HRC Gives IOU’s To NYC Vendors

It’s been reported that Hillary Rodham Clinton (D – New York) owes several local businesses over $150,000.000 in campaign related expenses. Her dwindling funds have reportedly been diverted to buy additional advertising. It's obviously more important to pay for what she might get instead of what she did get. Perhaps the affected small business owners should address their complaint to their state Senator. Perhaps not.

Trying To Tame Taxi Tooting

Community Board 3 representing the Lower East Side in Manhattan has proposed the following suggestions to reduce excessive horn pollution in their neighborhood: 1) A roof light that illuminates every time the cab’s horn beeps. 2) An interior horn that blasts the cabbie each time the horn is utilized. 3) A meter which deducts $1.00 each time the horn is honked. While the first idea may have some merit (Although why not propose it for ALL vehicles?), the other two ideas are both unfair and probably unsafe. If the Board get these ideas passed, perhaps they'll also propose fining those who try flagging a cab down by yelling “Hey Taxi!” too loud!

Latest Pier 40 Plans Deep 6’d

Originally built in 1954 and used as a garage, Pier 40 has undergone several transformations in it’s 54 years. It's most recent incarnation is as a sports field complex. As evidence of structural decay grows, new plans for the building and rehab of this 14 acre structure jutting out into the Hudson River get shelved or scrapped. Hudson River Park officials will consider other proposals now for the pier’s long-term use. It's a unique part of the mosaic of New York City. Save it, and they will come.

Godzilla Marries Non-Bridezilla

It was finally revealed that Hideki Matsui, of Tokyo Yomiuri Giants and New York Yankees fame, left spring training to marry a 25-year-old Japanese lady. No name or photo given for this mystery woman yet but we hear she’s a professional woman of tremendous beauty and class. Now that the nuptials are revealed, CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES TO YOU BOTH!

New York Is Getting Crowded

Finding it tougher to navigate untouched through a sidewalk crowd? Do train platforms have less space between commuters than before? Are you unable to squeeze into elevators lately? The reason may be that New Yorkers are 10 million pounds heavier in just the past two years! That’s an increase of 17% compared to the national average of 6.5%. To be blunt, we, as a population are seriously overweight. Many New Yorkers are now designated as “obese.” Unless this trend reverses (And who believes it really will anytime soon?), serious implications are on the menu. Future health risks and financial costs will be staggering for us all. Present peaceful co-existence with one another may be threatened too. Let's exercise, people!

Staten Island Ferries Won’t Go Bump In The Stormy Night

The Statue of Liberty’s torch isn’t powerful enough to light Upper New York Bay. Let’s be fair though. For over 100 years, her flame safely guided millions here from around the world. It doesn't need to be New York City’s night light too! Staten Island Ferry boats have been somewhat at the mercy of bad weather. To remedy this potentially dangerous situation, high-tech radar will be installed in 2008 on the city’s ferry boats and docks. This gear will enable captains to see their way clear through even the worst of storms. Great idea, but has New York truly gone all these years without this type of electronic system in place? That wasn't too bright.

Where There’s Smoke, There’s Staten Island

For unknown reasons, Staten Island has the highest rate for smoking in New York City. In fact, 27% of those in the borough are smokers compared to an average of 17% in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx. Among pregnant women, Staten Island moms-to-be smoke at an alarming 19% rate while in the Bronx the number is 5%, Manhattan and Queens are both at 5.1% and Brooklyn is 5.9%. The plus-puffing figures are puzzling. Residents of Staten Island will soon be barraged with a new wave of NYC-sponsored ads urging them to give up smoking. Hopefully they’ll be able to see through their own smoke to read them.