Real Talk: MTA

I saw this poster in the 2 train Wall Street station on Friday evening, fashioned after the MTA service change announcements:

If you can't read the bottom, it says:

How does this affect my trip?
You're not going anywhere.

Why is service being changed?
We are making service cuts because we want to screw you and make you think there's nothing you can do about it.

I like the campaign; it obviously voices what a lot of us are thinking when it comes to the weak ass MTA. This poster says "we want to make you think there's nothing you can do about it," but what is there to do about it besides complain? Are there any other, more proactive steps we can take that don't require taking time off from work to protest or waiting in line for lifetimes in some hostile government office? I can't think of any, and it does seem like there's nothing you can do about terrible service and higher MetroCard prices because people HAVE to use public transportation to get to work. Alternatives?

Conversational Chemistry

Have you ever had a phone conversation with someone for the first time, and the timing is just completely off? You start talking, and they've started talking at the same time. Then you stop to let them speak, but they've stopped to let you speak. Then you both start talking at the same time again. Then you stop but they keep going, so you've completely missed the first half of whatever they were saying. You both do that awkward, nervous laugh. Then there's an uncomfortable silence. Then you both start talking at the same time again. Christ!

It's not at all the case that you or the other person is especially long-winded or socially awkward. It's just that there is zero conversational chemistry there. You know what I mean?

Carmex

Dear Carmex user,

Why do you use this product? I'm just trying to wrap my head around it. I understand that it's winter and you need something moisturizing for your lips. I understand that in many cases, you're a guy and don't care too much about what you put on your lips. But this stuff looks like earwax and smells like a medicated version of what I imagine earwax to smell like in a very concentrated form. When you apply this stuff to your lips and then speak to people, each and every word that comes out of your mouth smells like Carmex. If I run into you on a crowded train, this is a very unfortunate situation for me. When you dip your finger into the jar and rub in onto your lips, what do you do with the excess? Rub it on your hands, maybe? So now you have terrible-smelling breath and hands. Maybe you've just never thought about this, Carmex user. Maybe no one's felt comfortable enough to bring this to your attention. I just wanted you to know.

Sincerely,

Victoria