Taxi Owners Driven To Federal Court

Some taxicab owners believe that the hybrids they’re being forced to buy are "unsafe" to be used as taxis. They contend that modifying the new cars for cab use make them dangerous for drivers and passengers. In fact, partitions violate the vehicle manufacturer’s own safety recommendations. By law, as of October 1st, all new taxis purchased must be hybrids. Taxi Commissioner Mathew Daus responded to the owner's lawsuit saying, “I want to send a clear and unequivocal message to the riding public that hybrid-electric taxicabs are absolutely safe." Undoubtedly, future lawsuits by vehicle accident victims will show which side was right and who was being un-fare.

Ticket Writers Block-Box Solved

A new law is in effect to fine motorists $115 when they’re "behind the wheel and in the box.” It’s now a parking violation, not a moving violation, if you’re caught blocking traffic when the light changes in an intersection grid. Manhattan cabbies stand to get hit extra hard because of heavy New York traffic. NYPD officials say it’ll be easier now for cops and other traffic enforcement agents to write tickets. Mayor Bloomberg said, “We’re very serious about this. Don’t drive into the box if you don’t think you can get out of there.” Nothing we can do but "grid and bear it," people!

NYC Bans UN-safe Tours

Many believe the United Nations to be a corrupt, anti-American and very dangerous organization for much of the world. Now, city officials say the UN is perilous to New Yorkers because of the UN's failure to resolve fire hazards in their headquarters. When the UN decided to abandon certain mandatory repairs, the FDNY suggested that all public tours be stopped. As a result, all public school trips for the 2008-2009 school year have been cancelled. In 2007, the United Nations east side complex had its first safety inspection since 1952; a checkup they vehemently fought against. Unbelievably, a total of 866 fire code violations were found! Despite the report on their risky buildings, a UN spokesman voiced confidence that the building was safe and that they looked forward to welcoming the world’s delegates. The United Nations isn’t a very popular group with most Americans and for good reason. I’m sure more than one American wouldn’t mind having many of the foreign ambassadors and delegations gathered together in a “firetrap.” UN officials often fail to act quickly enough to protect troubled people the world over. With their care-free attitude regarding their own dangerous Manhattan digs, “it’s déjà vu all over again.”

Empty Your Pockets For The Politicians

Both Governor Paterson and Mayor Bloomberg recently warned that tax increases may be necessary to close anticipated deficits. In today’s current economic situation, New York City residents are likely to face state and city tax increases in the very near future. Once again, unwise and wasteful spending brings us to the precipice. New York State and City governments should have mandatory special savings accounts to tide them (and us) over during tough economic times. You know. The kind of savings accounts that New Yorkers will be forced to dip into when the taxman comes knocking.

MTA Ride Is Up For Commuters

A new pilot project from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority brings an old idea back to New York City. The double-decker bus is making its return debut in Manhattan, running up and down First and Second Avenues between South Ferry and Harlem. Aside from sight-seeing buses for tourists, NYC residents haven’t seen a two-deck city bus in service here since 1976. To many on the streets, they’re a welcome and compelling sight. These buses fit more people and cost less to run and maintain. 81 commuters can find seats on this new bus compared to 64 on the "accordion" buses. They run on super- low-sulphur diesel fuel. With a price tag of $650,000, they’re also $250,000 cheaper than accordion buses. It’s time to trim the trees around NYC and "put the accordions on eBay." If the tests go well, the MTA has a winner here.

NYPD Eyes On New York

George Orwell’s, “1984” may still be our “Fun City” future. The NYPD plans a $100 million video network for downtown Manhattan. It’s known as “Operation Sentinel.” 3,000 high-tech surveillance cameras to safeguard lower Manhattan against terrorist attacks. The NYCLU wants to see more plan details. They filed suit in court because they believe the police aren’t giving them sufficient information about the video system. Conversely, the police believe they have complied with the NYCLU’s request as best they can without compromising security. The question remains. How will cameras in lower Manhattan (or anywhere for that matter) thwart bombs in planes, trucks, cars or bags from doing horrific damage? That must be answered before spending taxpayer dollars. The government still needs to tighten security around America’s borders, increase the use of detection equipment, organize volunteer civilian patrols and enforce existing criminal laws. Spending money for a camera system that likely won’t deter terrorists, but only take pictures of their destruction seems like the "perfect picture" of wasted money. By the way, has anyone seen a really clear surveillance tape anyway?

Black Eyes In The Big Apple

The eyes of a New York woman

Are eyes that can hold a man

She swept me off of my feet

Made my world seem so complete

I'll never have to look for more

I found what I've been lookin' for

Deep in the eyes of a New York woman

Deep in the eyes of a New York woman

Deep in the eyes of a New York woman
----- B.J. Thomas

Relationships between men and women are not always as lovely as those written about in a love song. 4,000 women entered emergency rooms in 2005 as victims of abuse. Not surprisingly to most who study the issue, hospital visits by black and Latino women, and in the borough of The Bronx, led the way. This crime is more common in poorer neighborhoods than more well-to-do ones. The problem is undoubtedly pervasive throughout the city as many cases probably go unreported. City officials urge abused women to get help. If you’re being abused, or know someone who is, call 311 or a toll-free hot line, 800-621-HOPE today. And ladies, when the pain subsides, consider the possibility of criminal persecution against the men who raise their fists against women. Let’s kick the bums out of New York City and make them residents of upstate New York … in prison.