The Afternoon Wrap: Monday

A blog about life in Spanish Harlem from a new arrival. Judging by lines like this--"Upon moving north of 96th Street on the East side of Manhattan, my primary concern of course was safety"--we presume the perspective is a bit, er, sheltered, but you decide. [North of 96th]

Starbucks may be launching free wi-fi tomorrow. It's about time. [Gizmodo]

Proud papa Brad Pitt will be consulting on the design of a new green hotel in Dubai. A portion of the hotel proceeds will be donated to orphanages in developing countries. Just kidding. [Bloomberg]

The McDonald's sign has taken its place on the facade of the Gramercy by Starck luxury condo tower and we'll be waiting to see if it takes one of the most internationally recognized design brands down with it. [Curbed]

Eater is hosting its first annual "Shitshow Week" spotlighting a different deplorable dining establishment in the Big Apple everyday this week. Merkato 55 is the first target. [Eater]

In New York City, every occasion is worthy of a press release, even the ritual circumcision of an infant. A self-proclaimed real estate power couple with links to the Donald spread the word about the "high-profile (weekend) bris" of their newborn on Friday, informing media outlets that "the Sapir-Rosen offspring already owns more than half of New York City." [Daily Intelligencer]

A jury acquitted a New York City stockbroker of assault today, in a case that could change the standards of gym decorum for decades to come. [City Room]