The Good Ol’ Days: Broadway and 13th

A report:
In honor of Barack Obama’s 100th day in office, an artist has painted what is just one more rendering of Obama as Jesus Christ complete with crown of thorns. ‘The Truth’ will be unveiled on April 29th in Union Square in New York City. No, it’s not some clever blogger’s photoshop or cartoon. It’s a real painting by artist Michael D’Antuono and it’s called ‘The Truth’ in honor of Barack Obama’s first 100 days in office.

The acrylic painting depicts The One appearing much like Jesus Christ on the Cross with a crown of thorns on his head. He is opening the curtain (much like biblical symbolism of ‘the curtain ripping’ at the crucifixion) revealing the Presidential Seal.

The popular artist, insists he isn’t claiming The One is Messiah, but only inviting ‘individual interpretations’ of his painting. And he generally paints non-political subjects, but felt the need to make a statement.

Once on display in Union Square, the painting will be seen by one viewer at a time behind a voting booth-inspired set up. Kitschy!

Sort of a surprise that the neighborhood is getting a new bodega at the corner of 13th and University, replacing Basics Hardware.

Life in Union Square is about to get a little tastier. The Real Deal reports that Dylan’s Candy Bar signed a long-term lease for 3,300 square feet at 33 Union Square West between Blue Water Grill and Heartland Brewery. Loosen you belts, because sweet addition joins Breads Bakery on the west side of Union Square, which has already become a neighborhood hit with its sweet baked goods.

Next week, 03/11/2013 – 03/15/2013 Material and equipment deliveries and installation work will continue on all floors inside the building. Roof work, work on the new sidewalks around the building, dismantling of the exterior construction hoist and related exterior building work will also continue.

The following week, 03/18/2013 – 03/22/2013 Material and equipment deliveries and installation work will continue on all floors and roofs. Sidewalk work and dismantling of the exterior construction hoist and related exterior work will also continue.

We anticipate the take down of the 14th Street sidewalk shed to begin within the next 2 weeks.

Many people believe that Union Square got its name from the many labor demonstrations that took place here back in the day. Not true. The reason for the name is much more simple: Union Square was the location of the “union” of Broadway, 4th Avenue (aka Park Ave. South), and University Place. Nothing more complicated than that.