In the beginning

So because I am lazy, because I don't yet have email at home and because I really do want to stay in touch with you all, I am launching "New York Minute," a daily update on things NY and my new life here, as inspired by my friend Keith. So here is your inaugural installment.

Last night I went with some friends to the Cedar Bar, which wasn't bad food-wise or price-wise, so I can recommend this East Village establishment. Over dinner we started talking about the things people do in NY that bug us. My personal pet peeve are The Sudden Stoppers. These are the people who, usually inexplicably, stop in THE MIDDLE OF THE SIDEWALK. Now, in NY there is a lot of pedestrian traffic. A lot. If you find yourself in a situation where you have to stop (you're lost, you're on the phone, you want to look at the Empire State Building), pull over to the side, for Pete's sake! This problem would be solved if humans were all equipped with break lights. Sadly, evolution has not reached that point.

SV laughed when I ranted about the Sudden Stoppers. Apparently she yelled at one the day before Thanksgiving when she was in a real hurry to catch the train back to CT. She says there should be an etiquette book that is required reading for anyone who comes to the city. It's not a bad idea. There's a lot to learn.

T and G shared their pet peeve: When people try to board the subway while they are getting off. The rule here is that you step to the side to let the people off the subway, then you all cram yourselves into the car. The conductor is actually looking out of the car to see that everyone has gotten on before he closes the doors. So the doors are not timed, as you might think they are. G and T said sometimes if someone tries to board while they are exiting, they throw an elbow. Now, these are really nice guys, so you can only imagine how the Early Boarders rile the locals.

Well, that's it for tonight I think. I will tell you more about my coworkers and my life and finding food and all things NYC in the days to come. Hope you are doing well!