Follow: 
As most know by now, there has been terrifying news of recent attacks of women in Bushwick. Though the number of occurrences seem to vary depending on which source you read, there is no denying the seriousness of this matter. Of course the typical rules of safety need to be followed by residents of the hood: travel in groups, be wary of your surroundings, don't going wandering around wasted in the middle of the night, and so on. We at the Bushwick Dream would also suggest taking some ass-kicking lessons. Luckily there are a number of places that provide self defense courses in the vicinity. Just blocks away from the area of the recent attacks are two studios; one that teaches Traditional Okinawan Karate and another, Ving Tsun Kung Fu. Ladies, study up and if anyone ever messes with you, knock them the fuck out.
It has been quite a while since the Factory Fresh Gallery has opened it's doors to Bushwick. For nearly a year the future of FF, one of the neighborhood's flagship galleries, was up in the air as owner Ali Ha worked to bring the beloved gallery back from the brink (even amid Bushwick Daily's premature and oddly confrontational declaration of the gallery's demise). It is certainly official that we will no longer be able to enjoy FF's street art offerings but now the question is; what will fill the space of the once cultural hub of our neighborhood? Most have assumed that the corner storefront would host yet another trendy bar or restaurant. Happily we can report, that is not the case. At this very moment the location is abuzz with activity as the former gallery takes on it's new role; a full fledge art store! We are very excited it see such an offering in the neighborhood, as they join the ranks of Low Brow Artique to locally supply the tools and supplies for creative expression. These are the types of businesses we need in the hood to keep Bushwick Bushwick.
(photo of the new space, taken under the rolling gate; all ninja style)
UPDATE (11-14-12)
This morning the Factory Fresh Gallery send out an email discussing their current state of affairs:
"As of October 2012, Factory Fresh will no longer host a public space, instead we are working with our artist on a larger global scale. As our artist careers have grown so have their opportunities. We have found they and many other artist need our help to protect their rights and future careers as artists. Factory Fresh advises and consults corporate clients and private collectors as an advocate for the artists bringing urban art to their collections and projects."
They were also nice enough to include a sneak peek photo of the new art store coming soon:
Video thanks to local artist and resident Oliver Warden
Hurricane Sandy is upon us. For those of you hiding indoors from the wind and rain, that still have power, please enjoy some weather related music to go with your booze.(You do have booze, don't you?)
The grand renovation at Associated Grocery on Knickerbocker has been quite awesome so far, introducing wider isles, a growing selection, growlers, and an overall improvement in atmosphere. It seems that the one thing they are missing so far though is waterproofing. The rainfall yesterday (09-18-12) was quick to prove that, as the brand new roof gave way to water. Giant rifts began appearing in the vaulted ceilings above the produce section and all over the store tiles began drooping and falling out; the floor soon became littered with containers catching the torrents of water falling from above. Somebody better call the contractor!
As many of you may already know, Associated Grocery; located on Knickerbocker, is undergoing a major reformation. The interior of the place has already been recently renovated beyond recognition with wider isles, vaulted ceilings, and an ongoing introduction of new products. This is a major step past the initial grocery gentrification they enacted years ago. The most exciting part of the Associated reboot is the introduction of Growlers, and by Growlers we mean large refillable beer containers, as opposed to the Urban Dictionary definition. You can purchase a 64oz Growler there for $5.50 or bring your own. Their beer selection is quite nice and affordable. Happy drinking.
Northeast Kingdom is getting an overhaul; revamping their kitchen and making room for in-house whole-animal butchering. As one of the first Bushwick fine-dining restaurants, they've always been a forerunner in providing residents with the most exquisite of meals. Remember, when they opened back 2005 (when most of you were in high school) such a venture in this hood was very risky gamble — one that certainly paid off, in that they are among the few that paved the way for the reformation of this neighborhood. Upon their return, we are very excited to see what tasty morsels that plain to come out with next.
It looks like Bushwickbk is waking back up. It was a shock to many to see them shut down last October. The website had long been a staple of the community; providing an extensive events list, reliable news, and reviews on nearly everything. At this moment they are raising money to bring that all back for all of us. They have the most amazing and diverse arry of rewards for backers, from art to food to a church pew! Go check it out. Give a bit of money. Its worth it.
After a bit of neighborhood disapproval over Swallows new mural, it seems that the cafe took heed of neighborhood opinion and yesterday altered the painting, covering over the silly statement "welcome to morgantown". A good call.
Bushwick, with its thriving art community and ever growing selection of bars and restaurants seems so very safe now-a-days. But nevermind all the magazine write-ups and influx of young artist types, this place is still with its dangers. Case in point, Just today (11-25-11) long time Brooklyn resident Steven Harrington (pictured below) had himself quite a run in. While entering the Jefferson L train stop he was confronted at the top of the stairs by two men in their early twenties, one possessing a gun. While menacing, they made for a fairly bungling pair and Steven was able negotiate his way through the situation, only parting with his cell phone. As you can see he is smiling in his photo. That's because he's alive. Though he made it fairly unscathed it's good to be wary. Go ahead and tell your parents that of course Bushwick is safe but while walking around, watch your ass.
As you can see he is smiling in his photo. That's because he's alive.
Eat, drink and be merry. And don't go feeling so bad about those turkeys. If given the chance they'd eat you too. Example:
Those who live off the the L train will have a special treat during their commute this week. From 8 to 10 am (11/14 – 11/19) riders in the last two cars will have access to a pirate Wi-Fi intranet; the " L Train Notwork" which allows users to share info, photos or simply chat amongst each other. This fun project is brought to us by the good people at We Make Cool Sh.it and will feature poetry, prose and writing from the writers collective 1441. When you get on the train simply connect to the "notwork" and go to LTrainNotWork.com to join in the excitement.
Picture Via 1441.
Yes it's October and yes it's snowing; a truely great WTF moment for all Bushwick residents. Pity for all the girls and their sexy nurse/police/vampire costumes. They are going to freeze.
Fact: Nine out every ten dishes ordered in Bushwick will come in a tortilla. We love Mexican, but how much corn can one person take? Bushwick Dream gives you the rundown on your other options for unpretentious ethnic cuisine.
If you thought that the Athom Café was the only Broadway joint catering to francophiles, you’re wrong. Close to the Kosciuszko J stop you’ll find Abidjan, a restaurant whose whose colorful and patriotic awning promises “Bon Manger le Bon Gout” or, Good Food, Good Taste. (Doesn’t everything sound better in French?)
Read More
The quiet streets surrounding the Halsey Street L can sometimes seem a bit too quiet. Once you pass the gigantic supermarket on Wyckoff and Putnam the shops start to thin out, the passersby seem to disappear and you might find yourself on the sidewalk alone.
Disoriented by the sudden drop in noise pollution and foot traffic, you might seek refuge under the trees of lovely Weirfield Street. Walking along you might come upon a little brick building set against a giant, darkened lot, full of small mountains and machinery that looks like it dates from the Gold Rush. You’ll have one of those all strange, “Wait, a minute, am I still in New York?”-moments as you come face-to-face with the home base of Bushwick’s own Coal King.
Read More
.png)
A curious little shop opened just three days ago at 300 Knickerbocker Avenue. It’s called Second Time Around, and it’s a geek-tweaked mash-up of old and new. Old comic books share the space with jars of “addictive” artisanal salsa, a Cabbage Patch Kid smiles nervously behind a G.I. Joe thermos, and a carefully curated rack of secondhand T-shirts looms over neatly arranged piles of baby clothes. And all over the green and red walls are the riotous, graffiti-like paintings of Bizzid, the camera-shy proprietor.
Bizzid is a long-time Ridgewood resident who opened the shop as a way to supplement his artist’s income. He sells his own work at accessible prices and eventually hopes to carry affordable pieces by other artists. While the shop also carries some general housewares, its collection best reflects Bizzid’s love of cartoons, toys, comics and other things that are “quirky, weird or interesting” and always unique. “It’s almost like this shit seems to find me. People are always giving me strange things.”
The shop’s eclectic mix seems to me ill-served by its pedestrian name. That is, until Bizzid explains that ‘Second Time Around’ was also the name of the antiques shop owned by April O’Neil, the loyal friend of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Ah, now I get it.
Imagine this.........
You're finishing up the end of your work day, looking forward to the three day weekend. You're dreaming of that ice cold Coors, the perfectly flamed hamburger with ketchup and pickles, that one joint you smoke a year because the company you work for has random drug tests and the spectacular fireworks display........ THEN WHAM!!!!!!!! It just goes straight down the tubes.
(The scenerio above is fictional, and any similarities to similar events, people or other ridiculousness is purely coincidental and hysterical)
On summer days Brooklyn turns into Throwback City. The block parties, the front-stoop playgrounds, the gushing fire hydrants--it's like walking through a Helen Levitt picture. Nowadays Bushwick is also looking more like it did in the years B.C. (Before Condos). Never more so than when the gentlemen of the various Puerto Rican bicycle clubs throw open their garage doors. There are at least three different such clubs in Bushwick where middle-aged (mostly male) members congregate over brews and seriously blinged-out vintage bikes. This weekend we encountered the boys of the Pa-La Loma Club on Harman Street. Learn more about the PR bicycle clubs of New York here and here.
We all know how potentially dangerous the streets of NYC are as motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians alike constantly flaunt traffic laws, but just to further illustrate here is a fantastic video by NYC resident Ron Gabriel showing the dangerous game we all play.
Located on 222 Montrose, directly off of the L train stop, The Vortex apparently has seen its last days. According to a craigslist ad the junk store will be opening its doors on Fri, June 10th 2-4pm to give away all of its eclectic mix of books, clothing, and mass collection of knick knacks. If you are lucky enough to be around and not working this is the perfect chance to gather up some fun goodies for the price of nothing.
Photo from Yelp
While the walls of this neighborhood are the domain of artists, it is the light polls that are fair game for all and may truely reflect Bushwick and its people. Treated almost as vertical community boards, these steel columns are where the people go to advertise, connect, share ideas and art, and find that missing cat. Next time you're waiting at that traffic light, just take a look. You may find something interesting.
Below are a few poles spotting during a short stroll through Bushwick.
As you may have heard, last night gun shoots rang out on Knickerbocker as an undercover police officer killed a gun trafficker. The NYPD immediately went to work shutting down the surrounding neighborhood. It seems that their first action was to come down on a bbq taking place on Jefferson St., grabbing everyone of Latin persuasion at gunpoint as fellow neighbors scrambled to gather the children of those being detained. Everyone was lined up, thoroughly searched and questioned. After about an hour all were released. No arrests were made.
As a side note, while shooting these photos I was grabbed by the police and was told I could not do so without a "license". This is false. In NYC it is legal to take pictures of an officer or a police action at any time, no matter what bullshit they tell you.
Add yet another name to the list of recent Jefferson L stop start-ups; Cafe Ghia, a European style cafe currently preparing for launch in about a month. Located on the corner of Jefferson St and Irving Ave, this future eatery occupies a space that was formerly a seedy bar providing only warm beer and prostitutes. Now after major renovation and hopefully lots of disinfectant, Cafe Ghia is sure to draw a less stabby crowd with an offering of "artisanal sandwiches, soups and salads, small plates, coffee + accoutrements, house made teas and treats and a curated selection of seasonal wines and rotating draft and bottled beers." Yum.
Finally the wait is over. After an almost comical amount of time sitting dormant with fully stocked shelves, Hana Grocery, located on Wyckoff Ave between Star and Troutman, is finally up and running. Open 24/7 with shelves brimming with organic and fancy foods, this little market is sure to be a success despite being a bit pricey by neighborhood standards.
Todd Bieber needs your assistance. Recently he found a roll of film in the snow at Prospect Park and seeks to return the photos to the original owners. Help a guy help a guy out.
Twenty seven days into the season, and NYC has already been subjected to a flurry of hard hitting, almost weekly, winter weather. If you're crossing your fingers hoping for clear skies and streets in the near future, good luck. This pattern is going to hold. Expect a next couple of months of very cold temperatures and constant snowfalls, along with the delayed public transportation and trash pickup that comes with it. Get some good boots.
You have to watch out for those fucking rats.
Still king of the hill.
Sometimes its hard to find the right last minute gift for that special someone, especially when you're fairly broke. You could always make a gift; something fun and personal that comes straight from your hands and heart, but if you happen to be lazy or untalented here are five decent cheapish gift suggestions.
1. Fisheye, Macro, and Wide Angle Camera Phone Lenses from Photojojo.
Take that tiny camera on nearly any cellphone and go pro with these crazy lenses. They pop on using a magnet and tah dah, fantastic photos. $40 for a set of all three.
2. Anything at McNulty's Tea & Coffee
If you know a tea or coffee snob, McNulty's is where you should be heading. If you can brew it they have it and at a decent price too. Located at 109 Christopher St. (between Bleecker and Hudson)
It may be debatable whether this handheld analoge ribbon synthesisor is an instrument or a toy, but it is surely fun to play with for hours and could easly become the cornerstone of any noiseband's performance. $60.
4. HEATTECH clothes from UNI QLO
You've seen the ads in the subway trains and its no joke. This stuff is from the future. The fabric is ultra light, comfortable and surprisingly warm. Its cold outside. Some people could use this. $19.90 for a long sleeve shirt. Located at 546 Broadway (between Spring and Broome)
Rum is tasty and Ron Abuelo Anejo 7 Anos is a damn fine rum. Its stocked in most liquor stores and is far superiour to anything in its price range, yet oddly remains widely unknown. Go out and spend $20-25 on a bottle and tell people you spent $60. Most will believe you.
You know the mural, glaring down at pedestrians, perched atop a thrift store on the corner of knickerbocker and flushing. Well, here is a video celebrating smart car's little NYC multi mural ad campaign. The mural in Bushwick was produced by Dylan Fracareta from Pin-Up magazine. If you would like to tell Dylan what you think about the job he did you can contact him at dylan@pinupmagazine.org .
And enjoy "A Thanksgiving Prayer" by William S. Burroughs.
The Pine Box Rock Shop, a new bar on Grattan occupying the space of a former coffin factory, opened its doors last night(10-8) and the masses flocked in. With a nice open interior and a fine selection of beer, this bar is bound to be a contender for the attention of the Morgantown residents. One suggestion, the Lake Placid Ubu Ale; 7%,$5.
At roughly 2pm today a fire ignited along the side of the Jefferson St. station entrance, burning away at years of trash that has gathered in a gap between the entrance and neighboring building. The FDNY was quick to handle the situation. So far no terrorist organization has laid claim to the blaze.
On some streets in Bushwick leaving a car unattended is like leaving a penny in a glass of cola. This little yellow car appeared on Jefferson St between Wyckoff and Irving a week ago, its window smashed and stereo removed. Then came the piranhas. The wheels were soon taken and then the hood. Tags began appearing on the cars exterior. The engine was next to go, to be replaced with bags of garbage. Now the front seats are gone along with much of the interior and Scooby Doo sits behind the wheel peering at passer-byers.
At around 5:30 this afternoon the people of Bushwick were caught off guard by the sudden appearance of a tornado as it tore down the streets bringing howling winds, blinding rain and a wave of debris. Many trees have been torn from the ground. Facades of some buildings have been stripped from their frames. Many of the cars are now pockmarked from the assault of flying objects. It seems that Maria Hernandez Park has suffered the most damage and has been half destroyed.
The Archive; cafe, movie rental spot and beloved epicenter of Morgantown has been sold. Apparently they have been suffering from financial woes for some time. Its last day open as The Archive will be tomorrow (9-2-10) from 7am-2pm. Get yourself a coffee and say goodbye.
So you hate Mondays, right? Then why waste a perfectly good Sunday night resting up for a day thats already going to kinda suck? What you do is get a band, a dj, a keg, bbq and British girls with inflatable boxing gloves. You gather that all on your roof and enjoy. Below are photos of a perfectly good example utilizing Maybe the Welders, DJ B-Rad, and PBR:
Here is a video of a Die Antwoord photo shoot on Moore St. oddly enough combined with travel footage by Rafael Fuchs.
Combine: DJ B-Rad, Grilling, Jungle Juice, Fireworks, Awesome people, A rooftop in Bushwick with a view Result:
If you can't dazzle her with your good looks or brilliance, just talk shit about her boyfriend with a pen in the subway. Idiot.
Located 1 1/2 blocks from the Jefferson St L train stop.
Someone needs teacherer.
Granted it's only the second day of April and the high today was about 65, some crazy cats decided to try a dance party complete with DJ. I heard it got moved inside. E on effort.
Get yours now!
If anyone has a really long range flame thrower, now may be the time to break it out, and walk over to Jefferson St and Wyckoff ave., look up, aim and put this sorry excuse for a national symbol out of it's misery.
Missing since her Thursday escape from Woodhull Hospital, This girl is reported as off her meds and seriously disoriented. If you see her, call 339-293-3841 or 978-664-1425.
Brianna Zani: 5' 6", blues eyes, blond hair. For more information go HERE.
So you better treat him right. Or, he'll do your taxes wrong.
Smooth moves seen at Metro and Graham.
This guy fought tooth and nail not be arrested. The first photo showing how damn hard he was fighting. The second is of the five, count 'em five, blue shirts that it took to get him in the car. His friend with his back to the camera was trying to talk some sense into him, but he wasn't hearing it.
One of Bushwick's finest and funniest natives was born today in 1916. He was born Herbert John Gleason. We know him as "Jackie". He attended PS 73, where the kids today remember him by having no clue who that black and white fat guy is. Here's to you Jackie, I hope you're drinking whiskey and smoking cigars with Sammy Davis, Jr. If you want a more detailed story, you can look here at theThe Brooklyn Eagle.
Thats right, the Associated Super Market on Knickerbocker, long known for not paying their employees and only stocking their shelves with Goya products has now started sneaking in some hipster friendly foods. Bob Dylan was right, the times they are a-changin'
Two teens were apprehended at the Rite-Aid on Knickerbocker for shoplifting today. Four of NYPD's finest arrived to handle the situation. One of the teens were spotted crying. The world is a safer place.
Everything was going just fine. The new store on Knickerbocker and Hart was selling and leasing miscellaneous appliances, saying "hi" to the neighborhood, and then, WHAM! This fucking prick of a purple gorilla shows up, starts throwing heavy ass furniture.... and wearing shades, on a clearly overcast day. What a dick.
.jpg)
Don't go to work. Build a snowman.
It's always the end of the world as we know it
i only vote for repent and recycle lol
I caught this guy staring in my window after the snowfall. Judging by the Brooklyn Dodgers hat I figure him to be about 95.
Who the fuck wears a white scarf????
I understand this isn't Bushwick, but this was too damn funny to not post.
As seen in previous posts here, this damn pussy has gone from mooching menace to homeless ass sleeping on the bench near The Archive and The Snatch.
He is missing. His parents are looking for him. For more info go to www.dougmissing.com
but we don't. The proof is in this package taped to an apartment building wall.
So somebody saw some random chemicals in a box with a can of paint and decided to call 911. The thing is when you call the fire department in this city, they bring EVERYONE. You can't really tell from the picture but there was like 6 or 7 fire trucks here, all for what? Well it turned out it was just film developing chemicals. A neighbor told this to the cops when they arrived and was harassed and told by midget cop that he'd put his foot up his ass. Nice.
alive or dead?
Note: This is in no way product placement for Air Jordans. We endorse neither Nike inc. nor dead homeless people.
This guy is a personal friend of mine and I swore I would do everything in my power to help him. This child is a real handful and he desperately needs help. Since he posted this video of desperation he's had over 60,000 views, numerous responses, and it's even been shown on television in Germany and Sweden. Alas, to no avail, this single dad has asked for help from TheBushwickDream.net If you're out there and see this, do the right thing.
So I'm at work and I am about to go into the office, when something catches my eye. Semi-naked women. One of the guys at work left these on the prep table. All these two cards say is "delivery". Delivering what you ask? I have a sneaking suspicion that these "business cards" may or may not be selling sex. Hookers to be more specific. Either that or sexy women in bikini's deliver food or maybe weed. I don't want to get anyone in trouble so I have taken the justice of deleting some numbers.
Just watch. I dare you to not laugh. Or cry. Either way, this is.....is.....well.....it's something.
Summer time blues got you down? No air conditioner? Out of Alpo? No worries, just go sit in that empty spot where the a/c should be and watch the cats and hipsters go by N 7th.
Watch your ass, I just saw Handbanana making a break for it out of a house on Troutman. He was heading north on Knickerbocker chasing a fat, balding, middle aged man.
Every year the people of Jefferson St between Knickerbocker and Irving get together to have a block party. It is a time for music, BBQing and kids running around like mad. Here is an in the round view.
Remember to scroll. Its a long photo.
Recently the layout of this humble gallery has slightly changed and kitchen equipment has appeared in the back. Could it be a future juice bar? Seems so.
Finally this summer has emerged from its lull and the heat is on. So what is one to do in an area in which the beaches suck and all the pools are crowded with the masses? Well, break open a fire hydrant and you have your own water park. And if a building catches fire and the FDNY can't get water pressure to their hoses, fuck 'em. I guess its going to burn.
You tired of your trash running away? Stuff it all in a big steel cage; you know, the guantanamo bay treatment.
If you ever chill near the Morgan stop you may be quite familiar with this guy. Typically shirtless, always quite over weight, this man likes to share his little hobby with the neighborhood. This remote control car of his is no ordinary toy mind you. Gas powered, fast as all hell, and buzzing like a massive insect on PCP, this thing tears down Bogart. Some consider him a menace, as the noise this thing makes is in fact loud. I hear that he has had the cops called on him before. Others like to watch and hope that eventually he will slip at the controls and run his little car under a vehicle. And then there are those who just ignore him and walk on their way in typical NYC fashion.
This is the sign above the car wash on the corner of Flushing Ave and Knickerbocker Ave. There's so much wrong with this sign I'm not sure where to begin. Well, first, how many fucking apostrophes do you need? Jesus, I just realized someone probably paid for this too. You would assume that somewhere along the lines of ordering this beaut it would have crossed someone who spoke English better than a four year old Chinese immigrant with little to no knowledge of the language. Does the machine that makes these signs not have spell check? Does the person operating it hate his job, or just this specific car wash? Oh and see that "wow" in the background? I'm pretty sure that's the building actually saying "wow, what a shitty sign" to itself because they printed it like this on both sides.
.jpg)
So we gathered once again. This time with the goal of watching Visioneers. It was a relatively low key night but have no doubts, fun was had. Where were you?
It has already been mentioned right here but this is a reminder. This Friday you'll be expected to come to Tandem. You will be required to enjoy music as provided by B-rad, and drink. You like to drink, don't you?
Here is the flyer. Feel free to print it out and hand it out to friends and perfect strangers.
Once again the masses gather on our rooftop thanks to the great people of 3R. Music, dancing, drinking and yes, some falling over. The roof didn't cave in, and though the cops stopped in front of the building, they didn't come in. All in all, a proper way to spend a Saturday.
Hell no, he "doesn't do Brooklyn." Take a read you'll see what I'm talking about.
As reported in an earlier post shown here, this feline has once again been spotted prowling in front of the Archive. I'm sure once again searching for a hipster with a sandwich that is susceptible to the power of cute. A friendly, clean and apparently well fed feline. Though he/she takes horrible pictures. Always blinking.
If you are "intellectually stimulating, physically attractive..., considerate, love to cuddle, goal-orientated, respectful, giving, and loves to have FUN" you should definitely contact this cute girl. Just go HERE
Gentrification is the "new fire."
I caught this cat hanging outside The Archive on Bogart street just mooching food from some dude who was eating a sammy. He said it wasn't his. If you see this cat, tell him your on to him and you're not playing "that" game.
A hipster is smoking Bali Shag. Also, God is smiling on Barack Obama
.jpg)
If there are any questions as to what to do with the forth of July. Take a roof. Add equal parts people, food, drink and smoke. Have a top notch dj. Set things on fire. Go wild. Take pictures. Out of the 500+ photos taken last night, here is a taste:
After a night of...lets say "rocking out" at Goodbye Blue Mondays , Greg; singer and guitarist for Maybe the Welders made us some quite enjoyable food on our roof. He provided the drinks also. This is how you spend a Sunday night.
Remember people, those streets are dangerous, especially with this recent dark rainy weather. Not everyone gets struck by a car and comes away with just some scraps and bruises like this lucky bastard.
