Green-Wood Photos from NewYorkShitty

It's almost the season for long walks in Green-Wood Cemetery. (I know, some more hearty folks do that all year long.)

To tide the rest of us over, check out the photostream in this NewYorkShitty post from Miss Heather. Sadly, she visited GWC for the funeral and burial of her friend Robert Guskind, the prolific journalist/writer and founder of GowanusLounge.

I Heart Sunset Park

I Heart Sunset Park, originally uploaded by veesvision.

This is from the new photo pool for Best View in Brooklyn. Join up and add your Sunset Park photos! This photo comes from veesvision, who has offered up several fantastic photographs in the past.

She says, "I have lived in Sunset Park for many years. This bumper sticker has always been there. (7th ave btw 46 & 47 st) I shot it because it might not be there the next time I walk past it."

Where can we get these bumper stickers? CafePress?

Looking Up on 5th Avenue

I like how the window "dressing" gets more and more elaborate the higher you go. Lovely.

They're In the Money

I love happy news. According to a note from the New York Lottery, a Sunset Park couple won a $2 Million prize from an instant game. Wow. I mean, WOW! He's a cook, and she's home with the kids. Another winner, but of even more cash, was a Bed-Stuy resident who works as a shipping clerk. Let's hear it for everyday folks having a little bit o' luck.

First things first, get a lawyer. Secondly, don't go crazy with the winnings. Third, remember that purchases come with taxes and upkeep. Be smart people! If you want, I'll help you spend it wisely.

Links: The Producers, Ba Xuyen (again), and Gonzalez Challenged

1. For $25 you can see The Producers starting next weekend. Travel down to 92nd and 7th (in Bay Ridge, not Manhattan) for the Bay Ridge Community Theatre's presentation of Mel Brooks' wildly popular musical. Tickets are available here.

from The Brooklyn Eagle's article:

The Producers will be lead by stage veterans Danny Velez as “Leo Bloom” and Tom Kane as “Max Bialystock.” Sunday was the orchestra’s third rehearsal, and its first rehearsal with the full cast. Despite what Tadross described as “hilarious” rehearsals during the early weeks, “everything is ready but the timing,” Samaha said on Friday.


2. Once again, Ba Xuyen is featured in a Banh Mi article. It's Serious Eats, and this time there is a review of specific sandwiches. If you've never tried one, this article will take you by the hand and make your mouth water. (Unless you're a vegetarian, in which case you can ask for a sandwich with just the veggies for about $2.25 - $2.75 - depending on who is working the register.)

*By the way, they call it Borough Park in the article, or at least in the site address, but 8th Avenue is Sunset Park on its west side and Borough Park on its east side. Ba Xuyen is on the west side, so there.

3. David Galarza announced a run for Gonzalez' seat in 38th District. Galarza was mentioned on BViB in regards to the anti-sex-shop rally. I've since learned that he is no longer an active member of SPAN. Read The Brooklyn Eagle article here.

from the article:

Among those there in support of Galarza, a former Community Board 7 member who helped initiate the Sunset Park Alliance of Neighborhoods (SPAN), was neighboring City Council candidate Josh Skaller, who praised Galarza’s “goals and vision.” Skaller is one of seven candidates running to replace outgoing CD-39 Councilman Bill de Blasio.

Another well-known supporter attending was John Miniaci Jr., co-owner of the popular Johnny’s Pizzeria on Fifth Avenue. “David is a sincere person we can trust who truly cares for Sunset Park,” Miniaci said.

GED and New Kings Hotel Information

Another Sunset Park blog has info about free GED classes at the library, and he got inside the new Kings Hotel on 39th and 9th for a look-see. The karaoke lounge is ready to go. Is there a mommy/baby happy hour?

Join the Photo Pool for BViB

There have been so many amazing photographs on flickr from around Sunset Park lately that I thought this was a good idea:

See things around the neighborhood that deserve some attention? Have photos that show what Sunset Park is all about? Love to observe and record the quirky things that go on around the neighborhood? We want it all, the beauty and the beastly (oh yes, dogs too!). So, please join the Best View in Brooklyn flickr Photo Pool and add your photographs.

Any and all photographs that end up posted on Best View in Brooklyn will receive full attribution (as full as the photographer wishes). I'm not one to steal credit from another.

When adding photos, please include when, where, and even why the photograph was taken so that we can all fully enjoy your observation.

Thanks!

Trees, Gardens Make Way for Electrical Wiring

So on Monday, on my way to the park, I noticed large areas of the garden behind the swings dug up. Actually, what I noticed first was the jackhammering coming from the garden. An unexpected type of gardening, really. There was a line of disheveled dirt starting at the garden at the 6th Avenue and 44th Street entrance all the way to the end of the swingset fencing. I didn't get a shot of it, but here's what it looked like after being cleaned up.
Picture the above scene magnified about three times. Stacks of piping were leaning against one of the gates, so I asked the men working on the piles of dirt what was being installed. Apparently, electrical wiring needs to be "re-routed" to provide more lighting in the park.

I asked if it had to be done through the garden, and the answer was YES. The man who did the most talking said that the swing-set area was actually covering one of the electrical boxes. I guess we're lucky that the entire area wasn't dug up. He added that some other workers had been looking "for years" to find another box covered up by either the concrete play areas or the promenade. I didn't quite get which one he meant. Aren't there maps as to where these connections are made?

Anyway, they jackhammered their way into the roots of the tree below. The photo is of the rock garden left behind when they were done. Are they giving a tribute to the tree, or a memorial for its sure demise?

Let's see if the lighting in the park actually does get better.

What You See in Sunset Park: Cardplayers

Cardplayers, Sunset Park, originally uploaded by colorstalker.

This is from colorstalker's amazing flickr photostream (click on the photo to see more). Soon enough, these guys won't have to play in the cold. And they'll have a lot more company.

Check out colorstalker's blog as well. Excellent photos from all over.

El Pequeno has Tim Curry in a Movie

Sorry, it's not Rocky Horror. It's that other Tim Curry film, you know, Fly Me to the Moon. Much more appropriate for a kiddie movie event.

FLY ME TO THE MOON (2008)

Three ordinary flies -- best friends Nat, IQ and Scooter -- have the adventure of their lives when they stow away on Apollo 11 for its trip to the moon. As friends and family anxiously watch the lunar landing on television, the trio makes a crucial repair that could save the mission. Christopher Lloyd, Tim Curry and Kelly Ripa lend their voices to this charming animated feature, with a special appearance by real-life astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

El Pequeno Artista
249 20th Street at 5th Avenue
718 965 1406
Fridays 5:15pm
$6 per person, includes one juice box per child
Feel free to bring dinner, snacks and/or drinks - tables are available to eat while they watch!

Dine-In Brooklyn: Same As It Ever Was in Sunset Park

A year ago, Sunset Park was represented by one restaurant during Marty Markowitz's Dine-In Brooklyn week. This year, we are represented by one restaurant again! Maria's Bistro Mexicano is keeping us on the map, or at least on the Dine-In Brooklyn PDF, which can be found here.

So despite all the hype of hipsters and gentrification, a year hasn't changed Sunset all that much. May I humbly suggest that we all go out and TRY to spend $23 on a dinner or lunch for two in Sunset Park during Restaurant Week? There are plenty of places that are stand-bys or new. Use it as your excuse to celebrate some of the cheap eats we have here. Use it as an excuse to check out "that place" you are curious about but never entered.

Leave lunch/dinner suggestions (especially if they are off the usual Matamoros/Pacificana path) for your neighbors in the comments section.

My suggestion is that if you've never gotten a sandwich at Puebla Mini Market on 5th and 39th, get one. They are HUGE (plenty for sharing), and they are freshly made as you wait. $6. You can eat in the little area in the back or take-out. The flautas are really good too.

8th Avenue in Photos

March_08,_2009-22, originally uploaded by Jamie-P.

Jamie-P has some fabulous photos of Sunset Park. Check out the photostream for a glimpse of Sunset's 8th Avenue.

Crack-Down I Can Believe In

According to the NY Post, and relayed by Gothamist.com, on Thursday the NYPD is going to start a crack-down on people who drive while talking on cell phones. It has been a no-no since 2001, but now it's even more naughty. (Does it include texting? No, but it should. That's even worse!) I, for one, say: "Hurrah!" But I also say: "Hmmmm. This have been prompted by safety concerns and not fundraising concerns." All's well that end's well, as Pa Ingalls used to say.

A question that perhaps someone can answer for me: Is it illegal to be on the phone at a red light? Is it a moving car, or a car that's in use and not pulled over? This is very important since I've been known to make quick "I'll be there in three minutes" calls at red lights. It's all about me, you see. ;)

Energy Workshop from HeatSmart NY and UPROSE

RSVP As Soon As Possible!

UPROSE presents:

Save Energy, Save Dollars
A community workshop to learn about low-cost and no-cost ways to save energy and reduce your energy bills.

Also learn about affordable and FREE service programs that can help qualifying households afford energy-efficiency improvements. Participants will receive a FREE energy kit including weatherstripping, shrink window insulation, faucet aerator, outlet and light switch gaskets, and more.

Workshop presented by HeatSmart NY Program
March 18, 2009
6 - 8 PM
UPROSE's office
166a 22nd Street

Space is limited, so please RSVP ASAP to let us know if you need childcare or translation so we can properly accommodate our space.

Contact Cece Carpio, Environmental Justice Coordinator ejustice@uprose.org
718 492 9307

Reminder: Blood Drive at OBT

Sprinkler Area Gets Used and Abused

Photo courtesy of Vanessa at Vee's Vision.

Remember the scene above? Granted, not without its problems. A good time had by most, nonetheless.

A couple of seasons of neglect have left the kiddie sprinkler area looking much worse for wear.

And it has been a lot of wear. Wonder where the benches went? Not to worry. They didn't get far.

Besides being a hang-out for impromptu binge drinking and passing out, this area has also become a skateboarding destination. I guess the kids who come here don't mind putting in a little elbow grease (or at least some sweat equity) for their skatepark. Or maybe they're afraid of the super-tough skateboarders who hang out at the actual skatepark at Owl's Head Park. Their graffiti is really boring, too. And ugly. Unfortunately, it's also really big. They were proud of it though, seeing as how they signed their artwork.

Spring Ahead

Did you set your clocks forward an hour last night?

Losing an hour's sleep is so worth having more light in the evening. Enjoy.

New Noodle House: Mei Wei Shabu Shabu

Here's the way to open a restaurant in the middle of a recession: Offer appetizers for 75cents to $3.50, and offer entrees for $3.50 to $12. On the same block as Mai Thai, and with the same boards and tin roof look, Mei Wei Shabu Shabu has opened on 8th Avenue and 46th Street.

If flower bouquets are any indication, they will do quite well. The one thing I'm confused about is that the menu says they are open from 5 PM to 2 AM, yet they were open at Noon just yesterday. Below is a sampling from the take-out menu.

Fried Taro Cake: .75
Tom Yam Soup: .75
Fried Fish Balls: $1.50
Fish Tofu: $1.75
Beef Tendon Balls: $1.75
Boneless Duck Feet: $3.75
Sliced Pork or Chicken: $4.00
Scallop: $4.00
Spare Ribs with Noodle Soup: $4.50
Crab with Chinese New Year Cake: $5.75
Clam Chow Rice Noodle: $5.75
Beef Shabu Shabu: $9.95
Clam and Shrimp Shabu Shabu: $10.95
Beef Tripe and Pig Intestine Combo: $10.95
Seafood Shabu Shabu: $11.95

Sunset Park Block

BKLYN001, originally uploaded by Vicariously_Me.

Who says we don't have pretty blocks around here?

'tis the season: Open Houses

Saturday you go to the Culver Garden rally at Noon. (9th and 39th). Sunday you check out some open houses!

635 41st Street Sunday 1:30 - 3
$895,000 (two-family on the park)
This has been for sale forever, and no change in price.

337 46th Street Sunday 12 - 2
$675,000 (6 bedroom house, between 3rd and 4th)
This may get traffic; it was a Brownstoner pick.

4012 7th Avenue Sunday 1 - 3
$329,000 (2 bedroom near the park)

Also, you can always visit the One Sunset Park Condos.