Here you have it: The first New York Times item we'd actually like to read — but can't, because TimesSelect won't let us through their velvet rope.
We never thought it'd be "Features and analysis from award-winning Sports, Business, New York/Region and International Herald Tribune columnists" instead of Maureen Dowd and Paul Krugman that would entice us to enter our credit card number.
But alas, we can find the information elsewhere. Just like the ubiquitous MoDo.
The Man Behind Rosa Parks [Peter Applebome, NYT]
Historic picture had captured the era, but not the moment [Peter Applebome, NYT via ChiTri] (Yes, this is free, for now)
We've been devoting quite a bit of energy to the MTA's quite pleasant Rosa Parks commemorative efforts. As you recall, yesterday marked the 50th anniversary of Rosa's sitting down on that Alabama bus, so the MTA decided to remember her by turning on the headlights of all the buses during the day and reserving a seat in the front row.
But, well, we didn't have much faith that commuters would have rememberance in their hearts instead of the will to releave the pain in their stilleto-donning feet.
While the New York Post and New York Times couldn't find anyone who dared sit in Rosa's seat (well, at least anyone who stayed sitting in the seat once informed of the tribute) the Daily News did — but it wasn't the demographic we imagined. Nah, it was a British tourist who cried bullocks when asked to leave open the seat.
But our fare New Yorkers didn't disappoint us entirely:
A Daily News spot check of city buses found one poster had been ripped up and tossed on the floor.
Nice one, New York.
Rosa's Riders Honor Tribute [NYP]
What would Rosa think? [NYDN]
New Yorkers Take a Tribute Standing Up [NYT]
Earlier: That seat is saved
Earlier: Read All About It: Don't sit down
Yesterday we told you that today, on the 50th anniversary of Rosa Parks, the MTA would be saving an empty seat for the civil rights icon. And to help buttress the commemorative effort, they're placing a placard explaining why the seat is saved.
Unfortunately, as you can see, there are actual words that passengers will have to read instead of a handy caution phrase like "Wet paint" or a symbol of a man sliding out of the seat because it's slippery when yet. Giving bus riders instructions, as you might know, has never been the MTA's strong suit. (See ya on the subway.)
Meanwhile, some civil rights groups are pushing for Rosa Parks Day, a national holiday that'll take kids out of school and give parents an excuse to use one of their paid holiday days. And all that placard needs to read is "Another day off," and garnering national support will be a cinch. Yup, it's clear, we have no faith in our fellow man.
(Click photo to enlarge)
Earlier: That seat is saved
You're getting a double dose of Rosa Parks this year. Not only did her death set off a round of civil rights celebrations, but tomorrow also marks the 50th anniversary of that fateful day in 1955 when she stood (or, rather, sat) her ground in the front of an Alabama bus.
To commemorate her brass balls, tomorrow the MTA will have its buses drive with their lights on all day and hold vacant a front row seat for Rosa.
You know, because when the working class is rushing home from work on a packed bus, their first concern is going to be leaving an empty seat open. To combat New Yorkers' general disillusionment, however, the MTA will place handy placards in the seats. That'll stop 'em.
City buses pay tribute to Rosa Parks [Newsday]
• Who to swap handshakes with: Members of the Marine Corp. or Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles? We'd choose to watch Lost repeats, but Tom Brokaw broke his armed forces speaking commitment to be with the latter. [Page Six]
• So much for Leonardo DiCaprio's Pussy Posse's charm. After getting the boot from Gisele Bundchen after exploring the shores of Sienna Miller's beach, he couldn't even muster a Halloween lay. [Page Six]
• The latest Rosa Parks name dropper? Sarah Michelle Gellar, who lectured on the shallowness of women's values today – compared to Parks' mission – at .. a party for DKNY jeans. [Lowdown]
• She'll do the cover of New York and pen 12,000 words for the Times in any given week, but point a paparazzi camera at Maureen Dowd and she'll flee. [Gatecrasher]
• Wednesday night's gala at the Guggenheim for the new Michelin Red Guide was a foodie who's who, but the French book's snubs meant the Four Seasons' Julian Niccolini was (among others) a no show, leaving Daniel Boulud to soak up the limelight. [Page Six]
• What do you do when your own network won't help you pimp your memoirs? If you're Mike Wallace, you have your son, Chris, interview you. [AP]
• Retired nightclub impresario Peter Gatien is back on the scene, but if a nightclub opens in Toronto, does it really count as a comeback? [Page Six]
Situation Room maestro Wolf Blitzer just can't get over this 92-year-old woman who celebrated her birthday by .. skydiving!
In other 92-year-old-related news, Rosa Parks is dead. Not so celebratory now, are we Wolf?
Fifty years after refusing to lend her front bus seat to a whitey, Rosa Parks has seen the white light and taken her last bus ride to her final resting place.
The civil rights poster child died at her home in Detroit at the age of 92, finally letting CNN use of their many, many prepared obituaries — but publishing it on time, uh, this time.
