Star-Ledger woes has meaning for young reporters

In an industry where weekly reporters moving on to dailies has become more and more scarce, The Courier has a continued history of good young reporters starting here, improving and moving on to bigger and better. It is not about comparisons between other publications, because every publication is unique and important in the bigger picture in its own right.

But reporters at Courier basically knock themsleves out here their first year or year-and-a-half just out of school. Subsequently, whether it is print or digital journalism, public relations or advertising, there has always been a level to move up to that may have been competitive but was not unattainable. Of course, in any media operation in New Jersey, the "dream job" for a young reporter is ultimately working at The Star-Ledger.

On her blog, Courier Senior Staff Writer Alyssa Passeggio talks about some concerns in the industry when something like a Star-Ledger is showing signs of fatigue. What is the future of print? I have no idea. I do think it will be around, but after a facelift that will have a lot to do with the direction of Online journalism. I do beleive Online publications will end up, somehow, being the way of the future. But just what that future is going to look like from a news perspective is another subject altogether.

Click on the headline to go to Read All About It.

The Star-Ledger is 'on life support'

The Star-Ledger is offering buyouts for employees at the newspaper. The Newhouse family has held the newspaper for a very long time. They have held this trust in an incredible way and there is not a better newspaper anywhere, in my opinion. Click on the headline to go to the story at NJ.com.

A word about monsoons, making plans and criminology

No one knows why anyone does anything. People lack sense, in many things, but can turn around and be very incisive. There is just no telling.

When I was 16 years old, I was attending Brookdale Community College, in Lincroft, for my associate's degree, in the year between finishing high school and joining the service.

I ended up finishing the degree when I was in the service, when I got the time years later. But the early credits were very helpful in this effort.

I was a criminal justice student, and one of the most notable teachers and classes I had were Dr. Ron Sopenhoff's criminology course. I hope I got Dr. Sopenhoff's name right. He was a good teacher, but 27 years goes a long way to misspelling a name.

Criminology was a mandatory class to graduate, as I recall. But it was also a class that the students generally liked to attend. Why? Because he had the answer to why people commit crimes, of course. Dr. Sopenhoff knew why people did lousy things to one another – absolutely.

So, beginning with Cesara Lombroso's Theory of Criminal Man, then onto Cesara Baccaria's Theory of Crimes of Passion and so on, and so on, Dr. Sopenhoff convinced students, week after week, that the theory we were going over in class was the theory of criminality.

Inevitably, though, Dr. Sopenhoff would come up with a fatal flaw in every theory we studied, after that segment was over, until there didn't seem to be much sense about anything. One minute, the world is nice and orderly, people do things because of such and so. Then the next minute, everyone was back to knowing less than nothing about criminal causation.

Finally, it was the last day of class and some of us, myself included, wanted to know the theory that brings it all together and makes everything crystal clear. Dr. Sopenhoff had the answer to the universe where this was involved and I was sure he was going to enlighten everyone: He did.

"No one knows why anyone does anything," he said. "There are theories but all of them are going to have holes and there is always going to be some variable about why people commit crime, don’t commit crime, sometimes commit crime or might commit crime. But no one knows, really."

'How dare he!' I thought to myself. A plot twist! No one knows why anyone does anything? That's what it is? The most learned men and women studying criminology for so many years, and the sum total of it all is that no one knows why anyone does anything?

That seem to fit with the answer that I got from another institution I attended, though not so regularly – church.

Some people try and stay on the straight and narrow and others do not. Whether someone is wearing an expensive suit or the worst rags on the street, it is not an indicator of what is going on inside someone's head.

In the end, everything is free will and individual desire.

All of that was said to come to the final part of this little commentary: There is a lot going on about race and politics in the Bayshore right now.

I have no idea about why, ultimately, this topic has risen to the surface so powerfully now. Why old wounds are being pulled open between the races is a mystery. Sometimes, things happen simply because they do. Issues like this are as predictable as monsoons in tropical climates. But, like monsoons, usually everyone ends up getting wet because of them.

Requiem for RCAs in New Jersey

It's official: Municipalities cannot sell off their obligation to build affordable housing in their communities.

When Gov. Jon Corzine signed A500 into law, he changed the landscape of affordable housing in the Garden State, for the better I think.

Nevertheless, the implications for Bayshore communities, particularly Middletown, are there. Click on the headline to go to the story by Courier Staff Writer Melissa Gaffney at The Courier Online.

Caption: Volunteers at the Jamestown Colony, in Virginia, reconstruct a period dwelling (not an example of affordable housing in New Jersey).

Middletown Elks host fluke tourney

The Middletown Elks are a great organization. They recently held a fluke tournament, which is an annual event for the lodge. This is a great community organization that does wonderful things for a lot of people. Click on the headline and go to The Courier Online.

Schiano: Rutgers is ready for gridiron season debut

There is a lot of speculation going on about the contract that was signed between Scarlet Knights Head Coach Greg Schiano and the Athletic Department at Rutgers. Basically, the coach gets $2M per year and another $250,000 in other subsidies. Transparency about the contract process with the coach wasn't really there -- true--that much could be said. But, Coach Schiano was and is a hot property in college football coaching. I recall some time back that the Miami Hurricanes were shopping Coach Schiano, and I have little doubt they would have been more than competitive with what Rutgers was offering.

Bottom line: Coach Schiano likes Jersey, has been a total asset to the Rutgers Football Program and the state. He has inspired the young men he is coaching to do some great things on the gridiron, which has raised the level of awareness in people all over the country about Rutgers and New Jersey. And, he has done it in a way that is positive and creates a good role model for atheletes and young people, in general.

Coach Schiano says Rutgers Football is ready to go. He is positive about the upcoming season, which kicks off at the beginning of September. Click on the headline and go to the story about it at NJ.com.

Morehead posts about Middletown COAH

Matthew Morehead, chairman for the Monmouth County Bayshore Young Dems has penned a column for the ONline version of Courier. Click on the headline to go there.

THE KEYPORT SPANISH AMERICAN FESTIVAL

The 10th ANNUAL SPANISH AMERICAN FESTIVAL OF KEYPORT will be held on Saturday, August 9th, 2008 12pm – 8pm. The Festival will be held at the Waterfront in Keyport, Corner of Broad Street and First Street, Keyport.

The purpose of the Spanish American Festival of Keyport is to bring people of all backgrounds together to celebrate the richness of Latino culture. “Last year, over a thousand people came to our event and we expect many more as our programming of fun-filledactivities and Entertainers has increased for this years event” said Carlos Maldonado, Festival Committee Chairman. Our success is also due to the cooperation and support we are indebted to from our Keyport municipal friends that always help out, he added.

The Festival officially begins at 12pm and a full day of entertainment is on our Keyport calendar. To date, confirmed entertainers include: Proyecto Clemente, DJ ACE, Dance contest, ethnic foods, clowns and much much more!!

Contact: Virginia Maldonado (732) 471-1480 VirgniaMaldo44@Comcast.Net

Carlos Maldonado (732) 471-1480 CarlosMaldo44@Comcast.Net

McCain 'swift boats' Obama about loyalty to U.S.?

Race plays a role in how voters perceive Dem. candidate

According to the AP, Presidential candidate Barack Obama is being targeted 'swift boat' style by GOP Presidential candidate John McCain, who is seeking a new direction in the race.

According to the article, race is continuing to play a role for some voters, who see a change in the candidate's complexion as a factor in the race. Click on the headline to go to the story from AP.

Man kills 2 in Tenn. church shooting for alleged liberal views

According to the AP, a Tennessee man killed two congregants at a Unitarian church because that congregation was known as a liberal area hub. The man, who was unemployed, reportedly left a note denouncing the church's advocation of women's and gay rights. Recently, the congregation had worked to create an area chapter of the ACLU.

What is there to say about that? Click on the headline to go to YahooNews!

Caption: The first church in the U.S. was founded at the Jamestown Colony, Virginia, in 1607.

Response to Art Gallagher at More Monmouth Musings

I just read a post by Art Gallagher, after we spoke on the telephone. I told Art that Courier would not be printing his More Monmouth Musings column anymore, because after consultation with the NAACP (several people there), it was decided by me that Courier could not do this.

More Monmouth Musings is a popular state blog, and certainly very influential. Art is a very talented commentator and writer also. But, the N-word cannot be acceptable and the introduction of it by anyone cannot and should not be identified with the newspaper directly.

On a personal note, I think Art is very intelligent and I do believe he is very concerned about race. But I believe, as I have said before, that he brought up the issue of race in a bad way. I think the race issue is very charged and that much caution has to be used when addressing speech associated with it. I do thank the NAACP for its counsel also, because leaders there have put much work into the prospect of racial tolerance. Their wisdom is deeply appreciated.

As a person, I know Mr. Gallagher to be a very dedicated member of his community, who has fought very hard for business and taxpayers through his public speech. I truly regret that Courier cannot print his column anymore, because it is very good and insightful for the most part. As a business leader Art has done great things, but the newspaper cannot agree with him about this, and I cannot equivocate that. So, in print, there has to be a parting of the ways.

Courier covered the controversy, and will continue to do so. I have stated my position about race, and it is not a secret that I am a former member of the Board of Directors for the Greater Long Branch NAACP, which is an organization I place much stock in. So, I am going to have to disagree with Mr. Gallagher for the moment, but certainly not wish him any ill will.

LEGISLATION TO HELP HOUSING CRISIS PASSES CONGRESS

Menendez, member of Senate Banking Committee, was able to include amendments to help children uprooted by foreclosures, boost financial literacy programs

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Senate passed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, a major piece of legislation to provide relief for families who are struggling to keep their homes and to stabilize the market. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Banking Committee who has been a major advocate for a strong federal response to the foreclosure crisis, voted in favor of the housing bill and praised it as an important step toward boosting our economy and providing relief to homeowners.

“This bill is about stopping the collapse of the housing market and helping millions of American families hold on to their homes. It’s also about shoring up a foundational pillar of our entire economy,” said Sen. Menendez. “The bill helps everyone from first-time homebuyers to returning veterans to make an investment in a home and continue to live the American Dream.”

“American families are the ones taking the direct hit in this economic downturn. They are receiving foreclosure notices, they are struggling to balance their checkbooks and they are reaching out to Congress for help. This is an important bill that takes us in the right direction, by boosting our economy while at the same time addressing the root cause of our current economic problems – the housing market. I am glad that President Bush this week finally retracted his cold-hearted veto threat of this bill – it has taken him far too long to wake up to the housing crisis.”

The bill includes provisions requested by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson in order to increase confidence of the financial markets in Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Bank System.

Regarding those, Senator Menendez said, “With this increased authority comes increased responsibility for federal regulators, and I will work to ensure that the Congress and the Banking Committee keep a tight watch on them and implement strong oversight. Our taxpayers deserve no less.”

Senator Menendez also reacted to the inclusion of two of his amendments in the bill, one to assist children uprooted by foreclosures and one to promote better financial literacy for homebuyers and homeowners.

“I am also pleased that this bill includes two provisions that I championed,” said Senator Menendez. “Promoting better financial education among prospective homeowners will help make sure they are armed with the information and knowledge that helps them make the best decisions about their mortgages. By helping ensure that children who are forced to move from their homes do not also have to leave their schools, we can avoid interrupting crucial developmental years for our children while easing the strain on our nation’s school systems.”

Menendez Amendment for children affected by foreclosures: It is estimated that nearly two million children will be directly impacted by the mortgage crisis. Loss of housing can have devastating emotional consequences for children and youth. In response, Senator Menendez authored and helped pass an amendment that will authorize an infusion of funds to school districts across the country through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education program to help ensure that students who are forced to move from their homes do not also have to leave their schools. More McKinney-Vento funding will enable school districts to provide the counseling and other assistance necessary to help children and youth with the emotional trauma caused by homelessness.

Menendez Financial Counseling Amendment: The Menendez Financial Counseling amendment will lead to better financial education among prospective homeowners and help identify the most successful methods for delivering counseling services. The amendment simply allows states to use their administrative expenses to improve their financial education and housing counseling services and authorizes pilot projects to help determine the most effective methods for providing housing counseling and financial education.

The bill includes a major overhaul of our mortgage financing system; it allows qualified homeowners who are struggling to refinance and lock-in more affordable loans, making terms and regulations more transparent and investing millions of dollars to help expand financial counseling programs.

More Monmouth Musings blogger makes controversial remarks

In this week's edition of The Courier, More Monmouth Musings blogger Art Gallagher explains his controversial remarks on the blog. Click on the headline to go to the story.

Patrolwoman Debbie Trembley on Police Youth Week

In Union Beach, Police Youth Week is turning out great this year. Patrolwoman Debbie Trembley was kind enough to give me an interview for YouTube about this very important police initiative.

UB Police Youth Week heads into second class for '08

The Union Beach Police Department Youth Week extended into its second session between July 29-Aug.1. This is the second year the borough department has hosted the special week for children.

Last year, Police Youth Week brought out about 30 borough children between the ages of 10-13 years old. During the inaugural year of Police Youth Week, there was only one group. However, the event has more than doubled in town youths interested in taking part.

This year, the borough Police Department hosted 80 borough children, between the ages of 10-14 years old. Because of the size of the class, the children had to be broken into two groups, with the first group of about 50 children hosted at the department between July 21-25.

According to Patrolwoman Debbie Trembley, who has been on the department for 10 years, children in the program receive blocs of training from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the week.

Training includes, but is not limited to: "10 codes," phonetic alphabet, motor vehicle stops, "stranger danger" encounters, anti-drug information sessions, first aid, sensitivity training, and cardio pulmonary resuscitation,

According to Trembley, when surveyed, the first class from Police Youth Week responded that between 25-35 percent of the youths wanted to go onto careers in various forms of law enforcement.

Trembley said she believes some of the things children learned during Police Youth Week have relevance in many areas of life for the children.

"Yesterday was a good day and the kids learned first aid and were certified in it. I think it is great because it doesn’t matter what their age is, they can still help someone with first aid. Just because they are little kids doesn’t mean they cannot help someone in need," Trembley said.

According to Trembley, there is wide support in the department for the program. She noted that the primary coordinators for the event were Sgt. Timothy Kelly and Officer Lisa Griffin. In addition to Kelly and Griffin, also taking part in the training was: Chief Michael Kelly, Capt. Scott Woolley, Det. Chris Tuberion, Det. Michael Woodrow, Patrolman Bob Harriott, Special Officer Nick Lands, Dispatcher Jackie Shipley, Special Officer Sean Gilkenson and herself.

Trembley noted Chief Michael Kelly's strong enthusiasm for the program, and credited that as an important reason for its growing success.

Trembley confirmed that there is a strong bond of trust in town between the police and residents, and programs like Police Youth Week assist in community outreach. "This is a small community town. A lot of the officers live in town. I think the comfort zone of people growing up with each other helps to foster trust. A lot of these officers grew up here, or they went to school in Union Beach. These people here have such a strong tie to their community," she said.

Trembley said that Police Youth Week is likely to be even bigger next year, and concluded that the growing program is really the result of "some very involved and dedicated officers, a group of really wonderful parents and some really great kids."

Train station case decided by courts

The case of the Matawan Train Station Redevelopment Project has been decided by an appellate court. The story in the APP is good reading. Click on the headline to go there.

Gallagher goes on YouTube about race controversy

More Monmouth Musings blogger Art Gallagher conducted an interview today, addressing his use of the "N-word" on his blog, as part of several posts he has placed on his site. For more information, click on the headline and go to Art's blog.

News Transcript editor has good point about education

Mark Rosman is the editor for the News Transcript, which covers Western Monmouth County for Greater Media Newspapers. He's earned a strong reputation industry wide as a good editor and informed commentator. This week, he makes a controversial but maybe true observation about new teachers and what is happening in public schools.

Click on the headline and go to the editorial.

Bloggers weigh-in on Schiano controversy

Kelly Heyboer, from NJ.com's Jersey Blogs, has a post about the Coach Greg Schiano controversy involving a $250k side deal he has with a sports marketing company. This is on top of the $2M per year he earns as being the head coach for the Scarlet Knights Football Program.

Personally, I think Coach Schiano could be paid $3M per year and he'd still be worth it.

Ms. Heyboer was kind enough to include an excerpt from a post at The Inside Clamdigger for her post, and thanks to her for that. Click on the headline to go there.

Race debate advances: Gallagher, Dangler disagree on slur

In the Thursday edition of The Courier, I will have a story about More Monmouth Musings blogger Art Gallagher and his take on opening a dialogue about race, in general.

This comes on the heels of the top Jersey blogger using the ill-fated N-word in his posts about African-Americans. Of course, Art has used other offensive language to characterize other raises. According to Art, it's a way of gaining broader attention to the more important subject of race relations.

Some of his critics, though, include veteran Greater Long Branch NAACP President Lorenzo W. Dangler, who comes out against the use of the word in any way, and goes on to say that this is the worst way to attempt dialogue where it involves race.

Is the discussion about race over? According to both Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Dangler, it may have only just begun, but not in the way anyone might think.

Click on the headline to go to More Monmouth Musings, and pick up a copy of The Courier at the newsstand, tomorrow.