So, in these days of recession and job loss, the morning subway rides are more subdued with less peculiar and bizarre behaviors on display. I think it is a symptom of the ever deepening crisis. Everyone — everyone — is keeping his or her head down and staying out of trouble. I don’t mean to suggest that all is rosy and normal underground.  The man next to me this morning was coughing up a lung so bacterial and viral life are still thriving.