Sunnyside's own Jeremy Karaken on NPR

From Jeremy:

On Friday, March 14th, set your dials to NPR and Radiolab, as they discuss my play The Sweet Sweet Motherhood with Lee Silver, my collaborator. They'll be discussing the scientific, as well as the moral implications of human-animal hybridization.

As they say on the networks, check local listings.

Or, simply go to www.radiolab.org and look for Show #404

(So-Called) Life
Show #404
Friday, March 14, 2008

What are the consequences when humans start playing with life? The human imagination has always dreamed up fantastic creatures, but now biotechnology is making it easier and easier for us to actually create forms of life that have never existed before. In this hour, Radio Lab looks at the uneasy marriage between biology and engineering, and asks what counts as "natural?"

We enter the world of bioengineering with scientist Lee Silver from Princeton University. Silver tells us about a strange creature created by scientists back in the 80s, called a "geep," and shares his recent collaboration effort, a play by playwright Jeremy Kareken that explores the implications of combining humans and other animals.

Keep an Eye Out: Sunnyside Neighborhood Watch

Lynn and I were informed by our landlords, and later saw the fliers posted around the neighborhood, that in the last month there have been 3 break-ins on 47th Street between Skillman and 39th Ave., and one stolen vehicle. It seems that the break-ins were usually accomplished by kicking in basement doors, or by going through sliding glass doors - all between 11am and 3pm. So please be on the lookout for any shady characters walking down the street with 3 laptops and a crowbar - that kind of thing. And take a minute to think about the security of your house/apartment. Secure those sliding glass doors with a door jam or locking bar, get an alarm system if you're really paranoid, and at the very least post BEWARE OF DOG signs on your back doors.

It should go without saying that you should have renter's insurance, and please make sure to backup all those files on your computer! I personally use SyncBack which is completely free and does it's thing every Saturday night at about 3:00am without me having to lift a finger. And every month or so I make a DVD backup of the latest month's files and store it at my office in case we did get broken into and lost everything (or in case all three of my hard drives failed, which is not outside the realm of possibility).

Three break-ins in a month is bad, but it certainly could be worse. In 1990 there were 2,062 burglaries in the 108th precinct. In 2007 there were just 564 - an 84% drop!

Keep your eyes and ears open and use common sense. Unlike the guy parked near our apartment who left a bunch of cash on his dashboard ...

Queens Gets Indoor Public Pool

The official press release:

CITY OPENS FIRST INDOOR PUBLIC POOL IN FOUR DECADES

Aquatic Center Opens in Largest Recreation Facility Ever Built in a City Park

Deputy Mayor Robert C. Lieber, Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe, Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky and Senior Vice President David Kane, Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, USA Pools Corporate President Troy Legg, local elected officials and community members gathered today to celebrate the opening of the new Flushing Meadows Corona Park Aquatic Center, the first indoor public pool to be built in four decades. Competitive high school swimmers, synchronized swimmers, divers, senior citizens and children were on hand to test the water and show the flexibility of the space, which allows competitive and recreational swimming to take place simultaneously.


The Olympic-size swimming pool is housed in the new Flushing Meadows Corona Park Natatorium and Ice Rink building, which was built in partnership with the Economic Development Corporation. The building, which also houses the NHL-regulation ice rink that will open later this year, is the largest recreation complex ever built in a City park and will serve as a year-round facility for competitive and recreational use. The $66.3 million project was funded and envisioned by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman and former Parks Commissioner Henry J. Stern.


“One of the hallmarks of our five-borough economic development strategy is to invest in things that make New York City more livable, and this fantastic new aquatic center – the first indoor public pool built in this City in more than 40 years – is a terrific example of that,” said Deputy Mayor Lieber. “The Economic Development Corporation and the Parks Department, together with Borough President Marshall, have created a fantastic addition to Flushing Meadows Corona Park and a place where local and citywide residents can come to learn, play and have fun.”

“From a valley of ashes to World’s Fairs grounds to a stunning contemporary building with soaring masts—the new Flushing Meadows Corona Park Pool and Ice Rink marks an important milestone in the history of the park and our city,” said Parks Commissioner Benepe. “Not only have we introduced modern design to public space for the first time in decades, but we have made a world-class swimming facility available to all New Yorkers. We thank our partners, the Economic Development Corporation, for their support in managing this project, as well as Mayor Bloomberg, Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, former Mayor Giuliani, former Borough President Claire Shulman and former Parks Commissioner Henry Stern for making it a reality.”

“This new pool and soon-to-open ice skating rink will fill this building with the sound of laughter and squeals of excitement for thousands of youngsters for generations to come,” said Queens Borough President Helen Marshall. “I am happy to have provided more than $10 million in funding for this facility. However, we could not have reached today’s opening without the support of Mayor Bloomberg who we hope will swim here one day.”

The Building

Inspired by the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fair pavilions, a cable-supported canopy roof is suspended over the 110,000 square foot building. Designed as part of the 2012 Olympic bid, the design allows for the walls running the length of the facility to potentially be removed for expansion to a larger venue with a temporary bleacher structure. Like the construction of the Works Progress Administration era, simple materials are used to create stunning architecture. In this case, pre-cast concrete panels are punctuated with color glass tiles to create the exterior and a three-story glass lobby provides a dramatic introduction to the building.

“This building is a feat of architecture and structural engineering, with its elegant and exceptionally efficient cable-stayed roof design; not dissimilar to the construction of the some of the great bridges of the world,” said Economic Development Corporation Senior Vice President David Kane. “Additionally, the way in which the building is sited, with such tremendous views of Flushing Meadows Corona Park and the grand yet inviting nature of its spaces, is a signal of the City’s commitment to design excellence and to the creation of public architecture worthy of our great City.”

In 1999, Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Queens Borough President Claire Shulman envisioned a new indoor pool in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Conceived as an intermediate size pool, it was enlarged to meet Olympic standards and an indoor skating rink was added. Construction of the foundation finished in 2001 during the administration of Parks Commissioner Henry J. Stern but following 9/11, it was halted due to funding constraints. In 2003, the project was designated to be part of the City’s bid for the 2012 Olympics and Parks partnered with the Economic Development Corporation to implement the new project. A revised design was developed by Handel Architects, LLP in association with Hom & Goldman Architects.

On January 17, 2008 Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg delivered his seventh State of the City address from the floor of the ice rink.

The Pool

The Olympic-sized pool (25M x 50M), located on the second floor with dramatic views of the park, meets international standards, is ADA-accessible and features ten lanes, surge tanks and overflow gutters. Movable bulkheads can configure the pool into three 25-meter swimming areas, allowing for different programming to take place at once. One-third of the pool has a movable floor that can adjust the depth from just a few inches to 7-feet, 4-inches. The middle section is also 7-feet, 4-inches deep and the third section, the diving tank, is 12-feet, 4-inches deep to allow for diving from the pool’s three diving boards—two 1-meter and one 3-meter. A mezzanine bleacher section seats approximately 414 spectators and an adjacent outdoor terrace will feature additional seating. Public locker rooms, toilets and showers are situated on the second level below the seating.

The new Aquatic Center will be operated and staffed by USA Pools, which has an established reputation in the industry will offer services such as aquatic instruction and added lifesaving training for lifeguards, while saving the city and its taxpayers money.

“USA Pools is excited about the opportunity to work with the City of New York and the Parks Department as we provide effective pool management, highly trained lifeguards and aquatic programming to the New York Community,” said USA Pools Corporate President Troy Legg.

The Park

Flushing Meadows Corona Park, one of New York City’s prized flagship parks, comprises 1,255 acres of beautifully landscaped lawns, lakes, fountains, athletic fields, playgrounds, and a zoo. The park is also home to the Queens Museum of Art, Shea Stadium and the Billie Jean King USTA National Tennis Center. Once a dumping ground for ashes, the area was transformed in the 1930s by former Parks Commissioner Robert Moses into a site for the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fairs. Both of the World’s Fairs left behind a number of prominent structures in the park, such as the Queens Theater in the Park, the Unisphere, boathouse, marina, the Hall of Science, the New York State Pavilion and Towers, and Terrace on the Park. The Flushing Meadows Corona Park Natatorium and Ice Rink is located within the park at Avery Avenue and 131st Street in Flushing, Queens.

3/2--St. Patrick's Day Parade in Woodside and Sunnyside

Starting at 2pm!

Starts at 43rd St and Skillman Ave in Sunnyside
East on Skillman
North on 56th St
East on Woodside Ave
Ends at 61st St and Woodside Ave

Or head to the Rockaways today at 1pm for an even bigger parade.

Sexy T-Shirts--They Heart Queens

Please do check out Ciara Elend's Queens-inspired t-shirts.

We at Let's Meet Up In Queens thank her for her sponsorship!

45th Ave ISO Spanish Speaking Good Samaritan

...to tell K*ke's Mexican that they might have a branding issue.

It's around 49th St. I may not be a member of the tribe, but I practically plotzed when I saw the sign. Part of me thinks it should stay that way, if only because it's so rare to experience actual shock while out on a walk around the neighborhood.

Of course, even if they do change their name, they're competing with the MAGNIFICENT de Mole on 48th Ave and 45th St in Woodside. I have eaten there 5 times since learning about it only 3 weeks ago.

Sugar – Sweet Temptation--Event at Nourish

Thursday, February 28 at 7pm
Nourish NYC presents:
Sugar – Sweet Temptation

Please join us for an evening talk session with:

James Duignam HHC, AADP.
Holistic Health Counselor


Understand how sugar affects your health, such as how it:

* Interferes with weight-loss
* Speeds up the aging process (wrinkles!)
* Raises cholesterol levels
* Contributes to diabetes & heart disease


Join us to learn:

* A quick overview of your digestive system
* Which carbohydrates are good versus bad
* Natural and Artificial sweeteners


We look forward to seeing you for a fun evening at Nourish NYC as part of our ongoing health series.

RSVP inside store, or:
Phone: 718-433-4443
Email: info@nourishnyc.com

Pictures of the Hawk

Taken by reader Brian Haimes--thanks!

Sunnyside Hawk

Reader Sarah writes:

I haven't seen any posts about this, and just wanted to know if anyone else has noticed the beautiful hawk hovering over Queens Boulevard most sunny days this winter? I see him (her?) from the 40th Street platform often in the late morning/early afternoon, either calmly circling on the thermals, or perched on an antenna on one of the taller buildings. He seems to favor 40th just north of the boulevard. I'm tentatively identifying him as a red-tailed hawk, but I'm not an experienced birder. Once I let 3 trains go by, hoping he'd come closer. Must remember--put binoculars in handbag!

Back on the Map: Revisiting the New York State Pavilion, a Queens Museum of Art Exhibit

Opening Reception: Sunday, January 27, 2008, 3:00 – 6:00 pm

3:00 Valerie Smith, Director of Exhibitions at QMA, will give a brief "gallery talk"

4:00 Demonstration of conservation techniques (UPenn)

4:30-6:00 Refreshments and music (music will be records of bands that played at the Pavilion)

*The event is free and open to the public.


PHILIP JOHNSON’S TERRAZZO ROAD MAP GETS A FACELIFT IN 2008
The Queens Museum of Art collaborates with UPENN conservation team and Parks Department to refurbish a historic gem from the 1964/65 World’s Fair.

Queens, NY (January 18, 2008) - Also known as “The Tent of Tomorrow,” the New York State Pavilion was considered one of the best architectural monuments at the 1964/65 World’s Fair and certainly one of the most iconic of structures to survive. The Queens Museum of Art is pleased to help revitalize this historic monument with its new exhibition, Back on the Map: Revisiting the New York State Pavilion at the 1964/65 World’s Fair on view from January 27-May 4, 2008 in conjunction with Anthony Auerbach, Empire State Pavilion. Back on the Map seeks to inform and engage the public about architect Philip Johnson’s New York State Pavilion and its main exhibit: a large-scale, terrazzo floor replica of the Texaco Road Map of New York State. A fusion of Pop Art imagery and traditional craft techniques, the map pavement was a crucial component of “The Tent of Tomorrow.” In addition to the works of Pop Artists Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and others displayed on the exterior of the adjoining Theaterama, the Road Map helped solidify the Pavilion’s status as a landmark of 60s avant-garde culture.
Built as a temporary structure for the Fair, the Texaco Road Map along with the Pavilion has suffered from over 30 years of weather exposure and vandalism. This year, however, the Map returns to the spotlight for a long-overdue comeback. A culmination of conservation activities by the City of New York Department of Parks & Recreation in collaboration with The Architectural Conservation Laboratory at the School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania, the exhibition at the Queens Museum of Art will feature restored sections of the Texaco Road Map and elaborate the project findings through text panels and an interactive Web site. The exhibit will also allow visitors the opportunity to witness the restoration process up close as conservators restore portions of the Road Map in the Museum’s galleries.
Please join us for the opening of Back on the Map: Revisiting the New York State Pavilion at the 1964/65 World’s Fair and the companion exhibition, Anthony Auerbach: Empire State Pavilion on Sunday, January 27 from 3-6 pm.

FAMILY WORKSHOP
Please join us for the next installation of the MetLife Foundation Presents First Sundays for Families at QMA on Sunday, February 3 from 1-4pm. The Museum will host a dynamic family workshop inspired by the Back on the Map exhibition. Families of all ages can join an interactive tour of the Museum’s galleries followed by a demonstration with on-site conservation experts. Participants will then map their own neighborhoods in mosaic as part of an artist-led workshop. A dance workshop, led by dancer Susan Thomasson of City Center, will encourage families to participate in an interactive movement program based on the spaces and rhythms of New York City.


ORGANIZATION AND SUPPORT
Back on the Map is supported by The National Endowment for the Arts, The Samuel H. Kress Foundation, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, and the School of Design, University of Pennsylvania.

Anthony Auerbach is supported in part by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and New York State Council on the Arts.

The MetLife Foundation Presents First Sundays for Families at QMA

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Available upon request. Please contact Krista Saunders 718.592.9700 x221 or ksaunders@queensmuseum.org.

# # #


The Queens Museum of Art was established in 1972 to provide a vital cultural center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park for the borough’s unique, international population. Today it is home to the Panorama of the City of New York, a 9,335 square foot scale model of the five boroughs, and features temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art that reflect the cultural diversity of Queens, as well as a collection of Tiffany glass from the Neustadt Museum of Tiffany Art. The Museum provides valuable educational outreach through a number of programs geared toward schoolchildren, teens, families, seniors and individuals with physical and mental disabilities.

The Museum’s hours are: Wednesday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Admission to the Museum is by suggested donation: $5 for adults, $2.50 for seniors, students and children, and free for member and children under 5. For general visitor information, please visit the Museum’s website www.queensmuseum.org or call 718.592.9700.

The Return of the G Spot

Saturday afternoon I was heading over to Stop & Shop and popped my head inside the mysterious windowless warehouse known around here as The G Spot. The big letter G in concrete relief stands for Punta G, translated in English means G spot.

I noticed new exterior lighting had been installed and a beehive of activity inside. When I inquired about all the action, in broken English, a worker promised "dancing and drinking coming soon" he said they'll open for business by the middle of this year. I'm so depressed at the thought of this place and the crowds it will bring.

Back in of May 2006, there was a mini-uproar when word spread that there was a strip club coming to the corner of 48th street and Barnett Avenue. It was on the TV news.

Just across the street, The Paradise Billiard Club is a popular spot for underage drinking. The pool hall rents out a private room for parties that are incredibly noisy and go on all night. I fear the TV cameras will be back one day to report news of a violent crime. This intersection is literally a disaster waiting to happen.

There are so many promising things happening in Sunnyside, so many young families everywhere. There's a children's park diagonally across from the G Spot. Even if the owners have backed away from the original plan to open a strip club, the G spot should not open as a disco. How can these low rent, sleazy nightclubs be allowed to spring up in a residential neighborhood? What can we do?

Seeking Ad Sales Rep

Sell ads in Let's Meet Up In Queens, earn commission. Email Claire at clairedeveron -at- gmail -dot- com if interested.

Seeking Contributors

Let's Meet Up In Queens is seeking new contributors to cover local businesses, events, and restaurants in:

Astoria
Long Island City
Woodside
Elmhurst
Forest Hills

If interested, please contact Claire at clairedeveron -at- gmail -dot- com.

We don't pay per post; however, all ad revenues are split among contributors based upon post volume.

Socrates Sculpture Park Emerging Artist Fellowship--Apply Now!

SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK
2008 APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

-SPRING EXHIBITION
-EMERGING ARTIST FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
-OPEN SPACE

APPLICATION GUIDELINES ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE: WWW.SOCRATESSCULPTUREPARK.ORG

DEADLINE: MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2008

ABOUT SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK
Socrates Sculpture Park was an abandoned landfill and illegal dumpsite until 1986 when a coalition of artists and community members, under the leadership of sculptor Mark di Suvero, transformed it into an open studio and exhibition space for artistsand a neighborhood park for local residents. Once a rubble-strewn lot, it now flourishes as an ever-evolving natural landscape.

Located in an industrial neighborhood in Long Island City, Socrates is a waterfront park that overlooks the Manhattan skyline; the site is an affecting and inspiring place for artists to work and a spectacular setting for the presentation of public art. To date, Socrates has hosted close to 700 artists and currently attracts more than 72,000 visitors annually.

Socrates Sculpture Park is the only site in the New York Metropolitan area specifically dedicated to providing artists with opportunities to create and exhibit large-scale sculpture and multi-media installations in an outdoor environment that invites interaction between artists, artworks and the public. Socrates is world renowned as a laboratory where experimentation and innovation expand, reinvent and redefine the tradition of art in public spaces.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Artists seeking an opportunity to produce and exhibit their work at Socrates Sculpture Park are strongly encouraged to visit the Park before submitting their application. Applicants must take into account the site's rugged, urban outdoor environment and be aware that sculptures installed in the Park must meet safety requirements and be able to withstand the effects of weather and public use. Visiting the site will give applicants a clearer idea of the factors that effect installations at the Park and an overview of the facilities that the Park has to offer, including the tools and equipment available in the studio and the materials and resources available in Long Island City.

Artists can apply for one or more of the following exhibition categories:
·Spring Exhibition
·Emerging Artist Fellowship Program
·Open Space

If you are applying for more than one exhibition category, you only need to send one application package.

Grants and fellowships are not available to artists who are enrolled in a school, college or university program.

Spring Exhibition

From May through August 2008 Socrates Sculpture Park will present an exhibition based on interpretations and responses to the motivations, goals, realities, politics, and practices of recycling. This will be an expansive exhibition encompassing many perspectives about the concepts and methodologies of adaptive re-use, and will include projects that address the creative transformation of the by-products of production and consumption. Whether celebrating the global trend toward "green" or critically examining the motives and results of a world-wide focus on sustainability, the works in this exhibition will share a common theme of re-purposing wasted or cast off resources - both material and intangible.

For this exhibition, Socrates will provide artists with funding, administrative and technical assistance, a one to three month residency in the outdoor studio, and access to facilities, materials and equipment to create a new work - or will assist with shipping and rigging to place an already existing work - to be presented in the Park. The amount of financial support available to artists is contingent upon the requirements of their project and the funding that Socrates receives to support this exhibition.

Eligibility:

Participation in the spring exhibition is open to all artists, nationally and internationally, but Socrates will not provide any housing or transportation. Artists living outside New York will have to make their own living and travel arrangements.

Emerging Artist Fellowship Program

Fellowship artists are selected through an open application process. Proposals are reviewed by an advisory committee composed of past EAF recipients, prominent curators, artists, writers, and gallerists who work in collaboration with the Park's Executive Director to select the fellowship recipients. Socrates staff members then meet with the artists individually to discuss their proposal in greater detail and assist them with the development, engineering and fabrication of the project.

Emerging Artist Fellowship recipients are granted financial support in the amount of $5,000, a two to six month residency in the outdoor studio, and access to facilities, materials, equipment and technical assistance to create a work for the annual Emerging Artist Fellowship Exhibition (opening September 7, 2008). Fellows are also given the administrative assistance to do additional fundraising for their project, procure in-kind support and pursue future commissions, residencies and placement for their work.

Eligibility:

Fellowships are awarded to artists who are not yet well established, must be New York State residents and are in need of financial assistance.

Open Space

Socrates also produces single artist projects and collaborations that are presented as separate exhibitions throughout the year. Through the Open Space program, Socrates provides artists with funding, administrative and technical assistance, a one to six month residency in the outdoor studio, and access to facilities, materials and equipment to create a new work - or will assist with shipping and rigging to place an already existing work - for exhibition in the Park. Funding for this program varies from year to year and the amount of financial support available to artists is contingent upon the requirements of their project and the grants that Socrates receives to support the Open Space exhibitions.

Eligibility:

This program is open to all artists, nationally and internationally, but Socrates can not provide any housing or transportation. Artists living outside New York will have to make their own living and travel arrangements.

Information about Socrates Sculpture Park and application guidelines are now available on the web:
www.socratessculpturepark.org

SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK
32-01 VERNON BOULEVARD (AT BROADWAY)
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11106
TEL: 718-956-1819 FAX: 718-626-1533
WWW.SOCRATESSCULPTUREPARK.ORG
EMAIL: INFO@SOCRATESSCULPTUREPARK.ORG

Arrow, Environmental Group, Launches New Website

From an email I received:

We have just designed a new website and I'm proud to share it with you as a start to a greener year! I hope you will visit the site soon to sign up to our e-mail list . Also, please take a minute to forward news of ARROWONLINE.ORG to other people you know who are concerned about our environment and want to take simple steps to make a real impact, both locally and for the whole planet.

We are creating the site to be an ongoing "bulletin board" of information about recycling venues, opportunities and ideas of how to reduce your waste, and up- to -date information about ways you can participate in improving the parks and open spaces in your community. We will also feature event and program information for ARROW, NYC Parks and Sanitation, and other information for Western Queens.

The Butcher Block: Not Just for Meatheads

I have lived in the vicinity of my current apartment for nearly a decade, but like any neighborhood in New York City, I find myself constantly discovering new utopias almost weekly, with some literally around the corner. Back in 2003 there was a large fire in the neighborhood that burned down several storefronts and left the skies thick with black smoke. One of the places that burned was the famed "Butcher Block" Irish grocery store and Delicatessen that I had heard about for years, but never ventured into. Jokes abounded that the Butcher Block would be selling well done steaks on special for weeks to come, but being the righteous vegetarian I occasionally am, I thought "one less place selling dead animals, whew." Who knew I would be so wrong.

The Butcher Block reopened soon after at a larger location a block or so away and until two weeks ago I still had not ventured inside. Any place with a large wooden cartoon cut out of a man with a pig in a headlock outside does not necessarily signal "vegetarians welcome." However in an attempt to find some new obscure cheeses in our neighborhood, I suggested to Paul we check the place out to see what they had.

When we walked through the door, I needed to look behind me to double check that I hadn't just stepped off a Tarmac from an Aer Lingus flight. As far as I could tell, we had left Sunnyside and entered Ireland. The entrance of the store is filled with Irish/European candy and chips. I immediately scanned the shelf of Cadbury looking for something I devour in bulk every time I go to Europe, the elusive Bourneville bar.

Only distributed in Europe, this is the ultimate bar of dark chocolate one could ask for, and let me just say I've sampled a few. Cadbury has a "Royal Dark" bar they sell in America, but if you look at the back you will see it is made by Hershey and tastes like a watered down, sugared up, larger version of the real thing. In the past I have relied on European friends and a distributor Paul found online to occasionally get these treats. As Paul can testify, the minute we get off the plane in Europe I head to a drug store to buy some of these bars that literally leave me speechless.

I scan to the left, nothing. To the right, nothing. Then I look straight ahead and see an entire box of them just sitting there, European wrapper and all. Dramatic music cued up and credits rolled as The Bourneville Supremecy started up featuring me as the leading lady. I turned to Paul, and like Dorothy learning that all she had to do was click her heels to get what she want at the end of the Wizard of Oz, I said "I've had the power all along!" They were RIGHT HERE!!!

Paul wasn't listening to me though, as he too had discovered a plethora of his European dream foods, chewy candy without gelatin in them (gelatin's a vegetarian, no no) and enough different flavored chips to sink the island of Manhattan. While my weakness is chocolate, Paul is a big chip fan, and if you ever want experience a wide variety of chips lets just say the English and Irish have cornered the market.

There were bags of crisps in every style and taste imaginable. I look in Paul's arms and said, "Ummm are you buying Barbequed Chicken flavored potato chips?" He said, "Yeah, look at the bag it says suitable for vegetarians!" I looked and saw that these chicken chips were made with the use of "Flavourings" so how one attains chicken flavour without actually involving a chicken, is kinda beyond me, but he was enamored. They had steak chips, vinegar, salt, literally things you would never actually consider putting in a potato chip are available at this store. After trying the chicken chips, Paul does report that one shouldn't, perhaps, try to make potatoes taste like poultry as they were less than stellar.

We continued to roam finding all the products we adored while in Ireland. I think one of the most interesting things to do in another country is simply roam around the supermarket and look at all the cool packaging and options available elsewhere. The ability to do this in my very own neighborhood was something I was kicking myself for not discovering earlier.

Now I don't want to give the impression that the Butcher Block is some sort of vegetarian paradise. There is indeed more meat there than one can fathom, but my mind was so ecstatic about the Bourneville finding that I completely ignored that. We left the store and it's Irish accents behind and like I always do when getting my first Bourneville in Europe I rip open the package and pull out a little square like a heroine addict getting a fix. Paul asked, his mouth full of chewy gelatin-free candy, "Is it good?" and I raised my arm to tell him to stop speaking, this chocolate is so good it leaves me SPEECHLESS.

I still can't believe it has taken me this long to discover the magic of The Butcher Block, but since it did burn down once before I am savoring the Bourneville bars as if they are a secret stash smuggled directly from Ireland. I may be able to now get my supply without a passport, but I'm not taking any chances!

Video on LIC

We don't endorse the rah-rah attitude towards development, but otherwise this video was fun:

Walkable Sunnyside

From reader Mary:

I live on 50th and Skillman and I thought this Walk Score web site was cute -- it really shows how great Sunnyside is, with everything you need close by and easy (maybe too easy) to walk to (though obviously most neighborhoods in New York will score high on the site) -- here's the link!

Just don't let too many people know about this...

Sunnyside Real Estate: Not so Sunny

Paul and I took a jaunt to an open house being held down the block from us. Not that we're really looking to buy a place, but as we are the types who love walking the dog through the gardens at night simply to get glimpses of people's living rooms, walking through someone else's home is like invited voyeurism!

From the front the place isn't one of the houses in the gardens that seems particularly great, nor is it on one of the prime blocks. It is a house with two, two bedroom apartments, a garden and a large terrace off the second floor. However, the place looks like it hasn't been touched since it was built. And I don't mean that in a retro-cool-all-original-details kinda way. The kitchens looked barely functional, with floors as grimy as the 7 train during a rain storm. There was peeling paint and wallpaper on the walls, water damage on the ceilings, and hard wood floors that looked like they might collapse. The garden hadn't been tended to in ages, and the basement seemed like a good setting for Hostel part 3.

Now in an age when all you hear on the news is about foreclosures and watch shows about how people across the country put in stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and throw in flat screen TVs to attract buyers, it amazed me how many folks were trolling this place with intense interest. It particularly amazed me because the sellers were asking 729K for this little moneypit of theirs! 729K!!!

Paul and I left shaking our heads, further cherishing our rent stabilized gardens apartment, and realizing now more than ever "the Manhattanites are coming!!" and that the only home we could probably afford sits somewhere in Cleveland!

Inside Sunnyside--New Neighborhood Website

Check out Inside Sunnyside dedicated to Sunnyside, with classifieds, photos, and a calendar of neighborhood events. Looks like they're open to suggestions.

TOPAZ ARTS OPEN HOUSE 12/1/07

TOPAZ ARTS’ 7th Annual OPEN HOUSE: “SEEN and UNSEEN”
Saturday, December 1, 2007, 3–6pm: free admission

TOPAZ ARTS announces its 7th Annual Open House on Saturday, December 1, 2007 from 3pm to 6pm. Now in its seventh season of providing programs andspace for the performing and visual arts, the multi-faceted arts center TOPAZ ARTS opens its doors for an afternoon of celebrations, featuring an exhibition of new work by visual artists Philip Brutz (stereoscopic photography) and Alan Ulrich (sculpture), an exclusive silent auction ofartwork by emerging and established artists, followed by the premiere of new poetry in performance “The Beauty of Ghosts” by Luis H. Francia at 6pm.

A feast for the arts and the community, the Open House event is free from 3-6pm and includes complimentary food and drink. The performance of The Beauty of Ghosts on Saturday, December 1 at 6pm and Sunday, December 2 at 3pm has a suggested admission of $10. TOPAZ ARTS is located at 55-03 39th Avenue in Woodside, Queens. Subway directions: #7-train to 61 St. or the R, V, G trains to Northern Blvd. Details and directions are available at www.topazarts.org.

A Park for Drunkards!

Say! I got an idea. Let's grab a coupla drinks and go hang out with the dirty bastards at Noonan park.

Tell Gioia - The Super Hero of Sunnyside all about it.

Where's My TV At?

In between the "a" and the "t," as my old English teacher might say.

Or gone into premature reruns because of the writers strike.

One of us is a WGAeast member hoping that our employers, collectively known as the AMPTP (the modifier "dastardly" is optional), come to their senses so we can go back to work.

Here's a video that explains why we are on strike:



And here's another video that tells you a little more about the AMPTP:

Wear Your Love For Queens--Or Eat It

Online vendor Queensbound emailed us to ask if we'd tell you about her online store, where she's selling t-shirts, tote bags, stickers, and chocolates emblazoned with an "I Heart Queens" logo. Designer Clara Elend lives in Sunnyside and has this to say about her work:

Much of my art is inspired by New York City, and particularly by Queens. This borough is full of diversity in its residents, architecture, landscape, and art. Often overlooked by outsiders, Queens and it's working class aesthetic inspires a love and loyalty in its residents. After living in Queens for three years and falling in love with it, I noticed that there were no cool, well-designed shirts about Queens. So I decided to make my own shirts and created Queensbound to pay homage to this kick-ass place.

These shirts are great for when you put the gang together for a rumble down at Newtown Creek with some Soc's wearing Greenpoint neighborhoodies.

Zog Sports Winter League Sign Up

After a great fall season in Queens with our Touch Football and Outdoor Soccer leagues, ZogSports is back with Dodgeball and 3-on-3 Basketball in Astoria this winter. ZogSports, the charity-focused, social, co-ed sports league for young professionals in their 20s and 30s, is excited to bring even more members of the Queens community into ours!

ZogSports has spent the last four years helping young New Yorkers break the monotony of the typical day – work/gym/bar/home - by offering sports leagues, trips, social events, and volunteer opportunities. To date, they have brought together 33,000+ participants and given more than $290,000 to charity.

Participants can sign up as an entire team or as an individual/small group and we’ll place them on a team. Teammates get to know each other at the organized post-game happy hours at local bars.

Dodgeball

* Where: PS 235 Academy for New Americans (30-14 30th Street) in Astoria
* When: The league will begin the first week of January and runs through early-mid March. We play Tuesdays and Thursdays (about 1 game/week). All teams will play their games on a mix of nights and game times. Games start at 7:15, 8:15 and 9:15pm.
* What: It’s like you remember from elementary school, but we use Nerf-quality balls instead or hard rubber. It's 6 on 6 with at least 2 women on the court. Each "match" is round-robin, 4 games against 2 opponents. There will be 2 divisions of play: Players/Sorta Players and Casual/ Extremely Casual.

3-on-3 Basketball

* Where: PS 126 - Albert Shanker (31-51 21st Street) in Astoria
* When: Games will begin the first weekend of January and run through early April. The league will run on Saturday afternoons with games beginning from 12:00pm-4:00pm.
* What: Just like the name, it's 3-on-3 and you need at least 1 woman on the court at all times. You'll play a three-team round robin format. Each "match" is a 6-game round-robin, in which each team plays 4 11-minute games against 2 opponents (with sudden death overtime). The matches last 80 minutes. There will be 2 divisions of play: Players/Sorta Players and Casual/ Extremely Casual.

As a philanthropy-focused organization, ZogSports donates a portion of all proceeds to charity, and helps all participants Play For Your Cause by making donations to winning teams’ charities of choice. Teams have the opportunity to win both on the field as well as off, with awards given for Best Team Name, Best Team Spirit, and Best Happy Hour Team. ZogSports also partners with local charitable organizations to promote/co-sponsor their events, and organizes charity events of its own.

Traders Joe's in Under an Hour--No Kidding!

My friend Sarah and I took a trip to the new Forest Hills Trader Joe's today. Trader Joe's is always my first port of call when I travel to LA, for snack foods and Greek-style yogurt and frozen delights to keep me from spending money at the city's generally underwhelming restaurants (though they have us way beat on Mexican and sushi).

You might be thinking, what kind of crazy person goes to a new Trader Joe's on a Saturday afternoon? I mean, haven't we learned by now that weekend shopping in Queens can be a nightmare of epic proportions? I have never been more homicidal then the day the Target had no shopping carts on the third floor. None. Not a one.

But I'm here to tell a happy tale.

We got parking right away. The lot was crowded, but not overflowing.

Inside, it was a bit of a madhouse, but only because it seemed like everybody knew each other. Everybody was catching up with friends, happy to have bumped into them next to the whole wheat pasta or while reaching for the same box of pluots. Such a far cry from the outright hostility from other customers that you routinely encounter at Pathmark. (And I am the worst of sinners in this regard.)

The aisles are a bit cramped, but it can't really be helped--there are some structural pillars that block your way. Best strategy is to park your cart at the end of the aisle, where there is plenty of room, and walk up and down.

The selection is just as marvelous as I'd hoped, and I had to work really hard to keep within my budget. Wesley urged me "don't spend too much money." Not difficult, because unlike Whole Foods, Trader Joe's is known for reasonable pricing. I bought some freezer meals that will be great after the baby shows up (any day now).

I finished shopping before Sarah, because she was not operating under the same unreasonable budgetary constraints as I was. Plus, she likes to read the labels looking for low sodium and superfoods. So I finished before her. There was room by the manager's office for me to hang out and be out of the way. I asked a manager if he minded if I sat on the floor (oh, my aching back!). And do you know what he did? He got me a freaking chair, people. Like, with a back and everything. If you've ever been pregnant in Queens you know how rare it is to get any special treatment--like a seat on the subway.

We sailed through check out and were waited on by very friendly, cheerful check out clerks and baggers. And you will not believe what happened next. Did you know that they have an employee in the parking lot to help you put your bags in the car and to return your shopping cart? So you don't have to? I have never heard of such a thing.

We left the parking lot smiling. And back at home, Wesley and I at the shit out of some Trader Joe's chocolate chip cookies.

Flashy Video about Forest Hills

A little fluff piece about Forest Hills that was sent to us:



How much does it reflect the reality of the neighborhood? It seems to be downplaying or ignoring any Queens-ness in favor of praising luxe condo life and mall stores...

Nourished on the Boulevard

Just made my second visit to Nourish NYC, Sunnyside's new alternative to schlepping things home from Whole Body.

The store is beautifully designed, with a restful, spa-like atmosphere and the kind of selection that makes a natural/organic-junkie like myself swoon. I spent a little more than I intended but felt the pricing was appropriate.

Owner Claire Carson lives in Sunnyside and was very helpful when I stopped by today to stock up on prenatal vitamins and a calcium supplement. She really wants to hear from people in the neighborhood about what products you want to be able to buy without using your Metrocard or paying shipping fees.

There's a juice bar that also offers a selection of organic teas that I'm interested in trying.

It's a welcome (if luxurious) addition to the neighborhood. I hope for peaceful coexistence with the more downmarket health food store just up the street.

Macbeth/Socrates Saturday/Sunday

Come check out The Red Door Theatre Company's production of Macbeth this weekend at Socrates Sculpture Park as part of their 7th Annual Halloween Harvest Festival.

SATURDAY 10/20: The festival takes place, rain or shine, starting at 11am
MACBETH will start at 3:30 pm

SUNDAY 10/21: two shows! One at NOON and one at 3pm.

And it's all free!

Halloween Harvest Festival--Socrates Sculpture Park

OCTOBER 20, 2007, 11AM-3PM (RAIN OR SHINE)
FREE

with a special performance of William Shakespeare's Macbeth by The Red Door Theatre Company at 3:30PM

Medieval costume making workshops with Socrates Sculpture Park artists: Jane Benson, McKendree Key, Catarina Leitão, and Deborah Fisher

Enjoy jugglers, stilt walkers and musicians from Circus Amok

Play spooky games with Free Style Arts Association

Enter a raffle and win a pumpkin, carved or painted by a Socrates Sculpture Park artist

Have your face painted by Agostino Arts

Experience Electroception with artists Lilah Freedland and Mitch Miller

Dress up your dog for the third annual Canine Costume Contest
at 2pm or just watch the show!

Plus, you can purchase a treat from the famed
Once Upon a Tart!

This program is made possible by a generous grant by Con Edison.

Socrates Sculpture Park is grateful for the support of the City of New York, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall, Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, City Councilmember Eric Gioia, and the City of New York Department of Parks &
Recreation, Commissioner Adrian Benepe.

Additional support has been provided by Hunters Point Condos

Neville Dance Theatre's Memento Muerto

This event is not happening in Queens, but it features my friend Karen, who has lived in Astoria for as long as I've known her, going on a decade now! I caught this show a few years back and it's a great family event.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE: www.smarttix.com or 212.868.4444

Neville Dance Theatre's expanded narration:

Memento Muerto

A 'Days of the Dead' Dance Narrative

Thursday-Saturday
October 25, 7:30pm – Halloween Reception
October 26, 7:30pm
October 27, 7:30pm

The 14th Street Y Theatre
344 E. 14th Street @First Avenue (L, Q, R, 4,5,6 subways)

General Admission $20 / Halloween Reception $25

Halloween and Mexican Day of the Dead traditions come to the stage in Neville Dance Theatre's expanded dance narrative Memento Muerto. Ghosts, spirits, skeletons and even La Muerta (Lady Death) enter the land of the living and utilize ballet, Flamenco, Mexican and Argentine Tango to take viewers on an emotionally charged journey along the paths of family unity, cultural tradition and the everlasting bonds of love.

The evening's program also includes premieres of:

THE RAVEN- a dance drama based on Edgar Allan Poe's poem.
NIGHT MOVEMENTS - a contemporary ballet work
FLAMENCO SEGUIRIYA - with guest performer Silvia Siller and musicians Dominico Caro and Jed Miley.

"wide ranging and imaginative" -Jeni Breen, Sandra Cameron Dance Center

"impressive…I was struck by the company's strength and versatility of
disciplines" -Aurora Reyes, Flamenco Latino

"…a moving medley of dances that create a journey through life and
death" -Professor David H. Chisholm, University of Arizona

STARRING:

Allison Jay (Movin' Out - Ballet Met)
Chi-Tsung Kuo (Jennifer Muller/The Works)
Karen Lacy (Metropolitan Opera Ballet)
Jennifer Yackel (Richmond Ballet - Ballet Theatre of Maryland)

Plus: Fayzah Claudia Chisholm, Romina Rodriguez-Crosta, Ammon Dennis, Travis Gallagher, Miha Glockenspiel, Brenda R. Neville, Michelina Piazza, Dante Polichetti, Emily Santoro, Silvia Siller.

Don't miss this enchanting holiday celebration of traditions both old and new!

www.nevilledance.com

718.963.2009

Sunnyside Gardens Park Pumpkin Patch and Oktoberfest

Saturday, October 13th, 2007

(Rain date Sunday, October 14th, 2007)

Sunnyside Gardens Park
718-672-1555
48-21 39th Avenue
Between 48th and 50th Streets
(take #7 train to 46th Street)
Sunnyside, Queens New York
Noon to dusk

3 Acre Park Open to All for the day!
Pumpkin Patch
Children’s Arts & Crafts
Oktoberfest Barbeque
Autumn Produce Greenmarket
Face painting
Music

Not Very Blissful

After watching "Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares" last night, and seeing moldy food and colonies of cockroaches that infested the midtown restaurant he turned around, I started to wonder how our own neighborhood places have fared in the health department inspections, which Wesley has blogged about before.

Turns out that shortly after Bliss on 46th and Skillman underwent new management, their inspection ratings took a steep nosedive. On 8/22/07 they were given a disgusting 50 rating (anything over 28 constitutes a failure and requires a follow up compliance inspection). Their previous rating back on 5/1/07 was a somewhat high, but still passing 17. In contrast, Quaint, just down the block from Bliss on Skillman, received a very respectable 2 score (though that was back on 11/8/06 - let's hope they've kept it up).

When will the health department start requiring restaurants to post their scores? And why did it take a reality TV show to expose the filth that the former Dillon's (now rebranded as Purnima) was shoveling?

Touch Football for Fun & Charity

Got this in my inbox:

This fall, ZogSports expands to Queens with Touch Football in Queensbridge Park and Outdoor Soccer in Elmhurst. ZogSports, the charity-focused, social, co-ed sports league for young professionals in their 20s and 30s, is coming to Queens for the first time.

ZogSports has spent the last four years helping young New Yorkers break the monotony of the typical day – work/gym/bar/home - by offering sports leagues, trips, social events, and volunteer opportunities. To date, they have brought together 33,000+ participants and given more than $290,000 to charity.

Participants can sign up as an entire team or as an individual/small group and we’ll place them on a team. Teammates get to know each other at the organized post-game happy hours at local bars.

As a philanthropy-focused organization, ZogSports donates a portion of all proceeds to charity, and helps all participants Play For Your Cause by making donations to winning teams’ charities of choice. Teams have the opportunity to win both on the field as well as off, with awards given for Best Team Name, Best Team Spirit, and Best Happy Hour Team. ZogSports also partners with local charitable organizations to promote/co-sponsor their events, and organizes charity events of its own.

Sounds fun, if you consider yourself a team player and like meeting new people under physicall demanding circumstances, that is. Me, I'll sign up when they add Scrabble to their roster of activities. (Fact: I played ZLOTYS on a triple word score when Wesley and I were on our honeymoon in Spain. We didn't have a dictionary with us, and he threatened to cut off my supply of Rioja if I continued to insist that it was a real word. I chose Rioja over what I knew in my heart was right. I am still upset over what I consider to be the play of a lifetime.)

In Denial Over El Comelon

I kept telling myself that the busy signal meant that they were having phone troubles. I finally walked by there today and confirmed that my favorite purveyor of rice and beans and fried plantains is gone. Seriously, I'm devastated. They could carmelize an onion like you wouldn't believe. Unless you've had the grilled chicken and onions, in which case I know you're salivating right now. And we never even blogged about it.

So where do I go now? I know there are tons more options on Greenpoint, according to the New York Times and the Department of Health. What have I been missing thanks to my obsession with El Comelon?

108th Precinct Hosts Forum on Safety

PUBLIC MEETING:
108 Police Precinct Community Council
Tuesday 7pm, September 25, 2007
Sunnyside Community Services
2nd floor
43-31 39th St.
betw. 43rd Ave. & Queens Blvd.
(Usually lasts less than two hours. Council Pres. Diane Ballek urges all to attend and to arrive at 7pm sharp.)

NATURE OF CRIMES: The attempted and completed alleged break-ins appear to be crimes of opportunity, where a back window has been left open. Another common and more alarming feature in most of the alleged home attempts is that they occur at night when the houses are occupied with sleeping residents. The site of entry is sometimes in plain sight from the other side of the courtyard.

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND: If your residence has been broken in or an attempt was made, or you want to know how to try to prevent a break-in, please take this opportunity speak directly to 108 CO Captain Thomas Kavanagh, his team, and the specific special NYPD units who have been asked to attend. Everyone needs to hear your story. Community Affairs P.O. Juan Toro noted today (9/10/07) he finds only ³one break-in has been reported in the Gardens in the last 28 days,² which means we are not speaking up in an official matter. Criminals concentrate on an area until it becomes more trouble than it is worth. The police cannot discourage them with no information and if we do not show we care.

SQUEAKY WHEEL: Please report your crime to 911 and file a report, no matter if the attempt on your premises was successful or not. When such an attempt has been thwarted on the spot, one¹s main emotion is to try and forget about it. But if you do not file an official report, we will not get the attention we need from the NYPD. NYPD personnel are put where data exists suggesting a need, which is one reason NYPD policing is so effective. It is a hassle to file a report if you lost nothing, but getting the data in the system will protect you and your neighbors in the future. We don¹t want word to get around among lawbreakers that the area is an easy target. If you are told that you cannot file a report because no crime was committed, please note the time and place of attempt and time and name of whom you speak to -- obviously, police resources must be allocated to events with more serious priority, but down the road at the the council, such information might be invaluable to both you and the 108.

PRECAUTIONS: Please lock your doors and windows, particularly the ones facing the common areas. If you wish to have them remain open, wedge them open with pipe or wood so they cannot be opened from the outside. Secure air conditioners or fans so that they cannot be pushed into your premises to gain entry. Better information will be forthcoming 9/25 and your questions answered to the best of experts' ability regarding efficacy of alarms, lighting, locks. Get to know your neighbors and report anything suspicious in progress to 911.

LOCAL NYPD TEL. NUMBERS:
911 for a crime in progress, and that includes graffiti in progress
(Since our emergency calls to 911 are routed immediately to the precinct, call 911 rather than circumventing a good system by calling the precinct.)
311 for non emergencies
718 784-5411 - 108 precinct front desk ­ might ring awhile
718 784-5426 - 108 Com. Affairs --This # has a machine (PO's Juan Toro, and Marco Youseff)
718 784-5404 - 108 Crime Prevention Officer: Lou Chimento (free excellent, on-site advice)
If you wish to speak to Diane Ballek about becoming more involved in the Council, she may be reached at 718-784-3194

The (re)Cycle Plays: Call for Volunteers

We posted info about this event, and it turns out they could use some help:

As many of you already know, Confluence is producing a 1-day festival next Saturday called THE (re)CYCLE PLAYS. I can't tell you how rewarding this experience has been for me, the other producers, and all of the artists involved. Running a festival like this is not an easy task for a small non-profit like Confluence, which means we rely on volunteers to make sure that everything comes together and will run smoothly on the day of the event. We are still in need of some more volunteers to help us in the days leading up to the event distributing cards, hanging posters, and running errands. We also need some more volunteers on the day of the festival (Saturday, Sept. 15) to help us load in, set up, assist with the maintenance of our artist area, man the Confluence info table, assist with park clean up, and strike and load out at the end of the event.

If you are able to help us out over the next week or by signing up for a 1 or 2 hour shift on Saturday between 10am - 7pm, we would be extremely grateful for your help. Please email gabriel -at- recycleplays -dot- com.

If not, I hope that you are able to make it out to Socrates Sculpture Park to check out what promises to be a great time! All of the festival details can be found at www.recycleplays.com

THANK YOU!
Adam

Buy Raw Local Honey

A local honeybee farmer is selling honey to our CSA!
It's from Waldemar Galka who has a farm in Long Island.

To purchase honey:
- 1lb jars are $7, and 2lb jars are $13

- Choose Spring Honey (lighter) or Summer Honey (darker)

- Bring a check payable to: Waldemar Galka to the CSA pickup this Thursday 9/13 or next Thursday 9/20 Sunnyside Community Services, 2nd Floor between 5-8pm.. Please don't leave cash in the envelope.

- Put it in the HONEY MONEY envelope (just ask the volunteers for it)

- Print your name and phone number on the list that is attached
to the envelope, and indicate whether you want Spring or Summer honey.

- Honey will get delivered either during the last week of Sept or
first week of Oct.

About the honey (from Waldemar):

What is important is that the honey raw and local. The bioactive nutrients are not destroyed by pasteurization and the honey contains local pollen [said to help allergy sufferers].

The other important aspect is that I don't use any 'hard chemicals' to control varroa mites (honey bee parasites) so there is no risk of them getting into the honey even at low PPM. I produce healthy honey for my family and sell the surplus to the public. The honey is not organic since there are no organic areas in the vicinity of NYC sufficiently large - at least 6 miles in diameter, the extent of honey bee foraging - to certify an organic product.

1-lb jars are $7 each. 2-lb are $13 each.

The lighter jars are honey that's mostly from the black locust blossoms (spring time) and the amber jars are honey that's mostly from linden/basswood blossoms (summer time). This year's autumn honey is being collected by the bees at this time and, if all goes well, will be harvested in early October.

Las Senoritas de Avinon at Thalia Spanish Theater

I don't know how to add the proper accent marks onto that title--ever so sorry.

THALIA SPANISH THEATRE, celebrating its 30th anniversary, presents

the BILINGUAL AMERICAN PREMIERE

(WORLD PREMIERE in English)

THE “LADIES” OF AVIGNON

LAS “SEÑORITAS DE AVIÑÓN

in celebration of the Centennial of the masterpiece by

PABLO PICASSO

by

ONE OF SPAIN’S MOST IMPORTANT CONTEMPORARY PLAYWRIGHTS
JAIME SALOM
English Translation by CHARLES PHILIP THOMAS
Produced, Designed & Directed by ANGEL GIL ORRIOS

Associate Director HECTOR LUIS RIVERA

Starring
SOLEDAD LOPEZ, KATHY TEJADA, COCO NUÑEZ,
IVETTE OLIVERAS, ANGELA PEREZ, LORENA JORGE

and introducing as Young Picasso RAUL JULIA

Young Pablo Picasso, a struggling and as-yet unknown artist, finds love, comfort, and inspiration in the company of the “ladies” of a brothel in Barcelona. As he creates his masterpiece, the nude “ladies” from the canvas come to life. The great Spanish genius and his creation as you’ve never seen them before! DON’T MISS IT!

THE STORY OF THE MOST FAMOUS BROTHEL IN THE WORLD [thanks to him].
SIX WEEKS ONLY
OCTOBER 5 TO NOVEMBER 11 2007

alternating performances in ENGLISH and SPANISH

IN ENGLISH: FRIDAYS at 8 PM & SATURDAYS at 3 PM

IN SPANISH: SATURDAYS at 8 PM & SUNDAYS at 4 PM
TICKETS $25 STUDENTS & SENIORS $22

Special group rates

At THALIA SPANISH THEATRE

41-17 Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside (Queens)

Subway # 7 Local to 40th St. Station. Buses Q60, Q32 to Queens Blvd & 41st St.

INFORMATION & TICKETS (718) 729-3880

At Least a Cop Was There

School's back in session, which means at certain hours of the day the streets are swarming with teenagers. I've generally found them to be tolerable--they do form large crowds that block the sidewalk, but if you say "Excuse me" they move out of the way.

The 7 train platform is another story.

I was on a train that arrived at 40th Street at 4pm. As soon as the train stopped, each door was mobbed by a large group of teenagers, who were not at all interested in letting anyone off the train.

Right in front of me, a poor woman lugging a very heavy-looking parcel on a wheeled rack and carrying a large portfolio-sized parcel was KNOCKED TO THE GROUND by the crowd.

To their credit, a few reached out to help her up and to pick her parcels up. But most of them just climbed over her, making it even more difficult for the rest of us to exit the train. She was shaken up by it, and rightly so. It hurts to fall down. I'm not even going to get into the heebie jeebies it gave me, 7 months pregnant, contemplating what could've happened if it'd been me.

There was one cop on the platform trying to manage the situation, but he was woefully outnumbered and most of them were ignoring him. This girl fell only three doors from where he was standing.

THE re(CYCLE) PLAYS at Socrates Sculpture Park, Saturday 9/15

Come to Socrates Sculpture Park on Saturday, September 15 for an afternoon-long theater experience that sounds really unique: THE re(CYCLE) PLAYS. Here's what I've been told:

THE re(CYCLE) PLAYS is a free festival of shows related to sustainable development at Socrates Sculpture Park. The format of the festival hearkens back to the tradition of the Medieval Cycle Play, and gathers a number of talented young theater artists and companies for a common cause. Every set piece and prop is recycled, and the lights and sound equipment are powered by bio-diesel.

Socrates Sculpture Park
32-01 Vernon Blvd.
Long Island City, NY 11106
(718)956-1819


View Larger Map

Kaufman-Astoria is Super Bad

Saturday morning Wesley and I wake up bright and early, as is our wont these days. We're not sure at what point we morphed into senior citizens but our circadian rhythms seem permanently set on "wake up early and have a fun day." I blame it on the pregnancy hormones, which really doesn't seem fair because I have pregnancy insomnia to boot. I will never sleep again.

So anyway, on Saturday, after drinking coffee, reading the paper, doing the NYT crossword puzzle (that's right, suckers, I can do Saturday), enjoying the infonot, eating breakfast, doing a little light housecleaning, going to Nita's for pregnant lady's second breakfast, reading a few chapters in my book, and clearing out my email inbox, Wesley had a suggestion.

"Wanna see Superbad?"

Fuck yeah, I want to see Superbad. (You do, too, by the way).

We chose the 11:05 at Kaufman Astoria so we could get back in time to do some more Time Warner Digital Cable surfing before the Mets game at 3:30.

We get to KA at 10:50, because we believe that you should be early for a movie. (We also believe that you should shut the fuck up and turn off your cell phone, but it's much more rewarding to believe in things you can control.)

There was a crowd outside, and the gates were down. There appeared to be no signs of life inside. We really didn't know what to do. Later shows would cut into our Mets game. Wesley said, "maybe we should go get waffles?" We've never gone for waffles before, so I guess he was joking, but it was coming up on time for my third breakfast so I was having a hard time concentrating on willing the movie theater to open because of the steady hum in my head, going "waffleswaffleswaffleswaffleswaffles."

At 11:02 the gates open and all 50 of us bumrushed the entrance. I headed for the ticket line, wishing I had body armor to protect my belly from the people who were diving over and under the line to get as close to the front as possible. I don't blame them because there was only 1 woman selling tickets.

Wesley joined the mob at the machines, even though that is a true fool's errand because only 2 of them ever work at any given time and it's never the same 2. I was easily 8 people back and still got my tickets from the 1 slow lady (who even disappeared for a few minutes) before the people in front of Wesley had scored a successful swipe.

At least they started the movies on time, because that's what's important. Screw the audience, right? We made it just in time for the 100 minutes of awesome vulgarity that was Superbad. I'd say it was worth it but I'm too hungry to keep writing.

Museum of the Moving Image--New Podcasts

The ex-video store clerk in me is kind of freaking out at the Museum of the Moving Image's online offerings. They've got panels and Q&A sessions with all sorts of amazing people, from David Cronenberg to Terry Gilliam to Todd Haynes (twice!) to Martin Scorcese and a gazillion other people. They're audio-only, or you can get a PDF of the transcript.

Newest offerings are Michael Moore (Sicko), Sarah Polley (Away from Her) and a tantalizing panel called Considering Horror.

Seriously, did you guys know about this and not tell me? I'm so pissed at you for leaving me out...

Katrina Comes to Socrates Park

Check out The Blog of Joy for some cool photos from her trip to Socrates Sculpture Park to see by sculptor Takashi Horisaki's replica of a New Orleans house destroyed by hurricane Katrina.

Thanks for the heads up, Joy!

Live Music in LIC

Check out The Wallace Brothers next Friday night in the 'hood:

FRIDAY, August 24
9 pm
The Creek and the Cave
10-93 Jackson Ave (Long Island City)
1 stop from Grand Central on the 7

The Creek and the Cave is everything you could ask for in a nitespot: Mexican grill, bar, theater, lounge, pool room and patio all under one very large roof.

much love,
Mark + Carey

Hidden Queens--Huzzah!

Lots of our favorites on here--and some egregious oversights.

The Hidden Queens roundup from the New York Post is a great celebration of our borough. I'll be adding this link to our "In the Neighborhood" sidebar for easy reference.

CSA Killed My Contact Lenses--and I Liked It

The box from the Sunnyside CSA this week contained the usual goodies from the Golden Earthworm farm, including three lovely green peppers and two wondrously fragrant onions.

I decided to make steak sandwiches for me & Wesley. I carmelized the onions and sauteed the peppers, browned some flank steak in the cast iron then cut it across the grain and served it on a toasted baguette with some olive oil and goat cheese. With potato chip and a nice salad made from the CSA red leaf lettuce & tomato (and Foodtown cucumber), it was a delicious meal. I'm getting hungry just remembering it (though being almost 7 months pregnant it doesn't take much).

As we sat down to eat, I noticed that the skin between my fingers was burning, but I didn't remember touching any of the pans I used. As we were eating our sandwiches, we discovered that one of the three green peppers was a hot one. I am very sensitive to capsaicin (what makes the hot pepper hot) but I wasn't having much trouble with this one, possibly because it was cooked down & I had removed all the seeds. The fire was a quick flash that faded just as quickly.

However, as the night progressed, the burning on my hands spread and I realized that I was going to be in trouble.

See, I wear contact lenses. I learned once the hard way what careless jalapeno handling will mean for my ability to remove my contacts at night. So I'm always careful when handling hot peppers not to touch any part of them but the skin. This sneaky pepper, however, I'd been handling without care--that is, pulling out the ribs, brushing off the seeds, and cutting it up with my usual culinary abandon. I basicaly wiped it all over my hands.

That night, I braced myself for contact lens removal. There is nothing like having that on fire feeling directly on your eyeball. The last (only) time this happened I ended up discarding the lenses but I'd just switched to this pair on Friday and I hate to see a good pair go. Plus I had only just gotten used to my schedule--I am very flaky and can never remember when it's time to switch to a new pair. So I put them in the case.

In the morning, I pulled out contact lens number one and rinsed it beyond thoroughly, then stuck it in my eye. My poor assaulted eye immediately flooded with tears and began to swell up. I ripped out the lens and through both of them out. There was enough capsaicin left on my hands that even putting in the new pair caused some pretty intense burning, and for most of the morning I looked like I'd been crying.

My hands were burning for most of the day, even though I kept washing them and washing them and washing them. I finally put some burn ointment on and that helped. A friend suggested I dip them in milk, but that didn't really help.

Last night, over 24 hours since I'd handled that pepper, I took my contacts out and experienced a brief flash of burning.

Fortunately, this morning, when I put my contacts in, there was no burning at all, and my hands are back to normal.

But man, I tell you, that sandwich was awesome.

Manda Bala at MMI--Video Interview with Director Jason Kohn

I was at Sundance this year, and I kept hearing tremendous buzz about a little documentary called Manda Bala (Send a Bullet), which is screening this Saturday at 6:30 at the Museum of the Moving Image.

Here is a video interview with the director:



The interviewer, Reid Rosefelt, is a veteran publicist who helped launch the careers of such filmmakers as Pedro Almodovar and Jim Jarmusch. He wrote a lot more about the movie here, saying:

There are two basic strands to the story. One involves the super-violent world of kidnapping in Sao Paolo. We meet a woman who had both her ears cut off by kidnappers. It seems ear amputation is the preferred method of terrifying families into paying huge ransoms. There is a plastic surgeon that has developed a practice of reconstructing ears. A businessman relates that nearly every person of wealth has been a victim of crime or kidnapped. Some have been kidnapped more than once. Kidnapping is a booming business in Sao Paolo: it has the most bullet-proof cars, and the most private helicopters. Technologies.

The second part of MANDA BALA is about Jader Barbalho, Brazil's most powerful politician. It's really hard to think of too many people in the the world who are more outright evil than this man. Kim Jong-il? In a nutshell, he stole over two billion dollars from a public works project, thereby plunging the entire northeast of the country into starvation and death. I kept thinking, "what is he going to do with two billion dollars?" If he had considered stealing only one billion instead of two billion, it would have had a titanic impact on the ability of tens of thousands of people to survive.

Save the Library!

From Queens Crap:

"The Queens Library last year received $5.09 for each library patron visit, about two-thirds of the amount received by the Brooklyn Public Library and the New York Public Library, which serves Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island, says the report, "Library Funding: Subsidies Rebound, Disparities Remain."

I don't know about you, but I think that the library is one of the greatest public places ever devised by humankind. I'm not joking. See, they have books. And you can get a card that lets you take them home for a couple of weeks. Nowadays, using this thing called the internet you can even get your library to order books that they don't have, then hold them behind the counter just for you and nobody else. They'll even send you an email when the books come in!

And I'm not just talking fusty old classics like that broad who wrote the book they based Clueless on. I'm talking Harry Potter. I'm talking Stephen King, Nora Roberts, Oprah's Book Club, Neil Gaiman, Spiderwick, Laura Ingalls Wilder... just to name a few who may never have appeared together in the same sentence before.

The library doesn't have to be pretty, though that helps. It ought to be quiet--but that's a post for another day, because today I come to praise the library, not to bury it. Many offer woefully underfunding continuing education and ESL classes.

And if you hate to read, did you know they have CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks? Try one of the latter for your August trek in the rental to Grandma's. Who needs an SUV with a DVD player when you can have an Oscar-winning actor read you a good story?

Has this post moved you to action? Then buy the library a book.

Buy-A-Book for Queens Library
Celebrate the Library's 100th Anniversary

Funds for new books are needed more than ever. The library's budget to buy books has decreased by $4 million, while the demand for books and materials continues to increase each year!

Make your special “Buy-A-Book” gift for Queens Library’s 100th Anniversary today! Until September 30, your gift will be worth twice as much through a very generous $150,000 challenge grant provided by The Louis Calder Foundation.

Donations of $25 or more will buy books for the Library to be enjoyed by toddlers, teens, seniors, or you! As a thank you, your name, or the name of the person or organization you choose to honor, will appear on a special, limited edition commemorative 100th Anniversary bookplate in a new book.

So Cute

The YMCA has an indoor track that runs in a circle above the pool. On Saturdays, you can see the kids having their swimming classes. Everything from dads with tiny babies to kids bumping into each other while trying to master the backstroke to little ones with floaties and kickboards.

I mean, seriously. Can anything be cuter? Except maybe the little ballet class I saw in the 2nd floor classroom last week. Tutus and everything.

Bring the Funny to the Grind

Are there funny people in NW Queens? The Grind thinks you'll find them from 9 to 11:30 on Thursday nights. No cover, 2 drink minimum--and they're claiming to have cocktails now.

If you're really masochistic--er, in the mood for homegrown entertainment, warm up with Open Mic night, starting at 7pm, also on Thursday night.

I totally, totally dare somebody to check this out. Best reader review wins a rice ball from the Cheesteak Factory and bragging rights. Send submissions to clairedeveronNOSPAM@gmail.com (make sure to delete the NOSPAM part).

WNBC-TV report on the future of Sunnyside Rail Yards

Thanks to "New Yorker" for sending Queens Rocks a link to ABC News's video report on this hotly contested issue.

Ropes Course--In Queens!

CITY’S FIRST PUBLIC…AND THE NORTHEAST’S LARGEST…HIGH ROPES ADVENTURE COURSE OPENS IN ALLEY POND PARK

DATE: Friday, July 20, 2007

TIME:
12:00 p.m.

LOCATION:
Alley Pond Adventure Course, Enter at Winchester Blvd. (under the Grand Central Parkway; north of Union Turnpike); Head to the parking lot, Alley Pond Park, Queens

EVENT & PHOTO-OP: Commissioner Adrian Benepe and approximately 50 kids will "cut the rope" and traverse the new Alley Pond Adventure Course—the first adventure ropes course in a New York City park and the largest of its kind in the northeast. Press is invited to participate in the course.

DETAILS: The Alley Pond Park Adventure Course, also called a ropes or challenge course, is a challenging outdoor activity course that is open to individuals and groups and consists of 20 high and low elements—zip lines, a climbing grotto, a web, balance boards and more.

The course is a program of the Urban Park Rangers and was funded with a $250,000 grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and a $120,000 grant from the J.E. and Z.B. Butler Foundation.

A Silly Storytelling Hour at Starbucks

Night Light Works Presents:

A Silly Storytelling Hour at Starbucks

Come and join us for an hour of milk, cookies and Silly Storytelling!

WHAT IT IS: A Silly Story is a story where anything can happen! And it's sure to be silly because children are encouraged to help tell it! Silly Storytelling is a great way to build children's literacy skills and develop their imaginations!

WHO: All ages are welcome, but Silly Storytelling is especially fun for ages 3 to 10.

WHEN: Wednesday July 25th from 6pm to 7pm.

WHERE: Your local Starbucks! 46-09 Queens Blvd

HOW: Sign up at Starbucks to let us know that you are coming! There is a sign up sheet behind the counter and on the bullentin board. Sign up on either sheet.

For the Grown-ups we have a special treat as well... COFFEE and A FREE RAFFLE!

Warm Up in LIC: And Unlike Last Summer, LIC Residents Aren’t Paying For It

In New York City the word “beach” means as much as the word “grass.” There’s not that many opportunities to lay in the sun, on a hammock, with cool music, (not your ipod), with overly attractive friends and a summer-y drink. Until now--P.S.1’s Warm Up Saturday series is in full summertime swing.

P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center is the sexier, or rather x/y/z generation counterpart of the MOMA. This hip counterpart set in a old school building, offers a party in a rather unexpected place, right at the foot of the 45 Road Court House Square subway stop. The party grounds are impressive— a concrete beach with full hammocks draped from an overwhelming art exhibit called Liquid Sky, chilled summer drinks at the bar, live music and DJ’s that spin while you're relaxing, socializing, dancing or trying to stay dry under the aforementioned “sky.”

In addition to the party fun, LIC/Sunnyside residents get in free—which is a steal, since regular admission is ten bucks. However, be sure to bring a proof of residence, such as a bill or lease and form of ID— they will not let you in otherwise. With this golden ticket, you are given access to P.S.1’s indoor museum which offers everything from an art exhibit in the historic building’s own boiler room to a painstaking tiny dot masterpiece.

So, on Saturday, get off your couch and turn off the AC-—Warm Up at P.S.1.

Dates & Times

Each Saturday through September 1, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Address:

P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center is located at 22-25 Jackson Avenue at 46th Avenue in Long Island City, Queens, across the Queensboro Bridge from midtown Manhattan.

Click here for full line up and info.

Lollipop Garden Closing

From the owners:

Hello everyone,

It is with great sadness that we have to announce the closing of Lollipop Garden.
As many of you know, we have faced financial difficulties since the warm weather has arrived and we have been trying to come up with a temporary arrangement with our landlord. Well, we did have an arrangement but late Friday we have received a phone call from the landlord who simply said that (for whatever reason) the arrangement we had will not work for him and asked that we be out of the premises by the end of next week. Needless to say, we are devastated. We asked for a little break on the rent and were led to believe that our request was accepted. The landlord's change of mind on Friday caught us totally off guard and now we have no choice but to close our doors for good since we do not have sufficient funds to cover the rent.

I know this may sound really "cheap" but we would like to ask for one last and final support from the community to help us out with this sudden move. We will be open for open play all of next week at regular admission price so please stop by and say hello. All classes however have been canceled. We are also selling everything at Lollipop Garden. We will say our final good-bye on Thursday and will be open until 8:00. We want to say thank you to all of you who have supported us in the last 7 months and we apologize to those who just found us in the last few weeks.

Rate the 7 Train Online

Too bad there isn't a place to write in comments:

"During rush hour, I love that I can wave to all the people on the 46th Street platform, knowing that all of us will still be there when the train comes by."

Take the survey here.

Lemonade!

I just drank a delicious fresh squeezed lemonade from The Grind (Queens Boulevard & 39th Place, South Side). I watched her squeeze it myself. Real lemons, and you add the sugar yourself so I could get the perfect level of tartness. Delicious & refreshing after a walk through the neighborhood.

Also, I noticed that The Grind has ice cream sodas on offer. I have not had one yet, but this has been one of my pregnancy cravings. And since my boyfriend Mr. Softee no longer comes up my street at 9:15 pm, I've been despairing of having to rely on Baskin Robbins for my fix. I mean, the Foodtown can't manage to stock mint chocolate chip of ANY BRAND WHATSOEVER. I can't be the only person who has a problem with this.

I'll report back tomorrow after I have a float. I'm thinking Dr. Pepper with vanilla ice cream...

SOUTHERN QUEENS GOSPEL FEST

DATE: Saturday, July 14, 2007

TIME:
3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

LOCATION:
Baisley Pond Park, Rockaway Blvd., Sutphin Blvd. and Baisley Blvd., Queens

DETAILS: This free festival will feature performances by Brother Al Smith of the New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Brotherhood Choir, CTH Mass Choir of St. Albans Baptist Church, Echols Temple, GBC Inspirations, Growth Christ Community Choir, and others. Parks & Recreation will also offer free refreshments, arts and crafts, face painting, and raffle prizes.

The event is hosted by Black Families International and WLIB Radio with sponsorship by Sam Ash Music Stores and KFC. The Southern Queens Gospel Fest is part of a larger initiative to increase programming in southern Queens parks.

Seeking vendors for upcoming Sunnyside Gardens Craft Fair

Calling All Handmade-Craft Vendors to the
Sunnyside Gardens Park
1st Annual Craft Fair


Seeking artisans of fine quality, handmade crafts


Date: Saturday, September 8, 2007
(Rain date September 9)
Time: 11AM – 3 PM
Location: Sunnyside Gardens Park
48–21 48th Street, Sunnyside, NY


To request an application:
E-mail: sunnysidegardenspark@nyc.rr.com
Phone: 718-672-1555
Submission deadline: August 18, 2007
Tables: $50
Booth Size: 10 x 10