Yesterday, the New York Post reported that attorneys representing Occupy Wall Street had dropped their appeal against the city and Brookfield Properties which sought to allow camping in Zuccotti Park. The piece included triumphant quotes from attorney Randy Mastro, who was representing downtown businesses, as well as an attorney for the city. Alan Levine, the attorney representing Occupy Wall Street who argued the case in court on November 15, explained to us why he and his colleagues dropped the case: "We've gotten everything from the city and Brookfield that we wanted…they conceded that access to Zuccotti is unfettered." more ›

Proving that Mayor Bloomberg enjoys dancing on the razor's edge of public opinion, Hizzoner told reporters yesterday that he doesn't believe the Occupy Wall Street tents set up in Zuccotti Park are considered protected speech. "I'm 100 percent in favor of protecting—1,000 percent in favor—of giving people rights to say things, but also we have to protect those who don't want to say anything," Bloomberg said. more ›

Desperate job seekers have been waiting outside a Queens union office since 4 a.m. Friday morning, in hopes of obtaining an application for an apprenticeship with Local 3, the elevator mechanics union. Hundreds of people are waiting—some set up tents while others are just standing. One man explained to WCBS 2, "We've been here pretty much all weekend. They're supposedly one of the busiest unions in the city. It's too good of an opportunity to pass up." more ›

It was bound to happen: three recent NYU grads have taken up residency in a Bushwick backyard. For $100 each per month the men get their own 5-by-8 plot of land where they've set up tents. They say it's not only financially practical, but it's a "badass thing to do." Keeping their expensive belongings (aside from the Tempurpedic mattresses) in a hallway in the 2-bedroom apartment which houses six others, they say "the most challenging aspect of their living situation is not sleeping outside as much as sharing a single shower among nine people." Overall they seem to be enjoying the adventure, even if the rain can be a downer at times. Note to outdoorsy ladies: they're single! Houseboat living, tent living...what will these crazy kids think of next? And will we all be knocking on their tent flaps when the economy finishes imploding? more ›

Owners of the high-concept Egyptian restaurant Casa La Femme are hoping the third time's a charm for their palatial new home in the West Village. The original location in Soho was famous for its grass floor, among other things; it then moved uptown in 2004, and Casa's now settling in on Charles Street, in a space that's twice the size of the original restaurant, with room for 200 diners. more ›