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Students Play Real-Life Game of Quidditch in McCarren Park

And more NYC news from a pastrami special to the Brooklyn Ballet...

By Brian Ries

| Wednesday, Jun 24, 2009 | Updated 6:49 AM EDT

Students Play Real-Life Game of Quidditch in McCarren Park

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For those not in the know, Quidditch is "a high-flying sport practiced by wizards and witches who ride magical flying broomsticks."

Get your morning scoop on the fate of the "oldest restaurant," a deli with extra servings, the Brooklyn Ballet's new digs, a city-wide pool party and a real-life game of Quidditch in today's local blog round-up.

Gage & Tollner, a restaurant that once claimed to be "New York's Oldest" is soon to be reopened as an ... Arby's. So do they age their roast beef to make it more authentic or what? There is some good news slathered between the buns - they're hiring! [Jeremiah's Vanishing New York]

One particular deli on 39th and 3rd is really heaping on the extras as of late. A blogger's buddy painfully bit into a pastrami sandwich with a 1/5-inch knife chunk and another got a foot rub from a rat. So, Sergeant freak-out-the-customers, what's the deal? [Midtown Lunch]

Flavorwire caught up with Lynn Parkerson, founder and artistic director of the Brooklyn Ballet after the dance company's recent move to the Schermerhorn House, and its consequential housing collaboration with the non-profit organization Common Ground. [Flavorwire]

The biggest pool party of the year is set to kick-off this Saturday, with all 54 New York City public pools reopen for the season. Most pools are open to swimmers between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (NYC Gov Parks]

Does the fact that a bunch of college students played Quidditch in McCarren Park make Harry Potter cool again? In case you're unfamiliar with the fantastically awesome and unlikely sport, Quidditch is "a high-flying sport practiced by wizards and witches who ride magical flying broomsticks." [Brownstoner]