Thursday, July 29, 2010

Good coverage of Obama from Ledger Live

Ledger Live: President Obama visits Edison, New Jersey sub shop

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Tastee Subs

I should have mentioned, but I figure it is something you heard already...
Obama will be going to the Tastee Sub shop in Edison.
I guess he won't be coming over. Oh well.
Read about it here.

Monday, July 26, 2010

More info on President Obama's visit - (not)

This article talks about a big question for many people around here -- where is President Obama going to be on Wednesday? Because really, what is his visit going to do to the traffic?

The answer - in case you don't want to read the article yourself -- is that his staff is saying that he's going to visit "a small business in Edison", but that's about all they are saying. He'll fly in to Newark Airport, visit a business in Edison, and then he's off to NYC for a taping of the View.

Hey, he'll probably drive right down Green Street. Maybe he'll stop by and visit me! The Iselin Times is an important media outlet, right? He'll probably want to give me an interview! :)

Sunday, July 25, 2010

President Obama is coming to our area!

Ok, you probably heard this already. But President Obama is coming to the Edison area (which a lot of people thinks is also the Iselin area) on Wednesday. This could be really bad for traffic. (I didn't find a lot of details about it yet, but you can read about it here.)

I would like to talk to the President about the economy. I've got some serious problems with the shrinking of the middle class. I just read another article, here... it gives a ton of statistics showing that the middle class in America is disappearing. I have serious problems with the middle class disappearing. America was built on the foundation of a strong middle class. Heck, Iselin is founded on the middle class.

The article, like I said, gives a ton of statistics. Obviously you can manufacture statistics to prove your point any way you want to go. But there are so MANY of them here; plus, I don't think anyone is denying it.

The worst part of the article about the great shrinking middle class of America? No recipe to fix the problem. It's frustrating.

So, President Obama, what do YOU plan to do to fix the problem?

Friday, July 23, 2010

Working On the Tracks

I know everyone's probably seen the work that's being done around the train tracks.
This is a picture I took along the MET - the Middlesex-Essex Turnpike, down behind where Flips used to be.
I used to love driving down that street, because the shade trees were so pretty along there.
What do you think about the railroad taking out these trees? Are you for it, or against it?
I hate to see trees being cut down, because it just happens way too often. I love trees. We're lucky to have a lot of trees in Iselin, because of the park and the brook. I know trees play a big part in keeping an area cool -- the shade and everything, you know -- and I want our area to have MORE trees, not less.

BUT, on the other hand, the tracks are the Northeast Corridor. It's a REALLY busy and vital transportation route. And if, as we hear, there are going to be more and bigger storms (due to climate change, probably at least partially because we are cutting down so many trees in the world) then I can just imagine more trees falling and disrupting service.

So... my own opinion? It looks uglier, but we'll get used to it. I think they are being more efficient. And maybe we can plant more trees somewhere else, where they are more appropriate?

What's your opinion? Leave me a comment! :)

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Water Bottles


See, this just proves my point from yesterday.
Water bottles are a bad idea.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

The Story of Bottled Water

I personally like Iselin water.
I remember when I was a kid, Gram would pour a pitcher of water from the tap, fill the pitcher with ice cubes, made from the tap, and it was DELICIOUS.
And, well, I'm living in the same house, and it's the same tap, right?
So I've never believed in the need for bottled water.
Although over the last few years, I must admit, I've been a bit... embarassed... to offer people a glass of tap water.
But watch this video!

It's all a marketing ploy. I hate being conned by advertisers.
How about you? Do you believe in bottled water, or do you believe in the safety of our tap?

Monday, July 19, 2010

In my backyard

Good morning, Monday! How are things?
I have another lovely week stretching before me.
Here's the weather this morning in Iselin... grey, with a quick burst of rain, which is good because I won't have to water my string beans.
Have a good one!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Health and Wellness Fair Today

Did you see this post on Woodbridge.injersey last week?
The Iselin Pharmacy and Rita Surgicare are hosting the third annual Health and Wellness Screening and Information Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 14, at the Iselin Volunteer Fire Co., 1222 Green St.

In addition to screenings, you can get a “Medication Brown Bag” consultation for a review of your medications. Doctors, pharmacists and nurses will be on site to answer medical questions. Elizabeth Bongo, a registered dietitian and certified diabetic educator, will make a presentation and offer free 10-minute consultations.
There will also be pharmacy coupons and refreshments available.

The fair is co-sponsored by the Woodbridge Health Department and Provident Bank. For more information call Iselin Pharmacy or Rita Surgical at 732-283-1111.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Monday, July 12, 2010

The fair? No, not here!

 

If you're looking for the fair tonight, don't look here at the old fair grounds. Pretty nice houses, but no rides here anymore.

Follow the crowds to the parking lot at St. Cecelia's.
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Sunday, July 11, 2010

The Infamous Iselin Fair Pizza!

Only if you are from ISELIN does this look like someone cooking PIZZA.  Yup, the Iselin Fair Pizza is deep fried.  I got this picture from their website, from last year's pictures...   I hope that they don't mind me posting it. 
Get your pizza tomorrow!  Yum!

Saturday, July 10, 2010

They're almost ready!

 

St. Cecelia's Fair is the social event of the season, and they've been planning and setting up for days. (Actually, I didn't even take these pictures today. I took them a few days ago, when my husband and I took a nice leisurely stroll around town. Can you tell?) These are going to be the food tents I assume. I really like the barrel idea, since obviously they can't put tent pegs into the asphalt driveway.

The fair used to be a bigger deal. I must admit, it's less exciting now that I'm an adult, and it certainly isn't the same fair I remember as a child. Things always change whether we like it or not.

But I do hope the church does well with it. They do a lot of work to make it fun for everyone.

I'll probably get there at the end of the week. Maybe. If I'm there, maybe I'll see ya in the beer tent?
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Friday, July 9, 2010

Chick-fil-A "Cow Appreciation Day"

Chick-fil-A "Cow Appreciation Day"
Oh yeah, you've gotta do this.
Dress up as a cow today, and get a free meal at the Chick-fil-A in Menlo Mall.
Check all the details at the link above. 
Full cow attire required for a full meal.  Partial cow attire will get you a free entree.

C'mon, don't be chicken.  You can dress like a cow, can't you?

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

"What can we do?"

Ain't summer wonderful? The kids wait all year to be out of school, and then it's only a week into July and they are wondering what they should do.

How 'bout going to the mall? It's air conditioned at least!
At Woodbridge Center, you could hit the Starbucks for this deal:

Starbucks "Treat Receipt"

6/29/2010 - 10/4/2010

Customers who make any purchase before 2pm can return the SAME DAY after 2pm, with their receipt and enjoy any grande COLD beverage for only $2 (plus tax)! See store for details.

LOCATION: Starbucks

TIME: After 2pm

SPONSOR: Starbucks

CONTACT: 732-602-6200


Maybe hit Sandy Hook? Well, we don't have that much time, and it's getting late already.  Maybe tomorrow!

Cheesequake has a nice lake, and it's closer - exit 120 off the parkway.... check HERE 

Maybe you want to go bowling? There should be open bowling.  Click here for open bowling times at Woodbridge Bowling Center, Main Street in Woodbridge.

I have an idea, how about going roller skating at the Woodbridge Community Center?
That might be good. And there are coupons on line, check HERE.

Just a few ideas.  Or maybe you want to start your summer reading for school?
NO?  Why not? 

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Contrary to popular belief,

it is NOT hot enough to fry an egg on the street right now.

Although maybe if we'd tried it at noon it would have worked.

After about 15 minutes, the egg still hadn't cooked up. So now you know. :)

The Jersey Tomato

It is an institution. The Jersey Tomato. If you have a garden, you have a tomato plant. That's just the way it is.
My family barely even eats tomatoes, but it doesn't matter. I've decided to do a pretty big garden this summer - especially since I've been laid off, and I figured I'd have time to take care of it. And tomatoes are pretty dependable, so I've planted lots of them. We won't be eating them in salads, much, but we will eat an occasional Bacon Lettuce and Tomato sandwich. And obviously we eat tomato sauce on our spaghetti, so I'm going to make a lot of sauce to freeze. Assuming the things ever ripen.

I bought heirloom seeds for my tomatoes this year. An heirloom seed is an old fashioned, antique variety of a plant. The seeds are passed down from year to year, and saved by the gardener. This is not a manufactured, genetically modified hybrid. This is old school. And my plan is to save the seeds from a few of the tomatoes at the end of the year, and save them to plant again next year. Well... that's the PLAN. We'll see if I follow through or not.

According to the description on the seed package, the tomatoes that I picked out are "heavy producers of 4 to 5 ounce, red, globe shaped tomatoes... Does well under humid conditions...." And best of all is the name of the tomato; it's what really sold me. It's called the "moneymaker" tomato. When I was buying those seeds, the description was great; but anticipating being laid off, a moneymaker was what I needed, and so that is what I bought.

I bought seeds. I had the husband create a nice sunny garden location, and we added dirt. And I started the seeds in the special seed-starting potting soil that I bought at Home Depot. And I go out in the garden every other day or so and water it.

And I've got to wonder. How many tomatoes do I have to harvest to make up for all the money that I'm spending on this garden in the first place?

Monday, July 5, 2010

Tell me a story,
Grandma!

My love for stories and storytelling started with my Gram, who was a great story teller. I remember as a small child, sitting at her kitchen table, listening to the greatest family stories. I love stories. And now, blogging is like story telling to me.

I have a few favorite parable-type stories that have really meant something to me. This is one of them, have you ever heard it? .....

Once upon a time, an old man sat in the shade at the gates of a city smoking his pipe. A traveler walked up and gazed through the gate. "I am looking to move, and this city may be perfect for me and my family," the traveler said to the old man. "Can you tell me, what are the people like in this city?"

"Well," asked the old man, "What are the people like where you come from?"

"The people where I come from? Oh, they are the reason I am moving! There are so many difficult people in my old city! The store owners are greedy, always trying to cheat you and over-charge you. Crime is increasing. The children have no manners, they are surly and lazy. I used to love my old city, but in recent years, everything has changed. I can't stand living there anymore. The last straw was when a new family moved next door to me, and they had no respect. They let their house and yard get all run down, and they have a baby that cries all of the time. I tell you, sir, I couldn't wait to get away from that place. This city, however, looks very fine. Is it as good as it looks?"

The old man took a long puff on his pipe, and sadly shook his head. "No, I'm afraid that you will find the people here to be just the same as you describe. It's quite a shame."

A little bit of time passed, and another traveler walked up to the gate. "Hey there, sir, how do you do? I was wondering about this city here. I am looking for a job, and thought that this might be a good place. Can you tell me, what are the people like in this city?"

"Well," said the old man, "What are the people like where you are from?"

"Pretty decent, I guess," said the traveler. "I basically liked the people in my home town. They were pretty dependable, and were always willing to help you if you needed a hand. Most were good people, although maybe a few were bad. Lots of hard working families, trying to make a living. They weren't perfect, for sure, but for the most part, they were decent. I had some good friends in my old home town, and I was sorry to leave them."

"Ahh," said the old man smoking his pipe. "Then certainly, you should be pretty happy here. You will find the people here to be just as you describe."

And so they were.



... I have a few more of these parables, which have been very important to my view of the world. Maybe I'll tell you another one, some day. Good night!

The Heatwave

The story right now in Iselin is the HEAT!

I haven't gone outside yet today, and I've got the air conditioner pumping away. But you can see the heat creeping through the window blinds anyway.

I checked weather.com and it's supposed to be in the upper 90's for the high and the upper 70's for the low, for the next few days.

What do you do to keep cool?

Drink a lot of liquids... don't over-exert yourself...
well, obviously you can stay in the air conditioning...
Going to the mall is a good idea because it's nice and cool there anyway, and then you don't need to pump your own a/c so high! Or how about a movie? Yeah, maybe a movie!

I'm going to fill up my pool (I have a $10 special baby pool from Toys R Us, for my patio.) Enjoy the heat!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Wanna see some fireworks?

Most neighborhoods have people shooting fireworks off illegally. I hate that, because I'm a worrier - I'm always afraid someone is going to blow their hands off or something. Why don't you go watch a nice professional display of fireworks? Much better.


Everyone said that Woodbridge's fireworks display, held last night, was lovely. I missed it, because I decided to stay home and cook for today's picnic instead. I'm hoping to see my share of firecrackers tonight and tomorrow.


Tonight you can see fireworks in Carteret - 9:15 PM at the Waterfront Park and Veteran's Memorial Pier.

Or you can watch them at Donaldson Park in Highland Park, at 9:30 PM.

Tomorrow - how about going in to Hoboken and watching the Macy's fireworks along the Hudson River? That sounds pretty exciting. You can get the PATH train to Hoboken... check NJ Transit for more information.


Or maybe you want to go to Asbury Park and watch the fireworks down the shore... you KNOW how I love Asbury Park! There is a parade and festival at 1:00, and fireworks from the 2nd and 4th Avenue Beach at 9:30. This is the fireworks from last year:




Have fun, be careful, don't blow off your fingers!

God Bless America


Happy Fourth of July Weekend! And God Bless America, land of the free, home of the brave, and habitat to some beautiful critters, even in the suburbs of Iselin. Does anyone know what kind of butterfly this is? I'm not sure, but I'm going to try to figure it out.
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Thursday, July 1, 2010

Welcome, July!


If this weather is any indication, July is going to be spectacular! :D

A New York Times Article
that is pissing people off!

Did you read this article?
You should. Although it's about Edison, it's also about Iselin.
My Own Private India
The article is VERY insensitive and politically incorrect. It's also pretty funny... and I don't think Joel Stein, the author, really meant to be seen as mean. I think he meant to be seen as... well, funny? Cool? Way cooler than me, that's for sure.
It's satire, of course. But comedy which hits too close to home is very painful. That's probably true on both sides of the story, for white people and for brown people.

My own opinion? I like my town. I like the mix of people who live here. Like most people, I have a hard time with change, and I don't like feeling left out. I think that most of the white people who complain about Indian people moving in to our town are feeling stress about those two things: things change, and they are no longer part of the "in" crowd. Hey, I was NEVER part of the "in" crowd, so it doesn't bother me. My new neighbors are lovely, family-oriented, decent people, and that's all I need to know.

Plays In the Park -- 1776

Last night I went to see the newest play at Roosevelt Park in Edison, 1776.


1776 is about the days leading to Independence Day, when our newly formed Congress was trying to decide if they even WANTED to be independent of England. It was something that had never been considered before - that a colony could break off from it's mother country and become a brand new sovereign nation.

John Adams and Ben Franklin are the strongest proponents for independence, but they are blocked by other members of congress who feel that such a bold step will be treasonous, getting them hung in the worst case, or jeopardizing their property at the very least. Their debate is periodically interrupted by dispatches from George Washington, leading the ragamuffin army. The Army is fighting a tough battle, 5,000 old men and young boys against 25,000 of the finest British soldiers and mercenaries. They are unsure what they are fighting for - is it a protest or a revolution? - and they are in dire need of support.

I really enjoyed the play. The characters were all well developed and you had a real sense of the New York delegate being a New Yorker, for example. I felt that the pace was perfect. As always, the scenery and props were great. Plays in the Park always has a first rate production.

If you are going to see the play, though, you need to keep this in mind. Not everyone I was with enjoyed it as much as I did. I really enjoy history, and I prefer drama to musicals. Although the play is a musical, and has comedic moments, it is more a historical drama.

My suggestion? Set up your chairs and give it a shot. It is a beautiful evening out at really decent theater for $6 a person. Where else can you get such a great deal?

1776 is running until July 3rd. Get there early to set up your chairs as soon as the gate opens; there is always a line, and most people set up their chairs and leave for dinner, coming back right before the show. For more information, the Plays in the Park website can be found HERE

Filing for Unemployment

The NJ Unemployment Website, in case you are wondering, is pretty busy this morning.
I went to file -- HERE is a link to the state's online unemployment application -- and gave it a shot.
I got through the first few pages, and thought it was going pretty smoothly. But then I guess everyone woke up. And now, I keep getting this message:

Web site is currently unavailable. Please try again later.
If the problem continue to occur, please contact an Agent at 732-761-2020, 201-601-4100, or 856-507-2340. If you reside out of state, please contact an Agent at 888-795-6672. Agents should be contacted during our normal business hours from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

I guess there are a lot of people unemployed in New Jersey this morning. Well, at least me and a few other school employees. :P