Welcome to the my Web site, v. XII. The blog is typically published Monday - Saturday. My primary topics tend to be the Nats, Penn State (esp. football), BeltwayLand, transportation, media, photos and more. The rest of the site gets updated as warranted and is noted on the blog.
Every year I do a tally of places I have been. The two ways for a location to qualify -- I had a meal there (non-fast food) or spent the night there. Sometimes, I make exceptions that rule though, like for apple-picking.
Alexandria, Va. Arlington, Va. Falls Church, Va. Great Falls, Va. McLean, Va. Purcellville, Va. Reston, Va. Vienna, Va. Washington, D.C. Newark, Del. Ellicot City, Md. Avalon, N.J. Stone Harbor, N.J. Wildwood, N.J. New York, N.Y. Boiling Springs, Pa. Burnham, Pa. Harrisburg, Pa. Lewistown, Pa. Reedsville, Pa. Yeagertown, Pa. Springfield, Pa. State College, Pa. Tannersville, Pa. University Park, Pa.
The list has been getting shorter for the last couple of years. Here is to a more adventurous 2010!
Another Rutgers to the Big Ten suggestion - William World News
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Another Rutgers to the Big Ten suggestion
DAVID JONES - Big Ten expansion talk? Again? - Patriot-News The Big Ten is looking at adding a 12th team again, but only over the next 12-18 months. The list of candidates is numerous but there is not another Penn State-type school out there that brings the complete package of tradition, academics, fanbase, new territory and television market to the table. Obviously, they'd love to add Notre Dame, but that seems unlikely unless NBC loses interest in broadcasting Fighting Irish home games. Jones thinks Rutgers is the best possible choice as it gets the latter two -- the populous state of New Jersey as well as the gigantic New York television market. He oversells the campus (I've been there and it reminded me of George Mason) though. Rutgers football tradition pretty much amounts to two things, albeit great ones -- birthplace of college football and Paul Robeson. I think Rutgers would be hard-pressed to do any better in the Big Ten than the Big East, so I would be surprised if they accept an invitation.
It would be nice having a natural rivalry for the Nittany Lions though.
Jones also points out why Pitt and West Virginia don't make a lot of sense (no significant new TV markets and they don't fit the Big Ten profile for campus or academics, respectively) to add. I don't have strong feelings about it frankly and think in the end, the Big Ten is going to conclude that there is no ideal 12th team.
NJ Nets: Biggest losers on two tabloid backpages, NBA - William World News
Thursday, December 03, 2009
NJ Nets: Biggest losers on two tabloid backpages, NBA
The New Jersey Nets lost their 18th game in a row to start the 2009-2010 NBA season. The ignominious distinction is observed by the backpages of both New York City tabloids today.
I like to think this is happening because the Nets took "NEW JERSEY" off of the road uniforms. Their owner, Bruce Ratner, has been trying to move them to Brooklyn for years and seems to be getting closer. I'd rather they stay in the Garden State and move into the Prudential Center in Newark where the NHL Devils play.
I wonder if the new BS Sports Blog will comment on this development.
Jersey Shore pummeled by Nor'easter, Ida - William World News
Monday, November 16, 2009
Jersey Shore pummeled by Nor'easter, Ida
Time to clean up at Jersey Shore - The Inky Northeaster reminds area that bad weather can soak economy - The Press, Atlantic City My beloved Jersey Shore got hit hard by the remnants of Hurricane Ida/Nor'easter late last week. From Long Beach Island all the way to the south, there was major erosion and flooding. Avalon lost a lot of beach in the northern part of the borough. Landis Ave, the main drag of Sea Isle City, was flooded too.
It is only November, so there is time to clean up and get everything ready for summer -- so long as no other big storms come by. It is only November...
The neon sign, erected in 1935, celebrates Trenton's industrial legacy. I don't know how industrial Trenton still is but Taylor Pork Roll comes from there and that's good enough for me. It is also the state capital of New Jersey.
Oddly enough, I have been a legal resident of New Jersey and Virginia and I had never so much as set foot in either state capital until this last jaunt up the Northeast Corridor. On the way back, I hopped off the platform and snapped a quick photo on the platform of the Trenton train station. That probably marked the first time since 1979 that I had set foot in the Garden State on three consecutive Saturdays. As for Richmond, maybe someday, no rush.
A poor attempt at "What Exit?" - William World News
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
A poor attempt at "What Exit?"
STONE HARBOR, N.J. -- I give credit to those in New Jersey who took the "What Exit?" joke and decided to take it back and embrace it with buy selling it as merchandise. Down the Shore, stickers, t-shirts and more celebrate the Garden State Parkway exit number for that particular beach town.
When I first saw this hat, I wondered why there was a North Carolina route marker on it. Then it dawned on me that it was probably an attempt to say "EXIT 10" which is Stone Harbor Blvd. My theory is that the shop saw something for NC 12, the main highway in North Carolina's Outer Banks and tried to adopt it for the Jersey Shore. For me, well-versed in things like state highway markers, it falls short.
Oh Superman where are you now? - William World News
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Oh Superman where are you now?
AVALON, N.J. -- 50th Street may be hard as nails and sensitive too, but it can't seem to figure out that Dune Drive in Avalon and Second Ave. in Stone Harbor are really the same road.
Kentucky is a storm ready community - William World News
Kentucky is a storm ready community
AVALON, N.J. -- When I first saw this sign, I wondered why Kentucky was on it. It turns out it was a cloud and it was a little "chubby" to be Kentucky anyway.
Pitza: It's not just from Hazleton anymore - William World News
Pitza: It's not just from Hazleton anymore
WILDWOOD, N.J. -- My wife noticed this sign on the boardwalk. Previously, we had been led to believe that pitza was a food stuff indiginous to Senape's of Hazleton, Pa. Our friend Tom once had this to say about it:
To clarify, no one "likes" Senapes pitza. We consume it out of fear. Yes, fear. No one has ever seen a Senape's bakery delivery truck anywhere near their local market, and yet, there it is...every Saturday morning during grocery shopping...the ominous blue and white box (obviously the colors of the ever-mistrusted and thrice-cursed U.N.)...oils slowly oozing from the corners of its container...lying there...lying there in wait...slowly self-replicating via some bizarre Cronenberg-ian ovipository sequence relating to its bakery-string-like replication tendrils.
Shudder. It is not so much ingested as it is...destroyed.
Based on that, we decided not to inquire any more.
WILDWOOD, N.J. -- As Jersey Shore towns go, the Wildwoods (shorthand for Wildwood, North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest; Jersey loves identifying similarly named towns with "The" as in Oranges and Amboys) are about pretty much the antithesis of the Seven Mile Island towns of Avalon and Stone Harbor. Whereas those two are quiet towns with beach houses and no boardwalks, Wildwood full of motels and a long boardwalk.
Needing to keep my son out of the house for a few hours for cleaning, we decided to spend a little time on the Wildwood boardwalk. We parked on the last street in North Wildwood and pushed the stroller up one of the steep ramps onto the boardwalk and headed south. Several years ago, my first impressions of the Wildwood Boardwalk was that it was more tacky than trashy and that remains my opinion. We saw lots of shops with t-shirts extolling the merits of New Jersey, regional teams, Cookie Monster and my favorite, the "I put ketchup on my ketchup" shirt. I restrained myself from buying it.
Food wise, I wound up getting Curley Fries which are actually crinkle cut, while Erica got funnel cake. We all shared it, Will approves. We also stopped a Stewart's stand for root beer. I took a few photographs while we were there too.
No toll for cyclists on Ocean Drive bridges - William World News
Thursday, August 20, 2009
No toll for cyclists on Ocean Drive bridges
AVALON, N.J. -- In Cape May County, a series of roads connecting the barrier islands all the way to Atlantic City are known as Ocean Drive (Wikipedia). The "Follow the Gull" signs direct motorists to a thru route that avoids the mainland. The route has a number of drawbridges over inlets connecting the islands. There are tolls between the islands though, likely so that Ocean Drive won't be used as an free alternative to the Garden State Parkway, not too mention bridge upkeep.
When I started going to Seven Mile Island for extended stays again, I started making sure I had my bicycle with me. The first year, I decided to cross off the island, I asked the toll taker if I had to pay a toll. I was pleased to learn that I did not. It is a good thing too -- tolls are now $1.50 which is more expensive than the Parkway I believe. This year I wound up biking across the bridges between Stone Harbor and North Wildwood as well as the bridge between Avalon and Sea Isle City. I also drove across those bridges in addition to the one between Sea Isle City and Ocean City when I went for a drive with my son to get us out of the house on cleaning day.
We have been going to Springer's for five generations - William World News
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
We have been going to Springer's for five generations
STONE HARBOR, NJ -- I have mentionedSpringer's before, but I'll do it again. The place has great ice cream and is a Seven Mile Beach institution. By my calculations, my son and his cousin, became the fifth generation of my family to enjoy ice cream there. Will had chocolate and banana on separate visits. My dad had rum raisin as always and my mom had lemon. I don't know what the rest of us had, but I went with my usual. We went there only three times during our visit, though it'd be pretty fun to go nightly.
Springer's has been owned by Barbara and Neil Humphreys of central Virginia since 1975. He took the famed Penn State Ice Cream Short Course. Next year, they are inviting back anybody whoever worked at Springer's since they bought it for a reunion.
In short, showering outdoors after a long day on the beach and in the ocean is incredibly refreshing. All the more so with a Pepsi in hand (the gin and tonic comes after the shower).
For my family, an outdoor shower is a requirement for a Shore beach house. This year's rental had a decent one, the water pressure was good, but the floor was concrete. I prefer the classic all-wood shower, but in the end this one was good enough.
Bob Dylan picked up in front of Bruce Springsteen's old house by Long Branch, NJ cops - William World News
Bob Dylan picked up in front of Bruce Springsteen's old house by Long Branch, NJ cops
Was Dylan Searching for the Home Where Springsteen Penned 'Born to Run'? - ABC News I am highly amused by this story about a 24 year old Long Branch, N.J.* cop picking up Bob Dylan for wandering around the house that Bruce Springsteen wrote "Born to Run" in. Apparently, Dylan didn't look like Bob Dylan to her and since he was not carrying identification, she had to go back to his tour buses with him for verification. I hope he writes a song about it.
If I wrote for The Onion, I'd write an article headlined "John Mellencamp hoping Dylan will look for his old house" and then have Dylan say something like "Who?" when asked about it. That or Dylan being found with a molotov cocktail where Mellencamp wrote "Smalltown."
*I used to got to Long Branch pretty regularly for over a decade. I've probably been to the beach at Seven Presidents Park twenty times or more, first with family and then Brad. We never looked for Springsteen's house though.
Avalon is a great place to be "off the grid" - William World News
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Avalon is a great place to be "off the grid"
I'm back from a week down the Shore in beautiful Avalon, N.J. We had a great time and my son seems to like the beach and the ocean. While there we introduced him to the Atlantic Ocean (he likes splashing around), the fine Seven Mile Island sand, Springer's Ice Cream and even funnel cake on the Wildwood Boardwalk.
I had absolutely, no internet withdrawal while up there either. I also won the Yurasko Bodysurfing Competition again.
Now, I'm back and I think might have a few things to blog about now. I just wiped out my Google Reader which was at 1000+ too. Let me know what I missed that was really good.
The project will expand six lanes to 12, between Exits 6 and 8A and will add two lanes to the 10 between 8A to Exit 9. Car and truck traffic will be separated, and the expansion is expected to ease one of the more crowded roadways in the region, currently used by an average of 680,000 drivers each day.
"On any given Friday that merge can back up 10 miles," said Gutierrez-Scaccetti, "On a holiday it can back up for 12."
Officials at the Turnpike Authority say the expansion is the most ambitious in the history of the 58-year-old highway. It is part of a larger, $7 billion capital plan announced earlier this year by Corzine that also includes a widening of the Garden State Parkway.
Basically, this extends the dual-dual lane configuration all the way to the Pennsylvania Turnpike interchange (technically the Pearl Harbor Memorial Extension). Left unsaid in the article is the realignment of Interstate 95 onto the far eastern end of the Pennsylvania Turnpike to meet the mainline NJ Turnpike at interchange 6. That project, which was mandated by Congress in 1982 after the Somerset Freeway was canceled between Trenton and Edison, will finally complete I-95. By the way, back when I was an underclassman in college, I exchanged a few emails with the lead project engineer on the Pennsylvania project and they are now just getting close to getting shovels in the ground. He acknowledged they were not thrilled about having to build this interchange because NJ didn't build 30 miles of I-95. I can see their point, but they should have built a direct connection there anyway.
Also, I have not confirmed, but suspect that a redesigned interchange 8 near Hightstown will mean a connection to NJ 133 instead of NJ 33.
Warmer water at the Jersey Shore this year - William World News
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Warmer water at the Jersey Shore this year
Great news! After lastsummer'supwelling kept the Atlantic Ocean tempratures from getting out of the low 60s for most of the summer, the water is already warm.
But the winds have shifted this summer and temps in the 70s were predicted for most South Jersey shores in July and August.
With the sun out for the first time in what seemed like forever, weekend ocean temperatures already rose to the lower 70s, an earlier-than-usual warming.
Now the bad news -- I can't go there for a while :(
Winter was kind to Jersey Shore beaches - William World News
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Winter was kind to Jersey Shore beaches
Beaches intact after mild winter - Asbury Park Press Beaches along the Jersey Shore made it through the winter pretty well since there were no really big storms. There may be some atypical erosion on the north side of jetties due to a lack of northeast winds though.
Garden State Parkway's Driscoll Bridge now 15 lanes - William World News
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Garden State Parkway's Driscoll Bridge now 15 lanes
Multi-year Driscoll Bridge project completed - Asbury Park Press How about this for a birthday present Brad? Your favorite bridge, the Alfred E. Driscoll Bridge, has just had its rebuilding completed. Instead of being a meager 12 lanes, it is now 15 (steep) lanes wide. Now the Garden State Parkway has the widest bridge in the nation.
Inky/Philly Daily News Jersey Shore guide now up - William World News
Friday, May 15, 2009
Inky/Philly Daily News Jersey Shore guide now up
On the beach in Stone Harbor, looking towards The Wildwoods in 2007
Shore Guide - The Inky/Philly Daily News With only a week to go before Memorial Day weekend, the first newspaper guide to the 2009 Jersey Shore season has gone online. When more (Asbury Park Press, Star Ledger) arrive, I'll link to them too.
I am already in the mood for going down the Shore. We actually considered going up to Long Beach Island last Saturday with the allergies so bad. Being five miles out to sea, LBI probably gets very little pollen. One of these years, we'll follow through on this idea.
Post a CommentJersey Shore: Beach badge prices stay the same - William World News
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Jersey Shore: Beach badge prices stay the same
Bad economy has shore towns putting a freeze on beach badge prices - Press of Atlantic City All Long Beach Island communities, plus Ventor and Margate are holding the line on prices for this season's beach badges. No word on Avalon or Stone Harbor. Atlantic City and Wildwood don't have beach badges.
NJ A.G. trying to prevent pretrial intervention for Pa. dentist allged to have dumped medical waste near Avalon - William World News
Friday, March 20, 2009
NJ A.G. trying to prevent pretrial intervention for Pa. dentist allged to have dumped medical waste near Avalon
Pretrial intervention opposed in N.J. dumping case - The Inky New Jersey's attorney general is trying to keep Pennsylvania dentist Thomas McFarland, alleged to have dumped medical waste into the Townsends Inlet between Avalon and Sea Isle City, from entering a pretrial intervention program. McFarland's alleged actions resulted in beach closures during the Labor Day weekend from Cape May to Atlantic City.
New Jersey got a black eye a generation ago for beach closings caused by trash that washed up -- trash from out of state sources. What McFarland has alleged to do should result in some hard time if he is convicted.
I used the same criteria as previous years -- I have to had a meal or spent the night there. Fast food does not count either.
Alexandria, Va. Arlington, Va. Bluemont, Va. McLean, Va. Vienna, Va. Virginia Beach, Va. Washington, D.C. Columbia, Md. Avalon, N.J. Sea Isle City, N.J Stone Harbor, N.J. Bronx, N.Y. New York, N.Y. Allentown, Pa. Belleville, Pa. Harrisburg, Pa. Hershey, Pa. Lewisberry, Pa. Lewistown, Pa. Manada Hill, Pa. Mechanicsburg, Pa. Reedsville, Pa. State College, Pa. Tannersville, Pa. Kenley, N.C. Wilson, N.C. Conway, S.C. Myrtle Beach, S.C. Pawley's Island, S.C.
There are a couple of exceptions to the rule -- we did not eat in Bluemont, but cut down a Christmas tree, so that counts. Also, we drove through Delaware but did not stop. This year also marked the least amount of visits to New Jersey ever. Next year, we will have to do better.
Olga's Diner in Marlton closes for good - Courier-Post, Cherry Hill Olga's, a staple of the NJ 70/73 circle in Marlton, N.J., is closed for good. There were several shutdowns over the past year.
The diner was shut down Oct. 17 because, Stavros said, he owed nearly $17,000 to PSE&G for gas and electric service.
It was the fourth time this year the diner closed because of financial trouble. Olga's closed July 2-4, also because of a PSE&G bill; and July 24-29 because of $37,000 in delinquent state taxes. That closure was extended until Aug. 1 because of yet another PSE&G suspension.
I might have eaten at Olga's two or three times in all the years I passed it on the way to Grandma's and Long Beach Island.
On Sept. 2, Thomas W. McFarland Jr., a dentist out of Wynnewood, Pa. turned himself into the Avalon Police Department and admitted he was responsible for the approximately 260 Accujet needles, 180 cotton swabs and various other waste items that began washing onto the beaches of Avalon on Aug. 23. The waste continued to wash ashore between 9th and 24th streets and caused four closings over a 10-day span.
Should he be found guilty, I hope they lock up this Pennsylvania trash for a good long time, but fines seem more likely. The article notes that McFarland could be fined up to $75,000.
The new light will not be as powerful as the lens that was installed in 1859, Rinaldi pointed out. The original lens, which is on display at the Barnegat Light Museum and Gardens, is about 10 feet by 8 feet with a kerosene lamp at its center.
The soon-to-be-installed lens is about 20 inches high and 20 inches wide, composed of Lucite panels. A rotating turntable behind the panels can accommodate a 10- to 100-watt bulb. The Coast Guard has approved the use of the new light, which is being imported from Vega Industries Limited in New Zealand at a cost of about $15,000, Rinaldi said.
As the turntable rotates, the light strikes a panel that refracts and magnifies the light to create a single beam that can be visible for up to 22 nautical miles.
This is all being done to commemorate the 150 anniversary of the lighthouse, first lit on Jan. 1, 1859. Old Barney is probably one of the most recognizable sights at the Jersey Shore. I have climbed all 217 steps to the observation deck a few times. The first visit, in the 1980s, revealed that about 172 feet below, our car was parked on the helipad. Oops.
Oh be still my heart! A lighthouse post on a Nats blog that was not written by me! Very cool story! (hmm.. may have to look into that NZ light manufacturer...)
# posted by MissChatter :
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 3:29:00 PM
A fishing boat rocked against a dock yesterday at Dr. Thomas W. McFarland's scenic Shore home. But the Wynnewood dentist apparently has been doing more than jigging for flounder.
McFarland turned himself in to Avalon, N.J., police on Tuesday in connection with the dumping of needles, cotton swabs and other medical waste into the waterways, several news organizations reported.
What this Pennsylvanian is alleged to have done gives the whole Shore and state a black eye. If this guy is convicted, I hope he spends a long time behind bars; Rahway would probably be a good spot. Oh and if he had done this the week I was up there, I would have sued him.
More details on the end of Henny's - William World News
Thursday, August 07, 2008
More details on the end of Henny's
I searched for Henny's news, but only found out about this when my dad mentioned that he saw something in the Cape May News Herald:
The vacant lot on the corner of 96th Street and Third Avenue will soon host the highly anticipated resort, as will the current Henny’s Restaurant property on the corner of 97th Street and Third Avenue; this will be its last season open. The resort will gain the Henny’s liquor license once the sale is finalized.
The reconstructed Henny’s property will include a large day spa, cafe, wine bar, and restaurant with 12 bi-level suites in a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building, an environmental standard in creating eco-friendly buildings. Construction will not begin until next winter, Architect Richard Stokes said.
I don't care whether its called pork roll or Taylor ham - William World News
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
I don't care whether its called pork roll or Taylor ham
STONE HARBOR, N.J. -- I am a late adopter when it comes to pork roll, but better late than never, right? This processed meat could probably qualify as N.J.'s state foodstuff, provided you are not including Jersey fresh produce like tomatoes, corn (soooo good), peaches or blueberries (Hammonton boasts being the blueberry capital of the world). Taylor, of Trenton is probably the best known variety although there are a few others.
I like my pork roll grilled with the traditional four cuts to keep it from curling up. I eat them on a hamburger roll, no condiments, but many people have mustard and/or relish or have it on an english muffin with an egg.
# posted by Fritz :
Wednesday, August 06, 2008 12:07:00 PM
You want to call them steamed hams, despite the fact that they clearly are not burgers? Does the dateline indicate it was from upstate N.Y.? Now, if you'll excuse me I'm watching aurora borealis in my kitchen.
# posted by WFY :
Thursday, August 07, 2008 8:31:00 AM
Love pork roll. I also love the Simpsons. Makes me want to watch that episode right now...or when I get home.
By the way, for my dad's birthday, we gave him the book Jersey Diners by Peter Genovese, now of the Star-Ledger who runs the Munchmobile blog. Check out the Munch Map. Anyway, my dad is really enjoying the book. I took at a look at it; Olga's is in there.
PILESGROVE, N.J. -- Ever since I started going back to Avalon/Stone Harbor, I've been passing this cowboy and Cowtown along U.S. 40. I never bothered to look it up until this week. Who would have thought the longest running rodeo was in South Jersey?
You haven't been? Cowtown is an experience (interesting shopping, among other things).
# posted by DCSportsChick :
Monday, August 04, 2008 1:53:00 PM
Longtime locals call it "The Sharptown Mall" & you can get just about anything at the flea market. Luggage, shoes, steaks, sticky buns, produce, purfume, clothing. You name it & it's sure to be found. I grew up going to the market every week & just returned this past weekend for some childhood memories. It hasn't changed, just gotten busier & a little more expensive.
# posted by Anonymous :
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 3:06:00 PM
Post a CommentOverheard: Henny's to be sold, demolished - William World News
Overheard: Henny's to be sold, demolished
STONE HARBOR, N.J. -- I was surprised to hear the rumor that Henny's, now in its 77th summer, may not see a 78th. Apparently, the land is for sale and a potential buyer has been found. The new buyer would knock the venerable Stone Harbor institution down and replace it with a hotel.
When I was a kid Henny's had honey-dipped fried chicken that I thought was out of this world. When I started going back to Avalon/Stone Harbor, I was kind of disappointed they did not have it. Henny's has been Yurasko favorite for most of those 77 years, it will be sad to see it go if this rumor is accurate.
For Shore visitors, the irony is cruel: Go to the beach to escape hyperthermia - and risk hypothermia.
Coastal scientists and weather experts say the icy water and oppressive air are inextricably linked.
"The warmer summers have some of the coldest coastal ocean water," said David A. Robinson, a Rutgers University professor and the state climatologist.
The same persistent winds from the south and southwest that are yanking warm surface water from the South Jersey coast have blanketed the land with thick, tropical air.
The source of the winds is a large area of high pressure over the North Atlantic: the "Bermuda high," so called because it typically is centered near Bermuda. Winds circulate clockwise around high centers, so areas to the west experience south breezes.
"This is a very persistent southerly wind," said Scott Glenn, a Rutgers coastal scientist. South winds were reported in Atlantic City on 26 days in July, according to the National Weather Service.
Cold surf - the result of upwelling, in which chilled water rises to replace warm water at the surface - isn't unusual in South Jersey.
The water was pretty cold during our brief stay in Stone Harbor. Sunday, I did not get in, Monday was frigid, but Tuesday warmed up. Wednesday was foggy and the surf was poor, so I did not even bother.
Hopefully, we'll get a photo like this annually and it will never be this foggy again.
SEA ISLE CITY, N.J. -- I think it was in 2000 when my friend Tom told me about what would become known as the Segway. He was quite proud of the fact he accurately determined that the Dean Kamen's project IT or Ginger was some sort of scooter with gyroscopes, and was talking to a Times reporter about it. Now, many years later, Segways are well-known, and something I see around my office campus and downtown D.C. regularly. Videos of the Capitals on Segways in downtown D.C. were greeted with much enthusiasm. Up until this week, however, I had never been on one.
In June, I opened an email from Jamie Connor of Moving Foward Rentals, a company that offers Segway tours of Sea Isle City. Connor offered me two free rentals in exchange for "an open post on your blog describing your experience (no matter how critical)." Since Sea Isle City is only "two beaches up" from Stone Harbor, I took him up on the offer on Tuesday. Erica joined me, as did my father, who paid his own way (about $40).
Upon our arrival, we watched s safety/how-to video that proved to be quite entertaining. We learned that improper Segway use could be very hazardous to the stick figure on the DVD, or us. Following the video, Kimi, our tour guide, demonstrated how to safely use a Segway and helped all of us "get our wheels." She predicted that two of the riders, both of whom may have the same first name that starts with a "W", would be trouble. After several minutes rolling around the showroom, we were ready to roll out on our tour. Oh and there were release forms to fill out. If you do rent a Segway, you probably don't want to destroy it.
Kimi took us through the bay side of Sea Isle to start. Our tour was initially along mostly empty streets. There were several straightaways that gave us the opportunity to open up the Segways and reach the maximum allowable speed of 12 MPH. Here Kimi's suspicion was confirmed as one rider was forcibly dismounted by a curb. The other troublemaker was disappointed to be too slow to get out the camera, but was pleased there was no serious injury. That rider was also quite pleased to see that the governor switch that restricts the speed to 12 MPH was imperfect and that a top speed of 13.1 MPH was achieved. Actually, that is the top known speed, so it could have been a little faster.
After some time riding along city streets, Kimi directed us to the asphalt promenade that Sea Isle City calls its boardwalk. Here we had the additional challenge of navigating around walkers, cyclists, skateboarders and park benches. Along the way, Kimi chatted with us and the family of four that was part of the tour. She was quite personable.
After the boardwalk ended, we were back on the streets of Sea Isle City. I saw the unmistakable umbrella of a Sabrett hot dog stand and decided to stop and get one. My wife and father also indulged. Steering the Segway with one hand was not too hard, but I certainly kept my speed lower.
The tour continued for a little while longer and wrapped around back to the Moving Forward storefront. In all, we were probably out for about 90 minutes. It was quite enjoyable, we all had a good time. I enjoyed riding a Segway, and hope to have another opportunity. It only took a few minutes to get used to it. After the tour, we were all given Moving Forward t-shirts as well. My dad noted that Moving Forward might want to include a sign out front that indicates a lesson was included in the rental, so that potential customers who have never used a Segway would not be intimidated, which struck me as a good point. Otherwise, we were pleased with Moving Forward; their Segway tour was one of the most memorable parts of our vacation.
Thank you for holding true to your end of the deal, "an open post on your blog describing your experience (no matter how critical)." Moving Forward Rentals is extremely confident in this offer as we know everyone has a great time, every time!
All employees are trained to figure out which person or persons, in every group, are going to be the ones to push the Segway to the limit. These people are to be watched extra carefully and explained to about the "speed limiter". Sounds like the 2 "W's" were pegged correctly, haha.
One problem did occur, customer's Segways are not supposed to be set to show them their speed. This was my error, I know it is tempting to constantly look down and see how fast you can get the machine to go. That is why we change the setting. Just for a point of reference, I got the Segway to do 14.1 before, man that is fun isn't!
Anyway thank you for spending some time with us on Tuesday. Next year we will be offering Daily and Weekly (unguided) rentals to customers that have toured with us 2 times during our first two seasons. That will be a huge hit!!!
Music Tuesday: I'm on Fire (Live) - William World News
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Music Tuesday: I'm on Fire (Live)
I am down the Shore this week, so I thought I would choose something by the favorite, Bruce Springsteen. I realize "Girls in Their Summer Clothes" would probably be more appropriate, but it is not one of my favorites. "Fire" on the other hand is one of his best. The staccato guitar is fantastic, exceeded only by some incredible lyrics like these:
Sometimes its like someone took a knife baby Edgy and dull and cut a six-inch valley Through the middle of my soul
At night I wake up with the sheets soaking wet And a freight train running through the Middle of my head
Hey Brad, your favorite bridge is on schedule - William World News
Monday, July 28, 2008
Hey Brad, your favorite bridge is on schedule
Driscoll Bridge work is on pace for 2009 finish - Star-Ledger Brad will no doubt be thrilled to know that the reconstruction of the Driscoll Bridge complex is on schedule to be completed next May. When it is done, there will be a total of three bridges carrying 15 lanes (with shoulders) of the Garden State Parkway and US 9 traffic across the Raritan River. Heading north, it is a gateway to North Jersey; heading south it is the gateway to the Shore.
Time to take Will down the Shore - William World News
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Time to take Will down the Shore
Will is now 8 weeks old and he has yet to experience the Jersey Shore. The time to correct that is today - we're heading up to Stone Harbor for a few days with the my 'rents. Hopefully, upwelling won't be an issue, the surf will be good, short lines at Springer's (ha!) and the weather will be cooperative.
There are several posts already scheduled for the next few days. We are scheduled to get back to BeltwayLand on Wednesday.
Upwelling continues at the Shore - William World News
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Upwelling continues at the Shore
Here's why toes are turning blue at Shore - The Inky Yikes, upwelling is still a major problem down the Shore. I am less than two weeks from hitting the beach in Stone Harbor and concerned the water won't be warm enough.
I find upwelling, the process by which SW winds move cold water into the surf, jsut about the most annoying thing that can happen when down the Shore. Walking to the waters edge to discover the tempature has dropped to 59° is a huge buzzkill.
To see this annoying process demonstrated visually, visit this page on thecoolroom.org, a Rutgers affiliated Web site.
Dress code annoys LBI surfers - William World News
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Dress code annoys LBI surfers
A Beach Where Discretion Is More Than Just Advised - The Times You know the put the towel around you and change out of the bathing suit trick? That is appparently not appreciated in Long Beach Township
Badges? Badges? We need stinkin' beach badge?! - William World News
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Badges? Badges? We need stinkin' beach badge?!
Life, death . . . and beach badges - APP I just can't get worked up about beach badges. Perhaps that is because I just accept them, not having known another way, but it strikes me as a preferable way to support lifeguards, waste management, etc. than using taxes. Badges are a user fee that only impacts those who choose to use the beach and not regular taxpayers.
After storm, beaches are "not too bad" - APP There is less beach and steeper drops along Long Beach Island, but at least the nor'easter did not come a week earlier:
If the storm had struck during a new moon high tide on May 5, it could have been roughly a once-in-25-years storm instead of the approximately five-year storm it was, according to Miller, Stevens-New Jersey Sea Grant coastal processes specialist.
As usual, Harvey Cedars had a tougher time than the rest of the island.
1. Wildwood 2. Wildwood Crest 3. Ocean City 4. North Wildwood 5. Cape May 6. Asbury Park 7. Avalon 8. Point Pleasant Beach 9. Beach Haven 10. Stone Harbor
Apparently, the criteria included water quality, access, and aesthetics. The survey, conducted online, had 15,000 respondents and is not scientific.
As recently as a few years ago, I would not have even considered the Wildwoods as one of the best beaches because it had a reputation as "a beach town where people don't have tans." I mentioned last year though, the Wildwoods is undergoing a vacation gentrification. It also has a HUGE beach. However, those things being said, I have yet to spend any beach time in the Wildwoods and probably won't because I'd rather be at Stone Harbor, the next beach up.
As for the other rankings, I think Stone Harbor and Avalon were too low and Asbury Park is too high. Avalon and Stone Harbor have the nicest actual beaches on the Shore, if not the coast. The surf is also excellent regardless of tides. Asbury Park has -- um, room I guess. The last time I passed through there, it was still a ghost town and empty beach.
Beach Haven which I am more familiar with than any other place on the list is probably too low as well. I have never even driven through Ocean City or Pt. Pleasant Beach, so I cannot comment on them.
Someday, I want to take a weekend early in the season and drive up the whole Jersey Shore in a convertible with the top down and see all of those towns I have never been to without missing a beach day. I should have pitched the idea to the Ombudsman when he was hanging around South Jersey. D'oh!
I like them for different reasons. Wildwood is clearly the place to go if you want to play volleyball and enjoy a ton of sand. Stone Harbor is nice and simple. Long Beach is a little wilder.
# posted by bdure :
Saturday, May 24, 2008 10:38:00 AM
The poll was taken in February, I believe.
I never thought of LBI as really wild, but I know it isn't hard to find a party. Apparently Belmar is the king of party towns, though I bet Seaside Hts. isn't far behind.
I like Stone Harbor/Avalon and LBI because it is so pedestrian friendly; you can park your car for a week along much of those islands.
# posted by WFY :
Saturday, May 24, 2008 1:01:00 PM
I was vague -- I meant "wild" in the sense that the waves pound the beach. At my age, I have no idea about the party scene. (Not that I had much idea at 23 when I lived on the N.C. coast, either.)
# posted by bdure :
Sunday, May 25, 2008 8:40:00 AM
Ah, very true, high tide pounds on the beach at LBI, but generally every beach is more wild than Stone Harbor/Avalon. The further north you go up the Shore, the more you see of that with some exceptions like Asbury Park.
I have never really gone to the Shore to party -- that sounds like too much effort after a day of bodysurfing. A g&t on the deck/patio/balcony is one of the better things in life anyway :)
Shore sections starting to show up online - William World News
Monday, May 19, 2008
Shore sections starting to show up online
Memorial Day weekend is days away, so the special Jersey Shore sections are starting to show up. NJ.com (which is affiliated with Advance newspapers in Jersey like the Star-Ledger) has their section up, though it may have never been taken down. The new Inkysection is up too, as is the Downashore blog. The Philly Daily Newspackage is here, though I think there will be one here as well.
Nor'easter erodes local beaches - Asbury Park Press Beaches, dunes took a pummeling - Asbury Park Press Storm sends many beaches out to sea - The Press (Atlantic City) Nor'easter damaged Jersey Shore beaches - The Inky That Nor'easter that gave BelwayLand with several inches of rain pummeled parts of the Jersey Shore. Beaches throughout the state, including Ocean City, parts of Long Beach Island and even Avalon (which was said to have an "amazing flood plan" last year) significant parts of their beachfront. Cliffs as high as 12 feet high were left behind in some locations. Memorial Day weekend is only ten days away.
Spud Mountain or Bust: A Jersey Diner Diary - The Post My dad sent me this story about diners in New Jersey. There are over 600 of them, making Jersey the diner capital of the U.S. He also adds commentary:
The Mastoris Diner (mentioned in the article) in Bordentown was owned by the family of a schoolmate at Peddie.
My favorite Jersey diners were Weequaic in Newark (I believe the original diner), Swingles in Hillside on RT 22., and OLGA's at the Marlton Circle.
Swingles by the way designed and constructed diners.
The Amphora in Vienna, Va. is very close to a Jersey Diner and I understand that the Manhattan Diner in Fairfax is very good. We will have to try it.
(By the way, my mouth is actually watering for a piece of coconut cream pie from the Weequaic diner.)
In Jersey, if you wanted a good filling meal at a decent price, you headed for the diner. Back in the day, I did a lot of hitchhiking and diners were a great resource! There goes the watery mouth thing again when I thought of the world's freshest eggs at Swingles. They were brought in from a farm every morning. Hell, they may have still been warm from the chicken!
I do not have a specific favorite, but I've eaten in diners all over Jersey. I remember there was a great Absolute ad with a stainless steel diner shaped like a bottle that said "ABSOLUTE JERSEY."
The United Plates of New Jersey - The Times A look at some places to eat near the Turnpike that offer a Jersey experience more satisfying than Vince Lombardi Service Area. I would not have been surprised if all the places selected were diners (Jersey has got to have more diners per capita than anywhere), but a few other kinds of places are featured.
Super Bowl XLII live-blogging - William World News
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Super Bowl XLII live-blogging
UPDATED 10:33 p.m.
Jimmy Johnson never got over the '87 Fiesta Bowl. Neither did Vinny Testaverde, heh.
Belichick took off his red sweatshirt. He looks devastated. Good.
I expect at least one NY tabloid to have the headline WE WIN on one of their covers tomorrow.
UPDATED 10:28 p.m.
Enjoy this moment Eli, we'll like you for a little while because you saved us from another damn Patriots/Brady Super Bowl win.
The PATRIOTS CHOKED!
UPDATED 10:23 p.m.
"Certainly knew what they were doing, apparently?" Huh.
Who dressed Howie Long tonight?
So, is the Ewing Theory now the Tiki Theory?
Somebody get Terry a cough drop.
I love having a former MVP present the trophy. Good to see Doug Williams.
Um, nice suit commissioner. Manning is MVP. Who'd of thunk it?!
UPDATED 10:06 p.m.
THE GIANTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL! THE GIANTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL! THE GIANTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL! THE GIANTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL! THE GIANTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL! THE GIANTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL! THE GIANTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL! THE GIANTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL! THE GIANTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL! THE GIANTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL! THE GIANTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL!
New York (or NJ) triumphs over Boston (New England), things are right in the world again!
UPDATED 10:05 p.m.
The Patriots are quitting!
UPDATED 10:00 p.m.
DOWN GOES BRADY! JAY ALFORD, COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATIONS PENN STATE REPRESENT! :25 to go. 2nd down
UPDATED 9:57 p.m.
MANNING TO BURRESS FOR SIX! HOLY FECKING SCHNIT!
Giants 17 Patriots 14
Here comes the obligatory Europe!
UPDATED 9:52
WOW. How did that happen? Manning, mobile, David Tyree somehow there?
UPDATED 9:50 p.m.
Oh, that damn Bush song.
They get the first, despite no Pilsbury Throw boy. You owe us Tom Coughlin! UPDATED 9:47 p.m. Play of the ball game, right here, fourth down. Put in LORENZEN!
Ben Rothliesburger singing that damn pina colada song. That might haunt my dreams tonight.
Oh boy, Push It.
Manning, throwing off of his back foot, great.
Great open field, special teams tackle by Ray Ventrone. There, now I've assured that I will get hits for people looking for Ray Ventrone for the rest of eternity.
UPDATED 9:40 p.m.
Brady to Moss, d'oh!
14-10 Patriots
Time for Manning to become a hero.
UPDATED 9:38 p.m.
Hey, Brady, throw it to the guys in white.
Come Giants D, you didn't even have to play for the first ten minutes of the game.
UPDATED 9:33 Uh oh, the Patriots are waking up. The bananas aren't working for the G-men.
UPDATED 9:29 p.m. The Will Ferrell Bud Light ad was great.
If I were Manning, I'd be really mad at Plaxico Burress for letting up after that great scramble. If I were Burress, I would be mad at my parents for giving me a name that sounds like a dental hygiene product. He could put the game away if he catches that throw.
UPDATED 9:21 p.m.
If the Giants can't hang on, we will live in a world where Wes Welker is Super Bowl MVP.
The e-trade baby isn't bad.
I think I could get into the show House. The character seems to be based on the Ombudsman's repressed id.
UDPATED 9:13 p.m.
Agent Zero and G-Whiz!
TOUCHDOWN GIANTS! Somewhere in Maryland, a former R.A. is having a flashback to somebody playing Temco Super Bowl at 2 a.m.
BEGINNING OF THE FOURTH QUARTER
Finally a big play! Shockey in the booth, ha!
Oh boy, Fox is doing the game so we get lots of celebrity shots!
Where the hell was Lucy? Coke blew a great gag!
How nice of Dateline NBC to let Chris Hansen punt today.
Prediction -- next team to score wins.
I think the Chester Pitts (oboe player) ad is the best of the night.
We've got almost two full quarters without a score.
Too humid? In the desert! Open the roof.
UPDATED 8:50 p.m.
Ah, throwing deep into triple coverage, always a good decision. I thought I was watching Anthony Morelli.
Going for it on 4th and 13 at Giants 30 wasn't a horrible call by New England, but they should not have gone so deep.
Shrunken heads are better than Shaq on a horse.
Does anybody still consider Carmen Electra hot?
Brady is all out of sorts. I like it.
The panda ad will anger some people.
HALFTIME SHOW
Erica "Tom Petty isn't getting any younger."
Tough start on "American Girl", by "Freefalling" he was doing okay and he finished strong with "Running Down a Dream"
HALFTIME
I think Terry Bradshaw must have taken a horse tranquilizer.
Good game so far, a few turnovers, some punishing runs and Brady is making mistakes and getting sacked.
I like the ad with Justin Timberlake getting racked.
It is time to retire the Rocky theme.
UPDATED 7:33 p.m.
Did anyone catch who the half-time show performer is today?
Hey Belichek, the guy in the red shirt always dies!
Tom Brady sacked twice in a row!
Several punts in a row, Madison Ave. rejoices.
Manning intercepted -- PUT IN JARED LORENZEN! I want a 290 lbs QB in the game.
UPDATED 7:05 p.m.
Enormus carrier pigeons should be funnier.
Nice kickoff New England.
Wanted looks like a stupid movie.
Patriots score, PAT good. I hope you enjoyed your lead Giants, it might be gone for good.
I can't recall a first quarter of a Super Bowl any game going so quickly. Thanks Giants! Two possessions it turns out.
Doritos singer -- not terrible.
UPDATE 6:46
16 plays, 9:59 time of possession, only 3 points.
UPDATE 6:41 P.M.
The Patriots defense is getting manhandled so far.
Kelvin Gilbride? I wonder if Buddy Ryan just shot the television.
Brandon Jacobs just bulldozed the Patriots for seven. Sweet.
Phoenix has a pretty unimpressive skyline, I think Tysons Corner has a better one.
UPDATED: 6:25 P.M.
How many captains do they need?
Wasn't Steve Young a backup under Walsh?
Is the spin on the coin different because Ronnie Lott is missing a finger?
The roof is closed, boo!
Jordan Sparks was fine.
NFL people reading the Declaration of Independence -- take that limeys!
Minister of Propoganda's Half Time Report. (sponsored by the dignity that comes from not surrendering to crass corporate sponsorships) -------------------------------
A quick moving, low scoring game works well for those of us watching only for the commercials. The Doritos 'big rat' spot made me laugh out loud. The Budweiser ads need new life...no cares about the horsies anymore. The Pepsi-Timberlak ad was funny only because it featured copious amounts of boy-band crotch pain.
TWH MofP of the WWN
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 8:02:00 PM
Minister of Propoganda's Half Time Report. (sponsored by the dignity that comes from not surrendering to crass corporate sponsorships) --Part II -------------------------------
Never send a well-worn folk singer to do a Rock n Roll god's job. At least he won't be joined by Britney Spears...Oh good, no new tunes. Keep the proles from fidgeting too much if they don't recognize the tunes from their local Bennigan's soundtrack.
TWH MofP of the WWN
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 8:09:00 PM
okay, i'm not even sure what the hell that challenge was...but it just doesn't feel...American.
Why do you hate our freedoms, Mr. Bellachik?
TWH MofP of the WWN
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 8:39:00 PM
Regarding the panda ad: I've seen more delicate humor scotch-taped to the inside of job-johnnies on construction sites in the South. (yes, i was there...don't ask).
Coke balloon ad fell flat. It's never been that nice in November in Manhattan. And have we forgotten the deadly Bullwinkle balloon incident?
TWH MofP of the WWN
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:08:00 PM
Was it bullwinkle that almost killed someone? I could have sworn it was Garfield.
# posted by WFY :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:20:00 PM
tonight...the E-Trade baby will haunt my dreams.
Hola! degrading Latino stereotype! Meet my friends, the Asian panda mockeries.
TWH MofP of the WWN
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:23:00 PM
The E-Trade baby eats McRibs in the pit of hades of my nightmares this eve...
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:28:00 PM
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:32:00 PM
dammit. now i wanna be in a bar, drunk and screaming.
oh wait, when don't i?
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:40:00 PM
You've got what, two nights of that left?
# posted by WFY :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:51:00 PM
Tom's Lenten sacrifices this year:
1. No chocolate.
2. No wheat.
3. Only water to drink til Easter Sunday.
TWH MofP of the WWN
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:54:00 PM
So, you'll be mainlining cheez whiz for 40 nights, no?
# posted by WFY :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:56:00 PM
YAAAAAAYYYY!!!!!
but NE has three timeouts left, no?
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:57:00 PM
Indeed
# posted by WFY :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:59:00 PM
i had to leave cheese on the table...too many meatfree days on the liturgical calendar...i can tolerate only so many cheese-less salads.
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 10:01:00 PM
It's doubly sweet.
The Giants get to win. The Pats get to lose. heh.
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 10:11:00 PM
The Belachik post-game was priceless... "but...but...but we cheated and everything! how could we lose?" *ad lib*
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 10:36:00 PMPost a Comment
A quick look at Super Bowl XLII - William World News
A quick look at Super Bowl XLII
QUARTERBACKS
Giants -- Eli Manning -- no personality, pulled draft day stunt
Patriots -- Tom Brady -- 3 rings, dates super-models, baby daddy and full-fledged celebrity
Neither are likable, but Brady ruined 1999 Senior Day
CITY
New York -- capital of the world
Boston -- nice in its own right, but not New York
ACTUAL STADIUM LOCATION
Giants -- East Rutherford, N.J.
Patriots -- Foxoboro/Foxborough, Mass.
Foxborough is probably a nicer place than Easter Rutherford, but I like Jersey more.
UNIFORMS
Giants -- throwbacks, stripes on the whites jerseys, black shoes, classic helmet logo
Patriots -- modern with unnecessary accents; flying Elvis logo, white shoes
Duh.
FIELD SURFACE
Giants -- rug
Patriots -- rug
They both lose.
STADIUM
Giants -- Bland, boring stadium with excellent sightlines from every seat. Jimmy Hoffa may buried in one of the end zones there.
Patriots -- Unique features
It would be a slam-dunk for the Patriots if they hadn't turned into a bunch of babies and torn up the grass.
FAMOUS FAN
Giants -- Carl Brutananadilewski
Patriots -- Bill Simmons
Not even close -- Carl!
The Giants win on almost all of the above points which will probably be the only winning they do today. Not surprisingly, I'm pulling for the G-men, a triumph of Jersey provincialism. I would really like to see them win and restore balance to the Force in the New York vs. Boston rivalry, but I don't expect it. I anticipate the Patriots winning big and running up the score.
Nobody outside of the Northeast cares? - William World News
Monday, January 28, 2008
Nobody outside of the Northeast cares?
I've overheard or read that nobody outside of the Northeast is going to care about this Super Bowl. Riiiight. Like nobody outside of Illinois and Indiana cared about last year's Super Bowl. It is the Super Bowl, people care. Either way, about 40 million people live within the "footprint" of those two teams. That is something like 13% of the entire U.S. population. Throw in expatriates (no pun intended) and there are probably at least 50 million people who live, lived or are only a generation away from living in the Northeast. I expect higher ratings for this year's game.
By the way, memo to the NY Post -- calling the Giants "America's team" is silly, even if it is sort of true for a day.
If I were Bill Belichek, I'd put that tabloid in every player's locker this week.
Wildwood: Vacation-gentrification - William World News
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Wildwood: Vacation-gentrification
At Shore, housing battle looms - The Inky Wildwood, once the armpit of the south Jersey Shore, has gone from a beach town where nobody had tans (because they wouldn't leave the bars) to a hot real estate market. Naturally the popularity has caused problems for the long-suffering indigenous population and is the focus of the article. The first time I drove through Wildwood several years ago, I found the through street depressing, but even that is looking better based on recent drives through.
There are several reasons for Wildwood's resurgence, such as the high costs of Avalon, Stone Harbor and Cape May. The beach is huge too and the boardwalk isn't bad and not even as tacky as Ocean City, Md. I think the recent media attention to doo wop motels has helped too.
Generally speaking, I had to either spend the night or sit down for a meal somewhere for it to qualify.
Alexandria, Va. Annapolis, Md. Arlington, Va. Avalon, NJ Bellefonte, Pa. Daly City, Calif. Eatontown, N.J. Edison, N.J. Hamilton, N.J. Harrisburg, Pa. Lake Harmony, Pa. Lemoyne, Pa. Lewistown, Pa. McLean, Va. Mill Valley, Calif. Morristown, N.J. Mount Vernon, Va. Philadelphia, Pa. Potomac, Md. Princeton, N.J. Reedsville, Pa. San Francisco, Calif. Ship Bottom, N.J. Spray Beach, N.J. Springfield, Pa. State College, Pa. Stone Harbor, N.J. Virginia Beach, Va. Vienna, Va. Washington, D.C.
Northern-most point: Blakeslee, Pa. Southern-most point: Virginia Beach, Va. Western-most point: San Francisco, Calif. (by car, Bedford, Pa.) Eastern-most point: Bay Head, N.J.
I doubt I'll get any further west this year, but I hope to get further north, east and south. Hopefully, New York and Boston can make it back on the list too.
# posted by Brad Stratton :
Sunday, January 06, 2008 3:58:00 PM
It was the closest White Castle between Brick and Edison. We had a memorial service to attend to that day.
# posted by WFY :
Sunday, January 06, 2008 4:35:00 PM
Post a CommentDante Hicks calls out of our friend Tom (NSFW!) - William World News
Friday, November 09, 2007
Dante Hicks calls out of our friend Tom (NSFW!)
THIS VIDEO IS NOT SAFE FOR WORK!
Long story short -- every year, my friends Tom and Wiley head to Jersey for Kevin Smith's Vulgarthon. After day two of the 2006 Vulgarthon, Tom went back to the room to sleep instead of going to the after party. When Wiley met Brian O'Halloran, best known as Dante from Clerks, he mentioned what Tom was doing. O'Halloran was not amused and Wiley got it on video. After over 1½ years, they finally got the video up. I'm looking forward to watching this when I get home.
# posted by Fritz :
Friday, November 09, 2007 12:57:00 PM
That was hilarious! Awesome!
Props to Wiley for being able to hold the camera upright while laughing hysterically.
# posted by TMBC :
Friday, November 09, 2007 1:16:00 PM
Post a CommentNew Jersey aesthetics - William World News
Thursday, October 25, 2007
New Jersey aesthetics
FAR HILLS, N.J. -- My wonderful wife Erica had to sit through a couple of days of me babbling on about how much I like Jersey. After seeing Morristown and Bernadsville, she came around and saw why I was so enthusiastic. One of things I particularly like is this little detail -- granite curbs.
Isn't that nicer than concrete? It lasts forever too.
Jersey Rocks! I've lived here my entire life, except for my time at PSU and while the gov't and taxes suck everything else is cool. Lived in Morristown for 9 years and miss it tremendously. Hunterdon County is also beautiful (I live there now). Next time you're up, take a trip to Lambertville, NJ and walk along the Delaware and across to New Hope, PA.
Cheers! Jen (a faithful reader) PSU '91
# posted by Jen :
Thursday, October 25, 2007 12:58:00 PM
BERNARDSVILLE, N.J. -- Growing up in Northern Virginia, deer were rare sights*, so when we visited my uncle in Bernardsville, we were always excited and not annoyed to see deer. I think it is impossible not to see deer up there.
Earlier this month, we when were in Jersey I took a spin up to where he used to live. Sure enough, we spotted this spike not far from my uncle's old house.
Also, I think Claremont Road out of Bernardsville is probably the most fun two mile stretch of road I have ever driven.
*They aren't rare now, there are/were some deer across the street from our condo in Alexandria.
HAMILTON, N.J. -- Several years ago, an aunt told us about Grounds for Sculpture, a large sculpture garden on the site of the New Jersey State Fairgrounds near Trenton that J. Seward Johnson (who sculpted The Awakening) developed. We had hoped to go there last spring, but buying a house took precedence. Since we knew we would be in Jersey this month, we made plans to finally visit it. [flickr set: Grounds for Sculpture]
Both Erica and I were pleased with the experience. The grounds have over 200 sculptures representing several different media and styles. Of note are several of Johnson's Beyond the Frame series of sculptures interpreted from famous paintings, notably Manet's Luncheon on the Grass (Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe). Other sculptures are less literal and more abstract. There are also peacocks walking around.
I wish we had more time to spend there then we did as the visit could take most of the day, particularly if eating at either of the restaurants on the premises. We didn't do that this time, but we are inclined to go back another time. When we do, I'm also going to make sure that I have enough memory for my camera because I got very low.
Getting to the Grounds is pretty easy and about three hours from Washington. Take I-95 north to I-295 north in Delaware. Follow I-295 north about 70 miles to exit 65B, Sloan Ave. Follow the signs for Grounds for Sculpture or better yet, follow the sculptures along the side of the roads, a nice touch. Admission is $10 for adults.
I doubt anybody calls it Motown - William World News
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
I doubt anybody calls it Motown
MORRISTOWN, N.J. -- On the second day of our Jersey trip, Erica and I left from our hotel in Edison at the southern end of I-287 and proceeded north (and west, then northeast, not in the at order) to my original hometown, Morristown. It had been several years since I had driven through there and since I hadn't turned 2 when we left, I had no memories of it. [flickr set: Morristown, my original hometown]
Like many Jersey towns, a square of green is at the center of Morristown. This one was established nearly 300 years ago. It is a lovely park like setting with mature trees, grass, benches, a fountain and statues of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Marquis de Lafayette. Morristown and the surrounding area were important locations during the Revolutionary War. Perhaps we'll return sometime and check out Washington's Headquarters and Jockey Hollow. A trip to Speedwell would probably be worthwhile too.
Back to the green -- in addition to being a pleasant park, the streets that line it are full of churches, stores and other buildings, many having been there prior to World War II. Essentially, the downtown core is strong and charming. It is no wonder that one side of the green has luxury condos going up. I wouldn't be surprised if they were controversial, but I believe they will be popular. The NJ Transit train station is only a few blocks away from the green, making modern Morristown a new urbanist's dream of SmartGrowth.
While we were in Morristown, we also took a drive into Morris Twp. to see the first house I lived in. It looked good. The drive up Mt. Kemble was fun too, though I cannot imagine it in the snow and ice.
I forgot to swing by the hospital I was born at for a photo though. Next time!
William & Erica go to White Castle - William World News
Monday, October 15, 2007
William & Erica go to White Castle
EATONTOWN, N.J. -- When my brother was getting married this past July, the topic of White Castle hamburgers came up once or twice. It seems one of my uncles was noted for having eaten them by the sack back in the day. There was also some discussion about where the term "sliders." I can't forget reading about deep fried sliders either, although I probably wish I could. We never did find out why they are called sliders, but on Saturday we finally ate at a White Castle.
We stopped at the Eatontown location on Route 35, just south of the Monmouth Mall. We actually missed it on the first pass and had to turn around at the Route 36 circle. No big deal. We pulled in hungry, but not expecting too much. My brother, who had also never been to White Castle, had gone earlier in the day at a different location and advised us of being disappointed. We didn't have high expectations anyway, but were so hungry it really didn't matter.
Despite a short line, we waited a few minutes to order. We wound getting the #3 (with cheese), 10 sliders with two orders of french fries and two drinks. As we sat in the booth waiting for our number to be called, someone in hte next booth over was humming "Dancing in the Dark" which was kind of amusing. After about a ten minute wait that seemed needlessly long, we were ready to dig in.
We had to wait a minute or two to start because those sliders were quite hot. The fries were at a more reasonable temperature and I had a few. The verdict on them -- dry and starchy, not real great. As for the burger, after putting on a whole packet of ketchup and removing the pickles (sacrilege?) I took a big bite.
My reaction -- this is okay. The meat was awfully gray and of quality less than most fast food burger joints. The rolls were just right though and the cheese tasty enough. They weren't good or bad, just kind of bland. Had it not been for all that ketchup, I probably wouldn't have gotten through all five. If I hadn't have gone without protein for the most of the day, I certainly wouldn't have eaten all of them.
In the end, my overall take on White Castle and its sliders is "meh." I won't specifically seek White Castle out, but I won't avoid it either. I guess I have to see Harold & Kumar (IMDB) now.
Just to make sure everyone understands my burger cred, I've eaten the following: McDonalds, Burger King, Carl's Jr, Hardees, Roy Rodgers, Sonic, Red Robin, Five Guys, In & Out, Whattaburger, Jack in the Box, Wendy's, A&W, Checkers, and most of a three pound burger at Denny's Beer Barrel in Clearfield, Pa. So I can honestly say that the White Castle burger was the worst burger I have ever had. Worse even then the burgers served in the Fairfax County Public School system growing up.
# posted by Christopher :
Monday, October 15, 2007 4:28:00 PM
A whirlwind 34.5 hours trip to the Garden State has just ended. We did an awful lot while we were up there, but only saw a few minutes of the Penn State victory during the second half. Hopefully, we successfully programmed the VCR so that we can watch the blowout that we missed.
Horizon Blimp and other aircraft - William World News
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Horizon Blimp and other aircraft
Earlier this month, The Inky's Shore blog, Downashore, linked to an article about the Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield blimp from the Toms River Times.
Included in the Downashore post was a link to the Horizon Blimp's flight schedule. I was disappointed when I saw it because it did not appear I would be seeing it on either of my trips down the Shore this summer. Thankfully, it wound up cruising up and down the coast anyway during my week-long vacation.
It is hard to get a good blimp photo
In addition to this blimp, we saw several other interesting aircraft, several of which were at Atlantic City Airshow on the Wednesday of our vacation.
2 A-10s
What appeared to be a P-51 Mustang doing loops
An old bomber or cargo plane that I cannot identify
Two types of Coast Guard helicopters, including the "Airwolf" type that we see flying around greater D.C. a lot these days.
So close, but really much farther - William World News
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
So close, but really much farther
STONE HARBOR, N.J.-- The "socially sanctioned form of adult play" that is reading The Times is something I don't have time for in my daily life, so getting to do so is one of the highlights of vacation . I know I'm not the only one who feels this way.
I thought I was in luck when I saw a Times box directly across Third Ave. from our condo. Alas, I was not since the box was jammed and the paper couldn't be retrieved. I had to walk all the way to the Wawa at 95th Street, a 26 block roundtrip, to buy a paper because the Times is not that readily available in Stone Harbor like it is at resorts further north.
There was an upside though, Gmaps Pedometer says I walked approximately 1.45 miles every time I got the paper; seven miles I probably wouldn't have walked otherwise over the course of the week.
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