The madness continues.

Today, the last bit of our Pirkei Avos class was interrupted by 2 burly men, Detective Vinny and Sergeant Tony from the 71st Precinct, who came to educate the young maidelehs at Machon Chana about the crime in Crown Heights. (I noted that their biceps appeared larger than their heads, but could not be sure. After class I conferred with Aviva on this issue, who confirmed my observation.)

I have never met a real-life typical Italian-type Nu Yawker until today. Detective Vinny has apparently been working as a police officer in Crown Heights for the last 20 years. His vocabulary suggested intimate knowledge of our community - 'Pesach', 'yeshiva' and 'Raskins'. I was impressed. And it was almost funny to see this Tony Soprano-type personality addressing a group of bewildered Machon Chana girls, eyes round like saucers, hanging on to every (accented) word.

Anyways the nice detectives told us to be careful and to be aware of our surroundings. They also told us not to get into cars with strangers (yes, even if they offered us candy). And, in the event that we are approached by a stranger in a car who has a gun, run. Why ? Because (and I quote) "At least if you run, you'll get lucky if the guy has a bad shot. If you get into the car, I can gaurantee you that it will be the end of your life."

I can hear the choppers above me and the sirens a few blocks away as I write this.

I love living in Crown Heights.