Boxed In By Debt

In a sense, we Americans and our politicians have outspent The National Debt Clock located above 44th Street and Sixth Avenue. As a result, 14 boxes instead of 13 boxes are required to display America’s debt on this electronic financial measure. To broadcast our record $10.2 trillion deficit, a “1” was added to the box that previously displayed only the dollar sign. Each family’s share of the estimated debt ... a gut-wrenching $86,000! Where once Americans only took on debt for necessities or to build assets, now we "flash plastic" for frivolities. Want some good news? Debt can’t increase to a $100 trillion number. The clock doesn't have enough boxes for it.

Tin Pan Alley Hits Bad Note

Those who enjoy local music history and those who look to preserve it “won’t like the sound of this!” Five buildings from New York City’s famous “Tin Pan Alley” will be sold and demolished for $44 million. The four-story brownstone buildings at 47, 49, 51, 53 and 55 West 28th Street will be razed to be replaced by yet another (Do we really need “another?”) high-rise tower. This area on West 28th Street between Sixth Avenue and Broadway was the heart of American music between the 1890’s and 1950’s. Some consider it the “birthplace” of American music. This was the place where songwriters and music publishers once "cranked out and crooned their hit tunes.” No more. Perhaps a bronze plaque will commemorate what once took place here. Perhaps not. One thing is certain though. East Side, West Side, All Around The Town … things are definitely changing. Perhaps without proper reverence and concern about our past. And the beat goes on.