Cash Only

It's 2009, so the use of the phrase "cash only" is outdated and downright...sketchy. In a world of "credit or debit," 'cash only' sticks out and typically indicates that someone is up to something their mother wouldn't condone or is holding back on their taxes; also something their mother wouldn't condone (I'm totally assuming on this one, cause I know how some people's mothers operate).

Well, I'm in New York City. We have our share of crooks and schemers; so, occasionally one runs across 'cash only.' In a plastic society, it pisses you off...trust me. Friday night, we stumbled across it...twice: it was stated (or rather printed on the menu) in one instance and implied in the other. The printed occurrence was at an inexpensive Mexican restaurant (when I say inexpensive I mean really, really, unbelievably cheap...beginning with the door handle and everything thereafter) . In my personal opinion, a business would accept credit cards (at least Visa or AMEX) in a society where people tend to put a large amount of their transactions on their credit/debit cards. I think accepting credit cards would help increase revenue...which is a good thing for all businesses, especially one that isn't classy, highly populated, and serves food that is less than tasty and has wait service that's below average. In my world, easier and more payment options equal more and higher payments. But that's just me.

Now, the entire second occurrence was unexpected and 'cash only' was implied. All we wanted to do was go to Happy Hour...for the music, of course. The next thing I know we're walking by a velvet rope and red carpet, complete with paparazzi, people posing for cameras, and interviews being conducted...neither of which I was the center of attention or invited to participate. Maybe [gay] Hollywood is relocating to Chelsea, I wondered. Inside...throngs of people; mostly older, but still a lot of people. The reason soon becomes abundantly clear...The Hookies! Believe it or not, it's just like it sounds....an annual award ceremony for [gay...I'm assuming] male escorts. W...T...F!? Who knew!?

I scanned the room looking for familiar faces--given that it was a predominantly older audience, I just knew I had to know someone who would be attending this event. One of those who consistently claim they never pay for it. My friend and I assumed a male escort would only accept cash; then we thought about it...took 2009 and the drive to make easy money into consideration, and came to the conclusion that today's escorts probably accept credit/debit cards. I mean, you can get almost anything (except cheap Mexican food) with plastic these days...even a subway Metrocard. Not to mention that PayPal is everyone's friend. Perhaps some of the businesses will catch on soon and get with the program!