Free hearing test

From the Brooklyn Chambers of Commerce
July 15, 2008 12:00pm to 2:00pm

Fact: Noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss. Fact: Exposure to a noisy subway, for just 15 minutes a day, can damage your hearing over time. Fact: Listening to your MP3 Player at high volumes can cause permanent damage to your hearing. Fact: Hearing loss is the #1 disability in the United States.

When was the last time that you had your hearing checked? Not since elementary school??? Chances are, your hearing has changed. Free hearing screenings sponsored by the League for the Hard of Hearing every Tuesday from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and every Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. by appointment only.

To schedule an appointment, please contact us at 917-305-7766, or at appointments@lhh.org. You may also visit http://www.lhh.org/ for more information.

Location
League for the Hard of Hearing, 50 Broadway, Manhattan

Free Job placement

From Ibrooklyn

July 14, 2008 to July 21, 2008

SUNY BEOC provides FREE job placement assistance, including Resume & Cover Letter Assistance, Job Search Resources (computers, fax machines, telephones), Internet Job Search, Computer Classes. Each session runs for three weeks from Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The next session begins on July 21 and ends August 7, 2008. Call today for more information at 718-802-3340.

Location
SUNY BEOC-Bridge Program, 111 Livingston Street (entrance on Boerum Place), Downtown Brooklyn

Travel Directions
Subway: 2, 3, 4, 5 to Borough Hall; A, C, F to Jay St.-Borough Hall.

Brooklyn Museum Jazz concert next week

Steinberg Family Sculpture Garden
(Rain location: Hall of the Americas)
Saturday, July 19, 2008
2–5 p.m.

Relax and enjoy a summer afternoon of music and art. Hear tenor saxophonist John Ellis and his band, Double-Wide, featuring Jason Marsalis on drums, Marcus Rojas on tuba, and Brian Charette on organ. One of jazz music’s brightest stars, Ellis recently released a new album, Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow, a New Orleans-inspired collection that has garnered rave reviews from the New York Times, Down Beat, and allaboutjazz.com. WBGO’s Gary Walker hosts.

The program also includes gallery talks on the special exhibition From the Village to Vogue: The Modernist Jewelry of Art Smith, a celebration of the work of an acclaimed Brooklyn-based African American jewelry maker inspired by such jazz greats as Duke Ellington. Jewelry design expert Carolyn Kelly gives the talks.

Performances
Steinberg Family Sculpture Garden
(Rain location: Hall of the Americas)
3–3:45 p.m. and 4:15–5 p.m.

Gallery Talks
4th Floor
2–2:30 p.m. and 3:45–4:15 p.m.

The program is free with Museum admission.

Presented in conjunction with WBGO and Heart of Brooklyn’s series Jazz: Brooklyn’s Beat.

Student Safety Act

FROM the NYCLU

The School to Prison Pipeline is a nationwide system of local, state and federal education and public safety policies that pushes students out of school and into the criminal justice system. This system disproportionately targets youth of color and youth with disabilities. Inequities in areas such as school discipline, policing practices, high-stakes testing and the prison industry contribute to the pipeline. The School to Prison Pipeline operates directly and indirectly. Schools directly send students into the pipeline through zero tolerance policies that involve the police in minor incidents and often lead to arrests, juvenile detention referrals, and even criminal charges and incarceration. Schools indirectly push students towards the criminal justice system by excluding them from school through suspension, expulsion, discouragement and high stakes testing requirements.

Support the Student Safety Act.

For more information go to http://www.nyclu.org/schooltoprison/ssa#what

Stop the Ignorance

This video comes from DJ Raedawn's confrontation with pappose. It deals with the senseless lyrics in Hip-Hop that encourages the youth of communities like flatbush to follow.

Here's, DJ Raedawn, with his side of the story:

so two nights ago.....K-Slay aka the Drama King and Papoose were playing a Hot97 show at S.O.B's.........Papoose was rapping that sell that crack sell that pussy sell that smack etc demonic murder shit....he even had a whole song about how he killed somebody for his chain....and how he and all his buddies sit around all day on the corner and sell more drugs than everybody else.................. .....but anyway.....So I threw peace signs in his face while he was rappin that murder shit..........then when they were done.....one of his 20 hypemen/karaoke pantomimers...dropped the mic....so I picked it up and said sumn like "peace y'all!...can we stop this Demonic Murder shit?!!!Can we stop this Violence???!!!".....then they turned off the mic....bout 2 minutes later....K-Slay and Papoose were like "who the fuk said that!!!!!"....So I came back to the stage and said ME!!....and K-Slay was like "Who the fuck are you!!!!!!!!!!we're are you from!!!!"...I was like "ATL!!!"......and Papoose and crew were like let's take this outside!!!...and I said "No let's do it here....gimmie the mic!!!"....K-Slay wouldn't give me the mic ...he also said sumn like "How do you have dreadlocks when youre from Atlanta!!"....then some of paps people started attacking me from behind!!!!.....and the "Drama" king was like ..."don't tap him up!!"....so I through up peace symbols with both hands......then the security jumped in and escorted me to a corner and protected me.....as this was happening...k-slay flipped his position and started screaming "that guy's starting a fight!!!...he's a crackhead.....who gave a crackhead the mic!!!" ......THIS REALLY HAPPENED.....K-Slay Called me a Crackhead!!!....



If you enjoy listening to lyrics that promote the destruction of "black" African peoples then you might also like groups such as Dipset or the Game or everybody's favorite 50 Cent..even Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls reaped the fruits of their hysteria.....you might also wanna check out the Cam'ron gangster flick called Killa season which is quickly becoming a "ghetto" and suburban classic. Why are "black" Males in the pop music world seen as Killers and animalistic misogynists while "white" pop musicians are seen as emo or just regular guys! Furthermore, music fans see their favorite artists as real versus the hollywood actors whom they know are just presenting a false story. This is why violent rap music is an extremely big problem in the African american community. the kids look up to these people... I once taught an afterschool program in East New York where 7 year olds had seen Killa season so many times that they actually memorized the lines! I even here little children walking down the street saying Murder Murder Murder everyday!!! STOP THE VIOLENCE!!!!!!

--to update everyone, after this video was originally release a year and a half a go, at least 120,000 people saw it before it was deleted. Since then...Papoose has started to see the light. Hopefully this talented brother will cross over to OUR side. we need more Troops. I'm quite sad to see Kay Slay grow from a wild style graffiti kid into a Don King type gangster fight promoter. He made a fool of himself in this situation dissing the snap dance music of the south in exchange for self-hating egotistical thug baboon Macho coonery.It's also interesting that media outlets such as MTV or BET ....or even the Source or Vibe for that matter have never to this date covered this story...though after leaving his position at Teen Summit, AJ concurred that we must stop the Demonic Violence.

Summer Music

From the

Flatbush Nostrand Junction BID

Contact: Lori Raphael

Flatbush Nostrand Junction BID

(718) 951-5000, ext 1449

Flatbush Development Corp., Flatbush Avenue BID, Church Avenue BID and Flatbush Nostrand Junction BID have collaborated to organize the Flatbush Edition of Make Music New York. Make Music New York is an annual citywide free music event taking place on June 21. Last year there were over 500 locations throughout the City and this year there are expected to be many more. Make Music New York in its Flatbush locations will feature a full afternoon of music in the street, in convenient locations, within easy walking distance to each other. Performers will represent styles ranging from soul to hip hop, gospel to techno-jazz, spoken word to rock.

Join the greater Flatbush community in celebrating summer with Make Music New York-Flatbush Edition, at the following locations:

Corner of Church Avenue and Ocean Avenue

2PM to 5PM

Corner Flatbush Avenue/Church Avenue

2Pm to 6 PM

1456 Flatbush Avenue

Btwn Glenwood/Farragut at Ladies Workout Express

1:30 to 6 PM

Newkirk Plaza Block Party

Btwn E.16 and 17 St.

11 AM to 6 PM

Flatbush Nostrand Junction BID
2900 Bedford Avenue
1221 Ingersoll Hall
Brooklyn, NY 11210
(718) 951-5000, Ext 1449
flatbushjunctionbid@yahoo.com

anarchists real estate

As previously noted the City Council passed a source of income discrimination law in March of this year. But all over Brooklyn it's business as usual. As seen in these ads here here here here here here here here here here here and here the law has been given a collective middle finger. Thank you City council and Human Rights Commission for another disingenuous B.S public relations feel good legislation with no mechanism to actually enforce.

Know your rights

From the NYCLU.

Students have the right to feel safe and secure in their schools. Students also have certain legal rights when interacting with police personnel who are charged with securing their safety. This card tries to answer students' most common questions about their rights when interacting with school safety agents. For more information Download the Know your rights with police in school here or go to http://www.nyclu.org/node/1360 for more information.

Summer Book Buddy

Summer is fast approaching and for some teens there is not much to do.
Why not Volunteer for:

Summer Book Buddy
	Learn new skills and be a role model for other kids If you're a teen volunteer (ages 12-18), you can help librarians read aloud to children and assist with all kinds of cool youth programs. Responsibilities Read aloud to children. Assist staff in the administration of the popular Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) program. Assist staff in planning, conducting, and evaluating children's programs like arts and crafts, drawing and painting, puzzles and games. Enter registration information for the Library's Summer Reading participants. Requirements 12-18 years old. Consent portion of Volunteer Application signed by parent or guardian before starting the assignment. A friendly manner and a strong commitment to working with children. Book Buddies are asked to make a minimum commitment of volunteering 2-3 hours a day, 2-3 days a week for at least 3 weeks during the summer. How to Apply 1. Go to your local library and request a Summer Book Buddy application. 2. Contact 718-230-2406 or e-mail at volunteer@brooklynpubliclibrary.org.

Free Concerts

THE KICK START YOUR SUMMER WITH THESE GREAT CONCERTS ON THE GRANITE STEPS OF CENTRAL LIBRARY!
EVERY SATURDAYS • 2 PM • CENTRAL LIBRARY STEPS • GRAND ARMY PLAZA
For more information go to http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/pdf/events/libraryrocks.pdf

clean up

You are invited to:
The FDC Flatbush Neighborhood Clean-up
Sat. May. 31, 2008

Spend the day doing something useful for our neighborhood. Bring your kids
and friends and lets make an outing of it.

The Clean-up is from -10:00 am-2:00 pm (only 4 hours!!!) on Saturday, May
31, 2008. We'll be painting over graffiti. Please join us. Come at 10 am
to 1616 Newkirk Avenue (FDC offices)

All are welcome.
(Whole day participation is not necessary) From 2:00pm - 3:00pm Party on
Newkirk Plaza to celebrate 100 years of the oldest outdoor commercial
pedestrian mall in the country.

Here are 3 easy things you can do:

1. Call your Neighborhood Association president and make sure they are
involved

2. Find out what areas your neighbors are painting or cleaning. Sign up
now to help paint over graffiti/tagged up eyesores in your neighborhood

3. Come out that day to 1616 Newkirk Avenue at 10 am,
Clean your lawn/sidewalk/curb. Need tools/paint? No problem, just Call FDC

Phone: 718 859-3800 or fax: 718 859-4632

Bags, gloves, paint, etc. can be picked up from the FDC office between
9am - 11am, same day.

Pass the word around!!
Rain or Shine, Flatbush will be cleaned!!!

This event is sponsored by the Flatbush Development Corporation; funded in
part by Assemblymembers Rhoda Jacobs and Jim Brennan. Free T-Shirts,
Garbage Bags and other clean-up supplies sponsored by Davis & Warshow Inc.
Donations and sponsorships are still being accepted.

For More Information, Contact:
Mannix Gordon
Director of Economic Development

Flatbush Development Corporation
1616 Newkirk Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11226
w: www.fdconline.org
e: mgordon@fdconline.org

Micro Loans

To help make entrepreneurial dreams a reality and to strengthen existing local businesses, BOC Capital Corp. now offers credit-related products for business development in NYC communities.

Founded in 2001, BOC Capital Corp., an affiliate of the Business Outreach Center (BOC) Network, is a not-for-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and a certified Community Development Entity (CDE) dedicated to providing micro-enterprise financing, with a special focus on small-business, women, minority and immigrant entrepreneurs.

To learn more call or visit their website http://www.bocnet.org/boc/micro_loan_program.html
(718) 625-1296

Job training

from Hatian Times
The Skills Training and Employment Project has expanded the Brooklyn Public Library's free job and educational resources. The program provides participants the opportunity to meet with career advisers, assess participants' needs and develop a plan. During training sessions, participants will prepare for career placement tests, improve English literacy skills and attending workshops in resume writing, interviewing and more. Workshops take place at the Central Library at Grand Army Plaza. After career planning sessions, participants may be referred to the Church Avenue Merchants Business Association (CAMBA), the Brooklyn Economic Development Corp., Workforce One, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Good Help Program, the Brooklyn Educational Opportunity Center and the Fort Greene Business Outreach Center. For more information, call (718) 623-7000, ext. 1231, or visit http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/STEP/

Racial Steering Real Estate Broker From City Habitat

Tracey Boudine
City Habitat
It has been brought to my attention that one of the most racially insensitive real Estate Brokers is non other then the senior associate broker from New York City Habit. Her name is Tracey Boudine. Ms. Boudine has been using code words and racial steering tactics for a long time. Some of her tactics may have also run contrary against Civil Rights laws and Fair Housing Laws. For example in this ad she specifically mentions Vox Pop, Cafes, and Bars, but fails to mention any other establishments. While in this ad for a Co-op in Prospect Park Lefferts garden she again mentions all the "new" places but fails to mention any other establishments. This can be deemed a bias ad because if you mention one set of business and not others then it can be construed to be showing a preference for the type of individuals that would frequent such establishments. For example to advertise that an apartment is near a Catholic Church would be discrimination against non catholics. Her advertisements specifically mentions certain business establishment while conveniently leaving out other amenities that lets say a recent family from south America, the Caribbean or someone who is disable and may be interested in. In essence Ms. Boudine is saying we don't want your kind, unless you fit into a specific demographic I'm trying to steer.

Volunteers

The Brooklyn Public Library is seeking volunteers to help adults learn to read and write. Prospective participants can attend one literacy volunteer information sessions and learn how to become a volunteer literacy tutor. The program will train volunteers to tutor adults, ages 17 and older, who never learned to read and write. For information, contact www.brooklynlibrary.org/adult—literacy.jsp or call (718) 832-3560, Ext. 2 or 7

FHF-Full Force

Our next inductee into the Flatbush Hall of Fame is non other then Flatbush's own Full Force. The six men R & B, producers and actors are one of a kind which is very unlikely to be seen again. You may remember Full Force from the House party movies. With memorable lines like "I smell..." And "were gonna kick freaking...". But they are the producers and song writers behind some of the greatest hits in music. Including the hip hop classic that they did with UTFO (also from Flatbush) Roxanne Roxanne. Full Force also assembled, produced and wrote for Lisa Lisa and the cult jam. In this video you can see them as the background dancers and singers. For more about Full Force go to their official website here. For all these reasons Full Force are the next Inductees into the Flatbush Hall of Fame.

This is not a free country

The police are officially the Gustapo. There is no difference. In this sickening story by the daily news. This cop assaulted a traffic agent for giving his girlfriend a ticket. After Governor Paterson sign a law making it a felony to assault a traffic agent, the cop was put on modified duty and not charged with a felony. On top of that the traffic agent was the one that ended up being arrested for doing his job.

Out of control

This cop mouthed of to a police chief after the chief identified himself as such. The cop only got discipline and not fired. Boy if I ever mouthed of to my boss I'll be fired on the spot. hmm

NYPD AT IT AGAIN

New York's finest at it again. This time it was a minor's right that was violated in the worst possible way. What will be the defense for the PBA this time? More on this story here.

FHF-Special Ed

The next inductee into the Flatbush Hall of Fame is non other than legendary rapper Special Ed. At the golden era of hip hop in the early 90's, Special Ed was one of the most creative lyricist and performer in Hip Hop. His metaphors and delivery were second to none. Special Ed uses his charm, creative delivery and flow to describe the sights and sounds of Flatbush throughout his career. His Biography is all too well known and personifies Flatbush. Born in Brooklyn, to Jamaican parents, Special Ed was the youngest of 5. Thoughout his music one cannot help but notice the influence that Flatbush Brought. In addition to his performing career, Special Ed owns and runs Dolla Cab Lab, a recording studio in Brooklyn. The studio's name is inspired by non other than the Dollar vans that run though Flatbush. The choice of Dolla Cab Lab was name because Ed believes that the Dollar Vans offers an alternate choice of public transportation just as Ed's "Lab," opens doors for local talent. The Lab reflects his ambition to remain close to his neighborhood while boosting his career, and to make music independent of interference from heavy-handed label executives. The studio makes use of a 32-track digital recording set-up and is frequented by talented young artists who look to Special Ed for not only creative guidance, but also business know-how. For all These reasons Special Ed is our next inductee into the Flatbush Hall of Fame. This Video (a true classic that is one of the greatest hip hop videos of all time) shows Special Ed kicking major ass Flatbush style. This is when Hip Hop was truly great. It should be news to Special Ed that according to certain Real Estate Brokers that the "creative types" are NOW starting to move into Flatbush.

Not another Up and coming article

In this AMNY article about Flatbush it talks all about the "wonderful" things that are happening. The article goes at length to talk about how Flatbush is an "up and coming" area. It even quotes one of the Real Estate brokers as saying that Flatbush is "better then it has ever been before." It's "an up and coming neighborhood". The one question I have is.. better for who? If something is UP and COMING then someone has to be DOWN and GOING. It might be better for the Landlords who will force families out of their rent stabilize apartments. The real estate agents that will undoubtedly make a killing of articles like this. But for the vast majority of the residents in Flatbush it is getting worst. It use to be a neighborhood for families of recent immigrants from the West Indies who came here for a better life for their children. These people worked hard all their life, some had shift jobs, some worked in factories,some drove taxi's and dollar vans, some worked 2 jobs just to make sure that their kids can go to college. It is an insult to the highest degree to call a neighborhood that they've lived in, paid rent, worked, raised kids as UP and COMING. It was always THERE. It was never DOWN. What will happen to the families coming after them? Will they be able to afford the doubling of rent in Flatbush? Discrimination by Landlords and Real Estate agents is at an all time high. As one agent puts it "more of the creative times are moving in" which is code for white people (doesn't really matter if they are creative or not, it's just code). The article talks about how Flatbush Avenue serves "Dominican, Spanish, West Indian, Jamaican and Haitian Populations" It's news to me that Jamaica and Haiti are not part of the West Indies or that we appently have allot of people from Spain that live in Flatbush. I suspect this person only wrote this article for a certain type of population. Why else would she detail shout out to all the Anchor Babies in Flatbush and only mention Fisherman's cove and cinco de mayo? How about Manna's Soul Food or LA Cabana which has been in Flatbush since the 80's. Or the countless West Indian Restaurants that serves better food that picket fence can only dream of ever serving. I have no idea if these real estate brokers have any special arrangements with these "Journalist" but the language that they use are eerily similar. This article did not come across as an in dept report on a neighborhood. It seemed more like an advertisement by local real estate establishments who are trying to push out and make a quick buck of the backs of hard working people who have endured and lived in this neighborhood for years.

Here we go again

In this code racial steering ad for an apartment in Flatbush, this broker made sure to mention all the usual suspects of a racial steering subtle ad that has been popping all over Faltbush lately. Of course the usual and perennial favorite Vox Pop is mention as well as Connecticut muffing, trailer park furniture and the great new Food Coop. Why no mention of Fisher Men Coves Jamaican restaurant, mana's soul food or even Cinco de mayo Mexican? I wonder who they are targeting for this particular apartment? hmm Excerpt of the ad:

DITMAS PARK/DORCHESTER RD: Email this ad or between 11AM and 7PM call broker directly at 646.642.4860. See it all weekend and every week day - evenings, too!

Steps to Q train subway at Cortelyou Rd, and community amenities that include Flatbush Food Co-op, VoxPop Cafe, Trailer Park Barn Furniture, Connecticut Muffin,a specialty wine merchant, and Zagat-rated The Farm on Adderley restaurant that's a brunch, lunch and happy hour favorite!

Let this inviting residential tree-lined location become your home. Classic prewar elevator building is quiet and well kept.

Cats ok. ZERO DOGS.

Tutors

For all parents who have kids that are struggling with homework, there is now live homework help from the Brooklyn Public Library. Your kids can get homework help from grades 4-12. For more information go to http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/homework_help.jsp

Power Up

Brooklyn Public Library has a competition for any anyone who wants to start a small business the description on their website says that you can enter "If you are 18 years of age or older, live in Brooklyn, are a legal resident or US citizen, and wish to start a business in Brooklyn." For more information go to www.brooklynpubliclibary.org

The Cortelyou Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library hosts an English Conversation Group for Adults at 6 p.m. Wednesdays at 1305 Cortelyou Road. For information, call (718) 693-7763.

Teens can train to be a "T4 Technology Volunteer" at the Brooklyn Public Library. Teens can get trained in advanced technology skills at the Summer Institute. They will attend eight days of four-hour training sessions in August. They will learn to master Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher. To sign up, complete a volunteer application at any neighborhood library or online at www.brooklynpubliclibary.org.

Real News

Great piece on the dollar vans in Flatbush.

FHF-African Dude

The Fourth inductee into the Flatbush Hall of Fame is African Dude that sells Bootleg CD's and DVD's at that spot that shall go nameless. African dude has been selling hot CD'd on Flatbush for years. He is now a staple. A fixture in the Flatbush experience. He always has the latest DJ Clue, Big Mike and the newest hottest G unit radio mixtapes. As well as the latest Reggae hits. All for 2 for 5. Always looking out for po po, African dude that sells CD's has always had the hottest CD'S DVD's on the hottest block on Flatbush, at the spot all true Flatbush heads already know about. For all these reasons. African dude that sells 2 -4- 5 cd's is the 4th inductee into the Flatbush Hall of Fame.

Knew Yawk's Finest

This cop was charged of vandalizing cars. Hopefully he will opt out of a jury trial, get a judge to get him off the hook and all will be forgiven. After all the government, public officials and certainty the police should not be held accountable to the people. What great trust we in Flatbush have for those who are given the privileged to "serve" and "protect". I have a feeling that this trust will never be ruptured. We the impecunious people of Flatbush think that the NYPD is doing an outstanding job. Keep up the good work! Thumps Up!!!

New York's worst

Sean Bell's Murderers got away with murder. What does it say about a country where innocent people can be gunned down by the Government and nothing happens to them? Things like this happen in Communist china or Cambodia. But this is not to be expected in the United States of America. At least not in 2008. The police are not Judge, jury and executioners. Now I've heard many baseless excuses for these cop thugs. That Sean Bell was in a strip club, they were drunk, they were smoking weed. I don't know if that is true or not. But does that mean that the police have a right to shoot anyone over 50 times who gets a little high at a strip club? What's next? Maybe the police should also have a right to rape women that broke some other kind of minor law. God help us all.

New Section 8 Discrimination law passed

This blog is not a fan of our current city council speaker Christine Quinn. And for good reasons. She is an opportunistic West Village elitist. An Identity politician extraordinaire that uses Identity politics for her own political gain. There is nothing honorable or noble about this woman. She might be the worst speaker this city has ever seen. She is certainly the most corrupt. No thanks to her New York city NOW HAS A SECTION 8 Discrimination law. It goes into effect immediately. So all landlords and real estate agents who advertise that they don't accept section 8 are breaking the law. If you have issues with any Landlords or Real Estate agents/brokers/screamers regarding refusal to honor section 8, you can file a complaint by calling 311. The Real Flatbush will be on the trail.

Racist Real Estate Agents at it again

In this Craiglist ad for an apartment in Flatbush, This person blatantly violates fair housing laws by posting that they don't want anyone with housing court issues to apply. Here is an excerpt:

To schedule a viewing call (212)-358-5770

Requirements:
Must earn 41k if one tenant 51k combined if two tenants
No Housing Court Issues
No Bankruptcy History for at least 6 years
No Criminal History


SORRY NO section 8 or other programs accepted for this particular apartment



One has to wonder. Is this the norm for apartment ads. Do these types of ads appear for apartments in Manhattan or park slope? I love how he puts no section 8 for this particular apartment. Are there any other particular apartments that he/she would accept Section 8? As you can see the phone number is posted. Maybe the good people in flatbush should call that number and ask why this brokerage feel so comfortable violated the rights of others?

hOOPLA

There is an endless war in Iraq where over 4,000 of our soldiers has given their lives. Just yesterday a bombing killed 55 people at a funeral. Our planet is literal melting as I type. As you can see here. , here and here, apparently the rivers our nation is in grave danger. Stuff like this never makes it on the 24 hour cable "news" networks. Too busy trying to stir up the next soap opera I guess. There is a looming food crisis right in our back yard. Where people are starving, force to literally riot so that they won't die of starvation. But the biggest blogger news covering flatbush is not Global Warming, or a senseless war or even a looming food crisis. No the Biggest news is that a FUCKING FOOD CO-OP has opened where people can buy organic and eat sushi!!!

Jehovah's witness

It's getting a little bit out of control. The first people to ring my bell at the wee hours on every Sunday morning are Jehovah's Witness'. I'm pretty sure it's a great religion, but I've already told them that I was not interested. So why do they continue to ring my bell? It's gotten to the point where I don't even answer anymore. I feel bad. I just wish they would find someone who was more interested in this sort of stuff, 'cause I surely am not.

I'm Back

Due to unannounced vacation plans, the realflatbush had to take some time off. It's been two months. Nothing has change. There is still race baiting at the Ditmas Park blog. We still have merchants who have no respect. Aside from Vox Pop, The New Neighbor "food" place is still the biggest joke on cortelyou. Guess I haven't miss anything. Now where in the world is Yvette Clark when you need her? hmm

D.A.N

YES WE CAN

This is a video that was done by Will. I. Am

FHF-Wyclef Jean

The third inductee into the Flatbush Hall of Fame is Wyclef Jean. Clef's life personified a story well too known about families living in Flatbush. He came from Haiti while he was 9. He lived for a short time in Corney Island at the Marlborough Projects until his family moved to Flatbush. Wyclef often drops lingo's about flatbush in his lyrics. He often refers to places and things about flatbush that only a true Flatbush head would be able to pick up. Like Temptations, Maxines and the seven-o. In one of his lyrics he personified the depth and strength of what flatbush is all about. In his song "Jaspora" (which was Howard Deans favorite song btw) He raps in Creole about walking down Flatbush as a young kid and having his new Fila Sneakers stolen. His friend asked him if he shot the robber. Clef replied no because he was reminded of a psalm that his father (who was a preacher) taught him in which people need to "chache bondye" (Search for god) or spiritual redemption. Aside from being a great musician Wyclef is also a humanitarian. His non for profit organization, Yele, has helped numerous children and adults in his native country of Haiti.

Why the long face?

I was riding the Q train this morning. It seems that all my light skinned brethren look like they were in despair. From Newkirk to Cortelyou and beverley and even the prospect park stop. So I was very perplex as to why all my progenitors of scintillant coating was so much in despair. I mean I haven't seen so many white people in despair since the backstreet street boys broke up. Then at work I read this news story and it all made sense. It seems that Starbucks will stop selling Organic Milk *Gasp* What will Becca, Chad and Lori do to get their daily fix of Organic milk? This should be the number 1 story at the Ditmas Park blog. Maybe Vox Pop can tap into this. Have a protest. Get the Megaphones out!! We should have a commission to investigate the mitigating impudence of starbucks. It's bad enough that the nation is about to be in a recession, Global warming is on its way, there is threat of nuclear weapons being sold to rough nations. But This is TOO MUCH! How could Starbucks STOP SELLING ORGANIC MILK? The Humanity!!

Talib Kweli Greene

The second inductee into FHF is Flatbush native and critically acclaimed rapper Talib Kweli and family. They personify what flatbush is all about. Both his parents were educators. He grew up very humble and it shows in his music. Talib's rap style is as flatbush as it can get. It makes you think, get mad, have passion, be happy with what you got and always strive for perfection at the same time. Talib's star status in flatbush might be in grave danger of being upstage by his younger brother, Jamal Greene. He is Yale law school grad who has a very perceptive paper that was publish regarding the death penalty. Jamal also clerked for Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens in 2006 (which is nothing to sneeze at). Looking forward to allot of great things from Jamal. For all these reasons Talib Kweli Greene and Family is the second inductee into the Flatbush Hall of Fame.

First Inductee

I've decided to document the great things, places, people etc that makes Flatbush so great. The first inductee into the Flatbush Hall of Fame is the Dollar Van. As previously noted it is the life line of Flatbush for those of us who don't have a car. It will be even more valuable once the new Target mall sets to open this year.

From Hatian Times

Brooklyn — CAMBA's Small Business Services conduct workshops in a variety of areas. Pre-registration is required. To sign up, e-mail smallbiz@camba.org or call Kenesha Wheeler at (718) 282-2500 ext. 242. Class will be held at 884 Flatbush Ave. (corner of Church Avenue) on the second floor.

Credit Repair & Money Management; Jan. 22, Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Get control over your expenses, business and life. Learn money management and budgeting tips, as well as techniques on how to improve your credit score. The ultimate goal is to get out of debt and start saving and investing.

Money for Your Business; Jan. 29, Tuesday, 3 to 5:30 p.m.
FREE. Learn how to research and apply for FREE money. There are millions of dollars available from the government and private sectors through grants for new and existing small businesses. We'll show you how to get financing and free money for your business.

Successful Business Plans: Secrets & Strategies; Feb. 5, Tuesday, 6 to 8:30 p.m. This interactive workshop focuses on the foundation of writing an effective business plan. Learn what resources are available to assist you in writing an effective business plan and the secrets and strategies professionals use when developing an investor ready business plan.

Starting a Home-Based Business; Feb. 12, Tuesday, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Starting a home-based business is appealing - lower overheads, less travel time and greater flexibility with balancing work and family. Learn what steps are involved in the planning and execution of a business based out of your home. Other topics covered include setting up your office software, hardware and equipment as well as legal and tax considerations.

Recordkeeping & Tax-Preparation; Feb. 19, Tuesday 6 to 8:30 p.m.
It's that time of year again! Learn how to prepare your taxes like the pros using low cost techniques and solutions. Learn about recent changes to tax laws and how this affects what can and cannot be included on your Schedule C.

How to Become a Licensed Childcare Provider; Feb. 26, Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. FREE. This is a complete overview of the planning, application and start-up process. Topics include operating costs, program planning, insurance, contracts, licensing, and fire and safety standards.

Cutty in Flatbush

This New York Times article has a great story on one of the better residents of Flatbush. Chad L. Coleman who plays Dennis "Cutty" Wise on HBO's hit series The Wire.

Barber Shops

In Flatbush there are basically two kinds of Barbers. The old School Barbers and the Young guns. I prefer the old school barbers. In my opinion and from my experience they are more professional. They treat it as being a profession while the younger barbers are more or less in college or cutting hair to make some extra money. Some of the old timers still wear their uniform. I can remember going to the barber with my dad as a young kid. These barber shops where professional and very much old school. They would actually take there time to do your hair. Unfortunately most of these old school style barbers are gone. But there are still a few left. My favorites are Tall Man Article Barber shop on the corner of Flatbush Ave and Newkirk. This is a Jamaican barber shop. There is an old school Barber that still works there. He has the first seat. The rest are younger barbers. I don't know how good they are because I've never got a cut from them. Down the block is Clean Cut barber shop on 1193 Flatbush Avenue. This is a Haitian Barber Shop. There is one Barber that is a cut above the rest. I always get compliments about my hair when I go to him. His name is Lafontant. I got a cut from one of the younger barbers once and it was a disaster. Across from that barber shop there is another Haitian barber shop, but the barbers seems to be more interested in Haitian politics than giving a hair cut. If you can withstand all the screaming about Aristide and Preval then you will get a great cut from any of the barbers. There is also a barber shop on Newkirk Plaza that I use to go to, but the wait time was too long. They have two Barbers and both are really good. One is a dread. I never understood how a dread could cut hair, but he is really good. They have allot Pakistani clients and for some reason it takes a very long time to get their hair cut done. A few years back I use to go to this young guns barber shop on Flatbush Avenue. I think it was between Lincoln road and Chester Court. It may have been on the same block as Mikes International. This was the best young guns barber I've been to. They did a great job with the lines and the shape ups. If there are any other old school or young gun barber shops that I missed let me know.

Park and Mingle!

As noted previously allot of guys and gals in Flatbush still live at home. With that being said. Where do you guys go to hook up? It's kinda hard (no pun) to have a passionate moment with your significant other when mom and dad are your roommates. When I lived at home I had a car. For those who have a car, I will give you the best spots to park and mingle. First you need to park in and around streets where there isn't allot of traffic. That leaves out Church Avenue, Coney Island, Bedford and Flatbush Avenue. The best spots are the quite tree line streets. Farragut Road between Bedford and East 21nd are great. Any quite streets around Brooklyn College is great. The streets of Argyl, Rugby and Stratford road between Beverly and Church avenue use to be the best spots. I don't know how they are now, but I would be careful since some of the new homeowners look like they aren't getting any. They might just call the cops on you out of spite.

New York's Finest

We should all be great full to have a Police Department like the NYPD. This cop was caught sleeping on the job. Then he tried to rail road the kid who took the picture. Read more here.

Maladjusted

In one of his writings Martin Luther King Jr. talks about the psychological problem of maladjustment. He said that in modern psychology there is a word that is probably used more than any other word. It is the word "maladjusted." Dr. King then said that we all should seek to live a well—adjusted life in order to avoid neurotic and schizophrenic personalities. He said that at the same time there some things within our social order to which he was proud to be maladjusted. He then called the people to be maladjusted. Dr. King wrote that he would never adjust to segregation and discrimination. He will never intend to adjust to mob rule. He will never adjust to the tragic effects of the methods of physical violence and to tragic militarism. He then wrote, “I call upon you to be maladjusted to such things. As maladjusted as Abraham Lincoln who had the vision to see that this nation could not exist half slave and half free. As maladjusted as Jefferson, who in the midst of an age amazingly adjusted to slavery could cry out, "All men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights and that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. God grant that we will be so maladjusted that we will be able to go out and change our world and our civilization. And then we will be able to move from the bleak and desolate midnight of man’s inhumanity to man to the bright and glittering daybreak of freedom and justice.” I will never get adjusted to this notion you have to be a certain color in order to rent an apartment. I will never get adjusted to the notion that you need white people to live in your neighborhood in order to get better services. I’m maladjusted to the tactics of Real Estate Brokers, Coop Boards, Merchants and inequality.

Agape

I don't write these post to divide people. It is more to unite. We live in the same neighborhood, borough, city and country. I don't want this blog to become a black vs white issue. I want this to be more of a wrong vs right. Justice vs injustice.

Seeing these injustices that goes on, I don't want this to be bash the white people or hipsters or yuppies or anything else. What I want to bash is Injustice. I want Flatbush to remain on open place. A place where ANYONE can find a place to live regardless of their skin color. A place where people are judge by the content of their character and not the color of their skin.

In his famous writing "The power of Non-violence" Martin Luther King Jr said that "We have to make it clear that also the resister seeks to attack the evil system rather then the individuals who happen to be caught in the system"

Martin Luther King Jr also talked about the agape love. He said that the Greek language uses 3 different words for love. He said that " Eros is a sort of aesthetic love. It has come to us to be a sort of romantic love and it stands with all of its beauty. But when we speak of loving those who oppose us we’re not talking about eros. The Greek language talks about philia and this is a sort of reciprocal love between personal friends. This is a vital, valuable love. But when we talk of loving those who oppose you and those who seek to defeat you we are not talking about eros or philia. The Greek language comes out with another word and it is agape. Agape is understanding, creative, redemptive good will for all men. Biblical theologians would say it is the love of God working in the minds of men. It is an overflowing love which seeks nothing in return. And when you come to love on this level you begin to love men not because they are likeable, not because they do things that attract us, but because God loves them and here we love the person who does the evil deed while hating the deed that the person does. It is the type of love that stands at the center of the movement that we are trying to carry on in the Southland—agape." Maybe we should adopt this philosophy here in Flatbush.

The new Flatbush

In this craigslist posting this Westminister Road housing seems to have no problem blazingly violating fair housing laws by posting a subtle racial listing with a picture of 3 white women in front of the Building. One can only wonder if they would have done the same thing of 3 black teens. Although the majority of the black tenants kept up the Building throughout the 90's when nobody wanted to live in Flatbush, the good people in Westminister Co-op in Ditmas park has decided to illegally steer white people into the building. I know this for a fact because they told a black friend of mind a week ago that they only had for sale and there were no rentals. (This craiglslist ad is for a rental). Good to know good old American racism is alive and well and is being brought head on into flatbush. I will be on the trail. If you have had any problems you can file a Housing lawsuit against them by calling the New York city Human Rights Commission at 311 or (718) 722-3130. Or you can file directly with HUD online complaint here.

Flatbush hope!

In the comments this person that goes by the name of “the real ditmas voice” said that “We are the most diverse community in America, many African Americans, Jews, Asians and mixed races have bought into our coop and into the coops in the “hood”………throwing out accusations that have NO merit is detrimental to all people of the neighborhood, and the possibility of bringing new hope the "Hood".”

I was going to let that go until he/she said “bringing new hope the hood”. So I have good news and bad news for my condescending white liberal friend. I have no evidence that the real ditmas voice is a white liberal but I suspect that she is.I'll take it easy on her because she seems to have good intentions. But you know what they say about good intentions. I can be wrong and I’ve been wrong before. But I digress. First: the bad news. I’m going to rip you a new one. The good news: You’re going to be a better person for it ;). I don’t need anyone to live next to me to give me any new hope. I’m an individual. I blaze my own trail. I’m my own person. No one can mold me. I mold myself. I’m responsible for my own being and no one else. I’ve lived in Flatbush since I was as young as I can remember. Hope is having a solid unbreakable inner strength to keep going on no matter how bad it gets. Hope is having my friends older sister being shot by drug dealers in my own block and having to deal with that as a boy. Wondering why it had to happen. I did not need the Ditmas voice and her mix culture to give me hope. Hope is being a 12 year old boy having drug dealers on every corner of your block and worrying that you might get in the cross fires of a shoot out. Hope is waking up every day as a young boy in Junior High School, dodging crack dealers and refusing to ever end up like them. Hope is having the courage to move on after your schoolmate was burnt alive for refusing to smoke crack. I had despicable people hanging around me growing up. I vowed never to be like them. No matter who my neighbors are. Those people are no longer around. They've been gone since the 90's. It's not the yuppies or hipsters that changed flatbush. It's those of us who grew up here and refused to be pawns for the drug lords and the criminal justice system. I'm still here. I stayed through thick and thin. So do my neighbors have an effect on me? That’s a resounding no. I could care less how diverse flatbush is. It’s all a ruse. The only thing that should matter is that people have a right to move in wherever they want to without being discriminated on behalf of or against by sleazy brokers and real estate agents. I’ve checked out advertisements. There are signs that these scummy brokers have gotten their paws on flatbush. Everything is "apartment is next to Cortelyou road and vox pop." It's basically racial steering of whites. Discriminate against coloreds. Wash, rinse and collect your fee. It's funny that a self proclaim leftist coffee shop like vox pop is being used as a tool of oppression and corporate greed. If you would even think of discriminated against me, I would sue you so fast that you won’t even know what hit you. I've stood up against tougher things. That has no effect on me. So you can have your restaurants, your coffee shops and your crappy overpriced organic food. But never make the mistake that somehow you’re going to make my life better or give me new hope.

How safe is this post?

So this troll writes on the comments section that Barack Obama just won the Iowa Caucus and that I should get off the race issue. He/She then compared Obama to Jessie Jackson. Well I got news for you. When I see Barack Obama the last thing on my mind is to compare him to Jessie Jackson. I see him more like RFK. Why would anyone compare Barack Obama to Jessie Jackson? The only thing they have in common is that they are black. The reason Barack Obama won and resonates with the public is that he transcends race. The people voted for him because they love his ideals and what he stands for. He gives people hope of what a greater America could be. But this is a neighborhood blog pertaining to social aspects of a neighborhood and the surrounding real estate. The fact of the matter is that if Barack Obama were just a regular Joe Somebody who walked into a Brooklyn real estate office with his wife and kids, he would get discriminated against. I suspect although I have no evidence that some of the people who are saying to get off the race issue are the same people who ask their real estate agents about “what type of neighborhood is this?” That is the first question to come out your mouth “who lives in this neighborhood?” If race is not an issue for you then why should you care about the race of your neighbors? But my favorite is when they ask how “safe” is this neighborhood? A recent article pointed out that NYC is as safe as it has ever been since the 60’s. So what are you really asking when you ask how safe is this area? Is safe a code word for “white” How white is this neighborhood? But that wouldn’t be politically correct would it? This is the same reason that all these puff piece Newspaper articles about Flatbush try to marginalize the black population. To appease racist fears of potential white homeowners. Real Estate agents are very unscrupulous. They just want to make a quick buck. So they try to White wash Flatbush. They know how the game is played. All they see is race. They know their clients have racial issues. So they appease. They show them where all the white people hang out (Vox Pop and Cortelyou Road). They convince these white people who have racial hang ups to move into the neighborhood. Then these white people segregate themselves from the rest of the neighborhood. Some (not all) only moved in because they saw other white people living here. So all of a sudden Flatbush is "safe". They think Cortelyou Road is the end all and be all. They (not all, but a significant portion) create this Bunker mentally. I got news for you. All of Flatbush has been safe since the mid-90's when everyone was saying that it was not. Some of these people live in Flatbush but have never been on Flatbush Avenue. I don't see too many white people who live in so called Ditmas Park and Prospect Park South hanging out on Flatbush Avenue. Why is that? Could it be because it's not "safe" yet?

How to pick up women in Flatbush

In the comments section, there was a white guy who posted that he loves black and mixed women. Well he moved to the right place. Flatbush has some of the most beautifully collection of Caribbean women of all mixes imaginable. He said that he didn't have the nerve to approach or hesitant to. There are plenty of ways to pick up women in Flatbush. Allot of guys don't know what to say. "Yo ma let me holla at you" is not going to work. It never does and it never will. Lets say you are at Stop N Shop or maybe on the Subway Platform. Newkirk Avenue and Church have the best looking women. I would stay away from Cortelyou and Beverley Road. The women are not that very good looking. I'm also kinda disappointed that the white women moving into Flatbush are not very good looking. Once in awhile you'll find , but most look like rags. If you see a girl that you fancy on Flatbush, you have to approach in a very casual and non threatening way. Women in Flatbush are very intuitive. You don't want to come off looking like a pimp. One of my favorite things to do if I see a girl is to pick up my cell, (turn it off so it will not ring) and pretend to have a conversation on the phone. I would then hang up and talk to her about whatever the conversation was. It is great because you can pick any topic and the conversation will not look forced.

Niche Marketing

Apparently these merchants have gone to the deep end to make a quick buck. It's not enough that they played up racial stereotypes, but they were also marketing to gang members until the city council stepped in. Read more here.

New Confederation?

Today I saw this jacked up puff piece on Prospect Park South. The author obviously doesn't know what she was talking about. She lumps together Prospect Park South with Ditmas Park. At one time she even refer to Cortelyou Road as Cortelyou Avenue. The piece talks about uppity restaurants and places on Cortelyou Road (which is part of Ditmas Park) but fails to mention Prospect Park Lefferts Garden. Since PPS is so small and is between DP and PLG, one could wonder why PLG was left out. The one Caribbean restaurant that was talked about is located at a place with the least amount of Caribbeans. She also fails to mention why the good people at Prospect Park South and Ditmas Park has chosen to segregate themselves from the rest of Flatbush. Is this new neighborhood now called Prospect South Ditmas Park? Read it Here.