First things first, we will do our best to keep The SI Tick Report up to date, but realize that we have jobs other than this blog and because they pay us money, they're our top priority. We hope to develop several columns (to which you can contribute) for the purpose of exploring relevant issues. Some of the possibilities are HOUSES THAT DESERVE TO BE NEXT TO EACH OTHER (a pictoral examination of architectural faux pas) and THE DECLINE OF EAST END CIVILIZATION Pt.II (the name says it all). Lest we be construed as bitter Luddites we will also present a column called WHEN GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE or maybe IT STILL IS YOUR GRANDPA'S SHELTER ISLAND (if you want it to be). Thanks for visiting...

Speed Pacer

There has been much in the news about an increase in speeding. We at the Tick Report are concerned about this development that endangers our beloved turtles, deer, raccoons, red foxes and heirloom trees. What do you think? We are proposing an Island-wide limit of 30 mph. We feel that several different speed limits can confuse our over-the-limit-by-four-martini visitors into thinking that 40mph and 30mph signs actually mean they can go 70mph. Take our reader poll at the right.

Public or Private?

We've noticed that certain areas of the Island define themselves as private communities. Are they truly private? Do they receive public services like snow plowing, street cleaning and the like, all at local tax payer's expense? What do you think? What have you seen? What would you like to see? We for one don't look forward to a mosaic of sovereign little fiefdoms.

Life Lessons...your Beach.

Did you know that in New York State all waterfront below the mean high tide mark is public? The access points may not be public, but if you can walk to it, it's yours. There are more and more signs like the one pictured appearing around the island lately. They're put there to intimidate. They don't tell you all the facts. So, Silver Beach Association, whoever you are, your sign is incorrect, though this little road on Peconic is just lovely....

The Decline of East End Civilization Pt. II

This happened sometime in Summer 2006 but is worth retelling. It's August, we're enjoying a pleasant evening at Menhaden Beach when a black, late model Mercedes sedan pulls into the parking lot. The occupants are a well dressed couple of a certain age, I'd say around 60. While Mr. Mercedes stays behind the wheel, motor running (should they have to make a quick getaway, I guess) Mrs. Mercedes gets out, goes to the back of the car and opens the trunk. She promptly takes out two obviously full white plastic kitchen garbage bags (13 gal size) and walks over to the trash barrel at the edge of the parking lot. Without a pause, she lifts the plywood cover off the trash barrel, deposits her household garbage and returns to the car. The stoic Mr. Mercedes then puts the car in gear and they drive off.
What's the deal? Are the monthly car payments so expensive that they can't afford the SI town bags? Can't plan ahead enough like the rest of us and take your garbage to the dump during business hours? In case you're reading this, Mr. & Mrs. Mercedes, be warned I have your license plate number and if I see you do this again I'll publish it in a letter to the Reporter. Shame on you!