Russell Seitz

March 13, 2008

I envy the wrath aimed at lustful pols who sully New York’s Runyonesque reputation by draining its fleshpots into the hotels of DC.
To preserve it, City Journal should lobby City Hall to make the Seven Urban Sins as compulsory as recycling.

Hypocausty
Mirth at the sight of freezing smokers.

Sprawlth
Adding houses to existing suburbs or entablature to East Side garden walls.

Misotaxi
Obtaining cabs by outrunning women with strollers.
Cyclage
Opening car doors into the paths of foulmouthed bicycle messengers.
Zabary
Imposing a trans-fat fast on thy neighbor.

Slouche
Aiming pothole water at pedestrians while driving.

Tammany
Encouraging urban delinquency by voting for politicians.