Urban Artifact: May The Force Be With You

January 21, 2015 ·
Filed under: 11206, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Urban Artifact 

Vader nys

Droids nys

Taken January 21, 2015.

The Word On The Street: YEAH

YEAH nys

I went down by a different staircase, and I saw another “Fuck you” on the wall. I tried to rub it off with my hand again, but this one was scratched on, with a knife or something. It wouldn’t come off. It’s hopeless, anyway. If you had a million years to do it in, you couldn’t rub out even half the “Fuck you” signs in the world. It’s impossible.

Catcher In The Rye

(Taken January 21, 2015.)

Today: Community Board 1 Human Services Committee Meeting

Public_Safety_&_Human_ServicesCommittee_Mtg_Reminder_1.21.15nys

Yes folks, it has been a while (think over four years) but Community Board 1’s Human Services Committee (which was recently merged with the Public Safety Committee) will be convening this evening at 6:30 p.m. As you can see, the agenda is an interesting one. For those of you who are wondering what the “Right To Know Act” is (from DNA.info):

Called the “Right to Know Act,” the legislation would require officers to identify themselves and explain why the individual is being stopped or questioned. They would also have to explain that individuals can deny consent to a search in certain instances.

Currently, police officers are not required to identify themselves or explain why they are searching individuals…

Check it out!

MISSING

MISSING nys

Although the Brooklyn Paper and E.V. Grieve, among others, have given this a shout-out I am going to do so here as well. Please keep your eyes peeled north Brooklynites and East Villagers…

This Weekend: Funky Fundraiser

Or: Announcing Animal Rescue of Queens!

rescueflierNYS

This event was brought to my attention by some fellow (and downright awesome) animal lovers here in north Brooklyn. What’s more they were kind enough to help me arrange to meet Howard Wu, the fellow who is behind this new (and much-needed) endeavor: Animal Rescue of Queens! Follows is a synopsis of our conversation.

Who: Mr. Wu has worked and volunteered in NYC animal shelters and rescue organizations for ten years. As such he has first-hand experience in animal rescue.

Where: Now he is striking out to start his own organization in Long Island City. To this end he has purchased a building at 11th Street and 44th Avenue.

When: Once the building is vacated, February 2015, Animal Rescue of Queens (“ARQ”) will need to thoroughly rework the space. This will cost $75,000 and includes (but is not limited to):

  • Installing a new heating system and ventilation
  • Overhauling plumbing and electrical wiring
  • Roof repairs
  • Refurbishing the adoption space to make it comforting for two-legged and four-legged critters alike. THINK: not what one thinks of when he/she hears the words “animal shelter”. Or, as Howard put it:”Our adoptable dogs and cats will receive a high level of care, and will be taught the skills needed to make transitioning into a home as seamless as possible, for them and their adopters. To do this, the center will be set up with rooms and not cages. The rooms will contain home furnishings, just as would be seen in a home environment.”

How: Howard explained to me his vision for “ARQ”. Simply put, he wants to create an adoption center where animals and potential adopters alike feel comfortable. He wishes to see the animal shelter/adoption experience as a welcoming, community-based one wherein folks can meet and make a friend for life. Hence why the pup featured on the above flier (and his business card*) wears a cape; the human/pet relationship is a two way street. It not simply a matter of “rescuing” an animal. Furkids are our companions. They cheer us up when we’re feeling down; love us when we feel unloved. The list goes on and on.

They are our heroes.

as he put it. Who can disagree with that?

This is why “ARQ” needs our help: they need funding to make these renovations happen! To this end they are having a fundraiser at Sweet Science this upcoming Sunday, December 7th. Check it out!

Funky Fundraiser For Animal Rescue Queens
December 7, 2014 starting at 5:00 p.m.
Sweet Science
135 Graham Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11206

Those of you who are unable to attend but wish to make a donation can do so by clicking here. NOTE: these contributions are tax-deductible. Those who care to contact Howard can do so via email at: howard (at) ARQadopt.org. Otherwise, he has informed that me come February he plans to have an open house and fundraiser featuring artwork for auction. Take note, my north Brooklyn/Queens artist comrades!

*which also features a cat— but not prominently enough to satisfy this cat lady! Hey, you do not expect me not to good-naturedly bust his chops about this?

FINAL Logo NYS

Really?

Urban Artifact: Meadow Street

Meadow Street nys

Smashed nys

Have A Nice Day nys

What makes this assemblage a cut-above is the presence of a “Thank You, Have A Nice Day” bag…

(Taken November 7, 2014.)

The Word On The Street: Grand Street

Grand Street nys

Taken November 7, 2014.

From The New York Shitty Inbox: Tomorrow!

Party in ONE week...will you support our neighborhood? (PS it's

That’s right folks! tomorrow is “NAG’s” (“Neighbors Allied for Good Growth”, formerly known as “Neighbors Allied Against Garbage”) 20th Anniversary gala! As you can clearly read the subject line of the above email inquires:

…will you support our neighborhood…?

Yes, I will… by not attending this event and pointing out the following:

  • I find it interesting that the vast majority of points under “What Does NAG Do?” have, in fact, been done.
  • This would suggest to me that NAG doesn’t really have a clear mission nowadays. They should.
  • And of course I would be remiss if I did not point out that it strikes me as being a mite bit inconsistent for an organization which lauds itself for closing down an illegal waste handling station on Williamsburg’s waterfront to honor folks who were busted— last year— for operating an illegal waste trade business in Greenpoint.

Luna Lighting Inc Denial

But perhaps I am being nit-picky? Sort of makes one wonder what, if any, donations have been tendered to “NAG” from the Argentos lately. Anyone?

UPDATE, 7:17 p.m.: Now I have received this!

$50 tix till midnight! gala fun times

Note how “NAG” has seen fit to excise the photo featured in their precious email. Perhaps it is because some of the people depicted therein objected? In any case, I think I’ll save the $50.00 I do not have to buy beer and/or more snow globe supplies…

From The New York Shitty Inbox, Part II: And Now A Word From NAG

NAG email NYS

New York Shitty Analysis: Apparently getting busted for operating an illegal waste handling station in Greenpoint and lying to the Business Integrity Commission does not preclude one from receiving honors from “Neighbors Allied For Good Growth” (formerly known as Neighbors Against Garbage”).

You can’t make this stuff up, folks…

The Word On The Street, Part III: That Girl

That Girl nys

Taken October 15, 2014.

  • NYS Flickr Pool

    DissociationMalevolent and asking for donations20241031_095113Hudson Yards  EDGELooking east-Northern view.Thompson and Broome Streets
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