University of Santo Tomas, Philippines

It is my alma mater. I have not blog about her, but she was very seminal to my career/profession. Without her and my own family's support, I would not be where I am now.

I am and will a Thomasian!

The Crossing

I watch the "The Crossing" that depicts the crossing of Gorge Washington over the Delaware River on that fateful day at Christmas Day, crossing from Pennsylvania to the Shore in Trenton.

The Colonial Army defeated the Hessian mercenary from Germany.

We would be a colony were it not for the the above historic turning event in the American Revolution.

New Jersey, a Progressive State

We voted against the death penalty. Who are we to judge someone's life?

But, I do empathise for the victims of these heinous crimes.

It is the power of forgiveness that elevate us from ordinary being to the sublime.

A State Worth Living, Mentally

Dec. 24 issue of Time, page 20 has a short article about the mental state of the States of the Union.

I was a bit surprise. But deep inside me, I don't have any of these negative karmas. It may reflect major mood and sentiment of the residents of this State.

Despite all the negative stereotyping about New Jersey, it ranks the third least depressed state. The rest of the northeast has moderate to worse ranking and may explain all these bad mouthing about Jersey, :).

The least is South Dakota and followed by Hawaii.

So, next time you visit New Jersey or pass by on your way to Manhattan, think of us the third sanest people in the Union.

NASA Photo

Lately, I have problem downloading their pictures only to discover that these smart dude did some tweaking in their NASA page.

With due respect to you smart dude at NASA, I have no indention of claiming those pictures. I did the courtesy to name NASA in my blog for those photos. You guys being smart, it seems like being insecure dude, needing those security blanket.

Now, I will post a picture one of your photos. Do I have the permission?

Grow-up guys!

New Jersey Surfing

1d belmar surfing_2007-11-04_075,
originally uploaded by scubapup.

New Jersey has excellent surf. California's waters are overblowned and stereotyped.

They could have tsunami in the near future.

Thank you scubapup.

Bruce in Madison Square Garden 2001

It was awesome. The album was a gift for my 52th birthday.

The Holidays Is Upon Us

Thanksgiving holiday is less than a week. New Jersey's fall foliage has past its peak and temperature has been the 30's and 40's at night. Winter is knocking at our doors. But Mother Nature will never dampened the holiday spirits.

It is celebration of family and reflections.

Photo is courtesy of the New York Times.

Some Comment About Newark by an Ice Hockey Dude

I read some not pleasant comment about Newark in the Star Ledger a few days back.

He works or affiliated with ESPN and comments about ice hockey.

I do not know how the game is played. It seems like a sport that it is not popular to the minority like me.

It will take some time, just like football. It took me some time to learn the game and now I look forward to their schedule. I am a Jets fan. Unfortunately, my team has not been performing well.

Back to my agenda, I had a look of his photo on Star Ledger. He looked (?) metrosexual. He has a trimmed moustache and well done hairdo.

Well... real men in Jersey wear bed-head!

And this infamous guy has not been in Newark neither.

Bon Jersey! (as they say)

It seems like the "Rock" went well for the two Bon Jovi's concerts and the the first Devils' home game.

I am proud of it and I hope the residents of Newark feels the same. It is their showcase and show the rest of the country that they can do better.

Is it a fluke or hype? It is up to the people of Newark.

I will rally for the good of Newark.

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Bucolic New Jersey

1d sunrise mountain_2007-09-16_009, originally uploaded by scubapup.

New Jersey is stereotyped as dirty, over populated, polluted, high crime, high taxes and all the negative auras about the state.

It IS a beautiful state!

Thank you, scubapup!

Bon Jovi at Prudential Arena, Newark, NJ

I heard that Bon Jovi will start his concert tomorrow, Oct. 25.

I heard concerns about traffic. It is true.

The solution is mass transit, that is, the train. Believe me.

If some "macho" driver navigate the streets, I recomend to stay away from route 21 (McCarter Hwy) and route I-280.

A better options are I-78 east to Broad St exit and Raymond Blvd Turnpike exit 15E.

I am not a macho driver nor sissy driver, but a defensive driver. It keeps my car insurance premium affordable in NJ.

A Saturday's Event in Far Hills, NJ

It was a our fall's family event to attend the Far Hills Steeplechase race. We almost do this every year. Today was a bit different weather wise. It was cool and breezy, not cold or wet. It was just right with lots of sun and cool breeze. As usual, we celebrate this event with family friends.

This is one of the events and festivities we like to do in New Jersey.

Rutgers

Manhattan is lit scarlet. Hail to Rutgers!

Newark, New Jersey, A City Worth Visiting

You can not miss to notice the Prudential Arena if you drive on Broad Street in downtown Newark.

It dwarfs the City Hall of Newark in structure.

As well as the price tag...500 M on the citizen of Newark.

Is it a price worth buying? I think it is. Newark has to move forward regardless of the skeptics, arrogant, and "holier than thou" some New Jersey residents. They seem to embrace their community but they distanced themselves from Newark like a person with tuberculosis or leprosy.

Although not perfect, Newark has come along way from the troubled mid 60's. The Rock is Newark's showcase. My showcase, too.

It is not a ritzy town like Short Hills, Livingston, Essex Fells, Maplewood, Princeton, West Windsor, Montgomery, etc.

I would like to see some support, at least some sympathy, to the oldest and greatest city of New Jersey.

Autumn

Fall has come to Tewksbury, NJ.

It is my favorite season.

Halloween...

Warm apple cider and pie...

Colorful foliage...

And, Thanksgiving day.

An Apparent Migration from NJ

A recent comment of the census of NJ from intellectuals stated that there is an increasing negative migration because the "tax burden".

NJ gets 57 cents to a dollar we sent to the federal government. We are subsidising some other states. That is some taxing situation!

NJ Transit predicts a double in ridership in 20 years between New Jersey and Manhattan. There will be 42 million passengers commuting from Jersey to Penn Station in 33th St midtown Manhattan this year.

A new tunnel will be built from the Jersey side to 34th St in Manhattan.

I do not see a "negative" migration.

The Great Falls in New Jersey

I heard of this great falls in Paterson, New Jersey and people swear by it about the natural beauty of it.

I should visit it someday.

It is one of those best secret in New Jersey, just like our cherry blossoms in spring.

The Magic, the cd

My wife surprised me today.

I received the cd from Amazon via mail.

Listened to the cd.

Bruce created the lyrics and music.

But, Clemons rich sax tone, Weinberg fast paced pounding drums, Van Zandt raw and pure guitar rhythm, Bittan piano flow and Tallent solid bass created the rest of the equation of magic.

I was also very impresed on the string essemble.

Truly, a great album!

The State west of Hudson River

What keeps the island of Manhattan humming is because of the State west of the Hudson River. I am tired of hearing New York relating to Manhattan.

Some Greetings From Ashbury Park, New Jersey

Mister Springsteen and the E Street Band has regrouped! I look forward to their music. Alleluia!

Image is courtesy of brucespringsteen.net.

The Blog Player

Unless the creator of this widget are conveying something profound, the photos seemed mediocre. I do appreciate their efforts and in it is in my blog.

Bayonne, NJ

View Larger Map

It is a small town community atmosphere with an unfortunate situation located in the midst of major cities of Jersey City and NYC.

Unexpected New Jersey

I am fortunate to live in New Jersey, my adapted home state. We are congested, but we managed to keep our traffic move on on our highways and mass transit system. Despite all of these, we manage to keep NJ a garden state.

Most Congested Traffic

Despite our complicated and beat-up highways, but good mass transit system, New Jersey did not make the list to the infamous congested highway.

I heard it was Los Angeles, the DC area, Atlanta, and ?Huston.

I guess New Jersey is doing something right.

I do sense it in my commute to Newark and Bayonne.

The Lady

I wonder if most third...fourth generation folks of this nation knows that The Lady reside in New Jersey. Most likely not.

History keeps this nation cohisive... not those hyphenated "ethnicity-American" racial category.

My family is proud to be US of A citizen!

Jersey Football

Rutgers are doing well this season, except their home game against the Navy. Some of the Rutgers crowd demonstrated some rude comments. I agree it was unacceptable and required an apology. But, it was just a game. There was nothing beyond it. It was sheer adrenaline that day!

The Jets, my team,...did well against the Ravens. They have two good quarterbacks that can move and motivate the team. I think they will do well this season.

My only frustration about Jets (and Giants) is that most out-of-town people think of them as New York teams. Both teams play the hallowed ground of the Meadowlands in New Jersey.

Fall/Autumn is in the air

Fall/Autumn is upon us.

Swimming pool is closed for the season till next spring. Thanks to help from my wife and my daughter. My son is out to Rutgers. We do this routine every fall. However, my daughter is stepping up to the plate. She doing a good job!

My family loves fall... apple picking, warm apple cider, ....turkey and Thanksgiving...Halloween.

Not the least, the horse race in Far Hills...

Truly, autumn/fall has activity comparable to summer.

I look forward to it.

RU Football

Rutgers must be doing something right...Hail to Scarlet Knight!

A Google Blogger Photo Stream

This is great link to photo streams from Google bloggers. Thanks to the creator(s)!
Great works!
Link on the title...

September 11, 2001

A golden retriever called comfort dog, less known from the search and rescue canine were deployed during that tragic event to soothe the people affected.

Photo courtesy of National Geographic.

A Visit to Washington Square Park

We were in Washington Square Park by NYU this weekend for some crafts show my colleague invited me. It was a beautiful day and less humid than the day before. The stalls consisted of crafts and arts from not famous but talented and passionate about their works...only in Manhattan!

We sat in one corner of the park to savor the cool breeze and watched people around us. There was what appeared to be homeless person taking a nap on a bench and what appeared to be an NYU student reading her book chapter assignment on another bench. There was a kid practicing his skateboard skills. Each human being expressing their self and individuality, that include us...only in Manhattan!

A Dinner Night in Tewksbury

We do this rarely in our township. But tonight we had a good fun dinner with a very good family friend in our town. Dinner was at Tewksbury Inn.

We have good friends in our township who are down-to-earth and not pretentious. It keeps our town very likable to out-of-town visitors. It has no pretense of exclusivity. Everyone is welcome to the activities in this township all year around, really!

It can be Google or Yahoo mapped, I think.

A Friday Night Football

I watched Rutgers football tonight on ESPN where Rutgers entertained the Navy. It was a great game.

But what I noticed was the lack of some positive vibe comments from the commentator...Maybe they were not used on commenting about Rutgers. They were there to do their job. There were other teams worth commenting.

At any rate, Rutgers will play good games ahead! They have now the confidence and athleticism.

Hail to Scarlet Knight!

By the way, my son was at the game tonight.

My End of Season Grill Recipe

For some end-of-season summer grilling, I suggest this recipe.

Buy about half a pound of fresh Angus London broil cut. Season both side of the meat with McCormick 'Montreal Steak'.

Preheat grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cook meat for about 20 minutes or until you can smell the aroma from the seasoning.

Rest the meat for 3 minutes, then slice diagonally across the meat grain with an electric knife.

You can relish the main dish with fresh basil, rosemary or thyme.

Bon appetit!

NB: I grill all season.

A Mother-Daughter Day

On Labor Day, my wife and my daughter had a mother-daughter day in the City.

The visit culminated watching "The Phantom of the Opera".

I and my wife seen it several times...it was first for my daughter. She loves it!

It will be a memory for her...the ever classic eternal Broadway show, The Phantom of the Opera, with her beloved mother.

The Light Rail of Newark

Newark has come a long way. Most native Jerseyans and some residents of New Jersey have vilified Newark. They have not accepted the city as part of New Jersey. It reflects their own deficiencies.

Newark is beautiful!

Summer is Over...I Look Forward to the Next Great Season

Today is the last day of traditional summer, although technically summer ends at the fall equinox which about a couple weeks, I think.

The summer was not that brutally hot and dry. In fact, we had several pleasant weeks, temperature and rainfall-wise. We were blessed this season. It will be sufficient to fill our reservoir and water table for the coming season.

I will miss the summer activities, like grilling in by back porch almost every day...the swimming pool...the pig roast!

But fall is my favorite season. It means cool weather and beautiful foliage color. It also means Thanksgiving, turkey, Halloween, pumpkin pie, warm apple cider and homemade apple pie.

I look forward to each great wonderful four seasons!

Old Cities are Beautifful!

I had a very intelligent and lively talk with my son who is bound to the Rutgers campus in New Brunswick this Saturday.

We both agree that the revival of the old and "undesirable" cities like Hoboken, Jersey City, Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn and Harlem is rooted on sheer economics and not the all wisdom of the politicians, with the exception of Mr. Corzine and Mr. Bloomberg.

Residents in a community will sense something is going right irregardless of political representative.

Moon in Jersey Tonight

The moon is unsuallly bright tonight...a prelude to total eclipse.

Anything can happen tonight and tommorrow, up beyond the stratosphere.

Enjoy the sky!

Something to Green (Grin) About

I just finished a three-day conference in midtown Manhattan today that started Friday and went through over the weekend.

It was always gratifying to visit the City this time of the year to see it myself and watched visitors looking up those tall buildings and fancy billboards, not looking at their foot steps as they strolled the streets of Manhattan. :)

I decided to commute to the City by light rail train in Newark and the Path train from Penn Station, Newark to Penn Station on 33rd St, Manhattan by Broadway.

It cost me 24 cents to a mile!...and less greenhouse effect!

I was proud of it.

The Central Railroad of New Jersey at Liberty State Park

I had the chance to visit Liberty State Park while I was in Bayonne.

It was one exit away, just like any Jersey folks talk about exits, :). I am proud of it because it is accurate and avoid much of the descriptive terms when giving directions. County roads are named by numbers and consistent throughout the state...no proper nouns!. These numbered county roads are directed north, south, east or west. That way, a commuter/driver knows the bearings.

At any rate, the park has full of history. I am an immigrant but I am not part of that history. It happened several decades ago, but I do share similar sentiments with those folks.

A Visit to a Suburb of Atlanta, GA

It was my first visit to Georgia.

I had the opportunity to visit the suburb of Atlanta, up north to a suburb
(???town) called Apharetta. It sounded pleasant to my ears when the local folks said it.

The personnel at the airport were polite and courteous.

From my flight in Newark, I and my daughter decided to avail its public mass
transit. It seems adequate and efficient, but apparently under-utilized. It was a weekend...maybe it had no popular ridership on these days. I heard stories about the traffic conditions in the area..

At any rate, I had a fantastic time on the first wedding in my wife's family side.

Dust in the Wind in Our Universe

I was trying to upload a photo that I collected from NASA website for my profile. I was not successful. I need to be more precise with my URL.

So, I decided to to Google "universe, galaxy, etc".

I ended up with this awesome photos.

A cannibal black hole...

Colliding galaxies creating a bigger galaxies...

We are dust in the Universe and very alive Universe!

Photos courtesy of MSNBC and NASA...

My New Jersey Version of BBQ Vegan Grill

I had the responsibility to cook tonight.

We have many vegetables in the fridges.

I thought of cooking something grilled vegan, but tastes somehow weekend BBQ or tailgate event.

So, Google it and ended up with a French-Asian fusion recipe with a great deal of my modification and my sense of adventure on culinary universe. It reminds me of Vietnam or Cambodia.

It consists of grilling on high heat the veggies (in my case zucchini, eggplant and peppers), dubbed with Montreal Steak (Bistecs Montreal by French words and made by McCormick) and ground fresh chili paste. The chili paste can be procured from any Asian food store.

Cook the veggies for about 10 minutes on high heat.

It could satisfy someones craving for a grill taste but can be truly vegan!

It could be side dish for good steak or fillet fish...

Or hot dog or burger on a bun!... which we had!

My Date with My Wife Tonight

It may not be an impressive date to most couple.

We were doing our grocery shopping together at ShopRite in Chester, NJ. I enjoyed her company.

Having dinner at Trattoria Pesce Pasta in the Soho district, Lower Manhattan or doing groceries at ShopRite in Chester, NJ...

I always have a good time with my wife!

Warm Summer Days, Green House Effects and my Truck

It was humid in northern New Jersey today despite a recorded 79 Fahrenheit. But I felt cooler as I commuted back home. I don't turn on my ac most of the time in my commute. I let the ambient air cool me off.

It is the presence of trees that provide the cooler climate. They are carbon neutral, utilizing the CO2 expelled by human beings and animals, NOT from my truck! We in turn consume the O2 expelled by plants to create energy.

I don't know the specific biochemistry behind them but somehow I recognized some significance of those boring college biochemistry class.

Nowadays, it is called green house effects.

A Monastery...Priory in Newark?

I passed the building once located on 13th Ave and S. 9th St in the westward district of Newark when I had to make a detour because of road construction on Bergen St by the University Hospital.

From the outside, it looked modest but it caught my attention. I thought it was a drug rehab facility or a psychiatric clinic.

I learned from today's local paper that it is Franciscan monastery called Franciscan Friars of the Renewal founded in 1987. It appears like that their order has a good recruits despite the general downward trend in priesthood.

The Order will open its door to the public this fall for religious retreats and show the public their vow of simple life and poverty.

Newark has something to be proud of.

My Son and His Friend's Visit to Brooklyn, NY

This is a consecutive weekend that my son and his friends visited the City.

This time it was not about music, but one of his friends was having a tattoo. My wife became concerned about our son getting a tattoo, but he promised he would not get one.

As usual, my and his company drive to the Newark Penn Station, parked and took the train to Manhattan then bound to Brooklyn.

Our son and his company arrived in Tewksbury just after I and my wife finished dinner.

Our son had no tattoo, thank goodness! His friend had a tattoo on his left forearm depicting New Jersey's state bird, the yellow finch. I think that was cool.

I could have advised them to a closer tattoo parlor in Belleville or Kearny, NJ.

In any event, they had a good time.

My Flickr....My Town

Tewksbury is having a thunder storm. Sid and Sha-sha seems to be quiet with all the the thunder and lightning.

It sounds good to me . I like rain, thunder and lightning.

In one of my Flickr photos, someone has commented on my pig roast party.

It was a message I could respond to.

A Summer Dinner in my Town

My daughter is out to summer camp in upstate New York for several weeks. We will miss her but she will have a fun time.

Since it turned out to be a pool day, sun and blue sky, my wife decided a cook out grill dinner. She invited a family friend.

We had grilled sliced rack of lamb and roasted zucchini. Drinks consisted of red wine and white sangria.

At dinner outside by the pool, mellow sound of crickets, clear blue sky with few bright stars, and at 84 degrees Fahrenheit with low humidity...dinner had the proper ambiance.

It was a country feeling but so close to greatest city in the world, Manhattan.

Being Loyal and Patriotic to the Land of Opportunity (USA)

I had the opportunity to visit Bayonne this morning.

I could not help noticed these modest homes hanging the good old American flag by their porches or doors. These homes and family living within appears to be assimilated to their adapted country and embraced the American way of life.

In Newark, I see some foreign flags by their porch or doors.

I respect my country of origin and cultural heritage. But, this country gave the opportunity to better myself and my family. This is my home now and this country deserves my loyalty and patriotism.

The Light Rail Train in Newark

I had a dinner conference in the City. As usual, the streets were clogged with humanity, mostly by out of town visitors like me and tourists on a weekdays.

It seems getting worse every time I visit Manhattan. But I don't mine. It is good for the economy of the region. Let them spend their dollars.

The above does not impress me at the moment. It is a natural consequence of a city that able to revitalize its community.

What impress me today was my commute between Newark Penn Station and Belleville. I decided to use the train to go to the City and back. I felt like being green.

The light rail between Bellville and Newark Penn Station was something I was proud of. There were no litter nor graffiti in the cars as well each subway station. Every station were well lit. There were no homeless people lingering around. The light rail cars were new, well equipped and modern.

It seems like its residents are taking ownership of their mode of transportation.

Newark is changing...for the better.

Pig Roast in New Jersey 07

It was a celebration of summer and family.

It was a graduation party at same time for my son who is going to Rutgers.

I was thankful for the generous efforts of my in-laws, my siblings and most of all, my dearest wife to make this event happened.

Everyone had a good time, pig roast party New Jersey style in my own way!

A Curious Scent in the Kitchen

My lovely parent in-laws has arrived today from Ohio for our yearly pig roast party as well as our son's graduation party. One of the many good food and wine they brought included a bunch of fresh basil dipped in glass of water.

As usual, we gathered around the pool for wine and cheese before dinner.

When about time to prepare dinner, my wife and my wonderful mother-in-law (really) headed for the kitchen. I followed afterwards for no apparent reason.

As I entered the kitchen, I smell this aromatic scent from nowhere. They had a similar experience.

We looked around for the source. Lo and behold. It was the fresh basil leaves getting smoked from a lighted candle.

No wonder basil is one of the spices I like.

A Star is being born from Egg Nebula

This Universe is alive. New stars and solar systems are created and evolving. Older stars and systems perished as we do experienced on our Earth. The cycle of life and Nature.

The Egg Nubula is three thousand light years away from Earth and hundred times bigger than our solar syatem.

Courtesy of NASA

The Penn Station, Newark, NJ

If you plan to visit the City on a weekend and you happen to be in the Jersey side, I recommend to drive to Penn Station in Newark via state route 21, left onto Edison Place if travelling south or right onto Edison Place if travelling north. Then, left onto the first narrow street, Alling St. The parking is on the right, under the railroad of Penn Station (corner of Alling St and Market St).

It charges a flat rate of 8 bucks all day/night. Despite his thick accent, the parking attendant will greet you with a friendly smile. It will make you feel easy.

The Penn Station is a few walking distance.

The Station has been restored. It has the retro look.

You can take the Path or NJ Train system.

And, it is SAFE place.

It has changed.

A Fresh Look to our Family Room

I thought our family room looks country and "homey".

In the past week, I and my wife let our daughter to decorate and refurnish our family room.

It has transformed to a fabulous outlook, fresh and chick.

It could a flat or condo in upper east side Manhattan.

We are proud of her.

It is Pig Roast Season!

Pig roast party is, I think, a summer event that family friends and relatives should celebrate.

It brings people together in a common activity of pig roeasting. It seems to be a natural event as i have experienced in the past four years.

It is a social event.

Welcome to pig roasting in my neighborhood!

I am not unique. Others have been doing it in my township.

A Milestone to Newark, NJ

This week is commemoration of the Newark riot of 1967, whose epicenter is on Springfield Avenue and Bergen Street. This is the same intersection I commute back home, sometimes.

It is quite different from photos of that fateful day. It is much more peaceful and civilized. There is a theater...an Apple Bees...Home Depot... apartment complexes and condos.

My Annual Pig Roast Party and a Special Event

I have a pig roast party coming up. It will be different this time. My son graduated from Vorhees High and he is going to Rutgers University. It will be our usual community summer party and an added special graduation celebration for my son.

So, what is new this time? My daughter is redoing our family room for our guests and my townmates.

She is the artist of the family. My wife and I trust her decision. Our family room is partially done and I think I like what she has done!

Independence Day in Small Town New Jersey

We saw fireworks in Califon tonight during this holiday's celebration of 4th of July.
It is truly an Americana of a small town celebration of a very important event. I wish I was able to take pictures. I do not have a sophisticated camera to take photos with minimum light. But, I do have pictures of parade in Lebanon Borough for similar event.

There was a similar event in the island of Manhattan on a more glamorous and spectacular ways...more impressive fireworks than Califon's.

Either way, it was Americana.

My Cheap Entertainment at Night

Streaming on my favorite radio stations is such a treat in the northeast region. Virgin Radio in London is another story.

It is my downtime streaming the radio station.

Happy 4th of July!

There were 47 immigrants granted US citizenship in Newark, NJ today. I can relate to to them. It is the best gift for them this important day.

They will be a productive citizens and their generations to come.

This country will provide its citizen the opportunity to achieve their potentials.

It is truly the land of opportunity.

Happy Independence Day!

Freedom To Cherish for my Family and Generation to Come

I look forward to this holiday...family friends and BBQ outdoor. It is a celebration of being free and respect the freedom of fellow citizens as defined by our Constitution. There were and has been sacrifice by our fellow citizen to be free in action and thought. It is my outmost respect.

I am very fortunate.

Salud to our independence!

Life Goes On

One of my dear classmate has passed away. There have been pouring of sympathy from my batch mates. I felt obligated to send my condolences but I do respect their privacy at this time.

He was a good man!

Congested New Jersey??

The recent US census shows New Jersey ranks top on traffic congestion.

My experience tells me otherwise. I commute daily between interchanges 24 and 52 on I-78 and then interchanges 142 and 148 on the Garden State Parkway.

It takes me about 45 to 53 minutes to travel these exits to go to work.

Traffic flows smoothly unless there is an accident...then your day is gone.

We may be congested, whatever it meant, but we make things move swiftly, here.

Some post about being in New Jersey

It seems like New Jersey has "flat" job opportunities, but it is the opposite I see them all the place. It is a matter of looking for them, professional, high tech, or blue collar jobs. As an entrepreneur, New Jersey is small business friendly. It is the small business that keeps a strong middle class and keeps the economically disadvantaged out of welfare.

It is my penny's thought.

Some serious thought I am not good at it.

Bon Jovi Unplugged

It was a great show on VH1 channel.

It was an hour of good music.

An encore on CMT channel Sunday at 9 PM will feature an hour and a half of Bon Jovi Unplugged.

Check it out... a wholesome TV show to watch on a Sunday night.

Matt's Out-of-Town Friends

It is almost 1 o'clock am in New Jersey. Matt's out-of-town friends will be visiting the City tomorrow.

They are in the pool at this moment... about 80 degrees. It looks cold to me.

For them, they are having a good time!

Karen and I are a little bit worried about our neighbors... voices echoes well at night.

It is only for a night.

I would do the same at their age!

Let them have some fun in Tewksbury, New Jersey!

Our Regional High School in New Jersey

It was Matt's graduation day. We are proud of him.

Bon Jovi in Newark

Bon Jovi will perform in October at the Prudential Arena in Newark, the home of the New Jersey ice hockey team, Devils.

It is time to show to the world that Newark can provide a wholesome entertainment.

I look forward to it.

My Favorite Billboard Icon in Times Square

I had a CME dinner conference Ruth's Chris Steak House on W 51st St in NYC. The conference was informative and clinically relevant to practice. Food was excellent. A choice of entree, consisted of fillet Mignon, lamb chop or grilled salmon. I chose lamb chop, rare and an Argentinian red wine to wash it down. For dessert, chocolate sinner cake was served.

After the conference, I decided to walk to 42nd St (Times Square) to catch the downtown R train to 34th St instead of at 50th St. There was a cool breeze despite a recorded temperature of 84 degrees Fahrenheit. I looked up and the LCD graphic display on the building seemed gets fancier every time I visit the City. But I noticed something was missing on these billboards. My old fashioned "Ramen Noodle" icon was gone, replaced by a glitzy Budweiser LCD billboard.

The streets were teeming with humanity on a weekday at 10 o'clock at night.

The City has truly changed.

Kayaking along the Hudson River

I have noticed an increased human activity lately kayaking along the Hudson River in spring and summer.

My observation was confirmed by today's local newspaper.

It is a unique way to view the skyline.

It was rare sight in the late 80's and early 90's.

The Hudson River is becoming green and fit for a wholesome human activity.

First Sight of Firefly on a Sunday Afternoon

It was cooler today in contrast from yesterday temperature, brought by a high pressure from the west. But it was cloudy due the the low pressure from north of us in the Canadian border.

I do sound like a weather person.

It was great afternoon to tend my backyard, trees and everything else without getting much sweat.

I grilled homemade burgers topped with cheddar cheese and my wife sauteed mushroom and onion for the burgers, a fine simple dinner.

At dusk, firefly flickered over the trees and bushes and a sight to enjoy. Summer is on its way for sure.

It was my simple pleasure for the day.

Someone Visiting the City

A classmate is visiting the area. He claims to be in Manhattan before, that will put my colleague in the region in a defensive mode.

But, we will be a good host.

There is more than just visiting the City.

The Sopranos

This Sunday will be the last episode of "The Sopranos". There are many comments and predictions about the fate of Tony. I have not seen any of the episodes the movie since I do not subscribe to HBO. I think I posted this similar predicament some months ago.

At any rate, I can finally rent the whole series via Netflix, Blockbuster, or my local video store and watch each of the episode without a hurry.

In my opinion, Tony will go, fade away, vanished or ended up in a mental institution.

I will watch these episodes over and over, in a similar way as I have watched my favorite movie "The Legend of Sleepy Hallow".

Vulture Culture in New Jersey

I am a naturist short of being a member of a nudist camp in nearby Somerset county.

There has been a come back of black vulture to New Jersey. They are called that way because of the dark gray featherless head in contrast to the turkey vulture whose head has that bright red color similar to a turkey head.

I have noticed this event in my daily commute.

Road kill is a common occurrence and these raptors are the natural undertakers of these carrion.

At first sight, these birds looks ugly. But, they are elegant and mellow birds.

At least in Tewksbury, a balanced ecology is coming back.

The Other Side and Most Likely the Real Side of New Jersey

We do have trees in New Jersey...indigenous trees.

My Limited View of Politics

The presidential election is still far away but GOP and Democrat debates have aired on CNN. It seems like we are in a political emergency.

I think we are in the right tract. We need to debate, discuss and brain storm our policy for this nation and our relationship with the world with more time than previous election.

In these debates, Hiliary and Rudy seems to stand out.

I am not surprised.

A penny of my Jersey thought.

By the way, I had a lively discussion of the above with my son.

A Jersey Attitude

There have been threat to the tristate area.

But, this will not hinder my freedom to travel and visit the greatest city in the world. I trust the responsible citizens in the region and the regional enforcement agencies. And my gut instinct!

Fear is not an option.

Have a nice a day!

An Execellent Dinner Recipe from Bon Appetit

My wife prepared dinner made of salmon fillet rubbed with sesame oil, spiced with finely chopped garlic and ground black pepper, drizzled with cooking soy sauce. Several baby bok choys covered the fish.

Wrapped the above on aluminum foil.

I fired up the grill to high heat. Transfer the wrapped fish from a flat baking sheet onto the grill. Cook for 25 minutes.

She boiled jasmine rice (milagrosa rice) with grated lemon skin, finely chopped garlic and scallion.

Dinner was served with red wine and sparkling cider for the kids.

It was fine dining at home on a Sunday afternoon.

(Bon Appetit June 2007, page 109)

A Visit to the City Today

It is nice to be back into the ethernet. I had some issues with my wireless pc card adaptor and my Microsoft.net framework. I am hardwired via LAN now. I will figure it out later which wireless brand to choose from.

I had a conference in Times Square this morning. It ended about noon time. It was sunny and a little bit humid but the streets were filled up with visitors from out of town.

What stands out in this crowd on 45th st and Broadway was this infamous transvestite enjoying his/her popularity from passers-by taking pictures. I wish I had the camera with me.

So now, Times Square has the "naked" cowboy and the "beautiful" transvestite.

There is always something interesting in Times Square!

B&B Heaven by the Jersey Shore

Some of the finest B&B by the Jersey shore, courtesy of NJ Savvy.

 

Sea Crest By The Sea

 

La Maison Bed & Breakfast Inn

 

Cashelmara Inn

 

The Beacon House

 

The Sand Castle Bed & Breakfast

 

Julia's Of Savannah

 

Atlantis Inn

 

Conover's Bay Head Inn

 

The Southern Mansion

 

The Gables

 

Have a nice day!

 

A Taste of Spring and Summer To Come

It is the last day of a long holiday weekend.

WE invited a couple of friends for a cook out with homemade burgers and Jersey manufactured hot dogs. We hanged out by the pool with wine, Samuel Adams beer and some hors douevres.

It was a laid back afternoon enjoying an 80 degree weather with sun and clear blue sky.

But a taste of spring and summer to come was when I was tending and exploring my backwoods yesterday. In addition to the beautiful sounds of birds, occasional sights of deer and hopping wild rabbits, there were these voracious blood sucking mosquitoes and horse flies getting onto my skin. By the way, horse fly's proboscis can get through a regular cotton t-shirt! And also the gnats...those tiny insects that hoover your head, it can get into any unprotected human orifices.

I said to myself, welcome to the countryside of Tewksbury.

Our Weekend Holiday

We went to our family friend in Hillsborough for the weekend holidays. It was less crowd but more personal and have the same amount of fun.

My family has always a good time when we meet our family friend s on any occasion. It is just the way it is.

That was yesterday.

Today, we have our time on our own. I got the pool going, chemicals and heat in order. It was ready by 10 AM.

My family dipped in after that.

I dipped in later in the day after tending to my trees and backyard getting rid off the invasive vines and bushes.

My great discover for the day was to identify a tree that has been growing in my property for eight summers now. The clue was this specific tree bear a fruit or flower called samara. The leaves, twigs and flowers were classic description.

Seedlings were all over my property.

The tree is called Boxelder maple (Acer negundo). A tree truly indigenous to New Jersey.

I grilled sirloin steak with cucumber and onions, a great dinner.

Tomorrow, a few friends will stop by for a swim, drinks and appetizers.

Memorial Day Weekend

I am not a deep thinker.

I think of Memorial Day weekend as a celebration of the beginning of summer with family and friends, a new cycle of the season.

But I do recognized this weekend event to pay due respect for the men and women who sacrificed their lives for a higher cause, our freedom.

Rewilding USA

There is some wisdom about rewilding North America with megafauna, meaning large animals, that went extinct thousands of years ago. These animals include ground sloth, saber-toothed cat, woolly mammoth, western horse, western camel, mountain deer, mountain goat and many more.

It is called Pleistocene rewilding.

The above species can be replaced by close relatives like elephants, camels, lion, and cheetahs.

It will also provide a refuge for our endangered big animals and developed a more healthy ecosystem.

The re-establishment of the gray wolf in Yellowstone Park has been a well documented positive impact to the environment.

I think these are wonderful and noble ideas I read from the July issue of Scientific American.

I'd rather visit these beautiful animals in parks or wilderness than spending my time in a mall or casino.

A Tick Bite

I was on my way to do some errands when I noticed a red welt with a black spect in the middle on my inner elbow.

I plukced it out and rest it on the pulp of forefinger. This thing started to crawl, then I realized it was a tick.

I dropped it in a plastic container and laid over a saran wrap on it so as not to wander in the container.

I will bring this specimen to the University Hospital for id.

This tick might be the vector for Lyme Disease.

Preparing the Swimming Pool for the Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is around the corner. It is about friends, bbq's, outdoors, and swimming pool if a family has one.

Fortunately, I have one. It is a great family entertainment.

Unfortunately, it is a chore. It is a labor intensive job that without the physical manpower of my son, it would take me at least a week to prepare my 25,000 gallon in ground pool.

In our first two years, we hired people to open our pool. But, it became too expensive. I open the pool by myself since then. All is well so far.

Opening a swimming involves chemistry like free chlorine, pH, H2O hardness, etc.

I enjoy all of these.

I am the (swimming) pool guy in my family,

Some Religious Experience over the Weekend

We have a few Jewish family friends that we like most. But a dilemma happened this Saturday when my daughter was invited to attend a bat'mitzvah by two different families in two different towns.

We decided to split the invitation. Attend the B'nai Mitzvah service of one (we called it bat'mitzvah 1) and join the party of the other (we called it bat'mitzvah 2)

In bat'mitzvah 1, the synagogue was modest and its congregation was relaxed and seems to be accepting to other people. I wore a yamaca. There was one drawback though, service was too long. There was a brunch after the service and everyone are friendly and likable.

In bat'mitzvah 2, the party was a blast!..good food and wine, music and dance. Everyone enjoying the night, young and not too old. This was my favorite part of the whole event.

This was my third B'nai Mitzvah experience.

A Friday Night

On my home, my wife called and invited me to join her some groceries at ShopRite and some garden stuff at HomeDepot in Hackettstown, NJ.

We talked. We communicated. It was our Friday night date.

I enjoyed her company.

Spring Concert In My Town

My son is a member of Voorhees High School jazz band. He performed last night as the lead guitarist in the Latin music "Otra Vez". The band played also "Mambo" from "The West Side Story".

My daughter had her spring concert tonight. Her choir group sang "Defying Gravity" from the Broadway musical "Wicked".

She is also a member of the Old Turnpike School (OTS) Jazz band.

It was a pleasant evening activity for me and my wife.

What a Benny Means in New Jersey

I hope my family is not considered a benny.

We live in northern New Jersey, Hunterdon county to be specific. My son was two when we move to Jersey and my daughter was born in Glen Ridge. My children are basically raised in New Jersey. Now, my son is going to Rugters, too.

We have gone down the shore for several summers since we move to this state with a pleasant visit to the Jersey shore line. Sandy Hook is as far we can commute to due time and distance. It seems like more visitors check out the beaches making commuting time longer. But we always manage to stop-by at Dairy Queen on route 36 for ice cream as a family tradition.

A visit to the shore consists of two umbrellas, 4 beach chairs, small cooler for our lunch, the weekend Star Ledger newspaper and books my children read and lots of sun block lotion. My family does not wear fancy swim clothes or accessories. We bring home our trash or dump it whenever a trash bin is available.

We live in northern New Jersey but we are not benny.

To Cook an Unfamiliar Fish

My daughter had an out of town lacrosse game in Basking Ridge, NJ with mom showing up at the game at 6 PM.

So, I had to figure out what's for dinner.

Fish was an excellent choice, quick and "easy". I bought a 2 lb. (a little less than a kilogram) of Japanese flounder fillet from local grocery store.

The 'Japanese' part of the description made me insecure. I needed help at that moment but I was alone.

We have a book called 'The Joy of Cooking' in my wife's pantry, a classic kitchen reference and a great resource. There was a recipe for flounder saute'.

It was too late.

The fish was in the oven baked at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, dabbed with six slices of butter and gourmet spices.

It turned out tasty.

The lesson was take risk and be adventurous.

A Jersey Tree State of Mind

These are the trees indigenous to New Jersey that I have been able to identify in my property. Coniferous trees are excluded.

Black cherry (Prunus serotina)

Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)

Silver maple (Acer saccharinum)

Sugar maple (Acer saccharum)

Japanese maple (Acer palmatum)

White ash (Fraxinus americana)

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium)

Northern red oak (Quercus rubra)

Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulifera)

Ailanthus (Ailanthus altissima)

It feels good to be green again.

A Mother's Day at Home

My wife spent most of the week in Georgia (USA) for the graduation and commissioning to Air Force of her nephew as well as wedding shower for his bride. The event was a blast for both sides of the family despite some minor untoward incidences along the way. Not unusual for a huge gathering. It is the norm.

I picked her at the Newark Liberty International Airport without any difficulties. I read and heard many horror stories about delays and chaos at the airport, but today it did not happen. Maybe, I was lucky.

On our way home, we talked more of the above. Travel on I 78 west was a zip.

Back home, she went immediately to her garden, which she missed terribly.

While tending her garden, I and my kids prepared her some appetizers for the rest of the afternoon with her favorite wine, shiraz.
'
Cooked her dinner...

Gave her our thoughtfulness after dinner and a bouquet of white roses...

It was a Mother's Day.

Can't Live Without The Internet in New Jersey

My computer just shut -off last night with no apparent reason at all during my internet surfing. I thought of the worse, either computer crash or virus or expired internet security.

I was off the ethernet by about 48 hours.

I seem to log on ok but along the way my laptop turns-off. So, my instinct was to call Dell. I was connected to an IT somewhere in south Asia. Somehow he was able to troubleshoot my dilemma with several off telephone consultations from some IT guys.

None of the above was the culprit.

In other words, my laptop needs an upgrade BIOS, courtesy of Dell. I don't know what it means but I follow what needs to be done to keep my laptop up and running.

Can't live without the internet.

Jersey and Gotham City

I have the itch to go the City. But it is way pass midnight and it is about an hour and a half drive. It is a weekday, too.

It ain't gonna happen.

The thought of it felt good though.

A Grill Dinner in New Jersey

I always grill burgers prepared by my wife. But today I had the chance to make the meat burger and grill them. My wife is out of town.

I dashed them with some homegrown spices and slapped slice of cheddar a few minutes before being cooked.

It turned out to be a hit. My kids cleaned it up.

It was a hearty dinner without Mom.

It will be different on Mother's Day for sure.

Lacrosse at Fairmont Park, Tewksbury, NJ

My daughter had a home game lacrosse at Fairmont Park. Home team won against Long Valley.

I met some family friends and caught-up some recent news about school and ?gossip?

It felt good to be part of the town on a crisp spring afternoon.

Exit Numbers in New Jersey and a Good Reason for Them

There is a major road repair on Interstate 78 for almost the rest of the year. Millions of trucks and cars have travelled this major highway to the city and our seaport. It is showing its wear and tear. The above work is necessary.

To keep the traffic moving, 18 foot high gadget is mounted on side of the road to monitor traffic. It displays real-time traffic flows.

These gadgets were stationed between exits 48 and 52. By the way, exit numbers correspond to mile post on the highways. Most states have catched-up with this idea, a simple but practical sign to motorists.

Between these two exits, I-78 divides to express and local lanes. By installing these gadgets, motorists are given instantaneous information as to the flow of traffic, which lane has the less amount of travel time.

A permanent sensors is being built along I-78 to monitor real-time travel to Manhattan, the seaport of New York/New Jersey and every exits in our highways. This will be a very important feedback to motorist, local and out of state.

Hey, This is New Jersey.

Son goes to Rutgers University

He accepted Rutgers University and today was his orientation. The university gave us the opportunity to be part of this orientation, which was a whole day event.

After a brief welcome address, students were separated from the parents and they were escorted in another building.

Then, members from the faculty spoke about cognitive and emotional development, to housing, to security, to financial aid, etc.

We were impressed how Rutgers related these issues in a parent perspective. By the end of the day, we felt that the university provided us information what we expect from them and what they expect from our son.

He enrolled to the School of Arts and Sciences, interested in political science, history and Latin as foreign language.

He was pumped up and ready to move on with his life.

We are proud of him.

And, we will be wearing red or black hooded sweat shirt with an 'R' on it this fall. Maybe, doing some tailgate party during the football season. Likewise, there will a big red 'R' sticker on the back of my pick-up truck.

Person of Note for 2007

I am very pleased that three of my five worthy person made the list, namely Bloomberg, Gore and Scorsese, in Time magazine.

My stat and belief are not too shabby after all.

A Green New Jersey

A defunct chemical plant in Elizabeth will turn 'green'. It will soon be a site for processing soy bean oil to bio-fuels.

The old plant was retrofitted for the above purpose. Again, the plant has been 'recycled'. How green is that!

With New Jersey's excellent infrastructure of highways and seaport, it can export cleaner fuel to the east coast region and overseas, especially Europe and a very potential market, China.

We may be the 'butt' of jokes of this nation. I do not know what it means. But New Jersey has always been a pioneer in electronics, telecommunications, drugs and now cleaner fuels.

I am a guy from outside looking into the state.

A New Home for the Devils

Jon Bon Jovi and 'The Boys' will rock The Rock (The Prudential Center) in Newark on October 26 for the opening ceremony. The center will be home for the Devils, a truly homegrown hockey team.

I will look forward to the event.

Some Thoughts of my Home Country, Philippines

I am not a thinker, but feel like expressing some thoughts about my homeland, The Philippines. The country is not in bad shape, over all.

My country folks has to focus on what is doable in their family and neighborhood. It takes a village, said by a prominent public person. These small steps give a profound effect to a country or society.

Government, in turn, should enforce the law and protect its citizens, honestly and sincerely. The people (I mean ALL Filipinos) must follow the rule of law.

The society must reward economically and fairly the labor of its citizens.

It is not the high sounding words of love of country, idealism, patriotism, etc. All Filipinos, in the Philippines and overseas, have these attributes already....and hard-working, too!

It is a social contract between the government and it constituents. One can not survive, exists or compete with other society without the other.

A major general election is coming up in (?) May... a major distraction. Politics is almost like a high grade heroin, a cure all to pain and suffering.

I am not cerebral... a doer... using my hands and feet.

I am very fortunate that I live in a country that treats me and my family in a just way.

New Jersey, Rock and Roll Music, Bon Jovi and American Idol

I watched the whole episode of American Idol tonight because it featured the music of Bon Jovi, a rock music theme.I do not watch this prime time program at all. My family does. All contestants did very well. I think Jon couched them all well. Lakisha did very well on "Have A Nice Day", my favorite song, my bias. She had the rocker attitude of Tina Turner. I would vote for her.

A Mother's Day Gift Several Years Ago

This weeping cherry was a mother's day gift four years ago, bought from Home Depot. It was a scraggly seedling at that time, but it turned out as a vibrant, lush, healthy tree. Mother's day is two weeks away, but I have to capture the essence of a weeping cherry tree. Here it is!

A Sunday Afternoon in Tewksbury

Finally, I was a able to putter in my backyard. I rooted out invasive vines and bush infesting my property. It keeps my trees healthy.

Woodpecker knock their rhythmic boring onto a trunk as I did my chores.

I planted some pachysandra under my trees to prevent some invasive plant overgrowth in the summers to come, my mission for the next two years.

Despite my protective gloves for planting and digging, the sharp rocks cuts through.... no match!

With all the minor cuts and calluses all these years, it feels good to have a pair of rough hands!

Weekend with my daughter (and her friend)

I and my daughter with her friend went to laser show at Raritan Valley Community College in their planetarium.

The music was from the album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band" by The Beatles.

The three of us were enjoying the lights as well as the music.

Then, I realized that I had a common bond with my daughter and her friend...music! There was no generation gap.

All of us had a good time. The event was very inexpensive.

We bought Ben & Jerry ice cream at Shop Rite on our way back home.

Rutgers University and My Son

My son decided to go to Rutgers University. He will to do very well and ready to move on.

We will be wearing red hooded sweat shirt with big "R" in front. I will stick a big magnetic "R" on the back of my pick-up.

Hail to Rutgers!

Some Thoughts on Energy

My family had a lively and relevant discussion about the future energy consumption.

It seems like nuclear energy is the way to go. With the right technology, it is a clean and green source of energy.

A very important caveat, the plutonium to fire-up this controlled nuclear fusion may end up in the hands of rogue person/citizen.

Weekend at Union Square, Manhattan, NYC

An out state classmate will visit the City this weekend. I recommend Union Square because of the plant/garden theme of the activity. It truly reflect an Earth day week.

I have a dilemma in the venue for early dinner. I thought 'Chat n Chew' on Union Square west. I look for suggestion.

Web photos, The Governor, and Erg

I have worked on my two albums before this blog. It looked like my Picasa photos were being spammed or Picasa itself was trying to "communicate" to do something about my pictures. I did some creative effects to my pictures and I think they turned out nice.

Our governor, Mr. Corzine, is out of the intensive care unit. I wish him well for his recovery.

Concept2, the inventor of the erg, invited me to do marathon on the rowing machine this month, 42,195 meters in one sitting. I don't feel motivated but I have been rowing 10,000 meters 5-6 days a week. At my pace, it will a little less than 4 hours! Whew! I am thinking hard about it.

Avocado in New Jersey

The weather was extremely gorgeous today that we have brought out our "warm" plants outside. One of them were the two pots of avocado planted about a year ago. The fruit came from our nearby grocery store to make a guacamole. I decided to plant the seed for no apparent reason.

These two seeds are thriving with the expert hands of my wife. The plants are about 12 inches tall with broad green leaves.

They are cultivar Hass avocado and will never bear fruit. Hence, they will be ornamental plants.

It will remind us of the tropics during the winter months in New Jersey.

Today is Earth Day

Today is Earth Day. I may have blogged about this topic in some way in my previous postings. I do not keep tract of it. All I can say is, this a subject that everyone should care about.

Some political views or citizen will not agree to this. That is fair. The Bill of Rights provide the freedom of speech and dissent without the act of violence to another human being.

My family is recyclers. We bought a house built in 1972. My wife loves antique stuff. Our home is furnished with such furniture. If ever we have new "stuff", a clearance sale is in order.

We are switching our household lamps to fluorescent bulbs gradually as old light bulbs burn out.

I drove to work today at 55 mph. It was awfully slow, but I kept the spirit. I felt very safe, though.

These are some of our contributions for Green Day.

Cherry Blossoms in Newark, NJ

These are some of the photos I took at Branchbrook Park. The park saddles on the Belleville/Newark area. It is quite a view to cherish.

A Note about The Lady

She was born on October 28, 1886 and lives in New Jersey since then.

The Lady is a Jersey girl.

Mid-April Spring

It is mid April and it remains chilly in Tewksbury. Trees and plant bulbs appears hesitant to bloom. I checked out the cherry trees at Branchbrook Park, Newark and these trees were bare of their flowers. I will visit the this weekend, again. The weekend weather is predicted favorable.

Deer in the backyard...

Peeper frog sound.... a welcome tune at night. It feels and sounds healthy.

No street lights....just the sky, stars and the crescent moon.... no light pollution.

Yes!

Ellis Island

On April 17, 1907, 11,747 immigrants passed through the Great Hall. It was the busiest day in the life of Ellis Island. Almost 1.3 million immigrants arrived in that year, a hundred yeas ago.

Landed on a foreign land and could barely speak English, they went on to build and shape this nation.

Tragedy and so much Grief

My utmost sympathy to the families of the victims. As a parent, I can emphatize to this profound lost.

I have a son who goes to college this fall. We will give our love and hope for the best.

The parents of the perpetrator of this heinous act had a good deed for their son but it did not happen. The parents will be shamed for the rest of their lives and will be judged by this event.

Our community will need a lot of courage, understanding, forgiveness, and love/care for another.

School has changed.

Planet Earth

The Planet Earth Series was engrossing that I forgot to blog yesterday, narrated by Segourney Weaver. How a about that!

It is a program for the whole family.

It is a legacy for Mother Earth.

To be red, white and blue, is to be green.

Have a nice day!

A Very Busy Week for New Jersey

It was a busy week for New Jersey. There was the Rutgers women basketball team and now the Governor of New Jersey, who had an almost life threatening accident on the Garden State Parkway.

I hope the authorities can find the driver of the red pick-up truck who created this tragic chain of events.

Being a dense state, commuting in this state is not a walk in the park.

It is so important to observe road courtesy on our roads. There is no point to get to our destination a few seconds or minutes ahead or on time. One thing I am sure of... it can create a tragic consequences.

Also, wearing safety belt while on the road saves lives and prevents major injuries.

I wish Mr. Corzine a speedy recovery.

Manhattan and Tewksbury, NJ

I love living in Tewksbury. The greatest thing about it is you can visit Manhattan in an hour and a half. Drive to Penn Station in Newark, take the Path or NJ train to Manhattan and enjoy what the city offers.

Visit to the City and retreat to the countryside, priceless!

Live Earth Concert in Jersey

Live Earth concert will be held at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on July 7th. Major song artists/bands will hosts the event. Proceeds will benefit to fight global warming.

Jersey is getting green.

Check it out.

The Rutgers Team

There have been many comments and features, both the newspapers, major TV networks and internet in the 48 hours or so.

Here are some of the comments on this blog.

The Rutgers University is an excellent institution of higher learning. The members of the women’s basketball team deserve to be in this respectable university.

Have a nice day!

Another Ecology Come Back to New Jersey

Fisher (Martes pennanti) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisher_%28animal%29, the size of a cat or red fox, is a carnivore and a hunter. It does not prey on fish but preys on squirrels, mice and a natural predator of porcupines. It feeds also on carrion of deer, which is abundant in New Jersey.

It belongs to the weasel family. This animal was virtually wiped-out in New Jersey because of excessive logging and expansion of human habitat.

Despite our dense population, its come back has been documented. It seems like New Jersey is becoming eco-friendly.

Away from New Jersey

My family spend the holiday weekend with my in-laws in Ohio. Our trip out west consists the four of us, a few baggage of personal clothes and stuff, and an almost full truck load of used bricks. My pick-up truck hauled them with ease but we met an unexpected situation of snow squall on the western part of Pennsylvania that went more challenging as we enter Ohio. It was a blizzard condition for a few minutes then followed by a clear road, no snow. As a driver, it was not a pleasant experience. I had precious cargo with full load of used bricks. Being a New Jersey driver, we made through the ordeal.

The good part of it is my family spent a quality with my in-laws. Helping them out preparing and cleaning their beautiful property for spring and summer. My wife's nephews and nieces were also present. Our chores ended with putting up the new flag pole with a new American flag.

Dinner, prepared by my mother-in-law and wine, made by father-in-law, was a memory I cherish with my wife and my children. We had dinner with my sister-in-law, her husband and their children. Catch-up with its other's lives and talked about some silly thoughts and experiences during past few months.

It was a sense of family.

We tripped back to New Jersey today without any situation. No snow squall on I-80.

Back to my home.

Back to my work.

Back to my blog, e-mail and filckr.

It is nice to be back home in Tewksbury!

Union Square, Manhattan, NYC

A visit to Manhattan always include Times Square, Rockefeller Plaza, 5th Ave, Central Park, South Street Seaport, Empire State building, Ellis Island/Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, and the World Trade Center site. And perhaps, a tour of the city on a double decker bus.

There is place called Union Square at 14th Street. It provides wholesome family activities in spring and summer. It is famous for their green market. It is not unique to Manhattan. New Jersey farmers has been providing fresh produce to urban areas in the state for many years. Jersey farmers has extended their markets to the City in the early 80's.

On April 28, the site will host NYC Grows Garden Festival. It is about garden and nature.

A place to visit.

A city turning green.

Binary Star J0806

These two suns are nearing its doom. They are losing their orbital energy and about to collide creating massive gravitational waves.

It will soon be a black hole!

Light will bend and suck into it.

Nature is powerful.

The Primaries

New Jersey primaries is moved to Feb. 5, 2008. Governor Corzine signed the bill at the Drumthwacket mansion in Princeton, the Governor's residence.

It is about time that New Jersey has a claim to the economic and political issues of this country. Being a melting pot, we have issues on immigration and homeland security. Our ports and major financial institution in this region is very vital to the economic health of the whole nation. New Jersey is not a newbie to information and telecommunication technologies. AT&T and Verizon have its roots in the state.

The commerce of this nation will not move without the above.

New Jersey is reclaiming the status of the thirteen original states!

Keeping Earth green in our own small ways

The issue of global warming has been in forefront lately. Time magazine has most of its articles related to global warming. My family has finished watching the second series of 'Planet Earth' on Discovery Channel that portrays how we and the rest are so closely interdependent ecologically.

My family has started doing its share to our keep our Earth a little bit greener. My wife bought a set of CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs to replace existing light bulbs as they burn out. I have been wearing lighter and looser clothes to work and at home. I keep trees as much as I can in my property, nurture and protect the tree saplings that grows in my backyard. I would run my diesel pick-up on vegetable oil.

LED's (Light Emitting Diodes) are seen on traffic lights, tail and break lights, building signs and garage lights.

One more and a wild thought. If we could correct obesity, there would be less CO2 in the air. We eat less. The body becomes more efficient, less heat and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

I thought of wind turbine but my town does not get enough wind to generate energy.

Taste of a New Jerseyan

I think I found the hors d'oeuvres of my taste.

It is crumbled gorgonzola, a blue cheese, on top of a kosher pickled dill. It gives a sharp and pungent taste to the crunchy dill. It tastes healthy and it is, most likely, healthy too. It goes well with wine, red or white.

This is not the food I grew up with. But with my wife's influence and easy access to other ethnic delicacies, I become adventurous in gastronomic explorations.

I still cook rice and a vegetable stew called pinakbet, equally healthy as above.

Explore your taste buds. Bon apetit!

New Jersey's Cherry Blossoms

I can see the red hue on the fine twigs and branches of trees on my way to work. I thought of Branch Brook park in Newark/Belleville. Cherry blossoms will be here soon in New Jersey!

My Wife's Garden

They are beautiful crocus flowers, courtesy of my wife's garden.

Hardworking New Jerseyans

Despite our budget deficit and high taxes, New Jersey remains second in per capita income and first on median income for 2006.

How this happens?

Maybe New Jerseyans are working hard to keep ends meet. We work hard enough!

New Jersey is the americana of work ethic.

I am proud of it.

Sheperd Creamery in New Jersey

I highly recommend to visit this creamery this summer and early fall/autumn for out of state visitor as well as fellow New Jerseyans. It is a great family weekend activity. It is located in Long Valley by route 517 in Morris county, about 3 miles north of Tewksbury or 8 miles north of exit 24 on I-78. Check out the link on the title.

Have fun!

Public Schools in New Jersey

Despite of New Jersey's dismal funding for higher education, the state has one of the best public schools in the country. About 54% of high school graduates goes to college, tied second with Massachusetts. North Dakota ranks first (59%). The state has its share of problem school districts, if not maybe worst in the nation. But overall, it is a great state to raise a family and public education.

We pay high taxes here but we do invest in our children's education. I wish this applies to higher education also.

New Jersey is the site of corporate headquarters of some major pharmaceutical, financial and technology corporations, a great place to start job for our highly skilled college graduates.

My proof?

My son has been accepted to Rutgers University, SUNY at Binghamton, Boston University and George Washington University. He is waiting on McGill University, NYU and Georgetown University.

The Signs of Spring

It was too good not to be outside this aftenoon. Temperature almost reached the 70 mark. Snow was practically gone and I could hear the sound of water flowing through creek by our road. Life is coming out of Mother Earth. Trees have swollen-up their buds for the flowers to come. Daffodils are getting through the mulch and dried leaves. The afternoon sun seems to energize all the living things in my backyard.

I grilled chicken for sunday's dinner.

Spring is a celebration of good things to come.

By the way, my son got accepted at Rutgers and Boston Universities. Something to celebrate, too.

Peeper frog in New Jersey

Last night and tonight I heard a few sounds of the frog Northern Peepers (Pseudaris crucifer crucifer). It heralds the coming of spring. I am waiting for the mallard ducks to visit my pond.

Tree's buds are swollen and about to open up. The tulip tree in my front yard stands about 70 feet is about to bloom its spring flower.

Deer's droppings were so visible when I took a walk in my backyard. Snow had melted.

It was cold at sunset. Temperature dropped to 46 F.

Peepers' sound became more audible as it got darker.

Frogs are excellent indicator of a viable environment. If you hear them in spring, your neighborhood's ecology is healthy. If you do not hear them in spring, your property and your neighborhood is worth a s---.

Spring has sprung.

A Family Celebration in New Jersey

We celebrated a mother and daughter birthday last Sunday. Today is my daughter's. She wants it simple and elegant. I gave her a fresh bundle of daffodils as present. She turns thirteen.

Ravens in New Jersey

I have been fascinated with the common black bird (Corvus corax). They are common sight in this part of New Jersey that they seem to be just another bird.

They are black ugly bird but became famous in the Alfred Hitchcock movie "The Raven".

The bird is well known for its intelligence in any articles and publications, including the recent April issue of Scientific American. I wish I could linked it but I have to subscribe with a fee. It is not worth doing it. Suffice it to say that this article has credibility on their experiment and observation.

The Englishmen respect this bird because of the above characteristic and behavior.

These birds make sounds just like the movie every time I take a walk in my backyard. They seem to communicate. Maybe not. Maybe instinct. But it sounds intelligible as years goes by. I feel like I connect to the ravens.

Darfur

This is a sickening condition, socially and morally. There is the riches and glitzy of Khartoum and the appalling scenario of the Darfur province. The leadership of that nation is denying the atrocities. Despite the humanity's experience in Germany, the Balkans, Cambodia and Iraq, ethnic cleansing still exists. Mankind would kill his own brother or sister for "a higher principle or purpose". It makes me sick.

I checked out Darfur on Wikipedia and the subject is locked and restricted. A picture depicts a group of The Sudanese Liberation Army on a Toyota vehicle. Toyota, Inc. should be serious about this photo. It keeps this army moving forward.

One of my Roots

My mother grew up in this exotic islands of the northernmost part of the Philippines called Batanes. But, all her children have not visited the islands at all. We were raised in the province of Isabela in the island of Luzon.

These photos are courtesy of pbase.com.

One of these days, my family will visit our relatives in the islands.

On Higher Education and New Jersey

New Jersey has some of the best public and private colleges and universities in the nation but somehow it has the difficulties of retaining the best high school grads to study at home.

I know why. Living in New Jersey is expensive and higher education is as expensive as well. It seems affordable for the few. The rest of us will seek comparable out-of-state schools for our sons and daughters. Good grades seem not enough for scholarship in NJ schools.

Mr. Corzine, together with his friends and foes in Trenton, should invest in our children and divert all those 'christmas gifts' fund to our children's future. In addition to lottery as source of fund, I suggest privitizing some roads, air spaces, and radio bandwiths.

I am not an expert on this matter. But these are thoughts that comes out of head at this moment. They may be foolish ideas.