tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50490959079979125942024-03-19T14:36:36.484-07:00Gerber's world!David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-3834584951638545182018-05-01T17:43:00.000-07:002018-05-01T17:43:52.948-07:005 ways to get good walking exercisesSpring is finally here (weather wise) and with the warm weather, there are no excuses to get into the walking or jogging routine. Here are 5 ways you can incorporate your walks or runs into your daily routines:<br />
<br />
1. Shopping Malls: Hanging around the Old Navy store while the Mrs. is shopping? Tell her that you are going for a walk around the mall. Large indoor malls and most outdoor shopping malls are perfect for your personal running track. You can walk around large indoor malls with no worries about the cold, hot or rainy weather, while outdoor malls usually have sidewalks where you can safely walk around. While she shops in one store, you can easily have your 30 minute workout. Large malls such as King of Prussia and the WTC Oculus passageways allow you to do as much walking as you can handle.<br />
<br />
2. Lunch hour: On your 30 or 60 minute break, walk around first then eat - - especially if you are in an office, sitting in a chair for 7-8 hours per day. Walking also takes your mind off work for a short while and allows you to recharge for the afternoon. Walk one way for 20 mins, then return back to you office so you have ample time to eat lunch (assuming you brown bag it as I do almost all the time.) If your office is big enough to have a loop passage (making one complete lap around the office floor) then give it a shot during bad weather. Just remember other people do work so don't make it a distraction for others.<br />
<br />
3. After work: Not in any hurry to go home? No problem, get out a few subway stops before your regular and walk home. Or check in at home first then go out for your short walk. Walk around your entire block as many laps as possible without crossing any street. Taking out the garbage? Checking your mailbox? Go around your block a few times. (Well try to cover your hand while you are taking out the garbage, lol). Have your household go out on the weekly family walks too and invite your neighbors too. <br />
<br />
4. Binge walk with your binge watching: Binge watching for 3 or 6 hours may be good for catching up on your streaming or On-Demand services, but bad for your body as it is in no better shape than sitting in the office, Every third episode or so, stop and take a 30 minute brisk walk to get your heart pumping. Then go back home and watch another 3 episodes before going back out for a second brisk walk. By getting some exercise in for at least 30 minutes every now and then, your body will be in better shape.<br />
<br />
5. College Campuses: Many major college campuses are huge, and if you are enrolled in one then use the roads and sidewalks to your advantage. You have something else to use besides the gym building, and by walking you can meet a lot of people in your travels. I went to Wilson University once and found out that the campus was big enough to do a 15 minute relay around campus grounds. <br />
<br />
Walking will be the best thing you can do in achieving better health, By using these creative ways, you can incorporate walking into your daily routine as I do on a near daily basis. Start small with around 3,000 steps or 30 minutes then gradually increase your step goals. I average around 12K steps a day but have been hitting around 40-50k worth of steps on a couple of days during a walking challenge last year (approx 20-25 miles). You can do it too. <br />
<br />
As the song by Olivia Newton-John goes - - "Let's get Physical". David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-50612616090941888762018-03-13T17:50:00.000-07:002018-03-13T17:50:52.156-07:00Memo to Con Edison - Fire John McAvoyFire Consolidated Edison CEO John McAvoy.<br />
<br />
That's right, fire him because I don't blame the thousands of Con Ed front line workers who toiled long hours and dangerous working conditions in restoring service to thousands of homes in Westchester County in NY State who had no power from the March 2 and 6 winter storms, I blame McAvoy for his incompetence in handling the crisis with broken promises on Con Edison's timeline, wrong information sent out to workers, lies in social media (especially on Twitter) and a malfunction in their communication systems. Over 100K customers (and their families) lost power from these two storms, Riley and Quinn (a Scandal TV reference??). Heck, even the Con Edison website went down on Sunday 3/11.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Con Edison is working to address a technical issue that has caused <a href="https://t.co/zoRQEpjm3K">https://t.co/zoRQEpjm3K</a> and the outage map to be temporarily out of service. Please try again later. We greatly regret this inconvenience.~ DG</div>
— Con Edison (@ConEdison) <a href="https://twitter.com/ConEdison/status/972666956263378944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano both called for <a href="https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/2018/03/08/elected-officials-rage-against-con-ed-nyseg-over-storm-outages/408164002/" target="_blank">McAvoy's head on a silver platter</a> but what I don't understand is that <a href="https://patch.com/new-york/whiteplains/latimer-declares-state-emergency-westchester" target="_blank">why did Latimer wait until Sunday 3/4 </a>to declare a county-wide state of emergency? That was 48 hours after the first storm, Riley. Towns in Upper Westchester, especially Cortlandt, Peekskill (city), Yorktown Heights and Briarcliff Manor had over 1,000 outages each.<br />
<br />
Here are some good tweets from angry Westchester County residents, including one from Ossining Police Chief, Kevin Sylvester.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/ConEdison?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ConEdison</a> It is heinous that there are customers without power since March 2! No more excuses! Your apologies are meaningless! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fireMcAvoy?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fireMcAvoy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgeLatimer37?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GeorgeLatimer37</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NYGovCuomo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYGovCuomo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SteveOtis91?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SteveOtis91</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBCNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ABC7NY?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABC7NY</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FoxNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CNN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CNN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CBSNews</a></div>
— Beth Wexler (@bethwexler) <a href="https://twitter.com/bethwexler/status/972767991115939840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
UPDATE from <a href="https://twitter.com/ConEdison?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ConEdison</a> customer service...they sent the wrong crew to our location AGAIN!!! That makes twice; 8th day without power and they still have never said the word “sorry”! Tuesday deadline - MISSED, Thursday deadline - MISSED, Friday deadline - ???? We know the answer.</div>
— Denver Brown (@DenverBrown78) <a href="https://twitter.com/DenverBrown78/status/972155606965604355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Just found the <a href="https://twitter.com/ConEdison?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ConEdison</a> worker doing ANOTHER assessment of a job that hasn’t changed in 8 days. 12:20 and we can’t find the ONE crew assigned to us. 54 houses could be back up and running w just a little help. Make it happen, ConEd!</div>
— Kevin Sylvester (@OssiningPDChief) <a href="https://twitter.com/OssiningPDChief/status/972161324431151104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
VIDEO. Her power's been out for a week, but Melissa Krochek learned today Con Ed had indicated her Scarsdale neighborhood had no outages. Clayton Rd is closed because of the downed wires. <a href="https://twitter.com/wcbs880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wcbs880</a> <a href="https://t.co/dC8me6tFle">pic.twitter.com/dC8me6tFle</a></div>
— Peter Haskell (@peterhaskell880) <a href="https://twitter.com/peterhaskell880/status/971867092088709121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/KUBRAway?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KUBRAway</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ConEdison?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ConEdison</a> Something wacky with your ifactor outage map or are there really NO crews ONSITE anywhere in NY? <a href="https://t.co/XZprPkGfxD">https://t.co/XZprPkGfxD</a></div>
— Mike Wiley (@NYCSpatial) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCSpatial/status/971855540388327424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When NY State Assembly Member Terrance Murphy (Yorktown) has no power to his office AND his residence, you know Con Edison must be this bad in responding:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Both my District Office and house remain without power. Please contact my satellite office in Putnam County at... <a href="https://t.co/NovoxUqkpP">https://t.co/NovoxUqkpP</a></div>
— Terrence Murphy (@vote4murphy) <a href="https://twitter.com/vote4murphy/status/970651283593072640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The so-called <a href="https://apps.coned.com/stormcenter/external/default.html" target="_blank">Con Edison outage map</a> had no areas where crew is on-site - - locations where power was restored but was actually false information. Crews were sent to wrong locations, and even the Westchester county summary was missing at one point.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
We are trying to provide updates as soon as they become available. We were aware of an issue with our outage map providing outdated information which has since been fixed. ~JNP</div>
— Con Edison (@ConEdison) <a href="https://twitter.com/ConEdison/status/972484318403727360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
I guess <a href="https://twitter.com/ConEdison?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ConEdison</a> has given up even listing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/westchester?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#westchester</a> as an option on the Outage Summary. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Riley?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Riley</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NYGovCuomo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYGovCuomo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SenSchumer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenSchumer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/lohud?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lohud</a> <a href="https://t.co/jHXJsryerq">pic.twitter.com/jHXJsryerq</a></div>
— Ben Greenzweig 🌎 (@BGreenzweig) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGreenzweig/status/971218156197961728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Con Edison on Twitter lied to customers about filing a claim for food and medication spoilage. This is one of their tweets to their disgruntled followers.:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Good evening, you are welcome to submit a claim for any damage/losses you have suffered. Our Claims Department will review all claims and they are handled on a case by case basis. We apologize for any inconvenience. ~AML</div>
— Con Edison (@ConEdison) <a href="https://twitter.com/ConEdison/status/972249340952576007?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But wait, claims will not be paid for long term power outages due to storms.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTJT1PcVeXoAiG9JuiSU_99MpaQIbknhcoH7poRP3EK5nGy9a6VwJkwUnUMVg-Q5nehD_zf_jg7l7-EPj2v6hW_iLggIbhbAuegT9RVgRIPifgwWLPbx6ghVZ5ryu6cq1HTHbAgH3iqU/s1600/Screenshot_20180306-133654.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="779" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTJT1PcVeXoAiG9JuiSU_99MpaQIbknhcoH7poRP3EK5nGy9a6VwJkwUnUMVg-Q5nehD_zf_jg7l7-EPj2v6hW_iLggIbhbAuegT9RVgRIPifgwWLPbx6ghVZ5ryu6cq1HTHbAgH3iqU/s640/Screenshot_20180306-133654.png" width="310" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
And McAvoy admitted that his <a href="http://abc7ny.com/weather/coned-reveals-communication-glitch-amid-westchester-outages-/3193403/" target="_blank">communication systems were not working </a> during the storm outages - what a moron. All while Lockwood and Palmer Aves, (both near the Saw Mill River Parkway) in Yonkers were closed for days due to downed trees and power lines. McAvoy said that <a href="https://westfaironline.com/100108/con-edisons-john-mcavoy-rejects-resignation-calls-blames-recovery-delays-on-storm-severity/" target="_blank">he has no intention on resigning</a> but seriously - - he need to go - - fast<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-18331220538031321132018-02-19T19:36:00.000-08:002018-02-19T19:59:09.008-08:00More Placard Abuse and the fake crackdown A year ago, I visited a Town Hall meeting with NYC Mayor Bill DeBlasio and <a href="https://youtu.be/rTKAuyZCBOU" target="_blank">asked him about Placard Abuse, and false 311 reports</a>, which he and now-former NYPD Chief of Department, Carlos Gomez answered only one of of the 2 questions.<br />
<br />
<br />
And yet, a year later, the Placard abuse and false 311 reports continue. I am now convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that the NYC Police Department is the most corrupt, derelict, and ignorant law enforcement agency in the nation. They refuse to close out 311 complaints of illegal parking with their own NYPD scofflaw vehicles by claiming they saw "nothing" or never show up at all. They lack basic integrity controls in the management and security of their own placards. Want to report a member of the Fire Department having his car illegally blocking the hydrant? Forget it, they will falsify that too.<br />
<br />
<br />
And the abuse is not limited to the NYPD too - - anyone who can make a fake parking placard or have any government position who has a car, feels a sense of "entitlement" beyond the scope of the placard which they are lawfully entitled to do. <br />
<br />
<br />
My conviction started with this "continually" illegally parked vehicle around Water Street, plate #HEE7108 which, for the first time I have seen, is not only using an NYPD reflector vest (which any terrorist can buy over the internet) to steal metered parking, he is now illegally blocking a fire hydrant on Water St in Lower Manhattan. Here are the original pictures which you can decide for yourself on January 18th.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbO-Pi6fOxqhioTPUfzVQOkUmFcZ7V2_Km3fQr2SiXIJsA_684Jk_e3wIvMY04QzXjoMvJiksBBs5lk18XLfVaQYVe2DTkDclw9RC0VtTqfJqM1zvBM-WY8RSdAnr7m5diZvwvt8qIsI/s1600/20180118_120857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbO-Pi6fOxqhioTPUfzVQOkUmFcZ7V2_Km3fQr2SiXIJsA_684Jk_e3wIvMY04QzXjoMvJiksBBs5lk18XLfVaQYVe2DTkDclw9RC0VtTqfJqM1zvBM-WY8RSdAnr7m5diZvwvt8qIsI/s640/20180118_120857.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFCGTI-KzxgZeLDnP1H8v6oPBtos4pgWorfWcm627BjUQAsDyxQ9dxvViMSwz-dcWsJlIFixy2EdvpxR991dlWJSawNN_aaiIsUXbGj6S0qZ69zHzrPgK6o-Da7sNCOavHnZN15k4T_s/s1600/20180118_120908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFCGTI-KzxgZeLDnP1H8v6oPBtos4pgWorfWcm627BjUQAsDyxQ9dxvViMSwz-dcWsJlIFixy2EdvpxR991dlWJSawNN_aaiIsUXbGj6S0qZ69zHzrPgK6o-Da7sNCOavHnZN15k4T_s/s640/20180118_120908.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoFpvKje2mONQpTxPZvOukF4NmY1j-eSJFqQRDIeBD6bhCpjAWUK9xs7fxejCfQ24V-Lw_uk7BoLx5PBCQS9ouoryaVDK_YOR8HqTNvTazXZnwo_yZo6JTKiVWhQ_KnefkbqEQaVR44s/s1600/20180118_120918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoFpvKje2mONQpTxPZvOukF4NmY1j-eSJFqQRDIeBD6bhCpjAWUK9xs7fxejCfQ24V-Lw_uk7BoLx5PBCQS9ouoryaVDK_YOR8HqTNvTazXZnwo_yZo6JTKiVWhQ_KnefkbqEQaVR44s/s640/20180118_120918.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtcuf2AMT9x40hBLdJUUICX-uqUXiqswu-L7gx-Bcb-EQoBzk2zzpK_pabdSUdLnhuEo6dgrXCOUnPE2MVe7Thg6zdtgczv5sJmGTwN1rIiTScKgmv34KCg9L6MSvhIO6PHrW9ZNmJ0U/s1600/20180118_120845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtcuf2AMT9x40hBLdJUUICX-uqUXiqswu-L7gx-Bcb-EQoBzk2zzpK_pabdSUdLnhuEo6dgrXCOUnPE2MVe7Thg6zdtgczv5sJmGTwN1rIiTScKgmv34KCg9L6MSvhIO6PHrW9ZNmJ0U/s640/20180118_120845.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I reported this to 311 - - complaint #C-1-1-1515095331 at approx 12:42 PM - - exactly 2 hours later, the NYPD 1st Precinct responds to this complaint claiming that they "observed no evidence of violation at that time" when the vehicle was illegally parked in front of a fire hydrant AND a No Standing Anytime zone. Such reporting of a matter which is intentionally false is committing a felony offense of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the 1st Degree,<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig12xu2cnRGtJWnwdgX_lu0LLQEPzBVGo8UE0qyiPcK1mJ4vQg-hr-kGTtWvFK094lXV38sSv1ZZKr5hw6IzQB-G0NjGLBmo2ZX4TFMp_v28qH6BbuOpV4w4R3Q2N32p18wAXlCJf1YNQ/s1600/Screenshot_20180118-180358.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="779" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig12xu2cnRGtJWnwdgX_lu0LLQEPzBVGo8UE0qyiPcK1mJ4vQg-hr-kGTtWvFK094lXV38sSv1ZZKr5hw6IzQB-G0NjGLBmo2ZX4TFMp_v28qH6BbuOpV4w4R3Q2N32p18wAXlCJf1YNQ/s640/Screenshot_20180118-180358.png" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJWURHw8kCs3iwH359lkkIYU4XMk3NmvbrfLuOuv6K_PYW6QWsynsjkJpzzsnjUqoR46rXWagxv4EQGDp-q8XF0dHj447N9QmPTAyL2v5R87YebaVxnPF2XI0nXY0SDP9ZAoiZ8-3EsY/s1600/Screenshot_20180118-180422.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="779" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJWURHw8kCs3iwH359lkkIYU4XMk3NmvbrfLuOuv6K_PYW6QWsynsjkJpzzsnjUqoR46rXWagxv4EQGDp-q8XF0dHj447N9QmPTAyL2v5R87YebaVxnPF2XI0nXY0SDP9ZAoiZ8-3EsY/s640/Screenshot_20180118-180422.png" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMS06GPDHujxwZIzxrpRlJWvQZlt3M32JE0kyBuKHnuAKh2Py2DGpuVXfo7S72171xmoQcpqVLE0e91yFLJk0cZQTsEVgava4kM6DtCgjQypZno_67858WzisjaErUD9GQI-bHbh00z-E/s1600/Screenshot_20180118-180417.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="779" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMS06GPDHujxwZIzxrpRlJWvQZlt3M32JE0kyBuKHnuAKh2Py2DGpuVXfo7S72171xmoQcpqVLE0e91yFLJk0cZQTsEVgava4kM6DtCgjQypZno_67858WzisjaErUD9GQI-bHbh00z-E/s640/Screenshot_20180118-180417.png" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Thankfully, that vehicle is no more infesting Lower Manhattan as Internal Affairs (IAB) assigned it to someone who contacted me and took care of it. But why should I have no choice but to contact IAB for a simple thing as reporting illegal parking to 311?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Errol Louis, anchor of the nightly news show The Road to City Hall on Spectrum News in NYC, has a wonderful idea with a little help from Gridlock Sam I. Schwartz:<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Per <a href="https://twitter.com/GridlockSam?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GridlockSam</a>, cash value of each placard is about $8,000. Tax each holder for the income and we’ll see if they really “need” it.</div>
— Errol Louis (@errollouis) <a href="https://twitter.com/errollouis/status/957728043308670977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
And Placard Abuse has tons of offenders which the NYPD refuses to take action of, such as these:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
When you let this personal vehicle park illegally blocking the curb cut & crosswalk <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPD42Pct?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYPD42Pct</a>, you violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.<br />
<br />
Attn <a href="https://twitter.com/CivilRights?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CivilRights</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCDisabilities?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYCDisabilities</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Salamancajr80?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Salamancajr80</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RitchieTorres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RitchieTorres</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rubendiazjr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rubendiazjr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCPA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYCPA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DIA_NewYork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DIA_NewYork</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BronxDAClark?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BronxDAClark</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCMayor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYCMayor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NYGovCuomo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYGovCuomo</a> <a href="https://t.co/D77rxwxyvg">pic.twitter.com/D77rxwxyvg</a></div>
— placard corruption (@placardabuse) <a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse/status/957809469014016000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
This <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/placardperp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#placardperp</a> was out in the same area again today parked illegally with a car sporting an illegal license plate cover & no <a href="https://twitter.com/nysdmv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nysdmv</a> inspection.<br />
<br />
And so many outstanding tickets for things the owner DIDN'T get away with, the car should be towed. <a href="https://t.co/BzbfWFm87M">pic.twitter.com/BzbfWFm87M</a></div>
— placard corruption (@placardabuse) <a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse/status/957688684777787399?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
Even this "Federal Law Enforcement" phony has been renewing this (and placards on other vehicles) since at least 2002 - - they "renewed" theirs two weeks ago - - without a worry about getting caught by NYC's Department of Investigation or by the Feds. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Hey look! This <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/placardperp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#placardperp</a> renewed their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fakeplacard?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fakeplacard</a>.<br />
<br />
We sure hope this is an elaborate, long-running <a href="https://twitter.com/NYC_DOI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYC_DOI</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/FBINewYork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBINewYork</a> operation. <a href="https://t.co/iPV8VUhHA2">pic.twitter.com/iPV8VUhHA2</a></div>
— placard corruption (@placardabuse) <a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse/status/960641720454189057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But the worst part are the threats against ordinary citizens who are fighting placard abuse, most recently a Staten Island lot owner <a href="https://www.amny.com/transit/parking-placard-abuse-1.16871832" target="_blank">who gave up the fight against cops from the 120th Precinct as well as city/state workers from parking their personal vehicles in his lot all day</a> for free. Or when I was stopped by a retired officer who questioned me on not only why I was taking pictures of her car with an NYPD vest - - she asked me what I was going to do with these pictures.</div>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@placardabuse</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/errollouis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@errollouis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/4lisaguerrero?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@4lisaguerrero</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/VickiChoiTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VickiChoiTV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPDONeill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYPDONeill</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/StreetsblogNYC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StreetsblogNYC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/bdhowald?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bdhowald</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPost_Berman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYPost_Berman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPost_Brazille?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYPost_Brazille</a> utter harassment and attempted invasion of privacy by this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MyNYPD?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MyNYPD</a> safety officer with her illegally parked car and NYPD vest <a href="https://t.co/c9Cn2668pC">https://t.co/c9Cn2668pC</a></div>
— David-Paul Gerber (@WakefieldBxDave) <a href="https://twitter.com/WakefieldBxDave/status/961345122465206279?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And didn't Mayor De Blasio <a href="http://ynews.com/news/politics/city-hall-cop-impersonating-state-sen-marty-golden-article-1.3714734" target="_blank">promised that he would look into NY State Senator Marty Golden's placard privileges</a>??? More than two months later, nothing yet but full of hot air. <br />
<br />
<br />
Next, we have MTA Board Member Charles Moerdler using his MTA ID to steal commercial vehicle parking along John St in January.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Hey look <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeLhota?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeLhota</a>! Your buddy Chuck Moerdler is using his <a href="https://twitter.com/MTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MTA</a> Board Member ID to steal metered commercial parking. No taking the failing transit system for him!<br />
<br />
Cc <a href="https://twitter.com/MTAPD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MTAPD</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NYGovCuomo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYGovCuomo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCMayor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYCMayor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCCouncil?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYCCouncil</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPDTransport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYPDTransport</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPDONeill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYPDONeill</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/OIGNYPD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OIGNYPD</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DOINEWS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DOINEWS</a> <a href="https://t.co/1cTVhSqnjK">pic.twitter.com/1cTVhSqnjK</a></div>
— placard corruption (@placardabuse) <a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse/status/953684524008923136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
Then<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Re6VivPEuc4&t=1081s" target="_blank"> I chimed in at the January MTA NYC Transit Committee meeting</a> by calling Moerdler out (go to approx 17 min mark.) - - since then, he has paid his dues. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
We are pleased to report that <a href="https://twitter.com/MTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MTA</a> Board Member Charles Moerdler paid his $15.00 for 3 hrs of parking on the street across from his office today, instead of ripping off taxpayers again. <a href="https://t.co/KB1yqsC69o">pic.twitter.com/KB1yqsC69o</a></div>
— placard corruption (@placardabuse) <a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse/status/956591009294700544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Finally, I contacted a Bronx representative from City Hall about the illegal parking issues on the 52nd Precinct - - as far back as last summer - - and as you can see - - the conditions within the 52nd Precinct have not improved - - they are getting worse - - these tweets were just posted yesterday. You learn to empower yourself by taking charge and contacting your elected officials or staff - - what good is this if they don't follow up on your issue or just ignore it outright?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/placardcorruption?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#placardcorruption</a> could not be any more literally right in front of the <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPD52Pct?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYPD52Pct</a> station house.<br />
<br />
Comment please <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewCohenNYC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AndrewCohenNYC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rubendiazjr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rubendiazjr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCMayor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYCMayor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/OIGNYPD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OIGNYPD</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCPA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYCPA</a>? <a href="https://t.co/zE6AJYn25W">pic.twitter.com/zE6AJYn25W</a></div>
— placard corruption (@placardabuse) <a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse/status/965774208373575680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
The safety & emissions inspection on this vehicle parked illegally on the greenway outside the <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPD52Pct?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYPD52Pct</a> parking lot (which had lots of empty spaces) expired almost a year ago. <a href="https://t.co/slw5U5p8Hp">pic.twitter.com/slw5U5p8Hp</a></div>
— placard corruption (@placardabuse) <a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse/status/965743333917196289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Placard Abuse continues, with impunity - - in areas were there is plenty of public transit options such as Downtown Brooklyn, St. George in Staten Island, and Midtown/Lower Manhattan there is no reason why city and state employees can't use public transportation and walk to work. No wonder why members of the NYPD are <a href="https://nypost.com/2018/02/18/fat-cops-are-weighing-down-the-nypd/" target="_blank">among the most obese in law enforcement </a>- - they are too lazy to walk to work from a far away parking space or train station/bus stop. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-22053687945393982442018-01-17T15:55:00.003-08:002018-01-21T07:26:44.727-08:00NYCT still misinforms customers - - a suggestionBefore I start, newly minted NYCT President Andy Byford started this week - - I give him a warm welcome to the greatest transit system in the world. <br />
<br />
Now for some NYCT minformation<br />
<br />
This week (and next week) - - the first FastTrack program of 2018 started on the 8th Ave A/C/E lines in Manhattan. Among the service changes, C service ends an hour earlier, while on a separate notification shows M service ending by 9 PM.<br />
<br />
<br />
But nothing for the B line which also ends early, by 9:30 PM. This is because A trains are partially running on the B/D lines (in both directions) between 59th Street/Columbus Circle and 34th Street/6th Ave before using the F tracks to/from Jay St Brooklyn. With E trains already running on the F line between Manhattan and Queens, and the bottleneck switching of A trains north of 34th Street, it makes operationally sense to end B service earlier before FastTrack starts. Being that the B is a disposable line with alternate A/D/Q services available, I think it's a great move to cut service on lines like the B, C and M lines before a major shutdown on one line takes place.<br />
<br />
<br />
I just disapprove of the way NYCT is mishandling the information which customers need to know - - why tell customers only 2/3rds of the story when you tell them C and M service ends early but nothing on the B. It's not the first time it happened - - on the week of December 18-21, B service ended early - - only between Atlantic Ave and Brighton Beach in Brooklyn - - nut there was no B service at all on the entire non-rush hour length - - between 145th Street and <br />
Brighton Beach. But wait, it gets better, a false service notice showed northbound B (and C) trains ran express from 59th Street to 145th Street. No B trains were running after 9:30 PM<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9iVo0pzAxixG1ftd0zdsTYFK9qgHg_VdfB8c1s6Dcj5GlkWIGP3WuB8YKu2i8EsrLKpIYsGi-4dZ9Joy-IGjmFOX_n4grtjceO6lstlBqh5ZMzjvvYVOrcaVhSsmDKXMRZczo21xC1w/s1600/Screenshot_20171221-224721.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="779" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9iVo0pzAxixG1ftd0zdsTYFK9qgHg_VdfB8c1s6Dcj5GlkWIGP3WuB8YKu2i8EsrLKpIYsGi-4dZ9Joy-IGjmFOX_n4grtjceO6lstlBqh5ZMzjvvYVOrcaVhSsmDKXMRZczo21xC1w/s640/Screenshot_20171221-224721.png" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwbUTRVxJnwMmn4H88kNVaL2S37sUkKnSPgIVK203pxriIFT1adUT22Mpcg-xtSSLT8EBI9_9WfxK138X-i_LZ7BjbEp8ggUXVOwrQ6ANidJxq7jT9_nrlHYiqiyr8CsuETeA_aAjATc/s1600/Screenshot_20171221-214256.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="779" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwbUTRVxJnwMmn4H88kNVaL2S37sUkKnSPgIVK203pxriIFT1adUT22Mpcg-xtSSLT8EBI9_9WfxK138X-i_LZ7BjbEp8ggUXVOwrQ6ANidJxq7jT9_nrlHYiqiyr8CsuETeA_aAjATc/s640/Screenshot_20171221-214256.png" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9KjNh9wcHtw3PtC_g9EUXYTRrztHtkVaBNojX49xligoKHbYCpLqiJxEADkbPt4_Gfj7mhd9Rom7Y7h-OZp8m6jvKRaJhdZUDD7gCzcGDCYjzFlwAZ9TVGIinYe7gJ-TDqQbP4aUAOQ/s1600/Screenshot_20171221-211201.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="779" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9KjNh9wcHtw3PtC_g9EUXYTRrztHtkVaBNojX49xligoKHbYCpLqiJxEADkbPt4_Gfj7mhd9Rom7Y7h-OZp8m6jvKRaJhdZUDD7gCzcGDCYjzFlwAZ9TVGIinYe7gJ-TDqQbP4aUAOQ/s640/Screenshot_20171221-211201.png" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
The MTA has an obligation in reporting every service change, no matter how trivial it may seem. During winter storms, they tell us to monitor the MTA website for the "latest service changes". <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mYS_SAPAVc&t=7s" target="_blank">Here is a YouTube video</a> on their Cold Weather Plan.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Latest" does not mean two hours after the fact. Or nothing at all.<br />
<br />
And it sure does not mean you have to use their MTA Subway Time app to find out if your train is running or not. Here is a prime example of the week of Jan 5-8 - - and from Jan 3 when the storm was going to hit the NYC area, After 6 PM, all 6 express service in the Bronx is suspended - - all trains run on the local track. But the MTA website says "Good Service" on the 4/5/6<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjugZKlHXMNmsGZV4cr_YPg5maY9EEAf7wNdvUOd0PswHSQ7h0ArXMedTNU_3dsdrBhsARCJ9AK3_DvvdS53VXmQPDf5ieKdQAKVICMUUOYamvxF2bXCqpEnB606rblNmSmT-2-TCNeFo/s1600/Screenshot_20180105-184250.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="779" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjugZKlHXMNmsGZV4cr_YPg5maY9EEAf7wNdvUOd0PswHSQ7h0ArXMedTNU_3dsdrBhsARCJ9AK3_DvvdS53VXmQPDf5ieKdQAKVICMUUOYamvxF2bXCqpEnB606rblNmSmT-2-TCNeFo/s640/Screenshot_20180105-184250.png" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HhX-Tlph3Z3smZ8bETT9Vvi7ckkX-D-I0y212eDgUOJl4tebH8daeiaM2sKIK_wfWL4QefTd-RkyUC2Zx_nsyvlM0WI62K-6rlf9qa4iKEOPTaNtEd4UOfblveZnR4WE7YRzmonOjDI/s1600/Screenshot_20180105-184233.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="779" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HhX-Tlph3Z3smZ8bETT9Vvi7ckkX-D-I0y212eDgUOJl4tebH8daeiaM2sKIK_wfWL4QefTd-RkyUC2Zx_nsyvlM0WI62K-6rlf9qa4iKEOPTaNtEd4UOfblveZnR4WE7YRzmonOjDI/s640/Screenshot_20180105-184233.png" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDT13qFyScpXDZ3ogtEGP4EOg_72kVf1m518z413Bo9wXuZoOT0sEYeVfglotdhoyntLZ2fOnvO15lnIIjWB-e-CA1bD1HbiYUF-XNVx97hrWrarBs3OQzp21ZiImex_Fq9TioTpI234Q/s1600/Screenshot_20180105-184224.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="779" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDT13qFyScpXDZ3ogtEGP4EOg_72kVf1m518z413Bo9wXuZoOT0sEYeVfglotdhoyntLZ2fOnvO15lnIIjWB-e-CA1bD1HbiYUF-XNVx97hrWrarBs3OQzp21ZiImex_Fq9TioTpI234Q/s640/Screenshot_20180105-184224.png" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
It was not posted until after 8 PM. On January 8, when the 6 express service does not start until 8 AM, nothing was posted at all (although on the morning of Jan 4, they were actually spot on - - for once)<br />
<br />
And if you want to find out if the B and W service ended early - - - nope, not at 8 PM. for the B and 9 PM for the W.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The weekend of January 5-8 they failed to post service changes on the A/E/F/2/3/Q lines which were affected by the remains of the Bomb Cyclone, a quick but brutal winter storm on . The A was running local in Brooklyn, the E and F were also running local in Queens (in addition to the existing planned trackwork on the E and F between Roosevelt and 71st Aves), the 2 and 3 were running local in Manhattan (alongside with the existing scheduled 2 and 3 weekend diversions) and the Q was also running local in Manhattan. In fact, it also pissed off Benjamin Kabak, a prominent transit blogger and website owner of his 2nd Ave Sagas website and Twitter accounts:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
MTA website says NB Q trains are running express in Manhattan and yet the train I’m on is making local stops. The agency is confoundingly bad at providing reliable up-to-date service info these days. They were much better for a while but not any longer.</div>
— Second Ave. Sagas (@2AvSagas) <a href="https://twitter.com/2AvSagas/status/950056344509349889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
But I told NYCT on Twittter 36 hours ago about the Q local in Manhattan. Ignorance is bliss.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/NYCTSubway?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYCTSubway</a> Q local in Manhattan, Prince and 57 in both directions. Nobody told you this either.<br />
<br />
It's ironic that one of your own applications (MTA Subway Time) has exposed the misinformation which RCC refuses to pass down to the proper channels. <a href="https://t.co/KweK56KBO1">pic.twitter.com/KweK56KBO1</a></div>
— David-Paul Gerber (@WakefieldBxDave) <a href="https://twitter.com/WakefieldBxDave/status/949713496744349702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
When I asked about the B line - - NYCT responded (with a compliment, thank you)<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Good afternoon David, We truly appreciate your attentiveness. As a customer with such knowledge about the subways, you know that service is often adjusted while in route and after the schedules are published. (1/2) ^IR</div>
— NYCT Subway (@NYCTSubway) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCTSubway/status/953372930771124225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Service tonight for the B and M trains are running regular and we do not anticipate any service changes. If this changes, we’ll let everyone know. (2/2) ^IR</div>
— NYCT Subway (@NYCTSubway) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCTSubway/status/953373364382466049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, it does not address the problem of not posting the service change about B service not running after 9:30 PM</div>
<br />
But at the end of the day with some of the more disposable lines ending early than scheduled - - and now that most trackwork now starts at 10 PM instead of around midnight, it's time for NYCT to take a hard look at cutting service - - no not to cut service across the board, but to shorten the operating hours of the 5/B/C/M/W lines to have then cease running after 9 PM. This makes it a lot easier on a set schedule basis instead of constantly posting service notices that the M ends at 8:30 PM. The frequency of these nighttime service changes does warrant a more steady and permanent set of service changes. When the L line shuts down in 2019, then the M will need to run 24/7 - - if not to Forest Hills then to 96th Street and 2nd Ave on the Q line.<br />
<br />
Having a predictable schedule each night instead of variations in service makes it easier for customers to follow. And less chances of posting wrong or missing information/<br />
<br />
Update: Seems like NYCT is getting better at these notifications the last week. Let's hope this will be a long term process as when they do inform customers, they can do a great job if they put their effort into it. Bravo (pun intended):<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6KmrUJFXwDobnlSK2IFoTRqwEfFzsw0_Zpcq_ctgOzpfimm474vPyd5L6D8-E8bpHey5BzYdKlPpKQGQCNO_0A27yYuQXTgSK6teb5z7p5_vtlnPuEFpOmYuRVgNbi9A7_svMW-pflo/s1600/Screenshot_20180119-214747.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="779" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6KmrUJFXwDobnlSK2IFoTRqwEfFzsw0_Zpcq_ctgOzpfimm474vPyd5L6D8-E8bpHey5BzYdKlPpKQGQCNO_0A27yYuQXTgSK6teb5z7p5_vtlnPuEFpOmYuRVgNbi9A7_svMW-pflo/s640/Screenshot_20180119-214747.png" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-325957310126885922018-01-14T14:35:00.000-08:002018-01-14T14:35:02.692-08:00November 10, 2020 - - vote the $hithole outA Commander-in-Chief is obligated to uphold the U.S. Constitution and respect people from all backgrounds, even if you disagree with some.<br />
<br />
President Trump clearly is not. In fact, he is the most racist President in United States history. On top of it, he LIES about the racist remarks he made last week.<br />
<br />
By now, you heard about President Trump <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-attacks-protections-for-immigrants-from-shithole-countries-in-oval-office-meeting/2018/01/11/bfc0725c-f711-11e7-91af-31ac729add94_story.html" target="_blank">calling the countries of Haiti and Africa "shitholes" </a>during a White House meeting with his top lawmakers about immigration reform. Granted Africa and Haiti are impoverished countries but he also added fuel to the fire by wondering why the United States is not accepting immigrants from countries like Norway. Then he <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-appears-deny-shithole-slur-defends-tough-immigration-stance-n837056" target="_blank">lies, saying he denies</a> saying he never made that nefarious comment. <br />
<br />
<br />
Of course, Trump should know why people don't want to leave Norway for the United States,<a href="http://www.nationmaster.com/country-info/compare/Norway/United-States/Health" target="_blank"> read these sobering health care statistical comparisons between Norway and the United States,</a> particularly abortions and people with HIV/AIDS. While the United States may have slightly better health care than Norway - - the life expectancy in Norway is higher than the United States.<br />
<br />
<br />
Or maybe people in Norway are happy living there and they don't want to migrate to the U.S.<br />
<br />
Whatever the case may be, Trump's racism clearly shows beneath the surface of his <a href="http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/12/03/donald-trump-honors-rosa-parks-62nd-anniversary-montgomery-bus-boycott" target="_blank">honoring of Rosa Parks</a> 62nd anniversary of her willpower not to give up her right to sit anywhere in that bus. We should also remember that Trump has still <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/18/opinion/why-trump-doubled-down-on-the-central-park-five.html" target="_blank">never apologized to the Central Park Five. </a> because he still insisted that the NYPD has done their job of investigating the horrific crime, even though DNA evidence clearly proved that Matias Reyes did it. He has insulted Mexicans, women, blacks, various Middle Eastern countries and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/01/28/upshot/donald-trump-twitter-insults.html" target="_blank">everyone else right here in this NY Times list </a>(although MS-13 should not be on there because they ARE a vile gang of killers and rapists.). And for the record, Trump has said things which are true, like Amazon not paying their fair share of taxes (but he gives millionaires a nice tax cut, which means they are not paying their fair share.) <br />
<br />
<br />
But his shithole comment on two countries was clearly outrageous - - if someone, said that at the workplace or on social media, they would be fired on the spot, no questions asked. oh yea, let's not forget Charlottesville, VA when he said both sides (the racist KKK and the counter demonstrators) were <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-lashes-alt-left-charlottesville-fine-people-sides/story?id=49235032" target="_blank">"fine people on both sides". </a><br />
<br />
November 10, 2020 can't come fast enough to vote Trump out.David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-55781546117743636902018-01-02T18:54:00.001-08:002018-01-02T19:04:08.502-08:00Sen. Marty Golden - poster boy for fraud and corruptionLast month, there was a incident between Brian Howald and NY State Senate Marty Golden, involving Golden's <a href="https://nypost.com/2017/12/12/politician-impersonated-cop-to-get-past-me-in-bike-lane-cyclist/">alleged menacing and criminal impersonation</a> of a police officer. Yet there is still no NY State investigation into Golden's alleged abuse of his NY State Official Business Placard, using it at Brian Howald as identifying himself as an NYPD officer. And NYC Mayor Bill De Blasio, in his usual self in saying a lot in press conferences but failing to follow through a lot on what he says (think the original and groundbreaking <a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank">Placard Abuse on Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Placard-abuse-731514273676813/?ref=br_rs" target="_blank">my own related page on Facebook </a> as well as the ongoing fake crackdown he "promised" in the Bronx) has said that he will <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/city-hall-cop-impersonating-state-sen-marty-golden-article-1.3714734" target="_blank">look into the incident </a>.....only because when the issue came up, as his staff were following up on this matter ...which was 10 days after the incident took place. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Let's go back to the evening of December 11th when according to Brian Howald was biking southbound in the 3rd Ave bike lane in Brooklyn when Golden's vehicle (plate T327TSD) purportedly obstructed Howald by driving in the bike lane. At one point, Golden used his NY State official business parking placard as an "NYPD shield" at Howald while threatening arrest. When Golden's vehicle drove off, Howald smelled a rat on that placard and chased the vehicle down, taking pictures of it,along with the plate and Golden (Howald initially didn't recognize Golden). As he took the pics, Golden's chauffeur drove off on northbound 3rd Ave, against traffic flow while running three red lights. <br />
<br />
<br />
Golden told NY1 that he <a href="http://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2017/12/13/lawmaker-accused-of-impersonating-police-officer">denied the allegations</a>, noting that this was not the first time Howald has a run in with someone.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
This asshole drove down two blocks of the 1st Ave. bike lane. I gave him a 5-min. timeout by refusing to move. <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPD19Pct?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYPD19Pct</a> this is your job! <a href="https://t.co/VQeN7rMduE">pic.twitter.com/VQeN7rMduE</a></div>
— Brian Howald (@bdhowald) <a href="https://twitter.com/bdhowald/status/843940088509874177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
While it may be true that Howald's challenger to the bike lane issue was not his first time, there are questions to Golden's statements that he was threatened by Howald, First off, it was clear the Golden was sitting on front passenger side, with the window fully down. In 30 degree weather, and not wearing a hat?<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/SenMartyGolden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenMartyGolden</a>, is this you?<br />
<br />
9/9 <a href="https://t.co/BSa9fAJWKJ">pic.twitter.com/BSa9fAJWKJ</a></div>
— Brian Howald (@bdhowald) <a href="https://twitter.com/bdhowald/status/940401178613112832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
Remember, the weather took a chill for the worst, dropping from 50 degrees in the afternoon, to about the 30's around the time this incident took place (it was freezing overnight). Additionally, if you really felt a bicyclist threatening you, you would NEVER have the windows down - - notice the rear passenger window was up. Also why didn't he call 911 for NYPD to show up, taking a police report? The 72nd Precinct <a href="https://www1.nyc.gov/site/nypd/bureaus/patrol/precincts/72nd-precinct.page">was not far away on 4th Ave.</a> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<br />
Oh yea, did we forgot to mention that his chaffured driven vehicle was caught speeding through two school zones?<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hey look at this, the Senator who helped kill the speed camera expansion has two unpaid school zone speeding violations—in front of P.S. 185 and J.H.S. 227, respectively. <a href="https://t.co/tiaeP5OYrA">pic.twitter.com/tiaeP5OYrA</a></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">— Bay🚙Ridge🚗Drivers (@BayRidgeDrivers) <a href="https://twitter.com/BayRidgeDrivers/status/940426259598848005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2017</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also, his car was recently spotted blocking the crosswalk, while his NY State registration lapsed two weeks ago.</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Spotted <a href="https://twitter.com/SenMartyGolden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenMartyGolden</a> parked in the crosswalk on 93rd Street during his workout at Harbor. It’s really getting too easy to catch T327SD in the traffic violation act. Also, his registration recently expired and he hasn’t paid the ticket yet. <a href="https://twitter.com/NY1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NY1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NYDailyNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYDailyNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BayRidgeDrivers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BayRidgeDrivers</a> <a href="https://t.co/FY6KGKZtR5">pic.twitter.com/FY6KGKZtR5</a></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">— Charlie O'Donnell (@ceonyc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ceonyc/status/947538256408858625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2017</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
Of course the cat stole Golden's tongue - - or he pleaded the fifth, <a href="https://nypost.com/2018/01/02/lawmaker-who-impersonated-cop-parked-in-crosswalk-witness/">not saying anything</a> about the blocked crosswalk incident.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
So <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/brooklyn?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#brooklyn</a> State Sen. Marty Golden has “no comment” when we asked him about <a href="https://twitter.com/ceonyc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ceonyc</a> ‘s photo of his vehicle blocking a crosswalk <a href="https://t.co/agraszq0us">https://t.co/agraszq0us</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@placardabuse</a></div>
— Angi Gonzalez (@AnchorAngi) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnchorAngi/status/948035292816138240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
But wait a minute, Golden was spotted coming out from his gym to attend to his scofflaw vehicle ..... while collecting a full line of duty disability pension from the NYPD. Ugh, all these years he can go to the gym and still collect his disability pension????? Fraud, criminal impersonation, and menacing - - these are serious allegations which call of ethics hearings in Albany about Sen. Marty Golden's conduct. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As long as Golden keeps his city issued placard and abuses parking privileges - - he will be a cancer to the neighborhoods in Brooklyn which he was elected to serve. Golden must resign from office.</div>
David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-32637754572742220212017-12-10T16:58:00.001-08:002017-12-10T16:58:51.851-08:00Sexual Harassment, and hypocrisy from the left and right in politics <i><b>Disclaimer: As a reminder to all readers, the names and any related incidents described are deemed as accusations unless the person has admitted without duress to them. </b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
Harvey Weinstein<br />
Kevin Spacey<br />
Al Franken<br />
Michael Moore<br />
Russel Simmons<br />
Ruben Kihuen<br />
Matt Lauer<br />
Roy Moore<br />
John Conyers<br />
Richard Branson<br />
Brett Ratner<br />
Ben Affleck<br />
Roy Price<br />
Lockhart Steele<br />
Charlie Rose<br />
Michael Oreskes<br />
Bill Cosby<br />
Mark Halperin<br />
John Besh<br />
Chris Savino<br />
<br />
My, my, my - - what a year it has been - - suddenly after the Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment scandal, people are coming out of the woodwork to lay claim to 10-20 year old incidents against powerful figures. Money really does buy power and now it seems that this power has fallen like a deck of cards. Whether these people (and possibly hundreds more which we may know in the coming weeks) are actually guilty of innocent - - one things is clear that sexual harassment is NEVER permitted in or out of the workplace, is unacceptable in any form - - no matter how innocent or large it is - - whether it happened once or over a few years - - and creates a hostile environment to not only the victim but other co-workers at work or friends at a public function - - those who are aware of this sickening condition.<br />
<br />
Just tell that to President Donald Trump - who himself should have been <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-recorded-having-extremely-lewd-conversation-about-women-in-2005/2016/10/07/3b9ce776-8cb4-11e6-bf8a-3d26847eeed4_story.html?postshare=2491475870527101&tid=ss_tw" target="_blank">accused of sexual harassment </a>- who still supports a suspected pedophile - Roy Moore<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But he has a lot to say about Liberal Al Franken<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
The Al Frankenstien picture is really bad, speaks a thousand words. Where do his hands go in pictures 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 while she sleeps? .....</div>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/931357870024687616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
Moreover, while Franken recently resigned, Trump continues to back that pedohpile who is running in Alabama against a liberal named Doug Jones. Yes liberals like Jones are bad - - but Trump really has nothing to say about<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/retired-marine-colonel-to-launch-alabama-senate-write-in-campaign/2017/11/27/08816f4c-d394-11e7-9461-ba77d604373d_story.html" target="_blank"> John Kelly - - a retired U.S. Marine Colonel who is a write-in ballot </a>- - at least he has guts to take on the swamp from both sides, and unless any allegations surface (I hope not) then Kelly would be a fine choice over a pedohile or a liberal.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile not a lot Democrats have initially called Franken to resign either a<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/12/06/why-are-senate-democrats-just-now-calling-on-al-franken-to-resign/" target="_blank">s they supported him during a Congress ethics investigation.</a> I wonder how much in politics does it take to have accusers sleep with their cohorts in government before they finally call out for the boot. <br />
<br />
<br />
One thing is sure - - Tuesday's special election in Alabama for Jeff Session's former Senate seat is sure going to be dirty right down to the wire. And dirtier than porn. David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-717220853869073882017-11-02T18:52:00.000-07:002017-11-03T03:23:22.161-07:00NY State ballot Amendments and the Con Con On November 7, voters in NY State should "flip it over". That's when you choose your candidates on the front side of your ballot and the <a href="https://www.elections.ny.gov/ProposedAmendments.html" target="_blank">three Amendments on the back, </a><br />
<br />
<br />
Getting the two minor ones off my back are Prop #2 - -<i> A proposal to allow courts to reduce or revoke the NY State pension of a public official convicted of a felony, when related to the performance of that person's duties at the time he/she was employed. </i> Sorry, it does not go far enough because a retired firefighter convicted of bank robbery and murder can still keep their pension because banks are not related to saving lives. I say YES with reservations<br />
<br />
#3 involves <i>the modification of the State Constitution in forest preserve by setting aside 250 acres for towns and municipalities to encroach (translation: destroy) onto these forest preserves for a public health or safety purpose...when there is no other viable alternative.</i> Sure, watch these towns gobble up the 250 acres for their pet projects - - I say NO.<br />
<br />
Now onto Amendment #1, and this has far reaching effects for current and former NY State residents - - but also non-residents who work in NY State - - the <a href="http://www.newyorkconcon.info/" target="_blank">Constitutional Convention or Con Con.</a><br />
<br />
The Con Con comes up on the State ballot every 20 years and involves a three year process where, if passed, will have an election of delegates who represent it, in the November, 2018. They are paid $87,000 a year, can work as little as one day for the year (and still get that 87K), hire whoever they want as their staff, give everyone parking placards (great, more<a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse" target="_blank"> Placard Abuse</a>), and make recommendations which will be put up in the 2019 ballot for voters to approve or reject. The last time voters approved the Con Con formation was in 1967. . . . and that didn't get far anyway as voters rejected the 1969 proposals recommended by the 1968 Con Con.<br />
<br />
Now you might ask about the Con Con, why are unions against it? Sure, they want to protect their pensions (I am one, a proud union member). But I am also looking at from other perspectives....the Con Con on paper might sound good when it comes to making government work for New Yorkers. But the Con Con is also ripe for exorbitant abuse, a drain in the State's risky finances, and takes 2 years and 3 ballots to make them work. If passed, they will work on making changes to our State Constitution in 2019, how State government operates, including playing with our right to free education in the State's public school system - - or even the funding formula. Remember when the City University of New York system was free until tuition was imposed in 1976 in response to the 1975 NYC Fiscal Crisis? Do you want the Con Con delegates to play with your property taxes, your right to hold property in NY State and to be reimbursed under the State' Eminent Domain Law? Do you want them to abolish the Board of Regents? Do you want them to eliminate the right to free access to public health care?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.dos.ny.gov/info/pdfs/Constitution%20January%202015%20amd.pdf" target="_blank">Here is the .pdf document of the NY State Constitution</a> and look closely what can be changed with the Con Con and what they can modify or eliminate:<br />
<br />
1. Religious Liberty<br />
2. writ of habeas corpus<br />
3. Eminent Domain (the State has a right to take YOUR property only if you are fairly compensated). The Con Con can suggest eliminating the compensation part. <br />
4. Divorce<br />
5. Lottery and casinos<br />
6. Absentee voting<br />
7. Redistricting and changing the 3 branches (Executive, Legislative, and Judicial)<br />
8. The courts, including Landlord/Tenant, Criminal, Civil and Family Courts<br />
9. State debts - - including payments to State Universities<br />
10. Water supply, sewage, and related taxes<br />
11. Schools and school transportation<br />
12. Housing and Hospice care<br />
13. And a lot more to list<br />
<br />
Do you really want the delegates of the Con Con to play with some of these tenets of the State Constitution? Want to pay a fee for taking your children to public school? Want to pay higher property and utility taxes? Want to be denied access to health care because the Con Con suggested to do away with requiring hospitals to care for the indigent? Want to find out why your property was taken without the state government paying you a reasonably appraised amount? Want to find out that you might have to serve on jury duty more often? Want to find out that your child's school bus has a farebox and you child must pay his/her "fare" in order to be transported to school? Want to find out the divorce and no-fault auto accident laws have changed? Want to find out that your utility bills have increased because of additional levies to pay for so-called "NYS Programs"? Want to find out that the Property Tax cap was eliminated? Want to find out that NY State will no longer provide any nursing home assistance? Geez, you might have to be forced to take your parents out of that nursing home and have them move into your residence.<br />
<br />
<br />
Flip that page over and <span style="color: red;">VOTE NO </span>on Proposition #1. The other two propositions you can decide. But Prop #1 will affect your future, whether you are a NY State active or retired civil servant, a uniformed member or one who works in the private sector.<br />
<br />
<br />
David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-71631865230097334662017-10-15T18:38:00.000-07:002017-10-15T18:38:33.772-07:00Las Vegas shooting and the DOI placard bust: Some unanswered questionsLast week, tragedy happened in Las Vegas, followed by an important Placard counterfeiting ring, partially broken up by NYC's Department of Investigation involving fake government parking placards used by private citizens to snare free parking . While these are two completely different news events, both have questions unanswered regarding about what went down and the aftermath.<br />
<br />
1. Las Vegas shooting: The<a href="https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/the-strip/it-was-a-horror-show-mass-shooting-leaves-at-least-59-dead-527-wounded-on-las-vegas-strip/" target="_blank"> October 1st mass shooting</a> by one man, into an outdoor crowd (estimated at 20,000 spectators) watching a Route 91 Harvest festival concert at the Mandalay Bay Hotel, was done by a suicidal lone wolf, Stephen Paddock, which law enforcement will never understand his motives after Las Vegas Metropolitan police found him dead from self-inflicted gunshot wound(s). How striking is that Mr. Paddock was able to carry 23 varieties of assault rifles, shotguns, thousands of rounds worth of ammunition to carry out his carnage, two platforms to set his line of sight, and even hand made cameras setup in the hotel's hallway outside his room so he can track any police presence. All the guns were in golf bags, on his own (didn't he feel nervous when the bellhop of hotel staff helped Mr. Paddock with his "belongings"?) Why nothing was captured on camera in the public areas which Mr. Paddock was roaming around? According to Hotels.com, the <a href="https://www.hotels.com/ho163446/?q-check-out=2017-11-09&FPQ=2&q-check-in=2017-11-08&WOE=4&WOD=3&q-room-0-children=0&pa=1&tab=description&JHR=1&q-room-0-adults=2&YGF=14&MGT=1&ZSX=0&SYE=3" target="_blank">4 star rated Mandalay Bay has 3,220 guestrooms -</a> - not for nothing, but nobody really noticed anything wrong with Mr. Paddock or his "stash" carried in bag? How much time was needed to setup his personal cameras outside the hotel room, without <i>anyone</i> walking by on the 32nd floor, where Paddock stayed? Why is Vegas law enforcement <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-mandalay-bay-las-vegas-shooting-20171011-story.html" target="_blank">changing the timeline of the shooting, </a>saying the the hotel guard was either shot before or after Mr. Paddock's 10 minute shooting rampage? Paddock's car had thousand's more in ammo as well as fertilizer, didn't the valet staff notice anything wrong (possible odd chemical smell), and would Paddock feel comfortable leaving his fully "loaded" car with valet staff each night?<br />
<br />
I'm just saying<br />
<br />
Yet closer to home was a breakthrough in the New York City's "war" (quotes added) on Placard Abuse with <a href="http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doi/press-releases/2017/oct/DANY_Release_and_Placard_Summary.pdf" target="_blank">31 perps arrested for using counterfeit parking placards of assorted varieties to illegally park in New York City</a>, mostly in Manhattan and the outer borough's Civic Center areas. All you need is PowerPoint, a good high dpi color printer and a laminating machine. I do note that the majority of placards are legitimate and even so, they can be abused too, by parking at fire hydrants, bus stops, crosswalks, taxi zones and No Standing/Stopping zones as <a href="http://nypost.com/2017/08/22/pol-caught-abusing-parking-placard-shames-nypd-agent/" target="_blank">NY State Assemblywoman Diane Richardson found out the wrong way when she tried to embarrass a traffic agent</a> - - all prohibited parking locations according to the NYC Traffic Rules, Section 4-08. The various parking placards, range from NYC disability placards to combined NYC DOT/Law Department "Official Business" placards. On the day these perps were hauled from the 1st Precinct Stationhouse to Manhattan Criminal Court, Placard Abuse and I (whom we collaborate on Twitter) found plenty of fake placards and illegal license plate covers.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Is <a href="https://twitter.com/DOINews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DOINews</a>'s "proactive initiative" just one more <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fakecrackdown?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fakecrackdown</a> meant to distract us from systematic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/placardcorruption?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#placardcorruption</a>? <a href="https://t.co/no1v7quEoY">pic.twitter.com/no1v7quEoY</a></div>
— placard corruption (@placardabuse) <a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse/status/918973465935400960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Same fraudulent placard camped out at regular hydrant behind <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPD1Pct?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYPD1Pct</a> station house again today.<br />
<br />
You'd almost think they're conspiring. <a href="https://t.co/R241r73O2p">pic.twitter.com/R241r73O2p</a></div>
— placard corruption (@placardabuse) <a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse/status/918959213006737408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
An improvement for <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPDTransport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYPDTransport</a> to actually write this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/placardperp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#placardperp</a> a summons for fake permit, but still not calling it in for an arrest? <a href="https://t.co/KCni3MxiHE">pic.twitter.com/KCni3MxiHE</a></div>
— placard corruption (@placardabuse) <a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse/status/915677928998031361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Maybe <a href="https://twitter.com/MTAPD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MTAPD</a> can help train <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPDTransport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYPDTransport</a> to recognize fake placards? Missing something like this, they could use all the help they can get <a href="https://t.co/EdEjZbBxh3">pic.twitter.com/EdEjZbBxh3</a></div>
— placard corruption (@placardabuse) <a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse/status/917956031040409601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I found a 2008 NYPD placard, with the "Courtesy Card" covering the expired year, and a so-called "Police Surgeon" placard.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@placardabuse</a> what a clever way to use an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MyNYPD?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MyNYPD</a> courtesy card on a Flintsones-era official placard from 2008. Greenwich by HLC tunnel exit <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HFD7182?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HFD7182</a> <a href="https://t.co/4DR7OUfQtY">pic.twitter.com/4DR7OUfQtY</a></div>
— David-Paul Gerber (@WakefieldBxDave) <a href="https://twitter.com/WakefieldBxDave/status/918880141329223681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@placardabuse</a> wow a fake Police Surgeon placard.<br />
<br />
From Florida, with FL plate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DHTK49?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DHTK49</a> at Pearl and Whitehall <a href="https://t.co/FpbfYyUx77">pic.twitter.com/FpbfYyUx77</a></div>
— David-Paul Gerber (@WakefieldBxDave) <a href="https://twitter.com/WakefieldBxDave/status/915541533964820481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<br />
Even so, there are hard facts and questions remain on this fake placard takedown. These observations should not detract the fine work done by the NYC Dept. of Investigation, as well as coordination from the NYPD and the NYC Dept. of Transportation<br />
<br />
1. Of the 30 individuals charged, only 5 were charged with felony possession of a forged instrument (the fake placard) and four others were charged with offering a false instrument for filing (using the fake placard as "evidence" in their "defense" against a parking ticket). One of them slapped with the possession of a forged instrument charge, was caught selling a fake placard to an undercover DOI agent. The remaining 21 perps were only charged with misdemeanor criminal impersonation, nothing else. I wonder why the others (including those who used the placards to try beating those tickets) weren't hit with the felony possession of forged placards charges. Going deeper into this, it is most likely the majority of perps will have their charges dismissed after 6 months of good behavior, further encouraging their return to placard fraud. However, since these 30 were given the<a href="http://abc7ny.com/30-arrests-made-in-fake-parking-placard-investigation/2483047/" target="_blank"> now-rare "perp walk" treatment</a> at the 1st Precinct stationhouse, they won't want to risk embarrassing themselves again. <br />
<br />
2. The concentration of this investigation occurred in Lower Manhattan, where DOI staff found out that these fake placards were not only taking up their reserved spaces, but nearby spaces reserved for ambulette services. But we all know that these fake placards are not just in Lower Manhattan, I found some in the Bronx too, like this one still out there on Bainbridge and 205th Street in the Bronx last Thursday (10/14), a week after the arrests.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0m0PXCn781aBZ310qB4wW6GAmoDhHf2d3pMW9aWArXgRC1cYf7bw90ByvOxImDPr0mbnSkwjwhHrIAMsJiFSuRQIYDrz100jeZk2gPS4mL8H4WpDCZ5R0ebuBKGsynOhcFl2504ucUY/s1600/20171012_174045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0m0PXCn781aBZ310qB4wW6GAmoDhHf2d3pMW9aWArXgRC1cYf7bw90ByvOxImDPr0mbnSkwjwhHrIAMsJiFSuRQIYDrz100jeZk2gPS4mL8H4WpDCZ5R0ebuBKGsynOhcFl2504ucUY/s320/20171012_174045.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwm-4boySr1VwrNDngZwpHPVsctmghe_9pMoWSGYC0elCLgo6e36DzpAZBESpmo2xO3CNzLebWrwBmrBGaKovLM754H3JO0KWRz6A0SVvG_tzOf2wfGEUWTzlbYOenJ8E-WwgawZfXDa0/s1600/20171012_174058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwm-4boySr1VwrNDngZwpHPVsctmghe_9pMoWSGYC0elCLgo6e36DzpAZBESpmo2xO3CNzLebWrwBmrBGaKovLM754H3JO0KWRz6A0SVvG_tzOf2wfGEUWTzlbYOenJ8E-WwgawZfXDa0/s320/20171012_174058.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6BtRd8G-xVtN8Qc4PrvdetnV9tuDg35Kp0KdL7v1YFrt7v6AR4miaJuD3Vs6YQ2DSusNAu7jYnisU1YQD3QcBUyJ7bCHyxouZtPEZTty2Pv03pDKU_gxH57_fla7HVK8VEQfuxaZ8SE/s1600/20171012_174038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6BtRd8G-xVtN8Qc4PrvdetnV9tuDg35Kp0KdL7v1YFrt7v6AR4miaJuD3Vs6YQ2DSusNAu7jYnisU1YQD3QcBUyJ7bCHyxouZtPEZTty2Pv03pDKU_gxH57_fla7HVK8VEQfuxaZ8SE/s320/20171012_174038.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIFHJrCTgwCl7dJJzI9luHzdvYLmPyeyTMzVF6BswPYS4-toDt6penZTDgG4o-onMGJbY4tRvKQ1EniYdBrDT_DGiMIxu93OMOKgxWeNi0IC0XV9HI3GCqN0DgIX9ZvMSuGTbctQxvts/s1600/20171012_174029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIFHJrCTgwCl7dJJzI9luHzdvYLmPyeyTMzVF6BswPYS4-toDt6penZTDgG4o-onMGJbY4tRvKQ1EniYdBrDT_DGiMIxu93OMOKgxWeNi0IC0XV9HI3GCqN0DgIX9ZvMSuGTbctQxvts/s320/20171012_174029.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
And others of Twitter, including Placard Abuse found more fakes outside of Lower Manhattan, like this one in the Riverdale section of the Bronx:<br />
<br />
<b><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
This is definitely a fake placard... yet <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPD50Pct?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYPD50Pct</a> is continuing to let it park illegally just down street from their station house. <a href="https://t.co/fSWjTDcWhD">pic.twitter.com/fSWjTDcWhD</a></div>
— placard corruption (@placardabuse) <a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse/status/919631455642439680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
</b><br />
<b><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
However, according to Placard Abuse - - he was sending pertinent information for over a year, yett the investigation didn't open until March, 2017. Suddenly, they saw these fakes near their offices?<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Is it "proactive" when you ignore continuous documentation submitted to you for a year & then finally react under mounting public pressure? <a href="https://t.co/bO3Tsndezc">pic.twitter.com/bO3Tsndezc</a></div>
— placard corruption (@placardabuse) <a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse/status/915394194423844864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
3. The investigation does not include the so called "Theft Vests", where members of the NYPD, MTA New York City Transit and even some construction companies, use a reflective vest to throw it on their dashboard, "identifying" themselves as such to make it look like they are specially entitled to park there for free, without regarding for the parking regulations like these below. Some locations take up metered spaces which clearly is stealing from the city's revenue source, as well as making it difficult to have open parking spaces for customers and businesses.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
For "smart truck" study: <a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@placardabuse</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/theftvest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#theftvest</a> in loading zone = oversized, double parked delivery truck = epic Flatbush congestion. <a href="https://t.co/osN3d8B5l9">pic.twitter.com/osN3d8B5l9</a></div>
— Joanna Oltman Smith (@jooltman) <a href="https://twitter.com/jooltman/status/908372240294727680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Blocking <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCSanitation?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYCSanitation</a> street cleaning hours. Fake <a href="https://twitter.com/NYC_DOT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYC_DOT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@placardabuse</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/theftvest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#theftvest</a> at St. Johns & 7th <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPD78Pct?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYPD78Pct</a> <a href="https://t.co/LlF3HNvGW5">pic.twitter.com/LlF3HNvGW5</a></div>
— Joanna Oltman Smith (@jooltman) <a href="https://twitter.com/jooltman/status/910126794094804992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Is it safe to assume anyone using <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/theftvest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#theftvest</a> is trying to cover for homemade placard, <a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@placardabuse</a>? If it’s real, <a href="https://twitter.com/MTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MTA</a> should lose periods. <a href="https://t.co/eHifqKX35T">pic.twitter.com/eHifqKX35T</a></div>
— Joanna Oltman Smith (@jooltman) <a href="https://twitter.com/jooltman/status/915642029350248450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<br />
Oh yea, you don;t need to work for the NYPD to get a vest - -<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Genuine-NYPD-reflective-mesh-vest-/253054302935?_ul=GT" target="_blank"> it's all over eBay like this one sold. </a> Want to make it look like you work for NYC Transit? Go bid on items like <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/132243016467" target="_blank">this MTA NYCT vest </a>too. Oh, did we forget <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Comfitwear-Contractor-Safety-Yellow-Reflective/dp/B000WY0AZY" target="_blank">contractor vests?</a> Amazon has them too. Then once you get that vest, you can literally park anywhere for free.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
4. Finally the investigation does not tag real placards on vehicles which are registered from far away states, such as Florida and North Carolina - - like these. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@placardabuse</a> another insurance fraud. <a href="https://twitter.com/NCDOT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NCDOT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NCdotGov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NCdotGov</a> plate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DMZ8686?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DMZ8686</a> with <a href="https://twitter.com/NYSCourtsDOPI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYSCourtsDOPI</a> placard <a href="https://t.co/06gORPk3pD">pic.twitter.com/06gORPk3pD</a></div>
— David-Paul Gerber (@WakefieldBxDave) <a href="https://twitter.com/WakefieldBxDave/status/915329199199592448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Video of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SYrA0AAHWA&t=23s" target="_blank">vehicles with illegal license plate covers and Manhattan DA office staff with placard and Florida car.</a> Incredibly, this video was taken the evening after the arrests - - of the Manhattan DA's office prosecuting these "dirty 30" they forgot one of their own for committing insurance fraud - - register you car in Florida while working in NYC to get dirt cheap insurance rates. Yet, nothing from DOI ot the Manhattan DA's office on this, <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We have a long way to go in erasing placard abuse and insurance fraud. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-12057778968043570102017-09-19T18:09:00.001-07:002017-09-19T18:09:21.231-07:00Westchester's Bee Line - - a hidden crisis(Editor's note: This post was prepared in draft status in 2016, with new information provided this week. )<br />
<br />
In 2015, I posted about the <a href="http://wakefieldbxdave.blogspot.com/2015/12/westchester-bee-line-communication-fail.html" target="_blank">lack of communication </a>within Westchester's Bee-Line bus and paratransit system This past week, I feel that Westchester County has a crisis on their hands which is not really shown in media reports like Yonkers schools - - the lack of funding and no public information on their website. Want to find out about bus detours on Bee Line's<a href="http://transportation.westchestergov.com/bee-line/rider-alerts" target="_blank"> Service alerts page?</a> Forget it, they still don't post any except for standard snow detours. Need to call customer service and speak to an information agent during normal business hours? Good luck, sometimes their lines are closed - - like when I found out by calling them on Friday October 21 2016 to ask them about the bus detours during the <a href="http://www.theyonkersmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Yonkers marathon.</a> and other events which requires street closings. Same problem in 2017 when their <a href="https://www.yonkersriverfest.org/" target="_blank">2017 Riverfest</a> and Yonkers Marathon were held on Saturday and Sunday respectively - - with no notice of bus detours:<br />
<br />
While Westchester County <a href="http://www.lohud.com/story/news/transit/2016/08/01/westchester-new-bee-line-buses/87924304/" target="_blank">will issue a $10 million bond to pay for new articulated buses </a> with approx 20 percent from Federal funds. The article claims they are for the busy Central Park Ave/Central Ave corridor (Routes 20/20X/21) so could it be that Bus Rapid Transit <a href="http://transportation.westchestergov.com/planning-division/projects/central-ave-bus-rapid-transit" target="_blank">which has been in the works since 2007</a> may happen? However, I have yet to see construction of a new pedestrian bridge connecting Cross County Mall at Macy's with Central Park Ave southbound side at Burger King. So all funding for the BRT study and still nothing to show for,<br />
<br />
Westchester County has a problem with customer service as their phone lines are closed on some days as I found out when calling their information line several times. If there is no information agent available, the pre-recorded message tells you the office is open but to try again later, no voice recording is enabled so you can receive a call back from someone in that office. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscrcQwe0yuG5qnS-4A3wjpOK8pu4sUKqQu1ouS9mkTYxlHVQpVEOJqPwGPNiP3tCM3ntvS8HpZYF-xdId8giqv3rUZXjMJhiwp69v-NFGt7Ts99I8ywXht6DZ_NKgGMDenX2xk0SV3u4/s1600/Screenshot_20161102-222616.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscrcQwe0yuG5qnS-4A3wjpOK8pu4sUKqQu1ouS9mkTYxlHVQpVEOJqPwGPNiP3tCM3ntvS8HpZYF-xdId8giqv3rUZXjMJhiwp69v-NFGt7Ts99I8ywXht6DZ_NKgGMDenX2xk0SV3u4/s640/Screenshot_20161102-222616.png" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Construction projects might have a bus stop relocated which Westchester Bee line does not post. In the most recent case in point, the construction of an extended sidewalk on White Plains Road at East 233rd Street in the Bronx, forced the relocation of the weekday only Route 42 terminal from White Plains Road side to East 233rd Street in front of the Bx31 southbound bus stop because there is no space for the 42 buses to layover. <br />
<br />
<br />
Bee Line has other issues too - - they lack a bus tracking system and, until recently, had no bus stop and schedule data. The latter can now be found in Google Maps, making it one of the last bus companies in the New York Metropolitan area to have the bus stop and schedule data. A bus tracking system will encourage a better customer experience for Westchester County bus riders. <br />
<br />David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-7948750297412879762017-06-27T17:52:00.000-07:002017-06-27T17:52:15.650-07:0040 Years ago - - the 1977 summer in NYC On that oppressive and sticky July evening, I was enjoying my rainbow sherbet while my parents and I were watching TV - - suddenly a little after 9, the lights in our fifth floor apartment went out. We looked out the window and saw the entire Flatbush, Brooklyn neighborhood in darkness, unaware of a massive blackout which brought NYC into darkness. The next day, we went outside to see the commercial strips of Parkside Ave and Flatbush Ave in ruins, stores looted as owners guarded whatever little is left of their merchandise.<br />
<br />
That was one of the many facets which collectively made up the summer of 1977 in NYC - - one summer which nobody will ever forget - - Star Wars, NY Yankees with the Reggie/Billy Martin feud, the Son of Sam terrorizing Queens and Brooklyn, the second blackout in 11 years, and the dirty NYC Mayoral race - - how an unsung hero from Greenwich Village would win it and save NYC from heading deeper into financial abyss.<br />
<br />
Let's look at these five:<br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076759/" target="_blank"> Star Wars:</a> Jaws defined summer blockbusters, Star Wars wrote the book on science fiction sagas. The groundbreaking film written and directed by George Lucas defined the generation where everyone would be dressed up as a Stormtropper or Darth Vader while having a great love story of a would be Jedi named Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) who rescues Princess Leia and leads the rebels in the destruction of the evil Empire and the Death Star. The film thrilled millions of moviegoers all summer long. And where else to watch this film but the 2,100 seat Loews Astor Plaza in Times Square with it's massive 70MM screen and Dolby sound - - the cheering of an sold out audience would rock the basement. The Astor Plaza is now gone but the legacy of Star Wars remains a worldwide icon.<br />
<br />
2. <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/862858-the-turmoil-after-the-new-york-yankees-won-the-1977-world-series" target="_blank">NY Yankees:</a> I remember the 1977 Yankees - - Guidry, Munson (sadly he was killed in a plane crash in 1979), Randolph, Rivers, Catfish Hunter, and the feud between manager Billy Martin with Reggie Jackson, a scruffy right fielder who struggled most of the season - - only to redeem himself and the entire Yankee team in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers with only three at-bats, three pitchers he faced (Mike Torrez, Burt Hooton and Elias Sosa) - - one pitch each, and three hard swings of his bat - - 3 home runs in one game which led the Yankees into their first World Series Championship in over 15 years. Jackson earned the nickname Mr. October, and Yankee manager Billy Martin a longer tenure on his job. <br />
<br />
3. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Berkowitz" target="_blank">Son of Sam:</a> Throughout 1976 into the summer of 1977, the .44 caliber killer or more known as the Son of Sam, would terrorize blonde women (and some men whom they were with) in parked cars within the outer boroughs of The Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens, killing six and injuring nearly a dozen more. The Son of Sam's reign of terror in a city already filled with fear triggered the largest manhunt in NYC Police Department history with as many as 250 officers/detectives working on this case. At the end, it was a parking ticket which the vehicle was traced to a <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/35+pine+street+yonkers/@40.946161,-73.8946958,3a,75y,284.82h,90t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sYuG201HM7Fn743KCTsgqqQ!2e0!4m2!3m1!1s0x89c2ed84743db0cd:0x111448acb191cf79?sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjKgdfal9XUAhWGaD4KHb1KCWcQxB0ILzAB" target="_blank">David Berkowitz of Yonkers,</a> an ex-Marine and postal worker who delivered mail by day and killed people at night. On August 10, 1977 New Yorkers who stayed up late watched or listened to the news that the Son of Sam was taken into police custody - - and he had the nerve to say to the Yonkers and NYPD cops that his neighbor's dog ordered him to carry out the killing spree. David Berkowitz is presently serving multiple life sentences..<br />
<br />
4. <a href="https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/07/09/remembering-the-77-blackout/" target="_blank"> The 1977 blackout: </a> In 1965, New York <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northeast_blackout_of_1965" target="_blank">experienced it's first blackout on a cold November day. </a> However, the 1977 blackout occurred on July 14 during a hot, muggy, and miserable evening when a lightning strike at the Con Edison power plant in Buchanan, NY triggered an 1 hour chain reaction which blanketed the city's metropolitan area (including New Jersey) into total darkness by 9:30 PM. Right after the lights went out, looters took advantage on anything that was not nailed down in stores. Beds, electronics, TVs, groceries, furniture - - anything that can be carried out or hauled by truck - - looters terrorized the city, especially Bushwick, Brooklyn and the south Bronx. Within minutes, stores were cleaned out by looters, every NYPD officer was called into service and precinct prison cells were filled, courts were overburdened with many perpetrators (and a lot more who were never caught from the pilfering.) <br />
<br />
5. <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/elections/4241-a-pivotal-election-looking-back-at-the-1977-mayoral-race" target="_blank">The 1977 NYC Mayoral race: </a> NYC was still hemorrhaging from the 1975 fiscal crisis which NYC teetered on the brink of bankruptcy as well as the destruction of the Bronx's housing market and the city's rising crime rate. Incumbent Mayor Abraham Beame was faced with five candidates running for the Democratic ticket, all eager to kick Beame out of City Hall. Did you know about <a href="https://www.biography.com/people/bella-abzug-9174815" target="_blank">Bella Abzug</a>? She led the pack in the Democratic Primary race, but Mario Cuomo and Ed Koch got first and second places, respectively - - knocking Beame out of his tenancy. However, neither candidate achieved the 40 percent mark to win the primary outright so a runoff two weeks later was done. In the runoff, Koch won New York with 54 percent of the vote against Cuomo's 45 percent. Cuomo was undeterred by his loss to Koch so he went on the November ballot as a Liberal while Roy Goodman would represent the Republican party in the election. Round 2 of Koch and Cuomo was no contest despite mudslinging between Koch and Cuomo as Koch went on to win the November Mayoral election. For NYC, it was a new beginning with a new incoming Mayor in 1978 and Koch was the man which he would really save NYC from the 1975 financial ruin. Of course, Cuomo went on to win the NY State Governor race in 1982. But it was Ed Koch, a Bronx-born and longtime Greenwich Village resident - - who invented the catchphrase "How am I doin?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-22833332275007019552017-06-03T15:48:00.005-07:002017-06-03T15:48:56.712-07:00Your NYC Summer, 2017 outdoor movie guideSummer season is here - - with Memorial Day kicking things off, it's time for vacations, street fairs, amusement parks, and most of all, outdoor movies. Outdoor movies have been a longtime NYC staple and this year is no different with more offerings and more places to go. Here is the complete list I know of (and some in Westchester and Long Island). NOTE: Always read the rules on each linked website, as some items may be prohibited, such as lawn chairs at the Bryant Park festival. Most locations offer free popcorn and snacks. <br />
<br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://bryantpark.org/programs/hbo-bryant-park-film-festival" target="_blank">Bryant Park Film Festival</a>: The grandaddy of outdoor movies is now in their 23rd year with a <a href="http://blog.bryantpark.org/2011/06/from-archive-early-years-of-hbo-summer.html" target="_blank">rescreening of their first ever film at the great law</a>n, the original King Kong (1933). Other notable films being shown this year are On The Town (June 26), The Muppets Take Manhattan (July 3), and the ultimate escapist Hitchcock film, North by Northwest (August 14). The lawn fills up VERY fast as it opens to the public at 5 PM, so get there early if you want a good spot.<br />
<br />
2. <a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/free_summer_movies" target="_blank">NYC Parks Free Summer Movies </a>: NYC Parks has the largest selection of free summer movies across all 5 boroughs. They are great places to go if you don't want to deal with the crowds and parking like Bryant Park. The list also includes the Hudson River Flicks at the two piers along the Hudson River - - <a href="https://www.hudsonriverpark.org/events/series/riverflicks-big-hit-wednesdays" target="_blank">Wednesdays for the adults</a> at Chelsea Piers (Pier 61) and <a href="https://www.hudsonriverpark.org/events/series/hudson-riverflicks-family-fridays" target="_blank">Fridays for the kids</a> at Pier 46 near Christopher St. I don't know why the Lego Batman film is scheduled for Wednesday when the site notes these films are rated PG-13 and up. <br />
<br />
3. <a href="http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/event-series/movies-with-a-view" target="_blank"> Movies with a View at Brooklyn Bridge Park</a>: Another popular outdoor movie spot is also among the most beautiful and scenic places to watch a film, Brooklyn Bridge Park. Right by the East River in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dumbo,_Brooklyn" target="_blank">DUMBO</a> you can watch a great film on Thursdays from July 6th through August 24th with the final being show <a href="http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/events/public-vote" target="_blank">by popular vote of the three films</a>, Footloose, Dear White People or Network. <br />
<br />
4. <a href="http://www.rooftopfilms.com/calendar/" target="_blank">Rooftop films:</a> This independent website has different venues showing indie and documentary films - - some require advance ticket purchase while others are free. As the name implies, some of their locations are at rooftops which is a neat and cool way to watch a film. <br />
<br />
5. <a href="http://www.summerscreen.org/" target="_blank">SummerScreen </a>at McCarren Park: 10 years strong, this Greenpoint, Brooklyn staple has another stellar lineup of Wednesday night films, including an <a href="https://fans.vote/v/ACogJKeYOhc" target="_blank">audience pick for the finale on</a> August 9th. <br />
<br />
6. <a href="http://www.bronxterminalmarket.com/pages/events.aspx#" target="_blank">Bronx Terminal Market Rooftop Films:</a> Right at the 145th Street Bridge and the Major Deegan Expressway is this interesting place of history, the Bronx Terminal Market - - once a month for the summer months, the rooftop is another place to watch family friendly films in the Bronx. <br />
<br />
7. <a href="http://gowaterside.com/events/" target="_blank">Waterside Plaza movie nights in Augus</a>t: It's in a semi-remote location off the FDR Drive and the M34A SBS+ bus route - - but it has a great view of Brooklyn and the East River but Monday nights in August is a great spot to watch a film right by the East River, At this time, the 2017 schedule has not been released yet so check back on that link in July for more detailed information.<br />
<br />
8. <a href="http://www.centralpark.com/events/" target="_blank">Central Park movies: </a>Also in August, the Central Park Conservancy has their annual outdoor movie list. Check back on the accompanying link for more info in July.<br />
<br />
9. <a href="https://www.timeout.com/newyork/blog/watch-films-for-free-outside-in-prospect-park-this-summer-052617" target="_blank"> Prospect Park Summer movies under the stars: </a> Enter from Grand Army Plaza and walk to the long meadow. <br />
<br />
<br />
And the outdoor movie fun is not limited to NYC - - Westchester County and the eastern part of Long Island (which I call Nassau and Suffolk Counties) both have a short list too. <br />
<br />
<br />
WESTCHESTER COUNTY:<br />
<br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://events.westchestergov.com/monthcalendar/2017/7/-" target="_blank">Wednesday movie nights:</a> County-wide, they are showing outdoor films on select Wednesday nights, however there is a $5 admission for adults. Each week is a different venue, so please check their calendar carefully and plan ahead. <br />
<br />
2. <a href="http://www.hrm.org/amphitheater.html" target="_blank">Hudson River Museum: </a> Nestled in the NW section of Yonkers, they use the outdoor amphitheater to show concerts and movies. On select Saturday nights, they show family classics such as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory or Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Check the events schedule and plan ahead as always.<br />
<br />
3. <a href="http://www.ridgehill.com/event/movie-mondays/2145491362/" target="_blank"> Ridge Hill Movie Mondays:</a> Right off the NY State Thruway and the Sprain Brook Parkway, Ridge Hill has three movies showing on alternate nights. FYI: Parking is only available in garages and costs $3 for the entire day.<br />
<br />
<br />
4. <a href="http://www.cityofwhiteplains.com/DocumentCenter/View/2273" target="_blank">White Plains Movies: </a> Various locations - - dates are July 10 at Mattison Park (The Little Mermaid), July 11 at George Washington School (Finding Nemo) and two other movie night locations, both showing Moana.<br />
<br />
<br />
NASSAU AND SUFFOLK COUNTY:<br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://jonesbeach.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=100057" target="_blank"> Jones Beach: </a> Thursday nights (and an non-Thursday), movies are shown at the bandshell. Remember, there is a fee for parking at Jones Beach.<br />
<br />
Other locations where you can watch outdoor movies are Eisenhower Park in Garden City (their 2017 schedule has not been announced yet), <a href="http://www.lifeonlongisland.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=events.bycategory&ECID=38" target="_blank">Baldwin Park</a>, and other locations. You also might want to look into websites like <a href="https://mommypoppins.com/likids/free-summer-outdoor-movies-on-long-island" target="_blank">mommypoppins.com </a> and<a href="http://www.lifeonlongisland.com/" target="_blank"> Life on Long Island</a> which update their list of summer outdoor movies - - there will be announced by late June too. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-51610299610163510652017-05-24T17:33:00.000-07:002017-05-24T17:53:50.340-07:00May 2017 update on NYPD placard abuseWhen you post photos of an NYPD vehicle with a placard used in violation of the Patrol Guide, whether or not the vehicle was illegally parked - - on Twitter - - you are reporting corruption, right? Not according to one Brooklyn precinct who blocked Placard Abuse for good, and people in Twitter are starting to cry foul against the NYPD. <br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In my continuing reports of parking abuse by the NYPD, such as <a href="http://wakefieldbxdave.blogspot.com/2017/02/nypd-gets-busted-on-inside-edition-for.html" target="_blank">the Inside Edition report of illegal plastic covers</a> as well <a href="http://wakefieldbxdave.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-nypd-illegal-parking-and-false-311.html" target="_blank">as false 311 reports</a> and parking abuse by other agencies, some current developments are taking place.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. 72nd Precinct Blocks Placard Abuse: Earlier this month, the ever versatile Placard Abuse reported a tweet that one of the placards issued and maintained by the 72nd Precinct in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, <a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse/status/850562654435520512" target="_blank">was misused by another driver </a>(using the assigned placard in a different vehicle is in violation of the NYPD Patrol Guide), a common practice across most NYPD Precincts and central offices. And what happened next? The 72nd Precinct <a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse/status/850856490290360320" target="_blank">took to their twitter account and blocked him.</a> I spoke to Commanding Officer, Captain Emmanuel Gomez for blocking hiding your corruption. BTW: Why wasn't this vehicle with expired NYS DMV <a href="https://twitter.com/p4ndabandz/status/850837148295192577" target="_blank">safety/emissions sticker, and illegally parked in No Standing Anytime Zone</a> (with a 72nd Precinct placard displayed) also addressed? ) Update: Both the 72nd and 49th Precincts unblocked us. <br />
<br />
<br />
2. The NYPD Surgeon takes in a Broadway Show: Dr. Richard Leinhardt, a part-time NYPD surgeon was busted for <a href="http://nypost.com/2017/04/02/nypd-surgeon-could-lose-parking-privileges-for-second-time/" target="_blank">using his NYPD issued placard to park in front of a Broadway theater </a>while attending the show inside. If he car afford a Mercedes, then he can afford to garage it in Manhattan. No surprise that NYPD placards are going around like water - - every cop needs some. <br />
<br />
3. MTA Board Member does the NYPD Surgeon placard thingy too: Outspoken MTA Board Member Charles Moerdler (he is the one with the glasses who questions almost everything at Committee and Board meetings), acted like a tough guy when he was also caught using his MTA Police issued placard to <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/mta-big-accused-police-placard-illegally-create-personal-parking-zone-midtown-hotel-article-1.1076847" target="_blank">illegally park in front of a swanky hotel, on East 44th Street </a> I should question him in the June MTA Committee meetings<br />
<br />
4. De Blasio's 50,000 placard question: Thanks to NYC Mayor De Blasio and an arbitrator's decision benefiting the United Federation of Teachers, <a href="http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2017/05/15/nyc-parking-placards/" target="_blank">50,000 new placards were issued to NYC Department of Education teachers, administrators and support staff. </a> and with only 11,000 parking spaces available for school employees in those "No Parking, School Days", you know the other 39,000 employees will go to great lengths to illegally park at bus stops, hydrants, bike lanes, etc. The response from De Blasio?? "No big deal". That's why former NYC DOT Commissioner Samuel "Gridlock Sam" Schwartz was spot on in the above link, saying that anyone with a parking placard will abuse it,<br />
<br />
<br />
5. NY1 gets real with Placard Abuse: On the NY1 daily news show, The Road to City Hall, host Errol Louis touched on the second half of this video with <a href="http://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/inside-city-hall/2017/05/17/ny1-online--commuting-chaos---placard-problems.html" target="_blank">some brilliant observations of placard abuse </a>. Truth be told, that as much as Placard Abuse can do only so much on Twitter (along with a dozen others, including me), we don't get noticed by the news media that much. Mr. Louis, along with Inside Edition's Lisa Guerrero busting up those license plate covers on NYPD personal vehicles, show that they care about eroding corruption, no matter how big or small it is. Thank you Mr. Louis for your fine work on that show, ending that it won't be the last segment on this cancer which erodes our trust in NYC government.<br />
<br />
6. Mayor De Blasio Announces Placard Crackdown: Yesterday, I visited the City Hall in the Bronx open house to ask Mayor De Blasio about the placard crackdown - - De Blasio announced today<a href="http://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/342-17/city-hall-your-borough-mayor-de-blasio-new-plan-crack-down-parking-placard" target="_blank"> he was doing a real placard abuse crackdown, for real.</a> Thanks to PlacardAbuse and others (including me) on Twitter, we have forced a hand with the Mayor and NYPD Police Commissioner James O'Neill. While the newest crackdown will address some issues, it fails to tackle important matters, such as NY State and Federal placard abuse, nor does this crackdown go after Theft Vests, those who use construction vests as placards to steal valuable parking and possibly evading the cost of feeding meters. The crackdown does not mention NYC and NY State placards on out-of-state registered vehicles, a very common abuse by the NY State Court Officers, nor on vehicles with expired NY State registration and inspection stickers/ Let's hope this crackdown is not a band-aid which will dissipate in a few days and the crooks will return back to their illegal and corrupt ways of parking abuse.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Some pictures of the month:<br />
<br />
NYPD and Manhattan DA placards on out-of-state registered vehicles. The NYPD placard is also blank, meaning that there is no vehicle plate # assigned to it. The Manhattan DA placard expired almost a month ago.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYQJKO5YNtMj8nAbwgcvSKM36znzkMTzi1HeOKKI-ensETmHZ9UKbobMNUsxp8toPeYkhFJ-GQC__OdhHcx8o30GBrjB-DYvaQEpFWrYI2chp6ig06QC_8rN3t8hK7Ez5IoKFptPrrgA/s1600/20170519_065914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYQJKO5YNtMj8nAbwgcvSKM36znzkMTzi1HeOKKI-ensETmHZ9UKbobMNUsxp8toPeYkhFJ-GQC__OdhHcx8o30GBrjB-DYvaQEpFWrYI2chp6ig06QC_8rN3t8hK7Ez5IoKFptPrrgA/s640/20170519_065914.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoarwvrmsYvvWF2wa9Q1xNflksKZ3-q7gRwMqYmwWo6B5l7hzPv2PneSK4H7To_rGpVOaOw2WPKIF4YYjrTovbfJ_wsNNCPKmxMMeepPBQw4x0M2isFKvGBHXSBG2NF7jaq6FbKEnOXNg/s1600/20170519_065920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoarwvrmsYvvWF2wa9Q1xNflksKZ3-q7gRwMqYmwWo6B5l7hzPv2PneSK4H7To_rGpVOaOw2WPKIF4YYjrTovbfJ_wsNNCPKmxMMeepPBQw4x0M2isFKvGBHXSBG2NF7jaq6FbKEnOXNg/s640/20170519_065920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C0S9ZsAKPGv_Zpqg74ioySq2Q4pLDbEZvNdMp7V4H12K5qa2JErzLx3DMMuZa_KwFD9FXBn_8I-xFu8y5q8ePrk-cJNc0K2sjfFqnLk1rOwxNouKMhTyj_Qn1JC54GD15lXAT4y5DDI/s1600/20170519_065100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C0S9ZsAKPGv_Zpqg74ioySq2Q4pLDbEZvNdMp7V4H12K5qa2JErzLx3DMMuZa_KwFD9FXBn_8I-xFu8y5q8ePrk-cJNc0K2sjfFqnLk1rOwxNouKMhTyj_Qn1JC54GD15lXAT4y5DDI/s640/20170519_065100.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjua8aC2H8i2RBDUudss7zjDsHk88KJO_2K74c9emZZiXqR6r2ObzY_wkGf4QiuMVEnogQmJ4YNjxNo7kXS-_RYjv1qi4F3mK2EsJWpYSwwDBTTEVu6NUSmlVuH-7gKhVS8qn82z7RqSfc/s1600/20170519_065119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjua8aC2H8i2RBDUudss7zjDsHk88KJO_2K74c9emZZiXqR6r2ObzY_wkGf4QiuMVEnogQmJ4YNjxNo7kXS-_RYjv1qi4F3mK2EsJWpYSwwDBTTEVu6NUSmlVuH-7gKhVS8qn82z7RqSfc/s640/20170519_065119.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNKGErBj3_ixJ9pRWe5R23j29BKGhOYiKf9eGXzKoGlAuTHBiWVuFXYUZ9QQw1C3pwKSRPY06p2-x8E3UK5Qn5O2GoyhKDA-Z13c1sM-_H2VmlhraooxuM0KyzyTgmZCHl1ODPkoG8yE/s1600/20170519_065108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNKGErBj3_ixJ9pRWe5R23j29BKGhOYiKf9eGXzKoGlAuTHBiWVuFXYUZ9QQw1C3pwKSRPY06p2-x8E3UK5Qn5O2GoyhKDA-Z13c1sM-_H2VmlhraooxuM0KyzyTgmZCHl1ODPkoG8yE/s640/20170519_065108.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upUIDTALfo0&t=3s" target="_blank">NY State Court Officer with illegal front and rear plate covers over #KALLEL </a><br />
<br />
<br />
Serious crosswalk obstruction with multiple vehicles having NYS placards - right where Mayor De Blasio held his open house.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP42fKVC4Y_5dT0KZS6pnT2-6Q_oO8ntt32-GWiEA2zBJjh7XNVtP4Oocu5Nc_xnyP4JGpk1cn8dZCXZZaT55dtCa8YYvEmHnRPAX23dA_eyxrm8nxT_yLmi8jFT1Olpl62DREwFmLDM0/s1600/20170523_103918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP42fKVC4Y_5dT0KZS6pnT2-6Q_oO8ntt32-GWiEA2zBJjh7XNVtP4Oocu5Nc_xnyP4JGpk1cn8dZCXZZaT55dtCa8YYvEmHnRPAX23dA_eyxrm8nxT_yLmi8jFT1Olpl62DREwFmLDM0/s640/20170523_103918.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPZ0KwyejDhNAPeg7Wy-XiC-pH7p825ukCvNl0gbShB8L5B6oF7gyR7DxFi9VuzQ-LttDzOrkh5f0fx6IhN_vWTSifF87EV9PeTt6QsfbkvKNIjNt8FMo5OSC-HV9lWOxoqbuoJ_xw0E/s1600/20170523_103829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPZ0KwyejDhNAPeg7Wy-XiC-pH7p825ukCvNl0gbShB8L5B6oF7gyR7DxFi9VuzQ-LttDzOrkh5f0fx6IhN_vWTSifF87EV9PeTt6QsfbkvKNIjNt8FMo5OSC-HV9lWOxoqbuoJ_xw0E/s640/20170523_103829.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHqf_yKUphtFTCHviSzQ8MGEli6xdTYM2GjYtlvPbmpnmjB12Uw4BQexDOxyt3rw5LTJ06o__TzUT6n9hKpiggkUjt05oJjCPd_cDRXyv9ycjI9XnCgTg_gj6ZJXOI7C01Ozw3qsbo0E/s1600/20170523_103819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHqf_yKUphtFTCHviSzQ8MGEli6xdTYM2GjYtlvPbmpnmjB12Uw4BQexDOxyt3rw5LTJ06o__TzUT6n9hKpiggkUjt05oJjCPd_cDRXyv9ycjI9XnCgTg_gj6ZJXOI7C01Ozw3qsbo0E/s640/20170523_103819.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I will follow up over the summer to see how the newest crackdown is doing. Regardless of the future outcome, I wanted to give extra special thanks and kudos to PlacardAbuse whom we have me tweeting and reporting placard corruption - - surely it won't be the end. <br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-34367049502109224942017-05-07T18:34:00.003-07:002017-05-07T18:35:01.613-07:00President Trump's tax and health care plans - - all for the 1 percentersIf anyone has any doubts that President Trump is all for the 1 percenters - and not for the 99 percenters, look no further than the latest tax reform and health care plans. Right to the point it screws the middle class, especially homeowners and those with pre-existing conditions, while benefiting the 1 one percent of all earners.<br />
<br />
<br />
The smoke and mirrors objectives on Trump's tax plan can be found in left (fake) and right (real) leaning stories - - such as Fox Business telling the<a href="http://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/2017/04/26/trump-tax-plan-cheat-sheet.html" target="_blank"> top 5 great benefits </a> of the 2017 tax reform. On the other side, the tax plan will hurt taxpayers who rely on state and local income taxes as part of their itemized deductions - - especially homeowners in high property tax states like California and New York who pay up to 15K annually. But first, compare President Trump's tax plan to this plan he <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/business/taxes/even-families-making-100k-won-t-be-better-under-new-n753941" target="_blank">"proposed"</a> while running for office - - which had 4 income tax brackets, including no tax liability for married couples up to 50K and just 15 percent for single filers up to 150K (married couples up to 300K). However most filers will give up a lot of "unspecified" deductions which would still be offset by eliminating most tax and the troubles of itemizing deductions, but keeps the wonderful mortgage interest and charitable deductions. Yes, the wealthiest get a huge cut from 39.6 percent down to 25 percent and that is a problem for me, but at least that plan benefitted the working class a lot.<br />
<br />
<br />
Now Trump is President, his <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2017/04/26/news/economy/trump-tax-plan/" target="_blank">new one page proposed plan</a> calls for 15/25/35 percent income tax brackets instead of his originally proposed 4 tax brackets, while still eliminating most deductions. Nothing was mentioned about the specific income levels in relation to each tax bracket but it's not much of a difference from the current 7 brackets. Even when standard deductions are doubled, President Trump still wants to eliminate most deductions and he certainly has said nothing about the Earned Income Credit which was helped low income families with child dependents. <br />
<br />
And as of this blog post, President Trump is on the verge of replacing former President Obama's Affordable Care Act, or more commonly know as Obamacare with the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1628" target="_blank">American Health Care Act of 2017</a> or what we call Trumpcare. Take a look at the moderate website, The Hill's, <a href="http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/332164-how-the-house-healthcare-bill-measures-up-to-trumps-promises" target="_blank">comparisons between Obamacare and Trumpcare </a> and surely you will see that while the revised plan will allow more people to be insured than the first disastrous draft, it will cost a lot more for older patients and those with pre-existing conditions. And allocating only $8 billion for a high risk pool of those who cannot afford the premiums, it will not be enough as estimates call for upwards of $200 billion.<br />
<br />
<br />
Personally, I never was a fan of Obamacare either, with the communist approach of requiring everyone to have health insurance or pay an IRS penalty - - as well as buying insurance within the state marketplace instead of buying insurance across state lines and I am vehemently opposed to covering abortion and contraception - - it is a woman's choice for her to either abstain until marriage or have premarital sex - - the government should not be paying for what a woman decided which got her pregnant if she was not able to take care of the newborn. but now with Trumpcare, it's worse with more people will not be able to afford to buy insurance in the marketplace with pre-existing conditions while the wealthiest 1 percent, <a href="http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/statements/2017/mar/21/mark-pocan/americas-wealthiest-get-600-billion-tax-breaks-rep/" target="_blank">according to Politifact,</a> will receive two tax breaks.<br />
<br />
<br />
Once again, the establishment has screwed the working middle class. Shame!!!David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-22617530372607004142017-04-25T18:46:00.000-07:002017-04-25T18:46:53.331-07:00AG Sessions is right: The NYPD is soft on crime AND corruptionI still think of the idiocy of the Trump Administration (such as Spicer's comments on the holoucaust) but U.S. Attorney <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/justice-department-sanctuary-cities-new-york-soft-on-crime-nypd-2017-4" target="_blank">General Jeff Sessions III said what IS right: </a> The NYPD is soft on crime in all ways, AND soft on corruption too. <br />
<br />
<br />
Take a look at these pictures of illegal license plate covers, very well ignored by the NYPD - - all parked outside 100 Centre Street - - aka Manhattan Criminal Court or the Tombs next door. These vehicles belong to NY State Court Officers and NYC Correction Officers working in the adjacent jail. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLGB5rJtQcG4mVVDiOKw1ScJEdm6WRcJUwXEPPmhxY4wN2ibni5mAXI4iybkLmPJLy8Nkg_LhBPRsCtPIpaiLi3HUGMeqW8dygSeu7e0E1saioxVLjRD7ZsWjPSu9z1hfyEeNtHeEl5M/s1600/IMG_txbbw8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLGB5rJtQcG4mVVDiOKw1ScJEdm6WRcJUwXEPPmhxY4wN2ibni5mAXI4iybkLmPJLy8Nkg_LhBPRsCtPIpaiLi3HUGMeqW8dygSeu7e0E1saioxVLjRD7ZsWjPSu9z1hfyEeNtHeEl5M/s640/IMG_txbbw8.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-ItyxdxjDdgDQ7sFmWJAPrB6cbtkoXa2vwZ8e0Sq6eolALPbn0eOh21KW6jfppSC8fiWYHCcx5z0ZIdio7XZpsQa0P0fRx51TaEOcsPUYtBnDMxPPSSevBLxAdsFzYvMdgUbJ91UGog/s1600/IMG_ijxd4u.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-ItyxdxjDdgDQ7sFmWJAPrB6cbtkoXa2vwZ8e0Sq6eolALPbn0eOh21KW6jfppSC8fiWYHCcx5z0ZIdio7XZpsQa0P0fRx51TaEOcsPUYtBnDMxPPSSevBLxAdsFzYvMdgUbJ91UGog/s640/IMG_ijxd4u.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOgM8RLn1fP5AtohwDtsIWKe0HoFe9oBIwGHQ_L0z9SnQHsn30nYIqwprjK24VoSRDWWNE_Am1VIRNuLzzAXAMbZdSXfrpHWV-sGDMX5IZRUWQMGTiPuKmv4lsP_3vGToLypoIwFXkpQ/s1600/IMG_-xwsll7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOgM8RLn1fP5AtohwDtsIWKe0HoFe9oBIwGHQ_L0z9SnQHsn30nYIqwprjK24VoSRDWWNE_Am1VIRNuLzzAXAMbZdSXfrpHWV-sGDMX5IZRUWQMGTiPuKmv4lsP_3vGToLypoIwFXkpQ/s640/IMG_-xwsll7.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsCIfWwlLH-0hoR1H4ooCoCK25ZqBu5DH2ksZLOhAcww-q1NI-wxIGnVagzYL4Eo5pzSgb4FrZYiUh_1bjd_8LbztVFgDUzNa41qDIZdvkTKm3zn5OoIi0Qu6KkucnkP00IO9Fps_toI/s1600/20170420_163126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsCIfWwlLH-0hoR1H4ooCoCK25ZqBu5DH2ksZLOhAcww-q1NI-wxIGnVagzYL4Eo5pzSgb4FrZYiUh_1bjd_8LbztVFgDUzNa41qDIZdvkTKm3zn5OoIi0Qu6KkucnkP00IO9Fps_toI/s640/20170420_163126.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDD8DZBHzigT_Zs4DHlFG2iGb2dMQ0GXqM5OnSz32xzGgFT_CDsyf50jc5QiYvefvoBLYXwcZkLaFCZlJ6verDjiNmuCzdTojzPvj5ck1vuBX4sde8baMzbgw3iX0wDB6jYadYxlVicg/s1600/20170420_163118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDD8DZBHzigT_Zs4DHlFG2iGb2dMQ0GXqM5OnSz32xzGgFT_CDsyf50jc5QiYvefvoBLYXwcZkLaFCZlJ6verDjiNmuCzdTojzPvj5ck1vuBX4sde8baMzbgw3iX0wDB6jYadYxlVicg/s640/20170420_163118.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGJV1yYVpjBcgFOfcZgPKpkAF9PLquXFDcBXOEicsWQbxjCS8IK0nRh6TwVf8BTxWhSvfnCRsuadB5hR5aBB5NXkFkWRdgFZhEXQopdJ26HCyRtuUcGZkYd9Ff02V12EkBb9qIxLLFTQ/s1600/20170420_163702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGJV1yYVpjBcgFOfcZgPKpkAF9PLquXFDcBXOEicsWQbxjCS8IK0nRh6TwVf8BTxWhSvfnCRsuadB5hR5aBB5NXkFkWRdgFZhEXQopdJ26HCyRtuUcGZkYd9Ff02V12EkBb9qIxLLFTQ/s640/20170420_163702.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eyiAvoWPYLaSNEkA6z5in2VpiCEFvZoXy2mgAiKYGR3juukWcTjXx4RlP9CHJtHwowbkrlzOVPwd3dytJSuFWqRI7-zid_xD2uTnr1e3M-xK_EMksT3DtHieKy1KDiOteN8rLOtG-Rk/s1600/IMG_ot5k2z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eyiAvoWPYLaSNEkA6z5in2VpiCEFvZoXy2mgAiKYGR3juukWcTjXx4RlP9CHJtHwowbkrlzOVPwd3dytJSuFWqRI7-zid_xD2uTnr1e3M-xK_EMksT3DtHieKy1KDiOteN8rLOtG-Rk/s640/IMG_ot5k2z.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZD8DG-zsgJ-WTnzZfP4MRcKp8gqeBxzOUwfwUrWXfHS3OO3hzxpHVRlWpr-TbqXaUTSqE-VwFFwjJpudTP8sqou-i4ItVzFpYolTIYDD-COG9G3PR7d8e9O-EQ4YMhR9Cc6ImYO-gmI/s1600/20170424_165353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZD8DG-zsgJ-WTnzZfP4MRcKp8gqeBxzOUwfwUrWXfHS3OO3hzxpHVRlWpr-TbqXaUTSqE-VwFFwjJpudTP8sqou-i4ItVzFpYolTIYDD-COG9G3PR7d8e9O-EQ4YMhR9Cc6ImYO-gmI/s640/20170424_165353.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
That's just the tip of the iceberg - - there is the 10 to 20 daily photos posted by <a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank">Placard Abuse </a>and other users (including me) on Twitter that has been gaining momentum in the past month with many other users backlashing against the NYPD's corrupt practices in parking abuse. If the NYPD was not soft on crime and corruption, then it would take swift and decisive action against the hundreds of NYPD and non-NYPD law enforcement officers using illegal license plate covers to steal city and state revenues from tolls and red light/speed camera fines. License plate covers are not small potatoes - - they prevent identification of a vehicle involved in a hit and run accident, a felony if the accident causes death of another individual. License plate covers rip off toll authorities to millions of dollars, which results in higher tolls, be it from law enforcement officers who do this. <br />
<br />
Then there is De Blasio's soft stance on quality of life - - public urinating or carrying an open container of alcohol will get you a free pass in the courts because that is <a href="http://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/530-16/mayor-de-blasio-signs-criminal-justice-reform-act" target="_blank">no longer an arrestable offense </a> even though they show disorder and decay in NYC. De Blasio's argument is that this frees up 10,000 cases in criminal court. How about going after the Court Officers and NYC Correction Officers who use license plate covers outside Manhattan Criminal Court as I have shown? How about the end of filing false 311 reports by the NYPD claiming they took action (summons or tow)<br />
when it is clear that they didn't? How about making Traffic Enforcement Agents do their jobs in ticketing or towing personal vehicles owned/leased by NYPD officers and civilians which are illegally parked, have expired placards, or illegal license plate covers - - instead of ignoring them. (Do you want to be reminded of that illegally parked vehicle in Times Square?? Consider <a href="https://cryptome.org/eyeball/placard-threat/placard-threat.htm" target="_blank">this article</a> which might shed some light on the parking abuse and corruption)David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-6023073279188288542017-04-07T18:48:00.003-07:002017-04-08T09:06:39.225-07:00East 180th Street IRT stationhouse already in shamblesThousands of people a day use or pass through the East 180th Street station on the IRT 2 and 5 lines in the Bronx. Most customers are unaware of the station's historical significance, especially the landmarked stationhouse entrance which sits at the NW corner of East 180th Street and Morris Park Ave in the Bronx. The stationhouse was built in 1911 for a now defunct railway called the New York, Westchester and Boston Railway (NYW&B Railway) which ran a no-frills commuter rail service between Port Morris terminal in the South Bronx and either White Plains or Port Chester. You can read all the history of the NYW&B railway on two great rail history websites <a href="http://nywbry.com/" target="_blank">h</a><a href="http://nywbry.com/" target="_blank">ere </a>and <a href="http://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/New_York,_Westchester,_and_Boston_Railway" target="_blank">here</a> (a month's worth of viewing). MTA New York City Transit undertook a <a href="http://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-headquarters/mta-restores-historic-bronx-subway-station-house-original-grandeur" target="_blank">beautiful restoration </a>of the East 180th Street stationhouse which was completed in 2013 with <a href="http://www.lhparch.com/project.aspx?cat&id=10" target="_blank">Lee Harris Pomeroy</a> as the architectural firm hired to draw the blueprints for the restoration process. The station is listed in both <a href="https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/80002587" target="_blank">National Register of Historical Places</a> and a<a href="http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/0839.pdf" target="_blank"> NYC Landmark</a> so it's something which NYC Transit should preserve.<br />
<br />
<br />
Now 4 years later, the stationhouse's exterior is already in shambles from the elements of mother nature and the cold harsh winters.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU00POV8D5GVdBxYs-77xNcE286_xno3EmsmI5Ukzc3ChHc_HqZCvRgyKeEo66egNHA5lIbT99um2llSgJwgNY0yGs7o_VQfYhUK1cPNgBRERPvSC_0nOWK-GcsAGUCMuyk8dix6pt0qM/s1600/20170320_134114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU00POV8D5GVdBxYs-77xNcE286_xno3EmsmI5Ukzc3ChHc_HqZCvRgyKeEo66egNHA5lIbT99um2llSgJwgNY0yGs7o_VQfYhUK1cPNgBRERPvSC_0nOWK-GcsAGUCMuyk8dix6pt0qM/s640/20170320_134114.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4DbglZL_P_7WOit9UcyH_G3R2xrqtagtD9MYCHzcuiqfYpjk26Lky9zAtx9IoBE8-o3NQOOXwr7CL2QmTCG1wkyZpdPGrGGVeFLZJ2jHAm_8Ufeiuwm7Axotr3BVI0lEM9jTP4uuQG4/s1600/20170320_134100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4DbglZL_P_7WOit9UcyH_G3R2xrqtagtD9MYCHzcuiqfYpjk26Lky9zAtx9IoBE8-o3NQOOXwr7CL2QmTCG1wkyZpdPGrGGVeFLZJ2jHAm_8Ufeiuwm7Axotr3BVI0lEM9jTP4uuQG4/s640/20170320_134100.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEVANLedLJURp2QRtcHtMtinzEewGBrpRYzpHhLdjxBlFVJFhPBDY9pMy8P0c7o1QR14EkBkGdKbgrLxb31mJxgiFmQKUm0G9fejVhN8U6EOfdppgRIKHxcuQ5Ydb_jh36xQ4Q6YFgnA/s1600/20170320_134057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEVANLedLJURp2QRtcHtMtinzEewGBrpRYzpHhLdjxBlFVJFhPBDY9pMy8P0c7o1QR14EkBkGdKbgrLxb31mJxgiFmQKUm0G9fejVhN8U6EOfdppgRIKHxcuQ5Ydb_jh36xQ4Q6YFgnA/s640/20170320_134057.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9r3PhUCbSRrSpW_uQLoATbpg4zCFmVocJ6xDdAz2pdtH-xuTbGr2iq0SZZrRbYvchZLc8op5GH91ZaO8lpeGUoiO_fOQiYQtPy9_uEUov90kGJHwAOZItrkS75psiGT5sX5j0AO5NL8E/s1600/20170320_134027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9r3PhUCbSRrSpW_uQLoATbpg4zCFmVocJ6xDdAz2pdtH-xuTbGr2iq0SZZrRbYvchZLc8op5GH91ZaO8lpeGUoiO_fOQiYQtPy9_uEUov90kGJHwAOZItrkS75psiGT5sX5j0AO5NL8E/s640/20170320_134027.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-P09Cl9LwhBu5chdO7LlTfrII23s9JtjvyYfo0duDLtZ55WiSaxjhFJZUvVuNQCEUWeM9zzHlT_-dVLPKIkF68ZTBc4IDCDfNXoQekNb8OUZQuDgB5pKwKc7zTpNRuT_qYkl5dSrNSR8/s1600/20170320_134026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-P09Cl9LwhBu5chdO7LlTfrII23s9JtjvyYfo0duDLtZ55WiSaxjhFJZUvVuNQCEUWeM9zzHlT_-dVLPKIkF68ZTBc4IDCDfNXoQekNb8OUZQuDgB5pKwKc7zTpNRuT_qYkl5dSrNSR8/s640/20170320_134026.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6_mUyAjmYiGT4FF4Z0_8wh-JahUzZ6CAlUKEcAJT4hg-PhnyRcYKok8uIUT1RMcqX5Ht7_0nfzJsTN4hbPrziPXKPMrOxf9UaSLM_ZtMjQTjfwPHQVHdi5X0Ee1dtOeqG-Ebi966IXY/s1600/20170320_134008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6_mUyAjmYiGT4FF4Z0_8wh-JahUzZ6CAlUKEcAJT4hg-PhnyRcYKok8uIUT1RMcqX5Ht7_0nfzJsTN4hbPrziPXKPMrOxf9UaSLM_ZtMjQTjfwPHQVHdi5X0Ee1dtOeqG-Ebi966IXY/s640/20170320_134008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Side views of stationhouse:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4W603mbhGH8plprMay5lq7TU7P6b2_On0UlVXpns_IsGdU9R2q1wEjU65QRb7ZIOY_wN6EUp3LA5nHSn7UGBX9F_QVcuF5WqNtgQlcn0Ra_Zs-k9csjpch65rchedKuIP7s8KheCPJA/s1600/20170401_130408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4W603mbhGH8plprMay5lq7TU7P6b2_On0UlVXpns_IsGdU9R2q1wEjU65QRb7ZIOY_wN6EUp3LA5nHSn7UGBX9F_QVcuF5WqNtgQlcn0Ra_Zs-k9csjpch65rchedKuIP7s8KheCPJA/s640/20170401_130408.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qEypKUQ2wDZq6wlJ71-05RDaqVKDrDN7PMMc6JfSNXdVMVCxuP5_Lo-FdcbUoFdHxLs1RmsaZZQ51Ntl8QWZoQ_hmdGeunOWFOV57GpJ0Aid72pHVw82_ZcCvbeO6yB05ubiqepYETU/s1600/20170401_130417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qEypKUQ2wDZq6wlJ71-05RDaqVKDrDN7PMMc6JfSNXdVMVCxuP5_Lo-FdcbUoFdHxLs1RmsaZZQ51Ntl8QWZoQ_hmdGeunOWFOV57GpJ0Aid72pHVw82_ZcCvbeO6yB05ubiqepYETU/s640/20170401_130417.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRH-BsnpBVb0RaZ2878s9Ng7InPylITLp4_otUsY8GXUb5GkABw88lznj-VitxM76scOXlkMiorCZDUpgxaYERgdIawnIGgFWzU5469lebZEIz3ZzFUU7J9uiwRJZsQmni0IGgXaHSxg/s1600/20170401_130452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRH-BsnpBVb0RaZ2878s9Ng7InPylITLp4_otUsY8GXUb5GkABw88lznj-VitxM76scOXlkMiorCZDUpgxaYERgdIawnIGgFWzU5469lebZEIz3ZzFUU7J9uiwRJZsQmni0IGgXaHSxg/s640/20170401_130452.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfEYA-N9T0mbDDnF5eLcpO2kfV2zzyN5r_Kk6ucJXzg6L5LVkXvLsrrcASlkRiUFkiYoDFwkMEnLZ20jb-7LC88TeHc6Dmuh-_O8zfSgPcvS5ram06IkvsU7v_nJZPicLO9A_87UPzqE/s1600/20170401_130458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfEYA-N9T0mbDDnF5eLcpO2kfV2zzyN5r_Kk6ucJXzg6L5LVkXvLsrrcASlkRiUFkiYoDFwkMEnLZ20jb-7LC88TeHc6Dmuh-_O8zfSgPcvS5ram06IkvsU7v_nJZPicLO9A_87UPzqE/s640/20170401_130458.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQn-HcXDzXGVC9Byqo7ur26PJnnoakY0vAZE0GOFTHfqoTa7CPQh-pw9uICHgZ4uC6N9pKNB0plgdy-lmN1_TxftUXLDxo0-TaDGce-_CPRogvSfZzMvmeLVNfJ-FxtkMBhYS0LizZP7Q/s1600/20170401_130401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQn-HcXDzXGVC9Byqo7ur26PJnnoakY0vAZE0GOFTHfqoTa7CPQh-pw9uICHgZ4uC6N9pKNB0plgdy-lmN1_TxftUXLDxo0-TaDGce-_CPRogvSfZzMvmeLVNfJ-FxtkMBhYS0LizZP7Q/s640/20170401_130401.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqiNrYvlhyphenhyphenWXIxHNekUczCf8aJYNWJ8VD2gJAeMwxpAlfsPdMOrQUaAq5UQO-EBuRKcbkipVzVO3IdgoUF2R4eMvbLpOc9ZTTwqjGIpizmykPiTzEFm2uSIbhGNqFZv5vhzwU3-_sh4k/s1600/20170401_130343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqiNrYvlhyphenhyphenWXIxHNekUczCf8aJYNWJ8VD2gJAeMwxpAlfsPdMOrQUaAq5UQO-EBuRKcbkipVzVO3IdgoUF2R4eMvbLpOc9ZTTwqjGIpizmykPiTzEFm2uSIbhGNqFZv5vhzwU3-_sh4k/s640/20170401_130343.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
When you paint a house, you should be able to maintain the paint - - primer it before painting then do a new repainting job every 4 to 7 years (in NYC, it's more on the 4 year side because of those brutal winters, LOL). You don't let paint peel off in large areas like this - - and it's only 4 years old. It's sad that MTA New York City Transit will let this house (which is registered as TWO landmarks) decay again, unless they do some overcoat within a year or so. While I talk about the stationhouse, there is a very interesting "exhibit" just to the right as you enter from the Morris Park Ave (main) side - - a 1970's Hagstrom wall map of the Bronx. Take a look at this:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQ587cwSlNTFbNHC1GsKw8XL_iUeLYJ-kIC7FxllcAgMEi0UfD3X_XaiYVyoDXHeRMBUgd-tS4yPbYQL7n73wRw8PqacqCuu_zHZbu2q_OBM6VLd3NSNqilwuE3ecQv7YfYVbaKh9AXU/s1600/20170331_171944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQ587cwSlNTFbNHC1GsKw8XL_iUeLYJ-kIC7FxllcAgMEi0UfD3X_XaiYVyoDXHeRMBUgd-tS4yPbYQL7n73wRw8PqacqCuu_zHZbu2q_OBM6VLd3NSNqilwuE3ecQv7YfYVbaKh9AXU/s640/20170331_171944.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bronx campus of New York University, now Bronx Community College</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheU_3d63glhZOWfNjhViOTAyQUlJz0XP7Trc8_AXUkomRmPyu_GUTF0k3f-JJf94v190V1Bdmz9mWDKMn31qQsZzJdFrwUAQoY4MNWcwFWJmaM60uugTqEaTRjhvyb7x_orp2asDjVIZg/s1600/20170331_171914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheU_3d63glhZOWfNjhViOTAyQUlJz0XP7Trc8_AXUkomRmPyu_GUTF0k3f-JJf94v190V1Bdmz9mWDKMn31qQsZzJdFrwUAQoY4MNWcwFWJmaM60uugTqEaTRjhvyb7x_orp2asDjVIZg/s640/20170331_171914.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hostos Community College and Lincoln Hospital not yet built. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHexJ7XRWzWNV4y16L9p32Z_dcBTWXaOn439_oYZw1rTLQ4HBHou6KSjKc6lrK4eY1v6aFkEt5LM6RElSPYFieR1YIrhGDQO9HVnenlDcXHtE4lem6lAKwA1LF4apy-aosESk51mqxto/s1600/20170331_171803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHexJ7XRWzWNV4y16L9p32Z_dcBTWXaOn439_oYZw1rTLQ4HBHou6KSjKc6lrK4eY1v6aFkEt5LM6RElSPYFieR1YIrhGDQO9HVnenlDcXHtE4lem6lAKwA1LF4apy-aosESk51mqxto/s640/20170331_171803.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Third Ave el. and Wilkins Ave, now Louis Nine Blvd at Freeman St</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOz08DkWT2v1ZFqq-JZAIBj3nOsHxJaEGOf2m5IdccNwTMfG0zyx5AET9LoQXCurDKQrZrk_LSR45UmLJlpfcLsc1I7v6He8ME_YyHe7z3NSJhMKvrmRnpqpr-_3klHKkYJXeY9U9B6Q/s1600/20170331_171644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOz08DkWT2v1ZFqq-JZAIBj3nOsHxJaEGOf2m5IdccNwTMfG0zyx5AET9LoQXCurDKQrZrk_LSR45UmLJlpfcLsc1I7v6He8ME_YyHe7z3NSJhMKvrmRnpqpr-_3klHKkYJXeY9U9B6Q/s640/20170331_171644.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High Bridge Station on the old PCRR Hudson line</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQognSSdNRTJaPq693LHD8ZMlmyrBo5wBWbuJOjwQBgqIB-V1syX-n857rUQRLgaEYFLmEpD7jNhSgYjlLcExuLDvLYbXcL8lvW45HU_96R5nGKLSH5rcG32pvSl5hzC9UDDut99vNEI/s1600/20170331_171545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQognSSdNRTJaPq693LHD8ZMlmyrBo5wBWbuJOjwQBgqIB-V1syX-n857rUQRLgaEYFLmEpD7jNhSgYjlLcExuLDvLYbXcL8lvW45HU_96R5nGKLSH5rcG32pvSl5hzC9UDDut99vNEI/s640/20170331_171545.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bronx State Hospital, now closed. Jacobi and Albert Einsten Hospitals remain. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNKGiDPbnGK1pypmWpM5wxcgmsf1FEB2KDgwxC3JuQ1JMJQZSIDSyw2oDt3hpbzlfF6jn85ajkSzps2jTuaUzH71zHnei7nXGoJK4L47Ql1H8diWUtjjibvKSaPl6RYswuwwH6JqbR00/s1600/20170331_171350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNKGiDPbnGK1pypmWpM5wxcgmsf1FEB2KDgwxC3JuQ1JMJQZSIDSyw2oDt3hpbzlfF6jn85ajkSzps2jTuaUzH71zHnei7nXGoJK4L47Ql1H8diWUtjjibvKSaPl6RYswuwwH6JqbR00/s640/20170331_171350.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manhattan State Hospital</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjslxXUBJwzVSc2z2LBXJHT2EjoGdtTpEDt8HZLdj8x9rrIXYZdnaYJvQdaTZDvIhgkbnLx2USr0Ug7KNwu3Li6jVf1-DN5mX7IOszcWrRQljpUos9Gquk5fo3k9ItLgn3S-n7pYdpIQ/s1600/20170331_171230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjslxXUBJwzVSc2z2LBXJHT2EjoGdtTpEDt8HZLdj8x9rrIXYZdnaYJvQdaTZDvIhgkbnLx2USr0Ug7KNwu3Li6jVf1-DN5mX7IOszcWrRQljpUos9Gquk5fo3k9ItLgn3S-n7pYdpIQ/s640/20170331_171230.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newly constructed Bruckner Interchange which now all highway traffic bypasses a traffic signal at Brush Ave. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4MijwPuZ10O1kRxp6IxHtoRW5rANx1qo-CRBQZsGaxhoc2zGpuyNxQgaU8xGcPqemDpc_I2ED0GNZZbrkuJyMxlnP4bBR_ksPI14MS9E51ISK5QXpkQz3qH1wtRvJzO2SVHMt39bQPE/s1600/20170331_171204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4MijwPuZ10O1kRxp6IxHtoRW5rANx1qo-CRBQZsGaxhoc2zGpuyNxQgaU8xGcPqemDpc_I2ED0GNZZbrkuJyMxlnP4bBR_ksPI14MS9E51ISK5QXpkQz3qH1wtRvJzO2SVHMt39bQPE/s640/20170331_171204.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38E-japmh_i1VPN8_Oaq5eJlys1Z1YPokZHLUpBn7oQY_HCGdUFLiz7K1aEaVN02ZZcB6jmiaqKNZALaqBFFXeVMpm-gtFTuQ1ThijBp_qR973D50iPfg8eWNe8F8CnG-cJg1Ljwx_fk/s1600/20170331_171152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38E-japmh_i1VPN8_Oaq5eJlys1Z1YPokZHLUpBn7oQY_HCGdUFLiz7K1aEaVN02ZZcB6jmiaqKNZALaqBFFXeVMpm-gtFTuQ1ThijBp_qR973D50iPfg8eWNe8F8CnG-cJg1Ljwx_fk/s640/20170331_171152.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoHLkdQaf6GYJRo6eN11nvU2S5wOjnU0XLt9Y3GFLPfbLYsyv_R9PnUvo8Yw9EocX0-p1KG-HfRxSa-746RFF9rXG9zRqLysweGLque9BmI07b6vE4hR1fx4dmiEnLdJIi7SietpDfOw/s1600/20170331_171052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoHLkdQaf6GYJRo6eN11nvU2S5wOjnU0XLt9Y3GFLPfbLYsyv_R9PnUvo8Yw9EocX0-p1KG-HfRxSa-746RFF9rXG9zRqLysweGLque9BmI07b6vE4hR1fx4dmiEnLdJIi7SietpDfOw/s640/20170331_171052.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern terminus of 3rd Ave el at East 149th Street. Map appears to be somewhere between 1972/73</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviBDOFwSmJPlTynaCx6sEXr6t0XEjb68TYj7zsFFKPWxoJZnCqYReMB1aTU274MFk87gjdipj5oYmZ0I2afA_WYc8i8AQ9aB1o-OwlPxI_HS3xQ9dS5ouJEQJbeeN4wipwPZfi-61i4g/s1600/20170331_171134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviBDOFwSmJPlTynaCx6sEXr6t0XEjb68TYj7zsFFKPWxoJZnCqYReMB1aTU274MFk87gjdipj5oYmZ0I2afA_WYc8i8AQ9aB1o-OwlPxI_HS3xQ9dS5ouJEQJbeeN4wipwPZfi-61i4g/s640/20170331_171134.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Lq5ucHAODbi9lgxmHJ2kS53SrRReK8DUf0UwzXO4Y7gnY6ONB8J6fzaR9aVgyjRX7g3GOpAepqTB-C8lutqeY5Vmj96z0j0ZCLz1eC5g8qpzyFxdn4ar5Waya3Le6FVuwQJsJEttNmU/s1600/20170331_171114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Lq5ucHAODbi9lgxmHJ2kS53SrRReK8DUf0UwzXO4Y7gnY6ONB8J6fzaR9aVgyjRX7g3GOpAepqTB-C8lutqeY5Vmj96z0j0ZCLz1eC5g8qpzyFxdn4ar5Waya3Le6FVuwQJsJEttNmU/s640/20170331_171114.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCkdOtQtsQeA5we95ISprjnwO8lHzIp22tF9MQmeuB96WZNa72OORrLyI9nlx8sMsETxPh_AjSO7qAjk_qgOsei2Z2R83_aMdYwAX1YjSGA_QJWpZG3xGPINchZrj5uBZsiO-J-L4qRA/s1600/20170331_171045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCkdOtQtsQeA5we95ISprjnwO8lHzIp22tF9MQmeuB96WZNa72OORrLyI9nlx8sMsETxPh_AjSO7qAjk_qgOsei2Z2R83_aMdYwAX1YjSGA_QJWpZG3xGPINchZrj5uBZsiO-J-L4qRA/s640/20170331_171045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72_4r5vWvnScyvs1GVsJErnTzx_JCmZ7u3V6jnYxvh42BQhcsIYhXtzBl3HZ1m2-LG9q5e2YH-WGZvPGIXOHtdV14AdGwVow3k8LJGjQ5hxz2BGXOYq4AeMXhNS6XAvdI65CkyDZxIxA/s1600/20170331_171023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72_4r5vWvnScyvs1GVsJErnTzx_JCmZ7u3V6jnYxvh42BQhcsIYhXtzBl3HZ1m2-LG9q5e2YH-WGZvPGIXOHtdV14AdGwVow3k8LJGjQ5hxz2BGXOYq4AeMXhNS6XAvdI65CkyDZxIxA/s640/20170331_171023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lDRRvpNjEYbwmaMjgxgTZp5WhnikaKg81g_fmhtbEPT_W3360eGIQpCPJqVklFJaG8G-bEnJDdYLXYqgwwqMTYRE0fcr0CAjx-jynk9IOdeEr69mqyzEGAIn6OsQoyPDPDlXQvJdMdU/s1600/20170331_170954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lDRRvpNjEYbwmaMjgxgTZp5WhnikaKg81g_fmhtbEPT_W3360eGIQpCPJqVklFJaG8G-bEnJDdYLXYqgwwqMTYRE0fcr0CAjx-jynk9IOdeEr69mqyzEGAIn6OsQoyPDPDlXQvJdMdU/s640/20170331_170954.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Co-Op City - - note old exit numbers on I95 and some unfinished loops inside the complex - - no malls. Today, the exit numbers on I95 are 11 and 12.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiS75rLv7SFVvsn7jMFquL4vqYr0IP-DP3aodlwZ02RIqsQYEqH005OvToWx8mTwjG4SuvDjyiSRnYmpZXrLlJ03nzy1V16IqrtC0vyEiRu3mRHdxXlSKye91Ho-nk7uy3Of9N_Wpge30/s1600/20170331_170922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiS75rLv7SFVvsn7jMFquL4vqYr0IP-DP3aodlwZ02RIqsQYEqH005OvToWx8mTwjG4SuvDjyiSRnYmpZXrLlJ03nzy1V16IqrtC0vyEiRu3mRHdxXlSKye91Ho-nk7uy3Of9N_Wpge30/s640/20170331_170922.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">138th Street station on the old Penn-Central. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniZKTH_RzGHZa8gXhcAwicTNS23ezYuwqBKg5HuOwOX9oBhbpA1XgJHg1_VxCUbdrjHlr7jtlEk62pGgI6hu92ZnTJ0C7Jgm1lez6kzFcirjElHv4OGGhCGvK0VcKNSdQo5UE1-Nketk/s1600/20170331_170911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniZKTH_RzGHZa8gXhcAwicTNS23ezYuwqBKg5HuOwOX9oBhbpA1XgJHg1_VxCUbdrjHlr7jtlEk62pGgI6hu92ZnTJ0C7Jgm1lez6kzFcirjElHv4OGGhCGvK0VcKNSdQo5UE1-Nketk/s640/20170331_170911.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is not some ordinary stationhouse like Franklin Ave and Fulton St in Brooklyn - - this is a landmark and of great historical significance which the MTA New York City Transit should not ignore. It's very sad for them to let this crown jewel decay into the current state as the East 180th Street stationhouse represents part of the glory days in railroading history. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-10856246481463943452017-04-02T20:11:00.001-07:002017-04-03T04:35:48.587-07:00MTA keeps ignoring error on missing bus stop near CitifieldPlay ball, the boys of summer are back today - - baseball is back and let's hope for another NYC Subway Series with the NY Yankees and Mets this fall. <br />
<br />
And another year which the MTA NYC Transit keeps telling us about a bus stop that no longer exists, for years. Last Thursday, MTA HQ released a press release about <a href="http://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-headquarters/mta-your-ride-all-yankees-and-mets-home-games" target="_blank">encouraging baseball fans to take the bus or train </a>to their favorite baseball home. Buried in this PR are directions by bus to CitiField, specifically the Q19 and Q66 bus routes which run along Northern Blvd, just north of CitiField. They tell you that westbound Q19 and Q66 (towards Astoria and Long Island City, respectively) buses "stop" at 126th Street and Northern Blvd, about two blocks from the stadium.<br />
<br />
<br />
Trouble is, there never was a westbound bus stop for years, here are the latest photos taken Saturday which show that there is no room for a bus stop, nor signs. Guardrails are protecting the north side of Northern Blvd, except for a cut at the crosswalk.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgfILUAF7L5-4vIKtIDAnpBWKoBpKkgK08s4dRA1QPrys50BnfBdNcO5I2ArEHqPhJM8dQOoZzo2WrQptdecCWq5N-Yu84iTv4OcP6XfdJhxusUVBKT-V6XxB2e6egJigA7LGGio-eFA/s1600/20170401_153749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgfILUAF7L5-4vIKtIDAnpBWKoBpKkgK08s4dRA1QPrys50BnfBdNcO5I2ArEHqPhJM8dQOoZzo2WrQptdecCWq5N-Yu84iTv4OcP6XfdJhxusUVBKT-V6XxB2e6egJigA7LGGio-eFA/s640/20170401_153749.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQv4jm4CCMG8jX-LFFEBsqX3JAKh_JM3iHDp9T6aZe4Ys6YcGfS56bZ8tFFXipjaXB8gv9MtCN1yGjscpZKv5V5m-opHEQVgbtrE30Pn61BwdDZZ4F48bq8axbwyiGnu80tgcGozDbIKY/s1600/20170401_153709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQv4jm4CCMG8jX-LFFEBsqX3JAKh_JM3iHDp9T6aZe4Ys6YcGfS56bZ8tFFXipjaXB8gv9MtCN1yGjscpZKv5V5m-opHEQVgbtrE30Pn61BwdDZZ4F48bq8axbwyiGnu80tgcGozDbIKY/s640/20170401_153709.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH16U9ExdpWjEwo9jn0LThFHIuPffxJRrn-RRPKfBh0__xksOQJ_59l70Q96XXtvoTw8DdxQdKZsFvt_NisuY64xm29cDfAT5PHfCfyAU2irz3HR9bf3LZnltOoGlVLVpyTlZOJgRIvCU/s1600/20170401_153705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH16U9ExdpWjEwo9jn0LThFHIuPffxJRrn-RRPKfBh0__xksOQJ_59l70Q96XXtvoTw8DdxQdKZsFvt_NisuY64xm29cDfAT5PHfCfyAU2irz3HR9bf3LZnltOoGlVLVpyTlZOJgRIvCU/s640/20170401_153705.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsbe2CxzxjFxZmA4B941j2qVjBcoI0LS_fS4macJGSsMtWpHbmva_UondUHEmbusGhFbmmok_ir40P59qX5EGWWb27QkOF8AHuQA2Iu_reqkIdUzSBSHBK4kK1-r6CjBk7shAgbB8Z_w/s1600/20170401_153702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsbe2CxzxjFxZmA4B941j2qVjBcoI0LS_fS4macJGSsMtWpHbmva_UondUHEmbusGhFbmmok_ir40P59qX5EGWWb27QkOF8AHuQA2Iu_reqkIdUzSBSHBK4kK1-r6CjBk7shAgbB8Z_w/s640/20170401_153702.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The MTA Bustime app and Trip Planner also has errors, the Q66 route shows the bus stop for the Westbound side of Northern and 126th Street - - even Trip Planner+ will get you lost if you follow their directions from Downtown Main Street. The Q19, which only was recently extended to Flushing-Main Street area, correctly does not have the westbound Northern/126th Street bus stop in MTA Bustime. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wKLXMFFa5U0OYUKXw8_L8Kj9Ea07Wmza5Gu5rngOfWH9B0n52FVMeU8tZdq-NJxUlQ9HzV-4siwISeGGccgZagLIkxtDFXUOiRPl6h7lKGpVUFGR6l0v3m42S_cr7MSVc9N_YhwTXi4/s1600/Screenshot_20170401-125953.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wKLXMFFa5U0OYUKXw8_L8Kj9Ea07Wmza5Gu5rngOfWH9B0n52FVMeU8tZdq-NJxUlQ9HzV-4siwISeGGccgZagLIkxtDFXUOiRPl6h7lKGpVUFGR6l0v3m42S_cr7MSVc9N_YhwTXi4/s640/Screenshot_20170401-125953.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGRcVczr6jTosfqS6c4J0kZIEDiSuiJdcEztJgZrMyRkt5w65WhbjhErBU4BWHVAyGK141TWexsJH_IxAELdQF1_52c20Yvgif2JjkMWgNWf1_mQgiMYaB2X5f4fyCCuwqM2o4_Wt4Pc/s1600/Screenshot_20170401-125635.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGRcVczr6jTosfqS6c4J0kZIEDiSuiJdcEztJgZrMyRkt5w65WhbjhErBU4BWHVAyGK141TWexsJH_IxAELdQF1_52c20Yvgif2JjkMWgNWf1_mQgiMYaB2X5f4fyCCuwqM2o4_Wt4Pc/s640/Screenshot_20170401-125635.png" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So how long has this error been ignored by the MTA? How about <a href="http://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-headquarters/kick-baseball-season-%E2%80%98train-game%E2%80%99-service" target="_blank">2016</a> <a href="http://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-headquarters/take-train-game-meet-mets-2015" target="_blank">2015</a> and also <a href="http://www.mta.info/news-nlcs-mets-citi-field-subway-lirr/2015/10/16/mta-will-operate-robust-subway-lirr-and-bus-service" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.mta.info/news-nlcs-mets-citi-field-subway-lirr/2015/10/16/mta-will-operate-robust-subway-lirr-and-bus-service" target="_blank">here</a> although it appears the MTA lied in a purported email from <a href="http://www.subchat.com/buschat/read.asp?Id=313028" target="_blank">this user on the (often volatile) discussion board Subchat</a> in 2016 that they "corrected it" - - presently there is NO bus stop according to NYC DOT which maintains a database of parking regulations.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So MTA, how many decades will it take for you to correct this egregious mistake which you have ignored and lied about in multiple press releases and news stories?</div>
David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-17343476022834666282017-03-26T11:45:00.001-07:002017-03-29T17:23:13.089-07:0024:Legacy - - it's time to put 24 franchise out to pasture*****DISCLAIMER: This post may contain plot details, aka "spoilers"<br />
<br />
<br />
I stopped watching 24:Legacy after the 5 PM hour episode and finally say it's time to put this great franchise out to pasture. When 24 debuted after 9/11, it was one of the best shows I have ever watched. 24 starred Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer, an ex-military who works for Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) who has 24 hours to save the day from a terrorist attack. The show was unique for it's real-time format throughout the entire run, not just a single episode like the exquisite cop drama "Homicide:Life on the Street" <a href="http://www.avclub.com/article/not-yet-dead-murder-victim-reveals-best-homicide-l-239642" target="_blank">Subway episode (very gripping and painful to watch for some),</a> a season devoted to one continuous 24 hour period, split screen action and a cliffhanger or surprise moment in the last 3 minutes of each episode. Characters would be killed off suddenly and most were believable. Jack Bauer would make some of the most difficult decisions while trying to save his family. (of course he was too late to save his pregnant wife in season 1 - a really sad moment in TV history). Seasons 1 through 5 were the best, while the 3 remaining seasons were good even though the luster of 24 was wearing off. Then came a 24 TV movie then 24 Live Another Day which was OK.<br />
<br />
<br />
Now 24:Legacy, I am writing this off despite the decent starring role of Corey Hawkins as Eric Carter, a civilian who does not work for CTU but gets caught up in a terrorist plot by Bin-Kahlid to use "sleeper cells" in blowing up landmarks in retaliation for an Army strike where Carter and his men killed Bin-Kahlid's men. Carter gets assistance from CTU while keeping his wife safe in his older brother's house in the "hood" but she gets captured by Bin-Kahlid's men anyway (when it's suddenly a slow process of a scene where two CTU agents come by the safe house to pick up Nichole, you know something is gonna happen - another predictable outcome). The show started strong, but I see the plot becomes laughable when Carter can "easily steal" $4 million from a police precinct, and get away with it so quick when CTU intervenes and and tells the precinct commander to let Carter go. Or when his buddy can get rid of his beard in less than 5 minutes by using a scissors while inside a stolen van. Then the plot to blow up the George Washington Bridge by a rigged truck driven by a sleeper cell was really another gasser - there is NO guard post on that bridge - - it's Port Authority Police, not Port Police on the patch and - - if you look closely, you will see a sign on what appears to be on a PA roadway, exit 293 I think. There are no exits that high a number in NJ. Yea time for some really traffic problems in NJ. The ratings for 24:Legacy are suffering - - <a href="http://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/24-legacy-season-one-ratings/" target="_blank">from 17 million viewer who stayed for the show's debut after Super Bowl LI to 3 million viewers on last Monday's episode. </a> I am also disappointed at the shows lack of suspense and character development. The only characters I care about are Cory Hawkins and Anna Diop, who play Eric and Nichole Carter, respectively as well as Jimmy Smits who plays Senator John Donovan. Everyone else is "going through the motions" once again is another predictable plot. <br />
<br />
<br />
Coming soon: The 10 best "24" scenes. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-21079401486773472602017-03-20T18:38:00.003-07:002017-03-20T18:38:54.617-07:00Breitbart News support of the "new" KKKI am seriously bothered by the conservative news blog Breitbart News - - they are supporting the new KKK.<br />
<br />
I would like to say otherwise - - noting that I am impartial when it comes to politics. I have criticized former President Obama for his dissing of Chris Mintz - and recently gave some thought about why Obama did nothing to the city of Detroit in his 8 years in office (I didn't post anything on this) - just as much as I have gone against President Trump, not for his policies but for his ignorance against racism. But while there are good and bad conservative news sources, from the real Fox News to the bad and fake American News, it's Breitbart News which is harvesting and defending a terrorist group as the KKK. You can give thanks to former Breitbart head and current White House Chief Strategist Steven Bannon who has taken a far radical right approach than the late founder, Andrew Breitbart. When Andrew Breitbart founded his website, he wanted to ensure that conservatives had a voice, even if you disagreed with them - - they were just conservative right. After Breitbart passed away, Bannon took over Breitbart News as CEO and proclaimed the "alt-right" movement - - a splinter group which embraces ultra-conservative views: anti-feminism (hatred against women), anti-Semitic (that's clear and to the point, guess the USA lost our country's biggest ally, Israel.) and anti-globalism (this helps the Koch brothers, who have never gave a dime to any organization helping to combat poverty). In an interview with the Wall Street Journal (and posted on Breitbart) shortly after President Trump's 2016 election win, Bannon <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/11/19/bannon-alt-right-young-anti-globalist-anti-establishment-nationalist/" target="_blank">"... makes clear he has zero tolerance for such views (of racism and anti-semitism. "</a> even though he acknowledges that the alt-right has some racist and anti-semitic tones. Thanks for trying to be a hypocrite, Mr. Bannon. If you embrace the alt-right, then you embrace racism and anti-semitism, no matter how small the disease is. <br />
<br />
1. On December 1, 2016 - - Breitbart <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/news/ku-klux-klan-embraces-trump-but-resurgence-seems-unlikely/" target="_blank">posted a story on the KKK embracing Trump</a> but hinted that resurgence is not likely to happen. In this story, a comparison of the KKK is made. <br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<ul>
<li><i><span style="color: blue;"><b>Far from the killings or the burning crosses that made the Klan’s grim reputation, leafleting is now the Klan’s chief activity in 14 states</b></span> and “gives them an extensive geographical reach,” said Carla Hill, an investigative researcher with the Center on Extremism of the Anti-Defamation League, the Jewish group dedicated to fighting intolerance.</i></li>
</ul>
You mean to say that according to Breitbart the KKK is no longer in the league of murdering innocent non-white men, women and children, burning of the cross, and anti-semitism???? In May, an <a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article138193633.html" target="_blank">North Carolina group plans a rally and cross burning </a> In 2014, a former KKK Grand Wizard <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/04/14/hate-and-hitler-in-the-heartland-the-arrest-of-frazier-glenn-miller.html" target="_blank">murdered two people whom he thought they were Jewish </a>- - they were actually Protestant. Last year, a judge handed down a 30 year sentence to a former KKK member convicted of <a href="http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Life-sentence-possible-in-X-ray-terror-case-10805529.php" target="_blank">planning a calculated "death ray" attack on Muslims and other civilians in the NY State Capital region of Albany.</a> <br />
<br />
2. On Feb. 3, Breitbart posted a story about the violent protests at the University of California at Berkeley which<a href="http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/02/03/berkeley-blue-state-blues-treat-violent-anti-speech-left-like-kkk/" target="_blank"> violent left wing terrorists shut down a planned speech by former Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos</a> (I treat everyone as a terrorist when they cause death and/or destruction to advance a cause.) In that story is another defense of the KKK which was "forced" to pay $7 million to the mother of a son killed by Klansmen because they had assets compared to the groups responsible for the Berkeley Univ. incident which had no assets for any prospect plaintiff to go after in court. Imagine the victim's mother reading this disgusting passage.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><i><span style="color: blue;"><b>Unlike the KKK, which had a national headquarters that it was forced to hand over to a black woman because of a $7 million civil judgment over the murder of her son</b></span>, there are no assets to seize, no institutions to shut down, no one financially liable</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
"Forced to hand over millions" for murdering a child - - that's like backing ISIS, Sick.<br />
<br />
3. A <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/07/18/watch-black-gang-members-attack-kkk-in-south-carolina/" target="_blank">video and story </a>was posted about black gang members attacking a Klansmen at a KKK rally in South Carolina. I never condone acts of violence to anyone, however Breitbart labeled the video as "shocking" in the story. In contrast - - another story <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/california/2016/02/27/exclusive-footage-stabbings-bloody-melee-at-kkk-rally-in-southern-california/" target="_blank">has a video posted about KKK members</a> stabbing several counter-protesters at a Klan rally in Anaheim, CA - - but not a single word of "shocking" can be found in this article. Like the 3,000 plus innocent people murdered by the KKK should be "shocking" too - - but Breitbart won't say that word if the shoe is on the other foot. <br />
<br />
<br />
Here are <a href="http://www.cosmopolitan.com/politics/a8288455/who-is-steve-bannon-trump-chief-strategist/" target="_blank">17 things you should know about Steven Bannon</a> - - unlucky #13 is no surprise.<br />
<br />
<br />
Sexism, anti-Semitism and homophobia is common in Breitbart too - - they claim that <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/06/15/heres-why-there-ought-to-be-a-cap-on-women-studying-science-and-maths/" target="_blank">there should be a cap on women studying science and mathematics.</a> Of course Bannon hates his own ex-wife -- he was <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/steve-bannon-donald-trump-breitbart-alt-right-president-elect-a7415556.html" target="_blank">arrested twice for domestic abuse.</a> In regards to anti-Semitism, this Jewish website has <a href="http://www.jta.org/2016/11/14/news-opinion/politics/trumps-chief-strategist-5-things-jews-need-to-know-about-stephen-bannon" target="_blank">posted 5 things about Stephen Bannon </a>as well. Israel is our closest ally and friend of the United States. Breitbart's homophobic views are easily expressed, such as promoting a <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/milo/2017/01/13/live-10-et-dangerous-faggot-tour-returns-california/" target="_blank">"dangerous faggot tour"</a> is a common Breitbart story against LGBT. While I hold my beliefs about homosexuality with respect to religion freedom/expression - and against same-sex marriage - I am truly disgusted about how such an event which is truly anti-LGBT would be promoted by Breitbart. Such a comment at work would be grounds for a Federal EEO discrimination lawsuit by the victim(s) and immediate termination by the instigator, like this below by Stephen Bannon. <br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><i>“That’s one of the unintended consequences of the women’s liberation movement – that, in fact, the women that would lead this country would be feminine, they would be pro-family, they would have husbands, they would love their children. <b><span style="color: blue;">"</span></b><span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://heavy.com/news/2016/11/steve-bannon-dykes-donald-trump-strategist-what-is-white-nationalism-alt-right-2016-presidential-election/" target="_blank">They wouldn't be a bunch of dykes</a>"</span> </b></span> - </i></li>
</ul>
<br />
Let's make one thing clear - - not supporting LGBT is not homophobic - - you can respect them while they should respect you and treat them equally - - be at work or at home. But name calling like that is vile, disgusting, and definitely homophobic.<br />
<br />
<br />
There are many other conservative news sites such as Fox News, Mother Jones and NewsMax which can adhere to the right-wing core values without being racists. For me, I'd rather read a biased right-wing or equally biased leftist news site over a racist one, I know what I will be getting may be good for our country. <br />
<br />David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-30935065995750207182017-03-17T19:59:00.000-07:002017-03-17T19:59:38.072-07:00More failed announcements on D/F and A/C weekend diversionsOn the last weekends of the <a href="http://wakefieldbxdave.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-craziest-weekend-coming-up-in-nyc.html" target="_blank">D/F reroutes</a> on Feb 24-26 - I would think conductors on other routes <a href="http://wakefieldbxdave.blogspot.com/2017/02/nyct-employees-are-unaware-of-d-and-f.html" target="_blank">would do better than Week 1 from Feb 10-13</a>, nope - - not much better on Week 3. And on one of the last weekends of the A/C Cranberry Tube diversions, most conductors on the 2/3 lines were still announcing the A/C transfers at Fulton and Park Place<br />
<br />
<br />
Starting with the D and F diversions, I went to work on Sunday night, Feb 26 - - first up is the E train at 7th Ave which is a transfer point to the D train - - as in my prior observations, I selected certain stations which have a transfer to a line which is not running and no other alternative service is available or the alternative service would significantly add more time than the existing service where the wrong announcement took place. In the case of the E observations at 7th Ave and 53rd st station, the customer coming off the E train would be forced to wait for the next E train since there is no D service. At least the conductors on the E should say something about no D service at 7th Ave, only 2 out of 4 passed - - both were World Trade Center-bound (southbound) trains. All times are PM<br />
<br />
6:40 - - Northbound, car #9866 - - Failed<br />
6:49 - - Southbound, car #9554 - - Passed<br />
7:02 - - Northbound, car #9404 - - Failed<br />
7:16 - - Southbound, car #9910 - - Passed<br />
<br />
<br />
Next up was the 7 train at 5th Ave again, a transfer only to the D and F through the passage, only one out of 5 passed<br />
<br />
7:36 - - Northbound, car #7545 - - Failed<br />
7:48 - - Southbound, car #7924 - - Failed<br />
7:51 - - Northbound, car #7234 - - Failed<br />
7:55 - - Southbound, car #7269 - - Passed<br />
8:07 - - Northbound, car #7462 - - Failed<br />
<br />
<br />
Finally, the 4/6 at Bleecker Street - - Broadway/Lafayette for the D and F (4 trains ran local to Brooklyn Bridge). While there were only 3 observations, they all failed.<br />
<br />
8:21 - - Southbound 6, car #2100 - - Failed, didn't say anything<br />
8:34 - - Northbound 6, car #7628 - - Failed<br />
8:47 - - Southbound 4, car #1135 - - Failed<br />
<br />
<br />
And why continue to suggest the D for service between Manhattan and Brooklyn on the 4 line - - the D does not connect directly with the 4 because it is running on the A and C lines -- - it should have been the F between Manhattan and Brooklyn because you can transfer between the 4 and F at Canal St and again at Atlantic Ave for the 3 train. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUGxVJEl0oNqn5uanROBqUldw6ipO1Fn9HvR1qV_vWBETLzCgl6DounpmFH0cKyOuGg_vUpMe_y-AWHcECCLwP55aU5sOL3zoAhTe48Fh16GuwkET8p6ZUIIf6fkjOjlKYe8hPB7P3dI/s1600/20170226_180421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUGxVJEl0oNqn5uanROBqUldw6ipO1Fn9HvR1qV_vWBETLzCgl6DounpmFH0cKyOuGg_vUpMe_y-AWHcECCLwP55aU5sOL3zoAhTe48Fh16GuwkET8p6ZUIIf6fkjOjlKYe8hPB7P3dI/s640/20170226_180421.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Other thing to note, on an Northbound F train, 9:20 PM car #9517, the condctor manually announced 1 at Times Square and 5 at Union Square - - neither one was running at that time - - no service on the 1 line and 5 trains did not operate south of 42nd Street-Grand Centra;.<br />
<br />
<br />
On March 11 there was no A/C and 4/5 service at Fulton St, - - of the observations along the 2 and 3 lines at Fulton, only 3 out of 11 passed. After a year and half of the A/C closures at Fulton and the start of the 4/5 closures, you would think conductors would learn by now - - most haven't. All times are PM.<br />
<br />
9:00 - - Southbound 2, #6345 - - failed<br />
9:05 - - Northbound 2, #6520 - - failed<br />
9:08 - - Southbound 2, #6485 - - failed<br />
9:18 - - Northbound 2, #6631 - - failed<br />
9:22 - - Southbound 3, #1480 - - passed<br />
9:37 - - Northbound 3, #1625 - - failed<br />
9:43 - - Southbound 2, #6630 - - failed<br />
9:47 - - Northbound 2, #6327 - - failed<br />
9:50 - - Southbound 3, #1316 - - passed<br />
9:56 - - Northbound 3, #1461 - - failed (no announcement)<br />
10:02 - Southbound 2, #6560 - - failed<br />
10:10 - Southbound 3, #1375 - - passed<br />
<br />
<br />
So, when will NYCT ever fix this?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-64711855783689265802017-03-13T21:26:00.000-07:002017-03-14T13:24:23.037-07:00MTA keeps customers in the dark on Winter Storm Stella, as usual<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Tonight, the n'oreaster Stella is poised to batter the New York Metropolitan area with 12-20 inches of snow. The MTA and NYC Transit was preparing for this storm - - and with that, NY Governor Andrew Cuomo ordered the suspension of all above ground NYC subway service starting at 4 AM, similar to a service plan last year, this time with the addition of Q service running between Canal Street (upper level) and 96th Street/2nd Ave. You can view the<a href="http://newqa.mta.info/sites/default/files/mta/2017_winterguide_subway_map_b_with_2_av_subway_1-26-17.pdf" target="_blank"> special map here</a>. MTA New York City Transit really does an outstanding job of keeping as much subway service running as possible but fail (once again) in informing customers about service changes tonight in preparation for the mandatory 4 AM partial shutdown. In fact, it's the customers who are telling NYCT about the service changes taking place after this evening's rush hour.<br />
<br />
Last year, I posted my <a href="http://wakefieldbxdave.blogspot.com/2016/01/your-real-undiluted-guide-to-nyc.html" target="_blank">real and undiluted guide</a> to the winter service changes - - same deal tonight with B and W line suspensions - - as well as most express service running on the local track. And only half of this is on the MTA website. The only service changes they posted are the D/N local in Brooklyn, and the N/Q local in Manhattan. Everything else they posted was 3-4 hours late or was after a customer tweeted to NYCT's Twitter account about why the W was not running or the 4/5 were running local in Manhattan.<br />
<br />
<br />
Here's what they didn't post - - no B service after 7:30 PM. In fact, I checked TripPlanner+ - - it showed two B trains at 10 PM. And I called the Travel Information Center at 9:30 PM, asking if the B was running, they said yes the B is still running - - here are the snapshots showing nothing anywhere on the MTA website:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoZf2h0-2mJmPK832tvKMo6hUhKWytoKhjaeW90NyWzbNYk6ufDfmGl52xLTZvV7CRp2umX9Z1zHAltlaEKE5snEdyPXnQqTODWfGJON-hGhLO6hrC3ANY4EcVhNX8D9sQ1wgtMkNPhI/s1600/20170313_170611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoZf2h0-2mJmPK832tvKMo6hUhKWytoKhjaeW90NyWzbNYk6ufDfmGl52xLTZvV7CRp2umX9Z1zHAltlaEKE5snEdyPXnQqTODWfGJON-hGhLO6hrC3ANY4EcVhNX8D9sQ1wgtMkNPhI/s640/20170313_170611.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poster at 145th Street, Lower level B/D platform</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPqRcrlyqc4_BPVSJMLnPAATDr1XzyoxwSbqGgnYwbq58by7f-uz1l7_7-FTYb_1pQ5p5n8Qd0hW-psSqzUNPeZsljvVrvuL-7bpqVWezanaiTmrJW5QzggyIH_fJ0rvm6_1nd9aLDqA/s1600/Screenshot_20170313-220456.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPqRcrlyqc4_BPVSJMLnPAATDr1XzyoxwSbqGgnYwbq58by7f-uz1l7_7-FTYb_1pQ5p5n8Qd0hW-psSqzUNPeZsljvVrvuL-7bpqVWezanaiTmrJW5QzggyIH_fJ0rvm6_1nd9aLDqA/s640/Screenshot_20170313-220456.png" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snapshot showing D and N service changes but no B service change posted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfe9Cg-poR-pxgvUlonah3qY_H9GhAapxwSZSp08onHKQffk_AQH2M-2ifsAFgDbQqLxUTgBEtZFJqaKphufKlUWCV5SfPIBVLT4DYIXj9PpCC0NEqgMpF-so9Upib2cgEn-iatOvCBBs/s1600/Screenshot_20170313-221059.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfe9Cg-poR-pxgvUlonah3qY_H9GhAapxwSZSp08onHKQffk_AQH2M-2ifsAFgDbQqLxUTgBEtZFJqaKphufKlUWCV5SfPIBVLT4DYIXj9PpCC0NEqgMpF-so9Upib2cgEn-iatOvCBBs/s640/Screenshot_20170313-221059.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trip Planner result showing B trains arriving at West 4th Street after 100 PM, nearly 3 hours after the start of the B suspension<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And the customers took to Twitter asking NYCT why their train was not running. Nothing was ever posted on the MTA website on the last two shown and the W suspension was posted after Josh Abrams complained about no W service. And it;s NYCT who should be telling the customers about these service changes, not the other way around. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4KL5dhGhp-FVu57Lr8I3jF8JrZnmXMgyvs4WLq4t-vUdIEXiRgtEOiX6CLccxSft3CjVWnpgBzjnHJeRX14fWKHb8GqhELUCDYUKK-cruR0uW1-SLDJ2ZsLX5pfRUwxBIoN2pU3EfvA/s1600/Screenshot_20170313-230924.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4KL5dhGhp-FVu57Lr8I3jF8JrZnmXMgyvs4WLq4t-vUdIEXiRgtEOiX6CLccxSft3CjVWnpgBzjnHJeRX14fWKHb8GqhELUCDYUKK-cruR0uW1-SLDJ2ZsLX5pfRUwxBIoN2pU3EfvA/s640/Screenshot_20170313-230924.png" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdE_QNjulXQKBU3sJY7dWkip9e-gBvsG5zZa5T0SCEFpbDMHDZcdBBPaS5EvRPHbkSkNiDeDk0CBZT3c-rM0VfdX1Er2YMNXzHD_Jj1REE8TH_pCS2qQxSyf-2nIsVzrepG3q2rXqsOw/s1600/Screenshot_20170313-233527.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdE_QNjulXQKBU3sJY7dWkip9e-gBvsG5zZa5T0SCEFpbDMHDZcdBBPaS5EvRPHbkSkNiDeDk0CBZT3c-rM0VfdX1Er2YMNXzHD_Jj1REE8TH_pCS2qQxSyf-2nIsVzrepG3q2rXqsOw/s640/Screenshot_20170313-233527.png" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYuecvCWaeNRI3fg6dxf1hflY5roXobhnQUdkHrynlgUE3t41-ypyXra2Ej2vQRllVAHhuT7Xvoce6WUW79z0ta-KSI2AGCWOWWvSLF1F0-BdNlUuXJTLGYdTwQ0VvH7p83ZuPyvimK8/s1600/Screenshot_20170313-231324.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYuecvCWaeNRI3fg6dxf1hflY5roXobhnQUdkHrynlgUE3t41-ypyXra2Ej2vQRllVAHhuT7Xvoce6WUW79z0ta-KSI2AGCWOWWvSLF1F0-BdNlUuXJTLGYdTwQ0VvH7p83ZuPyvimK8/s640/Screenshot_20170313-231324.png" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The 2/3/4/5 trains were running local in Manhattan at 8 PM - - NYCT didn't post anything until 11:50 PM, nearly 4 hours later. That's not "<a href="http://alert.mta.info/status/1">up-to-the-minute service updates through the service status box on the alert home page."</a> Frankly, that is a complete lie by the MTA. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKL45o1Sze2JTWzRN7wV03vxK3xlIJEcE8OpeACQb4pOcnstESbRxbmUIPFyU_NH3Tx-IJgrrla4B9QfvbzR6DQQTh7AI81-X6ZIt2LKdmk3KV071EEUEwwwX00JML-23hiV3eVXirEU/s1600/Screenshot_20170313-223648.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKL45o1Sze2JTWzRN7wV03vxK3xlIJEcE8OpeACQb4pOcnstESbRxbmUIPFyU_NH3Tx-IJgrrla4B9QfvbzR6DQQTh7AI81-X6ZIt2LKdmk3KV071EEUEwwwX00JML-23hiV3eVXirEU/s640/Screenshot_20170313-223648.png" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUmTVr-C30Sq7CF6jfq90N0zOlOo7SaKWZlbIO1FrNc24d0EuRpWnFxleEZsXAliqgGWPpazATNSe_aUsOlL89Cc1Vk8cCPZg9PHzoDVSHRggKHutc_2PdOGo2y8sEQvqyKR6uTtzp6c/s1600/Screenshot_20170313-223449.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUmTVr-C30Sq7CF6jfq90N0zOlOo7SaKWZlbIO1FrNc24d0EuRpWnFxleEZsXAliqgGWPpazATNSe_aUsOlL89Cc1Vk8cCPZg9PHzoDVSHRggKHutc_2PdOGo2y8sEQvqyKR6uTtzp6c/s640/Screenshot_20170313-223449.png" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEVFSDFa6VNpPhakuwYK5Rt9-g24YYaZsHztGw_vcQV7Yi0qcC5-BsnDEz4pWjAPxYA2M0H9Ly3ed7WRVaWh1U6iO6cOcsxMVYnwNt97WlYdAhlyBslDUMPR9L1-HXkGCW5gDpUWPLc0/s1600/Screenshot_20170313-233641.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEVFSDFa6VNpPhakuwYK5Rt9-g24YYaZsHztGw_vcQV7Yi0qcC5-BsnDEz4pWjAPxYA2M0H9Ly3ed7WRVaWh1U6iO6cOcsxMVYnwNt97WlYdAhlyBslDUMPR9L1-HXkGCW5gDpUWPLc0/s640/Screenshot_20170313-233641.png" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MTA Homepage as of 11:34 PM, showing almost nothing on 2/3/4/5/A//E/F service changes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So here is a checklist on what they posted and missed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A local in Brooklyn and Manhattan after 8 PM - - nothing</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
B suspension - - nothing</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
D local in Brooklyn and Manhattan - - posted on time for Brooklyn service change, 3 hours later for West 4th-34th Street, nothing on 59-145.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
E/F local in Queens after 8 PM - - nothing</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
N/Q local in Queens, N local in Brooklyn - - posted on time for both</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
W suspension - - after someone tweeted it - 1 hour late</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2/3 local in Manhattan - - 3 hours late</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4/5 local in Manhattan - - 3 hours late</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4 local in Brooklyn - - nothing</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
UPDATE: As of this afternoon, they posted everything this morning related to an all underground service plan - - additionally, northbound 1 train service now terminates at 191 Street instead of 168....why was it difficult to post the suspension of B service and other changes last night?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
MTA New York City Transit, you failed again in informing customers. David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-82125451442919474122017-03-12T19:59:00.001-07:002017-03-12T19:59:34.333-07:00The mistake of firing Preet BaharaWall Street criminals, embezzlers and crooked politicians (Democrats and Republicans alike) can now sleep better thanks to President Trump and U.S. Attorney General Sessions backstabbing against the greatest prosecutor in U.S. criminal justice history: Preet Bahara, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of NY State. Bahara's reputation as a crime busting prosecutor makes the great cop, Eliot Ness like an shy school boy. He has prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases,<a href="http://money.cnn.com/2017/01/18/news/companies/jpmorgan-chase-mortgage-discrimination/" target="_blank"> won billion dollar settlements</a> against the <a href="https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/nys/pressreleases/February12/citimortgageincsettlement.html" target="_blank">largest world banks for fraud,</a> won criminal convictions against two of the top Al Qaeda terrorists, two powerful politicians in NY State, several contractors involved in that infamous <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/men-involved-citytime-fraud-sentenced-20-years-article-1.1771989" target="_blank">CityTine overtime fraud scandal</a>, and has been <a href="http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2112129,00.html" target="_blank">honored in Time Magazine</a>. Bahara represents the American Dream, an immigrant from India who graduated from Harvard and Columbia Law school, and rose up the ranks in criminal law as a hungry prosecutor to be appointed by President Obama as U.S. Attorney General. After President Trump's election, he personally arranged a meeting with Bahara at his Trump Tower residence, asking Bahara to remain as AG. Bahara accepted Trump's offer and continued to work, until last Friday when Sessions requested the resignations of the remaining 46 AG's who were Obama appointees. Since Bahara was one of the 46 asked to resign, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/03/11/preet-bharara-said-he-wanted-to-be-a-u-s-attorney-forever-well-he-was-just-fired/?utm_term=.c57814b73308" target="_blank">he refused and subsequently was fired,</a> according to a <a href="https://twitter.com/PreetBharara/status/840645773985492992" target="_blank">tweet</a> from Bahara's newly created personal Twitter account. It was also confirmed that <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-justice-idUSKBN16J0Y3" target="_blank">President Trump did try calling Bahara</a> to "thank him for his service", indicating that his services to the incoming administration were no longer needed. The firing put a sour taste on Bahara's mouth, comparing it to NY State <a href="http://heavy.com/news/2017/03/moreland-commission-preet-bharara-andrew-cuomo-twitter-trump-new-york-moorland-public-corruption/" target="_blank">Gov. Andrew Cuomo's formation then sudden disbanding of the Moreland Commission. </a><br />
<br />
We know it's customary for incoming Presidents to purge any of the predecessor's "fingerprints", including replacing all attorney generals. However the timing of this matter in relation to Trump's request to keep Bahara, then Sessions firing him 3 months later while there are important criminal investigations against aides to<a href="http://observer.com/2016/09/bharara-promises-gory-detail-of-corruption-at-core-of-cuomos-office-and-agenda/" target="_blank"> NY State Andrew Cuomo</a> as well as <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/trump-firing-preet-bharara-derail-de-blasio-probe-article-1.2996018" target="_blank">NYC Mayor De Blasi</a>o facing multiple criminal investigations is disgraceful at worst for the American public. Bahara didn't care if you were Republican or Democrat, he went after anyone with greased hands, if you were a crook, Bahara's got your number....in jail. Hey Trump, Bahara even got <a href="https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/nys/pressreleases/December09/perezchristopherpleapr.pdf" target="_blank">convictions of at least one Mexican cartel, </a>with a 30 year sentence.<br />
<br />
But back to the firing...why? It's too soon to tell as I will not post why because it's currently speculation. But the right wing conservatives are blaming liberals, by<a href="https://libertywritersnews.com/2017/03/hammer-time-attorney-just-learned-brutal-lesson-messing-president-trump/" target="_blank"> claiming crocodile tears</a> over Bahara's firing. Former Gov. Mike Huckabee warned that holdovers from a prior administration will <a href="http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/03%2011/mike-huckabee-jeff-sessions-calls-46-obama-attorneys-resign" target="_blank">"probably gonna sabotage the administration</a>". That is not the issue - - the issue is whether the move by Trump in keeping Bahara then firing him 4 months later smells of corruption and scandal - - in the Trump Administration. Even after the firing of Bahara, it won't compromise his ongoing cases as they are usually handled by Assistant District Attorneys. AG Session's replacement will not be anywhere near Bahara's league - - it's a tough act to follow when you amass over 100 plus convictions, taking down one of the most powerful politicians in NY State (former NY State Assembly leader Sheldon Silver, he currently remains free on bail) and refuses in submitting to partisan politics, the U.S. Government has lost a great leader in criminal justice. <br />
<br />
Beware Trump and Sessions - - that Bahara firing may bite you guys back....hard. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-65627883883136021902017-02-28T20:20:00.000-08:002017-02-28T20:20:39.068-08:00President Trump's 2017 State of the Union Address, I turned it off.After watching the first 15 minutes of Donald Trump's first State of the Union address on the White House Facebook page, I turned him off.<br />
<br />
I wanted to see President Trump talking about some more specifics of a middle-class income tax cut - - instead he repeated the same things he touched upon previously - - the US-Mexico wall, Mexican Cartels (and the Mafia is not supposed to be bad?). He touched upon terrorist attacks by foreigners but fails to see how the Ku Klux Klan is rising again to be a greater threat than radical Islam (and ISIS is bloodthirsty). <br />
<br />
But most of all, it's the same old story of bickering between liberals and conservatives - - they act like brats to each other and are unwilling to find a common ground. I agree with some liberal points (civil rights, anti-assault weapons, protecting our environment, boosting wages, union strength and protections), however some liberal points are no good for my more conservative views (protection of religious liberties, putting able-bodied welfare recipients to work, government deregulation, strict illegal immigration laws while placing priority of the health and safety of individuals) and putting American people first. Surely we had President Obama for 8 years, is the city of Detroit any better now? No Is the economy any better? No Are we in a collision course of the American spirit being decimated by racism, intolerance by the LGBT against religion (and intolerance against the LGBT community themselves in general), union destruction by Right-To-Work laws, a weaker and less educated American workforce. a crop of college graduates who know more about Beyonce than the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (Theresa May), and the state of climate change? Definitely yes. <br />
<br />
But at the end of the day, I also must realize that <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/27/politics/donald-trump-address-not-state-of-the-union/" target="_blank">Trump's address to Congress was required for any incoming President</a>. The U.S. Constitution requires a President (especially newly elected) to report to Congress from time to time. <br />
<br />
But let's not forget one thing. Whatever former President Obama responded after a terrorist attack, conservatives attacked him for PR stunts. Trump is doing the same thing Obama is so what's the difference? That's what a President does.<br />
<br />
<br />
It's too bad that Trump's opening message on Black History Month was more of a fake PR stunt than a message of hope. Want to respect minorities? <a href="http://www.cosmopolitan.com/politics/a8288455/who-is-steve-bannon-trump-chief-strategist/" target="_blank">Get rid of Steven Bannon for good</a>. That's a start. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And as for Breitbart News, I will explain why Breitbart (unlike Fox News which tries to be "fair and balanced") is the most racist/sexist news site on the web today. Good night everyone. <br />
<br />
<br />David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-67249137907291611452017-02-13T19:29:00.001-08:002017-02-13T19:45:18.253-08:00NYCT employees are unaware of the D and F swap.Friday, I reported on the <a href="http://wakefieldbxdave.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-craziest-weekend-coming-up-in-nyc.html" target="_blank">weekend's D and F route swaps</a> in Manhattan and Brooklyn, I went out for a few hours on Saturday and after what I observed, NYCT managers need to stop ignoring the subways on weekends and see what's wrong. There is a lot that is wrong, conductors on the L, 4, 6, and 7 lines not saying anything about the D/F station closures, no announcements or station personnel at certain stations and wrong information on display messages as well as the MTA press release.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The message signs and accompanying announcements about the 4 not running between Brooklyn Bridge and Utica/New Lots - - one of the suggested alternate routes is the D - - it should have been the F instead (because you can transfer between the 4 and F trains at Canal Street or 14th Street-Union Square). Coordination and accuracy, please.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXmNpmBuPPMh5jbH3lNaZGo8GZKPp_0bArTAD0I3AM0uRfm8r0UN_mQBUQ8Ah-sFKDb50PhVTtaHsDsFyhXBcoyfK8V1tNwyfUiyptKApT0yp7NYr9zMP65_aftbWKEGL_8JVYbqzZWQ/s1600/20170211_185125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXmNpmBuPPMh5jbH3lNaZGo8GZKPp_0bArTAD0I3AM0uRfm8r0UN_mQBUQ8Ah-sFKDb50PhVTtaHsDsFyhXBcoyfK8V1tNwyfUiyptKApT0yp7NYr9zMP65_aftbWKEGL_8JVYbqzZWQ/s640/20170211_185125.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Next is the <a href="http://www.mta.info/press-release/nyc-transit/weekend-subway-service-advisory-185" target="_blank">NYCT Press release</a>, which mentions the D and F reroutes but has the standard Coney Island bound F trains bypass local stations between 18th Ave and Neptune along with instructions to take a Coney Island bound F then double back on a Manhattan bound F. A footnote should have been used to avoid confusion because the D trains will bypass these stops (and on these weekends, Coney Island bound F train DO stop at Bay Parkway, of course the Bay Parkway on the D line). <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_LIInSeTG-jmZMv87Ijh8-f93EflZF4pJafBoOgeMPfrO0iLwXncdcZkJ5R2BSDU6xhRwH1fypPaek2h7UEHO02lQS_BKgBZiyUaR9LuvD177knlvjbFdflAgc64LXp879XEt1LcGV8/s1600/Screenshot_20170212-143723.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_LIInSeTG-jmZMv87Ijh8-f93EflZF4pJafBoOgeMPfrO0iLwXncdcZkJ5R2BSDU6xhRwH1fypPaek2h7UEHO02lQS_BKgBZiyUaR9LuvD177knlvjbFdflAgc64LXp879XEt1LcGV8/s640/Screenshot_20170212-143723.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Now the observations on Saturday 2/11 - - first on the 4 and 6 lines at Bleecker Street which is a transfer point to the D and F lines downstairs at Broadway-Lafayette. A simple message advising customers who want F service to stay on the 4 or 6 to Canal Street would help. For the D, they can take the shuttle bus upstairs to West 4th Street. As for the Broadway-Lafayette station platforms, there were a lot of people waiting downstairs - - ignoring the signs upstairs. However I didn't see any NYCT personnel at the stairs from the 4/6 Downtown and Uptown platforms. Only one conductor actually mentioned no D and F service at Bleecker/Broadway-Lafayette complex.<br />
<br />
5:10 PM - - Southbound 4, car #7171 - failed<br />
5:13 PM - - Northbound 6, car #1947 - passed (the only one)<br />
5:23 PM - - Southbound 6, car #1747 - announcement was inaudible<br />
5:28 PM - - Northbound 4, car #7164 - no announcement<br />
5:54 PM - - Southbound 4, car #7106 - failed<br />
6:10 PM - - Northbound 6, car #1767 - no announcement<br />
6:16 PM - - Southbound 4, car #1103 - failed<br />
6:25 PM - - Northbound 6, car #1976 - failed<br />
6:33 PM - - Southbound 4, car #1131 - failed<br />
6:41 PM - - northbound 6, car #7591 - failed<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I took a look at Canal Street on the lower (N/Q Bridge) platform, it was a huge mess. No directions to N trains stopping on the R platform, or suggestions to take the F to Atlantic Ave for the N - - no platform conductors anywhere to give assistance and directions. Next stop was the L line where it is a transfer point to F trains at 6th Ave/14th Street station. Only one conductor on the L line passed. And you cannot have the FIND display showing routes which are not running at a certain station, such as the 5 at Union Square and the F at 6th Ave. NOTE for L train observations, northbound is towards 8th Ave, southbound is towards Canarsie. In case the car numbers were the same between north and south runs, I stayed on the train at 8th Ave terminal as it usually was the next train to leave with a different crew operating the train. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK37hmSl_qnVo7J-8z3GWyFg7_BNDlohKnKXoPQsxqDhdmYq4jSth55fruBqkQK5hgPt6Qzj8cmBggUHI0eXo5LqGYxqLvcweCrELCuxvlCkUdNtKVlk8bpsAfzvf_aGOO7Sd9r4s3Zgs/s1600/20170211_193214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK37hmSl_qnVo7J-8z3GWyFg7_BNDlohKnKXoPQsxqDhdmYq4jSth55fruBqkQK5hgPt6Qzj8cmBggUHI0eXo5LqGYxqLvcweCrELCuxvlCkUdNtKVlk8bpsAfzvf_aGOO7Sd9r4s3Zgs/s640/20170211_193214.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
7:02 PM - Northbound, car 8328 - failed<br />
7:07 PM - Southbound, car 8328 - no announcement<br />
7:16 PM - Northbound, car 8160 - failed<br />
7:20 PM - Southbound, car 8160 - failed<br />
7:25 PM - Northbound, car 8372 - failed<br />
7:30 PM - Southbound, car 8372 - no announcement<br />
7:41 PM - Northbound, car 8181 - failed<br />
7:51 PM - Southbound, car 8244 - passed<br />
<br />
<br />
And then over to the 7 line, where it is a transfer point to the D and F trains at 5th Ave, a good place to briefly strand customers when 7 line conductors don't say anything about the closure, and only when these customers walk down the passageway will they find out the D and F are not running there. Northbound is towards Flushing-Main Street, southbound is towards 34th Street-Hudson Yards. <b><u>All of these conductors failed in not announcing the D/F closure</u></b><br />
<br />
<br />
8:10 PM - Northbound, car #7284<br />
8:21 PM - Southbound, car #7905<br />
8:26 PM - Northbound, car #7535<br />
8:30 PM - Southbound, car #7340<br />
8:40 PM - Northbound, car #7940<br />
8:46 PM - Southbound, car #7504<br />
8:54 PM - Northbound, car #7869<br />
9:08 PM - Southbound, car #7397<br />
9:12 PM - Northbound, car #7467<br />
<br />
<br />
Going back a little bit, on the weekend of January 21-22 there was no service on the 2 and 3 lines between Manhattan and Brooklyn. Of course, if you took the downtown A to Chambers St, you would never know that these conductors would say nothing about no 2 and 3 service at Chambers/Park Place, nor at Fulton. Additionally, northbound F trains were rerouted on the A and C lines, and with manual announcements made, they still told customers that they can transfer to the 2 and 3 as well. In fact, the incorrect announcements are so bad, <b><u>I saw a conductor on a northbound F train say "Transfer to the 2 and 3" at both stations - - with a Train Service Supervisor right behind him, listening to his announcements - - and saying nothing about this inaccuracy.</u> </b><br />
<br />
There were no C trains running to these stations, C trains from 168th Street were rerouted to 2nd Ave on the F line. Only one conductor on A and Northbound-only F trains actually said that there was no 2/3 service at these stations - - out of a total of 15 observations. The following observations all took place on the evening of January 22, most of which took place while standing at Chambers Street, an island platform where it was possible to make both northbound and southbound observations at once.<br />
<br />
<br />
7:07 PM - - Northbound F, car 9522 - - failed<br />
7:10 PM - - Northbound A, car 5959 - - failed (announced 2 train only<br />
7:16 PM - - Southbound A, car 6018 - - failed<br />
7:18 PM - - Northbound F, car 9573 - - failed<br />
7:24 PM - - Southbound A, car 5982 - - failed<br />
7:28 PM - - Northbound F, car 9447 - - failed<br />
7:30 PM - - Northbound A, car 5866 - - failed<br />
7:35 PM - - Southbound A, car 6210 - - failed<br />
7:40 PM - - Northbound F, car 9422 - - failed<br />
7:46 PM - - Southbound A, car 6004 - - failed<br />
7:48 PM - - Northbound F, car 9783 - - failed (TSS was on board this train)<br />
7:55 PM - - Southbound A, car 6154 - - No transfer announcement<br />
8:03 PM - - Northbound A, car 6032 - - failed<br />
8:05 PM - - Southbound A, car 6010 - - passed<br />
8:15 PM - - Northbound F, car 9863 - - failed<br />
<br />
<br />
One word of advice, don't ask conductors for directions because they will almost always give you the wrong answer. Many times I would ask them where is the D/F or 2/3 and they would tell me where to go, not saying "they are not running". How dismal is this when TSS and managers are not doing the jobs they are supposed to do?David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049095907997912594.post-62525320043977002582017-02-10T20:08:00.001-08:002017-02-11T07:38:48.625-08:00NYPD gets busted on Inside Edition for illegal license plate coversLast month I reported<a href="http://wakefieldbxdave.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-nypd-illegal-parking-and-false-311.html" target="_blank"> the NYPD's abusive practice of illegal parking</a>, misuse of NYPD issued placards for their personal vehicles and filing false 311 reports on illegally parked vehicles. I also reported a Twitter user <a href="https://twitter.com/placardabuse" target="_blank">@Placardabuse</a> who (in addition to the aforementioned issues) has been after the NYPD for illegal license plate covers (to evade tolls and violation cameras) as well as emission cheats (cops allowing their personal vehicles to lapse in their NY State Emissions stickers).<br />
<br />
<br />
Well the NYPD was caught on camera by the syndicated news program, Inside Edition yesterday, and license plate covers could not be blurred for the TV cameras this time. <a href="https://twitter.com/4lisaguerrero" target="_blank"> Lisa Guerrero</a> who swoops down for the kill like a hawk against the bad guys po<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1584518352"></span>sted a brilliant and outstanding investigative story<span id="goog_1584518353"></span></a> for Inside Edition on the NYPD's rampant use of illegal license plate covers on the officer's and supervisor's personal cars. Ms. Guerrero counted at least 100 personal vehicles owned/leased by NYPD law enforcement personnel having the plate covers, most of them park in and around 1 Police Plaza (and there are many more like these in the NYPD's Precincts, Transit and Housing Precincts). This apparently was triggered by a story by the Gothamist website (kudos to them too). The NYPD "claims" they are aware of the situation and <a href="https://twitter.com/nypost/status/829795535448047617" target="_blank">issued approx 12 summonses to NYPD law enforcement vehicle owners</a> - - must be a joke because that's 12 percent of the estimated 100 vehicles which Ms. Guerrero saw. Oh the NYPD claims they are "addressing" the issue - - more lies since they were addressing this license plate cover issue with cops in <a href="http://nyc.streetsblog.org/2011/05/04/nypd-still-wont-ticket-their-own/" target="_blank">2011</a> and <a href="http://www.nbcnewyork.com/investigations/Illegal-License-Plate-Covers-PhotoMaskCover-EZ-Pass-Concealment-281652591.html" target="_blank">2014</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Now for the placard of the day (see photos below) - - an NYPD vehicle with an expired from 2011 placard (5 years ago) - - so the NYPD's crackdown on bogus, stolen and abused parking placards<a href="http://nypost.com/2008/07/10/nypds-parking-perk-blitz-bags-1000-cops/" target="_blank"> going as far back as 2008</a> to <a href="https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20110804/manhattan/nypd-owes-1m-unpaid-parking-tickets" target="_blank">2011</a> with at one point <a href="http://www.wnyc.org/story/284275-report-finds-over-half-of-nyc-parking-placards-surveyed-are-either-bogus-or-used-improperly/" target="_blank">over half of placards are fake or abused</a> is definitely not working. Wait a minute, this abuse <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/hook-crackdown-phony-parking-permits-article-1.829466" target="_blank">was happening in 1999.</a> And the NYPD's <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/nypd-cracks-bogus-abused-parking-placards-article-1.2498606" target="_blank">promise last year to clean up parking placard abus</a>e is all fake promises by the NYPD as Placard Abuse, and others like me are still seeing the rampant parking abuse by NYPD officers. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIr341e0F7HeQrN8MDAcEPWQ0zGT2NMI5RoYNI8ObgKcH64VCoJSAwKDfYHk243E3JYEHVIR6eBE3oupVHgzuMzFfRj9gzeJcZ6FbBJgzuUYgLibYpLP9TX6OYgnQXwfrDhgO69Ue_FM/s1600/20170210_124650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIr341e0F7HeQrN8MDAcEPWQ0zGT2NMI5RoYNI8ObgKcH64VCoJSAwKDfYHk243E3JYEHVIR6eBE3oupVHgzuMzFfRj9gzeJcZ6FbBJgzuUYgLibYpLP9TX6OYgnQXwfrDhgO69Ue_FM/s320/20170210_124650.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFBavew5dLrqvn8qJhyphenhyphen6FHRDtQfn4ZveH_Jmhq-m_d7iHQ4bXxbTuZ0CXt6VcHKO6Zt-UTpOVVD2xK3ZsDTZ1JR75JCdmh_FmThZCj3JQqnLEYyeQjkmVrV7JKwtCivhAdhg7wsJwz1s/s1600/20170210_124700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFBavew5dLrqvn8qJhyphenhyphen6FHRDtQfn4ZveH_Jmhq-m_d7iHQ4bXxbTuZ0CXt6VcHKO6Zt-UTpOVVD2xK3ZsDTZ1JR75JCdmh_FmThZCj3JQqnLEYyeQjkmVrV7JKwtCivhAdhg7wsJwz1s/s320/20170210_124700.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3MMAgDtTwbckoF5_gGqWVgHrdVPTQxIqUb7mEnF5TJ-2XRk-ukYW4cm0SbWYuVxFMk4QbLxNDZdXeoJoD94DsCcDiGe-VhfC2aHwasMTYhKGlN_YMTfAMJEnvUUDC-gK7RTw7pZ1VBY/s1600/Screenshot_20170210-163553.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3MMAgDtTwbckoF5_gGqWVgHrdVPTQxIqUb7mEnF5TJ-2XRk-ukYW4cm0SbWYuVxFMk4QbLxNDZdXeoJoD94DsCcDiGe-VhfC2aHwasMTYhKGlN_YMTfAMJEnvUUDC-gK7RTw7pZ1VBY/s320/Screenshot_20170210-163553.png" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Another follow up report coming soon. David G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07291956310915327979noreply@blogger.com1