Free Republic

The Mumbai, India terrorist attacks should serve as a reminder that terrorism is real, tangible, and a threat everywhere...waiting only for the right opportunity to explode. And, try as we all do to engage in denial, the reality is that it is only a matter of time before a Mumbai-style event occurs on American soil. Back in 1993, right after the first World Trade Center bombing, I was talking with a friend of mine who was raised in Israel. I opined that it would be a relatively simple matter for terrorists to stage simultaneous attacks on, say, a dozen shopping...

WASHINGTON, March 24, 2008 – What began in 1919 as simple lodging for servicemembers returning from World War I has since become a “jewel in the heart of Manhattan,” with an expanding mission that includes supporting deployed troops. “The main effort of the Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard & Airmen’s Club is to provide reasonably priced accommodations to servicemen and women, as well as any members of the (New York Police Department and New York Fire Department) in order to express our gratitude for all of their efforts,” said Connie Morinello, one of the organization’s committee members. In addition,...

There's something unusual floating in the waters off Manhattan. Thirty-five years after it was first thought of -- artist Robert Smithson's ``Floating Island'' is a barge covered with soil, trees, shrubs and rocks, led by a tugboat. It will along the Hudson and East rivers beginning today. Smithson was one of the most significant artists of the 1960s, who was very interested in exploring nature and landscapes, and how they were constructed. He came up with ``Floating Island'' in 1970 and unsuccessfully tried to bring it to life. He died in 1973 at age 35 after a plane crash. For...

In their attempt to curtail repeat sexual predators, some members of the City Council are taking a cue from the reality television show "Survivor" and trying to vote them off the island. A bill co-sponsored by 14 council members would effectively exile ex-convicts classified as medium- and high-risk sex offenders from Manhattan. The legislation, written by the council's Republican leader, James Oddo of Staten Island, would bar Level 2 and Level 3 offenders from living, working, and "loitering" within a quarter-mile radius of schools, parks, playgrounds, and day-care centers. Violations would be punishable by up to six months in jail...

The News' Heidi Evans and daughter Alex Shopping for food is an art form when you are dealing with minimum wages. I've spent most of my 20 years in journalism writing about the struggles of the less fortunate. The notion that many hardworking people don't have an easy life in my city is hardly a huge revelation. But living on $206 a week - minimum wage for 40 hours of work - was a sobering and enlightening experience. I recommend it to Gov. Pataki, Joe Bruno, Sheldon Silver and every politician in the state as they consider their vote...

GOP may take Manhattan White House & Mike making nicer for convention By THOMAS M. DeFRANK DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU CHIEF WASHINGTON - New York City is close to winning the prize of the 2004 Republican National Convention, the Daily News has learned, despite White House concerns that Mayor Bloomberg is not enough of a team player. Several GOP sources said that while President Bush has not made up his mind, both Bush and chief political strategist Karl Rove are leaning toward New York's bid. "There's a general view among the President's political advisers that Bloomberg is a reluctant ally,"...

Explosion at technical school in Manhattan