Chick Runs Dude Network

Hamilton Nolan · 06/08/09 11:50AM

Spike TV, as you men know, is the cable network of choice for testicle-bearers. From MANswers to The Ultimate Fighter to Deadliest Warrior, only Spike TV caters directly to testosterone-based idiot viewers. But dude—a chick's picking their shows?!?

The Disappearing DKNY Mural

Richard Lawson · 06/08/09 11:36AM

The years-old, six-story, block-lettered DKNY mural, featuring Lady Liberty, that greeted those headed south down Broadway into Soho has been painted over. Clothing store Hollister (ugh) has moved into the retail space at 600 Broadway, so they want the wall.

Redefining Luxury (Downwards)

Hamilton Nolan · 06/08/09 11:11AM

The Way We Live Now: Not fucking around, that's for sure. Would you be fucking around, in this day and age, when neither soothing twopenny candies nor free alcohol can calm the bloody Central Park Balloon Vendor Wars?

Weinstein Woes, Colbert in Iraq, Drama in North Korea

cityfile · 06/08/09 11:04AM

• Is Harvey and Bob Weinstein's film company headed for bankruptcy? That remains unclear, although the Weinstein Co's decision to hire Miller Buckfire to restructure its finances isn't a good sign, that's for sure. [NYT]
• Members of the Boston Newspaper Guild are voting today whether to accept the package of pay cuts proposed by the New York Times Co. [PC]
• Stephen Colbert is broadcasting from Iraq this week. In addition to an interview with the president, Colbert will get a military-style makeover. [NYT]
• Journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee were sentenced to 12 years of hard labor by a North Korean court late last night. The Obama administration has vowed to keep up its lobbying effort. And in the meantime, employees at Current TV—where both women work—continue to keep quiet about the matter, per instructions from network management. [NYT, AP, NYT]

The Upper East Side's Garden of Tacky Delights

Richard Lawson · 06/08/09 10:55AM

Ever wander up Fifth Avenue and wonder about the earthly delights behind the cloistered co-op walls? A tipster browsing the Sotheby's listings discovered that just because it's expensive doesn't mean you should be jealous.

Kelly Bensimon Takes a Plea

cityfile · 06/08/09 10:04AM

Kelly Bensimon won't have to serve any time for punching her former boyfriend in the face back in March. This morning she accepted a deal that will put the charges to bed (and allow her to eventually purge her record), provided she complete two days of community service and stay out of trouble. The plea puts the humiliating episode behind her, although a little bit more humilation ended up following her out of the courtroom: As reporters and photographers followed her down Centre Street, one "puzzled passerby" was overheard on her cell phone telling a friend that she'd spotted Countess LuAnn de Lesseps. Poor thing. Nevertheless, Kelly seems to be pleased with the outcome. She says "justice was served," and the ordeal even appears to have provided her with a new cause to focus her attention on:

High Line Makes Its Debut

cityfile · 06/08/09 09:35AM

Mayor Bloomberg cut the ribbon at the opening of the High Line this morning. It officially opens to the public tomorrow, although if you plan to pay a visit, keep in mind that access will be limited during peak hours and visitors "will flow from south to north," which means you'll need to enter the park at the Gansevoort Street access point. Oh, and keep your dog at home. They're not welcome, at least for the time being. [HighLine.org, NY1, previously]

Brit Nip Slip!

Hamilton Nolan · 06/08/09 09:13AM

The ne plus ultra of "Stories That Prove Gawker's Just Trashy Celebrity Click-Bait Now" has finally happened. And we don't even get paid by the page view any more. What a rip.

Chelsea Clinton Mezvinsky?

cityfile · 06/08/09 09:07AM

Is Chelsea Clinton getting married this summer? Rumors that former first daughter plans to tie the knot with longtime boyfriend Marc Mezvinsky in the near future first surfaced in late March, and although the Clinton family has steadfastly denied the reports since then, "well-connected residents" of Martha's Vineyard" now say the wedding is planned for late August at the home of Vernon Jordan, the Democratic power broker and top exec at Lazard. (Previously, it had been reported that the wedding might take place at the Martha's Vineyard home of Ted Danson.) The Clintons still maintain it's not happening, although if you have plans to be on Martha's Vineyard at the end of August—which is when the Obamas are expected to be on the island—you'd be well advised to take precautions and make alternate vacation arrangements as soon as possible. [NYM]

Spotted

cityfile · 06/08/09 08:51AM

Reese Witherspoon shopping with Jake Gyllenhaal at Marni on Mercer Street, and later leaving lunch at Bar Pitti ... Dave Matthews picking up breakfast from Peace and Love Cafe in Tribeca ... Will Ferrell watching a game at Yankees Stadium ... Nicole Kidman leaving her building downtown ... Jeff Goldblum and Rachel McAdams filming scenes for Morning Glory ... Whitney Port shopping with a friend downtown ... Djimon Hounsou walking by himself ... Denise Richards eating dessert at Fresco on East 52nd Street ... Robert Pattinson walking downtown with actor Tom Sturridge ... and Kate Hudson and Alex Rodriguez leaving 40/40 separately.