Last night I had the displeasure of walking down 42nd Street and can report that what was once one of the most vibrant and dangerous streets in the world has been given a architectural lobotomy and is now as bland as any mall in the 50 states. There are 2 movie theatres, a BB King Blues Club (featuring such "B" level has-beens as Vanilla Fudge and Edgar Winter), Madame Tussauds, Applebees, McDonalds, Chevy's ("Fresh Mex" - yeah, right), another food court, Disney, and my personal favorite: Jody Maroni's Sausage Kingdom. Give me a break. I feel sorry for any tourist who has spent their hard-earned money to come walk through that garbage. Maybe they should tear is all down and start over. Build a new Madison Square Garden or Penn Station, something to give this pointless block some focus.

Hey Skip: Keep Skipping, right out of town.

While it is true that Times Square is now homogenized chain-America, I am not sure I would prefer the "good old days" - say 25 years ago when it was impossible to walk safely through the area in daylight, much less night time. When porno shops, pimps and drugs were the entertainment. When I was disgusted or afraid having to walk from Port Authority bus terminal to my summer job through the area.

I wish Times Square were filled with unique businesses, with a diverse mix of things to interest many people - we have traded one type of sameness for another. I fear that only the big money represented by these chains was enough to purchase the old real estate and establishments and clean up the area. I think that finances guided its transformation.

NYC is a big city. Times Sq is just a small area. You may like it, you may not. In any case there are tons of others neighborhoods to explore with a variety of character and diversity.

I agree whole heartedly. It looks like Vegas, but worse, since there are kids everywhere.

Oh wait, that is vegas too.

Uh, Skip, I take it you're not a New Yorker. Oh wait... that's pretty obvious.

I have to agree with Skip, in that Times Square is just a crowded mall, with lights. It was disney-fied to attract tourists, and guess what...it worked!! NYC residents stay away from this area, except the unfortunate few who have to work there (those lunch lines at Ranch 1 must be huge!).

However Skip, you may be happy to hear that the seediness has started to return, whether as a result of the falling economy or a new mayor who doesn't give a hoot about quality of life. Just walk past those movie theaters and you'll see what I mean. I have a feeling that in the next 5-10 years you'll have your old Times Square back.

Personally, I prefer 9th Avenue!! Still somewhat seedy, and great restaurants.

You'e already got Grand Central Terminal on 42nd...need another?

I agree with you Suzanne and yes, I am one of those unfortunates who work in the Times Square area! Hopefully Bloomberg won't let the City decay but I have seen a downward slide in the last few months. We want Rudy back!!

Micheal Eisner would never let Bloomberg let Times Square get seedy again. Are you kidding? Mickey, and hookers and pimps! Oh Boy!

And Skippy, hope ya skipped right down to the East Village for some late night "action".

I agree with you Suzanne, especially about Ninth Avenue. Luckily most of the time I have to work in the Times Square area, it's on Ninth Ave. Just had a wonderful dinner at Marseille on 44th St. And there are even more restaurants opening south of 42nd St!

And I agree with you Skip (except Edgar Winter had some great songs). There's a particularly hideous new building going up on the northeast corner of 42nd & 8th. I think it's got candy-colored windows.

You're nuts...born and raised here. It is far better than 20 years ago. Cleaned up and presentable...thanks Rudy!!
Yo!
Bobby

The last time(which happened to be my first visit) I was in New York was about 4 or 5 years ago. We stayed at the Millenieum hotel just around the corner from Times Square. I absolutly loved New York City and aside from a little neon lighting you can hardly say it is that similar to Vegas. The only thing I thought was strange was all the Sbarro (fast food italian restaurants) on nearly every corner! What is up with that?

There used to be sub places called Blimpie Base on each corner - I think the board of health closed down the whole chain.