I am gutted:

At 80th Street and Broadway, the sign is already gone but the aroma of freshly baked bagels still lingers.

Inhale it fast, Upper West Siders, because this is it: H & H Bagels, a Sunday stalwart for generations, will close Wednesday.

There is no explanation posted at the store, just a sign that says “Welcome to Visit Our Store at 639 West 46th Street,” which is where the company’s baking plant is also located. Both will continue to operate, store employees said.

At this point, I believe bagels warm from the oven no longer exist on the Upper West Side. This is truly tragic. Wherever shall I go? What shall I do?

Bristol Palin’s memoirs are out Friday — she’s 20, why do you ask? — and the dirt is flying:

The most biting words in the book are reserved for Johnston, Palin’s high school boyfriend and the father of her 2-year-old son, Tripp. Palin was drunk on wine coolers when she lost her virginity to Johnston while camping. She writes that she “didn’t know that girly flavored wine coolers were just as likely to get you drunk as the hard stuff.”

Speaking of the hard stuff, you know what knocks you up?

Read more »

“Newt Gingrich’s top two fundraising advisers resigned on Tuesday, and officials said the Republican candidate’s hobbling presidential campaign carried more than $1 million in debt.” [AP]

NY State senate ‘Debates’ the Marriage Issue. We’re all so very proud. The decision could be handed down almost any time the Republicans get everything they want.

If it passes, Democrats win. If it fails, Democrats win. If it isn’t brought to a vote, Republicans win. Does anyone have any questions?

Albany’s arranged marriage: The same-sex union bill is getting dragged into legislative horsetrading [Daily News]

You might recall the Situation Room Meme — this was Before Weiner, so we’ll understand if it slipped your mind — which involved the Internets trying to top each other’s replacement of characters starring in the Bin Laden Death Watch. One of our favorites was the Superhero Situation Room, starring Barack Obama as Captain America.

But hey, any wimp can doctor a photo. It takes a real jock to update a 1954 socialist realist statue.

‘Banksy of Bulgaria’ Turns Soviet-Era Statues into American Superheroes [Comics Alliance]

“Though the vast majority of Americans say they would vote for their party’s nominee for president in 2012 if that person happens to be a Mormon, 22% say they would not, a figure largely unchanged since 1967.” [Gallup]

Our guest columnist is… You!

Dear Editor,

When Rick Scott ran for Governor he promised to create jobs and turn our economy around. I voted for Rick because he’s always been a businessman, not a politician. While politicians usually disappoint us and rarely keep their promises, Rick is refreshing because he’s keeping his word. His policies are helping to attract businesses to our state and get people back to work. Some of the special interests are attacking the Governor for making tough decisions, showing leadership, and doing what he told us he would do. Rick Scott deserves our unwavering and enthusiastic support. How can we expect to elect leaders who will keep their word and do what’s right for our state if we don’t stand up for those with the courage to set priorities, make difficult choices, and actually deliver on their promises made?

Please note that you may change the text before emailing the Florida newspaper of your choice. Not that you would do anything inappropriate.

Email a Newspaper Editor [Rick Scott for Florida]

Rick Scott cares! He really does care! [Orlando Sentinel, via Political Wire]