New pieces:
I have a review of "They Is Us" in the February/March issue of Bust,
and a review of "Anthropology of an American Girl" in the May/June issue
of Bust.
Anthropology of an American Girl was a self published novel that received
such a cult following that Random House made an offer.
Music review and review Emily White's memoir "Lonely" in the April issue of
Venus Zine, on newsstands now. The magazine went through a few month hiatus
as they switched owners. The magazine business is a dicey game right now.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Sayings in New York City that seem strange to me
Sayings in New York City that seem strange to me
There are two sayings commonly used when one departs from another person or passes another person in New York City that seem to be specific only to the region.
One is "Get home safe." Also said "Be safe getting home."
People routinely say this when you are going home at night. I have never heard it commonly said anywhere else. It kind of seems foreboding, like they are reminding you of all the terrible things that might happen. Probably it became commonly said back when New York City was a more dangerous, less gentrified place. Frequently strangers will say this to me when I am leaving work, school, the subway train etc. Also people will say it to me when I pass them walking down a city street at night. In this context it seems to be mean "What are you doing out so late! It's dangerous! Go home now!"
Another is "You have a nice day now." (and other similar rephrasings.)
But the weird thing is that it is usually said by strangers who have not spoken to me at all. Who will just say it when they exit whatever public space we are inhabiting, especially when they are exiting the train. It always seems a bit weird to me. Last time it happened, I was reading a book and some guy on the train I hadn't even noticed said it to me as he was getting off. It makes no sense to me as it seems to be something you would only say to someone you were speaking to. When I am walking down the street people will also say it to me as I pass them--most of the time men. It seems strange to say such a thing to a total stranger. Maybe it's some polite variation of "hey girl! How you doin'?" Except it's sort of final, like the end of a conversation, not the beginning, so it really does not function as a segue way or pick up line.
There are two sayings commonly used when one departs from another person or passes another person in New York City that seem to be specific only to the region.
One is "Get home safe." Also said "Be safe getting home."
People routinely say this when you are going home at night. I have never heard it commonly said anywhere else. It kind of seems foreboding, like they are reminding you of all the terrible things that might happen. Probably it became commonly said back when New York City was a more dangerous, less gentrified place. Frequently strangers will say this to me when I am leaving work, school, the subway train etc. Also people will say it to me when I pass them walking down a city street at night. In this context it seems to be mean "What are you doing out so late! It's dangerous! Go home now!"
Another is "You have a nice day now." (and other similar rephrasings.)
But the weird thing is that it is usually said by strangers who have not spoken to me at all. Who will just say it when they exit whatever public space we are inhabiting, especially when they are exiting the train. It always seems a bit weird to me. Last time it happened, I was reading a book and some guy on the train I hadn't even noticed said it to me as he was getting off. It makes no sense to me as it seems to be something you would only say to someone you were speaking to. When I am walking down the street people will also say it to me as I pass them--most of the time men. It seems strange to say such a thing to a total stranger. Maybe it's some polite variation of "hey girl! How you doin'?" Except it's sort of final, like the end of a conversation, not the beginning, so it really does not function as a segue way or pick up line.
Sayings in New York City that seem strange to me
Sayings in New York City that seem strange to me
There are two sayings commonly used when one departs from another person or passes another person in New York City that seem to be specific only to the region.
One is "Get home safe." Also said "Be safe getting home."
People routinely say this when you are going home at night. I have never heard it commonly said anywhere else. It kind of seems foreboding, like they are reminding you of all the terrible things that might happen. Probably it became commonly said back when New York City was a more dangerous, less gentrified place. Frequently strangers will say this to me when I am leaving work, school, the subway train etc. Also people will say it to me when I pass them walking down a city street at night. In this context it seems to be mean "What are you doing out so late! It's dangerous! Go home now!"
Another is "You have a nice day now." (and other similar rephrasings.)
But the weird thing is that it is usually said by strangers who have not spoken to me at all. Who will just say it when they exit whatever public space we are inhabiting, especially when they are exiting the train. It always seems a bit weird to me. Last time it happened, I was reading a book and some guy on the train I hadn't even noticed said it to me as he was getting off. It makes no sense to me as it seems to be something you would only say to someone you were speaking to. When I am walking down the street people will also say it to me as I pass them--most of the time men. It seems strange to say such a thing to a total stranger. Maybe it's some polite variation of "hey girl! How you doin'?" Except it's sort of final, like the end of a conversation, not the beginning, so it really does not function as a segue way or pick up line.
There are two sayings commonly used when one departs from another person or passes another person in New York City that seem to be specific only to the region.
One is "Get home safe." Also said "Be safe getting home."
People routinely say this when you are going home at night. I have never heard it commonly said anywhere else. It kind of seems foreboding, like they are reminding you of all the terrible things that might happen. Probably it became commonly said back when New York City was a more dangerous, less gentrified place. Frequently strangers will say this to me when I am leaving work, school, the subway train etc. Also people will say it to me when I pass them walking down a city street at night. In this context it seems to be mean "What are you doing out so late! It's dangerous! Go home now!"
Another is "You have a nice day now." (and other similar rephrasings.)
But the weird thing is that it is usually said by strangers who have not spoken to me at all. Who will just say it when they exit whatever public space we are inhabiting, especially when they are exiting the train. It always seems a bit weird to me. Last time it happened, I was reading a book and some guy on the train I hadn't even noticed said it to me as he was getting off. It makes no sense to me as it seems to be something you would only say to someone you were speaking to. When I am walking down the street people will also say it to me as I pass them--most of the time men. It seems strange to say such a thing to a total stranger. Maybe it's some polite variation of "hey girl! How you doin'?" Except it's sort of final, like the end of a conversation, not the beginning, so it really does not function as a segue way or pick up line.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Review of Still Life, Interview with playwright Alexander Dinelaris.
My review of Lucille Lortel Theater's Still Life/interview with playwright Alexander Dinelaris. Here
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Summer Concert and CD Reviews
I'm a little sad that summer is already slipping away, I'm already regreting the many outdoor concerts and movies that I missed out on. I think the summer just got off to a slow start due to the rain, and I never got back onto my usual culture vulture track. However, I did manage to review a few shows and (great) albums. Here's a sampling:
My summer music reviews:
Starlight Mints/ Change Remains
Diane Birch/Bible Belt
John Vanderslice/Romanian Names
Girl in a Coma/ Trio B.C.
Connor Oberst and Jenny Lewis at Battery Park, July 4th
Here We Go Magic, July 3rd River to River
My summer music reviews:
CD Reviews:
Reviews of River to River Shows:
Review of Elizabeth and the Catapult show
Elizabeth and the Catapult are one of my favorite Brooklyn based acts. Here is my review for Venus Zine of their recent show at the Williamsburg Hall of Music. Here is the video for ther charming number "Taller Children."
A bit different than what I usually listen to, but I promise that they will have your foot tapping.
A bit different than what I usually listen to, but I promise that they will have your foot tapping.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
