WANT TO GO HOME YET ?

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What the girls do in NYC

WORLD TRADE CENTER, Not Yet on the Skyline, but Above Street Level

Not Yet on the Skyline, but Above Street Level

Steel columns at 1 World Trade Center, the Freedom Tower, rise above street level for the first time.

Gas Prices Hit National High on Long Island

It Just Keeps Getting Worse
For
the first time ever, a national survey has found that regular gas has
surged above $4 a gallon in two metropolitan areas: Chicago and Long
Island. The survey said the average price for regular gasoline rose
about 17 cents in the last two weeks.

AAA Report: Honolulu, NYC Most Expensive Destinations

Posted: Friday, 16 May 2008 8:13AM


AAA Report: Honolulu, NYC Most Expensive Destinations

NEW YORK (AP) -- AAA says New York City is the second most expensive tourist destination this summer, behind only Honolulu.

It will cost two adults about $670 for meals and lodging for two
days in the Hawaiian city, according to a 2008 AAA vacation survey.

Tourists in New York can expect to spend around $600 for two adults
in two days. Miami ranks third, with cost of $370. Bargain hunters
should head to Albuquerque, N.M. where it costs only $179.

AAA has been tracking vacation costs since 1950, when it was only $13 a day for meals and lodging combined.

NYC Water Board to Vote on Increase.....OH NO...!!!!

Board to Tap Rate Increase?
Want to take your mind off the rising cost of gas these days? It may be time to worry about a gallon of New York City tap water.

The New York City Water Board meets Friday morning to vote on a 14.5
percent increase in city water rates. If the vote passes, the new
rates would take effect July 1.

Hank Calls Out Yanks: Must Play Smarter and Harder

Hank Steinbrenner expects his struggling New York Yankees to focus and turn around their season.

``They've got to play smarter and harder,'' he said Wednesday. ``The
injuries _ when you're missing Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada, that
makes it tough. The injuries make a huge difference. At the same time,
you've got to get it done. We still have plenty of good hitters. We
need to get the job done.''

New York is 19-21, fourth in the AL East following a pair of losses to Tampa Bay, the surprise AL East leader.

``No question, the Rays are a hungry team,'' said Steinbrenner, the
Yankees' co-chairman. ``That's what our team has to get back.''

When asked if it was time for the players to earn their money, Steinbrenner said ``Yes.''

Following the four-game series against the Rays, the Yankees host
the New York Mets in a three-game series starting Friday. Two-time AL
Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana, traded to the Mets after the
Yankees cut off talks with the Minnesota Twins, is slated to pitch the
Subway Series opener Friday. Santana is 4-2 with a 3.10 ERA.

Expectant Couple Wins $1 Million in Lottery

Bundle of Joy, Bundle of Money
A
couple expecting their first child has a head start on the baby's
college fund -- a $1 million jackpot in the New York state
lottery. William and Hope Shanahan of New Rochelle say the timing
is perfect. They'll be taking the cash in $50,000 installments over the
next 20 years.

'Ugly Betty' Production Moving to Big Apple

Ugly Betty" is moving to New York.

That's the word from Gov. David Paterson, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and ABC Studios President Mark Pedowitz.

They said Monday the popular ABC drama will be taking advantage of a
35 percent tax credit from the city and state when it makes the move
from Los Angeles to the Big Apple.

``Ugly Betty'' is the story of an ordinary girl from Queens,
starring Emmy-winner America Ferrera as Betty Suarez. It will be filmed
in Manhattan and in Queens, and create more than 200 full and part-time
jobs.

Other hit television shows that film in New York City are ``Law & Order,'' ``30 Rock,'' and ``Gossip Girl.''

New York City's film and television production industry employs
100,000 people and generates $5 billion a year to the city's economy.

Clinton Stresses Equal Pay in Midtown Fundraiser

Clinton Makes Campaign Stop in The Big Apple
Just
ahead of Mother's Day, Hillary Clinton told a fundraiser at the
Sheraton in Midtown that it would be ``exciting to have the first
mother in the White House.'' Appearing with daughter Chelsea,
Clinton made her pitch to a crowd of several hundred people, most of
them women.

Back to my Mac....GOT THE GUYS

Posted: Friday, 09 May 2008 9:14AM

Woman Helps Cops Find Men Who Stole Her Laptop

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP)
-- A Westchester woman who had her laptop stolen was able to connect to
the computer, photograph two suspects and give the photos to police.

White Plains Police say they used the photos to arrest Edmon
Shahikian, 23, of Katonah and 20-year-old Ian Frias of the Bronx
Wednesday night. Police say they recovered most of the $5,000 worth of
electronics stolen from the woman's White Plains apartment back on
April 27.

Police say the woman was called from a friend asking if she was online.The victim said no and was told by the friend that her computer showed her as being on the Internet.At that point the victim signed onto another computer and used the

"Back to My Mac" program to determine that her stolen MacIntosh laptop
was on the Web.

She then used the stolen computer's camera to photograph Shahikian.

Consolidated Edison Seeks 2009 Rate Hike of $654 Million

Con Edison Seeks Rate Hike
Consolidated
Edison is asking state utility regulators to allow a rate increase that
will enable the New York-based power company to raise $654 million. The
company says the hikes -- to run from April 2009 to April
2010 -- would add about $6.18 to the average household bill and
$120 to its average business customer bills.

Clemens Apologizes for 'Mistakes in Personal Life'

NEW YORK (AP) -- Roger Clemens apologized Monday for unspecified mistakes in his personal life but denied having an affair with a 15-year-old.

The Daily News reported last week Clemens had a decade-long relationship with country star Mindy McCready
that began when she was 15 and an aspiring singer. The newspaper also
linked Clemens to former Manhattan bartender Angela Moyer and Paulette
Dean Daly, a former wife of champion golfer John Daly.

``Even though these articles contain many false accusations and
mistakes, I need to say that I have made mistakes in my personal life
for which I am sorry,'' Clemens said in a statement issued by spokesman
Patrick Dorton. ``I have apologized to my family and apologize to my
fans. Like everyone, I have flaws. I have sometimes made choices which
have not been right.''

Brian McNamee, Clemens' former trainer, accused him in December's Mitchell Report of using performance-enhancing drugs in 1998, 2000 and 2001, before players and owners agreed to ban them from baseball.

NYC BIKE TOUR..

TRAFFIC ALERT: NYC Five Boro Bike Tour Today
Some
30,000 cyclists are riding in today's bike tour. The ride
began in Manhattan, and will end on Staten Island. The last thing you
probably want if you're driving is to be a spectator. Check out
the Route Map

Sharpton Plans NYC Civil Disobedience in Bell Case

Posted: Saturday, 03 May 2008 5:35PM


Sharpton Plans NYC Civil Disobedience in Bell Case

NEW YORK (AP)
-- An upcoming day of civil disobedience to protest the Sean Bell
verdict will hopefully end with participants arrested while on their
knees praying, the Rev. Al Sharpton said Saturday.

For the massive pray-in, Sharpton is asking protesters to gather
Wednesday at 3 p.m. in at least six places around the city: 125th
Street and Third Avenue; 60th Street and Third Avenue; 34th Street and
Park Avenue; Varick and Houston streets; One Police Plaza; and House of
the Lord Church on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn.

Big Brown Favored to Take First Triple Crown Jewel

FASTEST 2 MINUTES IN SPORTS
Big
Brown enters today's Kentucky Derby hoping to become the first horse
since 1929 to win from the 20th post position. A damp track is
expected. Post time is shortly after 6 p.m. EDT

Amanda Congdon IS BACK...

Amanda Congdon Rises From The Dead At Sometimesdaily

Amanda Congdon, arguably the first great female star of online video is back with a new show, Sometimesdaily.

Congdon, for those who aren’t familiar with her work, was the
original host of Rocketboom who was fired in mysterious circumstances
back in December 2006.
Congdon appeared briefly in 2007 as a video blogger for ABC with the
series “Amanda Accross America” until she parted company
with ABC in September 2007.

The new show is billed as “an off-beat, interactive variety
show exploring life’s themes through the inquisitive eyes of
Amanda Congdon.”

CALL FOR CHANGE...

A Call for Changes
A coalition of civil rights advocates urged sweeping reforms in the handling of police misconduct and alleged brutality cases in the wake of the acquittal of three officers involved in a fatal shooting, and said they expected Gov. David Patterson tosupport their major proposal for a permanent state-level special prosecutor to investigate such incidents.

Nicole Paultre Bell: "Justice System Let Me Down"

'They Killed Sean All Over Again'
In
her first comments since the stunning verdict, Sean Bell's
fiancée said "the justice system let me down.'' Nicole Paultre
Bell said "April 25, 2008: They killed Sean all over again,'' as
hundreds gathered at Rev. Al Sharpton's Harlem headquarters. Paultre
Bell is going to Washington this week to press for federal charges
against the acquitted detectives.

NYPD Officers Acquitted in 50-Shot Killing

Cops Acquitted on All Counts
BREAKING NEWS:
Three NYPD officers have been acquitted of all charges in the 50-shot
killing of an unarmed man on his wedding day. Michael Oliver,
Gescard Isnora and Marc Cooper were charged with
manslaughter, reckless endangerment and assault in the 2006 slaying of
Sean Bell. 1010 WINS' Juliet Papa said there was shock, silence
and tears inside the courtroom.

Verdict Awaits Detectives in Death of Sean Bell

Decision Day in Bell Trial
After
seven weeks of often conflicting testimony about the death of an
unarmed groom-to-be in a hail of 50 police bullets, it's now up to a
judge to decide whether the shooters committed a crime. Justice Arthur
Cooperman is to deliver a verdict thismorning in the closely watched
case of Sean Bell, who was gunned down outside a Queens strip club
where he was having a bachelor party.

Pope Wraps Up Trip with Mass at Yankee Stadium

'Summons to Move Forward'
Pope
Benedict XVI celebrated his final Mass in the United States before a
full house in storied Yankee Stadium on Sunday, blessing his enormous
U.S. flock and telling Americans to use their freedoms wisely.Benedict
beamed before a joyous crowd of 57,000. He called the Mass "a summons
to move forward with firm resolve to use wisely the blessings of
freedom, in order to build a future of hope for coming generations."

Pope to Bless 'Sacred Ground' at WTC Prayer Service

Pope to Bless 'Sacred Ground'
On
the final day of his journey, Pope Benedict XVI turns his focus to the
people of New York, in a prayer service Sunday morning at the site
of the Sept. 11th attacks. Benedict has invited 24 people with ties to
ground zero to join him. Later, Benedict will celebrate Mass for 50,000
at Yankee Stadium.

Compromise Is Reached on Harlem Rezoning

The Bloomberg administration’s proposal to rezone 125th Street in Harlem cleared a major hurdle on Tuesday when the area’s three City Council members signed off on a compromise plan that would limit the height of new buildings, add moderately priced housing and provide financial aid to businesses displaced by the rezoning.The proposal was then approved by the Council’s Zoning and Franchises Subcommittee in a 10-to-1 vote. The agreement between the City Planning Commission and the council members, Inez E. Dickens, Robert Jackson and Melissa Mark-Viverito, virtually assures the plan’s passage by the full City Council later this month.

The rezoning of 24 blocks of Harlem, stretching from Broadway east to Second Avenue, and from 124th to 126th Street, centers on 125th Street — a cultural touchstone for African-Americans in the city and beyond. It has led to widespread opposition in the neighborhood because of concerns that it will change the character of the low-rise street and speed gentrification in the area, including forcing out long-term businesses and low-income residents.

But Councilwoman Dickens, who represents central Harlem, and who led what she and others involved described as contentious negotiations during the past three weeks, said on Tuesday that the agreement would provide sufficient protection for the neighborhood, which is among the poorest in the city.

Microsoft Introduces Tool for Avoiding Traffic Jams

SAN FRANCISCO — Microsoft on Thursday plans to introduce a Web-based service for driving directions that incorporates complex software models to help users avoid traffic jams.

The new service’s software technology, called Clearflow, was developed over the last five years by a group of artificial-intelligence researchers at the company’s Microsoft Research laboratories. It is an ambitious attempt to apply machine-learning techniques to the problem of traffic congestion. The system is intended to reflect the complex traffic interactions that occur as traffic backs up on freeways and spills over onto city streets.

The Clearflow system will be freely available as part of the company’s Live.com site (maps.live.com) for 72 cities in the United States. Microsoft says it will give drivers alternative route information that is more accurate and attuned to current traffic patterns on both freeways and side streets.

A system for driving directions that Microsoft introduced last fall was limited, because without Clearflow there was no information available about traffic conditions on city streets adjacent to the highways. Because the system assumed that those routes would be clear, drivers were on occasion sent into areas that were more congested than the freeways.

yahoo and microsoft ?

Microsoft Remains Favorite In Crowded Battle for Yahoo


Yahoo Inc.'s directors meet Friday to discuss alternatives to a Microsoft Corp. takeover, with many insiders still seeing a Microsoft deal -- without the participation of News Corp. -- as the most likely outcome.

Behind the battle over Yahoo is a scramble by Internet and media giants to capture the flood of advertising dollars expected to move online and block Google Inc. from extending its Web-search-ad domination.

Aside from Microsoft's solo bid, Yahoo's directors will likely discuss a plan under which Time Warner Inc. would fold its AOL unit into Yahoo in exchange for a roughly 20% stake in Yahoo. ...

Robbery Ends in Fatal Shootout
An
Irvington police detective shot and killed an armed man who had wounded
him during a botched robbery at a local business on Thursday.
Authorities were searching Thursday night for a woman and another man,
who may have been armed, for questioning in connection with the
robbery.

Photo from WNBC.com

LISTEN NOW to 1010 WINS

Hollywood Legend Charlton Heston Dead at 84

Farewell to a Hollywood Icon
Charlton
Heston won the 1959 best actor Oscar as the chariot-racing
"Ben-Hur" and portrayed Moses, Michelangelo, El Cid and other heroic
figures in movie epics of the '50s and '60s. He died Saturday night at
his home in Beverly Hills. Charlton Heston "was seen by the
world as larger than life," Heston's family said in a statement.

You're Out! Yankees Toss 2 Fans Accused of Trying to Steal Frills

2 Accused of Souvenir Hunting
The
souvenir hunting season is underway. Police say two die-hard New York
Yankees fans have been caught stealing. They say witnesses reported
seeing John Bunjaporte, 41, and Keith O'Rourke, 39, trying to
remove screws from the decorative bunting during Tuesday's Opening Day
game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium.

LISTEN NOW to 1010 WINS

YANKEE STADIUM'S FINAL OPENER A ROUSING SUCCESS

As long as they hold Opening Days in the new Yankee Stadium the
Yankees will be hard pressed to put on the show they did last night in
the final Opening Day in their soon-to-be-gone digs.

Granted, the pulsating 3-2 win over the Blue Jays in front of a
sold-out crowd of 55,112 is the first of 162 overall and there are 80
tilts remaining to get weepy about The Bronx Baseball Cathedral
closing. Yet, when Chien-Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera
pitch brilliantly, Melky Cabrera makes two sensational catches and
sneaks a homer into the right field corner and Jason Giambi uses his
legs and arm to help win a game played with the red, white and blue
bunting hanging from the decks, it's very difficult to see it as just
another game. And if it needed anything else it was Joe Girardi's first
win as Yankees manager.

"It's awesome," Girardi said of the victory that was delayed a day
by rain but took only two hours and 31 minutes to complete. "I have
been looking forward to this day since I signed. You do all the
preparation and I saw it pay off. You saw a guy (Bobby Abreu) score
from first and you saw a guy (Johnny Damon) hit a triple. It was
unbelievable, you finally get to play for real."

Rodriguez’s Opt-Out: A Mess That Sticks

TAMPA, Fla. — Alex Rodriguez called his off-season “the greatest opt-out in the history of baseball,” but he said it sheepishly, not proudly. Rodriguez used words like “chaotic” and “whacked out” to describe how he went from opting out of his last three years with the Yankees to eventually returning to them.

YANKEES' FIRST ACT A WASHOUT

RAIN PUTS FINAL OPENER AT RUTH'S HOUSE ON HOLD

April 1, 2008 -- While the Yankees and Blue Jays waited yesterday
for what was billed as the last Opening Day in Yankee Stadium, the
Rogers Centre - a domed venue - would have been available if Major
League Baseball had requested the date. When the game was called at
2:25 p.m., 80 minutes after the 1:05 scheduled start, more than one
Yankee pined for Canada.

"We will get through it but there a
couple of domes sitting empty right now," Johnny Damon said. "Is it
raining or snowing in Toronto? This easily could have been avoided."

City Council Approves Fee to Drive Below 60th

John Marshall Mantel for The New York Times

Councilwoman Melissa Mark Viverito, left, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg,
Councilwoman Gale A. Brewer and Speaker Christine C. Quinn after the
congestion pricing proposal was passed.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Speaker Christine C.
Quinn won approval of the controversial proposal from the City Council
by an unusually slim margin.

'Final Home Opener' at Yankee Stadium Postponed Til Tuesday

Historic Home Opener Rained Out

The beginning of the end will have to wait. The final opening day at Yankee Stadium was postponed because of rain Monday, pushing back New York's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. The game was rescheduled for 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday, previously an off day in the series

Hell Gate to be upgraded

Astoria's Hell Gate Bridge is another western Queens structure where rehabilitation has been stalled and is now ready to resume, City Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) said.

Amtrak will begin renovating the bridge on April 1 and complete work in one year, he said. Residents have long complained that the bridge poses dangers to pedestrians by leaking water and shedding debris.

"For too long this trestle, a landmark in our community, has been a sorry eyesore," Vallone said. "This bridge should be a neighborhood gem, not a crumbling piece of stone."

Amtrak put up scaffolding to fix the bridge nearly a year ago, but little renovation has since taken place, Vallone said. For years, rocks and pieces of plaster have fallen from the structure and damaged parked cars, he said. Water has also leaked from the bridge and frozen during the winter, causing one of Vallone's employees to slip and break her wrist, the councilman said.

Starbucks: Not So Fast on New Calorie Counts

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Starbucks says it's going to take a little more time to start listing calorie counts on menus at its New York City outlets.

The coffee giant said earlier this week that it would post the
calorie data by Monday, though a city deadline for doing so has been
postponed until April 15.

But Starbucks said Friday it would comply with the rule when it takes effect.

TSA Changing Procedures for Body Piercings

'NIPPLE NIGHTMARE'
The
Transportation Security Administration says it will change the way it
searches passengers with body piercings after a Texas woman complained
she was forced to remove a nipple ring with pliers in order to board a
plane. In the future, passengers can allow a visual inspection. Mandi
Hamlin (right) had demanded an apology. VIDEO

Ex-Official Cleared to Continue Work on Big City Projects

Ex-Official Cleared to Continue Work on Big City ProjectsBy PATRICK McGEEHAN and RAY RIVERA

Daniel L. Doctoroff, who left City Hall for a private position, may remain involved in city projects that were begun while he was deputy mayor for economic development.

Did Clemens Lie ????

GOP Lawmaker's Report Questions If Clemens Lied
The
top Republican on the congressional committee investigating whether
Roger Clemens used performance-enhancing drugs has released a report
questioning whether the seven-time Cy Young Award winner lied in his
testimony before the panel last month. Read the Full Report

Home prices fall a record 10.7% in past year

Home prices in 20 major U.S. metro areas have plunged a record 10.7% in the past year as prices continued to decelerate, Standard & Poor's said Tuesday.
The 20-city Case-Shiller home price index fell a record 2.4% from December to January, the 18th consecutive decline in prices. For 10 major cities, prices fell 2.3% in January and 11.4% for the past 12 months.
"No markets seem to be completely immune from the housing crisis,' said David Blitzer, chairman of the index committee at S&P.
Of the 20 cities, only Charlotte, N.C., has managed any gains in the past year, rising a meager 1.8%. For the fifth straight month, all 20 cities recorded lower prices compared with the previous month.
Home prices in 10 of the 20 cities have fallen at double-digit rates in the past year.
In a separate report, the Conference Board said consumer confidence plunged in March to the lowest level since the start of the Iraq War, while consumers' expectations about the economy over the next six months fell to the lowest level in 35 years. See full story.

Internet addictions: A real medical menace?

Alcohol, drugs, food, sex, and even shopping are all candidates for medical treatment and are recognized as genuine mental disorders, so what about the Internet? Internet addiction -defined as "excessive gaming, sexual pre-occupations, and email/text messaging" - is becoming so common that at least one psychiatrist says it merits inclusion in psychiatry's official handbook of mental illness, the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders."

Dr. Jerald Block of the Oregon Health and Science University is the latest voice pushing for this inclusion, noting that tech junkies display genuinely debilitating behavior, including drug-like cravings, withdrawal, and a constant need for more and better gear - just like a substance addict might exhibit.

But other doctors comment that Internet addiction, while it may be real, is too new of a condition and needs further study before being medically classified. There might be something to this: No one wants people being medicated or institutionalized if they aren't genuinely ill.

Mega Millions Jackpot Swells to $95 Million

Posted: Sunday, 23 March 2008 7:21AM


Mega Millions Jackpot Swells to $95 Million






NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The jackpot in the multistate Mega Millions lottery drawing has grown to $95 million.

None of the tickets sold for Friday's $83 million drawing matched
all five lotto numbers and the Mega Ball. The winning numbers were: 5,
8, 17, 19 and 41, and the Mega Ball number was 21.

Six second-prize winners matched the five lotto numbers to win
$250,000 each. Another 44 players each won $10,000 by matching four
numbers and the Mega Ball number.



One California player matched five numbers, and another eight players
matched four of the five lotto numbers, plus the Mega Ball number. The
prize amounts in California are different than what prize winners in
the other Mega Ball participating states would receive.

The next Mega Millions drawing will be held Tuesday night.

Fanciful Hats Take Over Fifth Avenue at Easter Parade

Easter Parade: Hats Incredible!
Crazy
hats are the standard attire for the Easter Parade, which started out
as a chance for prosperous New Yorkers to strut their holiday finery
after church and has evolved into spring's answer to Halloween. The
parade was immortalized in the 1948 movie ``Easter Parade'' starring
Judy Garland and Fred Astaire and has been bringing smiles to faces
ever since.

New Governor for New York, Pledging Unity

New Governor for New York, Pledging Unity

By NICHOLAS CONFESSORE

James Estrin/The New York Times

Lt. Gov. David A. Paterson being sworn in on Monday as the 55th governor of New York by Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye in Albany.

Gov. David A. Paterson offered wisecracks to an audience that clearly ached to move beyond a sordid ordeal.

• Patersons Acknowledge Extramarital Affairs

Technorati Tags: tonylimo, governor, ny

St. Patrick's Day Parade

Posted: Monday, 17 March 2008 1:36PM Sea of Green up Fifth Ave.

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The 247th consecutive St. Patrick's Day Parade is marching through New York City today. Click to Watch Live Video You can't walk 5 feet in midtown Manhattan without seeing or hearing bagpipes. The pipes were callin' on Monday in a sea of marchers, step dancers, men in kilts, smiles and, of course, green during New York City's St. Patrick's Day parade. The crowd was up to seven people deep in some places along the Fifth Avenue route. Amid the Irish music, bagpipes also were playing "God Bless America."

Sixth Body Recovered at Crane Site in NYC

Sixth Body Recovered at Crane Site

By ANAHAD O’CONNOR and WILLIAM NEUMAN 1 minute ago

Rescue workers on Monday recovered another body from the two-block swath of wreckage where a crane collapsed on Saturday.

Technorati Tags: TONYLIMO. NYC, Accidents

David Paterson Sworn In as New York's Governor

David Paterson Sworn In
David
Paterson was sworn in as New York's first black governor following
Eliot Spitzer's resignation amid a prostitution scandal. Paterson, who
is legally blind, is the state's 55th governor. He succeeds Spitzer,
who resigned at noon.

Technorati Tags: tonylimo, NYC, Governor

Still a 'Search Operation'

Crane Accident - 3 Still Missing

Three
people are still missing as rescue crews removed pieces of a broken
crane that crushed a Manhattan town home in one of the city's deadliest
construction accidents. Four construction workers were killed and 24
other peoples were injured. Photo by 1010 WINS reporter Steve Sandberg.

Your next gadget may come with a pre-installed virus

From iPods to navigation systems, some of today's hottest gadgets are landing on store shelves with some unwanted extras from the factory — pre-installed viruses that steal passwords, open doors for hackers and make computers spew spam.
Computer users have been warned for years about virus threats from downloading Internet porn and opening suspicious e-mail attachments. Now they run the risk of picking up a digital infection just by plugging a new gizmo into their PCs.

Recent cases reviewed by The Associated Press include some of the most widely used tech devices: Apple iPods, digital picture frames sold by Target and Best Buy stores

Ashley Alexandra Dupre Naked

As if teasing the publishers of Penthouse and Playboy, the most famous hooker of the week, Ashley Alexandra Dupre is butt-naked on the cover of today's New York Post. The "aspiring singer," a charge as yet unproved, had five million hit ...

read more | digg story

Crane Collapses, Kills at Least 4, Devastates Manhattan Block

Fatal Crane Collapse
A
giant crane toppled over at a construction site and smashed into a
block of residential buildings Saturday, killing at least four
people and creating a horrifying scene of destruction on
Manhattan's East Side. The big, white crane, which looked to be
at least 15 stories tall, demolished parts of several buildings as it
fell and at least one apartment building appeared to have been
completely pulverized.

Meet Woman Allegedly at the Center of the Spitzer Scandal

Woman Behind Spitzer Scandal
The
New York Times identified the call girl allegedly behind the Eliot
Spitzer scandal as a 22-year-old aspiring musician from Manhattan.
The real name of the prostitute identified only as "Kristen'' in
court papers was identified in the report as Ashley Alexandra
Dupre, originally from New Jersey.

Photo from MySpace

STEROIDS IN AMERICA

• The Real Dope:
  Athletes who take performance-improving drugs make all the headlines.
  But the culture of personal physical enhancement has pushed the use of
  steroids and HGH everywhere. Don't blame only the jocks
  
• The Godfather:
  "If you wanted to cheat, this guy, working out of a little post office
  in Alabama, was the guy. Tony Fitton was doctor and pharmacist."
  
• The Future: Think performance enhancers are a problem now? Welcome to the era of the genetically engineered superathlete
  

Spitzer Resigns, Citing Personal Failings

Gov. Eliot Spitzer, who rose to power as a fierce enforcer of ethics in
public life, was undone by revelations of his own involvement with
prostitutes.

NY POST: Spitzer Notifying Top Officials

LATEST: The NY POST reports
Gov. Eliot Spitzer has decided to resign and is notifying top state
officials of his decision. Political leaders, bloggers, commentators
and comedians nationwide have had their shot, New Yorkers are also
weighing in on the prostitution scandal that rocked the Capitol and
their view is clear: Gov. Eliot Spitzer should resign or be removed
from office.

Investigators: Spitzer Was Repeat Customer

With pressure mounting on Gov. Eliot
Spitzer to resign over a call-girl scandal, investigators said Tuesday
he was clearly a repeat customer who spent tens of thousands of
dollars, perhaps as much as $80,000, with the high-priced prostitution
service over an extended period of time.

N.Y. GOP Calling for Spitzer to Resign

NEW YORK (1010 WINS/AP)
-- A top Republican state lawmaker is threatening to push for
impeachment proceedings against Gov. Eliot Spitzer if he doesn't resign
in the next 48 hours because of a sex scandal.



Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco says the state can't have the governor's prostitution scandal hanging over its head.



Tedisco would need support from the Democratic majority in the Assembly to get articles of impeachment to the floor.



The scandal erupted Monday when a law enforcement official identified
Spitzer as ``Client 9'' in an alleged prostitution ring.



"Client 9'' paid thousands of dollars to spend an evening with a call girl named Kristen in a glitzy Washington hotel.

Report: Spitzer Involved in Prostitution Ring

NEW YORK (AP)
-- Gov. Eliot Spitzer has told senior advisers that he had been
involved in a prostitution ring, The New York Times reported Monday,
citing an anonymous top administration official.The Times reported that a person with knowledge of the governor's role
believes the governor is identified as a client in court papers. Four
people allegedly connected to a high-end prostitution ring called
Emperors Club VIP were arrested last week.

Patrick Swayze Marches On Despite Terminal Cancer

Actor Patrick Swayze seems determined to live his life despite the tragic pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

While the news of his diagnosis is making headlines worldwide, Swayze is keeping busy with work, as the A&E pilot "The Beast," in which he plays an unorthodox FBI agent, is being considered to be turned into a series by the cable network.

However, the 55-year-old actor is not neglecting treatment, and his doctor George Fisher is optimistic about Swayze's future, who was reportedly given only several weeks to live.

"Patrick has a very limited amount of disease and he appears to be responding well to treatment," Fisher said in a statement.

"All of the reports stating the timeframe of his prognosis and his physical side effects are absolutely untrue," Fisher added. "We are considerably more optimistic."

Swayze is currently undergoing chemotherapy – not radiation – and he has not lost his hair (which can sometimes happen as a result of chemo), the star's publicist, Annett Wolf, told People.

"Patrick is continuing his normal schedule during this time, which includes working on upcoming projects. The outpouring of support and concern he has already received from the public is deeply appreciated by Patrick and his family," she added.

Police Investigating Letters Sent to Capitol Hill Regarding Times Square Explosion

NEW YORK (AP)
-- Police are investigating letters that arrived Thursday at Capitol
Hill offices containing a photo of the Times Square military recruiting
office before it was bombed and including the words ``We did it.''



A law enforcement official, who spoke on condition of anonymity
because the case is ongoing, confirmed the letter's contents and said
police are investigating.

Sgt. Kimberly Schneider, a Capitol Police spokesman, said she had
received media calls asking about the letter. She said she had made
some initial checks but had not been able to confirm reports of the
letter.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of an e-mail from the office of
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., to other lawmakers Thursday that reads:

``A few offices on the House side have received a letter today
addressed to 'Members of Congress' with a picture of a man standing in
front of the Times Square recruiting station that was bombed in New
York today with the statement 'We did it.' He is standing in front of
it with his arms spread out and he's attached his political manifesto.''

The e-mail says the recipients were told to leave the letters alone and call police.



For the third time in three years, someone riding a bike and armed with small explosives has struck in Manhattan.

Giving It Away....Forbes list

There is a philanthropic convergence at the head of this year's billionaires' list. Warren Buffett, who tops the rankings, has pledged to turn over most of his fortune to the charitable foundation hitherto funded by the fortune of the man he replaces at the top, William H. Gates III

This combination putsThey have the wealth to do so. And, pace Buffett, who is outsourcing the disposal of his money to Gates, they are still young enough to have the energy and fire to undertake such ambitious and challenging philanthropy. They work on a global scale and apply the skills and approaches of business to the work of doing good.

This is reflected in our list of the largest U.S. charitable donations by billionaires last year. It is dominated by gifts of at least $100 million for specific health and education objectives the pair at the forefront of a new wave of entrepreneurial philanthropists. They are eschewing traditional areas of giving such as the arts in favor of big global social issues, particularly poverty, health and education.

Cheap Food Still Available in Astoria; Bronx Pizza Will Get Better

Astoria: Wow, cheap-eats prices may be going up in elsewhere, but at Omonia (the café that baked the elaborate wedding cake for My Big Fat Greek Wedding),
you can get a $12 brunch that includes an entrée, dessert, a
morning cocktail, and coffee, tea, or juice. (And it’s good.) [Foodista]

Bronx: Peter Meehan found someone to drive him to
Trattoria Zero Otto Nove on Arthur Avenue to try the margherita
that’s been getting blog buzz as "the best Neapolitan pizza in
New York City.” It’s good, he says, but needs work (and
less sweet sauce). [Diner’s Journal/NYT]
Slice’s Adam Kuban, Ed Levine’s, and DJ Bubbles also tried
Zero Otto Nove and found potential not perfection. The grilled pizza
from Coals at 1888 Eastchester Road was also dubbed "surprisingly good" during the same trip. [Slice]

Yankees announcer Murcer awaiting test results after undergoing brain biopsy

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- New York Yankees broadcaster Bobby Murcer was resting in a Houston hospital after undergoing a brain biopsy Monday.

Results weren't expected until later in the week.

An
All-Star outfielder who played 17 seasons in the major leagues, Murcer
had surgery in December 2006 -- four days after being diagnosed with a
malignant brain tumor.

An MRI exam last week showed an area of
concern, which could be scar tissue or another tumor, so Murcer went
back to The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for
additional tests.

"Bobby is doing great and is resting
comfortably after this morning's biopsy," his wife, Kay, said in a
statement Monday through Yankees spokesman Jason Zillo. "He could be
released as early as tomorrow. Results won't be available until later
this week."

Queens cabbie claims he did 'right thing' for abandoned baby

The cabbie who fooled New York
with the heart-tugging tall tale of a baby deserted in his backseat
remained unrepentant last night, insisting, "I did the right thing."

Klever Sailema, who went from .hero to fraud in less than 48 hours,
.insisted his big lie was only meant to mask a benevolent .attempt to
save the adorable 6-month-old girl from being ditched in the cold.

"I feel bad, but ultimately I feel like I did the right thing. My
intentions were not to lie to the police," the 45-year-old livery cab
driver, an Ecuadoran immigrant, told the Daily News.

The baby, now identified as Daniella Perez,
was first abandoned by her 14-year-old mother, who bolted more than a
week ago, leaving the brown-eyed little girl with pierced ears in the
care of her father, .Carlos Rodas, 27, Sailema said.

Plaza Hotel Reopens After Three-Year Renovation

NEW YORK (1010 WINS/AP) -- Hundreds of tourists and ordinary New Yorkers flocked to The Plaza Hotel Saturday to take part in the landmark's reopening after a three-year, $400 million renovation.

``They say this place is the world's most famous hotel,'' said
doorman Freddy Davila, who worked for the hotel for 15 years before it
closed in 2005. As he welcomed visitors up the red-carpeted steps and
through the revolving doors, he added: ``It's wonderful to be back.''

``We just had to see inside,'' said Owen Mathieu, visiting from
Marblehead, Mass. ``We've seen it in the movies. Everybody's heard of
it.''

The Plaza, which is a National Historic Landmark, first opened in
1907. Marilyn Monroe was photographed here, the Beatles stayed here and
Frank Lloyd Wright lived here. The hotel ballroom was the setting for
Truman Capote's ``Black and White Ball'' and the wedding of Richard
Nixon's daughter Julie. Movies shot at the hotel include ``North by
Northwest,'' ``Barefoot in the Park,'' ``Crocodile Dundee'' and ``Home
Alone 2.'' Owners have included Conrad Hilton and Donald Trump.

Many fans also know the hotel from children's books by Kay Thompson
about a naughty little girl named Eloise who lives at The Plaza. A
portrait of Eloise hung in the lobby for nearly 50 years; hotel
officials say it will be back up later this spring.

The Plaza's current owners, Elad Properties, originally planned to
convert all guest rooms into condominiums, but the plan was criticized
by preservationists and the hotel workers' union. Negotiations with
Mayor Michael Bloomberg led to a deal that resulted in 282 hotel rooms,
down from the original 805, and 181 apartments.

Police: Arrests Made in Abandoned Baby Case

NEW YORK (1010 WINS/AP)
-- A cab driver who touched of a citywide hunt for the parents of a
baby whom he claimed had been abandoned in his car was arrested
Saturday after police determined his story was a hoax.

Police said the driver, Klever Sailema, knew all along who the child
was, but hid the truth to help an overwhelmed Bronx family abandon the
infant, who had been born to a 14-year-old girl and man twice her age.



1010 WINS Audio: Steve Sandberg Reports l Terry Sheridan with Reaction from Taxi Drivers Spokesman Fernando Mateo

The ill-conceived plot collapsed late Friday night and several people were under arrest Saturday.

The arrests were a stunning development in a case that had
captivated the city after pictures of the adorable baby girl were
published in newspapers and broadcast on TV.

Police didn't immediately say what had broken the case open, but a
family friend, Stuart Caban, told reporters that he had brought the
14-year-old mother to police Friday evening after finding her walking
along the Grand Concourse in the Bronx, carrying a newspaper with her
daughter's picture and sobbing.

``She was depressed, scared, crying. She loved her daughter. She
wanted to be with her,'' said Caban, a 23-year-old bail bondsman.

Caban said the girl told her she hadn't wanted to leave the baby,
but ran away after a violent fight with the father. It wasn't clear
whether she knew about the plot.

The 44-year-old cabbie had been hailed as a good Samaritan after he
dropped the baby off at a Queens firehouse Thursday, saying the child,
who was about 6 months old, had been left in his car by a stranger.