Rutgers has been picked to finish third in the Big East this year

We're only about a month off of some college football kids, and Johnny for one is waaaay excited. After being picked to finish eighth last year in the Big East and still having a chance to tie for the league title in their last game, this year the Scarlet Knights are tabbed third in the Big East behind Louisville and USF.

The Rutgers 11 has a big hole to fill not just at wide receiver where Mohamed Sanu is gone but hey, Rutgers has a new head coach after Greg Schiano snuck off to the NFL. Kyle Flood will lead the Knights into this season where they open September 1st at Tulane down in the Big Easy.

Viola Richardson, you've always been better than this racism charge

We here at the Jersey City Desk have a lot of respect for Viola Richardson. She gives a lot of her time and effort to help improve Jersey City. Yes we're sure some will disagree with her on certain topics or the way she has voted on them, that's politics, we don't always agree but we come to an understanding. Richardson has long served the city which is why her comment about Jersey City council members questioning the process and the money to be handed out by the JCIA for the Director's contract saying it was "bordering on racism" as very disappointing.

A little backstory from the Jersey Journal:

JCIA commissioners last Tuesday awarded a new five-year contract to the agency’s executive director, Oren K. Dabney. The new contract came with a 4.8 percent pay raise and a guarantee that he would be paid his salary and receive benefits for the term of his contract even if the agency is dissolved.

Four Jersey City council members Steven Fulop, Rolando Lavarro, Nidia Lopez, and David Donnelly called last week for the seven JCIA commissioners who signed off on the contract to resign and for the state attorney general to investigate the contract.

Claiming racism over hard questions by an elected group trying to ensure money this city has precious little of is money well spent is NOT racism. Sorry Viola, it's simply not.

As Steve Fulop said, they are trying to get a review of all six autonomous agencies, not just the JCIA.

Please, we have big issues to solve in Jersey City, Viola Richardson has always been there for her constituents and works hard for them. We just feel a cry of racism here is misguided. Please save such claims for when racism really does rear it's nasty head so it can then be properly attacked.

Late night open thread

The symbol on the "pound" key (#) is called an octothorpe. Johnny wonders if octothorpe has a hashtag on Twitter.

Time for Jersey City, After Dark

More art spaces in Jersey City, it's a good thing

Our fair city has taken control of seven apartments at the border of the Powerhouse Arts District (Whomever tried labeling the PAD as 'Waldo' has been stuck with a big fail at this point) where after winning a lawsuit against the developer, the city will now set aside the units as affordable housing for artists. The Jersey Journal noted they had viewed the spaces with Mayor Jerramiah Healy and Corporation Counsel Bill Matsikoudis who said the units weren't quite ready for occupation, they pointed out a coffee table wedged into a bathroom as proof. Uh, Johnny has been lucky enough to met a few artists living in the Powerhouse Arts District and a case could be made a coffee table in the bathroom is not an art inhibitor nor a problem for using the space. The units with no floors? Yeah, that might slow down the artistic process.

According to the Jersey Journal this new property will bring the number of buildings who have listed affordable space for artists to three, joining both 140 and 150 Bay St.

Artists interested in the affordable housing must be certified by the city Artist Certification board that has certified nearly 500 artists citywide. For more information, call (201) 547-5010.

Late night open thread

Time for Jersey City, After Dark

Somebody finally fell off the edge of Wuss Cliff

Have you ever tried sneaking into a Nickelback concert (For that matter have you ever paid money to see a Nickelback concert?) because there was nothing else on this Earth you'd rather be doing? Kevin Beaudette actually did fall off the edge of Wuss Cliff in trying to sneak in to see Nickelback at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, NY. Beaudette in his wisdom slid 40 feet into the Geyser Brook Gorge, where medical crews were unable to help him out. The Saratoga Springs Fire Department arrived at the scene and helped retrieve Beaudette from the embankment.

Nickelback + falling into a gorge = falling off the edge of Wuss Cliff.

Late night open thread

Once again there is a cantaloupe recall. One of summer's finest treats is lost to us yet again this year. Is it that hard to protect our delicious delicious cantaloupes from harm? Johnny has an idea what's going on here. It's the watermelon industry up to their old tricks. Yeah, that's the ticket...

Time for Jersey City, After Dark

Living the thug life in Wyckoff

Skanks? They got 'em in Wyckoff. Our friends at NorthJersey have a story of a young lady who allegedly (Yes, allegedly no matter how guilty she may be) led her ex-boyfriend on a drive then a walk in the woods only to have him beaten up by thugs with a pipe and a baseball bat. Margaux H. Tocci has been charged with robbery and theft and no doubt will face more charges as she refused to give up the names of those who beat up her ex-boyfriend though she drove away with both of them.

Tocci’s bail was set at $50,000 and suspected accomplice Daniel A. Chaupiz had his bail set at $100,000. What a couple of classy kids eh? Now you're thinking what could possibly make this worse. How about Tocci's mug shot? How is this for "ug-smug"?


Like we said, skanks, they got 'em in Wyckoff

That smile will no doubt vanish from her face once little gurly gurl gets the brunt of the other coming charges as soon as the other attacker, and police said possibly another man, are arrested for their parts in this gutless attack.

Late night open thread

It was nice to see the London Olympic Committee use real hobbits in the opening ceremony. Nice touch.

Time for Jersey City, After Dark

Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with WARREN ZEVON!

Come now, with the Olympics opening tonight in London with one was just too easy. Warren Zevon with "Werewolves of London'

Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with ROSANNE CASH!

Johnny made himself one fabulous driving CD complete with 160 songs for his trip back and forth to Michigan a few days back. He made people copies of the driving CD as it has become quite popular with folks back Michigan way. They all got CD's with 159 songs on them as Johnny always keeps one song just for himself. This was this year's bonus CD-only song for Johnny, Rosanne Cash's 'Dreams Are Not My Home'

Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with JOSIE COTTON!

And a question no doubt a lot of Jersey City Desk readers ask themselves. Josie Cotton with "Johnny Are You Queer?'

We're all missing the Olympic Opening Ceremonies live right now -- UPDATED

Thanks NBC. Your greed is simply disgusting.

If you want to watch live kids try the CBC or TSN in Canada who put viewers first.

UPDATE: Apparently NBC decided to EDIT out part of the Opening Ceremonies that dealt with the 7/7/2005 bus bombings in London for really no reason in order to run a Michael Phelps interview.

Thanks for nothing NBC, how about some payback?

Spoiler alert -- look away of you don't want to know:
Michael Phelps finishes out of the medals in tonight's 400m Individual Medley, he finishes fourth, no need to tune into NBC for that tonight.

A fine editorial this morning on moving the debate over red-light cameras into the state house

First off, the Jersey City Desk was among the first to say it, red-light cameras aren't about slowing down traffic (As Mayor Healy said in a statement when introducing the faceless cash cows into Jersey City), they have zero to do with safety and everything to do with raising millions off of citizens (And forget your right to face your accuser in court) with a kind of "techno trap."

Indeed, read the editorial and let us move forward by moving this issue to the state house where these rip off machines CAN and SHOULD be banned.

Late night open thread

“The storm starts, when the drops start dropping

When the drops stop dropping then the storm starts stopping.”
-- Dr. Seuss

Time for Jersey City, After Dark

Severe thunderstorm watch for Hudson County and the surround until 11pm UPDATED

A rather wicked line of thunderstorms is heading our way from the northwest and it would seem a good bet they'll arrive during the 7 o'clock hour. Upstate New York has taken some nasty hits from these storms and power outages have been reported. Charge up your cell phones tie the kids down.

Update 6:32 The Weather Channel just said winds ahead of the bow line with these storms could hit 80mph. Many trees down and power outages. We'll now upgrade our warning on this storm to 3 out of 5 Dr. Smiths.

Look, America is a free country, but that being said

If you're all about turning on a younger generation onto the political system one fuschia outfit at a time perhaps you should have an idea about what your job might just entail if you are elected. Mindy Meyer, 22, state senate candidate from Brooklyn's 21st district gave Capital New York's Azi Paybarah her views on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo:

I asked her about Andrew Cuomo, who has in many ways been a friend to the Republican majority in the State Senate.

She seemed unsure, at one point telling me, "Honestly, I'm not really familiar with him."

I said he was the governor. Meyer later said, "I'm not familiar with him in particular, his issues and, you know, and everything about him. You're asking me how I would work with him?"

Yes, I said.

"Yeah, so, I guess I would have to see if I was elected," she said.

Yeah, you know, since he's governor and all and you want to be in the state senate MAYBE knowing about the governor is a good thing. Hell, knowing about your governor whether or not you're running for office is a good thing. It would appear Meyer's campaign is a little bit distracted but trying to get validation where many 22 fuschia wearing wannabes get validation, from Kim Kardashian:

"My campaign manager just spoke to Kim Kardashian's publicist because she's a diva and everything, so they're getting back to me because we're trying to get her endorsement because, you know, she, whatever, my website is literally like her."

Um, your website is literally like her? Ray J is gonna want residual checks in which case...

Late night open thread

The new "If you see something, say something" campaign kicked off today...

Time for Jersey City, After Dark

Hook on that feed bag, Hudson Restaurant Week isn't near over

Yes fans of fine dining close to home, or if you're just one of those picky people who eat food from time to time, Hudson Restaurant Week is for you! If you'll make a quick click here you can find all the Jersey City restaurants participating. If you follow this link you can find other great dining around the county.

Late night open thread

Sex is not the answer. Sex is the question. "Yes" is the answer.

Time for Jersey City, After Dark

Instead of offering an opinion today Johnny is asking for some

So Jersey City dog owners, Johnny is the proud parent of his new dire wolf dog and would love to know YOUR favorites when it comes to pooches around town. Where are the best dog parks, where is the best place to pick up doggie necessities and which businesses are dog friendly?

So much to know and this wolf has Johnny walking more than he even was before. He just need to know those great dog outposts around town while out and about.

Your thoughts Jersey City dog lovers?

Late night open thread

If your birthday is today (July 24th) you share it with aviator and famous missing person Amelia Earhart who was born in 1897.

Time for Jersey City, After Dark

From time to time we've had our issues with Mayor Mike

As our readers know we don't always like the way Michael Bloomberg runs his fine city. We've disagreed with him on several topics but his statements on gun control are right one and you better believe it is a discussion this nation is long overdue for. Now, our own Mayor Healy is also on Bloomberg's side in this it should be noted. In fact Healy was one of the first mayors to try and put serious laws in place to cut down on senseless and stupid gun violence as we witnessed in Aurora Colorado.

The NRA is counting on everyone forgetting about the movie shootings very soon. The current President, Barack Obama has relaxed more gun laws that George W. Bush did. So when it comes to having a national discussion it is very important people like Healy and Bloomberg speak out. Johnny is of the mind that AK-47 rifles or other assault weapons should never be in the hands of regular citizens. In his opinion neither should handguns. We're all for deer rifles and shotguns and hunting weapons but automatic weapons and handguns? America could do without these guns and never really miss them.

We applaud the Mayors across the river in their stance on this matter.

Late night open thread

Johnny's back in town, you're thrilled we're sure. So much to talk about that has happened over these last few days. We'll get to that but as the screen crawls on SCTV used to say "Soon, but not tonight." Johnny was able to adopt a giant dire wolf on vacation so he'll be walking that monster around town. Feel free to drop to a knee and proclaim "The King in the North!" as if Johnny were Robb Stark on Game of Thrones with his dire wolves.

Time for Jersey City, After Dark

Late night open thread

Well it's that time again Jersey City Desk readers, time for Johnny to hit the open road. He'll be away on vacation until the 22nd. Until the interns pass their English as a First Language proficiency tests they're not getting near the 'publish' button. Good health to everyone until we meet up here again.

“When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
” 

-- Susan Heller

Time for Jersey City, After Dark

Did you or your family and friends have a very unfulfilling time working a puzzle this past weekend?

You know, it was hot as blazes and so you perhaps stayed inside and took up the great family practice of working a puzzle together. But when you got down to the end of the puzzle was there an empty feeling? Did you accuse one of the kids of taking the last piece so they could put it in? We found the winter of your discontent lying near a telephone pole at Marin and First St. Please come get it or forever enjoy working a lesser puzzle.

If you need a Metro Card this morning take cash

The Metro Card machines are down system-wide according to the Twitter and Gothamist. No credit for now kids, grab a fistful of cash if you want a new card. Current Metro Cards aren't having problems accessing the turnstiles, just getting a new card is the hassle.

Happy Monday!

Late night open thread

Has the Devils Ilya Kovalchuk seen this?


Time for Jersey City, After Dark

What a slow news day -- If only there were a car fire in midtown yesterday we could watch

You know, where the carbecue goes up so well it catches the building next to it on fire. Yes a car fire around 57th and Lexington. Wait, what's that? We have such? Giddyup!

Late night open thread

Take a classic photograph and improve upon it...


Time for Jersey City, After Dark

Why do woodchucks hate America?

Don't they have it pretty good? Don't they have their own day on February 2nd? You'd think a little gratitude would be in order but noooooooooooooooooooooo. It seems that woodchucks in Hudson New York have been desecrating the graves of soldiers who died in the Civil War (and were on the winning side no less). They have been stealing small American flags from Civil War soldiers' gravesites and have taken upwards of 75 of the flags: “I think for the most part we’ve confirmed that’s the case,” Mayor Bill Hallenbeck said Saturday. Police used pole cameras to check woodchuck holes. “They confirmed there are flags down there.”

Here's the kicker folks:

Apparently, some flags are now coated with a substance that attracts woodchucks, Hallenbeck said. Lt. Richard Paolino learned via a Google search that other municipalities have been having the same problem and this may be the cause.

So the woodchucks are attracted to the flags. We think a "Just Say No" campaign for each and every woodchuck who tests positive for flag would be the right way forward here. The city already put in countless man hours and had four police officers working the missing flag case so a flag/drug intervention doesn't sound so nutty now does it? After treatment any woodchuck testing positive for flag wouldn't be allowed to vote in Hudson.

It's a Sweaty Saturday...

The Egypt festival is over at Journal Square and we're guessing it will feel a lot like Cairo today so what great ambience. Other than that, stay cool peeps.

Late night open thread

If Johnny wanted to live at the Equator, he'd live at the Equator.

Time for Jersey City, After Dark

Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with THE PRETENDERS!

Was there a better band working when Chrissie Hynde had the services of James Honeyman-Scott and Pete Farndon? The Pretenders with 'Stop Your Sobbing'

Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with LOU REED!

It's hot. It's humid. The sewers stink. The train platforms are nothing but stale air wearing you. Everyone seems cranky. A perfect time for some Lou Reed. And the perfect song for the conditions. Lou Reed with 'Dirty Boulevard'

Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with LOS BRAVOS!

And as always, 'Black is Black'

So Johnny just dragged is sopping wet self into the Jersey City Desk offices

And the interns are nowhere and the A/C is just not able to hit the "Ross Ice Shelf" setting he normally keeps it at. But what are ya gonna do short of going outside (bleh) and yell at traffic?

Look after those pets and those without A/C. Today and tomorrow are gonna cook.

Late night open thread

For years and years the Beatles were the only music act to have the #1 album, single and movie at the same time. Who is the second and what were the album, song and movie? If you get stuck the answer will be in last night's open thread comments section.

Time for Jersey City, After Dark

The JCPD is on the move!

And because of this you won't be able to call your favorite upper level Jersey City police officials today from without their cell phone numbers.

The Jersey City Police Department is moving from their digs on Erie St. out to the fourth floor of One Journal Square Plaza. The new offices are officially at JFK Boulevard and Cottage St. Because of the office move, which includes phone equipment, the city is asking you call Mayor’s Action Bureau at (201) 547-4900 or (201) 547-5555 to connect with top police personnel between 11 am and 6 pm today.

Late night open thread

Time for Jersey City, After Dark

This time it's official, Zach Parise signs with Minnesota Wild

No rumors this time kids, just facts. Zach Parise has signed a 13 year deal worth $98 million dollars with the Minnesota Wild. The Wild also broke the bank to sign free agent defenseman Ryan Suter as well.

Both players have cited it being important to be close to family and friends; Parise is from Minnesota and Suter is just an hour east in Madison Wisconsin. That's great. We are happy both will be able to get rich and play in front of family and friends for a long time. But Ryan and Zach, do NOT tell us you signed in Minnesota to win a Stanley Cup. YOU. DID. NOT. No, you told us you didn't want to play under the white hot spotlight of Detroit or Pittsburgh or even Chicago, all cities that have recently won the cup. You don't want the pressure or the hassle of winning the cup? You've made the right choice. Enjoy obscurity and an occasional #7 or 8 seed in the playoffs and an early exit back to your family and friends.

Happy Independence Day America! What's that? You want to spend it in Hoboken?

And Hoboken will host thousands of their closest friends as they do twice a year as the Macy's fireworks are set to blow at 9:23pm. First off, before we get to our friends we love to kid, Bayonne and Kearny also have great shows tonight:

Bayonne: A concert Wednesday with John Christian and Soiree will begin at 7 p.m. at 16th Street Park. There will be inflatable rides for children and fireworks are scheduled for dusk. bayonnenj.org/parks.htm or (201) 858-6122.
Kearny: The Fourth of July celebration Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Veterans Field on Belgrove Drive will feature cartoon characters, balloon art, mimes, a magic show and inflatable attractions. The Garden State Concert Band will perform at 7 p.m., with a fireworks display at dusk from the Frank A. Vincent Marina. kearnynj.org or (201) 955-7400.

Now, if you're like many you'll hopefully be driving into Hoboken starting, mmmm, now. Johnny says hopefully as he has all of the Hoboken emergency channels on speed dial today on his listening device of doom. Driving? It's never been easier. You know Hoboken, EZ In-EZ Out. It was almost their nickname instead of The Mile Square City. You'd be surprised how many cars The Mile Square City can fit. If you insist on using the trains NJ Transit and PATH will accommodate you with extra trips but you'd seriously better get going. And once you get off the trains RUN for God's sake, RUN down to the river flailing your lawnchairs and food coolers to get the best vantage spots. Kind of like the raw army recruits in Bill Murray's platoon in Stripes running willy nilly down a muddy embankment into trees, logs, and in John Candy's case, into the underbrush.

FuHo officials remind the citizens on this hot and humid day no alcohol is allowed in public places but who are we to tell people in Hoboken how to drink? Also of safety note the "Who can sneak in the biggest firework into the crowd" contest has been cancelled after last year's unfortunate Denny Pratt tragedy.

Our old friend Sooty the Clown will once again be master of ceremonies over by the last part of Sinatra Drive that hasn't collapsed into the Hudson River for the kids 10 and under who love playing sparkler tag. Sooty reminds you the fun's not over when the sparkler goes out. Just listen to the cool noise it makes when it hits the river.

After the good people at Macy's (and a tip of the cap to them, they give pretty selflessly) give their amazing show it's time to get the hell out. The people in cars will disperse in mere minutes while the trains will back up. So if you came with a giant group why not make your departure through downtown Hoboken a memorable one? Line up and go all Stannis Baratheon and yell "Come with me and take this city!" and begin the charge to the PATH.

Have a good old American celebration and quality time with your fellow Americans today friends, if only for one day and one wonderful night.

Late night open thread

Drunken Neighbor Productions proudly presents "You didn't leave all the fireworks in one pile did you?"


Time for Jersey City, After Dark

We saw this story yesterday and wanted to pass it along

It's like they are Sauron standing atop a wooden Barad Dur. They see all for miles. From their towers they can see from one end of the state to the other. They are New Jersey's best line of defense against forest fires, they are the guys who sit in the state's 21 fire towers constantly scanning the horizon for a slight wisp of smoke. The article is filled with cool facts and things you'd never imagine they would do. If you're math geek there is something for you too.

An amazing story of a very important job that we may just take for granted. When other states are cutting back and cutting out such protections altogether it is nice to see New Jersey being proactive.

Late night open thread

"If my mother knew I did this for a living, she'd kill me. She thinks I'm selling dope."
-- Henny Youngman

Time for Jersey City, After Dark

BREAKING NEWS: Parise to the Penguins

Johnny's sources have alerted him Zach Parise will be calling a presser momentarily to announce he is signing with his BFF Cindy Crosby and the Penguins.

Well, OK , nothing more on this rumor. It should now be noted as such, Rumor and apologies

Martin Brodeur has re-signed with the Devils

Because it would have been a crime for the Devils management to chase him off by doing very little to keep their living legend. Brodeur will be around the Prudential Center for two more years at an average of $4.5 million per season.

Good news on a day Devils fans brace for he exit of Zach Parise.

Late night open thread

Where does the weekend go? In lieu of the music series this week enjoy music til dawn on this internet radio outpost (Tonight ComRadio in Barcelona Spain).

Time for Jersey City, After Dark

NHL free agency dawns

Well, as much as something can dawn at noon. Zach Parise, Marty Brodeur, Bryce Salvador are the big names in play for the Devils while the Rangers are rumored to be dangling Brandon Dubinsky and Michael Del Zotto and picks for the Blue Jackets' Rick Nash. As a Red Wings fan Johnny is more than interested in today's goings on. Suter, Semin, Doan, all names that could fond new homes today and in the next little while.

What say you hockey fans, who lands where and which if any of their free agents do the Devils re-sign? Tell us your thoughts in comments.