Most Repressive State Apparatus

This is the city that provided Marx and Engels with the raw material for their theoretical breakthroughs. Although Manchester has already shed off its old industrial skin, its new cosmopolitan vibe maintains the same discriminatory and oppressive apparatus against the world's proletariat. I try to remember Ef's advice - "don't convert GBP to PhP", but having 4 passport photos taken at £3 is just offensive.

I concede, making ends meet is new to me. Being literally chauffer-driven my entire life is something I am ashamed of, and having to walk for miles now is a very welcome change. I remember Didith complaining that she only eats one full meal in New York and I find myself doing the same thing - eating leftovers from my £5 lunch in place of real dinner. In fairness, one serving is large enough to feed two people, but considering how much I eat, this is still huge adjustment.

But the most painful and oppressive part is, after carefully allotting money to this and that, it takes one hot waiter to ruin my well-thought of budget. One can't say "A glass of water would be fine" when he irresistibly asks "Do you want anything from the bar?" And for that, the proletariat ends up saying "A glass of merlot would be great."

Nice one, Neeks. You just jeopardised your food allowance for the next two days. But I can live with that. After all, I still maintain my elite status in office supplies procurement.

Klyne and Neeks drinking sparkly water and merlot. Oh so bourgeoisie bohemian.

***

WANTED: BEN BALTAZAR

John Mayer will have this first concern in London next month. Tickets are sold out. Ben, don't you owe me John Mayer tickets since you snatched my Jason Mraz tickets a couple of years back? Payback time, teammate. I need two tickets, auction in E-Bay is ongoing.