Category Archives: The World of Human Beings

We don’t know why we’re here. Let’s make the best of it.

Oy Vey, U.S.A.!

Let’s face it–this Wisconsin controversy is pretty important, and something called “The American Dream Rally” sounded intriguing to me.  It was set for Saturday, February 26 in City Hall Park, near my favorite old stomping grounds in Lower Manhattan. So … Continue reading

Posted in Business and Economics, Philosophy, Religion and Philanthropy, U.S. Government | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Pioneers of Faith Celebrate 125 Years in Rockaway Beach

OK, so I’ve heard that it’s considered “not cool” to blog or tweet about religion.  This post isn’t really about religion, as in–convert to mine!  But it is a fascinating snippet about the founding of the oldest church in Rockaway Beach, and the surrounding community.  In April, 1858, … Continue reading

Posted in Philosophy, Religion and Philanthropy, The World of Human Beings | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

11th Plunge into Surf Racks Up Big Bucks for CF

It was cold. It was wet.  Perfect weather for plunging.  Hundreds joined on the shore at Beach 99th to “Take the Plunge for Cystic Fibrosis” on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. The charity fundraiser was started eleven years ago by locals John … Continue reading

Posted in Philosophy, Religion and Philanthropy | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Oy Vey, JFK!

As I write, the regional planning honchos are joining together at a conference in Lower Manhattan to debate the future of our local airports–to be specific, JFK…and Jamaica Bay.  A foot of snow may have delayed the breakfast portion of … Continue reading

Posted in Air, Business and Economics, Creatures of the Planet (Non-Human), New York City Government, New York State Government, Planet Earth, The Built World, The Land We Share, U.S. Government, Water and waterways | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments

The Vandalia Dunes Are Gone–Is Four Sparrow Marsh the Next to Go?

Frankly, I’m shocked about the new stores being proposed for just north of the Flatbush Avenue exit of the Belt Parkway, near Toys R’ Us.  However, members of Community Board 18 in Brooklyn have “warmed” to the idea, according to Tuesday’s Wall Street Journal.  I’m sure … Continue reading

Posted in Business and Economics, Creatures of the Planet (Non-Human), New York City Government, The Land We Share, Water and waterways | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Oy Vey Rockaway Stats–2010 in review

Thanks readers!  You helped me get “Oy Vey Rockaway” off the ground by visiting my site.  It’s been very entertaining to write for you and I look forward to sharing more pictures and stories about local life in the New Year!  The statistics gatherers at … Continue reading

Posted in The Arts and Entertainment | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How to “Rock Shop” for the Holidays (c) 2010 Vivian R. Carter

The last few shopping days before Christmas have arrived; it’s liberating to assiduously avoid going anywhere near a mall.  There are many great Rockaway businesses where you can buy thoughtful and unique gifts.  First stop is to browse The Beach Gallery at Sunlites Stained Glass … Continue reading

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Election Day Jitters for RAA Board Candidates

They are not running for President of the United States, but being a board member of the Rockaway Artists Alliance is a pretty prestigious slot.  Over the past few weeks, the politicking within the arts community on the Rock has intensified–it’s starting to look … Continue reading

Posted in Local Government-Rockaway Peninsula & Broad Channel, The Arts and Entertainment | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Round One–NYC Waterfront Advocates Dispute Rockaway’s Claim to “Sixth Borough” Title

I did not attend the waterfront conference in Manhattan yesterday, sponsored by Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance.  For those of us in the contingent work force, that would be rough.  What I earn each week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday pays the rent.  However, the … Continue reading

Posted in Business and Economics, New York City Government, Water and waterways | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Mailboxes are not Bulletin Boards. Street Trees Belong to Us All. Norman Rockwell’s Paintings Do Not.

Home values are affected by many factors.  Exclusive zoning is critical, and a tidy-looking, tree-shaded street scene contributes value to all the homes located on a particular block. When I was looking for a new apartment six months ago, the outdoor … Continue reading

Posted in Business and Economics, Creatures of the Planet (Non-Human), Meet Your Fellow Man, New York City Government, The Land We Share, The World of Human Beings, U.S. Government | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment