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By Frank S. Costanza
So, what’s your definition of “local,” East End peeps? Must you be able to trace your lineage back several generations? Must you be Native American? Must you have graduated from a local high school? Where do “part-time” locals stand in the fray?
Well. I’ve discovered, through some fearless and intrepid reporting, that everyone has a different opinion—though most have a good sense of humor about things. Read more by clicking on the link!
By Frank S. Costanza
Attorney. PBS producer. Real estate tycoon. And now co-author.
Alan Schnurman is the textbook definition of interesting. He’s teamed up with Eric Feil of Dan’s Hampton Media on a book that is both entertaining and educational—and it isn’t just for those debating whether they should begin investing in real estate. Check it out at:
By Frank S. Costanza
The South Fork of Long Island is ripe for adventure, and these 10 destinations are must-visits if you’re a parent whose child is rapidly approaching double-digits. The accompanying sidebar offers three additional options on the nearby North Fork. Get going!
By Frank S. Costanza
In addition to offering individual and group training, a new fitness studio in Southampton specializes in treating those suffering from various ailments, including scoliosis. Learn more about Gabby Lamia’s plight to avoid surgery, and trainer Gregory Bader’s regimen to keep her on that path. New Fitness Studio Specializes In Innovative Techniques – Southampton – 27east
By Frank S. Costanza
The following article—the fourth in a series I’ve written focusing on programming offered at Gardner-Webb University, a private Christian university in Boiling Springs, North Carolina—explains ongoing changes in the field of accounting. It also reviews how prospective undergraduate and graduate students can best prepare themselves for what lies ahead. The article appears on the Charlotte Business Journal website: Tradition-bound accounting degrees expand to include artificial intelligence, forensics as industry grows – Charlotte Business Journal
By Frank S. Costanza
The following is the third in a series of articles I’ve written focusing on programming offered at Gardner-Webb University, a private Christian university in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. This one offers a handful of tips to help prospective students pick the best online program. The article appears on the Charlotte Business Journal website: 7 tips for making your best choice in an online university education program – Charlotte Business Journal
By Frank S. Costanza
The following is the second in a series of articles I’ve written focusing on programming offered at Gardner-Webb University, a private Christian university in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. This one turns the spotlight on its rich international business curriculum, and explains what draws companies and workers to the greater Charlotte area. The article appears on the Charlotte Business Journal website: Charlotte’s concentration of international companies boosts demand for business graduates with global perspectives – Charlotte Business Journal
By Frank S. Costanza
Gardner-Webb University, a private Christian university in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, launched its new online MBA program in January 2019, and this article explains the relevance of an MBA in today’s business world. It appears on the Charlotte Business Journal website: MBAs offer many options for those wanting to enhance their careers – Charlotte Business Journal
By Frank S. Costanza
Dede Gotthelf is one very patient woman. Click on the link to learn about her latest vision for her desirable–and slowly shrinking–property overlooking the Peconic River. Riverside Lot’s Future Hinges On Sewer System – Riverside – 27east
By Frank S. Costanza
“So, you’re a Swiftie, huh?”
The pointed question – it wasn’t until much later that I picked up on the dripping disdain that accompanied my oldest daughter’s unexpected query – caught me completely off-guard.
I had just collected Shannan, who’s 10 and going on 17, and her younger sister from the bus stop and we were heading to QuickTrip for a frozen treat on an unseasonably warm February afternoon – 75 degrees is hot even by Charlotte standards. Shannan lost one of her three remaining baby teeth the night before and had amicably agreed to pass on her usual Tooth Fairy compensation in exchange for me treating her and Fionna to the South’s version of the Slurpee, along with a couple of bags of chips.
Apparently, in my ensuing absentmindedness, I had automatically plugged my iPhone into my CRV’s built-in charger, an action that prompts the immediate playing of random selections from my downloaded music.
Miss Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” had been playing for the past minute or so, at a level so low that it had faded into the background music of my life.
But it was loud enough to catch Shannan’s attention – and she wasn’t pleased.
Full disclosure: I didn’t realize until writing this column that it’s spelled “Swiftie” and not “Swifty,” or that, as per the Urban Dictionary, is defined as an “obsessive fan that knows everything about pop/country singer/songwriter Taylor Swift.” That entry is followed by this wonderful example of its use in a not-so-grammatically correct sentence: “Talk bad about Taylor infront [sic] of a swiftie and your [sic] asking for death.”
Though blissfully unaware of the term’s true meaning at the time, I instinctively began backpedaling, insisting that, “NO. I am NOT a ‘Swiftie.”
I pointed out that the offending song was off Miss Swift’s – Yes, I also call Janet Jackson “Miss Jackson,” and no, it’s not because “I’m nasty”—Red album, which was released in 2012.
I stressed that the song came out well before Miss Swift had risen to pop megastar status, and long before millions of fans began to love and adore her.
And before individuals like my 10-year-old daughter began to despise her, apparently.
Shannan would offer no further insight or explanation of her disdain, so I can only assume it follows her established pattern of rebelling against the mainstream.
And that’s cool.
I’ll just have to keep her away from my cellphone as it contains more than two-dozen other tracks sung by Miss Swift, including the entirety of her fifth studio album, 1989, that is named after her birth year.
You know, the same year I was a sophomore in high school.
Ugh.
I guess I am an accidental Swiftie.
Ooh, look what you made me do.
Look what you made me do.
Look what you just made me do.
Look what you just made me.
