By Salvatore A. Barcia Jr. (posted August 4, 2026)

I selected the card correctly, won the game, and the dealer presented my winnings . . . so I walked away empty-handed.

Transformation

Before I became a teacher, I embarked on a number of different ventures.  One such undertaking was working in “the city” (i.e. Manhattan) at a small public relations firm.  The job had its pros and cons – many downsides related to the agency head being (at best) quirky and eccentric.  Still, I was young, made lifelong friends, and enjoyed 1990s midtown.  I also benefited from a co-worker who shared his extensive writing expertise (thank you George, wherever you are).

The city was in transition, for better or worse embarking on a virtual cleanup.  In the 70s and 80s it was easy to see the trappings of urban decay occupy Times Square.  Over the course of the 90s, the peep shows and dilapidated storefronts gave way to big-name chains and tourist destinations.  Despite the changing appearance, corners of Times Square fought this incursion and grudgingly preserved grungy and seedy remnants as long as possible.  Some people relished the cleanup while others pined over the loss of grit as the city “Disney-fied.”

One could easily reminisce about other aspects of 90s-era Manhattan, which maintained some rawness of old while revitalizing for the modern age:

• Greasy spoons with ornery staff but a cheap bite were broadly accessible
• The flapping sound announcing schedule updates on the analog Penn Station board
• The Fulton Fish Market in operation since the 1800s
• Meat was still packed in the Meatpacking District
• CBGBs and a thriving music scene
• Pay phones
• Subway tokens
• An absence of foolish social media recordings (just foolishness for other reasons)
• Dive bars were still aplenty

This list goes on, but I digress.

Transportation

For some of my tenure I followed the classic Staten Island commute glorified in Working Girl.  While manageable, the train-ferry-train ride was a time-consuming endeavor.  Still, it provided a chance to read and offered one of the most affordable scenic rides in the world.  The ferry also highlighted NYC’s tapestry of characters including the shoeshine guy, who calmly advertised “shine” for the entirety of the voyage.  On less-crowded days I stretched out on the long wooden benches if I was lucky enough to get an older boat.  Shifting to a different movie reference, upon arrival in Manhattan the unpolished version of the ferry terminal was more akin to a scene from Escape from New York.

Exploration

Among my favorite pastimes was strolling midtown during lunch breaks.  An evolving Times Square brought new (sometimes short-lived) destinations such as The All Star Café, Hansen’s Times Square Brewery, The Warner Bros. Studio Store and a restored New Amsterdam Theatre.  Virgin Megastore provided rows of listening stations, sometimes commandeering my entire lunch break for new music exploration.

I also enjoyed people-watching the mix of locals and visitors.  Tourists are entertaining because they carry a sense of wonder.  At any attraction you can witness vacationers gaze at sights and exude enthusiasm.  The excitement of finally visiting a bucket-list-worthy location is one of travel’s greatest delights.

Deception

It was still common to see Three-card Monte on any street.  The game is simple:  three face-down cards, one red and two black; the dealer moves them quickly and players are challenged to pick the red card (if there is one).  One day I watched during my wanderings – dressed in business attire, hinting wealth to the dealer despite my entry-level salary.  After observing a few rounds the dealer pointed my direction, requesting I identify the red card.  It was obvious (for this particular round), but I had made no bet and had no intention of playing.  Still, he pressed . . . so I chose.

The dealer declared my victory and held out a stack of bills.  While the lure of easy money was attractive, my vigilant mind considered likely scenarios: this was the hustle game; leaving with money would get me jumped; the money was counterfeit; etc.  Therefore I declined and began to leave (considering my record of ill-advised choices, I am glad my scam radar was working on this day).  The dealer restated I won and insisted I take the money, his relentlessness removing doubt and solidifying my resolve in rejecting it.

Finally I walked away, reminding myself of the obvious:  guys who deal Three-card Monte on street corners don’t give away free money.  As I departed, I sighed with relief – the temptation to take the stack of bills was strong.

The ever-evolving city would continue its steamroll through time . . . but at least with one less scam victim for the record books.