Lance kicks ass tomorrow. Let's send him some love today.

Harlem 26.2

Posted by Chris at 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

While perusing Harlem articles today, I came across a subject even more scary than the identical clown costumes Cheryl and I will wear for Halloween- New York City public schools.

Having a non-traditional child (our cat Cimbi), articles like this one on a Wednesday public schools Town Hall meeting at St. Mary's Church usually fly below our radar. However, this one hit close to home, like right across the street close to home, when a teacher from P.S. 149 was quoted:

[Teacher Pat] Sherwood said that Harlem's P.S. 149, on W. 117th St., was particularly problem-ridden. "There's a lack of professionalism from the administration," she said. "It pushes teachers, rushes teachers ... There's a major investigation going on within the administration. We don't know the full story. This lack of communication has to stop."

Another choice quote includes: Avis Sylvester, a teacher at P.S. 149, said that she had "seen books in the garbage" at other schools. "Some schools have too much and don’t know what to do with it, and others don't have enough," she said. "I couldn't stand to look at the garbage—good textbooks were thrown out."

For more, including quotes from State Sen. Bill Perkins, click through to the full Columbia Spectator article.

Posted by Chris at 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Craig Murphey, who helped build the West Harlem Action Network Against Poverty since 2003, was killed early last Thursday morning on his bike. In his memory, the first annual Craig Murphey Memorial Party Fund Raiser to raise money for Craig's charity work is being held tomorrow at Royal Oak at 594 Union Ave in Brooklyn (L to Lorimer St).

Below is a letter about Craig from Raquel Granda, Director of Cathedral Community Cares.

Craig started working at the Cathedral in November of 2003 as a VISTA volunteer for CCC. He was 22 years old, just out of college, and excited about the chance to live in the very "heart" where everything happens. His task was to strengthen the work of the Upper West Side Colloquium Against Poverty, which consisted of about 5 emergency food providers in the Morningside Heights/West Harlem area. The group wanted to have a VISTA volunteer coordinate its efforts. It was important that the group met regularly, that there were minutes, and an agenda, not just a lot of discussion about poverty. As soon as Craig started his work with the group, membership expanded and the group was able to accomplish a number of projects: a membership agreement and mission statement (as well as the changing of the group's name to "West Harlem Action Network Against Poverty, or WHANAP), the publication of a resource guide, the sharing of a web database, and a Community Supported Agriculture Project, better known as the "West Harlem CSA."

Through his ability to build relationships as an organizer and using his creativity and intelligence he fundraised for the continued coordination of WHANAP and stayed on as the Cathedral's Community Organizer after his VISTA year was completed.

Just this week, we ended the first West Harlem CSA growing season. This collaborative initiative ensured that fresh produce would reach low-income families and the emergency food programs he worked with through WHANAP. This project was close to his heart. He was passionate about the issues of hunger. He understood that combating this issue was not just about feeding people but that it involved getting the freshest and best nutrition to everyone regardless of one's income.

Continue reading "Celebrate The Life And Work Of Craig Murphey This Friday" »

Posted by Chris at 02:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Harlem River Boat Club is taking advantage of the gorgeous fall season by rolling out its learn-to-row program with a limited number of spots for new rowers. *We have the boats, the coaches, the equipment...all we need is you!* New rowers will get 20+ hours of training in the following fundamentals:

· basic understanding of boating rules and safety procedures
· working knowledge of rowing commands
· basic proficiency in sculling with some sweep rowing
· essential river etiquette and rules
· steering commands for bowing and coxing

You don't need to be an athlete, tall, or extraordinarily fit to participate. Classes accommodate people at most fitness levels and ages. It's mandatory for safety reasons, however, that you are a strong swimmer.

*WHEN?*

There are *two sessions available, running concurrently from October 6 through November 3. *

*Session 1:* Saturdays (8–11 am) and Tuesday evenings (5:30–7:30 pm)

*first weekend is both Saturday AND Sunday

*Session 2:* Sundays (8–11 am) and Thursday evenings (5:30–7:30 pm)

*first weekend is both Saturday AND Sunday, last class is a Saturday

It's extremely important that you're available for ALL classes in your session, as skills are cumulative. Please contact us with scheduling concerns. *Weekday evening classes may be pushed back to 6pm if there is sufficient demand.*

*HOW?*

Calendar clear? *Reserve your spot in class by emailing Kate, the LTR coordinator, at **kate [at] harlemriverboatclub [dot] org** to indicate your interest in session 1 or 2.* A signed waiver and payment must be received before your place in class is confirmed. It's first come, first served, but if you don't nab a spot, we'll put you on the wait list in case someone drops out before class begins. After that, we'll keep you posted on next season's learn-to-row schedule.

*COST?*

$150 (reduced fees are available for participants who qualify) Sorry, no refunds once classes start!

*WHERE?*

Practice takes place on the Harlem River at Roberto Clemente State Park in the Bronx. The Park is accessible by the 4 Train, MetroNorth (Morris Heights station) and the Bx40, Bx42 and Bx 18 buses.

*QUESTIONS?* Email Kate at kate [at] harlemriverboatclub [dot] org.

Posted by Chris at 03:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

*** Calling all rowers and rowers-to-be! ***

The Harlem River Boat Club is thrilled to host a kick-off barbecue this Sunday, September 30, at 1pm, to gather friends old and new as we prepare to get on the water! Our tentative on-water date is October 6!

Come learn about:

*Learn-To-Row classes
*Open Rowing sessions
*Volunteer Opportunities

Please share this invite with friends! If you cannot attend, please check our website for updates, or email info [at harlemriverboatclub [dot] org with any questions. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Posted by Chris at 02:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Let's see, $7 billion worth of neighborhood development with contract preferences for local talent, the creation of more than 6,000 permanent jobs with benefits in our backyard, cleaning up the waterfront for public enjoyment, and considered assistance for relocating those displaced, all with the creation of a public high school dedicated to math and sciences- sounds like a good thing to complain about, right?

People's ability in this city to protest exaggeratedly about any and all change never ceases to amaze me. One of my favorite examples to date is the community protest over cleaning up Washington Square Park in the Village. Bourgie residents from the tony nabe are all up in arms to prevent revitalizing the mounds, nothing more than large asphalt deposits infested with rats. But whereas watching stroller pushing moms fight to save dirty rodent dens in the middle of a park provides for great comedy, watching the way some people are choosing to protest Columbia's expansion can be embarrassing.

Naturally, one would expect neighborhood activists to take advantage of the situation and push to get the best possible outcome of these opportunities, but the last public hearing by CB9 devolved into romper room with protesters booing speakers, creating a racket with noise makers, and otherwise behaving like a bunch of hyperactive school children.

Is this really necessary?

I'm not saying that everything Columbia is doing is perfect, but the clean up and redevelopment of former manufacturing brownfields, creation of jobs with decent benefits packages and betterment of the local education system are usually things communities fight to have. Looking at job creation alone, Columbia will be pumping a lot of opportunity into the nabe.

Job Creation- Construction: It's no secret that the economy is coughing and sputtering a bit as of late, and construction especially may be loosing speed. With the pace of development in the city slowing down, Columbia is ready to pump $7 billion worth of clean-up and construction into an area that is mostly an underutilized brownfield. This translates into 1,200 construction jobs a year during the course of the project, which may last 15 years. Also, given that this is Columbia expanding its home and not a fly-by-night developer trying to make a buck and skip town, I am guessing the construction jobs will be union, rather than off the books, and construction quality will be better monitored than some Harlem projects.

Job Creation- Permanent: As I know it best, Columbia's expansion will create 6,000 new permanent jobs. I am sure that most people who have been in Harlem will agree that people in the area are in need of employment, especially employment with decent health and retirement benefits packages. People have to eat too, which probably means a boost for local restaurants and other establishments.

So, in advance of the Borough President's hearing this evening on Columbia's Manhattanville expansion, I thought I'd throw in my two cents on why this might not be such a bad thing after all. Hell, it might even be worth approaching the situation like adults. Of course, I look forward to any ideas on the topic everyone else has.

Time and location for this evening's Borough President public hearing on the University's expansion plan is:
Aaron Davis Hall's Marian Anderson Theater, on the City College campus, 138 Convent Avenue at West 135th Street. The meeting time is 6:30pm.

By Subway: #1 to 137th Street, A, C or D to 145th Street
By Bus: M11, M18, M100 or M101 to 135th Street

Manhattanville photo by masck

Posted by Chris at 03:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (22)

How could I not post on something with Biil T. Jones?

artHARLEM presents:
The 3rd Annual Harlem Open Artist Studio Tour/HOAST 2007- a two day walking tour of artist studios and galleries in historic Harlem. Sat Oct. 6 & Sun Oct. 7. Tour and shuttle bus starts at 151 W.122nd St. Free to the public.

Tour maps are available at neighborhood venues like Harlem Tea Room and Saurin Parke Cafe or visit www.artharlem.org for more information.

Participating artists: Dindga MaCannon, Stephanie Mulvihill, PJ Cobbs, Ruth Miller, Julio Valdez, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, Asia Ingalls, Harlem Quilting Girls Circle, Chashama studio artists, Noreen Dean Dresser, and more.

Posted by Chris at 04:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Friends of St. Nicholas Park are holding a meeting in the park next Tuesday to organize events for the rest of 2007 and 2008, and they are looking for new members to join. They write:

Next Tuesday, September 11th, we will have a special September Picnic Monthly Meeting on St. Nicholas Park's Great Lawn (near 135th street plaza in the park). The meeting will begin at 6:30pm and last until 8pm. Please bring a picnic meal and something to sit on such as a blanket.

Click thru to their site to check out all of the details.

Posted by Chris at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This is an amazing thing to watch: Nick Sprayregen, owner of Tuck-It-Away Storage and main Columbia foe who riled up Harlem anti-gentrification activists against the University's expansion, is now proposing that in exchange for his buildings, Columbia give him lots in the expansion zone to build 25-story residential towers of market rate housing.

Will there be any low income units? Oh, of course, if the University subsidizes them, that is.

One of the towers would go up where the Nash building stands, a building the same anti-gentrification and preservationist activists sought to preserve. [Columbia Spectator]

Sick of banks and pharmacies being the only new retail? Someone in the City Council has heard your pleas for a better shopping selection, and are proposing ideas from tax breaks to mom and pop shops to "a zoning proposal in the works for 125th Street in Harlem that would bar banks, offices, and hotels from occupying first-floor retail space, except to allow entrances and lobbies." Chipotle, thankfully, is allowed. [Sun]

Despite the nation's credit crunch, the sale of parking garages for conversion to office and residential space continues, with a four-story garage on 132nd between Lenox and Adam Clayton Powell on the market. [Sun]

Looking for a penthouse below a million bucks? The Langston is your best bet. Plus, it has parking, you know, which seems to be a more difficult thing to find these days. [Sun]

And it's not just parking garages that are undergoing conversions. The trend of condos springing up all around continues, with some appearing in rental buildings at the expense of residents' safety. [Newsday]

amNewYork has an article in the print edition titled The new, old Harlem, Vibrant black middle class survies gentrification, but I can't find it online.

And in culture, which is kinda like real estate, in the sense that it's an integrated pattern of human knowledge and all...

Harlem-born Daily News editorialist Errol Louis says comedian Eddie Griffin, "like Michael Richards and Don Imus before him," is out of touch using the N-word. [Daily News]

Posted by Chris at 08:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

As Labor Day approaches, many of us are trying to get in those essential summer activities before it is too late: Shakespeare in the Park, time at the beach, brunch with friends outside, and for the heroin addict who sometimes crashes in the construction site next door, taking a dump on my building.

This summer's Herr Dooker seems to be even more advanced than last year's sly crapping. The bowel bandit has moved from simply crapping during daylight hours in a fairly open area to firing off his rear exhaust on the service door right at ass height. This gives it a nice cascading effect.

We have an action shot of George cleaning it off, and a little song I am writing to commemorate the occasion (sung to the tune of Creedence Clearwater Revival's Lookin' Out My Back Door [2:32]).

Leavin' for work in corduroys, check the side door, oh boy!

George is spraying at something, he got it all watered down
Odor takes my nose for a spin and I'm singing

Doo, doo dookie taken on my side door

Somebody's been shootin' heroin, and spraying out their ass
Looked for corn or sign of nutrition in the poop 'round
Guy needs some protein if he wants to be alive

Doo, doo dookie taken on my side door

If Cenmusa builds a public toilet for the man
I will leave some quarters right on the ground
Doo, doo, doo
He can even use toilet paper, no public spy

Doo, doo dookie taken on my side door

And that's all I've got. Time for bed.

Posted by Chris at 11:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I'm a bit subdued after Sunday's 100 mile bike ride around Long Island's North Fork, and feeling a bit more like reading than writing. As such, I offer a sample of what has caught my attention:

The Friends of St. Nicholas Park appreciate even those green spaces that are not in St. Nicholas Park, and so profile Arthur, a neighborhood hero who helps keep the foliage in the street looking it's best:

I often see [Arthur] trimming, planting and pulling trash out of the plot. He even created wooden teepees over areas that are trying to grow; to prevent foot traffic from cutting across.

He does this because he loves it. Plain and simple. [Friends of St. Nicholas Park]

A little further uptown, Christina plays the role of 'Girl behind door 2' in a real life episode of Law & Order:

I can hear another detective knocking at another apartment door down the hall. The man at my door is wearing a suit, has a badge clipped to his lapel, and is very well-groomed and handsome. Like, so good-looking that I had to wonder if he as married (but, no, I did not go looking for a ring). It turns out that two people had been shot and killed in the building next door and the detective wanted to know if I'd heard anything, if I'd been home all night, etc. That is sooo L&O. [Swirling Black Lilies]

Not the kind of dirty sex that you dream about, Lance tackles a tough subject in a daring way:

White folks may not know the numbers but it's down right scary out there in Black America where we make up approximately 13% of the population yet account for 50% of the new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in the US. 1 out of every 4 Black men in Manhattan aged 40 - 49 is HIV Positive and HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death of Black women between the ages of 25 and 44. That right there sums it up and is why being single in NYC can suck - you can literally get killed out here dating and there is nothing cool or sexy about that reality. [Harlem 26.2]

Posted by Chris at 11:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Harlem River Boat Club has just been asked by the Manhattan Parks Commissioner to do a "row-by" in a ground breaking ceremony for the Harlem River Esplanade, and so writes in:

This is a big deal for us, because it means that we are truly on the radar screen of Parks higher-ups and because it indicates that rowing is an activity that the Parks Department wants to see and showcase on the Harlem River.

*The ground breaking is tomorrow, August 21st, at 11am.* HRBC will be rowing boats on the river as part of the photo-op. The Mayor will be there, along with other electeds and Parks reps.

*We need several people who how to scull and a small group of people to help rig and launch a boat* -- we will probably be using our wherries, or perhaps our quad. We will be meeting at Roberto Clemente State Park at 8 AM and should be done by 1PM.

We know this is short notice, but it's an amazing opportunity for HRBC. If you are available to help out for any part of this, please let us know!

Salty dogs, scurvy naves and like can send an email to: info [at] harlemriverboatclub [.] org

Posted by Chris at 02:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Community Board 9 will hold a special board meeting this evening to vote on both Columbia's and the Community Board's plans for the University's proposed expansion into Manhattanville/ ViVa.

Last week's meeting on the same drew a disappointing response from some attendees, who booed speakers such as former Mayor David Dinkins. However, members of both Columbia and the Community Board did seem to walk away with the feeling that there is a great opportunity to reach agreement.

There are arguments both ways (I do not support the use of eminent domain for private use), but Columbia's plan is by far the best for making the neglected Manhattanville/ ViVa area into something nice. And it is Columbia, so they will be building to stay as a member of the nabe, not building to make a quick buck and then cut town.

This evening's meeting will be held at the Manhattanville Community Center, 530 West 133rd Street, starting at 6:30pm.

Posted by Chris at 02:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For all of those out there in the nabe who at one time or another have said "If only there was an -x- near-by," now is your chance to make that wish come true. Or at least advocate on behalf of it with a couple mouse clicks.

A Harlem Fur reader, property manager, and Harlemite himself writes in to let us know that he has vacant storefront space around Lenox and 125th, and is wondering what people would like to see fill it up. So feel free to voice your opinion via the survey, in the comments, or via email, as this is not about being rigorously scientific. No, picking great Harlem retail is all about love.

Note: Survey responses were reader submitted, except for Cimbi's.

Posted by Chris at 02:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (28)

Just a reminder that State Sen. Bill Perkins' town hall meeting is this evening at 6pm.

The meeting will take place at 6pm on the 8th floor of the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building, 163 West 125th Street. Guests are asked to please register in advance by calling Sen. Perkins' office at 212-222-7315.

Posted by Chris at 02:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Celebrating East Harlem's culture and legacy is the 4th Annual Arts Festival.

Attendees are asked to mark their calendars for August 18th, and vendors and participants are asked to sign up in advance by contacting Chris Bell at 212-831-8929 or cbell -at- cb11 -dot- org.

Click here for a full-sized, printable flyer.

Posted by Chris at 12:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's almost as if Sen. Perkins reads Harlem Fur.

Harlem State Senator Bill Perkins and New York State Division of Human Rights Commissioner Kumiki Gibson will host a town hall meeting to discuss housing discrimination and civil rights in Harlem on Wednesday, August 1st.

The meeting will take place at 6pm on the 8th floor of the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building, 163 West 125th Street. Guests are asked to please register in advance by calling Sen. Perkins' office at 212-222-7315.

Posted by Chris at 01:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

I know that I'm stepping into an area far more delicate than cats being fuzzy or dogs doing crazy things in the park, but I have really enjoyed the comments on Harlem Fur everyone has provided. The vast majority are tempered and respectful, yet reflect the wide range of ideas in this dynamic neighborhood we all call home. I really enjoy reading them, and am curious as to what everyone thinks on the current use of gentrification.

I don't think anyone would not agree that gentrification is occurring in New York City, it is occurring in Harlem, and it is making readily observable changes to the nabe. What seems to be in question is whether all of the changes taking place in Harlem are due to gentrification, and if gentrification's changes are the impersonal agent of outside forces or a personalized affront to a specific person or way of life.

Look at two recent conversations here on Harlem Fur and on UPTOWNflavor.

A Harlem Fur link to an article in today's Times about the closing of Copeland's has a quote from the owner showing a very personalized view of why his restaurant is coming to an end: "The white people who took their [the black families who used to patronize his business] place don't like or don't care for the food I cook." Readers responded by both saying that African American's lifestyles have changed, and citing other, newer soul food restaurants that are doing well in gentrifying parts of Harlem (Melba's, Billie's Black, Sylvia's, Amy Ruth's) and Morningside Heights (Rack & Soul, Spoonbread).

A recent posting in UPTOWNflavor wonders if the loss of a lease by the Record Shack on 125th is due to changes in how music is bought and sold or if it is the specific loss of more of Harlem's original flavor. The owner, Sikhulu Shange, says in the Amsterdam News: " 'We were in court last week, and we were told that we have 10 months before the eviction begins... When you go down to 111 Centre Street, you are besieged on every side.' Shange was characterizing the court system and how it's stacked against a small businessman." An UPTOWNflavor reader understands it differently and writes "This is nothing more than a merchant who has failed to plan as a business owner. Lots of businesses on that same street have had to relocate to other locations on that street."

Just to throw it out there, here is my take.

I understand the material effects of Gentrification to be the impersonal agent of outside forces. Looking beyond Harlem for the sake of example, I do not view the closing of Tower Records near Lincoln Center as an affront to popular music, the closing of CBGB's as an affront to punk rock, the closing of Movie Place in Morningside Heights as affront to arthouse cinema, or the closing of the 2nd Ave Deli as an affront to Jewish cuisine. Rather, I view them as the result of changing distribution models (online music and movie rentals) and a neighborhood's real estate value outgrowing the current tenant's use.

This doesn't make me heartless. Don't think that these closings didn't make me sad with the loss of unique corners of the city in each (well, not so much Tower Records, I could care less). I really don't like seeing the things that make New York unique go away. But personal feelings aside, I see the changes not being personalized ones.

So why be concerned with this distinction between outside forces and personalized affronts? When one internalizes a situation outside of them, they are not able to use the critical detachment necessary to understand the situation and alter their strategy accordingly to succeed.

I work with elected officials. The smart ones know that when outside problems become seen as personal, even when those problems are the direct smearing of their personal character, strategies for dealing with them fall apart.

Posted by Chris at 11:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (22)

Following up on the Harlem Book Fair, here are some of the write-ups I found.

First, from The Ride: To be fair (no pun intended), there are really two Harlem Book Fairs - one that takes place outside on 135th Street between 5th Avenue and Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. and the other which takes place inside the esteemed Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture where noted scholars/authors/intellectuals discuss the larger more complex issues facing African Americans the audience of which is comprised mainly of middle/upper middle class blacks over the age of 35.

Second, Kyle, aka Writer X writes: [T]his year was more troublesome in the sense that I really felt like I was drowning in the tension between the commercial and "girlfriend" fiction booksellers and some older attendees and some of the more "educated" crowd."

Third, author Leila Jefferson writes: OMG!!! That is my initial reaction, lol...it was a great experience!! I was disapppointed I didn't get to walk around and check out everything else that was going on, but I guess I'll get that chance eventually...so many people came by and showed me and my fellow Pilot authors so much love!!

Finally, Ferentz Lafargue writes on The Night Shift Chronicles: This split provided for one of the more entertaining observations for the day. Inside the Schomburg figures such as former congressman J.C. Watts, Walter Mosley, and current congressman Charles Rangel opined in front of the c-span cameras. Meanwhile, outside on 135th a number of the literary entrepreneurs were seen staging their own press-conferences, compiling footage for what they will surely use on sites such as myspace, youtube and other promotional outlets.

Posted by Chris at 12:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

In another crushing blow to Bryant Park's summer film regin, this week St. Nicholas Park is host to the 6th Annual Historic Harlem Parks Film Festival. The highlight of the Park’s summer events, films take place at the beautiful 135th street plaza (St. Nicholas Avenue and 135th street).

The events are free!

The schedule is listed below, and you can also download a PDF of the Film Festival schedule or visit the Friend's website more information.

Wednesday July 25, 7:30pm
Live Performance: Sing-Sing Rhythm - Senegalese Sabar Drummers and Dancers

ALL ABOUT DARFUR (Taghreed Elsanhouri, Sudan/UK, 2005, 80m.) Up until now, the perilous situation in Sudan has been seen only from the perspectives of those outside the country. All About Darfur offers an opportunity to hear the story told by eloquent, at times contradictory, voices from within Sudan.

Thursday July 26, 7:30pm
Live Performance: Music DJ l'mani V/DJ Stone

WELCOME TO NOLLYWOOD (Jamie Meltzer, USA, 2007, 63m.) The burgeoning Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood, is reportedly the most popular cinema in all of West Africa and the third largest film industry in the world. Welcome to Nollywood looks in to this newly emerging industry, exploring its peculiar inner workings, economic challenges and diverse array of colorful films.

Followed by:
MAMA PUT (Seke Somolu, Nigeria, 2006, 30m.) When a gang of three armed robbers arrive one night, a struggling mother soon finds herself feeding and sheltering criminals, in return for money and protection. But this fiery character uses her smarts and talents in the kitchen to extricate herself and her family.

Posted by Chris at 03:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Given that UPTOWNflavor is possibly Jason Bourne and possibly not coming home until August 3rd, Cimbi and I thought we would fill in with links to the morning's news.

No Harlem News. At least not that Cimbi could find by Googling with small cat paws. So, we offer some events going on in and around the hood starting this evening.

Friday, July 20

For the bibliophiles: The Wheatley Book Award ceremony takes place this evening from 7pm to 10pm, at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. This evening's ceremony is dedicated to Octavia Butler and Ossie Davis. You will want to reserve seating, which can be done easily by sending an email to rsvp@qbr.com.

For the perverts: Many of us view Central Park as our collective back yard, so why not run around it in our underwear? We would, but registration is full for this evening's 7:30pm Chipotle Underwear Run. However, this does not mean that you can't come oogle cheer on those who did register.

It starts at Central Park's dubious-sounding Dead End Road. You will know you are in the right place when you see a bunch of people ready to run dressed in boxers, boxer briefs, tighty whities and sports or full coverage bras. If the people you see are wearing thongs or sheer materials, you might be in the wrong place. In that case, you should run.

Saturday, July 21st

Start the morning off with a little exercise. You can still register on-site tomorrow morning for the 4 mile Run for Central Park. Be there in advance of the 8:30am start gun. The run begins on Central Park's East Drive near 68th Street.

The much talked about Harlem Book Fair is taking place Saturday. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on West 135th Street from 5th to 7th Avenues. For a complete listing of everything taking place, please check out the website.

Now that you have read the book, see the movie. The Harlem Teen Film Festival features short films, 2 minutes to 22 minutes in length, exploring subjects like military recruitment, drug addiction and gun violence on the streets of New York. From 3 to 5 p.m., the Harlem School of the Arts, 647 St. Nicholas Avenue, at 141st Street, Hamilton Heights, (212) 926-4100.

After a day of exercise and culture, you will need a drink. Stop by Minton's Playhouse to celebrate the Harlem Book Fair with Harlem World from 7 to 10pm. Author Erica Simone Turnipseed will give a reading and signing of her new paperback, HUNGER and featuring music from A LOVE NOIRE/HUNGER: The Soundtrack with LEANiN6 and special guests.

Posted by Chris at 08:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Amsterdam News has an article today on Marcus Garvey Park that leads off talking about Harlem bloggers (blush). Whatever one might think the park topic would be, I'm guessing it is not the one the article addresses:

Harlem bloggers and their faithful readers are all commenting about the supposed rumor that the new white residents in Harlem are pushing to change the Marcus Garvey Park back to its original name, Mount Morris Park.

"I have[n't?] heard anything officially, I have heard chatter about changing the name of Mount Morris Park," said Neil Clark, chair of the Community Board 10 in Harlem.

Clark who has jurisdiction over the park added, "I doubt that my board would go along with the name change if there was one."

This is the first we over here have heard of this. And just to make the record clear, Harlem Fur is A 100 percent in support of the name Marcus Garvey Park.

Drummers fight for Marcus Garvey Park [Amsterdam News]

Drumming up trouble in the park [UPTOWNflavor]

Marcus Garvey Park Drum Circle [Harlem Fur]

Posted by Chris at 11:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (16)

I'm not blown away by the design, but the Harriet Tubman memorial on 122nd and Frederick Douglass Blvd looks much more like something designed to keep remembrance alive than what we at The Fur had previously assumed was the completed project.

The slopped, textured inner edges of the planters gives the central area of the memorial a riverbed-like feel. Adding to this is the curved design of the subway ventilation grates, seen running alongside the planter on the left.

I'm guessing that the planters are not meant to be a desert scene, and appropriate landscaping with better vegetation is intended.

Finally, the Dwyer in the background adds a nice touch.

Now, if only Frederick Douglass Circle could be hurried up a bit.

Posted by Chris at 11:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

At one point while backpacking across Europe, my friend hurled the 23 Birra Peroni he had just downed all over the side of a 600 year old Italian building. As he stood there propped against the wall by his arms, breathing heavy, sweating and swearing he would never drink again, I took pause and thought "I wonder what it would be like to live in a place that was a constant tourist attraction?"

As a resident of Harlem, I now know.

Thankfully, the tourists in Harlem are more likely to be middled aged or a family, as opposed to unsupervised college kids. And they are much more likely to be part of an organized tour, rather than roaming around in loosely formed groups drinking enough to stay blasted until their 21st birthday.

Still, I'm curious as to what the guides are saying when a group passes my place and all of their heads turn up in unison like a bunch of cats watching a piece of string.

For those who are inclined to find out, here are some weekend tours beyond the ubiquitous red buses that go up and down the avenues:

KEYSTONE OF AFRICAN AMERICA, meeting Sunday at 1 p.m. at City College, 138th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, Hamilton Heights. Sponsored by Joyce Gold History Tours of New York. $15, $12 for 65+. (212) 242-5762.

SPANISH HARLEM SALSA TOUR Daily at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., includes a lecture on the culture and history of the area, meeting at Fifth Avenue and 110th Street. Sponsored by the Lubona Corporation. Reservations: (212) 253-8702. $25.

HARLEM, YOUR WAY! Sunday at 10:15 a.m., "Experience the Beauty of Harlem Gospel" includes a talk about the history of Harlem, with a stop at an art gallery and a gospel church service, meeting at 129 West 130th Street. An optional meal follows. (212) 690-1687. $25.

MUNICIPAL ART SOCIETY Sunday at 11 a.m., "Jewish Harlem" meeting in front of the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building, 163 West 125th Street. (212) 439-1049. $15, $12 for members.

Photo of tour bus by Joe Schumacher.

Posted by Chris at 01:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

The 9th Annual Harlem Book Fair taking place not this weekend (the 14th), but next weekend (the 21st), will include a lunch with authors Zane and Omar Tyree. This is probably your best chance all year to ask Zane "Is it hot in here, or is it you?" (She'll love it, as I am sure she has not heard that one before.)

In addition to the fair itself on Saturday the 21st, running from 11am to 6pm on West 135th Street, there is also Friday's (July 20th) Wheatley Book Award ceremony from 7pm to 10pm at the Schom-burg Center for Research in Black Culture.

Posted by Chris at 10:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From the OMG-you-just-missed-this-really-cool-thing! department comes the Historic Harlem Parks film series "Through African Eyes."

This evening in Marcus Garvey Park was a live performance by the Kotchenga Dance Company and Ivorian Drummers and Dancers followed by the film Faat Kine. (The last 'e' in the film's title has an accent, and damned if I can get it to show up in Movable Type- Ed.)

Faat Kine, a 2001 film by Ousmane Sembene, the "Father of African Cinema," tackles the question of women in contemporary Dakar, Senegal. It's a warm, often funny story of a single mother, her children, ex-husbands, aged mother and friends. Sembene contextualizes his heroine, whose life is shaped by tribal custom and sexism as by her own ambition.

You have one more chance to catch the series in Marcus Garvey Park tomorrow (Thursday the 11th). Beginning at 7:30pm, DJ L'mani V and DJ Stone provide music, followed by TWO FILMS! (Suck it Bryant Park!)

First up is Banished, a 2006 film by American Marco Williams. From the 1860s to the 1920s, American towns violently expelled their entire African American communities. Thousands of families were forced to flee their homes. Banished tells the story of the Black descendants and the white residents who struggle with their hidden past.

Second is Notes On A Paper Plane, a 2006 film by HARLEMITE Nemo Librizzi (wonder if he has a pet?). Hope has just turned sixteen and her mother suggests its time she face the real world and learn to make money. Hope is less than enthusiastic at the prospect of taking on a part-time job, yet in obedience to her elders she seeks out a paper route.

Other Harlem parks are also hosting the series throughout the summer. To find out what is playing in Central Park at the Harlem Meer, St. Nicholas Park, Jackie Robinson Park, and Morningside Park, check out the website.

· Historic Harlem Parks Film Series

· Friends of St. Nicholas Park

Posted by Chris at 11:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dear Friends,

A reminder to let you know we are meeting for our regular monthly meeting this Tuesday evening (July 10th) at 7pm. The meeting will be located at the Harlem Visitor's and Community Resource Center.

The center is on the first floor at 502 West 142nd street (between Amsterdam and Hamilton Place)

Please come with any ideas you have for our events in St. Nicholas Park, questions about our organization and please feel free to bring a friend and spread the word. Below is a rough agenda of what we'll be discussing.

1. Increasing our membership
2. Fundraising activities
3. Events Calendar
4. Capital Projects Update

Thanks and see you Tuesday evening! If you have any questions please email us at info@stnicholaspark.org

Friends of St. Nicholas Park

Posted by Chris at 04:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In a move that was completely unintentional, I shoot some clips of the Marcus Garvey Park drum circle on the last Saturday before the city's new noise ordinance went into effect.

The drum circle has been hotly debated on Curbed and UPTOWNflavor for some time, especially on posts about new residential developments 2002 5th Avenue, 10 Mt. Morris Park West and 5th on the Park.

So, I shot a clip right at the circle, on both corners of the park near the circle, and at the developments (except for 5th on the Park, as there was nothing at 10 MMPW, and absolutely nothing at 5th OTP). The camera only films at one sound level, so comparisons between the locations can be made.

It's far less sophisticated than the noise meter used by a Post reporter checking the decibel levels outside Manhattan clubs, but my Canon does provide a little objective material for this debate.

A map of where each clip I shot is after the jump.

SCORE! A reader sends in this clip of the drum circle taken from inside 2002 5th.

Continue reading "Marcus Garvey Park Drum Circle WITH BONUS FOOTAGE!" »

Posted by Chris at 11:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (34)

Gina Fuentes Walker and everyone at artHARLEM are inviting artists and neighborhs to the next Artist Get Together this Friday June 22, 6-8 pm.

The evening will take place at Big Apple Jazz, 2236 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd (btwn 132nd and 133rd streets), which is worth going if you have not been there already (shame, shame).

Those who want to be polite and R.S.V.P.

And speaking of artHARLEM events, H.O.A.S.T. (Harlem Open Artist Studio Tour) is now accepting applications for the 3rd Annual Harlem Open Artist Studio Tour. Tour dates are set for Saturday, October 6 (12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) and Sunday, October 7 (1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.).

Posted by Chris at 11:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In about ten minutes, the Mets will face off again against the Cubs in their up, down, up performance at Shea. For those who can't make it in time, but wish to see at least one Met today, Carlos Beltran will be honored this evening at Harlem RBI's annual dinner and auction.

Harlem RBI works with kids to build confidence and get them thru high school and on to college. Plus, they try and have a good time along the way.

Ticket's to this evening's event, which starts and 5:30 with a VIP reception followed by a silent auction and then a dinner at 7:30, are about the same price as last minute tickets to a regular game: $1,000. However, I am sure your chances of getting a ball signed are a bit better at the Grand Hyatt than they are at Shea.

UPDATE: You can congratulate Carlos on the Met's five point come from behind victory in the 9th inning today! Nice!

Posted by Chris at 12:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Staring at the walls in Society Coffee (Frederick Douglass Blvd @ 114th St.) is now just as interesting as staring at fellow patrons. Small(ish) Works, a show by Erik Sommer, Stephanie Mulvihill and Gina Fuentes Walker, is currently on view.

From the show's description: Stephanie Mulvihill uses quilting and collage to explore ideas of personal fragmentation and reconstruction, as well as question the validity of tradition in a rapidly changing world. Erik Sommer describes his work as a conversation between age and beauty, capturing the passing of time through the deterioration of texture. Using small and multiple photographic images, Gina Fuentes Walker's work explores our relationship with interior space and urban architecture by transforming the mundane into visually heightened environments.

And just by including the title of Sommer's work, "broken sex," I am sure that Harlem Fur will take part in that conversation between age and beauty, but mostly of the single sided type, as mediated through late night Google searches. I mean, we are headed that way as it is.

For those who wish to converse in person, artHARLEM is hosting an artist get together at Saurin Parke Cafe (110th Street @ Frederick Douglass Blvd) this Friday, May 11th, from 6 to 8 pm. To RSVP, email Co-Founder and Director Gina Fuentes Walker at gina -at- hoast -dot- org.

Posted by Chris at 02:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

For those in the nabe with conventional children (not small, furry animals), Harlem mom Sarah has a great list of local goings-on. And at least one of those events encourages kids to dress up as small, furry animals. Amazing. Thanks Sarah!

Harlem 4 Kids is a Parent Run Co-op that is working to provide programs to young children in the neighborhood.

Their main program right now is "Storytime Saturdays" - which is hosted at Tribal Spears (117th & Frederick Douglass). There are two sessions every Saturday - one at 9:30am and one at 10:30am. The earlier session is a geared a bit more towards the under 2 crowd (and way less crowded). There is a $5 suggested donation.

They also have a pretty good listserv going- through it parents are putting together playgroups, babysitting co-ops, providing Doc recommendations and sharing and giving general advice.

There is also Grandma's Place Toy Store at 84 West 120th - which has provided much solace for me during rainy winter days. They entertained Sadie and let her roam around and play with all the toys. They are also working to start a Sunday Story Time hour - and are looking for parent volunteers.

Lastly - we spent Earth Day at the newly developed Glade (104th and CPW) - it's really nice and should have a lot of kids programs over the summer.

Posted by Chris at 11:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Parks

The Friends of St. Nicholas Park are holding their FIRST! EVER! regular monthly meeting. Attendance is open to all, bringing a friend is encouraged, and people are asked to come with ideas for events and the organization.

The agenda, roughly, will be:

1. Summer Events Calendar
2. Increasing Membership
3. Fundraising Activities
4. Dog Run Update
5. Capital Projects Update

Tuesday, May 8th, 7pm at Harlem Visitor's and Community Resource Center, the first floor at West 502 142nd Street (between Amsterdam and Hamilton Place).

Dance

It was Benny Goodman vs Chick Webb on May 11th, 1937, in what became a classic night of dance and jazz in Harlem's historic Savoy Ballroom. So why let the 70th anniversary of a great battle pass without a little reenactment? Enjoy live music from the Savoy Stompers, a smart dance performance, and a free swing lesson just in case 70 year's time has put a little dust on your dancing shoes. Tickets are $20.

Friday, May 11th, 7pm at the Julia de Burgos Cultural Center, Lexington Ave & East 106 St. For further Details contact:
Clyde Wilder 646 - 546 - 8684
Bronx Barbie 917 - 941 - 0935
Clay Herndon 917 - 549 - 7075

Dogs

Move over big dogs, the little dogs are moving in. Now that big dogs have a place to call their own in St. Nicholas Park, it's time to carve out an area for little dogs (with big dog personalities). Tasks at hand include fence erecting for the small dog run, cutting and moving fencing for the new corral entrance, landscaping around the new corral entrance, and spreading woodchips in the small dog run.

Saturday, May 12th, 10am at St. Nicholas Park dog run @ 135th Street. For more information, check out the St. Nicholas Park blog.

Dogs Again

Uptown Hound will host Sit Stay Dog Training for their seminar "The Urban Dog." The seminar will cover simple things you can do to improve your relationship with your dog, as well as your dog's health. Our cat Cimbi needs some relationship training, so we may try to dress her up as a Wheaten Terrier and bring her along.

Sunday, May 13th, 2pm at Uptown Hound, corner of Adam Clayton Powell and 121st Street. The seminar itself is free but registration is required. To register: email sitstaydogtraining -at- gmail -dot- com or call 646.352.1980.

Posted by Chris at 12:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Harlem Assemblymember Keith Wright passes along the following announcement that nominations are needed for the board negotiating on the nabe's behalf in the Columbia University expansion. Nominees must live in Community Board 9 (boundaries outlined below), or, of course, we would nominate Cimbi.

The West Harlem Local Development Corporation ("LDC") was formed for the purpose of negotiating and creating a community benefits agreement with respect to Columbia University's proposed campus expansion. The LDC's annual meeting will be held in May and nominations for the Board of Directors must be submitted by May 14. Some Directors of the LDC represent specific organizations that are already organized, but the LDC also has Directors representing various interest groups that are not an organized entity or coalition. In order to facilitate nominations from the non-organized interest groups listed below, a meeting will be held on May 10, 2007 at 541 West 125th Street, New York, NY 10027. Session A will take place form 7pm - 8pm and Session B will take place from 8:15pm to 9pm. All interested parties must reside or operate in the boundaries of Manhattan Community District 9, which are south to north: 110th Street to 155th Street and west to east: the Hudson River to St. Nicholas Avenue; all nominees must maintain a leadership position in good standing in the organization which they represent.

Session A: 7:00 - 8:00pm
Tenant's Association Members
Small Residential Owners
Community Based Organizations
Faith Based Organizations
Educational Institutions and Organizations

Session B: 8:15 - 9:00pm
Owners of Commercial Properties
Arts and Cultural Organizations
Youth Based Organizations
Commercial Renters in Proposed Rezoning Area

Posted by Chris at 05:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Never mistaking ourselves as a source for hard news, the Fur is excited when legit outlets validate our careless rumor mongering.

Erin Jones in the Spectator looks into the possible opening of a W Hotel in Harlem on Frederick Douglass Blvd and 124th Street. Her article tickles many of our fancies.

Quotes from our favorite dog parent / broker Danni Tyson? Check.
Quotes from the owner of our new favorite plant shop Harlem Flo? Check.
Mention of our favorite wine shop Harlem Vintage? Check.

For this and more, check out Erin's article.

Posted by Chris at 12:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

A Harlem Fur tipster passes on a faxed information sheet about a proposed digital community information center (basically a giant TV screen) for 125th St and Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. Apparently, Community Board 10 is actually considering this thing.

Anyway, as if information on a 'digital community information center' arriving by fax doesn't raise a big enough red flag, the text basically comes wrapped in flashing red lights:

Harlem Community Information Center (HCIC) will be the first digital community information center on 125th Street and will provide the community with up to date information on everything that's going on in Harlem. From weather, news and health tips to fashion and historical tidbits, HCIC will provide Harlem with a high technology center of information. HCIC will provide a constant flow of programming focused on "Harlem-centric" information as well as opportunities for local and national businesses to promote their businesses and services to Harlem consumers... (Ed- There is more, but I got sick of typing it up.)

Okay, this basically sounds like a giant version of the digital ad stations above some urinals around town. Hooray, this will really class up the joint.

125th Street photo swiped from The Idealistic Philosopher on Flickr.

Posted by Chris at 11:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

For those of you wishing to enjoy this weekend's weather outside AND do something nice for the nabe, Morningside and St. Nicholas parks have volunteer events just for you.

ST. NICHOLAS PARK

SATURDAY, APRIL 21st 11am-2pm Join volunteers from NY Cares and City
College to help paint the fence and woodchip gardens along St.
Nicholas Terrace.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28TH 11am-2pm Join volunteers from Journey Church in
cleaning up the park and planting some spring flowers.

MORNINGSIDE PARK

SATURDAY, APRIL 21st 10am-12pm Join volunteers from NY Cares
Meet at 114th Street and Morningside Ave.

THURSDAY, APRIL 26th 6:30pm-8:30pm Seeds of Renewal Annual Fundraiser
Cathedral House at St. John the Divine (1047 Amsterdam Ave.)

Photo of Morningside Park by michaelbrandon on Flickr

Posted by Chris at 01:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Going on the assumption that a public works project can never be behind schedule, especially more than a year behind schedule, we have a photo of the completed memorial to Frederick Douglass at the Northwest corner of Central Park on the left. The sign in the site office window says that completion was set for November 2005, about a year and a half ago, so we have to assume this is the finished product.

Let's marvel. Notice how the seemingly random placement of the barrels alongside mildly rusty pipes challenges the imagination and questions our conception of 'place.'

Anyway, one may think that dinged up orange and white plastic barrels and railroad ties accented with that risque orange fishnet trimming we saw elsewhere are unique materials to use in a memorial to a national historical figure, but simply go 12 blocks up Frederick Douglass and, TA-DA!, a second memorial, this time to Harriet Tubman, incorporates many of the same materials in much the same way. The photo proving it all is on the right.

Although there is no promised completion date on the sign for the Harriet Tubman memorial, of the three elected officials on the sign, one has moved on to a higher office than billed as holding, and another is no longer in office as of nearly a year and a half ago. Given these conditions, we will assume this memorial is complete as well.

Posted by Chris at 11:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Course Description

To the untrained ear, all neighborhood-based screaming can sound alike. This course provides in-depth analysis and discussion on all major forms of nabe screaming, including celebratory, combative, amorous, inebriated, faith-based, companion animal, and simple energy release. Drawing on years of Cheryl and Chris' participant-observation studies conducted in various Manhattan neighborhoods from Hell's Kitchen to Inwood, in addition to suburban Long Island, this course places major emphasis on training students to quickly determine what reason is behind any current screaming. This course includes a mandatory lab that meets twice weekly in the evening.

SCE 4103 fills the prerequisite for SCE 4507, Who's Discharging A Firearm For What Reason Now?

Although I am sure Cheryl and I are not the only Manhattanites who have more terms for distinguishing between nuances of screaming than Inuits have terms for distinguishing between types of snow, we feel well-versed enough in them to warrant a continuing education class for recent transplants to the city. I see our full program, which will include SCE 4507, Who's Discharging A Firearm For What Reason Now? and SCE 4557, WFT Is Going On Out There? being popular with companies relocating employees to NYC.

Some of my favorite screaming case studies are:

Q- Guests asking "Why is that man standing on the corner of 116th screaming all day with a microphone?"
A- Faith-based

Q- Neighbor directly below me in a previous Harlem apartment asking why I go "UGGGGGGH" upon climaxing
A- It's actually the boyfriend of the woman across the hall from me, as for some reason sound traveled down diagonally in that place (and really, I don't want to know the answer)

Q- My asking Cheryl why I can hear a woman in Long Island in a home a ways away scream "I can't take it any more! The crying, the wining! I want this! I want that!"
A- Children (not her cat, which I immediately thought due to our having Cimbi)

Q- Cheryl asking "What's wrong?" when I randomly emit screams of pain
A- Cimbi biting me because I am writing about her on this blog rather than playing with her

Posted by Chris at 12:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

With the one year anniversary of Harlem Fur coming up at the end of the month, we are certain that many of you out there are wondering what to get the Fur. Should it be food and water dishes for Cimbi to replace the cereal bowls we currently use? A new kitty bed to replace the one we had to throw out because she peed in it? Another cat dancer of Joyce Cohen's design?

We suggest the gift that keeps on giving: ad space. Meow.

This is a great way to micro-target your advertising to awesome Harlem residents (all Harlem Fur readers are awesome, and they know it). Plus, you will receive lavish, glowing write-ups on your product loosely veiled as the objective musings of an uninvested local resident.

As an example, let's hear about Harlem Fur's web hosting parent company, Haus Interactive: Man, I can't say enough great things about this awesome team of dedicated web professionals. Haus Interactive, the major label parent company to their indie label Big Ass Hat, provides the solid level of professionalism needed to retain clients like Psychology Today and Federal Pumps, while maintaining a creative edge that makes them the obvious choice for East Village literary institution KGB Bar and side projects by Moby.

Just kidding, the rigid editorial integrity of this site loosely covering the antics of a small house cat and the neighborhood she lives in will never be compromised by paid advertisers. Unless they really pay a lot.

Ad space will be in replacement of that annoying Google Ad bar two posts down and on individual entry pages (revenue to date: $0.00) and possibly a 120px wide third column between the current two. The Fur will offer short term packages we like to call "Cat Food" and longer term packages we like to call "The Animal by Dyson" or "iRobot Roomba Sage for Pets."

Posted by Chris at 11:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Greek mythology has it that Aphrodite was born of the water after Cronus cut off Uranus' testicles and threw them into the sea. Ouch.

The myth of the love god's origin is unsettling, but not nearly as unsettling as the growing lore around the new uptown Aphrodite cleaners.

First, scattered accounts of less than divine experiences with the shops began arising via the comments section in previous posts. Whether it was ruining clothing and then overcharging or returning an order 17 pounds lighter, the stories were not good.

Then the oral histories began. My neighbor caught me in our lobby and explained to me how he was charged more than triple the estimate for a single item at Aphrodite. My neighbor, who was very recently a Marine sniper, effectively communicates when he is not pleased.

Now, via an email this evening, we have our first cannon work, a tale of a whole building's problems with the place:

Aphrodite Cleaners agreed to pick up and deliver our dry cleaning for our residential building. They agreed to come every week to collect and drop off our clothes. On February 8th, Aphrodite picked up our cleaning and was supposed to return them on February 15th, but we did not receive a drop off. When we did not receive a pick up or drop off on February 22nd, I called the store and asked them to drop off and pick up on the next day, which they did. When they delivered on February 23rd, they only delivered a portion of the load; they did not have any of my husband's dress shirts, which was odd, because if anything is in the load, it's my husband's dress shirts! After nearly two weeks of calling and receiving promises of calls back from the manager, Fatima, to no avail, my husband visited the store on Saturday, March 3rd. On Saturday, Fatima spoke with my husband and promised to look through their factory for his shirts and she would call us on Wednesday, March 7th. Today is Thursday, March 8th and we have not heard from Fatima. If we do not hear from them by this weekend, we will be placing a call to their corporate office and the Better Business Bureau! This is an alert to your readers...BUYERS BEWARE!

Wow.

Does anyone else have an Aphrodite story to tell?

Posted by Chris at 11:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (26)

It's strange how a sensible good time leaves me fumbling for a way to write about it.

Cleaning up the St. Nicholas Park dog run this past weekend was just that, good honest fun. A bunch of people from the neighborhood got together and picked up trash, built some mesas, and spread mulch so that their dogs can have a place to run around and be dogs. And to show appreciation, Mike brought coffee, Vaneik and Julia brought donuts, and Shawn brought water.

Yet since Saturday I cannot seem to write anything about the day.

I suppose this is because the normal inspiration was not there: no one was an ass or did anything ridiculous, and none of the dogs peed on each other, the attendees or the donuts.

There was one point where I could have shot a photo of four people carrying a huge log and gave it the caption "excited for a new place to sit, the guys sport some wood," but I was having too much fun carrying buckets of mulch to go for the camera.

(The photo comes courtesy of photographer Carola Polakov, who can be reached at 917-507-4278 for dog, cat and human portraits.)

Posted by Chris at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

First, the bad news.

UPTOWNflavor reports that the Sugar Shack closed. Boo. The Strivers Row place once "the site of impromptu gatherings, first dates, comedy shows, poetry readings and down and dirty dancing," is now home to an open lease sign. Moan.
· Closed - Sugar Shack [UPTOWNflavor]

Then, the medium news.

Jeremy from City Specific stops by the reformed women's prison cum condos and checks out one of the few Manhattan residences that opens directly onto the side walk. He ponders boob-flashing recidivism. (Photo is of an actual 10 MMP bedroom from which boobs may be flashed.) This would be a great post if it was not for this text: "I stopped by a part of Harlem I haven't visited as much in the past year, and which I probably won't be seeing much of anymore after Saturday..." What the hell, this is right near the Fur! Are you snubbing us? Come on man, we just washed the cat.
· 10 Mount Morris Park West [City Specific]

Now, on to the good news.

Today, Central Park's Bethesda Arcade is re-opened. It's not Harlem exactly, but Central Park serves as our collective backyard, so it makes a valid entry. After a $7 million renovation, the intricate, custom-made tiles are restored to their original glory. Given the weather today, the Intelligencer points out that, luckily, it is one of the few places in the Park one can enjoy in the rain.
· Central Park Restoration Delivers Ornate Detail, Potential Nookie [Daily Intelligencer]

Tomorrow, the Friends of St. Nicholas Park will be moving wood chips to prepare for the dog run's new permanent entrance, and they need your help. Stop by beginning at 11am. It's a great chance to meet your neighbors.
· Woodchip Workday at Dog Park Scheduled for March 3rd [Friends of St. Nicholas Park]

And an ongoing story we are sure to watch, Curbed highlights coverage by Dwell and Joyce Cohen on David Alan Basche and Alysia Reiner's green Harlem townhouse renovation. The acting couple's new home will have a bunch of environmentally conscious stuff and four dual flush toilets. Oh please, oh please, oh please invite us to the housewarming. Please.
· Going Green (and Going Zen) in Harlem [Curbed]

Posted by Chris at 12:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

What could be better than a huge pile of new wood chips for the St. Nicholas Park dog run? Lets try a new permanent entrance.

Contract work will begin soon to install the new permanent entrance to the run. To make way for the improvements, the Friends of St. Nicholas Park need your help this Saturday, March 3rd from 11am to 4pm to move the wood chips.

Tools, water and coffee are on the house. Bringing gloves is recommended.

For more information, or to answer your questions, check out the Friends of St. Nicholas Park blog.

Posted by Chris at 11:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

As of early Sunday evening, the NYPD is readying Sky Watch on the Southeast corner of Frederick Douglass Circle to, we presume, watch over Saurin Parke Cafe's allotment of H&H bagels. I mean, it had been used to protect Dunkin' Donuts.

The surveillance device, best known to Curbed readers as the "Tower of Fun," is just inside Central Park at Frederick Douglass Boulevard and 110th Street. The location provides a clear line of sight across the traffic circle to Harlem's new premium bagel vendor.

Also, I suppose, it may have a traffic calming effect around the circle. Despite the traffic circle itself supposedly being what would calm traffic on Central Park's Northwest corner, I have noticed a lot of horn blaring and brash taxi maneuvering since it went in.

· Harlem Tower of Fun Now Protecting Donuts [Curbed]
· Bagel in Harlem Leaves, H&H Bagels Appear In Harlem [Harlem Fur]

Posted by Chris at 09:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's one of those classic tales of missed connections in New York.

A Jewish girl from Indiana navigates the maze of New York real estate and finds herself living in Harlem, searching for a bagel. She holds steady in her quest, even after being groped. But one day she is knocked to the ground by a drunk man wielding a bag of cans. She decides it is time to let the quest go. And peeking out from her shadow as it recedes down the street are H&H bagels, now being served at Saurin Parke Cafe on 110th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard.

When the campaign was over this month, I was surprised to read that Bagel in Harlem had moved, despite her propensity for doing so. I was also surprised to learn that Rob Freeman had sold Saurin Parke.

While some of the changes under the new owners are welcome, such as H&H Bagels, one change seems to have had a noticeable negative impact. Although there is still free WiFi for patrons, the new management is no longer offering free electricity, and the outlets are covered up.

When I stopped by recently, expecting there to be the normal crowd of people on laptops, only three customers total were in the place.

Thankfully, unlike the search for dough with a hole in Harlem, the search for free WiFi with an outlet is much easier. A sampling of hot spots with electricity on Frederick Douglass Boulevard alone includes:

Society Coffee at FDB and 114th
·