On Saturday, July 24, 4pm (gates open at 3pm) Celebrate Brooklyn is presenting what they’re calling a DIY world’s fair of music and art. Grammy-winning producer Andres Levin and The Bruce High Quality Foundation are behind this “Bandshell-wide, all day event fit for all the senses.” Musical and theatrical guests include: Cucu Diamantes, Luis Guzman, Pablo Picasso, M1 from Dead Prez, Los Hanky Pankys vs. Yerba Buena, Les Nubians, Raven O, and many more to be confirmed. Click on read more to see the promotional video; it’s actually a lot of fun… Continue reading This Saturday: Celebrate Brooklyn’s Field of Dreams →

There’s a really good show (or two or three) every night this week starting tomorrow; everything from a couple of folk singers sitting around trading songs and stories at The Lakeside Lounge to headliners like Alejandro Escovedo (with guest Garland Jeffreys) and Kathleen Edwards (who is playing on a boat!).  I’ve listed them all for you;  just click here to see the list at Now I’ve Heard Everything.

And since the previously mentioned Kathleen Edwards will be in town this week, I’ve posted a video of her singing In State just to get you in the mood.  You find that video by clicking here.

Finally, James Maddock and his band put on a great show last week and I was able to capture a bit of it in pictures.  You can see them here at Now I’ve Heard Everything.

–Eliot Wagner

Bedbugs this week shut down a Victoria’s Secret on the Upper East Side.

Bedding Victoria

Victoria’s secret lies not in embraces

You’re liable to get up with bugs.

Today is Saturday and maybe you’re looking for something to do today or tonight in Brooklyn and other parts of NYC. That’s why I spend hours every week culling 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. Hopefully, you can enjoy some of these offerings. 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, including info on the Siren Music Festival on Coney Island and Celebrate Brooklyn’s Africa Festival and the Traffic Calming Block Party in Ditmas Park click on read more…

Continue reading The Saturday List: Siren Festival, Africa Festival, Traffic Calming Block Party →

What do you do if you iPhone gets cracked, smashed or broken? Who ya gonna call? Well, turns out the folks that bring you the Current Weather in Park Slope can help you out…

Continue reading Repairs for Cracked, Smashed or Broken iPhones and iPods →

Kids walking—or running—on water in Asbury Park.

For women of a certain age the name Mickey Dolenz has a special meaning. That is, women of, say, 50, 51, may remember their girlish obsession with The Monkees, as well as the individual members of the group (left to right: Peter Tork, Mickey Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, and Davy Jones (wow I’m impressed I just remembered all those names) and their wildly popular—and completely goofy—television show.

Do the words: “Hey, hey we’re the Monkees,” or “Take the last train to Clarksville and I’ll meet you at the station…” mean anything to you.

When I was in first grade I was a HUGE fan of The Monkees so the fact that Mickey Dolenz, who was NOT my favorite monkey (that honor goes to Davy Jones) will be performing at the Seaside Summer Concert Series at Asser Levy/Seaside Park on Thursday, July 22, resonated with me…

Continue reading Do You Remember Mickey Dolenz? →

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, including info on Celebrate Brooklyn’s Africa Festival and the Traffic Calming Block Party in Ditmas Park click on read more…

Continue reading The Weekend List: Africa Festival, 78 RPMs, Despicable Me →

Bringing fun to Brooklyn: NY Times

Painter Laura Newman: Art in Brooklyn

Guest stenographer: Truth and Rocket Science

Tuli Kupferberg (1923-2010); Harvey Pekar (1939-2010); George Steinbrenner (1930-2010): Self-Absorbed Boomer

Gran Central beat station: Bushwick BK

Today over at Now I’ve Heard Everything: new records coming from David Bromberg and Spanking Charlene; Li’l Mo and The Monicats play Christie’s (but you can see them at Two Boots in the Slope in two weeks); a nice pic of the Tandy show at The Lakeside Lounge last week, and clear your calendar for next Friday’s (July 23rd) great double bill of Charlie Faye and Second Dan at Rockwood Stage 2.

And of course, tomorrow is the 10th anniversary Siren Music Festival in Coney Island from 1-9pm.  Complete details here at Now I’ve Heard Everything.

–Eliot Wagner

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.

Continue reading Don’t You Love Cary Grant? →

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.

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).

Nocturnes a Rehearsal Preview at Piper Theatre Productions from Lesley Topping on Vimeo.

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 →

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.

Continue reading Female Journalists Host Panel on Blogging →

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

I’ve been giving my new camera a workout out lately and have taken pictures at recent shows by Misty Boyce at The Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 and by Dawes and Phosphorescent at River Rocks (Pier 54).  That’s Matthew Houck of Phosphorescent in the picture on the left.  More shots await you at Now I’ve Heard Everything; click here for Misty Boyce and here for Dawes and Phosphorescent.

–Eliot Wagner

Ceramics and Pottery Event at the (Old) American Can Factory

On Sunday, July 11 from 11AM until 5PM at the The (Makers) Market at the Old American Can Factory , 232 Third Street, at Third Ave, Gowanus, SummerWare brings together the New York community of clay artist, potters and progressive ceramic designers.

Each ceramicist will have display their work, and be on hand to answer questions about design and the creative process. This event will feature both functional and sculptural objects, including wheel-thrown, hand-built, slipcast, wood-fired and raku items A great place to shop browse and learn, come and meet the Potter in a convivial and relaxed setting

In addition to a “Presenting Table Manners”, a special display by the Brooklyn Potters, refreshments and lounge areas, there will be interesting demonstrations:

12 PM: Wheel throwing with Lynn Goodman
2 PM: Clay carving with Judi Tavill
4 PM: Underglaze transfer printing with May Luk

Celebrate Brooklyn in Prospect Park (9th Street Bandshell)

Sunday, July 11 at 6PM at Celebrate Brooklyn: The Roots headline the OkayAfrica World Cup 2010 Finals party to celebrate the first time in its 80-year history the tournament will take place on African soil. With a kick-off by Sahr Ngaujah, the star of the hit Broadway musical Fela!, the show features performances by artists from all corners of the Diaspora, including host Talib Kweli (Brooklyn), Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew (Sierra Leone), Blitz the Ambassador (Ghana), and many others to be announced. Musically omnivorous hip-hop icons The Roots honor the fresh music of Africa jamming throughout th

Film

Through July 29th at BAM: Cary Grant 2. Also at BAM: The Girl Who Played with Fire, Cyrus, I Am Love.

Giglio

This Sunday through July 18th: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Feast and Festival of the Giglio (an Italian Williamsburg tradition since 1887) presents the ceremonial lifting of St. Paulinus of Nola, the 65-foot, nearly four-ton tower will be lifted by over a hundred men.

Music

Saturday and Sunday (July 10-11) starting at 3PM at the Bell House: The 4th Annual Annual Psychobilly Luau Weekender, two days of Psychobilly, Rockabilly, Garage, and Trash! Featuring Guana Batz, The Goddamn Gallows, The Hypnophonics, Stellar Corpses, The Othermen, The Rebel Angels.

Sunday, July 11 at 7PM at Barbes: Music from Cairo’s cafe scene of the 1920s, including songs by Umm Kulthum, Zaki Murad and Dawud Husni. The group also plays Laster originals such as Genk, Meta-Doina. With Andy Laster-saxophone and clarinet; Kermit Driscoll-bass; Erik Friedlander-cello; and Curtis Hasselbring-trombone.

Recession Art is hosting a one-day solo show with installation artist. Alison Wilder in the freight elevator shaft of the Invisible Dog in Cobble Hill. It will be from 11 am to 7 pm on July 25. Entrance is free, and those who attend will get $5 off our submission fee for the fall exhibit.

Alison Wilder created an inflatable fabric sculpture for our last exhibit, and her installation in the elevator shaft will be called “Why neutral.” It will involve kitchen implements, celebration signage, and video art.

Interesting Ceramics and Pottery Event at the American Can Factory

On Sunday, July 11 from 11AM until 5PM at the The (Makers) Market at the Old American Can Factory , 232 Third Street, at Third Ave, Gowanus, SummerWare brings together the New York community of clay artist, potters and progressive ceramic designers.

Each ceramicist will have display their work, and be on hand to answer questions about design and the creative process. This event will feature both functional and sculptural objects, including wheel-thrown, hand-built, slipcast, wood-fired and raku items A great place to shop browse and learn, come and meet the Potter in a convivial and relaxed setting

In addition to a “Presenting Table Manners”, a special display by the Brooklyn Potters, refreshments and lounge areas, there will be interesting demonstrations:

12 PM: Wheel throwing with Lynn Goodman
2 PM: Clay carving with Judi Tavill
4 PM: Underglaze transfer printing with May Luk

Celebrate Brooklyn in Prospect Park (9th Street Bandshell)

Sunday, July 11 at 6PM at Celebrate Brooklyn: The Roots headline the OkayAfrica World Cup 2010 Finals party to celebrate the first time in its 80-year history the tournament will take place on African soil. With a kick-off by Sahr Ngaujah, the star of the hit Broadway musical Fela!, the show features performances by artists from all corners of the Diaspora, including host Talib Kweli (Brooklyn), Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew (Sierra Leone), Blitz the Ambassador (Ghana), and many others to be announced. Musically omnivorous hip-hop icons The Roots honor the fresh music of Africa jamming throughout th

Film

Through July 29th at BAM: Cary Grant 2. Also at BAM: The Girl Who Played with Fire, Cyrus, I Am Love.

Giglio

This Sunday through July 18th: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Feast and Festival of the Giglio (an Italian Williamsburg tradition since 1887) presents the ceremonial lifting of St. Paulinus of Nola, the 65-foot, nearly four-ton tower will be lifted by over a hundred men.

Union Hall 4th Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, July 10 at Union Hall starting at 12 noon: a 1 hour open bar with Reyka vodka lemonades from 1pm-2pm. Reyka vodka lemonades are $5 afterwards. Union Hall is celebrating its 4th anniversary with a BBQ in their garden. Play some games and dance to the soul music from DJ Bug Bear! No cover! Just good times!

Music

Saturday and Sunday (July 10-11) starting at 3PM at the Bell House: The 4th Annual Annual Psychobilly Luau Weekender, two days of Psychobilly, Rockabilly, Garage, and Trash! Featuring Guana Batz, The Goddamn Gallows, The Hypnophonics, Stellar Corpses, The Othermen, The Rebel Angels.

Saturday, July 10 at 8PM at Barbes: Le Chaud Lapins: Kurt Hoffman and Meg Reichardt cover Charles Trenet songs and other jewels from the French 30′s and 40′s musical traditions accompanying themselves on banjo-ukes.

Sunday, July 11 at 7PM at Barbes: Music from Cairo’s cafe scene of the 1920s, including songs by Umm Kulthum, Zaki Murad and Dawud Husni. The group also plays Laster originals such as Genk, Meta-Doina. With Andy Laster-saxophone and clarinet; Kermit Driscoll-bass; Erik Friedlander-cello; and Curtis Hasselbring-trombone.

Farmers Market and Concert Series in East New York

Saturday, July 10 through August 28th: The  East New York Farmer’s Market carries local and organic produce including Caribbean specialty crops like karela, bora, and callaloo. Plus, they’re holding a concert series called “Summer Saturdaze” throughout July and August. Click here for more details! http://www.eastnewyorkfarms.org/

The Outer Boroughs on Film. The title makes me laugh. Does anyone refer to the boroughs as the outerborough anymore? It’s so Manhattan-centric. But it was also organized by the Anthology Film Archives, an iconic film space in the East Village that’s been showing experimental and documentary film since the 1960’s so we’ll forgive them. And the films are mostly from the 1970’s when maybe the term outer boroughs was more apt.

The films in the series sound really interesting. On Saturday, they’re showing a 1977 documentary by Bonnie Friedman  I saw years and years ago called The Flashettes about a girl’s track team in Bed-Stuy. I loved it and it really turned me on to documentary filmmaking, which I was involved with for a few years.

Here’s the link to the schedule:
http://anthologyfilmarchives.org/film_screenings/series/36055

The Outer Boroughs on Film
Jul 9 – Jul 11

The Outer Boroughs on Film June 9–11 As New York City becomes increasingly decentralized, with much (though not all) of Manhattan transformed into a gentrified, homogenous, affluent playground, the greater part of the city’s vibrancy and identity have become more deeply rooted in its extremities, the outer boroughs of Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and even Staten Island. Each is a city-sized entity with an energy, diversity, and cultural and historical richness that few other independent cities can lay claim to. To celebrate the outer boroughs, we’re devoting a weekend to several programs of short and feature-length documentaries, most from the 70s and 80s, that focus on some of NYC’s most memorable neighborhoods, communities, shops, and individuals. While Manhattan may remain disproportionately represented on screen, these works demonstrate the beauty, drama, and vitality that exist throughout the city. Curated by Lauren Madow.

The Outer Boroughs on Film: : Brooklyn/Staten Island Program
Jul 10 at 6:00 PM
The Outer Boroughs on Film: Bronx Program 1
Jul 11 at 5:30 PM
The Outer Boroughs on Film: Bronx Program 2
Jul 11 at 8:00 PM

As Now I’ve Heard Everything reported on OTBKB yesterday, the Rock Shop, a new music club/bar on Fourth Avenue between President and Carroll Streets, is now open with music.

With Union Hall, The Bell House, South Paw, Littlefield and now the Rock Shop, Park Slope has definitely come into its own as a place to hear rock and roll music.

Skippy, who until recently programmed shows at The Bell House and Union Hall, is the main talent buyer at The Rock Shop.

That’s big news.

I recently read on Brooklyn Vegan that Skippy had a falling out with the owners of The Bell House/Union Hall. Here’s what BV wrote:

Jack “Skippy” McFadden recently controversially parted ways with Union Hall and The Bell House where he was the main talent buyer (booker) since both clubs opened. Well, not only didn’t it take long for Skippy to get another job, he’ll be working just a few blocks from both of his old rooms at Park Slope’s new Rock Shop. The Bowery-affiliated club (which is not part of Bowery Presents) has a show capacity of 120. Jack says “it looks and sounds like a mini Mercury Lounge, but with that new car smell. High ceilings, great sightlines, a very cool and welcoming place for bands and fans alike.” Skippy will be the exclusive booker of the new venue (which I guess means no Diane). He’ll also be bringing bigger shows to other clubs he’s partnering with around the city. He hasn’t named them, but he’ll basically be freelance-booking shows that would have fit into the Bell House, into other venues.

Here’s is the Rock Shop’s July Schedule:

July 9 at 8pm : THE DIRTY GLAMOUR / PHILADELPHIA GRAND JURY
July 10 at 8pm : NECKBEARD TELECASTER / ED VALLANCE / CHRISTOPHER PAUL STELLING
July 13 at 7:30pm : MATT BAUER / SEA OF BEES / FEATHER AND FOLLY
July 14 at  7:30pm : SOFT LANDINGS / DIAMOND DOVES / JARED VAN FLEET
July 15  at 8pm : VIOLENS / BEIGE / TBA
July 16 at 8pm : THE DIRTY GLAMOUR / TBA
July 17 at 8pm : BABE THE BLUE OX / MOON MEN ON THE MOON, MAN
July 23 at 8pm : THE DIRTY GLAMOUR / TBA
July 24 at 8pm : OH YOU DEVIL / TBA
July 27 at 7:30pm : JASON ANDERSON (WOLF COLONEL) & friends
July 28 at 7:30pm : FORGETTERS / MOTHER OF FIRE
July 30 at 8pm : THE DIRTY GLAMOUR / HONEYPOT
July 31 at 8pm : VISQUEEN / THE PENELOPES / TBA

Joanne McFarland: Art in Brooklyn

E/F: The glass or cup (as it were) of coffee: Truth and Rocket Science

Sybilance: Brooklynometry

A for effort: The Spiral Staircase

Freudian slip in draft of Declaration of Independence: Self-Absorbed Boomer

Favor: Water Over Rocks

Proper 8, the Nine-Fold Guide: Old First Blog

Celebrate Brooklyn in Prospect Park (9th Street Bandshell)

Friday, July 9 at 7PM at Celebrate Brooklyn: A supercollider of hip-hop and salsa, dancehall and cumbia, samba and funk, merengue and comparsa, East LA R&B and New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga and Indian raga, and anything else you might hear driving through the melting pot of Los Angeles with your windows down, Ozomatli returns to their favorite NYC stomping ground. “This is what the block party of the future will sound like.” (PopMatters)

Sunday, July 11 at 6PM at Celebrate Brooklyn: The Roots headline the OkayAfrica World Cup 2010 Finals party to celebrate the first time in its 80-year history the tournament will take place on African soil. With a kick-off by Sahr Ngaujah, the star of the hit Broadway musical Fela!, the show features performances by artists from all corners of the Diaspora, including host Talib Kweli (Brooklyn), Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew (Sierra Leone), Blitz the Ambassador (Ghana), and many others to be announced. Musically omnivorous hip-hop icons The Roots honor the fresh music of Africa jamming throughout th

Film

Through July 29th at BAM: Cary Grant 2. Also at BAM: The Girl Who Played with Fire, Cyrus, I Am Love.

Friday, June 9, at 8:00 PM: Rooftop Films night at the Old American Can Factory: Kickstarter, the crowdsourced-funding site for creative projects, is holding a film festival comprised of shorts and films funded through the website.

Giglio

This Sunday through July 18th: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Feast and Festival of the Giglio (an Italian Williamsburg tradition since 1887) presents the ceremonial lifting of St. Paulinus of Nola, the 65-foot, nearly four-ton tower will be lifted by over a hundred men.

Union Hall 4th Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, July 10 at Union Hall starting at 12 noon: a 1 hour open bar with Reyka vodka lemonades from 1pm-2pm. Reyka vodka lemonades are $5 afterwards. Union Hall is celebrating its 4th anniversary with a BBQ in their garden. Play some games and dance to the soul music from DJ Bug Bear! No cover! Just good times!

Music

Friday, July 9 at 7:30 PM at Zora Space: Jazz on a Summer Night with Jay Rodriguez, saxophone & flute( Two-time Grammy nominatee), Teruo Nakamura, bass  (Stanley Turrentine, George Benson, Roy Haynes, Steve Grossman.), Warren Benbow, drums (Betty Carter, Nina Simone, Whitney Houston, Mary J Blige.), Jimmy Sibuy, piano (Junior Cook)

Saturday and Sunday (July 10-11) starting at 3PM at the Bell House: The 4th Annual Annual Psychobilly Luau Weekender, two days of Psychobilly, Rockabilly, Garage, and Trash! Featuring Guana Batz, The Goddamn Gallows, The Hypnophonics, Stellar Corpses, The Othermen, The Rebel Angels.

Saturday, July 10 at 8PM at Barbes: Le Chaud Lapins: Kurt Hoffman and Meg Reichardt cover Charles Trenet songs and other jewels from the French 30’s and 40’s musical traditions accompanying themselves on banjo-ukes.

Sunday, July 11 at 7PM at Barbes: Music from Cairo’s cafe scene of the 1920s, including songs by Umm Kulthum, Zaki Murad and Dawud Husni. The group also plays Laster originals such as Genk, Meta-Doina. With Andy Laster-saxophone and clarinet; Kermit Driscoll-bass; Erik Friedlander-cello; and Curtis Hasselbring-trombone.

Farmers Market and Concert Series in East New York

Saturday, July 10 through August 28th: The  East New York Farmer’s Market carries local and organic produce including Caribbean specialty crops like karela, bora, and callaloo. Plus, they’re holding a concert series called “Summer Saturdaze” throughout July and August. Click here for more details! http://www.eastnewyorkfarms.org/

Singer-songwriter Steve Earle said that “Tandy is my favorite NYC band and the first music I ever played on my radio show.”  And Grey’s Anatomy picked the Tandy song Home to feature on its January 8th episode last year.  Tandy’s sound has been described as ambient folk rock, and I think that’s a fair description.  Tandy plays tonight at The Lakeside Lounge.  You’ll find full details at Now I’ve Heard Everything.

–Eliot Wagner

On Tuesday Hepcat was an accidental fan

On that day he wore a bright orange t-shirt that he almost never wears. He wore it on Monday because of the heat and because the shirt is made out of a special polyester material that stays cool and dry.

Walking down Fifth Avenue he was approached excitedly by another man in a bright orange t-shirt in front of Loki bar. This enthusiastic man, who was also wearing a furry orange hat (and other bright orange regalia) understandably assumed that Hepcat was a fan of the Netherlands World Cup soccer team, which had just won a semi-final match against Uruguay.

The Dutch soccer fan clearly wanted to hug Hugh and maybe pull him inside of the bar for a celebratory beer. Hepcat was, needless to say, a little startled. We were on our way to Sheep Station to celebrate a friend’s birthday. But he figured out what was going on quickly. Hepcat has not been following the World Cup but instantly became a huge fan, albeit an accidental fan, of the Netherlands team.

The  grand final of the 2010 South Africa World Cup will feature two teams—Netherlands and Spain—that have never won a World Cup trophy. It is an exciting moment for both countries.

The game is on Sunday, July 11. Stay tuned. Wear an orange shirt if you’re rooting for the Dutch.

In the picture below Rafeal van der Vaart, one of the Duth players, is handed a fake trophy after the game against Uruguay, which the Dutch won. The shirt is almost exactly the same color and style as the one Hepcat was wearing on Monday.