6 a.m. grabbed train from Connecticut, alone on the platform, nobody else there (there are always people waiting for this train).
This is a whistle stop platform in the open, fog shrouded, dark. Do they know something I don't?

Approaching Penn station I can see the sky line, doesn't look right with the towers missing.

Standing out in front of our office building (sits on top of Penn Station, in front
of Madison Square Garden). Notice nobody is using the main entrances, that's because they are
all locked. Figure out you have to use the back entrance, only one door, heavy security. If you don't
have a business picture ID (left mine home in my briefcase) you have to be accompanied by security
while they call upstairs to verify you have an appointment.

Sitting in meeting when I receive an email from my sister about Anthrax case discovered in NY.

After meeting I'm out front again, just people watching and killing time when a bomb squad truck
goes roaring by followed by cruisers and ambulances.


Next I'm standing outside Penn Station near the cab stand. Normally has lines of people waiting for a cab.
Nobody is in line, that's because the short street under Madison Square Garden where the stand is located
is blocked off on both ends.

Waiting for train, keep hearing announcements about not leaving any luggage or bags unattended
(normal for airports, not normal for train station).

Finally catch train home. About an hour into the trip we slow to a halt in the middle of nowhere, dark, deserted.
Trains sits there for about 5 minutes, no explanation.

Sure was glad to get back to home.
New York just isn't the same anymore.

Now, now, don't fret. You happened to spend your time in the immediate vicinity of one of our major venues. Those places are experiencing bigger changes.

Mind you, not all the changes imposed since the 11th are negative. Hizoner Guilliani has stopped cars from entering mid-town and lower Manhattan during morning hours unless there are at least 2 passengers in the vehicle. I cannot tell you how happy that makes me (and I have not exactly been one of his fans, although I think he's done a stellar job handling the catastrophe--this he excels at); I (and alot of others) have been saying for years that there are simply too many unnecessary personal cars in Manhattan. It makes a difference--the struggle between pedestrians and vehicles is improved.

And I wish it could have happened another way, but it is reassuring to see a police presence in the subways again.

And I feel very strongly that the WTC area is going to be re-built in a very nice way--I think there is an almost unanimous consensus that it should be done right, i.e. with lots of input and consideration.

We've been and are going through alot, but just beyond the current events, NY is still recognizable.

You're right Bernard.
But it does take some getting used to.
I'm a big fan of New York and I'm just sad to see what it's going through.

My wife and daughter have tickets to 2 Broadway shows and they fully intend to go.
And yes, I'll certainly be back.

Frank B.
Piano World

Oh, Wow! What shows are you going to see? I love theatre but unfortunately Broadway is so expensive (now there's a complex issue!).

I saw "Beauty and The Beast" a few years back and thought it was terrific! Thought "Les Miserable" was miserable! "Phantom" is extravagant and nice but rather hyped. I think the next show I see will probably be "The Full Monty".

I hope you enjoy whatever it is you're going to see.

45 Seconds from Broadway and Rent.

They have seen Rent at least 3 times, still love it. Have also seen Beauty & the Beast and Phantom among others.
My daughter hopes to be on Broadway some day (dancer) so of course she claims this is part of her "education".

My daughter hopes to be on Broadway some day (dancer) so of course she claims this is part of her "education". [/b]

Hmmm.. Ya know, Frank. I think your daughter has a point. One of the best ways to learn is to observe. Right? Well, in that case, you could write the ticket prices off on your income tax as an "educational expense". Course the treasury department might think otherwise.