Add accepting World Series tickets to the list of New York Gov. David Paterson's scandals. (Photo Credit: CC BY-SA/David Shankbone/Wikipedia)

New York Gov. David Paterson’s time in office has been checkered by scandal and embarrassment. Fred Armisen’s spoof of the legally blind politician on “Saturday Night Live” has stuck to New York’s governor like a scarlet letter, similar to what Tina Fey did for Sarah Palin. Talk of Paterson’s drug use and infidelity have been mined as comedic fodder, and the New York State Commission on Public Integrity reports that David Paterson’s sense of ethics now has him in trouble again. He has been fined $62,125 for accepting five complimentary tickets to Game One of the 2009 World Series, tickets that would have cost $2,125.

David Paterson loves his Yankees

According to the New York commission, Gov. David Paterson, two aides, Paterson’s teenage son and his son’s friend attended the game at Yankee Stadium between the Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies. Clearly, Paterson didn’t spare a thought for how this would be perceived as a great political impropriety and abuse of power. Paterson reportedly claimed that he had “always intended to pay for the tickets,” but this testimony was refuted by Paterson’s staff, the New York Yankees baseball club, an independent handwriting expert and additional evidence that proves that David Paterson did not even perform a ceremonial function at the game.

Even if Gov. Paterson had presented himself at the game in his official capacity, he would not have been entitled to free tickets. According to the Commission, “the Governor’s false testimony is … evidence that he knew his conduct was unlawful.” A variety of New York State laws were violated in the Commission’s estimation.

Gov. Paterson’s fines in detail

The New York State Commission on Public Integrity levied a $62,125 fine on embattled Gov. David Paterson. That’s $2,125 for the tickets, $25,000 for violating Public Officers Law §73(5)(a), $25,000 for “violating Public Officers Law §73(5)(b) and $10,000 for violating “Public Officers Law §74(3)(d). The Commission had considered fines under additional statutes, but no others could legally be applied.

Sources

New York Daily News

New York State Commission on Public Integrity

Stepping over the line (Note: Video contains adult references)

Gov. Chris Christie has canceled the ARC tunnel commuter train project before the over-budget project swallowed New Jersey taxes. (Photo: CC BY/Walter Burns/Wikipedia)

One of the key components of the Obama administration’s plan for America’s economic recovery is infrastructure projects that create jobs and bolster commerce. The potential influx of new jobs is particularly valuable in light of runaway unemployment. Unfortunately, not all public works projects get off the ground. NJ.com reports that the New York to New Jersey ARC (Access to the Region’s Core) tunnel project will be terminated for the second time because of budget issues. The commuter train tunnel would have been the United States’ largest public works project.

Estimated $2.3 billion overrun killed the ARC tunnel

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie officially killed the over-budget infrastructure project that would have extended a commuter train tunnel under the Hudson River from New Jersey into midtown Manhattan, N.Y. “I cannot place, upon the citizens of the state of New Jersey, an open-ended letter of credit,” he told the press. This is the second time the ARC tunnel has been canceled during its nearly two-decade run of planning and development. Back on Oct. 7, Gov. Christie scrapped the project because of a minimum budget overrun of $2.3 billion and a maximum of $5.3 billion, although U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood convinced Christie to extend a grace period while alternate means of funding were researched. The initial estimated cost of the ARC tunnel was $8.7 billion.

No ‘Big Dig’

Gov. Christie was wary that the ARC tunnel would become an embarrassment like Boston’s “Big Dig” mega-tunnel that ended up costing 10 times more than the initial $2.8 billion estimate. The ARC tunnel would theoretically double train capacity to and from New York City by 2018 – increasing job options for cash-strapped New Jerseyites by as much as 45,000 permanent positions – but runaway costs made the tunnel’s worth questionable. Planning and design have already cost $600 million. The lack of progress prompted the people of New Jersey to affix the ARC tunnel project with the unflattering moniker “The Tunnel to Macy’s Basement.” Gov. Christie felt going any further would be a gamble New Jersey taxpayers would have to pay off in perpetuity.

Without the ARC tunnel, New Jersey’s best commuter train option into New York is a century-old two-track tunnel that can handle a mere 23 trains.

Sources

NJ.com

Gov. Christie announces the beginning of the end of ARC

(Photo: Leoncillo Sabino/Flickr/CC BY-SA)

Rights of individuals, whether it be freedom of religion or the ability to obtain installment loans, have always served as a countermeasure to the power of the state and national security. After the rise of terrorism brought on by religious fundamentalism, the right of religion is being weighed against the right of the state to protect itself. And this dispute between two significant and essential rights has become more prevalent today.

Religious freedom a contentious issue

The idea of “freedom of religion” refers to more than one religion. But a multiplicity of religions has always meant conflict, and religious conflict has often led to war and human devastation. This was the state of reality for centuries and millenniums, and it is hardly a ringing endorsement of religious freedom. This was the idea of tolerance of religious difference — an idea that was offered in response to the long and bloody history of religious conflict that had included, in Europe alone, the Crusades, the Islamic conquests, the Inquisition, the Thirty Years War, the Holocaust and just recently, the religious fundamentalism that engages in terrorism.

Universal Declaration in the present century

For the last half century, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has set forth a formula focused on averting religious conflict. Under Article 18 of the Universal Declaration, everyone has the right to freedoms of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change one’s religion or belief and the freedom, either alone or in the community, to manifest one’s religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance. In parallel, Article 30 reads: “Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any state, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.”

The concept of religious freedom and tolerance

The concepts of religious freedom and tolerance — allowing individuals to believe in, practice and promote the religion of choice without repercussions — are legitimate and worthwhile. However, in recent years, certain organizations have tried to use these concepts in their efforts to a) prevent or attack critical evaluations of their teachings and practices, and B) to fight against efforts to establish guidelines or laws governing such issues as unethical recruitment tactics, fraudulent fund-raising and other unlawful acts.

Building of a mosque in New York

A recent issue closely linked to this matter is when New York defended the building of a mosque near the site of the twin towers. Despite many who contested it, plans are still in the works. This clearly establishes and reinforces the fact that the United States is a country of rights and freedoms, particularly of religious tolerance. Despite the trauma and detriment it suffered during the 9/11 attacks, it still respects and is tolerant to certain religions. One thing’s for sure: no matter what your religious beliefs may be, an installment loan is still an option you can benefit from.

References:

http://www.smh.com.au/world/reject-mosque-suspicions-new-yorkers-told-20100804-11flc.html

http://politifi.com/news/Reject-mosque-suspicions-New-Yorkers-told-999849.html

Things can get pretty expensive living in the Big Apple. Fortunately, there are payday loan options. (Photo: Thinkstock)

If you live in the Big Apple, you already know how expensive apartment rent can be. You also know that the cost of living itself is very high. How, then, can you ease your monthly expenses while living in New York? Get a payday loan! Don’t worry; we haven’t forgotten about the people in the other areas of the state of New York, like those in Syracuse, Buffalo or Albany. New York payday loans are specifically targeted to anyone who lives within this state.

New York payday loans online

It is not like climbing The Statue of Liberty, that’s for sure; getting New York payday loans is incredibly easy. The requirements for this loan are:

1. You must be 18 years of age or older to apply
2. Employed for the last 3 months and currently working
3. Social security number
4. Legal U.S. citizenship
5. Have a stable job and make at least $1,000 a month

How much cash can I get with New York payday loans?

You can get as little as $100 or as much as $1,500, if your application is accepted. The amount you qualify for will depend on how much you make each month. It will also depend on the information you submit on your loan application.

How safe is it to apply for online New York payday loans?

It is very safe to apply for a New York payday loan online. All of our cash lenders ensure online security by using “https” site protection on their sites. That is one of the best used features for defending against online hackers.

Where can I get this loan?

You can apply for New York payday loans online, right from the comfort and privacy of your home. Below this article is a short form that takes only a few minutes to complete. Once you complete and submit the application, you will be informed almost instantly on whether you are approved.

Apply for New York payday loans | Start HERE

Hey, if you like Dutch Colonials, the Amityville Horror house might be just what you're looking for. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

Looking for real estate?  How about a three story, six bedroom Dutch Colonial with a gambrel roof? It also has a swimming pool and a boat house right on the water. The house is located in a small sleepy Long Island suburb. It’s right on the Atlantic Ocean so the beach is never far away.  It’s going for $1.15 million.  Oh, and it’s the house where  “The Amityville Horror” took place.

‘The Amityville Horror’

“Amityville Horror” the book focuses on the experiences of George Lutz and his wife Kathy Lutz. They bought this Dutch Colonial house for rock bottom prices in 1976, after the house had been vacant for more than a year. The couple learned that the house was where Robert DeFeo Jr., shot and killed his parents and siblings. It cost the Lutzes just $80,000. For a house of this type, that’s the kind of price that guarantees most people won’t need payday loans to keep up with the payments. But the Lutzes left the home with their children in less than a month in terror, claiming strange occurrences tantamount to either a haunting or demonic possession in the home.

Off to the movies

After the incidents involving the Lutzes took place (allegedly), a book was written about the events. The book in question, “The Amityville Horror” has come to be viewed as not-quite-accurate. Regardless of the book’s truthfulness, a film was made in 1979 and sequels followed. In 2005, a remake starring Ryan Reynolds was released.  The interesting thing is that the Lutzes left in 1976, and a new owner, James Cromarty, moved in the next year and lived there for a decade. According to him, “Nothing weird ever happened, except for people coming by because of the book and the movie.”

Homes at killer prices

This is something the National Association of Realtors probably won’t tell you, but when a murder takes place at a residence, the bank or loan company holding the mortgage will list it for sale at rock bottom prices.  The idea is to sell it quickly and quietly.  Don’t believe me? Check this article out at HousingWatch.com.  The only thing you have to ask yourself is if you’re alright with knowing someone met a grisly end in your living room.

No, it's not Arafat vs. the Montauk Monster. It's a Plum Island visitor enjoying sunrise and wondering if he'll get to see Lab 257. (Photo: Flickr)

Plum Island is a part of Southold, New York in Gardiners Bay, off the eastern end of the North Fork coast of Long Island. Since the beginning of the Cold War, the island has been the site of a military base and an animal disease center that shall forever be known as “Lab 257.” When Lab 257 was fully operational, access was limited only to select scientists and special guests. Speculation was that bizarre animal experiments were conducted there. Lab 257 is where some people believe the Montauk Monster originated. But those glory days are (allegedly) long gone. Plum Island is up for sale, reports local WCBS TV.

Plum Island – What can you do with a local legend?

The General Services Administration is currently taking community input as to what should be done with Plum Island. Some feel it should be made into a federal park and nature preserve, as many different bird species nest on the island. But concerns exist over Lab 257, particularly from a Homeland Security point of view. Pathogens that could potentially kill humans – and destroy scores of livestock – were once produced there. Furthermore, the island is not well-protected. Thus, some have argued that Lab 257 should be moved to Kansas and reopened for biological experimentation. Yet, as U.S. Rep. Timothy Bishop (whose district includes Plum Island) told local media, the sale of Plum Island would garner $50 million to $60 million. The costs of relocating Lab 257 would be significantly more, more than $650 million. Armed forces loans would be necessary. Bishop believes Plum Island facilities should go back into use rather than opening the “Pandora’s Box” of decommissioning and moving Lab 257.

The Montauk Monster – a product of Lab 257?

The rumor circulated along the small coastal towns of New York is that the Montauk Monster was a product of Lab 257. The Montauk Monster is likely just a decayed seal carcass or perhaps a large deceased raccoon, but the stories swirling around Plum Island and Lab 257 sound much more fun. One set of fishermen allegedly found the beast and gave it a proper Viking funeral, complete with at-sea immolation and the Montauk Monster secured in a child’s flotation device. Whether it’s all true matters very little. Such stories are what splash local color across the cultural landscape. Stories of Lab 257 on Plum Island may stretch the truth, but clearly some work with infectious disease has occurred on the premises. That’s enough to entertain generations of kids around the campfire on a summer evening.

Related Video:

Plans for the Cordoba House - a community center that will include a mosque - at Ground Zero have unleashed a flood of emotion. Image from Flickr.

There are plans to build a mosque at Ground Zero, and emotions are running high on both sides of this plan. The planned Cordoba House will be a 15-story community center that includes a mosque. Funded with payday advances from the Cordoba Initiative and the American Society for Muslim Advancement, the community center was first announced at a Lower Manhattan Community Board meeting this week.

Mosque at Ground Zero a part of a community building

The plans for a mosque at Ground Zero are not for a purely religious building. Instead, the Cordoba House project will include a performance art center, gymnasium, swimming pool and prayer space. The planned space for the community center and mosque at Ground Zero is the former Burlington Coat Factory building, between West Broadway and Park Place.

Detailed plans for mosque at Ground Zero

The Cordoba Initiative estimates that the community center and mosque at Ground Zero will cost about $100 million. The building would be funded by the Initiative, the American Society for Muslim Advancement and donations. The land for the Cordoba House is already owned by the Cordoba Initiative and does not involve any zoning changes. Even though the building does not require approval by the Community Board, the Initiative chose to discuss the plans at the Community Board Meeting voluntarily. The Cordoba House would be open to all and would aim to help promote Muslim-American understanding through offering needed community services.

Rumors about the mosque at Ground Zero

There have been many rumors flying about the possibility of a mosque at Ground Zero. One rumor states that the building is planned to open on Sept. 11, 2011 (the 10-year anniversary of the attacks). However, the Cordoba House will take between three and five years to build after funding is secured. Groundbreaking for the building may happen soon, but no solid plans for a date have been set. The building will be more than a mosque at ground zero; it will offer community services that are lacking in the mostly business oriented area.

Reactions to the mosque at Ground Zero

The reactions to the community center and mosque at Ground Zero have been understandably mixed. Some friends and family of September 11 victims are decrying the plans as “hypocritical and sacrilegious.” Other New Yorkers, already shaky from recent attempted attacks, are calling the plan “dangerous.” At the same time, other friends and family highlight that 10 percent of the victims of the September 11 attacks were American Muslims. Muslim community leaders respond by pointing out that religious extremists do not represent the feelings or actions of most American Muslims and are just that – extremists. So what do you think? Is this community center an insult or an effort at religious tolerance?

Sources:

Cordoba Initiative
CNN.com
Associated Press at http://www.lakewyliepilot.com/2010/05/06/718186/mosque-going-up-in-nyc-building.html

Times Square. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

A 30-year-old Pakistani-born U.S. Citizen, Faisal Shahzad, has been arrested in connection to the Times Square car bomb incident. He is due to appear in court today, Tuesday, May 4. Thankfully, he didn’t know very much about bomb making, as the device failed to go off, and no one was injured.  He did not pass go, did not collect $200, and was taken to jail. With the charges he’s likely to face, he’s going to need some hefty installment loans to get decent lawyer.

Faisal Shahzad arrested while trying to flee

Faisal Shahzad was arrested while trying to flee the country. At John F. Kennedy International Airport, he had boarded a plane bound for Dubai, and the plane was recalled to the runway.  According to the Los Angeles Times, the vehicle that he left idling with a bomb in it was traced to the previous owner, whom he had purchased it from.  The bomb, according to authorities, appeared to be the work of two people.

Described as quiet, family man

Faisal Shahzad was described by his neighbors as being quiet and mostly private. He never seemed to venture out of his house much, and there were conflicting stories over just what he did for a living.  One neighbor in his neighborhood in Shelton, Connecticut said Shahzad had said he worked on Wall Street, and another neighbor (according to CBS) believed he worked in Norwalk, Connecticut, which is nearby to Shelton.  Both described him as never emerging from the house much.  The house he shared with his wife and two children was later foreclosed on.

The President responds

President Obama released a brief statement in which he praised the efforts of the citizens who tipped off law enforcement and the law enforcement officials who responded to the threat.  He vowed that justice would be served, and the incident would be investigated.

Motivations unknown

So far, the motives of Faisal Shahzad’s Times Square car bomb haven’t been identified. What is clear, from the CBS reports and others reports, is that he had become a citizen. He had also purchased a home with his wife, which was foreclosed on, and afterward she and their children returned to Peshawar in Pakistan, where he had visited them.  He purchased a 1993 Pathfinder with cash and didn’t complete the necessary registration. Authorities found him by using the VIN number from the bottom of the motor and contacting the previous owner. He is due in court this afternoon — Tuesday, May 4 — and perhaps that may bring further insight.

Terrorist plots are on the rise. Today Mr. Najibullah Zazi pleaded guilty to plotting a bomb attack on a New York City subway. Pat Milton, an investigative producer for CBS, was in the court room gaining exclusive information about the subject at hand. Zazi didn’t appear to be angry or even worried while in court, but he actually wore an air of confidence and respectability, at least according to Mr. Milton of CBS.

An unoriginal plan of terror snuffed out

Mr. Najibullah Zazi planned to commemorate the September 11th attack by blowing up countless Americans in its subway stations. Of course this plan was sure to fail because of the extra attention reserved for this hellish day in our history, thus officials would obviously be on red alert. Didn’t they teach them this in terrorist school? If not, they will from here on out. Many like Zazi are against Western Monetary policies that allow high interest rate loans like installment loans and bad credit payday loans, auto loans, mortgages and many others.

Martyrdom versus Suicide Bomber’s

I guess the Al Qaeda training camps are more focused on brawn instead of brains and common sense, because this chap isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, obviously, by this failed attempt to earn a place in heaven. Zazi believed wholeheartedly that by sacrificing himself to this cause, it would, in fact, save many more others that would actually die. It’s hard to ridicule someone who has known nothing else except of the false propaganda that is so readily crammed down many Easterners’ throats. Zazi has touched a soft spot in my heart because he is so gullible and really only wanted to be accepted in the only world he knows, but to shed innocent lives? Come on! Every person knows that that’s the wrong thing to do no matter what country you reside in.

Hello Afghanistan- yours truly, Zazi.

Now Zazi desired to bring attention to Afghanistan. I guess he’s not much of a “news” person because that’s all you practically hear about on television these days. And yes, in every country, this is true. Zazi wanted to be loved and to belong somewhere. Now he will spend the rest of his life alone and alive far, far away from any relatives or support. I can’t say that I hate the man because he was doing what he truly believed was righteous and true; I honestly hope that he learns some lesson while in the American system that will influence him in a positive way. This aspiration of mine is surely unlikely, because while still in America, the prisons will sadly reinforce the disgust many Easterners already have for the US. Unless Zazi finds some of the good flock amongst inmates, I fear his life may be doomed to hold on to an unforgiving heart.

(Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/heathbrandon/ / CC BY-SA 2.0)

Photo: http://commons.wikimedia.org

Before 1904, Time Square was better known as Longacre Square that was until the New York Times newspaper moved their head quarters to its address located on 475 Broadway. This helped pave the way for big change, starting with the squares name. From 1904 on, people would call the area Times Square. No one could have known how famous and important this land mark would become. Today we see Time Square as a pillar of new beginnings. This is why it was so easy to give the square our new year’s tradition. Not to mention the savvy move on the papers part in placing a giant lighted ball at the top of its building. Oddly the papers operations only occurred in this location for about nine years. It was then sold and production continued at 229 W 43rd St. where an annex was built especially for newspaper production. Many more expansions and moves occurred until 2007 that is when The Times finally found a permanent home in Manhattan.

A Developers Dream

Developers of that day saw Times Square as a money pot full of potential. The area boomed with popularity even before the Times moved in. This was thanks to an optimistic developer who saw the area as becoming the new uptown neighborhood of New York. Boy was he right! If he could see it now. With any new development in mans history no matter how positive, there always seems to be a trail of undesirable traits as well. Times Square was no different; there were many Brothels, pickpocket technicians, and plain old street walkers. This made for quite an interesting view of what we today would call a red light district. After a while a man named Oscar Hammerstein adopted the square and started an entertainment empire consisting of three theaters. Times Square was the most elite theater location in the United States during World War I.

Cleaning Up The Filth

Despite the glamor, the area would later become one of the worst areas for crime and sex in New York. Until the 1980′s when new legislation forced the area to clean it’s act up. By the 1990′s Times Square’s filth was replaced with much magnificence and an opportunistic business vibe. Out with the adult toy stores and in with personal money markets who provide cash loans to excited entrepreneur’s. In the future, who knows what we will see plastered on the walls of electric blues and greens, shouting at our unconscious to buy more of what we don’t need. So please take heed when visiting Times Square where pedestrians beware.

Apply for Cash Loans HERE!

Image of Bernard Kerik from Wikimedia.

Bernard Kerik knows that committing tax fraud is a no-no. He made that clear in 2004, when he withdrew his name from consideration for Secretary of Homeland Security. At that time, Bernard Kerik admitted that he had committed tax fraud.

Bernard Kerik had employed an illegal immigrant to work for him as a nanny. Although he had failed to pay taxes on his employee, Kerik said he didn’t know the worker was undocumented. This was only the beginning of his legal troubles. He apparently didn’t know, or didn’t care, that confidential information must remain confidential when one is being investigated for conspiracy, fraud and possible mob connections. But let’s back up.

More charges flood in

Shortly after Bernard Kerik withdrew his name from the running for Secretary of Homeland Security, investigations began regarding ethics violations, unclassified misdemeanors. He pleaded guilty to those and paid a $221,000 fine.The court said “pay the money now, and you’ll be free,” so he did.

But it wasn’t over. Near the end of 2007, Bernard Kerik was indicted by a grand jury. His charges include conspiracy, tax fraud and making false statements. That brings us to the present, where Bernard Kerik was out on bail and waiting for his trial, which begins Monday.

Breaking the rules

Just a quick primer on the justice system: When someone gets arrested on charges, they get thrown in jail and have the opportunity to post bail. If the accused pays the bail money, they can be let out of jail until they get their sentence, which happens after the trial. However, people who are out on bail generally must agree to certain conditions in order to remain out of jail.

In major cases such as Bernard Kerik’s, it’s imperative that the accused does not share sensitive information about the case with the public. So although Bernard Kerik posted his $500,000 bail, he violated the conditions of his release when he posted confidential documents on his defense web site, according to USA Today. The judge ruled that this action could potentially sway jurors and that Bernard Kerik could not be trusted to honor the terms of his release, so he was hauled back to the slammer.

Who cares about Bernard Kerik?

So why is everyone so interested in this Bernard Kerik fellow? He was police commissioner in New York City during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center. He was seen often on television with Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and Giuliani recommended him for Security of Homeland Security.

Bernard Kerik also served as Interim Minister of Interior of Iraq for a few months in 2003, just after the start of the Iraq War.