East Harlem Community Garden

East Harlem Community Garden

Brought to you by Target

The big box store that tries hard not to be one has done it again. Target has quite successfully branded themselves as the sponsor of free museum hours at cultural centers across the city (and the country). And now here in New York, they are thinking outside the box–and the big box mentality–even further.

Courtesy of the New York Times

Just last month, the Target East Harlem Community Garden was opened. On 117th St. just east of 1st Avenue, a new garden is growing with $300,000 of Target money. Much of this is going into an endowment for up keep. The rest was for the creation of the garden which includes a storm water capture system on the roof of the adjacent building, photovoltaic capturing discs (red to remind us of the sponsor), wind turbines, and of course the green garden itself. Focus groups were held within the community (only about a dozen people were spoken to though) before the design concept was drawn up. For the most part though, people seemed to want green space for children to play, seeing as there are already a few other nearby gardens that grow vegetables and produce.

While I haven’t seen the space yet, in images, it looks pretty great. But I have the same feeling about corporate sponsorship of gardens as I do about their sponsorship of museums. While accessibility to cultural–and in this case environmental–space is extremely beneficial to society at large and to the host communities in particular, it gives a sense of corporate ownership to these projects. And this in itself might not be so bad if we have a well behaving corporation. Target is generally seen as such. However, it simultaneously sends a message to the state that if they don’t support and subsidize certain valuable services, its ok. Someone else will. Thank God for target (pronounced tarjay of course).

courtesy of: The Sustainable Cities Blog – Blog – East Harlem Community Garden  

Posted on Nov 18, 2008 by Registered CommenterThe Green Queen Bee

Domestic Workers Testify to Mounting Crisis of Abuse

Domestic Workers Testify to Mounting Crisis of Abuse, Insecurity, and Exploitation; New York Assembly Holds First Hearing On Domestic Workers Bill Of Rights. Article from: AScribe Law News Service Article date: November 20, 2008

Byline: Ms. Foundation for Women

NEW YORK, Nov. 20 (AScribe Newswire) — Nannies, caregivers, housekeepers, and their employers will testify before the Labor Committee of the New York State Assembly in the Assembly’s first hearing on domestic workers. The hearing marks a significant step toward passage of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights (A638B), sponsored by Assemblyman Keith Wright of Harlem, which provides critical protections to the over 200,000 workers who keep New York families functioning and make all other work possible. Currently excluded from many laws that protect other workers, domestic workers are uniquely vulnerable to abuse and face a workforce crisis of mounting proportions.

WHAT: A hearing of the Labor Committee of the New York State Assembly, sponsored by Assemblyman Keith Wright, on domestic work.

WHEN: 11 am – 2 pm, Friday, November 21, 2008

WHERE: Assembly Hearing Room, 250 Broadway, Room 1923, 19th Floor, NY, NY

WHO: Exploited domestic workers; employers, advocates, researchers; Assemblyman Keith Wright (sponsor of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights), Labor Committee Chair Assemblywoman Susan John. Ms. Foundation for Women Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer will present testimony in support of the legislation.

- Workers will be available for interviews with the press –

WHY: “With the financial crisis bearing down upon New York State, domestic workers are at the forefront of those affected by the downturn. They are being laid-off in record numbers, with no recourse of severance and minimal protection under the New York State labor laws. This is a disaster in waiting,” says Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright, Chair of the Assembly Standing Committee on Social Services. “With the hopeful passage of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, domestic workers will no longer be relegated to an archaic classification that prevents them from reaping the benefits of honorable employment.”

Domestic Workers United:

http://www.domesticworkersunited.org

Ms. Foundation for Women: http://www.ms.foundation.org

- – - –

CONTACTS: Ai-jen Poo, DWU, (000)-000-0000

Joycelyn Gill-Campbell, DWU, (000)-000-0000

More City Greenmarkets Accept Food Stamps

By: NY1 News

More New Yorkers are now able to buy fresh produce thanks to an electronic system scanning food stamps at greenmarkets.

A shift from paper coupons to paperless cards in 2000 made many farmers’ markets unable to accept food stamps. But in 2006, scanners were added to four greenmarkets in the city.

Because of the successful turnout, the City Council has increased the number of farmer’s markets accepting food stamps.

“We’re not only helping low-income New Yorkers eat healthy, we’re also pumping money back into local area farmers,” said Council Speaker Christine Quinn in a Washington Heights greenmarket. “So we’re helping build the local economy, help keep local farmers and their families employed, by making sure New Yorkers are getting fresh fruits and vegetables at quality low prices.”

Now, 17 greenmarkets across the city now use scanners and accept food stamps. For a complete list, visit www.cenyc.org.

COURTESY OF – NY1 NEWS

Dentists attack Mayor Bloomberg’s plan to cut clinics

By Kathleen Lucadamo
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Thursday, November 20th 2008, 8:55 PM

New York dentists charged Thursday that Mayor Bloomberg’s plan to close dental clinics will harm the city’s neediest children.

Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden defended the move, arguing poor kids can get free dental care through Medicaid.

“Compared with the other options, we see this as the least bad,” Frieden said.

Those options include a $5 million anti-smoking advertising campaign Frieden said saves lives.

The city plans to shut 44 free dental clinics come spring, which officials estimate will save $2.5 million.

The New York State Dental Association fears 17,000 children who use the clinics will skip check-ups instead of finding a Medicaid program.

Stephen Gold, president of NYSDA, said the plan “exhibits a lack of understanding of the impact of dental disease on the health of New Yorkers and displays a disregard for the city’s most vulnerable population who most need and benefit from access to these programs.”

Smoke Jazz & Supper Club

Smoke Jazz & Supper Club: Where to go for jazz in New York | All Your Jazz

Smoke Jazz & Supper Club: Where to go for jazz in New York

By jazzman

 • Nov 21st, 2008 • Category: Features, Manhattan, NY, News

Located off the southern edge of New York’s fabled Harlem neighborhood, Smoke Jazz & Supper Club-Lounge presents world-renowned jazz musicians seven nights a week. Candlelit tables, plush velvet banquets, antique chandeliers, and an historic full-length bar create a real jazz vibe to go with the excellent acoustics and sightlines.

Smoke now serves the perfect complement to classic jazz—the innovative American Bistro cuisine of critically acclaimed executive chef / consultant Patricia Williams. Smoke was named “Best New Jazz Club” in 2000 by New York Magazine.

Smoke opened for business on April 9, 1999. Co-owners Paul Stache and Frank Christopher are carrying on a three-decade tradition of jazz at this location formerly known as Augie’s Jazz Bar.

When Augie’s closed in 1998, Paul and Frank pooled their resources to reopen the club but were unable to keep the name. Part of the Augie’s legend was that frequent patron and author Paul Auster based his Augie character in the screenplay for “Smoke” on the real life Augie. In tribute to his legacy, Paul and Frank renamed the club Smoke.

The room has seating for just over fifty, which ensures that every listener is close to the action. During Smoke’s renovation, the primary focus was on creating an unparalleled room for music…and it shows. The acoustics are some of the best anywhere. Pianist David Hazeltine remarked, “I love playing this room.

It’s rare that the piano can be heard as clearly as it is in this club.” Harold Mabern added, “It’s the best jazz club in the world.” In the decade since its opening, jazz has continued to thrive at 106th and Broadway and adding a few new chapters to that old Augie’s legend.

Smoke is now a restaurant, too, and is particularly proud of its association with renowned chef Patricia Williams. Patricia’s extraodinary culinary career includes stints at Sarabeth’s Kitchen, City Wine & Cigar Company, Berkeley Bar & Grill, Butterfield 81, and Morrels. Her passion for cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients is clear from her menu for Smoke.

Upcoming Events:

For details on their upcoming performances, please visit their site and click on Calendar.

Reservations:
Reservations are highly recommended.
Secure your place in advance by making a reservation
for up to 4 people online. Reservations can be made by
calling the club between 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm or by visiting
their site and clicking on Reservations.

Location:
Smoke Jazz & Supper Club
2751 Broadway
New York, NY 10025
(212) 864-6662
www.smokejazz.com

courtesy of: allyourjazz.com

Sign this Petition to Save Freedom of the Press for NYC’s Bloggers

ChangeNYC.Org was created to empower New Yorkers. As citizens, we all feel like we’ve been disconnected from our government for too long. That’s why ChangeNYC.Org is taking a strong stand to support a lawsuit brought by civil rights attorney Norman Siegel on behalf of a City Hall blogger and two other online journalists denied press passes by New York City.

We’ve begun an online petition calling on the City to reform its press credentialing system to assert and protect the First Amendment rights of bloggers. Norman Siegel’s lawsuit is so important because our City’s bloggers consistently do a better job of covering their neighborhoods, community issues, and local politics than the mainstream media. New Yorkers depend upon our online media to report the news as they see it, free of corporate bias and control. If our bloggers don’t have access to the halls of government, the people of New York won’t have access to the truth about City politics.

Please sign the petition below and forward it to everyone you know who cares about protecting democracy:

http://www.petitiononline.com/12151791/petition.html

ChangeNYC.Org is on the cutting edge of the movement to bring the type of change to New York City the Obama Administration promises to bring to our county. Go to www.changenyc.org to read Our Plan to Change NYC.

Submitted by ChangeNYC on 20 November 2008 – 4:07pm.

courtesy of: changenyc

Contemporary Life in Afghanistan Placed in Stark Focus in Photography Exhibition at The New York Public Library

Contemporary Life in Afghanistan Placed in Stark Focus in Photography Exhibition at The New York Public Library

Afghanistan, or The Perils of Freedom: Photographs by Stephen Dupont on view from November 7, 2008 to January 25, 2009

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U.S. Marines, 2nd Battalion, Echo Company on weapons search in Asadabad, August 2005.

© The New York Public Library, The Miriam and Ira D.

Photo: Stephen Dupont. “Searching for Weapons,” 2005.

With his discerning eye, unreserved bravado, and profound capacity for compassion, photographer Stephen Dupont plunges us deep into the heart of modern life in one of the world’s most forlorn and austere countries, Afghanistan. The barren beauty of its harsh landscape and sure tenacity of its people are juxtaposed here against the grief and terror that permeate everyday life. Afghanistan, or The Perils of Freedom will be on view at The New York Public Library’s Humanities and Social Sciences Library at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street from November 7, 2008 to January 25, 2009. Admission is free.

Stephen Dupont is an award-winning photojournalist, documentary filmmaker, and war correspondent. He is internationally recognized for his work in some of the world’s most dangerous areas, including Afghanistan, Burma, Cambodia, Iraq, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Somalia, and Zaire. This exhibition, featuring photographs of Afghanistan from two portfolios recently acquired for the Library’s Photography Collection, is his first solo show in New York. Excerpts from two of Dupont’s films, A Survivor’s Tale and Stoned in Kabul, will be shown continuously in the Library’s South Court Visitor’s Auditorium (first floor).

“Dupont’s sustained documentation of the conflict in Afghanistan, even when it was not headline news and in an age defined by its short attention span, lends both force and cohesion to his work,” says Stephen Pinson, Assistant Director of Art, Prints and Photographs and Curator of Photography at The New York Public Library. “His extended focus on the country has resulted in a series of images that vividly depict how life continues during perpetual war as well as single images that have helped to define and change the nature of that war.”

The exhibition features selected photographs from Dupont’s work in Afghanistan, where he has covered everything from civil war and the rise of the Taliban in the 1990s to the launch of Operation Enduring Freedom and the ongoing war on terrorism. These evocative images detail daily life: the men exercising in a dilapidated gymnasium in Kabul; the four women shrouded head to toe in their burqas awaiting medical consultations; the silhouette of a man cycling past the haunting ruins of the Buddhas of Bamiyan; and the young mujahid amputee in front of a bullet-ridden wall. Darker images punctuate the exhibition as well: a 4-month old child, her entire body burned, being carried in a U.S. Military Base Hospital; a woman and young girl crouching frightened as soldiers search their home; two young men shooting heroin in Kabul; and burning bodies of Taliban fighters.

Also included are photographs from the series Axe Me Biggie, a phonetic rendering of the Dari for “Mister, take my picture!” Dupont made these portraits during the course of one day (March 13, 2006) with a Polaroid camera in a makeshift studio in the streets of Kabul. While the primary subjects of the portraits are the sitters, the street life behind the sitters gives the photographs an added degree of stirring brio. One can almost feel the heat and hum of the crowd pushing towards the camera and its cameraman. It is through these images that the indomitable Afghan spirit Dupont so admires comes through acutely: a man with a bouquet of flowers and his knapsack staring mystified into the camera as bystanders behind him do the same; an older man in traditional dress looking scholarly and grandfatherly; the reluctant gaze of the young girl delicately holding a carton of eggs, and a gentleman in a suit jacket and button-up shirt, who looks nothing if not regal, intensely courting the camera.

Together, these photographs tell a poignant story of poverty, warfare, and broken promises, but also of perseverance, unmitigated resolve, and hope, as they refocus attention on the state of Afghanistan today.

U.S. Marines, 2nd Battalion, Echo Company on weapons search in Asadabad, August 2005. Stephen Dupont. “Searching for Weapons,” 2005. The New York Public Library, The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs, Art and Architecture Collection.

About Stephen Dupont
Stephen Dupont was born in Sydney, Australia in 1967. His work has been featured in The New Yorker, Newsweek, GQ, The New York Times Magazine, and Vanity Fair, among numerous other publications. He has earned many of photography’s most prestigious prizes, including a Robert Capa Gold Medal citation from the Overseas Press Club of America; a Bayeux War Correspondent’s Prize; and first places in the World Press Photo contest, Pictures of the Year International competition, the Australian Walkley Award, and the Leica/CCP Documentary Photography Award. In 2007, he was awarded the W. Eugene Smith Grant in Humanitarian Photography to continue Narcostan or The Perils of Freedom, a multimedia project documenting the effects of the rampant drug trafficking that has developed in Afghanistan since 2001. In April of 2008, he survived a suicide bombing while traveling with an opium poppy eradication team in Kabul.

About The Photography Collection
The Photography Collection of The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs comprises approximately 400,000 photographs, including examples of almost every photographic process from the earliest daguerreotypes to contemporary digital images.

The Photography Collection was developed in 1980 when images culled from other NYPL departments and branches were brought together to form a new division. The historically stated focus of the collection has been “documentary photography,” a term originally coined in the 1930s to describe the work of photographers who attempted to document specific social conditions. The Photography Collection, which has significant holdings in this area, actually encompasses a much broader range of the medium, including images made for commercial, industrial, and scientific application as well as images for the press and other print media, the vernacular of amateur snapshot photography, and original works intended for exhibition and/or the art market.

Future collection activity and development will focus on fulfilling the department’s role as the most accessible public resource in New York City for the study of photographs and the history of photography. For more information on the Photography Collection, please visit http://www.nypl.org/news/treasures for a video about the collection.

Afghanistan, or The Perils of Freedom: Photographs by Stephen Dupont will be on view from November 7, 2008 through January 25, 2009 in the Stokes Gallery (third floor) at The New York Public Library’s Humanities and Social Sciences Library, located at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street in Manhattan. Exhibition hours are Monday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed all federal holidays and Sunday, Dec. 7. Admission is free. For more information, call 212-592-7730 or visit www.nypl.org.

This exhibition has been made possible by the continuing generosity of Miriam and Ira D. Wallach.

Support for The New York Public Library’s Exhibitions Program has been provided by Celeste Bartos, Mahnaz Ispahani and Adam Bartos, Jonathan Altman, and Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III.

About The New York Public Library
The New York Public Library was created in 1895 with the consolidation of the private libraries of John Jacob Astor and James Lenox with the Samuel Jones Tilden Trust. The Library provides free and open access to its physical and electronic collections and information, as well as to its services. It comprises four research centers – the Humanities and Social Sciences Library, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and the Science, Industry and Business Library – and 87 branch libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Research and circulating collections combined total more than 50 million items. In addition, each year the Library presents thousands of exhibitions and public programs, which include classes in technology, literacy, and English as a second language. The New York Public Library serves over 16 million patrons who come through its doors annually and another 25 million users internationally, who access collections and services through its website, www.nypl.org.

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Contact:Jennifer Lam|jennifer_lam@nypl.org

JL:10.24.08nypl22