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:

Friday, October 14

1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.

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!

Saturday, October 15

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

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!

4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

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!

5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

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!

6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

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.

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 161^st 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,

 

17th Annual Tour de Bronx

 

   REGISTER NOW FOR THE

17^TH 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 17^th 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."