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MYTHBUSTERS: Jersey Shore Edition - Shopping

This blog post is one of a series of blog posts that will aim to debunk your myths about the Jersey Shore

The holidays are upon us... Spending nights and weekends doing battle with shoppers in lines at the mall, performing high flying acrobatics on top of your house as you attempt to install more Christmas lights than your neighbor and watching your bank account dwindle faster than 401(k). Yes, Happy Holidays.

One myth we will be debunking today is: The "Mall" is the only place to shop for the Holidays.

This myth couldn't be more false! There are plenty of fantastic small shops and stores locally that will get you on the fast track to earning the title of: "best present ever". Plus, you be doing the community a solid by supporting local businesses!

My favorite location on the Jersey Shore for unique gift-getting is Asbury Park. If you are into art, music and history - you've come to the right place.

Here are some of the "top shops" for Holiday Gift Giving:

Lightly Salted Surf Mercado: This is THE place to get fitted with bear wear and surf gear from the most knowledgeable crew on the beach. SECRET: check out the attached Pop's Garage for yum-a-licious mexican cuisine. 

Hot Sand: The first public access glass studio on the Jersey Shore. For a gift unlike any other...stop in and get your art on.

Paranormal Books and Curiosities: Everyone has a weird cousin or aunt that swears their house is haunted thus being relieved of hosting the annual holiday family dinner. Now you can stop in and see the good folks of Paranormal Books and find that special gift that will verify once and for all if Aunt Betty was telling the truth or just plain lazy :)

Asbury Bark: Are pets just as important as your kids when it comes to holiday shopping? Look no further than this treat-filled shop that will make your pet go nuts!

Brielle Cyclery: Have a friend that's always asking for a lift? End the stream of ride-begging with a brand new set of wheels by Brielle Cyclery on the Boardwalk! They have a bike to suit any need.

There is much much more to explore. To get a good handle on what's in and around Asbury Park, check out these great resources:

On Twitter:

@APBoardwalk

@BoughtInAP

@AsburyParkTweet

On the Web:

The Asbury Park Boardwalk

City of Asbury Park

Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce

Stay tuned next week for my next Jersey Shore myth that will be debunked: The Jersey Shore shuts down after Labor Day.

If you have any ideas on a myth to tackle - shoot me a line at joseph {at} josephcolon {dot} com or on the contact me page! Hey, you can even jump on board and guest author!

Local Business Closes Up Shop to Help The Hungry

There is no doubt that people in the Jersey Shore area have been hit hard with the troubled economic conditions of the past year. This holiday season, one Jersey Shore restaurant is pulling out all the stops to make sure that those who need a meal this Thanksgiving have one. 

The Langosta Lounge in Asbury Park, NJ has teamed up with local charities to provide a free meal on Thanksgiving day to those who are in need. Here are the details:

Thanksgiving Day, 11am-4pm, Cost: FREE

1000 Ocean Ave. 
ASBURY PARK, 07712 
(732) 455-3275 

Click here to see Langosta Lounge on Google Maps!

For those who are fortunate enough to have Thanksgiving dinner all planned, here's how YOU can help:

They are in need of the following items:

• Dessert Items (Cake, Pies, etc.)
• Hams

If you can provide any of these items contact Langosta Lounge via:

Twitter: @langostalounge

Phone: 732-455-3275 

If all else fails - shoot me a message here and I will try and arrange something!

Here's to starting off the holiday season on the right foot!

How social media helped this lost dog get home

*The contents of this post are 100% true (even if they bear remarkable resemblance to a recent national commercial) :)

Yes, social media is without doubt here to stay. It has become an integral part of our daily lives - it connects us.

Social Media is everywhere, yet we forget our grassroots (traditional communication).

Here is a story of how traditional communication methods worked hand in hand with new communication to help a lost dog get home.

This past Sunday, I was in my local ACME Supermarket doing my weekly shopping. I happened to come across a flyer on the way out. It read: *LOST DOG*

As I always have, I took a picture on my phone and posted it on all my social media networks. I have always done this because if my dog were to go missing - I would hope others would do the same for me.

I hoped the best for the dog and continued on my trip home.

As I was putting away the groceries, I get a call from a nearby friend screaming and yelling...

After I was able to calm them down, they explained that they were on Facebook and saw the picture I posted...they found the dog in the picture!!

They assured me that this was the dog and that I had to come right away to see for myself. I rushed over, and to my surprise - there was Delilah!!!!!!

This 8 year old Boxer was completely covered in dirt, ticks and was soaking wet from the rain.

My friend took her in and got her all cleaned up. Delilah enjoyed a nice meal and was having fun playing with the other pups in the house.

Immediately, we called the number on the flyer and asked the owner to come right away and see if this was in fact their dog.

Sure enough, Delilah was found. She is now resting at home safe and sound.

Social media is powerful, but never forget the basics :)

Why the New York Yankees aren't overpaid

I know, I know - you are probably thinking, WHAT ARE YOU NUTS?!?

The New York Yankees have the largest payroll in baseball and in my opinion for good reason

Here are my points:

• The Yankees play/live in one of the most expensive areas in the country
  • New York / New Jersey /Connecticut suburbs are wildly expensive to live in. Property tax, food, utilites, real estate are through the roof (I know, I live here). Do you think a 4 bedroom house in Arizona costs the same as a Westchester 4 bedroom home?
• The Yankees play in the South Bronx
  • If you have ever visited Yankee Stadium - go a few stops North, I wouldn't exactly call it swanky. It's a tough neighborhood! These guys are well known athletes and everyone knows they make a good buck (read: prime targets) - combine that with going to practice in one of America's most dangerous neighborhoods and I'd say that merits a bit higher pay.
• Yankee fans are relentless
  • You don't think so? Try wearing a Red Sox hat into the stadium during a Sox v. Yanks series - you'll be greeted with a shower of beer, food and enough foul language to make a drunken sailor blush.
  • If you mess up as a player - you'll know about it. Ask A-Rod during his first few seasons as a Yankee.

Yes the Yankees make a lot of money - but they sure earned it this year.

Congrats fellas - here's to the Boss!