Top 5 Facebook Talkers Of 2014
We here at CBS New York love to know what our readers, listeners and viewers think about what goes on in New York City and its surrounding areas. And in the city that never sleeps, it can be hard to keep track of all that goes on and all that's talked about. So as 2014 comes to a close, we've taken a look back at the stand-out stories that you loved to discuss this year. In no particular order, here are CBS New York's top five Facebook talkers for 2014.
PBA President: Officers 'Thrown Under The Bus' By De Blasio
Patrolmen's Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch has taken aim at Mayor Bill de Blasio this year over what he feels is a lack of support for the police from the mayor. Following the grand jury's decision not to indict the officer in the Eric Garner case, de Blasio said he and his wife had to have painful conversations with their teenage son about "how to take special care with any encounter he may have with police officers." Lynch didn't take too kindly to the mayor's comments, saying police officers felt they were "thrown under the bus." Later the PBA urged members of the police union to sign a letter that requests de Blasio and the City Council speaker "refrain from attending my funeral services in the event that I am killed in the line of duty."
New York City Doctor Tests Positive For Ebola
Fears of Ebola coming to New York City became a reality on Oct. 23 when Dr. Craig Spencer tested positive for the deadly virus. Spencer, a 33-year-old physician who works with Doctors Without Borders, returned from Guinea, where he worked with Ebola patients, just days before falling ill. News of his failure to self quarantine and trips around New York City before coming down with symptoms incited outrage from concerned New Yorkers and politicians.
John Lennon's Assassin Denied Parole At Eighth Hearing
The man who took the life of John Lennon back in 1980 was denied release from prison in his eighth appearance before a parole board. Chapman fired five shots on Dec. 8, 1980, outside the Dakota apartment house where Lennon lived at 72nd Street and Central Park West, hitting the ex-Beatle four times in front of his wife, Yoko Ono, and others. The panel wrote to the 59-year-old Chapman that it concluded that if released, "you would not live and remain at liberty without again violating the law." It added: "This victim had displayed kindness to you earlier in the day, and your actions have devastated a family and those who loved the victim."
Gov. Christie Tells Sandy Heckler To 'Sit Down And Shut Up'
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is known for his sharp tongue and bluntness with his critics, and that was no more apparent than on the second anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. While speaking to residents in Belmar, a man began heckling Christie about the pace of storm recovery. After several interruptions from the heckler, Christie told him to "Sit down and shut up."
Mark Wahlberg Asks For Pardon For Assault Arrest
Our Facebook users really sounded off after actor and former rapper Mark Wahlberg asked his home state for a pardon for assaults he committed as a 16-year-old living in Boston. In 1988 the luminary hit a man in the head with a wooden stick while he attempted to steal two cases of alcohol. He also punched another man in the face in order to avoid police. Wahlberg admitted he was high on marijuana and narcotics during his arrest and argued that he has since transformed his life and has donated much of his time to philanthropic causes.