Questions, Comments, Observations

I had a college history professor who would periodically query his students during lectures. “Any questions, comments, observations?” he would ask. 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 didn’t matter that the prof had stellar teaching credentials and a background that complemented the subject matter, the get-togethers had a zombie-like feel to them. My outwardly indifferent peers always seemed to be somewhere else. Come to think of it, there were more than few classes like that.

I don’t, though, remember any of the glassy-eyed therein 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. I never dropped by in my four years of higher education.

I’m 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 dug up in their all-encompassing virtual trail. It’s pathetic and scary at the same time. People are wielding power with these big reveals. 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’s perfect and everybody’s a hypocrite at one time or another. It’s 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 took up half a car.

In these tough times for the hospitality industry, I sincerely hope this restaurant has found someone to man its phone, a trying, stress-filled position no doubt.

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 doesn't speak well for the public at large. Seems to me that these folks deserved a better fate.

I've 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 the vast majority of them are mediocre at best. This slice fit the bill, but because it was fresh out of the oven wasn't half bad.

Par for the course near Penn Station. But for tired and hungry tourists...who knows?

It could conceivably 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 couldn't 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's not your grandfather's ACLU anymore, an organization I used to have the utmost regard for.  

Atlas is more than shrugging at that news. He's 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's 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.)