In With the New . . . .

Tonight, when you tune your TV to the celebration in Times Square, you will see that the ball coming down to welcome 2008 is a brand new creation. Phillips lighting has developed and manufactured custom LEDs (light emitting diodes) to replace the incandescent light bulbs which were previously used. Would you believe that there are over 9500 LEDs, all of which can be color-controlled for maximum effect?

The Ireland-based Waterford Crystal company has designed and manufactured 762 individual, triangular-shaped crystals which are cut on each side to provide even more light refraction.

So . . . to all of you in Bridgewater and elsewhere who have taken the time to periodically read this blog:

Have a very Happy New Year!!

And, in the spirit of all those good Irish hearts, “May the road rise to meet you … May the wind always be at your back … May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”


Note: For more information about the New Year’s Eve Ball, see the Times Square Alliance at, http://www.timessquarenyc.org/nye/nye_ball.html

Hate Doesn’t Have a Position in Football

Steve Politi, a sports columnist for the Star-Ledger, has a big chip on his shoulder. He doesn’t like the New England Patriots and he thinks that no one else does either – unless, of course that “no one else” happens to live in New England. In fact, he hates the Patriots, and he seems to think that you should too! Why? Well . . . just because they are on a 15-game winning streak and, tonight, if they are lucky and skillful, they may shatter a host of individual and team football records.

Politi claims that tonight’s Patriots’ pre-game 15-0 winning record makes them a “perfect” team, that people “hate” other people whom they deem to be perfect; and, in a twisted form of logic seems to conclude, therefore, that you, too, should hate the Patriots.

Politi has dubbed the Patriots as “the most hated team in sports.” I’ve got news for him, the Red Sox Nation is ubiquitous, and it includes Pats fans. Oh, and did I forget to mention basketball’s Boston Celtics who, at this writing, just happen to be streaking along at a 24-3 win/loss clip?

Winning comes with training, patience, skill, luck, resources, and still more training. Every sports team goes through the same cyclical process. It takes years to establish a great winning club. That formula applies in every sphere of life. Some win, some lose. Sooner or later, everyone gets a dose of both.

Every sports fan knows that eventually the New England Patriots will lose. I just hope that it’s not tonight – nor in any of the playoff games leading to the Super Bowl. If they do, I’ll be very disappointed and downcast, replaying in my mind everything that they might have done to have established the best records ever to have been set in football. I’ve learned to do that very well with the Red Sox who, for a long time, had forgotten what it was like to win.

In my mind and in my heart-of-hearts, though, I know this: Americans love winners, and they like to see records broken. I don’t see where hate plays a position on any of America’s teams.

Note: Steve Politi’s column appeared on December 28 at http://www.nj.com/columns/ledger/politi/index.ssf?/base/columns-0/11988201743620.xml&coll=1

Good, Any Time of Year

The following piece, written by a friend, Maureen Wild of High Road Solutions of Bridgewater, appeared in the At Work section of Monday’s Courier News.

“Courtesy and refined manners have absolutely nothing to do with what you drive, what you wear, where you eat, where you shop or where you live. There are plenty of perfectly rude people who are living luxurious lifestyles . . . There is absolutely no correlation between refinement and disposable income.

As we prepare to step into a new year, I would encourage everyone to put others first, watch what comes out of your mouth, set a good example for young people and small children and try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes.

Be more patient, behave more gently, slow the ego, do good as often as you are able. Choose the harder right over the easier wrong . . . If more people would behave with dignity, kindness and selflessness, oh what a beautiful life all of us would enjoy.”

Boy! If I could internalize a few of those precepts, I’d be doing great!

It’s that Time of the Year

The celebration of Christmas is associated with great joy and gift-giving. It is a time for Christians to unite in the birth of their savior and to partake in memorable family traditions. At least, that’s the ideal. But not all people find themselves in a position to enjoy the holiday in that fashion.

That fact was vividly brought to mind for me, when my spouse and I received a Christmas card from a friend in Bridgewater who recently lost her husband. The personal note at the bottom of the card read as follows (for obvious reasons, no names are used):

"Thank you so much for your expressions of sympathy. It’s not been easy. I miss him so much. Our life was so good. So . . . . Love one another. Cherish each moment! Life is so short."

Ponder the simplicity and great wisdom in those words: It gives us all – regardless of our religious persuasion – reason to pause and to assess our current status in life. For those of us for whom life has been kind, it may not be a bad idea to think of some of our friends or relatives who could use a lift right now.

Think, for a moment, of the fundamentally profound meaning behind the old AT&T commercial, “Reach out and touch someone.” It's a good sentiment, especially for a hurting person. You may have within you a gift far greater than anything that you could purchase in a store.

Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education Releases 2008-2009 Budget and Approves New Wage Hikes

This evening the BR-BOE acted on two major fiscal and educational matters: First, it presented its total preliminary budget of $135.5 million for the next fiscal year. That amount includes $127.9 million for the operating budget; $5.5 million for debt service; and $2.1 million for what is designated as a special revenue fund.

What you mostly will be hearing and reading about in the coming months, leading up to the April, 2008 elections, is the $127.9 million associated with the schools operating budget. The State of New Jersey mandates a 4% cap on budget increases, and this budget does not exceed that cap.

This preliminary budget (preliminary budgets are rarely changed) represents an increase of 3.2% over the current budget of $123.9 million, or a rounded increase of $4.0 million.

It was a busy night. The second major item upon which the board took definitive action was the acceptance of a wage and benefits contract with the Bridgewater-Raritan Education Association (BREA). The board voted unanimously to grant a three-year package effective at the start of the next fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2008, and ending on June 30, 2011.

The agreement calls for increases of 4.2%, 4.25%, and 4.35% respectively in each of the next three fiscal years, for a total three-year increase of 12.8%. The deal also continues to provide fully-paid medical benefits. The first-year wage hike of 4.2% is already included in the $127.9 million operating budget, both of which will take effect with the new fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2008.

You, the public, should you so choose, will have plenty of time to give your feedback. Public input sessions are scheduled in the evening for January 8th & 22nd, and in the morning on January 16th. The board’s finance committee will conduct an ongoing review in January and February. There will be a final public hearing on March 25, and the board will approve the budget the next day.

You, the voter, will have the final say on April 15.

Key Meetings

There are two important governmental meetings tomorrow, December 18. The first is the Somerset County Freeholders meeting (7:00 p.m.) at the county administration building in Somerville. The second is the regular meeting of the Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education (8:00 p.m.) at the Wade Building on Newmans Lane, Martinsville.

Freeholders’ Meeting: Although I couldn’t find what could be the most interesting item on the county’s agenda for tomorrow, there most likely will be a vote concerning the continuation of the Somerset County Park Commission.

The outcome is hardly in doubt since, for all practical purposes, the decision to retain the Park Commission was cast several months ago, when the Freeholders decided not to place that topic on the November ballot. Legal counsel advised the Freeholders that they had the power to decide the fate of the Park Commission. A vote by the Freeholders was then delayed until now.

School Board Meeting: Tomorrow evening, Bridgewater-Raritan Schools Superintendent Michael Schilder, and Peter Starrs, Business Administrator, will give a preliminary budget report for the next school year, 2008-2009. Although you won’t be voting on this until next April, the administration is working hard to get this information before you as soon as possible.

An important factor in this equation is the teachers’ contract which is currently in the midst of negotiations. The result is usually a multi-year agreement, the first-year impact of which will be felt in the 2008-2009 school year budget

Thieves at Work

This morning, it was around 10:50 a.m., as my wife and I walked past the Nature’s Best kiosk at the Bridgewater Commons Mall, next to the Verizon store. I could tell from a distance that something was wrong. Two of Bridgewater’s finest were speaking with two young ladies who staff that kiosk daily, and who work darn hard at finding customers.

At we moved close enough to see what was going on, those were two definitely bummed out young persons and, rightfully so, because the two police officers weren’t there just to exchange pleasantries. I think it’s safe to say that the officers were investigating an irregularity, possibly a theft, and were taking down a report. The dejected look on the faces of those two workers said it all.

There are always people who will try to take advantage of someone else’s status in life. It really bugs me that some slug(s) would try to take advantage of two young people who are working so hard trying to make a living during this holiday season. But that’s what human slugs do, isn’t it: they try to take other people for a roll. I hope they get caught

The New Motor Vehicle Agency

I couldn’t believe the transformation when my wife and I walked into the offices of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Agency on Roosevelt Place, in Somerville. I still remember the look and service of the old place, and that’s not a good memory.

This, however, is completely different. The Agency has remodeled the entire building. There is new, bright lighting, and the office environment is much more conducive for its employees to do good job. Half-an-hour after we walked in, we had our new digital licenses in hand and were good to go!

If you haven’t been there yet, you will notice a much-improved, very efficient system for moving people along and for processing licenses. You even get a bonus: The persons who operate the high-tech computers that take your picture even ask you if you like the photo. If you don’t, they will gladly snap another head shot. There is a flat screen monitor in front of you, so it’s easy. Nice touch.

Of course, you should still plan your visits not to coincide with peak people traffic. That means avoid the end of the month, if you possibly can.

The Somerset County Park Commission Gets to Stay in Place.

At tonight’s work session of the County Freeholders, there was a spirited debate about the fate of the Park Commission. The new face of the commission showed itself in the presence of its members. Steven Fuerst, commission president, made his case for keeping the commission intact.

No vote was taken by the freeholders on whether or not to dissolve the commission. However, as the evening wore on, and as some freeholders made their opinions known, notably Jack Ciattarelli and Rick Fontana, it was clear where that body stood. Next Tuesday, seven days before the Christmas holiday, the freeholders will make the decision at their regular session.

Here is my prediction for what will happen next week, unless there is a complete sea change in sentiment by a few freeholders (there are five in total):

A motion will be re-introduced to dissolve the Somerset County Park Commission, and this is the most likely outcome:

Voting Against Dissolution will be:
Robert Zaborowski, Director
Peter S. Palmer, Freeholder
Rick Fontana, Freeholder (Swing Vote)

Voting For Dissolution will be:
Denise Coyle, Freeholder
Jack Ciattarelli, Freeholder

In a prior blog, several months ago, I had stated that Rick Fontana is the swing vote on this issue. He still is. His decision will carry the day. Denise Coyle is recently on record as having said that the Commission structure is outdated and needs to go: only political expediency will make her change her mind. Jack Ciattarelli has made a near-impregnable case for why the Commission has served its purpose. He is unlikely to move from that position. Tonight’s silence by Zaborowski and Palmer, together with their prior voting records, has cemented their stance.

Last fall, Rick Fontana had lined up with Coyle and Ciattarelli to dissolve the commission, but Fontana had a last-minute change of heart. Together with Palmer and Zaborowski, he voted instead to delay a decision until December.

Rick Fontana could make a last-minute turnaround, but that is very unlikely, especially considering his strong defense this evening in favor of maintaining a “hybrid structure” which calls for keeping the Somerset County Park Commission intact

A Scapegoat in the Desert?

Joseph Lucas is a former Somerset County Park Commission Construction Manager. On November 16, he was convicted on a charge of official misconduct. Is Lucas taking the fall for a few elected and appointed officials, as well as for certain park employees who may have been part of the same corrupt system?

In ancient Judaism, there existed a ceremony attached to celebrating the Day of Atonement. There is a very old Jewish tradition in which the community came together at the Jerusalem Temple to offer sacrifice intended to make amends for sin. As part of this solemn ceremony, the high priest laid his hands on a goat and confessed the sins of all Israel over it. The goat, now burdened with community transgressions, was led into the wilderness, never to return. This represented transference of guilt and sin – a cleansing of conscience.

The paragraph you have just read is a synopsis of how the word ‘scapegoat’ evolved into modern English to mean, “One that is made to bear the blame of others.”

So I ask again: Is Joseph Lucas a scapegoat?

Note: The religious definition – the etymological basis for the modern meaning of the word, ‘scapegoat’ – is described in all good dictionaries and encyclopedias.

The Circulation Crunch of Bridgewater Newspapers Affects Us All

Two newspaper vignettes caught my eye this past week. Both reflect the inexorable force that new technologies can have on markets and companies. The first was a small, dry, relatively innocuous article in the Star-Ledger which mentioned that, because of declining circulation, management will approach its various unions, seeking help.

The second was a three-column advisory by the editor of The Catholic Spirit, the newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen. It explained that although the Courier News had been printing the official newspaper organ of the diocese since that newspaper’s inception in 1996, that the C-N was “shutting down its presses and moving its printing operation to the Asbury Park Press in Freehold.” (Both are owned by the parent company, Gannett.) Arrangements have already been made to have The Catholic Spirit printed elsewhere.

I love newspapers. I read as many as I can lay my hands on. I scour them; I vigorously mark up stories with comments; I clip articles of note and they accumulate, much to my spouse’s dismay. I never fail to pick up a copy of the local press when I travel, because, next to talking to the locals, it is the best and quickest way to get insight into a community.

But the Internet has been intruding for a long time, and it continues its slow, negative impact on the daily dissemination of printed news. The plethora of cable news channels is not helping any. The resultant decrease in circulation, of course, shows up directly in a newspaper's bottom line, forcing it to gradually cut back and to find economies in order to survive and, above all, to constantly seek innovative ways to address its audience.

You might think that this doesn’t affect you very much, but it does, and very directly. One of the casualties is a sharp drop-off in the consistent coverage of public meetings by reporters. You don’t get to fully know what’s really going on, as you once might have.

In the 1990’s, when I was on the Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education, and before that, when I attended many board meetings and was an active participant on committees, the Courier News and the Star-Ledger employed dedicated reporters to show up and to extensively cover the meetings. When reporters called me, they knew what to ask. Brother! Did that keep me on my toes.

Today, newspapers simply can no longer afford widespread, physical coverage of public meetings. For economic reasons, this happens now only when there is a major issue at stake, something that editors are reasonably sure you will want to read about. Like for instance, the shenanigans of the Somerset County Park Commission, or a controversy affecting a school referendum.

“The Doctor,” An Wang -- (See Teaser Question from the last Blog)

Dr. An Wang is generally credited with developing and manufacturing the most popular line of programmable desktop scientific calculators. It was in the mid 1960’s and was followed with a competitive rush into this marketplace by companies such as Hewlett-Packard and Texas Instruments, firms which now dominate the field.

However, Dr. Wang, a subsequently naturalized American citizen who emigrated to the U.S. from Shanghai, China, was an imminently successful inventor, entrepreneur and businessman. He played a major role in the progress of computers when, in 1949, together with his colleague, Way-Dong Woo of Harvard University’s Computation Laboratory, he developed the ferrite core memory.

This was a crucial technological event, because it sped the development of computers. It enabled Jay Forrester of MIT, another famous individual in the early days of computing, to modify Wang’s design and to use it in his work with Whirlwind, the first real-time computer used by the U.S. Air Force in flight simulation.

Although the company founded by Dr. Wang, is now non-existent and largely forgotten in the business world, at its peak Wang Laboratories was a highly profitable, multi-billion dollar revenue producer which employed as many as 30,000 people worldwide.

Dr. Wang was an agile business strategist. Following the advent of solid state components and integrated circuits, he guided the evolution of his product lines away from scientific calculators, to word processors and mini-computers. Under his guidance, Wang Laboratories went on to become the worldwide leader in the word processing marketplace of the 1970’s.

For All You Bridgewater Technophobes -- II

To recap, yesterday’s blog posed two questions: 1. “Which company invented, manufactured and sold the first four-function pocket calculator?” and, 2. “Which company developed and manufactured an extremely popular financial calculator in 1981, which is still widely in use today?”

Under the ‘comments’ section of yesterday’s blog, ‘Stable’ took a shot at the second question and hit the bulls eye – Hewlett-Packard produced the HP-12C, its longest and best-selling calculator. Although it has been improved with modern components, it still looks just as it did when it was introduced in 1981. Congratulations, ‘Stable!’

No one responded to the first question, so…... Bowmar is the company which sold the first four-function, pocket-size electronic calculator in 1971 at an initial price of $240. It was manufactured largely from components purchased from Texas Instruments which, at the time, was not yet a calculator manufacturer. Bowmar went on to become the biggest U.S. seller of pocket calculators. However, emerging competition forced it to file for bankruptcy in 1975. When the company that I then worked for purchased one for me –Bowmar model 901B – the price had dropped to $125.

Here’s another teaser: Which person is generally credited for first developing and manufacturing the most popular line of programmable calculators? The company subsequently became the market leader in the manufacture and sales of distributed word processors. (This is before the PC!)

Hint: This person was born in Shanghai, emigrated to the U.S., worked at Harvard’s Computation Laboratory, and is associated with the invention of the ferrite core memory. This entrepreneur and businessperson was widely admired and respected by his employees and was affectionately known within the company as, “The Doctor.”

Any takers?

Note: Answer in the next blog.

For All You Bridgewater Technophobes

As I was rummaging about in the basement, helping to bring up the Christmas tree and Christmas ornaments, my mind wandered to that one item that I’ve been looking for down there for years and which I just can’t seem to find – too much accumulation that needs to be cleaned out: We’re working on that.

I thought I’d turn my quest for the misplaced item into a quiz for you folks who are technology aficionados. This is no recent thing, though, so it will test your skills. If you are a baby-boomer, no fair using search engines! If you are a GenXer, I’ll forgive you if you use Google or the others.

1. OK, here it is: Which company invented, manufactured and sold the first four-function pocket calculator? Hint: The calculator used eight red LED lights for its display, and the firm was located in Acton, Massachusetts.

2. Next question: Which company developed and manufactured an extremely popular financial calculator in 1981, which is still widely in use today? It’s a small handheld unit that I used myself at Digital Equipment Corporation and at other companies in my career.

More hints: The first company lasted only a few years. The second one is still in business.

Note: Answers forthcoming with the next blog.