New York Random

Clearly, I am at risk of too much navel gazing, which is another good reason for me to be in New York. There are so many people about, one can't help but focus on them.

Today I passed an angry homeless man dressed in all white. He shouted at an invisible adversary, "And another thing, greaseball, just look in the toilet bowl and you'll see what your mother looks like!"

A few blocks away I encountered two butch men in plaid shirts intensely arguing with each other. Finally one shoved something in the shirt pocket of the other and walked away. Bracing for fisticuffs, I gave them a wide berth. As I walked past I heard the one who walked away say in an angry voice to his companion, "What kinda sandwich do ya want?"

Moments later, I crossed 8th Avenue and brushed passed one of the Olsen twins.

Presidential Patience

There were many police officers and barricades along 8th Avenue last night. The President is in town, and the city was preparing for his arrival at the New Yorker Hotel.

I waited on 36th Street as a police officer directed traffic. His instructions opposed the commands of the traffic lights. There was a large mass of about 30 pedestrians on each corner waiting to cross the street.

As he halted the motor traffic, he paused and faced the throngs.

"Thank you for your New York-style patience!"

I appreciate an understanding cop.

The Screaming Comes Naturally

As I was walking down 8th Avenue with my laundry, I heard a man say to his colleague:

"I've been screaming since I learned to talk."

His demeanor and tone suggested that he was defending himself from criticism.

Regardless, it is a great line.

New York's Finest

As I was exiting the subway at 43rd and 8th Avenue, a young boy stood at the top stair crying and wining. He did not want to move.

A moment later, I could see why.

A mounted policeman's horse was standing a few feet from the entrance, and a small cluster of New York City children were gathered around admiring the animal.

At one moment, the horse made a big movement, such as lifting its neck from the ground to shake it high in the air. The children, who looked likely to be a difficult-to-impress street smart group, were awstruck and delighted.

The policeman was answering their questions with a big grin. He clearly enjoyed entertaining them. It was a joy to hear their childish laughter as my heels clicked down the street.