December 14, 2013
Timothy Cardinal Dolan shops for charity
Timothy Cardinal Dolan shopped for charity on Saturday, joining hundreds of volunteers at a Manhattan Kmart in a benefit for low-income families. “I love the fact that some tiny, simple...
The first crossword puzzle, 100 years later
What’s a nine-letter word for “100 years of frustration?” A century ago this week, on Dec. 21, 1913, the first crossword appeared, becoming a daily habit for tens of millions...
Bodies unharmed by fire in Harlem funeral home
Two Harlem families Saturday breathed a sigh of relief after learning a massive blaze that tore through a local funeral home spared the remains of their relatives. The bodies of...
NY already using aerial drones -- just for fun
We’re in the drone zone. The nation is flipping out over the future of unmanned aerial vehicles — but they’ve already taken off in New York. The aerial robots have...
Daily Blotter
Manhattan A man was assaulted in Greenwich Village for no apparent reason, cops said. The 24-year-old victim was walking on West Fourth Street near Sixth Avenue Saturday at 12:40 a.m....
Netflix is the new black
Less than a year after it started offering original programming, Netflix showed Hollywood its muscle last week by nabbing six Golden Globe nominations — more than ABC, CBS and NBC....
Winston is youngest to claim Heisman
Saturday night’s Heisman Trophy presentation held as much drama as one of Florida State’s 13 blowout victories. Redshirt freshman quarterback Jameis Winston claimed college sports’ greatest award, and he did...
Snowstorm slams the Northeast
A winter storm blanketed a wide swath of the Northeast with a picturesque white layer on Saturday and gave ski resorts a boost, but caused dangerous travel conditions and complicated...
What happened to Lady Gaga?
It’s already known as ARTFLOP. On Nov. 6, amid the kind of hype not seen since Michael Jackson floated a statue of himself down the Thames River, Lady Gaga released...
That hurts! Packers paying for lack of backup plan
In the wake of the blast that broke Aaron Rodgers’ collarbone, it’s the once-golden reputations of Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson that are now taking the hit. Losing a former...
No ifs, ands, or butts — Brassard is back
Derick Brassard seemingly has heard his fair share of jokes over the past couple days, but now that the Rangers center has recovered enough from what his coach Alain Vigneault...
George Washington Bridge lane closures remain a mystery
For a great example of government bureaucrats run amok, it’s hard to beat the evolving Mystery of the George Washington Bridge Lane Closures. On the first day of school in...
Carell brings back 'Brick' — plus some epic 3-piece suits
The legend of Ron Burgundy may be kind of a big deal, but Brick Tamland’s legend has legs, too. “I heard that at Wimbledon [last year] during a break in...
Cross-party endorsements in NY need to end
In its lengthy report exposing mischief in New York’s political system, the Moreland Commission missed a major target for real reform: the state’s minor political parties. Because of a quirk...
Colorado gunman 'planned to hurt more people'
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — An 18-year-old who wounded a fellow student before killing himself at a suburban Denver school had entered the building with a shotgun, a machete and three incendiary...
Body of Jovan Belcher exhumed for brain exam
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Former Kansas City Chiefs' linebacker Jovan Belcher's body has been exhumed more than a year after he killed his girlfriend and himself so that his brain...
When SantaCon comes to town
It's that time of year again. Participants of the annual SantaCon bar crawl, a worldwide that occurs in more than 300 cities in 44 countries, descended upon New York City...
Man survives fall on subway tracks by laying low in gap
Christmas came early on the R line. A Bronx man miraculously escaped death Saturday morning when he laid down between the subway tracks at Union Square as an uptown train...
2 men snatched off street, may have been held in ‘torture room’
Authorities are searching for a man who was kidnapped from a Brooklyn street Friday night — and may have been held in home with a “torture room,” police sources said. Three...
Obama's 'Selfie Presidency' — it’s all about me
This was the week the word of the year collided in slapstick hilarity with the picture of the year. Selfie! It’s the concept of the year. Maybe — given its...
Flights cancelled as snow hits Northeast
HARRISBURG, Pa. — A fast-moving storm expected to drop a foot of snow or more in the Northeast over the weekend moved into the region Saturday as road crews went...
China lands rover on moon; 1st soft-landing in 37 years
BEIJING — China on Saturday successfully carried out the world's first soft landing of a space probe on the moon in nearly four decades, state media said, the next stage...
The Smithsonian's unexpected treasures
There isn’t much America throws away. Julia Child’s kitchen? We’ve got that. Enola Gay? Saved that. Everything from dinosaur bones to Eli Whitney’s cotton gin to a Mercury space capsule...
'Duck Dynasty' star talks hit holiday album
He's known to most as a duck commander, but it turns out Willie Robertson is also an original gangsta. “I cut a rap song once,” he tells The Post. “It...
Tune in to less-than-traditional holiday shows
If your holiday plans do not involve mistletoe-induced love affairs fueled by a return to your hometown, you might enjoy these less-than-traditional holiday shows: “A Very Quentin X-mas” (Wednesday, Dec....
There’s no quitting for these TV workaholics
You might think that the people you see on TV each day are living on easy street — assistants (slaves) catering all their meals, picking their outfits, setting their travel...
Lion gets a nasty surprise mid-meal
Sometimes the predator becomes the prey! A young lion found this out the hard way when it was on the receiving end of a sneak attack while stalking a young...
From Lorde to Gin Wigmore, New Zealand punches above its weight
I should have been a singer. That’s how you conquer the world these days. At least it’s how you become rich and famous if you are a New Zealander, like...
‘The Voice’ contestants need personality, not just pipes
Earlier this year, the documentary “20 Feet from Stardom” explored the life of the backup singers who toil in the stars’ shadows. Contestants on “The Voice” should watch that movie...
Xi'an Famous Foods' new Manhattan spot has lines out the door
For most chefs at Manhattan restaurants, the 3 p.m. post-lunch-rush period is a quiet time to catch one’s breath and prepare for the onslaught of dinner service a few hours...
Why we still love Bonnie & Clyde
As body counts of murdered victims go — at least 13, in their case — Bonnie and Clyde surpassed the likes of David “Son of Sam” Berkowitz and Chicago nurse-mutilator...
Just how accurate is 'Anchorman 2'?
By the bedpan of Gene Rayburn, Ron Burgundy is back! In “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues,” opening Wednesday, the arrogant journalist is recruited to join a 24-hour cable news network...
'Her' may be Scarjo's greatest performance, and we don't even see her
Scarlett Johansson gives what may well be the performance of her career in Spike Jonze’s “Her,’’ opening Friday. But we never actually see her in the movie — the bodacious...
Bells toll in Newtown as a nation remembers Sandy Hook
NEWTOWN, Conn. — Bells tolled 26 times to honor the children and educators killed one year ago in a shooting rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School as local churches held...
Mandela makes final journey home
QUNU, South Africa — A casket carrying the remains of Nelson Mandela arrived at his hometown of Qunu Saturday, the day before he is to be buried in the native...
Snubbed: Desmond Tutu not invited to Mandela's funeral
JOHANNESBURG — Preparations for Nelson Mandela's funeral have been marred by a public spat between the South African government and retired Archbishop Desmond Tutu, one of the most prominent survivors...
Missing American was probing Iranian money laundering: lawyer
An American with links to the Central Intelligence Agency was investigating suspicions that Iranian government officials were diverting petroleum funds and laundering them through Canada when he went missing in...
Mega Millions jackpot rises to $550M after no winners
DES MOINES, Iowa — One of the largest jackpots in U.S. lottery history climbed even higher Saturday after no ticket matched all six numbers to win the $425 million top...
Nets' Lopez feeling better
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Nets have suffered through one piece of bad injury news after another so far this season, but it appears they may have finally caught a...
Biggest marketing blunders of 2013
This year has been filled with corner office execs making dumb mistakes in marketing in advertising their companies, but communications expert Paul Argenti has identified some of the worst of...
Broner on best behavior leading up to title bout
Even by boxing’s lowest standards, Adrien Broner’s conduct at times has been unbearably disgusting. It’s one thing to play the role of the self-absorbed prize fighter. It’s another to turn...
Metta World Peace ready for whatever comes his way
BOSTON — Metta World Peace said he knew going to New York would be “an adventure’’ and it is living up to the billing. The Queensbridge product has not only...
Hair-care cocaine arrest at JFK
A passenger flew into JFK Airport from the Dominican Republic with more than six pounds of cocaine hidden inside her hair products, US Customs officials said Friday. Erika Rodriguez de...
Charitable donations boomed during Bloomberg’s tenure
A staggering $2.8 billion in charitable donations poured into the city’s coffers during his 12 years in office, Mayor Bloomberg said. The largest chunk, about $900 million, headed to parks. Another...
Bloomberg's zap on e-bikers
Mayor Bloomberg tried to put the brakes on speedy electric bikes that menace city streets on Friday. In May, Bloomberg signed a law that bans the e-bikes. But he was hazy...
Bloomberg extends East River Ferry for 5 years
City hipsters can keep taking the scenic route. On Friday, Mayor Bloomberg announced a five-year contract extension for the East River Ferry, which serves the hot ’hoods of Williamsburg, Greenpoint,...
Foe: Lance paid me $100G to throw $1M race
Lance Armstrong handed another cyclist a cake box stuffed with $100,000 in cash to throw a $1 million, multistate race, the rival rider said Friday. Italian cyclist Roberto Gaggioli, 51,...
'Scammed' billionaire Koch now out to stomp wine 'fraud'
Billionaire Bill Koch took the stand Friday against an allegedly fraudulent winemaker he claims duped him — saying the experience led to him spending $25 million on his own “personal...
Daily Blotter
Manhattan A thief with expensive tastes stole more than $25,000 worth of Chanel and Louis Vuitton goods from stores in Soho and Midtown, authorities said. Illyanna Juliet, 19, pulled a...
Pols push to ban cellphone calls on planes
WASHINGTON — The rush is on to “cell” some quiet in the friendly skies. The Federal Communications Commission’s move toward lifting the ban on cellphone calls on airplanes has everyone...
Beyoncé’s surprise album download frenzy
Beyoncé fans rushed to get their copies of the pop diva’s surprise new “visual album,” giving it 80,000 downloads in its first three hours on the market Friday. Titled “BEYONCÉ”...
De Blasio repeats 'tale of 2 cities' to Obama in sit-down
WASHINGTON — Bill de Blasio took his leftist agenda to DC Friday and emerged from the White House proclaiming that his brand of socialist politics is sweeping the nation. “There...
E-cigs may deliver more toxins than smoke, researchers say
Don’t make that nicotine switch just yet. E-cigarette users may be getting higher concentrations of toxins than regular smokers because they inhale deeper and more frequently when they puff, NYU...
Major subway crimes down
Strap-hangers got a token of good news Friday -- major subway crime has dipped 6.2 percent for the first 11 months compared to the same period last year. Preliminary NYPD...
Matthew Perry as 'Odd Couple' Oscar?
Matthew Perry is eyeing a return to TV with a reboot of Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple” for CBS, according to deadline.com. Perry (“Friends,” “Go On”) would play slob Oscar...
PBS special uncovers 'How Sherlock Changed the World'
Are you jumpier than a guilty perp as you impatiently await the third-season premiere of BBC’s “Sherlock” on January 19th? Or “Elementary,” which resumes its second season Jan. 2 on...
Sprint considering T-Mobile purchase
Sprint is working toward a possible bid for rival T-Mobile, people familiar with the matter said, setting the stage for a giant telecom merger that if permitted by regulators would...
Shady Martoma wins a walk in the park
Alleged insider trading mastermind Mathew Martoma wants a fancy Christmas vacation before he heads to court. Martoma, a former portfolio manager for Steve Cohen’s SAC Capital Advisors, has received permission...
Papa John's probe suggests more exploitation of workers
A New York state probe of local Papa John’s pizza franchises underpaying workers is now looking at records at the corporate office, The Post has learned. Investigators with Attorney General...
Cable mergers could involve Dolans
Let the cable company consolidation wars begin! On a day dominated by news that Charter Communications was readying a $135-a-share offer for Time Warner Cable, sources Friday said Cablevision may...
Quiet Pace advises Jets to seize the day vs. Panthers
When the horn sounded shortly after noon Friday signaling the end of the Jets’ last practice before their have-to-have-it game against the heavily-favored Panthers on Sunday in Charlotte, N.C., the...
Five-alarm fire tears through Harlem
A five-alarm fire in Harlem burned for hours Friday night, damaging at least five buildings, authorities said. The massive fire began at 7:45 p.m when at 212 West 145th St....
Malachi Richardson picks Syracuse
Syracuse looks years in advance when it comes to recruiting. The Orange zero in on top prospects early on in the recruiting process, bringing them on campus for elite camps...
Yankees fans likely won't forgive Cano
April 29 at Yankee Stadium. Book it now. You’re going to see the most vicious, hellacious booing since the new Yankee Stadium opened in 2009. April 22 at Fenway Park?...
Cano who? Yankees move on with Ellsbury
With Robinson Cano and his $240 million contract off to Seattle, the Yankees continued the business of dealing with life without the second baseman. On Friday, that meant introducing their...
Source: Tanaka may stay in Japan
The Yankees might have to wait another year to chase Masahiro Tanaka. According to a person with knowledge of the Rakuten Golden Eagles’ plans for the coveted right-hander, the earliest...
Infante spurns Yankees for Royals, leaving gap at second
So much for Omar Infante replacing Robinson Cano. Infante, the free agent second baseman, reached a four-year deal, $30-million deal with the Royals on Friday, a source confirmed. Cano’s signing...
Knee woes end season for Jets WR Hill — again
Jets wideout Stephen Hill’s sorry sophomore season ended the same way his first season did: Sidelined with a knee injury. The receiver was put on season-ending injured reserve Friday due...
Giants coach Coughlin: No JPP shutdown yet
Tom Coughlin contradicted an ESPN report Friday, saying he is unaware of any doctors telling Jason Pierre-Paul to sit out the Giants’ final three games to rest his ailing right...
Mets lose Rays as suitor for Ike Davis
Eliminate the Rays from the list of suitors for Ike Davis. With Tampa Bay’s decision to re-sign first baseman James Loney on Friday, the Mets’ list of potential trade partners...
Blue feeling as Rangers remain winless on long homestand
It’s curious to think what Alain Vigneault’s reaction might have been if someone walked up to him on June 22, the day after he was announced as the Rangers coach,...
Bound for Tigers, Joba says Yankees memories 'are all good'
It was time to go and everybody knew it. The buzz of 2007 had turned into boos, and all involved needed a new beginning. On Friday, Joba Chamberlain got it....
Kiwanuka: Seattle QB Wilson ahead of Newton, RG3
At least one Giants defensive player thinks Cam Newton and Robert Griffin III don’t belong in the same sentence with Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. All three are young mobile passers...
Giants' Nicks: Seahawks ‘D’ bends rules, but he’s ready
Ask Hakeem Nicks if Richard Sherman and the rest of the Seahawks’ vaunted secondary plays within the rules and watch him shake his head and laugh. Seattle’s success isn’t solely...
Miley steals show at Jingle Ball
The 11 other acts performing at Friday night's Z100's Jingle Ball never had a chance. Headliner Miley Cyrus underlined her pop dominance throughout 2013 with a performance that saw her...