Apple Store Opening - Grand Central, New York

In NY today, Dec 9, 2011, got to check out the Apple Store opening at the Grand Central Terminal.

As predicted by the media, there was a bevy of people wanting to get a look at the store. Curious, camera-toting folks filled up the store, located on Grand Central's east balcony overlooking the main concourse, displaying the latest from the Apple product line. Two adjacent rooms or better still "chambers", house more stuff and accessories. With foot traffic of about 750,000 commuters per day at GCT, location, location, location requirements are well met for this store.

The execution of the opening meant painting the east side of the concourse "red" with countless Apple associates in red t-shirts, who were busy guiding folks to get into and around the store.

There was a line, in a side hallway, to collect mandatory wristbands to enter the store! Thankfully, the wait time in the line to get the bands was less than 5 mins and visitors patiently waited their turn.

Giveaways included a black t-shirt emblazoned with "Apple Store Grand Central" and a brochure announcing the store and the layout. The box in which the T-shirt was packed, in itself was uniquely designed. The inside of the box matched the roof of Grand Central - a nice touch! (Take a look at the pictures).

Apple is considered an anchor tenant at GCT -- meaning it does not share its revenues with MTA. Guess what Apple wants, Apple gets! What next Apple?

Check out the photos I clicked below: (Coming Soon)

For Christ's sake, move over Jesus.

- A SHORT STORY - 
He's feared and respected at the same time. His ubiquity and overwhelming presence is felt everywhere once the chill begins. At once, they want to share their innermost desires with Him, but also cower in fear at the thought that He might also glean their darkest secrets. The power that He wields on them is overwhelming.

His unwavering steadfastness in keeping up with making the world go round and managing the many minions amazes them endlessly. His stories are magical, mythical and mesmerizing. Every newspaper, radio station, TV commercial heralds His arrival. The anticipation is unbearable for the big day. And they prayed every night lately that He show his mercies and kindness to them as well.

Mom and Dad were all dressed up today. On any other day, they couldn't be bothered to dress up the way they did today. Prim, propah! They step out of the car, making sure they don't step on the surprise snow showers that morning.

The church pews were bursting at the seams that day. Amidst the jostling and being pressed between Mommy and Daddy, as they tried to find a seat, junior's hair was a bit messed despite the gel & the princess was worried that the preen of feathers on her red and white dress may be crushed. It was before all their first Christmas in the big city this year. Coming from a smaller town, they were really hoping He would be more generous hear, after hearing all the talk about how the City life was much better. And they wanted to be the nicest they could afford to be that day.

"Silent night ... " mommy sang along with the choir. "Daddy, can we meet Him now?" asked princess, now aloft in Daddy's arms and catching a distant glimpse of the proceedings. "Not yet" said Daddy softly. Princess caught mom's eyes smiling at her. The anticipation was unbearable at this point.

Finally the Mass came to an end. Relief. "Can we go now?", yelling so, junior was ready to trample over the people ahead of him on the long church bench, in trying to get out into the aisle as fast as he could. "Yes we are heading there, my dear" said Daddy, voice laced slightly by exasperation, but trying to be genteel in the presence of a sea of strangers.

Finally they got to the beautifully decorated nativity scene, the manger was decorated with freshly grown tufts of lush green plants, the lights bright and the Little Child seemed almost like he was smiling and happy indeed to be born that day.

"Here we are, you may meet Him now. Say Happy Birthday to Little Jesus", sang Mommy, peering through her video camera's viewfinder, trying to capture for eternity, those moments of joy that she was expecting on their faces, when they met Him. This nativity scene was the most talked about this season across all the churches in the country. In the background, Dad was clearly thrilled to be here, beaming, taking it all in. However what she saw on their faces was confusion and disappointment as they suddenly stepped away from the scene, and began running away from there.

Mom and Dad tried to catch up with them, artistically dodging the oncoming slew of people. After what seemed like almost a mile away, although just on the other side of the church yard, they caught up with them. "Where are you guys off to, don't you want to wish Jesus, you've been praying everyday now for weeks for His mercies".

"No Mommy, we were praying for the toys we saw at Macy's when we went shopping after Thanksgiving" explained my 4-yr old, with the junior nodding repeating "Meeecieess", his head bobbing up and down rapidly and with all his might in very very strong agreement. In a disappointed tone next, she continued, "Haaaa .....Is it not the Big Santa's birthday today? Won't we get our return gifts?"

"Jesus Christ, move over I guess", quipped Daddy. "For Santa Claus is coming to town". Mom and Dad decided it was time to substitute their TV based religious education on being nice vs. naughty, with Sunday school.

- A SHORT STORY - 

Separation

- A SHORT STORY -
We walked up to the glass door. My heart was pounding. We stopped. He took a look inside the long corridor behind the secure double glass doors. He could see those who went ahead of him. They were walking slowly as they tried to fall in line.

He turned around and looked deeply into my eyes through his own blurry eyes. I looked back at the dark brown eyes, eyes that were simultaneously staring into my soul and asking me a thousand questions at the same time. "Do we need to do this? ... Can I stay? ..Can this not wait until another day? ..Can I bury myself in your arms? ..Is the love still there? ..What if I ...?".

He squeezed tighter on my palm, his palm was sweaty and slipping away from mine. I gulped inside, but smiled outwardly. I think he detected a trace of fear in my smile. I could not tell. He confirmed it for me, with a tighter squeeze of my palm. He looked around and seemed to mind the din of the people milling around, clearly unaware of the gravity of the situation. Some were laughing. Some were chatting on their cellphones. Finally, with a sigh, he let go of my hand, saying "I will go now". I just nodded, trying hard not to betray any other feeling.

He stepped inside the first set of glass doors. I instinctively tried to follow him, as I had done these past few years. It seemed like a lifetime now, since the day we first found each other. "Sorry, but this is how far you are allowed", a voice told me very gently, but firmly.

"Thanks, I understand", I said, trying to regain my own composure, and stepped away, just trying to get one last glance of him as he labored along the line. I stood there until he turned the corner and I could not see him any longer.

I started walking back, my head a bit lowered.

The same voice caught my attention again. "Please don't forget to be, attt the driveway, when the bus drops him back. Today is the first day of kindergarten ... the school bus may be back anywhere between 3:15-3:30 PM. Enjoy your day!"

"Thanks, I will!", I responded, continuing to walk back, feeling a bit lighter. My daily wait would begin for the return of my gift each day.