blogslope

TOURS TOURS TOURS

2008-06-27T18:59:00.002-04:00

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.

WATERFALLS TO FLOW

2008-06-24T21:31:00.003-04:00

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

2008-06-24T21:24:00.002-04:00

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.

TOUR TAPED

2008-06-23T22:08:00.003-04:00

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

2008-06-23T22:03:00.002-04:00

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

2008-06-23T21:57:00.002-04:00

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

2008-06-23T21:52:00.002-04:00

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

2008-06-23T21:46:00.002-04:00

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.

BLUE RIBBON DINNER

2008-06-11T18:45:00.002-04:00

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.

ARTWALK A DUD

2008-06-10T08:01:00.001-04:00

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

2008-06-10T07:57:00.002-04:00

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

2008-06-10T07:54:00.001-04:00

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.................

DLYAN TO PLAY PROSPECT PARK

2008-06-03T09:41:00.002-04:00

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.

ART WALK

2008-06-01T19:25:00.003-04:00

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.

$35 MIL DOWN $40 MIL TO GO

2008-05-31T20:42:00.004-04:00

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

2008-05-31T20:34:00.004-04:00

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.

SUNDANCE AT BAM

2008-05-29T09:51:00.002-04:00

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.

PROSPECT PARK PACKED

2008-05-27T20:35:00.002-04:00

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?

2008-05-27T20:31:00.002-04:00

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

2008-05-27T19:20:00.002-04:00

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.

SLOPE SHOWED SOME LOVE

2008-05-25T22:18:00.003-04:00

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.

ON SUNDAY THE PHOENIX LANDS

2008-05-22T20:51:00.002-04:00

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.

NEW WEB SITE

2008-05-20T13:26:00.002-04:00

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

2008-05-20T13:18:00.002-04:00

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.

1ST SOLD OUT TOUR

2008-05-18T20:15:00.002-04:00

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

2008-05-18T20:09:00.002-04:00

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.

ONE OF THE BEST

2008-05-15T22:12:00.002-04:00

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

2008-05-15T21:38:00.002-04:00

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

2008-05-15T21:16:00.002-04:00

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

2008-05-15T21:08:00.002-04:00

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

2008-05-15T21:04:00.002-04:00

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.

THEN AND NOW

2008-05-10T20:40:00.002-04:00

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.

BLOGFEST 08'

2008-05-08T23:13:00.002-04:00

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

2008-05-08T15:05:00.002-04:00

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

2008-05-08T14:12:00.002-04:00

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

2008-05-08T14:01:00.002-04:00

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.

THE POLICE GREEN CITY

2008-05-07T21:19:00.002-04:00

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.

ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG

2008-05-05T22:42:00.006-04:00

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"

2008-05-05T07:39:00.002-04:00

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.

STAY IN NJ

2008-05-02T20:37:00.002-04:00

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.

BROOKLYN EATS AND EATS AND EATS

2008-05-01T20:29:00.002-04:00

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

2008-05-01T20:13:00.002-04:00

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.

MY FAVORITE PLACE

2008-04-28T19:55:00.002-04:00

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.

WOLLMAN ICE RINK RENOVATION

2008-04-26T08:48:00.003-04:00

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.

BROOKLYN'S LITTLE DRUMMER BOY

2008-04-22T22:56:00.003-04:00

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

2008-04-22T22:12:00.002-04:00

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

2008-04-22T14:02:00.004-04:00

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

2008-04-22T10:49:00.004-04:00

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

2008-04-22T10:39:00.002-04:00

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.

RIP DAN FEDERICI

2008-04-18T11:18:00.004-04:00

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.

BROOKLYN BROWN

2008-04-17T22:00:00.001-04:00

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.

GOOD FOR BUSINESS

2008-04-15T21:06:00.003-04:00

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/

NEW YORKER'S TO THE RESCUE

2008-04-14T11:10:00.004-04:00

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

2008-04-14T11:00:00.003-04:00

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.

BEN-HUR IS ON

2008-04-11T22:51:00.002-04:00

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.

TONY,TODD & TWO TOMS

2008-04-10T22:56:00.002-04:00

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.

LIRR JERK

2008-04-09T20:59:00.001-04:00

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

2008-04-09T17:32:00.003-04:00

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.

WE LOVED THIS MOVIE

2008-04-06T21:33:00.003-04:00

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

2008-04-06T21:17:00.002-04:00

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.

20 YEARS CAN YOU BELIEVE IT

2008-04-05T21:42:00.002-04:00

TWENTY YEARS AGO TODAY 4-5-88 MY FATHER PASSED AWAY. TO ALL MY FRIENDS THAT KNEW HIM DON'T NEED ME TO SAY WHAT KIND OF A GUY HE WAS, THEY KNOW. HE WAS NOT PERFECT BUT HE LOVED EVERYONE AND EVERYONE LOVED HIM.

FIRST SATURDAY, JAPAN'S WARHOL

2008-04-03T18:04:00.002-04:00

ON SATURDAY 4/5/08 THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM WILL HAVE ITS MONTHLY PARTY. BILLED AS FIRST SATURDAY'S,THE BIG OPENING OF THE ART WORK OF TAKASHI MURAKAMI WILL GO ON DISPLAY. THIS GUY HAS BEEN COMPARED TO ANDY WARHOL AND HIS WORK IS QUITE IMPRESSIVE. MUSEUM IS OPEN TILL 11PM AND IS FREE AFTER 5PM.

BROOKLYN GOES TO SUPREME COURT

2008-04-02T17:30:00.002-04:00

PROPERTY OWNERS AND TENANTS ARE TAKING THEIR FIGHT WITH BRUCE RATNER TO THE SUPREME COURT. LIKE I STATED BEFORE, EMINENT DOMAIN IS TO BE INVOKED WHEN IT'S FOR THE GOOD OF ALL OF THE PEOPLE NOT FOR BRUCE RATNER TO GET RICHER. I'M TAKING THE LITTLE GUYS SIDE ON THIS ISSUE. IF HE WAS TRYING TO TAKE MY GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE RATNER WOULD BE ON HIS WAY TO GREEN-WOOD, AND I'D BE ON MY WAY TO JAIL.

PAUL SIMON AT BAM

2008-04-02T17:26:00.002-04:00

PAUL SIMON KICKED OFF HIS MONTH LONG SERIES OF CONCERTS LAST NIGHT AT BAM. I'LL BE AT FRANK'S LOUNGE TONITE AND I'M SURE MANY PEOPLE GOING TO THE SHOW WILL STOP IN FOR A DRINK. A DRINK AT FRANK'S, A BURGER AT 67 BURGER AND A PAUL SIMON CONCERT, WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK FOR.

GIVE IT BACK OR ELSE

2008-04-02T17:17:00.002-04:00

THIEVES STOLE A 650 BRASS BELL MADE IN 1888 FROM A QUEENS CHURCH. THAT'S A BIG NO-NO. I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU DO, BUT ONE THING YOU DON'T DO IS ROB FROM THE CHURCH. RAISED ACROSS THE STREET FROM OUR LADY OF PEACE ON CARROLL ST IN BROOKLYN WE HAD SOME BAD GUYS WHO WOULD STEAL ANYTHING IN AREA BUT EVEN THEY KNEW THE CHURCH WAS OFF LIMITS.TO THE GUYS WHO DID THIS DON'T BE SURPRISED IF SOMETHING FALLS OUT OF THE SKY AND HITS YOU IN THE HEAD.

THEY WILL KNOW

2008-03-29T22:29:00.003-04:00

I WILL SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT PROSPECT PARK. THE PROSPECT PARK ALLIANCE REPORTED THAT PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ALL THE ATTRACTIONS AT THE PARK. I TELL ALL MY CLIENTS WHAT THE PARK HAS TO OFFER AND ABOUT ALL THE ATTRACTIONS AS WE STROLL THROUGH EVERYDAY. I'M GETTING BUSY AS THE TOURIST SEASON IS RAPIDLY ARRIVING AND MANY PEOPLE ARE COMING TO BROOKLYN. THEY WILL KNOW.

FAM TOUR

2008-03-29T22:07:00.003-04:00

ON THURSDAY I WAS INVOLVED IN A FAM TOUR OF BROOKLYN. WE HAD 95 TOUR OPERATORS FORM THE UK, CANADA AND 12 DIFFERENT STATES COME TO BROOKLYN. WE SHOWED THEM A FULL DAY OF BROOKLYN ATTRACTIONS. THESE EOPLE LOVED BROOKLYN AND WILL BE SENDING GROUPS OF TOURIST TO VISIT US. I'M GOING TO BE REAL BUSY SOON. http://www.brooklynwalkingtour.com/

ANOTHER GREAT NIGHT

2008-03-29T22:00:00.002-04:00

THE BROOKLYN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HELD IT'S MONTHLY AFTER HOURS EVENT ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT BODY SPA ON PARK AVE IN BROOKLYN. AS USUAL MANY WONDERFUL PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE, INCLUDING SOME NEW FACES. SINCE STARTING MY BUSINESS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING I HAVE DONE IS JOINED THE CHAMBER, AND EVERY CHANCE I GET I SING ITS PRAISE AND ENCOURAGE ANYONE I ENCOUNTER WITH A BUSINESS TO JOIN. LOOKING FORWARD TO UPCOMING SEMINARS AND THE NEXT AFTER HOURS EVENT.

PROSPECT PARK CHARMER

2008-03-24T11:49:00.002-04:00

BROOKLYN'S PROSPECT PARK HAS ITS OWN DOG WHISPERER, TYRIL FRITH. I WILL BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR HIM AS MY TOUR IS IN THE PARK EVERYDAY. AS FAR AS THE RATTLING OF THE COINS IN AN EMPTY JAR TO STOP DOGS FROM JUMPING ON YOU MY COUSIN JOANN TURNED ME ON TO THAT AS HER DOG NAMED AFTER ME IS A LITTLE WILD.THAT'S AN OLD TRICK.

MORE NOT BETTER

2008-03-23T22:48:00.002-04:00

WHILE AT THE MET ON SUNDAY I VISITED THE ARTS OF AFRICA AREA. AS THEY HAVE A MUCH BIGGER COLLECTION THEN I DO, I HAVE SOME OF THE SAME PIECES AND SOME OF MINE ARE LARGER THEN THEIRS. THROUGH MY TOUR COMPANY I HAVE BEFRIENDED A MUSEUM OWNER AND MY COLLECTION MAY BE DISPLAYED THERE. MORE INFO TO FOLLOW....

HAPPY EASTER

2008-03-23T21:41:00.002-04:00

WANT TO THANK ALL MY FRIENDS WHO CALLED ME ON EASTER. AND THOSE WHO DIDN'T I WAS THINKING OF YOU. WENT TO THE MET, CHECKED OUT SOME ART. MUSEUM WAS PACKED WITH TOURIST, NEW YORKER'S OUT OF TOWN. PARKED 100 FEET FROM MUSEUM. GREAT DAY.

SCALED BACK? OR WORSE

2008-03-21T17:48:00.002-04:00

FRANK GEHRY'S DESIGN FOR BROOKLYN'S ATLANTIC YARDS DEVELOPEMENT WILL BE SCALED BACK DUE TO LACK OF FINANCING AND MAYBE TOTALLY SCRAPED AS REPORTED IN TODAY'S NEW YORK TIMES.

5TH ANNUAL DINE IN BROOKLYN

2008-03-21T17:01:00.003-04:00

MARCH 24TH-31ST IS RESTAURANT WEEK IN BROOKLYN. GET A 3 COURSE MEAL FOR $23.00 IN OVER 175 RESTAURANTS IN BROOKLYN. MAKE RESERVATIONS AND MENTION "DINE IN BROOKLYN".

PLAY BALL !!!

2008-03-20T14:13:00.003-04:00

THE PARK SLOPE LITTLE LEAGUE PARADE WILL MAKE ITS WAY THROUGH PARK SLOPE AND INTO PROSPECT PARK ON SAT APRIL 5TH. LOCAL POLITICIANS WILL THROW OUT THE 1ST PITCH AND IT'S PLAY BALL.

ART IN SLOPE

2008-03-20T13:57:00.002-04:00

ARTIST ANDY SACHS SHOW "BROOKLYN,FOOD AND FUN" WILL BE RUNNING TILL MARCH 31ST AT THE TEA LOUNGE 837 UNION ST. COOL GUY, COOL ART FROM A LOCAL. CHECK IT OUT.

PARK SLOPE HOT PROPERTY

2008-03-19T22:32:00.003-04:00

ACCORDING TO A REAL ESTATE LOBBYING GROUP, PARK SLOPE RANKS #1 AS THE MOST POPULAR BROOKLYN NEIGHBORHOOD FOR HOME SEEKERS IN NYC. AGAIN BROOKLYN TOPS MANHATTAN.

BROOKLYN #1 AGAIN

2008-03-18T08:59:00.002-04:00

AN INTERESTING TID-BIT. MANHATTAN'S CENTRAL PARK IS TWICE AS BIG AS BROOKLYN'S PROSPECT PARK, BUT PROSPECT PARK'S LAKE IS TWICE AS BIG AS CENTRAL PARK'S LAKE.AS ALWAYS BROOKLYN COMES OUT ON TOP.

DRIP MASTER

2008-03-17T22:57:00.002-04:00

ARTIST MARK RAVITZ HAS INSTALLED THIS PIECE IN THE NOW VACANT COMMUNITY BOOKSTORE. I HAVE BEEN SEEING THIS ON MY TOUR AS WE PASS THIS EVERYDAY AND I WAS WONDERING WHAT IT WAS OR WHAT WAS OPENING THERE.

LITTLE MORE THEN A ROLEX

2008-03-17T22:42:00.005-04:00

WHAT IS THE CEILING OF BROOKLYN'S REAL ESTATE PRICES ? THE LARGEST PENTHOUSE APARTMENT IN THE WILLIAMSBURG SAVINGS BANK THE BOROUGHS TALLEST BUILDING IS UP FOR SALE FOR $6 MILLION. THIS APT SITS BELOW THE BUILDINGS FOUR SIDED CLOCK AND HAS A FOUR SIDED VIEW OF MANHATTAN, BROOKLYN AND SURROUNDING AREAS.

MOCADA IS HOTTER

2008-03-16T15:26:00.004-04:00

TODAY I VISITED THE IN THE NEWS CUTTING EDGE(MoCADA). MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN DIASPORAN ARTS IN FORT GREENE. LOCATED AT 80 HANSEN PLACE.THIS IS A GREAT PLACE RUN BY GREAT PEOPLE.ON DISPLAY NOW IS THE ART WORK OF DREAD SCOTT: WELCOME TO AMERICA.RUNNING TILL JUNE 1ST.THIS IS AN EXHIBIT THAT I RECOMMEND THAT EVERYONE GO SEE. IF YOU'RE LUCKY YOU WILL GET TO MEET THE FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LAURIE A. CUMBO.(RIGHT) A WONDERFUL LADY WITH WONDERFUL IDEAS. I WAS LUCKY TO MEET HER TODAY.

BORN IN BROOKLYN

2008-03-13T21:35:00.002-04:00

WEE WILLIE KEELER ONE OF THE GREATEST HITTERS OF ALL-TIME WAS BORN ON THIS DAY 3-13-1872.THE SON OF A TROLLY CAR SWITCH-MAN. HE STILL HOLDS THE NL RECORD WITH A 44 GAME HITTING STREAK. TIED BY PETE ROSE. WON THE WORLD SERIES WITH BROOKLYN IN 1899 AND 1900.

AWESOME DAY TODAY

2008-03-13T21:07:00.002-04:00

TODAY I WENT TO AN 8AM SEMINAR OFFERED BY THE BROOKLYN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. AGAIN A GREAT GROUP OF PEOPLE WERE THERE. JILL D'AMICO TOOK PHOTOS OF ME FOR A PROFILE PAGE ABOUT ME TO BE IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF CHAMBER NEWSPAPER " THE PROGRESS ". FROM THERE I RACED TO MEET MY 10 O'CLOCK TOUR GROUP. AND IT WAS TWO WONDERFUL LADIES FROM MARYLAND. THEY REALLY ENJOYED THE TOUR AND MUST HAVE TAKEN 100 PHOTOS EACH. AFTER TOUR I TOOK THEM TO GREENWOOD CEMETERY. AS I AM PUTTING A TOUR OF CEMETERY TOGETHER AND THEY WERE INTERESTED. IT WAS GOOD PRACTICE. FROM THERE I DROPPED OFF TWO VERY HAPPY CAMPERS AT THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM. IT WAS A GREAT TOUR TODAY AND A LOT OF FUN.

BUSY ALL DAY WED

2008-03-13T21:01:00.002-04:00

WED I WENT TO THE NEW YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO SEE THE JAMES J AUDUBON WATER COLORS OF BIRDS PAINTED 150 YEARS AGO. AWESOME. THEN WENT TO A HAT STORE ON 32ND AND 5TH AVE. DIDN'T HAVE HAT I WANTED. WENT OUT NETWORKING TILL 1AM. A LONG DAY AND NO BLOGS.......

BROOKLYN'S PARADE

2008-03-11T11:11:00.004-04:00

THE 33RD ANNUAL BROOKLYN'S ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY MARCH 16TH. STARTS AT 1PM, PROSPECT PARK WEST AND 15 ST, WILL WEAVE AND WOBBLE IT'S WAY THROUGH PARK SLOPE. HAVE FUN BE SAFE AND ENJOY.

FROM 1876 TO CELL HELL

2008-03-10T20:51:00.003-04:00

ON MARCH 10TH 1876 ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL MADE THE 1ST PHONE CALL TO THOMAS WATSON, LITTLE DID HE KNOW WHAT A MONSTER HE CREATED. EVERYONE IN THE WORLD HAS A CELL PHONE AND SEEMS TO BE TALKING ON IT. LEAVE YOUR PHONE AT HOME ONE DAY SEE IF YOU CAN DO IT.

MR. MORAL'S A HYPOCRITE

2008-03-10T14:56:00.004-04:00

IM NO ANGEL, NO ONE IS. BUT THIS GUY CLAIMS TO BE ONE. THIS GUY WENT AFTER EVERYONE AS ATTORNEY GENERAL WITH VENOM, AND NOW THIS? THIS IS WORSE THEN THE COMMON CRIMINAL. AT LEAST YOU CAN SEE THE COMMON CRIMINAL,THIS GUY HIDES BEHIND HIS SO CALLED MORALS. HE IS LIKE THE REST OF US NOT AN ANGEL. HE SHOULD STEP DOWN. LIKE HE WOULD EXPECT ANYONE ELSE WHO DID WHAT HE DID TO DO.

DOES TRUMP WATCH THIS SHOW ?

2008-03-09T21:12:00.002-04:00

I DON'T WATCH TV EXCEPT FOR SPORTS BUT I DO SOMETIMES CATCH EXTREME MAKEOVER HOME EDITION. THIS SHOW IS AWESOME, WHAT THEY DO IS HEART-WARMING AND WONDERFUL. THERE SHOULD BE ONE EVERYNITE NOT JUST ONCE A WEEK.

MARCH 9TH 1864

2008-03-09T18:36:00.002-04:00

ULYSSES S. GRANT WAS APPOINTED COMMANDER OF THE UNION ARMY. A SCULPTURE OF HIM SITTING ON HORSEBACK IS ON INSIDE PANEL OF THE SOILDERS AND SAILORS MEMORIAL ARCH AT GRAND ARMY PLAZA.

BATTLE AT HAMPTON ROADS

2008-03-09T18:31:00.002-04:00

ON THIS DAY IN 1862 THE IRONCLAD WARSHIP "THE MONITOR" BUILT IN THE BROOKLYN NAVY YARD BATTLED THE CONFERERATE STATES SHIP "MERRIMACK". THIS WAS THE FIRST IRONCLAD WARSHIP BATTLE IN HISTORY.

FILLMORE EAST - PIGPEN

2008-03-08T22:39:00.003-05:00

THE FILLMORE EAST OPENED ON THIS DAY IN 1968, AND IN 1973 RON " PIGPEN '' McKERNAN OF THE GRATEFUL DEAD DIED AT AGE 27 ON THIS DAY ALSO. I NEVER BEEN THERE BUT LOTS OF MY BUDDIES TALK ABOUT SHOWS THEY SAW THERE. THIS ONES FOR YOU.

LINCOLN LETTER AUCTION

2008-03-08T11:16:00.003-05:00

AN 1864 HAND-PENNED REPLY WRITTEN BY PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN TO A GROUP OF YOUNGSTERS IS UP FOR AUCTION AND IS EXPECTED TO FETCH $3MILLION TO $5 MILLION. A LETTER WAS MAILED TO HIM CALLED " THE LITTLE PEOPLE'S PETITION " ASKING HIM TO FREE LITTLE SLAVE CHILDREN. AND WAS SIGNED BY 195 BOYS AND GIRLS UNDER 18. THIS LETTER WAS HIS REPLY TO THEM AND COULD BECOME THE MOST EXPENSIVE LINCOLN LETTER EVER SOLD. ABE STILL MAKING HISTORY 144 YEARS LATER.

BANNED

2008-03-07T11:41:00.003-05:00

THE PARK SLOPE FOOD CO-OP WITH 12,000 MEMBERS AND THE MOST SUCCESSFUL FOOD CO-OP IN THE U.S. IS BANNING THE SALE OF BOTTLED WATER. THE PLASTIC ENDS UP IN LANDFILLS AND THE FUEL USED TO TRANSPORT IT IS KILLING US. GO GREEN,TAKE A WALKING TOUR.

IT'S SPREADING

2008-03-07T10:47:00.002-05:00

THE DEVELOPEMENT OF BROOKLYN CONTINUES AS A 23 STORY GLASS TOWER IS SLATED TO RISE ON LINCOLN RD AND OCEAN AVE. WITH A ROOFTOP TERRACE AND VIEWS OF PROSPECT PARK.

COOL NEW WEB SITE

2008-03-07T09:35:00.004-05:00

MAAP WHICH STANDS FOR " MAPPING THE AFRICAN AMERICAN PAST " IS A NEW WEBSITE TELLING THE STORIES OF BLACK HISTORY IN NEW YORK CITY. ONE COOL STORY IS OF THOMAS DOWNING, A FREE BLACK MAN WHO OWNED DOWNING'S OYSTER HOUSE AT 5 BROAD ST. HIS CUSTOMERS UPSTAIRS WERE WALL ST BARRONS. DOWNSTAIRS WAS PART OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD USED AS A HIDING PLACE FOR ESCAPED SLAVES, AND A PASSAGE WAY TO FREEDOM.

LANDMARK LEARNING

2008-03-07T09:27:00.002-05:00

THE BRONX BOROUGH COURTHOUSE, WHICH WAS BUILT IN 1915 AND HAS BEEN BOARDED UP FOR MANY YEARS WILL BE USED AS A CHARTER SCHOOL.I HAVE PASSED THIS BUILDING MANY TIMES AND IT'S GOOD TO SEE THIS BEAUX-ARTS BEAUTY FINALLY BEING PUT TO USE.

GOLFER GOOFS UP

2008-03-07T06:32:00.003-05:00

I WAS GOING TO CALL THIS POST BIRD BRAIN BUT I DIDN'T WANT TO INSULT BIRDS. GOLFER TRIPP ISENHOUR KILLED A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK WHO WAS MAKING NOISE WHILE HE WAS TRYING TO FILM A TAKE FOR "SHOOT LIKE A PRO". HE SCREWED UP BIG TIME AS ANIMAL LOVERS ARE IN AN UPROAR. I MYSELF AM A BIG BIRDER, OFTEN LOOKING FOR AND FINDING HAWKS NESTS IN PROSPECT PARK AND GREEN-WOOD CEMETERY. LET'S PUT THIS IDIOT IN A TREE AND SHOOT GOLF BALLS AT HIM AND SEE HOW IT FEELS. GOOD LUCK PAL YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS.

THE CIRCUS

2008-03-06T21:55:00.003-05:00

BROOKLYNITE TOM DOUGHERTY (LEFT) IS GOING TO BE THE HEADLINING CLOWN AT RINGLING BROTHERS AND BARNUM & BAILEY. NOW WE ALWAYS WENT TO THE CIRCUS AT MSG. I'LL NEVER FORGET THE TIME WE GOT LIKE 1ST ROW. MY MOM AND AUNT TOOSIE TOOK MY COUSIN MICHAEL AND I, WE GOT TO TAKE PICTURES WITH THE MIDGET CLOWNS. WE WERE SCARED TO DEATH EVEN THOUGH MY COUSIN WAS BIGGER THEN THEM. I STILL HAVE THE PICTURES AND THOSE CLOWNS WERE SCARY.

EASTER EGG FUN

2008-03-06T21:44:00.002-05:00

SAT MARCH 22ND FROM 1PM TO 3PM THERE WILL BE AN EASTER EGG HUNT IN PROSPECT PARK AT THE AUDUBON CENTER. ALSO " EGGSPERIMENTS " AND " EGGHIBITS " HAVE FUN KIDS.

FREE.

TRANSIT MUSEUM

2008-03-06T21:16:00.002-05:00

ON MARCH 19TH AND 20TH THERE WILL BE A SPECIAL WORKSHOP DEDICATED TO PRINTMAKING AND THE ARTIST MARVIN FRANKLIN. A TRANSIT WORKER WHO STUDIED ART THAT WAS KILLED ON THE TRACKS BY A TRAIN. HIS EXHIBIT RUNS THROUGH MARCH 30TH. SOME COOL ART FROM A COOL GUY.

GO GET EM MARTY

2008-03-05T10:23:00.002-05:00

WHAT'S WRONG WITH PEOPLE? A DYING BROOKLYN TEENAGER'S ONLY WISH IS TO BE PROMOTED TO 8TH GRADE, AND SCHOOL OFFICALS ARE HOLDING HIM BACK DUE TO A FAILED MATH TEST WHICH CHILD TOOK WITH 103 FEVER. BROOKLYN BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARTY MARKOWITZ MADE A FEW CALLS AND NOW TUNES HAVE CHANGED.DEPT.OF ED. SPOKESMAN NOW SAYS IF CHILD IS TERMINALLY ILL THEY WILL PROMOTE HIM. A SMALL WISH FOR A DYING BOY GRANTED. IN BROOKLYN WE FIGHT FOR OUR SONS. GOOD JOB MARTY.