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alanwright

Re: The Jersey city Music Scene does not support the all ages community

#331

Home away from home

QXT's

Posted on: 2009/6/3 21:44

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alanwright

Re: Send some Jersey City kids on the trip of a lifetime!

#332

Home away from home

also, a follow-up:

"The art show will be up all month, and LITM is also hosting the acclaimed documentary, Trouble the Water on Saturday Afternoon at 1 pm." (c/o RockitDockit)

http://www.troublethewaterfilm.com

Posted on: 2009/6/3 13:09

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alanwright

Re: Rent a Hall in Jersey City?

#333

Home away from home

Or the Polish Veterans Hall. Maybe they rent there's out...?

It's on Jersey/ Seventh Street.

Or, there is the Grassroots Community Space on Fourth/ Coles.

Posted on: 2009/6/3 12:50

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alanwright

Re: The Jersey city Music Scene does not support the all ages community

#334

Home away from home

Straight edge punk would be another constituency with an all-ages message.

I can imagine, for example, if the stage were backed up against the church (another constituency who might wish to bring the community together in a drug and alcohol free way),

Wayne Street gets a bad rap just because there are a few people out on their porches, etc., and there's some music and some hanging around at the park, some young people, etc. Some of these folks are Hispanic. I think Puerto Rican and Dominican, mostly.

But that doesn't mean that the community is not strong, not supportive, or not "welcome" in the city they've been living in for years. The trees make the block dark, but is it unsafe? I think not, but don't know. Columbus is a bigger concern, it seems.

There may be tensions on Wayne Street, but an inclusive event at Barrow Mansion may well be an opportunity to diffuse those tensions. A little community policing could help, too, and the proposal I'm suggesting could be a good spot for the JCPD to flash a smile. The idea seems like something Bright Moment, Jim Legge, or "Tony" would put together, so perhaps you should contact them for more assistance.

Additionally, it would feed the Jersey Avenue markets (pizza, grocery, bagels, Chinese, and coffee shops).

Posted on: 2009/6/3 10:27

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alanwright

Re: The Jersey city Music Scene does not support the all ages community

#335

Home away from home

Yes, your mention of "DancingTony"... brings out another one. What about the steps of Barrow Mansion? (Everyone else is hanging out there, and an all-ages show would be a good way to support the DARE, AA, NA, Al-Anon (teen) message to stay off the junk). Perhaps Barrow Mansion and such groups would work with you to put something together.

If your bands are Christian rock or hip-hop, for example, you'll have another constituency.

I think this Tony guy also organized some bowling at Barrow Mansion. So, there is already a "second venue," namely, bowling, that kids could go to when not listening to the music.

And then, across the street there's a park for shooting hoops.

OK Wayne Street, I just planned your block party, like it or not. See you there!

Posted on: 2009/6/3 9:22

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alanwright

Re: please help= animal emergency

#336

Home away from home

As Bob Barker put it: be sure to have your cats and dogs spayed and neutered.

Posted on: 2009/6/3 7:46

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alanwright

Re: The Jersey city Music Scene does not support the all ages community

#337

Home away from home

Quote:

Thisloveiswar wrote:
The truth of this sad matter is that WE GREW UP HERE
Half of you moved here in the past 7 years into amazing downtown JC, and you haven't the slightest idea what Jersey city was before it became Manhattens spawn.

where is the Jersey City love for Jersey Citys young artists?

Is relitigating the boring new/old discussion really why you posted this? Because it does not seem to advance your interests. Sweeping generalizations... with what purpose in mind?

If you're having difficulty booking all-age shows, I'm sorry, but you're placing the "blame" in the wrong quarters. Whether these venues are new/ old JCzens, I have no idea. But it's those venues, new or old, with whom you should continue your discussions.

For example, perhaps the "newbie" Grassroots Community Space at Fourth/ Coles would consider the idea. Perhaps "Groove on Grove" will provide some input. The new Victory Hall space (on Brunswick) is nice, but I'm not sure what it's being used for. I cannot speak to what Victory is doing lately. The nearby art gallery, Es Oro, also has indoor and outdoor space. Hell, maybe the parking lot at Dixon Mills could work for an all-ages show. Or the Courthouse people. Maybe Metropolis Music Store has some input. Or the basement of The Keyhole. Or maybe the rooftop of/ driveway next to Skinners. (That's actually a good idea, as I've heard that driveway is city property!). Or what about Made with Love bakery. Or in Van Vorst facing east from the covered area.

Or that place in the Heights that was advertising looking for renters for for live music practice spaces/ warehouse jams.

Also, Legal Grounds has a backyard. So does Tacqueria, which seems to love rock music and has a separate entrance to thar yard. Have you contacted them? (They're both a residential neighborhood).

What about Grace Church. Or The Armory. Or 58. Or Lex Leonard. Or Automato Chino for an all-ages show (probably not on Thurs, Fri, or Sat)?

Posted on: 2009/6/3 7:39

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alanwright

Re: JC Gets Money $4.6 Mil to Repave Newark Ave Between Coles & Tonnelle! (Also Sip; Kennedy to Bergen)

#338

Home away from home

There's no "bike bloc" to lobby or push for it. Where an agreeable voice or sympathetic ear exists in City Hall... they may be alienated or irrelevant to the "powers that be."

Cyclists: do you feel safe on the roads? What do you want? And is a bike lane on Columbus something you're willing to push for?

From young folks and commuters on ten-speeds and cyclo-cross; to high schoolers and flatlanders on BMX; to chicks and dudes on cruisers; to moms and pops with seats for the wee one; and of course there's food delivery guys and laborers; and then there are the fixed-gears cyclists.

There are a lot of bikes in this town. Currently, we get little support, lots of scorn, and a disproportionate amount of risk! (Selfish drivers don't help).

Something has to change. We can't simple "change" the culture of driving, but this is a great opportunity the share the road!

Posted on: 2009/6/3 7:05

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alanwright

Re: Smoking in bars and restaurants

#339

Home away from home

places with a yard/ patio would work fine if they allow it:

* Barrow
* Golden Cicado
* More
* Hamilton Park Ale House
* "Simple"
* rooftop of Skinners?

Posted on: 2009/6/3 6:30

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alanwright

Re: Sandwiches from an Heirloom - Second Street Bakery

#340

Home away from home

dont go around lunchtime if you can avoid it. long lines. def some jcfd/ pd

but, this place is awesome. they catered my super bowl party, and were amazing.

i would love to see them expand their operations to do catering, maybe make a restaurant in the front (no need for all those coolers), nix the drop cieling, etc.

but, the place is charming and great as it is.

shout out to pecoraro's! i miss that olive loaf (the good kind)

Posted on: 2009/6/2 0:12

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alanwright

Re: on JC artists community and "JC Fridays" for example.

#341

Home away from home

beautiful

Posted on: 2009/6/2 0:00

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alanwright

Re: Yet another dramatic episode at New Music Box Cafe

#342

Home away from home

let's not leave women out of this. the video from the bar featured a strong woman asserting herself. we're probably just biased against susan b anthony, jane fonda, the women's liberation movement, womyn generally, en vogue, women dropping the f/c/p/b/d-bomb at three in the morning, and let's just throw in martina navratilova, too, because she's tough as well. we fear (and loathe?) women, and that's why this behavior is so bothersome. there is no other explanation

Posted on: 2009/6/1 11:51

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alanwright

Re: on JC artists community and "JC Fridays" for example.

#343

Home away from home

Quote:

wingedgorgon wrote: Ok, I'll admit that as an artist, JC art blogger, and pretty active local arts activist some of these posts have made me thump my keyboard in rage and imagine what a jellyfish feels like when it's beached and being poked by an overstimulated child with a stick. But. I will refrain. I just have to specify that there is a difference between people who want to see a thriving arts scene in Jersey City, and those who want to participate in one. Quote:
Not being part of the arts community, it's not my job to come up with the solutions, but support them I will.
Ouch. So you want lots of art venues (created by other people), lots of free events to attend, a hip community of active artists to observe, and organizations that "wow" you as a non-participant. I think you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who would flat out say "no" to having more galleries and art venues around the city, but you'd also have a difficult time finding people who are willing to jump in and make it happen. And...for me and most people active in Jersey City art (artists or otherwise), it's not our "job" either; it's something we do because it needs to be done. If you care about art then you ARE a member of the arts community, so PLEASE, before I give myself an annurism or something, take Christine up on volunteering, email ProArts or Victory Art Projects and ask what you can do to help. On the educational front: on Left Bank Art Blog we cover JC-based news/events/criticism on (almost) a daily basis, and I am preparing a gallery (or exhibit-venue) guide to Jersey City. This thread may even inspire a post once I calm down a little.

There's really no reason to be upset. I have been very open that I am far from being an authority on art and I am looking for feedback/ pushback, so my opinions on the arts are still "under construction." Also, I sincerely believe I have next to nothing to contribute to the organizations you mentioned. I will re-think that. However, I take this opportunity to comment on what others have noted above and in many other threads on different topics: saying "if you don't like it, change it or leave" is little more than the community activist's version of the uber-patriot's "take it or leave it"... which is so unhelpful. I'm not asking for advice input on how I can change the world of art. In general, I was looking for input on what's out there, what's going on, who's doing good work, etc. Not what I can do (which few suggested), but what others are doing (which few suggested). I may have briefly mentioned helping out, but I don't remember and I haven't done it. That said: thank you for linking to the Left Bank blog. I've never heard of it. I see already there are many new and interesting ideas there, such as the one about the press. The comparison of "welcoming" architecture, for example, provides other great new insights as well. At that, I'm leaving this behind.

Posted on: 2009/6/1 5:47

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alanwright

Re: on JC artists community and "JC Fridays" for example.

#344

Home away from home

Quote:

frankly, if you admit you don't know much about art, i don't know how you can characterize any venue as "irrelevant or ineffectual". you've got a list of places you don't know much about. visit them, look at the art, and you've solved your own problem.

I understand that "buying art" makes it go. I cannot afford it, but I think it needs to be said, again and again, that is the way to support the arts community. What I don't see are more creative ways to effectuate that plan, i.e., more than a once-annual gallery tour, JC Fridays, and sporadic openings at es oro, 56, and restaurant-based showings. Not being part of the arts community, it's not my job to come up with the solutions, but support them I will. As stated much, much, much earlier in the thread there are times when I have been underwhelmed by the arts scene. But as to the other part: judging quality or popularity of art is not the same as judging an institution for it's impact. Right or wrong, I do have my opinion, of whatever merit, about whether the institutions noted above make an impact. I have visited some of those places. That's the basis of my opinion. I've stated explicitly that I wanted others to inform me otherwise.

Posted on: 2009/6/1 0:54

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alanwright

Re: on JC artists community and "JC Fridays" for example.

#345

Home away from home

Quote:

designknob wrote:
Man, you just can't please some people. Most of the stuff is downtown. Just about all of downtown is walkable. You also seem to know the "bigger" places as well. I simply cannot believe you are complaining because there is "too much" going on. The maps are perfectly clear. You could be living in another town with zero going on. There's always going to be something they could do better, but please. And again as was stated, you can always volunteer your services to make it better.

I "volunteered" my time to contact the folks involved, and now took the time to acknowledge their work here. Originally, I hoped to generate a discussion on the state of the arts community. That has happened, somewhat. I have not budgeted time for other volunteering, but am not opposed to it.

As to the rest of what you said, I'm not sure what you mean. I never raised the issue of what's downtown/ walkable/ etc, and I never complained that there is "too much" going on. In general, I was WONDERING if people in the arts community had some feedback on what's going on "well" or how it can change. Specifically, I had feedback for JC Fridays and they seemed to appreciate it.

Posted on: 2009/6/1 0:43

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alanwright

Re: "Fresh Groceries Coming Soon" at 77 Hudson?

#346

Home away from home

i eagerly anticipate the first coming. there has been talk of him for several thousands of years. they say he will bring a great homemade hummus recipe which was given to moses on mt. sinai and which has long been held in a babylonian captivity.

hosanna!

Posted on: 2009/6/1 0:21

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alanwright

Re: Yet another dramatic episode at New Music Box Cafe

#347

Home away from home

Quote:

DragonXJC wrote: Have any of you been inside "Music Box" or whatever you people call it? We call it Maria's, the owner's name, and I'ma regular. I've never been in any type of "fracas" in all my years of going there, I've introduced so many coworkers to this bar and they love it. I see how some of you are targeting the spanish and black owned bars as the nuisance. There's alot of exaggerating going on, almost all bars have drunks that spill into the street. Especially up the block, but then again, it's a cop bar. Before you moved to your converted overpriced former crackhouses you knew their were bars in the area. And probably got a discount because of it. A once in a while drunk is just a caveat of living next to a bar.

I'm only targetting the bars that caused me and my neighborhood problems. Those were Indio's and Latin Lounge. "Minority"-owned or not, they had a diverse crowd of jerkoffs out in the street at 3am. It's not that Lamppost didn't have problems, but they had their patrons in a little more control: just people smoking outside, etc., not having fights with each other or having sex with prostitutes in their cars in front of my building. Yes, really. I lived there for most than two years, so don't tell me that the fact you didn't see it means it didn't happen. By the way: don't assume everybody downtown is in a condo. We're not. We're working people, like you, and pay rent and taxes and have families and need sleep. Do you live across the street from a bar? Is your property value affected by drunks and reggaeton at 3am? If it were, you'd be more sympathetic. I've never been to Maria's. I don't even know where it is. Maybe you've never seen a fracas there... which proves nothing... but the poster did, and video taped it. That guy lives across the street, so I'm willing to believe him. Or maybe you're not there at 3:30 in the morning. And then on the "Smoking in bars and restaurants" thread you're saying you've love it if some random guy got tangled up in a fight at Maria's place, as if he did something wrong by noticing a fracas, pointing it out, and making a judgment about the bar based on that experience. And then a "regular" patron talks sh*t with him for it. How very welcoming of you. Do you always speak for Maria when you open up the red carpet? Long story short: it's your corner bar and you're trying to defend it with your first-hand experience measured against their first-hand experience. You're biased, and so are they, but the dude's got a video of the absurdity that you love.

Posted on: 2009/5/31 18:48

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alanwright

Re: on JC artists community and "JC Fridays" for example.

#348

Home away from home

was this thread merged? because this does not answer the previous questions.

seling/ shilling (a shanty irish joke) for some art galleries and arts institutions doesn't address the question of health. does anyone even know that list? (maybe bright moment or somebody).

I knew a few of that list, but there are some I've never heard of, believe to be tiny or irrelevant or ineffectual are:

* Curious Matter
* Victory Arts (moved... but what since?)
* The Garage
* NJCU
* Jersey City Cultural Affairs (this one i know, but found it boring)
* Hudson County Office of Cultural Affairs
* Heights Arts Initiative
* CASID.

of course, what do i know? not much about art, as admitted above. please inform me otherwise, and whatever else you can tell me about the best way to support all this art and learn about the community, etc., including the world beyond JC Fridays and the annual tour.

(telling me to "buy art" is not an answer)

Posted on: 2009/5/31 12:05

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alanwright

Re: on JC artists community-on behalf of RockSoup

#349

Home away from home

bump:

the new JC Fridays map looks great. the designers took the suggestions (long earlier thread) to heart and definitely made some improvements, in my mind. it seems the system now is neighborhood based instead of chronological.

so, exchange place is items 1-3. grove street is items 4-10. etc. ham park is 11-17. the map reflects these numbers.

also: i did NOT volunteer to actually do any of the work. many thanks to those who have the interest, skill set, and know how. (i probably could help also, but am yet to execute it).

THANKS!

Posted on: 2009/5/30 18:14

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alanwright

Re: NYTimes: Court Backs New Jersey Aid Revision: Less Focus on Poorest Schools

#350

Home away from home

shakatah wrote: Quote:

Shouldn't an article on this be in today's JJ, front page to inform JJ readers?

Posted on: 2009/5/30 17:38

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alanwright

Re: Yet another dramatic episode at New Music Box Cafe

#351

Home away from home

Quote:

icechute wrote:
Quote:
wouldn't paint all bars in residential areas with the same brush. I've been to and lived near plenty that are responsible neighbors and do their part to co-exist for the most part without incident. Beyond yelling "SOMEBODY IS GOING TO CALL THE COPS, GET OUTTA HERE" even.

That sounds great except when you do have places like the Music Box, Latin Lounge, the old JC Winstons, etc. that are a nuisance to residents (for all the reasons we've been through) and there is no police response, ABC enforcement, etc.

Agreed with both points above. The police response is sometimes slow, but when I've called the cops for streetfights outside of Indio's they got there quickly. Also, don't give the pricks a warning. These fights can escalate or deescalate in a second, so you've got to give the cops as much time as possible to get there. It's an unpleasant job, but paying taxes = getting gov't services. The same goes for ABC enforcement. They might not care if bars are marrying bottles or selling Bud as Stella, but they damn well should care for the heavy stuff.

Some people don't want to be "that guy" who shouts out the window, etc. "It can instigate, there could be race tensions, they'll think I'm a gentrifier, it's my neighborhood and I have to live with them. Etc." So, instead, they let a bunch of twats from some other neighborhood roll through and screw up the neighborhood. I always like blame Bayonne and Union City, no matter what "kind" of bar it is, because blaming Greenville and The Heights is played out. Letting it perpetuate, without personal or government intervention, is why these problems grow. It's why the neighbors around Barrow Bar complain on JC List instead of trying to talk to Chris (I think) about the noise. They've let it grow and grow, didn't intervene smartly and early, and the cops couldn't be bothered.

Of course, there's a lot of drunk driving too. Most downtowners do a bar crawl the old fashion way: on foot. But at Indios, for example, I saw a lot of people getting into their cars. Latin Lounge had at least one drunk driving (vehicular assault?) problem in 2008 if I'm not mistaken. They're not the only ones. I don't care if you have a drinking problem, but if you get behind the wheel, you are a sorry sack of sh*t and deserve nothing but scorn and chrome bracelets. This town is too dense for that sort of sh*t. When I see JCPD flaunting the law, whether here or down the shore, it makes me sick.

Unfortunately, the Jersey Shore is a good example for policing: there are lots of cops watching drunk and disorderly, public urination, drunk driving, etc. They're pricks, but at least they're out there making sure closing time is done right.

Posted on: 2009/5/30 17:31

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alanwright

Re: Up to 30% of all properties have 'illegal' apts -- Healy wants to put them on tax rolls

#352

Home away from home

Quote:

icechute wrote:
Quote:
"will ensure code enforcement"

How exactly? They can't/don't enforce what they have now, that's why all the illegal apts.

You just made my point:

Can't enforce something? Make it legal; problem solved.

You make a good point, but I think the idea could work.

Also: I don't think bad code enforcement is the "reason" for illegal apartments, but it may be the reason the folks haven't gotten caught.

Anyway, I agree there are problems with the who clowns that will be doing the what enforcement.

Posted on: 2009/5/29 17:06

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alanwright

Re: Please stop the huge 9/11 memorial at LSP - it will ruin the park's views of the Manhattan skyline!

#353

Home away from home

Quote:

GrovePath wrote:
Group protests 9/11 memorial along Hudson River

The Associated Press

JERSEY CITY, N.J. - Nearly 100 people protested plans to erect a Sept. 11 monument on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River.

Friends of Liberty State Park say the long-delayed memorial is a waste of taxpayer money and would mar the view of the New York City skyline.

The proposed $12 million design for "Empty Sky" includes two 30-foot-high steel walls in line with where the World Trade Center towers stood. The names of the 744 New Jersey residents who died in the attacks would be engraved on the walls.

The group says 750 trees were planted as a Grove of Remembrance in Jersey City that should serve as the state's 9/11 monument.

Arguments in a lawsuit that the group filed two years ago are pending.

The "Grove of Remembrance" is not at all stunning, and is practically unknown. There are two paths towards the park, and some small trees and bushes. Eh. Even the sign is dilapidated.

However, I much prefer a living memorial to two cold, steel, ugly "tombstone"-looking walls. The walls are physical, but blockage is emotional.

I pray we can all transcend this blockage with respect by not continuing the poor decision to build it in the first place, and by choosing something more touching and appropriate.

Posted on: 2009/5/29 16:48

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alanwright

Re: Up to 30% of all properties have 'illegal' apts -- Healy wants to put them on tax rolls

#354

Home away from home

Quote:

radryan03 wrote: I think the rising cost of mediocre public education or crime might have been a couple places to focus.... but no..... you go after those illegal apartments!

As yet, he hasn't gone after anything. It's just an idea, it seems, and needs fleshing out for: specifics; practicality; aligning incentives; legality, etc. Anyway, I like the idea of bringing these apartments back onto the reservation. It will make more taxable/ ratables for the city, will ensure code enforcement, and make for safer dwellings for many city residents. The tax increase to owners may pass along to those renters, but where the benefit is better and more reliable housing stock, that's acceptable.

Posted on: 2009/5/29 16:40

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alanwright

Re: Two JC cops arrested over Memorial Day weekend

#355

Home away from home

Quote:

icechute wrote:
Quote:
"We believe that these are isolated incidents ..." said Jefferson and Comey.

JCPD and City Hall seem to have a lot of "isolated incidents".

These 2 cops, Friebott on the skyway, Flood and her son, Lipski at the concert, Healy on his front porch and at Bradley Beach.... I know I'm missing a few...

So how many "isolated incidents" are necessary before you officially have "a trend"?

INCIDENTS ARE ISOLATED; HEALY SAID SO.

By which we have the inversion:

WHEN HEALY SAYS SO, INCIDENTS ARE A TREND.

From which we can then infer:

MAYOR WILL REFORM COPS; HEALY SAID SO.

But we fall back into the sequence:

WHEN HEALY SAYS SO, COPS ARE REFORMED.

And so it goes, and so it goes,
but so will I soon, I suppose.

Posted on: 2009/5/29 4:37

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alanwright

Re: Two JC cops arrested over Memorial Day weekend

#356

Home away from home

i wasn't being an idealistic BS slinger. i was trying to be descriptive. maybe refusing a DUI is conclusive of guilt, though. not sure.

guilty or not, they were arrested. and i think their pay has been withheld.

Posted on: 2009/5/28 14:24

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alanwright

Re: Two JC cops arrested over Memorial Day weekend

#357

Home away from home

but that's why jumped-to conclusions and opinion aren't worth much, except to the jumper

Posted on: 2009/5/28 13:49

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alanwright

Re: Two JC cops arrested over Memorial Day weekend

#358

Home away from home

a brief reminder:

in the land of the free, we presume a defendant is innocent until the guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt

Posted on: 2009/5/28 9:32

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alanwright

Re: Smoking in bars and restaurants

#359

Home away from home

screenshot pasted onto the pic? ha

Posted on: 2009/5/28 3:18

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alanwright

Re: What's missing in downtown Jersey City ???

#360

Home away from home

* live music at rascal's.

* a food co-op

Posted on: 2009/5/28 1:31

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