Tuesday, July 28: Sweltering train platform at 72 St., packed train. Middle-aged black woman gives me her seat. I feel a little guilty when the train gets stopped before Times Square and she has to stand there for 5-10 minutes before her stop. But not guilty enough to give the seat back.

Wednesday, July 29: Again with the heat, again with the crowded train at 72. Woman in her 20s-30s of indeterminate race -- olive skin, could be black/white/Hispanic/Indian/Italian/etc. gives up her seat.

Thursday, July 30: Still so hot. One train is so packed I can't even get on. Second train has room, but no seats. I stand in front of a row of three seemingly able-bodied men, all of whom stay seated. Black woman in her 20s gives up her seat for me. I practically have to crawl over the lap of one of the seated men to get to it. I try to invade his personal space a bit when I sit. Of course, maybe that's what he wanted!