Chinese Food on Christmas: Good Eats, Says mightymacs

For some people (observers and non-observers of Christmas alike), . Hopatcong reader  shared that's not the only time of year when the mightymacs family calls in its order:

We do Chinese every New Year's Eve. The tradition started as an act of desperation years ago, and became a huge win for the whole family. Chinese food and Twilight Zone's all night long...!

You're traveling through another dimension—a dimension not only of sight and sound, but of fried rice and moo shu pork. Works for us.

Check out some other interesting comments from area Patch sites:

'Tis the season to bark at menacing neighbors. Woof woof woof woof woof, woof woof woof woof.

Well, that's the approach taken by Patch user , who read our story about how Morristown Police . He told us:

I have opted for the 110 lb Boxer security system. The best strategy is to make sure you parade him around the neighborhood, that way everyone gets a good look at him. Works well, I must admit.

We'd bet. It's a dog-eat-burglar world. But those without the benefit of a four-legged protector might still want to check out the . 

Other comments and reader contributions from around the Morris, Sussex and Somerset Patch area this week:

The Morris Plains Country Day School is no more——but reader  let us know this week it'll always live on in her memory. She was reviewing 's photo essay of the former school's deterioration and destruction:

Well it finally happened. It was difficult to see it sit there for so long. I worked at MPCDS for 17 years and had a great time along with all the chidren that passed through the doors. It was a special place at a special time in our lives. May the property be put to good use.

Deena (and other former staffers and students of the school): We'd love to hear more of your memories, or see and pictures you might have from your time at the school. Send them to kathy.shaskan@patch.com, and we'll see if we can find a way to work them onto the site.

Long Valley residents got some good news about one of their neighbors this week: Marine Tim Fallon, who suffered eye and shoulder injuries from an IED explosion in combat in Afghanistan, . Our readers were glad to share their well wishes for the Fallon family:

How wonderful!!!! Merry Christmas to the Fallon Family and a Healthy New Year—

May God Bless Lt. Tim Fallon and his Family. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We will continue to pray for your speedy recovery! Regards, The Bracero Family—

Thank you Lt. Tim Fallon for your service and dedication to keeping our nation free. You are in our prayers.  Merry Christmas! The Groel family—

If you'd like to leave your own thoughts for the Fallons, .

The holidays have you in a helpful mood? Kinnelon-Butler Patch reader  has some advice on how you can channel that energy. He left this in our announcements section:

The Kinnelon Volunteer Fire Company is looking for members!  14 and up, male and female.  No experience necessary, will train.  Come meet some great people and do some great things!

And Parsippany Patch reader  shared this news about the Par Troy West Little League and a local business getting into the spirit:

On December 11th Applebee's in Parsippany hosted a "Breakfast With Santa" with connection to the Marine's "Toys for Tots."  The Par Troy West Little League donated toys and games, which Santa handed out to each boy and girl.  The Par Troy West Little League isn't just about baseball and softball, it's about the children.

Looking for volunteers for your group? Got a community initiative you're working on, or some good news to share with your neighbors? Hit the "News" menu at the top of this page and select our announcements section. You can spread your own news on our site, instantly.

Montville Patch reader  couldn't believe the news: About 40 percent of New Jersey residents don't know why their home is called the Garden State, according to a recent poll. Heidi was happy to share:

Doesn't every 4th grader in Montville know the answer to this question? I do just from studying with one. The Atlantic Coastal Plain has fertile farmland that is ideal for growing blueberries, cranberries, corn, tomatoes and other crops. Even though most people are crammed into the northern part of NJ, the Atlantic Coastal Plain is the largest region in the state. Before there were Dutch settlers in the area, the Lenni Lenape Indians farmed the region. Of course it's "The Garden State" because of farming! (Do I get an A+ in Social Studies?)

Columnist  told Madison Patch readers this week about two-time Olympian JoJo Starbuck, who as part of a pairs figure skating team with Ken Shelley, won national and world titles.  enjoyed reading about how:

Excellent article on JoJo Starbuck. Perfect timing during the holiday season. Great writing. I felt like I was on the ice with her.

To see what he means, check out the story, photos and three videos of.

The debate rages in the Chathams over whether Superintendent of Schools Jim O'Neill should have to take the effective $45,000 pay cut Gov. Chris Christie's cap on superintendent salaries would impose. More than a dozen people have commented on our story .

For instance, reader  took issue with O'Neill's insistence on holding onto his current pay:

Honestly I cannot understand how an extra $45,000 is going to make Jim O'Neill do amazing things for Chatham. If he really loved his job and doing right by the children of Chatham, his salary should never come into play. I am not a supporter of Chris Christie by any means, but the more I read about this situation with these administrators whining about the salary cap, the more it seems like it IS about the money for them. 

But  answered back:

Sally, I'm not sure have your facts correct. This is not an "extra" $45,000 for Mr. O'Neill. The cap represents a pay cut of $45,000. Would you seriously, voluntarily take a pay cut of $45,000 to do the same job you've done all along - quite successfully and better than most, by the way?

Both had more to say on the subject, as did several other readers. How do you feel about the administrator pay cap? Is it far to good educators? Are the current salaries fair to taxpayers? 

Bridgewater Patch readers debated this week over the moral issues involved in the tale of 19-year-old Douglas Uhler, who'd allegedly been trying to burglarize a car when he was confronted by the car's owner; the two got in a fight that left the teen so severely disabled he's being fed through a tube.

Reader  writes:

I do not believe that someone committing a crime of this nature should be left to be a vegetable and I do feel very sympathetic towards his situation and his family. However, this person went out that night with the intention of doing wrong, the homeowner did not. At 19 you are hardly a child physically or mentally.

But  responds:

As parents, we do the best to raise our kids the best way we can. Even the best of kids make wrong choices, we all at one point have made wrong choices, we wouldn't be human if we didn't. They weren't armed. But to put someone in a "vegatable state" over a few items in a car is wrong.

How do you feel—was the car's owner justified in defending his property, even if it meant hurting the alleged burglar that badly? .

And lastly, Basking Ridge Patch reader  used our "shout" feature to spread some congratulations worth shouting: "Awesome win by our Ridge Hockey team over Pingry last night!!!" Got something worth shouting yourself? Go to the front page of any Patch site and see the box labeled "What do you have to say?" We'd love to hear from you!