Super Bowl Odds 2014: Updated Spreads and Predictions for Broncos vs. Seahawks

The Denver Broncos will take on the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. In a year when the NFL couldn't have been more unpredictable during the regular season, the final game pits No. 1 seeds against each other for just the second time since the 1993 season.

So that should make the final game easily predictable, right? Wrong. Not even the oddsmakers at Sportsbook could figure out what they wanted to set the line at, as R.J. Bell of Pregame.com explains.

Oh, by the way, the odds have changed yet again since that tweet by Bell.

After two of the preseason favorites to make the Super Bowl clinched their spot, not even the educated folks at Sportsbook knew which direction to go. After an insane year in the NFL, the two best teams are making it difficult to figure out which team to pick.

So where should bettors place their wagers? Before the big game kicks off, here is a full breakdown and prediction for the biggest game of the season.

The Broncos have a plethora of wide receivers that are all at full health after a regular season in which they had four players catch 10 or more touchdowns. The Seahawks feature the best defensive secondary in football behind All-Pro players Earl Thomas III and the soft-spoken Richard Sherman.

While the Seahawks don't have quite as many weapons as the Broncos, they will face the No. 27 passing defense in the regular season after dueling with the San Francisco 49ers' No. 7 pass defense. Those are the matchups before even looking at the running game, which will be a focal point for both teams playing in likely freezing temperatures at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

Needless to say, it's going to be a tight one either way.

But the deciding factor in this one is the complete team effort that Denver has been displaying in the postseason. What everyone knows about is the passing game, so let's start there.

Peyton Manning has put together the best statistical season in the history of the NFL for a quarterback, breaking the passing touchdowns and yards record in the regular season. He's also translated that into two spectacular performances in the postseason.

The biggest reason for that is not just the fact that Manning has been sensational, but that he has a total offense around him. With the likes of Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker, Julius Thomas and Eric Decker surrounding him at receiver and Knowshon Moreno in the backfield, the Broncos look unstoppable.

In terms of unstoppable receivers, Thomas has been by far and away the most lethal target for Manning and the Broncos in his postseason career. In five playoff games thus far, Thomas has averaged 104.4 yards and has a total of four touchdowns, according to Pro-Football Reference—three of which came from Manning.

In the two games they've played this postseason, the Broncos defense has been much better than it was in the regular season. Thus far, Denver's defense has allowed just 289.5 yards in the postseason and is rolling heading into the final showdown of the season.

As for Marshawn Lynch going into Beast Mode, the Broncos held the New England Patriots' potent running backs to 57 rushing yards and the San Diego Chargers' backfield to 55 yards on the ground.

When it comes down to it in clutch situations, the Denver defense has proven that it can withstand great offensive attacks, and the offensive side of the ball has never been in question. While Wilson and the Seahawks defense have been great all year, Manning will be hoisting his second Lombardi Trophy for a Broncos team that will win its first Super Bowl since 1998.

Super Bowl 2014: Jersey Lucky to Get What they Get

       Yes the stadium is across the imaginary line....Yes the game is played in the Garden State..But New Jersey and its blustery and corpulent governor need to get over their faux outrage about the February 2 Super Bowl being viewed as a New York City event.
     The teams are there because of New York and the sizzle is in Manhattan too. If there was room for a stadium, it would be there too.

Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ

       When parking lots, refineries, toll booths and chicks like Snooki become tourist attractions then people might vacation there while going to the Super Bowl.  Until then, it's a New York event.

       
Super Bowl 2014: New Jersey out in the cold?

SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY FUNDRAISER @ OUR SAVIOUR

Welcome to EverythingCroton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

OUR SAVIOUR EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IS ONCE AGAIN HAVING THEIR ANNUAL "SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY FUNDRAISER"--if you'd like to know more--and perhaps mail a donation--all the info is below--mark the 'memo' section "FOR SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY":

OUR SAVIOUR SAYS: Souper Bowl Sunday is February 2. The Hunger Team, Confirmation class, and Sunday School under the supervision of Jennifer Stieglitz are heading our efforts for the Souper Bowl of Caring. This is a program of youth across the nation working to fight hunger and poverty in their communities around the time of the Super Bowl football game. In the weeks leading up to or on Super Bowl Sunday, young people take up an offering asking for one dollar or one item of food for people in need. They give 100% of their donation directly to the hunger-relief charity of their choice. In 2012, more than 10,000 groups collected more than $9.8 million in dollars and food for local hunger-relief charities. That's a total of more than $90 million collected since the movement began in 1990! Naturally we have our own twist—we ask members to think about how much they spend on their own snacks during the Super Bowl and to donate something proportionate. (If you go to Starbucks to avoid the Super Bowl, you can apply the same formula.) The offering goes to ELCA Hunger Relief. We still welcome the food bank offering every Sunday, but especially on Souper Bowl Sunday. 

Address: Our Saviour Evangelical Lutheran Church, 56 Cleveland Drive,Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520; Phone: 914-271-4632; If no one is in the office, please leave a message on the answering machine and someone will return your call. Email: mail@oursaviourcroton.org 

- YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY THIS 1962 BLAST FROM OUR SAVIOUR LUTHERAN CHURCH PAST http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/1962-blast-from-our-saviour-lutheran.html

PART 1, YOUR EVERYTHING CROTON SUPER BOWL 2014 HQ

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

Yes, Croton loves football: Army Navy, High School, and of course...Super Bowl. For the next few weeks until the big day--2/2/14 @ MetLife Stadium--we'll bring you the latest news, local events, business specials, vintage clips and ephemera, etc.

Let's get started:

--LaMonica's Salumeria, in the Heart of Harmon, click on the photo below for their Super Bowl offerings

--The Vintage Flickr Football Set: ephemera, print ads, blasts from Croton football past and more; click on the link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/22283683@N07/sets/72157627515208784/show

--And of course there are those anticipated Super Bowl commercials; this year brings new advertising trends; click on the link http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/01/05/super-bowl-advertising-commercials-celebrities/4287505/

Stay tuned for more.

Zimmer Pitches to the NFL, Mason Spurns Super Bowl 2014 Plan

The Hoboken Reporter, Volume 29, Number 24, February 5, 2012- page 3 Beth Mason ad attacking Jen Giattino and Leo Pelligrini's February 2012  meeting with the NFL in Indianapolis. Giattino and Pelligrini were there to pitch Hoboken to host Superbowl 2014 events. Both left Indianapolis BEFORE the Superbowl game.  Both were in Hoboken on Superbowl Sunday.  Beth Mason's lying ad claims 2 "political supporters" went on an "all-inclusive trip to Indianapolis" to the Super Bowl. They were NOT "political supporters", they were an elected official (Giattino) and the Hoboken Director of Recreation (Pelligrini) there to open up a dialogue with the NFL for Super Bowl 2014.  

GA doesn't follow football, but I do know the Super Bowl is one of the most-watched sporting events world-wide.

In fact, the Super Bowl is broadcast to around 225 countries with about one billion people in those countries having access to the broadcast.  An estimated 80-100 million people watch it with  98% of those viewers from North America, and 97% of that amount coming from the United States.

And if you didn't know it already, Super Bowl 2014 is scheduled to bring BIG MONEY to it's host cities.

Which is WHY Mayor Zimmer, Councilwoman Jen Giattino and 2 members of the Hoboken Events Committee met with the NFL Host Committee last Friday in New York City.  Yep, and the conversation between the NFL and the City of Hoboken started in Indianapolis in February 2012. 

Back in 2012, Zimmer sent Giattino and Director Pelligrini to pitch the City of Hoboken to NFL Executives for a host city in 2014.  The 2 officials were smeared by Councilwoman Beth Mason who characterized them as freeloaders there for the game, living large on the taxpayers' dime.

Get this, for example: Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans takes place this Sunday and is expected to generate, by some estimates, upward of $430 million for the Crescent City's economy.The Big Game is expected to create more than 6,000 full-time and part-time jobs for the New Orleans area, and visitors and businesses are projected to generate more than $26 million in revenue for state and local governments in Louisiana.

Last year's numbers for Super Bowl XLVI in Indianpolis are downright staggering. Visitors spent an average of $571 per person per day during the 10-day period surrounding the game, according to a Rockport Analytics report. More than $50 million was spent on food and drinks, more than $63 million on lodging and more than $43 million on ground transportation. Those numbers are all likely to grow this year for New Orleans.  The total economic impact of Super Bowl XLVI reached an estimated $384 million for Indianapolis' local economy last year.

WOW.

THIS is why Mayor Zimmer, Jen Giattino and 2 members of the Hoboken Events Committee were in the midtown office of the NFL last Friday.   And why the Mayor sent Giattino and Pelligrini to Indianapolis in 2012.  Because sharing Super Bowl 2014 hosting events with NYC means MILLIONS of DOLLARS to Hoboken's local economy.

GA hears that the NFL committee seemed to "love" Hoboken and has been very receptive so far to the Mayor's Plan.

If the NFL agrees, the Mayor's Plan is that all Hoboken- based Super Bowl events in Hoboken will be fully-funded including costs to our municipality- such as police, sanitation, etc.  In other words, a bonanza for local business, residents and the hospitality industry.

Even the City Council minority supported the Mayor's meeting with the NFL on Friday.  Well almost...

SEVEN City Council members agreed to meet with or speak with the Hoboken Events Committee  about Zimmer's Hoboken NFL Pitch.  Except for... well, take a look at the slide from Friday's presentation to the NFL and FIND THE MISSING COUNCILPERSON'S NAME to asnwer:

WHO DID NOT SUPPORT HOBOKEN's PITCH TO THE NFL TO ADD MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO HOBOKEN'S LOCAL ECONOMY?

 Yup! You gussed it.

GA was told by a member of the Hoboken Events Committee That mason did not answer telephone calls, nor emails asking for support. When advised on the subject matter she neglected to follow up with the Committee.

Council Minority members Russo, Castellano and Occhipinti enthusiastically supported the Mayor's NFL pitch. How could they not?

An elected official would have to be crazy not to support his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to host Super Bowl events for their city.. I mean clinically insane... 

Maybe she doesn't like football? And the millions of dollars it could add to Hoboken's economy?

Well, I guess she's more of a baseball fan.  

...Mason proposed the possibility of a Minor League AA baseball stadium as the foundation of the district.

"Hoboken is the original home of baseball," said Mason. "Why not make it that way once again?"

Mason-Raia Piss Poll

Beth Mason and her chief aide, Democratic Committeeman Matt Calicchio  photo credit: MSV

Oh Jeez, a pollster from  Kalamata Research Services  just talked my ear off then filled it with mud.

He was nice enough at first, with benign questions about the mayoral candidates and selected at-large slates ( Mindak, Gonzales and Miani who?) so GA didn't see it coming when his even-handed questions morphed into ones like this:

Would this statement that people are saying make you more or less likely to vote for Dawn Zimmer?
Dawn Zimmer is attempting to suppress and intimidate minorities and senior citizens by disenfranchising their right to vote- these are some of the same voter suppression tactics that the radical right wing is using in Texas and North Carolina.

Yikes! 

There was quite a bit more along those lines; the rest of the poll was a Hoboken411 Greatest Hits Parade; some of the talking points so old and crusty they should be enjoying their golden years on a shuffleboard court.

But no, these old clunkers were dragged out of retirement and presumably onto the campaign trail- if they 'poll' well, that is. 

Yep, no good Mason piss-poll is without it's Superbowl fable (how Zimmer sent supporters to the Superbowl game) or it's $25 million budget fiction, or her broken promise to cut taxes 25% in the first year, bla bla bla.   No doubt this bowel-movement was squeezed out by Mason's rancid Tuna , a.k.a. Hoboken's unelected 2nd Ward Councilwoman.

And why do I call it a Piss-Poll?

Because the pollster pisses on your leg and says "It's raining!"

I do hope you folks answer the phone for this one. Aside from using your ear as a urinal, the questions tell me they are really interested in how many people will vote down the line vs. those who might 'split' their vote- which is what this election is all about for the Dark Side.

And the way they plan to do it is to soften support for Zimmer with such piss-polls. Yes, they know you will vote for her, but if they plant some seeds of distrust, perhaps you can be wooed to split your Council vote for either Peter B., Brit or Frank.

So, the piss-poll attacked Doyle, Dave M. and Ravi.  You could just hear those fish lips smacking with drool when he wrote the one about Ravi getting a traffic ticket.

Oh, no!  Ravi got a traffic ticket!

And Mike Russo's family owes Hoboken taxpayers $324K, 10 years of un-entitled health benefits and an explanation why he agreed to a $5K deposit from Solomon Dwek on the FBI surveillance tape!

And Tim Occhipinti spent 98% of $13K in donations for his 2015 municipal campaign, including reimbursing himself for Sandy donations!  And took money from Birdsall Engineering who was doing business with Hoboken!  And took a generous campaign contribution from developer Danny Tatolli but didn't recuse himself from voting on an easement for Tatolli's restaurant!

Why didn't Timmy recuse himself from that vote?

Timmy's 20-Day Post Election ELEC report- submitted 6/1/11

And Terry Castellano sends confidential information to political operative James Barracato a.k.a. Finboy!

And Beth Mason underwrites SLAPP suits for political operatives, has had a 501(c)(3) which is a taxpayer-subsidized front for a political machine, and has 'shell' companies like Newton Lao Leonard and Lock, LLP presumably for moving money around to operatives, consultants, and other political purposes without detection!

Finally, Timmy, Mason, Russo and Terry all voted NO to a 9-11 memorial for Hoboken's victims. 

That about says it all for their moral bankruptcy, never mind the political hijinks.  Timmy, Mason, Russo and Castellano are the walking dead.

So, by all means, do answer your telephone.  And when they get to the Mason talking point about how Zimmer sent supporters to the Superbowl, remember that Giattino and Pellegrini had such a good meeting with NFL Executives, followed up in New York City by a presentation to the NFL by Mayor Zimmer and the Hoboken Events Committee, word is that they "love" our City!  All because of Zimmer administration and Hoboken Events Committe initatitives, Hoboken's economy will reap a cut of the hundreds of millions of dollars host cities make. Thank you, Mayor!

That's thinking BIG.

For the other kind of thinking, here's the Superbowl 2014 business plan Mason announced in her newsletter of February 2012.

The Parties Have Already Devised Their Midterm Messages - On Politics - Oversight - GovExec.com

    A good friend who is a former Congressional aide sent me this article about how the party's have their talking points for 2014 locked in..

    For the GOP, a referendum on Obamacare with all the stories about websites gone awry to an insurance death spiral looming.

   For Dems, its going to be all about income inequality this year, with its class warfare subtext.

    All the candidates in 435 districts, or at least the fifty in play, are supposed to chant in unison.

    Let's hope we can be given candidates with a modicum of independence who won't embrace the cookie cutter in its entirety.

     All these county chairs doing screenings need to look for the ability to challenge orthodoxy...That's not easy, as in order to function in the system you have to be somewhat marinated in it.



The Parties Have Already Devised Their Midterm Messages - On Politics - Oversight - GovExec.com

WINTER STORM WATCH TUESDAY

The National Weather Service has placed the Hudson Valley on a winter storm watch for Tuesday. 

SNOW WATCH TUESDAY http://westchester.news12.com/news/snow-frigid-air-on-way-1.6833531#autoplay=true

DROPPING BELOW FREEZING TONIGHT.

POTENTIAL FOR UP TO 6 INCHES OF SNOW.

22 Brief Thoughts About That Richard Sherman Interview - Forbes

    Tense, exciting game, fierce rivalry, a little on-the-field-trash talk, and the seconds-after-the-game interview with Seattle's Richard Sherman was a little animated.

    Must have frightened Erin Andrews.  It did me watching it.

     Whatever happened to humility ? A little thank the Lord, your Mama, the fans, this great country, the team.....Anyway, he calmed down and maybe it was just the excitement of the moment.

22 Brief Thoughts About That Richard Sherman Interview - Forbes

LOOKING FOR THE WEEKEND RE-CAP OF ARTICLES & MORE YOU SHOULDN'T MISS?

Welcome to EverythingCroton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

Looking for the EVERYTHING CROTON weekend re-cap of articles and more you shouldn't miss? 

It's right here http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/everything-crotons-recap-of-articles.html

ALSO MASSIVE SECURITY BREACH AT CITIBANK, JPMORGAN  CHASE; BANKS ISSUING NEW CARDS http://westchester.news12.com/news/jpmorgan-chase-citibank-among-banks-issuing-new-cards-after-massive-security-breach-1.6831323 

Gov. Cuomo Will Propose Sexual Harassment Hotline In Wake Of NYS Assembly Scandals | New York Daily News

    A sexual harassment hotline is being proposed to protect legislative employees in Albany who might feel uncomfortable in the work place.  Governor Cuomo is proposing the $200K project in his proposed budget.

     That's a sad commentary on our lawmakers.

Gov. Cuomo Will Propose Sexual Harassment Hotline In Wake Of NYS Assembly Scandals | New York Daily News

NEW @ CROTON'S OWN SWEET PAPRIKA, PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON. 

Courtesy of CROTON'S OWN SWEET PAPRIKA, Pineapple Upside Down Cake--a new take; click on the link and see how it's done! http://sweetpaprika.wordpress.com/2014/01/19/pineapple-upside-down-cake/

UPCOMING JANUARY 2014 EVENTS @ THE CROTON FREE LIBRARY

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON. 

 

UPCOMING JANUARY EVENTS @ THE CROTON FREE LIBRARY 

--1/25 HOW TO TAKE GREAT CELL PHONE PHOTOS WITH SALLY DELMERICO

--1/26 TOM KOHL, MARK MINKLER, JON DOTY JAZZ TRIO 

 

FOR MORE INFO, VISIT WWW.CROTONFREELIBRARY.ORG

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Now a Tradition

    The US has celebrated Martin Luther King Day since 1986 after President Reagan signed legislation creating the holiday in honor of the slain advocate of non-violent protest in pursuit of the most  basic of civil rights.

     It is a day off for many, but also a time to commit to serving others and remember the pernicious attitudes Dr. King fought have in some cases faded, but not entirely disappeared.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Broncos-Seahawks Super Bowl - ABC News

     It's an out west Super Bowl, but it's being played in the capital of the east coast.....

The Seattle Sea Hawks and Denver Broncos head to the big game at Met Life Stadium in the shadow of Manhattan.

     It will be an outdoor, cold weather game and that should be interesting, but even though the teams are not the favorites of many in our area, surely there will enough hype to get us all in the game, as the league's top offense and top defense square off.

     Seattle by four.

Broncos-Seahawks Super Bowl Pits Top 'O,' Top 'D' - ABC News

THE VINTAGE KNITTER 2014, #1 - SEAMAN'S HELMET, WORLD WAR ONE

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON. 

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND, THE VINTAGE KNITTER (AND CROCHET TOO) 2014...#1 - Our vintage knitting and crochet series has been so popular, we were asked to bring it back in 2014--and we have--see the knitted Seaman's "helmet", WWI. During the 'GREAT WAR', women across the country were asked to knit everything from socks to scarves to gloves "for the boys". Click on the photo.

and check out this site--BABY KNITS FITS FOR A KING OR QUEEN  http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/07/baby-knits-fit-for-a-king-or-queen/

SEE THE 2013 VINTAGE KNITTER HERE http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-vintage-knitter-2013-7-1950s.html

AND DON'T FORGET
--CROTON GAB & KNIT 12:30 SUNDAYS AT THE BLACK COW; SEE THEIR FB PAGE HERE https://www.facebook.com/CrotonOnHudsonGabAndKnit 
--CROTON LIBRARY KNITTING CIRCLE MEETS ONCE A MONTH; contact the library directly for the next night www.crotonfreelibrary.com

WDT: City of Watertown Sales Tax Falters

     Sales tax revenues have gone flat and since that one source comprises two-fifths of the City's general fund revenue, it's noteworthy.

Watertown Daily Times | City of Watertown sales tax revenue declines in second quarter

MEMORIES OF THE CROTON 4-H CLUB

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON. 

We've had so many requests for a series on Croton's long-ago 4-H Club--and will head over to the Historical Society soon. In the meantime, you may enjoy these 1973 clippings.  Click on the scans.

UMAMI IS HIRING

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON. 

UMAMI IS HIRING PER FB; they are taking applications for servers, no more than 20 hours a week, 18 years and older with experience, 4 to 10 pm; email info@umamicafe.com

MORE FABULOUS VINTAGE WEBSITES, FINDS ETC. FROM EVERYTHING CROTON

Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful Pears' Soap ads we have ever come across, circa 1906, 1907. Click on the photo.

1930's Putz house candy box http://bit.ly/1cJSMTE

Collections Etc. is having a sale--an occasional item of interest pops up http://www.collectionsetc.com/Products/Sale/Holidays-amp-Seasonal/category.aspx/_/N-6huio

We just adore this site; lots of vintage inspired and retro paper items though it is a bit cumbersome to navigate https://carriagegifts.hostasaurus.com/Valentine.html

THE VILLAGE QUILTER #5 - A REAL STUNNER http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-village-quilter-5.html

INTERESTING MINIATURE GIRL MOLD http://etsy.me/1dHJCgK

A NEW LOGO FOR THE CROTON CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

THE CROTON CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL has a new logo--we love it! CLICK ON THE ICON TO SEE IT UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL.

Speaking of the CCAC, some notes from Saturday's vine cutting here in Croton: Many thanks to the intrepid dozen who braved the elements as the few flakes of snow that were forecast developed into a deep blanket.  Although the fast-falling snow cut our outing short, we were still able to spend a couple of productive hours in the quiet beauty of the woods freeing many snow-covered trees from the clutches of invasive vines. Our next vine-cutting is scheduled for Saturday, February 22.  Hope to see you then!

Judith & Guy

AND...you may also have an interest in the TOP 3 MOST READ 2013 CCAC ARTICLES @ EVERYTHING CROTON http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2013/12/top-three-2013-articles-croton.html

Amanda Knox could become a 'virtual prisoner' in U.S. if Italian court finds her guilty of murdering Meredith Kercher | Mail Online

    Should we turn her over to Italy if convicted in her retrial in abstentia, or she we keep Foxy Knoxy right here in the US of A.?
Amanda Knox could become a 'virtual prisoner' in U.S. if Italian court finds her guilty of murdering Meredith Kercher | Mail Online

Obama: Some folks don’t like me because I’m black | New York Post

    Sir, you are President and have been for five years. The number of people who dislike you just because of race is only a fraction of those who disagree with the job you do, but don't hate you. I don't hate you.
     Sure, there are haters out there, but why does someone in your position have to indulge this notion, since the amazing progress of your career argues to the contrary ?
      Obama: Some folks don’t like me because I’m black | New York Post

PHOTOS, 2014 CROTON CUB SCOUT PACK 28 PANCAKE FUNDRAISER

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

It's been my pleasure to photograph Holy Name of Mary's Cub Scout Pack 28 Pancake Breakfast fundraisers for a few years now--and I'm amazed at how hard everyone works...and yet everyone still manages to have fun.

Click on the photos to see a few snaps from today's event. High resolution copies will be sent to assorted Moms--and to Holy Name--for their use and distribution.

THE VILLAGE QUILTER #5

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--ourhistory, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

We're launching a new series here at EverythingCroton at the request of local quilters: THE VILLAGE QUILTER!  Along the way, we'll feature the work of local quilting artisans--search for vintage and antique items--provide tips, interesting links, and more....AND SO...Click on the photo to see a beautiful monochromatic quilt by local artisan Sandi R. We forget how beautiful black, white and shades of grey can be; this outstanding quilt reminds us that even the absence of "color" can be visually stimulating.

And Check out the vintage/antique quilts at JZ Rose--some lovely examples: http://www.jz-rose.com/antiques/category/ANQ-QUI

TO SEE PREVIOUS INSTALLMENTS OF "THE VILLAGE QUILTER", click on the links:

SEE THE VILLAGE QUILTER #1 HERE http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-village-quilter.htmlSEE THE VILLAGE QUILTER #2 HERE http://www.everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-village-quilter-2.htmlSEE THE VILLAGE QUILTER #3 HERE http://www.everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-village-quilter-3.html
SEE THE VILLAGE QUILTER #4 HERE http://www.everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-village-quilter-4.html

Take The Lie Detector Test!

Mayor Zimmer alleges Christie tied Hoboken's flood relief dollars to approving a huge development project, Christie denies.

Well folks, as if we didn't already know that politics is a sleazy business, and that politicians can play hardball to get a deal done.

What we didn't know until yesterday morning, was that WE were (alleged) pawns of our own governor in an (alleged)  nasty game of hardball with our Mayor.

In a stunning interview on MSNBC, Mayor Dawn Zimmer made international headlines with the disclosure that Christie officials- and the governor himself- had conveyed that amount of help for our flood-devastated city was directly tied to approving the Rockefeller Group to develop a 19-block parcel of land of Hoboken's north end. 

Web of Christie connections to the Rockefeller Group-credit: MSNBC

She said- They said.

___________

"If you tell anyone I'll deny it...If you don't move ahead, we're not going to be able to help you."

 -NJ Lt. Gov.Kim Guadagno   (Zimmer alleges was said to her) 

 ___________

"I have no choice, I have to come forward..  we need some of this funding...  I cannot give a windfall to one private property owner because the governor and other people wants me to do it. I cannot do it"

-Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer

 ____________ 

 “What or who is driving her only now to say such outlandishly false things is anyone’s guess.”

-Christie spokesman, Michael Drewniak

 ____________

Whom do you believe?

Let's take a look.  We know that Hoboken was the worst-hit municipality in Hudson County; 80% of our City was literally, under water.  Thousands of us were displaced; some are still.  Hoboken City Council President Jen Giatino has only just moved back to her renovated home this December- almost 15 months after the Sandy struck. 

As reported on MSNBC yesterday:

 At the same time that the planning board voted against the (Rockefeller Group Development) study, Zimmer was applying for funding from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, a huge vault of money overseen by Christie to help communities hit hard by Sandy prepare themselves for the next storm

Christie’s people came back with less than 1% of what Hoboken had sought. With $250 million to disburse statewide, just $142,000 went to Hoboken – enough to help defray the cost of one backup generator to power a flood pump. Out of another pool of money for recovery grants – $1.8 billion in all – Hoboken received $200,000.  


“Please governor,” Zimmer wrote in a letter following the decisions, “we need your help. I have tried to assure Hoboken residents that we would be treated fairly because you have always treated Hoboken fairly in the past.”

There was no response to that letter, dated May 8 of last year, the same day the Hoboken Planning Board did not adopt the redevelopment recommendation for the Rockefeller property.

Two days later, Zimmer got a call from the Lieutenant Governor, Kim Guadagno, who wanted to come to town to do an event at a ShopRite to spotlight businesses that had recovered from the storm.

On May 13, Guadagno and Zimmer met at the Hoboken ShopRite. That is where, Zimmer said, Guadagno delivered the first message about the relief aide. Zimmer shared this diary entry which she said she wrote later that day. “At the end of a big tour of ShopRite and meeting, she pulls me aside with no one else around and says that I need to move forward with the Rockefeller project. It is very important to the governor. The word is that you are against it and you need to move forward or we are not going to be able to help you. I know it’s not right – these things should not be connected – but they are, she says, and if you tell anyone, I will deny it.”

Well, here goes.  There is no doubt in GA's mind Mayor Zimmer is telling the TRUTH.... the Christie folks-- not so much.   

Advice to Mayor Zimmer: Take the lie detector test.

Andy Fires Up the Glenn Beck Crowd| TheBlaze.com

      What's said on a local radio talk show can garner attention and what Governor Cuomo said on Susan Arbetter's Albany gabfest has drawn the ire of conservatives.

“Who are they? Are they these extreme conservatives who are right-to-life, pro-assault-weapon, anti-gay? Is that who they are? Because if that’s who they are and if they are the extreme conservatives, they have no place in the state of New York, because that’s not who New Yorkers are.”

      Whoever those people are, they weren't voting for the Governor anyway, although suggesting those you don't agree with should not be New Yorkers seems a bit rash.

       UPDATE- The Governor's office offered a clarification on Sunday saying it was out of context and a discussion of the lack of viability the GOP has in statewide election.

Andrew Cuomo: If ‘Extreme Conservatives’ Are ‘Right-to-Life, Pro-Assault-Weapon, Anti-Gay,’ Then ‘They Have No Place in the State of New York’ | TheBlaze.com

WDT: Cold in January....Film at Eleven

    This year's media buzzwords are 'polar vortex', so when another frigid stretch comes our way as it is this week....we call it Polar Vortex II.     
     Remember when it was just a 'cold snap' or sometimes the generic term 'winter'.

Watertown Daily Times | Cold snap expected this week throughout the region

Not Everyone is a True Fan

   Sometimes the weather people and the sports people are not on the same page....Early today on FOX, meteorologist Janice Dean was busy giving the game day forecast for the AFC Championship Game and while folks in Foxboro likely appreciate knowing what they would face on a trip to the store, the game is actually in Denver.  Oops.

Stefanik Announces Cash and Staff in Bid to Ward Off Prospective Opponents

    It's hard to keep track of all the people keeping the door open for either party's nomination for Congress in NY 21.  The Post Star reports Senator Betty Little says she is now considering a run, meanwhile announced candidate and current front runner Elise Stefanik sought to ward off challengers yesterday with a press release touting money raised ($250K+ by December 31), and appointment of campaign staff, suggesting she would have an organizational edge in the rapidly approaching primary season. Today the campaign received an endorsement from former Senator Ray Meier.
     These county committee screenings may not be the be-all and end-all some assume. Few will commit if there is a sitting Senator  considering a race and hanging your hat on the blessing of a few dozen people won't ward off a primary.  The Senator may be just saying she is interested to discourage other elected GOP leaders. Given her tenure and stature, that would likely work, thus benefiting Ms. Stefanik.
     Fortunately primaries for federal office are in June now, so there is time to digest the results and refocus on November.
     In 2010,  the September primary lingered and contributed to the GOP loss.
     If the race is just among those who have been attending screnning sessions, then the result is obvious, but there may be other shoes to drop and those could come anytime between now and the petition season which starts in March.  (If the minor parties announce who gets the Wilson-Pakula ahead of petitions, then it likely is over)
       What will happen ? Depends on which members of the chattering class you are talking to. And the chattering class has a vested interest in letting the intrigue linger.

Stefanik announces $250K in fundraising, key appointments

EVERYTHING CROTON'S WEEKEND RECAP OF ARTICLES & MORE YOU SHOULDN'T MISS

Welcome to EverythingCroton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

EVERYTHING CROTON'S WEEKEND RECAP OF ARTICLES & MORE YOU SHOULDN'T MISS

--BRIAN POWERS GAZETTE LETTER ON THE RASKOB/SLIPPEN SWITCH http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/gazette-brian-powers-letter-slippen.html

--KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS CROWN FREE THROW CHAMPS, CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE! http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/11014-knights-of-columbus-crown-free.html

--CROTON DEMS PROPOSE CHANGING TRUSTEE TERMS FROM TWO TO FOUR YEARS (EDITOR'S NOTE: WE'RE NOT CLEAR THIS WOULD GO TO REFERENDUM AND WILL UPDATE WHEN WE KNOW FOR SURE; BOARD MEETING ON TUESDAY, 8PM) http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/croton-dems-propose-increase-of-trustee.html

--CROTON'S OWN FERRY SLOOPS ADDS A NEW MEMBERSHIP OPTION http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/ferry-sloops-adds-new-memberhsip-option.html

--COMMON CORE UPDATE, NEW ARTICLES: SENATOR GREG BALL, DIANE RAVITCH  http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/common-core-recent-articles-sen-greg.html

--VIRGINIA CALCUTTI GAZETTE LETTER, RASKOB SLIPPEN SWITCH http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/gazette-letter-116-virginia-calcutti.html

--NEW FROM CROTON'S OWN ROBERT SCOTT: LOOKING AT THE STARS IN WESTCHESTER  http://www.everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/new-from-crotons-own-robert-scott.html

AND IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
--TWO EXCELLENT LETTERS ON GOUVEIA,  A MUST READ:JOEL GINGOLD http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/joel-gingolds-gazette-letter-1914.htmlPAUL STEINBERG http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/paul-steinberg-gouveia-letter-1914.html
--MORE TOUGHMAN TROUBLES: BOB REIKERT'S GAZETTE LETTER  http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/more-toughman-troubles-richard.html

--THE LATEST FROM CROTON'S OWN "SERENITY IN THE GARDEN"  http://www.serenityinthegarden.blogspot.com/2014/01/hardy-sedums-some-great-varieties-to-try.html

--HIGHLIGHTS ONLY, RASKOB SLIPPEN SWITCH GAZETTE ARTICLE http://www.everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/raskob-slippen-article-gazette-week-of.html

--VINTAGE CROTON, THE TOP 3 2013 SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL ARTICLES http://www.everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/top-three-2013-shakespeare-festival.html

--VINTAGE CROTON, THE UNITARIAN FELLOWSHIP, 1972, 1973  http://www.everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/circa-1972-1973-ward-morehouse.html

--THE LATEST WASTE HAULING/GARBAGE SCANDAL, TWO REPUTED MOBSTERS PLEAD GUILTY http://www.everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/2-reputed-mobsters-plead-guilty-in.html

--SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY FUNDRAISER @ OUR SAVIOUR  http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/souper-bowl-sunday-fundraiser-our.html

--CFOH & THE CROTON LIBRARY TO PRESENT: THERE AIN'T NO TIN IN TINTYPES http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/there-aint-no-tin-in-tintypes.html 

--THE VILLAGE QUILTER #4 http://www.everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-village-quilter-4.html

--TIME TO VOTE FOR THE BEST OF WESTCHESTER http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/time-to-vote-for-best-of-westchester.html

--MORE OBAMACARE PROBLEMS http://tomfaranda.typepad.com/folly/2014/01/obamacare-woman-with-breast-ca-loses-her-docs-and-sloan-kettering-hospital.html 

Andy's Poll Numbers are Good...His Money Numbers Better

       Whoever ends up being the loyal opposition to Andrew Cuomo this fall will enter the race far behind in money to spend on convincing voters. The incumbent continues to raise money and has over $32M on hand. Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino is considered the most viable potential challenger and at this point has a tad over a million dollars in campaign kitty. 
       That's not a bad amount as its left over from his county race but the Governor is taking no chances...He sprints off to LA this month for a $50K a couple fundraiser.
GOP Westchester County Exec Rob Astorino Tops $1M On Hand, Trails Gov. Cuomo By... $32.3M | New York Daily News

VINTAGE TOYS! ANOTHER SNEAK PEEK @ THE 2014 SERIOUSTOYZ AUCTION

Welcome to EverythingCroton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

As promised, another exclusive Everything Croton sneak peek at the upcoming 2014 SeriousToyz auction. Click on the photos below and prepare to teleport back in time! Stay tuned for additional details on the auction soon or visit www.serioustoyz.com for updates along the way. And...you can see even more sneak peeks here. All photos, all rights reserved. Click on the link http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2013/12/even-more-vintage-toys-another.html

YOU MAY ALSO HAVE AN INTEREST IN THE TOP FIVE MOST READ 2013 VINTAGE TOY ARTICLES @ EVERYTHING CROTON http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/top-five-2013-vintage-antique-toy.html

 

MONTESSORI SCHOOL BAKE SALE @ HOLY NAME OF MARY

Welcome to EverythingCroton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

HOLY NAME OF MARY MONTESSORI SCHOOL is holding a bake sale after all masses on 1/25 & 1/26. Click on the photo. Tasty treats--and all proceeds go to the scholarship fund.

For more about Holy Name of Mary Montessori School--and info on the upcoming Open House--click on the link: http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/125-holy-name-of-mary-montessori-school.html

2 REPUTED MOBSTERS PLEAD GUILTY IN WASTE-HAULING SCHEME

JOURNAL NEWS 1/16/14, 2 REPUTED MOBSTERS PLEAD GUILTY IN WASTE-HAULING SCHEME, NEW YORK — Two men connected to the Gambino crime family became the latest Thursday to plead guilty to charges in connection with an organized crime-run plot to control the waste-hauling industry in the greater New York area. READ MORE HERE; LINK IS ONLY LIVE FOR A FEW WEEKS

http://www.lohud.com/article/20140116/NEWS02/301160098/2-reputed-mobsters-plead-guilty-waste-hauling-scheme?gcheck=1