[Photo for GL Courtesy of Deborah Matlack]

Here’s a part of Coney Island that most visitors or bloggers or New York Post reporters ever bother to visit. Fortunately, our dear contributor Deborah Matlack does. Here’s a view of the “other” Coney Island.

· Fighting Cyber-Stalkers & Cyber-Bullies with Lawsuits [Portfolio.Com]
· Heavy Metal in East Williamsburg [NYT]
· Rich Calder Discovers Our Coney Butcher on His Own!!!!!!! [NYP]
· Bird in a Cage, Awaits Discovery by Above [New York Shitty]
· Sunset Park is a Really Shitty Neighborhood [Brownstoner]
· The Atlatntic Avenue Tunnel [McBrooklyn]
· Shitty Economy Good for Coney Beer [Kinetic Carnival]
· Plastics! [BHB]

[Photo courtesy of Nathan Kensinger]

Those who follow he goings on at the toxic Public Place site will recall last week’s little scandal. First, most of the warehouse was demolished just as the public was informed that demolition was “about to begin.” Then, it turned out that the work was being done in a way that appeared to gravely endanger the public. Well, there’s going to be some explaining (or covering of asses) going on tonight at the Community Board 6 meeting. Here’s an email we got:

As many of you know the DEMOLITION of the Vichar/Abadi Warehouse at 455 Smith Street has been the subject of much community concern and is currently under a Full Stop Work Order for HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS and LACK OF PUBLIC PROTECTION! Perry Ferrara the man heading the Demo and Mr. Abadi’s attorney have agreed to attend the CB6 Public Safety/Environmental Protection Committee meeting Monday evening to present their plans for resuming work and the ongoing demo of the site. They will be prepared to answer questions from the community.

The excusesjustifications for the way work was conducted can be heard at PS 32 at 317 Hoyt Street at a meeting starting at 6:30 PM tonight.

[GL Flikr Pool: Image Courtesy of Megunski]

The long awaited Hanco’s Vietnamese sandwiches opened its doors this past Saturday to the delight of local foodies. From the looks of it, they are keeping up to the quality of their Carroll Garden’s predecessor. From Brooklynian:

We just got back from there. I had the chicken sandwich and it was fantastic, really tasty. I ordered the medium spicy – they assume you want spicy – and it was just spicy enough. I had a bit of a wait for the sandwich, but I expected that on their first day. The bubble tea was also delicious. Overall, a nice addition to the neighborhood.

Seems like the prices at the new Hanco’s in slightly higher but we have a feeling that will not deter anyone in need of their Banh Mi fix.

– E.C. Stephens

On this brisk and windy Monday morning we thought we would start things off with a subway series. Yes, we know. Probably the last thing you want to see on a Monday is a reminder of your daily commute! HA!

[Photo courtesy of Jennifer Dunne]

Witch Hazel in the sunlight.

I consider this one of the saddest songs ever written and it sums up a lot, even if I don’t love this particular video treatment of it. Then, again, Ian had already been dead eight years. Life is very fragile. And, blogging, when you come right down to it blogging–not blogging journalistically–but inflicting the Cancer of Anonymous blogging on people, makes a mockery of it. As do callous, vicious cold people.
—R.S. Guskind

Hmm. This Sunday’s Brooklyn Missed Connection combines supermarket lust, coffee and a terrible accident concerning ravioli

Don’t buy that freeze-dried coffee – m4w – 23 (Grand Street Key Food)
You were about to make the mistake of buying freeze-dried coffee at the Key Food when I rescued you by suggesting that you go to Gimme! instead. We seemed to have a little moment. Got the vibe that maybe you have a boyfriend. But maybe not. Anyway, when by the time I got outside, you were gone. I tried to find you, but my raviolis got caught in my bike spokes and spilled all over so I had to discontinue my search. I’d love to get a drink. We do live in the same neighborhood, after all. I hope your spaghetti was good.

Too bad about the ravioli.

And, now, from the kind souls at Sean Casey Animal Rescue is Lynx, who has been living there longer than any other animal. Lynx is a pit bull mix and pits are very hard to find homes for. Lynx is not a vicious creature, but quite sweet. Of course, not every animal or breed is a good match for every owner or family:

Lynx is a one-year-pld Pit Bull mix…she was found in front of Lincoln High School after she was hit by a car. Miraculously, Lynx has no injuries and is an active, playful girl! She is spayed, dewormed, treated with Revolution to prevent fleas, ticks, ear mites and heartworm and is up to date with vaccinations. Her adoption fee is only $50.00 and she’ll get one free exam at our vet’s office, one free month of pet health insurance and a microchip. If you’re interested in adopting Lynx please email us at nyanimalrescue@yahoo.com for an adoption application. We are conveniently located close to the F train in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn and we’re open daily from 11am to 7pm. Lynx can’t wait to meet you! Our organization offers 24PetWatch microchips, which include free registration into the 24PetWatch pet recovery service. For more information visit www.24petwatch.com or call 1-866-597-2424. This pet also is eligible for 30 days of pre-paid ShelterCare pet health insurance. For more information please visit www.sheltercare.com or call 1-866-375-PETS.

This is from Save Coney Island and we urge everyone to sign it and pass along the link. Frankly, we don’t think the people craftinng Coney Island’s destiny give a rat’s ass what the public thinks, because if they did, plans would already have been signficantly changed and steps taken to prevent Thor Equities from working on destroying what’s left of this Brooklyn treasure. But it’s important to let them know that people do care and that people do vote. One thing we learned in grade school is that politicians know how to do one thing very well: count votes. Sign. Sign. Sign. Here is the link for the petition. To paraphrase something Patti Smith said a few years ago, we might not be able to win, but we sure can make their lives fucking miserable.

GL ANALYSIS:
Work hard to make their lives miserable. As miserable as humanly possible. Petition. Protest. Go to publc meetings. Make your voices heard. And, of course, do your best to vote the bastards out of office.

[Photo for GL courtesy of Meg Groome]

Subway plus pretty light equals compelling photo.

This is laugh your ass off funny to us anyway. We’ll say one thing: that Yorkie has some big cojones.

Freaky Manhattan Skyline from Brooklyn, originally uploaded to the GL Flickr Pool by June Carter Cash Peep.

Sure does look cool from up there. The photographer writes: “A view from an evil rooftop deck with evil computerized locking door that was malfunctioning in subzero temperatures or so it felt that way.”

Here is the sad, yet hopeful, story of today’s kitty available at Sean Casey Animal Rescue in Kensington:

Trooper is a 3-legged cat who has survived some tough times already and he’s ready to get some TLC! When he was found in a backyard in Brooklyn he had some kind of crushing injury to his front leg, but no one could catch him to get him help. This went on for a month until he was finally trapped (in a humane feline trap) Unfortunately his leg couldn’t be saved, but his spirit is certainly intact and he will make someone very happy. Trooper is very friendly and affectionate, he is 7 years young and he’s neutered, dewormed, treated with Revolution to prevent fleas, ticks, ear mites and heartworm and is up to date with vaccinations. His adoption fee is $100.00 and he’ll get one free exam at our vet’s office, one free month of pet health insurance and a microchip. If you’d like to adopt Trooper please email us at nyanimalrescue@yahoo.com for an adoption application. We are conveniently located in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn near the F train and we’re open every day from 11am to 7pm. Trooper can’t wait to meet you! Our organization offers 24PetWatch microchips, which include free registration into the 24PetWatch pet recovery service. For more information visit www.24petwatch.com or call 1-866–597-2424. This pet also is eligible for 30 days of pre-paid ShelterCare pet health insurance. For more information please visit www.sheltercare.com or call 1-866-375-PETS.

In case you haven’t heard, oral arguments in the state eminent domain case concerning Atlantic Yards are being held on Monday, February 23. The hearing will take place in a session that starts at 10AM at the Supreme Court, State of New York; Appellate Division, Second Department; 45 Monroe Place. Brooklyn, NY. The case is seventh on the docket, so it could be a long time before the hearing starts. The case is known as Daniel Goldstein et al v Empire State Development Corporation. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case. It is the most significant piece of remaining litigation concerning Atlantic Yards, but not the only one. There is more on the case at DDDB and Norman Oder does his usual brilliant job digging into the case in great detail on Atlantic Yards Report. He writes: “A decision could be issued within two months. Should the plaintiffs lose, they’d have several months to file an appeal to the state’s highest court, the Court of Appeals. (Is the appeal discretionary, as I originally wrote? It’s mandatory if there’s a “substantial” constitutional question, but that’s a matter for debate.)” He calls the opponents’ chances of prevailing “a long shot.”

It’s good to see local businesses are still around and having a good time, despite the hard times, especiallly one that is dedicate to locally made products and crafts. Artez’n, the really, really cool gallery and gift store at 444 Atlantic Ave (b/w Nevins and Bond) is turning five! To celebrate, tonight (2/21) from 6-9pm, there’s an opening for “Off Duty” by Denitza will be abuzz, with catering by Mischelle’s Catering and Coney Island Lagers for all from Schmaltz Brewing Company. There will also be prized galore from local sponsor – everything from fudge to tattoos. Go and celebrate the birthday one of Brooklyn’s best and most enjoyable stores.
—Vaduzuvunt

The person who posted this video writes: “Don’t worry about the financial crisis – take a trip in time to Coney Island, Brooklyn, USA – in 1940 the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 15 %; the country had just undergone ten years of severe economic depression; Germany, Britain, France, and Italy were at war in Europe, Japan and China were at war in Asia. In due course, America would enter the war. No rest for the weary it seems. What did New Yorkers do? They went to Coney Island. Sometimes, it helps to have a little perspective.” Or a plan to keep the place alive so average people can make it through this mess and have some fun.

[Photo for GL courtesy of Steven Skollar]

Furniture Feature – High Chair [Brit in Brooklyn]
Buttermilk Channel Now Open for Brunch [A Brooklyn Life]
Local Colour – 3 [Bed Stuy Banana]
Bushbaby Presents Project Diallo [Bed Stuy Blog]
“Deceptive” Burglary in Neighboring Areas [Best View in Brooklyn]
Room to Write [Brooklyn Based]
Spicy Pickle on Montague Kaput [Brooklyn Heights Blog]
Closing Bell: High Fashion Comes to the Flea in Dumbo [Brownstoner]
The Chinese Mexican Phenomonon [Bushwick BK]
Neighbor Interview: Selah Eric Spruiell [Clinton Hill Blog]
1982 Photo of Dumbo from the Brooklyn Bridge [Dumbo, NYC]
New Home of Heights Books on Smith Street, Brooklyn [McBrooklyn]
A Greenpoint Blind Item: What’s up at 85 Driggs Avenue? [New York Shitty]
–Compiled by Lauren Fairbanks

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[Click to enlarge]

This is from the kind, kind souls at the Empty Cages Collective who “will present rescued cats and kittens available for adoption at PS9 Pet Supplies in Williamsburg Saturday, February 21st. Come by between 12 and 5 pm at 169 N. 9th St. between Bedford and Driggs. To get there, take the L train to Bedford, or the B61 bus. All adoptions will require an approved application and $75 adoption fee.”

[Photo courtesy of chadwbecks/GL Flickr Pool]

Yeesh. Wonder if the robot plant in Dearborn is still in operation and we wonder what kind of robots the robot operater operated. This is from Gowanus, of course, which was robot center at one time.

Tomorrow and Sunday (2/21-22) the Park Slope United Methodist Church will be having it famous annual Book Sale from 8:30 AM-4:30PM on Saturday and from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM on Sunday. Thousands of books, DVDs, CDs, records, tapes and videos will be up for grabs, as well as the Children’s Corner in full swing. Paperbacks at 50 cents to $1.50, hardcovers at $2… and buy 10 get 1 free. Per the church: “Thousands & thousands of books, CDs, videos, DVDs and more! Fabulous Children’s Corner! It’s truly a browser’s paradise. Treat yourself to a stack of great books at prices that can’t be beat. Pocket-sized paperbacks are 50 cents. Kids paperbacks are $1.00. Trade and quality paperbacks are $1.50. Hardcovers are $2.00. Buy ten books, get one free! Cash only. DVDs are $4.00 and CDs are $3.00.” The Park Slope United Methodist Church is located on 6th Avenue at 8th Street in, uh, Park Slope. For more info check their website.
—Vaduzuvunt

[Photo courtesy of New York Public Library]

This is Bushwick Avenue and Cooper Street as photographed in 1941.

[All photos courtesy of Miss Heather]

First off: We didn’t go into this knowing that 351 S. 3 Street in Williamsburg was a Robert Scarano building. He’s had enough notice. This series of photos for our Blight Me series showing developer blight was sent to us by Miss Heather, who didn’t know either. But, when we checked DOB records it happened to turn out to be another building by the King of Brooklyn Architects. The building is supposed to have nine units. Really, it’s just another example of how even completed buildings are blighting their surroundings in Brooklyn and has nothing to do with Mr. Scarano and everything to do with the developer. On the down side, imagine living next to this crap for years. On the bright side, it has provided some space to express faith in God.

Blight me harder, ahead.

We finally made it on over to The Jalopy Theater in Red Hook Monday night to see what Tony Scherr is up to these days. Tony seems to be playing around town (Brooklyn and Manhattan) constantly and is a session musician as well, having played with the likes of Bill Frisell, John Scofield, Norah Jones, and Ana Egge. For this night Tony played guitar, as he usually does, with Rob Jost on stand up bass and Anton Fier on drums. This line up quickly answered the question, can you be a power trio with a stand up bass, in the affirmative. Starting with a song for Valentines Day (a couple of days late), Tony went on to play songs from his catalog, some covers and even a new number or two. There were crunchy guitar parts, slide work, extended jams and some more introspective numbers (including a final song for which Tony unplugged his electric guitar).

At one point Tony said that he had trouble keeping track of time. Perhaps that’s the reason he played for two hours straight. Or perhaps the reason is that Tony wasn’t worried about getting home. He mentioned that he lives just down the block. Tony’s Monday night gig at Jalopy is a residence. It’s going to be ongoing and based on tonight’s show, it’ll be worth your while to catch Tony at this comfortable club.
—Eliot Wagner