William F. Buckley died in his Connecticut home today, at age 82. Some consider him the founder of modern conservatism, as he authored the seminal book in 1951 God and Man at Yale, in response to what he saw was an encroaching secularism at one of the nation's top universities, during what was considered one of the nation's most buttoned-down eras. more ›

This week's big election news will likely center around former Senator and former Law & Order actor Fred Thompson, who will finally announce his presidential campaign this week. Newsday reports that earlier this summer, Rudy Giuliani's fund-raisers were "pleasantly surprised" that Thompson hadn't announced his candidacy, with one source saying, "They though they were getting a break that he didn't get in." more ›

Last night Barack Obama came to Brooklyn to join supporters and community members at The Marriott Hotel on Adams Street. The event was set to begin at 7pm, and for hours prior to that (even after doors opened at 5:30) crowds filled the streets around the hotel - many waiting to get a glimpse of the candidate and many just waiting to get in! It turns out the event was oversold, a reader tells us a volunteer came out and said, "Well, you know, some folks brought their grandmothers or girlfriends along, and then the Marriott changed the size of the stage so we just couldn't handle all the folks with tickets. Sorry. Give us your name and a contact number and we'll get back to you." Tickets for the “Official Brooklyn for Barack Kick-Off” were only $25, a far cry from the $1000 pricetag on the July 24th event held at the Brooklyn Heights home of Nina Collins. more ›

News that Senator Barack Obama had raised at least $25 million for his presidential campaign during the first quarter has now put the spotlight on how Senator Hillary Clinton's camp may feel. Just a few days ago, the $26 million Clinton raised during the quarter was touted as "historic" and "record-setting," but now Obama's take is getting the ink - the NY Times' headline is Obama Shows His Strength in a Fund-Raising Feat on Par With Clinton while the Post and Daily News put the news on their covers. more ›

- Anthony Bourdain unplugged at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Not as riotous as his post over at Ruhlman on TVFN but worth a peek. (via Snack) more ›

At 11AM, thousands are going to be celebrating the Puerto Rican Day Parade on Fifth Avenue,between 44th and 86th Streets. The New York Times writes about how Fifth Avenue is literally bracing itself for the excitement - think lots of plywood. more ›