Ringgold looks to give back to Harlem through art [CS]
Harlem grandmother wounded by stray bullet has message for Mayor Bloomberg: Clean up my neighborhood [DN]
Plan for share-a-ride reduced cab fares moves ahead, TLC says [DN]
In Obama’s footsteps: Struggling actor offers tour of Barack’s New York ‘lost years’ [PHILLY]
A Flood of Applicants to a Shrinking Police Dept. [NYT]
Schools’ Grades Reflect Persistent Disparity [NYT]
New York Is Set for Strict Stand on D.W.I. Cases [NYT]
NY passes new foreclosure protections [CRAINS]
South Africa Is Divided on Gesture by Educator [NYT]
Bridges and tunnels may soon stop accepting cash in favor of E-ZPass [DN]
US Postal Service ends popular Santa letter program in Alaska [DN]
Enjoy your holiday with family and friends from your friends at UF!

By: Housing Works
If you live in Harlem, you might see Joe C* riding by on his bicycle. He bikes seven days a week from his home at Stand Up Harlem House down to 96th Street. He puts his music on (really low) and heads south for 45 minutes, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow riders along the way.
Joe doesn’t own a bicycle, but as a resident of of Stand Up Harlem, one of Housing Works’ residences for low-income people living with AIDS in New York City, he can check out a bike any time he wants. He represents one of the first satisfied customers of a pilot program that brought bikes to the residents. While Joe is the most avid rider of the group, other residents have also enjoyed biking.
“It’s really freeing for me,” Joe said. “You see your city in a different way. I feel healthier. When you walk after riding a bike, you feel sexy.” Joe was diagnosed with HIV in 1993, and said he’s in the best shape that he’s been in since, thanks to the daily exercise.
The biking program is the brainchild of Housing Works CFO Andrew Coamey. Inspired by public biking programs seen throughout Europe, Coamey thought residents at Housing Works facilities should enjoy the benefits of biking. He hoped the program would encourage exercise among residents and give them freedom to explore the neighborhood.
Through the Housing Works donations department solicited the four bikes for Stand Up Harlem. Coamey is hoping to expand the program to Housing Works’ other housing units throughout the city.
A reader wrote in and wanted some advice about purchasing a unit in the new PS 90 Condos in the upper 140s. Perhaps some of our real estate experts can chime in and enlighten us.
I was called for my second interview and asked to select an apartment, but 300K seems like so much money for a so-called “affordable” unit. And it’s a studio. They’re asking 450-800K for the market rate units. In this economic climate. How likely is it that they’ll sell for that much? So why can’t the lottery folks negotiate prices?
Michelle Cruz has been living in El Barrio since she was a little girl, and she wanted a place for the community to call its own, at the same time, Carrie Spindler was working in HR on Wall Street but dreaming of something sweeter and more delicious. Now these two entrepreneurial ladies are joining forces for delicious results!
Come sample a full line of fresh-from-the-kitchen home style cupcakes, cakes and pies as well as delicious coffee drinks at the East Harlem Café. Our launch event takes place this Saturday and we’d love to see you!
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2009, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: 1651 Lexington Ave, corner of 104th
The Black Nutcracker
Hidden deathtraps: After Flushing fire and 200K complaints, divided apartments still run rampant [DN]
Federal oversight of subways proposed [WP]
Long-time Harlem business owner has no plans for retirement [AMNEWS]
For Some Smokers, Even Home Is Off Limits [NYT]
Money Trickles North as Mexicans Help Relatives [NYT]
More New York High Schools Get A’s [NYT]
Thanks to the recession and the $40-a-day stipend people are now
calling up and requesting to serve, apparently. [NYP]
Unfriend is US dictionary’s ‘09 word of the year [ABC]
‘The Black Nutcracker’ is a modernized rendition of the holiday classic ‘The Nutcracker’. The ‘Black Nutcracker’ will feature an eclectic blend of music from the original Tchaikovsky score, Duke Ellington, The Commodores, and live African drummers.
The dance styles will be equally as eclectic showcasing a range of styles from classic ballet to the Cha-Cha Slide.
The show is choreographed and produced by Robin Williams, a former principal dancer with the Dance Theater or Harlem and founder of the Uptown Dance Academy in Harlem.
There will be three performances on Tuesday, December 22 at 10 AM, 12 PM, and 4 PM. Tickets are $7 per person and can be purchased at Uptown Dance Academy offices at 167 East 121st Street.
Uptown Dance Academy
167 East 121 Street
212-987-5030
www.uptowndanceacademy.com
One of our favorite family owned businesses in Harlem is T&J Cafe on Seventh Avenue. Known more for their black and white cookies and tortes than their night life, T&J’s art lined walls and faux-leather sofas and back always seemed destined for more.
The owners seemed to agree. Every Friday night T&J will be hosting “Speakeasy Fridays.” For a $10 door fee you will get a complimentary cocktail. There is also food, drinks, and music to round out the scene. Sounds like a great first stop on your Friday night adventures.
T&J Cafe
2569 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. @148th St.
212-234-5662
A little over a year ago we reported the closing of Charles’ Southern Style Kitchen. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes Charles’ has reemerged in its former location, freshened up and ready to serve its loyal patrons their favorite ‘all you can eat’ dishes. As many can attest, Charles’ pan fried chicken pulled hot out of the oil is legendary in Harlem.
Charles’ Southern Style Kitchen
2837 8th Avenue btwn. 151st and 152nd
212-926-4313
The Studio Museum in Harlem has unveiled a suite of more than 50 paper illustrations of Harlem. Wardell Milan’s Drawings of Harlem opened on November 12 and will run through March of 2010.
Studio Museum in Harlem
144 West 125th Street
212-864-4500
www.studiomuseum.org
Hr. Wedn, Thurs, Fri. Sun 12-6 pm
Sat. 10AM-6PM
Suggested donation $7 adults, $3 students and seniors. Children under 12 FREE
First Saturday of the month is FREE and every Sunday has FREE admission sponsored by Target.

Gael Greene visits one of Harlem’s newest eateries and shares her thoughts about the ambiance and cuisine.
Read her review here
Posted using ShareThis
In Need of Cash, State Requiring Drivers to Buy New $25 Plates [NYT]
A Woman’s Tough Climb to the Police Force [NYT]
Report Says Foster System Keeps Children Too Long [NYT]
Prison loophole for killers closed [NYP]
Two-Year Colleges, Swamped, No Longer Welcome All [NYT]
The Studio Museum in Harlem [PAPERMAG]
Green housing targets parolees, homeless [CS]
Does Hollywood Still Have a Brown Paper Bag Test? [ROOT]
New Rules Would Restrict Overdraft Fees on Debit Cards [NYT]




























