Greenpoint
Lorven Pharmacy
Culture on the Cheap
The Kent Street Cat
Filed under: 11222, Crazy Cat Lady, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic
This cat (which graces the north-facing wall of The Garden) has been around as long as I can remember. I have noticed all other graffiti that has found its way to this edifice has been removed— but not this kitty. I have long intended to get the story behind this fetching feline. Last night I finally did.
Faced with the prospect of having to eat a jarring combination of (questionably edible) foodstuffs for dinner the Mister and I patronized The Garden. As luck would have it, I recognized one of the owners of this establishment. He was engaged in a conversation with another gentleman but having at long last the opportunity to shed light on this mystery I politely interrupted.
Miss Heather: Pardon me for butting in but aren’t you the owner of this establishment?
Owner: Yes, I am one of them.
Miss Heather: I have a very strange question for you. I took it up with Magda (an employee of The Garden, wonderful woman) as I know she has been working here for some time but she didn’t know…
Owner: (getting curious)
Miss Heather: What’s the deal with the cat on your building? The black cat.
After some thought (and some more Q & A) I got an answer. Here it is, albeit in highly simplified form:
- Approximately 8-9 years ago someone spray-painted this piece of graffiti onto The Garden.
- The owner liked it so much he didn’t see fit to remove it.
- However, the owner of the building didn’t agree, so…
- five years ago he asked someone to cover it up with primer.
- When the person with the primer showed up this gentleman (who the owner of The Garden described as being a “cat person”) had changed his mind. He had grown attached to it.
And so it has remained on Kent Street ever since. I have no idea what the person responsible for this was thinking when he (or she) created this cat. Was his intent vandalism or art? I don’t know and quite frankly I am comfortable with not knowing. It has since become a beloved member of the community and I suspect I speak for many when I say I hope he (or she) stays with us for a very, very long time!
Miss Heather
Greenpoint Fashion Watch
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic
Since the weather decided to take (yet another) manic upswing I tossed on my shoes, said goodbye to my heavy winter coat and went out to enjoy the sunshine. I was not alone: a number of my fellow Greenpointers elected to do the same. Here are a few of my faves.
I spied this woman on Noble Street. I’m not terribly certain what the bottle in her hand contains (motor oil? Gold Bond Powder?) but she’s looking damned fine with this red hat/red sweater combo!
It was also a great day to listen to a little music and catch up with friends.
Which is exactly what this chap on Manhattan elected to do!
And last, but hardly least, when Greenpoint has 54 degree weather on a February day I think of one thing: Norwegian Death Metal. Preferably with chihuahuas.
So you can imagine my delight when I encountered Mordred— Greenpoint’s most stylish citizen— wearing a dress made out of a Taakeferd tee shirt! Wishing to get to the bottom of this delightfully daring fashion statement I asked her “person”/seamstress for the scoop.
When the weather (and Miss Mordred’s schedule) allows you can look forward to a very special fashion post featuring the couture of this very special chihuahua. Trust me: you will not be disappointed.
Miss Heather
TOMORROW: Empty Cages Collective Does Bedford Avenue
After the amazing turnout at last weekend’s event the folks at Empty Cages Collective are hitting us up with another adoption event tomorrow, February 28, 2009, from noon until 5:00 p.m. Why not come by and meet some of the finest kitties this city has to offer?
Empty Cages Collective Cat & Kitten Adoption Day
February 28, 2009, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
NYC Pet Supplies
241 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11211
To close on a related note I simply must share this slide show featuring some of Empty Cage’s newest residents. WARNING: the following footage is incredibly cute. Enjoy!
These adorable fur kids were born on February 21st to a feral mother at Empty Cage’s facility. As you can see they’re happy, healthy and too damned precious for words!
Miss Heather
Presenting The Luxe Guesthouse
(or: Where Condos In Greenpoint Go After They Die).
This item comes courtesy of a tipster who prefers to remain anonymous. As you read on you’ll understand why: the following “digs” are probably illegal as hell.*
This establishment purports to be located in Greenpoint. But where, you ask? Try this one on for size!
184 Eagle Street. Yes, sir. If you’re looking for a place to hang your hat (and the Greenpoint Hotel is not your cup of tea) why not give the Luxe Guesthouse a whirl? A single bunk will set you back a paltry $28.00 a night! Those seeking more private accommodations will be asked to tender $79.00 a night. The catch: you have to sign a one week lease! Don’t believe me? Point and click your way over their web site or look at this ad on Craigslist and see for yourself! Sleep tight…
…and don’t let the bedbugs bite!
Miss Heather
*What could possibly be shady about an operation whose “directions” page says this?
TONIGHT: Brother Can You Spare Some Rent?
Filed under: Williamsburg
Any of you looking for something to do this evening with a decidedly timely twist might be interested in an event being conducted at The City Reliquary this evening. It is called Brother Can You Spare Some Rent?: A “Modern Day Depression-Era Fundraiser. I’ll let their press release take it from here:
Times are tough all around – roller coaster stock markets, job losses by the hundreds of thousands, bipartisan bickering with no relief in sight. It’s even tougher for 501 (c) (3) non-profit Community Museums. So the City Reliquary is hosting a fundraiser to raise some of (last month’s!) rent. BROTHER CAN YOU SPARE SOME RENT? is a Modern Day Depression-Era Fundraiser held in our backroom and backyard. For a minimum $10 tax-deductible donation at the door, you can come and participate in scores of historical diversions and entertainments circa 1935. The City Reliquary is proud to present:
- Pie the Landlord! That’s right – the City Reliquary will have our very own cigar-chomping, unshaven, smelly Landlord demanding our rent! Tell him where to shove it with a whipped cream pie in his face!
- Madame LuLu LoLo, Fortune Teller Extraordinaire: She Sees All and Knows All and Your Fortune Might Help Pay Our Rent!
- Hobo Photos a Go-Go: Take your picture in our hand painted carnival sign. Remember the Recession of ’09 with a photographic keepsake!
- Depression-era movies: shown on the projector in the backyard. Laugh it up with Mae West, the Marx Brothers and James Cagney.
- Oil drum fires: (and more modern propane heaters) to keep you warm while you chill in the cold. All fires will be regulated carefully by official FDNY supervision!
- DIY Fingerless Gloves Table! Because nothing says Depression-chic than rockin’ a pair of fingerless gloves!
- Prohibition-era Beer provided by the Brooklyn Brewery and Depression-era “Rum†Punch provided by the City Reliquary at contemporary-recession era cost.
- Homemade Mulligan Stew by Chef Master Mark at wallet-friendly prices.
- DJ Stacher playing hits from the economically challenged 1930s (Harlem Jazz) and 1970s (early Rap); as well as Big Money tracks from the 1980s (disco) and 2000s (electro). Get down!
The previous diversions will set you back a very “Depression-friendly” $2.00 – $5.00 a pop (in addition to the suggested donation of $10.00 at the front door). All proceeds will be used to help the City Reliquary pay (last month’s and this month’s) rent.
Brother Can You Spare Some Rent?
February 27, 2009 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.
The City Reliquary
370 Metropolitan Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11211
The only item I can think of that has (arguably) been overlooked is Housing Court. Sure, this is not exactly the stuff of the 1930’s— but speaking as someone who has been there I can attest that it would excellent fodder for a board game, Kabuki play and/or a rock opera.
Miss Heather
Greenpoint Photos Du Jour: Steel Horse
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic
Although the genius that is this motor vehicle is self-evident I feel compelled to point out what is (in my opinion) it’s finest finest feature.
This. I have no clue as to what kind of creature this little fella is supposed to be but it reminds me of something from a Ray Harryhausen movie. I give this ride two enthusiastic Greenpoint thumbs up!
Miss Heather
NOTEWORTHY: Somewhere In Queens
Filed under: Astoria, Clinton Hill, Ft. Greene, Long Island City, Queens, Sunnyside
xdoobiex (the gentleman who tipped me off to the following item writes):
…first, this is a little promotion for my friend.. i am not sure if you want to post it.. but he needs exposure… see attachment…
Granted, this is still a little ways off. But I am very excited about checking out this show (which, amusingly enough, is located in in the county of Kings).
Somewhere In Queens, Alex Segreti
Opening Reception: March 9, 2009 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Pratt Institute Media Arts Gallery
Steuben Hall, 3rd Floor
200 Willoughby Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11205
Miss Heather
Bed Stuy Photos Du Jour: The Word On The Street
Flushing Avenue.
Tompkins Avenue.
Vernon Avenue.
Miss Heather
Bed Stuy Video Jour: Park Avenue Thingamajig
I have no idea whatsoever why I find this so fascinating. I just do.
Miss Heather
Crosstown Local Photo Du Jour:
Clearly the recession has had some impact on reality television viewing. In Greenpoint, anyway.
Miss Heather
NYS Flickr Pool
You must be logged in to post a comment.