Monthly Archives: July 2009

New York City Politics – My Personal Endorsements

Posted on by
Reply

I’ve always been interested in politics. I’m a lifelong Democrat and have not seriously considered voting otherwise. I’ve never voted for Michael Bloomberg and do not plan to vote for him this fall. I never related to the billionaire financial mogul and didn’t appreciate his attempts to buy my past votes by flooding my mailbox with expensive glossy marketing materials. I’m a true Democrat and will be supporting Comptroller Bill Thompson’s bid for Mayor of New York City.

A recent poll shows that Bill Thompson is gaining on Mike Bloomberg’s lead in this fall’s mayoral race. Thompson is seeing a surge in support from African-Americans and true Democrats. The GLBT community in NYC also strongly supports Thompson, including the Out People of Color Political Action Club, of which I am a member.

This fall I encourage the majority of New Yorkers who supported term limits to go out to the polls and show Bloomberg the strength of true democracy by electing Bill Thompson Mayor of NYC.

I would also like to throw strong personal support to my good friend Jimmy Van Bramer. Jimmy is running for a seat on the New York City Council representing Sunnyside, Woodside, Long Island City, and parts of Astoria and Maspeth, Queens. Jimmy’s campaign is gaining momentum and he and his dedicated staff is working hard to get the Democratic primary vote out on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009.

If you know registered Democrats in the 26th district of Queens, please ask them to consider voting for my friend Jimmy Van Bramer for NYC Council.

Share

Embracing Social Media

Posted on by
3

Best Buy Co., Inc. recently advertised for a new online marketing job and listed Twitter as recommended experience, specifically requiring at least 250 followers. More companies and organizations are using social media to market their messages and services. A recent report shows that companies with the highest social networking scores had 18 percent higher revenue over the last year, while those who interacted least through social media saw their revenue drop 6 percent.

Social media networks include Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and LinkedIn to just name a few. Wikipedia defines social media as online content created by people using highly accessible and scalable publishing technologies and a shift in how people discover, read and share news, information and content. Social media is about networking and developing relationships with people in chosen fields of interest.

Social media can be used to help others who in turn can help you in promoting personal or professional endeavors. Social media takes time and involves offering valuable content and participating in conversations. The interaction itself creates the buzz for the subject matter, which if performed often and successfully can enhance a brand socially and online. It’s best to grow your network slowly and consider whom you want to target and how to find these people and/or businesses/organizations.

Social media has become so popular that the U.S. government has recognized its power. President Barack Obama made headlines this weekend after achieving another of many firsts: for the first time, the White House announced an upcoming full news conference through social networking Web site Twitter. The White House also has a blog, a Facebook and MySpace page, and uses YouTube and Flickr.

Millions of people are now embracing social media, however there are still millions more that avoid it altogether. Those who decide not to venture into this social phenomenon may find themselves falling behind socially and professional and having a tough time catching up to the masses. Don’t be left behind.

Share

All The Way Gone, a novel by D. James Eldon

Posted on by
Reply

My friend DJ published a new twist on the crime novel entitled All the Way Gone. DJ has dreamt of being a writer for 25 years and has some short stories published. However he ran into obstacles in getting his novel published and decided to do so on his own. I admire DJ’s commitment to getting his creative art out to the masses in an innovative manner and not allowing the naysayers to dissuade him from his artistic path.

Why has DJ decided to go forward and publish his own novel? Here’s DJ in his own words:

“Have you ever had a dream, something you’ve thought of since you were a kid? Of course you have, everyone does. Maybe yours is to climb a mountain, ride a bicycle cross-country, run a marathon, skydive, write a novel, direct a film, have a child. Whatever it is, I believe each of us has it in them to live their dreams. This is my dream, to successfully publish a novel in America. And you can help me realize this dream.”

Please consider buying DJ’s book or passing along this information to someone who might enjoy reading a pull-no-punches tale of denial and deceit, but also one of friendship and trust. A human story wrapped up in a classic crime tale.

Share

Puerto Rico’s Economic Crisis

Posted on by
Reply

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has seen its economy steadily decline prior to the global economic crisis and will likely continue to suffer after others see signs of recovery.

Puerto Rico has a history of economic problems. The Puerto Rican government is much poorer than the poorest U.S. state and its economy has always relied heavily on U.S. federal aid.

In March, Puerto Rico’s unemployment rate jumped to 14.7 percent from 12 percent in January. It was listed as 14.3 percent last April. However the Government Development Bank (GDB) for Puerto Rico, an agency that protects the Commonwealth’s fiscal stability, registered Puerto Rico’s unemployment rate at 15.8 percent, the highest in 13 years.

There have been some glimmers of economic hope, however much more is needed to get Puerto Rico on its financial feet. A large number of people are hurting everywhere. Puerto Rico’s recession has reached historic proportions and some predict the situation will continue through the summer of 2011.

For more information about Puerto Rico’s current economy, read July’s “Our Politics” column at EL BORICUA.

Share

Fraternity Blog

Posted on by
Reply

I also run a fraternity blog. I am a strong supporter of the social fraternity and sorority movement in the U.S. If you come across an interesting fraternity or sorority related story that sheds a positive light on the Greek community, please feel free to pass it along. When I was in college I decided to join a fraternity. In all of my life’s decisions, joining a fraternity is one of the best I’ve made thus far.

Share