Tag Archive for funny

Christmas in Dyker Heights/photo Antonia Martinelli

The Complimentary Close

Dearest Family and Friends, It’s that time of the year again. Are you doing your Christmas cards, yet? Well, if you’re not, you really should be, because it’s December 10th. Even if you do not celebrate Christmas, you are still unfortunately obligated to get those holiday cards in the mail or everyone you know will think you are a total schmuck.… Read more →

photo by RM

Jogging – Intervals of Shame

I have often seen the joggers on Saturday mornings getting their caffeine fix at local coffee shops before what I imagine must be an epic jog, through parks, over bridges and surely, in and out of multiple boroughs.  I always wondered if I could ever join the god-like ranks of “Joggers.” I am soon to be 40 years old.  If, like… Read more →

Compost Bins – They Say Everything About You

Yesterday the Department of Sanitation began to roll out organics recycling bins across Community Board 6.  That’s Red Hook, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Gowanus, and Park Slope (although Park Slopers have already participated in the pilot program for awhile now).  If you’re like me, you are late to the whole composting game.  You knew they were coming but didn’t put much thought into… Read more →

Raccoons on 2nd Street

(Video compatible with Safari and Chrome) My block, the one between 2nd and 3rd Streets and Hoyt and Bond Streets, is infested with raccoons, possibly 3 families. The problem has been developing over the last few years, coinciding with the Lightstone Group’s construction of 365 Bond, on the Gowanus Canal, a block away. Some believe the raccoons originally resided on the… Read more →

photo Antonia Martinelli

Look Kids, Crack Plants!

In July, a renegade stalk erupted from a crack in the sidewalk in Brooklyn. Some neighbors thought the stalk resembled corn at first. As the flower and seeds began to form it became clear that it wasn’t corn. My curiosity about this rebel plant brought to mind the book, My Amazing Poo Plant by Moya Simons.  In this book, a girl waters bird droppings in an empty… Read more →

One Barista Raw Over Aprons at VanLeeuwen

The espresso machine wasn’t the only thing steaming this week at Van Leeuwen, the artisanal ice cream company based in Greenpoint.  The flash point – it’s new raw denim aprons.  One barista is slightly irritated.  The aprons were expertly crafted in Williamsburg by Loren, who specializes in small-batch handmade jeans.  When complimented on the stunning aprons, an employee, grappling with a crisis of individuality, exclaimed, “One of the reasons I like… Read more →