For over three decades, Ray's Candy Store [MySpace], the burger, shake, etc. joint, has occupied a hole-in-the-wall on Avenue A across the street from Tompkins Square Park. As you may recall, the past year has been extremely tough on elderly owner Ray Alvarez, who's got health problems, has fallen behind on his rent, and had to deal with Muslim fundamentalists shaking him down for free coffee. Today Neither More Nor Less reports that one of the last vestiges of the old Alphabet City is on the verge of closing.

"According to Ray at 10PM tonight the managing agent of his building—accompanied by her bodyguard—informed him that he has until Friday to pay the 2 months rent that he owes," writes Bob Arihood. "The agent noted that the next time she comes to the store she will have a chain and padlocks to close the store."

One commenter wonders, "Where's George Bailey when you need him?" But if you'll recall, it was the concerned citizens of Bedford Falls who saved George Bailey. Where are all the anti-wine bar protesters now to save Ray from the yuppie scum? This town needs Ray's hole-in-the-wall institution if only to have one place where people can go without crawling to Potter!