Meagan Kirkpatrick

Good morning, East Village.

The Times has more on the charges against eight soldiers in the apparent suicide of Private Danny Chen. “It’s of some comfort and relief to learn that the Army has taken this seriously,” says Private Chen’s mother, who lives in an East Village housing project.

According to East Village Arts, the Cooper Square Committee is raising funds for the proposed Bea Arthur Residence by selling tickets to a special performance of “Accidentally, Like a Martyr” at Paradise Factory Theater.

According to City Room, some oppose the diesel-fuel generators at the Union Square holiday market because they say they emit fumes that can be harmful to children as well as those with lung and heart ailments.

EV Grieve notices a sign outside of Vampire Freaks on Avenue A indicating that the goth boutique is closing after three years in business.

The Times thinks Lafayette Street – around where Gasoline Alley, La Colombe Torrefaction, Au Breve, Think Coffee, and the Smile are located – is a veritable Latte Row: “It’s a lot of coffee for a wedge of a neighborhood just two blocks wide and five blocks long.”

According to Gothamist, the Big Gay Ice Cream Shop’s Festivus celebration will include a webcam allowing customers to air their grievances online.

Gothamist thinks the mille feuille at Prima is “off the chain. We tried it at a press preview not long after Prima opened, and it still haunts our sugarplum dreams.”

According to Eater, Hecho en Dumbo is offering a $175 carnitas feast for New Year’s.

Grub Street hears that Japadog will open Jan. 5 and gets its hands on the menu.

Eater rounds up some recent reviews of Bowery newcomer the Wren, and they’re mostly good to great.