Because old acquaintance should never be forgot, here are the end-of-the-year links: (bad) Rihanna rumors, the Wall Street bull is free, Facebook and divorce, and Magnolia’s newest cupcakes. Follow Gothamist on Twitter and like us on Facebook . You can also get the top stories mailed to you— sign up here . [ more › ]

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Extra, Extra: So Long 2011, And Thanks For All The Fish

We love us some adorable animal stories —so what better way to bid farewell to 2011 than with one such happy story! Recurring Law & Order actress Lenore Harris was reunited with her 17-year-old Pomeranian yesterday , a few days after the dog was stolen from her in a CVS on the Upper West Side. “It’s a great holiday New York story,” said Lenore’s sister, Rosalind Harris, an actress who played Tzeitel in the movie Fiddler on the Roof . [ more › ]

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Law & Order Actress Reunited With Stolen Dog

It’s New Year’s Eve, so here’s our PSA: Drink responsibly. If you are drinking, don’t drive—take a cab, take mass transit (subways and buses are running on a Sunday schedule), and the Department of Transportation is even handing out $15 Taxi card and single-ride Metrocards today at 5 p.m. on the Upper East Side and in Harlem —and drink water! [ more › ]

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Reminder: Stay Hydrated So Your First 2012 Hangovers Is Less Awful

                      Looking back over 2011 this week—from the natural disasters to girl walk all day to the tasty food trends , from the cycling wars to the viral subway videos to all the adorable animal stories —we came across a ton of very popular, only-in-NYC type stories that have provoked discussion many an internet argument. 2011 was the year the Rapture didn’t happen (twice), the year we attended a 9/11 Truther conference, and the year we opened the floodgates to the Ron Paul Nation. Click through to check out some of our most memorable, bizarre stories. [ more › ]

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The Top 10 Bizarre Stories Of 2011, The Year The Rapture Didn’t Happen

          Besides not firing your gun into the air to somehow welcome the New Year , the NYPD has some advice for you, if you’re going to Times Square tonight : Don’t bring backpacks, packages, large bags or any alcohol. Also, pocketbooks will be inspected. [ more › ]

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Cops Begin New Year’s Eve Closures In Times Square

Beyoncé’s pregnancy has been weird and mysterious from the start. She announced that her and husband Jay-Z would be having a baby in August, while on stage at the MTV Video Music Awards. The next month, she stated: “It’s September 23rd. Right now I’m actually shooting the video for ‘Countdown’ and I’m six months pregnant!” After that, a television appearance showed her bump collapsing before the world’s eyes, which led to rumors that she had a surrogate, possibly to stay in shape for an upcoming tour. And yesterday, rumors spread far and wide that she—or someone?—delivered her baby, named Tiana May Carter, at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital in New York City. [ more › ]

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Did Beyonce Have A Baby, And Will She Be Making The Announcement Tonight?

A last minute, New Year’s Eve reminder to those of you who insist on making resolutions for the New Year: Make them achievable . We offered some suggestions on Wednesday , taking some inspiration from Woody Guthrie’s list of resolutions for 1943 (as seen above), which include “Stay Glad” and “Take A Bath.” [ more › ]

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Reminder: "Take A Bath" Is A New Year’s Resolution You Can Keep

Earlier this week, Mayor Bloomberg and Police Commissioner touted near-record low crime numbers in New York City, claiming a 1.2% drop in overall crime between 2010 and 2011. But there have been overall concerns about whether the NYPD has been manipulating crime stats . While the Police Department says it’s looking into the matter , there are still some victims who say the practice continues . [ more › ]

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Some NYPD Cops Not Rushing To Report Victims’ Crimes

Former American Idol winner and Toyota saleswoman Kelly Clarkson tweeted about her love for Ron Paul this week , pledging to vote for him if he wins the Republican presidential nomination. As a result, many of her followers attacked her, sending her a barrage of angry tweets. But the Ron Paul Nation is nothing if not fiercely loyal, and they had her back in a big way as sales of her latest album surged because of her support for Paul. As one Amazon user wrote, “I have been a Kelly Clarkson fan for many years, however this is the first album I have purchased of hers. I am doing so to show my appreciation of her support for Ron Paul. I am hopeful that her continued support will allow other artists to show their support as well! RON PAUL 2012!” [ more › ]

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Ron Paul Nation Rallies Behind Kelly Clarkson

New Yorkers hear the argument from Californian refugees all the time: “You can’t get any decent tacos in New York City.” These poor ex-Angelenos have never put a Brooklyn Taco to their lips. Before this fall, you could only snag one at the Hester Street Fair or the Artists and Fleas fair in Williamsburg, but now you don’t have to wait for spring. We paid a visit to Brooklyn Taco’s first permanent location in the Essex Street Market, and as sad as it was to see Jeffery’s Meat Market leave, the neighborhood now has sublime tacos just steps from 5 subway lines, 7 days a week. [ more › ]

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Californians, Shut Up: Brooklyn Taco Proves Amazing Tacos Live In NYC