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    Upper West Side Sign of the Times

    January 11, 2026 | 7:24 AM - Updated on January 12, 2026 | 10:45 AM
    in ABSURDITY, ART, COLUMNS
    28

    By Gary Martin

    Gary B. Martin is an illustrator and animator who has lived on the Upper West Side for more than 30 years. His illustrations appear in the Rag on Sundays, chronicling life in the neighborhood, New York City, and the Universe. See them all here. For a broader range of Gary’s work, including animations and other motion graphics, please visit www.martoons.com

    Listen to Rag Radio’s interview with Gary Martin — HERE.

    Subscribe to West Side Rag’s FREE email newsletter here. And you can Support the Rag here.

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    Please limit comments to 150 words and keep them civil and relevant to the article at hand. Comments are closed after six days. Our primary goal is to create a safe and respectful space where a broad spectrum of voices can be heard. We welcome diverse viewpoints and encourage readers to engage critically with one another’s ideas, but never at the expense of civility. Disagreement is expected—even encouraged—but it must be expressed with care and consideration. Comments that take cheap shots, escalate conflict, or veer into ideological warfare detract from the constructive spirit we aim to cultivate. A detailed statement on comments and WSR policy can be read here.

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    28 Comments
    Alice
    Alice
    8 months ago

    Speaker of geezer crossings, when will they paint in the crosswalk in the mid block 72nd St crossing? I crossed the other day and was almost hit by a car who, I honestly believe, does not know a stop light has been installed. Yes, they should see the light but the white stripes would help too.

    9
    Reply
    malt
    malt
    8 months ago
    Reply to  Alice

    Actually our experience has been cars stopping at the light – but bicycles going through the red light as they do everywhere.

    Nearly hit by a guy on Citibike.

    5
    Reply
    Debfrombrooklyn
    Debfrombrooklyn
    8 months ago

    Very cute! Although I am not a geezer, I can enjoy the humor very much. Terrific drawing!

    2
    Reply
    Nancy D
    Nancy D
    8 months ago

    hilarious! I feel seen!

    2
    Reply
    Neal
    Neal
    8 months ago

    I need one of those at 55th and 12th. Used to be able to cross the highway in one green light, but not no more.

    2
    Reply
    DebM
    DebM
    8 months ago

    You ‘ain’t kidding!

    2
    Reply
    Bob
    Bob
    8 months ago

    I don’t think you need the caption.

    1
    Reply
    Don
    Don
    8 months ago

    That hits a little close to home!!!

    2
    Reply
    Joanna
    Joanna
    8 months ago

    This facial recognition thing is going way too far, Gary.

    If it makes you feel any better, by some definitions geezer can refer to a lovable rogue who might be “unusual” but is charismatic.

    3
    Reply
    Judy Orich
    Judy Orich
    8 months ago

    That sign would be so useful here in Sarasota ! Very funny.
    Thanks Gary….

    2
    Reply
    Paula
    Paula
    8 months ago

    Found this definition…” What does geezer mean? Geezer is a mildly negative slang term for a man, especially an older man who’s considered odd in some way….”
    Well, if the sign fits…. 😂

    3
    Reply
    Pat
    Pat
    8 months ago

    I personally don’t know any geezers! lol

    3
    Reply
    Lori
    Lori
    8 months ago

    Haha!

    2
    Reply
    Merle Buff
    Merle Buff
    8 months ago

    How true – I guess we need signs for people to slow down.

    3
    Reply
    Cindy
    Cindy
    8 months ago

    Love that although it’s a little too close to home for those of us who are old geezers.😅

    2
    Reply
    Nina
    Nina
    8 months ago

    Pay no attention. You are as young as you feel!

    3
    Reply
    Nancy D
    Nancy D
    8 months ago

    Hello editors. I went to show my friend the cartoon Gary did last week, but I noticed you didn’t include it with al his others. And not just that one, but all of them since Dec. 14. Can you please put them up? I want to share on my social media. thanks.

    2
    Reply
    Ellen T. White
    Ellen T. White
    8 months ago

    LOL

    2
    Reply
    Corcoran
    Corcoran
    8 months ago

    Why did the geezer cross the road?

    2
    Reply
    Squiggly Wiggly
    Squiggly Wiggly
    8 months ago
    Reply to  Corcoran

    Because he wanted to get hit by a bicycle.

    1
    Reply
    Corcoran
    Corcoran
    8 months ago
    Reply to  Squiggly Wiggly

    That would be sad if true. But sadder still he had no idea when he got to the other side.

    2
    Reply
    David
    David
    8 months ago

    Love it.

    2
    Reply
    Laurie K
    Laurie K
    8 months ago

    I’m officially a geezer!!!

    2
    Reply
    Bill
    Bill
    8 months ago

    Just love this one, Gary. I can definitely relate. Very insightful!

    2
    Reply
    Nancy
    Nancy
    8 months ago

    Better than a geezer driving I guess

    2
    Reply
    Miriam Drachman
    Miriam Drachman
    8 months ago

    Sadly, true!- but funny!

    2
    Reply
    Ken
    Ken
    8 months ago

    Be happy that you get your very own crossing!

    2
    Reply
    Susan
    Susan
    8 months ago

    Ageism. Not funny.

    0
    Reply

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