Welcome to the dark side!

A New York Morning
Originally uploaded by pmarella.

This is a companion blog to Elvira Black's Shithouse rat, devoted exclusively to everything and anything about New York--real estate, neighborhoods, safety, 9/11 issues, things to avoid, must-see and off the beaten path attractions, one day and weekend getaways, insider tips, local news and politics, and more.

Generally, there will be several different categories of posts:

THE BASICS
Detailed information about all aspects of New York City living, with plenty of features covering all five boroughs and points beyond with directions on how to get there, plus lots of useful links for further information.

INSIDER TIPS
Invaluable info from a born and bred New Yorker you won't find in the guidebooks--or probably anywhere else.

OPINION
Culled from Elvira Black's "New York Stories," a regular feature column that can also be found at Blogcritics Magazine,along with plenty of brand new posts for good measure.

QUESTION AND ANSWER COLUMN
Got a question about New York? Just ask and I'll give you the lowdown.

Suggestions for topics you'd like to see covered are welcome.

Comments, both naughty and nice, are warmly encouraged. So lay it on me, I can take it!