*My assistant has received some calls from readers who don't like the new crossword puzzle in the paper. I didn't know we had a new one. But, sure enough, I'm told by the editors that the longtime puzzle syndicated by Tribune Media Services was discontinued when the author retired. The syndicate has since been sending us a puzzle from the Los Angeles Times, which, according to the callers, is too California-centric. The editors will keep an eye on it, while at the same time checking on other options. If you do the puzzle and have an opinion, drop us a line to publisher@freemanonline.com.

*New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg is already running for a third term with a barrage of TV commercials. In one he says New York is "the greatest in the world" in which to live. Not so fast, mayor. I'll agree with you that New York is the greatest city in the world. I'll also agree it's the greatest place to live if you have money or and/or you live in a particularly nice neighborhood. But, face it, for many, New York is expensive, cold, dangerous and uncomprising. In short, not the greatest place to live. (For the record, I grew up in the Bronx in a wonderful neighborhood in a simpler time. I wouldn't want to live in the old neighborhood today.)

*Memo to New York Mets' shortstop Jose Reyes: Is your uniform so uncomfortable that you can't wait to get to the clubhouse after a game before pulling your shirt out of your pants? It says here that's sloppy and disrespectful. By the way, doesn't the word "uniform" suggest everyone on the team dresses the same? Apparently not. Check out the many different ways baseball players set the length of their trousers. Me? I'm partial to the classic 1950s and '60s look with mid-ankle stirrups.