The first Jersey City mayoral debate will be March 21

Well the powers that be are calling it a "forum" but trust us, it'll be a debate.

March 21 will find all four mayoral candidates, Mayor Jerramiah Healy, City Councilman Steve Fulop, doctor Abdul Malik and former local basketball star Jerry Walker, on hand to share their ideas on issues facing The Heights and to help familiarize residents there with the mayoral candidates' platforms. Terrence T at the Jersey Journal fills in badly needed details:

The forum is scheduled for Thursday, March 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. at School 28, 167 Hancock Ave. It is being hosted by the Riverview Neighborhood Association, Washington Park Association of Hudson County, Pershing Field Garden Friends and others.

“The goal of this forum is two-fold—for candidates to gain a better understanding of Heights residents’ concerns and for Heights residents to better familiarize themselves with each candidate and his or her platform,” said Becky Hoffman, president of the Riverview Neighborhood Association.

Be there or be square Heights residents. Make 'em sweat. Don't just accept their first answer as gospel and if they try to get off your topic into talking points make sure you jump in and say "Excuse me, but now would you like to answer the question I actually asked?"

Late night open thread

"Bigfoot is blurry, it's not the photographer's fault."
-- Mitch Hedberg

Time for Jersey City, After Dark

Hey kids, do you wanna see something really cool?

How about a trip up into the Chrysler Building? No, not JUST to the observation deck, we mean WAY up inside, to the very tippy top inside the Chrysler Building. Wanna see what it looks like? Follow this link over at Gothamist and see you shall. It sure isn't how Johnny imagined it looking up that high.

Let's check in briefly on the Mets spring training camp

Justin Verlander doesn't pitch for the Mets. This probably gives Mets fans a sad but it's a fact. Verlander pitches for the Detroit Tigers. However yesterday Verlander did pitch against the New York Metropolitans in spring training and oh what a day. Mets second baseman/infielder Jordany Valdespin was in the lineup to face Verlander in a game he'll probably never forget.

Now, Valdespin has a reputation as being a bit of a freewheeler or showoff from time to time. He does things that might just make other players not like you. In fact Mets manger Terry Collins told the NY Post:

Collins has told Valdespin this spring to eliminate some of his antics, warning that he might become a target for pitchers. One such warning came two weeks ago after Valdespin faked a bunt leading off a game against Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg. In the same at-bat, Valdespin singled and received a glare from Strasburg as he ran to first base.

“We’re going to settle some of that stuff down,” Collins said. “[Valdespin] has been told a lot in the last couple of years about how to handle himself on the major league field, especially when you are a young player. He understands it, he’s adjusting to it and once in a while you always get caught up in the moment.

So here was Valdespin facing Verlander, who had already hit a home run leading off the game, in the fifth inning. He took two big swings at the first two pitches then for some reason opened up to bunt. Valdespin’s penchant for flying open early on bunt attempts leaves him vulnerable, said one Mets instructor. And vulnerable he was as Verlander's next pitch, a 94 mph fastball, hit Valdespin right in the family jewels. Square in the nuts. Not a real problem though, after all baseball players wear protective cups.

Not Valdespin.

No, you read that right, Valdespin doesn't wear a cup which is why the Verlander fastball knocked Valdespin right out of the game. Mets skipper Terry Collins was none too amused his second baseman wasn't wearing a cup:

“You would think if you are starting at second base, you would be smart enough to wear a cup.”

No word on if Valdespin, no doubt getting a day off today, was seen in any local sporting goods stores looking for cups.

Late night open thread

Anyone here into numbers? On October 26, 1958 Barcelona defeated Real Madrid by the score of 4-0. On October 14, 1978 Barcelona defeated Las Palmas 4-0. Today Barcelona beat AC Milan 4-0. What do all these 4-0 scores have in common? All the scores came during a papal conclave like is happening now in Rome. Cue the Twilight Zone music.

It should also be pointed out to the Blaugrana's detractors that rumors of Barcelona's death have been greatly exaggerated.


Time for Jersey City, After Dark

Mayor Healy's speed trap/red light camera is back at Washington and Bay St.

Do be wary drivers of Jersey City, Mayor Healy's plan to balance city spending further out of your paycheck is alive and robbing you in the Powerhouse Arts District this morning. And yes, Mayor Healy does get the blame for this as he was the one who got himself addicted to the cashflow. If any of you Fulop supporters are snickering right now STOP. Your candidate can't seem to take the time to return Johnny's THREE outstanding calls to Mr. Fulop's office about what he'd do about the cameras were he to be elected Mayor. So far Steve can't be bothered to return a constituent's call. If this is how he blows people off before he becomes mayor we might be in for a long four years should he win.

Late night open thread

Know your planets night!

Only two of the NINE planets (Yes Pluto is too a planet Neil deGrasse Tyson) rotate clockwise. If you get both you're named King or Queen of Planet Awareness Week and get in free to the planetarium of your choosing by using Johnny's name as currency. Sure it will, just do it. If you get one you can go to bed thinking you know a little something. If you miss both you are invited to enjoy the NASA page on our Solar System and better luck next time. Buck up, Bunky.

Answer in comments.

Time for Jersey City, After Dark

The Jersey City skyline has been used for another television promo

The Investigation Discovery channel is about to drop a new program called 'Dead of Night' (we don't know if it'll be good or stink outloud so this isn't an advert) and in their ad announcing the show to the world we fade in on Jersey City. Then they show Times Square. Get in line NYC. Clearly our fair city is being used to sell ID's programming because Jersey City has zazz.

ID knows what Cool City looks like.

Motown Monday

How about a little Bobby Taylor and the Vancouvers to help make your afternoon an oh so smooth one...

If you'd like a newfound respect for firefighters, here you go

If you have not seen the video of the fire exploding out in Harrison yesterday here you go. YouTuber T00LS was there and has been kind enough to share his/her video across the internet. If you ever wonder how fast something can go wrong for our beloved firefighters, this is a clear example:


We know the JCFD was called in on this fire and we're happy to pass along no humans were hurt.