Don't be shy, ladies and gentlemen... step right up!

Earlier today in Tompkins Square Park. By Bobby Williams.

Chico creating a mural honoring Bob Arihood at Ray's Candy Store

In progress now on Avenue A. We understand that it will be a portrait of Bob on one side... and Ray on the other side. Photo via Single Linds Reflex.

And here are two more in-progress photos... via @biggayicecream ...

'There is still community in the East Village'

East Village resident (and reporter) Lilly O'Donnell wrote an essay on last night's Bob Arihood memorial for Gothamist. An excerpt:

[T]here was a sense that one more piece of “the old neighborhood” was gone. "I hope this is not a wake for the East Village itself,” said Eddie Dunn, who has lived in the neighborhood for half a century. “He represented something that’s disappearing.”

But the crowd that gathered in front of Ray’s Candy Store on Avenue A proved that there is still community in the East Village, no matter how much people like to say otherwise.

Read the whole essay here.

At the memorial for Bob Arihood last night

Community members gathered last night outside Ray's on Avenue A to honor their friend Bob Arihood, who recently passed away... Several people, including Ray, John Penley, Clayton Patterson and Chico, talked about their longtime friend...

Bobby Williams was there and took these photos...

...and Jewels even pulled down his pants in Bob's honor... an act that Bob caught on film many times through the years.

BoweryBoogie has more here ... including a video. Jill posts her thoughts from last night here. Patrick Hedlund filed his report for DNAinfo here.

One attendee remarked how strange it was not to see Bob there, standing in the background, chatting, observing ... and taking photos... a sentiment that we'll likely be thinking at every local event in the weeks and months to come...

There's talk of a memorial concert in Bob's honor Saturday afternoon in Tompkins Square Park. We'll pass along the details once organizers finalize the plans.

Updated:
Dave on 7th passes along this photo from 6:15 this morning... candles still burning brightly...

On East 12th Street, a 'rambling home' renting for $18,500 monthly

So 215 E. 12th St. is now on the market. Here's what you get for $18,500 a month these days. Per the Stribling listing:

Majestic 4 story 25 foot wide townhouse brimming with original detail, charm and a chic sensibility. Even the toughest critic will be impressed by the sheer scale and expanse of the 43 foot living and dining room situated on the parlour floor. This dramatic north and south facing room has two wood burning fireplaces,14 foot ceilings and 9'4" windows. The huge renovated eat in kitchen,(30'x7'8") with beautiful marble counters and floors, high end appliances,including a 6 burner restaurant grade stove, has a door to the small terrace and a staircase to the enormous garden which is 45'4x25. The 3rd floor has the large bright master bedroom (15'7x22) with dressing room, a sitting/tv area and ensuite good condition original bath. Travel down the hall to the 2nd bedroom across from the hall bath. Upstairs are 3 additional bedrooms,a tv/playroom and a large renovated bath with 2 sinks, soaking tub, double shower and 2 windows. The entry floor has laundry/mudroom and an additional room that could be a bedroom/office which has access to the garden. This light filled, rambling home has 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, high ceilings, dramatic arched doorways, hardwood floors,laundry and a large garden. Owner prefers to rent furnished but unfurnished is possible — pets on a case by case basis

Hey, why isn't there a mention of that backyard basketball hoop in the listing?

Holy Basil remains closed for 'technical difficulties'

A reader notes that Holy Basil, the second-floor Thai eatery on Second Avenue near Ninth Street, remains closed for "technical difficulties," according to their outgoing message. They have been closed for a week. The place is sealed up ...

...with no sign of explanation for diners...

Well, the DOH socked them with 110 violation points, and temporarily closed them last week... the DOH report is as ugly as it gets... "evidence" of live mice, roaches, etc.

Rite Aid paints over a memorial on Avenue D

In late September, friends of 22-year-old Makever “Keba” Brown created a memorial for him along the wall of Rite Aid on Avenue D...

On Sept. 13, Brown was struck and killed on the FDR during a police pursuit, as DNAinfo reported.

Several readers have since pointed out that Rite Aid has painted over the tributes...

Yummy House-Plump Dumpling mashup is now called Yummy Dumpling

Back in March, Yummy House closed on Third Avenue... and moved in with Plump Dumpling on Second Avenue at 11th Street...

Apparently, they have decided on a name...

And our money was on Plump House...

h/t @marytom

Company under new ownership, closed for renovations

Several readers noted that Company, the bar on East 10th Street just west of First Avenue, is currently closed for renovations...

The sign notes they'll reopen Thursday... and that they are under new ownership... In July, the CB3/SLA committee allowed a transfer of the liquor license in an ownership change here...

Heartbreak at Heartbreak

Eater noted the great news/awful news for Heartbreak, the Germanic-themed restaurant on Second Avenue and Second Street ... they were included in the recently unveiled Michelin New York restaurant guide this year ... Unfortunately, as Eater also reported yesterday, Heartbreak is currently "closed for renovations." So they won't be able to immediately take advantage of the Michelin windfall...

Avenue A, 8:09 p.m., Oct. 4

At the memorial for Bob Arihood outside Ray's. More photos tomorrow.

Photo by Faces.

Looking at the new IHOP sidewalk canopy

Workers put it up this morning...

And what about the large opening on either side...?

Bob Arihood obit in the Daily News; plus a gathering tonight at Lucy's

Bob Arihood's obituary appears today in the Daily News, though it's not online.

The feature includes a quote from Bob's brother Leslie, his only surviving relative, and offers other biographical information, such as that he graduated from Purdue University in 1968. Bob lived in Chicago briefly before settling in the East Village in 1970. Said his longtime friend Jefferson Siegel: "He was the conscience of the East Village."

According to an autopsy cited by the Daily News, Bob died of cardiovascular disease.

In addition to the candlelight vigil tonight at 8 outside Ray's... we received the following information:

There will be a gathering of Bob's friends tonight at 7 at Lucy's at 135 Avenue A near Ninth Street.

A memorial is being planned, possibly for this weekend.

Claim: East Village super holding Time Warner hostage for free cable

We've heard that some people in certain sections of the East Village are without Time Warner Cable/Road Runner service.

Last night, Adam called Time Warner and got a rather unexpected response. He documents what happened at Adam's Life. To an excerpt!

Finally, I connected with a service rep. He sounded young. Stumbled a little bit over the script he was reading. I assume he's new. This will be important in a moment. I asked him what the heck was happening. And he told me this:

The box that controls the cable, internet, pretty much everything else for Time Warner Cable in my area of the East Village is located in the basement of a building. In order to service this box, Time Warner Cable needs to contact the super of the building and be let in.

The super of the building, according to the service rep, REFUSES TO LET TIME WARNER INSIDE.

"Why is he refusing?" I asked.

"He wants free cable," the rep responded.

Apparently, Time Warner has tried to reason with the man, but he refuses to budge. Today, he's refused to answer the door or his phone. He's cut off all communication.

"It's a very unusual situation," the rep said.

To top if off, the rep gave Adam the super's address. Adam is mulling his next move. Read the whole post here.