Just Plain Cool

July 1, 2026

America 250: A More Perfect Union

We are just days away from the United States Semiquincentennial. A time when as one voice, we declared our independence from the tyranny of England. “We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in… Continue reading

Cape May County, Exploring, History, Just Plain Cool, Morris County, New Jersey

America 250, Battle of Monmouth, Bicentennial, Declaration of Independence, Gen-X, Great American State Fair, Jockey Hollow, Molly Pitcher, New Jersey, New Jersey history, Revolutionary War, School House Rock, Semiquincentennial, Yankee Doodle Bugs
June 26, 2026

New Jersey Welcomes the World (not New York)

The World Cup is officially underway at the Meadowlands, which in case you were confused, is in New Jersey – NOT New York. So, we welcome the world to our beloved state, which contains immigrants and ethnicities from every corner of the world. In a way, it makes sense that Jersey is the host. A… Continue reading

Bergen County, Essex County, Exploring, Food, Just Plain Cool, New Jersey, Sussex County

Campino Restaurant, Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Dickie Dee’s, Franklin Mineral Museum, Franklinite, Jughandle, New Jersey, Newark Archdiocese, Revolutionary War, Sterling Hill Mining MuseumSterling Hill Mining Museum, The Belmont, Thomas Edison, West Orange
August 15, 2025

Belleville’s Favorite Sons Receive Special Honor

There is nothing I love more than hearing good news from my beloved hometown – Belleville. I spent about 20 years there, in the very same house as a matter of fact, and it will forever hold a special place in my heart. This past week, the bandmates were honored with keys to Belleville during… Continue reading

Arts, Essex County, Jersey Icon, Just Plain Cool, Music

Belleville, Giants Stadium, Met Life Stadium, My Chemical Romance, New Jersey
June 26, 2025

A True Jersey Podcast

Awhile back I blogged about a podcast I came across that was created by Jersey transplants. Let’s just say I found them less than charming. Today, I want to share a true Jersey podcast for those of us who really love our state! The Jersey Angle The Jersey Angle Podcast is hosted by Jersey journalists,… Continue reading

Exploring, Jersey Icon, Just Plain Cool, New Jersey

Brian Donohue, Ironbound, Mark Bonamo, Mother Cabrini, Newark, News 12 New Jersey, Red Bank Green, Tapinfo Newark, The Jersey Angle Podcast
May 10, 2025

Upcoming Italian Heritage Events in New Jersey

I haven’t had the opportunity to post lately. It hasn’t been for lack of want, or news, or interest. It’s mainly due to a lack of energy. It is hard to believe, but almost two weeks ago, I had orthognathic surgery to address issues I developed from a fall while out fly fishing with my… Continue reading

Bergen County, Essex County, Festivals, History, Hunterdon County, Just Plain Cool, Music, New Jersey, Non-Profits, Passaic County

Arcangelo Sam Michele, Belleville, Clifton, Feast of the Madonna Del Sacro Monte, Filitalia, Italian Apostolate, Madonna della Fontana, Michael's Roscommon, New Jersey, Newark, Paisan Con, Rutherford
March 28, 2025

Saving the Salamanders

We have officially hit spring and I am elated. If you are a regular reader, you are aware of my keen dislike of winter. The light at the end of the day, the warmer weather, it heals my soul. Another sign of spring is the beginning of the salamander migration. Yes, I’m serious. With 33… Continue reading

Exploring, Just Plain Cool, Middlesex County, New Jersey, Outdoors

Amphibian Crossing Project, biodiversity, Conservation, Conserve Wildlife Foundation, East Brunswick Environmental Commission, environment, nature, New Jersey Fish and Wildlife, Salamander, Vernal pools, Wetlands
February 28, 2025

Sahli Negassi is Simply Perfect

“What did you get on your SATs?” It is a question we have all been asked at some point. And quite honestly, I avoid this question like the plague. If people were judged by their SAT scores alone, I would be considered dumber than a box of rocks. I took my SATs three times in… Continue reading

Essex County, Jersey Icon, Just Plain Cool, Music, New Jersey

Harvard, Sahli Negassi, SAT, West Orange High School
December 19, 2024

Constitution Day in New Jersey

December 18th is an important day in New Jersey history. On this date in 1787, the Garden State became the third state to ratify the United States Constitution. In what became our no-nonsense attitude, the representatives completed all the necessary tasks to ratify in six days. It is believed this was due in large part… Continue reading

History, Just Plain Cool, Mercer County, New Jersey, Preservation

Articles of Confederation, New Jersey history, New Jersey State Archives, U.S. Constitution ratification
October 9, 2024

Italian Heritage Month: The Italian Hot Dog

Growing up in North Jersey, just a stone’s throw from Newark, a battle continues to take place that’s as old as the neighborhood of the Old First Ward – what Italian hot dog do you prefer? What is an Italian Hot Dog? Just like I’ve said countless times, I grew up with certain foods and… Continue reading

Essex County, Food, Jersey Icon, Just Plain Cool, New Jersey

Dickie Dee’s, Italian Hot Dog, Jimmy Buffs, Jimmy Racioppi, Newark
August 21, 2024

Coins and Cruz

Growing up, I would sit on my grandmother’s couch with my Uncle Sonny and look at coins. We would go through all the change he would bring home in his pockets at the end of the day and look for wheat pennies. We filled the old blue coin books and I still have a Tootsie… Continue reading

Arts, Bergen County, Jersey Icon, Just Plain Cool, Music, New Jersey

American Women Quarters, Celia Cruz, Cuba, Fort Lee, Grammys, New Jersey, Salsa Music, United State Mint