Current News

Albany Out of Order

Nineteen experts tell us their ideas for reforming New York State government

July 1, 2009 · Leave a Comment 

With any luck, Albany may be back to business by the time this paper reaches readers. But no matter how these next few days unfold, the insanity of the past three weeks—which has included chamber lock-outs, dueling sessions and more finger-pointing than a 3rd-grade classroom—has only made more urgent what we already knew: New York State government needs a big-time overhaul.

As a refresher, on June 8 two rogue Senators switched parties and stripped Democrats of their thin majority. [Read more]

Feature

Controversy Underfoot

Dueling petitions at E. 63rd St. dog run focus on sand-like surface

By Shayndi Raice

July 1, 2009 · 12 Comments 

Recently, a dog owner swung open the gate to the East 63rd Street dog run, pup in tow, and was immediately approached by a woman asking him to sign a petition to change the surface of the run. Shortly after, another woman ran over and disrupted the conversation, asking him to instead sign her petition to keep the park as is. A battle ensued between the two women as they fought over a potential signature.

The scene, however bizarre, is not unique. [Read more]

Politics

The Next D.A.

Dems fight it out to be top prosecutor

By Dan Rivoli

May 21, 2009 · 1 Comment 

The Democratic hopefuls for Manhattan district attorney have similar policies on crime prevention, alternative sentencing and building community coalitions. And they are all alumni of the 89-year-old Robert Morgenthau’s office.

But in the months before the September primary, each has highlighted a different background to illustrate why they are the right person to run the highest profile district attorney’s office in the state. [Read more]

Education

A Tribute to Teachers

June 8, 2009 · Leave a Comment 

Everybody remembers a favorite teacher. Whether it was someone who pushed you harder, became your friend or simply cast life in a different light, educators stay with us long after the last day of school.

But for individuals who can have such an impact on our lives, teachers rarely get the recognition they deserve. That’s why Manhattan Media started the Blackboard Awards for Teachers. The idea is to salute those classroom leaders who not only nail the basics but go above and beyond the call of duty to help their students succeed. [Read more]

Film

Love in the Time of Cinema

The Saturday Night Fever-inspired serial killer of Tony Manero and Michael Mann’s Public Enemies

By Armond White

July 1, 2009 · 1 Comment 

Cinephilia has been so distorted in contemporary movie culture that it has led to the repugnant Chilean film Tony Manero—a Cannes Film Festival selection that was also widely praised at last fall’s New York Film Festival. In Tony Manero, a middle-aged plebian named Raúl Peralta Paredes O (played by Alfredo Castro) is so infatuated with the 1977 Saturday Night Fever that he identifies with the white-suited, disco-dancing character played by John Travolta. The twist is that Raúl prepares for a TV contest featuring celebrity-impersonators while pursuing his secret passion as a serial killer. [Read more]

Dining

Two Parts Décor, One Part Local Produce

Although still slightly half-baked, Recipe shows real promise

By Christina Livadiotis

July 1, 2009 · Leave a Comment 

For all you Uptowners who resent having to head Downtown for an intimate, crafty and reasonably priced meal, your day has come. Recipe is that cozy (read: tiny) neighborhood restaurant, charming yet approachable, where you can dress up or down, depending on the occasion. Whether it’s a Tuesday or a Saturday evening, you can bet that close to all 26 seats will be occupied.

Once you are parked on the restored antique bench just behind the bar, you will need to take a moment to notice the painstaking attention to detail that drenches each and every square foot of the interior. [Read more]

Sports

On the Run

From Olympics to UNIS, Lindsay hasn’t slowed

By Adam Bloch

June 11, 2009 · Leave a Comment 

It’s raining furiously outside, so today Howard Lindsay is inside a narrow room at the United Nations International School (UNIS), putting his hurdlers through their paces.

“Attack the hurdle,” he urges with commanding repetition. “Don’t be scared of the hurdle. You can’t be scared of it because it won’t hurt you. Lean. Lean!”

Then, a crash. [Read more]