Apple took the wraps off an 8-inch tablet Tuesday in its biggest product move since the debut of the iPad two years ago, launching a smaller version of the gadget into a market staked out by Amazon.com and Google.

The 7.9-inch "iPad mini" marks Apple's first foray into the smaller-tablet segment. Apple also announced a fourth-generation full-sized iPad with improvements in graphics... » more

The grass just got a whole lot greener in Central Park, as hedge fund billionaire John Paulson gave a $100 million gift to the Central Park Conservancy, officials said Tuesday.

The Queens native, who now lives on the Upper East Side, set the record for the largest individual donation ever given to the 155-year-old park -- or any public park -- dwarfing a $17 million gift in 1993.

"It's... » more

The city's public advocate is introducing legislation Wednesday designed to prevent homeowners from becoming homeless because of a water bill error.

If passed, the law would stop the city from issuing late fees or liens on homes of New Yorkers who have overdue water bills if they are appealing them.

Public Advocate Bill de Blasio said his office has had several cases from homeowners... » more

Wild With Happy 3 stars

"Wild With Happy," a freewheeling, witty and heartfelt new play written by and starring Colman Domingo, could have easily been subtitled "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Disney World."

Domingo, who has stood out for his dynamic performances in "Passing Strange" and "The Scottsboro Boys," plays Gil, a black, middle-aged,... » more

Teacher impresses his students during a cafeteria dance-off. Where's a bagpipe when you need one?

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Katie Holmes had a girls' day out on Monday.

The actress was spotted meeting a female friend at Forty Four at Royalton on Monday afternoon, where she was "low-key" and "makeup-free" as she drank coffee and caught up with her pal, a spy dished.

Onlookers said Holmes -- whose 6-year-old daughter Suri Cruise, was at school -- was "very cordial" to the restaurant's staff.

Then, on... » more

Kanye West really knows how to make girlfriend Kim Kardashian feel special.

Fresh off a trip to Italy to celebrate her 32nd birthday, the twosome hit up the Angel Ball in Manhattan on Monday night, where West surprised his lady by having a cake and candles delivered to their table.

"Kanye wanted to surprise Kim with a cake," a source told us about West and Kardashian, whose actual birthday... » more

Councilman Dan Garodnick said in a news conference Tuesday that identity theft is on the rise in NYC, but that you can take simple steps to avoid scammers.

The Manhattan district attorney's office handles 200 to 300 I.D. theft cases a month and the load is increasing. Garodnick gave several pointers.

1. Be wary of emails from strangers.

2. Shop with trusted merchants.

3.... » more

New York's gay marriage law is safe from further legal opposition.

The state's Court of Appeals denied to hear the case brought on by New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, a coalition of pastors, who contended the governor and Albany leaders didn't properly approve the law last year.

Since the appeal was based on procedural grounds for a state law, the group can't take the case to... » more

BEST SPA TO SPEND AN ENTIRE DAY IN

Spa Castle 131-10 11th Ave at 131st St, College Point, Queens, 718-939-6300 This five-floor, 100,000-square-foot "castle" has enough to keep you busy all day. The first floor features separate nude bathing and showering areas for men and women and an indoor spa. On the second floor, you'll find massages, saunas, a sushi bar, salad bar and a Starbucks.... » more