Friday, June 27, 2008

TOURS TOURS TOURS

VERY BUSY WEEK WITH TOURS THURS, FRI, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. ALSO HAVE FAMILY IN FROM ARIZONA. TRYING TO KEEP THEM ENTERTAINED IN BETWEEN DOING THE TOURS, I'M RUNNING AROUND LIKE A MANIAC. WE ARE SUPPOSED TO GO TO 2-TOMS TONIGHT BUT AS I WRITE THIS EVERYONE IS NAPPING AND DINNER IS AT 8PM. DON'T KNOW IF WERE GONNA MAKE IT.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

WATERFALLS TO FLOW


THE NEW YORK CITY WATERFALLS WILL START ON THURSDAY AND RUN TILL OCT. 13th FROM 7AM TO 10 PM DAILY. ONE WILL BE PLACED ON THE BROOKLYN SIDE OF THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE TOWER. THE FALLS WILL BE ILLUMINATED AFTER SUNSET. WHILE IN BROOKLYN TAKE A TOUR. http://www.brooklynwalkingtour.com/

RATNER GETS SUPREME VOTE

DEVELOPER BRUCE RATNER WON A COURT DECISION STATING THEY CAN USE EMINENT DOMAIN IN EVICTING BUSINESSES AND HOME OWNERS FROM THEIR PROPERTY AND MOVE ALONG WITH THE ATLANTIC YARDS PROJECT. ANOTHER WIN FOR THE BIG GUYS AND THE LITTLE GUYS WHO HAVE LIVED IN AREA FOR GENERATIONS ARE FORCED OUT. I'M SURE HE WILL BE GETTING BIG TAX BREAKS TOO. HATS WHAT THEY DO.

Monday, June 23, 2008

TOUR TAPED


LAST TUESDAY A FILM CREW FROM CABLEVISION MET ME ON 7TH AVE AND CARROLL ST AND FILMED ME FOR 3 HOURS AT VARIOUS POINTS OF INTEREST OF MY TOUR FOR A SHOW CALLED NEIGHBORHOOD JOURNAL, IT'S A SHOW ALL ABOUT BROOKLYN AND WILL AIR ON CH 118 SOMETIME IN SEPT. MORE INFO WHEN I KNOW EXACT DATE. A TOUR IS GROWING IN BROOKLYN.

SMITH STREET FESTIVAL


SUNDAY WAS MORE PARTYING WITH A GREAT STREET FAIR ON SMITH ST. FROM UNION ST TO BERGEN ST. BANDS, FOOD, DRINKS, RIDES FOR THE KIDS AND JUST LOTS OF FUN. THE PARTY NEVER STOPS IN BROOKLYN.

MERMAID PARADE


ON SATURDAY CONEY ISLAND HELD ITS ANNUAL MERMAID PARADE. THIS IS A FREAK SHOW AND BROOKLYN'S VERSION OF MARDI GRAS. LADIES DRESSED AS MERMAIDS, HALF NAKED. GUYS IN WILD COSTUMES. NATHANS DOGS AND THE MERMAID POST PARADE BALL WERE THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY. SEE YOU NEXT YEAR.

MET IN PROSPECT PARK


ON FRIDAY NIGHT THERE WAS A CONCERT PERFORMANCE BY THE METROPOLITAN OPERA INSIDE PROSPECT PARK. AN ESTIMATED 50,000 PEOPLE WERE IN THE PARK BREAKING THE RECORD FROM A 1991 PATTI LABELLE CONCERT. BROOKLYN GROWING IN LEAPS AND BOUNDS.

NEW HOT SPOT


CLOVER CLUB JUST OPENED ON SMITH ST, IT'S A COOL NEW HOT SPOT, OLD WORLD DECOR. BEAUTIFUL LADIES/MIXOLIGISTS MAKING ALL KINDS OF WILD CONCOTIONS. CHECK IT OUT. A CAN'T MISS PLACE AS BROOKLYN CONTINUES TO SURPRISE WITH MORE AND MORE NEW PLACES EVERYDAY.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

BLUE RIBBON DINNER


ON MONDAY NIGHT I WENT TO BLUE RIBBON ON 5TH AVE IN PARK SLOPE, FUNNY AS BLUE RIBBON USED TO BE SPINNERS, WHICH WAS AN ITALIAN SUPERMARKET MY GRANDMOTHER WOULD SHOP AT. WE STARTED WITH A DOZEN OYSTERS AND A SHRIMP COCKTAIL FOLLOWED BY STEAK FOR TWO, A 40-OZ PORTERHOUSE. AND TOPPED IT OFF WITH A BANANA SPLIT. WITH A FEW DRINKS SPRINKLED IN DINNER WAS GREAT. BUT I WAS THINKING OF YEARS PAST AND REMEMBERING GOING UP AND DOWN THE ASILES WITH THE SHOPPING CART. THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGING.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

ARTWALK A DUD

ON SUNDAY I WAS ON ATLANTIC AVE FOR THE ART WALK, NOT MANY PEOPLE CHECKING IT OUT. WEATHER HAD A LOT TO DO WITH IT BUT ALSO NOT MANY EXHIBITS.

OPENING NIGHT


PROSPECT PARK CONCERT SERIES OPENS ON THURSDAY NIGHT WITH ISSAC HAYES. ADMISSION IS FREE WITH $3.00 RECOMMENDED FEE. ENJOY THE SHOW.

THE HEAT IS ON

WITH THE WEATHER BEING CLOSE TO 100 THE PAST FEW DAYS AND TOURS GOING ON AS SCHEDULED IT'S BEEN TO HOT TO STAY IN HOUSE OR BLOG.................

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

DLYAN TO PLAY PROSPECT PARK


BOB DYLAN WILL BE ENDING HIS WORLD TOUR WITH A CONCERT IN BROOKLYN. THE SHOW WILL BE AT THE PROSPECT PARK BAND SHELL ON AUG.12TH. MOST TICKETS HAVE BEEN SNAPPED UP ALREADY AS THERE WAS A PRE-SALE FOR FAN CLUB MEMBERS ON MONDAY. ONLY A 7000 SEAT VENUE. REMAINING SEATS WILL GO ON SALE TO THE PUBLIC JUNE 13TH. IF YOU DON'T GET TICKETS YOU CAN STILL GO AND STAND AROUND THE PERIMETER AND HEAR THE MUSIC. ONE OF THE ALL-TIME GREATS COMING TO BROOKLYN.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

ART WALK


SAT AND SUN JUNE 7TH & 8TH IS THE ATLANTIC AVE ARTWALK. IT'S AN OPEN STUDIO TOUR RUNNING FROM 3RD AVE TO SMITH ST. WITH OTHER LOCATIONS ALONG THE ROUTE. CHECK http://www.artwalk08.com/ FOR A MAP AND DETAILS. ARTWALK IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Saturday, May 31, 2008

$35 MIL DOWN $40 MIL TO GO


THE NEW 26-ACRE LAKESIDE CENTER BEING BUILT IN PROSPECT PARK HAS RECIEVED $35 MILLION IN FUNDS LEAVING $40 MILLION MORE TO BE SECURED BEFORE CONSTRUCTION WILL BEGIN. THE PROJECT WILL RESTORE THIS PORTION ON THE PARK TO ITS ORIGINAL DESIGN OF FREDERICK LAW OLMSTED AND CALVERT VAUX CREATED.

GOWANUS GOES GREEN

A FIRST OF ITS KIND FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY JUNE 1ST ON CARROLL ST BETWEEN BOND AND NEVINS STREETS. THE EVENT WILL RUN FROM 11AM TO 6 PM AT THE YARD, AN OPEN AIR SPACE BETWEEN TWO SILOS AT 388-400 CARROLL ST. ADMISSION IS FREE.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

SUNDANCE AT BAM


THE SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL WILL BE AT THE BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC STARTING TODAY.THE 11-DAY RUN WILL INCLUDE 10 FILMS 12 DOCUMENTARIES, AND 36 SHORTS. CHECK bam.org/sundance FOR DETAILS AND TICKET INFO.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

PROSPECT PARK PACKED


ON MONDAY, MEMORIAL DAY THERE HAD TO BE ABOUT 10,000 PEOPLE ON THE LONG MEADOW IN PROSPECT PARK. LAYING ON BLANKETS, HAVING BBQ'S, DRINKING WINE WITH CHEESE AND CRACKERS. I HAVE BEEN GOING TO THAT PARK FOR OVER 40 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER SEEN SO MANY PEOPLE ENJOYING THE PARK LIKE THEY WERE ON MONDAY. LEARN THE HISTORY OF THE PARK, TAKE A TOUR. http://www.brooklynwalkingtour.com/

WHERE DID THE ROOTS GO?


THERE WAS A SCULPTURE IN FRONT OF THE LITCHFIELD VILLA IN PROSPECT PARK FOR ABOUT 8 MONTHS. AS I WALKED BY WITH MY TOUR OVER THE WEEKEND IT WAS GONE. DOES ANYONE KNOW WHY IT WAS REMOVED?

TO THE SOLDIERS


I WANT TO THANK ALL VETERANS AND SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE ARMED FORCES THAT KEEP US SAFE AND FREE TO HAVE BBQ'S AND ENJOY MEMORIAL DAY. SOME MAKE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE, THEY DIE THAT WE MAY LIVE FREE. THANKS BOYS AND GIRLS.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

SLOPE SHOWED SOME LOVE

ON THE HEELS OF LAST WEEKS NY TIMES ARTICLE ABOUT PARK SLOPE BEING THE NEW MOST HATED AREA, THE BROOKLYN CYCLONES ARE HOSTING " THE CYCLONES LOVE PARK SLOPE NIGHT " ON JULY 27TH AT KEYSPAN PARK IN CONEY ISLAND.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

ON SUNDAY THE PHOENIX LANDS


AT ABOUT 7:43 PM ON SUNDAY MAY 25TH THE PHOENIX SPACECRAFT WILL LAND ON MARS. THIS DEVICE IS EQUIPED WITH A BACK-HOE AND WILL DIG FOR PARTICLES OF MELTED ICE ON MARS. MY BUDDY KNOTTS LIKES TO SAY THE COULD SEND THINGS TO MARS BUT THEY CAN'T STOP THE RINGING IN HIS EARS.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

NEW WEB SITE


PROSPECT PARK HAS AN ATTRACTIVE NEW WEB SITE LAUNCHED IN APRIL. SEE PHOTOS AND EXPLORE PARK LOCATIONS ONLINE AT http://www.prospectpark.org/

BROOKLYN ART GOES FOR $11.2 MIL


BROOKLYN BORN ARTIST JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT'S "UNTITLED(FALLEN ANGEL)" PAINTED IN 1981 SOLD FOR $11.2 MILLION AT A PHILLIPS de PURY AUCTION. BASQUIAT IS INTERRED AT GREEN-WOOD CEMETERY.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

1ST SOLD OUT TOUR


ON SATURDAY THANKS TO MY GOOD FRIEND PAUL GIROLA I HAD MY 1ST SOLD OUT TOUR. FOR HIS BIRTHDAY HIS FAMILY TOOK HIM TO TWO TOMS BUT BEFORE THAT 13 OF THEM CAME ON THE 1:30 TOUR. I SOLD 3 OTHER TICKETS TO SOME OTHER PEOPLE FOR A TOTAL OF 16 TICKETS WHICH IS A SELL OUT. AFTER TOUR WE HAD DRINKS AND PLAYED BOCCE BALL AT UNION HALL, THEN WE HIT TWO TOMS FOR THE PROVERBIAL FEAST. I'M STILL FULL.

PARK SLOPE IN NY TIMES


THERE WAS AN ARTICLE IN TODAYS SUNDAY STYLES ABOUT PARK SLOPE. KIND OF HOW THE AREA HAS CHANGED AND NOT EVERYONE IS HAPPY. BUT IT WAS ON THE FRONT PAGE AND THIS WILL BE GOOD FOR BUSINESS AS PEOPLE WILL BE CURIOUS AND WANNA SEE THE SLOPE.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

ONE OF THE BEST


I'M WATCHING ELTON JOHN BIOGRAPHY AND I HAVE SEEN HIM IN CONCERT AT LEAST 15 TIMES. HE WAS ALWAYS GOOD FROM WAY BACK WHEN. THE FIRST ALBUM I EVER BOUGHT IN LIFE IS THE PICTURE ON THIS POST. EVERYBODY LIKED ELTON AND HE STOOD THE TEST OF TIME. WHEN HE BROUGHT OUT JOHN LENNON ON THANKSGIVING EVE 1980 AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN FOR LENNON'S LAST LIVE PERFORMANCE, IT WAS ONE OF THE MOST UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS IN ROCK AND ROLL HISTORY. IF YOU GO SEE HIM NOW AND I HAVE RECENTLY, IT WILL BE ONE OF THE BEST CONCERTS YOU WILL EVER SEE.

STILL THE ONE


THE WILLIAMBURG SAVINGS BANK WILL REMAIN THE TALLEST BUILDING IN BROOKLYN, AS A REVISED VERSION OF ATLANTIC YARDS TOWER "MISS BROOKLYN" WILL ON RISE 34 STORIES AND 511 FEET MAKING AT 512 FEET THE CLOCK TOWER STILL THE CHAMP.

TRAVEL CHANNEL IN SLOPE

SAMANTA BROWN WHO HOSTS A SHOW ON THE TRAVEL CHANNEL CALLED "PASSPORT TO GREAT WEEKENDS" TRAVELS ALL AROUND THE GLOBE,BUT CHOOSES TO LIVE IN A 3-BEDROOM CONDO IN PARK SLOPE. I'M ALSO AN AVID TRAVELER BUT I LOVE TO RETURN TO BROOKLYN WHEN MY TRIP IS OVER.

PARK SLOPE SLEEP IN


ALTERNATE SIDE OF THE STREET PARKING WILL BE SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY IN PARK SLOPE. THE TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT IS IN THE PROCESS OF CHANGING 9200 STREET SIGNS. TIME TO BE REDUCED TO 90 MINUTES FOR STREET CLEANING. SOME PEOPLE ARE SAYING THIS WILL MAKE IT EASIER TO PARK. I DON'T SEE IT THAT WAY AS THERE ARE NO SPOTS ON EITHER SIDE NOW, IT WILL JUST MEAN PEOPLE WILL NOT HAVE TO MOVE CARS FOR STREET CLEANING. ENJOY IT WHILE IT LASTS.

A BUSY WEEK

TO ALL OF MY READERS,SORRY FOR NOT POSTING FOR A FEW DAYS. IT'S BEEN A BUSY WEEK WITH TOURS ON MON,TUES AND WED. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEETINGS ON TUES AND THUR. A BROOKLYN TOURISM MEETING. NO TIME TO BLOG.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

THEN AND NOW


BENNY'S CANDY STORE WAS LOCATED ON 3RD AVE BETWEEN PRESIDENT ST AND UNION ST. IT IS NOW CANAL BAR, A COOL BAR BUT FOR ME IT WILL ALWAYS BE BENNY'S. BENNY WOULD SIT IN THE BACK WITH HIS DIAMOND PINKIE RING WITH THE NUMBER 155 IN DIAMONDS. THAT WAS HIS NUMBER. AS A KID I TOOK NUMBERS AND WOULD DELIVER THEM TO BENNY. YOU CAN CHANGE THE OUTSIDE BUT WHAT'S IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS WILL NEVER CHANGE.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

BLOGFEST 08'


TONIGHT I WENT TO THE 2008 BROOKLYN BLOGFEST. IT WAS HELD AT THE BROOKLYN LYCEUM BETTER KNOW TO LOCALS AS THE BATH-HOUSE. NICE EVENT, MANY PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE AND ALSO INFORMATIVE.

BROOKLYN $ BUYS MANHATTAN

ACTRESS JENNIFER CONNELLY IS SELLING HER MANSION ON PROSPECT PARK WEST FOR $8.5 MILLION AND BUYING A $7 MILLION PENTHOUSE IN MANHATTAN. ONCE AGAIN BROOKLYN TRUMPS MANHATTAN.

IKEA HIRES LOCALS


IKEA HOLDS TRUE TO ITS WORD TO HIRE LOCALLY WITH THE OPENING OF A NEW STORE IN RED HOOK. WITH OVER 300 HIRED CITY WIDE 200 ARE FROM THE NABE. ONE GUY SAID OVER 30 PEOPLE IN HIS MOTHER'S HOUSING PROJECT BUILDING HAVE BEEN HIRED. GOOD NEWS FOR RED HOOK AND ITS LONG TIME RESIDENTS.

MINERVA VIEW TO SAY


DEVELOPER'S WHO WERE BUILDING A CONDO COMPLEX ON 23RD ST THAT WAS GOING TO BLOCK MINERVA'S VIEW OF THE STATUE OF LIBERTY HAVE SCALED BACK THE PROJECT DUE TO PRESSURE FROM NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS AND GREEN-WOOD CEMETERY OFFICALS.AFTER 88 YEARS THINGS WILL STAY AS THEY ALWAYS WERE.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

THE POLICE GREEN CITY


STING AND "THE POLICE" A ROCK AND ROLL SUPER GROUP WILL END THIER WORLD WIDE REUNION TOUR WITH A CONCERT IN NYC. THEY ALSO WILL DONATE $1 MILLION TO MAYOR BLOOMBERG'S EFFORT TO PLANT A MILLION TREES IN NYC BY 2017. I SAW THEM MANY TIMES BACK IN THE DAY, ALWAYS A GOOD SHOW AND NOW DOING A GOOD DEED.

Monday, May 5, 2008

ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG


JUST TODAY I FOUND ABOUT THE LOSS OF A FRIEND.I MET HIM OVER 25 YEARS AGO AND DIDN'T SEE HIM IN 20 YEARS. WE HAD RECONNECTED AFTER 20 YEARS AND WERE GONNA HAVE DINNER. HE WAS A GOOD GUY AND TOUCHED MY LIFE, IM SAD AS I WRITE THIS POST. HERE IS WHAT HIS WIFE PUT ON TUGS. IT'S A TIME SHARE USERS GROUP THAT HE BELONGED TOO.I THINK IT'S A FITTING TRIBUTE. I NEVER GOT TO GO TO DINNER WITH MY FRIEND JOHN.AND THAT MAKES ME SAD.LOOK FOR MY GRANDMOTHER UP THERE HER AND AUNT TOOSIE WILL MAKE YOU SOME MEATBALLS AND POTATO CROCETTES. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER TILL WE FEAST IN HEAVEN.
Each of you knew John Faeth differently. But I share with you his passing.John died of a massive stroke, which occurred on Monday the 28th.You should know he greatly enjoyed being a part of TUG. It brought him laughter, fun, and suchwonderful friendships. Thank you all for the joy you brought to his life.A Brief Tribute to my Husband John...He was a tough guy. He was a total softy. He drove me crazy, and I could never keep up with himAND I LOVED him no matter what. WHY? Simply, he was the FINEST human being I've ever known.Truly. His heart was bigger than most of us hope to have. He gave when he didn't have to. He loved those he didn't know. He gave to those in need, regardless of his feelings or desires.We should all remember the greatest teachings John brought.Love each other... you don't have to like someone to love them.Confront- mean what you say and say what you mean.... especially if it's hard to do.And, always THINK past what you are told... You can make a difference if you use the gift God gave you and consider more than just what you are told.Think for yourself.Live life- travel, explore, think, try, be, consider, and always have heart. That is what John gave to anyone who listened. Listen now. Go forward with life and love, make him happy. That's what I ask for him.The following are 2 Irish Prayers. If so inclined, pour a shot, and drink at the end of each prayer. He would have loved that... I would love that. Most of all, be kind and loving with all your heart... that was what he left me... I share it with you.Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep,I am not there... I do not sleep.I am the thousand winds that blow...I am the diamond glints on snow...I am the sunlight on ripened grain...I am the gentle autumn rain.When you waken in the morning's hush,I am the swift uplifting rush Of gentle birds in circling flight...I am the soft star that shines at night.Do not stand at my grave and cry—I am not there... I did not die...This is how John said goodbye to those he loved:May the road rise up to meet you.May the wind be always at your back,May the sun shine warm upon your face,And the rains fall soft upon your fields,And, until we meet again May God hold you in the palm of His hand,So you may be forty years in heaven before the devil knows you're there.If you have a desire to do something, please honor him with a gift to charity. His favorite charities were Habitat for Humanity, Hospitalized Veterans, and giving to animal shelters and associations. Evena small act of random kindness always pleased him greatly.With great sadness,Lorelei Faeth John's Wife--------------------------------

MICROSOFT EYES "THE CLOCK"


BETTER KNOW AS THE WILLIAMSBURG SAVINGS BANK, MICROSOFT IS LOOKING TO PUT A RETAIL STORE IN THE LOBBY. THIS IS A LANDMARK BUILDING AND NOT TOO MANY ALTERATIONS CAN BE DONE SO SOME RETAILERS ARE SHYING AWAY. THIS WOULD BE MICROSOFT'S FIRST RETAIL OUTLET.BILL GATES IN BROOKLYN, WHO WOULD HAVE THUNK IT.

Friday, May 2, 2008

STAY IN NJ


THE FOREST RATNER GROUP HAS MEET WITH NETS AND NEWARK OFFICALS ABOUT MOVING THE NETS TO NEWARK. WE DON'T WANT THEM IN BROOKLYN WHERE RATNER WILL PROFIT AND THE PEOPLE THAT LIVED THERE ALL OUR LIVES WILL GET NOTHING.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

BROOKLYN EATS AND EATS AND EATS


LAST NIGHT WAS THE 11TH ANNUAL BROOKLYN EATS EVENT. IT WAS HELD AT STIENER STUDIOS IN THE BROOKLYN NAVY YARD. ONCE AGAIN THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND IT'S WONDERFUL STAFF CAME THROUGH WITH FLYING COLORS. THE FOOD WAS EXCELLENT, ENTERTAINMENT ENJOYABLE AND JUST A GREAT NIGHT OVER ALL.CAN'T WAIT FOR THE 12TH ANNUAL EVENT. THIS IS ONE EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED.

SLOPE RISING


THE PRODUCERS OF " SEX IN THE CITY " ARE DOING A SHOW ABOUT THE MOTHERS OF PARK SLOPE. MORE EXPOSURE OF THE SLOPE AND GOOD FOR BUSINESS AS MORE PEOPLE WILL WANNA COME SEE PARK SLOPE.

Monday, April 28, 2008

MY FAVORITE PLACE


ON APRIL 28TH 1916 THE PROSPECT PARK ZOO OPENED AS WE KNOW IT NOW. DOES NOT HAVE THE ANIMALS WE WERE USED TOO AS IT'S A CHILDRENS ZOO TODAY. BUT THIS WAS MY FAVORITE PLACE TO GO WHEN I WAS A KID. THEY HAD ELEPHANTS, A TIGER, LION, MONKEY HOUSE, A RHINO, HIPPO, BEARS AND THE SEALS. IN THE EARLY 80'S WAS VOTED ONE OF THE 10 WORST ZOOS IN AMERICA AS THE ANIMALS WERE IN SMALL ENCLOSURES. BUT WHAT DID WE KNOW, ALL WE KNEW WAS THERE WAS A ZOO WITH ANIMALS FROM AFRICA IN BROOKLYN. EVERY KID LOVED THE PLACE.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

WOLLMAN ICE RINK RENOVATION


BROOKLYN'S WOLLMAN ICE SKATING RINK IS SOON TO UNDER GO A HUGE TRANSFORMATION. A NEW ICE SKATING RINK IS BEING DESIGNED WITH WATER FEATURES AS WELL AS A ROLLER SKATING RINK. COST IS $75 MILLION. TALK ABOUT INFLATION THE WHOLE PARK COSTS $9 MILLION TO BUILD IN 1867.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

BROOKLYN'S LITTLE DRUMMER BOY


BROOKLYN'S FIRST CASUALTY OF THE CIVIL WAR WAS A 12 YEAR OLD DRUMMER BOY CLARENCE MacKENZIE. HE IS BURIED IN GREEN-WOOD CEMETERY.

MARY'S CORNER

MY FRIEND'S GRANDMOTHER DIED ON THURS, SHE WAS 101 AND WORKED AT HER CORNER STORE IN SOUTH BROOKLYN TILL SHE WAS 96. MARY'S ITALIAN AMERICAN GROCERY STORE CATERED TO EVERYONE IN THIS WORKING CLASS AREA WHICH IS NOW BEING GENTRIFIED AND ALL OLD STORES ARE BECOMING NEW. SHE WOULD GIVE CREDIT TO BLACK, WHITE, SPANISH. DIDN'T MATTER IF YOU WORKED IN OR WERE FROM THE AREA SHE TOOK CARE OF YOU.LOTS OF TOUGH GUYS AND DRUGS IN AREA BACK IN THE DAY BUT NO ONE EVER ROBBED MARY'S. ALL OF US WOULD LOOK OVER HERE. I THINK IT WOULD BE GREAT IF WE COULD NAME THE CORNER AFTER HER, SO THE NEW COMERS WILL ALWAYS ASK ABOUT AND BE TOLD WHO MARY WAS. THE OLD-TIMERS KNOW.I WANT TO START A CRUSADE TO RE-NAME PRESIDENT ST AND 3RD AVE CORNER OF THE STORE "MARY'S CORNER".

GREENWOOD MONSTER


I JUST SAW A GIANT TURTLE AT GREEN - WOOD CEMETERY. I THOUGHT IT WAS A CANADA GOOSE AS ONE WAS RIGHT NEAR IT. IT WAS CRAWLING ON GROUND AND I WAS LIKE, WHAT'S THAT? IT LOOKED PREHISTORIC WITH SHARP EDGES ON SHELL AND WAS HUGE. HE JUMPED INTO THE LAKE. I'M GONNA BE LOOKING FOR THIS GUY AGAIN. ALWAYS SEE LITTLE ONES THERE BUT NEVER ONE THIS BIG.

THE FATHER OF PROSPECT PARK


JAMES STRANAHAN WHO WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN HAVING PROSPECT PARK BUILT WOULD HAVE BEEN 200 YEARS OLD ON FRIDAY APRIL 25TH, I HAVE A TOUR AND WILL MENTION THAT AS WE WALK PAST HIS STATUE. HE WAS ALSO CALLED BROOKLYN'S "FIRST CITIZEN". WITH CENTRAL PARK BUILT ALREADY HE WANTED TO MAKE SURE WE WERE NOT SECOND CLASS AND HIRED OLMSTEAD AND VAUX TO BUILD US A BETTER PARK. HAPPY 200TH.

PROSPECT PARK WILL BE ROCKING


THIS YEAR IS THE 30TH YEAR OF CELEBRATE BROOKLYN. MANY DIFFERENT ACTS AND SHOWS WILL BE PERFORMED AT THE BANDSHELL INSIDE PARK JUST OFF 9TH STREET. FOR COMPLETE SCHEDULE GO TO WWW.BRICONLINE.ORG/CELEBRATE/2008SEASON.ASP.

Friday, April 18, 2008

RIP DAN FEDERICI


BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN E STREET BAND MEMBER DAN FEDERICI HAS PASSED AWAY IN NYC AFTER A LONG BATTLE WITH CANCER. HE LAST PERFORMED ON MARCH 20TH WITH THE E STREET BAND. TODAY'S AS WELL AS TOMORROW'S SHOWS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED. NO DOUBT ALL THE BAND MEMBERS WILL BE HEADING HOME TO NJ TO PAY RESPECTS TO DANNY. I SAW BRUCE MANY MANY TIMES AND IT WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN.I REMEMBER WAITING IN FRONT OF J&R MUSIC WORLD WITH $1000 AND AN PICK-AX HANDLE AT 2AM WAITING ALL NIGHT FOR TICKETS TO GO ON SALE IN 1981. A SAD DAY, BUT DANNY WOULD WANT US TO ROCK ON. DANNY YOU WILL BE MISSED BY MILLIONS. RIP BROTHER.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

BROOKLYN BROWN


LEON WILLIAMS OF THE CLEVELAND BROWNS GREW UP ON DITMAS AVE AND E21ST. I SPENT A LOT OF TIME ON THAT BLOCK AS MY THEN GIRL FRIEND LIVED THERE. THIS IS A BROOKLYN KID ALL THE WAY. PLAYED ROUGH TACKLE ON CONCRETE LIKE MY BUDDIES AND I OFTEN DID. PEOPLE WOULD LOOK AT ME LIKE I WAS NUTS WHEN I TOLD THEM WE DID THAT. HELL WE DIDN'T HAVE A DIRT FIELD. I'M ROOTING FOR THIS KID AND THE BROWNS THIS YEAR.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

GOOD FOR BUSINESS


THREE NEW HOTELS ARE BEING BUILT ON PRESIDENT ST BETWEEN 3RD AND 4TH AVE'S. THAT'S SEVEN IN A 1/2 MILE RADIUS. ALL WITHIN A FEW STEPS FROM THE TOUR'S MEETING SPOT. MY FLYERS WILL BE AT ALL THESE HOTELS AND BUSINESS WILL PICK UP. http://www.brooklynwalkingtour.com/

Monday, April 14, 2008

NEW YORKER'S TO THE RESCUE


I WAS READING THEN TELLING SOME FRIENDS ABOUT A DAILY NEWS STORY IN SUNDAY'S PAPER ABOUT A KID WHO WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PLAY BASEBALL THIS YEAR AS HIS FAMILY COULD NOT AFFORD THE FEE'S AND EQUIPMENT.WELL APARENTLY I WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE TOUCHED BY THIS, AS SOME FIREMEN AND OTHER PEOPLE ALSO READ THE STORY, CALLED THE DAILY NEWS AND OFFERED TO BUY THE KID A GLOVE, CLEATS AND WHATEVER ELSE IS NEEDED TO GET HIM ON THE TEAM.THAT'S WHAT NEW YORKER'S DO FOR PEOPLE IN NEED. PLAY BALL!!!

BROOKLYN'S OLDEST


LUCY LEE OF CROWN HEIGHTS JUST CELEBRATED HER 106TH BIRTHDAY ON SUNDAY AT HER LOCAL CHURCH, RECEIVING A WELL DESERVED STANDING OVATION FROM THE WORSHIPERS. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GOD BLESS YOU. SHE HAS BEEN AN USHER AT THE SAME CHURCH FOR 80 YEARS, A BROOKLYN TREASURE.

Friday, April 11, 2008

BEN-HUR IS ON


I WAS WATCHING THE YANKEE'S VS THE RED SOX WHEN I MADE THE MISTAKE OF PUTTING ON BEN-HUR. I NEVER MISS A PITCH BUT THAT WAS THE END OF THE YANKEE GAME FOR ME. I'M WAITING TO SEE THE CHARIOT RACE WHICH HAS THE INTENSITY OF A YANKEE WORLD SERIES GAME. I WATCHED THIS MOVIE MANY TIMES AT 511 CARROLL ST. SO NO DOUBT I'LL BE THINKING OF MY GRANDMOTHER WHO WAS ALWAYS WATCHING IT WITH ME. JOANNE I HOPE YOUR WATCHING.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

TONY,TODD & TWO TOMS


TONIGHT I WENT TO TWO TOMS WITH TONY FROM A SLICE OF BROOKLYN PIZZA TOUR AND TODD FROM FOODS OF NY, TWO FELLOW TOUR COMPANY OWNERS. AS USUAL WE ATE LIKE WE WERE GOING TO THE CHAIR,I'M SO FULL I FEEL SICK. WE WERE WATCHING YANKS, METS, HOCKEY PLAYOFF'S, CHATTING WITH FELLOW PATRONS. A GREAT NIGHT WITH GREAT GUYS.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

LIRR JERK

WHO DOES THIS MORON ON THE LIRR THINK HE IS TELLING PEOPLE TO BE QUIET ON THE TRAIN. HE BETTER STAY ON THE LIRR CAUSE THAT WOULD NOT FLY IN BROOKLYN AS HE WILL GET HIS ASS WHIPPED.

RATS IN SOUTH SLOPE


TWICE IN THE LAST WEEK I HAVE SEEN RATS ON UNION ST BETWEEN 3RD AND 4TH AVE'S. WHEN I WAS GROWING UP AREA WAS CALLED SOUTH BROOKLYN, NOW IT'S SOUTH SLOPE. NONE THE LESS TO PAY FROM TWO TO THREE THOUSAND A MONTH TO LIVE AMONG RATS IS UPSETTING. WE HAD A FEW RATS WORKING AT SUSQUEHANNA, AND THEY WILL GET WHAT THEY HAVE COMING SOON.

Sunday, April 6, 2008

WE LOVED THIS MOVIE




CHARLTON HESTON DIED AT AGE 84 ON SATURDAY NIGHT. IF YOU WENT TO OUR LADY OF PEACE OR LIVED IN THE SLOPE GROWING UP AS A CATHOLIC YOU ABSOLUTLY LOVED "BEN-HUR" AND "THE TEN COMMANDMENTS". IT WAS A RITUAL TO WATCH THESE TWO CLASSIC'S EVERY YEAR THAT THEY CAME ON. MIND YOU NOW WE DIDN'T HAVE CABLE TV. AND ONLY HAVING A FEW CHANNELS THESE MOVIES WERE NOT TO BE MISSED. ALTOUGHT YOU KNEW THE OUTCOME OF THE CHARIOT RACE YOU WERE STILL ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THEM AGAIN.

BROOKLYN SOLDIER KILLED


SGT. DAYNE DHANOOLAL FROM BROOKLYN BY WAY OF TRINIDAD WAS KILLED BY A ROAD-SIDE BOMB ON A MISSION TO BAGHDAD. A MISSION HE VOLUNTEERED TO GO ON TO BE WITH HIS MEN. A BROOKLYN TRAIT IF I EVER SAW ONE. HE WAS TO COME HOME IN THREE WEEKS AND COULD HAVE BEEN TAKING IT EASY, BUT WHEN YOU'RE FROM BROOKLYN IT'S NOT WHAT WE DO. NOW HE'S COMING HOME. HE DIED SO WE COULD LIVE FREE. THANKS SGT. DHANOOLAL.