Category Archives: Ratchet or Refined

Ratchet or Refined: Old School Paper Weekly Planners

20130502-035746.jpgDear 1993, you left something behind. Perhaps space and time folded at some point over the past month, creating a “worm hole” like something out of Dr. Who or Star Trek (the “Next Generation” series of course) through which this relic fell into 2013. However it happened, I cannot figure out why paper planners are still being sold in this day. I mean, given the progressive evolution of phones and other technologies over the past 20 years, it was surprising to see this in the aisle of my local office supply store last week.

Who uses even uses a paper planner nowadays? My 87 year old granddad has a planner, but he uses it to write down phone numbers (don’t ask why he won’t use an address book…long story). But outside of those who are Octogenarians or older, who still uses a planner? Smartphones are all encompassing communication/entertainment/organizing tools. They make up over 80% of the mobile market in the US. Online and e-mail calendar tools like Google Calendar and Outlook are available to those who are still have flip phones.

Some people are traditionalists though. Like those who avoid Kindles and other e-Readers, instead preferring to turn the pages of a real book. Maybe these are the people who by paper weekly planners. Or perhaps, Staples keeps them around for the 70, 80 and 90+ year olds like my grand dad.

So, as I stood inside the office supply store last week, stunned, but amused by this paper weekly planner, I asked myself…is this ratchet or refined?

Ratchet or Refined: Keeping it real while panhandling

Ratchet or Refined: Will work for Weed; Carla Franklin

It takes all types to make the world go round.  This is probably why life in the microcosm of New York City seems to zoom by at the speed of light.  There are literally all types of people here.  In general, I prefer people who are consistently pragmatic and painfully honest.   Why?  Because that is my approach to life.  There is no need to “beat around the bush”.  Life is too short.  For the most part, my friends and colleagues always know where I stand.  Now, I do believe that maintaining civility and kindness are important when walking the path of honesty and pragmatism.

Given this, I truly appreciated the honestly of a panhandler that I passed the other day.  He wanted money for “weed”, and his sign said as much.  Disclaimer: I do not support or condone drug usage or raising funds through panhandling purchase drugs.  That being said, I’m not here to condemn these activities either.  Who am I to judge?  I do respect the honesty…the realness, if you will, of this man’s approach in raising funds.  There was no need to lie, or pretend on his part.  He “kept it real”, and was civil while doing so.  So, what do you think friends?  Is keeping it real while panhandling Ratchet or Refined?

Ratchet or Refined? I spy something big and furry…

Ratchet or Refined White fur Carla FranklinAs I commuted through Manhattan last week on the subway, I spotted a gentleman in a white, faux fur coat.  It isn’t often that you see a man in a fur in Manhattan, especially one that is faux and white.  The color contrast of the coat against his underlying royal blue shirt was amazing.  My interested in his fashion statement was piqued by his confident, nonchalant “hipster” vibe.  I wondered, “is he serious, or on his way to a themed costume event?” Where does one even get a white faux fur? Nothing about his demeanor indicated self-consciousness or any comedic intent.  Homeboy was totally comfortable and indifferent/oblivious to anyone (namely me) looking at his coat…and I totally respected that.  Plus, his coat in animal cruelty-free, so I had to give him credit for that also. He OWNED the look and WORKED the look (I give it 2 diva snaps and a smile).  So I ask, dear friends, what do you think?  Ratchet or Refined?

Ratchet or Refined? Dill Pickled flavored sunflower seeds

20130324-164751.jpg While perusing a local bodega in the city, I ran across a new flavor of sunflower seed. The Southerner in me was instantly draw to them. I mean, Dill Pickles + sunflower seeds?!?! What an amazing combination….a delicacy in which to behold and delight! However, my sophisticated New York transplant alter ego questioned the ratchetness of this snack. While some might deem this flavor of sunflower seeds as being “country as hell”, I ultimately decided to try them, and was very pleased. So, what say you friends? Are dill flavored sunflower seeds ratchet or refined?