Friday Odds & Sods

So I had a great post prepared, full of both contemporary relevance and timeless truth, with a fresh perspective on the human condition and likely to revolutionize the way we think about all aspects of the world and our place in it.  Then I remembered it was Friday, and you never release "A" material on Fridays.  So instead here are some random tidbits that had nowhere else to go.  Enjoy!

• Firstly, a Public Service Announcement.  Long-time residents of the Metropolis know first-hand that using or even just glancing at a smart phone instantly drops the IQ of subway riders and eliminates all spatial self-awareness.  Just today, your humble correspondent noticed two addicts who didn't even exit the station before getting their fix, instead deciding to stand motionless in the stairwell with Zen-like detachment, swiping away at Tinder.  Please, for the love of all that is Holy, wait two seconds to upload your pics of #your #subway #ride #yolo until you are out fully out of the subway station.
• Some weekend reading: Anthony Lane's review of the latest YA movie, If I Stay, offers some chuckles as well as insightful commentary on the present John-Green-ification of movies and literature.  Masha Gessen examines the roots of Russia's declining population, a nearly 50 year trend that shows little sign of reversing.

• I've often found writing a rather dry activity.  In the spirit of gallipot-ism and quackery of all sorts, I would like to offer one of my personal dryness remedy, in the hope that it will enhance your reading experience as much as it has my writing.  
• Saratoga Cocktail: Take two dashes Angostura, one oz brandy, ditto rye whiskey, ditto sweet vermouth.  Shake with ice, strain, and serve with small lemon slice.
• My favorite "Waking up Saturday morning after a long Friday night" song.  

The crowd at Saratoga Race Track, 1865