Still moving forward in Brooklyn

Some of you may have noticed a slight drop in the posting in the last week. It's not that I have been slacking on this project. Living in NYC can be hectic, no mater what borough you choose. The place I am at now is not working out very well. With the new month approaching, I have been getting a bit anxious if it would work out.

I've been iching to do another video. Ideas just seem to flow through me for different topics to show. The recent news about Coney Island makes me want to show you what it looks like empty. (Don't ask why) I thought about going out to Prospect Park to show you how people utilize it during the winter time. Unfortunately, the last snow storm I took the camera out in was a little too damp. I even thought about documenting the experience of looking for a new place in Brooklyn. Then the thought smacked me back pretty hard. Walking into a place with a camera rolling would be a good idea.

But worry not, friends. I love putting this together and I do not see myself slowing down anytime soon. I enjoy the react that I am getting. People keep telling me they enjoy the video segments. Some even offer to help with them. I never expected this much from a simple video I made to pass some time.

Old school shopping in Downtown Brooklyn

I can't stop making these videos. There just too much fun. This time, I'm taking you to the old school mall. Brooklyn's Fulton Street Mall is a reminder of how our grandparents used to shop, by heading downtown and walking. Enjoy...

Good old fun with new rides at Coney Island

I have to admit it. I am giddy about the new park announced in Coney Island. I remember my grandma telling me about the rides and sideshows she went to during the depression. When I moved out here, my mother insisted that I had to go straight to Nathan's. I also, for some odd reason, wanted to clink some bottles together on the boardwalk while screaming for warriors to come out and play.

Having been to Coney Island numerous times a year, I have grown quite fond of the place. True indeed, it has it's needs. Some things are beyond repair. For a while, I was worried that it would soon turn into another playground for the rich with the developments proposed within the last few years. Many other people shared the fear that condos and expensive parks would soon over shadow the place.

The announcement from the mayors office the other night lifted that feeling a bit. I almost immediately started to think of the different rides that are to come. I looked at the renderings offered but it was my imagination that thrilled me. I thought of the twists that could be added to those old Luna Park rides.

In thinking about the new proposal, some worries did spring up. I thought about the pricing of the new park. If it is too high, will the place not attract as good an amount of traffic. If it doesn't, the projected economic impact will be off. The park will create a few hundred jobs but if people explore the area outside the park, it could see a renaissance. I just hope for the sake of the residents that it does.

Once again a winter wonderland

The snow storms of the past few weeks crippled the East Coast. Except, of course, New York City. But Wednesday, we got hit with a foot and a half. I jumped up and rushed out the door, eager with memories of fun in Detroit blizzards. Instead of writing about it, I'll let the following photo's do the talking.

Columbus Circle












Union Square

Meanwhile, back in Brooklyn...










Later that night...

Saturday will be DONUTS

If you haven't noticed by now, I am a huge J Dilla fan. Not only are we both from Conant Gardens area, but the man changed music. Samples were used in a whole new way. He brought the voice back into consideration as an instrument, not just for lyrics. And like myself, he loved to dig thru crates and study music history.

If you are unfamiliar with his work, join me tomorrow for Donuts Are Forever, when ?uestlove will be headlining. Guilty Simpson, an emcee who Dilla collaborated many times with, will be hosting the party. If you like hip hop with soul, this is not a night to miss. Brooklyn definitely shows love when it comes to his music.