Moments after taking this picture a ghastly stench overwhelmed me. I would consider myself lucky that I do not live on this block, but it happens to be right under the subway and the odds of me choosing an apartment here are not favorable.
Pollo Vivo, Astoria.
I was reminded of the BAG OF DEAD BIRDS I spotted on Northern Boulevard back in 2009. At first it seemed almost bizarre to see such a thing. Then a friend reminded me that New York has countless Pollo Vivo places where one can buy freshly killed chickens, hogs, goats, and other animals. These places cater mostly to immigrants from cultures where seeing what you are about to eat while it is still alive just makes sense. Americans herd their chickens and cows into prisons. The treatment they endure there is mostly unseen. Pollo Vivo places level the playing field, but I think they ghettoize the killing of their animals just the same as Perdue. Pollo Vivo places offer you the living, breathing animal for your inspection. But they behead it behind a curtain. A shop on 21st Street and Astoria Boulevard (now occupied by a liquor store) had signage on its front door asking that its customers please not request to watch the slaughter of the animals they purchased. I am also reminded of wandering through Rainey Park and spotting a slaughtered chicken. I was awake and pumping iron at 6:30 am this Sunday. I hope your day was similarly balsamic.
