Strutting Gotham Streets

Pedestrians beware! Walking, not driving may be hazardous to your health when crossing New York City’s top five deadliest thoroughfares. Third Avenue and Broadway, both in Manhattan are the two deadliest streets in the Big Apple. Between 2005-2007, each was the location where ten people died. The Grand Central Parkway in Queens and Hylan Boulevard in Staten Island each had nine deaths. Brooklyn’s Atlantic Avenue claimed eight victims during the same time period. Walk with caution and confidence or you may be “chalked up” as just another statistic.

[This is a copyrighted editorial, originally published on http://www.NEWYORKCITYonline.com/NYC-Online/blog.php. We invite you to post your comments! Note: This piece may be duplicated or printed with permission.]

Widow “Belts” Boxer’s Grandson

Rocky Graziano was a boxer. Rocky Graziano was a champion. Rocky Graziano was a New Yorker. Paul Newman starred in a boxing movie about his life called, "Somebody Up There Likes Me." Famous, loveable guy, he was. Sadly, his grandson looks to profit from the man’s fame instead of being proud just to be related to it. The grandson, Aaron Graziano, was recently looking to sell the prizefighter’s belt. That’s when Rocky’s widow, Norma Graziano, 83, got wind of it and “stepped into the ring” to fight back. The belt was awarded 61 years ago in Chicago. The year was 1947 when Rocky beat Tony Zale in Chicago. Norma said that she let her daughter Audrey hold the belt. When she died, the “little creep” as she referred to Aaron, got hold of it. He promised to return it but never did. Aaron insists he owns the belt. Let’s root for the widow.

Green And Blue In Our Red Apple

There are 105 additional green and blue recycling bins throughout the five boroughs helping the city get a “do over” with its waste. The cost for this program which began in April 2007 is minimal. The message and goal is significant though. So New Yorkers, be “color coordinated” when next out in public. It's the good neighborly thing to do.

Counting Bodies In 2010

The City of New York wants its estimated half-million illegal immigrants to legally complete the 2010 Census forms. This will better reflect the actual number of people living here to help the city obtain more federal dollars. It’s unlikely however that many will step forward for fear of deportation. So why are we seeking hundreds of federal bucks for each illegal alien when each one reportedly costs New York City residents thousands of dollars annually? Especially now during this severe economic downturn, doesn't it make more sense than ever to enforce existing laws regarding illegal immigration from all countries?

Gun Permits Permit Few Gun Carriers

35,210 people have gun permits in "Gun City," uhhh "Fun City." This total includes both “premise” and “carry” licenses for firearms. The NYPD which issues permits says that figure has dropped from 41,173 active licenses in 2003. The NYC gun application and approval process may take up to 18-months and cost many hundreds of dollars. New York is considered to be among the toughest cities in the nation in which to get a concealed-carry license. Qualifications include the ability to show documented threats against the applicant or proof that the applicant routinely transports cash or valuables in business. At first glance, it would appear that the rich and well-connected have a better chance of gun permit approval than decent and humble NYC residents looking to protect themselves or their families (Can any amount of cash or valuables be more important than this?) in a city of high violent crime statistics and criminals on the loose. To many, the Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States grants all the approval they need to bear arms. It states, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Not to all though … especially here.

Marriage No Divorce Yes

A New York judge decreed that a lesbian couple married in Massachusetts may divorce in New York City. This, even though same-sex marriages are not permitted here. It seems as though “the three rings of marriage,” (1. The engagement ring. 2. The wedding ring. 3. Suffering.) are the same, whether "gay" or "straight." Divorce. Something we all can agree on.

The Scoop On New Poop

New York City is so desperate for cash that’s it’s "going to the dogs." Dog owners must now pay $250 for their doggies’ illegal dump on the “Sidewalks of New York.” That’s more than double the original fine of $100 established in 1978 when the pooper-scooper law went into effect. In the past fiscal year, only 763 summonses were issued. This obviously isn’t a big enough money-maker to get us out of the economic toilet. However, Mayor Bloomberg has recently proposed taxing "plastic bags" at 5-cents each. Maybe the mayor’s real bailout plan here is to get dog owners to use more plastic bags for doo-sposal ... at a nickel a plop.