MTA Urging “Nay” If You’re Not O.K.

The New York City Transit Authority wants to discourage ill passengers from riding the trains. According to their findings, in 2007, over 6,000 train delays resulted from riders who had medical emergencies on board. The MTA is posting signs that read, “Feeling under the weather today? Best thing to do is not get on the train.” Other messages of “concern,” too. However, no mention is made of passengers made sick by subway service in general. Perhaps their next rate increase might be easier justified by subsidizing health care for all riders.

Stairway From Heaven?

It's known as the "Survivor's Staircase." Whether kept intact by miracle from up above, or an escape route that may have saved 100’s, perhaps 1,000’s from death on September 11th, nobody can say for sure. The 37-step staircase that survived the destruction of the Towers in Manhattan will now be permanently embedded at the main entrance to the future WTC Memorial. In a transient world such as ours, tangible reminders of things that need to be remembered can be of great importance. This staircase is that powerful kind of mental poke. We all must be reminded from time to time what happened on 9/11 ... at the World Trade Center, and at the Pentagon and in a Pennsylvania field. Lord knows that New Yorkers and those who stand as our allies don't need to wake up to another morning like that. However, this staircase should serve as a visible reminder that we must all remain awake and on guard now. The world we knew nearly seven years ago is gone. The steps we take now must be deliberate. The steps we take now must be forward and upward as well.

Cash In Our Trash

Scavengers are stealing our garbage! So say city officials who claim that in 2007, New York City lost $150,000 in recyclable metals. We’ve prosecuted and fined those who were caught in our cans and impounded over 100 vehicles yet refuse robbery continues. Apparently, "one man’s garbage is another man’s gold (or other valuable scrap metal)." The City Council has raised fines from $100 to $2,000 to protect New York’s rubbish. Hopefully, this will slam the lid down hard on this sanitation problem.

The Pricey Plaza

The Plaza hotel has reopened in Manhattan after years of extensive renovations. It remains one of the premier hotels in the world. Not surprisingly, an overnight stay there still costs more than the nearest Motel 6. It’s less expensive though than buying one of their new co-op apartments upstairs.

“Mosquito” Swarm To Hit City

A new type of security device emitting a high-frequency sound is creating a buzz around town. This “Mosquito” irritates people between the ages of 13-25 with high-pitched decibels. The sound is so annoying that it chases most kids away from the immediate vicinity. Yet, it’s unheard by nearly everyone else! Has something to do with how our hearing changes as we age. Did you hear that??? It's already big in England (at least with property owners). Now, it’s being installed in more and more NYC buildings to chase youths from building lobbies and hanging outside of stores. Sounds like a good idea, just so long as it’s been properly tested and won't cause any long-term harm.

A Naval Tribute And Commemoration Of 9/11

The US Navy christened it’s newest amphibious transport dock ship; the USS New York. This vessel was forged with 24 tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center (WTC). The ship’s motto is “Never Forget.” Those words should be important to New Yorkers and to those around the world who cherish democracy. Let’s all say a prayer for the captain and crew’s safety … and wish them, “good hunting!”

Illegal Guns Are Going, Going … But Not Gone

The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives reported that 16% fewer guns were recovered in New York City in 2007 than 2006. Almost 6,000 pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, derringers, machine guns, destructive devices and others in total were collected. Their belief is that the reduced number means that there are fewer guns in the "bad guys" hands. I hope they're right but their conjecture is improvable. less guns on the streets? Maybe we could check with the city’s street cleaners for the real scoop.