Happy Evacuation Day!

In a bid to revive a once-popular observance marking the end of the American Revolution, reenactors in Continental Army uniforms and other 18th century dress will stand ready Tuesday to answer questions about the 225th anniversary of Evacuation Day.

Visitors to the event in lower Manhattan are likely to have some. Beginning with: What's Evacuation Day?

Answer: Nov. 25, 1783, the day Gen. George Washington and his victorious troops marched down Broadway while the last British redcoats boarded ships in the harbor and sailed away -- taking with them some of the thousands of Americans who had remained loyal to King George III and were now, suddenly, people without a country.

New York Marks Forgotten Holiday from Revolutionary War

The NY Times has more.

St. Francis Prep turns 150, plans expansion

Well, well. The school that gave us Vince Lombardi, Joe Torre and Eric Gioia celebrated its 150th birthday this year. St. Francis Prep - originally of Brooklyn, but in Queens since the 1970s, is also planning an expansion.
There's a timeline and a video celebrating the anniversary and explaining future plans.

7-11 Robberies In Queens

Created: Monday, 24 Nov 2008, 7:28 AM EST
Kathy Carvajal
MyFoxNY.com Producer

Three 711 convenience stores were robbed early Monday morning in Queens.
The stores were all with seven miles of each other.

Police are not linking the robberies at this point.

Cops are looking for two males who reportedly match similar descriptions for each robbery.

The following 711 locations were targeted:

162nd Street & 46th Avenue
70th Street & Myrtle Avenue
58-12 Francis Lewis Boulevard & 56th Avenue

If you have any information on the robberies, please call police.

He can't be bought, but he can buy everyone else

For a real education on what has taken place over the last few months, take some time out of your busy day to read the whole article linked to below:

Even his strongest allies have a hard time naming a memorable achievement from Bloomberg's second term—beyond his sparking a national gun-control campaign. Instead, he was fixated for most of the last two years by an always-improbable, yet ballyhooed pursuit of the presidency, followed by a largely unnoticed, two-month-long audition for the consolation prize of vice president.

In one of the most sordid performances by a city executive in modern history, Deputy Mayor Kevin Sheekey appeared on NY1 in May to declare that "the person who picks Mayor Bloomberg as their vice-presidential candidate wins the election," partly because Bloomberg would "help finance a campaign" with "between zero and a billion" dollars. This televised and indiscriminate bribe offer generated no takers and, more remarkably, drew not one word of fire from the city media.

The Transformation of Mike Bloomberg

The Bloomberg who came into office as the anti-politician, promising to transform city government, has been transformed himself. Some of us liked him precisely because his wealth insulated him from the kind of horsetrading that diminished his predecessors. But seven years later, Bloomberg has not only proved himself to be a master politician, as hungry for power as anyone we've ever seen, but he's also ended up putting nearly everyone who deals with the city deep into his political debt.

The New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB), which the Times has called the "crown jewel of city political life," was compelled by the mayor and Quinn—who, together, appoint its members—to issue the "draft" of an advisory opinion designed to push undecided council members into the "yes" column. The board assured the council that if the extension passed and a member decided to run for re-election, the thousands of dollars that some term-limited members had already spent in seeking higher office would not count against their cap in a new council race. But it wasn't the substance of the ruling that was dismaying—it was the timing of it. According to sources close to the CFB, Bloomberg and Quinn staffers demanded that the board act before the council vote, with Quinn threatening to pass a similar bill—but with detrimental consequences—if the CFB failed to act. Asked twice if Bloomberg aides had lobbied the board to issue this unprecedented opinion in anticipation of a legislative vote, executive director Amy Loprest dodged the question and finally said: "I can't comment on that." Bloomberg even sullied his own charitable generosity, summoning nonprofits he funds to council hearings to pay homage despite their tax-exempt status, as if there is now a turnstile at his supposedly "anonymous" foundation.

Mario Cuomo trudged down to testify for the extension without revealing that the managing partner at his law firm is a director of Bloomberg L.P. and that the company is the law firm's top client. Ed Koch went from hosting his weekly show on Bloomberg Radio to celebrating the prospect of a third Bloomberg administration. Peter Vallone, who insisted when he was speaker that the only way to undo term limits was by referendum, switched sides without mentioning the $1.8 million in fees his family firm collected last year for lobbying City Hall (to say nothing about his son keeping the family seat). Five unions with fresh new contracts, thanks to Mike Bloomberg, rushed to the witness table, some closing their deals right before and some right after their appearance. Time Warner's Richard Parsons did a stint at the hearing and on his own channel (NY1), even while the Bloomberg administration was extending the company's lucrative cable franchise for six months and considering a 10-year renewal.

One-day MTA strike planned for next June

Louis Kenny of Queens is organizing a grass-roots boycott of all MTA trains and buses on June 9 - just about when proposed fare hikes would go into effect.

"We can all car pool," said Kenny, 36. "If you can walk to work, walk to work. Take a bike. If you have vacation or sick or personal time, take it. We have to do something."

Queens man plans MTA boycott

The MTA is considering hiking the base fare for a subway ride to $2.50 or even $3 by next summer.

Kenny has been passing out flyers on the D and E trains, in Dunkin' Donuts and McDonald's restaurants and bus stops around the city.

The South Jamaica man takes the D and E lines, as well as two buses, to make the 2-1/2-hour commute to his job as a cook at a halfway house in the South Bronx.

He says that he would stay with friends who live in the Bronx on June 9, or get a hotel room near his job.

Day laborers staying because of Obama

By 5 a.m., many of the city's estimated 8,000 day laborers congregate at pickup sites such as along Roosevelt Ave. in Jackson Heights, Queens, the waterfront shopping center at Bay Parkway in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, and outside a BP gas station on E. Tremont Ave. near Lehman High School in the Bronx.

With work so hard to find, many laborers have been trying to earn enough to trek back to their home countries.

But Obama's win has convinced some not to give up yet.

"I have a hope [Obama's] doing something for us, because his parents are not from here," said Guatemalan worker Lazaro, 31, referring to the fact that Obama's father was from Kenya.

Workers hurt by economy but find hope in Obama

DOT gives pay hikes just before cuts

Just weeks before Mayor Bloomberg ordered city agencies to come up with $1.5 billion in savings to help balance the battered city budget, the Transportation Department doled out raises and promotions to four dozen top managers.

DOT RAISE$ EYEBROWS

Seminerio spent campaign cash on defense

Facing federal corruption charges, Assemblyman Anthony Seminerio has used $35,000 in campaign funds to help pay his legal fees, the Daily News has learned.

Seminerio's campaign cut the check to Rosedale lawyer Ira Cooper on Sept. 19, Board of Elections filings show.

Seminerio's campaign treasurer, Lisa Loughlin, confirmed the payment was for legal work connected to his arrest.

"According to a state Board of Elections ethics opinion, the expenditure is permissible," Loughlin said.

While not commenting specifically on Seminerio, state Board of Elections spokesman Robert Brehm said the board issued a formal opinion in 1989 allowing the use of campaign cash for legal fees if the charges are related to the holding of office or running of a campaign.

Embattled pol spends $35G in campaign cash to fight federal charges

Seminerio is not the first criminally charged state legislator to dip into his campaign account for legal fees.

- Former state Controller Alan Hevesi, who pleaded guilty to using state employees to chauffeur his wife, used at least $750,000 in campaign cash to pay his lawyers.

- Former Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin, who pleaded guilty to stealing more than $2 million, paid his lawyers $500,000 from his campaign coffers, but later refunded the money.

- Former state Sen. Guy Velella, who pleaded guilty to a felony charge of conspiracy to commit bribery in 2004, used $400,0000 from his campaign on legal fees.

Sunnyside streetscape now sucks

I can't believe the guy got permission to do this.
It's so out of proportion to the rest of the street, which is quite pretty as you walk toward 43rd Avenue.
Also, I don't think the owner has been doing much construction on it because of the bad economy.
So it's going to look that way for a while.

Hey, how about a mudslide? But seriously, these are 2 weirdly-configured three-family homes with three off-street parking spaces for the one on the right but only one for the one on the left. I can't imagine how that's possible. A stop work order was recently rescinded, so you may see more activity there soon.

A damn shame

A veteran FDNY lieutenant died this morning when a ceiling collapsed on him as he battled a surging fire in a Staten Island home, officials said.

Lt. Robert Ryan's mask and air supply were knocked off by the falling debris, which sent him hurtling to the floor, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.

Carried out by his fellow firefighters, an unconscious Ryan, 46, was rushed to Richmond University Medical Center but could not be revived.

Ryan, a 17-year-veteran of the FDNY, led the first unit of firefighters into the burning two-story home at 39 Van Buren St. in New Brighton at 12:32 a.m., less than four minutes after being dispatched.

Veteran FDNY lieutenant Robert Ryan dies heroically in Staten Island fire

Though fire marshals are still investigating what ignited the small blaze, FDNY officials said it appeared to have been sparked by wiring in the attic. It does not appear suspicious, officials said.

The woman who lives in the building was sleeping when the fire ignited, but she ran out safely after she was alerted by a neighbor who smelled the smoke.

Investing in solar power

When Suen Lau decided to install solar panels on the roof of his home, he could not find a local contractor to bid for the job.

He spoke with a number of contractors he found through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Web site.

“I called 10 or 15 of them before I connected with someone,” said Lau, 45, of Whitestone. “I discovered that a lot of people don’t want to deal with the red tape associated with doing this kind of work in the city.”

Lau found a contractor and is now enjoying the financial and environmental benefits of living in a solar powered home. But the approval of the design of his panels by Con Edison, along with additional permits, approvals and inspections required by various city and state agencies, totaled almost four months.

Solar power fills man’s home, wallet

“These panels produce clean energy and supply 80 percent of my power needs,” Lau said. “I pay less for my energy needs now than I did before the panels were installed.”

Lau estimated that his monthly Con Ed bill averaged $900-$1,000 per month before converting to solar power. He now pays $600-$700 per month.

Solar powered homes also help prevent blackouts because the excess power they produce reverts to Con Ed’s main electrical grid. This extra power can then be used to fortify neighborhoods experiencing a higher demand for electricity.

Solar powered homes require a long-term commitment and large financial investment upfront.

Doorman disconnected from reality

Nearing the last year of his two terms in the city council, Gioia surveyed his council district for the luncheon audience and said, "These neighborhoods really mean the world to me." He means to embrace a far greater number of neighborhoods as public advocate, which he calls "the attorney general of New York City".

Gioia Sees 'Disconnect' Between City, People

...he said, "How many bells are on the front door, how many mattresses are in kitchens?" Having extra residents crammed into apartments only means, along with the Food Stamps figure, that New York is a city in trouble. "People feel strong[ly] about their neighborhoods and about the city, but they see a disconnect" between the city and them, he said.

Actually, bells on the front door and mattresses in the kitchen are more indicative of a temporary community than one that feels 'strongly' about the neighborhood. But where would all the people, especially the illegals, living in the illegal apartments go if the City cracks down on them? So it's ok for this to continue until enough 'affordable' housing is built for them, which will be never. Right, Eric? Funny how this public advocate wannabe has never made a peep about illegal conversions or illegal construction throughout his tenure as councilman. This makes him a strong contender for the 2009 King of Queens Crap award.

Photo from NY Post

NY Times visits Clinton Diner

This space-age-style diner, which was renovated in 1965 and is most famous for being a location in Martin Scorsese’s 1990 movie “Goodfellas,” has been a favorite of local and long-haul truck drivers, some of whom have been stopping by since the 1940s. The 1997 and 1998 editions of the Guide to America’s Best Truck Stop Diners, a handbook published by Vivarin, a maker of caffeine pills, ranked it the nation’s second-best diner for truckers.

Lately, though, many drivers have been avoiding the diner because of an uptick in parking tickets on nearby streets.

At the urging of community groups, the city’s Department of Transportation and the New York Police Department have increased their efforts to enforce truck laws in recent years. The Transportation Department has installed thousands of signs and held community meetings about truck traffic. The Police Department deploys a special truck enforcement unit to problem areas.

Smokey and the Truckers

The community groups want the trucks off residential streets, not Rust Street...

Release the man and the hand!

Note to DOT:

Installing new pedestrian signals is most effective when you remove the plastic that covers them. This one on Metropolitan Avenue at Rentar Plaza has been in this condition for months.

All aboard!

The 1970s are back with a vengeance. Actually, at these late night hours, they never left.

Late Night Subways - The Filth and Hobo Express

Bayside bridge fix debate

THE 216th Street pedestrian bridge in Bayside, Queens, is not much to look at. Covered in graffiti and peeling paint, it is a merely utilitarian structure providing a quick lift over tracks of the Long Island Rail Road. Not many people use it.

Yet, the future of the bridge, built in 1924, is a matter of anxiety in Bayside. The bridge, near 40th Avenue, has a staircase at each end, and in an effort to make it wheelchair-accessible, the city’s Department of Transportation has given the community two options: take the bridge down or rebuild it with winding ramps.

But it is the prospect of ramps that ignites strong feelings. Mr. Haber, a retired bridge engineer, dismissed the ramps as “a farce” that the community had not even asked for. “There are no handicapped people that we know of who have requested to go over it,” he said the other day, noting the presence of two automobile bridges, with pedestrian sidewalks, that are about five blocks from 216th Street.

Susan Seinfeld, the board’s district manager, said the community also was concerned that ramps would attract loitering teenagers and criminal activity. “The concern is: Build it and they will come,” she said.

For a Bridge Little Used, a Fracas Over Its Fixing

The Mets will play at ? Field next year

The Mets better not get too attached to the name Citi Field.

Team officials are said to be increasingly nervous as struggling Citigroup's stock continues to plummet - and potentially endangers their $20 million-a-year naming-rights deal for the new $850 million stadium.

METS MAY PAY FOR CITI SLUMP

Mets rep Jay Horwitz yesterday insisted, "There is no change in regard to Citi's commitment to the new ballpark."

But David Howard, the team's vice president of business affairs and main spokesman on the deal, for the first time deflected all questions back to Citigroup.

And the future doesn't look good for the financial giant.

Citigroup's stock woes are making it ripe for a takeover, and Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, HSBC and State Street Bank are already being talked about as potential buyers or merger partners.

The onetime banking titan closed at $3.77 yesterday, down 89 percent in the past year.

4-alarm fire at Astoria commercial building

Hundreds of firefighters battled a four-alarm fire in Queens Saturday.

It broke out around 11 a.m. on the first floor of a five-story commercial building at 37-01 31st Street in Astoria.

Fire officials say combustible materials in the building, such as paints and wood, created an explosion and the second floor collapsed.

Some workers on the third floor were able escape by climbing down a ladder.

Fire officials say while everyone made it out safely, six employees were injured and at least four firefighters with minor injuries were taken to the hospital.

Officials were still investigating Saturday night what caused the fire.

Four-Alarm Queens Fire Injures At Least 10

I can't imagine why this happened. I'm sure everything at this worksite was strictly kosher and up to code and that the sprinklers were working. This building has a spotless record.

According to Fox 5, "The fire was apparently sparked by construction workers making repairs inside the building."

Real talk at Astorialogues

Ladies and gentlemen, I have heard my last horror story about Astorians.com. If you want a place to make meaningful conversation about Astoria and its environs, I suggest you go to Astorialogues, which actually welcomes dialogue about overdevelopment and neighborhood problems. Click graphic to visit site.

Bloomberg approval rating takes nosedive

Mayor Bloomberg's approval rating has dropped to its lowest point in three years - a 9% nose dive that shows New Yorkers are angry with his change in term limits and plan to raise taxes on homeowners.

A Marist poll out Friday showed 59% of voters think he is doing an excellent or good job, down from 68% a month ago.

It's the first time his popularity has fallen below 60% since August 2005.

But perhaps more damaging for the billionaire-turned-politician is that his lead over rivals for next year's mayoral race is thin.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg's approval rating drops to 3-year low after term limits, tax hike