NEW YORK CITY — Been under a rock this week? Here are some of DNAinfo New York's most popular stories from the neighborhoods during the week that was.
'Elixir of Long Life' Recreated by Archaeologists
Archeologists found a fountain of youth under a future hotel site on the Bowery in the form of a small vial containing an “Elixir of Long Life” that was buried more than 150 years ago. The team that excavated the bottle was able to recreate the elixir using ingredients including aloe, rhubarb and white turmeric. DNAinfo has the recipe.
'Borough of Churches' Slowly Disappears
DNAinfo mapped the conversion of churches to condos in Brooklyn, where more than 20 places of worship have turned residential in the last two decades. Some community members decried the loss of church space, but preservationists said that faithful conversions were a practical way to maintain historic architecture.
Every Single Country Has Its Own Place to Watch the World Cup
World Cup madness swept the city as fans of each country found a place to root for their home team in bars and restaurants across NYC. The party continues this weekend, as Little Ghana in The Bronx will be the place to be when Germany plays Ghana, and Bosnia fans can find camaraderie in Astoria when they play Nigeria. Sunday, the U.S. plays Portugal at 6 p.m. Check out our World Cup guide for a place to watch every single country.
White Powder Scare at Police Headquarters
A Queens woman who was convinced her roommate was trying to poison her sugar bowl triggered an hourlong lockdown at the offices of NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton Tuesday when she mailed in a sample of the white powder. NYPD officials locked down Bratton's floor until they could test the power and confirm it was household sugar.
Out-of-Control Patrol Car Caught on Video
An out-of-control squad car sent pedestrians, including a woman with a stroller, running for safety in Washington Heights Tuesday, when a police officer left his car running while he jumped out to catch a suspect. DNAinfo obtained security footage of the vehicle rolling backwards through an intersection and crashing into Family Candy and Deli.
Illegal Yeshiva Told to Move to Williamsburg
The Clinton Hill community board wants a Hasidic Jewish school that has been operating illegally for two decades to relocate to Williamsburg, where it says the community is “geographically concentrated.” The school has been operating without proper permits for more than 20 years in an industrial zone, and neighbors said its students have been “aggressive” to neighbors.
'Prose Before Hoes' Magnets Repel Strand Workers
Employees at the Strand Book Store protested a magnet reading "Prose Before Hoes" that is on sale at the downtown independent shop. Critics called the magnet's message sexist and offensive, and sent a letter to management asking that it be removed.
Mysterious Relic Unearthed on Governors Island
Governors Island excavators found a strange railroad relic on a recent dig, and are trying to identify its former purpose. The island had an 8-mile railroad in operation until 1931.
