BetterMost, Wyoming & Brokeback Mountain Forum

Brokeback Mountain: Our Community's Common Bond => Heath Ledger Remembrance Forum => Topic started by: Meryl on January 23, 2008, 07:44:03 pm

Title: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on January 23, 2008, 07:44:03 pm
John Gallagher (jmmgallagher) and I made the journey downtown to pay our respects at the building where Heath was staying when he passed away yesterday.  We were grateful to have each other's physical company, just as we're grateful for BetterMost as a place to connect with friends at this tough time.

We met at a Starbucks on Delancey and Allen Streets.  I was late arriving (around 11:45), having stopped to watch some of the coverage on TV; I also had to take three trains to get to the Lower East Side, which is practically like going to another country when you live on the Upper West Side.  The weather was beautiful--sunny and clear, cold and crisp.

Jenny (newyearsday) had to stay home with a sore throat, and Kelly (smellykellyjay) texted that he couldn't get out of work to be there with us, but they were with us in spirit, as were all our Brokie buds whose thoughts we knew were at the same place we were going. 

I had brought a card to leave at the sidewalk memorial, and as we sat and talked I wrote a message in it.  The front of the card has a lovely black-and-white picture of a cowboy stroking the muzzle of his unsaddled horse, with the words "True friends leave footprints in our hearts."  Inside I wrote:

Dear Heath and Family,

Our hearts are with you at this sad time.  We are members of BetterMost.net, a website created to celebrate the film "Brokeback Mountain" and to continue Ennis and Jack's stories in our own lives.  Heath gave us an inestimable gift in Ennis del Mar.  We love him, pure and simple.  We will always hold him in our hearts.

Blessings to you,
Meryl, John, Jenny, Kelly and all "Brokies"

P.S. - The pine needles were collected at Upper Kananaskis Lake in Alberta on a group trip we took last July.  We have Heath to thank for many treasured friendships and memories.



In addition to the pine needles, I enclosed an extra refrigerator magnet I made for the Pilgrimage last summer with this picture:

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/BBMLinesVisualized/BrokieBrunch/Brokeback/MagnetTahoma.jpg)

Also, I had quickly printed a poem that Paul (southendmd) had posted, and I enclosed that, with Paul's name on it:

For Heath, and for us, I offer this:


Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

--Mary Frye



As we walked the approximately 10 blocks to Heath's building, we looked for places that sold flowers but had no luck, so in the end only the card was put on the memorial.  But if someone gathers the notes left, the flowers won't be kept, so maybe it won't matter too much.

When we got there, we saw a crowd of media folk had taken over the front sidewalk.  The street was littered with electric cables and klieg lights on tall stands.  Anchor people were all over the place, straightening their clothes and putting on makeup before they were lit up and began their spiels.  Two of them were familiar to me:  Pat O'Brien from "The Insider" and Lara Spencer from "Entertainment Tonight."  There were fewer onlookers than there were media people, just some scattered people across the street and a few who braved the reporters to put down flowers on the tribute pile that was near the front door.

We took some pictures of the building and the media circus, then decided it might be better to go eat lunch and come back, hoping some of the reporters would finish their shoots and leave by then.  We went a block north and found that we were right at Balthazar, a well-known French bistro on Spring Street, so we ate there.  It was quite crowded---it's a favorite lunch place for lots of advertising/creative people, and very New York-y.

When we got back to the building, around 2:00, we saw that, if anything, the crowd had grown rather than shrunk.  Lara and Pat were still wandering around, doing sporadic reporting spots.  So John and I got closer and took some pictures of the tribute pile, then I knelt by it and put down the envelope.  John got a couple of pictures of me doing it, and one woman photographer took my picture, too.  I took John's picture beside the tributes, too. 

While we were there, I made calls to Phillip and Paul (left messages) and Clarissa, who answered.  I wanted to share the moment with them.  That was the time I found tears wanting to well up because it brought home the reality of what we were there for.  We hung out for a little while longer, then reluctantly bid goodbye to Heath's last home and headed back uptown.  We parted at Houston Street, where I got onto the F train and John continued walking up to Union Square to do some shopping. 

John got lots of good pictures on his palm pilot, and he promised to e-mail them to me tonight, so when I get them I'll post them here.  I may be able to get my own pictures back before the developing shop closes at 7:30, so keep an eye on this thread for them.

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Lumière on January 23, 2008, 07:49:03 pm


Thank you for reporting back on your visit, Meryl. 

Hugs to you and John.  :-*
~M
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: MaineWriter on January 23, 2008, 07:52:33 pm
Thank you Meryl. That's wonderful, beautiful and just perfect.

You and John are our best ambassadors at this difficult time. Love to you.

L
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Mikaela on January 23, 2008, 07:56:28 pm
Thank you Meryl. That's wonderful, beautiful and just perfect.

You and John are our best ambassadors at this difficult time. Love to you.


I second every word and letter of this! Meryl, that was indeed perfect.  :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: iristarr on January 23, 2008, 08:09:41 pm
Thanks for your coverage of the 421 Broome Street site.  It brought me close, and close to tears, picturing the last place our dear Heath resided.   Sure wish I was in NY with you all.  Iris, in California
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: loneleeb3 on January 23, 2008, 08:19:03 pm
Thank You Meryl,
You took us all with you.
Thank you for sharing.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Shasta542 on January 23, 2008, 08:28:50 pm
Thank you guys for being ambassadors for us Brokies who couldn't be there. You represented us well and I appreciate you sharing the experience with us. It helps knowing that ya'll were there, Meryl. Such a sweet thing to do. Thanks.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Penthesilea on January 23, 2008, 08:34:16 pm
Thank you Meryl and John.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: BBM-Cat on January 23, 2008, 08:43:06 pm
Thank you Meryl and John and NYC Brokies who were there in spirit to extend our deep love and sentiments for Heath. What a beautiful gesture to leave remnants of our very special Alberta Pilgrimmage. I do indeed hope that the Ledger family receives the card, photo, and pine needles.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: opinionista on January 23, 2008, 08:48:31 pm
Thank you Meryl and John. I would've loved to have the chance to be there with you.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Shakesthecoffecan on January 23, 2008, 08:53:45 pm
Thank you Meryl and John. I would've loved to have the chance to be there with you.

Thank you all for going. I had a feeling you would.  :) It means a lot to me to have this connection with you all, and the words to read about it.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Fran on January 23, 2008, 09:07:48 pm
Meryl and John,

The messages you left were heartfelt and beautiful.  Thank you for doing this.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: SFEnnisSF on January 23, 2008, 09:13:11 pm
Thank you John and Meryl...
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Toast on January 23, 2008, 09:44:16 pm
Thank You Meryl and John

Just what I would have liked to have done
Xcellent job with the descriptions
Looking forward to a pic or two Meryl

Thanks
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on January 23, 2008, 10:02:18 pm
Thanks so much, everybody, for your posts.  John and I felt really privileged to be there representing BetterMost.  :-*

Here are some pictures John took of the visit.  The excellent titles are his:


421 Broome Street

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/421_Broome_Street.jpg)


Have You Heard

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/Have_You_Heard.jpg)


Media Circus

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/Media_Circus.jpg)


Paparazzi at Work

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/Paparazzi_At_Work.jpg)


Business as Usual

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/Business_As_Usual.jpg)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: nakymaton on January 23, 2008, 10:03:49 pm
Thanks, Meryl and John, for putting the card there, and for telling us about it.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on January 23, 2008, 10:08:33 pm
More from John:

The Scrum

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/The_Scrum.jpg)


The Door

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/The_Door.jpg)


Tribute

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/TributebyJohn.jpg)


The Hat

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/The_Hat.jpg)


Heath Painting on a Westinghouse Cardboard

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/Heath_Painting_on_a_Westinghouse_ca.jpg)


Meryl Posts a Letter

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/Merylpostsaletter.jpg)


Sadness

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/Sadness.jpg)


You Will Be Missed

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/You_Will_Be_Missed.jpg)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on January 23, 2008, 10:12:44 pm
Now for some of my pictures:

We think Heath lived on the top floor.  The word is that he lived on the 4th floor, and we're thinking that didn't include the street level.

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/Broome1.jpg)


(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/Broome2.jpg)


(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/Broome5.jpg)


(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/Broome3.jpg)


(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/Broome4.jpg)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on January 23, 2008, 10:15:40 pm
Pat O'Brien from "The Insider"

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/PatOBrien.jpg)


Lara Spencer from "The Insider" and "Entertainment Tonight"

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/LaraSpencer2.jpg)

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/LaraSpencer.jpg)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: BelAir on January 23, 2008, 10:17:53 pm
John Gallagher (jmmgallagher) and I made the journey downtown to pay our respects at the building where Heath was staying when he passed away yesterday. 



Meryl,

I haven't read the thread yet, and we haven't ever officially 'met' (online or otherwise) but I just wanted to say how glad I am that you two had each other's physical company.  And that you were able to do something physically for yourselves/us/our grief.

BelAir
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on January 23, 2008, 10:18:41 pm
The Tributes

Our card is front and center

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/Tributes1.jpg)


John

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/JohnTributes.jpg)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on January 23, 2008, 10:48:41 pm
Meryl, I'm glad you and John were able to make the pilgrimage to Broome Street.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: serious crayons on January 23, 2008, 10:52:25 pm
Good work delivering the tribute, you guys. And thanks for posting those nice pictures.

 :-*

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on January 23, 2008, 11:00:33 pm
I think I may have seen the card on CNN a few minutes ago.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: memento on January 23, 2008, 11:02:13 pm
John and Meryl, thank you so much for this.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Brown Eyes on January 23, 2008, 11:52:20 pm
Meryl and John, thank you so much for making this terribly sad pilgrimage for Heath.  :'( :-*

I'm sure this was a very difficult thing to do.  But, I'm just so grateful to know that our BetterMost community was represented there.  I really do hope that Heath knew how many of us admired him and were thankful for his work.
:(





Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: ifyoucantfixit on January 24, 2008, 12:14:56 am




           Thank you for doing that for those of us that could not do it.


                                                       (http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb162/ifyoucantfixit/hearts.gif)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: SFEnnisSF on January 24, 2008, 01:09:32 am
Oh god, seeing the tribute to Heath there on the sidewalk, especially the cowboy hat, and the cardboard painting of Heath.  I just lost it again.   :'(  :'(  :'(

This makes it real.  :'(
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Brown Eyes on January 24, 2008, 02:11:56 am
Oh god, seeing the tribute to Heath there on the sidewalk, especially the cowboy hat, and the cardboard painting of Heath.  I just lost it again.   :'(  :'(  :'(

This makes it real.  :'(


Hi Eric,
I had the exact same reaction.  The cowboy hat is really sweet.  :'(

And, seeing these pictures of our friends there... geez... yes... makes it brutally real.

Meryl and John thanks again for making the trip and paying this tribute.  Again, I'm sure it was difficult. 




Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: belbbmfan on January 24, 2008, 02:33:06 am
Meryl, watching these pictures of you and John makes this painfully real. I woke up this morning thinking maybe this was all just a bad dream...
And here I am, sitting at my computer, crying again.

Thank you so much for doing this. It's good to know that 'we' were all there because of your visit. It must have been difficult.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Dal on January 24, 2008, 07:40:45 am
Thanks for going down there guys. 

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Sandy on January 24, 2008, 09:32:20 am
I only wish the pictures of you both were of you smiling with Heath and not crying with his tributes.  Thank you for being so brave.  You have allowed us who are too far away to see his home without the flashing of lightbulbs-it means so much to me. 
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Kelda on January 24, 2008, 03:06:11 pm
Meryl, John.

 :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: mouk on January 24, 2008, 04:12:37 pm
Meryl, John

Thank you so much for doing this sad pilgrimage on our behalf.

As soon as I can I will go to Camp #2 (snow permitting) and Elbow Falls to pay my respects on behalf of all of us. Saturday is my BBM anniversary, I was looking so much forward to celebrating in on the BBM sites. And now... :'( :'( :'(

with much love to all

mouk
- I don't write often, but I do lurk, and fondly remember my wonderful Alberta friends...
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on January 24, 2008, 04:21:41 pm
Oh mouk, that would be so lovely if you would pay your respects up there in Brokeback Country, too.  That's where he'll always live, to me.

It's sad hearing folks call John's and my visit a pilgrimage.  Our Pilgrimage last July was so joyous, and this one so subdued.  But we can't fix it, so we'll just have to stand it.  :(

It's lovely to see you here, mouk.  :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: mvansand76 on January 24, 2008, 04:35:19 pm
Thank you so much for posting this...

It must've really hit home when you were standing there....  :'(
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: BBM-Cat on January 24, 2008, 04:42:45 pm
Meryl, John

Thank you so much for doing this sad pilgrimage on our behalf.

As soon as I can I will go to Camp #2 (snow permitting) and Elbow Falls to pay my respects on behalf of all of us. Saturday is my BBM anniversary, I was looking so much forward to celebrating in on the BBM sites. And now... :'( :'( :'(

with much love to all

mouk
- I don't write often, but I do lurk, and fondly remember my wonderful Alberta friends...

Hey Mouk! {{hug}}
What a thoughtful sentiment to visit Campsite #2 - wish it was under different circumstances. I hope the cairn is still intact. Thank you for making the trek for all of us.
Wishing you peace.
Chris.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Penthesilea on January 24, 2008, 04:55:19 pm
But we can't fix it, so we'll just have to stand it.  :(


 :'(
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: loneleeb3 on January 24, 2008, 05:22:52 pm
Quote
As soon as I can I will go to Camp #2 (snow permitting) and Elbow Falls to pay my respects on behalf of all of us.

Thank you Friend! What a great thing to do.
I wish I could go there. Maybe one day!
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Sharon on January 24, 2008, 06:28:09 pm
Thank you Meryl and John,
thank you that you gave us the feeling that we can be there!
It helps me to recognize the reality.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on January 25, 2008, 03:27:56 am
I'm already seeing a pilgrimage to 421 Broome St. and the cafes mentioned in articles that are coming out today.  :(

Maybe someone will make a film about Heath and we can all go to the NY Premiere.  :(
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Mikaela on January 25, 2008, 06:25:22 am
I'm already seeing a pilgrimage to 421 Broome St. and the cafes mentioned in articles that are coming out today.  :(

I swear, I read that one article about his regular haunts around there, the breakfast place and so forth, and my first thought was; - "next time I'm in New York I really should visit there, imagine if Heath just happened to walk in, wouldn't that be so great!?!" My second thought probably can be guessed... :'(

That's when I knew this isn't real to me yet. I still just can't wrap my mind around it.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Penthesilea on January 25, 2008, 12:10:00 pm
That's when I knew this isn't real to me yet. I still just can't wrap my mind around it.

Thank you so much Mikaela. Same here.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on January 25, 2008, 03:46:20 pm
Just got this note from John:

Well, here is where we had our luncheon-wake on Thursday-- Meryl, I've taken a LOT of photos today--can you teach me how I can send them to the site myself? I'd be so grateful-- I went to Frank Campbell's today. Sigh.

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/Balthazar.jpg)


I don't know how to tell John to send his I-phone photos to the site, so if someone else does, let me know.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: MaineWriter on January 25, 2008, 04:10:00 pm

I don't know how to tell John to send his I-phone photos to the site, so if someone else does, let me know.

1. Plug his iPhone into his computer, as he normally would to sync it.
2. The first thing that comes up (on mine, at least) is the camera wizard. Follow the wizard to transfer the photos from his iPhone to his computer.
3. From there, use the standard procedure to upload the photos from his hard drive to photobucket (or whatever photo hosting program he uses).
4. Post as usual.

Alternate method:

1. From the iPhone, email the picture(s) to yourself.
2. In your email program, open the pictures and save them to your hard drive. After that, follow steps 3 & 4, above.

Hope this helps!

L
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: ifyoucantfixit on January 25, 2008, 04:25:49 pm



                     "This is a goddamn bitch of an unsatisfactory situation." 


                                "i wish I knew how to quit this nightmare."

                                        " I just cant stand this anymre."

                                 
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: belbbmfan on January 25, 2008, 04:28:10 pm
(((Janice)))

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on January 25, 2008, 05:11:00 pm
Thanks for the advice, Leslie.  I've e-mailed it to John.  8)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on January 25, 2008, 05:26:33 pm
I'm already seeing a pilgrimage to 421 Broome St.

Next time I'm in Manhattan I'd like to go there.  :(
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Penthesilea on January 25, 2008, 05:30:15 pm


                     "This is a goddamn bitch of an unsatisfactory situation." 


                                "i wish I knew how to quit this nightmare."

                                        " I just cant stand this anymre."

                                 

So true.  :'(

(((Janice)))
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on January 26, 2008, 02:04:34 am
421 Broome Street Update: January 25, 2008, 1:00pm



Love + Miss You Always Heath
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/421BroomeStreetJanuary252008.jpg)


You Were Truly One of the Greatest! Love, Dana
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/YouWereTrulyOneoftheGreatestLoveDan.jpg)


RIP Heath Ledger
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/RIPHeathLedger.jpg)


RIP Heath Ledger (Close-up); May You Sleep in the Angel's Arms Tonight
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/RIPHeathLedgerClose-up.jpg)


Votives
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/RIPHeathLedgerVotives.jpg)


For Heath, from a fellow 28 year-old Aussie actor
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Fromanother28yearoldAussieactor.jpg)


Love You
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/LoveYou.jpg)




Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on January 26, 2008, 06:29:36 am
Thank you so much John!  Keep snapping, it's a huge gift for us.  If you wanted, I would really love to see the places mentioned in an article I read in the last couple of days, the one that says where he ate breakfast often.  Can anybody find that article?  It named 5 or so neighborhood places.

Our John!  MWA!!
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: smellykellyjay on January 26, 2008, 10:07:31 am
John and Meryl, as others have mentioned, we are much obliged to you for representing us in this way.  Personally, I am so grateful that you included my name on the card and that you invited me to join you.  I hate how cold this may sound, but I had a responsibility at work that day, and there would have been negative consequences had I not gone in.  Life goes on, albeit diminished because of Heath’s death.  Thank you for all you've done. 

I haven't made it to Broome Street yet.  I don't really want to deal with the gawkers and the hoopla, appear to be part of that, though I guess I am.  I know I'm not the only one feeling the loss, but grief has always been a personal thing for me.  I know from experience that early Sunday mornings in that neighborhood is pretty quiet, so I think I'll go by there tomorrow morning, do something when I can have a little more privacy. 

Michelle’s house is three blocks from where I live, and I've gone by there every day since Tuesday.  It's rather subdued, considering.  Twice, I've been by there in the evening after work and have seen a handful of paparazzi, no more than eight at one time, though I suppose one is too many.  Twice, I've been by there in the early morning.  I like the mornings better. 

There are some police barricades on the ready, but few in place, and a collection of tributes, smaller but similar to the ones left at Broome Street.  One morning, I saw running SUVs parked in the front and at the side of the house, and the fellas in them kept their eyes on me as I walked by.  I presume they were security.  I didn't notice them on Friday. 

The tributes are mainly flowers, candles, posters, poems, Australian flags, and such.  I noticed a poster from the students at the elementary school behind the house.  It was so full, I don't there was room to put one more letter on it.  I left a condolence card addressed to Michelle, set up a candle that had fallen over, kinda arranged stuff that had been blown over by the wind.  I'm anal that way. 

I feel a little guilty – considering what John and Meryl did on our behalves -- because the card I left for Michelle was from just me, that I didn't represent Bettermost.  Neither did I take any pictures.  I just don't feel comfortable treating her like a celebrity at her house.  Beyond walking by the house from time to time on my way somewhere, hoping to catch a glimpse, I tried to leave them alone, let them live their lives, treat them as neighbors and not actors in my favorite movie by far.  I hope y'all understand. 

It's selfish, but I've been bummed since Heath and Michelle split up and Heath moved to Manhattan because that meant I'd be less likely to see him, run into him, maybe meet and talk with him.  Something about him made me want to hug him.  I don't know if meeting him would have necessarily been a good thing, since I'd have probably lost my cool and did or said something stupid.  Or maybe I'd have been disappointed because he wasn't more like Ennis.  Still, it's disappointing that that dream of mine won't ever happen. 

A couple of years back, I thought my celebrity worship days were long gone.  Since I became an adult, I've liked certain celebrities well enough, but I could always take ‘em or leave ‘em.  Then BbM came along, and Heath became it.  Jake is cool, and I like him a lot, but Heath was just something else. 

It wasn't a sexual thing at all.  As good looking as he was, he just didn't do it for me in that way.  It was appreciation and admiration and affection, like I feel for my family and my really good friends.  More precisely, my feelings for him have been like the ones I have for my niece and nephews.  I enjoy them so much and think they are the greatest things in the world.  Just being with them is nice, and the most mundane things about them are fascinating to me.  Maybe that's why I prefer not to be part of the mourning crowds, because it felt like I had a personal relationship with him, however one sided. 

I was really looking forward to following his career, his life.  It made me happy knowing that he was often only a few blocks away from me, that we went to some of the same places, knew some of the same people, had some of the same community concerns, that there was probably one degree of separation between him and me.  It was exciting to know that I had such a cool neighbor.  I often thought it was ridiculous the way I felt, but it seemed harmless and felt good, so I let it be.  I mean, he made me smile.  How can that not be a good thing? 

It never seemed like that big of a deal, but losing it and him have been a blow.  Whereas the hopes and feelings I've described didn't seem to dominate my time, my heart, or my mind, the loss of them has.  Since I got the news on Tuesday afternoon, even if he hasn't been in the forefront of my mind, a sad, gloomy feeling has stayed with me in varying degrees.  It feels like something special was taken away from me without my permission, that there was nothing I could do to prevent it from happening, and that I can't do anything to get it back. 

But, you know, it's getting better.  It's kinda funny how, in composing this long, rambling post, I've begun to feel good.  I felt great anger at first, then great sadness, helplessness, and hopelessness.  But now I am able to look at pictures of or about him -- even of the ones Meryl and John posted in this thread --  and think about him, and I smile and laugh.  Not a “making sport of” laugh but rather a joyful reaction to someone who felt like a friend, to how he affected people, to what he accomplished.  I'm able to step past the gloom and think of how happy he made me in the first place and enjoy those good feelings associated with him.  Right now, nothing is eclipsing that. 

I guess we'll all go in and out of various grief stages, and the sadness at losing him will always be there to some extent.  But for right now, I'm gonna sign off and enjoy this pleasant phase for as long as it lasts, enjoying and appreciating the fact that I had him -- in a way -- in the first place.   
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on January 26, 2008, 01:53:31 pm
John, thanks so much for posting more pictures of the tributes.  And congrats on figuring out photobucket!  :-*

Kelly, what a beautiful post!  Your feelings are so like mine.  Thank you for sharing them.  I'm glad you left a card for Michelle; don't feel bad not mentioning bettermost.  I feel like I'm included just because we're buds.  :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Mikaela on January 26, 2008, 02:11:48 pm
John, thanks so much for posting more pictures of the tributes. 

Kelly, what a beautiful post!  Your feelings are so like mine.  Thank you for sharing them.  I'm glad you left a card for Michelle.

What Meryl said, to both of you. Thank you. Thank you.

The detailed pics of the tributes are lovely, it feels good knowing those messages of love and caring are there. And that there also are similar ones left outside Michelle's place.

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Penthesilea on January 26, 2008, 03:59:50 pm
Thank you John for making the pilgrimage there again and for the pictures.

Kelly, don't feel bad about not including BetterMost in your card. I'm glad you brought one to Michelle.

A big heartfelt thank you to all New York Brokies for doing what we can't.


I can't say it feels good to see all the flowers and tributes, it still feels WRONG. But it's good to see how many people care.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: BelAir on January 26, 2008, 06:02:52 pm
Thank you so much s.k.j. for sharing your very personal thoughts and experiences.

I agree with everyone - don't matter one bit that your card to Michelle was personal.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on January 26, 2008, 06:24:33 pm
421 Broome Street Update, January 26, 2008, 1:00 PM



421 Broome Street, January 26, 2008
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/421BroomeJanuary262008.jpg)



I'll Never Quit You
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/IllNeverQuitYou.jpg)



Heath, Have A Good Dream
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HeathHaveAGoodDream.jpg)



So Very Sorry + Saddened
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/SorrySaddened.jpg)



We Will Remember You 4Ever
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/WeWillRememberYou4Ever.jpg)



Votives II
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/VotivesII.jpg)



All Our Love, Kate & Shaun
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/AllOurLoveKateShaun.jpg)



My Knight in Shining Armour
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/MyKnightInShiningArmour.jpg)



10 Things We Love About You
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/10ThingsWeLoveAboutYou.jpg)



From a fellow 28 year old Aussie actor (Close-up)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Fromafellow28yearoldAussieactorClos.jpg)



Hi, Heath
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HiHeath.jpg)



Poem By Katie Whitney
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/PoembyKatieWhitney.jpg)



Heart, Boot and Flower 'In Loving Memory'
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/BootandFlower.jpg)



God Bless The Ledger Family
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/GodBless.jpg)



Roses (Peace)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Roses.jpg)



World's Worst Day
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/WorldsWorstDay.jpg)



Garden
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Garden.jpg)



NY Hearts HEATH
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/NYHeartsHEATH.jpg)

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: MaineWriter on January 26, 2008, 06:37:20 pm
Thank you, John, for posting these.

Now I am crying again.

L
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on January 26, 2008, 06:49:20 pm
Me too.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Penthesilea on January 26, 2008, 06:55:12 pm
Same here.

Thank you again John.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: mvansand76 on January 26, 2008, 07:00:09 pm
Thank you so much for posting these.... I recognise the ennisjack.com memorial....
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on January 26, 2008, 07:06:28 pm
So much love on that sidewalk.  SO MUCH LOVE.... :'(
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: mvansand76 on January 26, 2008, 07:08:10 pm
So much love on that sidewalk.  SO MUCH LOVE.... :'(


I bet Heath is looking down on all that love....  :'(
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Kelda on January 26, 2008, 07:09:34 pm
So much love on that sidewalk.  SO MUCH LOVE.... :'(

that's what I was thinking... thats a lot of flowers and tributes... and thats just in Manhattan.

I wonder if there would be that much heart in those tributes there if he'd been the typical movie star and not such an intersting introverted soul?

Which is the ennisjack memorial Mel?
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Brown Eyes on January 26, 2008, 07:37:49 pm

John, thank you for these updated photos.  Yes indeed, I'm definitely crying now.  I would be a complete mess if I was there in person, I just know it.  But, I would like to go there someday.   Maybe next time I'm in NYC I'll make a point of going there.  Even if it's long after the flowers and memorials are taken away.
 :'(

I wonder what will happen with all the cards, letters and things that are non-perishable.  I wonder who's collecting them.


Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: adrian on January 26, 2008, 08:11:53 pm
Okay, the tears started when I saw Meryl's photo next to the memorial.  Then it got progressively more difficult to hold them back as I came to this point in the thread.  Such love represented by you all.  Thank you for being there Meryl, John, and everyone for helping us see the out pouring of affection.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on January 26, 2008, 09:03:04 pm
John, nowhere else have I seen detailed photos of the memorials.  Thank you thank you.


Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: ptannen on January 27, 2008, 06:34:00 am
{{{{{{{{{{{{{Meryl}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

{{{{{{{{{{{{{John}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Thank you . . . thank you.

Through knowing you both, your description and photos, I felt as if I were there with you.   :-*

Pete
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Berit on January 27, 2008, 06:58:10 am
I wish to thank you for the photos. I'm right now in the beautiful town of Kiruna in the very north of Sweden, north of the Polar Circle. And yet I'm in New York, thanks to your photos......

I also wish to thank Smellykellyjay - hope I got the nick right! - for his beautiful posting. I have read it several times, so beautiful and well written. It felt like I walked with him.....

I'm so far away but thanks to you I'm in the middle of it all - almost.....

Berit
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: souxi on January 27, 2008, 07:11:28 am
John, thank you for these updated photos.  Yes indeed, I'm definitely crying now.  I would be a complete mess if I was there in person, I just know it.  But, I would like to go there someday.   Maybe next time I'm in NYC I'll make a point of going there.  Even if it's long after the flowers and memorials are taken away.
 :'(

I wonder what will happen with all the cards, letters and things that are non-perishable.  I wonder who's collecting them.




I should imagine, that they will all be given to Heaths, family for them to read and reflect on. Any news of poor Jake atall yet?
((((((((((((((((Jake))))))))))))))))   :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Sharon on January 27, 2008, 08:05:49 am
Thank you for the Broome Street Update John.
To see the photos means a lot to me!

John, thank you for these updated photos.  Yes indeed, I'm definitely crying now.  I would be a complete mess if I was there in person, I just know it.  But, I would like to go there someday.   Maybe next time I'm in NYC I'll make a point of going there.  Even if it's long after the flowers and memorials are taken away.
 :'(

I wonder what will happen with all the cards, letters and things that are non-perishable.  I wonder who's collecting them.




I asked myself the same!
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Pipedream on January 27, 2008, 09:48:46 am
Thank you Meryl and John! :-*

 :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on January 27, 2008, 04:01:19 pm
421 Broome Street, Sunday, January 27, 2008, 1:30 PM

All the flowers, plaqards, flags, votives, and (most especially) letters from yesterday have been removed.

A new, very small memorial has started this morning. These are the new offerings below.




421 Broome Street, January 27, 2008
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/421BroomeStreetJanuary272008.jpg)



Heart
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Heart.jpg)



In Memory of a Fallen Knight
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/InMemoryofaFallenKnight.jpg)



We Will Miss You, Heath (Teleboards)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/WeWillMissYouHeathTeleboards.jpg)



Heath Ledger, 1979-2008
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HeathLedger1979-2008.jpg)



This Is An Extremely Hard Letter To Write
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/ThisIsAnExtremelyHardLetterToWrite.jpg)



Flowerspray and Standpipe
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/FlowersprayandStandpipe.jpg)



With Deepest Sympathy
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/WithDeepestSympathy.jpg)



Pink and Blue
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/PinkandBlue.jpg)








Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Shasta542 on January 27, 2008, 04:07:12 pm
jmmgallagher--thank you from the bottom of my heart for going and taking pictures of the memorials for Heath. Brokies want to see them, but we can't  all be there. Your posts are so comforting to me. I appreciate you for doing this for us. It means so much.

{{{{{{{{{{jmmgallagher}}}}}}}}}}
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: belbbmfan on January 27, 2008, 04:14:38 pm
jmmgallagher--thank you from the bottom of my heart for going and taking pictures of the memorials for Heath. Brokies want to see them, but we can't  all be there. Your posts are so comforting to me. I appreciate you for doing this for us. It means so much.

{{{{{{{{{{jmmgallagher}}}}}}}}}}


I'll second that. Thank you so much John.

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: ptannen on January 27, 2008, 04:19:06 pm
What belbbmfan said.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Brown Eyes on January 27, 2008, 04:21:15 pm
Hi {{John}}

Thanks for the continuing reports on this.  I wonder where the card went... the one you and Meryl left.  I'm sure someone saved it (I hope!).  But, I wonder who.

It's hard to imagine that a time will come, probably shortly, when there are no more flowers/ memorial items there. 
:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(

Should BetterMost place something there again?  I feel like something should be there at least until his official funeral.  :(


Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: smellykellyjay on January 28, 2008, 01:30:41 am
I paid a visit to 451 Broome Street early Sunday morning.  It was still dark, cold, and tiny specks of ice were sporadically falling from the sky.  The area was pretty deserted, which made it kinda of scary.  The brazen rat who raced me along the sidewalk didn't make me feel anymore comfortable. 

There were several blocks between the subway station and the building.  I started off going in the wrong direction and wound up on Broadway.  I recognized that strip, that area.  When I realized I was going the wrong way, I turned around. 

It was interesting to see the neighborhood.  I noticed several nice boutiques, a Bloomingdales, the standard bodegas, a gas station, parking garages, a tobacco shop, and a bingo parlor, the stones used to pave the streets.  I think I saw the Starbucks where Meryl and John met.  It's rather large and seemed to be one of the few signs of activity at that time of the morning.  I remembered staying at a hotel on Broome Street one night several years back when I was having roommate troubles.  Very interesting neighborhood.  Smaller and more villagey than the image of New York City as a place of highrises, bright lights, and 24/7 hustle and bustle.  It struck me as cool that Heath and I were sometimes only a half hour away from each other. 

When I got to the building, the only sign of the previous week's events were police barricades in the street.  All of the memorials and tributes had been removed.  I had to double check my directions to make sure I was in the right place.  The building looks nice.  There's a big door with a big window and a pretty purple, tie-died scarf with fringe hanging over the inside of the window.  I looked up at each floor, and I wondered if the building had an elevator and roof access. 

I didn't stay long.  There didn't seem to be a point, and, as I've mentioned before, I didn't want to be thought of as a morbid gawker.  I headed back, turned around for another look at the building after I'd crossed the street. 

I can't say that I really felt anything.  Maybe I was just tired, physically and emotionally.  I felt more the times I walked past Michelle's place.  Even though Heath hadn't lived there for several months, it seemed more like his home to me.  I read somewhere that his Manhattan apartment didn't have much furniture and that his bed was a mattress on the floor.  Very bohemian.  I slept like that in my previous apartment for a couple of years. 

I walked by Michelle's tonight on my way to do laundry.  The memorials and tributes have been tidied up (I didn't do it this time.).  Some, like the poster from the school next door, are gone.  Don't know what happened to any of them at either place.  A candle was still burning. 

If anyone is interested, there was an interesting article about 421 Broome Street in the Sunday Daily News, http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/01/27/2008-01-27_ledgers_building_no_stranger_to_drama-3.html. 
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: cmr107 on January 28, 2008, 02:23:07 am
I just want to add my thanks and appreciation for the wonderful pictures and descriptions, John, Meryl, and Kelly. It's really nice for those of us who can't be there.  :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on January 28, 2008, 03:12:37 am
Thanks for the wonderful description of your visit to Broome Street, Kelly.  It sounds very bleak to be in Soho at that time of the morning.  I sure hope the tributes were given to the family.

The article you linked to did clear up the question of which floor Heath was living on.  I thought he must have been on the top floor, but he was actually on the one below that.  You were wondering about an elevator--one of the news accounts mentioned that the police went up in the elevator, so yes, there is one.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on January 28, 2008, 11:04:19 am
I'm so glad everyone likes seeing the posts on 421 Broome. I know it helps me feel connected to the event, sad that it is.

Here is an article about Anne Hathaway looking at a loft apartment on Broadway, just two blocks away. (Yes, that's on the same street as the Bloomingdales SoHo store.) Dated January 13, only a week before Heath's death.

That's New York, for you. Death, taxes--and real estate. What had meant to be a curious, gossipy tid-bit ends up ineffably sad.

Anyway.

From New York Magazine (Movers Section)

Would You Believe $30,000 Per Month?

(http://newyorkmetro.com/realestate/movers/hathaway080121_198.jpg)

By S.Jhoanna Robledo

Published Jan 13, 2008

Anne Hathaway, soon to be seen opposite Steve Carell as Agent 99 in the upcoming Get Smart remake, has been spotted apartment-hunting downtown with her boyfriend, real-estate developer Raffaello Follieri.

The actress, star of The Devil Wears Prada and Becoming Jane, and Follieri, who was sued last spring by billionaire Ron Burkle for allegedly misappropriating funds in a development deal, are supposedly in the market for a luxe loft.

A source says they recently checked out a four-bedroom on Broadway between Broome and Spring Streets that’s available to rent for $30,000-plus per month.

Past press reports have made much of Follieri’s appearances at events with a bodyguard, whereas the popular Hathaway travels sans entourage; apparently, nothing has changed, as he brought security for their tour of the apartment and she showed up on her own.

Calls to their representatives for comment went unreturned.

http://nymag.com/realestate/movers/42761/ (http://nymag.com/realestate/movers/42761/)

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on January 29, 2008, 12:07:29 am
421 Broome Street, Monday, January 28, 2008, 3:30 PM

The new memorial is growing again. A constant stream of people are stopping by, looking thoughtfully at the offerings, and many are photographing them with their cellphones. None of the objects are disturbed. Everyone is silent. For the moment, anyway, the vigil continues.



421 Broome Street, Monday, January 28, 2008
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/421BroomeStreetMondayJanuary282008.jpg)



Heath
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Heath.jpg)



We Love Your Cool Red Glasses
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/WeLoveYourCoolRedGlasses.jpg)



Forever in our Hearts
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/ForeverinOurHearts.jpg)



Your Candle Burned Out
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/YourCandleBurnedOut.jpg)



A Member of our Brooklyn Family
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/AMemberofourBrooklynFamily.jpg)



Bear, Heart and Cranes
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/BearHeartandCranes.jpg)



Cannot Describe
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/CannotDescribe.jpg)



Votive, Paper Boat and Cranes
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/VotiveBoatandCranes.jpg)



Votive, Paper Boat and Cranes (Side-view)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Adonaishasgainedanotherbrother.jpg)



Paper Boat (Close-Up: Adonais has gained another Brother)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/BoatandCranesClose-up.jpg)



With Love and Respect
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/WithLoveandRespect.jpg)



Today and Always
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/TodayandAlways.jpg)



Thank You for the Movies and the Memories
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/ThankYoufortheMoviesandtheMemories.jpg)



Cranes with Red-Bordered Plaqard (God must have missed you)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Cranes.jpg)



Sorely Missed (To The Ledger Family)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/SorelyMissed.jpg)



God Bless
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/GodBless-1.jpg)



Once and For All (with Burned Candle)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/OnceandForAllWithBurnedCandle.jpg)



I Am Deaf (Zip) You Go Up To Heaven By Sky
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/IAmDeafYouGoUpToHeavenBySky.jpg)



Votive (I Am Deaf--Close-up)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/VotiveIAmDeafdetail.jpg)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on January 29, 2008, 12:26:04 am
Wonderful pictures, John!  Thanks so much.  :-*

This just struck me forcibly.  How spooky and awesome is it that of all the words that could be on that window, "Aero" is the one?  Our first Pilgrimage, when BBM had only recently opened, was at the Aero Theater in Santa Barbara.  8)

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/MondayJan2808-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on January 29, 2008, 12:42:21 am
Meryl, that never entered my mind--gosh.

I so wanted to go to the Aero Theater in Santa Monica, but I was working on a major project (as usual--) and then New York (and most of the country!) was snowed in--

And then, later, other things happened.

Well, I've been to this Aero now.

There are circles and circles, I guess.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Brown Eyes on January 29, 2008, 01:17:33 am
Yay! So happy to see this memorial keeps on being replenished.  So wonderful and touching.  I love all the little origami birds.  They look so beautiful... and for whoever left them, it must have taken a very long time to make so many...

{{{John}}} Thank you for these continuing reports.

And, Meryl, you're right about that Aero sign.  It is a little spooky.



421 Broome Street, Monday, January 28, 2008, 3:30 PM

The new memorial is growing again. A constant stream of people are stopping by, looking thoughtfully at the offerings, and many are photographing them with their cellphones. None of the objects are disturbed. Everyone is silent. For the moment, anyway, the vigil continues.



421 Broome Street, Monday, January 28, 2008
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/421BroomeStreetMondayJanuary282008.jpg)



Heath
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Heath.jpg)



We Love Your Cool Red Glasses
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/WeLoveYourCoolRedGlasses.jpg)



Forever in our Hearts
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/ForeverinOurHearts.jpg)



Your Candle Burned Out
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/YourCandleBurnedOut.jpg)



A Member of our Brooklyn Family
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/AMemberofourBrooklynFamily.jpg)



Bear, Heart and Cranes
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/BearHeartandCranes.jpg)



Cannot Describe
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/CannotDescribe.jpg)



Votive, Paper Boat and Cranes
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/VotiveBoatandCranes.jpg)



Votive, Paper Boat and Cranes (Side-view)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Adonaishasgainedanotherbrother.jpg)



Paper Boat (Close-Up: Adonais has gained another Brother)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/BoatandCranesClose-up.jpg)



With Love and Respect
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/WithLoveandRespect.jpg)



Today and Always
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/TodayandAlways.jpg)



Thank You for the Movies and the Memories
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/ThankYoufortheMoviesandtheMemories.jpg)



Cranes with Red-Bordered Plaqard (God must have missed you)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Cranes.jpg)



Sorely Missed (To The Ledger Family)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/SorelyMissed.jpg)



God Bless
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/GodBless-1.jpg)



Once and For All (with Burned Candle)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/OnceandForAllWithBurnedCandle.jpg)



I Am Deaf (Zip) You Go Up To Heaven By Sky
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/IAmDeafYouGoUpToHeavenBySky.jpg)



Votive (I Am Deaf--Close-up)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/VotiveIAmDeafdetail.jpg)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Penthesilea on January 29, 2008, 01:59:11 am
{{{John}}}

Thank you so much for the continuing photos. I'm a continent away, but thanks to you I'm able to see those memorials.
It's so good to see Heath touched the hearts of so many.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on January 29, 2008, 02:22:51 am
Thank you so much, Meryl, Amanda, Anke!

Really, I NEED to do this right now. It doesn't make it any better, exactly, but--

You know.

Anyway, I'm glad that these precious objects are being documented, acknowledged.

(I wish, though, I had a better camera--)

xxx

John
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: cmr107 on January 29, 2008, 02:28:55 am
Your camera is just fine, John.  :-*

Thank you so much for the continued documentation. I'm so glad that the tributes haven't stopped coming.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: SFEnnisSF on January 29, 2008, 02:29:39 am
John, thank you so much for the pictures.  You got no idea how grateful we are.  :)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: belbbmfan on January 29, 2008, 02:32:50 am
John, thank you so much for the pictures.  You got no idea how grateful we are.  :)

Yes! I'm in Belgium where Heath's death is a non event  :(. I need these pictures so much...

Thank you John.  :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Penthesilea on January 29, 2008, 02:45:42 am
Yes! I'm in Belgium where Heath's death is a non event  :(. I need these pictures so much...


'Non-event' - yes, it's the same in Germany.  :(


Thank you so much, Meryl, Amanda, Anke!

Really, I NEED to do this right now. It doesn't make it any better, exactly, but--

You know.


Yes, we know.

Your camera is just fine John.
(And BTW, I'm Chrissi, not Anke. But no worries  :))

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on January 29, 2008, 02:47:52 am
Thank you so much from België/Belgique/Belgium!

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: belbbmfan on January 29, 2008, 02:49:18 am
Thank you so much from België/Belgique/Belgium!



Thank you for putting a smile on my face.  :)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on January 29, 2008, 02:52:33 am
Sorry, Chrissi--my brains are scrambled, but good--and that's no joke!

Thank you for liking the documentation--but the photograpy is--oh well, well-meaning.

 ;D

John
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on January 29, 2008, 02:59:07 am
Well, it's all Montaigne-Berg de Brokeback, even in New York!

xxx

J
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on January 29, 2008, 03:06:18 am
John, the pictures - and the captions - mean so much to me.  Honestly, it feels like the realest thing I can find on the web for Heath.

Kelly, thank you too for writing about your visit.

The Aero is the place I was physically close to Heath.  Memory plays tricks, but I think maybe 12 feet away, max.  For an hour.  Of me trying not to make him uncomfortable - he seemed to totally notice when I was intently doing my best to absorb all I could with my eyes, so I would look away when he glanced over.  Gave me a chance to absorb Rodrigo, Gustavo, Diana, Jake, Michelle a bit too.  But it was Heath I had in my tractor beams.  Banner Hill reminded me the other night that Heath's parking ticket was clearly visible through his shirt pocket.  Aero.  He and Michelle both had that "so tired because we have a newborn" look.  Jake had a cold and kept coughing, sunk down in his hoody. 
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: belbbmfan on January 29, 2008, 03:11:44 am
Well, it's all Montaigne-Berg de Brokeback, even in New York!

xxx

J

 ;D  :)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: mvansand76 on January 29, 2008, 11:14:37 am
Yes! I'm in Belgium where Heath's death is a non event  :(. I need these pictures so much...

Thank you John.  :-*

Fabienne and Chrissi, same here in Holland. On the one hand I got angry this morning because the free newspapers you get on the train are not running any news on it anymore. On the other hand I'm glad because I cry every time I see Heath's sweet face.... Crying on the train in front of total strangers = not good.

 :'(
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: opinionista on January 29, 2008, 12:12:15 pm
Fabienne and Chrissi, same here in Holland. On the one hand I got angry this morning because the free newspapers you get on the train are not running any news on it anymore. On the other hand I'm glad because I cry every time I see Heath's sweet face.... Crying on the train in front of total strangers = not good.

 :'(

In Spain the press is not making a big deal about Heath's death either, but then again there's nothing new to report. However,  El País newspaper ran a story -I believe it was on Thursday- saying their news about Heath passing away was the most read and commented on Wednesday. I took a look at the comments and many, many people here were shocked and sad. I saw beautiful poems and messages dedicated to Heath.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: mvansand76 on January 29, 2008, 12:33:54 pm
In Spain the press is not making a big deal about Heath's death either, but then again there's nothing new to report. However,  El País newspaper ran a story -I believe it was on Thursday- saying their news about Heath passing away was the most read and commented on Wednesday. I took a look at the comments and many, many people here were shocked and sad. I saw beautiful poems and messages dedicated to Heath.

That's good to hear. He did have a huge impact op people all over the world...  :'(
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: j.U.d.E. on January 29, 2008, 06:55:23 pm
THANK YOU MERYL AND JOHN!!! Fabienne told me about it, while I was away. What you did is just so incredibly sweet!  :-* Thank you so much for the pictures!!

I was away for 6 days and leave tomorrow for another two days, but I'll be back on BM after that and will read this thread and the many posts in more detail.

Again, thank you!

j.U.d.E. - from Belgium too and desperately looking for any article about Heath, without much success. I'm so glad that BM exists! Thank you all!
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Kelda on January 29, 2008, 07:04:00 pm
THANK YOU MERYL AND JOHN!!! Fabienne told me about it, while I was away. What you did is just so incredibly sweet!  :-* Thank you so much for the pictures!!

I was away for 6 days and leave tomorrow for another two days, but I'll be back on BM after that and will read this thread and the many posts in more detail.

Again, thank you!

j.U.d.E. - from Belgium too and desperately looking for any article about Heath, without much success. I'm so glad that BM exists! Thank you all!

Jude, I hope you managed to enjoy the snowboarding... and I really like (I'm not sure thats the right phrase but you know what I mean) your profile pic and comment.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on January 30, 2008, 12:17:06 am
421 Broome Street, Tuesday, January 29, 2008, 1:00 PM

The weather is gray and cloudy; it is raining. The Memorial continues and grows, but slowly. 

Although I have attempted to photograph the Memorial and the (unobstructed) individual items clearly as possible, the images are a bit artificial as I do not show the people (or vehicular traffic; Broome Street is very, very busy). Therefore, the last three images at the bottom of this series show some of the viewers. Even this is artificial--at one point there were many more people stopping and looking, photographing, thinking, but I just didn't get the right shots. That's the way it goes, I'm afraid.

And of course: Tuesday. Incredibly, inevitably, sadly, it is now a full week since Heath's death.



421 Broome Street, Tuesday, January 29, 2008
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/421BroomeStreetTuesdayJanuary292008.jpg)



Last Wishes from Luxembourg (Nam-myoho-renge-kyo)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/LastWishesfromLuxembourg.jpg)



The Joker's Wild (The Talent and the Art We Will Never Find Again)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/TheJokersWild.jpg)



Votive, Cigarette and Image with Cranes
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/VotiveCigaretteImagewithCranes.jpg)



Paper Boat with Cargo (Four Dried Roses)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/PaperBoatwithCargo.jpg)



Until We Meet Again
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/UntilWeMeetAgain.jpg)



Full: Thank You for Everything and God Bless (With Love and Respect)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/ThankYouforEverythingandGodBless.jpg)



Inside and Out
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/InsideandOut.jpg)



Such Beauty Gone (The Gaping Heart in Vacant Anguish)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/SuchBeautyGone.jpg)



Sympathy
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Sympathy.jpg)



Pullback View 1
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Pull-back1.jpg)



Pullback View 2
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Pull-back2.jpg)



Pullback View 3
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Pull-back3.jpg)

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Shasta542 on January 30, 2008, 12:29:57 am
Thank you, again for the visit to Heath's apartment.

I LOVE the hundreds of little colorful origami cranes -- very sweet.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on January 30, 2008, 05:45:35 am
Thank you for today's view, John.  What a good gift you are giving us. 
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: mvansand76 on January 30, 2008, 06:03:32 am
John, thank you so much. This is invaluable for Brokies who are so far away.

I wish I could step on a plane and join you there next time you go.... One day I will go back to NY and pay my tribute to Heath there...

Crying again. I thought today was a better day. I was wrong I guess. 
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Sandy on January 30, 2008, 06:36:31 am
John,

I can't thank you enough.  I've never been to New York and I've never met Heath, but you are bringing me close to him. 

It must be heartbreaking to go in the knowledge of what happened and I just want you to know that I am so grateful to you for taking the time to share this with me. 

 
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: MaineWriter on January 30, 2008, 08:54:53 am
John,

Thank you for all these pictures and thank you for your continued pilgrimages. You are wonderful.

I think the thing I find amazing in all of the tributes are the paper cranes. So colorful, and all hand folded. Speeding Heath on his journey....

L
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: cmr107 on January 30, 2008, 12:47:01 pm
I could be wrong, but isn't there some special meaning behind origami cranes? I remember that a friend of mine who is in a community service organization on campus had to make a bunch a cranes for something. Does anyone know anything about this?
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: MaineWriter on January 30, 2008, 12:51:44 pm
Hi Courtney,

From wikipedia:

An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane, such as long life or recovery from illness or injury. The crane in Japan is one of the mystical or holy beasts (others include the dragon and tortoise), and is said to live for a thousand years. They are known as Senbazuru.

A thousand paper cranes is also traditionally given as a wedding gift by the folder, who is wishing a thousand years of happiness and prosperity upon the couple. It can also be gifted to a new baby for long life and good luck. Hanging a Senbazuru in one's home is thought to be a powerfully lucky and benevolent charm.

The Thousand Origami Cranes has become a symbol of world peace through the story of Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who contracted leukemia as a result of radiation from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II. Her story is told in the the book Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. Several temples, including some in Tokyo and Hiroshima, have eternal flames for World Peace. At these temples, school groups or individuals often donate Senbazuru to add to the prayer for peace. The cranes are left exposed to the elements, slowly dissolving and becoming tattered as the wish is released. In this way they are related to the prayer flags of India and Tibet.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: cmr107 on January 30, 2008, 12:52:57 pm
Thanks Leslie. I was just coming back here to post that exact same thing. You beat me to it.  :)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: cornflake2912 on January 30, 2008, 01:33:45 pm
Hi there...

I´m a new one here and I heard a lot about this forum. I´m from Germany and a member of the german brokie community and I´d like to let you know that I visited Heath´s house last weekend. We had to fly 8 hours and did only stay for 24 h. It was a sad first visit of NY for me. But the saddest thing was, that they removed all flowers an candels in the night from saturday to sunday :(

Nice to be here,

cornflake (heath forever)

(http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/474/1024967nb6.jpg)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: MaineWriter on January 30, 2008, 01:44:51 pm
Hi Cornflake, welcome....

I saw your post on bbslash and I was stunned that you had traveled from Germany to New York to see the memorial. What a very special trip for you.

Thanks for joining us here at bettermost. I look forward to having you be part of our community.

Leslie
MaineWriter
Moderator, fanfic and creative writers
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: TOoP/Bruce on January 30, 2008, 01:45:34 pm
Hello cornflake,

Welcome to bettermost.  Thank you for posting that picture of the flowers and candles on the street. 

"Heath, I swear..."
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on January 30, 2008, 01:45:46 pm
Wow, cornflake, you flew to NY just to visit 421 Broome?  That's love, fellow Brokie.  :-*

I'm glad John took plenty of pictures so you know what you may have missed.  Welcome to BetterMost, friend.  :)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: cornflake2912 on January 30, 2008, 03:09:41 pm
Thanks for this lovely welcome. I wished it would be a better time and happy days... but I´m still shocked and devasted because of his death. Why him....
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: TOoP/Bruce on January 30, 2008, 03:25:27 pm
Thanks for this lovely welcome. I wished it would be a better time and happy days... but I´m still shocked and devasted because of his death. Why him....

I have no answers, and I am also deeply saddened by his loss.  You are among friends here...
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Fran on January 30, 2008, 03:26:28 pm
Why him....

My exact thought... followed by:  Why now?

Welcome to BetterMost, cornflake.

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: loneleeb3 on January 30, 2008, 03:28:56 pm
Thanks for this lovely welcome. I wished it would be a better time and happy days... but I´m still shocked and devasted because of his death. Why him....

Welcome Cornflake!
Good to know ya!
Why indeed? I guess we'll never know.
I'm just thankful we had him while we did and he touched so many of us so profoundly.
Hope you hang around and get to know us in happier times!  :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Penthesilea on January 30, 2008, 03:48:28 pm
Hello Cornflake, welcome to BetterMost!  :)

Ich kenne deinen Namen von LJ. Schön daß du den Weg zu uns gefunden hast, wenn auch unter so traurigen Umständen.  :'(
Ich schreib' dir eine PM.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Penthesilea on January 30, 2008, 03:58:32 pm
Why indeed? I guess we'll never know.

Yes, why him?
It's fruitless to mull over this question, but I think we all do it nonetheless.

Quote
I'm just thankful we had him while we did and he touched so many of us so profoundly.

Wonderful said. And it does good to see how many people in the world were touched by Heath.

Thank you again John.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Sharon on January 30, 2008, 04:10:35 pm
Welcome to Bettermost Cornflake,
Thank you for the picture.
Großartig, dass Du nach NY geflogen bist!
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: cornflake2912 on January 30, 2008, 04:32:18 pm
Thanks to all of you and sry for my bad English. I´ll give my best to let you understand everything!
I´m happy to be here.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on January 30, 2008, 05:09:05 pm
Hi cornflake, glad you're here.  :)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Scott6373 on January 30, 2008, 05:10:09 pm
Thanks to all of you and sry for my bad English. I´ll give my best to let you understand everything!
I´m happy to be here.

Don't worry about your English...some of ours isn't that good either.  Glad to know you friend.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Pipedream on January 30, 2008, 05:15:10 pm
Herzlich willkommen, Cornflake! Schön, dass Du da bist!  :)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: cornflake2912 on January 30, 2008, 05:20:10 pm
I want to tell you a short story. When I was at Broome Street this weekend everybody who was standing in front of the house was very quiet and affected.
Suddenly there came a woman who was speaking loudly on her celly. Everybody turned to here because she was standing directly in front of all the flowers and candles. Then somebody made a lod "Shhhhht!" to stop the woman from speaking so loud. She seemed to be angry, but then she left...
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: TOoP/Bruce on January 30, 2008, 05:21:37 pm
Thanks to all of you and sry for my bad English. I´ll give my best to let you understand everything!
I´m happy to be here.

As you have probably guessed by now, we have several "Euro-Brokies" among us!

(I wish people would learn to use their cell phones discreetly.  sigh.  :-\ )
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Mikaela on January 30, 2008, 05:41:59 pm
Willkommen, Cornflake! Schön, dich hier zu sehen!  :)


I'm awed that you actually travelled all the way to NYC to pay your respects.

And good to hear that most people were silent, respectful and contemplative at Broome Street.

(There's always some silly person who is too self-absorbed to know what's going on, or to care... I'm glad your cellphone-lady left and didn't continue to disturb the peace. )
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on January 30, 2008, 05:58:26 pm
421 Broome Street, Wednesday, January 30, 2008, 1:00 PM

For the second time, the Heath Ledger Memorial at 421 Broome Street has been removed.

There is a very large moving truck (as we say in New York--the Brits would say 'removing van') out front. The truck is probably here for the use of Aero, an antiques/furniture/lighting/design store in the ground floor of the building.

I will continue to make periodic trips to see if the Memorial will begin a third time at 421 Broome, and I will let you all know.



421 Broome Street, January 30, 2008
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/421BroomeStreetJanuary302008.jpg)



Moving Truck(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/MovingTruck.jpg)



The Door
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/TheDoor.jpg)



Please Call
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/PleaseCall.jpg)




Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Sharon on January 30, 2008, 06:07:53 pm
Thank you for the update again - John.
I really appreciate it!
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Mikaela on January 30, 2008, 06:08:58 pm
Is it known who has removed the previous tributes? And whether they've kept the cards and tributes to pass on to Heath's family? I was hoping for that.

Thanks so much for once more making the trip there, John, and taking us with you. :)  Looks like the weather is lovely, a perfect day. But perhaps it's cold...?

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: cornflake2912 on January 30, 2008, 06:15:23 pm
I´d really like to know what they do with all the letters and cards.
They have to remove it over night. I left the place on saturday at 1 a.m. and came back at 4.30 a.m. (because of the jetlag!) and the flowers and everything else was already removed!
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: mvansand76 on January 30, 2008, 06:17:42 pm
I´d really like to know what they do with all the letters and cards.
They have to remove it over night. I left the place on saturday at 1 a.m. and came back at 4.30 a.m. (because of the jetlag!) and the flowers and everything else was already removed!

Hey Cornflake! Welcome on Bettermost! Happy to have you here...  :-*

Please make sure to post your beautiful pics here!

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: cornflake2912 on January 30, 2008, 06:24:39 pm
I love this one...

(http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/843/1025053ev2.jpg)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on January 30, 2008, 06:35:39 pm
Mikaela, it is as sunny as you say, and quite warm today, nearly 50 degrees fahrenheit. (Last Friday, though, when Heath was taken away from the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home, it was brilliantly sunny, but it was so cold that it was nearly impossible to take my hand out of my pocket or glove fast enough to hit the button to take a photograph and then dive in again--it was brutal !!)

I love Cornflake's posted photo--it's a new one to me, the offerings shown are quite extravagant, and they must have been up for only a few hours before they were removed. Sad! I must visit between 1am and 4am to see the real deal, I suppose!

So: I am making my own photographic Memorial here.

Apropos of nothing (or everything--Meryl likes my circles and circles notion--)

Somehow, I had liked one of the offerings added to the Memorial on Sunday, January 27, simple and flimsy as it was, and sadly, it has now been taken away. The title itself seemed to have a lot of resonance for me:



In Memory of a Fallen Knight
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/InMemoryofaFallenKnight.jpg)



In any case. Many of you know about the newspaper article (with the admittedly awful title) 'In SoHo, Heath Ledger was scruffy loner'  and that Heath had often had breakfast in one of the places mentioned, Grotta Azzurra on the corner of Mulberry and Broome Streets.

Well, while looking at the restaurant, I saw this next image diagonally across Broome, and suddenly I thought, my goodness, the Fallen Knight:



Tympanum (The Fallen)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Tympanum378BroomeStreet.jpg)



For more context, I share the added images of this church at 378 Broome Street, between Mulberry and Mott Streets, where Heath lived (and died) three blocks away:



The Chapel of San Lorenzo Ruiz
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/SanLorenzoRuizChurch378Broome.jpg)



Tympanum and Gilded Figure (San Lorenzo Ruiz)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/TympanumandGildedFigure.jpg)



Gilded Figure and Sign
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/SanLorenzoRuiz.jpg)



That's it. I'll send more photos soon.

xxx
John



'In SoHo, Heath Ledger was scruffy loner'
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/01/24/2008-01-24_in_soho_heath_ledger_was_scruffy_loner.html (http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/01/24/2008-01-24_in_soho_heath_ledger_was_scruffy_loner.html)



Grotta Azzurra
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/GrottaAzzurra.jpg)

(The Chapel of San Lorenzo Ruiz is at the left in this photograph--Heath would have easily seen it from the restaurant.)

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: cornflake2912 on January 30, 2008, 06:42:30 pm
Yeah! You should wait there and collect the items in case they are going to trash them :( :( I screamed when I saw that they have removed everything on Sunday!
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on January 30, 2008, 07:32:08 pm
Is it known who has removed the previous tributes? And whether they've kept the cards and tributes to pass on to Heath's family? I was hoping for that.



This is in the news accounts of Heath's father's visit to the building:

The New York Post's PageSix.com said building superintendent Tamba Mossa took [Kim] Ledger to a small memorial in the garden and basement.
   
When he saw the memorial, made by other residents of the apartment block, he stopped, seemed happy, and said: "It's beautiful."


http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/1564708


Seems like if someone actually wanted to collect these for posterity, rather than have them thrown away, that would be very legitimate.   We have the building superintendent's name and phone number.

(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/PleaseCall.jpg)


Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: ptannen on January 31, 2008, 01:28:49 am
Welcome Cornflake and thank you John so much for all your wonderful photos!

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{John}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Pete
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on January 31, 2008, 01:13:54 pm
New York loves Heath Ledger;

New York Magazine loves Heath Ledger. I love that it does.

So, see below: New York Magazine's weekly map of visual "taste heirarchies," sometimes snarky, sometimes spot-on. Please note, Heath himself is placed in the upper-right quadrant, very high in "High Brow," and nearly on the edge of the border of "Brilliant." (Please scroll to the right if the image is cut off in the screen.)

Ordinarily this item would go in Bettermost "news" or "magazines," but because the photo is of the 421 Broome Street Memorial, I put it here. Kudos to NYMagazine for caring--it's like a bit of a memorial itself.

(By the way, Maggie Gyllenhaal is coincidentally put on the Matrix this week for performing a reading at Symphony Space. She is also in the Upper-Right Quadrant, of course. While you're looking, please note who and where you see on the LOWest and LEFTest Quadrant, in the corner of Lowbrow and Despicable. Guess Who.)



The Approval Matrix: Week of February 4, 2008


Our deliberately oversimplified guide to who falls where on our taste hierarchies.

Published Jan 27, 2008

(http://nymag.com/arts/all/approvalmatrix/matrix080204_740.jpg)

http://nymag.com/arts/all/approvalmatrix/43297/ (http://nymag.com/arts/all/approvalmatrix/43297/)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: ifyoucantfixit on January 31, 2008, 01:29:24 pm


           Thanks Jim.  That is quite a diverse bit of information there.  Most interesting.  Thanks
for posting........
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on January 31, 2008, 01:30:08 pm
Kudos to New York!  8)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: serious crayons on January 31, 2008, 01:59:53 pm
Re Maggie: I really like Miranda July's short stories.

And: the tutu for men??

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on January 31, 2008, 02:19:20 pm
I forgot--another Upper-Right Quadrant person in this week's New York Magazine Approval Matrix: Daniel Day-Lewis.

Very nice.

(Hi, ifyoucantfixit, howdja do--I'm John.  :) )
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: serious crayons on January 31, 2008, 02:56:55 pm
I forgot--another Upper-Right Quadrant person in this week's New York Magazine Approval Matrix: Daniel Day-Lewis.

I was never the hugest Daniel Day-Lewis fan (though he was terrific in Gangs of New York and I assume is also impressive in TWBB), but now he has shot up to near the upper-right-hand corner of my own personal Approval Matrix.



Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Kelda on January 31, 2008, 06:33:14 pm
I noticed someone had posted a link from IMBD to this thread - a GeorgeObliqueStrokeXR40 - well done that person!

(and wow cornflake - wow..)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Brown Eyes on January 31, 2008, 09:31:39 pm
Thanks John.  Those tidbits from New York magazine are nice.

I find the phrase "approval matrix" really amusing.  ;D


Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on January 31, 2008, 09:33:38 pm
I noticed someone had posted a link from IMBD to this thread - a GeorgeObliqueStrokeXR40 - well done that person!

(and wow cornflake - wow..)

GeorgeO... is our very own ToOp/Bruce!
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on January 31, 2008, 11:26:45 pm
Gorgeous. Deeply moving. Go:

Tribute to Heath Ledger from ennisjack.com
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UpwlBGFK10[/youtube]

(At the end, after the many, many stills of Heath, at 8:29, there is a short video taken during the late afternoon,
January 23, 2008, or early January 24, at the 421 Broome Street Memorial. The incidental music is beautiful.)

Thanks to ennisD, http://ennisjack.com/ (http://ennisjack.com/)

And thanks, Meryl, for meeting me on Wednesday, January 23, at the Starbucks on Allen and Delancey, and our walk over to Broome Street. I'll never forget it.

xxx
John
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on February 01, 2008, 12:05:10 am
And thanks, Meryl, for meeting me on Wednesday, January 23, at the Starbucks on Allen and Delancey, and our walk over to Broome Street. I'll never forget it.

xxx
John

Me neither, John.  It meant so much to be there, especially with you.  Love you.  :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on February 01, 2008, 12:57:38 am
421 Broome Street, Thursday, January 31, 2008, 2:00 PM


No Memorial today. Large truck ("Art Moving") blocking the entry.  A few people--singletons and couples--walk up with cameras at the ready, disappointed. Sunny and cold. Sad.


421 Broome Street, January 31, 2008
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/421BroomeStreetJanuary312008.jpg)



At one point, Elle said: why not photograph some of the local places Heath frequented and were mentioned during the New York Daily News article? (In SoHo, Heath Ledger was scruffy loner, January 24, 2008)
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/01/24/2008-01-24_in_soho_heath_ledger_was_scruffy_loner.html (http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/01/24/2008-01-24_in_soho_heath_ledger_was_scruffy_loner.html)

So I did.



"I didn't know he was an actor," said Camile Angelo, the host at the Grotta Azzurra Ristorante at Mulberry and Broome Sts., where Ledger often ate breakfast. "He was always the first customer. He was always here alone."

"I told him to stop text messaging because his steak and eggs were getting cold,"
  Angelo said. "He smiled."




Walking East on Broome Street to Mulberry (Grotta Azzurra)(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/GrottaAzzurra.jpg)



Corner of Mulberry and Broome, looking West towards 421 Broome
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/OpenforBreakfast.jpg)



Open for Breakfast--Eggs
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/OpenforBreakfast--Eggs.jpg)



Breakfast Menu
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/BreakfastMenu.jpg)



Map: 177 Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10013  212-925-8775
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=177+Mulberry+St,+New+York,+NY+10013,+USA&sa=X&oi=map&ct=title (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=177+Mulberry+St,+New+York,+NY+10013,+USA&sa=X&oi=map&ct=title)

(421 Broome is between Crosby and Lafayette, on the South side of the street. Grotta Azzurra is also on the South side of Broome, just a couple of blocks East.)

More photos from other places mentioned in the article and other points of interest from the area next time.

xxx
John
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: ptannen on February 01, 2008, 01:41:11 am
Tribute to Heath Ledger from ennisjack.com is amazing!!!!!  Hard to stop crying.

Thank you so much, John.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Brown Eyes on February 01, 2008, 02:15:02 am
421 Broome Street, Thursday, January 31, 2008, 2:00 PM


No Memorial today. Large truck ("Art Moving") blocking the entry.  A few people--singletons and couples--walk up with cameras at the ready, disappointed. Sunny and cold. Sad.


At one point, Elle said: why not photograph some of the local places Heath frequented and were mentioned during the New York Daily News article? (In SoHo, Heath Ledger was scruffy loner, January 24, 2008)
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/01/24/2008-01-24_in_soho_heath_ledger_was_scruffy_loner.html (http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/01/24/2008-01-24_in_soho_heath_ledger_was_scruffy_loner.html)

So I did.




Hey {{{John}}}!  Thanks for these fantastic images and reports from Heath's neighborhood.  They're really interesting to see/ hear about.

Do you think the memorial will re-generate yet again?  Or do you think that gesture is sort of over?  Maybe if you go back there again in the coming days you could leave some flowers or something and see if that sparks a new memorial with other folks contributing.  Just a thought.

Thanks again for all your efforts in reporting about this.
 :-*


Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on February 01, 2008, 02:50:47 am
Hello, Amanda!

Thank you so much. I definitely WILL be checking in to see what transpires. I've been leary about trying to create--or "re"-create-- anything "artificial." The original offerings were so good, weren't they? Mostly because they were so heartfelt, so real. I've just been attempting to report.

Well, we shall see.

Especially as the funeral in Perth is still to be in the very near future--

Thanks also, Pete!--the video is amazing, isn't it? The Oscars couldn't do better, and that's a fact--I hope people go to EnnisJack.com and let them know--well, say we are proud.

xxx
John
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on February 01, 2008, 03:35:01 am
It occurs to me two things, that there may be more tributes to Heath Ledger on YouTube than to anyone else, and that he would surely love knowing that he inspired 'just folks' to make videos, though them being about him might feel a bit daunting.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on February 01, 2008, 03:37:03 am
John, I love seeing the Grotta Azzurra menu.  Heath ordered the most expensive meal they have.  :)  And the typo on the bottom line reminds me they never tied the knot.  With that image, who'd want to?  :)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on February 01, 2008, 04:13:32 am
Ha!

I bet Ennis would have had Steak and Eggs, when he managed to put a few dollars together and he went into town every other week or so--

As for the typo--well, that's traditional 'Ethnic' New York Menu-ese. It's like the old hand-woven oriental carpets with one mistake-on-purpose, so Allah wouldn't strike the weaver down!

Thanks so much, Clarissamissima, for the idea. I'll be photographing more of those cute dives very soon.

And Amanda--I may make a little contribution for the Memorial--even if only electronically so, on BetterMost--
and maybe this is IT, as it is now February--(!) and I had wanted to mention this photo below--

So:

My favorite photo of Heath--

Published almost exactly two years ago (sigh--) in The New York Times Sunday Magazine, dated February 19, 2006,
photographers Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin made the Third Annual

"Great Performers: Portraits of 26 actors who made the films of 2005 so memorable."
(Makeup by Peter Philips/Hair by Christiaan/Styled by Marc Kroop--they made the fake tear drop match his real tatoos!)

Heath Ledger/Brokeback Mountain
pg. 79

(http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2006/02/14/magazine/19perf.slide10.jpg)


The opposing, left hand page was a beautiful b&w shot of Michelle (I would love to find the url--)

In context, and for history,
the other "Great Performers" were:

Ziyi Zhang/2046
William Hurt/A History of Violence
Rachel Weisz/The Constant Gardener
Birol Ünel and Sibel Kekilli/Head-On
Shirley MacLaine/In Her Shoes
Charlize Theron/North Country
Viggo Mortensen/A History of Violence
Michelle Williams/Brokeback Mountain
Heath Ledger/Brokeback Mountain

Amy Adams/Junebug
Philip Seymour Hoffman/Capote
Vera Farmiga/Down to the Bone
Bill Murray/Broken Flowers
Joseph Gordon-Levitt/Mysterious Skin
Reese Witherspoon/Walk the Line
Joaquin Phoenix/Walk the Line
Terrence Howard/Hustle and Flow
Natalie Press and Emily Blunt/My Summer of Love
Deep Roy/Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Eric Bana/Munich
Penelope Cruz/Don't Move
Jeff Daniels/The Squid and the Whale
Daniel Day-Lewis/The Ballad of Jack and Rose

and on the cover:

George Clooney/Syriana

Pretty good context, no?

(I mean for Heath, that is--and Brokeback--)

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on February 01, 2008, 04:28:59 am
I remember when Leslie very kindly posted a bunch of those NYT photos.  (I think it was Leslie.)

I look down that list of names and I see it through BBM-colored glasses:

Ziyi Zhang/2046 worked with Ang
William Hurt/A History of Violence 
Rachel Weisz/The Constant Gardener
Birol Ünel and Sibel Kekilli/Head-On
Shirley MacLaine/In Her Shoes
Charlize Theron/North Country
Viggo Mortensen/A History of Violence In Meryl's other favorite movie
Michelle Williams/Brokeback Mountain  Michelle
Heath Ledger/Brokeback Mountain  Heath
Amy Adams/Junebug
Philip Seymour Hoffman/Capote  also up for an Oscar that year
Vera Farmiga/Down to the Bone  In Roar with Heath
Bill Murray/Broken Flowers
Joseph Gordon-Levitt/Mysterious Skin  In 10 Things with Heath, plus reminds me of Heath
Reese Witherspoon/Walk the Line  Jake's honey
Joaquin Phoenix/Walk the Line  also up for an Oscar that year
Terrence Howard/Hustle and Flow  was in that other movie
Natalie Press and Emily Blunt/My Summer of Love
Deep Roy/Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Eric Bana/Munich  worked with Ang
Penelope Cruz/Don't Move
Jeff Daniels/The Squid and the Whale
Daniel Day-Lewis/The Ballad of Jack and Rose  fellow Heath-lover
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on February 01, 2008, 04:41:58 am

was in that other movie


What was that movie??

Oh, yeah--Jake's honey's Ex was in that one, called--Oh, damn, you know the one!

(Talk about the Mistake-on-Purpose...)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Pipedream on February 01, 2008, 04:54:22 am
New York loves Heath Ledger;

New York Magazine loves Heath Ledger. I love that it does.

So, see below: New York Magazine's weekly map of visual "taste heirarchies," sometimes snarky, sometimes spot-on. Please note, Heath himself is placed in the upper-right quadrant, very high in "High Brow," and nearly on the edge of the border of "Brilliant." (Please scroll to the right if the image is cut off in the screen.)

Ordinarily this item would go in Bettermost "news" or "magazines," but because the photo is of the 421 Broome Street Memorial, I put it here. Kudos to NYMagazine for caring--it's like a bit of a memorial itself.

(By the way, Maggie Gyllenhaal is coincidentally put on the Matrix this week for performing a reading at Symphony Space. She is also in the Upper-Right Quadrant, of course. While you're looking, please note who and where you see on the LOWest and LEFTest Quadrant, in the corner of Lowbrow and Despicable. Guess Who.)



The Approval Matrix: Week of February 4, 2008


Our deliberately oversimplified guide to who falls where on our taste hierarchies.

Published Jan 27, 2008

(http://nymag.com/arts/all/approvalmatrix/matrix080204_740.jpg)

http://nymag.com/arts/all/approvalmatrix/43297/ (http://nymag.com/arts/all/approvalmatrix/43297/)


Wow. Even our little Nuremberg polar-bear Flocke made it on the list. So, together with Thomas Quasthoff, that makes two brilliant Germans. Lol.

 :)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: AngelaNicole on February 01, 2008, 10:00:56 pm
I would like to thank you all that posted pictures from the memorium. They are so beautiful and I live in Tx, but if I could, I would definately make a trip there to see the memorium for myself. The pictures are so clear and really show how much Heath meant to a lot of people. I am happy but sad at the same time viewing the photos. It seems so REAL that he is gone now :( :( He will live on forever in our hearts though! RIP Heath we love you always. Oh and for now, does anyone know if the memorium is up again? It angers me that people would take it down, why would they do that?? :'( xoxoAngela
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Fran on February 02, 2008, 01:42:57 am
Oh and for now, does anyone know if the memorium is up again? It angers me that people would take it down, why would they do that?? :'( xoxoAngela

I suppose it's mainly to keep the memorial a manageable size.  They have to keep the sidewalks clear for the pedestrians, etc., and the entrance clear for the residents of the building.  As harsh as it sounds, life goes on in that neighborhood even though many people are still mourning.

I would like to believe that someone is collecting the written messages, the cards, and drawings that have been left and that they will eventually reach Heath's family.  I don't know what the weather in NYC has been, but if the paper messages were left out in the rain or snow for a long period of time, they would be ruined, so maybe it's good that they are (hopefully) being collected each night.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: David In Indy on February 02, 2008, 02:10:18 am
I should hope they will forward these items to Heath's family. Since the flowers, cards, paintings etc were left to Heath (and in most cases his name was prominently written on each item) they are in fact the property of Heath. And since Heath is no longer with us, they become the property of his immediate family.

Am I wrong? I don't profess a knowledge in legal matters, but what little I do understand causes me to feel each and every single item placed in that area should be forwarded to Australia. I sure do hope so anyway.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: souxi on February 02, 2008, 05:47:19 am
I should hope they will forward these items to Heath's family. Since the flowers, cards, paintings etc were left to Heath (and in most cases his name was prominently written on each item) they are in fact the property of Heath. And since Heath is no longer with us, they become the property of his immediate family.

Am I wrong? I don't profess a knowledge in legal matters, but what little I do understand causes me to feel each and every single item placed in that area should be forwarded to Australia. I sure do hope so anyway.

Yes I agree. I shouldn,t think they would just throw them away would they? I,m sure they,d send all the cards/pictures etc to Heaths family. I would hope it would give them some comfort to know just how much he was loved, and how much people respected him. I still can,t get my head round this. It,s just too bloody awful isn,t it.  :'( :'( :'(
Is there any word on how Jake is doing? Poor Jake. :'( :'(
That statment from Michelle broke my heart too. :'( :'(
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: MaineWriter on February 02, 2008, 01:18:27 pm
I remember reading an article once about tributes left at the Vietnam Memorial (the Wall) in Washington DC. It is cleared up nightly and everything is kept. They have some process for releasing objects to family members if a specific soldier is named on the tribute.

Kim Ledger (Heath's dad) visited the building the other day so I am sure he is aware of the tributes. I hope in my heart of hearts that he met with the superintendent to discuss the disposition of various objects. I don't think he would necessarily want/need to keep dead flowers or papers ruined by the weather but I would hope that he'd find a way to have many of the tributes returned to Australia and kept there.

My 2 cents.

L
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on February 03, 2008, 04:37:30 pm
421 Broome Street, February 1-3, 2008

No Memorial at all this weekend, alas.

Today, Sunday, there were people photographing the building (see below).

Weirdest coincidental thing--walking East along the North side of Broome, just West of Broadway, who should I see but Rufus Sewell of A Knight's Tale, and now the star of Tom Stoppard's play, Rock'n'Roll, at Lincoln Center, here in New York. It was just after 1:00 PM, today. Mr. Sewell was walking along in conversation with a friend, and I'm not that good yet with the camera (well, cellphone, let's be truthful), but, even so--I don't ever want to play paparazzo....

So, no photo of that, but it's interesting never-the-less.

I will post photos of a Broome Street Walkabout later.



421 Broome Street, February 1, 2008, 2:00 PM
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/421BroomeStreetFebruary12008.jpg)



421 Broome Street, February 2, 2008, 12:45 PM
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/421BroomeStreetFebruary22008.jpg)



421 Broome Street, February 3, 2008, 12:45 PM
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/421BroomeStreetFebruary32008.jpg)



Photographers 1, February 3, 2008, 12:45 PM
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/421BroomeStreetPhotographers1.jpg)



Photographers 2, February 3, 2008, 1:15 PM
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/421BroomeStreetPhotographers2.jpg)

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: cmr107 on February 03, 2008, 04:41:40 pm
I wish there were still more tributes, but as always, thank you so much for keeping us updated John.  :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on February 03, 2008, 04:56:41 pm
Thanks, Courtney, I will.

More photos later this evening.

In the meanwhile: 

http://imdb.com/name/nm0001722/bio (http://imdb.com/name/nm0001722/bio)

(I love Rufus Sewell--but I can now state--he is NOT 6'-0"--I am, and I was three feet away. Oh well, actors! Poetic license! Maybe I should now claim 6'-2"? I always wanted to be....)

Biography for
Rufus Sewell
Date of Birth
29 October 1967, Twickenham, Middlesex, England, UK


Birth Name
Rufus Frederick Sewell

Nickname
Roof

Height
6' (1.83 m)

Mini Biography

Rufus Sewell was born on the 29th of October 1967 in Twickenham, England. His father, Bill, was an Australian animator, who died when Rufus was 10. He has one brother, Caspar. He attended London's Central School of Speech and Drama and left in June of 1989 after completing three years of training. He made his London Stage debut in "Making It Better" for which he won the "Best Newcomer Award"; he also originated the role of Septimus Hodge in Tom Stoppards "Arcadia" and was nominated for an Oliver Award. On the Broadway stage, he debuted in "Translations" and received the Broadway Theater World Award. His film work has been has been equally varied and acclaimed from the junkie in Twenty-One (1991), the sweet bus driver in A Man of No Importance (1994), and the volatile artist in Carrington (1995). The lustful son in Cold Comfort Farm (1995) (TV), the protagonist hounded Dostoevsky-like in Dark City (1998), the star-crossed suitor in Dangerous Beauty (1998), to the the bitter, acidic, alcoholic cokehead of Martha, Meet Frank, Daniel and Laurence (1998), he has appeared in some of the most acclaimed theatre, film and television productions.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on February 03, 2008, 10:51:29 pm
As promised, a 'Broome Street Walkabout' photo album to illustrate three more places Heath frequented, and which were mentioned in the following article (excerpts follow).



In SoHo, Heath Ledger was scruffy loner
THE DAILY NEWS, Thursday, January 24th 2008

Liz Bullis, sales manager of Gourmet Garage on Broome St., said she sometimes saw Ledger with his 2-year-old daughter, Matilda. He usually wore ragged jeans, an old jacket, brown boots and a stubbly chin, but when she spotted Ledger buying organic sausages and bagging his own groceries Monday, he'd cleaned up his act a bit.

"He's usually very scruffy, but he was clean shaven," Bullis said.




Gourmet Garage, 453 Broome Street (at Mercer)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/GourmetGarage.jpg)



Gourmet Garage on Broome Side
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/GourmetGarageonBroome.jpg)



Gourmet Garage Corner Entry
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/GourmetGarageEntry.jpg)



Gourmet Garage Interior 1
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/GourmetGarageInterior.jpg)



Gourmet Garage Interior 2
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/GourmetGarageInterior2.jpg)



Heath Liked Organic Sausages
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/GourmetGarageOrganicSausages.jpg)



I Bet Ennis Would Have Liked Them Too
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/GourmetGarageSausagesClose-up.jpg)



The Mirô Cafe on Broadway was another Ledger haunt. Once again, the unfailingly polite young man gave no inkling he was somebody special.

"We were surprised, we never knew he was an actor," manager Max Barrsi said. "He was practically here all the time for coffee . . . always very nice with us."




Mirô Cafe, 474 Broadway (between Broome and Grand)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/MiroCafeonBroadwaybetweenBroomeandG.jpg)



Mirô Cafe Board
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/MiroCafeBoard.jpg)



Mirô Cafe Now Serving
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/MiroCafeNowServing.jpg)



At the Spring Street Natural Restaurant, a bartender who asked not to be identified said Ledger often came by in the evening for a drink, which he nursed at a table in the back. He didn't stand out in the crowd.

"We have a lot of celebrities here," he said.




Spring Street Natural Restaurant, 62 Spring Street (Entry on Lafayette)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/SpringStreetNaturalFacade.jpg)



Spring Street Natural Restaurant Sign Board
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/SpringStreetNaturalRestaurantSign.jpg)



Spring Street Natural Restaurant Entry
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/SpringStreetNaturalRestaurantEntry.jpg)



Spring Street Natural Restaurant (The Daily Lunch Specials)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/TheDailyLunchSpecials.jpg)



Spring Street Natural Restaurant (The Dinner Menu)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/SpringStreetNaturalDinnerMenu.jpg)



http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/01/24/2008-01-24_in_soho_heath_ledger_was_scruffy_loner.html (http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/01/24/2008-01-24_in_soho_heath_ledger_was_scruffy_loner.html)


http://maps.google.com/maps?q=421+Broome+St,+New+York,+NY+10013,+USA&sa=X&oi=map&ct=title (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=421+Broome+St,+New+York,+NY+10013,+USA&sa=X&oi=map&ct=title)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: ifyoucantfixit on February 04, 2008, 12:06:34 am


       Thank you very much Jim for posting these lovely pictures.  It gave a very good slant on him
regarding the places he was in on a daily basis...........thank you again.......
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on February 07, 2008, 07:03:11 pm
From New York Magazine:

Developing
2/7/08
12:45 PM

The New York Real-Estate Market
Will Outlive Us All


(http://www.nymag.com/images/2/daily/intel/08/02/07_421broome_lgl.jpg)

Looking for a spiffy new place? Corcoran has got just the thing! A three-bedroom, two-bath, 4,400-square-foot space with a gourmet kitchen, office, and balcony overlooking the heart of Soho.

Amenities include fifteen-foot tin ceilings, cast-iron columns, exposed-brick walls, a wood-burning fireplace, and one unique feature that will really impress your friends and co-workers: It's the very apartment in which Heath Ledger died. Yes, a scant two weeks after Ledger overdosed in his apartment at 421 Broome Street, his place is apparently already on the market.

This is New York, after all, and as one broker tells the Post, "You don't wait around in a hot rental market like this."

The cocktail-party anecdote that living in the deceased actor's pad will provide is going to cost you, though: According to the Post, the place is going for $25,000 a month now, $3,000 up from what Ledger started renting it for back in September. But that’s nothing compared with what they're going to start asking for it once someone says it's haunted.

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2008/02/heath_ledgers_apartment_on_the.html (http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2008/02/heath_ledgers_apartment_on_the.html)



And from The New York Post:

LIFE AFTER LEDGER

(http://www.nypost.com/img/cols/bradenkeil.jpg)

(http://www.nypost.com/seven/02072008/photos/re057a.jpg)

February 7, 2008 -- It didn't take long for Heath Ledger 's rental apartment in SoHo to go back on the market.

We hear that the fourth-floor loft at 421 Broome St., where the actor met his demise as a result of mixing an assortment of drugs on Jan. 22, is already quietly being shopped around.

"You don't wait around in a hot rental market like this," says one broker. "As ghoulish as it sounds, people will

rent that place in a heartbeat, especially when the vacancy rate is below 1 percent."

The spacious 4,400-square-foot apartment, which Ledger began renting last September for approximately $22,000 a month, includes three bedrooms, 2½baths, an office, laundry room, gourmet kitchen and a small balcony.

Also featured are 15-foot tin ceilings, cast-iron columns, exposed-brick walls and a wood-burning fireplace.

Sources say it's now being offered for around $25,000 a month.

But for all that money you're still going to have to open the lobby door and haul your own packages. Instead of a doorman, the five-unit building uses an audio/visual intercom system with key-locked elevator.

Calls to the previous listing broker, the Corcoran Group's Darren Kearns, were not returned. The owner of the building, Donald A. Burns - who recently sold "Old Trees," his Southampton estate that had a $48 million price tag - could not be reached for comment.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/02072008/realestate/life_after_ledger_118140.htm (http://www.nypost.com/seven/02072008/realestate/life_after_ledger_118140.htm)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on February 07, 2008, 07:14:28 pm
From New York Magazine:

The Approval Matrix: Week of February 11, 2008
Our deliberately oversimplified guide to who falls where on our taste hierarchies.

Published Feb 4, 2008

(http://nymag.com/arts/all/approvalmatrix/matrix080211_740.jpg)


This time ex-Aussie owner Rupert Murdoch's and Aussie editor Col Allen's The New York Post itself is in the Lower-Left Quadrant, the Lowbrow and Despicable Corner (as usual).

(Scroll to the right to see the entire Matrix.)

http://nymag.com/arts/all/approvalmatrix/43570/ (http://nymag.com/arts/all/approvalmatrix/43570/)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: David In Indy on February 11, 2008, 09:07:54 pm
Thank you John for all these pictures and information. I appreciate your hard work and efforts!  :D

OT: Kerry or Katie please correct me if I'm wrong but did you all know there is a Broome, Australia? It is situated on the west coast of Australia, on the same coast as Perth, Heath's hometown. Isn't it strange he died in an apartment on Broome street? I wonder if Broome street was named after Broome, Australia? Maybe this is what promped Heath to look at the apartment in the first place and then decide to rent it.

Maybe the name reminded him of home.  :'(  :'(



Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on February 11, 2008, 10:38:21 pm
(The following text is now much modified, as I had to write this on line and then re-draft as I went. Sorry.)

So. As I had been attempting to report on the neighborhoods (and environs) around 421 Broome Street, I thought I would mention the following site: gridskipper.com actually has one of the more accurate articles, in re: geographic particulars, if is not particularly sympathetic. In fact, while "attempting" not to be, it can be salacious. Whatever.

In any case, I thought it might still be interesting for some BetterMostians who want to see the places mentioned in the article, and SoHo, NoHo, and the Meatpacking/West Village neighborhoods.

I've added two of my photos here at the top, the restaurant/bar called Gonzales y Gonzalez, where (supposedly) Heath spent Thanksgiving, see number 6 listed below. (I have to say: shudder.) Twenty-five years ago, when I was a kid--hah!--the exact same neon marquee (on Broadway) was then above the then title, Bar Lui. (We called it "Bar Looie." What did we know.) It was a great place, just around the corner from the Angelika Theater, on Houston and Mercer. I've never been to the restaurant since it became G y G. I'm sure it's a nice place. But Heath's last Thanksgiving? Sigh.

Gosh. THIRTY years ago, I went to NYU, Washington Square Campus. How time flies. So different. (The Gramercy Hotel, number 8 below, was very-shabby-NOT-chic for, well, forever. Now, very recently, it is very NOT-shabby and very, VERY chic.)

But somehow--New York is always changing. Which means it is NOT so different. Am I making sense? Anyway.

Gonzalez y Gonzalez: Neon Marquee
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/GonzalezandGonzalezNeonMarqee.jpg)


Gonzalez y Gonzalez Restaurant & Bar
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/GonzalezandGonzalez.jpg)

Something NOT mentioned in this gridskipper.com article: Beatrice Inn (number 4 in the article below) was the "top-secret hipster restaurant of the season" a year ago, and is co-owned by Paul Sevigny (Chloe's brother). Again, supposedly, Heath was seen drinking there one night. He was, supposedly, wearing a hoodie and a ski-mask, and he was drinking through the hole of the mask. Again: shudder. Sad.

(The photo of Beatrice Inn immediately below is by New York Magazine, not me.)
(http://nymag.com/images/2/daily/food/06/11/061106beatrice_560.jpg)

One day soon I hope I will post some photos showing happier images of SoHo and environs, a really great place, but in the meanwhile, here is one of my photos, as Heath apparently liked playing chess in Washington Square Park (see number 7 on the list below): I took this photo Christmas Eve, just before I did walk over to the Angelika, a very New York thing to do.

Christmas Eve, 2007, 9:30 PM
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/WashingtonSquare.jpg)



Anyway. Here at last, the article. The first link is a numbered map. The second link shows a series of photos (supposedly) showing Heath's last days in New York, downloaded from the Gawker site on January 22, 2008.



gridskipper.com
The Urban Travel Guide
EDITED BY CHRIS MOHNEY

New York
Heath Ledger's Final Months

(http://gridskipper.com/assets/resources/2008/01/heathledgermain.jpg)

"The untimely death of 28 year-old actor Heath Ledger from a possible overdose of sleeping pills has left many shocked. Ledger had a promising career, and less than six months ago, he was living happily with his daughter and then-fiancée Michelle Williams. Sadly, their relationship ended over the summer, and if you believe what you read in the tabloids, the final months of Heath Ledger's life were filled with constant partying and promiscuity. This map follows the trail of Heath's many exploits in the weeks prior to his death as told by the New York gossip columns."

(For map, click to: http://gridskipper.com/347839/heath-ledgers-final-months (http://gridskipper.com/347839/heath-ledgers-final-months)

(For photos, click to: http://gawker.com/817865/10642/these-are-believed-to-be-amongst-the-last-images-of-heath-ledger-alive (http://gawker.com/817865/10642/these-are-believed-to-be-amongst-the-last-images-of-heath-ledger-alive))

1.
Boerum Hill brownstone
Brooklyn, NY 11217

(http://cache.gridskipper.com/assets/images/external/5003/2008/01/b0/original_b05a8e06c0feaed5d4692d4c1bbc7717.jpg)
On September 18, 2007, moving trucks showed up to take Heath Ledger from the Boerum Hill brownstone that he had moved into with Michelle Williams in 2005. The couple split last August much to the dismay of fans… and media folk who saw them as an ideal example of domestic bliss in Brooklyn.



2.
421 Broome Street
New York, NY 10013

(http://cache.gridskipper.com/assets/images/external/5003/2008/01/c1/original_c10f45507a0123df9a7023db11729dc1.jpg)
After leaving Brooklyn, Heath Ledger relocated to this Soho apartment. The New York Post reported that he had one of the… rooms here remodeled to match his daughter Matilda's space in their old brownstone so she would feel at home when she visited him. On January, 22 2008, Ledger was found naked, unconscious, and surrounded by sleeping pills in his bedroom here. He was pronounced dead by the police twenty minutes later.



3.
WAKIYA
2 Lexington Ave.
New York, NY 10010

(http://cache.gridskipper.com/assets/images/external/5003/2008/01/0c/original_0c54f4575a5226c01493de8f489f5029.jpg)
Danish actress Helena Christensen was one of Heath's first rumored conquests after his engagement fell apart. The pair was seen… dining at this upscale Chinese restaurant five days before Heath moved out of his home in Brooklyn.



4.
Beatrice Inn
285 W 12th St
New York, NY 10014

(http://cache.gridskipper.com/assets/images/external/5003/2008/01/52/original_520e9e80c2855d3a04e927fbe5a2e6df.jpg)
Throughout the fall, the gossip columns were buzzing with salacious sightings of Heath Ledger at this trendy lounge. In September, New York Magazine said he "and… a buddy tried to get two girls back to his apartment in Soho from the Beatrice Inn." By November, Page Six supposedly had "spies at Beatrice Inn" who claimed that Heath was kissing Kate Hudson inside the bar. Later on in the month New York Magazine had more reports of Ledger "hitting on chicks" at the Beatrice.


5.
Bowery Hotel
335 Bowery
New York, NY 10003

(http://cache.gridskipper.com/assets/images/external/5003/2008/01/45/original_458676dddbcd5ccf585209b32da2e79e.jpg)
Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams both appeared in the Bob Dylan biopic I'm Not There, which opened in November. Tongues… were wagging when Heath showed up to a party at the Bowery Hotel celebrating the film's release while Michelle stayed away.

(http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/00iM6IubiEgw5/610x.jpg)
2 months ago: NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 13: Actor Heath Ledger (L) and Director Todd Haynes attend the dinner for a screening of "I'm Not There" at The Bowery Hotel hosted by The Cinema Society and Hogan November 13, 2007 in New York City.



6.
Gonzalez y Gonzalez
625 Broadway
New York, NY 10012

(http://cache.gridskipper.com/assets/images/external/5003/2008/01/4e/original_4e47624cf7e5b8f292303b0f107fe780.jpg)
Page Six says Ledger spent Thanksgiving at this West Village Mexican salsa bar "dressed like a homeless guy"… and hitting up Heather Graham for her number. Radar and Perez Hilton, however, placed Ledger with Lindsay Lohan during the holiday.



7.
Washington Square Park
(http://cache.gridskipper.com/assets/images/external/5003/2008/01/f3/original_f373e55bf5bc9503cc2e4ee1f5422c20.jpg)
In a November interview with The New York Times, Heath Ledger said that since moving to Manhattan he sometimes… enjoyed playing games with (and sometimes beating) the chess hustlers at Washington Square Park. He spoke of feeling "stressed" on the set of Batman and sleeping only two hours a night despite taking Ambien.


8.
Gramercy Hotel
Rose Bar
2 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10010

(http://cache.gridskipper.com/assets/images/external/5003/2008/01/1d/original_1d8bf333b5c0c12f5305ad51e8d33ccc.jpg)
One of the more persistent rumors that surrounded Heath Ledger in the months before his death was of a romance… with 21 year-old model Gemma Ward. The pair allegedly spent Christmas together in their shared hometown of Perth, Australia. The New York Post, says they were both in attendance at the Rose Bar when, according to the paper, movie mogul Harvey Weinstein got into a scuffle with a D.J. on November, 10th.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on February 11, 2008, 11:23:48 pm
John, you're quite a good news sleuth!  Thanks for that article.  Very interesting, if sad.  :(
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Fran on February 12, 2008, 12:27:29 am
John, you're quite a good news sleuth!  Thanks for that article.  Very interesting, if sad.  :(

And the photos of Heath are even sadder.  :(

On a lighter note, can non-celebrities use Celebrity Moving, or do they only move celebrities?  :)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Brown Eyes on February 12, 2008, 01:15:18 am

On a lighter note, can non-celebrities use Celebrity Moving, or do they only move celebrities?  :)

 :laugh: I was wondering the same thing Friend.

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on February 12, 2008, 01:39:38 am

Weirder and funnier, Fran and Amanda--"Celebrity Moving" is my design firm's moving company. Most of the clients are not celebrities--but it certainly helps to have $$$ (no joke there).

J.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: cmr107 on February 12, 2008, 10:13:34 pm
Thanks for this article John. You certainly keep us out-of-towners informed. :)

On September 18, 2007, moving trucks showed up to take Heath Ledger from the Boerum Hill brownstone that he had moved into with Michelle Williams in 2005. The couple split last August much to the dismay of fans… and media folk who saw them as an ideal example of domestic bliss in Brooklyn.

He moved out on my 21st birthday.  :-\
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on April 04, 2008, 06:43:17 pm
"I didn't know he was an actor," said Camile Angelo, the host at the Grotta Azzurra Ristorante at Mulberry and Broome Sts., where Ledger often ate breakfast. "He was always the first customer. He was always here alone."

"I told him to stop text messaging because his steak and eggs were getting cold,"  Angelo said. "He smiled."



April 4, 2008, 8:15 A.M. (Same waiter.)

16 images




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16.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/April4200815.jpg)


April 4, 2008, 10:20 A.M.

421 Broome Street

4 images




17.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/April4200816.jpg)



18.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/April4200817.jpg)



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(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/April4200818.jpg)



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(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/April4200819.jpg)



Happy Birthday, Heath!

 :)

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Shasta542 on April 04, 2008, 07:15:16 pm
This photo journey makes me cry. Very touching with your striped scarves and the roses. Thank you both for going and for posting it us. I'm so glad you did this for Heath's 29th birthday. Beautiful.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Mikaela on April 04, 2008, 07:20:44 pm
Oh my, Meryl and John, how I love you guys!

Thank you for letting us join you in this "pilgrimage" - it's wonderful seeing the place, down to the egg and steak - and you both looking so good in your striped scarves.  :) And the flower tribute...  :'(

It's all perfect and I am deeply moved and very grateful.

Thank you!  :-* :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: southendmd on April 04, 2008, 08:26:11 pm
John and Meryl,

What a wonderful way to spend Heath's birthday. 

I love the scarves and the roses. 

Heathy hugs to you,

Paul
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: RouxB on April 04, 2008, 08:26:20 pm
Meryl I love you. John I love you.

Will be in Philly the week of the 21st and NYC the weekend either before or after. You'll have to take me there.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on April 04, 2008, 08:35:04 pm
Meryl I love you. John I love you.

Will be in Philly the week of the 21st and NYC the weekend either before or after. You'll have to take me there.

Wow, wow, Roux!  Consider it a date.  :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on April 04, 2008, 09:00:15 pm
((((((((Shasta, Paul, Mika and Roux and all Brokies Dear))))))))

It was so worth getting up at the crack of dawn for!  Thanks, dear John, for the idea and the companionship.  It meant so much, especially since we weren't able to get our flowers delivered to the cemetery in Perth.  This was really much sweeter and more personal.  We walked in Heath's footsteps, breathed the air he breathed, laid eyes on the sights that he saw and remembered him with love.  :-*  :-*  :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Brown Eyes on April 04, 2008, 09:04:22 pm


This all looks so wonderful.  The next time I'm in NYC I definitely want to go to that restaurant.

Thanks so much for these lovely reports.
 :-*

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: MaineWriter on April 05, 2008, 08:16:46 am
Thanks for those wonderful pictures, John and Meryl! What a nice pilgrimage...and breakfast looked pretty tasty, too!

L
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: belbbmfan on April 05, 2008, 08:42:39 am
(((Meryl)))  (((John)))


You guys are amazing!! What a wonderful tribute, love the scarfs and the roses! I don't think Heath could have wished for better fans.

Thank you so much!  :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Kerry on April 05, 2008, 09:39:10 am

Thank you {{{Meryl & John}}}

I am quite overcome.  :'(
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Penthesilea on April 05, 2008, 10:26:39 am
Thank you Meryl and John.  :-*
Thank you for making this pilgrimage again and for sharing it with us. It really means a lot to us who live a continent away and (probably) will never have the chance. Love your scarfs and the roses. To see the house entrance again is so .... looking for the right words .... I don't know, it brings a strange feeling. Life goes on and the workers maybe don't have a clue what went on there, and even if they know, they (probably) don't care. I dunno  :-\. It's strange and sad and naturally it brings back the nightmare of January  :(.
But it's also reassuring that you were there and brought flowers. Thank you again.

(((Meryl)))  (((John)))

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: cmr107 on April 05, 2008, 01:12:14 pm
Thank you so much, John and Meryl. Your pictures and stories mean a lot to us who live far away. What a wonderful tribute.  :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on April 05, 2008, 02:16:52 pm
What our other friends have said.

You beautifully-stripèd delights!  Thank you so very much for sharing this poignant adventure with us.


Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: sel on April 05, 2008, 03:54:42 pm
John and Meryl,
I really appreciated your reporting of your trip to the Grotta Azzurra Restaurant and Broome St, living lots of miles away it made feel me as if I had been there too. Thank you very much.
sel
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Pipedream on April 06, 2008, 04:09:09 pm
John and Meryl! You are the best!  :-* :-* :-*  :)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on April 07, 2008, 07:59:40 am


To see the house entrance again is so .... looking for the right words .... I don't know, it brings a strange feeling. Life goes on and the workers maybe don't have a clue what went on there, and even if they know, they (probably) don't care. I dunno  :-\.   It's strange and sad and naturally it brings back the nightmare of January  :(.

That is exactly right--it was strange and sad. I'm glad we went!

Thanks for the kind thoughts! Happy Heath Day, everybody!

 :)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on April 08, 2008, 02:22:00 am
"Tu doives entendre je t'aime."

Doives?  What's that, the subjunctive?
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: southendmd on April 08, 2008, 08:19:41 am
"Tu doives entendre je t'aime."

Doives?  What's that, the subjunctive?

Check out the full lyrics "J'ai cru entendre" from Les chansons d'amour.

http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,18293.msg352893.html#new (http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,18293.msg352893.html#new)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: mouk on April 08, 2008, 08:27:37 am
Je crains que tu doives entendre - oui c'est un subjonctif  :)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: mouk on April 08, 2008, 08:33:55 am
Meryl and John, wow you are brave, it can't have been easy going there on that day  :'(

Lovely photos

And you also discovered some little treasures: what Heath had for breakfast, that he was always there first, and that the waiter did not know he was an actor. It must have been one of his safe havens, where he enjoyed being treated like a normal human being.

Your tribute was beautiful. And in a place Heath knew and had lived in - in some ways, way better than Karrakatta. So don't worry Meryl  :-* and I don't doubt a minute he was sitting on your shoulder, with a broad smile. Why so serious  ;)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Shakesthecoffecan on April 08, 2008, 08:34:08 am
Thank kew, Meryl and John, for taking us along on you pilgrimage.  May he rest in peace, may the peace around his doorstep be the indication he is.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: myprivatejack on April 08, 2008, 12:22:08 pm
Thank you so much,John and Meryl,for making us share your lovely pilgrimage.I´m sure Heath was watching you and was very happy to know how much love he has carried with him. :)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: belbbmfan on April 08, 2008, 01:20:49 pm
Je crains que tu doives entendre - oui c'est un subjonctif  :)

Ah, maintenant je comprends! Merci Mouk.  ;)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on April 08, 2008, 06:16:48 pm

Thank you, Bel--I must say Merci Mouk also!  ;D

Ah, maintenant je comprend! Merci Mouk.  ;)

Dear Effen-Elle: as for the subjunctif, as now a real-life aphasic (no joke), I'm lucky to figure out the subjunctive in English. Interestingly, during today's speech therapy "conversation" session (with a fabulous, brilliant therapist, a Columbia U. grad student named Mel), I couldn't remember (or say) "Mona Lisa," but I could say "La Jaconde!" Mel said, "So! You may be aphasic in English, but not in French!"

Hah. As if.

Meryl and I had a wonderful breakfast--so cozy. The sad part was later. Oh, well.

Anyway--Je vous aime--tout!

 :-*


Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on April 08, 2008, 08:55:57 pm
devoir: to have to, must, ought, owe, should.

Tu--

dois (présent de l'indicatif)
devais (imparfait de l'indicatif)
dus (passé simple)
devras (futur)
devrais (conditionnel)
doives (présent du subjonctif)
dusses (imparfait du subjonctif)

("The subjunctive in French is used to express doubt, desire, surprise, judgment, necessity, possibility, opinions, and emotions.")

Oy!

 :P

!
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: mouk on April 09, 2008, 03:06:04 am
 :o ;D

Bravo!!

 
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on April 09, 2008, 03:56:57 am


("The subjunctive in French is used to express doubt, desire, surprise, judgment, necessity, possibility, opinions, and emotions.")

Oy!

 :P

!



Or, one could just say <<o la la, la la, la la>> with a little moue, non?
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on April 09, 2008, 04:02:14 am

Dear Effen-Elle: as for the subjunctif, as now a real-life aphasic (no joke), I'm lucky to figure out the subjunctive in English. Interestingly, during today's speech therapy "conversation" session (with a fabulous, brilliant therapist, a Columbia U. grad student named Mel), I couldn't remember (or say) "Mona Lisa," but I could say "La Jaconde!" Mel said, "So! You may be aphasic in English, but not in French!"



Dear John, I never knew the word "aphasic" til it happened to you.  All I can say is thank God you were so abundantly blessed with communication skills before your stroke, to serve you now.  I imagine in some ways having had that might make it harder in some ways now, but easier in others. 

But, wow I missed you when you weren't on BetterMost, and I'm SO glad you're back, and sharing your wonderful jmmgallagherness with us again. 

Tu DOIVES savoir combien je t'aime.

:-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: cmr107 on April 09, 2008, 06:55:59 pm
But, wow I missed you when you weren't on BetterMost, and I'm SO glad you're back, and sharing your wonderful jmmgallagherness with us again. 

Ditto!  :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on April 09, 2008, 08:43:52 pm
Ditto!  :-*

And ditto at you, missie.  I missed your Courtliness around here too.  I'm SO glad you are back.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on April 20, 2008, 11:12:21 am
The latest iPhone Album at 421 Broome Street:

At the Spring Street Natural Restaurant, a bartender who asked not to be identified said Ledger often came by in the evening for a drink, which he nursed at a table in the back. He didn't stand out in the crowd.

"We have a lot of celebrities here," he said.


Well, no celebrities yesterday--just us chickens celebrating our own birthdays (Jenny, Meryl and John)! This photo essay is a bit self-indulgent, but--what the hell! It was fun--and what a gorgeous day in New York! (It was even inspired, if you know what I mean, just see below.)


Spring Street Natural Restaurant, 62 Spring Street
(Entry on Lafayette; one block North from Broome Street)

Saturday, April 19, 2008, 11:00 AM

32 images



1.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring0.jpg)



2.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring1.jpg)



3.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring3.jpg)



4.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring4.jpg)



5.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring5.jpg)



6.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring6.jpg)



7.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring7.jpg)



8.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring8.jpg)



9.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring9.jpg)



10.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring10.jpg)



11.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring11.jpg)



12.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring12.jpg)



13.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring13.jpg)



14.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring14.jpg)



15.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring15.jpg)



16.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring16.jpg)



17.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring17.jpg)



18.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring18.jpg)



19.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring19.jpg)



20.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring20.jpg)



21.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring21.jpg)



22.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring22.jpg)



23.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring23.jpg)



24.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring24.jpg)



25.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring25.jpg)



26.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring26.jpg)



27.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring27.jpg)



28.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring28.jpg)



29.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring29.jpg)



30.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring30.jpg)



31.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring31.jpg)



32.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring32.jpg)




Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Mikaela on April 20, 2008, 01:09:18 pm
What absolutely lovely images! You look inspi(red) and happy, all 3 of you! Thank you for letting us share your day out.

Happy birthday, Jenny and John!  :-* I guess a lot of people here including me would like to subscribe to the messages in Meryl's lovely b'day cards.

The meal pictures - well, I'm getting hungry for sure! And is that beans I spy? :D

Wow - a cowboy harnessing lightning - the combination of his clothes and the symbolism makes him look like an amalgamation of Ennis and Jack! How perfect is that?

The restaurant looks lovely, and it sure looks like a perfect and balmy late spring day in NYC. 

Big, big hugs to all 3 of you!


Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: mouk on April 20, 2008, 01:15:13 pm
What a great way to celebrate your birthdays, in Brokie love

Still hard to see that door though...

But the restaurant certainly looks cheerful, and with an inspiring menu  :P
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Penthesilea on April 20, 2008, 03:10:33 pm
Thank you once more for sharing  :D.

It looks like a perfect, lovely spring day in wonderful company. I agree with Mouk, it's a great way to celebrate birthdays, in shared Brokie-love.

I enjoyed the photo-essay very much, John. It's not self-indulgent at all. I loved to get to see the place and I love all the details: the (eagle?) feather, the cards, the cowboy painting, the hat charms (mine are around my neck, where they always are), the food and of course you Brokies.

Aaaand:

:D Happy Birthday John!!!  :D

(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m47/Penthesilea06/Sonstige/HL_F22_Kamera.jpg)
(yes, it's a cake  :laugh:)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: belbbmfan on April 20, 2008, 03:54:23 pm
Happy birthday to all of you!  :)

Thank you for taking the time to take and post all those pictures. Wonderful!!
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Kelda on April 20, 2008, 04:17:17 pm
great photos! and lovely to so see your smiley faces!
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on April 20, 2008, 05:17:07 pm
Yum!  I would have eaten any of those fabulous choices.  But, Merly, you didn't eat your birthday hijiki!   :laugh: 


Gorgeous beloveds, gorgeous breakfasts, gorgeous bilder, gorgeous Brokiebration!


Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: mouk on April 20, 2008, 05:55:23 pm
Brokiebration ! :o :D :D :D

Superb ((((Elle)))) :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on April 20, 2008, 07:42:12 pm
Wow, John, you know how to cover a happening!  Wonderful pics indeed, down to the almost-consumed entrees!  ;D  Thanks so much for posting those.  :-*

Sorry I didn't start a birthday thread for you.  I spent my time before going to work sending the PayPal donation to Australia, along with a fax to same.  But here's a proper greeting:

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/New_York_City_Opera.jpg)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOHN!
You are so easy to assimilate!
  ;)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on April 20, 2008, 07:43:49 pm
Yum!  I would have eaten any of those fabulous choices.  But, Merly, you didn't eat your birthday hijiki!   :laugh: 


Gorgeous beloveds, gorgeous breakfasts, gorgeous bilder, gorgeous Brokiebration!

Gorgeous font, too, Elle!  8)

You have sharp eyes.  Yes, me no big hijiki fan.  ::)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on April 20, 2008, 08:27:37 pm

It was a lot of fun! Jenny and Meryl and I had a blast!

Thank you all, Mikaela, Mouk, Kelda, Belbb, Elle-issima, Penthesilea (where can I get that cake? Yum!)

Thank you most of all, Meryl--as, I certainly AM 'so assimilated'--by the way, did the Old Lady in Candide mention whether she had lost the left or the right buttock? Just wondering....

(--also by the way--shame!-- I've never before heard of 'hijiki'--now I must go to wikipedia and the dictionary. How do you say 'hijiki' in French? Hah!)

(signed)

(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/TheLeft-BrainGuy4-19-2008.jpg)

The
Left-
Brain
Guy
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on April 21, 2008, 12:20:11 am

(--also by the way--shame!-- I've never before heard of 'hijiki'--now I must go to wikipedia and the dictionary. How do you say 'hijiki' in French? Hah!)



Beats me.  How do you say it in English?  :)  I think it's Japanese, a kind of seaweed - or sea vegetable, as is more "correct" these days.  It's not my favorite kind of sea vegetable, but I would eat it for the minerals in it.  :)

 
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: cmr107 on April 21, 2008, 12:58:33 am
Thank you so much for the pictures John! It's always nice to see your faces. I'm glad you 3 had such a good time. Thanks for sharing it with us!  :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on April 21, 2008, 01:04:06 am
We live in a wonderful new world of information access!

Hijiki
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hijiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hijiki)

"--Hijiki  or Hiziki  (Hizikia fusiformes) is a brown sea vegetable growing wild on rocky coastlines around Japan, Korea, and China. Its two names, which are examples of ateji, mean deer-tail grass and sheep-nest grass respectively.--"

Go to the English-French Translator Engine, and you get:

l'herbe de queue de cerf et l'herbe de nid de mouton

I love it!

 ;)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on April 21, 2008, 01:06:31 am

Thanks, Courtney!  :)

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on April 21, 2008, 03:19:43 am
We live in a wonderful new world of information access!

Hijiki
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hijiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hijiki)

"--Hijiki  or Hiziki  (Hizikia fusiformes) is a brown sea vegetable growing wild on rocky coastlines around Japan, Korea, and China. Its two names, which are examples of ateji, mean deer-tail grass and sheep-nest grass respectively.--"

Go to the English-French Translator Engine, and you get:

l'herbe de queue de cerf et l'herbe de nid de mouton

I love it!

 ;)



I guess near the end of the meal, Meryl could have said, "All we got left is sheep-nest grass..."


Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Kerry on April 21, 2008, 08:47:43 am

Thank you for sharing your lovely day with us all. I felt included.  :)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on April 21, 2008, 10:38:53 am

I guess near the end of the meal, Meryl could have said, "All we got left is sheep-nest grass..."


JACK winces, too.

JACK:
Well, we go to do somethin' 'bout this food situation. Maybe I'll shoot one of the Hajiki.

ENNIS:
What if Aquirre finds out, Huh? We're supposed to guard the Hajiki, not eat 'em.

JACK:
What's the matter with you? There's a thousand of 'em.

ENNIS:
I'll stick with beans.

JACK:
Well, I won't.

.........

Twenty yards away, TWO CHILEAN HAJIKIHERDERS are looking just as glum at the huge mixed herd, gesturing wildly.

ENNIS:
Well, what're we supposed to do now, Huh?

JACK:
Get on in there...untangle them Chilean HAJIKI outa ours, I guess.

(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring5.jpg)

JACK:
Damn, half the goddamn paint brands are wore off.

(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Spring16.jpg)

....

JACK in a better mood now, is doodling on his harmonica.

ENNIS (tolerant, smiles):
You'll run them HAJIKI off again if you don't quiet down.

JACK keeps playing.

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Brown Eyes on April 21, 2008, 11:42:53 am

Happy, happy birthday!!!


I love all these photos!  Such thorough, step-by-step documentation!  Fantastic! 8)

It feels like we were all right there with you.  And, it looks like you had a really lovely visit.

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on April 21, 2008, 12:36:08 pm
John, I love your "Song of the Hijiki" variation.   ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D

Next time, I'll do my best to eat it out of Brokie faithfulness.  Don't want to waste no sheep-nest grass.  :D
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on April 21, 2008, 12:52:24 pm
This National Graphic title is like a Jack'n'Ennis dialogue:

http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/97/seaweed (http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/97/seaweed)
Sea Vegetables: Don't Call 'Em Weeds

Plants are considered weeds when they are growing in an area where they are not desirable. There is a group of plants that we commonly call seaweeds but this term doesn't make sense and it denies the value of these plants in our diets. Like land vegetables, sea vegetables are nutritious additions to our diet. They provide many minerals (most notably iron), a good supply of protein and fiber as well as Vitamins A, B6 and C. (....)

Hijiki (Japan)

This sea vegetable is also high in protein. It needs to be soaked for 30 minutes before cooking. It can be cooked in plain water or in a broth made of water and apple juice. Often served as a cold salad or side dish. Cooked hijiki is sautéed with tofu, onions and carrots and seasoned with soy sauce and sesame seeds.

Jack continues along. Ennis does not say a word.

 :laugh:
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on April 25, 2008, 03:58:27 am
John, I love your "Song of the Hijiki" variation.   ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D

Next time, I'll do my best to eat it out of Brokie faithfulness.  Don't want to waste no sheep-nest grass.  :D


Yeah - don't leave no trace.  :)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on July 26, 2008, 01:06:09 am

Meryl and I had a wonderful lunch today (Friday, July 25) in a restaurant less than a block-and-a-half away from Heath's Broome Street apartment. We love the neighborhood. (We think he liked it, too.)

So: Le Jardin Bistro on Cleveland Place has, like the sign says, 'Garden in Back.' Oh my goodness, does it ever.

Oh, yeah--the Tarte Tatin with homemade vanilla ice cream with mango puree is to die!


1
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Jardin1-1.jpg)


2
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Jardin2-1.jpg)


3
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Jardin3.jpg)


4
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Jardin4.jpg)


5
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Jardin5.jpg)



6
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Jardin6.jpg)



7
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Jardin7.jpg)



8
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Jardin8.jpg)



9
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Jardin9.jpg)


So, if you are in New York, and you want to visit the Broome Street locale, take a look-see--it's very good!


Le Jardin Bistro
www.lejardinbistro.com (http://www.lejardinbistro.com)

25 Cleveland Pl # A
New York, NY 10012
(212) 343-9599


Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Lynne on July 26, 2008, 01:46:13 am
Thank you, John and Meryl!  That looks like a terrific spot and I love knowing that y'all went there lately.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on July 26, 2008, 02:53:51 am
What a gorgeous shade-cover.  Lovely.  You two are so civilised.  :-*  (I spelled civilised the extra-civilised way.)  :)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Penthesilea on July 26, 2008, 05:09:45 am
What a beautiful place! :D
You'd never think those photos are taken in the middle of NYC. Hope the waiters weren't rude at the Rue Rude ;)

I love seeing the two of you together. Thanks for sharing. :)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on July 26, 2008, 10:33:49 am

Thank you, Lynne, Penthesilea, Elle! ('Civilised'--we got elegance in Noo Yawk, lots!)

(http://thriftyskinflint.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/img56.gif)


Yeah, we got some a them wide open spaces too!

 ;D


Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on July 26, 2008, 11:38:37 am
Great pics, John!  That little I-Phone is the greatest.  8)

Thanks again for scouting out this great little place.  It was a perfect (and civilised) lunch!  :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Front-Ranger on July 26, 2008, 11:57:18 am
Lovely place...lovely people...lovely ruminations on hijaki!!

I never would have expected to see this on the Heath remembrance thread...glad I stumbled across it!!
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: sel on July 27, 2008, 03:51:22 am

Oh, yeah--the Tarte Tatin with homemade vanilla ice cream with mango puree is to die!

Yummy! That's enough to drive me there full speed! Pity I live on a different continent. Hopefully in a not too distant future ....

Thank you for sharing Meryl and John.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Kerry on July 27, 2008, 09:41:54 am

Thank you for the lovely pics, John & Meryl. I felt like I was right there with you. Is it a restaurant Heath frequented?
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on July 27, 2008, 11:32:10 am
Thank you for the lovely pics, John & Meryl. I felt like I was right there with you. Is it a restaurant Heath frequented?

I think it's unlikely that Heath went there, Kerry, since its main attraction is its garden and he was only in the neighborhood in the fall and winter.  John and I agreed that it would have been a great place for him to take Matilda, sunny and secluded.  John said he'd heard that celebrities like David Bowie and Iman have been spotted there.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Brown Eyes on July 27, 2008, 11:41:27 am
John said he'd heard that celebrities like David Bowie and Iman have been spotted there.

Whoo-eee!!! 8)

Anyway... sounds like a lovely lunch Meryl and John.  Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: cmr107 on August 11, 2008, 01:26:46 am
I found this over on Dave Cullen. They said it was a three-bedroom loft at 421 Broome Street, and rent is twenty-something thousand dollars a month.  :o (Sorry I don't remember who posted it or the exact number.)

(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j103/cmr107/Heath/untitled.jpg)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on August 21, 2008, 11:11:46 pm


Very nice--thanks, Courtney!

 :)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on December 23, 2008, 02:44:15 am


If you are interested, Meryl and I went to visit Heath's restaurant Five Leaves during Christmas Week 2008. There is a 33 image photo album here:

http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/board,90.0.html (http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/board,90.0.html)

Five Leaves
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/2bLeaves.jpg)

FIVE LEAVES
Cafe Bar Oysters

18 Bedford Ave
Greenpoint, Brooklyn 11222
Phone: 718.383.5345

Open 7 days
8am til 12 am
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on January 22, 2009, 08:09:03 pm
Today, John Gallagher and I made another pilgrimage to 421 Broome Street to commemorate this solemn anniversary.  Go here to read more:  http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,31661.0.html
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on April 04, 2009, 11:54:28 pm


(Also, see 'How will we honor Heath's birthday?' in 'Chez Tremblay' http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,376.50.html (http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,376.50.html))




John and Meryl's iPhone album
April 4, 2009

Heath Ledger's Birthday

33 images

L'Orange Bleue Restaurant
430 Broome St
(Corner of Broome and Crosby)
New York, NY 10013
(212) 226-4999

www.lorangebleue.com (http://www.lorangebleue.com)



1  Walking South on Crosby towards Broome--
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD1-1.jpg)



2  L'Orange Bleue on the left, 421 Broome just immediately to the right--
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD2-1.jpg)



3  We had walked past this corner so many times, so we thought--we must try it! April 4th was finally the day.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD3-1.jpg)



4  Yes, drums! (On Mondays, anyway.)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD4-1.jpg)



5  Very friendly vibe--laid back and cheerful!
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD5-1.jpg)



6
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD6-1.jpg)



7
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD7-1.jpg)



8 
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD8.jpg)



9
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD9A.jpg)



10  Heath would approve, I think!
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD10.jpg)



11  See the painting of a man immediately under the light fixture
(from the post card, the description--Front Image: JeanClaude, 30" x 44", mixed media on wood panel, 2007)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD11.jpg)



12
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD12.jpg)



13
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD13.jpg)



14  Meryl Arrives!
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD14.jpg)



15  The drum roll, and--
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD15.jpg)



16  (What, you too??)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD16.jpg)



17  (Stripes, of course!)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD17.jpg)



18  (Perfect!)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD18.jpg)



19  Le Menu--very recession-y, in a good way--cheap!
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD19.jpg)



20  I asked for Croque Monsieur, but got Madame instead--but it was really GOOD! Yum! (We'll be back!)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD20.jpg)



21  Meryl's Omelette Maxime--oo la la!
(And, please note: the chips on the plates validates the whole thing! At least, we thought so!
And you non-American English speakers--we weren't talking about the frites though there were lots of those;
look closely again and see what we mean!
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD21.jpg)



22  Looking East on Broome towards Broadway--
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD22.jpg)



23  People are leaving, and--
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD23.jpg)



24  Time to go--
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD24.jpg)



25
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD25.jpg)



26  Looking out at--
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD26.jpg)



27  421 Broome
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD27.jpg)



28 
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD28.jpg)



29
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD29.jpg)



30
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD30.jpg)



31  Just a step away--
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD31.jpg)



32  Still sad--
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD32.jpg)



33  Happy Birthday, Heath. Happy dreams.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD33.jpg)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: southendmd on April 05, 2009, 12:00:14 am
Wow! Thank you, John and Meryl for being our witnesses yet once again.

Such beautiful portraits in that place, so fitting. 
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on April 05, 2009, 12:04:05 am
Lovely pics, John.  And a lovely brunch with my fellow Knickerbocker.  Love ya!  :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Monika on April 05, 2009, 01:29:35 am
Thanks for all the pics - feels as if I´ve been there myself. Thanks again :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: sel on April 05, 2009, 08:14:48 am
Thank you for reporting back Meryl and John! It  feels as if I have been there with you.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Brokeback_Dev on April 05, 2009, 08:46:57 am
Thank you John and Meryl for the tour of the restuarant.. The food looks *delicious* and  I love the paintings on the walls.  Some I can make out to be a celebrity for sure and some I'm not so sure, like maybe one of native New Yorker, Billy Joel? 

The flowers for Heath are beautiful.   :'(
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: BelAir on April 05, 2009, 09:50:57 am

If you are interested, Meryl and I went to visit Heath's restaurant Five Leaves during Christmas Week 2008. There is a 33 image photo album here:

http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/board,90.0.html (http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/board,90.0.html)


18 Bedford Ave
Greenpoint, Brooklyn 11222
Phone: 718.383.5345

Open 7 days
8am til 12 am [/b]

I went last weekend to celebrate a variety of birthdays...  it was late, and therefore dark, but still lovely.  I had potato and leek soup (very yummy) and also oysters (also good). 

I don't know if it's been mentioned, but it's a cash only place...

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on April 05, 2009, 10:17:11 am


I went [to Five Leaves] last weekend to celebrate a variety of birthdays...  it was late, and therefore dark, but still lovely.  I had potato and leek soup (very yummy) and also oysters (also good). 
I don't know if it's been mentioned, but it's a cash only place...


Yay! Good for you. I went again last month, and I had lamb with braised cabbage, then bread pudding. Amazing. The chef is really, really good. We have to support Heath's project in Brooklyn!


Re L'Orange Bleue: Meryl, thank you! And thank you all.


I love the paintings on the walls.  Some I can make out to be a celebrity for sure and some I'm not so sure, like maybe one of native New Yorker, Billy Joel? 


Here you are!


http://nikkischiro.com/nikkischiro.com/_Home.html (http://nikkischiro.com/nikkischiro.com/_Home.html)

N i k k i  S c h i r o

Portrait Projects

http://nikkischiro.com/nikkischiro.com/Portrait_Projects_.html (http://nikkischiro.com/nikkischiro.com/Portrait_Projects_.html)

L'Orange Bleue Project Series: A Site-Specific Portrait Series that playfully re-creates the experience of a remarkable place in time. The show consists of 24 interchangeable portraits that vigorously portray regular personalities who dramatically affect the dynamic of this particular space on any given night. The installation will open with the intensity of all 24 portraits. After the first weeks, the piece will become "move-able," exhibiting 8-24 portraits at a time, rotating them randomly. Every rotation, producing a different combination of characters, will impact the mood and feel of the space differently, as do actual gatherings of the characters they represent.
© nikki schiro 2007


http://nikkischiro.com/nikkischiro.com/LOrange_Bleue_Project.html (http://nikkischiro.com/nikkischiro.com/LOrange_Bleue_Project.html)

L’Orange Bleue 2007
Portrait Projects


(http://nikkischiro.com/nikkischiro.com/nicoletta_%28nikki_schiro%29_files/f4%20untitled%20%28nicoletta%29.jpg)
Nicoletta (Nikki Schiro), self-portrait of the artist, added to series as per request
of Mr. Boitier, acrylic on paper on wood © Nikki Schiro 2007
Collection of Vincent Boitier



(http://nikkischiro.com/nikkischiro.com/Vincent_Boitier_files/droppedImage.jpg)
Vincent Boitier (da vince), 44" x 30" , pastels, acrylic,
paper on wood panel, © Nikki Schiro 2007
Collection of Vincent Boitier

and etc.

I really like the portraits. Most of them seem to be drummers (percussion artistes!)--as Monday nights at L'Orange Bleue seems to be, uhm, intense!  Look:

(http://nikkischiro.com/nikkischiro.com/LOrange_Bleue_Opening_Installation_Shots_files/IMG_1925.jpg)
Stephan Lacovelli Drums, Roman Keflay Claps,
Michel Malfeson Portrait



(http://nikkischiro.com/nikkischiro.com/LOrange_Bleue_Opening_Installation_Shots_files/IMG_1846.jpg)
Installation Shot, Portrait of Roman Keflay



(http://nikkischiro.com/nikkischiro.com/LOrange_Bleue_Opening_Installation_Shots_files/IMG_1861.jpg)
Jean Dumas and Maki Siraj on Drums



Nice!
 ;D
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: mariez on April 05, 2009, 12:17:00 pm
Wow.  What awesome pics, and what a labor of love in putting that all together and letting us share the day!  Thanks, John and Meryl!  :)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on April 05, 2009, 12:20:06 pm


Wow.  What awesome pics, and what a labor of love in putting that all together and letting us share the day!  Thanks, John and Meryl!  :)


Marie, you are so kind--as you always are!


More:

The 'Site Specific L'Orange Bleue Project Series' paintings by Nikki Schiro are of drummers!


(http://nikkischiro.com/nikkischiro.com/Lamine_Fall_files/lamine%20fall%2072.jpg)
Lamine Fall, 40” X 30”, pastels, acrylic on paper,
on wood panel© Nikki Schiro 2007
Collection of Vincent Boitier



(http://nikkischiro.com/nikkischiro.com/Mamadou_Endoye_files/mamadou%2072%20best.jpg)
Mamadou Endoye, 44" x 30", pastels, acrylic
on wood panel, © Nikki Schiro 2007
Collection of Vincent Boitier



(http://nikkischiro.com/nikkischiro.com/Jean_Dumas_files/jean%2072.jpg)
Jean Dumas, 40” X 30”, pastels, acrylic
on paper, on wood panel, © Nikki Schiro 2007
Collection of Vincent Boitier



(http://nikkischiro.com/nikkischiro.com/Stephan_Lacovelli_files/stephan%2072%20g.jpg)
Stephan Lacovelli, 30” X 40”, pastels, acrylic on paper,
on wood panel, © Nikki Schiro 2007
Collection of Vincent Boitier



(http://nikkischiro.com/nikkischiro.com/Roman_Keflay_files/roman72.jpg)
Roman Keflay (yes, she Claps!), 38” X 28”, pastels, acrylic on paper,
on wood panel, © Nikki Schiro 2007
Collection of Vincent Boitier



(http://nikkischiro.com/nikkischiro.com/LOrange_Bleue_Opening_Installation_Shots_files/IMG_1925.jpg)
Stephan Lacovelli Drums, Roman Keflay Claps,
Michel Malfeson Portrait



I'm convinced  Heath would have loved this! And right opposite his front door? Please!

 :)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Penthesilea on April 05, 2009, 12:33:01 pm
John and Meryl, thank you once more.

Quote
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD27.jpg)

You're right John. I thought the very same. Just seeing the building is still sad. :(



Quote
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD16.jpg)

The person behind you also wears stripes. Somehow fitting for the photo ;D. And someone else in one of the pics has a hooded sweater with white and dark blue stripes. I also have one: hoodie, stripes, colors - all the same :).


I like all the paintings, especially the one to the right in this pic:

(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD25.jpg)

The person pictured seems gentle and he has warm, kind eyes.


I think Heath would have approved of the location. It's cool.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Monika on April 05, 2009, 12:49:49 pm




The person behind you also wears stripes. Somehow fitting for the photo ;D. And someone else in one of the pics has a hooded sweater with white and dark blue stripes. I also have one: hoodie, stripes, colors - all the same :).



what a great observation, Chrissie. You really have an eye for details.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on April 05, 2009, 12:59:47 pm



John and Meryl, thank you once more.

You're right John. I thought the very same. Just seeing the building is still sad. :(



The person behind you also wears stripes. Somehow fitting for the photo ;D. And someone else in one of the pics has a hooded sweater with white and dark blue stripes. I also have one: hoodie, stripes, colors - all the same :).


I like all the paintings, especially the one to the right in this pic:

(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD25.jpg)

The person pictured seems gentle and he has warm, kind eyes.


I think Heath would have approved of the location. It's cool.



First--what Monika said!

what a great observation, Chrissie. You really have an eye for details.


And I never noticed! Sometimes looking through a camera (or your iPhone) makes you miss things--until you see it afterwards (with the help of smart friends)!


(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/HD8.jpg)


In re everything else, I so agree, Chrissi, on all counts!


(http://nikkischiro.com/nikkischiro.com/Giovanni_Bucci_files/giovanni72.jpg)
Giovanni Bucci, 44" x 30", pastels acrylic,
paper on wood panel, © Nikki Schiro 2007
Collection of Vincent Boitier



More interesting info:

The (co-)Owner of L'Orange Bleue:

(http://nikkischiro.com/nikkischiro.com/Vincent_Boitier_files/droppedImage.jpg)
Vincent Boitier (da vince),
paper on wood panel, © Nikki Schiro 2007
Collection of Vincent Boitier


"We cook and serve home food, not expensive food that we grew-up on, our Grandma's and Uncle's cooking, simple foods that we all can identifty too, some dishes come from the Basque Country, others from Provence and the cosmopolitan city of Marseille my hometown. More food and energy comes from the border countries of the Mediterranean Sea like Italy, Spain, Corsica, Lebanon, and of course Africa where our outer-mediterranean euphoric-antistress comes from and fulfills the Wizard of L'Orange Bleue ." -Vincent Boitier, Co-Owner


"It's simple food you love, food you can count on, and food to relax too." -New York Times


Zaggat Guide Reviews It: New York's cutest waiters - L'orange Bleue is as wacky as it's given name - There's noting Blue about this place except it's outdoor painted terrace in the spring-summer season.

Last minute birthday parties!

Happy Hour 2-for-1 Oysters 5-7p!


Great reviews!
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7113276/new_york_ny/l_orange_bleue.html#profileTab-reviews (http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7113276/new_york_ny/l_orange_bleue.html#profileTab-reviews)

and:

http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/lorange-bleue/ (http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/lorange-bleue/)

(http://www.alphabetcitybook.com/myspace_images/ny_magazine_cover.jpg)
Ok, no, L'Orange Bleue is not one of NewYork Mag's
'123 Best Great Things about New York', but it does have a
Critic's Pick--see?:

(http://images.nymag.com/listings/check.gif) Critics' Pick


Profile
L’Orange Bleue offers a cheery balance of tempered exoticism, local Eurocharm, and American thrift. The menu echoes this accord: a slightly raunchy puttanesca, mussels in a pungent bath of fennel and curry, a meaty lamb tagine, and tender codfish with tomato and basil. And if the world-beat music is geared more toward the Helmut Lang’d young’uns at the bar, you will endure. Remember, you didn’t have to get any shots. — Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld

Brunch
Sat.—Sun., 11 a.m.—4 p.m.; $12.95 prix-fixe

Drum Night
Mon., 8:30 p.m.—midnight; three-course dinner, $35; belly dancing and live music at 9 p.m. and again at 10:15 p.m. Belly dancing also occurs on Friday and Saturday nights from 9 p.m.—10 p.m.

Happy Hour
Daily, 4 p.m.—7 p.m.; $1 oysters

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Kelda on April 05, 2009, 01:00:53 pm
Thanks John!
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Front-Ranger on April 05, 2009, 01:04:43 pm
Not only that, she seems to have a striped TAIL!! Altho maybe it's a muffler...
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on April 05, 2009, 01:22:53 pm



Thanks John!


Thank you, Kelda!


Not only that, she seems to have a striped TAIL!! Altho maybe it's a muffler...


Unless she's wearing a Comme des Garcons hoodie, in which she may has a third  sleeve, just for show!

 ;D
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on April 05, 2009, 02:53:37 pm
How interesting, all that background info on the paintings!  Thanks for posting more, John.  :-*

It's so great to be able to make these little pilgrimages to Heath's haunts.  I'm glad everyone is able to enjoy them with John and me, thanks to John's magic, magnifique I-Phone and his inimitable eye for a great shot.  8)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on April 05, 2009, 03:33:57 pm


How interesting, all that background info on the paintings!  Thanks for posting more, John.  :-*

It's so great to be able to make these little pilgrimages to Heath's haunts.  I'm glad everyone is able to enjoy them with John and me, thanks to John's magic, magnifique I-Phone and his inimitable eye for a great shot.  8)


Or Meryl saying, Oh, let's ask the waiter if there's some info about the artist (no information was posted AT ALL) as we were wondering it was a permanent installation (me) or temporary (Meryl)--and, it turned out we were both right--except we wouldn't have known it other for Ms. Meryl--

Or Meryl saying, Oh, the drum posters are really interesting, and I say, Yes, it is, and Meryl says, Oh, did you take a picture? Duh.

Oh, yeah, my 'magic', huhn!  ::)

We have a lot of fun, though!  ;D
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on April 05, 2009, 05:11:06 pm


Or Meryl saying, Oh, let's ask the waiter if there's some info about the artist (no information was posted AT ALL) as we were wondering it was a permanent installation (me) or temporary (Meryl)--and, it turned out we were both right--except we wouldn't have known it other for Ms. Meryl--

Or Meryl saying, Oh, the drum posters are really interesting, and I say, Yes, it is, and Meryl says, Oh, did you take a picture? Duh.

Oh, yeah, my 'magic', huhn!  ::)

We have a lot of fun, though!  ;D

I guess some teams were made in Heaven.  ;D
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: retropian on April 05, 2009, 06:23:42 pm
I love all of your pic's of NYC. As you know, one of my favorite places in the world. Not that I've seen the world in its entirety, but NYC is the place I'm drawn to. The pic's of your visits to and around Broome St. are extra special though. I I ever win the lottery, I'm moving to Manhattan. ;D
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: optom3 on April 05, 2009, 08:26:39 pm
Thankyou so much for giving us a little slice of the immediate ambience of Heath's
neighbourhood. I loved seeing it all and as so many others have siad, it almost seems like I have been there myself. I just wish it still did not hurt so much.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on April 05, 2009, 10:05:29 pm


I guess some teams were made in Heaven.  ;D


Thanks, Partner!   ;)


I love all of your pic's of NYC. As you know, one of my favorite places in the world. Not that I've seen the world in its entirety, but NYC is the place I'm drawn to. The pic's of your visits to and around Broome St. are extra special though. I I ever win the lottery, I'm moving to Manhattan. ;D


Thank you for the kind words re the photos! We love wandering around and experiencing and documenting. In re Manhattan, I am very blessed--I love my hometown, and yes, in that  regard, I sometimes feel as though I won an unearned lottery.


Thankyou so much for giving us a little slice of the immediate ambience of Heath's
neighbourhood. I loved seeing it all and as so many others have said, it almost seems like I have been there myself. I just wish it still did not hurt so much.


Thank you again. I'm glad people like seeing where Heath lived, for a sort time, and what he really seemed to like. I'm glad that Meryl and I finally decided to go to have a Heath Day lunch at L'Orange Bleue, just across the street from 421 Broome. I was also glad to learn about the Nikki Schiro 'drummer' paintings there, and that they were installed in early December 2007, a few months after Heath moved to Broome Street, and more than a month before died. I like to think he might have noticed them and liked them.

Here's another thing people might find very interesting--

One of the (infamous) places that Heath frequented (even in his last week) was the Beatrice Inn, owned by Paul Sevigny, Chloë's brother--

http://nymag.com/listings/bar/beatrice-inn/ (http://nymag.com/listings/bar/beatrice-inn/)
(http://chichi212.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/beatrice.jpg)
The Beatrice Inn
(http://images.nymag.com/listings/check.gif) Critics' Pick
285 W. 12th St., New York, NY 10014
nr. W. 4th St.
212-243-4626


--which is less than a bar than a private club--I've certainly never been there. Well, now we can get a very interesting peek at the interior, thanks to this YouTube video immediately below. It was created and posted by the (somewhat eccentric) singer Rory Guinness (of the band I-Lash) singing his song 'Are You the Guy with the Sports Car,' while entering the downstairs level of the club, being greeted by the usual demi-monde habitués (Rory and his sister, Rebecca, are definitely in the club, as is Josh Hartnett), walking upstairs, all around, then going back downstairs all the way back to the entry. If a picture is better than a thousand words, than moving pictures, carefully choreographed and styled clubber-kids and music will definitely tell you everything you wanted to know about Heath's Manhattan world. I even like the music! Take a look:


The Interiors (and Denizens) of the Beatrice Inn   (3:23)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBeq8hJDvt4&eurl[/youtube]
Posted to YouTube:
December 15, 2008
"Are you the guy with the Sports Car???"

www.myspace.com/roryguinness (http://www.myspace.com/roryguinness)

roryguinness
Joined: April 27, 2006
Age: 28
Country: United States
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on April 05, 2009, 10:46:46 pm
Here's another thing people might find very interesting--

One of the (infamous) places that Heath frequented (even in his last week) was the Beatrice Inn, owned by Paul Sevigny, Chloë's brother--

Interesting!  How in the world did you find that video?

I've always thought that the outside of Beatrice Inn looked awfully innocuous and unclubby, and the inside seems the same way.  It's kind of quaint, even, with the fireplace and the wall sconces.  I wonder if every once in awhile a nice middle-aged tourist couple wanders in there for dinner and exits quickly after seeing the clientele.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on April 05, 2009, 11:02:53 pm
I went last weekend to celebrate a variety of birthdays...  it was late, and therefore dark, but still lovely.  I had potato and leek soup (very yummy) and also oysters (also good). 

I don't know if it's been mentioned, but it's a cash only place...

Hey BelAir, if you live in the New York area, we'd love to meet you!  Can you come to the big Brokie dinner in Manhattan on May 9?  8)

Check it out here, if you haven't seen the thread:

http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,32696.msg488657.html#msg488657
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Brown Eyes on April 06, 2009, 11:01:48 am
Hey BelAir, if you live in the New York area, we'd love to meet you!  Can you come to the big Brokie dinner in Manhattan on May 9?  8)

Check it out here, if you haven't seen the thread:

http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,32696.msg488657.html#msg488657


Yes!  BelAir it would be great if you could join us! 8)


Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on April 06, 2009, 11:50:04 pm



Interesting!  How in the world did you find that video?



Re finding the video, well, long story. I'll tell you again later. Not mysterious, just semi-tedious--but I did meet Rory Guinness. Very polite chap!



I've always thought that the outside of Beatrice Inn looked awfully innocuous and unclubby, and the inside seems the same way.  It's kind of quaint, even, with the fireplace and the wall sconces.  I wonder if every once in awhile a nice middle-aged tourist couple wanders in there for dinner and exits quickly after seeing the clientele.  :laugh:



Good Grief! Look at this in today's New York Magazine site!
(Gosh, Meryl--and just as we were going to go to 'Beatrice'!  ::) )



http://nymag.com/daily/food/2009/04/beatrice_inns_shuttering_leave.html (http://nymag.com/daily/food/2009/04/beatrice_inns_shuttering_leave.html)

Beatrice Inn’s Shuttering
Leaves Hipsters Temporarily Homeless


(http://images.nymag.com/images/2/daily/2009/04/20090406_beatriceinn_250x375.jpg)


By: Daniel Maurer
4/6/09 at 6:50 PM

Nightlifers were in a tizzy today because the Beatrice Inn was shut down over the weekend. The Observer  unearthed a Buildings Department report indicating the closing was due to overcrowding, and others revealing that the owners owe the city $23,000 in fines. Paul Sevigny won’t address rumors of busted celebrity noses and underage drinking, but tells Steve Lewis that a “free Bea” party is in the works. (We also hear Sevigny is D.J.-ing Lewis’s anniversary party at Greenhouse this week.) Of the regulars, Sevigny says, “the place was their living room and it’s basically like locking them out of their apartments.” Sniff. (We mean “sniff” in a sad way, not in the other way.)




http://www.observer.com/2009/daily-transom/popular-beatrice-inn-too-populated (http://www.observer.com/2009/daily-transom/popular-beatrice-inn-too-populated)

Popular Beatrice Inn Too Populated

(http://www.observer.com/files/full/BeatriceCollage.jpg)

By Chris Shott
April 6, 2009 | 12:34 p.m

Downtown's ever popular Beatrice Inn was apparently too popular on Friday, April 3.

The city's Department of Buildings shuttered the subterranean celebrity hangout at 285 West 12th Street in the wee hours of the morning after counting 163 patrons inside the roughly 2,000-square-foot space, according to the agency's Web site.

That's 38 bodies over the legal capacity.

An inspector also noted an inadequate number of exits.

In addition to the overcrowded conditions, proprietors Matt Abramcyk and Paul Sevigny also owe some $23,000 in fines for various construction violations, city records show.

The venue has racked up four stop-work orders since October 2007.

Mr. Sevigny has told BlackBook  columnist Steve Lewis to expect a “Free the Beatrice” party this coming Thursday or Friday at an undisclosed location.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on April 07, 2009, 05:57:47 am
I love going on Heath lunches with you, John and Meryl.  Thank you for including us.  Why in the world were yours the only flowers at 421 Broome?
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on April 07, 2009, 02:14:50 pm
Why in the world were yours the only flowers at 421 Broome?

We'll never know.  Maybe some were there earlier and were removed, or more came later.  Or maybe it's just time for the memorials to start fading away.... :(

So, John, I guess our clubbing careers have been cut short now that Beatrice Inn is shut down.  Maybe it's just as well for my hearing and my lower back.  ;D
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: BelAir on April 10, 2009, 11:57:46 pm
We'll never know.  Maybe some were there earlier and were removed, or more came later.  Or maybe it's just time for the memorials to start fading away.... :(

So, John, I guess our clubbing careers have been cut short now that Beatrice Inn is shut down.   Maybe it's just as well for my hearing and my lower back.  ;D

hahahahaha!

 ;D

(Thanks for the May 9th invite... I'll think about whether or not I can make it...  I don't live there - was only visiting...)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on April 11, 2009, 12:37:31 pm
(Thanks for the May 9th invite... I'll think about whether or not I can make it...  I don't live there - was only visiting...)

Oh, okay.  For some reason I thought I remembered you posting way back when that you were on Long Island, but I'm probably confusing you with someone else.  Anyway, I hope you can make it to the big bash.  8)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Penthesilea on January 22, 2010, 08:41:17 am
Resposting a pic by Meryl, from January 2008

(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Heath%20Memory/Tributes1.jpg)



And one by me, from May 2009

(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Heath/fef95332.jpg)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Brown Eyes on September 16, 2010, 12:48:14 pm

Heya,

So, yesterday and Tuesday I had my own little pilgrimage to the old Broome Street location, of course, in advance of the Brokie gathering at the end of the month.  I was in NYC for a quick business meeting and was staying in Soho with a work colleague.  I had plenty of opportunities to walk passed Heath's old building and snap some new photos.  It really is a haunting experience to encounter that building.

This is the photo I snapped yesterday morning.
(http://i352.photobucket.com/albums/r347/atz75/misc/broomestvisit.jpg)

And, I was amazed to see the window display in the shop directly across from the 421 building... it was filled with skateboards!  Was that shop there before?  I found this to be quite a remarkable thing given the spirit of Heath associated with that street.

(http://i352.photobucket.com/albums/r347/atz75/misc/skateboardshop.jpg)


Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Monika on September 16, 2010, 12:58:14 pm
Heya,

So, yesterday and Tuesday I had my own little pilgrimage to the old Broome Street location, of course, in advance of the Brokie gathering at the end of the month.  I was in NYC for a quick business meeting and was staying in Soho with a work colleague.  I had plenty of opportunities to walk passed Heath's old building and snap some new photos.  It really is a haunting experience to encounter that building.

This is the photo I snapped yesterday morning.
(http://i352.photobucket.com/albums/r347/atz75/misc/broomestvisit.jpg)

And, I was amazed to see the window display in the shop directly across from the 421 building... it was filled with skateboards!  Was that shop there before?  I found this to be quite a remarkable thing given the spirit of Heath associated with that street.

(http://i352.photobucket.com/albums/r347/atz75/misc/skateboardshop.jpg)



how cool!

thanks for the pics, Amanda!
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Monika on September 16, 2010, 01:03:24 pm
And oh, I also went there when I was in NY in July. I find it impossible not to go there when I'm in town, even though I find it...almost morbid and that building gives me the chills. Let's just say that sometimes my imagination is too vivid for my own good and there are things I prefer not to think about.


During this visit I had lunch at the Grotta Azura (is that the correct name), the Italian place Heath used to visit. Found it to be pretty posh and the service wasn't very good. But I suppose when you are a famous movie star, the service is generally better everywhere you go so I doubt Heath had that problem  :D
I ordered a very light lunch, in fact I only had a dessert consisting of orange slices sprinkled with...I believe it was cinnamon.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on September 16, 2010, 01:32:46 pm
Cool, Amanda.  I don't think the skateboard store was there last year.  Such a jet-setter you are, whipping in and out of NYC like that!  8)

Monika, I don't blame you for stopping by 421 Broome when you're in town.  There's just a magnetic pull to the building, and the neighborhood, too.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Brown Eyes on September 16, 2010, 02:00:45 pm
Thanks Buds!

Meryl, I'm really sorry I didn't have a chance to visit with you or John this last trip.  It was so, so quick and I spent pretty much the entire time at meetings or with my work colleague (even for dinner this time).

Can't wait for the Brokie gathering soon!  I just hope the weather turns out to be as nice for that as it was earlier this week!

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Penthesilea on September 17, 2010, 12:42:34 am
Thanks for sharing Bud :).
If I were ever to go back to NYC again, I think I'd also go back to Broome Street.

Like Meryl, I don't think the skateboard shop was there last year. I walked through Broome Street on my way to the L'Orange Bleue last year and stayed on the opposite side of the street when passing by the first time. Later I sat there with Monica, having a ciggie and glancing over to 421. I think I would have noticed if there had been a skateboad shop. Or someone else of a whole group of Brokies would have.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Brown Eyes on September 17, 2010, 10:05:27 am
Thanks Chrissi,

Yeah, I don't recall the skateboard display from last year either.  Lynne and I will be staying in that neighborhood again at the end of the month, so we can check it out again.  It looked like it was maybe a skateboard / t-shirt / bags & accessories type store.  The skateboards kind of gave me chills and also made me happy at the same time.




Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Penthesilea on September 17, 2010, 10:19:13 am
The skateboards kind of gave me chills and also made me happy at the same time.

I understand.


And yay for you and Lynne :). The NYC gathering will be so much fun. Wish I could be with you :-*.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Front-Ranger on September 17, 2010, 09:14:14 pm

I ordered a very light lunch, in fact I only had a dessert consisting of orange slices sprinkled with...I believe it was cinnamon.

Now that is a light lunch!
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on January 22, 2011, 11:33:42 pm
John and I made the pilgrimage to 421 Broome today to pay homage to Heath.  We met at 5:00 (exactly at sunset) at Osteria Morini (http://osteriamorini.com/), just around the corner from Heath's.  If you click on the photo gallery on the website you can see John's chair in the lower right hand corner of the dining room picture (the lighting was much nicer than the bright lighting in the photo).  It was the perfect place for comfort food on a very cold New York night.  We drank red wine and John had stracci with mushrooms and I had beef ravioli and we shared some garlicky spinach---very yummy! (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Emoticons%20and%20Avatars/readytoeat.gif)

Afterwards we walked over to 421 and were happy to see two other offerings just to the left of the main door:  a bouquet of paperwhites with a note from "Kirsty" and a lone Heath Bar.  We added a bunch of winter berries that John had brought, making it three offerings.  John took some pictures, but it was pretty dark, so you might have to look carefully at them when he posts them.

We walked a couple of blocks to the side entrance of the bar in the Crosby Street Hotel (http://www.firmdale.com/index.php?page_id=31&sub_page_id=154) and ordered dessert and coffee.  It's got modern but cozy decor and is a great place to meet up (for future reference).  We each had the BEST dessert:  three fresh fried donuts rolled in powdered sugar with warm chocolate dipping sauce.  The donuts were round, somewhere between a golf ball and tennis ball in size.  It was well worth going off my diet for!  8)

As always it was bittersweet walking in the footsteps of Heath, but with John to share it with it's really a good thing.  And best of all, we can share it here, too.  Love you, buds.  :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Front-Ranger on January 22, 2011, 11:40:10 pm
Thanks so much for faithfully making the pilgrimage and leaving the winter berries. Love you both back!!  :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on January 23, 2011, 12:32:56 am


John and I made the pilgrimage to 421 Broome today to pay homage to Heath.  We met at 5:00 (exactly at sunset) at Osteria Morini (http://osteriamorini.com/), just around the corner from Heath's.  If you click on the photo gallery on the website you can see John's chair in the lower right hand corner of the dining room picture (the lighting was much nicer than the bright lighting in the photo).  It was the perfect place for comfort food on a very cold New York night.  We drank red wine and John had stracci with mushrooms and I had beef ravioli and we shared some garlicky spinach---very yummy! (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Emoticons%20and%20Avatars/readytoeat.gif)

Afterwards we walked over to 421 and were happy to see two other offerings just to the left of the main door:  a bouquet of paperwhites with a note from "Kirsty" and a lone Heath Bar.  We added a bunch of winter berries that John had brought, making it three offerings.  John took some pictures, but it was pretty dark, so you might have to look carefully at them when he posts them.

We walked a couple of blocks to the side entrance of the bar in the Crosby Street Hotel (http://www.firmdale.com/index.php?page_id=31&sub_page_id=154) and ordered dessert and coffee.  It's got modern but cozy decor and is a great place to meet up (for future reference).  We each had the BEST dessert:  three fresh fried donuts rolled in powdered sugar with warm chocolate dipping sauce.  The donuts were round, somewhere between a golf ball and tennis ball in size.  It was well worth going off my diet for!  8)

As always it was bittersweet walking in the footsteps of Heath, but with John to share it with it's really a good thing.  And best of all, we can share it here, too.  Love you, buds.  :-*




Well, the photos are very dark, but--
We're glad we went!

Thanks very much for a great Heath Day, Meryl!
Happy Heath Day to all!
 :) :) :) :)

(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Jan2220111.jpg)  (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Jan2220112.jpg)

(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Jan2220113.jpg)  (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/jmmgallagher/Jan2220114.jpg)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on January 23, 2011, 01:17:26 am
The pics turned out pretty well, John!  Thanks!  8)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Monika on January 23, 2011, 01:32:20 am
Thank you, John and Meryl.  :-* :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on January 23, 2011, 03:33:55 am
Thanks so much for faithfully making the pilgrimage and leaving the winter berries. Love you both back!!  :-*


What Lee said.  Thanks for the words and pictures, Meryl and John.  We're so lucky to have you both.  :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on January 23, 2011, 03:40:38 am
The food photo gallery at the Osteria Morini is gorgeous.  They have similar donuts there.  Is that thing now in New York?

The photos of the Crosby Hotel remind of the wonderful bar in the hotel we stayed in in Denver in May.  Fabulous walls.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Penthesilea on January 23, 2011, 06:14:25 am
Thank you Meryl and John, for making the pilgrimage again. :) :-* :-*

Yes, we're lucky to have you both to make the pilgimage for all of us.
I'm happy to see there were two other offerings. The Heath bar reminds me of my Heath bar. Teresa sent me a package two years ago. In it was a present and three Heath bars. I ate two and kept the third (Crazy? Perhaps).

The Osteria Morini looks beautiful. I saw the pictures of the "donuts". We call them Berliner, and they're typically filled with jelly, but sometimes also with vanilla or chocolate cream, or egg liqueur cream. They are called Berliner everywhere in Germany, except for Berlin, where they are called pancakes. ::)

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Penthesilea on January 23, 2011, 06:18:14 am
John, I took your pictures and bightened them:

(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Heath/257a1478.jpg)

(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Heath/9f35bc61.jpg)

(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Heath/1bd83350.jpg)

(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Heath/958bfeed.jpg)
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: sel on January 23, 2011, 08:37:23 am
John and Meryl,

Thank you for reporting back about your trip to Broome St.  :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Sophia on January 23, 2011, 12:24:26 pm
thank you john and meryl for leting us be a part of your day,  :-* :-*
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: serious crayons on January 23, 2011, 01:00:19 pm
We drank red wine and John had stracci with mushrooms and I had beef ravioli

The photos include a dish that looks like it could be beef ravioli, and another dish that looks like it could be stracci with mushrooms. Yum!

I saw the pictures of the "donuts". We call them Berliner,

Leading President John F. Kennedy to say, "Ich esse ein Berliner."

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Brown Eyes on January 23, 2011, 01:01:12 pm

Thanks for sharing the details of your trip and the photos.  Looks like it was a really nice thing to do.  :-*

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Penthesilea on January 23, 2011, 01:18:16 pm
Leading President John F. Kennedy to say, "Ich esse ein Berliner."

Exactly!  :laugh:
You're such a history buff, sister-mod! ;D
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Ellemeno on January 23, 2011, 04:35:20 pm
Exactly!  :laugh:
You're such a history buff, sister-mod! ;D


I love K and her erudition, but I think every American - at least in our age group - knows that story.

Chrissi, thanks for lightening the pictures!

Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Lynne on January 23, 2011, 05:13:21 pm
I'm just seeing this - thank you Meryl and John for making the trip to Broome Street for us.  It is somehow comforting that yesterday was commemorated in numerous ways across the world.  You two are wonderful and I love you back.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Aloysius J. Gleek on January 23, 2011, 07:57:03 pm



I love K and her erudition, but I think every American - at least in our age group - knows that story.

Chrissi, thanks for lightening the pictures!


Yes, Chrissi, thanks!



Here's the Stracci (rags) with Mushrooms I had (found it on the web)--
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5163/5264262438_62e3a3ea42.jpg)



I think maybe the upper left dish here contains Meryl's Beef Ravioli
(http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ld593bL2kP1qz8x3bo1_500.jpg)



This is what I want to try next!
(http://watersideplaza.com/roller/blog/resource/top-10-restaurants-2010-osteria-morini.JPG)
"--plump, meaty Tortellini smothered in an intense duck liver panna--"



I haven't found the Crosby Street Hotel Bar Donuts on line; all I can say is--worth the trip!!!


Thank you all for the kind comments--we had a wonderful evening, and we are so glad you enjoyed the posts.
Title: Re: Visit to 421 Broome Street Today
Post by: Meryl on January 23, 2011, 08:47:26 pm
Thank you all for the kind comments--we had a wonderful evening, and we are so glad you enjoyed the posts.

I'll say that again and mean it!  :D  :-*

The story of Kennedy's statement "Ich bin ein Berliner" is detailed here on Wikipedia, including the misconception that he made the mistake of referring to himself as a doughnut.  ;D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ich_bin_ein_Berliner

As I'm sure you're all aware, my sig line refers to that speech.  Love it!  8)