Virtual Brooklyn

I haven't done a virtual post in awhile. If you are confused, let me explain. I realized that it's not just New Yorkers that are curious to what is going on in this incredible borough. So I wanted to share sites on the internet that people could explore without having to travel. Well, for the most part.

Here is a slide show the NY Times put up a few years back showing some interesting Brooklyn storefronts

Brooklyn celebrates J Dilla's birthday with a passion

Compassionate folk fight corruption and help the homeless

The fight continues to save America's amusement park

This is just a few of the virtual things I came across this past week. But don't limit it to you computer screen. If you can, Brooklyn is best enjoyed first hand.

Steering towards a co-existance

The nice weather yesterday gave me the urge to ride my bicycle. Mother Nature was pleasant and I always enjoy riding around the city, absorbing the street scene that the subway doesn't offer. I can't ask a bus driver to hold on a second while I explore a store that arouses curiosity, but my bike will not argue if it is locked up a little too long. This is one reason that the human-powered pedals are my favorite mode of transportation.

There is also the feeling one gets from helping to make for a better planet. Living in NYC, we get bombarded with ways to become green. TV commercials are always touting products that will use less energy. The subway is full of ads parading how public transportation reduces global warming. (Probably the only thing MTA has going for it right now.) The bike gives you that feeling, on top of the endorphins that are released during exercise.

What really stood out in my mind was not the good vibes from exercise or from being a good citizen of the earth. I was a bit frustrated, partly due to my lack of tools to fix a small problem. This was not the limit of my anger, though. The malfunction was very minute compared to a dangerous, possibly even lethal.

Last night, I found myself riding down Bedford Ave heading into Williamsburg. I noticed the many cars parked in or speeding thru the bike lane. Usually, I was the type who loved the adrenaline rush that would result. I would be the young punk who got a thrill from scaring the mess out of the unsuspecting pedestrian or driver. (Yup, I was that crazy!)

This was not the first time I witnessed this, nor did it surprise me. I did, however, recently have a conversation or two during the holidays about drivers frustrated with traffic. Some complained about the bike lanes but most agreed that they help make it safer for all. This makes me wonder, how does removing bike lanes in a neighborhood heavily used by those on a bike help the city? If New York City is to become the green city of the future it claims to be, why would it reduce the road access to cyclist?

Fort Greene Park with a side of history

I know, I know, it took me long enough. I went thru a lot the last couple of months and it made me feel good to know that people liked to watch my videos. I lost everything to produce them but that wasn't going to stop me. Thanks to Deano Bravo Studios. Now, without further ado, here is the latest video...

Oda a la biblioteca

I love finding a good deal sometimes. I'm not a big shopper but I do want to stretch my dollar. My grandmother, rest in peace, is a New Yorker (raised in Brooklyn) who would search for a deal. When I was young, she would teach me the art of living nice on a low budget. "Know where to find a deal is key, Gregory" she would say to me. Now, I am going to share with you what was at the top of that list.

The library is a valuable resource that can trim some fat from your budget. It offers a lot more than just books. There is the many different magazines, newspapers and other periodicals. If you don't own a computer, you can get access to the web there, 30 minutes per session. Bring your own laptop for free wifi with unlimited time. Not to sound like a salesman but wait, there's more.

I like to read. I like to be around people who do as well. Now, these days, there are more than one way to gather info. You don't have to be a book worm to be well read. But I do believe it is safe to assume that the majority of patrons of the library are somewhat educated. Or at least they desire to be. It's nice to meet people that carry a wide variety of conversation. But still, there's more.

One of my favorite parts of the Brooklyn Central Library is the video collection. The part I liked most was the surprise that it gave me. On the first glance, I didn't even think it was much. It was half the wall in the internet hall. It looked like a fraction of a chain rental store. I almost made the mistake of not giving it a chance. When I looked closer, I saw that it had a nice variety of movies that I wanted to see, had been meaning to see or enjoyed at some point in the past. After many visits, I realized why the small shelf space. In my opinion, and seeing so many other people doing the same, most of their collection is out in the hands of the people. At least, that what I like to think. But wait, their is still more.

One of the programs I have been meaning to take advantage of is the conversational language workshops. I have my own textbooks to privately study but they make it easier to practice. Not only do I have someone to correct me, but I find learning with other to help. We all struggle in our own ways and insight into that gives you an additional boost sometimes.

But these are just some of the way that I utilize the library. Don't take my word for it. Make your way down to your branch. Or make it down to the Central Library by the end of this month and see the Sesame Street exhibition. Just get out there and make the most of your branch.

(thanks to the brownstoner for the image of the library entrance. i couldn't link the photo to your site unfortunately)

The gritty side has gotten me

Usually the first reaction I get from people not familiar with Brooklyn is similar to what people think about Detroit. "Isn't it dangerous" or "will I get robbed" is too often asked. I usually want to smack people for assuming this, but my maturity won't allow that. I kindly respond that life is a risk where ever you go, you just have to use common sense.

Well, I made the mistake of not taking my own advice. You see, I had moved recently and lost my equipment that I use to create and manage my sites. I took a livery cab to move some of my smaller belongings. Instead of calling for a car, I figured it would be easier to hail on of the many that pass by my stoop.

WRONG!

You see, he was not affiliated with any company. He bought the town car and worked independently. I respected his hustle and thought about getting his number for future rides. Instead, we talked about our hometowns on the ride. That was one of the mistakes I made.

We arrived at my new local and I got moving. While I was unloading the driver went to get change. The person parked next to the car got in and was annoyed that he had to wait. The driver came out, got his money and hopped in the cab. Instead of double checking the car for anything left behind, I shook his hand and kept moving.

About two seconds later, I realized what I had done. Chasing the car down, he laid into the gas pedal. I don't think he realized I had left my bag in the car but he wasn't trying to stop for me. I know that I could have prevented this from happening in so many ways. At first, I felt a serious emptiness in my stomach that hurt bad. I felt naked and vulnerable to identity theft. But I couldn't dwell on my mistakes.

I am sharing this story with you so that you too may learn from my expensive lesson. There are a lot of things to love about Brooklyn (and Detroit). They are big cities, which draws all types of characters. Even the suburbs and rural areas have a few bad apples.

The point I am trying to make is not to let them slow you down but also know how to protect yourself (and belongings). Also, I don't want you to think I have fallen off as a blogger. I want you to know why I have been absent.