jersey city, baby

Happy New Year Jersey City

2008-01-05T11:25:00.000-08:00

Here is something to dream about in the new year. The folks over at the JCconstruction Blog came up with a fake PATH map that would change a lot of people's lives.

How great would these new subway lines be for the New York Metro Area? It would open up so many new places for city living. Imagine, you could live in West New York and get on the subway to the city. Not really that crazy of a thought, either. And it would do wonders for car congestion and fuel conservation.

Here's to this happening. Some day.

Jersey City Moment of Zen

2007-12-25T14:17:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of Lynda D'Amico, Jersey City resident.

Happy Holidays!!!

Jersey City Outrage

2007-12-13T10:53:00.001-08:00

So, supposedly many people are up in arms about this video game. Basically, you fight as George Bush, against Osama Bin Laden.

I don't get the outrage. Sure, if it was a nondescript Muslim, that would be super offensive. I guess it's 'making light' of the War on Terror, but is it really? They used to have all sorts of WWII toys during and after WWII, and I don't think people got up in arms about it, thinking that it was denigrating the memory of veterans.

It's like that scene in Starship Troopers: "I'm doing my part!" It's part of the propaganda machine. We are supposed to believe Bush is the big white hero (in this case, with Angel's wings!), and that he's all concerned with catching Bin Laden, despite the fact that this does not really reflect reality.

Since when were video games about reality? This is the sort of thing that should be funny, in my mind. Like the fact that the original price was $39.99, and it was being sold for $39 off at the 99 cent store.

See? It IS okay to laugh. You are not denigrating the memory of those that died. This is just a shmaltzy little stupid toy.

Breathe. Remember to Breathe.

New Jersey City Blog Alert

2007-12-04T09:38:00.000-08:00

Looks like there's a new blog on the block.

Jersey City Construction has pictures and analysis of new construction projects in downtown Jersey City.

Seems to know his stuff, not that I have any idea what I'm looking at when I see the cranes. Wonder if he'll talk about the construction going on at Grove and York, right around the corner from me. That church became a hole overnight!

Jersey City Simpsons

2007-11-29T12:57:00.000-08:00

Looks like some Jersey City residents inspired Bart Simpson's prank calls to Moe's Tavern!

It says here that the original prank phone calls went into the Tube Bar in Jersey City.

"Pancho please."

"Pancho who?"

"Pancho Mouf"

"Hey, is there a Pancho Mouf here? Hey! I wanna Punchyourmouth!"

Classic. Something to be proud of.

Jersey City Moment of Zen

2007-11-26T21:22:00.001-08:00

Our outdoor ice skating rink is opening soon, and boy doesn't it look just like Rockefeller Center.

Jersey City: Harboring Terrorists

2007-11-04T07:01:00.000-08:00

Raid the city! Round everyone up! Check their papers! Our nation is at peril!

It seems a Pakistani with ties to a militant Sunni group was taking pictures of bridges the other day, and he worked in Jersey City. And the first WTC bombers lived here too. So the sky must be falling, and this is where it's all being planned.

Look, I'm not saying it's not scary stuff and we shouldn't be doing what we can within the laws of a decent society. But we cannot become a fascist state because of fear, and we must remember that the vast majority of the Pakistanis in Jersey City are peace-loving, God-fearing and important and active participants in our community.

Don't believe the hype, that all believers in Islam believe in violence (like these people clearly believe), or that Jersey City is some sort of terrorist hotbed.

Jersey City Moment of Zen

2007-10-31T11:01:00.001-07:00

Photo courtesy Wally G on Flickr.com

Ah, the good old days, when politicians used to steal and cheat openly, and the factories polluted the grounds and waters around Jersey City. You can still smell the good old days when you stand in the right place at the right time...

Jersey City Fear and Robbery

2007-10-18T07:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a map of the burglaries in Jersey City.

The Jersey Ledger points out that downtown is the nexus of the most burglaries, and seems to concentrate on that as a problem.

But I see something different: the cops are doing a great job protecting all the rich white people in the historic downtown district. Take a look - the burglaries are not where the money is.

They are basically letting the poor steal from the poor, it seems. Maybe I'm too cynical, but wouldn't you think there'd be more burglaries where there's more money, unless they have a concerted effort to protect said money.

Am I wrong?

Jersey City Fire

2007-10-11T13:33:00.000-07:00

So, yeah, a building that was being built on Hudson Street went up in flames. So what.

The real news is, what the hell is this Myspace news thing??

Here Come the Tolls

2007-10-04T06:31:00.000-07:00

Governor Corzine doesn't like paying taxes, or tolls, but he doesn't like bridges collapsing, either. So more tolls and taxes are on the way.

I'm split on this one, just like he is. I drive over those bridges every day, which means I'll have to pay the higher tolls every day, too...

While the governor declined to say how the $13.58 billion in repairs would be paid for, Mr. Kolluri concluded that a 45 percent toll increase would be one option. But in a letter to the governor, he said a toll increase would cover only bridges on the New Jersey Turnpike, leaving it unclear how the repair of the state’s other bridges would be financed.

Jersey City T-Shirt

2007-10-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

Classic. I want one of these T-Shirts.

Will it be the new, hip fashion statement this fall for among Jersey City's denizens?

It is a t-shirt that reads, "GET DRUNK. GET NAKED. GET ARRESTED. GET ELECTED - JERSEY CITY, N.J."

The shirt, which is apparently directed at Mayor Jerramiah Healy, was distributed near the city's housing projects last week. Sources claimed the shirt was the work of a local political consultant on behalf of a mayoral hopeful.

Jersey City Moment of Zen

2007-09-18T09:17:00.001-07:00

Courtesy ITP'd

Jersey City Cocaine

2007-09-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

Apparently, much of the cocaine in our city was available at a barbershop near you.

I knew it was always too crowded there for them to be only selling $10 haircuts...

Jersey City and Hoboken Reunited At Last

2007-09-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

Looks like a pedestrian bridge, called the Long Slip pedestrian bridge, will unite Hoboken and Newport, which I have to think is good news. It seems so ridiculous to have to take two path trains to get to Hoboken, or get in the car just to cross the Holland Tunnel entry.

Then again, just remember to look east. Not sure that the view to the West will be killer.

Jersey City Fridays

2007-09-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

Lots of free events everywhere, looks like fun.

I'll be drinking free beer at the Museum:

Visual ArtsMusic 5pm-8pm JERSEY CITY MUSEUM presents “Sneak Peak: Duda Penteado.” Celebrate the near completion of local artist Duda Penteado's first exhibition at Jersey City Museum. Beauty for Ashes will be drawn directly on the gallery walls. This reception will provide the opportunity to preview the installation before the official opening. Music by sngl07rn. Sponsored by Newcastle Brown Ale and Kronenberg. 350 Montgomery St, 201-413-0303. Barrier-free Map

Jersey City Potholes

2007-09-06T06:30:00.000-07:00

Looks like the city finally did something useful!

They launched an interactive website that allows you to report potholes, and then track the work being done. For once, I have nothing negative to say. I'll see how well it works, as I can think of about 40 potholes on Columbus Ave that need work.

But well, done Jersey City government! Key quotes below.

Located at www.cityofjerseycity.com, the site's most popular feature is destined to be the "Online Help Center," where citizens can request services ranging from fixing a broken traffic light to removing an illegally parked car.

Citizens will be given a tracking number and receive an email once the job is done, city officials said.

Department and division heads in the city have assigned a time limit for getting each job accomplished, said Assistant Business Administrator John Mercer. Getting a pothole filled, for example, is to take no longer than 72 hours, he said.

If it takes longer, the complaint is "red-flagged" and taken to the city's "Citistat" team to determine what's causing the delay, said Carl Czaplicki, the mayor's chief of staff.

Jersey City Moment of Zen

2007-08-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Frank H Jump.

Jersey City Gangs

2007-08-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

So the Jersey City news world is abuzz: Assemblyman Lou Manzo wants to call in the National Guard to clean up gangs. Here are some opinions of mine on the issue.

Opinion #1: I agree that this is an attention grab from a politician that must clean out his offices soon. The National Guard in Jersey hasn't happened for this sort of issue since the Newark race riots, right?

Opinion #2: He lists Jersey City as a place that needs this. Isn't that crazy talk? I drive through many parts of JC on my way to work in Teaneck, and my mechanic is in over on JFK on the way down to Bayonne. I'm not so sheltered that I don't know that some neighborhoods are.. not so great. However, I have not seen or read about a neighborhood that needs National Guard help.

Opinion #3: Even for Newark, isn't this a bad idea? You want National Guardsman to try and rid the city of gangs? I doubt their training includes how to deal with gangs, although I will admit that their training has probably changed in leaps and bounds since the days of Kent State. But does this list make sense: Iraq, New Orleans... Newark?

I don't have the answers about Newark's growing problem with violence. However, I'm pretty sure THIS is not it.

Miss a Minute

2007-08-28T13:02:00.001-07:00

So I leave for a week (bachelor party/seeing SF friends again), and it turns out I missed a huge crisis in the ethical treatment of animals.

Ah, all's well that ends well. Too bad the police couldn't come and arrest these Michael-Vicks-in-waiting.

Finally, Jersey City's Path in the 21st Century

2007-08-16T19:40:00.001-07:00

I always wondered why New York, with all it's cash, couldn't tell me how long until the next train was coming. London does it on every track.

Not surprisingly, the L train led the charge with this one.

But here comes NBC to the rescue! TVs in PATH trains and on the platforms. TVs that will tell us things! TVs that will let us know if trains are coming. TVs that will let us know about delays! TVs that will also try to sell us stuff in between, I'm sure.

Come to think of it, how useful is it to know when the train is coming? It's not like I can take another line....

Jersey City Needs More Fulophimself

2007-08-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

What, me worry? Steve Fulop for president, in a stunning reversal.

Must have something to do with his new site.

Jersey City? That's Hoboken!

2007-08-14T09:01:00.000-07:00

There's no need to stir up Homeland Security concerns in Jersey City, we have our own history with that.

But it seems that someone got into an accident in HOBOKEN, not JC, with a box with radioactive markers on it and ran from the scene. After sensors showed a higher-than-normal level of radioactivity, HAZMAT people got on board.

And then someone shouted at the reporter 'tell them NO radioactivity,' which seems like a less-than-subtle attempt at censorship.

More on the way? Seems the wagons have been circled and this was just a thief that stole a geiger counter.

Likely story.

58 Gallery Opening on Friday in Jersey City

2007-08-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

Going to this, details below, but also discovered a blog.

I'd say it was new, but it looks like it's only new to me!

Definitely useful for events in Jersey City: rockitdocket.blogspot.com

> 58 GALLERY and Trust Your Struggle Collective proudly presents
>
> Of Love & Riots
>
> Friday August 10th - Sunday September 9th 2007
>
> Opening celebration - Friday August 10th
> 58 GALLERY
> 58 Coles Street Jersey City
>
> Art installations by Trust Your Struggle Collective BORISH CECE ERIN
> 'CHARM' YOSHIOKA MIGUEL 'BOUNCE' PEREZ ROBERT TRUJILLO SHAUN TURNER
> SCOTT LA ROCKWELL
>
> with music from
> DJ JONNY PAYCHECK
> DJ KING TRES
>
> Closing reception Saturday September 8
>
> For more info please visit: http://www.blogger.com/www.fifty8.com http://www.blogger.com/www.trustyourstruggle.com
> www.myspace.com/trustyourstruggle

ROFL - Jersey City Has City Song

2007-08-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of the Journal, here are the lyrics to Jersey City's official song.

Enjoy!

Let's all sing 'Jersey City, N.J.'

These are the lyrics of Jersey City's official song, adopted by the City Commissioners in 1947, in case there's the urge to croon:

"I've been around'/And I'm nobody's fool.
I know where folks/Obey the golden rule.
I tell you, friends, It's something nice to see/ And talk about their hospitality.
When you're walking down the street/Everybody that you meet/Greets you with a smile so gay.
It's a friendliest place/'There's a smile on each face/ In Jersey City, N.J.
It will warm your heart to hear/Little friendly words of cheer; Howdy neighbor, happy day.
Hearts are always so light/Skies are always so bright/ In Jersey City, N.J.
And if you're lonely by chance/Whether it be March or June/You're sure of finding romance/Underneath the Jersey moon.
So when you are feeling blue/And you don't know what to do/Take a trip down Jersey Way.
And in just a short while/You'll be wearing a smile/In Jersey City, N.J."

Breaking Bridge News

2007-08-05T07:30:00.001-07:00

This just in:

New Jersey's roads and bridges need billions of dollars of work.

Amazing. Expect allready-high taxes to jump, and tolls as well.

Jersey City's Pulaski Skyway Unsafe?

2007-08-03T07:05:00.001-07:00

I'm no chicken little, but this is a little disturbing.

The Pulaski Skyway, which was built in the same style as the Minnesota bridge, was also deemed 'structurally deficient' the last time it was inspected.

And we all know how well that turned out for the Minnesota bridge.

I'm not joking about this. I don't want to jump on the bandwagon that's banging down Corzine's door to get him to redo the Skyway, but it is concerning.

I drive on that thing. I don't like to drive on things that are 'structurally deficient!'

Fulopyourself

2007-07-31T08:01:00.001-07:00

So Fulop promised Hillary Jersey City here, and I love the first post on the article. He officially has a great nick-name now.

Waaa...?

2007-07-26T07:49:00.000-07:00

Suffice it to say, Jersey City Councilman Steven Fulop does NOT have my vote for Congress.

Taxing Art in Jersey City

2007-07-25T08:08:00.000-07:00

(This is what I got when I searched Google Images for "Steve Fulop." Looking like the king of clubs!)

Read the master, Tris McCall, and his take on the meeting last night with Councilman Fulop.

It seems that this confusing ordinance affects anyone that runs afoul of law enforcement, and, as we know - those guys are always right!

Read as he reports about Fulop talking about 'night-club elements' and the horror of hearing 7 decibels' worth of sound outside a venue. The horror!

And the upshot is, the night life we are trying to foster here takes another body blow from the boring suits of the world.

Complain to Steven Fulop | Jersey City Ward "E" Councilman
280 Grove Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Phone: (201) 547-5315
Email: info@stevenfulop.com

Hillary Clinton Comes toJersey City

2007-07-24T07:03:00.000-07:00

Hillary Clinton comes to Jersey City next week!

Who: Senator Hillary Clinton

When: Monday, July 30th at 5PM

Where: Newport Town Square (located in front of
South City Grill in Newport)

I met the Clintons and knew Chelsea while at school with her, as I lived in her freshman dorm. She was a great person surrounded by not great women in my estimation.

My thoughts on her mother are that she is strong, ambitious, calculating, and professional.

Many want to skew these as negatives, but they would describe almost every single politician. I find it duplicitous to somehow make these traits an issue in her case because she is a woman.

Yes, she is probably the establishment candidate. And yes, voting for the lesser of two evils is terrible.

But kids, Kucinich ain't winning. I'm sorry, he's just not going to, as much as I like him. Obama or Clinton: I almost don't care. All I want is a candidate that will win, and undo some of BushCo's terrible deeds.

So, come listen to her speak and try to have an open mind. I doubt you'll hear much that will turn you off. She's very intelligent, and wants to reform Health care and get us out if Iraq. Those two things alone make her a good candidate in my mind.

Jersey City Needs a Night Life

2007-07-20T06:11:00.000-07:00

If Jersey City wants to be a city and not a suburb of New York City, it needs its own night life. As chaotic and loud as that may be sometimes, it's a need. It will put money in our business' pocketbooks if we have concerts and bars in this city. There is no way to deny the positive impact that cultural activities have on a burgeoning community.

Steven Fulop is attacking our ability to host cultural events. Tris McCall is doing a good job reporting on this, so check out what he's got on the issue.

Unfortunately, this ordinance has been passed. That does not mean that we cannot express our dissatisfaction with all of those involved, and let them know that we will not be voting for them in the future, and we do not appreciate their back-woods provincial attitudes in our cosmopolitan vision for Jersey City.

Here is information that will allow you to contact Steve Fulop and let him know he is making a grave mistake, trying to turn Jersey City into a suburb.

Hey Boys and Girls, we have an opportunity to meet with Steve Fulop on Tuesday night.

City Hall on Tuesday, July 24th at 7pm, he will be answering questions about the new Entertainment and Dance Licenses Ordinance.

Also, here's Fulop's office information for sending a letter or giving a phone call, both of which I will be doing.

Steven Fulop | Jersey City Ward "E" Councilman
280 Grove Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Phone: (201) 547-5315
Email: info@stevenfulop.com

Jersey City Needs New Streets

2007-07-19T07:17:00.000-07:00

I can't think of a more blatant way to prove that OUR potholes are the BIGGEST.

State Senate Majority Leader Bernard Kenny fractured his face, leg and pelvis by stepping into a pothole while running this morning. While I certainly hope for a speedy recovery for the 60 year old state senator, I also cannot help but be angry about the state of our roads.

Can we get someone to fix these damn things? Maybe the good senator will do something about it once he recovers from his injuries...

And I don't mean this sort of "handy" form. I mean pave freaking Columbus Avenue for chrissakes. And Newark, too.

Jersey City Warrior Goes Down

2007-07-17T07:04:00.000-07:00

Arturo Gatti has hit the deck one last time. Looks like he did it in style.

And, as this article says, it's too bad he had to do it against a no-name 'B' level fighter, but sometimes it takes that kind of loss to really let someone know that it's time to go.

I like boxing despite myself. I went to the Barrow Street Bar to watch the DeLaHoya-Mayweather fight, and the atmosphere was awesome. Everyone was into the fight, and it was a great one, with Mayweather being the tactician and De La Hoya trying to land combos furiously staving off the end of HIS career.

But when it comes to the end of a boxer's career, you really see the ugly side of this sport. Even broken-down offensive linemen from football fare better after their sport then old heavyweights. Ali is only the most visible, but there are plenty of crazy, bad-kneed, early-demented former heavyweights out there.

I am, however, libertarian-leaning. There's no way I'd stop the sport just because it's bad for the participants. These people know what they are doing, and they chose to get into it.

(I'll do my best to keep any of my children from ever playing this sport, though, I'll tell you that.)

Jersey City Moment of Crap

2007-07-16T07:19:00.000-07:00

Wow, I missed this one. Steve Fulop wants to turn Jersey City into a quiet little suburb, and has given the Cops the ability to shut down most fun things after 11 on weekdays and MIDNIGHT ON WEEKENDS!!!!

That fucker. I'd like to write a letter or two.

Melissa Surach and Tris McCall are looking out, but I think it's time we organized something.

Jersey City Moment of Zen

2007-07-16T07:08:00.001-07:00

In honor of my first full weekend trip to the shore, I give you a Jersey City moment of Zen.

The Old Jersey City Resevoir, by Patrick Marella.

I Hate the Dodgers

2007-07-11T19:10:00.000-07:00

Before the Dodgers spurned Brooklyn for LA, and became the hated LA Dodgers, they flirted with Jersey City!

How strange would that have been for me, to move from lovely San Francisco toting my black and orange, and come to the heart of Jersey City Dodger land?

Man, I'm glad this didn't happen.

58 Gallery Opening Thursday in Jersey City

2007-07-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

Kayt Hester-Lent has an opening at the 58 Gallery on 58 Coles on Thursday night. Openings there are always fun, and Hester-Lent's art is great.

You may remember her from the front door of the Jersey City Museum, as they featured her unique brand of electrical-tape art recently.

Jersey City is the new Gayborhood

2007-07-09T20:35:00.000-07:00

I have it from a good source. Jersey City is the new Gayborhood.

(And I have a new favorite word)

Liberty Science Center Re-Opening

2007-07-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

Had a chance to go to the Liberty Science Center gala, celebrating the impeding re-opening July 19th.

The place looks new and improved, and it was nice to see Christine Todd Whitman out and about, as well as many former governors and Jersey luminaries.

I look forward to seeing the new digs when they re-open. They hadn't finished the exhibits, so we didn't get to look around.

Free Concerts in Jersey City

2007-07-08T14:25:00.000-07:00

Who knows who is playing, but it's free! Free concerts three times a week in the JC.

Sundays at 5pm, Tuesdays at 7pm in Liberty State Park.

Thursdays from 12 to 2, Jazz for Lunch in front of the Goldman Sachs building.

Can't seem to find any listings for either event, though...

Another Day Another Building in Jersey City

2007-07-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

It's Jersey City, baby! And another building with Manhattan-style amenities is coming to Paulus Hook.

The difference? Wall-to-wall glass!!!! oooooh!

Also, a note about a threat to the Goldman Sachs company and their building. A letter included the words "We are inside."

Chilling. You probably couldn't pay me enough to work there right now. But then again, you probably couldn't pay me enough to take that job period, wherever they undergo that 60 hours-per-week torture they call 'work.'

Jersey City's McNair School May Have to Change Its Ways

2007-07-03T09:20:00.001-07:00

The most recent decision by the Supreme Court striking down buss-ing and affirmative action-type desegregation techniques by Public Schools is a very complex topic.

It seems that McNair High School in Jersey City (#27 in the nation according to Newsweek), who turns away 5 out 6 applicants, and strives to have a student body made up of a 25% Black / 25% Asian / 25% Hispanic ratio, will have to change its ways.

It might help me even clear up my thoughts on this subject if I try to simplify it.

1) Diversity is great.
The world is a diverse place, and our schools should reflect that diversity so that children can grow up interacting with people of all races. This is a part of the process of educating that should not be ignored.

2) America should be a meritocracy.
One of the founding ideals of this country is that if you try hard, and put your nose to the grindstone, you can pull yourself up by your bootstraps. Cliches aside, we like to believe that qualified people get ahead.

Of course, the question is if #2 is really true. If it is true, then #1 should happen as a by product of all the racially diverse people that work hard.

But is #2 true anymore? I went to a prepschool, and thank god they were allowed to invite people to their school based on racial and ethnic backgrounds. We had a wonderfully diverse campus with incredibly intelligent people of all race.

However, I also saw the bad side. There were plenty of dunces that were there because of legacy. When going to the next level, plenty of undeserving cats made it to great schools because of their family's recent contributions to the endowments, or grandpa's summa cum laude degree.

Personally, I think our president is in place because of nepotism, and that's the highest reach of power. Really, what merit lies in his political history? What state/organization has he run so well that people would say, "Huh, that guy should be president." That seems to be a question that lies outside of the current partisan political debate, but I understand my leftist leanings probably blind me to the incredible job he did in Texas. How he revamped their schools and all. Sure.

Anyway, things will have to change. And somehow, I'd rather be focusing on #1, and letting the #2 flow from that. Because I'm cynical, and don't believe we currently live in an entirely efficient meritocracy. Am I crazy?

Diversity Educates

Now Jersey City Cop Dogs are in Trouble

2007-06-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

Cops in the news again. Seems they don't train bomb-sniffing dogs how to deal with other dogs.

A bomb-sniffing dog named Rommel killed this chihuahua. Sad story.

This Guy is Funny

2007-06-26T19:11:00.001-07:00

At least, I think so.

Jersey City Mayor Update

2007-06-23T07:31:00.000-07:00

Resisting arrest and obstructing justice were the chargers, $800 in fines, and it made the New York Times.

I think this is bullshit really. He was at his sister's bar celebrating his niece's graduation from Police Academy. He tried to intervene and help someone that was being arrested.

Those sound like facts to me. Given those facts, I would expect the cops to give him a little leeway in discussing the person they were arresting.

And who in their right mind would NOT resist arrest? That is the worst charge in our legal system. It's like, well, we couldn't think of anything else, so let's get him on resisting a potential life-altering negative event. Because everyone should just go quietly...

Jersey City Mayor Guilty

2007-06-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

Heard on the radio that Mayor Healy was found guilty and fined, couldn't hear exactly which count... Sorry for the shoddy reporting, just touching down from Japan, and not coherent.

Healy promises an appeal. I promise to go to bed very soon.

Here's what I got, searching for "drunk healy:"

Jersey City Have You No Shame

2007-06-20T01:44:00.000-07:00

Giving props to a fellow blogger here, who perfectly outlines the process through which many Jersey-City-ans decide how to answer that fateful question:

Where do you live?

I love his three-part 'judgement:'

a) Do they really care?
b) Have they ever been to the NYC area?
c) Will they ever visit?

But then he goes somewhere entirely new. He shows us the new number one requested movie on Netflix.com for our lovely city:

Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds??????

My god, people, it's a sequel! It was that or Mr and Mrs Smith? I just puked a little in my mouth. 3.3 stars out of 5!!!

Looks like a winner, Jersey City!

Jersey City Mayor Rocks Out

2007-06-18T00:34:00.000-07:00

Man, our mayor sure can party! Now, he's defending himself against the charges he incurred while partying recently.

But I love the note about his infamous drunk nude picture. He claims that someone lured him outside by banging a trash can, and that he wasn't nude. Well, the picture should handle this discussion, right.

Of course, here's what happened when I searched for 'healy naked.'

Viking Update

2007-06-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

The non-Viking Reed Boat people have a website and are showing their boat this month in preparation for their non-Viking Atlantic crossing in July.

Rejoice.

Nice Guns, Jersey City!

2007-06-12T08:05:00.000-07:00

I like Gun Control, Cole Gerst, and the Shins. Well, 2 out of 3 ain't bad.

Joan Quiqley, Jersey City Democrat Assemblywoman, spearheaded legislature that will limit New Jersey-ans to buying one gun a month.

I've been on some blogs that kill Jersey for limiting guns so much, but come on. Who needs more than one gun a month?

Can't you plan ahead if you are going on a hunting trip with multiple people? Otherwise, someone buying multiple guns at once is probably not up to any good.

"Technology is the Fourth Utility"

2007-06-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

Check out the new control panel for the Liberty Harbor condos.

You can raise and lower blinds, move movies from one tv to another, change micro-climates within rooms, let people into your house and monitor them, check the line at a restaurant down the block, see if a washing machine is open, get a text message when your child arrives at home, and all of this remotely.

Let's just hope Hal doesn't take over the house when your gone and raise and lower your children, change the microclimates repeatedly, and wash your couch!

This Particular Mural Sure Looks Better

2007-06-08T14:21:00.000-07:00

When you focus in on it like this.

Blog Shoutout

2007-06-08T13:47:00.000-07:00

Tris McCall does a great job excoriating the current state of political affairs here.

I'll have to live here a little longer to be able to give analysis like that, so I'll leave it to Tris for now. Hell, I can't even vote yet, being the alien I am.

Wow

2007-06-05T18:57:00.000-07:00

So we went shopping at the A&P Fresh between Hoboken and JC (behind the Target), and THAT is how I like to shop. No hordes of angry shoppers, no cleanup on aisle seven, no stinky fish section, no LOOOOOONG lines!!!

They renovated it, and I hate to sound like a commercial, but it was nice.

The JCPD Can't Win for Losing

2007-06-03T14:44:00.000-07:00

So they have good numbers to report, crimes down 39%...

Except they got it wrong and forgot to add April's crimes in.

Jeez, they just had to push it.

Viking Update

2007-05-29T17:27:00.000-07:00

Remember the vikings?

So this is NOT a viking ship, it's made of eucalyptus and reeds.

It will be helmed by a German former middle-school teacher. He believes that indigenous peoples made it to America on these things. He's going to prove it by piloting the thing across the Atlantic.

Key Quotes:

Gorlitz maintains that the discovery of traces of tobacco and cocaine in the tomb containing the mummy of the pharaoh Ramses II in Egypt is evidence that there was trade between the Old World and New World.

"There's this 99.9 percent certainty that it didn't happen because we don't have evidence that it happened," said Kenneth L. Feder, an anthropology professor at Central Connecticut State University and author of "Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries: Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology."

Gorlitz is looking for more volunteers to sail with him in July and is trying to raise about $538,000 (€399,911) for the trip. He does not have a sailing license, but nevertheless plans to steer the vessel himself.
"It's like kung fu....The less you know, the better," Gorlitz said.

The construction engineer for the craft who will make the journey does not know how to swim. That's why the engineer decided to double the thickness of the ship's hull.
Gorlitz was not happy about the development. And according to Feder, the mixture of materials and various historical periods of time mean that the resulting trip will have little scientific value.

Yeah, so that was much of the article. But they're classic quotes!

Independent Movie Making in Jersey City

2007-05-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

Well done. Apparently "Double Parked" has recognizable scenes of JC in it. I'll be renting it, and the reviews look good...

I'd love to hear from people trying to make movies in the JC! It's about time for another writing project for me...

Parrot Weirdness

2007-05-24T20:33:00.000-07:00

So have any of y'all been to the key guy on Grove street? Have you seen his parrots?

Those guys are NOT in good shape. I'm not one to point fingers at people, because, hey, it's a free country, and people can keep their pets in the condition they want. (Maybe he's taking care of some sick parrots and should be commended, even!)

But some part of me wonders: Are they sick because they are inhaling metal dust all day? Seriously, they have like three feathers left! It's very strange...

This is NOT a picture of one of his sick parrots. Maybe, someday, I'll sneak a picture somehow.

This Has NOTHING to do with Jersey City

2007-05-21T20:29:00.001-07:00

But it's funny as hell.

This cop thought he overdosed on marijuana. Silly cop. Silly 911 call.

Ah, JC in the News for All the Right Reasons

2007-05-21T14:48:00.000-07:00

It seems that Jane Congema was beaten by about three teenagers while five more rooted them on.

All this for $2.50. Sounds like Clockwork Orange!

Listen, Jersey City's a big place, and crap like this happens in big cities. It sucks, but at least the cops are doing something about it, right?

Err, maybe? Check out this quote from the Jersey Journal article about it:

"Tell Comey this was a 'wolf pack' - they were out for blood and they got mine," Congema said, referring to a previous story in which Comey took The Jersey Journal to task for labeling as a "wolf pack" a group of feuding teens.

Comey didn't quibble about the term yesterday. "We have combated these groups in the past and continue to do so now," Comey said.

Come on, Thomas J. Comey "Chief of Police!" You can do better than that.

Cops Inspecting Random Bags Now

2007-05-17T07:27:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you've seen this useless new gesture in your local path station. Cops pick out a random person or two to delay with a stupid bag search while thousands walk by.

This blog makes the point the money should have been used on improvements to the system, or maybe, JUST MAYBE, we could have regular all-night all-weekend service from Jersey City to 14th street.

No, instead we want to see those bags!!

This Building Not Long for This Earth

2007-05-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

30 Montgomery Street has been sold (for $106 mill) and will be demolished, it seems!

Coming soon? Apparently, "a spectacular, mixed-use complex similar to the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle in Manhattan."

Well, that would be nice, especially if it comes with the WHOLE FOODS part!!!!

Vikings???

2007-05-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

New York's Sixth Borough blogs about a planned Viking mission, launching from legendary Paulus Hook.

Huh???

Tax Abatement Bill Passed in State Assembly

2007-05-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

Despite Healy's objections, the state assembly passed a bill limiting abatements to 10 years. 20 years has been the norm here.

Despite living in a condo that has lower taxes because of an abatement, I support this measure. When the big developers pay their 'payments in lieu of taxes,' a common abatement measure, the city does not have to share the money with local schools.

And we wonder why our local public schools are so poor.

Deadly Beetle Discovered in Jersey City in 2002

2007-05-14T11:26:00.000-07:00

And now we are battling this deadly Asian beetle all over New Jersey, taking down infected trees and replacing them with un-appetizing Crabapple trees. Once again we prove that all good things start in Jersey City.

It's WAR!!! Draw up your battle plans!!!

This is NOT the beetle we are battling. However, it's pretty cool.

Barack UPDATE

2007-05-13T08:16:00.000-07:00

Wow, I was right! Healy will endorse democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, along with Newark Mayor Cory Booker, at his fundraiser Monday night at the Liberty House Restaurant.

You can go, if you have $2,300 to blow on dinner.

Qien es mas guapo, Obama or Booker?

Gerald McCann UPDATE

2007-05-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

So it looks like Gerry McCann (Holy 80's Mustache!) is being called to task for getting 200+ votes from assisted-living homes around the city. He beat Jenny Garcia by 21 votes.

Now Garcia is suing him. Right on!

Of course, it's kind of sleazy that Jerramiah Healy's aide is helping her, but c'est la vie.

Ashy Larry UPDATE

2007-05-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

So it WAS the gun-store owner that fired shots at Ashy Larry after the comedian's show at Jordan's Lounge recently.

So THIS is what we sell guns for: so that we can shoot at people that double-park in front of our cars. That seems reasonable.

Yeah, yeah, there were fisticuffs involved. He must have really feared for his life, while fighting with a member of Ashy Larry's entourage. (He does look pretty scary in that picture.) Glad he could fire his .357 MAGNUM at the comediand!!!

Guns are fun, I'll admit it. Maybe I'm un-American enough to suggest we shouldn't ALL have access to them. And it might be nice to shut down that store.

How About More than 1.5 Good Music Venues in Jersey City?

2007-05-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

Is that too much to ask?

The Lamp Post (where the bartenders are HOT and the beer is COLD!) gets written up as JC's almost-sole music venue (Iron Monkey, 58 Gallery get mentions).

Yeah, the Lamp Post is cool, but we need a little more. It's not good that I can count the number of bars I'm willing to go to in my borough on one hand.

And I still think there's room for more edgier bar/venues, in case anybody with money is listening. You'll get my dollars if you build it!!!
Having Galapagos-envy...

Barack Obama is Coming to Jersey City

2007-05-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

All I know is that it clearly states on his agenda that he will be in glorious Jersey City, New Jersey. Unfortunately, I think it's a private event.

And the rumor is that he'll get the highly sought-after endorsement of Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy. Highly sought after because Hillary is cleaning up in Jersey right now, and any politician that will support him is highly sought after.

Is it wrong for me to say that I just like Barack's energy better than Clinton's? There's too much politician in her, which I feel from a combination of knowing her family some from school, and just straight-up media portrayal filtering down.

Really, though, I just want the one that can win, however hard THAT is to gauge.

Props to the Sixth Borough

2007-05-08T06:58:00.000-07:00

For giving me a shout-out. I'll give one right back - http://newyorkssixth.com/.

I like the idea of a Sixth Borough, and obviously there are similarities between Hoboken and Jersey City. We are a borough with our own personality, and we belong. Right on brothers!

But with the particular brand of warts we got here in Jersey City, you just have to smile:

It's Jersey City baby!

Here's one of our finest citizens:

Just When Jersey City Was Almost Respectable

2007-05-08T06:34:00.000-07:00

Some asshole had to go out and threaten Ashy Larry with a gun.

Not Ashy Larry! He's a cultural icon! Look at him!

Except that he was just fired from his radio job for playing "Are you smarter than an asian" and making other racist Asian jokes on the air.

So when he says "Rampant, overt and baseless hatred that lives and breathes on our streets daily. Jokes spoken in jest are not the root of evil in our society... it's ignorant, angry people that create chaos," it rings kind of like a pathetic attempt at defending himself, doesn't it?

Good year for Ashy Larry: first he alienates Chappelle fans by hosting the extra episodes of the show that Chappelle voiced his displeasure about, then he gets fired from his radio job for racist comments, and then he gets threatened by a racist wielding a gun!

Kucinich Comes to Jersey City

2007-05-06T07:19:00.000-07:00

Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich dined at the Brownstone Diner on Jersey Avenue on April 21. Some interesting points:

* Why do they put ages in every news article when they introduce someone? It's mostly irrelevant, until it's revealing, and then it's almost rude. For example: Dennis is 60, his wife is 29. Irrelevant, revealing and rude at the same time? It kind of seems that way to me!

She's 29!!! 29!!!! Tell EVERYONE!!!

* This guy has balls. He called for the impeachment of Cheney, the most evil man in America. He doesn't pull punches.

* It takes a certain kind of ignorance to be a fringe presidential candidate. Dennis says "I'm ready to president now," and "I think Democrats want someone who can win in November." I like this guy, but I don't think he's going to win, and if the Democrats winning was my number one concern, I wouldn't vote for him. But he has to believe in order to go through this ridiculous process, so nobody tell him he can't win. It's much better to have his ideas get out there with 'presidential candidate' attached to them for now.

* I love when articles sum up candidates' positions in a sentence. Dennis is into abolishing nuclear weapons, universal healthcare... and year-round pre-K education? That was the third bullet point the journalist decided on? This is why he can't be considered a serious candidate: some of his ideas are kind of out there. And they help invalidate the rest of his set of good ideas.

* Like reviving new-deal-like WPA projects around America. He says he was reminded of his vision to revive domestic work programs while driving up the 1 and 9 and seeing "crumbling infrastructure." Yeah, no shit - that's my freaking commute, and I've complained here before about my shocks going. Let's give some people jobs and save my shocks. Great idea!

* Dennis reads the bills he votes on. The bar is that low. We pat congressmen on the back for actually reading the bills before he votes on those bills and makes laws. What if the bar was that low at your workplace? We'd all be superstars!

Jersey City Did What?

2007-05-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

JC FORGOT to spend money!!! Amazing, they left $140+K in Homeland Security Funding on the table!

You would have thought they could have found SOME politician that needed an extension on his house or something...

PHEW

2007-04-30T07:28:00.000-07:00

In a longer article about slumping national home sales, finally a nugget that made me feel better:

Q. How is demand for your houses in New Jersey?

New Jersey is not one of our best states today; it's not one of our worst states. It's somewhere in the middle. The things that are very close to New York City are doing well. As you get further out, it gets less of the benefit of New York City. New York City is driven a lot by the financial industry, and they've had a fabulous couple of years.

Watch this Man Very Closely

2007-04-28T06:58:00.000-07:00

Former Mayor Gerald McCann is back, fresh from his jail sentence for money laundering.

Watch him very closely, and don't give him any votes or money.

Somebody already did: He's finally got that spot on the school board he's been coveting for years!

I have 99 Cents in my Pocket...

2007-04-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

And I'm ready to rock it!

"99¢" - Art Exhibition at Victory Hall in Jersey City
Artists making sense out of 99-cent stores. Organized by the Jersey City Museum and Victory Hall, Inc. April 13, 6:00 to 10:00 pm - opening event: Good Luck Gala Preview Night. $20/person, $35/couple. Featuring the Spirit of Life Ensemble Big Band dancing/fine wine/buffet.

Friday, April 27, 6:00 to 10:00 pm - free reception for the artists (public welcome). Featuring a dance performance by SHUA Group, a dance action organization based in Jersey City.

This art exhibition will be hosted by Victory Hall in Jersey City from April 13 to May 13, 2007. Gallery hours: Thursday 4:30 to 7:00 pm, Friday 3:00 to 7:00 pm, Saturday /Sunday 1:00 to 8:00 pm. Call 201-413-0303 for more information.
201-413-0303
186 Grand St

Ibby's Falafel is Back

2007-04-26T12:11:00.000-07:00

Hmmm... good falafel...

Same small spot. Guess it sits more now, and looks nicer. But, really, it was the falafel we cared about.

JC Museum Debut

2007-04-23T07:23:00.000-07:00

The Jersey City Museum just published its first catalog, which seems like an important step for the rapidly growing museum. Their collection has a really interesting mix of old (Jersey City artifacts and American-Indian objects) and new (interesting contemporary artists, both local and nation-wide).

And all of the temporary exhibits I've seen this year have been really good. John Rappleye, in particular, was a favorite of mine.

Powerhouse Arts District

2007-04-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

Looks like we are staking some of the cultural future of Jersey City on the fact that the zoning rules for the Powerhouse Arts District require space for artists' lofts and galleries. Artists are feeling the squeeze, however, when looking for spaces to show their art.

Look, I'm not complaining about those rules - they will help. But the people taking advantage of those rules - the developers - are also the people forcing the cost of living north, with is pushing many artists out of the community.

This gets to the crux of what makes JC so interesting: are we quickly selling out on the way to establishing ourselves among the many communities that make up the New York Metro Area? Are we getting the Williamsburg Condos without the Williamsburg art and cultural community?

Or will we manage, as one of New Jersey's seminal cities, to become both a cultural and financial center for New York-area New Jersey-ans?

Road Rage

2007-04-23T06:53:00.000-07:00

I just took my car into the shop, and -- thank God -- it only needed a tuneup.

Got a ride home with one of the mechanics and had an interesting conversation. I mentioned that I had just replaced my bushings and needed suspension work because the roads were so bad.

He went off for ten minutes on how bad the roads are in JC. He was an engine guy, you see, and hated working on suspension, but that was half the work they did at his shop. He talked about guys spending tons on new rims, then coming in and complaining that their rim work was bad, when it was really the potholes. Apparently, the potholes not only directly effect our suspensions, they also put bubbles in our tires that can indirectly effect our suspensions over time. Sweet!

Can we get some potholes filled, please? Has anyone from our city council driven along Christopher Columbus in the last year???

Gallery Opening Downtown

2007-04-17T18:15:00.000-07:00

Orlando Reyes is showing his special brand of colorful outsider art at 58 gallery on Thursday, April 19.

You may remember Orlando because his annex to 58 gallery was shut down by the cops earlier this year.

Whether or not THAT reception was rowdy is up to debate, but maybe we should check this one out and make up our own minds...

Jersey City Pimpin

2007-04-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

I love this guy - have you seen him around? He proves that Pimpin IS easy.

Noah in the JC

2007-04-16T16:15:00.000-07:00

I guess I live in a flood zone! Basement flooded, and Grand and Grove (the intersection nearest to two of the largest new buildings in the historic downtown section of JC) flooded up to 5 inches. I bet some cars got flooded...

Is it a water table thing - are we too low for the water to drain? That's physics, but I wasn't aware I lived in Amsterdam here.

Or is it just a bad drainage system thing? I'm inclined to believe we could fix this issue...

Either way, I'm thinking my favorite Taco place in JC (tacqueria) will be out of commission for a while.

Jersey City Driver Update

2007-04-13T19:47:00.000-07:00

It's not that we are the second-best drivers, it's that we kill the second-least amount of pedestrians.

It's probably because there are so many potholes and people jay-walking, you can't get a good speed going.

And we all know it takes a fair amount of speed to kill someone, right.

I Say Take Their Cars

2007-04-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

Jersey City Councilman Steve Fulop says that the cops should seize the cars of people soliciting prostitutes and drugs.

I think it's a great idea - last time the police did this, they tripled their revenue from seized cars. Hey, whatever makes the police cheaper for us as tax-payers is good.

I mean, I don't usually side with punishing people more, but, hey - if you want your drugs or sex, get it on foot. I guess that makes the sex thing a little harder, but, eh, so be it.

Police chief Tom Coney has a point, too: Where do we put the cars?

Tom Berenger and Busta Rhymes?

2007-04-13T19:25:00.000-07:00

Sounds like a must-see!

In Jersey City, we only get the creme-de-la-creme. Call us Hollywood East.

RIP Vonnegut

2007-04-12T12:44:00.001-07:00

Listen:

The most important thing I learned on Tralfamadore was
that when a person dies he only appears to die. He is
still very much alive in the past, so it is very silly
for people to cry at his funeral. All moments, past,
present and future, always have existed, always will
exist.

So it goes.

Yes, This Blog is Concerned, Very Concerned!

2007-04-11T09:30:00.000-07:00

You think they over-developed in Jersey City? You think?

Nice to see Tris McCall caught the developers slipping and admitting it basically. I see four big buildings going up in my Grove Street area, full of condos. Here's to hoping they can sell it all, so my apartment can be worth a little more!!!

New Magazine in the JC

2007-04-10T13:07:00.000-07:00

From Conveyer Magazine's new website:

What makes Jersey City distinct from other cities? How does life differ here? What does it feel like walking on this city’s streets? These questions form the voice of CONVEYER, an occasional publication about Jersey City. Through the use of imagemaking and storytelling, CONVEYER attempts to articulate and document this city’s “sense of place” — the things both tangible and intangible that give Jersey City an identity all its own.

Check out the last page of issue one. Brendan Carroll's polaroids of Jersey City with hilarously sad captions are great.

This looks like a good magazine!

1,2,3,4 I declare a BLOG WAR!

2007-04-07T12:16:00.000-07:00

Apparently, Jersey City is the 'hinterlands' to Manhattan. Apparently, this is because my post office is three blocks away instead of one.

Listen, the 'city is no Manhattan. But hinterlands? You took a subway train like what, three stops to get here?

Of course, this may be a little lopsided. He has the power of thousands of restaurants, bars, and interesting holes-in-the wall. And JC is just starting the work on their end. He has millions of Manhattan residents on his side, and then the millions more that scoff at JC, and have never been out. I think the popularity of our respective blogs also points out to the lopsided-ness of this blog war.

But, what the hell. Bring it!

Take that Cheyenne, Wyoming!

2007-04-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

G'yeah. Jersey City has the second safest drivers in the US.

Wait, what??

Experimental Jazz in Jersey City

2007-04-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

There will be experimental jazz in the JC on May 5th, 12th, 19th and 25th at the Lex Leonard Gallery at 143 Christopher Columbus (and Barrow street).

Hope for the best!

This Blog is Rededicating Itself

2007-04-07T11:55:00.000-07:00

We will focus on all things Jersey City here, because there is so much to be proud of.

Like this JC army recruiter, who shows that the military is full of open-minded people.

Here's the key quote:

"You are definitely unqualified, now take you gay self someplace else we do not tolerate gay people like you in any part of the military," wrote Ramode in an early e-mail.

In a strange twist of fate, JC is also the nexus for the Army's attempt to actually open their minds to other cultures.

In this elective class at West Point, cadets are asked to visit a Jersey City mosque, temple, and an African-American church. Let's go a little further. Let's make it a REQUIRED class!

It's a Panty Party

2007-04-01T08:15:00.000-07:00

What does $15,000 in underwear look like, and how do you get it out the door?

Won't You be My Neighbor?

2007-04-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

Wow. So that was that one stoop that had like eight guys sitting on it at all times of the day.

THAT'S what they were doing. I thought it was dice!

Holy Zim!

2007-03-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

Tonight on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart: psychologist Philip Zimbardo, author of The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil (Random House, $27.95, 9781400064113/1400064112).

Phil Zimbardo was my old professor. He had a face lift, a hip replacement, a limo with “Zim” as the vanity plate, and a parking spot way past where any car was allowed. He ‘taught’ a lecture on Intro to Psych, which is to say he showed up once a semester and filled the other 9 weeks with guest lecturers. He also taught a class called ‘Faces of Evil,’ wrote a book of the same name, and was the infamous creator of the Stanford Prison Experiment.

The Stanford Prison Experiment, also the name of a band, was a highly unethical experiment in which students were asked to pretend they were prisoners or guards (randomly) and Zimbardo was the prison warden. The ‘guards’ beat the ‘prisoners’ and forced them to do things like eat food off the floor, stand upright in a closet for hours on end. Remember, they were divided randomly at the beginning. At one point Zimbardo as the warden told the ‘prisoners’ they had to get lawyers to get out of the experiment. Supposedly it helped explain how Nazi Germany happened (how authority and roles made people do bad things).

The American Psychology Association created an ethics board not many months after this experiment was finished. That did not stop him from making a lucrative career out it. He always gave me the willies, just talking to him and standing next to him. His library was even scarier then he was, and I had lab meetings there.

Senryu So Sad It's Funny

2007-03-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

The annual Salaryman Senryu Contest finished with some great works of poetry from the beaten down Japanese businessmen.

My favorite:
The only warmth in my life is the heated toilet seat
[Those toilet seats are very strange, and I don't like the little bidet button. Plus there are other buttons that do strange things. I've got an open mind, but don't tickle my ass with a cool breeze please.)

Other good ones:
Dad, please, a ride, save a seat, be in charge of the camera, and take out the trash

Got it But the features have already been upgraded to the next generation

My wife is waiting!! until she can grab half of my pension

Only my navigation system says "well done" and recognizes my services

Is Tom Cruise Dangerous?

2007-03-26T18:22:00.001-07:00

This from TheSuperficial.com, a funny site normally.

This, though, sounds a little serious (and funny):

Us Weekly reports Katie Holmes has been crying over the phone to Victoria Beckham because she says "Tom is denying her every single thing" and the two were once on the phone for over four hours. Not only that, but Tom Cruise reportedly left 18 messages in one hour on Victoria Beckham's answering machine trying to get her to join Scientology. A source says:

"Victoria is sick and tired of Tom being on her back about Scientology," says the source. "Victoria is an old-fashioned British woman who believes in God. She finds it quite rude that Tom is bugging her so much. Not too long ago, Tom left 18 messages in one hour to get them to join the church. When she says no, she means no."

Tom Cruise's rep responded, saying:

"This is completely false. Tom does not and never has encouraged anyone to adopt Scientology."

I know reps lie all the time, but at least try to keep it believable. Tom Cruise has never encouraged anyone to adopt Scientology? He might as well have told us Tom Cruise captured a triceratops in his backyard and taught it to fly into outer space.