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Perspective
A year’s worth of opinions from our Editorial Board
Editorial: Our editorial board looks back on an award-winning, opinionated year. Comment.
Smartmom in 2008 — anxious as ever
Smartmom: Smartmom looks back on a wild and neurotic year! Comments (2).
All drawn out
Cartoon: Our cartoonist Cristian Fleming channels the spirit of an Iraqi journalist and folds it into his own take on the American economy.
Comment.
Another Coney dream
Editorial: Our editorial board is skeptical of a Municipal Art Society scheme for Coney Island. Comments (3).
The Brooklyn Paper mailbag
Letters: The mailbag is filled as usual, this time with more letters on the bike-car-pedestrian conflict that has consumed Brooklyn. Comments (1).
Fossella to exit stage, right? Um, maybe not
Politicrasher: Disgraced and retired — but apparently still beloved — Rep. Vito Fossella may have been fresh from his sentencing last week in Virginia to five days in jail for drunk driving, but he was hailed on Staten Island on Sunday in what looked a lot more like a political comeback than a send-off. Comment.
Smartmom ‘nails’ it: She’s jealous!
Smartmom: If it’s Tuesday, it must be Smartmom day at BrooklynPaper.com. This week, Smartmom is jealous of her best friend’s daughter’s academic success. Look, Teen Spirit has his own path! She knows that! Comments (4).
All drawn out
Cartoon: Our cartoonist Cristian Fleming has his own take on the fifth anniversary of the stalled Atlantic Yards project.
Comment.
Yes to Dock St project
Editorial: Our editorial board supports David Walentas’s new 18-story building in DUMBO. Comments (4).
Where in the world is Teen Spirit?
Smartmom: If it’s Tuesday, it must be Smartmom day at BrooklynPaper.com. This week, Smartmom tries to help a friend with a troubled teen. Comment.
Something’s gotta give! Yeah — you!
Vox Pop: The economy is in the tank — so our leaders are talking about either tolls on the East River bridges or higher subway fares (or both). So we hit the streets to find out whether Brooklynites think the bridges should be tolled or the fares should be hiked (or neither!). Comments (2).
All drawn out
Cartoon: Our cartoonist Cristian Fleming looks at efforts to curtail car traffic in Prospect Park. Comments (1).
Buy local, stay local
Editorial: Our editorial board wants to you — to spend locally. But not for the obvious reason. Comments (2).
The Brooklyn Paper mailbag
Letters: The mailbag is filled as usual, this time with two letters on the bike lane war in Williamsburg. Comment.
Giving thanks for Thanksgiving
Smartmom: If it’s Tuesday, it must be Smartmom day at BrooklynPaper.com. This week, Smartmom’s family makes Hepcat feel welcome at the Thanksgiving table — as always. Comments (1).
These MTA cuts will slice and dice Brooklyn
Letters: Once again, our readers respond to our reports. Comments (1).
Thinking things through on Thanksgiving
Smartmom: Usually, Tuesday is Smartmom Day at BrooklynPaper.com, but it’s a short week, what with Thanksgiving and all, so we wanted you to start enjoying this week’s column a day early. Happy Thanksgiving! Comments (1).
More Coney baloney
Editorial: Our editorial board is horrified by the city plan to spend hundreds of millions in taxpayer money — and subvert the very notion of a free market — on Mayor Bloomberg’s Coney Island folly. Comments (26).
All drawn out
Cartoon: Our cartoonist Cristian Fleming clearly thinks a fare hike is a joke. Comments (1).
The Brooklyn Paper mailbag
Letters: The mailbag is filled as usual, this time with letters on the Council’s term-limit vote, Bruce Ratner, the victory of Barack Obama and, perhaps most important, Peruvian pipe players in Borough Hall park. Comment.
Turquoise turmoil for OSFO
Smartmom: If it’s Tuesday, it must be Smartmom day at BrooklynPaper.com. This week, the tear-filled final chapter in the saga of the Oh So Feisty One’s turquoise hair. Comments (3).
Trim Marty’s fat
Editorial: Our editorial board supports cuts to the borough president’s office — but opposes recent calls to eliminate the office altogether. Comments (2).
All drawn out
Cartoon: Our cartoonist Cristian Fleming clearly doesn’t think there’s reason for outrage over the closing of East River State Park for January, February and March. Comment.
The Brooklyn Paper mailbag
Letters: The mailbag is filled as usual, this time with letters on Barack Obama’s historic win, the end of term limits, the death of the Green Church in Bay Ridge, our supposed homophobic headline, a schism in the Jewish community, Ratner’s ongoing problems and dogs in Prospect Park. Comments (1).
Smartmom isn’t blue about OSFO’s hair
Smartmom: If it’s Tuesday, it must be Smartmom day at BrooklynPaper.com. This week, the Oh So Feisty One colors her hair turquoise — and Smartmom is pleased. Comments (1).
President Barack Obama
Editorial: Our editorial board concludes: The election of Barack Obama is a major big deal! Comments (1).
All drawn out
Cartoon: Our cartoonist Cristian Fleming looks back at the historic election of Barack Obama. Comment.
Live from Ohio! Last chapter of our Buckeye blitz
Politicrasher: Our political columnist finishes his journey to Ohio, where a group of Brooklynites helped swing the ultimate swing state. Comment.
Obama vs. McCain: It all comes down to the juice boxes
Politicrasher: On the eve of Election Day, Obama supporters strategize on how to keep voters at the polls. Comment.
Teen Spirit falls into the ‘gap’
Smartmom: If it’s Tuesday, it must be Smartmom day at BrooklynPaper.com. This week, Teen Spirit considers taking a year off before college (what? He was planning on GOING to college?). Comment.
LICH docs rage at Continuum exec
Letters: The head and former head of the Long Island College Hospital medical staff respond, angrily, to our interview with the hospital’s chief “restructurer.” Comment.
Live from Ohio! Our columnist crashes the campaign
Politicrasher: Our political columnist is in Ohio — yes, the real Ohio in the Midwest — to bring you on-the-ground coverage of the war for this ultimate swing state. Obama fans: be afraid. Be very afraid. Comments (2).
Yassky to Paper: I was right
Letters: After reading our editorial last week slamming his term-limit vote, Councilman David Yassky asked us to print his side of the story. OK, Councilman, it’s your turn. Comments (6).
Yassky’s integrity terminated
Editorial: The way Councilman David Yassky handled his vote on term limits stands out — for all the wrong reasons. Comments (10).
Mike McMahon for Congress
Editorial: Often on Election Day, the voters’ choice boils down to which of the two candidates is the least objectionable. Fortunately, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and Bensonhurst voters have a chance to cast their ballots for a worthy candidate for Congress on Tuesday, Nov. 4: Councilman Mike McMahon. Comments (1).
All drawn out
Cartoon: This week, our award-winning cartoonist Cristian Fleming offers his view on the Council term-limit vote. Comment.
City plan not Coney baloney: The Brooklyn Paper mailbag
Letters: Our mailbag contained a response from the commissioner of City Planning about our recent Coney Island editorial. We thank her for joining our spirited debate. Comment.
Dad is gone, but Smartmom has his car
Smartmom: If it’s Tuesday, it’s Smartmom day on BrooklynPaper.com. This week, Smartmom remembers her dad through his Suburu. Comment.
Distrust but verify
Editorial: Our editorial board explains why our esteemed leaders must be questioned at all times — because they lie. Comments (2).
Palin around! Sarah lookalikes raise big bucks — and hair — for Barack
Politicrasher: Imitation may be the most sincere form of flattery in “real America,” but in Park Slope, the liberal ladies who dressed up like Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin on Saturday decided it’s definitely not sincere and it’s certainly not flattery. Comment.
All drawn out
Cartoon: This week, our award-winning cartoonist Cristian Fleming looks at the imminent demise of Long Island College Hospital. Comment.
Vegetarians speak: The Brooklyn Paper mailbag
Letters: Our mailbag is full again — and features missives about our recent cover story about the decline of vegetarianism. Comment.
Smartmom and Hepcat need to get a life
Smartmom: If it’s Tuesday, it’s Smartmom day on BrooklynPaper.com. This week, we learn why Smartmom is not going to be a very good empty nester! Comments (1).
Bloomy’s Coney baloney
Editorial: Our editorial board says that Mayor Bloomberg’s scheme to rezone Coney Island is actually an end run around the community. Comments (14).
All drawn out
Cartoon: This week, our award-winning cartoonist Cristian Fleming looks at Mayor Bloomberg’s bid to extend his term. Comment.
Our readers speak: The Brooklyn Paper mailbag
Letters: Our mailbag is full again — and features missives about term limits, the fight to fix the Gowanus Canal and how one man is certainly not shedding any tears for the just-closed Starbucks in Bay Ridge. Comment.
Smartmom has no kids to drop off
Smartmom: If it’s Tuesday, it’s Smartmom day on BrooklynPaper.com. This week, Smartmom gets a bit sad to walk past PS 321 and know that she no longer has a kid at that school. Comment.
Smartmom does some babysitting
Smartmom: If it’s Tuesday, it’s Smartmom day on BrooklynPaper.com. This week, everyone’s favorite Park Slope mom finds herself traumatized about the prospect of babysitting for her 4-year-old niece. Comments (1).
Anxiety on Main Street
Brooklyn Angle: Who knew that the “Main Street” that all those congressmen have been talking about is right here in Brooklyn? Comment.
No to term-limit change
Editorial: Our editorial board is opposed to politicians’ backroom maneuvers to gut the current two-limit for city office holders. Comments (1).
A death in the family
Editorial: The New York Sun closes — and our editorial board ponders the role of the print product in this supposedly online age. Comment.
Down on Main Street
Vox Pop: As the economic crisis ravages the nation, all anyone wants to know is what the folks on “Main Street” think of it. But which “Main Street” are our congressional leaders talking about? We headed to Brooklyn’s actual Main Street — in DUMBO — to get the mood of our borough’s symbolic heartland. Here’s what we heard. Comment.
Everyone has a stake in the car-bike battle
Letters: Our mailbag is full again — and features two letters about the ongoing conflict between bike riders and car drivers, plus missives about term limits, Smartmom’s disgust about Sarah Palin, and the just-closed Starbucks in Bay Ridge. Comments (1).
A Great Depression or a little depression?
Smartmom: If it’s Wednesday, it’s Smartmom day at BrooklynPaper.com. This week, our columnist considers what to tell the children about the economic crisis (hint: tell them that their piggy bank is safe!). Comments (1).
The bailout: Our cartoonist weighs in
Cartoon: With Congress still debating the $700-billion Wall Street bailout, our editorial cartoonist Cristian Fleming did some extra work this week and crafted this bit of political opinion-making. Comments (1).
Marty: Don’t question me!
Perspective: Our editorial board thinks Borough President Markowitz needs to provide answers. Comments (2).
It’s true — ignorance is bliss
The Search: Our columnist learns the most important life lesson after a break-up: stop trying to learn important life lessons after a break-up. Comments (1).
All drawn out
Cartoon: Each week, award-winning cartoonist Cristian Fleming gives us his take on the issues of the day. This week, Fleming looks at the declining health of Long Island College Hospital.
Comment.
This soldier’s story is pro-Palin
Letters: A soldier goes after Smartmom, plus other letters on Grand Army Plaza, term limits and failed congressional candidate Kevin Powell. Comment.
Smartmom in the morning
Smartmom: If it’s Tuesday, it’s Smartmom day at BrooklynPaper.com. This week, our columnist tries to get her family going in the morning. It’s not easy being mean. Comments (1).
Toll plan has merit
Perspective: Our editorial board expresses support for a big residential proposal along the Gowanus Canal. Comments (3).
All drawn out
Cartoon: Each week, award-winning cartoonist Cristian Fleming gives us his take on the issues of the day. This week, Fleming looks at the conflict between bikers and drivers. Comment.
‘Dangerous’ vehicles are out of control in Prospect Park
Letters: Our mailbag is filled again — this week, with lots of letters about Prospect Park. Comments (1).
Sarah Palin and Brooklyn: Imperfect together
Smartmom: This week, our columnist examines Sarah Palin — and finds her wanting. Comments (5).
Beer bust man fights back!
Brooklyn Angle: Exclusive: The guy who got the ticket for drinking a beer on his stoop may not be able to fight City Hall, but he is going to burp right in its face! Comments (1).
No to term-limit change
Editorial: Our editorial board is opposed to politicians’ backroom maneuvers to gut the current two-limit for city office holders. Comments (1).
Editor’s neighbor not pleased with beer bust story — The Brooklyn Paper mailbag
Letters: As always, the mailbag is filled — this time with letters from a Park Sloper who believes people drinking a beer on their stoop should be ticketed; two letters from fans of our illegal barbecue coverage; support for trees damaged by the “New York City Waterfalls” project; and the mosquito problem this summer. Comment.
Park goes to pork
Brooklyn Angle: Our columnist loves barbecue, but not at the expense of Prospect Park, which saw a massive spike in illegal grilling this summer. Comments (1).
Small ‘Towns’; Longtime Rep. is clueless on foreign policy
Politicrasher: Our columnist has a big problem with Rep. Ed Towns. With video … Comments (5).
The Brooklyn Paper mailbag
Letters: As always, the mailbag is filled — this time with letters from the mother of that artist who got arrested by the Chinese, the Asian Tiger Mosquito invasion, a crackhouse in Williamsburg and, of course, how great The Brooklyn Paper is. Comments (1).
Fresh choices in three Brooklyn races
Editorial: Our editorial board endorses newcomers to replace longtime incumbents in the state Senate and in the House of Representatives, plus a veteran city councilman to represent Bay Ridge in Washington. Comments (18).
50 reasons why Smartmom’s on the emotional roller coster
Smartmom: She’s turning 50. Oy vey! Comments (1).
One search down, another on the rocks
The Search: Our columnist’s search for love and a place to live has achieved at least one success: He now has a roof over his head. Comment.
Chris Owens has some advice for Obama
Convention: In Denver for the Democratic National Convention, Chris Owens, who unsuccessfully ran for Congress two years ago, says he knows what will get Barack Obama elected. Comments (1).
Mile-high green!
Convention: Our man in Denver finds out how to lower his carbon footprint — before he even takes a step inside the Democratic National Convention Comment.
America’s shame
Editorial: Our editorial board is horrified by the condition of the Prison Ships Martyrs Memorial in Fort Greene Park. Comments (3).
All drawn out
Cartoon: Each week, award-winning cartoonist Cristian Fleming gives us his take on the issues of the day. This week, Fleming goes National Geographic on us, focussing on this summer’s mosquito invasion. Comment.
The Brooklyn Paper mailbag
Letters: As always, the mailbag is filled — and this time even includes a letter from the city complaining about our editorial on the Department of Sanitation’s lame new “lawn litter” regulations. Read the letter! You won’t believe that the city had the noive to complain! Comments (1).
Teen Spirit catches Dylan fever
Smartmom: If it’s Tuesday, it’s Smartmom Day at BrooklynPaper.com. This week, our columnist sends her teenage son to the Dylan concert. Comments (3).
The ‘Park’ will never be built
Editorial: Our editorial board is outraged over more incompetence — and yet another delay — at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Comments (3).
Been there, delayed that
Editorial: Our editorial board is outraged over more incompetence — and yet another delay — at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Comments (2).
All Drawn Out
Cartoon: Each week, award-winning cartoonist Cristian Fleming gives us his take on the issues of the day. This week, Fleming pokes fun at our self-aggrandizing, bike-riding editor. Comment.
The Brooklyn Paper mailbag
Letters: As always, the mailbag is filled — this time with letters about Long Island College Hospital’s finances, a city plan to expand a Brooklyn Heights elementary school, a congressional race in Bay Ridge, legislative pay raises, and a controversial developer in Carroll Gardens. Comments (1).
Two Dylans show up at Prospect Park
Brooklyn Angle: Our columnist gives his review of the event of the season: Bob Dylan in Prospect Park. Comments (11).
It’s Teen Spirit’s wild years
Smartmom: If it’s Tuesday, it must be Smartmom Day on BrooklynPaper.com. In this week’s installment, Smartmom reveals what it’s like to have a strong-willed, moody 17-year-old in the house. Comments (4).
All drawn out
Atlantic Yards: Each week, award-winning cartoonist Cristian Fleming gives us his take on the issues of the day. This week, Fleming points his rapier pen at Bruce Ratner’s false promises at Atlantic Yards. Comment.
Dom the Benchwarmer!
Politicrasher: Our political insider covers a councilman’s ribbon-cutting at a post office. Man, how the mighty have fallen. Comments (6).
Mike’s Search
The Search: Join our senior reporter as he looks for love — and a place to live — in today’s Brooklyn. Fasten your seatbelts, readers, it’s going to be a bumpy ride! With video … Comments (7).
This law is trash
Editorial: Our editorial board weighs in on the city’s new anti-flier law — one that will create more trash than the pamphlets and menus it seeks to prevent. Comments (3).
It’s the pits! ‘Greenest’ block contest mired in muck
Brooklyn Angle: I came to compost Eighth Street, not to praise it. Yes, I was there on Wednesday, when the gray expanse between Eighth Avenue and Prospect Park West was named the “Greenest Block in Brooklyn” by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Comments (1).
It’s time for the birds and bees
Smartmom: If it’s Tuesday, it must be Smartmom day on BrooklynPaper.com. This week, Park Slope’s uber-parent delves into that most sensitive of topics: the birds and the bees (and, no, this ain’t a nature column!). Comments (2).
The empty nesters of Park Slope
Smartmom: Sleepaway camp has really changed since the days Smartmom was a camper at various northeastern summer getaways. Comment.
The MTA’s un-fare-ness
Editorial: Our editorial board slams the MTA for a lack of common sense in the latest Metrocard snafu. Comment.
He’s got a problem with those who don’t want to ‘Flea’
Letters: As always, the mailbag is filled — this time with letters about the suddenly controversial flea market in Fort Greene, The Paper’s coverage of the Red Hook vendors, Ed Shakespeare’s great Cyclones columns and the thef of our editor’s bike. Comment.
Our man grills the commish
Brooklyn Angle: Our columnist went to the official “Welcome Back” ceremony for the Red Hook vendors — but found himself getting nauseus from all the politicians taking credit for “saving” the vendors from the very bureaucracy they set up to ensnare them! With video … Comments (3).
Red tape tastes bad
Editorial: Our editorial board think the city could have done better in dealing with the Red Hook vendors. Comment.
Of course, Marty isn’t running — why should he?
Letters: Our mailbag is filled once again with letters about Borough President Markowitz’s run for mayor, the ticket blitz in Park Slope, a woman who got a stern warning for taking pictures of her daughter in a Brooklyn park, the greatness of Montreal and a federal plan to permanently close off Washington Street in Downtown. Comment.
Youth vote? That’s a laugh
Politicrasher: Our columnist follows around congressional hopeful Kevin Powell as he courts that most-elusive of political prizes: the youth vote. Comments (1).
OSFO in camp, Smartmom on retreat — and Hepcat is blue
Smartmom: This summer, the Oh So Feisty One is at camp and Smartmom is on her retreat to Block Island. What will Hepcat do? Comments (1).
All Drawn Out
Cartoon: This week, our cartoonist looks at Borough President Markowitz’s purchase of two bikes for his office. Comments (1).
Ticketing the Slope
Editorial: Our editorial board comes down against drivers who complained about getting tickets now that the long “No Parking” suspension is over in Park Slope. Comments (3).
Ay and Eye — now they’re lost souls
Smartmom: Smartmom loses two more friends to parts unknown. How could anyone leave Park Slope? Comment.
Paper says: Bring back our trolleys
Editorial: The Federal Government’s seizure of Cadman Plaza East (for use as a judicial parking lot) presents a unique opportunity to bring trolley service back to Brooklyn.
Comments (3).
Thief of bad bags: Park Slope Food Co-op bans plastic bags
Brooklyn Angle: In one of the most lopsided votes since the re-election of Chairman Mao in 1954, members of Brooklyn’s famously progressive supermarket, the Park Slope Food Co-op, voted nearly unanimously on Tuesday night to stop making plastic shopping bags available at the checkout counter. Comments (6).
I paid $3 for this coffee!
Brooklyn Angle: Finally, a place to get a $3 cup of coffee on Fourth Avenue! Comment.
What are Smartmom’s dealbreakers?
Smartmom: Eliot Spitzer’s alleged prostitution habit has Smartmom wondering what it would take before she left Hepcat. Comments (1).
All drawn out
Cartoon: Our artist’s weekly take on the issues of the day. This week: the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear an Atlantic Yards case. Comment.
Men are domestic-violence victims, too
Letters: The mailbag is filled with letters about Wal-Mart, Ikea, school rezonings, divorce and the Metropolitan Opera show in Prospect Park. Comment.
Democrats should united behind Steve Harrison
Letters: The mailbag is filled with letters about Bay Ridge politics, Ikea, Park Slope’s alleged Communist leanings, truck traffic in Kensington, judges who park in a city park and The Brooklyn Paper’s fine podcasts! Comment.
Pols must hit Ratner in wallet
Editorial: It’s time for legislatures to open their eyes and put an end to Bruce Ratner’s Atlantic Yards subsidies. Comments (1).
Plastic on their minds
Vox Pop: Park Slope Food Co-op-ers speak out on the proposed bottled-water ban. Comments (2).
Gersh’s outrage!
Brooklyn Angle: Our columnist was so angry that tickets to Bob Dylan’s Aug. 12 concert in Prospect Park were not available to the general public that he took Dylan’s celebrated relationship screed, “Positively 4th Street” and gave it a few new lyrics. Comments (5).
A day for all of her mothers
Smartmom: Smartmom’s Mother’s Day is jam-packed with mom on mom action. Comment.
All drawn out
Atlantic Yards: Bruce Ratner will lose $200 million in public money if all lawsuits are not concluded by the end of 2009. Our artist’s take! Comment.
An Old Mom Friend stirs mom nerves
Smartmom: Smartmom runs into an old mom friend — and the anxieties come back to her. Comment.
Inside the Brooklyn caucus
Brooklyn, Iowa: Our columnist takes you inside an actual Iowa caucus room: “What I saw was the most basic form of democracy in action. I was proud to be an American.” With video … Comment.
No one has dibs on ugly red chair
Smartmom: Smartmom has to get rid of the big red chair — but, o, the memories! Comment.
The end of the PS 321 line
Smartmom: Smartmom’s days are numbered at PS 321. After 11 years as a very involved parent at this illustrious school, she’s is about to say adieu. Comment.
My copycat neighbors
Greene Acres: Fort Greene is becoming Park Slope — and it’s intentional! Comments (4).
Smartmom gives from the wallet this holiday season
Smartmom: Smartmom learns to stop worrying and love panhandlers. Comment.
Inside the Brooklyn caucus
Brooklyn, Iowa: Our columnist takes you inside an actual Iowa caucus room: “What I saw was the most basic form of democracy in action. I was proud to be an American.” With video … Comment.
Smartmom’s tears to flow
Smartmom: Smartmom still isn’t crying over the Oh So Feisty One’s imminent fifth-grade graduation. Oh wait, yes she is! Comment.
Yards foes: Let’s set the records straight
Letters: Here are this week’s letters, with missives about Atlantic Yards (what else?!), the Green Church in Bay Ridge, Rep. Vito Fossella’s drunk-driving arrest and our recent story about the Microsoft store. Comment.
Readers: What are kids doing in bars, anyway?
Letters: The mailbag is filled with missives about our ongoing kids-in-bars coverage; our recent story about pet adoptions; our humorous “field test” of new biodegradable lunch trays; a Prospect Lefferts Gardens development; the death of Bertha, the sand tiger shark; and the failure of a plan to but a power plant on the Williamsburg waterfront. Comment.
Once again, our Wal-Mart editorial provokes ire, praise
Letters: The mailbag is filled with letters about Wal-Mart, the Prospect Park bridle path, and the ongoing hot-dog contest controversy. Comments (1).
Want to build Brooklyn Bridge Park? Scale it back!
Letters: The mailbag is filled with letters about Brooklyn Bridge Park, Bob Dylan’s upcoming concert, horse injuries in Prospect Park and Wal-Mart coming to New York. Comments (2).
Yards foes extend hand to critic of Ratner and DDDB
Letters: The mailbag is filled with letters about Atlantic Yards, alternate-side-of-the-street parking, the Brooklyn Bridge’s 125th birthday and, of course, more commentary on The Brooklyn Paper’s florid use of language. Comments (5).
Thief of bad bags
Brooklyn Angle: In one of the most lopsided votes since the re-election of Chairman Mao in 1954, members of Brooklyn’s famously progressive supermarket, the Park Slope Food Co-op, voted nearly unanimously on Tuesday night to stop making plastic shopping bags available at the checkout counter. And our columnist was there! Comments (1).
More fallout from recent Atlantic Yards letters
Letters: The mailbag is filled with missives about Atlantic Yards, closing supermarkets, Rep. Vito Fossella’s ongoing travails, ferry service and The Brooklyn Paper’s unique use of language. Comment.
This guy faults Bruce Ratner and Atlantic Yards foes
Letters: The mailbag is filled with missives about Atlantic Yards, bars in residential neighborhoods, banks in our retail corridors and allegedly bad writing in The Brooklyn Paper (no way!). Comments (2).
Cut Ratner off
Editorial: He’s already getting $2 billion in public subsidies — and now Atlantic Yards developer Bruce Ratner “wants more”? The Paper’s Editorial Board offers a handy place to put that request. Comments (2).
A Park Slope homesteader
PS … I Love You: Tip O’Neill used to say that all politics is local. Who knew it extended to food? Comment.
Freak accident fells Editor of the Year
Brooklyn Angle: Our columnist breaks his ankle — but lives to write about it. Comments (1).
New Year’s pre-memories
PS … I Love You: At this time of year, it’s impossible to walk around without feeling those memories come flooding back. Comment.
Inside the Brooklyn caucus
Brooklyn, Iowa: Our columnist takes you inside an actual Iowa caucus room: “What I saw was the most basic form of democracy in action. I was proud to be an American.” With video … Comment.
Sex: It was always thus
PS … I Love You: The latest sex scandal reminds our columnist of a classic Slope affair. Comment.
John McFadden, legendary Staubitz butcher
Checkin’ in with: The recent “vegetarian week” was a good chance to check in with one heckuva butcher. Comment.
How YouTube sees the Slope
PS … I Love You: Our columnist laughs, cries and laughs again at how her neighborhood is depicted on YouTube. Comment.
Smartmom’s hankering to cook
Smartmom: Smartmom sees a recipe book — and it reminds her of her ever-tenuous feminism. Comment.
Is Club Loco too loco?
PS … I Love You: Our columnist takes you inside the kid’s only night spot, Club Loco. Comments (1).
Sympathy for Gersh’s ankle, congrats on Paper award
Letters: Our mailbag is filled with sympathy for our hobbled editor in chief, plus letters about immigrants, the aborted plan to put a middle school in the House of Detention, and the Navy Yard’s supermarket plan. Comments (2).
Is Ridge out of business?
Yellow Hooker: Now that the people of Bay Ridge are done opening their presents, maybe they can open some new stores. Comments (1).
Inside the Brooklyn caucus
Brooklyn, Iowa: Our columnist takes you inside an actual Iowa caucus room: “What I saw was the most basic form of democracy in action. I was proud to be an American.” With video … Comment.
Permits not the solution to parking problem
Letters: The mailbag is filled — as always. Comment.
Third St is just a small town
Smartmom: A Memorial Day barbecue on Third Street brings it all home for Smartmom Comment.
Thief of bad bags
Brooklyn Angle: In one of the most lopsided votes since the re-election of Chairman Mao in 1954, members of Brooklyn’s famously progressive supermarket, the Park Slope Food Co-op, voted nearly unanimously on Tuesday night to stop making plastic shopping bags available at the checkout counter. And our columnist was there! Comments (1).
Take back the rail yards!
Editorial: Atlantic Yards is officially dead. Now, the state must grab the corpse from Bruce Ratner and save the project. Comments (1).
Mo Willems has done it again
Dooley Noted: To the list of legendary couples in history — Antony and Cleopatra, Napoleon and Josephine, Felix and Oscar — beloved Park Slope kids scribe Mo Willems has added another: Elephant and Piggie. Comment.
Deedle Deedle Dees sing to Bridge
Dooley Noted: Our puppetry, juggling and mime critic reviews the Deedle Deedle Dees’ show on Sunday. Despite all the Ds, he gave it an A. Comment.
Thief of bad bags
Brooklyn Angle: In one of the most lopsided votes since the re-election of Chairman Mao in 1954, members of Brooklyn’s famously progressive supermarket, the Park Slope Food Co-op, voted nearly unanimously on Tuesday night to stop making plastic shopping bags available at the checkout counter. And our columnist was there! Comments (1).
Psychic RV is right on target
PS … I Love You: Our columnist gets her palm read — from a woman in an RV! Comments (5).
Smartmom outsmarts Skenazy
Smartmom: It’s a parenting columnist smackdown: Our Smartmom vs. Lenore Skenazy of the New York Sun. Comments (1).
City’s pay-to-park proposal fills The Paper’s mailbag
Letters: Our mailbag is filled with letters about the city’s residential parking permit plan, subsidies being doled out to Atlantic Yards developer Bruce Ratner, and plans to demolish a historic Bay Ridge church. Comment.
Builder of rejected ‘mews’ plan now seeks ‘Amity’
Letters: Our mailbag is filled with letters about a failed development plan on Amity Street; a proposed tower in DUMBO; bus routes through the Battery, Brooklyn Bridge “Park”; Patrick Stewart, the actor; and PrattStore’s new framing business. Comment.
The waffles are here!
PS … I Love You: Our Park Slope columnist explores the soon-to-explode Belgian waffle scene. Comments (2).
Oh So Feisty One reaches ‘middle’ age
Smartmom: Smartmom’s kid is shopping for a middle school. This ain’t easy, folks. Comments (1).
Our Brooklyn (Iowa) coverage earns accolades
Letters: Our mailbag is filled — even during the holiday week! — with letters about our coverage of the Iowa caucuses, Atlantic Yards, Rep. Yvette Clarke’s “anti-Christmas” vote, poor bus service, rats in Brooklyn Heights, the declining quality of Peter Luger steak house, and plans to create a Fort Greene Food Co-op. Comment.
Fifty is nifty if you’re ‘Smart’
Smartmom: Now that she’s 50 (yes, 50), Smartmom can either complain or take action. She’s choosing, well, both. Comments (2).
Absinthe makes his heart fonder
Heights Lowdown: Absinthe is now legal (yippie!), so our man goes on a vital fact-finding mission. Comments (1).
Inside the Brooklyn caucus
Brooklyn, Iowa: Our columnist takes you inside an actual Iowa caucus room: “What I saw was the most basic form of democracy in action. I was proud to be an American.” With video … Comment.
Tell them what you want
Greene Acres: This is the time to put your wants and needs on paper and take the Fort Greene-Clinton Hill shopping survey. Comment.
Signed, sealed, but not delivered
Smartmom: It’s the first week in June and Smartmom still doesn’t know where the Oh So Feisty One will be going to middle school in September. And Smartmom is pissed! Comment.
Jen and Paul: We hardly knew ye!
Smartmom: Smartmom weighs in on actors Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany’s move from Park Slope to, gasp, Manhattan. Comment.
I’ll drink to that
Brooklyn South: Local bar-restaurant pioneer Jim Mamary wins his battle with his Hoyt Street neighbors. Our columnist has one word: Good! Comment.
Checking in with … Christian culture chronicler Daniel Radosh
Checkin’ in with: The Windsor Terrace writer has a new book out — and he talks to The Brooklyn Paper about being Jewish yet writing about Christian pop culture. Comments (2).
Footnote: Editor of Year’s ankle mending slowly
Brooklyn Angle: Gersh Kuntzman’s bones are proving slow to heal, nearly 11 weeks after his Jan. 11 slip-and-fall in a Vermont parking lot. Here’s an exclusive update on this breaking story. Comment.
School in a jail plan sparks mail — from city
Letters: Letters are pouring in about the city’s middle-school-in-a-jail idea, David Walentas’s Dock Street tower, Flatbush traffic, Old Brooklyn, illegal parking, District Attorney Hynes, and our Editor of the Year, Gersh Kuntzman. Comment.
How Jacobs would view Yards
Perspective: What would Jane Jacobs have thought of Atlantic Yards? Now we know. Comments (1).
Miley and Teen Spirit shed things
Smartmom: Smartmom knows all about the Miley Cyrus debacle. After all, she has a 16-year-old with a self-induced crewcut. Comments (2).
Schumer endorsement makes Squadron a loser
Letters: The mailbag is filled with letters about Sen. Charles Schumer’s endorsement of state Senate candidate Daniel Squadron, judges who park in a park, the anti-Ratner protesters at the Brooklyn Museum and Frank Gehry’s forgotten “Urban Room.” Comment.
Ratner and the Brooklyn Museum: Perfect together
Letters: The mailbag is filled with letters about Atlantic Yards, Khalil Gibran International Academy, congestion pricing, Republican presidential nominee John McCain, and Frank Gehry’s supposedly naughty design for “Miss Brooklyn.” Comment.
Readers respond to Bruce Ratner’s Yards failure
Letters: The mailbag is filled with letters on Bruce Ratner’s no-longer-mega mega-project; The Paper’s bias in favor of Styrofoam trays and against Williamsburg 311 users; film crews; and even a letter from Broken Angel creator Arthur Wood. Comment.
Voters to Rep. Clarke: Listen to us and back Barack
Letters: The mailbag is filled — as always. Comment.
Private schools, public chatting
Smartmom: Last week, Park Slopers were obsessed over which kids got into local private schools. Smartmom had this thought: Who cares? Comments (2).
All drawn out
Red Hook: Our artist’s weekly take on the issues of the day. This week: Ikea. Comment.
Nothing for Nader
Brooklyn Angle: Call him a Nader Traitor — but the only Brooklynite to contribute to Ralph Nader’s inept 2004 campaign has bailed on the twice-failed presidential hopeful. He’s not alone. Comments (1).
Cast away! I’m finally free — sort of — after accepting my award!
Brooklyn Angle: Our columnist discovers that there is only one thing better than being named “Editor of the Year” by a major national newspaper trade association: Getting the cast off his broken ankle! With video … Comment.
Jed Walentas answers his critics
Letters: DUMBO’s major developer fires back. Plus letters on Gersh’s doctor and the Toll Brothers Gowanus Canal project. Comments (1).
Readers go batty over our dog adoption story
Letters: The mailbag is filled — as always. Comment.
Judges out of order
Editorial: The Parks Department has moved to evict a few dozen judges from parking in Columbus Park — and The Paper cheers. Comments (1).
Adrift on the Canal
Editorial: The Gowanus Canal is a national disgrace — and here’s how to clean the toxin- and sewage-filled corpse of water. Comments (3).
Smartmom knows an ‘edgy mom’
Smartmom: Smartmom organizes her second “Edgy Moms” reading — and learns the greatest lesson of all: be edgy. Comment.
Facing smoke on the water
Brooklyn South: Our man floats down the Gowanus Canal (in a man-sized condom!). Comments (1).
We need a real supermarket!
Brooklyn South: Our columnist discovers that the fastest way to strengthen a neighborhood’s heart is to feed its stomach. Comments (1).
He’s the new Weatherman: Quirky Slope storm chaser breaks silence about hobby
Brooklyn Angle: Our columnist gets the first interview with the keeper of the “Park Slope weather” Web site — the Internet’s biggest hit since the Obama girl. Comments (2).
Judge for yourself — Abe speaks
Brooklyn Angle: Nobody likes a bad review. So when former City Councilman Abe Gerges — now the newly minted administrative judge at the Adams Street courthouse — read our recent editorial slamming judges for parking on a walkway in Columbus Park, he did what any former show-business performer would have done. He called me to complain. Comments (2).
When the Hepcat’s away, Teen Spirit will play
Smartmom: Our favorite son would never try such shenanigans if Hepcat were home. But Teen Spirit know that Smartmom is a world-class pushover. Comment.
She $creams over ice cream
PS … I Love You: Our columnist discovers a true food crisis: The price of mini-ice cream sandwiches is now 50 cents! Comments (1).
Thief of bad bags
Brooklyn Angle: In one of the most lopsided votes since the re-election of Chairman Mao in 1954, members of Brooklyn’s famously progressive supermarket, the Park Slope Food Co-op, voted nearly unanimously on Tuesday night to stop making plastic shopping bags available at the checkout counter. And our columnist was there! Comments (1).
My ankle is having an affair
Brooklyn Angle: Our columnist is cheating on his doctor. No wonder! The doctor didn’t even call him back when he complained of “considerable pain.” Comments (1).
Walk the walk in Downtown
Heights Lowdown: Our columnist takes a Downtown podcast walking tour. Comments (2).
Regina Myer, Brooklyn Bridge Park president
Checkin’ in with: She was hired to get “shovels in the ground” at Brooklyn Bridge Park — and now, Regina Myer, the new president of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation, speaks exclusively to The Brooklyn Paper. Comments (6).
Banned! Food Co-op no longer bottled up
Brooklyn Angle: Water, water everywhere — but there’s no longer a drop of the bottled variety at the Park Slope Food Co-op. Comment.
Yes, the pain is exquisite, thanks
Brooklyn Angle: Chapter two in our columnist’s series about his broken ankle. This week: His doctor blows him off! Comments (4).
CIRCUS comes to town!
Dooley Noted: There is a small miracle taking place on the Red Hook waterfront — CIRCUSundays at the Barge Museum. Comments (1).
Ratner’s shell game
Editorial: It is becoming clearer and clearer that Atlantic Yards developer Bruce Ratner will not be able to build much of the below-market-rate housing at his mega-development. Comments (2).
Mo Willems bails on our borough and heads north
Brooklyn Angle: The beloved kids author and Brooklyn fixture has moved to Massachusetts from Park Slope, the neighborhood that served as his creative font for more than 15 years. Comments (1).
Thief of bad bags
Brooklyn Angle: In one of the most lopsided votes since the re-election of Chairman Mao in 1954, members of Brooklyn’s famously progressive supermarket, the Park Slope Food Co-op, voted nearly unanimously on Tuesday night to stop making plastic shopping bags available at the checkout counter. And our columnist was there! Comments (1).
Not a waste of time
Editorial: Lawsuits against Atlantic Yards are not a delay tactic, but a legitimate search for the truth about this shady back-room deal. Comment.
A fight worth having
Editorial: A community board hearing about a supposedly menacing Park Slope bar offers a chance to debate the future of our neighborhoods. Comment.
Protesting Ratner’s honor
Editorial: The Brooklyn Museum has every right to give Bruce Ratner an award. But the institution should not be shocked when its neighbors get angry about it. Comments (3).
Vox Pop
Vox Pop: New York University’s proposed takeover of Polytechnic University in Downtown Brooklyn appears to be moving ahead. But before the Manhattan-based institution devours one of our own, we asked people on campus what they thought of the NYU-Poly deal. Comments (2).
The balance of power?
Editorial: Our editorial board shares its disappointment in the Supreme Court’s decision not to hear an Atlantic Yards appeal. Comments (18).
In fact, Teen Spirit needs his space
Smartmom: Smartmom was fretting over her teenager’s long absences until she learned that it’s all normal. Comments (3).
Ratner’s false choice
Editorial: Why the pro–Atlantic Yards rally on Thursday at Borough Hall was a sham. Comments (19).
Thief of bad bags
Brooklyn Angle: In one of the most lopsided votes since the re-election of Chairman Mao in 1954, members of Brooklyn’s famously progressive supermarket, the Park Slope Food Co-op, voted nearly unanimously on Tuesday night to stop making plastic shopping bags available at the checkout counter. And our columnist was there! Comments (1).
City: We’ll get Coney land without eminent domain
Letters: The mailbag is filled with missives about the city’s Coney Island plan, “old” Brooklyn, generic development around town, Atlantic Yards and Rep. Vito Fossella’s flirtation with Dick Cheney. Comment.
Scandal! Beep accepts our check, but says auction was a fake!
Brooklyn Angle: Our photo appears to show Borough President Markowitz accepting a ceremonial check for $500 for his Camp Brooklyn charity — but is it really a picture of him stabbing our Editor-of-the-Year in the back? Comment.
Cast party! Local councilman wins gigantic bidding war for my ankle brace
Brooklyn Angle: Our columnist’s cast auction goes well — with two councilmen in a bidding war! Comments (1).
This babe goes to toyland
PS … I Love You: Our columnist tries out Babeland, Park Slope’s new sex-toy store. With video … Comment.
This green toilet doesn’t stink!
Brooklyn Angle: Talk about a crappy assignment! Our columnist gives his review of Clinton Hill’s solar-powered outhouse. And, like Bette Davis might have said, “What a dump!” With video … Comment.
Grand Theft Auto comes to Bklyn
Perspective: Our columnist drives a fictional car through a not-so-fictional Brooklyn in the hot new video game. Comment.
Remember Dick Cheney
Editorial: Rep. Vito Fossella — the city’s lone Republican congressman — called in a much-hated vice president to help him raise money. He’s banking on two things: Cheney’s pull with billionaires and voters’ short memories come November. Comments (2).
It’s a crowded house with our rockers
Smartmom: Smartmom has a full house, thanks to all of Teen Spirit’s rocker pals sleeping over all the time. Comments (1).
Paper’s bottled water story is drink for thought
Letters: The mailbag is full as usual. Comments (1).
No to jailhouse school
Editorial: Our editorial blasts a city plan to put a middle school in the soon-to-reopen Brooklyn House of Detention. Comments (3).
Father’s Day drive with daughter & dad
The Dad: Our columnist thinks about his dad — and then ponders what his kid will think about him someday. Comments (1).
Credit where due — and not
Editorial: Borough President Markowitz admits that he has failed on his signature issue — tourism! Comments (2).
Is the OSFO ready for a cellphone?
Smartmom: With some parents letting their 9-year-olds on the subway — the subway?! — Smartmom considers getting the Oh So Feisty One a cellphone. Comment.
Are we still racist?
Vox Pop: Former Communist and Black Panther Angela Davis says that racism is “no less overt” than it was in the 1950s, when it was very overt. We hit the streets to find out if anyone agrees with Davis. Comment.
Being a good mom means being more than just not bad
Smartmom: Britney Spears is guilty of one egregious act of bad mommydom after another, yet we can’t get enough of her. What makes a good mom, anyway? Comments (1).
A weak court ruling
Editorial: Before Bruce Ratner follows up his victory in state Supreme Court by bringing in construction cranes, it’s worth one more attempt to make some sanity of the ongoing misinformation campaign that state officials continue to conduct at Atlantic Yards. Comments (1).
A good Coney compromise
Editorial: The future of Coney Island looks brighter than ever, thanks to a deal between the city and Joe Sitt — an agreement that The Paper long advocated. Comment.
Ankling for recovery
Letters: After a reader was seriously injured in a hit-and-run, he went to Gersh’s new ankle man — and all was right with the world. Comment.
‘Naughty’ Brooklyn gets porn party
Brooklyn Angle: Our columnist is appalled — and excited — by news that Brooklyn is the “naughtiest place” in America. This column is definitely PG-13. Comments (6).
Gersh’s ankle goes on vacation
Brooklyn Angle: Despite an ankle injury that would deter lesser men, our Editor of the Year hit the beach in Mexico this week, cast and crutches be damned! Comment.
Ratner’s naked ploy
Editorial: He’s played the race card, he’s lobbied and he’s out and out lied. But now Bruce Ratner is doing something he hasn’t done in years: buying off our elected representatives in Albany. Yes, it’s ugly. Comments (3).
Character does count
Editorial: The personal is political. That old 1960s-era women’s movement mantra comes to mind anew, thanks to the abrupt resignation of Gov. Spitzer. Comments (1).
Time’s up for Fossella
Editorial: We’d prefer a campaign on the issues — rather than one focusing on how a “law and order,” “family values,” “fiscal conservative” candidate got himself into such a mess. Comment.
‘Park’ costs are a warning
Editorial: We have long had a problem with the funding scheme from Brooklyn Bridge Park — and this week, state and city officials freshly validated our suspicions. Comments (2).
Thief of bad bags
Brooklyn Angle: In one of the most lopsided votes since the re-election of Chairman Mao in 1954, members of Brooklyn’s famously progressive supermarket, the Park Slope Food Co-op, voted nearly unanimously on Tuesday night to stop making plastic shopping bags available at the checkout counter. And our columnist was there! Comments (1).
State of the Union: Kids are back in the ‘Hall’
Smartmom: The owner of Union Hall, the Union Street bocce bar popular with hipsters, rockers and new moms, has changed his mind after a week of criticism for his hastily announced “No kids allowed” policy. Comments (12).
Don’t kill Red Hook
Editorial: It is tempting to see the opening of Ikea in Red Hook as a sort of “retail therapy” for a neighborhood in the doldrums — but locals should not be tempted into inviting more big box stores to play in the Hook sandbox. Comments (4).
Dreaming of Wal-Mart
Editorial: On the eve of Ikea’s grand opening in Red Hook, our editorial board restates its support for a Wal-Mart in Downtown Brooklyn. Comments (20).
Splitsville: Brooklyn divorces up 30%
Brooklyn Angle: All our exes live in … Brooklyn? Yes, divorce cases are soaring in Kings County — up a whopping 30 percent since 2003. Comments (2).
‘Vino’ Fossella: The people speak
Vox Pop: What do Bay Ridge residents think of Rep. Vito Fossella since his May 1 drunk driving arrest? We hit the streets to find out. Comments (5).
All drawn out
Cartoon: The Red Hook food vendors are saved – and Sen. Chuck Schumer, a supporter, is overjoyed! Comment.
Vito must step aside
Editorial: The Brooklyn Paper calls for Rep. Vito Fossella to resign now rather than drag his constituents through the ongoing scandal over his drunk-driving arrest and extra-marital affair. Comment.
Our man in Baghdad
Brooklyn Angle: Tucker Reed, who spent the last two years fixing potholes, handing out energy-efficient lightbulbs and keeping the peace between DUMBO’s warring factions, is heading to Iraq to do, basically, the same thing. Comment.
Inside the Brooklyn caucus
Brooklyn, Iowa: Our columnist takes you inside an actual Iowa caucus room: “What I saw was the most basic form of democracy in action. I was proud to be an American.” With video … Comment.
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