The 2009 event to remember was another plane crash, but this time with a happy ending. Captain Sully became our hero when he landed the downed plane safely on the Hudson and saved everyone aboard.

And finally, it’s 2010. I’m confused as to whether or not this is part of the oughts or part of the new decade, but in any event it looks like Armageddon. Tornadoes, blizzards, even a local earthquake. Nothing compared to Haiti’s earthquake, for sure.

Guess we should stop whining about a bit of snow and be happy for what we’ve got.

Happy New Year!! Bring it!

A Decade in NYC. Part I
A Decade in NYC. Part II
A Decade in NYC. Part III

2006: Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle crashes his plane into an apartment building on 72nd Street, killing himself and his flying instructor.

Also in 2006, legendary Bowery rock club CBGB closes it’s doors. The final nail in the coffin of old school NYC.

By the end of 2007, the bed bug epidemic swept the city. Three years later, we’re still dealing with it.

2008 was the year of Obama. New Yorkers took to the streets to celebrate in every borough (including Staten Island, but they were evidently McCain supporters).

A Decade in NYC. Part I
A Decade in NYC. Part II
A Decade in NYC. Final Chapter

The day the lights went out in NYC. August 2003. Where were you? I was upstate. Oddly enough, I missed the black out of 1977 too because I was at a bungalow colony with my family that summer.

In 2004, the Republican National Committee decided to hold their convention in our little liberal paradise. WTF? They were met with some resistance. Go figure.

Finally, the end of 2005 brought us the transit strike.  Right in the middle of winter. Fun.

A Decade in NYC. Part I
A Decade in NYC. Part III
A Decade in NYC. Final Chapter

The oughts are almost over and the teens are just around the corner. Since I just realized this today, I’ll be grouping up on my look back at each year of the decade. Today: 2000-2002.

Back when we were partying like it was 1999, some were concerned about Y2K. The millennium went off without a hitch. Unfortunately, a year and 9 months later, we got a front row seat to what disaster looks like. Obviously, September 11, 2001 is New Yorkers’ most unforgettable event of the decade and possibly the century.

My special NYC moment of New Year’s eve 2002? We said good riddance to Mayor Guiliani! Complain as much as you want about Bloomberg, but Guiliani was the devil.

A Decade in NYC. Part II
A Decade in NYC. Part III
A Decade in NYC. Final Chapter

You would think staying safe in NYC would just take a bit of common sense, but apparently it’s not all that obvious to everyone. Now that it’s still dark when I walk to the gym in the morning, I’m more aware of people just asking to be mugged. And no, they ain’t all Mid Western hipsters either (They are not out that early).

Of course this calls for a list.

1. TAKE OFF THE F*CKIN HEADPHONES! WTF? Do I even have to explain why? Also, may I go off topic a little? I don’t care if it’s broad daylight and there are a thousand people on the street. I’ve seen so many people nearly get hit by cars because they aren’t paying attention. I don’t even wear headphones on the subway. I like to be part of the world I live in.

2. The Friggin iPhones and Blackberries. Walking down the street texting. That’s a good way to get your phone stolen. It’s also a good way to get your ass kicked and don’t be surprised if I’m the one doing it.

3. Ladies: Mind your purses! The best bag is something that closes completely and can be slung over your neck and shoulder diagonally. Never carry it on your back and always hang on to it. Oh, and do you know how many times I’ve seen women leave their purses in their shopping carts at the supermarket while picking vegetable? Are you f*ckin insane? You deserve to be ripped off!

4. Guys. The wallets and phones. Back pockets are a no-no. Back packs? No good. Listen, I’ve been guilty of carrying my phone in my back pocket, but only when I’m going around the corner. Never in a busy area.

5. Have your keys ready. It’s late at night. You’re getting off the train and there is (seemingly) no one else around. You’re not wearing headphones, right??? Good. Have your keys in hand ready to put in the door. People get mugged right in front of their own homes while fumbling for keys. I like to carry mine between my fingers so I can jab someone in the eye if need be. Won’t do anything against a gun, but it makes me feel safer.

6. Pay attention. You have to have eyes in the back of your head. Seriously, listen for footsteps and look for shadows. Walk on the bright side of the street or even in the middle if you have to. Of course I’m talking about you being the only one on the street at 4am, not lunchtime in midtown.

7. Trains and buses. Back in the old days when I actually DID stay out until 4am and the city was rough, I had to take the train back to Coney Island. It was second to last stop and by the time I got home, there was usually me and one other drunk in the car. One night, after a guy came over and started jerking off in my face, I decided I had had enough. After that incident, I always got off at Kings Highway where the train was still crowded and took the bus to Coney. It let me off in front of my building and the bus driver was there to protect me. These days I just take a cab home if I’m out late. It’s more out of convenience than safety. Point is: Mass transit is safer than walking and if you’re the only one on a train, at least stay in the conductor’s car.

8. They smell fear. I dunno. I just made that up. I try to look tough, which is pretty funny since I’m 4’11”. Maybe it works. Never been mugged. (Knock wood!!)

Added bonus for your car…

Hel-lo! Do not leave anything of value in there! Yeah, people do that, believe it or not.