
Lousy news here outside Gem Spa…

Photos by Bobby Williams
Wait, what? A Lou Reed TV commercial from 1974? At the height of his speed-shooting, bleached-blonde black nail-polish bi/gay persona? That’s right, apparently someone thought it was a good idea to push the Rock-n-Roll Animal’s career over the airwaves before it peaked. It’s not like a stone cold FREAK such as Lou Reed was going to get on American television otherwise was it?
Led Zeppelin immortalized the twin tenements at 96 and 98 St. Mark’s Place between First Avenue and Avenue A on the Physical Graffiti album cover. The award-winning design featured the two buildings (with the fourth floors removed to make them fit the square shape of the album cover) with the windows cut out to reveal the letters of the album title printed on the inner sleeve, or, if the sleeve was reversed, a series of images of different characters seeming to occupy the building, including lead-singer Robert Plant in drag.
You won’t find a more magical place than East 12th Street, an exquisite five bedroom, three bathroom townhouse with a private terrace in the East Village. Spanning four floors, this home is full of delightful details, including the vintage wallpapers and multi-coloured doorknobs that are sprightly backdrops to your tastemaker host’s beautiful, eclectically chic décor.
Right now, Facebook has more than 100 engineers in the New York offices working on Pages, Location, Newsfeed, mobile, AI, and infrastructure, but 2014 represents a growth year in terms of NYC hires. More than 320 people work in FBNY overall. With more space in the office, and plans to hire more engineers, that number should rapidly grow throughout the next year.
Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space to Host “ABC’s of Squatting In NYC”
Thursday, February 27, 7 PM at MoRUS
Beyond the ideologies associated with the urban lore of squatting are practical knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to reclaim abandoned, public space. Activists Frank Morales and Bill Timesup will lead a discussion about occupying neglected buildings and vacant lots to restore them to usefulness and vitality on Thursday, February 27 at 7 PM at the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space (MoRUS), 155 Avenue C between 9th and 10th Streets.
Morales, a Lower East Side native and political activist whose work with squatters dates back to the 1970s when he served as an Episcopal priest in the Bronx, and Bill Timesup, founder of the environmental action group Time’s Up!, co-founder of MoRUS, will share the vast resources gleaned from their combined experiences. The two-hour session will include a slide presentation and Q&A on tools, building systems and the nuts and bolts of squatting in New York City in 2014. Attendance open to the public and free-of-charge but a suggested donation of $5 is always appreciated and in return, will include a copy of Morales’ zine, “The ABC’s of Squatting.”
Transform any room into a delicious blast from the past. These delightful candles are sure to sweeten up your day.
@RecruitingGeek @evgrieve Good riddance! Was the worst #USPS #PostOffice in America. Maybe now my mail will actually be delivered.
— Zr. King (@zoctorking) February 21, 2014
"@evgrieve: Whoa, the Peter Stuyvesant Post Office on E. 14th St. closes for good TODAY http://t.co/7LZf3tYLku" amen. Worst post office ever
— John Gannon (@johnmgannon) February 21, 2014
“@evgrieve: Whoa, the Peter Stuyvesant Post Office on E. 14th St. closes for good TODAY" @ashleyanndarcy ! Because it is a hell hole!!!!!!!
— Very Leah M. Buffalo (@Leah_Buffalo) February 21, 2014
@evgrieve Worst. Post Office. Ever. Possibly in the world.
— CrossFit East River (@CFEastRiver) February 21, 2014
The Roost is a hideout that pays homage to iconic spaces of the past where high and low can find common ground and drink, eat, laugh and carouse together.
[T]he new spot will celebrate Southern foodways through dishes like caramelized brisket meat loaf with smoky plantain crème, sunchoke and house-made ricotta “tater tots” and Carolina Gold rice risotto with butter beans and pickled egg yolk. To pair with the chefs’ modern takes on Southern dishes, the restaurant will serve an all-American beer and wine list with a focus on craft brews from the South. The chefs are also forming a partnership with Mama’s Bar next door to offer a hip, Southern gastropub late-night menu and weekend brunch.