Bloomberg Compares Himself To Powerful Rich Guy Who Hated Poor People

Robert Moses is widely recognized as one of the most powerful and controversial figures in the history of New York. Maybe someone should have tweeted that to King Bloomberg before he compared himself to the legendary “master builder”? While it’s true that Moses was responsible for completing many of the largest public works projects ever devised, he was also defined by an uncanny ability to steamroll anyone who opposed him, isolating the poor, and facilitating the middle class’ white flight to Long Island. In addition to carving up the South Bronx with unsightly expressways, the scenic parkways he built in the suburbs were equally offensive. If you’ve ever traveled out east and wondered why the bridges are so low, well there’s a perfectly good reason: they kept out buses. Read more »

Tour U.S. Airway’s Almost Watery Grave

In case you didn’t get a chance to see the actual video, photographs, or the computerized reenactments of Captain Chesley Sullenberger’s historic landing in the Hudson River, the heroes at New York Waterway—who righteously assisted in the rescue—are offering a tour of the exact spot the plane splashed down. Fun for the whole family! Buy your tickets now. |NY1|

Photo via FlightGlobal

U.S. Currency Good for Something

In a new study, researchers found traces of cocaine on 90% of American currency, beating out Canada—which was relatively close behind—Brazil, China and definitely Japan. So are other countries doing less blow than the United States? Probably! But it could also mean that using rolled up bills is mainly a North American tradition. Equally funny: Washington, D.C. had the highest rate of contamination, with 95% of bills testing positive. Despite the high concentrations, experts agree the public is not at danger of absorbing the drug, that is, unless their bank tellers or casino money counters! |ScienceDaily|

EnjoyBanking Goes Online

After a highly ambitious guerrilla campaign, a flickr to document it, and 1100+ tweets, EnjoyBanking has take their love of bold fonts and the reality of distressed financial markets online. The site is billed as a “forum dedicated to news and opinions about the Creative Economy: the nexus between art and business.” Whatever that means. Who cares? It’s colorful and fun, learn more here.

Appropriating the Appropriator

Skewville apparently likes to mark his territory and nudge streets artists that put up work in his part of town with a little painted reminder. The Brooklyn-based vandal has been steadily enhancing various pieces and now adds Shepard Fairey to his hit list with this highly appropriate and smartly done modification.

Photo by Bucky Turco/ANIMALnewyork

Bobbies Eying Bug-Eyed Druggies

If you do drugs—or have developed Manga eyes by watching too much Japanese anime porn—don’t drive in England! The local constables have their peepers peeled. As part of a new £2.3 million multimedia campaign, The UK’s Department of Transport will begin airing a new TV spot tonight warning drug drivers that police now know the telltale chronic sign: HUGE ELVISH EYES. Right, Frank? At the government’s Think! website, you’re met with a big dilating orb, underneath which bloody capillaries slowly spell out “cannabis.” Now that would be an easy-to-spot sign! Well, if the cops shined their light in your eyes through a magnifying glass. Jump for the commercial (by Leo Burnett London) and its freaky post-production work. Read more »