WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO THE YO-YO?

a YO-YO:

1 : a thick grooved double disk with a string attached to its center axle that is made to fall and rise to the hand by unwinding and rewinding on the string
2 : a condition or situation marked by regular fluctuations from one extreme to another
3 : a stupid or foolish person

Which of these yo-yo’s came first? Surprising or not, definition #1.

The yo-yo we all know, once loved, but have long forgotten about. That makes me sad, and for that, I’d like to pay a homage.

This blessed contraption has been with us for longer than even some mummies. The evolution of the yo-yo dates back twenty-five hundred years and next in line to the doll, it is the oldest toy in history.

500′s BC+ Yo-Yo=Fun in the Ancient Greek Empire Greeks once painted portraits of their gods on the wooden sides of these circular toys. As a right of passage into adulthood, kids would retire their yo-yos. Hanging ‘em up on the good old family altar, as a way of honoring their lineage and culture.

And for once, the origin of a word is NOT Latin–YoYo’s & the Philippines Filipinos used yo-yos as weaponry for over 400 hundred years! Studs, sharp edges and thick ropes were all used to construct a weapon that would be flung at enemies. Leading us to the origin of a name that we all know today, the “YO-YO”.  In the Phillipines, yo-yo means…”to come back” thus allowing us a title that would appropriately describe the purpose of this innovation.

The Yo-Yo immigrates to America Donald Duncan popularized the yo-yo, introducing it into mainstream culture here in the late 1920′s.  If or when you feel inspired to reminisce about the yo-yo…there’s a day designated just for that! In light of Duncan’s birth date, there’s National Yo-Yo Day on June 6th.

Also, there’s a group called YO-YO NATION, group members do some pretty incredible tricks with Yo-Yo’s, as an art and sport. Breaking records and participating in competitions, this group has video clips all over the web.

Check them out on Facebook: YoYo Nation Fanclub

VERTIGO IN GRAND CENTRAL STATION

Amidst the hustle and bustle encapsulated by an architectural wonder that is grand central station, there lies a story for each person’s visit to and from the Big Apple. The information booth located at the center, serves as a reference point for all those visiting. Standing still alongside it, a disorienting feeling and hint of vertigo is often prevalent while watching people walking to and fro from all directions. Despite the constant movement, there are few among the masses staying put. Up above, standing on the steps beneath Cipriani’s there is a young Asian couple, alternating taking photos of one another. The boy pulls his right hand from out of his jacket pocket to proudly reach out and hold the peace sign, a pose that should well be retired but never appears outdated for tourists. Today is different than previous weekends up until now. The weather is getting colder and the flow of traffic appears to be slightly off kilter. The bum rush of people purchasing tickets to leave Manhattan is no longer matched by the influx of tourists that usually populate this scene.

ON THE UPTOWN 6

Stepping off the Astor place platform and into the uptown bound 6-train, there’s an abrupt shift in atmosphere.  The cart is crowded, maintaining personal space is next to impossible and an aura of anxiety fills the air. Knees are bouncing up and down the aisle in a nervous and instinctual way, counting down the subway stops until a final destination.  A young girl sits perfectly still amidst the loud chatter and stares off into space with a deep contemplative stare, unfazed by the blaring 50-cent’s “Party like it’s your Birthday” soundtrack coming from a neighboring iPod. The first stop, “Union Square”, and people systematically step aside allowing those getting off through and out the doors.  “Stand clear of the closing doors, please” and as it never fails, someone doesn’t take the warning seriously.  The announcement is followed by a loud and spastic opening and shutting of the doors. A young man uses his foot as a wedge, disrupting the sensors in a last stitch effort to catch the train before it leaves the platform.  A once sleeping baby is now petrified, wide awake, wailing and screeching as his father frantically searches for a pacifier to calm him down.

Luckily, only 2 more stops to go.

THE EBONY HILLBILLIES

An unusual melody saturates the hallway leading to the Times Square Shuttle.  There is a four piece band that has set up shop right in from of the train and over time, attracting a progressively larger audience. The scene is just as atypical as the name and sound.  All four group members are black and playing hillbilly music—a blend of the Irish Jig coupled with the harmonica and banjo.  Leaving a lasting impression and inspiring a double take from each passerby all of which appear caught off guard by the menagerie of sounds and the people creating it.

A white haired man not quite convinced yet watches on from a distance but slowly inches forward as the bagpiper builds to a climax, increasing the tempo and swiftly gliding his fingers, up and down the keyboard.  The old man, with a thick Irish accent, wearing a traditional yellow baggy raincoat with black rubber boots, now standing merely 3-feet from the band, smiles and says, “ye played just as wonderfully as me father”. With a quick and approving nod he reaches out to offer a sincere hand shake, just before he walks away.

Here are some photos of the group:

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THERE’S NO SCARING AWAY HALLOWEEN

Even the current recession can’t spook the Halloween industry.  In fact, the economic downturn is providing specialty retail stores nationwide with a boost in expansion and sales.  Halloween retailers both large and small are taking full advantage of the vacant spaces in commercial buildings and opening temporary ‘pop-up’ stores.

As many businesses have been forced into foreclosure, their property leases have yet to expire, leaving most retailers with a contract that binds them to a retail space for longer than they can afford.  

“Retail stores that would never usually consider a short term sublease for a 3-month period, now are giving serious consideration to renting their spaces,” says Michael Burden, a 17-year principal veteran with Excess Space Retail Services.  “This is a unique opportunity, for all businesses right now because of the economic downturn.” 

While, Halloween businesses have traditionally opened costume stores, this is the year they have been most successful.  “Whether you’re in NYC borough or across the country, you will definitely be seeing not only more of the national companies that are doing this but a lot of small businesses as well,” says Burden.

Stores such as Ricky’s and Halloween City have expanded their chains by nearly double the number of stores they had last year.  Ricky’s alone has added 18 pop-up stores to their already permanent 23-store portfolio. Where the echo from their company motto: “Welcome to Ricky’s, where looking good and feeling good is our business,” can now be heard in more neighborhood nooks potentially cutting into online holiday shopping or some of the city’s long time Halloween hot spots like Hot Topics.

Ricky’s was unavailable to comment further on their pop-up stores plan but in a written statement pointed to the need for large spaces as a driving force. “We are looking for 2,000- 5,000 sq ft spaces on the ground floor with high visibility and significant foot traffic with upscale co-tenants. The search is always ongoing,” says Todd Kenig, company Partner at Ricky’s in a press release for a “Wanted: Pop-Up Stores” Ad.

High visibility and neighborhood tenants with a disposable income are a winning combination and priority for these businesses that are searching for prime locations. And that’s exactly what most neighborhood pop-ups are finding…people that are willing to buy. 

Halloween City, a national retail chain has opened its first Manhattan store on 2nd Avenue in Murray Hill this year. “We had a lot of success last year in the Bronx…so far we’ve been having a good start here,” says Verna Matteo, shifting Manager between Halloween City’s Bronx and Manhattan stores.

And with an overabundant supply of options for retail spaces, comes a prediction for a strong demand.  The average 18-24 year-old will spend $68.56 on the holiday. Total holiday spending is expected to reach $4.75 billion, according to the National Retail Federation’s 2009 Survey of Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions.

 

 

INTRODUCING DR DAVE AND HEALTH CARE CO-OPS

Just recently, my professor booked an in-class interview with one of the most interesting characters I’ve met in a while. His name is Dr. Dave. He’s a man that has implemented a system of health care reform that may very well remedy America’s health care crisis. His proposal?… “Dismantle health insurance altogether,” and set up Healthcare Co-ops!

David Ores, MD, also known as “Dr. Dave” is a physician but far from your average doctor.  As if the pressure of caring for sick patients with physical ailments and life-threatening diseases is not enough, this man has voluntarily upped the ante. Without reservation, Ores rolls up his sleeves, to get right down to business and there you will find…yet another set of sleeves—tats from the wrist-up—revealing a man of unconventional premise.

As a graduate of Columbia Medical School, Ores has got the brains to back his ideas–a very good thing since his goals are ambitious.  He has applied a Robin Hood-esque structure to the uninsured sector of the restaurant-working population in New York City. What does this mean, you ask? Essentially, your health care coverage is free. Your employer is paying the cost for you.

As a non-profit organization, he believes tax payers’ money should cover the expense of individual health care for all, demonstrating a strategy that can be applied to any industry or sector in need of reform.  Ores charges his clients: restaurant owners with businesses throughout various zip codes in Manhattan, prices starting at only $50/a month.

Providing health care services from treating acute, small illnesses to larger worse diseases that may exist—Dr. Dave never turns down a patient in need of medical attention. “I’m screening patients in all actuality.  My stance is, good, come in all the time.”  In allowing people the flexibility of coming in to see him as often as they like, he hopes any signs of larger issues can be addressed with proper medical care.

I personally think he’s onto something…

BLURRED DI-VISION BETWEEN BEING DRUNK & ACTING SUBHUMAN

I finally had to draw the line the other night.

As most of you know, I work the overnight shift in TV on the weekends, which means I’m on my way to work around 11pm every Friday and Saturday night. So, given the time of day coupled with the night of the week, I get to witness a new debacle every time. And with each new strange, obnoxious or even comical situation I witness, I usually am able to excuse the bizarre behavior with, a quick– “Oh, they’re just drunk”.

But, alas, I had to put my foot down.  And it happened when I was walking from my apartment to Park Avenue to hail a cab. I see liquid pouring down the sidewalk cracks towards me but proceed to trek on.  I shrug it off to a water pipe breaking, porter cleaning or some one spilling a drink….but, no, none of the above.  I look ahead to find that this is a manmade stream created by four women holding hands, dresses over their heads and squatting to urinate in the center of the walkway.  Another four guys surrounding taking photos as they all laugh together.

What… goes…on?

I’m not taking the holier than thou stance here, because let’s face it…we’ve all had our moments where we’ve fallen from grace. But, where do we draw the line? Why is it always so easy for us to excuse barbaric or uncivil behavior and just chalk it up to an alter ego?

A BID FAREWELL

Adieu, Ciao, Adios…See you later

A universal concept

Just this afternoon, I took a cab to work, leaned forward to tip the driver when he turned back around and said, “Thanks, I’ll see you.”

I don’t know what it was about this phrase, but I found some strange sense of comfort in the words.  Clearly I will not be seeing this guy again…chances slim to none.  But, there was something about it…something pleasant.  It led me to thinking about the connotation of ‘goodbyes’.

There is often a negative connotation affiliated with the act of parting ways, especially if indicating an indefinite period of time before you know you will see that person again.  But, on the other hand, there is some comfort that lies in knowing or thinking, that there will be a next time.  Of course, it’s rare to recall a farewell to a stranger. Often a goodbye, particularly between family, friends and loved ones are the most memorable.  Goodbyes can be temporary, permanent or transient; but, regardless there is a particular level of angst that underlies the word, no matter what language spoken.

I thought over some of the different ways to say goodbye, and for now I think I’ve found my favorite: “See you later”.  Unless of course, it is addressed to someone I wish not to see again.

Here’s a list of goodbyes in 450 different World Languages, just in case you need ideas for a favorite:

ODE TO FAREWELLS

THE NEW I-BANKING: LOANS WITHOUT INTEREST

On Adam Clayton Powell Blvd

“Praying Under the Roof of LLC” PT II

A plausible solution for the community members of Masjid Aqsa and anyone looking to buy property, for that matter. *Hint*:  The “I” in this I-Banking doesn’t stand for Investment.

Remember my blog on the mosque [Masjid Aqsa] that is at risk of being shutdown?  Well, it appears we may have found a guy who might be onto something BIG.

Ishmael Randall a self-made real estate entrepreneur and visionary has coupled two of the most powerful things in life: God and money, personally tailoring a concept specially-made for Harlem.

Born and bred in the heart of a borough rich with cultural diversity and historical breadth, Randall has real-world experience that has allowed him to understand the neighborhood gentrification and change underway in ways developers do not.  In fact, he has strategically positioned himself at the forefront of a financial movement that’s sure to make a big splash.  Are you ready for this?—A bank without interest, also known as Islamic Banking.

His motivation? His faith and the people that surround him.

A problem Randall understands in ways most professionals in his field do not is that it is against the Koran to take or offer Riba—interest from loans.  “This is why many Muslims can’t own property or why they can’t develop good credit,” says Randall.

“I suppose a common struggle is why God wouldn’t let you take out loans with interest”, mentions Ishmael Randall in referencing the Muslim community at Masjid Aqsa.  But, he explains it’s more an emphasis on the phrasing involved in the paperwork and contracts.   The idea is that “God doesn’t want anyone to owe someone and be indebted to them over time…it’s a form of abuse”.

So in receiving the funds from a Bank that cannot yet be disclosed, he will be starting a branch of this Bank in Harlem–one that profits from it’s loans but does not require accumulated interest rates over time.

Here’s an example: If this interest-free bank loans you $400k in Dec 2009, you sign a legal document that binds you to paying back $475,000 by July 2020.  This way, the bank still profits…obviously no financial institution just lends out $$$ without some sort of return.  But, there is no monthly or annual interest or percentage to be gained.  A situation that may have you indebted for the rest of your life.

This concept is not unique to Islam apparently, but also exists for Judaism and Christianity…check it out! I-banking

Here is the backside of the Harriet Tubman Statue centered in the heart of Harlem:

Emblematic of Cultural Roots

On Adam Clayton Powell Blvd

SUSTAINABILITY—COOL SCHOOLS GO GREEN!

We can all do a little something to help save the environment.  During the NYU Senate Meeting this past Thursday, at the top of the agenda: Sustainability.  Some fascinating power points that nabbed my attention which should be credited all to Cecile, NYU’s very own Energy Manager:

How much energy can you save by unplugging the vending machine overnight? Or setting it to “snooze” after the building is vacated?

Bet you will never guess….

One vending machine uses as much energy as a 6-bedroom house!

Insane.

How did he find this out? Well, he measured it.  Just to see if it would be worth it for the school to invest in detection devices that prompt the vending machines into ‘sleep’ mode while it’s not in use.

 As Energy Manager, Cecile’s goal is to save energy while “you don’t even know it”.  How clever and ahead-of-the-curve of him? 

Suggestions such as changing your computer settings so that it goes into hibernation mode while you’re away from it, lighting retrofits—high efficiency lighting all make a big difference!  You may not have thunk it, but the NYU alone could save an estimated $750,000 by adjusting its comps so that they hibernate while students are away.

He really made me realize, it’s the little things that make a difference when it comes to sustainability.

For NYU students, here is Cecile’s email: Cecile@nyu.edu or sustainability@nyu.edu

He is quite resourceful!