all the news that isn't

It’s a phrase I see with regularity: Only in Jersey City. As in, it could only happen…

Case in point: just a short 2 blocks from us there’s a hole in the wall pizza place. Frank’s. Been there a long time. Serves up an ok slice. Frank was apparently gone from the business for a while, when he was incarcerated. Details are sparse. But he’s been back for a while, and now he’s running for City Council. So what does he do? Put speakers on his minivan, drive around the neighborhood, and play the theme from Rocky and some Tina Turner, to name a few. And of course, shout out some political propaganda as well.

Only in JC…

Seen on the side of our local arts supply store, just a couple blocks away.

Did you listen to the debate? Did you play Palin bingo? (thanks to co-worker Josh Jackson for the link!)

I remember reading Adrienne’s bio on the KMUW website, when I was researching the job. She said she knew her hometown of Goldendale had hit the big time when it was mentioned on ATC – All Things Considered. If that’s the qualifier, than I suppose our home town, good ‘ole JC, has hit the big time now: we got our own story on Marketplace today!

On a walk to the library today, I noticed posters advertising a kickball tournament this very afternoon. We decided to take a walk over and check it out. Seems as though all were having a good time. Umpire ‘Crazy Tony’ (as identified by the back of his shirt) kept order, and announced it on the front of his shirt. One odd rule included requiring the use of a very large blue ball for one self-chosen inning. All in all, a nice way to waste an hour of a beautiful fall afternoon.

A couple more pics after the jump. (more…)

It’s been a busy week. Here are some details that are either worth mentioning, or I just happen to have a pic of!

Tuesday morning before work (I went in late, more below) I went to pic up my replacement bike (for the stolen one – my CC did cover me). They told me it was in, but they still had to assemble it. So I went and waited for 30 minutes in the nearby park. Saw a good opportunity for a HDR pic:

After a nice little leisurely sit on a bench, I went back to the store, only for them to tell me that they actually got the wrong bike delivered, and would have to get a new correct one delivered. They said they’d have it in 3 hours, but I couldn’t wait. I’d come back… more after the jump. (more…)

No more pics to share. But keep an eye focused (pun intended) on my pic updates, have some good ones gathered from the last few days.

Sunday we had a nice little breakfast and introduced Dan and Amie to monkey bread. Amie is taking the recipe home, if it’s any indication of how much she liked it! Then we went into the city, and walked around the UES – Upper East Side – and Central Park before heading to Lincoln Center to see Madama Butterfly.

From there it was back to Jersey City, for some dinner on Indian Row. Then a nice long walk to see some more of Jersey City and back home. Interwebs were surfed by all.

Monday morning Adrienne headed off to work, while I made Dan and Amie walk a little more, checking out the waterline in Jersey City and other nice sites. Soon enough it was time to get them on their way to the airport. I dropped them off at Newark Penn Station, and proceeded to get stranded there on my way back, as all service was suspended for maybe 90 minutes while they extinguished the brush fire we observed on the way in. I’m glad they were able to get to their connections on time!

Anyway, it was great to see them, and always nice to spend some time with family – something we don’t get enough of a chance to do, out here on the right coast. So if you’re ever in the neighborhood, feel free to stop by. Just make sure you bring your walking shoes!

A regular sight outside the Mexican social club a few blocks from us.

I don’t recall seeing giant inflated rats as a pro-union sign (or really, anti-anti-union) until I moved here. But they’ve always been in the City. (that means Manhattan) Until now, that is.

We’ve got some new construction – undoubtedly more over-priced and ugly condos – taking place just down the road. And the other day, the rat showed up. In true Jersey-style, they just drive the pickup to the location and inflate it, rather than really parking it on the sidewalk or elsewhere.

Anyway, check out this link for a short history of the inflated union rat.