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The city’s parks department this week unveiled a new “mini forest” on a formerly little-used lot on the Williamsburg waterfront. Tucked into the North Fifth Street Pier and Park, the leafy plot is filled with native plants and trees, part of the parks department’s effort to increase the tree canopy across New York City. “The new mini forest that we have planted here in Brooklyn has transformed this lot into a vibrant and unique space for relaxation and reflection, complete with all the trees, shrubs, wildflowers, ferns, and stones that you’d find in a natural forest,” said Parks commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, in a statement. The project was inspired, in part, by Miyawaki Forests. Developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, the tiny, man-made forests are designed to quickly restore natural ecosystems by improving soil quality and closely-packing the space with a variety of native plant species. But Miyawaki forests are usually planted with tree saplings that can take years to grow to full size. In contrast, the Williamsburg mini forest is filled with mature trees, including serviceberry, river birch, black gum, and persimmon; plus native wildflowers, shrubs, and grasses like goldenrod, sweet fern, and butterfly weed. New York City’s first Miyawaki forest opened on Roosevelt Island last year. The forests are known for providing myriad benefits — shade, habitat, and flood prevention — while requiring relatively little maintenance after they’re established. Urban trees provide shade, helping to keep streets and neighborhoods cooler. According to the Parks Department, the section of Williamsburg between North 14th Street and Division Avenue to the east of Lorimer Street contains more than 5,000 trees. Every year, those trees are estimated to intercept more than 6 million gallons of stormwater and absorb 7,500 pounds of air pollution. Constructing the mini forest ran about $200,000. The greenspace sits on what was once a disused lot.

https://www.aol.com/jussie-smollett-reveals-hes-engaged-145810954.html

Bayside cool: Momo Ashi’s bubble tea and charm keep customers coming back – QNS QNS.COM As temperatures climb, Queens residents looking to cool down have a charming and flavorful option tucked away... Tootles & French brings Pride to Ditmars with drag brunches, open mics and happy hour - Astoria Post ASTORIAPOST.COM June 20, 2025 By Shane O'Brien Astoria's Tootles & French will host a variety of events over the next week to... Queens franchise becomes world’s first Guyanese-owned Carvel and Cinnabon – Caribbean Life WWW.CARIBBEANLIFE.COM In the heart of Hollis, Queens, a sweet milestone has quietly taken root in New York City’s melting pot of... In the heart of Hollis, Queens, a sweet milestone has quietly taken root in New York City’s melting pot of culture and community pride: the only Guyanese-owned Cinnabon and Carvel franchise in the world. Romesha Deen, a Guyanese American who immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 3 and has spent most of her life in New York, officially opened the doors to her Cinnabon and Carvel storefront at 205-03 Hillside Ave. in Hollis nearly two years ago. What began as a neighborhood dessert shop has since grown into a vibrant hub of cultural pride, entrepreneurial spirit, and community connection, offering more than just sweet treats but a warm and welcoming space for all. “I’m so proud to represent Guyana in this way,” Deen said during an emotional interview. “When my parents first came here, no one even knew where Guyana was. Now, people come from Brooklyn, the Bronx — even Long Island — just to support us because we’re Guyanese-owned. It means everything.” Deen’s journey to business ownership wasn’t linear. A former marketing and finance professional, she spent years working for major companies like NBC Universal before realizing she wanted more control over her future. “I wanted to be my own boss,” she said. “In the corporate world, someone else is always reaping the benefits of your hard work. This was about building something of my own — not just for me, but for my children.” That mindset, Deen says, was instilled in her by her mother, Maureen — a single parent who put herself through college while raising a family. Deen, who is married to Ken and shares two children, Kyle and Kaitlyn, also credits her husband and children for their unwavering support and the shared success of their business. “She’s the strongest woman I know,” Deen said through tears. “Everything I am, I owe to her.” Now, Deen pours that same energy into her shop, working seven days a week, often from early morning baking shifts to late-night closings. Despite the grind, the community’s support keeps her going. The shop may follow the franchise model, but Deen has infused it with unmistakable Caribbean flair. Last year, she launched a now-beloved feature: Carvel cakes printed with Caribbean flags. It began during Labor Day Weekend, when she hung flags in the shop to celebrate the West Indian Day Parade. The response was overwhelming and hasn’t stopped since. “People come in just for the cakes,” she said. “We’ll make 10 Guyanese flag cakes and they’re gone by Saturday morning.” Other flags, such as those of Jamaica, Trinidad, Haiti, and Barbados, are just as popular. Customers pose for photos with their cakes, sometimes buying them just to celebrate their heritage, even if there’s no party planned. “It’s become a symbol of pride,” Deen said. “And it makes me proud to give people that joy.” The Hollis Cinnabon/Carvel feels different from your average franchise. The walls are bright, the space is warm, and families fill the seating area well past sundown. “We wanted it to feel like a family place — not just somewhere you rush in and out,” Deen said. “People sit, laugh, and eat ice cream together. Even in the winter.” “That was such a huge compliment,” she said. “We’ve worked so hard to make this feel special.” Deen says she isn’t focused on expansion just yet; her priority is continuing to grow the Hollis location and making it the best in Queens. “The goal is to make this store the number one Carvel in the borough,” she said. “That’s what I’m working toward — one scoop at a time.” For Deen, every cake sold, every smile shared, and every flag proudly displayed is more than a transaction. It’s a celebration of where she came from — and where she’s going. The dining area inside the Hollis Carvel is bright and inviting, often filled with families enjoying ice cream together, even in winter

The founder of the Queens Defenders and her husband have lawyered up after they were indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly stealing tens of thousands of dollars from the non-profit organization. Former Queens Defenders executive director Lori Zeno, 64, surrendered Wednesday at the Brooklyn federal courthouse. Zeno was arraigned on an indictment charging her and Rashad Ruhani, 55, with wire fraud conspiracy, theft, money laundering conspiracy and other crimes. Queens Defenders is a Jamaica-based nonprofit that provides free criminal defense to low-income Queens residents through city contracts. In addition to representing thousands of clients, the organization runs programs focused on youth, reentry and alternatives to incarceration.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/18/theater/anna-christie-michelle-williams-off-broadway.html

Just watch some Rick Donovan videos.

https://gothamist.com/news/locals-lament-demolition-of-east-new-york-white-castle-which-was-built-on-toxic-land The shuttering of the East New York restaurant will reduce the number of White Castles in the city to 21 — a marked decrease from 36 in 2008.

Outrageous: Meet the Mitford Sisters at the Center of BritBox’s Sweeping Historical Drama — Plus, Grade the Premiere! TVLINE.COM 'Outrageous' Season 1 premiere recap: Meet the Mitford sisters in Episodes 1 and 2 of BritBox's new...

or so you think...

Liked it, never loved it or found Macht as attractive as others seemed to, and eventually grew tired of it. I don't think I watched the final season (or two).

Anne Burrell — the beloved chef known for her trademark spiky platinum hair, larger-than-life personality and culinary expertise — died on the morning of Tuesday, June 17 at her home in Brooklyn, New York. She was 55. Reps for the star announced Burrell's death in a release obtained by PEOPLE. She is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton, whom she wed on Oct. 16, 2021, and his son, Javier, as well as her mother, Marlene, and sister, Jane, her children Isabella, Amelia and Nicolas, and her brother Ben. "Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered," her family said in a statement. "Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal." A fan-favorite on the Food Network, Burrell was best known as the longtime host of Worst Cooks in America, where her passion for food and mentorship turned disastrous kitchen hopefuls into capable cooks. Her infectious enthusiasm, signature laugh and fierce kitchen skills made her a standout in the world of food television. Born on Sept. 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell discovered her love for cooking early, inspired by her mother’s home-cooked meals and television icon, Julia Child. She studied English and Communication at Canisius College in Buffalo before pursuing a culinary career at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, where she graduated in 1996. Burrell's love of Italian cuisine led her to the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, where she completed apprenticeships and developed a deep appreciation for the philosophies of Italian cooking. Returning to the Big Apple, she worked at acclaimed restaurants including Felidia under Lidia Bastianich and Savoy in Soho, where she honed her craft in Mediterranean cuisine. In the early 2000s, Burrell transitioned into teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education and eventually made her way to television. Food Network audiences first met Burrell as a sous chef on Iron Chef America. Her charisma and culinary chops led to her own Emmy-nominated show, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which premiered in 2008 and ran for nine seasons. From there, Burrell became Food Network staple, also appearing on Chef Wanted, Chopped, Food Network Star, and most recently, the competition series House of Knives, which just premiered in March 2025. Burrell authored two cookbooks: 2011's Cook Like a Rock Star, which made her a New York Times bestseller, and Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower. Outside the kitchen, she was deeply committed to philanthropy. She served on the advisory board of the Garden of Dreams Foundation, was a celebrity ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and was a dedicated member of City Harvest’s Food Council. "I feel so lucky to be able to share my true passion in life with others," Burrell was known for saying. Burrell and Claxton met on Bumble in 2018. "I have to say, I love being married," she told PEOPLE exclusively during City Harvest's 40th Anniversary Gala in April 2023. "We're together all the time because Stuart works from home. It's the being together all the time, but it's also the adventure together."

Tyler Perry Accused of Sexual Assault and Harassment by The Oval Actor Derek Dixon in New Lawsuit TVLINE.COM Tyler Perry is being accused of sexual harassment and assault by an actor on his BET show 'The Oval,'...

A new reality TV series celebrating everyday heroes and acts of compassion received an official citation from the Village of Floral Parkduring a press event on Thursday, June 12, at Heritage Park. “Finding Kindness,” created and hosted by producers Monty Hobbs and Valerie Smaldone ("Valerie smaldone is at the editor's desk" on WINS), is set to premiere July 1 on UP Faith and Family, a streaming platform dedicated to positive and uplifting entertainment. The show, filmed across Queens neighborhoods including Bayside and Flushing and in Floral Park, spotlights community members who go above and beyond for others — including one local entrepreneur who operates a pizza business out of a fire truck.

I assure you, my cock pic is real.

It's supposed to rain all day but stop by 4:00 PM.

German-style halal eatery Döner Haus opens on Bell Blvd. in Bayside – QNS QNS.COM Bayside just added a taste of Germany to the neighborhood with the latest expansion of Doner Haus... Get your K-Pop Fix! Korea Fest heats up LIC this Sunday - LIC Post LICPOST.COM Korea Fest is returning to Western Queens, K-Pop style, for the latest edition of its annual festival at Culture Lab... College Point Restaurant Week is back with 20% off at 21 restaurants – QNS QNS.COM College Point, bring your appetite—Restaurant Week running from June 16 to June 30 is back with more to...

Four prominent members of the Metropolitan Opera’s stable of talent – soprano Janai Brugger, tenor Jack Swanson, baritone Benjamin Taylor, and pianist (and Met assistant conductor) Howard Watkins – will present a recital of operatic works this coming Saturday, June 14, starting at 7:00 PM, on Pier 1, Brooklyn Bridge Park. The event is free; no RSVP is required

Darren Criss’ Tony win made it three years in a row that a Glee grad has claimed a prize at Broadway’s award show. As suggested by THR, could Lea Michele continue the streak with a win next year for her role in the musical revival of Chess? WHO CARES? I SAW THE ORIGINAL PRODUCTION IN LONDON!

I read an article in the athletic that says that major-league baseball has been tracking the drag coefficient on batted balls for nine years and this year is the highest yet but they don't know why. Balls are traveling an average of 4 feet less this year than last season when struck equally well. In other news... I hope he has breath mints... According to Greg Joyce of the New York Post, "Jake Cousins has a UCL injury, but is still in the process of gathering onions, Aaron Boone said." AND... Baseball is a family game - last night the brewers catcher threw his big brother out trying to steal.

I'm watching Honor Blackman's next-to-last AVENGERS episode from 1964 and she just mentioned Meals on Wheels.

I've had a long day... I was about to ask what X is...

Nature meets Pride at Queer Birding event at LIC waterfront park