Fab New Look For Coney Island History Project's Website

The Coney Island History Project has revamped their website with a great new look along with many more updates.

The Coney Island History Project website has many marvelous updates! First of all, there's a fabulous new home page, with boxes that change color when you scroll your mouse over them like a carnival game. The home page also has a link to the CIHP's new flickr photostream. It's in the same box as the MySpace link. The flickr site was conceived as a visual diary of visitors and activities at the exhibition center.

Updates include a new and nicer collections search. At the bottom of the search page you can find a rotating display of Featured Items from the Collection including most recent searches. You can search from : postcards, tilyou, tilyou portrait, the whip, elephant hotel, Roller coasters, Stauch's, magic carpet, mermaid, carousel horses

They have also modified the Photo Gallery and Hall of Fame as well as an events calendar which includes archived events. And coming soon: more info on the Coney Island Amusement Icon exhibit which starts this month and runs to September.

Last but not least the Ask Mr. Coney section was upgraded and a new answer from Mr. Coney added:
Remembering Ravenhall’s June 12th, 2008

What became of the swimming pool known as raven hall? I remember passing it on my way to the beach. Wasn’t it a salt water pool with access to the beach from the swimming pool through a gate near the boardwalk? I remember dancing under the boardwalk at Bay 12 . What a great time back in the early 50’s. — Joan

Image courtesy of the Coney Island History Project collection
(click image for larger view)

There's more to view at the CIHP collection like wonderful advertisement brochures that were produced by the Coney Island Chamber of Commerce. It's all worth more than a gander for all those Coney Island lovers.

Coney Events: Coney Island Mermaid Parade Ball

The official after-party extravaganza to the largest cultural art parade in the nation will be held again at Coney's landmark Childs on the boardwalk. And it promises to be better than ever!

You can get your tickets to all the Mermaid hoopla including DJs, Burlesque, booze, and see the who's on stage at the Coney Island USA shop.


The Coney Island Mermaid Parade Ball
Following the Mermaid Parade June 21, 2008
Doors Open at 5pm
Advance: $10 Buy Now!
VIP: $50 Buy Now!
At the Door: $15
(Tickets will also be available for $7.50 for those marching in the parade, when purchased at the time of parade registration. Online sales end at noon on Friday, June 20).
VIP package includes entry, free drinks, party favors, access to exclusive VIP lounge and a Coney Island USA membership.
All proceeds benefit Coney Island USA organization

Coney Events: THE MERMAID PARADE

June 21st is the nation's largest art parade and Coney's biggest event of the year...The Mermaid Parade!

From the Coney Island USA website:

Announcing our King Neptune Reverend Billy and Queen Mermaid Savitri D

The Parade is followed by the Mermaid Parade Ball, a post-parade gathering where costumed parade participants can get together with each other and parade spectators to listen to live music, purchase raffle tickets, and watch burlesque and sideshow acts performed by some of New York City's hottest burlesque stars.

The 2008 Mermaid Parade
Saturday, June 21st, 2008
2pm
at Surf Avenue and the boardwalk in Coney Island
FREE!

ConeyLove: A New Coney Blog

Here's a new Coney blog that started March 11th of this year by Scott. It's called ConeyLove and it was started by a child of two Coney lovers who fell in love there.

ConeyLove writes:

Last weekend I went with my girlfriend Nicole to Lola Staar / Dianna's roller-rink benefit party at Peggy O'Neils, and then we headed to the Burlesque show Lucha Muertes Atomicos #3 at the sideshow. Both were incredibly awesome, and completely different from one another. Jo Boobs performed her fan dance at the benefit party, and Scott Baker was on hand to keep everyone laughing with slightly off-color jokes. And the burlesque show was full of surprises and rowdy entertainment including a masked man with a mysterious mustache (hmmm) who jumped off a ladder onto broken glass...

Coney Island Film Festival Final Deadline Approaches

From the Coney Island Film Festival website:

indiefilmpage.com and Coney Island USA present the 8th annual Coney Island Film Festival September 26- 28, 2008 at Sideshows by the Seashore and The Coney Island Museum in the historic Brooklyn neighborhood Coney Island, New York!

Late deadline June 25th, 2008 (postmarked) $30 Entry FeeExtended
late deadline July 3rd, 2008 (postmarked) $45 Entry Fee

Entry categories: Feature, Short, Documentary Feature, Documentary Short, Experimental, Silent Film, Animation, Music Video. The Coney Island Film Festival is open to filmmakers working in ALL GENRES, SUBJECTS AND FORMATS.

Coney Retro 80's And 90's

Image courtesy of julie wilson world (Flickr.com)

Here's a Flickr find of Julie Wilson photos that give us a rare glimpse into a not so distant but very different Coney Island. Included are photos of the old Coney Island USA sideshow which was located on the boardwalk.

See a slideshow of Julie Wilson's Coney Flickr pics by clicking here.

Coney Events: 2008 Coney Island Hat Tournament

Simply a 4 on 4 coed beach tournament for the ULTIMATE HAT!


2008 Coney Island Hat Tournament

Saturday, June 14, 2008
9am to 6:30pm
$15 advance fee (includes 2008 t-shirt)

U Love Coney Island

ULOVENY lets you explore your New York City through reviews of the people themselves. In these set of videos see what visitors and locals say about Coney Island. Found and posted on the Coney Island USA message board by Indie Rob Leddy.

ULoveNY.Com is a video guide to top New York City attractions, services and events. Get restaurant and theater reviews and recommendations from people as they leave the restaurants and theaters. See what people have to say about NY parades, NYC parks and museums. Find the best Manhattan clubs and night life. Hear about the best sights, tours and transportation options from the New Yorkers and the tourists who use them. ULoveNY.com loaded with tips and advice from real people like you.

Boardwalk Blocked And Pier To Close Soon For Repairs

Word comes from our roving 'correspondent' Ruby's Host who tells us that the Coney Island pier could be closed off to the public as early as end of this June. And the boardwalk end of Labor Day.

The city had originally planned to begin repairs on the strip of businesses where Ruby's Bar, Cha Cha's and Lola Staar sit. But after speaking with various owners in a meeting a couple of weeks ago, they decided to start with the pier and then to continue with the remaining parts of the boardwalk right after the Labor Day weekend. The city had advised business operators to close up for the winter on the Tuesday following that weekend to allow for the work to begin.

However Ruby Bar is hoping to stay open until October considering the uncertainty of the city's actual plans since they keep hearing things and things don't happen.

City To Finally Fix Boardwalk?

As reported by the Gowanus Lounge, the city has decided to fix the 85 year old Coney Island boardwalk by allocating funds for repair. They have indicated that the work will start in this fall on the areas that need it the most.

Gowanus Lounge writes:

...tomorrow two state assembly members will be presenting a symbolic $10 million check to add to the pool of available money.

Reithoffer Rides Begin To Leave From Thor Coney Lot

Images courtesy of Ruby's Host (Flickr.com)

Ruby's Host informs us that the rides behind Ruby's and Cha Cha's have started to come down. Though she's heard the ride operators did not have proper license to operate in the first placem Thor Equities intended for these rides to be in Coney Island for a short time. We'll see what happens to this lot during the remainder of the summer season. These pictures were taken yesterday morning at about 9:45 am. By 6pm she says a few were already gone.

Less Time To Swallow Nathan Franks

This year the world's most famous eating contest shortens its contest time down to 10 minutes to devour the famous Nathan franks. This according to a brief mention in the Major League Eating website and as reported by the Brooklyn Paper:

The decision will have profound implications on the man-eat-dog world of gustatory gluttony.

Chestnut was disappointed in the change, hailing the 12-minute contest as “the sport’s standard.”

Coney Events: Brooklyn's Biggest Baby's

The New York Aquarium is holding their first birthday celebration for their Biggest Baby Boy: Pacific walrus, Akituusaq

This marks the first birthday of a baby walrus in the New York Aquarium’s 112 year history. Only ten such rare births have occurred in any aquarium with only five surviving past the first year. At birth, Akituusaq weighed in at 115 pounds and has gained plenty of weight.

Big Baby Walrus Birthday Bash
Thursday, June 12th 2008
11:00 AM
at the New York Aquarium
West 8th Street & Surf Avenue

Coney Events: Free Fridays At The New York Aqauarium

Starting June 13th 2008 from 3pm to Close you can enjoy the New York Aquarium in Coney Island for FREE! The Wildlife Conservation Society's New York Aquarium wants to revitalize and expand community outreach. WCS director Jon Forrest Dohlin is committed to achieve these goals. “The Wildlife Conservation Society is pleased to be able to offer this opportunity for visitors to experience the wonders of the aquatic world,”said Dohlin. “At a time of economic downturn, the free Friday at the New York Aquarium will provide NYC residents with an educational and cultural experience they would not otherwise be able to do.”

You can read the exclusive interview with WCS director Jon Forrest Dohlin by Kinetic Carnival's Ben Nadler. Part 1 & Part 2.


The New York Aquarium
starting June 13th 2008
Open every day of the year at 10am
with seasonal closing times.
$12 for adults
$9 for children ages 3-12
$10 for senior citizens (65 and older)
children under 3 years of age are always addmited free.
Parking is $12 for cars and buses.
The aquarium is located on Surf Avenue
at West 8th Street in Coney Island.
For directions and info call 718-265-FISH
or visit their website.

Cultural Treasure Maps Of Brooklyn's Most Intriguing Institutions

Image courtesy of Coney Island History Project (Flickr.com)

Now you can get a free map of "Brooklyn's Most Intriguing Treasures" to find your way to various institutions that educate, promote, share, preserve Brooklyn's cultural history.

This initiative created by the Brooklyn Cultural Circuit also encourages collaboration between these institutions. Some of them include the Old Stone House in Park Slope, The Doll and Toy Museum of NYC, The Waterfront Museum, and the Coney Island History Project.

The Coney Island History Project's treasure is a 100-year-old Ride Ticket emblazoned with The Funny Face logo of George C. Tilyou's Steeplechase Park (1897-1964). The world famous amusement park was billed as "Coney Island's Only Funny Place, where 25,000 people laugh at one time." Now rare and highly collectible, the "George C. Tilyou Combination Badge" was the original pay-one-price ticket.

It let visitors enjoy all of Steeplechase's attractions including the signature horse race ride for just 25 cents. Among the treasures you'll find at the Coney Island History Project's exhibition center is an authentic horse from the Steeplechase ride, which gave the park its name.

Click maps for larger view

The Hoopla Over Zigun’s Squatting

Though many within the circles of Coney have either wondered or knew about Dick Zigun, founder of the Coney Island USA, living at the CIUSA building for many years, it has now been made public due to what some (including Zigun) feel is a smear campaign by Thor Equities.

This following Zigun’s resignation-in-protest to the Coney Island Development Corporation’s changes to shrink the amusement core surely smells of something stenchy. But no surprise to the the way it's always been played from the underbelly of Coney Island.

Especially after the purchase of the CIUSA building with help from the city, Mr. Zigun could have been more careful, but any kind of “smear” towards Zigun’s ‘squatting’ in the building on a pull-out couch in his office could probably prove ineffective.

Yes, technically it could be in violation of the funding agreement with the city, but taking away the remaining $2.4 million, in city money, that the CIUSA is planning to use to buy another building in Coney Island could be a far worse violation to the community by denying them the programs and events the organization would produce.

You can follow the discussion on the CIUSA message board

GL Analysis: Hardball in Coney Island [Gowanus Lounge]
The War for Coney Island Intensifies with Sofagate [Curbed]
Coney’s Dick Zigun Moves to Friend’s Couch: Who Planted the Sofagate Story? [Gowanus Lounge]
Probe Into 'Mayor' of Coney Island [New York Post]
"Mayor" of Coney Island Living on Taxpayers' Dime [Gothamist]

Coney Events: Blue Suede Jews

Rock'n'Kosher rolls spills out onto the beach this Thursday for an Elvis tributed all-Kosher cast.

From the Coney Island USA website:

Chosen variety entertainment with a rockin' twist comes to Coney Island with an all-star, all-Kosher cast to Burlesque at the Beach for their unique tribute to Elvis Presley, Blue Suede Jews. The King gets Kosher when New York's premiere Jewish burlesque and variety performers shake, rattle, and roll their way through everything Elvis. Lady Aye, Minnie Tonka, Darlinda Just Darlinda, Jonny Porkpie, Precious Little, Bastard Keith, and Jelvis the Jewish Elvis. Hosted by Adam the First Real Man.

Blue Suede Jews
Burlesque At The Beach
Thursday, June 12th, 2008
10pm
$10
at the Sideshows By The Seashore
corner of Surf Avenue and W. 12th Street

Coney Island USA Building Reconstruction Process Update

If you've passed the Coney Island USA building on w.12th Street and Surf Avenue you already noticed the refacing taking place on the exterior of the building. Well, the biggest transformation seems to be going on on the inside. And as we've noted before, you can keep up with the progress on the Coney Island USA's construction blog: Coney Island News And Events.

Imagine making your way past the new Sideshow lobby to chug down an ice cold Albino Python White Lager at the new expanded Freak Bar.

Coney Island News And Events writes:

Little Changes Make a Big Impression

Sometimes just a little work will make a huge difference. Last night, the crew cut the arches in the wall between the existing bar and the new one. It finally feels like we're going to have a huge, new, expanded bar. Until now, the construction zone felt like a weird, timeless area where people did things that had nothing to do with our regular business. And it seemed like it was never going to end.

Visit the Coney Island News and Events website for all the updates.

"Official Word" From Ruby's Building Inspector is "GO"!

While not much on the the condition of the man who, a couple of weeks ago, fell through the floor and into a 'shitless' murk of dirt and cobwebs below, has been heard of, the hole in the floor at Ruby's Bar has been fixed

For those interested in the info specs on Ruby's Bar & Grill on the Coney Island boardwalk some insight comes to us in an e-mail from Ruby's Host of Flickr.com.

Here is one of the e-mails:

Update on Ruby's - they have not opened yet - hopefully later today. The inside will be slightly modified. One of the structural beams under the men's bathroom is weak - the floor is fixed - except for the beam. They need to put another beam underneath for support and to help reinforce the new floor.

The building inspector gave them specifications to build a small wall partition that will close off part of the back (see pictures) - including the girl's bathroom. They are hoping to open today after the inspection this morning, but with no access to the bathrooms and mainly limited outside seating. Ruby's has been closed due to on going construction for the support beams as well as for building the small wall inside.

This brings up another problem that has been occurring every weekend on the boardwalk. The bathhouses are suppose to be open till 8 pm or later now that we are in the"official season". They have been getting closed at 7:30. This is causing a major problem since Cha Cha's is the only place left for facilities now and everything is still open. Chas Cha's is a 21-and-older club with live music and reserves the restrooms for customers only. We are encouraging people to call 311 and ask for the Parks Department complaint number to report the bathrooms closing early.

That is all I have so far today- heading up soon to check in with Michael.

- Ruby's Host

Click images for larger view

Cyclone Dangerous?

Though no one has actually died while riding the Cyclone it sure has damaged a few souls and even fatally killed one days after riding it. According to the report in the New York Post, the Cylcone roller coaster is a backbreaker.

The New York Post writes:

There were at least seven incidents last summer in which riders suffered serious back and neck injuries, records show.

At least two lawsuits stemming from the incidents have been filed, including one demanding $1 million. But the ride's operator, Carole Albert, has quietly worked to settle the suits, insisting on ironclad confidentiality agreements, a source said.

Can and will the Cyclone drop slower? Could a few more incidents and even related deaths put the landmark ride to sleep forever? Ikes!


CONEY ISLAND COASTER A BACKBREAKER [New York Post]

Coney HOOPLA!

Image courtesy of MEEfO : City Unseen (Flickr.com)

Saturdays at Coney Island! [Sunny Anderson]
Coney capering [Rapid T. Rabbit - Live Journal]
Everything was closed at Coney Island [Skipping through life]
Coney Business Booming [Curbed]
Bklink: Dangerous Cyclone? [Gowanus Lounge]
Coney’s Summer of Hope Experiences Shrinkage [Gowanus Lounge]
“Unfortunate Accident” at Ruby’s in Coney Explained [Gowanus Lounge]














Images:
West 12th Street, Coney Island 2008 [Lornagrl]
Coney Island, Brooklyn [all.growns.up]
Different Visions for Coney Island [NY Times]

Video:
coney island 1 (new rides) [YouTube]


Audio:
Ballycast Podcast - guest: The Great Nippulini - episode # 018 [Ballycast]

Coney Vid: Charlotte Gainsbourg-Little Monsters

Here's a nicely done music video in Coney Island that was posted on YouTube April of last year.

Charlotte Gainsbourg-Little Monsters

Description:
Soundtrack to a lackluster day... ps. The upload sucks balls, but you get the picture.Coney Island, NYCGirl and her camera, bored and alone.

Posted by voterobot [YouTube]

Get Ready For Two Nights Of Lola Staar's Dreamland Roller Rink

June 13th & June 15th of Dreamland Roller Rink by Lola Staar & Company!

Save Coney Coalition Releases Protest Flyer

In time for the next CIDC public scoping meeting to protest the city's plan as it stands, the Save Coney Island Coalition releases a flyer to spread their word. Their message is basically:

The Save Coney Island Coalition says yes to revitalizing Coney’s world famous amusement zone!

NO to 26 New High Rises of up to 30 stories each in the current Amusement District
NO to Retail, Malls or “Entertainment Retail” in the Amusement District!
NO to shrinkage of the Amusement District from 61 acres to 9 acres!
YES to preserving Amusement Zoning in the Amusement District!!
YES to keeping Coney Island the People's Playground- providing accessible Amusements for ALL to enjoy!!

Strip Mall On The Way In Coney Island.

Not exactly in the heart of the amusement district but along the border of where Coney starts from the 'mainland'. A glassy 14,000 square foot retail space with a parking lot on Cropsy Avenue across from the Starbuck's kiosk and Linens 'n Things. Developer Marc Esrig who built the drive-through Starbucks kiosks on Cropsey Avenue is also slated to build the strip mall. Coney Island USA's Dick Zigun who isn't keen on the plan says, "“In an ideal Coney Island, Cropsey Avenue between Neptune Avenue and Hart Place would see large parking garages on either side and the ground floor of such garages would be trolley barns and waiting stations for a revival of the Surf Avenue trolleys. Such parking garages would be useful for the amusement park and also serve the unofficial shopping mall that is already replacing the auto body stores".

The Brooklyn Paper writes:

Construction could be finished as early as mid-July and Esrig says he is in negotiations with three national chains as prospective tenants: a women’s clothing store, a home furnishings store, and a restaurant (which he promises will not be a McDonald’s or a Subway).

Coney Vid: Boarding School Girls At Coney Island 1905

Here are some interesting footage of some images that haven't seen - including the Steeplechase signature ride.

Boarding School Girls At Coney Island 1905

Description:
The young ladies from Miss Knapp's Select School have an outing at Coney Island, NY in 1905. Transferred from a 35mm print. Footage from this subject may be licensed from www.globalimageworks.com

posted by travelfilmarchive [YouTube]

Coney Events: Coney Island USA's "Ask The Experts" Lecture Series

Already underway every Sunday throughout the Coney summer season and brought to you by the Coney Island USA is the "Ask The Experts" lecture series conducted at the museum.

This coming Sunday, June 8th is Bob Yorburg: The Happiest Music on Earth: The Carousel Organ -It's History: A Musical Journey

NOTE: The lecture noted above has been cancelled to due unforeseen circumstances.



Ask The Experts
Sundays at 4pm
$5, Free for Coney Island USA Members.

See the 'Ask The Experts' 2008 Schedule for details.

Dick Zigun Resigns From The CIDC

As most of us have already heard this morning - The unofficial 'mayor' of Coney Island has announced his resignation of the Coney Island Development Corporation on the Coney Island USA message board.

Zigun writes:

I write this open letter of resignation from the position you appointed me to as a Director of The Coney Island Development Corporation effective Tuesday, June 24th, 2008 6 PM, the exact date and time of the first public hearing on the revised rezoning of Coney Island. I urge you to withdraw this deeply flawed plan and cancel this hearing, but as it stands I cannot leave my name on it. I am particularly disturbed that the Directors of the CIDC have had no opportunity to discuss or vote on these substantial changes to our Strategic Plan - which was the result of years of work and which had achieved widespread neighborhood consensus.

More of what he wrote at the message board.

The New York Daily News also reported:

"This spring, without the CIDC ever having a discussion or ever taking a vote, the strategic plan that I had been a major cheerleader for was totally changed and compromised in a way that no amusement park lover could possibly be happy with," said Zigun, founder of Coney Island USA, which runs a world-famous sideshow.

In a blistering attack, Zigun said that the revised city plan would also mean a significantly smaller amusement park if passed by the City Council next year. The shopping mall, which would usher in retailers such as a Toys "R" Us with its looming Ferris wheel or an FAO Schwarz with its giant floor keyboard, is a concession to developer Thor Equities, Zigun and other critics contend.

There is a good chance that with this shift, a good part of the community who is for protecting the amusement spirit of Coney Island will begin blasting the CIDC plans with more ferver. And we hope that the Save Coney Island movement makes far for noise that what it's been doing, so far, to make their voices heard.

Image courtesy of Showalter for the NY Daily News


Coney #2: Dick Zigun’s Blazing Hot Resignation Letter [Gowanus Lounge]
Coney's 'Unofficial Mayor' Quits Board, Says New Plan Sucks [Curbed]
Coney #1: “Unofficial Mayor” Quits Coney Island Development Corp. [Gowanus Lounge]
The Mayor of Coney Island's Resignation Letter [NY Observer]

Coney Vid: A Coney Island Day

Check out Black Scorpion and Donny Vommit tear down a familiar awning that is part of the Coney Isand USA building to replace it with who knows what next.

A Coney Island Day

Description:
Black Scorpion & Donny Vomit working hard on Coney Island's Sideshows by the Seashore.

Posted by blackforpresident [YouTube]

New Stores Show Signs Of Life Not Death For Coney

A bevy of small businesses have been opening up in Coney Island this year despite what many think is the ‘real’ last year of Coney Island. They all said it last year but now they’re saying it this year. But with Coney Island’s vital spirit - despite Astoland’s possible ‘real’ last year – the area surely doesn’t seem like it’s going to be swept away with the last tide of the season.

The New York Daily News reports:

The A beachside bar and the first restaurants and chic
clothing shops to grace Coney Island in a decade have popped up across the neighborhood, many in long-vacant storefronts.

"This kind of indicates the interest in the area, and that we're on the way to new heights," Reichenthal said, adding that he's received calls from White Castle, several movie theaters and a lot of restaurants interested in expanding to the area.

The Surf Cafe, a jerk chicken spot called Bigga-Jerkey and Suzie Q's, all Surf Ave.-based restaurants, have opened within the last three weeks, while Zoo York, a skateboard and clothing store, is set to open on Bowery St. in weeks.

The Surf Cafe, Suzie Q's and Bigga-Jerkey are housed in Surf Ave. buildings owned by Thor, and are operating without leases through the season.

"My brother owns the Surf and Turf, so I figured I would try something of my
own," said Chris Maraio, who owns Suzie Q's. "I love Coney Island and just like
to work here. We have to see what this summer brings, but would love to come
back."

Image courtesy of Tracy (NY Daily News)

The CIDC Wants To Help The Unemployed With A Job Fair

The Coney Island Development Corporation starts has created a workshop that is geared to aid Coney locals in being better equipped at obtaining jobs. In response to many requests by various areas of the community, the CIDC is conducting the communities first large Career Opportunities Fair.

From the CIDC announcement:
Schedule of events:

Resume Basics -- Friday, June 13 -- 11am to 1pm -- Coney Island Branch Library

Nontraditional Employment for Women Information Session -- Wednesday, June 18, 6 to 7:30pm -- NYCHA Carey Gardens Community Center

Job Search Techniques -- Thursday, June 26, 6 to 7:30pm -- South Brooklyn Youth Consortium

Interview Skills and Dress for Success -- Tuesday, July 8 -- 11am to 1pm -- Keyspan Park Gallery

How to Get a Civil Service Job -- Thursday, July 17 -- 2 to 3pm -- Coney Island Branch Library.

(Click image to view flyer)

Coney Events: BadAss Hookers On The Beach

Pimp daddy Formika hosts a hothouse full of HOOKERS! at the Coney Island Sideshow




BadAss Burlesque's Hookers On The Beach
Friday, June 6th
10pm
$15
At the Coney Island Sideshow Theater!!!
1208 Surf Avenue Brooklyn NY, 11224

"Song Of Brooklyn" America's Favorite Borough

The book by Marc Eliot is a based on interviews and stories from legendary figures that help shape the cultural explosiveness that was and now still is Brooklyn, New York.

The New York Post writes:

Even though Brooklyn is still rowdy, tough and energetic, it is also now hip, elegant and wealthy. How it can be all those things at once is simply one of the many mysteries of the borough. This charming history sings a song of Brooklyn's immense complexity.

The book opens with none other than our fabled and iconic neighborhood of Coney Island.

NY Post:

The entrepreneurship, hucksterism and drive of those who converted its glorious
waterfront into one of the most loved amusement parks of all time roil and roll like the Cyclone. As with so many Brooklyn neighborhoods, Coney's story is one of greatness, decline unto near death, followed by the long climb back.

WCBS disc jockey Don K. Reed ("Doo Wop Shop") points out a recurring New York tragedy when he talks about the government-induced destruction of Coney. "You know what killed me about that?" he asks about urban renewal. "When they tore down the Steeplechase, I think it was 1964, the square block it had been on stayed empty for more than 35 years." In 2001 the city finally opened Keyspan Park for a minor-league team owned by the Mets.

Eliot is hopeful that developer Joe Sitt will be able to bring Coney back to renown. He named his company, Thor Equities, after his favorite comic book hero, says Sitt, because Thor was the "protector of the Planet Earth's buildings from the evil goblins from outer space seeking to destroy them." I'd been thinking that Sitt's rather ostentatious ideas were closer to goblin plans than protecting the Earth, but maybe he's got the right level of grandiosity to bring this off.

Coney Events: New Coney Beers Premiere Party

The Coney Island Lager from Schmaltz Brewing Company is to gain three new beer companions this summer. They are the Albino Python White [spiced lager, orange peel, ginger, coriander, fennel), the Sword Swallower Steel Hop Lager (4 malts, 8 hops - dry hopped with Amarillo, Crystal and Cascade), and the Human Blockhead Tough-as-Nails Lager (8.8%)


New Coney Beers Premiere Party
Wednesday, June 4th
7pm
$5 pints!
at The Gate
321 Fifth Avenue (& 3rd street), Brooklyn, New York

Coney Events: Sideshows By The Seashore's Summer Season

From the Coney Island USA website:

Come on down this summer and witness the theatrical experience that started it all. It's a tradition that can't be stopped! Thrill to the secrets of the last 10-in-1 circus sideshow in the nation! Witness Donny Vomit performing death defying acts of bravery! See Angelica do the stunning fire dance with your own eyes! Sigh as Heather Holliday, the world's cutest female sword swallower performs her miraculous act. You'll be mesmerized by Serpentina the Snake Charmer awed by our Twisted Shockmeister, Scott Baker and introducing our newest cast members BLACK SCORPION and NICK KNACK.

They're all real and they are all alive. Only in Coney Island!

Sideshow By The Seashore
Friday, 2pm-8pm, weather permitting!
Saturday and Sunday, 1pm-8pm, weather
$7.50 for adults, $5 for children under 12
at the Sideshows by the Seashore
Corner of Surf and West 12th Street

'Ruby's Host' Gives Us The UnDirt On Ruby's

Image courteys of Ruby's Host (Flickr.com)

This past week the blogs reported on the messy incident that occurred at Ruby's Bar on the Coney Island boardwalk. The man who fell through the floor ten feet into the dark lower level of the bar was not covered in shit.

Di, "Ruby's Host" on Flickr has been sending out e-mails to the press regarding the issue. Here is an excerpt an one of here emails to Kinetic Carnival.

Excerpts from Dianne’s (Ruby’s Host) email to Kinetic Carnival:

As you know – last Saturday evening the floor of Ruby’s partially collapsed in the men’s bathroom while someone was using the urinal. It was about a 10' drop to the bar underneath. Some may or may not know that the bar underneath was a full hoppin’ bar at one time. Last year a few of us were down there salvage a few old signs. The downstairs bar has been closed for more than thirty five years. There are still bar old stools, equipment, refrigerators, grills, and all kinds of stuff. Thank goodness when the man feel it was in the back part - in a corner where there is nothing but the dirt floor. (no shit). Also a ton of cobwebs, etc. My friend Michael got a ladder and went down to help the man as the FDNY & Paramedics showed up. The NYPD also showed to help along with security. After everything was assessed Ruby’s was closed for the night. Ruby’s was told since the collapse was in the very back – the outside seating could remain open for the holiday along with a small part of the bar. Fortunately, the lady’s restroom was redone last October, 2007 - before closing for the winter season. The men’s restroom was due to be completed this year. As well all already know, the good part of the story is that Ruby’s is splitting the cost of the floor with the landlord; Mr. Sitt. Shocking huh? Mr. Sitt along with Michael-Melody & Cindy (the owners) want Ruby’s to remain open so he is helping pay for the floor as well as sending an engineer as required now by the building inspector. Ruby’s opened this weekend. It still early enough in the season that it should work out and they should not loose too much money. The good part is that Mr. Sitt wants Ruby’s to stay, so hopefully that is a good sign of things to come and maybe that strip of stores can remain on the boardwalk. We know we have a couple more years at least - maybe even forever!

Coney Events: Cowboy Chris' Cowgirlesque!

From the Coney Island USA website:

Cowboy Chris' Cowgirlesque!
Howdy there buckaroos and buckarettes! We're proud to announce the first performance of Chris McDaniels' new show "Cowgirlesque!" A Wild West Revue starring Angelica, the 'hottest' cowgirl in town! Plum Manchego, with her incredible Patsy Cline tribute plus a totally new number! Remy Vicious, our own sexy 'outlaw' and Rosie 151, Gunsmoke's 'Miss Kitty' has got nuthin' on our favorite saloon gal And of course, your Master of Ceremonies Chris McDaniels on whips and ropes!

Come on out and hoot n' holler with the Cowgirls and Cowboys! It's a 'show-deo' you'll never forget!

Cowboy Chris' Cowgirlesque!
Burlesque at the Beach
Thurs, June 5
10pm $10.
at Sideshows By The Seashore
Corner of Surf and West 12th Street