New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants to maintain his politically-correct credentials on global warming -- but hates to get into a hot car when he leaves an air-conditioned building.
The solution his aides came up with could easily have doubled as a stunt on David Letterman's show.
In full view of bemused tourists and other passersby Tuesday, workers performed what looked like a comedy routine -- they hoisted a standard room air conditioner to a side window of one of the mayor's SUVs parked in the City Hall lot to see if it would fit.
If the strange plan gets a green light, the units would be plugged into electrical outlets and cause less pollution than running the vehicles' own air conditioners (A/Cs) on an idling engine.
"This is an experiment to be used on extremely hot days like the types we saw last week," mayoral spokesman Stu Loeser said. "Even with the vehicles parked in the shade, the temperatures inside can quickly rise to more than 100 degrees [38C]."
The mayor's two Chevy Suburbans have been on cooling restriction since July 2009, when reporters spotted them all around town idling with the A/Cs on for several minutes at a time.
Bloomberg quickly apologized for the gaffe and ordered his security detail to obey the city's three-minute idling restriction.
But, officials said, they still wanted to chill out the vehicles for the mayor, the cops who protect him and the heavy load of communications equipment they say might otherwise overheat.
"There is far less emissions corresponding to the power of a single air conditioner on the grid than idling a V-8 engine," Loeser said.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:07:13 GMT
Christal wore a Jacket by "Hazel" from Midnight Farm in Martha's vineyard.It cost, $199 Her top, Skirt and Shoes, were all from Zara and cost $89 each. www.midnightfarm.net www.zara.com Men's tie
Christal wore a Jacket by "Hazel" from Midnight Farm in Martha's vineyard.It cost, $199 Her top, Skirt and Shoes, were all from Zara and cost $89 each. www.midnightfarm.net www.zara.com Men's tie
Wednesday, June 19 2013 1:46 PM EDT2013-06-19 17:46:33 GMT
June 19 is National Dine Out Day. Restaurants and vendors across the country are contributing a percentage of their revenues for the day to the NJ Relief Fund to benefit Superstorm Sandy victims.
June 19 is National Dine Out Day. Restaurants and vendors across the country are contributing a percentage of their revenues for the day to the NJ Relief Fund to benefit Superstorm Sandy victims.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:40 AM EDT2013-06-19 14:40:31 GMT
One of her fellow contestants drew a blank when asked a question, but Erin Brady of Connecticut hit it right out of the park at the Miss USA 2013 contest. The newly crowned beauty queen graced the set of GDNY on Wednesday.
One of her fellow contestants drew a blank when asked a question, but Erin Brady of Connecticut hit it right out of the park at the Miss USA 2013 contest. The newly crowned beauty queen graced the set of GDNY on Wednesday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:36 AM EDT2013-06-19 14:36:30 GMT
New mom Vanessa Lachey is starring in the upcoming FOX TV show, 'Dads,' airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. starting in the fall. Despite a busy schedule, he's taking time out to promote the Everyday Effect campaign in New York City on Wednesday. Pop-up beauty, grooming, oral care, home and pet care services using P&G products will be provided throughout the day.
New mom Vanessa Lachey is starring in the upcoming FOX TV show, 'Dads,' airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. starting in the fall. Despite a busy schedule, he's taking time out to promote the Everyday Effect campaign in New York City on Wednesday. Pop-up beauty, grooming, oral care, home and pet care services using P&G products will be provided throughout the day.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:51 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:51:52 GMT
You can watch a LIVE taping of the X Factor auditions at Nassau Coliseum on June 19-21. Judges Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio will be on hand. Tickets are free.
You can watch a LIVE taping of the X Factor auditions at Nassau Coliseum on June 19-21. Judges Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio will be on hand. Tickets are free.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:07:22 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:28 AM EDT2013-06-18 14:28:14 GMT
The competitive streak between Rosanna and Greg continues. This time, the Good Day duo faced off in a comedy challenge. The competition was fierce especially with mentors Linda Smith lending Ro a hand, and Colin Quinn helping Greg hone his routine. In the end, it was Rosanna who was the overall favorite.
The competitive streak between Rosanna and Greg continues. This time, the Good Day duo faced off in a comedy challenge. The competition was fierce especially with mentors Linda Smith lending Ro a hand, and Colin Quinn helping Greg hone his routine. In the end, it was Rosanna who was the overall favorite.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:07 AM EDT2013-06-18 14:07:14 GMT
Boxing returns to the Barclays Center next weekend when Paulie 'Magic Man' Malignaggi takes on Adrien Broner. The WBA Welterweight champion and Brooklyn native sat down with Rosanna and Greg to talk about the fight.
Boxing returns to the Barclays Center next weekend when Paulie 'Magic Man' Malignaggi takes on Adrien Broner. The WBA Welterweight champion and Brooklyn native sat down with Rosanna and Greg to talk about the fight.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:59 AM EDT2013-06-18 13:59:58 GMT
Famed dancer Savion Glover is taking tap dancing to new heights with a show at the Joyce Theater. Glover and members of the ensemble hit the floor with a preview for Good Day NY.
Famed dancer Savion Glover is taking tap dancing to new heights with a show at the Joyce Theater. Glover and members of the ensemble hit the floor with a preview for Good Day NY.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:51 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:51:22 GMT
Franklin Reyes, 17, was in court Wednesday. He is charged with the death of 4-year-old Ariel Russo.
Franklin Reyes, 17, was in court Wednesday. He is charged with the death of 4-year-old Ariel Russo. He is accused of driving without a license, then fleeing police, jumping a curb, and hitting Ariel and her grandmother as they were walking to school.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:13 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:13:39 GMT
The driver of the vehicle that left several people injured and a trail of destruction in the area of 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village has been arrested.
The driver of the vehicle that left several people injured and a trail of destruction in the area of 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village has been arrested.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:13 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:13:37 GMT
A father and son who admitted they were pimps have been acquitted in New York of sex trafficking after several prostitutes testified they were treated well.
A father and son who admitted they were pimps have been acquitted in New York of sex trafficking after several prostitutes testified they were treated well.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:07:13 GMT
Photo courtesy of @N42_21_W71_04)
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush.
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush. Crews have been working to repair tracks and switches after Monday's derailment.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:07:22 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:34 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:34:07 GMT
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around.
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around. Now New York City has teamed up with AT&T to install 25 solar powered charging stations over the summer.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:55 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:55:38 GMT
A man accused of fatally shooting a gay man walking with a companion in New York City's Greenwich Village pleaded not guilty.
A man accused of fatally shooting a gay man walking with a companion in New York City's Greenwich Village afterward claimed that he opened fire because the victim "thought he was tough in front of his bitch," prosecutors said in court papers Tuesday.
