(Originally
published 10/17/21)
Once upon
a time, a college history professor of mine repeatedly queried his students
during lectures, “Any questions, comments, observations?” Invariably, there
would be none. Despite it being an interesting course, “Great Issues in
European History,” the class consisted of mostly engineering, business, and
other non-history majors enrolled in it as an elective. It did not matter that
the prof had stellar teaching credentials and a background that complemented
the intriguing subject matter, the get-togethers had a zombie-like feel to
them. My outwardly indifferent peers were always somewhere else. Come to
think of it, there were more than few classes like that.
However, I
do not remember any of my glassy-eyed peers being “triggered” by something said
during the history lectures. And speaking for myself only, I never felt
“unsafe.” The school had a Campus Ministry, which served, I suppose, as a 1980s
version of a “safe space”—safe space lite. In my four years of higher
education, I never dropped by.
I am glad
that I grew up in a time without the Internet, social media, and smartphones.
Men and women are now losing their jobs and having their reputations ruined
because of something somebody unearthed in their all-encompassing virtual
trail. It is pathetic and scary at the same time. People are wielding power
with these big reveals. Small people. God forbid you tweeted
something five years ago, sent a private e-mail, or liked a Facebook post that
offends someone who could do you harm. You could be toast in a New York minute.
Guess what? Nobody is perfect and everybody is a hypocrite at one time or
another. It is human nature. And now for some further questions, comments, and
observations…
What is it
with McDonald's now-you-see-it, now-you-don't McRib sandwiches? Perhaps the
chain appreciates that we always need something to look forward to in life.
Believe or
not, there are even reports of employee shortages in the Metropolitan
Transportation Authority (MTA). This would have been unheard of several years
ago when waiting lists were the rule.
Canada
geese heading from a blue state to a red state for the winter?
I saw this
on a subway car floor last week. A "punk" is what we called them in
my youth. We bought them in local candy stores.
May I say
right now that it is not your grandfather's subway car advertising anymore...
Definitely
not!
In this
age of branding, subway car advertising often features one or two products or
services in the entire car. This uplifting product ads covered half the car.
In these
tough times for the hospitality industry, I hope this restaurant has found
someone to man its phone, a trying, stress-filled position no doubt.
Recently, I
read this lengthy article featuring former restaurant employees explaining why
they left the industry. One recurring theme was how poorly they were treated by
the customers. The consensus was that things got increasingly ugly as the
pandemic took hold. This does not speak well for the public at large. Seems to
me that these folks deserved a better fate.
I have
eaten inside multiple pizzerias in New York City this past month. Only one time
was I asked to show my vaccination card.
There are
outstanding pizza places in the city, but most of them are mediocre at best.
This slice fits the bill, but because it was fresh out of the oven it was not
half-bad.
Par for
the course near Penn Station. But for tired and hungry tourists...who knows?
It could be
a slice to remember.
Every now
and then I encounter something on the sidewalk with a story to tell. Seems that
whoever purchased, or stole, these Memory Foam Boot Slippers could not wait to
put them on and discard her old footwear. Right then and there!
The
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is now arguing that the First Amendment's
free speech clause has been interpreted "too broadly" by courts. It
is not your grandfather's ACLU anymore, an organization I once had the utmost
regard for.
Atlas is
more than shrugging at that news. He is also unmasked as Rockefeller Center
readies for the holiday season.
I know
that New York City's considerable rat population suffered during the worst of
the pandemic. How did the local seagulls fare?
In my last
visit to a favorite diner, I noticed that the coffee mugs were smaller. It is
the sign of the times. Inflation, shortages, and general nuttiness. Regardless
of the size of the coffee cup, I say, "God bless the servers."
(Photos
from the personal collection of Nicholas Nigro.)
