CABIN FEVER

CABIN FEVER Here is a story from my college days I like to tell my friends. I feel it is relevant for a lot of people these days considering quarantine issues and a record amount of people never leaving their homes due to the Coronavirus. You might have heard the term “cabin fever” and if you have seen the Stanley Kubrick Movie “Shining”, you will know what I mean. Cabin fever is a mental affliction that develops due to long-term isolation. It can first start as irritability and often escalates into various other forms and symptoms. So, let me tell you a summary of my first real encounter with this affliction. It was our sophomore year of college and we came from Turkey to study in the United States. There were four of us, three (3) in Computer Science, and one (1) in Psychology. The first few weeks we explored the area and familiarized ourselves as best as we could. The classes were different, the culture was hard, and the expectations and stress levels were high. At the end of our first semester, our friend in Psychology announced he was dropping out because he could not take it anymore. We all understood, from my friend’s looks, I could tell they all considered it. We would regularly keep in touch, but we were not close. Our friend John started showing up less and less to the classes and had no friends to speak of. We did not suspect anything for weeks, but he became more and more obsessed with something that happened in his past and he started getting paranoid like Jack Nicholson’s character in the film. Eventually, it led him to beg hospitalized after trying to assault another student he thought was conspiring against him, while in truth he was trying to help him. Naturally, he dropped out of the program the following semester. This article would be exceedingly long if I were to include the details. Therefore, it does not have the emotional impact I would like to convey; but it is more relevant than ever. If you, or someone you know, are in isolation, recognize the symptoms and recommend professional help. It can make a huge difference for you or someone else. Quite frankly, in most circumstances, all the people starting to get cabin fever need is a friend and human interaction, something they do not even realize they need. Read More From This Writer All Post Books Business Culture Education Entertainment Food Government Health Interviews Lower West Side Business & Economic Development Medical Military & Veterans Our Community Peace People Sports Who We Are CABIN FEVER June 13, 2020/No Comments POST TITLE (CAPITAL) Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus Read More FASCINATING CONCEPT OF “SAVING FACE” May 13, 2020/No Comments FASCINATING CONCEPT OF “SAVING FACE” Initially, I was going to write about the quarantine protests, but there is an interesting Read More F E A R April 13, 2020/No Comments F E A R “There is so much blood pumping through your brain, it is like rocket fuel. Right now, Read More Load More End of Content.

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ROBERTO QUINTANA FOR ASSEMBLYMAN, NYS 149TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT, BUFFALO, NY THIS IS WHY:

The endorsed candidate, Jon Rivera, has no direct ties with our Puerto Rican/Latino community. He lives far from our community and has no idea of our daily struggles. His only ties are his father, Niagara District Councilman David Rivera. On the date of Jon Rivera’s endorsement, there was no, not even one, Puerto Rican or Latino standing by his side, only an all-white cast of political characters. This is a sign of things to come if you elect a Puerto Rican/Latino controlled by the democratic political machine. On the other hand, it was a breath of fresh air to see Roberto Quintana surrounded by Puerto Ricans/Latinos, and others, as he announced his entry into the race to become the next NYS 149th Assemblyman. The announcement was made right on Niagara Street, which is the heartbeat and soul of the Latino community. Roberto brings to this race what we need: experience, west side residence, and understanding of the social, economic, and political needs of our people and community. While Jon Rivera was endorsed by politically controlled Latinos, Roberto Quintana was endorsed by Latinos from all walks of life, including Dr. Raul Vazquez, Alberto O. Cappas, and Raul Hernandez, three people that live or work in the lower west side community.  Dr. Raul Vazquez runs the family health facilities on Niagara Street, Raul Hernandez is the owner of the well-known restaurant, “Niagara’s Café”, and Alberto O. Cappas is the publisher of the monthly publication, Buffalo Latino Village, as well as the founder of the Puerto Rican/Latino Committee (PRLC). They are all politically independent individuals and well-known advocates for the Latino community. You are not going to get that quality of leadership or service from the endorsed candidate. Quote from Roberto Quintana: “The important thing is that we keep serving our community in these difficult times of crisis. The safety, health, and security of Mi Gente, Mi Pueblo, is the most important priority right now. This is a time where Leaders stand up and Lead! I applaud you, Dr. Vazquez, Cappas, and Pizzaro, and all the volunteers from our community, who quietly and without hesitation, have been on the streets making a difference. Take the time, do your research, talk to people, and make the right decision. It’s your choice, it has a direct impact on the growth and development of our community.”  When the time for election comes, it should not be a difficult choice, cast your vote for Roberto Quintana as your next New York State Assemblyman for the 149th Assembly district. Read More From This Writer All Post Art Books Business Community Education Entertainment Food & Culture Health Interviews Military & Veterans Peace People Politics LATINO COLLEGE STUDENTS FACE INEQUALITY AND CULTURAL ISOLATION AT THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK at BUFFALO March 25, 2023/No Comments LACK OF COLLEGE SERVICES FOR LATINO STUDENTS: This is in response to a story by UB Spectrum reporter, Kayla Estrada, Read More “GETTING VERY LITTLE FOR THE WHOLE,  BUT GETTING A LOT FOR THE FEW” WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN 2023 January 25, 2023/No Comments While I might appear to be biased and selective, I strongly feel the four people in the photo are the Read More The Isaías González-Soto Branch Library (formerly Niagara Branch) is a member of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System December 25, 2022/No Comments When the Hispanic Heritage Council (HHC) moved to rename the Niagara Branch Library several years ago, with the support of Read More Load More End of Content.

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LATINOS DECLARE WAR ON THE CORONAVIRUS

It’s March 14th, 2020, and I go to my Facebook page, which is always the first thing I do in the morning. I had meetings and events to attend, but I find out, thanks to Facebook, that most, if not all, were cancelled due to the Coronavirus. The Women of Color and the Citizen Action organization’s protest and event were canceled.  I was completely surprised to also find out, again, thanks to Facebook, that a chain of other social events, schools, and public places, were all cancelled and closed as well. It’s now a few weeks and yet, another social event, has been CANCELED. I’ve spoken to relatives, family members, colleagues, as well as following social media, realizing that this Coronavirus must be taken very seriously, and one must stay home. However, as for myself, as an active community person, especially in the lower West Side, I had this question to ask myself: How long will this last? How will my community be affected? I had to go out, find out how my community was reacting to the virus. Who was out there helping my community? I was very concerned. As I drove through the community, I found a ghost town, very few people out, some with masks and gloves, some without either and without a worry in the world. I kept driving around, looking for some sign of normality, but none. I parked the car and went into Price Rite to find it had a few customers, and everyone was keeping their distance from each other, the right thing to do; made a lot of sense. However, I noticed people walking around without masks and gloves. At that moment, I prayed this virus will pass and leave us alone. I then decided to take a ride and cruise through the downtown area.  I found the same thing – limited number of people, keeping their distance, and no masks and gloves. Next stop, I drove to Family Dollar, I found the same scenario, then I drove to the Harbor, and I found a ghost town. Everything was at a standstill. On April 3rd, my publisher, Alberto O. Cappas, called me and told me he needed my help in putting Coronavirus informational/educational posters on Niagara Street and other parts of the lower West Side community. (see photos). When my publisher calls, I respond, and I delivered. By the time I was finished, we had signs all over the lower West Side, with three or four different messages on the posters. On April 16, Cappas called a meeting with several people already involved in working with the Latino community, especially in handling-out masks and delivering food to the elderly, a project started by Christian Parra, a young activist who works with the Citizen Action Organization. The initial meeting also included: Gioraira Hernandez, Luz Velez, Adam Bojak, Dennis Matos, and yours truly, Dinah Aponte. While Cappas and Aponte were already distributing a limited amount of masks and putting up posters (thanks to Roberto Quintana, who donated the funds for the posters and masks), the group worked on organizing a complete strategy to cover communities beyond the lower West Side, like BMHA, Sedita Apartments, and other senior citizen centers or homes. Limited in funds, the group reached out to several groups, like the PUSH organization which also contributed $1,000 for masks and posters, and Jose C. Pizarro who contributed $100. Lillian Orsini, a former founder of the Hispanic Women’s League who now lives in Florida, and who writes a monthly column for the Latino Village. We also received masks from Buffalo Resilience, and Ellen Davis (from Florida). We will keep our readers and community posted and informed of our community activity. Please stay home until this virus blows over and the quarantine is lifted. Wear your mask, wash your hands thoroughly, and please  STAY HOME, until all this blows over and even after this quarantine is lifted. Still wear your mask, wash your hands thoroughly, even if you don’t have a low immune system. This virus does not discriminate. Good luck, prayers, and stay home, safe, and healthy. God be with you and family. Peace, Dinah Aponte. Read More From This Writer All Post Art Books & Poems Business Community Education Entertainment español Food & Culture Health Interviews Military & Veterans Peace People Politics Sports THE HOMELESS VERSUS AFFORDABLE HOUSING December 25, 2020/No Comments THE HOMELESS VERSUS AFFORTABLE HOUSING The holidays are here, and we’ll be entering 2021 along with President Biden and his Read More THE NEW ERA OF IMMIGRANTS IN AMERICA October 25, 2020/No Comments THE NEW ERA OF IMMIGRANTS IN AMERICA This is the new era of immigrants entering the United States! I have Read More TRUMP AND THE CORONAVIRUS IS DOING A JOB ON US! PLEASE BE CAREFUL September 25, 2020/No Comments  TRUMP AND THE CORONAVIRUS IS DOING A JOB ON US! PLEASE BE CAREFUL Did you know that crime has risen Read More Load More End of Content.

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