*Everyday Chatter

On 1st Ave, the new Kim's is making us excited with a "30% off Grand Opening" sign as they keep their gates closed. As this peek inside shows, it's stocked and swept--should be opening soon:




Meanwhile, the Post catches up with Kim's closure news--didn't know "Mary-Kate Olsen was a customer until she refused to return several out-of-print Jane Campion films." Maybe she'll volunteer to sponsor the collection for us all. [NYP]

On a sidewalk book vendor: "Some local residents see the books as an emblem of the Upper West Side’s rich intellectual and cultural history. Others see the assemblage as a case of one man taking over an entire stretch of public sidewalk." [Times]

Recession prices at Gray's Papaya going up. [Times]

A visit to the Domino Sugar refinery. [EVG]

Feisty Carnegie Hall tenant wants a bunch of bucks before she'll be booted. You go Editta! [Curbed]

A close-up of Nicola Verlato's public art at 14th and 9th: A "Sleeping Monster" of heroes amassed from some not very imaginative imaginations of Chelsea residents--it includes Mickey Mouse, Derek Jeter, and SpongeBob Squarepants:

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