Monday, April 2, 2018
How Did He Become Tops At What He Does?
From Italy, with love: Dan Cirucci chats with one of Philly's hottest young designers. Fascinating!
Yes, It's Three Years And !8 Counts Later . . .
NJGOP would like to wish a happy anniversary to Senator Menendez. It has been 3 years since he was indicted on corruption charges.
This year, New Jersey’s over five million registered voters will finally have a chance to render their verdict on Senator Bob Menendez’s record.
As a reminder, here are all 18 counts from April 2015:
Count 1
Charges U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez and his friend, Florida ophthalmologist Salomon Melgen, with conspiracy to commit bribery and honest services wire fraud.
Count 2
Charges Menendez and Melgen with violating the federal Travel Act by traveling interstate and internationally with the intent to facilitate the unlawful activity of bribery.
Count 3
Charges Menendez with bribery, alleging that as a public official, he directly and indirectly sought, accepted and agreed to receive items of value in return for being influenced to perform an official act.
Count 4
Charges Melgen with bribery, alleging that he directly and indirectly gave, offered and promised an item of value to a public official with the intention of influencing an official act as opportunities arose.
Count 5
Charges Menendez with bribery, alleging that as a public official, he directly and indirectly sought, accepted and agreed to accept an item of value in return for being influenced to perform an official act as opportunities arose.
Count 6
Charges Melgen with bribery, alleging that he directly and indirectly gave, offered and promised an item of value to a public official with the intention of influencing an official act as opportunities arose.
Count 7
Charges Menendez with bribery, alleging that as a public official, he directly and indirectly sought, accepted and agreed to accept an item of value in return for being influenced to perform an official act as opportunities arose.
Count 8
Charges Melgen with bribery, alleging that he directly and indirectly gave, offered and promised an item of value to a public official with the intention of influencing an official act as opportunities arose.
Count 9
Charges Menendez with bribery, alleging that as a public official, he directly and indirectly sought, accepted and agreed to accept an item of value in return for being influenced to perform an official act as opportunities arose.
Count 10
Charges Melgen with bribery, alleging that he directly and indirectly gave, offered and promised an item of value to a public official with the intention of influencing an official act as opportunities arose.
Count 11
Charges Menendez with bribery, alleging that as a public official, he directly and indirectly sought, accepted and agreed to accept an item of value in return for being influenced to perform an official act as opportunities arose.
Count 12
Charges Melgen with bribery, alleging that he directly and indirectly gave, offered and promised an item of value to a public official with the intention of influencing an official act as opportunities arose.
Count 13
Charges Menendez with bribery, alleging that as a public official, he directly and indirectly sought, accepted and agreed to accept an item of value in return for being influenced to perform an official act as opportunities arose.
Count 14
Charges Melgen with bribery, alleging that he directly and indirectly gave, offered and promised an item of value to a public official with the intention of influencing an official act as opportunities arose.
Count 15
Charges Menendez and Melgen with honest services fraud and wire fraud, alleging that between January 2006 and January 2013 they devised a scheme to deprive the United States and the citizens of New Jersey of their right to Menendez’s honest services through bribery.
Count 16
Charges Menendez and Melgen with honest services fraud and wire fraud, alleging that between January 2006 and January 2013 they devised a scheme to deprive the United States and the citizens of New Jersey of their right to Menendez’s honest services through bribery.
Count 17
Charges Menendez and Melgen with honest services fraud and wire fraud, alleging that between January 2006 and January 2013 they devised a scheme to deprive the United States and the citizens of New Jersey of their right to Menendez’s honest services through bribery.
Count 18
Charges Menendez with making false statements, a violation of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, which requires all United States senators to file an annual financial disclosure form reporting, among other things, income, gifts, and financial interests from the previous calendar year.
.
As a reminder, here are all 18 counts from April 2015:
Count 1
Charges U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez and his friend, Florida ophthalmologist Salomon Melgen, with conspiracy to commit bribery and honest services wire fraud.
Count 2
Charges Menendez and Melgen with violating the federal Travel Act by traveling interstate and internationally with the intent to facilitate the unlawful activity of bribery.
Count 3
Charges Menendez with bribery, alleging that as a public official, he directly and indirectly sought, accepted and agreed to receive items of value in return for being influenced to perform an official act.
Count 4
Charges Melgen with bribery, alleging that he directly and indirectly gave, offered and promised an item of value to a public official with the intention of influencing an official act as opportunities arose.
Count 5
Charges Menendez with bribery, alleging that as a public official, he directly and indirectly sought, accepted and agreed to accept an item of value in return for being influenced to perform an official act as opportunities arose.
Count 6
Charges Melgen with bribery, alleging that he directly and indirectly gave, offered and promised an item of value to a public official with the intention of influencing an official act as opportunities arose.
Count 7
Charges Menendez with bribery, alleging that as a public official, he directly and indirectly sought, accepted and agreed to accept an item of value in return for being influenced to perform an official act as opportunities arose.
Count 8
Charges Melgen with bribery, alleging that he directly and indirectly gave, offered and promised an item of value to a public official with the intention of influencing an official act as opportunities arose.
Count 9
Charges Menendez with bribery, alleging that as a public official, he directly and indirectly sought, accepted and agreed to accept an item of value in return for being influenced to perform an official act as opportunities arose.
Count 10
Charges Melgen with bribery, alleging that he directly and indirectly gave, offered and promised an item of value to a public official with the intention of influencing an official act as opportunities arose.
Count 11
Charges Menendez with bribery, alleging that as a public official, he directly and indirectly sought, accepted and agreed to accept an item of value in return for being influenced to perform an official act as opportunities arose.
Count 12
Charges Melgen with bribery, alleging that he directly and indirectly gave, offered and promised an item of value to a public official with the intention of influencing an official act as opportunities arose.
Count 13
Charges Menendez with bribery, alleging that as a public official, he directly and indirectly sought, accepted and agreed to accept an item of value in return for being influenced to perform an official act as opportunities arose.
Count 14
Charges Melgen with bribery, alleging that he directly and indirectly gave, offered and promised an item of value to a public official with the intention of influencing an official act as opportunities arose.
Count 15
Charges Menendez and Melgen with honest services fraud and wire fraud, alleging that between January 2006 and January 2013 they devised a scheme to deprive the United States and the citizens of New Jersey of their right to Menendez’s honest services through bribery.
Count 16
Charges Menendez and Melgen with honest services fraud and wire fraud, alleging that between January 2006 and January 2013 they devised a scheme to deprive the United States and the citizens of New Jersey of their right to Menendez’s honest services through bribery.
Count 17
Charges Menendez and Melgen with honest services fraud and wire fraud, alleging that between January 2006 and January 2013 they devised a scheme to deprive the United States and the citizens of New Jersey of their right to Menendez’s honest services through bribery.
Count 18
Charges Menendez with making false statements, a violation of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, which requires all United States senators to file an annual financial disclosure form reporting, among other things, income, gifts, and financial interests from the previous calendar year.
.
Trending Upward And Showing Real, Daily Strength!
The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday shows that 50% of Likely U.S. Voters approve of President Trump’s job performance. Forty-nine percent (49%) disapprove.
The latest figures include 33% who Strongly Approve of the way the president is performing and 39% who Strongly Disapprove. This gives him a Presidential Approval Index rating of -6. (see trends).
Trump’s overall job approval rating is now running ahead of where Barack Obama’s was at this stage of his presidency.
Regular updates are posted Monday through Friday at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily email update).
Now that Gallup has quit the field, Rasmussen Reports is the only nationally recognized public opinion firm that still tracks President Trump's job approval ratings on a daily basis. If your organization is interested in a weekly or longer sponsorship of Rasmussen Reports' Daily Presidential Tracking Poll, please send e-mail to beth@rasmussenreports.com .
The latest figures include 33% who Strongly Approve of the way the president is performing and 39% who Strongly Disapprove. This gives him a Presidential Approval Index rating of -6. (see trends).
Trump’s overall job approval rating is now running ahead of where Barack Obama’s was at this stage of his presidency.
Regular updates are posted Monday through Friday at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily email update).
Now that Gallup has quit the field, Rasmussen Reports is the only nationally recognized public opinion firm that still tracks President Trump's job approval ratings on a daily basis. If your organization is interested in a weekly or longer sponsorship of Rasmussen Reports' Daily Presidential Tracking Poll, please send e-mail to beth@rasmussenreports.com .
A Beautiful, Timeless Tradition Lives On . . .
The White House Easter Egg Roll is a timeless tradition
Today, First Lady Melania Trump is hosting the 140th annual Easter Egg Roll on the White House’s South Lawn. The White House Easter Egg Roll is a timeless tradition that dates back to 1878 and the Presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes.
For the lucky winners of a public lottery held in February, this year’s festivities kicked off with a bright-and-early start at 7:30 a.m. They will continue well into this evening.
“On Easter Sunday, we proclaim with joy: ‘Christ is Risen,’” President Trump said in a video message to commemorate the Easter and Passover holidays. “We praise our Heavenly Father for the blessings of freedom and the gift of eternal life.”
Today, First Lady Melania Trump is hosting the 140th annual Easter Egg Roll on the White House’s South Lawn. The White House Easter Egg Roll is a timeless tradition that dates back to 1878 and the Presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes.
For the lucky winners of a public lottery held in February, this year’s festivities kicked off with a bright-and-early start at 7:30 a.m. They will continue well into this evening.
“On Easter Sunday, we proclaim with joy: ‘Christ is Risen,’” President Trump said in a video message to commemorate the Easter and Passover holidays. “We praise our Heavenly Father for the blessings of freedom and the gift of eternal life.”
Fighting reckless sanctuary policies
This week, President Trump used his weekly address to discuss the threat from lawless sanctuary jurisdictions in the United States—and to call upon Congress to act.
“In recent days, San Francisco officials denied ICE’s request to turn over a criminal alien with a prior conviction for battery and a charge for driving under the influence,” the President said. “In another city in California, local law enforcement recently denied ICE’s request to turn over a criminal alien convicted of Sexual Battery who had a history of domestic violence.”
The U.S. Constitution applies equally to every State in our Union. For any jurisdiction simply to disregard the rule of law is a brazen attack on our very system of government.
This week, President Trump used his weekly address to discuss the threat from lawless sanctuary jurisdictions in the United States—and to call upon Congress to act.
“In recent days, San Francisco officials denied ICE’s request to turn over a criminal alien with a prior conviction for battery and a charge for driving under the influence,” the President said. “In another city in California, local law enforcement recently denied ICE’s request to turn over a criminal alien convicted of Sexual Battery who had a history of domestic violence.”
The U.S. Constitution applies equally to every State in our Union. For any jurisdiction simply to disregard the rule of law is a brazen attack on our very system of government.
Infrastructure: What they’re saying
When President Trump traveled to Richfield, Ohio, last week to talk about his plan to rebuild American infrastructure, leaders from both government and industry paid close attention:
When President Trump traveled to Richfield, Ohio, last week to talk about his plan to rebuild American infrastructure, leaders from both government and industry paid close attention:
- “With more Americans working and the future finally looking up, Congress will continue to work with @POTUS to lay the foundation for decades of continued prosperity.” – House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy
- “The President is right. We must work together to update our failing roads & bridges.” – Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV)
- “We need to reform the processes that are holding projects back.” – Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO)
- “Like tax reform, a significant investment in our nation’s infrastructure has the power to supercharge manufacturing in America.” – National Association of Manufacturers President Jay Timmons
PHOTO OF THE DAY
The traditional decorated wooden Easter Eggs commemorating the 140th White House Easter Egg Roll | April 2, 2018 (Official White House Photo by Stephanie Chasez)
POTUS TODAY
This morning, President Trump and the First Lady hosted the White House Easter Egg Roll Breakfast Reception before hosting the White House Easter Egg Roll.
This afternoon, the President will meet with new National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow.
Haven't Heard From This Guy In Awhile . . .
With new ethics concerns over EPA Admin. Scott Pruitt, @ChrisChristie says: "This was a brutally unprofessional transition. This was a transition that didn’t vet people for this type of judgment issues… If Mr. Pruitt’s going to go, it’s because he never should’ve been there.” pic.twitter.com/ShKYt9bpN4— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) April 1, 2018
But now Chris Christie is back, he's on ABC-TV's This Week and he has some cautionary words for President Trump.
Sunday, April 1, 2018
LIVE! Tonight At 9 PM With Christine Flowers!
Dan Cirucci on the radio
TONIGHT!
9 PM on The Christine Flowers Show
1210, The Big Talker.
We'll be talking about the sensational
return of Roseanne and the Left's attempted boycott of Laura Ingraham.
Don't miss it!
The True Meaning Behind The Day . . .
1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
8 And they remembered his words,
9 And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.
10 It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.
11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.
And Now, Joyous Greetings Of Redemption To All!
May your day be filled with peace, joy, la famiglia and the blessings of this season of renewal and rejoicing.
This is a day to proclaim salvation and to give thanks for our faith; regaling in the hope of eternal life, the promise of the Trinity.
In Italy, Easter remains a day that celebrates life. And no group of people celebrates life as well as the Italians.
Although Italians do not decorate hard–boiled eggs nor do they have chocolate bunnies or pastel marshmallow chicks, the biggest Easter displays in bars, pastry shops, supermarkets, and especially at chocolatiers are brightly wrapped uova di Pasqua—chocolate Easter eggs—in sizes that range from 10 grams (1/3 ounce) to 8 kilos (nearly 18 pounds).
Most of them are made of milk chocolate in a mid–range, 10–ounce size by industrial chocolate makers.
Some producers distinguish between their chocolate eggs for children (sales numbers are a closely guarded secret, but the market for these standard quality eggs is said to be shrinking with Italy's birthrate) and expensive "adult" versions. All except the tiniest eggs contain a surprise. Grown–ups often find their eggs contain little silver picture frames or gold–dipped costume jewelry.
The very best eggs are handmade by artisans of chocolate, who offer the service of inserting a surprise supplied by the purchaser. Car keys, engagement rings, and watches are some of the high–end gifts that have been tucked into Italian chocolate eggs in Italy.
Our favorite Easter treats: chocolate coconut cream eggs (sinfully sweet), chocolate covered marshmallows, jelly beans of every color and flavor, sweet Italian Easter bread, hot cross buns and Peeps.
Buona Pasqua!
Unlocking The Mystery Behind Easter's Date . . .
Does Easter seem early this year?
It does to some of us.
So, how is the date for Easter determined?
Easter is calculated via the Easter dating method devised by Pope Gregory XIII and his astronomers and mathematicians.
According to the Gregorian calendar Easter is always one of the 35 dates between March 22 and April 25. The canonical rule is that Easter Day is the first Sunday after the 14th day of the lunar month (the nominal full moon) that falls on or after March 21 (nominally the day of the vernal equinox). So, this year Easter comes 11 days after the beginning of spring.
Next year Easter will fall on April 21 which is later than normal but seems more appealing. And in 2020 (the magical Year of Perfect Vision) Easter will fall on April 12, which seems about right.
One would expect that it would be a relatively chilly Easter this year -- in fact, here in the Philadelphia region they're calling for wet snow. UGH! And the week leading up to Easter has still been a bit cooler than normal.
But we actually remember balmy Easters in March and chilly Easters in April.
Why is the date of Christmas fixed while the date of Easter changes each year?
It does to some of us.
So, how is the date for Easter determined?
Easter is calculated via the Easter dating method devised by Pope Gregory XIII and his astronomers and mathematicians.
According to the Gregorian calendar Easter is always one of the 35 dates between March 22 and April 25. The canonical rule is that Easter Day is the first Sunday after the 14th day of the lunar month (the nominal full moon) that falls on or after March 21 (nominally the day of the vernal equinox). So, this year Easter comes 11 days after the beginning of spring.
Next year Easter will fall on April 21 which is later than normal but seems more appealing. And in 2020 (the magical Year of Perfect Vision) Easter will fall on April 12, which seems about right.
One would expect that it would be a relatively chilly Easter this year -- in fact, here in the Philadelphia region they're calling for wet snow. UGH! And the week leading up to Easter has still been a bit cooler than normal.
But we actually remember balmy Easters in March and chilly Easters in April.
Why is the date of Christmas fixed while the date of Easter changes each year?
That's a question for another time.
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