Seal Saved Off Staten Island
Just after 4 p.m. today we got word that marine specialists were working to rescue a seal that had became entangled in a floating piece of debris, and was spotted bobbing around trying to free itself. SILive reports that it had been stuck since yesterday evening, according to locals. Now WCBS reports that the seal, who hit this aquatic obstacle off Staten Island in Raritan Bay, has been reunited with his freedom! His heroes allegedly enjoyed a high-five after their rescue efforts proved successful. But where were they when this other Staten Island seal was traumatized by a barking dog?
Gothamist Call for Interns
We're looking for more enthusiastic interns to work out of our Brooklyn office (or sometimes from the comfort of your own home/dorm room, depending on the task at hand) through the Spring/Summer. Responsibilities vary widely, hours are flexible. Bloggers, journalism students, English majors, autodidacts, quick wits, and anyone with a passion for NYC and the skills to write about it are encouraged to drop us a line. No pay, but some perks and college credit available. For more details inquire within, and please email your resume, availability during the week and any other relevant information to [email protected], subject "internship." (No attachments, please.)
City's Grossest Industry Doesn't Pay Enough
“I’ve been knee deep in raw sewage at 7:15 in the morning, and let me tell you, it don’t smell like Folgers in your cup,” griped Anthony Mongiello, one of many city sewage workers up in arms over his industry's longtime wage freeze. Because of union foibles, some sewage plant employees haven't gotten a raise in fifteen years, reports the Times. Their average salary has continued to hover around $42,000, while their private sector counterparts are sometimes paid twice as much. “It’s disrespectful,” said Michael Enright, an 18-year sewage plant veteran. “I’ve got to change bearings and seals on million-dollar pumps with raw sewage flowing between my legs, and we make less than an auto mechanic.”
Artist Dropping Coin In NYC For Over 30 Years
Have you ever found one of these little tokens? Artist Beriah Wall (pictured) has been making them in his Brooklyn home for decades—each one containing his initials, the year, and a phrase. He began making them in 1977, after he used a similar ceramic coin to announce his marriage. Wall, now 63, tells the NY Times that he's likely dispersed hundreds of thousands over the past few decades, leaving them not only around New York City, but California, Africa and Tibet, as well. Currently he grabs a bunch whenever he leaves the house and drops them along his journey that day. His latest batch read: "Stuck in Brkln," which he explains: "I came to New York with stars in my eyes thinking I’d hit it big, and here I am, stuck in Brooklyn.”
Dutch Kills Residents Don't Want Hotel
The Dutch Kills Advocacy League is speaking out against Developer Steven Bahar, who wants to build a nine-story hotel between two two-family homes on 27th Street. The Daily News reported from a Board of Standards hearing yesterday, where the League cited Bahar's missing a key zoning deadline, but Bahar says stop-work permits kept him from pouring the foundation on time. Bahar, who has already spent about $2 million on the project, said "They're using anything and everything they can to stop these midrise buildings." Neighbors have complained the construction has already damaged their homes, one saying "The damage he will do if he's allowed to continue will be astronomical."