BlogNetNews.com » New York

StreetsBlog: Gov’s Proposed NYC Tax Hike: A Testament to Your Local Pols, New Yorkers

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:09:11 -0500

So it's come to this. With transit revenues plummeting to the point where the MTA has to deal with a $400 million shortfall on top of an austerity plan that already calls for deep cuts in service, Governor Paterson yesterday proposed shifting the burden of the MTA payroll tax [...]

The Wonkster: Another One Bites the Dust

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:01:57 -0500

Councilmember Larry Seabrook, who served in the state Assembly and just started his third term at the City Council, is being charged with money laundering, extortion and fraud, according to an indictment released today by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District.

Some of the charges [...]

The Wonkster: Punishing Monserrate

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:50:44 -0500

Today is the day that Sen. Hiram Monserrate will face the music. Some sort of resolution to penalize Monserrate is expected to be introduced and voted on.

It isn’t clear whether Senate Majority Conference Leader John Sampson will introduce a measure to expel Monserrate or one that simply censures him. Sen. [...]

The Wonkster: Punishing Monserrate

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:50:44 -0500

Today is the day that Sen. Hiram Monserrate will face the music. Some sort of resolution to penalize Monserrate is expected to be introduced and voted on.

It isn’t clear whether Senate Majority Conference Leader John Sampson will introduce a measure to expel Monserrate or one that simply censures him. Sen. [...]

GothamSchools: NEWS: Break out the hot cocoa. City says tomorrow is a snow day

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:50:19 -0500

School buses parked in Red Hook, Brooklyn, wait out a winter storm. From Flickr via Michelle

No news travels faster than word of a snow day. It’s on the radio, on teacher blogs, and in a notice sent by the Department of Education this morning: There [...]

Power Plays: David Weprin vs. Bob Friedrich: Oh, Right, Special Election in Queens Today

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:49:29 -0500

We almost forgot: there's a special election in the 24th Assembly District in Queens today. Heavily favored is David Weprin, the former councilmember who ran for the Democratic nomination for com...

Continue reading "David Weprin vs. Bob Friedrich: Oh, Right, Special Election in Queens Today" > [...]

City Room: A Smoothie That Hits the Spot

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:44:38 -0500

Xoom, a smoothie shop in the East Village, offers a "paw shake," which blends peanut butter, oat bran, bananas and water, and is served in a bowl, a dog biscuit on the bottom. [...]

Gawker: Diane von Furstenberg [Pullquote]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:39:07 -0500

Number of comments: 3
the designer on the sleeping arrangements with her husband, the happy-footed, presumed-gay media mogul Barry Diller, in the upcoming issue of Page Six Magazine.

[...]

Gawker: Science: Yellow Is Nice [Colors]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:37:45 -0500

Number of comments: 8
A new study finds that depressed people generally choose a shade of grey to represent their mood, while healthy people mostly choose yellow. This proves that Harold Ford is healthy! Nice try, John...

[...]

Politicker NY: Future Snow Closes Public Schools

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:37:40 -0500

As an indication that this predicted snowstorm is no joke, Joel Klein has already announced that New York City public schools will be closed tomorrow.

Now the city has worry about clearing the snow, which, as Washington has shown, isn't always that easy.

From Klein:

Due to anticipated inclement weather conditions,' [...]

Gothamist: Early Addition

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:36:00 -0500

Photo of Brighton Beach Sunbathers by Tom Giebel

From the Gothamist newsmap: a Robbery In Transit in Queens; a Jumper Up on W 183rd St & Fort Washington Ave in Manhattan; and an Unusual Incident at E 40th St & 2nd Ave (we [...]

Buffalo Geek: The Cost of Bad Government

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:33:22 -0500

Number of comments: 1

Last week, the Empire Center for New York State Policy released their annual report on NY legislative spending and posted it on their government transparency website, SeeThroughNY. I didn’t see much of any coverage of the release, so I wanted to get this out in front of [...]

Gawker: RuPaul's Drag Race: Miss Tyra If You Nasty [Recaps]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:33:00 -0500

Number of comments: 5
newVideoPlayer(...

[...]

Politicker NY: Madam Governor

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:32:15 -0500

To the slate of candidates bucking the national anti-finance mood and touting their Wall Street experience, add one more name.

"I worked 10 years in finance," alleged Spitzer-madam Kristin Davis told a Libertarian group last week, according to the Daily News. "I was vice president of a hedge fund." [...]

GothamSchools: NEWS: You ask, we answer: Where GothamSchools went to school

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:31:31 -0500

Number of comments: 2

A parent just left this comment on today’s Rise and Shine post:

I think education reporters should disclose information about their schooling–public or private–as well as where their children go, if they have them. I think this is fair especially when a cover story blasts certain aspects of public schools. [...]

rochesterturning.com: What happens to those Tee-Shirts with the wrong “champ” on them?

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:26:02 -0500

Come on you’ve seen it- the end of the Superbowl, the winner of the game is over and suddenly the Tee-shorts emblazoned with the winning teams name suddenly appear and EVERYONE is wearing them. Well, you know they made two sets - one for each team - what happens to [...]

Gawker: Harold Ford, Yellow-Dog Democrat [Color Me Nauseated]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:25:55 -0500

Harold Ford may or may not remember where he lives, but he certainly knows when he's home—because his eyes are assaulted by a garish array of yellow and turquoise walls. No wonder he's trying...

[...]

Capitol confidential: Lancman: We need restrictions after Citizens United

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:22:17 -0500

Number of comments: 1

Assemblyman Rory Lancman, D-Queens, is looking for co-sponsors for a bill that will make it harder for corporations to make political contributions.

Lancman argued today in the New York Law Journal that after the Citizens United decision handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court, “corporations stand on like footing [...]

Gothamist: Bloomberg: Crime Stat Manipulations are "Tiny"

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:22:00 -0500

Bloomberg photo by Oliver 66 on flickr.

Believe it or not, Mayor Bloomberg is insisting that the NYPD's crime statistics are accurate—well, most of the time. "There's always going to be some fudging of the numbers, but it is tiny," the [...]

Politicker NY: Diane to Dish on Diller

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:21:29 -0500

America yearns for dirty details on the red-hot bold-name couple that is Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg. Today, the Post teases a von Furstenberg interview coming in Thursday's Page Six Magazine.

What will Diane discuss?

Love:

"Barry has loved me unconditionally for 34 years."

Loss:

"I did leave him, and I went" [...]

Capitol confidential: NYPIRG’s Complaint Watch

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:15:20 -0500

Number of comments: 1

Fresh off Monday’s failure to override Gov. David Paterson’s veto of an ethics bill, NYPIRG is offering up a “ComplaintWatch” or a friendly reminder about some of the ethical complaints that have been lodged with watchdog agencies as of late.

Here it is.

[...]

Gawker: J.D. Salinger Hated Chris Hitchens, Others (Allegedly) [Feuds]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:11:39 -0500

Number of comments: 21
Greek shipping heir and bizarre social critic Taki Theodoracopulos claims to have a big secret stash of vibrant correspondence from J.D. Salinger. Taki gives the following thumbnail account of...

[...]

Gothamist: Councilman Accused Of Money-Laundering, Fraud, Extortion

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:10:00 -0500

Councilman Larry Seabrook (D-Bronx) has reportedly been hit with a 13-count indictment on federal charges of money laundering, conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, mail and wire fraud, extortion, and receiving an unlawful gratuity. Insiders told the Times that the Democrat—who represents [...]

albany project: The death (and life) of ethics reform

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:08:03 -0500

Governor Paterson's veto of the so-called ethics bill was upheld in the state Senate, as most Republicans voted to uphold it (note: they voted for the bill before they voted against the bill). The fact that politics trumped policy proved that we desperately need an ethics bill.

This bill wasn't it.

This' [...]

GothamSchools: COMMUNITY: Why I Need My Metrocard

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:06:19 -0500

Losing our Metrocards to budget cuts would prevent students from so many low-income and middle-income families from grasping success.

My mother is a single parent. She is putting two kids through college — one at Howard University and the other at St. John’s in Queens — and she still has to [...]

Politicker NY: Yoga Lobby Day

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:02:27 -0500

A lot of people in Albany could probably use that right...

[...]

City Room: Pipe Fitters, Yes. Statesmen, Too.

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:00:17 -0500

Also in the Morning Buzz: the governor's veto of an ethics bill survives an override attempt; a Bronx block patrolled by feral chickens; and more regional news. [...]

Edwize: Graduation Rates, Progess Report Scores and DoE

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:58:52 -0500

At the request of a commenter on my recent post, I am posting a second, more detailed chart on the relationship of graduation rates to the percent of self-contained special education students. Graduation Rates decline as the percentages of self-contained students in a school rise. As self-evident as this [...]

Gothamist: Kerik Sentencing Looms, Prosecutors Ask Judge to Send a Message

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:58:00 -0500

Kerik and The Decider during happier times. Poor Bernard Kerik shouldn't have to spend much time in prison because of his "extraordinary public service," and his "extraordinary and meteoric rise from truly humble origins wrought with hardship," his defense lawyers argue.' [...]

Politicker NY: The Top 20 Leases of 2009

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:55:38 -0500

'Renewal' year's magic word, as litigious lock-ins dominated uncertain annum for the Manhattan office...

[...]

Power Plays: Mets Lower Outfield Wall, Will Still Suck

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:51:58 -0500

The Yankees built a new park with closer and shorter outfield fences, hit a lot of homers and won the World Series. The Mets built their new park with reasonable distances and higher walls ("they ...

Continue reading "Mets Lower Outfield Wall, Will Still Suck" > " [...]

StreetsBlog: Individuals Can Make a Difference: A View from India

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:49:06 -0500

We turn to the Streetsblog Network for a little inspiration this morning, courtesy of Robin Chase -- author of the blog Network Musings and former CEO of Zipcar. Chase shares a story from a friend in India, Vinay Jayaswal, who believes that meaningful change on the most [...]

Gawker: Lady Gaga Now Shares a Penis with George Washington [Going Gaga]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:47:20 -0500

Number of comments: 12
Beloved hermaphrodite and pop art whosiwhatsit Lady Gaga finally gets the perfect tribute from artist Craig Gleason [NSFW] who is making dollar bills in her likeness. Yes, the medium is definitely...

[...]

FishBowlNY: The Flip Side Of Newstand Losses: Accentuate The Positive!

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:43:04 -0500

Yesterday was all doom and gloom for the future of print over at The New York Times, which reported an average newsstand loss in the magazine industry of 9.1 percent and an overall circulation decline of 2.2 percent from the previous year. While we [...]

Gothamist: Mumps Outbreak Hits Brooklyn Orthodox Jews

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:43:00 -0500

With many cases stemming from an outbreak at a Jewish boys' summer camp upstate, more than 1,000 in New York and New Jersey are infected with the mumps, most of them Orthodox Jews. One camper—who caught the old-fashioned childhood disease in England where more' [...]

Gawker: Guy Pretty Copacetic about Being Railroaded by Right Wing [Politics]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:40:13 -0500

Number of comments: 4
Yosi Sergant is the art publicist who was forced to resign his NEA job after a remark on a conference call about engaging artists with public service became a hysterical right wing talking point....

[...]

Power Plays: Video: Dancing Artworks from the Met Museum

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:30:53 -0500

YMMV and maybe it's a shade long, but we liked this dance animation made from objets d'art at the Met Museum by one Nina Paley. ...

Continue reading "Video: Dancing Artworks from the Met Museum" > ' [...]

Gothamist: Brooklyn Gets Swimsuit Cover

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:28:00 -0500

22-year-old Brooklyn Decker (born in Ohio and raised in North Carolina, obvs) is gracing this year's cover of the Sport Illustrated Swimsuit issue. David Letterman says this issue (and the much coveted cover spot) is still [...]

City Room: 59% of U.S. Haitians Lost Loved Ones in Quake, Poll Finds

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:26:01 -0500

A poll released Tuesday found that nearly 60 percent of Haitian-Americans lost loved ones in January's earthquake. [...]

Gawker: Lady-Slasher's Last Day in New York Senate? [Albany]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:25:14 -0500

Number of comments: 16
Today, the New York State Senate may (or may not) expel violent lady-slasher Hiram Monserrate. There are extra sergeants-at-arms and state troopers posted inside and outside the chambers, just in...

[...]

Water Buffalo Press: It’s a man, man!

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:19:07 -0500

Gov Dave’s scandal involves another MAN The WBP has held off on this one until we could speak with one of our Albany sources but we cannot stay out of the rumor mill any longer. Much of the speculation over NYS Governor David Paterson’s possible resignation has involved sex. Not neccesarily a [...]

The Daily Gotham: Is the RNC Committing Fraud with a Fake Census?

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:17:33 -0500

Seems like the Republican National Committee is disguising a fundraising letter as a Census form! I got this email from Congressman Loebsack of Iowa:

I was very disappointed when I heard from concerned citizens in the 2nd District that Michael Steele, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, has sent a fundraising [...]

Gawker: The Perils of Technology, Vol. 187 [Wtf]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:13:09 -0500

Number of comments: 19
Murdering someone and then using her phone to send text messages to her family saying she is tied up in a basement somewhere in an attempt to throw investigators off track: something that we...

[...]

Power Plays: David Paterson Controversy Recalls Another Scandal-Plagued Governor (No, Not That One)

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:12:41 -0500

While everyone still jaws about the allegedly forthcoming David Paterson scandal, the Bowery Boys look back to historical precedent for removal of a New York governor -- not to Eliot Spitzer, but ...

Continue reading "David Paterson Controversy Recalls Another Scandal-Plagued Governor (No, Not That One)" [...]

Serf City: No Free Market on Pandora

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:12:20 -0500

“Avatar”, James Cameron’s triumph of 3D visuals over 2D story and characters, has been described as a searing sci-fi indictment of capitalism. So much so, that the Free Agent’s friends and family have been turning cyber-eyes her way for an expected dissection and rebuttal. Well, I finally saw it a [...]

Politicker NY: Report: Seabrook Surrending to Authorities

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:11:19 -0500

From Ray Rivera:

City Councilman Larry B. Seabrook is expected to turn himself in to federal authorities in Manhattan on Tuesday to face a 13-count indictment accusing him of money laundering, extortion and fraud, a person briefed on the matter said.

Mr. Seabrook, a three-term Bronx councilman and former state [...]

Gothamist: Bloomberg Wants Feds To Promise To Pay For Terror Trial

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:10:00 -0500

Former terror trial supporter and current terror trial opponent Mayor Bloomberg asked the federal government to offer some kind of guarantee that it would cover the costs of bringing Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other suspected 9/11 plotters to justice in New [...]

Gothamist: Presented By:

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:10:00 -0500

[...]

Power Plays: Times: Larry Seabrook to Surrender Today on Fraud, Extortion Charges

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:07:15 -0500

Authorities have been looking long and hard at Bronx councilmember Larry Seabrook for a while now. Back in 2008 the city denied $887K funds to his proposed Bronx African-American Chamber of Commer...

Continue reading "Larry Seabrook to Surrender Today on Fraud, Extortion Charges: Times" > [...]

Politicker NY: Harold Ford Did Not Tolerate People Speaking Ill of Jack Murtha

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:03:36 -0500

In November of 2005, shortly after Jack Murtha switched from being a supporter of the Iraq War to being one of its most outspoken critics, a newly-elected representative from Ohio, Jean Schmidt--who at that time had served for less than three months--stepped to the podium in the House [...]

Room Eight - New York Politics: It’s Beautiful To See That Some New York’s City Council Members Are Continuing To Help Haitians Weeks After The Earthquake Hit

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:00:46 -0500

The way mainstream media operates, you will usually find that after the “big” story dies down -and after the flaming headlines have simmered- there is little follow up to the initial newsworthy event. So lately, you will hardly find coverage from the aftermath of the latest cataclysm to affect the [...]

Politicker NY: Mad No More

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:57:43 -0500

Smoking and casual sexism are not the only retro elements of Mad Men: Madison Avenue-style advertising itself is becoming a thing of the past.

The Times reports today that advertising professionals were not behind many of the Super Bowl commercials "deemed most effective, memorable and talked-about." Instead, the ads [...]

Politicker NY: Gillibrand's Brooklyn Pals

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:53:50 -0500

A reader sent in this photograph of a Senator Kirsten Gillibrand at a house party in Park Slope this weekend.

Attendees, according to the reader, included Representative Nydia Velazquez, Assemblyman Jim Brennan, and District Leaders Jo Anne Simon and Alan...

[...]

Gothamist: More Bald Eagles Spotted In Harlem!

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:51:00 -0500

To be honest, the photo of the bald eagle we posted last week near Fairway was just kind of depressing. There he was, pondering existence over icy waters, looking lonely, and actually balding. But [...]

Gawker: Which Singer Can't Stop Reading Blog Posts about Himself? [Blind Items]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:46:13 -0500

Number of comments: 71
He's probably reading this right now. Hi! A director and his star are probably too busy doing each other to click here, and a celeb couple can't be bothered to interrupt their fighting. That's fine....

' [...]

Gawker: Prosecutors: Bernie Kerik Was a Republican [Criminals]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:44:08 -0500

Number of comments: 8
Disgraced former NYPD commissioner Bernie Kerik is about to be sentenced. Prosecutors are asking for a stiff penalty, since he "became a wealthy man by shamelessly exploiting the most horrific...

" [...]

The Community Alliance: On The Other Hand. . . (No, Not Sarah Palin's)

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:41:00 -0500

Town To Propose A Smaller Lighthouse

Whether the Long Island Lighthouse Project will be reduced to little more than a 2 watt nightlight remains to be seen.

What is clear, however, is that the Town of Hempstead -- in whose hands lies all zoning decisions for [...]

The Daily Gotham: It’s Beautiful To See That Some New York’s City Council Members Are Continuing To Help Haitians Weeks After The Earthquake Hit

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:30:46 -0500

Gawker: "Like, Jason, Where Have You Been? I Killed the Kids or Whatever." [Open Caption]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:29:27 -0500

Number of comments: 10
[Kristin Cavallari of "The Hills" in classical garb while waiting for her suitcase at LAX; image via Bauer-Griffin]

[...]

rochesterturning.com: Too big to fail redux…

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:27:04 -0500

Number of comments: 1

In an attempt to rein in costs the health care industry will consolidate. Is it about cost containment or profit margin? Can’t wait for all the health care consolidations.

One solution will be increased consolidation, with companies led by WellPoint Inc., the biggest U.S. insurer by enrollment, and [...]

FishBowlNY: The FishbowlNY Newsstand: Your Morning Glance

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:26:11 -0500

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

[...]

Politicker NY: Today in Local Sports Coverage: On Blame

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:22:35 -0500

The Daily News is having a little internal squabble.

Mike Lupica gets the back cover story, which blames Peyton Manning for the Super Bowl loss, even though Lupica admits Manning didn't botch the onside kick or give Drew Brees all day to throw.

It doesn't change the fact that it [...]

Gawker: Nothing's More Satisfying than a New Wal-Mart Racism Scandal [The Workplace]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:18:14 -0500

Number of comments: 28
Villainous NASCAR-branded trinket retailer and employer of last resort Wal-Mart is being accused of firing ten African employees in Colorado in order to give their jobs to "local" people (whites)....

[...]

Gothamist: Paterson Bombshellgategate Eve? Gov Denies Luv, Times Still Mum

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:17:00 -0500

With speculation about the contents of a forthcoming New York Times "bombshell" report on Governor Paterson reaching a fever pitch, Paterson personally addressed the salacious rumors in an interview with the Associated Press yesterday, reiterating that he hasn't been involved sexually with another' [...]

StreetsBlog: Today’s Headlines

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:14:24 -0500

Number of comments: 8
Paterson Wants to Shift Transit Tax Burden From 'Burbs at City's Expense (SAS, Crain's, WNYC, NY1)
Haberman: What Are Dems to Do With "Slasher Senator" Monserrate? Sampson Won't Say (Post)
John Liu Says Disabled Placards Are Ripe for the [...]

City Room: Councilman Seabrook Faces 13-Count Indictment

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:12:01 -0500

Number of comments: 9
Charges against the councilman are said to include money laundering, larceny and conspiracy. [...]

Politicker NY: Crime Waves: 'Cruel and Mean'

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:11:23 -0500

Federal prosecuters have recommended that former police commissioner Bernard Kerik serve 27 to 33 months in prison. The defense is requesting leniency. According to The Times:

Mr. Kerik’s lawyer, Michael F. Bachner, filed dozens of letters attesting to Mr. Kerik’s character, many of them from retired police officials who [...]

Power Plays: Bernie Kerik, Cry Baby? Read Tough Cop's Email -- and Weep!

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:56:33 -0500

Who knew that Bernie Kerik, the bullet-headed tough cop now headed to prison, was such a whiner? A really good whiner too, as proved by the latest submission by federal prosecutors to the White Pl...

Continue reading "Bernie Kerik, Cry Baby? Read Tough Cop's Email --" [...]

Albanysinsanity: Albany runs wild amid titillating innuendo

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:34:45 -0500

I just heard Dicker on the radio too. He is correct when he says that the Times is looking for a Pulitzer for a non story.

I have been hearing the rumors since Saturday yet nothing concrete. Either print it or shut up.

ALBANY — The wildest thing about the wild [...]

Gothamist: Suzanne Vega, Musician

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:30:00 -0500

Photo by Mary Rozzi You can't get much more New York than Suzanne Vega. A lifelong resident of the Upper West Side, she's an alum not only of Barnard, but the High School for the Performing Arts and P.S. 161. She's been' [...]

Politicker NY: Malcolm Smith Likes Fred Dicker But Is Boycotting Post Anyway

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:22:48 -0500

The New York Post put Malcolm Smith on its front page yesterday, and accused him--along with Greg Meeks--of not giving Katrina victims charitable contributions they raised.

In an interview with New York 1 News last night, Smith said he doesn't have direct oversight of that charity, and therefore had' [...]

Politicker NY: Morning Read: Paterson, Still

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:20:45 -0500

There are special elections today on Long Island, in Westchester and in Queens.

"Gov. David A. Paterson did not resign from office Monday under a cloud of scandal."

"Chaos."

No sex with "that woman."

Paterson will kick off his campaign on February 20 in Hempstead, then have a February 21 event in [...]

Gawker: Post Uses Paterson's Fight Against Rumor and Innuendo to Spread Rumors, Innuendo [Front Pages]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:14:06 -0500

Number of comments: 5
Do not try and throw mud at the New York Post. You will get dirty. There's still an ominous silence from the broadsheets on the rumored scandal involving Governor Paterson, but the New York tabloids...

[...]

Capitol confidential: A.M. Roundup

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:12:07 -0500

Number of comments: 10

Good morning. It’s Monserrate day. (Notice I didn’t put an exclamation point there.) Additionally, Richard Ravitch will speak to the Association of Counties and special elections will be held for four Assembly seats. David Paterson, amid a storm, has no public schedule. Here are some headlines…

An attempted override of [...]

The Herkimer County Progressive: Good News on the Nanotech Front

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:04:00 -0500

We here in the greater Utica region have been waiting patiently for our "economic silver bullet", while having a front row seat to watch the economic resurgence that is currently taking place in the Albany area. Countless times we have heard the State say that they are planning to locate [...]

Politicker NY: Pared Labor Union Moves Uptown; Option to Buy New 45th Street HQ

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:02:23 -0500

414-422 West 45th Street

Labor union DC 1707 is taking the struggle uptown. Currently housed at 75 Varick Street, the organization recently closed a major deal to move its headquarters to midtown, with the option to purchase the 67,706-square-foot space.

Representing 25,000 members in day [...]

Politicker NY: Freak On! Texan Takes Coney Space to Compete With Other Sideshows

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:56:19 -0500

Jones Walk and Surf Avenue

Coney Island's oldest building will soon play a role in its oldest rivalry: the vying for the biggest, baddest freak show. Texan sideshow owner John Strong is making a bid for the title, signing a new lease at the Grashorn Building on Surf [...]

Atlantic Yards Report: Would the Court of Appeals permit reargument of the Atlantic Yards case, given the Columbia appeal? It's a long shot, and we should know soon

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:51:00 -0500

Number of comments: 0
The unusual, long shot effort to get the state Court of Appeals to reopen the Atlantic Yards eminent domain case it dismissed in November could see a result as early as today, when the Court of Appeals resumes issuing decisions. Or it could linger for weeks or months.Should the court [...]

Upstream: New York Senate & Assembly spending posted on internet. George Amedore ranks near bottom on spending – Hugh Farley near top

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:49:15 -0500

Office expenditures of individual state Senators and Assembly members for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009 have been posted in a searchable format on the Empire Center’s government transparency web site, www.SeeThroughNY.net. Assemblyman Richard Gottfried (D-Manhattan) spent $875,165 on staff, rent, travel, telephone service, office supplies and other expenditures during [...]

Politicker NY: Pop-Up Run Done, Variazioni Warms to Midtown East

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:47:33 -0500

1043 Third Avenue

Last week, Faith Hope Consolo announced another trendy retail score. Following a pop-up test run last spring, fashion boutique Variazioni will open its sixth Manhattan location and its first on the Upper East Side.

"Ironically, we initially met some resistance because the owners" [...]

BuffaloPundit: Flame Bait: Statler

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:42:57 -0500

Number of comments: 10
Image via Wikipedia

I think keeping a mothballed, unused Statler with a negative value needing tens of millions of dollars in renovations and environmental remediation in the very heart of downtown Buffalo is infinitely worse than demolishing [...]

Upstream: New York State Supreme Court rules that adoption proceedings must end if one adoptive parent dies before proceedings finalized

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:40:49 -0500

The Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department, of the New York State Supreme Court has ruled that when a adoptive parent dies before the adoption proceeding is finalized, the proceeding is null and must be terminated. In the Matter of Tia G. (Anonymous), the children’s biological father appealed a court order [...]

Room Eight - New York Politics: Historic Housing Discrimination on Long Island

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:18:57 -0500

Historic Housing Discrimination on Long Island

By Michael Boyajian

Thomas J. Sugrue has written a groundbreaking book, Sweet Land of Liberty, which addresses historic housing discrimination in the nation’s suburbs in the 1960s.

At one point Sugrue states that William Levitt, the founder of Levittown, would not sell his homes [...]

rochesterturning.com: Giving new meaning to “Madam” Governor

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:09:31 -0500

Number of comments: 1

Kristin Davis

(pic via the NY Daily News)

The New York Governor’s race just got crowded. Paterson, probably Cuomo, Lazio, Paladino, now enter Kristin Davis. The Manhattan madam who had Eliot Spitzer as a client is running for Governor with a little help from political hack [...]

GothamSchools: NEWS: Rise & Shine: Crime data doubts sound like those about scores

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:06:46 -0500

Number of comments: 1
The UFT has given donations to most of the politicians that signed on to its school closure lawsuit. (Post) Recent questions about the city’s crime data veracity sound like those about school gains. (Times) Queens politicians are banding together to protect schools that could face closure. (Queens Courier) City investigators [...]

Gawker: David Paterson Fights Back Against Non-Existent Story [Denials]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:00:02 -0500

Number of comments: 25
The New York Governor gave an interview to the Associated Press specifically to rebut "callous and sleazy" rumors based on an upcoming profile that may or may not reveal (more) sexual shenanigans at...

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Power Plays: Coyotes at Columbia Latest Grim Portent of Nature's Wrath

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:46:15 -0500

Coyotes were spotted on the Columbia University campus Sunday. An Ohio State expert says of the urban coyote incusions, "It's not uncommon at all, and it's going to increase in frequency." Texas ...

Continue reading "Coyotes at Columbia Latest Grim Portent of Nature's Wrath" > [...]

Gawker: Jimmy Kimmel Never Called Sarah Silverman Pretty, and Now He Will Pay [Gossip Roundup]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:39:17 -0500

Number of comments: 73
Sarah Silverman unleashes the rage of a thousand indignant female fans on an ex-boyfriend. Brangelina sues News of the World for the break-up rumor. I hereby nominate Kevin Federline to date Kate...

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Gawker: The End of the World is Nigh [Huffington Sachs]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:27:35 -0500

Number of comments: 3
Goldman Sachs' disdainful mouthpiece, Lucas Van Praag, is blogging for the Huffington Post. We know he's 'head of communications' but there are limits. What's wrong with throwing an illuminated...

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BuffaloPundit: The Lowly Cab

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:23:31 -0500

Number of comments: 2

In New York City, cabs are an integral part of the public transportation system. While privately owned and operated, cab medallions are tightly regulated and worth their weight in diamonds.

The problem is that since the demise of Marathon Checker, [...]

BuffaloPundit: Mother of All Scandals!1!

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:06:25 -0500

Governor Paterson is not going to resign.

All of this is viral marketing to build up hype for what will ultimately be a pretty benign profile piece on a controversial political figure, and that Cuomo’s people are promoting the crap out of the whole this-is-career-ending meme.

Don’t believe [...]

Gawker: Bonuses of a Bad Economy [Hooray For Hollywood]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:40:23 -0500

Number of comments: 5
Luxury condos will not be built directly behind the Hollywood sign. Two years ago a developer wanted $22 million to ruin the LA icon. Today, because the market crashed, a conservation group got an...

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Gawker: Joe Rogan Video Ambushes Locker Room Perv Who Spies on His Penis [VideUhOh]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:17:49 -0500

Number of comments: 31
I don't know what's grosser here: The gleeful pervert grinning at ultimate fighter and former Fear Factor host Joe Rogan, or that Joe uses a soundtrack of pig snorts, whips, and the phrase "Ride 'em...

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Gawker: When Puppy Love Is Better than the Touch of a Man (or Woman) [Be Mine]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:31:24 -0500

Number of comments: 17
Twenty-seven percent of American adults would rather spend Valentine's Day with a pet than a human partner. To those of you who just thought the unspeakable: You disgust me. [NYP]

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Gawker: The Prop 8 Judge Is Gay, and It Doesn't Matter [Outing]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:48:23 -0500

Number of comments: 32
Once upon a time, gay activists hated Vaughn Walker for legally squashing the Gay Olympics. But this weekend The San Francisco Chronicle definitively revealed that the Prop. 8 judge is gay. Judge...

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Gawker: Katherine Heigl Wrests Film From Reese Witherspoon's Shrivled Grasp [Trade Roundup]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:45:50 -0500

Number of comments: 1
It's Blonde on Blonde as Katherine Heigl revives an abandoned Reese Witherspoon project. Rachel Weisz is in a spooky murder film. Howard Stern really is in talks to judge American Idol. God help us...

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Gawker: How to Make The New York Times' Most-Emailed List [Infographics]

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:38:27 -0500

Number of comments: 3
Ever since Andrew Wiles solved Fermat's Last Theorem, the greatest intellectual puzzle facing humankind has been: How does The New York Times' "Most-emailed" list work? Science has finally given us...

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Gothamist: Last Night's Action: Devils In A Funk

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:11:00 -0500

The Devils jumped out to an early lead, thanks to Zach Parise and they made it 2-0 on a shorthanded goal from Anssi Salmela. But, Salmela took a vicious elbow from Jeff Carter on the play and had to be carted off on a stretcher. The cheap shot invigorated the [...]

Transit Blogger: MTA To Gain Money From Budget Amendments

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:53:52 -0500

On the 21st of January, I wrote an entry about how the executive budget for fiscal year 2010-2011 unveiled by Gov. Paterson would short change the MTA $104 million. Fast forward to earlier today when the 21-day amendments to the 2010-11 Executive Budget were released which featured a net [...]

Left at the Gate: Target Du Jour

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:37:00 -0500

A source said by NY Magazine's Daily Intel blog to be "close to the Paterson camp" said that, while the (possibly) imminent NY Times story will contain new revelations of marital infidelity on the part of the governor, "the piece is PG-13, not XXX." And he added: "Not to'" [...]