Time is passing quickly, and the American Legion - Memorial Day Parade is coming up already...Monday, May 30th. The parade kicks off at 9:30 am. It launches from the Office Lounge parking lot, and proceeds down Main Street, and then turns on to Washington Street.
Now, honestly, this isn't the biggest or best parade you'll see, but in my mind, this, along with the Veteran's Day Parade, is the most important of the year.
The parade has plenty of bands, fire trucks, old cars, and more. However,the big feature is, of course, the military vets, police, and fireman that march in the parade. These are the men and women who sacrificed their time, energy, and well-being so that we can enjoy a safe, free life.
And on Memorial Day we remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice. Many of them are in their final resting places in Europe and Asia, and some were never accounted for.
Day in and day out, we go about our business -- freely, happily, in an land of plenty. And we can do so because of the courageous people that have served for us and have kept us free. PLEASE SHOW UP AT THE PARADE -- SET ASIDE ONE HOUR TO HONOR THOSE THAT HAVE MADE YOUR GOOD LIFE POSSIBLE. At least that's my view...you may feel differently, and that's ok...you are FREE to do so.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
In Defense of Bennies, Shoobies & Such
Ok...I can almost hear the chant starting now..."Bennies Go Home." Yes, it's almost that time of year again, when we "welcome" visitors from all over the tri-state area. We hate the extra traffic, the crowds, and sometimes even the looks, attitudes, and clothing of the people coming here. By mid-July, we've all lost our patience, and we can't wait to get our towns and beaches back!
Of course it's cool to be proud to be a local, but should we really tell our seasonal visitors to turn around and go back up the Parkway? First and foremost, we need their tourist dollars. Many of the businesses around here would go under if we didn't have the summer influx of visitors. And that's especially true now, with the economy being so weak. Like it or not, we need the Bennies here to keep the money flowing into our pockets.
Also, be honest....even though we complain about them, isn't it kind of fun to see all of the interesting characters that hit the beaches and boardwalk? Just sit on a bench on the Seaside boardwalk for awhile, and you'll have a great time people-watching. Remember, these "Bennies" come here because they like what we have...the beaches, the bars, the food, the boardwalk. And like it or not, they are part of what makes the whole thing work.
Of course it's cool to be proud to be a local, but should we really tell our seasonal visitors to turn around and go back up the Parkway? First and foremost, we need their tourist dollars. Many of the businesses around here would go under if we didn't have the summer influx of visitors. And that's especially true now, with the economy being so weak. Like it or not, we need the Bennies here to keep the money flowing into our pockets.
Also, be honest....even though we complain about them, isn't it kind of fun to see all of the interesting characters that hit the beaches and boardwalk? Just sit on a bench on the Seaside boardwalk for awhile, and you'll have a great time people-watching. Remember, these "Bennies" come here because they like what we have...the beaches, the bars, the food, the boardwalk. And like it or not, they are part of what makes the whole thing work.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Atomic Dreams
Riverguy is in a bad state of mind about what's going on in Japan. It is basically now confirmed that the nuclear reactors there are impossible to control, and that radiation will be spewing into the air and water for...well, who knows how long. Even though the talking heads on TV continue to tell us that we have nothing to worry about, I'm worried.
I come from the generation that grew up with atomic energy. I remember the fear that we had as "Cold War" kids -- there would be a nuclear exchange between "us" and "them" -- and radiation would spread around the globe and eventually snuff out all life. We even practiced for such events; air raid drills, "duck and cover" drills, and stockpiling canned goods in basements all over America. Farmers were taught how to grow food even with nuclear fallout poisoning the soil.
And yet...we learned to conquer our fear of the atom, and dream of a time when we'd harness it for unlimited energy. Our technological society and growing population needed abundant power, and the nuclear plants could deliver. It was like magic -- swirling atoms giving us the power to reach for an incredible dream of unlimited advancement. And now...suddenly, the old dreams are coming back...fallout...don't drink the milk...it has radiation...keep the doors and windows closed...and now, I know that it's not just a dream, but a nightmare.
I come from the generation that grew up with atomic energy. I remember the fear that we had as "Cold War" kids -- there would be a nuclear exchange between "us" and "them" -- and radiation would spread around the globe and eventually snuff out all life. We even practiced for such events; air raid drills, "duck and cover" drills, and stockpiling canned goods in basements all over America. Farmers were taught how to grow food even with nuclear fallout poisoning the soil.
And yet...we learned to conquer our fear of the atom, and dream of a time when we'd harness it for unlimited energy. Our technological society and growing population needed abundant power, and the nuclear plants could deliver. It was like magic -- swirling atoms giving us the power to reach for an incredible dream of unlimited advancement. And now...suddenly, the old dreams are coming back...fallout...don't drink the milk...it has radiation...keep the doors and windows closed...and now, I know that it's not just a dream, but a nightmare.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
A Wave of Petty Crimes
I guess the bad economy has now pushed people into committing small crimes to get by. Have you noticed that, in the last couple of weeks we've had a bunch of thefts? $3K stolen from WaWa, gas station robberies, vinyl siding stolen, even a couple of kegs of beer heisted from a local bar/restaurant.
It's distressing, but not really surprising. Every time the economy gets bad, these sorts of crimes seem to escalate. The police can't do too much to stop it...a lot of these are "crimes of opportunity," where somebody sees something that's easy to swipe and goes for it.
The real fix for this (beyond teaching people basic values -- but that's another story) is to get this economy going again. Let's get people employed.....give 'em a paycheck so that they can dig out of debt and pay their bills. A good thing we can all do to help is to support our local businesses. Instead of buying online, go to a local store and buy what you need. Money going into our local economy will stimulate jobs, create tax revenue, and take some of the pressure off people that are living on the edge.
It's distressing, but not really surprising. Every time the economy gets bad, these sorts of crimes seem to escalate. The police can't do too much to stop it...a lot of these are "crimes of opportunity," where somebody sees something that's easy to swipe and goes for it.
The real fix for this (beyond teaching people basic values -- but that's another story) is to get this economy going again. Let's get people employed.....give 'em a paycheck so that they can dig out of debt and pay their bills. A good thing we can all do to help is to support our local businesses. Instead of buying online, go to a local store and buy what you need. Money going into our local economy will stimulate jobs, create tax revenue, and take some of the pressure off people that are living on the edge.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Below 40? Anybody Home?
Ok...this is an "age-related" post, so for some disclosure...Riverguy is older than 40.
Now, here goes: Riverguy is worried about the future. Look at what's going on: war and unrest in the Mid-East; natural disaster and reactor meltdowns in a perfect toxic storm...and the likelihood of hyper-inflation, double-dip recession, and potential financial collapse.
The sad truth is that the future is looking dim for young people growing up in this country. Their good times are about to crash and burn. And what it their reaction? Are they marching in the streets (NO..ironically that's left to the "old people" of the Tea Party). Are they politically active? Forget it...the truth is....they don't know what's happening, because they aren't paying attention. They're spending their time watching Comedy Central, Jersey Shore, playing video games, texting their friends etc.
When I go to the gym to run on the treadmill (which has a TV screen), I notice I'm the only one watching the news. I see all the younger members watching all of the mass-market fluff TV. Yeah kids, news is "boring" -- but important.
Wake up and smell the coffee....pay attention! What you don't know, can hurt you. Your future is at stake...its time for you to realize what's going on, and take part in trying to fix it. After all, for us older folks, our best years are behind us....for you under-40 people, the quality of your lives is in serious jeopardy!
Now, here goes: Riverguy is worried about the future. Look at what's going on: war and unrest in the Mid-East; natural disaster and reactor meltdowns in a perfect toxic storm...and the likelihood of hyper-inflation, double-dip recession, and potential financial collapse.
The sad truth is that the future is looking dim for young people growing up in this country. Their good times are about to crash and burn. And what it their reaction? Are they marching in the streets (NO..ironically that's left to the "old people" of the Tea Party). Are they politically active? Forget it...the truth is....they don't know what's happening, because they aren't paying attention. They're spending their time watching Comedy Central, Jersey Shore, playing video games, texting their friends etc.
When I go to the gym to run on the treadmill (which has a TV screen), I notice I'm the only one watching the news. I see all the younger members watching all of the mass-market fluff TV. Yeah kids, news is "boring" -- but important.
Wake up and smell the coffee....pay attention! What you don't know, can hurt you. Your future is at stake...its time for you to realize what's going on, and take part in trying to fix it. After all, for us older folks, our best years are behind us....for you under-40 people, the quality of your lives is in serious jeopardy!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Nuke Plant in Our Backyard - Should We Worry?
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?
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?
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.
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