Besides being the Puff The Magic Dragon Passover, April 20th is particularly notable for two birthdays that will always live in infamy around these parts: Adolf Hitler and Fenway Park, the home of the Bahston Red Sox. The NY Post celebrated the latter of the two in true NY Post-style with the loving above front cover today. But some are questioning whether the Yankees and Red Sox even have a rivalry anymore.
NY Post Celebrates Fenway Park's 100th Birthday As Only They Can
"Chink In The Armor" Fallout: Fired ESPN Employee Writes Long Apology
The former ESPN writer who was fired for using the headline "chink in the armor" in reference to Knicks star Jeremy Lin has spoken out once again to give his side of the incident. Anthony Federico, who previously apologized for using the phrase to the Daily News earlier this week, apologized to Lin again over TwitLonger: "I wrote the headline in reference to the tone of the column and not to Jeremy Lin’s race. It was a lapse in judgment and not a racist pun. It was an awful editorial omission and it cost me my job." Read his whole statement below.
WTF: ESPN Offers Linsanely Racist Headline, "Chink In The Armor"
The Knicks saw their seven-game winning streak come to an end last night as they turned the ball over 21 times at the Garden against the New Orleans Hornets. Jeremy Lin, who had 26 points, accounted for nine of those turnovers—so we guess ESPN decided that if Lin can mess up so much, it's okay for them to as well! To that end, ESPN put up the linsanely racist headline "Chink In The Armor" just after the game ended. Next time they should just go straight for, "Gook's A Fluke: Knicks Lose."
A Copy Editor Who Couldn't Be Copied: NY Post Headline Writer Dies
The veteran New York Post copy editor and the author of the famous headline, "Axis Of Weasel," died on Thursday from complications related to a recent stroke. Joseph Cunningham was 43 years-old.
Flashback: Headlines From Different Times
Here's a fun look back at some of the old New York Tribune cover stories (you can view them all at the Library of Congress). Like that time New Yorkers became obsessed with ballooning, or when we were convinced we'd all be living in aerial houseboats by now, and who can forget that time the editor was like, "what if giant creatures were coming through our streets and eating us?" Nothing like a little hypothetical scaremongering on a slow news day!
Today's Headlines from Sesame Street
Today we spent some time on Sesame Street (yes, that one), and guess what: there's good news there. The headlines at the newstand included one about a man smiling for 30 days straight (sure, the smile was contagious, but that's a good thing), and a diaper plant being redeveloped into a tv production school (at least it's not a luxury condo). And take a look at that price, just 25 cents—that's half of the cost of the NY Post!
NY1's Pat Kiernan Launches New Site
Everyone's favorite NY1 anchor (and Paul Rudd fantasy football team), Pat Kiernan, has branched out his In the Papers feature with a website called Pat's Papers. Described as "a carefully edited collection of US news headlines," the top stories are delivered once Kiernan edits down the best from not only the nation's papers, but "international news to domestic politics to science to gossip." In about six minutes, he sums it all up—take a look at today's webcast:
Would You Risk Death For Your iPhone?
Remember how a few years ago a 19-year-old girl climbed down onto the subway tracks to get her phone and got killed by an oncoming V train? It seems the lesson still hasn’t been learned and commuters are still risking their lives to retrieve dropped objects: Tourist Bijan Rezvani recently explained his reasons for venturing down there to collect his precious iPhone.
It's the first time I've had a cool phone that does anything and also the first time I've gone around taking photos of things in my life, so the stuff I had captured was kind of important for me to keep.
Rolling Stone's Smoking Gun
Last month in Rolling Stone's November 15th issue, the magazine turned 40 -- and while going "over the hill" they may have crossed the line. The issue contained a four-page fold-out section called Indie Rock Universe, which amongst other things included the names of Indie's elite.
Linda Stein Murder Case Update: Pregnant Suspect, Ninja Defense, "Hostage Video" Confession
The young woman accused of killing real estate broker to the stars Linda Stein pleaded not guilty in Manhattan Criminal Court yesterday. Natavia Lowery was denied bail, and her new defense lawyer, Ron Kuby, made a few points:First, he said Lowery's confession was coerced by the police detectives because, having been interrogated for hours on end without access to a phone or her lawyer "She had to make something up to get out of that...
John Edwards Supports Stagehands', Writers' Strikes
Barack may have Oprah, but the stagehands' and writers' union have John Edwards! The former senator, currently in third place after Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama in the hunt for the Democratic presidential nomination, voiced his support of Local One, the Broadway stagehands union that has been on strike since November 9 over a new contract. Democratic political consultant Hank Sheinkopf said, "To interfere with the power of the Broadway community is not...
Last Night's Action: Break Up The Knicks!
Knicks 113 Utah 109: Now we get it. The plan was to flash some early success and then create more headlines with manufactured drama and a big losing streak. Then, the Knicks would rise off the mat, run of a huge winning streak and make the playoffs. Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple. Yes, the Knicks are now on a winning-streak with their victory Monday, but that is more a function of bad Utah defense...
DOH to Serendipity: Frrreeze!
Just a week after making headlines for unveiling the world’s most expensive dessert – $25,000! – the popular Upper East Side restaurant Serendipity 3 has been shuttered by the New York City Department of Health. Could all the hoopla surrounding the Frrrozen [sic] Haute Chocolate have brought some unwanted attention to the establishment? The shutdown went into effect last night and calls to the restaurant have thus far not been serendipitous. We do know that...
Paula Scher Maps New York, Again
Last week Paula Scher's exhibit of painted city maps opened at the Maya Stendhal Gallery (running through January 26th). The Pentagram design firm partner has created the looks of the Public Theater, the Metropolitan Opera, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Symphony Space, the High Line, the Asia Society (and more) through logos. This exhibit expands on her Maps series which took over the gallery last year, and depicts "entire continents, countries and cities from all...
New Yankee Manager Girardi Eyes More Championships
Joe Girardi made his first appearance in Yankee pinstripes as the new manager today. He chose the number 27 for his jersey, referring to more World Series wins in the Yankees' - and his, he hopes - future as the Yankees have 26 World Series championships. The former Yankees catcher said, "The team's expectation is always going to be to win the World Series. It's not going to change." He also mentioned that he...
James Lipton: Parisian Pimp
As outrageous as this may seem, this sort of makes sense: James Lipton, he of Inside the Actors' Studio, used to be a pimp in Paris! ABC reports:
The revered TV presenter, who has sat down with Hollywood's biggest names for in-depth chats about their life and work over the last 13 years, has revealed he once procured clients for French hookers.We'll have to go back and see how he discussed Moulin Rouge with Nicole Kidman when she was on the show. Lipton explains his foree into the seedy side of street life saying, "This was when I was very very young, living in Paris, penniless, unable to get any kind of working permit... I had a friend who worked in what is called the Milieu...this young woman and I, we made a rather good living, I must say." We may now have to actually read his new book, Inside Inside - where he also reveals his life with gypsies, and his role on Guiding Light. Who knew?!
Week Around the -Ists
The Red Sox has permeated nearly every facet of Bostonist's lives. When they're not live-blogging the games, waxing poetic about the games, thanking Curt Schilling for his splendid work, or telling Dane Cook to watch his hair, they're watching certain presidential candidates hop on the Red Sox bandwagon (sorry, Gothamist). The Sox are so branded on the local brain that people are using the Series to spice up their sex lives. Speaking of spice, Bostonist is really sick of that taco promo. And, while they're proud of John Williams, Bostonist is still trying to figure out Williams' "Very Special Arrangement" of the "Star Spangled Banner."
Watch Out! Dick's Comin' a Huntin'
Quick! What's scarier than a ghost, ghoul, or goblin? It's Dick Cheney...hunting! Everyone around the Valley Rod & Gun Club in Dutchess County better stock up on all the orange clothing they can find because the Vice President is going to be in your back yard. The Poughkeepsie Journal first reported Thursday that Cheney is coming to upstate New York for a hunting trip. He's expected to arrive Sunday night at Stewart airport and to go hunting on Monday.
Be New York for Halloween
Need a last minute costume idea and in a New York state of mind? Here are a few NYC-themed ideas for your Halloween fête...
The Dalai Lama in NYC
The Dalai Lama has arrived in New York, speaking in his native Tibetan language for two hours yesterday to followers, fans and the faithful at the Javits Convention Center. Newsday reports:
He delivered his entire speech without notes, pausing to take a sip of tea only at the end as tears of joy flowed through the crowd. [He stated:] "The Tibetan cause is a cause of justice, and that's something that cannot fade away. That is the nature of truth _ that it cannot die with time and with the change of generations."Next week the Dalai Lama will visit Washington to receive the Congressional Gold Medal (formerly received by Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela) from President Bush. In the past he has visited the White House as a religious leader, now (at least in the eyes of Chinese President Hu Jintao) he may be recognized more as a political leader. Before heading to DC, however, he will be at Radio City for three days of teachings, which began today -- more details can be found at his New York site. He will end his visit with a public talk on Sunday, more details for that are here.
Television Watching:British, Consumed, Expanded, and Moved
We have been quite happy with the first week of the BBC’s newest newscast BBC World News America, which airs at 7 p.m. on BBC America, as well as around the world on BBC World. (The half hour BBC newscasts that air on WLIW and NJN at the same time are tape delayed from an hour before.) The newscast is unlike any of the American networks and since it is an hour long unlike the big 3’s nightly broadcasts it has more actual news content, more international reporting, and it is anchored in Washington instead of New York. True PBS’ NewsHour is an hour long, but it is basically headlines at the top with people analyzing the stories of the day, instead of actual on the ground reporting.
Bill Proposed to Dry Up Some MTA Ad Revenue
Brooklyn Assemblyman Felix Ortiz (D, 51st District) wants to ban alcohol ads on buses and subways. The ads provide just $3 to $5 million of the $100 million in revenue the Metropolitan Transportation Authority gets from ad sales and the MTA has not taken a position on the proposed legislation. The state’s Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services did express support for the legislation calling it "consistent with our strategy of preventing alcoholism across the state."
L Train is Average (And Slightly Better Than the 7)
10) Train announcements that are easy to hearThe 7 train, the first line to be graded, had an average grade of C-. Interesting grade comparison: The 7 train received one B- while the L received four; the 7 received one D and four D-'s and the L received only one D.
Dump Truck Overturns, Kills 2 in Brooklyn
Yesterday morning, a dump truck and Toyota Camry going west on Atlantic Avenue had a deadly accident. The truck, which was filled with debris, jackknifed and overturned, crushing the Camry and its two passengers.
Pencil This In
EVENT: Join Chief Jim Riches, 9/11 families, rescue and recovery workers in an effort to Tell Rudy Giuliani to "Stop Politicizing 9/11". Rudy will be at a fundraiser at the Waldorf later today, and will be greeted by those who believe he's no hero. Why? They say: "He failed the FDNY & uniformed & civilian victims. He gave us incompetent commissioners ( FD,PD, OEM). No integrated command. He abandoned us on 9/11. He gave the FDNY defective radios. He lied about the toxic air -- 70% of responders and many civilians are sick." More info here.
Television Watching: Kenneth Sues, Vegas,
Up Chuck, and Free Downloads
What is the lawsuit about, Kenneth?
Student Group: "Wait a Minute, Man" on Speaker Invite
Just a day after it was announced that Jim Gilchrist, the founder of the Minuteman Project, could be returning to speak at Columbia University, the Columbia Political Union voted against having him back when it learned that there would be no counter-point speaker. Gilchrist's 2006 appearance at Columbia sparked protests that got out of hand as demonstrators rushed the stage where he was speaking and participants got physical. Eight students were disciplined following the altercation.
Last Night's Action: Things Are Good North Of The Border
Johnny Damon had a great game, going 3-for-5 and making an outstanding catch. Jason Giambi woke his slumbering bat with a grand slam and Jorge Posada added two hits and a home run. Phil Hughes did just enough and was helped by some great defensive plays as he allowed six baserunners, but only one run over six innings.
Clinton, Spitzer Try to Hsu Fugitive Money Away
Thought Governor Eliot Spitzer and Senator Hilary Clinton appeared at a press conference to discuss health coverage of New York children, they had to answer questions about campaign donations they accepted from fugitive apparel executive Norman Hsu. Clinton received $23,000 from Hsu and announced that she would donate the money to charity after revelations that Hsu has been wanted in California for defrauding California investors since 1991. Hsu has fled to Hong Kong but has been living in New York as a high-profile donor since 2003. Guess when those cases grow cold, they stay cold.
Vincent Candilora and Vince Abbatiello, ASCAP
Earlier this month ASCAP was making headlines with their lawsuit against some of New York's (and the nation's) venues. To clear things up on how the company works, and why they do what they do, we asked the senior vice president of licensing and the director of general licensing some questions.

