Jade Hotel Opens on West 13th St.

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!

Between 12th and 13th St. on University Place, the cleaners is moving, the European cookie store that no one needed is closing, and the Verizon store is gone. Is it a case of all leases running out at the same time? Who knows? What’s next? Who knows???

The spectacular old stable building at 128 East 13th has finally been converted into the Peridance Center with six studios, a theater, and a cafe.

The city’s biggest Duane Reade has opened on 14th St. next to Best Buy and Nordstrom Rack. It’s open 24 hours, as is Best Buy. Shop all night.

Next week (January 21 to January 25), material and equipment deliveries and installation work will continue on all floors inside the building as well as roof work. Additionally we will begin work on the new sidewalks around the building. The site will be closed for the holiday on Monday, the 21st.

The following week (January 28 to February 1), Material and equipment deliveries and installation work will continue on all floors and roofs as well as sidewalk work.

This weekend the site will be open on Saturday, January 19th for interior and superstructure related activities between the work hours of 7AM and 5PM as permitted by the City.