Over the weekend, the low-flying, scary sounding "Shrike Commander" plane was busy collecting images for what will be the most detailed map of New York City ever. The images are collected by a sonar-like laser system, which shoots out laser pulses from the aircraft and measures how long it takes for the pulses to return. The data will be compiled into a comprehensive map and used to assess everything from flood prone areas to neighborhoods in need of more trees. They couldn't just use GoogleMaps? more ›

It's been almost a year since Peter Shapiro, the jamband impresario who formerly operated the beloved progressive nightclub Wetlands during its final years, opened Brooklyn Bowl, an audaciously massive concert, bowling, and dining venue in an old Williamsburg warehouse. Shapiro and his partner Charley Ryan sunk millions into the LEED-certified project, which brings together live music and bowling under one roof, often simultaneously. Visiting Brooklyn Bowl on any given night gives the impression that their gamble paid off; the lanes are packed; the menu, by Blue Ribbon, is comfort-food gold; and most bands seem delighted by the bifurcated space, which provides them with a dancing, general admission crowd at their feet and 16 lanes of bowling off stage left. (The sound is also stellar.) more ›

Last year a NY Times article announced that former Wetlands owner Peter Shapiro and manager Charley Ryan were opening up a 20,000-square-foot bowling alley/performance space in Williamsburg called Brooklyn Bowl. Gowanus Lounge now reports that the alley will be ready to open as early as this fall...and it will be conveniently located nearby Williamsburg's only other bowling alley! more ›