Greenpoint
Lorven Pharmacy
Culture on the Cheap
THIS WEEKEND: A Few More Activities For The Christmas-Inclined
Yesterday I posted an item about 3rd Ward’s Handmade Holiday Craft Fair. Thankfully fellow bloggess and Greenpointer, Bitchy Bluestocking, was kind enough to remind me that Cafe Grumpy will be throwing their Hearts & Crafts Affair this Sunday, December 13, from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. She writes:
Don’t forget about Cafe Grumy’s Hearts and Crafts Affair on Sunday — though the flyer has a typo (Sat.) on it.
Truth be told, I did forget about this. I have been so busy of late I have forgotten about a great number of things. Thanks for the reminder Bitchy!
Arts & Crafts Affair
Sunday December 13, 2009
Cafe Grumpy
193 Meserole Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11222
Those of you who missed the opportunity last week to have your pups and pussies photographed with Santa will be delighted to know he will be at Unleash Brooklyn this Sunday as well! The cost of having your kids— be they of the furry variety or otherwise— photographed with Santa is only $15.00 and all proceeds will go to Dog Habitat Rescue. Check it out!
Pictures with Santa
December 13, 2009 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Unleash Brooklyn
216 Franklin Street
Brooklyn, New York 11222
And that’s all she wrote!
Miss Heather
From The New York Shitty Inbox: Angry About Idling at the American Playground
No folks, my anonymous tipster is not perturbed by idle folk (which can be seen at left and are quite abundant at this public space ). She’s angry about exhaust. Among other things. M writes:
Dear Miss Heather,
We do enjoy your blog. Why only yesterday my 7 year old stepped in a doggie ganola bar on Manhattan Ave. while waiting for the B61 aka the bus that never comes–nailed both mary janes and filled the treads up to boot–so I though of NY Shitty. But enough with quaint anecdotes…
Perhaps you can post some lovely comments about the leaded diesel-spewing vehicles that illegally idle outside our charming playgrounds. And by all means give a special mention to the kind folks over at the Northside Driving School…
Not sure if you have ever noticed, but trucks and buses idle for hours on end at both the Greenpoint Playground (Franklin & Dupont–scenically situated in the shadow of the poop plant) and the American Playground (Franklin & Noble). NYC idling laws only allow 5 minutes of idling–then drivers are supposed to turn off their stinkin’ engines presumably to spare tiny asthma-prone lungs to the long term effects wrought by such toxic fumes wafting over the rusting (rustically urban?) playground equipment. All these diesel-fuled vehicles use leaded gas and we know lead is even worse than Sugar Smacks for growing brains and bodies. Not so good for adults either btw.
A few days ago one of our toddler-toting neighbors (I’m one of ’em too) asked one of the Northside Driving School bus drivers to turn off his engine and he “gave her the finger” and kept the engine going as usual. Yeah right lady. The Northside Driving School buses generally park and idle for hours right next to the baby swingsets–they are nearly always there all morning. Often they leave the doors open and come in and out of the buses as they enjoy their coffee and cigarettes. Why save gas? They’re working for The Man and he pays up at the pump.
The other day at Amercian Playground an FDNY mini-emergency vehicle–without flashing lights and without doing any obvious job–sat idling just beyond the fence between the toddler climbing structure and baby swings for over an hour–the driver was snoozing and surely wanted to keep warm but he clearly was not on a job (which would have been an exception). Food-delivery trucks (ex potato chips and soda for nearby delis) linger near the Amercian Playground as well. I’m not one to spoil a nap of one of NYC’s “fearless” let alone deny the community the nutritious chips and sodas that surely must come on time just like the toys for xmas in “The Little Engine That Could,” but methinks that turning off the engines while naps and chip deliveries take place wouldn’t put too much of a damper on all the fun.
Frankly I see trucks / buses etc idling at both playgrounds a LOT.
I finally made a complaint to 311 regarding these idling problems at both playgrounds. Also wrote CB1 anf NAG. My thought was that having big bold (read obvious) SIGNS (with obvious fines) posted around both playgrounds– would probably help deter this charming local behavior.
Were all this to happen on the UES for example or in tony Brooklyn Heights, well, nary a nanny would ever have to suffer a noxious nostril-full again but here in Greenpoint, considered to be the armpit of Brooklyn as far as the city goes (let it stink/why shave it), nobody pays attention. Perhaps they’ll see your blog though? Thanks for considering either way…
-M
in lovely Greenpoint
Wow. Truth be told I have never noticed this. Of course, it should be noted that I do not have children. Therefore, I have no reason to patronize our local playgrounds— and trust me “reason” is the operative word here. Let’s face facts: both of these parks leave much to be desired. Have any of you, dear readers, had the misfortune of having similar such experiences at our public playgrounds? If so, please share. I’d love to hear them!
Miss Heather
THURSDAY: Toby Comes to Dog Habitat
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Crazy Cat Lady, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Jay Lombard of Dog Habitat tipped me off to this one. Who— or more accurately, what— is Toby, you ask? It is an organization which provides free spaying and neutering among many other things. Here’s their mission statement as gleaned from Toby’s web site:
The Toby Project will end the killing of tens of thousands of adoptable dogs and cats each year in New York City’s municipal animal shelters by preventing the births of unwanted dogs and cats.
We will make New York City a true “no-kill’ city by delivering free spay/neuter services to all five boroughs of New York City using mobile surgical vans specifically equipped for this purpose. By reaching out to targeted communities, our aim is to prevent the breeding of the very dogs and cats whose offspring account for most of the animals relinquished to our municipal shelters, where they are often killed.
The Toby spay/neuter van will be paying a visit to Dog Habitat this Thursday, December 10 at 8:00 a.m. sharp.
Free Spay & Neuter
December 10, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. ALL SLOTS ARE FILLED!
Dog Habitat/Unleash Brooklyn
216 Franklin Street
Brooklyn, New York 11222
Do the right thing, dear readers: spay and neuter your pets. I may very well be a crazy cat lady, but the fact of the matter is I am not very crazy about the number of stray and malnourished cats I see in north Brooklyn (like the lovely lady gracing this post). It breaks my heart.
Miss Heather
From The New York Shitty Inbox: Nocturnal Activity on West Street
Yesterday morning it was a pile of Techicolor mystery marbles; today it is this. L writes (at 12:43 a.m.):
I have spent the past 1/2 hr trolling the web trying to find out what was going on at the end of India st before (my partner) reminded me “uh, the Hasidic community is not going to broadcast their goings on on the Internet”. Doh.
There was a MASSIVE collective at the end of India tonight. I think it’s breaking up now, but there is an incredible police presence as well. Any word on this? Cops are saying that it’s a fundraiser for a school…
and at 1:00 a.m.:
At my count, and this was just what was visible, there were 8. Some of them were still going when I passed… And all of west and the streets from Milton to at least Green were Minivan central.
PS – ONLY the menfolk and boys from about 5 and up were there. i REALLY doubt that this was a fundraiser. Why would they be in GREENPOINT?
And last— but hardly least— this. M writes:
I was hoping you might be able to help me out with something. I live in our beloved Greenpoint (2.5 years, woot!) and one of things I like most about it is that it tends to be quiet at night. However last night there was, for lack of a better term, a ruckus at Franklin and Huron. I was trying to fall asleep but there were cop cars, people shouting, helicopters, and at one point around 1:00am I think (not sure, memory is blurred by sleep) a TON of horn honking. When I was getting home around 6:15PM I noticed at the end of India near West st it was all lit up, but I assumed it was movie shoot or something of that sort. Just wondering if you had any insight as to what exactly went down last night.
I have absolutely no idea what happened on West Street last night. Whatever it is (or make that was) it sounds pretty darned interest. If any of you, dear readers, so please share via the comments. Inquiring minds want to know!
Miss Heather
UPDATE, 4:15 p.m.: We have an answer! Both via comments and a reader. C writes:
I am not a jewish scholar, but a bit of research led me to this:
“The practice has become widespread [616] to hold the main farbrengen of Yud-Tes Kislev on the eve of the 20th, because the Alter Rebbe was released from prison on the 19th at Minchah time, and for the following three hours he found himself in the home of an antagonist to Chassidism, where he suffered spiritual anguish. [617]
“In many places, nevertheless, people gather for a farbrengen on the eve of the 19th as well – and may chassidic blessings light upon them.
“In general, the farbrengens of any city are arranged in either of two ways:
- they can be spread out in many locations, so that people who would not travel far afield should also participate; or
- all those interested can meet at one location, for `In a multitude of people is the King’s glory.’ [618] Such a farbrengen should be steered by the venerable elders and the men of stature within the community.
“Abundant quantity or superior quality? [619] Their relative merits are the subject of a classic debate. [620] For comparable cases see: Shabbos 127a ; Megillah 3a (in Tosafos; Avos 3:15, and see Peirush HaMishnayos there); Iggeres HaKodesh, Epistle 21; and other sources. These are obviously not exact parallels to our case, but space does not permit further elaboration.
“At any rate, I would recommend that on the first night, the eve of the 19th, farbrengens should be held in various places (where the following night’s gathering should be announced), and the next evening all concerned should assemble in one place.
“It goes without saying that what matters ultimately is that people should rouse themselves and `resolve to set aside fixed times for the study of Torah in public, both its revealed planes (nigleh) and its hidden dimensions (Chassidus), and strengthen the spiritual lifestyle of chassidim in a brotherly spirit.'” [621]
THIS WEEK: Souper Trivia
Although I have written about this already, I feel compelled to post a reminder that this Thursday, December 3, starting at 7:00 p.m. t.b.d. will be hosting a fundraiser for a very good cause: the Greenpoint Reformed Church’s soup kitchen and food pantry! Along with an evening of trivia there will be a raffle for prizes from such establishments as Cafe Grumpy, Mousey Brown Salon, Dandelion Wine, Word Books and much, much more. Check it out!
Souper Trivia
December 3, 2009 starting at 7:00 p.m.
t.b.d.
224 Franklin Street
Brooklyn, New York 11222
It should be noted that I will be contributing a piece of photography as a prize for this raffle. What will it be, you ask? Go and find out!
Miss Heather
Williamspoint Photos Du Jour: Urban Fur
Filed under: 11206, 11211, 11222, Crazy Cat Lady, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Broadway
South 5 Street
Manhattan Avenue
Lorimer Street
Clifford Place
Meserole Avenue
In closing, here’s an item that might be of interest to you dog lovers out there: Dog Habitat’s Black Friday Adoption Event!
Jay Lombard (of Dog Habitat, who sent me the above image) writes:
Hey lady! We wanted to invite you to visit our adoption event tomorrow from noon to 5 p.m. Eight rescue dogs available for adoption from puppies to adolescent age. Pure breeds and brooklyn mutts. Please help us find homes for these beautiful pups!
I was initially confused by Jay’s missive. There are no ladies at New York Shitty. But I do appreciate the sentiment and will certainly make it a point to swing by and say “hi” these lovely pups. You should too.
BLACK FRIDAY ADOPTION DAY
November 27, 2009; 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Dog Habitat/Unleash Brooklyn
216 Franklin Street
Brooklyn, New York 11222
In closing this post goes out to Lisacat who did her best to assuage the suffering of an auto shop cat named Bondo. I am certain wherever he is (junkyard cat heaven?) he is grateful for your hard work. I know I am.
Miss Heather
P.S.: While I am (ostensibly) on the subject of fur, I discovered something on Manhattan Avenue today that really bothered me.
The above photograph graces Forgotten-NY’s Greenpoint page. Regarding this wonderful example of old school signage Kevin Walsh writes:
When you’ve got a good sign, you don’t need to ever replace it. The old school phone number, probably EVergreen, is still there too.
That is, of course, unless you are Belvedere Partners Corporation. In which case you drill a “For Sale” sign on top of it. I can’t honestly say I am surprised that they saw fit to do this. These folks have been peppering north Brooklyn with balconized Neoclassical crap for years. One of their latest opuses graces Skillman Avenue. It’s a real beauty. It goes without saying you can look forward to seeing it on New York Shitty. Soon.
Some Sunshine On a Crappy Day: Emi
Today after having my umbrella rent asunder no less than FIVE TIMES by the wind while taking a walk I realized I was going to have to find another means of entertaining myself. The interwebs were out— I spend enough time on them already. So I swung by Dog Habitat to see how their newest rescue, Emi, was faring. She had just completed her final round of medications, was one day of out quarantine and, as you will see, was rearing to go!
Per Rob Maher (who was kind enough to let me shoot the above footage and give a general run-down about Emi), she has a basic knowledge of commands such as sit, stay, and so forth. Emi wasn’t very interested in displaying her new-found knowledge when I visited her— but can you blame her? After being isolated which would you choose: obeying commands or playing with a nifty squeak toy in Unleash Brooklyn’s rumpus room?
The answer (if you are Emi, anyway) is obvious!
Anyone who is interested in meeting Miss Emi and giving her a forever home should contact the guys (and gals) of Dog Habitat via email at: rescue (at) doghabitat (dot) com.
Miss Heather
Greenpoint Photos du Jour: Far Better
When I approached the man working at this auto shop and asked if this little lady was in for a tune-up he was initially confused but got the joke soon enough. If this petite set of wheels looks strangely familiar to a number of you, here’s why: she used to belong to Manhattan Avenue’s very own the Corner Frenzy. Now she will be an attraction at Far Better’s Auto Repair & Pinball Arcade (which I wrote about last month). This has to be one of the most inspired joint ventures capitalism has ever spawned— and it comes courtesy of (where else?) the Garden Spot of the Universe!
Miss Heather
NYS Flickr Pool
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