3 Fives per Hour Won't Make it in NYC

Yesterday, fast food workers around the country organized a strike for fair living wages and the right to organize a union without retaliation. Many of them are getting paid just above the national minimum wage and their lives are truly unmanageable with the wages they receive. Specifically in New York City, fast food workers and service industry workers do not make enough in this city to survive and anyone who suggest fifteen dollars an hour is too much is a hater and being a hater is very un American.
Yesterday afternoon, I flipped the channel at 9 p.m. to New York 1 after my weekly fill of fuckery to take in the talk of the day. On New York 1 they had a polling question centered around the strike. The question was about whether people thought 15 bucks and hour was too much for a fast food worker and I was floored by the responses and the ignorance of these so called New Yorkers. I thought for sure people would understand that in New York City 15 per hour isn't shit in a city that cost about 5 bucks to get to work and back, lunch on average could be about 6 bucks a day. How could anyone believe that these folks are wrong to strike for the right to a decent life? The shit is mind boggling but then it made sense. These people are the results of misinformed groupthink education system. So worried they're not gonna get theirs by helping someone else getting a more better life. Instead of bitching about getting paid 15 bucks an hour after graduating from college, you shit on the person making pennies because your punk ass is too scared to ask for raise from your own boss? Awesome move punk ass. I'm concerned that we as citizens are not focused on what's really going on. The corporate machine is winning. People being focused on what makes us different instead of focusing on what makes us the same is why I'm pretty positive some folks are not for these workers rights.
Hating is unAmerican. However it is what many Americans do. Americans out here bitching for scraps and defending these exuberantly profited corporarations are the sheep who keep this machine going. In essense they are defending the demise of their own existence to be free. The government instead of helping citizens are infact supporting these corporations to justify these bullshit wages. Its sad but what's sadder is the ignorance of Americans and their inability to think outside of the bubble. If creating unions weren't a threat to the machine, why would they specifically tell you not to form them and tell you your employment is at will. What kind of mind control tactic is that.

The 6 Things I Will Not Be Doing the Last Half of 2012

It’s “Gemini Season” (Yeah!)!!  June 15, 2012 is approaching fast and maybe you’re in the middle of yourself assessment for your 2012 goals. Personally, I didn’t make any goals though…the list below are just some observation about habits I would like to change.  

The “N-word” Debate - What can I say? I’m just tired of having and reading about the debate regarding if we should use it, who should use it and defining what it is. Is there a difference between “er” and “ar”? It’s to the point that I can’t accept any form of the word and I try really hard not to engage in using the word. I don’t know any, and am not related to any “n-word” folks. Words do have power when we give them life and frankly I am working hard to kick it out of my vocabulary. I did not grow up hearing it in my house nor do I recall hearing the word regularly in the music I listened to until about 1993 when Death Row hit the music scene. I don’t like hearing it used. It makes me cringe when I hear it randomly used in everyday speech but I hate the debate that’s comes along with usage of the word. I hate it almost as much as I hate the word and I think the more we debate the “n-word” the more we give life to it instead of letting it fade into the vernacular abyss. No one should use any form of the “n-word”. Period.

Watching the news (as much) - My doctor in 2008 told me to stop watching the news as much as I do because it was making me depressed.  I didn’t listen. I turned 30 that year and it was so much going on that my body was starting to be effected. I lost like 15 pounds because I didn’t have an appetite. I’ve been keeping up with current events my whole life so being somewhat plugged in on a variety of local and national events is normal for me. Discussions involving politics, human rights and injustices were typical in my upbringing and I frequently engage but lately I’ve been burned out by all the bad news in the media. Even the media involving the sensationalized celebrity has been disheartening. Maybe it’s just over saturation due to various media forms (i.e. periodicals, television and internet) but when the news you should know becomes mundane it’s time to fall back and make news of your own. In other words focus your energy on living your life.

Ignoring my pockets – Pray for me! There are things in life I do that are bad for me, and I know it but I can’t help it. I’m impulsive when it comes to treating myself good and I guess it’s the “American in me.”  The “American in me” is a child that loves to go out which means my pockets are being ignored. Just like an American child she has no consideration of the things I had to do to make that money or whether or not I have the money at all. The “American in me” accepts every invitation to every event that requires a gift or some sort of related expense. If I’m not spending money on a gift, I could be spending money on food and drinks, transportation and/or any number of things. I’d love to pretend that I go to every housewarming, baby shower and  bridal shower I’m invited to but I don’t and truth be told, I can’t afford to keep up with all these invites people.  No longer will I ignore my pockets because the adult in me requires I save at least $100 per pay period.  When I’m dipping in my “stash cash” to attend an event I committed myself to, I don’t feel good about it. I like having money in the bank and I have to get it together for the last half of the year.  I’m putting the American brat on timeout.

Debating the ignorant - Are you ever in a social situation and someone says something so ignorant it stops you dead in your tracks? I’ve experienced this scenario far too many times on a variety of subjects but I’ve decided to ignore the ignorant and leave them be. The saying “Ignorance is bliss” is true and frankly who am I to wake them up?  If you’re asleep then that’s how you shall stay. It’s difficult being around a bunch of sleep walkers but investing anymore time debating or informing the ignorant is a waste of time because there are no excuses. I have to believe they want to remain ignorant because the information is out there if they want it. The sad part of the matter is many of the ignorant have kids and they infest their kids with it. I’ll make time for the stupid people and not the ignorant people. Why, because in my humble opinion stupidity is a condition of a fool. Ignorance is lazy thinking.

Believing YOUR hype - Hopefully your parents were your biggest cheerleader in your life “besides the man in the mirror” and if that includes hyping your existence every hour of everyday do your thing. It’s easy to get swallowed in the herd so when you are different and/or did something awesome for you to stand out, patting yourself on the back and champion your accomplishment is warranted. This does not however mean I have to believe you or believe in you. Your hype is your hype. “What you eat don’t make me “isht””. In the end when everything is said and done, will the opinion of one or more person change you or how you feel about yourself? I think not, so with that, we should all agree that hype is about you and you alone. I might support your accomplishments but I don’t have to believe in the propaganda. This goes for person and persons (i.e. corporations). Stay woke.

Ignoring my health - Healthcare is a luxury that I don’t take for granted. I swear I gladly pay copayments. It would be dumb of me to not go to the doctor if I didn’t feel well. This is something I had to recondition myself into because when you are in “health coverage limbo”, one hospital run in America could bankrupt your savings. This is a fact. Aside from regular visits to the medical doctor and physical therapy sessions, I’m also trying to be more conscious about the things I put into my body. The food you eat and the company you keep all has an effect on your overall health. This is also a fact. I’m a sugar addict and I love desserts. Getting off of sugar is the hardest thing for me because it’s in everything and when you don’t have it you might just take someone’s head off. If you don’t believe me ask someone with type II diabetes or someone who followed the Atkins Diet™. I never was the type to eat anything and I’m a person who likes what they like, some would define me as picky but whatever…I look at my carefully food and eat slowly. I bought a blender that I use daily to make fresh fruit smoothies. It’s not a major step but it’s a step. That’s how I’m approaching this part of my life. I’m making better choices taking it one step at a time.



--
NiaNeek

Dear Jay-Z,

I've been in many debates, with you being the subject matter. The question undoubtedly is "What's your favorite Jay-Z album?" I've heard everyone name the critically acclaimed Reasonable Doubt, Blueprint, American Gangster, and the Black Album. I personally refuse to partake in the order of which of these albums are your "best". How can I seriously consider putting these in order? I won't do it. What I will say is, my favorite album from you undoubtedly is In My Lifetime, Vol. 1...yeah that's right. The sophomore solo album which in my mind, set the tone of the rest of your career.

I see you mention a lot of your albums with so much pleasurable contemplation but I don't know if you realize, it seems as though you brush over IMLV1 like it was just some thing you did to fulfill contractual obligations. I don't know if this is true because I don't know you now and I didn't know you then. All I do know is in 1997, there was a whole lot going on emotionally with the death of Notorious B.I.G. It was truly sickening and sad. Brooklyn and the whole NYC was hurting.

In My Lifetime Time Vol. 1, your sophomore album was an honest album (as are all of your albums). It was a self proclaiming album. In my opinion you basically let everyone know where you was coming from and where you were planning to go from that point forward. You was gunning for the crown early and in 1997 there was a lot of rappers and M.C.'s looking to take the reign. It was something you reiterated. In addition, you gave anyone who doubted you're capabilities as a artist reason to pause, take a listen and think again.

And so I listened, and listened and listened again; not because of doubt, but because it's an awesome album that's STILL in heavy rotation on my ipod. Here are a couple of your quotes I noted to illustrate my appreciation for THIS album:

• A Million And One Questions/ Rhyme No More "I got mouths to feed, 'til they put flowers on me..." What a intro...I loved this song for so many reason. DJ Premier, set the tone with this classic. Yeah I said it, "classic".

• The City is Mine f. Blackstreet "Taking this rap thing serious to my demise, J shit like cake mix, watch me rise" Say What you want about this song but it's still fire to me. Not only was it full of wonderful claims of grandeur but it paid homage to BIG. The late 90's was a really interesting time in rap music it was wide open. Best place to listen to this song is riding on the FDR Drive. Great for a scenic tour.

• I Know What Girls Like Only because of Puffy I think this song should be remixed to be a way better 2012 version. I hope Kim wrote that verse because it was good. Moreover, that whole last verse is super sweet *go listen to it* and it illustrates you know how to treat a lady hence why you got Beyonce. I wasn’t surprise why after all these years you both are still together, but anyway...

• Imaginary Players THIS WHOLE SONG *go listen to it again* If this is how you felt in 1997/1998, I can only imagine how you feel now.

• Streets is Watching “Me and money are like armed co defendants"/“I felt like life was cheating me, for the first time in my life I was getting money, but it was like my conscious was eating me” This quote is choice on so many levels. This was the rational for the career change from part-time to full time rap SUPERSTAR

• Friend Or Foe ’98 “I tried talk sensibly, hoping that eventually you’ll realize I had this locked and it just wasn’t meant to be” Quality over quantity I can dig it.

• Lucky Me “I swear to everything when I leave this earth; gonna be on both feet never knees in the dirt”/ “Hate the price of fame cause it cost too much, can I live without you niggas saying I floss too much, hate the way you make this hate flow all through us, steady looking for flaws to us, Lucky Me.” Nothing to add here. I feel you Jay.

• (Always Be My) Sunshine “Me and you balling from the heavens or hell, won’t let you hit the ground if I’m falling myself” Stop shitting on this song. This your life Mr. Carter for the last 10 years. Don’t think we haven’t been noticing you dropping gems for her. Fooled no one, though your discretion is the coolest part of your relationship. No news is good news.

• Who You Wit II “Can he live? Trick on a mainchick, but if she leave just as quick indian give....you be the same chick when you leave, leave the bankbook and the credit cards and take everything you came with” This theme is referenced quite often on all your albums to some degree. Your wife and you we’re made for each other. I don’t know who else could have met your requirements. Really, could B give a fuck about signing a prenup when she’s a brand in herself? I could never see you pulling a Reggie Bush, you don’t fall for hoes. No matter how bad she is.

• Face Off “I’m the main-fucking attraction, you just foreplay, get it h(i)-ot. I come through blow up the sp(i)ot with a, keep it cocked faithful like ‘s???’ with a one in a drop(top) don’t get hit up” I think you will have the crown as long as you want. Who knows, maybe you can be the first M.C. to have a show in Vegas...with your wife of course. Who says you have to stop. I kind of see you being like 60 being the main-fucking attraction in Vegas. Word.

• Real Niggaz f. Too Short “If you ballin, keep ballin, nigga you jealous? Stop. I want Biggie to rest in peace, as well as Pac” United we stand divided we fall. Real niggaz do real things (like go to the first black President’s inauguration) enough said.

• Rap Game/ Crack Game “Priority’s work wasn’t right so I switch factories, now I’m the new nigga, now who figured I get the game locked? Now watch how the prices of your cocaine drop.” Manifesto has been proven. I’ve seen you in concert more than anyone. I’ve seen the growth and confidence of your live performances. I’ve also noticed I’m willing to pay more for your crack. (ie WTT Concert hurt in a recession) *smh*

• Where I’m From “Your word was everything, so everything you said you do-you did it. Couldn’t talk about it, if you ain’t live it.” This song without a doubt your favorite off your this album. It takes me right back to the Brooklyn I grew up in as a kid- pre gentrification and although that shit was cray, it was still an awesome time to grow up.

• You Must Love Me THIS whole song. *go play it again* It’s a example of unconditional love from a perspective of a young hustler in Brooklyn. If you’re able to deal with the guilt of selling crack to your mom and shooting your brother I can see how you can follow through with business even if it has the potential to damage personal relationships going forward. Nonetheless, I’m sure you’ve made it up to them with lots of love.

So, I went to see Watch the Throne in New Jersey and something happened to motivate me to finish this post. I originally started writing this 9/18/2011. Check out what happened in this video. Way too long to write about.

Sincere with admiration,

A loyal fan struggling in Brooklyn but still going to your concerts

Laundromat Conflicts & Whoas

As I’ve stated before many times, doing laundry in the city is an adventure…especially on a Sunday afternoon in Brooklyn. Generally, I don’t have a problem doing laundry because I love the feeling of having clean clothes and I know this is something many people who live in private homes take for granted. It’s been awhile since I’ve washed my own clothes. I’ve been using drop off service because it’s “my little luxury” and the Korean lady who I send my clothes too is so nice. I think she appreciates me sorting my clothes and I appreciate how neatly my clothes are folded. However, since I moved she’s no longer right around the corner and because my rent has increase over 100% (I’m not kidding) I have to tighten up the belt buckle (so to speak).

It’s been about a month since I’ve moved, and laundry locations was an important factor in determining where I was going to live. I need some sort of convenience. This post is about my first attempt in this “new” Laundromat.

Disclaimer: I really should have know better than to go to any Laundromat Sunday afternoon in Brooklyn. I was really caught slipping.

Initial Assessment

I walked in there with two large loads and it felt like I was walking into a new high school as a transfer student. It was crazy, I felt like people were in there sizing me up. I knew they weren’t looking at me like damn “she’s a pretty lady” because I was ashy as hell. I got up, showered, and little lotion was used. I didn’t have on earrings and my lips weren't chapped but they weren't popping either. It was not about me though; It was about getting these damn clothes done so I could get on with the rest of my day. I got my two large washers and when I saw how much they were I should have known it was going to be problems.

I use Tide & Downy because I’m Single

Generally, when I’m in a new place for the first time, I’m very observant. I notice things about people that other folks might not care about. This is partly because I’m bored and I’m trying to find a way to get through the unease of the situation. It’s sometimes harder to ignore the stuff people do or say especially in a stressful situation like the Laundromat. I noticed a couple of things, 1) Single people like Tide and Downy; 2) A couple doing laundry together might just tell you everything you need to know about them as a couple in a matter of two hours and; 3) men will look at your panties. It was pretty obvious that I was not doing anyone else clothes but my own and I think that makes people deliberate your existence and “gulliness” for B.S.

Dryer Battle

So, it became apparent to me that 4 minutes left on the dryer clock was just an anomaly when the dryer is free and you have to dry your clothes on 15 minute intervals. This was something I was not prepared for. I was highly annoyed by this “free” dryer service. Could THIS be the reason why the washers were so damn expensive? There were two types of strategies I could tell was being used for grabbing dryers. There was the dryer hunter. The person who walks up and down the dryer row, asking people “This your dryer, you finished?” And those like me who stalked the dryers. I chose the latter for a couple of reasons. The reason I chose to play stalker is because 1) the dryers are free. With that being said, it’s very annoying for someone to asked you every 15 minutes if you're done. That would piss me off so I didn’t do that. It generally takes about 45 minutes per load if you have jeans, towel and/or anything heavy. There was a “man” in there who was irking the hell out of me. He was a super duper ass hole. Evidently from observation, he was with his wife. She was way bigger than him but he wasn't talking to her nicely or with any level of respect. He was barking orders at her like a little league baseball coach. "Get that one over there!" he said. "Where's the rest of the clothes" he barked. They had mad clothes too. Like bags on bags on bags. LOL

So it was crazy, you see? I thought it's best I just stalk the 4 dryers this other young couple was working with. They had bags on bags on bags of laundry too. They were talking outside, he was bitching but she wasn't having it.

I waited 45 minutes and only held down one dryer. I was being very patient although my annoyance with the situation was written all over my face. I just daydreamed since I didn't have my ipod. Two dryer freed up and it was a battle between an old Haitian lady and two 40- something year old men- one of which was the dryer hunter. This motherfucker, after pacing back and forth with a cell phone on his ear and wet clothes in his hands attacks one of the dryers. Ma-ma finessed her old lady flirt to a win a dryer. While respectful man was slightly distracted and assumed he had the other dryer, dryer hunter attacked with his kid's draws and dared homeboy to touch them as he closed the door and started the machine. I saw what happened and I didn't like that disrespectful shit. I thought, "I'll be damned if that shit was gonna happen to me".

*Fast forward* Finally, young couple is done! Yes! "...y'all finished with these dryers?" said the dryer hunter.

"Yeah, you got it man" said young dude. I had to shut that shit right on down.

"Nah, I got that."

"What you said?" he said to me

Looking him dead in his eyes, I said, "You see me standing here and I'm not waiting for no dryers but these four right here, so I'm getting them next." He knew I wasn't playing and if he would have tried me I would have caused a fucking scene. Disrespect sets me the fuck off.

So I won that battle but another clown decided on different approach by trying to G me out of my dryer. He had the passive aggressive approach.

"Excuse me, I'm using that" why was this motherfucking trying me now I thought.

" Oh since there was two I figure I can get one"

"Oh nah, I'm using them both you gonna have to wait"

"Ah come on..." as he stared at my panties

That's when I pulled the dryer hunter attack move as he was distracted.

What Have I Learned?

Nothing. I got caught "sleeping". Had I not needed to do laundry, I would NOT have picked a Sunday late morning in Flatbush Brooklyn to do what I should have been already done. This was my bad. Next time I'll do better. Man, I love clean clothes!

You DO Get What You Pay For: Another Justifiable Splurg

Yet again I'm confronted with the simple truth "you get what you pay for" and it has been proven to me once again.
There are certain things that I can't compromise on when it comes to my individual purchase power. These these things include but aren't limited to: ketchup; toilet tissue; footwear; peanutbutter; soap and detergent; toothpaste etc. I can now add sunglasses to this list.
Who doesn't love sunglasses? Everyone looks good in the right pair and I'm notorious for buying and losing or breaking my $5 to $20 pair of sunglasses. Usually I get them from some street vendor or Daffy's. I always liked designer glasses but couldn't wrap my mind around buying a pair of shades over 25 dollars. It just seemed dumb and a waste of money to me until.....
A couple of weeks ago I caught an eye jammie (by accident of course). Let's just say the elbow wasn't for me and I had to wipe weave glue off my grey suede Cole Haan boots. If you think a drunk cat fight in the club is nuts, you need only imagine what that shit is like on a party bus. So my left eye was fucked up. It got beet red and I couldn't look at the Sun, a computer screen, or my phone, I was screwed. The pain was really intense and I had to see an eye doctor.
Amazingly my eye got better after the first visit (and a $40 co payment) but you couldn't tell me at the time, I wasn't doomed to be a sexy pirate every Halloween, for the rest of my life. The doc said, sunglasses will be your friend thus beginning my annual Spring ritual to Daffy's. God moms helped me pick out a nice black frame with black shades. I was feeling quite major with my $20 shades, figuring I'll wear them until they break or lose them. All this changed last Friday and now I'm open.
Somehow my ass landed in the Sunglasses Hut and after trying on a couple of pair I walked out with these beauties. I wasn't even a hard sale. They were the first pair I tried on.
I can't even lie, I should have been invested in some shades. This purchase was easily justifiable in my mind. Shoot, after that elbow to the eye, (which by the way felt like my eye instantaneously turned to liquid). I knew this was the right thing to do. I suggest everyone get at least one pair of good shades. Don't look at the price, just find the pair (or two or three) that make you look and feel major. They're out there trust....I picked a pair of Burberry shades. They're polarized and understated. I love them and could honestly wear them all day because they feel good on. (I shat on Diddy for years because of that and now I finally get it). Now that you know, I hope you take heed. Your eyes are worth it, and what would you do without them? I pity the though.
Heinz ketchup , skippy peanutbutter, pepsi cola, scott tissue, Haan-Dazs ice cream and your favorite designer shades...justifiably worth every cent.

BoomBox Baby

FRESH...
I love music and depending on what I'm listening to (usually Hip-Hop and R&B) I like my music loud.
So right now as I write this, somebody on this iron horse is annoyed by my ipod making its tis tisk tis tisk sound. You know the sound your headphones make when you hear some ones ipod who might be sitting 2 seats from you. People love to talk about how annoying it is and maybe it is but what if this was 1984 I'm saying...?


I'm a boombox baby. In 1984 I was a lil kid, being baby sat by my cousins who at the time were teenagers and young adults. Kangols, Adidas and Lees was the fashion. Everybody was either a MC, break dancer or graffiti artist bombers and no matter who you were, you had to have a boombox.
New York City in the 80's was known for its classic block parties. At that time, everybody had their music with them on tape. If there was a reason for a kid with a boombox to stop for 5 minutes there was a possibility a five minute party would break out. Music was everywhere. Which makes me side eye, all the people complaining about my loud i-pod. I truly could give two shits if my music annoys you while we're temporarily cross paths on the iron horse.

Hey it could always be worse. You could be living in the days of the boombox and be subjected to ALL my hype music. Frankly, some music needs to be played loud. Its meant to be. As a self proclaimed retired break dancer, its necessary. I don't do it intentionally to annoy folks but I'm doing me and maybe you need to get a better book if you can't concentrate.

I love my ipod and all 10K or so songs I have on it. Give thanks that this isn't 1984 and the crack era....
*steps off soapbox boombox*

Lefty In the Right State of Mind! Don't Hate or Discriminate!

Long before I knew what the word discrimination meant, I knew what it felt like to be discriminated against. Briefly noted, I like to think I am unique being a quadruple minority and all. I'm black woman with a disability that's left handed. Now that I’ve cleared that up, I'm going to discuss what I've ascertained.

Life Is NOT Fair...
You never realize you're "different" until you leave your house. At home I lived with a lefty (my brother is too.) We never bumped elbows (nothing more annoying than that). No big deal right? Until I started Preschool. I wasn’t allow extra time to figure out how to get my brain to switch to it’s left side. I had to figure this out quickly or faced falling behind. To this day I learn by focusing on visual cues. I learn by rhyming and making songs in my head. I had to write things repeatedly to get things down pat. I don’t think this is a bad thing, it’s only a problem when assumptions are made that everyone understands you. I knew how to follow directions so during assembly, when the teacher said put your hands on your heart, it would be my left hand on my heart. As funny as it looked to right handed folks, it made total sense to me. A lesson in assumption learned early I suppose. When I got into high school it was those single desk. They were all made for right handed people and believe it or not, its uncomfortable, you have zero elbow support which makes writing a bit more exhausting. I know folks could give two shits and I’m good with that. Still don’t make it fair though.


Sometime you're gonna have to work 2x as harder just to keep up...
I wonder if I grew up today with all the key pads available, would I have had the same issues when it comes to me “meeting my own standards”. I’ve been described as lazy since I was a kid. I didn’t care because I knew I was smart. I was so smart that I knew early “people do what’s important”. I guess though, it’s safe to assume, most lazy people are smart people. I say this because I knew since preschool in order for me to get it right (my standards), I would have to work two sometimes three times as hard just to get it. A left handed child really needs a patient and persistent parent that will drill you over and over again. (Some thing it seems a lot of kids are lacking today- Period. ) Penmanship was extremely important to me when I was learning to write and it was not easy. Most reports were hand written when I was coming up. Today its totally different. Some times we are our toughest critic. I compared my penmanship to my classmates and in hindsight I understand how it kept me distracted. I was a daydreamer. Once I allowed myself to concentrate on the lesson, I was engaged and my comprehension was on point. I daydream when I'm not engaged. If I'm at a boring meeting, I'll take notes- it helps keep me focused. Although a good daydreaming session is cool every now and again *wink*. I’m usually intellectually evaluating something important to me.
Make alliances with SMART people you trust...
I had to learn to make friends with smart motivating people. These type of people have been in my 'circle' for as long as I can remember. They were supportive and generous in some way (and often right handed too). They also foster healthy competition. I appreciate all the good right handed people whom I had mutual admiration for. I admired your perfect penmanship and I thank you for not being annoyed when we bumped elbows.

Enjoy the genius in you!
Being left handed is great in its own way. You become part of a silent kinship. You and only one out ten people write with their left hand. Some people are ambidextrous but I'm not. (Of course I've tried and it feels crazy weird.) I'm cool with being an absolute lefty in the right state of mind. Makes me that much more cooler.