Where to Find Harry Potter Parties in Brooklyn; De Blasio and LICH; Apple's First Brooklyn Store; and More Brooklyn Briefs

#Brooklyn residents speak out on the probe into #deBlasio's role in the closure of #LICH. https://t.co/OVuqLRWia6 pic.twitter.com/wIWle4aOFg

— Brooklyn Daily Eagle (@BklynEagle) July 29, 2016

- The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has reportedly lied about the horrific water quality of Newtown Creek in city reports—and former employees may sue. [Greenpointers]

- How to die in Brooklyn: This NYC woman gave her former teacher a powerful lesson on coping with mortality. [Daily News]

- Peek inside Apple's first Brooklyn store. [Fast Company]

- A string of brutal sex attacks took place in north Brooklyn over the past week. [NY Post]

- Online finance school opens branch in Downtown Brooklyn. [Brooklyn Eagle]

- Mugglemania! Where to celebrate the new Harry Potter release in Brooklyn. [Brooklyn Paper]and [Brokelyn]

- Members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers were spotted shooting a music video for “Go Robot” on 86th Street wearing (almost) nothing. [Bensonhurst Bean]

- This Bushwick Pokemon Go party features a celebrity trainer and free booze. [Brokelyn]


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More on Brooklyn Pokemon Guy; Heights Library Closes; and More Brooklyn Briefs

#wherebkat
Brooklyn Native To Travel Around Globe To Capture All Pokemon Go. https://t.co/qY2279CMHW

— WhereBK@ (@wherebkat) July 28, 2016

- Brooklyn Heights Library closes, interim library opens on Remsen Street. (Photos) [Brooklyn Eagle]

- Man beaten with selfie stick in Downtown Brooklyn. [DNAinfo]

- In a feud between different sects of Jews, surveillance video captured footage that apparently depicts a vandal pulling down a controversial Brooklyn eruv. [Forward]

- Discussion about Mayor de Blasio's affordable housing achievements. [Atlantic Yards/ Pacific Park]

- Ikea food truck bringing free meatballs to Brooklyn all week. Check here to follow the truck. [Brokelyn]

- City pumps $64 million into cultural institutions; $12.7 million of this is coming to Brooklyn. [Brooklyn Eagle]

- Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce seeks new hub, plans to open incubator and retail store. [Crain's]

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'Morris From America' to Screen at Rooftop Films in Brooklyn on August 5

Photo courtesy of the filmmakers

 "Morris from America" will be shown in Brooklyn on Friday, August 5th, 9:00pm at Industry City (Rooftop Films), 274 36th Street in Brooklyn.

The film is the winner of the Sundance 2016 - Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award; the Sundance 2016 - Special Jury Award for Acting: Craig Robinson, and Official Selection of BAMcinemaFest 2016. 

(It's a ticketed event.)

Description from the source:

A heartwarming and crowd-pleasing coming-of-age comedy with a unique spin, "Morris from America" centers on Morris Gentry (Markees Christmas, in an incredible breakout performance) a 13-year-old who has just relocated with his single father, Curtis (Craig Robinson) to Heidelberg, Germany. Morris, who fancies himself the next Notorious B.I.G., is a complete fish-out-of-water—a budding hip-hop star in an EDM world. To complicate matters further, Morris quickly falls hard for his cool, rebellious, 15-year-old classmate Katrin. Morris sets out against all odds to take the hip-hop world by storm and win the girl of his dreams.

Written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Chad Hartigan ("This is Martin Bonner"), "Morris from America" won two prizes at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award and a Special Jury Award for Robinson, who has been receiving tremendous praise for his touching and nuanced performance in his first dramatic role. Poignant and funny in equal measure, "Morris from America" is a delightfully original take on growing up, following your dreams, and finding your voice.

Writer and Director: Chad Hartigan

Cast: Markees Christmas, Craig Robinson, Carla Juri, Lina Keller


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BQE Closure Will Reroute Traffic in Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn This Sunday

Map data courtesy Google

 The Brooklyn Heights Association warns that the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) will fully close the BQE between Atlantic Avenue and Tillary Street (from Exit 27 to Exit 29) on Sunday, July 31st.

Vehicles on the BQE will be rerouted with the help of traffic agents and electronic signs onto Atlantic Avenue, Court Street, Cadman Plaza West and Tillary Street. If possible, please avoid driving in these areas during those times, BHA asks.

The closure is meant to help reduce the noise and vibration caused by the BQE's deteriorated roadway.


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Every Possible Weather Warning Issued for Brooklyn, NYC by National Weather Service

Downtown Brooklyn in the rain. Photo by MK Metz

 The National Weather Service has issued the following warnings for Brooklyn and NYC vicinity:

• Flash Flood Warning in effect from July 25, 04:58 PM EDT until July 25, 08:00 PM EDT
• Special Weather Statement
• Special Marine Warning in effect from July 25, 05:27 PM EDT until July 25, 06:30 PM EDT
• Severe Thunderstorm Watch until July 25, 08:00 PM EDT
• Heat Advisory in effect from July 26, 12:00 PM EDT until July 26, 06:00 PM EDT
• Heat Advisory until July 25, 08:00 PM EDT
• Air Quality Alert
• Hazardous Weather Outlook

 We think this means you should just stay inside until it all blows over....


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2 Brooklyn Parks, 2 Dead Bodies; Apple Store Opening This Week; and More Brooklyn Briefs

Petition at dontcutlocalF.com

 -  One woman's body discovered by passerby in Brower Park in Crown Heights; another one discovered in McCarren Park in Williamsburg. [PIX11]

- Apple hyping this week's opening of first-ever Brooklyn retail store. [Apple Insider]

- Brooklyn Heights man is Pokeman Go champ. [BHB]

- Two injured after slamming into truck while riding stolen motorcycle in Brooklyn. [Daily News]

- Woman critically injured after Brooklyn stabbing. [NY Post]

- Highest and Best Use -- an exhibit at the Queens Museum -- wryly examines the ongoing effects of the 2004 rezoning of Downtown Brooklyn. [Atlantic Yards Report]

- Five of the best staycations for New Yorkers looking for a getaway not too far from home. [Brownstoner]

- The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for NYC for Monday, July 25 from 11:00 AM until 6:00 PM. [NotifyNY]

- Democrats in disarray on eve of convention to nominate Clinton. Did Putin really have something to do with it? [Reuters]

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Spumoni Gardens Lurker ID'd; Knockout Punch Victim Speaks Out; and More Brooklyn Briefs

Unveiled: @ComicaveStudios' 75th Anniversary #CaptainAmerica statue, to be installed in Brooklyn on August 10! pic.twitter.com/q0HZSBDYBU

— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) July 21, 2016

- Police have identified the man seen outside the home of Louis Barbati prior to the L&B Spumoni Gardens co-owner’s slaying. [Daily News]

- Video shows brutal Brooklyn Heights knockout punch; victim gives advice to Heights residents. [Brooklyn Eagle]

- The 8 best pools in Brooklyn. [Brooklyn Magazine]

- Brooklyn junkyard fire blackens sky over East Flatbush / Canarsie. [Brooklyn Eagle]

- First-ever virtual reality concert coming to Prospect Park. [Time Out]

- The city has yielded to Red Hookers’ demands to place a planned neighborhood ferry stop inside the Atlantic Basin. [Brooklyn Paper]

- Time Out lists the 20 best restaurants in Brooklyn. #1? Semilla in Williamsburg. [Time Out]



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Pokémon Go North Brooklyn Pub Crawl This Saturday

How does the idea of North Brooklyn #PokemonGO pub crawl sound? https://t.co/Yzbgkm8u9z pic.twitter.com/KcG2jBMDSZ

— Jeff Ramos (@ohjefframos) July 10, 2016

Building on the nation's Pokémon Go hysteria, Brooklyn video game connoisseur Jeff Ramos has organized the Pokémon Go North Brooklyn Pub Crawl, tentatively starting at Spritzenhaus (33 Nassau Ave) at 1pm this Saturday.

This thing seems to have ballooned. He now has three starting points to meet the increasing demand of attendees. (Ramos says on his Facebook page that he'll likely set up five starting points before the event kicks off.)

"Closer to the event, I will post a very detailed spreadsheet that will show you each starting point, drink specials, how to choose which bar to start at, the address, and a recommended path for ya'll!" he writes.

The event is free but you have to RSVP.

- COMING SOON: Video update with general safety tips, what to expect & tips for new players.
- GIVEAWAY: He'll be giving away a couple hundred mini Pokémon figures to everyone who shows up.

Spritzenhaus is right next to Macarren Park (and a Pokemon Gym). Stops along the way include Transmitter Park (tons of water Pokemon there), multiple bars such as Bar Matchless, Enid's, No Name Bar, Sunshine Laundromat & Pinball, Black Rabbit and Peter Pan bakery.

Ramos says, "You'll definitely find Pikachus, Bulbasars, Squirtles, Psyducks and more!"


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$27B MTA Transformation; Smorgasburg; Outdoor Movies and More Brooklyn Briefs

- $27B transformation of MTA to begin with 3 Brooklyn stations. [Brooklyn Eagle]

- Trial begins for Brooklyn man charged with shaking baby to death; lawyer portrays him as a great dad. [Daily News]

- Is LA’s Smorgasburg better than Brooklyn's? [Munchies]

- All the free outdoor movies you can see in Brooklyn in 2016. [Brokelyn]

- Somewhere deep in the Manhattan anchorage of the Brooklyn Bridge is an old fallout shelter. [Slate]

- An ice cream bonanza is coming to Brooklyn this weekend. [Observer]


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Last Chance to Catch Coney Island Mermaids Exhibit

The successful exibition "Coney Island Mermaids, 1996-2016," representing over 20 years of work by photographer Luke Ratray, will close this coming Friday, July 22nd at an event running from 7-10pm.

The event will take place at the Urban Folk Art Gallery (101 Smith St., Brooklyn, 11201).

Luke Ratray has captured a unique perspective on the annual Mermaid Parade by "focusing on the people instead of the pageantry," according to a release.

"People who invent identities for themselves, even if only for a day, have always fascinated me," Ratray said in the release. "When I photographed the Mermaid Parade for the first time, I knew that I found something special. I was attracted to the homemade spirit and revelry of people involving themselves in what may be the last self-made, and largely self-regulated, public performance in New York City. "

In the early photos, sightings of the first "property for lease" and "for sale" signs appear. There are glimpses of the Surf Hotel, The Bank Building, Denny's ice cream shop, Nick's diner, and the old-school "Shoot 'Em Up" on Surf Avenue. (They have all since been razed.)

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Cops Look For Brooklyn Heights 'Knockout' Attackers; Cops Shoot Suspect in Williamburg; and More Brooklyn Briefs

Cops looking for ‘knockout’ attackers in #Brooklyn Heights. https://t.co/85go9zO0CL pic.twitter.com/0BZM5D2qvF

— Brooklyn Daily Eagle (@BklynEagle) July 18, 2016

- Cops fatally shot a gun-wielding man after he pistol-whipped one man, robbed another, then fired at cops in Williamsburg on Sunday. [NY Post]

- Drunken off-duty NYPD cop plows SUV onto Brooklyn sidewalk, killing an MIT student and seriously injuring three others. [NY Daily News]

- Ditmas Park schmuck punched a 70-year-old-man in the face and stole his money in iPod scam. [NY1]

- Some people want to rock the boat in admissions to District 15's middle schools. [The Atlantic]

- Where to get the very best fried pickles in Brooklyn.  [BK Magazine]

- AND ...  5 favorite oyster happy hours.  [BK Magazine]

- Here's the RNC's schedule. [The Hill]

- Gonorrhea may soon be untreatable. [Refinery 29]

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Coworking Spaces in Brooklyn; Security After Nice Attack; Anthony Bourdain and More Brooklyn Briefs

The "Mayor's Restroom" at an East New York town hall. pic.twitter.com/pXuLeuFjST

— Matthew Chayes (@chayesmatthew) July 14, 2016

- Brooklyn driver indicted on manslaughter charges after failure to get his car repaired led to a fatal car crash on Fulton Street in December. [Daily News]

- Young Orthodox Jewish man committed suicide on Wednesday -- the 26th such suicide the New York-area's Orthodox community over past ten months. [Forward]

- Squibb Park Bridge to reopen next spring, 50 percent less bouncy. [Brooklyn Eagle]

- K2 protest held outside Bed-Stuy deli. [CBS]

- A complete list of Brooklyn coworking spaces — locales where you can rent a desk or office by the day, week, or month. [Brownstoner]

- Gov. Cuomo: After Nice attack, NY law enforcement stepping up security at airports, bridges, tunnels and mass transit. [Twitter]

- Globe-trotting foodophile Anthony Bourdain will perform "brutally honest" monologue
 The Hunger at BAM in late November. [Gothamist]

- The historic Lundy’s building on Emmons Avenue continues to deteriorate, despite promises from the owner to patch up the property. [Sheepshead Bites]

- The  Jalopy Theater is putting on Dump Trump Night, a musical revue of satirical songs. [Brokelyn]

- Woman, 60, beaten and raped in Brooklyn building's boiler room by man in maintenance uniform. [Daily News]


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That Brooklyn K2 Zombie Video; Buy Some Pokeman Go Help; and More Brooklyn Briefs

'It looked like a scene out of the Walking Dead'... Brian Arthur Spmg captures shocking footage on his cell phone of multiple people overdosing on the synthetic marijuana K2 in the streets around Brooklyn Community Garden.

- A rash of K2 overdoses that swept through a Brooklyn neighborhood Tuesday has been linked to two shops in Bed-Stuy. [Daily News] Plus: the victims looked like the Walking Dead. [Market Watch]

- That didn't take long: New Yorkers are now offering their Pokemon Go services on Craigslist, for money. [Brokelyn]

- Brooklyn family worries missing mom is being held against her will as her baby marks 1st birthday.[Pix11]

- 3 places to rent affordable camping gear in Brooklyn. [Brokelyn]

- Police are asking the public for assistance locating a Coney Island teenager who went missing last week. [Sheepshead Bites]

- Bay Ridge Summer Stroll starts July 15. [Brooklyn Eagle]

- A list of stupid or dumb places people have wandered into while playing Pokeman Go. [Brooklyn Eagle/AP]

- Trump's VP search enters frenzied phase. [CNN]


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Man Jumps in Front of R Train in Brooklyn; Getting Drunk with Your Dog; and More Brooklyn Briefs

A painting on a building in Manhattan's East side depicts a view from Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo by MK Metz

 - Man dies after jumping in front of R train in Bay Ridge. Train operator in deep shock.  [Daily News]

- Police officer who shot a motorist in Brooklyn was stripped of his badge and gun. [Observer]

- The Brooklyn Historical Society will host a panel discussion Tuesday night featuring writers, activists and entertainers reflecting on the experience of being a Muslim woman in America. [Patch]

- The 14 best places to get drunk with your dog in Brooklyn. [BK Mag]

- Seagull crap is spoiling the waters off Kingsborough.  [Sheepshead Bites]

- No more drills? Now there's an antimicrobial liquid that can be brushed on cavities to stop tooth decay, painlessly. [NY Times]

- NYC patient first to be infected with superbug resistant to antibiotics. [abc7]

- "The sense that something is wrong runs deep among the history community" in New York. [Times Union] 


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Lawsuit Attempting to Halt Sale of Brooklyn Heights Library is Dismissed by Judge

Rendering of library development courtesy of Marvel Architects

 Love Brooklyn Libraries, Inc., a group that had sought to stop the development of the Brooklyn Heights Library, lost its case in court, the Brooklyn Eagle reports.

The group, headed by Brooklyn activist Marsha Rimler, had called the project’s environmental review inadequate. The court dismissed the claims, saying the city had dotted all the environmental  i's and crossed all the t's.

The court also ruled that the lawsuit was not served within the required deadline, and that any extension of the deadline for service would be unwarranted. See Eagle for more.

Judge rules against group trying to halt sale of Brooklyn Heights Library [Brooklyn Eagle]


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Candlelight Vigil in Brooklyn Tonight (Monday) to Mourn Police Killings

Tonight (Monday) at 7:00 PM, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio will hold a candlelight vigil at Grand Army Plaza with police officers, interfaith leaders, and community members.

A statement from the BP's office says the vigil is being held "in the wake of recent acts of violence nationwide, including two men fatally shot by police in Louisiana and Minnesota as well as five Dallas law enforcement officers killed during a protest of police-involved shootings."

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Spend 'A Night at Niblo’s Garden' in Brooklyn this Saturday

Courtesy Green-Wood

Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery is bringing back 'A Night at Niblo’s Garden' this upcoming Saturday, July 16 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Niblo's Garden was an outdoor "pleasure dome" and the premier entertainment house of the 19th century. According to Green-Wood, it was "strung with lights, adorned with fountains and [featured] the top musicians, dancers and entertainers of the time."

Niblo turned his Green-Wood mausoleum (built well in advance) into a pleasure garden as well, "with friends, picnics, and entertainment."

Now Green-Wood and the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus are transforming the mausoleum into a Victorian extravaganza of performing arts.

Author and Niblo expert Ben Feldman will present himself as Niblo. Green-Wood says bring a blanket, snacks, and drinks, and "prepare to be dazzled by 19th-century games, fire eaters, contortionists, and much more – all lit by candles and a starry sky."

$32 for members of Green-Wood and BHS/$37 for non-members.

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Fireworks 2016, Seen From the Brooklyn Waterfront

Photos by MK Metz, McBrooklyn

The lines to get into Brooklyn Bridge Park for the fireworks were pretty long but not quite as bad as last year, it seemed. Above you can see folks queued up on Old Fulton Street, hours before the show.

Everyone had to get their bags checked at the police checkpoint. Kind of annoying but it moved pretty fast, considering the numbers.

The rain stopped right on time and the fireworks were spectacular again!

We took these from a Brooklyn Heights apartment building, 26th floor, overlooking the Promenade.

Photos by MK Metz

Guess it's time to get back to work...

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Where to Go, What to Do in Brooklyn July 4th Weekend

We've compiled a list of lists: the best ideas for what to do and where to go this 4th of July weekend in Brooklyn. (Some greater NYC ideas included as well!)

- The 25 best cheap things to do in Brooklyn this weekend, Fourth of July! edition. [Brokelyn]

- 4th of July 2016 weekend NYC event guide [Brooklyn Vegan]

- Weekend Events for Brooklyn & NYC: July 1st-4th [A Child Grows in Brooklyn]

- What to Do this Weekend? [Brooklyn Eagle]

- Where to watch the 4th of July fireworks in Brooklyn. [Brooklyn Eagle]

- Some more ideas of where to watch the fireworks. [Mommy Poppins]

- Where to watch the fireworks if you want to pay for a spot. [amNY]


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