EUROZONE HOPES AND RETAIL SALES SEND US FUTURES HIGHER

Astoria , New York

Worldwide markets are soaring and that was good for US futures as they are higher by more than 2 percent. Retailers did very well in post Thanksgiving sales and they are forecasted to be about 1 billion dollars more than last year. " We need to see item sales versus total sales as I may see inflation trickling into all of this, but even so it is very good and a morale booster for the economy. " commented FPG. " With the euroone, it has been a cat and mouse game and every time there is hope, that bodes well for the markets."

BLACK FRIDAY BEGINS WITH LONG LINES AT RETAILERS

Astoria, New York

Black Friday or perhaps Black Thursday night for some stores has begun early for US retailers. Best Buy on Northern Boulevard in Woodside , Queens had between one thousand to two thousand early bird shoppers in the midnight hour early Friday morning. " The line of shoppers waiting outside was wrapped around the block. Hot items on sale were computers , flat screens and gaming equipment. " said Berlusconi Italia blogger FPG. Target in College Point had an almost full parking lot of cars. There were people on line but I was able to get in after 10 minutes. A security guard advised that the line was very long before the store opened at midnight. More than a thousand shoppers were at that location too. There were many items on sale. People snapping up flat screens , cleaning equipment , gaming items and towels. " I believe that people are coming out to buy hoping for a good deal and they are getting a lukewarm welcome from retailers. Deals are not that hot but good enough for bargain hunters " commented FPG. Police presence was evident as retailers try to prevent any stampede. Markets may signal some reversal in the negative trend of the past week once retailers begin to release their sales.

CAN RETAILERS REVERSE NEGATIVE WEEK DOWNTREND?

Black Friday or perhaps Black Thursday night for some stores has begun early for US retailers. Best Buy on Northern Boulevard in Woodside , Queens had between one thousand to two thousand early bird shoppers in the midnight hour early Friday morning. " The line of shoppers waiting outside was wrapped around the block. Hot items on sale were computers , flat screens and gaming equipment. " said Berlusconi Italia blogger FPG. Target in College Point had an almost full parking lot of cars. There were people on line but I was able to get in after 10 minutes. A security guard advised that the line was very long before the store opened at midnight. More than a thousand shoppers were at that location too. There were many items on sale. People snapping up flat screens , cleaning equipment , gaming items and towels. " I believe that people are coming out to buy hoping for a good deal and they are getting a lukewarm welcome from retailers. Deals are not that hot but good enough for bargain hunters " commented FPG. Police presence was evident as retailers try to prevent any stampede. Markets may signal some reversal in the negative trend of the past week once retailers begin to release their sales.

ASTORIA CRIMINALS BEWARE, THE BATMAN IS OUT OF THE CAVE.

* ESCALATING ASTORIA CRIMES WAKE UP PETER VALLONE JR

Astoria , New York

A man touching a little girl in a library, groping of women in different ways , car smashings and breakins and an attempted rape on 2 women on 21 street was enough for the batman to come out of Vallone Jr . The Astoria NYC Councilman , dressed up as batman for Halloween , meant business as he spoke out to the community last week. He is forming committees and he is asking the help of Astoria residents to come out and notify authorities. " Today's gropers can be tomorrows rapers and we need these crimes. to take action now to prevent these criminals to be on the loose. " he said. NYS senator Mike Gianaris with assemblywoman Aravella Simotas are working on legislation to increase the penalties on these crimes.

ITALIAN FEDERATION OF QUEENS GETS GIADA VALENTI FOR 40TH ANNIVERSAY DINNER DANCE

Astoria, New York

The Italian Federation of Queens and its members concluded a successful event at the Chateau Briand Caterers in Long Island, New York. " The dinner dance to celebrate its 40 th anniversary was a enjoyable event with good food, music and entertainment. " said FPG. There were about 150 people who attended as George Onorato , Angie Markham and Carlo Bucich were honored for their dedication in making the Federation a continued success throughout its existence. The organization was founded back in 1971 by a few community leaders and italian americans who wanted to support and provide various services to the community. George Onorato, former NYS senator, was instrumental to the success of the Federation as he provided monetary support with funding in the millions for the 28 years he was in office. In attendance at the event, we had NYS assemblywoman Aravella Simotas , spokespeople for NYS senator Mike Gianaris and US congresswoman Carolyn Maloney , INCA USA president John De Gennaro and former Astoria city manager George Delis. Many presidents of various clubs that are associated to the Federation of Italian Americans of Queens also attended the event. Italian singer and songwriter Giada Valenti recognized for her special voice and stage presence had the stage with some italian and french classic songs. " We were delighted to see Giada sing among the crowd. She has real talent and we hope the best for her. " commented FPG. Her husband JJ informed Berlusconi Italia blogspot that Giada Valenti is preparing for a huge event early next year. The Italian Singer and her orchestra will host the event on Saturday, February 4, at 7.30 pm. Ticket prices will vary from $ 30.00 to $45.00. For additional information visit www.dhpac.org or call 631-656-2148 .

ONORATO TO BE HONORED AT CHATEAU BRIAND IN WESTBURY LI

Astoria, New York
George Onorato, a former New York State Senator from the Astoria Community will be honored at the 40 th Anniversary Dinner Dance hosted by the Italian-American Federation of Queens. Onorato has been a NY State Senator for a long time. His hard work and dedication to the Queens Community will be remembered for years to come. Mike Giannaris is cuurently the new senator. Others to be honored are Angie Markham and Carlo Bucich.

ITALIAN FEDERATION 40TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER DANCE AT CHATEAU BRIAND

Astoria, New York
The Italian Federation of Queens aka FIAO, will host its 40th anniversary dinner dance at Chateau Briand on Sunday November 13th. The cost of the ticket will be $100.00 per person. Please contact Angie Markham at 718-204-2444. The Federation was founded in 1971 by a few italian-americans that included Vincent Iannece, Chairman Emeritus.

OUT STATE REGISTERED VEHICLES RESIDING IN NEW YORK CITY

* A GOOD REASON FOR THE NYPD TO FRISK THESE DRIVERS
* OWNERS RESIDING IN NEW YORK MUST CHANGE STATE REGISTRATION ON THEIR VEHICLES
Astoria, New York
While the mayor of New York City Mike Bloomberg is trying to find ways to make revenue on New York residents, he should sit down and think about out of state registered vehicles who reside in New York City. New Jersey, Connecticut, Aloha State, Nevada, Florida were the ones I have seen this week. They are on Northern Boulevard, Astoria Boulevard and Ditmars Boulevard.
They are also the ones that may speed a little, blow red lights and run through a stop sign. Who cares? Their registration is from out of state but they may reside here in New York City for months or perhaps years. Even, they may reside here with friends or relatives disguising there whereabouts to law enforcement and authorities. " This is definetely a money saver for these dollar savers motorists. They can save in the hundreds of dollars if not a thousand or more each year by not identifying their true residence." said FPG. Dollar pinching on their registration renewals each year will not only have an effect on New York State sources of revenue but also on insurance companies, certified mechanics doing annual inspections, the Department of Finance trying to collect on traffic and parking fines. " This could amount to millions to New York City and New York State and something has to be done now to fix the situation. " added FPG. " Bloomberg who has keen eye on making money from residents, has to take this on consideration.
Also, our governor Andrew Cuomo needs to look at implementing legislation in preventing this theft to New York State. Frisking by NYPD should take in consideration the license plates of the vehicle they are stopping. Unnecessary detective work can be prevented by having implementations on detecting motor vehicle registration fraud way ahead of time.
As usual, we need to bring this up to the little guys like assembly woman Aravella Simotas and State Senator Michael Giannaris before we can see the ball rolling." finalized FPG.