Greenpoint
Lorven Pharmacy
Culture on the Cheap
Coming to the Crosstown Local: Trains of Thought
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Crosstown Local, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Yesterday I went for a walk to Williamsburg. After a mere two hours I was tired and wanted to go home. So I swung over to the Metropolitan Avenue stop of the G and waited.
AND WAITED.
Just as I was musing to myself how the Crosstown Local has an uncanny way of being extremely poky when I really need to go to the bathroom, I was approached by a young lady and gentleman. They asked me if I had any thoughts about the subway system. I smiled and replied:
Right now I am having a great many thoughts about the subway system.
They explained to me that they were working on a project and handed me this card.
They pointed out that the grid of squiggly lines at bottom left was the New York City subway system. I commended them on their rendering and I told them I was able to identify it. I was also able to identify the Tokyo subway system (which is at top right). They seemed really pleased by this. That’s one of the things I like about being an American: people from other countries harbor low expectations of you. But I digress.
As luck would have it just when our conversation was getting interesting lo and behold, the G train showed up! I explained to them I had to go (because I needed to buy groceries and had no idea when the next train would show up— such is the mystery that is the Crosstown Local). I asked how I could contact them and they pointed out an email address on the back of the flier.
Last night I shot them an email (entitled “Trains of Thoughts”):
Hi, I met a man and woman who struck up a conversation with me about this. Surprisingly, the G train showed up (lest you are not aware, it is one of the worst subway lines in NYC) and I had to go. But they gave me your card/flier. What is this about? Are you interviewing people? I’d love to know what you’re up to… (so I can write about it on my website)
And they wrote me back!
hi heather,
how are you?
thank you for responding…
where you the one who said to go the groceries?this is our project
Trains of Thoughts – Teaser from inLoops on Vimeo.
if you are on the subway, we can interview you…
that would be great. …… we are here for about 4 weeks…
if you would post on your website, that we are on this g-train station…
metropolitan to talk to people…
we would so much appreciate the help….you can also post our email adress: info (at) metrophiles (dot) com
everybody who wants to contribute is welcome… 🙂thank you thank you thank you.
I for one am not going to let an opportunity like this slip by. I have a few things I’d like to say about the G train and by gum someone is going to hear it! What’s more, Timo (the gentleman who was so kind as to reply to my email) is darned nice. So I wrote back with a question:
WHEN will you be there (the G train in particular)? Time/date wise?
And he answered!
we are from monday to friday – 11.00 am to 6 pm on the station. saturday as well, but not so fix :)….
we look forward to have as much people as possible… 🙂 its not easy sometimes, so we are happy to get people with that excitement on the project. next 4 weeks… 🙂thank you so much,
best from brooklyn,…timo (& team)
I am very excited about this. In fact, I have told Timo he can expect me to pay him a visit later this week. If you happen to bump into Timo and his partner Katica take a moment of your time and tender your thoughts about the New York City subway system. Not only will you be helping some really nice folks with a very interesting project, but this is our golden opportunity to give the MTA’s lowly Crosstown Local the international the attention it so richly deserves. Let’s not waste it!
Besides, if you run late to work you can always tell your boss the G train was running slow.
Miss Heather
New York Shitty Day Ender: The Unbearable Blightness of Being
Filed under: 11211, Bloomblight, Culture War, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
As I mentioned previously, the online and offline zeitgeist in north Brooklyn— be it northside, southside or even Greenpoint was on decidedly on the surly side today. I have spent a great deal of my day patiently listening to people complain about one thing or another that pisses them off. Now it is my turn.
218 North 9 Street
I have no idea who inscribed this on the rapidly deteriorating construction fence which graces this site, but he or she hit the nail on the proverbial head. Follows are a few amenities you can find at this property located in the heart of fashionable Williamsburg.
Pockmarked sidewalks and garbage.
LOTS OF GARBAGE.
As the previous photograph indicates, this open air loft has an open door fence policy. Any and all are welcome to come on over, sit a spell and hang their hat.
Or in this case, a coat.
Who wouldn’t want a balcony looking at this?
Or this?
184 North 8 Street
I have written about this site on a number of occasions. They have since sealed off the garage door which had been pried open. With predictable results.
CANT STOP US WELCOME MATE
236 North 7 Street
But Bloomblight isn’t just about derelict lots. Just take this, for example.
The above summons is for a defective sidewalk shed. Somehow the heap of garbage (which includes a suitcase) was overlooked.
And last, but hardly least…
This failed attempt at public safety hails from North 6 Street just west of Wythe Avenue.
Lest I have not made it clear already I strongly believe people respond to the environment around them. This is why I am a big fan of public art— especially in our subway system. Gestures as grand as a mosaic or as simple as keeping public facilities neat and clean send a positive message. The vigilance (or this case, lack thereof) with which our municipal government enforces the laws put in place to preserve our, the citizenry’s, quality of life speaks volumes about their attitude as public servants.
This is unacceptable. No one should have to live with this.
Miss Heather
P.S.: All the above photographs were taken December 14, 2009.
Stolen Dog Alert: Has Anyone Seen Buddy?
I found a number of these fliers on and around Bedford Avenue today. Per a different flier I found Buddy was taken between 12:00 – 7:00 a.m., December 10, 2009 from 100 Metropolitan Avenue . He is three years old and has neither a collar nor tags. If you have seen Buddy or know of his whereabouts, please contact his person at the above-listed telephone number. NOTE: do not try to handle Buddy yourself. He is fearful of strangers.
Miss Heather
UPDATE, 9:49 p.m.: Buddy has been returned to his rightful owner!
Reader Contribution Du Jour: Ball of Cat
Filed under: 11222, Crazy Cat Lady, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic
(Or as I prefer: Furball!)
I have long been meaning to write about the Oak Street kittens. Today I got a much-appreciated reminder via this lovely photograph by algul siento.
For those of you who are wondering, the slightly larger lass with the tipped ear is NOT the mother of these kittens. But that isn’t to suggest take her responsibilities seriously. Algul writes:
The one bigger one has been TNR’d you can tell by the eartip, but she has been so great taking care of each litter that is born in that yard, as you can see from the photo. I don’t think she would have difficulty adjusting to indoor status, given that she is a giant lovebug.
The mother of this (and from what I have heard yet another) litter is feral and wants to no contact with human beings whatsoever. The same cannot be said about the kittens and their “stepmom”. While a bit cautious, these kittens are friendly and will gladly accept a head rub or two (I speak from personal experience when I write this). What they would like even more is a nice warm home. Maybe yours?
I have spoken to one of the folks whose front yard this little pride calls home. He told me these kittens are for adoption and that anyone interested in providing them a good home should speak to him. If any of you, dear readers, are interested in giving the gift that keeps on giving by taking one of these delightful critters home for the holidays shoot me an email at miss heather (at) thatgreenpointblog (dot) com. I will forward your inquiries to him.
Thanks!
Miss Heather
NOTE: I have been told the tabby kitten just got a home!
Dung of the Day: Reading is Fundamental
Filed under: 11222, Bum Shit, Dog Shit, Dung of the Day, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Other Shit
This weekend I bumped into my buddy Beatrice, the lovely lady and former proprietress of Casa Mon Amour. After much catching up she busted my chops for deviating from my web site’s initial premise: shit. I explained to her that there is so much of interest going on in our humble ‘burgh that merde has fallen by the wayside. What’s more, over the years I have become much more selective about the scatological specimens I feature.
Luckily for her I found I most tantalizing tableau today right next door to the Viridian* at the South China Import Company! I will start with the arrow at far left.
Someone (or something) had a problem.
An attempt was made to clean up the problem using a flier advertising a summer shindig in Bridgeport, Connecticut: Gathering of the Vibes.
When this failed our intrepid pooper scooper used what was at hand. In this case, a paperback copy of Milan Kundera’s Book of Laughter and Forgetting.
Am I the only person who finds this sort of depressing?
Miss Heather
*Whose craftsmanship, I assure you, is stellar as ever.
I have no idea what this is about— and truth be told I don’t think I want to know. What I can tell you is it obstructs the sidewalk and I am none too happy about it.
Yes sir. I imagine this piece of affordable housing will find a tenant in no time!
Greenpoint Street Seating Du Jour: Added Value
The street seating (a partially disassembled office chair) in the above photograph is the least interesting thing going on here.
Rather, it is this objet d’art that caught my eye. Upon closer inspection I noticed it has been wired for some hitherto unknown purpose and sports a chain for easy hanging. If this is your sort of thing (and you know who you are) head over to 1079 Manhattan Avenue and pick it up. Just don’t complain to me if this creation blows your fuse box or gives you some unwanted houseguests!
Miss Heather
P.S.: While I am on vaguely the subject of trees, the El Blablazo community Christmas tree is looking pretty fabulous nowadays!
Many more ornaments have been added.
Here’s a view facing west.
Someone has even added a teddy bear. Too cute!
When I brought this to the attention of the creator of the tree pit that started it all at 1071 Manhattan Avenue, he was non-plussed:
Now you can’t sit on the bench.
Me: I think it is rather nice. I even hung a few ornaments on it myself and gave him some Christmas lights. We have no room whatsoever for a tree. I really like the fact they have created a community tree we can all add to enjoy. I’m certain after the holiday they will dismantle it and people can sit on it again.
Ever since he heard about you putting our tree pit on the Internet he has been trying to impress you.
He said. To wit I replied:
I am impressed! By the way, I like the backrest you added to your bench.
The 1071 Tree Pit Man: Thanks. The women were complaining about it being uncomfortable so I added it. I want people to be comfortable.
Methinks the rivalry heating up!
Tis The Season: New York’s Bravest Spread Some Holiday Cheer
This morning I awakened to find a fair amount of rancor awaiting moderation in my comments queue. When I went out for a walk shortly thereafter, I noticed that everyone seemed angry. So much for peace and goodwill to all men. Needless to say when I stumbled upon Ladder 146 spreading some much-needed holiday cheer around Williamsburg today I couldn’t help but smile.
As luck would have it, a few minutes later I bumped into these guys making a routine inspection on Driggs Avenue. So I asked the driver what’s up.
Me: I really like the music you were playing back there. Who was it?
New York’s Bravest: I don’t know.
Me: You really should put on some Frank Sinatra. It’s the perfect day for it.
N.Y.B.: Whatever is on FM 106 is what we play. If they put on some Frank Sinatra, we’ll play it. We figured this would cheer people up.
Indeed. A half hour later I spied our guys spreading a little more holiday cheer on Bedford Avenue!
This post goes out to the hard-working guys of Ladder 146. You made my day!
Miss Heather
Williamsburg Street Art Du Jour: Animal Lover’s Special
Frost Street
Richardson Street
North 4 Street
North 8 Street
Like him or hate Dickchicken, you gotta admit this is pretty darned funny!
Miss Heather
Greenpoint Photo Du Jour: Moon Over Manhattan Avenue
You can always leave it to the folks at Just for Fun to kick off the holiday season with style!
Miss Heather
NYS Flickr Pool
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