This was so lovely. I especially appreciated the part about how we can't "homework" our way out of most social issues and how be informed is a start but should never be the end of action in the community. As always thank you for sharing this with us Isaac
So much great stuff in here--thank you and Alexander for the resources to support anti-hate groups--but my favorite lines is "People love a go-go boy."
This piece is such a great read and makes me miss walking around New York. I think it's time for a follow-up stage event or podcast where we can all listen to you and your walking partners in conversation.
What I've been thinking about since I read this a couple of days ago is the editor's note [Editor's Note: I did a little research and discovered that the chimes of St. Malachy's used to play "There's No Business Like Show Business."]. "There's No Business" was one of my grandmother's favorite songs, and she had several different recordings.
One of my favorite NY visits was staying with a friend (who also had a side gig for William F. Buckley, crewing for him on his sailboat) in the East Village during the 1996 blizzard. We both loved walking in the city, and I remember talking for hours about seasonal soundtracks. As you know, San Francisco is, for the most part, one season - and I am envious of places with seasons. I can't remember now what we thought was the best walking in a blizzard or post-blizzard song, though thinking about it now, I think "New York City" by They Might Be Giants would be pretty great - "You said, 'It's snowing / It's snowing / God, I hate this weather!' / Now I walk through blizzards just to get us back together"
Anyway, the seasonal soundtrack game was trying to find a song with multiple covers and then picking the best version for each season, where you could close your eyes and listen to all four in a row and feel the seasons changing. This brings me back to "There's No Business" - I wish my grandmother were here to weigh in, but I'm going with:
Winter: Susannah McCorkle
Quiet, dark - certain parts can bring tears for no reason.
Spring: Mary Hopkin
Light, fun
Summer: The Andrews Sisters, Bing Crosby, Dick Haymes
Thank you for this; it was so far outside of my current world that I just loved being immersed in a new one about NYC. Back in 1967, my husband and I drove in from the west coast in an MG roadster, didn't know where to stay or even park safely. A wonderful Jewish parking lot owner took us under his wing, secured our car and invited us to his home for dinner and a swim at Coney Island. Wonderful people left a great impression of friendly NY neighborhoods.
This was so lovely. I especially appreciated the part about how we can't "homework" our way out of most social issues and how be informed is a start but should never be the end of action in the community. As always thank you for sharing this with us Isaac
Thank you so much for reading, Matthew. 🙏🏻
So much great stuff in here--thank you and Alexander for the resources to support anti-hate groups--but my favorite lines is "People love a go-go boy."
I really enjoyed "I remember we tipped the dancers like we were insulating them for the winter." ❄️
He was very funny! You must have laughed a lot :-)
We did! 🍓
This piece is such a great read and makes me miss walking around New York. I think it's time for a follow-up stage event or podcast where we can all listen to you and your walking partners in conversation.
What I've been thinking about since I read this a couple of days ago is the editor's note [Editor's Note: I did a little research and discovered that the chimes of St. Malachy's used to play "There's No Business Like Show Business."]. "There's No Business" was one of my grandmother's favorite songs, and she had several different recordings.
One of my favorite NY visits was staying with a friend (who also had a side gig for William F. Buckley, crewing for him on his sailboat) in the East Village during the 1996 blizzard. We both loved walking in the city, and I remember talking for hours about seasonal soundtracks. As you know, San Francisco is, for the most part, one season - and I am envious of places with seasons. I can't remember now what we thought was the best walking in a blizzard or post-blizzard song, though thinking about it now, I think "New York City" by They Might Be Giants would be pretty great - "You said, 'It's snowing / It's snowing / God, I hate this weather!' / Now I walk through blizzards just to get us back together"
Anyway, the seasonal soundtrack game was trying to find a song with multiple covers and then picking the best version for each season, where you could close your eyes and listen to all four in a row and feel the seasons changing. This brings me back to "There's No Business" - I wish my grandmother were here to weigh in, but I'm going with:
Winter: Susannah McCorkle
Quiet, dark - certain parts can bring tears for no reason.
Spring: Mary Hopkin
Light, fun
Summer: The Andrews Sisters, Bing Crosby, Dick Haymes
Kitschy, playful
Fall (the best season): Harry Connick, Jr.
Melancholy, contemplative
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2outF3ulJVLxfXlfy3Q4Ti?si=6f619b54f7534181
I don't want to know what the secret is but I like knowing it's out there.
Lisa! I love the seasonal soundtrack game! Thanks for sharing these with us. And I'll keep you posted re: a live event or podcast. 😇
great letter! loved learning more about hell’s kitchen and one’s experience of it.
Really appreciate that, Thor! 💚
That ending wiped me out! Lovely piece, thank you.
Thanks heaps and heaps for reading! 🙏🏻
You mean, you’re just going to leave us hanging at the end? I mean, of course you can, but after all that good stuff you just stopped! 🤣🤣
😇 😈
Thank you for this; it was so far outside of my current world that I just loved being immersed in a new one about NYC. Back in 1967, my husband and I drove in from the west coast in an MG roadster, didn't know where to stay or even park safely. A wonderful Jewish parking lot owner took us under his wing, secured our car and invited us to his home for dinner and a swim at Coney Island. Wonderful people left a great impression of friendly NY neighborhoods.
What a lovely memory. Thank you for sharing, Gayle. 💚
damn damn damn this was good
Thank you, Leonor! 🍓
So glad you enjoyed it, Nil! 🍓
Thank you for reading, Sarita! 🌹 ✨