I'm not sure yet, but I think the city is emptier than before 9-11. The subways have seats available at times that last August you wouldn't dare try to bring a cup of coffee on for fear there would be no room for your hands. I'm doing less zigging as I walk through Gramercy or Chelsea, there is room to swing your arms on the sidewalk outside of Staples at Sixth Avenue. Ok, I say, people are going on vacation, they are going home from college instead of staying here to work the summer. Ok, I say, more for us. More tables on the upper Westside at 7:30, less trouble getting a movie ticket, no lines at Dag's. Ok

So, why do I feel left behind?