tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122067432024-03-23T14:34:16.009-04:00The Center of NJ LifeCentral New Jersey news, and whatever else catches my interest, filtered through the sarcasm of a resident living in the center of Our Fair State.Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.comBlogger1007125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-42482837290892005742012-05-10T21:19:00.004-04:002012-05-10T21:32:31.617-04:00A new classicHow sad.<br />
<br />
<div style='text-align:center'>
<object width='560' height='345' id='FiveminPlayer' classid='clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000'>
<param name='allowfullscreen' value='true'/>
<param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'/>
<param name='movie' value='http://embed.5min.com/517359364/'/>
<param name='wmode' value='opaque' />
<embed name='FiveminPlayer' src='http://embed.5min.com/517359364/' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' width='560' height='345' allowfullscreen='true' allowScriptAccess='always' wmode='opaque'>
</embed>
</object>
<br/><a href='http://www.5min.com/Video/Florida-County-Library-Pulls-Racy-Fifty-Shades-of-Grey-From-Shelves-517359364' style='font-family: Verdana;font-size: 10px;' target='_blank'>Florida County Library Pulls Racy 'Fifty Shades of Grey' From Shelves</a>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Have they looked on their Romance shelves lately? Or some "YA"? There is some seriously hot sex going on in those books. How is this any different? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
From <a href="http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20120504/NEWS01/305040006/50-shades-of-gray-E-L-james-erotic%3Fodyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CHome?nclick_check=1">Florida Today</a>:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 160px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
“It’s quite simple — it doesn’t meet our selection criteria,” said Cathy Schweinsberg, library services director.<span class="aa"></span></div>
<div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 160px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="pp"></span>“Nobody asked us to take it off the shelves. But we bought some copies before we realized what it was. We looked at it, because it’s been called ‘mommy porn’ and ‘soft porn.’ We don’t collect porn.”</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They'd bought 19 copies already, so it met your selection criteria before, or are you in the habit of buying material before you know what it is? Now they won't stock them because some people called it "porn" (who? qualified reviewers? librarians? professional adult material selectors? jackasses who call everything with a sex scene "porn"? your selection committee, perhaps?) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I haven't read these books, they're not really my thing. But 300+ people on hold for the first one at our library, and probably more every day. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They say they have other "porn" titles:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 160px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
Copies of “The Complete Kama Sutra” are available through the Cocoa Beach, Mims/Scottsmoor, Palm Bay and Titusville branches. Also up for grabs countywide: “Fanny Hill,” “Lady Chatterley’s Lover,” “Fear of Flying,” “Tropic of Cancer” and “Lolita.”<span class="aa"></span></div>
<div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 160px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="pp"></span>So what makes “Fifty Shades of Grey” different?<span class="aa"></span></div>
<div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 160px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="pp"></span>“I think because those other books were written years ago and became classics because of the quality of the writing,” Schweinsberg said. “This is not a classic.”</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You know what makes something a classic? Standing the test of time. Getting a reputation as something everyone should read. You know what all these classics listed here have in common? Sex scenes, and having been banned somewhere.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We might just have a classic here, after all. </div>Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-15607403367897580222012-05-09T22:17:00.002-04:002012-05-09T22:17:54.066-04:00Damn proud to be an American<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/GA-cSCfPrbk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
and to call this man my president. Especially in the wake of a pathetic vote in North Carolina.<br />
<br />
We're Americans. We're all created equal. We should all have equal choice. We should have marriage equality.<br />
<br />
Now.Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-10798314776028163612011-11-08T11:22:00.001-05:002021-04-23T10:23:03.261-04:002011 New Jersey Election ResultsLocal races by County:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.aclink.org/elections/">Atlantic</a> <span style="font-size: 78%;">(look all the way to the right, in the box on
top)</span><br /><a href="http://www.co.bergen.nj.us/countyclerk/elections_voting.html">Bergen</a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(about halfway down the page, at press time the link wasn't active yet)</span><br /><a href="http://www.co.burlington.nj.us/Pages/pages.aspx?cid=31">Burlington</a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(link at top)</span><br /><a href="http://www.camdencounty.com/government/voter-information/election-results">Camden</a><br /><a href="http://www.capemaycountygov.net/FCpdf/2011General.pdf">Cape May County</a><br /><a href="http://www.co.cumberland.nj.us/elections/2011/general/index.htm">Cumberland</a><br /><a href="http://www.essexclerk.com/election/ElectionFrame.html">Essex</a><br /><a href="http://www.co.gloucester.nj.us/depts/e/supelec/default.asp">Gloucester</a><br /><a href="http://www.hudsoncountyclerk.org/cgi-bin/election.pl">Hudson</a><br /><a href="http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/countyclerk/election/Unofficial%20General%202011.htm">Hunterdon</a><br /><a href="http://nj.gov/counties/mercer/officials/clerk/news/11082011ElectionResult.htm">Mercer</a><br /><a href="http://www.co.middlesex.nj.us/countyclerk/electionsresults.asp">Middlesex</a><br /><a href="http://www.visitmonmouth.com/ElectionResults/Election%20Result.htm">Monmouth</a><br /><a href="http://www.morriselectionresults.org/">Morris</a><br /><a href="http://www.clerk.co.ocean.nj.us/ElectionSite/">Ocean</a><br /><a href="http://service.govdelivery.com/service/document.html?code=NJPASSA_45">Passaic</a><br /><a href="http://www.nj.com/salem/index.ssf/county_news/index_128.html">Salem</a><br /><a href="http://www.co.somerset.nj.us/clerk/ElectionResults.htm">Somerset</a><br /><a href="http://www.sussexcountyclerk.com/ELECTION%20pages/elec_results.html">Sussex</a><br /><a href="http://ucnj.org/government/board-of-elections-2/Election-Results">Union</a><br /><a href="http://www.co.warren.nj.us/Elections/Current%20Election%20Results/vote.pdf">Warren</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nj.com/elections/">General NJ results</a><br />
<br />
<br />NOT EVERY
ONE WILL UPDATE FULLY TONIGHT. The polls close at 8 PM; some counties will start
updating soon after that.Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-43889055851952040592011-11-08T07:45:00.001-05:002011-11-08T07:45:37.232-05:00Go vote!Polls are open in Our Fair State.Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-39214317188265350522011-11-07T22:17:00.001-05:002011-11-07T22:17:07.179-05:00Don't forget to vote!Tomorrow is election day in Our Fair State... don't forget to vote!<br />
<br />
If you haven't made up your mind yet on how you should vote, check with the <a href="http://lwvnj.org/voting.html">League of Women Voters</a>, who have a lot of information for you.<br />
<br />
See you at the polls tomorrow!Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-61776022423006168322011-07-22T18:01:00.002-04:002011-07-22T18:04:56.584-04:00It's about time. Finally.I feel safer knowing that we now acknowlege that military members have the same level of acceptance and behavior as the rest of us.<br /><br />The end of Don't Ask, Don't tell.<br /><a href="http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/07/22/pentagon-certifies-military-readiness-for-dadt-repeal/?hpt=hp_t2">http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/07/22/pentagon-certifies-military-readiness-for-dadt-repeal/?hpt=hp_t2</a>Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-12066846593947475782011-07-09T11:35:00.003-04:002011-07-09T11:47:28.377-04:00NJ Bike ExchangeHave a used bike cluttering up your garage? Or need a bike for yourself? I just found out about this program. It's a great idea.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.bikeexchangenj.org/">Boys & Girls Club Bike Exchange </a>accepts donated used bikes which are re-conditioned by volunteers and sold. Profits go to the Trenton Boys & Girls Club's after school programs.<br /><br />Places to donate your bike can be found <a href="http://www.bikeexchangenj.org/links.php?52663">here</a>.<br /><br />The Exchange is located at 1500 N. Olden Ave, Ewing NJ. They're open Saturdays 10-5, and Thursdays 5-8. They say you can ride the bikes to try them out before purchase, too.<br /><br />Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Ride, all for charity. What's not to love?Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-33806849991255343232011-07-05T07:54:00.003-04:002011-07-05T08:02:02.334-04:00Better than I could've said it: Jennifer Beck flip-flops editionJay Lassiter on <a href="http://www.bluejersey.com/diary/18892/jen-beck-trentons-fairweather-friend-to-the-gays">State Senator Jennifer Beck's sudden change of heart regarding Marriage Equality</a>:<br /><br /><br /><blockquote><br /><br /><br /><p>New Jersey's new map added Asbury Park and Ocean grove to her district, transforming it overnight into (arguabley) the gayest district in New Jersey.<br /><br />So, Beck's track record on equality: vote against Gay people when it matters (or when it suits her politically) but now that she wants to represent the gayest district in NJ, a sudden conversion. Go figure. </p><br /><br /><p></p></blockquote><br />Ah, a fair weather friend. Just what everyone needs. Here in the former 12th, I say: good riddance, Senator Beck. And good luck to the folks in her new district. You're going to need it.Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-60952710020211360312011-06-27T22:02:00.001-04:002011-06-27T22:03:40.685-04:00Congratulations, New York!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3OqdnhuenhqWLVVikuOCcMJ19HAW11z4U7wP6dSvFPM6mv6BPLQc7gz-P_WxIxm_YxiJos6WAOZh13yVuXRfF8-oM61dw_elBMEgRibL73uLgxbkQdYzIXJO0UUPi-B4XJ3X/s1600/264986_162271833840386_155483921185844_365670_4511255_n.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 270px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623085229735373330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3OqdnhuenhqWLVVikuOCcMJ19HAW11z4U7wP6dSvFPM6mv6BPLQc7gz-P_WxIxm_YxiJos6WAOZh13yVuXRfF8-oM61dw_elBMEgRibL73uLgxbkQdYzIXJO0UUPi-B4XJ3X/s320/264986_162271833840386_155483921185844_365670_4511255_n.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div></div>Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-73534837054569901452011-05-30T11:08:00.002-04:002011-05-30T11:12:31.028-04:00Memorial Day 2011“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” — George S. Patton<br /><br />From the <a href="http://www.nj.com/times-opinion/index.ssf/2011/05/editorial_memorial_day_2011_-.html">Times of Trenton</a>:<br /><br /><br /><br /><blockquote>On this Memorial Day, it is fitting to call the roll of the 145 service members<br />and two civilians with ties to New Jersey and Bucks County, Pa., who have died<br />in Iraq and Afghanistan.</blockquote><br /><br />We give thianks that such people lived, and remember them this Memorial Day.Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-22181370940455594802011-05-25T21:35:00.002-04:002011-05-25T21:36:59.818-04:00I knew I'd still be here anyway<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxW9w1fcuPVhwlUFpBaHka7Rje3B4DAEyIsCfCDKu9cGWuKWdjUstv9rI2_6mp5qsGKiEennYb-tH6a-22BTLQO6yBBboeyPBhoEV9UC0_BnoVqpUYZ6ebvc-3Y5Z0pMncCsRw/s1600/demotivational-posters-born-agains.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 271px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610832634181280882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxW9w1fcuPVhwlUFpBaHka7Rje3B4DAEyIsCfCDKu9cGWuKWdjUstv9rI2_6mp5qsGKiEennYb-tH6a-22BTLQO6yBBboeyPBhoEV9UC0_BnoVqpUYZ6ebvc-3Y5Z0pMncCsRw/s320/demotivational-posters-born-agains.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>via <a href="http://verydemotivational.memebase.com/">Very Demotivational</a></div>Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-73407108050891113342011-05-02T08:05:00.001-04:002011-05-02T08:05:44.752-04:00A little busy.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMYdVQXjlD0MUginWU_KmtfWK2eF7SNebVdFgZhSSzAbseJ7sRcGLc308oUNwLjRI1ysOw9YCrX0VsNviPHOPQH8-uCbaovE4BreJRgF-yiEOLd9z9W4sbAT2yeo33M3W-gte/s1600/tumblr_lkjx0eQ8pl1qa0jlno1_500.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602088740836319826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMYdVQXjlD0MUginWU_KmtfWK2eF7SNebVdFgZhSSzAbseJ7sRcGLc308oUNwLjRI1ysOw9YCrX0VsNviPHOPQH8-uCbaovE4BreJRgF-yiEOLd9z9W4sbAT2yeo33M3W-gte/s320/tumblr_lkjx0eQ8pl1qa0jlno1_500.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div></div>Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-48459692521857766672011-03-11T18:15:00.003-05:002011-03-11T18:16:46.452-05:00Longwood to go solarOk, so it's not in Our Fair State. But Longwood Gardens is one of my personal Happy Places, so I'm really happy about this.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.longwoodgardens.org/march2011green.html">Longwood Solar Field to light up this summer</a>Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-70046881601729181752011-03-01T08:53:00.002-05:002011-03-01T08:55:42.517-05:00Top ten misperceptions about public librariesWe'll yell at you! We're all librarians! We want your old books! We don't understand the google! We can't help you get stuff for your eReader!<br /><br /><a href="http://http//heydeadguy.typepad.com/heydeadguy/2011/02/misperceptions-some-people-">Ten misperceptions about public libraries</a>Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-38646162128130946262011-01-22T18:34:00.002-05:002011-01-22T18:38:29.294-05:00Jeff Gardner for NJ SenateAfter some speculation, <a href="http://www.bluejersey.com/diary/17634/yes-there-really-is-a-jeff-gardner-for-senate">Jeff Garnder</a> has announced his intent to run for State Senate.<br /><br />Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Gardner in the 35th district. Good luck, Jeff!Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-62261517219038054872011-01-17T09:11:00.002-05:002011-01-17T09:16:10.495-05:00Embracing the sun<a href="http://eastwindsor.patch.com/articles/cranbury-warehouse-to-bask-in-the-sun?ncid=M255">Cranbury Warehouse to Bask in the Sun</a>:<br /><br /> Tim Connolly, senior vice president of operations:<br /><blockquote><p>"We are continuously looking for ways to be more environmentally friendly throughout our everyday operations,” he said. “We anticipate that the solar installation will supply up to 90 percent of our overall electric needs at our Cranbury distribution center.”<br />...<br />Sudler Real Estate’s CEO Peter Sudler also said he is looking forward to<br />the array's installation.<br />“We have great confidence that the solar facility will represent a 'win-win-win' for all three companies, not to mention the positive impact on the environment and the state of New Jersey," he said.<br />In addition to those sentiments, KDC Solar’s Alan Epstein mentioned a more human element to the work his company does.<br />“This work keeps jobs in New Jersey and attracts jobs to New Jersey,” he said.<br /></p></blockquote><br />Green jobs? Go solar!Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-21818311309033843252010-09-30T16:11:00.002-04:002010-09-30T16:13:10.823-04:00HorrifiedThe recent scandal at Rutgers has me horrified.<br />This poor kid, unsure of himself like all college kids, exposed, humiliated, who must have felt trapped into something drastic.<br />These other two kids, a new generation of bullies, no regard for other people's feelings, privacy or life.<br />Parents of all three, one set standing now forever alone, the other two sets wondering how they sent these young adults out into the world to carelessly and heartlessly ruin a life.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i1iMYHMsNbOUJOaBvP10z2VkrP_AD9IIDQF80?docId=D9IIDQF80">Steven Goldstien, of Garden State Equality</a>:<br /><blockquote>"We are heartbroken over the tragic loss of a young man who, by all accounts, was brilliant, talented and kind," Goldstein said. "And we are sickened that anyone in our society, such as the students allegedly responsible for making the surreptitious video, might consider destroying others' lives as a sport."</blockquote><br />Sickened. Heartbroken.<br />Horrified.Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-42481043712796221302010-09-30T16:02:00.001-04:002010-09-30T16:04:10.188-04:00Go solar!This month, my electric bill was $2.20, the minimum that JCP&L will charge in a month. I banked 175 kW hours against next month. Go solar!Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-83926170015181332982010-09-19T08:42:00.002-04:002010-09-19T08:47:47.524-04:00Storycorps in TrentonStorycorps, the nonprofit group whose mission is to provide all Americans with the opportunity to share and preserve the stories of our lives, has come <a href="http://storycorps.org/record-your-story/locations/trenton-nj/">to Trenton</a> until October 3rd. They've partnered with <a href="http://www.njn.net/">NJN</a> and have parked their Airstream right outside the State Library. Follow that link above to make a reservation.<br /><br />This is a very cool project, and it's time they were in the Center of Our Fair State!Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-52631756465584759952010-08-28T10:46:00.000-04:002010-08-28T10:47:22.471-04:00Team Evil? or Team Stupid?The Daily Show gets it right, again. <br /><br /><table style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f5f5; FONT: 11px arial; COLOR: #333" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="360" height="353"><tbody><tr style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #e5e5e5" valign="center"><td style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; PADDING-TOP: 2px"><a style="COLOR: #333; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/" target="_blank">The Daily Show With Jon Stewart</a></td><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-TOP: 2px">Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c</td></tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 14px" valign="center"><td style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; PADDING-TOP: 2px" colspan="2"><a style="COLOR: #333; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-august-23-2010/the-parent-company-trap" target="_blank">The Parent Company Trap</a></td></tr><tr style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #353535; HEIGHT: 14px" valign="center"><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; WIDTH: 360px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; OVERFLOW: hidden; PADDING-TOP: 2px" colspan="2"><a style="COLOR: #96deff; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/" target="_blank">http://www.thedailyshow.com/</a></td></tr><tr valign="center"><td style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" colspan="2"><embed style="DISPLAY: block" height="301" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="360" src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:cms:item:comedycentral.com:351494" bgcolor="#000000" allownetworking="all" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="autoPlay=false" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="window"></embed></td></tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 18px" valign="center"><td style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" colspan="2"><table style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" height="100%"><tbody><tr valign="center"><td style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; WIDTH: 33%; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-TOP: 3px"><a style="FONT: 10px arial; COLOR: #333; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/" target="_blank">Daily Show Full Episodes</a></td><td style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; WIDTH: 33%; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-TOP: 3px"><a style="FONT: 10px arial; COLOR: #333; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.indecisionforever.com/" target="_blank">Political Humor</a></td><td style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; WIDTH: 33%; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-TOP: 3px"><a style="FONT: 10px arial; COLOR: #333; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/videos/tag/Tea+Party" target="_blank">Tea Party</a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-64760822353998797892010-06-08T09:17:00.001-04:002010-06-08T09:18:48.868-04:00"The less secure a man is, the more likely he is to have extreme prejudice."-Clint Eastwood<br /><br />How do the kids in Arizona feel now? On racism: Roger Ebert, <a href="http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2010/06/how_would_i_feel_if.html">How did they get to be that way?</a>Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-35700672123253008582010-04-22T15:52:00.003-04:002010-04-22T16:10:26.889-04:00Dear Gov. Christie...This is in response to two things from the Governor's 4/21 interview on <a href="http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/6347735">Ask the Governor</a>, NJ 101.5. Here's a segment of that interview, transcripted:<br /><br /><br /><blockquote>Eric SCOTT (NJ101.5): Peg in Rutherford writes: 'What are your issues with New Jersey's public libraries? A 74% cut indicates a clear lack of support.' And we got many similar questions to Peg as well about the reduction in support for libraries.<br />Governor CHRISTIE: Listen, I love public libraries, but public libraries are one of the few places where, by statute, municipalities are required to dedicate a certain amount to their public libraries. And so there is a dedicated funding stream to libraries and each and every municipality that has one. And again, I'm not looking to cut funding from libraries, but everyone is sharing in the sacrifice. Every department of state government has been reduced. For the first time in recent memory, every department has been reduced. Every program has been looked at. And libraries can't be immune to that. And so, I don't feel good about having to do it, but the fact of the matter is as one of the earlier callers said I was handed a bag of problems when I took this job. And I'm not complaining about it. I understood at least some of the problems I was inheriting when I asked for the job. And so we're just dealing with as honestly as I can. I understand. I've gotten a lot of letters from people who utilize public libraries-<br />SCOTT: Yeah.<br />CHRISTIE: And I think there's some misinformation about it too. It's not like because of this, public libraries are going to be closing. Municipalities are required to dedicate a stream of funding to libraries in their towns. And we do not believe you'll be seeing any libraries close or any significant diminution of services for people to be able to utilize. But there were a number of streams of funding that went there. We felt like in an era of tough choices, given that there was another funding stream available to public libraries across the state of New Jersey, that that was one of the areas we could aggressively cut for the time being while we are in a difficult period. </blockquote><br />There are two parts of this to which I want to respond.<br /><br />First: Yes, most of the public library funding is through a dedicated local tax. <em>However, bill A2555 seeks to gut that by eliminating the minimum funding requirement! </em>There are also multiple streames of funding for libraries because of shared services, regional cooperatives, and statewide programs which help ALL libraries. Your cut <em>will</em> result in loss of services, possibly cut hours but definitely reduced services. Your also puts funding below thresholds to get federal funding- so the cut runs even deeper than you portray.<br /><br />Second: We all know how bad were the fiscal problems you inhereted were; we all did. If you didn't, I suggest in the future you read the newspaper. Be aware how utterly disingenuous you sound every time you complain about it- and then insist you're not complaining about it.Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-74389161111057452952010-04-21T21:12:00.002-04:002010-04-21T21:16:34.523-04:00The Lupus of NewsJon Stewart, doing what he does best.<br /><br /><table style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f5f5; FONT: 11px arial; COLOR: #333" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="360" height="353"><tbody><tr style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #e5e5e5" valign="center"><td style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; PADDING-TOP: 2px"><a style="COLOR: #333; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/" target="_blank">The Daily Show With Jon Stewart</a></td><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-TOP: 2px">Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c</td></tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 14px" valign="center"><td style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; COLOR: #333; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 2px" colspan="2" target="_blank" href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-april-20-2010/bernie-goldberg-fires-back">Bernie Goldberg Fires Back<a></a></td></tr><tr style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #353535; HEIGHT: 14px" valign="center"><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; WIDTH: 360px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; OVERFLOW: hidden; PADDING-TOP: 2px" colspan="2"><a style="COLOR: #96deff; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/" target="_blank">http://www.thedailyshow.com/</a></td></tr><tr valign="center"><td style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" colspan="2"><embed style="DISPLAY: block" height="301" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="360" src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:cms:item:comedycentral.com:271692" wmode="window" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="autoPlay=false" allowscriptaccess="always" allownetworking="all" bgcolor="#000000"></embed></td></tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 18px" valign="center"><td style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" colspan="2"><table style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" height="100%"><tbody><tr valign="center"><td style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; WIDTH: 33%; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-TOP: 3px"><a style="FONT: 10px arial; COLOR: #333; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/" target="_blank">Daily Show Full Episodes</a></td><td style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; WIDTH: 33%; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-TOP: 3px"><a style="FONT: 10px arial; COLOR: #333; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.indecisionforever.com/" target="_blank">Political Humor</a></td><td style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; WIDTH: 33%; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-TOP: 3px"><a style="FONT: 10px arial; COLOR: #333; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/videos/tag/Tea+Party" target="_blank">Tea Party</a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br />It's a little long but worth it to hang out to the end.<br /><br />The best comedy IS social commentary.Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-24383921881189063452010-04-17T12:51:00.003-04:002010-04-17T12:58:49.845-04:00EditorialIn a fitting end for National Library Week, an editorial appeared in Friday's <a href="http://www.nj.com/opinion/times/oped/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1271396712243920.xml&coll=5">Times of Trenton</a> explaining why library funding in Our Fair State is so imperiled and why we need to save it.<br /><br /><blockquote><p>Gov. Christie's proposed budget eliminates most of the statewide services that state residents have come to expect from their local libraries. A 74 percent reduction in state funding will eliminate the core services and infrastructure that support a majority of our libraries, including access to the internet, databases and electronic resources; loans and delivery of materials between libraries; and support for summer reading programs for children. And a 50 percent reduction in state aid will affect our libraries' ability to purchase books, computers and audiovisual collections.<br />...<br />Often, the public library is the only center in the community where anyone can go for services such as finding tax forms, resume preparation, homework assistance, literacy programs, recreational reading, research and much more. Libraries serve the youngest children, starting with programs for babies and parents, where children are read to and begin learning and socializing. Programs for children and teens continue as they grow. Our youth find welcoming spaces that offer help with homework, research, their college search, books, and a place to relax in a safe environment. Most libraries offer hours until 9 p.m. on weekdays, as well as weekend service. After school hours, the library serves as a virtual gateway for education and recreation.</p></blockquote><br />Read the whole story <a href="http://www.nj.com/opinion/times/oped/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1271396712243920.xml&coll=5">here</a>. Then, write to your Assemblyfolk; tell them you support your local library and ask them to oppose the governor's proposed cuts and Assembly Bill A2555, which eliminates minimum libray funding. Please, write to them today!Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12206743.post-28389372203271405722010-04-14T14:19:00.005-04:002010-04-14T14:30:00.641-04:00What will we lose?I hope you are still enjoying National Library Week! Visit your local library and tell them how much you appreciate what they do.<br /><br />Local libraries do so much for people. Right now, funding is stressed and politicians see libraries as an easy thing to cut, even though library programs have been flat funded for 20 years- so it is hard to believe these small programs have caused the state's current fiscal crisis!Gov. Christie's proposed cuts would cause:<br /><ul><li>Libraries will lose 50% of state aid at a time when demand for services is increasing dramatically</li><li>More than half of public libraries will lose access to the Internet</li><li>Many libraries will lose email service</li><li>Many libraries will lose their websites or access to them</li><li>The Talking Book and Braille Center (known as the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped) will close</li><li>Group contracts which bring down the cost of other electronic resources purchased by libraries will cease; regional library cooperatives will close</li><li>Access to electronic databases such as RefUSA and EBSCO will cease</li><li>Statewide interlibrary loan and delivery of library materials will cease</li></ul>This is horrible. Please, make your voice heard. Write your Assemblyfolk and state Senator. Tell your legislators to STOP cuts in funding to Our Fair State's libraries. Visit <a href="http://www.ilovenjlibraries.org/">ILoveNJLibraries.org </a>for more information.Sharon GRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467317912222026022noreply@blogger.com0