Sunday, October 29, 2017

Google to Fight Fake News

Google is taking its battle against misleading information to the real world.

The company has partnered with the International Fact-Checking Network, a nonpartisan organization run by The Poynter Institute that advocates across the globe for accuracy in online articles.

The IFCN holds an annual fact-checking conference, funds fellowships and provides training for would-be fake-news detectives, plus it's the author behind a widely accepted code of principles for media organizations.

https://www.engadget.com/2017/10/26/google-fake-news-international-fact-checking-network/

Roger Stone Banned from Twitter Over Threats

Roger Stone has been banned from Twitter permanently after a vulgar meltdown Friday aimed at CNN reporters, which included threats, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

The close friend and former adviser to Donald Trump went on a tirade after CNN reported Robert Mueller approved the first charges into his investigation on the Russian meddling of the 2016 presidential election. ...

"We believe in freedom of expression and in speaking truth to power, but that means little as an underlying philosophy if voices are silenced because people are afraid to speak up," the source said.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/roger-stone-banned-twitter-threatening-cnn-anchors-1052758

Trump Approval Hits New Low: 38%

President Donald Trump's job approval rating has declined to the lowest point of his presidency, and nearly half of voters want their vote in the 2018 midterms to be a message for more

Democrats in Congress to check Trump and congressional Republicans, according to a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll.

Thirty eight percent of Americans say they approve of Trump's job performance -- down five points since September -- while 58 percent disapprove.

"This is his worst showing of his young presidency so far," said Democratic pollster Fred Yang of Hart Research Associates, who conducted this survey with Republican pollster Bill McInturff and his team at Public Opinion Strategies.

The drop for Trump has come from independents (who shifted from 41 percent approval in September to 34 percent now), whites (who went from 51 percent to 47 percent) and whites without a college degree (from 58 percent to 51 percent).

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-s-approval-rating-drops-lowest-level-yet-new-nbc-n815321

Pharma Billionaire Arrested for Racketeering

The billionaire founder and majority owner of Insys Therapeutics was arrested Thursday on racketeering and fraud charges for an alleged nationwide scheme to push an extremely potent opioid drug containing fentanyl onto patients.

According to the Department of Justice, John Kapoor, 74, of Phoenix, Arizona, used bribes, kickbacks, and other fraudulent practices to get doctors to overprescribe the fentanyl drug, called Subsys. Fentanyl is a highly addictive synthetic opioid that can be up to 100 times more potent than morphine.

As such, Subsys is only intended to treat severe pain in cancer patients. But according to the DOJ, many patients receiving Subsys didn't have cancer.

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/10/doj-billionaire-pharma-owner-fueled-the-opioid-epidemic-with-bribery-scheme/

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Westchester County Events

Auditions
Sat. & Tues., Sept. 16 & 19
“THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME.” White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Pl., White Plains. Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Tues. 7-10 p.m. Choir auditions. Rehearsals are 1-2 nights a week. Non-acting, non-dancing roles for singers. 914/328-1600; www.wppac.com.
Benefits
Fri., Sept. 15
THE GIFT OF A WISH FUNDRAISER. The Coliseum, 15 S. Broadway, White Plains. 7:30 p.m. 4thAnnual Kaitlyn’s Wish fundraiser to help grant wishes for local children with life-threatening medical conditions hosted by Make-A-Wish® Hudson Valley. Food, beverages, a live and silent auction and dancing. www.501auctions.com/kaitlynswish.
Sat., Sept. 16
BENEFIT CONCERT FOR VICTIMS OF HURRICANE HARVEY. Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial, Rte. 35, Somers. 1-7 p.m. Event includes scheduled appearances by the Gerard Carelli Quartet, Andes Manta along with their colorful dancers; the McLean Avenue Band, Gary Adamson and Merle Williams. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic and lawn chairs or blankets for lawn seating. Food and refreshments will be available for sale. Admission is a minimum donation of $10 per person for all ages. For information go to lasdonpark.org.
PAINTERS ON LOCATION. Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Rd., Rye. 5 p.m. free reception; 6:30 p.m. live auction. Bidding paddles are available for $20. Proceeds will support participating artists and outreach at the RAC. 914/967-0700.
PICTURE HOUSE 6TH ANNUAL PICNIC IN THE PARK FALL FUNDRAISER. The Picture House, 175 Wolfs La., Pelham. 6-11 p.m. Cocktails, popcorn and an advance screening of the biopic “Battle of the Sexes” starring Steve Carell and Emma Stone. After the film guests will head to the park directly across the street where they will enjoy a gourmet picnic dinner, followed by dancing under the stars.  $160 per person. Proceeds help fund the non-profit Picture House. For tickets go to www.thepicturehouse.org.
Fri., Sept. 22
BENEFIT CONCERT FOR WESTCHESTER ARTS ORGANIZATION AXIAL THEATRE. Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, 480 N. Bedford Rd., Chappaqua. 8 p.m. Musical duo The Kennedys will perform. $45. 914/286-7680.
Sun., Sept. 24
FEDERATED CONSERVATIONISTS OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY FALL BENEFIT-CLEARWATER SAIL. Historic Yonkers Pier, 71 Water Grant Street, Yonkers. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. Two sailings aboard Pete Seeger’s historic Hudson River Sloop Clearwater. Meet local environmentalists and hear about the Hudson River’s history and ecology. Learn how to navigate the sloop and enjoy sea chanteys. Tickets are $150; free for children under 3 and $50 for ages 3-12. www.eventbrite.com/e/fcws-fall-benefit-clearwater-sail-tickets-36762831619#tickets.
Thurs., Sept. 28
6TH ANNUAL SPRYE BENEFIT. Willow Ridge Country Club, 123 North St., Harrison. 6-8 p.m. Event will honor Roz and Joe Carvin of Rye Brook. www.sprye.org; 914/481-5706.
Classes
Tues., Sept. 19-Dec. 2
ADULT LANGUAGE COURSES: Westchester Italian Cultural Center, 1 Generoso Pope Pl., Tuckahoe. First Time Learners--Saturdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Today-Dec. 2nd. $400 Beginner: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Today-Dec. 2 and Intermediate, Tuesdays 7:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 19-Nov. 28. Each class is $400 for non-members. Trial classes are available for $40 upon request. 914/771-8700.
Comedy
Sun., Sept. 17
PUDD’NHEAD PRESENTS: SELECTED SHORTS/LOTS OF LAUGHS. Wilton Playshop, 15 Loves La., Wilton, Ct. 2-3:30 p.m. Features Michael Ian Black, Josh Charles and Ana Gasteyer. $40. Limited seats. Register online at www.marktwainlibrary.org or call 203/938-2545.
Tues., Sept. 19
COMEDY NIGHT. Westchester Broadway Theatre, 1 Broadway Plaza, Elmsford. 6:15 p.m. dinner; 8 p.m. show. Six popular comics for a night of great dining and outrageous comedy. Adult humor—ages 18+ please. $84 plus tax per person for dinner and show; $50 plus tax show only. 914/592-2222.
Sat., Sept. 23
STORY PIRATES. White Plains Performing Arts Center. 11 City Pl., White Plains. 2 p.m. Celebrates creative writing by students from coast to coast in a big, hilarious sketch comedy musical performed by professional actors and musicians. $23 for adults; $19 ages 12 & younger. 914/328-1600 x10.
Concerts/Music
Every Friday
FRIDAY NIGHT JAZZ JAM. Hastings Station CafĂ©, 134 Southside Ave., Hastings-on-Hudson. Live jazz every Friday evening from 7-10 p.m. There will be an open jam session midway through the evening. 914/693-3175.
Thru Sun., Sept. 17
2017 WHITE PLAINS JAZZ FEST. Celebration of jazz for music lovers of all ages.  Sept. 15: Pablo Mayor Sextet at 8 p.m. at ArtsWestchester, 31 Mamaroneck Ave. Sept. 16: Paquito D’Rivera Quintet at 8 p.m. (see Sept. 16 listing below) and Sept. 17: White Plains Jazz & Food Festival. Free. From 12-5:30 P.M. on Mamaroneck Avenue. For complete information about this event, tickets and concert info go to www.artswestchester.org.
Fri., Sept. 15
AN EVENING WITH SLOAN WAINWRIGHT AND COSY SHERIDAN. Walker Center for the Arts, Harvey School, Kastonah. 8 p.m. $35. For tickets log on to www.sloanwainwright.com.
Fri., Sept. 15-Sun., Sept. 24
JAZZ FORUM CONCERTS. 1 Dixon La., Tarrytown. Sept. 15 & 16: George Coleman Quartet, 7 & 9 p.m. $25. Sept. 17: Eddie Monteiro Quartet, 4 & 6 p.m. $15. Sept. 22 & 23:  Joe Lovano Quartet, 7 & 9 p.m. $25. Sept. 24: Larua Dreyer & The Manhattan/Rio Connection. 4 & 6 p.m. $15. 914/631-1000.
Sat., Sept. 16
POP, ROCK & DOO WOPP LIVE. Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown. 8 p.m. Features performances by Sonny Turner, The Coasters, Danny & The Juniors, Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners, Emil Stucchio & The Classics and The Devotions. $55, $65 & $75. www.tarrytownmusichall.org.
PAQUITO D’RIVERA QUINTET. White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Pl., White Plains. 8 p.m. Concert is part of the White Plains Jazz Fest. Iconic Cuban American virtuoso of the clarinet and saxophone, composer and Grammy winner in both jazz and classical categories performs. $24-$44. 914/328-1600 x18; www.wppac.com.
Sun., Sept. 17
CHAMBER MUSIC. Classroom Building, Westchester Community College, 75 Grasslands Rd., Valhalla. 3 p.m. Strictly for Strings Fall Frolic—musical treasures from the Baroque period with masterpieces by Bach, Vivaldi and Corelli. $20 general admission; $18 seniors and $14 students. 914/606-6262; www.sunywcc.edu.
CANTA LIBRE CHAMBER ENSEMBLE. North Castle Public Library, 19 Whippoorwill Rd. E., Armonk. 3 p.m. Music for flute, strings and piano by Bernard Andres, Nino Rota, Ladislas Rohozinski, Howard Blake, Sir Arnold Bax, Gabriel Faure, contemporary composers and more. Free and open to the public. 914/274-3887; www.northcastlelibrary.org.
Thurs., Sept. 21
RODRIGUEZ. Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown. 8 p.m. Legendary singer-songwriter performs. $58, $75, $85, $98 & $118. www.tarrytownmusichall.org.
Fri., Sept. 22
MATTHEW SWEET. Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown. 8 p.m. Sweet is the leading figure of the American pop power revival. $30, $34 & $45. www.tarrytownmusichall.org.
Sat., Sept. 23
ERIC THOMAS. St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, 897 S. Columbus Ave., Mt. Vernon. 1 p.m. Free. Enjoy a musical presentation featuring Eric Thomas on jazz flute with keyboard. 914/667-4116; www.nps.gov/sapa.
PESKY J. NIXON. Common Ground Coffeehouse, 25 Old Jackson Ave., Hastings-on-Hudson. 7:30 p.m. Special guest: Kirsten Maxwell. www.commongroundconcerts.com.
Crafts, Fairs & Festivals
Fri.-Sun., Sept. 15-17
CRAFTS AT LYNDHURST. 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown. Fri. & Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. A celebration of all things handmade featuring 300 modern American artists, designers and craftspeople. New this year: Interactive puppet theater from Middle Earth Studios. Face painting, stilt walkers, storytelling and more for kids. See demos of wheel thrown pottery, wood turning and canoe-making. Gourmet foods to eat and take home. Weekend pass is $12; $11 for seniors $4 for children 6-16 and free for children under 6. Mansion tours are additional. For additional information, discount coupons, group rates and travel directions go to www.artrider.com or 845/331-7900.
Sat., Sept. 16
YONKERS RIVERFEST FOOD ARTS MUSIC FESTIVAL. Downtown Yonkers. 12-7 p.m. Free. Features 20 live bands on 4 stages; children’s entertainment, Ferris wheel, art exhibits, cooking demonstrations, beer and wine gardens, free kayaking.
Sun., Sept. 17
GREAT FALL FESTIVAL. Christ Church Greenwich, 254 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich. 10 a.m. The public is invited to meet the Rev. John H. Branson at the festival. He will be the Interim Rector of the church. www.christchurchgreenwich.org.
Sun., Sept. 24
JAY DAY FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL. Jay Heritage Center, 210 Boston Post Rd., Rye. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Celebrate the 2013 Hudson River Ramble! With storyteller Jonathan Kruk as John Jay and the music of the Hudson River Ramblers. Falconry demonstration by Jim Eyring. Step back to the days and intrigue of the Revolutionary War in Rye and explore our American heritage at the historic home of John Jay and his family. Pony rides, farmers markets, children’s crafts, cider and cheese tastings, music; tours by costumed docents; face painting and balloon animals. $30 per Family; $10 per individual. 914/698-9275.9
Dance
Sat., Sept. 16
AFRICAN HERITAGE ENTERTAINMENT. Academic Arts Theatre, Westchester Community College, 75 Grasslands Rd., Valhalla. 8 p.m. A performance of Wassa Pan Afrika’s Yedee Ba. This electrifying ensemble takes audiences on a journey through the diverse traditional African heritage by fusing dance, music, stories and songs. $24 general admission; $22 students; $18 children under 13. To purchase tickets with a credit card log on to www.sunywcc.edu/smartarts and click on the “Buy Tickets” link. For information call 914/606-6262 .
Sat., Sept. 16, Mon., Sept. 18 & 25
FREE SQUARE DANCING FUN NIGHTS. Katonah Methodist Church Parish Hall, 44 Edgemont Rd., Katonah, 7:30-9 p.m. An enjoyable activity for all ages, square dancing is a lot of fun and great exercise for both body and mind. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. Open to singles, couples and families. Casual attire; no experience necessary. For information call Tee at 914/433-2919.
Films
Thurs., Sept. 21
A CELEBRATION OF SOPHIA LOREN: ARABESQUE. Westchester Italian Cultural Center, 1 Generoso Pope Pl., Tuckahoe. 7:30 p.m. Advance registration required. wiccny.org or 914/771-8700.9
Fri.-Thurs., Sept. 22-28
CONTEMPORARY ARAB CINEMA. Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville. Sept. 22: “The Insult.” 7:30 p.m. A modern-day fable about dignity and justice in Lebanon, in which a trivial disagreement between a Palestinian construction worker and his Christian neighbor leads to a taut courtroom drama that practically escalates into civil war. Opening night with reception. In Arabic with subtitles. $15. Sept. 23: “In Between.” 4:30 p.m. This engaging, controversial film tells what happens when a veiled Muslim woman moves into a Tel Aviv apartment with a couple of partying Arab-Israelis. In Arabic/Hebrew with subtitles. 7:30 p.m. “Solitaire.” Therese, the wife of a mayor of a small Lebanese village, holds tightly to the memory of her brother, who was killed by a Syrian bomb during the Lebanese Civil War 20 years ago. She’s hung photos of him all over the house, and she talks to them constantly (and they, in turn, talk back). When we meet her, Therese is beside herself with anticipation: She is about to meet the family who will be her in-laws. But when she hears their Syrian accents, all her ingrained animosity comes to the surface and she becomes determined to stop the engagement—while remaining the ever-graceful Arab hostess. This comedic drama is a lively and touching story of acceptance and love, which conquers all. Arabic with subtitles.  Q&A with filmmaker Sophie Boutros via Skype. Sept. 24: “The Preacher.” 3 p.m. Political thriller about a moderate Muslim television preacher in a largely conservative society. A charismatic, charming man, he enjoys a lavish lifestyle buoyed by the devotion of millions of followers who rely on him for hope and encouragement. But since his message deviates from traditional religious rhetoric, it focuses unwanted attention on him and his family. Before long, he is trapped in a complex web of conflict, his personal life unravels, and he tries to find a way to make a dent in the climate of hypocrisy and fear. Deeply moving, and with welcome doses of humor, The Preacher boldly addresses the way politics manipulates religion for its own ends in the Arab world—and beyond. In Arabic with subtitles. Q&A with filmmaker Magdi Ahmed Ali. Films are $13 for non-members unless noted otherwise. Additional films in this series will be listed in an upcoming edition. www.burnsfilmcenter.org.
Lectures
Tues., Sept. 18
CAPTURING NATURE THROUGH THE LENS OF ART: LEVELS OF DESCRIPTION IN BRUDGHEL AND BEYOND. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr., Greenwich. 6:30-8 p.m. Arianne Kolb, independent curator will speak. Jan Brueghel the Elder’s paradise landscapes and detailed paintings of animals and plants are characteristic of art, science and religion during the 16th & 17th centuries. Multidisciplinary analysis of Brueghel’s works reveals parallels between the artistic representation of nature and developments in natural-historical inquiry as well as scientific inventions. Light refreshments precede the lecture. $15 for non-members. RSVP to science@brucemuseum.org or 203/413-6757.
Opera
Sun., Sept. 17
BERNSTEIN AND FRIENDS. Iona College, 715 North Ave., New Rochelle. 3 p.m. Presented by New Rochelle Opera. Concert will feature selections by Leonard Bernstein and his contemporaries. Program will be narrated by company co-founder and artistic director, Camille Coppola. $25 general admission; $20 for seniors; $15 for students and free for Iona students and staff. www.nropera.org or 800/838-30016 ext. 1.
Theater
Thru Sept. 24
“GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER.” Dressing Room Theatre, Curtain Call Inc., 1349 Newfield Ave., Stamford. Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. matinee at 2 p.m. Show is based on the hit movie set in 1967 and explores a progressive couple’s proud liberal sensibilities as they are put to the test when their daughter arrives home with an expected fiancĂ©. $32 for adults; $25 for senior citizens and $16 for children up to age 21. All seats are $25 Thurs. evenings. 203/461-6358 or www.curtaincallinc.com.
Sat., Sept. 23
“SENSE & SENSIBILITY.” Academic Arts Theatre, Westchester Community College, 75 Grasslands Rd., Valhalla. 8 p.m. Presented by the Aquila Theatre Company. Based on Jane Austen’s novel, this play portrays the socioeconomic world where the choices for women are limited. $24 general admission; $22 students & seniors; $18 children under 13 and free for WCC students. www.sunywcc.edu/smartarts.
“JUST TRUST.” Schoolhouse Theater & Arts Center, 3 Owen(s) Rd., N. Salem. 8 p.m. Written and performed by Amy Stiller, this is a semi-autobiographical journey of a spiritually desperate woman striving to emotionally survive as the only non-famous person in a very famous family. $25. 914/277-8477; www.schoolhousetheater.org.
Thru Nov. 26 & Dec. 28-Jan. 28
“ANNIE GET YOUR GUN.” Westchester Broadway Theatre, 1 Broadway Plaza, Elmsford. Wed., Thurs. & some Fri. matinees, 11:30 a.m. lunch; 1 p.m. show. Thurs.-Sat. evenings 6:30 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. show; Sun. matinees 12 p.m. lunch, 1:30 p.m. show and Sunday evening dinner 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. show. $56-$84 plus tax depending on performance chosen. 914/592-2222.

Mamaroneck News Reports

Monday, August 21, 2017

2017 Ain't All Bad: Steve Urkel is Back

Few people have contributed to the landscape of American television at a young age like Jaleel White. After popularizing the incredibly nerdy, over-the-top character of Steve Urkel on Family Matters, he's going back to the world of sitcoms, this time as an adult. White began his acting career at the age of 12 when he played the quirky inventor next door to the Winslow family. Not only did he explode in all pop culture circles thanks to his comedic performance and memorable catchphrases, White flexed his creative muscles and wrote two of the series' episodes at age 19. Now, thanks to a recent partnership between Warner Bros. and Hulu, ABC's famed "TGIF" lineup, which includes all nine seasons of Family Matters, will be available for users to stream and binge-watch on September 29....

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2017/08/18/jaleel-white-talks-steve-urkel-new-sitcom-and-best-compliment-hes-ever-received.html