NYC Vlog has posted a video of the Freedom Tower in Manhattan being struck by lightning earlier this week. The city was hit hard by two thunderstorms on Wednesday and Thursday night. Midway through the clip we see what NYC Vlog says is real lightning hitting the structure.
There’s nothing like feeling like you’ve been heard. Last year, we posted 5 reasons that “it’s showtime” in the subway needed to end. We envy those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of witnessing the horror of a group of moderately talented urchins shout “IT’S SHOWTIME” and proceed to spin their Air Jordans in your face as they “perform”. Who’s impressed by this? German tourists, people from Kansas and no one else.
So imagine our unbridled glee when news broke that new (old) police commissioner Bratton laying the smackdown with a crackdown on this menace. Reports say that this year alone the MTA forwarded 21 rider complaints to the NYPD about them – and an undercover operation busted a group of dancers who were getting a little too aggressive in making space for their performance during rush hour.
So here’s our 3 reasons the NYPD’s effort to shut this “entertainment” down is a good thing.
1. Rush hour is bad enough – no one should have to deal with a band of yelling, screaming and flying “performers”
2. It’s really just glorified panhandling…except RIGHT UP IN YOUR FACE.Want to make 100 New Yorkers cringe at once? Walk into a crowded subway car and shout, “Okay, folks! It's showtime!”
— David Mack (@DavidAlanMack) July 2, 2014
Want to make 100 New Yorkers cringe at once? Walk into a crowded subway car and shout, “Okay, folks! It's showtime!”
— David Mack (@DavidAlanMack) July 2, 2014
3. This will make every real New Yorker happy. For real.
No, seriously, check out this Reddit comment:
There was a fantastic moment with these kids on my commute home the other day.
They tried to start their routine on a very crowded Q train and nobody moved. After 2-3 attempts to get people to clear a space nobody moved and nobody paid any attention to them. Eventually they stood quietly for the rest of the ride.
image via
From the Web
They’re back! Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks have returned to the East River. Brooklyn Heights residents and many, many, many visitors will be checking out the show from the Promenade and close-up from Brooklyn Bridge Park. If you live near any streets leading to these areas check for No Parking signs (we spotted some on Cranberry Street this evening).
Here’s the full list (via Brooklyn Eagle):
• Joralemon Street from Furman Street to Court Street
• Montague Street from Hicks Street to Columbia Heights
• Columbia Heights from Remsen Street to Old Fulton Street
• Water Street from Main Street to Old Fulton Street
• Middagh Street from Cadman Plaza West to “Dead End”
• Cranberry Street from Columbia Heights to Hicks Street
• Vine Street from Columbia Heights to Hicks Street
• Cadman Plaza West from Tillary Street to Furman Street
The city is advising people to arrive 5pm to “snag” a good spot for the 9pm show.
Brooklyn Bridge Park posted their holiday schedule this afternoon:
Brooklyn Bridge Park will be open on July 4th. Please note the following:
Squibb Park and Bridge will be closed.
The Main Street section of the park will close at 4pm
Barbeques on Picnic Peninsula will be closed.
All playgrounds will close at 4pm.
The Pop-Up Pool will close at 4pm.
Pier 4 Beach will close at 4pm.
Jane’s Carousel will close at 6pm.
Volleyball courts will close at 4pm.
The Pier 2 sports courts will close at 4pm.
The Pier 5 sports fields will close at 4pm.
Chairs will not be allowed in the park.
Parking is extremely limited. Please use public transportation. See our Visitor Information page for subway, bus and ferry information.
To enter the park, please use the park’s main entrances at Old Fulton and Furman Streets or Atlantic Avenue and Furman Street.
Bags will be checked by NYPD at all entrances.
Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/68274
From the Web
DUMBO
David Walentas Calls Brooklyn Heights ‘Old Guard’ Anti-Semites and Racists in New York Magazine Profile
June 30, 2014 
You can call David Walentas many things, but he sure knows how to get attention. In a New York Magazine profile published this week the developer and King of all DUMBO has a thing or two to say about Brooklyn Heights’ “old guard”:
NY Magazine: His prime adversary was the Brooklyn Heights Association. There was a battle in 1999 over a Walentas proposal to build a Jean Nouvel–designed entertainment complex at the bottom of Old Fulton Street that featured theaters, restaurants, and a hotel that swooped out over the East River. In 2004, Heights residents lobbied fiercely against a Walentas bid to construct a 17-story hotel at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge. In recent years, both sides tussled over where to locate a 1922 carousel that David and Jane had spent years painstakingly restoring. “When I asked him, ‘Can we talk about where it might be sited?,’ he would say, ‘I’m going to put it where I want,’ ” recalls Marianna Koval. “ ‘My wife wants to see it from my living-room window, and I don’t care what you guys think.’ ”
“They’re just stupid, insulated people,” David says when I ask him about the carousel controversy. “The truth is that the Old Guard up the Heights are racists and anti-Semites, if you really want to know. They don’t want anything to happen to disturb their little community. They don’t want shvartzes walking through the community to get to the park.” Today, he says, “the Heights people love the carousel.”
So is he right? Comment away!
NY Magazine Photo
Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/68198
From the Web
We regularly have customers come in looking for sulfite- or tannin-free wine because they say that they get headaches from red wine (and no, we don’t mean that headache you’re bound to get if you drink a whole bottle of any wine). This type of headache is so common that it even has an official name, “red wine headache” or RWH. For some, these RWHs lead to migraines, so many migraine sufferers avoid red wine all together. There are a ton of different viewpoints on the “red wine equals headache” rumor, so we’re going tackle a couple of the common compounds blamed for the pain and look at why they exist in wine.
First of all, let’s address tannins, the most commonly cited reason for RWH. Tannins are a chemical substance that exist naturally in grape skins, seeds and stems. They add dryness or a bitter flavor to the wine. How do you judge the amount of tannins in a wine? Feel your tongue after taking a sip, if it feels dried out, that means that wine has very present tannins. Bordeaux wines, and some Barolos, are famous for being especially tannic. But why are there more tannins in red wine than white? Tannins are more prevalent in red wines because of the prolonged contact the grape juice has with the skins in the fermentation process. As you might imagine, the longer this contact occurs and the thicker the skin of the grape, the more tannins are imparted into the wine.
So, the question remains: Do tannins give you headaches? Yes and no. Science has shown that consuming tannins increases the release of serotonin, and migraine-sufferers can certainly get a headache from too much serotonin. But they haven’t been able to show that serotonin causes headaches in people who don’t get migraines.
What else could it be? Well, sulfites are another possible cause. Sulfites are a natural by-product of the fermentation process of wine and serve as a preservative for wines as they age, reducing their susceptibility of getting that infamous “vinegar” taste and other maladies. Sulfites can cause problems for those with asthma, but do sulfites cause our famous red-wine headaches? The answer is likely no, because many other regularly consumed food products have many more sulfites than wine, including cold cuts, french fries and dried fruits, and it’s not been shown that these foods, wine included, induce headaches. Many still worry about sulfites, so wine that does not have added sulfur has become more and more readily available, especially bottles that are 100% organic.
There’s one last enzyme that’s been blamed: the organic compound, tyramine. Tyramine is produced naturally as food breaks down and ages, so fermented foods like sauerkraut or soy, and aged foods, including some cheeses, do have high levels of it. It has been shown to cause migraine headaches in about 40% of migraine sufferers, but the levels of tyramine in wine vary and its presence in many other kinds of food likely removes it from the list of RWH-causing culprits.
Don’t get us wrong, wine can cause headaches, especially if you don’t drink enough water or have more than one or two glasses. And migraine sufferers should be extra careful because they do seem to be more vulnerable. But everyone else who has been wary of those beautiful bottles of Bordeaux or delicious Syrahs, it’s time to reconsider—you may be missing out on some wonderful wines for no good reason.
Selina Andersson heads up events and social media for Tipsy, a wine and spirits shop in Brooklyn. Tipsy hosts 3 or more free tasting events every week. Visit us at the corner of Myrtle and Classon or online at www.shoptipsy.com.
From the Web
Weeeeeee! Everybody in the pool! Brooklyn Bridge’s Pop Up Pool opens this Friday June 27. Vets of previous seasons know that swimming (and/or lounging) are available by sessions. Here’s the rundown of times via BBP:
SWIM SESSIONS: Wristbands for each session are distributed first-come, first-served.
10:00 am –10:45 am wristbands distributed at 10:00 am
11:00 am – 11:45 am wristbands distributed at 10:30 am
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm wristbands distributed at 11:30 am
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm wristbands distributed at 12:30 pm
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm wristbands distributed at 1:30 pm
3:00 pm – 3:45 pm wristbands distributed at 2:30 pm
4:00 pm – 4:45 pm wristbands distributed at 3:30 pm
5:00 pm – 5:45 pm wristbands distributed at 4:30 pm
Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/68166
From the Web
Arts and Entertainment
BHB’s Heather Quinlan Kickstarting Her New Documentary on the ’86 Mets
June 25, 2014 
Our HQ has tackled New York accents and police reports, and now she’s turning her sights the ’86 Mets. She’s interviewed Doc Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, and a newly-freed Lenny Dykstra. (And on Thursday she’ll be interviewing Met fan Charles Grodin.) Here’s her Kickstarter campaign/trailer to raise money for the all-important rights to MLB footage. For without the ball going through the wickets, there is no movie. And her favorite ’86 Met was Sid Fernandez.
Kevin Mitchell from our interview earlier this month. I think he actually looks younger now than in '86. pic.twitter.com/cgVUPYpJID
— 1986MetsMovie (@86MetsMovie) June 25, 2014
Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/68152
From the Web
Brooklyn Bridge Park may be getting even more popular this summer — there’s a robust schedule of free events.
Here’s a handy list of all of them via the BBP Conservancy:
A FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS – ALL FREE – FOLLOWS
BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK 2014 SEASON SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ARTS & CULTURE
Celebrate Brooklyn! Dance Parties presented by BRIC
Sponsored by Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy
Thursdays, 7:00 pm, Pier 1
Sweeping views, great lawn, dance lessons, beer gardens, bike valet… and it’s free! Three spring evenings feature some of the coolest dance bands on the planet, the funkiest DJs under the stars, and the greatest view in the world on Pier 1!
Join us as we celebrate 15 Season of our movie series on Thursdays this summer! Shorts curated by BAMcinematek, DJs from Brooklyn Radio kick off the evening, and bike valet is provided by Transportation Alternatives.
July 10 – Duck Soup (G)
July 17 – Sharknado
July 24 – Fantastic Mr. Fox (PG)
July 31 – Beetlejuice (PG)
August 7 – Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (PG)
August 14 – Ghost Dog: The Way Of The Samurai (R)
August 21 – The Birds (PG)
August 28 – Public Vote!
Books Beneath the Bridge
Mondays, July 8 – August 12, 7:00 pm, Granite Prospect
Second annual outdoor literature series curated by six local, independent bookstores.
July 7 – Freebird
July 14 – Greenlight Bookstore
July 21 – Powerhouse Arena
July 28 – Community Bookstore Park Slope
August 4 – Word Bookstore
August 11 – Bookcourt
Pier 1
A kiosk in a village square. What could be more ordinary? Join France’s Barolosolo Cirkus Company for an anything but ordinary New York premier of íle O, and watch as this intrepid team creates a delightful mash-up of modern physical theater around their kiosk-pool moving from comic to absurd in a universe filled with aquatic poetry and music. Presented in association with SummerStage. Kids presented by Disney.
Met Opera
Wednesday, June 25, 7:00 pm
Pier 1
This summer recital features three rising Met stars: soprano Amber Wagner, mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton, and tenor Russell Thomas, joined by pianist Dan Saunders.
Hindu Lamp Ceremony
Saturday, August 2, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Main Street
Help Aeilushi Mistry bring peace and harmony to our shoreline as she performs the traditional Hindu Aarti ceremony at the park! Presented with Brooklyn Arts Council.
Jazzmobile: Arturo O’Farrill
Monday, August 18, 7:00 pm
Pier 1
Join us for a performance by Latin Jazz artist, Arturo O’Farrill who brings swinging rhythms to the park!
Battle Of Brooklyn Reenactment
Saturday, August 23, 12:00 pm
Main Street
Join reenactors from Glover’s Marblehead Regiment to learn how sailors saved George Washington’s army during the Battle of Brooklyn in 1776.
Kite Festival
Saturday, September 13, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Pier 1
Watch your kite soar above the Manhattan skyline! Kites will be available for purchase or you can bring your own.
Photoville
September 18 – 21 & 25 – 28
Dumbo Arts FestivalSeptember 21 – 28
Get Active on the Brand New Pier 2 Courts!
5 acres dedicated to active recreation, Enjoy basketball, bocce, shuffleboard and handball courts, a roller/inline skating rink, swings, fitness equipment, picnic tables and half an acre of play turf. Restrooms, skate and equipment rentals, lockers, water fountains and bike racks are also available on site. Take part in fitness classes, leagues, and free play.Free Skate
Mondays & Fridays, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Sundays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Pier 2
Cruise around the new Pier 2 roller/inline skating rink with Free Skate (kid approved) sessions during select hours each week.
Kayaking
June 7 – August 30
Saturdays, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thursdays, 5:30 pm – 6:45 pm
Pier 2 Dock
Glide along the water while kayaking with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse at the Pier 2 floating dock! Children under 18 must have an adult guardian present.
Family Field Days
July 26 and August 23, 10:00 am – 1:00pm
Various locations
Come play games of all shapes and sizes from volleyball, basketball, and soccer clinics to potato sack and relay races with celebrations on each of the park’s active piers.
Pop-Up Pool
Daily, now through Labor Day
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Pier 2 Uplands
Take in the sunshine and cool waters at the Pier 2 Pop-Up Pool! The 30’x50’ pool includes a sandy beach and play area with refreshing food and drinks from Lizzmonade. Swim lessons are available.
Pier 5 Fields
Check website for dates
Three turf fields invite soccer, flag football, field hockey, lacrosse, rugby, and ultimate frisbee players alike to play games looking out at the skyline. Check the website for open play time.
Conservancy Soccer Leagues: Get in the game. Coed and men’s adult soccer leagues play Wednesdays in spring, summer, and fall. Saturday morning youth leagues in spring and fall. Sign up for leagues at brooklynbridgepark.org.
Pier 6 Volleyball
Check website for dates
Walk-up Play: Bring your own volleyball.
League Play: Join a team for organized play on Wednesday and Thursday evenings and join in weekend tournaments.
Reserved Play: A limited number of courts can be reserved for an hour by individuals online at brooklynbridgepark.org.
Public Clinics: Brush up your game with free instruction for children, teens, and adults.
Bike NY Pedal Stops
Select Sundays, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Pier 1
Stop by the free rider assistance and information station where you can get a drink of water and healthy snack, then pick up safety instructions, bike maps, and route suggestions.
FITNESS
All Classes Are One Hour.
Senior Fitness with Dodge YMCA
Mondays, May 5 – June 30, 10:00 am
Pier 6
Outdoor Strength wth Brooklyn Strength
Mondays, June 9 – August 25, 7:00 pm
Pier 6
Sunset Pilates with Body In Balance
Wednesdays, June 18 – September 24, 7:00 pm
Pier 5
Pilates with The Fitness Guru
Tuesdays, June 24 – September 9, 7:00 pm
Empire Fulton Ferry
Early Morning Yoga With Dodge YMCA
Mondays, June 30 – August 18, 7:30 am
Pier 6
Zumba with Dodge YMCA
Sundays, July 6 – August 17, 4:00 pm
Pier 2
Hip Hop Aerobics with Dodge YMCA
Fridays, July 11 – August 22, 7:00 pm
Pier 2
Crossfit with Dumbo Crossfit
Sundays, July 13 – August 3, 2:30 pm
Pier 2
EDUCATION & ENVIRONMENT
Wednesday Night Tours
Wednesdays, May 7 – Oct 8, 6:30pm
From the Web
The Fence, a photo exhibit featuring 40 photographers, opened last Wednesday at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 5. It will remain on view until October. So while you’re trying to find a bit of shade (the tree kind) while strolling through the park and throwing shade (the attitudinal kind) as you sweat and dodge tourists in Citibikes, you can enjoy some great art!
Check out @News12BK video coverage of our first public tour.THE FENCE is now on view til Oct. http://t.co/oabwl3XF0F pic.twitter.com/M5r0jwcecF
— UPI's Photoville (@photovillenyc) June 19, 2014
Photographer @gastonlacombe presenting "Penguinscapes" at #TheFence by @photovillenyc @United_Photo pic.twitter.com/GlKlJ5J4Vy
— Pauline Eiferman (@paulineeiferman) June 18, 2014
Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/68039
From the Web
News
Brooklyn Walking Tour Saturday (6/14): Homer Fink’s Hidden Brooklyn Heights Tickets Available Now
June 6, 2014 
We walk again Saturday June 14!
BHB publisher/ LICENSED NYC tour guide Homer Fink hosts another edition of his Hidden Brooklyn Heights Walking Tour on Saturday (6/14).
Learn about some of the odd, weird, controversial and amusing history of America’s First Suburb. This is 90 minutes of fun! See where Arthur Miller lived, hear the strange tale of the Montague Terrace Horror and find out what the movie Titanic has to do with Brooklyn Heights.
Buy tickets here.
Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/67572