Jamel Shabazz from Brooklyn

He picked up the camera at the young age of 15 yrs old, a 110 Kodak Instamatic and stared to document family and friends.  Jamel was inspired by photographers like Leonard Freed and James Van Der Zee.   Jamel was marveled with their documentation of the African American Community.

Jamel purchased a Canon AE-1 camera and embarked upon a 35 yr journey documenting various culture and people, building a massive body of work, from Fashion, Documentary and fine arts. His camera led him to what would become a remarkable chronicle of the early years of hip hop style, complete with swaggering B-Boys rocking shell-toe Adidas sneakers, fuzzy Kangol caps and thick black Cazal glasses.

Jamel Shabazz was born in the 1960'2 in Brooklyn, New York. He is a Documentary Photographer. He gain recognition through his various books, exhibitions and editorial magazine work.

His photograph have appeared in the 2007 documentary film Planet B-Boy, and such exhibition as the 2008 "Street Art Street Life: From the 1950's to now" in the Bronx Museum of the Arts and as the album cover Art for the 2011 hip hop album undun by the Roots. 

Shabazz also appeared in the Cheryl Dunn 2010 documentary Everybody Street, about photographers who used New York City Street life as a major subject in their work.  

In 2008 curator Shantrelle Lewis paid homage to Shabazz with "The Shout Out: A lonely Crusade,Homage to Jamel Shabazz.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jamel-Shabazz/16841597946

Park Slope, in the most popular borough Brooklyn!!

Park Slope is at the Western part of Brooklyn, most popular borough.  It's bounded by Prospect Park West to the East, Fourth Ave to West,  Flatbush Ave to the North, and Prospect Expressway to South.

The neighborhood takes it's name from it's location on the Western Slope of neighboring Prospect Park, Fifth Ave and Seventh Ave are it's primary commercial streets, while its east-west side streets are populated by many historic Brownstones. 

Park Slope features:

• Historic Buildings
• Top Rated Restaurant
• Bars
• Shops

As well as proximity of 

• Prospect Park
• The Brooklyn Academy of Music
• The Brooklyn Botanical Garden
• The Brooklyn Museum
• The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music
• Central Library

It was named one of the "Greatest Neighborhood in America" by the American Planning Association in 2007, for its Architectural and Historical features and its diverse mix of residents and business, all of which are supporters and preserve by its active involved Citizenry.

In Dec 2006, Natural Home Magazine named Park Slope one of America's TEN best Neighborhoods based on CRITERIA including:

• Parks
• Green Spaces
• Neighborhood Gathering Spaces
• Farmer's Market
• Community Gardens
• Public transportation
• Locally owned businesses.

Baseball has played a prominent role in the history of Park Slope area.  From 1879-1889, the Brooklyn Atlantic's (later became the Dodgers) played at Washington Park on 5th Ave, between 3rd & 4th Streets.  When the park was destroyed by a fire, the team moved to their part time home in Ridgewood Queens and then to a park in East New York.  In 1898 the "NEW" Washington Park was built between Third and Fourth   Ave and between First and Third Streets near the Gowanus Canal.  The team, by this point known as the Dodgers, played to an ever growing fan base at this location.  By the end  of the 1912 season, it was clear that the team had outgrown the field and the neighborhood.  

The team owner Charles Ebbetts moved the team to his Ebbetts Field Stadium in Flatbush for the beginning of the 1913 Season. The team went on to have historic cross town rivalries with both the New York Giants and New York Yankees. 

Park Slope was home to notable residents such as:

• Actor Laurence Fishburne
• Actor John Turturro
• Actress Kelly McGillis
• Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal
• Actress Keri Russell
• Rapper Foxy Brown
• Musician Jim Black
• Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat  

And many more.

Hot Spot for Dining in Park Slope.

Grand Army Plaza

Here are a few spots at Park Slope Dining and Restaurants. 

1. Scottadito Osteria Toscana. 788-A Union Streets, (718)-636-4800. (Italian and Seafood).

Serves regular menu and dinner specials. Saturday and Sunday  Brunch with unlimited Mimosas and Champagne. http://scottadito.com/                                                                      
      

      2.  Bonnie's Grill: 278 5th ave. (718)-369-9527

From appetizers, Sandwiches and Specials. Best Burger in town.

This Green Wall and Retro tiles and decor is a great place to catch a Burger. 

http://bonniesgrill.com/

       3. Bogota Latin Bistro: 141 5th Ave. (718)-230-3805

A celebration of the Foods and Drinks of Colombia and Latin America.

Latin America, Vegetarian and Gluten-Free.

http://bogotabistro.com/

       4. Park Slope ChipShop: 383 5th Ave. (718)-832-7701

British, Fish & Chips. http://www.chipshopnyc.com/

       5. Jpan: 287 5th Ave (718)-788-2880

                          Sushi Bar, Japanese.

For more Restaurant in Park Slope, click on the link.http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=park+slope&find_loc=New+York%2C+NY+10003&ns=1#find_desc=restaurant+in+park+slope+Brooklyn&find_loc=New+York,+NY+10011&l=p:NY:New_York:Brooklyn:Park_Slope&show_filters=1

Our "Take it back Tuesday" goes to Laurence Fishburne

Laurence John Fishburne is a Film and Stage Actor, Playwright, Director and Pr Mr. Fishburne was best known for his role on as Ike Turner in Tina Tuner's Biopic What Love Got To Do With It. 

Laurence Fishburne is the First African American to portray Othello in a motion picture by a Major Studio when he appeared  in Oliver Park's 1995 film adaption of the Shakespeare play. He also played Dr. Raymond Langston on  CBS CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

Mr. Fishburne has won a Tony Award for a Best Featured Actor in a play and a Emmy for a Drama Series Guest Actor.

Laurence Fishburne career stems from the 1970's, which he starred in 

• Mod Squad
• ABC Soap Opera One Life To Live
• Good Times
• Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse.

In the 80's he appeared in 

• Small Role in the Color Purple
• The Cotton Club
• Pee Wee's Play House
• Mash
• Short Eyes
• Death Wish 2
• Nightmare on Elm Street
• Quick Silver
• Spike Lee's School Daze

In the 1990's he appeared and or starred

• King of New York
• Boyz n the Hood
• Deep Cover

He performed in August Wilson Play Two Trains running.

In 1993 he received his first nomination for his portrayal of Ike Turner in What Love Got To Do With It.

In the 2000's he appeared of starred in 

• Osmosis
• The Matrix Reloaded
• The Matrix Revolution
• The Spooks
• Mission: Impossible

In 2006 he appeared with Angela Bassett in a Pasadena Playhouse Production of August Wilson Fences.

He provided voice for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the voice of Silver Surfer in 2007 film Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer among other film and movies. 

This Actor was born on July 30, 1961 at Augusta, Georgia. Fishburne's mother Hallie Bell a Junior High School Mathematics and Science Teacher, his father Laurence Fishburne Jr a Juvenile Correction Officer. 

After his parents divorced at young age, his mother moved him to Park slope, Brooklyn New York where he was raised.  Fishburne attended Lincoln Square Academy, which closed in the 1980's.

For all those Chocolate Lovers.

If you are truly a chocolate lover, this is the place to go in Brooklyn. They craft the finest quality chocolate desserts from their irresistible Browne-Sundae to their Oprah adored Chocolate Layer Cake. 

Everything is hand-made by Pastry Chefs.  They use the BEST all natural ingredients. 

At the Chocolate Room everything is fabulousy chocolate. 

The Chocolate Room has a large selection of desserts                      

• Cakes
• Cupcakes
• Cookies
• Pies
• Signature Desserts
• Shakes&Floats
• Homemade Ice cream
• Chocolate Drinks
• Specialty Drinks
• Coffee&Espresso
• Tea
• Beer
• Sauces
• Toppings
• Wine    

The Chocolate Room is a cozy shop where you can indulge yourself with the best chocolate. It's like a childhood dream in a sophisticated grown-up cafe. They have fans of all ages.

I am definitely one. I knew about The Chocolate Room, but never had the opportunity to visit it. This weekend was my birthday and a good friend of mine bought me a Chocolate Cupcake from them, but I'm sad to say that i didn't even had the chance to take a picture. It was that good and all i have to show for it is the bag that the cupcake came in. It's a definite yes when it came to their chocolate. Great place to take your Honey for Valentine's Day.    

They have 2 locations:          

• TCR Parkslope 

                  86 Fifth Ave.

                  Brooklyn, New York 11217

                  (718)-783-2900

• TRC Cobblehill

                  269 Court St.

                  Brooklyn, New York 

                  (718)-246-2600       

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Chocolate-Room/30541469113?fref=ts                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Bed-Stuy's own Juice Bar.

The Bush Doctor Juice Bar is a wonderful  spot located in Bed-Stuy specializing in exquisite fresh all Natural  Organic Juice. 

The Bush Doctor is a community base juice bar, which serves over 51 different smoothies and  juices.

Located at 370 Tompkin Ave in Bed-Stuy. The Bush Doctor  "Juice Bar" is a small quaint spot with great, friendly staff.

The Bush Doctor Juice Bar is 100% all natural, freshly made fruit juices and vegetable juices.

Bush Doctor "Juice Bar" specializes in making homemade Ginger Beer, along with a variety of different drinks. Ginger Beer is an non-alcoholic drink. It's made from real Ginger. It's great for upset stomach, colds, and other health issues. Ginger Beer is sold by the cup or gallon.

They also specialize in healthy food, such as Organic Veggie Burger, Salmon Burger and Ginger Coffee.

I had a chance to try their Ginger Beer at a Food Tasting Event, which i took place at Fashion Rock. I loved it. I drink a lot of ginger tea, so this fitted just right with me.  I was also treated by them to taste their Salmon Burger, which i never went. Next time. 

So, if in the Bed-Stuy area stop by, can't go wrong everything  healthy in there. So stop by.

They are open on Monday-12-7, Tuesday-1-7, Saturday-1-8 and Sunday 1-8.

They deliver with a min of $20. (718) 594-7607

https://www.facebook.com/fashionrocklounge?fref=pb

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bush-Doctor-Juice-Bar/160932880615058?fref=ts

Pizza is the quintessential Brooklyn fast food. Totonno's in Brooklyn is one of the Best

New York is the undisputed pizza capital in the world. Brooklyn has earned a reputation as the Borough with the BEST pizza and we have one.

         Totonno's Pizzeria Napolitano

Totonno's is a family owned business established 1924 and  been a long time residence of 524 Neptune Ave in Coney Island. Established by Antonio "Totonno" Pero, this long time favorite of Coney Island has been using a coal-fire brick oven and has made the same pizza since it opened.

Known for it's legendary booth, for it's irregular hour, pizza served in a paper plate and it's devotion to artisanal pies, served in humble surroundings. 

People from as far as Japan, Germany and Italy of course has come to Brooklyn where it all began. Totonno's took top honors in the Zagat New York City Restaurant Guide. 

Totonno's was among several landmark New York restaurants devastate by Hurricane Sandy, with plans to re-open by the end of the year.

   

                             Totonno's Pizzeria Napolitano

                                 524 Nuptune Ave.

                              Brooklyn, New York 11224

                                 (718)-372-8606

                                  

The Great Lena Horne

Lena Mary Calhoun Horne was an Actress, Singer, Dancer and a Civil Activist. She joined the chorus of the Cotton Club at the age of sixteen and became a Night Club Performer.

She had small roles in numerous movie and more substantial parts in films, Cabin in the Sky and Stormy Weather.

Returning to her roots as a night club performer, she continue to work as a performer, both nightclub and Television. while releasing well received albums.

She retired in March 1980, but the next year starred in a one woman show, Lena Horne: The Lady and her Music, which ran for three-hundred performances on Broadway and earned her numerous Awards and accolades. She continue recording and performing into the 1990's.

Lena Horne as she was known as, was born on June 30,1917 in Bedford-Stuyvesant, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York .Horne and her family  briefly moved to Atlanta, they return back to Brooklyn where she attended Girls High School in Brooklyn that has since become Boys and Girls High School.

Ms. Horne continued recording and performing sporadically into the 1990's disappearing from the public eye in 2000. RIP Lena Mary Colhoun Horne June 30 1917-May 9 2010

Ralph Bakshi was born Oct. 10, 1938. Mr. Bakshi is a director of animated and live action films.  Between 1972-1992 he directed nine theatrically released feature films, five of which he wrote. 

Ralph began his career at the Terrytoons television Cartoon Studio as a cel polisher, he was promoted to director.  In 1967, he moved to Paramount Pictures and started his own studio.

Bakshi made his debut feature film "Fritz the Cat", released in 1972.  It was the first animated film to receive an X-rating from the Motion Picture Association of America.

Over the next eleven years, Bakshi directed seven additional animated features. 

• Wizard-1977
• The Lord of the Rings-1978
• American Pop-1981
• Fire and Ice-1983
• Cool World-1992
• Cool and Crazy-1992
• Spicy City-1997

He has received several awards for his work.  Including the 1980 Golden Gryphon's for The Lord of the Ring at the Giffoni Film Festival, the 1988 Annie Award for Distinguished Contribution to the Art of Animation, and the 2003 Maverick Tribute Award at the Cine quest Film Festival.

Born in Haifa, British mandated Palestine, his family immigrated to New york to escape World War 2.  They settled in BROWNSVILLE, Brooklyn.  As a child he enjoyed comic books.

During his teenage years, Bakshi took up boxing.  While attending Thomas Jefferson High School, he took little interest in his academics, spending most of his time focusing on "broads", mouthing off and doodling.  After participating in a food fight and being caught smoking, Bakshi was sent to the Principal's office.  Believing that Bakshi was unlikely to prosper at Thomas Jefferson's, the principal transferred him to Manhattan's School of Industrial Art.  In 1956, Bakshi graduated from the school with an Award in Cartooning.

Bringing the Holiday Spirit to Brooklyn , Atlantic Ave, Annual Tree Lighting

  Brooklyn is bringing the Holiday Spirit to Atlantic Ave                                                                           

Atlantic Ave Tree Lighting Party:  On Nov. 29, 2012 at the Belarusian Church, 401 Atlantic Ave BTW Hicks St. and 4th Ave. From 6-8 pm

Hosted by Atlantic Ave local Development Corporation

Councilman Stephen Levin lights up the tree as P.S 38 and P.S 261 leads by caroling.

• Performances by Rolie Polie Guacamole and The Brooklyn Ballet. 
• Window Design Competition 
• Tasty Treats complimentary of local shops.
• Distinguished guest and Santa

Shop while you enjoy the Festive Event

.  

2007 Window Display
http://www.flickr.com/photos/michellekarshan/2076100544/

2008 Window Display
http://www.atlanticavenueholidayshopping.blogspot.com/

Barge Music, New York City's Floating Concert Hall. Moored in Brooklyn under the Brooklyn Bridge at Fulton Ferry Landing

Barge Music

Barge Music, Floating Concert

Barge Music, Floating Concert Hall at the Fulton Ferry Landing, Brooklyn

Reservation strongly recommended.

Barge Music is moored in Brooklyn, under the Brooklyn Bridge at Fulton Ferry Landing.  

Barge provides great music up to 5 days a week, every week of the year.

This 102-foot renovated former coffee barge intimate wood paneled offers audiences stunning views of lower Manhattan's Skyline, popular with both attendees  and performing artists.

Founded in 1977 by former Violinist Olga Bloom, has become something of s local landmark and Cultural Institution. 

It is known to welcome both lesser known emerging Artists and internationally famous performers.  This unconventional space only houses small shoes in order to provide audience members with the best possible music experience.

                      

Barge Music

Fulton Ferry Landing.(Brooklyn Heights) 718-624-2083

Our "Take it Back Tuesday" is Eddie Murphy from Bushwick, Brooklyn

Our "Take it Back Tuesday" goes to Edward Regan Murphy.

• Stand up Comedian.
• Actor
• Writer
• Singer
• Director
• Musician

He was ranked #10 on the Comedy Centrals list of the 100 Greatest Stand-ups of all time.  Murphy was a regular on Saturday Night Live, where he was credited with helping revitalize the series during it's first true slumping in quality in the early 80's.  Most notable character, A grown version of Little Rascal character "Buckwheat".

Murphy made his big screen debut in the film 48 Hrs, which received a Golden  Globe Award nomination for his performance.  In 2007 he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor and received a nomination for the Academy Award for best supporting actor for his portrayal of soul singer James "Thunder" Early in Dream girls.

Murphy's movie includes 

• Beverly Hills Cops
• Trading Places
• The Nutty Professor 

All three was nominated for the a Golden Globe Award.

He has also worked as a  voice actor in movies,  Thurgood Stubb in the PJs, Donkey in the Shrek series and the Chinese Dragon Mushu in Disney's Mulun 

In some of his films, he plays multiple roles in addition  to his main character, intended as a tribute to one of his idols Peter Sellers, who played multiple roles. Murphy has played multiple roles in Coming to America, Wes Cravens Vampire in Brooklyn, The Nutty Professor, Bowfinger, Norbit and Meet Dave

• 
  

Eddie Murphy as he is known, starting writing his and performing his own routine at 15. Heavily influenced by Bill Cosby and Richard Pryor.

Originally from Bushwick, Brooklyn, Lillian, Murphy's mother was telephone operate his father, Charles Edward Murphy was a Transit Police, amateur actor and  Comedian.  Murphy's single mother became ill, Murphy 8 and his older brother lived in foster care for one year.

In interviews Murphy has stated that his time in Foster care was influential in developing his sense of humor.

Brooklynites Chris Rock

Chris Rock

Christopher Julius Rock was born on Feb 7, 1965 to Rosalie and Julius Rock at Andrews, North Carolina.  After his birth, his parents moved to Crown Heights, Brooklyn.  

Mrs. Rock worked as a teacher and  Social Worker for the mentally handicapped and his father a Truck Driver and a news paper delivery truck, relocated there family a few years later to a working-class neighborhood Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Julius Rock passed away in 1988 after Ulcer Surgery.

Rock was bus to schools in white neighborhoods in Brooklyn where he endured bulling and beating from white students. He attended James Madison High School.

In 1984 Rock began his comedy at New York City's "Catching a Rising Star".  He rose to ranks of the comedy circuit in addition to earning big roles in the film, I'm gonna get you sucka"and TV series Miami Vice.

Eddie Murphy befriended him and mentored the aspiring comic.  Murphy gave Rock his first film role in Beverly Hills Cop 2.

Rock became a cast member of the popular comedy series Saturday Night Live in 1990.  Rock and other new cast member Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider and David Spade became known as the Bad Boys of SNL.

His released his first comedy album Born Suspect and won acclaim for his dramatic role as a crack addict in the film New Jack City.

Mr. Rock is a Actor, Comedian, Screen writer, television producer, Film producer and director.                     So let's give it up for Mr. Rock, Brooklynite.

Our "Take it Back Tuesday" person is Rhea Perlman. A ll the way from Brooklyn.

                 Rhea Perlman was born on March 31, 1948 to Mr. & Mrs. Philip and Adele Perlman in Brooklyn, New York.  Mr. Perlman was an actor himself, her sister a writer, Story Editor, and a producer on the television shows Cheers and Frasier.

                 Rhea attended Hunter College in New York City, but Rhea is best known for her role as Carla Tortelli on the sitcom Cheers, for which she won four Emmys.  She began her acting career in 1972 when she played a role in the "Hot Dogs Gauguin".  On that same year she appeared in "Westbeth Playwrights Feminist Collective, along with her future husband.

                  She began her acting Career in the early 1970's with a number of appearances on TV, Films and Short Films.  Perlman, also starred in several TV Movies and motion pictures in the 1990's.  Perlman Motion Picture roles includes,

• There goes the neighborhood-1992
• Canadian Bacon-1995
• Carpool-1996
• Sunset Park-1996
• Matilda-1996

        One of her notable role was playing Zena on the show Taxi.

She has won 4 Emmys in, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1989 for her role as Carla Tortelli on the sitcom Cheers.  During her career in Cheers, she was nominated for a Golden Globe six times, and was nominated every year for a Emmy.  She became the Cheers star to have the most wins and nomination.  She also starred in the 2007 Independent  Film "Love Comes Lately".  

Perlman is the author of the successful illustrated Children's Book Series "Otto under cover".

On January 17, 1997 Perlman met actor Danny Devito.  Two Weeks into meeting, they moved in together. They were married on January 28, 1982.  They have 3 children, Lucy 29, Grace 27, Jacob 23.

Devito and Perlman has worked along on several occasion including:

• T.V show Taxi
• Matilda.

Perlman and Devito are member of the steering committee of the Friends of the Apollo, a theater in Oberlin, Ohio as is Film maker Johathan Demme.

Nicholas Brooklyn a store for everything

Nicholas Brooklyn 

                                                Nicholas Brookly
                                                570 Fulton Street.
                                         Brooklyn, New York


Weekly Healing circles,



Organic Health products, Organic bath and Body product, books incense, posters, Jewerly, Hats. Women and Men Clothings.

Poetry, music and indie film nights to name a few.


Nicholas Brooklyn has join forces with other local businesses and organization to bring better quality service to the  poeple.


Products, such as Fashion, Jewerly, Lotion, Incent, .  The store known to many as "Nicholas" has come a long way.

After selling items out of his trunk he then moved to selling items to other stores.  Then opening his own stores in locations such as Harlem, Queens and Brooklyn. 

Also known for Throwing, Hosting Events and Fundraisers.  Well known for their Open Mic.  Where anybody NO matter age, or race is welcomed to come and express their feelings. 

Nicholas Brooklyn invited What's up New York? to Open MIC.  Had the opportunity to see all the talent that came out that night.....From the young to the old. Poets, Singers, Rappers, Comedy and more. They came out and showed us what they're made from.  

Make sure to stop by Nicholas and see what they have on their calender. 

Nicholas Brooklyn

Nicholas Brooklyn 

Nicholas Brooklyn 

Nicholas Brooklyn 

Nicholas Brooklyn 

Nicholas Brooklyn 

Open MIC @ Nicholas Brooklyn 

Open MIC @ Nicholas Brooklyn 

Open MIC @  Nicholas Brooklyn 

Open MIC @ Nicholas Brooklyn

Open MIC @ Nicholas Brooklyn

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Todays "Take it back Tuesday" goes to Jean-Michel Basquiat A Brooklyn born Painter and Poet. He's known for his paintings all over the Soho section of New York which he called "SAMO". After metting with famous painter Andy Warhol, Basquiat career took off with a lot of his Untitled Paintings being held and sold at art exhibits. Basquiat passed away at the age of 27 due to a drug overdose during a depression he faced after the death of Warhol. His art still lives on and you could also see some of it in the Brooklyn Museum.