LynnePatrice wrote:
Jeebus:


Why do you assume he has a new Harley? He doesn't, it's an older vintage bike. I can assure you my husband knows how to operate his bike. He's had Harley's for over 20 years.

And honestly, to all those who think bikers rev the engine so everyone will look at them and think they are cool or have big penises. Are you serious? Comeon.

GrovePath wrote:
Cops charge biker had a machine gun

Tuesday, May 26, 2009
By KEN THORBOURNE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

As three men on bikes rode past two plainclothes Jersey City cops heading west on Wegman Parkway at about 5 p.m. Saturday, the cops noticed something strange sticking out above one of the rider's pants legs, according to reports: the butt of a gun.

The cops, members of the department's Violent Crime Unit, yelled, "Police," and told the riders to stop, but the bikers pedaled north on Martin Luther King Drive to Bidwell Avenue, reports said.

The cops gave chase in their unmarked car, reports said.

The three bikers split up, so the cops stuck with the rider they suspected of carrying the weapon, who was later identified as 19-year-old Anthony Washington of Ocean Avenue, reports said.

At Bidwell and Martin Luther King Drive they saw Washington pull a Tec-9mm machine gun from his waist and toss it on the ground, reports said.

Washington also dropped his bike and ran, but backup cops caught up to him and arrested him on the porch of a Wegman Parkway building, reports said.

Found on the ground where Washington left it, the machine gun was loaded with nine hollow point bullets, reports said.

Washington was charged with, among other things, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, prohibited weapons and devices (the so-called Dum-Dum bullets) and resisting arrest, reports said.

LynnePatrice wrote:
I totally get this. My husband and our neighbor both ride harleys. When they get ready to go they start the bike up and let it run for maybe 2 minutes. They have to. But they aren't especially loud, just regular for Harley's. They try to be considerate and not rev the motor and since we're not into really late night stuff, generally we aren't ever home later than 11 (I know, pathetic) and we usually only take the bike out maybe 1 day on the weekend.

We have another neighbor who also rides and he leaves his bike running for 10-15 minutes every time he starts his up. He is around the corner from us and the pictures on our walls shake the whole time it's running.

It's just like everything else in life. There are those who are considerate and those who aren't.

ianmac47 wrote:
The site is the former Bel Fuse Company, and is to become a low rise housing project called The Belfuse. The project initially broke ground in January of 2007 at which point the site needed soil remediation. Towards the end of 2008 the remediation process concluded. I believe about 50 units are planned.

brian_em wrote:
First off, it's Kool-aid.

I don't believe the photo shoot business not b/c of politics. I just can't believe anyone could be that insensitive and incompetent to arrange a stunt like that. It's beyond retarded.

And if you think it's OK for our government to fly a fake AF1 around NYC, diving near buildings for NO REAL reason, then you have your head so far up Obamas A$$ that you can't breathe fresh air anymore.

super_furry wrote: [snip] However, only 2,738 votes have been cast on the tax levy question at this point. Check back for an update in the morning. http://www.jerseycityindependent.com/ ... in-school-board-election/

ogden1 wrote:
The JCEA supports Connors, Sebron and DeRosa.
Good enough for me.

BrightMoment wrote:
I just received this email below:

From:Moshe Rozenblit and Team [moshe_rozenblit@yahoo.com]

Tomorrow is a big day for the future of Jersey City. We have been campaigning hard and tomorrow is election day.

The key to improving our schools is integrating new ideas that have proven to work in other urban settings. Our team's goal is to aggressively incorporate these ideas into our schools. Tomorrow, please consider voting for the team of Tom Wilen, Moshe Rozenblit and Eric Goldsmith.

Tom Wilen (A1) is the former CEO of several companies with thousands of employees, and has successfully turned around billion dollars enterprises.

Moshe Rozenblit (A8) has a PhD in Physics and extensive experience in teaching, as well as research and engineering.

Eric Goldsmith (A10) is a financial planner and former high school mathematics teacher.

Running under the banner Jersey City Excellence in Education Now! (www.jceen.org) We are the only candidates who have presented a detailed strategy for lifting standardized test scores from the current bottom 20% of the state to the top 20%. Our strategy is based on steps taken by cities with similar demographics who have achieved remarkable progress: NYC, Washington DC, Chicago and Denver. It includes:

- Revamping the management of JC school district.

- Promoting new quality charter schools, magnet schools and small schools, to the extent desired by parents.

- Empowering parents, teachers and principals.

- Rewarding teachers and principal for outstanding performance.

- Institute transparency and accountability throughout.

- Implement the strictest financial controls.

The outcome of the BOE elections is critical to our city. Quality schools would burnish the image of Jersey City, lift the moral of dedicated teachers, increase real estate value, and above all: provide tens of thousands of children with the quality education every child deserves.

Tomorrow, 4/21/09, please vote for

A1 Tom Wilen
A8 Moshe Rozenblit
A10 Eric Goldmith

Polls are open from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM

This message was sent by: Fulop for Jersey City, Ward "E", Jersey City, NJ 07302

Xerxes wrote:
Ogden Avenue is generally nicer than most places in Paulus Hook. [snip]

brewster wrote:
Quote:

pakz wrote:
question, if i work in NY and live in NJ. I would file in both states correct? what happens to my wife's W2 since we are filling Married filling jointly but she works only in NJ. would i add her W2 to mine when I file at NY (since we are filling Married Filling Jointly?)

We're in the same position. In the turbotax interview you specify where the income was from, it does the rest. Accountants use essentially the same software.

I will say the only time TT gets confusing is the state returns, I guess they don't get the same attention since there's 45 of them. Why only 45 is a good question.

wibbit wrote:
Quote:

phDog wrote:
we have never had a problem getting our places rented in paulus hook. last night we found a tenant for a top floor, 600sf apt with a tiny bedroom and no W/D or dishwasher for 1250.

that's because your rent is below market. 1250 for a 600sqf 1br in paulus hook is extremely cheap.

You know the rental market is hurting when the high and mighty lefrak newport rentals are actively spamming the craigslist to peddle their fake luxury rentals.

tommyc_37 wrote:
Beer Snob here....specifically, I'm a fan of IPA's. Here's my list of some of my faves:

- Brooklyn Pennant Ale
- Brooklyn IPA
- Brooklyn Pilsner
- Harpoon IPA
- Troegs Hopback Amber Ale (you need to try this one)
- Sierra Nevada Ale
- Sierra Nevada Summerfest
- Brooklyn Summer Ale
- BluePoint Hoptical Illusion
- BluePoint Toasted Lager
- River Horse (out of Lambertsville, NJ)
- Most Sam Adams beers are acceptable...but that's usually as mainstream as I'll go :)

jennymayla wrote:
I am now a fan of responding to the "How's My Driving?" sign on the back of most buses and various commercial trucks and vehicles. I call the number, I give them the bus ID, and then log my complaint. This simple act somehow makes me feel better. I also fear it will one day get me killed, like the driver is gonna come find me, but it's a chance I take.

My life has come to this.

Frank_M wrote:
Quote:

Jeebus wrote:
[snip]I submit that the best measure of the worth of what someone produces is what someone else is willing to freely pay for it. That this is a concept alien to those who work in government is not a surprise.

True, but that's only as an indicator of monetary value alone. Clearly, one's income is not proportional to their overall worth to society. "Value," is a much broader term that appeals to both rational and irrational interests. I don't necessarily agree with the city's plan to offer reduced-price housing to qualifying artists, but that was the deal.

Hedge fund managers earn more than garbage collectors, but it can be argued that the services of the latter are priceless while the other, uh....

jennymayla wrote:
Who determines what art is? And the value of it?

Do we support an artist who creates beautiful fine arts work but is far too niche or random to ever be able to support himself doing so OR do we give a leg up to a innovative graphic designer who might actually be able to make a decent living?

If I make beautiful jewelry out of beads, am I any more or less an artist than a industrial designer who is creating a new coffee maker? What if the world really needs more coffee makers than pretty jewelry?

WHO DECIDES?

I also get a chuckle out of the local government having any kind of saying on what makes art art. Barf.

Xerxes wrote:
[snip]

Interesting article on falling Rents in the Times Real Estate section Sunday:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/rea ... 01cov.html?ref=realestate

We must always remember the overarching imperative: Real Estate people make more when prices are high...thus they will ALWAYS overstate value, whether consciously or unconsciously. A "rising" market is probably not rising as much as the cheerleaders say, and a falling market is proably falling faster.

NNJR wrote:

Once you add a tax, it will never go away.

I know I\'m only one person and threats are meaningless, however if JC adds a income tax I am out of here. JC will not see 1c of my income.

brewster wrote:
Quote:

NewHeights wrote:

brewster when you say 10 x rent can you give me an example?

IE 6 family for $600,000 brings in 60k per yr. is that what you mean? also dont you you go by cap rates?

Thanks

Yes that\'s what I mean. It\'s not the perfect metric by any means, but just like an equity P/E, it gives you a quick rough value score. Cap rate would be the next calculation, but you need more info than price and rents, and half of what you get from the seller is BS anyway. (have you ever found the common utilities disclosure in the mls to be accurate?)

I usually figure about $12k yearly in tax and expenses for a 3 or 4 family with individual heat in a quick cap rate calc. So if you\'re shopping that market and your finance costs are similar, simple P/E is a quick, easy way to compare similar properties. or tell if you even want to see it.

Down the street an 8 family was asking $849k with a $36k rent roll, that\'s over 24x. I don\'t need to calc a cap rate to know its not doable as a rental.

xplanted wrote:
If less guns were the answer, wouldn't Chicago, L.A. and Washington DC be the safest areas to live while the entire south would be a bloodbath?

Seriously, obtaining a firearm in NJ is near impossible, I suggest for the entertainment that someone who thinks firearms (or even knife laws in this state) are too lax go apply for a permit to keep one in his or her home. After calls to your boss, neighbors, and family you might change your mind. The process takes roughly 5 months, and despite the heavy vetting, one is still not allowed to carry it.

The police, according to every court to address the question, have no duty to protect the individual, and as a free society the duty to protect yourself falls to you.

Be that as it may, keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals should be sought after; unfortunately, NJ has done everything it can with little effect.

The serious issue is broken families and a warped reality that accompanies growing up in a violent neighborhood. Ask a teacher in the inner-cities how parents react to fights at school; often they just tell their kid not to fight at school. It's sad, and with the economy, it's not getting better.

ianmac47 wrote:
I think 1 and 2 bedroom units are going to be the hardest hit in rental price. Professional couples will probably downsize into something smaller, either going from a 1 bed to a studio or from a 2 bed to a 1 bed, to save money. At the same time I suspect a lot of renters with decreased incomes will give up living alone and take on roommates; units with 3 or more bedrooms will offer the most savings, splitting rent and utilities between 3 or more people being the cheapest option. (also, as an aside, if you are paying $1,800 for a 1 bedroom downtown brownstone you are over paying).

But overall the real estate in New York, the five boroughs and Hudson County is going to quickly fall as we head towards summer for a number of reasons.

Too much of the local economy is tied to the financial services industry, and this is a large sector of high paid employees. Its like an assembly line but with six figure salaries. These are the people buying $1,000 square foot condos. But inextricably linked the financial services are all the legal services, again with armies of employees earning $150k+. M&A is down, real estate transactions are down, asset management, finance, structured finance-- all these areas are collapsing, and as result many of the legal powerhouses are reducing bonuses and laying off lawyers. There is a reason so many law firms are in New York-- their clients are the financial firms that have been collapsing over the last year. The only area with positive growth is bankruptcy law, an area that is concentrated in Delaware, not Manhattan.

So basically thousands of high paid workers in New York are facing layoffs, real wage reductions, and job insecurity. These are the sort of people who wouldn\'t think twice about signing a lease for $3 or $4 or $5,000 a month. Those days are over. They may not be moving home to Mommy\'s house, but they are probably reconsidering how much they are willing to pay for a lease.

Add to that all the other luxury services that tier of wage earner was contributing and there is a serious problem. Fewer people are going to go out and have a meal at $100 a plate, especially if the company isn\'t picking up the tab (to say nothing of the liquor tab which could double or triple a restaurant bill). So there goes the restaurant industry. And there is the art industry and luxury retail industry-- they are all coming apart.

Another major blow to real estate is going to come in June when the new college graduates are unable to find jobs and move back home rather than to the big city. This is probably going to effect the low end of the rental business most, especially in developing neighborhoods like Harlem, Hell\'s Kitchen, Jersey City, Williamsburg, Carrol Gardens, south Slope, ect.ect. Middle aged parents facing their own job insecurities are going to less willing to help fund junior\'s apartment lease while he/she looks for a job, and as increasing numbers of employers implement hiring freezes, its going to be harder for entry level college graduates.

BrightMoment wrote:
Quote:

Jeebus wrote:
I took a look at your site and don\'t see how it explains how I (much less all libertarians) \"talk the talk, but don\'t walk the walk\". It\'s such a broad and unsubstantiated claim that it amounts to mere name-calling.

Not my site, \"Jeebus\", but if you were around during Schundler\'s time you already know it\'s the site of Mia Scanga, who together with Yvonne Balcer are two of the most notable involved citizens of JC for quite a long time. Yvonne does the \"Talking Politics\" TV site interviewing politicians, activists, etc.

You call Mia\'s site a \"broad and unsubstaniated claim\". You obviously don\'t know how to read news articles that are \"links\" (each of the blue lines are links with a mouse rollover and since the links are now dead you have to search each archive of the specific media) or the Arthur Anderson Audit and the past financial analysis of our tax situation here in JC. I\'m not going to do your homework for you, but here\'s just one example of the numerous media cited (Star Ledger, Jersey Journal for two):

Quote:

Check out the ARTHUR ANDERSEN SPECIAL AUDIT REPORT required by the State in order for Jersey City to qualify for last year\'s additional $16 Million Distressed Cities Monies. In typical Schundler fashion, all of the City\'s problems are a result of the lack of adequate state funding not the fact that the more $$$$ you give Schundler the more he mismanages. The audit results confirm what I and other activists having been saying for years.Schundler is an INCOMPETENT ADMINISTRATOR WITH NO REAL VISION NOR LONG TERM PLANNING FOR THE CITY.....

\"Jersey City\'s government suffers from a lack of planning, is awarding overly generous tax breaks to commercial developers, and is at risk of losing millions of dollars in federal funding because of poor management, according to a preliminary report drafted by an independent consulting firm.\" Star Ledger, Report faults Jersey City management , 4/23/01.....

I guess if I spent the time that you have to devote a site opposed to a specific politician and they bowed out of politics I would be happy to move on rather than continue obsessing about them.

Nothing on Mia\'s site was done by me! Are you unable to read?? I posted her site in my sig as most of the newbies (probably including you no doubt)know nothing about Schundler other than statements by those who supported him, primarily his minions, church members of Grace Church where he sits on the Board, and others who benefitted from his being in office like developers. I felt it my civic duty to inform them, thus my sig.

If you had bothered to read my prior post here you would have seen it said: Quote:

Brightmoment wrote:
I\'ve answered that question (\"why I dislike Schundler\") ad nauseum on this site and the reasons are stated on Mia Scanga\'s excellent web site covering Schundler\'s past Mayoralty: (Home pg of my sig below!)

I hardly agree with all of Schundler\'s positions but his giving back donors\' money speaks very well of him, especially since he\'s financially strapped and it\'s not the normal practice.

Once again, you didn\'t read the press releases or the news reports. Schundler said he would give donor\'s back \"a large percentage\" of their money. Much like he promised to give back the monies to those he raised funds from in his race for Governor.

Quote:

Brett Schundler wrote: [...]we will be providing a very large percentage refund to everyone who contri buted[...]

Quote:

PolitickerNJ.com
Bret Debt
posted by Leon Abbett

With the money he claims he raised, I wonder if Schundler will pay off the debts he has not tried to settle since his last run for Gov or will he use the \"economic downturn\" now as his excuse not too?

Funny how there is no ELEC report but he raised that kind of money.