The Manhattan Times

by Daniel P. Bader

The first business to vacate 4996 Broadway was the barbershop. It closed without leaving a forwarding address for local customers. Then a sign went up in the window of Applause Travel and Tours saying it was relocating to Sherman Avenue. The bodega, Vasquez Grocery, and Last Stop Copy both say they’ll also probably soon close their doors.

by Daniel P. Bader

Ten years ago this month, Marlon Blackman and his rap group Illmatic Disciples were trying to figure out a creative way to promote themselves. Like everyone else, they performed at talent shows and fashion shows and handed out copies of their music on tapes and CDs, but Blackman wanted to do more.

by Marisol Rodríguez

With a scarcity of gallery space in Northern Manhattan, recently disclosed plans to convert a student lounge at Northeastern Academy, 532 W. 215th St., into a student/community art gallery is certain to excite local art enthusiasts.

by Daniel P. Bader

In his last State of the Borough speech before running for re-election, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer reviewed the key issues of his administration and his goals for the future if re-elected, amplifying how the financial crisis is affecting Manhattan.

by Daniel P. Bader & Adam Garrett-Clark

The Palace Pizza Parlor, the venerable pizzeria on Dyckman Street and Post Avenue, has been doing the same thing since 1945 – serving up hot, fresh pizza.

by Marisol Rodríguez

Inwood local Martha Miller recalled an adverse reaction she had to the words printed on a stranger’s t-shirt. “I saw someone with one of these disgusting t-shirts that says, ‘I’m with stupid,’” Miller said. “Yeah, it’s funny and I’m all for freedom of speech and self-expression, but I think what you put on your body matters.”

Ready, set, go!

Salsa, Blues and Shamrocks 5K race set for March 1

On Mon., Feb. 16, President’s Day, a stretch of Wadsworth Avenue at W. 185th Street was co-named in honor of Corporal Juan M. Alcantara, who was killed in Karbala, Iraq in 2007. City Council Member Miguel Martinez joined Alcantara’s family in unveiling the street sign: Corporal Juan M. Alcantara Way.

These are a few of the Web sites and blogs that are helping to build online communities in Northern Manhattan.