Steven Velásquez - Granting "Sirenity"

by Steven P. Velasquez June 29, 2012 The sound of bells, buzzers, perhaps a lover's or child's voice; maybe even a rooster's crow in some places, are all sounds by which to wake; some more desirable than others.   Well my partner, aside from occasionally crowing about whatever his transient topic of the moment is, serves none of those purposes. There, tucked away in a county park, awaiting our possible activation into another's personal nightmare we sat.  It's been a great couple of days with balmy temps in the 80's and finally, for the first time in weeks, no rain!  Well, except for that wicked thunder and lightning storm that blew though here about an hour ago.I startled so badly, I almost pee'd!  It sounded like that thunder clap was just over my right ear, and boy did the night sky turn to day for a moment.  I straightened up in my seat and looked around, as one never knows exactly who is lerking in the darkness.  One look over my shoulder ...

by Steven P. Velasquez June 20, 2012 Grumble, grumble, f'in', frigga, frassa, stupid privacy Nazi's!!!!!  Why can't we photograph what we see in the hospital?  Sue this you idiots!  This privacy crap and hysteria about photographing in certain places deserves a counter suit!  I'm suing these nuts for robbing us (the people - as in "We the People") of our God-given (that's right I said it!) right to humor!  Humor is good medicine and I believe certain people are put on this Earth to provide a healthy dose of humor -- for the rest! Some will provide humor as their choice of career (Billy Crystal).  Some will provide social commentary (Jackie Mason).  Some will act (Robin Williams).  Some will pretend they have what it takes to be president (see current occupant)(snort).  And some... some will just be themselves and bring laughter to us all by their very, and often pathetic, existence.  Some people, due to their lack of sophistication...

by Steven P. Velasquez May 29, 2012 I love this job. Where else does a person punch in and get briefed by their boss, manager, supervisor or in my case, chief -- that there's danger in the air and that we may be sent right into it? A shooting the other night turned into a homicide and our intel says to be ready for expected retaliation, particularly between this street and that ave., so watch your six. Dangerous sounding right? I ag ree. But having lived the corporate life with all of its' consistencies, I choose the uncertainty, the disorder, the calamities inherent. My job is never boring. I call my co-workers and esteemed colleagues brothers -- and sisters; and now that I'm getting older, many of them are like my sons and daughters too. My job provides perspective .  I don't just watch the seasons change, I live them, I experience them. I don't just read about the weather, nor watch it on T.V., I'm enveloped in it.  My job puts me in the midst of t...

by Steven P. Velasquez "I once carried the weight of a 110-story office  tower made of concrete and steel.  That was the easy part.  Today, I carry the memories and tears of  millions, the weight of a nation, a people."

by Steven P. Velasquez April 8, 2012 People who do what I do for a living (Emergency Medical Services) know the frustration of going out, diving headlong into someone's personal nightmare, exposing themselves to illness, danger and sometimes, even mortal danger while doing so, just to read the morning daily and have some story written about something that you remember being directly involved in, less than 24 hours ago, that looks, sounds and is nothing like what you just experienced!  In the northeastern U.S., we call this 'News'  [ nooz ,   nyooz ]  Noun    usually   used   with   a   singular   verb   ) 1. a   report   of   a   recent   event;   intelligence;   information. One has to have special education to collect, analyze and report the 'news' in either verbal, written or video form.  We call these people 'journalists.'   I've always admired journalists dating back ...

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...