We Like Tourists.....But

Bloomberg and pals put on quite a show to show America and the world that NYC is tourist friendly. A whole spread of local celebs went on camera to show off our hospitable nature for the millions that make their way to Manhattan (and occasionally the other boroughs) to see our world-famous sites. Though I have to admit, I do not try to throw rose petals on the sidewalk for our guests. In fact, many New Yorkers including myself have a certain amount of trepidation and even disdain for these travelers.

Whenever I see one of those open-air double-decker buses going through the city I feel as if I am some sort of spectacle to be viewed as one would in a wild animal park (is this just me?). People, we work and live in this city of eight-plus million. We are busy and although happy to provide directions for the lost and confused in a perfectly gridded metropolis (above 14th St. that is), there are certain things that bother us.

If you are coming to NYC for the summer, the Macy's Day parade, Christmas-time or whenever, there are certain things you should be aware of. When you walk around town, be mindful of how you use the sidewalks. They are for walking (shocking I know) and not gawking. If you want to admire the famous buildings and whatnot, step to the side. You might be knocked over by a local that has some place to be. We are a walking city and sidewalks are a sort of highway for us.

There are also the subways you should be aware of. Do not stand in front of the doors when they are about to open. Again, you will be knocked over for not using common sense. I'm not trying to scare you, just making you aware of certain realities. I have seen people barreled over before and I have a feeling it can happen again.

Basically, please use common sense here. We welcome you with open arms....but be courteous of us and we will do the same for you.

A Little Lighter Sense

The infamous Shoe Bomber Richard Reid used matches in an attempt to light a bomb implanted in his shoe a few years ago. This crazy action prompted another by the Congress at the time. Cigarette lighters were to be confiscated, but you could still bring matches on-board just as Reid had done. The Transportation Security Administration followed this ridiculous law for years, until they concluded this month that the rule was a waste of time and a waste of millions of dollars to dispose of the confiscated items.

From The Chicago Tribune:

Lawmakers said that if Reid had used a lighter, instead of matches, he might have been able to ignite the bomb, but Kip Hawley, assistant secretary for the Transportation Security Administration, said Thursday that the ban had done little to improve aviation security because small batteries could be used to set off a bomb.

Matches have never been prohibited on flights.

The policy change, which is to go into effect Aug. 4, applies to disposable butane lighters, like Bics, and refillable lighters, like Zippos. Torch lighters, which have thin, hotter flames, will still be banned.

Security officers have been collecting some 22,000 lighters a day nationwide.

So come August 4th, bring all of your lighters to airport, and wave them in the faces of the "security officers" and shout "nah, nah, nah, nah nah" at them. Or something grown up and responsible like that. Just make sure the lighters have less than 3.4 oz of fluid, or else they'll still take it away. That goes for such explosives as water, toothpaste and hair gel, you know, the dangerous stuff.