Before Macy's came along in 1902, Herald Square in New York was best known as the home of Broadway theaters—and the elite hotels to house the many tourists staying in the vicinity. The six-story Victorian brick Marlborough Hotel, which opened in 1888 at Broadway between 36th and 37th streets, was a flagship destination in the neighborhood.

In 1908, Harry Houdini and several other famous magicians are known to have performed at the hotel. 

Along the street level, we can take in a keen hint of the upscale businesses of the day. Lining the retail street level are: the Rathskeller Restaurant, the Toggery Shop, Young's Hats, Harris & Co., Tailors, Crawford Shoe, a jewelry store, Sarnoff Hats and Regal Shoes.

The hotel and its Rathskeller closed soon after that damn pesky Prohibition was enacted in 1920.

Hey, There Little Kid...

Two views with a parallel theme. Taken from the rooftop of my building in Brooklyn Heights.

NYC Vintage Image Of The Day: Fifth Avenue Mansions, 1910

Fifth Avenue, across from Central Park, 1910. One manse after another. Sadly, many of these have been replaced by towering apartment buildings, offering the views, but not the architectural mojo.

The Most Boring Magazine Cover In The History Of Publishing

Not only does the July 2011 Vanity Fair offer the dullest magazine cover since Demi Moore was pictured 15 months pregnant on VF in August 1991, but the "exclusive" story reveals details that are not only pretentious, but shit that really gets the gag reflex in gear...

"On May 9, the couple flew via private jet to the Seychelles. William arranged for their luxury villa, which included a swimming pool and butler, to be stocked with their favorite snack of Philadelphia Cream Cheese and brussel sprouts, which are said to aid fertility because they are high in folic acid."

Ewwww. The thought of William doing anything that has to do with his fertility is enough to make me run for a copy of Penthouse, begging to be straight. I understand why 3-year-old Grace Van Cutsem was trying to drown out the royal wedding now.

Webbie Of The Day: My High School Boyfriend Was Gay

Ha hahahahahahahaha. Check this one out: My High School Boyfriend Was Gay. Hysterical fun.
More fun after the jump!

Homo Milk: Part Deux!

This Homo Milk thing is really catching on! Those conservative Christians were right all along: Drink your milk and turn queer! I knew it!

June 2011's 'Sexiest Man Alive': Aussie Actor Ryan Kwanten

Since I've never really taken a bite out of the vampire craze, I've had only cursory exposure to HBO's True Blood. But with one look at male co-lead Ryan Kwanten in scanning channels one night, I recognized a contender for The Smoking Nun's monthly Sexiest Man Alive compendium. And so, as the weather heats up, so do the boyz.

Aussie Kwanten, 34, plays ladies man Jason Stackhouse on the series. In the States, he also starred in the short-lived TV series Summerland and the 2009 DVD release Don't Fade Away with Mischa Barton and Beau Bridges, and 2010 thriller Red Hill. Ryan also has two films in post-production: adventure horror comedy Knights of Badassdom, and Australian dramedy Griff the Invisible, in which he has the lead as a superhero.

He is also signed to play Charles Manson in an upcoming biopic, which, if done right, could send his star soaring in the way that playing James Dean made a star out of James Franco. In the meantime, let's enjoy a focused browse at this cutie: the eyes, the abs and that magnetic smile.

Economy Still Blows: As Co. Profit$ Soar, Unemployment Escalates

There's no need for a ton of words here. Simply put, the U.S. job market continues to blow. Despite reports that attempt to put a positive spin on the economy every time Wendy's hires a new cashier, facts is facts: While executive pay skyrockets and company profit margins soar, they are simply not hiring.

In May, 54,000 jobs were added, the smallest "gain" in eight months. The unemployment rate rose to 9.1%, as 11 million jobs have been lost since 2008. A lock on jobless claims reached a benchmark in May not equaled since 1984. Unemployment spells are also growing longer; the average duration is now 39.7 weeks, another record. The long-term unemployed now make up 45.1% of those out of work.

So can we please stop reporting that the Great Recession ended two years ago? And might we begin terming it the second Great Depression, as it ought to be?

Religious Right Leaders Consider That America Is Weary Of Their Hate

The best news I've read all week... In a news report about Republican presidential hopefuls pandering to Conservative Christians, it was suggested that the religious right's nutball social doctrine has lost much of its mojo—a la the fear tactics used in the Reagan, Bush and McCain campaigns—as Americans focus squarely on fiscal matters and the floundering economy.

The story notes, "The religious right's place is less certain now. [Faith and Freedom Coalition head Ralph Reed] is among those trying to strengthen it by tying it more tightly to economic issues, which traditionally took a back seat to abortion, prayer in school, gay rights and other issues for a large segment of conservative voters."

Here's the quote that got my motor running, and fostered a great big grin...

Following the 2007 death of Christian leader Jerry Falwell, some churches and ministers have de-emphasized partisan politics.

Well, it's about damn time, huh? Now let's review some of the more memorable hate-filled quotes that Falwell spewed from the guise of his religious pulpit in my hometown of Lynchburg, Va., shall we?

"AIDS is not just God's punishment for homosexuals; it is God's punishment for the society that tolerates homosexuals."

"The idea that religion and politics don't mix was invented by the Devil to keep Christians from running their own country." 

Regarding 9/11: "The pagans & abortionists & feminists & the gays & lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America. I point the finger in their face and say, 'You helped this happen.' "

"[Homosexuals are] brute beasts, part of a vile satanic system [that] will be utterly annihilated, & there will be a celebration in heaven."

The purple Teletubby:  “He is purple, the gay-pride color, and his antenna is shaped like a triangle, the gay-pride symbol.” 

I'm certain jolly Jerry is R.I.P. exactly where he ought to be. I sure hope he has a fan down there.

Weekend Critter Chronicle

Abby & Spencer's June 2011 too-damn-cute for words images...

Brooklyn Heights Friday Sunset

(Photos: Julia Blankertz)

Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves: Beu's Regaling Release Party

Thursday evening's release party for the Beu Sisters' new EP Beu-tiful: Vol. I at Lower East Side kitsch locale Planet Rose was a sweet celebration, indeed. The gorgeous ladies wowed the audience with a live performance of new tracks, including first single "Definition of A Lady" and future should-be smash "Daze."

It was a family affair at Planet Rose, with group members Candice, Christie and Danielle joined by sis (and former member) Jiliane, one of the three brother Beus, Mama Beu and her rugged man Marshall.

Meanwhile, it was old home week for me, as I saw a bounty of pals: Ayhan's former music studio partner Bernadette, publicist David Salidor, former Columbia Records/S-Curve Records prez Steven Greenberg (who signed the Beus), publicist kin Jeff Kilgour, Billboard compatriots Al & Gary, with my bud Leo in tow.

Beu-tiful: Vol. I is being released on the Beu Sisters' indie label Beach Breakz Records, which will be followed by several more volumes in the near future. The ladies produced, wrote, arranged and recorded all 32 songs on the EP collective.

 

See more pics below the jump!

Lady Gaga To Partner With Tony Bennett On His Upcoming 'Duets II'

Here's a match you never saw coming: Lady Gaga has been added to the list of partners singing with Tony Bennett on his upcoming Duets II album.

The 84-year-old's release, due Sept. 20, will also include collaborations with Mariah Carey, Amy Winehouse, Carrie Underwood, Andrea Bocelli and Michael Bublé. It will be produced by Phil Ramone, with each duet recorded live, face to face.

Duets II follows Bennett's 2006 platinum, Grammy-winning Duets: An American Classic, which featured vocals from Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, James Taylor, Elton John, k.d. lang, George Michael and Dixie Chicks.

Dolly Parton and Cliff Richard have also been seeking out Gaga as a duet partner. Previously, she sang with Beyonce on the dreadful "Telephone," and live at the 2010 Grammys with Elton John.

Bradley Cooper Covers Summer 2011 Esquire, Aussie GQ

The 36-year-old actor is on fire with his lead in the nation's No. 1 movie Hangover II—which goes exactly where you want it to—and recent thriller Limitless. Nice teeth, pretty mug! He covers the Summer 2011 Esquire, as well as Australia's GQ. First collage below is from the Esquire spread.