Last night I sat in my shirtsleeves in the fading light of a perfect autumn day.It was my first full day in the city after arriving late the night before from Cologne.I’ve told myself a hundred times that I’ve settled the issue, that the period of my life lived spent here is part of my past and yet there was something in the light, in the air, in the dense crowds of cars and faces of every shade of humanity that told me I was wrong and that I can never leave it entirely, this place, this mammoth feast of humanity, this Manhattan.
When did short-sleeves become shirt-sleeves? I know it's a common usage in the US nowadays and it's a great example of how an incorrect usage can catch on and be generally accepted and used by everybody.
Richard, this wasn't directed as an attack on you, it's just one of my pet peeves.
You'll never get the Manhattan out of the boy, so to speak. It's a fantastic place.
ok, I'm not quite awake yet, but have just realised that you meant without a jacket. Sorry for my lack of understanding (I'm just starting my first cup of tea).
Having said that, I have seen 'shirt sleeve' used for 'short sleeve' and it does annoy me.
We are ultimately all nomads, aren't we? And we leave pieces of our hearts behind wherever we travel, to remain there forever, sparkling and calling, calling, calling to us.
Native New Yorkers say, "Once a New Yorker, always a New Yorker." That's just the way it is - the energy, the vibrancy, the 24/7, the cultural diversity and cultural respect, the intellectual stimulation, the sophistication, the food, the anonymity, the ease of instant conversation, extensive public transportation, cheap cabs, neighborhoods, cheap airfares, cheap consumer goods because of fierce competition among merchants, personal services - you have a want? Someone will fill it quickly (for a price)...
10 Comments:
When did short-sleeves become shirt-sleeves? I know it's a common usage in the US nowadays and it's a great example of how an incorrect usage can catch on and be generally accepted and used by everybody.
Richard, this wasn't directed as an attack on you, it's just one of my pet peeves.
You'll never get the Manhattan out of the boy, so to speak. It's a fantastic place.
ok, I'm not quite awake yet, but have just realised that you meant without a jacket. Sorry for my lack of understanding (I'm just starting my first cup of tea).
Having said that, I have seen 'shirt sleeve' used for 'short sleeve' and it does annoy me.
We are ultimately all nomads, aren't we? And we leave pieces of our hearts behind wherever we travel, to remain there forever, sparkling and calling, calling, calling to us.
J ... I'm glad you figured it out. I'd hate to be thought a language butcher.
Pippa ... Yes.
The way you feel about New York is how I feel when I come to Germany, strange isn't it, we can't get our homeland out of our system...ciao
I have a strong feeling you'll make your way back to NY some day, Richard...
Ros ... I think you're right.
Christina ... I don't know about that. I get back now and then and maybe that's enough. Anyway, it was a sunny day and I'm a sucker for a sunny day!
Pippa ... Thanks for that thought - a beautiful one.
Native New Yorkers say, "Once a New Yorker, always a New Yorker." That's just the way it is - the energy, the vibrancy, the 24/7, the cultural diversity and cultural respect, the intellectual stimulation, the sophistication, the food, the anonymity, the ease of instant conversation, extensive public transportation, cheap cabs, neighborhoods, cheap airfares, cheap consumer goods because of fierce competition among merchants, personal services - you have a want? Someone will fill it quickly (for a price)...
...and most of all, New Yorkers have a commitment to excellence.
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