My favorite part was the peons barking at the crowd that "absolutely no video" was allowed to be taken. I wasn't interested in that, but I can't imagine Columbia Pictures has any legal right to restrict documentation of anything on public property. It's kinda like my building's obnoxious "Do Not Park Here and Block Entrance" sign in front of a perfectly legal spot. Most people are smart enough to ignore the sign and exhibit their rights as a citizen of New York.

Reminds me of a time a business manager at my first job told me to give $1,000 back to the government that I had earned by serving a month on federal grand jury. The company had paid my salary during the time, so I wasn't positive that I was legally entitled to the money. I told the business manager that I'd be happy to sign the check over to the company. He told me I should give it back, as a goodwill gesture. Give it back? Who tries to take $1,000 out of the pocket of a 22-year-old as a goodwill gesture to the richest entity in the world? I cashed the fucking check, of course.

Just because someone tells you to do something doesn't mean they're right. Look at the guy who advised Roberto Alomar to sign with the Mets.

(I could be wrong on this whole filming thing, but are you telling me anyone can restrict video shot while standing on a public sidewalk?)

Other New York Links:

Quiz: How Well Do You Know New York City? — Test your knowledge of NYC's geography, history and culture. I got 7 of 12 correct, but there were no questions about Coyote Ugly, so I could have done better if the questions weren't so biased against alcoholics. (Thanks, Tim)

Smart-Ass Guide to New York City — An oldie but goodie makes a return appearance. An animated guided to the different neighborhood personalities.

The Official Version of 9/11 Is a Hoax — A Florida writer claims that 9/11 could not have happened without the willful failure of the American defense system. It's an essay that is directed toward the "uninformed few who still believe this tragedy was engineered by Muslim terrorists." I'm guessing no one he knew died in the attack.