(AP)

By Emily Ngo

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) on Monday cemented her stand on the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gays, announcing a hearing to repeal what she called “an unfair, outdated measure that violates the civil rights of some of our bravest.”

Before her appointment to the Senate, Gillibrand had shied away from opposing the policy, which prevents openly gay people from serving in the military.

Supporters on Tuesday argued that the junior senator always had backed an appeal. "Certainly just because a lawmaker is not a co-sponsor of legislation, does not mean they do not support it," said Gillibrand spokesman Matt Canter.

The hearing, set for the fall, likely will help Gillibrand shore up more support from the left.

Mayor Michael BLoomberg in a file photo. AP

By Jason Fink

During a second round of questioning Monday morning in a discrimination lawsuit against his media company, Michael Bloomberg was “dismissive” and “disinterested,” the plaintiffs’ attorney said.

“You’re dealing with an individual who (normally ) doesn’t have to answer questions if he doesn’t want to,” the attorney, Richard Roth, said of the mayor.

Bloomberg first sat for a deposition in the case in May. The class action lawsuit, which accuses the company of demoting and cutting the pay of women after they became pregnant, is expected to go to trial next year.

Continue reading "Lawyer: Bloomberg was "dismissive" in deposition" »

(Photo by RJ Mickelson/amNY)
By Heather Haddon

A sharp drop in ridership is forcing the MTA to cut back on basics like cleaning and maintenance, transit officials said Monday.

By 2010, the agency will slash $33 million of the budget for station painting, car and station cleaning, maintenance materials and upkeep of its buses, stations and subway cars, officials said. In addition, 90 cleaning jobs will be eliminated through attrition, representing 2 percent of station cleaners and 5 percent of the staff that tidy subway cars.

“We’re trimming around the edges,” said NYC Transit President Howard Roberts Monday.

Many of the cleaners will come from the No. 7 and L lines, where transit had beefed up its scrubbing as part of a pilot program, according to Roberts.

Continue reading "Declining ridership forces MTA to cut cleaners and maintenance staff" »

(Photo by amNY)
By Heather Haddon

Even NYC Transit agrees: Weekend subway service is painfully slow. And it might not get better for decades

Less than half of subways are on time on weekends, according to the most recent figures released by transit Monday. The lettered lines were the most delayed, with 59 percent of trains off from the regular schedules, transit statistics from May show.

“I'm always late for work,” said Fiorella Olivera, 23, who commutes from Brooklyn to Manhattan for Saturday shifts. “They should improve service.”

The MTA's ambitious maintenance work schedule, which includes dozens of projects to improve the system, is to blame for the ongoing weekend headaches, officials said.
In May, transit delayed weekend service 31,000 times for maintenance. Sick customers, in comparison, only caused 94 weekend delays.

The delays scheduled and not the result of crowding, police activity or equipment problems. The MTA updates service changes on its Web site weekly.

Continue reading "Weekend subway service suffers delays, with no relief in sight" »

Mexican wooden horses at Chapultepec Park in Mexico City.

By Garett Sloane
gsloane@am-ny.com

Here’s a travel suggestion I’ve been waiting to make: Go to Mexico City.

I was there during Holy Week, or Semana Santa, a week before the swine flu outbreak. I would have written about the trip sooner, but at that time no one was up for a vacation south of the border.

Even before that, the State Department labeled Mexico as risky because of drug violence. That didn’t deter me — I considered the warnings overblown. Even the swine flu scare that followed seemed extreme.

The fact is that a trip to one of the world’s finest capitals is now a bargain, so there might not be a better time to visit that city built on an ancient lake in a valley of eternal spring.

Where to go
The Zocalo
This is the main square, located in the city’s historic center. It’s one of the world’s largest squares, and is flanked by the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Next to those monuments of Spanish colonialism are the ruins of the Great Temple of the Aztecs.

Chapultepec Park
This is Mexico City’s own Central Park. You could spend a whole day there. There’s a castle that houses the National Museum of History. Visit to see how Mexicans remember the Alamo — a little differently.

Continue reading "Mexico City's charm endures" »

Tigerlily's Amelia Stanley (center left), Jodhi Meares (center right) and models pose at W New York's WOW Suite to celebrate the swimwear brand.

By Allie Rolnik

It’s a classic problem — love the beach, hate the beachwear. Itty-bitty bikinis are great for the models who wear them in the magazines, but what do us mere mortals do to hide those flaws that are so easily covered up in the winter months?

Jodhi Meares, founder and creative director of tigerlily swimwear, and Amelia Stanley, head designer for the company, told us how to lift the misery out of bathing suit season and get us ready for some fun in the sun.

• Rock a one-piece: Thanks to cutouts and elegant styles, one-piece bathing suits are no longer the dowdy. “A one-piece is always really elegant,” Meares said. “It really accentuates a woman’s body and her waist.”

Continue reading "Suit up in a flattering way" »

By Marlene Naanes

The suds summit President Barack Obama has brokered between a black Harvard scholar and the police officer who arrested him is turning the nation’s attention away from priorities such as the economy and health care, many New Yorkers argue.

“There’s more pressing problems in this world,” said James Murray, 73, of Washington Heights. “Why have a beer in the first place? It’s not going to resolve anything.”

Obama invited Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr., and Cambridge Police Sgt. James Crowley over to the White House for a brewski set for this week in hopes of quelling the controversy that has raged after Gate’s arrest, particularly after the president's own words—calling the officer’s actions stupid—escalated the debate last week. It’s a move his adviser told CBS’ “Face the Nation” would finally put the brouhaha to rest.

Continue reading "NYers want focus on health care, not beer diplomacy" »

Theory
July 27 to 30, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 261 W. 36th St., btwn Seventh and Eighth aves., 2nd Fl., 212-947-8748
All tees are $15, skirts $35, pants $45 and jackets 60. Only samples and irregulars are available.

Tracy Reese
July 28, 6 to 10 p.m. 641 Hudson St., btwn Gansevoort and Horatio sts., 212-807-0505
Pieces by Tracy Reese and Plenty by Tracy Reese are up to 70 percent off. Dresses that retail for $400 are now $160. A Plenty dress is now $90, reduced from $300.

Malia Mills
July 29 to 30, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 263 W. 38th St., btwn Seventh and Eighth aves., 16th Fl., 212-354-4200
Bathing suits are up to 75 percent off, with separates at $50 apiece. Plus, shoppers can receive advice from in-store fit specialists.

Continue reading "Sales: July 27 to Aug. 2" »

Puppy will have better life in N.C.
Re “Dog fight gets freaky,” July 24-26: The sweet dog born with five legs deserves better than being put on display in a “freak show” for the curious to gawk at. Congratulations to Allyson Siegel, the woman who saved him from that fate and helped him become a normal animal. He belongs in a loving home where he can enjoy being a well-adjusted puppy. Shame on humans who wish to profit from the misfortunes of others.
— Elaine Sloan, Manhattan

Mayor Bloomberg looks the other way
Re “Fuming over mayor’s idling SUVs,” July 23: While police officers ticketed people for drinking beer at the beach, the mayor attended a Philharmonic concert in Central Park and blithely ignored all the wine bottles around him. Then, after pushing through the ban on smoking in restaurants, he went to a dinner for Wall Street big shots and didn’t notice as they puffed away on cigars. The mayor has pushed through some strict laws. Now if he’d only start enforcing them for the rich.
— R. E. Neu, Brooklyn

Single-payer health care: It’s time
As a member of the only developed country without single-payer health care, I would like to say that it is time the United States enters the 21st century and guarantee health care for all its citizens. It is shameful for a country with this much money to be denying its people this.
— James Pietsch, Manhattan

We’ve all received birthday gifts we haven’t liked. So we don’t hurt anyone’s feelings, we usually pretend to like the present. This 16-year-old had a slightly different reaction.

By Julie Gordon

That sexy beach-wave look is tough enough to get on the sand, let alone after the waves have died down for the day. David Cotteblanche of Red Market Salon (32 Gansevoort St., 212-929-9600) gave us a step-by-step guide for getting that wavy look all through the night.

1. “Salt water at the beach makes your hair a perfect texture. The sun, wind and salt gives it a messy dry look. After [the beach], flip your hear and apply hairspray, a dry hairspray like Davines No. 7 hair spray. Apply liberally without overdoing it.”

2. “Next, depending on the size of the desired curl, twist your hair in sections. The larger the section, the more loose the wave, and vice versa. I suggest using 2-by-2 sections. You can twist around your hand and carefully apply heat from a blow dryer to set. Then loosely shake out once the whole head is complete."

3. “Take Kleenex and tear into pieces in place of rollers; it's easier to transport to the beach. Use the tissues as your "tool," and wrap the hair around and twist. Complete the whole head. Spray after to set and shake out to create tousled hair.”

Photo: Blake Lively perfectly shows off the sexy tousled look. (Getty)

By Lizbette Ocasio-Russe
Special to amNewYork

Nowadays, the bookstores are overflowing with books dedicated to job advice (both keeping your current job and finding a new one).

Here are a few worth checking out:

"The Redundancy Club" by Brooke Cary
This little (113-page) book was written by a woman who, at 28, has been made redundant (the Australian term for laid off) four times. Cary advises on how to survive and come back from a layoff, and how to get your next job. All the personal stories and practical advice are mixed in with a twist of laid-back humor and quotes from Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland."

"The Fearless Fish Out of Water" by Robin Fisher Roffer
Robin Fisher Roffer gives new college grads the boost they need through her book "The Fearless Fish Out of Water." Roffer says now is the time to come at the job market with all you've got, making your uniqueness an asset not a disability. With her seven steps to being a fish out of water, stories from successful fish-out-of-water professionals, practical advice, guidelines and exercises, Roffer shows how to make the most of your differences so you can land a great career — not job — and succeed.

Continue reading "New to bookstores" »

Tuesday, July 28: Starting a Home-Based Business
Location: Camba-Small Business Services, 2nd floor, 884 Flatbush Ave., at the corner of Church Ave.
Time: 3-5 p.m.
To Register: Free, contact 718-282-2500

Wednesday, July 29: Job Seekers Resources: LinkedIn (information session on how to find a job)
Location: Lover Level ETC 3, NY Public Library, 188 Madison Ave., btwn. E 34th and 35th Sts.
Time: 3:15-4:45 p.m.
To Register: Free, contact 212-592-7000

Wednesday, July 29: A Business of Your Own, Is it For You?
Location: YM & YWHA, 54 Nagle Ave., btwn. W. 196th St. and Bogardus Pl.
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
To Register: Free, contact nbush@wibo.org or 212-684-0854

Thursday, July 30: Business Card Exchange-Shareleads Group in Franklin Square
Locations: Plattduetsche Park Restaurant, 1132 Hempstead Turnpike, by Renken Blvd., Long Island
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
To Register: $10 nonmembers, $25 nomembers, contact Gayle Naftaly at gnaftaly@accessoffice.net or 866-391-2780

(Lizbette Ocasio-Russe)

The government's allocation of funds to eco-friendly businesses will result in more jobs, such as solar panel installations.

By Lonni Romirowsky
Special to amNewYork

In the late 1990s, jobs sprang up across the country to prepare companies for the mysterious Y2K.

In this decade,“green” jobs have begun pervading the market. But this time, the trend is here to stay.

“People are trying to cash in on this trend,” according to Avi Spielman, Product Manager at Ecoventures, a company which invests in “Green” businesses, specifically those with eco-friendly products and renewable energy. “Green’ isn’t going anywhere. It’s becoming mandated by the people and by the government.”

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed by President Obama includes more than $60 billion in clean energy investments for the purpose of jump-starting the economy and building new clean-energy jobs.

Here are some tips on cashing in on this growing trend:

Research
Find out about the “green” projects being developed throughout NYC, which will shed light on the employment opportunities surrounding them.

For example, the government is investing in energy efficiency by installing Smart Meters in 4.4 million homes; contact your local electrical company for jobs relating to this project, suggested Terra Wellington, author of "The Mom’s Guide to Growing Your Family Green."

Another great place to start is the NYC Economic Development Corp., which lists current projects meant to spur growth throughout various Manhattan neighborhoods (go to NYCEDC.com and click on the Projects and Opportunities link).
Also look into the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce’s (MCC) Green Business Committee, which provides a database of various types of “green” businesses and opportunities, as well as upcoming public events (manhattanccgreen.org). For example, MCC is co-hosting an Urban Green Expo with the U.S. Green Building Council in September.

Continue reading "Join the Y2Green revolution" »

The city subway has become haute couture.

A 1970’s era subway map now graces a “a sweetly styled silk dress with a fitted bodice and full, pleated skirt.” Featured in the Francis New York spring collection, the dress is “on sale” for $250 at Nordstrom’s. That’s a big markup from the free maps.

(AP photo)

By Marlene Naanes and Anastasia Economides

A freak show starring a 5-legged puppy will go on!

So vowed John Strong, who runs the Coney Island “Freaks of Nature” museum, after learning that the owner of the Chihuahua-Terrier mix had the pup’s extra leg amputated Thursday to thwart his plans for the pooch’s stardom.

“I’m going to get it back on the dog,” he said, demanding that the leg be frozen so it could be reattached. “She doesn’t have a right. I don’t like people cutting off my puppy’s leg.”

Strong was railing inside his animal freak show, which features a miniature horse, a cow with a head-like growth protruding from its forehead and a two headed turtle.

Continue reading "Five-legged puppy freak show not over yet" »

By Heather Haddon

Michael Jackson’s 79-year-old mom says she needs an allowance.

Katherine Jackson, the temporary custodian of MJ's three children, requested money from his estate in court Thursday to help the family get by. The Jackson matriarch depended on her famous son's money, and she is reportedly broke expect for modest Social Security payments.

The judge put off the matter until Aug. 3, when several requests concerning the King of Pop's estate will be addressed.

In other family news, TMZ reported Thursday that Jackson's big sister, Rebbie, has really been the day-to-day mom of the pop icon's children since his June 25th death.
The 59-year-old singer has been camped out at the family's Encino home and will probably remain the primary caretaker regardless of who obtains final custody, reports said.

Continue reading "Jackson's mom looks for money; singer has "love child"" »

By Heather Haddon

Kiss the B express goodbye, Brooklyn straphangers.

Express service on the B line will be eliminated north of King Highway for two years beginning September in order for the MTA to work on overhauling five stations that have been neglected for decades, transit officials said.

Local trains will run on express tracks but will not skip the six stops the express currently bypasses.

Running the trains local will add up to seven minutes to straphangers’ commutes and cost the MTA $960,000 for the additional local service, according to transit documents.

“It’s never a good time for this,” said Doris Ortiz, district manager for Community Board 14 in Brooklyn. “It’s an inconvenience, but it’s worth it.”

Continue reading "B express in Brooklyn to terminate for two years" »

Here’s something we never thought we’d see: Darth Vader and the stormtroopers dancing to “U Can’t Touch This,” which begs the question: Is MC Hammer really Luke Skywalker’s father?

By Ryan Chatelain

Gidget was a pioneer in the entertainment industry. Better known as the Taco Bell dog, she paved the way for other Chihuahuas to star in television and movies.

Here is a look at some of those Chihuahuas who rode the “Yo quiero Taco Bell” wave.

Chloe and Papi from “Beverly Hills Chihuahua”
Drew Barrymore and George Lopez played the voices in this 2008 box office smash. The plot: Papi heads to Mexico to save Chloe, his love, from an evil Doberman. This love story is the Chihuahua community’s “Titanic.”

Tinkerbell Hilton
We’re not quite sure why Tinkerbell Hilton is so famous. She has no talent. She doesn’t say much. She just sits around in a purse looking pretty. Nevertheless, she landed a spot as one of the smartest characters on the reality show “The Simple Life.”

Bruiser from “Legally Blonde”
Bruiser (real name: Moonie) starred as Reese Witherspoon’s sidekick in both “Legally Blonde” movies – and clearly delivered a better performance than Luke Wilson in the sequel. Real movie magic happened in “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde” when Moonie and Gidget shared the silver screen together.

Lou from “The Soup”
Host Joel McHale often brings out Lou for laughs during this E! staple. We especially love the following clip of Lou auditioning for “American Idol.” Sure, this might not the best gig for such a talented pooch, but Lou’s day as a major motion picture star is coming. Mark our words.