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Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Cabbie Says He's Lucky to be Alive

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Cabbie Says He's Lucky to be Alive: Choked, Stabbed and Beaten by Rider By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 6- An unidentified livery taxi driver is lucky to be alive ...

Cabbie Says He's Lucky to be Alive

Choked, Stabbed and Beaten by Rider

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 6- An unidentified livery taxi driver is lucky to be alive after a near-fatal daylight attack that began on a bustling street in Fordham. And an angry crowd that witnessed the incident may have prevented the assailants get-a-way.

According to officials, police were called to Bainbridge Avenue and E. 195 Street at just after 7 p.m. on August 4, when officers from the 52nd Precinct discovered the victim had been stabbed in the neck and chest.

Speaking on the incident, NYPD spokesman Detective Martin Speechley, explained, "The cab driver picked up the perp who asked to be driven there and upon their arrival, the perp decided to choke, stab and beat the cab driver."

Details of what happened next remain sketchy as the police spokesman went on to say that the wounded cab driver exited the vehicle and the suspect, "jumps into the driver's seat of the car and hits a retaining wall."

However, some residents of the block say that many in the crowd estimated at 100, who were on the street at the time of the incident, say some in the crowd tossed rocks at the taxi as the thief attempted to make his get-a-way.

The thief and would-be carjacker abandoned the vehicle and fled around the corner, where he jumped a fence on Marion Avenue, where he was eventually captured by police.

Police have charged 22-year old Luis Ferrierra with felony assault and robbery. Police also noted that this was Ferrierra's eighth arrest in 2013, averaging one arrest per month.

Ferrierra's previous charges of arrest for 2013 have included assault, theft, larceny, criminal trespass and escape.

One long-time resident of the area stated, "This area is flooded with crack and crime and I think the residents are fed up with it already."

The driver who works for The Option Transportation Company on Ogden Avenue was said to be in serious but stable condition at St. Barnabas Hospital, but was expected to make a complete recovery.



A-Disgrace that Suspended Player Still Playing

Not good for the game of baseball because A-Rod is allowed to stay on the field

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 6- Goodbye Alex Rodriguez? The game of baseball, New York Yankees and fans of the game can’t say that. Because of an appeal stipulation, A-Rod and the stigma of steroids, known as PED’s continues. If it was in the best interests of the Yankees, the third baseman would not be on the field in Chicago and batting cleanup.

You can say due process here has been provided, that MLB Commissioner Bud Selig has granted the troubled A-Rod his time to appeal. Now the game goes on, A-Rod plays, and the drama continues. But, those in baseball would rather see a conclusion to this steroid mess, especially as it revolves around the biggest cheater this game has seen.

His name is, Alex Rodriguez.

If the powers that be continue to ban Pete Rose from the game, baseball’s all-time hits leader, because of gambling on his own team, then A-Rod should be banned. Because Rose used his instincts of a gifted ballplayer, not PED’s when hitting the ball to left, right, and center.

In the end though, as much as the Yankees want A-Rod and a hefty contract to go away, if he powers them back in the pennant race, perhaps all will be forgotten. But will it be a thing of the past?

Probably not, because the damage has been done as the Yankees go down in history as employing the most lucrative player in the game, and one who has never been honest about his actions. Monday, A-Rod said in Chicago, there will be a proper time to explain what this has been all about.

However, baseball has spoken. The Yankees know, as do the fans, A-Rod has become the biggest farce to play the game we all have come to love. And he used performance enhancing drugs to propel him as one of the best, to become a member of the elite 600-home run club.

And at one time, we all thought A-Rod would honestly become baseball’s all-time home run leader, at least we thought so. As we know now, due process and all, A-Rod has been nailed and could not get away with becoming the biggest farce to play the game of baseball.

So, if you are a fan of Alex Rodriguez, and continue to be, that is your prerogative. Consider he has been nothing but a burden to the great New York Yankees organization. Answering for A-Rod became a dilemma the past few months for manager Joe Girardi, GM Brian Cashman and the hierarchy we hardly hear from that run the Yankees.

Hal and Hank Steinbrenner are not like their late father. Had George still been with us, and as much the elder statesman advocated signing A-Rod to that hefty $250 million contract, the stigma and embarrassment to the Yankees would have heard him say, “Void the contract.”

Because Alex Rodriguez is wearing pinstripes, and is the main culprit of the biggest scandal and issue the game of baseball has seen, does anyone in their right mind believe the late George Steinbrenner would have been in the corner of Alex Rodriguez?

If you are a fraud and a cheater, then dues process here works and your belief in A-Rod will continue. Those who play fair and know the parameters, realize how difficult it is to achieve success and reach major league stardom. Just ask the majority of major league players who are there now, the young people who play the game and hope one day to have the experience that Alex Rodriguez received.

And to fans of the New York Yankees, many will or will not care about the alleged wrongs that A-Rod has been accused of. They won’t care, if A-Rod indeed propels the Yankees back to playoff contention in the remaining games of August and September.

However, baseball fans and the players who play fair, they do care. Alex Rodriguez said Monday the last seven months have been a nightmare to him. Not counting his surgery to another hip and the rehab process he helped created the nightmare his life has become because of the Biogenesis steroid scandal.

He said, “I am thrilled and happy to put on the uniform again,” of the New York Yankees. That he is “Fighting for his life,” as a 200-game suspension hangs in the balance.

Don’t forget this is the same Alex Rodriguez, who in February 2009 faced the media at the Yankees spring training complex in Tampa Florida. He said then it was another opportunity and would not disappoint anyone again.

He wanted the trust, we gave it to him, and baseball gave it to him again as well. But he was also implicated by obstructing an investigation that MLB commenced against him and other players that were suspended. And those other players took the penalty and stayed away from exercising an appeal for one reason or another.

We all know what has transpired since.

Yet, as it may appear baseball has cleaned its image, the game may still be hanging in the balance to many because Alex Rodriguez has due process and is still on the field. And with all evidence against him, the game is not good until A-Rod is banned because of this latest and worse steroid scandal he created.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso

Monday, August 5, 2013

A-BUM

Rodriguez gets steroid suspension but is still in the lineup

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 5- MLB announced the long-awaited suspensions without pay of A-Rod and other players resulting from the Biogenesis investigation. Those named were suspended for violating the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Not surprisingly, the name of Alex Rodriguez was included in those suspended. Although other players were also suspended, the name of Rodriguez heads the list.

Not only did he receive the longest suspension, but his name is a magnet for headlines. Despite not having played a single game in the majors this year, Rodriguez has received more media attention during the 2013 season than any MLB player. If he does not appeal or if his appeal is rejected, Rodriguez will be ineligible to play through the end of the 2014 season.

Those suspended for 50 games included catcher Francisco Cervelli and former Yankee phenom Jesus Montero, who was traded to Seattle on January 23, 2012 in exchange for hurler Michael Pineda, outfielder Jordany Valdespin of the Mets, 2013 All-Stars Nelson Cruz, Eveth Cabrera and Jhonny Peralta. Both Montero and Valdespin are currently on Triple A rosters of their respective organizations. None of the 12 players suspended will file an appeal.

The words from Yankees personnel on Sunday were about the return of Rodriguez to the team after his rehab from surgery rather than his expected suspension. Yankee skipper Joe Girardi foresaw no difficulty in A-rod’s seamless re-entry into the current roster, “I don’t suspect it’ll be awkward. Most of these guys know him as a teammate and have laughed a lot with Alex and been around Alex a lot. I think it’ll be business as usual.”

After his final rehab game with the Trenton Thunder, Rodriguez spoke enthusiastically of playing his first game as a Yankee in 2013 on Monday night against the White Sox, “I’m excited to play Monday. I can’t wait to see my teammates. I feel like I can help them win.”

Two of his experienced teammates extended a welcome to a-Rod. Recently returned Curtis Granderson remarked, “I want him back with us. This is arguably one of the best hitters of all time. Having him in the lineup is obviously going to be very positive for us.”

Robinson Cano, who has felt the responsibility of offensively carrying the team for most of the season, commented, “We’re going to be happy to see him back in the lineup, especially the way we’ve been playing. He can come up and help us win some games.”

Since Rodriguez’s suspension does not begin until Thursday, he will almost surely be in the starting lineup for the Yankees in US Celllular Field in Chicago this week. If he files a grievance, he remains eligible until arbitrator Frederic Horowitz makes a decision, which is expected within three weeks.

How the fans will react to the presence of Rodriguez in Chicago and the Bronx if he returns with the team to Yankee stadium on Friday remains to be seen.


Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Petition Challenges

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Petition Challenges: Pol to Opponent: Which do you want, the Carrot or the Baseball Bat? 100 PERCENT By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 5- ...

Petition Challenges


Pol to Opponent:
Which do you want, the Carrot or the Baseball Bat?


100 PERCENT
By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 5- First congratulations to the new Republican Board of Election Bronx Commissioner Mike Rendino (but I said this weeks ago), and good bye to J.C. Polianco the former Bronx Republican BOE commissioner. What I mean by the fun begins now, is that on Tuesday July 30th (after our deadline) the Board of Elections commissioners will begin to hear the specifications to the general objections against the 40 Bronx nominating petitions filed. I expect that up to half of these challenges to have been dropped for one reason or another by July 30th. 

One of the strangest things to have been reported is that in the 11th Council race is that candidate Cliff Stanton is allegedly said to have told opponent Cheryl Keeling “Leave the race....It helps me....I would owe you”. Sounds to me like something that Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson and/or U. S. Attorney Phett Barara might want to look into. When Keeling refused one of Stanton's “unpaid by him” volunteers then challenged Ms. Keeling's petition. Should Stanton win who knows just what the DA or U.S. Attorney may have him do, but it would lead to re-election like former Assemblyman Nelson Castro. Assemblyman Castro was re-elected twice under watch by the DA and U.S. Attorney, but then again the New York City Council has term limits of only two terms. I wonder if City Council Speaker Christine Quinn is wearing a wire since she is in her third term that was allowed by the Justice Department.

Speaking of Speaker Quinn could it be that as part of the deal when the “Speaker's Slush Fund” was exposed, Quinn cut a deal with authorities to continue in office like Assemblyman Castro? All the talk of the slush fund went away, and how many city council members have been indicted since then? Mayor Bloomberg may have to be careful if there are any Quinn tapes. 

Speaking of being exposed, Mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner said he exposed himself after he left congress. Should Weiner be labeled as a sex offender now? Also who can believe that the steamroller of a candidate for City Comptroller Elliot Spitzer who resigned on March 17th 2008 amid threats of impeachment over several reported prostitute liaisons over a six month period. Spitzer became known as Client #9. If Spitzer wins the Democratic primary he will face Libertarian candidate Kristen Davis jailed at the time of Spritzer's resignation for running a prostitution ring. News Flash “The Madame and the John face each other to control New York Cities Finances”.

Enough fantasies time to get to a real race, the 15th council. If you checked my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com it took me two parts to report on the recent 15th city council forum that was held at the Bronx Library Center on Monday July 22nd . On the blog I give details of almost every question, answer, rebuttal by the candidates, and photos. Candidates were given three minutes for an opening statement, two minutes to answer a question, while their opponents were then given 30 seconds to rebut the answer. As for just who was the winner or loser it was very hard to tell as no one candidate really stood out one way or another. Each candidate had their strong points and I could see the weaknesses in all six of the candidates who attended. Kenny Agosto, Albert Alvarez, Raquel Batista, Joel R. Rivera, Cynthia Thompkins, and Ritchie Torres attended while candidate Joel Bauza who was missing told me that he never received an invitation.

Kenny Agosto gave the best closing statement being real, passionate, and believable when politicians are not being trusted. His weakness always wanting to be first to answer. Albert Alvarez did not take full advantage of being the Chief of Staff to the Council Majority Leader, and was slightly nervous as the debate began. Raquel Batista was almost nine months pregnant, stayed on stage for almost two hours without any problems answering the questions or giving rebuttal. She looked very uncomfortable however. Joel R. Rivera was almost like a steam roller in his answers repeating the theme “Town Hall Meetings” that he attended, saying that no other candidate did. Cynthia Thompkins opened up that she was from Pittsburgh and moved to the district in 2009, which meant that she did not have near the experience that her opponents did. Ritchie Torres started of the debate from the poll position, lead most of the way but like a tired race horse started to fade in the stretch of the forum so that he did not rebut the last two answers given by his opponents. Check my blog for more details and photos of the forum. Monday August 5th starting at 9 PM will be the next 15th council debate by Gary Axelbank on his show Bronxtalk seen on Cablevision channel 67 and Fios channel 34.

This past Friday State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. saluted the Bronx Dominican Day Parade by hosting Abrazo Dominicano in which over 800 people attended. You can go to my blog to see just who was in attendance, and the many photos of the event.
If you have any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed or covered in in this column or on my blog you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.

Friday, August 2, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Seafood delight as Joe’s Crab Shack opens

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Seafood delight as Joe’s Crab Shack opens: Photos by Seitu Oronde By Seitu Oronde It was a great day in Harlem with the opening of Joe's Crab Shack located on 126st and St. N...