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Brooklyn’s venerable 478-acre Green-Wood Cemetery is reportedly overrun by 100’s and more likely, 1,000’s of hungry raccoons. Years of “looking the other way” by New York city officials have been a “boon to the raccoon” here. The situation is as bad as it has been in the last 40 years; yet, appropriate city employees are “dead at their desks.” The mask-eyed critters easily survive on insects and vegetation, fresh sod and flowers left on graves and food items scavenged from neighborhood garbage pails. Crypts have often become homes to the more intrepid of the lot.
Alas, nighttime in this graveyard reveals no spirits for ghost-hunters to record. Only the glowing eyes of creatures that are in their element may be seen here … and are seen, everywhere! No longer captured and euthanized, they will continue to multiply and live in impunity. Perhaps in years to come, those of us who become residents of Green-Wood will hear scratching on our casket lid. Nobody in government is listening now. Too late for us to act or complain then.
The New York State Health Department reportedly found many serious violations at 5 local sperm banks. Deadly bookkeeping and medical errors were rampant. Problems may exist in other centers as well. Check thoroughly before making a potentially sperm-spoiled deposit or withdrawal. I wonder if these banks will be forced to offer free checking to keep their clients and attract new customers in the future?
There’s a new idea that’s being floated in this town. City Council Speaker Christine Quinn is proposing a plan to develop commuter-ferry service linking all five boroughs in New York. The plan is in it’s early stages and undoubtedly needs tinkering, but the concept and potential benefits to the city and it’s commuters are exciting. Generally considered to be one of the most powerful women in New York, Quinn may actually her vision come to be. Boat tours around Manhattan have been very popular for over a century. Being stuck on a train or in traffic has been very unpopular for about the same amount of time. Let’s hope this idea of hers proves to be water-worthy and not a Titanic waste of money.
Did you know that NYC has it’s own official condom? Well, as the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS epidemic with about 100,000 of New York’s 8.2 million residents infected, something radical needed to be done. Roughly 3 million free condoms a month were distributed last year by the Health Department. This year, a new ad campaign, “get some,” or “pontello (Spanish)," hopes to make an even greater impact. Free condoms are available locally in hundreds of bars, restaurants, salons and distributed by several non-profit groups. Health Department teams will also travel around the city handing them out. Hey New Yorkers! If 42nd Street could be cleaned up, make sure your sexual attractions are safer too.
In 1962, the New York Metropolitans (Mets) came into being as a baseball franchise. They were a consolation gift to National League fans still broken-hearted over the departure of their beloved, California dreaming Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants 5 years before. From their original logo and team colors (Blue-Dodgers, Orange-Giants) to their opening day ceremonies, the Mets were to be an amalgam of two teams with long histories in New York. However, it seems as though half of the team’s origin has been lost in the construction and celebration of their new Citi Field. Ebbet’s Field and the Dodgers are openly lauded while the Polo Grounds and Giants are nearly ignored. Though the Giants were always the third most popular team in town behind the Yankees and the Dodgers, they, their fans and those who cherish the history of baseball deserve much better representation at Citi Field.
In 2009, the Mets replace their Shea Stadium digs with the new Citi Field ballpark. The Yankees move as well from Yankee Stadium across the street to Yankee Stadium. No name change for them. No need. There’s something to be said for knowing one’s history and honoring tradition. Unfortunately for Mets’ fans, their team’s ownership isn't the best one to discuss history and honor.P.S. Giants fans everywhere should demand that their team not be forgotten in Met's history like perhaps ... the Brooklyn Superbas.
Congratulations are heartily given to Uno and his handler, Aaron Wilkerson. Uno was the first beagle in the 132 year history of Westminster to claim first prize. From all accounts, he performed magnificently throughout the event. His championship title was justly deserved. Hopefully my New York Rangers or your New York Knicks will each win their next championship in fewer years than that. Bet on the Rangers doing it. Bet on a beagle winning again before the Knicks do.
Robert Burck, Time Square’s Naked Cowboy, thinks the Mars Candy Corporation has stolen his image to create their Singing Cowboy M and M. Burck, 37, is known to mosey around Times Square, singing songs while entertaining all who see and interact with him. Wearing his white hat, white boots and skimpy white underwear (with a guitar strategically hung in front), he’s been a unique sight in a unique city. That is, until this Melodious M and M rode in on a video billboard at the Mars store on 42nd Street. Honest Injun, the resemblance, right down to their white boots is obvious. Now there’s two troubadours in town. Now, it’s "The Cowboy vs. The Marsians" in a $6 million legal battle over trademark rights and other claims. I wish New York's Naked Cowboy the best of luck with his lawsuit. Originality and those who dare to walk the streets of Manhattan in their underwear need to be protected.
