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.

It's gotta be the pinstripes

Writing this blog has been fun for me. It started as a simple video I made to pass some time and answer a question I hear a lot. Yes, I love living in Brooklyn. Yes, I spend more time in Brooklyn than any other part of town. But this doesn't mean that I don't go to the city.

I took y'all there for the
Loving Day Celebration. I figured I take you for the Yankee ticker tape parade. I was going to do a lot more video, but the crowd was intense. A lot of pushing and shoving not to mention cursing, you know, New Yorkers being New Yorkers. It was difficult trying to get just a picture. Enjoy...



Sorry for the delay in the editing and posting of this edition. I just went thru a crazy move. That's a whole different blog of it's own.

Still haven't seen any 6 foot pigeons...

I am going to join in the fun of the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street.The well-known children's show has had quite an impact on me, from the games I played as a child to a certain nickname I had. But that's another story all together. Plus also, I have a different blog to post that story. I mean this is called Why I Love Brooklyn. I am posting it on this site for one simple reason. After live in the borough for more than two years, the show makes me think that the Bk was the inspiration for the block. I've seen a lot of crazy characters, especially coming from Detroit, but not quite as colorful as those from BK...

Take notes, yellow cabs

I have taken the dollar cabs (last time it was a $1.50, but people still call them dollar cabs) on a few occasions. They are an interesting ride to say the least. If you don't sit quick enough, it can be a bumpy ride. (My girl didn't complain when i fell in her lap) The door system always fascinates me. (On my rides, the drive usually has some rope system rigged) They are usually crowded but it never bothered me. Mainly because pretty girls tend to take them. Even with the ladies I have met on them, I never came across one as fun as the dollar cab demo ride.









Keep 'em coming, Joe
www.dollarvandemos.com

Proud to be a part of the Renaissance

The shop know as Brooklyn Renaissance (BKR) is more than what the eye would have you believe. You walk in and it looks like a small boutique. A few shirts, jackets and some nice decor would make you think that it doesn't stand out.

What you don't see is the creative spirit in the people behind the place. If you have a vision for your own style, they have many means to make it happen. If you are an aspiring artist without an image, they can help guide you to it.







Don't take my word for it, stop by and check 'em out for yourself.
C train to Franklin
1049 Fulton St
Brooklyn, NY 11238