Here's a nice out-of-town appreciation from Lawrenceville, NJ Patch (one of the AOL-owned on-line weeklies) of a Bronx treasure, Baron Ambrosia, and his quirky cinematic tours of the borough's food scene, including Neerob, a Bangladeshi joint on Starling Avenue in Castle Hill.
From much further out of town, a reporter from The Guardian, a British daily paper, details some of the stark differences between the 16th Congressional District, which is a gigantic chunk of the southern half of the borough, and the 14th District on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
Sam Dolnick had a terrific Times piece yesterday that highlights merchants and business owners -- including Cali Rivera and his little drum factory in Highbridge -- who hold on for dear life despite the whipping winds of demographic change over decades. Great pictures, too.
Don't think we mentioned this yet, but Bob Kappstatter reported in a recent column that the trial of former State Senator Pedro Espada, Jr. and his son, Pedro G. Espada, which was supposed to be begin in mid-October has been pushed back to the beginning of next year after the judge ruled that prosecutors failed to turn over some computer files seized in the raid on Espada's Soundview Healthcare clinic. Anyone familiar with similar pre-trial maneuvers, including those of Espada's predecessor, former Sen. Efrain Gonzalez, will predict that this is probably the first of several such delays.
Troubles continue at the esteemed Bronx High School of Science as the New York Times reports that eight of 20 social studies teachers have chosen not to return.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Bronx News Roundup, Sept. 19
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Adi Talwar Featured on BronxTalk
The talented photographer Adi Talwar, whose photos have often graced this blog and the pages of the Norwood News, was on Bronx Net's "BronxTalk" last week, discussing his work with host Gary Axelbank. Check out the video below for the interview and to see some of Talwar's favorite Bronx shots.
Happy Bronx Anthrax Day (No, Not the Kind of Anthrax You're Thinking)
The Bronx is going metal today, as "The Big 4"--heavy metal bands Anthrax, Metallica, Megadeath and Slayer--take the stage at Yankee Stadium this afternoon. The concert is a big deal for metal-enthusiasts and thousands are expected to turn out for the show, which starts at 4 p.m.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., has even christened today, Sept. 14, "Anthrax Day in the Bronx," honoring the band--three members of which have Bronx roots, in Throggs Neck and Pelham Parkway--with a proclamation in the video below.
Bronx Assemblywoman Vanessa Gibson, meanwhile, is warning residents to expect traffic delays, crowded trains and extra police presence around Yankee Stadium today thanks to the concert.
"It is good to have big name musical acts like Anthrax and Metallica come to the Bronx because they help shine a positive light on our community, but when thousands of visitors come to the west Bronx like this it can lead to some temporary inconveniences for residents,” Gibson said in a statement.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Bronx Youth Journalism Initiative--Deadline Extended!
During the semester, students will learn the fundamentals of writing, reporting, and photojournalism through classroom instruction and hands-on reporting in their own neighborhoods. Their work gets published in a special youth supplement called Bronx Youth Heard, which appears in the Norwood News, giving youth a powerful voice--not to mentioned a real, bylined news clip for their college applications and portfolios.
We are looking for students of all academic abilities, but they should be highly motivated, love to write, be naturally inquisitive, and care about what's going on in their communities. Click here to find out more about the program or to download an application form, or call (718) 324-4998 and ask for Jeanmarie Evelly. You can also e-mail bronxyouthheard@gmail.com.
Bronx News Catch-Up Roundup, Sept. 13
Good afternoon, Bronxites! Yes, it's been quiet here on the blogging front. We're short-staffed at the moment and in-between intern sessions, and we've also been gearing up for a new semester of the Bronx Youth Journalism Initiative (speaking of which--we've extended our application deadline to Sept. 21! Tell your kids/students/friends!)
So: blogging might be on the light side for a bit. But here are some Bronx headlines that you may have missed this week/weekend:
Yet another Bronx Zoo animal escape went down on Sunday. An African antelope, also known as a Kudu, joins the ranks of the Bronx Zoo peacock and the Bronx Zoo cobra. It broke free of its enclosure just in time for professional photographer Andrew Litchenstein to snap its photo.
The Times' Lens Blog highlights a photo slideshow of teenagers attending the prom at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore.
A Bronx Surrogate Judge is in hot water for approving attorney fees for a friend--who also happens to be his campaign fundraiser--for work on estate cases the lawyer never performed.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Bronx Youth Journalism Initiative--Apply Now!
During the semester, students will learn the fundamentals of writing, reporting, and photojournalism through classroom instruction and hands-on reporting in their own neighborhoods. Their work gets published in a special youth supplement called Bronx Youth Heard, which appears in the Norwood News, giving youth a powerful voice--not to mentioned a real, bylined news clip for their college applications and portfolios.
We are looking for students of all academic abilities, but they should be highly motivated, love to write, be naturally inquisitive, and care about what's going on in their communities. Click here to find out more about the program or to download an application form, or call (718) 324-4998 and ask for Jeanmarie Evelly. You can also e-mail bronxyouthheard@gmail.com.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Fordham Road Renaissance Festival
On Aug 21, I found myself on East Fordham road just east of the Grand Concourse, among thousands who were enjoying the Fordham Road Renaissance Festival. Street photography at close quarters is one of my favorite ways of making photographs. Let me not try and describe what I saw, let me show you! Click on the slide show window to see the photographs larger.
rawlat.com/adi
aditalwar.blogspot.com
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Bronx Sept.11 Events
Here are a few events taking place in the borough this Sunday, Sept. 11 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks. Let us know in the comments section if you've heard of something we've missed.
Bronx Community College, Meister Hall lobby, 2155 University Ave., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. - The program will feature speakers from campus reflecting on their personal connection to 9/11. For more information, call (718) 289-5193.
Lehman College, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W., at the College Walk outside Shuster Hall in front of the campus 9/11 memorial, 1 p.m. - The program will include a song by children from Lehman’s Childcare Center as well as “The Star Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful” sung by the Lehman College Community Chorus, also speakers, and concludes with the playing of “Taps.” For more information, call (718) 960-4992.
The New York Botanical Garden is offering free All-Garden Pass admission from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday, September 11, 2011. All New Yorkers, particularly Bronx residents who may be in search of a way to commemorate the anniversary locally, are invited to enjoy the Botanical Garden as a beautiful venue that naturally lends itself to both quiet contemplation and family sharing. Add reflections to the memorial tree, which was planted in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden on the first anniversary (10 a.m. –12 p.m.) Hear readings of Jeannette Winter’s September Roses, a resource provided by New York Council for the Humanities, which tells a story of the ways people of diverse backgrounds came together to help each other in the aftermath of the tragedy. (10:30, 11, and 11:30 a.m.)
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Journalism Program for Bronx High School Students
Students learn the fundamentals of writing, reporting, and photojournalism through classroom instruction and hands-on reporting in their own neighborhoods. We take them on field trips including the newsroom of a daily newspaper. They will learn about community activism and civic responsibility, how their neighborhoods work (or don't), who has power, who doesn't and why.
Student work gets published in a special youth supplement called Bronx Youth Heard, which appears in Bronx News Network publications - giving youth a powerful voice.
We are looking for students of all academic abilities, but they should be highly motivated, love to write, be naturally inquisitive, and care about what's going on in their communities. Click here to find out more about the program or to download an application form, or call (718) 324-4998 and ask for Jeanmarie Evelly.
You can also like the Bronx Youth Journalism Initiative on Facebook! Click here.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Bronx Readers' Photos of Hurricane Irene
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| A fallen tree near Boston Road and E. 180 Street (Photo by Luis Torrens) |
Bronx News Roundup, Sept. 1
Happy September, all.
Weather: Sunny again today, with temperatures in the high 70s.
Story of the Day: Fatal Bus Crash Driver Indicted
The driver of the tour bus that crashed on Interstate 95 in March has been indicted on manslaughter charges, the AP reports. Driver Ophadell Williams maintains that he was awake and alert at the time of the crash, which took place during an early morning drive through the Bronx as the bus returned from a trip to Connecticut casino Mohegan Sun.Witnesses, however, claim Williams was dozing at the wheel, and a police report found he was speeding. The accident killed 15 people, and spurred a statewide crackdown on the discount tour bus industry and how it vets its drivers.
Quick Hits:
Bronx artist Shawn Martinbrough has found success in the comic book world.
Did the Bronx get less love from the city than the other boroughs during Hurricane Irene? Mayor Bloomberg failed to visit; his office said it was because they expected little damage here from the storm.
But we did get our share of damage (as these photos show). Residents at a co-op complex in Riverdale are still waiting to return home after a mudslide forced them to evacuate.
