Extra Extra: Now is the time to buy your 12-foot Halloween skeleton

Good Monday afternoon in New York City, where we've compiled a list of places to take swim lessons .

Here's what else is happening:

• New York state's plan to combat a potential bird flu outbreak among people relies largely on a stockpile of Tamiflu , which some medical experts fear is a subpar strategy.
• "The landlords jacked up the rent so astronomically high that even corporate Starbucks couldn't pay it": The Astor Place Starbucks has called it quits after nearly 30 years in business .
• Round one of voting is underway in the contest for NYC's next honorary dog mayor .
• Sure hope nobody was injured by this person driving backwards on the FDR.
• Congrats to outgoing FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh on being named in City & State's list of 40 leaders in their 40s .
• The Met Cloisters has a lovely herb garden.
• Medalists at the Paris Olympics also get to take home this tight poster .
• Halloween stuff is now on the shelves at Home Depot and Michael's. 🎃
• And finally, still enjoying summer: