From: "Jeff Stark" <jstark@nonsensenyc.com>
Subject: nonsensenyc: 6.23 to 6.29
Date: July 23rd 2010

Friday, July 23
* The Free Cookies Variety Show, Manhattan * Vacation Secret Dance Party, Brooklyn * Brooklyn Dancestand 2, Brooklyn
* Summer in the City, Brooklyn
* Creationizm: The Good (Comic) Book, Manhattan * Wicked City, Manhattan
* Trust Women Benefit, Brooklyn
* Pillowtalk, Williamsburg
* Music and Mayhem, Brooklyn

Saturday, July 24
* The Case of the Girl With Two Bleu Shoes, Manhattan * Come to Shake Outttttt 3: The Sea Giveth, the Sea Taketh Away, Brooklyn * Common Superstitions En Vogue Among Savages, Williamsburg * Dead Herring Cabaret, Williamsburg
* Unnameable Books: Godard, Brooklyn
* Mermaid Lagoon: A Benefit for the Oceanic Preservation Society and the Gulf Coast, Brooklyn * Bushflix Art Party, Brooklyn
* Mister Saturday Night, Brooklyn
* Thunder Gumbo Episode VII: Nuclear Hoedown (The Lost Episode), Brooklyn * Newsonic Garage Sale Party, Brooklyn
* Hey I'm Walking Here, Brooklyn

Sunday, July 25
* Recession Art Elevator Show: Why Neutral, Brooklyn * The Muppet Vault, Willaimsburg
* Third Annual NYC Photo Safari, Manhattan

Tuesday, July 27
* Flick Film Fest, Williamsburg

Wednesday, July 28
* How I Learned I Was Right All Along, Brooklyn * Assembly Launch Party, Manhattan

Thursday, July 29
* Storybook Burlesque Presents: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Brooklyn The Giddy Multitude's Vaudeville, Brooklyn

Wishlist
* Secret Dinner

Spectre
* Post-Earthquake Architecture

Learning
* What to do when stopped by the police

Help
* Slight

NOTE: For some navigation help, or an explanation for what this is all about, scroll all the way down to NONSENSE. You'll find snarky editorial comments and little bits of praise littered throughout this list. These nuggets are marked with all caps, like this: NOTE. Also, we make a lot of mistakes, especially with dates; you should always double check our work. And you can donate to this project at nonsensenyc.com/special.

XXXXX COVER ART XXXXX

Swan dive.

XXXXX FRIDAY, JULY 23 XXXXX

The Free Cookies Variety Show

Hosted by Scott Alexander, who has met all of the performers while giving out homemade cookies from an inflatable couch at random times and locations.

Since last August I have been appearing at random times and locations with a large batch of homemade vegan cookies. I sit on an inflatable couch and offer them to people as they pass by. I announce my location via twitter/FreeCookiesNyc Facebook.com/FreeCookiesNyc Obviously many decline, but it does not hurt my feelings.

It has proven itself an incredibly efficient way to meet people. Greater still, is that the nature of the project does not lead to me simply promoting myself. I give attention, I get attention. Nobody is left out and there is no scene for Free Cookies. Unless of course, you consider curious and friendly people a demographic.

I am still giddy from all the attention I have received, but feel it is only fair to share it. So I’m hosting this variety show, which will feature many of the curious, friendly and talented people I have met. I will of course be baking plenty of free cookies too. Featuring: Scott Alexander (nonrepetitive pop), Alma the Seer (psychic), Ken Jespen (Comedy), Kita St. CyrDave Keating (multitalented), and more.

Suffolk Event Space
107 Suffolk, between Delancey and Rivington, Manhattan 9p doors, 10p show; $5 includes free cookies FreeCookiesNycgmail.com

***** Also on FRIDAY *****

Vacation Secret Dance Party

A Sequel. Dance: Alexander Technique, Aaron K, Trustfund, Hirothajap, Spanky. Hosted by Rachel Laundry, Mikey and Madeline, Lovatron, Brendan Knox, and Ali and Lacie.

Email for location, Brooklyn
$10
21 and over
vacationpartyescapegmail.com

***** Also on FRIDAY *****

Brooklyn Dancestand 2

In the spirit of American Bandstand (or perhaps, more precisely, the original Philadelphia Bandstand). Producer Mike Park (almost sounds like Dick Clark, doesn't it? and am most certainly vying with Mr. Clark as the World's Oldest Teenager ...) presents to you this multimedia show in honor of the TV music and dance classic. This, our second show at Littlefield, will feature the up-and-coming sensational electronic band Phone Home, power pop returners from our first show Dalanshar, and feature artists the great new Latino electronic sensation Navegante. Also, dance to the potent mixes of DJ Mojo and VJ Disco Mic.

Littlefield
622 Degraw Street, Brooklyn
8p-2a; $10 door, $7 online
littlefieldnyc.com/

***** Also on FRIDAY *****

Summer in the City

In response to the recent heat wave, Books Through Bars sponsors a few Friday night Summer in the City films in Freebird's un-airconditioned backyard.

Join us tonight at sunset for Do The Right Thing, that classic Brooklyn sweatfest of overheated temperatures and tempers.

Freebird Books
123 Columbia Street, Brooklyn
Approximately 8:15p; $free
718 643 8484
infofreebirdbooks.com

***** Also on FRIDAY *****

Creationizm: The Good (Comic) Book

At prior Creationizm events we've written a novel in one hour, group painted a huge canvas, created a multimedia installation ... but tonight we draw, ink, color, and letter a whole comic book from scratch (and sniff). Something that takes a year or two to do, we will do in just two short hours tonight at HiChristina. Get all the satisfaction of a major accomplishment with twice the fun and none of the stress. Can't draw? No problem! Just pose in that fabulous super hero stance and be drawn! Come up with character dialogue and make action comic poses. There's a role for everyone tonight! Christina and Fritz guide you through Crash, Bang, Pow, and comic contortionists Matt Mikas and Laura Lee Gulledge will make it all look wonderful.

HiChristina
163 Eldridge
9p; $20
HiChristina.com

***** Also on FRIDAY *****

Wicked City

A decadent dance party to support the build of the Libertine Lounge at Kostume Kult's Burning Man camp. Produced by Morph-Saru (DJ Morphous and Shizaru Zoe), this is a pre-party for Kostume Kult's FreaKKshow next Saturday, July 31, where playa style and wicked city attire is encouraged but not required. Prizes for the best dressed or keep it casual and save your freakiness for FreaKKshow.

DJs spinnging breaks, electro and dubstep on one of the best sound system's in NYC including: DJ MLE, Arrow Chrome, Tarquin, Orion, Morphous featuring ShiZaru, and special guests.

100 percent of proceeds go to support DJ Morphous and Shizaru Zoe's quest to build the Libertine Lounge and rent a banging sound system for Kostume Kult's Burning Man camp.

Club Love
40 West 8th Street, Manhattan
9:30p-late; $10 before midnight, $15 after all night drink specials for anyone in costume

***** Also on FRIDAY *****

Trust Women Benefit

I would love to have this Friday benefit concert listed on Nonsense. I'm the director of the documentary, which has the working title Trust Women: The Story of Two American Abortion Doctors, and the band that's playing is called the Emoticons. Below is all the info for the listing.

Trust Women tells the inspiring stories of Dr. LeRoy Carhart and Dr. Warren Hern, two of the last physicians in the country who continue to perform late abortions -- a vital service that protects women's lives and health–despite constant threats and harrassment.

Linger Cafe
533 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn
7:30-10p; $donation
twitter @trustwomenmovie
trustwomenmovie.wordpress.com

***** Also on FRIDAY *****

Pillowtalk

Pillow Talk is a free live monthly late night variety talk show brought to you by Ariel's Guide to Successful Living. July's featured guests: Best Comedian of 2009 by San Fransisco Weekly Ali Wong, performance artist Rachel Cole, and musical delight Sam Morris. The drinks are cheap. The performers are amazing. It's not complicated.

Kingdom
170 North 4th Street, between Bedford and Driggs, Williamsburg, Brooklyn 9-10:30p; $?

***** Also on FRIDAY *****

Music and Mayhem

Circus party. It's a night of mayhem when musicians combine forces with aerialists and other circus performers for a dance party that doesn't stop. DJs keep it all going till the sun rises. With Communication Corporation, Stumblebum Brass Band, Jangula.

House of Yes
342 Muajer Street, Brooklyn
L train to Grand station
9:30p; $10 admission

XXXXX SATURDAY, JULY 23 XXXXX

Secret Raisin Arthritis Remedy Detective Agency presents:

The Case of the Girl With Two Bleu Shoes

An interactive performance/pursuit where participants will be tailing a person as she leads us through a series of hoops and ladders, beginning in Chinatown.

364 days ago our agency received an anonymous tip that a Girl With Two Bleu Shoes was on the loose. Follow her! the note said. Alas, our own shoes were too wornout and flip flop floppy and she hightailed it into the distance. It’s been a long year of muck muck goose but finally we’ve tracked her down to find the epicenter of her peculiar. Come with us as we tiptoe in her cerulean footsteps, hoping she’ll lead us to the answers we seek.

Data has been meticulously gathered, processed and analyzed. But there is still much to learn about this mysterious dentician. Here’s what we know so far: She wears bleu shoes; she has two feet; and her entire year (perhaps life) has been leading up to this moment. Join us, become a private eye, and together we may answer the following questions: Who is this girl? Why does she wear two shoes? What is her mother’s favorite breakfast cereal? And: What is a Secret Raisin Arthritis Remedy?

We’ll be going deep down undercover as members of the New York vagrant hobo opera community so keep it light enough to travel: just bring your sing-song salty selves, a bit of sustenance for the trip (no telling how hungry these clues will make you), as well as some brown-bagged booze to keep you sharp. You’re a Secret Raisin Arthritis Remedy Detective now, got it? Welcome aboard.

Be sure to wear your least fashionable, most unlovable rags in case we soil ourselves (or have to dive into the gutter to avoid detection) .

Gather with us just off the Bowery in Chinatown, outside Star Dental Song, as we resume our pursuit. And maybe, just maybe-we will once and for all find out who this girl is, and why we’re following her.

Starts at 50 Bayard Street, Manhattan
7p sharp; $free
301 830 2686
1yearfromtoday@gmail.com
facebook.com/event.php?eid=134688676570353

***** Also on SATURDAY *****

Come to Shake Outttttt 3: The Sea Giveth, the Sea Taketh Away

An all-day event of art, music, performance and food at Marina 59, located on Jamaica Bay in Far Rockaway. As part of the show, approximately 30 young New York-based artists were asked to create site-specific works within the marina. Some of the works include old, junked boats that are being painted and transformed into various art installations: among these, the boat Obsession will act as an instrument/recording studio for the band Messages, and a houseboat is being transformed into a haunted house, another into a video projection room with upstairs ‘disco lounge.’ (The houseboats will eventually be renovated and turned into bed and breakfast accommodation at the marina). A live feed using a hydrophone will amplify the natural sounds of the bay. An interactive sound sculpture will be placed upon a floating dock; painted yoga mats will be available for use in conjunction with an original musical composition, and much, much more.

DJs Taka and Shay High will provide a soundtrack to the event during the day and around sunset there will be a live music performance by percussive post-punk Brooklyn trio Lemonade. There will be five two-person kayaks and five four-person motorboats available for hourly rental. The marina has also placed a swimming dock in the middle of the bay, so that as swimmers or boaters approach the dock, they will be able to experience floating sculptures along the way. Local favorites Rockaway Taco, Roberta’s, Veggie Island, and DiCosmo’s Italian Ice will provide food and refreshments for sale, with bar and alcohol on offer from Zablozki's Bar. Rockaway Ferry will provide water taxi service to the event from Pier 11 at Wall Street in Manhattan at 11:45a as part of its regular route to Riis Park. Visitors can also take the A train to 60th Street in Far Rockaway.

Participating artists include: Rebecca Adorno, Sean Bolebruchs, Gabriel Buentello, the Cynthia Brothers, April Childers, Molly Dilworth, Sam Falls and Joe Zorilla, Ry Fyan, Ivy Haldeman, Bryan Harrington, Elizabeth Hart, Natalie Labriola, Andres Laracuente, Molly Lowe, Robbie McDonald, Keegan McHargue, Mollie McKinley, Andy Meerow and Alexis Gideon, Daniel Oh, Maia Cruz Palileo, Todd Pistone, Jory Rabinovitz, Geoff Rawling, Ian Rosenberg and Matt Webster, Kant Smith, Sondra Sun-Odeon, Robert Syracuse, Sam Tierney, Sean Townley, Siebren Versteeg, Skint, and Revel Woodard, among others.

We have to make make this a private party, so we have a password that you will need to whisper at the door to a security guard and it is "there are goats on the boats"

Marina 59
59-14 Beach Channel Drive, Brooklyn
Noon-10p; $?

***** Also on SATURDAY *****

Common Superstitions En Vogue Among Savages

Opening Reception, barbecue, and party. An Enchanted Tiki forest created by Conrad Carlson, Greg Henderson, and Ian Helwig.

Secret Project Robot
210 Kent, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
8p; $free

***** Also on SATURDAY *****

Dead Herring Cabaret

We're doing another cabaret at Dead Herring and it's a benefit for the City Reliquary. We have Corn Mo singing songs, Book Kennison juggling, Kae Burke doing aerial, and Patrick de Vallete and Claudio Carneiro doing clown acts. Jeff Seal and Chris Manley will be hosting. It's gonna be an awesome night and all the proceeds go to the City Reliquary.

Dead Herring
141 South 5th Street, 1E, Williamsburg, Brooklyn 8:30p doors, 9p show; $7-10 donation
cityreliquary.org

***** Also on SATURDAY *****

Unnameable Books: Godard

When they come out, books have parties. Over the first months of their release they'll get a few parties in a few different regions. After that, nothing. What about those books still good past their appointed shelf life? Maybe they should get a party now and then, too.

But this is a cinema series. So we're showing films, and celebrating books related to the films, and bringing in the authors to talk about the books AND the films, years after that initial tiny birth-death cycle of publishing. And we'll be drinking wine.

Tonight is the first installment of this reading/screening party. We'll be showing A Married Woman by Jean-Luc Godard, and celebrating the book Everything Is Cinema by Richard Brody. Brody will be present to discuss the book, two years later, and talk about A Married Woman, 46 years later. And we'll sit outside and have some wine.

Upcoming events in this series will include Cineaste's Richard Porton (Film and the Anarchist imagination) with Vigo and Bruñuel, and Robert Gardner with Robert Gardner.

Unnameable Books
600 Vanderbilt Avenue, Brooklyn
7:30p; $free
718 789 1534
unnameablebooks.blogspot.com/

***** Also on SATURDAY *****

Mermaid Lagoon: A Benefit for the Oceanic Preservation Society and the Gulf Coast

Once upon a time, in a blue lagoon not so far from New York City, there lived a village full of beautiful Mermaids. Famous for their dangerous beauty and bewitching songs, these mermaids were known the world over for their charms and talents used for pulling sailors to their doom beneath the waves. Legend tells that for one night in the deep of summer their lagoon is safe for mortal travelers. They ask only that you make an offering to the Sea, and dance with them.

On Saturday, an alluring and eclectic group of all-female performers will come together for one night only at the House of Yes for the Mermaid Lagoon ocean benefit. Funds will go directly to the Oceanic Preservation Society (creators of the Oscar winning documentary the Cove) and to Gulf Coast clean-up efforts.

Kai Altair will perform songs from her solo EP release: Star of the Sea, and the night will also include spellbinding performances by burlesque beauty Veronica Varlow, Ali Luminescent (Coney Island's Best Mermaid 2009), tribal belly dance by Desert Sin, and sea-themed aerial, fire, and glass walking performances by members of Lady Circus. The evening will feature a bio-luminescent lagoon full of bellydancing mermaids and handmade tropical drinks, with DJ Joey Nova spinning a special cocktail of new wave and electro-bellydance all night long.

House of Yes
342 Muajer Street, Brooklyn
9p; $10
all ages

***** Also on SATURDAY *****

Bushflix Art Party

A total sensory experience, with live VJs, 16mm films, and acoustic improvisations filling a large industrial warehouse space.

Watch VJing and experimental films on three screens in our plush theater seats, or from the balcony lounge while sipping wine. Make out with someone inside the video bubble -- a 360 degree dome completely filled with moving images. Check out analog video experimentation on a wall made out of TVs. Witness vintage 16mm films from multiple clickety-clacking projectors, while listening to old-timey piano playing. Danish duo Mammut Is In Love performs an easy going serenade at midnight.

Bushwick Project for the Arts
304 Meserole Street, Brooklyn
L train to Montrose Avenue station
8p; $5
610 764 7587
bushwickprojectforthearts.blogspot.com/

***** Also on SATURDAY *****

Mister Saturday Night

Mister Saturday Night bades farewell to the Brooklyn Fire Proof courtyard for the summer with a final shindig under the stars. After a run of five great parties we'll be taking a break for a few weeks to recharge, travel, and play some other people's parties aboard and at home.

So be sure not to miss the last chance to get down under the great Brooklyn sky with a taco, a beer, those amazing visuals, Eamon, Justin and our special guest this weekend, the illustrious Chez Damier a man who knows a thing or two about Chicago, Detroit and great house music.

Brooklyn Fire Proof Courtyard
119 Ingraham Street, between Porter and Knickerbocker, Brooklyn 8p-3a; $10 limited advance tickets, $12 before 10p with RSVP, or $15 door mistersaturdaynight.com
residentadvisor.net/mistersaturdaynight

***** Also on SATURDAY *****

Thunder Gumbo Episode VII: Nuclear Hoedown (The Lost Episode)

July 24,1953: The Mayan Day Out of Time. A Hollywood film crew shoots a movie in a Mojave desert ghost town. Only a few miles away, scientists are testing nuclear explosives.

A blast of radiation surges into the film, fusing ancient Mayan magic with Hollywood cowboy conceit. Their film set now exists forever in a world untouched by time. Movie stars, bronco-busters, powerful Indians, and nuclear scientists spend an eternity drinking, smoking, and dancing up a dust storm. Also, they invented dubstep. On the set of Bollywood Glitz -- TG 8, Dr. Adventure bumped into a glowing cowboy whose memory didn't go beyond 1953 who told us all about his jovial, magic Western world. Later Doc had a few depleted uranium infused shots with the cowboy and his buddies, and they invited Doc and the Thunder Gumbo crew for a good old-fashioned hoedown on this year's Day Out of Time. It actually already happened ... or not?

Anyway, be there this Saturday for Thunder Gumbo Episode VII: Nuclear Hoe Down (The Lost Thunder Gumbo). Featuring DJ Tinseltown (special set), $mall ¢hange, Morphous with Shizaru, Mickey Western.

Also: Pirate Cowboy Skulls (Wild East house band), barbecue by Davo, large indoor/outdoor area, and much much more. Come as a cowboy, indian, Mayan time traveler, or nuclear scientist.

The Wild East Saloon
372 Ten Eyck Street, Brooklyn
L train to Grand station
10p; $10 in costume, $15 street clothes

***** Also on SATURDAY *****

Newsonic Garage Sale Party

We've been cleaning up our loft, and we'll be hosting a garage sale party/ veggie barbecue/ early show at Newsonic. There'll be LPs, CDs, books, clothes, and electronics to browse through, as well as veggie burgers, vegan treats, and ice cold beer. There's also live entertainment starting at 5p from electro-rockers Ladybug Stingray, industrial sounds from Pet Bottle Ningen, and avant jazz from the Brian Chase / Seth Misterka duo (Brian plays drums for The Yeah Yeah Yeahs). Throughout the day DJs Selectrick and Suit Machine will be spinning the summer jams.

76 Rutledge Street, Brooklyn
2-10p; $free

***** Also on SATURDAY *****

Hey I'm Walking Here

Longest Streets Walk Part 1. The first of three walks featuring the longest street in their respective borough. Today: Greenpoint to Coney Island, including all of Bedford Avenue. At the finish, we'll catch the end of the Coney Island Sandcastle Contest. 12.5 miles.

Meet at Manhattan and Bedford, Brooklyn G train to Nassau station
11a; $free

XXXXX SUNDAY, JULY 25 XXXXX

Recession Art Elevator Show: Why Neutral

Recession Art is showcasing the work of Alison Wilder in a one-day freight elevator solo show. Wilder will present her installation Why Neutral in the Invisible Dog Art Center elevator shaft. Why Neutral will involve kitchen implements and celebration signage, while doppelgangers provoke each other in the backyard. The installation includes sculpture by Alison Wilder, and video by Rachel Schragis and Alison Wilder.

The Invisible Dog Gallery
51 Bergen Street, near Smith, Brooklyn
11a to 7p; $free
recessionartshows.com/1354

NOTE: Certainly the best elevator in all of Brooklyn.

***** Also on SUNDAY *****

The Muppet Vault

It's a mid-summer afternoon's dream. At least if you happen to be a Muppet fan it is. Come sing and laugh along with Kermit and the gang as Muppet fan sites ToughPigs.com and the MuppetCast present an afternoon of rare gems from Jim Henson's Muppets plus lots of Muppetational fun and games.

Videos will include commercials from early in Jim Henson’s career, clips from the short-lived TV show the Jim Henson Hour, some of the funniest Sesame Street skits ever, and lots of surprises. And what Muppet event would be complete without a little music? Join us for the sing-along portion of the event, as well as Muppet trivia and neat prizes.

The Knitting Factory
361 Metropolitan Avenue, Williamsburg, Brooklyn 2-5p; $5
ToughPigs.com:
cdn.ticketfly.com/i/00/00/02/30/23-atlg.jpg

***** Also on SUNDAY *****

Third Annual NYC Photo Safari

A photographic scavenger hunt. Film cameras, special maps, and cryptic instructions will all be provided. Bring friends and be prepared to explore the city.

The hunt begins in Manhattan and ends in Brooklyn with a rooftop party. Drinks and live music will be provided; your film will be developed, printed, and displayed during the party, and awards will be given out before sunset. Sunday, July 27th, 3pm

RSVP for location
3p Safari, 6p party; $10
nathandavidaustingmail.com

XXXXX TUESDAY, JULY 27 XXXXX

Flick Film Fest

Two programs, 13 films, and a sneak peak at Williamsburg’s new cinema: IndieScreen. Although Williamsburg’s new cinema, IndieScreen, is not yet officially open we just couldn’t wait.

Join us for the one-night Flick Film Fest showcasing 13 local and international short films as part of a sneak peak at Williamsburg’s IndieScreen. Curated by Brooklyn impresario Andy P. Smith (KnifeFight, RIP Bodega), the Flick Film Fest includes 13 local and international short films, split between two hour-long programs, including discussions with some of the festival’s filmmakers.

The Flick Film Fest’s first program will conclude with the hilariously gruesome pilot episode of the animated series HawkTown by Ed Zipco (writer, SuperChief) and Mike Force (illustrator, the L Magazine).

The second program kicks off with Michal Kosakowski’s Just Like The Movies (best short film, 12th Milano Film Festival), an attempt to reconstruct the events of 9/11 by highlighting the parallels between fictive films and the images of real events.

The Flick Film Fest is for adults only. In addition to the mature content of the selected films, both programs include erotic shorts directed by Jonathan Leder (Jacques Magazine). Full program listings are detailed on pages 3 and 4. Come for one program, or come for both! Come early to meet and mingle with the filmmakers.

IndieScreen
285 Kent Avenue, Williamsburg, Brooklyn 8p, 9p; $8-12
Continues
flickfilmfest.com

XXXXX WEDNESDAY, JULY 28 XXXXX

The How I Learned Series presents:

How I Learned I Was Right All Along

Featuring: Aryn Kyle (The God of Animals; Boys and Girls Like You and Me), Jeff Gordinier, (X Saves the World; Details), Leslie Goshko, (Manhattan Monologue Slam Champion; the Liar Show), Lynn Harris (Death By Chick Lit; Break-up Girl). Created, produced, curated and hosted by Blaise Allysen Kearsley.

Happy Ending
302 Broome Street, between Forsyth and Eldridge, Manhattan 7p doors, 8p show; $free
howilearnedathappyending.blogspot.com

***** Also on WEDNESDAY *****

Assembly Launch Party

Assembly, a new cultural journal featuring a mix of fiction, narrative nonfiction, essays, interviews, poetry, art and design, will celebrate the release of its first issue.

Based in Brooklyn and Toronto, the biannual publication explores a wide array of subjects in the social, political, and cultural realms. Content in the first issue, which is currently available in bookstores, includes an interview with the Fiery Furnaces’ Matthew Friedberger; an investigation of the cultural and medical factors behind rising maternal mortality rates; photography and fiction from Toronto; and more.

From 7p, Assembly will host readings and talks from several contributors. Journalist Kashmir Hill will discuss her experience of cyberstalking a New York man to learn more about the limits of internet privacy, and Philip Irwin and M. A. Wallace will read short fiction excerpts. Following the readings, free drinks and copies of issue one will be available at Lolita Bar

Bluestockings
172 Allen Street, Manhattan
7p; $donation
events@assemblyjournal.com

XXXXX THURSDAY, JULY 29 XXXXX

Storybook Burlesque Presents: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

A play within a play within a burlesque show. After taking on the Greatest Story Ever Told with the Bible Show, Storybook Burlesque is back with a send up of (arguably) the greatest English writer, William Shakespeare. And what piece of work would be better for the sultry, lusty final days of July than A Midsummer Night’s Dream. When mortals and fairies enter the woods together with mischief on their minds, there’s no telling what kind of sordid stories they’ll tell upon their return.

To bring this twenty-one character play to life, each of the seven members of Storybook Burlesque will play multiple roles. Each performer will have one solo performance representing a major character in the play as well as a part in choreographed group numbers that use masks, puppetry, and a chorus of fairies to round out this Midsummer production that is sure to stay with you all season long.

Galapagos Art Space
16 Main Street, Manhattan
7p door, 8p sharp; $10 presale, $15 at the door storybookburlesquegmail.com

***** Also on THURSDAY *****

The Giddy Multitude's Vaudeville

All proceeds raised will go directly to a Haitian grassroots women's organization called KOFAVIV, which has been working to end violence against women and to help women who are victimized for many years. Read more here and here In the aftermath of the earthquake, while many people are still living without homes or electricity, while resources are depleted, and social and political structures are falling apart, the job of keeping women safe from sexual and other violence is an even more urgent task. So please come out and celebrate with us as we support this organization that improves the lives of so many.

Secondly, this show is Very Special because I, Busty Kitten, will be performing my very first aerial acrobatics routine. I've been training for about six months now, and it's been hard work, but very rewarding. And my amazing teacher, Kiebpoli Calnek has whipped me into shape and helped me develop an act that I can't wait to show you all next week. And of course, I'll be taking my top off. So, if you've ever thought to yourself, I don't see enough scantily clad women flying through the air on a rope, Now is the time to remedy that.

Of course, I'll be joined on stage by my beautiful and talented co-host, Evangeline and many other amazing artists: Gideon Levy, Junauda Petrus, Sweet Lorraine, Miss Em, and Anabelle Xxah. All routines inspired by theme Disaster.

The House of Yes
342 Maujer Street, Brooklyn
8p; $10
giddymultitude.com

XXXXX UPCOMING XXXXX

• Flux Factory's Going Places Doing Stuff all summer
• Gemini & Scorpio present the Lost Circus, July 31
• Life of Fire, July 31
• 8th annual NYC Musical Saw Festival, August 7

XXXXX ONGOING XXXXX

Nonsense is too long. The great thing about the internet is that it doesn't really cost much to run long listings and exhaustive descriptions. It turns out that's ... exhausting. After several complaints and a little deliberation, we're trying a new format: On the first Friday of the month we will run updated ongoing listings in each section: events, learning, and help. Other weeks we're going for leaner, meaner sections. If you're desperate for something to do on an off-Tuesday night we suggest you either look back a few issues ago in your inbox, or poke through our online archives, which you can find under the subscribe page.

Also, a note about better rock shows. Nonsense does not straight list rock shows in New York unless they occur in tandem with puppet shows or jump rope tournaments or in subway tunnels or in graveyards. For listings of good shows, especially shows that feature independent bands at quality venues like Death by Audio and those booked by hard-working promoters like Todd P or Sleep When Dead, consult resources like ohmyrockness.com, brooklynvegan.com/, sleepwhendeadnyc.com/calendar/, garagepunknyc.com, and eardrumnyc.com. For the most exhaustive list of underground shows at unusual venues, track down a copy of the extremely useful -- and handsome -- Showpaper.

XXXXX WISHLIST XXXXX

What have you been wishing for? Collaborators, grant monies, a new home? Please send brief listings to Alita at alitanonsensenyc.com. We only list available apartments, lofts, studios, and one-off rentals -- not spaces wanted.

***** ARTY STUFF *****

• An Extraordinary Dinner for Two. Who would you invite to dinner? Tell us, and we'll help make it happen. For the last few years, we've hosted elaborate dinners in extraordinary places -- abandoned buildings, historic tunnels, and the ruins of the Worlds Fair. One of the many things that makes the places special is that you're not supposed to be there, so very few people see them. With the help of one of the city's leading experts on public space, we've come across something special even for us: A secret art gallery unseen by anyone except for the artists' who created it. We've been invited to host a dinner for two, and we're now passing along the invite. This is what you get: A four-course formal course dinner served by candle light, by us. A tour of the gallery. And passage into the one of the riskiest spots you could meet for dinner in New York City. You need to wear formal clothes that can get dirty, you need to agree to a complete secrecy, and you need to be willing to take legal ... risks. And, of course, you will be documented. Dinner is very late night on July 27. So, who would you invite? Who needs a challenge? Who needs to see something that very few others will witness? What will you talk about? What's your occasion? And what's your story? Tell us about yourself, and tell us about who you'd take. Email jstark@nonsensenyc.com with SECRET DINNER in the subject line.
• We're now accepting submissions for the seventh annual Conflux Festival, which will run October 8-10. Through an open submissions process, Conflux will provide a platform for artists, urban geographers, technologists, and others to organize and produce innovative activities dedicated to the examination, celebration and (re)construction of everyday urban life. Conflux proposals must be submitted by August 15 ($10 administrative fee). All proposals will be judged based on artistic merit, originality, and feasibility. Check the FAQ for guidelines and details. This year's festival is based on themes of Investigation, Action and Transmission. Conflux participants will transform New York's East Village into a laboratory for creative experimentation and civic action. Through public interventions, artist-facilitated walks and tours, interactive performances and installations, bike and subway expeditions, and more, Conflux artists will confront and rewrite the rules of urban public space. See: confluxfestival.org.
• My friend Nicole has been rescuing a ton of kittens from the streets of Beacon, NY. They need homes! I know you all need a kitten or two in your life. They are all fully vetted. They also has the sweetest fiv positive cat named Hudson. He walks on a leash! He needs to go to a home where he can live without other cats. If I didn¬πt have any other cats I would adopt him. Check out the CCC facebook page for more info on Hudson. Please let us know if you would like some kittens or some full grown really nice cats. Contact Nicole Ganas, info(at)communitycatcoalition.com, 845-541-9989. See: communitycatcoalition.blogspot.com.‚Ä®

***** MONEY *****

• On Tuesday, August 10, the Chocolate Factory Theater will host an information session by the Foundation for Contemporary Arts on an Emergency Grant Program for artists from all disciplines. Come learn about this unique grant program. Emergency Grants are available by application to artists working in all disciplines who have sudden opportunities or unexpected expenses associated with presenting work to the public. A half-hour presentation on the program will be followed by an open Q&A session. Information sessions are free and open to the public.¬†5-49 49th Avenue, Long Island City, 7 to Vernon/Jackson; G to 21st Street/Van Alst, 6:30-8:00 pm. Can't make it? FCA is hosting another information session Tuesday, August 3 at HERE in Lower Manhattan. See: foundationforcontemporaryarts.org
• Dark Allies, a mythic film, kickstarter.com/projects/irenekotnik/dark-allies
• The Relentless, a floating performance venue boat, kickstarter.com/projects/2115247821/the-relentless-artstead-boat-project

**** SPACES *****

• Carroll Gardens Sublet. August 15-September 30. Sunny, colorful apartment with hardwood floors and a good cooking kitchen. One furnished bedroom available in a three-bedroom place. Share with a couple, two respectful grad students in their 30s who ride bikes and get out a lot. The free bedroom gets tons of light and there's plenty of storage and room to work on projects. The apartment comes with wireless internet, lots of tools, and paid utilities, including AC in your room. A block and a half from the Carroll Street F and G station. Rent is based on $900 per month and worth it. That means $450 for August and $900 for September upfront, with a $450 damage deposit. Includes utilities. Contact jstarknonsensenyc.com.
• Live or Work space, Available August 1 or later. Live for $525, or Work for $350 per month, with access to bathroom and kitchen. Two-bedroom apartment off the Jefferson L stop. Big room, natural light, exposed brick throughout the apartment, wood floors, open floor plan, huge bathroom, bedrooms on opposite ends of the space, heat and hot water included. To live: We are a queer couple looking to rent out the front room of our place. The space is private yet shared, as the common space is one large long space, though the bedrooms are on separate ends of the space. We are a grad school student and a working artist. We are looking for someone that is into a restful home/working environment. We would like to find someone we can really feel comfortable with so we are willing to wait till August 15, September 1, or even September 15 if that is necessary. No pets, no indoor smoking. One month deposit. To work: the front room is large. Two big windows. Has its own door from the hall way in order to bring things in and out without dragging them through the apartment. You would have access to the kitchen and bathroom. 24-hour access, we just ask that you do not live in the space at this rate. Contact littlemanlittlevan(at)gmail.com.
• Room available at House of Yes: There is currently a live/work studio space available for $900 a month-- long term renters preferred. If you've been to House of Yes, then you know what the deal is. Performance, dancing, events, and entertainment, all under one roof ... complete with a recording studio, costume shop and aerial circus studio. We are seeking a responsible and artistically inspired female to take over a huge 200 square foot room with a built out loft, window, carpet, the works. This place isn't for everyone, but anyone who is interested in circus, performance, art, music, design or socializing would really enjoy the spot. Please see the craigslist ad for more information: newyork.craigslist.org/brk/roo/1853100003.html. Contact kaeburke(at)gmail.com and please reference Nonsense.
• We'll be gone for August and September, and I need a subletter at the Chicken Hut, at Willoughby and Spencer. The rent is $700 per month with a big ole room and plenty of work/common space. The house is five other roommates, five cats, two turtles, and some fish. In addition, we are looking for a permanent roommate for August as well. Again the rent is $700 but with bills. Contact Greg, wrestlingmask(at)gmail.com.
• Gorgeous great-sized room available for sublet for three weeks from September 10-October 1. Part of a very cute three-bedroom apartment in peaceful Greenpoint, on Leonard Street at Meserole Avenue (equidistant from G at Nassau or Greenpoint, 15-minute walk to Bedford L). Pop around the corner for morning coffee at Eat Records, or breakfast on unreasonably cheap fruit and veges from the local markets. Five minutes from McCarren Park, a stroll to the hipster enclaves of Bedford Ave and Franklin St. Lots of great bars, cafes, and cheap restaurants all right at your doorstop. Roommates are two lovely, busy women in their 20s, one in the film industry, the other a photographer. Lots of artyness. My room is the biggest of the three, and comes with a very comfy double bed, desk, and lots of shelf space. There's also a portable AC in case it's still warm. Our place has been recently renovated and is very homey, with polished floorboards, new kitchen, and a new bathroom. There's als o a lush garden out the back you can enjoy breakfast in or have friends over for beers at dusk. Best suited to a friendly-type, absent of the desire for loud late-night bedroom discos [usual NY soundproofing]. We're all super considerate of each other's needs, so -- this will suit someone clean, and easy-going. Hook yourself up-- $850 for the whole time, which includes utilities, wireless and a household kitty. No couples or pets, sorry. Contact Georgia, hellogeorgia(at)gmail.com.
• August Sublet in Prospect Heights, possibly longer. My furnished room in a large, sunny, well-located (one block from Grand Army Plaza) two-bedroom apartment will be empty for the month of August, and potentially through November. The other room will be emptying for good at the end of August. If you would like to rent a room for part or all of August, or will be looking for a room in September, or would like to rent both rooms come September, or anything in between, get in touch.¬†Photos upon request. It's a nice place. $875 per room. Contact Mark, akawildman(at)gmail.com.
• I am subletting my room from August 12 to October 1 because I am leaving for Europe for the summer. The room is huge and located in one of the best parts of Williamsburg -- three minutes walk to the L Graham Avenue. You would have everything you need in walking distance- cheap supermarket, laundromat, great bars, great restaurants, great butcher shop and great Italian homemade food-fresh pasta, fresh cheeses, brick oven bread, gelato, small and charming boutiques, hardware store and even arts and crafts store. The room is sunlit, has a fire escape, fully furnished. It's a two-bedroom apartment but very private, due to a separate entrance that the current roommate (a wonderful guy named Dave) uses. Rent is from August 12 until October 1st and is $1320. Full payment is required upfront. Contact Zohar, zohar_shoval(at)yahoo.com.
• Room available for month of August -- $650 a month, a great deal. Location is awesome: Park Slope, right off the 16th Street Prospect Park F/G stop. One block from Prospect Park. Super safe, restaurants, 24 hour delis, bookstore nearby. Room is very large 15 by 15, high ceilings and two windows. Rent includes all utilities, internet, Netflix, and a weekly CSA farmshare of fresh vegetables. One roommate, a local friendly barista, and full kitchen with appliances. Please email bakaitis(at)gmail.com.

XXXXX SPECTRE PRIORITY XXXXX

Before we had a name, the Spectre Event Horizon Group used to meet at a bar to commiserate and trade what our business friends like to call best practices. The group has expanded since then, but it remains focused on smartening the crowd mind. There are no subject limits; our favorite is the incredible sci-fi present, or anything that goes toward a better understanding of human behavior and our universe's ecology. Our simple intent is to connect good minds with as much quality mind-blowing information as we can freely locate and create a space for the informal trade of specialized investigative research, presented for the non-specialist.

The Spectre email list, which is a separate group from this column, is a moderated open forum. People are encouraged to join and to post. The list is compiled for Nonsense by J. Sinopoli. Contact us at spectre.event.horizon.group gmail com or spectregroup.org. Here's some of what came in this week:

***** Post-Earthquake Architecture *****

spectregroup.wordpress.com/2010/07/22/post-quake-architecture/

What's Lying Around
earthship.com/haiti-disaster-relief.html earthship.com/aboutus

Earthship n. 1. passive solar home made of natural and recycled materials 2. thermal mass construction for temperature stabilization. 3. renewable energy & integrated water systems make the Earthship an off-grid home with little to no utility bills.

Biotecture n. 1. the profession of designing buildings and environments with consideration for their sustainability. 2. A combination of biology and architecture.

Tires + Bottles + Dirt = House
blogs.wsj.com/developments/2010/07/20/solving-haitis-housing-problem-with-old-tires-bottles/ "Made from used tires, discarded bottles, cardboard, Styrofoam and other waste materials, Mr. Reynolds designs and builds these homes to be essentially energy self-sufficient. Earlier this month, Mr. Reynolds and two builders went to Haiti intending to survey the area to see how they could help. “There was nothing but tents, nothing but cleanup,” Mr. Reynolds says of what he saw in Port-au-Prince. Instead of just surveying the city, Mr. Reynolds and his team ended up building. A non-governmental organization called Grassroots United had gotten Haitian children to collect tires and plastic bottles from the tent camps. Mr. Reynolds himself had one arm in a cast because of rotator cuff surgery, and the two builders with him both got sick from the water and heat. “The three of us were worthless, pretty much,” he says. But 40 locals, ranging in age from four to 50, built an earthship in just four days under his guidance. “They had nothing to do. They were all eager to le arn, and it turns out all the skills we could do, they could do.” The earthship, just 120 square feet, is made of 120 tires packed with dirt -- such tires are the main building blocks of any earthship. Designed to be earthquake- and hurricane-resistant, the Haiti earthship is not completely finished. Mr. Reynolds plans to return in October to add plaster to the exterior and a screened-in veranda with flush toilets, as well as outfit it for solar energy and water collection. He hopes the home will be used as a prototype for more in Haiti, an example of what’s possible. Earthships could be a boon for a place like Haiti, says Mr. Reynolds, where even the capital city has little infrastructure like sewage or electricity. “The most substantial thing I saw down there was a plywood shack,” he says. When he returns to Haiti in October, he plans to find a site where he can build a small village of earthships. “It doesn’t have to be in the city because there is nothing in the city anyway,” he says of the lack of infrastructure. “These buildings would provide their own power, their own water, their own sewage (systems).” Most important, Mr. Reynolds says, is a sense of empowerment instilled in those who helped. “They built the building!” he says. “The real thing that shows it’s possible for them to do it is that they did it.”"

See Also : Post-Tsunami
youtube.com/watch?v=nX0cXnUYXC8
online.wsj.com/article/SB124510435308816591.html Q: Where did you get the idea to use trash? A: Walter Cronkite did a piece on clear-cutting timber in the Northwest. Even in 1969, he predicted massive deforestation would result in wood scarcity and would affect our oxygen levels, things that have become big issues today. Charles Kuralt did another piece on beer cans being thrown all over the streets and highways. So I started playing with beer cans and trying to make them into building blocks. It was a way to kill two birds with one stone. I later decided to try a different material and thought of the mountains of discarded tires that can be found everywhere. Pack them with dirt and they will store energy. Plus they're strong and resilient, so I built an entire house out of them. I went on to add photovoltaic panels, windmills, water collection and onsite sewage treatment.

Q: And you went overseas with your ideas? A: For a while... I went wherever there was a desire to use my ideas. After the earthquake and tsunami in 2004, an architect [from the Andaman Islands in the Indian Ocean] that lived right in the middle of the disaster saw our Web site and asked us to come. Their whole community was just wiped out. We paid the local kids to bring us bottles, and we built a house out of them that collects its own water. We gave the plans to the engineers.

Non-Biodegradables as Building Materials earthship.com/materials/the-offgassing-non-issue-tires-are-hazardous-in-piles-not-earthships earthship.com/materials/green-building-construction-materials "A sustainable home must make use of indigenous materials, those occurring naturally in the local area. For thousands and thousands of years, housing was built from found materials such as rock, earth, reeds and logs. Today, there are mountains of by-products of our civilization that are already made and delivered to all areas. These are the natural resources of the modern humanity. These materials and the techniques for using them must be accessible to the common person in terms of price and skill required to use them. The less energy required to turn a found object into a usable building material the better. This concept is also called embodied-energy.

The Primary Building Block: Rammed-Earth encased in Steel Belted Rubber: The major structural building component of the Earthship is recycled automobile tires filled with compacted earth to form a rammed earth brick encased in steel belted rubber. This brick and the resulting bearing walls it forms is virtually indestructible.

Aluminum Cans and Glass/Plastic Bottles: These 'little bricks' are a great, simple way to build interior, non-structural walls. Aluminum can walls actually make very strong walls. The 'little bricks' create a cement-matrix that is very strong and very easy to build. Bottle can create beautiful colored walls that light shines through.

Resilient: Earthquakes are an issue in many parts of the world. Any method of building must relate to this potential threat. Since earthquakes involve a horizontal movement or shaking of the structure, this suggests a material with resilience or capacity to move with this shaking. Brittle materials like concrete, break, crack and fracture. The ideal structural material for dealing with this kind of situation would have a 'rubbery' or resilient quality to it. This kind of material would allow movement without failure.

Low specific skill requirements: If the materials for easily obtainable housing are to be truly accessibly to the common person they must, by their very nature, be easy to learn how to assemble. The nature of the materials for building an earthship must allow for assembling skills to be learned and mastered in a matter of hours, not year. These skills must be basic enough that specific talent is not required to learn them."

XXXXX LEARNING XXXXX

We look for the sort of classes you circled in college course catalogs but never managed to fit into your schedule. And we also look for the kind of things that no college could teach. Cheap and eclectic is the rule, though all rules get broken occasionally, and we especially love workshops, round-tables, and teachers who won't take your work out of your hands and show you how to do it right. One-time listings are categorized weekly, with general recurring classes listed at the end on the first Friday of each month. We thrive on your suggestions, so make sure to tell us about upcoming classes that you think are nifty-keen.

Learning is compiled and edited weekly by Libby Sentz. Send listing suggestions, announcements, and corrections to her at libbysentz(at)me.com.

***** LEARNING: FRIDAY ****

What to Say/Do When Stopped By the Police

You'll practice shouting "I don't consent to this search," speed walking, and getting into the head of New York's finest. The Constitution does matter and does protect us in ways often invisible from sidewalk level. Come find out how what you say when you are annoyed with a cop for stopping you can help or hurt you in court. The School of the Future is in a park by a freeway. Visit site for more details.

School of the Future
Sgt. Dougherty Park, Greenpoint
3:30p; $free
schoolofthefuture.org

***** LEARNING: Also on FRIDAY *****

Street Food and The Cellar: Tacos and Wine with the Taco Truck

You love tacos and you love wine, but how often do you have them together? Chef Roberto Santibañez takes his tacos out of the truck and into the kitchen, where he will tell you about building a street food following, demonstrate techniques for making authentic Mexican classics at home, and prepare a flight of tasty treats for you to enjoy. We’ll choose an accompanying flight of wines that compliment and contrast the fresh, bright flavors of this master chef’s cuisine, and you’ll walk away ready to up the ante next time someone asks you to bring the wine to Taco Night.

The Study at Astor Center
399 Lafayette Street, Manhattan
6:30-8:30p; $55
astorcenternyc.com

***** LEARNING: Also on FRIDAY *****

Free: Hacking Couture

What happens when we use a brand's code to distribute our own message? Activist group GAIA will be collaborating with Hacking Couture in this workshop. Hacking Couture is a platform for launching new fashion creations through an open source approach of reverse engineering fashion brands and making the code available online. Hands on workshops encourage participants to create using the codes regardless of their level of fashion knowledge, and to engage in the larger fashion conversation. By understanding the coding of established fashion, this project provides a platform to empower participants to step up and create.

Eyebeam
540 West 21st Street, Manhattan
7-9p; $free
eyebeam.org

***** LEARNING: Also on FRIDAY *****

Three-Day Kongolese Dance Workshop

Titos Sompa leads this special weekend dance workshop, featuring master drummer Teber. Drop-ins welcome.

NYR Studios @ Workmen's Circle Building 45 East 33rd Street, First Floor, Manhattan Friday 6:30-8:30p, Saturday 2-4p, Sunday 2-4pm $18 single, 2 classes $30, 3 classes $45 212-686-5020
eugidemay(at)gmail. com

***** LEARNING: SUNDAY *****

Free African Dance

Abdel R. Salaam leads a free African dance class with a funky twist Thursdays.

St. Martin's Episcopal Church
230 Malcolm X Boulevard, Harlem
7:30-9p; $free
212-289-2057

***** LEARNING: MONDAY *****

Free Hoop Dance

Hoopnotica instruction and a fun area for experienced hoopers to play (weather permitting). Hoops provided thanks to the 34th Street Partnership, but if you have your own, please bring it.

Broadway above 34th Street
In front of Macy's
6-7p; $free

NOTE: We tried this and, while we maybe didn’t learn much about hooping, what fun! The live drumming enhances the experience.

***** LEARNING: TUESDAY *****

Free: Freshkills Park Talks: Innovative Parks for Resurgent Cities

For many years urban parks across the U.S. sank into decay and disuse. However, as cities have begun to rebound (and as evidence of the economic, cultural, and health benefits of parks grows), investment in these valuable facilities has swelled. Many new parks are being built in surprising places, like rooftops, old railyards, highway decks, covered reservoirs, and widened stream valleys--and the leader in the movement is New York City. Find out how the urban parks movement is transforming cities for residents, families, commuters, and visitors alike. Led by Peter Harnik, director of the Center for City Park Excellence at the Trust for Public Land in Washington, D.C. Lecture will be followed by a reception in the Arsenal’s roof garden. Seating is limited, and RSVPs are required.

The Arsenal (in Central Park)
830 Fifth Ave, Manhattan
6:30-8p; $free
212-360-1324
rsvp(at)parks.nyc.gov
nycgovparks.org

***** LEARNING: TUESDAY *****

Hipster Hop

Hipster-Hop is a fruity cocktail of hip-hop, jazz dance, and aerobics in one, whether you are a serious dancer, just need a good workout, or are looking for some new moves to show off at the club. American Apparel clothing encouraged, but not required. Please no shoes that will scuff the floor. Also, the studio can get hot, so wear light, comfortable clothing. Taught by Sid Maudlin, (HoBot/Fischerspooner).

Triskelion Arts Space
118 North 11th Street, Williamsburg
Third Floor, Studio B
5:30-7p; $15 ($12 per class if you buy a five-class card) Sign up via email: sidmaudin(at)mac.com

***** LEARNING: WEDNESDAY *****

Creative Screenwriting: The Horror Movie

So, you want to write a horror movie? A knack for the creepy helps, but it’ll take a little more than some blood and guts on screen, or a collection of cheap scares. This class will examine the history of the genre and study the techniques of some of the masters of horror and explore the different sub-genres. The instructor, screenwriter Pete Jensen, will help students pick an idea and develop it, employing elements of the craft of screenwriting (narrative structure, character development, theme, proper screenplay format, etc.), while also exploring thrill-inducing storytelling techniques that send chills up the audience's spine. Students will receive the screenplays to some of the hottest yet-to-be produced horror movies circulating Hollywood. While the focus of the class will be on creative storytelling and craft, you will also get some helpful tips on how to market and pitch your idea when it’s finished. Class time will include lecture, watching clips from horror films , writing exercises, and workshopping student work. (Mention Nonsense NYC when you register, deadline July 23, for a 10% discount.)

Third Ward
573 Metropolitan Avenue
6 Wednesdays 7-10p; member $200, nonmember $250 3rdward.com/classes

***** LEARNING: Also on WEDNESDAY *****

Windowfarms: Dinner Workshops

Get prepared for the fall harvest. Bring your dinner after work and come to Swing Space to start your seeds, plan your system, and prep your bottles with the Windowfarms team. Presented by current Swing Space resident Britta Riley. Wednesdays.

LMCC’s Swing Space
156 William Street
6:30-8p; $25 materials fee
RSVP to info(at)windowfarms.org (homework before class)

***** LEARNING: Also on WEDNESDAY *****

Creating a Business Plan for Filmmakers

Elliot Grove (creator of Raindance Film Festival in 1993, the British Independent Film Awards in 1998, and Raindance.TV in 2007) presents this class to enable you to prepare a business plan for presenting to industry funding sources and to private investors. Once you have scoured film festivals looking for new talent, settled on the next hot director, and found that absolutely terrific script, you need to prepare a plan of attack to get the money to shoot your film.

This workshop will run through the basic essentials you will need, both to present your project to industry investors, and to private investors. Open to writers, directors, producers, actors, filmmakers, cinema lovers, and anyone with an interest in how movies are made and who seek a basic introduction to the filmmaking process.

Millennium Film Workshop,
66 East 4th Street, Manhattan
7-9:30p; $49
raindance.org/site/creating-a-business-plan-new-york

***** LEARNING: THURSDAY *****

Chickenomics: The Art of Raising Chickens

Fresh eggs and high-quality fertilizer are just two of the many benefits of having your own chickens. In this class you will learn the basics of raising urban chickens: how to build henhouses and coops, heating needs, types of food, keeping pests away, nurturing chicks and hens, and collecting those first eggs. There will be handouts for resources in the metropolitan area as well as online sites. Led by Rose Unes.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden
1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn
6:30–8:30p; $26 member; $31 nonmember
bbg.org

***** LEARNING: Also on THURSDAY *****

Free Creative Writing 101

Gotham Writers’ Workshop presents a free, basic creative writing class, led by Danny Goodman.

Barnes & Noble
150 East 86th Street, Manhattan
7-8p; $free
writingclasses.com/CommunityEvents/index.php

***** LEARNING: NOTICE *****

Brooklyn Skillshare 2010: Call for Teachers

BKSS is looking for teachers for this year’s Brooklyn Skillshare to be held Saturday, October 9th, 2010 9a-4p in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Anyone can apply, no teaching experience required. There will be five blocks of hour-long classes going on (with four to five classes per block—so that’s 20 to 25 spots to fill). Proposal forms are required; email brooklynskilshare(at)gmail.com.

***** LEARNING: UPCOMING *****

*July 31: GlowCamp Unconference at NYU’s ITP. Manhattan. glowcamp.org.

• Sept. 11-12: Native American Drum Making Workshop with Vernon Foster at the The Children's Aid Society. Manhattan. 917-686-4385. nyshamaniccircle(at)gmail.com

XXXXX HELP XXXXX

It is a wonderful thing, to help. Helping strengthens communities and allows you to meet new friends. With that in mind, we look for one-day volunteer opportunities with no long-term commitment required. We want to be open to fresh ideas and think of help in a broad way. These listings could include anything from a large-scale day-long service project to a local theatre company that needs volunteers for load-in; from an artist looking for film extras to a community garden that needs a few extra hands. Our goal is simply to help groups or individuals that serve the greater good in small but significant ways. Unique and interesting job opportunities are acceptable fare for this section as well. Looking for ways to help out? Need volunteers to get your own community project off the ground? Know of any existing opportunities? Send your requests to Rob Voigt at robpastyvoigt(at)gmail.com.

***** HELP: SOON *****

Mock Interviews

The Way to Work is in need of volunteers to help our participants prepare to meet potential employers through mock interviewing sessions with individual young people. If you are a current professional or a former professional this is a great opportunity to help make an impact. If you are interested in this opportunity and would like to set up a session, please get in touch.

52 Broadway, 6th Floor, Manhattan
Mondays and Thursdays, 1:10-3p
Kondomar Herrera, 212-823-1029 or kherrera(at)vfinyc.org

***** HELP: SOON *****

Arts for Children with Cancer

A new non-profit seeks professional artists to tutor and mentor pediatric cancer patients in the arts. Tutors will travel to local hospitals or places of treatment to help cancer patients ages 8–18 who are artists regain the joy of their art in their time of need. We are looking for visual artists, writers, musicians, dancers, actors, and more to help kick off our program.

Please send your résume, a brief statement about your artistic experience and why you would like to volunteer, and a recent photo. Thank you.

bit.ly/bTeMLN

***** HELP: SOON *****

CoolRoofs

NYC Service and Green City Force invite you and your group to join us in making New York City greener and greater by coating rooftops white. Help cool New York City by joining NYC CoolRoofs in coating 1 million square feet of NYC rooftops with a white, reflective coating. White roofs improve air quality, reduce roof and building temperatures, and create net energy savings. To participate, you must be at least 18 years of age and prepared to spend the day on a roof in the sun. All volunteers are provided with training and safety instructions before getting started. Get your colleagues and friends out for a “cool” experience – sign up now.

Volunteer opportunities are available Monday through Saturday from 9am to 3pm until October 16th. Please contact us if you’re interested.

coolroofs(at)greencityforce.org
(718) 923-1400 x287
nyc.gov/coolroofs

***** HELP: SOON *****

Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island

Our program is seeking people to volunteer in scenic, historic Coney Island. We serve home-bound seniors all over Brooklyn by connecting each of them with a friendly, warm, and committed volunteer who visits them for an hour a week. The seniors are looking for someone to chat with and help them feel less isolated from the "outside world.”

Currently there are several fantastic elderly individuals in the Coney Island area who are waiting for a caring person like you - this is a perfect opportunity for those who live near Coney, or for anyone looking to make a difference in a home-bound senior’s life. Just one hour is all it takes. For more information, please give us a call or e-mail.

k.sadeh(at)jccgci.org
718-449-5000 x2212
jccgci.org

***** HELP: SOON *****

The Innovative Theatre Foundation

The Innovative Theatre Foundation was created to bring recognition to the great work being done in New York City's Off-Off-Broadway, to honor its artistic heritage, and to provide a meeting ground for this extensive community. The organization advocates for Off-Off-Broadway and recognizes the unique and essential role it plays in contributing to American and global culture. We believe that publicly recognizing excellence in Off-Off-Broadway will expand audience awareness and appreciation of the full New York theatre experience.

We produce the New York Innovative Theatre Awards and related events, and are seeking volunteers, production assistants, interns, and organizational staff for our 6th annual Awards Season. Please see our full posting for more information on our programs and how to volunteer.

bit.ly/cHDi1X
nyitawards.com

***** HELP: APPLY by JULY 23 *****

Hip Hop Generations

Dancing in the Streets seeks committed volunteers to help us successfully culminate our Hip Hop Generation Next 2010 series. Participants will have the opportunity to work at Centrifugal Force: Hip Hop Generations at Lincoln Center, a historic site-specific performance and cipher. Centrifugal Force features 75 dancers representing four generations of hip hop artists.

We are looking for volunteers to fulfill various roles. At Lincoln Center, we need people for stage management, artists’ services, and audience management. At the After Party Benefit we need assistant stage managers and greeters to help out. Volunteers receive a T-shirt, recognition on our website, an invitation to attend an open rehearsal, and the chance to work with world-renowned artists.

Please apply by July 23. Orientation will be on August 10, with the performance scheduled for August 15. If you’re interested, please e-mail for an application and more information.

Katherine Lebron, klebron5(at)gmail.com with the subject “VOL”

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Up in the butter.