Weird News: ‘Transformer Truck’, Urban Farming

As a local news organization, Patch covers stories of all kinds, from heartbreaking tragedies to inspiring tales of community brotherhood. But some stories are just plain weird. Here are some of the stranger headlines from the past seven days.

Urban Farming on E. 17th St.

For a bunch of city dwellers, people in Ditmas Park do a whole lot of gardening. Some are lucky enough to be able to do so in a sunny back yard. For the rest of us, we find a way.

Container gardening is big, even when the container is a tire or milk crate. Some of us convert front lawns into rows of tomatoes and corn. Recently we found someone who has planted a squash of some sort (or maybe a watermelon) in one of the medians along E. 17th Street.

Bed-Stuy Mechanic Builds 'Transformer' Truck

While driving around the Bed-Stuy area, you may see a very unique vehicle cruising around.

Orlando Figueroa of Fig's Auto Repair in Bed-Stuy transformed his 1981 Chevrolet pickup into something resembling a 'Transformer', according to a report on Yahoo! News.

The truck, which features hydraulic-controlled doors, front, rear, and side cameras, indoor televisions and more interesting amenities, is currently selling for $250,000 on Ebay.

'Orange Is The New Black' Gives Shout Out to Park Slope

Have you been binge watching Netflix's latest series hit, "Orange is the New Black"? If so, your ears might have perked up at the not-so-complimentary mention of Park Slope in episode eight.

The series follows Piper Chapman, a middle-upper class, Trader Joe's-loving woman in her thirties who goes to prison for aiding an international drug cartel ten years prior. In prison, Piper runs into her former girlfriend Alex, one of the heads of the drug cartel – and the very person who gave up Piper's name to the authorities.

In episode eight, Piper and Alex engage in a bit of flirtatious conversation – and after Piper makes a suggestion, Alex retorts, "I'm not suggesting that I want you back, you Park Slope narcissist."

Is Gowanus The Happiest Place On Earth?

Who needs The Magic Kingdom?

One look at local designer Jeff Anzulewicz's inspired photo of our neighborhood canal and all one needs is a pair of mouse ears and cotton candy.