Floating Swimming Pool Spotted in Brooklyn

by Justin Glow on

Is Germany too far away to swim in a floating pool? Turns out there’s one in Brooklyn, NY.

The “Floating Pool Lady” is located at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy on an old barge — very similar to the one in Berlin. However, Germany’s pool is stationary, while Brooklyn’s is free-roaming, with plans to swim to “pool-deprived Williamsburg or South Bronx, so residents there can take a dip,” according to the Brooklyn Paper.

What: The Floating Pool Lady
Where?: Brooklyn, NY — Between Piers 4 and 5 (near Furman and Joralemon Streets), two blocks north of Atlantic Avenue. (For now.)
Cost: Free!

(Thanks, cooketravel!)

A Renovated Coney Island??

by Iva Skoch on

Well, I’m surprised I read this first in a UK newspaper, but, apparently, there are some big changes headed for Brooklyn’s Coney Island. Most Americans probably know the park more for its past than its present: either its heyday 60 or so years ago, or its cameo in the movie The Warriors. But its future might be looking up–depending on who you ask.

A developer named Thor Equities has bought up large chunks of the area and is cleaning house. Apparently, the famous 80-year-old, Cyclone wooden roller coaster will stay, but much of the kitsch, old shops, junk vendors, and t-shirt shops will be torn down. Astroland will probably close. And, in its place? Twenty-one new theme park rides, costing $250m, to be opened by 2011.

And that’s not all: expect a Vegas-style megahotel, an indoor water park, and new luxury apartment developments as part of the project.

GADLING’S TAKE FIVE: Week of February 4

by Adrienne Wilson on

There was a tremendous out of activity going on here at Gadling this week. There were mentions of huge music festivals; silly hitchhiker’s auctioning off their names and enough Valentine’s suggestions to eliminate any and all excuses. We understand that you may have missed something in the frenzy and so now it is time to catch-up. Here are some picks hand plucked by me that are worth viewing once more.

5. How Was the NFL Experience?:
Those of use who were either snowed in or couldn’t get closer than our television sets to experience some of the NFL Superbowl action down in Miami for some reason or another, can now check out Willy’s play-by-play coverage for the NFL Experience. The event wasn’t exactly the big game, but sports lovers may find this one inspiring enough to experience it on their own next year.

4. How Environmentally Friendly Are You? Take the Ecological Footprint Quiz:
Afraid? Be very afraid. If you think you’re the environmentally friendly type take this quiz to find out just how happy or unhappy the planet is with your actions.

3. Army of Bjork:
Round of sound to Erik for giving Bjork some additional play with this video found on Travelistic. I never knew of this event until recently which looks to be held annually in Brooklyn so for all the other Bjork fans and people-watchers I hope that this one comes in handy.

2. How to Buy An Island:
C’mon, who doesn’t want their own little chunk of land off a beautiful turquoise ocean? If I had the dough I’d surely grab my own tropical island or two. If you’re a bit closer to making it a reality than I am check out this easy two step plan to get one.

1. Backing up your Travel Journal:
Always looking for a plan B, C, or Q to backing up your photos and precious travel works? Neil points worry-warts and smart-thinkers alike to a nice cheap gadget that can back up your goodies in addition to other back up methods. I’ve never heard of this one, but it sounds worth a try.

Army of Björk in Brooklyn

by Adrienne Wilson on

Just as I start to believe I am a die-hard Björk fan some quirky costume party comes along knocking my theory out-of-whack. For instance, on Wednesday, January 31 the Stain bar on Grand Street in Brooklyn is having an Army of Björk costume party where fans or anyone game to dressing up like the eclectic Icelandic artist can do so and be accepted with open arms. In addition to frosty weather they’ll be offering warm wine (glogg) and enough people dressed up as swans and so forth to gawk and watch all night long.

For all the real fanatics out there planning on attending, please do share a photo after the event.

via Gridskipper