Brooklynian

Hello fellow Slopers, it is with heavy heart that I am writing this post regarding the bicycle vandal that lives on 5th street between 8th ave and Prospect Park West. Although I am 85% sure of who has vandalized my bicycle I shall refrain from posting his/her exact name and building number until I am 100%sure and the police arrest them.

How do I know who has vandalized my bicycle? Well allow me to explain. 2 months ago I was approached by a young lady about me chaining my bicycle around a tree on the specific block. The tree in front of her home to be exact. Although the conversation started on a happy note it quickly turned sour when she demanded I stop placing my bicycle on the now infamous. A the conversation became heated her husband came out his home and basically screamed at me to "STOP" chaining my bicycle around the tree in front of their home. He gave me a threatening stare, made a derogatory statement about my sexual preference and dragged his wife inside.

Before my fellow Slopers attack me let me say that I chain my bike around the tree with extreme caution. Not only is the chain I used covered with a cushy plastic material it also is chained on the tree with an unusual amount of slack. To be honest their is a lot of play between the tree and my bike and when I chain it up every night the bike appears like it is just leaning on the tree. Beside my blatant rainbow stickers adorning the frame of my bicycle I can not understand for the life of me what they find so offensive about my actions.

The above being stated I will further state that a month ago I returned to my secured bicycle to find that my bicycle seat was smothered in peanut butter and jelly. When I say smothered, I mean extremely smothered. I had no choice but to throw the entire seat away. I didn't think anything of it and chalked it up to some childish stunts by local punks. Who would of thought that my neighbors were descended from Mussolini himself for the vandalism continued.

1 week ago the vandal got brazen and loosened all the bolts on my bicycle. You can imagine my shock when i grabbed my bike and all the parts started to move this way and that. Hell, the pedals even fell off. Once more I chalked it up to a local A-hole and tightened the parts on my bike and went about my daily chores but something told me that the couple from hell had something to do with this.

Yesterday the final straw was applied to my back and it snapped like a twig. I got to my bicycle and the new seat was smothered in mayonnaise but this time there was a note attached to the bike. Would you believe that the vandal even laminated the note so as to keep the message nice and dry for me. Along with the note was a PB&J, a Mayonnaise jar label and a crude rainbow sticker. Obviously it was the same culprit. The note read as follows:

DO NOT CHAIN YOUR BIKE ON THIS TREE OR ANY OTHER!!!!!
DO WE UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER NOW, RAINBOW BRIGHT????????

The local authorities were called but they only served to mock me as they took a useless report. I was assured a detective would be assigned to my case but I know better. I explained to them that I think I was being targeted because of my sexual orientation but they brushed me off and told me that there was no proof of that.

Why do I post this on this forum? Well I want to warn my neighbors of this insidious anti bicycle, anti gay couple who live on the block. They seem intent on bullying me but I assure you I will not cave to these Gestapo type tactics. As of today I have placed my Bamboo framed bicycle in storage unit and started using a cheapo bicycle I picked up a stoop sale. I stripped all the nuts on the bike thus making it almost impossible to loosen any parts on it. I understand that I might be courting trouble but I was taught always stand up to oppression.

If it is war the want by golly it is passive war they will get. I only hope that people will understand my motives when they come across my bicycle.

Thank you.

Looking for any info on the construction thats been visible for a couple months now at this corner spot on Franklin and St. Mark's. The back door was open this morning and I was abe to see kitchen sinks and machinery, and in front the gate was slightly ajar as workers were determining how to lay some brick for a new storefront design? I figure someone may have the early scoop on what's to come.

I figured I'd add this on here, since other than the Patch it doesn't seem to have gotten picked up by anyone else.
Click through to the Patch story for a picture.

Police are asking for the public's help to find a 13-year-old Brooklyn girl who has been missing since Wednesday evening.

Edo Dove was reported missing on May 15, at 7:45 p.m. She was last seen wearing tan pants and a blue shirt sitting in front of 886 Park Place between Nostrand and New York avenues in Crown Heights, police said.

She is black, standing approximately 5-foot-6, 135 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

Anyone with any information concerning Edo Dove is urged to contact Detective Joseph Hicky at (718) 735-0610 or Detective Borough Brooklyn North at (718) 287-3239.

You can also call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers' website at http://www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

http://www.fdconline.org/housetour.html

Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 day of tour.
Purchase tickets online at http://www.fdconline.org, or call FDC at(718) 859-3800, ext. 209

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKEruQmYQZI&feature=player_embedded

I was just curious if anyone knew of any changes(more bars, cafes etc.) happening between Fulton and Pacific off of Nostrand. I know there's NoBar and Richol Bakery, but that seems to be about it on my stretch of Nostrand. There's a bunch of stuff popping up a couple blocks up so i figured it's only a matter of time.

Also what's up with the armory on Bedford and Pacific? I heard tell of a rec center, but that was a while ago. Thanks!

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/19/nyregion/eastern-parkway-a-triumph-of-olmsted-and-vaux.html?_r=0

Did you lose a bird recently?

We stopped at 6th Ave veterinary yesterday (Saturday 5/18) then a woman with a kid & a goldendoodle came in and said that they had just found (or rather a parakeet had found them) at the park. The bird had flown up to the dog and started playing with it.

She brought it to the vet hoping that they could take it, but the office was closing and no staff were there. The bird climbed right up onto my partner's finger, onto her arm, and nuzzled into her neck & hoodie. The parakeet wasn't afraid of our dogs either.

We took the bird and ended up at Unleashed (pet smart?) on 7th ave to buy a crate and some food. Fortunately for us, an animal rescue shelter was there - and the guy driving the van does bird rescue!

He said it was a girl. She was cold and hungry. She was a bit thin so probably had been loose for a few days.

If this is your bird, please contact:

Sean Casey Animal Rescue
153 E 3rd Street
Brooklyn, NY
718-436-5163
nyanimalrescue@yahoo.com
open daily 11a-7p

We gave her up to the driver. We told him to name her Molly. He said parakeets usually go pretty quickly - so hopefully she will find a good home.

Anyone know what happened in front of the Museum last night? Lots of cops, saw a few cars in the street, a woman with cuffs on, a bike in the middle of the street. It looked like it should be bad, but didn't see an ambulance or anything indicating a big accident.

Formerly the site of 3-Ds, this site has undergone a really slooooow renovation over the course of the last three+ years:

http://brooklynian.com/forum/crown-heights-and-prospect-lefferts-gardens/grammar-police-now-correcting-graffiti?replies=15#post-768289

Today (May 18, 2013), I was able to look in at the inside, and see that carpentry tools are finally absent. Tables and chairs are in place and ready for use.

In addition, a website (complete with some branding) has recently been launched: http://www.islandczcafe.com/

Here's what this location used to look like:

Based on my view, this place looks like it will be the type of venue that serves alcoholic drinks.

However, in a sign that we may still have a while to wait, there has been no activity with the SLA or the Community Board that I am aware of.

.... navigating this process often takes several months.

Does anyone think this site is actually going to open prior to July 4th?

So the city provides hundreds of them for the Brooklyn Marathon but zero for the West Indian Day parade. Hmmm...I wonder why.

Hi there!

This summer I will be doing a summer course in New York at the Miami Ad School (located in Dumbo near the Brooklyn bridge). I'm looking for a place to stay during those 3 months, but as an international student (I live in The Netherlands) it's quite hard to exactly understand where it's safe to life and where it's not. Hopefully you guys can help me out.

Currently I'm looking at 2 appartments (via nyurbanliving.com ):

Kingston ave / St Marks ave
What's this block like?

Nostrand ave / Eastern Parkway
What's this block like?

Would you guys consider these apartments a good deal and in a good (enough) neighbourhood for a student? Is it easy to find transportation from here to Dumbo?

Thanks a bunch!

GRL'D CHZ PLZ

July 23, 2011- Mrs. Dorsey’s Kitchen launches at Dekalb Market, in Downtown Brooklyn.

http://mrsdorseyskitchen.com/

The how the where and perhaps the why
http://brooklynian.com/forum/prospect-heights/cafe-shane-closed?replies=42

I have never seen this many porta-potties in my life.

Why?

FUN & INTERACTIVE WAY TO GET YOUR CREATIVE BUSINESS ON TRACK

Finally get your business plan done and have fun doing it! Do you stress out at the mere thought of planning your business? But you know how important it is to have clear goals and action steps for your business to succeed. This workshop is designed just for you! Instead of staying stuck and frustrated, how about having fun while moving forward with the [b]Right Brain Business Plan 1-1/2 day workshop on June 7th & 8th, Friday night 7-9:45PM and Saturday 9AM-4:45PM in Brooklyn.[/b]

This interactive workshop is based on the bestselling book The Right Brain Business Plan by author/coach Jennifer Lee and led by licensed facilitator & artist, Karen Friedland. You will learn a visual, creative and accessible process to illucidate your vision, goals and actions. Even the traditional (a.k.a. “intimidating”) parts like competitive analysis, marketing and finances will be tackled in a way that’s creative, inspiring, engaging and expressive (just like YOU!)

This fun and interactive workshop is perfect for you if…
 
* You've tried to do a business plan the "traditional way" and you got stuck, overwhelmed, and demotivated
* You already have a business plan, but you need to breathe new life into it
* You can't stand spreadsheets
* Numbers numb you out
* AND you’d be a heck of a lot happier planning your business in the same intuitive, authentic, and expressive way that you live your creative life (yes, indeed, it can be that fun and fulfilling!)
 
You get the following (and much, much more!) from this workshop:
 
* Detailed, do-able assignments… that deal with all the parts of a business plan, from start to finish
* Intuitive exercises and inspiring materials… that tap into your natural creative genius, transforming drudgery into joy
* Hands-on support, guidance, and accountability… from a licensed facilitator plus the wisdom and perspectives of your fellow creative cohorts in the circle
* A copy of the best-selling book The Right-Brain Business Plan: A Creative, Visual Map for Success by Jennifer Lee
* A follow up coaching session with your facilitator

What people have said about the Right-Brain Business Plan® and Karen Friedland:
 
“This course helped me re-energize and align my vision, purpose and actions. In fact, engaging in this class got me so inspired again about my business that I found myself in action implementing my plan while simultaneously creating it! Results are already materializing.”
— Amy Egenberger, Spirit Out!, Inc, www.spiritout.com

"Karen Friedland is an inspiring and energizing creativity coach. She combines talent, energy, great personal warmth, and marketing savvy. She has the ideal set of skills and experience for coaching creative people in their enterprises.”
-- Brenda Becker, blogger/writer, http://ayearinthepark.typepad.com

For more information & to register, go to http://www.ArtistKaren.com click on Right Brain Business Plan button
Plus, if you register by May 24th, save $50! Register with a friend and you both get 10% more off!

When the art world starts selling paintings of a topless Bea Arthur for almost $2 Million, it makes me wonder what the true value of my Weiner is.

Join us for the 2nd Annual Brooklyn Baby Expo – Sunday June 2, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the International School of Brooklyn (477 Court Street) in Carroll Gardens presented by A Child Grows in Brooklyn (www.achildgrows.com/expo)

The event is for expectant and new parents (of children up to age 3) and will be a day of fun and education, where participants can interact with other parents, exhibitors and experts. Exhibitors will showcase products and services covering all phases of life as a new parent!

Bring your partner, a friend or the whole family (older children are welcome!) and enjoy free lunch in our Fairway Café, play in our movement room and get comfortable in our nursing lounge!

Attendees can learn about and shop for everything from gear, clothing and furniture, to child care services and organic baby food. Hands-on activities include testing baby carriers, strollers and car seats, participating in demos, and learning how to make baby food.

Parents (and parents-to-be) can attend seminars about preparing for birth and post-natal care, navigating the new-parent world in Brooklyn, raising a good sleeper, best gear for baby and kids, and more.

Everyone will be entered to win awesome raffle prizes throughout the day, individually valued between $50-$850. Giveaways include strollers, high chairs, car seats, carriers, kid classes, tickets, gift certificates and more.

VIP ticket holders will receive a gift bag hand made by Hiho Batik, which will include a BabaSling Lite by Joovy (retail value $99), and many other full-sized samples and premium gifts from sponsors, valued at over $250. Premium ticket holders will receive a gift bag filled with fabulous samples from our sponsors, values at over $150.

Find more info at http://www.achildgrows.com/expo
Tickets on sale now at http://brooklynbabyexpo2013.eventbrite.com/

Hi Folks,

This summer I'll be moving from Chicago to a 2br apartment in Crown Heights just off Eastern Parkway. The apt is amazing.. living room, dining room, kitchen, foyer and the price is AMAZING. Like really amazing.

The problem is that my potential roommate who just got a job in NYC is scared to move to Crown Heights because she thinks there is too much violence.

Since I'm from Chicago, AND I grew up in a gentrifying neighborhood with boarded up houses, corner drunks, illicit drug activity, the "violence" in NYC doesn't make me scared to move to Crown Heights. That same lakefront neighborhood is coveted now. The neighborhood where my mother bought a boarded up house for $20,000 and now houses go for $500,000 STILL barely has any commercial activity (we only have Popeyes and J&J Fish and one cafe that closes at 6:30pm). So in short, Crown Heights would be heaven for me.

My potential roommate on the otherhand is scared of the violence that has been reported in Crown Heights. I'll admit that the news coming from the neighborhood is very skewed. Up until 1.5 yrs ago, all the online articles ONLY talked of violence and NOTHING else. So I can understand why she might have this view of the neighborhood. And I'm not doubting that violence still exists too.

So what can I say to her to convince her to move here or is it a lost cause? Should I just let her find another neighborhood and PAY DOUBLE?

Local chefs are opening a family friendly dine in/take out spot at 635 Vanderbilt. Their site just went live. It looks like a great addition to the neighborhood. They expect to open by June 1.

http://www.stockedbrooklyn.com/

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/16/nyregion/a-police-roll-call-reminder-women-may-go-topless.html?hp&_r=1&