The Jersey Tomato

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T15:46:00.002-08:00

My mom and I have spent the day watching out our shop's window at hapless men walking into the unopening door of a certain chain drugstore which closed two weeks ago after giving more than 6 months of notice.

Some catch on quickly, noticing that the neon signs are no longer lit. Others attend to have the door sensor catch them walking so that they can gain entrance, then rattle the door, then peer in, then peer in again (this time using their hands as sunshields), walk around the corner, walk back to the door. And then finally back to their cars to drive somewhere else for their cheap chocolates and mass-produced cards.

Today is not only Valentine's Day... it's also the release of Holly's movie. It's nice to know a Jersey Girl who made it, even though she abandoned us all to move to Amherst. How her life has changed in the past 5 years before any of her books made the top of the NYT list. Apparently, Tony Diterlizzi's illustrations have been recreated into Happy Meal toys. Here's a photo of the premiere in LA.

GO HOLLY!!!

Giggle

2008-01-16T16:31:00.000-08:00

A gal who comes into the store once in a while asked me if I was pregnant. The answer was "no." She quickly said "you will be... within 18 months."

Apparently, she has this "gift" and heard baby giggles around me (she also can feel death which she didn't feel around me!). So I figured I would blog this, to see what happens.

Living in IKEA

2008-01-08T15:29:00.000-08:00

So there's this "comedian" from the big city who thinks it would be a great idea to live in a IKEA for a week while his apartment is getting fumigated. Not surprisingly, his wife is not participating in this. Whether IKEA is paying for this, I don't know. But considering that he probably doesn't make much being an usher for the Colbert Report, I sure hope so. Haven't understood how he's considered a comedian yet; he reminds me of my friend Kobie's brother. That's all I can say without hurting someone's feelings.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T13:24:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday, we collected tons o' canned goods at the Glen Burtnik's Xmas Xtravaganza. It was much fun. Ian Hunter and Jersey's own Deborah Harry showed up. And the East Brunswick percussion ensemble rocked! All it was missing was Harmonytryx's version of Whoville's "Fah Hoo Forays" which would have made an excellent intro to Don Dazzo's "You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch."

By the way... if you are going to donate food to a charity... please do not give GLASS BOTTLES. Nothing is worse than taking out a plastic bag filled with tomato sauce covered glass splinters.

To keep with the holiday spirit, I humbly submit this You Tube video...
(Stitch provided the link from Laughing Squid)

DAY 5: Reykjavik Grand Tour

2007-11-30T12:00:00.001-08:00

Franz Ferdinand's luggage
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

Now that we had used up all our energy on walking on a glacier and going to Greenland for the day, we kept it light on Day 5... a bus trip around the capital of Iceland.

First stop was at a modern church (Hallgrimskirkaja) which had a statue of Leif Erikson (donated by the US government, acknowledging his discovery of North America) in the front. It was near a Masonic temple which piqued my interest (found out later the Masons have had a presence since the early 1900s).

Past the harbor (highlight: boat painted gold which was to be a disco in the Caribbean but now just abandoned), past the house (Höfði) where Regan and Gorbachev met in 1986... wait is that a McDonald's?... to the Pearl (Perlan ). The Pearl is a rotating restaurant/giftstore on top of six hot water containers. Only five of the containers hold hot water for Reykjavik residents, the other one contains a viking museum. The view from the observation deck was fantastic and of course, windy.

The last stop was the National Museum of Iceland. We were not permitted to take photos of the artifacts (except for the room where you could try on traditional viking dress... Great photo of Lucky with a sword and helmet!) and many of the areas were dimly lit to protect the items. Instead of taking the bus back to the depot after 15 minutes, we opted to stay at the Museum to get a free guided tour. Honestly, it's what made the bus trip worth it (the rest seemed very touristy).

Our guide had a woolen cape and a pointer, and with her bright red hair seemed very much like an instructor at Hogwart's! The museum was well mapped out, starting from when the country was first inhabited to the switch to Christianity to current day (WWII items to Björk albums).

We walked back to our hotel, stopping to get some Chinese food. As some of you might know, it's a thing I do when I travel)... But we only got wonton soup. At $10, it was the most I was willing to spend on my whim. We ate it at the hotel with my leftovers from the Thai restaurant.

Finished with lunch, we ventured back out and noticed some luggage in the foyer... It was Franz Ferdinand's! The band was staying in the hotel and were going to be performing Friday night... Alas, we were leaving Friday afternoon.

We used the valuable tourism guide with the coupons in the back for another "cheaper" meal at Cafe Victor. A lovely seafood risotto and fish & chips. Mostly tourists in the restaurant, perhaps since it was near many hotels. It was the first time we had been close to any American tourists and wowee! I think it was the walking and TALKIN' Texas sterotype lady at the table next to us which made us cringe the most.

That Would Make A Great Band Name

2007-11-29T08:48:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday night, we went to a wake... Not the most cheery reasons to get together with friends, but we made the most of the two-hour total drive (+/- 15 minutes of getting lost because of bad Google directions) by having good conversation.

Somehow the phrase "Mormons on Speed-Dial" came up, and we decided that it would make a great name for a band. Of course, we debated whether "Amish on Speed-Dial" was funnier (because of the whole ludditesque thing) but the final decision was "MOSD" just sounded better.

It will now join "Living in Sin with Hal" as names we will be submitting to Dave Barry.

DAY 3: Þingvellir

2007-11-28T10:28:00.000-08:00

Þingvellir
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

The last stop on the Golden Circle tour was the most spectacular. Thingvellir is a national park which has been added to the list of World Heritage (certain places on Earth are of outstanding universal value and as such should form part of the common heritage of humankind). It is where the Vikings first met as a government. The volcanic ridges caused by the continental shifts have changed the area a bit since the last millennium but you can feel the awe that they must have felt years ago. Because it is protected, the park has almost no buildings around... nature's hug is a bit strange since we now come from a place where you are never away from the sound of cars, airplanes, and mini-malls. Again, a feeling with an intensity that really can not be described

How do you finish such a spectacular day? Go out for tapas!

The day before, one of the British couples recommended a restaurant because of a coupon. A discount in Iceland? Considering the price of eating out, we took advantage of this offer... spending "only" around $100. Among the many dishes... kangaroo and puffin (served with a blueberry sauce). Everything was delicious... the puffin had a smooth beefy taste. It's a traditional meal in Iceland and Greenland. If you are in Reykjavik, you definitely have to visit Tapas.

END OF DAY 3

DAY 3: Geyser

2007-11-27T09:42:00.000-08:00

Strokkur Geyser
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

Next stop was the Geysirs of Haukadalur.

Geysir is the one which all geysers all named after (accounts date back to 1294). It used to be a magnificent sight, spouting upwards to 60 meters. Now it rarely erupts... in order for it to show off, tons of detergent are dumped down the shaft, but due to environmental reasons they don't do that anymore. Strokkur (meaning "The Churn") is a two minute walk from the granddaddy of them all and we "made due" with Strokkur's 20 meter burst every five minutes or so. Lucky was amused by the bunches of people surrounding Strokkur in complete silence with cameras positioned just right.

There were plenty of other geysers and hot springs in the area which is prone to earthquakes. The earthquakes affect the activity of these natural phenomenons. A museum in the gift shop demonstrated the most recent earthquake. It also had a nice display about farming in the late 19th/early 20th century.

Everytime a bell rings, an angel gets his wings

2007-11-26T09:38:00.001-08:00

Little May Bells
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

Yesterday, Baloo's father passed away. He had been suffering from inoperable cancer for quite some time. But was very stubborn and lived every day to the fullest. He was a great storyteller and even when he was sick, had a sparkle in his eye.

He will be missed.

DAY 3: Remember to Kiss

2007-11-25T08:53:00.001-08:00

Remember to Kiss
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

The Gullfoss (or Golden Falls) is one of the biggest fall(s) I have ever seen. This photo is from a viewing stand far up and away from the falls.

Someone had written "Remember to Kiss" on the barrier, and we did :)

Icelanders seem to believe in the Darwin Theory, and there were only guide ropes on the path to the waterfall. The path is narrow and occasionally wet from the spray. But the payoff is big... being able to be at the edge of the first fall (topleft corner of the photo; the second one plunges down a ravine and is harder to see from close up.

DAY 3: The Golden Circle

2007-11-24T09:43:00.001-08:00

Kerith (Kerið)
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

After walking in the rain on a glacier, we took the next day pretty easy. The fact that we were almost 30 years younger than the average tourist on the bus would give you some idea.

The Golden Circle is THE touristy thing to do (other than the Blue Lagoon) since it shows off many of Iceland's natural wonders.

First stop was in the town of Hveragerði, a town built around the industry of "greenhouse vegetables." The tomatoes that we ate every morning came from this town... a weird orangy, thin skinned,sweet-sour tasting fruit er...,vegetable, as did the more normal tasting cucumbers. This town of barely 2,000 also grows the most bananas in Europe.

This stop was primarily a tourist trap... we stayed for about 45 minutes to use the "facilities" and buy plastic trolls, postcards, etc at the Eden-themed giftshop/restaurant. It was filled with fellow Golden Circle-ists (two buses full).

We were in the German/English tour bus so everything was said in duplicate. I warned Lucky that I might accidentally talk to him in German because I could hear in my head the merging of languages that happens whenever I'm immersed in German. The seats were very cramped and I seriously considered switching to the other bus but luckily we didn't...

On the way to our next stop, the other tour bus somehow got into an accident with a compact car and was delayed waiting for it all to be sorted out.

That stop was Kerith (Kerið)...a volcanic crater lake. It was amazing. The water is a stunning turquoise blue and the red rock was covered with moss and lichen.

Day 3: Part 1

Happy Unpaid State Holiday!

2007-11-23T10:29:00.000-08:00

Ah, yes... those poor state workers who had to use one of their precious vacation or sick days to go shopping. Those poor state workers who only get THIRTEEN paid holidays. Oh, and work only 35 hours per week. And get up to 15 sick days, and 5 weeks of vacation.

I might not have voted for Corzine but I applaud what he is doing.

Interesting OpEd

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T16:36:00.000-08:00

Pie Pie Pie
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

I saw a TV segment which was about how much turkey you should make per person... apparently you should figure 1-1.5 lb per person (2 lb if you want leftovers!) Even if you add the bones and skin... that still seems a lot of turkey to me!

Today, they showed off the new Shrek balloon. They've been pushing the Shrek theme at Macy's. A smaller version is sitting over the main entrance of the Herald Square store (btw... this year's windows are based on "Miracle on 34th Street" YAWN... like they haven't done something like that before!). I was personally very happy to see the Hello Kitty balloon (I could easily live in a Sanrio store, living on Hello Kitty waffles.)

A few years ago, Lucky and I tried to see the balloons T-G eve (all tucked in their mesh) but the lines were incredible and it was really cold. We went out to dinner instead.

PS: The PR secret guest was Sara Jessica Parker. Disappointing. She gets all the credit for her SITC outfits when it was really Patricia Field (whose basement store I used to visit all the time, lusting after skull printed dresses and drag wear and who is having a 20% off sale tomorrow).

Bon Jovi on Project Runway?

2007-11-21T15:16:00.000-08:00

Van Halen at MSG
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

That's the rumor... that's more star power than a Nikki Hilton, and I'll be watching tonight to see if it's true or not (not like I actually watch the show religiously :lol:).

Had a chance to go to NY for the premiere party last week but the night before I was watching Diamond Dave and the boys at MSG. Which reminds me... I owe you a review. DAMN... that was a fine concert! The energy was great. In addition to several top hats and bandleader jackets, DLR had a smile the entire time, even during "Oh, Pretty Woman" when he stopped to say "F**k, I forgot the lyrics!" (he picked it up after about 12 beats). And Eddie Van Halen had his shirt off the entire concert.

The seats weren't the best in the world (almost behind the stage) but there were many who wished that they had even our seats. I've never seen so many people begging to buy tickets. The band did make sure that we weren't ignored, DLR blew us kisses, and EVH (and his son Wolf) played to us as well.

Definitely, a recommend (and this is from someone who likes VH but wouldn't call herself a FAN)

DAY 4: Iceberg!

2007-11-20T16:22:00.001-08:00

Kulusuk Iceberg
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

After the show, we took a boat back to the airport. It was because "we were behind schedule and this would save time," but I got the guide to admit that that wasn't the whole truth.

The $25 ticket went mostly to the fishermen, as a way for them to earn a wage (and also to avoid begging). The money was worth it... as you can see we got really close to an iceberg. Close enough that we could see how true that "top of the iceberg" saying is... the ice was a teal blue in the clear water. True beauty.

Our day in Greenland was at an end... we took the plane back, eventually got a taxi (surprisingly, the taxi drivers don't speak English as well as everyone else we met!) back to the hotel.

For dinner, we had a traditional Icelandic treat... a hot dog! At a place called Texas Grill (that's right, leaving NJ and we still find a Texas Weiners!)... their version is called "Pylsa." A hot dog on a steamed bun topped with ketchup, mustard, crunchy fried onions, raw onions and a remoulade. It's the cheapest meal of the week... about $6 for a hot dog and soda. For dessert, we had a rolled crepe with cinammon sugar. YUMMY!

End Day 4 (yes I know I screwed up... Day 3 is coming)

DAY 4: Culture

2007-11-19T16:21:00.000-08:00

After buying our pricy goodies at the gift shop, we walked down to the bay for a cultural demonstration.

First, a Greenlander traditionally dressed, complete with sealskin boots and a drum made from polar bear stomach, performed a drum dance. Although most drum performances are now done for tourists, the drum is still considered to be a important part of the Greenlander culture. Drum dance was how their history and lore were passed down. This particular story is about a raven and goose that fall in love during the Greenland summer. When it's time for the geese to migrate, the raven decides to go with the goose. He will rest on the goose's back when breaks needed to be taken since ravens can't swim. But across the ocean, the goose remembers that the raven can't be trusted since his kind steal goose eggs and doesn't let the raven rest. The ravens eventually drowns. (Reminds me off the Silverstein boa constrictor poem).

Greenland Fisherman
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

Then another local demonstrated traditional spear fishing in a kayak. A kayak is especially made for the owner, based on the size and height of the person so that it is as balanced and watertight as possible.

DAY 4: Part 3

DAY 4: Kulusuk

2007-11-18T16:18:00.001-08:00

Greenland: Blue House
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

As we walked from the airport to the village of Kulusuk, we could hear the yapping of the dogs. After a few minutes, we were able to walk up a hill near the cemetery to see the village in the distance... small, brightly painted houses.

The cemetery had lots of plain white crosses. There were no names on the grave markers because, although most of the Inuits had converted to Christianity in the last century, there was still some remnants of their "pagan" religion. One being that, a person is made of three parts: the spirit, the body, and the name. When someone dies, his spirit goes on, his body decays, but his name is still alive.

The village was pretty small; perhaps 30 houses. Most of the residents stayed inside, except for some children playing ball. The general store was similar to one in the Poconos, complete with a gun rack (except this one had lots of dried fish jerky). The gift shop was different though... you could take home a polar bear skull, seal skin, or do as we did and get a tinyhandcarved polar bear made from reindeer horn (and a bracelet made from sealskin and gut).

Day 3: Part 2

Gobble Gobble

2007-11-17T14:50:00.001-08:00

Ford Mansion, Morristown
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

Today was the Turkey Drive and Holiday Open House. I've been working for 8 hours straight with no sitting or eating. Customers brought in about 30 turkeys and lots of canned goods for the FoodBank.

Problems with Blogger

2007-11-16T14:58:00.001-08:00

Bronze Statue in Reykjavik
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

For some reason, Blogger is not seeing my email as a valid one and so I can't do traditional posting. So ... a sad statue represents my mood.

Tomorrow is the Turkey Drive I'm sponsoring. So it will be an early morning (and a late night since it's also the store's open house)

Mailing away my ornies for the ornament swap. Can't wait to see what I get in return!

DAY 4: Greenland

2007-11-15T14:23:00.001-08:00

Landing in Greenland
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

The morning we were to catch the flight from Reykjavik Airport to Kulusuk (an island off of East Greenland), it was rainy and very windy. That kind of weather didn't help me with my nervousness.

I had wanted to go to Greenland for a long time (Smilla's Sense of Snow helped with that)... but knowing that I would have to go on a prop plane was what was making me nervous (Didn't know the size of the actual plane but had heard enough horror stories about friends on prop planes...). I had taken my little orange pill and was wearing my pressure point bracelets. The plane was delayed for over an hour because it was late returning from the other side of Iceland due to the bad weather. Great!

We received our tickets which were printed like a receipt. The back had some sort of acknowledgment of risk, I guess... just wished I knew Icelandic so that I could be certain I didn't promised to give away my first born!

Finally it was time to board... we first went through the security check. I was surprised that it was as through as it was. They also had a limit on liquids but luckily it was larger than 3 oz at a time (heard that Greenland has 'skeeters so brought the spray). Then we waited until the crew boarded... wait there's a flight attendant and a group of Japanese tourists are coming with us... it's going to be a pretty big plane!!! (phew)

The ride was pretty smooth and the lunch was delish for airline food. Two hours in the air, seeing icebergs in the ocean below. We land on a gravel strip near a mountain. Tikilluarit to Greenland!

When is "Too Early"?

2007-11-14T22:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas Lights in November
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

Last night, I passed this house all lit up (including the hedge in the front). Thanksgiving hasn't even happened!

This is what we get for all the bigbox stores shoving Santa down our gullets in October.

Might as well JUMP!

2007-11-13T10:23:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I'm having a girl's night out with Froggie in NYC. We're going to see Van Halen. Hopefully, the band won't fall apart in front of our eyes.

DAY 2: Waterfall

2007-11-12T11:05:00.001-08:00

Seljalandsfoss: Front
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

We finally nestled into our seats on the van. Maybe nestled isn't the right word... squooshed in is more like it. My hair was wet, my clothes were wet, my shoes were wet... my husband and his backpack were wet.

Luckily, one of the other couples had some Harðfiskur to share and distract us from our soggy tushies. Not the tastiest thing in the world... the dried fish slowly expands in the mouth when met with saliva and gets spongy. The smell is extremely fishy catfood-esque. Apparently it's popular with Icelanders as a snackie or as trail food. I wonder what food that's popular in Jersey would get a strange reaction from tourists... Taylor ham, fried hotdogs?

On the way back, we were treated to the chance of seeing Seljalandsfoss. This waterfall was made famous in Amazing Race 6 (one of the worst kept secrets prior to the airing... Considering that there are only 300,000 people on the entire island, and most live in the Reykjavik area, anyone who doesn't look like a local is going to stand out!)

The waterfall is gorgeous to look at, glacier water cascading down 60 meters off what used to by the former coastline thousands of years ago but it has a great bonus. After doing some light rock scrambling, you can actually go behind the waterfall. As you can see from the photo below, the cliff is hollowed out by about 30 feet. It was an amazing site.

What amazed me was that not everyone went behind the waterfall... some didn't even leave the bus! They definitely missed out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Shame on them.

::END OF DAY 2::

The Jazz Singer

2007-11-11T10:17:00.001-08:00

Last night, Lucky and I went to the Loews Jersey to see the Jazz Singer... this one not this one (which apparently my mother has seen numerous times. She still surprises me!)

The Jazz Singer (starring Al Jolson) was considered to be the first "talkie," or rather the "talkie" that caused the industry to realize that there was no turning back!

It was a fun movie that has held up pretty well... the story of a guy not wanting to go into the family business (in this case, being a cantor) and following his dream (...being a jazz singer). What did not hold up was the wonderment of the audience. There were some sound issues in the beginning, and within minutes, some of the audience was grumbling, and during the film when there were skips in the film, they would continue to make negative utterances. The film is 80 years old; this is the only 35mm reel in existence... have some understanding, people!

A special gem was the 1929 "Baby Rose Marie" featurette. Yup, that Rose Marie with the black hair bow from the Dick Van Dyke Show at 6 years of age. She had some pipes... like a 20s version of Christina Aguilera! From my understanding, it's part of the Jazz Singer's newest DVD set.

I will be missing out on the Otto Preminger film fest but just wait for Mary Poppins... I am so there!

DAY 2: Glacier Walk

2007-11-10T11:41:00.000-08:00

Glacier Drop
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

We woke up early on Monday, put on our thermals, winter wear, and waterproof jackets, and made our sandwiches. Then went down to breakfast. It wasn't as expansive as the one the day before (which had herring, eggs, sausage, and crepes that you made yourself) but definitely filling. I fell in love with the bread that was similar to the wonderstuff but fresher and grainier.

A minivan picked us up at the hotel and drove us to the bus terminal where we met us with the rest of the adventurers. Half of them were going to go snowmobiling on the glacier; the other half joining Lucky and I on the walk. We were the only Americans. Another couple was from Australia, two from England, and others from other European countries. A couple of people commented how "prepared" we were which kinda surprised us... I mean really, it's rainy, we're about to walk up a big hunka ice, wouldn't you want to be prepared?

After a few hours, we arrived at our destination, a dingy grey-aired place with gritty black gravel and spongy, mud moss (the Solheimajokull glacial tongue of the Myrdalsjokull Glacier, the southern most, and fourth largest glacier in Iceland). A river streamed past us filled with water coming from a glacier cave, and frozen rain pelted our faces. We were greeted by our guide in a bright orange skisuit. He geared us up with crampons (which were attached to our hiking boots), and ice-axes. Those who were wearing fashion sneakers and no rain gear... or thin plastic ponchos (hello, you are on a trip to Iceland. Do you not read about the weather?) received spare leather hiking boots and better rain gear. And he taught us the basics about walking up and down the glacier.

Up was not a problem, but down was a complete different story. You have to trust the crampons, bend your knees and put your balance point behind you like if you're on rollerblades. But that fear of falling which doesn't allow me to stop while using blades (I step onto the grass to stop) made me had some mini panic attacks.

But up and onward we walked, stomp stomp... legs wide so there's no accidental spiking of the calves, hand on the top of the ax so there's no accidental swinging into a fellow adventurer. Watching out for crumbling ice and crevices. Occasionally, we would go by a large mound of black rock. But it wasn't really rock, just a mound of ice that had been covered by volcanic soot. That soot would eventually travel down the glacier in a stream. Yes, glacier water isn't exactly what the marketing departments of aqua refreshment companies lead you to believe!

We only went about 4 miles or so, but the ice cold rain which not only hit our faces, also eventually soaked down into my socks which soaked my "waterproof hiking sneakers." Plus somewhere along the line, I realllly needed to go to the bathroom (ya, that didnt happen) and I also started to feel a bit faint. Luckily, we had brought some water and licorice (which was rock-hard) so that I could bring my blood sugar back to normal.

Our guide would stop us every 15 minutes or so to show us large crevices... endless pits, some with waterfalls, others glowing with "blue ice." BTW, "blue ice" isn't really blue; all the air bubbles have been squeezed out and so it's actually clear. It's blue for the same reason that the ocean is blue (something about the red end of the color spectrum being cancelled out blah blah blah).

One of the coolest things was when the guide showed us these bubbles rising from a crevice filled with water. Those were air bubbles from about 70 years ago. Scientists are able to figure out what the air quality was like years and years ago by boring samples at different depths. One of the scariest things was finding out that there was a thermal lake under the glacier that would lift the top of the glacier and overflow into the valley (like boiling water in a pot). When that would happen was only a question of time.

I now see earth and am a bit disappointed that trek is over; I finally had gotten my stride. But wait, the walking isn't over... the bus hasn't returned with the snowmobilers yet. And we're in a dead-cel area. So the guide takes us to the river and shows where the glacier used to start, (apparently this glacier goes back and forth in size but there is a greenhouse effect at work as well). Then back to the parking lot; still no van, and now it's starting to get cold since we aren't walking as much. So the guide gets us to walk down the road toward the backup parking lot about a mile down the road ("You walk, you get warm.") And perfect timing... the van arrives!

:: DAY 2: Part 1 of 2 ::

Scars

2007-11-09T12:54:00.000-08:00

Loews Jersey Movie Palace: Jersey City, NJ
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

I took this photo at the Loews Jersey at the Boris Karloff Film Festival (we only saw Frankenstein)...

It shows the scar of where a wall used to stand. In the '80s, this grand movie palace was converted into a multiplex, and the owners just slapped up some dividing walls with no regard to the ornate plaster details.

Now, the theater is owned by Jersey City and being restored by a group of volunteers. They've made it functioning including the organ, so now they are starting to be able to deal with cosmetic issues like touching up the plaster which was painted to look like gold and marble. But should they fix this scar? No.

Because history is constantly happening. One second ago is history. And like it or not, the '80s are also history. I'm not proud of my lee press-on nails or long t-shirts with tails, and it also doesn't seem that long ago (there are registered voters younger than those t-shirts) but it happened.

We pick and choose what we think is worth saving... the '50s style generic residence hall I stayed in is slated for demo because, among some other reasons, it "doesn't look like the rest of the campus" which is becoming a georgian revival campus. Those utilitarian concrete blocks of buildings are just ugly, and therefore not worth saving.

Your own scars make you the person you are, reminding you of what happened and what will not happen again. So it is the same with the Loews.

PS: The Loews is showing "The Jazz Singer" in honor of its 80th anniversary on November 10, 7:30PM. As you may know, Al Jolson's movie introduced sound to the silent movie industry, killing the hopes and dreams of many-a attractive, squeaky-voiced chorusgirl.

http://www.loewsjersey.org/

What's this? What's This?

2007-11-08T13:57:00.000-08:00

Movie in 3D
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

Ok, I fully admit it... I titled this post on purpose so a certain hubby will start singing it, and get his three kids to sing it so that a certain FTG will go crazy ;^P (bwa haha)

Anyways... on Sunday, we caught the last day of "Nightmare Before Christmas in 3-D." Besides us (a total of 6), there were about 5 others who actually stayed for the whole movie. Three teenage girls left after the first 5 minutes saying they didn't like it, and then realizing I guess that they couldn't sneak into anything else (a Jewish film fest was going on in the other theaters on this side), decided to chit-chat near the hallway. Arg, I WAS NEVER that annoying. Really, I wasn't.

It was a great movie. Not too much was in obvious 3-D (reminder to self, need to watch JAWS3D), but it did add some layering to the ghost effects and such. It's held up really well over the last decade. And there's something about Jack Skellington (wink).

DAY 1: Blue Lagoon

2007-11-07T16:24:00.000-08:00

Blue Lagoon (Bláa Lónið) in Grindavik, Iceland
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

Off the coast of the Reykjanes peninsula, we saw the largest gannet colony in the world (looked like a big rock covered with bird s**t, but all that was actually BIRDS... 70,000 of them). Eldey (also called Fire Island) is one of the many "famous" landmarks in Iceland. It was actually featured in the poster over our bed in the hotel!

The last stop on the tour was actually part of the package we had purchased through IcelandAir... the mandatory Blue Lagoon experience. The Blue Lagoon is a thermal water spa. Years ago, a man with eczema bathed in the waters released by the geothermal plant we had just visited. Apparently the still warm water mixed with the silica and other matter in the volcanic soil of the "lagoon" cured him of his skin ailment; and a homeopathic tourist attraction was born! (Although there were a lot of Icelanders there as well)

And now the Blue Lagoon Experience...When you enter, you must rent a towel ($6) unless you umm... acquired one at your hotel (Since we hadn't checked in yet, we didn't have that option). Then separate from your loved one and enter the gender-specific changing room. Change into your bathing attire, clean off in the shower (notice that Europeans are very comfortable in their own skin AND your body doesn't look bad comparatively), and coat your hair with conditioner (slather it on and don't rinse). Now walk outside. If you're lucky, it's not that cold. But no matter, you're stepping into a warm bath anyways. Careful not to slip on the "milk coated" rocks, you slowly get to about waist-high and start floating. Ahhhh.... If you'd like there some of the white mud some lucky worker got to scrape off the rocks that you can apply to your face or other parts of your body. It's supposed to make your skin silky smooth. Eh, didn't really work for me. Now the 45 minutes are up and you have to get cleaned up. Hey, your hair is feeling funny. How did that happen. Oh ya, you decided to float and your ponytail was soaking up that silica as great as it soaks up bleach. Shampoo and condition all you want... the next few days you're going to be wearing braided pigtails so that you don't go through with the urge to go all Britney on that hair. Consider taking some spa product home for your mom. First, gag at the prices ($10 for one bath tablet) and then consider it for later when told that at the terminal, you can save up to 30-50%.

Helga now drops us off at the Hotel Fron and we check in. We're upgraded to a lovely studio apartment (mini kitchen area with stove top and microwave, sink, pots, pans, etc) and a tv that doesn't get any reception (oh well). After a brief nap (we've been up for over 24 hours), we walk around and realize that talk about restaurants being bloody expensive was right! Finally we decide on a little Thai restaurant on a side street (meals were only $18 a person instead of $30). Still tired, and we're going to be doing the glacier walk the next day, so we call it "Sunday."

:: End of Day 1::

DAY 1: Reykjanes Lighthouse

2007-11-06T20:01:00.000-08:00

Reykjanes Lighthouse
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

Now you're saying to yourself... what could make this tour complete?

That's right, a hydropower plant! Unfortunately, I haven't been able to figure out which one it is (will fix this post later). Helga had heard that the museum section of the plant was to have been finished in June and so wanted to see when it was really opening up. And of course, we were game.

It wasn't close to being finished. The mannequins were still wrapped up with bubble wrap looking like victims in one of the more twisted CSI episodes. We heard some noise upstairs and found artists working on creating planets. They were nice enough to give us a tour of the place, and dug that we were familiar with the "artistic process" and could really appreciate all the problems they had to deal with, etc. The artists were imported from England since working on creating scenery was their specialty. About 10% of the people living in Iceland are foreigners. They either do jobs that require specific skills but also just general construction (jobs that require lots of workers such as creating dams).

After leaving the soon-to-be museum/energy plant, we followed a path that led us to the ocean. The gravel path was occasionally spotted with grills so we could see the sulfuric water rushing underneath our feet (although knowing that it was boiling hot, I walked on the side when I started thinking to much about it). The water let out into the sea, making a bit of a sizzling noise when the hot thermal aqua hit the cold of the Atlantic Ocean. The steam was incredible and you could feel the heat. Definitely one of those "Not in Kansas anymore" moments.

We drove past the Reykjanes Lighthouse (or "viti" in Icelandic) on the way to yet another Icelandic landmark. Built in 1908, it's Iceland's oldest, and is the landfall light for Keflavik and Reykjavik. The original lighthouse stood only eight years before being destroyed by an earthquake in 1887. The area is pretty thermally active (you can see the steam in my photo) but it doesn't seem to bother the Icelandic horses.

:: End of Part 1A of 2 ::
fully admitting to lengthening the posts about our trip so I don't run out of things to say :)

Find inspiration everywhere...

2007-11-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

Kane is Able
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

I found mine on the PA Turnpike near Valley Forge. It's not the first time I've seen these 18 wheelers. The Scranton-based fleet are always around the other tristate area (not CT-NY-NJ but NJ-PA-DE).

According to their website, The “Kane Is Able” slogan was created by the company’s owner, Mr. Gene Kane, Sr. It started as a simple play on words, but has truly developed into the company’s philosophy of our team approach to meet and exceed our customer’s expectations. As for the “Be Kind, Be Careful, Be Yourself” message, wouldn’t you like to see a positive message as you’re sitting in traffic? Mr. Kane’s belief in being the best person you can is a message he strongly supports and is the ethical backbone of our 75 year old company.

Bunnnny!

2007-11-04T14:26:00.000-08:00

Bunnnny!
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

Went shopping again for the store... this time in the city. Saw these cute shoes in the window of a Broadway shoe store. According to the BC Footwear company website, these bunni-rific "Wildlife Preserve" shoes are $55. They don't have a "kitten" heel but a slight wedge.

Maybe a bit too zanny for my feet, but the other styles they have look great (and most importantly, come in sz 11).

PS: If you ever get the urge to hire a bike-taxi, don't do it. We didn't ask the price first... and it was $35 for 10 blocks (figured it wouldn't be that much more than a taxi at $5). Considering that later on, we walked almost 70, it was a big big mistake. But if you get the urge to go to Zum Schneider for a beer and some German grub, go with it... Alphabet City ain't what it used to be in the 80s!

Oh why did it have to suck?

2007-11-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

My mom and I travelled to Valley Forge for business (it's called shopping for the store. Isn't that a wonderful concept? We get to shop for hours and then sell the great things that we haven't gotten immediately attached to).

Anyways, we decided in order to get first dibs, we would stay the night before. The hotel offered a "shopping package"... stay on the concierge floor, get sleep-number beds, $50 Visa card to use at King of Prussia Mall, free TV movie, and some other stuff. After doing the math, we figured, they actually would be giving us some free money, so we took the deal.

Spent the Visa card at Legal Seafood since it was on my mom's list of things she needs to do. The fish was fresh, and they do this cool thing where the wine glasses are marked so that you know that when you order 6 oz of wine (or 2 oz for a sample), you get what you pay for... unfortunately, it was very expensive for what we got. The atmosphere and food was more of a TGIF but the prices were like, uh, a TGIF by Grand Central Station (past experience of an $18 pasta dish which was $12 in NJ).

Walked around the mall... Santa's headquarters is almost finished! I really hate this pushing the season forward. Apparently the Yankee Candle stores have been playing Christmas music for over two weeks now. This will not happen at my store... We are having Thanksgiving! (sorry, mini rant over)

Got back and watched "Knocked Up" (it was between this and "I now pronounce you... Chuck and Larry" which was the other movie my mom wanted to watch when it was in the theaters.) What a horrible film!

I liked "Freaks and Geeks," and LOVED "40 Year Old Virgin" but "KU" was crude without being funny and the character development was totally unbelievable. I felt like I was watching a final project by an NYU student. There was absolutely no chemistry between the two main characters and I found myself wishing I was watching "Chuck and Larry". Except maybe with some different actors... just like in "40YOV" the heat generated from Paul Rudd and Seth Rogan could not be denied :)

Oh... and the Sleep Number Bed. I'm still recouping from that fiasco. What is a Sleep Number bed? It's basically a mattress with a two inch aerobed on top. You get to decide how much are goes into the top so that you can adjust the firmness. It's supposed to save marriages because on the larger sizes, there are dual controls. Unfortunately, firm or soft doesn't translate into cuddly. I went to sleep on a "50" woke up, changed it to "70" woke up, changed it to "35" Then to "30" then to "50" again trying to figure out why the bed was so uncomfortable.

There are many different hotel chains that are promoting "their" mattresses... and the certain R-named hotel chain was no different. Too bad, the mattresses are horrible (my mom had the same experience). HOWEVER, so that I don't sound like a total grouch... the shopping trip was a lot of fun and the breakfasts were great (concierge floor had free continental breakfast, the registration area had free continental breakfast, and we got a free breakfast buffet as part of the package deal). I felt like a hobbit.

PS: If you want a good night's rest at a hotel, try the Crowne Plaza. Each room comes with a sleep kit (lavender spray for relaxation, a soothing CD with a mediation program). Sooooo nice.

DAY 1: Rainbow in Iceland

2007-11-02T15:22:00.000-07:00

Rainbow in Iceland
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

As promised, I'm finally blogging about our trip to Iceland.

Lucky and I arrived at Keflavik Airport at 6 AM GMT. We were met by our tour guide, Helga who drove us to a hotel to have breakfast and adapt to the time change before we got on a boat and see some whales.

Unfortunately, it was pouring on and off... and no one else was as adventurous. So no whale trip :(

Instead, Helga drove us around the Keflavik area on an impromptu tour. The Reykjanes Peninsula covered with lava fields. Low brush, moss and lichen sticking to the sooty rocks, with patches of green grasses. Mud pots (hot water gurgling to the top of the earth and mixing with the dirt) threatened to take over the gravel road.

We first visited the site of a future Viking village museum... see photo! It will have replicas of Viking buildings in the style of when Iceland was first colonized. Already some log and stone furniture has been created, and the outline of where a future longhouse will be built was laid out in stone. They are building the "museum" on the property of a 20th century turf house filled with old farm equipment (apparently sued to be rented out to tourists but now will be used for educational purposes. The boat in the photo sailed to Greenland, Newfoundland, and New York City back in 2000. The "Icelander" is an exact replica of an old Viking-ship called the "Gaukstad-ship" which was excavated from an ancient burial mound in Norway in 1882. The preserved ship was dated back to 870 AD, the time of the settlement of Iceland. It was brought back last year to be a part of the "museum" and will be moored in the river nearby (cranes in the distance). A whole rainbow appeared (with a duller one underneath) and we all raced around the area trying to capture it in its entirity (without falling down through the boggy moss).

Helga then hustled us in her little red compact to the abandoned Keflavik United States Naval Air Station. I remembered when I had last been to Iceland (TWO decades ago!) how the base had all these vehicles coming and going. Now, it was completely empty. Well, not completely... some of the buildings were being turned into housing for college students. The US/NATO closed the base with almost no warning back in 2006, leaving Iceland with no military protection but with a great place to show indoor "drive in movies" (the largest hanger was going to show "American Graffiti").

The "Leif the Lucky" Bridge spans the Alfagja rift valley (60 feet wide and 20 feet deep) near Grindavik that marks the boundary of the Eurasian and North American continental tectonic plates. It was built in 2002 as something to show the tourists, and was next on our "tour." My own Lucky and I kissed by where the two continents met, delighting in the science-kitsch. The continents are slowly separating but Iceland isn't splitting in two, because as soon as the split is deep enough, lava fills in, creating new land.

It was by this bridge, that we saw the most cairns (pyramids of rocks balanced on top of each other). Partly because people (like us) wanted to leave their mark. But also because many hiking trails were nearby. Since there aren't many trees in that area of Iceland, they use cairns to keep hikers on track.

::
END OF DAY 1, Part 1 of 2

NaBloPoMo

2007-11-01T08:12:00.000-07:00

So I'm going to try to blog every day. Of course, this isn't the easiest thing for me to do. Take a look at my archives and you'll see that I have a tendency to live rather than blog. But considering that I did a lot of stuff this summer. I'm going to blog about it now.

Those of you coming from the NaBloPoMo site, you might be wondering what the cartoony couple in my profile are... they are Barbapapa and Barbamama. I loved the books growing up and in September, saw them all over Iceland (the vacation will be getting a bunch of coverage).

Happy All Hallow's Eve!

2007-10-27T10:03:00.001-07:00

The Boo House
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

Not big on the whole "not celebrating Halloween because it's a day of the devil." Yes, it started out as a pagan holiday (first Celtic then Roman) before it was adapted by the Christians... but pagans don't believe in the devil so how can it be his holiday?

I like the idea of a night where the line between the living and dead is blurred. Not that I really believe that it happens... but it causes one to pause and reflect on the people who have gone to where ever before them.

PS: On Nov. 2, don't forget to go to your local Ecuadorian bakery to celebrate Ecuadorian Day of the Ancestors. Get some yummy guaguas de pan (bread babies) and colada morada (blackberry oatmeal drink).

For the history of Halloween: Visit the History Channel

Goodbye, Wonder Bar

2007-09-29T13:55:00.001-07:00

The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

The Wonder Bar is closing its doors this weekend for the last time. After over 50 years of providing the area with good company, drinks, and music, it will be demolished by those loving Asbury Partners who have decided that a viable business which is loved by the community and supports the community is not as important as oceanfront condos.

A big Princess Bride booooo to Asbury Partners and their partners who don't understand that if you kill what makes a place special, you kill the place... All the slaps on the back to the local government officials won't bring back the spirit of Asbury Park.

I'm sorry Lance and Debbie, but Tillie dies yet again.

TODAY's Dance Competition

2007-09-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

I usually don't participate in those TV contests... you know the kind "text 4 if you want Clay," "choose the one you want for the yet-again revived Grease" BUT...

This week, the members of Today's fourth hour (you know the one that kicked Martha to the afternoon) were having a dance-off. You are supposed to pick the best dancer but it's not like everyone was doing the same choreography. Everyone had a different dance to do...Natalie Morales: Tango; Tiki Barber: Cha Cha; Ann Curry: Hip-Hop; Hoda Kotb: Two-Step

Wait... Who's Hoda's instructor and where is she learning how to Two-Step? That's Robert Royston at the Colorado Cafe! Hmmmm... someone who I've danced with (when he was partnered with Laureen Baldovi) at my ol' dance haunt?! I have to vote! Fingers crossed for Hoda.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20946100/

PS: Yes, I know... you think the Two-Step is not "quick quick slow slow," but "slow slow quick quick" I say get a life. Within 15 seconds, you're doing the same thing.

Two Reverends and a King

2007-08-05T10:33:00.000-07:00

BB King
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

Last night, we saw BB King's Blues Festival at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. It was a spur of the moment thing...
We had been planning to see the show at the Arts Center (BB King, Al Green and Etta James) the day before but two things changed that:
1. Etta James in the hospital and Chaka Khan was replacing her
2. Because I didn't really care for Chaka Khan and Al Green wasn't really that high on my list of people to see, we were going to get lawn seats. Lawn seats that started under $30 each but after the $11 "convenience charge," the $6 "parking charge", the $5 "order fee"... sitting on the ground watching a giant tv screen didn't seem like that great of a deal.

Lucky suggested seeing when BB King would be performing again and lo, both Saturday and Sunday, he was in the area. We nixed the Musikfest in Bethlehem (King and Green) because on Saturday, LITTLE RICHARD was going to be with them!!!

That's right... Little Richard (shut up!). That soooo sealed the deal.

On Saturday, we headed down the Parkway, parked on the Parkway for a few hours, detoured onto 9 for a while, and then after getting back on the Parkway, parked on the AC Expressway. All the while, time ticking by.

We made it in time though... enough to speed through the Steel Pier before Trump's henchmen tear it down for the luxury condos (honestly not that much to talk about, 'cept that it's about the only place in AC to take kids).

Little Richard opened up the concert. He entered on white glittery crutches because at 75, his right knee was severely arthritic. But his energy was "whooooooo!" He opened with "Good Golly Miss Molly," sang a few of his other hits like "The Girl Can't Help It," and chatted with the audience about his life in Mahykin Gor-gah. The "architect of rock n roll" (like Al Green) is an ordained minister and he passed out little books of "salvation" along with a photo of himself with a note of encouragement.

Al Green was next. And while his back-up singer/daughter watched, he passed out hugs, kisses, and flowers to any woman who approached the stage or who he met walking in the audience. He rambled a bit, was actually the most scattered of the three (only 61). But had more of a "show" with two male back-up dancers who changed their outfits according to the song.

Eighty-one year old BB King finished up the show, singing and talking about his life in the rural South where he really wasn't aware of segregation. Unfortunately the show ended a bit sooner than he (and us!) would have liked, because union regulations made the concert end exactly at midnight.

It was a fantastic show... real "old school." All three acts had their bands warm up the audience with a song or two before they got on stage. They talked to the audience, making us feel like we were welcomed...

If only it hadn't taken an hour to get out of AC (30 minutes in the parking garage), the high would have lasted longer!

Roller Skating Mama

2007-08-03T14:21:00.001-07:00

Roller Skates
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

My gift finally arrived from Target. For my mom's birthday, I bought her a pair of roller skates (complete with teal wheels!). As soon as they came out of the box, they went on her feet and she did a trial "run" around the carpeted store. Ah, the advantages of owning your own business... the boss won't yell at you!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2007-07-31T12:54:00.001-07:00

Charcoal Drive-In
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

We spent the first day of her 7th decade shopping for the store. On the way back, we stopped at the Charcoal Drive-In.

My brother used to stop there on the way home from college (it's a Bieber Bus Terminal) but I hadn't been there in years. Construction made getting to it a bit difficult, but it was worth it. The waitress was a sweetie and the egg salad sandwich hit the spot.

And now... the Oh-nee-der!

2007-07-07T14:32:00.000-07:00

Joe Grushecky and Fans
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

Oh yes, that thing you do so well Wonder Bar... presenting music in a nice clean venue with a decent sized stage at one end of the room so everyone has a chance to see the talent (and sit if they want).

Sorry that it took so long to figure out that a block away from the Stone Pony was another venue with just as much history. Especially since you are now on life-support and are scheduled to die at summer's end.

Saw Pittsburgh's own Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers perform. Hung out with the only other two people under the age of 45 who were there (from Europe, they stay at the Jersey shore every year taking in the music scene). Joe Crushecky often has the Boss show up to jam (similar type of music...Juke-style) but he was on vacay with his fam.

A Fourth of Jersey

2007-07-04T12:43:00.000-07:00

Jocky Hollow, NJ
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

Last year, we marched in the Asbury Park parade with SaveTillie... how can we up the "Jersey-ness" of celebrating Independence Day?

Go hiking at Jocky Hollow! We spent time in the Wick House where the guide filled us in on the life of the wealthy farmer and family who lived there during the Revolutionary War with soldiers in their fields.

Afterwards, we went to the Ford Mansion (aka Washington's Headquarters) in Morristown. We just missed the reading of the Declaration of Independence (we were parking when the muskets went off to signal the end of the ceremony) but were able to take a tour of the mansion. The mansion is only open for special group tours and was closed when we had stopped there last year on our NJ Monthly Race Across the Garden State tour. We got to speak with "General Washington" for a bit and got to see where he hung his hat for a few winters. Not bad, but pretty darn dark.

We finished the day having a BBQ indoors at my mom's house. It had started to pour so we ate around the dining room table (not like the food was any different from what we were supposed to have... Chicken and ribs from the Portuguese place down the road!)

Bay Days

2007-06-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

Oyster Boats
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

Bay Days Festival is an event down the Delaware Bay... It's advertised as the "largest festival in the tristate area," but it's really just a small craft and educational fair that you take a bus ride to. Got to eat some yummy pulled pork from Kingfish B-B-Q, listen to a wonderful old-time band, painted a marsh scene (now hanging on the refrigerator), and took a wonderful ride up and down the Maurice River (that's pronounced "morris," Mr. Miller!).

On the boat, we learned about how the oyster industry came and went in the last century, saw nesting osprey, and saw how the landscape changed with the increasing saltiness of the water. We really enjoyed ourselves but could understand that if you hadn't borrowed bug spray from a nice couple and was expecting something bigger, you'd be as disappointed as you were going to the Punkin Chunkin' Competition in DE (hypothetically speaking of course!).

Get a Chicken

2007-06-06T12:02:00.000-07:00

Get a Chicken
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

We could have gone to a bunch of places but honestly we weren't in the mood to do to much... we had a wake to attend later that day (Lucky's aunt died of cancer).

So we went to the Somerville Street Fair to spy.... er, observe... how other towns handle their street fairs and to check out the booth set ups. It was pretty same-ol, same-ol, except for the fire department's booth. All they were selling was roast beef sandwiches (sliced in front of you) and birch beer. Hand over five buckeroos and you got yourself a meal. Not a complicated operation and they were making some good money.

As you can see by the photo, we passed the local paint store with the sign "Buy a gallon; Get a Chicken"... no idea what that means!

Afterwards, we hung out at Colonial Park in Franklin. I love that place... it's like a bit of heaven on earth.

Hungry for Hungarian?

2007-06-02T15:03:00.000-07:00

Hungry for Hungarian?
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

I was. So I dragged Lucky to the Hungarian festival in New Brunswick. last year, I had gone with my mom and it was pretty empty; we figured it was because of the rain. But this year no rain, and the attendance was still pretty sparse. If they would listen to a little ol' Deutsch-y Pole, they would make the area a bit smaller.

We ate in the Hungarian Boy Scout Hall. Food was good, especially the spicy Gulyas (Also in the photo are stuffed cabbage rolls with rye bread). But no A/C made it a bit stuffy... we should have had dinner at the new Athletic Hall. We did have dessert there. Palacsinta (apricot jam smeared on a crepe) and walnut cake (which tasted just like the walnut cake at the Greek Festival).

Everybody loves a Hooker

2007-05-25T11:38:00.001-07:00

Everybody loves a Hooker
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

Imagine my reaction when the FedEx guy dropped this 5 foot long box off. It was for the store next door that customizes motorcycles. Apparently Hooker is a line of exhaust systems.

PS: Hmmm... wondering what kind of ads Blogger will be giving me for this entry!

NJ on SNL

2007-05-24T14:32:00.000-07:00

Mr. Scrubs, Zack Braff opened the last Saturday Night Live of the season with a little ditty about NJ. Two complaints... he didn't sing Uncle Floyd's "Deep in the Heart of Jersey" and he only mentioned locales in Northern Jersey. Oh... apparently the sub shop he mentions no longer exists in So. Orange. So maybe he needs to change the costume to reflect "Sonny's Bagels."

The Cat of Sleepy Hollow

2007-05-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

The Cat of Sleepy Hollow
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

The annual Friends of Sleepy Hollow Garage Sale was this weekend. Known for its beautiful stone and wood houses, this section of Plainfield, NJ doesn't necessarily have better junk to sell. But it does provide a lot of "house candy" to look at. Oh, and one fluffy cat that liked to roll around.

I was able to find some Family Circle cookbooks (I've been slowly collecting the 1972 set) and a pair of troll doll earrings to wear the next time we go to the Fire House for bingo night.

Going Greek

2007-05-19T10:41:00.000-07:00

Loukoumades
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato

Today, Lucky and I ventured to the 34th annual Greek Festival in Piscataway. My family had been wanting to go for over 30 years and so last year, we finally went.

This year, it was just the two of us venturing there. And honestly, it probably will be the last time. Not that I hate people; it's just that I hate lots of people. You have to park in the Rutgers Stadium lot and get bussed over, pay the $2 each to get in, wait in a long line to get the tickets for the food you want, wait in line to get that food, wait for a table to open up, and then forget about having a conversation because it's so loud.

Yes, the food is good... Lucky had a massive brick of pastitsio (a sort of baked macaroni and beef with cheesy egg stuff on top) and I had a gyro (I know, original but I already had tried the mousaka, pastitsio, and spanakopita last year along with ever single dessert they had available... most of them dripping with honey). We shared a glass of Greek sweet wine that seemed to have a touch of clove, and watched the Greek School's dancers perform.

We finished the meal with some Loukoumades. Having tried many different ethnic cuisines, I start to see a pattern of foods emerge. One of them being sweet deepfried dough. Doughnuts, beignets, zeppoles, Berliners... These ones happen to be "Greek." What makes them Greek, you ask? They are made by Greek parishioners , dipped in a thin honey sauce, dusted with cinnamon and sesame seeds, and are called "louloumades." Apparently, a more advanced version has them filled with custard.

Here's a recipe:
jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=13659

Mother's Day

2007-05-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

Lobster
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

This Mother's Day was spent at Lucky's parents. It's tradition for his dad to go down to the local seafood co-op and get some lobsters to cook up. My lobster was quite tasty, but I will never understand why some people serve the corn on the cob AFTER finishing dinner.

My mom had taken Lucky to the local German bakery so that he could pick up a yummy cheesecake for dessert. It was worth cheating on my diet.

On the way out, my MiL asked me to decide what to call her. I had been avoiding this decision for over 2 years now and now it must be decided. I don't want to call them "Mom" and "Dad", they aren't Italian enough to use "Madre" and "Padre", and I'm not certain about calling them by their first names. ARGGGGG!

Inviting suggestions.

The House Tour

2007-05-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

Flowering Tree
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

This May 12th was the second house tour by the town historical society. I was in charge of the advertising. And was quite proud of the fact that many of the tickets were purchased by people outside of the hamlet. It means I was doing my job right... getting the event on two cable stations, four newspapers, and more.

The houses all had their unique personalities. That's what's great about living in a town that grew up around a train station... no "house farms."

One house had a pool in the backyard that was created from an iron tank (The original owner was the president of an oil tank company). It curved rather steeply and was quite deep. The pool even had windows in the deep end. Apparently there had been an underground room for the filtration system and the windows perhaps added light (or the owner was a pervert). The new owners have painted over the windows and are gradually adding tile to the pool so that they don't have to empty the pool every year to scrape off the rust.

Another house had a coi pond in the backyard and trees which not only flowered on the top but also on the trunk (see photo). Apparently, this particular tree is known for that. As with all the houses on the tour, the kitchen had been redone. I have yet to see a house that is over 50 years old that has not had major renovations on the kitchen... I guess when you had "help" you didn't care if there was enough lighting or a place to sit... or for the "icebox."

The last house was lots of fun... because she's one of my frequent customers! Other customers who were on the tour joined me in the hunt for purchases... In addition to my decoartive accents, the house was also filled with lots of old furniture. She had inherited lots of nicely carved wooden pieces... a 9 foot bookcase that someone created in exchange for piano lessons by her great-uncle, her aunt's vanity table. It made me a little sad that I don't have anything from most of my relatives. Even if I did... they wouldn't have been of any quality. Just cheap, mass-produced things that were crap 50 years ago.

That made me realize that Lucky and I will need to purchase good-quality things... Just in case, our future generations want something of ours. We'll just have to make our own history.

Cat in Window

2007-05-10T13:22:00.000-07:00

Cat in Window
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

My friend DW went to Japan to teach for a few years. She left behind lots of stuff including two cats that my mom feeds. Akira likes to spend time in the window of their apartment waiting for my mom to come by. They've gotten pretty spoiled. Not only do they have dried food the entire day, but my mom feeds them a can of soft food at night. If they don't get it, Akira will start wailing.

Cinco de Mayo

2007-05-09T13:50:00.000-07:00

Red Dawn
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

This May 5th, Lucky spent the day down the shore with his friend SuperMarc. So I celebrated Cinco de Mayo with my mom at the local Mexican restaurant. Because... it's an excuse to eat good food.

Since it's a REAL Mexican restaurant, they weren't really celebrating the day. Mexicans celebrate September 16 (Mexican Independence Day) instead. The place was filled with families having an evening out. So instead of drinking Margaritas at the Chili's or Friday's, we ate delicious Oaxacan styled dishes. There's no gooey cheeses or deepfried puffy chimichangas, but lots of fresh flavors and crumbled soft cheese.

On the way back, I took this photo of the rescue squad building. I always liked the weird paint pattern that the vines (now removed) had created on the side wall. The siren on top used to sound every night at 6PM. We would use it as a reminder that we needed to come inside for the night. The weird sky was created by solarizing the photo (NJ doesn't really have red skys).

Something Cultural at RVCC

2007-05-08T16:15:00.001-07:00

Chinese Dancers
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

We noticed a flyer in the foyer of Louka's L.A. Diner on the way out from our average meal... The annual Somerset County Cultural International Festival was going on at Raritan Valley Community College.

We arrived around 2:30 so we only got to watch three dance groups: West African, Chinese, and Hungarian. All were lots of fun to watch, especially the Hungarian gals balancing wine bottles on their heads. The rest of the festival wasn't much... various local ethnic organizations with literature, Usborne Books, jewelry, and Equadorian/Guatemalan clothing. But we were a bit upset that we had wasted our tummies on diner food when it could have been filled with Filipino BBQ, jerk chicken, and funnel cakes.

The Ft. Dix Plot

2007-05-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

Right now, I'm watching the news conference regarding the plot to shoot up Ft. Dix. And my thought was, crap that could have happened real easily.

You see, over a year ago, a friend got married on the site (technically Maguire Air Force Base) and it was super easy to get in. We were told that we needed I.D. but when we got to the checkpoint, the soldier said "Here for the wedding?" We said "Yup" He said "Go on through."

At the time, I thought it would be rather easy for someone to pretend to be a wedding guest and get into the site. Lucky assured me that chances are that the car had been scanned somehow for weapons, etc. But there wasn't anything noticeable while being a passenger in the vehicle.

I'm sure that a car that makes it through the checkpoints several times a day would even get less of a looksee. Security was tight around 9/11 but then got back to the laxness we're used to at NJ bases. I wonder how long it will stay tight this time.

Louka's Last American Diner

2007-05-07T16:08:00.000-07:00

Louka's Last American Diner
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

I will be adding more to this entry regarding my review of Louka's L.A> Diner. To sum up... it's basic diner food. Slow service by college kids. A diner that is wanting people to know it's a "diner."

Shad Fest

2007-05-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

Violets
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

What do you do the day after gorging yourself on turkey, pie, and laughter? You go to Shad Fest!

Shad Fest is an annual event in Lambertville, a Jersey hamlet located right across the Delaware from New Hope, PA. It's filled with lots of small antique shops and NYC tourists who want to go to the country for the day.

We had read about Shad Fest for years, friends raved about it.... heck, it was selected as a "nationally recognized, award winning festival," we had to go! So Lucky lashed the bikes to the Saturn and off we went.

We parked by the Golden Nugget (about 2 miles away) and biked down the D&R Canal path to downtown Lambertville. Gave us a chance to use the bikes and save the $7-$15 in parking (plus the hassle of FINDING parking).

The festival itself wasn't really anything special. Some of the town's stores had special displays in the window for the festival, bands were taking turns playing from the second floor balcony of a store ala New Orleans, and there were some special events (like learning how to cook with shad roe) going on, but basically it's a typical NJ street fair. Tons of handbeaded jewelry stands using $5 earrings as a draw to look more, the typical photography of Asbury Park and Bruce Springsteen (with some stuff of Philly as well), local organization booths, deepfried Oreos, and shad... Ok, that might be a little different.

Considering it IS called ShadFest, there were about three places making shadchowder. We tried the River House Brewery's version of it... not bad for fish chowder (cream not tomato based). Part of the reason for the scarcity of shad on the festival menu is because there isn't much shad in NJ to begin with. Although finally in the last two years, there has been an increase of shad in Delaware, the shad that was in the chowders actually come from Florida.

It was a fun time, but not all that it was made out to be... it's more of something for the locals, similar to the Punkin' Chunkin' in DE. At least we didn't have to drive for hours to get there!

And then there was pie!

2007-05-05T13:45:00.001-07:00

Pie Pie Pie
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

Last Saturday, Lilo and Stitch had a party because they had gotten a free 26 pound turkey and needed to get rid of it. It was like a Spring Thanksgiving... a Springsgiving.

About 20 or so people (including a 6 week-old) sat in the living room and ate, and ate, and ate. Everyone brought something to the table: indian bread pudding, broccoli casserole (which apparently was good), ginger-ale ham, and of course the TURKEY!

We ate and chit-chatted, seeing how the babies grew, what was new. It was nice, since we usually have this type of event the second Saturday in December. Stitch was especially pleased on how it turned out and decided (with a nod from Lilo) to make it an annual fete.

And then there was pie... and cake, and cookies... To be exact: 3 coconut cream pies, 2 banana cream pies, 2 pumpkin pies, one raspberry jello pie, one cheesecake pie, plate of italian pastries, one bag of biscotti, various nuts and chocolate, and a cake from Mendoker's Suffice it to say, we all went home with leftovers and L&S ate cream pies for breakfast the entire week.

The Accidental Concert

2007-05-04T09:31:00.001-07:00

Al Stewart
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

In a past converstation with my brother, Lucky found out that the two people BigD would like to see in concert would be Al Stewart and Donovan. So when he found out that Al would be in NJ, Lucky, BigD, and Little D made plans to see him.

When the day came, Lucky came to the store to wait for the two to show up. It was getting close to 7:30 and they still hadn't shown up. I left him with my mom and went to the supermarket. Ten minutes later, I'm selecting corn went I hear a voice behind me say "Do you want to go to a concert?"

Turns out that my brother decided instead of reading his old emails, to google "al stewart metuchen" and got the info for LAST YEAR'S concert. So both he and his wife were still at work. Since the tickets were already for (heck it was 15 minutes before the show started... and you know that the ticket scalpers fight over who gets to cover this concert :) ), my mom and I jumped into the car with Lucky and headed off to Metuchen.

The opening act, Dave Nackmanoff had just started when we arrived. It didn't surprise us that Al was a big influence on Dave's style; you could hear it in his first song. But as his set progressed, his music did as well. Dave then introduced Al Stewart and backed him up with his detailed guitar work. The beginning of the show was a bit unsettling. Apparently the monitors had been off-kilter since soundcheck and bothered both of them. Al suggested that the sound guy go to sound guy school and threatened to leave. He said it with a smile on his face but not in his voice, so I wasn't sure if we were going to get a "folksy" version of Axl Rose.

He managed to get through the set and after the break, the monitors were fixed some how. And he completed the song that he refused to finish the first set ... a yet untitled number about a soccer player whose one mistake is never forgotten and replayed for decades. Lucky thought that the song was what it was, but I thought of it on a different level... how the "new media" is making it harder for brief moments to be softened (eg Imus).

After the concert, he signed merchandise that had been purchased during the break. I snapped this photo (creatively cropping out Lucky... you want to see the whole photo, just email me). He was very conversational and quite friendly. A complete opposite from how I had viewed him mere hours ago.

And what did I think of the concert (my mom's second concert in a week... and in a lifetime, if you are keeping track)? Actually it was quite energetic! His voice was strong, his lyrics clear and meaningful (although I didn't always get the references). I wouldn't necessarily go see him again (ala the Bacon Brothers), but I understand why the audience was filled with people who had just seen him the previous year.

Miss you Wally...

2007-05-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

Walter Shirra died today; he was 84. For those who don't know, Wally was the only astronaut to fly on NASA's Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. He was a sweetie. Not as good of a speaker as Alan Bean, or as famous as Neil Armstrong, but a sweetie... from Hackensack.

Peter, Paul, and Mary

2007-05-03T08:35:00.001-07:00

Peter, Paul, and Mary
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

After seeing Loreena McKennit in NYC, Lucky and I set up for a yard sale early the next morning. It was at a neighboring town's park yard sale so we figured there would be some guaranteed foot traffic. We only netted around $25 but did get rid of two boxes of junk, err... treasures.

That night, my mom and I took the train into Newark for her FIRST CONCERT!!!

We first stopped at Don Pepe's, the famed Spanish restaurant. The place had the feel of a "Hart to Hart" episode, lots of dark woods, although the room we were shown to seem to have been done within the last 10 years. We started the meal with some warmed crusty bread and red sangria (I had requested a half-pitcher but they brought a full one). The wine worked quickly; thankfully the bread kept the buzz from getting too wild. I ordered the garlic shrimp , something I often order since I don't get to make it at home (Lucky's allergic) and my mom got the "surf and turf." The steak was pretty good as was the poundplus of shrimps, but the lobster tasted a bit like chlorine. Much was left-over but we couldn't take it with us to the concert so we doggy-bagged the leftovers and left them outside to be found by Newark's homeless. Figured they wouldn't mind a steak and shrimp dinner.

We walked the few blocks to NJPAC, just in time to get to our seats to hear, "Please welcome Peter, Paul & Mary to the stage!" Mary walked with a cane to her bar chair and we worried a moment that having the trio on my "See them before they die" list was a bit less of a joke. But she mentioned later in the concert that she had recupped fine from leukemia a few years back and that she had just thrown her back out a day before (ala Ellen Degeneres).

They sang many of their hits in the first acts, the ones that used all three voices equally. I say "they" but it was also "us" as it wouldn't be a folk performance without the audience singing along. With "Puff the Magic Dragon," most stopped with the first verse, only to start up again at the chorus... except me. Maybe it was reading the book when I was little, or singing in Girl Scouts, but that whole song takes up a chunk of brain matter.

During the break, my mom and I walked around NJPAC even in the darkened areas. That's where we found a deserted ladies' room just 20 feet away from the one with the long line. (I pass this info on... many of the newer PACs have enough WCs, you just have to look).

After the break, PP&M took turns singing their own songs. In Mary's case, she had help from Paul. Not sure if it was by design, or because her voice wasn't as strong as it was. Peter Yarrow dedicated his turn to kwetch about his experiences about Israel, which was welcomed warmly by the audience which seemed to be primarily from Livingston/Short Hills (my mom and I stood out fersher). The second half wasn't as strong but still lots of fun... and sharing the concert with my mom (who sang her heart out) was definitely special.

Loreena McKennitt: A (K)night in the City

2007-05-02T15:01:00.000-07:00

Radio City Music Hall
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

For our second anniversary (one month ago today), I surprised Lucky with tickets to see Loreena McKennitt at Radio City Music Hall. He had forlornly talked about how she hasn't toured in almost a decade, and that he'd love to see her again. It seemed to be an easy gift to select... except that her new tour was filmed in Spain a few months ago, and shown on every PBS station in the country during beg-athon time (three stations alone in our area). Trying to click past her with the remote, feigning disinterest so he wouldn't suggest checking if she was touring nearby wasn't easy!

We left for the city around 4 so that we could actually eat somewhere instead of grabbing a quick something at a shady-looking deli buffet. On the way uptown, Lucky remarked upon a white Hummer decked out to the nines with the vanity plate "DEFCON1" making its way through rush-hour traffic.

We were beginning to cross at an intersection (yes, the little white man was running), where the Hummer was now trying to make a left turn. Since it's around 5:30, the vehicle is swarmed by pedestrians. When suddenly, the driver jumps out and shoves one of the pedestrians hard "Don't you ever f@#Kn touch my truck!" The driver could have been a bouncer at a hard-core bar: tank top, tattoo sleeves, shiny bald head, that whole Vin Diesel look. But he picked on the wrong guy. The startled pedestrian might have been wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase, but he looked stranglely like the driver, and definitely had seen the inside of a Gold's Gym; he shoved right back. And for a surreal moment, I thought that I was watching a "Sopranos Goes to Manhattan" episode. The driver must have realized that his hot-headed behavior was just witnessed by at least 100 witnesses and quickly got back in and drove off.

Yet another story in the Naked City, but we had somewhere to get to...WuLiang Ye, a Chinese restaurant near Radio City that got pretty decent reviews. We find it with no problem. Climb up the stairs, only to find out that you needed RESERVATIONS!!! The first time in my life, that a Chinese restaurant required reservations but then again, it was NY. Momentarily defeated, we walked up the block and into Channel 4 Irish Pub. Though the drinks were NY prices, the food was served quickly and was delicious...and relatively cheap (under $20/entree). Definitely a keeper.

We made it to Radio City just in time. And the concert was as one would expect. great songs, done well, with fantastic sound. In fact, pretty much like the concert shown on PBS. What was more interesting was seeing the concert goers... lots of women with long curly hair and men with pony tails. Poor Lucky, not looking like he was listening to a different drummer!

PS: I did manage to capture the spirit of LM with that queer little device known as a camera, but since she has this thing about privacy, here's a link to almost the exact same picture I took. Just note that I disagree with the NYT review.

Down Right Bass

2007-05-01T10:08:00.001-07:00

Down Right Bass
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

So I will attempt to participate in FrenchToastGirl's "Every Day In May" project... although I am making no promises. My variant on the program will be by posting 31 entries of varying importance. I have alot of stuff that happened the end of April and I'm finally able to breathe a bit more regularly now... so expect lots of April tales.

This is a part of a photo taken at the end of a Peter, Paul, and Mary concert (Richard Kniss' bass viol). NYPAC, April 21, 2007. I adjusted the balance/contrast to give it the feel of a charcoal sketch.

Hedwig Does Asbury

2007-04-17T13:51:00.001-07:00

Baronet Theater
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

The rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch" is currently playing at the Baronet Theater in Asbury Park (every Saturday in April). It's the first time that the off-Broadway hit is being performed in NJ.

I have to admit, I'm a bit of a HedHead... Ever since I saw the original cast on MTV with Kurt Loder back in 1999 and had to buy the cast album the next day. So when I happened upon this performance, Lucky and I had to go.

It was fantastic! The "seen-better-days/slated for demotion by Asbury Partners" Baronet was an unlisted character in the musical, adding to the feel. And the cast/band was wonderful. The lead Bob Walker isn't as strong on the acting as role-creator John Cameron Mitchell BUT on vocals, a definite equal. His improv skills allow Hedwig to become a full character. For the $10 ticket price, you are not getting a "community theater experience" but rather a real & gritty, CBGB's rock-n-roll good time.

Just a bit of a warning... this is not a musical to bring your kids or grandma to, unless Granny's moshed with Sid Vicious and your kids are old enough to appreciate this generation's "Rocky Horror."

PS: Congrats to FrenchToastGirl for being named the 1000 Favorite blog by Blogger. See, the site re-do worked.

Rock, Rock, Rock, Rockaway Bedding

2007-04-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

Rockaway Bedding, yah...

Rockaway Bedding (where I bought my mattress years ago because they were the least "used carsaleman-like") is filing for bankrupcy
. They will be closing many of their non-NJ stores. But luckily for us, the Randolph-based chain so far isn't closing any NJ locations.

Which is good... I wouldn't want to have to buy from NY's 1-800-MATTRES (leave off the last "s" for savings") and Sleepy's (for the rest of your life)... their ad jingles are just more annoying!

HoJo Go Go

2007-04-09T18:01:00.001-07:00

Howard Johnson's and the Wonder Bar, Asbury Park
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

Considering that the Howard Johnson's in Asbury Park has been cleaned out and will be filled with a new restaurant, this article about the end of an era seemed to fit.

Only 3 Howard Johnson’s restaurants still in business
WATERBURY, Conn. — And then there were three. Connecticut’s last Howard Johnson’s officially changed its name, leaving just three of the iconic orange-roofed restaurants in the nation.

The Brass House Restaurant has a new sign and the 20 employees have new black and burgundy uniforms, but the roof is still orange and the menu items are still mainly the same.

“We’re still going to have the staple, core items,” said Kristina Bakes, who co-owns the restaurant with her husband, Nicholas. “We will still have the all-you-can-eat clam and fish fry on Wednesdays and Fridays, and daily breakfast, lunch and dinner specials.”

Earlier this year, the Bakes were ordered to stop using the brand name, leaving Bangor, Maine, and Lake Placid and Lake George, N.Y., as the only towns that still have Howard Johnson’s restaurants.

Howard Johnson motor lodges still exist, but they’re not affiliated with the restaurants.

The La Mancha Group of New York owns the Howard Johnson’s brand for restaurants and food products.

The Bakes, who bought the Waterbury Howard Johnson’s in 1999, said they decided to give up the franchise because they weren’t getting enough corporate support. La Mancha bought the restaurant and food products brand from Wyndham Worldwide in 2004. Howard Johnson’s was founded in 1925 and grew to include more than 1,000 restaurants by the late 1970s. But over time, the chain suffered from aging facilities, a stale menu, lack of marketing or new ideas, and competition from other chains.

LINK

Praise the Lord... Parking in AC!

2007-04-07T13:58:00.001-07:00

Praise the Lord... Parking in AC!
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

This photo of "Praise the Lord Parking" in Atlantic City was featured as this week's Photo of the Week on GoOutJersey, a new web guide about NJ. I wish them luck since it promises to be a great resource provided that they remember that Jersey actually extends down past Essex County unlike NJ Monthly (which has been called out on that several times, yet hasn't really done much to change).

PS: According to one of Peter Genovese's books, the owner of the parking lot and Born-Again Christian will also give you a free bible if you ask.

Readington Robbery

2007-04-05T14:42:00.000-07:00

It's always weird to see places that you know being mentioned in the news.

Last week, it was a guy being beaten to death and then being dumped along with his car one block away from where my friends used to live. Today, it's a bank robber on the loose along Rt. 22. His two buddies are captured; one FBI agent is dead. Chances are that some of my friends in the Readington area had to make sure their doors were locked. Heck, by this time he could have made it to my town. I have to admit that when I heard the news story, I first thought... that's going to screw up the safety stats of that sleepy little town. to keep posted, go here.

PS: It's snowing! Not sticking, but snow nonetheless. Yes, it's April 5.
PPS: The Crosby-Nash show at the Basie's been finally rescheduled for October 17. Is it considered irony that I wanted to see the original show because Crosby is on my "see them before they die" list, and it's being rescheduled because of his "medical issues"?

OptiMystic about the future...

2007-04-05T13:34:00.001-07:00

Mystic Pizza
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

This week, we celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary. To celebrate, Lucky took the day off from work and we went to Mystic, CT Sunday and Monday (That way, we didn't have to do the 2 day minimum for weekend stays... plus you save money on the rate). It wasn't that far and because we went up Rt. 95 during off-hours, it only took 3.5 hrs to get there from Central Jersey. We stayed in the downtown area. It kinda reminded me of more Spring Lake than New Hope with its type of gift shops and restaurants. Things were a bit pricey (average entrees around $15-24)but the food was pretty good. Did I mention the Tim Horton's?! That's how we saved $$ on lunch. Still think that Dunkin Donuts has the best doughy delicacies but Timmy does a fantastic job on soups.

We walked down to the Seaport which was lots of fun. Since it was a bit slow (but not as deserted as I expected), we got to chat with the guides. Can't imagine living for months/years at a time on a whale ship... the stink alone of the whale blubber!

We also visited the Mystic Aquarium. It was a decent sized aquarium, something that is a good size for someone with a kid. We watched the beluga whales being fed, learned that saying "starfish" is politically incorrect (they prefer to be called "seastars"), stayed for the sea lion show, and ended the visit by seeing what Dr. Robert Ballard's done with his deep sea explorations.

Our anniversary dinner was at the Mystic Ground Round nearby. I remember GR fondly before they disappeared from NJ about 20 years ago... the free popcorn, the flickering old movies on the screen, the yummy fried food. Well, the popcorn is still there, but no movies and the food was worse than a Chili's. So I think I'll stick with the memories from my childhood... the food was better.

Happy Cotton Anniversary, Lucky!

PS: OptiMystic is the name of the eye doctor's office in Mystic... Lots of stores there with punny names.

Jersey Rocks!

2007-03-31T16:27:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, Asbury's Wonder Bar will be meeting the same fate as The Palace. Wall meet ball.

Asbury Partners bought the bar, the Baronet, Fast Lanes with plans of knocking them all down, making way for condos. Rumor had it that AP was going to let them be open for the summer but who knows. Asbury Partners already owns the Stone Pony and so I doubt they will be wanting another music venue to handle. Too bad; we had a blast there this winter seeing Uncle Floyd and Everlounge.

DH2 is considering going to Pat DiNizio's house for Memorial Day so we might join them. Last year's party was a lot of fun... Finally got my Smithereens concert t-shirt signed a decade late. Here's info.

Congrats to Jersey Grrl Patti Smith for getting into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And not compromising herself by dressing in something a "stylist" decided was right, or censoring her song "Rock and Roll Nigger" given that the delightfully entertaining Al Sharpton who is now trying to ban the "n-word" was in the audience. The guys in suits must have had fun with the bleeping button at VH1 with that song. It sounded like some weird dj mix. She dedicated the song to her mom who requested that she played it when she won because it was her favorite song to vacuum to.

Idea for Decreasing NJ's Budget...

2007-02-13T10:39:00.000-08:00

Don't send my uncle a jury summons. You know the uncle who DIED last April? Ya, him. Imagine the savings when you don't send stuff to dead people... the paper, printing, postage, and state employee wages. Maybe then you wouldn't have to sell major roadways to private corporations.

What's in a name?

2007-02-06T11:35:00.000-08:00

Apparently, Keith L. Urban (Australian country singer/Mr. Nicole Kidman) is suing Keith D. Urban (Wayne, NJ artist) over the ownership of www.KeithUrban.com.

The lawsuit states Jersey Keith is misleading people into believing the Web site belongs to him and is selling merchandise as if it were produced or endorsed by him. "He accuses the painter of federal trademark infringement, dilution of a federally registered trademark, federal unfair competition and violation of the anti-cybersquatting consumer protection act and the Tennessee consumer protection act."

Um... check the site out. I doubt the "real" Keith Urban would have google ads on his website. Yes, it does mean that he does have AdSense and Amazon ads, but seriously do you think that he's making big bucks doing this? How many personal blogs/websites have this? Is the NJ Agriculture Dept going to sue me because I'm pretending to be the "real" Jersey tomato?

The only thing that the painter needs to add is a link to the musician's site, mention that he is not the famous KU and that lawsuit is in the trash. Have they even looked at the past case of Bruce Springsteen (the dotcom belongs to a tribute site)?

My dad...

2007-01-29T06:43:00.000-08:00

This week marks the 10th anniversary of my father's death. I can't believe it's been that long; I can't believe it's only been that long. Time is weird that way.

We are gathering as a family on Friday to watch Groundhog Day. It was my dad's favorite film; after having the stroke, it was a film that was easy for him to grasp plus it's funny. We actually contemplated going to PA to celebrate the actual Punxsutawney Phil doing his job but since Groundhog Day is on a Friday this year... and it's about a 5 hours drive, we decided to wait on that.

Some people may think that we're being weird, gathering together on a "death date" to celebrate his life. That we should be mourning instead. But although grief is good for a while, we're not the "you must wear black now" type of people. And you only have one life that you are currently aware of, you might as well be happy in it.

Backward Glances

2007-01-18T08:25:00.000-08:00

I receive the NJ My Way daily email and today... Mrs. RockinC was mentioned!!!

Her vintage store in Red Bank, Backward Glances was featured in the "Dreamgirls" themed email as THE place to get a vintage 60s frock.

Do you know these people?

2007-01-10T16:12:00.000-08:00

SaveTillie reclaimed a Palace photobooth which was sold to a Vermont store years ago. Some photos were stuck in the booth's exterior and according to the Vermont owners, came with the booth when it left NJ. So now, they are trying to ID the probable NJ residents who left their mark. Please click on the photo to see other portraits. If you know anyone, please email Bob Crane at the email provided on the site.

Steel Pier... your days are numbered.

2007-01-09T14:09:00.001-08:00

Atlantic City's famous Steel Pier family amusement area will be demolished in late 2007. The ever-caring Donald Trump has let the family that owns the concession area but not the property (that belongs to the Taj Mahal) have another season before it's demolished to make room for a "shopping-gaming-condo" complex. It was initially supposed to be taken down this month. Hmmmm... why the delay? Perhaps it's because the AC Historical Commission has begun a lawsuit as the AC Info Center lady suggested? Or maybe, it's trying to get the right permits to build a permanent residential structure on the OCEAN?

PS: Lucky and I were in AC this weekend (after driving down to DE for a surprise 30th birthday party) for the Philadelphia Candy Show. Got a lot of great info... too bad I don't really care for chocolate!

I now pronounce you...

2007-01-05T11:08:00.000-08:00

united civilly!

I am very excited that NJ has become the third state to allow civil unions. It wasn't until I became engaged that I started thinking about the importance of civil unions... you know that stage when you want everyone to do what you are doing because it's so great? (Lucky has a friend who loves to do this... although he still hasn't convinced Lucky to go kiteboarding). I realized that some of my friends who were in loving stable relationships could never be officially together. Just because they were gay?

There is a separation between church and state. So it should be easy to understand that marriage/civil union through the government is not the same as receiving the marital sacrament. But for some reason, many can't get past that. ARGGG.

Anyways, now there's a competition going down with who is going to be the first couple to be united under the new bill (If Lambertville's mayor will officiate the initial union, it will be a lesbian couple who wants to remain anonymous... like that will stay long!). I'm not sure I'd want to be in the first one... the Vermont couple who was the first couple in the US to be civilly united have now separated; and the whole world knows about it!

How will civil unions affect NJ heterosexuals? So far the only thing I can come up with is this... many mayors have said that they will not perform civil unions because it conflicts with their religious beliefs. That's just fine because mayors are not required to perform any ceremonies. However, if they only do traditional weddings and not civil unions, they are violating anti-discrimination laws and can be removed from office. So... if you are planning on getting married in NJ by a mayor, make sure they are doing civil unions... or you might be left at the altar by a government official!

Happy New Year!

2007-01-02T10:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we went to Gumby's annual New Year's DAY party.

It's a great idea... everyone has New Year's Eve plans (heck, last year, Lucky and I went to two of the three NYE parties we were invited to) but no one has plans for January 1st. Except for people wanting a deal on mattresses, furniture or cars.

So Gumby doesn't take excuses... he knows that his friends are probably not working and to avoid people cancelling because they have to go to bed early, he holds it from 12noon-7pm.

It was really nice and low key. Because there was no rush of making sure that you didn't miss the ball-drop (we came close to missing it this year because there was so much fun at JonJon's place... PS: doesn't Carson Daly look like he's morphing into Dick Clark?), or need to run to another shin-dig, everyone got to enjoy the family-style holiday dinner. This year, FOUR turkeys were deep-fryed out on the patio away from the kids running around inside.

Gumby created a 36 foot long table, using a plywood table topper that connected conference tables with his pool table (which he covered as well). The table stretched through two rooms with enough chairs for his 44 guests; it belonged in a Vanderbilt house, it was so long! It made it difficult for conversing with many people but definitely created a wow! factor.

Playing at the Wonderbar...

2006-12-30T16:04:00.000-08:00

Playing at the Wonderbar...
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

Jersey's own Uncle Floyd.

As mentioned quickly last post, Lucky and I went to see a show at Lance and Debbie's Wonder Bar in Asbury Park. Opening up the holiday-themed event was a blues band called Outside the Box. Members of the band were still in high school, having played together for a few years. The audience consisted of family members including apparent grandparents, and friends with big black Xs on their hands (so they couldn't get drinks). They were pretty darn good, and adding their age as a factor... they could be a good novelty to add to this year's Jazz Fest in New Orleans.

The headliner was Uncle Floyd. And I was in U68 Heaven!!! He did a mix of schtick and mu-schtick... lots of clean "dirty jokes" (the kind your grandpop would tell) and some piano plunky stuff... he finished with "Deep in the Heart of Jersey" which Lucky and I have been known to sing in the car. Word to the wise: Don't go to the bathroom when he's performing... he'll stop until you come back! Uncle Floyd, you're not just David Bowie's hero, you're mine too!

The closer was Everlounge, a band we had seen before since the RockingCs are friends with the backup singer. They performed "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" which has gotten some airplay years ago when they were the Whirling Dirvishes.

We had gone with the RockingCs (in their 40s) and with the KSisters (in their 20s)... guess which ones were yawning first!!! Kids today... :)

Merry Christmas 2006!

2006-12-24T14:30:00.000-08:00

Trailer Tree
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

May all of you have a great holiday... I will tell you all about the Uncle Floyd/ Everlounge concert at Asbury Park's Wonder Bar later this week ... I promise! Now off to Ma's for some chicken pastries... yum yum.

This photo was taken December 17, 2006 at the Monmouth Mobile Home Park on Rt. 1, Monmouth Junction, NJ. According to the website, two employees of the Mobile Home Park (where the "nice people" live according to their sign) wrap this tree each year by hand.

(2006 Statistics: A 300 Amp Service for 102,601 White Lights; Approximately 8.5 Miles of Lights and Extension Chords.)

http://www.mmhp.com/

Go Town Go!

2006-12-18T07:47:00.000-08:00

Go Town Go!
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

So I won a photography contest... This photo of the high school cheerleaders performing at the town street fair placed first in a blind competition. Not that big of a deal considering the public library-sponsored contest was called "A Day in the Life of Your Home Town"... and most of the entries didn't really capture the theme. But I did win a gift certificate to the local Mexican restaurant and that definitely is a "great deal."

Rockin' with the Dinosaurs

2006-12-14T16:08:00.000-08:00

Chuck Berry at his car
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

Back in September, Lucky and I went to the Commerce Bank Park in Bridgewater to see Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis. Yes, I have to agree with Lucky that JLL gave a better performance BUT... he's about a decade younger than CB, he played a 20 minute set, and he didn't have to play the guitar. Chuck's dexterity at 80 wasn't quite there but his independent streak still was... he actually drove himself to the hotel he was staying at. That's his towncar in the back...

NJ Hall of Fame

2006-12-13T14:53:00.000-08:00

There will be a museum built shortly regarding the heroes of NJ. This NJ Hall of Fame is currently accepting votes for the 2007 inductees from five categories: Historical, General, Sports, Arts & Entertainment, and Science and Technology. Not all the nominees are NJ born and those who were born in NJ don't necessarily still live here (if they are still alive). It's definitely a pretty good mix.

The mission of the NJHF is to "honor our citizens who have made invaluable contributions to society and the world beyond. The Hall of Fame also wants to send a message to children that they can and should strive for excellence in any endeavor of their choosing. By offering them role models, we also hope and trust that the Hall of Fame will become a source of inspiration and hope for all New Jersey children."

Who will be paying for this museum? Well, right now plans are to raise all monies through private donations. We will see if that works out. Considering that NJ legislation created it and it's under the auspices of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA), it's already wrapped in NJ politics. But then again... we do need something NJ-specific for tourists to visit.

Thank you NFL...

2006-12-12T15:30:00.000-08:00

Not for myself. I only attend the Super Bowl party I go to because I'm allowed to wear my feetsy pjs and eat soup (Souper Bowl, get it?!)... but for all those Rutgers football fans.

Unfortunately, the bowl that RU will be playing will be aired on the NFL Network which is not carried by Cablevision or Time Warner. Not that I blame the cable companies for not carrying the channel (apparently the money the NFL wants would raise my bill by $1 for one stinkin' channel... and it's not Style), but not having the chance to see the local team make good is well, not. So... Lautenberg and Corzine asked the NFL Network to provide access to the game. And the politicians pulled thru!

The NFL Network will be providing free week of coverage the week between Christmas and New Year's. That way all those Scarlet lovers can be happy. And I don't have to hear their whining. :)

Like a Rolling Stone..

2006-12-11T14:45:00.000-08:00

Keith Richards on the Big Screen
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

So in the year of free concerts, we must add The Rolling Stones on September 27 at Giants Stadium. As with Bon Jovi (did I mention that yet?), the seats were in the nosebleed section but why should we complain... the tickets were donated.

Mick Jagger was a little predictable and preening like a teenager looks ridiculous when you are able to order from the senior menu at Denny's. But his vocals were good, as was Keith "Nine Lives" Richards'. They started the show rather late (9:46) even thought the opening act (Kanye West... yup, Not bad but don't really think it was the best match considering Dave Matthews, Alice Cooper, Van Morrison, and Elvis Costello were some of the other openers on this tour) was on time. That's not a big deal if it's a weekend... but it wasn't.

PS: These seats would have cost almost $90 including parking, service fees, etc. if we would have paid for the tickets. Now there were fireworks and you can see the big screens behind the band... but ticket prices are making it harder for fans to afford to see their music heroes.

The Cookie Exchange

2006-12-09T10:54:00.000-08:00

Tonight, Lucky and I are going to a cookie exchange. We are NOT participating in the actual exchange of cookies. People who are have to make 23 bags of cookies. That's not 23 cookies, but 23 BAGS of cookies. Sometimes it's just two or three cookies per bag but it still totals around 7 dozen cookies. Which means not only do you have to make 7 dozen cookies, but you have to then eat 7 dozen cookies. Even if you freeze half of them, and then pass some off to others, you are still stuck with a bunch of calorie-laden temptations during the holiday season. And I honestly, don't need that.

We will be, however, participating in the "White Elephant" part of the party. I was watching a travel show, and learned the origin of the term....

White elephants (they really aren't white... just some parts of them are lighter than regular elepants) were regarded as holy in ancient times in Thailand and other Asian countries. To keep a white elephant was a very expensive task, since you had to provide the elephant with special food, and provide access for people who wanted to come and worship it. If a Thai King became dissatisfied with a subordinate, he would give him a white elephant. The gift would, in most cases, ruin the recipient.

Talk about passive aggressive behavior!

Anyways, here's to a good gift exchange; maybe I can get something I actually like.

Ask George...

2006-12-08T15:39:00.000-08:00

Washington Rock
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

In this photo, you see General Washington answering questions regarding NJ's involvement in the Revolutionary War during Somerset County's "Discover the Past Weekend" Oct. 15, 2006.

Lucky and I also visited some other places including Kirch-Ford House in Warren, and The Brick Academy in Basking RIdge. Lots of fun.

Goodbye, CBGB

2006-12-07T11:08:00.000-08:00

CBGB 2006 or 1976?
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

Country, Bluegrass, or Blues wasn't played the last week CBGB was open. Lucky and I caught its last ska show (headlined by The Pietasters) on October 5.

Although we had been to the Stone Pony a gazillion times and I had been to both The Bitter End and The Bottom Line, CBGB was never visited. So it was odd... discovering something that we could come to love and knowing that it was too late to develop the relationship.

As most of you know, the Ramones, Television, and Talking Heads all got their start in this hole in the wall. And I am NOT kidding about it being a hole in the wall. The bar is what some call "shotgun style", meaning that it's long and narrow (a bullet could go through the front door and out the back). Dust on the monitors hadn't been moved since the 1970s and the walls were being held up by poster glue and stickers.

The end of CBGB is a sign of the times. The landlord, Bowery Residents' Committee -- a non-profit organization that runs a homeless shelter above the premises kicked it out, saying there was back rent due (paperwork is iffy on that)... the fact is that they wanted a bigname company to move in. Just like many landlords in Westfield, NJ had done... kick out the independent businesses that created the feel of the neighborhood and make it another Starbucks/Gap outside mall.

CBGB's owner says that he has plans to move it to Las Vegas. A perfect fit, I think. As long as they don't make it too shiny.

(More photos on Flickr)

Boo to you

2006-12-06T15:31:00.000-08:00

Halloween Parade
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

Our little Jersey village has been having a town Halloween parade for over 70 years. Awards are given in the town square for the best costumes. The judges also give many of the kids who participate a silver dollar. It's not a big parade... maybe 150 people walking including the mayor and council, and then Santa in the firetruck.

We would watch the parade and then go to the local chinese restaurant for dinner (They gave out fortune cookies to the trick-or-treaters).

Memories of Tico Taco

2006-12-05T09:44:00.000-08:00

The national (heck maybe even international) news has been filled with stories about the local Taco Bell. In high school, our family would frequent it quite a bit since my brother was a growing boy who needed to eat every three hours... the box of 10 tacos would be gone in a flash (8 of them going to my brother).

The talk of "e coli and Mexican food" evolved into a trip down memory lane for the Mexican restaurant of our youth, Tico Taco. In the 70s, there wasn't much diversity in NJ restaurants (Basically, you had a choice between Chinese and Italian) but on Rt. 22, there was a grungy dark place marked by a life-size concrete man with a sombrero pulling a burro saddled with bags.

Tico Taco had the greatest coconut punch served in a giant glass (we kids would often share one since it was sooo big) and the tacos were soft and had a layer of cheese between the two thin tortillas that wrapped the mystery meat goodness. On weekends, Tico Taco had live music and a wandering gypsy telling fortunes. We loved eating there or just picking stuff up to bring home... even after a friend who worked in the back told us horror stories about the dishwashing and cockroaches! We figured that "what doesn't kill us makes us stronger." Did I mention that the food was yummy?! The restaurant was knocked down in the late 80s and there's now a Pizza Hut in its stead; we now have a wonderful Mexican restaurant in the downtown. But it's not the same. Memories won't let it be.

Turkey Drive

2006-12-04T18:33:00.000-08:00

Turkey Drive
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

Our store held a turkey drive for the Community FoodBank of NJ just in time for Thanksgiving. Although it was the first year, our customers brought enough frozen turkeys and canned foods to filled an entire van! I marketed this event hard so it was nice to see it make all the local papers and TV stations. Even one school participated because they found it mentioned on the internet. Yay, me.

There's no pretending... She still got it!

2006-12-03T09:19:00.000-08:00

Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

Lucky and I got to see Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, The Pretenders play a packed room at the Starland Ballroom, Nov 29th.

I felt a bit tall when I got there and was trying to figure out if I was wearing my "tall shoes" when I realized that it was because a vast majority of the crowd were female! I never thought of The Pretenders as a "girlie" band, just one fronted by a ballsy female, so being surrounded by an audience that was 5'7 and under (the guys were short too!), was a bit offputting.

The band that opened up for them was called FOURGOODMEN, comprised of former members of Big Country and Simple Minds (no, not Jim Kerr!). They sang some originals along with the hits their past bands had had. The energy was wonderful and you could definitely tell that those four guys (and the girl who played the bagpipes) were having the time of their lives. This was the second time we heard "(In a) Big Country" performed at the Starland... the first being performed by The Alarm a few years back.

Chrissie Hynde could theoretically be my mother agewise, but her attitude was so not "mom" (even though she is one), it was more of that cool chick in high school who you struggled to be like. She sang many of the hits but also threw in some obscure stuff that she felt like playing; even played some requests. Lucky was very excited when one of the first songs the Pretenders played was... "Night in My Veins." I enjoyed "Popstar" which was a nice dig at the teeniebopper blondes of late ( I imagine Pink must have been influenced by Ms. Hynde).

The Starland is a fabulous facility for music... For the same ticket price, I wouldn't even have bleacher seats to see other legends. And here I was, within 50 feet of a walking legend with killer arms and vocals.

Mummy Bread

2006-12-02T11:53:00.000-08:00

mummybread
Originally uploaded by TheJerseyTomato.

In Equador, "Guaguas de Pan" breads (bread babies) like these are made for All Saints Day and All Souls Day. People decorate the graves of relatives (usually those who died that year). They stay all day near the graveyard and "share" the food with the deceased. Typically, it goes with "Colada Morada" (Purple Porridge), beverage made of fruits and aromatic herbs.

My mom and I got these cute breads (They tasted like yummy dinner rolls) at the local Equadorian bakery along with the Colada Morada which was a warm, blackish purple liquid that had small pieces of pineapple and tasted like stewed berries.

It's been awhile...

2006-12-01T08:17:00.000-08:00

Yes, you've seen these apologetic posts on blogs everywhere. When life is either too boring or too exciting to write about. Well, inspired by the NaBloPoMo Event that FrenchToastGirl participated in (National Blog Posting Month for those not in the know), I will be attempting to post every day in December.

I promise that the posts will not be about whether or not McGreevey is truly gay (as according to Cipel on Larry King) but more about the exciting things I have done in NJ or as a representative of this fine state.

WTC Movie... Not Ready Yet.

2006-08-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

Oliver Stone's movie "World Trade Center" will be opening next week. I won't be in the ticket line.

Do I have a personal connection with the 9/11 attack? Not really... But although I did not lose anyone in the tragedy, like most in NJ, I was touched by it. My friend's father (who was the WTC manager when it first opened) made it down 60-odd flights of stairs passing Port Authority cops on their way up, cops he knew since he also worked for the PANYNJ; two friends missed being in the WTC running late or having meetings cancelled.

I still remember going to the Food Bank two days later unpacking trailers from Tennessee... pillows and generators. Smaller trucks from NJ filled with black plastic bags of clothing and old ratty slippers still wet from the rain. Making sandwiches for the rescue workers who knew that they would find noone but still had to breath in the death; listening to the stories of my friends who walked past barriers and through the ash to deliver the food to the Red Cross station.

Two months later, driving through TriBeCa, there still was a weird dusty quality to the air, the smell of something missing entwined in the wind that ruffled the faces on the flyers loved ones had posted on any flat surface they could find. The smoke that still floated upwards across from the Liberty State Park.

Two years later, seeing a 9/11 widow with a 2 and a half year old baby girl getting on with her life and dating my friend.

I know it's important to capture history as soon as possible. And many people in the Midwest who I spoke with days after the attack, really didn't understand the scope of the destruction. So for them, it is a good thing to see. But for me, 9/11 may not have hit close, but hit close enough and I will wait until I'm ready.

The Amazing Race Across the Garden State

2006-07-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

The Amazing Race Across the Garden State

Well, here it is... The complete photo album of our NJ Monthly contest entry. Granted, we know we didn't win... we have JOBS and couldn't drop everything to prance...er, drive around Jersey. It was tons of fun. Some of the landmarks, we had seen before; others, we always wanted to see; and even others, we didn't even know existed. Definitely have to make another stop at the Lakota Wolf Preserve and Albert Music Hall. Click Here to see the slideshow.

A Fourth of Tillie

2006-07-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

This weekend was pretty busy.

Friday night, we saw "Cars" which was really cute (and long); Newman's caracter (sorry, I had to) was pretty well-formed for a cartoon. Saturday, we ran around Rutgers trying to find the RAC because they had put new floor down in the Lewis Brown Athletic Center and it didn't match the flooring in the NJ Monthly magazine which students said was located in the RAC (the next day, I went on line to find out that the RAC and the Lewis Brown are the same building) and Lucky made a yummy crab leg dinner.

Sunday was spent at the Yogi Berra Museum Skybox for my brother-in-law's 40th birthday. Although I detest "America's National Pasttime," it was kinda fun. We could see the whole field; the skybox was A/C'd on one of Jersey's most humid days; and because it wasn't telecasted, the game actually went rather quickly... the Jackals won.

Monday, Lucky went kayaking and afterwards, we completed the Race by finally finding Case Family Cemetary. The next day we celebrated Independence Day by marching in the Asbury Park parade with the SaveTillie float. Lucky had never been in a parade before (I was in Girl Scouts and marched in tons of parades) and he actually got to hold the banner with president Bob Crane. It was nice to hear the locals, young and old, cheering on Tillie as he held on to the carousel horse. "We miss you" "When are you coming back?!" We were behind the Lesbian and Gay Big Apple Corps which definitely was impressive. But Bob made a noble attempt to keep up with his creative banner choreography!

PS: I will keep you posted regarding Tillie's new housing plans as they come up.

How NJ are you?

2006-07-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

You Are 96% New Jersey!

Wow, you're totally Jersey. There's no doubt about it. Congratulations, and always be proud to be Jersey--it's a great thing to be!

How New Jersey Are You?

I think that it would have been higher but I don't know anyone on my street who's in the mafia... however I did know a NJ mortician who handled the funerals of the Staten Island mafia, and another guy who was on the run from the mob because of gambling debts (ya, I found that out AFTER I let him rent out my second bedroom for a month!).

Thanks to KateSpot for pointing me towards the quiz.

Pardon the lack of posting...

2006-06-28T13:55:00.000-07:00

but we were living. So here is one gigantic update.

May
The North Jersey Taste of the Nation was held again at the Madison Hotel. This time, I was co-chair of the silent auction. Definitely a mean learning curve but now I know what needs to be done this year. Next year, I might bring some of my store's goods to sell; this year they added a vendor's room which seemed to do well (a portion of the sales went to Share Our Strength which then goes to the CFBNJ). Props goes to South Orange's "Heart and Soul" restaurant for the best finger-licking ribs evah!!! Some of the restaurants who were actually open that day (Monday) had trouble getting there in time because a lot of their staff called out to attend the illegal immigration rallies.

Lucky and I went to the Loews Jersey to see Terry Gilliam's masterpiece "Brazil" on the big, big screen. It was the director's cut and was fabulous. Everytime we watch it, there's something new we catch. It definitely has held up and in this governmental era is even more poignant.

Our newly adopted niece had her "Welcome to the Family" party. It was nice seeing people we hadn't seen since our wedding.

I went to the National Stationery Show and placed some orders. Looked for a friend's agent at the Surtex Show which was also at Javits but couldn't find her.

Lucky and I then went to the Little River band show at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville. The tickets were free from their e-newsletter. Well, kinda free... you had to pay some handling fee and of course parking. Add beer each, and it ended up being around $20 for the two of us. They opened up with "Reminiscing" which was the song that popped into my head when I realized that Lucky was "the one." So honestly, I could have left anytime afterwards. But Lucky wanted to hear some other songs. they weren't bad; and we managed to bump into my friend's husband who we hadn't seen since our wedding (seriously, we have gone outside of our apartment and socialized in the past year. Really). He also decided to take advantage of the free tickets.

Memorial Sunday, Lucky and I joined the Rockin' Cs at Pat DiNizio's Scotch Plains party. We chowed down on spaghetti and draft beer (the pasta was catered instead of home-made but I'm not complaining) which his mom helped serve. Just in case you are wondering if Mr. Lead Singer of the Smithereens gave up smoking to get in shape for his potential baseball career.... the answer is no. The day was filled with music. It started with a set by Howard Stern's official lookalike Stewart Brodian who sang his Monica Lewinsky song and then people took turn jamming with Pat and Smithereens cofounder and lead guitarist, Jim Babjak. Miz C was the only chick with the balls to get up there... she sang a Beatles song, one of the many sung that day. It was soooo much fun and combined with finally getting my concert t-shirt from 1992 signed (they "opened" for the Violent Femmes) and an autographed copy of Pat's new album "This is Pat DiNizio," it was definitely worth the $50 price of admission.

June
June started well... Lucky and I collected CFBNJ donations at Pearl Jam's Meadowlands concert. Just in case you didn't know, Pearl Jam donates $1 of each ticket to two non-profit organizations. Considering that the arena holds 20,000 people; well you can do the math (the other organization that got $20k was ONE). We weren't going to be able to see the concert but two separate people gave us tickets to use. I was fifth row behind the stage and Lucky was third row in the front.

One would think that since smoking is no longer allowed in public places, that the number of people lighting up herbal refreshment would decrease but not so. It felt like I was PigPen with a cloud of potsmoke around me. The concert was fantastic anyways. Eddie Vedder did not ignore the crowd in the back, going back and waving every once and a while (after taking a swig from his wine bottle). Unfortunately, the photos I took with my disposable camera didn't come out that clearly.

June 6th was National Hunger Awareness Day. The FoodBank celebrated with a beautiful ceremony. Lots of local children's musical groups had Gov. Corzine's foot a-tapping. The fact that he stayed as long as he did was pretty amazing considering there was no real media there and elections were going on that day. He's been a supporter of CFBNJ for many years.

My mom and I went to the Market Square trade show in Ft. Washington to place some orders and pick up some new stuff at the Cash and Carry. It was kinda sad since it was the last event the expo center would host before it was torn down to make room for an office building. Most of the events held there are moving to the new Reading center.

The Star Ledger had a breakfast meeting for local merchants and community leaders to explain their new Middlesex County section which is also going to be delivered separately to all nonsubscribers. Smart idea, getting more local news which Yahoo and Google don't supply. And local merchants would be more likely to advertise in that section. Apparently, it's already working in Morris County. Got to chat with Peter Genovese of "Jersey Diners" and "Munchmobile" fame. And got to see the actual mobile in the parking lot (The fiberglass hotdog on top of the 12 passenger van is pure perfection!)

Last Saturday, our friends the Aussies finally got married after being together for eleven years.

The next day, Lucky and I ran around Flemington in the rain trying to look for a landmark on NJ Monthly's Race Across NJ, didn't find what we were looking for in Princeton, but did manage to get a shot of the Twin Lights before we headed to the Arts Center to collect money for the FoodBank at Springsteen's "Seeger Sessions" show. We had wonderful seats given to the volunteers... row S but considering all I could bring in was a cel phone, the photos don't really show how great the seats were.

To call it a Springsteen concert isn't exactly right. It was more like what Great Big Sea calls a "kitchen party"... a bunch of people including the audience getting together and singing their hearts out. Bruce and Patty sang "If I Should Fall Behind" which is our wedding song (and oddly enough, also that of the couple behind us!). "Pay Me My Money Down" was a big hit and was used to signal the end of the real set. It involved Springsteen leading most of the band (20 people in all were on stage including Chatham's Richie "La Bamba" Rosenberg) piedpiper-style off the stage, leaving behind one musician to do a ...TUBA solo!!!! When he finally is coaxed to leave, Bruce came back to conduct the audience. As is tradition, he dedicated "My City of Ruin" to the FoodBank. A super super concert. In fact, might be my favorite of all the concerts I've seen of his (having seen The Rising, Vote for Change, Devils & Dust, Seeger Sessions).

So that sums up the last two months. I will be posting more of the NJ Monthly contest once the photos are all in. We are having a blast with doing this. And it's a good thing that Lucky and I visited Bull's Run on Sunday because chances are it's under water now.

A Piece of My Heart... A Part of NJ

2006-05-12T15:52:00.001-07:00

My uncle died a few weeks ago. Chances are you knew him. He was a "sitter."

"Sitters" are a rarer breed of Jerseyan than the "wavers." Although both will sit outside no matter the weather (generally wearing baseball caps), the waver is less selective with the cars he greets. The sitter will only wave at people he likes.

My uncle Walt was the sitter of Route 28. The locals called him "The Mayor of North Ave." He would talk to other townies about the previous night's baseball game, or the nation's political situation. He would read the paper. And he would watch what was going around him. A few years ago, he had an accident and hurt his hip; but that didn't stop him for long. He'd just prop his white plastic chair on top of his walker and go to his spot.

Being a sitter is something that my family does. My grandfather, Uncle Waltie's dad, used to sit in his rocking chair in front of his furniture store (now my gift shop) for many years. Who will take up the chair? Right now, I'm taking resumes.