NAKED Haunted House Open This Friday (9/27)

Yes, Halloween is near.

And yes, it's haunted house time already.

So, if you love being scared this is your time of the year.

But what about if you want to be truly petrified? What if you wanna be literally scared outta your pants? Hmmm?

Where do you go for that?

Well, try Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania where a NAKED haunted house will be open this Friday (9/27). It's part of Shocktoberfest and the sponsors say it was inspired by the Discovery Channel's show "Naked and Afraid," in which two castaways must survive in the wild without any outer wear. Visitors are invited to strip down to nothing and enter one of Shocktoberfest's haunted houses completely nude.

Of course, if you don't wanna be naked you can enter an alternative haunted house and keep your clothes on.

For the naked haunted house, the sponsors have provided this disclaimer:

Shocktoberfest has created this experience so their customers can explore a new level of fear. This is about fear and pushing oneself out of their comfort zone. This is not about sex. No sexual misconduct, inappropriate or disrespectful behavior will be tolerated.
*Please note there is an additional cleaning charge if we scare the p*ss out of you!

Ten Things You Won't Find In Paris

Here are ten things you probably won't find in Paris:

1) Horn-honking drivers. Yes, there's lots of traffic in Paris. Lots of it! But as a general rule drivers don't lean on their car horns. You hear a lot more honking in New York, Philly and other big American cities.

2) Oatmeal. Not generally available - even at breakfast.

3) Sleek, modern, unadorned design. The French love ornamentation. Everything is embellished.

4) Nutra-Sweet brand or Sweet 'n Low brand sugar substitutes. Real sugar is preferred and often there is no alternative.

5) People talking on cell phones or texting while they're dining. Meal time is for live, in-person, face-to-face conversation and enjoyment of the moment and the meal. Period.

6) Margarine or other butter substitutes. No way!

7) Traffic signals that straddle intersections. More often than not you'll find the traffic light at the intersection, not suspended over your head.

8) Decaffeinated coffee. If you ask for it, they might not even know what the hell you're talking about. And they're proud of it.

9) Free museums and public attractions. There's no Smithsonian in France's capital city. Once a month they may let you in without a ticket. That's it.

10) Junk/snack foods and junk snackers. Ditto, ultra-sized soft drinks. You won't find racks full of potato chips, street-muching snackers and big gulpers.  Bonus byproduct: Less litter and fewer potbellies.

Tarasiewicz Will Direct Philadelphia Bar Association

The Board of Governors of the 13,000-member Philadelphia Bar Association, the oldest association of lawyers in the United States, today announced the selection of Mark A. Tarasiewicz as the Association’s new executive director. He will assume the duties of executive director on January 1, 2014.

Tarasiewicz, 45, succeeds Kenneth Shear who will retire on December 31, 2013, after a 37-year tenure as executive director of the 211-year-old Philadelphia Bar Association.

“The Philadelphia Bar Association has a national reputation for service to the public and the profession, so it was important to select a new executive director to carry on that proud tradition,” said Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Kathleen D. Wilkinson. “Our Board of Governors approved the recommendation of Mark by the Association’s Executive Director Search Committee with an eye on the future to help us continue to meet the needs of Philadelphia lawyers and the clients they serve.”

Tarasiewicz most recently has served as associate executive director of the Philadelphia Bar Association. In this role, he has directed the Association’s internal and external communications. He joined the Philadelphia Bar Association in March 1995 as Senior Public Relations Associate.

Tarasiewicz previously served as Managing Editor of the Pennsylvania Law Journal. He also served as Senior Communications Manager for global law firm Dechert LLP.

Tarasiewicz is a past President and Chairman of the Philadelphia Public Relations Association. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Public Relations Hall of Fame in 2012. He is a three-time recipient of the National Association of Bar Executives Luminary Award, as well as the Philadelphia Public Relations Association Fast Track Award. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Temple University, and is an adjunct professor in the Temple University graduate program in Strategic Communication. He has lectured for the National Association of Bar Executives, American Society of Association Executives, Public Relations Society of America, Penn State University, Villanova University and the University of the Arts.

“I am looking forward to working with our leadership, our members and our talented staff to continue the Philadelphia Bar Association’s great work and to prepare the Association for both the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead,” said Tarasiewicz.

The Philadelphia Bar Association, founded in 1802, is the oldest association of lawyers in the United States. The mission of the Association is to serve the profession and the public by promoting justice, professional excellence and respect for the rule of law. In so doing, the Association strives to foster understanding of, involvement in and access to the justice system.

Timberlake Adds Second Philly Show; Tkts 9/30

One of this generation’s most-celebrated entertainers, Justin Timberlake announced today that due to popular demand, he has added a second date (in addition to his previously scheduled November 10 date) of his 20/20 Experience World Tour to Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia on Tuesday, February 25.

The Emmy® and Grammy® award winning musician will bring his captivating live show to fans with a worldwide tour that will kick off this year on October 31st in Montreal, QC with scheduled dates in South America, Europe, Australia and North America through 2014. The 20/20 Experience World Tour is promoted worldwide by Live Nation Global Touring. The musical journey that started with The 20/20 Experience will continue with the worldwide release of The 20/20 Experience - 2 of 2 on September 30, 2013

Tickets to see Justin Timberlake at the Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday, February 25, will go on-salestarting Monday, September 30 at 10 a.m. Justin Timberlake’s all-new fan club, The Tennessee Kids (#TNKids), will have access to a pre-sale starting on September 25 at 10 a.m. Fans should visithttp://thetennesseekids.justintimberlake.com to register for the fan club and receive a special code to access the pre-sale. A pre-sale for MasterCard cardholders will also begin on September 25 at 10 a.m.

For the latest information regarding pre-sale and on-sale dates, please visitwww.justintimberlake.com or www.livenation.com. Hashtag: #JT2020TOUR

The double platinum album, The 20/20 Experience,has been critically well received and is the year’s best selling album with over two million albums sold to date. The album marks Timberlake with the biggest male debut in five years as well as the biggest digital debut in U.S. history by a male artist. The 20/20 Experience held the #1 spot in both the Top 200 (3 weeks) and R&B album chart (10 weeks). In just its first week of release all 10 tracks charted on the digital songs chart and have sold over 5.2 million tracks. Thealbum has reached platinum status in three other countries as well as gold status in nine other countries.

Most recently Justin Timberlake released the “Take Back The Night” video and launched an Instagram campaign, where fans got an opportunity for their photos to be displayed on SONY's Jumbotron in Time Square along with the “Take Back The Night” video. Additionally Timberlake is in the midst of the Legends Of The Summer Stadium Tour with fellow superstar JAY Z and the critically well-received tour will conclude in Miami on August 16th.

Christie Dedicates Rail Station In Franks' Honor

Joining family, friends and former colleagues today in honoring one of the Garden State’s finest public servants, Governor Chris Christie officially dedicated NJ TRANSIT’s Union Rail Station in honor of the late Congressman Robert “Bob” Franks (R-Union). Franks, who succumbed to cancer in 2010 at the age of 58, was instrumental in securing the federal funds which culminated in the planning, construction and current operation of this widely-used Raritan Valley Line station.

“Bob Franks was truly one of a kind: compassionate, principled and committed to delivering results for the people he served, whether in Trenton, Washington DC, or here in the streets of Union,” said Governor Christie. “This station is the direct result of his leadership and determination to make life better for the New Jerseyans he represented and I’m honored today to dedicate this station with Bob’s wife, Fran, and their three daughters: Sara, Abigail and Kelly.”

Congressman Bob Franks served 13 years in the New Jersey General Assembly and eight years as a member of Congress, achieving a notable record of success as an advocate on transportation issues. As a member of the General Assembly, he wrote the law establishing New Jersey’s Transportation Trust Fund and effectively advocated for numerous improvements to mass transportation.

“There is no doubt that New Jersey is a better place because of the work of Bob Franks,” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman James Simpson. “His foresight in creating the Transportation Trust Fund has enabled our state to continue to expand our mass transportation network and provide a mechanism for the maintenance of our roads and infrastructure.”

As a member of Congress, Bob Franks parlayed his deep passion for public transportation through his service on the powerful Budget Committee and Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. He also chaired the Railroads Subcommittee, and was an early proponent of leveraging transportation assets through transit-oriented development. This was specifically manifested in the construction of Union Station in Union Township.

“Using relationships that only Bob could forge, he became a forceful and incredibly effective advocate for federal transportation funds,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director James Weinstein. “His enduring legacy is reflected in the growth of NJ TRANSIT’s Raritan Valley Line and the entire rail network for that matter, and will forever be illustrated by a rail station that has now been dedicated in his honor.” 

A plaque was unveiled today by Governor Christie and the family of the late Congressman. The text of the plaque reads as follows:

Union Station

Dedication to Congressman Bob Franks

1951-2010

A noted transportation advocate, Congressman Bob Franks championed innovative transportation services and landmark projects that enhanced service quality and supported economic development across New Jersey and the metropolitan region.

A New Jersey native, Bob Franks devoted two decades of his life to elected public service – 13 years in the New Jersey General Assembly and eight years as a Member of Congress.  In Trenton and Washington, Bob Franks was a consistent, powerful voice for transportation.  Among his achievements, he wrote the state law creating the transportation trust fund; led the formation of the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition – an advocacy group for transit riders along the Raritan Valley Rail Line and pushed for Union Train Station to be part of NJ TRANSIT's Capital Program.

Bob Franks was also an advocate for expanding parking lots and jitney services at commuter rail stations, bi-level train cars for NJ TRANSIT, the Lackawanna Cut-off project and the modernization and improvement of NJ TRANSIT's bus fleets.

During his tenure in Congress, Bob Franks served with distinction on the powerful Budget Committee and Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.  Congressman Franks’ key policy efforts were aimed to expand the economy and create private sector employment, reduce taxes, enact welfare reform, promote national defense, and advocate for Amtrak and initiatives that improved access to mass transportation.

Known for his unquestioned integrity and ability to work with those across the political aisle, Congressman Franks partnered with communities, including Union Township, to leverage transportation assets for transit-oriented development. He recognized Union Station as a necessity for the Township of Union, Kean University and the surrounding towns, companies and residents.

Bob Franks’ tireless work and commitment to public service ensured that this facility would stand for generations.  Union Station will therefore be dedicated to Bob Franks, as a tribute befitting one of New Jersey’s most visionary and important transportation leaders.

Millions Decide To 'Opt Out' Of Obamacare

Generation Opportunity, a national, non-partisan youth advocacy organization, launched its #OptOut campaign on Thursday with two viral videos that have already combined for over 3 million views on YouTube and Facebook.

#OptOut is a digital and grassroots campaign designed to highlight alternatives to expensive and creepy Obamacare exchanges.

Here's what people are saying about #OptOut and Creepy Uncle Sam:

US News & World Report: Generation Opportunity is pointing the way. They're not the ones who made Uncle Sam "creepy" and overly-intrusive; the people who voted to pass Obamacare did that.

New York Times (A1): One group called Generation Opportunity distributed a Web video last week showing a creepy-looking Uncle Sam peering between a woman’s legs at a gynecologist’s office. 'Don’t let government play doctor,' the video says at the end. 'Opt out of Obamacare.' In the face of the intense opposition, the White House is pushing ahead with a vigorous public relations effort that will begin accelerating Monday, according to top White House aides in charge of the program.

Los Angeles Times (A1): [P]owerful conservative groups are trying to persuade Americans to opt out of the law. This week, the group Generation Opportunity aired a Web video depicting Uncle Sam popping up between the legs of a young woman at the gynecologist's office. The video drew more than 600,000 views within 36 hours.

Daily Caller: Creepy Uncle Sam is the best political mascot since normal Uncle Sam...brushing aside the panicked innuendos the left brings to every waking moment, all the young folks over at Generation Opportunity are seeing are clicks. Awareness of their cause. Alertness to their message... let the outrage continue. Let more readers click, and learn a thing or two about the options they have in front of them.

Hot Air: The hardest trick in making your case on health-care policy is first getting the public to pay attention. Mission accomplished. I laughed, but that’s because Uncle Sam here reminds me of the Burger King and the thought of the King hanging around exam rooms giving out prostate exams is funny and … oddly plausible, actually.

Evan Feinberg, President of Generation Opportunity, issued the following statement:

"The feigned outrage on the left shows that they're genuinely terrified that young people will hear our message.

“Obamacare supporters are using millions of taxpayer dollars in an attempt to brainwash my generation into signing up for an expensive, unfair, and, quite frankly, creepy pyramid scheme.

“We want young people to know they have options — including the ability to opt out of Obamacare by paying a relatively small penalty and purchasing a non-Obamacare plan on the private market.

“We don’t have celebrities and taxpayer dollars like Enroll America so we are relying on creativity and grassroots activism to reach our fellow Millennials."

Visit www.optout.org for more information.

Christie Gets Statewide Law Enforcement Support

Expanding the support he has earned from leaders and leading organizations representing law enforcement professionals in New Jersey, Governor Christie today introduced the Career Public Safety Officials for Christie coalition and unveiled its statewide leadership team. Representing the Governor’s support in and among law enforcement communities across New Jersey, Career Public Safety Officials for Christie will be led by a statewide leadership team of law enforcement leaders and include supporters from all 21 counties. “Today I am honored to have the support of the law enforcement men and women from across our state who, each day, serve their communities with courage, distinction, and a tireless dedication to protecting our families, friends, and neighbors. Their sacrifice demonstrates true heroism and I thank every law enforcement official for the work that they do every day and for the lives they saved during Superstorm Sandy,” said Governor Christie. “It is an honor to stand with these men and women and it is truly gratifying to have them play a key role in our campaign.” Just yesterday, Governor Christie received the backing of the Port Authority Police Sergeants Benevolent Association, Port Authority Lieutenants Benevolent Association, Port Authority Police Detectives Endowment Association, and Waterfront Commission Police Detectives Endowment Association. The Governor was previously endorsed in January by the 1,300-member Port Authority Police Benevolent Association and in March by the New Jersey Career Fire Chiefs Association. Governor Christie has also earned the support and endorsement of the National Coalition of Latino Officers, the Essex County Police Chiefs Association, and Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura. “Over the last three and a half years, Governor Christie has demonstrated steadfast support for New Jersey’s law enforcement community. Under his bold leadership, he has provided law enforcement officials in every corner of the state with the tools we need to serve our communities and keep our residents safe,” said Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura.“Along with our colleagues in uniform from throughout New Jersey's law enforcement community, we are honored to stand with Governor Christie and be a part of his campaign for reelection.” Governor Christie furthered his commitment to New Jersey’s law enforcement community in the Governor’s Fiscal Year 2014 budget, by providing the largest pension payment in New Jersey history to meet the state’s obligation to its public servants. The Career Public Safety Officials for Christie coalition is led by a bipartisan statewide leadership team and county coordinators from across the spectrum of public safety professions including police, fire, and corrections officers in all of New Jersey's 21 counties. Statewide Leadership Team: Statewide Co-Chair: Paul Nunziato, President, NY/NJ Port Authority PBA Statewide Co-Chair: John Sierchio, (Fmr.) Delegate to State PBA; Detective Sergeant, Bloomfield Police Department Statewide Co-Chair: Mike Postorino, President, NJ Career Fire Chiefs Association Statewide Co-Chair: Frank Provenzano, Sheriff, Somerset County Statewide Co-Chair: Frank Balles, Sheriff, Atlantic County Statewide Co-Chair: Michael Saudino, Sheriff, Bergen County Statewide Co-Chair: Jean Stanfield, Sheriff, Burlington County Statewide Co-Chair: Gary Schaeffer, Sheriff, Cape May County Statewide Co-Chair: Armando Fontoura, Sheriff, Essex County Statewide Co-Chair: Frederick Brown, Sheriff, Hunterdon County Statewide Co-Chair: Shaun Golden, Sheriff, Monmouth County Statewide Co-Chair: Ed Rochford, Sheriff, Morris County Statewide Co-Chair: William Sommerling, Acting Sheriff, Ocean County Statewide Co-Chair: Charles Miller, Sheriff, Salem County Statewide Co-Chair: Mike Strada, Sheriff, Sussex County Statewide Co-Chair: David Gallant, Sheriff, Warren County County Coordinators: Atlantic County Chair: Deputy Mayor Paul Hodson, (Fmr.) President, Local 77 Mainland PBA Bergen County Chair: Michael McCann, Police Chief, River Vale Police Department Burlington County Chair: Walt Miller, Lieutenant, Evesham Police Department Camden County Chair: Rick DiRenzo, (Ret.) Sergeant, Camden City Police Department Cape May County Chair: Thomas DePaul, Police Chief, Wildwood Crest Police Department Cumberland County Chair: Greg Pacitto, President, Vineland PBA Essex County Chair: Mike Bramhall, Chairman, Essex County Police Chiefs Association Gloucester County Chair: Joe Micucci, (Ret.) Corporal, Washington Township Police Department Hudson County Chair: Gregg Kearce, (Ret.) Sergeant, Jersey City Police Department Hunterdon County Chair: Robert Smith, Undersheriff, Hunterdon County Sheriff's Office Mercer County Chair: Marty Masseroni, Police Chief, Robbinsville Township Middlesex County Co-Chair: Mike Kushwarra, (Ret.) Sergeant, South Brunswick Township Middlesex County Co-Chair: Ken Kelly, (Fmr.) Delegate to State PBA Monmouth County Chair: Bobby Dawson, Undersheriff, Monmouth County Morris County Chair: William Schievella, President, Italian American Officers Association Ocean County Chair: Thomas Boyd, Chief, Seaside Heights, Police Department Passaic County Chair: Carlos Pagan, President, Paterson Firefighters Association Salem County Chair: Anthony Wright, Undersheriff, Salem County Sheriff's Office Somerset County Chair: Bob Szkodny, (Fmr.) Deputy Chief, Bridgewater Police Department Sussex County Chair: John Armeno, Executive Department, NJ Sheriff's Association Union County Chair: John Dougherty, (Ret.) Captain, Summit Police Department Warren County Chair: Sal Simonetti, (Fmr.) Sheriff, Warren County.

Video - The Best Of Paris, And Beyond . . .

Because you asked, we're so happy to present this video with highlights of our Parisian Adventure. J'espère que cela vous plaira !

Christie Releases New TV Ad: Taxes

Today, Christie for Governor launched its fourth ad of the General Election entitled “Taxes.” The ad continues to highlight Barbara Buono’s record as a Trenton politician, voting to raise taxes and fees on New Jersey families 154 times, including income, sales, and health care taxes, while also voting to increase her own pay by a whopping 40%. “Over and over during her career in Trenton, Barbara Buono voted to raise taxes and fees on hardworking New Jersey families, and then she voted to spend those taxpayer dollars on a 40 percent pay raise for herself,” said Christie for Governor Campaign Manager Bill Stepien. “That type of reckless, self-interested taxing and spending by Barbara Buono put New Jersey on the brink of fiscal disaster. Thankfully, Governor Christie arrived on the scene three years ago and rescued our state from the crisis caused by Jon Corzine and his budget chair." Beginning this morning, the 30-second spot will run as part of an additional buy of nearly $1.5 million in the New York City and Philadelphia markets, statewide cable, radio, and online. Watch “Taxes” here.

Video: Once Great Resorts Now Ruins And Rubble

The were treasured destinations for millions.
They offered fresh air, cool breezes, top-name entertainment, endless recreation opportunities, huge service staffs, an array of culinary delights and even the chance to meet (or rediscover) one's soulmate.
They offered what people wanted - an all-inclusive escape from the daily grind.
And people came.
But, over the years the needs and desires of those who patronized these resorts changed.
Today the famous Catskill (NY) mountain resorts like The Concord and Grossinger's lie in ruins. They're status reflects our throwaway culture where fickle consumers rule and where today's hot spot very quickly becomes tomorrow's Nowhereville.
Still . . . who knows what the future may bring?
Click here for more.