Greenpoint
Lorven Pharmacy
Culture on the Cheap
From The New York Shitty Inbox: The Man, The Legend, The McGuinness!
Filed under: 11215, 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Park Slope
This item was brought to my attention by my buddy Sherry. As many of you are undoubtedly aware, yours truly has a soft spot for Mr. McGuinness. He was a crooked as a three dollar bill to be certain— but at least he was honest about it. Sadly, the same cannot be said of our politicians nowadays. What’s more, the man could turn a phrase. Take this gem (regarding his brief stint in the south), for example:
I don’t like that Jim Crow they got or their goddam white crow either.
So as to get everyone in the McGuinness spirit follows is a post I put up all the way back in 2007. Enjoy!
This week’s installment of Greenpoint goodness features two things Miss Heather loves:
- Art
- Peter “Pete” J. McGuinness
Known to most as little more than the namesake of a rather lackluster bit of road in Greenpoint, “The McGuinness” (as he was called) is my role model. Loud-mouthed, crude, contrarian assholes like us tend to stick together, and besides, what can you not love about a man who once said (regarding Prohibition):
It’s a shame to allow whiskey to lie idle when there’s people at Death’s door that might be saved by it.
On top of a shared affection for intoxicating substances I recently learned that Pete and I have something else in common: we both are art lovers. Who knew? Here is an article from the February 22, 1935 edition of the New York Times entitled “Brooklyn Beckons To Civic Virtue”. Enjoy!
Do not let Pete’s colorful rhetoric fool you; the man was not stupid. His career surviving the Seabury Commission‘s investigation of Tammany Hall is a testament to his wiliness. And of course, being buddies with Fiorello La Guardia probably didn’t hurt either.
Those of you who are looking a slightly meatier piece of summer reading (and want to learn more about the Seabury Hearings and the fall of Tammany), check out Once Upon a Time in New York by Herbert Mitgang. While a little tedious here and there, it is completely worth taking the time to read.
Adult Education Present: Brooklyn
February 1, 2011 starting at 8:00 p.m.
Price of admission: $5.00
Union Hall
702 Union Street
Brooklyn, New York 11215
Miss “aspiring Greenpoint Boss” Heather
P.S.: Those of you craving more Pete McGuinness goodness should check out this guest post I wrote for the Gowanus Lounge!
From The New York Shitty Photo Pool: Gowanus Butterfly
Filed under: 11215, 11217, 11237, Carroll Gardens, Carroll Gardens Brooklyn, Culture War, Gowanus, Park Slope, Red Hook, Red Hook Brooklyn
Carnade opines:
I think the solitary butterfly is a nice touch.
Yes, it is. Methinks it is a Monarch!
Miss Heather
SATURDAY: JELL-O SPRINGS ETERNAL
Filed under: 11215, 11222, Gowanus, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Park Slope
Another year, another Jell-o competition. What I—- and many other fellow Greenpointers, I suspect— want to know is if our very own Jello Mistress Goddess and keeper of Edie the Hamster, Victoria, will represent the Garden Spot? I suppose we’ll have to wait and find out!
JELL-O Springs Eternal
June 26, 2010 starting at 6:00 p.m.
Gowanus Studio Space
166 7th Street
Brooklyn, New York 11215
Miss Heather
LAST GASP: The Brooklyn Shillfest, Part II
Remember the quicklink I posted earlier? Well, Atlantic Yards Report has gotten to the bottom of this web of intrigue courtesy of an anonymous tipster. How much does Absolut think infotising on Brooklyn blogs is worth? Apparently a Flipcam among other things. Read it and weep.
Miss Heather
UPDATE, June 9, 2010: Norman Oder, the author of Atlantic Yards Report has posited some very interesting questions to Ms. Crawford, Cityroom’s choice of “expert blogger” you can read them by clicking here. In addition Brownstoner has written an excellent Op Ed about the Fifth Annual Brooklyn Absolut Blogfest Shillfest. You can read it by clicking here.
P.S.: By the way, the FTC (fairly) recently ruled that bloggers are to disclose the freebies they receive. You can get the full 411 courtesy of Wired by clicking here.
Now On The Blog Roll Of Gowanus Lounge Dot Com: IDT Energy
Filed under: 11101, 11206, 11211, 11215, 11222, 11231, 11237, Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, Bushwick, Bushwick Brooklyn, Clinton Hill, Gowanus, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Kensington, Long Island City, Long Island City Queens, Manhattan, Maspeth, Navy Yard, New York City, Park Slope, Queens, Sunnyside, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
In regards to Bob Guskind (to whom they have dedicated a page) they write:
Bob Guskind was a unique man, and his writing will forever stand as a testament to the person that he was.
While we’ve bought the site Gowanus Lounge, we are not trying to replicate or replace his work or his spirit. We intend to continue to explore issues that are important to the people of New York, while also addressing topics of concern to other markets and communities.
Bob Guskind’s work has been moved to another location where fans can continue to read his prose and benefit from the wisdom that he provided.
Speaking as someone who has had the benefit of Bob’s wisdom I found Gowanus Lounge 2.0’s linkage to “Energy Savings” and “IDT Energy” of particular interest. The Mister and I pointed and clicked. Here’s what we found:
Energy Savings
The IDT Energy Store (You can see the registration info by clicking here). When you click on “Company” here’s what you’ll find:
Yup, the same people who saw fit to plague my community with people hitting our buzzers— REPEATEDLY— stating they were from Con Ed and that they wanted to review our energy bills. Time and time again. This is not purely Greenpoint phenomenon either. You can read other accounts/musings/ranting regarding IDT’s chicanery by clicking on any of the following links:
- A Letter address to yours truly from Joe Lentol’s Office along with an ESCOS primer
- Consumer Tips About Buying Energy
- What is an ESCO?
- IDT in effect in Flatbush
- IDT shills on Christmas Eve
- IDT does Park Slope, Part III
- IDT does Bushwick
- IDT does Park Slope, Part II
- Concerned Citizens Of Greenwood Heights Raises Hell
- IDT Hires, $400 – $600 a week!
- IDT does Gerritsen Beach
- IDT Does Park Slope, Part I
- IDT Does BoCoCa
But I do not want to suggest IDT has plied its dubious trade solely in the county of Kings. No sir, their nefarious reach goes much further. Which brings me to this delightful video submitted from a reader in Harlem.
Needless to say after the aforementioned barrage of negative publicity IDT has seen fit to retool its image. In the 20th century the last refuge for a scoundrel was religion. In the 21st Century miscreants and ne’er do wells go “green”…
and operate blogs: idtenergy.wordpress.com
In closing, I leave you with this choice morsel from Gowanus Lounge 1.0 dating from January 28, 2009. Note the comments (and all caps abuse). Here’s my favorite segment from someone who calls himself IDT EMPLOYEE:
PS: THE PEOPLE WHO CLAIM THEY GOT SCAMMED ARE IGNORANT & NEEDS TO PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT’S GOING ON AROUND THEM. TO THOSE WHO DID NOT CHOSE THEIR ESCO HAVE FUN PAYING THOSE 3 EXTRA TAXES THAT IDT MEMBERS DO NOT PAY…
Can a leopard change its spots? I’ll leave it up to you, dear readers, to make the call All I ask is please be an informed consumer and do not take this businesses promises at face value. Exercise due diligence!
Miss Heather
New York Shitty Day Starter: Ask & Ye Shall Receive!
Filed under: 11215, 11222, Abjectecture, Gowanus, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, King's Crap, Park Slope
It has come to my attention that Brownstoner saw fit to feature an apartment for sale hailing from none other that Belvedere XX. Ostensibly because someone took umbrage with me calling this edifice a piece of crap*— which I assure you it is. Belvedere XX is also known as 185 India Street and the neighbor of Lofts “Greenpoint Rental Shitshow Part 1” 305.
Crap likes company. Especially on McGuinness Boulevard.
But this post isn’t about Belvedere XX, Brownstoner or McGuinness Boulevard. It’s about Belvedere XXXVI and “Park Slope”. On January 25, 2010 I wrote in this post:
…The Belvederization of Park Slope?!? Needless to say I had to get to the bottom of this (inasmuch as one can without G train service). We headed to the closest Belvedere without delay.
Sure enough, it is true! Replete with all the accoutrements we have grown to expect from Belvedere: commodious roof decks and balconies. Needless to say I must see this. However, I am more or less precluded from going to 175 12 Street personally. I am not only too busy with matters north Brooklyn but quite frankly doling out $2.25 in subway fare strikes me as being far too much money to outlay on such an endeavor.
This is where you come in: could some kind soul get a photograph of this property and send it to me via email at missheather (at) thatgreenpointblog (dot) com? I’m dying to see Belvedere XXXVI. Especially in light of the fact this edifice is conveniently located near Lowes, the Brooklyn Queens Expressway and the aromatic Gowanus Canal. Who wouldn’t want an eyeful (or noseful) of that!
Well, I asked for it and I got it. Rowan 5 writes:
Here ya go. The Belvedere is closer to 3rd ave. It’s surrounded by frame houses mostly, with a giant high rise luxury building at the corner of 4th and 12th.
It’s not a bad-looking block but Park Slope proper it is not.
Most definitely not.
I love the prominent poster on the front door advertising Greenpoint and Williamsburg condos…
So there have you: Park Slope Gowanus is the new Greenpoint!
Miss Heather
*I have been told by an anonymous source that someone who bought a unit at Belvedere III, which is admittedly the Pete Best of the Belvederes, ended up re-selling at a loss. Apparently he bought one of the quasi-legal “studio” apartments they are known for (READ: a minuscule first floor apartment with a fully appointed basement including— I shit you not— a sauna). It had problems with flooding.
LAST GASP: Stone Cold
While well outside the confines of north Brooklyn, I could not resist passing this delightful item along. This rather intoxicated snowman hails from Prospect Park and comes courtesy of Camp Childers.
Miss Heather
A Very Special Request From The Editrix of New York Shitty
Filed under: 11211, 11215, Gowanus, Park Slope, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Yesterday the Mister decided to accompany me on my Sunday constitutional. All in all, he took it in good stride (no pun intended) and humored my numerous detours to get a closer of look at things I consider interesting. This of course included savoring the handiwork of north Brooklyn’s real estate juggernaut: Belvedere Bridge Realty. While he may not understand why, he knows I have a developed a fascination with these faux classical, serial numbered properties. He also knows that with such magnificent obsessions (and I have quite a few) it is best to humor yours truly.
To this end he stood by patiently as I tittered myself into a shutter-bugging frenzy at the sight of Belvedere XXXIV (which can be seen at left and is located on Withers Street) and listened (or at least appeared to be listening) to my wry commentary regarding the numerous “Open House” fliers we happened upon during our sojourn. Some even had balloons affixed to them. I can only hope the promise of free pony rides and clowns making balloon animals are next. But I digress.
It was at the intersection of Berry Street and North 9 Street we found the following. We were rendered speechless.
The Belvederization of Park Slope?!? Needless to say I had to get to the bottom of this (inasmuch as one can without G train service). We headed to the closest Belvedere without delay.
Sure enough, it is true! Replete with all the accoutrements we have grown to expect from Belvedere: commodious roof decks and balconies. Needless to say I must see this. However, I am more or less precluded from going to 125 12 Street personally. I am not only too busy with matters north Brooklyn but quite frankly doling out $2.25 in subway fare strikes me as being far too much money to outlay on such an endeavor.
This is where you come in: could some kind soul get a photograph of this property and send it to me via email at missheather (at) thatgreenpointblog (dot) com? I’m dying to see Belvedere XXXVI. Especially in light of the fact this edifice is conveniently located near Lowes, the Brooklyn Queens Expressway and the aromatic Gowanus Canal. Who wouldn’t want an eyeful (or noseful) of that!
Miss Heather
Happy Birthday FUCKED IN PARK SLOPE!
One year ago you were a newbie; now you’re a titan of the Brooklyn blogosphere. Mazel tov! Your take on the neighborhood I care not to sully with my presence is a breath of fresh (and cynical) air. I look forward to hearing more from (and about you) in the future! Now that the Crosstown Local blights your ‘hood maybe you’ll come up and see me some time?
Miss Heather
P.S.: The Mister (a faithful reader of FIPS) has developed a fixation on “Prospect Park West” ever since Smartmom railed (incoherently) against it. Any chance you could help me get an autographed copy of this book? I’d like to give it to him for Christmas.
Miss G Train…
Filed under: 11101, 11206, 11211, 11222, 11237, Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, Clinton Hill, Crosstown Local, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Ft. Greene, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Kensington, Long Island City, Navy Yard, Park Slope, Queens, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
it could be you!
Or not. The City Reliquary (who is hosting this contest) writes:
Come watch the crowning of our “Miss G Train†LIVE at the City Reliquary backyard, with refreshments and entertainment on Nov. 19th 7-10PM
*G*G*G*G*G*G*G*G*G*G*G*G*G*G*G*G*G*G*G*G*G*G*G*G*G* CONTESTANTS:
Thanks for your interest in entering the “Miss G Train Pageantâ€.In this contest, you can make up your own rules! Be creative in presenting yourself as the best candidate for “Miss G Trainâ€! Tell us what you think being “Miss G Train†is all about, and why you fit that description to a “Gâ€.
Please email your description along with a PHOTO to: missgtrain (at) cityreliquary (dot) org by Monday Nov. 16th for consideration.
Include a phone number we can reach you at prior to the competition. There is no minimum or maximum word count for your descriptive entry. Your descriptive entry will be read to the audience and judges during the pageant. Use your written statement to tell everyone why you should be wearing the sash on stage that night! (Portions of your submission may be used for media requests, but all personal information will remain private.)
Costume choice is up to you at the big event, and will be considered as part of your presentation. Ballroom Gown, Hipster Vogue, Commuter Chic, its up to YOU! Also, consider submitting some choice music to accompany your runway walk (you can bring an iPod cued to your music or send a request to our DJ in advance). You are in charge of your overall presentation, and the right soundtrack may just convince our celebrity judges that YOU make the best candidate!
FINALISTS will be informed of their status by 12:00 noon on Thursday Nov 19th.
Email in advance for any additional questions and GOOD LUCK, competition is RUNNING ON or close to ON SCHEDULE!*
Given the City Reliquary’s choice of “cover girl” for their solicitation I have to wonder what demographic they’re appealing to: nubile, newbie hotties/slummers or hardcore Crosstowners? I think Miss G train should sport the qualities of the subway line she will represent:
- Highly erratic
- Dysfunctional
- Capricious
- Weird
- Four cars short of a load
- And, on occasion, downright GROSS
Get busy fellow G trainers— and you know who you are!
Miss Heather
*Does this mean if I submit my entry a day late it will count?
P.S.: What about about a Mr. Crosstown Local? I can think of a number of candidates offhand— none of whom you would want to see naked. Methinks I’ll have to make this happen!
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