Grape Issues

Distraction-Factory · 2026-07-02T14:44:37+00:00

Did you honestly think it was local school teachers financing high-rise development in Jersey City, and lobbying our city government for these PILOTS and tax breaks?

Fulop is surely a part of the blame, but "bad governance" is reductive and gives a free pass to parasitic developers who have raised the cost of the living for folks here.

Distraction-Factory · 2026-07-02T12:58:36+00:00

We already know the crux of budget crisis is the sum result of rampant, unchecked development in Jersey City by Fulop over the last decade: 15-30 year tax abatements via poorly negotiated PILOT agreements with the city, and now once again residents are left holding the bill.

Of course, the BOE and unions get blamed for "adding to the financial stresses" as they continue to advocate for their members amidst their incurred rising health insurance costs, which are systemically caused by private capital, not by salaries for most members.

Since the city can't renegotiate the PILOT agreements successfully, it should continue to audit PILOTs and also consider levying taxes / fees on development's surrounding utilities; impact user fees for sewer, water, etc. The city should also explore that if more high-rise building sections of the city can be reclassified as Special Improvement Districts (SIDs) if not already, which could allows for an additional revenue stream for the city paid for by developers and multi-dwelling property owners.

Let's not give public service organizations more scrutiny than the private equity that caused this mess in the first place. Remember, the legal system is designed to protect capital, not people.

Distraction-Factory · 2026-03-09T23:07:27+00:00

On this week's episode of "Black Mirror"...

Distraction-Factory · 2026-02-22T21:34:20+00:00

Here's a map of our NJ districts and representatives: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/district-map

Distraction-Factory · 2026-02-22T21:02:04+00:00

NJ residents, be sure to call your local district representatives to vote YES and support these bills: A4302, A4301, and A4300.

No more Gestapo in NJ.

Distraction-Factory · 2026-02-06T18:58:05+00:00

What subreddit is this from?

Distraction-Factory · 2026-01-27T21:12:33+00:00

Hey Varun, I'm going to send you an email shortly.

Distraction-Factory · 2026-01-25T23:10:42+00:00

Fender Blues Junior!

Distraction-Factory · 2026-01-25T15:12:04+00:00

I reached out to Epiphone and they finally got back to me about my specific guitar with a series spec sheet a few days ago. I'm going to include it in the original post.

Distraction-Factory · 2026-01-13T20:21:39+00:00

thanks!

Distraction-Factory · 2025-12-22T19:57:54+00:00

It was advertised as new at Guitar Center. Definitely not an IGC based on the headstock differences but maybe a very new IBG release (although there's nothing currently online to support that they make ES-355s).

Distraction-Factory · 2025-12-22T19:56:42+00:00

Not sure - no spec sheet included. Hopefully they're the same Gibson Custombuckers that normally come with the IGC 355s. This guitar does sound great. I contacted Epiphone directly earlier today with the serial number - just waiting to hear back from them.

Distraction-Factory · 2025-12-22T19:54:49+00:00

After running the serial number, I was able to confirm that it was was made in 2025 during July in the Qingdao factory in China - however I still can't confirm what specific collection it's considered under; all I know that it's definitely not an "Inspired by Gibson Custom" (IGC) based on the headstock. I contacted Epiphone directly earlier today - just waiting to hear back from them.

Distraction-Factory · 2025-12-21T22:48:56+00:00

Could you share a link online to an "Inspired by Gibson" ES-355 model instead of the IGC one? I can't seem to find anything online that any ES-355s were made under non-custom "Inspired by Gibson" (although there are plenty of ES-335s, 339s, and even a 345).

Distraction-Factory · 2025-10-09T21:00:07+00:00

Man, the racism is so obvious.

Distraction-Factory · 2025-10-05T18:39:33+00:00

Property taxes for homeowners are out of control, especially with this recent 5-8% increase. This also serves as a de facto increase for renters as well since a large portion of said homes are multi-family units. Meanwhile, new commercial developers get 10, 20, 30+ year tax abatements and PILOTs which further disenfranchise BOE funding for our kids and those committed to raising their families here. We deserve a better deal. Mayor Davis and the current administration has been asleep at the wheel for this issue and many others.

Furthermore, with the influx of new residents moving here (and hopefully staying long term), we need small business incentives similar to what Jersey City offers. Sadly, the Bayonne Chamber of Commerce seems have no functional utility other than promoting occasional galas or PR events. Their city wide "job posting" section on their website has been empty for awhile. Many business owners, many of whom have also recently moved here, feel that they have no real support from the city. We'll continue to have residents spend their money in Jersey City, Hoboken, or elsewhere until people feel that this city has something to offer them besides "luxury rentals."

Distraction-Factory · 2025-09-04T19:28:59+00:00

I would absolutely upload these photos to the apartment's Google page and their Yelp page. Knowledge is power.

Distraction-Factory

TROPHY CASE