Archive for the Brooklyn Category
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Brooklyn Undergound

March 5, 2011, Nik

UNDERCITY from Andrew Wonder on Vimeo.

Today in Brooklyn, we finally have a nice day outdoors. Unfortunately I’m stuck indoors doing a bit of writing, sewing, and photography. As I was downloading photos from my camera, I came across these from last summer of Amanda and me deep beneath Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. While living in New York and taking the subway daily, it’s only a matter of time before you hear stories depicting CHUDS and the glorious abandoned NYC subway tunnels that apparently boast some of the city’s most beautiful architecture.

Now, our excursion was total legal (or so the guide said), unlike the incredible video above from cinematographer Andrew Wonder and explorers from UnderCity.org. The video is a little long (almost 30 minutes), but I found myself captivated by every moment of it. It’s well worth the long sit in front of your computer monitor. I’ve always wanted to do this, but fears of the third rail and being arrested have always stifled my dreams.

Below are a few photos from the tour of the Atlantic Avenue tunnel (officially the world’s oldest subway tunnel!) last summer. Unfortunately, the city no longer allows civilians to explore the tunnel, which is a damn shame. Despite how creepy it was to climb down that ladder at Court Street and Atlantic Avenue, I’m glad I got to see it. There are still soot stains on the ceiling from the old trains, as well as divots in the ground from the railroad tiles. The tour guide provided many stories about the tunnel’s history, including NYC Mafia and Russian Cold War ties. My photos pale in comparison to those from the Under City team, but it was great to spend an afternoon doing a bit of guided urban exploration even though it wasn’t quite as exciting as an illegal underground jaunt.

Amanda crawling down the ladder


The tunnel was surprisingly clean with no bugs or rats to be seen. However there were a few piles of debris about that almost seemed to be arranged.


Apparently W. Wafer was here in 1916 (or 1816?)

More arranged trash

Here you can see the divots in the ground from the tracks

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When the weather (or your site) is frightful

January 27, 2011, Nik

It’s too cold outside. It’s incredibly too cold outside. Last night we got a snow storm complete with thunder and lightening, which was new and exciting for my Texan-bred eyes, but still didn’t make me want to venture outside. So, I have been keeping warm in my steam-heated Brooklyn apartment... Continue Reading
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American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity

July 24, 2010, Nik

Every time my mother comes to visit New York, she always asks what fashion exhibits are at the Metropolitan and FIT museums, and then requests to go as soon as possible. When a new exhibit comes through that she misses, I shed a little tear for Mom because I always... Continue Reading
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Scales and all

June 27, 2010, Nik

I also wanted to do a quick post on how we did the makeup for the parade. We had so many people asking about it, that I wanted to be sure and show off our technique. First, I used concealer and powder all over my face and then put on... Continue Reading
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Mermaids 2010

June 27, 2010, Nik

The parade is over, but the remnants remain.... Permalink
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BUST’s Craftacular!

May 21, 2010, Nik

For those of you in the Brooklyn area this weekend, don’t forget to check out BUST’s Spring Craftacular. It’s at Warsaw in Williamsburg again this year, and I’ll be wondering the aisles looking for a new handbag and perhaps a print for my kitchen wall. Anyone else going? Know of... Continue Reading
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Splish Splash

May 9, 2010, Nik

Getting started with Mermaid Parade costumes... Permalink
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Gifted by gangstas

September 23, 2009, Nik

The Crips in my neighborhood gave me a painting. I have no idea what that means.... Permalink
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and the sea beckons…

May 8, 2009, Nik

Last year Jessie and I pulled an all-nighter right before the Coney Island Mermaid Parade, getting our costumes together. Typically the Mermaid Parade is an excuse for folks to done themselves with body paint and little else. However, that’s not really my style so Jess and I usually like to... Continue Reading
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Craftacular Spectacular!

October 25, 2007, Nik

I’m so excited! I was accepted as a vendor for BUST’s 3rd annual Craftacular! I was accepted last year as well, but was unable to attend so I’m super-psyched about this year. Hopefully I’ll be able to get all of the supplies I need early (unlike last year) so it... Continue Reading
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