Starting tomorrow evening the National Weather Service (who don't name winter storms because that's stupid and Johnny does it to mock the Weather Channel's continued stupidity) has said the Jersey City Desk listening area is in for a starter number of 6-10" which could go higher and will be mixed with ice and sleet on Monday morning before turning back to snow then damned colder. Everything you need to know about needing to work from home Monday can be found here.
Keep your internet dial locked into the Jersey City Desk for weather once in a while and updates when Johnny gets to them for all your #WinterStormWangChung information.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Late night open thread
Come on everyone, pull up a chair and grab a smart cocktail and gather round the fire tonight.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with NEIL YOUNG!
Quick Johnny, make with the hot music, something really smoking to warm us up on this frigid Friday night. OK Jersey City, one hot version of 'Hey Hey My My (Into the Black)' coming your way.
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE!
Yes, how about something haunting and epic and moving. Johnny knows just the song. 'Seven Devils' from Florence and the Machine, simply a masterful song on all those fronts. Here's a headphones song for you old school kids like Johnny who think that matters.
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with SQUEEZE!
Johnny is fond of saying about the last song in the Music Series, 'We'll send you on your way with..." but tonight don't go anywhere. Stay home and pretend you have a nice roaring fireplace to cuddle up around and listen to great song like 'Tempted' by Squeeze.
Friday, January 30, 2015
We cannot stress this enough -- Tonight will be dangerously cold!
No questions about whether or not we'll get 9 inches of snow or 22, no tonight the wind chills will be in the negative teen range, yes, -15º is a good starting point. Bring in your pets! Look in on the elderly and make sure their heat is working. If not PLEASE be a good Jersey City neighbor and call and see what assistance they can get and fast. When the high wind warning kicks in around 4pm it might be too late to help.
Saturday morning will also be plenty cold with again, wind chills in the negative numbers. Please be safe.
Saturday morning will also be plenty cold with again, wind chills in the negative numbers. Please be safe.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Late night open thread
Remember the old toy you may have had as a kid called the View-Master? Cel imagery of slightly different images in each eyehole to form a 3-D view, voila' View-Master. Johnny found a now defunct blog that had taken some R and L images from the View-Master cels and created animated gifs from them. Tonight before bed a View-Master of Woody Woodpecker.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Here's Johnny with a look at business news
Because he simply doesn't get enough of it in real life.
Jersey City-based securities firm KCG Holdings Inc. said Wednesday that it is selling one of its trading venues to a Kansas-based company for $365 million in cash.
Now see, right there, that's a big deal. But how does one get $365 million in cash, ie which bank does that and who is the sorry ass at the Kansas company who has to sit there and count that shit up?
Johnny, does the Kansas company have a name? Who are these people that can lay their hands on that much cash?
BATS Global Markets, which is based in Lenexa, Kansas, and has offices in Jersey City.
Maybe that's where all the money is being counted. Joe Strummer take it away:
Here's hoping $365 mil buys you good security whilez ya count.
Here's some corporate word salad on the deal:
“After conducting a thorough and competitive process, it became clear that BATS is the right strategic partner for Hotspot, as well as its clients and employees,” Coleman added in the statement. “BATS and Hotspot share a commitment to technological excellence. This, coupled with the experience, resources and insights derived from operating global multi-asset class markets, ensures that BATS is well-positioned to further accelerate Hotspot’s growth.”
That's like SIX Bingos.
Now over to Kiki with entertainment news you can use...
Jersey City-based securities firm KCG Holdings Inc. said Wednesday that it is selling one of its trading venues to a Kansas-based company for $365 million in cash.
Now see, right there, that's a big deal. But how does one get $365 million in cash, ie which bank does that and who is the sorry ass at the Kansas company who has to sit there and count that shit up?
Johnny, does the Kansas company have a name? Who are these people that can lay their hands on that much cash?
BATS Global Markets, which is based in Lenexa, Kansas, and has offices in Jersey City.
Maybe that's where all the money is being counted. Joe Strummer take it away:
Here's hoping $365 mil buys you good security whilez ya count.
Here's some corporate word salad on the deal:
“After conducting a thorough and competitive process, it became clear that BATS is the right strategic partner for Hotspot, as well as its clients and employees,” Coleman added in the statement. “BATS and Hotspot share a commitment to technological excellence. This, coupled with the experience, resources and insights derived from operating global multi-asset class markets, ensures that BATS is well-positioned to further accelerate Hotspot’s growth.”
That's like SIX Bingos.
Now over to Kiki with entertainment news you can use...
Late night open thread
It's now past midnight on the eastern seaboard meaning it's January 29th. Happy 85th birthday Mom!
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Late night open thread
"The man can only ride you when your back is bent."
-- Sarah Palin
So true Sarah, so true.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
-- Sarah Palin
So true Sarah, so true.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
The blizzard that wasn't, #WinterStormWeatherChannel
Well now, wasn't that a lot of prep and fret for nothing? What, 9 inches down from 27? While Jersey City and most of the surround dodged a big winter bullet there are a lot of websites this morning asking how the prognosticators could get it so wrong. Johnny's gonna tell you about hype vs forecasting.
When meteorologists are trying to get a bead on a huge winter storm, especially a nor' easter, there is a lot of guesswork right up until the storm begins it's final path. They will try and prepare people, point out the possibilities and dangers. They will give you nothing but facts about the storm. They won't name it, they won't try and get you to participate in social media over it and they don't have a vested financial interest to hype the storm.
That's where the incredible failure of The Weather Channel comes in. They DO have a financial interest to hype a storm, first by naming it, then pumping it on Twitter and Facebook. They have shareholders, being owned by NBCUniversal and investment firms The Blackstone Group and Bain Capital. Why would they name storms unless it was some way to get you to come view their station or go to their website of Facebook page? Hype that storm, drive traffic. Hype it more, make sure people are using OUR hashtag. They would not do it simply for altruism.
Was this miss entirely on the Weather Channel? Of course not. But they sure seem to be the ones willing to hype weather over just reporting it, all for money.
When meteorologists are trying to get a bead on a huge winter storm, especially a nor' easter, there is a lot of guesswork right up until the storm begins it's final path. They will try and prepare people, point out the possibilities and dangers. They will give you nothing but facts about the storm. They won't name it, they won't try and get you to participate in social media over it and they don't have a vested financial interest to hype the storm.
That's where the incredible failure of The Weather Channel comes in. They DO have a financial interest to hype a storm, first by naming it, then pumping it on Twitter and Facebook. They have shareholders, being owned by NBCUniversal and investment firms The Blackstone Group and Bain Capital. Why would they name storms unless it was some way to get you to come view their station or go to their website of Facebook page? Hype that storm, drive traffic. Hype it more, make sure people are using OUR hashtag. They would not do it simply for altruism.
Was this miss entirely on the Weather Channel? Of course not. But they sure seem to be the ones willing to hype weather over just reporting it, all for money.
Monday, January 26, 2015
PATH closing at 11pm
Get to where you gotta be friends. PATH is running no more "until further notice" as of 11pm tonight. We'll try and let you know when further notice is...
OK Jersey City, let's share our snowmageddon pictures!
No doubt Johnny and the staff will be out taking pictures of the #blizzardof2015 and we're sure a lot of you will too. How about we all share our images on Twitter under the hashtag #JCSnow so we can see everyone's misery and great photographic eyes. Remember, winter storms DO NOT have names (it's why Johnny mocks the Weather Channel with names like #WinterStormNachos or this one, #WinterStormNamath) so just use #JCSnow.
Updates as conditions merit.
Updates as conditions merit.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Late night open thread
No doubt tomorrow at some point as transportation begins to wobble Uber will implement some kind of surge pricing. If a store that sold food or supplies like salt or shovels or snowblowers tried surge pricing for the storm they'd be up on charges come Friday and fined hundreds of thousands. Food for thought.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
We're gonna put some numbers down for snow totals
The National Weather Service forecast map, broken down by neighborhood, paints a pretty snowy picture for Jersey City. Downtown by the Colgate Clock it's calling for 29.3 inches. The Heights 28.5. St. Peter's gets 28.7. PATH says they are running trains on a normal schedule and will go as long as their technology allows but at some point that's a service that's going to stop. Same for busses, Uber, cabs and anything but snowmobiles and sled dogs. After 1pm tomorrow your options begin to close. Plan on power going out in some places. This is a serious storm that can kill.
To drive home just how serious it is we're giving #WinterStormNamath FIVE Dr. Smiths on the Jersey City Desk Storm Scale.
It can't get any worse for a winter storm. Johnny is going to make his final storm prep tomorrow morning taking the PATH to Journal Square to grab a case of frozen White Castles if society breaks down for a day or so. Stay tuned to this internet outpost for all the storm news from the Jersey City Desk Action Weather Team.
To drive home just how serious it is we're giving #WinterStormNamath FIVE Dr. Smiths on the Jersey City Desk Storm Scale.
It can't get any worse for a winter storm. Johnny is going to make his final storm prep tomorrow morning taking the PATH to Journal Square to grab a case of frozen White Castles if society breaks down for a day or so. Stay tuned to this internet outpost for all the storm news from the Jersey City Desk Action Weather Team.
Now that we know a blizzard is on the way...
#WinterStormNamath is gonna hit. It is. Now that we know we're gonna get at least a foot and most likely 18-20", what can you do today to prepare.
Are you low on gas? We're talking less than a quarter tank, not people who top up with already three-quarters of a tank. Don't do that unless you live in the sticks. You ned extra gas for a day if you get stuck to keep warm, not a week.
Check on the elderly or those who might not be able to get to a store today. Can you help them empty the stores with your friends and neighbors and lay in a few provisions? If you're a great citizen you can help with shoveling their walks after the storm.
Pets, pets cannot handle this type of storm like a 2-4" storm. This will have 50mph winds and two feet of snow in some places. Get the pets inside.
If you're from New Jersey put your windshield wipers on your car up before bed. If you're not from New Jersey, don't.
Double check the fuel in your generators now to prevent sadness later.
Plan on clearing your snow but do be safe about it. Don't be a heart attack victim. Maybe paying a neighbor kid 10 or 20$ could work out.
Johnny will be broadcasting here and on Twitter to help keep spirits up and the hell storm closes in and people flee for their lives until the end comes. So smile!
Are you low on gas? We're talking less than a quarter tank, not people who top up with already three-quarters of a tank. Don't do that unless you live in the sticks. You ned extra gas for a day if you get stuck to keep warm, not a week.
Check on the elderly or those who might not be able to get to a store today. Can you help them empty the stores with your friends and neighbors and lay in a few provisions? If you're a great citizen you can help with shoveling their walks after the storm.
Pets, pets cannot handle this type of storm like a 2-4" storm. This will have 50mph winds and two feet of snow in some places. Get the pets inside.
If you're from New Jersey put your windshield wipers on your car up before bed. If you're not from New Jersey, don't.
Double check the fuel in your generators now to prevent sadness later.
Plan on clearing your snow but do be safe about it. Don't be a heart attack victim. Maybe paying a neighbor kid 10 or 20$ could work out.
Johnny will be broadcasting here and on Twitter to help keep spirits up and the hell storm closes in and people flee for their lives until the end comes. So smile!
When you went to bed last night the weather said 1-3" on Monday...
Now they are using the word "BLIZZARD" for Monday into Tuesday. Don't believe Johnny? Here's the word from Accuweather:
A major winter storm will unfold across the Northeast early this week, eventually becoming an all-out blizzard over parts of New England and the New York City area.
So, there you have it. A snow bomb of at least a foot. So, by 7am tomorrow it'll be too late to get out from under it so if you have things to do today get 'em done!
A major winter storm will unfold across the Northeast early this week, eventually becoming an all-out blizzard over parts of New England and the New York City area.
So, there you have it. A snow bomb of at least a foot. So, by 7am tomorrow it'll be too late to get out from under it so if you have things to do today get 'em done!
Late night open thread
Be careful out there tonight and tomorrow morning Jersey City, black ice is about.
TIme for Jersey City, After Dark
TIme for Jersey City, After Dark
Saturday, January 24, 2015
FINALLY, someone willing to hold big contractors and PSE&G accountable
Yes, Ward E Councilwoman Candice Osborne is right as rain (or snow today) in her call for contractors and utilities like PSE&G to make damned sure they got what runs under the city right the first time after we pay to have the road paved back over:
The ordinance requires contractors to repave block-to-block any road that has been resurfaced by the city within the last 10 years.
"Jersey City invests heavily to maintain our roadways, only to see them torn up by utility contractors months, weeks and sometimes even days after the work is completed," Councilwoman Osborne said in a statement. "We've seen this idea work in other cities and from now on when we spend millions of dollars to repave our roads, they are going to last or be replaced by those who destroy them."
Right? Sit down. Take a Xanax, Jersey City, somebody is actually doing something to protect your tax dollars. Know who likes this good idea, besides everyone? The Mayor:
This ordinance will go a long way to ensure the positive investments we are making into our City are preserved."
It's called cost of doing business folks and we sure hope this idea becomes a Jersey City law post haste. Plus this is something "City Planning" can't just turn around and give back to developers at the first sniffle of complaint. More on this smart idea can be found here.
The ordinance requires contractors to repave block-to-block any road that has been resurfaced by the city within the last 10 years.
"Jersey City invests heavily to maintain our roadways, only to see them torn up by utility contractors months, weeks and sometimes even days after the work is completed," Councilwoman Osborne said in a statement. "We've seen this idea work in other cities and from now on when we spend millions of dollars to repave our roads, they are going to last or be replaced by those who destroy them."
Right? Sit down. Take a Xanax, Jersey City, somebody is actually doing something to protect your tax dollars. Know who likes this good idea, besides everyone? The Mayor:
This ordinance will go a long way to ensure the positive investments we are making into our City are preserved."
It's called cost of doing business folks and we sure hope this idea becomes a Jersey City law post haste. Plus this is something "City Planning" can't just turn around and give back to developers at the first sniffle of complaint. More on this smart idea can be found here.
Late night open thread
A snow day literally and figuratively falls from the sky, unbidden, and seems like a thing of wonder.
-- Susan Orlean
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
-- Susan Orlean
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with WANDA JACKSON!
What better way to enjoy the beginnings of #WinterStormNachos than with some cool music. We'll kick off the fun with Wanda Jackson and the aptly named song 'Slippin and Slidin'
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with VAN MORRISON!
What does the song 'Gloria' have to do with enjoying a snowstorm? Nothing. Simply nothing.
Van Morrison ladies and jellyspoons, and 'G-L-O-R-I-A'
Van Morrison ladies and jellyspoons, and 'G-L-O-R-I-A'
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with U2!
Putting the wraps on a Music Series to have a snowstorm by here's U2 and how perfect the lyrics to this one to take us out on:
And you know it's time to go
Through the sleet and driving snow
U2 with 'A Sort of Homecoming'
And you know it's time to go
Through the sleet and driving snow
U2 with 'A Sort of Homecoming'
Friday, January 23, 2015
The Jersey City Desk Action Weather Team is ready for #WinterStormNachos
#WinterStormNachos is set to arrive in the tri-state area overnight as this nor' easter moves north up the coast. The Jersey City Desk Action Weather Team is predicting 3-5 inches of snow starting around midnight with morning bringing sleet and freezing rain. Our listening area shouldn't get much more than a light dusting of ice, certainly nothing like earlier this week. But just in case we do, Johnny will link this story to Wunderground so he can't get sued if you read this and go drive off the Turnpike and slide into a Burger King.
Stay with the Jersey City Desk for #WinterStormNachos developments as they happen. Or later on, whatever fits your schedule.
Stay with the Jersey City Desk for #WinterStormNachos developments as they happen. Or later on, whatever fits your schedule.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Late night open thread
State trivia night and if you're a Big Bang Theory fan maybe a little "Fun With Flags"...
Which is the only state with a different design on the front and back of its flag? Answer here.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Which is the only state with a different design on the front and back of its flag? Answer here.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
MTA doing what the MTA does best...
...taking your money. A quick note into the Jersey City Desk newsroom, the MTA will begin tacking on an extra two bits, or .25¢ to most folks upping a one-way trip to $2.75 come March. This equals the increase in PATH fares with also now cost $2.75 one-way.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Don't sweat the snow later today Jersey City...
Only an inch or so to start later this afternoon and ending by tonight. Now Saturday we might see some real snow...
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
The Jersey City Council will vote on a new $150 soak for homesellers -- UPDATE
Ward B councilman Khemraj "Chico" Ramchal has put a proposal in front of the entire Council tonight, supported by Steve Fulop yet opposed by real estate agents and other business interests. Ramchal's proposal would charge anyone attempting to sell their home a $150 bill to make sure the seller has not turned their apartment or home into little illegal apartments thus making it mandatory for the city to inspect your property before you sell. This is when you get the privilege of contributing $150 to the city of Jersey City for their trouble. Johnny is going to post something on this he left on NJ.com yesterday for you all to read:
Real estate values are the one thing in JC that works and are improving. It's sure not schools or tax rates under Mayor Stevie Wonder. Great timing with this answer in search of a serious question to help gum that up and slow things down. When you're buying or selling a property time is of the utmost importance to you and the parties in on the deal. The city government will slow things waaaaay down. They don't care about your deal. Ask yourself for YOU -- do you want the privilege of paying the city $150 while you wait with no way to expedite the process.
I read the plan and there is nothing about the law breakers they find. They want to soak you for $150 but nothing about the building inspectors who have been looking the other way through green colored glasses. Nothing about paying back the city for illegal rent you've been collecting when found out. Are punishments for those just something to be waived depending on who it is and if they do city business? Are fines on a sliding scale?
Nothing about punishing the rulebreakers, Same as it ever was. No mention of taking a portion of all the money siphoned from homeowners being put back in to actual code enforcement and busting these places to begin with. Easier to lose money into a general fund if you don't set strict rules.
Smells like a money grab to Johnny.
Key point there, turning your important deadlines over to city workers.
Look, we like Mr. Ramchal, he does love his city, but this is two proposals he's come up with that look like a solution in search of a problem. Jersey City homes ALREADY go through an inspection for a certificate of occupancy. You yourself get to go through the property and demand changes be made before you buy. You may also report these illegal landlords to the city yourself. Where oh where is the Jersey City compliance office in all this? Like Johnny pointed out, this proposal does nothing to help fund those going after people who set up these illegal apartments.
This is one of those votes we're taking names on, Jersey City Council, if and when City Planning gets done with this, be forewarned.
UPDATE -- This is going to city planning as mentioned down further in the article, then most likely to City Council. The headline could have been clearer.
Real estate values are the one thing in JC that works and are improving. It's sure not schools or tax rates under Mayor Stevie Wonder. Great timing with this answer in search of a serious question to help gum that up and slow things down. When you're buying or selling a property time is of the utmost importance to you and the parties in on the deal. The city government will slow things waaaaay down. They don't care about your deal. Ask yourself for YOU -- do you want the privilege of paying the city $150 while you wait with no way to expedite the process.
I read the plan and there is nothing about the law breakers they find. They want to soak you for $150 but nothing about the building inspectors who have been looking the other way through green colored glasses. Nothing about paying back the city for illegal rent you've been collecting when found out. Are punishments for those just something to be waived depending on who it is and if they do city business? Are fines on a sliding scale?
Nothing about punishing the rulebreakers, Same as it ever was. No mention of taking a portion of all the money siphoned from homeowners being put back in to actual code enforcement and busting these places to begin with. Easier to lose money into a general fund if you don't set strict rules.
Smells like a money grab to Johnny.
Key point there, turning your important deadlines over to city workers.
Look, we like Mr. Ramchal, he does love his city, but this is two proposals he's come up with that look like a solution in search of a problem. Jersey City homes ALREADY go through an inspection for a certificate of occupancy. You yourself get to go through the property and demand changes be made before you buy. You may also report these illegal landlords to the city yourself. Where oh where is the Jersey City compliance office in all this? Like Johnny pointed out, this proposal does nothing to help fund those going after people who set up these illegal apartments.
This is one of those votes we're taking names on, Jersey City Council, if and when City Planning gets done with this, be forewarned.
UPDATE -- This is going to city planning as mentioned down further in the article, then most likely to City Council. The headline could have been clearer.
Monday, January 19, 2015
Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Day!
In keeping with tradition, we'll post Dr. King's famed 'I Have a Dream' speech from August 28, 1963.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Late night open thread
In case you missed it last night, Detroit Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg helps define PWNED with this dazzling goal from behind the goal line. As Zetterberg drifts behind the goal line with the puck setting up a Wings powerplay, he simply decides to whip it in off the back of the goalie's head, in this posterization Nashville's Marek Mazanec, and into the net. Johnny loved Zetterberg's reaction of "Yeah yeah, no problem, had that one set up all the way..." PWNED.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
It was 100 years ago today and WWI was raging, then the Germans burned down a factory in Trenton...
Or, at least all indications are the Germans burned down a factory in Trenton 100 years ago today. First a little backstory:
“New Jersey was the center for so much spy activity, from the cells in Hoboken to Black Tom to the boarding houses where schemes were plotted,” said Howard Blum, a writer and historian who published the bestselling “Dark Invasion” about German wartime espionage last year.
“Everything came through New Jersey ports,” added Jules Witcover, a journalist who wrote “Sabotage at Black Tom” about the terror campaign. “Everything.”
So get a good cup of coffee and read about the secret espionage and the fact Germany was targeting NJ ports and factories like the Roebling Works which was burned down 100 years ago today...
“New Jersey was the center for so much spy activity, from the cells in Hoboken to Black Tom to the boarding houses where schemes were plotted,” said Howard Blum, a writer and historian who published the bestselling “Dark Invasion” about German wartime espionage last year.
“Everything came through New Jersey ports,” added Jules Witcover, a journalist who wrote “Sabotage at Black Tom” about the terror campaign. “Everything.”
So get a good cup of coffee and read about the secret espionage and the fact Germany was targeting NJ ports and factories like the Roebling Works which was burned down 100 years ago today...
Be careful out there this morning Jersey City, ICE ICE ICE -- UPDATE!!
Those streets and sidewalks are ICY out there friends, do be careful when you go out. The National Weather Service has issued a freezing rain advisory until at least 11am today.
UPDATE 9:39 AM- The Port Authority has CLOSED the Goethals Bridge, Bayonne Bridge & Outerbridge Crossing all closed both ways due to adverse weather. There are also reports of a 20+ car pileup on the New Jersey Parkway.
UPDATE 9:39 AM- The Port Authority has CLOSED the Goethals Bridge, Bayonne Bridge & Outerbridge Crossing all closed both ways due to adverse weather. There are also reports of a 20+ car pileup on the New Jersey Parkway.
Late night open thread
Well, if you make SURE the car hit cheese bacon mushroom face is MSG free Johnny will take an order of that.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Saturday, January 17, 2015
NYC real estate hits the tipping point; the $100 million dollar condo
That's right, we've now arrived at the point where some of the needle-like skyscrapers rising in New York City are taking earnest money on units being built and one, let's call just it the first one, to top $100,000,000, has been sold.
The building is at 157 West 57th Street and the condo will take up the 89th and 90th floors. Here's what $100 million gets you: 11,000-square-feet, with six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, two powder rooms, views of Central Park. That's $9,000 per square foot. Follow this link for picture mock ups of the condo.
The building is at 157 West 57th Street and the condo will take up the 89th and 90th floors. Here's what $100 million gets you: 11,000-square-feet, with six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, two powder rooms, views of Central Park. That's $9,000 per square foot. Follow this link for picture mock ups of the condo.
Late night open thread
Overtime giveth and overtime taketh away this week for St. Peter's. The Peacocks lost tonight in overtime to Manhattan 72-65. The Pride of Jersey City® hosts Quinnipiac next Wednesday at the Yanitelli Center with a 7pm tip.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with SONIC YOUTH!
Excuse me, did you say utes?
Hey, pssst, high school kids. You wanna be cool? Of course you do. Johnny's not talking about social media or Facebook cool, fuck that. Johnny means music cool and attitude cool. Well then you're gonna need a couple things this term other than a Trapperkeeper. Probably gonna want some cigarettes. Yeah, we know, cancer, nasty habit. Hello, attitude. You'll also want to get a tattoo or three. Finally if you want to be badass cool you'll go download all the Sonic Youth you can from the iTunes store. Here, the first taste is free, Sonic Youth and 'Drunken Butterfly'
Hey, pssst, high school kids. You wanna be cool? Of course you do. Johnny's not talking about social media or Facebook cool, fuck that. Johnny means music cool and attitude cool. Well then you're gonna need a couple things this term other than a Trapperkeeper. Probably gonna want some cigarettes. Yeah, we know, cancer, nasty habit. Hello, attitude. You'll also want to get a tattoo or three. Finally if you want to be badass cool you'll go download all the Sonic Youth you can from the iTunes store. Here, the first taste is free, Sonic Youth and 'Drunken Butterfly'
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with LITTLE RICHARD!
Now here's a treat; Little Richard in one of his more soulful songs on the old Brunswick label. A delicious departure. Groove with Little Richard on 'Try Some of Mine' people. The pops you hear are actual record pops folks, this is the real article here.
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND!
And normally when you see the name Manfred Mann you think of this song, 'Blinded by the Light' as it is here tonight. Yes, Johnny is well aware who wrote this one. If he liked the other version it'd be Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN!, but it's not.
But mama, that's where the fun is...Man does this song bring back the memories.
But mama, that's where the fun is...Man does this song bring back the memories.
Friday, January 16, 2015
We're going to blow our own horn here for a minute or two
Johnny has made it a practice back in Ypsilanti and here in Jersey City to not take advertisements, not to optimize his site with banner ads everywhere (same goes for his YouTube account). It's about freedom of expression here and not owing anything to anyone. If someone's on the take they should be letting you know. Like John Mellencamp sang in 'Minutes to Memories' "An honest man's pillow is his peace of mind."
Here's another reason we don't slather bullshit banner ads and pop ups everywhere, you don't click them. Seriously. An old friend pointed this out today on Twitter. Did you know you have a better chance of completing Navy Seal training than clicking a banner ad? Ladies, you're more likely to give birth to twins than click a banner ad. Finally citizens, you're more likely to get accepted at MIT than click a banner ad. Oh there are more of these amazing factoids just a click away, and you didn't get to read them by clicking an ad, and here you never will.
Here's another reason we don't slather bullshit banner ads and pop ups everywhere, you don't click them. Seriously. An old friend pointed this out today on Twitter. Did you know you have a better chance of completing Navy Seal training than clicking a banner ad? Ladies, you're more likely to give birth to twins than click a banner ad. Finally citizens, you're more likely to get accepted at MIT than click a banner ad. Oh there are more of these amazing factoids just a click away, and you didn't get to read them by clicking an ad, and here you never will.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Late night open thread
“Night is certainly more novel and less profane than day.”
-- Henry David Thoreau
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
-- Henry David Thoreau
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Jersey City residents will now vote on when they vote
By a 7-1-1 vote the Jersey City Council is going to put on the ballot the date of citywide elections; Should they continue to be in May or should Jersey City vote on council members and mayors etc in November when the general election is held. The one city council member against putting this up to a vote, Michael Yun, said he's concerned it may help Mayor Fulop both run for governor AND run for Mayor should he lose the big job:
“This is a bad idea,” remarked Yun, while also bringing up the notion that moving the elections would create a safety net for Mayor Steven Fulop, who, if the elections were moved to November, could run in the Democratic primary for governor in June 2017 and, if he loses, run for re-election as mayor five months later.
No, it's a good idea said Ward E councilwoman Candice Osborne:
“It’s so refreshing that we are giving the residents of Jersey City the option to choose when they want the elections,” she said. “Let’s let the public decide.”
So what say you Jersey City? Do we keep the elections in May or do we move them to November? We'll know by next year.
“This is a bad idea,” remarked Yun, while also bringing up the notion that moving the elections would create a safety net for Mayor Steven Fulop, who, if the elections were moved to November, could run in the Democratic primary for governor in June 2017 and, if he loses, run for re-election as mayor five months later.
No, it's a good idea said Ward E councilwoman Candice Osborne:
“It’s so refreshing that we are giving the residents of Jersey City the option to choose when they want the elections,” she said. “Let’s let the public decide.”
So what say you Jersey City? Do we keep the elections in May or do we move them to November? We'll know by next year.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Late night open thread
The Pride of Jersey City®, the St. Peter's Peacocks won a huge game tonight down in Long Branch against Monmouth in overtime 62-61. Desi Washington hit for 21, including two free throws with just over a minute left on OT to get the Peacocks the win. St. Peter's improves to 3-4 in MAAC play and square their record at 9-9 overall. Monmouth falls to 5-2 and 8-9 overall. St. Peter's is at home Friday night at the famed Yanitelli Center against the Manhattan Jaspers. 7pm tip.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Patrick Lynch is the sound of a spoon being pounded on a highchair
One must begin to wonder if Patrolmen's Benevolent Association Patrick Lynch isn't going to get someone hurt or worse. After yesterday's "discussion" about relations with the mayor's office, Lynch's supporters began shoving officers who dared disagree with him. So he has supporters around him who don't think they should answer to the mayor's office and voters of New York City (**BZZT BZZT Police State Police State**) but now they try and intimidate physically officers more interested in getting better bullet proof vests and better cars on the road than just demanding an apology from Mayor de Blasio. Guess turning your backs on him despite a widow's wishes wasn't enough. Here, read for yourself:
The Daily News' witness told the paper that one cop responded by telling Lynch that he was focusing on a matter immaterial to the day-to-day lives of officers, which sparked the face-off between pro- and anti-Lynch factions within the NYPD.
"This is what my members want: they want more cars, better vests, more manpower," one cop shouted, according to the sources. "They don't want an apology."
Another union member told Lynch: "I don't care about an apology. I want to know what you're going to do to protect us."
So now the NYPD is divided and in NO WAY can Lynch blame the Mayor for this. This is his tantrum and sooner or later an innocent will pay for it. The NYPD gave out ZERO tickets in Times Square New Year's Eve. How's that for policing?
Get over yourself Mr. Lynch.
The Daily News' witness told the paper that one cop responded by telling Lynch that he was focusing on a matter immaterial to the day-to-day lives of officers, which sparked the face-off between pro- and anti-Lynch factions within the NYPD.
"This is what my members want: they want more cars, better vests, more manpower," one cop shouted, according to the sources. "They don't want an apology."
Another union member told Lynch: "I don't care about an apology. I want to know what you're going to do to protect us."
So now the NYPD is divided and in NO WAY can Lynch blame the Mayor for this. This is his tantrum and sooner or later an innocent will pay for it. The NYPD gave out ZERO tickets in Times Square New Year's Eve. How's that for policing?
Get over yourself Mr. Lynch.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Late night open thread
Late word into the Jersey City Desk ticker tonight, former Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles has been hired as the Jets new head coach. He replaces Rex Ryan who took the Buffalo job so they'll get to know one another real well. Won't that be fun?
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Governor Christie's bad form over PATH cuts pisses off his own transportation chief
You'll recall that Governor Christie, along with as of yet unindicted NY governor Andrew Cuomo, came out with a plan to save a mere $10 million a year (all while the Port Authority cops grab tens of thousands of dollars, in some cases passing their salaries in unneeded overtime) by cutting PATH service from NJ to NYC from 1-5am. It's a stupid plan and it reeks of Christie trying to punish Jersey City and Hoboken's mayors for now supporting his dumb ass when he ran for re-election. It cuts property values in NJ. It inconveniences thousands of Garden Staters. Basically it was a stupid idea to begin with.
The mayor or Jersey City and Hoboken and Newark and state congressmen and woman and state senators have all said this is a BAD idea. Know who else agrees? Chris Christie's Transit Chief, Jamie Fox:
"This is not the way I would save money," Jamie Fox, who once served as deputy executive director of the Port Authority, told a meeting of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. "Mass transit is the future of this state."
There you go Governor Gone, another person who thinks you're a vindictive idiot. So far that makes everyone.
The mayor or Jersey City and Hoboken and Newark and state congressmen and woman and state senators have all said this is a BAD idea. Know who else agrees? Chris Christie's Transit Chief, Jamie Fox:
"This is not the way I would save money," Jamie Fox, who once served as deputy executive director of the Port Authority, told a meeting of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. "Mass transit is the future of this state."
There you go Governor Gone, another person who thinks you're a vindictive idiot. So far that makes everyone.
Late night open thread
You hear about constitutional rights, free speech and the free press. Every time I hear these words I say to myself, 'That man is a Red, that man is a Communist!' You never hear a real American talk like that.
-- Frank Hague
Actually Frank those would be the first words out a of a "real" American's mouth. But when you were ruining Jersey City you were just too corrupt and stupid to know it. Ah well, you're dead and it's Johnny's town now.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
-- Frank Hague
Actually Frank those would be the first words out a of a "real" American's mouth. But when you were ruining Jersey City you were just too corrupt and stupid to know it. Ah well, you're dead and it's Johnny's town now.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Monday, January 12, 2015
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Late night open thread
Johnny's rolling the hot dice in these predictions anymore. He's been spot on on his NFL guesstimates and was two for two in his NCAA football semifinal picks. Don't put any stock in that unless you want to be obscenely rich one day based on one idiot's "visions."
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Bring on Chris Christie's orange sweater!
As you read last night Johnny has a brand new big teevee so Chris Christie's hideous orange sweater (that has cost him so much this week after being seen awkwardly hopping around with Jerry Jones last week vs the Lions) will be bright, front and center.
Go Green Bay, and you kids might want to start thinking about your commute tomorrow morning right now, it's gonna be a mess friends.
Fearless forecasts:
Green Bay 27
Dallas 24
Indianapolis 34
Denver 27
Go Green Bay, and you kids might want to start thinking about your commute tomorrow morning right now, it's gonna be a mess friends.
Fearless forecasts:
Green Bay 27
Dallas 24
Indianapolis 34
Denver 27
Late night open thread
What a great day. Johnny gave the interns the day off and went and bought a brand spankin' new state of the art teevee. He picked up a few other things but buying big new teevee is a big day for any geek like Johnny. Got it all set up with the internet, HULU, Amazon et al, bells and whistles running just in time for the football games. A great day to be a guy.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Friday, January 9, 2015
Late night open thread
On this day in history just seven short years ago on January 9, 2007 Steve Jobs introduced us to the very first iPhone.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with ELTON JOHN!
Johnny and the crew are going to kick off the Music Series in 2015 with a tribute to the humble jukebox. Whether it be the kind in a bar, the small kind seen inside 70's diners or the refurbished kind today that can set you back thousands, tonight it's about the jukebox.
Of course our regulars will know you have to sit through one of Johnny's boring-ass stories about growing up before we all get to the music.
Ortonville Michigan in the winter of 1977 wasn't a very happening place. Brandon Middle School even less so. That was until the student council bought the school a jukebox for the cafeteria that students would be able to use during their lunch period. Just about all the students sitting in class in the main hallways saw it rolled in the day it arrived, in all it's 1970's beauty. It was such a big day the principal made an announcement that no tom foolery would be allowed with the new jukebox and students would be expected to take turns. As the clock ticked down to lunch that day, Johnny and about 40 others wanted to be the first one to drop money in that thing. Best thing was Johnny was situated in a classroom with a straight shot to the cafeteria without bothersome turns and hallways that other students flooded out of. Also, Johnny was fast fast fast for his age. Johnny had one foot in the classroom and one in the hallway and a quarter in his hand.
When the lunch bell rang Johnny took off like he was stealing a base; head down, arms pumping and just flying down the hall. He was leading his hallway by at least 2 strides towards the lunchroom. As students ran from other parts of the building like they were fleeing zombies it was indeed Johnny who got to the jukebox first and he who got to carve the roast beast, er, play the first song. A6, Elton John and just as it was that day in 1977 it is today, 'Harmony'
Of course our regulars will know you have to sit through one of Johnny's boring-ass stories about growing up before we all get to the music.
Ortonville Michigan in the winter of 1977 wasn't a very happening place. Brandon Middle School even less so. That was until the student council bought the school a jukebox for the cafeteria that students would be able to use during their lunch period. Just about all the students sitting in class in the main hallways saw it rolled in the day it arrived, in all it's 1970's beauty. It was such a big day the principal made an announcement that no tom foolery would be allowed with the new jukebox and students would be expected to take turns. As the clock ticked down to lunch that day, Johnny and about 40 others wanted to be the first one to drop money in that thing. Best thing was Johnny was situated in a classroom with a straight shot to the cafeteria without bothersome turns and hallways that other students flooded out of. Also, Johnny was fast fast fast for his age. Johnny had one foot in the classroom and one in the hallway and a quarter in his hand.
When the lunch bell rang Johnny took off like he was stealing a base; head down, arms pumping and just flying down the hall. He was leading his hallway by at least 2 strides towards the lunchroom. As students ran from other parts of the building like they were fleeing zombies it was indeed Johnny who got to the jukebox first and he who got to carve the roast beast, er, play the first song. A6, Elton John and just as it was that day in 1977 it is today, 'Harmony'
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with THE BEACH BOYS!
Ok, selection number two coming up. WHOA, be careful, you want C10, Jesus if you would have just pushed C9 you'd get Muskrat Love by Captain and Tenille for fuck's sake. Much better, C10, 'Wouldn't It be Nice' by the Beach Boys.
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with HUEY "PIANO" SMITH & THE CLOWNS!
Johnny's just in one of those moods ya know? Total musical chaos in a song would sound great about right now and oh look, J7 on the Jersey City Desk Juke Box is 'Don't You Just Know It' by Huey Piano Smith & the Clowns.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Late night open thread
I don't have any children, but if I had a baby, I would have to name it so I'd buy a baby naming book. Or I would invite somebody over who had a cast on.
-- Mitch Hedberg
Time for Jersey CIty, After Dark
-- Mitch Hedberg
Time for Jersey CIty, After Dark
Paul Mulshine, for the win
Star-Ledger columnist Paul Mulshine skewers Christie as Dallas fan and "friend" of Jerry Jones yet handing out HUGE contracts to his company through the Port Authority in a column today. He also touches on how out-of-touch Christie is with the idea of closing PATH late nights. Paul Mulshine, for the win.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Late night open thread
We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.
-- Plato
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
-- Plato
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Late night open thread
Here is the internet equivalent of being let loose in a free candy store. Normally someone like Johnny would do things to make you come back to his own site yet this will give you hours and hours of fun away from anyone's website. 2,400 MS-DOS based games, games you can now play right in your browser are now available through the Internet Archive. Games you loved like Sim City, Duke Nuke 'Em, Aladdin, Oregon Trail and some, ahem, let's call them nekkid MS-DOS games. You can find this candyland just by clicking here. See ya in a week or so.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Warning: The milk and bread are gone, again, the milk and bread are gone
This light dusting of snow has caused a run on all sorts of perishables in case one inch of snow turns into two. We've just gotten word from reporter Zoltron over at the ShopRite off Manhattan Ave. that plenty of shovels remain however. So no milk or bread but plenty of shovels to go around. He also told us in a text that Home Depot has plenty of shovels but they are out of (if they ever had any) milk or bread.
Here's Kiki with sports...
Here's Kiki with sports...
Monday, January 5, 2015
Late night open thread
What a nice night for an evening.
-- Steven Wright
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
-- Steven Wright
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Let's kick things off this week with a News Roundup!
Giddyup!
* State Senator Nick Sacco joins the growing list of elected officials and residents all over what we like to call "Johnnyland", Jersey City, Hoboken, Harrison and Newark, as well as those who just understand reality, the nighttime closure of the PATH would be ruinous to residents and taxpayers on so many levels.
* Dude, remember how you wondered if you touched anything and might have left fingerprints during that home invasion you did back in 2002? Turns out you did.
* Governor Christie and his brother are feeling the heat for CC's jump around with the Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in Dallas last night. We deeply respect the governor has favorite teams and cheers for them unconditionally. That being said if Christie campaigns in Michigan someone's gonna hit him ala Nancy Kerrigan as he leaves a speech.
* Remember in the last election how Mitt Romney said he'd get gas down to 2$ a gallon if he were elected? Johnny thinks we owe a big round of applause for President Romney on the 2$ gas.
* 1"-2" onches of snow tomorrow morning into the afternoon then it's gonna get c-c-c-c-c-cold.
* Seton Hall is getting some top 25 love after their win over formerly #6 Villanova. The Pirates are up to #19.
* Kushner Companies announced they have bought a plot of land next to Journal Square for $27 million dollars. We'll see if and when it ever gets developed.
* And finally, Atlantic City, where they spent more on parking employees than they made in parking meters.
* State Senator Nick Sacco joins the growing list of elected officials and residents all over what we like to call "Johnnyland", Jersey City, Hoboken, Harrison and Newark, as well as those who just understand reality, the nighttime closure of the PATH would be ruinous to residents and taxpayers on so many levels.
* Dude, remember how you wondered if you touched anything and might have left fingerprints during that home invasion you did back in 2002? Turns out you did.
* Governor Christie and his brother are feeling the heat for CC's jump around with the Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in Dallas last night. We deeply respect the governor has favorite teams and cheers for them unconditionally. That being said if Christie campaigns in Michigan someone's gonna hit him ala Nancy Kerrigan as he leaves a speech.
* Remember in the last election how Mitt Romney said he'd get gas down to 2$ a gallon if he were elected? Johnny thinks we owe a big round of applause for President Romney on the 2$ gas.
* 1"-2" onches of snow tomorrow morning into the afternoon then it's gonna get c-c-c-c-c-cold.
* Seton Hall is getting some top 25 love after their win over formerly #6 Villanova. The Pirates are up to #19.
* Kushner Companies announced they have bought a plot of land next to Journal Square for $27 million dollars. We'll see if and when it ever gets developed.
* And finally, Atlantic City, where they spent more on parking employees than they made in parking meters.
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Late night open thread
The NFL now has a credibility problem after that call was reversed in the Lions v Cowboys game. It's looking a lot like the way "allegedly" the NBA uses officiating to help pick which teams advance for ratings purposes. That play resulted in pass interference by any measure in any game Johnny's ever watched. It was even called pass interference then overturned? Yeah when does that happen? It didn't even happen when the replacement officials utterly blew the Green Bay v Seattle game.
Would anybody put anything past Roger Goodell and his NFL machine at this point? There's your credibility gap.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Would anybody put anything past Roger Goodell and his NFL machine at this point? There's your credibility gap.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Traffic and construction, probably the last thing you want to think about on a Sunday
As we head out of the holiday season and smack into the cold winds of January and a new year, the reality of construction projects around New Jersey and the traffic delays those projects will cause hits us like a blast of wind off the Atlantic. NJ.com has a handy list of all the projects and roadway hassles you're going to face in 2015, though some of these projects will definitely improve life they will come with headaches. We also have one more year of the Pulaski Skyway repairs, about halfway through the closure today.
So take a look and make your plans to get around the big projects this year.
So take a look and make your plans to get around the big projects this year.
Late night open thread
I know. I'm lazy. But I made myself a New Years resolution that I would write myself something really special. Which means I have 'til December, right?
-- Catherine O'Hara
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
-- Catherine O'Hara
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Don't let that snow fool you Jersey City...
...by tomorrow we'll be in the 60's. But don't let that fool you either, by mid-week we'll have low temps at night dropping to around 10º.
We're screwed either way.
We're screwed either way.
Late night open thread
As we mentioned earlier this week no Music Series tonight as we had our New Year's Eve Rock-A Rama on Wednesday. No worries, it'll return next week. Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Friday, January 2, 2015
What do you mean it's back to work today?
No it isn't. Look at the parking lots around town. Barely full. If you're one of the people who had to work today on this weekday one-off sorry about that. If you're like everyone else...you took your dog out for a walk today. Johnny met many new owners and many new pooches today. Always a great time for man and beast.
Maybe not so much for dog walkers making money though.
Maybe not so much for dog walkers making money though.
Late night open thread
See Rutgers fans, the Big Ten is a good conference after all. Screw those people who said it wasn't.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Thursday, January 1, 2015
What a Spartan victory!!
WOW, what a Cotton Bowl. Johnny was happy to be playing in a bowl game MSU hadn't been in before that had a lot of history and and was a top flight game against a top flight team.
Now he's over the moon excited at another top ten finish in the polls and a 4th straight bowl victory over some pretty good teams in TCU, Georgia, Stanford and now Baylor. Sparty on!
Oh, and Michigan State's Tony Lippett wishes the Baylor kicker a Happy BOOM Year!
Now he's over the moon excited at another top ten finish in the polls and a 4th straight bowl victory over some pretty good teams in TCU, Georgia, Stanford and now Baylor. Sparty on!
Oh, and Michigan State's Tony Lippett wishes the Baylor kicker a Happy BOOM Year!
Happy New Year Jersey City!
Now, entertain yourself while Johnny watches his Michigan State Spartans in the Cotton Bowl, a storied bowl game today's going to hopefully be a great first opportunity to play in it. Did you know Michigan State has the highest winning percentage in the Rose Bowl at 5-1? It's a fact.
Oh, and Johnny is also calling Oregon to win the Rose Bowl and he's going to pick Ohio State in an upset over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and give the SEC a really bad weekend.
Oh, and Johnny is also calling Oregon to win the Rose Bowl and he's going to pick Ohio State in an upset over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and give the SEC a really bad weekend.
Late night open thread
We here at the Jersey City Desk hope your 2015 is filled with cash and prizes and NO WHAMMIES!
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark