Photo courtesy of "Courage for Kyle" Facebook page

Over the last few months we have covered the story of 12 year old Kyle McGetrick a number of times. This past weekend, hundreds in Barnegat came together to remember Kyle, others who have fallen victim to cancer, and those who are currently struggling with cancer. 

I’m happy to report that the Barnegat Relay for Life raised nearly $40,000 this past weekend, with Kyle’s team responsible for over $4,000 of that.

Last week I told you about the number of events that were held in Kyle’s honor, including Barnegat High School’s “A Seat on the Aisle for Kyle” fundraiser. The teen organizers of the event left a “Reserved” seat in the auditorium in honor of Kyle. Interestingly, the following picture was shared with me at the end of the event:

Photo Courtesy of Bill Cox

As a bright blue light is clearly visible above the row of high schoolers (which, photographer Bill Cox told me, was not visible at the time that the picture was taken), it’s inspiring to think that maybe Kyle was, in fact, there in spirit.

Antoinette Pelzer (Atlantic County Dept. of Public Safety)

The Press of Atlantic City reports 44-year-old Antoinette Pelzer of Philadelphia was taken to the Atlantic County Jail on Tuesday morning.

PREVIOUS: Two Canadian Tourists Fatally Stabbed in Atlantic City

Charges against Pelzer are expected to be upgraded from aggravated assault after the women, ages 80 and 47, died of their wounds. Their names have not been released pending notification of relatives.

Authorities say a police officer subdued the 44-year-old at gunpoint after seeing her stab a woman Monday.

The attack occurred in an area where most casinos have their entrance ways and parking garages.

Pelzer’s aunt, Nadine King of Philadelphia,  tells The Associated Press  Pelzer, has been battling schizophrenia for many years and has been homeless since January. She says Pelzer has no criminal record.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

Mitt Romney campaigns in Iowa with Governor Chris Christie. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Romney begins a 3-day fundraising campaign at the Grand Hyatt tonight in Manhattan according to the Record. The governor has no official events scheduled for today.

PREVIOUS: 2012 Presidential Election

Assemblyman John Wisniewski was joined by Massachusetts Democratic Party Chairman John Walsh for  a press conference call to discuss what New Jersey’s Democratic State Committee chairman  called Christie’s embrace of “Romney Economics.” Wisniewski describes Christie’s campaign  appearance as an “audition” to be Vice President.

He says Christie’s focus is not on New Jersey but rather what”s “best for his political party” and his “political reputation. New Jersey voters, says Wisniewski,  “didn’t elect a part-time Governor and we’ve had enough of Governor Christie using his title to launch his own national ambitions.”

Walsh noted that Christie is following in the footsteps of Romney who, as Governor, was out of state numerous times in his one term as Governor of Massachusetts.

The Boston Globe reports Romney was out of state 212 times in 2006, his final term in office.

Listen to the press conference

Part 1

Part 2

The appearance comes just days after a quick trip to Kentucky at which Christie fired up Republicans for today’s presidential primary by calling President Obama “the most ill-prepared person to assume the presidency in my lifetime.”

Walsh, however, said Christie could “learn a thing or two from President Obama” citing what he said was the creation of 4 million jobs over the past 26 months.

The Star Ledger brought attention to the fact that Christie has been away from New Jersey 55 times in the past 8 months. “Governor Christie has a good positive story to tell about New Jersey and leadership,” commented  Michael Drewniak about the report. “Any time he can bring that message to a wider audience is positive for New Jersey and perhaps instructive for other leaders.”

Townsquare Media NJ Statehouse reporter Kevin McArdle says Christie often points to his position on the Executive Committee of the Republican Governors Association that requires him to help GOP candidates around the country.

He recently made several campaign stops in Wisconsin to campaign for Governor Scott Walker’s recall campaign; Walker is also on the Executive Committee.

Acting Executive Director of the NJ Business Action Center Linda Kellner (Tim Larsen, Governor's Office)

Kellner, who will receive the Distinguished Citizen of the Year award, is currently serving as Acting Executive Director of the New Jersey Business Action Center which falls under the New Jersey Department of State.

She is taking a leave of absence from New Jersey Natural Gas where she has worked since 1995. United Water Toms River will be saluted as the Chamber’s Organization of the Year. Next Thursday’s Awards Reception will also find Rich Krug passing the gavel as Chairman to Frank Gelormini of Community Medical Center.

I will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the gala which is being co-chaired by Jill Hitchings of Investors Bank and Dina Vicari of R. C. Shea & Associates. For reservations and ticket information you can call the chamber office at (732) 349-0220.

I don’t know enough about the case involving Dharun Ravi to say emphatically he got off easy with 30 days in jail and three years’ probation but I did watch the entire sentencing hearing Monday and I didn’t see someone who showed great remorse, sadness or regret.

Ravi was tried and convicted on 15 charges, including bias intimidation, invasion of privacy and tampering with evidence. At times I got the feeling the judge detested the former Rutgers student and wanted to hand down a stricter sentence but simply did not feel it was justified. It certainly does not seem the punishment fit the crime.

Sooner or later you had to expect there would be some chipiness in the hotly-contested hockey playoff series between the Devils and Rangers and it took place in last night’s game four at the Prudential Center.

Ruslan Fedotenko #26 of the New York Rangers and Andy Greene #6 of the New Jersey Devils (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The Devils dominated from the start and their 4-1 victory evened up the series at two games apiece. The Rangers showed their frustration by taking several penalties and there were a couple of skirmishes and tussles, one which started when ex-Devil Mike Rupp threw a jab into the face of goalie Martin Brodeur, who acted like he was belted by a Joe Frazier left hook.

More importantly though is the fact the Devils have been the better team in the series and are faster with an extra bounce in their step. Of course that’s when the Rangers usually play their best and going home to Madison Square Garden Wednesday night should give them a spark.

Facebook

Tomorrow Morning Craig Potter starts his journey across America to help kids with cancer! You can help !

Craig Potter is biking across America to raise money for Ocean Of Love and he begins his trek across the United States tomorrow …. setting out from Oregon, heading back east to New Jersey.

So Far Craig has raised $18,785.00 with a goal of $30,000.00 and you can help by donating

We will follow Craig’s journey and keep you up to date throughout the Summer. Ocean Of Love helps families with children who are battling cancer and over the years has just been a huge help for families here at the Jersey Shore! WOBM is proud to be affiliated with Linda Gillick and her organization.

Craig Potter , who resides in Ocean County, is a retired New Jersey State Trooper …..

Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

The bi-partisan legislation is sponsored on the Democratic side by Assembly members Reed Gusciora, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Grace Spencer and Peter Barnes. Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll is the Republican sponsor.

Under the bill, a person who is caught possessing 15 grams or less of marijuana would be subject to a $150 fine for a first violation, a $200 fine for a second violation, and a $500 fine for a third or subsequent violation. A person who is caught possessing drug paraphernalia for the personal use of 15 grams or less of marijuana would no longer have committed a criminal violation but would be subject to a $100 civil penalty.

“This bill would put us in line with neighboring states like Connecticut and New York, which recently decriminalized marijuana possession,” says Gusciora. “The bill recognizes the realities of our current drug laws, which are overly punitive for marijuana and taxing on our criminal justice system.”

The bill would also require anyone under 21 who is caught with marijuana and anyone 21 and over who is caught three times, to undergo a drug education program. The person would be responsible for paying any costs associated with his participation in the program, consistent with his ability to pay. If the violation is committed by a person under the age of 18, the person would be referred to the Family Part of the Chancery Division of the Superior Court for an appropriate disposition.

• RELATED:  Should NJ Decriminalize Marijuana?

Opponents of the measure like Bruce Hummer with the New Jersey prevention Network say pot is addictive and decriminalizing it even in small amounts sends the message to kids that marijuana use is safe. The Christie Administration is not commenting on the bill.

“Possession of a relatively small amount of marijuana can have serious long-term consequences on many aspects of a person’s life,” says Watson Coleman. “Once a person has a criminal record, it can affect their job, schooling, home life, and personal perception. Decriminalizing small possession would ease these burdens while also taking taxpayers off the hook for the cost of prosecuting these crimes.”

Watson Coleman says 15 grams (roughly half an ounce) of marijuana is the equivalent of about 30 joints.

The bill would establish that it is no longer a disorderly persons offense to be under the influence of marijuana or to fail to voluntarily deliver 15 grams or less of marijuana to the nearest law enforcement officer. This bill would also eliminate the requirement that a person who operates a motor vehicle while in possession of 15 grams or less of marijuana must pay a $50 fine and forfeit the right to operate a motor vehicle for a period of two years.

14 other states have decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana. Alaska, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada and Oregon have decriminalized possession of one ounce (about 28 grams) of marijuana or less. Connecticut and North Carolina have decriminalized one half ounce or less. Minnesota has decriminalized 42.5 grams or less; Mississippi: 30 grams or less; New York: 25 grams or less; and Ohio: 100 grams or less.

The legislation was unanimously approved by the Assembly Judiciary Committee by a vote of 7-0 and now awaits consideration by the full Assembly.

Damage from an apparent tornado in Thurman, Iowa. ( Eric Francis/Getty Images)

That’s the biggest yearly increase since the market downturn and will mark the first time the national average premium is above $1,000.

Steven Weisbart of the Insurance Information Institute says that doesn’t mean Jersey homeowners will see a five percent increase to pay for Midwest storm damage. That would be illegal in the Garden State.

But, he says, we will be paying for what he calls, “a new recognition that perhaps weather patterns have changed to the point that we will more of the kind of damage in the future that we recently experienced. The states say they don’t usually approve requests for increases by the exact amount insurers ask for.”

Weisbart also makes the point that Irene demonstrated to us that the state is not immune to the threat of severe storm damage. He says homeowners can mitigate higher premiums with better construction, stronger roofs, better doors, and windows. They can also take higher deductibles to lower premiums.

swanksalot, flickr

Nearly half of the U.S. population snacks at least twice a day, researchers say. 

sk8geek, flickr

Recent snacking reports from market research firms Technomic, Packaged Facts and SymphonyIRI found:

• Seven in 10 snacks are eaten in the home, but workplace snacking is on the rise.
• Retail sales of packaged snacks are estimated to reach $76.8 billion by 2015.
• When it comes to snack time, three of four consumers snack in the mid-afternoon and four in 10 people snack mid-mornings, mid-evening, and late at night.
• Half of consumers want snacks that offer an energy boost.
• Snacks such as trail mix and hummus were the highest-grossing snacks in 2011, up 11.1% and 10.5%, respectively.
• Three in 10 snacks consumed last year were beverages.

What’s your favorite snack?  When is your favorite time of day to snack?

Hunterdon County escapees Michael Bentley (L) and Corey Agostarola (NJ DOC)

But two inmates who escaped from a state youth facility on Sunday night are still on the lam.

Joseph Brandt (L) and Terrence Feeney (NJ DOC)

Forty-two-year-old Terrence Feeney was captured just before 5 p.m. Monday at Blackbeard’s Pirate Cove on Route 9 in Bayville.

About two hours later, 28-year-old Joseph Brandt was found in Manchester walking along Route 539. Police say Brandt was soaked from the rain, dressed in a white T shirt with shorts and barefoot. As he was taken into custody, Brandt became combative and attempted to kick out the rear window of the police vehicle.

The men had been working at a Wrightstown cemetery before fleeing Monday afternoon. Both were serving terms at the Mid-State Correctional Facility in Wrightstown.

Their disappearance came several hours after two inmates escaped from Mountainview Youth Correctional Facility in Annandale. Authorities say 21-year-old Corey Agostarola and 23-year-old Michael Bentley were present for an 8 p.m. headcount Sunday, but were noticed missing about 90 minutes later.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Two years later, former Rutgers student Dhaurn Ravi, 20, was sentenced to 30 days in jail for spying on his roommate Tyler Clementi’s intimate encounter with another man.

Ravi, 20, could have gotten 10 years behind bars for his part in a case that burst onto front pages when Tyler Clementi threw himself to his death off the George Washington Bridge.

Instead, Superior Court Judge Glenn Berman gave Ravi a month in jail, placed him on three years’ probation and ordered him to get counseling and pay $10,000 toward a program to help victims of hate crimes.

• RELATED:  Full Coverage Of Dharun Ravi’s Trial And Sentencing

“Our society has every right to expect zero tolerance for intolerance,” the judge said.

The sentence followed hours of impact statements from both the Ravi and Clementi families.

Joe Clementi said he couldn’t imagine the pain his son was going through in the final days leading up to his death.

“He was a kind, gentle soul who went off to college trying to make the transition from child to young adult, its hard for me to imagine the humilation that he felt.”

His mother, Jane Clementi, said she wanted justice.

“The court needs to show the residents of New Jersey and the entire country that this was not right and not acceptable behavior.”

Ravi’s family said their son had suffered at the hands of the media and that he has spent his days in exile at home.

Dharun Ravi's mother reads her victim impact statement in court (WPVI TV)

“Dharun has lost 25 pounds and eats one meal a day, his dreams are shattered and he’s been living in hell for the past twenty months” Sabitha Ravi, Dharun’s mother tearfully told the court and she pleaded for leniency in sentencing.

Ravi’s father said his son had no hatred in his heart and did not hate gays. “He was not raised homophobic.”

Ravi himself declined to speak.

In handing down the sentence, the judge quoted an email from Clementi himself describing Ravi’s conduct as “wildly

inappropriate.”

At the same time, Berman pointed out that Ravi was not charged in Clementi’s suicide. He said Ravi has spent 20 months in “exile” since his arrest. And he suggested “hate crime” is a misnomer for what Ravi was convicted of: “I do not believe he hated Tyler Clementi.”

Berman also spoke to Ravi directly saying he never heard him saying he was sorry.

“I heard this jury say guilty 288 times, 24 questions, 12 jurors…and I haven’t heard you apologize once.”

He also said he has examined the bias intimidation laws in 39 states and found that New Jersey’s is among the broadest. Most, he said, are used only to increase the sentences of people convicted of violent crimes.

The judge said he would recommend Ravi not be deported to his native India. Deportation is still a possibility, but a sentence of a year or more would have been more likely to trigger it.

Ravi was convicted in March of invasion of privacy, bias intimidation on the basis of sexual orientation — an offense widely referred to as

a hate crime — and trying to cover his tracks by destroying text messages and tweets and tampering with a witness.

Reporters followed Ravi and his parents across the street and through a nearby parking garage, but Ravi declined to speak.The Clementi family also shunned reporters, at first requesting a media press conference, then canceling minutes after the sentence was read.

New Jersey gay rights organization Garden State Equality expressed disappointment with the punishment. In a statement, chairman Steven Goldstein suggested that while the maximum would have been an act of “vengeance,” 30 days was too light.

“This was not merely a childhood prank gone awry,” Goldstein said.

Middlesex County Prosecutor Bruce Kaplan said they plan to appeal. “The sentence was not sufficient.”

Lawyers for Ravi had also indicated they may appeal the conviction.

Rutgers Community Reacts

The reaction was mixed on College Avenue, the main street through the center of the New Brunswick campus where the boys were freshmen.

“He deserved some time in jail, but ten years was overkill so I think it was a fair sentence” said Danielle, a Rutgers graduate student.

“I am very happy with the verdict and feel that the sentence was fair” said a family friend of Ravi’s. “I know Dhaurn personally and he will get through this.”

“I believe in the American justice system and this was the correct verdict” said another man, outside the courtroom.

Others felt justice was not served.

“30 days…you can get 30 days in jail for unpaid parking tickets” said Marc, a senior. “I would be really mad if I was the Clementi family, absolutely.”

“I really hope that he learned something from it…I think it was a pretty lenient sentence considering he didn’t seem that apologetic in court” said another student.

Some students are simply happy the trial is over.

“It cast a dark shadow on our school for a very long time, so to have it be finished is good.”

Ocean County Freeholder John Kelly (Ocean County Freeholders)

William Kolb died Friday night on Route 9 in Eagleswood Township.  According to various sources, Freeholder Kelly was shaken up by the events.  Kelly has also fully cooperated with police, taking a blood test.

PREVIOUS: Freeholder Involved In Fatal Accident

No charges have been filed against him and police have told the Townsquare News Network it appears the crash was a tragic accident with no suspicious circumstances.

State troopers at the Tuckerton Barracks are continuing the investigation.

The Kolb family is currently seeking an attorney.

The viewing for Kolb will be held at the Bugbee-Riggs Funeral Home on South Main Street in Barnegat from 2 till 4 p.m. and then 7 till 9 p.m.

The funeral service takes place this Friday, one week after the accident.  It will be at the same place, followed by a burial at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Stafford Township.

Lacey's skatepark (YouTube)

Last night, a scheduled meeting with the Recreation Advisory Committee was cancelled at the last minute with no reason given. Some surrounding communities including Brick & Lacey  have sites already. Several flyers have been sent around to get the public on board as well as a website.

Supporter Bernard Viggiani tells us the petition push was started by his son who was one of the kids forced to ride on the streets and in parking lots. Viggiani says there are many benefits to having a skate park.

Viggiani explains “we feel it’s vital to get the kids off the streets and out of parking lots. It’s not only dangerous but statistics show there are more injuries and deaths nationwide when kids and teens don’t have a place to ride these boards.”

Supporters feel if there was a skate park in Toms River, there would be plenty of safe open space for the kids to ride. Viggiani says “business owners constantly chase the kids off their property. They relocate only to be stopped again. A park is a smart way to go.”

Take the poll at the Toms River Township’s web site,

NJ Assembly Democrats Facebook

The latter plan would be partially funded through a millionaires’ tax increase that Christie vows to veto, but the Assembly budget boss says there’s room for compromise.

Early last week, the State Treasurer reported a $230 million revenue shortfall and another $121 million shortage was reported Wednesday. Christie’s $32.1 billion proposed budget relies on 7.3% revenue growth.

Yesterday, the credit rating agency Moodys put out a less than flattering statement regarding Jersey’s fiscal situation. It read, part, “Without any cuts, deferrals, or one-time revenues, a $230 million decrease in projected reserves would leave the state with a narrow $358 million (1.2% of budgeted revenues) ending balance. This would be lower than in any of the past five years, when the state’s balances ranged between $500 million in fiscal 2008 and $870 million in fiscal 2011. The revenue shortfall has reduced liquidity over the past fiscal year, and the state has relied on inter-fund borrowing to support operations, although the amount has remained relatively small. The state maintains approximately $800 million of reserves outside the General Fund that are available for internal borrowing.”

• RELATED:  Tax Cut Plans In Jeopardy As NJ Revenues Sag
• RELATED:  Christie Jabs With “Obsessions” In Video, Dems Respond
• RELATED:  Three-Way Race To Win Your Support For Tax Cut Plan

The report did not take into account the $121 million shortfall because those monies are outside the general fund and obligated to spending elsewhere.

The sagging revenues put every tax cut plan in jeopardy.

“There’s room for negotiation,” says Democratic Assembly Budget Committee chairman Vinnie Prieto. “Obviously we have to live within our means so obviously we have to have the money there.”

Prieto says if the state can’t afford to support the Assembly Democrats’ 20% property tax cut plan, that doesn’t mean the proposal is dead. He explains, “If it’s not 20%, if it’s 15% then that’s what it will be, but we have to get the money back to the residents…..If it’s 18%, 16%, whatever…That would be something that’s real.”

The Assembly Democrats proposal would provide a property tax relief credit through the gross income tax return, for all residential homeowners with incomes up to $250,000 in the amount of 20% of the first $10,000 in property taxes paid.

To pay for the new revenue needed for the middle-class and lower-income property tax relief under the Assembly Democrats’ plan, the state’s income tax rate for those earning more than $1 million would be increased beginning next fiscal year. The rate would go from 8.97 percent to 10.75 percent. This would impact about 16,000 out of about 2.6 million filers and raise $800 million at the plan’s full implementation in fiscal year 2016. And, that’s where the problem lies because Christie hasn’t been shy about his thoughts on that particular tax increase.

In his budget message, the Governor said, “We have eliminated the special surtax that for a time gave New Jersey the highest marginal tax rate in the nation – and I am proud to have twice vetoed the effort to re-introduce it. And just so there is no mistake in my intention: I will veto any tax increase again.”

Townsquare Media was the first to report that under a new plan proposed by State Senate President Steve Sweeney, a family earning $50,000 a year would save, on average $600, and a family earning $100,000 a year would save an average of $800; millionaires would get absolutely zero. Under the governor’s proposed income tax scheme, a family earning $50,000 a year would only save $80.50, and a family earning $100,000 annually would only save $275, while a millionaire would get a $7,265.75 tax break and those earning $3 million would save $25,200 a year.

The Sweeney plan would focus every dollar of tax relief on the 95 percent of New Jersey households that earn up to $250,000. The Christie proposal, by comparison, would give those families only an average of $218 in relief, while the top 5 percent would get an average of $4,632 and the top 0.6% would get an average of $22,577.

Flickr user Craig-Photography

Jill Lipoti, the Director of the Division of Water Monitoring and Standards for the DEP, says a just-completed study by Rutgers University finds that organisms living on the bottom of the ocean are reproducing in large numbers.

“That just means that conditions are favorable for fish to live and thrive,” she said, “If you had hypoxic conditions, which are the kinds of conditions where there’s no oxygen, then fish are not going to live there.”

There’s also good news for swimmers.

“Last year our New Jersey beaches were open for bathing 99.84 percent of the time, which is spectacular” says Lipoti, “We only had 3 beach closings for bacteria in excess of the standard that occurred on the ocean beaches. Testing will be going on all-summer long, and we’ll be providing information to the beach goers about the water quality, in terms of is the water safe to swim in. And if it’s unsafe, we’ll close those beaches.”

At the same time she points out ongoing efforts.

“We’re also monitoring water quality to make sure shell fish areas, it’s safe to eat the shell fish. This monitoring is a multi-government effort involving the federal government, the state and counties along the coast…water quality has improved for a number of reasons, including better sewage treatment, and it involves a lot of cooperation from people, even to the point of things like litter pickups…also landfills have been a lot better about making sure that litter was properly covered.”

SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft atop rocket Falcon 9 lifts off from Pad 40 of the Cape Canaveral (Roberto Gonzalez/Getty Images)

The SpaceX company’s Falcon 9 rocket took flight at 3:44 a.m. today from Cape Canaveral, opening a new era of spaceflight. It carried a capsule named Dragon that is packed with 1,000 pounds of
space station provisions.

This is the first time a private business has launched a vessel to the space station. That’s something only major governments have done — until now.

The real test comes Thursday when the Dragon gets close to the space station. It will undergo practice maneuvers from more than a mile out. If all goes well, the docking will occur Friday.

NASA and SpaceX stress that this is a demonstration flight.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

Photo Courtesy US Military

“This $47 million project will pay for the new hanger but it will also provide jobs. You know, we’re talking now about a number of jobs to build it and of course it will retain well over 100 jobs.”

Smith says the new hanger will house  the Communications and Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC) Flight Activity (CFA), a group that did not relocate to the Aberdeen Proving Grounds during the most recent Base Closure and Realignment Commission decision (BRAC) .

Smith says the defense package also includes $34 million for a Regional Training Institute (RTI) at the National Guard Training Facility in Sea Girt.

The authorization moves to the Senate for consideration.

The bill, A-2575, would permit casinos to offer electronic versions of their games that be can be played by guests on mobile devices. The devices, unique to each casino, would allow guests to place bets anywhere on the casino resort property, not just the casino floor.

Matthew White, Townsquare Media

At the end of their stay, visitors would return the devices to the hotel and, depending on the guest’s luck, cash out their winnings.

“In order to remain attractive to visitors and competitive with neighboring states, it’s important that Atlantic City keep up with the latest innovations and trends,” said bill sponsor Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D). Nevada has offered the mobile service since 2005.

Burzichelli added, “For the convenience of the patron, if you’re sitting by the pool, you can play the game of your choice…You can do it sitting at the table at a restaurant.”

“There are so many things to do at Atlantic City’s casinos and hotels; it just makes sense to allow guests to take their games along with them,” said Republican bill sponsor Assemblyman Chris Brown.

The service would only be available on the special devices, not individuals’ cell phones, and they would not work beyond casino property. Gamblers who utilize the devices would need to establish an account with the casino.

The legislation can now be considered by the full Assembly.

That could be a major reason for an increasing trend over the past few years; more and more men are entering workfields typically dominated by women.

The construction field has taken a hit by the recession and its recovery. (Flick User Kate Ter Haar)

“I think the overriding reason is that some traditional male-dominated occupations have been in steady decline,” said James Hughes, Dean of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. “For example, manufacturing employment peaked more than two decades ago and has been eroding ever since.”

The manufacturing field was hit particularly hard during the recession.

At the same time, other recessionary measures have hit male-dominated fields like construction. Many of the building trades have unemployment rates at the 30-40 percent level.

“In order to survive, in order to secure some type of income, these other occupations that were formally dominated by women look pretty good,” Hughes said about men.

Men have been taking up employment in fields such as nursing and teaching, but Hughes said this should not be seen as a threat to women. Female growth has been seen in the same fields.

Hughes added, “It’s generally positive if you’re bringing talent into a field. I think everybody benefits from that.”

More women than men make up the majority of those in college and earning degrees. For that reason, females have traditionally entered jobs and fields that are easier to hold on to and more likely to grow. At the same time, Hughes said, women are starting to move into fields traditionally dominated by men.

“We’re seeing a blending of opportunities,” he explained.

Bruce Bennett, Getty Images

Zach Parise had two goals and an assist and Bryce Salvador and Travis Zajac beat Henrik Lundqvist less than four minutes apart in the first period in a series where the intensity and the emotions are picking up.

PREVIOUS: Devils-Rangers Playoff Series

PHOTOS: Show Us Your Colors

Brodeur even notched an assist in the third, on Parise’s empty netter, capping a game in which the Devils maintained their composure and bounced back from a 3-0 shutout in Game 3, while the Rangers took several uncharacteristic penalties and seemed rattled from the start.

Game 5 is Wednesday at Madison Square Garden.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

NBC

The show begins with the gigantic text that says “The revolution began,” but what kind of crazy acts will we be able to see this week? Between the crazy dance moves of Turf and awesome musical talents of Tim Hockenberry, San Francisco is a tough act to follow. But we are in New York City, where the heart of U.S. theater resides, there has to be some talent in this city that’s ready to get on the stage for this week’s ‘America’s Got Talent.’

One of the unfortunate things about the opening for this show is the fact that they end up showing off a lot of the craziest and best acts. It doesn’t really leave too much to the imagination.

But now Howie Mandell, Sharon Osbourne and Howard Stern are all in New York City, better known as Stern’s home turf. He wants to be impressed and proud of his fellow New Yorkers more than anything else. He’s expecting to find the next big superstar in NYC, but we’ll just see about that.

The first talent act we’re introduced to is The Flyte Crew, a dance group that integrates gymnatisc with basketball. What makes them stand out even more is that during their routine they use trampolines, which makes this all the more dangerous. Most of the audience was expecting some form of a disaster to occur, since that’s already happened a few times on stage, but The Flyte Crew proved everyone wrong. Thanks to Sharon and Howard, they’re heading to Vegas.

Man, Sharon must be all sorts of revved up tonight. First she automatically calls out how much she likes one of the players on The Flyte Crew and then she completely eyeballs Max, a shirtless, long-haired gymnast. He does a cool aerial piece which is enough to win over the judges. The other talent that manage to move forward in this short montage are the New York Irish Dance Company – a group that mixes traditional Irish moves but modernizes it, along with the young professional pianist named Jason.

Cue the soft music, we’re in the sentimental portion of the show. We’re introduced to a seven-year-old boy who goes by the stage name “Mir Money.” He steps in front of the judges and tries to rap his little heart out. The audiences cheer for him since he’s a little kid but Howard and Sharon buzz him out. Obviously Amir’s a bit upset over the whole ordeal. After all, he’s a seven-year-old kid. Hope his mother was prepared to be cheering up her boy for the next week after the possible emotional scar the elimination gave him.

Once the tears were rubbed off of America’s eyes by the whole Mir Money ordeal, we’re pushed into something a little bit fuzzier. We’re referring to the group of performing dogs and their masters called Olate Dogs. Once they all take the stage, Sharon’s face was screaming “Give them the million dollars now!” They do all sorts of little tricks from hopping on their hind legs to doing back flips. “This is the most amazing, best animal act I’ve ever seen,” says Howie. Yes, yes it is.

Hope you’re ready for watching something absolutely painful. No, it’s not as bad as the man who kept on putting needles in his mouth, but for men it’s a lot worse. We’re talking about Horse – who Howard Stern now calls “The king of the nut shot.” Why does he say that? Take a look at the video to see. And yes, he did advance onto the next round.

It’s been awhile since we’ve seen a band come up on stage, so we’re introduced to a couple of bands who are unfortunately tone-deaf. One of those bands, a metal band with Party City make-up smeared across their faces, roller skate onto the stage. Sharon’s immediately embarrassed for them. But wait, there’s a band light at the end of this horrible tunnel! We’re referring to Wordspit and the Illest! which is a band that combines rock and classical music with hip-hop. During the start of the song they sound like a mess. None of the classical or rock instruments are really meshing well with each other, but when the chorus kicks in everything flows together perfectly. They won over everybody in the crowd and move onto the next round.

Last but certainly not least is Burton Crane, the seventy seven year old rapper whose song may be stuck in your head once you hear it in the video down below. He claims to be “the grandfather of rap,” saying that he’s been practicing his technique since before rap was even invented. The strangest part about this performance is that the crowd immediately hates him, but by the end they’re all in love with him, including the judges. Go figure that a random act like this advances to the next round.

Don’t think we’re done with New York City just yet. We’ve still got another round of ‘America’s Got Talent’ to go through tomorrow night. Watch the good and the horrible on stage tomorrow night at 8 PM.

Source: ScreenCrush.com