Earphones or earbuds are almost as important to New Yorkers as the N or the R running on time.  They are an expected part of one’s daily attire.  Last night a friend of mine wanted me to listen to a new song she had written for a musical.  She automatically said, “Get your earphones and listen to this.”  Of course, I did just that.  I grabbed them and I listened, just like a real New Yorker.