Tuesday, August 11, 2026

About That NJ Voter Registration Scandal . . .


 

Abdul El-Sayed On America's Favorite Sport

Leave New Jersey? Five Reasons Why People Stay


OK, we already know that New Jersey tops all the bad lists (highest property taxes in the nation) and comes in near the bottom in all the good lists (NOT the best place to retire). And we also know that tons of people leave the state every year for places like Florida, North Carolina and even Delaware.

But lots of people stay. They tough it out. When I ask them why they stay, here's what they tell me:

1) It's convenient. New Jersey pivotal location puts it close to everything -- New York, Philadelphia, the ocean, the mountains, farmland, great medical centers, shopping, recreation, historic sites, top schools and universities -- you never have to travel very far. It's all nearby.

2) My family is here. New Jerseyans are a close knit bunch, or so it seems. And many people simply want to be close to their parents, grandparents, kids and grandkids. They figure life is short and they want to spend it near the ones they love and care about.

3) My job is here. Yes, post Covid in the era of remote employment this is not as important as it once was. Still, huge numbers of people have to report to work to work everyday at offices, labs, classrooms, medical centers, warehouses, factories, stores and job sites. RWJBarnabas Health alone employs 44,000 people in New Jersey. The on site workforce is immense.

4) This is my home. The longer you stay here, the more this seems to emerge as the reason for remaining. People set down roots in a place and it becomes familiar and comforting to them. They develop a sort of natural inertia and they don't want to leave.

5) The food. I'm not a foodie, so this is a bit of a stretch for me. But you wouldn't believe the number of people who have told me the food is the reason why they stay here. Beyond Jersey tomatoes, sweet corn, blueberries and all those other seasonal goodies, people rave about the tomato pie, pork roll, disco fries and a panoply of boardwalk, diner and roadside stand goodies. Go figure!

Monday, August 10, 2026

Summertime: Fish Are Jumpin' In NJ!

Why We LOVE NJ Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia

We'll Just Leave This Here For Now . . .

What You Need To Know About POLITICIANS

I've been around politicians all my life -- ever since I was a little boy, actually. I've observed them close up, worked for and with them and have written about them for more years than I can remember. I love politics for the drama. And as for politicians, well generally speaking, here's what I can tell you about them:

1) Politicians are cautious. Their jobs are not secure and their world is ever changing. So mostly, they move cautiously, deliberately and sometimes much slower than you might prefer.

2) They postpone decisions. They don't want to commit until and unless they absolutely have to. So, decisions are often postponed. Put another way, they like to keep their options open, because, once again, they live in an unpredictable world. Anything can happen, and often does.

3) They prize loyalty. They say that money is the mother's milk of politics but for politicians, loyalty is most certainly the coin of the realm. It's prized because it is so uncommon. So, if you're involved with politics and/or politicians you'll likely advance further and faster if you keep your word and remain loyal. Don't abandon ship, for that will give you precisely the sort of reputation you don't want to have.

4) Unguarded moments are rare -- and this, by the way, makes them all the more valued. Like people in show business, politicians are often expected to be "on". The few "off" moments are saved for family, confidants and the most trusted. If you're privy to one of these authentic moments, you've gained entry into the inner circle. Still, the pol's default is usually inscrutability, not intimacy. 

5) They're often alone. For all the fame and fanfare, their presumed power means politicians often find themselves alone in contemplation for, in the end, they are the ones who must determine our future direction. John F. Kennedy compared it to sailing solo on the open sea, adjusting course with the winds and the tides, remaining steady and charting the way forward. The higher one rises, the lonelier it gets. So yes, it's lonely at the top -- otherwise, it wouldn't be he top.

Oh, here's one more: politicians typically do not like surprises -- especially unpleasant ones. Even among those who may be on opposite sides of an issue, some respect is expected. Typically, they will warn one another if a serious public disagreement is in the offing -- especially if the two happen to be of the same party. Sometimes, accommodations can be made and a public conflict can be avoided. In any event, a simple show of respect counts for something. 

Sunday, August 9, 2026

NJ: What You Can Do With Your Plastic Spoons!


NEW JERSEY — START SAVING YOUR PLASTIC SPOONS! Since Trenton seems so concerned about what kind of utensils New Jersey residents use, why not let Governor Mikie Sherrill know exactly how you feel? Instead of throwing away those used plastic spoons, maybe New Jersey residents should mail them straight to the Governor’s Office.  Governor Mikie Sherrill Office of the Governor PO Box 001 Trenton, NJ 08625 Consider it a little reminder from taxpayers: We have high property taxes, utility bills, housing costs and plenty of serious problems that need attention. Maybe our plastic spoons aren’t the emergency.
H/T: Jersey Coast Emergency News

Seen At A New Jersey Ice Cream Stand . . .




 No spoon for you. Don't forget to ask for your spoon and napkins.

Hope You All Enjoy This One!