“Nail” is an interesting word. As a noun, it can be short for “fingernail,” as in people go to the nail salon to get their nails done. We call movies that are thrillers “a nail biter” because it can cause us to bite our fingernails in suspense. On the other hand, the word “nail” could… Read more »

This Saturday is U.S. Independence Day, which is often referred to as the Fourth of July! It’s the only holiday, as far as I know, that is also commonly known by its date. As such, it gives us a good example of how we say dates in English, particularly in American English. As such – because… Read more »

Today is June 21, the first day of summer 2015! The summer solstice arrives at exactly 12:38 p.m. EDT, when the sun reaches the highest point in the northern hemisphere. I’M not really INTO astronomy–the study of the planets and stars–but I love knowing what happens in THE HEAVENS when the seasons change. Because it’s… Read more »

#VOCABULARY BE INTO something/doing something – enjoy something PACKED – full; crowded DECOR – decoration; style BE FOND OF something – like something HIT THE SPOT – satisfying My wife and I ARE kind of INTO trying different ramen places these days. This one in the Upper East Side of Manhattan wasn’t bad at all. I… Read more »

I’m always ON THE LOOKOUT FOR interesting ads and signs around town. I found this ad on the subway and related to it as I can be SUCH A NEAT FREAK. I usually try to stay organized and CLUTTER-free. However, it’s not always easy. Sometimes, I let the mess PILE UP before I MAKE TIME… Read more »

In the news recently, there’s been a MASSIVE increase in bikes being stolen in New York City. More and more people are riding their bikes, which is great for several reasons–it’s good for the environment, good for people’s health, good for the health of the city, etc. Unfortunately, thieves are noticing the SURGE in bike… Read more »

We’re getting more and more fine weather these days now that it’s the beginning of April. It can still get a bit nippy, but the days are getting longer and it’s a lot nicer in the late afternoons when it’s time to head home. Last week, I took a quick stroll through Bryant Park in… Read more »

It’s late March; it’s still chilly out, but my nose is beginning to run, and I can feel my sinuses starting to get irritated, so I checked out the young trees in front of our building, and sure enough, I can see the flower buds starting to emerge. Soon they will be in bloom and… Read more »

When we’re heading somewhere such as to an event or an appointment, we’re usually thinking of the time. Are we running late? Are we early? Will we get to our destination sooner than expected? The same thing happens when we’re working on a project; we think about time, as well. When will we finish the… Read more »

The wife and I recently moved to a new place that’s slightly larger than our old one. The good news, it’s just next door, so moving wasn’t so bad. The bad news, I hurt my back hauling heavy stuff up the stairs. Fortunately, the injury wasn’t too severe and while I had some sharp back pain and… Read more »