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William Brownstein
Apr 13, 2020, 12:44:48 PM4/13/20
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Not the Chinese people in general, whether they are living in America or in their own country, but the government itself. It's time to cease dealing with them entirely for what they did to our country and the world. They lied and will have a hell of a price to pay. The burden is entirely on them for covering up and not being more forthcoming when approached about COVID-19. https://twitter.com/wmbrownstein/status/1249737398440939520?s=21
kevin
Apr 16, 2020, 1:53:29 PM4/16/20
to
On Monday, April 13, 2020 at 12:44:48 PM UTC-4, William Brownstein wrote:
> Not the Chinese people in general, whether they are living in America or in their own country, but the government itself. It's time to cease dealing with them entirely for what they did to our country and the world. They lied and will have a hell of a price to pay. The burden is entirely on them for covering up and not being more forthcoming when approached about COVID-19. https://twitter.com/wmbrownstein/status/1249737398440939520?s=21
Start with your boy Trump and deal with his big part of the mess. He chose to ignore warnings and science and rely on his 'gut.' And here we are. I'm sorry you are in a bad way right now.
> Not the Chinese people in general, whether they are living in America or in their own country, but the government itself. It's time to cease dealing with them entirely for what they did to our country and the world. They lied and will have a hell of a price to pay. The burden is entirely on them for covering up and not being more forthcoming when approached about COVID-19. https://twitter.com/wmbrownstein/status/1249737398440939520?s=21
William Brownstein
Apr 17, 2020, 2:31:24 AM4/17/20
to
I'm tired of arguing politics, but there is fault to blame on all sides.
This is so unbelievable and feels like a movie. It's depressing and there seems no end in sight, especially in big cities. It doesn't get worse than NYC or just right outside of it where I live in Bergen County. We got hit harder than any other county in NJ.
Trying to get financial aid is almost impossible and endless phone calls that are tied up or people who have no clue. Food is about to run out and about $14 in my pocket. Luckily I spoke with someone locally who is setting up food delivery for me from an organization that normally deals with people with handicaps and above 60. He said they are helping everyone in need right now. Yet, you still need money for basic necessities.
I normally take a taxi home with my groceries after I walk over to my supermarket which is about a mile from me. Transporting multiple grocery bags works better that way and it's a nice walk to get there, but I haven't used the taxis and just made multiple trips buying fewer things to stay safe for the last month. Friday the 13th really turned out to be a curse this year. That day in March was the last time I worked, and it's been over a month now with NY today saying now that nothing will open up for at least another month.
People are going to lose their businesses, of which some will never recover and our country with all the money it's paying out will have devasting effects for a long time. That's terrible, frightening for myself and others like me, and the thoughts of what it will do to to the American people long term is beyond scary regardless of who you support politically or ones personal political beliefs. We are all in this together similar to the days after Sept 11th. The only difference this time seems to be the unity seems divided and people still fighting and attacking others with the advancement of social media in the almost 19 to 20 years since the last major crisis our nation faced.
I don't know what the future holds or how long this will endure, but it doesn't look promising. I can't see New York getting back to normal anytime soon with tourism and things that make it thrive and come to life, like Broadway, Night Clubs, and restaurants and sporting events - not just in New York, but throughout our nation.
I appreciate your thoughtfulness in your replies on how this is affecting me. I was venting a bit on some of these posts, thinking out loud in social media seeing how others feel in relation to my thoughts and carried it over here as well.
I do hope you and your family are ok and coping with this epidemic, as best as they can, and anyone else who may be reading this who have been part of this message board going back 22 years for me since 1998.
I'm definitely not here to attack anyone despite my moods that go from hope one day to anger the next day based on someone not accurately being able to follow through on a claim that a rep helped me with for two hours on the phone with yesterday and not being able to complete the second part because my phone is old. Only to have her call me back the following day, patch me through to a lady who wouldn't even let me talk, put in a claim that was already put through over two weeks ago and tells me I'll get a letter within 10 days. Something that was already processed and pending, which she probably messed up. She put me in for PUA again and was suppose to help with PUC - Pandemic Employment Compensation, rather than Assistance. To make matters worse she said I can't get both, which is absolutely not true.
I was explained everything in detail by the previous rep who said this is for self employed people and the second one we couldn't finish is $600 weekly until July, for both.
The lady disconnected my call and it's impossible to get through. I waited all day and it's an endless wait with calls not being returned. Lots of people have been put off for weeks and weeks. The system is overwhelmed. People who do this work need to be knowledgeable and at the same time good listeners and let people tell them the situation. It went from a great rep to a horrible experience, probably setting me back.
When they call they ask for your SS# and I am very careful about my personal info. People are prey to scams, especially in situations like this. They don't do what they say they will on The NY Labor Twitter and verify who they are. Instead of telling you the date you put in the claim and type of claim, they ask for SS#, which you should really never give out to people you don't know.
I had one rep ask me multiple times the other day and was told she can't help me without it. I refused. The one rep that called back gain my trust and said she'll try and help me by answering any questions I may have and seemed very knowledgeable. When I finally thought she was for real, I gave her my info and she verified my claim, but they shouldn't do this, which is dangerous and putting people at risk who might be getting a call from a scam.
I thought I made progress but all that hard work seem to take a major step backwards today. I've been able to get through at times by contacting the Governor's office and explaining my situation, in turn getting patched through. The system is lost, broken and almost impossible to get through otherwise. They are suppose to CB within 72 hours, and that's not always happening, but at least you can direct message to them after they respond to you on Twitter.
I heard NJ is just as bad or worse, but you file in the state you work in. So many people in NYC are having trouble, because many are private contractors and self employed. That's why regular Uemployment is not available and these special programs have been added. That's great, but useless if you can't access to them or your money runs out after patiently trying for weeks to get them and still haven't yet.
I'm not sleeping a lot and conserving food to basically one meal a day. Matzo from Passover has helped for breakfast and lasts longer tan cereal. Dinner at night is really the only other time I eat. I try to have breakfast late so it is not as many hours between meals.
It goes on, but it all comes down to survival and doing things you really have no choice in the matter. Some people are not taking the social distancing seriously and that's problematic. I've even seen it here in my town when walking around, the very few times I'm out to go to the supermarket or laudromat, which I have done very little.
People gather, especially younger people, and things like Spring Break and Mardigra took its toll. You'd think people would have learned by it. We are facing the unknown here and if this isn't taken seriously, they are talking about the next wave or it reemerging again. The progress would have been in vain and the nightmare of starting over again is just horrible think about.
The only thing that can stop this is a vaccine, but that's a long way down the road it seems.
I hope things can resume shortly, but I seriously doubt that very much, I'm sorry to say. How people survive seems to be the real question. Rent, utilities and food. Cable companies for now are not shutting people off. That would be a death sentence for me if they did. My landline phone and Wi-Fi are my lifelines during this crisis. My monthly prepaid plan for my iPhone has been out on hold. I use my cable WiFi for the phone when I'm home and can use the Internet and still use texting, but only among people who have iPhones. The number is not on because I'm not outside working and use the landline at home, which is easier anyway. Most people use their cellular phones at home, I don't. With a bit of a hearing loss, landlines are easier for me.Also this iPhone4S is old and the phone reception really doesn't work inside anyway, but works pretty much ok when I'm working outside, so need to have my prepaid added right now.
And then there's cable, which is part of my package from the cable co. with phone and Internet. If I lose that as well I'd really go out of my mind. I enjoy watching television, even with a basic package of mostly the major networks. Great entertaing shows with a dvr. I cut most of the cable out and downgraded to that, which is really what I mostly watch. They do give you a few other things too including a 24 hour non commercial movie channel that have classic films on Retroplex. Right now Showtime and another premium film channel is free for a for more days, but I haven't even watched it.
Heat and electricity won't be turned off
now and landlords can't take you to court for unpaid rent. I don't how much longer they'll keep that going, but they deserve and rely on income too, especially if you rent in a private 2 family house.
Essentials for now are there but notices from cable companies and electric companies come and there's a possibility they can shut you off, especially if you were a bit behind before the crisis started and you weren't up to date and didn't catch up - and then out of the blue, BAM!
No phone and Internet would be a disaster.
That's why people should get their benefits right now, especially if they have been waiting for weeks ongoing. You see the long lines at food banks now on the news and sadly farmers who can't move their food to locations having to throw out and destroy their crops, which is a terrible waste. They are trying to figure out ways to get it to people it can help, but there are little resources available to them for distribution. You seem them dumping milk from their cows on the news. Incredible! Such a waste, but no choice.
People are losing everything. It seems like it will continue to get worse. The recovery from all this will be long term and will take years to recover.
Some people will never catch up as there are those who live paycheck by paycheck with no savings. People scrape to get by each month as it is. How are they going to catch up with bills and rent when this is over and also stay current?
Suicides are probably going to factor in with this as well. People with anxieties and those who are by themselves and have no one to rely on. The longer this goes, the more people will get desperate.
I wouldn't be surprised if you see an uprising on the streets with violence when government rules by martial law and prohibits people from doing what they do normally. You will have people that will not want to comply and if food shortages happen it may very well come down to people making bad stupid choices and doing desperate things.
Staying safe seems to be a priority, but taking away people's ability to work is just as bad to the downfall. If opening things up resulting in severe consequences, that could be devasting, but if things remain closed that too can have serious everlasting impacts. People will be called on it no matter what and it will seem like the wrong choices no matter what, with politicians arguing back and forth blaming each other. And during an election year both sides are using this for political points, when they should be working together. Finally, as for "my boy Trump" who shut down people from entering the USA from China, while being called a racist and being impeached at the time probably saved a lot of lives by doing that.
The mayor of NYC told people to continue to go on normally with their daily lives. Go to restaurants, go to shows, go to movies, China Town and didn't take it seriously until it got out of hand, and even when it did, he shut down NYC but kept the schools opened up and was one of the last to do so, while many around the country did before him. That makes no sense.
Gov Cuomo was more concerned about solar panels for energy and using resources for that and should have had the proper amount of ventilators stocked up for emergency usage, especially after Sept 11. It's not the job of the federal government to supply that but the responsibility of the states to do this own their own.
Regardless, nobody ever imagined this scenario other than a scifi movie or novel. People on both sides have made bad decisions, and no matter what they do, they will probably get called out on it, especially in an election year where there is a lot riding to people on both sides. This will be played up even bigger then what it has become and you can be assured both sides will use it for political gain. Unfortunately, both sides should be working 100% together in trying to resolve this as quickly as possible. This is bigger and beyond politics. That's how I see it and I'm open to what all politicians are saying right now for the most part, unless I see them using it as an attack. It's pretty clear when that's happening. Save the blame game for the debates and election. I'd like to think that's the way it works and should work.
This is so unbelievable and feels like a movie. It's depressing and there seems no end in sight, especially in big cities. It doesn't get worse than NYC or just right outside of it where I live in Bergen County. We got hit harder than any other county in NJ.
Trying to get financial aid is almost impossible and endless phone calls that are tied up or people who have no clue. Food is about to run out and about $14 in my pocket. Luckily I spoke with someone locally who is setting up food delivery for me from an organization that normally deals with people with handicaps and above 60. He said they are helping everyone in need right now. Yet, you still need money for basic necessities.
I normally take a taxi home with my groceries after I walk over to my supermarket which is about a mile from me. Transporting multiple grocery bags works better that way and it's a nice walk to get there, but I haven't used the taxis and just made multiple trips buying fewer things to stay safe for the last month. Friday the 13th really turned out to be a curse this year. That day in March was the last time I worked, and it's been over a month now with NY today saying now that nothing will open up for at least another month.
People are going to lose their businesses, of which some will never recover and our country with all the money it's paying out will have devasting effects for a long time. That's terrible, frightening for myself and others like me, and the thoughts of what it will do to to the American people long term is beyond scary regardless of who you support politically or ones personal political beliefs. We are all in this together similar to the days after Sept 11th. The only difference this time seems to be the unity seems divided and people still fighting and attacking others with the advancement of social media in the almost 19 to 20 years since the last major crisis our nation faced.
I don't know what the future holds or how long this will endure, but it doesn't look promising. I can't see New York getting back to normal anytime soon with tourism and things that make it thrive and come to life, like Broadway, Night Clubs, and restaurants and sporting events - not just in New York, but throughout our nation.
I appreciate your thoughtfulness in your replies on how this is affecting me. I was venting a bit on some of these posts, thinking out loud in social media seeing how others feel in relation to my thoughts and carried it over here as well.
I do hope you and your family are ok and coping with this epidemic, as best as they can, and anyone else who may be reading this who have been part of this message board going back 22 years for me since 1998.
I'm definitely not here to attack anyone despite my moods that go from hope one day to anger the next day based on someone not accurately being able to follow through on a claim that a rep helped me with for two hours on the phone with yesterday and not being able to complete the second part because my phone is old. Only to have her call me back the following day, patch me through to a lady who wouldn't even let me talk, put in a claim that was already put through over two weeks ago and tells me I'll get a letter within 10 days. Something that was already processed and pending, which she probably messed up. She put me in for PUA again and was suppose to help with PUC - Pandemic Employment Compensation, rather than Assistance. To make matters worse she said I can't get both, which is absolutely not true.
I was explained everything in detail by the previous rep who said this is for self employed people and the second one we couldn't finish is $600 weekly until July, for both.
The lady disconnected my call and it's impossible to get through. I waited all day and it's an endless wait with calls not being returned. Lots of people have been put off for weeks and weeks. The system is overwhelmed. People who do this work need to be knowledgeable and at the same time good listeners and let people tell them the situation. It went from a great rep to a horrible experience, probably setting me back.
When they call they ask for your SS# and I am very careful about my personal info. People are prey to scams, especially in situations like this. They don't do what they say they will on The NY Labor Twitter and verify who they are. Instead of telling you the date you put in the claim and type of claim, they ask for SS#, which you should really never give out to people you don't know.
I had one rep ask me multiple times the other day and was told she can't help me without it. I refused. The one rep that called back gain my trust and said she'll try and help me by answering any questions I may have and seemed very knowledgeable. When I finally thought she was for real, I gave her my info and she verified my claim, but they shouldn't do this, which is dangerous and putting people at risk who might be getting a call from a scam.
I thought I made progress but all that hard work seem to take a major step backwards today. I've been able to get through at times by contacting the Governor's office and explaining my situation, in turn getting patched through. The system is lost, broken and almost impossible to get through otherwise. They are suppose to CB within 72 hours, and that's not always happening, but at least you can direct message to them after they respond to you on Twitter.
I heard NJ is just as bad or worse, but you file in the state you work in. So many people in NYC are having trouble, because many are private contractors and self employed. That's why regular Uemployment is not available and these special programs have been added. That's great, but useless if you can't access to them or your money runs out after patiently trying for weeks to get them and still haven't yet.
I'm not sleeping a lot and conserving food to basically one meal a day. Matzo from Passover has helped for breakfast and lasts longer tan cereal. Dinner at night is really the only other time I eat. I try to have breakfast late so it is not as many hours between meals.
It goes on, but it all comes down to survival and doing things you really have no choice in the matter. Some people are not taking the social distancing seriously and that's problematic. I've even seen it here in my town when walking around, the very few times I'm out to go to the supermarket or laudromat, which I have done very little.
People gather, especially younger people, and things like Spring Break and Mardigra took its toll. You'd think people would have learned by it. We are facing the unknown here and if this isn't taken seriously, they are talking about the next wave or it reemerging again. The progress would have been in vain and the nightmare of starting over again is just horrible think about.
The only thing that can stop this is a vaccine, but that's a long way down the road it seems.
I hope things can resume shortly, but I seriously doubt that very much, I'm sorry to say. How people survive seems to be the real question. Rent, utilities and food. Cable companies for now are not shutting people off. That would be a death sentence for me if they did. My landline phone and Wi-Fi are my lifelines during this crisis. My monthly prepaid plan for my iPhone has been out on hold. I use my cable WiFi for the phone when I'm home and can use the Internet and still use texting, but only among people who have iPhones. The number is not on because I'm not outside working and use the landline at home, which is easier anyway. Most people use their cellular phones at home, I don't. With a bit of a hearing loss, landlines are easier for me.Also this iPhone4S is old and the phone reception really doesn't work inside anyway, but works pretty much ok when I'm working outside, so need to have my prepaid added right now.
And then there's cable, which is part of my package from the cable co. with phone and Internet. If I lose that as well I'd really go out of my mind. I enjoy watching television, even with a basic package of mostly the major networks. Great entertaing shows with a dvr. I cut most of the cable out and downgraded to that, which is really what I mostly watch. They do give you a few other things too including a 24 hour non commercial movie channel that have classic films on Retroplex. Right now Showtime and another premium film channel is free for a for more days, but I haven't even watched it.
Heat and electricity won't be turned off
now and landlords can't take you to court for unpaid rent. I don't how much longer they'll keep that going, but they deserve and rely on income too, especially if you rent in a private 2 family house.
Essentials for now are there but notices from cable companies and electric companies come and there's a possibility they can shut you off, especially if you were a bit behind before the crisis started and you weren't up to date and didn't catch up - and then out of the blue, BAM!
No phone and Internet would be a disaster.
That's why people should get their benefits right now, especially if they have been waiting for weeks ongoing. You see the long lines at food banks now on the news and sadly farmers who can't move their food to locations having to throw out and destroy their crops, which is a terrible waste. They are trying to figure out ways to get it to people it can help, but there are little resources available to them for distribution. You seem them dumping milk from their cows on the news. Incredible! Such a waste, but no choice.
People are losing everything. It seems like it will continue to get worse. The recovery from all this will be long term and will take years to recover.
Some people will never catch up as there are those who live paycheck by paycheck with no savings. People scrape to get by each month as it is. How are they going to catch up with bills and rent when this is over and also stay current?
Suicides are probably going to factor in with this as well. People with anxieties and those who are by themselves and have no one to rely on. The longer this goes, the more people will get desperate.
I wouldn't be surprised if you see an uprising on the streets with violence when government rules by martial law and prohibits people from doing what they do normally. You will have people that will not want to comply and if food shortages happen it may very well come down to people making bad stupid choices and doing desperate things.
Staying safe seems to be a priority, but taking away people's ability to work is just as bad to the downfall. If opening things up resulting in severe consequences, that could be devasting, but if things remain closed that too can have serious everlasting impacts. People will be called on it no matter what and it will seem like the wrong choices no matter what, with politicians arguing back and forth blaming each other. And during an election year both sides are using this for political points, when they should be working together. Finally, as for "my boy Trump" who shut down people from entering the USA from China, while being called a racist and being impeached at the time probably saved a lot of lives by doing that.
The mayor of NYC told people to continue to go on normally with their daily lives. Go to restaurants, go to shows, go to movies, China Town and didn't take it seriously until it got out of hand, and even when it did, he shut down NYC but kept the schools opened up and was one of the last to do so, while many around the country did before him. That makes no sense.
Gov Cuomo was more concerned about solar panels for energy and using resources for that and should have had the proper amount of ventilators stocked up for emergency usage, especially after Sept 11. It's not the job of the federal government to supply that but the responsibility of the states to do this own their own.
Regardless, nobody ever imagined this scenario other than a scifi movie or novel. People on both sides have made bad decisions, and no matter what they do, they will probably get called out on it, especially in an election year where there is a lot riding to people on both sides. This will be played up even bigger then what it has become and you can be assured both sides will use it for political gain. Unfortunately, both sides should be working 100% together in trying to resolve this as quickly as possible. This is bigger and beyond politics. That's how I see it and I'm open to what all politicians are saying right now for the most part, unless I see them using it as an attack. It's pretty clear when that's happening. Save the blame game for the debates and election. I'd like to think that's the way it works and should work.
kevin
Apr 20, 2020, 5:41:15 PM4/20/20
to
Good luck - stay in touch as you feel like it. Best wishes to you.
William Brownstein
Apr 21, 2020, 11:15:40 AM4/21/20
to
Thanks, I'm glad it worked out for you and you haven't been affected with your income. Also, great to hear your family is ok.
I got some good news day yesterday twice over. Both my food situation and benefits are starting up. Frozen food from an organization that usually helps out people over 60 and disabled individuals are helping out everybody who has lost their income during this time.
As for benefits to subsidize my income, I qualified for both pandemic assistance programs. One, at 50% of usual income, and the other is $600 weekly until the end of July. A bit of a relief, but still worrisome.
There's no sign of NYC and North Jersey getting back to normal soon. The mayor of NYC postponed three parades in June. The 50th Gay Pride Parade, which is a shame, and the Israel and Puerto Rican Parades too.
Parts of the country are opening up, but I think the protests on the Right are crazy, which can possibly set things back. I understand why, but that and opening up public beaches in Florida and other places is too soon, putting people at risk of the unknown.
Definitely nothing like this will happen soon. I'm not sure what I will do going back with my history that is known to you over the years. My direction if I have to find another job is most likely sales. After all these years, I think I've found my niche and probably could excel in a sales commission job if it was something other than what I am doing now.
I was only working about two to three days a week making full time money anyway and was able to work any day and any hours I liked. I had full flexibility on when I worked. After this gets done, if that happens, I'll probably want to increase my hours.
Part of the reason I didn't want to work a lot was the aggravation of the streets in Times Square and the surrounding areas. It's a zoo with shady people making trouble. Snide remarks at times from people you approach. It all goes with the territory. As for some of the remarks I've made in the past, they were directed at people that cost me money. Guys on the street posing as Recording Artists handing people cd's and saying "let me sign it for you" and asking for a donation. Shady and most likely a scam. They work in a group of guys, and if someone takes one, they circle around you likes sharks and intimidate people for money.
One person who I solicited last year said he was robbed and just came from the police station reviewing video and making a report. It was from the Rapper/CD scam. He didn't have money to buy tickets, and I comped him the tickets.
Last year I was bumped pretty hard from behind from three black youths, when I was looking at a poster over at Studio 54. They did it intentionally and didn't apologize. Hence some of the angry racial remarks. Also another black person gave me a counterfeit $100 bill last year after we spent a lot of time talking friendly and seeming to have a great conversation. He conned me and not only got the tickets, but also change I gave him from the sales.
Then you have the rude guys that say they are collecting for the homeless and interrupt and break up sales when they see money when I'm talking to a customer. They say, "where do you need to go, what directions do you need?" When I tell them I'm already talking to them, they persist, as does the cd guys, and the bus guys shoving pamphlets in people's hands, when I'm trying to make a sale and not letting up, when told that I'm in the middle of talking to someone, as people panhandling without letting up, as well as people interrupting for directions when engaged with a sale. Rude people who have cost me money and even physically assaulted me.
I'm not a racist person, and just try to make a living. I believe there's a movie title called "Mean Streets" and NYC is definitely all that and more. I've seen just about every scenario that you can imagine. The day before my birthday recently, I even had a woman try and rob me after I put a ticket in her hand (to show her the times and venue, like I usually do) and she didn't want to give it back. The police were involved (about 10 cops, including a Lieutenant with your last name - perhaps a relative?) I probably should have let it go, but it was the principle of the thing. I have an endless supply of tickets, and all it is, is cardboard. I made sure she wasn't going anywhere and people got involved with their cameras. She was white by the way and one black guy came to my defense and asked to see the tickets. He then handed them back to me and said they're mine.
As great as NYC is to visit, it's filled with money hungry con artists who will go to any extreme to prey on vulnerable tourists, including people in my industry who lie and misrepresent to make a sale. I don't operate that way and don't say Tina Fey is performing (she doesn't do Standup Comedy anyway) or Chris Rock or Kevin Hart. I have threatened to walk many times and have gotten into many arguments with the husband and wife team I work with who supplies tickets to me. They always try to keep me no matter what I say to them. I have another club that does the same and I have options to work with other clubs. Even the ticket sellers on the streets are territorial and jerks.
The money is good, I don't misrepresent and my boss appreciates my honesty. What other people do I've been told is not my concern. The clubs put on good shows. Lots of complaints, but many people from late night tv appearances, to film, stage and up and coming. The clubs are poorly run by management and people working on the premises.
Right before the epidemic shut down our business, one of the employees at the club undermined me and I told her off. A couple of young guys from Europe bought tickets from me after spending a considerable amount talking to them and then walking them a few blocks over to the club. I thanked them and walked them into the lobby and told them to enjoy the show. One of them extended his hand out to shake hands. I said "lets just elbow bump to stay safe." The lady at the door said, "I'll shake your hand, I'm not a pussy." She was definitely making a reference to me over an interaction I had that didn't concern her. Other comics, waiting to go on were there as well as a few people on line. What she did was rude and unprofessional. She proved what a scumbag she was with her actions.
After the guys went in, I told her what a lowlife and piece of crap she was. She lost it and started screaming FUCK YOU real loud. I told her she needs to get laid. The bouncer came over to me as I was leaving (I usually don't go to the club anyway) and said "Come on let's go" gently softly putting his hand on my shoulder.
The reviews show that people at the door have showed up after they bought tickets and have been turned away because the capacity of the theater was sold out. They are suppose to reserve ahead of time, which is stated on the tickets. Most sellers don't offer them the reservation with the other shady street teams they work with. With the husband and wife team I work with, I always offer the customer a reservation and text it over to my boss, or call it in while the customer is in my presence. I tell them if they want to change the time and/or day to the show they are going to, please call my boss, and that his direct phone number is on the tickets, which never expire and good seven days a week. The reviews have stated that some of the people at the door are rude and even said FUCK YOU to the customer, when they demand their money back after arguing with them when the show is overbooked or sold out. Google Broadway Comedy Club and read the reviews.
Lies, misrepresentation and not giving people the correct information from ticket sellers on the street, and rude people employed within the confines of the club, to the owner looking the other way of the owner who fully is aware of it and makes excuses. It's been going on for years if you look at the negative reviews.
Yet, they do have some great comedian's and even had David Spade so a surprise walk on last year. Dante Nero works with my boss and we usually have him every weekend. His credits include NBC's "The Blacklist" "Ray Donavan" on Showtime and "The Chappelle Show", to name a few of the things he has done. My boss produces many shows and books the comics and gets money as well, based on people who attend that I sell. He is not a club employee, nor am I.
The other street teams run by morons who deceive people are the worst. I have wanted to walk many times, but my boss said just do my job and not to worry about them.
As you can see, the job is great money, but comes with problems to shady people on the streets, to irresponsible people within the business I work in. When I'm upset, sometimes I don't work for days or more than a week. I'm very good at what I do and also want put up with people who jerk me around when I'm pitching them. If I see they are being rude or mocking me, I have been known to tell them off real bad.
I am very good at getting people to stop and make them laugh. Sometimes the things I say seems so funny as though I'm a comedian. I've even been asked if I'm in the show and tell them I was a radio DJ in the past and it's probably the voice, which helps a lot in the business. The term that is applied to what I do is called "barking."
My boss has also asked if I would like to perform and offered me a spot. I don't think I would be comfortable doing standup with hecklers and the possibility of falling flat on my face. That's why I liked radio, in a private setting, even though the audience out there had numbers, yet just me and a mic in a private studio.
Anyway, if Broadway doesn't reopen their shows, I doubt we will. It doesn't look good, but Broadway Shows, Jazz and Comedy Clubs, as well as restaurants are a big part of what brings people to New York, as well as sporting events, concerts and conventions. New York City thrives on tourism and people doing these activities. So as doubtful to its future, in a way, I think things can resume and must soon. How soon? Half a month, a month, two months? I don't know, but the news this morning and the last few days have mentioned other states that have slowly started opening and about to open. I think this area will be last. Unfortunately, the thought of the pandemic striking again is definitely something to think about. Even a tourist visiting from someone outside of this area and then spreading it. Look how quickly it spread to a few places in the country, to a few states, and then quickly spreading within days and weeks.
The economy needs to resume, but safety is important too. Really concerned how the openings over the next few days will play out in other parts of the country. While we're still on hold here, our survival financially is taking a toll. No winners here no matter what.
I got some good news day yesterday twice over. Both my food situation and benefits are starting up. Frozen food from an organization that usually helps out people over 60 and disabled individuals are helping out everybody who has lost their income during this time.
As for benefits to subsidize my income, I qualified for both pandemic assistance programs. One, at 50% of usual income, and the other is $600 weekly until the end of July. A bit of a relief, but still worrisome.
There's no sign of NYC and North Jersey getting back to normal soon. The mayor of NYC postponed three parades in June. The 50th Gay Pride Parade, which is a shame, and the Israel and Puerto Rican Parades too.
Parts of the country are opening up, but I think the protests on the Right are crazy, which can possibly set things back. I understand why, but that and opening up public beaches in Florida and other places is too soon, putting people at risk of the unknown.
Definitely nothing like this will happen soon. I'm not sure what I will do going back with my history that is known to you over the years. My direction if I have to find another job is most likely sales. After all these years, I think I've found my niche and probably could excel in a sales commission job if it was something other than what I am doing now.
I was only working about two to three days a week making full time money anyway and was able to work any day and any hours I liked. I had full flexibility on when I worked. After this gets done, if that happens, I'll probably want to increase my hours.
Part of the reason I didn't want to work a lot was the aggravation of the streets in Times Square and the surrounding areas. It's a zoo with shady people making trouble. Snide remarks at times from people you approach. It all goes with the territory. As for some of the remarks I've made in the past, they were directed at people that cost me money. Guys on the street posing as Recording Artists handing people cd's and saying "let me sign it for you" and asking for a donation. Shady and most likely a scam. They work in a group of guys, and if someone takes one, they circle around you likes sharks and intimidate people for money.
One person who I solicited last year said he was robbed and just came from the police station reviewing video and making a report. It was from the Rapper/CD scam. He didn't have money to buy tickets, and I comped him the tickets.
Last year I was bumped pretty hard from behind from three black youths, when I was looking at a poster over at Studio 54. They did it intentionally and didn't apologize. Hence some of the angry racial remarks. Also another black person gave me a counterfeit $100 bill last year after we spent a lot of time talking friendly and seeming to have a great conversation. He conned me and not only got the tickets, but also change I gave him from the sales.
Then you have the rude guys that say they are collecting for the homeless and interrupt and break up sales when they see money when I'm talking to a customer. They say, "where do you need to go, what directions do you need?" When I tell them I'm already talking to them, they persist, as does the cd guys, and the bus guys shoving pamphlets in people's hands, when I'm trying to make a sale and not letting up, when told that I'm in the middle of talking to someone, as people panhandling without letting up, as well as people interrupting for directions when engaged with a sale. Rude people who have cost me money and even physically assaulted me.
I'm not a racist person, and just try to make a living. I believe there's a movie title called "Mean Streets" and NYC is definitely all that and more. I've seen just about every scenario that you can imagine. The day before my birthday recently, I even had a woman try and rob me after I put a ticket in her hand (to show her the times and venue, like I usually do) and she didn't want to give it back. The police were involved (about 10 cops, including a Lieutenant with your last name - perhaps a relative?) I probably should have let it go, but it was the principle of the thing. I have an endless supply of tickets, and all it is, is cardboard. I made sure she wasn't going anywhere and people got involved with their cameras. She was white by the way and one black guy came to my defense and asked to see the tickets. He then handed them back to me and said they're mine.
As great as NYC is to visit, it's filled with money hungry con artists who will go to any extreme to prey on vulnerable tourists, including people in my industry who lie and misrepresent to make a sale. I don't operate that way and don't say Tina Fey is performing (she doesn't do Standup Comedy anyway) or Chris Rock or Kevin Hart. I have threatened to walk many times and have gotten into many arguments with the husband and wife team I work with who supplies tickets to me. They always try to keep me no matter what I say to them. I have another club that does the same and I have options to work with other clubs. Even the ticket sellers on the streets are territorial and jerks.
The money is good, I don't misrepresent and my boss appreciates my honesty. What other people do I've been told is not my concern. The clubs put on good shows. Lots of complaints, but many people from late night tv appearances, to film, stage and up and coming. The clubs are poorly run by management and people working on the premises.
Right before the epidemic shut down our business, one of the employees at the club undermined me and I told her off. A couple of young guys from Europe bought tickets from me after spending a considerable amount talking to them and then walking them a few blocks over to the club. I thanked them and walked them into the lobby and told them to enjoy the show. One of them extended his hand out to shake hands. I said "lets just elbow bump to stay safe." The lady at the door said, "I'll shake your hand, I'm not a pussy." She was definitely making a reference to me over an interaction I had that didn't concern her. Other comics, waiting to go on were there as well as a few people on line. What she did was rude and unprofessional. She proved what a scumbag she was with her actions.
After the guys went in, I told her what a lowlife and piece of crap she was. She lost it and started screaming FUCK YOU real loud. I told her she needs to get laid. The bouncer came over to me as I was leaving (I usually don't go to the club anyway) and said "Come on let's go" gently softly putting his hand on my shoulder.
The reviews show that people at the door have showed up after they bought tickets and have been turned away because the capacity of the theater was sold out. They are suppose to reserve ahead of time, which is stated on the tickets. Most sellers don't offer them the reservation with the other shady street teams they work with. With the husband and wife team I work with, I always offer the customer a reservation and text it over to my boss, or call it in while the customer is in my presence. I tell them if they want to change the time and/or day to the show they are going to, please call my boss, and that his direct phone number is on the tickets, which never expire and good seven days a week. The reviews have stated that some of the people at the door are rude and even said FUCK YOU to the customer, when they demand their money back after arguing with them when the show is overbooked or sold out. Google Broadway Comedy Club and read the reviews.
Lies, misrepresentation and not giving people the correct information from ticket sellers on the street, and rude people employed within the confines of the club, to the owner looking the other way of the owner who fully is aware of it and makes excuses. It's been going on for years if you look at the negative reviews.
Yet, they do have some great comedian's and even had David Spade so a surprise walk on last year. Dante Nero works with my boss and we usually have him every weekend. His credits include NBC's "The Blacklist" "Ray Donavan" on Showtime and "The Chappelle Show", to name a few of the things he has done. My boss produces many shows and books the comics and gets money as well, based on people who attend that I sell. He is not a club employee, nor am I.
The other street teams run by morons who deceive people are the worst. I have wanted to walk many times, but my boss said just do my job and not to worry about them.
As you can see, the job is great money, but comes with problems to shady people on the streets, to irresponsible people within the business I work in. When I'm upset, sometimes I don't work for days or more than a week. I'm very good at what I do and also want put up with people who jerk me around when I'm pitching them. If I see they are being rude or mocking me, I have been known to tell them off real bad.
I am very good at getting people to stop and make them laugh. Sometimes the things I say seems so funny as though I'm a comedian. I've even been asked if I'm in the show and tell them I was a radio DJ in the past and it's probably the voice, which helps a lot in the business. The term that is applied to what I do is called "barking."
My boss has also asked if I would like to perform and offered me a spot. I don't think I would be comfortable doing standup with hecklers and the possibility of falling flat on my face. That's why I liked radio, in a private setting, even though the audience out there had numbers, yet just me and a mic in a private studio.
Anyway, if Broadway doesn't reopen their shows, I doubt we will. It doesn't look good, but Broadway Shows, Jazz and Comedy Clubs, as well as restaurants are a big part of what brings people to New York, as well as sporting events, concerts and conventions. New York City thrives on tourism and people doing these activities. So as doubtful to its future, in a way, I think things can resume and must soon. How soon? Half a month, a month, two months? I don't know, but the news this morning and the last few days have mentioned other states that have slowly started opening and about to open. I think this area will be last. Unfortunately, the thought of the pandemic striking again is definitely something to think about. Even a tourist visiting from someone outside of this area and then spreading it. Look how quickly it spread to a few places in the country, to a few states, and then quickly spreading within days and weeks.
The economy needs to resume, but safety is important too. Really concerned how the openings over the next few days will play out in other parts of the country. While we're still on hold here, our survival financially is taking a toll. No winners here no matter what.
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