tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172893222012-01-07T15:33:15.503-08:00This is the OLD Plainfield Today blog. Visit us at http://ptoday.blogspot.com/ for fresh stuff!Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.comBlogger3901100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-78870281141615559722007-04-25T07:46:00.000-07:002007-04-25T07:49:02.387-07:00

PLAINFIELD TODAY has moved to a new -- and better -- address: http://ptoday.blogspot.com/Come on over and check it out.

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1167659174451294122007-01-01T05:44:00.000-08:002007-01-06T14:57:30.686-08:00

Are we there yet?Yes, we are.PT finished up the last essential touches on New Year's Eve, and the NEW Plainfield Today is ready to roll.The improvements in technology by Blogger, the service that hosts PT, mean that we must say farewell to our old web address (http://plainfieldtoday.blogspot.com/) because the NEW Plainfield Today has a NEW web address (http://ptoday.blogspot.com/).Come on over,

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1167273260373557622006-12-27T18:27:00.000-08:002006-12-27T18:34:21.553-08:00

*The Plainfield Public Library is showcasing an exhibit of handcrafted rugs and fabric art in the Anne Louise Davis room through the end of January, 2007.The textiles are designed locally by Plainfield resident Fernando Muñoz. Mr. Muñoz is an interior designer who supplies both traditional and custom-designed pieces on commission.Examples in the exhibit give an idea of the wide range of designs

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1167188840314263152006-12-26T18:47:00.000-08:002006-12-27T14:20:51.873-08:00

2006 Holiday Decoration Videos*Video ONEAdblockVideo TWOAdblockVideo THREEAdblockVideo FOURAdblock-- Dan Damon*

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1167142320083458062006-12-26T06:07:00.000-08:002006-12-26T07:49:17.030-08:00

*(Kwanzaa commemorative stamp, USPS, 1997.)Kwanzaa begins today. The seven day festival runs through January 1.Read more about the festival, its background and traditions here, a site including links to many other resources. Dr. Karenga's official Kwanzaa site is here.Plainfield's official celebration, sponsored by the Recreation Division and Mayor Robinson-Briggs, will be this Saturday, from 1 -

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1167054536332552432006-12-25T05:47:00.000-08:002006-12-25T05:50:28.530-08:00

* PEACEON EARTHTO ALL OFGOODWILL -- Dan Damon View today's CLIPPINGS here. Not getting your own CLIPPINGS email daily? Click here to get started.

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1166881087337451492006-12-23T05:37:00.000-08:002006-12-23T05:40:28.080-08:00

*Plainfield Today is taking advantage of improvements in technology being offered by Blogger, the service which hosts both PT and CLIPS.I plan to begin the switchover to the improved format over the remainder of December.Accordingly, both PT and CLIPS will be on a 'lite' schedule from December 24 through New Year's Day.Happy Holidays! -- Dan Damon View today's CLIPPINGS here. Not getting your

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1166790361657964902006-12-22T04:03:00.000-08:002006-12-22T04:26:02.973-08:00

PLAINFIELD MURDERS - 2006 Date: August 25, 2006**Victim: Aurelios Landeros, 54, of Plainfield. Discovered unconscious at his residence, 1300-block of East 2nd Street on August 10. Slipped into a coma and died August 25. Autopsy was inconclusive about cause of death. Further forensic examination led the Prosecutor to declare the death a homicide in

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1166787391728900532006-12-22T03:36:00.000-08:002006-12-22T04:44:21.910-08:00

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1166713687243253062006-12-21T07:05:00.000-08:002006-12-21T08:14:25.293-08:00

* Readers have asked what's up with the Certificate of Compliance ordinance, and why it keeps appearing and disappearing from consideration.Actually, there are several reasons, but they all boil down to one -- enacting ordinances is a team sport.Like any team sport, success depends both on the quality of the players and the quality of the teamwork.And that's where it gets interesting.ORDINANCES

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1166619571559287972006-12-20T04:57:00.000-08:002006-12-20T08:01:56.136-08:00

*NOTE: The proposed ordinance revising fees for Certificates of Compliance, originally scheduled for 12/20/2006 action, will NOT be presented this evening.City Council was previously scheduled take up the matter of proposed increases to the fee for Certificate of Compliance inspections tonight. The item has been postponed yet again.Certificates of Compliance are required when homeowners sell

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1166617916692840992006-12-20T04:30:00.000-08:002006-12-20T07:26:23.270-08:00

*PT received the following message from reader Maria Pellum concerning the needs of the family of Maria Flores, Plainfield's 9th homicide victim of 2006.As this family faces both tragedy and financial need during this holiday time, my hope is that many will reach out and offer a helping hand. Here is Maria's letter -- First of all, let me apologize for taking the liberty of using this

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1166531943834507402006-12-19T04:21:00.000-08:002006-12-21T13:45:16.126-08:00

*(Vaccine is produced by culturing chicken eggs. As the virus mutates from year to year, each year demands a fresh vaccine formulation. Manufacturers try to hold customers to their orders in order to protect their profit margins in this speculative environment -- an entirely understandable tactic. Photo, Baltimore Sun.)Y'know, nothing seems to be straightforward around here anymore.Take flu

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1166414182835397522006-12-17T19:47:00.000-08:002006-12-18T10:29:02.736-08:00

PLAINFIELD MURDERS - 2006 Date: December 16, 2006Victim: Maria Flores, 16, of Plainfield, multiple gunshot woundsCircumstances: Reported anonymously to 911 about 9:55 PM, victim was found in a car outside deli area of Global gas station at West Front Street and Grant Avenue.Suspect: Unknown; AT LARGE as of 12/16/2006Drugs Involved: Unknown

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1166359685305194192006-12-17T04:42:00.000-08:002006-12-17T04:48:05.736-08:00

*Flu season? What flu season?Have you noticed the media are not hyperventilating over the flu season?Nor is anyone else, it seems.By this time last year, the media were chock-a-block with stories of flu vaccine shortages.The City of Plainfield had conducted MULTIPLE flu clinics at the Senior Center and had cooperated with doctors and health care providers to make sure enough vaccine was available

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1166281521056242012006-12-16T07:02:00.000-08:002006-12-16T07:07:28.946-08:00

*Gunshots last night.PT had company over for dinner, and while saying goodbye on the back porch, a little after midnight, there were two short bursts of gunfire.Nearby.Unusual in this West 7th Street block, even if we have had problems with drugs in the apartments across the street in the past.Then I get up and find an email in my inbox this morning from readers over in the Muhlenberg Hospital

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1166193919560858552006-12-15T06:41:00.000-08:002006-12-15T07:28:33.250-08:00

*There is a heartwarming story in the Courier today.Isaac Salomon, owner of Rex Bedding, the company that suffered the loss of its storage warehouse this week, has said that he will compensate his employees for their lost time until the business reopens.Observant Jews would refer to this act of generosity and kindness as a mitzvah.Highly appropriate, given the season -- the Jewish festival of

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1166105561874659272006-12-14T06:11:00.000-08:002006-12-15T04:29:28.113-08:00

*Ka-ching!That's the sound of the Administration's holiday gift(s) to the taxpayers.The cockles of your cold hearts should be warmed by learning -- as PT was told recently -- that the Mayor's bodyguards security detail have earned $15,000 in overtime this year.That's on top of the approximately $150,000 the two of them earn in regular salary.That's to protect a part-time Mayor who is paid $35,000

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1166016504595757542006-12-13T05:22:00.000-08:002006-12-13T05:28:24.693-08:00

*Once again, shoppers in Plainfield will have free Holiday parking, courtesy of the Mayor and the City Council.White plastic bags announcing the policy appeared on city parking meters in the last couple of days, though the policy actually takes effect today, Wednesday, December 13, and runs through January 2, 2007.Happy Holidays!*

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1165987175449451562006-12-12T20:55:00.000-08:002006-12-13T05:15:48.870-08:00

Video footage from the Rex Bedding fire of Tuesday, December 12, 2006.Also see photos and video at Plainfield Today's "Exclusive: Rex Bedding fire" VIDEO 2 - FIGHTING THE FIREAdblock VIDEO 3 - REPACKING HOSEAdblock VIDEO 4 - HOSING AFTERWARD, FRONTAdblock VIDEO 5 - HOSING AFTERWARD, REAR Adblock VIDEO

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1165971467834792872006-12-12T16:49:00.000-08:002006-12-12T16:58:03.720-08:00

*NOTE: The original post incorrectly identified the burning building. Subsequently, it was learned that the building which burned actually abutted the Arteferro building, and was used by Rex Bedding to store materials used in its mattress manufacturing business.This post corrects that misinformation.A major fire at a Rex Bedding storage facility,Central Avenue, adjacent to Fire Division HQVIEW

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1165933163787361432006-12-12T06:18:00.000-08:002006-12-12T17:03:42.443-08:00

*NOTE: The original post incorrectly identified the burning building. Subsequently, it was learned that the building which burned actually abutted the Arteferro building, and was used by Rex Bedding to store materials used in its mattress manufacturing business. To avoid confusion, the post has been moved to a correctly identified URL.Go to "Exclusive: Rex Bedding fire" to view the photos and

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1165851104136520862006-12-11T07:26:00.000-08:002006-12-12T08:00:57.203-08:00

*Is the Virgin of Guadalupe offering Plainfield a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?PT has followed the practice of religious processions in Plainfield for a number of yearsJean Mattson, former president of the Plainfield Historical Society, and an avid photographer, made it a point for many years to document the Good Friday processions from Library Park to St. Mary's Church.As mayor, Al McWilliams

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1165759440119607932006-12-10T05:55:00.000-08:002006-12-10T09:26:43.850-08:00

*As Wally said, "Really, you can't make this stuff up."Wally Edge, that is, of the website PoliticsNJ.Yesterday, PT included in CLIPS an AP story on Atlantic City Councilman, the Rev. Eugene Robinson, having been caught on videotape in a sex act with a woman whom the Councilman apparently paid for the encounter.PT is hardly interested in fanning the flames of prurience, but he was curious about

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1165676740825381842006-12-09T07:01:00.000-08:002006-12-09T07:05:41.350-08:00

*At Wednesday evening's Council meeting, Corporation Counsel Dan Williamson -- left alone at the Administration's table to speak on its behalf in the absence of Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs -- answered questions posed by property owner Larry Thul concerning the proposed East 3rd / Richmond Streets redevelopment proposal.Mr. Thul asked three important questions: Why has there been no impact

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1165590996039351572006-12-08T07:11:00.000-08:002006-12-08T07:49:24.730-08:00

*(Coffee mug is one of many PSO items available online.)The Plainfield Symphony is now offering online shopping through its website, say PSO board members Pat Ballard Fox and Duncan Alexander, who also serves as the group's treasurer.The service, begun several weeks ago, has already generated sales and income for the 87-year-old community orchestra, the oldest in New Jersey and one of the oldest

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1165498992409180012006-12-07T05:31:00.000-08:002006-12-08T06:35:26.786-08:00

* (The attack began at 7:55 AM. National Archives)Today is the 65th anniversary of the surprise attack by Japanese forces on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, Sunday, December 7, 1941. A date, as President Roosevelt said, "which will live in infamy."A Japanese naval force had steamed undiscovered entirely across the Pacific, launching the surprise attack at dawn

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1165494158031884562006-12-07T04:14:00.000-08:002006-12-07T04:22:39.723-08:00

* Continuing its tradition of spreading cheer at the Holidays, the New Democrats for Plainfield political club is conducting a toy and gift drive to benefit the children and families of the Elm-West Association.Donations of UNWRAPPED toys or a $10 or $20 gift card from the Old Navy store are most welcome. Toys and/or gift cards maybe dropped off with Jo-Ann Sloane at the YMCA (East 6th &

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1165415862895461342006-12-06T06:31:00.000-08:002006-12-06T06:37:43.616-08:00

*2005 attendees saw the renovated YWCA TheaterYou can be an angel for the Holidays.At the annual Hanging of the Greens next Monday evening, the YWCA's holiday tree will be decorated with angels signifying contributions to the agency and its programs. Your angel can be there.The annual event harks back to the days when single women lived at the YWCA, and gathered together to decorate the striking

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1165329819197789202006-12-05T06:40:00.000-08:002006-12-05T06:43:40.516-08:00

*Winston Churchill, flashing his famous 'V for victory' sign.If the Council confirms Marc Dashield as City Administrator tomorrow evening, the potential exists for pulling the Administration of Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs out of the mire.That is, if he gets the rope he needs from the Mayor -- and the Mayoral Mentor -- to get the job done.And if he can develop a close working relationship with

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1165240784603569942006-12-04T05:55:00.000-08:002006-12-04T15:34:16.093-08:00

*BREAKING ITEM, 10 AM: Check out the breaking news on the Mayor's appointment of an Acting City Administrator. at CLIPS.First, PT heard that the Mayor's catering tab for the month of September ran in excess of $3,000.Then, at the League of Municipalities convention in Atlantic City, the Mayor's confidential aide, Barbara James, was seen going from person to person in the darkened room and

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1165158391017386692006-12-03T06:52:00.000-08:002006-12-03T14:06:28.670-08:00

*Like the old vaudeville joke -- except that it's NOT a joking matter -- the story on crime in Plainfield is one of good news . . . and bad news.The good news -- you will learn from the story in today's Ledger that Operation CeaseFire is to get under way in Plainfield next month. You can also read in today's Ledger of the impact Newark's anti-gun program has had there. The other good news is that

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1165064800151273332006-12-02T05:06:00.000-08:002006-12-02T07:19:13.983-08:00

*Way back in 2004, when I was the City's Public Information Officer, I prepared a directory of contact telephone numbers for City and other services.It was printed up and distributed at pickup points around the city, including the Plainfield Public Library, Muhlenberg, the Plainfield Health Center and the Senior Center.The last update was December, 2005.It was also posted to the City's website,

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1164978169859675122006-12-01T04:59:00.000-08:002006-12-01T14:39:59.253-08:00

*Doing legwork on another project, PT stumbled on further fallout of former City Administrator Carlton McGee's financial finaglings.You will recall that PT brought forward the information that McGee had twice been involved with the expenditure of considerable sums of the taxpayers' money without Council authorization -- A $25,000 check to Charlotte Knight-Marshall of TKG for services in floating

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1164891742057042142006-11-30T04:57:00.000-08:002006-11-30T10:10:51.610-08:00

*(Mike Keefe, Denver Post)War or CIVIL war?Over the past week, the media have -- finally -- taken to describing the state of affairs in Iraq as a CIVIL WAR.George W. Bush has resisted strenuously.Why? A lot hangs on a word.Admitting that Iraq has sunk into a civil war will be admitting that his policies have failed utterly.You can understand a man of President Bush's temperament NOT wanting to

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1164799884614420152006-11-29T03:13:00.000-08:002006-11-29T17:50:30.340-08:00

*The Chamber of Commerce's and SID's first Biz Expo last evening was an opportunity for residents to discover shopping opportunities in Plainfield they may not have known about.Held at the BUF Center, the hall was filled with the tables of exhibitors. When things were in fulll swing, PT estimated a couple of hundred attendees in the hall. There was literally plenty of buzz, which added to the

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1164722895727156372006-11-28T06:08:00.000-08:002006-11-28T06:09:37.156-08:00

* 'Shop Plainfield'BIZ EXPOTONIGHT, 6 - 8 PM. FREE.BUF CenterWest 7th & Central AvenueCheck out what Plainfield businesses and services have to offer._______________________________________Sponsors: Chamber of Commerce, SID and City. -- Dan Damon View today's CLIPPINGS here. Not getting your own CLIPPINGS email daily? Click here to get started.

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1164631170148882732006-11-27T04:33:00.000-08:002006-12-02T22:13:20.513-08:00

*President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the declaration of waragainst Japan after a Joint Session of Congress, December 8, 1941,the day after the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.You can listen to his speech here. (RealAudio) As of yesterday, November 26, the United States has been engaged in the war in Iraq longer than the entire engagement of American forces in World War II.This is a sad

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1164556032839007982006-11-26T07:38:00.000-08:002006-11-26T09:28:11.273-08:00

*Stories on reviving downtowns through 'transit villages' and 'smart growth' are in the air (see links at end of post).Key concepts include -- UPGRADING existing downtown living spacesBuilding NEW MARKET-RATE if not downright UPSCALE mixed-use residential/retail projectsStrong support of ARTS and CULTURE (including educational institutions)'GREEN' construction methodsEnsuring HIGH-TECH

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1164452629944712452006-11-25T03:02:00.000-08:002006-11-25T03:10:06.053-08:00

* Plainfield vs. Westfield 11 a.m. Today Hub-Stine Field -- Dan Damon View today's CLIPPINGS here. Not getting your own CLIPPINGS email daily? Click here to get started.

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1164375181342354462006-11-24T05:17:00.000-08:002006-11-24T05:33:10.546-08:00

* The 50th Anniversary of Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch stole Christmas is being celebrated with the release on DVD of the famous 1966 animated TV special that was narrated by Boris Karloff. A review is here. And an Amazon link is here.The DVD is sure to be a blockbuster and will no doubt show up in many stockings this holiday season -- and not just those of kids.But before the Grinch stole Dr.

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1164285088041283862006-11-23T04:24:00.000-08:002006-11-23T05:58:17.473-08:00

*(Photo, Cooking for Engineers)The cook or the bird? I'm not going there.But here are some helpful links, just in case you don't have thirty people helping, advising and critiquing you today --"Butterball® Help and Hotline""USDA 'Ask Karen' Page" and Hotline at 888-674-6854If the help you need is managing guests and avoiding landmines, check out "Pass a Drumstick, and an Olive Branch".For a

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1164201294485313002006-11-22T05:04:00.000-08:002006-11-22T05:19:32.926-08:00

*Blind people have less fun on the Web.Why?Because the way they browse -- using screen readers that speak web pages out loud -- leaves many gaps.The gaps? Images.Images that cannot convey what they are about because the Web page's designer skipped an important element -- 'tagging' the image with a phrase or key words that describe its contents.These tags have been around since the beginning of

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1164120300367454632006-11-21T06:39:00.000-08:002006-11-22T20:31:42.693-08:00

* Never give a sucker an even break. -- W. C. FieldsFor the third time, the Administration brought a proposal to increase fees for Certificates of Compliance (needed when homeowners sell or landlords rent to new tenants) to the Council in the form of proposed ordinance MC-2006-38. The ordinance would raise the fee 350%, from $50 to $175.And for the third time, as Bernice reports, the Council

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1164036249746011382006-11-20T07:14:00.000-08:002006-11-20T07:27:28.586-08:00

*(Photo, IAMPETH)Cn u rd ths?Anyone who has received an email from PT knows that he is guilty of the quick abbreviation for email msgs.But two recent stories on written communication (Ledger and Washington Post) set PT off on an Internet tangent that is part reminiscence, part instruction.PT learned to write the old-fashioned way -- meaning the Palmer method. Once we got to 3rd grade (the 'middle

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1163944555917889092006-11-19T05:50:00.000-08:002006-11-19T05:56:48.356-08:00

*When posting my videoclip from the League Conference, I 'tagged' it with the phrase 'Plainfield' which would cause it to come back as a result for anyone who searched on that word. Nice trick, but not remarkable anymore.A neater thing was that after I tagged the clip, YouTube (the video hosting service) popped up a selection of videos that also had 'Plainfield' as a tag.Lo and behold, the first

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1163863366341160882006-11-18T06:17:00.000-08:002006-11-19T18:10:46.753-08:00

*No blue light in Aisle 9?From my years of organizing advertising trade shows at the old Coliseum at Columbus Circle, PT learned a few tricks of the trade -- wear sensible shoes, be thorough in canvassing the exhibits, make notes right on vendor literature, take the gewgaws, skip the candy.But one can be dragged off course. Which is what happened to PT. About three quarters through the exhibits,

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1163771818692880402006-11-17T05:53:00.000-08:002006-11-18T10:14:28.640-08:00

*Jocelyn Pringley, director of the city's Division of Inspections, passed away unexpectedly yesterday (Thursday, November 16, 2006).A city employee for over thirty years, her position at the center of administering permits and code enforcement meant she was known to perhaps more people than even the most gregarious elected official.Not always, of course, affectionately, but she took that in

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1163690982326488612006-11-16T07:28:00.000-08:002006-11-16T08:11:16.860-08:00

*There is a classic advertising myth that attributes the success of Rogers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! to the addition of the exclamation point [!] at the end. It supposedly generated a sense of excitement that was lacking in just titling the musical with the name of the state.Whether or not you accept the lore, the fact is that the musical was a groundbreaking innovation, a tremendous success,

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1163566082637824682006-11-14T20:44:00.000-08:002006-11-14T20:49:08.933-08:00

*My paternal grandmother -- a teetotaling Methodist and a founding matron of the Webster Road Ladies' Aid Society -- will probably be spinning in her grave Wednesday as I take in the League of Municipalities convention in Atlantic City.To be anywhere near so many gamblers and so much hard drink and wickedness would be to enter the Devil's own lair.Not to worry, I would tell her, I'll be safe.

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1163516614300369612006-11-14T07:02:00.000-08:002006-11-14T07:03:35.123-08:00

*Catching up on a few items from the mailbag --BLOG COMMENTSSome readers have said they cannot see their COMMENTS posted on PLAINFIELD TODAY. To view a COMMENTS, you must be on the ARTICLE PAGE, not the MAIN PAGE. How to tell where you are? If you scroll down and see more than one story, you are on the MAIN page. To see comments, scroll to the bottom of the story you want and click on the TIME

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1163428859661117912006-11-13T06:39:00.000-08:002006-11-13T07:32:07.516-08:00

*As if corruption stories in New Jersey weren't disgusting enough, UMDNJ now comes up with a topper, and there's a local angle.The Ledger broke the story of a kickback scheme at UMDNJ involving referrals of heart patients on Sunday ("At UMDNJ, an attempt to cover up $36M fraud"). The scheme is detailed in a report by the federal monitor to be released today.The Courier picked up the AP story

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1163344113261098012006-11-12T06:59:00.000-08:002007-04-30T15:13:32.434-07:00

*OK, you know PT is hooked on editorial cartoons.Here are some of the best since Tuesday's midterm election. Mike Luckovich, Atlanta Journal-Constitution Nick Anderson, Houston Chronicle Matson, Roll Call Matson, St. Louis Post-Dispatch Nick Anderson, Houston Chronicle Larry Wright, Detroit News -- Dan Damon View today's CLIPPINGS here. Not getting your own CLIPPINGS email daily? Click

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1163252601690202832006-11-11T05:38:00.000-08:002006-11-11T05:47:01.773-08:00

*(Veterans Day 2005, Veterans' color guard) (Veterans Day 2005, PHS Junior ROTC marches to ceremonies) VETERANS DAY will be observed this morning at 10 AM at the War Memorial flagpole at East 7th Street and Watchung Avenue.Plainfield's veterans groups will conduct the annual ceremony, which includes a color guard, remarks by veterans and dignitaries and the laying of a wreath at the Memorial by

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1163168832978365962006-11-10T06:26:00.000-08:002006-11-11T09:18:06.650-08:00

*Plainfield - The 'hinge' of two DistrictsIs it time for New Jersey's Democratic-led Legislature to steal a page from Karl Rove's playbook?To the great glee of Rove and Co., the US Supreme Court ruled in June of 2006 that the Texas GOP's redistricting plan could stand, except for one small portion. (See articles cited at end of post.)The Court also ruled that state legislators may REDRAW

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1163078432384812802006-11-09T05:14:00.000-08:002006-11-09T13:42:08.396-08:00

*(PT's fridge-mounted DPW mailer and trusty flooding guide.)Yes, it rained yesterday -- about 4 inches.PT's email box was full of urgent weather updates from the notification service to which I subscribe.(It's free, and you can get it delivered by email or wireless to your cell phone. Check it out here: emergencyemail.org. It's used by emergency services, public works departments and school

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1162992173741395532006-11-08T05:21:00.000-08:002006-11-08T09:01:03.306-08:00

*Englehart, Hartford CourantResults of yesterday's key voting -- US SENATEMenendez - 6,054Kean - 966Turnout estimate - Approximately 37%COUNCIL: AT-LARGEGibson - 5,329Dowe - 1,105Edwards - 272COUNCIL: WARD 1Van Blake - 1,134Johnson - 177COUNCIL: WARDS 2/3 AT-LARGEBurney - 3,588Perun - 837 PROBLEMS Hispanic voters - The County failed to supply translation assistance at the polls, which is supposed

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1162907307513928712006-11-07T05:43:00.000-08:002006-11-15T04:12:53.396-08:00

*The nation takes the President and his administration to the woodshed today.In New Jersey, two important contests -- one House and one Senate -- will be decided by those who show up at the polls. Let's hope its a lot of voters, though American turnout is disappointingly behind that of MANY other countries ("Why Do So Few People Vote in the U.S.?").PT expects Bob Menendez to win the Senate race,

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1162904616044131022006-11-07T05:00:00.000-08:002006-11-07T05:03:37.356-08:00

*(Closeup of markings defacing synagogue sign. Click to enlarge or print.) (United Orthodox Synagogue has been a Plainfield landmark for decades.)A new sign in front of United Orthodox Synagogue on West 7th Street has been defaced.PT noticed it late yesterday afternoon while driving by. The sign has been defaced by markings over the tablets depicting the summary of the Law from Exodus 20.Whether

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1162828326683347342006-11-06T07:46:00.000-08:002006-11-07T08:08:24.586-08:00

*Here's an interesting question, raised by a reader after perusing the post on the STAND BY YOUR MAN mailer: Does the mailer constitute a violation of the Federal Hatch Act by Assemblyman Green and Mayor Robinson-Briggs? And what would that mean?The question is raised because neither is running for office, yet the mailer features an "important Election Day message from Mayor Sharon

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1162723282812827652006-11-05T02:37:00.000-08:002006-11-07T04:37:15.850-08:00

*OK, it's YOUR turn to sound off! (Front of mailer. Click to enlarge or print.) (Back of mailer. Click to enlarge or print.) The Dem City Committee mailer arrived in PT's mailbox yesterday. (See images above. Click on an image to enlarge for printing if you have not been lucky enough to receive the actual mailer yet.)The 'MAN' in question is NOT Bob Menendez -- who DOES need some standing by at

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1162652718674328052006-11-04T06:46:00.000-08:002006-11-04T07:54:02.490-08:00

*(Nov. 2005: City Administrator Norton Bonaparteand Director of Administration and FinanceRon West review online auction results.)PT is one year old -- Dan started posting on Thursday, November 3, 2005.What was the news on Day one?The city was preparing to offer its FIRST ONLINE AUCTION of Bond Anticipatory Notes (BANs) -- quite a novelty in New Jersey last year. But not even considered

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1162562636061694272006-11-03T06:00:00.000-08:002006-11-13T15:45:28.786-08:00

*Though the chief appointer may not have made her will clear to the Clerk or the Council yet -- at least as reported by Bernice Wednesday -- PT's Ouija board still says Y-E-S.Y-E-S, that A. Raiford Daniels, whom Assemblyman Green refers to as 'Ray' is indeed reporting for work at City Hall.And has been since Tuesday, as PT previously reported.Fear not, however, CONFUSION STILL REIGNS.Is Mr.

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1162478137771487852006-11-02T06:33:00.000-08:002006-11-02T13:25:05.746-08:00

*PT received several emails yesterday about the Halloween night assault on Leland Avenue.As you may be aware, media coverage of Plainfield crime has been curtailed in recent months. PT has pointed this out before -- and that there are two sides to the question of crime reportage.One is that changes in the way the media GATHER news and what topics they focus on have meant that reporters have

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1162394974985321462006-11-01T07:26:00.000-08:002006-11-02T04:28:24.116-08:00

*PT has learned that Mayor Robinson-Briggs' new Acting Director of Administration and Finance, A. Raiford Daniels, started yesterday, October 31st.The only thing PT knows is that he is coming from the private sector, news that immediately poses questions of its own.In addition to being dropped into the middle of a budget muddle process about which many questions remain unsettled, Mr. Daniels will

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1162300401891672012006-10-31T05:10:00.000-08:002006-10-31T11:54:52.443-08:00

*(A Detroit LWV rally, ca. 1920. Wayne State University Library.Plainfield's chapter organized at the same time.)The League of Women Voters candidate forum will take place Wednesday, November 1, at 7 PM in the Plainfield Public Library's Anne Louise Davis Meeting Room.Come out and take part in this voter service offered by the Plainfield chapter of the League for over 80 years.Ask your questions

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1162298740261869052006-10-31T04:28:00.000-08:002006-10-31T04:45:41.490-08:00

*Train enthusiasts gathered round to say farewell to Jim Clarke's 1945 Erie railroad caboose last week.PT dropped by to catch some pictures and chat with Jim, who is planning to move to Monmouth County.Moving the caboose was an impressive feat. It sat on rails at the end of a long drive on the western edge of the Clarke's property and was screened from the street by stand of trees and shrubs.The

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1162221927169673472006-10-30T07:25:00.000-08:002006-10-30T07:25:28.316-08:00

*Blog-posting difficulties drove me from the house yesterday -- thankfully -- but you know politics didn't take a holiday. Went out and enjoyed the Mystery Mansions tour -- great job by the VWB crew!On the tour, I ran across some workers putting up Menendez and Dem Council candidate signs and handing out materials for the local Dem slate of Van Blake, Burney and Gibson as well as those REALLY

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1162036049720227722006-10-28T04:43:00.000-07:002006-10-28T08:37:06.480-07:00

*The Van Wyck Brooks Historic District's 2006 Mystery Mansions house tour is tomorrow, Sunday, October 29, 11 AM to 4 PM.Eleven stops are featured -- including the 'haunted' 1880s carriage house on Field Avenue and a front porch reception at The Pillars bed-and-breakfast.$20 per person or $5 for the haunted house only.Tickets available at Swain Galleries, East 7th & Watchung, or Dairy Queen, 1367

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1161868976275960282006-10-26T06:22:00.000-07:002006-10-27T18:30:40.026-07:00

* As Mayor Robinson-Briggs' administration squeezes the development trigger in rapid succession, the thought occurs to PT how similar the development game is to Russian roulette.As everyone knows, one of those cylinders packs a terminal punch -- but which one is it?And keep in mind that the ONLY player in this game is the City -- unless you count the TAXPAYERS, who have a chance of being the

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1161785708972181012006-10-25T07:05:00.000-07:002006-10-26T05:49:03.960-07:00

* THREE RUMORS AND A FRET -- Rumor 1: City Hall was abuzz yesterday with word of a MAJOR MAYORAL MELTDOWN between Her Honor and City Administrator Carlton McGee, who will be out the door in just one more week. About what? Who knows? Rumor 2: Tyshammie Cooper, McGee's handpicked choice to the fill the vacant Finance and Administration director's chair will NOT be coming to Plainfield. That means

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1161695422858562132006-10-24T05:53:00.000-07:002006-10-24T12:38:34.086-07:00

*View of 209 East 7th Street during constructionFaith Bricks and Mortar held an open house for the public at its newly completed project at 209 East 7th Street this past Friday.In this 10th project, FB&M renovated a dilapidated Victorian multi-family across the street from Swain Galleries into two four-bedroom, two and a half bath CONDOMINIUM units, with new electrical, plumbing and heating

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1161607785761706592006-10-23T05:41:00.000-07:002006-10-23T06:06:20.746-07:00

*(Click on image to enlarge or print.)Two weeks to go and Menendez has yet to break away.As you can see from Friday's PoliticsNJ chart above, the Wall Street Journal/Zogby poll has them still at a statistical dead heat. The closely-watched nonpartisan Cook Report has it in the 'tossup' column once more, though on Sunday Charlie Cook seemed to change his mind somewhat.The stars were out this

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1161523288071633022006-10-22T06:19:00.000-07:002006-10-22T19:32:25.290-07:00

*After being closed for months for extensive renovations and complete repainting of the exterior, the City's Drake House Museum officially reopens today.The house is open as part of the 'Four Centuries in a Weekend' program from Noon to 5 PM today.A slide show presentation at 2 PM will illustrate the renovation work undertaken.Programs today are FREE and open to the public.Funding for the project

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1161430215710096552006-10-21T04:23:00.000-07:002006-10-22T05:45:25.743-07:00

*Mack Touring Bus, 1920s.Walk, ride, or taxi on over to the Plainfield Public Library today for the opening of Plainfield On The Move, an exhibit of 200 years of transportation in New Jersey.The opening and reception is from 11 AM - 2 PM today in the Library's Anne Louise Davis Meeting Room.Plainfield's own rail entrepreneur, Gordon Fuller, will be the guest speaker.'M' Door handle, Mack Building

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1161349714945162512006-10-20T05:57:00.000-07:002006-10-20T08:15:05.550-07:00

*After years of planning and hard work, the YWCA dedicated its new Early Learning Center on Thursday, October 18.A crowd of friends, supporters, board members and staff gathered for tours of the new facility, a brief dedication ceremony and a time of refreshments and socializing.Congratulations and remarks were delivered by Assemblyman Jerry Green, Plainfield Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs and

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1161267608968826152006-10-19T07:19:00.000-07:002006-10-27T12:09:50.140-07:00

*After City Administrator Carlton McGee's swan song performance at City Council last night, maybe Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs should thank her lucky stars he is leaving for Atlanta.[It's not true that PT goes out of his way to find fault with the Administration. This Administration seems capable of shooting itself in the foot even if the gun has been taken away. Witness last night's Council

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1161177456293772462006-10-18T06:13:00.000-07:002006-10-18T07:50:42.526-07:00

*As the Administration rushes pell-mell into large-scale housing development projects just as the housing market is dramatically softening, it is reassuring to see that the Council (as Bernice points out) asks the right questions of developers -- specifically -- "where's the marketing study?"The studies so far have been noticeably of the smoke-and-mirrors type, as witness the presentation to the

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1161092335289486602006-10-17T06:38:00.000-07:002006-10-17T17:11:33.566-07:00

* It's getting so you can't tell who's the Mad Hatter, who's the March Hare and who's the Dormouse at the tea party any more. Even WITH a magic decoder ring.Stick with me through the following whirlwind tour around the Mad Hatter's tea table...Yesterday morning, several of PT's Newark readers report, Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs showed up at a press conference called by US Senate candidate BOB

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1161006336923751842006-10-16T06:39:00.000-07:002006-10-16T06:47:51.663-07:00

*With just three weeks to go, things looked up a little for Menendez in the race-that-shouldn't-be-tight-at-this-point last week, but pundits are saying it's DEFINITELY NOT a slam-dunk.Rider's David Rebovich summed it up neatly in his PoliticsNJ column -- "Both camps are concerned about turnout on November 7th. On the Republican side, the Foley scandal and subsequent stories about a possible

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1160920370088076322006-10-15T06:51:00.000-07:002006-10-15T06:52:50.376-07:00

*With a rousing closing concert of Ecuadorian and Colombian music and a sampler of the Flamenco dance arts of Spain, Plainfield's most ambitious recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month ever wrapped up last night at Washington Community School.Who would show up for a Friday evening cultural program, PT thought as he made his way to the school. Plenty of people, it turns out. And they got not only a

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1160834145477843962006-10-14T06:53:00.000-07:002006-10-14T08:01:30.856-07:00

*The closing event of this year's Hispanic Heritage Month celebration is at 7 PM this evening at the Washington Community School, 427 Darrow Avenue.**The event features a performance by the renowned interpreters of Flamenco dancing, the Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre. The performance will be opened by Tradición, featuring music of Ecuador.I have known Eva Lucena, Alborada's high-energy director

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1160743859830653232006-10-13T05:50:00.000-07:002006-10-13T08:53:38.103-07:00

*The ether went into VIRTUAL MELTDOWN last night with the following RUMOR --City Administrator CARLTON McGEE has either resigned or will soon do so, to take employment elsewhere.Where? The rumor is that he is bound for the job of business administrator or CFO for the school district of a large, important Southern city whose three-letter airport luggage tag code begins with an 'A' and ends with an

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1160743670388702792006-10-13T05:46:00.000-07:002006-10-13T09:49:11.193-07:00

*If the picture above does not look completely familiar, it's because the clock shown is SUPPOSED TO BE THERE, but is not. It's just one of the several unfinished items of business having to do with the UCIA's development of the Park-Madison office and retail complex. See more pix below.Meanwhile, PT received plenty of feedback from participants and those close to the project concerning

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1160571657004412182006-10-11T06:00:00.000-07:002006-10-12T14:48:10.616-07:00

NOTE: Now that the Administration's love affair with the UCIA is being consummated, it's time to look a little more closely. Tuesday: The UCIA and Park-Madison. Today: PILOTs - The Money Shot. You will also want to read Bernice's post "City Presses Developer On Occupancy Issues". First came 'The Joy of Cooking' (1931), which was about the joy of cooking. Then came 'The Joy of Sex' (1972). The

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1160484919757655272006-10-10T05:54:00.000-07:002006-10-10T08:21:06.570-07:00

NOTE: Now that the Administration's love affair with the UCIA is being consummated, it's time to look a little more closely. Today: The UCIA and Park-Madison. Tomorrow: PILOTs - The Money Shot. You will also want to read Bernice's post "City Presses Developer On Occupancy Issues".First came 'The Joy of Cooking' (1931), which was about the joy of cooking. Then came 'The Joy of Sex' (1972). The

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1160400255881034072006-10-09T06:23:00.000-07:002006-10-09T20:42:48.270-07:00

* ABBOTT FUNDING & THE ASSEMBLYMAN-- The Courier kept the spotlight on the ABBOTT FUNDING CRISIS in its Saturday editorial, which was a sort of smackdown of Assemblyman Jerry Green for trying to obstruct last Thursday's town meeting on the topic. Meantime, over the weekend, PT learned that the Assemblyman was summoned to the Senior Center last week within five minutes of the arrival of one of the

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1160314709365960212006-10-08T06:22:00.000-07:002006-10-08T06:38:29.586-07:00

*Garrison Keillor: Congress' shameful retreat from American valuesI would not send my college kid off for a semester abroad if I were you. Last week, we suspended human rights in America, and what goes around comes around. Ixnay habeas corpus.The U.S. Senate, in all its splendor and majesty, decided that an "enemy combatant" is any non-citizen whom the president says is an enemy combatant,

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1160223717668985842006-10-07T05:19:00.000-07:002006-10-07T08:28:13.470-07:00

* All the "Plainfield Remembers 9/11" photos are now posted.PT is using the FLICKR online service. It's easy to use, and allows you to make comments on the photos (after you join Flickr, which is FREE), save photos to your own computer, or email to someone else.I will organize newly uploaded photos into SETS -- which you may always access here.As of 10/7/2006, the following SETS are up

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1160143650215702692006-10-06T07:03:00.000-07:002006-10-06T07:08:57.350-07:00

* ABBOTT EMERGENCY ALERT -- The message of the speakers at last night's forum was clear: Abbott, which has been in place for only 7 years after decades of resistance, is MAKING A DIFFERENCE in preparing our kids for lives as productive citizens. It is also IN DANGER.Reductions in Abbott funding would affect the whole community ACROSS THE BOARD -- Taxpayers (who would have to pony up big time for

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1160056594754249892006-10-05T06:55:00.000-07:002006-10-06T07:31:42.433-07:00

*By all acounts, Plainfield's most prominent and important leader -- Assemblyman Jerry Green -- has recently engaged in some public displays that verge on meltdowns. The question on everyone's mind is WHY?Why is a man who appears to be at the top of his game, at the very apex of his power, fretting so publicly about matters large and small in a way that makes him look petty, mean-spirited and

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1159964523536958822006-10-04T05:18:00.000-07:002006-10-04T08:51:24.083-07:00

*Abbott school funding issues put everyone at risk: taxpayers, parents, teachers, and. . .politicians. TAXPAYERS should be concerned because the SCHOOLS portion of the local tax bill has not increased in ten years. If Gov. Corzine holds Abbott funding at current levels next year, school districts -- including Plainfield's -- will be forced to look at SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASING the local tax levy.

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1159880706109712492006-10-03T06:04:00.000-07:002006-10-03T06:05:18.363-07:00

*If you want a peek at how the Union County Dem machine works, consider Roselle.Last Tuesday, Superior Court Judge Katherine Dupuis threw out 31 absentee ballots from the borough's hotly contested June Democratic primary.In doing so, she declared the actual winner to be Christine Dansereau, an ally of Mayor Garrett Smith.Rosemarie Bullock, originally declared the top vote-getter, is allied with

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1159799626840993042006-10-02T07:30:00.000-07:002006-10-02T08:39:58.200-07:00

*IT'S MENENDEZ MONDAY -- It's been a rough week for Menendez in his quest to keep the Senate seat. With FIVE WEEKS to go to Election Day, PT wonders where the much-needed support from the Plainfield Dem City Committee's chairperson is.Gov. Corzine went on the attack over the weekend, with a news conference slamming Kean Junior in Newark. Menendez, it is said, was in church, and unable to attend.

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1159714288440893842006-10-01T07:41:00.000-07:002006-10-01T07:51:29.170-07:00

*Citywide pictures of flag displays in remembrance of the fifth anniversary of 9/11 are finally culled and cropped.PT will be posting them today. Please be patient, as Flickr only allows a certain number to be put up at a time, then I have to give it a rest of several hours and go back. I'll give further notice as more go up. -- Dan Damon Not getting your own CLIPPINGS email daily? Click here to

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1159622952174281762006-09-30T06:28:00.000-07:002006-09-30T06:29:12.610-07:00

*PT admits it.Sometimes I just don't get it. Take, for instance, last Saturday's Council meeting.Bernice opened her post ("East Third/Richmond: The Process") this way: "In A SPECIAL EMERGENCY MEETING Saturday (Sept. 23, 2006), the City Council approved both the East Third/Richmond Street “in need of redevelopment” study and a redevelopment plan that calls for high-density, multi-family

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1159540873344497412006-09-29T07:40:00.000-07:002006-10-01T18:18:21.190-07:00

*HITS: HEARD IN THE STREET...MENENDEZ: IS HELP ON THE WAY? -- The media are swarming on the allegations of Menendez' role in strong-arming a Hudson County psychiatrist to split his take with a doctor on the staff of the agency renting its building from Menendez (itself already a subject of investigation).The Ledger sub-head this morning is: "Democrats close ranks behind senator." Plainfield

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1159453977485900672006-09-28T07:29:00.000-07:002006-09-29T07:39:20.986-07:00

* Put aside for a moment the appearance of incompetency in Mayor Robinson-Briggs' administration's NEAR DISASTER FOR THE CITY'S FINANCIAL RATING in not planning in a timely fashion for the rollover of millions in Bond Anticipatory Notes.Put aside for a moment, also, the appearance of impropriety in City Administrator Carlton McGee's soliciting an old Jersey City contact to put together a quickie

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1159366333444176202006-09-27T07:10:00.000-07:002006-09-27T07:17:59.316-07:00

* What can the PMUA do now that the City is poised to take its carefully assembled Cottage Place/East 3rd Street property?Overcrowded at its headquarters, and with a growing fleet of vehicles to store, clean and maintain, the PMUA has quietly pursued a policy of assembling a parcel on which to build a new complex that would consolidate its operations (except for the transfer station) in one

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17289322.post-1159278519081390812006-09-26T06:45:00.000-07:002006-09-27T12:05:49.846-07:00

*You may have noticed -- as PT has -- a lot of brush piled up along the curbs throughout the city, placed there by residents after the recent series of storms.As long as anyone can remember, the City has had a policy of picking up the brush residents put out after storms, no questions asked. (BRUSH that is. TREES have always been a different matter.)This seems a sensible policy to PT, a

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867186465663386310noreply@blogger.com2