Today in 1895, the Washington Square Park Archway was unveiled. To celebrate its 117th birthday, we dipped back into the Municipal Archives photo archives and found some new vintage gems showing the archway way back when, and plans for the park in 1890.
Happy 117th Birthday, Washington Square Park Archway
Anniversary Of Bin Laden's Death Means Terror Advisory From Feds
Move over, Occupy May Day actions, there's actually a federal advisory about the May 1st anniversary of Osama bin Laden's death. Newsday reports, "The FBI, Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Northern Command issued an internal intelligence bulletin late Wednesday stating terrorists would consider an attack on the May 1 anniversary as 'a symbolic victory.'"
Dinner Of The Doomed: Prime Meats Serving Titanic-Themed Dinner
In case you've been living under a shipwreck a rock for the past few weeks or are a barely functioning member of humanity, the Titanic is celebrating its 100-year deathaversary next week. Perhaps you weren't in the market to plunk down $12,500 for Groupon's Titanic vacation package, and maybe you're not quite prepared to drop $450 on a "tragically tasty" recreation of the doomed ship's last meal. But lo, all hope is not lost!
18 Years Ago Today: Kurt Cobain Killed Himself
In February we revisited the studio where Nirvana recorded "In Utero" on the day Kurt Cobain would have been turning 45 years old, had he not turned a gun on himself 18 years ago. Today.
At Least Four Detained At Occupy Wall Street 6-Month Anniversary March (Livestream)
To mark the six-month anniversary of Occupy Wall Street, hundreds of OWS protesters took to lower Manhattan and Zuccotti Park to march today—and it seems there's already been several skirmishes with police. According to Allison Kilkenny, at least four demonstrators have been detained (and possibly arrested) by police; in addition, at least one cop has been injured and taken to New York Downtown Hospital. You can watch the livestream of the protest (which may be going in and out) below.
Year After Devastating Tsunami, Japan Observes Moment Of Silence
A moment of silence was observed across Japan at 2:46 p.m. local time (12:46 a.m. ET) to mark the one-year anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami that killed nearly 20,000 people. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said, "I feel the grieving families' pain and I cannot express my sorrow enough... Our forebears who built this country's prosperity have emerged from each crisis even stronger. We will fulfill our historic mission of realizing the rebirth of this nation."
PSA: You Can Still Skate At Rockefeller Center (For Special 75th Anniversary Prices!)
Did you know that every Tuesday through April you can skate at Rockefeller Center for just $7.50? Prices typically go up to $14, but this special is in honor of the rink's 75th anniversary (and if you go tonight, our favorite Social Vixen AK-47 will be there). And did you know the rink was sort of accidental?
It's The Day The Music Died, 53 Years Later
In 1987, we saw the movie La Bamba on the big screen and spent the next week in tears. We even missed days of school. It was just so sad, even the Bob subplot—poor misunderstood drunk Bob! Anyway, it was traumatizing, and as you all know the movie ended when Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, as well as pilot Roger Peterson, die in a plane crash in 1959. That day famously became known as the Day The Music Died, and it happened 53 years ago today, on February 3rd. Why not visit P.J. Clarke's to pay homage tonight?
It's A Bottle Of The Wits: Alamo Drafthouse Brings Us Princess Bride Wine
The Alamo Drafthouse has announced an amazing wine pairing with their February 14th screening of The Princess Bride: the Bottle of the Wits! The new wine line was also created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the movie, and includes a red and a white—choose wisely. Or choose both! The Alamo Drafthouse may be based out of Austin, but the fine folks will let all of America uncork a bottle, with a promise that online ordering will be available any day now.
Letterman Celebrated 30 Years With Some Good Ol' Leno-Bashing
Earlier this week we took a look back at some of David Letterman's more interesting (and shirtless) moments prior to his 30th year anniversary in late night television. Letterman is now the longest-serving host in late-night TV history. That milestone was reached last night, and the host celebrated on-air with his pal Howard Stern, who says he's the only one still fighting the late night war. Watch below as the two talk about Jay Leno, complete with an impersonation from Letterman himself.
A Look Back At Letterman's More Surprising Moments, As He Celebrates 30 Years In Late Night
Tomorrow night will mark David Letterman's 30th year anniversary in late night television, though not always with the same network. He started out as the host of NBC's Late Night With David Letterman on February 1st, 1982, and left a little over a decade when he made his shift over to CBS in 1993. According to the Late Show's executive producer Rob Burnett, the milestone may be mentioned on tomorrow night's show, "but I don’t see an extravaganza coming to fruition. Dave has never been super comfortable drawing a lot of attention to himself." Howard Stern is a guest on the show tomorrow night, who Burnett refers to as "a kindred spirit with Dave."
Free Ferry Rides (And Coffee) On The East River Today!
The East River Ferry is celebrating six months of service, and has announced that you can climb aboard their vessels for free today, all day, and they'll even be giving you free coffee from Brooklyn Roasting Company this morning. Even if the ferry came in last in our commuter race (by a half hour!), it is the most scenic way to get to where you're going. Plus, even though it may rain a little today, it's going to be a downright balmy 53 degrees!
John Lennon Fans Flock To Strawberry Fields To Mark 31st Anniversary Of His Death
It's been 31 years since John Lennon was shot outside of his home at the Dakota—where his last words were, "I'm shot, I'm shot." Will you be going to Strawberry Fields today? Below is a broadcast from ABC News that aired December 9th, where Paul McCartney is heard telling a reporter, "It's a drag, isn't it?"
Finding Herman Melville's Birthplace On The Anniversary Of Moby Dick
One hundred and sixty years ago to this day, Herman Melville's masterpiece Moby Dick was published by NYC publisher Harper and Brothers, but wasn't immediately embraced by everyone, receiving mixed reviews. If you're a fan, you can celebrate its anniversary by visiting Melville's birthplace, right here in New York. The author was born in 1819 to a well-off importer named Allan, and his wife Maria Gansevoort Melville, in a boarding house at 6 Pearl Street. The spot is now marked with a plaque and bust, but can be difficult to find. No worries, Inside the Apple is here to help.
Photos Of The Statue Of Liberty In Pieces!
Back in 2009 we revisited the construction of the Statue of Liberty, and with Lady Liberty turning 125 today, we thought it was time to take another look back at her younger years. As we noted in 2009, the photos invoke apocalyptic feelings thanks to movies like Planet of the Apes (in other words, they're pretty awesome). But after all this time, she's still got her head on her shoulders, and doesn't look like she's aged a day.
I Love Lucy Turns 60
Earlier this year what would have been Lucille Ball's 100th birthday was celebrated, and next month I Love Lucy will get a 60th year anniversary celebration. On October 15th, 1951 the show premiered and was an instant hit, and now WNET NY Public Media will present "a special encore of Lucille Ball: Finding Lucy. They'll air the American Masters special on October 13th at 8 p.m. (on THIRTEEN); October 15th at 8 p.m. (on WLIW21); and October 16th at 8:30 p.m. (on NJTV). They tell us the broadcasts will contain 14 minutes of I Love Lucy bonus footage and a surprise Radiohead show... oh wait, sorry, it's a little distracting over here today.
Homeland Security Doesn't Think Al Qaeda Has 9/11 Anniversary Plot
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano spoke to the editorial board of the Dallas Morning-News and believed that if a 9/11-style plot would not happen today. However, she admitted, "There are no guarantees," though there is more intelligence sharing, "better targeting of airline passengers who need 'special attention,'and background checks at flight schools." Also, maybe White House officials should take White House Briefs titled "Bin Ladin Determined To Strike in US" seriously.
Jon Stewart And Nirvana Members Team Up For Nevermind Anniversary
With Nirvana's Nevermind turning 20 this year (it's just one year older than Kurt Cobain's daughter Frances Bean), there's a lot of nostalgic reminiscing going on. Next month, on September 24th (the original Nevermind release date), Jon Stewart (who used to work for MTV! Remember?) will host a Q&A with Nirvana members Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic, along with Butch Vig (the album's producer). Strap on your Doc Martens and haphazardly button up that flannel, this is all going down at the Sirius studio in NYC. Here's Vig discussing recording "In Bloom":
Remembering Aaliyah, 10 Years After Tragic Death
Ten years ago today, 22-year-old Brooklyn-born singer Aaliyah died in a plane crash in the Bahamas. She was on a twin-engine plane that crashed just after taking off from the Bahamas—all nine people on board died. Initial reports said the plane suffered engine failure upon liftoff, though later on it was discovered that the pilot was doing cocaine and had alcohol in his system.
Royal Tenenbaums Cast Reuniting At NY Film Fest For 10th Anniversary
Gentlemen, don your finest Adidas sweatsuits and ladies, start drawing on that black eyeliner, because Wes Anderson's charming film The Royal Tenenbaums is turning 10 this year, and you can celebrate (or mourn how old you suddenly feel) with the cast this fall at the New York Film Festival.
Flashback: A Look Back At Staten Island As It Turns 350
Staten Island is turning 350 years old today, and in celebration, let's look back at what the ol' gal looked like in 1973, when she was just 312 years young. Click through for a look at the good, the bad, and the lawn ornaments.
Bloomberg Aims To Bring Bon Jovi To Central Park For 9/11 Anniversary
If these rumors are true, we applaud Bloomberg for not booking the Black Eyed Peas.
In Case You Weren't Feeling Old Enough: Nirvana's Nevermind Turns 20 Soon
Nirvana's Nevermind album was released 20 years ago this September (that baby on the cover is also around 20 years old now)—and SPIN is celebrating the anniversary a little early with a tribute album. You can download the entire thing right here, it features covers by Meat Puppets, Amanda Palmer, Titus Andronicus, Surfer Blood, and more. Hey: Nirvana's Nevermind album and downloading MP3s (and MP3s!)... all things we didn't have 20 years ago.
Colorforms, Invented In An NYC Apartment, Turn 60 This Year
Did you know that Colorforms were created by a husband and wife—Harry and Patricia Kislevitz—in their New York City apartment back in 1951? That means they're turning 60 this year, and they're planning a comeback by tapping into your nostalgia. First up: an article in the NY Times (where they note that Uno is also celebrating a 40th anniversary this year). A spokeswoman for the Toy Industry Association told the paper, “Toys are always tied with nostalgia. A lot of those purchasing decisions are being made by a parent or a grandparent. They gravitate toward toys they enjoyed as children.” For the Colorforms anniversary, you can expect seeing a reboot of the original geometric set and a Michael Jackson dress-up set!
Osama bin Laden Files Reveal Al Qaeda May Be Planning 9/11 Anniversary Attack
Among the juiciest details released after the successful US operation to kill Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden last weekend was the mention that the military took hard drives from the compound—"10 hard drives, 5 computers and more than 100 storage devices which includes discs, DVDs and thumb drives." Investigators have been poring through those files, and have now revealed that Al Qaeda had been considering attacking the US rail system on the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
Empire State Building, America's Favorite Building, Turns 80
Today is the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Empire State Building, and management is making a lot of changes to make sure it lasts the next 80 years. The building is currently undergoing a $550 million renovation to restore the building and make it more energy efficient. Building manager Anthony Malkin said they're also trying to make the experience more enjoyable for tourists, though today tourists seemed to be having a good time. One told the Daily News, "I was listening to the story downstairs, and how they were going through the Great Depression. And even with that going on, they still managed to go ahead and build it in 14 months. It's pretty incredible, especially for back then."
The Titanic Tragedy To Be Recreated At The Guggenheim
On the 99th anniversary of its sinking, The Titanic will sink again... sort of. Art will imitate the real life event on April 14th, when artist Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster introduces a site-specific staged audience experience in the Guggenheim's rotunda, "inspired by this historic event and wherein the audience plays a role." To accompany the visuals, Gavin Bryars's The Sinking of the Titanic will be at the core of the installation, performed by The Wordless Music Orchestra. There will be two boarding times, 8:40 and 10:40 p.m.
The Death Of Kurt Cobain, 17 Years Later
Had Kurt Cobain made it through his first Saturn return and not taken his own life at 27 years old, he would be 44 now. Alas, on this day in 1994—seventeen years ago—he died from a self-inflicted gun shot wound (though to be sure, if the Grunge Era had a Truther conference, it would be about the Cobain suicide). Some Cobain talking points from today:
Happy Birthday Incorporation Day New York
Today isn't just the day when we like to check in on our furry friends and see if they've got any thoughts on the weather. Even if our seal says different, today also happens to be the 358th anniversary of the incorporation of New Amsterdam (later New York, briefly New Orange and then New York again). So everybody, as you skate home from work tonight, do wish the old girl a good one. She certainly doesn't look her age.
Save The Date! Throgs Neck Bridge Turns 50 Next Week
The Throgs Neck Bridge is definitely not one of New York's most celebrated bridges... but this photo its publicist sent over is pretty neat! The suspension bridge opened on January 11th, 1961, and it connects the Throgs Neck section of the Bronx with the Bay Terrace section of Queens. It's the newest bridge on the East River, and will be turning 50 years young next Tuesday.

