"Claustrophobia" !!! that made me laugh so hard. if I'd been drinking something it would have come out my nose... (note to self: do not drink while reading Cafe Anne)
I never considered people having a phobia of Santa, but it makes so much sense. Big and loud and strange, overly familiar, hairy...it checks out.
As for your subscriber count, GET ON BOARD, PEOPLE! It's WORTH IT. I'd love to see your number of subscribers double this year. I'll make sure in 2025 I'm even more bonkers about your newsletter. I already talk about it with everyone I know. They're gonna be so sick of me.
And I am not a New Yorker. It’s the writing that draws me in. The best on substack. Writing about and working with people like you do is a skill few commentators and pundits possess. Most are patronising and opinionated (there are exceptions of course).🐰
I don't think I have clown phobia, but the "no clowns" sign did scare me all the same!
I'm surprised how confident some of those bodega owners are about the economy and you-know-who turning up again. Hmmmm.... Not so sure about that myself! But then, I'm not a bodega owner (or a citizen of the US of A), so what do I know about all that?
The tale of the two artists was such an interesting read - why isn't it more popular? Gah! And what the what about the street aquarium?! Everything just gets more and more weird!
I didn't include all the interviews, or every answer in in the interviews that I did include (it would have gotten very repetitive) but every single bodega owner I spoke to felt the economy and the market would do well this year and felt things would be better in those aspects with Trump in office.
And yes, the street aquarium. I'd bet all the Sui in the world that it will continue to unfold in ways none of us would ever predict!
Loved the Santa answer. it is pretty ludicrous when you think about it as a ritual. Ali is an honest man! The idea about fragrances being transmitted through phones. it made me wonder if the technology exists and how amazing that would be. Finally the classical music beating back the depravity!
The "tech of smells" was one of the many topics left on the cutting room floor back when I was writing a Substack. It was a definite area of focus post-9/11. It is now a big thing among cosmetic companies to explore customizing the "right scent for you". In these weird days of AI we mostly focused first on the boring "guess the next word" LLMs to start. Our other senses are waiting in line to be understood. Not sure if this is exciting or sad.
Welcome back Anne. Hopefully refreshed and re-energized. How long does it take to establish a pattern? I don't know but the Bodega surveys for predictions are a fun pattern. The great thing is they read a bit like horoscopes. You might be able to read them any year and feel just as good about the quality of the predictions. Many of them might offer psychic readings as a side hustle :)
Anne -- look into my eyes -- I see great things in the year ahead for you. Enjoy the journey. That will be $25
So glad you’re back, Anne! This Newsletter, as well as the sage advice of New York’s finest bodegieres, was just what I needed after a bonkers week. Happy 2025!
In all seriousness, meme coins are classic "pump and dump" scams. If you're running the scam, you'll make money. Otherwise, my recommendation is to steer clear.
Your Chortle interview😎 was all about what it means to be a New Yorker and restored some of my hope for the city. Humorous? Perhaps but totally accurate!!
YOUR interviews with the Bodega workers and their predictions for 2025 is sure to be the most accurate ( uh, oh, I used the same word twice ) look at 2025. Genius! You and your subjects! 😎😎
The interview with the guy who knew nothing it's what makes this newsletter awesome!
Haha he was my favorite too, Mike!
"Claustrophobia" !!! that made me laugh so hard. if I'd been drinking something it would have come out my nose... (note to self: do not drink while reading Cafe Anne)
Welcome back! Happy New Year!!!
Thank you Megan, and thank you of course Glen for coming up with that. Happy New Year!
I never considered people having a phobia of Santa, but it makes so much sense. Big and loud and strange, overly familiar, hairy...it checks out.
As for your subscriber count, GET ON BOARD, PEOPLE! It's WORTH IT. I'd love to see your number of subscribers double this year. I'll make sure in 2025 I'm even more bonkers about your newsletter. I already talk about it with everyone I know. They're gonna be so sick of me.
Hear hear. Get on board. It’s a job worth A’s full-time attention.🐰
Haha I love hearing this Justin, thank you!
And I am not a New Yorker. It’s the writing that draws me in. The best on substack. Writing about and working with people like you do is a skill few commentators and pundits possess. Most are patronising and opinionated (there are exceptions of course).🐰
Aw that means a lot. Thank you O L O aka Kevin!!!
I'm a pessimist, and after reading this I feel much worse about 2025. Anyway, Happy New Year!
Ooooh nooooos! But if you're asking me, 2025 is going to a GREAT year. For you especially Amran!
Fingers crossed!
I don't think I have clown phobia, but the "no clowns" sign did scare me all the same!
I'm surprised how confident some of those bodega owners are about the economy and you-know-who turning up again. Hmmmm.... Not so sure about that myself! But then, I'm not a bodega owner (or a citizen of the US of A), so what do I know about all that?
The tale of the two artists was such an interesting read - why isn't it more popular? Gah! And what the what about the street aquarium?! Everything just gets more and more weird!
Helen,
I didn't include all the interviews, or every answer in in the interviews that I did include (it would have gotten very repetitive) but every single bodega owner I spoke to felt the economy and the market would do well this year and felt things would be better in those aspects with Trump in office.
And yes, the street aquarium. I'd bet all the Sui in the world that it will continue to unfold in ways none of us would ever predict!
PS it's awesome to see you back again - I've missed your posts. :)
Awww thank you Helen! And I really missed the comment section chats!
Wonderful hearing what the bodega folks think! But Masha, oy vey!
CATS! 👹
A tale of two artists was one of my favorite pieces this year!
That's so funny, Eden! I'm so glad at least YOU liked it. That's enough to make me feel happy with it.
That was my reaction too -- I was shocked to see that it wasn't popular!
Loved the Santa answer. it is pretty ludicrous when you think about it as a ritual. Ali is an honest man! The idea about fragrances being transmitted through phones. it made me wonder if the technology exists and how amazing that would be. Finally the classical music beating back the depravity!
I think this should be an annual feature!
Thanks David! And thanks for the great question.
As for the bodega survey, it actually is an annual feature. I did this in 2022 and 2023. I skipped last year, not sure why...
The "tech of smells" was one of the many topics left on the cutting room floor back when I was writing a Substack. It was a definite area of focus post-9/11. It is now a big thing among cosmetic companies to explore customizing the "right scent for you". In these weird days of AI we mostly focused first on the boring "guess the next word" LLMs to start. Our other senses are waiting in line to be understood. Not sure if this is exciting or sad.
Welcome back Anne. Hopefully refreshed and re-energized. How long does it take to establish a pattern? I don't know but the Bodega surveys for predictions are a fun pattern. The great thing is they read a bit like horoscopes. You might be able to read them any year and feel just as good about the quality of the predictions. Many of them might offer psychic readings as a side hustle :)
Anne -- look into my eyes -- I see great things in the year ahead for you. Enjoy the journey. That will be $25
Haha thank you Mr. Dolan. And I agree, it is going to be a GREAT year. For all of us!
I guess that means everyone must be either Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, or Pisces.
So glad you’re back, Anne! This Newsletter, as well as the sage advice of New York’s finest bodegieres, was just what I needed after a bonkers week. Happy 2025!
So happy to hear that Laura Rebecca. "Bodegieres"— love it!
Happy New Year!
You’re back! Hurray! Glad you had an enriching month.
I loved Shishi’s and Zack’s attitude. Every day is a blessing and stay optimistic. 🥰🙏
It's so interesting, CK—there are happy people everywhere!
Anne wait what does “friends” mean???? Lovers? people who aren’t your real pals but just pretend friends??? WHO ARE “FRIENDS"
Alex let's just say it was a very good vacation :)
ANNE WHAT DOES THAT MEAN YOU SPENT TIME WITH LOVERS
Alex you should know by now that the fictional Alex Dobrenko` is my only true love.
Welcome back! Ali must be your dream interview subject. I wonder if this newsletter will send SUI skyrocketing. It's time to buy!
I fear I already missed the big run-up Rob—it's up 500% since September!
In all seriousness, meme coins are classic "pump and dump" scams. If you're running the scam, you'll make money. Otherwise, my recommendation is to steer clear.
What about fragrance sending tech?
Re-finance your house and liquidate your portfolio for that opportunity.
Your Chortle interview😎 was all about what it means to be a New Yorker and restored some of my hope for the city. Humorous? Perhaps but totally accurate!!
YOUR interviews with the Bodega workers and their predictions for 2025 is sure to be the most accurate ( uh, oh, I used the same word twice ) look at 2025. Genius! You and your subjects! 😎😎
Haha thank you Amy! Flying taxis here we come!
THIS IS THE ONLY 2025 TREND REPORT I WANT TO READ!!!
Seriously though these people are icons. But tell Ali he needs to try harder next time
I am thinking now, Molly that perhaps Ali knows all and simply will not reveal out of modesty.
You’re right. If he revealed his secrets our tiny minds couldn’t handle it 😂
😂
Ali's interview cracked me up. A no-frills, regular New Yorker right there!
Ali is everyone's fave, it seems!