You talkin' to me? How to Speak New Yorker (and Not Get Laughed At)
Ever watch a movie and be hypnotized by the smooth, fast-talking New York accent? It's got that special something, right? A sprinkle of attitude, a dash of hustle, and maybe a hint of pastrami on rye. Well, my friend, fret no more! Today's your lucky day because you're about to learn how to talk New York like a native (or at least convince everyone at the bodega you're from Brooklyn).
First Things First: The Lingo
Forget everything you learned in fancy grammar school. New York is a different beast. Here's the decoder ring you need:
- R Who? Rs vanish faster than a slice of pizza at a Yankees game. "Car" becomes "Cah," "Park" becomes "Pahk," you get the idea.
- Th? More Like D or T! Those fancy "th" sounds? We got no time for that! Substitute them with a "d" or "t." "This" becomes "Dis" and "thanks" becomes "tanks" (though we rarely say thanks anyway, too busy getting places).
- Vowel Power! New York vowels are all about drama. Stretch those A's and O's like they're auditioning for Broadway. "Coffee" becomes "Cawfee" and "Water" becomes "Wawter."
Nailed the Talk, Now Walk the Walk (Body Language)
It's not just about what you say, it's how you say it. New Yorkers are a passionate bunch. We punctuate our sentences with hand gestures (think conducting an invisible orchestra). Eyebrows get a workout too, don't be afraid to raise them in surprise or furrow them in concentration.
Bonus Tip: The Art of the Humblebrag
New Yorkers are a confident bunch (okay, maybe borderline braggy). Master the subtle art of the humblebrag. Self-deprecating humor with a hidden layer of accomplishment? That's the sweet spot. "This play? It ain't bad. Just won a Tony, that's all." Easy, right?
Warning!
Speaking New York isn't for the faint of heart. It takes practice, and you might get a few confused looks at first. But hey, if you can handle a crowded subway and a scalding hot dog, you can handle this.
FAQ: New York Accent Edition
How to sound tough? Add a "wiseguy" edge by dropping the ends of words. "Walkin' here!"
How to shorten everything? Time is money! Shorten long phrases. "Gonna get a coffee" becomes "Gettin' a cawfee."
How to use slang? We got a whole other dictionary. "Buddy" becomes "Guy," "Apartment" becomes "Dump," "Amazing" becomes "Fugeddabout it!" (Use with caution, this one might raise eyebrows).
How to argue like a New Yorker? It's more of a spirited debate, really. Speak loudly, use hand gestures liberally, and end with a playful "What are you, deaf?" Just kidding (mostly).
How to know if I've overdone it? If people start offering you bagels and asking for directions to the nearest deli, you're probably good.
So there you have it! With a little practice, you'll be walking down the street with the best of them, ordering a "Cawfee, reglah" like a true New Yorker. Remember, this is all about having fun and embracing the energy of the city. Now get out there and talk the talk!
So you wanna evict a pesky parrot (or tenant...probably a tenant)? Buckle up for the Florida Ejectment Rodeo!
Let's face it, sunshine and beaches are great, but unwanted guests? Not so much. If your tenant's decided your rental property is their own personal Club Mediterranéan, complete with a conga line of unwelcome critters, it's time to wrangle them out. But before you strap on your metaphorical spurs, you might be wondering: how much does this eviction shindig actually cost?
The Eviction Entry Fee: Not Exactly Club Velvet Rope
First off, there's the basic filing fee to get your ejectment party started. This bad boy typically runs around $400. Think of it as your contribution to the judge's very important robe fund (hopefully it's a fancy robe). Consider it an investment in getting your piece of paradise back, minus the uninvited kind of paradise, you know, the kind that doesn't pay rent and hogs the pool floats.
Serving Up the Summons: Don't Be a Slacker
Now, you can't exactly boot someone out without them knowing, right? That's where the "summons" comes in, basically a fancy eviction invitation...except way less fun. A process server will hightail it over to deliver this not-so-welcome package to your tenant. Their fee can vary, but expect something in the $10 to $50 range per person. Don't be a party pooper and forget this step, or the whole eviction rodeo gets put on hold.
The Great Ejectment Unknown: When Things Get Fancy
Listen, sometimes evictions aren't exactly poolside piña coladas. Maybe your tenant decides to put up a fight (metaphorically, one hopes...unless they're a rogue parrot with a throwing-star habit). If things get complicated, you might need to lawyer up. Attorney fees can vary wildly, so that's a whole other ball game.
The Bottom Line: How Much Eviction Will Set You Back?
Altogether, an ejectment can set you back anywhere from a few hundred bucks to several thousand dollars. So, budget accordingly and be prepared for some financial wrangling alongside the eviction wrangling.
But hey, consider this: a successful eviction is an investment in getting your property back and that sunshine-y peace of mind. Just remember, it might not be the cheapest way to spend a weekend, but it sure beats sharing your pool with a surprise tenant (especially the parrot-y kind).
How-To FAQ on Florida Ejectments:
How to File an Ejectment: This ain't rocket science, but it's always a good idea to consult your local courthouse or a lawyer for the specifics.
How to Serve a Summons: Don't try to DIY this one. Hire a process server - they're the pros at unfriendly deliveries.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for Eviction?: Depends on the lawyer and the complexity of the case. Budget wisely!
How Long Does an Eviction Take?: Again, it varies. Plan for a few weeks to a few months, depending on the situation.
How Do I Know If I Can Evict My Tenant?: Florida has specific laws around eviction. Check with your local housing authority or a lawyer to make sure you have a legitimate case.