Christmas Greetings-- The Nature of Times Square - Story and VIDEO

Above: Batman testifies before City Council hearing that would rein in activities of costumed characters in Times Square

Story:http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/20/nyregion/times-square-characters-resist-push-to-rein-them-in.html?_r=0

Times Square has seen many changes in the time I have lived in New York City, from drab and has been to down and out filthy and dangerous to the clean Disneyland place it is today.

Part of the New Times Square is the costumed characters who posed with people ( especially children of tourists) and then demand money-- sometimes more money than people want to pay.

Last year, the NYPD began issuing circulars to tourists in Times Square that they did not have to pay the characters ANYTHING-

As you might imagine, Batman, Elmo, Hello Kitty and rest were outraged, especially when the City Council held hearings last November.

As far as I know, they are still wrangling about the whole scene.

Following is a video from last May of the character-loaded Times Square --

http://youtu.be/sBqMIOQD3S4