Let's Talk Politics.
Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York Statement Congratulating Governor Kathy Hochul on Her Historic Victory
The Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (“WBASNY”) congratulates Governor Kathy Hochul on her election to a full four-year term and for making history in being the first woman elected to become New York’s Governor.
In her first year in office, Governor Hochul has been a leader on issues important to WBASNY’s membership including aiding access to abortion and reproductive healthcare. WBASNY looks forward to working with Governor Hochul and the State legislature in this upcoming session to secure second passage of the Equal Rights Amendment and increasing the assigned counsel rate.
https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/
Do Our COVID-19 Vaccines Work Against the Omicron Variant or Not. What is Going on Governor Kathy Hochul?
By Robert Press
There has been much hype as to whether to get vaccinated or not to get vaccinated. Conflicting words have been put about be it by Health officials, elected officials, mandates, word of mouth, or Anti Vaxers. Health officials have said the only way to prevent, or have a safe period of having the COVID-19 virus (or it’s variants) is to get vaccinated with one of the three vaccines that were available. Elected officials have mandated vaccinations in order to continue working or continuing a regular lifestyle.
The public was recently told the vaccinations require a booster shot, and while only suggested as of now, it is only a matter of time as to when Booster shots will also be mandated. New York City has gone as far as giving incentives to get vaccinated, or boosted by the end of this year. Mayor Bill de Blasio has said he expects the Omicron variant to be with us for only a few weeks before it passes, which must mean once a person has the virus they must become immune to it. That is similar to what I was told by Doctor Dave Chokshi Commissioner of the NYCDOH, and Doctor Mitchell Katz head of the NYCHHS, with Doctor Katz going as far as saying I did not need to get vaccinated after I explained that I had the COVID-19 virus in March of 2020 for only five days. I did get vaccinated in September of 2021, and had a bad reaction to the second shot, but that is another story.
Now that the Omicron variant has hit New York, on December 18th the governor’s office reported 192 cases statewide, and 41 in New York City. There has been no more reporting of Omicron cases, just that all positive test results are all that of the Omicron variant. This is similar to what Governor Andrew Cuomo did in 2020 by counting any and all deaths as a result of the COVID-19 virus. Governor Hochul has declared a Disaster Emergency in the state of New York with Executive Order 11.1 However in that Executive order Governor Hochul states the following
WHEREAS, this Omicron variant has been shown to be highly transmissible and may cause exponential spread;
WHEREAS, current vaccinations do not appear to be as effective against Omicron infection, while remaining stronger against severe disease;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby continue the terms, conditions, and suspensions contained in Executive Order 11 until January 25, 2022.
Does this mean that the Omicron variant will be gone on January 26, 2022 Governor Hochul, or will there be another extension? What is going on Governor Kathy Hochul?
BYLINE: By Dana Jackson
Photo Credit: Depositphotos
Photo Caption: Jeff Goldblum (Upcoming in “Wicked”)
—
Q: What is Jeff Goldblum up to these days? I only see him on commercials for apartments, but not in any movies lately. — P.T.
A:Despite having what is surely a lucrative gig as the spokesman for Apartments.com, Jeff Goldblum is still very much a beloved and sought-after actor in Hollywood. Originally from Pittsburgh, Goldblum started out as most actors do when they move to California — landing guest-starring roles on hit primetime shows. He landed small but memorable roles in movies like “Annie Hall,” “The Right Stuff” and “The Big Chill.”
In 1986, he starred in the sci-fi/horror film “The Fly,” but it would be the “Jurassic Park” movies that would bring him his greatest box-office success. He’s caught the eye of other big-name directors, including Taika Waititi for “Thor: Ragnarok” and Wes Anderson for “Asteroid City,” the latter of which was just released last year. So, yes, Goldblum’s acting days are far from over. He even has a role in the highly anticipated film “Wicked,” which is based on the hit Broadway musical.
***
Q:Is there going to be another season of “The White Lotus” on HBO? If so, where will it take place? I hope they return to Hawaii. — G.J.
A: There definitely will be a third season of “The White Lotus,” but not until sometime in 2025. Once again, the story will be set at a luxury resort, but instead of Hawaii and Italy, it’ll be Thailand.
Natasha Rothwell, who played spa manager Belinda in season one, will be returning to the series. Joining her is an impressive cast that includes Carrie Coon (“The Gilded Age”), Parker Posey (“Best in Show”), Jason Isaacs (“Archie”), Walton Goggins (“Justified”), Michelle Monaghan (“True Detective”) and Leslie Bibb (“Popular”).
“White Lotus” creator Mike White and his cast have been a strong presence at the Emmy and Golden Globe Awards for the past two years. The series has also relaunched Jennifer Coolidge’s career since she starred in Christopher Guest’s satiric film “Best in Show,” then later in “Legally Blonde,” opposite Reese Witherspoon. Coolidge has won two Critics’ Choice Awards, one Golden Globe and two Primetime Emmys for playing ditzy Tanya, so it’s no wonder that stars are lining up to work for White.
***
Q: I saw a headline that said singers Alanis Morissette and Ciara are distant cousins? Did they just find this out? — L.B.
A:The two singers aren’t related; however, both did appear on the same PBS show “Finding Your Roots.” In Ciara’s case, she learned that one of her distant cousins is former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. The two actually met almost 10 years ago at the ESPY Awards and were even photographed together, but didn’t know that they were related at the time.
Alanis Morissette was informed on “Finding Your Roots” that she also has a famous relative. In fact, her distant cousin is someone she already considered a friend — actress Claire Danes (“Homeland”).
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
By Robert Press
Tuesday night was the Allerton International Merchants Meeting, which was held in an outdoor area on Radcliff Avenue. The guest speaker was Bronx Department of Transportation Commissioner Nivardo Lopez. Commissioner Lopez was there to speak on two topics. The first was the Escooter Pilot Program, and the second was about new regulations for the Outdoor Dining on the sidewalk and in the street.
Commissioner Lopez went over the rules for the Ecooter program, and fielded questions from the audience, much the same as from other community meetings he attended. He handed out a card with all three Escooter contacts. Bird 866-205-2442, hello@bird.co. Lime 888-546-3345, support@li.me. VEO 855-836-2256, hello@veoride.com. He suggested if there were any problems to get in touch with the companies. One of the officers in attendance from the 49th Precinct suggested a large tag with the individual Escooter number on it in a visible area so the Escooter could be identified if the rider was riding improperly.
On the subject of Outdoor Dining Commissioner Lopez said that new rules were being gone through by a task force for next year. Some of the rules would be that any outside dining could only be in front of the establishment, and no further as some have done legally with the owners permission. He added that there would be no permanent street structures, because it would only be allowed from May to October. That brought a cheer from some in the audience.
The NCO officer spoke on some of the quality of life issues that were brought up, saying that the 49th Precinct was doing the best job they could at going after the illegal dirt bikes and loud music being heard at all hours of the night.
