New York’s currently: seeing the fall of our discotheque

 Two Egyptians kidnapped in Baghdad, among 100 foreigners seized since March; UK doing “all it can” to save hostage Kenneth Bigley.

 U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan accused of buying off candidates who plan to run against Karzai.

 I believe that you or the United States of America will be a considerable business partner. Letters to George Bush from Germans who own property on the moon.

 Billboard of Mubarak’s son appearing beside Olympic heroes has Egyptian opposition parties worried about a dynasty.

 Violence, bandits, chaos belie Allawi’s Thursday assessment of Iraq getting better.

 What do we want to hear from a candidate? Securing enriched uranium must be a priority in preventing a nuclear 9/11.

 Video shows monkey able to sabotage Diebold touch-screen voting machine.

 Watch purists upset new faces using “IV” instead of “IIII.”

 PDF 1: Free menu/cookbook All About Apples available from Tastingmenu.com.

 Reopening in November, MoMA to charge $20 for an adult pass.

 South Korean laboratory experiments with plutonium and uranium enrichment are the tip of a global iceberg. View from Asia considering Korean nuclear ambitions.

 Paris Hilton to star as Daisy in upcoming Gatsby remake Jay G.

 PDF 2: The infamous spreadsheet of New York’s best sushi restaurants.

 Classroom elects George Bush, voting solely for best articulation.

 Highly recommended: Shomei Tomatsu at the Japan Society; Peter Dinklage as Richard III at the Public.

 Calling food dorks: Blog from chef inside El Bulli.

 Low railing installed to keep viewers away from paintings causes visitor to trip on show’s first day, ruin painting.

 Finally: Free streaming surgical videos.

 And an end-of-the-week bouquet of thanks for yesterday’s two generous donors who support TMN!!!