Drinkers Downing Alcohol And Their Tips

Bartenders throughout New York City are reporting that tips are getting worse in direct connection with the economy. The National Bartenders Association says many mixologists are reporting a decrease of up to 30% in tips. Most bartenders work for tips alone so this economic downturn is hitting them a bit harder than most. For some, it’s enough to drive them to drink … if only they had the extra cash to do so! So be a bit more generous in the future, tipplers. Skip the "one last drink for the road," be safer and instead, be a bit more considerate of your bartender with the extra bucks.

Partnership Between People And Technology

There are several groups in Manhattan that employ hardware and software to keep streets safe and clean. One is a non-profit group called The Union Square Partnership. Its members voluntarily walk through the Union Square neighborhood with a handheld ComNET computer (Computer Neighborhood Emergency Tracker). It records things like uneven pavement, graffiti and even stray voltage from lampposts. The info they collect is uploaded into the ComNET computer system which prepares lists of problems. Other Partnership members can then address these problems more quickly. Sounds like a good idea ... while at the same time, taking us one step closer to an Orwellian future.

Green Deadline For Hybrid Taxis May Be Dead

Yellow taxi fleet owners must replace their vehicles every three years; individual owners every five years. New York City’s October 1st deadline for fleet owners to purchase hybrids is in peril. An estimated 2,500 of the city’s 13,227 taxis are scheduled for replacement this October. Unfortunately, cab owners claim there aren’t enough hybrids to go around (Reportedly only 20% are available nationwide.) and that they’re not as safe as their Crown Victorias. With hybrids, cabbies are estimated to save $5,000 a year. Cab drivers are being hit hard enough because of rising gas prices. Government officials should give taxi owners some additional time to convert their vehicles or work with the automakers to secure the needed hybrids. Common sense and compassion from any government is rare. Both may be needed more now than conservation.

Coney Rides Thrill But Can They Kill?

Walter Reiss, an amusement-safety consultant hired by the New York Post, thinks that several rides are so dangerously unsafe, he'd immediately padlock the fairground owned by Joseph Sitt. In particular, he mentioned the Swingout ride, the Ring of Fire and the Scrambler. Glen Geren who owns these rides says his rides were recently inspected and approved twice by NYC inspectors and once by his insurance company. A spokesman for Sitt claims all of the permits are in place. It's hard to say who's right and who's wrong when there are "experts" on both sides. The question now is, will YOU be daring enough to go on these Coney rides as someone’s “Coney Island Baby” and will you become someone's “Coney Island Body?”

Transit Becoming A Sub-Way To Commute

NYC Transit defines a delayed train as one that’s more than 6 minutes late to its terminal. In April, there were 4,117 officially reported delays. That’s up 44% compared to April 2007. The reasons for delay include 1. Track work 4,117 2. Riders holding doors 918 3. Guard-light trouble 833 4. Unruly passengers 819 5. Fire/smoke 695 6. Signal trouble 600 7. Sick riders 591. It should be noted that ridership is up from last year. Admittedly, the system will never run 100% on time. Nevertheless, service can and should improve. Significant deterioration of New York’s trains means that NYCTA President Howard Roberts has some explaining to do … and not of the fast-talking or passing-the-blame variety either.

Eating Out Is A Bit Healthier – This Year

The Greenwich Village KFC/Taco Bell “rats running around the store” video caused quite a stir last year. In February 2007, the New York Health Department began cracking down on eatery violators. 678 food establishments were closed between February and April 2007. This year during the same period, only 291 were closed; a 57% decrease. At this point, it’s unknown whether it was the restaurant owners or the rats that wised up.

Waterfalls In New York Waters

Whether in February, 2005 you felt that “The Gates (saffron colored fences throughout Central Park designed by Christo and Jean-Claude)” was public art or litter, it was a resounding success with NYC residents, tourists and local business. Encouraged by the money and financial impact of that cultural event, the city unveiled Olafur Eliasson’s, “The New York City Waterfalls” project almost three weeks ago. There are actually four sites varying in height from 90 to 120 feet. They’ll be on display only until October 18th. These waterfalls will likely inspire awe and art appreciation from the masses once again. Being that this is New York City, couldn't arrangements be made to maintain even just one water tower beyond the scheduled closing date? After all, we squeezed the Wall Street Bull into downtown Manhattan. Can’t we make some arrangements for a New York Niagara year-round? It's beautiful enough to consider the thought.