Naked Cyclists Flood Philly Streets; First Photos

 FIRST PHOTOS!

 PHILLY NAKED BIKE RIDE!

SEPTEMBER 4, 2011

Naked bicyclists overwhelmed Center City Philadelphia late today as they cycled from the scenic River Drive, around posh Rittenhouse Square, down Market Street, through Independence Hall (just a few pedals from the Liberty Bell) and north to the Piazza at Schmidts in the funky Northern Liberties neighborhood.
The whole thing went off without a hitch with as many as a thousand or more pedal-powered participants receiving cheers from bystanders, gawkers and sidewalk diners along the route.
The weather was perfect and the view was -- well, you can see it here.
The Philly Naked Bike Ride is designed to promote bike-riding as an alternative to gas guzzling. It's part of an international movement. The organizers say they are interested in "fuel-conscious consumption." They claim this is their only message.
This was the third annual naked bike ride through the streets of Philadelphia. The first seven-mile Philly Naked Bike Ride in 2009 was counted as a big success with far fewer participating. The event seems to get bigger every year.
Do you have to be naked to participate? No. And some people weren't naked. It's a very public event and the extent to which participants disrobe is their own choice.
The local police were aware of the ride and monitored it. They didn't anticipate any problems just so long as the bike riders kept moving -- and as long as they did not engage in lewd behavior.
To our knowledge, there were no problems.
All photos copyright 2011, Dan Cirucci.

Christie: Aid Now Approved For All 21 NJ Counties

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today announced that the federal government has approved New Jersey’s request for disaster assistance for New Jerseyans impacted by Hurricane Irene in all 21 counties. Individual and public assistance were approved for Burlington, Hudson, Ocean and Union counties, and individual assistance was approved for Mercer county, following the public assistance eligibility granted yesterday. Every New Jersey county has now been approved for both individual and public assistance by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

New Jersey residents and small businesses in all 21 counties are now eligible to apply for different types of federal assistance, including temporary housing, repair, replacement or other needs such as Disaster Unemployment Assistance, and Small Business Administration disaster loans.

Public assistance eligibility for all 21 counties allows state, eligible local governments, and certain nonprofit organizations to apply for federal funding on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Irene.

Survivors of Hurricane Irene in every New Jersey county who suffered damage should apply for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency – even if they have insurance or aren’t sure they are eligible.

Register by phone at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for those with hearing or speech impairments. Specialists are standing by at the toll-free numbers seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, until further notice. Help in other languages is available. Or you can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.You can also apply through a web-enabled mobile device or smartphone by visiting m.fema.gov and following the link to “apply online for federal assistance.”

Brooks & Cavett Together September 9 On HBO!

You won't want to miss this: Mel Brooks and Dick Cavett Together Again, an hour-long special featuring the two comedy greats in conversation onstage before a live audience, will debut Friday, September 9 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.

Don't Buy The Myth About Labor Day!

It's Just a Lull, While Summer Lingers

 

They say that summer's over;
Don't believe them, just remember,
Summer doesn't really end till the 23rd of September.
Summer's glow will linger with sea breezes and warm days;
As summer's spirit follows you in a million different ways.
Don't let them lull you into disbelief in nature's natural plan;
You've still got time to catch the sun and deepen that fine tan.
Labor Day is artificial but the calendar doesn't lie.
Fall may be upon us, but summer will not die!

 

copyright 2010 by Dan Cirucci

NJ: 16 Of 21 Counties Now Eligible For FEMA Help

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has announced that the federal government has approved disaster assistance for New Jerseyans impacted by Hurricane Irene in additional counties, providing direct assistance to individuals and households in the aftermath of the historic hurricane. Individuals in a total of 16 New Jersey counties are now eligible for federal disaster relief. Governor Christie previously requested assistance for all 21 New Jersey counties, but damage assessments need to be concluded before individual assistance can be granted to the remaining counties of Burlington, Hudson, Mercer, Ocean and Union.

New Jersey residents and small businesses in the following 16 counties are now eligible for Individual Assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Atlantic, Bergen, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren.

Eligibility allows New Jerseyans to apply for different types of assistance, including temporary housing, repair, replacement or other needs such as Disaster Unemployment Assistance, and Small Business Administration disaster loans.

All 16 of the counties have also been approved by the federal government as eligible for public assistance, which includes federal funding. Additionally, Mercer County was also approved for public assistance. Funding also is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Irene. Survivors of Hurricane Irene who suffered damage should apply for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency – even if they have insurance or aren’t sure they are eligible.

Residents of the five counties that have yet to be declared eligible for individual assistance by the federal government are being encouraged to begin the process of registering with FEMA for relief.

Register by phone at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for those with hearing or speech impairments. Specialists are standing by at the toll-free numbers seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, until further notice. Help in other languages is available. Or you can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.You can also apply through a web-enabled mobile device or smartphone by visiting m.fema.gov and following the link to “apply online for federal assistance.”

Catholicism: It Isn't What You Think It Is

Click here  and also here for more information on the new book and video series entitled Catholicism: A Journey To The Heart Of The Faith.

NJ: Banks, State Team Up To Help Business Recover

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno have announced that the Board of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) will review a temporary expansion of its Main Street Business Assistance Program on Tuesday, September 6, to support disaster recovery efforts. The Main Street Disaster Relief Program was specifically designed to ensure that New Jersey businesses impacted by Hurricane Irene have access to capital to improve their damaged property while awaiting insurance proceeds.

To support the recovery of New Jersey’s businesses and protect the overall economic interests of our state, Governor Christie and Lt. Governor Guadagno announced a series of business assistance services last week through the collective efforts of the Partnership for Action, which includes the Business Action Center (BAC), the EDA and Choose New Jersey, in addition to the Departments of Banking and Insurance, Community Affairs and Labor and Workforce Development.

New Jersey has coordinated a range of multi-agency resources to support our business community during this challenging time,” said Governor Christie. “By partnering with banks and expanding access to capital in this expeditious manner, we will be able to provide a financial lifeline to businesses and help sustain New Jersey’s economic vibrancy.”

The Main Street Disaster Relief Program would temporarily increase the benefits of the guarantee EDA offers on lines of credit. Currently, the Main Street Business Assistance Program includes an EDA line of credit guarantee of up to $250,000. If it is approved by the Board on Tuesday, line of credit guarantees will be temporarily increased to up to $500,000 and made available to businesses that were damaged in the hurricane in order to provide them the necessary financial resources as they await insurance proceeds. EDA offers line of credit guarantees only through its Preferred Lenders; however, this temporary disaster relief effort will also make available line of credit guarantees to EDA Participating Banks as well. The line of credit guarantees will be limited to the lesser of $500,000 or 50 percent the line of credit outstanding at the time of default.

"The Main Street Disaster Relief Program is all about helping our businesses resume operations as quickly as possible in the wake of last week’s hurricane,” said Lt. Governor Guadagno. “Our banking partners are a critical part of this effort, and we encourage impacted business owners across the state to reach out to their banks to find out if this program can help.”

Applicants will have until December 31, 2011 to apply for assistance through the Main Street Disaster Relief Program. Businesses must be in operation for at least two years to be eligible and applicants must be in good standing with their bank. Additional eligibility and terms for the EDA line of credit guarantee through the Main Street Business Assistance Program will remain for this temporary relief effort, which is available to businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

“TD Bank is committed to offering New Jersey sound and beneficial lending programs, and we applaud the Governor’s quick action in advancing a program that will provide critical support to those businesses and not-for-profits that require immediate capital as they await insurance proceeds,” said D. Nicholas Miceli, Market President, TD Bank, NA.

Businesses impacted by the hurricane are encouraged to call their lending institution as a first step. For a list of the EDA’s Preferred Lenders and Participating Banks, click here.

The Main Street Disaster Relief Program is one component of the host of business recovery assistance services announced by Governor Christie and Lt. Governor Guadagno last week. In addition, BAC’s Business Call Center is also the one-stop resource for more information on how to get businesses back up and running. Information for all services may be easily accessed through BAC by calling 1-866-534-7789 or through the state’s business portal at www.newjerseybusiness.gov.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: Significant Rainfall!

The Philadelphia region faces the prospect of significant rainfall beginning on Labor Day and continuing into the new week. Note that this includes many portions of New Jersey. Here's the official alert from the National Weather Service:

Periods of heavy rain are possible Monday night into Wednesday. There is potential for flooding...especially if amounts on any day can exceed two inches. This potential relies heavily on the moisture contribution of tropical cyclone Lee. Its far too early /4 to 5 days in advance/ to express confidence for any amounts and possible small Stream flooding. However...those who live in areas that flooded last week...primarily along the interstate 95 corridor...from Monmouth County through Philadelphia and Wilmington northwestward into northeast Maryland...eastern Pennsylvania and northwest New Jersey should monitor forecasts the next several days regarding the potential for more heavy rain and associated runoff responses.

Summer ISN'T Over Until September 23!

Don't be fooled by the myth that summer ends on Labor Day.
Remember: Summer doesn't REALLY end till September 23.
So, there are still nearly three weeks of summer to go. That leaves you plenty of time to savor summer's late-blooming joys. And there's plenty to savor.
You can still find beautiful blooms, tall trees, lush meadows, rocks, creeks, inviting pathways and warm ocean waters.
Open your eyes, s-l-o-w  d-o-w-n  and take note of your surroundings. Nature is still displaying her summer finery with deep greens and vivid blossoms. In fact, this is one of the most stunningly gorgeous times of the year. It's dazzling!
And right now we're being treated to refreshingly cool weather.
So get out -- explore and enjoy!
This period just before Labor Day is also a good time to kick back and put things in perspective.
Get your priorities in order.
If you're in good health and there are people around you who love you and care about you, consider yourself very fortunate. Ditto if you work in a profession or a job environment that you truly enjoy. You are blessed.
Family. Faith. Freedom. Health and well being. Good friends and loved ones. A sense of daily, worthwhile accomplishment. All of these are invaluable.
And we learn an important lesson when we learn to treasure these precious intangibles.
We've also earned the right to simply do nothing for a moment or two. So, clear your mind and gaze at the summer sky.
Then, as the fall season approaches think about what you're going to do to help others. Because in the end that is often the source of true contentment, of fulfillment in life. For my part, I highly recommending mentoring -- passing something along to the future generations. But you can choose your own approach; your own road to reaching out.
Pay attention as the days pass and autumn approaches.
Learn to savor every moment, every season, every one of life's simple pleasures.

Naked Bike Ride Set For Tomorrow (9/4) In Philly

Photo from 2010 Philly Naked Bike Ride copyright 2010 by Dan Cirucci.

Philadelphia's Naked Bike Ride is set for tomorrow, Sunday (September 4) at dusk.
The ride is designed to promote bike-riding as an alternative to gas guzzling. The organizers say they are interested in "fuel-conscious consumption." They claim this is their only message.
This will be the third annual naked bike ride through the streets of Philadelphia. The first seven-mile Philly Naked Bike Ride in 2009 was counted as a big success with hundreds participating. This year, thousands are expected.
Do you have to be naked to participate? No.
The extent to which you disrobe is your choice. It's entirely up to you.
The local police are aware of the ride and will be monitoring it. But they don't anticipate any problems just so long as the bike riders keep moving -- and as long as they do not engage in lewd behavior.
So, where does the naked bike ride begin and where does it end? What's the route?
You have to subscribe to Philly Naked Bike Ride e-mails to find out. Go to www.phillynakedbikeride.org