By Patrick Murray7-in-10 residents say New Jersey is good place to liveIn its regular tracking of New Jerseyans’ satisfaction with life in their state, the Monmouth University Poll found that the current Garden State Quality of Life Index has jumped to +31, from +25 in February. This marks the third consecutive increase in the index and the highest score since the index debuted in December 2010 at +21.Upward movement in the Garden State Quality of Life Index seems to have accelerated in the past few months, with the biggest factor being more positive views of New Jersey as a whole.Currently, 7-in-10 residents rate the state of New Jersey as either an excellent (20 percent) or good (50 percent) place to live. This 70 percent positive rating is the highest recorded since May 2003 when it stood at 72 percent, and a marked improvement over the 30-year low of 57 percent recorded less than one year ago in August 2011.The state evaluation contributes half of the total Garden State Quality of Life Index score. The other half is comprised of ratings of various local aspects of New Jersey life. These ratings have remained fairly steady, including positive ratings of one’s town as a place to live (76 percent), the local environment (75 percent), local schools (63 percent) and neighborhood safety (64 percent).Compared to February, the Garden State Quality of Life Index has seen significant increases among New Jersey men – from +20 two months ago to +33 now. The score among state women was more stable – from +30 to +28 now.The index score among older residents also jumped. New Jerseyans age 55 and older now score +37 on the index – up from +26 in February – and give higher ratings than those age 35 to 54 (+30) or 18 to 34 (+25). The Garden State Quality of Life Index score among urban residents nearly doubled from +11 in February to +20 now, but still trails the score of suburban residents (+36).The Garden State Quality of Life Index was created by the Monmouth University Polling Institute to serve as a resident-based indicator of the quality of life offered by the state of New Jersey. The index is based on five separate poll questions: overall opinion of the state as a place to live – which contributes half the index score – and ratings of one’s hometown, the performance of local schools, the quality of the local environment, and feelings of safety in one’s own neighborhood.The index can potentially range from -100 to +100.Patrick Murray is the director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute.
Catherine O’Keefe of Holmdel poses with one of her paintings. She is one of 71 artists who will be participating this month in the Canterbury Art Show at St. George’s-by-the-River.A trip to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens when she was a child was a major influence for Catherine O’Keefe. It was the beginning of her love for flowers, color and her passion for creating art. She began painting flowers with a ceramic painting kit, a gift from her parents, and has continued throughout her life with very little formal training.“I’m not afraid of ruining a painting. I just continue to paint and never give up,” said O’Keefe, who works in watercolors.O’Keefe will be exhibiting her paintings during the three days of the Canterbury Fair. It is the first time she has displayed her paintings in a public art show.The Canterbury Art Show, a Tapestry of the Arts, is a premier local exhibition and sale of artwork. Seventy-one artists have chosen to participate in the juried and nonjuried parts of the show. A panel of jurors have selected the “best of the best” from the juried gallery part of the show. Awards will be presented at the Meet the Artists Reception on Friday, Sept. 14, for best in show, awards in excellence and honorable mention.The Canterbury Fair is held at the St. George’s-by-the-River Episcopal Church, 7 Lincoln Ave., Rumson. Hours for the show and sale are: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16.Proceeds from the Canterbury Art Show will directly benefit St. George’s-by-the-River and its outreach programs
Oct. 1: Gov. Chris Christie has declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm, which is now a Category 4 storm. Sept. 29 – Monmouth County residents are watching weather forecasts with some dread, wondering if they will be feeling the slap of Hurricane Joaquin starting this weekend – and how hard it might sting.Joaquin could leave the Bahamas and develop into a major hurricane by Friday, and churn a path north toward the Eastern Seaboard this weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center.Local officials were keeping an eye on NOAA forecasts, assessing equipment, conferring with colleagues and hoping for the best.“The way I’m looking at this, we’re going to get something,” said Sea Bright Office of Emergency Coordinator C. Read Murphy, on Wednesday. He spent the day buying batteries for his radios and scanners, procuring 3 dozen cots for firefighters in case he needed to set them up on full alert in Borough Hall, acquiring sand bags and sourcing huge 2 1⁄2 and 5 ton trucks from the county in case he needed to escort people out from their watery homes.In Red Bank, emergency officials warned merchants to clear the sidewalks of sandwich boards and outdoor café furniture.In Middletown, township pumps, generators and chainsaws got a going-over, and a conference call with major department heads was scheduled for Thursday afternoon.“Everybody is on alert, and getting prepared,” said Charles Rogers, the OEM coordinator. The storm’s uncertain path was not helping. “Hopefully by late Thursday, early Friday morning, we’ll know how deep we’re getting into this.”Meteorologist Steven DiMartino of NY NJ PA Weather, based in Freehold, said on Wednesday, “At the very least, we’ll get quite a bit of rainfall, from 5-9 inches along the coast. Another factor is going to be sustained winds from the east, easily around 20-40 miles per hour, increasing to 50 mph at times.”Minor to moderate coastal flooding could also be a concern, due to the sustained winds and the because of the natural higher tides this time of year, DiMartino said. “Especially at high tide, that water is going to pile up.”The prospect of stormy weather is throwing a damper on the anticipation for the annual Concours d’Elegance, a charitable event scheduled for Saturday, at which 135 vintage and collectible cars and motorcycles are rolled out on the grassy hills of Hop Brook in Holmdel for ticket holders to admire. Organizers huddled Wednesday to talk out weather concerns, and decided at this moment to keep the date, said 180 Turning Lives Around’s Lynn Lucarelli. A notice on their website was posted acknowledging the storm, and promising updates.Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden said the calm before the storm was the opportu- nity to get people ready. “We don’t want residents to panic, in any way,” he said. “But preparedness is what we preach right now. We do want them to think about family planning “Golden says its important to have a family disaster plan ready, sign up for municipal emergency notifications, and having extra USB emergency battery-powered cellphone chargers on hand. “Cellphones are so key in an emergency,” he said.He advised residents to download the new Sheriff’s app on their phones, to receive push notifications, and visit MonmouthSheriff.org and their local town websites for emergency information.Tina Patel, a pharmacist at Rumson Pharmacy, agrees. “All medications that a per- son needs to be on, insulin, and others, you need to have a backup ready, and ice packs if necessary,” she said.
2016 Auditor General ReportWith several accounting officers admitting before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) when it recently met to various financial infractions, concerns are being raised that this points to a systemic lack of standards.In an interview with Guyana Times, financial consultant John Seeram noted that capacity building among the various regional administrations would go a far way to minimising the flagrant abuses identified in the Auditor General’s 2016 report.Seeram, who is also the Chairman of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Guyana chapter, acknowledged that the administrations of the 10 Regions have internal auditors. At the same time, he questioned their efficiency.Institute of Internal Auditors Chairman John Seeram“They need more training. And in so doing, they must be able to know that they must work along with management in order to meet the financial goals of the Region. And that is where the Institute of Internal Auditors come in, because we normally mount at least three to four seminars a year on pertinent topics relating to the practice of accounting and auditing in the public service.“And I believe that once they attend those seminars, that could be a way of professional development for our internal auditors. As it stands right now, I would venture to say that there is need for more training for the internal auditors so as to minimise the comments made by the Auditor General in his report,” Seeram stated.Fiscal abuseRecently, a showdown had ensued at the PAC between Committee Chairman Irfaan Ali and Regional Executive Officer (REO) Rupert Hopkinson over the Region Two administration’s financial indiscretions.Prior to the meeting, Hopkinson had made an official response to the 2016 Audit Report’s findings. Ali had pointed to a number of disturbing trends from the explanations. He cited a section of the foreword of Hopkinson’s response, where he noted the administration was not disputing it used current allocations to fund capital projects.Under fire from Ali, the REO had claimed that these were all projects of an emergency nature. At this point, Ali had slammed Hopkinson for being aware of breaches to the law yet going ahead with the projects out of the belief that they were in the best interest of the Region.The projects included the construction of a bus shed at Dartmouth, construction of the Anna Regina Health Centre, construction of a fence at Unity Park Phase One, construction of a fence at Unity Park Phase Two, and construction of a sitting area at Cotton Field and landing at Liberty, Pomeroon.Hopkinson’s contention is that the works were of an emergency nature, requested from the heads of programmes within the regional administration. In his official response, he has also stressed that the projects would have benefited residents.Notably, Hopkinson, in his explanation, had stated: “We seek pardon for any contravention of policy, on the grounds that the Region saved $500 million from 2016 to date… on this score, the administration of Pomeroon-Supenaam Region is of the opinion that the Region should be commended for its judicious spending of Government budgetary allocations…in the face of a culture of dishonesty.”City Hall was also placed in the limelight earlier this year after complaints from Auditor General Deodat Sharma over his inability to access certain documents during a previous audit. Following threats to seek criminal charges, the Council provided these documents at a subsequent PAC meeting.Under a barrage of questions, City Treasurer Ron McAlmont had resolutely refused to provide an explanation for the delay in the handing over of information auditors have been after since the initial audit in 2017.The Audit Office of Guyana had found that as at December 31, 2016, $396.5 million was expended. From the start, City Hall’s financial status, how it spent almost $175 million and its failure to submit documentation dating from 2005 posed a challenge to the PAC.Then, the PAC had clashed with the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) last month over the fact that a programme that was approved by the National Assembly was revised despite works already commencing.GWI Executive Director for Project Implementation, Ramchand Jailal had faced the brunt of questioning from the PAC. He related that during 2016, the original programme was revised.While GWI and the Communities Ministry had held out that no wrongdoing was done when it revised the terms of the Hinterland Water Supply programme, the Auditor General had informed them of their liability in the matter.“Mr Chair, that’s a breach of the Fiscal Act. The FMA [Fiscal Management and Accountability] Act says unspent balances must be refunded to the Consolidated Fund. But you only got the approval on 29 of December. So you are covering yourself afterwards. So that’s a breach,” Sharma had explained.PAC Chairman Ali has already made calls for harsher penalties for those who commit financial crimes, besides what the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act already provides for.
QPR are 4/5 to finish bottom of the Premier League table (Reading 5/2 and 6s bar) after their defeat against Manchester United.Rangers are now 1/7 to be relegated with Reading 2/9, Villa 4/5 and Wigan 11/10.They travel to St Mary’s and are 10/3 for the win against a Southampton side who beat Manchester City in their last home game, although they did go down 4-2 to Newcastle at St James’ Park last weekend.The Saints are 20/23 for the win, with the draw at 27/10.Loic Remy at least made it back onto the pitch against United and we bet 2/5 he scores four or fewer Premier League goals this season and 7/4 five or moreRemy is 8/1 to score the opener at the weekend and 5/2 to score at any time with Bobby Zamora 9s.There are still 33 points to play for and although an escape looks unlikely, while it is still mathematically possible Rangers must keep going – although a draw wouldn’t be enough.After Rafa Benitez’s rant this week, Jose Mourinho – fresh from a magnificent win in the Nou Camp for Real Madrid on Tuesday – is now 8/11 favourite to take over at the Stamford Bridge for a second time.It is hard to look beyond Mourinho with David Moyes and Gus Poyet (8s), Avram Grant 14s and Manuel Pellegrini 14s.There have been nibbles for both Gianfranco Zola (25s) and Jurgen Klopp 20s, but Chelsea fans want to see Jose return.Chelsea are 11/2 at betvictor.com for the FA Cup and 7/2 for the Europa League and it is possible that Benitez will win a trophy (if he doesn’t go before).But it has been hard for both players and fans to warm to him and he was a very poor appointment.The Blues are 2/5 to beat West Brom this weekend and with Romelu Lukaku unable to play against his parent club, they really must get back to winning ways.They remain 1/4 to finish in the top four this season (11/4 not to).Fulham travel to the Stadium of Light looking for revenge, given Sunderland won the reverse fixture at the Cottage earlier in the season.As in that previous fixture the Whites meet a Black Cats side out of sorts of late but the hosts are 7/5 favourites with the visitors 9/4 and the draw 23/10.Fulham are 5/2 for a top-10 finish (Sunderland 10/3) and with Swansea guaranteed a Europa League spot, it is possible that the Welsh side, currently 9th, will take their eye off the ball.With 10th-placed Stoke only a point ahead of Martin Jol’s men and having to do without Robert Huth for three matches, I think there have been worse 5/2 shots – but they need a result on Saturday.For all your weekend odds check out betvictor.comBe luckyCharlie
Click here if you’re unable to view the photo gallery on your mobile device. The Warriors were still waiting Monday night to find out whether or not Klay Thompson’s left hamstring injury will allow him to play in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday.ESPN reported Thompson hadn’t yet undergone an MRI as of early Monday evening as the test was delayed because the team’s flight didn’t arrive until the early morning hours.Test results on Thompson’s hamstring should be available later Monday …
About the authorCarlos VolcanoShare the loveHave your say Fiorentina boss Montella insists no regrets over his time with AC Milanby Carlos Volcanoa month agoSend to a friendShare the loveFiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella has no regrets over his time with AC Milan.The Viola meet Milan later tonight.“It was a fantastic experience, we won a trophy, which some people conveniently forget,” said Montella, referring to the Italian Super Cup against Juventus.“We didn’t purchase practically any players and still qualified for Europe, which hadn’t happened for a few years. I don’t consider that a negative time at all.“When I was at Milan, Suso, Patrick Cutrone and Davide Calabria were set to be sold. I think we did good work with homegrown talents like Manuel Locatelli and Gianluigi Donnarumma.” 
PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 17: Grayson Allen #3 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on against the Rhode Island Rams during the second half in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 17, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)Duke and Louisville are locked into a tight battle at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils led by as many as 14 but now trail late in the contest.During the second half, Duke’s Grayson Allen drove to the basket and was knocked down. While he was on the ground, he appeared to intentionally trip Louisville’s Raymond Spalding, who had corralled the ball and was dribbling up court.yep, that’s a trip by Grayson Allen … https://t.co/hAfZbZaFGb— Ryan Fagan (@ryanfagan) February 9, 2016Definitely looks like he meant to do that.
Manchester United’s current goalkeeper David De Gea has been looking at opportunities from all around Europe lately. However, he could sign a team no one has ever thought he would.The Spaniard seems sceptical about winning much silverware under the rule of Jose Mourinho while still playing for the Red Devils. Since Real Madrid stopped showing interest in him, he has been searching everywhere and he might eventually end up in – surpise! – Paris.He has been with United since 2011 and is currently considered one the world’s best goalkeepers. De Gea was rumoured to be joining Real back in 2015 but to no success. Despite not coming to an eventual agreement, Madrid’s door was still open for him until recently, when Perez set his sight on Roma goalkeeper Alisson.
Maguire says United need to build on today’s win George Patchias – September 14, 2019 Harry Maguire wants his United teammates to build on the victory over Leicester City.During the summer, Harry Maguire was referred to as the ultimate…Paris Saint-Germain have been chasing the Spaniard for his signature. Despite not being really into it, De Gea might sign as his only desire right now is to leave Mourinho, according to Caught Offside.Jose Mourinho has been underachieving overall since he took over Manchester United in the last season – so far he has been able to win only the League Cup and Europe League, which is certainly not enough for the 27-years-old De Gea.
Stefano Pioli has praised his players and expressed his happiness after Fiorentina demolished Chievo 6-1.Fiorentina thrashed Chievo Verona 6-1 at the Stadio Franchi. Marco Benassi scored a brace and there was late Giovanni Simone nutmeg. Pioli was delighted with the performance of his team. Football Italia reports.“I am happy, but there was more to it than the result. Chievo still caused us a lot of problems and at least it means we are capable of suffering under pressure in difficult moments,” Pioli said.“We started the season earlier than usual actually, as we hoped to play the Europa League preliminary rounds, but then Milan won their appeal and were reinstated.
Karsdorp reveals he had too much stress at Roma Manuel R. Medina – September 14, 2019 The Dutch defender has been with the Gialorrossi since 2017, but he has not enjoyed his time in the Italian Lega Serie A.“We had a lot of friendlies and trained well, but there’s always the doubt in your mind on how it’ll work in a competitive match. This was the big test and Chievo did cause us problems, but we remained a unit and that’s what I wanted to see.“The midfield is where we made the most changes, but we had eight of the old guard starting, so I was confident. Edimilson has been training with us for two weeks and there’s a lot of potential in the team.“What we’re trying to do is provide entertainment for the fans and some beautiful football, because those are the characteristics we have.”
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