Happy 125th Brooklyn Bridge!

To look upon this magnificent structure is to behold what was one of the great engineering feats of it’s day. However, there was something unknown to the builders and residents of New York City back in 1883. The linking of two counties, Manhattan and Kings (Brooklyn), was to become the catalyst of a five-borough metropolis. New York grew to be recognized as “the greatest city in the world.” It’s amazing what a man's dream along with some bricks and steel stretched across water can lead to. It’s also amazing as to what this bridge can lead to on either side. Drive, walk or bicycle across this bridge. Connect with the past and present.

See London … While In New York

An English sculptor/artist by the name of Paul St. George has tunnel vision and because of it, New Yorkers (Londoners too) can see across the Atlantic Ocean. His “telectroscope” arises from the Fulton Ferry Landing in Brooklyn. An identical one was setup across the pond on London’s South Bank. When one steps up to the lens, they can see a real-time, life-size view of whoever may be peering through the lens on the other side. Paul St. George claims to have been inspired by his great-grandfather, Alexander Stanhope St. George whose dream was to tunnel under the Atlantic, put a telectroscope on either side and let people on both sides see each other. Technically speaking, it works with fiber optic communication but let’s keep that quiet. After all, why ruin the imagination of the young or the fascination of the old? This art exhibit is definitely worth a look. A display like this should find a permanent home so the public may continue to see and be amazed, long into the future.

MTA’s Double-Decker-Play Revisited

New York City Transit is considering a trial program to run double-decker buses in Manhattan this year. Howard Roberts, NYC Transit President said, “Back to the future is, at least in terms of productivity, something we would also like to look at.” The MTA is now reviewing several bus models from companies worldwide. The last time these British-type buses were tried on our streets was back in the 1970’s. Today’s “go green” mentality and the unique appeal buses like these have on riders and pedestrians makes this a play, a winning city could use.

White's Green To Make Gardens Greener

Shelby White, a Brooklyn girl, still proud of her roots recently donated $25 million dollars to two fortunate organizations that benefit all New Yorkers. It’s the largest private donation in the history of New York for the greening of the city! $10 million will fund projects in Prospect Park and $15 million will be put to good use at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. Many are familiar with the story, “A Tree Grows In Brooklyn.” Well, I guess angels grow up there too. Thanks, Shelby for your generosity.

A Last Cigarette In Sight?

Is cigarette smoking coming to an end in New York City? Last year, 16.9% of New Yorkers smoked. That’s down from 21.5% when Mayor Bloomberg took office in 2002. It’s also the lowest total in the last fifty years! One wonders if the mayor's ban on smoking in bars or the city’s higher tax on cigarettes had more of an impact than common sense. Whatever the reason/s, the drop from 2006’s 17.5% to 2007’s 16.9% figure will save an estimated 100,000 people from dying prematurely; hopefully nobody you hate.

Favorite Big Apple Baby Names

New York’s ethnic balance continually changes. It’s no wonder that the most commonly given names for babies would vary, too. It’s curious though why the most popular names in 2007 for boys reads like a list for a society, long since gone, whereas the girls’ names seem timely for today’s diverse culture. Boys: 1) Michael 2) Matthew 3) Anthony 4) Joseph 5) Daniel Girls: 1) Isabella 2) Sophia 3) Emily 4) Olivia 5) Ava

Sex And Pet Tricks

28% of New York City men have cheated while in a relationship. That compares to 12% of New York’s women. 30% of the men and 12% of the women say they’d continue an affair even if they could get caught. Interestingly, 53% of the men and only 48% of the women would forgive a partner having an affair. So what may these numbers show? 1) Men cheat more than women. 2) Men will cheat more than women, regardless of the danger. 3) Men will be more forgiving of their cheating loved one because they know cheating is wrong and the pain it can cause. See? Even straying dogs can learn not to bite the hand that is cooking their meals.