President Obama & Governor Christie

THIS is what makes this country great.  Not the left or the right, not the sociopathic extremes at the polar opposite ends of the political spectrum, certainly not Democrats or Republicans; no, what makes this country great is that when the need is there we stand united – united as Americans.

My respect for Governor Christie jumped leaps and bounds when he was asked if he would be doing any politicking for Mitt Romney during the devastation of Sandy.  “I have no idea, nor am I the least bit concerned or interested. I have a job to do in New Jersey that is much bigger than presidential politics. I could care less about any of that stuff… If you think right now I give a damn about president politics, then you don’t know me.”  He answered.  Here is the link to the video and that story: http://nation.foxnews.com/hurricane-sandy/2012/10/30/christie-keeps-his-priorities-straight-during-sandy-ordeal.  The bottom line, for this citizen of New Jersey, is that I am now looking at my Governor in an entirely different light than I had been seeing him before.  I just may owe him an apology. 

Thank you, Governor Christie.

Certain individuals in the media have rushed to name calling concerning Governor Christie and his priority to his state verses his priorities to his party.  With the eastern seaboard in ruin, New Jersey’s barrier islands included, it boggles my mind that certain elements of the media took the opportunity to jump from the Governor’s ship and attack him for doing his job and looking out for New Jersey.  That speaks volumes of the integrity and worthiness of some self-appointed media moguls.  Look, this is America and people are entitled to their opinion and to the freedom to say what is on their minds.  These rights are another attribute of what makes this country great; they extend to all no matter how well reasoned or twisted, good or evil, selfless or selfish these words may be to those who speak them and for those of us who have to listen.  With a healthy exchange we say our piece, we listen, and we can agree to disagree.  Some understand this discourse and others do not.  Those who don't will rant and rave into lonely microphones in padded - soundproof rooms, scream at families at Veteran's funerals, or simply go out of their way to prove that they are right and that everyone else is wrong.  I have to believe that we are better than that. 

We are about to go to the polls.  I am not going to tell you whom you should vote for.  I am; however going to warn you, Gentle Reader to be mindful of what wells you drink from before you ‘pull that handle’.  Think for yourself.  We are Americans first and members of the left or right second. 

United we stand, divided we fall. 

This Side of the Storm

  

“If a hurricane doesn't leave you dead

It will make you strong

Don't try to explain it just nod your head

Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On” – Jimmy Buffett & Matt Betton

Buffett & Betton wrote, “Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On” after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Alabama and broke the levees in New Orleans.  The lyrics are from another tragedy but they certainly still ring true.  We can’t explain such things we can only pick up and move on.  From those who have been through the storm to those who are going through it now I highly recommend this Tumblr: http://sandykatrina.tumblr.com/.  It shows people from NOLA giving messages to people sorting through life after Sandy.    

That said, I’m from the Jersey Shore.  I grew up right outside of the island of Wildwood & Cape May in a hamlet known as Green Creek, NJ.  I saw my share of storms as a child but nothing the likes of Hurricane Sandy.  I heard people talk of the “March Storm” of ’62 yet I never had anything to really compare it to until the last few days of October.  I still live in South Jersey with my brood; however, we live farther away from the shore now in the Vineland area of the state. 

The storm’s center was over our county.  We were in the eye of the storm where it was quiet and eerily calm.  While we were nestled in the eye Sandy raged against the coastline of the eastern seaboard. The video & pictures are eight shades of creepy and, as per 11/3/12, “At least 181 people have been confirmed killed across the United States, the Caribbean, Canada, and the Bahamas, as a result of the storm” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Sandy).  Property damages are being tallied at $50 billion.  50 billion.  Homes and lifetimes; places of business and worship have been swept out to sea. 

While I am thankful that we were spared Sandy’s wrath my heart breaks for those other shore dwellers whose lives have been torn asunder.  You have my love, my prayers, and my support.  The Salvation Army and The Red Cross are two organizations that are often the first line of defense against disasters such as Sandy.  I have personally seen these organizations go to work in people’s lives after the storm has passed.  There are many storms in life.  I know for a fact; however, that these two organizations do good work. 

If you feel led to donate here is where you can do so:

The Salvation Army:

https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/disaster   

The Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/templates/render/render.jsp?pageId=11400031&scode=RSG00000E017&subcode=paiddonationsbrand&gclid=CL6d3dG8s7MCFQ-f4AodLm0AXg

If you can’t give monetarily you may be able to give some of your time.  Volunteers will be needed.  There will be much to clean up at the Jersey Shore and in New York’s southern boroughs.  From what I can gather, Staten Island really took a hit.  The words, “war zone” have been used to describe the damage there.  Do what you can, where you can.

Thank you and God bless.

“According to my watch the time is now

The past is dead and gone

Don't try to shake it just nod your head

Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On”

Of Inaugurations and Balls

I had the pleasure of witnessing the inauguration of President Thomas A. Isekenegbe as the sixth President of Cumberland County College this afternoon. (For those of you playing at home that was October 15, 2010 at 2:00 PM.) He is only the sixth President in 40 years. The ambassador of Nigeria and the Grand Chief of Nigeria were in attendance and spoke on the new President’s behalf. All and all it was something to see. Presidents and delegates from dozens of colleges and universities – all in their dress robes were there to witness the inauguration. The Faculty was in the precession too. Family, friends and, yes, even politicians were recognized. It was a beautiful ceremony.

What struck me most about the proceedings was the sense that the community’s best days are still ahead of it – which is one of the primary themes of Isekenegbe’s platform. I truly like that concept. “Engage, Inspire, Transform” are the words that are being put forward. I’ve met the man on different occasions and the truth of the matter is they are not just words for a ‘catchy slogan’; no, he means them. By all accounts he is the real deal.

Tomorrow night is the “Ball”. I’ve never been to one but the tux is hanging on my bedroom door, Mother Hen’s gown is a go and pretty soon we can say that we have been to a real – honest to goodness – Ball. We can’t wait to celebrate the occasion.

All the best President Isekenegbe; this is one blogger and alumni of Cumberland County College who wishes you a bountiful tenure.

I’ll see you there. ...Although I'm still concerned about that whole 'pumpkin after midnight' thing.

Weird NJ Noyes Museum Photo Contest

Gentle Reader… I do not know how much you are aware of the certifiable WEIRDNESS of the place that we here call home; the great Garden State. I sincerely hope that you have some sort of appreciation of just how interesting New Jersey truly is. If you do not understand what I am alluding to you either have recently moved here, have been blinded to the weirdness, or you have never read the pages of one of the greatest magazines in the entire world (no exaggeration) – Weird N.J. If the latter is true then click here: http://www.weirdnj.com/ and get a feel for what’s just around the bend here in our fair state.

So, do you know something that could make it into the exposition? Would YOU like to throw your hat into the ring? Here’s how you make it happen: http://www.weirdnj.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=222&Itemid=55.

As per this page on the Weird N.J. website: “Are you a professional or amateur photographer who enjoys focusing your lens on the more unusual sites in the Garden State? The Noyes Museum of Art and Weird NJ announce a Weird NJ Photography Exhibition to be held at the Noyes Museum. This juried event intends to discover what oddities may be lurking in the woods, under the boardwalk or at the local watering hole all within the state of New Jersey.
Our goal is to gather the weirdest photos of New Jersey. What specifies weird? Is it eerie, strange, historic, crazy, unbelievable, tacky, or forbidden? Photos will be selected for their originality, photographic quality or just plain weirdness. Selected photos will be on extended display at the Noyes Museum and featured on the Weird NJ Web site and in the pages of our magazine.
The deadline for submission is August 7, 2009. For all the details and entry information, visit the Noyes Museum of Art Web site at http://noyesmuseum.org.”

Now I ask you… how cool is that?

The entry forms can be found here: http://noyesmuseum.org/resources/weirdnj.pdf.

Did I mention how cool this is?

So there you have it, Gentle Reader… the gauntlet has been thrown. I’ve already got a couple of spots in mind. How about YOU?

A Band That Time Forgot…

Ladies and gentlemen, Gentle Reader’s included… I would like to mention a band from New Jersey, thank you very much, known as The Smithereens.

“Who?” you may ask.

THE SMITHEREENS.

What a great band!

They were shanghaied by grunge in the nineties but the classic beauty of their sound is still in existence. Please see: http://www.officialsmithereens.com/ for more info.

I have always seen this band as stuck in time. They are relevant (to yours truly) and beatnik at the same time. Electric Kerouac, baby – no doubt. The true joy of the Smithereens is having the eyes to see that. Wonderful guitar riffs, the timelessness, the wonderful lyrics – and they’re from Jersey!

Please… Check out “Top of the Pops” or “Blue Period.” Amazing music – at least for this out of time Beatnik.

Oh well, out of time and out of place… Check their site for tour dates. From what I’ve seen they are worth investigating.

… Walk on…