a few things
First, some observations.
1) For the first time in all of the years that I've been going into the city (the first time I went in, I was 3...so that's about 27 years or so), I was asked for directions by a hoard of Japanese businessmen, complete with cameras around all of their necks and guidebooks in most of their hands. Half of them were staring at their little books, while the other half (minus one) were very intently surveying the urban landscape. The one not doing all of that walked up to me and asked me in very broken English if I knew where MoMA was. I smiled and pointed at the no less than 100 feet tall banner hanging from the building, about 50 yards away from our position. He and all of his cohorts nodded and then thanked me profusely and then moved expeditiously to their intended target, flash bulbs scorching a second daylight across the cracked length of 53rd St.
I've only ever seen the "stereotypical, picture snapping, Japanese businessman" while it was made fun of in movies, jokes and the occasional, satirical, single frame comic. I suppose it had to have some genesis in reality.
2) There were no fewer than 8 people reading the new Harry Potter book on the train this morning and at least 10, yesterday. This is impressive. One might think that on a peak hour train into New York City, there are enough people that this should be nothing worth noticing. I assure you that it is a significant subset of the population, as I board the train at the very first car every day and do not have to walk more than half of the length of one car to find a seat. Furthermore, at least 20 people are sleeping. Each car can seat approximately 100 people. On any given day, besides Wednesdays (Broadway Matinee day), the middle positions of the 3 person seats are empty, as nobody allows their personal space to be invaded to any serious degree. This, combined with anyone choosing to stand means that a typically "full" car has around 75 to 80 people on it. There is a maximum of 60 conscious riders on my one train car. I think it's pretty significant that between 1/6th and 1/8th of the people on the train are all reading the same book. (My copy is in my bag...I have other things to finish, before I start it.)
Some Happenings.
I signed my new lease on Saturday. The only significant thing is that this will be the first time that I'll have no body else in my dwelling, in my entire life. I've always had housemates (or, ugh, family embers) around. Now it's just me...and Bob, too. since he won't have any other cats around with which he can interact, I may have to get him a pet.
I have a month of overlap between my leases, so I will be moving throughout the month of August. Although I will probably move the majority of the larger objects at the same time, there are myriad tasks to accomplish. I'll apply a copious amount of bleach to many surfaces in the apartment, as well as engage in any other typical cleaning activities. Anyone that wishes to volunteer is more than welcome to come help. I can't offer much, other than conversation, music and some pizza and beer.
I haven't decided on painting, or furniture layout, as of yet. The place is pretty well maintained, so painting is not an absolute necessity. I may just want to do it for purely aesthetic purposes. However, any painting I do will be dictated by furniture placement and a general understanding of how I can best utilize the space. I've just got a lot of furniture and I'm not totally certain about using all, or even most of it. (To give people who have been to my current residence a good idea, with the exception of the table near the front door, the coffee table and the TV, every piece of furniture in the common areas of the house is mine - plus a couple of chairs and foot rests that made their way upstairs.)
If anyone wishes to acquire parts of my furniture collection, including a very reasonable, not ugly, fairly comfortable couch, a dining room set, an antique-style oak flip-down-front desk, and possibly some bookshelves and CD racks, let me know. I'll find a place to put up some pics, if anyone is actually interested. Remember though, my current housemates get first shot at anything, as I am going to be decimating their living space, if I take it all.
1) For the first time in all of the years that I've been going into the city (the first time I went in, I was 3...so that's about 27 years or so), I was asked for directions by a hoard of Japanese businessmen, complete with cameras around all of their necks and guidebooks in most of their hands. Half of them were staring at their little books, while the other half (minus one) were very intently surveying the urban landscape. The one not doing all of that walked up to me and asked me in very broken English if I knew where MoMA was. I smiled and pointed at the no less than 100 feet tall banner hanging from the building, about 50 yards away from our position. He and all of his cohorts nodded and then thanked me profusely and then moved expeditiously to their intended target, flash bulbs scorching a second daylight across the cracked length of 53rd St.
I've only ever seen the "stereotypical, picture snapping, Japanese businessman" while it was made fun of in movies, jokes and the occasional, satirical, single frame comic. I suppose it had to have some genesis in reality.
2) There were no fewer than 8 people reading the new Harry Potter book on the train this morning and at least 10, yesterday. This is impressive. One might think that on a peak hour train into New York City, there are enough people that this should be nothing worth noticing. I assure you that it is a significant subset of the population, as I board the train at the very first car every day and do not have to walk more than half of the length of one car to find a seat. Furthermore, at least 20 people are sleeping. Each car can seat approximately 100 people. On any given day, besides Wednesdays (Broadway Matinee day), the middle positions of the 3 person seats are empty, as nobody allows their personal space to be invaded to any serious degree. This, combined with anyone choosing to stand means that a typically "full" car has around 75 to 80 people on it. There is a maximum of 60 conscious riders on my one train car. I think it's pretty significant that between 1/6th and 1/8th of the people on the train are all reading the same book. (My copy is in my bag...I have other things to finish, before I start it.)
Some Happenings.
I signed my new lease on Saturday. The only significant thing is that this will be the first time that I'll have no body else in my dwelling, in my entire life. I've always had housemates (or, ugh, family embers) around. Now it's just me...and Bob, too. since he won't have any other cats around with which he can interact, I may have to get him a pet.
I have a month of overlap between my leases, so I will be moving throughout the month of August. Although I will probably move the majority of the larger objects at the same time, there are myriad tasks to accomplish. I'll apply a copious amount of bleach to many surfaces in the apartment, as well as engage in any other typical cleaning activities. Anyone that wishes to volunteer is more than welcome to come help. I can't offer much, other than conversation, music and some pizza and beer.
I haven't decided on painting, or furniture layout, as of yet. The place is pretty well maintained, so painting is not an absolute necessity. I may just want to do it for purely aesthetic purposes. However, any painting I do will be dictated by furniture placement and a general understanding of how I can best utilize the space. I've just got a lot of furniture and I'm not totally certain about using all, or even most of it. (To give people who have been to my current residence a good idea, with the exception of the table near the front door, the coffee table and the TV, every piece of furniture in the common areas of the house is mine - plus a couple of chairs and foot rests that made their way upstairs.)
If anyone wishes to acquire parts of my furniture collection, including a very reasonable, not ugly, fairly comfortable couch, a dining room set, an antique-style oak flip-down-front desk, and possibly some bookshelves and CD racks, let me know. I'll find a place to put up some pics, if anyone is actually interested. Remember though, my current housemates get first shot at anything, as I am going to be decimating their living space, if I take it all.