Ready or not, national issues will take center stage very soon in Toms River. The "Tea Party Express" will stage a rally at Rally on September 11th (6pm), at Town Hall (courtyard), 33 Washington Street. Here is a statement from the rally flyer: "From August 28th to September 12th, the Tea Party Express bus tour will cross the country hosting tea party rallies across America. We’re speaking out against the out-of-control tax-and-spend policies of Congress."
Riverguy isn't smart enough to know if these people are on to something, but maybe we can all agree that it is healthy to see people speaking out to voice their opinions. Let's hope that things remain civil and all viewpoints can be heard.
One thing for sure: it isn't going to be dull. These folks are determined to be noticed, and I wouldn't be surprised to see national media covering the event - especially since the Toms River stop falls on September 11th. The added significance of the 9-11 anniversary will be sure to stir extra passions. It's going to be interesting to see how the rally transpires...
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Local Film Company Thrives in Bad Economy
As a follow up to my last blog entry "Bad Economy Hits Home" I thought I would write about some positive news on the economic front. We have all heard before that in time of adversity, invention is born. Well, I thought that I would talk about a local company that is actually thriving in this economic times by reinventing itself into a leaner and more value added group.
I spoke with David McLeavy - Director with Aurora Coast Productions. They specialize in 35mm and HD video productions; Catering to TV Commercial, Corporate Video and feature film markets, all of which I assumed would be dead or severally cutting back during these times. The fact is that many have cut back, however with careful overhead control and value added service, Aurora Coast has made it a science in ferreting out the clients, their needs and working within budgets. Their business is booming reports David. "Profits per project are not as high as they used to be, but we chose not to compromise our creativity and still provide that "Hollywood" look that are clients really like.
I have watched these guys grow through the years and must admit that I too am a bit impressed. "One of the biggest problems facing many companies is overhead. There are many places that money robbing expenses hide" adds David. We went through all of the items line by line, from power and telecommunications to software and cameras. The only thing we refused to do was fire people." He added. "The result was a leaner more streamlined company that was able to be more effective in creating the content that our clients wanted. In other words, we took the economic situation out there as lemons and made lemonade from it." David concluded.
I spoke with David McLeavy - Director with Aurora Coast Productions. They specialize in 35mm and HD video productions; Catering to TV Commercial, Corporate Video and feature film markets, all of which I assumed would be dead or severally cutting back during these times. The fact is that many have cut back, however with careful overhead control and value added service, Aurora Coast has made it a science in ferreting out the clients, their needs and working within budgets. Their business is booming reports David. "Profits per project are not as high as they used to be, but we chose not to compromise our creativity and still provide that "Hollywood" look that are clients really like.
I have watched these guys grow through the years and must admit that I too am a bit impressed. "One of the biggest problems facing many companies is overhead. There are many places that money robbing expenses hide" adds David. We went through all of the items line by line, from power and telecommunications to software and cameras. The only thing we refused to do was fire people." He added. "The result was a leaner more streamlined company that was able to be more effective in creating the content that our clients wanted. In other words, we took the economic situation out there as lemons and made lemonade from it." David concluded.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Bad Economy Hits Home
Well, here in Toms River we usually are somewhat insulated from some worst things going on in society, but the bad economic "big picture" has shown up on our doorstep. Many small businesspeople in the area are really hurting...these are our friends and neighbors, and Riverguy is going to try to buy as much as he can locally from our area merchants...rather than online or from a large company.
I would also say to local businesses....give us a helping hand, if possible, by providing discounts or lower prices where you can. For example, it is amazing how many restaurants around here still have the same prices on entrees (or higher) that they did a couple of years ago during the "boom" time. It is still hard for two people to go to a good sit-down dinner and come away with a bill and tip of under $50. Please provide a few more less expensive entrees for those of us who want to come to your place for dinner, but have a limited budget in these tough times.
Also, it seems to me that as things worsen, the crime rate is going up. We're likely to see more robberies, scams, and muggings. The "good" people are going to have to learn to watch out for each other. Check up on older neighbors...they are especially vulnerable. Let's help each other get through this trying time!!
I would also say to local businesses....give us a helping hand, if possible, by providing discounts or lower prices where you can. For example, it is amazing how many restaurants around here still have the same prices on entrees (or higher) that they did a couple of years ago during the "boom" time. It is still hard for two people to go to a good sit-down dinner and come away with a bill and tip of under $50. Please provide a few more less expensive entrees for those of us who want to come to your place for dinner, but have a limited budget in these tough times.
Also, it seems to me that as things worsen, the crime rate is going up. We're likely to see more robberies, scams, and muggings. The "good" people are going to have to learn to watch out for each other. Check up on older neighbors...they are especially vulnerable. Let's help each other get through this trying time!!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Chairs Along Halloween Parade Route Removed
It is a time-honored tradition in Toms River....people claiming a spot along Main Street days before the parade, by placing chairs, benches, even a sofa, along the route. This year the authorities have seen fit to remove them, only allowing chairs to be put along the street after noon of the day before the parade.
Riverguy understands that yes, when the wind blows, some of the chairs can become a hazard, and yes, the sidewalk can get a little squeezed. However, in my view, the chair phenomenon actually creates a "buzz" for the parade...people driving through the town see the chairs and get a sense of the keen anticipation that people have for the parade. People talk about seeing Main Street, fully lined with chairs, many days before the event. The speak of it with some degree of amazement.
Like it or not, "chair placing" has become a part of the parade ritual, and we'd better be careful about diminishing it. Riverguy hears people complaining all the time that holidays and events "aren't what they used to be" and "the fun is going out of things" etc.For the sake of tradition, and just plain fun, can't we for once resist the urge to "regulate" an event?
Riverguy understands that yes, when the wind blows, some of the chairs can become a hazard, and yes, the sidewalk can get a little squeezed. However, in my view, the chair phenomenon actually creates a "buzz" for the parade...people driving through the town see the chairs and get a sense of the keen anticipation that people have for the parade. People talk about seeing Main Street, fully lined with chairs, many days before the event. The speak of it with some degree of amazement.
Like it or not, "chair placing" has become a part of the parade ritual, and we'd better be careful about diminishing it. Riverguy hears people complaining all the time that holidays and events "aren't what they used to be" and "the fun is going out of things" etc.For the sake of tradition, and just plain fun, can't we for once resist the urge to "regulate" an event?
Monday, August 11, 2008
Pedestrian Law a Menace to All
In New Jersey, drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. This well-intentioned law needs to be repealed. People on foot should take responsibility for looking both ways and crossing when the way is clear. To expect 4,000 pound vehicles to stop every time someone steps off the curve is ridiculous.
The end result of this law has been that pedestrians routinely walk into crosswalks without even looking. They've been empowered by the law to do so, and they've developed an "attitude" along with it. You can see this in downtown Toms River on any busy weekday. Vehicles passing the library or the corner of Robbins & Washington have to jam on their breaks as people move right into the path of oncoming vehicles without even looking. These walkways have a cone in the center of the street. This is supposed to signify a right-of-way for the pedestrian, but all it does is create a traffic hazard. The walker is in jeopardy of getting run over, and the vehicle may get hit from behind because of the sudden stop. Let's use some common sense. Get rid of the cone AND the law...let pedestrians pay attention to traffic, look both ways, and cross when the way is clear.
The end result of this law has been that pedestrians routinely walk into crosswalks without even looking. They've been empowered by the law to do so, and they've developed an "attitude" along with it. You can see this in downtown Toms River on any busy weekday. Vehicles passing the library or the corner of Robbins & Washington have to jam on their breaks as people move right into the path of oncoming vehicles without even looking. These walkways have a cone in the center of the street. This is supposed to signify a right-of-way for the pedestrian, but all it does is create a traffic hazard. The walker is in jeopardy of getting run over, and the vehicle may get hit from behind because of the sudden stop. Let's use some common sense. Get rid of the cone AND the law...let pedestrians pay attention to traffic, look both ways, and cross when the way is clear.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Cell Phones, Cars, and Hands-free Talking
I don't know about everybody else, but I'm still seeing tons of drivers around Toms River talking with cell phones up to their ears. With hands-free kits and bluetooth (those funny bug-like ear inserts), there's really no excuse to still hold the phone up to your ear. The law has changed but people's habits haven't.
What's worse, I've actually seen people slunk down in their seats while talking on the phone, presumably so the rest of us (including the police, of course) won't notice. Trouble is, this only makes it more likely that they're going to rear-end someone or run a red light.
Maybe it seems like a small thing to be complaining about, but not when you think about the possible consequences. We're seeing more collisions, cars running off of the road, and vehicles hitting pedestrians. Sure, there are many causes for accidents, but I'd bet that people talking on cell phones and texting while they're driving (yikes!) accounts for a significant percentage of them.
I think the only way to really change the situation is for all of us to stop our friends and family from doing it. When you get in a car and the driver puts the phone up to his ear to make a call, say "Don't you have a hands-free kit?" If they say they don't, tell them they should have one because it makes talking on the phone easier, and safer (and of course, legal). A little negative feedback can go a long way.
What's worse, I've actually seen people slunk down in their seats while talking on the phone, presumably so the rest of us (including the police, of course) won't notice. Trouble is, this only makes it more likely that they're going to rear-end someone or run a red light.
Maybe it seems like a small thing to be complaining about, but not when you think about the possible consequences. We're seeing more collisions, cars running off of the road, and vehicles hitting pedestrians. Sure, there are many causes for accidents, but I'd bet that people talking on cell phones and texting while they're driving (yikes!) accounts for a significant percentage of them.
I think the only way to really change the situation is for all of us to stop our friends and family from doing it. When you get in a car and the driver puts the phone up to his ear to make a call, say "Don't you have a hands-free kit?" If they say they don't, tell them they should have one because it makes talking on the phone easier, and safer (and of course, legal). A little negative feedback can go a long way.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Increase in Parkway Tolls a Big Blow to TR
What is going on here? A few years ago people were talking about removing tolls from the Parkway altogether, and now NJ residents -- and Ocean County / Toms River commuters in particular -- will get slammed with an incredible increase in Parkway tolls. Granted, something has to be done about the state debt, but this is the wrong remedy.
Big tools will make commuting from Toms River to NY or North Jersey too costly. We'll find good, hardworking local people having to move back North in order to be able to afford to get to their jobs.
And what about tourism? Will day-tripping North Jersey folks continue to come down here in droves? The average person is already paying more for food, rent, heat, etc. High tolls could just be the last straw. Seaside Heights will no doubt feel an impact. Our area could go into its own recession -- say what you want about the "bennies" -- but they are sure important to our local businesses. Let's not discourage them from coming down by picking their pockets at the toll booths.
Riverguy would rather see spending cuts, and if necessary, an increase in the state sales tax. If there has to be economic pain, let's do it so that everyone has to share the burden -- and areas like ours won't get singled-out.
Big tools will make commuting from Toms River to NY or North Jersey too costly. We'll find good, hardworking local people having to move back North in order to be able to afford to get to their jobs.
And what about tourism? Will day-tripping North Jersey folks continue to come down here in droves? The average person is already paying more for food, rent, heat, etc. High tolls could just be the last straw. Seaside Heights will no doubt feel an impact. Our area could go into its own recession -- say what you want about the "bennies" -- but they are sure important to our local businesses. Let's not discourage them from coming down by picking their pockets at the toll booths.
Riverguy would rather see spending cuts, and if necessary, an increase in the state sales tax. If there has to be economic pain, let's do it so that everyone has to share the burden -- and areas like ours won't get singled-out.
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