Let’s Make A Deal . . .

You let me drink hooch down on the corner, and I’ll think about voting for you. More, please:

“I never understood why we don’t let you drink in the park.”

The brown-bag phase of the mayor’s campaign . . . Avella, you sure you still want to ban foie gras?

The Golden Days Of Coney Island

And to think they want to turn Coney Island into a giant mall when there is already such awesome excitement to be discovered there:

A capybara, the world’s largest rodent, is the victim of a daily assault of noise, cramped conditions and inhumane treatment — and spectators can witness it all for less than the price of a cup of coffee.

. . .

On a hot Saturday night in Coney Island last week, one young spectator was hardly impressed. “That’s not a rat. That just looks like a guinea pig,” the girl said, disappearing into a thick crowd.

News You Can Booze

Normally there isn’t much point in pointing attention to legislative bills that may or may not ever be voted on, much less passed, but here’s an important one that everyone should get behind:

A bill introduced today in the state Legislature would, if passed, profoundly change the way alcohol is sold in New York. Among its provisions:

• Allow stores that currently sell beer (supermarkets, convenience stores, etc.) to also sell wine and liquor.
• Replace the State Liquor Authority’s licensing system with medallions that could be sold to another operator if a business closes.
• Allow liquor stores to sell “complementary” items including snacks, mixers, etc.
• Permit liquor stores to open as early as 8 a.m. and close as late as 3 a.m. (9 p.m on Sundays).

More Choices: Robert Burck Has Ideas About Homeland Security

If Thompson and Avella can’t do the job, maybe the Naked Cowboy can:

The Naked Cowboy, in a statement announcing the official launch of his candidacy tomorrow, said his platform would include a stimulus plan for small businesses.

“No one knows how to do more with less than yours truly, and that’s the kind of thinking I plan on sharing with my fellow New Yorkers when you elect me,” he said, promising new ideas on tax breaks, tourism, gay marriage, transit and homeland security.

Get In The Van!

Sweet ride:

Here’s Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum’s community van — complete with heavy-metal lettering, breakdance-era graffiti tags and superhero color choices.