toc/mail 36 MUGGED I've been reading New York Press since I got ...

MUGGED

I've been reading New York Press since I got to town in 1997; just read a Russ Smith column ("A Bolt of Youth," 8/31) in its entirety for the first time.

Last weekend I went to see a friend's band at Galapagos in Brooklyn. My ex-roommate's ex-girlfriend was there. She became very friendly after finding out I had weed on me. As soon as the concert was over, we went to her apartment & traded bong hits for like half an hour. Then she passed out.

The next morning, massively hung over, I realized she hadn't really wanted to spend time with me; she'd only wanted my weed. I drank some coffee and thought to myself: Why the fuck did I do that?

That's kind of how I felt after I read Smith's column.

Mark Sanders, Manhattan

OMAHA BUMBLERS

So this is your manifesto! (Newshole, August 24) Fiction, poetry, travelogues? Great novels about Constantinople! Are you serious? If I want that, I can read the Sunday Times or The New Yorker. Let me tell you what a street newspaper is for: To say what other publications won't, because they have to be politically correct or kiss some corporate baron's ass.

Of course, since the departure of Taki's Top Drawer, there was really only one reason left to pick up the Press. Matt Taibbi. With him gone, you guys might as well just close up shop. You don't like New York City anyway. To you "the city is just an anachronism." So why don't you bumblers just move to the outer exurbs of the great city of Omaha and publish poetry and fiction about the highly interesting southern reaches of Nebraska.

Al Mandler, Queens

WHAT YOU SAID

After reading the editors' manifesto and then Jim Knipfel's reply (Newshole, August 24 & "A Fool and a Charlatan," August 31), I say:

Jim: Yeah, what you said.

Editors: Shut the fuck up.

Dennis Gronim, New York

SAME CRAP, DIFFERENT NAME

Harry Siegel could not be more wrong about Coldplay, which he describes as "about to hit New York in support of their new crap CD, A Rush of Blood to the Head" (Music, August 31). Um, Harry? A Rush of Blood to the Head was Coldplay's last crap CD; they'll be in town supporting their latest piece of shit, I Fucked Gwyneth Paltrow and All I Got Was This Lousy Apple (later retitled X&Y).

Also, U2 should've "hung it up" after The Joshua Tree, not Zooropa.

Ben Weiner, Manhattan

A DEMAND

How dare you assume that Rabbi Yitzchok Fisher is a "herpes-ridden rabbi"! (Newshole, August 17). Do you know this as a matter of fact? Have you been privy to his state and local medical test results? Do you know this from Rabbi Fischer himself? Of course not! As a long timeÊpersonal family friend, I know that the opposite is true.

There is no reason that Rabbi Fisher is being kept from practicing his religion except that political figures need to be seen as "doing something." It has been demonstrated to them that it is medically impossible for Rabbi Fisher to have infected these unfortunate children. It has also been shown that if herpes infection were a result of circumcision were true then many, many more cases would have surfaced in circumcised infants, as most adults carry this type of herpes. Visibly this has not been the case. Therefore it would seem obvious that the source of the herpes infection is from somewhere else.

I demand that you print a retraction as soon as possible.

Malka Kay, Far Rockaway

ALL DOUBT CLEARED

I am a 14 year resident of Inwood and founder of the Inwood Runners, the running group formed following the 2004 murder of a woman who was jogging in Inwood Hill Park ("Space Pirates Ahoy," August 24). Her murder remains unsolved.

This July a woman was attacked while jogging around the soccer field, an open public area. Her screams alerted a nearby male jogger who ran to her assistance. In the struggle a menthol solution was smeared in her eyes and she was knocked to the ground where she sustained a head wound that required 15 stitches to close.

This crime also remains unsolved.

Apparently New York Press is the sort of paper that would target a group, which at its core represents an act of self-reliance.

New Yorkers for Parks is an organization that works to promote and protect New York City parks. They organized a local event in Inwood that brought together the Inwood Runners, candidates for Manhattan Borough President and Inwood residents to informally discuss park safety.

I don't know who Chimera refers to as "outsiders" but to Inwood residents they include baseball leagues that use the park diamonds and abuse the privilege by urinating and defecating openly in front of us. I fail to see how being discontent with the status quo of litter strewn fields following a summer weekend makes me any sort of "space pirate". If Mr. Chimera had taken a walk from the salt marsh to Dyckman fields (or simply asked a clarifying question) he would have literally stumbled across the main footpath connecting these sections of park. Over the past few years the path to Dyckman fields has eroded to a rocky sludge that limits walkers. strollers, runners and park vehicles. It is repair of this path to which I referred.

I agree that the isolation that makes this park beautiful also makes it dangerous. But it is not a protected national forest. It is a city park and in a city where green space is scarce, our request to have a footpath repaired to ensure accessibility is reasonable.

To clear up any doubt, I crossed the street from my apartment building to attend this meeting; Mr. Chimera took the A train.

Tamara Ewoldt, Inwood

CHIMERA REPLIES

Ewoldt flashes the badge of residency and cites my A train ride to Inwood with the triumph of Columbian discovery. This ride appeared early in my writing to remove any implication that I might speak for the Inwood mainstream. However, I've spent more than enough time in the area to recognize that the issues advanced at the event I attended were emphasized to an eccentric degree, to say the least.

We should all be able to go alone into any public place with no possibility of being attacked. The expectation that this will be the case, though, is neither reasonable nor characteristic of New York natives.

On the other hand, to feel unsafe in Inwood Hill Park when accompanied by friends is equally unreasonable and still suggests a failure to grasp the obvious dynamics in play. To the extent that the Inwood Runners represent an act of self-reliance (running in groups), I congratulate them as one congratulates a man who has recently adopted a policy of sobriety while operating power tools.

As for quality of life issues, of course I concede that almost any resident of a neighborhood faces more exposure to its uncomfortable details than a non-resident does. However, as someone who is quite sensitive to menace, filth and disregard for public decency, I've personally found almost nothing to make me edgy in the park and its surrounding streets.

Far beyond sensible things like the elimination of drug spots and vagrant camps, I have watched the witch hunt for quality of life crimes and its proponents-for over a decade and throughout many neighborhoods-mindlessly scour away the essence (and, often, the natives) of the city and supplant them with something less. So, yes, I am suspicious of this sort of outcry, and I am openly unsympathetic where I have traveled thoroughly and found it to be unwarranted.

Last week a letter writer (one of several who also attended the event, all of whom took issue with being called outsiders) corrected me, explaining that, contrary to what I'd claimed, the demand for more illumination in Inwood Hill Park did not include the wood. A review of my source materials confirmed, indeed, that I misunderstood the demand. For that, I apologize.

Adam Chimera, Brooklyn

GLORY DAYS

I've said it before, but it bears repeating: Russ Smith, and now I'll add Jim Knipfel to the list, need to be demoted to blogs. ("A Bolt of Youth" and "A Fool and a Charlatan," August 31). New York Press was much improved with columns by Matt Taibbi and the like who actually write about present day concerns and events. Every other article by Smith is a depressing lament for the good ol' days, back when everything was better and he was, as he'll be the first to tell you, much cooler. When he's not lamenting the loss of his youth, he's writing, in insanely boring detail, the minutia of his life, such as browsing a used CD store. How does that make it to print?

At least every so often he quotes the New York Times, though it would be refreshing if he offered a different commentary other than his rote "the Times sucks." I suppose the paper was much better in the good ol' days. And Knipfel lives in the past just as much, as evidenced by his New York was great in 1988 piece. At least we didn't have to read about him growing up as an outcast in Green Bay again. Maybe it's time you put these downright depressing columns to bed, or at least on the internet. It's time for some fresh voices.

Rob Livingston, Manhattan

A PROFOUND CONCERN

Please tell me it's not so! ("End of the Road," August 17). Has Matt Taibbi been exercised from your column section? I very much looked forward to his insightful, acerbic, witty, political analyses each week. In fact, I became concerned at times that I was becoming a public spectacle when I would burst out laughing while sitting at the counter of the "Coffee Shop" (one of my favorite lunch time haunts) while reading his column.

Paul Renner, via email

BIG ON THE WEB

Taibbi's the reason New York Press had a prominent spot in my favorites list. ("End of the Road," August 17). I just removed your site from the list and won't be coming back.

Howard Meyers, via email

SMELL THIS

For your information, you are mistaken:

NYC is virtually unchanged since 1988 in a billion ways. (Newshole, August 24 & "A Fool and a Charlatan," August 31)

For instance, in 1988, NYC had over 30,000 homeless people; the largest welfare rolls in the USA; few public bathrooms; endless graffiti everywhere; overflowing public garbage cans; endless crime; hookers in the streets; no electoral reform; a police department caught in endless corruption scandals; an FDNY that was 95% white; take-out menus littered all over hallway floors; 900,000 potholes; the highest taxes in the nation; endless government corruption; decrepit parks; and it was the most expensive city in America to live in. (I have tens of thousands more examples like these.)

TODAY, all these problems persist and most have gotten exponentially worse, including crime. (EX: identity theft and / or corporate crime has stolen more money than every crackhead in history combined!) (I was just robbed yet again the other day by a bike thief!) (Example: in the '80s, vandals used spray paint, which could be washed off or painted over. TODAY, they use scratchiti and etching acid, causing the total destruction of all windows attacked, including the 100% crime rate of vandalized subway car windows.) (In fact, most problems from 1905 NYC still persist and have gotten worse!)

If you do not believe me, I will gladly take you on a short tour outside and prove any of this with your own eyes. (I also have plenty of video and photos from the awful Dinkins years which prove NYC has barely changed in any way.) (Remember: Giuliani was the white Dinkins.)

If you are sincere in your beliefs (as opposed to yet another dishonest writer shilling for corrupt govt) you will welcome any opportunity to uncover the truth.

Yes, NYC has changed in some ways--you only had to pay $1.00 back then to stand on a putrid and sweaty subway platform or $200 a month for your microscopic apartment; City Hall's wasteful budget was only $20 billion a year unlike 2005's psychotic $50.2 billion dollar budget; politicians salaries are now 100 - 500% higher as they fail taxpayers; and taxes are higher than ever before, but I dare say most people wouldn't call these changes positive.

If you continue to rehash these govt lies (which are identical to the lies Hitler and Stalin used to brainwash their citizenry) then you should not fear a public debate with me.

Everything you've been told about NYC is a lie, and I'm willing to help you find out the REAL story.

Don't you want to know if you've been lied to or not?

(You can come downtown and just smell my neighborhood if you'd like!)

Christopher X. Brodeur, Manhattan

KING OF THE GREASERS

As a editor I am surprised that you would allow Russ Smith's latest to be published ("A Bolt of Youth," August 31). Mainly I refer to the line where Mr. Smith refers to all System of a Down fans as the "worst sort of modern greasers imaginable who like to get high on whatever the drug of choice is for that crowd and beat each other up in the mosh pit." First of all, I do not do drugs; I never have. I don't even drink. Second, I've never been inside of a mosh pit at the eight System of a Down concerts I've attended. I find it in poor taste that this was allowed publication even though it is a personal article. I've worked on a journalism staff before, that would have never passed for appropriate material; even for a opinions article it goes too far. As a active member of many online forums dedicated to System of a Down's music, I have asked others who feel the same as myself to voice their disapproval for this article. I hope you hear from them soon.

Justin Flack, Maryland

ONE-EARED GREASER

You seriously need to open your ear -that's an ignorant thing to say. I am not much of a system of a down fan, but them and their music are not as bad as you state ("A Bolt of Youth," August 31). there are bad performances, but this is not one of them-your article is no good

Omar Canales, via email

A PROUD GREASER

I apologize that you are unable to enjoy system of a down ("A Bolt of Youth," August 31). It doesn't bother so much that you would dislike them and publicly slander them in your publication, but to assert them as a "an awful, politically bombastic band that attracts the worst sort of modern greasers imaginable who like to get high on whatever the drug of choice is for that crowd and beat each other up in the mosh pit. " is just plain bad taste. Take a look at your favorite bands: The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and the doors. All, ALL sir, of these bands have written political songs, most were doing acid while doing so. And I am absolutely positive that the "just turned fifty" crowd in '63 said much the same about your bands, as you have about system of a down. To beat it all you label all system fans as druggies. At the Atlanta show the most drugs that were used were used during the MARS VOLTA show! Makes perfect sense to me, As their music and stage show is very physicdelic. Seeing as how your so close to the Beatles I guess that your more then comfortable with drug enhanced music, such as with the Mars Volta. Lastly, Mr. Smith, how dare you even suggest that all system of a down fans use drugs. That sort of labling printed in a publication is known as liable and is wrong on many levels. I and a large number of system of a down fans not only abstain from drug use, but also protest others use of them. And as a result of your liable against me and thousands of others it would be just for you to submit a formal and public apology. If nothing else to protect yourselves from a lawsuit that, in my view you so richly deserve. And on a personal level I would suggest that you encourage your kids not to only enjoy music inspired by acid. Songs like "Purple Haze" and "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" aka LSD all vindicate using acid.

Michael Miller, via email

AL BUNDY, GREASER

System of a Down are not "an awful, politically bombastic band that attracts the worst sort of modern greasers imaginable...". ("A Bolt of Youth," August 31) They are, in fact, a multi-talented, politically aware band with a great sense of humor. Before you dismiss a band with a such a one-dimensional remark, perhaps you should make some attempt to understand their music and messages. System of a Down's lyrical content embraces much more than politics. But having never given their music a proper listen, you wouldn't know anything about that, would you?

Also, as a fan of the band, I resent being called a "modern greaser". You know nothing about me or my life, so where do you get off making such a snap judgment? By the way, I'm in my 30's, married with children, and a white-collar professional. If that makes me a "greaser", then I'll wear that title with pride.

Stefanie Baker,via email

GREASER OR RAPPER

In the article about the mars volta it insulted system of a down fans wich i happen to be calling us griesers and sayin system of a down is awful i consider this complete disrespect and i feel something needs to happen. i understand opinions but to be so narrow minded and have utter disrespect for individuals is ludacris. well i hope something is done

Eli Joyce, via email

COOL GREASER MOM

I was deeply offended by the Russ Smith's descriptions of System of a Down's fans. He did not support his opinion about the band with any research and facts or even stay for their show. His tone is dismissive and offensive, he has the right not to like them, but not to put a verdict on them or their fans.I am writing to you, so I can share my experience with System of a Down concert on August 4. I was in the same situation as Mr. Smith, going with my 15 years old son, nervous about drug use and mosh pits, thinking that I will be the oldest in the Long Beach Arena. I was not their fan, but before the concert I read some of their interviews and articles about them and learned that they are supporting Amnesty International, raising awareness about the Armenian genocide and working with the homeless in Los Angeles. After arriving at the concert all my fears disappeared, the organization and security were very good, the crowd was under control, of course there was some moshing, but only for the people that wanted to participate. As for the drugs, I saw more people ( Mr. Smith's age) smoke pot and drink on the Eric Clapton's concert couple of years ago than on this one. The band was amazing - lots of energy, very professional sound and light. I was on my feet for the whole show dancing and singing with them. My son was so surprised by me, he still remarks that he has not seen me that happy and excited. That concert brought us much closer - I am not afraid of the unknown dangers at a rock concert, he thinks that I am "cool Mom". We are definitely going to their next concert. As for the System of the Down's music, yes they maybe are not appropriate for younger children because of the lyrics, but they make the young adults and teenagers think and question the world we live in, which is much better than indifference and boredom. There is so many negative things to write about in the music industry ( like the flashy, rap and hip-hop filled MVA show last Sunday), so Mr. Smith, please leave System Of a Down alone, don't listen to them, but don't call them "awful". I am a professional, college educated, never used drugs, don't even party that much and I don't appreciate someone calling me a "greaser" and drug user, because I like certain music.

Milena Kasakov, via email

COOL GREASER KID

Hopefully this email will be passed onto Russ Smith. And not deleted. I would think a 50 year old man would know not to generalize people by now - but I suppose not, in your case. Yes, I am yet another System fan, who read your article in the Press. Pardon my French, but who the fuck are you? I'm aware everyone is entitled to their own opinion- but yours is quite ignorant, if I do say so myself. Have you even listened to System before? Researched them? Given them a chance? You stand on your mighty soapbox judging everyone, yet you didn't even bother to stay for their portion of the show? Have you ever met any System fans? Talked to them? Asked them why they care so deeply for a band? System can't be too awful if they have such a following, can they? How the hell did you make such assumptions that we're all 'modern greasers'? You know so much about us, don't you? And I'll simply let you know right now that a majority of the crowd isn't 'getting high on whatever the drug of choice is for that crowd'. It seems like you made a review of a show you didn't even see. It must make you feel pretty good inside, insulting us greasers, eh?

I suggest you try avoiding generalizations in the future, for it can result in the hurt feelings of many people and plenty of hatemail. But what do I know, I'm just the worst type of greaser imaginable. You should check out the www.soadfans.com forum, we have a nice little thread about you there.

P.S. 'I wasn't looking, but I'll bet if I asked the knowledgeable if somewhat testy managers if they had a complete collection of System of a Down concert CDs, I'd be shown the door.'Your wit astounds me. Way to be an asshole.P.P.S. Who the hell buys concert tickets just to see an opening act?

Have a great day.

Alex, 14, Massachusetts