The New York Post reported that Hernandez told police he “lured the boy with candy, stabbed him, cut up his remains and put them in plastic bags.” Hernandez is said to have worked in the area at the time of Patz’s disappearance, and the Post writes he had admitted to killing a child to several family members and others. While police were looking for new leads in the basement of the Prince Street building, at the intersection of Spring Street, a relative of Hernandez reportedly called police.

This timing of this news is particularly interesting as Patz went missing on May 25, 1979, almost 33 years to the day of Hernandez’s arrest. Patz, who lived with his parents and two siblings on Prince Street had begged his parents to walk along to catch the school bus on nearby West Broadway. He was last seen walking to the stop that morning.

Patz soon became the poster child of missing children across the country, and thanks to the tenacity of his parents, he became the first child to have their face on a milk carton.

Sean Sweeney, Director of the SoHo Alliance and a longtime neighborhood resident, recalls when SoHo was filled with artist lofts and industrial retail stores at the time of Etan’s disappearance. The residents were a very close knit community, he said.

“When Etan Patz disappeared, his mother contacted all the other mothers. There wasn’t a lamp post south of 8th St. that didn’t have his missing child poster on it,” said Sweeney. “I think part of Etan being so well known was that his parents were tenacious. His father was a photographer and they had a good picture of him. At the time, missing children were barely reported in the news or not at all.”

Update:

During a public statement to the press yesterday evening, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly confirmed the arrest of arrest of Pedro Hernandez, 51, of Maple Shade, N.J., for murder of 6-year-old Etan Patz.

Hernandez who worked as a stock boy at a bodega and lived in an apartment on W. Broadway. According to his 3 hour confession to police, Hernandez lured Etan into the bodega, located on 488 W. Broadway,  with the promise of a soda before choking him to death. He then placed the body in a plastic bag and tossed it in with the garbage.

“Earlier this month the NYPD missing person’s squad received information from an individual which led them to identify Hernandez as a person of interest in Etan’s disappearance on May 25, 1979,” said Kelly. “In the years following Etan’s disappearance, Hernandez had told a family member and others that he had, quote, done a bad thing and killed a child in New York.”

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the release of proposed regulations to limit spending for administrative costs and executive compensation at state-funded not-for-profit and for-profit service providers.

The proposed regulations are designed to implement Executive Order 38, issued by Governor Cuomo in January 2012 to limit excessive compensation and administrative expenses at service providers that receive state funds or state-authorized payments of federal funds.

When unveiling the 2012-2013 Executive Budget, Governor Cuomo highlighted cases of extreme compensation levels at not-for-profits that receive millions in taxpayer dollars. In one case, a provider receiving $19 million annually in public funds – 99% of its annual budget – had $3 million in administrative costs and paid its CEO more than $2.2 million in addition to $1 million in shareholder options.

“These regulations are designed to ensure that New York taxpayers are protected and the public’s money is spent efficiently and effectively,” Governor Cuomo said. “Our providers of services in New York State are the finest in the nation. To ensure public confidence in those hard-working providers that play by the rules, these regulations will allow the state government to identify and stop the few providers that pocket taxpayer dollars rather than use them to serve the public.”

The proposed regulations cover providers that receive more than $500,000 in state support each year and receive at least 30% of their annual funding from the state.

Executive Compensation:

The proposed regulations block providers from spending more than $199,000 in state funds for the compensation of an executive. If a provider chooses to pay an executive more than $199,000 from other sources, the provider must keep compensation below the top 25 percent in the field, as determined by a compensation survey identified or recognized by the applicable state agency. Providers that pay an executive more than $199,000 must have the compensation approved by its board of directors, including at least two independent directors and must have performed a review of comparability data. In cases where competitive imperatives or the complexity of a provider’s operations require compensation that exceeds the limits and in other instances, providers may apply for a waiver.

Administrative Expenses:

The proposed regulations require that at least 75% of a provider’s operating expenses paid for with state funds are for program services rather than administrative costs. This percentage will increase by 5% each year until it reaches 85% in 2015. Capital expenses are not affected by this restriction. Waivers are available in certain circumstances.

Reporting:

The proposed regulations require providers to report annually the public funds it has received, the compensation of its executives and highest-paid employees, and its administrative expenses. Providers can file reports electronically using a simple, state-wide form, and they will not need to report to multiple agencies. This reporting requirement has been designed to avoid duplication with existing reporting requirements with which providers already must comply.

Enforcement:

The regulations proposed today include a process for providers to apply for a waiver to restrictions on executive compensation and administrative expenses. In addition, the proposed regulations provide for an administrative review process in cases where a provider appears to be out of compliance. The review process will provide extensive opportunities for providers to be heard and to correct any non-compliance over a period of at least 6 months prior to any penalties or actions being taken against them. If a violation is ultimately found and corrective action not taken by the provider, the proposed regulations include several potential actions, including redirecting the funding or imposing penalties.

Jeff Wise, President & CEO of the New York State Rehabilitation Association, said, “NYSRA views Governor Cuomo’s compensation directive as highly sound public policy. We believe the Governor has come up with an approach that strikes just the right balance: a directive that demonstrates responsible stewardship of public dollars while giving our not-for-profit community organizations, and their volunteer boards, the capacity to meet the challenges that face them. We recognize the Governor’s need to promote fiscal responsibility at every level, and we commend his efforts to pursue this in a rational and fair manner.”

Michael Stoller, Executive Director of the Human Services Council, said, “Governor Cuomo recognizes the critical role played by the nonprofit human services sector in caring for the State’s most needy and in being, itself, an economic engine for the State. We join with him to ensure public confidence in both government and service providers by taking this important step to establish clear standards for executive compensation and administrative overhead. While technical details will need further discussion during the public comment period, these standards strike the right balance in identifying “bad apples” while not overburdening the vast majority of nonprofit providers who ably care for our neighbors and family members in need. We look forward to working closely with the Governor and his staff in completing these regulations and in developing the most efficient, effective, and compassionate system of care the world has ever known.”

Lee Perlman, President of the Greater New York Hospital Association, said, “The Governor has an important responsibility to ensure that non-profit institutions are using public monies judiciously. GNYHA agrees and supports his efforts to ensure that best practices and strong governance oversight are used in determining executive compensation. In order to recruit and retain the talent necessary to operate our complex and world class institutions, many factors must be considered including local and national market data.”

John A. Schuppenhaur, President of the New York State Association of Regional Councils, said, “NYSARC has always strongly believed that it is accountable for public funds. The Governor’s action will help ensure the public that in these challenging times we are indeed being accountable. That can only help safeguard the public trust which has always been so critical to our mission and the people and families we serve. Further, clear guidelines will help all nonprofit boards comply with their fiduciary responsibilities.”

The proposed regulations are being released today by thirteen state agencies and will be available for public comment beginning on May 30 for 45 days before being finalized. Each of the applicable agencies will post their draft proposed regulations on their web pages this afternoon. An example of the proposed agency regulations can be found here: http://w3.health.state.ny.us/dbspace/propregs.nsf/4ac9558781006774852569bd00512fda/fe1abd5a1b78ad8585257a00005afe2e?OpenDocument

To read more from City & State click here.

133 Essex Street (btw Rivington & Stanton)

NYC, NY 10002

(212) 674-7100

Bathroom situation – Visceralist recently used the adjective “swanky” in a conversation with two art school seniors. They had no clue wtf I meant (and yeah, they actually spelled out “W-T-F”). Commenters, is Visceralist just getting old & flabby or was it just them being willfully ignorant? It was them, right? See, that’s what I thought. Anyway, the bathrooms at SoE are swanky as all get out.
Takes credit cards? – yes, and with no discernible minimum. The drinks here are fairly costly though, so perhaps it’s just never an issue cuz you hit it as soon as you even look at the drink menu (more on that later).
Crowded on weekends? – yes if consider the weekend to be Wed-Sun. If you’re getting dinner, then reservations is a must.
Seating – 10 or so stools at the bar, two long communal tables just opposite the bar, a restaurant-style setup w/ 10 or so tables in back. Fun fact! This spot used to be a shithole travesty called Mason-Dixon that featured a mechanical bull in the back. The “bullpen” area now features a sunken lounge with a DJ booth adjacent.
Neighborhood – the part of the LES that you take friends from out of town to in order to show off your big-city bonafides, you swanky scenester, you.
Pretentious/assholes – so SoE has chosen to employ this new faux-storefront gimmick that they most likely sharked from their across-the-street neighbor Beauty and Essex. Your out-of-town friends will likely find this to be pretty swanky, but I think we can all agree that, really, it’s kinda triflin’.
Cost of Stella – not available. Wtf?
What time people start showing up – 8-9ish. Though the bar area is substantial, SoE is primarily a restaurant, so people generally try to get here around date-o-clock.
Bartender efficiency – fantastic. Visceralist has nothing but kudos for the bartenders, host & wait-staff here. Friendly like a Care Bear, quick like premature ejaculation, and cool-as-fuck like The Weeknd.
Official Website – here. A little too busy for Visceralist’s liking (tiled background? really?), but fully functional.
Food? How late – full menu with a whole section devoted to different varieties of that mac and that cheese.
TVs? What’s on – if you’re enjoying the new HBO show “Veep” what you should do is this right here: buy, then watch “In the Loop” on DVD, then go on YouTube and search “The Thick of It” and watch all the episodes in order, then say it with me, “Peter Capaldi for president!”
Guy:girl ratio – who was it that said that you only really realize how awesome you are after a bad breakup? Whoever it was has got it goin’ on.
Toys – nathan, so if you need one, you’ll have to do that origami chicken thing with your napkin.
Age of clientele – mostly late 20s – late 30s. I.e. “Veep’s” demographic.
Space for dancing? – perhaps in the lounge area, but SoE is likely subject to those wonderful NYC Cabaret Laws, so don’t you dare.
Music medium, style & volume – selections from the last time Visceralist was here: Outkast’s “Hey Ya”, Tupac’s “California Love”, LL’s “Doin It.” They have a DJ here Thur-Sat who spins mostly classic hip-hop. This is a rare treat in the LES, which is likely most of the reason why this place is so popular.
Specials or most popular drink – there’s a section of their cocktail menu devoted to Tea Blends. These are watered down, which is truly tragic because this is otherwise an excellent spot. Come on now, SoE.

To read more from The Visceralist visit www.visceralist.com.

Hoylman, who narrowly lost a Lower Manhattan Council race in 2001, is the well-known chairman of Community Board 2. Others expected to run for the seat include Corey Johnson, the chairman of Community Board 4, and Yetta Kurland, a civil rights lawyer and radio host. All the candidates are LGBT identified.

Hoylman’s Council campaign committee popped up the very day that Quinn stormed out of a rally heralding the passage of the living wage bill, after an attendee criticized Mayor Michael Bloomberg –  a close Quinn ally who opposes the bill.

And in his Council race, Hoylman faces a similar balancing act as Quinn, as he runs in a liberal West Side district. The personal politics he espouses are liberal. Yet he has long served as the executive vice-president and general counsel of the Partnership for New York City, a pro-business group with close ties to Quinn and Bloomberg.

The situation has grown even more complex for Hoylman after Quinn decided to drop a contentious provision from the living wage bill three weeks ago. That led the the pro-business group, which had initially supported a compromise version of the bill, to drop its support.

To read the full piece at City and State click here.

From City & State’s Heard Around Town, May 8, 2012:

Donald Trump recently revealed that he has no plans to fight the legalization of commercial casinos in New York – but since he’s not really in the casino business any more, it appears to be a moot point. The real estate developer, reality TV personality and one-time presidential contender still has his marquee name on three Atlantic City casinos, which could suffer from increased gambling competition in nearby New York. But Trump, who helped block a similar legalization effort in the state in the late 1990s, resigned from the board of Trump Entertainment Resorts in 2009 and no longer has any role in day-to-day operations of the casino company he founded. In fact, his company, the private Trump Organization, has only a 10 percent equity stake in the casino business, which is what allows the use of his name on the casinos. So why would Mr. Trump would weigh in on the prospects of casinos in Atlantic City and New York? “We have a great relationship with Mr. Trump and he has always been supportive of Atlantic City,” said Brian Cahill, a spokesman for Trump Entertainment Resorts. “We do not speak on behalf of Mr. Trump.” A spokeswoman for the Trump Organization declined to comment.

To read more from City & State click here.

155 Rivington St. (btw Clinton & Suffolk)

NYC, NY 10002

(212) 533-1810

Bathroom situation – 2 in the way back part, both unisex. The one on the left is huge and tatted up. The one on the right has a missing doorknob, but it’s ok cuz the knob-hole has been filled in with duct tape and you can hold the door closed from the toilet if you have to sit down (so that’s a big “Phew!” for the ladies, I’d imagine).
Takes credit cards? – Yeah they do, but don’t do that. Speaking of “don’t”…how many folks out here thought it was “Downtown Abbey” for the longest?
Crowded on weekends? – oh hell yeah, fuckin’ right. Exhausting those max capacity signs is a must.
Seating – 4ish booths on the left wall, 8-10ish stools at the bar, and room for a small bachelor party in the bathroom on the left side. Oh yeah, as mentioned above, the one on the left is big. Plus it has a functional lock.
Neighborhood – so close to the heart of the LES that you may as well be suckin its tits on the subway (right, Blossom?).
Pretentious/assholes – Visceralist didn’t get the “Really? No, really?” eye-roll last time we were here, so we’ll give this a pregnant “nah” for now…
Cost of Stella – $5, but bottle only. That’s below market rate, but it’s still bottle only, so…eh.
What time people start showing up – about 90 minutes after your friends said they were getting there.
Bartender efficiency – legit. Despite all your fog machines and light reflecting off those disco balls, the bartenders here got your back for rill rill.
Official Website – none. Which is actually kinda ill ill.
Food? How late – none, but Pok-Pok Wing is right down the street, so get creative.
TVs? What’s on – they have an ironic(?) video screen just above the bar that was showing some Russ Meyer foolishness last time Visceralist was here.
Guy:girl ratio – Even Steven.
Toys – there’s probably some fun to be had with that no-knob toilet in the back, on the right.
Age of clientele – young ladies in those black leather jackets and the weathered, long-haired burnouts that tolerate them.
Space for dancing? – surprisingly no, considering they have a substantially-elevated DJ booth in the front window. The layout just isn’t conducive to learning how to Dougie.
Music medium, style & volume – whatever the ‘80s equivalent of the Killers/Bravery/Panic! triumvirate of awesome was.
Specials or most popular drink – a tall pint glass of “God damn, you’re still here!? (eye-roll)”

To read more from The Viceralist visit www.visceralist.com

Ashley Judd and Salma Hayek in Frida.

By Jenna Hawkins, via Portable

Saturday May 5th marks Cinco De Mayo, a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride, and we’re not just talking our deep appreciation for a good burrito after a mind numbing tequila hangover. With such a rich culture embedded into the American way of life, it’s important to respect and understand the different beliefs and lifestyles which penetrate our societies. Cinco De Mayo represents the holiday, El Dia de la Batalla de Puebla (The Day of the Battle of Puebla), with commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over the French Forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

Fast forward to modern cinema, and one of Mexico’s most beautiful qualities which has been discovered by those who have come into contact with its unique culture is its fascinating and mysterious scenery which we have decided to explore through some of film’s greatest screen shots. From Hollywood action blockbusters to influential arthouse creations, homaging biographies and romantic tales riddled with seduction, Mexico has been the setting for some of film’s greatest and most unexpectedly engaging moments.

To see the full list at Portable click here.

“There Is Superstition” wrote Stevie Wonder famously in 1972. Ever wondered why we hold on so dearly to our superstitions? Matt Hutson may have the answers.

By Jeff Vasishta

Capitalizing on the recent success of books on social psychology by Malcolm Gladwell, Matthew Hutson’s new book is called “The 7 Laws Of Magical Thinking – How Irrational Beliefs Keep Us Healthy, Happy and Sane” (Hudson Street Press). Hutson’s specialty is making complicated theories understandable to the layman. Why do we “knock on wood”, “thank our lucky stars” and why does God get blamed for so much?

In a Q&A session at the New School, three blocks from his apartment, Hutson, 33, a former editor of Psychology Today, talked about his debut.

Q: Do you think there may be a blow-back from religious groups about this book as you seem to state a case for atheism in it?

A: I see the book as very logical. I’m trying to convince atheists that belief isn’t so bad. I don’t think I’ll ever convince someone that believes in God that he isn’t real. There isn’t any hard evidence that God doesn’t exist. If anything I might convert some atheists to not be so dismissive.

Q: You’re single but if you had kids how would you raise them?

A: I was raised Protestant. I will raise my kids as atheists and if they want to believe in God they can. My parents are still both Protestant Christians but they don’t take any offense in my not being a Christian.

Q: How did this book come about?

A: It’s been sitting in my head for 20 years. I wrote an article that was 3-4000 words in Psychology Today and was contacted by a couple of agents who said that this might be a good book. Then I wrote a proposal which was between 5-10,000 words and took me a couple of months. I submitted some sample chapters to publishers through my agent and got a few bites within a couple of weeks.

Q: Although you have a BS from Brown University in Cognitive Neuro Science and an MS from MIT, you don’t have a PHD in Psychology. What would you say to doctors of psychology that may question your credentials to write such a book?

A: The job of any journalist is to do enough research so you know more than the people you are explaining things to. I understand this market differently than the psychologists that are quoted in the book as they can’t be an expert on everything, so I think I have a better overall understanding than someone who maybe an expert in one particular field.

Q: In the book you say you had a lonely childhood. Why?Are you less lonely now?

A: My older sister went off to school when I was 10. My loneliness when I was growing up wasn’t through lack of friends or self-imposed it was through existentialism and my own thoughts about things. I think I’ve always been something of a deep thinker, so that separates you a bit from other kids. I’m still the same way, obviously but I think less of a loner now.

Q.How long have you lived in the village?

A. I’ve lived in the East Village for six years. Three years at Ave. A

and 6th and three years at 13th and 3rd.

Q.What made you choose the village to live?

A.When I moved to New York I did some research on neighborhoods. I

wanted to live in Manhattan below 14th Street because of the energy.

The East Village was relatively affordable, and there was a lot of

life here. It’s safe, but there’s still a bit of an edge. There are lots of

great bars and restaurants and little shops and I love walking around.

Q. What are your favorite restaurants?

A. I don’t eat out a lot, but places I like include Sidewalk Bar &

Grill, Momofuku Milk Bar, Porchetta, the green eggs at Paprika, and

the corn ice cream at Sundaes and Cones.

Q. How Does the Village inspire you if at all?

A. Working at home, I spend a lot of time in my room, but even when I’m

cooped up inside I get a taste of the town through my window.

Sometimes I take a minute and just lie on my bed and people-watch. It

gets me out of a rut.

Matthew Hudson will will be appearing at McNally Jackson, 52 Prince St (between Lafayette and Mulberry) on August 1st as part of a discussion with other authors entitled, “The Shrinks Are Away”.

Tinsley Mortimer launched her book Southern Charm this week with a pink-adorned bash at LES event space  C+P 164 @ Castle &Pierpont.  Dani Stahl, Dori Cooperman, Ali Wise and Gigi Howard and toasted the tome with HPNOTIQ as they flipped through the pages.

Southern Charm, published by Simon & Schuster, focuses on Charleston, South Carolina transplant Minty Davenport who moves to New York and works her way up the social ranks by going to all the right parties, attracting both the attention of the press and her very own Mr. Big. She has ups and downs until, according to the synopsis of the fiction book,  ”finally, she realizes that only by embracing her southern charm can she rule the city.”

Sound familiar?

To read more from AVENUE Insider click here.

Besides the various contributors, who included writers, poets, artists, photographers and musicians, roughly a hundred people joined the fun; the vibe was mellow but crackling. Everyone was on their best (if not soberest) behavior, old scores were settled and newer feuds begun.

Stalwarts Ron Kolm, James Romberger, Michael Carter, Bonny Finberg and Jill Rapaport represented Loisaida on its glory dais, while Chavisa Woods, Jen Adams and Patricia Eakins brought the fly to our spry. A few of the most resolute writers flew out from the West Coast to take the Bowery stage, such as newcomer Ray Jicha and former Pagan vocalist, Mike Hudson—an inspiring level of commitment.

Some of the highlights included Marguerite Van Cook’s reading of her award-winning poem, Twenty-Four Islands, Carl Watson’s droll delivery of excerpts from his new book “Backwards the Drowned Go Dreaming”, King Missile progenitor John S. Hall’s scatological and bodily-fluid-drenched crie de Coeur (the title of which is unprintable in a family newspaper), and a performance from the book “East of Bowery”, a multimedia polyphony of writing, images and music by Drew Hubner, Ted Barron and Kurt Wolf.

The man in the wagon is very much alive—though he better watch out for that hammer!

John Hall

The current Sensitive Skin features a rare interview with William Burroughs by Allen Ginsberg from 1992, as well as previously unpublished photographs of Burroughs by Ruby Ray (from her iconic 1981 shoot). There’s also lots of great writing, music and art from folks like Thaddeus Rutkowski, Karen Lillis, Rob Hardin, James Greer, Tom McGlynn, Mark McCawley, Todd Colby, Justine Frischmann, Steve Horowitz and Dan Plonsey. The full issue can be browsed online or purchased in a full-color collector’s edition from Amazon, St. Mark’s Books, Autonomedia and select bookstores.

—B. Kold, editor emeritus, Sensitive Skin

Carl Watson