Blackstone Group consolidates, Bush pardon of Toussie was political favoritism … and more

1. Blackstone Group consolidates distressed securities hedge funds [GlobeSt]
2. Mortgage shoppers in New York won’t get much help from lower rates [Bloomberg]
3. Developer’s permit for day care center revoked [Queens Crap]
4. Bush pardon of Toussie was political favoritism, editorial says [NYDN]
5. Review of The Plaza Hotel’s Oak Room [Bloomberg]
6. All Coney Island boardwalk buildings have “for lease” signs [Curbed]
7. History of Boerum Hill [AM New York]
8. UrbanDigs makes market predictions for 2009 [UrbanDigs]
9. Jobless claims hit 26-year high [SI Advance]