I just came across this great site for audio book downloads. If you have a NJ library card, it looks like you can download books from their library and listen to them on your computer, a CD, or MP3 player. My last job was an hour drive and I really could have used this. I have not tried it yet, but if anyone else has, please let us know more about it.
If you like dinosaurs, and a lot of people do, hopefully you caught the Walking with Dinosaurs show going on at the Medowlands in East Rutherford. With a packed house, BBB Worldwide puts on a show of more than a dozen life size dinosaurs that moved, around the floor, hunted for food and occassionaly met up with other dangerous species.
While the arena was loaded with kids, few were afraid of the realistic looking beasts that roamed the floor. With a little added humor and educational notes from the scientist narrator and some special effects, the show was a fun event for all ages.
You can check out a video of the event on Youtube that someone recorded, but the live show beats it. The show is done in East Rutherford, but check out their web site for tour information in other cities.
I just came across this great tool for checking the average salary of a job anywhere in the country. The page I found shows the average salary for leasing agent positions in the Clifton area which is 37% higher than the nationwide average. There is also a forum with tips on how to land a job as a leasing agent and other important information that you may want to read when searching for this type of job. Another cool tool they offer is a comparison of salaries in different regions.
Of course you can change the job category and the location to whatever you like, but I did find it interesting that jobs in the Clifton area tend to pay a little more that other areas of New Jersey.
Here are a few results for a leasing agent in various cities.
Clifton – $35,000
Allentown – $27,000
Princeton – $29,000
Morristown – $33,000
Howell - $28,000
If you like riding a bike or running, you have to check out the training routes displayed on Mapmytri.com. They provide a long list of bike and running routes in
Clifton and other areas that you can follow. A Google map shows numbered check points so you can easily chart your way.
I have been a runner and bike rider all my life and love to find new places to trek. I find running a great way to socialize and stay in shape at the same time. Bike riding is great because you get to explore new areas that you might never see otherwise. Mapmytri.com let’s you examine the paths other outdoor enthusiasts have taken and perhaps see something new!
Anyone looking for a new bike can try one of these two bike shops in the Clifton area:
Allwood Bicycles
973-574-9001
120 Market St, Clifton, NJ
Clifton Speed Ctr
973-777-3512
1074 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ
For anyone who has taken a trip to Newport Rhode Island to visit the Breakers and some of the other mansions of the gilded age, you may be interested in knowing that New Jersey has one of its own. The Lambert Castle on the border of Clifton and Paterson was built in 1892 by silk manufacturer Catholina Lambert. With an observation tower, art gallery and Italian gardens, it is a site to be seen.
The castle was purchased by the Passaic County Park Commission and is now open to the public. It costs only $5.00 to tour the museum and kids under 5 are free.
For a great description of the interior, take a look at this account of the reception party that was given when the home was first completed.
This historical society runs the museum and they allow non-flash photographs to be taken. The museum usually has guided tours that begin at 1:30PM. Plan on spending several hours at the castle and grounds, and if time permits, visit the nearby Great Falls State Park.
Anyone looking for something to do in Clifton should check out the upcoming events sponsored by the township recreation department. Some of the scheduled activities include a family camp-out, pool and skating bash and a trip to Cooperstown. This is a great way to get together with the family and to meet new friends. Visit the township website for details on these fun events.
This is the new blog for Clifton NJ and the surrounding towns. We will cover events, housing, and fun places to visit. More coming soon!