Category Archives: personal

Film Review: Amexicano

Posted on by
Reply

With the incredible political mess in Arizona surrounding immigration reform, I thought I would blog about a movie on DVD I recently viewed that showcases serious issues regarding the current national controversy. Amexicano, a 2008 independent film, is a story about an Italian-American guy from Queens who begins a true and unexpected friendship with an undocumented Mexican immigrant. The characters in the story are developed well and I found myself emotionally invested on a positive outcome. There is a major twist in the end that might throw the film off, however it clearly illustrates the many challenges facing undocumented residents in the United States today. No matter which immigration reform side you support, this film will tap your humanity and make you think about the issue in a different light.

Share

Farewell My Friend

Posted on by
4

A week and a half ago, on a Friday night, I received word that a good friend was brain dead. During the previous week he suffered two aortic aneurysms that resulted in his death on Saturday, February 27, 2010. I just learned of his actual passing last night, mainly because subconsciously I did not want to know more after hearing he was no longer “there.”

My friend’s name was Al Weisel. He was a freelance writer and a well-known blogger who went by the name Jon Swift. I first met Al more than 20 years ago. There were a few years in that time span that we lost touch, but we tried to meet up every six months or so to talk about writing and politics. He became my writing mentor and inspired me to start my own blog. Al was an intelligent, witty guy and an incredible writer who had interviewed many famous people.

Thanks for the friendship, Al. I’ll miss you, and may you rest in peace.

Share

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

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