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!