Lhota calls on City Council to support Staten Island ferry service increase

  This came in from the Joe Lhota for mayor campaign. 
You may ask why am I putting up an item on Staten Island from Republican Mayoral candidate Joe Lhota in the Bronx. The answer is that in today's Daily News there is an article that Joe Lhota has been to Staten Island 7 times since the primary, while Bill deBlasio has only been there once. Obviously Bill deBlasio knows where to spend his time, and that is not in Republican rich Staten Island where he will receive the lowest number of votes. I have been told that deBlasio will soon be visiting the Bronx several times, and I will soon be getting that schedule. As for Joe Lhota visiting the Bronx, with less than 4,000 total Bronx Republican votes cast on primary day Thursday's headline of my column in the Bronx News and Parkchester News is titled "Will Joe Lhota come to the Bronx"?
Also - Note the date of the vote listed as September 9.

  Mayoral candidate Joe Lhota today called on the City Council to vote in favor of expanding Staten Island ferry service to half hour increments during nights and weekends.  The vote will take place today, Wednesday, September 9.  

The Staten Island Ferry remains one of the only means of public transportation to and from Staten Island.  Current law forces residents who take the ferry during off-hours to wait an hour after 1 or 2 a.m. during the week and after 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

“It’s unfair, outrageous and wrong that Staten Island residents are forced to wait an hour in between ferry rides during the off hours, especially when residents in other boroughs have access for more frequent subway service,” said Mr. Lhota, who implemented free Staten Island Ferry service as the City’s budget director.  “I call on the City Council to end this borough inequity by voting to increase the frequency of Staten Island ferry service.”

Mr. Lhota has been a vocal advocate of increasing ferry service for Staten Islanders. In June, Mr. Lhota submitted testimony to the City Council urging half-hour service on nights and weekends.

"This legislation is about more than an extra boat an hour," Councilman James Oddo said. "This is about telling Staten Island residents and commuters that help is on the way and it should be a clear signal to those looking to invest in the revitalization of the North Shore that Staten Island is open  for business."

 

Former Bronx Charity Head Busted By NY Attorney General Eric Schneiderman

This is from today's Daily News blog by Celeste Katz.

  Yolanda Gonzalez, the daughter of the late founder of Nos Quedamos (We Stay) in the South Bronx, was booked Wednesday morning at the 44th police precinct in the Bronx. The arrest was the end of an investigation that N.Y. State Attorney General Eric Schniderman began in 2011. 
   
  Gonzalez is the daughter of Yolanda Garcia, who founded the the non-profit housing and social services group in 1992. Gonzalez became executive director in 2005 after her mother died. Since the problems arose in 2011, several board members have been replaced. The organization is now run by executive director Jessica Clemente.
  
  The link to the full Daily News Story is  here .


 

LIU ON ‘TAXI OF TOMORROW’ RULING

  City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following after a judge voided the City’s “Taxi of Tomorrow” plan on the grounds that the TLC exceeded its authority when it mandated that all taxis be replaced the Nissan NV200:

 

“City Hall’s ‘Taxi of Tomorrow’ plan, ill-conceived from the very start, should now be scrapped completely in light of the judge’s ruling. New York’s iconic yellow cabs should offer choices for taxi owners and – most importantly – full wheelchair-accessibility. My ‘Taxi for All New Yorkers’ plan would offer both, plus save the City money over time.”

 

Background:

 

In September, Comptroller Liu proposed his “Taxi for All New Yorkers” plan: http://comptroller.nyc.gov/newsroom/liu-unveils-taxi-for-all-new-yorkers/

 

In May 2012, Comptroller Liu called on Mayor Bloomberg to modify the proposed “Taxi of Tomorrow” to make all new taxis wheelchair-accessible: http://comptroller.nyc.gov/newsroom/liu-puts-brakes-on-taxi-of-tomorrow-until-vehicles-are-wheelchair-accessible/

 

In December 2012, Liu rejected the “Taxi of Tomorrow” contract on the grounds that it violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and would expose the City to costly lawsuits: http://comptroller.nyc.gov/newsroom/liu-grounds-taxi-of-tomorrow/

 

In April 2013, Liu testified before the City Council in favor of Intro 433-A, a bill that would mandate that the entire City taxi fleet be wheelchair-accessible: http://comptroller.nyc.gov/newsroom/liu-testimony-on-city-council-taxi-bill/

The Bronx Marks the Spot With Tour de Bronx The Largest Free Bicycling Event in New York State

 

The Bronx Marks the Spot
With Tour de Bronx
The Largest Free Bicycling Event in New York State

-          Thousands come from around the country and around the world
to Xercise, Xplore and Xperience The Bronx

     Today, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., The Bronx Tourism Council and Transportation Alternatives announced the 19^th Annual “Tour de Bronx,” the largest free bicycling event in New York State which will take place on Sunday, October 27^th.

Sponsored by the Montefiore Medical Center, St. Barnabas Hospital and the Bronx Lebanon Medical Center, the “Tour de Bronx” traditionally brings together nearly 6,000 bicyclists from around the world.

“The ‘Tour de Bronx’ is a wonderful event, and each year I am always excited to join my fellow Bronxites and thousands of visitors from around the city, nation and the world to ride and see all the great things The Bronx has to offer. Riding a bike around our borough is the healthiest way to see the best of the Bronx, and I am delighted to hear the positive feedback from visitors each year when they participate in the ‘Tour de Bronx.’ I invite everyone to join me again this year to tour our beautiful borough,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

"This great event shows Bronx residents that biking is not only a fun and healthy way to get around the borough. It's a viable transport option," says Transportation Alternatives’ Executive Director Paul Steely White.

To further prove that The Bronx is fast becoming a destination, last year’s event welcomed registrants from all over the United States, as well as Europe, South America and even Asia. “Given the amount of positive coverage we’ve been enjoying in national and international media, we expect to see an increase in visitors participating in this event,” stated Olga Luz Tirado, Executive Director of The Bronx Tourism Council. “We are anxious to show off our borough to the rest of the world.”

“The New York Botanical Garden looks forward to welcoming the Tour de Bronx cyclists to nature’s showplace, dressed in its finest fall colors” said Aaron Bouska, Associate Vice President for Government and Community Relations at the New York Botanical Garden. “Not only do cyclists get to see the best of the Bronx on October 27, but they do so in a healthy and sustainable manner – values we share and promote every day at the Garden.  Congratulations to Bronx Borough President for his leadership in this endeavor.”

“For the past five years, Montefiore has supported Tour de Bronx as a way to promote healthy living and wellness in our community while celebrating the historic neighborhoods and beautiful greenways of the Bronx," said Steven M. Safyer, president and CEO, Montefiore Medical Center.  "Montefiore is committed to improving the health of the community we serve and we are proud to sponsor this borough-wide biking event."

It couldn’t be easier to participate in the “Tour de Bronx,” as numerous City agencies and corporate sponsors are rolling out the red carpet for cycling enthusiasts. Metro North Railroad will waive their bicycle permit requirements and quantity limits for the day, allowing for groups of riders to participate. The Department of Transportation will fit and distribute free bicycle helmets beginning at 8 a.m. while supplies last. The rider must be present and sign a waiver. For children under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and will also need to sign a waiver. Coca Cola will distribute Dasani water, Powerade sports drinks and Fuze. Pizza will be provided after the ride courtesy of Domino’s.

The event offers both a 25- and 40-mile course, each of which winds through dozens of beautiful Bronx neighborhoods, historic districts, parks, waterfront, Greenway paths and more. Both routes culminate at the New York Botanical Garden for end-of-ride pizza, refreshments and a music festival.

Log onto www.ilovethebronx.com to register.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Left - BP Diaz speaking about the Tour De Bronx.

Right Roberto Garcia of Montifore Hospital has two employees who take part in the Tour De Bronx.

Below - Several sponsors and bike riders who will take part in this year's Tour De Bronx.

FOX FANFARE is at New York Comic Con 2013

FOX SERIES “THE FOLLOWING,” “SLEEPY HOLLOW,” “ALMOST HUMAN,”

“COSMOS: A SPACETIME ODYSSEY” AND “BOB’S BURGERS”

DESCEND ON NEW YORK COMIC CON 2013

 

ALMOST HUMAN Screening Kicks Off NYCC on Thursday, October 10

 

Panels, Autograph Signings 

Continue Through Sunday, October 13

 

 

PANELS, SCREENINGS & AUTOGRAPH SIGNING SCHEDULE (by day)

 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10

             ALMOST HUMAN

Screening:  6:15 PM – Empire Stage 1-E

Step into the future with a special screening of the highly anticipated action drama from J.J. Abrams and J.H. Wyman. ALMOST HUMAN, premiering Monday, Nov. 4 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX, takes place approximately 30 years in the future – when being a cop has only become a more dangerous job than it is today. Following an unprecedented increase in the crime rate, every police officer must partner with an android. The series will follow the week-to-week missions of John Kennex (Karl Urban), a detective and sole survivor of a devastating police ambush, and his robot partner, Dorian (Michael Ealy), as this buddy-cop duo solve cases and fight to keep the lid on dangerously evolved criminals in this futuristic landscape.

 

 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11

 

BOB’S BURGERS

Panel:  7:45-8:45 PM – Empire Stage 1-E

Creator and executive producer Loren Bouchard and the comedic voice cast, including H. Jon Benjamin, John Roberts, Dan Mintz and Larry Murphy, will serve up hilarious BOB’S BURGERS footage, followed by a Q&A panel discussion about FOX’s Emmy-nominated animated series that centers on the trials and tribulations of a man, his family and their burger joint.

 

 

 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12

 

COSMOS: A SPACETIME ODYSSEY

Panel: 6:45-7:45 PM – Room 1A23

World-renowned astrophysicist and series host Neil deGrasse Tyson joins executive producer/writer Ann Druyan, executive producer/director Brannon Braga and executive producer Mitchell Cannold to debut never-before-seen footage of stylized animated sequences from FOX’s upcoming COSMOS: A SPACETIME ODYSSEY, followed by a Q&A panel discussion. Druyan and executive producer Seth MacFarlane have teamed to conceive a thrilling new 13-part series, premiering in 2014, which will serve as the successor to Carl Sagan’s Emmy Award- and Peabody Award-winning “Cosmos: “Cosmos: A Personal Voyage,” as it ventures across the universe of space and time and explores humanity’s heroic quest for knowledge and the laws of science.

 

 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13

 

THE FOLLOWING

Panel: 1:30-2:30 PM – Empire Stage 1-E

Become a follower and join THE FOLLOWING creator/executive producer Kevin Williamson, executive producer/director Marcos Siega and stars Kevin Bacon, James Purefoy, Connie Nielsen, Shawn Ashmore and Valorie Curry for a special video presentation and Q&A panel discussion. Heading into its intense, spellbinding second season this January on FOX, hit psychological thriller THE FOLLOWING catches up with Ryan Hardy (Golden Globe Award winner and Emmy Award nominee Kevin Bacon) in the wake of a horrific new murder spree, as he begins to suspect that Joe Carroll’s (James Purefoy) reign of terror is far from over.

 

 

SLEEPY HOLLOW

Panel: 2:45-3:45 PM – Empire Stage 1-E

Join SLEEPY HOLLOW co-creators/executive producers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, director/co-creator/executive producer Len Wiseman, co-creator/supervising producer Phillip Iscove, executive producer Heather Kadin and series stars Tom Mison, Nicole Beharie, Orlando Jones and Katia Winter for a special exclusive sneak peek at an upcoming episode and Q&A panel discussion. FOX’s newest breakout hit, SLEEPY HOLLOW, which was recently renewed for a second season, is a thrilling mystery-adventure drama spanning two and a half centuries, in which a resurrected Ichabod Crane (Mison) pairs up with a present-day cop (Beharie) to save the enigmatic town of Sleepy Hollow – and the world – from unprecedented evil.

 

 

New York Comic-Con to Host Anti-Bullying Coalition & Panel on Sunday, Oct. 13, 3:45 p.m.

Pop Culture Anti-Bullying Coalition

at New York Comic-Con 2013

New York Comic-Con Hosts Pop Culture Anti-Bullying Coalition

 

Geekerati Teams Up with NOH8 Campaign, Anti-Defamation League,

Cartoon Network’s “Stop Bullying: Speak Up” and Team Husbands at Pop Culture Mecca

   In a groundbreaking move, New York Comic-Con has invited Pop Culture Anti-Bullying Coalition to exhibit at its upcoming event, which draws 100,000 fans annually and will take place at the Javits Center on October 10 – 13, 2013.

Created by actress Chase Masterson (“Star Trek” / “Doctor Who Big Finish”) and award-winning author Carrie Goldman (Harper Collins’ “Bullied”), the Coalition will have experienced staff on-hand all weekend at Booth 630 to talk with teens, young adults, kids, parents, and educators on how to overcome bullying.

“We’re not just here to stand up against bullying. Everybody knows that needs to stop,” said Masterson. “NYCC’s invitation to Pop Culture Anti-Bullying Coalition marks the first time that the movement to overcome bullying is at the heart of a con experience. With the NYCC team, we’re making a safe, go-to place where kids and adults can find resources, healing and answers.”

The Coalition will also hold a panel, “End Bullying! Responding to Cruelty in Our Culture,” which will be hosted by Masterson and moderated by Goldman on Sunday, October 13, at 3:45 pm in Room 1A14. Panelists include Cartoon Network VP Alice Cahn, Adam Bouska & Jeff Parshley (Founders, NOH8 Campaign), Ashley Eckstein (“Star Wars’” Ahsoka Tano & Founder of Her Universe), Brad Bell (Executive Producer and star of CW Seed’s “Team Husbands”), author Bonnie Burton (“Mean Girls”), Jenna Busch (Fan TV Entertainment Editor), and a rep from the Anti-Defamation League.

Pop Culture Anti-Bullying Coalition is also bringing the NOH8 Campaign to NYCC for their 1^st-ever pop culture con photo shoot, which will be held at Booth 630 on Sunday, October 13, from 12 – 2 pm. "NOH8 is proud to continue our partnership with the Anti-Bullying Coalition and keep the discussion of bullying and discrimination alive at New York Comic Con,” said Founders Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley. “We're grateful for the opportunity to share our message and empower comic con attendees by showing them they are not alone. We want them to know there really is hope for a future without hate!"

“October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and New York Comic Con is a leader in the movement to bring anti-bullying programming to attendees of pop culture conventions.  The Anti-Bullying Coalition is excited and grateful for the opportunity to educate attendees on ways to stand up to bullying!” says Goldman.

"STOP BULLYING: SPEAK UP uses the inspirational power of entertainment media to motivate young people, and the adults who care for them, to speak up safely and effectively when they see bullying happen,” said Alice Cahn, Cartoon Network vice president of social responsibility. “Working together, we can create a culture of kindness in our schools and communities."

Lance Fensterman, Global Vice President for ReedPOP, notes:  "All ReedPOP events and especially New York Comic Con are about community.  We are about getting together with friends you know and friends you haven't met yet to celebrate a shared passion. That community only works if everyone involved feels safe and secure.  We are proud to support the anti-bullying coalition as their beliefs match up with our desire to create a safe and fun place for all of our fans."

The unprecedented Coalition’s members include several international non-profits with anti-bullying initiatives, including the United Nations Association, the Anti-Defamation League, NoH8 Campaign, Cartoon Network’s Stop Bullying: Speak Up, GLSEN, International Bullying Prevention Association and Girl Scouts of America.

“So much of pop culture revolves around superheroes,” concluded Masterson. “Since we love them, why not band together – and be one?”

Pop Culture Anti-Bullying Coalition will be at Booth 630 at NYCC. For details on the booth and panel, please see http://www.AntiBullyingCoalition.com. 

Twistory Entertainment Studios Features 10 Foot Tall PADZILLAS at NY Comic Con

                               

Twistory Studios, creator of graphic stories, digital film and video games unveils its just released video game Belle’s War at New York Comic Com, October 10-13 at the Javits Center in Manhattan.  Visitors will be able to play the game on two gigantic iPads called PADZILLAS, as well as see Twistory artists create their magic on the ten-foot tall touch screens.

Belle’s War is Twistory’s take on the classic game of War re-imagined in western fantasy-1860s.  The innovative game play has its roots in Twistory’s 13 Chambers graphic narrative, featuring the gritty and sharp-witted heroine Belle as one of 13 U.S. Marshalls to have served under Abraham Lincoln.   Players decide whether to play against the computer or another person in a quick-fire round where weapons and wits determine the winner.  Belle’s War can be played on any game platform and is available at iTunes, Google and Play Station Network.  

Belle: The Television Series is currently in development at Twistory and its star, Danielle Vasinova will be at Twistory’s Comic Con booth and available for interviews Friday, October 11^th  through Sunday October 13^th.  www.twistory.com/portfolios/belle-the-film/

Also appearing for Twistory are Christopher “mink” Morrison, the Studio’s Founder and Master Storyteller; fantasy illustrator Paolo Parente, the artist for graphic stories Belle, 13 Chambers and Dust; and Matthais Haddad, the designer of Belle’s Handbook, making its debut at Comic Con as the first in a 13-book series chronicling Belle’s adventures and her extraordinary discoveries.   (See schedule below).

Twistory will also be showcasing its stunning graphic art book Shinjuku, illustrated by legendary artist Yoshitaka Amano (Final Fantasy, Vampire Hunter D), and the Studio’s official publication, Twistory Magazine.  Also in the works at Twistory:  Shinjuku: The Film, animated, directed and illustrated by acclaimed artist and director Robert Valley (The Gorillaz, Aeon Flux) and narrated by actor Danielle Vasinova (To Hell with a Bullet, White Trash Noir).  Shinjuku: The Film is a feature length animated adaptation of the graphic art book Shinjuku.  www.twistory.com/portfolios/shinjuku-the-film/

Watch Twistory’s artist in action on the PADZILLA!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6qyIwWjoqk

  

SCHEDULE -- Twistory Booth # 1568/1669

Thursday Oct. 10th:

All Day             Christopher “mink” Morrison, Twistory’s Founder and Master Storyteller

4pm-5pm        Paolo Parente (Artist for Belle, 13 Chambers and Dust)

7pm-8pm        Matthais Haddad (Designer of Belle's Handbook)

Friday, Oct. 11th:

All Day              Christopher “mink” Morrison, Twistory’s Founder and Master Storyteller

11pm-12pm     Paolo Parente - (Artist for Belle, 13 Chambers and Dust)

                            Matthais Haddad - (Designer of Belle's Handbook)

2pm-4pm         Danielle Vasinova  (Star of Belle: The Film)

6:30-7:30pm    Paolo Parente / Matthais Haddad 

Saturday, Oct.12th:

All Day             Christopher “mink” Morrison, Twistory’s Founder and Master Storyteller

11am-12pm    Paolo Parente - (Artist for Belle, 13 Chambers and Dust)

                                    Matthais Haddad - (Designer of Belle's Handbook)

2pm-4pm        Danielle Vasinova (Star of Belle: The Film)

6:30-7:30pm    Paolo Parente / Matthais Haddad

Sunday, October 13th:

All Day              Christopher “mink” Morrison, Twistory’s Founder and Master Storyteller

11:30am-

12:30pm           Matthais Haddad - (Designer of Belle's Handbook)

12-2pm            Danielle Vasinova - (Star of Belle: The Film)

1pm-2pm        Paolo Parente - (Artist for Belle, 13 Chambers and Dust)

TWITTER: 

TWISTORY ENTERTAINMENT STUDIOS:  @Twistorytweets

DANIELLE VASINOVA:  @Vasinova

ROBERT VALLEY:  @massiveswerve

FACEBOOK: 

TWISTORY:  www.facebook.com/#!/Twistory

DANIELLE VASINOVA:  www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Danielle-Vasinova-Fan-Page/151165561593688

YOSHITAKA AMANO:  www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Yoshitaka-Amano/21618900932

PAOLO PARENTE:  www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Paolo-Parente/249820904412

 

Talk Show Host, STEVE WILKOS, To Attend Comic Con this Friday, October 11th

Steve Wilkos, host of “The Steve Wilkos Show,” will attend New York Comic Con to meet fans and sign autographs.  

Friday, October 11 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm/ET

                               

BOOTH # 2016