There are new loft laws in certain manufacturing areas of Brooklyn but many loft dwellers and others still don’t know exactly what they mean or how to access the new benefits, privileges and rights that are now available. That’s why Councilman Steve Levin (Democrat in the 33rd district) will be answering questions tonight in Bushwick. He will be joined by other politicians as well.
Continue reading Tonight Discuss the New Loft Laws with Councilman Levin
The summertime is the right time to catch up with old movies. At least I think so. I’ve been in a bit of a Pedro Almodóvar phase at the moment. Last night’s screening of Live Flesh in our living room was more evidence, if that was even necessary, of the Spanish director’s greatness.
I am, however, hoping to venture towards other things, like, old Hollywood for a while. So this mini-Cary Grant film festival at BAM fits the bill.
I spend hours every week looking for the best and the brightest weekend events (Friday through Sunday). I make a list of all the things I’d like to do but probably won’t get around to. In addition to film, art, theater, shopping and music events I try to list other interesting non-categorizable happenings like this weekend’s Gatsby-style lawn party on Governor’s Island. To see the full list click on read more…
Continue reading The Weekend List: Siren Music Fest, Inception, Belly Dancing Showcase
I’m dreaming of a clean restroom
Just like the ones I used to know;
In my smalltown birthplace,
My favorite earthplace,
Folks had choices where to go.
I’m dreaming of a clean restroom
With every block I have to walk.
Though I hate to sputter and squawk
I am forced to hunt just like a hawk.
I’m dreaming of a clean restroom
With every block I have to walk.
Will my days in New York be bright?
If a restroom pops up into sight.
Kudos to the Brooklyn Paper for their reporting on the goose massacre in Prospect Park. The story, and its surrounding outrage, has inspired some inspired headlines.
Clinton Hill brownstone under a million: CasaCara
Brooklyn shows its appeal for buyers: Wall Street Journal
The hungry herds: CasaCara
Letterboard app: Swissmiss
How to declutter your desk in 4 easy steps: Apartment Therapy
Anthropologie buyer: Design Sponge
Prospect Park Zoo: Brooklyn Limestone
Solo Kitchen and Bar is a popular spot to hear reggae music on Cortelyou Road (at Marlborough Road).
Catch Piper Theater al fresco tonight on the turf behind the Old Stone House. Noctures is a chilling new play inspired by the otherworldly tales of John Connolly, one of mystery’s most important new voices. Directed by Piper’s Artist in Residence, Scottish director Nigel Williams. 8:30 PM
Continue reading Tonight: Live Theater Outdoors in Park Slope
Brought to you from the Feldman Family weather tower in Park Slope. Heat Advisory today
Even in the throes of a major disappointment, a Brooklyn DIY business reaches out to its customers. That certainly is the case with the Greenpoint Food Market, a venue where independent cooks share prepared food with the public. Joanne Kim, founder of the Greenpoint Food Market, just sent out a letter to the Brooklyn media and others, about why she’s calling it quits. For now.
It seems that the food bazaar, which has been open for less than a year, received threats from city health officials because the cooks lack commercial food handling permits.
An event was planned for June 26th but that has been canceled. Over the jump is letter from Kim:
Continue reading Good Bye for Now to the Greenpoint Food Market
I’ve been rooting for Bussaco, a lovely wine bar and restaurant on Park Slope’s Union Street, all along and it seems that things are working out. They’ve got a special going right now: Blue Point oysters and a glass of good wine for $16.
Anyone want to meet me over there?
You gotta have compassion for a restaurant that opens in the autumn of 2008. I mean, whoa, the restaurant biz isn’t for the faint hearted even in the best of times.
Mack’s on Seventh Avenue is gone. But what’s going in? I’ve seen some lights on in there and some activity — men with measuring sticks, that sort of thing.
Does anyone know what’s going on?
In August, Target First Saturday, the Brooklyn Museum’s wildly popular free night of art, music and entertainment, will focus on Haitian art and culture. The August 7 event is presented in collaboration with Haiti Cultural Exchange, a community-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to develop, present, and promote Haitian culture. Highlights of the evening.
Continue reading Haitian Focus for August First Saturday at Bklyn Museum
Bring a blanket and a picnic and spread out on the turf behind the Old Stone House to watch Harold Lloyd’s Shy Girl on Wednesday night at 8:30 PM. Lloyd is surely one of the silent film masters, right up there with Keaton and Chaplin. He’s the guy who did the stunt hanging off the clock. It’s a very famous image (see above).
Continue reading Silent Film Great Harold Lloyd Outdoors in Park Slope Tonight
Two, count em, two plays this weekend in Washington Park: Nocturne and The Book of Liz by David and Amy Sedaros
I haven’t seen either yet but I’m all set to attend Piper Theater’s production of Noctures this Thursday or Friday. The play, written by bestselling author John Connelly, is directed by esteemed Scottish director Nigel Williams, who is this year’s artist in residence at Piper Theater.
Continue reading July 15,16,17,18: Outdoor Theater in Park Slope Park
This morning I read in the Brooklyn Paper about the sad and tragic death of Aileen McKay-Dalton, the 40-year-old mother of three in Ft. Greene, who was riding a Vespa when she was hit by a speeding SUV driver, who ran the light.
Even before I walked into Fashion East, a new casual women’s clothing shop on Lincoln Place in Park Slope, I heard the strains of an electric guitar. When I opened the door I saw that the owner was actually practicing on a cool looking yellow electric.
Continue reading Yugoslav Musician Opens Women’s Apparel Shop in Park Slope
Last night I was a panelist at an event sponsored by the Newswomen’s Club of New York about blogging and journalism. I was joined by two very interesting media savvy women: Gracey Newman of Spa Finder and Jessica Coen of Jezebel.
Colton Harris-Moore and Grandma Jean: A Cake Bakes in Brooklyn
Anthony Falco pizza guru: Serious Eats
Fornino adds a take-out shop on Fifth Avenue: NY Times
Burning down the house: Undomesticated Me
What happened to 213 Mexican on Smith Street?: Pardon Me for Asking
Peach mango salsa: Bushwick BK
Brooklyn burger eating competition tonight: McBrooklyn
Brought to you from the Feldman Family weather tower in Park Slope.
The Phenom: last March, The Baseball Project promised to issue a monthly topical song about the 2010 baseball season. July’s contribution, Phenom, is now out. Steve Wynn wrote this month’s song, which is about the 21 year old Washington Nationals pitcher, Stephen Strasburg. You can download your very own personal (and legal) copy here at Now I’ve Heard Everything.
The Old Timer: way back in the 1970s, David Bromberg wrote a song with George Harrison (The Hold Up), played with Bob Dylan, put out a bunch of albums and tour a lot. He played bluegrass, blues, folk, jazz, country, and rock. He changed careers and hasn’t been around for a while, but tonight, he and his quartet will be playing a free show in Manhattan’s Madison Square Park. You can find the details over at Now I’ve Heard Everything.
–Eliot Wagner
Last week, wildlife biologists and technicians working with the federal Agriculture Department herded 400 250 geese into a fenced area, packed them into crates (two or three geese at a time) and took them to a nearby building where they were gassed with lethal doses of carbon dioxide.
Horrific.
This “genocide” was done in the name of aviation safety. Carole A. Bannerman, a spokesperson for the federal Agriculture Department, told the New York Times that these murders were necessary: “The thing to always remember in this New York situation is that we are talking about aviation and passenger and property safety,” she said. “In New York City, from 1981 to 1999, the population increase was sevenfold.”
The geese have been on the chopping block since geese flew into the engines of a US Airways Flight. The pilot averted disaster by landing on the surface of the Hudson River.
I understand the aviation risk that a huge population of geese pose but the thought of these geese being rounded up holocaust style in our park is just disgusting.
An OTBKB reader wrote in with this comment:
It seems to me that the plane incident is being used to eliminate the geese because certain parks and city officials think they are a nuisance. But the killings are a useless operation. Years ago an experiment was done with Starlings in forested area. They were removed and killed several times and always other Starlings came to replace them. The irony is that these geese were almost extinct early in the 20th century. Must we as a species always get rid of what we feel gets in the way of our lifestyles? So now we have a barren lake, devoid of most wildlife. And for what? For a threat that does not really exist…these were resident birds, not migrants. What a great example for all the children who used to enjoy them. Shame on the city, Adrian Benape, Tupper Thomas, the Prospect Park Alliance and the Federal government.
What do you think?
Verdict still out on loft law effects: Bushwick BK
Fatal accident in Manhattan Beach: Sheepshead Bites
The Point these days: Gerritsen Beach
Lost hedgehog: Clinton Hill
Yet another opossum sighting: Pardon Me for Asking
Thor’s Coney Island: Demolition under the radar? Amusing the Zillions
Calm energy dog trainers: Dumbo NYC
Brought to you from the Feldman Family weather tower in Park Slope.
And I love it.
I got on at Third Street and biked all the way up to 15th Street (Bartel Pritchard Square). As I pedaled I tried to find a reason not to like the bike lane.
I couldn’t find one.
1. It gives bikers a place to ride in both directions.
2. It calms the traffic on Prospect Park West.
Two lanes of traffic rather than three has definitely made PPW less of a free-way-like speed zone. I thought about the new parking lane and wondered if it was less safe to park on Prospect Park West without the curb. I’ve heard complaints along those lines. There may be something to that but parkers will adjust and it doesn’t seem like a good reason to derail the path.
As far as I could tell, the bikers seemed to stick to their lanes and to bike carefully. As a biker, I will admit that it is easy to forget to observe traffic lights but there are plenty of signs.
For bikers it is important to ride slowly and responsibly. It is, after all, an urban bike lane and bikers need to be very aware of pedestrians and parked cars. If a biker wants a fast ride, the path inside the park is the way to go. But to get from one end of Prospect Park West to another, if you are willing to ride with care and respect for other traffic elements, the bike lane is an excellent option.
The fact that the DOT sees biking as an important element of traffic is a good sign. Bikes are good for the city and the health and well-being of its citizens. The safer it is to use a bike in this city the more people will ride them. I believe cities should be less auto-centric and more encouraging of pedestrians and bikers.
Bike lanes area a win win for the city and its people.
