Top 10 Questions to Ask to Your Lyft//Uber Driver

By now, you've heard of Uber and Lyft.
If you live in a big enough area,
you're lucky enough to experience these fine services.
Better prices and better people than cabs.
Vehicles so nice you sit in the front seat.
But, ah, when you sit up front,
you feel more inclined to make conversation.
And if your driver has been driving with the company for a while
you don't want to ask the same tired ol' questions.
You know:
how long have you been driving with Lyft/Uber?
what do you think about the weather?
what kind of candy do you have, again?

Fret no more, my dear friends (and associates),
for I have enough frequent rider miles to reach Topeka, Kansas.
And with great distances come great conversations.
Without further adieu, here are the top 10 questions
to ask your driver leading to a nice conversation flowing.


1) Are you from around here/Where are you from?

The drivers you ride with are more diverse than you know. Some are locals with insight and history about the city you never thought to look into. Some are transplants from other states with interesting stories from the childhoods. But the best drivers are the people who come from the same place as you. For instance, I took a Lyft in Baltimore and met a driver who was raised a few towns over from me in NJ. I tell you, there is nothing better than ragging on your hometown with a complete strange who feels almost the same way.

2) You like this station, huh/Is this your iPod?

Listen, music makes the world go round. If the top 40s station is on as a default, feel free to tear the latest T-Swift song to shreds for sounding generic and uninspired. Either the driver will join you on your pretentious rant or defend her like the diehard fan he is. Not feeling up to that, then ask for a station change. If you're lucky, they have Sirius XM or Spotify on deck. The best outcome is they have an aux cord and ask you, "Have anything you want to play?" at which point you thank your lucky stars and show off your fine music selection like the taste maker you are.

3) Is that bush real or is it just a backdrop? [Lyft]

My first two months using Lyft, I was fine living in ignorance, but after a certain point the mystery becomes too much to bare. Obviously, it has to be a faux backdrop. They just stand in front of a green screen or white wall somewhere and email their picture in to the company, right? But what if that's what they want you to think? Maybe that ever-green bush is real. Perhaps Lyft has their shrubbery game on lock and can produce identical bushes all over the country. Ask your driver and find out, why don't cha?

4) So how far do are you guys actually willing to travel?

You're lying to yourself if you never thought, "Hmm... how much would a trip from Manhattan to Jersey City cost?" Will an Uber driver drive 500 miles and then 500 more just to be the Uber driver that drove 1000 miles? How much time do these drivers really have on their hands? Obviously, it varies depending on the kind of person they are. ...but can you bribe them to drive further? If you do, you'll need more conversation starters, so read on!

5) What's it like on your days off?

"Like, who are you outside of this constrictive metal death box you call your office? Like, do you have another job? OMG, do you have a wife? No, you look like you could have a husband. I'm just saying, that ring finger, tho! Ooo, what are your, like, dreams and aspirations? Tell me more, tell me more!" Don't get too invasive, but feel free to get to know them better - especially if you've ridden with them more than once.

6) Have you heard of [insert current popular trending topic]?

As much as I am a fan of real conversations, stray clear of heavy topics like religion, politics, race (i.e. Ferguson, Je Suis Charlie, Police Brutality) unless they have talk radio on. Approach at your own risk, then. Otherwise, you can bring up JBieb's Calvin Klein shoot, Coor's new gluten free beer, any Netflix original show, etc. You see where I'm going with this.

7) Do you compete with other drivers/the other company/How much do taxis hate you?

Rivalries make for fun work environments, or at least interesting environments. Chances are your driver doesn't know any other Lyft/Uber drivers personally. No company picnics for this pack of loners. So, do they try to beat out other drivers for a client? Have they ever felt anxious pulling up to a cab at a red light? Ask the right questions, and you may find that your driver once had her tires slashed.


8) Who's the biggest douche you've driven/What's your best story so far?

With the rating system these ridesharing apps utilize, it's hard to come across an asshole, but once in a drunk night it'll happen. Your driver probably remembers every second of it, especially if it was their first terrible experience with a client. If they don't have a horror story, they'll probably recall the most interesting conversations they've eavesdropped on as friends gabbed in their backseat. It'll be entertaining either way.

9) Did you see that South Park episode a while back?

During the Fall of 2014, South Park produced an episode parodying ridesharing apps that slowly evolved (or devolved, depending on who you ask) into a Wacky Races situation. Watch it, if you haven't already. Then discuss or explain it to your driver. I'm sure it'll intrigue them.

10) Have you gotten laid of this gig yet?

I mean, because if they have, great for them. Maybe you should become a driver, too. Just don't ask them where they had sex with their client. Chances are it was the backseat. And in the case, would it be considered prostitution since they're still on the clock? ...maybe you shouldn't ask this one. #uberafterdark

Remember, only unsocial freaks like myself
don't speak to their drivers on a consistent basis.
Be better than me, my dear friends (and associates).
Til next time.
Word.

My Totally Biased 14 Best Albums of 2014

To be perfectly honest,
the music of 2014 paled in comparison
to the great works we received in 2013.
I mean, even Pharrell's album was a little lackluster.
Then again, so was Jay-Z's MCHG.

That said, some gems still managed
to shine past the bullshit.
So, once again, here are my picks for best albums.
I've listened to a lot this year, but not everything.
If you disagree or feel an album deserves some recognition,
hit up that comment section.

14. Mac Demarco - Salad Days

In his latest effort, Mac Demarco gives us synth and brooding lyrics for our dark days while delivering us hoppy guitar licks that make him sound like Jack Johnson's cooler little brother. Salad Days is a solid record that you can play through completely while riding around the city pretending Summer is still around. Also good for rooms you fill with smoke.

Hit Single:
Passing Out Pieces
Standout Tracks:
Brother
Chamber of Reflection



13. Spoon - They Want My Soul

With their 8th studio album, Spoon proves their longevity in an era that claims rock as we knew it is dying. Though this is admittedly my first experience with Spoon, if the sound of this album is like the band's previous work, the sound still works fantastically. The addition of Alex Fischel on keyboard and guitar truly helps round the group out.

Hit Single:
Do You
Standout Tracks:
Rainy Taxi
Knock Knock Knock



12. Ariana Grande - My Everything

As Mariah Carey's "youth" fades, Ariana Grande grows stronger. On My Everything, Ariana showcases her talent and auditions for America's Next Top Pop Diva. Overflowing with dance tracks featuring great rappers and producers, My Everything also provides ballads that allow our favorite Starbucks order to shine. Enjoy this when you want to belt pop songs alone in your room.

Hit Single:
Break Free [feat Zedd]
Standout Tracks:
Break Your Heart Right Back [feat Childish Gambino]
My Everything



11. Azealia Banks - Broke With Expensive Taste

Despite her problematic behavior on Twitter and during interviews, Azealia Banks released her highly anticipated debut album to positive reviews. Her lyrics hit hard over vogue and house beats as she continues to boast about herself. Although the album contains tracks she's released independently the past three years, it still provides a solid and enjoyable experience. Bad bitches do it.

Hit Single:
Chasing Time
Standout Tracks:
Gimme a Chance
Soda



10. St. Vincent - St. Vincent

If you desire songs about your place in the world with beats that'll make you shake a tail-feather, look no further than St. Vincent's self-titled record. The musicality of each track is throughly thought out to balance St. Vincent's dark lyrics with a sunny disposition. Slower tracks are no stranger here, either. Surprisingly, it makes for a great workout album as well.

Hit Single:
Birth in Reverse
Standout Tracks:
Rattlesnake
Regret



9. J. Cole - 2014 Forest Hills Drive

This December, everyone's favorite bedtime storyteller released an album that recaptured the fans he'd lost earlier in his career. No longer rapping exclusively about Sallie Mae (now Navient), J. Cole turns his attention to the events that followed Ferguson and reminisces on his time as a young'n in the late 90s/early 00s. J Cole has finally figured out how to be a conscious emcee that actually excites us.

Hit Single:
Apparently
Standout Tracks:
January 28th 
No Role Modelz



8. Nicki Minaj - The Pinkprint

Speaking of troubled rappers. When Nicki dropped "Pills'n'Potions" followed by "Anaconda," we all feared another troublesome album. However, the Pinkprint is anything but. While still attempting to appeal to 13 year old white girls and 32 year old trill n****s at the same, she does so with much more ease and grace. She also opens up and gets very personal. It's a nice change of pace for the current queen of hip-hop.

Hit Single:
Only [feat Drake, Lil Wayne, and Chris Brown]
Standout Tracks:
The Crying Game [feat Jessie Ware]
Favorite [feat Jeremih]



7. Jessie Ware - Tough Love

The phrase "sophomore slump" is not a word combination that computes to Jessie Ware. Tough Love is obviously about love that is tough, but who can't relate to that. The album gives us more of what we enjoy: touching lyrics and mid-tempo melodies. You can almost hear the nonchalant expression on Jessie's face in the studio as she hits a high note. Effortlessly good music is a rarity these days.

Hit Single:
Say You Love Me
Standout Tracks:
Cruel
Kind of...Sometimes...Maybe



6. Tune-Yards - Nikki Nack

It's true: Tune-Yards have a very distinct sound that can be very hard to listen to initially, but I promise it's worth it. Merrill Garbus' voice is unlike anything on this planet and her extremely conscious lyrics are the social commentary we need. It also doesn't hurt that half the songs are perfect for hipster dance parties, but don't let that deter you. This is the best "grower not a show-er" album of the year.

Hit Single:
Water Fountain
Standout Tracks:
Real Thing
Sink-O



5. D'Angelo & The Vanguard - Black Messiah

After 14.9 years, D'Angelo has returned to save us from repetitive R&B in the form of a killer jazz-fusion album. Though none of us can clearly understand everything he's saying, that's what RapGenius is for. The emotion still pours out of every song. The production is crisp. And the sound is something that was desperately missing from 2014. Put this on under the conversation of Ferguson that interrupted your Spades game.

Hit Single:
none (this is Jazz, b)
Standout Tracks:
Really Love
Prayer



4. Sylvan Esso - Sylvan Esso

This eponymous debut is a great album that distributed the wrong songs as singles - or at least in the wrong order. This synth duo lays out a solid album that takes you for a night ride. Singing about topics from street harassment to rough times in the city, you feel the grittiness in Amelia Meath's pleasant alto. With a couple more outstanding songs, Sylvan Esso could have easier been higher on this list.

Hit Single:
Hey Mami
Standout Tracks:
Wolf
H.S.K.T.



3. SBTRKT - Wonder Where We Land 

A very haunting but energetic record, Wonder Where We Land starts off with the title track featuring SBTRKT's musical-biffle Sampha. The album's transitions may be its highlight but far from its sole attraction. The production level may or may not be over 9000. With additional vocal assistance from Jessie Ware, Raury, and A$AP Ferg, Wonder Where We Land soars above the competition.

Hit Single:
New Dorp, New York [feat Ezra Koenig]
Standout Tracks:
Higher [feat Raury]
Gon Stay [feat Sampha]



2.  Sam Smith - In the Lonely Hour

Before he received comparisons to Adele (or accused of being Adele's drag king alter ego), In the Lonely Hour was my most anticipated album of 2014. Obviously by its position on the list, it did not disappoint. Featuring the voice of an angelic baby after its first pack of cigarettes, Sam lays down track after track of heartbreak through different scenarios. This is the "mass appeal" album of the year.

Hit Single:
Stay With Me
Standout Tracks:
I'm Not the Only One
Like I Can



1.  Fka twigs - lp1

It was a tight race with Sam Smith, but Fka twigs blew 2014 out of the water. Matching the eeriness of other albums on the list, Fka twigs invokes the same amount of emotion as Sam Smith but with more diversity in her sound. Hailing from Gloucestershire, England, Tahliah Barnett gained attention thanks to her enchanting sound with ep2 last year, featuring the tracks Water and Papi Pacify. With her debut album, she introduces a sound that critiques can't clearly label. It's more than R&B; it's more than electronic and trance; it's more than alternative. It's her sound completely. Fka will have you body rolling, voguing, and fighting back tears without hitting anything above mid-tempo. Featuring themes of passion, jealous, and longevity, the aptly named lp1 is the best experience of 2014.

Hit Single:
Two Weeks
Standout Tracks:
Lights On
Video Girl


Honorable Mentions:
Flying Lotus - You're Dead!
Perfume Genius - Too Bright
Sza - Z
Caribou - Our Love


Welp, there you have it.
Support these great records and buy them from your local retailer.
Word.

Poems to Distract You

Here's two poems with no name

that I'm presenting instead of blogging.

Look forward to another post this Thursday.

Til then, enjoy.

Here’s the truth

I did love you

False, I lusted after you

Words are hard for me

You know my public school education

Never taught me what television really meant

But I longed for you

Lesbians, L words, libations

I was drunk on you

Like spiked punch

While you kicked and pulled

Until you were free from my gaze

I was like an owl

My eyes full of you

You must have felt invaded

As I tried to land on you

But you let me fall

Allowing me to see the truth

And the floor up close and personal

But just like the old lady who bangs her ceiling at me

I’m over you

My imagination of you

Overshadowed the shallowness you stand ankle deep in

Your personality is Quasimodo’s face

And I know I’m exaggerating

But I have to

You must be demonized if I’m going to find

Someone like who I thought I knew

~~~~

I break your bubblegum machine!

You old fool.

You old abandoner.

I break your bubblegum machine!

You encourager of my childhood.

You man-child.

I break your bubblegum machine!

You comic book reader.

You comic book giver.

You comic book sharer.

You comic book hoarder.

I break your bubblegum machine!

You job loser.

You world shutter-outter.

I break your bubblegum machine!

You poor example setter.

You poor self-nourisher.

I break your bubblegum machine!

You mama’s boy.

You mama mourner.

I break your bubblegum machine!

You brother mourner.

You brother hoarder.

I break your bubblegum machine!

You non-consulter.

You family shutter-outter

I break your bubblegum machine!

You niece and nephew enrager.

You violence inducer.

CRASH!

I broke your bubblegum machine.

Word

Batman: World's Best Psychiatrist?

So, I was watching one of the best action cartoons of all time,
Batman: the Animated Series, on Amazon Prime last night
and I came across the episode "Baby Doll."
Allow me to recap it for you as your memory of it may be hazy.

The episode follows a former child actress
who has a physical condition that doesn't allow her to age.
Basically, she's stuck looking like a 5 year old.
As she grew older, she wanted more adult roles;
however, no one took her seriously because of her condition.
She also struggled with romantic relationships because of this.
Eventually she turns her frustrations into a life of crime
and ends up kidnapping her TV family.
By the end of the episode, Batman tracks her down
and they run into a funhouse of mirrors.
While Batman uses the darkness and mirrors to his advantage,
he allows BabyDoll to have her moment
as she sees what she should look like as an adult woman in a mirror.

She proceeds to breakdown shouting that nothing is real as she shoots every mirror attempting to kill Batman. "Why can't you just let me make-believe?" she asks. Then she comes back to her "adult" mirror and shoots the woman she will never look like.
She cries as she tries to shoot her gun, but alas no more bullets. At this time, Batman walks up to her and simply consoles her.
She hugs his legs and says, "I didn't mean to."
End episode.

Besides that being an emotional ass episode,
it made me realize something about Batman,
something I truly appreciated about that show as a kid.
For the majority of the series,
Batman wasn't out to kick the asses of the criminals in Gotham.
He was out to rehabilitate them.
Yes, sometimes force was necessary, but non-lethal force.
He knew that every criminal - from petty thief up to the Joker -
did what they did for a reason, no matter how twisted the reason may be.

The reason why Batman never kills the Joker is because
while pursuing him in his early criminal days,
the Joker (then the Red Hood) fell into a vat of chemicals
that changed his appearance and drove him insane.
Mr Freeze's end goal is usually building a world in which
he can rejoin his wife, who is terminally ill and cryogenically frozen.
Harley Quinn suffers from a case of severe Stockholm Syndrome
and is stuck in an abusive relationship with the Joker.
You're beginning to see the trend here.

I mean, come on.
That's why more than half of Batman's "nemeses" end up in Arkham Asylum.

I remember one episode of Batman: the Animated Series
where he visits a drug lord
and reveals to him how his ways have affected his son,
who had become addicted to his father's own supply.
The guy basically shut up shop after that.

Batman has no need to kill.
His goal is never to punish criminals;
it's to help them become successful members of society again.
Yes, he adopted the bat to scare his enemies,
but underneath the Dark Knight is a ray of light.

I totally understand why movie studios decided
to take Batman in a darker, more brutal direction.
But removing the camp stripped away his humanity in a way.
His only humane moment seemed to occur when he tried
to help Harvey Dent/TwoFace remain on the right path.
Or when he constantly tried to win Catwoman over to his side
instead of turning her in like the criminal she was.
Hmm... maybe they did manage to keep his humane side intact.

Man, if a guy like Batman can handle intense situations like
that without resorting to lethal violence,
I wonder why the standard police force in our country
can't be more tactful and understanding
while performing their civil duties?
The world may never know...
Word.

Black White Kids and White Black Kids

"New blacks" and select white people
have been under fire lately,
mostly for saying they live in a post-racial America
or that race isn't the problem.
As tweeter/blogger Crissle has said,
"Words mean things."
I understand what they might be trying to say,
but they're stating it in a completely false way.
Culturally, we may be heading towards a post-racial society,
but we are far from achieving it.

What I do believe is that the mixing of cultures
has affected today's youth in such a way
that they no longer sees divides among each other.
They feel free to be themselves, try new things, explore.
That's how you get black kids into goth or punk,
but they're not "real black."
That's how you get white kids trying to twerk and rap,
but they're "appropriating black culture."
[Do I think appropriating black culture is a thing? Yes.
Do I think most white people do it consciously? No.
Are managers and producers profiting off it? Absolutely.]

What I'm saying is I don't hate Miley Cyrus
for wanting to twerk with a big ass.
I don't think Macklemore and Iggy Azeala are the worst;
they're fans that think they're the only good rappers are.

For as long as I can remember,
black and white culture have been affecting me.
White people are always on TV and the radio,
so that's how they get to black kids.
But for a solid five years or so in the 2000s,
black recording artist ruled top of the Billboard charts.
At least 60% of the songs heard in clubs now
are either by black singers, rappers, or producers.
So it's no surprise that eventually white people
will like it and emulate it.

While we have Mac Miller in one corner,
we have Odd Future in the other.
We have FKA Twigs and the Weeknd
making music that is so different and Alternative,
but people often label them as R&B or "Alter-R&B."
Why do black singers always have to be R&B or Pop?
Look at Macy Gray.
If she isn't Alternative, I don't know what is.

It is clear to me that in 2014,
we have a melting pot of identities,
and my generation and younger
have not felt shy about switching it up.
Shit, a bunch of black teenagers in a metal band
were just signed to Sony and have a documentary in the works.

I know I've used music as sole reference in this post,
but to me, music is culture.
It's the most frequent influence in our lives.

We are a generation of just "trying to be ourselves."
Drake is a product of his environment.
Jaden Smith is a product of his environment.
Robin Thicke is a product if his environment.
(You know he had black nannies playing soul music;
that's how he ended up sounded like that.)

But as we become more integrated with each other,
it's important to remember we still have a long way to go
until we are all actually equals.
There are still old people, middle age people
stuck thinking in a way of oppression
that have taught their children to do the same.
That's why race is still an issue.
That's why he have to remind each other of what we are.
That's why we can't be blissfully ignorant.
Pretending to not see the problem is not dealing with the problem.
And that's why "Black-ish" is a terrible show.

I'm joking. I still haven't seen it.
[I will say I liked it better when it was called "My Wife and Kids."]
But a show like that will either help show how kids today are progressing,
or it'll be a mockery and sweep all of
Black America's real problems under the rug.

All this to say, let people be who they are
as long as they aren't hurting anyone or being offensive.
Be respectful to one another and help each other prosper.
You know, judge each other not "by the color of their skin,
but by the content of their character."
Word.

How to: Live in a City Without a License

As far back as I can remember,
I have never had a desire to drive a car.
A relative once told me that when I was 6,
someone left their car door open
and I tried to drive away in it.
I'm almost positive they were talking to the wrong nephew.

Between the poor skills I display at arcade racing games and my constant drowsiness as a passenger, I am spooked of the driver's seat.
Of course, I've been told that actually driving
is different from both of those experiences,
but you don't really cure someone's anxieties
by telling them "everything's going to be okay."

So as a 25 year old member of society
and an official two-year resident of Baltimore,
I feel authorized on how to help you
live in a city without the use of a personal vehicle.
Whether you're a scaredy cat like me
or you're just in between cars
because your old one was a piece of shit
and you don't have the funds/credit for a new one,
this guide is for you.


1) Work within a 7-mile radius of your place of residence
Listen, getting to work is a hassle when you have a car.
Now you have to figure out a way there,
and the less you have to travel, the better.
If you have the option or opportunity to work from home,
now would be the time to take it.
If not, it's time to move on to tip 2.


2) Become familiar with your city's bus system
Save the environment,
carpool with strangers near you!
The bus is not filled with scum;
the bus is full of your new friends.
Just don't talk to them,
they hate being bothered on the way to work.

If you live in a respectable city,
there will be a bus stop no less than 2 blocks from you.
With the help of the internet,
you can find whether that bus will take you directly to your destination
or if you'll have to get off at some point and transfer to another bus.
While switching buses can be annoying, it's not much trouble...
as long as the busses are on time,
which if you're in any respectable city they won't be.
Just learn the CPTimes of your bus and have change handy, you'll be fine.
If you still find taking the bus beneath you,
move on to tip 3.


3) Live with or date a person with a car
When carless, the more roommates the better!
Shift your begging as frequently as possible
so that one person alone isn't burdened
by your inability to navigate the road alone.
This should work well if you roommates
have similar schedules to yours.

If you happen to be living with a jerk
or other carless freaks,
it's time to latch on to a stranger with a car.
Hopefully you're good a dating,
keeping a person interested,
and having them sleep at your place all the time,
because you will need the skills.
Don't make it seem like they're your chauffeur
in exchange for rent money;
it should be more like in-house bartering.
Eventually, however, like all lousy couples,
you will break up and have to find a new way of getting around.
Well, that's why there are more tips, friend.


4) Befriend a Lyft/Uber driver
Don't take taxis/cabs.
They've been known to rip decent folk off
with their perilous "flat rates."
Be a true citizen of the 21st century
and help gentrify the neighbor with Lyft and Uber drivers.
With use of the app, you can see who's picking you up,
their ETA, and what kind of fancy car they drive.
That's right, no more mystery cab smells for you!
Sometimes the drivers even have candy!!!
And their rates aren't too shabby either.
However, if you don't trust strangers
in 1-on-1 situations, perhaps this next tip will do the trick.


5) If available, use Citibike and/or Zipcar
Have a license but no car? Use Zipcar.
You rent it for an hour, a day, park it back
in a Zipcar location, and you're done.
No license but like exercise? Use Citibike.
Pedal your way across town and get there eventually.
Don't know how to ride a bike?
Neither of these services are available in your town?
Well... uh...


6) Become comfortable spending time at home 
Who needs a social life, right?
Home is where the heart is
and home is where you'll stay.
Because, let's face it,
you're not gonna walk somewhere.
What is this, 1920?
Who are you, your grandparents?

No, just relax at home.
You're in the city.
There's a liquor store down the street
and Netflix calling your name.
If you still crave human interaction,
this would be a good time to test how popular you are
and see if you can get people to come to you.
Then, shit, seems like you just got a new chauffeur.
Word.

Morality Role Call

There's a lot of malarkey and tomfoolery afoot this week,
so I'm going attempt to address as much of it as possible
without out rambling, ranting, or turning this into a "thinkpiece."

In the past few weeks,
I've noticed majority holders (whites/straights/men)
look at for the "How" in problems.
How did the officer get away with shooting an unarmed man?
How did those nudes get leaked?
How did she get raped?

I'm not sure if it's true for all minorities,
but I prefer to look for the "Why."
Why did the officer shoot an unarmed black man?
Why did someone leak this celebrities nudes?
Why did she get raped?
I'm a firm believer that asking why attacks problems at their root.
If we understand why things are happening,
we can recognize these problems before they even occur
and address them properly like the civilized society we claim to be.

For instance, while it is important to reprimand the police force
for abuse of power and find ways to stop them from doing so again,
why do they feel they can abuse their power?
Why do they feel it's appropriate to target people of color?
Why do they think they can get away with murder
with no proof of justification?
Why must black children be told to not draw attention to themselves
and not give the police a reason to stop them
instead of being able to trust those placed there to "protect" them?
These are but a few of the root questions that need to be addressed
in not only the Michael Brown case, but every case
that has featured the unjust killing or arrest of a person of color.
Because this shit happens too frequently
in all parts of this country for this to be coincidence.

Recently, a few celebrities' nude photographs were leaked,
the most notable celebrity being Jennifer Lawrence.
For some reason, people began throwing shame at JLaw.
(Or, if you're a simplistic man, you just locked yourself away for an hour.)
But why? Why do people care that much?
Ms. Lawrence took those pictures in privacy,
for her pleasure and whomever they were taken for.
She didn't leak her own pictures.
She and many others were hacked. [Damn iCloud.]
Shame the hackers. Shame those that seek to exploit her.
Shame those that share the pictures without her permission.
Slut shaming needs to stop.
A person has a right to do with their body as they please.
If you're going to call them anything,
call them promiscuous or comfortable in their own skin.

Along the same lines,
rape is not funny.
It is also not the victim's fault.
Why are women told not to dress so "provocatively?"
Why are men not instructed to behave themselves,
take no for an answer, and not rape anyone?
The old way only suggests: "Don't be the one rape; let it happen to that other girl."
And why are male rape victims told to man-up and keep quiet?
That's a whole different issue about masculinity that I don't have steam for.

It's very obvious that I don't have all of the answers.
But I am willing to ask all of the questions
in the hopes of building a better society and making people think.
America likes to think ourselves better than other countries,
but a few of those "bad guys" just scolded us
for the inhuman treatment of the folks in Ferguson.

Listen, I know you want to think the United States only has a few problems,
but it has many. Some problems you might not even grasp fully.
But if you choose to ignore those problems
instead of learning about them, you're part of the problem.
I repeat, you're part of the problem.
Be a better person than our parents and grandparents.
Stand up for others' rights and protection in this country.
It's the moral thing to do.
Word.