NYC fights back against Amazon!

I think it was everyone's secret hope-I know it was mine-that Amazon would change its mind about moving its headquarters to NYC-specifically LIC.

Not just one area, not just LIC-but Greenpoint, and the 7 train and the G, and the LIRR-and all the other parts of the city that would be overburdened by YET ANOTHER wave of young hopefuls heading to the city, wanting to work for a tech giant.

Prayers were answered.

Now we get to go back to the normal pace of complaints about general decline. ;)

Documenting the Decline

At one point in the future, Greenpoint will have become the neighborhood it is growing into.

As of today, it is still in a weird transition.

On the same day, they listed 2 pieces of news in the hyper-local online sites.

First, our favorite restaurant is closing after 20 years (because that is the life expectancy of a joint in this hood?).
http://www.brooklynvegan.com/enids-in-greenpoint-to-close-at-the-end-of-march/
This is a year after Matchless closed, another great bar that defined the nightlife of this neighborhood.

And second, there was a piece of hate mail sent to a couple who are running a business out of their home.  It was anti-semitic and anonymous (of course), and the funny part is-the couple isn't even JEWISH!!!

So what does that mean-were they targeted by stupid bigots (yes-that's certainly contributing), were they assuming that because one of them was Mexican/Cuban and the other was Italian. was it sheer terror or foreigners? In a Polish neighborhood?-With Williamsburg next door, can they not even IDENTIFY who they hate-or are they trying to target hipsters?

is the neighborhood shifting in ways that are freaking people out? Yes. But go to one of the local places and celebrate, while you still can. And be nice to your neighbors. Please.

Where You Are is Who You Are

"Where You Are Is Who You Are"-the new billboard on the new apartment building.

I went to the newly "reopened" Key Foods nearby.  It was just as I remembered, except everything was shinier. Even though the chain itself is not very upscale, it is competing with CTown nearby, and preparing itself for the onslaught of new residents to the neighborhood.  A new glass tower is nearing completion just across the street from it and will be one of the many places to overcharge the new neighbors.

I have to admit, I was sick and wanted some juice and soups. Nothing fancy, just Vitamin C and chicken something, and maybe a few croissants.

Dave in Baked Goods recognized me, I think. He should, I've been going there for 4 years.  I can never tell if he's flirting with me, but it's nice to be recognized.

Lost and Found

Lost and Found (to be continued)

Elyse, Ntozake and Maria

Three Giant Women of theater have passed away in the space of just a few days.

An influential director.

A playwright of African American women and expanded territories, opening her arms to inclusion of multiple communities. (For Black Girls who have Considered Suicide when the Rainbow is Enuf, a Choreopoem)

A playwright of Hispanic women, opening the theater walls to audiences to Fefu and her Friends.  Staging was nontraditional, taking people beyond a stage to different areas -seeing scenes in various order.

The world is better for them all.

1. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/oct/24/elyse-dodgson-royal-court-theatres-international-director-dies
2. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/28/obituaries/ntozake-shange-is-dead-at-70.html
3. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/31/obituaries/maria-irene-fornes-dead.html

Ntozake Shange at the Dodge Poetry Festival, Sunday, October 21, 2018

Hallway of Fog

Images for art:

Dreaming of Vila

Dreaming of Vila