Videos of Old Brooklyn Trolleys

Lately, I've been a bit excited about a professional sports team coming to Brooklyn. I'm not a huge fan of the idea of the congestion the new arena will bring but I like some ideas of the design. But that's a whole different posting. See, I'm excited because I will have stories to tell my grandkids like my granny told me about the Dodgers.

Thinking about some of her memories got me nostalgic for an age I have no idea of what life was like. So, like I always do when I feel this way, I started reviewing footage on youtube of Old Brooklyn. Since the Dodgers name derived from the trolleys that ran here, I started seeking those videos out. Here are a few of those videos I came across.








You might want to hit the mute on this one but it has some cool old footage.

New Fresh Food Option in Clinton Hill

The new year is here and with that, people begin to think about changes and improvements. It is a good time to do so. Many of us make resolutions or set new goals. So, lately I've been thinking more and more about the foods I eat. After all, diet and exercise is the basis for good health.

It's been in the back of my mind to join a food coop since I've moved here. In Detroit, the co-op was not set up where you had to be a member to shop there. And it was conveniently located two blocks from my home. But Park Slope, which seemed like the top choice, was always a little journey from my house. With all the extra activities I had outside of work and school, I didn't have much time for traveling for shopping.

Now, I am excited to hear of the newest addition to Brooklyn's food suppliers, Green Hill Food Co-Op. The organization has been around for a little while now. But now, they have obtained a lease in a location. If it were one year ago, I would have lived right around the corner from the place.

It will be a little bit of time before they open their doors to the world. But for now they have an option to get fresh organic foods to the neighborhood. When you join, you can sign up for the Buying Club and get your order every other week. See you in the aisles, soon!

Blizzard Blunders Brings out Best of Brooklynites

AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews

It's back to the grind after the holidays here in Brooklyn. It sure seems like the sanitation department has had a nice vacation. When the snow hit, it took forever for them to clear streets in our beloved borough. Now, it seems as though they are dragging their feet to pick up the trash.

This is not the first blizzard to hit the area. I remember hearing stories from my granny about dealing with Brooklyn streets during 3 foot snow storms. So why, after many years of experience, is NYC having trouble with the elements? There are many rumors and stories swirling around this question. 

Photos by Bitchcakesny

We were told that in order to remove the snow, they had to postpone trash pick up. Seems reasonable, right. But we sat around, waiting for our streets to be cleared. It seemed that mother nature was the agent that helped in that area. Are we supposed to wait on a magical gust of wind to sweep the garbage away now?


But through the trials of the season, what I love most about Brooklyn shined bright in this time. With the lack of the city services, people we left to deal with it on their own. Much like my hometown when this happens, peoples compassion came out. Folks helped each other to dig out cars or walkways. They checked in on the elders on the block and ran to the store if they needed anything. Sure, folks may have wanted a couple dollars for the helping hand. But I didn't hear one person complain if they didn't get a dime.

Brisk Walk Thru Brooklyn Botanical Garden

One thing about being away from NYC, it makes you miss the ease of walking everywhere. Being in Detroit and Chicago, having a car is basically a necessity. Upon our return, I grabbed the camera and rushed out the door. It's nice being steps away from beautiful landscapes, such as the Bk Botanical Garden.

Flying Back to Brooklyn

It's always nice to visit family in other places. You get to see not only family, but how other cities are. For me, it reminds me how special the borough of Brooklyn really is. Face it, not too many other places is the diversity right next door. Like all things, our trip came to an end. And every time, it is an adventure and a half to get into the greater NYC area. These are not my photos but they give the general idea of the chaos we are about to endure.

http://tinyurl.com/oharedelays

http://tinyurl.com/snowyjfk

http://tinyurl.com/oharecheeseheads

 

Brooklyn Blanketed By Blizard

When I left for my holiday travels, I kind of wanted a little more time to relax. I told myself that I should have taken a bit more time. Well, life has a way of giving you what you want sometimes. My flight from Chicago to JFK was canceled. While I was on the internet trying to figure out how I'm going to get home to Brooklyn, I saw many pictures of the storm's effects. Even the subways got covered by the blizzard.

Since I was not around to take some pics of my own to share, my good friend Dean let me share some of his snap shots.

Photo by Dean Keim

Photo by Dean Keim

Photo by Dean Keim

Photo by Dean Keim

Photo by Dean Keim

 Be careful if you must go out in this weather. Stay warm and check in on your elders when you get the chance. But make sure you take a little time to enjoy the snow. I know I will when I return!

Brooklyn Face Lift in Fulton Street Mall

Ok, ok, I know. I've been MIA for quite some time. It's not that your boy just walked away. I've had some many ventures since the last posting happened. I've started working again. I've gotten involved in a relationship. And to take away more time, I started a business.

I know, these all sound like excuses. I do want to continue to show my appreciation for this beautiful borough but I want to do it right. I've learned a lot since starting this and I want to incorporate it into my upcoming videos. But to show you that I am not abandoning this blog I started, I'm going to do a replay of one of my favorite videos.



I shared this one because all bus services are fully restored in the open air market place. I haven't had the chance to go and document the full extent of the new look. I will very soon. Who knows, maybe I'll see you down there when I do.