on a total side note

Jay-Z was in the park across the street from my apartment last night shooting some video. I think I saw him playing basketball. It was hard to see him through the wall of fans. I definitely got a good look at his body guards and multiple car caravan though.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the neighborhood at the end of Manhattan Avenue, there was (is?) a curious Fourth of July Parade staging area. It took me two passes by on the good old B61 bus (morning and evening) to realize that it was a film set. You should have seen all the floats. If it is still there tonight, I will take some pictures.




Speaking of Greenpoint, here are two blog posts I found. I have similar mixed feelings expressed in the first one. But progress is a sine curve. The neighborhood is going in a 'funny' direction at the moment; at the same time, I don't think all that is good about the neighborhood will be fully stamped out. I could do without the proliferation of luxury condos though. For sure!

1. "Greenpoint: Franklin Street" on Vanishing New York
2. "The Park Slopeification of Greenpoint: Mom and Baby Happy Hours" on Gowanus Lounge