Supersize My City!

For well over one hundred years, Manhattan’s vertical growth in the form of skyscrapers, helped fuel the engine of this city’s economy. More buildings with more floors meant more people, more business, more taxes … more revenue for the city’s coffers. Those concerned about the flight paths of local birds and the harm to their habitats “squawked” but in most cases were overruled. The same species of birds continue to fly overhead today, same as before. Our statues and cars clearly show proof of them on occasion.

Today, there are engineers and developers who wish to expand the borders of Manhattan; this time in a horizontal direction. In our city’s history, it’s been done numerous times before. In fact, one of the more recent success stories is the 92 acres of landfill upon which Battery Park City arose. This time however, it’s those concerned about local fish habitats that seek to kill this project as was done did years ago with the West Side Highway. Kill it dead ... before it even has a chance to get off the ground (Or is that water?), so to speak. Unfortunately, it’s yet to be proven by this lobby that any fish have been harmed by any recent landfill project. Nevertheless, this project is now at risk.

New York City became one of the great cities of the modern world with progressive thinking. We need it now to remain a vital location and destination. Let’s make sure all of the homework is done by experts (on both sides) and thoroughly checked before proceeding. Any large scale building project that may have any possible negative impact needs to be studied. Unless the opposition can present undeniable proof of irreversible harm to the citizens or wildlife around the city, I say … “let’s change the maps and make New York City a bit closer to New Jersey.”

Contemporary Design From The Past With A Futuristic Style

Forty-eight years ago today, a world famous art museum designed by the great Frank Lloyd Wright opened on Fifth Avenue and 89th Street in Manhattan. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, located right here in New York City, remains one of the most architecturally striking buildings ever built within our boroughs. Whether observing this structure from the outside or inside, you're guaranteed to be impressed. Oh, and for you art lovers, there's a few paintings hanging on the walls too. Enjoy!

The Flood Of Pedestrians On Brooklyn's Ocean Parkway Bicycle Path

Fewer people than ever it seems are respecting the designated bicycle path that stretches from the Prospect Expressway to the Boardwalk in Coney Island. People often walk as though in a fog or else in a deliberate, uncaring manner. This puts them as well as bike riders in unnecessarily dangerous situations. It's enough to worry about cars, lights and broken pavement without having to negotiate around people, carriages and the occasional can lady's shopping cart. Try to tell them they're in the wrong and you'd better hope they don't hit you with a fallen tree branch!

Be courteous to your neighbors, people! Walk where you're supposed to. Getting hit by a fast moving bicycle can definitely ruin your afternoon stroll ... maybe even the way you're able to walk in the future.

... And New York State Driver Licenses For All

When lawful tourists visit New York, they buy souvenirs. When illegal aliens (regardless of their countries of origin) come to live in New York, they could soon be handed a New York State driver license ... courtesy of our elected officials! This, for the expressed purpose of identifying illegals living in our midst. We’re told that the state's legal residents will benefit from this. It’s easier to imagine though taxpayers paying even more for financial aid programs benefiting non-citizens once these people are exposed.

A recent poll found that only 22% of New Yorkers approve of this license giveaway. 78% of New Yorkers should provide a "get out of town" ride to those in office who turn justice into road kill.

A diverse population is one of America’s greatest blessings. So too is our judicial system. Let’s continue to support legal immigration, not reward those who don’t obey our laws.

Joe Torre Departs The New York "Yankees Universe"

Thanks for twelve glorious baseball seasons and a lifetime of wonderful memories to enjoy. I wish, most Yankee fans wish, that you would have stuck around for at least two more. You certainly earned them along with our eternal respect.