Monthly Archives: April 2009
Daily Dish: Brooklyn Food Conference
Join WNYC's Leonard Lopate at one of the most fascinating tables in town as he hosts five of the City's most eco-sensitive and talented chefs, including Brooklyn's own David Shea of Applewood and John Tucker of Rosewater. No reservations required, but the early bird gets the best seats at the Brooklyn Food Conference on May 2, 2009.
For a look at the mouth-watering and thought-provoking menu of talks, workshops, and activities for adults and children at the Brooklyn Food Conference, visit www.brooklynfoodconference.com.
Free!
Brooklyn Food Conference
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Kids’ Food Fair at PS 321 (7th Ave @1st St)
Adult and Teen Programs at John Jay High School (7th Ave@4th St)
Children accompanied by caregivers only, please
deBlasio and Markowitz Call for Hand Sanitizers to Combat Swine Flu Threat
Everyone's reeling about this Swine Flu thing. It's scary and no one seems to know how worried to be. Are we getting all the information we need? Is the US version of the flu as mild as they say? Are we getting the real story. Last night President Obama was pretty straight forward about precautions. Hand washing seems to be the panacea that everyone's talking about. Even Boro Prez Marty and City Council Member deBlasio are calling for hand sanitizers in all NYC classrooms and the're urging speedy passage of legislation requiring this in schools and child care centers. Here's the press release from Tom Gray at deBlasio's office…
NEW YORK – In the wake of the swine flu outbreak, Councilmember Bill
de Blasio is calling for New York City to install hand sanitizers in
all school classrooms. De Blasio’s office describes the equipment as
a very low-cost yet effective way to help prevent further spread of
the illness, which has already infected at least 49 people in New York
City and led to the closure of five City schools.
“Swine flu in New York City started in classrooms and consequently our
children have faced the greatest danger. As a parent and a New York
City Councilmember, I think it is crucial that we act now to protect
against this threat by installing hand sanitizers in all classrooms.
I applaud the Mayor and all of City Government for the speedy action
they have taken in the face of this crisis. However, now it is time
for us put the right tools in place to prevent the further spread of
swine flu,” said Councilmember Bill de Blasio
Artic Ice at the Brooklyn Museum
It's getting icy over at the Brooklyn Museum.
There's a big block of ice and cooling system on view outside of the Museum's south
entrance.
The Distance Between What We Have and What
We Want (Arctic Ice Project) by Tavares
Strachan goes on view today at the Brooklyn
Museum.
In 2005, Tavares Strachan journeyed
to the
Alaskan Arctic and worked with a skilled team
to extract a single two-and-a-half ton piece
of ice from a frozen river. This ice block
was shipped to the Bahamas (the artist's
birthplace) and exhibited there in hot summer
weather, kept cold in a specially designed
freezer powered by solar energy.
The very
same block of ice and cooling system are now
on view outside of the Museum's south
entrance.
Freelancers Union Opposes Unincorporated Business Tax
The Freelancers Union, located in DUMBO, opposes the unincorporated business tax (UBT), a tax freelancers are required t opay. FU proposes "tax justice for freelancers" by exempting them from this tax.
Yesterday, according to a press release from Freelancers Union, there was a large
turnout at a City Council hearing on creating tax justice for
freelancers by exempting them from the Unincorporated Business Tax
(UBT). "We packed the room and still couldn’t get everyone in," FU writes in their press release.
Council Member David Yassky helped to organize this hearing.
Dating in 6th Grade?
A member of Park Slope Parents wants to know when it became the norm for 6th graders to begin dating. She wonders if this is just something that is happening at MS51 or a Brooklyn thing in general.
This PSP member is clearly shocked. She's heard that parents are giving 6th graders money to go on dates. 6th graders
money to go out on dates.
What about allowances? Shouldn't you at least be earning an
allowance in order to date?
Finally, the mom, a self-professed "dinosaur," admists that her kids are only in kindergarten. But she has a nephew at a middle school in Park Slope.
What do you think?
Brownstone Voyeur: Small and Stylish in Carroll Gardens
BROWNSTONE VOYEUR is a joint project of casaCARA and OTBKB. Look for it every Thursday on both sites.
ROBERT FARRELL, an architect and interior designer, has lived since the mid-1990s in a 600 square foot rental on the ground floor of a Carroll Gardens row house, with lumpy plaster walls and a tiny, tubless bathroom.
He stays mainly for the garden, a fifty-foot swath of lawn at the end of which he has constructed a romantic outdoor pavilion draped with nylon parachute cloth.
A corrugated plastic roof and waterproof parachute fabric make the garden room usable eight months a year.
No Words Daily Pix: Photograph by Hugh Crawford
Breakfast-of-Candidates: The 33rd Edition
So, you're wondering when I'm going to roll out the Breakfast-of-Candidates (33rd Edition)? So far I've done Jo Anne Simon and she'll be the first. I may have to wait until after the Blogfest on May 7th to do the others.
In the meantime, enjoy coverage of the 39th (breakfasts and the Dazzle me Forum) and the first forum of the 33rd. Links are below:
Dazzle Me Forum for the 39th Candidates
Forum at St. Francis College for the 33rd Candidates
And in case you missed these:
Breakfast-of-Candidates: Gary Reilly. At 34 he's not quite the youngest of the candidates (John Heyer beats
him on that score) but he's plenty wet behind the ears and full of
enthusiasm about public transportation and other issues that affect voters.
Breakfast-of-Candidates: Bob Zuckerman. A long-time politico, Bob is currently
executive director of the Gowanus Canal Community Development
Corporation and Gowanus Canal Conservancy. He remembers the night
Richard Nixon was elected in 1968 (he was 7-years-old) and one of his
heroes is Harvey Milk.
Breakfast-of-Candidates: Brad Lander, The intellectual of the group, Brad has two master's degrees and
a BA from the University of Chicago. He made his mark running
community organizations like the Fifth Avenue Committee and Pratt
Center for Community Development, advocating for affordable housing and community sustainablility.
Breakfast-of-Candidates: Craig Hammerman.
As District Manager of Community Board 6, Craig is the nuts and bolts
guy. He's the candidate, who understands infrastructure and really
knows what its like to serve the public day in and day out for 19 years.
Breakfast-of-Candidates: Josh Skaller. A former computer music composer at
Harvard, it was Howard Dean's presidential campaign that jumpstarted
his interest in electoral politics. As president of the Central
Brooklyn Independent Democrats, he learned to facilitiate dialogue and
manage strong personalities. Running on a community empowerment
platform with a strong interest in the environment and smart
development, Josh is proud to be refusing donations from real estate
developers.
Breakfast of Candidates: John Heyer: An assiant to Borough President Marty Markowitz, Heyer is the only candidate for City Council born in the 39th district. A
fifth-generation Carroll Gardener, his two passions are politics and
theology. He works as a funeral director at Scotto's Funeral home and
his knowledge of the history of the neighborhood runs deep though he is
only 27 years old.
Breakfast-of-Candidates: David Pechefsky. The Green Candidate, David worked for 10 years in the central staff of
the New York City Council. With a master's degree in public policy and
experience advising local governments in Africa, David knows how the
City Council works from the inside out and has ideas about how it could
better serve the people of New York City.
Greetings from Scott Turner: Stupid Was Only Part of It
OTBKB apologizes for the tardiness of today's Greetings from Scott Turner. As you know, Scott is a writer/designer and Rocky Sullivan's pub quiz maven extraordinaire. This post is sponsored MissWit Tees. Owner Deb Goldstein, is as Brooklyn firecracker as they come — in terms
of sass and community. She sells online (www.misswit.net) and at all the local fleas and street fairs, sent me her schedule, and we're passing it on to you:
- Brooklyn Flea Ft. Greene Saturday April 25 / May 2
- Fundraising in Style Event Two Saturday May 16 East Village NY to raise funds for Fourth Arts Block
- Good Ole Annual 5th Avenue Fair Park Slope Brooklyn Hooray! Sunday May 17
- Good Ole Seventh Heaven Sunday June 21
Greetings Pub Quiz Air Space Gazers…
If you've ever searched for the perfect moment to channel Hervé Villechaize, yesterday was your moment in the sun.
"The plane! The plane!" excited New Yorkers shouted, pointing at the blue skies above.
Except it came out as "oh no, not again," "what the f…?" and "hey, is that Air Force One?"
Well, it was Air Force One. Not technically, because the blue and white presidential planes are only "Air Force One" when White House Resident One is aboard. Otherwise, it's just a 747 with a Presidential seal, nothing grander than props and CGIs from a Harrison Ford movie.
liking the looks of this was in short supply
Happily, New Yorkers — we grizzled, unshakable veterans of terror attacks, Con Ed explosions, crack epidemics and America's Next Top Model riots — proved unflappable, calm and collected.
""I was crying and praying to God to forgive me my sins because I thought I was going to get killed," the Daily News quoted Kathleen Filandro, who fled her building when the jet passed overhead.
A Wall Street worker, employed by a dominion rife with
dubious constructs, said "It's like someone coming up to you, sticking
a gun to your head for 15
seconds, walking away and hearing 20 minutes later it was an undercover
cop posing for a photo." Well, point-blank firearms are just a teensy
bit more likely to kill financial-sector grandiosity-junkies than
winged-machines in the wild blue yonder — 9/11 notwithstanding.
77 Hudson Street…the Big Address Sign strategy pays off
The most hysterical reaction came from His Honor,
whose rehearsed anger didn't have panicked New Yorkers' backs.
Quickly, it melted to reveal the mayor's hurt feelings at being the
only New Yorker who should've been told but wasn't. As usual with Mister Mayor,
it wasn't about how it affects the citizenry, but how it affects Mister
Mayor — a breach in ring-kissing protocol, not the breach in our
hearts. The mayor never disappoints.
Look…it was a stupid stunt on the White House's part (whose chief resident apparently knew as little as Bloomberg). Obama's gotta run a tighter ship than this. It was insensitive,
because eight years later, few New Yorkers here that day can glimpse a
plane overheard and not think about September 11th. Me too, and I'll
never stop.
It doesn't mean, though, that I was counting my sins as Not Officially Air Force One flew overhead.
And yes, the mayor should have been told. He is the mayor, after all, as much as he shouldn't be come this November.
And boy, do I agree that a photo-op of this magnitude should never
have happened. The panic and miscommunications were bad enough. The
waste of taxpayer money to fly a presidential 747 and an F-16 over Manhattan for a White House giveaway trinket, in any economy, is ridiculous. An anonymous source told the Associated Press
that the flyover was combined with a nearby training exercise to save
money. "Honey, I know we're in foreclosure, but the salesperson gave
me a great deal on the new yacht!"
In other words, how many imbeciles cooked this up and for how many different reasons?
For what it's worth, local security officials — including the NYPD and New Jersey police — had been informed days before. The Bloomberg minion who was told by the feds not to mention it (very X-Files) is the fall-guy in the parts known as 'Round These. Bloomberg's spokesman Stu Loeser said, via a statement, "He has
been reprimanded and a disciplinary letter will be placed in his file." A letter placed in his file! Ooooh, the mayor must be very, very angry!
"must act concerned…must act concerned…must act concerned…must — can't wait for my crème brûlée — NO! must act concerned…CONCERNED!"
If only we'd have known, we could have warned New Yorkers
was the Bloomberg administration's other protestation. How, exactly?
The media? The Internet? Posting DO NOT LOOK SKYWARD signs on every
lamppost from South Ferry to Central Park South? A lot of us don't pay attention to the warnings out beyond their doorstep, which is sad, but which, you know, is.
Bloomberg, as always, rings hollower than Tubular Bells. Just a day prior, Bloomberg defended Con Ed officials who failed to evacuate a Queens street prior to the blast that killed Ghanwatti Boodrama, a mother of two. A sunrise later, Bloomberg's concern for New Yorkers' lacks a certain sincerity.
Besides, it's not just about the feds keeping Bloomie from knowing
the secret handshake. High-up NYPD officials had gotten the memo, and
they didn't pass it on to the cops on the street who could help quell
the panic around them.
Bloomberg: rehearsed fury, scapegoating an underling, disciplining
with a letter in a file, and glossing over the mistakes in his own
house. Had the mayor been a lord in feudal Japan, he would have gone down in history as the first to walk away from falling on his sword.
It's hard to judge the plane-in-the-sky panic. Well, beyond as
judgemental as I've already been. People reacted, and many got out of
what they perceived as harm's way, and that's good. How much of it is
post-9/11 awareness, and how much of it is the relentless clobbering
our psyches took from the Bush Administration's All Scare Tactics All The Time onslaught can never be known.
At Rocky's last night, as the melodies of the Monday-night trad Irish seissun floated off into the warm April night, the conversation turned to the weirdness in the air. The recent spate of multiple-murder cases, the swine-flu Whendemic of '09,
this plane thing. Bizarre stuff is the electrical grid for humanity's
more vibrant realms, and that's an always-has-been/always-will be. The
consensus at Rocky's, though, was that the dial's been tweaked up a
notch. Or over a notch. A certain direction that has us stepping a
bit more gingerly and little wider-eyed.
As for counting our sins, if that's your thing, it's probably best to get it out of the way before the sky starts falling.
* * * * * * * *
Fab Foto of the Week…the New York Public Library opened a new branch in midtown. It's got a "laptop bar" and at least one patron you don't want to upset:
ever wonder what male lions do while the females are out doing everything else…
Leon Freilich, Verse Responder: To Do About Tray U
Battling expanding student waistlines, colleges are dispensing with cafeteria trays. –news item
TO-DO ABOUT TRAY U.
Eighteen-year-old's eyes
Widen with surprise–
Pasta, burgers galore,
Two or three or four;
Smoothies, sodas, shakes,
Cookies, candies, cakes,
Hot dogs, chill dogs, corn dogs,
Ice cream, chocolate logs,
Whitefish, bluefish, lox–
Not from Pandora's box.
Takeaway: bursting belly
Soft as lemon jelly.
Temptation can't be beat
When it's all-you-can eat.
Eighty-sixing trays
Limits piles at buffets.
So the teen's brown eyes
Stay at healthy size,
As does his midsection,
Almost back to perfection.
Final weapon awaits:
Much smaller plates.
DUMBO NYC: Coverage of Dock Street Protest at City Hall
DUMBO NYC has coverage of yesterday's protest about the controversial proposed condo tower developed by Two Trees, that would block views of the Brooklyn Bridge. David McCullough, who is the Pulitzer Prize winning author of The Great Bridge has become an outspoken opponent of the project was on hand and spoke to the crowd. There were also a bunch of celebrities, too. I wanted to be there but I was sneezing my way through the press preview of the Sakura Matsuri and appreciating the glorious cherry blossoms. Here's an excerpt from their coverage. More pix and text at their blog:
A group of elected officials, historic preservationists, neighborhood associations, and residents went to the City Hall yesterday to protest the Dock Street Dumbo
development near the Brooklyn Bridge. The proposed property is not
located in a historic district, sandwiched between the Fulton Ferry
Historic District and the Dumbo Historic District, but historic
preservationists say the proposed tower will crowd the historic
Brooklyn Bridge, the Tobacco Warehouse and Empire Stores. According to
a story published by the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, the common arguments against the Two Trees plan were:
development near the Brooklyn Bridge. The proposed property is not
located in a historic district, sandwiched between the Fulton Ferry
Historic District and the Dumbo Historic District, but historic
preservationists say the proposed tower will crowd the historic
Brooklyn Bridge, the Tobacco Warehouse and Empire Stores. According to
a story published by the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, the common arguments against the Two Trees plan were:
Sakura Matsuri at the Brooklyn Botanic: A Glorious Rite of Spring
What a glorious day yesterday was for the press preview of the Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens.
The press (and members of the public who happened to be in the gardens yesterday) were treated to short previews of what's to come this weekend. There was an unbelievably adorable group of pint-sized Suzuki violinists from the children's music program at Brooklyn College, parasol dancers in elaborate kimonos, a J-pop star and taiko drumming.
But the real stars of the event were, of course, the voluptuous blossoms of the cherry trees that as of yesterday were in close to full bloom. From the height of the stairs near the entrance of the Gardens, they looked like a tantalizing pink canopy in the distance. Up close and personal they were a sight to behold.
There is even a Japanese word for the enjoyment of these trees. Hanami is "the cultural tradition of viewing and cherishing each moment of the cherry
blossom season." The idea is very lovely, a chance to be present in the now-moment to stroll, savor and share the beauty of the blossoms.
Trouble is, the event tends to get unbelievably crowded. That's why it was such a gift to go when it was only slightly crowded but empty by Sakura Matsuri attendance standards.
And if only they didn't make me sneeze. Yesterday the pollen count must have been through the roof and I had an allergy attack almost immediately. Advice to allergy sufferers: Bring antinhistamine with you or take in advance of this weekend's festivities.
On their website, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden calls this event New York City's "rite of spring," And I have to concur. This is the 28th year of an annual event that always makes me sneeze — and smile.
Tom Martinez, Witness: Blues By The Book
A laid-back, upstairs music shop on a lazy, Saturday morning.
Photo: Tom Martinez
Brooklyn Blogfest Has a Long List of Sponsors
Brooklyn Blogfest is a labor of love by a large group of volunteers, local bloggers who have donated their time, energy and creativity to put the event together. But there's also a long list of local (and not local) businesses who have made a generous contribution to the event. And the list is growing every day. If you'd like to be a sponsor or donate an item to the Blogfest raffle let me know (louise_crawfordATyahooDOTcom. You will be in great compnay. Here is the current list of sponsors:
Brooklyn Blogfest Wishes To Thank Its Generous Sponsors:
PowerHouse Arena
is a laboratory for creative thought. Home to a world-renowned art book
publisher, Powerhouse Books, the arena is a gallery, boutique, book
store, performance and events space located at 37 Main Street, in New
York City's Scenic DUMBO neighborhood. Powerhouse Arena showcases a
series of landmark exhibitions, performances, and controlled mayhem
fusing the worlds of art, photography, design, fashion, pop culture,
advertising, music, dance, film and TV into a glorious whirwind of
captivating spectacle.
Galapagos Art Space is a performance space and bar, offering multidisciplinary bills of theater, performance, live music, dance, film, and visual art.
Blue Barn Pictures, Inc.
is a multimedia production company providing the highest quality images
to suit the needs of its clients. Blue Barn Pictures' successful
history includes producing imaging for: Canon USA, ExxonMobil,
PerkinElmer, Casa Nova Pendrill, EZpass, the Element Agency, Media 100,
Armani Exchange, and Worldwide Fight Services.
Yelp is the fun and easy way to find, review and talk about what's great and not so great in your neighborhood.
Rooftop Films is
known internationally as one of the most dynamic film festivals in the
world. In 2009, they screened more than 20 feature films, almost all of
which were New York, U.S. or World Premieres. This combination of
brilliant, original programming and stunning outdoor venues makes
Rooftop Films one of the best-attended film festivals in New York.
Outside.in is
the best place to discover news happening around you. They make it
easy to check out stories, events, and local discussions within your
city, neighborhood, or immediate surroundings. Thousands of sources,
including bloggers, newspapers, and even Twitter tweets help you be
"in-the-know" about what's happening in your back yard.
Casio is one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions.
Babeland
offers top quality products, a pleasant place to shop, and most of all
information and encouragement to women who wanted to explore their
sexuality. Claire Cavanah and Rachel Venning opened the first Babeland
store in 1993 in response to the lack of women-friendly sex shops in
Seattle.The store's popularity with both women and men eventually led
to two more stores in New York and one in Los Angeles, as well as a
thriving website.
Peeled Snacks
make three tasty and nourishing varieties of fruit & nut mixes that
became Peeled Snacks. Peeled Snacks are made with ingredients that you
recognize. Large, easy-to-eat pieces of fruit and nuts provide a
natural source of vitamins, minerals and fiber – with NO added sugar or
fat. The nuts are dry roasted and lightly salted. And for the chocolate
lovers, we use the finest rich dark chocolate with 61% cacao in our
Shock-olate variety.
Melt is
a restaurant in Park Slope, which aims to bring people together, meet
and mingle, taste life and experience something new. Innovative New
American classics, big on taste in the open kitchen and a taste of
style with the sleek, modern decor all at an affordable price.
Slope Suds is a multi-service Park Slope salon and soap bar offers an escape from complicated city life.
Pizza Plus has served real Brooklyn pizza since 1987 on Seventh
Avenue in Park Slope. A very attractive neighborhood place with super
delicious pizza and other Italian entrees.
D’Vine Taste is a gourmet market on Seventh Avenue in Park Slope.
Nalie Elsebaie, a native of Lebanon, runs the store with the help of
her two brothers. Besides the wonderful selection of olive oils from
Spain, France, and Italy, they carry five olive oils from Lebanon,
which Elsebaie describes as having a stronger, greener taste. Make sure
to sample the fresh fig treats, with figs imported from Lebanon
Brooklyn Frame Works
provides custom picture framing with an emphasis on preservation.
Serving Park Slope Brooklyn since 1997, their friendly staff is happy
to help customers design the ideal treatment for your cherished artwork.
Whimsy & Spice Brooklyn Confectioners
create the ultimate accompaniment to tea and coffee, our shortbread
cookies and biscotti, elevated and enlivened by the use of fresh ground
spices, aromatic flavors and roasted nuts, can also be enjoyed alone.
Choose among 3 deliciously complex shortbread flavors for a delicately
crisp cookie: Chocolate Orange Cardamom, Honey Lavender, or Brown Sugar Gingerspice, or try one of our biscotti, Cinnamon Chocolate Malt or Chocolate Chili Cashew,
which are twice baked to crunchy perfection. All of our cookies and
sweets are hand rolled, hand cut and hand packaged in Brooklyn, NY,
using only the finest ingredients with no added preservatives or
artificial flavorings.
Alison Lowenstein is the author of City Weekends: Greatest Escapes and Weekend Getaways In and Around New York City. She
is the author of City Baby Brooklyn. She is also a contributor to Time
Out Kids, and her work has appeared in Parenting and Babble among other
publications.
May 6: Teach-In with David Pechefsky, Green Party City Council Candidate for Dist. 39
I just heard from David Pechefsky who is running for City Council in the 39th district. On May 6, he is having a fundraising event/teach-in at the Community Bookstore in Park Slope (Seventh Avenue between Garfield and Carroll), where he will be screening an interesting short film about democracy in a Chinese classroom followed by a discussion.
We’re screening the PBS documentary Please Vote for Me (documenting an election in a third-grade classroom in China) followed by a discussion on democracy led by David. Drinks/refreshments provided.
David Pechefsky is a former Assistant Director in the New York City Council Finance Division, a former Assistant Commissioner in the New York City Department of=2
0Housing Preservation and Development and has consulted on democratic governance in Nigeria, Sier ra Leone, and Jordan. He lives with his family in Park Slope.
David Pechefsky is a former Assistant Director in the New York City Council Finance Division, a former Assistant Commissioner in the New York City Department of=2
0Housing Preservation and Development and has consulted on democratic governance in Nigeria, Sier ra Leone, and Jordan. He lives with his family in Park Slope.
The Where and When
Community Bookstore
143 7th ave. between Garfield and Carroll
Wednesday, May 6th
7 – 9 PM
OTBKB Music: The Bottom Line Is Looking For Investors
If you went to see live music (opera and classical excepted) between
February, 1974 and February 2004, you almost certainly went to The
Bottom Line, located on West 4th and Mercer Streets in Greenwich
Village. I was there so many times that I knew about sound quirks (sit
at the first seats at the front tables and you'll hear the show off the
monitors, not the house system), remember the experiments undertaken and abandoned (the
free but mandatory coat check) and can tell you about the best places
to find parking around the club. But eventually there was a dispute
between the club and their landlord (NYU as it turns out) and to make a
long story short, in February 2004, two weeks before its 30th
anniversary, The Bottom Line was history.
But believe it or not that was not the end of the story. Allan Pepper,
one of the owners of The Bottom Line obtained financing for a
replacement space and started a search. Since 2004, there were some
false starts, and ultimately the stars did not align. About 18 months
ago, there was a New York Times article which said that Allan was now
looking in Brooklyn.
Flash forward to today. Allan says he has found "an ideal location,
23,000 square feet, three blocks from public transportation, plenty of
parking available, and a landlord who thinks The Bottom Line is an
iconic institution and should have a permanent home." I asked Allan if
it is in Brooklyn but he told me that it is not.
Here's the kicker, though: now that there's an affordable space
available, the financing that was formerly available no longer is. So
Allan is looking for investors. If the idea of being a backer of The
Bottom Line appeals to you or someone you know, you can contact Allan
here.
–Eliot Wagner
No Words Daily Pix: Photograph by Hugh Crawford
Leon Freilich, Verse Responder: Specter Switches Parties
Republican Sen. Arlen Specter To Switch Parties–NPR
Welcome aboard, Arlen Specter,
Too long you've been afar;
Joining the Democrats puts you
Where the people
are
Dock Street Development Takes Its Case to the Steps of City Hall
It looks like a bunch of celebrities are going to show up at City Hall to protest a controversial proposal to build an 18-story
development that would be constructed 82 feet from the
Brooklyn Bridge. They're calling it "a dramatic and informative event." Here's the information from the organizers about today's protest intended to save views of the bridge.
What: A dramatic
and informative event to address the controversy over
Dock Street , a proposed 18-story
development that would be constructed 82 feet from the
Brooklyn Bridge .
The proposed DUMBO building project has been the topic of heated debate in the
media and among residents, politicians and celebrities alike. This event
will act as the platform to address the truths and myths behind the project and
the direct impact it will have on citizens of
New York and around the world.
Also at the event, an Open Letter of Opposition to Mayor
Bloomberg, created in the name of the many preservation groups, historians,
citizens and stars including Gabriel Byrne,
Gary Sinise, Helen Hunt, Ana Gasteyer and Ken Burns who have strongly voiced their opposition to this
controversial project which would forever alter the Big Apple skyline, will be
unveiled.
The only way to save the
Brooklyn Bridge
– whether or not you live in New York
City – is to call or email New York City Council
Speaker Christine Quinn: (212) 788-7210 / <http://council.nyc.gov/d3/html/members/home.shtml>
http://council.nyc.gov/d3/html/members/home.shtml
(click contact Speaker Quinn) and Mayor Michael Bloomberg: call 311:
When:
Tuesday, April 28th @ 12:30pm (press event)
Where: City Hall,
260 Broadway
Who: Experts expected to
attend and speak include two time Pulitzer Prize winning author and historian David McCullough, New York City Council Members David
Yassky, Tony Avella and Bill de
Blasio, Doreen Gallo, Executive Director of the DUMBO Neighborhood Association
(DNA), DUMBO resident and actor Skipp Sudduth (“Third Watch” and
“Law and Order”), as well as executives from groups such as The Municipal Art Society and The National Trust for Historic Preservation and
Historic Districts Council.
Tonight: Come to Opening Celebration of Hugh Crawford’s Photo Show
Come to the opening celebration for Essence and Accident: Photographs by Hugh Crawford at the Old Stone House. April 28th from 6-8 p.m.
Wine and refreshments will be served. We can't wait to see you!
Brooklyn Blogfest Dedicated to Robert Guskind of Gowanus Lounge
This year the Brooklyn Blogfest is dedicated to Robert Guskind (1958-2009), the influential blogger who founded Gowanus Lounge. There will be a short and inspiring video about Guskind shown at the event. Guskind attended and spoke at the three previous blogfests. He will be sorely missed at this one.
Find out why Brooklyn is the bloggiest place in the US at the Fourth Annual Brooklyn Blogfest on May 7, 2009. Doors open at 7 pm at powerHouse Arena in DUMBO.
Brooklyn Blogfest 2009 is an exciting, idea-filled event for bloggers, blog readers and the blog curious, where you will find: Insight. Advice. Inspiration. Resources.
Here's your chance to meet your favorite bloggers; learn about blogging; be inspired to blog.
"Where better to take the pulse of this rapidly growing community of writers, thinkers and observers than the Brooklyn Blogfest?" ~ Sewell Chan, The New York Times
This year's event is dedicated to Robert Guskind (1958 – 2009), the founder and editor of Gowanus Lounge.
WHY WE BLOG is the theme of a panel discussion moderated by Brooklyn Independent Television's
Megan Donis and featuring Jake Dobkin of Gothamist, Anne Pope of
Sustainable Flatbush, Tracy Collins of Freakin' Blog, Bed Stuy Banana,
and Melissa Lopata of Hip Slope Mama.
Megan Donis and featuring Jake Dobkin of Gothamist, Anne Pope of
Sustainable Flatbush, Tracy Collins of Freakin' Blog, Bed Stuy Banana,
and Melissa Lopata of Hip Slope Mama.
This year Brooklyn Blogfest introduces BLOGS-OF-A-FEATHER,
special small-group sessions led by notable bloggers in a wide variety
of blog categories, where you can connect with other bloggers who share
your interests.
special small-group sessions led by notable bloggers in a wide variety
of blog categories, where you can connect with other bloggers who share
your interests.
Also on the agenda: A VIDEO TRIBUTE TO BROOKLYN'S PHOTO BLOGGERS by Adiran Kinloch of Brit in Brooklyn, WHY WE BLOG VIDEO SPOTS by Blue Barn Pictures, THE ROBERT GUSKIND VIDEO, and the annual SHOUT-OUT: a chance to share your blog with the world!
Whether you live to blog, blog to live or are just curious about this thing called blogging, you won't want to miss Brooklyn Blogfest 2009: the best Blogfest yet.
For information, interview and sponsorship opportunities for Brooklyn Blogfest, contact Louise Crawford (e:louise_crawford(AT)yahoo(DOT)com, c: 718-288-4290).
Fourth Annual Brooklyn Blogfest
May 7, 2009
Doors open at 7 p.m.
powerHouse Arena
37 Main Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Admission: $10 ($5 for students and seniors)
Brooklyn Blogfest After-Party
Galapagos Art Space
16 Main Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
(right across the street from powerHouse Arena)
Cash bar and refreshments
Swine Flu Update from NYC Department of Health
Investigation of New York City Swine Flu Cluster Continues; Symptoms Remain Mild
The
Health Department announced that four days of close monitoring has yet
to show any increase in reports of severe respiratory illness in New
York City. The agency is investigating a cluster of illness at the St.
Francis Preparatory School in Queens, where 100 students missed classes
because of flu-like illness last week. Daily calls with hospitals and
monitoring of admissions have yet to suggest a wider or more severe
outbreak.
Read the Press Release – update 4/27 1:30 PM
Read the Press Release – update 4/26 11:30 AM
Read the Press Release – 4/25 2:00 PM
Facts about swine flu
Swine Influenza: What New Yorkers Need To Know (PDF)
Cover Your Cough (available in 14 languages)
Read Ready New York: Pandemic Flu (PDF)
Information for Providers
My Blogging Class Starts on Wednesday: There’s Still Room
If you're interested in my blogging class at BAX sign up today. The first one meets on April 29th at 7 p.m. The other two sessions are May 6th and May 13th.
Yup. I'm teaching a three-session workshop at BAX (421 Fifth Avenue
at 8th Street) and it's a great chance to learn how to blog. You will
even be encouraged to start a blog during the workshop.
My
workshop is part of of AccessBAX: Classes and Workshop for the Curious,
Creative Adult. Pre-registration is required. To register call
718-832-0018. For more info: www.bax.org
The cost is $45 for the three sessions.
Learn
how to blog with OTBKB, is a hands-on workshop for anyone interested in
becoming a blogger and those who already blog but want to learn more. I
will discuss a wide variety of blogging genres, including photo blogs.
Session 1: Introduction to Blogging
Session 2: Hands-on Blogging
Session 3: Next Steps
Daily Dish: Brooklyn Food Conference
Got controversy? Milk helps you lose
weight. Milk makes you fatter. Almost 80% of people are allergic to
cow's milk. Raw milk has enzymes that counteract allergies, which are
removed during pasteurization. Raw milk does not contain hormones that
cause male pattern balding. Children don't need milk after weaning. The
debate rages on and on. What to believe? Join the creme de la creme of
milk experts in a panel workshop "Milk: good, bad, organic,
conventional" to sort out myth from fact about this essential beverage.
For
a look at the truly mouth-watering and thought-provoking menu of talks,
workshops, and activities for adults and children at the Brooklyn Food
Conference, visit www.brooklynfoodconference.com.
Brooklyn Food Conference
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Kids’ Food Fair at PS 321 (7th Ave @1st St)
Adult and Teen Programs at ohn Jay High School (7th Ave@4th St)
Children accompanied by caregivers only, please
No Words Daily Pix: Photograph by Hugh Crawford
Daily Dish: Brooklyn Food Conference
What’s red
and wiggly and green all over? Find out at the Brooklyn Food Conference
Kids’ Food Fair where red wiggler compost worms will be on display in
all of their slimy eco-beauteousness. These compost-creating maniacs
may not be the snuggliest pets you’ll ever own, but they’re probably
the hardest working and best for the environment. See them in action,
chewing up kitchen scraps to produce gorgeous, nutritious soil. Learn
all about vermiculture — the care and feeding of compost worms.
Discover how easy and fulfilling it is to raise compost worms, even if
you live in an apartment!
For
a look at the truly mouth-watering and thought-provoking menu of talks,
workshops, and activities for adults and children at the Brooklyn Food
Conference, visit www.brooklynfoodconference.com.
Brooklyn Food Conference
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Kids’ Food Fair at PS 321 (7th Ave @1st St)
Adult and Teen Programs at John Jay High School (7th Ave@4th St)
Children accompanied by caregivers only, please
Third Annual Edgy Mothers Day: Tales of Motherhood without Sanctimony
Join acclaimed playwright Diana Son, journalist Beth Harpaz, novelist Mary Morris, and five other notable mother-writers for a fun reading over a much-needed glass of wine, just a few days after Mother’s Day.
From aggrieved moms of pot-smoking teens to fed-up new mothers of colicky infants, these writers will shock, amuse, and entertain you, and they won’t make you eat your vegetables before you get dessert.
Hear them at Brooklyn Reading Works’ Third Annual Edgy Mothers Reading at the historic Old Stone House in Park Slope, Brooklyn, on Thursday, May 14th at 8:00 pm. The Brooklyn Reading Works is run by Louise Crawford and the Edgy Mothers Reading curators are Sophia Romero, Amy Sohn, and Michele Madigan Somerville.
The complete line-up:
–Jill Eisenstadt, author of From Rockaway and Kiss Out
–Beth Harpaz, author of 13 is the New 18 and other things my children taught me while I was having a nervous breakdown being their mother and The Girls in the Van
–Mary Morris, author of Revenge, Vanishing Animals, The Bus of Dreams, and The Lifeguard Stories
–Jenny Offill, author of Last Things and editor of Money Changes Everything
–Sophia Romero, blogger, The Shiksa from Manila and author of Always Hiding
–Amy Sohn, author of Run Catch Kiss and the upcoming Prospect Park West
–Michele Madigan Somerville, poet and author of WISEGAL and Black Irish
–Diana Son, playwright of Stop Kiss and Satellites
The Where and When
Location: Old Stone House
Fifth Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets
Phone: 718-768-3195
7:30 p.m.: Open bar/Wine donated by Shawn Liquors
8:00 p.m.: Reading
Suggested contribution: $5 to benefit Old Stone House
Reading is open to all – not just mothers – though please leave children at home
Janine Nichols: Park Slope Singer Makes Collage Art, Too
Award-winning collage artist Janine Nichols is having a trunk show at Lion in the Sun stationers
on 7th Avenue in Park Slope on Thursday evening, May 7th, from 7-9pm. This is a one night only
event.
A single mother with freelance careers as a musician, producer and promotions writer, Janine Nichols also makes art – collage – at night in her kitchen. One mid-night in 2006 she stumbled on
instructions for something called a packing tape transfer, minimum ingredients for which were clear packing
tape, water and a spoon. Before dawn, she’d found her medium: by layering transparent/translucent images
of various sources, time periods and printing methods (and working them with sandpaper, wire- and
toothbrushes), she creates depths of field that can suggest photographs taken before the invention of the
camera.
Nichols’ work is narrative and non-ironic, composed of images from discarded museum and lab supply
catalogs, poetry anthologies, maps, radio schematics, etc. Prices will range from $5 to $500, encompassing
greeting cards, decorated switch plates, and unframed collage on large (8 x 10 or 11 x 14 inches) vellum and
museum board. All works on paper are offered unframed. Some of the work being offered for sale can be
seen on the artist’s blog, http://jazzpaperscissors.blogspot.com.
Nichols is also the “arrestingly plaintive” (Village Voice) singer in the electric bass and voice duo
Flutterbox and, with Hal Willner, the creative force behind (and frequent performer in) a well-received
series of multi-artist concert events for Celebrate Brooklyn! exploring the music of, so far, Leonard Cohen,
Neil Young, Doc Pomus and Bill Withers. From 1985-2000, she was program director for Arts at St. Ann’s,
now St. Ann’s Warehouse, in its original home on Montague Street. She began her music career in the
1970s as music coordinator for the first run of Saturday Night Live.
Lion in the Sun is located at 232 7th Avenue, corner of 4th Street in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
Nursery University: The Movie
Nursery University is a feature documentary that is described by the filmakers "a film which reveals the oddly competitive, yet often
humorous, world of nursery school admissions." The film will be at Cobble Hill Cinema on May 1, 2009. For more information go to the film's website.
Ah, yes. A subject close to home to many in Park Slope.
The film tells the story
of five families – each with different backgrounds and economic
circumstances – attempting to place their toddlers in prestigious
Manhattan preschools that have limited spaces and high price tags.
of five families – each with different backgrounds and economic
circumstances – attempting to place their toddlers in prestigious
Manhattan preschools that have limited spaces and high price tags.
NURSERY UNIVERSITY follows the families’ journeys while also going
behind the scenes with the experts that advise them and the school
directors who must determine which “applicants” to allow through their
doors. Enjoy the insanity in this sweeter look at the social issues,
and the little darlings at the center of all the fuss.