Exclusive: Today is Election Day

Heh. Just taking a quick look back at the political landscape in the neighborhood (and beyond) from this election year...

George Carlin on voting: "The public sucks"

From his ninth HBO special taped at the Beacon Theater.

Noted

A statement from Mickey Leigh:

"It has been brought to my attention that Linda Cummings, using the name 'Ramone,' has recently been in the media joining with the Palin family and the McCains to attempt to aid their campaign for the Presidency. As a President of Ramones Productions, and brother of Joey Ramone, I just want it to be clear that Linda Cummings does not represent the political views of the Ramones. Surely, as for Joey Ramone, the only Ramones song he would sing at a Republican campaign event would be 'Glad To See You Go!'" (Brooklyn Vegan)

Ohh..."Glad to See You Go." Yes!

The renovation of St. Brigid's is under way; permit to demolish the church has been removed

You may remember that, despite the $20 million anonymous donation to save St. Brigid's on Avenue B and Eighth Street, the Archdiocese of New York still had the demolition permits on file as of September. No more. Edwin Torres, chairman of the committee to Save St. Brigid's, told his supporters last month that the permits had been withdrawn. Phew. Meanwhile, the renovation begins/continues. We've seen several workers there during recent walks by the 160-year-old church.

Torres said that the Archdiocese has retained architects and other professionals necessary for the renovation. The first step, though: asbestos removal. No word on how long this could take...Aug. 15, 2009?

Warning to fans of the old Rififi space: Please cover your eyes

The transformation of the Rififi/Cinema Classics space (former home to comedy, music, burlesque and dance, etc.) on 11th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue continues. Soon this, uh, very pinkish facade will be home to the thrift/consignment shop Buffalo Exchange.

The Day of the Dead Ride

Yesterday marked the Day of the Dead Ride in the East Village as the group celebrated cyclists -- both present and past. According to times-up.org, "We will bike and dance our way through the East Village, visiting ghost bikes, honoring the memory of those who have been killed, and demanding safe streets so that future riders can ride peacefully in a sustainable city." New York magazine reports there are 35 ghost bikes in the five boroughs.

Here, the group remembered Brandie Bailey, who was struck and killed in May 2005 by a private sanitation truck on East Houston Street near Essex Street. She was 21.

Henry Street, 2:50 p.m., Nov. 2

On 11th Street today

Fall Community Day at the 11th Street Community Garden between Avenue A and First Avenue from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

It's also a chance to see the construction taking place along the south side of the street between Avenue A and First Avenue.

Meanwhile, on 11th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue, this sucker is going up on the north side...

Not to mention the many fro-yo shops...

From a New York Times article today titled "Some tourists don't need advice":

A young couple from Zaragoza, Spain, said that what made their trip was the decision to stay in the St. Marks Hotel in the East Village, as opposed to a more traditional Midtown location. “The St. Marks is not a grand hotel,” said Jesús Longares, a 32-year-old engineer. “But it is in a fascinating area. There are many contrasts. You can see a store specializing in comics, and then a boutique for Goths.”

In honor of the New York City Marathon today

Two scenes from the 1976 classic Marathon Man:

Sale Saturday (and Sunday)

The next few Saturdays and Sundays in the school yard on Fourth Street between Avenue B and Avenue C.

Noted

Third Avenue near 11th Street.