I’m afraid I have to take this opportunity to slightly amend my blog from last week! Manhattan is getting more crowded by the minute and while that is great for the stores, it is getting a little crazy to get around town. Well, Midtown at least. Now, I know this happens every year, and I must take part of the blame for living in Midtown, but nonetheless, people never cease to amaze me. Now, the stores are still having their sales (and even bigger discounts after the holidays will occur) and while the sidewalks are getting more and more crowded, it is the driving, more so the drivers, that astound me. The taxis take the cake in my opinion. As the city becomes more crowded with out-of-towners and with the supply of taxis already in short supply come rush hour in Midtown, it is nearly impossible to get one. Add the traffic from the tree at Rockefeller Center and be prepared to put on your walking shoes and hoof it to your final destination. If you are able to get a taxi, leave plenty of time to get where you are going, especially if you have to be anywhere around 5th Avenue. The traffic is at a crawl from 49th Street up to 59th Street, essentially from FAO Schwartz to Saks Fifth Avenue at Rockefeller Center. But, what I have to laugh at is how taxi drivers will decide if they want to take you where you ask to go and will be so audacious as to kick you out! Now, locals and out-of-towners alike, you must know this is illegal for them to do and they can be reported and fined up to $1000.00. I also learned that if you are waiting for a taxi and the guy 100 feet up from you is also waiting and the taxi comes to you first, but then notices the second guy has a suitcase and may hold an airport fare, the taxi cannot overlook you! So, a word to wise this holiday season – If you are need of a cab, don’t be afraid to put your own pedal to the metal and make sure you get the ride you are looking for! -Alex Young, associate publisher and vice president