The Quote of the Day

I am much better employed from every point of view, when I live solely for my own satisfaction, than when I begin to worry about the world.  The world frightens me, and a frightened man is no good for anything.  

 ~George Gissing

LETS GO DEVILS!

Tonight... it's the NJ Devils against the LA Kings in game one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs!  
Let's Go Devils!  
Watch it on channel 4!

WATCH FOR PEOPLE CROSSINGon Route 27 by Metropark!

New pedestrian hybrid beacon activated today
on Route 27 in Iselin near Metropark Station 
Signal promotes safety and is the first of its type in New Jersey 

(Woodbridge) – Commissioner James Simpson joined by NJ TRANSIT Executive Director James Weinstein, Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac and others here today to activate the first "pedestrian hybrid beacon" in New Jersey to provide an extra measure of safety for pedestrians who cross Route 27 on the way to and from Metropark train station.

 

The light, at Magnolia Road and Route 27, displays red lights requiring motorists to come to a full stop.  Unlike traditional traffic signals, the beacon’s lights remain off, or dark, until the beacon is activated by a pedestrian.

 

“(We are) serious about pedestrian safety,” said NJDOT Commissioner James Simpson.  “We will continue to invest in safety strategies and crosswalk improvements that alert motorists of... pedestrians.... Pedestrians (must) play their part by making smart, safe decisions and cross roads only at authorized locations.”

 

NJDOT selected the location for the federally approved traffic control device because a significant numbers of pedestrians cross Route 27 each day on their way to and from the Metropark train station.  Approximately 800 pedestrians cross Route 27 daily at or near N. Wood Avenue, Magnolia Road and Oak Tree Road/Green Street.  The goal is to reduce incidents of jaywalking and increase pedestrian safety.

“The safety of our customers is our top priority, so we are pleased that the first pedestrian hybrid beacon in the state has been installed near Metropark Station, which is among the busiest in our entire rail system,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director James Weinstein.  

 

“This busy section of Route 27 near the train station has been a safety issue for a long time, so I am very pleased that the New Jersey Department of Transportation and NJ TRANSIT have listened to our concerns and responded with this innovative beacon that will provide pedestrians with another safe option to cross the highway,” said Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac. 

 

The beacon has been synchronized with nearby traditional traffic signals on Route 27.  This will help motor vehicle traffic to flow as smoothly as possible and will help minimize congestion along a roadway that already experiences congestion during peak travel periods.  The Department has installed GPS devices in the beacon and in nearby traditional traffic signals to continuously synchronize their timing.

Synchronization means pedestrians will wait from 14 seconds to 93 seconds for the “Walk” signal after they press the button to activate the beacon.

The beacon includes an array of three lights, two lights side-by-side above a single light.  These lights control vehicular traffic.  The beacon also includes signals that control pedestrian traffic, like most traditional traffic signals, and provides pedestrians with audible cues to wait or walk. The pedestrian signal features a countdown clock indicating when motorists will get the signal to proceed.

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon details

·         When the beacon is inactive, the lights for motorists remain dark.  Motorists may proceed without stopping. The pedestrian signal displays a steady “Don’t Walk” signal.

 

·         Once a pedestrian activates the beacon, it begins its sequence, giving pedestrians a walk signal after a wait of between 14 seconds and 93 seconds, depending on where the nearby traffic signals are in their display cycles.  The hybrid beacon sequence starts with motorists being shown a flashing yellow light for five seconds.  Pedestrians continue to see the steady “Don’t Walk signal.

 

·         The flashing yellow light changes to a steady yellow signal for another five seconds.  Motorists should stop if safe to do so.  Pedestrians will continue to see the steady “Don’t Walk” signal.

 

·         The steady yellow light goes dark while the two lights above it display steady red lights for ten seconds.  Motorists must stop.  After three seconds of steady red lights for motorists, pedestrians are given a “Walk” signal for seven seconds and should cross with caution.

 

·         The steady red lights switch to flashing red for 16 seconds, requiring motorists to come to a full stop and then proceed only if no pedestrians are in the crosswalk.  Pedestrians will see a flashing “Don’t Walk” signal, as well as a countdown clock starting at 16 seconds.  Pedestrians should complete a crossing if they are in the intersection but should not begin to cross.

 

·         The flashing red lights turn off, creating a display of three dark lights for motorists, who may proceed with caution without stopping at the signal.  Pedestrians will see the steady “Don’t Walk” signal, and will need to push the button to activate the beacon.

Eat at Cheeseburger in Paradise Today!

Today only, Wednesday, May 30 the Cheeseburger in Paradise on Route 1 in Iselin will be donating %15 of all proceeds raised today to the Relay For Life of Woodbridge!!!!

Treat yourself to a delicious meal today with your co-workers, friends, or family where you are benefitting the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life.

You don't need any voucher or pass to attend and have your meal's donation go to the relay. Just show up with a big appetite!

The event is running all day long so if you have time today, remember why we are fighting against cancer and run over to Cheeseburger in Paradise to help us one day live in a world with less cancer and more birthdays!

Should get stormy later!

I got this picture from a facebook posting done by the Severe NJ Weather guy - you can friend him on Facebook, if you like! He's always tracking the incoming storms and keeping me updated.  This picture shows the storms heading right for us... but who knows how much they'll break apart by the time they get here?

Weather.com says we can expect thunderstorms sometime this evening... they guess 7:30.  So plan your outdoor activities accordingly!

It's a beautiful day!

And there's still no school in Iselin... so it's a great day to enjoy, if you have a chance!  It's a scorcher out there, of course, so I hope that if you are able to enjoy it outside you can enjoy it next to a pool or something.  If not, I highly recommend hanging out in the air conditioning somewhere - maybe going to Woodbridge Center and shopping for a while?


I did a lot of gardening yesterday, and got a little bit of a burn, so I'm thinking that for me, inside is the place to be today.  And even though it may be the last day of a long weekend, I'm feeling like this bonus day should still be a work day -- a day to work at home, that is.  I've always got plenty of work to do around the house.

The weather channel is saying that it's going to be in the upper 80's today, but it's going to feel like the 90's... and it's still May!  So, Welcome Summer - it might be a few weeks away still, but unofficially, it's here!

Observe Memorial Day Today at the American Legion

The T. Nulty Post 471 American Legion in Iselin will observe Memorial Day today by putting flags on the graves of veterans in local cemeteries, to be followed by a solemn service at 11:00 AM at the post home, located at 25 Brown Avenue in Iselin. All are welcome to attend the service in honor and memory of the Veterans who have served our country.

Originally called "Decoration Day," Memorial Day was founded in 1866 when Waterloo, NY, set aside this day to lay flowers on the graves of soldiers. It became popularly observed throughout the country in the years following the Civil War; approximately 620,000 lives were lost during that war, which is the deadliest war in American history.

The American Legion invites everyone to spend time honoring the many, many soldiers who have sacrificed their own lives to preserve America's freedom.

Happy Memorial Day to All of Our Veterans

Sunday Mornin' Music :)

Saturday Night Music

Are you looking for a job?

If you are, you should put this on your calendar!  

Get your resume together, and get your suit out of the dry cleaners!

 

NEW JERSEY’S Largest Career DAY MAY 30 at rutgers

New Jersey Collegiate Career Day is free and open to the public!

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – More than 180 public and private sector employers from a wide range of industries will greet job seekers during New Jersey Collegiate Career Day sponsored by Rutgers Career Services.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place on Wednesday, May 30, at the Rutgers Student Center and Brower Commons on College Avenue from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Employers in accounting, engineering, financial services, government, health, information technology, sales and marketing, and social services are participating.

The number of participating employers is up compared to last spring’s career day.

“The larger number of employers seeking candidates is an encouraging sign,” said Richard White, director of Career Services. “Members of the Class of 2012 are graduating into the best entry-level job market since 2008, but it will still take a lot of persistence, networking and flexibility to secure employment in the current economic climate.”

Job seekers should bring hard copies of their resumes for employers at the event. Business attire is strongly recommended.

Parking for job candidates will be available at the Scarlet Parking Lot-West, adjacent to the Rutgers High Point Solutions Football Stadium in Piscataway. Free shuttle buses will run continuously between the parking area and College Avenue from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Parking is available on the College Avenue Campus for employers only.

Employers and candidates will find additional information including directions, parking instructions, résumé submission, career day tips and a roster of employers online at http://careerservices.rutgers.edu.

Contact: Amber Hopkins-Jenkins

akhopkinsjenkins@ur.rutgers.edu

732-932-7084, ext. 601

Oak Tree Shopping Festival This Saturday and Sunday

The Oak Tree Shopping Festival is an unprecedented 2-day extravaganza in the heart of Little India in Iselin, NJ.  Featuring deep discounts and special deals at Oak Tree Road’s finest shops and restaurants, the 1st annual festival promises to draw a crowd of families from the East Coast and beyond this Memorial Day Weekend.

• SHOP: From clothing to jewelry to entertainment, local businesses are slashing prices up to 70%!
  
  
• EAT: Dine in some of the very best South Asian cuisine in the US.  Specials will be offered all weekend!
  
  
• ENTER TO WIN: Great prizes are being raffled throughout the festival, so be sure to sign up for your chance to win!
  
• STAR STRUCK: Catch a glimpse of your fav Star Plus soap stars making appearances at the stores.

So whether you’re a regular or visiting Oak Tree Road for the first time, be sure to join the festivities at the Oak Tree Shopping Festival this Memorial Day Weekend!

Friday Night Music!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Get the Memorial Day Weekend off to a good start with the video of Woodbridge's "Support our Troops" rally.

School's Out

For those of you who didn't already know, there is no school today in Iselin... and there's no school on Saturday, or on Sunday, or on Monday, OR on Tuesday! It was such a warm winter, they didn't need any of the snow days, so they've scheduled them for this weekend!

Thursday Night Music

The Etan Patz Case Closed!

Wow, I really never thought that they would ever manage to solve this mystery.

Etan Patz was a little boy in New York in 1979, when he was allowed to walk to school by himself for the first time.
Tragically, he went missing... and for years, no one knew what had happened to him.  I guess his parents may have held out hope, because there was never a body.  I have no idea what their emotions, thoughts, dreams could have been.  It was just the saddest thing ever, and it affected everyone.

Because you know what happened then, don't you?  That was the end of the innocence and the beginning of the society that we have now.  It was the end of letting kids walk to school by themselves without being worried about what might happen, the end of letting kids hang out on their own until the street lights came on.  It was the beginning of stranger danger, and arranged play dates, and keeping the kids in the house all the time unless you could go out with them. It was the end of sending the kids down to the park to run around and play, and the beginning of making them sit in front of the TV on the couch until you had an hour free and you could take them. 

And now, it seems that they've actually found the guy who did it.  I can only imagine what THAT trial is going to be like.  God will judge him, I certainly don't want to. 

And I hope his parents have some peace... and rest in peace, Etan.

And tomorrow? Tomorrow is National Missing Children's Day.

If you want to read the whole story, you can read the New York Times article HERE.

Iselin Boy Scout working on his Eagle Project

"Hi my name is Patrick Brennan. I am currently trying to complete my Eagle Scout Service Project. But to do so I need to fund raise money to be able to buy the equipment I need to complete this."  That's the message on Patrick's fundraising website, which you can access if you click:

Fundraising Ideas

Patrick's project is to build a garden at Ross Street School #11 in Woodbridge, for the school to use in classes and to promote healthy eating.  The gardens, once established, will be used for the rest of this school year, but can be used again next year and in the years to come. Pat plans to complete his project as quickly as possible, so that the school has a chance to grow some vegetables this year -- he'll be putting together the raised beds, tilling and weeding an existing garden, cultivating the ground, and transplanting seedlings.  Anyone who is willing to volunteer for the construction and planting stage of the project, on the weekend of June 2 - 3,  can call Patrick Brennan at 732-283-9079.   But right now, his main concern is gathering the materials he needs; and that's where the fundraising website comes in.

"I'm going to build raised bed garden with water-resistant lumber," said Patrick.  "I need to get the lumber.  Top soil will be needed to fill gardens, and we will need seedlings because it's already too late in the season to start seeds for this year."  Patrick hopes to plant a variety of vegetables - cucumbers, tomatoes, zuchini, peppers, and string beans.  "People can donate money on the website, or they can donate materials.  For example, maybe if they have extra tomato seedlings, or a bag of top soil."

Patrick told me that the Principal of Ross Street School, Mrs. Hahn, is very positive and excited about the project.  She even has a gardening club organized of people who are willing to take it over and work on it during the summer, when school is not in session.  The produce grown during the summer will be donated to a food pantry.

Zumba Scheduled for JFK Marching Mustang Fundraiser

SUMMER's HERE!  COME OUT AND ZUMBA!!!

• Friday, June 15, 2012
• 7:00pm until 8:30pm

It's that time again! Let's get together to party Zumba style again and show Kennedy how much we love the Marching Mustangs! 90 minutes of fun, sweat, and of course, ZUMBA by some of NJ's best Zumba instructors, and of course, Guard Instructor AND Zumba Instructor, Ms. Kurack. Cost: $5 Pre-register $7 at the door Where: JFK Memorial HS Cafeteria Iselin, NJ 08830

New Police Officers

Five New Police Officers Appointed to Ranks of

Woodbridge Police Department & Take-Up Patrol Assignments

 

Woodbridge – Mayor John E. McCormac today announced the appointment of five new police officers to the ranks of the Woodbridge Township Police Department (WPD) – the officers have completed the state-mandated police training program at the Monmouth County Police Training Academy and will immediately take-up patrol assignments.  The appointments were approved after each recruit successfully completed an extensive testing and eligibility process overseen by the New Jersey Department of Personnel, Department of Community Affairs, and the Woodbridge Police Department interview team.

 

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of five new police officers to the ranks of the Woodbridge Township Police Department,” Mayor McCormac said.  “I have consistently indicated that the public safety mission is our most important priority.  As a result of our commitment to public safety, combined with the increased assignment of uniformed officers to street patrol, the Woodbridge Police Department continues to maintain police ranks at maximum staffing levels to effectively protect public safety.”

 

Joining Mayor McCormac to announce the appointment of the new police officers were Police Director Robert Hubner and Deputy Police Director Joseph Nisky, Municipal Clerk John Mitch, ranking members and patrol officers of the WPD, and family and friends.  The Woodbridge Township Municipal Council offered congratulations to the new police officers and recruits on their appointment and assignment to patrol responsibilities. 

 

According to Mayor McCormac, each new officer is a military veteran having served active tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.  And each are forward-thinking individuals who have expressed dedication to the task of becoming a Woodbridge Township police officer and career law enforcement professional. 

 

The five police officers beginning patrol assignments are:

 

Police Officer Brian Joseph

Police Officer Brian Joseph, 29, Sewaren, is a United States Marine Corps veteran who received an Honorable Discharge after participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  He received several commendations and awards while serving in the USMC.  Police Officer Joseph’s pursuit of his career in law enforcement demonstrates his continuing commitment to the community having already served as a member of the Woodbridge Police Department Auxiliary Police.

 

Police Officer Jeian Rastegarpanah

Police Officer Jeian Rastagarpanah, 28, Port Reading, is a veteran of the United States Army, having received an Honorable Discharge after participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  He received several commendations and awards while serving in the US Army. Police Officer Rastagarpanah is a 2001 graduate of Woodbridge High School and earned a degree in Criminal Justice prior to his employment and attendance at the police academy.  

 

Police Officer Amanda Felicies

Police Officer Amanda Felicies, 25, Fords, is a United States Marine Corps veteran who received an Honorable Discharge after participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  She received several commendations and awards while serving in the USMC and is a current member of the USN Reserve.  Police Officer Felicies was enrolled at Devry University studying Computer Forensics prior to her employment and attendance at the police academy.

Police Officer Alejandro Vasquez

Police Officer Alejandro Vasquez, 28, Keasbey, is a veteran having served in the United States Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  He received several commendations and awards while serving in the US Army and is currently a member of the NJ National Guard. Police Officer Vasquez has attended Middlesex County College and has earned 58 credits toward a degree in Criminal Justice and Respiratory Care prior to his employment and attendance at the Police Academy.  

 

Police Officer Gary Hubbard

Police Officer Gary Hubbard, 31, Woodbridge, is a United States Army Veteran who received an Honorable Discharge after participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  He received several commendations and awards while serving in the Army.  Police Officer Gary Hubbard attended Liberty University and earned 81 credits and attended Brookdale Community College where he earned 64 credits and an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice.  He also attended Jersey City University prior to his employment and attendance at the police academy. 

 

“These new police officers and recruits have demonstrated a commitment to serve their community.  Their training has, and will, prepare them for service as New Jersey’s finest law enforcement officers.  I welcome them to the ranks of the Woodbridge Township Police Department,” said Director Hubner.

 

Rally for Troops Tonight

Woodbridge Township to Honor Area Troops Serving Overseas

 “Support Our Troops” Rally Set For Wed., May 23 

Woodbridge Township – Woodbridge Township will honor and recognize area troops serving overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan, and duty locations across the globe at the annual “Support Our Troops” rally on Wed., May 23. The “Salute to Woodbridge Township Service Men and Women” is hosted by First Ward Councilman Charles Kenny, Mayor John E. McCormac, members of the Municipal Council, the Woodbridge Township Veterans Alliance, and the families of military personnel serving overseas. The “Support Our Troops” rally will also recognize the past service and heroic contributions of Woodbridge Township veterans.

The rally and service will get underway at 6:30 P.M. at the Veterans Monument, George Frederick Plaza (between the Woodbridge Main Library and Woodbridge High School) in Woodbridge. Rally organizers want to make certain that all active-duty Woodbridge military personnel are included in the “roll-call”… families of Woodbridge service men and women and members of the public are encouraged to submit the name(s) of active-duty military personnel to Councilman Charles Kenny at 732-636-9677 or kenc83@aol.com.

In the event of rain, the service will take place in the Woodbridge High School auditorium.

Tonight... The ARTS at JFK

Tonight, the arts will be celebrated at JFK High School! It's the concert and art show evening, featuring a lot of talented Iselin students. Show time is 6:30pm, entrance through door number 5 at JFKMHS. Show will include Home Arts and tickets can be purchased at the door for the musical concert as well going at the same time.

LIbrary Summer Hours Start Today

Rain, Rain Go Away - A rainy monday...

Woodbridge Police Dept. Open House Today

Woodbridge Township Police Department Announces First

Annual Open House… Sat., May 19

 

Tours of Police Department…

Information on Crime Prevention… SWAT Vehicles and Equipment…

FREE Child Fingerprinting

 

 

Woodbridge - Mayor John E. McCormac and Police Director Robert Hubner announce the Woodbridge Township Police Department’s First Annual Open House - a day of FREE safety and crime prevention events and information sessions – is slated for Sat., May 19, 2012 from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at the Woodbridge Police Department (1 Main Street, Woodbridge).

 

Join members of the WPD for a tour of the communications and dispatch center and detention facility.  View and explore police vehicles and equipment; SWAT vehicles and equipment; obtain information on crime prevention programs and neighborhood watch; sign-up for the Reverse 911 emergency communication notification system; meet members of the DVRT (Domestic Violence Response Team); learn about the Junior and Senior Police Academy; FREE child fingerprinting; and much more. 

Music for Your Friday

All the music you need for Bamboozle :)

Boscov's is Coming to Woodbridge Center!

I just read in the Woodbridge Patch, HERE, that Boscov's is coming to Woodbridge Center in August 2013!!! Yes! I have heard great things about that store - and it's about time that the old Fortunoff store has a tenant. (Although Patch isn't CERTAIN that's where the store is going - but it does seem logical.)

Take a look at the Boscov's website HERE...
Happy Shopping!

RIP Donna Summer

Donna Summer passed away this morning in Florida. She was 63 years old.

Ever hear of Senior Hooky Day?

Well, it was Senior Hooky Day for me and my friends when we were young, but it's called Senior Cut Day now. And when I was young, it was only for seniors - but I've heard that most of the senior High School seems to "celebrate" it these days! On my Senior Hooky Day, I went to Sandy Hook. I wonder where kids today go? It isn't really beach weather most years - it's a little too early -- but it's the time of year that you are excited to start getting your tan... Ah, the good old days! I don't want to tan anymore!

Today is actually Ascension Thursday, but for all the "religious" students of the local high schools, it's Senior Cut Day. Ascension Thursday is the Catholic/Christian holiday, 40 days after Easter, when Jesus rose into heaven. (I wonder how many of the kids who will "celebrate" it today even know that?) It's an actual holiday, and a huge number of the students take advantage of that fact by not going to school. I'm pretty sure that they all make it into church and then pray all day... don't they?

Happy Ascension Thursday... or Senior Cut Day... or whatever YOU are celebrating today!

A Beautiful Blog about Woodbridge!

Woodbridge High School: Class of 1970  is an amazing blog I just found.  If you were from that era, check it out!  It's so creative and interesting!  I just wish I could do for Iselin what they've done with their blog.  (Any volunteers to help me?  They have more than one writer - and I don't know what kind of memories I could share; but I'd be glad to post yours!) 

Take a look, I'm pretty sure you'll love it!

It's Official - NO Iselin Fair This Year

 Yes, it's official.  And I suppose you already knew this, didn't you? But there will be no Iselin Fair this year.  It's a sad story... but last year, if you made it to the fair, you made it to the end of an era.

The one constant in life is change, right?  And everyone seems to agree that the fair isn't what it used to be, anyway.  The handwriting was on the wall, long before the fair moved over to the parking lot and away from the old fair grounds.

A new facebook group, "Iselin Fair Timeline," which you can see here,  has a bunch of people sharing their memories.  Did you know that the fair was started in 1933, and that the famous pizza was sold for 45 years?

We're gonna miss that pizza...

The Quote of the Day

If you have formed the habit of checking on every new diet that comes along, you will find that, mercifully, they all blur together, leaving you with only one definite piece of information:  french-fried potatoes are out. 

 ~Jean Kerr

Pizza Time Closed Tonight

Did you hear what happened to Pizza Time? 

According to their Facebook page,

Pizza Time Restaurant - Avenel, NJ

"Sorry, but we were forced to close today after a car hit our building. Luckily, no one was hurt. We will reopen sometime tomorrow. Thank you for your patience!"

 

 

Woodbridge Job Fair Tomorrow

Middlesex County Job Fair sponsored by the Middlesex County Department of Workforce Development and the Woodbridge Township Mayor’s Office. Over 35 Area Employers Will Be On-Hand to Discuss Employment Opportunities

WHEN: TUES., May 15, 2012 ~ 10:00 A.M. TO 1:00 P.M.

WHERE: Woodbridge Community Center, 600 Main Street, Woodbridge

Do you like Purple Streaks?Would you like to supportRelay for Life?

image from glitter-graphics.com

My friend Alice Sinatra just let me know that tomorrow at Alberts on Main Street in Woodbridge, she will be doing purple streaks in your hair, as a fundraiser for Relay for Life! 
The cost is $10.00 a streak... (the hair streak is bleached then colored)
( a few purple feathers are also available, if you prefer, but it's a limited quantity.)
All money goes to Relay for Life.
The time is from 4-9 PM, but some time slots are already filled!

Albert's is located at 75 Main Street in Woodbridge -  their phone number is 732-636-0160.  But Alice won't be there till 4, so try to catch her on Facebook... 

Happy Mother's Day!

glitter-graphics.com

A little Friday Music :)

Mother's Day is Coming Soon...Are you ready?

Aaah!  It's almost Mother's Day... what a lovely holiday!  I hope you've planned something wonderful.  If you haven't, there is still time before Sunday.  Hmmm, what's a good idea? Well, first off, you better ask Mom, what would she like to do?  Because she might have something in mind already, and if she's got a plan, you better go with it!

But what if Mom says, "Oh, I don't know... don't make a fuss on my account..."

I wouldn't just SKIP mother's day, if I were you.  You'd still better plan SOMETHING. 
 How about breakfast in bed to start?

OK, so today, stop at the store and pick up a few lovely magazines, maybe some fresh cut flowers, and some of whatever your mom likes for breakfast.  (Me, I'm on a strange all- protein diet, so I'll have one egg, scrambled, with a cup of tea and no sugar.)  Oh yeah - you better get a salad and something to grill for dinner, too, because it isn't good for Mom to cook on Mother's Day, but you know how crazy those restaurants can get!

Let Mom wake up whenever she wants, but when she gets up, turn on some music and get the breakfast ready.  Give her a thoughtful card, preferably one that you've made yourself. 

Wait for Mom to take a leisurely shower, and then treat her to a full day of her favorite activity.  For me, well, I'm hoping to go hiking.  Be sure you've packed a picnic lunch.  Other good ideas might include a day trip down the shore, or maybe an afternoon in NYC?  Or what about bringing Mom to see a movie?  I particularly want to see the new Johnny Depp movie. 

Then, in the evening, after an enjoyable family day (...No FIGHTING, kids!...) pull out the grill and fix up the salad, and have a pleasant dinner together.  In the evening, how about just letting Mom do her own thing in peace and quiet?  You've been together all day, but Mom probably has a few things to do to get ready for the week.  Or maybe she has a book she'd like to catch up with.

Sounds good, right? 

The Quote of the Day

Happy National Nurses Week!

 

Nursing care comes in many forms. Sometimes it is the ability to make someone feel physically comfortable by various means. Other times it is the ability to improve the body's ability to achieve or maintain health. But often it is an uncanny yet well honed knack to see beyond the obvious and address, in some way, the deeper needs of the human soul. 

 ~Donna Wilk Cardillo, A Daybook for Beginning Nurses

It's Teacher Appreciation Week!

glitter-graphics.com

Duck Babies in Iselin!

 Remember those ducks I posted last month?
Well, they were expecting ... and the babies have been born!



It's a lucky 13... SO CUTE!

They were in my in-law's yard for a while, but they're traveling around the neighborhood, so be careful on the streets for ducks crossing! :)

Vandalism at JFK High School

I just read this article in the NJ.com news, and you can see the article HERE.

The article said that twice in a very short period of time, vandals messed up JFK high school.  It seems to me that someone is pretty mad, and is trying to make some kind of a statement?  Talk about an ineffective way of getting your point across. If you are mad about something, there are definitely more productive ways of letting people know.  Acting out like this is pretty sad. 

On the other hand, sometimes I suppose people can just be destructive because of the anarchistic exhilaration of messing up something that isn't yours....  Also pretty sad and immature.

I hope they catch whoever did it.  It's our tax dollars these vandals are spending. 

Did you know that there is an anonymous hotline for people with information about crimes like this?  It's called WE TIP.  Are you afraid to report crime information that you are aware of, because you are afraid that someone will find out?  You can call WE TIP completely anonymously - you do NOT give your name or any other information.

If you know anything about this vandalism, or other crimes related to our schools, call (800) 78-CRIME - (800)782-7463.

Sometimes, if you are the first to report information about a crime, and your report is verified and leads to an arrest and a conviction, you could even get a reward.  You would have to ask for a code name and number when you give your report.   The reward would be sent to a post office drop, using assigned code name and case numbers - you would still be anonymous. 

Remember the Hindenburg - 75 years ago today

Today marks the 75th anniversary of the Hindenburg disaster. I remember hearing my Grandmother talk about the tragedy, and I also heard the original radio broadcast when I studied Communications back in college.



From Wikipedia, HERE:

"The Hindenburg disaster took place on Thursday, May 6, 1937, as the German passenger airship LZ 129 Hindenburg caught fire and was destroyed during its attempt to dock with its mooring mast at the Lakehurst Naval Air Station, which is located adjacent to the borough of Lakehurst, New Jersey. Of the 97 people on board[N 1] (36 passengers, 61 crew), there were 35 fatalities, including one death among the ground crew.

The disaster was the subject of spectacular newsreel coverage, photographs, and Herbert Morrison's recorded radio eyewitness report from the landing field, which was broadcast the next day. The actual cause of the fire remains unknown, although a variety of hypotheses have been put forward for both the cause of ignition and the initial fuel for the ensuing fire. The incident shattered public confidence in the giant, passenger-carrying rigid airship and marked the end of the airship era.[1]

...After opening its 1937 season by completing a single round trip passage to Rio de Janeiro in late March, the Hindenburg departed from Frankfurt on the evening of May 3 on the first of its ten round trips between Europe and the United States scheduled for its second year of commercial service....

Except for strong headwinds which slowed its passage, the Hindenburg's crossing was otherwise unremarkable until the airship's attempted early evening landing at Lakehurst three days later on May 6. Although carrying only half its full capacity of passengers... the Hindenburg's return flight was fully booked with many of those passengers planning to attend the festivities for the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in London the following week.

The airship was hours behind schedule when it passed over Boston on the morning of May 6, and its landing at Lakehurst was expected to be further delayed because of afternoon thunderstorms.

Advised of the poor weather conditions at Lakehurst, Captain Max Pruss charted a course over Manhattan, causing a public spectacle as people rushed out into the street to catch sight of the airship. After passing over the field at 4 p.m., Captain Pruss took passengers on a tour over the seasides of New Jersey while waiting for the weather to clear. After finally being notified at 6:22 p.m. that the storms had passed, the airship headed back to Lakehurst to make its landing almost half a day late."

You can read more about it on Wikipedia.

The Quote of the Day

Birth and Death is a grave event;
How transient is life!
Every minute is to be grasped.
Time waits for nobody.

 

                                                                          Inscription on a Zen Gong

Saturday Party Time: Cinco de Mayo de Derby

Oh boy. Today is not just a one-event kind of day. It's the kind of day that EVERYTHING is piled together - multiple parties and activities and reasons to celebrate! All kinds of craziness! I just wish it was sunny out... maybe it will be later?


First off - it's Cinco de Mayo!
It's kind of like the "Hallmark Holiday" for Tequila!


And Second - don't forget it's Kentucky Derby Day!

The Kentucky Derby official website says this, in case you don't know what that means:

The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three year-old Thoroughbred horses, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, on the first Saturday in May. The race is one and a quarter miles at Churchill Downs. The race is known in the United States as "The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports™" for its approximate duration, and is also called "The Run for the Roses" for the blanket of roses draped over the winner. It is the first leg of the United States Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing and is followed by the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.

What it DOESN'T say is Kentucky Derby Day is a really good excuse for a party - and, in the tradition of the Kentucky Derby, you drink Mint Juleps and wear huge hats as you watch the race. 

This is the schedule:
 May 5    11:00-4:00pm    ESPN Coverage of the Kentucky Derby Undercard   
     4:00-5:00pm    Access at the Kentucky Derby / Kentucky Derby Red Carpet Special   
     5:00-7:00pm    Kentucky Derby 138     

And if you want to look especially knowledgeable, here are some odds (but these will, of course, keep changing):
Odds for 2012 Kentucky Derby Favorites

#1 Union Rags and Bodemeister 9/2 and 5/1 respectively.

#2 Gemologist 7/1

#3 Dullahan 10/1

#4 Alpha & Creative Cause both 10/1

#5 Hansen 12/1

BONUS #6: El Padrino 15/1

I hope you have a great day, no matter what you have on your calendar!




 

Friday Night Music

I'm pretty sure that no one who reads my blog really cares about this Friday Night Music I do all the time... but... I do it to entertain myself.
Chili's are tonight at Prudential in Newark... are you gonna be there? What about tomorrow?

Eric LeGrand signed by Tampa Bay

From Jaffe Communications, which you can find HERE:

TAMPA BAY - In a symbolic gesture, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced the signing of former Rutgers defensive lineman Eric LeGrand. LeGrand whose career was ended by a spinal cord injury over two years ago, has become a symbol of hope to millions. "This small gesture is the least we could do to recognize his character, spirit, and perseverance. The way Eric lives his life epitomizes what we are looking for in Buccaneer Men," said former Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano. The team decided to make the signing on May 2 to symbolize LeGrand's college number (52).

So now I have a reason to root for a team.  I'm a Buccaneers fan now, (in addition to being a Giants fan by default.)

Iselin Library May Calendar