Coney Vid: Fred At Coney Island

Fred Brown of Brooklyn Review rides the Cyclone and celebrated it's 81st birthday along with Miss Cyclone herself.

Fred at Coney Island

Description:
Riding the Clyclone Roller coaster

Posted by FredBrownJr [YouTube]

Bollywood Skate Party At Dreamland

Bombay meets Hollywood kitsch extravaganza! Sway your hips to the Bollywood's upbeat disco beats and catchy musical films!!! Featuring a few fabulous spectacles of performance art from Cara Yeates' fascinating one woman multimedia show "Bye Bye Bombay" Cross-Cultural Fusion! Dance to DJ Tspoon's unique hybrid sound of east and west.

Bollywood Skate Party!!!
Lola Staar's Dreamland Roller Skating Rink
Friday Aug 29th, 7PM!!
$12 ($10 reduced) admission/ $5 Skate Rentals (or bring your own)
Dress in Bollywood glitz attire - colorful saris, bindis and patterns
for reduced price admission!!
All Ages!!

Saturday Night Fever Heats Up At Dreamland

Boogie to the disco classics of Saturday Night Fever and more!

Get ready for Roxy's fantastic DJ Julio to set your polyester skate moves on fire with his disco lovin' stayin' alive tunes!

Relive the fever with the screening of Saturday Night Fever movie throughout the night while you roller skate!!

Saturday Night Fever
Lola Staar's Dreamland Roller Skating Rink
$14 admission ($12 if you dress in disco glitz attire)
$5 Skate Rentals!!
21 and over!!

Freakaluja! More Progress At Coney Museum

The Coney Island USA construction blog chronicling the progress of the new and improved Coney Island USA Freak Bar and Museum is excited about the place being as close to done. From a roof over their bathroom to a new museum neon widow display.

The roof went up on the bathroom this week. It's one of the last major pieces of the puzzle. From here, we go on to getting all the light fixtures up and working on all the tiny details. But this marks the moment when we can actually start thinking about the place as close to done!!

* * * * * *

The main hanging light grid will go in on Monday or Tuesday, but today we've got some really beautiful detail lighting.

New Improved 'Last Summer' At The Sideshow

From the Coney Island USA website:

Welcome, friends, to the all new and improved last summer of Coney Island!! The Sequel, for your entertainment!

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!

Open Wednesdays thru Friday
2pm-8pm
weather permitting!
Saturday and Sunday, 1pm-9pm,
Monday, Labor Day, 1pm-9pm
weather permitting!
$7.50 for adults, $5 for children under 12
at Sideshows by the Seashore Corner of Surf and West 12th Street
Coney Island

Coney Vid: Topsy's story: "Persist" by All India Radio

Topsy's story: "Persist" by All India Radio

Description:
Born Free USA and All India Radio have teamed up to spread the word about our work on behalf of circus elephants in the U.S. All India Radio has allowed Born Free USA to use animator Lucy Dyson's critically-acclaimed video to their song "Persist", which tells the sad story of Topsy, an abused circus elephant, tragically put to death by Thomas Edison in a public electrocution at Coney Island in 1903. Things haven't changed much for elephants in the circus since then. Visit www.bornfreeusa.org to find out more about the video and Born Free USA's Elephant Defense Fund. Special thanks to All India Radio and Minty Fresh Records.

Posted by BornFreeUSA [YouTube]

Never Ending Waits For Those Nathan Dogs

It's an irritable known fact that during the peak of the season one has to wait endlessly in the various queue lines at Nathan's at Coney. Serious Eats New York takes a closer inspection at another epic New York food line - they write:

Lines at Nathan's are something else entirely. There are multiple queues, and you never seem to pick the right one. Some are long, and some are short. They are all inefficient. The view is unremarkable at best (a dirty and shuttered Surf Avenue) and unpleasant at worst (a shirtless guy's sweaty back). And in the end, you get a nothing-special hot dog that costs $3.25.

First mistake: Getting in the shortest line on the side of the building that faces Stillwell Avenue. It's apparently for drinks only. A sign stating as much would be nice. For a lobster sandwich (it's not so much a roll, as it's served on a sesame-seed burger bun), we were pointed vaguely "over there."

Second mistake: Standing in line with the girlfriend for 15 minutes before realizing the line we were in only handled the seafood orders. I would have to go to the west wing of the building to queue up for a dog.

Third mistake: Picking the shortest line. It was short for a reason. Because all the smart people had funneled to lines that actually moved.

Maybe we need more of those hot dog vending machines for the quick fix.

You can follow the discussion on the Coney Island USA message board.

Image courtesy of Chrysophylax (Flickr.com)

Old Memories From The Coney Island Houses

Here's a rather new website that focuses on the memories of Coney Island from a group of friends who lived at the Coney Island Houses in the 1960's. The Coney Island Houses holds wonderful stories with more to come on an era of Coney Island long gone.

I have so many memories... where do I begin. How about all of us riding the Surf Ave bus to Nostrand Ave, headed to Jahn's for the kitchen sink? Playing Johnny on the Pony against the red brick house in the Big Park, or the make-out sessions in Jodie's house, with her parents sound asleep in the next room LOL. Joey, you having a crush on my mom and I remember that you used to blush so bad every time you saw her! Hanging out sometimes at the "Spot" in Sea Gate, Tuesday night fireworks, pizza at Larry and Vinny's, or the knish place. The back room at Nathan's. Oh my gosh, I could go on and on. If only we could go back to those days...Garguilo's. Do you all remember when we were cheerleaders at the "Y" for the basketball games, the outfits, learning the cheers? Oh my gosh...come on guys, let's hear some more memories. - Audrey Blackburn

Howie Gresh working at the Nathan's corn stand 1969.
Photo by Charlie Denson.

Larry Rosenblum and Holly Stern on the Boardwalk 1968.
Photo by Charlie Denson.

"Little Fugitive" 2006 Screens At Coney Island Film Society

Coney Island Film Society screens "Little Fugitive" 2006 version.

LITTLE FUGITIVE is a contemporary re-imagining of the beloved 1953 classic originally directed by Morris Engel, Ruth Orkin and Ray Ashley, and is an homage to Coney Island and its history.

Following the screening of LITTLE FUGITIVE, Joanna Lipper will be joined by moderator, Kevin Baker, author of Dreamland, Brooklyn Borough historian, Ron Schweiger and Dick Zigun, the founder of the Coney Island Circus Sideshow and head of Coney Island USA (also known to many as the "Mayor of Coney Island") for a panel discussion about the amusement Park as it appears in the film during two eras: the 21st century and the early 20th century in the film’s archival sequences.

2008 Coney Island Film Festival Official Selections Announced

The 8th Annual Coney Island Film Festival has announced the list of official selections for this year's festival. The festival is this September.

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!

Custom Skate Airbrushing at Dreamland!!

If you get that vintage retro feel in your system...take out those old skates, dust them off, and getting them airbrushed with a new look...then take put them through a test run at the Dreamland Roller Rink.

Just bring your skates to Dreamland on Saturday Aug 30th between 3PM and 6PM and watch your roller skates transform into a Skate-a-licious work of art!!

Designs starting at $10!

Learn To Skate The Lola Way

Come roll out your best through the fabouloso master skater James Singley at Lola Staar's Dreamland Roller Skating oasis in non other than Coney Island.

From Fabulous Dreamland Events:

SKATE CLASSES!! BEGINNING THIS WEEK!! Learn to skate from the exuberant and fabulous !! You will learn to master the basic skate skills of: stopping, turning (numerous variations), skating backwards, and couples skating.

Saturdays 12 noon to 1PM (beginning Aug 30th)
All this and more for just $20 ($5 skate rentals or bring your own!)
Just send an email to Dreamland@LolaStaar.com to reserve your spot today!!

More Waterboarding Media Thrills

Here are two video reports of Steven Power's Waterboarding Thrill Ride exhibit in Coney Island. The first by The New York Post and followed by Al Jazeera's English reports.

"Waterboard Thrill Ride" - New York Post

Description:
Art exhibit simulation in Coney Island reenacts a controversial interrogation practice used by the U.S. government.

Posted by NYPost [YouTube]


A controversial 'attraction' - 25 Aug 2008

Description:
A historic US amusement park in New York has added a new, controversial attraction highlighting the US military's alleged use of torture methods at Guantanamo Bay. Al Jazeera met its creator.

Posted by AlJazeeraEnglish [YouTube]

Coney Vid: Coney Island Summer Of '08

Nice Coney vid with a nice song.

coney island summer of '08

Description:
Just for fun. Music: Viva La Vida Cover by boyceavenue

Posted by oikakzo [YouTube]

Online Coney Date Turns Deadly

Making a date online turns for the worst when a popular car dealer in Coney Island Brooklyn meets up, instead, with armed men who lure him off the roof of a building and shooting him.

The New York Daily News reports:
Daniel Brandt, 24, who worked at an Infiniti auto dealership, thought he was going to meet the new girlfriend at the Sea Rise apartment complex there. Instead, he was confronted by two armed men around 1 a.m., police said.

"He had been in a conversation with a woman and he was going to meet her," a police source said. "He thought he was hooking up with the female."

The source said Brandt was lured up to the fourth floor of the tower, where the gunmen robbed him of his cash and other property then shot him once in the head.


Brooklyn man makes date, meets a bullet after being lured to his death [NY Daily News]

Finally, The Coney Movie We Didn't Know We Were All Waiting For

Here's the trailer of "Save Coney Island: The Movie". You can subscribe to the filmmaker's (who are at this point anonymous) YouTube page for updates or visit their MySpace site for all the upcoming info.


Save Coney Island Movie Film Trailer

Description:
When Thor Equities, an infamous real-estate company, threatens to build condominiums on Coney Island's core amusements, Amos Wengler, the troubadour, must keep the spirit of Coney Island alive with a song before all the memories fade forever. The life, spirit and essence of Coney Island explode on the screen as the film explores the inter-dynamics of Coney Island's social life. Enjoy the trailer and check out the music video.

Posted by SaveConeyIslandMovie [YouTube]

Coney Vid: Coney Island: Playground of the World

Coney Island: Playground of the World

Description:
Images of Coney Island with Music.

Posted by egulvision [YouTube]

Coney Events: Neighborhood Walking Tour Series: Coney Island

From the NYC.gov website:

This could be the final season for the famous and infamous "Coney Island" as we know it. Join us for a look at the "Nickel Empire," when five cents took you to a whole new world. Bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes. The tour will last approximately two hours.

Neighborhood Walking Tour Series: Coney Island
Sunday, September 7, 2008
10:00 a.m.
Location: Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk
Meet at the Boardwalk in front of the parachute jump.Brooklyn

'Freak Accident' At Shoot The Freak

Image courtesy of Rubys Host (Flickr.com)

Rubys Host tells KC about a 'Freak Accident' at the popular Coney attraction - Shoot the freak. As Rubys Host explains, apparently there is a new kid working in the Shoot the Freak pit called the 'zone' dodging paint balls. At one point when a customer had finished playing and put his gun down - the customer's child grabbed the gun and shot the unsuspecting kid working as the 'freak' and nailed him in the eye and was rushed to Coney Island Hospital. No word yet on his condition.

Coney RetrObooth: Manhattan Beach Hotel

This photo from the George Eastman House Collection displays the grand beach front lawn that sprawled out from the magnificent Manhattan Beach Hotel in 1905. Just one of the few luxury hotels in Coney Island, the Manhattan Beach Hotel was a high class resort built in 1877. The Coney Island History Articles by Jeffrey Stanton writes:

August Corbin, a rich banker acquired title to the Manhattan Beach Hotel. It was built on the far eastern shore of Coney Island. Architect J. Pickering Putnam set its nearly 700 feet long front with its covered verandas and acres of manicured lawns facing the sea. It was considered the most elegant and fashionable hotel in the United States. It featured 258 lavish rooms, restaurants, ballroom and shops. When Ulysses S. Grant delivered the dedication speech for the hotel's grand opening on July 4, 1877 the event and the free fireworks show drew such huge crowds that it overwhelmed Corbin's railroad. And those who once thought that Corbin overpaid for the land changed their minds and pitied Littlejohn for selling so cheap.

Original photo courtesy of George Eastman House (Flickr.com)

Eye On Coney: Stillwell Station Bank Gets Vintage

As spotted by Tricia who posted this picture on the Coney Island USA message board show, the new Bank of America coming to the the long-emptied store spaces at the Stillwell Station has put up some vintage Coney photos on their glass display. Rumor also has been for a while that a Basin or Dunkin Donuts will open at one of the station stores soon.

Coney Vid: Torando Roller Coaster

Here's a fresh look found via Gowanus Lounge, at some rare footage of The Tornado (previously named The Bob's) Roller Coaster was built by the Thompson Company and sat on the corner of the Bowery and Stillwell Avenue. It was lastly operated by the Bonsignore family until it burned in 1977.

BOBS / TORNADO roller coaster CONEY ISLAND, NY

Description:
The "Bobs" was one of many thrilling roller coasters that existed during the 1920's at Coney Island in Brooklyn, NY. Later renamed "Tornado", the coaster met it's fate in 1977 when it partially burned. It sadly never reopened. I do not know who took this video clip. It was one of many that I have had on an old VCR tape for many years. It is only posted here for all us You Tubers to enjoy a glimpse of the past.

Posted by swampfoxer [YouTube]

Coney Events: Love Boat Party At Dreamland Roller Rink

Roller Skate to the Nautical Beats of DJ DuctTape as she spins Seaside Skate Classics from the 80s!! the Golden Age of Disco!! The sassy 70s!! and a few yummy modern skate anthems!!


Love Boat Skate Party!!!
Friday Aug 22nd
7PM
$12 ($10 reduced)
$5 Skate Rentals (or bring your own)
Dress in Naughty-cal attire for reduced price admission!
All Ages!

Coney Events: Ziggy Stardust Skate Party

DJ Julio will spin other world-ly skate anthems from Bowie and beyond!! Ziggy Stardust and other rare and unusual Bowie films will be screened as you roller skate through the mystery of the Glittering Stardust!!

Dress in Bowie Glam for reduced admission!

Ziggy Stardust Skate Party
Saturday, August 23rd 2008
7PM
$14 admission ($12 Reduced)
$5 Skate Rentals
21 and over

"Ugly Betty" Goes To Coney Island

Images by Switchback (CIUSA message board)

"Ugly Betty" was filming in Coney Island this week as posted by Capt Nemo and Switchback on the Coney Island USA message board. Eyewitness News reported on the "Ugley Betty" filming in Coney Island . Click the image below to watch their video of the report.

KISS Rock Group Saves Coney Island...or rather...Phanton Park.

This video found via the SciFi Scanner website.

KISS Comes to Coney Island

Description:
The heavy metal rock band KISS is known for its outrageous antics, but nothing they've done has been crazier than battling Frankenstein and Dracula in KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park.

Coney Waterboarding Thrill Ride Turns Real

Photo courtesy of Sam Horine.

The Coney Island Waterboarding Thrill Ride's artist gets on the waterboard slab and tries out his own 'thrill ride'.

The Gothamist reports:

The artist behind that animatronic Waterboard Thrill Ride on Coney Island finally fulfilled his dream of making the simulation a reality last Friday night. A professional interrogator, Mike Ritz, wearing a black ski mask, black fatigues and combat boots, waterboarded Steve Powers and three lawyers for a small audience of invited guests (photo after the jump). Art Forum reports: "Ritz then stuffed a large black rag into Powers’s mouth, held the artist’s nose with one hand, and poured a steady flow of water onto the rag like a frat boy pours a pitcher of beer. After about eight seconds, Powers began to twitch and jerk on the table, and Ritz quickly removed the rag. Dazed and flushed, the artist was led out of the room... The woman, an assistant state attorney general, seemed to last the longest."

Waterboard Thrill Ride on Coney Island Gets Real [Gothamist]

"Little Fugitive" 2006 Screening At Coney Island Film Society

From the CI Film Society:
LITTLE FUGITIVE is a contemporary re-imagining of the beloved 1953 classic originally directed by Morris Engel, Ruth Orkin and Ray Ashley, and is an homage to Coney Island and its history.

Lipper's film portrays Coney Island today from a child's point of view and includes archival footage sequences narrated by Lenny, who, like Lipper, is fascinated by the park's history.

Following the screening of LITTLE FUGITIVE, Lipper will be joined by moderator, Kevin Baker, author of Dreamland, Brooklyn Borough historian, Ron Schweiger and Dick Zigun, the founder of the Coney Island Circus Sideshow and head of Coney Island USA (also known to many as the "Mayor of Coney Island") for a panel discussion about the amusement Park as it appears in the film during two eras: the 21st century and the early 20th century in the film’s archival sequences.

Coney Events: The Coney Island Hall Of Fame 2008 Induction Ceremoney

From the Coney Island History Project:

This year’s inductees: Granville T. Woods, Inventor, William Ward, Coney Pioneer, Woody Guthrie, Activist Songwriter, and Astroland Park

The Coney Island Hall Of Fame 2008 Induction Ceremoney
Thursday, August 28th 2008
12 Noon
at the Coney Island History Project History Center
located beneath the Cyclone Roller Coaster
1000 Surf Avenue (W. 10th Street)
Coney Island - Brooklyn
FREE ADMISSION FOR ONE AND ALL!

Coney Vid: Coney Island / Astroland

Coney Island/Astroland

Description:
A day at Coney Island

Posted by daritter82 [YouTube]

Coney Events: All Points Coney

From Dreamland events:

Lola Staar's Dreamland Roller Rink wil be hosting a fabulous day of FREE live music on the Boardwalk in front of our Roller Rink.

Bring a picnic basket and bask the sunshine on the beach as you listen to incredible music performed by Lola Staar's favorite New York City and Brooklyn bands!

All Points Coney
Saturday, August 23, 2008
On the Boardwalk in Front of Dreamland!
(21st Street and the Boardwalk)
FREE!

2008 Coney Island Film Festival Poster Design

Selections for the 8th Annual Coney Island Film Festival will be announced here, on August 23rd.

1st Annual Coney Beard & Moustache Competition

Found on Gowanus Lounge here is the 1st Annual Coney Island Beard & Moustache Competition. An e-mail sent to GL reads:

Donny Vomit in association with Coney Island USA presents:
The First Annual Coney Island Beard and Moustache Competition! All are welcome to enter the competition in the following categories: Best Beard Natural, Best Beard Styled, Best Moustache Natural, Best Sideburns, and Best All Around! Pre-Show and Registration begins at 7 PM at the Freak Bar! With live entertainment including: Razor Shaves with Michael Haar: Consorial Artist, come early and get a clean shave!…Awards and Variety Show at 10 PM in the Sideshow Theater. A unique show of NYC’s best bearded performers including: Donny Vomit, Master of Dementertainment and Sideshow Arts, Cowboy Chris McDaniel, NYC’s best Ropin’ and Whipin’ artist, Black Scorpion-the Bearded man with lobster hands, Nic Sin-the world’s smallest escape artist and MORE! Registration and cover to the show only $10, so come on down friends and be a part of Coney Island history! No beard is too small, no moustache is too long!

Coney Made Festival Vids: "Freak Dreams" & "I Wonder"

The 8th Annual Coney Island Film Festival for 2008 is coming up next month: September 26th through the 28th. Here is a look at a short film by Chris DePierro and Amanda Jencsik that played at last year's festival. DePierro's first short for Coney Island, "I Wonder", won the best made-in-Coney short Film for 2006 Coney Island Film Festival.

Freak Dreams

Description:
Freak Dreams Short Film - Coney Island Film Festival 2007Starring Amanda Jencsik and Chris DePierroDesiree Jencsik sings FreakDream Song

Posted by TheChrisShow [YouTube]


"I Wonder" Winner at the Coney Island Film Festival!

Description:
Winner of the "Best Made in Coney Island" Film at the Coney Island Film Festival 2006Starring Amanda Jencsik - Karlee Gabrielle Hoffer - Chris DePierro

Posted by TheChrisShow [YouTube]

Coney Island's State Of Crime

The Coney Island Newspaper that was unfortunately never published for the greater Coney Island had recently looked into the crime status in Coney Island. The article written by Ben Nadler reports lower crime overall at Coney Island.

Beach Hit Hard by Theft
August 6, 2008 by coneynews

During the three-week period ending July 13, the 60th precinct — which serves Coney Island, Brighton Beach and Bensonhurst — saw a 44.1 percent increase in grand larcenies and 17.8 increase in robberies, compared to the same period last year.

Most of the grand larcenies –– there were 24 of them in the second week of July alone — took place on the beach, precinct officials told The Coney Island News. The crime being reported most frequently was the theft of wallets, handbags and other valuables left unattended while their owners were taking a dip in the ocean.

Police officials strongly encourage those visiting the beach to avoid becoming victims by making sure not to leave any valuable items left unattended on the sand, even for a short time.

The year to date has seen 7 percent rise of crime in general over last year. Robberies are up 7 percent and grand larcenies are up 8.5 percent, while felony assaults are up 17.9 percent.

Nearly a quarter of these felony assaults took place in the last two weeks of June.

At this time last year the precinct had just seen its first murder of the year, whereas in 2008 there had already been two. There have been seven rapes reported so far this year, whereas in 2007 there were seven for the whole year.

Still, murders and rapes in particular have fallen dramatically over the past two decades. The 60th precinct saw 21 murders and 52 rapes in 1990, 24 murders and 54 rapes in 1995, and 16 murders and 45 rapes in 1998. Last year, the precinct saw four murders and seven rapes.

Coney Island is dramatically safer than it was in years past. At the end of 2007, crime in general was down 18.16 percent from 2001, 46.38 percent from 1998, 58.92 percent from 1995 and 75.87 percent from 1995.

The Coney Island News was going to launch in July, 2008 as a bi-weekly newspaper serving the greater Coney Island area. Due to some unfortunate circumstances, however, the paper was never published. - Ben Nadler

Coney Vid: "Little Fugitive" 2006 Remake Trailer

Though this remake of the critically aclaimed orginal 1953 black and white film "The Little Fugitive" by Ruth Orkin and Morris Engel - this Joanna Lipper's 2006 remake was made in Coney Island it was not submitted and/or presented at the Coney Island Film Festival. The original version was nominated for an academy award for best writing. The remake did not make much noise.


Little Fugitive - Trailer

Description:
Directed by Joanna Lipper. A powerful tale about the bond between two young brothers, Little Fugitive, a re-imagining of Morris Engel's beloved 1953 classic, will be available on DVD for the first time in September 2008 from Cinema Libre Studio. Set in present-day Brooklyn, Little Fugitive tells the story of brothers Joey and Lenny who, like most siblings, wishes the other would disappear forever. One day, both boys are forced to discover what it might really feel like if this wish came true. (Directed by Joanna Lipper)

Posted by SeaWallEntertainment [YouTube]

Coney Made Festival Vids: "Eternal Flame" Music Video

The 8th Annual Coney Island Film Festival for 2008 is coming up next month: September 26th through the 28th. Here is a look at a music video that played at last year's festival.

Some more of last year's Coney Island 2007 Festival vids coming up.

Eternal Flame

Description:
A circus-themed burlesque music video for Joan As Police Woman, ETERNAL FLAME is the ultimate fire hazard. Welcome to a world where mermaids dance with octopi, fire breathers rule the night, and the Statue of Liberty knows how to sing. Girls are buried up to their necks in sand while boys do back flips and dazzle dancers perform in a puppet show without strings.
ETERNAL FLAME has screened at dozens of film festivals worldwide and is currently airing on MTV Europe.
Directed by Student Academy Award nominated filmmaker Leah Meyerhoff.
http://www.eternalflamevideo.com/

Posted by leahmeyerhoff [YouTube]

Roller Rink Photo Slideshow By Kevin C. Downs

Visit Kevin C. Downs Photography's photostream for all his marvelously talented work.

Disney Castle Comes Coney...Thor Inflatable Style

Image courtesy of Rubys Host (Flickr.com)

As part of Thor Equities and their Summer of Hot Air Hope has have inflated a Disney castle within the other character inspired inflatable kiddie attractions which cost $2 to have your children bounce in. As Rubys Host tells us, the rest of their lot is still empty.

Coney Events: Dreamland's Purple Rain Skate Party

From Dreamland:

The Roxy's Fabulous DJ Julio will spin you into purple roller skating heaven with a rainfall of songs from Prince and his hairspray doused 80s Contemporaries as Purple Rain plays on the big screen!

Dress in Prince Inspired 80s Glam for reduced admission! Purple Satin! White Ruffles! Silver spa rkle! Fishnets!! Work it!!!!


Purple Rain Skate Party!!
This Saturday, Aug 16th! 7PM
7PM!!
$14 admission ($12 Reduced)
$5 Skate Rentals!!
21 and over

CNN Report On Coney Waterboarding Attraction

Jeanne Moos for CNN reports on Steve Power's Waterboarding Thrill Ride attraction at Coney Island that has received so much press.

Coney Island exhibits animatronic waterboarding - Jeanne moos

Posted by subscribe2me4more [YouTube]

Traditional Coney Sideshow For Modern Times

Image courtesy of NY Times
click image to see behind the scenes shot (courtesy of Reuters)

A few weeks ago the World's Smallest Woman came and left Coney Island almost unnoticed. This week a new kind of sideshow appears at Coney Island. A sideshow and thrill ride for the mind and not so much for the body. Steve Powers who says he has installed many works at Coney Island brings us a honky tonk version of animatronics in tradition with the toilet vomiting man already a fixture here. This time the mechanical figures simulate an interrogation procedure known as waterboarding. A practice used by the US government in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on alleged terrorists in what looks like a creepy torture chamber.

Image above courtesy of wallyg (Flickr.com)

The New York Times writes:

In interrupting a day at the beach with scenes of the United States government’s rougher practices, Mr. Powers is being deliberately provocative. “What’s more obscene,” he asks, “the official position that waterboarding is not torture, or our official position that it’s a thrill ride?”

The installation which has made national news and has spread like wild fire all over the internet looks, from the outside of W. 12th Street next to the Sideshow by the Seashore, like an empty storefront with one set of barred windows and a drawing of Sponge-Bob being tortured and exclaiming, "It don't Gitmo better!". You feed a dollar into a slot and the lights come on and the mechanical figures one tied on a slab and blindfolded is getting water poured down his nose while the black hooded interrogator administers the torturing.

Sure, a bit on the macabre side for a family attraction but this is Coney Island. And these are the kinds of bizarre oddities and alternative way of thinking that Coney has been always about. Not to say that Coney is about displaying negative emotions - on the contrary. But creative work and fun small time attractions from artistic and passionate individuals is what has always made up that Coney character around here.

Coney Island Sideshow Has Guantánamo Theme [The NY Times]
Guantanamo theme at NY Coney Island sideshow [New York Newsday]
Gitmo theme for Coney Island sideshow [The Seattle times]
Step Right Up to The 'Waterboard Thrill Ride' at Coney Island [Fox News]
Waterboard Thrill Ride Makes a Splash at Coney Island [Gothamist]
Surf’s Up: Go Waterboarding in Coney Island [Gowanus Lounge]
Animatronic waterboarding exhibit at Coney Island [Boing Boing]

Thor's 'Summer Of Hope' Full Of Hot Air

Image by Capt Nemo (Coney Island USA message board)

Thor Equities is back with its insatiable love for cheap inflatable attractions. Last year it was the inflatable Hippo water slide and the inflatable outdoor movie screen. But now some kiddie bounce-house type party attractions have been set up on Thor's lot. Unless they will be used for a private function these are a cheap shot to the character of Coney Island. This season’s 'Summer Of Hope' promised rotating attractions in Coney Island until Labor Day weekend. But while most of that promise fell short – this only shows that Thor Equities lacks the kind imagination to come up with what’s exciting - or at least more suitable for Coney Island - especially after demolishing what was on those lots before.

Image by Capt Nemo (Coney Island USA message board)

Now Thor is trying to capitalize on popular children’s characters. If they had half that imagination they would use them as a come-on to more interesting things like The Waterboarding thrill ride by Steve Powers. A sideshow instillation that is much more in tune with the Coney character of today. Power’s come-one gives us Sponge Bob saying “I don't Gitmo better”

Photo by AnimalNY (click image to enlarge)

If a temporary inflatable kiddie park is what Thor wants to bring for the remainder of the season they should shop around for more interesting inflatable attractions like this inflatable roller coater. It even bestows one full loop. Okay don't get all excited, this is looks to be some sort of obstacle course, not a real roller coaster.

You can follow the discussion on the Coney Island USA message board.

The New Coney News Source Is Dead In The Water

Well, unfortunately what was going to be a new news source exclusively for the greater Coney Island is not going through. The Coney Island News was a newspaper slated for printing this month. But after a long delay in printing the editor decided to call it quits. Ben Nadler who wrote for Kinetic Carnival a few months ago working on the paper. The editors of the Coney Island News had previously published The Sea Gate Beacon.

Ben Nadler says:

This sad decision was forced due to unfortunate external circumstances outside of his or my control. Needless to say, I am quite disappointed, both for myself, and for the community, which deserved such a newspaper. I would like to thank everyone who took the time to speak with me,
and help me with the paper.

The paper planned to reach a readership of 50,000 throughout all of South Brooklyn including: Coney Island, Sheepshead Bay, Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach, Coney Island, Sea Gate, and Gravesend. They were to be placed in high-traffic street boxes, banks, convenience stores, restaurants, gas stations and other public locations with high traffic volume. The publishers also planned to produce high quality news content for their readership with excellent opportunities for advertisers to reach all of South Brooklyn. The publication would have also contained wonderful resources for the all of Coney Island like: Classifieds, Sports, Business, Opinions, Obituaries, and lifestyle as well as some world and national news and entertainment.

However, some of the articles already written will be posted here on Kinetic Carnival. As Nadler stated, some aspects of the articles may already be somewhat dated, but he feels they are still of interest to the Coney Island community.

Coney Events: Free Kilsy Concert At Astroland

FREE Kilsy Concert @ Astroland
Friday, August, 8th
8:30 pm
in Coney Island
1000 Surf Avenue (btw 10th St & Jones Walk)
Fabulous fireworks display at end of show!
www.MySpace.com/Kilsy

Kilsy After Party at Lola Staar's
Dreamland Roller Rink
3052 West 21st St and the Boardwalk
in Coney Island
Roller Skate to 80's New Wave Roller Skate Classics
Kilsy fans receive half price admission!
Rent skates or bring your own!
Admission $10 ($5 for Kilsy fans), $5 skate rentals
www.DreamlandRollerRink.com

Roll Into The 80's At Dreamland

Click image to enlarge

From Dreamland Roller Rink:

Live out your 80s Flashdance dreams in Roller Skates at Dreamland this Saturday Aug 9th. The film Flashdance, shown on the big screen, will inspire you to put on the ritz, bust a move, and get jiggy on the rink floor like nobody's business!!!

DJ MomoTaro will be spinning Roller Dance Classics from the Neon Flashdance Era! Dress in Flashdance 80s fabulous attire for reduced admission! Feathered hair, blue eyeshadow, leg warmers, dance gear, roller skates... bring it on!!!!!

7PM!!
$12 admission ($10 Reduced)
$5 Skate Rentals!!
21 and over

Coney Vid: Some Coney Island Memories

Found on Gowanus Lounge this short film from Mike Nubie takes a look back at some wonderful Coney memories by some of those who were there when Coney was truly alive.

Documentary - Coney Island

Documentary - Coney Island from Mike Nubie on Vimeo.

Forgo Nathan's Long Lines For Hot Dog Vending Machines?

Image by Captain Nemo (Coney Island USA message board)

There are new vending machines in Coney Island y actually grill as you wait for you hot dog. Though not a Nathan's dog - you get a Kosher frank in under 90 seconds. The vending machines are quickly becoming big business by the Kosher Vending Industries LLC. The vending machines are expected to be placed in about fifteen hundred different locations in the next two years. The machines also dispenses mozzarella sticks, knishes, vegetable cutlets and other Kosher delights.

The New York Times reports:

The vending machines are called Hot Nosh 24/6. “To make it a little Jewish sounding we called it nosh, and we added the 24/6 to give a little cuteness to it,” said Doron Fetman, who with his partner, Alan Cohnen, created Kosher Vending Industries.

You can watch a CNBC video on the Kosher Vending Industries website here.

Thor Equities Site Disappears

As of yesterday and today The Future of Coney Island website seems to have gone down as pointed out by Sandy Dee on the Coney Island USA message board. Weather it's temporary or will coming back up is anybodies guess at this point.

Coney Vid: Coney Island Adventure

Coney Island Adventure

Description:
Dani, Craig, Caroline and Conor explore Coney Island in Brooklyn during the off-season (March 2008).

Posted by thewidewideworld [YouTube]

Ticket To Nothing At Coney Island

Image by Captain Nemo (Coney Island USA message board)

As the Thor Equities 'Summer of Hope' finally runs on empty, two lonely tickets booths remain on the Thor lot. In the last few days and weeks the rides and attractions that made up the 'Summer of Hope' and for a little while changed the Coney Island skyline are now a memory. Despite the general feeling around Coney this summer that business is down, these rides were meant to be here for a short stint.

Now, upon seeing the empty dirt lot once again, we hope Thor Equities at least lay down some asphalt on that filthy ground for their next temporary come-and-go, every-where-else carnival attraction(s).

Coney Vid: A Slice At Totonno's The Best NY Pizza

Totonno's, New York's Best Pizza thus the U.S.

Description:
Totonno's Pizza in Coney Island is one of New York's Best if not thee Best Pizza in Town, thus the U.S. Brooklyn Pizza. Real Neopolitan Pizza. Thin blistering Crunchy Crust. Does Keith Richards like it? How bout Paris Hilton? We know James Starace does, as do Millions of New yorkers and other Americans.

Posted by hemypicasso [YouTube]

More Of Thor's Temp Attractions Leave Coney

The World's Smallest Woman grind show brought in by Thor Equities is now leaving left the area over twelve days ago after being here in Coney Island for about a week according to Tricia who posted about it on the Coney Island USA message board.

Tricia writes:

If the intention was to draw business away from Dick, it didn't succeed. Here's a pic of a crowd watching the bally at CIUSA last weekend.

Today (12 days ago) the lot was empty again, waiting perhaps for the arrival of the other sideshows that Thor promised "to alternate throughout the summer" for his so-called "Summer of Hope." Yet to arrive are the 100 lb Rat, The world's Largest Alligator, and the World's Largest Horse mentioned in Thor's Summer of Hope/Dreamland Returns press release back in May.

Note: We appoligize to Tricia for not being accurate in this post and therefore we have made the above corrections. You can read her comment to this post below.

Images courtesy of me-myself-i (Flickr.com)