) to product names (the Subaru Tribeca SUV, Seven for All Mankind jeans' New York Rinse). And why does everyone want a piece of the Big Apple? Mayor Giuliani "cleaning up" the city, September 11, and TV shows Seinfeld, Sex and the City, and Friends - you know, shows without ethnic characters. There were some we think the article forgot, most notably the Olsen twins heading to NYU and The Apprentice, which, while annoying, has an opening that's like a Valentine to the city. Anyway, Gothamist felt both proud that New York City has that must-have cache but also wary, because what do these other people really know about New York? Do they get sweaty from waiting on the subway platform, because it's 100 degress there while it's at least 20 degrees cooler outside? Do they agreeably wait an hour for a table at the latest brunch place? Do they pay $15 for a cocktail? Do they have their toes run over by all the baby carriages on Seventh Avenue? Maybe the city has a point in trying to show what is made in NYC... more ›

"It's a tragedy, but in this case it sounds like (the suspect) felt he wasn't getting the respect he was due," Lenhardt said. "When a gun is in the hands of a desperate person with low self-esteem, they're going to react that way." Here's the NCPC tipsheet on what to do in a mugging; the first thing stated is, "The best way to deal with the confrontation is to comply by giving the robber want they want." more ›

How do you stay safe? We think that McGruff the Crime Dog's tips for safety for women actually have great application to mean. The "scary NY" (think dirtier, grittier) is the New York seen in Midnight Cowboy, Panic in Needle Park, Serpico or Crocodile Dundee. And those who think that Sex and the City is NYC: In one episode, Carrie was mugged for her purse and shoes. For more "scary" city stories, check the archives of Scary NY. People - just because you have a cellphone doesn't mean you're safe. And our own Laren teaches a self defense class at Prepare and reminds us that there's an open house/graduation on Tuesday, 8:00 pm at 147 W. 25th St. (between 6th & 7th Avenues). Another new resource for getting home safe is Right Rides. more ›

Perhaps because New York City is definitely experiencing a great reduction in crime, Gothamist takes these two crime stories to heart, especially since they occur during things we do normally. New York is a great city that is wonderful for having fun, but with that, we need to respect it by being aware and somewhat wary. more ›