Tag Archives: toms river

A Weekend Ten: Seaside Heights Colombus Day Parade

Posted on by under photography

 

Parades are kind of a funny thing. People walk or drive by, and you look at them. There’s lots of noise and lots of things that you look at and think “this parade would have been the same or better had I not just saw this.” However, marching bands are not one of those elements and that’s the reason I went to this. My sister’s band was marching in it, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see that. The rest of the parade was kind of ridiculous. There was tons of Italian pride, both good and bad, and plenty of people representing what could only be described as “The Old Country.” There was also an unpredictable amount of old men going in circles.

The absurdity of the Christopher Colombus story only grows stronger year by year, and more and more people are realizing he’s not quite worthy of much, let alone a holiday. However, this day is thankfully transforming into a day to realize this and talk about the injustice done to the Native Americans. Hopefully one day the holiday will be completely turned over to a day of awareness. That’s a parade I’d be glad to attend.

A Weekend Ten, 8.29.10

Posted on by under photography

This weekend I found myself back in Beachwood. The caterpillars were plentiful and preparing to make their cocoons in the parsley, and as you can see, they’re quite remarkable looking little guys.
My Dad and I went fishing on Saturday, and while the actual fishing stunk, it was good to be outside in the nice weather. I’m starting to feel convinced that Winding River Park only has one very large fish in it who could care less about eating anything. Nonetheless, I still love being in that park. Another great weekend.

Grow That Beard Fest

Posted on by under Nom Now, Poster

So my main man, the king of Piscataway, John Bradley, asked if I would make a flyer for a bit of show he’s throwing at his basement better known as Isla Nublar and I was glad to throw something at him. And I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out, though not at all what I had originally set out to do. But sometimes I love when that happens.

This show features a pretty stacked line up, including a Quiltary appearance, which is something I’m glad is happening. This is happening towards the later days of summer, and if you can make it out to this, well, the more the merrier. Shows are supposed to be ridiculous and fun, and this one is a perfect opportunity for you to get wild. And it’s free!

We Were Once Children / Foxes & Lions Split

Posted on by under Printed Work


Had the pleasure of working with these two fresh bands from the Toms River area on a DIY project they were undertaking. I’m actually really pumped with how this turned out, and it’s a good example of how you can make something look good on a budget. This has started being sold at shows a few weeks ago, so if you can catch either of them live, check this thing out.

In fact, there’s a big show in 2 weeks with these guys, and River City Extension in Baville. It’s on all their myspaces if you need more information. It’s also for my birthday, so I’d like nothing more than to see all of my friends.

Michael J. Ritacco, Fraud & Corruption

Posted on by under Clothing, Nom Now


Many of you already know who Michael Ritacco is, and are quite familiar with his latest brush with the law. For those of you who don’t, he’s the superintendent of the Toms River Regional Board of Education. In other words, he’s the biggest name in all of Toms River regional schools.

A few days ago his house was raided by both the FBI and the IRS for what we are told is part of an investigation for corruption. This honestly comes as no surprise, and raises more of an “it’s about time” reaction. I know that coming from the perspective of students, parents, and teachers, Ritacco often came off as pompous to say the least. He’s the kind of guy who has an enormous building, that became the centerpiece of the school district, built and named after himself, but can’t provide new books to the high schools. Looking for a few more kickers? In addition to his wife, he’s got a girlfriend…her house was also searched. And oh yeah…that guy Chris Christie? They’re pals.

I found it so fitting how “Michael J. Ritacco” and “Fraud & Corruption” went so hand in hand, both as words and an in real life, that I wanted to make something to show that one was just an extension of the other. Feel free to post this wherever.

Check out the article on nj.com

River City Extension And The Unmistakable Man

Posted on by under Clothing, Printed Work



Wow. It’s been a long few months since taking on the project of designing the new River City Extension album The Unmistakable Man. Let me tell you, that nothing has made me happier than to be given the opportunity to work on this album. Aside from it being a designer’s dream to be able to take on such a healthy sized project, the band is by far one of the greatest bands going right now, and to be affiliated with them in any way is so awesome. This record is going to send them into a stratosphere beyond belief and I’m so glad to be a part of it.
The Unmistakable Man comes out courtesy of XOXO Records on May 11th. If you’re familiar with RCE, or if you’ve heard nauticalsabbatical you know what this band is capable of. Sort of. This new one blows the roof of the whatever house you tried to put them in. This is the album to be excited for. Right now, they are selling advance copies at out of state shows, so if you can catch them out of NJ, pick up an album!
I went to see them last night in Philly where as usual, they wowed me. I also finally got to see the record in person as well as the “skull with mutton-chops” shirt I got to design for them. It’s so great to see something you created come to life, and I couldn’t be happier with the whole record.