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.

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.

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.

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 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!

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!