Thursday, December 17, 2009

Flashback and... Déjà Vu?


Yesterday, our friends at Gothamist were nice enough to alert the public to a day in history. Forty-nine years ago yesterday two planes struck each other head-on in mid-air and crashed to the ground in Park Slope. The tragedy had so much of an impact that its memory remains vivid for those who witnessed it that day and those who still live in Park Slope. Although Gothamist serves the community well in reminding us of our history, OVERFLOW also covered the event more extensively in our Spring '09 issue. Please visit for more information and a good healthy dose of local history and community love!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

A Taste of the Rockies



For you poor, uninformed east-coasters, we have this thing called "powder" in Colorado that makes snowboarding akin to flying down a giant swirl of whipped cream if that were physically possible. Here, so I've heard (because why would I ever bother to find out for myself), you have ice.

Lucky for you, you can have the whole mountain experience this weekend without ever having to hit the slopes. Monkey Town is hosting the real ski-lodge experience right here in Brooklyn, so you don't even have to fake a broken leg for an excuse to stay out of the snow. This six-course dinner includes all the game and steamy hot cocktails you would expect to find at a luxury resort in Vail, and even some ski films to make you feel like you're out there doing the real thing. And, to top it all off, you could win ski passes and free lodging at two Vermont lodges! You know, if you're willing to brave those icy slopes.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Secret Science and the not-so-secret OVERFLOW EXTRAVAGANZA!


Okay, silhouette of a hot chick swirling--but in which direction? Focus on the spinning foot aaaaand there she goes--switched directions. Now she's just going back and forth. Wait...what's going on?

Well, that's exactly what visual neuroscientist Ben Backus explained to a crowd of drunk nerds this Tuesday during this month's meeting of the Secret Science Club. Yep, every month the Secret Science Club meets at the Bell House to drink booze and learn shit, like how squids don't have blind spots in their eyeballs or how the Pulfrich Effect was discovered by a guy with one eye.

So if you're one of us nerds who hasn't gotten enough of powerpoint presentations and lectures, you're in luck--the Secret Science club is holding another event next Tuesday! This time climatologist James Hansen will teach you why all those people who don't believe in global warming need to take step 1 and admit they're in denial.

But first, because you can never have enough South Brooklyn fun, come celebrate the release of OVERFLOW's fourth issue tonight at Littlefield!! We promise visual AND audio stimulation, not to mention alcohol and a free (as always) copy of our new issue! See you there!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Looking to Live Cheap this Holiday Season?


Not in the mood to spend lots of dough on gifts this year? (I mean, is anybody ever really looking for that...)

Check out Brokelyn's guide to how to spend less this Holiday season. They have some great $25 and under gift ideas, including herbal slippers to keep warm and a spiral notebook made for the sole purpose of storing your endless supply of online passwords. (What a great idea, and only $13!)

And if you're looking to save not only on gifts, but on the tree as well, check out Brokelyn's latest post about where to get the cheapest tree.

And don't worry, us Jews haven't been forgotten about. For cheap Chanukah ideas, there's yet another post.

And last but not least, don't forget to celebrate with OVERFLOW tomorrow night!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

[Sh]it's Goin' Down THURSDAY!



If you're a random smattering of any of these categories, chances are that you'll enjoy a Thursday night with OVERFLOW. Shame on you if you haven't yet heard of our big bash! But it's alright, we're here to keep you updated (TimeOut seems to know what's up):

Come to Littlefield in Gowanus to see Bear Hands, Ribbons, and Peephole play in celebration of our new Winter issue! It's a perfect place to take that hot-young-thing you'll be picking up tomorrow at the BK Meatup for a second night out...

Don't be shy... take your plaid-ladden, bearded, iphoned selves out for a night!

Tickets $8 through Littlefield

Monday, December 7, 2009

Union Hall Bocce Bailout 2009!


For those of you unaware of
Union Hall's brilliant marriage between bar and bocce, it's about time you acquainted yourself with this novel concept. Okay, so maybe alcohol has always been what makes most games fun. But who would've thought to take a beloved backyard pastime and stick it in an establishment dedicated to good times and getting drunk? Union Hall is like the non-lame version of a bowling alley.


So put down those darts and cue sticks, and get ready to bocce! On December 30th, Union Hall is holding an elimination bocce ball tournament. Grab a partner and sign yourselves up for a chance to win $300!


Sunday, December 6, 2009

Ready to put the "He" back in Hebrew?


Have you been waiting to get your yarmulkes bouncing and your tzitzit swaying?

Well then, your time has come! "Good For The Jews," an organization started by Rob Tannenbaum and David Fagin, is having its annual tour, stopping at the HighLine Ballroom in Park Slope this Monday, Dec. 7th at 8:00 p.m.

The event will feature, "Jewish music for people who hate Jewish music." The acts will include: the band DeLeon and comedians Morgan Murphy, Seth Herzog and Rachel Sklar.

Want two free tickets? Our friends at "Fucked In Park Slope" are offering two free tickets to the person who can come up with the most creative answer to this question:

Which sexy assed Jew, living or dead, would you most like to get it on with and why?

Send in your answers ASAP to win free tickets to the best Jew event of the year.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Art Opening at Bergen Street Comics


Bergen Street Comics is thrilled to present a solo exhibit of original works by Brooklyn-based artist Katie Sparaco. The store will host an opening reception for the artist on December 12th from 7pm to close.

The show will spotlight Sparaco’s recent abstract paintings, which use oil paints on large canvases, as well as smaller gouache paintings, a format that reflects Katie’s background and interest in illustration.

Katie’s formal education focused on classical art — drawing, sculpting and painting from the figure, which provided the foundation of how she works today. Her influences span a wide spectrum, from famed abstract expressionist artist Willem de Kooning to celebrated comic book artist Dave McKean.

“To me, the connection between comic book art and what is considered fine art is not so far fetched,” said Katie. “Perhaps it is my illustration background, but I feel that all art is about storytelling in one way or another. Bergen Street Comics is such a unique store, and exactly the kind of place to show that there should be no line between 'comics' and 'art'.”

“We’re especially pleased to present Katie Sparaco’s first ever opening,” said Amy Adams, co-owner of Bergen Street Comics. “We are so impressed with her skill as an artist and the beauty of her pieces; her paintings are striking, evocative and worthy of a larger audience. This event will allow us to introduce our regular customers to an exciting new artist from our neighborhood, while also encouraging people who love art, but who might not typically think to visit a comic book shop, the opportunity to discover comics.”


About the Artist:

Katie Sparaco grew up in Huntington, NY, and received a BFA in Illustration from Rhode Island School of Design in 2000. She moved to Park Slope, Brooklyn, in 2006.

Katie’s work always begins with something real — actual objects, drawn overlapping in space. She has developed a personal iconography throughout her work, all of which represent specific experiences and people in her life.

View her work here!


About Bergen Street Comics:

Bergen Street Comics opened in March 2009. Bergen Street Comics has hosted a variety of events since opening in March of this year, including book signings, readings, workshops, release parties, and live music. This is their first fine art exhibit.

For more information about the event or to arrange interviews with Katie Sparaco or Tom & Amy Adams.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

The Holiday Craft Market at the Brooklyn Lyceum!



Oh, the holidays--the season of giving, family togetherness, and heart attack-inducing stress levels. Children are demanding toys more technologically advanced than my macbook, and wives are expecting diamonds to make up for last year's surprise paper shredder.

But have no fear! The Brooklyn Lyceum has the solution to all your gift-giving dilemmas. So sit back and procrastinate, because on December 19-20 you can head on over to the Holiday Craft Market and find gifts that are truly sui-generis, from the bottom of your heart and the heart of Brooklyn, too.

From 11 a.m.-7 p.m., you can browse the stands of 60+ local crafty vendors until you've stocked up on stocking stuffers and presents for the whole of your extended family. Admission is free, so you'll have even more cash to spend on the people you love, or maybe a little extra to buy yourself one of Mogador's falafels.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

[Sh]it's going down!


Looking for Free Drinks?
Hot Singles?
Cheesy Holiday Pictures?
A Free Massage?
(just say yes, trust me.)

The BK Holiday Meatup has arrived. Yes, you heard that right. And the theme? Naughty Office Party. Why not spruce up the holiday season with one night of drunken mingling?

The event is at The Bell House December 9th, and tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Comedy will be provided by Sara Schaefer, free scotch and soda will be provided for an hour, and the Asiadog truck will be parked outside.

So bring your scratchiest Christmas sweater, your fellow single South-Brooklyners, and get ready for a night that will most likely end in regret.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Buy Brooklyn! Support the 3rd Annual Snowflake Celebration!



I wanted to bring a wonderful, "this-is-why-we-love-local" event to your attention.

Check out the web site, Buy in Brooklyn to get the skinny on the Third Annual Snowflake Celebration, taking place on December 3rd and 10th in Park Slope.

The loooong list of participating businesses will be offering deals, raffles, extended hours, free elves, and pet reindeer (disclaimer, I made those last two up,) for your holiday-shopping pleasure.

So please avoid channeling this guy, and remember to support Brooklyn's local businesses on the 3rd and the 10th!

Some Slope [Mis]haps

We would like to send out a message of solidarity to the people of Park Slope. It's been a rough Thanksgiving weekend for our fellow Slopers and it seems some of the unfortunate events will continue into the week...

It seems that the internet has taken a vacation of it's own. It left the Slope high, dry, and email-free this weekend and is still on the fritz. Time Warner Cable is "experiencing some outages" currently...and an immense amount of ill will. Stay strong Time Warner patrons and start looking into WiFi!

Not only does Park Slope need to grieve over the loss of the world wide web, but it also needs to watch out for the theft of their computers! A rash of burglaries broke out over the weekend. These plunderers are out for your ipods, computers, and televisions. So, during this holiday season make sure to keep those technological gadgets locked up (and unplugged if leaving town)!

With Thanksgiving out of the way, surely everyone has bloated bellies, overstocked refrigerators, and... plentiful piles of recycling! Our friends over at Fucked in Park Slope noticed the recycling inundation most prominently as The Food Coop struck again, inciting communal exasperation. Since Park Slope's Food Coop recycles certain plastics that the City of New York does not, things got a little out of hand this last Sunday as Slopers dashed to dump their Thanksgiving refuse! There are other times to deposit your No. 1-4 plastics, Go Greeners!

...but we think everyone should stick to their yoga breathing exercises, continue the spirit of Thanksgiving, and keep calm and carry on...

Friday, November 27, 2009

Team Colorado takes South Brooklyn.

Team Colorado embraced the competition this Wednesday during The Great Gowanus Pilgrimage Pre-Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt, and it's time to give some much-deserved props to the 303 in the 718.

We ravaged each and every bodega on 5th Ave to find plantains and gefilte fish. We searched high and low for Park Slope's Famous Pink House and Maggie Gyllenhaal. We were tea-bagged at the Tea Lounge. We repped Team Colorado on the bathroom walls at the High Dive (left), and serenaded the bartender at Bar Reis. All while trying to navigate South Brooklyn on smart phones after a few too many free shots.

And although we may not have convinced a vest-clad Food Coop employee to come back to the Bell House with us for bonus points, and maybe we didn't make it all the way to Ikea or even Carroll Gardens for that matter, we did have our moment of pride and glory. That's right--for an extra 25 whole points we fished up some of that toxic syphilis sludge we call Gowanus Canal water.

And although we may have received more disgusted and horrified looks than praise and glory, we were proud of our cunning and innovation. In the last ten minutes before the end of the hunt, we threw together pieces of found garbage and created our very own canal water trapping device.

So maybe we didn't win, or even come close, but we braved pollution and disease alike. We explored unknown territory and even learned a few things about South Brooklyn. And most importantly, we had a hell of a good time.



Wednesday, November 25, 2009

[Sh]it's going down! Turkey Style.


Come on over to The Bell House this evening for various "Pre-Thanksgiving" activities. (Alcohol will be a key part of the events, needless to say.) The activities include a happy hour with $1 off all drinks at $4 pints, a scavenger hunt, and an after party.

Teams consist of 2-4 people, and if anything, the free shots provided along the way are extra incentive.

Contact scavengerhunt@thebellhouseny.com to register your team!


DON YOUR DANCIN' SHOES!




PUT ON YOUR CAPS LOCKS! OVERFLOW's Super Secret Party is a secret no more! Mark your calenders ladies and gentlemen because December 10th is the release of our brilliant Winter issue and we want to treat you all to a little party!

Meet us at the new Gowanus venue Littlefield to have some drinks (the more the better, right?), pickup our new issue, and dance your socks off with our eclectic electric line-up.

Party starts at 8pm and stay on to see our local acts:

Ribbons
Peephole
and...Bear Hands!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

The Art of Taxidermy.


The results are in from the Carnivorous Nights Taxidermist Contest, and the deserving winners of this roadkill-cum-furry friend contest have been announced!

Every year the Secret Science Club brings Pet Semetary to life at the Bell House for a night morbid fun. This year, Ryan Matthew took the grand prize for his petrified wrassling kitties.

And how could be forget Takeshi Yamada, 2006 Grand Champion of Taxidermy and this year's recipient of the Most Twisted Prize? Yamada is also the artist behind Coney Island Library's exhibit "Museum of World Wonders: Cabinet of Curiosities," displaying such fascinating and disturbing dead things as a bunny with a tail and a two-headed baby made from Yamada's own skin.

P.S. WATCH THE VIDEO! I guarantee you will find a special place in your heart for this lovable freak, or some-sing like that.

Monday, November 23, 2009

A Coffee [Mis]hap


When opening a coffee shop make sure you know who your competition is. Our friends at the New York Times dug up a little tiff between two such cafes in Crown Heights. A battle between the old guard and the new kids on the block is never an easy win to call. Breukelen Coffee House (peddlers of Stumptown coffee) and the Pulp and the Bean escalated their rivalry on the internet.

I find that a multitude of coffee houses never hurt any neighborhood. And feuds never really hurt when trying to get your name out there, negativity breading that buzz that draws everyone in. So, go visit these purveyors of the bean and let us know what you think!

Friday, November 20, 2009

[Sh]it's going down


For only fifteen bucks this Sunday at 4:00 p.m., you can head to The Bell House and each as much chili as you want. (Tempting, right?)

As part of the fifth annual Chili Take Down, cooks from across Brooklyn will be entering their variations of Chili--some of which actually include bacon, tofu and curry--in the contest this Sunday to win the reign of best Chili Chef in Brooklyn.

In order to enter, contact Matt Timms here. (Or just show up and eat your heart out.)

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Because you deserve to be proud of that Thanksgiving dinner.


As Thanksgiving approaches, it seems only appropriate to start talking food. And not just food, but gluttonous amounts of tradition and family togetherness graciously offered in honor of the very birth of our country. Which means it better be effing good, and it damn well better outdo every Thanksgiving dinner your guests have ever experienced, even Grandma's famous home-cooked feast.

That's why we're going to start with the basics: deboning the turkey. Brooklyn Kitchen is offering a class this Sunday to teach you how to most humanely mutilate that 20-pound bird to fully avoid any possibility of Grandad choking on a turkey bone.

And what's a better way to really wow the fam than with a truly traditional meal straight out of the 17th century? Before diving into the bird for yourself, experience that historicism at the Old Stone House in Park Slope as Sarah Lohman cooks up a real Thanksgiving dinner, plum pudding and all.

For those of you facing a sudden onslaught of uninvited guests of guests, remember to review Brokelyn's guide to cheap organic turkeys to alleviate the stress of feeding that army you call family.





Wednesday, November 18, 2009

[Sh]it's REALLY Goin' Down!


Hop on over to Southpaw tonight to see friends of Overflow Peephole debut a new line up! Spend those eight dollars and hear the future sound of Overflow's Super Secret Extravaganza (all details undisclosed at present moment...but REALLY...you WON'T want to miss it!)...shhh!

If you're feeling a little Green Friendly, help support rooftop farming this Friday. It's the way of the urban future and Ben Flanner is leading the way with a little fundraiser at Starr Space in Bushwick. Help bring the future Brooklyn Grange Farms to the borough's southern reaches!

If you decide it's a No-Go for your Starr Space attendance, have two nights of fun at Pete's Candy Store on Friday and Saturday! It may be a slight schlep. It IS in foreign territory but life's too short to spurn the North forever:

Friday will bring Pete's Big Poetry Series to its penultimate close with Nate Pritts, Leigh Stein, Karin Randolph, and much loved NYU professor and acclaimed poet Matthew Rohrer.

Saturday will be an Overflow Holy Day of Obligation as one of our beloved editors Sam Carter will play at 11pm with his group The Peter Pinguid Society! It's their Triumphant Return so come out and have a drink with us!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The daily mis[haps]

Who would have thought that twitter and texting would actually come in handy when it comes to finding a parking spot in New York? Only the Blog Knows Brooklyn investigated a new parking experiment going into effect in the Park Slope area. 

Roadify.com has started a social experiment called "Parking Around Me" in which drivers in Park Slope can notify other drivers when a spot opens or is taken.

According to the organization, Park Slope's parking is so stressful that the average driver takes 27 minutes to find a spot and 67% of traffic i
s caused by drivers looking for a space to squeeze into. 
The catch? Every time you give a spot, you get a point, that in turn you can use to get a spot at a later date. But hey, it might be worth it to send a quick text to the company so that you can save 27 minutes next time you're in a rush.                          

(Above image was a picture taken from the Gowanus Lounge, documenting the lack of open parking spots in South Brooklyn.)

Monday, November 16, 2009

Boxer/Rabbi?


Yuri Foreman, professional Israeli middleweight boxer, was the chosen one in Saturday's boxing match against Daniel Santos. He now holds the title as the World Boxing Association's 154-pound champion.

And he's taking rabbinical classes at the IYYUN Institute in Gowanus. Yes, Yuri Foreman is going to be the rabbi with the meanest left-hook around. He will literally beat the Old Testament into the mutilated pulp that used to be your head until you're begging your plastic surgeon to forgo the rhinoplasty and instead permanently attach a kippah to your scalp.

Well, as a man of religion, maybe he'll be a little nicer than that. But he's still going to be the most badass rabbi Brooklyn has ever seen.

Attention Bookworms!


Happy [Independent] Bookstore Week! From book readings to interactive publishing and writing classes, New York's independent booksellers are hosting events all week for those of you who still enjoy the delicious smell of mildewed pages, don't have a Kindle, and don't intend on getting one.

Check out poet Matthea Harvey read her new children's book (for kids and adults!) in Park Slope tomorrow at Community Bookstore or see Jonathan Safran Foer read on Thursday at the Old First Reformed Church! It's a week for paper! It's a week for words! Check out the many other events happening this week and once all is done, snuggle down into your bed and crack a book open!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

It's That Time Again: Park Slope 100


Every year, Only The Blog Knows Brooklyn puts together the "Park Slope 100" and this year's list is creeping up on us. The list, for "famous and not famous alike" ranges anywhere from spiritual leaders to restaurant owners.

According to Only The Blog, the list consists of "100 stories, 100 ways of looking at the world, 100 inspiring people, places and things in and around Park Slope. It can be a person, a place, a thing, even an event. Let me know who, what and where was notable and powerful and 2009. One tip: I especially like people who direct their energies outward towards the better good of others in some way. Suggest yourself, your spouse, your relative, your friend."

So if you've got anyone, anything, or any place in mind, send your suggestions to: louise_crawford@yahoo.com

(And to catch a glance at last year's most noted, click here.)

Friday, November 13, 2009

the daily [mis]haps


Looking for some scandal in your life on par with seducing a young virgin to win a bet made with a companion harboring her own mischievous ill-intent?

Save the date for the second BK Meatup event of the year--the Naughty Holiday Office Party on December 9th. It's well worth the wait, and it promises enough depravity to last you until New Years--even for the most tireless lechers out there.

If you want to have some real fun, get your hands on some of Brooklyn sinners' new inebriating liquid of choice. But keep in mind that age-old maxim: Don't drink the punch.

For those of you who are more the voyeur-types, this version of Dangerous Liaisons might inspire some lustful foul play of your own.


Thursday, November 12, 2009

Save the World!



It seems like newly re-elected Mayor Bloomberg thinks he can to do a better job cleaning up the Gowanus Canal than Superfund. Promising $150 million, Bloomberg might just want to get that nasty bit of clean-up swiftly out of the way so real-estate can keep rollin' out dolla's. Superfund tends gets to be a little extensive in its cleanup...and who wants that?! Get the full story at The ArchitectsNewspaper.

Perhaps Broolynites should have gotten Americans UK to clean up the Gowanus! They saved rock n' roll...why not a little city water? They've got the outfits to prove it and you can see them tomorrow Nov. 12! See these comic book rockers at the Royale and perhaps convince them to do a little sewage clean-up...

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Park Slope Armory: Will It Actually Open?


Park Slopers have their doubts about whether or not the Park Slope Armory, now renovated, will actually open. The only thing we're still waiting on is for the city to turn it over to the YMCA so they can open it as a recreation center for children. The renovation (a jaw-dropping $16 million) was completed in 2007, and the city is still waiting for it to open. 

According to the Brooklyn Paper, the turnaround has yet to happen because the Department of Education initially pledged money and didn't follow through,  and Department of Homeless Services should have been put in charge of recreation services. 

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Comic Book Club


OVERFLOW is a fan of the comic book, the funny, the graphic novel. This evolving form is far from underground these days, and if you're a fan you no longer have to hide in the closet with a mini mag light in shame.

Our friends Bergen Street Comics are launching a new series: the Abrams ComicArts Book Club on Thursday November 12th. The book they are discussing is "Understanding Comics" by Scott McCloud.

There's a deep discount if you buy the book at their shop, and refreshments will be served, although we hear it's also BYOB.

You can RSVP here: http://www.meetup.com/ComicArtsBookClub/

Sickies & Brooklynites Alike: Celebrate Healthcare!


FIPS wants to know: do YOU have healthcare? Beacause now you can! We are one step closer to providing our country with access to healthcare! What a relief, because personally I was about to move to Sweden.

Ok, so of course there are going to be some kinks to work out, and maybe for a while it will be the new equal rights--no one will deny that everyone should have them (except for a few southern fanatics who still hang confederate flags from their cotton gins or whatever) but it will be more of an ideology than a reality. But let's look at the bright side: we've surpassed that first hurdle, people! Tell all the sickies you know, drink a toast or in their cases one tablespoon of thermaflu before bed, and celebrate your right to take your kids to the doctor!

Park Slope Heli Moms don't care about their kids afterall...


Turns out that all those Park Slope Parents who spend their lives discussing whether their two-year-old speaks three languages and if they have wheat allergies are actually grossly negligent and don't care if their children might be horrible disfigured.

Maclaren strollers, popular with well-to-do moms from Park Slope to the Upper West Side, (any baby who's any baby has a Maclaren, seems to the general feeling,) have issued a recall on all strollers sold after 1999. Turns out these overpriced, Cadillacs of stroller-dom are actually quite dangerous to the little fingers of any tot who rides in them. As many as 12 young ones have had fingers amputated in the elbow joints of these chic, child-transportation devices.

Playing the violin or cello could lock Junior into a place at Harvard or Yale, so any Mummy out there that doesn't take this seriously will be affecting her child's ability to excel in life. You don't want to be BAD MOTHER, do you?

Those affected should visit www.maclaren.us/recall or call 877-688-2326 to claim the special covers.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Have A Chuckle!



I'm starting to become jealous. I really want in on this relationship with THE FOOD COOP. I may just want the t-shirt...we agree with Fucked In Park Slope: BRILLIANT! Okay...YES, I am willing to have a slightly dysfunctional connection with the Park Slope Food Coop. just to wear the "Suspended at the Coop" t-shirt.

If you don't want to work for your food, mark your calenders because watching the International Kosher Latke Eating Contest on Dec 13 has to be worth a good giggle...not to mention those delicious potato treats ----------------------->

And a reminder for friends of Vox Pop (1022 Cortelyou Rd): "Think Globally, Laugh Locally" will be Nov. 21 at 9pm! Free! Delicious Treats! and LAUGHS!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

[Sh]it's going down

If you're looking for something a little bit risque to do this saturday night, check out Wasabassco's 5th annual Burlesque show at The Bell House. Entry is $12 and the show starts at 10:00 p.m. Check it out if you're interested in 3+ hours of strip tease, music and comedy and even belly dancing. 

And if you're not too hungover and looking for something a bit more calm on Sunday...

This Sunday, 11/8 at 11:00 a.m. the people at Gotham Sidewalks will be hosting their first annual Baseball Bike Tour around Park Slope. The tour will begin in front of the Brooklyn Bicycles shop in Park Slope, and the whole tour will take around three hours.

Friday, November 6, 2009

the daily [mis]haps


Brooklynites are known for being the crafty type, but now the DIY fad has extended beyond
handmade jewelry, silkscreened t-shirts, and hand-knit scarves. Brooklynites have entered the world of home brewing, taking on the challenges of sufficiently sterilizing buckets and funnels and bottles, measuring accurate amounts of yeast and malt and hops, and adding their own personal touch without making something either toxic or just plain disgusting.

I can attest to this process, because there are currently 50 bottles of beer in my living room along with another whole bucket embarking on the fermentation process. We've only had one explosion thus far, leaving chunks of fallow-colored sludge stuck to our walls and ceiling, but that's just part of the enterprise.

And we have the couple at Brooklyn Homebrew in Sunset Park to thank for their lovely assistance, grinding and providing materials and warm reassurances. And if I haven't convinced you to head over to their store to begin your own home brewery, just think of how rewarding it will be to finally drink all that beer you so worked so hard to make. And the simple fact that you'll be drinking lots of beer.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

A daily [mis]hap


I always think it's funny that we place monetary value in green paper and silver coins. Why can't I write on a white piece of 8 1/2 x 11 I O U? Alas, 'tis not the way the world works but sometimes those coins can be more valuable than I might think...

A Brooklyn Woman Finds Counterfeit Penny Made of GOLD!

Lesson: Pay attention to your change. However, I think the Brooklyn area is most likely tapped out of specious specie!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

"Remember, remember the 5th of November!"

Only the Bell House would have a celebration for the anniversary of the day over four centuries ago that English Parliament DIDN'T get blown up. 

This Thursday, November 5th at the Bell House at 8:00 p.m. you can actually celebrate the 404th anniversary (yes, 404th) that the English Parliament didn't get blown up. 

Otherwise knows as Guy Fawkes Day in England, the party is free and will be complete with British DJs, V for Vendetta, and special "British" drinks. 

(A fake British accent isn't required, but highly suggested.)

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

More Waiting for 14th Street Armory

The marathon has past; Daylight Savings is over. The cold air on your morning run around the park is becoming less tolerable by the day.

But for some, salvation from chilly jogs seemed right on the horizon. The Park Slope Armory, a new indoor track and sports facility to be managed by the YMCA, was set to open last Spring. That date was pushed back to September 1. That date was then pushed to December 1.

Now, it's been pushed back to 2010. Bummer. For details, there's some excellent reportage in today's Brooklyn Paper.

Indivia: latin for envy


I enjoy the luxury of having, what I feel, is a relatively comfortable place to live in Brooklyn, New York. Nice location (Union Street, Park Slope,) good light, charming kitchen, etc. Really nothing too huge to complain about, (except sort of an awkward lay out and a bedroom with no windows...) but I regress!

Coming across this Red Hook renovation in one of my favorite design blogs Apartment Therapy, made me want to burn down my apartment building in disgust. Honestly! The injustice of real estate in New York is enough to make me punch through walls. In this context, that would be ironic because it would make my already inferior apartment that much more plebeian.

For the full story and picture spread, check out New York Magazine's article on the before and after of this warehouse turned Shangrila. Just maybe make sure you're in a contented mood first.

Happy Election Day!

Today's the big day--time to decide Brooklyn's political fate. It goes beyond Democrats vs. Republicans. It's your chance to compare and contrast and choose who's right for the job, who will get shit done, who will dazzle us.

Still can't decide who to vote for your 39th District City Council representative? Read these mini-interviews from Cobble Hill Blog--5 Questions from each candidate--and make yourself a helpful little pros-and-cons list. It can't get any easier. But, if you're on the edge and Joe Nardiello might be your man, just remember he's toeing a fine line between creative and prankster. As for us, we'd like to give a shout-out to Brad Lander, who will make a cameo appearance in our upcoming December issue.

There's also the big Bloomberg vs. Thompson decision to be made. Mayor Bloomberg may have been looking good according to polls--up by 15% as of October 30th--but his fellow politicians think otherwise. I may have just wikipedia-ed him, but some people have strong opinions. So, what's it going to be? Mike Bloomberg, or Mike Bloomberg? (Note the change in intonation in my brain as I write this).




Monday, November 2, 2009

Just Like Grandma's...?


I don't know about anyone else but for me, Connect Four traditionally evokes an afternoon at Grandma's: cigarette smoke, mounds of M&Ms, a game of Old Maid and the old stand by, Connect Four. The Bell House isn't quite Grandma's house (You can't even smoke there...) but it's sponsoring a Connect Four tournament tomorrow (10/3)...?! I'm not sure how I feel about this...

How could a simple childhood game become THE WORLD'S BIGGEST CONNECT FOUR CHAMPIONSHIP: ROUND ONE? Hyperbole and all caps... AND this means that there is going to be a round two! Actually there will be four rounds and the champion will be crowned on November 24... this seems like serious stuff!

Perhaps there is more strategy to Connect Four than I can realize but I really would love it if someone checked this out! (If you're not in for serious stuff, there are FREE "Connect Four" vodka drinks from 7-8pm...who knows what kind of fun trouble you could get into there.)

Let us know how The Bell House provides for all your childhood gaming needs. Will they serve Nesquik on a tray next to a bologna sandwich and dill pickle while you ponder your next opponent-crushing move?

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Andy Newman Completes His "Own" Marathon



In honor of today's marathon, journalist Andy Newman strolled around his Park Slope neighborhood 75.4 times. The 26.2 mile journey took him a mere 17+ hours to complete (luckily, he had his dog to keep him company part of the time.) 

Newman was quoted saying that he chose his version of the marathon because he wanted a glimpse of the everyday life in the neighborhood he lives.

Newman is  a quirky journalist and blogger who has worked for medias such as the Jersey Journal, Hoboken Reporter and the New York Times. 

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Happy Halloween!

"This is Halloween...This is Halloween"--yes, that song from The Nightmare Before Christmas has been looped in my brainpan ever since the first pumpkin went on sale--and now the day has finally come.


And that means it's a holiday, and I deserve a full day off to adequately apply the dozens of layers of eye make-up for my Cleopatra costume (my efforts will be mask-status.) And you, my fellow Overflow enthusiasts, despite your loyal devotion to our fabulously informative blog, should be away from your computers. Go feed children candy and then scare them. Or go have a fright for yourself and see if the Atlantic Avenue Tunnel really is haunted... Oh, would you look at that. Even on your day off we deliver. I guess we're just that good.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

the daily [mis]haps


I've already had enough of Halloween...the crazed debauchery that will ensue and I'll get sucked in once again, but for now I'm looking beyond the polyester medieval-slut costumes. I have other things on my mind like that 25 cent balance on my metro card. This handy calculator will take away all your woes and ...rest your brain cells...decimals are too difficult.

To recover FROM Halloween head on down to the Brooklyn Lyceum to see Galway Kinnell read his poetry this Sunday. Really, DON'T miss it ...because he's kind of a dream-boat (see below)!

Steer clear of eggs and toilet paper and remember, you can party hard because you're gaining an extra hour of sleep November 1! Daylight savings ends!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

the daily [mis]haps

If you're a frotteur who's into bondage, dirty talk, and full-frontal male nudity, then by all means head over to the Vortex Theater in Manhattan for this haunted house experience, if you can call it that.

If you're like me, then you associate haunted houses with good-natured tricks--glowy-eyed skulls that cackle, pun-tastic plastic tombstones, bowls of cold spaghetti "brains"--halloween fun that ends with treats, not the feeling of being violated after your first near-rape experience, then you should keep it local and check out the Halloween Haunted Walk & Carnival at Prospect Park, where you'll encounter classic spooks like zombies and witches (both good AND bad). Or hit up the the Howloween Pup Parade in Park Slope. Because what could be more non-threatening than doggies in costumes?

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The daily mis[haps]


Get ready to celebrate Halloween in Park Slope, because OUR parade is better than YOUR parade. (In terms of having a good time of course, as opposed to seeing who can drink the most or get the most disorderly conduct tickets.)

Park Slope's annual parade will complete its twenty-third birthday this year and will be more eccentric and outdone than ever. 

According to the Brooklyn paper, this year's parade will be, "like the Crown Heights West Indian Day Parade and Coney Island's Mermaid Parade rolled into one--only without the fire marshal-sized crowds or bare breasts."

Who could resist that?

Monday, October 26, 2009

the daily [mis]haps



Happy Birthday, Brooklyn Eagle! We're suckers for local history...or could you not tell?

Over-blogged and for good reason, I'm leaning toward the "Soviet-style re-education camp" perspective but I might be blacklisted before I can get that $2.97 organic spinach...blast!

Let's see if we can make this the next swine flu and REALLY get people worried about...THE MUMPS!





THE MUMPS VIRUS ------->