Brooklyn Heights Blog

On Sunday Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livini visited Brooklyn Heights to address the last week's hate driven vandalism spree: 

Jerusalem Post: Livini Responds..: "When anti-Semitism raises its ugly head, we need a quick and strong answer," said Livni, standing outside the Brooklyn Heights Synagogue. "This is the right message to those who try to exploit tolerance and values."

Livni was joined by New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, who said the city was one of the most tolerant in the country. "One thing we won't tolerate is this type of vengeful behavior," said Kelly. A 20-detective task force was assigned to investigate the incident.

The 23 different markings were believed to be the work of one individual. "So far all leads are negative," said Kelly. Rabbis and members of the community expressed their gratitude to the police, who have been a constant presence in the neighborhood since the incident last week.

"They have been better than superlative," said Brooklyn Heights Synagogue Rabbi Serge Lippe.

Several Jewish organizations announced last week that they have posted a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) behind these crimes. 

Now until 6PM, the Atlantic Antic takes over Atlantic Avenue.
The entertainment highlight will be the action packed day of music planned for the Magnetic Field Stage (Atlantic and Hicks) featuring Mary Weiss (Shangri-Las). Here's the full schedule:

• 12:15pm Eli “Paperboy” Reed & The True Loves
• 1:15pm  The Mighty Fine
• 2:15pm  The Black Hollies
• 3:15pm  The Swinging Neckbrakers
• 4:30pm  Mary Weiss (of The Shangri-Las)
• 6:00pm  (inside) Gabby Glaser (of Luscious Jackson) and The Nouvellas (ex-Dansettes) 
• Full Atlantic Antic Entertainment Schedule

The Antic is also a day of fressing your face off, so much so that you'll need a map to guide your journey. (Antic Food Map in PDF format).

If you're going to the Antic, don't forget to send photos the the BHB Flickr Photo Club! 

The German training barque Gorch Fock is docked at Pier 7, near the foot of Atlantic Avenue. Her near sister, the U.S. Coast Guard training ship Eagle, is docked across the East River at Pier 17, South Street Seaport, and can be seen from the Promenade. Eagle was originally German, and was taken by the U.S. as a prize at the conclusion of World War Two.  

Saxophonist Eric Loffswold and guitarist Carlos Pavan entertained neighbors Saturday at the Cranberry Street Festival.

BHB Flickr photos of the Fest

Area panties are in an uproar over the presence of Hollywood superstar/eligible bachelor George Clooney lurking on our streets filming the Coen Brothers’ Burn After Reading. This blurry shot of “Clooney” comes to us from “iluvgc”:

Not for nuthin but, while it bears a resemblance to Rosemary’s nephew the image conjures up another enigmatic celebrity… Read more »

Members of the paparazzi linger outside the Burn After Reading shoot on Hicks Street this afternoon. Crew members told the throngs of fans (mostly female, natch) hanging around hoping for a glimpse of George Clooney that the star would not be on set today.

State Senator Martin Connor's district not only covers Brooklyn Heights but Chinatown as well.  Ruling over his turf with an iron fist in a quest to keep that ethnic enclave from being overrun with new bars, Marty and others have pulled the rug out from rocker David Bowie and Sting's new Kenmare Street nightspot Forty Deuce by leading the charge to deny them a liquor license.  On Thursday night, CB2 agreed and voted to rescind its prior approval to grant a license. The venue was planned to be a branch of the "retro burlesque" club chain owned by the stars and partner Ivan Kane.

On Saturday TODAY starting at 11 am, Cranberry Street (between Hicks and Columbia Heights) will host its annual festival. This year, in addition to the super-fantastic pet parade at noon there will be a belly-dancer at 11:30 am and salsa dance lessons around 1pm.  One of the other entertainment highlights promises to be the nabe's favorite saxman Eric Loffswold's performance with Brazilian guitarist Carlos Pavan.

NY1 reports that several Jewish organizations have united and are offering a reward to find the person or persons behind the anti-Semitic graffiti sprayed on several synagogues and buildings in Brooklyn Heights Monday night.

The American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League and Jewish Community Relations Council have posted a $10,000 bounty for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who is responsible for these hate crimes.

In all 19 locations in Brooklyn Heights were defaced. Tipsters are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1 - 800 - 577 - TIPS.

NY1 Video (Real Player required)

The 11th annual Art Under the Bridge Festival, sponsored by the DUMBO Arts Center, takes place starting tomorrow evening and continuing through Saturday and Sunday.  The Festival will showcase a wide variety of painting, sculpture, installation, conceptual and performance art. Read more »