By Michael S. Goldberger, film critic Finally, someone’s gotten this comic book-to-film thing right, or at least as right as the transport of different mediums, philosophies and the very definition of art itself will allow. “Watchmen,” Zack Snyder’s adaptation of Alan Moore’s literarily acclaimed graphic novel, is the pop culture equivalent of Yin and... »
Archive for March, 2009
Avoiding A Tax Audit
All taxpayers dread the prospect of facing an Internal Revenue Service audit. According to the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJSCPA), there are some steps you can take to minimize the likelihood that you’ll be audited or ensure a more positive experience if you are. What’s It All About? In an audit,... »
Tax Tip Of The Day: Watch Out For Tax Scams
By Gregg Semanick-New Jersey‘s IRS Spokesperson During this time of year, tax scammers are prevalent. Remember, the IRS does not send out unsolicited e-mails to the public. Do not respond or open any attachments for e-mails received claiming to be the IRS. Forward the bogus e-mail to phishing@irs.gov for further investigation. For more information... »
Sayreville Through The Years
by Diane Norek Harrison SAYREVILLE-This first part was given to me for my column. Circa 1917, there was the Victorian Troop Marching Band. The members at this time were: William Hockenjos, Moon Bailey, Frank Johnson, John McCutcheon, Charles Burkshot, Emit Karwatt, Willis Shuler, Neal Chevalier, Otto Weck, John Sugrue, Ed Engelhart, Andy Nelson, William... »
This week's top newsmakers
Assemblyman Joseph Vas was indicted on 11 counts of conspiring with municipal employees to bill the city for $5,000 worth of clothing, sneakers and other personal items. The former Perth Amboy mayor is also accused of participating in a scheme to rig a housing lottery so that his driver could buy a new home... »
Officials Work To Clear Leaking Rail Car In Carteret
CARTERET – Earlier this morning, a Conrail tanker car sustained minor damage when the engine coupled with it during operations along the rail lines that parallel the New Jersey Turnpike at Exit 12 in the vicinity of Monroe Avenue, officials said. Members of the Carteret Fire Department were dispatched at 10:16 a.m. and found... »
Mayor’s Charity Fund Rewards Creative Children With Circus Trip
CARTERET—At this month’s Borough Council meeting, Mayor Dan Reiman presented mayoral commendations and circus tickets to eight Carteret school children. These were the winners of the first “What Can I Do For My Community?” contest, established by the mayor’s Children’s Charity Trust Fund, to allow youngsters to exhibit their creative talents and demonstrate their... »
Rahway Relay Team Wins State Championship
Rahway Relay Team Wins State Championship—Rahway High School’s men’s 4 x 400 relay team won the state championship at the NJSIAA Meet of Champions on Feb. 21 at the Bennett Indoor Athletic Complex in Toms River. Pictured above are team members Chris Brown, Russell Jenkins, Ricky Draughn and Chris Whyte, all seniors. (Photo courtesy... »
Economic Challenges Have More Families And Businesses Turning To Libraries For Help
By Norma E. Blake During the past year, over 100,000 New Jersey residents lost their jobs, adding their names to a list that was already well over 200,000. Many families in our state are facing economic challenges, some for the first time. Businesses, both large and small, are closing their doors as their revenue... »
Tax Tip Of The Day: Consider An IRS Career
By Gregg Semanick-New Jersey‘s IRS Spokesperson If you are looking for a new job or a career change, consider the IRS. No matter what your professional specialty, the IRS offers a variety of full-time careers or seasonal job opportunities. You can get information about careers, benefits, training and life at the IRS in the... »
State Assemblyman Indicted
TRENTON – Attorney General Anne Milgram and Criminal Justice Director Deborah L. Gramiccioni announced that New Jersey Assemblyman and former Perth Amboy mayor Joseph Vas was indicted Wednesday on charges he conspired with city employees to steal approximately $5,000 in funds of the City of Perth Amboy to pay for personal purchases and expenses.... »
Corzine Budget Cuts Rebates, Funds Pre-School
TRENTON – On Tuesday, Gov. Jon Corzine proposed a $29.8 billion budget to the state Legislature in a speech at the Statehouse in Trenton. Although the budget includes many cuts and tax increases, it also includes funding for pre-kindergarten education for 50,000 children. Homeowners who make more than $75,000 a year will not get... »
Former Assemblyman Pleads Not Guilty In Child Porn Case
TRENTON – Former state Assemblyman Neil Cohen told prosecutors that he viewed images of child pornography on the computer in is legislative office, but pleaded not guilty to the charges against him Tuesday. Cohen is charged with official misconduct and two child pornography counts. If he is convicted on all charges, the 58-year-old Cohen... »
Cryan Keeping Con-Man’s Cash
ELIZABETH—Union County Assemblyman Joseph Cryan, who was appointed by Gov. Jon Corzine as chairman of the Democratic State Committee, says he has no intention of returning some $39,000 in campaign contributions from co-workers and family of R. Allen Stanford. Stanford is a Texas billionaire accused by the Securities and Exchange Commission of running an... »
Vas Investigation Advancing
PERTH AMBOY—Two bus loads of city employees were brought to give evidence about former Mayor Joseph Vas before a grand jury sitting in Trenton last week. Sources say Carlos Serrano told the panel that he did not give contributions to Vas’ 2006 congressional campaign fund but when confronted with canceled checks from his bank... »
Merck To Merge With Schering-Plough
RAHWAY – In a deal announced Monday, Merck & Co. is buying Schering-Plough Corp. for $41.1 billion in stock and cash. The deal unites the two New Jersey pharmaceutical companies as the industry faces slumping sales, tough generic competition and increasing cost pressures. Schering-Plough stockholders will get $10.50 in cash and 0.5767 Merck shares... »
Police Make Arrest In Gang-Related Christmas Shooting
UNION – A 16-year-old Elizabeth youth was arrested last Wednesday and charged with first-degree murder in the Dec. 26, 2008 shooting death of Jean D’Haiti outside Skate 22 in Union Township, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office announced last week. Officials did not release the name of the teen because he is a minor, however... »
Linden Man’s Body Found Hanging In Clark Park
CLARK – A passing motorist spotted the body of a Linden man hanging by his neck from a tree in a wooded area near the banks of the Clark Reservoir on Sunday afternoon. Police identified the man as Thomas Brophy, 59, of Linden. According to a statement released by county police, Brophy was last... »
Clark Joins County Emergency Notification System
CLARK—The township has agreed to be part of the Union County Emergency Notification System known as UC First Alert. In the event of an emergency, this system will allow the township and county to send out thousands of automated phone calls, text messages, and e-mails in minutes to provide critical information to first responders... »
Tax Tip Of The Day: Gambling Winnings Are Taxable
By Gregg Semanick-New Jersey‘s IRS Spokesperson Gambling winnings are taxable and must be reported on your tax return. Gambling income includes winnings from lotteries, raffles, horse and dog races and casinos, as well as the fair market value of prizes such as cars, houses, trips or other noncash prizes. If you itemize deductions, you... »





