -- literally rotting away. And it's evident pretty much everywhere -- no matter where you turn. People may say that they're "outraged" at this but far too many people are distracted, detached, indifferent or simply numbed into a sort of benign acceptance). NOTHING shocks them anymore and apparently nothing will jolt them to some type of awakening. Sadly, Philadelphia (and much of the broader society) is morally defunct.

"Get The Best, Get The Best, Get Sealtest!"

 

A Movie That Will Get You Thinking!

- April 26, 2022 -

Statement by Donald J. Trump, 45th President  of the United States of America

An incredible new film by Dinesh D’Souza exposes massive and determinative ballot harvesting in the 2020 Election. Congratulations to Dinesh, Catherine Englebrecht, and all of the incredible Patriots at True the Vote who worked so hard exposing this great election fraud. Everyone should get your tickets early for the premiere next week. Watch it and spread it everywhere, it (among many other things) proves the 2020 Election was Rigged and Stolen! Visit the website here. Get your tickets here. Attend the virtual premiere here.

Why's It Happening So Fast? Money Talks!

 

A Few Words From Elon Musk . . .

🚀💫♥️ Yesss!!! ♥️💫🚀 pic.twitter.com/0T9HzUHuh6

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 25, 2022

By “free speech”, I simply mean that which matches the law.

I am against censorship that goes far beyond the law.

If people want less free speech, they will ask government to pass laws to that effect.

Therefore, going beyond the law is contrary to the will of the people.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 26, 2022

A Comedy Clasic That Hasn't Been Topped!

A Fascinating Letter From The Archives . . .

 

A Soaring, Ambitious, EPIC New Musical!

 

It's not often that an epic musical arrives on Broadway, especially these days when production costs are higher than they've ever been.

But Paradise Square is exactly that -- epic! With a cast of 40, an orchestra almost as big, huge production numbers and a story that takes in a breathtaking sweep of history, this show is very ambitious. And, well it should be as it's brought to Broadway by Garth Drabinsky, the same man who gave us Ragtime. There are 24 musical numbers in Paradise Square set amidst a sprawling set that provides plenty of room for some of the most dazzling choreography (by Bill T. Jones) ever seen on Broadway, including lots of Irish step dancing. And the music by Jason Howard (with additional music by Larry Kirwan) is inspired in part by the great American songwriter Stephen Foster who happens to be a character in the show. 

Paradise Square is set downtown in New York in the era leading up to and including the Civil War. The action takes place around an intersection know as Five Points and much of it is through the eyes of the story's protagonist, played by Joaquina Kalukango. It purports to tell the story of racial harmony gone caput under the weight of war, strife, social pressures and outright hatred. At the core of the story are two interracial love affairs. 

In Paradise Square, as described by the producers themselves, "we meet the denizens of a local saloon: the indomitable Black woman who owns it; her Irish-Catholic sister-in-law and her Black minister husband; a conflicted newly arrived Irish immigrant; a fearless freedom seeker; an anti-abolitionist political boss, and a penniless songwriter trying to capture it all." These people have conflicting notions of what it means to be an American while living through one of the most tumultuous eras in our country’s history.

So much happens in this show that it becomes hard to explain it all and, invariably, hard to keep track of it all. Characters seem to come and go, slip in and out of the story and you almost need a sore card to stay abreast of it. But the voices are all excellent, the acting is compelling (even when it's a bit over the top), the music is often soaring and the stage (even though often dimly or darkly lit) seems to throb with an intensity that befits the subject matter. 

Holding it all together is Kalukango who certainly has the most powerful and commanding voice on Broadway today. When she sings Let It Burn (the ultimate 11 o'clock number) it quite literally brings the house down. This is Tony Award stuff! And there's also wonderful choral singing in the show which has moments that are nothing short of thrilling. There's an amalgamation of music and dance forms as cultures are thrown together in what is termed "an accidental society".

This show has been around in one form or another for quite some time. It premiered at the Berkeley Repertoire Theater in 2019 but the musical is based on Hard Times, originally conceived by Kirwan, which was originally presented at the intimate Off-Broadway theatre, Nancy Manocherian’s the cell, in 2012. There's been plenty of time to rework it and tighten it but it would take someone like George Abbott or Michael Bennet or Hal Prince to do that sort of tedious pruning. And none of them are around anymore.

And how do you gain control of a "square" with five points? So, just like this turbulent time in our history that it depicts, Paradise Square is a bit messy. But it's also provocative, captivating, melodic, vibrant, thought-provoking and riveting. And in an era when so many Broadway shows are tiny, tinny and seemingly deaf to melody, this is unquestionably worth seeing! 

Let's hope it finds an enthusiastic audience to spread its message far and wide.

And Now, The Moment Is Upon Us . . .

 

Christie Speaks Out On Ukraine, Hunter Scandal

Some Solid Advice As New Week Begins!

Italian-Americans United To Preserve, Advance Identity!

A Culture in the Balance: Italian American Leaders Turn Vision into Action with Landmark Trip to Italy

A 32-person Italian American delegation, assembled by COPOMIAO President Basil M. Russo, will visit Rome in May to meet with Italy’s top leaders, dignitaries, and Pope Francis — all to deepen our prominence, influence, and cultural roots.    The journey to elevate the visibility and influence of Italian Americans in our society began for me in early 2021, after I was elected to lead the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO). Still mired in the pandemic at that time, it all felt like a darkening dream: toppled Columbus statues, renamed holidays, canceled feast day celebrations, the loss of loved ones and the end of many Italian American shops and eateries. Covid also applied further strain to longstanding issues in our community, i.e., a growing generational divide between old and young, fading traditions and an absence of national unity. It all needed to change.    Our Culture on the Line   In the late 1800s and the early 1900s, many of our ancestors fled southern Italy to escape famine, disease, natural disasters and crushing poverty. The journey was hellish, and our culturally formative years in America were marred by violence and suppression that included some 50 lynchings of Italian immigrants. Our ancestors persevered, but over the last 40 years, with each passing generation, we’ve watched our heritage and our history gradually slip away. With that in mind, I knew 2021 would need to be a transformative year, I knew it would take all of us to regain our cultural footing, and I now know that our recent initiatives have sparked a revival within our community that our forebears would be proud of.     The International Stage My fellow presidents and I turned COPOMIAO — a relatively inactive 36-member East Coast umbrella organization — into a bustling, 54-member national nonprofit. Next, we organized three virtual National Summit Meetings that brought more than 400 Italian American organizations to the table. From there we created national committees comprised of hundreds of diligent Italian American volunteers to address issues of mutual concern. Since then, we have saved several Columbus monuments, we’re currently organizing a robust youth summit in Florida this October, and we’re working with dignitaries and leaders across the Italian Republic to cement COPOMIAO’s international prominence.    This diplomatic collaboration was launched in December when Mariangela Zappia, Italy’s first female ambassador to the U.S., agreed to my request to host a reception for 55 of our national leaders at her residence in Washington DC.  During that meeting we struck a landmark partnership to strengthen cultural relations, foster new trade, and bolster advocacy-related initiatives.   A Giant Leap for Italian America   We are now building upon this strategic relationship by taking a delegation of 32 Italian American representatives overseas to meet with political leaders in Rome and at the Vatican.  We leave in mid-May, and our itinerary includes meetings with the Deputy of Foreign Affairs for the Italian Republic, Representatives of the Italian Senate and Chamber of Deputies, Justices of the Italian Supreme Court, as well as a meeting with the Vatican's Secretary of State, and a Papal audience.     Ultimately, the goal is to imagine what progress looks like next year, in five years, in a decade. Our ancestors taught us to aspire, and now’s the time to put their principled and faithful vision into action.  By working together, we can amplify our collective voice, and assume a more important role in influencing our country’s collective culture — all while strengthening ties to Italia and to our Church.  Italian Americans have always made great contributions throughout history, and we need to ensure that we are in a strong position to continue to do so moving forward. Our ambitious planning and unified approach will give us the momentum to reach this goal. We’ll give a detailed report on all the developments related to our historic international trip in a special e-newsletter within the next few weeks. Thank you to all who are attending this historic trip, and a special thank you to the thousands who are standing behind this effort.

Respectfully, Basil M. Russo  President Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations

‌

Reconnecting with Our Youth Committee John Viola, Co-Chair Stephanie Longo, Co-Chair   Charitable Activities Committee Frank DeFrank, Co-Chair Joseph Sciame, Co-Chair   Museums and Cultural Institutions Committee Joseph Scelsa, Chair Marianna Gatto, Co-Chair Frank Maselli, Co-Chair Gina Biancardi, Co-Chair   Italian Language Committee Berardo Paradiso, Chair Save Columbus Committee Robert Ferrito, Chair Frank Lorenzo, Co-Chair Mary Kovach, Co-Chair Tom Damigella, Co-Chair  Sub-Committee Co-Chairs: Robert Petrone William Cerruti Angelo Vivolo John Fratta Donna DeSanctis Charles Marsala Robert M. Ferrito Andre Dimino Frank Lorenzo Mike Santo Public Policy William Cerruti, Co-Chair Aileen Sirey-Riotto, Co-Chair

Case Ya Didn't Know, This Is How It's Done!

 

Video: Learn A Second Language INSTANTLY!

 

Cherry Hill's Blossoms In Full Bloom RIGHT NOW!

 Don't delay . . . see this spectacle NOW!

The Cherry blossoms are in vivid bloom along Chapel Avenue in Cherry Hill, N. J.

Get on over to Chapel Avenue this week or you'll miss them.
And, trust me, you don't want to miss this!

Along a dazzling two mile stretch from Haddonfield Road to Kings Highway the blossoms create bright ribbons of pink. Through the day the color varies slightly as the sun and the clouds help to create a feast for the eyes. And the blossoms vary somewhat by shading and color depending upon whether you are moving east or west along Chapel Avenue.

Walking under the blossoms along the sidewalk on either side of the street is a sensual delight.

But this incredible show only lasts for a week or two so you must hurry if you want to see some of the most magnificent clustered blossoms anywhere.
The blossoms were the brainchild of Joe Zanghi, a visionary Cherry Hill resident who began planting them (along with dozens of volunteers, most notably Cherry Hill firefighters) decades ago. They are a true labor of love by public-spirited citizens -- a gift to the entire community and the region.
These are huge, fancy, clustered blossoms.

Drive slowly, cycle or walk under the blossoms and soak up every magical moment!

You Won't Wanna Miss This One!

The movie opens in select theaters and will stream soon!

Remembering Senator Orrin Hatch, A Patriot . . .

- April 23, 2022 -

Statement by Donald J. Trump, 45th President  of the United States of America

I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family of the great Senator Orrin Hatch, his wife Elaine, and his six children. Orrin was a true warrior for our Country, for liberty, and for his beloved state of Utah. He was as wise as he was kind, and as tough as he was smart—he loved America and his contributions to our Country were tremendous. His legacy will surely live on through the many lives he impacted. May God bless Orrin Hatch.

A Beautiful Statement By And For Kids!

The Archdiocesan Office for Child and Youth Protection (OCYP) will partner with Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School in Maple Glen (Montgomery County) to host the Archdiocesan 2022 Blue Pinwheel Awareness Garden. 

The garden is being planted in observance of “National Child Abuse Prevention Month,” which is commemorated annually during the month of April. The garden is part of a national movement, “Pinwheels for Prevention.” It is as a grass roots initiative sponsored by Prevent Child Abuse America. 

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Saint Alphonsus Church 

33 Conwell Drive

Maple Glen, PA 19002 (Montgomery County)

Portions of the event will be live streamed from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Schools Facebook page @ AOPSschools.

Approximately 460 students in grades Pre-K through 8 will work collaboratively with school faculty and administration as well as OCYP staff to plant 500 pinwheels. Monsignor Brian Hennessy, Pastor of Saint Alphonsus Parish; Monsignor Stephen McHenry, Pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua Parish in Ambler (Montgomery County); Father Joseph Rymdeika, Pastor, Saint Catherine of Siena Parish in Horsham (Montgomery County); Ms. Leslie Davila, Director of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Child and Youth Protection; Andrew McLaughlin, Ed.D. Secretary for Elementary Education; and Mrs. Marianne Finnegan, Principal, Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School will be in attendance. 

Monsignor Hennessy will lead the OLM school community in prayer followed by brief remarks from Ms. Davila. OLM students will then walk from inside the Church outside to the statue of the Holy Family. 

Monsignor Hennessy, Monsignor McHenry, Father Rymdeika, Ms. Davila, Mrs. Finnegan, and Dr. McLaughlin will plant the first six pinwheels and the student body will plant the remainder. Following the planting of the pinwheel garden, Ms. Davila and OCYP staff members will visit classrooms with the pastors, principal and administrators from the Office of Catholic Education. 

In addition to Pinwheels for Prevention, OCYP sponsored a number of events and activities during the month of April including the observance of Blue Sunday (April 24) and Blue Monday (April 25). For more information about OCYP, please visit childyouthprotection.org/. 

Background on the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for Child and Youth Protection

The Archdiocesan Office for Child and Youth Protection is comprised of caring professionals whose purpose is to support the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s commitment to create and maintain safe environments for the children who attend its churches, schools, and programs. Provide compassionate and supportive assistance to individuals who have been the victims/survivors of child sexual abuse and their family members.

The Archdiocesan schools and parish religious education programs offer age-appropriate child abuse prevention and technology safety instruction annually. During the 2020-2021 school year, 93,814 students in our Elementary, Secondary and Parish Religious Education program received Child Abuse prevention lessons. In addition, in 2020-2021, 1,902 adults where trained how to recognize and report abuse as mandated reporters.

OCYP takes its direction from The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of future acts of abuse. 

Note: For more information on the work and resources offered by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for Child & Youth Protection, please visit childyouthprotection.org/. For information about Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit aopcatholicschools.org/. For information about Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School, please visit www.olmrcs.com/.