Thursday, December 31, 2009

Ecology

Reading "The Voyage of the Beagle" makes Charles Darwin the second millenia intellectual, vis a vis with Einstein. W. Bush is ultimate anti-thesis of the Universe. This not a political agenda. It my obervation for the past eight years. It will be nine years when the ball drops at Times Square.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Visiting Manhattan

Being the artsy in the family, my daughter visited Guggenheim with my wife. She was not impressed. She thought it was "small" and less interesting. She prefers MoMA.

What that means to mean to me, I have no clue. She is the artist. I took her words, besides she strong opinion about arts.

After these artistic contemplation and interpretation, they headed down midtown for dinner.

Despite the bomb scare, midtown was flooded with humanity. Parking garage full. They were able to park on a munimeter four blocks away from the restaurant. It was a quick dinner.

To top it off, it took an hour to pass through the Lincoln Tunnel.

Manhattan is a world winter destination!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Foiled Christmas Day Tragedy

I think, it is time for all countries to adapt digitized passport to tract one's travel. Most people will object simply for privacy and freedom. But we are not in the universe of the founding Fathers. Innocent lives need not be wasted because of ideology and/or religion. Reality has changed since 1776. Freedom is not free in our times. We evolve to a social being.

For body search, ultrasound works well on non-metal substances inside and outside the human body. Submarine deploys this technology to navigate the ocean floors and avert dangerous objects in the waters. This technology is available and needs minimal capital investments for further refinements for above uses.

No need for profiling.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Winter Holiday

Winter is upon us in northern New Jersey. 23 degress F without the wind chill.
It is winter holidays, before the winter solstice.
Baked recipes fills the air in the kitchen and rest of the house and the living room smells the fresh cut christmas tree from Hill Farm.
It is Friday and I canhear the howling wind outside, sipping my cheap wine and thankful for a warm house for my family.
Fireplace will smell of burning hickory, ash and cherry woods.
Occasional drinks of eggnog spiked with rhum.
It is a country feel, despite close to Manhattan, by 80 minutes.
Bon Jesey.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Gay Marriage in Jersey

It is time to give rights to same sex sexual orientation.

It is human and the right thing to do.

It is about a relationship between to two human beings without regard to gender.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Charity

The above concept seems noble and divine, indocrinated by some sectarian ideology. It sounds good, helping someone's neighbor, very nirvana. But, reality states the opposite, greed and power.

Some will protect their money in the name of charity and for some who believe in charity is power over the unfortunate.

Socialism keeps the playing field even.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Tiger In The Woods

It is so pathetic to watch high profile person gets to this messy situation.
I have no symphaty for these folks. They get their endorsements and gets addicted to money. Ants follow the sweet sugar.
There are more to it than hitting a fire hydrant or a tree.
David Letterman was smart to disclose his affairs on regular primetime, using his brain.
These dudes, high profile and public person, keeps their brains in their dicks.
I am blessed to be a common dude. I am no prude. I can be a dick head.

Bon Jesey!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Holiday Season

Great traditional holidays are upon us.

We celebrated recently Thanksgiving Day with thougthfulness and tradition. It is a day of reflection and be thankful for goodness sake. My celebrates the event twice, Thursday at our dear family friend in Glen Ridge and Saturday at our house in Tewksbury. It involves food to keep the history of good harvest, not a glutinous event. Food is a source of thankfulness and energy. It is my favorite holiday, less commercialized.

Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa are festive events.

This is my perspective.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thanksgiving Day

This important event dates back in 1621 in the Plymouth plantation to give thanks for the harvest and gratitude, both for the settled colonies and native American Indians. It has pure secular tone, in stark contrast to most sectarian holidays observed.

This is truly a democratic holiday long before the proclamation of the founding fathers without regard to ethnicity, social groups and religion.

We celebrated this event at our family friend in Glen Ridge, NJ for several years, having great times and being thankful to be friends enjoying each other company. The turkey, its trimming, and side dishes were delicious. Variety of wine was fabulous.

What struck me most after all this years was humanity prevailed despite our different ethnicity, religion, and social biases/orientation. Thankful to co-exist and tolerate each other.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

A Trip to Upstate New York

This is holiday week, one day away before Thanksgiving. It is the non-commercial holiday that dates back to the established English colony in the 1600's. College kids are coming home and I am designated to pick-up my son at SUNY (State University of New York), Binghamton campus.

Drive was easy with cloudy skies, light drizzle and occasional deer carcasses from road kill. Roads are hilly. Trees are gray and leafless, a clear sign fall on its way out. Winter is around the corner.

I made great time just in time to pick him after his last class. Waited for few minutes, enough to get a quick nap after a three hour drive.

On our way back, we had sporadic light rain and traffic a bit heavier.

We talked about his girlfriend and her plans for the holidays. Switched to his majors of mathematics and psychology. We got bit involved on numbers theory and experimental psychology, not realizing I was over speeding.

On our way back, there was no radio, iTune, or text messaging. It was a pure and wonderful one-on-one conversation with my son, great time for bonding.

Some pet-peeve of the trip, upstate New York and Pennsylvania has two lane highway. I am getting spoiled on three lane highway in Jersey.

Back home, dinner cooked and served by my wonderful wife with seafood pasta in white sauce and red wine.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Kitchen Faucet

Several weeks ago, we replaced the water heater not because it wasn't working but it reached its supposed lifespan. We have great hot water alright. But by Monday, kitchen faucet had no hot water. The rest of the has hot water, bathroom sink and shower. Thanksgiving is a few days away. Imagine without hot water in the kitchen. My wife becomes anxious.

Calling a plumber right away is not a common human behavior. Plumbers are not cheap. So, I decided to confront the situation. Checked the plumbing. No leaks. Water heater running. I went under the kitchen sink, touched the hot water pipe. It was hot. The kitchen faucet was broken! I can be a plumber.

I went to Home Depot the next day.

Today, I replaced the broken faucet. Then, it dawn on me why plumbers are not cheap. Fixing under the kitchen sink is like a work-out. Working in tight space with bulky tools is a challenge. But, being limber and lean has advantage.

Now, the moment of truth. No leaks. Turned on the faucet. No water was coming out!

There was the caveat. I did not read the instruction. It said remove the aerator before turning on. I removed it then turned it on. Walla! water comes out.

At the end of the day, I save myself 200 to 300 bucks considering our economic predicament these days.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Tammy, the turkey

She made a media sensation since she discovered exit 14-B of the Jersey turnpike way back in August. Motorists thought she cute alright, but created hazardous situations at the tool booth. Motorists braked quickly to avoid road kill or dodge her making the tool booth prone to accidents. Then, there were motorists, who pulled over, and walked with their kids, crossed the road to take a glimpse of her.

She was finally captured yesterday. Her new home is Popcorn Zoo Park in Forked River.

Check out the video.
Ledger Live: The New Jersey Turnpike Turkey












Sunday, November 15, 2009

Autumn Chores

Autumn is, personally, a beautiful season. But, summer has "stuff" that needs to be cared off, like winterize the pool, putting But up the summer stuff to the attic, and tune-up the snow blower.
Then, there are leaves from my trees to be mulched or hauled to my backyard. My township do not provide such service.
But, I am not whining. Apple sauce cooking on stove top and pork chop with sauerkraut in the oven. It smells good. :)

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Autumn

Autumn is my favorite season, not cold nor hot. It is smelling apple pie, tasting warm cider and wood stove and fireplace burning with hickory or maple wood. Air is crisp and autumn leaves on the ground smells musty and pungent.
Today, I chopped some fallen trees with my chain saw sharpened by my local hardware store. It does well beautifully. What struck me most was the fresh smell of white ash and sassafras cutting across the grain. It felt healthy.
Indeed, it was a beautiful afternoon and invigorating.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Weight Loss

Here comes another article from New York Times how celebrities lose weight post partum. It claims these celebrities discovered the natural or biological process negative metabolism. It is fucking way out the truth. Third world women breast-fed their young since the dawn of the primates.It is a way to preserve the species. They are skinny as they can be. These celebrities spend too much time visiting these poor nations. It is not their legacy. The tribute goes to the women who desperately keep her brood survive.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Fight on Terrorism

US went to war against terrorism and weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, only to find out WMD was peanuts and sectarian violence among religious fanatics was the menu of the day (similar to christian and catholic fanatics).

Here comes Afghanistan. US is spending about 2 billions a year for the adventure which costing young lives, because of freedom. It is not freedom. It is fear that the Taliban and Al Queda will rule USA. It will not happen, but fear-mongers are good doing its job. By geography, Afghanistan is almost halfway around the globe from USA.

USA is better of by pulling its troops, Karzai and its would care less. It is corrupt anyway. Focused on counter-insurgency. It is less expensive and keeps the Taliban and Al Qaeda guessing.

USA should learn its lesson from the former USSR on their adventure in Afghanistan.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Post Election New Jersey

New Jersey became one of the center stage characters of this off year election. The pundits, media commentators, and news inferred to some political consequences. Their behavior becomes divisive and its citizen confused and worse, polarized.

New Jersey's issues are local and domestic. It has nothing to do with the nation as whole, although, the state has suffered from the deep recession.

New Jersey voted for change. It is well and good.

The governor-elect prioritized tax relief, spending cuts and urban education. These are old issues which previous governors, Republican or Democrats, failed to resolve.

The State has too many boroughs and towns with its owns social services.

Our roads and railways are economic pipeline for the State and the nation.

A relief for a New Jerseyans involved a consolidated social services among boroughs/townships and toll roads on most traveled highways.

It is not politically appealing, a bad medicine.

It needs a super-governor. Good luck Governor-elect Christie.

My penny thought...

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Golden Pregnancy

Wall Street got some good doses of the H1N1 vaccine for their employees, whereas rest of Manhattan and Newark areas are waiting pitifully for their turn. Another sign bottom line counts. Very sad...

Sunday, November 1, 2009

New Jersey's Governatorial Election

The incumbent governor has both a positive and a negative aspects, like Jekyll and Hyde. He is a victim of the situation. He has the good intention but the corrupt influence pulls him down. It makes the independent candidate a least resistance on Nov. 3rd election. Despite these unfavorable conditions, the Governor pulled off some admirable accomplishment. He is not a politician and a native New Jerseyan will never know that. Native New Jerseyans do not think beyond politics.

Halloween Night

We were in Manhattan. My kids, in their Halloween costume, watched World Inferno concert. Being the driver, we had about five hours to kill in the city. It was drizzly night but not cold nor windy. Most of the night reveler were in their outrageous costumes. It was past 1 am but 45th down to 28th streets teemed with humanity, some were wasted and drunk but had a good time. That's Manhattan anyway. My wife and I walked up from 34th st to 45th st between 8th and 9th Ave to enjoy the night. We were impressed for dinner at this Thai fusion restaurant on 9th Ave between 35th st and 36th st. They had tasty menu. With a bottle of shiraz, their prize was quite reasonable. Aura was a good find on Halloween.

Friday, October 30, 2009

New Jersey College

New Jersey has come along way in higher education. It remains expensive, but our students are top-notched wherever they go. It tells that basic education in New Jersey out rates other states. Bon Jersey!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Corzine's money fuels his comeback - NJ.com

Corzine's money fuels his comeback.

All candidates need not spend money of this proportion. Each candidate can create a blog, like Facebook or Blogspot, to state their principles and accomplishment. Incumbent governor can take advantage of the www.nj.gov website to tell folks about their positives/accomplishment. Unfortunately, Jersey folks get trapped to editorials and mass hysteria. Every one whines about taxes. Then let us give up some of our turf. There are too many townships, boroughs, school districts, police departments, fire departments, ad nauseam... Or maybe, I am just an immigrant from a poor country. What do I know about New Jersey.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The Great Depression

http://sz0108.wc.mail.comcast.net/zimbra/mail#2

Again, it is an education for an immigrant and whinny born and raised New Jerseyans. These born and raised New Jerseyans have low esteem. New Jersey provides opportunities. I guess the latter are getting old about Jersey lifestyle. Jersey life is a Life Style at its best for the former. Bon Jersey!

World Series

Pennsylvania woman accused of offering sex for World Series tickets | New Jersey Real-Time News - - NJ.com

Desperate needs need desperate measures.

Monday, October 26, 2009

32-year-old man gunned down while driving through Newark's South Ward

32-year-old man gunned down while driving through Newark's South Ward | New Jersey Real-Time News - - NJ.com

Check this, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_the_United_States. Homicide rates in New Jersey fares well compared to other states. It is being stereotyped. My family lives in New Jersey for twenty years. We have been a thoughtful and hard-working New Jersey immigrant, in contrast to the grumpy, whinny born and raised New Jerseyan. We see the good opportunity in this Great State of New Jersey.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Information Technology: Broadband

Information Technology: Broadband

I learned it today. Internet users gets benefit from the "stimulus" and it provides jobs and access to the web in "dead zone " areas. I bookmarked USA.gov, because it keeps me an informed citizen about the government.

Friday, October 23, 2009

By Degrees - To Cut Global Warming, Swedes Study Their Plates - NYTimes.com

By Degrees - To Cut Global Warming, Swedes Study Their Plates - NYTimes.com

The founding fathers of this great nation USA has a noble idea, personal freedom. But it has been abused over two centuries. It subverts social obligation and group participation (international sportsmanship). The Swedes takes another leap to a better social community, a greener Earth. USA is too arrogant about personal freedom.

The politics of Bruce Springsteen: how do conservatives listen to this guy? | Ledger Live - - NJ.com

The politics of Bruce Springsteen: how do conservatives listen to this guy? | Ledger Live - - NJ.com

I and my wife have Republican friends. Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi are off their radar screen and indifferent to their music. They tend to like a few and selected, really, song artist band. Christie looks like an oddity to this particular social and political group. He grew up in Newark. It may explain his "kind of music".