Tag Archives: Cigar Shack

I Believe I Can Fly

Well where do I start? Yesterday was Sunday and I was off. Decided to ignore the spam US Beef sent. Or was it the beef that US Spam sent? It doesn’t matter since it wasn’t real but it was worth a laugh, as well as a reaction from Central NJ that proved hilarious.

Yesterday was busy enough, laundry, some cleaning, and some grocery shopping. Things needed to be done. Bill slept most of the day, I went to the river, enjoyed a cigar and sat reading Mojo Magazine for about an hour before it started getting too cool for me so I headed back home.

Ran into Deborah from the fourth floor of my building and we talked for a few minutes, she was off for a pedicure and I was heading home.

There really isn’t anything on TV lately so I’ve been watching repeats of True Blood. I am looking forward to the new season beginning in a matter of weeks.

Came to the cigar shack today, the Bradley quite ill, ill enough that we sent him home at noon. There was no way he could have done anything except cough and feel miserable. That’s no way to sell cigars and accessories.

It was Thomas and myself, Calvin out for some judicial business. Apparently I missed out on seeing Marcus who came and picked up his gear before heading to the cigar hut, his new place of employment. And it was a very slow start today once Bradley had split.

So, it was just Thomas & me today. When it got closer to lunch time, it picked up and got busy. I ran out and got some lunch and came back, sitting in the office eating. Thomas had a customer and another came in which meant I had to quickly swallow my lunch and jump on the floor to assist a potential customer.

Sometimes there was an actual sale, sometimes it was just tire kicking. My lunch hour lasted about 20 minutes. Thomas had an even shorter lunch hour. We were able to make both hours up later on, both interrupted by commerce.

I neglected to mention that on Saturday I was interviewed by some Turkish fellows on the street. They asked me about social media and how it is used in demonstrations and protests. I mentioned that I have taken part in protests and demonstrations via Facebook in New York City as well as Hoboken..

True, I could have just sat at home and be miserable, posting snarky comments on the blogs and other mediums, but I would much rather march in the street showing my dissatisfaction and anger.

The Turkish fellows asked about how social media plays in the Middle East, specifically in Syria. I told them what I knew about Syria, that 13 year old boy, brutalized and murdered by Syrian political goons.

I also mentioned the Syrian security forces shooting into crowds the day before and killing 28 people. The guy who was interviewing me then told me that he had asked a few people about Syria and the Middle East and that I was the only one that knew anything about what was going on there.

I was surprised to hear that actually, but I shouldn’t have been. It’s so much easier to be ignorant.

These things have been flying off lately. Not this one though...







I Believe Nikki Yanofsky

It’s a Saturday and it hasn’t been such a bad day. Of course I still hope for a Monday through Friday job but since that doesn’t seem to be happening, the retail world beckons and who am I to resist its call? I really don’t have much say in the matter anyhow.

I heard from the late Hyman Gross’ late companion Joan’s niece who was upset to hear about Hyman passing. She found out and when she called the office where Hyman used to work to tell them they were all pretty much upset about it as well. A lot of people liked Hyman and a lot of people miss him, Bill & myself included of course.

In the land of the living things went on as usual. Harpy stopped by the cigar shack to say hello for a few minutes and it was good to see him. The store wasn’t exactly busy today but sales wise it did very well.

It was Calvin, Bradley and myself today and though it wasn’t full of laughs like it is when Thomas is around it was a good day nonetheless. I did not have an opportunity to see Bill this morning, we missed each other by just a few minutes.

Since I can’t depend on NJ Transit to show up according to schedule I have to get to the bus stop earlier and take the first bus that shows up into the city. He was returning from bus driving to Atlantic City and headed right to bed before heading out again to drive once more to the casinos. That means I won’t see him until tomorrow which is better than not seeing him at all.

I also had a good talk with Annemarie on the phone this afternoon. I certainly look forward to seeing her next month as well as my nephew Earl who I haven’t seen in a few years. Bill thinks he is going to tower over us and I tend to agree. Now it’s just me and Bradley in the store.

Not much is going on, this area slows down considerably after 7:00 and on a weekend it’s almost like a tomb. Now I am home.

Bradley was not feeling too well, we agreed he was going to close but I closed instead, allowing him to go home, take a Xanax and some allergy medication. Don’t know whether or not medications like that should be mixed, but I guess Bradley will find out soon enough.

I guess the Path trains were running since there was no long line at the bus terminal. A few families and the usual assortment of assorted nuts. I read about the Buena Vista Social Club and the Troggs in the latest Mojo Magazine while listening to some heavy dub from the Blood & Fire record label on the iPod.

Nothing really to watch on the television tonight, so I’m watching a repeat of True Blood which should be starting a new season in a few weeks. Tomorrow is Sunday and I don’t think I’m going to be writing. It’s a day off and I’ve got laundry to do. Hope you all have an adequate day.

Really, I do.

Look what I just received:
I am the recruiter for U.S. BEEF. I am looking to fill a route sales position for a meat and seafood distributor. We are looking for a person who works well independently, is self motivated and has a strong desire for career fulfillment and financial success. Our route sales position is a unique combination of unparalleled freedom with tremendous earning potential.

Based on an initial review of your resume, you may be an excellent fit for our available position in Yonkers. Our first year sales reps earn $50,000 – 60,000+ per year and our top sales rep earned $254,000 last year. Regardless, of your sales experience we provide an excellent three day training program which will prepare you for immediate success. U.S. BEEF is one of the nation’s largest wholesalers of gourmet packaged steak, seafood, and chicken.

Because of our standing in the industry and our volume of sales, our sales reps have the ability to deliver a superior product at a significant savings. Below are some key advantages provided to all U.S. BEEF sales reps: · Earning potential of $100,000+ · Company Vehicle · PPO Health Insurance Benefits through United Health Care · Merrill Lynch 401K Plan with company contributions · Control your own route / Flexible work schedule

If you feel that you are qualified for this position, simply reply to this email with an updated resume and cover letter. In the meantime, please check us out on the web at

hey Greg- do you think I should pursue this? I mean you read this blog every day…