When will Kanye learn to keep his big trap shut? Apparently somewhere between "not anytime soon" and "never," if recent comments are any indication. more ›

Arthur Emil, the man behind the late Windows on the World and The Rainbow Room, has won the coveted contract to operate the famous Oak Room and Oak Bar (pictured) in the Plaza Hotel, which is near the end of a three-year, $400 million makeover. The 18 story landmark building opened in 1907 and operated as a hotel until 2005, after being sold for $675 million. After delays blamed on “red tape”, the Plaza is expected to open by the end of March as an upscale condominium with retail space and a smaller hotel. more ›

For some people, celebrating New Year's didn't mean drinking champagne and wearing whimsical hats: It meant trying to deliver a baby! New York City's first 2008 newborns are from Queens: Kamiyah Alina Barrow was born at midnight at New York Hospital Medical Center in Queens while Isabella Sophia Sears was born about a minute later at Elmhurst Hospital Center. more ›

Oh no! Could it be? Is the rematch between Takeru 'Tsunami' Kobayashi and Joey Chestnut in doubt? Last year at the Nathan's annual 4th of July Hot Eating Contest, Kobayashi narrowly defeated Chestnut to win the Mustard Belt for the sixth year in a row. Defending his title next week may not be possible for Kobayashi. First, his mother passed away in March, causing the Tsunami to take a sabbatical from training. Now, news comes from Kobayashi's blog (bad translation) that he's got a bout of jaw arthritis! Apparently Kobayashi can only open his mouth big enough to fit a finger and the injury happened just a week into training. more ›

READING: Alice Walker's daughter, Rebecca Walker, reads from her book "Baby Love: Choosing Motherhood after a Lifetime of Ambivalence". Babies, family, pregnancy...will all be discussed. more ›

Of all the possible "celebrities" you'd expect to get in a fight, Axl Rose would probably be on the list. But designer of preppy clothing that rapper somehow took a liking to, Tommy Hilfiger? At Rosario Dawson's birthday party at Plumm (VIP Room, natch) last night, apparently Axl Rose moved Hilfiger's girlfriend's drink down the table. And maybe she was jostled by Rose. A witness tells the Daily News, "Tommy put his hand out, Axl grabbed Tommy's arm and pushed it hard, and Tommy came back with a fist." Then, pow pow! Hilfiger punched Rose in the cheek, and then security came over to separate them - the Post says people starting running from room and trampled Kid Rock! Hilfiger was thrown out of Plumm, while Rose stayed to perform, dedicating "You're Crazy" to Hilfiger. more ›

Vince Carter and the Nets may have seen their ten-game winning streak snapped last night in a 96-91 loss at San Antonio, but Lawrence Frank's team has nothing to be ashamed of. Their streak may not have come against the best competition, but it was a desperately needed run that has vaulted them to a 19-13 record after their sluggish start. Vince Carter has shown his better half of late, and Jason Kidd continues to run the team efficiently. Richard Jefferson's back spasms caused him to miss the game against San Antonio. more ›

Last week former Nets coach Byron Scott landed on his feet as the new head coach of the New Orleans Hornets. While doing some research on an upcoming story, Gothamist ran across this cloumn from the always knowledgeable John Hollinger on why Scott shouldn't expect his stay in the Big Easy to be very long. more ›

Rebecca Lobo, WNBA Commentator more ›

The Times also has a Julian–Niccolini drawn seating chart for the Four Seasons and while we expected to see Anna Wintour, Harvey Weinstein, and G.Pa(ltrow) on it, we were surprised to see Kerry Kittles, Nets guard. For some reason, basketball players seem more steak–oriented, like at Smith and Wollensky, Sparks, or Michael Jordan's. more ›

" Cipriani Dolci, Michael Jordan's Steakhouse, and Campbell Apartment will be involved, and they are getting "chairs, special tables with linen tablecloths, candles" for the outdoor area. more ›

I don't think I am a business road warrior, someone who can jump from plane to plane and make each hotel room his/her own home. Airports make me a little crazy, since I tend to have too many bags to keep track of and going anywhere, bathroom, newsstand, becomes a funny challenge. ("Ha, that girl has a laptop, messenger bag, pull carry-on luggage, winter coat, and bottle of water - and she thinks she's going get to the back of the newsstand for Cosmo.")
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In honor of our mayor, Michael Bloomberg, coming in at a hot #63 on the Forbes World's Richest People List, Gothamist is taking suggestions for nicknames. Mayor Bloomberg has no nickname - Mike doesn't count, because it's pretty bland...if I said Mike, you'd think of Michael Jordan first. Or Mike Piazza. Unlike the use of "Rudy." Molly once spotted the "Gooliani" written on the subway, which has a certain ring to it. Much like a school playground, we're rolling up our sleeves on this one, and we're not going to exclude any reference of height [thanks Rudy Online] Mike, you're the 63rd richest man in the world, you can deal with it. more ›