East Elmhurst

North Beach

In New York City, change is a constant motion designing and reshaping everything conceivable from the iconic skyline that symbolizes its’ excellence to the catwalks of Bryant park fashion moguls’ that set the trends. Stability is a rare commodity found in any cosmopolitan world city yet it exists and flourishes in the Western Queens community of EastElmhurst. The median time of residency in this quaint neighborhood of mostly one and two family homes is the highest in all of Metropolis at 38 years (Joseph, NY Times). There are valid reasons for this anomaly, first and foremost being that this was one of the initial United States communities that African Americans did not have as much resistance obtaining ownership of a home and take advantage of the American dream they did. The list of star-studded who's who of the black community at one time or another resided in this humble section of Queens. The area along Ditmars Boulevard was once referred to as the "black gold coast" by Walter Reifer.

Latinos/Hispanics

Today, Dominicans are the fastest rising demographic in the greater East Elmhurst region, buying homes from elderly retirees moving out for various reasons or recently passed residents whose families have chosen not to retain ownership. The Hispanic population in East Elmhurst in largely middle class compared to other Latino neighborhoods such as Washington Heights or Spanish Harlem where most of the Hispanics are poor to lower income earning residents. The ethnic make-up of a neighborhood plays into types of business and services a community attracts and supports. Spanish is the most widely spoken language in the Elmhurst/Corona at 68.2% and local businesses have to accommodate the patrons who are looking for Hispanic products and services (City-data, 2011). Brick and mortar establishments must employ bilingual workers in order to better serve the local consumers. It is difficult for local shop and business operators to flourish without being able to communicate and market to these Queens residents in their native tongues. Many grocery, bodegas and supermarkets carry products from Latin America and the Caribbean hoping to supply a demand created by immigrants’ residing here but wanting a reminder of something back home.  Even still East Elmhurst is still considered to be one of the most diverse communities in the city. Yesterday though was very different.

Amusement Park

"North Beach Amusement Park" owned and operated by the Steinway family was a rest and relaxation destination resort. Built in 1886, the area and its amusement park profited into the early 1900s. Unfortunate fates doomed this urban oasis; approximately 10 years after the turn of the century the water had become noticeably polluted and  undesirable to swim in, hurting the overall number of vacationers visiting the resort area. The park operations continued to limp along hoping to resurrect their depreciating asset. To no avail the ultimate killer of the good time escape destination was the "Volstead act" that passed into law 1920; the final nail in the coffin for Gala Amusement Park Company. One year later in 1921 the Park filed for bankruptcy. Visions for a more grandeur park never completely faded. Shortly following the end of the noble experiment in 1933, some considered reopening the amusement park but Mr. Robert Moses was not one of them. Moses claimed the property in the name of progress, wanting to expand on a private flying field that was first referred to as "Glenn H. Curtis Airport" and then later "North Beach Airport". By the time New York City officials began reconstruction an alternate name was chosen and thus "New York Municipal Airport - LaGuardia field" it was christened. In 1953 the NYMA was dropped and "LaGuardia Airport" it became and has remained ever since.

The Patron Saint of Queens

Robert Moses who for all intent and purposes; should be anointed patron saint of the greater Flushing, Corona and East Elmhurst area. Once a landfill of horse manure and coal ashes; Flushing-Meadow-Corona Park (FMC) construction was started 1935 in preparations for the "1939 World's Fair". The parks commissioner trumped the 39’ fair when he paved way for the relocation of the "Brooklyn Dodgers" in the arm twisting contest of the century. Construction of a new stadium adjacent to FMC Park which became "Shea Stadium" first broke ground on October 28th, 1961 was completed and opened April 17th, 1964 in cost a grand total of $28.5 million. Of course this meant that the local community and all other self-loathing sports fans with no expectations had the pleasure of suffering through September meltdowns and the world renowned mediocrity of what was, is and will always be the "New York Mets"; the gift that keeps on giving. Thanks Bob!

The Worlds’ Fair, Amazing Mets, Yankees, Jets, Giants and the Beatles

Five days later in 1964 the world's fair again graced the grounds of North Western Queens FMC Park. It remained open for six months until October 18, 1964 then an additional six months the following spring April 21 - October 1965. The beloved still yet to be Amazing’s finished 53 -109, 13 games behind the next worst National League club the "Houston Colt 45's". In 65' the Metropolitans finished 50 - 112, this time 15 games worse than the second to last National League team the Houston Astros and it’s been downhill ever since minus two Miracles, Great times! Needless to say the stadium created jobs and brought visitors to an area that might not otherwise have generated as much revenue if any, as a sports franchise. There was a time when the New York Jets called Shea their home as did the New York Yankees  for the two seasons of 74’ and 75’. During the those years of renovations at Yankee Stadium and before the Meadowlands completed construction of a football facility the New York Giants called Shea stadium home. The Beatles also headlined the Queens stadium twice in 64’ then again in 66’ and they are considered mythical days in Queens History.  Shea and now Citi field bring in dollars from all over the greater tri-state area and employ many local residents. If the legal battle over the junk yards can be amicably resolved a full gentrification can occur revitalizing an area sorely in need of development and oozing with potential. 

Property Value/ Housing Market

The estimated median sale price of a house or condo in 11369 as of 2010 was $410,000, a very respectable number considering the New York median value of $304,100. The median ages of residents in East Elmhurst is 36.8 years old, one year younger than the New York average of 37.9 years old (City-data, 2011). There are 10,877 households with an average occupancy of 3.32 people per home. 25.82% of the current residents have been living in their home for more than five years; just above the 19% of residents who turn over during that same period. The neighborhood is largely made up of one and two family homes but have a few three and four family homes, totaling 8,655 households. Of these homes consisting of families 4,799 have children. There are still more total households without children 6,076 overall. Owner occupied homes totaled 6,071 leaving 4,805 rental units and 975 vacant dwellings. Those units consist of 1,044 studios, 1,129 one-bedroom units, 1,256 two-bedroom units, 1,545 three-bedroom units and 1,737 four bedroom units (Americantowns.com, 2011).

About God

The makeup of the area can be dissected into many subsidiary categories. Let us begin with theology; the people of East Elmhurst are a faithful bunch to say the least. Within one square mile there are 59 separate places of worship. It is better to choose a parish of God and attend weekly masses, then dare sleep in on a Saturday or Sunday morning when the congregations of these 59 churches come knocking on doors and ringing bells; dressed to the nines ready to exorcise demons if necessary. Holy warriors mandated by the Supreme Being with the responsibilities of spreading the good word 12 hours past the time most heathens are in need of soul saving. This conservative characteristic of the community dictates which type businesses have longevity and are profitable. There is only one liquor store and one strip joint in the 11369 zip code and multiple dry cleaners since church parishioners tend to dress more formal and consume spirits less. Many of the local businesses close before 9pm as opposed to Astoria, a neighboring community where many businesses are open pass 12 midnight, a contrasting living style.

LGA Economic Effect

Being in proximity to LaGuardia Airport, East Elmhurst has seen its’ local economy very much shaped by the approximately 25 airline companies flying in and out of LGA and employing 9,000 people. Overall estimates are 63,000 jobs are created by on and off, directly and indirectly related commerce. $6.1 billion in salaries pouring out of the airport yearly and much of it stays in East Elmhurst. Car rental services and hotels help retain a portion of the dollars locally (Tragale, 2011). As do, restaurants, eateries and housing. Many employees of the LGA like pilots, stewardess’, TSA and the numerous small business operators inside of the terminals rent apartments and own homes in East Elmhurst.

Children's Education

The pre-high school options of East Elmhurst is a mish mash jigsaw puzzle as only one school offers PK-8; P.S. 127 the Aerospace Science magnet school. It is not exactly reassuring to send a child to a "magnet school", in essence meaning this school sucks but we could not defeat the union in court and hold terrible teachers accountable so; we stamped magnet on the name to give the appearance of being proactive and progressive. Louis Armstrong middle school, P.S. 227 serves 1,483 students and teaches grades 5-8 and has an impeccable reputation but only teaches four grades. Enrollment is limited due to the special acceptance application procedures that are required of all potential candidates. For those fortunate to be accepted, Louis Armstrong also has a museum inside of the main building, an invaluable tool in conveying cultural and historical lessons to students without having to leave the premises.  P.S. 148 grades PK-5 have an enrollment of 1,147 students. P.S. 228 are grades PK-2 and only have an enrollment of 394 students. There are private alternatives for those who wish to be taxed twice by the government for education. Our Lady of Fatima teaches PK-8 and has an enrollment of 654. There was also St. Gabriel's religious school of education but local residents could not afford tuition after being so horribly hit in the recent depression which led to the schools announced closing. Infants and toddlers can also enroll in one of the numerous daycares or early learning programs that have a noticeable presence in the neighborhood, if you can afford it. For some odd unexplainable reason a small area of East Elmhurst is zoned to attend schools in Whitestone, Queens. The neighborhood is also void of a high school. A very precarious situation for young adults who most likely do not own vehicles and the nearest train is on Roosevelt Avenue, it's a bit of the walk.

MTA Public Transportation

For those 35% of residents who do not own vehicles have the pleasure of enduring the first grade service of the Mass Transit Authority (MTA). Luckily for the esteemed taxpayers of East Elmhurst the MTA provides the Q19, Q23, Q33, Q47, Q48, Q49, Q60 and the Q72 routes. At first glance it might seem fortunate for such a small neighborhood to be outfitted with so many mass transportation options; that would be great if half of the bus routes did not take a scenic detour through the airport. This inevitably subjects local riders to weaving and maneuvering through utter madness extending their daily travel times. Most of these routes only lead to another bus or a subway stop and someone at the MTA must explain the necessity of the Q49 bus? This route is a complete porker; extend the Q33 to the Marine air terminal and they can dump the Q47 as well. Pardon the digression.

The Bravest and the Finest

New York’s Bravest, Engine 316 is the firehouse serving the good citizens of North Beach alongside the New York’s Finest of 115^th precinct who protect parts of Jackson Heights as well. The nearest hospital is Elmhurst. There is also a local Nursing & Convalescent home in the community right across the street from a homeless shelter and everyone knows how beneficial those are to home values (Just Kidding, 2012). East Elmhurst has the distinction of hosting the Langston Hughes community library and cultural center. The Queens Library is home to an elaborate collection of various literatures and art of the African-American culture. The inscription above the entrance reads

           

"then the hand seeks the other hand to help,

            a community of hands to help-thus

            the dream becomes not one man's dream alone,

            but a community dream......not my dream

            alone, but our dream...”

           

            "Freedoms Plow"

            -Langston Hughes

           

Guest List

Some values never become outdated or old-fashioned. These words ring true through all neighborhoods and Barrios nationwide. The overall attitude and long-term identity of a community is reflected by the individuals who live within it. Hughes was far from the only notable residence who called East Elmhurst home. Satchmo owned a home here along with Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Harry Belafonte; rap stars Kid-n-Play Christopher's Reid/Martin, Tommie Agee, baseball immortals JackieRobinson and Willie Mays resided in this lovely community. Current Queens Borough president Helen Marshall lives here, as well did the legendary civil rights activist Judge William Booth. East Elmhurst’s most controversial and influential resident is none other than Malcolm X whose former residence was at 23-11 97th Street. The corridor was renamed in his honor in 2005 to "Malcolm’s Place" and his home currently provides childcare.

Political Players

East Elmhurst falls within the 35th state senatorial district and are represented by Jose Peralta, who buried Republican Robert Beltrani in a special election landslide. The Albany vacancy was created when Hiram Monserrate was historically booted from power by his legislative peers. The claim by officials in the capital was that his actions during a misdemeanor assault of girlfriend Karla Giraldo; slashing her face with a broken bottle and requiring 20 stitches to close; was damaging to the integrity of the chamber. Whereas; the 27 months he will serve for running a slush fund are common practice and forgivable. Needless to say; State Sen. José Peralta has his hands full. Good Luck Brother! Council woman Julissa Ferreras (D. 21^st district, Corona, East Elmhurst) is filling a seat previously held by Hiram Monserrate. Nuff said! State Assemblyman Jeffrion L. Aubry (D. 35th district, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Corona) is an unknown name to most unless you're a resident of the 35th district; then his name might be recognizable since he has held the seat since he himself won a special election in 1992.

Excuse the Digression

Wow. Did the forefathers really intend for government bureaucracies to be occupied by career politicians? Surely after 20+ years of commendable and honorable service to his constituents, new blood is appropriate. Is limiting terms of public service in any one singular government position unreasonable? It should not take more than 18 years in one position to get your objectives accomplished. East Elmhurst is as well part of the 7^th Congressional District of New York and is represented by Congressman Joseph Crowley. The Queens College graduate has the privilege of serving on the ways and means committee the oldest committee in the House of Representatives. They have jurisdiction over tax measures, trade and tariff laws, Social Security, Medicare, and retirement security.  In short he has been directly involved with all the areas of government that have failed the people of the United State miserably. Remarkably there seems to be no authentic threat to his seat. He has been winning lopsided landslides since 1998.

Americantowns.com. (2011, January). NY housing, dwellings and occupancy information. Retrieved from http://www.americantowns.com/ny/eastelmhurst/info/housing

Bennett, G. (1941, November 16). City field to expand. Retrieved from http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive

Berger, J. (2005, MARCH 28). they were famous, admired and (finally) welcome. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/28/nyregion/28elmhurst.html?pagewanted=print&position=

Berger, J. (2011, January 7). There stays the neighborhood. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/08/nyregion/08elmhurst.html

Cambridge University Press. (1988, December). Spanish language use and attitudes: A study of two new york city communities. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.rpa.laguardia.edu:2048/stable/4167974?seq=

City-data. (2011 , January). 11369 zip code detailed profile. Retrieved from http://www.city-data.com/zips/11369.html

Freeman, I. H. (1959, August 10). World's fair planned here in 64' at half billion cost. Retrieved from http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive

Goldberger, P. (1980, June 20). World’s fair of 39 revisited. Retrieved from http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive

Illson, M. (1959, September 11). Moses shows officials how site of 64' world's fair could be expanded. Retrieved from http://query.nytimes.com

Just , K. (2012, May 31). Something to kill the monotony. Retrieved from jasonsanchez.com

NYC.GOV. (2012, April ). 311 monthly statistics. Retrieved from http://gis.nyc.gov/ops/mmr/findlocation.jsp?street=2337 101st street&borough=Queens&geocodemode=1&rf=0.01002438865543942

NYTimes, Unknown. (1957, July 18). Moses denounces O'malley tactics. Retrieved from Moses denounces o'malley tactics. (1957, July 18). Retrieved from http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive

Osner, A. S. (1987, May 17). Perspectives: offices in queens; british airways lands in jackson heights.. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/1987/05/17/realestate/perspectives-offices-in-queens-british-airways-lands-in-jackson-heights.html

Phi Delta Kappa International. (1983, February). For middle-graders in east elmhurst, 'museum' means school learning center. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.rpa.laguardia.edu:2048/stable/10.2307/20386746

Public School Review. (2011, January 1). East Elmhurst school review. Retrieved from http://www.publicschoolreview.com/town_schools/stateid/NY/townid/13175

Tragale, R. (2011, April 6). 2010 air traffic report. Retrieved from http://www.panynj.gov/airports/pdf-traffic/ATR2010.pdf

ZipCodes. (2010, January 1). 2000/2010 census comparison - zip code 11369. Retrieved from http://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/11369/zip-code-11369-census-comparison.asp

The Pleasure Principle

 

Narcissism 101

Here is an assessment of protagonist and antagonist character’s whose most prominent trait similarities was selfishness. Their total lack of regard for the feelings of others in their social circles is blatant. Each believing they are God’s gift to the world; above the circumstances in which they find themselves. Most of their decisions are guided by narcissism and a deep underlying sense of entitlement. They believe the world and everyone in it revolves around them. Family, friends and acquaintances’ alike are of little to no consequence. Thru indifference, decease, desperation and guilt they mask the absolute selfish mandate that has become mortis operandi. Void of consideration loved ones are made to suffer; victimized by individuals led by their Id and ruled by the pleasure principal.

Last Night

In James Salter’s’ Last Night the author shoots and scores a hat trick. A trifecta of characters bathed in selfishness only to be outdone by one another. Marit; once a beautiful and eloquent aristocrat was reduced to an unrecognizable shadow of her former self. Ravished by cancer and unwilling to continue in this state; she decides this current existence is no longer worth fighting for. Her reflection no longer resembles the one of her youth. Everyday tasks that once were done with ease and grace were becoming more difficult every new waking morning. Thoughts of death were welcoming. Natural thresholds of pain tolerance have left her exhausted, defeated and feels it is necessary to self impose an expiration date. Marit embraced the concept of afterlife in order to sooth the discomfort she was experiencing. She perceived this battle with cancer lost and continuing to live like this was beyond undignified. She convinces herself euthanasia has somehow become dying with dignity rather than the cowards’ exit it is. Anywhere else in civilized society it is called suicide and is only considered humane when done to animals. On top of that she wants her husband to administer the poison, in the house they shared after a night of wine and reminiscing; leaving Walter to deal with the corpse of his wife dressed to the tee’s and all the questions and implications that were sure to ensue following this episode Doctor Kevorkian’s’ best of. Selfish decisions; leave Walter to pick up the pieces.

   Euthanasia

Walter is far from an innocent in this suicide triangle of love. He had reservations up until moments before the injection. Reevaluating the ethical and moral crossroads in which he stood. He contemplated numerous scenarios of dropping the poison while his hands trembled from the fear and guilt of murdering a woman he had sworn an oath of commitment to. His conscious pulling at him and pleading for better judgment to prevail. When Marit attempts to reassure him that this is the correct choice, his selfishness begins its’ rise to the surface. She reaches for his hand, “it frightens him as if it might mean an appeal to come with her” (Salter, 6).

                                        Man UP!

His wife is about to be sacrificed to the Gods with promises of a more fruitful journey lying ahead; and he flinches. This night has been planned for days if not weeks in advance. Every detail of this process must have been gone over and debated rigorously so that errors would be avoided. He should have better prepared for the inevitability that in the fading minutes of her life Marit might have raised some uncomfortable topics or posed a few awkward inquiries’.  He definitely should have abstained from the spirits until afterwards. A sober mind would have at the least steadied his hands and his pusillanimous misgivings. His haphazard management of Marits’ euthanizing is a prelude to more narcissistic behavior. He does not express esteem or reverence towards Marit. There is not any great reflection. There is no sense of a deeply shared love and understanding. Instead of mourning his lover; he runs to embrace the bosom of another woman before her corpse has cooled. Aroused by the ordeal; he devours Susanna with the same fingertips that were only moments removed from carrying out a death sentence.  Walter in the end governs his emotions based on his own self interests; disregarding all involved exhibiting unforgivable nefariousness qualities. If he did not have Susanna as an alternative companion; his choices concerning Marit might have been different.

Love Triangle: The Affair

Susanna’s complicity rivals that of Marit and Walter in this caper. This skeezer chaperones Marit around town toasting to the memories; drinking her wine, eating her food, all the while anxiously anticipating her last breath being drawn. Lacking the intestinal fortitude to remain in the house; she retreated to a vehicle outside of the house while Marit was being put out of her misery through the end of a hypodermic syringe. She attempts to wipe her hands clean of blood and conscious clear for guilt. This Pontius Pilate disavowal of culpability standing idle waiting to capitalize on the misfortunes of others is not denial able. She could not resist picking the low hanging fruit. A co-conspirator to murder; so her selfish need to get piped by an amoral life form of the lowest constitution can be satisfied. A jezebel prancing around the house bare ass without a care in the world unrestrained by embarrassment and absent of conscious. Plenary indulgence expensed by an unknowing participant. Only shamed by her actions after the realization that Marit was still alive and kicking. Robbing her of the dignified passing she envisioned; taking away a layer of her soul.

Sealskin, Soulskin

A gregarious and desperate man sneakily steals the sealskin from an unsuspecting seal woman who did him no harm; ransoming it in exchange for companionship in hopes it will cure his loneliness. In Sealskin,Soulskin by Estes the story introduces a character so selfish he holds an individual against her will. Masqueraded as an accord and unable to return home without which is part of her; reluctantly she agrees to spend seven summers with this man becoming his wife. She fulfilled her end of their agreement honorably during which she gave birth to a son. She was visibly deteriorating and in need of her sealskin to regain her true form and return to her people. Upon the dawn of the eighth winter she asked returned to her what was promised only to hear he was going back on his word. After seven years; he still could not find the love and decency necessary to set aside his selfish notions and place another person’s concerns above his own. He scorned her; placing blame solely at her feet. Suggesting that she was being selfish and left to her own devices she would abandon him and her son. Similar to the caged bird in the Captive:

“I am thinking that in a moment of neglect

I might fly from this silent prison” (Farrokhzad, 9).

The seal woman is a victim to the selfishness of a man who takes advantage of a situation simply because he can. He had no right to steal her belongings, hold her captive, renege on their bargain or manipulate her into believing she was at fault. His feeble surrender to the pleasure principle is another exhibition of the selfish nature these characters display and the harm it repeatedly causes others.

Those Winter Sundays

In the poem, “Those Winter Sundays” Hayden writes of the indifference he regarded his father with. Never thanking him for the hard work and endless labor of love he endured to provide his family with comfort. Looking back; he recognized the painstaking efforts his father tolerated so his children were not inconvenienced. His father rose early every morning of his life, Sundays included. The implication being that there were no days off for a daddy. Though his reflections were apologetic his actions were selfish none the less. Taking for granted the very man who polished his good shoes and woke extra early in the blue black of Sunday mornings to warm the house before he rose from bed.

“What did I know, what did I know

of love’s austere and lonely offices?” (Hayden, 13).

Youth is Wasted on the Young

Intentions are clearer in retrospect. When reminiscing; the actions of loved ones’ hold a different meaning. Experienced eyes recall the past with a matured prospective. Youth is wasted on the young because selfish tendencies cloud judgment and blind the self-centered from the harm it causes others. All the advice not taken and guidance ignored were warnings of danger born from a love indescribable but trivialized as chronic angers. If he had not been so small minded, he could have shown appreciation to his father; acknowledging the affection and sacrifice he made in the living years so that gratitude could have properly been paid. God knows; a father needs some recognition from time to time.

The Pura Principle

Junot Diaz weaves a tangled web of self consumed characters motivated primarily by self interests. Cloaking their intentions with words of altruism and exploiting decease to excuse cupboard love. In Rafas’ past he played the part of Lothario; proving this selfish behavior did not manifest post diagnosis. Long before he landed on cancer planet; back in the Campos; Rafa was pissy and dissatisfied. Rafa grows increasingly erratic unable to handle mortality with any sort of composure. His mother; Dios la bendiga; cared for this chooche beyond measure and he rewarded her with stretching his physical capacity to exhaustion and near death. Making her plead with him to act rationally and take better precautions when concerning his heath. Mami’s rosary was probably worn to the strings from the pressure and perspiration of her fingertips clenching the beads with a vice grip; praying for divine intervention. When his strength faded from fools errands and he was regulated to couch duty; humble pie should have been the special of the day. Not for this mope; the mamaluke decides instead to take a shit all over the Amor de una Madre.

Looks Like Rain?

Now on the couch in her living room enjoying the television Mami provided and paid for; was an individual Rafa was being influenced by, led astray and it enraged her. Mami’s open contempt of Puta created more tension than what was needed in an already strained environment. As long as he was getting what he wanted; Rafa could give a fuck how Puras’ presence affected his brother or mother. Mister I am no longer papi chulo so the people who love me most and take care of me get golden showers.

 

Mama’s Boy

Mamis’ patience eventually broke and she evicted Rafa and Puta. Rather than apologizing and doing a mea culpa he stoops even lower. The man who spoke of character and staying busy while staring death in the eyeballs; plummeted to bowels of the earth. Mami’s eldest mijo begins pilfering her property to support his gold digging floozy; hell bent on accomplishing her mission even if it means scorching the earth in the process. Rafa was engaging in a solipsistic culture of deception and ineptitude; at the expense of family, taking advantage of Mami’s undying love and loyalty while remaining selfish to the bitter end.

The World Is Yours

Pura is the most openly selfish character discussed thus far. The honesty about her intentions and expectations are pardonable. When most people were practiced in deception and disingenuous; Pura’s practical approach to a relationship with Rafa is refreshing. There are no false pretenses. Time is of the essence and traditional courtships are thrown out the window when death sentences have been handed down. The circumstances of her existence give rise to sympathy. She is a manufacturing of the cultural environment in the Dominican Republic of her mother’s past. A product of subjugation to a fifty year old molester; who unethically impregnates a thirteen year old, her mental development stagnated from then forward. In hopes to find greener pastures she commits herself to days of servitude to her Tia; caring for her retarded son and husband relegated to mattress of a bed. After escaping what amounted to slavery in her mind; she drifted from city to city in New Jersey giving birth to another child fathered by an unnamed Cuban. Each sequential choice she has made is to improve her life chances. Every decision rooted with selfish incentives. All roads led to Rafa and the chance of a lifetime to possess the Holy Grail. She was “mad obvious” about the status of her immigration (Diaz, 7). Her longing to obtain citizenship and securing a permanent residence for her two children in the New World where advertised frequently.

Birds of A Feather

Pura’s evident selfishness in this regard is tolerable. Rafa knew what was on the table; his hopes of romantic companionship were nada to zilch and depreciating rapidly. Marriage for papers is the one card left in his almost empty deck of assets to play. Pura’s company eases Rafa and brings him a sense of normalcy not easily achieved in his progressive stage of cancer. Two selfish serpents swallowing their own tails; one of them is facing eminent death and the other is being reborn. A symbolic Ouroboros. Pura benefited from her devotion to Rafa but at least he was aware and a willing party to her selfish ways.

Young Painters

In “The Young Painters” a writer is consumed with a tale shared with her while exiting a dinner party. Heading home in a cab; haunting images consumed her thoughts; leaving her with an unsatisfied curiosity. Reimagining this Euripides tragedy; filling in the blanks of the unknown. In an apparent submission to selfishness she authors a narrative based on the information she heard from the dancer at dinner. Guilt creeps into her conscious; questioning the ethical and moral dilemma of using the experiences of others for financial gain or notoriety without their blessings.

Spilling the Beans

She repeats this self-centered behavior with the writing of another book; this time detailing the events and sufferings of her late father. An expose he would have frowned upon. The concerns of others even immediate family are a distant second when her selfish desires demand gratification. The consequences of her actions have manifested in an overriding guilt carried on her back; getting heavier every time she thought of her violations. Ashamed of herself she considers doing the dip after spotting the dancer by chance some years later. Unable to escape the uneasy encounter because of being recognized by the dancer; she was made to confront her inhibitions. The guilt of her selfish decisions only multiplied post this fateful happenstance. She acquitted her conduct not long ago; such was the cost for Fine Art. All that mattered were the dividends provided from her writing thru literature. Free of law and restraint to express her academicism openly without retributions. Now echoes of the victims screams for mercy linger in her subconscious; frightening her. The convictions of her once solid moral ground have begun to shake; registering measurable decibels on the Richter scale. 

It’s All about You 

 

Selfish tendencies slumber in every one whether open with honesty, misguided by hidden agendas, dressed in dignity dictating death or personally profiting under the guise of art. There are different degrees of self-centered self-motivated actions taken to satiate the craving of the most famished narcissist. From hoodlums to aristocrats, educators and students, the young and old, sick and healthy; the largest single character association is their uncompromising selfishness. The level of devotion to themselves is damaging to the primary social circles that sustain their lives. Never taking into account what the negative long-term effects of their choices have. Imposing and burning bridges that took lifetimes and bloodlines to establish. The victims of selfishness are the unappreciated.

I-Tunes the Great! Viva El Ray

The I-Pod Changed Expectations

Using the information gained from the music industry business sales numbers; inspired Apple to create a product that would capitalize on new digital sound technologies like mp3’s. This new device was not limited to playing audio files but also had the capability of recognizing and collecting sound files already in a computer database and making them easily organized and located. For many mp3 music users, the order provided by I-POD’s and I-TUNES made locating specific artists, albums or songs quick and convenient. This IT also allowed consumers the ability to have portable access to their library of music files. The most innovative Apple software was the online internet I-TUNES store; for providing a service that consumers found valuable and were waiting and willing to pay for. I-Tunes expanded the library of available online products to include digital movies, videos and E-books all done over the internet. The combination of these multiple applications brought together by one mobile device gave Apple a competitive advantage no other audio/video/reader device before or since has been able to duplicate.
 
Device Inclined Employee


Equally important as having a superior product is having the front-line employees with knowledge of current company technological devices and the communication skills to relay those skills and know how, to current and future consumers. If an individual customer cannot decipher and utilize IPhones, IPads etc.; then all its’ fancy operating capabilities are meaningless. If a query is made by a consumer about a specific product or the use of it; an Apple representative should be able to convey solutions quickly and easily. Consumers do not want to feel inadequate or technologically handicapped because it takes an advanced engineering degree from M.I.T. to understand the basic functions of an Apple device.                                                                              

 

  

Managing Business Economics

Executives on the other hand, need knowledge and information of business operations pertaining to cost of production, raw materials, release dates, supply chain management, government regulations and product and worker safety requirements. An understanding of countries tariffs and local cultural customs are essential to opening up new markets and expanding the customer base internationally. Store employees deal directly with consumers whereas executives handle the research, development, production and distribution. Front-line workers are concerned with the right now, the immediate devices that are currently available on the market and bring current revenue. Top tier management must consider both current market place and the long term ramifications of various business decisions and how they will impact the future of the organization.
 
That’s So Last Century

They also must prepare for inevitability that technology products become outdated every 3 months. Executives must stay one step ahead of the competition by updating and revamping devices in order to remain relevant. It is up to top tier executives to secure the present product portfolio by maximizing profits and minimizing costs. They as well must serve as guiding forces of inspiration for new innovations in order to increase and expand the customer base and fiscal growth of the overall organization. Executives are responsible for the direction and culture of the company. Ensuring safe and fair labor practices Continental and abroad.

How To Be A Father

NAIL IN THE FENCE

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper then to drive those nails into the fence. Finally the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now ! pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails

were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence He said, “You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out.

 It won’t matter how many times you say I’m sorry, the wound is still there. ” A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one. Friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed.

 They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us.”

 

Please  forgive me if I ever left a hole!

J.K
( I did not author this piece…Just felt the need to post)

Old Dog..... New Trick

New Beginnings

If there were an auto-biographical movie on how I played the game of life; it would be titled “How to lose at money, love and technology; goolge of times.” Then it would be released straight to video. The YouTube views would register in negative side of an x and y-intercept graph. This tangled web of ever changing business information technology and its integration into everyday social and economic transactions is becoming exponentially difficult to distinguish when if ever; we are off the grid. When are we being sold to, marketed to, observed, monitored etc? Every time an email is sent and received, a text or video/face-time real-time connection is made, somewhere there is a record of it. There is some foreign/primary key that triggers a table created from a data base stored in data warehouse with how many times you logged in to Facebook, Twitter, and Foursquare etc. Every post and every website you ever visited, every online movie watched, music video viewed out in cyber space unprotected by laws and sold to the highest bidder. Gathering this raw data and making sense of it; so another entity can maximize profits by marketing products and services. To a degree; individuals are viewed as what they buy. How their income is spent; is what helps determine ones virtual identity.
From Now Until Death Due Apart

In present times and moving forward, employment will be more heavily dependent on a work force that is business application savvy; maneuvering in and out of various information databases. Data mining IT careers are increasing at an alarming rate. Those who are currently employed and have not had prior experience with new tech will have to be retrained as technology integration is more broadly adopted. IT management, IT departments; it is challenging to fathom the expansion of IT jobs and necessity of knowledge in all forms of high-tech applications and communication; as it creeps into all aspects of our way of life.
 
Back To school

For a mature student returning to academics with hopes of acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to hedge against future stagnation; learning to navigate the nuances of today’s business it proficiently is intimidating and overwhelming. “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, atleast; this has been the perception for more than a millennium. A culture of fear and intimidation towards advancements in technology has been handed down from parent to child. As a young knucklehead; I ridiculed my mother for never being able to figure out how to program a VCR. The thought back then that I would someday share the same bafflement whenever having to buy a new cell phone or laptop; never crossed my mind. She warned me….You Were Right Ma!
                                                                                                                                            Cowboy  Up!
 
Now; finally courage has given confidence the mordacity to adapt and adjust. With a gentle tipping of the toes into oceans uncharted with prayers of not getting drowned in a tsunami; business technology information systems will be subdued like a wild beast fighting desperately to avoid getting spit roasted. No one enjoys the feeling of becoming outdated or extinct by some fancy new office networking system that is going to increase overall productivity. So for the benefit of long term survival and anyone else traveling on a similar path;  embracing of  those misgivings like a newborn infant close to my bosom. I will ask the obvious and commonly known at the expense of my pride. There will be no stone left unturned.  IT capability is paramount in the new global work place.