Madonna's Midnight Surprise At The Stonewall Inn

Madonna prepares to surprise the NYE crowd at the iconic Stonewall Inn in NYC

Madonna surprised the crowd last night with a midnight appearance at the iconic Stonewall Inn in New York City.

Madge was recently named a ‘Stonewall Ambassador’ by Pride Live to help bring awareness to this year’s 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising on June 28, 2019. In honor of the anniversary, World Pride is being held in New York City this year.

Appearing onstage in an appropriate melange of leather, chains and glitter, the Queen of Pop noted, “This is the smallest stage I’ve ever been on.”

She then went on to address the diverse crowd about the memory and revolution of Stonewall (via Boy Culture):

“I see you! I stand here, proudly, at the place where Pride began, the legendary Stonewall Inn, and the birth of a new year.

"We come together tonight to celebrate 50 years of revolution. Fifty years of freedom-fighting. Fifty years of blood, sweat and tears — can I get an amen?! Fifty years of sacrifice. Fifty years of standing up to discrimination, hatred and — worst of all — indifference.

"And it all started here, at Stonewall. Let us never forget the Stonewall Riots and those who bravely stood up and said, Enough. Enough brutality, enough violence inflicted on this community, enough stigmatism, enough oppression, enough pain and suffering.

"We must never forget where we came from."

Madonna then launched into an acoustic version of her mega-hit “Like A Prayer.” That was followed by a duet of the Elvis classic, “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” with her son, David, on guitar.

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Omg #LikeAPrayer. Are you kidding me? #Madonna #HappyNewYear @prideliveofficial @thestonewallinn

A post shared by Todd Beeton (@toddbeeton) on Dec 31, 2018 at 9:20pm PST

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I made it Thru The Wilderness..........🔥🔥🔥 Back stage at STONEWALL INN!! 🏳️‍🌈 2019 came. in with a Bang!! 💥! #stonewall #pride #50th #newyear #newlife

A post shared by Madonna (@madonna) on Jan 1, 2019 at 10:47am PST

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What could be better than bringing in the New Year with The Queen and her beautifully talented son? Ummm...having a conversation with The Queen ( please, I hope someone recorded those MoMents 🙏🏻 ). Thank you, @madonna and the people who made this possible (I love you guys More than you know!!!) - you just made every shitty thing that happened in 2018 so Much better. 2019 is already looking up 🙏🏻👑 Special thanks to My hubby, who always supports My Madness!!! I love you to the Moon and back!!! ***If you repost My video, please make sure it is properly credited - Thank you!!!***

A post shared by Michele L. Ruiz (@micheleruiznyc) on Dec 31, 2018 at 9:37pm PST

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@madonna stopped by @thestonewallinn tonight, courtesy of @prideliveofficial, to ring in the new year with song. Thank you, Madonna, for helping us welcome the historic 50th anniversary year of the Stonewall riots with fellow #StonewallAmbassadors @levijfoster and @ryanjamaalswain. Happy 2019, rebels! #madonna #stonewall #stonewallinn #NYE #newyearseve #lgbtq #stonewallriots

A post shared by PRIDE LIVE (OFFICIAL) (@prideliveofficial) on Dec 31, 2018 at 9:34pm PST

(h/t Boy Culture)

Homophobic NYC Subway Attacker Arrested For Harassment & Assault As A Hate Crime

Allah Allasheed

Earlier this week, I reported on the violent homophobic attack on a New York subway train that left a young woman with a fractured spine.

According to The New York Daily News, the alleged perpetrator has been apprehended and charged with aggravated harassment and assault as a hate crime.

Allah Allasheed, 54, faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

The assault occurred on November 20 aboard an E train in Queens.

The victim, a 20-year-old college student, tells the Daily News her friend “gave me a kiss on the cheek while she was making a Snapchat.”

That somehow triggered Allasheed, who flew into a rage, as he started screaming at the two young women.

“Don’t do that gay shit in front of me!,” he yelled as he threatened the victims. “Do that one more time and watch what happens!”

The two students say they stood up to put some distance between themselves and the man, and that’s when he jumped up and ran towards them.

“I knew he was going to hit me,” the victim told The Daily News. “He punched me in the back. I turned around and before I could even defend myself …. he threw me back. My head hit the pole and my back hit the ground."

Allasheed apparently managed to escape when the train stopped at the next stop.

Hospitalized with a C7 vertebrae fracture near the base of her neck, the victim also suffered torn elbow ligaments trying to catch herself as she fell.

Treated at Elmhurst Hospital, she returned to school for end of semester exams. Nearly a month after the violent assault, she still wears a neck brace.

Allasheed was captured by the New York Police Department Hate Crime Task Force. According to reports, he confessed to the attack and the use of hate speech.

“I stood up and told her kiss her again you dyke and watch what happens,” he allegedly told authorities, according to the Daily News. “I pushed the girl, she turned around and then she fell.”

The victim told the Daily News she is, of course, relieved the assailant has been arrested and charged. She also doesn’t want the incident to change her.

“Bad things happen, but good things happen all the time,” she said. “Hopefully I can move on from it.”

UPDATE: Suspect Arrested In Connection With Alleged Brooklyn Hate Crime

Alleged suspect in Brooklyn hate crime

UPDATE: A 25-year-old man, Brandon McNamara, has been arrested in connection with the gay bashing.

In partnership with the community, an arrest has been made in the 9-23-18 Hate Crime assault in Brooklyn in which a gay couple was brutally attacked. Grateful to those who contacted @NYPDTIPS & assisted the Hate Crimes T.F. quickly apprehend Brandon McNamara. #YourCityYourCall pic.twitter.com/o0PfZ1Zqqa

— Chief Dermot F. Shea (@NYPDDetectives) September 26, 2018

Brandon McNamara, 25, accused of attacking a gay couple in Williamsburg. Silent as he was walked out of NYPD 7th Precinct pic.twitter.com/rl1kR7fyL6

— Henry Rosoff (@HenryRosoff) September 26, 2018

****************************************

Two men were viciously attacked early Sunday morning as they left a gay bar in Brooklyn, New York.

According to ABC7, the two men - one 29-years-old, the other 34-years-old - had just left the Metropolitan Bar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, when a man approaching them called out with a homophobic slur.

The incident quickly escalated with the attacker punching the 34-year-old in the face, and throwing the 29-year-old against a tree. Both were knocked unconscious.

The good news is a bystander managed to snap a fairly clear photo of the attacker as he ran away.

One of the victims suffered a broken finger, while the other had to be treated for a broken shoulder.

Speaking to ABC7, Aidan Pongrice, a neighbor in the area, urged people to take action.

“Not just to find and arrest this one person, we need people to take action to go out and vote and make sure that we don't have people and leaders in this country that actively dog whistle against my very existence," said Pongrice.

The New York Police Department are now asking anyone with any information about the incident or identifying the attacker in question to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-8477.

Watch the report below from ABC7.

News Round-Up: September 15, 2018

Pietro Boselli (via Instagram)

 Some news items you might have missed:

• I realized I haven't featured one of my favorite InstaHunks, "world's sexiest math teacher" turned model Pietro Boselli in a while. And then Pietro posted this just a few hours ago with the caption, "Elements." Can we just sit and look for a sec?

• Fox News host Laura Ingraham's gay brother is having an all-out war with her in the media calling her "destructive" and a "monster." And that's just the beginning...

• Romania has moved one step closer to outlawing same-sex marriage. An anti-LGBT citizens group submitted a petition with over 3 million signatures asking for the country to vote to make marriage between ' a man and a woman.'

• People born in New York City who don't identify as male or female will soon be able to select a nonbinary gender category on their birth certificates.

• Anti-LGBT activist Linda Harvey has declared that oral sex is "the practice of homosexuals." Funny, I thought straight folks liked oral sex, too...?

• A little throwback to the 80s this fine Saturday with Pat Benatar and her classic, "Shadows of the Night."

Man, those vocals and harmonies are killer. And the production is so awesomely 80s.

Hit play and enjoy. Happy Saturday, kids!

Racist Rant On LIRR Gets Loud-Mouthed Passenger Hate Crime Charges

Edward Ruggerio (via screen capture)

The New York Daily News reports that a passenger on the Long Island Railroad who was caught on video spewing a racist, profanity-laden rant has been charged with a hate crime and could end up behind bars for the angry tirade.

Queens DA Richard Brown charged Edward Ruggerio, 58, with menacing as a hate crime for his verbal attack on a fellow passenger whome he threatened physical assault. Ruggerio will also face a count of second-degree aggravated harassment — crimes punishable by up to a year in jail and $1,000 fine.

Ruggerio claims he was upset that Orelian was talking too loudly with friends. “Shut the f–k up, you f—ing loud-mouthed monkey motherf—er,” he screamed at her. “I can’t listen to your f—ing black ass no more … You f—ing loudmouthed bitch … At least I got a f—ing mother. Do you know who your mother is? You don’t know who your mother or your father is because you’re a f—ing monkey, that’s why.”

Watch the report from the New York City ABC affiliate below.

(h/t JoeMyGod)

NYC Lawyer Whose Racist Rant Went Viral Apologizes: "I Moved To NYC For The Diversity"

NYC attorney Aaron Schlossberg

After his bigoted, racist rant in a Midtown Manhattan lunch spot went viral, pro-Trump lawyer Aaron Schlossberg has become the target of much attention.

Reporters following him down streets and into buildings; folks have thrown mariachi parties in front of his building on the Upper West Side.

Well, it seems as though Schlossberg has raised a white flag of surrender.

Today, the New York City-based attorney issued a public apology telling the world seeing himself on video "opened" his eyes, and who we see in that hate-filled rant "is not the person I am."

Here's the full message:

To the people I insulted, I apologize, seeing myself online opened my eyes — the manner in which I expressed myself is unacceptable and is not the person I am. I see my words and actions hurt people, and for that I am deeply sorry.

While people should be able to express themselves freely, they should do so calmly and respectfully. What the video did not convey is the real me, I am not racist. One of the reasons I moved to New York is precisely because of the remarkable diversity offered in this wonderful city.

I love this country and this city, in part because of immigrants and the diversity of cultures immigrants bring to this country. Again, my sincerest apologies to anyone and everyone I hurt.

Not to be cynical, but in all honesty, what other move could he make without being a pariah now that he's so famous as a bigoted, racist?

The man who spoke so freely in that video does NOT love diversity.

By the way, check out the ratio between "Likes" and "Comments" on Schlossberg's tweet. When you're that upside-down, you're not getting high fives in the Comment section.

pic.twitter.com/xrefxi5Oyg

— AaronSchlossbergLaw (@ASchlossbergLaw) May 22, 2018

Some reaction from the Twitterverse:

Aaron Schlossberg, the NYC lawyer who harassed restaurant workers for speaking Spanish, released a statement:

“I see my words and actions hurt people, and for that I am deeply sorry ... I am not racist."pic.twitter.com/DwCsehrYBS

— AJ+ (@ajplus) May 22, 2018

You're only apologizing because your career is being impacted.

Let's see what the New York attorney disciplinary board thinks about your years-long pattern of harassment and bigotry...

— Pé Resists (@4everNeverTrump) May 22, 2018

I fixed Aaron Schlossberg’s apology. pic.twitter.com/U1iXQd0WDJ

— Hispanic Pixie Dream Girl (@mathewrodriguez) May 22, 2018

Queer Theater: "217 Boxes Of Dr. Henry Anonymous" In NYC

Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Obie Award winner Laura Esterman
as "Katherine Luder" in 217 Boxes of Dr. Henry Anonymous

Three-time Obie award-winning playwright Ain Gordon has written and directed a new play, 217 Boxes of Dr. Henry Anonymous, that chronicles the successful efforts of Dr. John Fyer to declassify homosexuality as a mental illness.

Fryer's testimony at the 1972 American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting is considered one of the most significant moments in the history of the gay-rights movement.

As an openly gay psychiatrist who could have lost his medical license, Fryer used a pseudonym, mask and voice modulator to address his colleagues.

The cast includes Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Obie Award winner Laura Esterman (Marvin’s Room), Derek Lucci, and Broadway veteran Ken Marks (Mamma Mia!, Dear Evan Hansen, Dancing at Lughnasa, Hairspray).

Performances begin May 3 at Baryshnikov Arts Center’s Jerome Robbins Theater in New York City (450 West 37th Street).

For more information, head over to the official website here.

Trump Demands Death Penalty For Manhattan Truck Driving Terrorist

Donald Trump

Donald Trump took to Twitter this morning to demand that Sayfullo Saipov, the Lower Manhattan truck driver who killed 8 in a terrorist attack on Tuesday, should get the death penalty.

The Trumpster wrote, in part, "NYC terrorist was happy as he asked to hang ISIS flag in his hospital room. He killed 8 people, badly injured 12. SHOULD GET DEATH PENALTY!"

NYC terrorist was happy as he asked to hang ISIS flag in his hospital room. He killed 8 people, badly injured 12. SHOULD GET DEATH PENALTY!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 2, 2017

Would love to send the NYC terrorist to Guantanamo but statistically that process takes much longer than going through the Federal system...

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 2, 2017

...There is also something appropriate about keeping him in the home of the horrible crime he committed. Should move fast. DEATH PENALTY!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 2, 2017

It's extremely unusual for a president to make such a direct call to action about the death penalty.

There's a good reason why elected officials shouldn't comment on ongoing prosecutions. Speaking out publicly too soon can hand a defense lawyer the chance to bring up how an accused terrorist can't get a fair trial in addition to other complications.

The President has just placed his thumb on the scales of justice. This public comment will be used to show how the driver cannot get a fair trial. Either way the trial judge rules on issue, this interjects error and multiple appeals. Well done brainless one. https://t.co/J0UmB162tM

— Paul Dickinson (@prdickinson) November 2, 2017

Trump helped the terrorist with this tweet. Now prosecutors will have to spend time dealing with motions that the jury pool is tainted. https://t.co/YJk05aem6U

— Renato Mariotti (@renato_mariotti) November 2, 2017

This tweet will make things much easier for Saipov's defense lawyer https://t.co/hPvjEDyb8A

— Ben Jacobs (@Bencjacobs) November 2, 2017

Hey @realDonaldTrump where is your tweet demanding the death penalty for the white supremacist terrorist who killed Heather Heyer?! https://t.co/xFBAGVWZGg

— (((DeanObeidallah))) (@Deanofcomedy) November 2, 2017

NYC: New Monthly Variety Show "Bazaaz! A Sequined Variety"

Rick Skye, who won the 2017 MAC Award for “Best Impersonation,” will star in and host Don’t Tell Mama’s new monthly variety show Bazaaz! A Sequined Variety.

Award-winning impersonations, guest performers, and Skye’s Kit Kat Boyz will all be featured in the new show, as well as Skye’s celebrated impersonation as Liza Minnelli singing in his own voice.

Bazaaz! A Sequined Variety will open on Friday, October 27 at 7:00PM.

Via press release:

Skye is well-known in London and New York for having written and performed in a series of outrageously comic, award-winning shows including The Flip Side of Neil Sedaka, which earned him a Bistro Award, A Slice O’Minnelli and The War of the Mama Roses. His show Its Madame with an E! played Atlantic City and Las Vegas and brought him to television where he appeared on Watch What Happens, Live! With Andy Cohen and Celebrity Apprentice as well as Fox & Friends and the WB. His most recent success was Judy and Liza Together Again which closed after an unprecedented seven-year run at Don’t Tell Mama’s and garnered two MAC Awards.

He has performed in many shows as Liza Minnelli in a number of hit shows that played internationally. He co-starred with Steven Brinberg in the London production of Barbra and Liza LIVE! which played the Dublin Gay Theater Festival and he toured with Liza LIVE! playing the New Players Theater in London and many spots in England. A Slice O' Minnelli enjoyed successful seasons at the Apollo Theatre in London's West End, The Dublin and Edinburgh Festivals, and from cities New York to Chicago. Critics called Skye "Masterful...Astonishing...Brilliant (Chicago Sun Times) and the show earned him the 2006 MAC Award for Best Impersonation, the "Best Achievement in Performance" Award at the Dublin Theatre Festival and the Terrier Award at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Don’t Tell Mama’s is located at 343 West 46th Street in New York City. There is a $25.00 Cover/2 Drink Minimum (Cash only). Reservations can be made at www.donttellmamanyc.com.

Check out Skye's "Liza" below.

NYC: High School Student Bullied For Sexual Orientation Turns On Tormentors Killing One, Injuring Second

Abel Cedeno (center)

A Wednesday morning history class in the Bronx turned deadly as 18-year-old Abel Cedeno, who has been reportedly bullied regarding his perceived sexual orientation for weeks, snapped and stabbed two of his tormentors.

From the New York Daily News:

Horrified classmates howled in disbelief as Cedeno flew into a homicidal fury, plunging the serrated stainless steel blade into the chests of Matthew McCree, 15, and Ariane Laboy, 16.

The knife-wielding Cedeno just “went crazy,” said witness Jomarlyn Colon, 16. “Everybody just stood back. A few of them were holding Matthew. A few of them were holding towels on the wound.

“All the kids were crying and screaming.”

McCree, who started the deadly confrontation by flicking a pencil at Cedeno, was pronounced dead at St. Barnabas Hospital after the 10:50 a.m. stabbing spree in a fifth-floor classroom, cops said.

Laboy was in critical condition at the same hospital after he was slashed while coming to McCree’s defense.

Cedeno was charged with murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, attempted manslaughter, assault and criminal possession of a weapon.

This marks the first murder to take place inside a New York City school since 1993.

I've Been To A Lovely Party

Eric McCormack, hubby Michael, Jen and me 

Hubby Michael and I were invited to a perfectly lovely cocktail party last night here in New York City thrown by NBC and Vanity Fair to toast the return of iconic sitcom Will & Grace this coming Thursday.

We saw cast members Eric McCormack, Debra Messing and Sean Hayes (didn't spot Megan Mullally) and tons of fab folks like Harry Connick Jr., Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian, and MSNBC's Thomas Roberts. Very attractive crowd :)

Posh NYC lounge Mr. Purple was the locale and couldn't have been better. Large, open patios with perfect September weather made for an uber-comfortable evening with gorgeous views all around.

I love NYC.

Me, Geoffrey Zakarian and hubby Michael

Me, Michael, Jen and Tricia
Nice view, huh?

Podcast: A Tale Of Two Theatrical Adventures

Join me for "A Tale of Two Theatrical Adventures" as two longtime out actors have separate, but euphoric experiences with New York Theater on the same weekend.

I followed both simultaneously on social media as they shared the elation of their personal milestones, and the journeys made my Grinchy heart swell.

Up first, Stephen Blackwell.

As his 50th birthday approached, Stephen made the decision to venture forth on his own to the Big Bad Apple for the first time and see his first productions on the Great White Way.

We all know New York City can be expensive for visiting fans of Broadway. As he recounts his big adventure, Stephen also has tips that helped him save money along the way, including:

• The app TodayTix (and the website version todaytix.com) helped Stephen buy discounted tickets to Broadway shows in advance without standing in lines or worrying about what his choices would be.

• Instead of pricey hotels, Stephen stayed in an apartment blocks from the theater district and saved hundreds using AirBNB. If you haven't tried the popular travel site, Stephen shares his experience.

• And don't be afraid to reach out to friends you've made on social media. Stephen met up with someone he knew from Facebook, and that friend acted as a guide to what to do after an evening in the theater.

The other gentleman in this dual adventure, Ed Dixon, has enjoyed a long, successful career on Broadway, off-Broadway and beyond. He’s an actor, playwright, composer and author.

After more than four decades of great work, Ed was honored by the Drama Desk Awards for his latest project, Georgie: My Adventures with George Rose, on the same weekend Stephen was experiencing NY theater for the first time.

I interviewed Ed weeks before during the aftermath of his grand rave-review opening, but watching him share his big Drama Desk win on Facebook felt like I was there.

You can listen to my previous interview with Ed here.

At a time when it feels there’s so much doom, gloom and grousing on social media, I loved watching these stories play out in front of me in real time on the Book of Face.

Hit play below to listen to the two men's simultaneous journeys.

Sometimes, it's great to savor the good times :)

NYC: #PrideTrain

Check this notice posted in subway stations in New York City:

Service Information

HOLIDAY

June 1st-June 30th

Pride Month

No bigotry, hatred, and prejudice at this station.

How does this effect my trip?
• It doesn't.

Travel alternative:
• Sashay away

Well played.

New York City: LGBT Solidarity Rally At Stonewall Inn Today

Thousands are attending an LGBT Solidarity Rally this afternoon organized by City Councilman Corey Johnson at the Stonewall Inn in New York City.

The rally received responses from more than 36,000 people on its Facebook event page.

From the New Civil Rights Movement:

The rally, scheduled for 2 p.m. Eastern, is backed by a coalition of more than 60 groups, including pro-immigration, refugee support and LGBT organizations. In addition to Johnson, it is being co-sponsored by dozens of other lawmakers including New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

“Join us in front of the Stonewall Inn as we stand in solidarity with every immigrant, asylum seeker, refugee and every person impacted by Donald Trump’s illegal, immoral, unconstitutional and un-American executive orders," the Facebook page for the rally states. "We will also speak out against Trump’s selection of the most anti-LGBT nominees and appointees in modern history.”

As of Saturday afternoon, 11,000 people planned to attend the rally, with another 25,000 listed as "interested."

The Guardian notes that the rally is being fueled in part by rumors this week that Trump planned to rescind President Barack Obama's LGBT nondiscrimination order for contractors, or sign a new anti-LGBT "religious freedom" executive order.

Thousands and thousands here. Hard to count. Sea of people as far as eye can see. #stonewall pic.twitter.com/87ztBhSQgJ

— CeFaan Kim (@CeFaanKim) February 4, 2017

In just a few minutes, the street has filled out for the #LGBTSolidarityRally in front of #Stonewall in NYC pic.twitter.com/FrDlvStcfN

— Mathew Rodriguez (@mathewrodriguez) February 4, 2017

Massive turnout at Stonewall. pic.twitter.com/o6hvd9bPUc

— JoeMyGod (@JoeMyGod) February 4, 2017

1000s of LGBTQ NYers show solidarity w/ immigrants, Muslims, & refugees @ #Stonewall. NY is beautiful. #NoBanNoWall pic.twitter.com/oo1mdy2oW7

— Daniel Altschuler (@altochulo) February 4, 2017

What democracy looks like #NYC #Stonewall 🌈🇺🇸🌈 pic.twitter.com/vJhRg25SKq

— Sarah Labowitz (@SarahLabo) February 4, 2017

View from above #Stonewall where an #LGBTSolidarityRally is taking place. The crowd continues to swell. h/t: @iamsuzychase pic.twitter.com/n7365dhU8g

— Jacob Goldstein (@GoldsteinStreet) February 4, 2017

Could WILL & GRACE Even Afford Their Fab NYC Apartment Today?

Everyone I know is thrilled at the news that NBC has ordered 10 new episodes of the hit sitcom, Will & Grace, for later this year. The show has long been credited, in great part, in helping advance LGBT rights just through the sheer visibility it brought our community.

Watching the ten minute "reunion" scene produced for the presidential election, it was nice to find out the apartment set for the show had been stored behind glass at Emerson University these past years. Even though they were fictional, anyone who's lived in NYC could appreciate what fab digs Will and Grace had during the 8 year run of the show.

But it's been 11 years since the show closed up shop, and things are a little more expensive than they used to be.

In fact, real estate super-site Trulia took a look at some iconic NYC-based 90s sitcoms to assess what it would cost to live like our favorite TV characters.

Although Grace could work her design magic in any space, her Upper West Side apartment was a good start. The building, located at 155 Riverside Drive in New York City, comes with a steep price tag in today’s market. According to Trulia data, the median rent today for a two bedroom, two bath unit like Will and Grace’s on the Upper West Side is $5,940.

Talk about a nice apartment, the purple abode that belonged to Monica and Rachel from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is tough to beat. Two bedrooms, one bathroom, a giant living room, kitchen, balcony, a (messy) storage closet, it was always tough to believe that a waitress and a chef could afford this pricey pad. The exterior is located at 90 Bedford Street in New York, NY. Even with rent control, the average rent price for Greenwich village will cost you $4,229 per month for this size of an apartment.

And, of course, Jerry Seinfeld’s apartment seemed like a reasonable place to live. The show always cited 129 W. 81st in New York, NY, however this is not the actual external shot of his apartment from the show. Regardless, Jerry’s place was a nice pad on the Upper West Side, that seemed reasonable for the professional comedian. His one bedroom, one bath place in today’s market would run about $3,856 per month.

Check out the Trulia article to see exactly what Will & Grace or your favorite Friends might be able to afford today.

NYC: Killer Of Mark Carson Sentenced To 40 Years To Life

Elliott Morales, convicted of the 2013 murder of Mark Carson, a 32 year old gay black man in the West Village of Manhattan, has been sentenced to 40 years to life in prison.

Morales shot Carson at point blank range in the face after spewing homophobic invectives at Mr. Carson and his companion.

From the New York Times:

“I can’t help but perceive or observe the parallel tragedy in Orlando,” the judge, A. Kirke Bartley Jr., said as he imposed the sentence in State Supreme Court in Manhattan. “That parallel is revealed in hatred, self-loathing, fear and death.”

Mr. Morales, 36, was convicted after a two-week trial during which he represented himself, assuming the dual roles of defendant and defense lawyer. Addressing Mr. Morales, Justice Bartley said that the defendant’s ability to appear in the courtroom “calm, intelligent, well-prepared, well-behaved” could not deter from the fact that he was “something worthy of a character in a Stephen King novel, in short, a monster.”

Morales defended his own case in court. At the time, he argued that the murder should not be considered a hate crime because he had had sexual encounters with transgender women in the past.

"Dallas BBQ" Attacker Found Guilty; Faces 15 Years In Prison

Bayna-Lekheim El-Amin

Bayna-Lekheim El-Amin, 42, was found guilty of attempted assault in the first degree, and assault in the second degree for his participation in a brawl last year at a Dallas BBQ restaurant located in the Chelsea area of Manhattan


From the New York Post:

Lawyers for El-Amin argued during the one-week trial that he was trying to protect himself from Jonathan Snipes, 33, and his boyfriend Ethan Adams, 26.

“This is a case of self-defense,” Percy Diego Gayanilo said during the Manhattan Supreme Court trial. “We are only here because they arrested the wrong person.”

Snipes started the altercation May 5, 2015 when he slapped El-Amin in the face with his purse after he thought he heard him use a racial slur.

An all-out brawl ensued and Gayanilo claimed that El-Amin tossed the chair at the men after Snipes menacingly reached for a knife from a table. This was not corroborated by surveillance video or witness testimony.

Prosecutor Leah Saxtein argued that Snipes’ loud mouth and purse-slapping histrionics didn’t justify the vicious beatdown. She told jurors that El-Amin attacked the men out of rage, not fear.

“The defendant was angry, he was humiliated, and he wasn’t about to let these girly men get the last word,” she said.

El-Amin was convicted of four counts of assault and attempted assault. He faces up to 15 years on the top charge.

The District Attorney's office issued a statement that read in part:

“There was no justification for this brutal attack,” said District Attorney Vance. “Bayna-Lekheim El-Amin struck both victims in a public restaurant with a heavy wooden chair, knocking one of them unconscious. I commend the victims for their courage and my Office’s prosecutors for ensuring this defendant is held accountable for this horrific attack.”

History Made As LGBT Group Marches Behind Their Own Banner In NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade

HISTORY AT NYC ST. PATRICK'S PARADE. #LGBT group fighting for 25yrs, marches behind its own banner. @wcbs880 pic.twitter.com/ATzRTJhIOh

— Peter Haskell (@peterhaskell880) March 17, 2016

For the first time in the 255 year history of the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade, LGBTs were allowed to walk in the parade behind their own banner.

NBC New York reports:

For years, organizers said gay people could participate but couldn’t carry signs or buttons celebrating their sexual identities. Organizers said they didn’t want to divert focus from honoring Irish heritage.

Mayor de Blasio marched with the Lavender and Green Alliance, marking the first time he had participated in the festivities as mayor. He boycotted the parade his first two years in office because the march excluded gay and lesbian advocacy groups.

“Today everyone is celebrating together,” de Blasio said. “The city is at peace and unified.”

Gov. Cuomo and the entire New York City Council also joined in the parade and were watched by more than 2 million spectators who lined Fifth Avenue from St. Patrick's Cathedral in Midtown to the 79th Street Transverse in Central Park.

Included in the festivities were DOMA plaintiff Edith Windsor and Irish activist Brendan Fay.

#LGBT marchers singing w/ their own banner at #NYCStPatsParade. Lavender & Green Alliance fought 25yrs. @wcbs880 pic.twitter.com/UgJEYBdzFa

— Peter Haskell (@peterhaskell880) March 17, 2016

Massive Construction Crane Collapses In Lower Manhattan Killing One, Injuring Three More

An enormous 565 foot construction crane has collapsed in Lower Manhattan killing one person and injuring three more.

From the New York Times:

Mayor Bill de Blasio, speaking at news conference near the scene, said that while the wind was picking up, workers were trying to secure the crane when it toppled onto Worth Street shortly before 8:30 a.m.

The tangled metal wreckage spanned roughly two blocks between Hudson and Church Streets, and the impact caused leaks to gas and water mains in the area.

The collapse made for a jarring scene with the hulking piece of construction equipment — its boom stretching 565 feet — filling a typically busy area of Lower Manhattan.

The person killed was sitting in a car parked on Worth Street when the crane fell, Mr. de Blasio said. Two people were seriously injured, and another had minor injuries, from being struck by falling debris; their injuries were not life-threatening, the authorities said.

At the news conference, Mr. de Blasio said it was remarkable that the human toll was not worse, with the collapse coming during the morning rush in an area typically bustling with commuters. He said that as the crane was being secured, workers on the ground were keeping pedestrians away and that the precaution had saved lives.

It's incredible that the crane fell mostly along the length of the street.

Watch The Ball Drop In Times Square As The Clock Strikes Midnight

Ever wonder what it's like to be in Times Square as the ball drops on New Year's? Check out this video from last night from the comfort of your home.

See? Just like being there. Only more comfortable :)

Happy New Year!

(h/t JMG)