The FBI says a Jersey City housing inspector is on the take

The FBI (with Efrem Zimbalist Jr., don't worry kids, the old folks will get that one) says they have Jersey City housing inspector Randolph J. Condi on tape accepting bribes, or what Condi described at 'tributes'. The Feds say the have Condi on tape:

...telling a cooperating witness doing construction work in Jersey City, Condi said the money was "not a requirement" but it "makes it easier for you. ... If you show gratitude we love it. ... If you're giving me a gratuity because I made your life easier, fine,"

No Randolph, NOT fine.

The FBI also says Condi was illegally shaking down a building project on Stuyvesant Avenue warning about big fines because the proper building permits were not happening. Condi did tell the people working that project that for the right price he'd show them how to continue without permits. The Feds then say he'd drop by every so often for 'inspections' where he'd pocket $500 bucks. He even supposedly admonished one worker who only had $400 bucks for him he'd quote "Have to do better".

Thank YOU Randolph Condi, thank you for really living up to the expectations the residents of Jersey City have for this job of yours. Thanks for shaking down your fellow residents. Thanks for turning your department into an episode of The Sopranos.

Rangers retired Adam Graves #9 at MSG last night

Yes puck fans, The New York Rangers retired Adam Graves' #9 last night in a ceremony at MSG that seemed a bit odd to Johnny. First off, Adam Graves is a great human being. No problems with his number hanging in MSG after only 10 years with the club as a player. His community outreach is wonderful. Johnny does wonder though about the cast of the Sopranos being featured. Sure Graves loves the Sopranos but really, what's that got to do with hockey? You bet Lorraine Bracco looked smoking hot, but again, we missed the episode where Christopher and Paulie wandered out of New Jersey's Pine Barrens to catch a Rangers game at MSG.

Never in all his days has Johnny seen one franchise get more mileage out of ONE season than the Rangers do 1994. You'd think that was the only year the NHL ever handed out the Stanley Cup. It was a fine run, but lots of teams have had a one year run like that. The Ducks and Tampa Bay come to mind. Oh, was it because the Rags broke a 54 year cup-less streak? Well hallelujah, why wear that like some badge of honor? Treat it for what it was, an embarrassment.

So, well done and congratulations Adam Graves, you are a class act. To the planners, better luck with the Andy Bathgate and Harry Howell ceremonies later this year.