Naked Cowboy to Run for President

Street performer says Times Sq. billboard is trademark infringement

(NEWSER) - The New York street performer known as the Naked Cowboy can sue Mars Inc. for trademark infringement, a judge ruled today, over a singing blue M&M wearing his signature costume on a Times Square billboard, Reuters reports. In seeking $6 million in damages, Robert Burck "plausibly alleges that consumers seeing defendants' advertisements would conclude—incorrectly—that he had endorsed M&M candy," the judge wrote. More»

She stole his schtick, plus she's sullying 'wholesome' icon

(NEWSER) - It may be nothing but tightie-whities (accessorized with a cowboy hat and a guitar), but Robert Burck, aka the Naked Cowboy, says his signature attire, while performing more or less daily for tourists in Times Square, constitutes his trademark, and he's suing his female counterpart, the Naked Cowgirl, for violating said trademark, registered, thank you very much, in 2000. Burck's lawyer filed a lawsuit yesterday claiming that she's "devaluing a real American brand and icon." More»

(NEWSER) - Robert Burck, the “Naked Cowboy” who strolls New York’s Times Square, is planning a run for mayor there, WABC-TV reports. The guitar slinger in underpants will challenge Mayor Michael Bloomberg by “bringing transparency to a whole new level.” Burck says he’ll also run on his ideas about taxes, tourism, gay nuptials, national security, and public transportation. More»

Mayor Bloomberg hails 'critical victory'

(NEWSER) - Throngs converged on Ground Zero and Times Square today to cry, sing, and cheer the news of Osama bin Laden's death, flashed on a digital ticker tape at 42nd Street. Mayor Michael Bloomberg hailed the killing of the terror mastermind as a " critically important victory " for America, and one that will "bring some closure and comfort" to those who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attack that hit his city so hard. Passing firetrucks blasted horns, eliciting cheers from crowds of New Yorkers. More»

Ex-prez remembers excitement, Mayor Bloomberg perplexed

(NEWSER) - New York City's Times Square is a lot safer than it used be, Bill Clinton says, but he's still a little nostalgic for the pre-Rudy Giuliani seediness. "I still have vivid memories of it. Romantic, fascinating," Clinton said, recalling a time when he was a wide-eyed 18-year-old visitor. "I saw a hooker approach a gray flannel suit. Pretty heavy stuff for a guy from Arkansas." Clinton said he feels that New Yorkers are definitely better off now that they have a sanitized—and pedestrianized—Times Square More»