After their controversial snub of Mother Teresa (justified by the fact that as a privately owned building they have a policy to not recognize religious figures with their lights), the Empire State Building is refusing to honor another historic figure: General Casimir Pulaski. Considered "the father of American cavalry," the Polish general served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and even saved George Washinton's life (according to trusty Wikipedia). So why can't a man who already has his own bridge get any respect from the damn ESB redcoats? more ›

A few months ago the Catholic League got angry at the Empire State Building planners for not agreeing to light up blue and white to honor Mother Teresa's 100th birthday. City Councilman Peter Vallone proposed a bill to force the building to light up, Brooklyn Borough Hall and the Intrepid both agreed to light, and Christine Quinn called ESB owner Anthony Malkin a hypocrite. But now, some Catholics are saying Mother Teresa wouldn't want her birthday in lights anyway. more ›

The USS Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum will go where the Empire State Building fears to tread on August 26th, lighting up blue and white in honor of Mother Teresa's 100th birthday. The museum's executive director, Susan Marenoff, told the Post, "We'd be thrilled to represent what Mother Teresa has done in terms of public service. We are the essence of public service. We give back every day." However, she had no harsh words for Empire State Building owner Andrew Malkin, who says the building doesn't honor religious figures with its lights. "Every venue has the right to decide what is appropriate for them. I think it is appropriate and very relevant for us." more ›

Last week, City Council speaker Christine Quinn encouraged New Yorkers to place battery-operated candles in their windows on August 26th in honor of Mother Teresa's 100th birthday. Empire State Building owner Andrew Malkin, who rejected the Catholic's League request to light the ESB in honor of the late nun, called the plan "a great way for people to show their own feelings." Now, Quinn is calling Malkin a flip-flopper. more ›

Despite a steady rain, thousands of people amassed at Rockefeller Center last night for the annual tree lighting event. Besides the dramatic moment when the lights go from off to on, there were performances by Aretha Franklin, Rod Stewart, Rob Thomas, Alicia Keys, Jo Dee Messina, Barry Manilow, Shakira, The Muppets, and The Roots. Photographer Katie Sokoler got a bird's-eye view from Rockefeller Center's "620 Loft & Garden," where the Canadian Tourism Commission held an invite-only event intended to lure tourists to their country... by celebrating a classic New York tradition? more ›

Last week the new Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree arrived at 30 Rock after being torn from its roots in Easton, Connecticut. It will now have until December 2nd to be adorned with lights (last year folks were not impressed by the energy-efficient LED lights), before being plugged in for holiday revelers to enjoy. Here's some history on the tree tradition, which started about 77 years ago — and a look back at trees of the past (in 1938 there were two!). more ›

Last night, the Empire State Building was lit up in red and yellow in honor of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. However, some didn't feel very warmly about the event—protesters (numbering around 20) were outside the afternoon lighting ceremony, saying it was "outright, blatant approval for a communist totalitarian system." more ›

Mayor Bloomberg will observe Hanukkah today by lighting the world's largest menorah. Located in Manhattan, the 32-foot high, gold colored, 4,000 pound steel structure was lit last night by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. Rabbi Shmuel Butman, director of the Lubavitch Youth Organization, which sponsors the menorah, tells NBC that the each night's lighting ceremony "takes on a special meaning this year, as the Menorah joins the 'unite to light' campaign in memory of the terror victims in Mumbai. The message of the Menorah is, 'We are continuing in ever greater strength.'" (Brooklyn Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife Rivka were killed in last month's attacks.) Next Sunday there will be a celebration at the mother of all menorahs, featuring live music, singing, dancing, Hanukkah Gelt for the children and free hot latkes. Tonight's lighting will occur at 4:45 p.m. on 5th Avenue and 59th Street, by Central Park, between the Plaza and the Pierre Hotels. more ›

The Empire State Building started celebrating Halloween a little early today, as Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz and Kerry Ellis (aka Elphaba, pictured) came to light the ESB green. This is all in celebration of the show's 5th anniversary on Broadway. Variety recently noted that "after five years on the Gotham boards, the perennial top dog of Rialto sales has racked up the kind of numbers that make Hollywood sit up: Universal Pictures, the studio that first optioned the 1995 novel and one of the producers of the tuner, says Wicked counts among its most profitable properties." The flagship New York show itself has weekly tallies that often surpass $1.4 million! Guess they have a lot to celebrate. more ›

Last night's storms provided a vivid light show and wreaked havoc in neighborhoods all across the city and Tri-State area. There are downed trees and power lines all over--crews are working on clean up and repairs. more ›

The eight towering sludge digester eggs at the Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant in Greenpoint got even more sci-fi looking last night when the DEP flicked the switch on the new dramatic blue lights illuminating the 145 feet high structures. True to form, New York Shitty was there to get total coverage on the lighting ceremony. more ›