Thursday, November 29, 2012

Pols Celebrate 100th Anniversary of Albanian Independence

BRONX, NEW YORK, November 29- Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. and Assemblymember Mark Gjonaj were the honored guests of the Albanian-American Society Foundation and the Sons and Daughters of Albania in America in their celebration of 100th anniversary of Albanian Independence. A billboard in Times Square was illuminated to commemorate the occasion.  
The celebration honored several groups and individuals who have given back to their community or have made significant contributions to Albania’s independence, including Dr. Elez Biberaj; Voice of America; The League of Prizren; Ismail Qemali (in memoriam); Adem Jashari (in memoriam) and Tahir Sinani (in memoriam).
Borough President Stringer took time to honor each of these distinguished leaders by issuing a special proclamation declaring an official “day of celebration in the borough of Manhattan.”
“Albanian-Americans are defined by a strong commitment to ethnic diversity, religious pluralism, and liberty and freedom for all,” said Borough President Stringer. “Almost 40 percent of New Yorkers are foreign-born--and Albanians are a vital part of that diverse tapestry.”
“I am proud to stand today with my friends in the Albanian community and beyond to celebrate this important milestone, the 100th anniversary of Albania’s independence from the Ottoman Empire. The Albanian community of the Bronx continues to grow and prosper, and their success is good for the Bronx and the entire City. The Bronx is home to the largest Albanian population in New York City, and on this day of great celebration we renew our commitment to working with the Albanian community of our borough to build and strengthen the entire Bronx,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
We live in the greatest country in the world, a country that allows you to celebrate your heritage and culture while becoming a productive member of American society,” said Assemblymember Mark Gjonaj. “On this momentous day, I wish Albanians throughout the world a happy celebration of this 100th anniversary. This is a proud day for Albanian Americans and Albanians worldwide.”
“What a historic, landmark day for the Albanian community. Albanian-Americans have contributed so much to our vibrant city, and it is fitting that New Yorkers are celebrating 100 years of Albanian independence by marking the special place that they have in our neighborhoods. Their small businesses and entrepreneurial spirit has helped grow our economy and their sense of civic duty and acts of kindness have made tremendous impact on countless lives. It is my privilege to join you in celebrating this auspicious occasion,” said Public Advocate Bill de Blasio.
“On this momentous occasion, the 100th anniversary of the independence of Albania from the Ottoman Empire – the largest event so far in the proud history of Albania – Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer has again opened the doors of Broadway and turned on the lights of Times Square, the cross-roads of the world, for all Albanians,” said Esad Rizai, Founder of Albanian American Society Foundation. “This celebration will be watched with joy and honor by Albanians everywhere, both here in the United States and around in the world.  Scott M. Stinger has again shown his dedication to the Albanian peoples, and we know he proudly stands beside us as we celebrate this great day.  In the spirit of Besa and our fore-fathers, here in America, Albania and all around the world, we express our sincere gratitude and thanks.”
“On this day, Albanians in Albania and everywhere in the world celebrate with joy and pride the Centenary of the Declaration of Independence,” said His Honor Mr. Ferit Hoxha, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Albania to the United Nations, New York. “Independence was the result of sustained efforts by the best among us and the genuine support by friendly nation, in the first place this blessed country of United States America. I am particularly grateful to President Scott Stringer and his team, for the diligence in co-organising this event, in this mythical world place. I consider this event in the City of Lights, in a Place of Splendour, a special and delicate present he made to us, Albanians."
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Monday, November 12, 2012

Honoring Those Who Served

(Photos by Seitu Oronde)
NEW YORK, NY, November 12- An American military veteran from every conflict dating back to World War II joined hundreds of their brother and sister veterans, members of the Armed Services and fellow New Yorkers on the flight deck of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum to officially announce the first-ever Veterans Week NYC, officially scheduled for November 7 - 14, 2012 and encompassing events and special offers for veterans that run the entire month.
With the New York City Veteran’s Day Parade as its centerpiece, Veterans Week NYC 2012 is the first time that both newly-developed and time-honored events, all devoted to celebrating, thanking and honoring our nation’s veterans and active duty military personnel, have been organized under one comprehensive banner, including seminars, forums, concerts, tours, screenings, symposiums and special benefit galas.
Veterans Week NYC Events that will be open to the public include:
• 93rd Annual Veterans Day Parade and “Patriots Row” Street Fair
• “Band of Pride” Concert in Times Square
• “Reflections” Festival of the Arts featuring the work of veteran and military artists
Wreath Laying Ceremony in Madison Square Park
Special tours of Intrepid and the Space Shuttle Enterprise
Events that will be sponsored specifically for Veterans and their families include:
• Veterans Advantage Jobs and Career Symposium at Citi
• Wounded Warrior Employment & Technology Day at Google
• Bob Woodruff Foundation’s “Stand Up For Heroes” Concert at the Beacon Theater, with a live stream on YouTube
• Savings at events and discounts at participating retailers with the free VetRewards Card
• Veterans Advantage "Heroes Meet Heroes" reception at the New York Athletic Club
• Patriots Tour of Monuments
• A special Veterans Week Screening of “Happy New Year” at Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, which tells the story of Sgt. Cole Lewis (Michael Cuomo), who is finds humanity, compassion and friendship while healing from wounds suffered in Iraq and Afghanistan. Directed by Award-winning writer/director K. Lorrel Manning. Film opens in NY on November 16, 2012.
• Special performance of the Big Apple Circus with live stream on Google+ Hangout
For the most updated calendar of Veterans Week NYC 2012 events, please visit http://www.veteransweeknyc.org.
Veterans Week NYC is a result of a collaborative effort of veterans-related organizations and entities led by Chairman Gerry Byrne, Vice Chairman of Penske Media, owners of Variety, Movieline, Deadline Hollywood and Hollywood Life.
“New York City sets the pace for so much of the rest of our nation, in business, entertainment, government and social programs, and so we are thrilled to again create a new model that we hope will be emulated nationwide,” said Byrne. “With Veterans Week NYC 2012, we demonstrate in a concrete way our appreciation for the veterans who have given so much of themselves to protect our freedom and way of life. We seek to see their service be recognized and honored throughout the year, not just every November.”
General Electric is serving as the presenting sponsor for the first-ever Veterans Week NYC.
“GE is honored to recognize veterans during this important week as part of our long-standing commitment to support them," said GE Chief Security Officer and Brigadier General (ret.) Frank Taylor. "We launched the Get Skills to Work program this week, a coalition of business, digital, academic and not-for-profit partners that aims to train military veterans for jobs in advanced manufacturing, bolster the talent pipeline and enhance American competitiveness. GE has over 10,000 U.S. military veterans in the company and set a goal of hiring 1,000 veterans each year for the next five years. Through our partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes program, GE has hired over 800 veterans in 2012 and has supported over thirty Hiring Our Heroes transition workshops, coaching over 2,000 veterans. GE is also an active member of and donor to several leading national military and veteran support organizations, such as Disabled American Veterans, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and the Medal of Honor Foundation, among others."
The 93rd Annual Veterans Day Parade, produced by the United War Veterans Council, is the our nation’s largest tribute to America’s veterans, military service members and their families, drawing more than 600,000 spectators and provides partners, sponsors and participants with an unparalleled opportunity to demonstrate support for our veterans and military while reaching an audience of millions. Visit vetsday.org for Parade information.
“General George Washington said ‘The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war , no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars are treated and appreciated by our Nation,’ said Vince McGowan, Chairman, NYC Veteran's Advisory Board and President of the United War Veterans Council. “NYC, the Capitol of the World, is celebrating our 93rd consecutive Veterans Day Parade and launching the Nation’s first "Veteran's Week" celebration displaying all the opportunity and attention that have been focused through public & private partnerships that end up honoring our citizens’ service in the US Military.”
Citi, Google, Veterans Advantage and the USO serve as Founding Sponsors of Veterans Week NYC 2012.
“Through our Citi Salutes initiative, Citi has a long record supporting our nation’s military veterans and their families with career opportunities, professional mentoring, financial skills assistance, and banking products and services that meet their unique needs,” said Suni Harford, Citi’s Regional Head of Markets for North America. “New York City has been Citi’s hometown for 200 years, and we’re deeply proud to open our doors and join the other organizations supporting Veterans Week NYC in expressing our solemn thanks to the men and women who’ve worn our nation’s uniform.”
“Google is a proud supporter of the U.S. military veteran community and thrilled to share in this historic week for the City of New York. We remain deeply committed to helping all service members and military spouses make a successful transition to civilian life,” said Carrie Laureno, Google’s Audience Evangelist and founder of the Google Veterans Network. “Our Google for Veterans and Families toolkit, Chrome for Wounded, Ill and Injured Warriors, resume and mentoring workshops, and hiring programs, are some of the many ways we are helping veterans and military families around the world pursue their goals.”
Veterans Week NYC also features an exclusive Veterans Advantage Rewards Card which grants veterans and their family members access to a variety of benefits, including discounts with major brands like Verizon Wireless, Apple, Amtrak, Greyhound, Foot Locker, Champs, Wendy’s, Ford and all major car rental companies. There is also access to online savings from partners such as Dell, United Airlines, and various NYC entertainment, dining and sports venues. This special thirty-day VetRewards Card, valid for the month of November, is provided by Veterans Advantage, the nation’s leading veterans benefits program, and is designated as the “Official Card of Veterans Week.”
“As an Army Veteran, and on behalf of Veterans Advantage, I am pleased our VetRewards Card has been chosen as ‘The Official Card of Veterans Week NYC 2012,” said Scott Higgins, CEO and Founder of Veterans Advantage. "The Free VetRewards Card makes it easy for Veterans and their family members to get local New York City discounts and reduced or free admission during the Week,” Higgins added. “Veterans can go to http://www.VeteransWeekNYC.org and enroll for the free card underwritten by our sponsors, including GE, Google, Citi, Foot Locker, Tudor Group, Penn Mutual, Avis/Budget, HBO, For, CUNY AND 1-800-Flowers, and get special savings on travel, shopping and entertainment for over 2,000 events and discounts in the New York City area.”
The Bob Woodruff Foundation and the New York Comedy Festival will present its annual “Stand Up For Heroes” benefit at the Beacon Theater, featuring Bruce Springsteen.
“The Bob Woodruff Foundation is honored to be a part of the inaugural Veterans Week. We are committed to ensuring injured service members and their families successfully reintegrate and thrive. Events like Stand Up for Heroes and Veterans Week generate critical support and awareness. We will spread the momentum into communities across the country by investing in innovative solutions to the needs of our returning veterans like to suicide prevention and barriers to employment,” said, Anne Marie Dougherty, executive director, Bob Woodruff Foundation.
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Thursday, November 1, 2012

Helping Hurricane Victims

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, November 1- Many millions of Americans living on the Atlantic coast had their lives disrupted, if not much worse, by the power of Hurricane Sandy during the past few days. Double figures of lives were lost, homes were demolished, large numbers of people were stranded in their homes, millions lost power, public transportation in the tri--state area could not run.

Those fortunate to have power have watched the mesmerizing story of the unwelcome visit on TV or look at the photos on this website or in this week’s Bronx News.
First responders who work in the metropolitan area, members of the National Guard and volunteers from other sections of the nation are working to better the lives of local residents and repair the damaged infrastructure.
Individuals and organizations make also being looking for ways to aid the relief effort. Those who do can follow the example of the New York Yankees. The Bronx sports franchise donated $500,000 to the American Red Cross, which is trying to assist the victims of the super storm.
The Yankees Managing Partner Hal Steinbrenner made a statement regarding the natural disaster, “The damage and destruction to the Tri-State area caused by Hurricane Sandy is daunting, but we have seen the great resiliency of this region before. As a neighbor and community member, the Yankees embrace our role of stepping forward and assisting the American Red Cross, which comes to the aid of so many people through their tireless efforts.”
This is not the first time the Yankees under the Steinbrenner ownership have become involved in charitable undertakings. The organization as a unit as well as individual players has formed foundations to aid a variety of causes. The organization today is setting an example that hopefully that hopefully will be followed by other sports organizations and businesses of all types.
The easiest way to donate $10 to the Red Cross is texting RedCross to 90999. The money will be used to benefit, family, friends and neighbors in a time of need.
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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Picking up the pieces from Hurricane Sandy

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Thursday, October 25, 2012

Bronx News: Wounded Cop Shooting Caught on Tape

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Monday, October 22, 2012

Google Helps Bronx Small Biz Get Online

BRONX, NEW YORK, October 22- This week, Google brought its New York Get Your Business Online program to NYC with events throughout all five boroughs. Launched last year in Albany and Buffalo, New York Get Your Business Online helps drive economic growth by giving small businesses the tools and resources to establish a website, find new customers, and grow their business.
The event, held at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, is the final one in a week-long series that has reached all five boroughs and included almost a thousand of NYC’s small businesses. At each event, Google has worked with small business owners to create their own websites courtesy of Intuit. Businesses have also received a customized domain name, free web hosting for one year, a local business listing on Google Maps, free tools, training and resources. Google experts have been on hand to train the business owners on how to reach more customers online.
“We are committed to making sure the City’s small businesses are online so potential customers can find them,” said Susan Molinari, Vice President, Public Policy & Government Relations, for Google. “Many small businesses do not have a website because they think it is too expensive, too difficult or too time consuming to create. New York Get Your Business Online helps small businesses easily and quickly create their own web presence and start growing their businesses online.”
New York Get Your Business Online is an easy and fast way for Bronx small businesses to get a website and become more visible online, where the majority of people are going to find goods and services. While 97 percent of Americans look online for local products and services, 53% percent of New York’s small businesses do not have a website or online presence.
“As a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee I am deeply involved in matters involving the internet and I know that having a presence on the internet is an absolute necessity today,” said Congressman Eliot Engel. “More and more, commerce is becoming e-commerce. This is an opportunity to raise your presence beyond your neighborhood and spread the word much further afield about what you can do for your customers and to attract new ones.”
During this morning’s session, State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson stopped by to visit and speak with the business leaders who were participating.
Businesses unable to attend the event can still get a free website, resources and more information about the program by going to www.NewYorkGetOnline.com.
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Saturday, October 20, 2012

Are Yanks Really Thinking of Keeping A-Rod??


Fans Angry Over Slumping Sluggers


By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, October 20- MLB will not be played in the Bronx again in 2012. Most Yankees fans felt a combination of surprise, disappointment, sadness and embarrassment after the team was swept by the Detroit Tigers in four games in the recently completed American League Championship Series (ALCS). This reaction was amplified by the comments in the daily press, sports talk radio and internet blogs.

The balanced statement issued by the Yankees Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner on Friday was very different than those heard or read in the above listed sites and also different in tone from the emotional responses remembered from his late father, George.

Steinbrenner started his statement with words that reflect the hurt of devoted fans of the club, “We fell short of our singular and constant goal which is a World Series Championship…this was a bitter end to our year.”

While the Steinbrenner family, the franchise and its fans hold to that goal every year, it is unrealistic. Even though the New York Yankees are the most successful organization in professional sports, they have won the World Series 27 times since 1923.

In recent years, the Yanks have been regulars in post-season baseball. Under the direction of three managers, Buck Showalter, Joe Torre and Joe Girardi, the Yanks have been in the playoffs in 17 of the past 18 seasons. If this pattern of continued success does not lead the followers of the club to unrealistic expectations, what can? It was this expectation of success for the Yankees that when not met led to the jeering of Yankees players during the final two games in the Bronx. Privately some Yankees players claimed the booing had a negative effect on their performances at home.

While past success may be forgotten or disregarded each year the Yanks are crowned champions, Steinbrenner included this year’s full record for deserved praise, “We earned the best record in the American League and were one of four teams to advance to the League championship Series (LCS).”

It’s clear that the loss in the ALCS can be blamed on the lack of batting prowess. Even in the victory over Oakland in the five game ALDS, the Yanks hit poorly. The team had an anemic batting average of .211 while the pitching staff of New York had an ERA of 1.76 and held Oakland batters to an average of .187. The average of the Yankees batters fell to .157 and the team only scored six runs in the four contests of the ALDS. Although Alex Rodriguez only hit safely three times is 25 at bats (.120) in the eight playoff games, he was not who failed offensively.

Curtis Granderson was 3 for 30 (.100) with 16 strikeouts. It was especially disturbing when one contrasts Granderson’s 0 for 11 in the ALCS with the two players who were traded to Detroit in exchange for Granderson in December 2009. Center fielder Austin Jackson batted .353 against the Yanks and reliever Phil Coke pitched in all four contests and earned two saves. He went a total of 5.2 innings without giving up a run. He fanned four, gave up three hits and did not issue a walk.

The others who were absent from the hit parade during the post-season included Nick Swisher, 5 for 30 (.167), Eric Chavez hitless in 16 at bats, Russell Martin, 5 for 31, Robinson Cano, 3 for 40, Gardner, hitless in 8 at bats and Chris Stewart, hitless in 4 at bats. Failure generally breeds a scapegoat and A-Rod has clearly been given that role in the 2012 post-season.

After game four concluded, Girardi attributed the series loss to a lack of hitting among many players, not just one, “We didn’t swing the bats. It wasn’t one guy, it wasn’t two guys, it was a bunch of guys, and it’s hard to win if you don’t score runs.”

He spoke of the unfairness of the all the blame being placed upon Rodriguez, “There were a lot of guys mightily struggling, not a little bit, a lot. He [Rodriguez] is going to be the one talked about the most.”

Another significant factor was the injury suffered by Yankee captain Derek Jeter. Jeter’s loss counted twofold, one of leadership and the second his high level of play. Jeter was one of the very few who hit well in the post-season, .333 in 2012. His return is not expected for five months, which means he will miss most if not all of the 2013 Spring Training.
Steinbrenner promised the fans to continue, “A long standing commitment to provide our fans a championship caliber team year after year.” The period of assessment and decision may not begin immediately, but one can be assured that many changes will be made in an attempt to improve the club before the 2013 season begins. As very few Yankees have contracts that extend beyond 2012, many of this year’s team may not return in 2013.
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