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The release of Mitt Romney’s 2011 tax returns shows that he freely gave away more than $4 million to charity last year (about 30 percent of his income). In comparison, when Joe Biden was first running for vice president, his tax returns showed that he had given away just $3,690 to charity over the previous ten years (about 0.2 percent of his income). In other words, Romney gave away a thousand times as much to charity in one year as Biden gave in a decade. That’s despite the fact that the Bidens earned well over $2 million over that decade. In fact, their income was $320,000 in 2008, thereby putting them comfortably over the $250,000-a-year line that marks the entry point for “millionaires and billionaires” in Obama-speak. READ via www.weeklystandard.com Read more →

Should the U.S. Marines who urinated on the bodies of dead Taliban fighters be court-martial? Yes or No To vote see widget top right hand column. see article Note: This is a non-scientific poll Last week's poll: The national housing market slump continues yet the City of Gloucester City plans to build 3 new homes for low income residents...Is this a GOOD IDEA 25 12.32% 12.32% BAD IDEA 173 85.22% 85.22% UNDECIDED 5 2.46% 2.46% TOTAL VOTES CAST 203 Related articles CNBNews Weekly Poll Question: Expires August 28 Cnbnew Point of View: What to Do ? CNBNEWS Weekly Poll : Do you think mayor/council has done a good job? Some Residents Upset with City's Plan to Build Low Income Housing | cnbnews Gloucester City School Board Member Gina Levins on City's School Choice Proposal | cnbnews.net Read more →

September 21, 2012-The Romney campaign is releasing Mitt and Ann Romney's 2011 tax return today. The campaign previews a few of the highlights here: In 2011, the Romneys paid $1,935,708 in taxes on $13,696,951 in mostly investment income. The Romneys’ effective tax rate for 2011 was 14.1%. The Romneys donated $4,020,772 to charity in 2011, amounting to nearly 30% of their income. The Romneys claimed a deduction for $2.25 million of those charitable contributions. The Romneys’ generous charitable donations in 2011 would have significantly reduced their tax obligation for the year. The Romneys thus limited their deduction of charitable contributions to conform to the Governor's statement in August, based upon the January estimate of income, that he paid at least 13% in income taxes in each of the last 10 years. Additionally, the Romney campaign is releasing a summary of 20 years of taxes, between 1990-2009, detailing their tax expenditures... Read more →

Marines Charged in Desecration Incident Face Trial From a Marine Corps Combat Development Command News Release QUANTICO, Va., Sept. 24, 2012 - Charges against two Marines were referred to trial by courts-martial Sept. 21 for their alleged involvement in urinating on deceased Taliban fighters and for posing for unofficial photographs with human casualties in Afghanistan. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Richard P. Mills, commanding general of Marine Corps Combat Development command, referred the charges. The incident allegedly took place during a counterinsurgency operation near Sandala in the Musa Qala district of Afghanistan's Helmand province on or about July 27, 2011. The charges were referred to courts-martial by Lieutenant General Richard P. Mills, the Commanding General of Marine Corps Combat Development Command. Marine Corps Staff Sgts. Joseph W. Chamblin and Edward W. Deptola also were charged for other misconduct that allegedly took place during the same operation, including being derelict in their... Read more →

Volume XVII No.35: September 21, 2012 Taxpayers for Common Sense-Like a budgetary asteroid heading for earth, the post-election harbinger of doom is the so-called fiscal cliff where the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts expire and a sequestration meat cleaver whacks at government spending. Of course it doesn’t have to be this way, and in fact it wasn’t meant to be this way. The expiring tax cuts were punted to the end of 2012 the last time they were set to expire at the end of 2010. Sequestration – a fancy budget wonk term for across-the-board cuts – was supposed to be the scary teeth that would have gotten a “Super Committee” of House and Senate, Republican and Democratic lawmakers to come up with at least $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction last year. Evidently the teeth were not sharp enough, because here we are. There’s a lot of debate over extending... Read more →

September 18 TRENTON - The Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife is advising hunters and other outdoors enthusiasts to be alert for white-tailed deer that may be experiencing symptoms of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), a virus that spreads among deer though the bites of midge flies but cannot be transmitted to people. EHD is strictly a wildlife issue. It cannot be transmitted to people, and humans are not at risk by handling infected deer, being bitten by infected midges, or eating meat from deer affected by the virus. The Division of Fish and Wildlife, however, strongly advises against consuming meat Male Kansas White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus macrourus). Taken at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge (Photo credit: Wikipedia) from any game animal that appears ill. The variant of the disease common to New Jersey is relatively benign in livestock where it usually goes unnoticed, and it is not transmissible... Read more →

September 27 (TRENTON) – New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Division of Food and Nutrition Director Rose Tricario today visited Elizabeth Haddon Elementary School in Haddonfield to see its new salad bar, tour the school garden and taste some dishes prepared with produce from the garden. The visit is part of the second annual Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week. “Elizabeth Haddon School is a successful model on how a school garden can be integrated into the curriculum, as well as the school cafeteria,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher. “Children are learning the value of eating fruits and vegetables and hopefully will go on to live healthier lives.” Today was the first day the students at the school used the new salad bar. They tasted salsa, made with tomatoes, green peppers and fresh herbs from their garden and chocolate mint black bean brownies, utilizing chocolate mint from... Read more →

Two national tracking polls released today show the race between President Obama and Mitt Romney tied. One other tracking poll released today shows Romney leading. The Gallup tracking poll released today shows the presidential race tied at 47 percent. Today's Rasmussen Reports Presidential Daily Tracking Poll shows the candidates tied at 46 percent while the QStarNews tracking poll from today shows Romney leading 55 percent to 45 percent. The slide show included with this article shows the electoral vote maps done by five different projections of the presidential race, including those done by this columnist, fellow Examiner columnist Ryan Witt, Real Clear Politics, Karl Rove, and Nate Silver of the NY Times blog fivethirtyeight.com. View slideshow: Electoral map projection READ via www.examiner.com link submitted by Barb, Bayshore Tea Party Group Read more →

Kevin Riordan: Anglers up in arms over the fishing spot that got away (September 23, 2012)Folks are not free to fish on Freedom Pier in Gloucester City, and the irony isn't lost on Dan Reader. "For being a river town, we don't have much access to the river," says Reader, 53, who customizes cars for a living and used to landscape vacant lots around town for free. He has publicly "resigned" from his volunteer activities to protest the city's move to prohibit fishing from a spot some anglers say is among the best this stretch of the Delaware River offers. Says writer and self-described "die-hard fisherman" Ken Doyle: "It's very unfair that we can't fish because of a few" troublemakers. Intended to reduce vandalism and the theft of metal parts from light fixtures on the pier, the ban is actually "a power trip," says Bill Cleary. The respected Gloucester journalist... Read more →

White House Press Release September 21, 2012 Every White House has the privilege of hosting some world class athletes. Every President gets an opportunity to welcome Super Bowl champions, winners of the NBA Finals, and other professional and collegiate athletes at the top of their games. But every once in a while, the White House hosts a group of champions who represent us all -- Team USA. Last week, more than 400 Olympians and Paralympians gathered at the White House for an event to celebrate their success in this year's London Games. We put together a video that takes you behind the scenes and lets you hear from the athletes as they describe their visit. Check it out here: We also sat down with one extraordinary athlete -- Lieutenant Brad Snyder -- as he met with First Lady Michelle Obama. Lieutenant Snyder is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Exactly... Read more →

Dear Concerned Taxpayer, I encourage you to watch CCAGW’s new video about how Congress is trying to raise the price you pay for milk and all dairy products, and then tell Congress to stop messing with YOUR milk money! Let me explain. Congress is in the midst of considering a new Farm Bill. Lurking in this legislation is a scheme called the Dairy Market Stabilization Program (DMSP). Supporters of DMSP call it “reform,” but in fact it continues the failed command-and-control policies for milk that have existed for decades. DMSP will limit the supply of milk by penalizing farmers for exceeding government milk production “quotas.” The limits on supply will cause prices to rise, and as a result, we will all pay more at the grocery counter for milk and dairy products, like cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. DMSP will also impose a new layer of costly regulations on American... Read more →

GLOUCESTER TWP. — The female passenger who died in a one-vehicle car crash Saturday night on Route 42 near the Atlantic City Expressway has been identified by police as 29-year-old Itay Massaquoi. According to New Jersey State Police, Massaquoi of Williamstown was killed after the vehicle she was in ran off the road and slammed into a tree. The driver 30-year-old Monte Brown of Williamstown and another passenger Anita Saunders, 46, of Clayton were also injured in the crash. Police said Brown was charged at the scene with driving under the influence. READ MORE Read more →

with a Continuing Outlook of ‘Stable’ By Financial Industry (Woodbury, NJ) – Gloucester County Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger and Freeholder Deputy Director Giuseppe ‘Joe’ Chila announced that Standard and Poor’s gave Gloucester County a Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) rating of SP 1+, the highest possible; a long term bond rating of AA+; and an ongoing outlook of “stable”. Freeholder Director Damminger said, “We run a very tight and fiscally responsible government. There are no smoke and mirrors in our long-term budgeting and we have successfully cut the size of government and spending. This year the Freeholders made $3.2 million in spending cuts and a reduced the amount to be raised by taxation by over $4.1 million.” “The proof in the county’s stability is in the rating agencies’ reports stating our financial position remains very strong and that they do not expect to have to revise our rating over the... Read more →

Please consider helping Dave by donating whatever amount you can now. Once a Ram, always a Ram! In December of 2001, Dave Jensen, GCHS Class of '81, became seriously ill due to a virus that attacked his body and ultimately reached his heart. He was diagnosed with Cardio-Myopathy / Congestive Heart Failure and was referred to Temple University Medical Center. Dave was admitted to the Heart Transplant program at Temple and lived on the cardiac floor for six months waiting for a heart! In the hospital, Dave suffered several setbacks, including removal of his spleen, gall bladder and parts of his pancreas. These operations, along with multiple infections, have decimated his immune system and left him with a serious diabetic condition. Dave has a defibrillator and pace maker installed in his chest. Heart Transplant is on hold! Dave developed chronic kidney disease and renal failure...he requires dialysis 3 times per... Read more →

Sister Theresa Gottuso, M.P.F., a sister for 54 years in the community of the Religious Teachers Filippini, died on Saturday, September 22, 2012, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, New Jersey. Sister Theresa was the daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Gottuso of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania where she was born. She is survived by four brothers and two sisters from Ellwood City, Vincent Gottuso, twin sister Grace (Gus) Fornataro, Marie Elaine Gottuso Pelloni, Joseph (Antoinette) Gottuso of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, Robert (Joan) Gottuso of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, and Dennis (the late Donna) Gottuso of Forest, Virginia. She is also survived by thirteen nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews. During the last twenty years until June of 2012, Sister Theresa had been a Religion and Business teacher at Paul VI High School in Haddon Township, New Jersey. She ministered at the parish of St. Joseph... Read more →

Men's results Galloway, NJ … The College of New Jersey men's cross country team posted three of the top five times as they took first place in the Osprey Open held at Richard Stockton College. TCNJ topped the field of seven teams, competing on the course that they will race on in the New Jersey Athletic Conference Championship in late October. Senior Mark Sidebottom(Montville, NJ/Montville) led the Lions with a second-place finish out 94 runners. He completed the 8k event in 26:33.07. Senior Michael Berti (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) placed fourth overall in the race with a time of 26:46.66. Behind Berti was sophomore Andrew DeMaria(Seaville, NJ/Ocean City) who posted a finish of 26:52.21. TCNJ harries also represented finishers eight through 15 in the race. FreshmanRobert Guiducci (Robbinsville, NJ/Robbinsvile) placed eighth with a time of 27:06.61 and junior James Seyffart (South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield) was ninth, clocking 27:13.20. Freshman Jon Stouber... Read more →

HOBOKEN, N.J. (September 22, 2012) – The Stevens Institute of Technology field hockey team improved to 3-0 in the Empire 8 and 5-3 overall with a thrilling 4-3 win over Ithaca College Saturday evening at the De Baun Athletic Complex. Junior midfielder Chelsea Cresci (Wilmington, Del.) and junior forward Marguerite Chavez (Oceanport, N.J.) each totaled three points for the Ducks. Despite dominating the first half on the stat sheet and in terms of field position and possession, Stevens went into the intermission with a one-goal lead. The Ducks jumped on top 1-0 at the11:26 mark when Cresci was able to put home her own rebound. It was her second score of the season. The lead moved to 2-0 when junior back Grace Ridge (Moorestown, N.J.) scored her second of the year. Senior Mary Nikish (Pittsford, N.Y.) fed ridge with a perfect pass on a penalty corner and the junior fired... Read more →

September 21, 2012 ARCHBISHOP CHAPUT'S WEEKLY COLUMN: Writing in about the year 116, the pagan historian Tacitus described a fringe group of religious blasphemers who lived in Rome under the emperor Nero. They refused to honor the gods. They engaged in "superstitious abominations" and worshiped a crucified criminal. They were blamed for Rome's great fire in A.D. 64, and as a result, they were hunted down and put to death. Three hundred years later, they were the official religion of the Roman state. Numbers can be misleading. They're never the best way to measure the health of the Christian faith. The Church in Rome's catacombs was small. But she was stronger than any of her critics or persecutors. And that's as true today as it was in the time of Tacitus. A century ago, sub-Saharan Africa had fewer than 2 million Christians. Today it has more than 130 million. That's... Read more →

Gloucester Catholic celebrated an Opening Liturgy and Installation of Student Council Officers on Tuesday, September 18. New Student Council officers include Julia Pedersen, Kathleen Golden and Kelly Coppola. Proud Parents attended the liturgy and ceremony along with the entire GC student body. Posted with Blogsy Read more →

Surrounded by his loving family who cared for him, on September 22, 2012. Age 75. Of Gloucester City. Loving and devoted husband of 24 years to Helen P. (nee Grandizio). Loving father of Kenneth G. Turing, Jr. (Lynda), Kathleen Greene (Jerry), Kara Silvestri (Jim) and Kristine Dyson. Loving step-father of Robert Gaff (Wendy) and Lauri Baldi (James). Cherished grandfather of 14, great grandfather of 2 and 1great-grand “on the way.” Dear brother of Charles Turing (Laura), Ronald Turing (Mary Ellen), the late Frank Turing and the late Robert Turing (surviving Mary). Also survived by his sister-in-laws, Mary Smith, Theresa Taylor, Gloria Grandizio and brother -in-law Frank Grandizio and many nieces and nephews. Born in Philadelphia, Ken attended Woodbury High School and proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corps. He retired from the Philadelphia Naval Yard. In his retired years, Ken drove a school bus for T &L... Read more →

HOBOKEN, N.J. (September 22, 2012) – The Stevens Institute of Technology men’s soccer team dominated Alfred University on Saturday afternoon and racked up five goals in the opening period while cruising to a 5-0 victory. Senior Victor Daza (North Plainfield, N.J.) scored two and added an assist to lead the attack for the Ducks. Stevens dominated every aspect of the game. The hosts outshot the Saxons 30-9 and did not allow a shot on goal over the entire lopsided first half. Paul Killian (Ellicott City, Md.) and Brian Schaake (Southbury, Conn.) split the goalkeeper duties for the Ducks; Schaake took the second frame and made three saves to preserve the shutout. In addition to Daza’s two tallies, Stephen Dunbar (Johns Creek, Ga.), Zach Adler (McKinney, Texas) and Quinn Conner (Newfields, N.H.) also scored for Stevens, which moved to 6-2 on the year with a 2-0 mark in the Empire 8.... Read more →

Date passed by Gloucester City council September 4, 2012 Read more →

As the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, our work in Trenton begins to pick up once again. Governor Needs to be Straight with NJ After Rise in Unemployment and S&P Downgrade Unfortunately, yesterday we saw the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announce that New Jersey’s unemployment rate rose in August for the fifth month in a row. The 9.9 percent jobless rate is the highest in 35 years, topping the previous 35-year high of 9.8 percent set in July. Meanwhile, the U.S. unemployment rate dropped again in August from 8.2 percent to 8.1 percent, showing that New Jersey’s recovery continues to lag behind the nation as a whole. Additionally, S&P’s decision this week to lower New Jersey’s outlook from “stable” to “negative” comes just four days after Moody’s Investors Service warned that Governor Christie’s optimistic revenue estimates are three times as high as last year’s revenue growth... Read more →

New Law Makes Automated External Defibrillators (AED) and Cardiac Emergency Action Plans a Requirement in All New Jersey Schools Friday, September 21, 2012 Trenton, NJ – Acting to safeguard the lives of New Jersey’s K-12 students, Governor Chris Christie today signed “Janet’s Law,” requiring all public and nonpublic schools to have automated external defibrillators (AED) on site. In addition, the new law (A-1608), calls for schools to establish emergency action plans to respond to sudden cardiac events, in order to be as prepared as possible to deal with life-threatening emergencies. The law is named in memory of Janet Zilinski, an 11-year-old resident from Warren who died of sudden cardiac arrest following cheerleading squad practice. “By signing Janet’s Law, we hope to prevent other families from having to live through the shock and sorrow of unexpectedly losing a beloved child to an emergency cardiac situation,” said Governor Christie. “This law ensures... Read more →

Will Provide School Children with Access to Fishing and Outdoor Activities Friday, September 21, 2012 Trenton, NJ – Encouraging young New Jerseyans to avoid the dangers of drug use by engaging in positive, safe and life-building group activities, Governor Chris Christie signed A-638, creating the “Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs” Program across the state. The program will provide students with access to extracurricular outlets that utilize New Jersey’s incredible outdoor recreational assets. Established within the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Division of Fish and Wildlife, the statewide implementation of the “Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs” Program will also be funded through an appropriation of $200,000 from the Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction Fund and provide students with the opportunity to embrace positive life skills as an alternative to the pitfalls of drug abuse. “We have a responsibility to guide young New Jerseyans away from the dangers of drug use and... Read more →

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is reminding saltwater anglers about two up-coming recreational regulation changes. One is the change in the Black Sea Bass season dates which was approved after the Marine Digest ( http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/digmar.htm ) was printed in May. That change included the season closing earlier this month and reopening on Sunday, September 23. The season runs through October 14 and then re-opens again on November 1. The other change this year is the Summer Flounder season which will close on Friday, September 28. Anglers are also reminded that in addition to the Marine Digest, the "Attention Anglers" summary sheet, also available on the division's website athttp://www.njfishandwildlife.com/pdf/2012/maregsum12.pdf , is updated when regulations change. Anglers can also call the 24-hour marine fish "listen only" line at 609-292-2083 for the latest regulation updates. Read more →

Brian Burnsed, NCAA.com Last Updated - September 19, 2012 4:53 GMT The world is small when you’re a kid. By nature, you assume that everything you care about, everything you call your own, is the best, the greatest on the planet. I’ve got the best parents, best house, best toy cars, best Pop Tarts, best backyard, best Christmas mornings, best rusty basketball hoop, best football team and they, of course, play in the best conference. Then you grow up. The world gets bigger and you start to appreciate and understand context. Suddenly all those things of yours – especially the Pop Tarts – start to seem just like everything else. They lose that magical sheen of childhood, which is replaced by a colder, often disheartening, reality. Those toy cars were just toy cars, after all. It turns out that the football team you watched win several games a year was... Read more →

As of September 18, 2012, there are 3,142 cases of West Nile virus disease in people, including 134 deaths. Texas reported 1,225 cases the highest number. The only state not to have a problem with the West Nile disease was Nevada. State Neuroinvasive Disease Cases Non–Neuroinvasive Disease Cases Total Cases* Deaths Presumptive Viremic Blood Donors† Totals 1,630 1,512 3,142 134 429 Alabama 14 6 20 1 0 Arizona 29 19 48 1 15 Arkansas 31 8 39 5 4 California 71 55 126 6 27 Colorado 37 38 75 2 0 Connecticut 7 5 12 0 0 Delaware 0 1 1 0 0 District Of Columbia 2 0 2 1 0 Florida 28 13 41 2 4 Georgia 23 14 37 3 10 Idaho 3 8 11 0 0 Illinois 70 24 94 3 14 Indiana 8 39 47 4 10 Iowa 2 9 11 0 5 Kansas 11 15... Read more →

Senator Bob Menendez, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, and Dean Baker join NJCAEF for day-long conference Newark, NJ – Today in Newark, New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund (NJCAEF) was joined by HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan and Senator Bob Menendez for its third annual Financial Regulatory Reform Summit. The Summit, titled From Dodd-Frank to Occupy and Everything In Between, featured panels and speakers covering a wide variety of topics from “Rebuilding the Economy” to “Tools for Combating the Foreclosure Crisis.” “We are proud to have such distinguished speakers join us to discuss the topics that are affecting working families throughout New Jersey,” said Phyllis Salowe-Kaye, Executive Director of NJCAEF. “Whether it’s combating the ongoing foreclosure crises, the status of the Dodd-Frank Act and the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, or a discussion about rebuilding our economy, our annual Financial Reform Summit serves as a forum for policy-makers, advocates, students, housing counselors and... Read more →

September 19, 2012 Bill Donohue comments on a petition drive against a New York City Catholic priest accused of promoting Mitt Romney for president: Two weeks ago, in the weekly bulletin of an Upper East side Catholic church, there was a letter by six former U.S. ambassadors to the Vatican stating their support for Romney. The priest responsible for including the letter is now the subject of a petition asking New York Archbishop Timothy Cardinal Dolan to do something about it. The petition drive is a staged event. Indeed, it is the product of two left-wing groups that are wholly unconnected to the parish: Catholics United and Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Catholics United is a left-wing group funded by atheist billionaire George Soros; it has virtually no support in the Catholic community. A rabid ally of the urban anarchist coalition, “Occupy Wall Street,” it continually misrepresents... Read more →

CHRISTIE ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES APPROVAL OF GREEN ACRES PROJECTS TRENTON - The Garden State Preservation Trust today approved the Christie Administration's recommended list of more than $123 million in Green Acres open space acquisition and recreational development projects, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin announced. All 21 counties are represented in $66.2 million in funding to municipal and county governments and nonprofit organizations for land acquisitions and park developments. The Garden State Preservation Trust approved another $57 million for state Green Acres acquisitions, including land for state parks, forests and wildlife management areas throughout New Jersey. Of this, $12 million is targeted for Blue Acres acquisitions that will allow the state to remove from harm's way people whose homes have suffered from repeated storm-related flooding, particularly in the Passaic River Basin. "The Christie Administration is committed to protecting New Jersey's open spaces, which are so vital to the protection of... Read more →

Carrol Y. Chase AGE: 60 • Gloucester City On September 18, 2012. Age 60. (nee White). Of Gloucester City. Loving husband of 21 years to George Chase. Loving mother of Richard Baldwin, Jr. (Michelle) and Tracy Mahoney (Shawn). Cherished grandmother of 5. Dear sister of Zondra, Belinda, Gregory, Drew and Eric. Carrol was a dedicated worker for 18 years at Acme in Berlin. Her greatest enjoyment was when she was playing bingo. Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Monday morning from 9 to 11 AM at the McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City. Funeral service will begin at 11 AM in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to the Carrol Y. Chase Memorial Fund: P.O. Box 358, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary... Read more →

by Marshall Allen ProPublica, Sept. 18, 2012, 3:30 p.m. ar Dr. Marty Makary Medical care has its own code and culture, which often does not put patients first, according to Dr. Marty Makary, a cancer surgeon and researcher at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the School of Public Health. And providers who speak against that code can pay a heavy price. Makary’s new book, “Unaccountable: What Hospitals Won't Tell You and How Transparency Can Revolutionize Health Care,” explores why patient harm persists in the medical system and what can be done about it. Nursing Home Inspect Find Nursing Home Problems in Your State by Charles Ornstein andLena Groeger, ProPublica Dollars for Docs Has Your Health Professional Received Drug Company Money? by Dan Nguyen, Charles Ornstein and Tracy Weber, ProPublica Dialysis Facility Tracker Find a Dialysis Facility Near You by Robin Fields, Al Shawand Jennifer LaFleur, ProPublica PP: What led... Read more →

(West Deptford, NJ) – The Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders will be hosting the 12thAnnual presentation of the Gloucester County Military Service Medal on Saturday, September 22, 2012, 11 am, at RiverWinds Community Center in West Deptford. Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said there will be 118 medals presented (13 posthumously) with approximately 300 people in attendance. “Gloucester County will be presenting 118 Military Service Medals at our ceremony this year,” said Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger. “Since we began this program the county has presented 5,136 medals to the men and women who have so bravely served our nation. There is not enough gratitude we can give our veterans, but this is a small gesture to say thank you to our veterans for their service to our nation,” Damminger said. “Their service and sacrifice are what enables us to live in the greatest country in the world.” The... Read more →

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission officers are investigating the cause of death for nearly a dozen white-tailed deer found by agency employees on the Pymatuning Wildlife Management Area in North Shenango Township, Crawford County. Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is suspected, which has been confirmed in Beaver and Westmoreland counties and is suspected in Allegheny and Cambria counties. Game Commission biologists will attempt to collect samples for testing at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study at the University of Georgia, which has confirmed deer mortalities from four different strains of the EHD virus in 15 states this year. The Game Commission will continue to gather samples from other dead deer being foun English: White-tailed deer doe (Photo credit: Wikipedia) d in Pennsylvania. Samples must be collected within 24 hours of the animal’s death to be viable. Once the results are available, which normally takes around two weeks, the Game Commission will... Read more →

source Rutgers-Newark University People who have fewer social resources, such as friends and family, literally see challenging objects and events in a more exaggerated way than do people who feel emotionally supported, according to research by Kent Harber, associate professor of psychology at Rutgers-Newark. “Those with fewer friends, with lower self-esteem and with less opportunity to disclose their emotions tend to visually amplify threats," Harber said. "Their perceptions are exaggerated, and disturbing things appear higher, closer, of greater duration or more intense than they actually are.” According to Harber’s thesis – a theory known as the Resources and Perception Model (RPM) – psychosocial resources can prevent this amplification, leading to more accurate perception. In a study published in the The Journal of Experimental Social Psychology,Harber and colleagues from the University of Virginia enlisted passersby who were alone or with a friend and asked them to estimate the angle of a... Read more →

Delivering his first budget address as Connecticut governor in February 2011, Dannel P. Malloy described the principle that would guide his policies: “shared sacrifice.” It aimed at convincing taxpayers that state employees would suffer along with them during the nastiest recession in decades. Malloy was certainly asking taxpayers to suffer: his $1.9 billion tax increase for the 2012 fiscal year was the largest in state history. A few months later, Malloy announced an agreement that would renegotiate state-employee contracts. The deal would save the state $1.6 billion over two years and $21.6 billion over 20 years. State employees initially balked, but they finally agreed after an emergency bylaw change reduced the threshold for union approval. While the union was deliberating, Malloy talked tough. He announced thousands of layoffs and even flirted with collective-bargaining reforms milder than those initiated in Wisconsin. The layoffs didn’t happen—a few state troopers lost their jobs... Read more →

Marianne J. LaRosa; ( nee Ragone), 76, of Bellmawr, peacefully passed away on September 16, 2012 with her family by her side. An outgoing woman with a warm smile that was loved by all who knew her is the legacy that Marianne leaves behind. Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Marianne graduated from Southern High School for Girls. A short time later she met, fell in love and married a young man by the name of Salvatore "Sam" LaRosa and together they shared 52 years of marriage and raised three children that they loved very much. Marianne was a Licensed Insurance Agent and worked for many years with the McGrath Insurance agency in Haddonfield until her retirement in 1998. Away from her career, Marianne enjoyed singing and listening to music, especially Frank Sinatra; reading a good book , cheering on her beloved Phillies and she always enjoyed eating whatever Sam... Read more →

VILLANOVA, Pa. - A late goal by Rob Friskey (King of Prussia, Pa./Penn Charter) was not enough to counter a 2-0 Villanova lead as the Wildcats took a 2-1 decision on Thursday afternoon. Friskey's goal came in the 68th minute when he found the ball in traffic in front of the net and launched a header in for the score. Villanova (6-2) took a 1-0 lead less than two minutes into the game on the first of two Kyle Soroka goals. Soroka collected his own rebound and sank it in for the first score. Soroka then took a free kick in the 66th minute that found the back of the net to put the Wildcats up 2-0 before Friskey countered just over two minutes later to keep the home squad on its toes. The Explorers (5-2-1) got two more shots off in the second half to attempt to tie the... Read more →

I'm so sick and tired of the ACLU. Every time someone wants to continue American traditions like prayer or the Pledge of Allegiance or patriotism, the ACLU comes around to threaten lawsuits and scare people into submission. That's exactly what's happening in Cranston, Rhode Island, but this time, it's the school's annual father-daughter dance that's being targeted. As reported by WPRO 630 AM, "a signature school event, 'the father-daughter dance' has been banned in all public schools." How can this happen, you ask? Is there something wrong with a father-daughter dance? Yes, if you are the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The new superintendent of Cranston schools, Dr. Judith Lundsten, issued a letter in August banning all "gender specific events" at the school because of a complaint from the ACLU last May. "This is 2012 and they [public schools] should not be in the business of fostering blatant gender stereotypes,"... Read more →

SEVERANCE Randall “Randy” Of Gloucester City Age 59 In the loving care of his brother and sister-in-law, on September 19, 2012. Age 59. Of Gloucester City. Loving son of the late Louis L. Severance and Margaret Severance (nee Nace). Dear brother of Edward R. Severance (Terry), Louis S. Severance (Kate), Matthew Severance and Richard Severance (Pamela). Also survived by his aunt Rita Severance and many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Randy recently worked for Gloucester City Public Works. At Randy’s request, Funeral Services will be private. Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Randall Severance. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Ph: 856-456-1142 Read more →

On September 19, 2012. Age 78. Of Marlton. Formerly of Mount Laurel for 30 years. (nee Eschbach). Peacefully Went Home to Heaven to rejoin her children, Susan Anne Westhead and Paul W. Westhead. Loving and Cherished wife of 55 years to Peter C. Westhead. Beloved Mother of Pete (Leslie) Westhead, Doris (Augie) DiGiovanni, Jane (Stephen) DiPietro and Jim (Jodi) Westhead. Dear Sister of Maurice Eschbach and Paul Eschbach. Beloved grandmother of Nicole, Danielle, Stephanie, Samantha, Dominic, Shannon, Stephen, Derek and Cassie. Survived by her faithful dog and best friend, Lilly. Doris was an avid bowler who enjoyed bowling in the Village Green and Medford Women’s Leagues. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend her viewing on Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4 PM and Monday morning from 8:45 to 9:45 AM at Saint Isaac Jogues R.C. Church: (Viewing in CHAPEL): 3 Lord Place, Marlton, NJ 08053. Doris’ Mass of... Read more →

Companies Cited for Commitment to Family-Friendly Work/Life Policies The New Jersey Time to Care Coalition congratulates the major New Jersey companies that are on Working Mother’s “100 Best Companies” list this year for their commitment to family-friendly work/life policies. “This year’s 100 Best represent the gold standard for corporate leaders who offer essential benefits like flexible work options, telecommuting and personal and family-friendly policies,” says Jennifer Owens, editorial director of Working Mother Media. Companies honored in the 100 Best initiative, now in its 27th year, offer progressive policies and programs that make organizations succeed in areas like paid leave, company culture, child care and flexible work arrangements. “We’re proud to have more than 100,000 New Jerseyans working for companies that understand that progressive pro-family policies are good for business,” says Karen White, the director of the Working Families program at Rutgers University’s Center for Women and Work. “Working Mother’s 100... Read more →

Say while Governor stands in way of health insurance exchange, small businesses are suffering Trenton, NJ – On Wednesday, September 19th, small business leaders in the New Jersey Main Street Alliance gathered at the State House to demand that Governor Christie take action to create a New Jersey health insurance exchange and give New Jersey’s small businesses better choices and more bargaining power in health care. The New Jersey Main Street Alliance is made up of 1,100 small business owners from across the state. Health care exchanges provide small businesses and individuals the opportunity to join together to negotiate for high quality health plan options at lower prices. On average, small businesses pay an estimated 18% more for health care coverage than their larger counterparts. “Governor Christie’s veto in May meant that New Jersey missed out on important federal aid and potential grant money,” said Corinne Horowitz, with New Jersey... Read more →

FDA wants parents, caregivers and health care professionals to be aware that infants of any age may face an increased risk of developing a life-threatening condition if fed a thickening product called SimplyThick. The agency has identified 22 infants who developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a condition in which tissue in the intestines becomes inflamed and dies, after being fed SimplyThick. Seven of those infants have died. FDA had issued an advisory in May 2011 that warned of the risk to infants born prematurely. Now, FDA is extending that advice to include infants on any age. English: Logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2006) (Photo credit: Wikipedia) SimplyThick is a brand of thickening agent—available to consumers and medical centers—to help manage swallowing difficulties. Read the Consumer Update to learn more about FDA’s research on NEC and SimplyThick. Read more →

With the Democrat and Republican conventions' media bombardment recently, subjecting us to endless verbal barrages,numbing our senses, sometimes we neglect what's going on in our hometowns. Our local officials can blow as much smoke as the blowhards we see on the big screen TVs. Our town has the distinction of being the first in New Jersey to draft a Pay-To-Play ordinance that addresses a non-problem, while ignoring a real one that has plagued New Jersey politics for years. The Gloucester Township Council has concocted an ordinance that would prevent the influence of “super PAC” money from corrupting our local government, but leaves in the “ Fair and Open” loophole that has allowed unscrupulous politicians in New Jersey to award contracts to their favorite campaign donors. It’s like designing a bullet-proof vest with holes in it. Billionaires like Sheldon Adelson or the Koch brothers won't be able to buy our town... Read more →

September 18, 2012 This Agency of Catholic Social Services Has Served More than 6 Million Men Saint John's Hospice is marking its 50th year of service to Philadelphia's male homeless population. It is a center grounded in faith and service, where homeless persons find dignity, respect, nourishment and opportunities for new beginnings. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM, Cap. said, "Saint John's Hospice is a blessing to all of us in Philadelphia. As a Church, we are blessed that Saint John's has helped us all keep our eyes on the simple but easily forgotten imperative to serve the needy among us. I extend to the entire Saint John's Hospice family my blessing and best wishes as they begin their 50th anniversary celebration." The yearlong celebration kicked off with a fundraising gala on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at Galdo's Catering in South Philadelphia. Bishop Timothy C. Senior, along with other distinguished guests,... Read more →

PHILADELPHIA – The Saint Joseph’s softball team has added former Hawk standouts Brooke Darreff and Erin Gallagher to its coaching staff it was announced on Wednesday. Darreff rejoins her alma mater as an assistant coach, while Gallagher returns to the team as an undergraduate assistant. A former standout catcher, Darreff comes back to Hawk Hill after spending last season as a graduate assistant at Temple. Wearing the Saint Joseph’s jersey from 2006 to 2010, she was named A-10 All-Conference three times, and was selected the 2008 A-10 Player of the Year. Helping the Hawks to three A-10 Tournament berths, she is one of just six players in program history to amass 100 hits and 100 RBIs. Darreff’s 17 career home runs are still tied for fifth in team history, while her .461 batting average from 2008 remains a program record. Upon graduation she received both the 2010 A-10 Sporting Award... Read more →

PHILADELPHIA - La Salle alum Cheryl Reeve had the opportunity to celebrate her 2011 WNBA championship title again on Tuesday, when she and her Minnesota Lynx team visited with President Barack Obama at the White House. Reeve, who was a vital player on the Explorers' 1987-88 nationally ranked women's basketball team, guided the Minnesota Lynx to the WNBA title with a three-game sweep of the Atlanta Dream in the finals last October and was named the 2011 WNBA Coach of the Year. Reeve guided her Lynx squad to a remarkable turnaround capped off by last season's championship title. The team went just 13-21 two years ago and completed the second-biggest one-year turnaround to win a franchise record 27 games at just Reeve's second year at the helm. Under her watch, Seimone Augustus was awarded the WNBA Finals Most Valuable Player trophy and Maya Moore was tabbed the WNBA Rookie of... Read more →

(PARAMUS) – Senator Bob Gordon and Assembly members Connie Wagner and Tim Eustace (all D-Bergen/Passaic) on Wednesday announced the approval of nearly half of a million dollars in state funding to help the town of Saddle Brook acquire homes in flood-prone zones. Saddle Brook, which is bound by the Passaic and Saddle rivers, has been hit hard by flooding in recent years. In total, the town will receive $487,500 to assist with the purchase of eight flood-prone properties. The funding will also be used to leverage Federal Emergency Management Agency grants that are used for the same purpose. "While far from the broad-based solution our region needs to protect itself from devastating flooding, it is good to see the state stepping up to partner with Saddle Brook in this important first step," said Gordon (D-Bergen/Passaic). "Blue Acres funding is vital to ending the cycle of flood-and-repair that has frayed families... Read more →