CNBNews

PHILADELPHIA, PA Merry on Market Center City District has partnered with retailers along Market Street East to present “Merry on Market,” a brand-new promotion that celebrates the many holiday traditions of the historic shopping street in Center City. Every Thursday, now through December 30 from 4-6 p.m. visit Market East to shop, dine and enjoy live outdoor entertainment. East Market - Merry on Market Fashion District - Deck the District Light Show The Lits Building - Holiday Lights and the Timberdale Brass Quintet Reading Terminal - A Time for Joy Holidays in Center City Come experience beloved holiday traditions, while creating new memories with your family and friends in Center City this season. This year, holiday attractions like the "The Nutcracker" and The Mummers Parade are back. Come shop and support Center City’s many businesses, filled with great, unique gifts for everyone on your list. Make a day of it... Read more →

Why OIG Did This Audit GLOUCESTERCITYNEWS.NET GRAPHICS FILES The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS's) analysis of past Medicare claims data has identified vulnerabilities in the Medicare payment process that allow billing for neurostimulator implantation surgeries that violate Medicare coverage requirements. Claims for spinal neurostimulator implantation surgeries, involving either the insertion or replacement of neurostimulators, increased by nearly 175 percent between 2007 and 2018, according to CMS. CMS directed a supplemental medical review contractor to conduct postpayment medical reviews of Medicare Part B spinal neurostimulator implantation surgeries. Those reviews found payment error rates as high as 72 percent. Our objective was to determine whether health care providers complied with Medicare requirements when they billed for neurostimulator implantation surgeries. How OIG Did This Audit Our audit covered $1.4 billion in Medicare payments to providers for 58,213 beneficiaries who had at least one neurostimulator implant surgery during calendar years 2016 and... Read more →

Daytime closures necessary to continue excavation work Trenton) – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced the right lane on I-295 northbound will be closed during the day Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday next week to continue work on the retaining wall investigation in Bellmawr, Camden County. From 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesday, May 18, Wednesday, May 19, and Thursday, May 20, the right lane on I-295 northbound will be closed beginning just past the Creek Road overpass before Exit 26 where the highway splits for I-76 toward Philadelphia/I-295 toward Trenton and will continue through the tunnel. The closure is necessary to provide safe access to the site for trucks to install temporary drainage and to bring in material for erosion mitigation. Future lane closures may be necessary as the investigation continues. Motorists should expect congestion on I-295 northbound and Route 42 northbound. The precise timing of the... Read more →

By: Joe Ball, CNBNews Contributor I’m not into giving time to medically-related practitioners- -when I’m only a potential patient. Yes, I’m into giving time to medically-related practitioners- -when it benefits them- -as I have done Gloucestercitynews.net files for over 50 years by providing to them ways to gain new patients via the professional advertising and communications channels of my firm, American Advertising Services. (If interested, 484-562-0060.) But back to the topic of there personal thoughts: Lately, with my wife, Sandy’s constant pushing, reminding, pushing, encouraging- -and pushing, I’ve been seeing a growing number of health professionals. Here they are from the head down to my feet. …Optometrist …Audiologist …Dentist …Dermatologist …General Practitioner …Cardiologist …Physical Therapist …Podiatrist …Also the druggist, and labs for tests. Note: No mention here of Funeral Directors, as “Death is bad for your health”. Moving Forward. Constantly I continue to develop, and run our business divisions. I... Read more →

By: Joe Ball, CNBNews Contributor Almost 50 years ago I started an advertising and news publicity one person business. My first investment was a used $35 Royal Typewriter. I also signed a lease at $50/month to rent a space – – in a basement – – at 246 S. 22nd St. It came with a desk and chair. This summer, it will have been 56 years ago. Since then, every day has been different. Some days I thought everyone wanted to hire me. Some days I wondered what I was doing wrong, as there was no business. I was reminiscing to myself (I tend to do that just before falling asleep at night) about associates from our various divisions over the years. Because we are inviting former staffers, clients and suppliers to an informal card exchange during ACT’s Executive Networking Event, February 21, 2012 4:45 PM to 7:15 PM at... Read more →

By: Joe Ball, Publisher CNBNews Contributor I’m a senior citizen in age, not in activities. I think I’m one of those who fit the expression, “The senior citizens of today often are like the middle-aged of 20 years ago.” It’s good to think that. “Because I fit it.” My wife, Sandy, tells me, however, should I be asked “How old are you?,” to just say,” I don’t give my age.” “People will see you differently if you do,” she adds. Recently, she told me a story related to her by the daughter of a 90-year-old, Main Line woman. This lady for years played bridge weekly with the same group. Age never came up. She was one of them. On her 90th birthday, her daughter thought it would be nice to have a birthday party for her- -and invite her long-time bridge friends. She did. It was the first time her... Read more →

Joe Ball | CNBNews Contributor I’m a newspaper guy. I read them cover to cover. I’ve worked on them. I’ve owned them- -and still do. Early in my news career I learned that everyone has a story. To hear it, you have to ask questions. Standard questions to open conversations could be… …Where did you grow up and go to school? …How did you meet your spouse? …What do you do (re: daily activities)? Typically, one answer leads to a series of follow-ups. And- -important…be a good listener. In line with this essay… without too much thinking…I’m noting a few stories I’ve heard from strangers. A Chance Meeting At a recent wedding anniversary party, where seating was optional, I put myself down in front of a stranger. He was a tall, white-haired, senior citizen. We had never met. He asked me my name. It meant nothing to him. I asked... Read more →

By Joe Ball | CNBNews Contributor Being in business for over 50 years, and living 80 years, I have met a lot of people. I have learned from them, plus from my own experiences. Following are some of the remembered lessons: 1.) Stay away from lawyers. 2.) Have an open mind, and an open door. 3.) Find a way to reach your goals. 4.) Have a strong, firm handshake. 5.) Do not hear the first “No”. 6.) Do it now. 7.) Persevere. Persevere. Persevere. 8.) Give before you get. 9.) Be yourself. 10.) Don’t try to make the last dollar. Let other people live. Avoid being the richest person- -in the cemetery. 11.) Do business only when it’s (A.) Honest, (B.) Profitable, (C.) Without grief. 12.) Keep your word. 13.) Life has problems. See them as challenges and find a solution. 14.) Find something you like to do. It brings... Read more →

New Book on Nazi Germany Effects Reviewers Memories Joe Ball | CNBNews Contributor Purposes of a book review often are to recommend a good read, educate, or warn a potentia reader not to waste their time. In the case of a book I recently read there was another experience – – a personal catharsis . The book is “The Third Reich at War” (Penguin Press, NY Press contact is Sarah Hutson, 212-366-2826, Sarah.Hutson@us.penguingroup.com). The author is Richard J. Evans, a Cambridge University Professor of Modern History. It is the final volume of his trilogy on the history of Nazi Germany. The volume I recently finished starts in September, 1939, when German troops invaded Poland. It’s last chapters report on the war’s end and immediate aftermath. In between – – for over 760 pages ! – – is an inside look at the historical events, presented by personal testimonies. It is... Read more →

by Joe Ball | CNBNews Contributor There was a death in my immediate family recently. It ended a close relationship of over 11 years. My car died. My Mercury Grand Marquis, which joined my household in April 1998, died suddenly. No warning. No sputtering. Just dead. What turned out to be my last time with the car was a solo drive from Phila. to Ventnor, NJ ., down the Atlantic City Expressway. Average of 70 + miles per hour. No problem. I parked on Martindale Ave. Ignition turned off. Then moments later, following a request to park around the corner on Atlantic Ave., again, no problem. Ignition okay. Into gear. Go. Park. No hint of what was to come. Two nights later, I went to use the car. I was comfortably seated with my wife, Sandy. No ignition. No click-click-click. Nothing. Zero. AAA was called. Tow truck arrived. Battery charged.... Read more →

by Joe Ball | CNBNews Contributor As one grows older, one experiences things that normally don’t happen to those in their twenties and thereabouts. But a message to young people – – Just Wait! The following is on the horizon for you, and already here for me. … Friends I’ve made in elementary school, high school, boy scouts & back-of-house driveway areas are sometimes recognizable. Not always. … So many of my older acquaintances are using canes, or, uh-oh, walkers. … One of the first sections I read in the daily newspapers are – – the obituary and death notice sections (“Please. Please. Have no one I know be there”). … People from my distant past, who might not have been friendly, now are quite friendly. (We have something in common: Survival!) … I recognize I’m living in an IT world, where everyone has an IPhone, GPS and Google for... Read more →

by Joe Ball | CNBNews Contributor Training 1951: Joe Ball, a 21-year-old draftee with his M-1 the rifle of the time at Camp Breckenridge, KY. Note the bayonet scabbard on his left leg. Remembering Rifleman Training I’m going to be in a book. It probably will not be read by many people – but I’m still flattered. The book is about the U.S. Army’s Camp Brekinridge, Kentucky, in the year 1951, during the Korean War. That’s where thousands of draftees were sent to train to be infantrymen. I was one of them ********* The author is Anne Audette, of Westland, Michigan. She wrote her first book on the subject, already published, and is now completing a second book , into which I’m to be included. ********* In May, 1951, I received notice that I was to report to the Beury Building, Broad St. & Erie Avenues to be inducted and... Read more →

by Joe Ball | CNBNews Contributor When you’re 88 years of age, life can be boring. It can consist of … … Sleeping late in the morning … Having the same get-up routines (early to the bathroom for the everyday AM brushing of teeth, showering, swallowing pills, taking the daily sugar blood count, checking the I-Phone for weather info, making a decision on what to wear for the day.) 2013 photo … Double-checking to see if any medical appointments. … Watching TV. Especially CNN, CNBC occasionally, Fox, (less occasionally) the “History Channel”, “National Geographic” and, hoping there is an afternoon sports event, or unseen movie. … Meals sometimes in front of the TV. … Naps … Reading the ads from senior living accommodations … Clipping the senior citizen discounts. For transportation … food … movies … … Reading the ads & mailings from senior citizen retirement communities … assisted living... Read more →

Joe Ball Joe Ball | CNBNews Contributor I very quietly confided to my best friend that I was having an affair. She turned to me and asked, ‘Are you having it catered’? And that, my friend, Is the definition of ‘OLD’! *** Just before the funeral services, the undertaker Came up to the very elderly widow and asked, ‘How old was your husband?’ ’96,’ she replied: ‘Two years younger than me’ ‘So you’re 98,’ the undertaker commented She responded, ‘Not hardly worth going home, is it?’ *** Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old woman: ‘And what do you think is the best thing About being 104?’ the reporter asked. She simply replied, ‘No peer pressure.’ *** I’ve sure gotten old! I’ve had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement, New knees, fought prostate cancer and diabetes I’m half blind, can’t hear anything quieter than a jet engine, Take 40 different medications that Make... Read more →

By: Joe Ball | CNBNews Contributor Published on September 18, 2019. June 1, 2009 – – The 51st Anniversary of our Wedding. Joe Ball We remain husband and wife. Together… 51-years… And, for me, 51-years of a wonderful life – – thanks to your, Sandra Lee (Cohan) Ball. I have often said the two best things I have done in my life were (1) marrying you and (2) starting my own business. Number two actually activated number 1. The line on the chart of my adult life begins with you, and goes upward, upward, upward. Along the way there are many memories. I will mention a few… You were 19-years-old when we met. You were a student at Temple University, living at home, 2442 Bryn Mawr Ave., Philadelphia, with your parents, Minnie and Laigh Cohan. I was 28, a central High grad, a U.S. Army Veteran and living at home... Read more →

By: Joe Ball | CNBNews Contributor I think I know what death is. I had a “near-death” experience. It was nothing like the recollections of the people featured recently in the Inquirer by staff writer Faye Flan. Those people told of happy near-death experiences involving light, flowers, music, and even a beautiful male angel. T’aint from one who knows (or so thinks) Joe Ball My experience came several days after an emergency gall bladder operation. I was released from the hospital – weak, but seemingly on the way to complete recovery. My first evening home – three days after the operation – I told my wife, Sandy, “I feel tired. I’m going to bed.” It was about 7 p.m., not quite four days after the operation. She said, “I’ll tuck you in,” from the first floor to our second level. At the top of the steps, I remember saying, “I... Read more →

Published on October 21, 2019. By: Joe Ball | CNBNews Contributor The first time I ever saw Sandra Cohan was at her front door, 2442 Bryn Mawr Ave., in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia. Joe Ball I was there as a “blind date.” She was 19. I was 28. I remember my first thought, when she opened the door of her parent’s home: It was: “I like her looks!” Our first date was a neighborhood movie, “Cyrano De Bergerac,”followed by either a hamburger at the Hot Shop, Broad and Champlost Sts., or corn beef sandwiches at King Cole’s, on York Rd., Elkins Park. (Forgive me Sandy. I forget. I am older.) I do remember it was raining. There was a rattle from the rear of my car. I pulled over to see what… Sandy got out of the car, into the rain, came to the back of the car where... Read more →

By: Joe Ball | CNBNews Contributor Joe Ball I’ve heard it said that “when you age – – the feet & legs are first to go”. True – – as it affects me. But first some good things about aging. I’m soon to be 88. I feel good … from the waist up. Downward, well no comment . . . I have neuropathy . That’s where the nerves in the feet take a never-to-return vacation. The result is loss of balance. And loss of balance is a major problem. Major! So major, I want to say it again, this way: “Don’t fall down!” To fall, as a senior harboring brittle bones, could result in months of rehab, or a perpetual, forever, horizontal position. Underground! I’m on a walker. That’s good. I’m walking! I’m here. Living! So, What Else Is Good? There are residual benefits of being “handicapped”: They include: …... Read more →

For: Immediate Release Philadelphia City Council Honor: On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Philadelphia's longest-established advertising and PR firm, American Advertising Services, the company's founder and continuing president, Joe Ball (r) receives a commendation from Councilman-At-Large, Derek Green, Esq. American Advertising Services is a division of ACT, Inc. , which also publishes a business newspaper, and produces three regional weekly business interview radio shows (www.PhillyBizMedia.com). # # # Note: Joe Ball is a long-time resident of Lower Merion. Related articles Beyond Philly: Other cities already looking to duplicate soda tax plan Police raid home of Philly councilman's daughter by mistake, report says Eagles sign Andrew Gardner to extension, report says Mayor Nutter's Paid Sick Leave Commission Releases Report Hackers take down Philadelphia City Council website, report says Read more →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEW MARKETING RELATED books were donated to the Bala Cynwyd branch of the Lower Merion Library System recently by American Advertising Services, the 57 years in business local advertising/PR firm (29 Bala Ave., Ste. 114, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004/www.PhillyBizMedia.com). About 40 books covering internet marketing, traditional business advertising, and related subjects were given. Pictured is Ardmore's Yelane Rosenbaum, a vice-president of ACT, Inc., the business-to-business media firm, and parent corporation of American Advertising Services. The business has a continuing community support program. Joe Ball is corporate founder and president. Related articles SOUTH JERSEY BUSINESS SCENE: Reviva Labs of Haddonfield Honored Rosenbaum Coordinator of Internet Marketing at American Advertising Services -cnbnews.net US International Film & Video Festival Announces Chairman Philadelphia: Melissa Ardis Assumes New Position at American Advertising Services | cnbnews.net Bala Cynwyd PE firm raises $900M fund Read more →