Sweetening The Deal

No one has yet moved the Crisco sign pointing the wrong direction at Broad & Watchung. I wonder if it's actually confused any potential buyers.

how bout the Pabst bottle in Newark finally coming down? That was a sign post for all of us from northern jersey everytime we headed for the shore.

Jolly Ranchers? For $1.8 million I expect pheasant under glass. Ta-ta.

I don't know Phil Read or even have any idea what he looks like, and I realize the Barista has a regular tag line of "Scooped again by...." But does anyone else share my feeling that his stories are sort of lightweight in general, even cringe-worthy at times? There's certainly nothing of the pit bull about his writing, even when the topic appears to be one he should be using his fangs on.

I agree, Cathar. He writes with kid gloves.

Yes, I agree that many of Mr. Read's stories fall under the category of "fluff pieces" that are pretty toothless. This probably provides him access that other edgier writers don't get like the tour through the Wellmont with Mr. Plofker or chatting it up with the people hawking "new urbanism". Nothing that is what I consider newsworthy. But I guess it serves a purpose for some readers.

Yes, we need a real "down and dirty" investigative reporter who could pose as a potential buyer and/or investor to get the REAL scoop.

Well, the problem then is that the Ledger is quite a large and powerful newspaper, and thus that Phil Read doesn't write as gimlet-eyed a story as he might seems to amount to laziness and too much bonhomie. He probably would, in other words, have (some, anyway) access to Plofker whatever kind of story he wrote. The pen is supposed to be a "clarion" and all that sort of stuff, in other words, even perhaps sending readers to the barricades. Yet all Read does is elicit mild, strained chuckling.

Et tu, Phil? Care to respond here?

Perhaps not so in Baristaville, but sometimes one can make a point without swinging a sledgehammer. While Phil may not tear into some of these developments as much as we would like, it's clear he is no great fan either.

It is not his allegiances re real estate developments that troubles me about Read, but rather the constant semi-fizziness of all his coverage. He NEVER bares his teeth, as even your average hack sportswriter (and the Ledger has plenty of those still) does on a daily basis.

Yeah right, 40% of the condos at the siena are under contract.

that's why there are like 10 of them listed on the MLS, more than half of those being added in the last 2 weeks.

i saw, i looked, i left. the sienna is not what we thought it to be. their onsite parking is geared for 1 car per unit regardless if it is a 1 or 2 BR. the cresent lot does not take long term parking and on the street is a no go. the small rooms are not hi end and the bathrms are certainly NOT. location is everything.....but how to enjoy when you can't park it?

Don't these developers know that it's not 1940 anymore and that most families today have 2 cars?

Went and checked out Crisco for myself not too long ago.

What struck me was the absolute lack of space and privacy between these mammoths. The master bathroom soaking tub in the display house is flush( no pun intended) right up against Watchung Avenue. One of the bedrooms has it's windows looking directly into those of the house next door, with space of no more than 10 - 12 feet apart. UGGGHH!!!

Went and checked out Crisco for myself not too long ago.

What struck me was the absolute lack of space and privacy between these mammoths. The master bathroom soaking tub in the display house is flush( no pun intended) right up against Watchung Avenue. One of the bedrooms has it's windows looking directly into those of the house next door, with space of no more than 10 - 12 feet apart. UGGGHH!!!

Went and checked out Crisco for myself not too long ago.

What struck me was the absolute lack of space and privacy between these mammoths. The master bathroom soaking tub in the display house is flush( no pun intended) right up against Watchung Avenue. One of the bedrooms has it's windows looking directly into those of the house next door, with space of no more than 10 - 12 feet apart. UGGGHH!!!

Went and checked out Crisco for myself not too long ago.

What struck me was the absolute lack of space and privacy between these mammoths. The master bathroom soaking tub in the display house is flush( no pun intended) right up against Watchung Avenue. One of the bedrooms has it's windows looking directly into those of the house next door, with space of no more than 10 - 12 feet apart. UGGGHH!!!

One could always pose the questions directly to Mr. Read. His email address is at the end of the online article. I've queried other Ledger reporters and they responded.

They are also marketing these as upgrades so that you can both pretend that you have stained glass windows as well as obscuring the neighbors

http://tinyurl.com/eszyk

Krys, I've "queried" other Ledger writers myself, and they both have and have not responded. One reporter (Paul Mulshine), when I congratulated him on something he'd written, basically told me he was even "greater" and more journalistically important than I'd ever assumed. (Modesty so becomes him.) So the process is hit or miss, even as I somewhat understand their chariness. So few, or at least their copy editors, even seem to understand the differences between "it's" and "its," after all.

In any case, do you really think that Read would seriously expound on the issue of whether or not he's a mere fluff purveyor? I suspect he'd harrumph some about "responsibile" journalism, the importance of maintaining a fair-minded tone, etc.

PS: It's a typo above, but I actually like the word "responsibile" used in connection with journalism.

With the decline in competitive newspaper culture, most are now not worth the pulp they're printed on. The SL is still quite hit or miss, but not as bad as some of the other NJ papers. My old college roommate, when he was in middle school, had an English teacher who would pass out copies of the Jersey Journal for students to proofread.

responsible journalism

good one ROC. whwere you been?

Having been interviewed by Mr. Read, I can say he does an OK job. Keep in mind he's not an investigative reporter. He's a metro type who just tries to show some of the local color around this area. Of course, Woodward was too, but having talked to him as well, I wasn't all that impressed with his inquiring mind; I think he was guided a lot. I see ROC has been sucked in by the FoxNews, Bush, Cheney "let's bash the liberal press and get back our conservative base" bandwagon trying to prosecute The New York Times for espionage for discussing the monitoring of SWIFT, which is a decade old story. It was the Bush Administration that blew it by saying they were going to follow the money. Anyone in the know, realizes that means going to SWIFT. In fact, Interpol and the US agencies have long gone to it for tracking money.There were even conferences following the BCCI scandal and major drug laundering cases at which SWIFT was urged to gather more information on each transaction so it would be easier for agencies to follow the money. AUSTRAC reported:
"Manuals and directives require full name and address and beneficiary customer and account numbers to be included in the message which is transmitted to transfer funds internationally.
SWIFT (at the request of FATF [Financial Action Task Force]) in 1992, requested all member banks (and institutions) to include those details in all messages."

"Convention of the Council of Europe (8 September 1990)
Comprising 23 European nations, adopted a Convention on laundering, search, seizure and confiscation of proceeds of crime. It provides a framework for co-operation within Europe in the tracing, freezing and confiscation of not only drugs but also other serious types of crime know to generate significant proceeds."

It's all been on the Internet long before the NY Times "broke" the story.

Perhaps the New York Times might gather ALL secret activities of our government in the War on Terror in a single location, like a website or page A1.

It will make it easier, for some, to "connect the dots".

But, take heart fellow citizens. While Tokyo Rose was free to any listener, it costs $20 per month (introductory rate) for a Times subscription, so, at least, we're safe.

It's free on the net ROC. And if you really want to read the "dead tree version" you can go to your locval public library.

It's free on the net ROC. And if you really want to read the "dead tree version" you can go to your local public library.

Stop making fun of the New York Times!

"It's free on the net ROC. And if you really want to read the "dead tree version" you can go to your local public library."

Drat! So much for the Kellinot line!

"Stop making fun of the New York Times!"

Tisk.

Perfidy has it own rewards.

(or, perhaps, causes?)

Forget the NYT. I'll stick to upstanding journalists and commentators like Rush. That is if he doesn't wind up in prison.

"Stick" and "Rush" in the same sentence? Interesting following his latest detention...

Not to mention "upstanding"

Mr. Read has apparently drunk the Kool-Aid that Mr. Plofker so kindly supplied.

The "new urbanism" refers to planned communities-- multi-ethnic, multi-generational and multi-INCOME-- where living, work, cultural, social and other pursuits can all be found within the community. There is an environmentalist bent to it in that cars are not required.

Mr. Plofker's "vision" of squeezing 10 upscale houses into a property where 5 would comfortably go is called not "new urbanism" but "GREED". He has picked up on this architectural catchphrase in a vain attempt to disguise this fact.

Considering his demonstrated fondness for (elite) Democratic Party fundraisers, perhaps he might be forgiven his adoption of the latest buzzwords of progressive socialism?

The Times' story about tracking funds (if it was news to anyone other than ROC whom apparently did not pay attention to numerous Homeland Security press releases) should have but one effect: reconfirm to the terrorists that it is increasingly difficult for them to play their interbank money transfer game. The SWIFT news that your transactions are going to be scanned is probably a more effective deterrent to their activities than say announcing that your bags and body are going to be scanned at airports.

The "new urbanism" refers to planned communities-- multi-ethnic, multi-generational and multi-INCOME-- where living, work, cultural, social and other pursuits can all be found within the community. There is an environmentalist bent to it in that cars are not required.

Is the new Montclair more or less ethnically and income diverse than the Montclair of the 1970s?

"There is an environmentalist bent to it in that cars are not required."

Obviosuly, the person who researched this did not live in NJ.

"The SWIFT news that your transactions are going to be scanned is probably a more effective deterrent to their activities than say announcing that your bags and body are going to be scanned at airports."

And as nearly anyone at a Bluewave meeting will tell you, the declassification of such a secret program is solely up to the unelected and unaccountable editor of said paper. Rather than say, oh, other such minor functionaries as the Director of National Intelligence, Director of the CIA, or President of the United States.

"We will not waver in war on the war on terror!"

It is only a secret program if you believe there is more than one way to track international transactions. Everyone in international banking knows that SWIFT is the way. Maybe Bush missed that part of the lecture at Havard B-school. It's like saying "I'm flying to Europe" and then acting shocked that someone knew you were taking an airplane.

"It is only a secret program if you believe there is more than one way to track international transactions."

Or, maybe, just maybe if the program and its details are...what's that phrase again?

oh yes, "classified".

As in "top secret"; as in against the law to reveal; as in the leaker is in serious (and hopefully inevitable) danger of long term imprisonment.

I think the Treasury Secretary said it well:

"You have defended your decision to compromise this program by asserting that "terror financiers know" our methods for tracking their funds and have already moved to other methods to send money. The fact that your editors believe themselves to be qualified to assess how terrorists are moving money betrays a breathtaking arrogance and a deep misunderstanding of this program and how it works. While terrorists are relying more heavily than before on cumbersome methods to move money, such as cash couriers, we have continued to see them using the formal financial system, which has made this particular program incredibly valuable.

Lastly, justifying this disclosure by citing the "public interest" in knowing information about this program means the paper has given itself free license to expose any covert activity that it happens to learn of - even those that are legally grounded, responsibly administered, independently overseen, and highly effective. Indeed, you have done so here.

What you've seemed to overlook is that it is also a matter of public interest that we use all means available - lawfully and responsibly - to help protect the American people from the deadly threats of terrorists."

Drove past Crisco* the other day and saw a sign touting its exclusivity -- something like, "Only 10 Homes." Heh, I shudder to think how many houses would be on the site had the developer been an expert Tetris player!

*I was going to use the real name of the development, but I can't remember what it is anymore!

PS: I wonder how long the new residents will stay before they're driven out by the ghosts of Bette Davis and Olivia DeHavilland. And how long will it be before the movie "Plofkergeist" hits the silver screen?

"Plofkergeist" Great idea!

Let's cast it...

Half of all government secrets may be unnecessarily or improperly classified, a Pentagon intelligence official told a congressional hearing this week.[8/25/04]

Pressed by Rep. Christopher Shays (R-CT) to estimate what percentages of all classified information are and are not correctly classified, Carol A. Haave, the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Counterintelligence and Security, said: "How about if I say 50-50?"

such apologia.

who get's to decide the 50%?

Laws may have been broken. Just like in the Plame case, investigations and perhaps charges are in order.

The New York Times and some of their readership have made clear their priorities concerning covert efforts at tracking terrorist finances. Very clear.

We should remember these priorities at both the newstand and ballot box.

Miss Marta, I don't ever comment on this sight since I've been watching for the past year or so, but I just wanted to let you know that you have a great sense of life...that's all. Nice listening to you.

Thanks, Rez. It's rare that anyone says anything nice about me on this site so I cherish it.

If $6 trillion daily goes through SWIFT and the President declares he is going to monitor financial transaction, I don't think it's a secret where they are looking. SWIFT is to financial transactions what Microsoft is to the computer world. Osama had enough money to know how the financial world works.

I am amazed the plofker generated 'new urbanism' big lie is now being propagated to any squashed together dwelling anywhere. I propose the truthful phrase 'old urbanism' since an apartment building is a rose.....

Crisco: Experience the feel and closeness of Hunts Point and Tremont Avenue without the junkies. However, for an extra couple of thou, we'll throw in a few homeless drug addicts for authenticity. Graffiti artists are also available.

what about rampaging youth?

What is going on with the Crisco street? I drove by this morning and it is all torn up. Did they already have sewer line problems?

"Osama had enough money to know how the financial world works."

And as I am sure your wealth of knowledge in intelligence matters tells you, Osama is our only enemy and only worry.

Tell me, do you write for the Times?

Even your own paper has said the program was "effective". (emphasis, I suppose on the past tense.)

I like how newsjunkie's spin includes the idea that the program somehow relates to deterrence. The idea isn't to make it harder for them to transfer money -- it's to trace the connections, identify our sworn enemies and, hopefully, kill them! "anyone" in international banking might surmise that SWIFT was being sniffed, but most terrorists aren't in +$#?!)@ international banking. Just like moron muggers who use stolen ATM cards in the presence of security cameras, they don't know until they're directly tipped off. If we want the Times making our declassification decisions, maybe we should elect them first, eh?

I wonder if the 1.8 million dollar apt overlooks the parking lot to the south, the parking lot to the north or the parking lot to the west.

Dear Hiding,
The Times did not reveal that we were following the money; President Bush said it 4 years ago. He's the one that informed the terrorists that the US was tracing their financial connections. The fact that it's being done through SWIFT is a no brainer and thus of little secrecy value. We would appear moronic to our enemies if the President did not target SWIFT. SWIFT was established to provide tracking, and terrorists can't get around it or the other clearinghouses except to move cash manually, which is something they have done for centuries in the Middle East. No, ROC, I don't write for the Times or the Wall Street Journal which also reported on this matter but about which you seem not to post World War II style propaganda posters implying treachery. I have written about SWIFT however for nearly three decades to educate bankers and brokers about its benefits and new message formats. It has been a publicly known tool of law enforcement for most of its existence.

If SWIFT filtering to track terrorist funding is obvious, old news, of little value, oft-done for "most of its existence" it makes one wonder why the Times set off the Klaxons and gave this (obviouisly milquetoast) program such prominent A1 acreage?

Perhaps their headline "Bank Data Is Sifted by U.S. in Secret to Block Terror" was ironic?

Pity they didn't speak to you first, could have saved themselves a lot of time and grief, I'd bet.

If this Administration is sifting thru bank data with the same due diligence and forethought that they apply to FEMA planning , then we REALLY are in trouble.

"it makes one wonder why the Times set off the Klaxons and gave this (obviouisly milquetoast) program such prominent A1 acreage?"

maybe it's a slow news week for the NYT as well.

If this was such a secret program, how did the Times know about it? 25 years ago, I worked in money transfer for an international bank. It was either SWIFT or carrier pigeon in those days.

Shame on Peter King who wants the paper arrested for treason.

"If this was such a secret program, how did the Times know about it?"

(oh, a perceptive and probing question!)

Well, according to the article it was a leak as in, someone "in the know" has "spilled the beans", as in perfidy, as in treachery, as in treason...

"as in perfidy, as in treachery, as in treason..."

...as in Valerie Plame...

This 'leak' is blatent base-rallying ballyhoo, a desperate attempt to boost the Prez's sagging poll #.

Actually, ROC, I am frequently astounded at what is "news" to some reporters, papers, and readers. People in Boulder ate healthy diets 30 years ago but food companies put out press releases about the health benefits of fruits and vegetables like its news and the media gobbles it up. If you monitor WTOP in Washington, you can actually get health stories weeks before they arrive in New York. And of course, people who get their news from the narrow focus of FoxNews, the Weekly Standard and National Review will be stunned by what's happening each day around the world that the rest of us read or hear about from media and trade publications with a more global perspective.

I in turn, buycopy, am always amused that some like yourself get their news from, say, the NYT and WAPO instead of from Fox News and the National Review.

And I'm only saddened when others turn to the likes of The Nation and NPR, speaking of being narrowly focused.

I think the real leak was that the government doesn't have some more advanced highly secret means of tracking the money than what is available via Swift.

And I agree about the FEMA comment. Let's hope that the spies are better than the rescuers.

"...be stunned by what's happening each day around the world that the rest of us read or hear about from media and trade publications with a more global perspective."

Surely.

I imagine Times Select Online is increasing it's global reach (and appreciation for its "perspective") in many far-flung corners of the world as we speak...

Why simply think of all the Saudi donors reconsidering the method of their, uh, "contributions" owing to a "global perspective" such as yours.

"Let's hope that the spies are better than the rescuers."

As every good liberal knows, Max, the very best spy programs are the fully exposed ones.

The left has done America another big favor!

Ok, so I'm confused. If someone (presumably in the government) leaked information to some newspapers, why are the reporters/editors treasonous?

"why are the reporters/editors treasonous?"

They are not.

Despicable, lacking in responsibility, self-aggrandizing, egotistical, dolts, but not treasonous.

The leaker should be the one to go to jail. He is the one who has broken the law. The Times only acted irresponsibly. (yet again) They only deserve our scorn and an ever smaller share of our credence.

Who said the reporters were treasonous?

Actually I should say:

I don't think they are treasonous.

It would depend on their motivation for publication.

If they published so as to hurt the war effort and help our enemies defeat us, that would indeed be treason.

However, I think it is much more likely that they lack a sense of responsibility as citizens because they are blinded by the radiance of their own self-importance.

It is but another example of putting self-reward and profits ahead of people's lives.

Cathar, I thought you had gone to Trencher's farm to ogle Susan George. I do watch FoxNews so that I can see E.D. Hill, Brian, Steve and Bill O'R make fools of themselves each day trying to deliver the administration's talking points while claiming to be journalists. But as much as they try to destroy my desire to gather information from other sources, you have only named a few. Add to it the Miami Hearld, The Tampa Tribune, The Scotsman, Global Custodian, National Review, Weekly Standard, and Jerusalem Post. Ten feet from where I sit at this moment are 30 different trade pubs, professional journals and consumer magazines that I also get to peruse throughout the month.

I listen 2 hours daily (at least) to NPR and thus BBC. It reinforces my worldview.

Here's another interesting source.

One must admire pluck in both journalism and recreationational piloting, don't you think?

(that's one fine looking jet too!)

how about this idea for the Wellmont...

www.MontclairMAC.com
( username: baristanet
password: nj )

if interested or get on mailing list info@MontclairMAC.com

how about this idea for the Wellmont...

www.MontclairMAC.com
( username: baristanet
password: nj )

if interested or get on mailing list info@MontclairMAC.com