A woman employed by the Macmillan publishing house was strolling along Fifth Avenue with her co-worker Monday afternoon when a ring slipped off her finger and tumbled down into the impenetrable darkness beneath a sidewalk grate. And there it would have stayed for millennia, passing out of history and into legend, had it not been for two brave Con Ed workers sent on a quest into the bowels of the Flatiron District to bring it back. more ›

The Times' Metropolitan Diary offers two financial crisis-related anecdotes today. First, there's one about a stockbroker on a subway car ("He seemed sort of agitated and couldn’t seem to stand in one place") who arouses NYC-style sympathy from a fellow passenger. And then there's this short and sweet missive from Carol Weston: "Dear Diary: Overheard on Broadway and 90th, in a conversation between two boys: 'I’m really worried about my bar mitzvah money because it was all put in stock.'" Related: A month ago, a Metropolitan Diary reader sent in their experience with the "You Broke My Glasses Scam." more ›

• Today on the Gothamist Newsmap: an explosion at Linden Blvd. and 220th St. in Queens, a homicide on Sedgewick Ave. in the Bronx, and a water main break on Prospect Place in Brooklyn
• Santa may have to bypass coalition troops stationed around the world today, but holiday presents will be appreciated even if they do arrive a few weeks into 2008. Newsday has a nice piece on gift-giving to troops and how to do it.
• U.S. Congressman Anthony Weiner is in permanent campaign mode to become Mayor of NYC, as the office now seems to be a viable stepping stone for higher national office. Interesting fact: Weiner was a post-college roommate of comedian/news man Jon Stewart.

It's hot. It's sticky. You need a cool, refreshing drink, and a non-alcoholic one because it's the middle of your work day. Gothamist suggests a chocolate egg cream, as its fizz will perk you up and its sweetness (but not too sweet) will satisfy your sweet tooth. Many swear by Brooklyn's Fox's U-Bet syrup, and the Fox's recipe says to spoon in the U-Bet syrup before adding the milk. But this might be blashphemous, as Chowhound's Jim recommends that you put the U-Bet in after the milk (almost freezing) and seltzer (siphon bottles only!) in order to avoid getting "sticky brown head instead of a fluffy white one." more ›

Today's New York Times Metropolitan Diary features a "Sonnet on a Chocolate Egg Cream:"

Shall I drink thee on a summer's day? more ›