Monthly Archives: February 2009

Brooklyn Blogfest

State of the NYC Blogosphere: A Bunch of Twittering 20-Somethings

5 Comments

Mashable-nextup-nyc
On Tuesday night,  I found my way into a noisy cocktail party at the 92YTribeca, where I knew no-one in the crowd of twittering 20-somethings.

Billed as a night of networking, conversation and new ideas, I entered the buzzy, jargon-filled world of Mashable NextUp NYC .

But it was too noisy for conversational networking and most attendees were too busy staring at their iPhones to bother reading each other's name tags. I was, however, approached by a very nice PR woman for Gerber and Nestle, who remembered me from another event and we had an interesting chat about the delicate business of approaching bloggers about product giveaways. 

The state of the NYC Blogosphere was the question of the night and a line-up of "high-profile" speakers tried to tease out an answer.

Mostly, the speakers, some who came prepared, some who spoke off the cuff, approached the topic circuitously but some revealed themselves to be savvy mediafarians, unable to fathom a world where people don't spend their day staring at an iPhone.

Maybe that cool rectangle is the brave new world.

But if Twitter is the state of the blogsphere I feel alienated—even if I do spend my day staring at my iPhone (and maybe I should actually activate my Twitter account).

Still, disappointment pulsed through my veins. I was hoping for something really exciting and visionary. But there was no vision in sight: The NYC new media world is just like the old media world dressed in cool tech clothing.

For me this event was the opposite of the Brooklyn Blogfest as it had none of the local fervor, social
activism, entrepreneurial passion or nutty creativity of that event. And there was
absolutely no mention of Brooklyn, which is KNOWN to have more blogs than anywhere else in the USA.

For this crowd, New York blogging is Gawker and Nick Denton. End of story.

It's all about page views, ad sales and how to drive people to your site with clickable headlines. Which isn't to say that I didn't learn a hunk about what's going on in the big city. Because I did.

In fact, I much enjoyed adorable Nicholas Carlson's spiel about how to write a headline. A senior editor of Silicon Alley Insider, he was funny without being snarky and quite smart about this twittering, new media world.

The word aggregation was in high usage. But Carlson did say humorously, "It is a good idea to bring something original to the Internet from time to time."

This was not an entrepreneurial group of self-starters. These were bloggers and publicity folks who probably studied new media at college and actually get paid to work for some of the larger blogs like Gizmodo, CNET, Gawker, The Daily Beast and Silicon Alley Insider. They graduated into a world where "print is dead" and they have little sentimentality about that and no intention of going to journalism school.

Which is fine by me. But some old-school-types find that vexing. Like the 30-year-old guy sitting next to me, who grumbled, "Would you want to see a doctor who didn't go to medical school."

A communications professor, he sneered at the idea that anyone can be a journalist. "This generation is so entitled," he told me.

I did enjoy Caroline McCarthy, a staff writer of CNET News/CBS Interactive, who told a funny story about posting a photograph of a hula hoop in the hallway of her East Village apartment building to Twitte. The next day, she heard from her downstairs'  neighbors, who twittered back with:  'Hey that's our hula hoop.'

"That's how you meet your neighbors in 21st century Manhattan," she told the crowd. That got a big laugh and I loved it.

We bloggers in Brooklyn are always wondering where all the local Manhattan blogs are. But I guess the Manhattan scene is, like Manhattan, younger, glitzier and more fame and fortune-oriented.

Hyperlocal it ain't. This crowd wants to reach the millions out there who read Boing Boing and watch You Tube. They want the hits and the ad revenue.I know, I know, you gotta make money somehow. But still…

When new media becomes status quo it does lose its edgy eccentricity. Maybe that's why it's still so scrappy and fun out here in Brooklyn. Even better, Manhattan doesn't even know we exist.

Ond day soon they'll find out about us. Just like the Manhattan-centric, once upon a time, discovered the clubs, restaurants, and art spaces of Williamsburg, the great restaurants of Fifth and Smith and the brownstones of Park Slope.

Feeling under the weather like everyone else I know AND eager to get home to Obama's speech, I dragged my sorry and misunderstood Brooklyn self out onto the streets of Tribeca.

 I left before the keynote,which meant I didn't get get to hear Bryan Keefer, who is director of product for The Daily Beast.(what does that mean?) and co- authorr  All the President’s Spin: George W. Bush, the Media, and the Truth.
The book grew out of Spinsanity.org, a group blog he co-founded that
was devoted to debunking political spin.

The Daily Beast, isn't that Tina Brown's new blog? I wonder if she's ever been to Brooklyn?

Civics and Urban Life

My Little Red Book: First Period Stories

1 Comment

MLRBcover
 My Little Red Book sounds like a must-read for parents of tweens and the kids.

It is about first periods, collected from women of all ages from around the world.

The editor of the book, Rachel Kauder Nalebuff writes:

"Whatever a girl experiences or expects, she'll find stories that speak to her thoughts and feelings. My Little Red Book
aims to provide support, entertainment, and a starting point for
discussion for mothers and daughters everywhere. Royalties from sales of the book are being donated to charities promoting women's health and education. Let the dialog begin!"

Civics and Urban Life

The Prime of Ms. Jane Brody: Feb 25, 7:30 Reading at Park Slope Barnes & Noble

33635720
A friend wrote in to tell me about Jane Brody' new book, Jane Brody's Guide to the Great Beyond, and a reading at Barnes and Noble on Wednesday night.

I spoke to Jane this morning, don't know if you read her
stuff (at my in-laws I discovered a cache of her books from decades ago
and almost stole "em) the new book she wrote could have been useful for us for during the "Dad transition"—now he's here, now he's not.

She's doing a tal and signing a the Park Slope Barnes and Noble on Wednesday February 25th at 7:30 p.m.

Here's the blurb from the B&N website:

From the beloved New York Times columnist, trusted authority on
health, and bestselling author comes this complete guide to everything
you need to know–emotionally, spiritually, and practically–to prepare
for the end of life.

An invaluable road map to putting your
affairs in order–or helping your loved ones do the same–this
comprehensive book will answer every question you might have about what
does and does not help smooth the transition between life and the Great
Beyond. Wise, practical, and characteristically straightforward
throughout, Brody advises on

• the intricacies of a
well-thought-out (and fully spelled-out) living will that health care
practitioners readily understand–and how to designate a health care
proxy.
• planning a funeral or memorial to ensure your wishes are followed, including tips on how to reduce expenses.
• discussing prognoses and treatment options with doctors.
•
your options for controlling pain, shortness of breath, bed sores, and
other physical symptoms–plus the facts on feeding tubes.
• receiving the support you need through hospice care–and suggestions for loved ones and friends who want to help.
• lightening and enlightening your trials by incorporating spirituality into your life.
•
understanding what happens, physically and mentally, when death is
imminent, and recognizing when hand-holding and reassurance, not food
or drink or an oxygen mask or CPR, is the proper course of action.
•
easing your way through the journey of grief by admitting the reality
of the loss, showing your emotions, and allowing yourself the timeyou
feel you need.

No matter your age or current health, preparing
for the inevitable when you are still fully in control of your
faculties ensures that you’ll be in a far better position to enjoy the
time you have left. As Brody notes, “From the start, consider the
finish.”

Food and Drink

Letter About Boycott Controversy: Written While Waiting On Line at the Food Coop

2 Comments

This story is making its way around the world. I just noticed that there's an article Haaretz, an Israeli newspaper (actually they republished the article that appeared in The Jewish Daily Forward article).

My Friend Gilly Youner wrote this letter to the editor while standing on line at the Food Coop. She writes: "This is the letter I sent to the Linewaiter's Gazette -dont know yet
if they will print it( I wrote the original draft standing in line, a
little bit shaky from the emotional aspects)…

Linewaiters’ Gazette,
Park Slope Food Coop
Att: Letters to the Editor
Brooklyn, NY 11215

To Hima B. who did not sign her last name to her letter to the editor:

As an American and an Israeli, I fully support all forms of peaceful protest, and it is certainly your right, at least in this country, to boycott any products you choose. I fully deplore the loss of life of civilians, and disagree with many of the tactics used and decisions made by all parties in this situation in Israel, in Gaza. But what did you boycott when armed Palestinians pulled my old family friend Avi Boaz out of his car in Bethlehem in 2002 and shot him dead, or when Palestinian terrorists came to my neighborhood in Netanya, and massacred families who were sitting down at a Passover dinner?

Did you boycott all American-made products when the U.S. began the war in Iraq and killed civilians there? Why ask the Food Co-op to make arbitrary black-and-white decisions, in a world of varied grays. Peace was achieved in Ireland through negotiations, how about asking the Food Coop to support the peacemakers in this process? There are many groups working on that right now, and I’d be surprised if many co-op members are not already involved in some of them.

Sincerely,
Gilly Youner
February 2009

Election

The Candidate Blogs: Brad Lander on Julian Brennan

Brad Lander is running for City Council; he's the so-called front-runner if you can be a front-runner nine months before the primary.

Then again, Brad has more money than the other capable candidates in the race, including Josh Skaller and Craig Hammerman. All are hoping to replace Bill deBlasio, who is running for Public Advocate. I'm set to interview Brad tomorrow about his perspective on things,which I am looking forward to.

I've been exploring his website and I see that's he's got a blog. I found this story interesting. It confirms my sense that personal blogging can bring a candidate to life.

Last night, I was honored to attend a memorial service at the Prospect
Park Picnic House for Marine Lance Corporal Julian Brennan.  Julian
grew up on 15th Street in Park Slope.  He was 25 when he was killed in
Afghanistan last week.

The event was heartwrenching, of course.  It was impossible not to
cry while listening to his friends talk about how Julian made them
laugh … or while reading the note he wrote to his mom for Christmas
in 2005, wishing that he could be 5 years old again, so she could
cradle his head in her arms.

But there was also tremendous inspiration, both in Julian's life,
and in how his parents are responding to their almost unimaginable
tragedy. Julian was a remarkable person, a gifted actor, who felt a
call to service at the funeral for his grandfather, Marine who fought
in WWII.  "The only way I think I can describe myself,” he wrote, “is
as a guy who will go out of his way to make someone laugh, write a
great song, find a reason to dance, and watch the sun rise every chance
he gets."

One of the most remarkable things about Julian – and about the
Brennan family – is how they combine the deepest ideals of service from
both older and newer parts of our neighborhood.  Julian followed his
Irish Catholic grandfather James into the Marines, feeling that after
September 11th he had a duty to fight for the ideals and the security
of our country.  And he also followed his father Bill Brennan, a
musician and actor who performs kids music (he appears on one Park
Slope Parents CD), and who played a song of forgiveness and healing at
the memorial service.

Too often in our neighborhood, it seems as if these very different
ideals might exist in neighboring houses on a block in the Slope or
Windsor Terrace or Carroll Gardens, but that they are still two
different cultures, sometimes even worlds apart.  Julian and his
family's example reminds us that they can and should go together —
that they are merely different ways of serving something bigger than
yourself.

In a remarkable act of compassion, his parents Bill and Thya Brennan
are asking us to make contributions in Julian’s memory to the Central Asia Institute, at www.ikat.org. 
CAI’s mission is to promote and support community-based education,
especially for girls, in the remote regions of Pakistan and
Afghanistan.

Please consider a donation in Julian's memory to:

Central Asia Institute
P.O. Box 7209
Bozeman, MT 59771  
In memo line, please write: Julian Brennan

Please help the Brennans to make a deep and abiding blessing of Julian’s life and memory.

obama

Reaction to Obama Speech From My Facebook Friends

1 Comment

My cousin writes that she is celebrating. "What a man!"

A friend in Queens wonders "whether stimulus package will help a.
finance education b. get a green job (or any job) c. fund a business d.
none of the above :-(

A friend in Manhattan says that "she is once again inspired."

A friend from Carroll Garden is "having popcorn with the President."

Some I don't know said abuot the Republic rebuttal:  "Republican Rule No. 1: Never, ever agree to follow an Obama speech.
State of Union rebuttals should go to unknown Republican freshman
members of the House for the next 4 years, otherwise the republicans
will have no-one left to run against Obama in '12."

City Councilman David Yassky "is inspired and energized by the State of the Union!!"

obama

Live Obama: This Was The Time When We Performed Something Worthy to be Remembered

Obama is on the final stretch:

These words and these stories tell us something about the spirit of
the people who sent us here.  They tell us that even in the most trying
times, amid the most difficult circumstances, there is a generosity, a
resilience, a decency, and a determination that perseveres; a
willingness to take responsibility for our future and for posterity.

Their resolve must be our inspiration.  Their concerns must be our
cause.  And we must show them and all our people that we are equal to
the task before us.

I know that we haven’t agreed on every issue thus far, and there are
surely times in the future when we will part ways.  But I also know
that every American who is sitting here tonight loves this country and
wants it to succeed.  That must be the starting point for every debate
we have in the coming months, and where we return after those debates
are done.  That is the foundation on which the American people expect
us to build common ground.

And if we do – if we come together and lift this nation from the
depths of this crisis; if we put our people back to work and restart
the engine of our prosperity; if we confront without fear the
challenges of our time and summon that enduring spirit of an America
that does not quit, then someday years from now our children can tell
their children that this was the time when we performed, in the words
that are carved into this very chamber, “something worthy to be
remembered.”  Thank you, God Bless you, and may God Bless the United
States of America.

The speech lasted 50 minutes and he was interrupted by applause 53 times (pundits count these things).

obama

Live Obama: I Have Ordered the Closing of Gitmo

1 Comment

Finally, the Iraq war:

"I will responsibly end this war. With our friends and allies we will create a strategy to defeat safe havens in Afghanistan and Pakistan for Al Queda…I will not allow it."

"To the men and women, who are serving this country, we honor your service, we are inspired by your sacrifice, and you have our unyielding support."

"Extended benefits and health care to those who are serving this country…"

Living our values doesn't make us weaker, it makes us stronger…The US of American DOES NOT TORTURE we can make that commitment here tonight."

"American cannot meet the threats of this century alone…We must move forward with the confidence and candor that these times demand."

"The eyes of all people in all nations are upon us." Cut to shot of Pilot Scully. "This is a tremendous burden but also a great privilege. In our hands lies the ability to shape our world for good or for ill. It's easy to doubt…In my life I have learned that hope is found in unlikely places…from the dreams and aspirations of ordinary Americans who are anything but ordinary…"

"What if he farts," OSFO asks. No comment.

Standing O for banker in Florida who gave his money away….

Obama is wrapping up now with stories about real people who have done incredible things…Now he's talking about a letter he got from a young student in Dylan, South Carolina. "'We are not quitters.' that's what she said." he looks up at the girl, who is sitting next to Michele Obama. She and her mom are crying.

Heck, I'm crying. Obama stares up at them beautifully.

 

obama

Live Obama: Energy, Healthcare and Education

3 Comments

"It is time for America to lead again…"

Energy:

He talked about solar energy and other forms renewable energy

And about cars:

"I believe that the nation that invented the automobile cannot walk away from it…"

Correction: Hepcat say that Germany's Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz invented the automobile…

Healthcare

"We can't put health care reform on hold. It's time." That's music to my ears. Nice shot of Hillary Clinton standing up and clapping…

 "A disease that has effected everyone including me, we are seeking a cure for cancer in our time."

"A commitment to quality health care for every one…health care reform can not wait, will not wait another year…"

Education

"Right now, three-quarters of the fastest-growing occupations require
more than a high school diploma. And yet, just over half of our
citizens have that level of education. We have one of the highest high
school dropout rates of any industrialized nation. And half of the
students who begin college never finish.

This is a prescription
for economic decline, because we know the countries that outteach us
today will outcompete us tomorrow. That is why it will be the goal of
this administration to ensure that every child has access to a complete
and competitive education — from the day they are born to the day they
begin a career."

"Our school don't just need resources, they need reform…and rewards for successful teachers. We'll invest in innovative programs and expand our commitment to charter schools. It is our responsibilities as lawmakers and educators to make this system work."

"I ask every American to commit to one year of higher education. Whatever the training may be, every American will need to get a high school diploma…It's not just quitting on yourself. It's quitting on your country. And this country needs the talents of every American."

Joe Biden is up with that last line.

"By 2020 we will have the highest proportion of college graduates. That's a goal we can meet."

"I intend to encourage a renewed spirit of national service…"

These education policies will open the doors of opportunity for our
children. But it is up to us to ensure they walk through them. In the
end, there is no program or policy that can substitute for a mother or
father who will attend those parent/teacher conferences, or help with
homework after dinner, or turn off the TV, put away the video games,
and read to their child. I speak to you not just as a president, but as
a father when I say that responsibility for our children's education
must begin at home.

obama

Live Obama: It’s An Agenda that Begins With Jobs

 "Put people to work, put money in their pockets…"

I can tell it's going to be a long speech heavy with content and mean. I can listen to our president for hours.

As soon as I took office, I asked this Congress to send me a
recovery plan by President’s Day that would put people back to work and
put money in their pockets.  Not because I believe in bigger government
– I don’t.  Not because I’m not mindful of the massive debt we’ve
inherited – I am.  I called for action because the failure to do so
would have cost more jobs and caused more hardships.  In fact, a
failure to act would have worsened our long-term deficit by assuring
weak economic growth for years.  That’s why I pushed for quick action. 
And tonight, I am grateful that this Congress delivered, and pleased to
say that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is now law.

Over the next two years, this plan will save or create 3.5 million
jobs.  More than 90% of these jobs will be in the private sector – jobs
rebuilding our roads and bridges; constructing wind turbines and solar
panels; laying broadband and expanding mass transit.

Because of this plan, there are teachers who can now keep their jobs
and educate our kids.  Health care professionals can continue caring
for our sick.  There are 57 police officers who are still on the
streets of Minneapolis tonight because this plan prevented the layoffs
their department was about to make.

Because of this plan, 95% of the working households in America will
receive a tax cut – a tax cut that you will see in your paychecks
beginning on April 1st.

Because of this plan, families who are struggling to pay tuition
costs will receive a $2,500 tax credit for all four years of college. 
And Americans who have lost their jobs in this recession will be able
to receive extended unemployment benefits and continued health care
coverage to help them weather this storm.

I know there are some in this chamber and watching at home who are
skeptical of whether this plan will work.  I understand that
skepticism.  Here in Washington, we’ve all seen how quickly good
intentions can turn into broken promises and wasteful spending.  And
with a plan of this scale comes enormous responsibility to get it right.

That is why I have asked Vice President Biden to lead a tough,
unprecedented oversight effort – because nobody messes with Joe. 

 Big smile from Joe Biden sitting behind the president. Standing O from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi when Obama says, "Nobody messes Joe."

–Obama talks about Recovery.gov where Americans can monitor how the money is being spent.

–If we don't restart lending in this country our recovery will be choked…The flow of credit is the life blood of how we get along…"

For some reason OSFO is playing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" on the piano; it's driving me nuts.  Hepcat is having a fit because the TV is too loud.

"What is your problem?" I ask.

Standing O and I don't even know why. Joe Lieberman looks positively miserable. What a jerk.

I intend to hold these banks fully accountable for the assistance they
receive, and this time, they will have to clearly demonstrate how
taxpayer dollars result in more lending for the American taxpayer. 
This time, CEOs won’t be able to use taxpayer money to pad their
paychecks or buy fancy drapes or disappear on a private jet.  Those
days are over.

I like that.

obama

Live Obama: The Worry You Wake Up With And The Source of Sleepless Nights

2 Comments

It's like a State-of-the-Union but he hasn't been in office long enough for one. Hugh went out for double-stuffed Oreos before the Obamathon (The pundits are saying that the speech will be upwards of 50 minutes, including applause.

According to Joel Klein, author of Primary Colors, says that Bill Clinton told Obama he need to be more optimistic.

The Supreme Court Justices are coming out now. Ruth Ginsberg is there!!! She just had pancreatic surgery not long ago. What a hero. She doesn't look too bad.

The honored guests: The Scully and the crew of the flight that landed in the Hudson River are there.Michele glowing, sits in the balcony in a sleeveless purple dress.

Obama's Cabinet is coming out now. Hillary Clinton with a big huge grin on her face and a bright red suit is the first. Hugh's back with the junk food.

"Get me my double-stuffed," OSFO says.

On the TV: The Speaker of the House announces: "The President of the United Stats." Count the tears in Park Slope, where people get downright soppy every time Obama does anything (myself included).

His level of confidence, conviviality, calm is really incredible.Members of congress thrust their hands in his direction; vigorous hand shaking, encouraging words.

Hillary Clinton looks downright thrilled to see the president. Who could have imagined that during the campaign?

It's taken him more than 6 minutes to get to the lectern.

"Thank you."

OSFO say: "Every time Obama says thank you, you can just hear him thinking 'shut up already.s it typical to introduce the first lady of the United States. He blows her kisses.

Oh my god I am kvelling.

Let's see if he can do optimistic tonight…

I know that for many Americans watching right now, the state of our
economy is a concern that rises above all others.  And rightly so.  If
you haven’t been personally affected by this recession, you probably
know someone who has – a friend; a neighbor; a member of your family. 
You don’t need to hear another list of statistics to know that our
economy is in crisis, because you live it every day.  It’s the worry
you wake up with and the source of sleepless nights.  It’s the job you
thought you’d retire from but now have lost; the business you built
your dreams upon that’s now hanging by a thread; the college acceptance
letter your child had to put back in the envelope.  The impact of this
recession is real, and it is everywhere.

But while our economy may be weakened
and our confidence shaken; though we are living through difficult and
uncertain times, tonight I want every American to know this:

We will rebuild, we will recover, and the United States of America will emerge stronger than before.

The weight of this crisis will not determine the destiny of this
nation.  The answers to our problems don’t lie beyond our reach.  They
exist in our laboratories and universities; in our fields and our
factories; in the imaginations of our entrepreneurs and the pride of
the hardest-working people on Earth.  Those qualities that have made
America the greatest force of progress and prosperity in human history
we still possess in ample measure.  What is required now is for this
country to pull together, confront boldly the challenges we face, and
take responsibility for our future once more.

Okay. Optimism is back.

EDUCATION

Park Slope School House: The Nabe Needs It

1 Comment
Once again, I am the last to know. Full disclosure: I was in New Jersey over the weekend swimming in a Biosphere pool.

The Berkeley Carroll Child Care Center which is in the process of closing dn is becoming Park Slope School House. I guess someone did the numbers and figured out a way to do it.

I didn't find a web site but I found this:

Leading Neighborhood Program with 20+ Year History Now
Offering Tours for 2009-2010 Academic Year–Parents who need child care
in Brooklyn now have the option to send their children to Park Slope
Schoolhouse (PSS), a child development program with courses for
children who are one, two or three years old by September 1, 2009. PSS
is a newly formed non-profit early childhood education program that
formerly operated as the Berkeley Carroll Child Care Center and
previously, as the MHB Child Care Center (operated by New York
Methodist Hospital). The program has a rich history in the neighborhood, having been in operation since 1986.
Civics and Urban Life

Design Trust: Submit Proposals To Improve Public Space

Headerblog
Do you have an
idea for improving New York City 's
public realm? Design Trust is looking for proposals to improve public space.

Visit the Design Trust staff blog for their  thoughts, ideas and ramblings on
NYC public space issues, as well as photos of and updates of their latest
projects.


New York City community groups and public
agencies are invited to submit proposals for research, design, and planning
projects that will improve public space in
New York City and benefit from
private-sector expertise. Proposals for 2009-2010 projects will be accepted
until 5 pm, May 1, 2009.


The Design Trust helps public agencies and community groups undertake
complex urban design projects that are beyond the scope of their mission or
finances. If a project is selected, we organize teams of top architects,
planners, industrial designers, ecologists, landscape architects — whoever
may be required to tackle the project — and work to address the problem at
hand using collaboration and innovation.


Projects are selected every 18-24 months through an open call for
proposals. During each award cycle, the project jury selects one to three
projects for Design Trust assistance. Design Trust projects bring together
neighborhoods, public agencies, and design professionals to find innovative
opportunities for change, making the city more beautiful, sustainable,
functional, and available to all. Since our founding in 1995, the Design
Trust has completed over 25 projects in all five boroughs, serving and
engaging a diverse set of communities

Food and Drink

Andy Bachman: Some Perspective On Food Coop Boycott Controversy

Here's my fave, Rabbi Andy Bachman on the Food Coop boycott non-controversy that's being fanned into one on the blogosphere. I feel like posting the WHOLE thing because it made me cry. But I'll just do an excerpt so y'all will go over to Andy's blog.

Well, let’s just drink a cool glass of water and get some perspective.

Here’s what we know:

1.
There will NOT be a vote Tuesday night in the Park Slope Food Coop to
ban Israeli products. That’s because, despite the rumors, the proposed
ban is not on the agenda. And, as many have pointed out (like Ben Harris at JTA)
the Park Slope Food Coop loves equally organic food AND process (not
processed food) so if it’s going to be voted on, it’s got to be on the
Agenda. This of course gives me a chance to dust off one of my favorite
Rabbi Arthur Hertzberg quotes (deliver with disdain if you’re trying
this at home): “My generation worships the Master of the Universe; your
generation worships the God of Process.” My generation also convinced
its philanthropists to let us spend their money on “cool Jew” parties,
but that’s another matter. Anyhow…

2. If the resolution ever
comes up, it’s likely to fail, which doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be
opposed when it does (because it should for its inconsistency,
hypocrisy, and general ineffectiveness at ending a deeply challenging
religio-national battle–”Hey Hey, Ho Ho, Israeli Persimmons have to
go!”) It just means it’s one of those “wrong” symbolic votes that
detracts us from the real issues and people of intelligence and reason
have to focus on what can really effect people’s lives, facts on the
ground, as it were.

3. Every day, every hour, every minute,
Israelis and Palestinians of good will are struggling with all their
hearts and souls to end this horrifying conflict. There are a very
large number of organizations in Israel and Palestine dedicated to the
very cause of peace. And there are several members of the Knesset and
the nascent Palestinian self-governance organizations that are striving
to find in-roads of mutual recognition and understanding. Those need
strengthening and support.

4. A boycott of Israeli products to
End the Occupation is not the Montgomery Bus Boycott or Divestment from
South Africa. Why? Because each historical situation is unique unto
itself. And while it may be true that the boycotts in the South or
threats of divestment from South Africa helped shift political
fortunes, it’s also true that great leadership–both internal and
external–brought along the necessary changes to each society.
King-Kennedy-Johnson or Mandela-FW De Clerk–all of whom made
monumentally brave choices to bring transformation to their
societies–must be remembered as critical to the endeavor. Banning Sabra
Hummus (and let’s face it, Abraham’s is too chunky) just isn’t going to
do the trick…

Read the rest at Andybachman.com

Atlantic Yards

Today: Atlantic Yards Eminent Domain Court Argument

Here's today's media alert, press release or whatever you want to call it from the folks over at Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn:

The challenge, by nine brave home and business owners and tenants, to New York state's use of eminent domain to take the their properties for developer Forest City Ratner’s Atlantic Yards development proposal will be argued in court on Monday, February 23.

Forest City Ratner cannot build its floundering project without these plaintiffs’ properties.

Monday, February 23. 10am*
Supreme Court, State of New York. Appellate Division**, Second Department
45 Monroe Place. Brooklyn, NY.

The lawsuit was filed on August 1st, 2008 and fully briefed at the end of December.
All briefs in Goldstein et al. v Empire State Development Corporation can be found here.

On his Atlantic Yards Report Norman Oder has an extensive preview of the arguments and issues discussed in the briefings

(*Note: The court has the argument listed as the 7th on the docket, so we do not know precisely when it will be argued. But we advise showing up by 10 if that is possible for you, but later is okay if that is not possible. **State law requires all eminent domain challenges to go directly to the appellate division. This case is not an appeal.)

Other Pending Legal Challenge

The legal challenge to the state’s environmental review and approval and in particular New York State’s determination that the proposed Atlantic Yards project site is “blighted” is awaiting a ruling of an appeal. That appeal was argued over five months ago, on September 17, 2008. A ruling for plaintiffs in this case would mean the project could not go forward.

More about this case is at: www.dddb.net/FEIS/appeal.

ART

The Animated Life in the Times: Jeff Scher’s In Your Dreams

Jeff_scher
Today in the New York Times, Jeff Scher's short short animated film "In Your Dreams."

"To make the film, I painted multiple watercolors of my wife, who has
always been my favorite subject. I already had boxes full of paintings
to work from, spanning the length of our marriage. They were all
painted in the morning because, with its bright golden luminance,
that’s the light I find most suited to watercolor. And we are both
always quite happy when she can sleep late."

Watch the film here.

Food and Drink

Blognigger on Food Coop Boycott Controversy

1 Comment

Here's Blognigger's satiric posting on Fucked in Park Slope about the ban proposed by a small group of Food Coop members on Israeli food as a protest against the military attacks in Gaza. Here's an excerpt:

PARK SLOPE, Brooklyn (FIPSNN) – The trouble began in a local
synagogue, of all places, where at a monthly general meeting, a Park
Slope Coop member proposed a ban on Israeli foods.
The gesture was one of protest, aimed at expressing the organization's
contempt for the country's recent military campaign in Gaza. Here in
Brooklyn, however, many Jews objected; that's when divisive lines were
formed, and Coop members began to choose sides.

Now, in a move that is sure to ignite protest from Jewish advocacy groups citywide, the Coop board has voted to recommend
that Jewish Members adorn Stars of David while shopping at the Coop.
The Coop board insists that the move is one of compassion, and senior
members of the organization met with FIPSNN to elaborate.

Read more at Fucked in Park Slope.

EDUCATION

Readings on the Fourth Floor: Broadway Unbound

N48770489463_877PS 107 presents the 5th Annual Readings on the Fourth Floor, a series of Wednesday night author and artists events, which is also a fund-raiser for the school's library:

Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell, creators and stars in the Obie-award
winning musical Title of Show, will be joined by their female lead,
Susan Blackwell. Jeff Whitty, Tony Award- winning playwright (Best
Musical 2004) of Avenue Q and Tales of the City will be joined by Bobby
Lopez, Tony-award winning composer and lyricist for Avenue Q. Doug
Aibel, artistic director of the Vineyard Theater, which took both of
these shows to Broadway, will round out the panel.

Anecdotes,
spontaneous song and the trials and tribulations of creating musical
theater that goes beyond the norm will be center stage in this evening
of theatrical insight.

The Where and When

Wednesday, February 25, 2009
PS 107
1301 8th Avenue
7:30 – 9 p.m.
oscar blogging

Blogging the Oscars: You Commie-Homo-Loving Sons-of-Guns

27060814
The Oscar goes to Sean Penn (I wasn't expecting that at all) Standing O. Standing O. What a shocker.

"You commie-homo-loving sons-of-guns. I didn't not expect this. I want it
to be very clear. I know how hard I make it to appreciate me often. But
I am touched by the appreciation…I did scribble down some names in
case you were a commie homo loving sons of guns…"

I am thrilled and a teeny bit disappointed because I wanted to see what Mickey Rourke would say. Luckily, Penn acknowledged Mickey:

"Mickey Rourke rises again and he is my brother."

oscar blogging

Blogging the Oscars: Bob, Anthony, Adrian, Ben, Mike

Cool group of guys. Standing O again. 

Michael Douglas speaks directly to Frank Langella. "The comparisons to the real man fall away…Frank, your work in this film, against all odds, is incomprable and I salute you…"

DeNiro speaks directly to Sean Penn: "How did he do it? How did he get all those jobs playing straight men?…Tonight it is important to be a great actor. In life it's important to be a great man. That's my friend, Sean Penn."

Adrian Brody speaks directly to Richard Jenkins: "This is an actor with a vast repetoire…"

Anthony Hopkins speaks directly to Brad Pitt:  "A brilliant actor I've had the pleasure to work with and know well. Brilliant job, my friend."

Ben Kingsley speaks directly to Mickey Rourke: "Why do we care for a bleached blond battered bruiser? Well, there's one reason: Mickey Rourke…Only a fiercely honest actor could be so effective…Welcome back the returning champ, Mickey Rourke…"

See the men cry.

oscar blogging

Blogging the Oscars: Sophia, Shirley, Marion, Nicole, Halle,

2 Comments

0223-OSCARS_slide13,0
Standing O and what a group of women!

Shirley MacLaine speaks directly to Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married): "We loved you as a princess, we loved you in Prada… You're a great inspirtion to young actors because you're not afraid to show your dark side…"

Marion Cottillard speaks directly to Kate Winslet (The Reader).

Halle Berre speaks directly to Melissa Leo (Frozen River).

Sophia Loren speaks directly to Meryl Streep (Doubt): Who better? "In Doubt you gave us another one of your singular creations…"

Nicole Kidman speaks directly to Angelina Jolie (The Changeling) "That this role is played so authentically is due to the very modern gifts of Angelina Jolie."

These tributes are incredible:  Sounds to me like they were written by the actors themselves…

And the Oscar goes to Kate Winslet: "I think we can't believe we're in a category with Meryl Street at all…Thank you so much my God."

Another one for the montage next year…

oscar blogging

Blogging the Oscars: Memorial Montage

Too many to name or even absorb. But we noticed Stan Winston (designer of special effects dinosaurs in Jurrasic Park), film critic, Manny Farber, director, Anthony Minghella, director and actor Sidney Pollack, and Paul Newman,

Oh Paul Newman. And it wasn't just a picture it was a whole montage of Paul Newman movies ending with  that famous image from The Sting when he rubs his nose.

Sniff.