The Empire State Building has refused the Catholic League's request for them to light up white and blue for Mother Teresa's 100th birthday on August 26th, and City Council member Peter Vallone Jr. has proposed a bill formally requesting the building honor the late nun. But in the meantime, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz—never one to pass up a p.r. opportunity—has come to the saint's rescue. more ›

Yesterday the Dreamland Bell was received at a welcoming ceremony at Brooklyn Borough Hall; after spending a few weeks at the Coney Island History Project, it will now be temporarily on display inside the Joralemon entrance for two weeks. The NY Times reports that "there are plans being discussed for a tour of other city buildings, including City Hall and the New York Aquarium." more ›

BEER: This one is pretty simple...there will be lots (58!) of New York beers, and a few bands to soundtrack your drinking them, at the Seaport tonight. Go, imbibe, enjoy! more ›

Has anyone taken pictures of the festively lit-up Brooklyn Borough Hall, as featured in the NY Times? Gothamist is curious, because we have sort of mixed feelings on multi-colored displays. On one hand, they are beautiful atop the Empire State Building or in Dyker Heights. On the other hand, they remind us of what the Murray Street townhouse used for MTV's Miss Seventeen looked from the outside during filming - like a club. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz apparently hopes to have "lighting themes for all the major holidays, in addition to ethnic festivals for Irish, Italian, Russian and Pakistani heritage, among others," or keep it in "blue and gold, the official colors of Brooklyn." So far, there is a list of which holidays will be cause for lighting - and in which colors - but what about red and green and gold for Kwanzaa? Or red for Chinese New Year? Obviously, Gay Pride Weekend will look best - Borough Hall will be full of rainbows. more ›

In case you missed our reminder last weekend, this weekend is Open House New York. Some of the sites requiring reservations are already full, but with so many sites available for touring, there's almost something for everyone. more ›

Other bids to purchase Nets are from NJ developer Charles Kushner and NJ Sen. Jon Corzine (bid: $267.5 million) and NY investor Stuart Feldman ($257.5 million), who have said the Nets would stay in NJ. Ratner's bid is for $275 million. And as it's the only bid to bring the Nets to NYC, Mayor Bloomberg will be at today's ceremony, along with Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz. more ›