Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Greenpoint Open Studios Kicks Off This Weekend, Oct. 3

Catch the launch party Friday night at Dirck the Norseman, then check out the open studios all over Greenpoint.

Friday, Oct. 3rd, 8-11pm: Launch Party at Dirck the Norseman (7 N 15th Street). Open bar for participating artists from 8-9pm + snacks. DJOMGWEBCATS plays all night.

Saturday, Oct. 4th, 12-6pm: Open Studios. Artists welcome visitors to their studios.

Sunday, Oct. 5th, 12-6pm: Open Studios.

Sunday, Oct. 5th, 6-8pm: Wrap party at t.b.d. (224 Franklin Street). Outdoor BBQ + 1 free drink for GOS participating artists!

Greenpoint Open Studios schedule here.


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NYU Stamps Its Feet, Gets Rid of Nurses Union at LICH

Photo by MK Metz
NYU doesn't have to keep its promise to hire back nurses at the LICH ER after all!

After some backroom nudging by the state, a judge ruled that that pesky little promise in Fortis' winning proposal is just wind and air . . .

Not does Fortis have to provide affordable housing. Or anything else that was in their proposal!

All the other bidders had to comply with what they promised in their proposals. That's how they were ranked, after all.

For Fortis, their proposal is . . . just wind and air . . .


Brooklyn judge rules against nurses in NYU - LICH case [Brooklyn Eagle]

Judge dismisses nurses suit, clears path for NYU at LICH  [CapitalNY]


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Still More Photos of the DUMBO Arts Festival 2014

If you haven't gotten your fill of all of the zany, boingy, odd and artistic persons, places and things that inhabited DUMBO this weekend, check out these photos of the DUMBO Arts Festival 2014.

Art Is Me Art Is You procession winds down Main Street. All photos by MK Metz

A giant dog made out of cardboard boxes.

"Circle Circus" in the Lounge

DADA with En Masse

See the little pink footprints painted on the tracks? They're by Karen Mamenti

"Hair Cuts" by Broke Lyn
"Hair Cuts" by Broke Lyn 2

"House of Strength" performance piece

Cards and coins were on the street.

Here's what they said.

"Sun Speak II" The tube changes color as you or your partner speaks. All photos by MK Metz
More photos at the Brooklyn Eagle and Gothamist.

Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

Friday, September 26, 2014

Brooklyn BP Adams Miffed that de Blasio, Cuomo Seem to Be Overlooking Terror Threat to Brooklyn

Photo: MK Metz
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams feels Brooklyn was dissed  by Cuomo and de Blasio in Thursday's subway terror optics.

According to the Brooklyn Eagle:

 “I do want to express my disappointment in Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio for missing the mark today on assuring this entire city, not just those in Manhattan, that their security is a top priority,” Adams said.

Adams said the two officials' "symbolic subway rides followed the typical pattern of ignoring the impact that terror concerns have on Brooklyn and the other boroughs, which are also potentially at risk."

Brooklyn subways have been the target of a terror plan in the past.

More at the Eagle.


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Neil Diamond Playing Secret Show in Brooklyn on Monday

Photo: Alan Topping, Wikimedia
You may not be aware that Brooklyn-born singer-songer Neil Diamond is one of the world's best selling artists of all time. (We didn't know this either until we read it in Wikipedia.)

Despite going to high school in Brooklyn, Brooklyn Vegan reports this could be Neil Diamonsd's first Brooklyn show ever.

The location will be announced Monday (9/29) at 8am by Neil. Doors to the show open at 5pm. Neil plays at 6. Tickets will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

Visit Brooklyn Vegan for more details.

Make sure you read the comments, too. They are a strange combination of helpful, pathetic and randomly hostile.


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Have You Missed Any Snail Mail Recently? Flatbush Postman May Have It In His Living Room

Uploaded to Wikipedia by Centpacrr
A Brooklyn postman has been arrested after about 2,500 pounds of mail postmarked as far back as 2005 was found undelivered in his home and car.

WABC reports that Jospeh Brucato allegedly failed to deliver at least 40,000 pieces of mail along his route from the Ryder Station Post Office in Flatbush.

We would like to know if Brucato is the postal worker connected to the unexplained disappearance of a man's ashes last year.

The man's sister traced them to the Flatbush post office. "I'm not whining about a pair of shoes that's lost in the system. It's my brother. It's my brother," she told 7online.

7online went to the Flatbush office and asked the manager to track down the driver, "and quickly the problem was resolved."


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Thursday, September 25, 2014

Seen In Brooklyn Heights: Can You Guess What This Is?

Photo by MK Metz
This was on a flatbed truck in south Brooklyn Heights. Can you guess what it is?

We'll update this post in a bit.


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Community Boos NYU LICH Fail; Dock Street DUMBO Ginormous; and More Brooklyn Briefs

- Brooklyn community groups, nurses, officials slam NYU failure to keep LICH ER promise. [Brooklyn Eagle]

- Developer replaces big, unpopular Sheepshead Bay condo plan with plan for bigger condo. [Sheepshead Bites] via [Brokelyn]

- New rendering shows how overwhelming the new Dock Street building in DUMBO is. [DumboNYC]

- Michael Grimm: Foreign policy expert. [Brooklyn Eagle]

- Kensington science teacher arrested, accused of sexually abusing five of his students at P.S. 249. [Daily News]

- Two panels on race in Brooklyn. [Brownstoner]

- Crown Heights North 7th Annual House Tour on Oct. 4. [CHN]

- This is what chestnuts look like on a tree. [MatthewWills]

Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Rally for Return of Ambulances: Wed. at LICH in Brooklyn

A speakout to Save LICH takes place today (Wed., Sept. 24) at noon at the LICH ER in Cobble Hill.

Nurses are joining the Brooklyn community to demand return of ambulances to LICH as SUNY and NYU promised in their failed proposal.


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Be an Unpaid Intern for 10 Minutes in DUMBO This Weekend

Courtesy Notion Collective
 The Notion Collective is installing the new HRI, Inc. NYC office for the “Fall 2014 Internship” project at the DUMBO Arts Festival this weekend.

You’ll participate for a 5-10 minute shift as an unpaid intern, immersed in a familiar office setting.

Each intern is asked to complete a simple data entry task — but things aren’t quite what they seem . . .

For information about applying: http://www.hrinyc.com/

Internship takes place at 1 Main.

DAF:
Friday, Sept. 26 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Saturday, Sept. 27 12:00pm to 9:00pm
Sunday, Sept. 28 12:00pm to 6:00pm

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Brooklyn Bridge Before the Bike and Pedestrian Lanes


We were shopping a while back and saw in a store this photo of the Brooklyn Bridge without a bike lane.

The bike / pedestrian lanes were first painted there in the early 70s, according to Wikipedia.

Don't know why there was just one white line painted along the edge.

There used to be flights of steps you had to carry your bike up at two spots along the walkway as well.

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Subway Beating, Dog Show Photos, and Other Brooklyn Briefs

- Woman said she was beaten by three teenage girls at the Seventh Avenue G train stop in Park Slope. [CBS]

- Adorable Brooklyn Heights Dog Show photos. [Brooklyn Eagle]

- Rock Paper Scissors hustler says says that women throw Scissors 70% of the time. [Gothamist]

 - Speed camera issues 6,000 tickets in one day. [Sheepshead Bites]

- Lena Dunham to produce HBO doc about Brooklyn’s LGBTQ tailor. [AV Club]

- Here's the complete entertainment schedule for this Sunday's Atlantic Antic. [Brooklyn Eagle]


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Where to See Big Heads in DUMBO

The Big Heads Brigade: DUMBO Arts Festival
Do you sometimes ask, "Where can I see Big Heads in DUMBO?"

If so, here is your answer!

Performances of the Big Head Brigade will take place at 12:00, 1:30, 3:00 and 5:00 at the DUMBO Arts Festival 2014 on Saturday and Sunday.

“Frog Went a Courtin’”, performers Ben Parish and Jessica Hallman walk hand in hand, at noon, stopping occasionally to perform their rendition of the classic folk song “Frog Went a Courtin’”
Double headed Frog/Mouse heads by Megan Marlatt

“Free Style Rappers”, moving to the beat, Danielle and Megan groove out to rap music at 1:30 p.m.
Trinidad Jones and Drake heads by Danielle Loleng

“Angel, Artist, Devil”, The Artist walks in between the Angel and the Devil, while the later fight over who will win her soul. They march to the sound of TIC-TOC. 3 p.m.
Angel, Artist and Devil heads by Megan Marlatt

“Critics at Large”, two mechanics of the Cultural Industry, Big Head Jerry Saltz and Roberta Smith wear grey, mechanic overalls and go gallery hopping with clip boards and very big pencils. They give the thumbs up to all of Dumbo’s artists. 5 p.m.
Concept by Katarina Wong, heads by Megan Marlatt

DUMBO Arts Festival:

Friday, Sept. 26 ,6:00pm to 9:00pm
Saturday, Sept. 27, 12:00pm to 9:00pm
Sunday, Sept. 28, 12:00pm to 6:00pm

Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

999 Pink Vibrating Eggs Will Be Duct-Taped To Sculpture in Brooklyn Bridge Park . . .

Part of 'We the People.' Photo by MK Metz

It's almost time . . . for the DUMBO Arts Festival 2014.

Example 1: On September 28 at noon Xiu Xiu will premier a sound installation at Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Using 999 pink vibrating eggs neon duct taped one at a time to the enormous copper sculpture, "We the People," a "clanging and sonorous chord will emerge," says Xiu Xiu.

"As the batteries in the eggs die the pitch of the chord will slowly get lower and quieter until it is silent again."


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Six Weeks Till Election: Today Is National Voter Registration Day

Tuesday is National Voter Registration Day!

Volunteers, celebrities, and organizations will hit the streets to register tens of thousands of voters.

Are you 18? Election Day is November 4. You can register online.


Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Fireworks, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Sept. 21

Photo by MK Metz
Sunday's fireworks cast a magical glow over the East River next to Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 1 and the ferry dock.

The display was set off over New York Harbor at Pier 16 in Manhattan. They celebrated the Indo-American Festival.

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Gowanus Man Deserves Credit for Stopping Montague Street Stabber

EMTs working on victim. Photo by MK Metz, McBrooklyn
Kudos to a brave man from Gowanus who stopped a man who allegedly stabbed his boss on Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights today at roughly 1:15 p.m. According to various reports, the perpetrator was a worker who was angry about not being paid.

According to the Brooklyn Eagle, the attacker fled up Montague Street, striking an innocent passerby while trying to escape, knocking him to the ground and injuring him, as well.

The man from Gowanus grabbed the perp and took his knife from his pocket, then held him in a bank for the cops.

Read the full story of the stabbing, flight and capture here.

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2014 Brooklyn Book Festival: Another Success for Readers and Authors

Brooklyn Book Festival photos by MK Metz
Thousands of lovers of literature and those who create it rubbed shoulders at the ninth Brooklyn Book Festival Sunday in Downtown Brooklyn.

Since the festival began, it has evolved into an enormous event for publishers, writers and readers, who discover new books, genres and authors.

Book lovers strolled from booth to booth, attended workshops in venues like St. Francis College and the Brooklyn Historical Society, and heard authors like Jonathan Lethem, Naiomi Klein, Salman Rushdie, Joyce Carol Oats, Roz Chast and Rita Dove.

These authors spoke on the topic of Sex, Love and Poetry: Angelo Nikolopoulos (Obscenely Yours), Carl Phillips (Silverchest), and Rachel Zucker (The Pedestrians), and a proxy for r. erica doyle. It was moderated by Hafizah Geter, Cave Canem Foundation.

Kids also got to hear authors, and participate in talks -- and did artwork in the Kids Tent.

Photos by MK Metz
Book Festival events continue tonight with CBLDF's Banned Books Week Kick-Off at BRIC, 647 Fulton St., September 22, 6:00pm—9:00pm. Celebrate with the city's greatest graphic novelists.

Also tonight: How We Read Now, at Brooklyn Winery, 213 North 8th St., September 22, 7:00pm—9:00pm
Join The Atavist, Atavist Books, and Graywolf Press for a celebration of several exciting new works, featuring readings by Chris Adrian (The New World), Vikram Chandra (Geek Sublime), Leslie Jamison (52 Blue), Hari Kunzru (Twice Upon a Time). Refreshments provided, books for purchase. RSVP required.

Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

Comptroller Stringer: Fund NYCHA Buildings with Battery Park City Surpluses

The NYCHA dwellings in best condition are in Staten Island. The worst are in the Bronx, followed by Brooklyn. (Stringer)

On Sunday, Comptroller Scott Stringer called for the projected surpluses from the Battery Park City Authority to be directed toward repairs at New York City Housing Authority properties, where conditions have deteriorated significantly in recent years.

In past years, this surplus went towards general affordable housing.

Stringer said federal disinvestment "continues to chip away at NYCHA’s already stressed budget."

“The to-do list at NYCHA is long and getting longer, from broken windows and peeling paint, to faulty heaters and leaking roofs,” he said.

The NYCHA dwellings in best condition are in Staten Island. The worst are in the Bronx, followed by Brooklyn.

The full report on NYCHA housing deterioration is here.

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Friday, September 19, 2014

NYU Pulls Out of LICH Deal in Brooklyn Over Hiring Two Dozen LICH Nurses?

Photo: MK Metz
NYU Langone Medical Center announced late Thursday that it has pulled out of the deal to offer ambulatory care at the LICH site in Cobble Hill.

The withdrawal appears to leave the Fortis Property Group's proposal to buy LICH in tatters, the Brooklyn Eagle reports.

NYU gives as their reason for withdrawing: a lawsuit by NYSNA nurses, who were trying to get NYU to honor their promise to rehire as many of these nurses as posssible.(The promise that was in writing in the Fortis proposal.)

So let's be clear:

NYU is telling northwest Brooklyn that they are walking away from a $150 million state of the art ambulatory care center in Cobble Hill because two dozen nurses wanted them to honor their promise to hire them?

Obviously NYU had very little commitment to the project.


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Thursday, September 18, 2014

LICH Nurses Take Fortis - NYU to Court in Brooklyn Today (Thursday)

Former LICH nurses will be in Brooklyn's state Supreme Court at 10 a.m.today to confront Fortis-NYU about their refusal to keep their promise to hire LICH nurses to work at NYU's clinic at Long Island College Hospital.

As part of the Fortis Property Group’s bid to buy the LICH campus in Cobble Hill, NYU promised to “preserve the legacy of excellent care provided at LICH” by maximizing the number of rehired LICH nurses at the walk-in unit.

Brooklyn politicians recently voiced support for the LICH nurses and other healthcare workers.

State Senator Dan Squadron, Assemblymember Joan Millman, Councilmembers Brad Lander, Carlos Menchaca and Steve Levi, and now  Councilmember Mark Treyger issued statements supporting the workers.


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Frank Seddio's On a Roll


Add that to the Democratic love-fest at Junior's . . . and that's a lot of lovin' for the Brooklyn Democratic Chair.

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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

BPL Board OKs Sale of Brooklyn Heights Library Branch to Hudson Developer


The sale of the Brooklyn Heights branch of the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) to real estate developer the Hudson Companies for $52 million was approved Tuesday evening at the library’s board meeting.

The developer will replace the Heights branch with a smaller branch on the ground floor and part of the basement of a roughly 20-story luxury condo.

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So Many Brooklyn and NYC Politicians, Packed into Juniors

Juniors Restaurant was overrun with Brooklyn Democrats Monday morning, as pols of all stripes made the pilgrimage to pay homage to party boss Frank Seddio, who pulled off a coup during the recent primary.

According to the Brooklyn Eagle, Seddio exuded confidence about Domenic Recchia's chances against Michael Grim:

“What we did with John Sampson, we’re going to do with Domenic Recchia. What we did with Jessie Hamilton, we’re going to do with Dominic Recchia. What we did with Jo Anne Simon, we’re going to do with Domenic Recchia. What we did with Felix Ortiz, we’re going to do with Domenic Recchia!” he said.

Lots of photos of the party-goers accompany the story -- Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, indicted Sen. John Sampson (with his arms around Seddio), Jo Anne Simon, Carlos Menchaca, Jesse Hamilton, Felix Ortiz, Emma Wolfe, and more. (Even Zephyr Teachout, who just happened to show up for breakfast )

Eagle: Praise for Brooklyn’s Democratic leader Seddio at post-primary breakfast



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Sky Gondolas to Connect Brooklyn Neighborhoods to Manhattan?

Roosevelt Island Tramway foggy
Remember when ex-Mayor Michael Bloomberg was considering running aerial gondolas from Brooklyn to Governors Island?

The idea is back, this time with overhead gondolas running from the Brooklyn Navy Yard to Williamsburg, and then from Williamsburg to the Lower East Side.

According to Crain's, the gondolas would eventually branch out to connect Dumbo to the South Street Seaport, and Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and Long Island City, Queens, to Roosevelt Island. (There, the network would meet up with the existing gondola route between Roosevelt Island and Manhattan.)

The idea was proposed Tuesday at the Massey Knakal Brooklyn Real Estate Summi.

Photo by Kris Arnold from New York, USA (Foggy Tram) [CC-BY-SA-2.0, via Wikimedia Commons


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Downtown Brooklyn Thinking Up Ways To Build More Office Space

Photo: MK Metz, McBrooklyn
From Crain's, quote from Tucker Reed, head of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, at the Massey Knakal Brooklyn Real Estate Summit:

<<"We have to start thinking about other tools [to spur Brooklyn office development]," he said, citing examples including the possibility of creating a density bonus, which would allow developers to build more income-generating space than zoning would normally allow, or rethinking zoning laws to help make commercial construction more attractive.>>

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Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Every Ex-Con in Brooklyn Will Be Reporting to Gowanus for Their Parole Meetings Soon

U.S. Dept. of Justice
Surprise, Gowanus! State corrections officials have unveiled plans for a new borough-wide parole reporting center in Gowanus, NY1 reports.

When it opens in January, every parolee in Brooklyn -- some 5,000 -- will have to report there.

While the area is mostly industrial, there are residential blocks nearby and restaurants, art galleries and bars around the corner, including the popular Bell House, NY1 says.

Residents are not happy.

Read NY1 for the whole story.


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DOH Says No Confirmed Cases of Enterovirus D-68 in NYC Yet

States with confirmed cases. CDC
A panic in Borough Park about enterovirus D-68 is unfounded so far, the NYC Dept. of Health told the Brooklyn Eagle on Monday.

The respiratory disease, which hits kids with asthma the hardest, hit upstate NY recently -- but so far no confirmed cases have been found in Brooklyn.

The Health Department is monitoring the situation, DOH told the Eagle.


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Monday, September 15, 2014

Emergency Preparedness Forum at Brooklyn Boro Hall Tuesday, 9/16

Photo: MK Metz
Tuesday at 6:00 PM, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams will host a forum on emergency preparedness with Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Commissioner Joseph Esposito in the courtroom of Brooklyn Borough Hall.

As a part of OEM’s efforts for National Emergency Preparedness Month, the group will explain the measures that city residents can use to be storm-ready during hurricane season as well as response procedures to follow in the wake of a natural disaster.

Also speaking at the forum will include partnering representatives from FDNY, NYPD, FEMA, the American Red Cross, National Grid, and Con Edison.

Residents can get answers to questions like: Where is the closest hospital to Cobble Hill / Red Hook during a disaster; what should we do with the kids now that pediatric surge capacity has been eliminated; how to survive Brooklyn Hospital's emergency room during times of crisis; which hospital will our elected officials go to during a major health event, and how can we get there?


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Brooklyn CB2 Meeting Tonight to Discuss Food Vendor in Cadman Plaza Park and Other Topics

Photo by Amanderson2, Creative Commons
At a CB2 committee meeting on Monday night (tonight), Eitan Adler, a project manager in the revenue division of the Department of Parks and Recreation, will brief the committee and obtain feedback on a pending request for proposals for a food vendor in Cadman Plaza Park. 

(That will be so nice for the rats.)


Also, Tucker Reed, president of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, will present on the local development corporation's plans for "BAM Park," and a string of "open spaces" between Borough Hall and Brooklyn Bridge Park.

September 15, 6 p.m., in the Dining Room A (off of the cafeteria), The Brooklyn Hospital Center, 121 DeKalb Avenue at St. Felix Street, in Fort Greene.


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Sunday, September 14, 2014

R Train From Brooklyn to Manhattan Opens Again Monday Morning

Office of the Governor
Governor Andrew Cuomo personally went down into the Montague Street tubes on Sunday and OPENED UP THE R TRAIN TUNNEL again.

More here.


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NYC P.A. James to Release Report on Improving Nail Salon Safety

By David Shankbone, Flickr
On Monday, New York City Public Advocate Letitia James will release a report at City Hall that says some of those chemicals found at nail salons can be deadly.

Toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate -- known as “the toxic trio” -- are found in many nail products, and they have been linked with reproductive harm, respiratory problems, and cancer, James said in a release.

Generally, there is little-to-no information given to workers, many of whom are recent immigrants, regarding protecting themselves from the chemicals they may regularly come into contact with at nail salons.

At least one report found that “the intensity of exposure for salon workers is 1,200 times what it would be for the average American”.

Though there are almost 5,000 salons throughout New York State, there are only 27 inspectors statewide.

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There Is a Brooklyn Tea Party, and You Can Meet Its President AND Eat Kosher Pizza on Sunday

Not many people know there are Republicans in Brooklyn, but not only do they exist, some of them are Tea Partiers to boot!

If you're curious about what they're up to, here's a notice we received from the Brooklyn Young Republican Club earlier today:

Attention all Tea Party, Republicans, Libertarians, and those just fed-up about Obama and his dismantling of the American system of government: Come visit with the Brooklyn Young Republican Club as President Glenn P. Nocera hosts ABC Radio Personality and President of the Brooklyn Tea Party Frankie “The Kid” Russo.

Seating and space is limited. Kosher pizza and refreshments will be provided compliments of the Brooklyn Tea Party.


Sunday Sept 14, 5PM-6:30PM
616 East 4th Street Brooklyn, NY 11218-4922. The will be held in the Back Yard, between Cortelyou Road and Ditmas Ave.

The address appears to be a private house in Kensington.


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Friday, September 12, 2014

Brooklyn Hospital Affiliates with Mt. Sinai; Watch Out for Rabid Racoons; and More Brooklyn Briefs

Map of rabid animals found in NYC this year. Source: DOH
 - Brooklyn Hospital Center affiliates with Mount Sinai, which is making inroads into LICH's catchment area. [Brooklyn Eagle]

- Rabid raccoons found in NYC this year, including 3 in Brooklyn. [News12 - stub] [Also at DOH.]

Was that Cablevision union opinion poll a "bogus sham?" [Multichannel]

- Want to live in former Brooklyn Nets coach Jason Kidd former apartment? Kidd's digs are up for rent for a paltry $22,000 per month. [The Brooklyn Game]

- Photos from Fort Hamilton's moving 9-11 ceremony. [Brooklyn Eagle]


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Police Are Searching for This Mild Looking Man, Who Is Actually a Creep


This guy put his head up a woman's skirt and then pushed her down the stairs, punching and kicking her, on the Dekalb stop in Brooklyn, NY1 reports.

Call Crimestoppers with any information:  1-800-577-TIPS, or text CRIMES and then enter TIP577, or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.

(We're curious about how cops got such a clear picture.)

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Thursday, September 11, 2014

Sept. 11 Tribute in Light Looks Like It Burned a Hole Through the Sky

Photo: MK Metz
Like many others, we were on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade tonight looking at the 9-11 Tribute in Light.

Way up at the top of the twin blue beams, the clouds moved in such a way as to give the illusion that the lights had burned straight through the sky.

Can't believe it's been 13 years.

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September 11 Space Weather Alert from NOAA Warns of Solar Flare

NOAA
NOAA has issued several Space Weather Alerts for those who might be flying on high-altitude flights or on spaceships today or tomorrow.

On Wednesday a high intensity solar flare erupted from the sun and shot towards Earth. It may affect high frequency (HF) radios and electronics for an hour or so -- but what NOAA is specifically warning about is the unusual amount of " Proton 100MeV Integral Flux," which presents "increased biological risk to astronauts or passengers and crew in high latitude, high altitude flights."

It also puts satellite systems at risk if they suffer a direct hit.

____________________________________

For those who talk geek, here's the warning:

Space Weather Message Code: WARPC0
Serial Number: 78
Issue Time: 2014 Sep 10 2322 UTC

WARNING: Proton 100MeV Integral Flux above 1pfu expected
Valid From: 2014 Sep 10 2330 UTC
Valid To: 2014 Sep 11 2100 UTC
Warning Condition: Onset
Potential Impacts: An enhancement in the energetic portion of the solar radiation spectrum may indicate increased biological risk to astronauts or passengers and crew in high latitude, high altitude flights. Additionally, energetic particles may represent an increased risk to all satellite systems susceptible to single event effects. This information should be used in conjunction with the current Solar Radiation Storm conditions when assessing overall impact.

Space Weather Message Code: WARPX1
Serial Number: 433
Issue Time: 2014 Sep 10 2105 UTC

WARNING: Proton 10MeV Integral Flux above 10pfu expected
Valid From: 2014 Sep 10 2115 UTC
Valid To: 2014 Sep 11 2100 UTC
Warning Condition: Onset
Predicted NOAA Scale: S1 - Minor
Potential Impacts: Radio - Minor impacts on polar HF (high frequency) radio propagation resulting in fades at lower frequencies.


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Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Internet Slowdown Day -- See These Symbols on the Web?

Have you seen this symbol much on the Internet today?

Sept. 10th is the Internet Slowdown

Because cable companies want to slow down many Internet sites, Internet neutrality groups loaded the  web with symbolic "loading" icons today, to remind everyone what an Internet without net neutrality would look like, and drive emails and calls to lawmakers.

Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

Summer Space on Montague Street Sept. 21

Photo: MK Metz
On September 21st, Summer Space returns to Montague Street. The same day as the Brooklyn Book Festival, it features outdoor events, including the Brooklyn Heights Dog Show, live music and dance performances, fitness classes, activities, food samples and more.

It's also a relaxing place to plunk down and nibble on lunch in between Book Festival events.

Summer Space is held on Montague Street between Clinton and Hicks Streets from 12 PM – 5 PM.

Visit the Summer Space information table in front of St. Ann’s Church at 157 Montague Street for a schedule of workshops, performances, and other events.

Scheduled so far are crafts with Etsy, the Dog Show, Yoga, a photo contest, Play Land for the kids, and more.

Previous:

- Summer Space 2013
- Summer Space 2012
- Summer Space 2011
- Summer Space 2010.
- Summer Space in 2009. And here.
- Summer Space 2008 (when it was called "Piazza Day"). And here.

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Pre-Sept. 11 World Trade Center Brochure Sends Shivers Up Your Spine

This pre-Sept. 11, 2001 brochure with the words, "The closest some of us will ever get to heaven" is just plain freaky.


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De Blasio's Endorsement Didn't Really Help Sikora in Joan Millman's Assembly District


Despite the backing of de Blasio, the Working Families Party and multiple union locals, Pete Sikora lost to Jo Anne Simon in Assembly District 52 yesterday. Some voters said they were miffed that de Blasio dissed Simon, the "heir apparent" to Joan Millman. Simon has worked constructively for the community for decades.

These things still count in Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens.

Brooklyn Heights resident Doug Biviano got 7 to 8 percent in the vote.

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Brooklyn DA: Downtown Brooklyn Bank Teller Steals $80,000 from Accounts

Kings County District Attorney Kenneth P. Thompson said Tuesday that a former Brooklyn bank teller has been charged with using her position to funnel more than $80,000 out of numerous customer accounts to pay her family’s bills.

The defendant was ID'd as as Janese Ferguson, 27, of 146 Beach 59th Street (in the Arverne section of Queens).

She was arraigned in Brooklyn Criminal Court on charges of second-degree grand larceny, second-degree forgery, second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument and first-degree identity theft.

She was released without bail and ordered to return to court on October 29. Ferguson faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Thompson said in a statement, “Within just weeks of being hired as a teller, this defendant allegedly stole money from the bank accounts of customers to pay her own bills."

Ferguson had been hired as a teller at the Signature Bank branch at 26 Court Street in Downtown Brooklyn on November 7, 2012. Between December 2012 and April 2014, Ferguson allegedly made 58 unauthorized transactions from 13 different Signature Bank accounts totaling $80,235.38.

According to the complaint, Ferguson made the transactions—mostly electronic transfers--to benefit herself, her husband, Randell Ferguson and her mother, Darlene Brown. Some of the unauthorized transactions included money transfers to pay Ferguson’s student loan bills and her mother’s credit card bills, and to make Western Union wire transfers in Randell Ferguson’s name.

Ferguson also allegedly created counterfeit checks using Signature Bank clients’ accounts and routing numbers, and used the checks to make payments to collection agencies on behalf of her husband.

DA Thompson said the case was brought to him by his new Cybercrimes Unit.


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Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Mad As Hell? Tuesday Is Primary Day and Your Vote Will Actually Do Something

Don't like hospitals and libraries closing? How about crowded schools or condos going up in your park? So few people vote in primaries that the ones who do have the strength of many. So vote, and rule the world.


- Brooklyn cyclist may have found her hit and run driver, but cops too busy to question him.  [Gothamist]

- Illegal pink clothing bins are popping up all over Gowanus. [PMFA]

- Real estate agent boldly re-imagines Bed-Stuy without black people. [Brokelyn]

- In related news, two non-white Brooklyn women tired of 'white people moving into the area' force tenants out at gunpoint. [NY Daily News]

- Brooklyn libraries to have longer hours. [Brooklyn Eagle]

- NYPD launches crackdown on drivers illegally passing school buses. [Sheepshead Bites]

- Drag kings and queens wigged out at the cross-dressing fest Bushwig over the weekend in Bushwick. [Brooklyn Paper]

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Monday, September 8, 2014

Bounce Back to School Carnival at P.S. 9 Brooklyn


P.S. 9 in Prospect Heights is throwing a Bounce Back to School Carnival on Saturday, September 20, from 11am - 5pm.

The school is located at 80 Underhill Avenue (at St. Mark’s Avenue)

2,3 Grand Army Plaza
Q to 7th Avenue

This year’s carnival will feature five Bouncy Houses (including 1 for toddlers), face painting, carnival games and a huge outdoor dance party by Baby Loves Disco. There will be BBQ, drinks, popcorn and other snacks for all to enjoy.

(Rain date - Sunday, September 21st)

What are the entry fees?
$5 /Adult,
$2 Children (Children under 2 Free) – Children’s ticket is good for 1 Free Bounce!

What are the ticket prices?
Tickets for Bounce Houses (1 Ticket), Carnival Games (1 Ticket) and Food (Varies):
1 Ticket – $2
6 Tickets – $10
12 Tickets – $20
All-Day Bounce Bracelet – $35

What form of payment is accepted?
Cash, Visa and Mastercard (Square), pre-purchase will be available.

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Organic '1 Hotel BBP' Construction, Brooklyn Bridge Park

Photo: MK Metz
The 10-story, 193-room "1 Hotel BBP" looms over Brooklyn Bridge Park. The bouncy walkway and Squibb Park have been closed during this phase of construction.

According to the 1 Hotel website, 1 Hotel BBP will be nature-themed: "A place to experience the sensual goodness that comes from the use of reclaimed materials, the freshest organic ingredients and a considered way of doing things."

The hotel will "host indoor and outdoor restaurants using local, organic ingredients, a rooftop terrace, banquet and meeting space, an outdoor pool, spa and fitness center and retail outlets. Brooklyn Bridge Park, which itself represents a unique combination of sustainable preservation amid a vibrant urban environment, provides the perfect location for 1."

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Saturday, September 6, 2014

Cops Headed to Brooklyn Bridge Park to Arrest Disorderly Group

http://www.q1043.com/common/mets-jam/
NYC Mets Jam
Someone always has to spoil the fun.

Police headed to Brooklyn Bridge Park Saturday evening at 6:13 p.m. to round up a disorderly group. The group had created a scene on old Old Fulton Street at Furman Street, near Pier 1 in the park.

A large crowd had gathered at Pier 2 earlier for the NYC Mets Jam Music Festival, with live music and performances, radio DJs, Mets legends, sports games, etc. 

Squibb Bridge has been closed due to the hotel and co-op construction going on around it, so the crowd funnelled to Old Fulton Street.

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