The Twitter phenomenon is out of this world. It’s been mentioned on The View and Oprah. I joined recently and so far so good. Still getting the hang of it, but I do see its potential to possibly be the next big bang. Check me out on Twitter @philvelez.
Last week I lost my job. While venturing out into the world of the unemployed, I decided to market my skills directly as a freelancer and consultant. I aim to continue the full-time job search, but with millions of people losing their jobs now may be the perfect time to work for myself.
I am a writer by nature who loves to tell a good story. I’ve decided to combine my media and communication expertise into my own business venture. I hope to take time defining a career change and carefully reviewing future full-time employment steps. In the meantime I believe this transition is an opportunity in disguise. It’s a time to re-invent myself and clarify what I want to do with the rest of my working career.
Networking is key. If you know anyone looking for a freelance writer or communication consultant please pass along my new business blog: Velez Communication.
The United States Mint recently introduced the 2009 Puerto Rico quarter, so I thought I’d share some information on Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans.
Puerto Ricans are made up of the indigenous Taino Indians who originally called the Caribbean island Boriken, Spaniards who conquered the island after Columbus “discovered” it during his second voyage to the Americas, and transported slaves from Africa who helped build the island after the Spaniards nearly wiped out the native Indians. The territory of Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the US whose citizens do not pay federal taxes or vote in national elections, but are provided US citizenship.
Puerto Ricans dance salsa, drink rum, and our staple meal is rice and beans with chicken, beef or pork. Our Christmas holiday meal generally includes a plantain-based tamale-like treat called a pastele and our beverage is a coconut-based eggnog-like rum drink called “coquito.”
Puerto Rico, generally referred to as an island, is actually an archipelago that includes the main island of Puerto Rico and a number of smaller islands and keys, the largest of which are Vieques, Culebra, and Mona.
If you are ever around a large group of Puerto Ricans (i.e. the Puerto Rican Day Parade in NYC or any large Puerto Rican family function) you will hear the shout of “Boricua! (Bor-ee’-kwa)” (accent on second syllable) which honors the original name of the homeland (Boriken) and commonly used to identify someone of Puerto Rican heritage.
For more P.R.-related information check out the Puerto Rican 101 page at EL BORICUA.
After tonight there will be only seven finalists on American Idol. I have been watching the show all season and finally think it’s getting pretty good. In my opinion there is an obvious leader: Adam Lambert. He is already a star. Every time he performs I feel like I’m seeing him in concert. He is clearly in another realm and the one to beat. Adam, Allison Iraheta, and Matt Giraud should make the final top-three. We still have about seven weeks to go, so we’ll have to see how my prediction works out.
I am considering getting an iPhone once the next version comes out. I may be a little late in being completely connected, but I am ready to take the next technological step. I thought of getting a Blackberry, but I’m a Mac guy, so the iPhone makes sense for me. I am looking forward to receiving emails instantly and responding to blog comments in a timely manner, as well as using MapQuest and Google Maps to get around easily.
With all the Twitter hype out there, I thought would I Tweet or not? People say you don’t really understand Twitter until you try it. But I’m not sure I want to. I feel it would be repetitious since I’m already on Facebook and can use the status update to record my thoughts and happenings. So what would be the difference between my Facebook status update and a Tweet? I’m not sure, but if anyone on Twitter and Facebook cares to comment, please feel free.
Now I am not saying I won’t Tweet. Maybe I need to see what all the fuss is about. Once I’m wired I’ll make the decision. If I get what all the Twitter talk is about I’ll revisit this blog entry.
Phil Velez Gomez
