Greenpoint
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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?
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
Crosstown Local Photo Du Jour:
Clearly the recession has had some impact on reality television viewing. In Greenpoint, anyway.
Miss Heather
WANTED IN GREENPOINT: Zoot Suits
Mikki (of NAG— Neighbors Allied For Good Growth) writes:
North Brooklyn’s Automotive High has come a long way these past few years. The graduation rate is up, attendance is up, and last year it earned a performance bonus from the city. Much of this has come through the hard work of the faculty and staff there, who are determined to give these kids both job skills and an education. There is still much to be done, but here’s what I’ve been really impressed with–the drama department! In just two years they have put on amazing productions of “Grease” and “West Side Story” that brought down the house–and after each performance, the cast’s heartfelt thanks to their teacher, Candace Parr, are simple but wrenching.
This year, the department is struggling to put on its musical–“Guys and Dolls.” I’m planning to help them with a fundraiser in a month or two but here’s what I’d like to hit the community up for now: zoot suits! If anyone has one, or has access to a costume department or vintage store with some, please contact me at actlocal15 (at) gmail (dot) com. Or if there are any costumers out there who would like to help, that’s cool too. (We also need a sound engineer!)
Zoot suits, anyone?
Miss Heather
Greenpoint Photo Du Jour: Sheltered
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic
From McGolrick Park.
Miss Heather
WANTED IN GREENPOINT: Educated Physicist
Chris, the discoverer of this wonderful item, writes:
Hello Miss Heather,
…thought you might find this interesting. Not sure if you’ve seen this yet, but this flier was posted on the street lamp on Franklin and Greenpoint Ave., right outside of the Pencil Factory this morning. Obviously, my cell phone picture is less than great quality, but apparently someone who is close to building a time machine in Greenpoint is looking for physicist to work on some of the numbers for said time machine.
Not sure if it’s a hoax or not, but it’s entertaining nonetheless.
I am an inventor who are very close to the fabrication of working TIME MACHINE here in Greenpoint workshop. I’m looking for a consultant who is Math educated to help with difficult equations.
Looking for local Mathematician/Theoretical Physicist: preferably with (unintelligible) engineering experience and a willing-desire to explore the future and past.
Payment deferred. If Consultation and math correct then payment will be immediate upon answering this posting.
If this posting is still up I have not figured the time machine out yet and need your help! Must have knowledge of…
Any “educated physicists” interested in following up this most unique employment opportunity should make his (or her) way to the southwestern corner of Greenpoint Avenue and Franklin Street without delay as this appears to be a limited time offer. Good luck…
and have a safe trip!
Miss Heather
UPDATE, February 27, 2009: You can see this advert in some semblance of entirety by clicking here.
From The New York Shitty Inbox: A Message From Lentol’s Office
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic
Those of you who have contacted Joseph Lentol’s office regarding the recent shooting at the Production Lounge should find the following of interest. It is an email a I received from his office apprising me of what actions he is taking to ensure this does not happen again. Happy reading.
Dear Miss Heather,
My name is Amy Cleary and I work for Assemblyman Joe Lentol. I just wanted to give you and your readers an update that is being done with regard to the recent shooting at Production Lounge. We have spoken with many of our constituents who live near this location and listened to their accounts of that eventing. Any time you hear about people waking up to bullet holes six feet from where they sleep it is absolutely horrifying. We have written to the state liquor authority to ensure that there is a full investigation of this matter. We have also met with the police. The 94th precinct assures us that they are meeting with the owner and taking every step possible to prevent this from happening again, guns have no place near people’s homes. We intend to follow this matter closely and support the police in any way that we can. Thank you for your attention to this issue.
Sincerely,
Amy Cleary
So there have you. I have said it before and I’ll say it again: when it comes to constituent services Joe Lentol is tops!
Miss Heather
P.S.: On a related note some of you might have noticed that Yelp has scrubbed a number of the reviews for the Production Lounge. Hmm. In any case if anyone out there has screencaps of the now-excised entries let me know via comments. I would very much like to have them. Thanks!
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