Comments on: new york update…

By: Patrick

Patrick — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 03:43:05 +0000

Great post. And a great comment chaser. Glad you got to go back — always a challenge, a bit unsettling — good for moving on.

By: Hamish

Hamish — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 04:05:24 +0000

Hmmmm. Sexual energy. Young people who want to have a BMI of about 20 moving around between some of the most omnipresent phallic buildings in the world.
The phrase used to be “if you are bored of London, then you are bored of life,” the equivalent for New York might be:
“If you are tired of exercising your right to make the beast of two backs with weird, random, and deeply flawed strangers, in an environment where six weeks is a long term relationship, the latest art gallery show more important than the state of the external world, and property prices are more important than generational linkages, then you are tired of… no dammit, you‘re just unhip…”
It is a wild ride, and interesting, but it has to be treated like a very good fun-fair, and not a life.
Having said that, I have traveled a lot, and I cannot think of another town that has the same combination of energy, dirt, and self-regard.
I am reminded of a quote of some British guy in the 19th century who traveled to France.
“Today we landed in Marseilles, and tomorrow we travel to France.”
NY, NY, is a lot like that. “Today I landed in New York, tomorrow I set sail for America.”

By: RKR

RKR — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 23:33:51 +0000

I had a “Roots” moment when I read one of your cartoons. “Kunta Kinta, I found you”! Don’t worry, I am not a stalker. I am way too lazy to make that kind of commitment. So for lack of my energy to want to actually meet you, I will say that your wit has wisdom.
Ignorable Advice and Comments:
Sounds like you gotta mild case of “the blue funk” … Just another super shallow observation from a perfect stranger…(I have delusions of being PERFECT.)
I have dined in NYC, but do not have anything to complain about. The hamburger was cooked the way I liked. I am not familiar with having discerning pallette. Being raised Italian, you ate what was put in front of you, or else… Unless you went to a restaurant that served household pets, I am sure your meals could not have been that bad…
Regarding the “coitus interuptus”. Perhaps you should have taken that new “shot” that helps people suffering from post-traumatic disorder (I wish I had the opportunity to get the shot after seeing my grandmother naked bent over the tub. I will never be the same…)
…I don’t suffer from depression, but I think I am a carrier… I embrace everything, but hate to be hugged.
Aint life grand!!
Keep up the good work. You are appreciated.
Sincerely.

By: vinny warren

vinny warren — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 09:33:47 +0000

hugh,
brilliant summation of new york’s long-term effects. you nailed it. people who have never lived there could never understand the gravitational pull it exerts on ex-ny-ers. emigration is hard.
i missed seeing you there by just days. rats!

By: Stefanie

Stefanie — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 09:06:59 +0000

I ‘get’ your #2. I find sometimes that I long for old places and then return… and it has nothing to do with the buildings and streets… or even people who have moved on and changed. It is something else — to do with the moments and the state of mind at the time. Nice post!

By: Marshall Sponder

Marshall Sponder — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 00:35:24 +0000

Nice meeting you last night at the Geek Dinner — that conversation afterwards was pretty cool — naturally, I was glad you were not focusing in on me…let’s leave that for next time.
Marshall

By: Graham

Graham — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 20:55:45 +0000

Echo above Hugh. I’ve never been to NYC, but know enough folk who have or who live there and who rave about the food. The availability and the quality. At yer most basic Slice and A Hamburger Today should help you surely,
http://www.sliceny.com
http://www.ahamburgertoday.com

By: Barbara

Barbara — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 20:29:00 +0000

Hi, Hugh.
I’m an Italian reader of your blog who has never written a post in her life but I dedicate this “first time” to thank you for your beautiful post about NY. Very sensitive, moving and realistic but, above all, helpful in not idealizing places and people too much.
Keep up your great work and take care.

By: jen lemen

jen lemen — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 17:20:27 +0000

hang in there, hugh. maybe you need a little ritual to let bygones be bygones. or a new breakup speech where you’re the one with the upperhand this time– ending things the way you wanted them to end, making all the points you wanted to make the first time.
even without speeches, i bet that girl doesn’t see things exactly like she used to, just like you.

By: Marykate

Marykate — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 08:21:53 +0000

What was it you wanted to tell me?

By: Terinea Tech Tips

Terinea Tech Tips — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 07:42:15 +0000

I heard Ewan (Who I believe you know) mention you once and someone else mention the marketing for Stormhoek wine. Came across your blog by fluke, it’s like bumping into someone famous on the street, the internet is a small world really!

By: Laren

Laren — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 03:37:41 +0000

The food is lousy?!? Where the hell have you been eating?!? Apparently you didn't eat anything while you were drinking at Otto.

By: Jason

Jason — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 03:13:20 +0000

Hugh,
Where have you been eating? New York cannot compete with deep fried Mars Bars, Haggis and Kippers from your homeland, but in just about every other food group, NY rules. Sorry, mate.

By: Kath

Kath — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 03:05:02 +0000

I love it how you’re always so upfront and honest with what’s on your mind.
That, and your art, is what keeps me coming back for more.
Have fun in Austin.

By: You Mon Tsang

You Mon Tsang — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 01:55:11 +0000

I go back to NYC (from SF) and I think it is the most wonderful city in the world.