Queens Road Rage, pt. 1

Local media have been dutifully reporting a recent spate of horrific road rage incidents. Let's take a look at some of them, shall we?

GLITS Ribbon Cutting in Woodhaven

A New Day for Woodhaven

G.L.I.T.S.

Woodhaven, Queens is far from the most progressive neighborhood in the borough. Long Island City, Astoria, Jackson Heights -- these neighborhoods always come to mind first when people tell realtor they want a home in a hip, progressive area. Woodhaven is working-class, heavily Latino, and uses the slow, uncool J-Z lines to get in and out of Brooklyn and Manhattan. To the north and west of Woodhaven, just over the Jackie Robinson Parkway, are a cluster of far more conservative neighborhoods (Maspeth, Middle Village, and Glendale), where Donald Trump has enjoyed a significant amount of support in both 2016 and 2020 elections. Woodhaven's current city councilmember, Republican Robert Holden, has repeatedly held pro-policing rallies.

Make Paper at Home

Like many other artists and freelancers, I've lost a lot of work since cultural institutions in New York City closed their doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For me, the jobs were mainly formal and informal papermaking workshops. Because many people are stuck at home, or teaching and learning from home, I thought it might be useful for me to share my process for other folks in similar circumstances looking for a creative outlet. If you're on lockdown and want to make your own beautiful, recycled paper to write, draw, or paint on, gather some supplies and follow the steps below. Basic supply list for home papermaking:

mould and deckle (1x1" molding, window screen mesh)vat (plastic bucket or storage bin)blenderplastic containers (for storing pulp etc)paint strainer (mesh bag, from hardware store)sponges muslin, canvas or pellon (aprox 9x12", or slightly larger than your mould and deckle)newspapers, newsprint or blotters (for drying)waste paper to recycleinclusions 

Step 1:

You can probably find most of the above supplies at home, but you will need to make a mould and deckle: 2 frames (same size) with some window screening stretched tight over one of them.

Hundreds of Greek Americans showcase their support for their homeland

On Saturday, March 7, 2020, excited and proud Greek Americans gathered to bring awareness to the migrant crisis in Greece, occurring on the islands of Chios, Samos, and Lesvos. The rally was hosted on a beautiful spring day in Athens Square Park in Astoria, Queens by The Northern Aegeian Relief. The organization is dedicated to finding a democratic solution for the Greek humanitarian crisis. Photo Credit: Manoli FigetakisPhoto Credit: Manoli FigetakisPhoto Credit: Manoli FigetakisPhoto Credit: Manoli FigetakisPhoto Credit: Manoli Figetakis

According to Hellenic News of America, for years, Greek islands have been housing refugees from the Middle East, a burden that is increasingly becoming unbearable for Greece alone. Amid recent unrest in the islands over the proposed construction of detention centers, the crisis has now escalated and is reaching its peak at the Evros border and across the Greek borders in the Aegean.

Ocean Encounter

Looking for a place that is entertaining and educational for all ages, located in Manhattan? There is a place perfect that gives the experience of being in the ocean while never leaving midtown. “Ocean Encounter” is a virtual reality museum designed by National Geographic to make you feel like you are actually in the ocean. It is located in Manhattan 226 West 44th St, between 7th and 8th Ave. and “Ocean Encounter” will certainly interest the masses.

At The End Of Years Of Storms, Afghanistan Finds A Rainbow

At the Rainbow Cultural Diversity Summer Program, it’s all about tangible experiences—whether it be cross-cultural dialogues, attending panel discussions, taking part in group work with those who might be from backgrounds different than your own, or taking in performances of ethnic dance and music.

Image from petition

Community Board 9 Does Not Support Safer Streets in Kew Gardens

It was a sad day indeed in Kew Gardens, Queens when Community Board 9 Queens voted down safety measures proposed by the DOT. The members of CB9Q unanimously voted to support the single-family homeowners association (Kew Gardens Civic Association) in spite of hundreds of residents on 116th, 118th and the surrounding streets begging for any safety measures to make their lives safer.