Olddoc on abdication of watchdog role by media, importance of blog comments.. Bernice notes Crownover nominated to PARSA again.. Jackie: Survivor Workers Comp Fraud blog party..and spots a Red-spotted Purple Admiral.. Rebecca on her (film) mentor Kathleen Collins.. Plainfield Latino looks for a lost dog..

---

[PLAINFIELD TODAY]

• "Plainfield Symphony After-Dinner Dance tonight"

CLIPS is a daily roundup of links to news and blog posts about Plainfield or affecting Plainfielders. Begun in 2003 as an email newsletter to Plainfield city council members when I was Plainfield's public information officer; it was later offered to the general public by email and has been available in blog form since 2007. If you have questions, suggestions or tips, you can email me at plaindan@gmail.com.

NEWS --

President Obama:  "Mayors Mapp, Baraka and others meet Obama at White House"
Schools:  "NJ high schools report card released"
Weather:  "NJ Storm predicted for Super Bowl Sunday"

Bayonne:  "Municipal prosecutor issued summons for illegal apartment" -- Code officials hard at work.
Edgewater:  "Tenants allege Avalon Bay negligent 'on many levels' in suit"
Edison:  "Investigation continues in $4M fire that leveled DPW building"
Hospitals:  "Barnabas and RWJ networks exploring partnership"
Newark:  "Residents will be able to pay just $10 per month for unlimited internet"
North Plainfield:  "Sentencing delayed in Hispanic-targeted robberies"
Piscataway:  "Fire at Royal Drive apartment complex'
Rutgers:  "RU athletic subsidy for 2014 was $36M"
William Paterson U.:  "Lawyers criticize school for handling of rape allegations"

Christie for President --

• "Though Romney move helps a little, GWB still a handicap"
• "London trip about 2016 race, experts say"
• "Christie's final financial haul for RGA: $117 million"

NJ Pensions:  "Fund earned 7.3% in 2014l but remains in big hole"
Offshore Oil:  "Booker and Menendez ask Obama to cancel offshore drilling"

RECENT BLOG POSTS --

[BERNICE] notes Crownover nominated to PARSA again.

[OLDDOC] on abdication of watchdog role by media, importance of blog comments.

[JACKIE] Survivor Workers Comp Fraud blog party.

[JACKIE'S PHOTO BLOG] spots a Red-spotted Purple Admiral.

[REBECCA at Bathrobe Blogger] on her (film) mentor Kathleen Collins.

[PLAINFIELD LATINO] looks for a lost dog.

---

Olddoc: Guest blogger Tom Kaercher ponders Mapp compromises.. Bernice urges Latinos to apply to boards and commissions.. Jackie recalls the days before double-deckers.. Plainfield Latino notes college fair for undocumented students tomorrow; Owner seeks lost dog..

---

[PLAINFIELD TODAY]

• "PMUA service mystery"

CLIPS is a daily roundup of links to news and blog posts about Plainfield or affecting Plainfielders. Begun in 2003 as an email newsletter to Plainfield city council members when I was Plainfield's public information officer; it was later offered to the general public by email and has been available in blog form since 2007. If you have questions, suggestions or tips, you can email me at plaindan@gmail.com.

NEWS --

'Junkyard' Dog:  "Dog kept outside has Plainfield residents concerned"
Housing:  "Multi-family construction in NJ is on the rise"
Obituary:  "Mary J. Anderson, 104, Plainfield resident since 1930"

Bell Labs:  "Charlie Townes, Inventor of laser dies" -- NYTimes | Ledger |
Doctors Without Borders:  "Plane above NJ protests threat to generic drugs"
Edgewater Fire --

• "Workers who sparked fire weren't licensed plumbers, police chief says"
• "Second lawsuit to be filed against Avalon Bay in fire"

Edison:  "Fourth fire in three years at Edison DPW building"
Newark --

• "City unveils new mobile app to report crime, find information"
• "Baraka: City to explore ID program for undocumented"

Perth Amboy:  "Middlesex prosecutor part of Dem tug-of-war?"
Politics:  "Fulop and Baraka: Odd couple or power couple?"
William Paterson U.:  "Five students cleared in campus rape case" -- Grand jury deciined to indict.

Christie for President --

• "Twitterverse mocks Christie's unintentionally profane PAC name" -- PolNJ | Ledger |

Asssembly --

• "Assembly fails to override Christie veto of food stamps bill"
• "Assembly passes bill for voluntary registration of private security cams"
• "Panel acts to let teens seek mental health help without adult consent"

Auto Safety:  "Nine models notch perfect scores in preventing auto deaths"
NJ Pensions:  "Investment tied to Mass. governor not pay-to-play, audit says" -- Ledger | NJSpot | -- Can you say casuistry?
Property Taxes:  "Rebate 'shell game' makes it hard to track NJ property tax facts"

RECENT BLOG POSTS --

[BERNICE] urges Latinos to apply to boards and commissions.

[OLDDOC] Guest blogger Tom Kaercher ponders Mapp compromises.

[JACKIE'S PHOTO BLOG] recalls the days before double-deckers.

[PLAINFIELD LATINO] notes college fair for undocumented students tomorrow; Owner seeks lost dog.

---

Olddoc on connection between Oz politics and the weather.. Bernice offers more on 'Manager Motors'.. Jackie finds a reflection and a gorgeous flower..

---

[PLAINFIELD TODAY]

• "Plainfield Today breaks the 4,000 mark"
  

CLIPS is a daily roundup of links to news and blog posts about Plainfield or affecting Plainfielders. Begun in 2003 as an email newsletter to Plainfield city council members when I was Plainfield's public information officer; it was later offered to the general public by email and has been available in blog form since 2007. If you have questions, suggestions or tips, you can email me at plaindan@gmail.com.

NEWS --

NJ Transit:  "NJT has an app for buying monthly pass"
Water:  "NJ American Water customers to experience a taste of chlorine"
Community Food Bank:  "Retiring director began effort from back of her car 40 years ago"

Bayonne:  "Mayor asks state to audit school board's books"
Newark --

• "More cops, ID for immigrants among topics at Baraka town hall"
• "Corporations, universities could pump millions more into local economy"
• "Stop-and-frisks fall under Baraka, though Blacks 'innocents' more likely targeted"
• "Ruling: Director denied firefighter transfer because he is white"

NJIT:  "This college is the 'must underrated' in the nation"
Piscataway:  "Animal Planet's Puupy Bowl XI star local rescued pups" -- At Gabriele's Sunday.
Scotch Plains:  "CVS to pay $500K fine for selling drugs in hot stores"

Christie for President --

• "After Iowas, what next for Christie?"
• "Did Menendez take a dig at Christie?"

NJ Dems:  "LGBT Caucus smacks Smith over comment gay rights are 'not human rights'"
Schools:  "Sign language would count as foreign language under proposed law"
Turnpike:  "DOJ has been scanning license plates o Turnpike since 2008"

RECENT BLOG POSTS --

[BERNICE] offers more on 'Manager Motors'.

[OLDDOC] on connection between Oz politics and the weather.

[JACKIE'S PHOTO BLOG] finds a reflection and a gorgeous flower.

---

Olddoc on good pols and honest burglars.. Bernice offers more on PMUA appointments.. Councilor Storch on the PMUA nominations; plus Raritan Valley Coalition report.. Councilor Williams wishes Breana Liebowitz good luck.. David is recovering from the flu.. Jackie offers a sunrise at the station plus a cicada killer wasp.. Plainfield Latino attacks the PMUA appointments as ignoring Latinos..

---

[PLAINFIELD TODAY]

• "Depressed at Sears"

CLIPS is a daily roundup of links to news and blog posts about Plainfield or affecting Plainfielders. Begun in 2003 as an email newsletter to Plainfield city council members when I was Plainfield's public information officer; it was later offered to the general public by email and has been available in blog form since 2007. If you have questions, suggestions or tips, you can email me at plaindan@gmail.com.

NEWS --

Bound Brook:  "Is it really illegal for kids to offer to shovel snow?"
Newark --

• "Baraka set to host town hall on violence tonight"
• "Ex-cons at heart of city's job stimulus plan"

PSEG:  "Employees file complaint over family leave"

Christie for President --

• "Christie to meet with Israeli president"
• "If Christie jumps in, Rand Paul thinks he can win"

2016 Races --

• "Booker Conundrum: Cory for VP examined"
• "Koch brothers put a price on the race: $889 million" -- How's that for deep pockets?

Auto Loans:  "Investment riches made on subprime auto loans to poor" -- Same old racket, new gizmo.
Environment:  "NJ environmentalists cheer top court ruling on pollution lawsuits"
Government Surveillance:  "Feds have license plate trackers on NJ Turnpike" -- And at other undisclosed locations.
IBM:  "IBM denies massive layoffs reported by Forbes Magazine"
Medicare:  "By 2018, half of payments will be based on successful outcomes"
Municipal Credit Ratings:  "Moody's says Christie action in AC may hurt other troubled NJ cities"
NJ Employment:  "Did NJ beat anybody in job growth for 2014?"
NJ Senate --

• "After Christie veto, panel tries again to clarify NJ's surrogate parent law"
• "Smith departure another sign of high turnover in Senate Dem office"

Offshore Oil:  "NJ senators denounce Obama's offshore drilling plan" -- Ledger | NJSpot |
Weather --

• "How much does a no-show blizzard cost?"
• "Soul-searching at weather service after botched prediction"

The Holocaust:  "Auschwitz survivors gather where 'civilization collapsed'" -- NYTimes | Courier |

RECENT BLOG POSTS --

[BERNICE] offers more on PMUA appointments.

[OLDDOC] on good pols and honest burglars.

[Councilor STORCH] on the PMUA nominations; plus Raritan Valley Coalition report.

[Councilor WILLIAMS] wishes Breana Liebowitz good luck.

[DAVID] is recovering from the flu.

[JACKIE'S PHOTO BLOG] offers a sunrise at the station plus a cicada killer wasp.

[REBECCA at Bathrobe Blogger] mmm.

[PLAINFIELD LATINO] attacks the PMUA appointments as ignoring Latinos.

---

Bernice: PMUA's Dunn and Sanders replaced at special meeting.. Olddoc is annoyed about special Council meeting.. Councilor Williams: Snow emergency news.. Rebecca sends birthday wishes to Angela Davis..

---

[PLAINFIELD TODAY]

• "Special Council Meeting: A lesson in compromise?"

CLIPS is a daily roundup of links to news and blog posts about Plainfield or affecting Plainfielders. Begun in 2003 as an email newsletter to Plainfield city council members when I was Plainfield's public information officer; it was later offered to the general public by email and has been available in blog form since 2007. If you have questions, suggestions or tips, you can email me at plaindan@gmail.com.

NEWS --

Closings:  City Hall, Municipal Court, Public Schools closed today.
NJ Transit:  "Buses to start by mid-morning, trains by afternoon"
Weather:  "Why forecasters got the 'monster' blizzard so very wrong for NJ"

American Idol: "Plainfield student Bindi Liebowitz advances to Hollywood"
Union County:  "Ledger: Send us your awesome Union Count snow photos"

Edgewater:  "Tenants file class action suit against Avalon Bay in wake of fire"
Newark:  "Mansion undergoes 'miracle' restoration as affordable apartments"

Christie for President --

• "What a Christie campaign has going for it, and against it"
• "Christie's new PAC moves him closer to White House run"
• "Christie's potential 2016 GOP rivals"
• "Christie 'honored' to be honorary chair of own PAC"
• "Christie's 2016 ambitions stalling wind project, Sweeney says"

2016 Race:  "Clinton VP short list expected to include Booker"
Testing:  "NJEA: Families have right to opt out of PARCC tests"

RECENT BLOG POSTS --

[BERNICE] reports PMUA's Dunn and Sanders replaced at special meeting.

[OLDDOC] is annoyed about special Council meeting.

[Councilor WILLIAMS] offers snow emergency news.

[REBECCA at Bathrobe Blogger] sends birthday wishes to Angela Davis.

---

Olddoc analyzes tonight's Council agenda.. Bernice: Cable franchise renewal up tonight.. Noel: Piscataway Vo-Tech over Highland Park.. Jackie: Survivor blog party; plus a summer photo for the storm..

---

[PLAINFIELD TODAY]

• "Tonight's special Council meeting still on"

CLIPS is a daily roundup of links to news and blog posts about Plainfield or affecting Plainfielders. Begun in 2003 as an email newsletter to Plainfield city council members when I was Plainfield's public information officer; it was later offered to the general public by email and has been available in blog form since 2007. If you have questions, suggestions or tips, you can email me at plaindan@gmail.com.

NEWS --

Schools: "Union County closings" -- Plainfield schools will have early dismissal today (see website here).
NJ Transit:  "Significant shutdowns loom as storm approaches"
EWR:   "More than 1,300 flights canceled today, full shutdown possible"

Morristown:  "Storm leads city to offer residents free parking in city garages"
Nursing Hoes:  "Best and worst in Central Jersey" -- List not exhaustive.

Christie for President --

• "Christie forms PAC to explore 2016 run" -- PolNJ | Ledger |
• "Christie presents himself to Iowa as blunt, pro-life conservative"
• "5 things from Iowa trip that reveal Christie 2016 strategy"
• "Iowa protester wonders if Christie would deport his mother"

Pensions:  "Christie shouldn't merge state and local plans, League says"

RECENT BLOG POSTS --

[BERNICE] Cable franchise renewal up tonight.

[OLDDOC] analyzes tonight's Council agenda.

[JACKIE] Survivor blog party.

[JACKIE'S PHOTO BLOG] a summer photo for the storm.

[NOEL at PALS] Piscataway Vo-Tech over Highland Park.

---

Bernice: Regarding Monday's Council meeting; Probe of Union County Alliance.. Olddoc on wooden construction and fires; Deflategate and the previous administration.. Noel: Nationally-ranked Livingston vs. Plainfield.. Jackie is back in the swing with a week in review; Plus a picture of the world passing by..

---

[PLAINFIELD TODAY]

• "The UCA and the whore's lesson"

NEWS --

CLIPS is a daily roundup of links to news and blog posts about Plainfield or affecting Plainfielders. Begun in 2003 as an email newsletter to Plainfield city council members when I was Plainfield's public information officer; it was later offered to the general public by email and has been available in blog form since 2007. If you have questions, suggestions or tips, you can email me at plaindan@gmail.com.

Book:  "Widow of Plainfield cop who took own life tells of pain, guilt"
Obituary:  "Marie Patricia Schaeffer" -- Wife of Randy, El Centro champion and board president.

GWB:  "Kidnapped men yell for help from SUV at traffic stop"
Kean U.:  "Sounds of Afrobeat come to Kean"
New Brunswick:  "coLAB Arts nonprofit expands mission"

Christie for President --

• "Christie touts conservative creds to Iowa Republicans"
• "Iowa's richest man says Christie too damaged by Bridgegate"
• "NJ critics of Christie follow him to Iowa for 'Freedom Summit'"
• "Newt Gingrich to Christie: Just be yourself"
• "The YouTube governor, decoded" -- Matt Katz of WNYC reports.
• "5 reasons Christie's approval ratings have dropped"

Measles:  "Disney measles outbreak has spread to four states" -- TIME | WashPost |
Mortgages:  "Consumer protection for mortgage seekers"
Sexuality:  "The Orthodox sex guru" -- Sexual issues among ultra-conservative Jewish women.

RECENT BLOG POSTS --

[BERNICE] Regarding Monday's Council meeting; Probe of Union County Alliance.

[OLDDOC] on wooden construction and fires; Deflategate and the previous administration.

[JACKIE] is back in the swing with a week in review.

[JACKIE'S PHOTO BLOG] a picture of the world passing by.

[NOEL at PALS] Nationally-ranked Livingston vs. Plainfield.

---

Bernice: Rec turnover warrants forensic audit; Cites state constitution against giving money.. Olddoc: Mayor calls special Council meeting; Dan's birthday blooper.. Jackie: Survivor: Worlds Apart blog party.. Plainfield Latino reports on the Taste of Plainfield event..

---

[PLAINFIELD TODAY]

• "Two treats for Saturday: Photo exhibit, DQ sale"

NEWS --

CLIPS is a daily roundup of links to news and blog posts about Plainfield or affecting Plainfielders. Begun in 2003 as an email newsletter to Plainfield city council members when I was Plainfield's public information officer; it was later offered to the general public by email and has been available in blog form since 2007. If you have questions, suggestions or tips, you can email me at plaindan@gmail.com.

Union County College:  "Obama's free community college plan gains local support"

Bayonne:  "Feds investigate community development department in wake of bribery scandal"
Hudson County:  "Developers, architects, biz owners get crash course in eco-friendly development"
Newark:  "Baraka to host East Ward town hall next week on violence"
Paterson:  "High school freshman charged with assault in attack on teacher"
Port of NY/NJ:  "Union official, two others plead guilty to 'Christmas tribute' extortion from workers"
Readington:  "Ryland Inn wants to expand, build hotel" -- Developer and restaurateur Frank Cretella.

Christie for President --

• "Christie goes courting conservatives in Iowa"

Sen. Menendez:  "Liberal group challenges senator over support of new Iran sanctions"
Custody Disputes:  "Dads who lost custody sue family court judges, alleging unfair treatment"
Motor Vehicle Commission:  "Computer crash paralyzes MVC"
NJ Tax Receipts:  "Tax amnesty program helps Christie beat projections"
School Tests:  "Schools could be over-testing, Christie study group says"
Transportation:  "Could $10B tunnel under NY harbor solve region's truck traffic woes?"

RECENT BLOG POSTS --

[BERNICE] Rec turnover warrants forensic audit; Cites state constitution against giving money.

[OLDDOC] Mayor calls special Council meeting; Dan's birthday blooper.

[JACKIE] Survivor: Worlds Apart blog party.

[PLAINFIELD LATINO] reports on the Taste of Plainfield event.

---

Olddoc: Mayor calls special Council meeting for Monday; Observations on prejudice and racism, Plainfield-style.. Bernice: New building plan draws crowd to Zoning Board.. Plainfield Latino on how healthcare system affects the Latino community; A note on plagiarism plus some corrected posts.. Jackie pictures fungifence..

---

[PLAINFIELD TODAY]

• "Happy Birthday, Olddoc!"

NEWS --

CLIPS is a daily roundup of links to news and blog posts about Plainfield or affecting Plainfielders. It began life in 2003 as an email newsletter to Plainfield city councilors when I was Plainfield's public information officer; it was subsequently offered to the general public by email and has been available in blog form since 2007. If you have questions, suggestions or tips, you can email me at plaindan@gmail.com.

Girls Basketball:  "Plainfield swamps Linden"
Pingry School:  "Plainfield junior is student ambassador for China program"
Drugs:  "Plainfield man in Route 22 stop had 500 bags of heroin" -- Courier | Ledger |
Commuting:  "NYC subway fare hike announced for March"

Atlantic City:  "Christie appoints emergency manager for city" | "Things manage can and can't do"
Dunellen:  "Central Jersey coach indicted on child sex charges" -- Courier | Ledger |
Kean U.:  "Still battling for Merck property, Kean disses judge's opinion"
Liberty Science Center:  "LSC announces $230M expansion"
Newark --

• "Ex-Watershed contractor pleads guilty in $500K kickback scheme" -- PolNJ | Ledger |
  
• "104 violations issued to landlord for rats, faulty heat"

Rahway:  "Business group to sue city over expansion of SID"

Bridgegate --

• "Christie campaign accumulates $800K in Bridgegate debt"

Campaign Finance:  "The top 25 most expensive local races in NJ"
Congress:  "Chris Smith measure banning federal abortion funding passes on Roe v. Wade anniversary"
NJ Supremes:  "Towns can rezone land to preserve it, top court says"

RECENT BLOG POSTS --

[BERNICE] notes new building plan draws crowd to Zoning Board.

[OLDDOC] Mayor calls special Council meeting for Monday; Observations on prejudice and racism, Plainfield-style.

[JACKIE'S PHOTO BLOG] pictures fungifence.

[PLAINFIELD LATINO] on how healthcare system affects the Latino community; A note on plagiarism plus some corrected posts.

---

Olddoc offers his 2020 Olympian.. Bernice on the baseball 'sour ball' at Council; SRB asks $10K for program.. Councilor Storch on the Frontiers MLK Breakfast.. Councilor Williams on the political baseball wars.. Noel: PHS Cardinals vs. The Patrick School.. Jackie in a double header: Survivor and The Amazing Race; plus an Outer Banks storm..

---

[PLAINFIELD TODAY]

• "JFK in court Friday to void Muhlenberg Foundation purposes"

NEWS --

Cardinals Basketball:  "Roselle Catholic at Plainfield"
Police:  "The racial gap in NJ police departments" -- Plainfield scores well with Blacks, less so with Hispanics.
Union County Dems:  "LD20 Dems unanimously back Holley for vacant Cryan Assembly seat"

Atlantic City:  "Christie may appoint emergency manager"
Cranford:  "Teen who posted threat on social media causing school lockdown pleads guilty"
Edison:  "Menlo Park Mall renovations to start in spring"
Home Invasions:  "Another suspect charged in home invasions that hit Indian community"
Newark --

• "Baraka and police announce creation of civilian complaint review board"
• "City's rent control fight gets second wind"
• "Tenants lodge 70 complaints about rat infestation, faulty heat"

Rahway:  "Political consultant James Devine faces ELEC violations"
Roads:  "Bad roads cost average NJ driver $2,000 a year"
Rutgers:  "RU reaches record $1 billion fundraising goal"
Trenton:  "Affordable housing developer gets 27 months in prison for loan fraud"

Christie for President --

• "Poll: Clinton has big lead over Christie in NJ"
• "Christie to skip GOP event in Atlantic City"
  
• "Christ on Obama address: It was a campaign speech" -- Look who's talking.
• "See what gifts Christie received as governor"
  

Medicaid:  "Doctors took on more patients when Obamacare boosted pay" -- Ledger | NJSpot |

RECENT BLOG POSTS --

[BERNICE] on the baseball 'sour ball' at Council; SRB asks $10K for program.

[OLDDOC] offers his personal 2020 Olympian.

[Councilor STORCH] on the Frontiers MLK Breakfast.

[Councilor WILLIAMS] on the political baseball wars.

[JACKIE] in a double header: Survivor and The Amazing Race.

[JACKIE'S PHOTO BLOG] an Outer Banks storm.

[NOEL at PALS] PHS Cardinals vs. The Patrick School.

---

Olddoc reports on the baseball 'squabble'.. Bernice: Hearing Friday on Muhlenberg donations use; PBA donates defibrilators to Rescue Squad.. David: Video of Ras Baraka at Frontiers Breakfast.. Jackie: Pining for the Crocus.. Plainfield Latino on free USCIS citizenship session..

---

[PLAINFIELD TODAY]

• "Baseball supporter stabbed in the back at Council"
  
• "Hot time in the old town Wednesday night"

NEWS --

Day of Service:  "MLK volunteers fix up Plainfield Boys & Girls Club"
NJ Transit:  "Best and worst line in NJ, according to riders"
Pilgrim Pipeline:  "No plans to use tar sands oil, company says"
Asm Jon Bramnick:  "Bramnick, GOP kick off North Jersey Assembly campaign" -- Hometown kid.

Franklin Twp:  "Amwell Road bridge is second closed this month"
Fraud:  "NJ firm must pay $1.3M for claiming it was owned by disabled vet"
Jersey City --

• "900-foot tower, tallest in NJ, planned for Downtown"
• "Council ponders certificates of compliance for real estate transactions"

Linden:  "Ferguson, genocide, terrorism: Proof we must continue KIng's work, speakers say"
Newark --

• "Activists invoke King's legacy in rally decrying urban violence, police brutality"
• "Baraka to reveal details on civilian police review board"
• "Police unions say civilian review board would violate state law"
• "Baraka taps activist, Giuliani veteran, to head communications"
  
• "Officials to hold Obamacare workshop"
• "Budweiser to lay off 60 at iconic plant"
  

North Plainfield:  "Two homes on same street robbed"
West Orange:  "Michelle Obama's guest at State of Union will be Jersey-born astronaut"

Bridgegate --

• "NJ GOP continues to carry GWB bridge incident debt"

Christie for President --

• "Will ex-aide head Christie's campaign for New Hampshire?"
• "Poll: Christie at a nearly four-year low in approval rating"

Pres. Obama --

• "Obama embraces Booker call for overhaul of criminal justice system"
• "Watson Coleman and Obama embrace at Capitol"
• "NJ reaction to State of Union: Dems liked it, GOP did not" -- Duh.

Sen. Booker:  "Cory Booker talks race on new Larry Wilmore show" -- Replacing the Colbert Report.
Bridges:  "DOT orders immediate inspection of 300 'deficient' bridges"
Incomes:  "NJ income data shows widening gap, mirroring global trends"
Discrimination:  "Poll: 8 in 10 American agree ethnic discrimination a problem"
Port Authority:  "GOP legislators may finally be ready to buck Christie, override veto"
Schools:  "NJ schools ranked among the best, report says"
Testing:  "Public gets chance to air views on controversial new PARCC testing"

RECENT BLOG POSTS --

[BERNICE] Hearing Friday on Muhlenberg donations use; PBA donates defibrilators to Rescue Squad; reports on Squirrel Invasion.

[OLDDOC] reports on the baseball 'squabble'.

[DAVID] Ras Baraka honors MLK in Plainfield.

[JACKIE'S PHOTO BLOG] Pining for the Crocus.

[PLAINFIELD LATINO] on free USCIS citizenship session.

---

Olddoc quotes Niemõller in brief post.. Bernice asks if tonight's Council is long or shot; reports on Squirrel Invasion.. David: Ras Baraka honors MLK in Plainfield.. Jackie offers the Tale of the Tiger.. Plainfield Latino on free USCIS citizenship session..

---

[PLAINFIELD TODAY]

• "Hot time in the old town Wednesday night"

NEWS --

Day of Service:  "MLK volunteers fix up Plainfield Boys & Girls Club"
NJ Transit:  "Best and worst line in NJ, according to riders"
Asm Jon Bramnick:  "Bramnick, GOP kick off North Jersey Assembly campaign" -- Hometown kid.

Jersey City:  "Council ponders certificates of compliance for real estate transactions"
Linden:  "Ferguson, genocide, terrorism: Proof we must continue KIng's work, speakers say"
Newark --

• "Activists invoke King's legacy in rally decrying urban violence, police brutality"
• "Baraka to reveal details on civilian police review board"
• "Officials to hold Obamacare workshop"

North Plainfield:  "Two homes on same street robbed"
West Orange:  "Michelle Obama's guest at State of Union will be Jersey-born astronaut"

Discrimination:  "Poll: 8 in 10 American agree ethnic discrimination a problem"
Schools:  "NJ schools ranked among the best, report says"

RECENT BLOG POSTS --

[BERNICE] asks if tonight's Council is long or shot; reports on Squirrel Invasion.

[OLDDOC] quotes Niemõller in brief post.

[DAVID] Ras Baraka honors MLK in Plainfield.

[JACKIE'S PHOTO BLOG] offers the Tale of the Tiger.

[PLAINFIELD LATINO] on free USCIS citizenship session.

---

Olddoc notes Selma and MLK Day; Council meets on night of State of Union; a Charlie Ebdo OpEd.. Bernice: Dawdle and miss action.. Noel on Elizabeth - Plainfield game.. Plainfield Latino: When will the Latino community have its own MLK?..

---

[PLAINFIELD TODAY]

• "King legacy reinterpreted by new activists"

NEWS --

Girls Basketball:  "SPFHS over Plainfield"
Historic Photo:  "Rushomre's home was his castle...and soapbox"
MLK:  "Photos of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in NJ"

NAACP:  "Perth Amboy branch of NACP elects officers"
South Plainfield --

• "Diving boards to be removed from community pool"
• "Boro political strategist is finalist for national political advertising award"

Christie for President --

• "Poll: Republicans don't want Christie to run, say Bush, Romney should"

Guns:  "The myth behind defensive gun ownership"
Pensions:  "How did NJ get into this pension mess?"
Vintage Photos:  "Mansions and estates of NJ"

RECENT BLOG POSTS --

[BERNICE] Dawdle and miss action.

[OLDDOC] notes Selma and MLK Day; Council meets on night of State of Union; a Charlie Ebdo OpEd.

[NOEL at PALS] on Elizabeth - Plainfield game.

[PLAINFIELD LATINO] When will the Latino community have its own MLK?

---

Olddoc lists three blog post options.. Bernice on Brown's Council style: Arrive on time.. Jackie pictures an urban warrior.. Noel on a 'gladiator performance by Ridge vs. Plainfield..

---

[PLAINFIELD TODAY]

• "Plainfield dis·ha·bille"

NEWS --

MLK Events:  "Central Jersey celebrates Dr. King's legacy" -- Plainfield items are under Union County.
Girls Basketball:  "Gov. Livingston at Plainfield"
Rep. Watson Coleman:  "Veteran congresswoman finally gets a leadership post"
Memorial Service:  "Memorial for Pat Turner Kavanaugh, community activist, set for April"

Asbury Park:  "Celebrating MLK, residents dream of a better life"
Bridgeton:  "Residents' complaints pile up against officers involved in fatal shooting"
Edison:  "Dems seeking candidates for Council"
North Plainfield:  "Boro man admits killing friend in DWI crash"

Christie for President --

• "Romney, Clinton offer signs '16 will be about economy"

School Discipline:  "Newark super addresses imbalance of how students of color are disciplined"
Technology:  "6th grader's app named 'best idea in state' by Verizon"
WWI Espionage:  "100 years ago, Germans burned down Trenton factory, historians say"

RECENT BLOG POSTS --

[BERNICE] on Brown's Council style: Arrive on time.

[OLDDOC] lists three blog post options.

[JACKIE'S PHOTO BLOG] pictures an urban warrior.

[NOEL at PALS] a 'gladiator performance by Ridge vs. Plainfield.

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Bernice on PMUA rate hearing; advises timely arrival for Council.. Olddoc notes new mosque.. Mayor Mapp, Councilor Williams remind all of tonight's MLK potluck.. Jackie gets a Banded Peacock.. Plainfield Latino on community involvement..

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[PLAINFIELD TODAY]

• "MLK Potluck and Food Drive tonight"

NEWS --

MLK Events:  "Central Jersey celebrates Dr. King's legacy" -- Plainfield items are under Union County.
Girls Basketball:  "Gov. Livingston at Plainfield"
Memorial Service:  "Memorial for Pat Turner Kavanaugh, community activist, set for April"

Camden:  "Large-scale demolition of abandoned, vacant homes to start Tuesday"
Elizabeth --

• "School board prez blasts former ally Lesniak over 'hit list'"
• "Lawyers debate if BOE member has conflict of interest"
• "New owner, new name for Jersey Gardens Mall"

Newark --

• "DOJ posts job ad for monitor of Newark police"
• "Court rules Sharpe James illegally used campaign funds to pay legal bills"
• "Another merchant shoots an armed robber"

Public Records:  "Companies hijacking public records for profit, municipal clerks say"

Christie for President --

• "Christie insists his family can't veto a run for president"
• "Christie: NJ reporters are like 'children'"
• "Christie to meet GOP lawmakers in DC as he considers run"
• "Romney sketches a platform for another campaign"

Campaign Finance:  "Most cash to NJ House members came from out-of-state"
Obamacare:  "200,000 Jerseyans have signed up as deadline approaches"
Sandy Aftermath:  "Menendez, Pallone want FEMA to forgive some Sandy debt"

RECENT BLOG POSTS --

[BERNICE] on PMUA rate hearing; advises timely arrival for Council.

[OLDDOC] notes new mosque.

[MAYOR MAPP] reminds all of tonight's potluck dinner.

[Councilor WILLIAMS] reminds all of tonight's potluck dinner.

[JACKIE'S PHOTO BLOG] gets a Banded Peacock.

[PLAINFIELD LATINO] on community involvement.

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Olddoc on prejudice and religion (part 2).. Bernice: Board approves South Avenue house of worship.. Mayor Mapp, Councilor Williams invite all to MLK potluck Saturday.. Jackie spots subway panhandling.. Rebecca on fighting hunger...

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[PLAINFIELD TODAY]

• "New Mosque approved for South Avenue"

NEWS --

Donny D.:  "Former governor joins county parks commission" -- He restored Plainfield's Abbott District status.
Pilgrim Pipeline:  "Company going 'full steam ahead' despite growing opposition"
Teacher Contract:  "Plainfield teachers reach verbal agreement on contract"
Union County:  "After losing lawsuit, county must pay blogger $40K"

Edison --

• "Township must borrow $12.1M to meet hundreds of tax appeals"
• "State takeover of police internal affairs unit discussed" -- As a pilot program for later expansion.

Elizabeth:  "Politicians slam each other over racial issue"
Exxex County:  "County is winner in shuttering of Izod Center, officials say"
EWR:  "Newark-to-Cuba flights may be coning soon"
Hospitals:  "NJ hospitals get mixed report card in reducing infections"
Irvington:  "Mayor says he will not face charges of sex assault"
Newark:  "Baraka asks for Cami Anderson's resignation - again"
Roselle:  "Holley on Christie speeck: There are other cities"

Bridgegate --

• "Ex-Christie commissioner joins former law firm of current commissioner"

Christie for President --

• "Christie says he and Jerry Jones didn't meet until Sept. 2013"
• "Former Christie spokesman joins Romney's team"
• "Jeb Bush is courting NJ donors"

Governor's Race:  "Codey, Lesniak both show ambition for governor"
Community Colleges:  "NJ's officials, students see positives in Obama proposal"
NJ Incomes:  "Income growth in NJ not keeping pace with inflation"
NJ Pensions --

• "Lawyer: State doesn't have to pay more, but workers do"
• "State lawyer argues Christie's 2011 pension deal is invalid" -- Ledger | NJSpot |
  

Quarantines:  "Following Ebola scare, Assembly passes bill to pay quarantined workers' wages"
Sports:  "Phildelphia to host international soccer tournament"

RECENT BLOG POSTS --

[BERNICE] Board approves South Avenue house of worship.

[OLDDOC] on prejudice and religion (part 2).

[Mayor MAPP] invites all to MLK potluck Saturday.

[Councilor WILLIAMS] invites all to MLK potluck Saturday.

[JACKIE'S PHOTO BLOG] spots subway panhandling.

[REBECCA at Bathrobe Blogger] on fighting hunger.

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Bernice alerts all interested in running for public office.. Olddoc mulls prejudice and religion.. Councilor Williams on Saturday's MLK potluck and food drive.. Rebecca lists some local feeding programs.. Jackie pictures warmer weather.. Plainfield Latino: On being Latina..

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[PLAINFIELD TODAY]

• "Neighborhood Health Center files Chapter 11 bankruptcy"

NEWS --

American Idol:  "Plainfield's Bindi Liebowitz could be on American Idol"
PHS Basketball:  "Elizabeth (34) at Plainfield (32)"
RWJ:  "Hospital ramps up weight-loss surgery for adolescents"
TGIF's:  "Patron awarded $1.6M after injured by falling ceiling tile" -- At Blue Star Mall.
Obituary:  "Dorothy James, block association leader"

Asbury Park:  "Judge to question voters whose ballots were invalidated"
Camden:  "Everything's going great for city's schools, right?"
Edison:  "Should state step in to police Edison's police?"
Elizabeth BOE Flap --

• "Amin to Lesniak: Your team has lost its way"
• "Fajardo on Amin flip: The Lord woks in mysterious ways"
• "Musical BOE chairs: Fajardo off, Monteiro back on" -- PolNJ  | Ledger |
  
• "Bollwege denounces Fajardo/Monteiro tag team as 'corruption'"

Izod Center:  "Arena expected to close after years of decline"
Jersey City:  "Cuomo official to join Fulop administration"
Mortgage Scam:  "Chatham lawyer accused of stealing $1M by doctoring mortgages"
Newark:  "Youth group sued for funneling donations to for-profit business"
Union City:  "Bid-rigging scheme cost city $120K in HUD funds" -- A CHAP program.

Bridgegate --

• "Former PA official named in retaliation lawsuit"

Christie for President --

• "Christie tied for second-to-last in Iowa GOP presidential poll"
• "Christie tells worried backers there is no hurry for 2016"
• "Republican NJ senator rips Christie over speech" -- PolNJ | Ledger |
• "Poll: Christie has accomplished little as governor"
  

Sen. Booker:  "Booker to headline gay and lesbian rights group's NYC benefit"
Charter Schools:  "RU professor's report prompts ethics accusations"
Private Security Cams:  "Bill making it easier for police to access footage clears committee"
State Pensions:  "Unions back in court today fighting pension cuts"

RECENT BLOG POSTS --

[BERNICE] alerts all interested in running for public office.

[OLDDOC] mulls prejudice and religion.

[Councilor WILLIAMS] on Saturday's MLK potluck and food drive.

[JACKIE'S PHOTO BLOG] pictures warmer weather.

[REBECCA at Bathrobe Blogger] lists some local feeding programs.

[PLAINFIELD LATINO] on being Latina.

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Olddoc on aberrations at Council.. Bernice notes business owner calls for help around Park & 7th.. Mayor Mapp invites all to MLK Potluck/Food Drive on Saturday.. Jackie pictures...skate dancing?.. David on the one-seat ride.. Plainfield Latino: Pollo Campero supports Big Brothers-Big Sisters..

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[PLAINFIELD TODAY]

• "MLK Potluck Saturday at Mayor Mapp's home"

NEWS --

Green Brook Park:  "Driver loses control of car, plunges into Green Brook"
Raritan Valley Line:  "Passengers, officials celebrate first evening one-seat ride"
Wardlw-Hartridge:  "W-H girls take on North Plainfield"

Bayonne:  "City says Board of Ed failed to reimburse it millions in bond money"
Edison:  "Police arrest mayor's son on drug charges"
Elizabeth:  "Lawsuit claims BOE member serving illegally"
Essex County:  "Corrections officer admits taking bribes to smuggle cell phones into jail"
Jersey City --

• "As move to partisan election is pondered, pols offer pros, cons"
• "Mayor announces new community-based 911 response system"

Metropark:  "Apartments? Restaurants? Check out developer's plans"
Montclair:  "Community forum with US Attorney to solicit post-Ferguson citizen opinions"
NYPD:  "Federal judges questioning NYPD surveillance of NJ Muslims"

Christie for President --

• "Christie preparing to set up leadership PC for 2016" -- Ledger | NYTimes |
• "Mulshine: Six reasons I'll bet Christie's running"
• "Stephen Colbert's election lawyer seeks Christie ethics probe"

State of State Address --

• "Excerpts from Christie's address" | "Full text of speech" | "Full video here"
• "Christie excludes local press from pre-speech briefing" -- Only national media allowed, get it?
• "Christie's national aspirations underlie state speech"
• "Five things Christie didn't discuss"
• "Fact-checking the governor's speech"
  
• "A closer look at Christie's numbers"
  
• "Speech light on pension specifics"
  
• "NJ Dems: Christie speech state of the state about nothing"
• "NJ police union head bashes Christie on pension record"
• "Former Gov. Florio discusses Christie speech, presidential chances"

NJ Income Taxes:  "Study: Low- and middle-income residents pay greater share in taxes"

RECENT BLOG POSTS --

[BERNICE] notes business owner calls for help around Park & 7th.

[OLDDOC] on aberrations at Council.

[Mayor MAPP] invites all to MLK Potluck/Food Drive on Saturday.

[DAVID] on the one-seat ride.

[JACKIE'S PHOTO BLOG] pictures...skate dancing?

[PLAINFIELD LATINO] Pollo Campero supports Big Brothers-Big Sisters.

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Olddoc notes Council actions.. Bernice notes youth baseball saga continues; Council rejects fleet manager ordinance.. Mayor Mapp invites all to MLK Potluck/Food Drive on Saturday.. David on the one-seat ride to NYC.. Jackie pictures gulls on pilings..

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[PLAINFIELD TODAY]

• "Mapp squeeze play breaks baseball deadlock"

NEWS --

Gas Prices:  "Where to fine $1.69 gas nearby"
Bramnick for Governor?"  "Assemblyman Bramnick to campaign in JC on Saturday"
Pop Warner:  "Plainfield cheerleaders are two-time national award winners"

Bloomfield:  "Cops caught on dash cam lose bid to dismiss misconduct charges"
Cryan Assembly Seat:  "Roselle mayor Holley announces run for vacant seat"
New Brunswick:  "How downtown has emerged from its doldrums"
Photography & Law:  "Charges dropped against newsman who refused to give camera to cop"
Runnells Hospital:  "New owner hiring after sudden staff shortage"

Christie for President --

• "State of state or presidential campaign speech?" -- Courier | Ledger |
• "Packers fan Sweeney to taunt Christie over Cowboys loss"
• "Christie 2016 campaign my ignite as top GOP fundraiser steps down"
• "Poll: The state of Christie is upside down"
  

Ambulance Services:  "NJ ambulance operators facing Medicare cash crunch"
Assembly:  "Bill for voluntary registration of private security cams advances"
Business Incentives:  "Lawmakers push for more scrutiny over business incentives"
Courts:  "More NJ inmates to show up on TV screens to save money"
NJ Economy:  "Home prices, jobs struggle to recovery from recession"
Water:  "How long can NJ's drinking water supply hold out?"

RECENT BLOG POSTS --

[BERNICE] notes youth baseball saga continues; Council rejects fleet manager ordinance.

[OLDDOC] notes Council actions.

[Mayor MAPP] invites all to MLK Potluck/Food Drive on Saturday.

[DAVID] on the one-seat ride to NYC.

[JACKIE'S PHOTO BLOG] pictures gulls on pilings.

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Mayor Mapp gives Negro League green light to organize.. Olddoc on tonight's Council agenda.. Bernice: Many appointments on agenda; Yews recovering at City Hall.. David offers the No Boni trailer (sci-fi).. Plainfield Latino on coming out for LGBT Latinos.. Jackie posts to both blogs briefly..

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[PLAINFIELD TODAY]

• " Mapp acts to end baseball wars"

NEWS --

Pop Warner Cheerleaders:  "Plainfield cheerleaders are two time national champs"

Newark:  "Red light cams denerated $16M for vcity, $13 M for company"
Oil Trains:  "Bergen County firefighters discuss possible derailment responses"
Pharma:  "Irish company to acquire Bedminster-based NPS for $5.2B"
Rutgers Basketball:  "RU beats No. 4 Wisconsin"
Sayreville:  "Bridgegate investigator caught in temple land use lawsuit"

Christie for President --

• "Christie run as Cowboys' good-luck charm ends in 26-21 loss" -- Ledger | Record |
• "State of State: Where will Christie's speech focus?"
• "Pension reform talk may heat up as Christie prepares State of State speech"
• "Cost to protect Christie up 1,800 percent since he took office"

Keystone X-L Pipeline:  "Keystone vote shows deep divide in Washington"
Obamacare:  "New Jerseyans paying more for less coverage"
Terror Attacks:  "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: These attacks are not about religion"

RECENT BLOG POSTS --

[BERNICE] many appointments on agenda; Yews recovering at City Hall.

[OLDDOC] on tonight's Council agenda.

[Mayor MAPP] gives Negro League green light to organize.

[DAVID] offers the No Boni trailer (sci-fi).

[JACKIE] posts briefly on both blogs.

[JACKIE'S PHOTO BLOG] .

[PLAINFIELD LATINO] on coming out for LGBT Latinos.

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