Dull Ideas

choose to live like this?” My only answer for that question was a truthful and empathetic, “I don’t know.” Why did people choose to make places that aren’t paradise their homes? Why have places like London and New York been the centers of the world of the past few centuries? Was it not knowing what else was out there? If the King of England knew he could have ruled from *insert beautiful tropical island here* wouldn’t he have? England even went so far as to claim these beautiful places as their own and still chose to stay in damp, cold London. New York is no better! New Yorkers are free to live anywhere in the US they want! Businesses are free to call sunny San Diego or phenomenal weather Phoenix their home whenever they so choose. It seems like people are starting to realize that now. Maybe it’s just natural for us to be a little north of Eden, but I digress.

On top everything going on (or lack thereof) in January, you have the “Dry January” crowd. Let me say loud and clear for the people in the back to hear, I am not a fan of that crowd. What is not drinking one month of the year going to do for you? And if you are going to not drink for one month, why January? Are you a masochist? Do it in July when there are a million other things to do instead. And if you do it in July, I will be sure to tell you to stop killing everyone’s vibe and do it in January when it won’t bother me!

Luckily, this is Rockaway, it does not take much looking to find a good time (only a glance at the Rockaway Good Times section in The Rockaway Times, in fact). There is nothing dull about this place regardless of the month. I don’t care how much snow we do or do not get each winter; Rockaway is Rockaway! Before you know it, Johnny strikes up the band, you have a cold beer in your hand, and it’s Memorial Day Weekend once again.

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Many on the peninsula were on edge all last weekend worried about Karly! In case you missed it, Karly is a recently adopted dog, who had surgery last week, and escaped from her home on Beach 117th on Friday afternoon. There were numerous social media posts of her spotted running on Beach Channel Drive towards the Marine Parkway Bridge with her blue surgical collar around her neck. After many locals searched Fort Tilden and other areas looking for her all weekend, Karly returned home on Sunday morning. We love a happy ending! *****

Happy belated Lunar New Year! 2023 is the year of the rabbit. It is certainly not the year of the chicken… Have you seen the price of eggs?

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While we are on the topic of belated things… The Rockaway Times would like to wish its founder, Kevin Boyle, the happiest of birthdays! Boom! *****

Need some ideas for a day trip into NYC? Our new column, “A Ferry Good Time,” by Tracey McCormick, will provide a monthly round up of places to go and things to see and do that are easily accessible via the NYC Ferry. Check it out on page 14. *****

Speaking of the ferry, rumors are that ferry pics will be much appreciated in the upcoming RT photo contest. *****

Stuck in the doldrums of January? Can’t stand the thought of February? Well, guess what... Rockaway St. Patrick’s Day is only 37 days away! *****

The 21st annual Graybeard Din- ner Dance is once again sold out! But you can still be part of the fun by getting in on the winner-take-all pot of gold raffle that is likely to be more than $200,000. You can call the Graybeard Office at 718-6346812 to get in on the raffle or give Rick Horan a call, 917-345-3700, and he’ll deliver them personally. It’s $100 per ticket. *****

Congratulations to Lucas Allen of St. Francis De Sales Catholic Academy for being named one of four finalists from the Brooklyn & Queens Diocesan Regional Math Bee. He will go on to compete at the Diocesan Finals on February 14. *****

New York State has decided that NYC’s ban on the sale of foie gras (stuffed goose or duck liver) within the metro area is a violation of State law. But fear not, the City will not let this dire issue fall by the wayside and will be suing the State in court to keep the foie gras ban. It’s easy to sleep well at night knowing we have our priorities in order.

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The Rockaway Hotel is bringing back its Roller Rock this February. With theme nights, live DJs, food & drink, and a roller-skating rink what more do you need? Check out their website for tickets. *****

As we were going to press, NYC’s snowless streak continues to inch closer and closer to the record reaching 321 days. If the trend continues, the record of 332, set in 2020, will be broken. We have seen plenty of bad weather in the recent month, but the temperatures have not been low enough for snow accumulation.

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According to figures from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 64,577 New Yorkers exchanged their NY driver’s licenses for Florida licenses last year. This new record breaks the one set just the year before when 61,728 New Yorkers made the same switch.