The Write Angle: Autumn in New York

Friday, September 17, 2021

Autumn in New York

(Originally published on 9/25/18)

When the Rite Aid drug store chain not only has its Halloween candy, decorations, and costumes taking up multiple aisles, but hints of Christmas decor around as well, it can mean only one thing: It's autumn in New York! Actually, two things: Christmas music will be playing on radio stations in approximately five weeks. What's not to love about fall? There's so much going on and so much to live for:

Nowadays it's called "branding." In this instance "bad branding."

The little house with the big name...

I was a "happy child" on a school bus when homeward bound, never—as I recall—the other way around.

Does New York still love Tropicana? Or is it Bai-Bai orange juice?

You know you are in a tony part of town when the public bathrooms have ceiling fans.

Recently, a taxi driver from out of town wanted to know the whereabouts of "The Statue." Since we were both in Battery Park City at the time, I pointed in the general direction of Liberty Island. With several antsy passengers in his vehicle, the cabbie desired more specific directions than that. He wondered, too, if there would be available parking when he got there. I didn't take pleasure in bursting his balloon, but I informed him that he had to take a boat. Sorry, no cars. The guy didn't believe me. Happily, he didn't ask me: "How do I get to Carnegie Hall?" Because, again, the man wouldn't have liked my answer: "Practice." Happy Motoring!

Flag flying over the Kingsbridge Station post office, where almost anything goes.

Flag flying over my former elementary school, St. John's, on Godwin Terrace in the Bronx. The building is currently being leased to the public school system, which no doubt pays a pretty penny for the privilege. From the Catholic Church perspective, however, every little bit helps in paying off its victims.

This is one of the boats that could have taken the cab driver's fare to Liberty Island. Hope he didn't make a wrong turn.

There is nothing quite like pizza, but I fear we are being inundated in these parts with options. So much so that many pizza makers will find out—sooner rather than later—that they just can't make enough dough to survive.