lost in Brooklyn

I live in Queens and work in Manhattan. Hence I rarely go to any other borough (county) in the city. Said all this, I had to go to Boro Park and I was practically lost. To make the experience a bit more uncomfortable, it's a 99.9999% Orthodox and/or Hasidic Jewish neighborhood and most people wear black clothes and hats (tradition that I'm barely familiar with). Meanwhile I stood out like a sore thumb in my black sport shoes, dark gray pants, blue shirt and sweater, black jacket and dark gray knit cap. I normally don't have care in the world how odd I often look, but this was different. I hadn't felt so awkwardly out of place since high school (a bit past two decades). It was a case of wrong colors, wrong set of traditions, wrong set of beliefs, in short the wrong society. At least, the bakeries in the area have deliciously fresh Challah bread like Kaff's (718-633-2600, worth a plug).

the "Don't Walk By!" campaign

I'm posting some information that I received this morning, which the author gladly accepted my request to post it.

Don't Walk By is a campaign run by a partnership of faith-based ministries called The Rescue Alliance. On five consecutive Saturdays (January 8 through February 5), teams of volunteers will walk through different parts of Manhattan in an effort to engage people who may need a hot meal, shower or bed for the night. In addition to the street outreach effort, volunteers are also needed to greet guests, prepare or serve meals, sort through clothing, and assist in other ways at the host church for each of the evenings.

To read more details about the campaign or to volunteer on one of the remaining four Saturdays, please visit http://dontwalkby.org/main/how-to-help/.

If you would like to ask questions of someone from FAPC who has participated in this outreach effort, please contact outreach@fapc.org.

Street outreach volunteers are especially needed for Feb. 5.

my son's first ever seizure, constant fear

It's been about six weeks since my son had a seizure (http://project05952381.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-sons-first-ever-seizure.html). I still feel a high level of panic when I see ambulance close to where we live (much too often as we live by a main route to a city hospital). I immediately think that the EMT are rushing to see my son again. Needless to say (type), I'm scared that my little boy might get another seizure regardless how much so-called experts say that the seizure could've been some random one-off event (http://project05952381.blogspot.com/2010/12/my-sons-first-ever-seizure-so-much-to.html).

I must admit that I can no longer remember clearly all that happened that night -- the seizure, the lights from the ambulance, the ride to the hospital, staying at the hospital about four hours and getting back home in a livery car. Maybe my mind's trying to protect itself "forgetting" this experience in order to hold on to my vanishing sanity (http://project05952381.blogspot.com/2011/01/rants-keeping-myself-busy-sane.html). In all, I don't want to go through it again though I'm stuck with the role of the strong and fearless adult during this and all emergencies. As a matter of fact, as a former member of the Red Cross and someone who wanted to be a medical doctor at some point of my life, I've always been the cold and calculating individual in case of an emergency, but in this case it was my son at risk.

Previously, the only other time that I was constantly scared of ambulances and other first rescue vehicles was right after 9/11 (http://project05952381.blogspot.com/2010/05/fear-vs-paranoia.html). It took me then almost three years to put these fears away.

Said the latter, I'm not sure when I'll be able to get rid of my current fears.

more snow

More snow covered the city and there's more coming this weekend (http://project05952381.blogspot.com/2010/12/lovely-snow-lovely-blizzard.html). It'd be perfect for a couple of snow days, but the city refuses to close the schools. As expected, my nine-year-old isn't happy at all that he's forced to go to school. I'd rather have him stay warm and safe at home.

my son's first ever seizure, a $522 ride

Yesterday I received a bill from the EMS (FDNY) for $522 for the ambulance ride to the hospital that dreaded night (11/29/2010, http://project05952381.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-sons-first-ever-seizure.html). If we didn't have health insurance, this is how much I'd have to pay the city.

When we left the hospital that night (early morning, about two hours before dawn), we took a $10 cab ride back home. The cost comparison's incredible.

yet another Christian publication

A writer likes to write regardless the size of the audience even when not paid (http://project05952381.blogspot.com/2010/07/writing-commuting-writing-some-more.html). Maybe this is the excuse that drives a writer to work on his/her project and as many others as possible -- like my friends Renee (http://www.devotionaldiva.com/) and Alece (http://www.gritandglory.com/) as well as some of the guys in #Tworship (http://twitter.com/search?q=#worship) writing material for various publications (print, on-line, etc) all the time.

About a year ago, I tried to become a freelance writer for one of the bigger Christian magazines in the US. When I was given the outline, I preferred not to pursue it again. Needless to say (type), this experience might influenced my decision to stop reading the publication (unknowingly at the time).

Right now I'm trying to get a gig writing and/or taking pictures for a local Christian publication. It all started when I made a comment about a website to the person in charge (web master, administrator, etc). I pushed the idea once again and I'm having an "interview" with this person in a week and a half. Ironically enough, earlier this year, I tried to get a small gig as an editor at this same local publication, but somehow the project just fell apart.

If this new project comes about, it'd be something exciting to get my hands dirty with. The whole experience of writing for someone else will be different from all I've worked on before and most likely rewarding.

bloody subway

The thirty-day MetroCard (subway pass) is $89 right now, but tomorrow it'll be $103. That's a $14 hike that practically no one's taking lightly. Considering that the subway system's a mess right now with delays and lines not running due to the blizzard (http://project05952381.blogspot.com/2010/12/lovely-snow-lovely-blizzard-pt-4-what.html), this is really messed up. At least, I bought a new thirty-day MetroCard two days ago. Hence I'll worry about the $14 hike in twenty-eight days and then bitch about it!

lovely snow, lovely blizzard... pt 4 (what a mess)

So the city's still a mess (http://project05952381.blogspot.com/2010/12/lovely-snow-lovely-blizzard-pt-3-back.html) with frozen snow and barely any way to get around.

lovely snow, lovely blizzard... pt 3 (back to work)

This morning, in Queens county (borough), there were accumulations of semi-frozen snow all over (http://project05952381.blogspot.com/2010/12/lovely-snow-lovely-blizzard-pt-2.html). It was hard to walk from one place to another (to subway station in my case). Trains were running local and backed up. I missed a train at about 6:26am and had to wait about twenty minutes. At 6:49am, a finally train arrived at the station, but it was too crowded to get on. Needless to say (type), most people (other strap-hangers) I saw weren't in the best of moods. A little after, at 6:53am, I was able to take a train to Manhattan. At 7:13am, the train finally arrived at its first stop in Manhattan. After arriving at my connecting station (7:17am), taking the second train to work (7:21am) and walking in the snow, I finally arrived at work at 7:38am (22 minutes to spare) with my boots and socks wet. I'm glad I'd brought a pair of sneakers (trainers) in my backpack. I was an interesting ride to work to say (type) the least.

lovely snow, lovely blizzard... pt 2

So the drama continues (http://project05952381.blogspot.com/2010/12/lovely-snow-lovely-blizzard.html).

From: Notify N.Y.C.
Date: Mon, Dec 27, 2010 at 12:09
Subject: Notify NYC - Notification

Notification issued 12/27/10 at 12:05 PM. The City is working to dig out from the storm. Major roadways will be plowed and salted first, then crews will address local streets. If you see a street that needs plowing or salt please report it to 311: http://cot.ag/hZ49Gi.

The sender provided the following contact information.
Sender's Name: Notify N.Y.C.
Sender's Email: notifynyc@oem.nyc.gov
Sender's Contact Phone: 212-639-9675

lovely snow, lovely blizzard...

time for snowmen, NYC upside down!

From: My NYC.gov News
Date: Mon, Dec 27, 2010 at 08:05
Subject: Winter Storm Blankets New York City

December 27, 2010 - WINTER STORM BLANKETS NEW YORK CITY

New York City is under a blizzard warning until 6 PM, tonight. New Yorkers should stay off the roads. The city needs to clear the roads of snow and abandoned vehicles so public safety units can respond to emergencies. Use mass transit and exercise caution.

-Visit the MTA homepage for updates about mass transit (http://www.mta.info)
-Report heat and hot water issues to 311 online (http://www.nyc.gov/311)
-Learn more about winter weather safety (http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/hazards/winter.shtml)
-Visit OEM online (http://www.NYC.gov/oem)

angels in the city

Since it's the Christmas (not holiday) season, I wanted to mention the angels in my hometown (NYC). There two main types of "angels" in the city -- one of them being the Guardian Angels and the other being the Hell Angels (actually a chapter of a larger group).

The Guardian Angels were (maybe still are) a group of civilians who'd patrol the streets and subway system "helping" the NYPD. They'd put order maybe not in the best politically correct manner, but the means justified the "peace" they'd bring.

The Hell Angels are a just bikers with a cool name.

As you can see, even in the toughest city in the world, angels still abide.

another rude awakening, no choice but conform

It's Monday in NYC. I guess I should get used to seeing cops in riot great and K9 units (http://project05952381.blogspot.com/2010/10/rude-wild-awakening.html), but I still freak out. Since the American way of life was raped nine years ago (http://project05952381.blogspot.com/2010/09/9-years-after-being-upset.html) and might never recover, I guess I've got NO CHOICE BUT CONFORM.

Three Faiths

New York Public Library (http://www.nypl.org/) has an exhibition titled Three Faiths (http://exhibitions.nypl.org/threefaiths/) from 10/22/2010 to 02/27/2011. It's weird that the local government's decided to use tax-payers money on an exhibition on the three religions of Abraham, but I'm glad for this exhibition.

ruthless winter to come: sleeping in ice & snow

Every year, the media and the local government advise that the elderly and children be protected from the cold. They also offer hot-line phone numbers for people to complain if they've got no heat and/or hot water. Of course, there's also the worry of the homeless -- those who sleeping in the cold streets out of no other choice. Shelters are offered as an alternative, which of course can only hold a certain number of people leaving many in the cold. In all, winter in NYC can be brutal and ruthless especially if you're cold with your body heat dropping by the minute and getting numb.

I'm listing some organizations if you care to help or need help.

• Coalition for the Homeless
  http://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/
• NYC Department of Homeless Services
  http://www.nyc.gov/html/dhs/html/home/home.shtml
• New York Homeless Shelters
  http://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/newyork.html

What I just wrote above is absolutely nothing unless you've lived through this. Do something. At least, support whatever outreach ministry your church offers. Said the latter, if your church doesn't have outreach programs, find another church.

ruthless winter to come: dark side of the moon-lit earth

All Gallows' Eve just passed with ghouls and ghosts asking for candy. It's still autumn with its pumpkin pies and naked trees (http://project05952381.blogspot.com/2010/10/all-hallows-eve-fun.html). Nevertheless the temperature's dropped to 43°F, but it feels like 36°F with the windshield factor (as of 2010/11/10 at 07:41). That's a huge drop from 102°F this past summer (http://project05952381.blogspot.com/2010/07/hell-on-earth-102f-nyc.html). This is merely a preview of what this coming winter in NYC (at least, no idea about other areas on the US) could be like -- ruthless, bitter and plainly life-threatening. Then again, I don't think there's any other place on earth that I'd rather be for winter with a cup of coffee in my cold hands looking out the window at the snow.

With this new low temperatures, many people started wearing heavy parkas and layered wool coats. Stupidly enough, I'm only wearing a two-layer nylon jacket since I forget to wear anything heavier. Besides since I just moved (http://project05952381.blogspot.com/2010/11/moving.html), I don't even know where most of clothes are in the mess that I've got in the apartment that I'm still making sense of.

10% teen gay sex (NYC)

Putting religion aside, men and women have experimented sexually maybe since humans were created. Depending how you see the following article, we could say that men and women start experimenting early in their sexual lives -- teenage experimentation. Then again gay sex might be a game, a tease, a dare or a way to find out about heterosexuality and homosexuality. Gay sex doesn't quite mean being gay, but it's seen that way.

"The study published Monday in the journal Pediatrics analyzed 17,220 public health surveys and found that more than a third of teens who had same-sex encounters identified themselves as straight."

Study: 1 in 10 Teens Has Had a Same-Sex Partner
http://www.aolhealth.com/2010/10/25/10-percent-teens-have-same-sex-partner/

Of course, within religion, gay sex is condemned. In some churches, it could even mean being kicked out of the church congregation and not being allowed back in the church building. Needless to say, some people (not only teens) have committed suicide due to the shame or at times been driven to suicide by teasing and/or rejection of his/her family and/or peers.

surfing the subways

I don't hold on to handrails or to anything when riding the subway (or any other of form of public transport including buses for that matter) unless in dire need. In any case, it's strange to see others doing the same. It's a good reminder that I'm not the only with OCD in this city. At the same time, it's great that little bottles of alcohol based gels -- like Purell -- are available everywhere.

rude (wild) awakening

Today getting off the subway, I got fairly freaked out. I saw at least eight policemen -- three with assault gear and rifles, one of them with a K9 unit (dog) and the others with standard Glocks. NYC is once again under alert (at least not martial law).

U.S. Issues Europe Travel Alert as Intel Shows Terror Plot Targeting Paris, Berlin Landmarks
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/10/03/administration-issues-travel-alert-americans-europe-terror-threat/

For a second, I felt what people in Israel might feel -- the constant threat and need for brute fire power for self-defense. Well it seems like it's going to be several days of dire paranoia.

9 years after: being upset

On 09/11/2002, I remember networks like Tech TV running no commercials the whole day. Tech TV ran tapes of personal accounts (ideas, pains, fears, etc) of the staff that day instead of advertising. It was a somber day of reflection and remembrance.

Nine years later (yesterday), the History Channel was practically the only network that had its programming completely dedicated to 9/11. Fox News had several hours of programming dedicated to 9/11 for about two hours and then a mix with the latest news.

Now don't get me wrong. Channels like Disney must keep these horrors away from the minds of children. That's the job of channels dedicated to the entertainment/education of children, but why did other channels had little to no programming about the horrors we lived in this city and across the nation? These other channels had their regular Saturday programming as it was a mere other Saturday. Broadcasting the services at Ground Zero (WTC), Pennsylvania and the Pentagon live weren't enough.

Maybe we've gotten to comfortable with having a 16-acre hole in ground where the WTC once stood proudly. Maybe we've simply gotten bored of the constant political and religious bickering.

Speaking of religion, as much faith in God helped many regardless of the temple/church, religion has gotten on the way of healing. We shouldn't fret or hate Muslims or anyone else from any other religion. We must understand some idiots with the wrong idea of God (groups like al-Qaida) did out of their twisted beliefs.