The Afternoon Wrap: Friday

Usually, we wouldn't encourage any Americans to heed President Bush's advice, but in the case of tax rebate checks we’re all for a little indulgence. Here are some ideas. [NY Magazine]

The Amstel beer bike will pedal into the Upper West Side this weekend to celebrate the Dutch settlement of New York. [Gothamist]

Meanwhile... the beer will flow a little less freely in Dublin in the future since the owner of Guinness announced plans to lay off half of its brewery workers, close two breweries, and shift production to the suburbs. [Huffington Post]

When "MePa" institution (actually its not even a decade old, but that’s practically ancient for the neighborhood) the Hog Pit closes next January, a Steve Madden store will move in. Earlier reports said Ralph Lauren was eyeing the space. [Racked]

We don't know if this Hamptons shuttle flier in Stuy Town is funny ‘ha-ha’ or ironic, but it’s amusing regardless. [Curbed]

More on Brooklyn's reining celebrity couple and the trials of owning a spacious brownstone in the outer-boroughs. [Daily Intelligencer]

There are actually some places in the world that do not sell I-phones (legally at least). Gasp! [Gawker]

Farewell to Chinatown's Mei Lai Wah Coffee House and "the best pork buns in the world." [Pour]