#trade programs in philadelphia

[pttedu]

Get a glimpse into all the exciting and diverse programs offered at Philadelphia Technician Training Institute! From Automotive Repair to Manufacturing, Sterile Processing, Construction, Welding, and more, this video showcases the hands-on learning and real-world experience that set PTTI apart. Whether you're interested in building a career in healthcare, trades, or manufacturing, PTTI provides the training, certifications, and support to help you succeed. Watch this montage to see our students in action, working with cutting-edge tools and technologies to prepare for in-demand careers. Ready to take the next step? Learn more about our programs and how PTTI can help you build a bright future!

[pttiedu]

Discover skilled trades trends, career pathways, and their impact on the industry workforce. Stay informed and plan your future with skilled trades job guide.

[lboogie1906]

Barbara Ann Rowan (September 6, 1938 - October 31, 2020) was the first Black woman to become a prosecutor in the office of the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Born in Upper Manhattan, she was the only child of Norman B. Rowan, an accountant who had been born in Jamaica, and Clara (Obey) Rowan, born in Philadelphia, who worked in the accounting practice.

She attended Barnard College, earning a BA in Spanish, plus a Certificate in Language and Literature from the University of Madrid. She earned her JD from the New York University School of Law in the evening program, while working during the day as a court transcriptionist. She served as a translator of Spanish and Italian in the Family Court.

She practiced as a public defender for the South Bronx Legal Services and in private practice. She was invited to interview with the US Attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York and was hired. She prosecuted drug and fraud cases. She was remembered for engaging jurors “with humor and charm.”

She joined the staff of a House of Representatives ethics committee investigation. She served as an assistant director of the Federal Trade Commission. She founded a private consulting firm, Rowan Associates.

She married Harold W. Gossett II (1972). He was an investigator for the office of the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York. He became an FBI agent and after leaving the Bureau he joined Rowan Associates and worked with Rowan at the consulting firm for 35 years.

She organized a written protest by Black attorneys following the use of a racial epithet during a lawyer’s speech at an Alexandria Bar Association meeting in Virginia. The lawyer apologized, and the incident led to the formation of the Northern Virginia Black Attorneys Association. She was a member of the National Conference of Black Lawyers and the National Bar Association. She was an accomplished swimmer and dancer.

Her husband survived her. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[petervintonjr]

Everybody say hello to Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons: activist, teacher, and researcher. Born in 1944 Memphis, Gwendolyn was the first generation in her family to attend college (Spelman, 1962). She credits her grandmother, Rhonda Bell Robinson, with having instilled in her the family's history and its reckoning with slavery, her own hardships growing up as a sharecropper, and how Mississippi was objectively the "worst of the worst" for Black people. Gwendolyn solemnly promised her grandmother that she would never go to Mississippi. (And don't even get her started on the epic confrontations with teachers and school officials about the "inappropriateness of her hair." Boy, it's sure nice that that sort of racial dress-code pettiness isn't a thing anymore, huh?)

In the 1960's, inspired by several Spelman professors (to include Howard Zinn), Gwendolyn actively and enthusiastically became involved in the SNCC against her family's wishes. She participated in sit-ins and endured several arrests, ultimately jeopardizing her Spelman scholarship. She helped prepare curricula for Freedom Schools and coordinated mock voter registrations, working under Bob Moses (see Lesson 112 in this series) and alongside James Forman and her fellow Spelman alum Ruby Doris Smith-Robinson (see Lesson 66). Eventually she came into the orbit of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, and ultimately found herself taking over as director of the Mississippi Summer Project in 1964 when its previous director, Lester McKinney, had been picked up by Laurel police. She herself was arrested in Jackson following a march; being held, beaten and tortured for 15 days in a makeshift prison constructed on the county fairgrounds.

Gwendolyn later moved briefly to New York, and then to Atlanta where she worked on Julian Bond's state campaign (see Lesson 72). She continued to work with the local chapter of the SNCC, authoring a controversial position paper on Black Power that argued against expelling its white members. Around this time Gwendolyn also (unsurprisingly) found herself on the FBI's notorious Counterintelligence Program (COINTELPRO) target list. Inspired by the speeches of Malcolm X, Gwendolyn joined Nation Of Islam in the late 1960's and changed her name to Zoharah (also taking her husband Michael Simmons' last name), and moved to Philadelphia. However her strong feminist principles contravened a number of NOI teachings, putting her at odds with the organization's stance on women as submissive helpmeets. Over the next 20 years she worked for the American Friends Service Committee, travelling to Jordan, Egypt, Syria, and (significantly) Palestine.

Gwendolyn retired from the University of Florida in 2019; conducting and leading research that explores Islamic feminism and the cultural impact of Sharia law on Muslim women. Today Simmons is senior lecturer emerita, continuing to travel and lecture on gender equality, and on many other issues affecting Black Americans, feminism, and social inequities. Her and Michael Simmons' daughter Aishah Shahidah Simmons, is herself an accomplished documentary filmmaker. (Teachers: Need some resources to engage your students this Black History Month? I'll send you a pile of these trading cards, no cost, no obligation. Just give me a mailing address and let me know how many students in your class. No strings attached, no censorship, no secret-relaying-of-names to Abbott or DeSantis or HuckaSanders.)

[char1ottee]

New York City Culture🗽

New York City is frequently the setting for novels, movies, and television programs and has been described as the cultural capital of the world. In describing New York, author Tom Wolfe said, "Culture just seems to be in the air, like part of the weather."

The city is the birthplace of many cultural movements, including the Harlem Renaissance in literature and visual art; abstract expressionism (known as the New York School) in painting; and hip-hop, punk, hardcore, salsa, freestyle, Tin Pan Alley, certain forms of jazz, and (along with Philadelphia) disco in music. New York City has been considered the dance capital of the world.

One of the most common traits attributed to New York City is its fast pace, which spawned the term New York minute. Journalist Walt Whitman characterized New York's streets as being traversed by "hurrying, feverish, electric crowds". New York City's residents are prominently known for their resilience historically, and more recently related to their management of the impacts of the September 11 terrorist attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. New York was voted the world's most resilient city in 2021 and 2022 per Time Out's global poll of urban residents.

Theater🎭

The central hub of the American theater scene is Manhattan, with its divisions of Broadway, off-Broadway, and off-off-Broadway. Many movie and television stars have gotten their big break working in New York productions.

Broadway theatre is one of the premier forms of English-language theatre in the world, named after Broadway, the major thoroughfare that crosses Times Square, sometimes referred to as "The Great White Way".

Forty-one venues mostly in Midtown Manhattan's Theatre District, each with at least 500 seats, are classified as Broadway theatres. The 2018–19 Broadway theatre season set records with total attendance of 14.8 million and gross revenue of $1.83 billion Recovering from closures forced by the COVID-19 pandemic, 2022-23 revenues rebounded to $1.58 billion with total attendance of 12.3 million.

The Tony Awards recognizes excellence in live Broadway theatre and are presented at an annual ceremony in Manhattan. The awards are given for Broadway productions and performances at the 41 eligible Broadway venues. One is also given for regional theatre. Several discretionary non-competitive awards are given as well, including a Special Tony Award, the Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre, and the Isabelle Stevenson Award.

Architecture

New York has architecturally noteworthy buildings in a wide range of styles and from distinct time periods, from the Dutch Colonial Pieter Claesen Wyckoff House in Brooklyn, the oldest section of which dates to 1656, to the modern One World Trade Center, the skyscraper at Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan and the most expensive office tower in the world by construction cost.

Manhattan's skyline, with its many skyscrapers, is universally recognized, and the city has been home to several of the tallest buildings in the world. As of 2019, New York City had 6,455 high-rise buildings, the third most in the world after Hong Kong and Seoul.

The character of New York's large residential districts is often defined by the elegant brownstone rowhouses and townhouses and shabby tenements that were built during a period of rapid expansion from 1870 to 1930. Stone and brick became the city's building materials of choice after the construction of wood-frame houses was limited in the aftermath of the Great Fire of 1835.

In contrast, New York City also has neighborhoods that are less densely populated and feature free-standing dwellings. In neighborhoods such as Riverdale (in the Bronx), Ditmas Park (in Brooklyn), and Douglaston (in Queens), large single-family homes are common in various architectural styles such as Tudor Revival and Victorian.

Arts🩰

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, anchoring Lincoln Square on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, is home to numerous influential arts organizations, including the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, New York Philharmonic, and New York City Ballet, as well as the Vivian Beaumont Theater, the Juilliard School, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Alice Tully Hall. The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute is in Union Square, and Tisch School of the Arts is based at New York University, while Central Park SummerStage presents free music concerts in Central Park.

New York City has more than 2,000 arts and cultural organizations and more than 500 art galleries. The city government funds the arts with a larger annual budget than the National Endowment for the Arts. The city is also home to hundreds of cultural institutions and historic sites. Museum Mile is the name for a section of Fifth Avenue running from 82nd to 105th streets on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, in the upper portion of Carnegie Hill.

Nine museums occupy the length of this section of Fifth Avenue, making it one of the densest displays of culture in the world. Its art museums include the Guggenheim, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Neue Galerie New York, and The Africa Center. In addition to other programming, the museums collaborate for the annual Museum Mile Festival, held each year in June, to promote the museums and increase visitation. Many of the world's most lucrative art auctions are held in New York City.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the Americas. In 2022, it welcomed 3.2 million visitors, ranking it the third most visited U.S. museum, and eighth on the list of most-visited art museums in the world. Its permanent collection contains more than two million works, divided among 17 curatorial departments, and includes works of art from classical antiquity and ancient Egypt; paintings and sculptures from nearly all the European masters; and an extensive collection of American and modern art. The Met maintains extensive holdings of African, Asian, Oceanian, Byzantine, and Islamic art.

Fashion🛍️

New York has frequently been ranked the top fashion capital of the world on the annual list compiled by the Global Language Monitor. New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is a high-profile semiannual event featuring models displaying the latest wardrobes created by prominent fashion designers worldwide in advance of these fashions proceeding to the retail marketplace.

NYFW sets the tone for the global fashion industry. New York's fashion district encompasses roughly 30 city blocks in Midtown Manhattan, clustered around a stretch of Seventh Avenue nicknamed Fashion Avenue. New York's fashion calendar also includes Couture Fashion Week to showcase haute couture styles. The Met Gala is often described as "Fashion's biggest night".

Parades

New York City is well known for its street parades, the majority held in Manhattan. The primary orientation of the annual street parades is typically from north to south, marching along major avenues. The annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is the world's largest parade, beginning alongside Central Park and proceeding southward to the flagship Macy's Herald Square store; the parade is viewed on telecasts worldwide and draws millions of spectators in person. Other notable parades including the annual New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade in March, the NYC LGBT Pride March in June, the LGBT-inspired Greenwich Village Halloween Parade in October, and numerous parades commemorating the independence days of many nations. Ticker-tape parades celebrating championships won by sports teams as well as other accomplishments march northward along the Canyon of Heroes on Broadway from Bowling Green to City Hall Park in Lower Manhattan.

[stereax]

NHL 23-24 Bingo Squares

NHL 23-24 Bingo Connor Bedard labeled bust (especially unreasonably early) Refs make clearly wrong call, it stands Leafs lose 5+ in a row, Toronto media goes nuts GM or Head Coach fired before February First seed in the division knocked out in first playoff round AHL callup earns roster spot Arber Xhekaj breaks 150 PIMs Sabres have a 5+ win streak AND a 5+ lose streak Panthers good, not news to Panthers fans Canucks Canuck it again, involved in another scandal or awful trade Connor McDavid AND Leon Draisaitl both get 100+ point seasons Kyle Dubas Revenge Tour: Pens beat the shit out of the Leafs in at least one game Star player sidelined with season-ending injury by Christmas Someone enters the NHLPA's player assistance program Fans throw trash on the ice (rats, flamingoes, etc don't count) A goalie gets 2+ shutouts in a row Flyers and Sharks have a mid-off Someone gets a dick trick (4 goals in a game) Any team has a 10+ win streak Any team has a 10+ lose streak Player scores a hat trick against their former team Shootout goes to 5+ Someone gets put on waivers, gets claimed, and goes on a tear with new team Canes losing their AHL and ECHL affiliates bites them in the ass Avs' woes constantly blamed on Gabe Landeskog's LTIR (and not anything like Miles Wood's 6x2.5) Stars amass 10+ OTLs A team gets absolutely carried by their goalie Bedard and Hall combine for 50+ goals 3+ fights in one game Oilers hat trick but it's NOT Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl Oilers win by 3+ goals and lose the next game by 3+ goals (or vice versa) Someone has a 60-goal season By January, at least four teams are widely identified as Slackin for Macklin Adam Fantilli or Leo Carlsson has a better season than Connor Bedard Wes McCauley does something we can't shut up about Bruins don't collapse entirely and make at least 3rd in the Atlantic Auston Matthews gets another wrist injury Jordan Binnington throws a hissy fit on the ice and gets penalized for it Jack Hughes breaks 100 points Alex Ovechkin reaches 860 goals Connor Hellebuyck gets traded at the deadline A team gets 1000+ PIMs total 14+ goals are scored in a single game 2+ shorthanded goals are scored in a single game Something weird happens in a Canes-Devils game Trevor Zegras scores another Michigan A team uses at least five goalies during the season Jets get stuck in limbo, miss the playoffs, and finally commit to rebuilding Wild lose in the first round, again Kirill Kaprizov pots 50+ goals Coyotes announce new rink plans Rangers once again refuse to give the kids top line minutes Bo Horvat does not live up to his contract Pierre-Luc Dubois trade bites the Kings in the ass Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman retain status as best tandem in the league Marc-Andre Fleury becomes second winningest goalie of all time One player picks up 20+ PIMs in a single game 60+ PIMs total are distributed in a single game Matthew Tkachuk has another 100+ point AND 100+ PIM season Major 1-for-1 trade Someone chooses a really funny goal song Video review takes 5+ minutes East remains a bloodbath, West not so much At least one of Travis Konecny or Carter Hart leaves Philadelphia Tony DeAngelo rides the bench for 30+ games Gaudreau and Fantilli combine for 50+ goals Rangers and Isles Stadium Series devolves into a goalie duel Lightning finish below 100 points Roman Josi gets 60+ points A captain (excluding Brady Tkachuk) acts out in a major way Filip Zadina becomes one of the top three players on the Sharks points-wise Jack Eichel scores against the Sabres and pisses people off with the celly Yegor Sharangovich has a breakout season on the Flames Someone embarrasses themselves royally at the All-Star Game Brady Tkachuk takes three separate penalties in one game A team ends the season with a goal differential above +100 A team ends the season with a goal differential below -100 Alex DeBrincat goes point-per-game

Epic women's hockey moment at the All-Star Game Brad Marchand Funny Moment A team blows a 3+ goal lead and loses A new team captain is announced Goalie goal Goalie fight Erik Karlsson gets 90+ points Double shutout game Penguins make the playoffs and lose in the first round Tanner Jeannot proves his trade was worth it 3+ overtimes in a single playoff game Jacob Trouba delivers another People's Elbow Elias Pettersson breaks 110 points Matt Martin gets 250+ hits Clayton Keller has another great season but is overlooked because he's on the Coyotes Jonathan Huberdeau returns to form Golden Knights or Panthers return to the Stanley Cup Finals Wales Trophy is touched Campbell Bowl is touched A player is universally snubbed from the All-Star Game Adrian Kempe pots 40+ goals A player delivers the world's dirtiest hit and doesn't get suspended for it Steve Dangle flips out in an LFR [FREE SPACE]

[theultimatefan]

Amell, Bernthal, Cox, Van Dien Added To FAN EXPO Philadelphia Lineup, June 2-4

Things just got a lot more interesting for fans of a few blockbuster franchises as FAN EXPO Philadelphia today announced a new slate of key additions to its already outstanding lineup of guests. “Arrow” star Stephen Amell, “Punisher” standout Jon Bernthal, “Daredevil” headliner Charlie Cox and “Stranger Things” breakout Grace Van Dien will now be attending the event, June 2-4 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Advanced Tickets for FAN EXPO Philadelphia are on sale through May 18 at www.fanexpophiladelphia.com, with discounts on individual day, 3-day and Ultimate Fan Packages available for adults, youths and families. VIP packages are also available now, with dozens of special benefits including priority entry, limited edition collectibles, exclusive items and much more.

Amell teams with fellow “Arrow” cast member Emily Bett Rickards; Cox joins “Daredevil” co-star Vincent D’Onofrio; and Van Dien pairs with Joseph Quinn as a “Stranger Things” tandem at the show.

They complement the other previously announced FAN EXPO Philadelphia guests, led by icon Michael J Fox, his Back to the Future costars Christopher Lloyd and Tom Wilson; Henry Winkler (“Happy Days,” “Barry”); Christina Ricci (“The Addams Family,” “Wednesday”); Sam Raimi (The Evil Dead, Spider-Man); Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings, Rudy); Peter Weller (Robocop, Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension); Katee Sackhoff (“The Mandalorian,” “Battlestar Galactica); and Bonnie Wright (Harry Potter). Additional celebrities, voice actors, creators, cosplayers exhibitors and programming for this major comics, sci-fi, horror, literary, anime and gaming convention will be announced closer to the event.

Known to millions as the crime-fighting vigilante in the title role of “Oliver Queen/Green Arrow” in the eponymous hit CW series, as well as “The Flash,” “Supergirl,” “Batwoman,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” and other iterations, Stephen Amell has also appeared as a series regular in numerous shows, prominently "Hung," "Private Practice" and "Heartland." He also had recurring roles in "New Girl" opposite Zooey Deschanel and "Private Practice" as the love interest to Amy Brenneman.

Jon Bernthal played the lead “Frank Castle” in the Netflix Marvel series “Daredevil” after a popular run as “Shane Walsh” in the AMC hit drama “The Walking Dead.” The classically trained Bernthal most recently starred in last year’s “American Gigolo” on Showtime and has appeared in such large-scale productions as World Trade Center, The Pacific and Rampart, and has had guest roles on top TV series like "CSI: Miami," "Boston Legal," "Without a Trace" and "How I Met Your Mother."

Charlie Cox has had more than 40 screen credits, with his role as “Matt Murdock” on “Daredevil” (reprised in “She-Hulk” and Spider-Man: No Way Home) the most prominent. He gained wide notice for his portrayal of “Owen Sleater” in the HBO period drama “Boardwalk Empire” and played the lead role of “Michael Kinsella” in the AMC+ crime drama series “Kin.”

One of the breakout stars of this past season on “Stranger Things,” Grace Van Dien has earned a fervent following for her role as “Chrissy Cunningham,” the latest among her 30+ credits. She was also a regular on the NBC drama “The Village” and portrayed real-life actress Sharon Tate in the film Charlie Says, based on the Charles Manson murders.

Philadelphia is the eighth event on the 2023 FAN EXPO HQ calendar; the full schedule is available at fanexpohq.com/home/events/.

[howwelldoyouknowyourmoon]

Singlaub Recruits His Own Army in the Philippines

The National Reporter (formerly CounterSpy) Volume 10, Number 3

Since October 1986, retired General John Singlaub has spent much of his time in the Philippines, and has now set up an office in Manila. He claims that he is there only to hunt for treasure left by Japanese General Tomoyuki Yamashita after World War II, but a growing body of evidence suggests that he may also be involved in advising or assisting in the development of counter-insurgency plans and capabilities and in the development of right-wing, anti-communist organizations.

While stationed in Vietnam from 1966 to 68, Singlaub was one of the on-site commanders of Operation Phoenix, a program responsible for the assassination of some 20,000 Vietnamese civilians. Presently he is chairman of the World Anti-Communist League (WACL) and is extensively involved in fund-raising for the contras. Singlaub set up an office at 2298 Pasong Tamo extension, Manila, in offices of the Nippon Star Company. Nippon Star is a subsidiary of Nippon Electric Company which supplies materials for telecommunications projects in Ilocos and Cagayan, the provinces of Ferdinand Marcos and Juan Ponce Enrile respectively. A Restricted Area sign guards the office.

Enrile told reporters that he met with Singlaub three times in 1986. He refused to answer when asked if he believed that Singlaub was in the Philippines on a treasure hunt. Particular concern was expressed in the Manila press over reports that he was joined in his meetings by former CIA deputy chief Ray Cline and CIA Philippine station chief Norbert Garrett. According to a San Francisco Examiner report, Singlaub has been using Enrile's introduction to meet officers associated with the pro-Enrile Reform of the Armed Forces Movement (RAM). One senior officer said Singlaub was engaged in arms trading and was offering to sell equipment useful in counter-insurgency operations.

A former Western military officer familiar with arms trading in the Philippines said Singlaub tried to sell M-16 automatic rifles and communications equipment on the local black market. Another senior military officer said the Philippine military was developing a right-wing vigilante movement in the countryside. The Manila Chronicle reports that Singlaub has offered financial support to sugar planters on the island of Negros who are mounting an anti-communist drive and that people close to Singlaub have also offered weapons and logistical support to vigilante-type organizations linked to the Marcos loyalists.

Singlaub has met with a number of conservative Philippine politicians including Homobono Adaza, Roilo Golez, and Eva Estrada Kalaw. Ms. Kalaw, a former senator who intends to run again this year, is vice-president of the Philippine Anti-Communist Movement, the Philippine chapter of WACL. One meeting was at a January 26, 1987 dinner party hosted by General Luis Villa-Real, head of the National Intelligence Coordinating Authority and president of the Philippine WACL chapter. Villa-Real has been instrumental in the development of right wing paramilitary groups such as the Alsa Masa (Rising Masses) which has been terrorizing Agdao, Davao City.

▲ John Singlaub and Mike Flynn, 2018 The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Washington Post reported on February 15 that Singlaub has recruited at least 37 Americans, Asians and other nationals who served with the U.S. Special Forces in Vietnam to train [Philippine] soldiers in unconventional warfare techniques, according to an official familiar with U.S. and Philippine military affairs who has close contact with intelligence agents monitoring Singlaub's activities. Singlaub denied that he is recruiting mercenaries saying, "I know nothing about any American mercenaries coming to the Philippines. ... It's a fabrication, the idea that I’m involved in any training activity." He suggested that the reports were orchestrated by the KGB.

General Singlaub did admit that he had hired six Americans but said that most of them are not veterans. The Tower Commission report shows that Singlaub’s contra fund-raising activities were coordinated with Oliver North and Richard Secord, both of whom are under investigation for their role in Iran weapons deals. Secord and North were associates of Singlaub in Vietnam. Another possible link between Singlaub and Iran is his relationship with Ramon Moreno, a Filipino military contractor who is currently under investigation by a U.S. grand jury for alleged corruption in awarding Armed Forces of the Philippines military contracts to a California firm which Moreno controls. Moreno, a friend of Singlaub's, owns the building where Singlaub has his office.

Moreno is also a close associate of General Fabian Ver, Philippine military Chief of Staff under Marcos. A December 10 San Francisco Examiner report ties Ver to the Iran arms deals by the fact that Ver provided fake resale certificates to an Israeli arms dealer in an apparent effort to keep Secretary of State Shultz from discovering U.S. weapons were going to Iran. An unidentified Filipino arms dealer reportedly close to Ver received a five percent commission from the Iranian arms sales proceeds for providing the certificates. U.S. Attorney Theodore Greenberg, who is investigating the Moreno case, is seeking these documents.

General Singlaub served as an officer in the OSS during World War II both in Europe and in China. In 1946 he became the chief of the U.S. military liaison mission to Mukden, Manchuria, and in 1949 he became the China Desk officer for the CIA. After helping to establish the Ranger Training Center at Fort Benning, Georgia, he was assigned to South Korea during the Korean War as CIA deputy chief. He remains a close associate of former CIA director William Colby, who headed the Phoenix Program in his role as director of the U.S. CORDS mission in Vietnam. Later Singlaub was commander of the U.N. forces in South Korea. In 1978 he retired from the military after disagreeing with President Carter's decision to reduce the number of U.S. troops there. Related info below

General John Singlaub (former Chairman of World Anti-Communist League, unconventional warfare expert, former commander of U.S. troops in South Korea):

His [Moon’s] organization, from my point of view was more of a political effort, that is to save the world from the ‘evil empire’ than it was to save individuals from the devil.

CAUSA and Moonie Counterinsurgency in the Philippines (International Relations Center / Interhemispheric Resource Center’s 1989 report on the Unification Church):

In the Philippines, CAUSA is helping to set up civilian vigilante groups, elect local rightwing officials, and influence public opinion regarding the U.S. bases negotiations.  The Special Operations Teams (SOTs) of the Philippine Army use a manual prepared by CAUSA Intl for their anticommunist lectures. The SOTs are counterinsurgency squads which use political and psychological methods–including anticommunist propaganda–to win the “hearts and minds” of Filipino peasants. A CAUSA affiliate, the Asian Ecumenical Inter-Faith Council itinerated Father Bismarck Carballo for a speaking tour in the Philippines in August 1986. Carballo was an opposition clergyman in Nicaragua who at one time was evicted by the Sandinista government.  In October, 1986, CAUSA held a National Security Conference in the country that was attended by Ray Cline and John Singlaub, both experts on counterinsurgency strategy and low intensity conflict. 

Excerpt from Moon’s Law: God Is Phasing Out Democracy

In 1975, Moon publicly denounced WACL as “fascist” and purportedly withdrew; however, this was most likely simply an effort to keep a lower profile. The Washington Post, covering the 1978 WACL conference in Washington, reported that the Unification Church was absent and no longer involved.16 However, a Unification Church minister hired buses for CIA-connected Cuban exiles to attend, according to interviews with the Cubans by Jeff Stein, writing in New York magazine.17 It is clear that the Moon organization never really left WACL. Osami Kuboki has been a member of the WACL executive board for many years, and even hosted the 1982 WACL conference in Japan.

Excerpt from Moonies alienate our children and serve the CIA By Larry Henares Jr.:

The Moonies function under different names: the Washington Times newspaper in Foggy Bottom; the Moonies’ political arm, the CAUSA International; and Asian Ecumenical Inter-Faith Council. Among the top leaders of CAUSA International, are Cleon Skousen, a Mormon Church leader, Douglas MacArthur II, and Bo Hi Pak, formerly of the Korean CIA who chairs the organization and admits CIA funding. In August 1986, Ulrich Vokel of Asian Ecumenical Inter-Faith Council, contacted Brother Rafael Donato of the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (AMRSP), asking for an audience for Nicaraguan priest Msgr. Bismark Carballo of the US-backed Contras against the Sandinistas.  The AMRSP refused because Msgr. Carballo’s trip was paid for by CAUSA. CAUSA sponsored a seminar at the National Defense College, and an October 4 conference in Manila Hotel both of which were attended by Minister Johnny Ponce Enrile, and reportedly co-sponsored by La Salle University, in the person of its president Bro. Andrew (now Bulletin president).  Raul S. Manglapus bitterly criticized the tone of the conference, assailed the National Defense College for lending its name to an extreme right-wing organization, and protested the presence of such Marcos supporters as A. James Gregory, and Ray Cline, formerly CIA deputy director. There were other characters sponsored by CAUSA coming in and out of the Philippines: General John Singlaub fired by Carter for his extremist views, then chairman of the World Anti-Communist League, funded by the Moonies; Edgar Chamorro, CIA-supported right wing extremist brought here by CAUSA to have an audience with President Cory. On August 12-14, 1986, CAUSA-sponsored International Security Council met in Manila to draft the “Manila Declaration”’ which asked the USA to be Policeman of Southeast Asia, sought “the retention of military facilities in the Philippines, and the enhancement of an American deterrent capability that will contain the formidable Soviet military threat… “Among the signatories: Carolina G. Hernandez of U.P.; Brig. Gen. Florencio Magsino (Ret.); Santanina T. Rasul; Pablo Tangco of U.S.T.; and Angelesio Tugado, National Defense College.  Raul Manglapus attacked the “Declaration” as a justification of a military take-over.  And in November a rightist military plot was uncovered. On March 8, 1987, in the Dao Room of the Manila Hotel, a three-day conference on Anti-Communism was sponsored again by CAUSA, attended by militarists, religious extremists and rightist politicians, such as Vice President Salvador Laurel, Colonel Koronel, General Abenina, and Brother Andrew from La Salle (now Bulletin president). And five months later on August 28, 1987, a military coup was attempted. Others in CAUSA Conferences were: Monsignor Moises Andrade, Monsignor Ted Bacani who delivered a special message from Jaime Cardinal Sin; Education Minister Lourdes Quisumbing; Colonel Rodolfo Biazon of the Philippine Military Academy; Dr. Gloria M. Santos of the Asian Ecumenical Interfaith Movement; Mr. Rogelio Lizada of the Council of the Laity; Atty Danilo Deen, Integrated Bar (IBP); Princess Tarhata Lucman of Tawi-Tawi; Sonia Zaldivar-Ronda, CLP treasurer.

Related:

Private Groups Step Up Aid to ‘Contras’ (1985)

John Singlaub: 'An Anti-Communist's Anti-Communist'

The WACL and CAUSA’s Role in the Ruthless Violence of US-Philippines Counterinsurgency

On Moon’s Political Network and their Deep Connections to Global Terrorism

Chun Doo-hwan’s Pushed WACL?

Dallas Hosts Anti-Communist League (1985)

On Yamashita’s Gold, Singlaub, and the Events Following Marcos’ Departure

Reverend Moon: Cult leader, CIA asset, and Bush family friend is dead

The Moonies and 'Victims of Communism'

The Dark Shadow Cast by Moon Sun Myung’s Unification Church and Abe Shinzo - Asia-Pacific Journal Japan Focus

[stephleb]

Open Your Future: Essential Guide to CNA Training in Pennsylvania

Unlock Your Future: Essential Guide to CNA Training in ​Pennsylvania

Are you considering a rewarding career in healthcare? Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) ‍in Pennsylvania might be the right path for you. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about CNA training, including requirements, benefits, and the⁢ steps you can take⁢ to enhance your future in this critical ⁣field.

What is ‌a CNA?

A​ Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides essential care to patients under ⁢the ⁣supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical‍ nurses⁣ (LPNs). Their duties‌ typically include monitoring vital signs, assisting with daily living activities,⁢ and providing emotional ⁤support to patients.

Why Choose CNA Training‍ in Pennsylvania?

High ​Demand: The healthcare industry⁣ is rapidly growing, and CNAs are��� in high demand throughout Pennsylvania.

Short Training ‌Programs: CNA training programs can⁣ be completed in ⁣as little as​ 4-12 ‌weeks.

Gateway to Other Careers: CNA experience can pave the way⁤ for further education⁢ in nursing and​ other healthcare ⁢fields.

Job Satisfaction: Many CNAs find fulfillment in helping ⁤others and making a⁢ difference in their‌ patients’ lives.

Requirements for CNA‌ Training in Pennsylvania

Before enrolling in a CNA program, it’s ‌essential to⁣ meet specific requirements:

Be at least ⁣18 years old.

Have a high​ school ​diploma or GED.

Pass a criminal background check.

Complete ‌a⁢ state-approved CNA⁣ training program.

Pass the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Competency Exam.

CNA Training Programs in Pennsylvania

CNA‌ training programs in Pennsylvania⁣ are offered ‍by various ‍institutions, including community colleges, trade schools, and ⁤even some healthcare facilities. Here’s what to look for when choosing a program:

Accreditation: Ensure the program is approved by the Pennsylvania⁢ Department of Health.

Hands-on Training: Look for programs that provide real-world clinical ‌experience.

Flexible Scheduling: ‍Some programs ​offer​ evening or weekend classes to accommodate working students.

Top CNA Training Programs in Pennsylvania

Institution

Location

Duration

Cost

Community‍ College of Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA

8 ⁤weeks

$1,300

Mountain Community Health

Hazleton, PA

6 weeks

$900

Pennsylvania Institute of ​Technology

Media, PA

4 weeks

$1,200

Meridian Nursing and Rehab

Pittsburgh, PA

6 weeks

Free (with commitment to⁣ work)

Steps to Become a CNA ‍in Pennsylvania

Follow these straightforward steps to jumpstart your CNA career:

Research Training Programs: Look for accredited⁢ institutions near you.

Enroll and Complete Training: ‌Commit to completing classroom instruction ‌and clinical practice.

Take the Competency Exam: Register for the CNA exam, which consists of a written section and a skills demonstration.

Obtain Certification: Upon passing ⁤the exam, you’ll ⁢receive your CNA certification.

Start Job Hunting: Begin applying for positions at local hospitals, nursing homes, and healthcare facilities.

Benefits‍ of‍ Being a CNA

Embarking ⁤on a CNA career offers a multitude of benefits:

Flexible ⁢Work Schedules: Many healthcare facilities offer ​varying shifts, making it easier to balance work and personal life.

Increasing Salary Potential: With experienced⁢ gained and further education, your earning potential ​as ‌a⁣ CNA ‍can increase.

Strong Job Security: ⁤ There’s ​a steady need for⁢ healthcare professionals, especially CNAs, ensuring job stability.

Challenges‍ to‍ Consider

While a career as a CNA can be​ fulfilling, it’s essential​ to understand‍ some of the challenges:

Physically Demanding: CNA ‌work often involves lifting and moving patients, which can be strenuous.

Emotional Stress: Dealing ⁣with‌ sick or elderly patients can be emotionally taxing.

Variable Work Hours: Shifts may‍ include​ nights, ⁣weekends, and holidays, impacting personal ⁤time.

Real-Life ⁤Experiences: CNAs Share Their Journeys

Many CNAs have inspiring stories to tell. Here are two brief accounts ⁤from professionals ⁢in the field:

Case Study 1: Sarah’s Journey

Sarah, ⁤a‌ 25-year-old CNA, initially pursued the career as a ⁤stepping stone into⁢ nursing. ⁣“I wanted to make⁢ a⁣ difference in‌ people’s lives,” she shares. “Working as a CNA ⁣has given me the practical‍ experience I need⁢ to advance in my nursing career.”

Case Study ⁤2: Thomas’s ‍Experience

On the other ⁤hand,​ Thomas, who’s ⁤been a CNA for over a decade, finds ‌great personal fulfillment in his‌ role. “Every day is a new challenge, but it’s ‌incredibly rewarding to help others,” he explains.

Practical Tips for Success as a CNA

To thrive in your CNA career, consider these practical ⁣tips:

Stay ​Organized: Keep track⁣ of your tasks and patient care responsibilities.

Communicate Effectively: Good communication with colleagues and patients is vital.

Continuously Educate ‍Yourself: ‍ Stay updated on best practices and regulations in ‍healthcare.

Conclusion

Becoming a ​Certified Nursing Assistant in Pennsylvania ‍is a rewarding pathway that opens the ‍door to numerous⁤ opportunities in the healthcare sector. With a solid training foundation ⁢and a commitment to patient care, ‍you ‍can unlock a future filled with personal and professional growth.​ Remember, you are not just‍ building a career; you are ‌making a difference ⁢in⁣ the lives of those⁢ who ⁣need it⁤ most. Start ⁢your journey today!

https://cnatrainingcentral.com/open-your-future-essential-guide-to-cna-training-in-pennsylvania/

[adventuresinclientservice]

Why I'm glad I'm not a lawyer, a banker, or (God forbid) an engineer.

I was a one-semester-to-go impending college graduate, sitting in the kitchen of the modest Los Angeles home of one of my college roommates, “The Tuna,” filling out a law school application, when I put my pen down. 

I called Philadelphia.

“Dad, I don’t want to go the law school; I want to go to grad school in literature.”

My Dad, instead of being obstructionist, was surprisingly supportive.  “Whatever you want to do, Bobby.”

Why the sudden change, not just of heart, but of career?

It could be I was inspired by the spirited teachings of a professor, A.E. Claeyssens (the most likely reason); or it possibly was a notion fueled and motivated by romantic visions of college life (less likely); or even driven by intellectual pursuits (highly unlikely).  I equally was repelled by the prospect of law school (a grind) and the future of an attorney (beyond boring)

Regardless, my degree in American Studies, instead of prepping me for law school, equipped me with a generalist’s background.  Less concerned with what was being taught, more concerned with who was teaching, I opted for professors who excelled in the classroom, each devoted to engaging me in ways that made me think for myself. 

I learned how to learn, to be inquisitive, to explore the possible, to find my way around a research library, to ask questions, and, above all, to communicate clearly, concisely, and with conviction. 

If you read The New York Times article, “Careerism is Ruining College, “ you see my choice is far less likely to occur these days.  The story’s author defines careerism as,

“pre-professional pressure: a prevailing culture that convinces many of us that only careers in fields such as computer programming, finance and consulting, preferably at blue-chip firms like Goldman Sachs, McKinsey or big tech companies, can secure us worthwhile futures.” 

I didn’t plan on a career in advertising, but that’s where the journey took me.  Instead of being a liability, my generalist’s training proved ideally suited to better serving my clients and collaborating more effectively with my colleagues.  I came to describe myself as, “A mile wide and an inch deep.”

Most people assume it’s pejorative; who wants to be seen as superficial?  That’s one view; the other is about being curious and interested in everything, especially in matters ranging far outside my normal sphere of interest.  Perhaps both describe me, but it’s easy to see which one I prefer.

Could I have succeeded as an attorney?  Possibly, although I imagine hating every minute of it.

As a finance person or consultant?  An epic fail if ever there was one.

As a computer programmer/engineer?  A total non-starter.

All of which prompts a question:  were I a college student today, would I have succumbed to the pressure felt by others, making a not-easily-reversable choice, or would I still have been able to follow a path where there is no path, just random chance presenting often hidden-from-view opportunities?

It sucks to get old – I know firsthand-- but it doesn’t suck to remember having  license to explore far and wide as a last-century college student of the 1960s and ‘70s.  Even more important, to this day my career, though far from perfect, isn’t one I would trade for being a lawyer, banker, or programmer/engineer.

It’s not a matter of money.  And that’s exactly the point.

[lighthousenewsnetwork]

In a move that would make Machiavelli himself raise a skeptical eyebrow, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper has redefined the art of "having your cake and eating it too." Just days after signing a record-breaking 10-year, $420 million contract extension – a deal so lucrative it could single-handedly fund a small nation's space program – Harper shocked the baseball world by requesting a trade. "We were ecstatic to finally lock down Bryce for the foreseeable future," stammered a visibly bewildered Dave Dombrowski, Phillies President of Baseball Operations. "He's our franchise player, the face of the team. We even threw in a lifetime supply of Tastykakes, for Pete's sake!" Dombrowski then excused himself to go sob uncontrollably into a pile of Liberty Bell replicas. Speculation regarding Harper's sudden trade request is running rampant. Some sources claim the slugger simply yearns for a more competitive environment, one where the primary concern isn't whether the team mascot, the Phillie Phanatic, will accidentally set himself on fire during pre-game festivities. Others whisper of a secret clause in the contract stipulating mandatory participation in cheese whiz-dunking contests, a Philadelphia tradition Harper finds particularly distasteful. The most persistent rumor, however, revolves around Harper's undying love for cheesesteaks. Apparently, the contract's initial offer of a "generous" monthly allotment of cheesesteaks fell short of Harper's "enthusiastic consumption" needs. "You gotta understand, I come from Vegas, baby," a source close to Harper (allegedly a particularly chatty cheesesteak vendor) explained. "Those wimpy Philly portions just don't cut it for a guy like Bryce." This news has unsurprisingly sent shockwaves through the City of Brotherly Love. Fans, already accustomed to a steady diet of disappointment, are drowning their sorrows in hoagies the size of their heartbreak. Local cheesesteak vendors are reporting a surge in sales, with some even offering "Harper Farewell Specials" featuring extra meat and a commemorative "Traded for Cheesesteaks" sticker. Meanwhile, rival teams are circling Harper like vultures over a discarded hot dog at Citizens Bank Park. The Los Angeles Dodgers, ever the picture of financial responsibility, are rumored to be offering a lifetime supply of In-N-Out burgers and a beachfront mansion (slightly used, ocean views may be obstructed by seagulls). The New York Yankees, ever classy, have proposed a lifetime supply of stale bagels and the dubious honor of being relentlessly booed by their own fanbase. The situation remains fluid, with the Phillies desperately scrambling to find a trade partner willing to take on Harper's astronomical contract, not to mention his cheesesteak-fueled metabolism. One thing's for sure: Bryce Harper's legacy is forever cemented. Not as a baseball legend, mind you, but as the man who dared to redefine loyalty for a cheesesteak. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have a sudden craving for Tastykakes and existential dread. #BryceHarper #mlb #PhiladelphiaPhillies #Satire #trade

[pttedu]

Step into the heart of skilled craftsmanship at Philadelphia Technician Training Institute. Our behind-the-scenes video showcases the dedication, precision, and expertise that goes into hands-on training for skilled trades. From automotive mechanics to HVAC technicians, witness the passion and skill shaping tomorrow's workforce. Join us on this journey of craftsmanship and discovery.

[pttiedu]

Inspiring Words: Donna Bullock’s Graduation Address at PTTI At PTTI, we were to listen to the powerful speech delivered by former PA State Representative Donna Bullock at the recent graduation ceremony. In her moving address, Ms. Bullock reflects on the incredible journey of PTTI, founded by Sherman McLeod and Donald Jackson after they acquired Berean Technical Institute in 2015. Discover the founders' visionary efforts in shaping PTTI and the profound community impact it has made, particularly in empowering the black community.

[famouscenes5]

Why Donald Trump Is Destined To Win Pennsylvania – and the Election

Elections have consequences, and the coming of Barack Obama and Joe Biden in 2008 hit the manufacturing and defense industrial base of the battleground state of Pennsylvania particularly hard. According to the Keystone State’s own Department of Community and Economic Development, the crippling Obama-Biden defense cuts cost the state’s economy $2.4 billion, prompting business closures and workforce layoffs.

Because President Trump quickly and firmly responded to this crisis, he is likely to win the Keystone State and therefore the election. Understanding exactly how Trump went about resuscitating Pennsylvania’s big slice of America’s defense industrial base goes a long way to understanding why a Trump victory next week is now inevitable – provided Trump supporters get to the polls.

This canary-in-a-coal-mine story starts in 2017 when President Trump signed the historic Executive Order 13806. This was the first-ever effort by the entire U.S. government to identify gaps in America’s defense industrial base and develop a plan to fix them.

As Director of the White House Office of Trade and Manufacturing, I was blessed to be a big part of the effort to close the various gaps identified, and one of my most first and most important assignments was revitalization of the Philadelphia shipyard. After eight years of Obama-Biden neglect, the Philly yard – once the pride of America’s shipbuilding industry – was down to only 80 employees and on the precipice of closure.

At President Trump’s direction, my OTMP office quickly organized a special White House project to source new repair work for the yard. We subsequently invested over $630 million for new U.S. Merchant Marine Academy training ships. With the help of local labor leaders like Jimmy Hart, these Trumpian actions put the shipyard on a path to full capacity and would grow the number of workers to well over 1,000 – and neither the workers at the yard nor their families have forgotten.

The BAE Systems combat vehicle plant in York was another key Pennsylvanian part of America’s defense industrial base likewise devastated by the Obama-Biden defense cuts. President Trump would direct $5 billion of investment into the plant, including substantial funds for the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle program and Bradley Fighting Vehicle upgrades as older military vehicles were replaced with advanced, multi-role systems better suited to modern battlefield needs.  

President Trump also signed into law the Patriot inventory protection provision. As part of the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, this provision ensured that the Letterkenny Army Depot near Chambersburg in Franklin County would play a vital role in maintaining and repairing America’s Patriot anti-missile system.

Nor did President Trump hesitate to invoke the Defense Production Act when necessary to shore up America’s critical defense needs. I remember well a trip I made to North American Forge Masters in New Castle where I watched with awe the crafting of a massive ship propeller. This trip came after President Trump used Title III of the Defense Production Act to grant $31 million dollars for iron and steel forging for the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.

And let’s not forget President Trump’s staunch support for Pennsylvania’s steel industry through protective tariffs. These Trump tariffs spurred hundreds of millions of dollars of new investment across Pennsylvania in companies like Allegheny Technologies, Cleveland-Cliffs, and U.S. Steel – and communities like Brackenridge, Latrobe, and Vandergrift benefitted.

Nor was it just tariffs. Trump also used the Defense Production Act to expand alloy steel plate production with a $56 million award to ArcelorMittal, sustaining over 600 jobs in Coatesville.

These investments and countless others not only got hardworking Pennsylvanians back on the job, but also paid dividends for U.S. national security abroad. Many of the weapon systems, equipment, components, and munitions Trump invested in are demonstrating vital importance for the U.S. and its allies today as threats from America’s adversaries grow from the Middle East and Ukraine to the Taiwan Strait.

President Trump rightly understood that America’s industrial capacity is vital to our economic and national security. He prioritized America’s workers by investing in jobs and contracts that gave the defense industrial base a much-needed boost. By coupling economic and defense policy, President Trump enabled Pennsylvania to retain critical industrial capacity, create new, well-paying jobs, and protect America’s national and economic security.

The working-class voters in all of these various manufacturing industries in dozens of manufacturing communities across the Keystone State well remember what Trump did. These now “Trump Democrats” certainly won’t forget when they go to the polls.

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2024/10/30/why_donald_trump_is_destined_win_pennsylvania_and_election__151859.html

[carz4usauto]

New and Used Car Dealerships in NJ: A Buyer’s Guide

Navigating the world of car buying can be challenging, especially with so many options available in New Jersey. Whether you’re in the market for a brand-new vehicle or a reliable used one, understanding what NJ dealerships have to offer—and how to make the most of your experience—can help you make a smarter purchase. Here’s a comprehensive guide to buying from new and used car dealerships in NJ.

Why Choose NJ for Your Car Purchase?

New Jersey offers an excellent market for car buyers, thanks to a competitive dealer landscape and strategic location near major cities like New York and Philadelphia. With numerous dealerships across the state, you’re sure to find a variety of makes, models, and price points to match your needs. Whether you’re searching for a family-friendly SUV, a fuel-efficient commuter, or a high-performance sports car, NJ’s new and used car dealerships have something for everyone.

New vs. Used: What’s Right for You?

Before diving into dealership options, it’s essential to determine whether a new or used vehicle is right for you.

Benefits of Buying New:

Warranty Coverage: New cars typically come with warranties that cover parts and repairs for several years, providing peace of mind.

Latest Features: You’ll enjoy the latest in safety, tech, and design features, from advanced infotainment systems to improved fuel efficiency.

Better Financing Options: Many new car dealerships in NJ offer low-interest financing options and sometimes even special incentives or rebates.

Benefits of Buying Used:

Lower Price Point: Used vehicles are generally more affordable and avoid the steep depreciation that occurs within the first few years of owning a new car.

Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Options: NJ dealerships often offer CPO vehicles that are inspected, refurbished, and come with extended warranties.

Diverse Options: With NJ’s vast selection of used car dealerships, buyers can explore a wider range of brands, models, and years to find a car that meets both their budget and needs.

Finding the Right Dealership in NJ

1. Research Dealership Reputation

Not all dealerships are created equal, so take time to read reviews and check dealership ratings. Websites like Google, Yelp, and DealerRater can provide insights from previous customers, highlighting a dealership’s customer service, pricing practices, and transparency.

2. Compare Inventory Options

Look for dealerships with a wide variety of both new and used inventory. Larger dealerships often have more options, including certified pre-owned vehicles and high-demand new models. Many NJ dealerships allow you to browse inventory online, making it easy to compare vehicles and narrow down your choices before visiting.

3. Explore Financing and Trade-In Options

Most NJ dealerships offer flexible financing options, including lease and loan programs. It’s worth checking if they offer pre-qualification tools on their websites so you can estimate monthly payments and budget accordingly. If you plan to trade in an existing vehicle, inquire about trade-in values and consider getting multiple appraisals to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Tips for Buying New Cars in NJ

1. Watch for Seasonal Promotions

New Jersey dealerships often run sales events during major holidays, like Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, where you might find discounts on new vehicles. End-of-year clearance sales, when dealerships aim to make room for the new year’s models, can also lead to substantial savings.

2. Understand Dealer Fees

NJ dealerships may charge fees for documentation, delivery, or vehicle preparation. Ask for a detailed breakdown of these fees so you understand the total cost before committing. While some fees are non-negotiable, understanding them upfront helps you avoid surprises.

3. Test Drive Multiple Models

With so many models available, it’s beneficial to test drive a few to see which suits you best in terms of comfort, performance, and handling. Don’t hesitate to request a longer test drive if possible; this gives you a better feel for the vehicle on various roads and at different speeds.

Tips for Buying Used Cars in NJ

1. Request a Vehicle History Report

Ask for a CARFAX or AutoCheck report for any used car you’re considering. These reports provide crucial information about a vehicle’s accident history, maintenance records, and previous ownership, helping you avoid potential problems.

2. Look for Certified Pre-Owned Options

Many NJ dealerships offer certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles that have been rigorously inspected, come with warranties, and offer additional perks. While CPO cars can be pricier than non-certified used cars, the added quality assurance is often worth it.

3. Inspect the Vehicle Thoroughly

Don’t hesitate to inspect both the exterior and interior carefully. Look for any signs of wear and tear, and check under the hood for potential issues. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, consider hiring a mechanic to give the car a thorough inspection before purchase.

Negotiation Tips for NJ Car Dealerships

Regardless of whether you’re buying new or used, being prepared to negotiate can help you get the best price.

Do Your Research: Understand the market value of the vehicle you're interested in, including any additional features.

Request Price Breakdowns: Dealerships often include add-ons, such as extended warranties or gap insurance. Request a breakdown of costs and decline any extras you don’t need.

Ask About Extras: Sometimes, dealerships will include free maintenance, extended warranties, or other perks as part of the sale. It doesn’t hurt to ask!

Final Thoughts

New Jersey car dealerships offer a diverse inventory, great financing options, and plenty of new and used vehicles to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a brand-new car with the latest features or a reliable used vehicle that fits your budget, NJ dealerships provide an excellent marketplace for car buyers. By researching dealerships, timing your purchase, and negotiating effectively, you can find the ideal vehicle for your needs and drive away feeling confident in your choice.

[lboogie1906]

Derrick Martell Rose (October 4, 1988) is a former basketball player. He played one year of college basketball for the Memphis Tigers before being drafted first overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2008 NBA draft. Nicknamed “D-Rose”, “The Windy City Assassin” or “Pooh”, he was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2009 and became the youngest player to win the NBA MVP Award in 2011.

He was born and raised in Chicago and attended Simeon Career Academy. He was highly recruited by colleges, choosing to join the University of Memphis. He led the Tigers to the most wins in NCAA history (a 38–2 record) their first #1 ranking in 25 years, and an appearance in the NCAA championship game. In 2009, an NCAA investigation revealed that his SAT scores had been invalidated, and the NCAA vacated Memphis’ entire 2007–08 season.

He has struggled with significant knee injuries since his 2010–11 MVP season. In the first round of the 2012 NBA playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers, he tore his ACL in his left knee. He required surgery and was sidelined for the entire 2012–13 season. He returned to play in 2013–14, but in November 2013, he injured his right meniscus, causing him to miss the remainder of the season. He returned the following season, but knee injuries continued to impact his availability and his production.

He was traded to the New York Knicks, where he finished the final year of his contract. He signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2017–18 season but was hobbled by ankle injuries, which led to him being traded to the Utah Jazz. He signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves on a rest-of-season contract; he stayed with the team through the following season and enjoyed a revived role as a sixth man off the bench despite missing 31 games due to injury management. For the 2019–20 season, the Detroit Pistons signed him, and he continued to be successful off the bench. The Knicks re-acquired him in a trade.

He has one son. He is a Christian and has spoken about his faith, saying “God does everything for a reason”.

In 2018, he introduced The Rose Scholars, a scholarship program to help students achieve a higher education. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence