Steven Velásquez - Granting "Sirenity"

by Steven P. Velasquez March 26, 2012 "Sometimes there's so much beauty in the world, I feel like I can't take it.  And my heart is just going to -- cave in."  -- American Beauty To describe my past day or two, one would have to combine two great American movies into one film, starring me - of course. Two days ago, an online discussion with someone I hold in very high esteem led to a difference of opinions and a bit of a social media clash.  This happens often when one has the courage to put their ideas, thoughts and convictions into text and publish it for all to read.  The person I offended was someone I valued highly and not someone I wanted to lose as a friend over said differences. The day-long debate finally ended in a phone call to discuss our differences/ideas verbally where we had the added benefit of tone and inflection; two things often absent in text that can lead to conflicts and larger problems.  We talked, explained, heard each...

by Steven P. Velasquez Feb. 9, 2012 There's an old French adage " to never bullshit a bullshitter ". Every now and again, my life's path intersects with someone who wants me to believe something -- like somewhere they once worked.  My natural instinct is to believe that person; right up to the point where facts collide with a person's emotional needs. When you're going to try to pass a story (usually for self-aggrandizement) that you worked in the World Trade Center , consider two possibilities: That you may be in the presence of those of us who actually did...   That your audience might actually know how to use a search engine. Be advised that your emotional need to create drama and drive the focus toward yourself... Is sad, pathetic and annoying Is disrespectful to everyone we ALL lost Make sure that when you give me a floor # and company name..  That you can remember a feature or two about the place      That "your employer" a...

by Steven P. Velasquez Feb. 8, 2012 Peering through a window small,  Fixated 'pon the white flake's fall,  Kissing softly, a warm, dear friend,  Dunkin' Donuts' winter blend  I love you -- coffee.

by Steven P. Velasquez December 2005 'Twas the night of the squad call when all through the town, Not a “hero” responded, not one could be found. Her chest had felt pressure, her lungs short of air, Praying for an ambulance soon to be there. The “heroes” were all nestled all snug in their beds, While images of heroism danced in their heads. And Mama in her jumpsuit and I, a job shirt Heard the pager & rolled over – “It’s your third alert!” When out on my scanner there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to view what’s the matter?! Away to the scanner I staggered – then belched, Raised up the volume and lowered the squelch. The dispatcher yelled to the officers on scene “Step it up! They called back. She's not breathing!” When what to my wondering eyes should appear, But career Paramedics, What? No volunteers? No little old drivers – jump - suits or blue lights, I knew in a moment our end was in sight. More rapid than eagles, their medicines came, As they pushed ...

by Steven P. Velasquez October 31, 2011 As last week's weather forecasts began to mention the "S" word for North and West Jersey, I and I assume a great many others, believed it was another bogus forecast designed to stir public interest and increase their viewer base.  As the weekend rolled up, it became more plausible that this was in fact a storm with real consequences and it's no B.S., it's coming! Who in the northeast ever remembers snow before Halloween?  Yes, possible but definitely not probable.  Well it arrived and packed quite the punch too.  Some of the complicating factors were that the trees still held their leaves compounded by a heavy, wet snow-fall and high winds.  This tri-fecta of seasonal circumstances created a Nor'easter we won't soon forget , particularly those of us in Emergency Services. The snow began to fall mid-afternoon on Saturday.  When I awoke to go to work the night shift in Newark, my truck had a tree down in front ...

by Steven P. Velasquez Oct. 7, 2011 Few people in my life know that I’ve made some changes over the recent past and fewer still know why.  Suffice it to say the reasons are personal and it matters not who’s at fault.  When it comes to human relationships and parenting, the only people that truly matter are the children and immediate family members.  A little over a week ago while my Facebook account was blowing up with literally hundreds of birthday wishes (which I truly appreciate and admit they helped me greatly while dealing with said issue), my life at home had finally burst at the seams and required drastic change.  It was time to leave.  That realization was made years ago, but for reasons economic had not yet manifested.  Now, ready or not, it had just become too much and required immediate action.  Fortunately, thank God, my parents were kind enough to open their arms and say “Come home son.” Pay no attention to the ...

By Steven P. Velasquez Sept. 30, 2011 Raul Montes DeOca of "Wood & Strings" I visited my barber shop in Perth Amboy, NJ yesterday for some molding and shaping of my traditional “high & tight” hair.  I walked in and was quickly greeted by screaming, explosions, heavy gun and artillery fire interwoven between the horn and conga sections of a salsa band overhead.  Handshakes and hugs were exchanged as I was invited to sit in one of their chairs.  The rat ta tat tat of machine gun fire was deafening and surprisingly no one was ducking, diving or otherwise taking cover.  The staff was heavily engaged in a video game on an obnoxiously large screen and matching surround sound system.  As they wrapped my neck and cloaked my chest I tried to tune out the noise when the chair spun me toward a mirror with a sign that read “No cell Phones Please.”  They apparently didn’t want distracted customers talking or texting while they were approa...