Promised Land 3 stars Directed by Gus Van Sant Starring Matt Damon, John Krasinski, Frances McDormand Rated R Opens Dec. 28

The effects of the dour economy are most deeply felt in rural America, where the struggles of the manufacturing and farm sectors have left a plethora of dying communities and lingering uncertainty.

"Promised Land," from director Gus Van Sant, taps into... » more

Early Monday morning, the stock price of the almighty tech titan Apple dipped as low as $496.69, marking its first trip below $500 since February.

You know, it's funny. Human beings are amazingly fond of round numbers. Apple crossing $500 is infinitely more newsworthy than $501 or $517 or $539.

Why?

Studies indicate that people find round numbers to be intrinsically satisfying,... » more

Saying the city will face many financial woes over the next couple of years, City Comptroller John Liuoffered ideas Thursday he said will ease the burden on hard-working New Yorkers.

During his state of the city speech Thursday, Liu, said the Big Apple may face a $2.7 billion gap in the 2014 fiscal year.

"In times like these, it's not just managing the money - it's managing the impossible,"... » more

Why do we stayed glued to the television during national tragedies, such as the killing of 20 children and six adults, watching the same images over and over again, repeatedly exposing ourselves to horror?

And when does our consumption of media during a disaster such as 9/11, superstorm Sandy or the shootings at the Sandy Hook Elementary School actually become pointless, or even pathological?

Humans... » more

In October, Jeff Sprecher, chief executive of IntercontinentalExchange, approached NYSE Euronext CEO Duncan Niederauer about teaming up on clearing trades in London.

But Sprecher lated suggested ICE buy NYSE, in what became an $8.2 billion deal announced Thursday.

The deal will link up two powerful derivatives exchange and clearing house operators, but threatens to further reduce the... » more

What says Christmas more than a pug in an elf suit? Watch this adorable pup traipse around NYC in the holidays looking for a present for her owners.

... » more

For all the wailing and gnashing of teeth about the fractured state of pop music, it would seem consensus is still alive and well, if not on record label balance sheets. We continue to consume Adele like the air we breathe and we all agree that Taylor Swift is never, I repeat, never, ever, ever getting back together with "insert name here."

It's a wonderful life. As always, there... » more

Christmas has come early for R train riders, as service between Manhattan and Brooklyn will be restored in time for the Friday morning rush.

The Montague Tunnel, through which the train runs between the boroughs, has been closed since Superstorm Sandy flooded it with some 27 million gallons of water.

"The return of the full length R route is an enormous achievement that will take... » more

Les Miserables 4 stars Directed by Tom Hooper Starring Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne Opens Dec. 25

The buzz you've been hearing is true. Tom Hooper's ("The King's Speech") ambitious film adaptation of the Broadway musical "Les Misérables," based on Victor Hugo's 1862 novel depicting economic oppression and failed revolution in 19th century... » more

Get your groove on as the Dave Matthews Band rocks the Barclays Center. (Fri., 7 p.m., $55-$85, Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave., Fort Greene, 917-618-6700)

For those who'd rather party than cry on the day the "end of the world" is supposed to come (ummm ... yeah), head out to Beaumarchais' tongue-in-cheek End of the World Bash, complete with Mayan decor, costumes, an a la carte... » more