Bed-Stuy Banana

Today's Local News: Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T21:04:00.013-04:00

It's been a rough week. For us. Comparatively. Yes, I know we're not homeless, or starving or dying of cancer, but it was still a rough week. Although, now that it's over, I can finally laugh about it.

Monday, I picked our son up from afterschool and he was bent over, unable to walk, complaining of sharp pains in his belly. I carried him home and put him straight to bed. My paranoid mind immediately jumped to two conclusions - appendicitis or neuroblastoma. The next morning he still wasn't well. So Big Joe took a day off work to look after him. And it just so happened to be Big Joe's last week deadline to finish the graphic novel he's been slaving away on - not a good time to be missing any time from work.

Wednesday, Little Joe was better so he returned to school. But later that morning, I got a call at my new job that Little Joe had fallen in the cafeteria and banged his head and nose on the table and that he may have had a concussion. Big Joe took a second day off work to pick him up and take him home. Thankfully, our son was not brain damaged from his fall and was able to return to school the following day.

Thursday was when the high comedy began. I picked Little Joe up from afterschool and he was in a good mood. He showed me the picture he'd made that said, "Happy Halloween" in red glitter on black felt. Although it wasn't yet dry I picked it up off the table and hurried my son to the door. Generally we're either lucky and catch the early bus which, once we change to the subway, gets us home around 6:20pm. Or we're not as lucky, (which is 90 percent of the time) and catch the later bus/subway which gets us home at 7pm. Which means a mad rush to eat and get to bed. As the days are getting shorter I was determined to catch the early bus, rather than having to wait 20 minutes for the next one in the dark. So when I saw our bus pull into the bus stop and we were still 30 feet away, I grabbed my son's hand and sprinted.

We made it safely across the street but then Little Joe fell. He immediately began screaming at the top of his lungs. Meanwhile the bus let off its last passengers and closed the doors. I was damned if I was going to miss that bus after all this drama, so carrying my crying son under one arm I frantically banged on the doors until the driver re-opened them. Then I put my son on the top step and dug around my bag for my metrocard. The driver took one look at Little Joe and said, "I charge three dollars extra for crying kids. If you don't stop crying you'll end up old and ugly like me. Just look at me!" I laughed but Little Joe merely took a 10 second bewildered pause from his wailing. Then we stumbled down the crowded aisle looking for an empty seat. I found one and put my son into it, knelt down beside him and asked, "Where did you hurt yourself?"

"My head. I hit my head," he sobbed.

Instantly I felt like a terrible parent, for being in such a hurry to get him home that I managed to injure his head again before his last head trauma had even healed. "I'm so sorry, baby!" I repeated over and over again. Out of the corner of my eye I spied a two seater freeing up and quickly relocated us. Then I emptied my backpack desperately searching for a cookie to shut my kid up. I found the cookie and as he ate and sniffled I examined his head again which was dotted with red drops. "Oh no! It's bleeding," I said. "It's bleeding?" he echoed and began wailing anew this time spewing out bits of mushy cookie along with his tears. "No, wait a minute, that's not blood, it's glitter from your Halloween picture!" We both managed to calm down a little once I made this happy discovery.

Then I noticed the Chinese girl sitting alone in the two seater in front of us. She kept turning her head around to give me freaked out looks. Then spinning to face forward again when I glared back. After the fifth time, I growled, "Why are you staring at me?!" I must have said this fairly loud, because the two Hispanic girls in front of her turned around to look at me too. The Chinese girl quickly got up and sat next to the driver, ceasing to even glance in my direction.

Friday, Little Joe recovered from his second head injury and returned to school. Early afternoon the school nurse called me to say that he was sick and that we needed to pick him up right away. So Big Joe took yet a third day off work to get our son. That week at my job was no picnic either - what with the massive layoffs at Conde Nast resulting in less work for us too, and wondering if I was still going to have a job next week. And then feeling bad that I couldn't be the one to rescue our son from all his accidents and ills. So late that afternoon I had an anxiety attack at my desk. Only at the time I didn't know that's what it was. My glands just started swelling up and aching and then it felt like I had an elephant sitting on my chest. I began hyperventilating. The first thought that crossed my mind was I have swine flu! Then I thought, no, I'm having a heart attack! Twenty minutes later, it was gone. And thankfully it was the end of the day so I was able to just go home.

Then finally, the day Little Joe had been waiting for all week arrived. Halloween. The day he gets to wear his Batman costume all day and eat lots of candy. Fortunately I'd learned from last year's fiasco and didn't spend a week hand sewing him a costume, that naturally, he'd refuse to wear. This year I didn't even dress him as he could just wear the Batman pajamas he'd worn to bed all week. Add a store bought cape and mask, his black rubber rainboots, his dad's balaclava and he was nearly there. Big Joe made him a Batman grappling hook out of ribbon, cardboard and tape. While I changed his flashlight into a Batman lightbeam with some black electrical tape and scissors, sewed gauntlets on to last year's Venom gloves - removing the Venom claws, and added a Batman insignia to his belt buckle with more black tape, and attached a pouch to carry his flashlight in. Then it was time for my costume. I'd promised Little Joe I'd go with the Batman theme and dress up as the Joker. But all this work was making us late for the planned outing to the children's Halloween parade in Washington Square Park. I slapped on my Joker make-up, barked at Big Joe while he took a picture, then Batman and I ran over to his friend Daisy's house.

Daisy and her parents stood out front, patiently and cheerfully waiting, resplendent in their fairy costumes (Daisy's choice). There they were all gossamer wings and wands, colourful flowers entwined in their long wavy hair, purple tulle, and glitter, beaming at us. While Little Joe instantly went into a sullen mood, refusing to even acknowledge his friend and pulling off bits of his costume that were too hot for the 70 degree weather. On the train, I forced him to stay in costume long enough for Daisy's mom to take our picture. Despite my Joker grin, the photo tells all. My tenseness and rigidity, trying to smile when I actually want to tear out my green hair. While Little Joe stares out broodingly from behind his Batman mask. I can't help but compare Daisy's family - all light and joy, to our darkness. Maybe next year I'll dress our son up as SpongeBob or Mr. Rogers and I'll accompany him as Pollyanna. Perhaps that will make all the difference. But not likely.

Not Too Late to Vote for Change in Bed-Stuy

2009-10-26T21:46:00.004-04:00

Mark Winston Griffith in the 36th Council district debate on Sept.8th.

Sadly, I missed my chance to lose my voting virginity when the Bed-Stuy democratic primary election happened in September (?) I don't know, it's all a blur. All I know is I spent the day before cramming on the internet learning all I could about the various candidates. Then I went to bed, planning to vote in the morning before I left for work. But Little Joe was having a rough morning and I barely got to work on time. Then I planned on voting after work, but by the time I picked up Little Joe from his afterschool program and we got back to Bed-Stuy a little after 7pm, he and I were both wiped out and starving and I just couldn't drag him over to the voting place.

What's up with election day being Tuesday anyway? I know that Tuesday was originally chosen because it was an agrarian society, and farmers needed a full day to get to the voting booth via horse drawn carriage. Plus they didn't want it to interfere with the Sabbath or 'market Wednesday.' But come on, it's 2009. And most of us aren't Amish. Isn't it in the government's best interest to make it as easy for people to vote as possible? How about Saturday? Or else make election day a national holiday. I want to vote dammit.

So then when I discovered that Al Vann won by only 634 votes, I was bummed out. Obviously my one vote wouldn't have changed things. But a lot more people would have voted had it been on the weekend. 70% of Bed-Stuy didn't vote for Al Vann. I don't think he's the worst council member but I also don't think he's done much for Bed-Stuy. And we could use some fresh blood. Anyway. The leading person who was up against Al Vann is still in the running. Mark Winston Griffith is up for election on November 3rd via the Working Families Party. And I still have a chance to vote. Providing Little Joe and I can handle it with school and work and all.

And while I'm on the rant, what's up with Bloomberg spending a million dollars a day on his mayoral campaign???? Surely that money could be put to better use. So the richest guy is going to win. Does this sound even vaguely corrupt to anyone? Besides no one exciting or interesting is running against him.

From my inbox:

Hi! I'm a fan of your blog, and I'm helping to put together this event for the Mark Winston Griffith campaign- we still have a chance to get a fresh city council candidate! He's back on the ballot under the Working Families Party ticket. Please please post this if you can!

WHAT: meet Mark, have a FREE glass of wine, chat about food justice in our neighborhood

WHEN: Thursday, October 29th, 6-8 pm
WHERE: Le Toukelier Restaurant, 1116 Bedford Ave (Gates/Monroe)

WHY: the election is 1 week away and it is time for change in Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights!
WHO: you, your friends, your neighbors - please pass on this email

please RSVP to Stepha as soon as you can at skrynytzky@gmail.com

"One of the great, often unspoken, forms of oppression that low- and moderate-income communities suffer through is the lack of access to healthy food. When I moved back to Central Brooklyn in 1985, I was struck by its barren nutritional landscape. It wasn’t just that options like fresh produce and organic foods were hard to come by. But the storefront food provision systems themselves -- “bullet-proof” fast food joints, poorly stocked and over-crowded supermarkets, cruddy, stomach-curdling bodegas –- seemed to represent a level of self-destruction and dietary corruption that went well beyond my inability to buy tofu on Nostrand Avenue." Mark Winston Griffith, 2003

The local numbers are frightening: 63% of the residents of Brooklyn are overweight or obese, and the averages in Bedford-Stuyvesant are even higher. With Fast food joints like McDonald's, Burger King, Taco Bell or KFC comprising 13% of the restaurants in our community, it's time to declare a public health emergency.

For more information, visit mwgriffith.com. If you live in Bed-Stuy/Crown Heights, vote line E on November 3rd for Mark for city council! See you next Thursday!

Today's Local News: Hate Crimes and Another Reason to Avoid Our Local Hospital

2009-10-20T22:22:00.006-04:00

Mario Vera, inside his Beth Israel Medical Center room, was attacked by two individuals who yelled ethnic slurs when he was on his way home after picking up free groceries at a church's food pantry. Photo: NY Daily News

Both the NY Times and the NY Daily News reported this weekend on the beating of Mexican immigrant, Mario Vera, by three black men as he rode his bike home in the middle of the night along Broadway between the Williamsburg bridge and his home in Bushwick. They're calling it a hate crime as Mr.Vera recalls the men yelling racial slurs, that is before he passed out and now is barely able to speak due to his head injury. Apparently, after he returned home covered in blood and complaining of dizziness and headaches, his wife took him to Woodhull Hospital where they gave him headache pills and sent him home. A week later, his condition worsened and she took him to a clinic on the Lower East Side where they quickly sent him on to Beth Israel hospital where he is now.

I hadn't heard of this crime until this morning when the usual gaggle of cops were standing by the token booth of the Myrtle subway station. Usually they're in full force checking bags. But today they and men in suits with ear pieces were handing out flyers advertising a $12,000 reward for information regarding this crime. (Call Crime Stoppers 1-800-577-TIPS and refer to code number BK-1661). I've often wondered why our subway station is such a cop hub. I rarely see cops checking bags so regularly at other stations. Is the Myrtle stop really so crime ridden? Or are the police just attracted to the convenience of the Dunkin' Donuts on the street below?

I was rushing to work and only glanced at the flyer thinking that perhaps it had to do with the machete attacks on cyclists in Williamsburg in the summer of 2008. But then it was a Latino gang attacking random people as part of their gang initiation.

So what's the lesson to be learned here? Well there's a few. Don't ride your bike on Broadway between 1am and 4am. Actually riding your bike on Broadway at any time of the day is a death wish. If a car doesn't run you over, you could fall into one of the many potholes and sustain a good head injury that way. Also if you're in need of a Tylenol or two, a good bet is Woodhull hospital. For more serious injuries try Beth Israel. Or perhaps Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, which is closer. And finally if you're ever in need of a cop, try the Myrtle subway station. And that's the end of our Tips for Tuesday. Have a great week.

Today's Local News: Batman Trumps Spiderman (and Superman too)

2009-10-17T22:57:00.005-04:00

This week was Little Joe's birthday. He turned the ripe old age of five. And somehow managed to outgrow Spiderman. Now it's all about Batman. Even though Big Joe tells him that Spiderman is cooler because he has super powers while Batman is just this rich guy with a lot of toys - Batman is the superhero of the moment. I got a deal on a pair of cotton Batman and Superman pajamas a couple of months ago when this big change in his life began. Only our son refuses to wear the Superman pajamas. As he says, "Batman is better because he has a utility belt with all kinds of cool tools but Superman's belt just holds his pants up." Or 'tights' as Big Joe pointed out. Or underwear. Who was the mastermind cartoonist who decided that wearing underwear on the outside of their pants would make superheros extra macho and strong? Personally I prefer Spiderman. At least Spidey had a sense of humour.

Anyway, every other birthday of Big or Little Joe, I've spent the whole previous night, blowing up balloons, decorating the living room, baking a cake and making cards. It's been stressful but worth it. But now I'm working full-time, Big Joe's parents have been in town, and I haven't had a moment to even think about our son's birthday party. At first I was agonizing over whether to invite all 25 kids in his class, the two kids he made friends with at his summer daycare, and the ten other kids from his preschool who are no longer in his class. It's too cold to have a party in the park so where I would I put all those kids and their parents, and how could I cook food for all of them? I thought I could just invite them all and include a link to my post about all the people in our house who've been mugged and then no one would show up besides us and his best friend who lives down the block.

Finally I convinced Little Joe that a small party was best, bought his presents last weekend while he was with me and bought pre-made uncooked pizzas and a cake at Whole Foods the night before. Big Joe and his dad decorated fifteen minutes before the guests arrived while I spent the morning removing the icing roses from the cake, adding food colouring to them in a bowl and repiping the sage green icing (I was unable to make blue) with some green sugar I happened to have in the cupboard onto the now plain white cake to create batman's face. A green batman (he should be black or blue), but a batman none the less. And that was the extent of my homemade efforts.

At least I didn't stress out (much) and Little Joe had a good time. I even have Halloween figured out. This time I won't spend a week sewing instead of sleeping. Back to the store I go. Deep down inside all this buying instead of making seems very wrong. But hey, this is the price of working full-time. And my kid doesn't care. He likes store bought stuff. Well as long as he's happy, and I can add a homemade touch here and there.

County of Kings

2009-10-11T22:07:00.006-04:00

Photo: Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times

The poet and actor Lemon Andersen in the Brooklyn housing complex where he grew up.

Friday night was our 'date night.' Usually date night means once Little Joe's asleep, a back rub and a little more. Only this night was extra special - the parents of Little Joe's best friend, Daisy, had agreed to babysit him on super short notice, so Big Joe and I were going to the theater. In my single and childless days I used to take my restaurant tip money and treat myself as often as possible to dance performances, museum retrospectives and most of all the theater. But since the birth of our son, the only live performance I've seen was two young black guys doing an impressive five minute acrobatic show on the J train, that I'm still cursing myself for not photographing.

So this past week I was fortunate enough to be asked to review Spike Lee and the Culture Project's production of County of Kings. Lucky for two reasons - even though I am now employed, theater tickets seem a huge extravagance when we're trying to save up for our kid's college education and set some money aside in case either one of us is out of work again. County of Kings is a one man show written and performed by Lemon Andersen, a Brooklynite. Not from Bed-Stuy, although this autobiographical play could easily be the story of a number of people who've grown up in our hood. From the press release:

The show is set in Sunset Park, during the most influential cultural movement of our time -- the birth of hip-hop; taking the audience back to the days of B-boys, tracksuits, Adidas, and Boogie Down Productions.

County of Kings, written and performed by Brooklyn-born Puerto Rican poet Lemon Andersen, gives a tough, yet moving biographical account of a good kid growing up in an unforgiving environment. Mixing difficult drama and occasional humor with his own brand of urban poetry, Lemon uses his unique perspective and talent to bring his own coming-of-age story to life.    Lemon Andersen is best known from his regular appearances on HBO’s Def Poetry presented by Russell Simmons, and as an original cast member and writer of the TONY award-winning Def Poetry Jam on Broadway. He can also be seen opposite Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s Inside Man, and is featured in The Soloist, starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey, Jr.

The problem I have with most reviews for plays or movies that I'm considering going to see, is that they give the whole story away. I like to arrive knowing next to nothing, the only part of the review that I bother reading is whether or not it's worth spending my hard earned money on. And so let me tell you. It is.

I wasn't sure what to expect as the above description is rather vague, and when Lemon started out with a spoken word piece I was concerned that the next 90 minutes were going to be more of the same. As much as I appreciate spoken word for the art form that it is, I can only handle it in small doses. But County of Kings was so much more than that. It reminded me of John Leguizamo's one man show, Freak, that I saw over ten years ago. Probably because they're both (half)* Puerto Rican, had rough upbringings, and managed to tell their stories in a way that is both funny and heartbreaking. Interestingly, Spike Lee had a hand in both productions - turning Freak into a film which he directed. But most tellingly, both productions were one of the few times I've seen such a large turnout of black and hispanic people in the audience. And boy did they appreciate these performers who were telling their stories. I mean how often do people of colour get to see and hear their stories told in Hollywood - in the movies and mainstream television, let alone Broadway? Not nearly enough.

But back to County of Kings. What struck me most about Lemon's story, and the way it was told, was not the hardships that he encountered, but the great love in his life. And the innocent way he perceived his world growing up. For although his mother and step father were drug addicts they loved him dearly, and when they were unable to take care of him, his grandmother, also full of love, took him under her wing. After everything that happened, he was incredibly lucky that he didn't become a substance abuser too. For me the play is more about Lemon's optimism and his appreciation for life, rather than moaning about how he's a victim of circumstance. It would seem that spoken word poetry saved Lemon's life, but I think in reality it was his determination, drive and most of all, his joyful heart.

To learn more about Lemon Andersen, read this story in the NY Times and check out Lemon's website. County of Kings runs at the Public Theater at 425 Lafayette Street in Manhattan until November 8th. Tickets are $25-60 and worth every penny. Although if you have a tight budget like us:

A limited number of tickets will be sold for $25 with the special discount code “KINGS1”, beginning October 13th.(Subject to availability.) These discount tickets can be purchased online, by phone, and at the box office.

*see comments below

Tie a Yellow Ribbon

2009-09-29T21:25:00.002-04:00

Tony Orlando and "Dawn" (Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent Wilson) sing the classic, "Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Ole Oak Tree."

I've been meaning to write about this yellow ribbon adorned tree for awhile now. I wonder if it was done on a whim or for any of the myriad of reasons listed on Wikipedia. Is it in support of a soldier in Iraq? Or as in the Tony Orlando song, is it to welcome an ex-convict home as in Tony Orlando's song?

Block Yard Sale

2009-09-23T22:06:00.005-04:00

Photo: Greater Fulton News

The great thing about living in Brooklyn as opposed to Manhattan, is that you can actually have a yard sale. I, for one, am looking forward to checking out those yards, ours is overgrown with moss.

Van Buren Street Block Yard Sale

This Saturday, September 26th, from 1 2:00 – 5: 00 p.m., join the Van Buren Street 100 Strong Block Association (located between Throop Avenue and Marcus Garvey Blvd.) for their Fall Block Yard Sale.

Stroll down the street and pick from a variety of items, new (tags still on) and old; meet new friends and neighbors.

Van Buren Street 100 Strong Block Association "It Takes a Block to Build a Neighborhood!"

Saturday, September 26th
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Van Buren Street between Throop Avenue and Marcus Garvey Blvd.

For information contact Ms. Vanessa Parker, Block President, parkervpar@aol.com

Self Defense - A Personal History

2009-09-22T10:25:00.018-04:00

When I told the momma of Little Joe's best friend that I wanted to treat myself to a self defense course now that I have a job and am making decent money, she laughed.* When I told my co-worker I was going to enroll in a self defense class, she asked "Why?"

This is the world we live in. A male member of my family was physically abusive to his wife and son. My pediatric dentist was convicted of molesting children while they were under laughing gas. My high school drama teacher and musical theater teacher were both convicted for having sexual relationships with their students. Two of the priests at my brother's all boys Catholic high school were 'removed' from his school for molesting students.

In the nice safe Vancouver's west end, where I lived while I was in art school, there was a rapist, who raped two women on my block before he was caught. In my art school English class, the male teacher fondled my face and neck when I arrived at class early one day. I reported him to the school administration, but nothing was done about it. So I just stopped going to that class and never got my degree. When I was eighteen and living in London, late one night, walking home after I missed the last tube, I stupidly got into a van when a man offered me a ride. He drove into a dark alley and luckily I was able to leap out and run for my life. On Fifth Avenue in New York, a man followed me closely for ten blocks muttering obscenities about what he was going to do to me until I ran into a restaurant for help. While in art school I dated a guy one time, then had a bad feeling about him and refused to go out with him again. We crossed paths on the street one evening after I just had a date with someone else. He began screaming at me that I'd used him and yelled threats until I jumped on a bus and got away.

When I lived in Paris, I had an obscene phone caller who called me every night. When I began disconnecting the phone at night, he started calling me during the day, every hour of the day. It didn't stop until I had my phone number changed. When I lived in Park Slope, I also had a persistent obscene phone caller and again had to have my number changed.

In a small town in Italy, after my girlfriend and I accepted the invitation of two men we met at a bar to take us out, they drove to a house in the middle of nowhere and raped my friend. Another one of my good friends was raped twice. The first time was a gang rape. In my nice safe neighbourhood of Park Slope/Prospect Heights a female neighbour was mugged five times in five years. A Bed-Stuy female neighbour had been contacted by a girl online asking if our neighbourhood was a safe place to live. She told her that she'd never had any problems. Then when the girl came out here to look at an apartment for rent, she was ambushed by a gang of teenage girls and mugged. One of our female housemates was mugged by two teenage boys, another female housemate was nearly raped. The block next to the elementary school my son is zoned for in Bed-Stuy has the most sexual offenders living next to it in all of New York.

My mother works for the Rape Crisis center - she sees examples of violent crimes against women every single day. I fear for my safety, my child's safety, the safety of my friends. Why would any woman want to learn to defend herself? Good question, ha ha.

*9/29/09 She has since told me that she didn't laugh to mock me, but because that it was sad that something so important had to be a 'treat.'

Empowering Ourselves Now

2009-09-21T16:20:00.012-04:00

A week or so ago, I received an email from Jarrett Mathis, a young Bed-Stuy filmmaker who made a documentary with the hope that it would "educate and empower young black boys and girls." The film is entitled Empowering Ourselves Now, and can be seen in its entirety on his website. The focus of this documentary is:

to deter black boys and girls from using the n-word as a term of endearment, however, the overall goal is to empower and uplift black youth. This project achieves this objective in three specific ways. First, the workshop, which is the primary focus of the film, contains important aspects of black history that is often lost on our youth. Molefi Kete Asante, a noted black philosopher and professor, asserts that “If African American children were taught to be fully aware of the struggles of our African forebears they would find a renewed sense of purpose and vision in their own lives.”

Along with this statement, I believe that if black youth fully understood the hardships that their ancestors went through, then they would have the courage and strength to know that they can survive anything. Additionally, if they fully comprehended the way their ancestors were disrespected and dehumanized, they would be less likely to denigrate, harm, or kill another black person. Overall, a greater understanding of their history would allow black youth a greater sense of who they are as a people in the world today.

I admire his activism. Unfortunately I haven't had a moment to see the film except for the above trailer. But it looks worth viewing. Also, some inconsequential yet interesting trivia - Jarrett is a student at Dartmouth, plays college basketball and won 'the biggest foot contest' at Foot Locker.

As for the premise of the film, I'm intrigued especially as I call myself a 'banana' (yellow on the outside, white on the inside) and have another blog called 'sinkek' which is a derogatory name for a Chinese person in Indonesia. And why? I see it as reclaiming those words. I also love the word 'bitch.' I'm not one for remembering jokes but there are two that for some reason are burned into my brain. Here's one: What's the difference between a slut and a bitch? Answer: A slut will sleep with anyone while a bitch will sleep with anyone except you. With this definition, it seems that a 'bitch' is a woman who makes strong choices and sticks with them if they don't make other people happy. The way I see it, the usage and the power of those words have to do with who's using them and the intent. I do see his point, however.

What do you think? Is it okay for a black person to use the 'n' word with another black person? Or for a gay man to call another gay man a fag? Aside from that discussion - I think that knowing one's history is essential. For it is only in discovering and acknowledging the truth of the past that we can make an effort not to repeat the same mistakes.

Self Defense - An Introduction

2009-09-20T22:09:00.008-04:00

Ever since I wrote my post on the high number of people in our house who've been targeted by muggers/teenagers on testosterone/potential rapists, I've got self defense on my mind. A reader suggested that I make a list of tips on how to not get mugged for our current/potential tenants. Which got me investigating.

Currently I'm reading "How to fight like a girl and win" by Lori Hartman Gervasi, and "Fearless - The Complete Personal Safety Guide for Women" by Paul Henry Danylewich. The first is to teach women to get women into a fighting state of mind - as women are conditioned to think of themselves as weak and incapable. The second offers practical tips on self defense. And then I discovered this excellent series of videos by Sensei Anthony Britton on Youtube on self defense.

There's a lot of info on the internet both good and bad on self defense tips and how not to get mugged. One comes from a cop on 'the best of Craigslist,' entitled, "Tips For Clueless People Who Get Mugged," which is both entertaining and enlightening.

One day soon, when I get more than a free minute, I will compile my own list of tips. Until then, check out these links and stay safe!

36th District Council Candidates Debate TONIGHT!

2009-09-08T14:16:00.006-04:00

Nostrand Park alerted me to tonight's debate. If you live in Bed-Stuy this concerns YOU. Stop complaining about the neighbourhood, go to the debate, find someone you believe in and vote for them. Change begins with you. More on the questions posed to the candidates on Nostrand Park's blog.

Where: St. Gregory's Roman Catholic school auditorium
991 St. John's Place (between Brooklyn Ave. and New York Ave.) in Crown Heights
Nostrand Ave. or Kingston Ave. station on the 3 train.

When: Tuesday (tonight) 7pm.

Something Stinks in the Mainstream Press

2009-09-07T00:02:00.012-04:00

Photo: E&C Photos

So the New York Times this past Sunday came up with the novel idea of writing a story about what people are reading on the subway. Wow, great concept. I wonder, did they come up with that by themselves? I suppose it's just a coincidence that I've been chronicling what J,M,Z train riders have been reading for over a year now in my Books on The J,M,Z posts.

But this is minor compared to what's been going on with Greenpoint blogger and citizen journalist, Miss Heather, and the New York Post. The Post not only admits to stealing the news stories which she broken on her blog, New York Shitty, and not crediting her work - but unashamedly says they will continue to do so in the future, saying it's not theirs or the New York Daily New's policy to credit bloggers. Although, to give the NY Times some credit, unlike the other presses they have, in fact, credited bloggers which means my idea 'theft' could actually be just a coincidence.

So come on fellow bloggers, unite! What can we do about Miss Heather's and many others, grave injustice?

Today's Local News: Unarmed Man Fights Off Armed Mugger and Lives

2009-09-06T23:04:00.020-04:00

File Name: self-defense_1
Description: Position to throw an attacker.
Source: James E Homans, New American Encyclopedia of Social and Commercial Information
(New York: P. F. Collier & Son, 1908)598
Copyright: 2009, Florida Center for Instructional Technology. See license.

This past week I received another email from a young woman who's considering moving to our neighbourhood:

Hello,
So...I am thinking of moving to an apartment on Marcy and Jefferson. Then I came across your blog and now I'm terrified. Can you provide me with any comfort? Is this a safe hood? I'm a single woman and I don't want anything bad to happen!

Just let me know your thoughts.

Funny, I thought my blog was comforting. Or mildly amusing. Not terrifying. Which just proves that people rarely perceive you as you perceive yourself. So anyway, my stock answer has always been, if you have to ask, then NO, Bed-Stuy is not for you. Which always seemed glaringly clear to me - if you're not familiar with this neighbourhood then you probably won't feel safe here. Regardless of whether it actually is or is not 'safe.'

But then a couple of days ago, one of our housemates, a 6'2" white man, was held up on our block, at gun point at 2:30 am. He actually had been walking around by himself for a couple of hours in the area without any problem, was tired, had his iPod turned up loud and wasn't paying attention. When a large man (I forgot to ask him what race the assailant was - and have been wondering lately if it really matters) wearing a red t-shirt came up behind him. Our housemate saw the weapon out of the corner of his eye and grabbed for it. The mugger hit him over the forehead with the gun, our housemate struggled with him then amazingly, the mugger ran off. Now, our housemate regrets his choice to fight off an armed assailant, and thinks it's a miracle he's alive to tell the tale. Although, Gavin de Becker would say that our housemate must have instinctively picked up some detail about the mugger that told him he'd have a good chance of fighting him off. And that often in sexual attacks against women, it's better for the woman to fight back - in order to get away - even if the assailant is armed. To end this part of the story - as our housemate didn't get a good look at the mugger, he didn't file a police report.

Now we've lived on this block for six years, had 14 various housemates, and six of our housemates (four big guys, and two petite women) have been assaulted over that time. Luckily, neither Big Joe nor I have had any problems. Interestingly, only one mugging team was successful in their attack. Three of the guys and both women fought off their attackers successfully. But this is the first time anyone in our house has been held up with a gun. Also, even more interestingly, none of our housemates fled the neighbourhood after the attacks. In fact, three of them still happily reside here. Plus two of our female housemates, both tiny, were/are avid runners and ran/run in our neighbourhood daily without a care. And all of our housemates come and go at all times of the day and night by foot and by bike. Now what does that say, not only about our neighbourhood, but the kind of people who choose to live here?

So to anwer this young woman's question. Is Bed-Stuy safe? Here's my unabridged conclusion based on our experiences here - NO, Bed-Stuy is not a 'safe' place to live whether you're white or black, male or female, big or small. However, if you're the right kind of person you'll be just fine, maybe even like it here. Plus, it's only common sense for any neighbourhood in New York - do NOT walk around with earphones stuck in your ears and music blaring - being aware of your surroundings and the people around you, using your eyes and your ears, is your first line of self defense. Despite what has happened, Big Joe and I have no intention of moving somewhere else anytime soon. We like it here. Incidentally, I am planning on taking a course in self defense this winter, which is something I've been meaning to do for years - long before we ever moved to Bed-Stuy.

Justice At Long Last

2009-08-28T15:12:00.005-04:00

This just in regarding a post I did in February 08:

Dear Bed-Stuy Banana,

Thank you for posting your thorough and thoughtful article on my dad, Sam Quentzel.

Your article was posted about 18 months ago, and a lot has happened during that time. We convinced the Nassau County DA to keep persuing my dad's killers, and they did. This past June, almost 23 years after his violent and untimely death, my dad's killers were found. We are so grateful to the wonderful team at the Nassau DA's office and to the ace detective who worked with them to figure this all out.

Unfortunately, none of this will bring my dad back, but at least justice can be served. The two men who ruined our lives will soon be on trial for murder.

Thank you,

Michelle Quentzel Cherry

Encouraging, that they kept looking for Sam Quentzel's killers after all this time. And that their persistence paid off. But as his daughter says, 'none of this will bring my dad back.' Which is just another reminder to spend time with and enjoy your loved ones here and now. Is anything more important than that?

Urban Gravestones Inspired Knitwear

2009-08-19T22:13:00.008-04:00

From the urban gravestone, "In Memory Of SHELDON K. JOHNSON - 12-24-88 to 9-15-04," located on Gates and Tompkins.

From the urban gravestone, "In Memory of C_ke," on Myrtle between Tompkins and Throop.

Reader Mary Hauser, born in Minneapolis, once upon a time Brooklynite and now a fashion student in London, emailed me today to let me know she was using my photos of Urban Gravestones (btw, for the record, "urban gravestone" is a term I coined a couple of years ago - sorry, just had to toot my own horn for a second there as I was irked to discover that someone had credited the term to another blogger) in a collage. She didn't mention however that she also had created some knits inspired by the colours in those murals. Not to dismiss the meaning that those memorial murals had and still have for those whose loved ones died, but hey, they're great art too. I have yet to see the collage but judging by the rest of the stuff on her website, it should be interesting.

Today's Local News: I'm still here...

2009-08-18T22:32:00.011-04:00

My morning view.

So. Because of the request of three of my readers, I haven't closed up shop just yet. Even though no fresh blood has presented itself. Even though my knowledge of my fair hood is of the couple of hot and sunny blocks to Little Joe's daycare in the early morning and the dirty pennies (for all day good luck) we find along the way. Crossing lethal Broadway to catch the train. And then staring at the Bushwick side while I wait for said train which I board with sweaty and disgruntled commuters, blowing my ear drums out with the volume turned up all the way on my iPod, listening to Ajahn Brahm - to get my mind off the fact that I'm standing in a crowded train nose to nose with my neighbours and other strangers.

I could blog now - this was my blogging time before the dream job. Only when I used to be able to survive on six solid hours of sleep - now (and ever since I started this job and put my kid in full-time daycare) my sleep is regularly broken up by my son yelling in the middle of the night, "Mommy! Mommy! MOMMY! I'm scared/lonely/can't breathe/my covers fell off/I had a bad dream/where's my stuffed animal?/I need to cuddle/I'm thirsty/I love you mommy." And although Big Joe is convinced that all I have to do is ignore him to get a good night's sleep. I can't. Besides my job wears me out. And I'm wrecked. And sick (again) to boot. Discreetly hawking phlegm in the gutters and trash cans all the way to work and back again. Weekends I recover. And don't blog. Don't even have the energy to photograph the open fire hydrant spraying 16 foot showers over cars and people a mere block away.

But somehow, for those three readers, I will find someway to blog and take a photo or two. Steal some time. And maybe, just maybe, when Little Joe returns to his old school in Manhattan and starts sleeping through the night, I can resume nightly blogging. But don't hold your breath. And it's looking like it's gonna just be my 40 years plus, stale old blood, serving up Bed-Stuy and personal sundries with ear hair and arthritis. Ummm. Yummy.

Fresh blood and New Faces?

2009-08-12T12:50:00.013-04:00

photos by Bed-Stuy photographer: Brandon King

Okay, sadly I'm barely able to blog even on weekends. So I'm thinking either shut this baby down or open it up to some fresh blood. Any Bed-Stuyers out there interested in having their photos and/or stories of the hood published on my blog? Pending, of course, whether I think your words/pix have similar Bed-Stuy Banana snark/compassion/wonder/interests. If you're new to my blog, I'm intrigued by viewpoints from people of all colours, all ages, all backgrounds, gay or straight - hipsters, old-timers, activists, parents, kids, homeowners, renters, the young and fabulous, the down and out. However - a couple of things I've been meaning to check out - that if you want to check out yourself - I'd love to publish - local street fashion, interviews with unusual people, the local music scene, vegetarian food reviews in the hood, and of course graffiti -all sorts. I want to hear about your interactions with your neighbours, the tomatoes you're growing in your front yard, the solar paneling you're installing on your roof, why you're moving to the neighbourhood, why you're moving out, and why you stay. No pay unfortunately. Just the chance to have your work seen by roughly 300 people daily and a link to your website if you have one. If interested, email me with "fresh blood" in the subject line.

Today's Local News: The Coolest Muggee Ever (Or I didn't like that necklace anyway)

2009-08-05T22:24:00.008-04:00

Rapper Nas, circa 1998, sporting essential gold chains.

Today's blog post comes via Big Joe who witnessed an unusual mugging near the Nostrand Stop:

I noticed something move quickly out of the corner of my eye and looked over to see one man crouching low to the ground reach up to another man's neck and grab a thick rope of gold chains and yank it off his neck, being careful to stay as far away from the man as possible. Like a boxer with his jab. Then all of a sudden I saw another guy behind him holding a gun to the man's head, with his arm up in the air and the gun angled down, like in the movies. Also keeping a distance. At which point I dropped to the ground expecting to hear shots ring out.

When a couple of moments passed and there was no sound, I cautiously stood up and saw the man who'd been robbed standing there in his red satin matching basketball jersey and shorts, staring into space. I looked down to my left and saw at least one of the perpetrators more than half a block away, running at top speed. The man who'd been robbed, calmly unlocked his steely gray sedan, got in and drove away.

For my own personal interest - the muggee was black, but Big Joe's unsure as to what the muggers looked like. Also this happened in broad daylight at midday on a crowded street. Ballsy. Scary. Which is why I keep my massive gold chains at the pawn shop where they're safe.

a plea for a business that deserves to stay in business....

2009-07-28T21:52:00.003-04:00

Photo: Bert Raaphorst

This quickie post comes from BSB reader Kenny:

I'm writing to make a plea for a business here in Bed Stuy that's having a tough time either because of location or recession...

I ride a bicycle...I think bicycles are the most efficient means of transportation in the city...And bike shops should be our hero's. All too often we walk into bike shops and are met with cocky owners and mechanics who once realize you're not REALLY going to spend any money ignore you or give you some lip. I take pride in my purchasing power as should everyone when penny pinching becomes the standard...anyway...Lit Fuse Cyclery is located on Willoughby and Walworth right across from the Home Depot...409 Willoughby 347-442-1672 The owners there are the most down to earth guys I've ever met...It's the only shop that has couches everywhere to just hang out...and they can fix any bike you can possibly get your hands on...not to mention if you hang out while they fix your bike they'll most times coach you on proper bicycle repair and SHOW you what's right and wrong...that may seem counterproductive on their part but these guys aren't in it for the money...they are all about self sustaining and believe in empowering everyone to fix their own rides they've invested money in...like I said...they actually care...

Bike shops come and go....and these guys don't deserve to go. If you ride a bike you should stop in yourself.

The services are cheap...product installations are almost free...and they have all the cool stuff you need...fenders, baskets, accessories, etc.

Also if you like the old school feeling when walking into a business this is the place to go...with floors covered in beat up oriental rugs...exposed brick walls all around...and an open atmosphere with no "back rooms" for employees to conspire against you when making a purchase...its an honest open atmosphere...

So if you could give a mention or just stop in to see it for yourself...It would be greatly appreciated.

I don't work there...I just believe in supporting the business's that deserve our hard earned cash.

I did a post about Lit Fuse Cyclery last month, but times were good then. Inexplicably, their business has slowed down considerably - which it shouldn't have considering bike shops usually do well in the summer. From the Lit Fuse blog, "business has slowed down and we are kinda hoping people will tell friends so we can pick up the slack and eat a little."

"eat a little???" Oi. That's not good. And them with a new baby and all. Besides, just check out that glowing recommendation. So come on Bed-Stuy cyclists - I know you're out there - I see you ride by on the bike lane outside our house - droves of you. Need a new bike? A tune-up? Maybe a new a bike helmet. Support our only northern Bed-Stuy bike shop before it's too late.

Horror Hipsters VS Spoken Word Poets

2009-07-26T21:57:00.005-04:00

So near the end of last year I got an email requesting that I review the dvd, "Graffiti Verite 7." The latest in documentary filmmaker, Bob Bryan's series which began with looking at the world of graffiti and then on "Graffiti Verite 6," switched over to the world of spoken word poetry. Personally, I'm more interested in graffiti than spoken word, but as the filmmaker comes from Bed-Stuy I agreed to give it a look. Only I tried to watch it with my four year old son who quickly lost interest as there were no cartoon characters, superheroes or action, and then never got a chance to finish watching it. And quite truthfully I wasn't all that motivated to stick it back into my dvd drive. And not having completed watching the film, nor being all that excited about it, I felt it was wrong to even attempt to review it. But I admired the sentiment behind the filmmaking - despite my feelings about the quality of the filmmaking. And besides, as his PR person pointed out, my not so positive view of the film was in the minority, as several people had given it glowing reviews.

And then this past week I got a request to review a very different sort of film, "The Eaters," made partly in Bed-Stuy by Katie Carman, who also lives in the hood. It was sold to me as "Shaun of the Dead meets Dazed and Confused" However, while I laughed hysterically over Shaun of the Dead, I have such a deep aversion to Richard Linklater's films that I cringed just watching the trailer of Dazed and Confused. While the trailer for "The Eaters" makes it look more like Shaun of the Dead does Williamsburg. Only not as funny.

But hey, that's just my opinion. In the end that's what any review comes down to, one person's opinion. And remember, until a month ago I hadn't gone to the movie theater in four years (since my kid was born). Let's just look at what I currently like: Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Man on a Wire, anything by Spike Jonze, the Spider-man films, anything by Michel Gondry, or Alfred Hitchcock, or Stephen Chow. Perhaps my tastes aren't too far off although I have an aversion to both horror films and films about hipsters, and think spoken word is great but would never go to see someone perform it. So really, who am I to judge either of those films?

When I was sending out the unpublished manuscripts of my novels to literary agents, I got both wonderful and cuttingly nasty feedback . And since they are memoirs thinly disguised as fiction, those mean comments cut to the bone.

The thing that I think is important, is that both films were made on a shoestring budget by Bed-Stuy residents - one an oldtimer and one newbie. One black and one white. And that they were labours of love. And for that - for both filmmakers to follow their dreams through to the end, I can't commend them highly enough. So the best thing to do is ignore my completely narrow and subjective opinion, check out their websites: GV7 and The Eaters and decide for yourselves.

Breaking News: Official Primary Ballot???

2009-07-23T19:41:00.004-04:00

Here we go, two posts for Thursday since for some reason I have an extra half an hour to myself this evening:

Saquan Jones, who is great at self promotion, emailed me today to let me know he's officially on the Bed-Stuy City Council ballot. I don't know what that means exactly since the political blog, Room Eight, says:

On Thursday, July 16, Party designating petitions were filed at the New York City Board of Elections.
The following is a report listing the upcoming contested Primaries, based on the petitions filed. The list will be modified as candidates withdraw and/or removed from the ballot.

and:

7 candidates filed to challenge Councilman Al Vann. They are Mark Winston Griffith, William Carrington, Robert Cornegy, David Grinage, Saquan Jones, Adrian Straker & Tremaine Wright.

Okay, so all these people are 'officially' on the ballot. I think I'll make an effort to get to know them better when those ballots are finalized.

Dollars and Sense of Blackness

2009-07-23T19:26:00.003-04:00

Perhaps not quite as exciting sounding as these diamond dollar sign earrings look (unless you google African diaspora, as I just did), here's a worthwhile event with local residents and one of my favourite radio talk show hosts, fresh from my inbox:

WNYC and WBGO invite you to
The Dollars and Sense of Blackness
Central Brooklyn...The Economic Impact

Join us as we convene engaged African Diaspora citizens from economic, political, and community groups in Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant to discuss the economic issues directly affecting Central Brooklyn. Share insights with your colleagues and host Brian Lehrer and participate in a live, on-air recording of The Brian Lehrer Show in WNYC's The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space.

DATE: Thursday, July 30

WHAT: On-air broadcast of WNYC's The Brian Lehrer Show:
10am-11am: We invite you to join us for this portion of the broadcast.
Brian Lehrer will cover general issues relevant to WNYC
listeners.

Doors open at 9:30am, but you may arrive anytime
before 11am.

11am-Noon: All participants in the Community Summit must be
seated in The Greene Space by 11am. Brian Lehrer will
lead a specific discussion on Central Brooklyn's economy.

12-12:30pm: Informal discussion, led by Brian Lehrer and Doug Doyle
(News Director at WBGO Radio 88.3 FM), continues.

12:30-1pm: Lunch

WHERE: The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space at WNYC Radio
44 Charlton St. (Varick St.) New York, NY 10014

To attend, please RSVP with your name, email, and phone number by Monday, July 27th.

For more information, email communityaffairs@wnyc.org or call 646-829-4272. For wheelchair space, call 646-829-4015.

Please note that this event will be recorded and aired live on WNYC Radio AM 820 / 93.9 FM. Videotapings will be webcasted on our website: www.wnyc.org.

It's free, you just have to RSVP in time.

Changes: From Wide Ranging Views to Staring At My Bellybutton

2009-07-18T23:02:00.005-04:00

A welcome alternative to the coin operated rides on Broadway, and which Little Joe enjoyed just as much, despite the lack of music and paint.

Perhaps in need of a major overhaul, but for esthetics, give me an old fashioned carriage anyday over a luxury Bugaboo. It even comes with its own diaper bag.

So it must be clear to anyone who has followed my blog for any length of time that I am currently unable to blog more than once or twice a week now that I am employed full-time. And for this I feel truly guilty. Like I'm letting people down. Although it's not like my blog fills a need in the neighbourhood - residents have Bed Stuy Blog for events and reviews of local businesses and new blogs like I Love Franklin Avenue for historical info and interviews. But I miss writing about and photographing our hood after our weekly family walk, which Big Joe no longer has time to do with me, plus the energy and free time I have on the weekends only allows me to traverse the few blocks surrounding our brownstone.

Which is funny because when I started this blog, just under two years ago, that's all that I was interested in blogging about - our subway station, the neighbours on our block, the laundromat, the playground, the school our son is zoned for, the nearby supermarket. And now after walking every street in the neighbourhood, here I am once again, my world of Bed-Stuy reduced to a couple of square miles. Not that I have any less to say, I'm still as verbose as ever, it's just that it may be more personal and less Bed-Stuy related. And a lot less frequent. Hopefully in the fall, we'll be back to our weekly walks, once Big Joe is working only one job. But until then we're on summer programming lite without the re-runs. So stay tuned if you want to hear the completely subjective and possibly mundane details of my life, or see if we're back to the neighbourhood programming when the leaves change colour and fall off the trees.

And with that rousing intro, here's this weekend's post:

After last year's birthday fiasco when my trauma over turning 40 made everyone around me miserable - this year's birthday was a welcome relief. First of all, Little and Big Joe made me a beautiful birthday card and then I worked all day at my new job followed by my new workslot at the Park Slope Food Co-op which was gloriously empty as everyone must have been enjoying the balmy summer evening. Work - that's the answer to ridiculous birthday expectations. And besides, we'd been celebrating all week - last weekend it was my 'fake birthday' as Little Joe called it where he made Big Joe buy me more flowers since the last bouquet in celebration of my new job made me so happy. And then we had an impromptu dinner at a vegan restaurant after a successful round of couples therapy - our first session in which neither of us felt like murdering the other or bursting into tears directly after.

And then today we had a perfect belated birthday celebration going to see the new Harry Potter. After NY Magazine called this film, 'this summer's Batman' in regards to what they thought was a ridiculously inappropriate rating for this film (PG) considering the scary imagery, I was having second thoughts about bringing along our four year old. And when I saw that every single person in line was an adult, even though it was 3pm on a Saturday, it was too late because Little Joe was wildly excited - he's only watched all the previous Harry Potter films a quazillion times and we'd paid nine bucks for his ticket.

However we had nothing to worry about. He wasn't scared in the least. But what I hadn't bargained on was that he'd find the film so confusing and demand to have just about every detail of the film explained to him. Big Joe and I missed at least half the movie whispering the a truncated version of the story into our son's ears and the people surrounding us must have been ready to strangle us. But the three of us still had a great time, eating the organic popcorn I'd made at home and smuggled in. And then after, we caught the train to Williamsburg, had a yummy $3 falafel dinner followed by equally cheap and amazing Peter Pan donuts in Greenpoint for dessert. I was completely and utterly content. If we can manage to have so much fun on so little (minus the incredibly expensive movie tickets which are a once in a blue moon treat), surely we'll be able to save money for our son's college education - something we hadn't even considered possible until this point in time.

And besides, while we were tightening our belts this winter, we appreciated the occasional treat like a slice of pizza or a dollar toy at Pearl River all the more. Things we'd taken for granted when on a larger budget. Or a romantic date being a thermos of tea from home and stroll and chat by the Hudson River. The money makes things easier for sure but it's the simple pleasures like making toys out of cardboard, gardening, exploring our neighbourhood, and just spending quality time together that we value the most.

The Powers of Santa Claus

2009-07-13T21:27:00.009-04:00

I thought I'd have time to catch up on my blogging this weekend but after laundry, our monthly house cleaning day, cutting my son's hair and my own, the weekend was gone. It was also time for Little Joe and I to recover from our first full week away from each other. Me at my 9-5 job and him at a local preschool/daycare from 8-6. It was exhausting for us both. And we missed each other a lot. So much so that our homeopath thinks that the reason Little Joe has not been able to fall asleep until 10:30pm instead of his usual 8:30pm these past couple of weeks, is to spend extra time with me.

I love my new job but it's intense, and I have to concentrate extra hard because I'm learning a sh*tload of new computer stuff and my brain is on the rusty side. Plus, my employer is swamped with work - thus his underlings are also up to our necks in the murky bog. My co-workers are there from 8 in the morning to 11 at night and have worked the last 8 weekends in a row. So once I leave and drag myself home, instead of savouring that extra time with my son, I've been snapping at him - in between cooking dinner, washing dishes, getting him ready for bed and making our lunches for the next day. Big Joe will be more assistance in that department once he stops working 7 days a week at his two jobs, hopefully in the fall. Which makes me wonder how single parents, or parents of more than one child do this without keeling over in dead faint.

So this weekend I was determined to have some good bonding time with Little Joe before the next killer week began. This didn't manifest until Sunday night when he and I had dinner by candlelight (which he loves) listening to his favourite music (Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf). Lately we've been saying grace, which he says at his new school. But as I'm agnostic and Big Joe is agnostic/atheist, our version of 'grace' changes depending on our mood and state of mind. Sunday night's grace went something like this:

Me: I want to thank the universe, the powers that be, Mother Earth, for this delicious food and my wonderful family and my new job.

Lil Joe: I have an idea! Instead of saying thank you for grace, why don't we wish for things we want?!

Me: Okay. I wish that Daddy and I won't fight ever again and...

Lil Joe: Hey, it's my turn! I wish that the Powers of Santa Claus gives everybody in the world REALLY BIG TOYS! And that bad guys aren't real. Just good guys. Like Spider-man and Batman and Superman...and Scooby Doo...

When our son first brought up wishing instead of thanking, I was resistant to the idea - I mean it's the exact opposite of gratitude. But sometimes you just have to go with it. I wish that the Powers of Santa Claus would give me more hours in the day, to sleep, to blog, to play with my kid, to enjoy time with Big Joe, to write/call/see friends, to meditate, to do yoga, to sleep...and sleep...

A Lil Recession Can’t Kill Our Community Pride

2009-07-12T00:00:00.000-04:00

Bed-Stuy’s Project Re-Generation (PR-G), a community program that helps employ at risk teens and beautify local homes, is sponsoring a free and fun event on Saturday, July 18th:

A Lil Recession Can’t Kill Our Community Pride

THOUSANDS OF BED-STUY AND CROWN HEIGHTS RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES TO PARTICIPATE IN ANNUAL COMMUNITY PRIDE DAY

This year’s CPD will take place on July 18, 2009 in Von King Park, 670 Lafayette Ave. Brooklyn, from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Community Pride Day (CPD) is an annual day of fun, games and entertainment for attendees. With a threefold mission of inspiring community pride through fun activities, connecting youth to local youth programs and giving local businesses a venue to market and showcase their products and services, CPD is always an impactful day. In The Past, activities included a community clean-up scavenger hunt, a large children’s play pen, free school supply give-aways, a live DJ, and tons of free food. This year’s theme is “Our Community in 5D” (Smell, Touch, Taste, See, and Hear).
To Register Click Here to register through FaceBook to Register Click Here
To view pictures from 2008 visit: www.prgscpd2008.shutterfly.com
To become a 2009 sponsor, please contact Laurel Brown at (718) 684-1014 or LaurelB@PR-G.org

Family friendly and free. We're there. Love their headline.