Monday, September 26, 2011

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.

 

Friday, September 23, 2011

Is the end near in the Bronx Ticket Investigation
UPDATE:

  A Bronx grand jury has handed down indictments for 17 former and/or current police officers in the "Bronx Ticket Fixing Probe"

  Reports are coming in now from differing sources as to just how many police officers will be indicted in the now three year old investigation by the Bronx District Attorneys office of an alleged ticket fixing scandal in the Bronx. The New York Post reports that from 9 - 12 officers could face indictment on various charges such as bribery and obstruction of justice. The Daily News puts the number as high as 17, but there has been no official conformation as to the exact number of police officers that may be indicted from the Bronx DA's office. 

  Even 1010 WINS radio has reported that the cops in question are accused of taking liquor, expensive meals, cash and other bribes for making tickets disappear for friends and family members and even an executive with the Yankees. There has been no date set for any announcement, but it could come very soon.



Senator Rivera Hosts Bronx CAN Health Initiative Check-In Focused on Preventative Medicine and Access to Health Care

Senator Gustavo Rivera  is hosting the third Bronx CAN Health Initiative Check-In focused on the importance of preventative healthcare at St. James Park Recreation Center. The event will include a health fair sponsored by Montefiore Medical Center in conjunction with Senator Rivera, Borough President Diaz and other Bronx CAN Health community partners. Sunday’s health fair will give Bronxites the opportunity to talk to health care professionals to discuss their health and find out where they can access affordable healthcare. 

Preventative Healthcare-focused  Bronx CAN Health Initiative Check-In
State Senator Gustavo Rivera, special guest Assembly Member Carl Heastie and Health care providers
Sunday, September 25, 2011 at 1:30PM
St. James Park Recreation Center – 2530 Jerome Ave.

 

 

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Liberty Democratic Association Awards Dinner

 

Dear Friends,


Liberty Democratic Association Annual Awards Dinner is coming this October 13, 2011. The event is on a Thursday night and it is gearing up to be a great event. We have a fabulous list of honorees.
We at Liberty Democratic Association use some of the proceeds to help needy citizens of the Bronx. Last year we provided 50 turkeys at Thanksgiving to St. Lucy’s church, money went to the food bank of The Jewish Community Council of The Bronx, a donation was made to the Einstein’s children program to provide a party to children, 78% who are on Medicare. We also helped the 49th Precinct Council with their fellowship breakfast.
The more you help us ; the more we can help our indigent Bronx residents.
Again, I would like to thanks all who have already responded.
To those who plan to attend, but who have not RSVP; we request you to respond before September 29, 2011. We need to set the room and the tables.
Thanks,
Joseph A. McManus
Democratic State Committee
80th Assembly District, Bronx NY