Saturday, October 1, 2011

Comic Con Update  "New Romanian Comics"

Romania Rocks NY Comic Con with “NO SCHOOL: New Romanian Comics,”
A premiere presentation at the 2011 New York Comic Con

The Romanian Cultural Institute in New York is proud to announce their first ever participation as an exhibitor at this year’s New York Comic Con, October 13-16 at the Javits Center in New York.  NO SCHOOL:  New Romanian Comics will be the premiere presentation at Booth #2018 and represents Romania’s largest comics exhibition in the U.S. to date.

NO SCHOOL is the apotheosis of the long and storied history of Romanian comics and is so named because it symbolizes the avant-garde nature of this explosive comics renaissance.  NO SCHOOL doesn’t follow any past or current strand of comics styles.  It is new, fresh and edgy. For a taste, click here.

Although the comics giants like Marvel and DC steal a lot of thunder, there a great deal of effervensence in comics in Romania. That’s right – Romania the country that spawned not just Dracula but some of the greatest comic geniuses of all time including Will Eisner and Stan Lee. So take a quick jaunt through the behemoths’ 3000-square foot booths, but spend some quality time at the 200-square foot Romanian Cultural Institute’s booth for a fascinating glimpse of what’s happening beyond the U.S. comics world.   

Three top comics artists who hail from Romania, Sandu Florea, Matei Branea, Alexandru Ciubotariu, along with Milos Jovanovic, the publisher of the cutting edge magazine, Hardcomics, selected the best of the best of Romanian funnies since 1891 to 2011. The artists and publisher will be on hand to present NO SCHOOL as well as to sign their own books.

The comics renaissance in Romania is particularly remarkable because of the struggles of the last fifty years.  The communist regime forbade comics because it considered them a typical capitalist product. The regime “terminated” cartoonists for drawing “incorrect” characters.  Yet, at the same time, the government used comics to indoctrinate children with propaganda.  Still, even under censorship, the genre found its niches and developed. The fall of the regime triggered an immediate revival and comics began to thrive and diversify. 

Today, artists and publishers such as Florea, Branea, Ciubortariu and Jovanovic are pushing the envelope with comics that are provocative, political, sexy, funny, satirical, dirty, and everything in between. Come explore Romania’s fascinating dark and (sometimes) funny past, its current vibrancy, and its brilliant future at booth #2018

Events: Guest artists in focus
Booth #2018

FRI, October 14, 1-3 pm: Alexandru Ciubotariu (Pisica Pătrată)
SAT, October 15, 1-3 pm: Sandu Florea (Spider-Man, Batman, etc., and his own Garda)
SUN, October 16, 1-3 pm: Matei Branea (OMULAN comics & animation)

About the Artists:

Romanian comics and street artist Alexandru Ciubotariu is the author of the first street-art album in Romania (Pisica pătrată, Vellant, Bucharest, 2009) – featuring his character of national fame, discretely present (and recognizable) in cities all over the country – as well as of six comic books. Ciubotariu’s work has been published in newspapers and magazines in various countries, and he has participated in numerous international exhibitions and shows. He was awarded over 30 national and international prizes, most of them for comics. He co-edited The History of the Romanian Comics 1891-2010 (Vellant 2010) and is involved in organizing the International Comics Festival in Romania. Ciubotariu’s name is linked also to the first urban-toys and the first website dedicated to comics in Romania (salonbd.ro).

Sandu Florea
is a veteran Romanian and American comic book artist living in New York. In 1980 he received the Eurocon award for his original comics work in ÃŽn lumea lui Harap Alb. For the past 20 years Florea has developed diverse collaborations with comics magazines and publishers such as Marvel, DC Comics and Dark Horse, created storyboards and other graphics for the motion picture producers Full Moon, as well as book illustrations for The Princeton Review. Specializing as an inker, he is most known for his work on Conan the Barbarian, The Amazing Spider-Man, Avengers, Batman, Elektra, Mighty Thor, Captain America, Dr Strange, and X-Men.

Born and based in Bucharest, Matei Branea
is a comics and animation artist, the creator of OMULAN, a comics character which became a local hit with the publication of its dedicated Hardcomics issue in 2002, and has enjoyed a robust life in the animated world as well. Branea is a producer of comics, animation and illustration from main stream to underground, from TV shows & advertising to web shorts. He currently teaches animation at the Bucharest Film School (UNATC). Branea is in production phase for a short animated film about Balkan robots and a new OMULAN book.

About Hardcomics:

Hardcomics is a self-financed magazine based in Bucharest. Launched in 2002, it aims to create a market for comics in Romania and to set a standard in content and form. Acknowledging financial failure, but achieving artistic success, Hardcomics www.hardcomics.ro just keeps on offering underground Romanian artists a platform for expression and denial. Editor Miloš Jovanović will also attend NYCC

Milos Jovanovic made his first money as an eight-year-old kid selling and swapping comics on the Saturday flea market in his hometown – it was 1980s’ Yugoslavia. Thirty years later he is doing pretty much the same thing, but now living in Bucharest. Since 2002, his majesty runs a small but strong publishing house – Hardcomics, boasting over 30 titles in different forms (books, zines, newspapers) and more than 100 authors, mainly from Romania. He is very good at drawing phallic symbols, particularly in color. He also runs a design studio and speaks more than 6 languages. He was into the Alex Raymond/ The Spirit/ DC/ Marvel thing as a kid, but then went into a Dark Horse/ Crumb/ Shelton phase and ended up at Top Shelfs and Fantagraphics (“USA lovers, I salute you”).

About the The Romanian Cultural Institute:
The Romanian Cultural Institute in New York (RCINY) aims to promote Romanian culture throughout the U.S. and internationally, and to build sustainable, creative partnerships among American and Romanian cultural organizations. The Institute acts as a catalyst and proponent of initiatives across artistic fields, striving to foster understanding, cultural diplomacy, and scholarly discourse by enriching public perspectives of contemporary Romanian culture. For the past five years, RCINY has been an active enabler and supporter of the presentation and promotion of contemporary arts, urban culture and emerging Romanian artists in the U.S.


Friday, September 30, 2011

Comic Con Update Dark Horse

Dark Horse Unveils Signing Schedule for New York Comic Con 2011!

What do a rock star, the lead writer of Mass Effect, and the ever-charming and talented Ms. Becky Cloonan all have in common? They’re all signing at the Dark Horse booth!

Following up on Wednesday’s announcement of Dark Horse’s 2011 New York Comic Con programming, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for: the 2011 Dark Horse New York Comic Con schedule!

The full schedule of Dark Horse’s in-booth signings and activities can be found below: 
ALL DAY, EVERY DAY:
Spin the Dark Horse prize wheel for a chance to win free digital comics, including Mass Effect and Star Wars: Crimson Empire bundles!

Thursday, October 13 
6:00 p.m. FREE T-SHIRTS, COMICS! Come to the Dark Horse booth for a chance to win a Hellboy T-shirt and free digital comics!

Friday, October 14
10:30 a.m. The Occultist—Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash) and Jenny Frison (Criminal Macabre)
11:00 a.m. Bunny in the Moon—Tara McPherson
11:00 a.m. FREE T-SHIRTS, COMICS! Come to the Dark Horse booth for a chance to win a Hellboy T-shirt and free digital comics!
11:30 a.m. Orchid—Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, The Nightwatchman) and Scott Hepburn (Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic)
FREE Orchid poster featuring art by Massimo Carnevale. Ticketed event. Please talk to a Dark Horse staff member at the show.
12:30 p.m. Dethklok—Jon Schnepp, Jeremy Barlow, and Nate Piekos
1:30 p.m. The Immortal—Ian Edginton
FREE poster revealing never-before-seen art from the upcoming comic The Immortal, adapted from an acclaimed Japanese novel and written by Ian Edginton (Scarlet Traces, Star Trek: Early Voyages, Warhammer 40,000)
2:00 p.m. FREE T-SHIRTS, COMICS! Come to the Dark Horse booth for a chance to win a The Thing movie T-shirt and free digital comics! Read the FREE digital prequel comic of The Thing now!
2:30 p.m. Star Wars—Andrea Mutti
Find out what Star Wars series Andrea Mutti (Rage) will be working on at Friday’s Dark Horse panel (1:30–2:30 p.m., Room 1A15).
3:30 p.m. The Massive—Brian Wood and Kristian Donaldson (DMZ)
4:30 p.m. Star Wars: Jedi—The Dark Side—Scott Allie and Mahmud Asrar
6:30 p.m. Dr. McNinja—Christopher Hastings

Saturday, October 15
10:30 a.m. Mass Effect—Mac Walters
11:00 a.m. FREE T-SHIRTS, COMICS! Come to the Dark Horse booth for a chance to win a Hellboy T-shirt and free digital comics!
11:30 a.m. The Last Dragon—Jane Yolen and Rebecca Guay
FREE face painting inspired by The Last Dragon! FREE miniprint to the first one hundred people in line for the signing.
12:30 p.m. House of Night—Jenny Frison
Get Marked! FREE House of Night face painting during the signing with cover artist Jenny Frison! FREE House of Night poster. And the first twenty-five people in line for the signing will receive a copy of The Fledgling Handbook 101 by P. C. Cast with Kim Doner from St. Martin’s Press!
1:30 p.m. Beasts of Burden—Evan Dorkin
1:30 p.m. Avatar: The Last Airbender—FREE face-painting event           
2:30 p.m. Dragon Age—David Gaider and Mike Laidlaw
FREE print to the first one hundred people in line to meet the lead writer and lead designer of Dragon Age!
3:30 p.m. Angel & Faith—Christos Gage and Rebekah Isaacs 
4:00 p.m. FREE T-SHIRTS, COMICS! Come to the Dark Horse booth for a chance to win a Hellboy T-shirt and free digital comics!
4:30 p.m. Comic TBA—Brian Wood (DMZ, Demo, Northlanders) and Becky Cloonan (Demo, Pixu)
Find out what Dark Horse comic Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan are going to be working on together at Friday’s Dark Horse panel (1:30–2:30 p.m., Room 1A15)!
5:30 p.m. Evelyn, Evelyn—Cynthia von Buhler 

Sunday, October 16
10:00 a.m. Beanworld—Larry Marder
10:30 a.m. FREE T-SHIRTS, COMICS! Come to the Dark Horse booth for a chance to win a Hellboy T-shirt and free digital comics!
11:00 a.m. Mignolaverse—Mike Mignola and John Arcudi
Ticketed event. Please talk to a Dark Horse staff member at the show.
12:00 p.m. Creepy—Dan Braun
It’s trick-or-treat time, but not for the kiddos! FREE Creepy comics to the first one hundred people in line, plus an array of crazy Creepy prizes just in time for All Hallow’s Eve!
1:00 p.m. Behind the Scenes of Mass Effect—Mac Walters
Mac Walters discusses the process of writing Mass Effect comics and walks through a digital preview of Mass Effect: Invasion #1.
2:00 p.m. FREE T-SHIRTS, COMICS! Come to the Dark Horse booth for a chance to win a Hellboy T-shirt and free digital comics!
2:30 p.m. Kult—Jeremy Barlow
3:00 p.m. Robert E. Howard’s Savage Sword—Jeremy Barlow, Paul Tobin, and Joshua Williamson
4:00 p.m. Falling Skies—Paul Tobin and Juan Ferreyra
Are you missing Falling Skies? Talk to the creators of the preview comic and get a Falling Skies pin from TNT, while supplies last!





Senator Klein to Host Health Festival

  Senator Jeff Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), will be holding a Free Health and Family Festival. 
 
The event will feature free screening for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, lead and asthma, as well as free eye and diabetic foot exams.
The event is co-sponsored by the MedAlliance and Affinity Health Plan.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: The corner of Belmont Avenue and East Fordham Road in the Bronx.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

What Could Larry Seabrook's Defense Be?

  The Daily News came out with a story today that Mayor Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Quinn are to be on the witness list for the defense when Larry Seabrook goes on trial for stealing $1.2 Million Dollars. The News writes that Seabrook feels that no wrong doing was done as the 12 count indictment items in question were approved by the City Council Speaker and the mayor. 

  The trial date has for Seabrook has been moved back from October 11th to November 7th. You can see the Daily News article here, and the comments below the article.


Dark Horse Unveils Programming Schedule for New York Comic Con 2011!

 

DARK HORSE UNVEILS PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE FOR NEW YORK COMIC CON 2011! 
  As anticipation grows for what has become the fastest-growing comic show in the country, Dark Horse gives fans the first taste of what to expect at this year’s New York Comic Con!
The full schedule of Dark Horse programming can be found below:

Room 1A15
DARK HORSE PRESENTS: 25 YEARS OF PUBLISHING AND BEYOND 
Join Dark Horse’s senior managing editor, Scott Allie, and director of public relations, Jeremy Atkins, for a look at all that the publisher has on tap for the coming year. In addition to news about all of the hot new fall titles, like Orchid, The Strain, and House of Night, we look to 2012 for a sneak peek at what fans can expect in not only the company’s flagship anthology Dark Horse Presents, but also Star Wars, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and more! Guests include Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, Orchid), Brian Wood (DMZ, Northlanders, The Massive), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), Rick Remender (Fear Agent, Uncanny X-Force, The Punisher), Jerome Opeña (Fear Agent, The Punisher), Tony Moore (Fear Agent, The Walking Dead), and more!

Room 1A15
BUFFY AND ANGEL PRESENT: DARK HORSE DOES VAMPIRES RIGHT!
Dark Horse Comics invites you to attend a special panel highlighting the growing number of comics featuring vampires! In addition to the highly successful Buffy the Vampire Slayer comics, we introduce you to other titles, like Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden’s Baltimore, P. C. and Kristin Cast’s House of Night, and Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan’s The Strain! Join Dark Horse’s managing editor, Scott Allie, director of public relations, Jeremy Atkins, and Angel & Faith’s writer Christos Gage and artist Rebekah Isaacs, as well as a few surprise guests, for a panel you can really sink your teeth into. If that’s not enough, every attendee will receive a free copy of Angel & Faith #1!
Room 1A24
DARK HORSE AND BIOWARE PRESENT:  MAPPING THE MASS EFFECT UNIVERSE
With comics, novels, movies, and a third game on the horizon, Mass Effect has become one of the largest science-fiction franchises in the world. Join Mass Effect lead writer Mac Walters, along with Dark Horse’s director of public relations, Jeremy Atkins, and director of custom programs, Nick McWhorter, for an exploration of what makes Mass Effect so special! Fans will get a firsthand look at the upcoming comics series Invasion and the art book The Art of the Mass Effect Universe, as well as a taste of Mass Effect 3! With announcements to be made, surprise guests, prizes, and giveaways, we couldn’t give you more reasons to attend!
Room 1A03
DARK HORSE SPOTLIGHT: MIKE MIGNOLA
With Hellboy dead, and the B.P.R.D. and the world at large in shambles, what’s next for this elite team of paranormal investigators? Enter the mind of creator Mike Mignola for a spirited discussion of the future of Hellboy, the B.P.R.D., Lobster Johnson, Edward Grey, and a world that has spawned television, novels, video games, and more. Attendees will be rewarded with exclusive insight, announcements, and even a special giveaway!
Room 1A24
CREEPY AND EERIE: ALL HALLOW’S EVE EDITION
Discuss the new Dark Horse Creepy series, the classic age of the Warren Creepy and Eerie magazines, and all the exciting things coming up in the Creepy universe with a bone-chilling panel including Louise Simonson, Joe Harris (“The Curse” from Creepy #1–#3), and a number of other special guests. Moderated by New Comic Company’s twin engines Dan Braun (Creepy) and Josh Braun (A History of Violence). Plus, there will be Creepy trivia questions with swag and prizes!

Watch this blog for further announcements on signings, in-booth events, and so much more coming to COMIC-CON 2011 at the Javits Canter, or go to  www.newyorkcomiccon.com .
 





Bronx Italian-American Heritage Month Festival




BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ NAMES MONICA MAJOR AS NEW EDUCATION DIRECTOR

 

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr has announced that Monica Major, who currently represents the Bronx as its appointee to the Panel for Educational Policy, has been hired as his office’s new Director of Education and Youth Services.

“When this position came open, I knew right away that Monica Major was the right person for this job, and I am thrilled to have her as part of my team. Monica is well-respected by parents and educators alike, knows the issues that face our school communities, and has over the years exhibited a passion for education that few others can match. I am well-aware of her passion, having worked closely with her on education issues during her time on the PEP. I know the people of the Bronx will be well served by Monica Major in her new position, and I look forward to working with her to improve our borough’s education system,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“I am honored to serve the Borough President in this new role.  I will continue advocate for educational opportunities for all of our Bronx families and I look forward to visiting every school in our borough.  We will continue to be fully engaged with the educational community to work to help all of our students succeed,” said Monica Major.

Ms. Major, a lifelong Bronx resident who currently lives in Morris Park, was appointed to serve as Borough President Diaz’s representative to the Panel for Educational Policy in October 2010, having previously served as president and then vice president of the Community Education Council of School District #11 (CEC). Prior to serving on CEC #11, Ms. Major was a member of the Parent Commission on Mayoral Control, a grassroots, parent-led organization that advocated on the issue of school control.

Ms. Major replaces Jesse Mojica, who left the office of Borough President Diaz in July to serve as the Executive Director for Family and Community Engagement at the Department of Education. Her official start date at the borough president’s office is October 24.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Senator Rivera & Bronx Community Health Network, Inc. Tour the Family Health Center, to Promote "Bring Your Loved One to the Doctor" Day

Senator Gustavo Rivera (D, WF-Bronx) and Bronx Community Health Network, Inc. (BCHN) will be touring The Family Health Center to promote “Bring Your Loved One to the Doctor Day” on Friday, September 30, 2011 at 12:00PM. Senator Rivera has been partnering with the Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx Community Health Network, Inc., Montefiore Medical Center, and other community partners as part of the Bronx CAN Health Initiative. The month of September has been focused on highlighting the importance of preventative medicine and accessing healthcare regularly as part of maintaining one’s health.


Senator Gustavo Rivera, Bronx Community Health Network Staff  and Montefiore Medical Center staff Tour of BCHN/Montefiore Federally Qualified Health Center
Friday, September 30, 2011 at 12:00PM
The Family Health Center - 360 E 193 St. 

 

MARCH FOR THE DIGNITY OF IMMIGRANTS

New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) will join with community and religious leaders and organizations to hold the first Bronx County March for the Dignity of Immigrants on Sunday, October 2, 2011 beginning at 12:00 noon at Westchester Avenue and Third Avenue and proceed to the Bronx Supreme Court Building located on East 161st Street and the Grand Concourse.  Thousands are expected to attend.  
Senator Reverend Diaz stated: "During the past three years, the deportation of our immigrant brothers and sisters has multiplied leaving broken homes, children without fathers and mothers, families without livelihoods and destroyed marriages. Moreover, the problem of 12 million undocumented people remains unresolved and the desired and expected passage of the Dream Act has still not occurred."

Organizers of this March hope to send a message to President Barack Obama and the Members of Congress that we are still waiting for them to fulfill their promise to immigrants
For  more  information  please call Radio Vision Cristiana International at (973) 881-8700,

 

Monday, September 26, 2011

17th Annual Tour de Bronx

 

   REGISTER NOW FOR THE
17TH ANNUAL TOUR DE BRONX!

Big Bronx Ride Takes Place October 23, 2011

Bronxites and bicycling enthusiasts from throughout the region are invited to join Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. for the 17th Annual Tour de Bronx, New York State’s Largest Free Bicycling event, on Sunday, October 23, 2011. The ride will begin at the Bronx County Building, located at 851 Grand Concourse at E. 161 Street in the Bronx; check-in is at 9:30 a.m. and the ride departs promptly one hour later.

Participants will have the opportunity to see Bronx historic districts, vibrant neighborhoods, beautiful waterfront and great greenways while enjoying a 40 or 25 mile bike ride.

Highlights include riding on the Sheridan Expressway, a portion of which is closed to traffic especially for Tour de Bronx riders, the newly-opened extension to the Soundview Park Greenway; and an end-of-ride festival at the world-famous New York Botanical Garden.

This greatly anticipated event is co-hosted by Transportation Alternatives and generously sponsored by Montefiore Medical Center and St. Barnabas and Bronx-Lebanon Hospitals. It is produced by the Bronx Tourism Council at Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation. The community ride promotes bicycling as a healthy choice for both the body and the environment. Register now at www.tourdebronx.org.

For more information on the Tour de Bronx, contact Jennifer Blatus, Tourism & Administration Coordinator at the Bronx Tourism Council, at (718) 590-3518 or Jblatus@boedc.org.


 

Senator Klein, IDC, Unveil Anti-Cyberbullying Legislation

 Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), joined fellow members of the Independent Democratic Conference and anti-bullying advocates Monday to unveil legislation to modernize New York State's harassment laws and crack down on the emerging cyberbullying epidemic.
This move comes in response to a series of cyberbullying related tragedies – including the recent death of a 14-year-old Buffalo area teen who took his own life after being targeted by cyberbullies.

The IDC also released a report detailing the difficulty with prosecuting cyberbullying under current New York State laws.
Our laws are not keeping pace with technology and we are paying a human price for it,” Senator Klein said. “No longer is bullying only confined to the schoolyard, it is now piped in an instant through victim's computers and onto the devices they carry in their pockets.  This legislation will help provide protections to those who need it, as well as send a strong message about the seriousness of this destructive behavior.”

The legislation:
  • Updates the crime of Third-Degree Stalking (a Class A Misdemeanor) to include cyberbullying. This behavior is identified as a course of conduct using electronic communications that is likely to cause a fear of harm, or emotional distress to a person under the age of 21.
  • Expands the charge of Second-Degree Manslaughter (a Class C Felony) to include bullycide. This is defined as when a person engages in cyberbullying and intentionally, or recklessly causes the victim of such offense to commit suicide.

The intent of this measure is to reinforce current anti-bullying education programs and create real consequences for those who engage in cyberbullying.
A generation ago, people had a different view of drinking and driving,” Senator Diane Savino, (D-Staten Island/ Brooklyn), said. “It took education and tougher laws to change attitudes and make people aware of the dangers of drunk driving. This legislation will help send a message about the reckless and destructive consequences of cyberbullying and will give law enforcement the tools they need to help its victims.”
The National Crime Prevention Council reports that 43 % of all teens in the U.S. have been subjected to cyberbullying. That number jumps to 53% of LBGT youth.
Recently, cyberbullying has reported to have been a factor in at least a dozen teen suicides including:
  • Jamey Rodemeyer, a 14-year old boy from Williamsville, near Buffalo, NY,  who last week took his life after what his parents claim was years of bullying over his sexual orientation. Media reports indicate that police are investigating charges against these bullies.
  • Phoebe Prince, a 15-year-old Massachusetts girl, who killed herself in January 2010 after weeks of bullying online and at school. Even after her death, students continued to leave vindictive comments on her Facebook memorial page.
  • Tyler Clementi, an 18-year-old Rutgers student, committed suicide in Sept. 2010 by jumping off the George Washington Bridge after two classmates secretly taped him during a sexual encounter with a man and broadcast it over the Web.

Cyberbullying attacks are especially painful because they are not easily erased from the internet and can trouble the victim for months and years,” said Senator David Carlucci, (D-Rockland/ Orange). “Passing this legislation will update our laws so that we can provide a safe space for those being bullied outside the school yard.”
Jamie Isaacs, 15, has experienced the effects of cyberbullying first-hand and up-close. In response, Isaacs, of Lake Grove, Suffolk County started her own non-profit organization to help others deal with the effects of bullying and has helped draft and pass two local anti-cyberbullying laws in Suffolk County.
Her organization, the Jamie Isaacs Foundation for Anti-Bullying, has a hotline for victims. To date, she has helped save eight teens who had considered harming themselves due to bullying online and in school.
Life is a precious gift that no one should ever have taken away, especially by someone that is out to destroy you through harsh words, violence, jealousy, and lies,” Isaacs said. “I thank Senator Klein and the other Senators for taking up this cause. Their legislation reflects the reality: Cyberbullying is not funny, and can be deadly.”
Sticks and stones does not apply in the digital age,” said Parry Aftab, founder of Stopcyberbullying.com, as well as a  lawyer and recognized authority on anti-cyberbullying efforts. “The words used against victims of cyberbullying permanently live online and can literally follow them around for the rest of their lives. I applaud Senator Klein and his colleagues for recognizing the seriousness of this issue and for taking action to ensure that our laws keep pace with technology.”
"There has been a massive change in society relating to new technology,” said Senator David Valesky, (D-Oneida). “Unfortunately, as a result, cyberbullying has become a serious problem, and we need a new law to combat it."















BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ ANNOUNCES MAJOR RENOVATIONS TO BRONX SUBWAY STATIONS

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced today that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has agreed to major renovations to the 149th Street/Grand Concourse subway station. Additionally, the agency will make repairs to the 138th Street/3rd Avenue subway station.

The announcement follows months of advocacy by Borough President Diaz and his office, along with the two Bronx residents who serve on the board of the MTA, Charles Moerdler and Fernando Ferrer. The two stations are among the worst in the City, and are consistently rated as such not only by transit advocacy groups but by Bronx commuters as well.

Repairs at both stations are scheduled to begin in Spring 2012, following a design and planning phase. Complete details on those repairs are included in the attached letter from Thomas F. Prendergast, President of MTA New York City Transit, to MTA Board Member Charles Moerdler.

"These two stations are in the worst condition of any in the Bronx, and I am thrilled that our advocacy on behalf of Bronx commuters has borne fruit, and that these stations will now see significant improvements. It is time for the Bronx to receive its fair share from the MTA, and the agency's commitment to making these much-needed repairs is a major first step towards that goal," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. "I would like to thank Jay Walder, Chairman and CEO of the MTA, and Thomas F. Prendergast for moving their agency forward on these projects. In addition, I am grateful to both Charles Moerdler and Fernando Ferrer for their hard work in making these repairs a reality."

Borough President Diaz added, "When the Bronx works together, we can achieve great things, and our work making these station repairs a reality shows us that. I look forward to working with the MTA to bring these repairs to completion, and I will continue to advocate on behalf of our borough's commuters to ensure that they have a clean and safe experience in our subway system."
 
 
Elected Officials Continue Push to Standardize Penalties for Marijuana Possession

  Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito and Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, will be joined by advocates from the Institute for Juvenile Justice Reform and Alternatives, VOCAL NY, and the Drug Policy Alliance, in front of One Police Plaza on Tuesday, September 27 at 1:30 p.m. to celebrate an internal order issued by NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly to all precinct commanding officers to stop arresting New Yorkers for small quantities of marijuana if the marijuana was not in plain view.
 
In 2010, over 54,000 people - mostly black or Latino - were arrested for possessing small amounts of marijuana in New York State. Over 50,000 of those arrests occurred in New York City, making it the most frequent crime citywide. Commissioner Kelly's internal order can be made permanent, and apply to all of New York State, through passage of the bipartisan bill (A.7620-Jeffries/S.5187-Grisanti). This legislation would standardize penalties for marijuana possession offences, protect New Yorkers from illegal searches, save taxpayer dollars, and bring down the disproportionately high number of arrests among black and Latino men for marijuana-related crimes by eliminating the misdemeanor charge. Council Members Mark-Viverito introduced a City Council resolution that Council Member Williams is sponsoring that supports the passage of this legislation.
One Police Plaza can be reached by the following, 4,5,6 train to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall; J,Z  train to Chambers street.
 
 
 
 

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Cartoon Network and Adult Swim New York Comic Con Panels and Events

 

Cartoon Network and Adult Swim Announce Highly-Anticipated
Panel and Event Lineup for 2011 New York Comic Con


Cartoon Network and Adult Swim will host nine panels, two screenings and three autograph signings for fan-favorite series at New York Comic Con at the Jacob K. Javits Center, Friday, October 14 through Sunday October 16, 2011.  See the full lineup for both networks below; please note all times, dates and locations are subject to change. 

CARTOON NETWORK & ADULT SWIM PANELS


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14

ADULT SWIM: The Venture Bros
4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: IGN Theater
Talent: Jackson Publick (co-creator) and Doc Hammer (co-creator)

The Venture Bros show creators Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer, perennial Comic-Con favorites, will discuss their original series and answer questions that have been submitted by fans on AdultSwimPresents.com/NYCC.  Launched on Adult Swim in August 2004, The Venture Bros. is an inspired spoof of 1960s action cartoon shows such as “Johnny Quest.” The animated series follows the bizarre misadventures of the Venture family, which includes world-renowned Dr. Venture, his dimwitted sons Hank and Dean as well as Brock Samson, their bodyguard assigned by the government to keep an eye on the family who is then promptly forgotten by the Feds.


ADULT SWIM: Robot Chicken
5:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: IGN Theater
Talent: Seth Green (co-creator), Matt Senreich (co-creator), Zeb Wells (writer) and Doug Goldstein (head writer and co-producer)

Seth Green (co-creator), Matthew Senreich (co-creator), Zeb Wells (writer), and Doug Goldstein (head writer and co-producer) discuss their incredibly-popular and award-winning series Robot Chicken and provide a sneak peek of season 5.5, premiering Oct. 23rd at 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT) on Adult Swim. Created by Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, the Emmy Award-winning Robot Chicken uses stop-motion animation to bring pop-culture parodies to life in a modern take on the variety/sketch show format.



SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15

ADULT SWIM: Superjail!
4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location:  Room 1A06
Talent: Christy Karacas (creator and executive producer) , Stephen Warbrick (creator and executive producer), Jackson Publick, Janine DiTullio

Join creators and executive producers Christy Karacas and Stephen Warbrick with Jackson Publick and Janine DiTullio
as they discuss their Adult Swim series Superjail! and preview never-before-seen footage! Fast-paced animation, flying guts, creepy underlings, and plenty of prison fights dominate the Warden’s chaotic prison in Superjail!. The blood flows like wine and the line between criminal and keeper gets blurrier by the minute.  Picture a kaleidoscope of entrails meets Jon Waters meets Shawshank damnation plus a sweaty muscle woman minus primetime sensibility. You are hereby guilty of being given what you asked for.


ADULT SWIM: Eagleheart
4:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Location:  Room 1A06
Talent: Chris Elliot, Jason Woliner, Andrew Weinberg, Michael Koman, Maria Thayer

Join series star Chris Elliott with Jason Woliner, Andrew Weinberg, Michael Koman, Maria Thayer as they discuss the live-action comedy Eagleheart and show exclusive footage from the upcoming new season.  Produced by Conan O’Brien’s Conaco Productions and Dakota Pictures, the series premiered in February and recently wrapped production of its second season, which is slated to premiere in the spring of 2012. Every episode of Eagleheart promises violence, suspense, intrigue and copious amounts of needless bloodshed as Marshal Chris Monsanto (Elliott) blindly kicks, punches and shoots his way to what may or may not be a legitimate solution to his case.


ADULT SWIM: The Heart, She Holler
5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Location:  Room 1A06
Talent: Patton Oswalt, Kristen Schaal, Heather Lawless, Leo Fitzpatrick, Joe Sikora, John Lee (executive producer), Alyson Levy (executive producer)

Adult Swim presents The Heart, She Holler, an original live-action series that explores the dramatic lives of a small community living in a hillbilly town.  Moderated by David Cross, series stars Patton Oswalt (United States of Tara), Kristen Schaal (The Flight of the Conchords), Heather Lawless (Be Kind Rewind), Leo Fitzpatrick (El Camino), and Joe Sikora (Shutter Island) join co-executive producers John Lee and Alyson Levy to show never-before-seen footage of this new original live-action series that will premiere on Adult Swim this fall.


ADULT SWIM: Delocated!
6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location:  Room 1A06
Talent: Jon Glaser (creator and executive producer), Steve Cirbus, Janeane Garofalo, Jacob Kogan, Yung-I Chang, Ali Farahnakian  

Delocated! creator/executive producer and star Jon Glaser is on hand along with Steve Cirbus, Janeane Garofalo, Jacob Kogan, Yung-I Chang  and Ali Farahnakian to reveal exclusive footage from the upcoming third season of the show premiering on Adult Swim this fall as well as answer questions about the series.  Delocated! is a live-action series about “Jon,” who after testifying against the Russian Mafia has to live undercover through the witness protection program.  After existing quietly in an anonymous suburb, “Jon” accepts an offer to participate in a reality show based on his life.  In order to protect his identity with television audiences—and more importantly, the Russian mob family the Mirminsky’s—he wears a ski mask and has his voice surgically disguised.


ADULT SWIM: China, IL Exclusive Screening and Q&A
7:15 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location:  Room 1A06
Talent: Brad Neely (creator) and Daniel Weidenfeld (executive producer)

Adult Swim presents an exclusive screening of a never-before-aired episode of their newest animated comedy China, IL.  Frank and Steve Smith are brothers who teach in the history department of a state university in China, IL.  They also happen to be legends in their own minds who will often sacrifice facts, lessons and syllabi for the sake of being awesome.  Created by Brad Neely and produced by Titmouse, Inc., China, IL is a reverse Animal House where the teachers are crazy and the students just want to learn.  Creator Brad Neely and executive producer Daniel Weidenfeld will be on hand for a lively Q&A.


ADULT SWIM: Black Dynamite
8:15 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location:  Room 1A06
Talent: Michael Jai White, Byron Minns, Kym Whitley, Carl Jones (executive producer), and Scott Sanders (producer)

Black Dynamite is an exciting new animated series coming to Adult Swim in 2012 and is based on 2009’s critically-acclaimed feature film. The series further chronicles the exploits of Black Dynamite and his crew.  Cast members Michael Jai White (Black Dynamite), Byron Minns (Bullhorn), Kym Whitley (Honeybee), executive producer Carl Jones, and producer Scott Sanders will host a Q&A and show never-before-seen footage! Room



SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16


CARTOON NETWORK: Adventure Time / Regular Show Panel and Q&A
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: 1A06
Talent: Adventure Time - Pendleton Ward (Creator/ Lumpy Space Princess), Jeremy Shada (Finn) and Tom Kenny (Ice King); Regular Show talent includes creator J.G. Quintel (Creator/ Mordecai), Bill Salyers (Rigby) and Sam Marin (Pops, Benson, Muscle Man).

Cartoon Network is dominating Monday nights with the FUNNIEST night on television, and we’re bringing the inside scoop to Comic Con!  Join creators and talent from Adventure Time and Regular Show as they talk about how these two comedy hits came to life, screen upcoming episodes, share what’s in store for your favorite characters this season, answer questions and more!  

The panel features Adventure Time creator Pendleton Ward (Lumpy Space Princess), Jeremy Shada (Finn) and Tom Kenny (Ice King); Regular Show talent includes creator J.G. Quintel (Mordecai), Bill Salyers (Rigby) and Sam Marin (Pops, Benson, Muscle Man).

Adventure Time introduces viewers to unlikely heroes Finn and Jake, buddies who traverse the mystical Land of Ooo and encounter its colorful inhabitants. The best of friends, our heroes always find themselves in the middle of heart-pounding escapades.   Regular Show features Mordecai, a six-foot-tall blue jay, and Rigby, a hyperactive raccoon, great friends and groundskeepers at a park whose attempts to escape their everyday boredom take them to fantastical extremes.


CARTOON NETWORK: Ben 10 / Generator Rex: Heroes United Screening and Q&A
12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Location: 1A22

Cartoon Network’s top animated action heroes - Ben 10 and Generator Rex - team up for an exciting panel at New York Comic Con...and for an out-of-this-world adventure! In the middle of a battle, Ben Tennyson is drawn into a vortex and lands in an alternate world infected by nanites! Ben must team up with Rex to defeat a common enemy who covets the Omnitrix and Omega Nanite! In the midst of battle, Ben Tennyson is drawn into a vortex and lands in an alternate world infected by nanites...the world of Generator Rex!  Ben and Rex will face off before realizing they must unite to battle a common enemy who threatens both of their worlds!


CARTOON NETWORK: Level Up World Premiere Screening
2:00 p.m.  - 3:30 p.m.
Location: 1A22

It’s time to “Level Up” your Comic Con experience with the WORLD PREMIERE SCREENING of Cartoon Network’s funniest original movie for the video game age!  Level Up introduces three high school gamers who unwittingly open a portal from an online game, allowing the in-game creatures and mayhem to escape into the real world!  The trio must put aside their differences and join forces to play the game for real in order to save their neighborhood (and the world!) from ultimate evil! Be among the first to see Level Up before it premieres on Cartoon Network in November, with an explosive TV series to follow in 2012.  



ADULT SWIM AUTOGRAPH SIGNINGS

Friday, October 14

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.                             Venture Bros Signing
Location: Room 1E07
Talent: Jackson Publick, Doc Hammer

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.                             Robot Chicken Signing  
Location: Room 1E07
Talent: Seth Green (co-creator), Matt Senreich (co-creator),
Zeb Wells (writer) and Doug Goldstein (head writer and co-producer)
Saturday, October 15

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.                             Black Dynamite Signing
Location: Room 1E07
Talent: Michael Jai White, Byron Minns, Kym Whitley,
Carl Jones (executive producer), and Scott Sanders (producer)




CARTOON NETWORK - LOUNGE INFORMATION

Cartoon Network and Adventure Time will take over the registration lobby of the Jacob Javits Center at New York Comic Con from October 13 – 16, with the CARTOON NETWORK LOUNGE.  A fully-immersive experience, the CARTOON NETWORK LOUNGE will be a must-see destination for fans of the network, as they can catch up on their favorite Adventure Time episodes, grab some exclusive giveaways, play their favorite video games and so much more.  In addition to other giveaways, Adventure Time fans should stop by to get their free New York Comic Con exclusive 2" Finn figure, while supplies last.  The toy is a limited-edition update to one of the figures from Jazwares toy line, which is currently available for sale at Toys"R"Us retailers nationwide.  Additionally, at the CARTOON NETWORK LOUNGE, fans can try their hand at three all-new video games that will be released this fall:  Ben 10 Galactic Racing, Cartoon Network Punch Time Explosion XL and Generator Rex: Agent of Providence.