Kevin FarleyGood morning, East Village.
The Washington Post reports that the army has charged eight soldiers in the death of Pvt. Danny Chen. Though it’s unclear whether the death of Pvt. Chen, who grew up in Chinatown and the East Village, is still being considered a suicide, the charges include involuntary manslaughter, negligent homicide, dereliction of duty, making a false statement, maltreatment, and assault.
Bowery Boogie points out that thanks to some new projects from meatpacking district restaurateurs, the Lower East Side has been increasingly referred to as the Lower Eastpacking District, a term The Local’s editor coined back in 2006.
Boogie gets word that the last day for Billy’s Antiques is Jan. 1.
Gay City News reviews “Accidentally, Like a Martyr,” a “contemporary work that examines the ever-changing ways gay men relate to one other,” now playing at Paradise Theater. It has its affecting moments, but also some false notes and missed opportunities.
Today at 8 p.m., the Bell by Bell parade starts at Tompkins Square Park. Per the Daily News: “Tom Peyton will hand out color-coded hand bells to the crowd, while a team of conductors wave corresponding colored flags to lead the group in music during a march through the East Village.”
The Daily News ranks Prune chef-owner Gabrielle Hamilton’s memoir, “Blood, Bones & Butter” as one of the best books of 2011.
Grub Street sends word of a 2-for-1 oyster happy hour at First Street newcomer Prima.
Huffington Post reports that HBO has canceled “How to Make It in America,” a show set in large part on the Lower East Side, along with “Hung” and “Bored to Death.”
Finally, congrats to EV Grieve on four years.
