Small Talk: a.k.a. 'The Meet Market'

[kili]

1. Spend a few hours pretending you're Neal.

2. Try some Tamara spill coffee moves

3. Ask people if they've seen Emma and Henry around.

4. Get arrested so you can sample their fine bologna cuisine?

5. Lose your camera?

6. Drink random beverages crazy people give you?

7. Try to get into apartment buildings by pretending to be the FedEx delivery person?

[InsertWordHere]

8. Drop your phone down a fire escape.

9. Chase a man through the city and tackle him.

10. Eat pizza because it doesn't lie (this is true and you should do it).

[Souris]

11. Laugh and dance throughout the city in a montage set to a peppy pop tune.

12. Sneak onto a crime-drama set and pretend to be a corpse.

13. See an off-Broadway play

14. Honestly, if there's nothing in particular you want to do, I'd suggest simply picking a funky neighborhood and wandering around.

 

Friends and I went to a Sara Bareilles concert yesterday. She was great -- and a couple four rows right behind us got engaged during "I Choose You." I was all into the song but could tell there was some sort of commotion, so I turned around to see the guy on his knee and the girl happily bawling with her hand over her mouth. Everybody around them was shining their cell-phone flashlights on them so they were in a spotlight in the middle of the darkness. It was cool. You don't witness that every day.

[sharky]

I keep thinking of this scene from The Office if you're up for pizza. I miss that show.

 

Where are you staying in NYC? That's always a factor. If you haven't yet, a ride on the Staten Island Ferry is cool -- great views and it's free! And you can't go wrong with a coffee and people watching in Central Park or Union Square. One of my favorite things to do is stop at Rock Center and St. Patrick's first, then walk up Fifth Avenue to look at all the stores I can't afford, and then end up in Central Park. Or you can try Shake Shack even if the line may be long. 

[SilverShadow]

I would suggest a Broadway show, but that would end too late. You could take one of the stop and go Double Decker Bus tours, maybe. Those are kinda fun. (Fair warning-I've only done one once, and it was free.)

[Shanna Marie]

I'm staying very close to Grand Central. I've done the Staten Island Ferry. Pizza (but not Sbarro's) is a strong possibility for dinner, depending on what lunch is like. I've done a lot of wandering around. I won't really be dressed for serious rambling in the park since I'll be in business clothes and since this is a whirlwind trip I'm packing really light, which rules out extra shoes and casual clothes to change into (the plan is to go with a small tote I can fit under the seat, and my conference outfit for the next day is a jersey dress I can roll up and throw in a bag). I've gone to New York often enough that I've got familiar things I do and places I go that I like enough that it wars with the desire to see/do something new. I haven't actually done the Statue of Liberty, but I suspect that won't fit well in my window of opportunity. There's one exhibit I'd like to see at a museum that's open until 6, and that kind of counts as work because it's research for a project. There may be some wandering in that part of town because it's a new one to me, but that will also depend on the weather, as rain is in the forecast.

 

Bursting into song in public is always a strong possibility. It's been known to happen (hey, I had to be able to tell people I've sung on Broadway). The trick is getting that whole group of random strangers to sing backup and instinctively know the choreography.

[sharky]

Hm...well, there is always wandering Park Ave. then. Or if you're up for a drink or dinner, Grand Central has some classy places -- the Campbell Apartment is apparently very cool but you have to dress appropriately so work attire is good and the Oyster Bar. I still haven't been to either but need to go to both.

[Shanna Marie]

Oh, I'd forgotten about the Campbell Apartment. And I will have a little black dress!

[legaleagle53]

Lucky you, getting to go to New York on business and still have a little time for fun.  I lived in New York for two years in the early 80s, and I can't tell you how much I miss it!

[sharky]

Lucky you, getting to go to New York on business and still have a little time for fun.  I lived in New York for two years in the early 80s, and I can't tell you how much I miss it!

That must've been amazing! I spent five years there in the early 2000s and will always have a place in my heart for that city. I still visit at least two or three times a year since my in-laws live there, but it also just reminds me that I'm glad I don't live there now. My parents were in town this week and my dad pointed out that my first "apartment" in Brooklyn was as big as my current master bedroom -- and that's saying less about how big my bedroom is and more about how small my apartment was. It was seriously a room with a bed and a hot plate and I shared a bathroom with the random dude who lived next door. I loved being 24 years old in New York, but there is no way I'm doing that again. My standards, unfortunately, have risen dramatically since then when it comes to my living situation.

Edited July 30, 2014 by sharky

[legaleagle53]

Well, living in Arizona now, I can't say that I miss the winters or the humidity in summer, but I do miss everything else about that city.  I've dreamed of going back there for a visit for over 32 years.

[Shanna Marie]

Sometimes I wish I'd been brave enough to try New York right out of college, when I was used to sharing an 8x12 room with another person. But I'm way too spoiled now to be able to deal with the downgrade in living conditions. I like my space (and am on the verge of trading up to a bigger house). But I do love visiting, and fortunately I work in a field that offers the opportunity for a lot of tax-deductible visits. I've only taken one real "vacation" there, a short post 9-11 solidarity trip in early October of 2001. Otherwise, it's been for conferences, trade shows, business meetings or research. The research trips are a little looser because I can generally set my own schedule, but I do have an agenda and am trying to cram a lot of stuff into a limited time. This trip is rather sudden and unexpected, and in a way, having just a little free time means I may not worry too much about doing a lot of stuff. I may just enjoy being there. I was going to have to schedule a trip sometime this fall, and this way, I get to squeeze that meeting in with someone else picking up the travel costs. Win-win!

[KingOfHearts]

I've never been remotely close to New York, but I really want to go there some day. I'm a huge fan of the city. Any New York residents or visitors have any advice, or heads up on what it's like?

[stealinghome]

I still visit at least two or three times a year since my in-laws live there, but it also just reminds me that I'm glad I don't live there now.

This is exactly how I feel about NYC. I like to visit it, but I would loathe living there. I grew up in suburbia, and I just have standards for how crowded my living space needs to not be and how much green I need in my life. :)

 

I've never been remotely close to New York, but I really want to go there some day. I'm a huge fan of the city. Any New York residents or visitors have any advice, or heads up on what it's like?

Staten Island Ferry! It's free and you get a LOVELY view of the Statue of Liberty.

 

I also always think the Met is absolutely worth seeing. It's just amazing.

[FurryFury]

I've never even been to the US, period, and I'd really love to go, but it won't probably happen in this life, alas :( So jealous of you guys!

[ShadowFacts]

Where do you live FurryFury?  And I totally agree with stealinghome, the Met is a must-see.  If you like that, you probably will like the Museum of Modern Art as well, and to mix in a little medieval ambiance, the Cloisters.  It is an oasis.  For me, Ellis Island was a very moving experience. 

[legaleagle53]

I would also put Radio City Music Hall on that list.  I remember seeing a spectacular musical tribute to the 50 States there back in 1981, and it was mind-blowing (no Rockettes, however!).

 

There is also a boat tour that goes all the way around Manhattan.  It's a couple of hours long, but it's really informative.

[FurryFury]

I'm from Russia, ShadowFacts. Not the best place for a living, especially lately :( I'd probably immigrate to somewhere like Canada if I could.

[RadioGirl27]

I've never been to New York, but if I go there someday, the Cloisters will be my first visit for sure. I love Medieval Art and there you can find some amazing pieces.

[angelwoody]

The dearth of programming in the summer is killing me right now.  I just found out that Crossbones was cancelled, and not that it was a great show, but it was tolerable and different.  

 

I find that so many shows on TV right now are too dark for my current mood/ mental state.  I don't necessarily need light and fluffy, but something that isn't completely pessimistic and depressing would be very welcome...   

[Souris]

I've been enjoying the Three Muskateers on BBC America a lot this summer. It's mostly just a swashbuckling romp with lots of costume porn and pretty, pretty men sword-fighting.

[angelwoody]

I've been enjoying the Three Muskateers on BBC America a lot this summer. It's mostly just a swashbuckling romp with lots of costume porn and pretty, pretty men sword-fighting.

Souris, I've been watching that and enjoying it as well.  Sword-fighting, period costumes and pretty men with English accents (which is weird since they're supposed to be in France, but whatevs) - it's like the show was made just for me.  :-) 

[sharky]

Hm....may have to try Three Musketeers now. I get on a USA Network summer kick each summer with Covert Affairs and Suits. And Franklin and Bash returns to TNT next month. And of course, Project Runway just started again. I totally can live without the interaction and drama on that show so I usually just fast forward to the runway portion with the pretty outfits. :)

[FurryFury]

We've just watched the pilot for The Strain. Wow, with all the problems OUAT has, at least it's free of the "generic white well-off male dude and his generic problems" syndrome. The lead is a workaholic guy who's getting divorced and all man-painy about his wife having a new boyfriend and taking the custody of their son, which doesn't prevent him from banging his hot colleague (played by Nadia from Alias) for some time (since before the divorce). He doesn't seem all that competent in his job, too, and isn't likable at all. I have no idea why the writers expect the viewers to cheer for that man, and most of the other characters are completely bland and/or clichéd (as is the whole show). 

 

The show seems to be somewhere around Under the Dome, quality-wise.

[Dani-Ellie]

My summer show is Rizzoli & Isles. The Bostonian in me loves all the Boston shoutouts, and I think they manage a nice balance of the darkness of the crime drama and the humor of a workplace comedy. Plus, I've less-than-three-ed Angie Harmon since she was Abbie Carmichael on Law & Order, so that helps, too. :)

[RadioGirl27]

I'm going to try with Three Musketeers, but I'm a bit scared. I mean, that is one of my favourite books since I was a child (Athos was the first fictional character I "fell in love" with) and I have hated every TV or movie version I've seen (even the one with Gene Kelly, and I love him). My brother told me the show is really bad, but he also dislakes Once and almost every other show I like, so I can't trust him in this. Anyway, pretty boys sword-fighting, so at least I will give it a try. I really need something light, because the only show I'm watching right now is The Bridge and it's pretty intense.

[SilverShadow]

I'm been blazing though Coupling on Netflix myself and enjoying it a lot. I loves me some Jack Davenport. I sat through Smash for that man. (Well, I started watching Smash for that man, and then stayed mostly for Megan Hilty, but close enough.)

Edited July 31, 2014 by SilverShadow

[FormerMod-a1]

I loved Coupling, I even bought the DVDs.  I highly recommend it to all.  It's what got me interested in Leverage - I saw "Sophie" (Gina Bellman) in an ad and that plus Timothy Hutton got me to watch.  But Leverage is also off the air now (frowny face), but I still recommend it.   For stuff currently airing, I am watching Suits, Satisfaction (love me some Matt Passmore) - can't say it's great though, but it's still really new; Project Runway, Face Off (love this!), Perception, Falling Skies, and The Last Ship.  The last 3 are just "all right", but are good for me for summer fun.  And I'm looking forward to Top Chef Duels.  Ooh, and I'm going to watch The Quest premier tonight, we'll see if I end up liking it.

[Shanna Marie]

I'm back from New York. I didn't make it to the Campbell Apartment. Well, actually I did, but I stuck my head in the door at the hostess station and knew the noise level that night was more than I could take at that time. It's gorgeous, and I think it would be a great place to have a drink, but the hostess said Thursdays are their busiest nights. I'll have to find a quieter time on another trip.

 

Otherwise, I got to go into the lobby of the Flatiron Building, since that's where my publisher is. I hope to make it further into the building on a future trip (this time, since we were going to lunch, my editor just came down and met me). I took in the Gilded Age exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York, wandered the Conservatory Gardens in Central Park, wandered the park in general (it was a lovely evening for it) and had dinner at the Loeb Boathouse. Then went back to my hotel and collapsed entirely.

 

I ditto the recommendation for the Cloisters. The main Met is a bit overwhelming to me because it's so big and tends to be crowded, but the day I went to the Cloisters, it was very quiet and peaceful, and I love all the medieval stuff. I like the park around it, too. You kind of feel like you're in the country.

 

I guess that's why I don't think I could live in New York full-time. It's noisy and crowded, and I have issues about noise and crowds. It's energizing for a couple of days, but I'm really looking forward to a quiet evening alone at home.

[Souris]

Glad you found some things to do, Shanna Marie! I don't know anything about the Gilded Age exhibit, but it sounds like something I'd love. I've only been to New York for two days, both days taking the train in from a friend's house in New Jersey, so I've barely experienced it. Though one of those days I ended up on the subway immediately after the St. Patrick's Day Parade ended, so I was basically a sardine. I've never been that close to that many people in a small space. ::shudders::

 

One thing I'd really like to do is have a drink at the Algonquin Hotel. I know it's a bit cliche, but I do love me some Dorothy Parker.

[sharky]

Sounds like a great day in the city, Shanna Marie! What kind of work do you do that requires an editor? I sent many years in the media business in the city, but of course NYC is known for that. :-)

[legaleagle53]

Though one of those days I ended up on the subway immediately after the St. Patrick's Day Parade ended, so I was basically a sardine. I've never been that close to that many people in a small space. ::shudders::

 

You were lucky.  Try doing it during rush hour in the middle of July or August sometime.  You'll be gasping for oxygen by the the time you finally reach your stop.

 

Then again, it can be an adventure.  I remember one time during my first trip to Rome when I was waiting for the Metro there in order to go someplace (I think it was to the Colosseum).  When the train arrived, it was, of course, crammed full.  I was still trying to make up my mind whether to try to squeeze in when all of a sudden, a woman on the train spotted me, grabbed me by the arm, shouted "Dai!" ("Come on, then!"), and pulled me into the train before the door closed.  

 

Who says that Europeans aren't helpful to foreigners?

[KAOS Agent]

I thought I was going to die on the Roman Metro. I was squeezed so tightly into a corner that I was having trouble breathing. There was also the added panic that since I had not actually planned on being in Rome, I had no real idea where I was going or what I was doing and with all the people, I had no idea what stop I was at or whether I'd be able to get off if I could figure where I was. You could not pay me enough to get me back on the Metro in Rome.

 

Subways bother me in general, but the ones that go under rivers scare me the most. The red line in Budapest freaks me out just thinking about it. It used to drive my boyfriend nuts because he lived on one side of the river and I on the other and I was always insisting we take the aboveground (and much slower) tram system.

[Shanna Marie]

One thing I'd really like to do is have a drink at the Algonquin Hotel.

I have done that!

 

The subway is kind of fun before the St. Patrick's Day parade, especially when you find yourself the only woman in a car that's entirely full of cops and firefighters in dress uniforms on their way to the parade. Yum! (I'm a sucker for uniforms.)

 

What kind of work do you do that requires an editor?

I'm a novelist. I've got a new publisher, and this was my first meeting with the new editor. I was in town to speak at a writing conference, but I squeezed in some other business while I was there, since the conference paid for my trip.

[legaleagle53]

I thought I was going to die on the Roman Metro. I was squeezed so tightly into a corner that I was having trouble breathing. There was also the added panic that since I had not actually planned on being in Rome, I had no real idea where I was going or what I was doing and with all the people, I had no idea what stop I was at or whether I'd be able to get off if I could figure where I was. You could not pay me enough to get me back on the Metro in Rome.

 

The only thing I hated about the Metro in Rome was riding the escalator at one of the stops near my hotel to get down to the platform.  For some reason, that particular escalator gave me a horrendous case of vertigo the moment I stepped on it; if I was riding down, I always felt as though I were going to pitch forward onto my face, and if I was riding up it, I always felt as though I were going to topple over backwards.  The only way I could overcome it was to ride the escalator with my eyes shut.

 

One of the biggest anomalies about Rome was that there were two McDonalds located only a couple of blocks from my hotel (in fact, one was just down at the end of the block).  It seemed so wrong on so many levels, and it was definitely surreal ordering a Big N Tasty in Italian (but on the other hand, the Baci McFlurry was to die for!).

[sharky]

The subway is kind of fun before the St. Patrick's Day parade, especially when you find yourself the only woman in a car that's entirely full of cops and firefighters in dress uniforms on their way to the parade. Yum! (I'm a sucker for uniforms.)

Oh yes! Same reason I always enjoyed Fleet Week when I was single and living in New York. ;)

I'm a novelist. I've got a new publisher, and this was my first meeting with the new editor. I was in town to speak at a writing conference, but I squeezed in some other business while I was there, since the conference paid for my trip.

That's so cool! My background is in journalism so I love writing and editing. That's what led me to write fanfiction, but it took me a bit of time to accept the fact that it's OK for me to write stuff that's made up -- definitely a no-no in journalism school. At some point, I'd love to pick up some more fiction writing skills. I actually completed NaNoWriMo one year, but I haven't even thought about editing that thing because it's a horribly written piece of crap.

[RadioGirl27]

That's so cool! My background is in journalism so I love writing and editing. That's what led me to write fanfiction, but it took me a bit of time to accept the fact that it's OK for me to write stuff that's made up -- definitely a no-no in journalism school. At some point, I'd love to pick up some more fiction writing skills. I actually completed NaNoWriMo one year, but I haven't even thought about editing that thing because it's a horribly written piece of crap.

I studied journalism at the University, but now I work as a teacher. Sometimes I miss being a journalist, and I keep writing things (even if a prefered working on the radio, hence the nickname). But I love teaching, so I'm happy. And really, the work schedule and the salary is so much better.

[sharky]

RadioGirl -- Do you teach journalism or another subject? I've thought about going into teaching at some point. Definitely more job stability considering I got laid off from my last editorial job, which has become the norm in this profession unfortunately.

[Shanna Marie]

My background is in journalism so I love writing and editing.

I went to journalism school and interned in radio and TV news, but ended up getting a PR job, though I was always writing fiction. I got laid off from one of the big PR agencies about a dozen years ago, and when a lot of my clients were calling me the next day to ask me to freelance for them, I decided to see if I could hack it freelance and be able to focus more on the fiction. I had a lot of money saved up as a cushion, so it wasn't as risky as it sounds. Over the years, I've phased out the non-fiction marketing/PR stuff and now just do fiction. Best job ever, even if there are times I want to torture my editor.

[legaleagle53]

Oh yes! Same reason I always enjoyed Fleet Week when I was single and living in New York. ;)

That's so cool! My background is in journalism so I love writing and editing. That's what led me to write fanfiction, but it took me a bit of time to accept the fact that it's OK for me to write stuff that's made up -- definitely a no-no in journalism school. At some point, I'd love to pick up some more fiction writing skills. I actually completed NaNoWriMo one year, but I haven't even thought about editing that thing because it's a horribly written piece of crap.

 

So will you be writing one or more of the fan recaps for Season 4 (now that Cindy McLennan is no longer recapping the show)?  ;-)

[RadioGirl27]

RadioGirl -- Do you teach journalism or another subject? I've thought about going into teaching at some point. Definitely more job stability considering I got laid off from my last editorial job, which has become the norm in this profession unfortunately.

I teach History, and some related subjects as Art History, to kids between 12 and 18. I've been a History buff all my life, so it was the most suitable subject for me, and I enjoy it very much. Finding a job in Spain right now, as a journalist or as anything really, is almost impossible. Not many of my classmates are working as journalists. Some of them, the lucky ones, are working right now as teachers, but I have a friend that works as a waitress.

Edited August 3, 2014 by RadioGirl27

[sharky]

So will you be writing one or more of the fan recaps for Season 4 (now that Cindy McLennan is no longer recapping the show)?  ;-)

 

Yea, I can't wait to get started at TWOP! Oh wait ....

I actually used to write Jim/Pam centric recaps for an Office website but not many people read them and they weren't my favorite things to write. I may have to revisit that at some point.

I teach History, and some related subjects as Art History, to kids between 12 and 18. I've been a History buff all my life, so it was the most suitable subject for me, and I enjoy it very much. Finding a job in Spain right now, as a journalist or as anything really, is almost impossible. Not many of my classmates are working as journalists. Some of them, the lucky ones, are working right now as teachers, but I have a friend that works as a waitress.

Sounds like Spain and the US are the same when it comes to journalism. Once a job is ”eliminated" it rarely if ever returns when the belt tightening is over.

[YaddaYadda]

I live in NYC though I'm back in my hometown of Montreal right now (Go Habs Go!).  I live near the Cloisters actually and it's really beautiful there.  Restaurant recommendation...Harlem Tavern (in Harlem obviously), That's the place we always go back to.  Subway, 116th, C train and it's like right below Columbia University.  They have a large terrace in the Summer and an amateur Jazz band and it's just nice and doesn't take itself seriously.  I don't think I've ever eaten anything there that I disliked.

[Shanna Marie]

They have a large terrace in the Summer and an amateur Jazz band and it's just nice and doesn't take itself seriously.

Gee, now you tell me. :-) Terraces and jazz are high on my list of good things. I will have to make a note for future reference. I'm sure I'll be back there again sometime.

 

For those looking for jobs with a journalism background, have you considered corporate communications? I've worked in places where it was almost like working as a journalist, only I was reporting on things going on within the organization to employees and other people involved at the place. Then there's marketing communications, which is preparing stuff like brochures, white papers and other written materials used for sales and marketing. I liked doing that sort of thing more than public relations because I hated doing the media relations and bugging reporters, but I liked ferreting out a story from within an organization and finding the good sources who could talk about a product or service. Then there's media training -- teaching people how to deal with the press and to communicate clearly in interviews.

[legaleagle53]

Gee, now you tell me. :-) Terraces and jazz are high on my list of good things. I will have to make a note for future reference. I'm sure I'll be back there again sometime.

 

Two words:  New Orleans.

[sharky]

I live in NYC though I'm back in my hometown of Montreal right now (Go Habs Go!).

So conflicted right now. I love that there's another hockey fan here, but I'm from Detroit so.... yea....

Shanna Marie -- Been there, done that as well. I had a media/corporate relations job that was awesome. The pestering reporters to cover things in a college town was tough, but I did enjoy writing the stories for our in-house publications and website. It's definitely something I'm going to consider! Right now, I'm actually a freelance editor -- set my own hours, which is good since I'm also a stay-at-home mom, Unfortunately, taking care of the kids doesn't have a salary or 401K benefits, and kisses and snuggles won't pay the mortgage. ;)

[YaddaYadda]

Sharky, we're good as long as you're not a Boston or Toronto fan because just can't...

[sharky]

Boston or Toronto? Uh no. I don't have much pride, but I have enough to not do that. ;) On the other hand, I am also a Detroit Lions fan so I do kind of sympathize with the losers in Toronto.

[Shanna Marie]

Two words:  New Orleans.

I love New Orleans. Last time I was at a place with jazz on the terrace there, I ended up sitting in with the band as their girl singer. It was a trio of really old guys who'd been sidemen with the big bands in the 30s-40s, and when I requested a song, they were impressed that someone my age (well, the age I look) knew of that song. Next thing I knew, I had a microphone in my hand. Then they found out I really could sing. And then the audience started making requests. It was a lot of fun. So now I can say I've sung at a jazz club in the French Quarter (and it's a lot more true in spirit than saying I've sung on Broadway).

[legaleagle53]

That's very typical of the Big Easy.  I do remember experiencing a bit of culture shock on my first trip to New Orleans in 1999 (Bourbon Street in particular), but one unforgettable experience that I had was a Native New Orleanian who came up to my traveling companion and me on Bourbon Street, smiled, and said, "Don't y'all know that it's against the law to be shy here in New Orleans?"

 

Unfortunately, I never experienced Mardi Gras in New Orleans.  I lived in Baton Rouge during the year that I spent in Louisiana, and I was a bit too preoccupied with finding a new place to live to make it over to New Orleans for the festivities.  However, because Mardi Gras is actually a State holiday there (and really begins about a week prior to the day itself), I got a great taste of the festivities in Baton Rouge.  From what I've heard, though, those stories of how wild things can get in New Orleans during Mardi Gras?  They're all true!

Edited August 4, 2014 by legaleagle53