Kay Iscah's Blog, page 8
January 24, 2014
Free things to do in New York
The podcast I did on the 20th was New York based, and I can understand my host's amazement at someone living on a minimum wage income. New York City has a high cost of living and higher unemployment rates than much of the country. I made a brief mention of more free things going on than people realize, so I thought I'd share some specific examples that I was able to pull up with a simple google search.
Most large cities have lists like this, but I thought I'd do a post specific for NYC:
From Lonely Planet: 40 free things to do in New York City
Bloomingdale School of Music offers several free concerts through the year.
From the "TimeOut New York" website: Free things to do in NYC: Your guide to gratis entertainment
From NYCGO.com: Free in NYC
Club Free Time's free things to do in New York City
I would suggest verifying these freebies independently since things can change after an article is posted, but there's a great variety of options here.
Most large cities have lists like this, but I thought I'd do a post specific for NYC:
From Lonely Planet: 40 free things to do in New York City
Bloomingdale School of Music offers several free concerts through the year.
From the "TimeOut New York" website: Free things to do in NYC: Your guide to gratis entertainment
From NYCGO.com: Free in NYC
Club Free Time's free things to do in New York City
I would suggest verifying these freebies independently since things can change after an article is posted, but there's a great variety of options here.
January 21, 2014
Who You Callin Old - Blog Talk Radio Interview
I had my first Podcast interview! There were a few sound issues, and I wish I'd said a few things differently. (too many "um"s!) But you can listen to the whole thing here:
A conversation with Kay Iscah author of Living Single on Minimum Wage
Popular Lifestyle Internet Radio with Who you calling old on BlogTalkRadio
If you want to comment or ask for clarification on anything from the interview, please feel free to leave reply to this blog, and I'll try to address it.
There were a lot of things I wish I'd had time to say, but it's only a 30 minute program.
A conversation with Kay Iscah author of Living Single on Minimum Wage
Popular Lifestyle Internet Radio with Who you calling old on BlogTalkRadio
If you want to comment or ask for clarification on anything from the interview, please feel free to leave reply to this blog, and I'll try to address it.
There were a lot of things I wish I'd had time to say, but it's only a 30 minute program.
January 20, 2014
Interesting...
Doing a little research on minimum wage this morning for an interview on the subject. Found a few sites I though might interest other people:
From the Institute for Community Inclusion:
Minimum Wage Increase: What It Means for People with Disabilities (UPDATED 2009)
Not a lot of definite answers in the above webpage, but it does briefly cover some possible effects a minimum wage increase could have on those receiving Social Security payments and/or sub-minimum wages. And gives some advice on who to contact to get help or learn specifics. Which is really better, since it's not the sort of thing where a sweeping answer will fit everyone.
On Australia:
I'd heard a lot of chatter about how Australia had a higher minimum wage ($16.00...approx. $14.11 U.S*), and they do. But what was new to me today and an interesting concept is that this higher minimum wage doesn't apply to everyone.
National minimum wage (Australian Government website)
Juniors (workers under 21), Apprentices, and Trainees start out at a lower rate and sort of work their way up (starting at $6.03....approx. $5.32). Juniors eventually share the adult minimum wage at 21, and Apprentices eventually exceed it (an $18.11 minimum wage)
This page sort of explains the Australian Apprenticeship thing...which seems to include Trainees...not clear if there's actually a distinction.
Australian Apprenticeships Support Services
What I find appealing about this is the apprenticeship doesn't seem to need to be a college based program, which is one of my gripes with the current U.S. intership system...if you're not in school, you're ineligible for most of them, and most are unpaid or extremely low paid positions where you're not supposed to do any work that might actually be of use to the company.
Before I meander into gripes about the U.S. educational system, what do you think about the idea of this sort of age tiered minimum wage?
*Using Google/Citibank exchange rates on 1/20/14...these rates may fluctuate daily, so only take them as approximate figures.
From the Institute for Community Inclusion:
Minimum Wage Increase: What It Means for People with Disabilities (UPDATED 2009)
Not a lot of definite answers in the above webpage, but it does briefly cover some possible effects a minimum wage increase could have on those receiving Social Security payments and/or sub-minimum wages. And gives some advice on who to contact to get help or learn specifics. Which is really better, since it's not the sort of thing where a sweeping answer will fit everyone.
On Australia:
I'd heard a lot of chatter about how Australia had a higher minimum wage ($16.00...approx. $14.11 U.S*), and they do. But what was new to me today and an interesting concept is that this higher minimum wage doesn't apply to everyone.
National minimum wage (Australian Government website)
Juniors (workers under 21), Apprentices, and Trainees start out at a lower rate and sort of work their way up (starting at $6.03....approx. $5.32). Juniors eventually share the adult minimum wage at 21, and Apprentices eventually exceed it (an $18.11 minimum wage)
This page sort of explains the Australian Apprenticeship thing...which seems to include Trainees...not clear if there's actually a distinction.
Australian Apprenticeships Support Services
What I find appealing about this is the apprenticeship doesn't seem to need to be a college based program, which is one of my gripes with the current U.S. intership system...if you're not in school, you're ineligible for most of them, and most are unpaid or extremely low paid positions where you're not supposed to do any work that might actually be of use to the company.
Before I meander into gripes about the U.S. educational system, what do you think about the idea of this sort of age tiered minimum wage?
*Using Google/Citibank exchange rates on 1/20/14...these rates may fluctuate daily, so only take them as approximate figures.
January 6, 2014
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (book recommendation)
People look at me funny sometimes when I admit to being a Starbucks regular, but one of the nifty things about our local Starbuck is they have a little spot where people can leave books and others can take them free of charge.
I have too many books on my "to read" pile already, so I try not to take any unless they appeal strongly to me. But I finally got a chance to read a book I picked up there last year. (I didn't hoard it the whole time. I shared it with my co-author who read it and gave it back.) That book was The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer. It's one of those perspective books that helps you really appreciate things like electricity, indoor plumbing, and public high schools. But beyond that, it touches on some great topics like green energy, recycling, self-education, entrepreneurship, invention, gratitude and grace...as well as the power of libraries.
I'd suggest checking this one out from your local library. It's a 2009 title, so fair chance it's still on the shelf.
This blog is aimed at singles without kids, but if you'd like to share the story with an elementary aged person, I'd suggest finding the young reader version. There's nothing I'd call crude, but there are some adult topics touched on in some of the anecdotes.
Here's the TED talk from William Kamkwamba, where he briefly discusses the windmill he built after a year of famine in Malawi.
I have too many books on my "to read" pile already, so I try not to take any unless they appeal strongly to me. But I finally got a chance to read a book I picked up there last year. (I didn't hoard it the whole time. I shared it with my co-author who read it and gave it back.) That book was The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer. It's one of those perspective books that helps you really appreciate things like electricity, indoor plumbing, and public high schools. But beyond that, it touches on some great topics like green energy, recycling, self-education, entrepreneurship, invention, gratitude and grace...as well as the power of libraries.
I'd suggest checking this one out from your local library. It's a 2009 title, so fair chance it's still on the shelf.
This blog is aimed at singles without kids, but if you'd like to share the story with an elementary aged person, I'd suggest finding the young reader version. There's nothing I'd call crude, but there are some adult topics touched on in some of the anecdotes.
Here's the TED talk from William Kamkwamba, where he briefly discusses the windmill he built after a year of famine in Malawi.
January 2, 2014
Crowdfunding Article of Interest
I still haven't written up that crowdfunding article yet, but I saw this one and thought I should share:
Internet Saves Unemployed Journalist From Becoming Homeless
One thing the article doesn't cover but is normally an important element to successful crowdfunding is platform (your way of getting a message out to people). Someone with a blog or who is lucky enough to get someone else with a large platform to share their campaign is more likely to be successful.
This article covers a case of hard times and how strangers came to help, but this can also be a good way to fund creative and small business ventures without taking on a loan.
I'll try to get a post together soon to talk a bit about my own experience with crowdfunding, but given that Lindsey's Indiegogo Campaign was successful, you might want to check it out for ideas.
Internet Saves Unemployed Journalist From Becoming Homeless
One thing the article doesn't cover but is normally an important element to successful crowdfunding is platform (your way of getting a message out to people). Someone with a blog or who is lucky enough to get someone else with a large platform to share their campaign is more likely to be successful.
This article covers a case of hard times and how strangers came to help, but this can also be a good way to fund creative and small business ventures without taking on a loan.
I'll try to get a post together soon to talk a bit about my own experience with crowdfunding, but given that Lindsey's Indiegogo Campaign was successful, you might want to check it out for ideas.
December 27, 2013
Making the Most of Post Holiday Markdowns
With the holiday behind us, many stores are working to clear their shelves of Christmas merchandise. Most of this consists of junk food, wrapping paper, and seasonal décor. However there are some items that have good year round and/or actual nutritional value. And I've occasionally gotten a jump on next year's shopping by making use of post-holiday markdowns. So here's a couple tips for making the most of post-holiday deals.
Look for practical items. To me the best post-Christmas buys are things that are practical but marked down for superficial reasons like coloring. For example, socks with candy cane stripes will keep your feet just as warm and comfortable as a plain white pair. Cereal has the same nutritional value despite the picture of Santa on the box. Pretzels taste like pretzels even when shaped like little trees.
Be Realistic. It's easy to get caught up in the discount excitement, but remember your purchase checklist and consider if you really want or need those marked down items. Only buy things with a specific use in mind. If you already have 20 rolls of wrapping paper, work your way through the current stock before buying more.
Check Expiration Dates. Some candies have a much longer shelf life than others. Always check dates, so you can be more realistic as to whether you'll use the product you are considering in a timely manner.
Wait 3-4 days. If you happen to need to go shopping on the 26th, nothing wrong with checking the clearance rack while you're there. But the first couple days after Christmas, you'll see more 30%-50% off signs. Wait a few days and those signs start changing to 50%-75% off. Granted at this point, merchandise options will be thinner, but there's usually still a fair amount left. Particularly if you are just looking for extra bows and candy canes, patience is a virtue.
Remember Storage Restrictions. If you have ample space to store it, post-Christmas is the best time to restock things like wrapping paper or stocking stuffers (gloves and ornaments for example), but saving a dollar or two may not be worth it if the items are just going to be in the way for the rest of the year. When you store items mark them clearly or put them in a place you will remember to check. No point buying stuff if you'll forget you have it.
(Which reminds me, I still need to give my mother something I'd forgotten I bought for her.) >_>
I'll fess up to having bought some French vanilla marshmallows and gourmet lollipops for my nephew. Nothing wrong with the occasional treat as long as it isn't your main diet. I also picked up a couple bread mixes which were marked down 50% due to being "holiday flavors" like pumpkin and cranberry. Both had dates good through 2015, and while still a bit on the treat side, are at least treats with some nutritional value.
Look for practical items. To me the best post-Christmas buys are things that are practical but marked down for superficial reasons like coloring. For example, socks with candy cane stripes will keep your feet just as warm and comfortable as a plain white pair. Cereal has the same nutritional value despite the picture of Santa on the box. Pretzels taste like pretzels even when shaped like little trees.
Be Realistic. It's easy to get caught up in the discount excitement, but remember your purchase checklist and consider if you really want or need those marked down items. Only buy things with a specific use in mind. If you already have 20 rolls of wrapping paper, work your way through the current stock before buying more.
Check Expiration Dates. Some candies have a much longer shelf life than others. Always check dates, so you can be more realistic as to whether you'll use the product you are considering in a timely manner.
Wait 3-4 days. If you happen to need to go shopping on the 26th, nothing wrong with checking the clearance rack while you're there. But the first couple days after Christmas, you'll see more 30%-50% off signs. Wait a few days and those signs start changing to 50%-75% off. Granted at this point, merchandise options will be thinner, but there's usually still a fair amount left. Particularly if you are just looking for extra bows and candy canes, patience is a virtue.
Remember Storage Restrictions. If you have ample space to store it, post-Christmas is the best time to restock things like wrapping paper or stocking stuffers (gloves and ornaments for example), but saving a dollar or two may not be worth it if the items are just going to be in the way for the rest of the year. When you store items mark them clearly or put them in a place you will remember to check. No point buying stuff if you'll forget you have it.
(Which reminds me, I still need to give my mother something I'd forgotten I bought for her.) >_>
I'll fess up to having bought some French vanilla marshmallows and gourmet lollipops for my nephew. Nothing wrong with the occasional treat as long as it isn't your main diet. I also picked up a couple bread mixes which were marked down 50% due to being "holiday flavors" like pumpkin and cranberry. Both had dates good through 2015, and while still a bit on the treat side, are at least treats with some nutritional value.
December 8, 2013
Article of Interest: November Jobs Report
This is one of those questions which may raise as many questions as answers.
November Jobs Report Reveals Winners, Losers In Slow Economy
But I thought the numbered of older people staying longer in the workforce is telling. However, I think they missed one of the key reasons behind it. The average person has an increased life expectancy. I spent several months on a LinkedIn forum discussing this issue in regards to Japan, but much of it was applicable to U.S.
This life expectancy chart for the Social Security Administration only goes through the 90s, but it does show a trend: http://www.ssa.gov/history/lifeexpect.html
And we should keep in mind this is an average. People who were lucky enough to make it to their sixties are now faced with the probability that they may live to a hundred, and planning for 35-40 years of retirement is much different than planning for 15-20 years of it.
November Jobs Report Reveals Winners, Losers In Slow Economy
But I thought the numbered of older people staying longer in the workforce is telling. However, I think they missed one of the key reasons behind it. The average person has an increased life expectancy. I spent several months on a LinkedIn forum discussing this issue in regards to Japan, but much of it was applicable to U.S.
This life expectancy chart for the Social Security Administration only goes through the 90s, but it does show a trend: http://www.ssa.gov/history/lifeexpect.html
And we should keep in mind this is an average. People who were lucky enough to make it to their sixties are now faced with the probability that they may live to a hundred, and planning for 35-40 years of retirement is much different than planning for 15-20 years of it.
December 3, 2013
Article of Interest: Food Shopping Tips
From the 100 Days of Real Food blog: "Real Food Tips: 12 Ways to Keep it Cheap"
I actually thought this was a really nice summation of good thrifty food shopping habits. They left out some tips like sensible stockpiling and utilizing sales responsibly, but it's hard to truly cover everything in any single article.
I implemented 3-5 by using a pie crust (dough) leftover from thanksgiving and wrapping it around a piece of cod I bought on manager's special. I used a mix of on hand seasonings, pepper, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, a bay leaf (crumbled it). Baked it all at 400 degrees for 15 minutes (about 5 minutes longer than the suggested cooking time for the fish). It came out very delicious.
I wasn't following any specific recipe, just made some approximations based on cooking instructions for the fish and the dough.
I actually thought this was a really nice summation of good thrifty food shopping habits. They left out some tips like sensible stockpiling and utilizing sales responsibly, but it's hard to truly cover everything in any single article.
I implemented 3-5 by using a pie crust (dough) leftover from thanksgiving and wrapping it around a piece of cod I bought on manager's special. I used a mix of on hand seasonings, pepper, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, a bay leaf (crumbled it). Baked it all at 400 degrees for 15 minutes (about 5 minutes longer than the suggested cooking time for the fish). It came out very delicious.
I wasn't following any specific recipe, just made some approximations based on cooking instructions for the fish and the dough.
November 29, 2013
Article of Interest: Fascinating Microspace..
I'm interested in microspaces and creative designs for maximizing them. This is a nifty closet transformation:
"It Seemed Like A Useless Little Closet. Then This Creative Guy Took Over And Now I Want It." (From Viralnova)
As a general update, I've released my first full-length novel earlier this month, which was my main project for the year. Turning my attention now to things that were neglected as a result, and yes, that does include this blog... But posts will still probably be a bit thin for the next few months. I've been working on projects that may have good long term income potential, but next year will be focused a bit more on short term income. Once that's in place, I suspect I'll have more to blog about.
"It Seemed Like A Useless Little Closet. Then This Creative Guy Took Over And Now I Want It." (From Viralnova)
As a general update, I've released my first full-length novel earlier this month, which was my main project for the year. Turning my attention now to things that were neglected as a result, and yes, that does include this blog... But posts will still probably be a bit thin for the next few months. I've been working on projects that may have good long term income potential, but next year will be focused a bit more on short term income. Once that's in place, I suspect I'll have more to blog about.
November 27, 2013
Article of Interest: What to Eat When You’re Broke
This is from the "Eat Local Grown" website.
What to Eat When You’re Broke
This article concerns itself with minimizing pesticides, chemicals, and other processed hazards in your diet.
I'm not fully advocating every food concern or suggestion in this article (the author isn't setting herself up as an expert, just a mom on a budget), but I do agree in general that simpler tends to be healthier. I do like that it gives you some label reading tips, which can help you decide which products may give you the best choice for your dollar.
And I'm enjoying Barley now... made a bunch of Medieval recipes recently and must say pottage is wonderful. Dried pearled barley is fairly cheap too.
What to Eat When You’re Broke
This article concerns itself with minimizing pesticides, chemicals, and other processed hazards in your diet.
I'm not fully advocating every food concern or suggestion in this article (the author isn't setting herself up as an expert, just a mom on a budget), but I do agree in general that simpler tends to be healthier. I do like that it gives you some label reading tips, which can help you decide which products may give you the best choice for your dollar.
And I'm enjoying Barley now... made a bunch of Medieval recipes recently and must say pottage is wonderful. Dried pearled barley is fairly cheap too.
