You are currently viewing the stories for May, 2015

52 Places to Go in 2015: Bum-Fuck Middle of Nowhere

by 05/28/2015
Neighborhood: All Over

The week before I pried myself away from New York and moved to Japan to teach English, the New Yorker carried a tourism advertisement for the rural island where I’d be heading: “For travelers who have seen and experienced Tokyo, Kyoto, and other hot spots in Japan, and who are inclined to venture off the […]

I Know About His Ear

by 05/03/2015
Neighborhood: Downtown Brooklyn

Aunt Judy’s a teenager and my grandmother takes her shopping at Mays Department store in Downtown Brooklyn. Nana chooses the item she wants, then leans close to Judy. “Watch this.” Nana trumpets: “This is too expensive! I’m not paying this much!” A clerk says, “Ma’am, that’s the price.” “Oh, no! You’re not doing that to […]