Riverguy can't help but think about Oyster Creek, in light of the continuing nuclear crisis now happening in Japan. Our local plant is the oldest in the country, and many folks think that fact alone is cause for worry. And here we sit, a scant 8 to 10 miles away.
I know we need to power and the jobs that the plant brings, but this would be a great time to take a second look at the safety issues of the plant. The problems in Japan will heighten public awareness, and that is a good thing. We need to hold plant officials and workers to a high degree of accountability, since our homes and very lives depend on the safe operation of the plant.
Remember some years ago when the iodine pills were passed out? I imagine most of us have lost them by now, or even if we have them, they're probably expired by now and wouldn't work anyway. Its time to once again look at our "emergency kits." Do you have one? Riverguy only know one or two people that do. This is foolish. Think about it -- with the weather patterns becoming more extreme, the continuing threat of terrorism, and god-forbid a problem at the plant -- we really should have some supplies on standby.
So...Riverguy is going to worry a little bit about all of this, and gather some emergency items. Better to be prepared. How about you?
Monday, March 14, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Toms River Now
More and more, people just don't want to read "news" -- news is about what happened in the recent past-- but most often we want to know what is going on right NOW. Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking programs have made this possible, and we're getting used to real-time information.
That's why you should check out "Toms River Now, " a single web page that lists "Tweets" (Twitter messages) that contain info about Toms River, Ocean County, and the Jersey Shore. You don't have to have a Twitter account to view these messages...everything is on a regular web page: Toms River Now.
You never know what you're going to find. You see messages about current traffic tie-ups, accidents, weather, jobs, real estate, personal snippets. Note that you may see some foul language -- whatever Twitter allows can be shown here. The Jersey Shore messages are especially snarky and sexy, because many of them are about MTV's "Jersey Shore" show. So...yes, you will see some junk messages, or messages that don't make sense, but will also see the occasional post of something happening at the moment that is important. And it is fun to see what is on people's mind, even when its not ready for prime-time.
That's why you should check out "Toms River Now, " a single web page that lists "Tweets" (Twitter messages) that contain info about Toms River, Ocean County, and the Jersey Shore. You don't have to have a Twitter account to view these messages...everything is on a regular web page: Toms River Now.
You never know what you're going to find. You see messages about current traffic tie-ups, accidents, weather, jobs, real estate, personal snippets. Note that you may see some foul language -- whatever Twitter allows can be shown here. The Jersey Shore messages are especially snarky and sexy, because many of them are about MTV's "Jersey Shore" show. So...yes, you will see some junk messages, or messages that don't make sense, but will also see the occasional post of something happening at the moment that is important. And it is fun to see what is on people's mind, even when its not ready for prime-time.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
SuperMarket Thoughts....
Once a week, Riverguy and RiverLady go to do our grocery shopping at Stop and Shop on Rt. 37. Now, I'm not writing this as a commercial for S & S, but I do want to mention something that I see as a real positive there. Every time we go in, we see the same folks working there...at the bakery, the deli, the fish counter, meats, check out, customer service...etc. A lot of them have worked there for many years. Over time you get to know them, and if you are a regular customer, they get to know you. It feels good to be helped by someone you've come to know and trust. This is what helps make up a community -- knowing and trusting who you are dealing with as you go about your daily life.
Daily life has changed drastically for many of us --- we relate to each other more often by tweets, texts, and Facebook posts. In this age of instant electronic communication, its worth remembering that face-to-face interaction adds positive value, both in ways you can measure, and in some ways that you can't.
Daily life has changed drastically for many of us --- we relate to each other more often by tweets, texts, and Facebook posts. In this age of instant electronic communication, its worth remembering that face-to-face interaction adds positive value, both in ways you can measure, and in some ways that you can't.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Spring Returns Soon - and So Do the Potholes
Have you noticed how bad the potholes are already this year? Looks like the rough winter has set us up for a really bad spring for potholes. Riverguy has seen a bunch of them around town, and the "patch patrols" won't be get to them for a while yet. Once the ground really starts to thaw, we're going to see a lot more potholes. Not only that...they're going to be really big...I mean some real tank traps that can rip up the front end of you car.
Drivers are going to be swerving all over the road, trying to avoid them...as if driving isn't already an adventure around here.
People need to get proactive and let each other know about potholes they see...especially those "tank traps" that can cost you thousands of dollars to get fixed. If you have a chance, you can even report the potholes using the Facebook Group called "NJ Potholes are Out of Control." Maybe by keeping our eyes out for each other we can ride out the pothole season without too much trouble.
Drivers are going to be swerving all over the road, trying to avoid them...as if driving isn't already an adventure around here.
People need to get proactive and let each other know about potholes they see...especially those "tank traps" that can cost you thousands of dollars to get fixed. If you have a chance, you can even report the potholes using the Facebook Group called "NJ Potholes are Out of Control." Maybe by keeping our eyes out for each other we can ride out the pothole season without too much trouble.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
A Year Later....
Riverguy has returned to this blog after a full year hiatus. With all kinds of other social media demanding my time, I've let the blogging lapse. Well, I intend to get going with the blog again...we'll see how I do!
The last post -- from January 2010, was about the Jersey Shore. And here we are, a year later, and the JS crew is bigger than ever. Some folks like it, and others can't stand it. Enough said.
Looking forward, there is something interesting on the horizon coming up in Toms River. The usual "Founders Day" (which takes place every June) is going away this year, and a Food Festival will take its place. This festival will happen on May 14th. Not too many details are available yet, but its hard to go wrong with a food fest...it is almost certain to be a success. Riverguy will have fun there sampling various foods, but I will also miss Founders Day. I know...it was a bit stodgy, and not super-exciting, but it did remind us of our history, and also allowed non-profit groups to give out information about their programs. I hope they still have a corner for some of these groups, and maybe have the historical society showcase a bit of local history. Its good to know about the past...and sometimes its fun, too (well, a little bit, anyway....)
The last post -- from January 2010, was about the Jersey Shore. And here we are, a year later, and the JS crew is bigger than ever. Some folks like it, and others can't stand it. Enough said.
Looking forward, there is something interesting on the horizon coming up in Toms River. The usual "Founders Day" (which takes place every June) is going away this year, and a Food Festival will take its place. This festival will happen on May 14th. Not too many details are available yet, but its hard to go wrong with a food fest...it is almost certain to be a success. Riverguy will have fun there sampling various foods, but I will also miss Founders Day. I know...it was a bit stodgy, and not super-exciting, but it did remind us of our history, and also allowed non-profit groups to give out information about their programs. I hope they still have a corner for some of these groups, and maybe have the historical society showcase a bit of local history. Its good to know about the past...and sometimes its fun, too (well, a little bit, anyway....)
Friday, January 29, 2010
Jersey Shore is Over - Now What?
Ok, so the first season of MTV' "Jersey Shore" is over...what will life be like for our area in the wake of this show?
No doubt about it...we're going to feel a big impact this coming summer. Every would be "Guido" withing 500 miles is already making plans to descend on Seaside. It will be great for those renting out houses, and the bars and restaurants will be packed... but once again Riverguy has to wonder if families are going to be crowded out, and maybe even a bit scared to set foot in Seaside. They'll fear seeing fights, excessive drinking and lewd behavior...and they'll be right...all of that is going to be there in special excess this season.
Now you could argue that we shouldn't worry about a drop in family visitors...but the thing is, family visits to the beach and boardwalk are what hold things in some kind of balance....otherwise you have an around-the-clock spring-break atmosphere that will eventually crash and burn. Too much publicity about fights and raunchy behavior will spur a backlash by the locals, including the cops, and things will get real ugly. It will no longer be fun for anyone..."guidos" included.
Here's the key....with a little luck, we can survive the coming season.... but Riverguy is hoping that "Jersey Shore, Season 2" will take place in another town, before things are permanently knocked out of balance, and the average person can't feel comfortable going to Seaside.
No doubt about it...we're going to feel a big impact this coming summer. Every would be "Guido" withing 500 miles is already making plans to descend on Seaside. It will be great for those renting out houses, and the bars and restaurants will be packed... but once again Riverguy has to wonder if families are going to be crowded out, and maybe even a bit scared to set foot in Seaside. They'll fear seeing fights, excessive drinking and lewd behavior...and they'll be right...all of that is going to be there in special excess this season.
Now you could argue that we shouldn't worry about a drop in family visitors...but the thing is, family visits to the beach and boardwalk are what hold things in some kind of balance....otherwise you have an around-the-clock spring-break atmosphere that will eventually crash and burn. Too much publicity about fights and raunchy behavior will spur a backlash by the locals, including the cops, and things will get real ugly. It will no longer be fun for anyone..."guidos" included.
Here's the key....with a little luck, we can survive the coming season.... but Riverguy is hoping that "Jersey Shore, Season 2" will take place in another town, before things are permanently knocked out of balance, and the average person can't feel comfortable going to Seaside.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
MTV's "Jersey Shore" Starts Dec. 3rd
MTV is launching a new show called "Jersey Shore" - showing life in Seaside for a group of young people this past summer.. The trailer they've had on for it talks about "fist pumping" "hating" and the overall behavior of "guidos." Surely this is a new low for MTV...at the expense of the image of our area.
Now, Riverguy is not into "political correctness" -- but use of the term "guidos" is in poor taste, at the very least. Some Italian-American groups have already been complaining about it, with sufficient cause. Couldn't MTV have just called them "dudes" "peeps" or some other more generic term?
Part of the irony, of course, is that the main "characters" in this show are not from the Jersey Shore at all....they're bennies (or shoobees...how's that for our own name-calling?) from NY or North Jersey. Of course, people from other parts of the country won't realize this...the shore's image is going to suffer yet again.
Perhaps the silver lining is that, in this screwed-up society, there is no such thing as bad publicity...the show might actually increase next summer's influx of bennies...er...tourists....and the dollars they bring with them.
Now, Riverguy is not into "political correctness" -- but use of the term "guidos" is in poor taste, at the very least. Some Italian-American groups have already been complaining about it, with sufficient cause. Couldn't MTV have just called them "dudes" "peeps" or some other more generic term?
Part of the irony, of course, is that the main "characters" in this show are not from the Jersey Shore at all....they're bennies (or shoobees...how's that for our own name-calling?) from NY or North Jersey. Of course, people from other parts of the country won't realize this...the shore's image is going to suffer yet again.
Perhaps the silver lining is that, in this screwed-up society, there is no such thing as bad publicity...the show might actually increase next summer's influx of bennies...er...tourists....and the dollars they bring with them.
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