...and Seventh Street and Avenue A...
Spend the rest of this rainy day looking at the 1,000-plus set of photos here.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Avenue A and Tompkins Square Park in the rain — circa 1967
A reader passed along a link to these James Jower photos from the George Eastman House Collection on Flickr... rain photos circa 1967 in Tompkins Square Park...
...and Seventh Street and Avenue A...
Spend the rest of this rainy day looking at the 1,000-plus set of photos here.
...and Seventh Street and Avenue A...
Spend the rest of this rainy day looking at the 1,000-plus set of photos here.
About the fire on East Ninth Street last evening
Last evening, an East Ninth Street resident told us about a fire on the block near Second Avenue...
[via]
According to DNAinfo, the blaze started in the second floor of 323 E. Ninth St. There were no injuries. The FDNY had the fire under control in less than 30 minutes.
According to DNAinfo, the blaze started in the second floor of 323 E. Ninth St. There were no injuries. The FDNY had the fire under control in less than 30 minutes.
Week in Grieview: Cheap beer, fast summer
Inexpensive grocery store beer here (Thursday)
A giant chipmunk (Monday)
Part of Sky East turning into an NYU overflow dorm (Tuesday)
The summer is going by too quickly, probably (Friday)
Why Cooper Union was a hotel for a day (Wednesday)
More about the BMW Guggenheim VIP opening-night party (Monday)
Montek Creperie closes (Thursday)
CB3/SLA recap (Wednesday)
Checking in on the TSP Ratstravaganza (Monday)
Crusty slumber party (Tuesday)
And after a rather unkind visit by the DOH, Mamani Pizza reopened this past week on Avenue A... having improved its score from a 64 to a 9, per the DOH website ...
NYPD asking for your help in the Gavin DeGraw beating; plus, other important questions!
As every media outlet in the media outlet world reported, some people jumped pop singer Gavin DeGraw early Monday morning on First Avenue near Sixth Street... According to his website, he suffers from a concussion, broken nose, black eyes, cuts and bruises.
Now, the NYPD has papered the First Avenue corridor with these flyers...
Meanwhile, several important questions remain. Such as:
1) Who, exactly, is Gavin DeGraw anyway?
Good question! One that several readers asked after reading about all this. I don't know much about him either. So, according to Wikipedia: Gavin Shane DeGraw (born February 4, 1977) is an American musician and singer-songwriter. He is known for his songs "Chariot", "Follow Through", "I Don't Want to Be" (which is featured as the theme song for the television drama series One Tree Hill (since 2003), and "In Love with a Girl."
2) Was he drunk at the time of the attack?
Some reports suggest that he had left a "group of drinking buddies" and was walking alone at the time of the attack. However! His brother told the Post that Gavin was not drunk when the incident occurred and that he "had nothing but cranberry juice to drink" that night.
3) What does he remember about the attack?
Not much, apparently! "Honestly, I don't remember much. I only know I can recover from here," he tweeted on Aug. 9.
4) How many people jumped him?
News sources have mentioned two and three assailants.
5) Did the people know that he was some famous singer-songwriter?
Apparently not, according to anonymous sources at the Daily News.
6) Why did the assailants jump him?
Well, you can likely insert a joke here about people not liking his music. But! According to this report — "These guys jumped him out of nowhere," a source close to the singer told Us Weekly. "It's weird because they didn't take anything, I think they did it for sport."
7) Are there witnesses?
Apparently not, per the Daily News again. Which is why the NYPD is posting the flyers along First Avenue hoping to catch a break.
8) Why are you writing about this?
Because it happened in the neighborhood. Plus! SEO!
Now, the NYPD has papered the First Avenue corridor with these flyers...
Meanwhile, several important questions remain. Such as:
1) Who, exactly, is Gavin DeGraw anyway?
Good question! One that several readers asked after reading about all this. I don't know much about him either. So, according to Wikipedia: Gavin Shane DeGraw (born February 4, 1977) is an American musician and singer-songwriter. He is known for his songs "Chariot", "Follow Through", "I Don't Want to Be" (which is featured as the theme song for the television drama series One Tree Hill (since 2003), and "In Love with a Girl."
2) Was he drunk at the time of the attack?
Some reports suggest that he had left a "group of drinking buddies" and was walking alone at the time of the attack. However! His brother told the Post that Gavin was not drunk when the incident occurred and that he "had nothing but cranberry juice to drink" that night.
3) What does he remember about the attack?
Not much, apparently! "Honestly, I don't remember much. I only know I can recover from here," he tweeted on Aug. 9.
4) How many people jumped him?
News sources have mentioned two and three assailants.
5) Did the people know that he was some famous singer-songwriter?
Apparently not, according to anonymous sources at the Daily News.
6) Why did the assailants jump him?
Well, you can likely insert a joke here about people not liking his music. But! According to this report — "These guys jumped him out of nowhere," a source close to the singer told Us Weekly. "It's weird because they didn't take anything, I think they did it for sport."
7) Are there witnesses?
Apparently not, per the Daily News again. Which is why the NYPD is posting the flyers along First Avenue hoping to catch a break.
8) Why are you writing about this?
Because it happened in the neighborhood. Plus! SEO!
[EVG Flashback] The Lower East Side: There goes the neighborhood
On occasion we'll revisit an old EVG blog post ... like this one from June 6, 2008 ...
That's the headline for the May 28, 1984, New York magazine cover story that I recently came across. The piece begins in the early 1980s with the rotting hulk of the Christodora and the young man eager to own it, Harry Skydell.
Skydell's enthusiasm was indeed mysterious. The sixteen-story building he wanted to buy, on Avenue B facing Tompkins Square Park, was surrounded by burned-out buildings that crawled with pushers and junkies. It was boarded up, ripped out, and flooded...Early in the seventies, the city had put up the Christodora up for auction and nobody bid.
The building was eventually sold in 1975 for $62,500. (Last I saw, two-bedroom units there -- roughly 1,100 square feet -- average $1.6 million or so. Of course, they're rarely available.)
The article talks about the influx of chain stores, art galleries and chic cafes. "And real-estate values are exploding" as a result. Said one longtime resident on the changes: "I've lived in my rent-controlled apartment for years and pay $115 a month. I live on the Lower East Side. The young kids who just moved in upstairs and pay $700 a month for the same space -- they live in the East Village."
There are so many interesting passages in the article by Craig Unger that I'd end up excerpting the whole thing. So it's below. You can click on each image to read it. Meanwhile, what do you think would be the headline for this story today?
That's the headline for the May 28, 1984, New York magazine cover story that I recently came across. The piece begins in the early 1980s with the rotting hulk of the Christodora and the young man eager to own it, Harry Skydell.
Skydell's enthusiasm was indeed mysterious. The sixteen-story building he wanted to buy, on Avenue B facing Tompkins Square Park, was surrounded by burned-out buildings that crawled with pushers and junkies. It was boarded up, ripped out, and flooded...Early in the seventies, the city had put up the Christodora up for auction and nobody bid.
The building was eventually sold in 1975 for $62,500. (Last I saw, two-bedroom units there -- roughly 1,100 square feet -- average $1.6 million or so. Of course, they're rarely available.)
The article talks about the influx of chain stores, art galleries and chic cafes. "And real-estate values are exploding" as a result. Said one longtime resident on the changes: "I've lived in my rent-controlled apartment for years and pay $115 a month. I live on the Lower East Side. The young kids who just moved in upstairs and pay $700 a month for the same space -- they live in the East Village."
There are so many interesting passages in the article by Craig Unger that I'd end up excerpting the whole thing. So it's below. You can click on each image to read it. Meanwhile, what do you think would be the headline for this story today?
Saturday, August 13, 2011
[EVG Flashback] Subway mascot gets snappy new costume, cape, mouth — and name!
On occasion we'll revisit an old EVG blog post ... like this one from July 21, 2009 (the comments were good)...
At Second Avenue and St.Mark's. Whoa! Look at all the changes. The Subway Dude is now Subman! And he has teeth! And more veggies! And he no longer wears the old-man shoes. Look at the yellow boots! And those arms!
Previously on EV Grieve:
It's Feb. 18, and we've already exceeded our quota for stories on Subway for 2009
February Subway dude photo via Slum Goddess.
At Second Avenue and St.Mark's. Whoa! Look at all the changes. The Subway Dude is now Subman! And he has teeth! And more veggies! And he no longer wears the old-man shoes. Look at the yellow boots! And those arms!
Previously on EV Grieve:
It's Feb. 18, and we've already exceeded our quota for stories on Subway for 2009
February Subway dude photo via Slum Goddess.
The New York City Marble Cemetery is open to visitors today
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ... A serene setting free of loudmouths... Second Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue...
[Bobby Williams]
And... upcoming dates...
Summer Neighborhood Open Days
Sunday, September 11th
11 a.m. to p.m.
~~~~~~
Fall Open Weekend
Saturday and Sunday
October 15th and 16th, 2011
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information please visit the cemetery website.
And... upcoming dates...
Summer Neighborhood Open Days
Sunday, September 11th
11 a.m. to p.m.
~~~~~~
Fall Open Weekend
Saturday and Sunday
October 15th and 16th, 2011
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information please visit the cemetery website.
And now, photos of a squirrel trying to steal a bike on East Sixth Street
Caught the bastard red, um, handed last evening...
Noted
This morning on Avenue A at 10th Street... Who do you suppose did this? The rats? The bridesmaid party last night? The usual weekend idiots (a pretty broad group)?
A brake in the action
A reader notes this Alfa Romeo on Stanton Street with a curious sign on its windshield...
"Be careful. Brakes Failing."
The reader asks good questions: Why would someone put this sign on their car? Do they expect someone to steal it, and they just want to warn them about the failing brakes? Or maybe someone put the sign on the car as a joke? Or...
"Be careful. Brakes Failing."
The reader asks good questions: Why would someone put this sign on their car? Do they expect someone to steal it, and they just want to warn them about the failing brakes? Or maybe someone put the sign on the car as a joke? Or...
Friday, August 12, 2011
Planning meeting to occupy Wall Street in Tompkins Square Park tomorrow
The planning to occupy Wall Street continues tomorrow at 5 p.m. with a meeting in Tompkins Square Park...
More details here.
More details here.
A look at the new-look Sidewalk, now with 'boozy $10 milkshakes'
As we first reported, Sidewalk closed its doors on Avenue A and Sixth Street for renovations on March 1. The bar and music venue is open now; and the whole place will be ready Monday.
Gothamist got a look inside the renovated space, and notes that the new management is focusing on more quality food and drinks, including "boozy $10 milkshakes."
Per Jamie Feldmar at Gothamist:
The newly renovated space is making food a top priority, with all day-and-night breakfast platters like crème brûlée French toast with bacon, plus dinners like Israeli-style chicken schnitzel and the aforementioned line of spiked milkshakes, with options like the Monkey Business (bourbon, banana, peanut butter, chocolate, ice cream) and Grasshopper (whipped cream vodka, crème de minthe, coffee liquor, ice cream).
Previously.
Breaking: The summer is going by too quickly
Or around the time that I toss the (unread) Summer Fun issues of various local publications that I was saving. And I have yet to go to Coney Island ... didn't make it to Belmont Park ... Let's focus now on fall movies! Fall fashions! Football! Best fall getaways. 10 books that you need to read this fall. Then in October, I'll have another post on how quickly fall has passed.
Anyway, in general, kind of a lousy summer? Yes? (No?)
Speaking of the summer going by too quickly...
...an offer for this appeared in my inbox this week...
The Department of Health is ready for the Big Gay Ice Cream Shop
The Big Gay Ice Cream Shop is one of notable yet-to-open East Village food shops/restaurants — including Tompkins Square Bagels and The Cardinal — to have a blank page on the DOH website. Apparently the DOH is just waiting to stop by! Make sure you have those food allergy information posters conspicuously posted!
How about a few of these for Tompkins Square Park?
A reader passed along this photo taken in Stuyvesant Square Park. It likely wouldn't stop the likes of the notorious Pigeon Lady, but, perhaps, the sign would give other people pause.
Meanwhile, The Villager weighs in with an editorial on the TSP Ratstravaganza in this week's edition. You can read that here.
Poker den folds in the East Village; shuffles off to Midtown
On Wednesday, a reader noted that Chico was painting this "for rent" sign above the retail space at 27 Avenue C between Second Street and Third Street. It looks like a typical storefront. However, since late June, New York City Poker had been operating out of the space.
The Poker folks closed the place on Aug. 1, choosing to move to larger quarters in Midtown. Per the New York City Poker website:
Why is NYC Poker Tour relocating?
• Friday, July 29th 2011, there were too many effing people. With only 4 poker tables and a wait list of 25+ people there was mayhem. It was hot. It was disorganized.
• Our venue was wonderful. Previously, it was a poker room and had tons of nostalgia, plus room for improvements. At first I really wanted to spruce up the place, but in the end popular opinion wanted a complete renovation. After reviewing the financials it just seemed smarter to relocate.
• The location was near some train lines, but was not central to Manhattan or easy to travel to at all times, so for our next venue we look to be more accessible by mass transit and near easier parking.
• Security. Security. Security. Our storefront was great, but security is really important, so for our next venue players will need to do more than just knock on the door.
Speaking of security, Ian Duncan reported at the Local East Village on Aug. 2 that two armed men robbed the club on July 30. The robbers — who weren't wearing masks — left with $6,500 in cash and a Medicaid card, according to the Local. The operator, Jeremy Martin, told Duncan that the robbery played a major part in the decision to move.
P.S.
Go here if you want to read about their new home on West 35th Street.
'Crazy Landlord' finally getting his wish on Second Avenue?
Several readers told us that workers were putting up a sidewalk shed yesterday at Third Street and Second Avenue, home to the infamous "crazy landlord" who "must rent this store."
[Photo by Bobby Williams]
One reader asked a worker if this meant the space had been rented. "Yeah... I guess so," the worker said.
According to the DOB, plans to for a "new storefront and interior renovation" were disapproved in July. However, last week, the DOB did OK plans to erect the sidewalk shed here. The plans for the Belgian ale house — a "sexier Balthazar" — are apparently dead for the space.
One reader asked a worker if this meant the space had been rented. "Yeah... I guess so," the worker said.
According to the DOB, plans to for a "new storefront and interior renovation" were disapproved in July. However, last week, the DOB did OK plans to erect the sidewalk shed here. The plans for the Belgian ale house — a "sexier Balthazar" — are apparently dead for the space.
Monday new Last Night for Banjo Jim's
Banjo Jim's has been able to squeak out a little more time before closing its doors for good (originally set for Aug. 2) ... per the Banjo Jim's website, Monday is the grand finale.
And as the site shows, random musicians have by stopping by to play...
And as the site shows, random musicians have by stopping by to play...
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Peels by numbers
On the Bowery at Second Street today. (At first look, I thought the artist was drawing the dumpster... but it's just the angle of the easel...) Photo by Bobby Williams.
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