Browsing Tag

marty markowitz

BHnCiXgCYAAlGX2
News

Tale of the Tweets: Marty Markowitz’s Final State of the Borough Address

April 11, 2013

Marty Markowitz’s final State of the Borough address was staged as a faux talk show and featured guest appearances by Larry King, Tony Danza, Pat Kiernan and Sunny Anderson. We also learned that the famous Coney Island parachute jump has received $2 million in funding to have its lighting restored.

(In honor of Marty’s final SOTB we’ve included a “Throwback Thursday” video of him above.)

And now, the rest of the story:

Marty’s Final State of the Borough

Storified by Brooklyn Bugle· Thu, Apr 11 2013 19:21:41

Setting up for the 2013 and last State of the Borough address by @MartyMarkowitz in the @barclayscenter. #Brooklyn pic.twitter.com/drkanVJXtIAndrew Pavia
Waiting for #MartyMarkowitz pic.twitter.com/M3O6NV44XtMark S. Weprin
At the Brooklyn State of the Borough at Barclay’s Center. Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir about to perform. #SOTB pic.twitter.com/ar7kfjVFtNnatebliss
Backstage at Barclays Center where I’m doing an "In the Papers" segment at @MartyMarkowitz State of the Borough. pic.twitter.com/afeDXqk8g9Pat Kiernan
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir kicks off my final State of the Borough at Barclays Center pic.twitter.com/isXPqeVbpdMarty Markowitz
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir kicks off my final State of the Borough at Barclays Center pic.twitter.com/isXPqeVbpdMarty Markowitz
.@BTChoir performs @barclayscenter 4 @martymarkowitz’s final state of the borough. brooklyn definitely in the house. pic.twitter.com/jY4xXk5tfkterence kelly
2013 State of the Borough address commences @BarclaysCenter @MartyMarkowitz @ Barclays Center instagram.com/p/X-16nuN7hr/The Brooklyn Brewery
Attending Marty’s last party. Great show so far! @MartyMarkowitz #Brooklyn #martysparty pic.twitter.com/IfTruivRaEKyle Kimball
@MissAmerica is getting Brooklyn excited for @MartyMarkowitz’s last State of the Borough @BarclaysCenter #SOTBBK Independent TV
@MissAmerica is getting Brooklyn excited for @MartyMarkowitz’s last State of the Borough @BarclaysCenter #SOTBBK Independent TV
it’s @martymarkowitz’s world, we just living in it. take a victory lap, my good man #sotb pic.twitter.com/ip1MeTaZuBterence kelly
it’s @martymarkowitz’s world, we just living in it. take a victory lap, my good man #sotb pic.twitter.com/ip1MeTaZuBterence kelly
@MartyMarkowitz "Brooklyn: where legends are made and dreams come true" @barclayscenterYosef Kramer
@TonyDanza is the boss! #SOTBBK Independent TV
Tough to see him but #Martymarkowitz state of the borough address. Like a rock concert! pic.twitter.com/S1DDPAO88nSteven Cohen
Tony Danza brings down the house introducing @MartyMarkowitz for his final State of the Borough @barclayscenter pic.twitter.com/WVn4SLdq06Brad Lander
@BrooklynNets #BlackoutBrooklyn 4/20! You heard what @MartyMarkowitz said about orange & blue #SOTBBK Independent TV
Mallory Hagan@missUsa introduces @MartyMarkowitz #SOTB2013 pic.twitter.com/XbjQSRB7w5Brian Vines
#MartyMarkowitz droppin Knowledge at is #StateoftheBoroughAddress pic.twitter.com/kMCYzLlfhZsenatorparker
And we’re under way #SOTBMarty Markowitz
#TonyDanza rappin at #MartyMarkowitz #StateoftheBoroughAddress #BarclayCenter #whowouldathunkit pic.twitter.com/IZr165epwisenatorparker
Big crowd @barclayscenter for @MartyMarkowitz final State of the Borough. I’m expecting dancing elephants. pic.twitter.com/tHuLiLNHawBrad Lander
#Brooklyn Borough Pres @MartyMarkowitz holding his final State of the Borough @barclayscenter pic.twitter.com/EtWEBtQapUJeanine Ramirez
Tony Danza rapping in the House of Jay-Z. @S_C_ @TonyDanza @MartyMarkowitz @barclayscenter #SOTB pic.twitter.com/mmTIyXLfgXKyle Kimball
Tony Danza rapping in the House of Jay-Z. @S_C_ @TonyDanza @MartyMarkowitz @barclayscenter #SOTB pic.twitter.com/mmTIyXLfgXKyle Kimball
Thnx to @MartyMarkowitz for the Brooklyn #techtriangle shoutout at the #sotb2013!Stephen Levin
Well-deserved shout-out for our seat-mate, Navy Yard CEO Andrew Kimball @BLDG92 Manufacturing grows in Brooklyn #sotb pic.twitter.com/SKU5mMftNWBrad Lander
@MartyMarkowitz#SOTB How’s Bklyn doing?Marty says Silicon Valley is so over! It’s DUMBO, Coney Island, Nets, Cyclones and the IslandersPat Tinto
Brooklyn Tech Triangle shout out at @MartyMarkowitz’s State of the Borough! cc: downtownbklyn bldg92 @… instagram.com/p/X-4d3ePXXI/DUMBO, Brooklyn
@MartyMarkowitz just announced @TropfestUSA coming to #Brooklyn at the #StateoftheBorough ! @johnpolsonJennifer Stybel
.@MartyMarkowitz praises Mayor Bloomberg’s commitment to public schools, but his salute to @uft’s Mike Mulgrew draws far bigger applause.Brad Lander
@BrooklynNets @MartyMarkowitz state of borough address more students in BK than Cambridge! #hellobrooklynRyan Scott
Marty has announced the relighting of the iconic landmark Parachute Jump. Coming this summer! Thanks, @MartyMarkowitz! #SOTBConey Island
"Brooklyn is more than a freakin’ tree" @MartyMarkowitz #sotb2013 #SOTBKyle Kimball
@MartyMarkowitz sotb @barclayscenter ! Make sure you visit the restaurants and bars in the neighborhood after the speech! @nfbidCarlo Scissura
@martymarkowitz put on a white sports coat as several fireworks went off pic.twitter.com/IrRcbmLlaCAaron Short
"I don’t know how Eric matches this" says CM Vinny Gentile as the #sotb converts to fireworks, lightships & Brooklyn Tonight variety show.Brad Lander
The State of the Borough is now a talk show, hosted by @MartyMarkowitz #Brooklyn instagram.com/p/X-9XqGoaY8/L. Joy Williams
Brooklyn tonight and I’m your host…by the time we’re done I might be on late night! #sotbMarty Markowitz
Brooklyn tonight and I’m your host…by the time we’re done I might be on late night! #sotbMarty Markowitz
Do you think Brooklyn is the best baby name ever? Definitely best out of the 5 boroughs in our opinion! #SOTBBK Independent TV
#Brooklyn Tonight with @MartyMarkowitz … State of the Borough Address at the #Barclays pic.twitter.com/9dnsPcV1WCChelsia Rose Marcius
"Take your woman to spumoni gardens!" #sotbClayton Parker
@CatGreenleaf + @MartyMarkowitz = fun times on #SOTBBK Independent TV
@PatKiernan reads @MartyMarkowitz’s greatest hits from the NY dailies. #SOTBBK Independent TV
Watch out @patkiernan, @martymarkowitz wants your job pic.twitter.com/oaZphzBUpFAaron Short
@patkiernan now reading embarrassing @MartyMarkowitz headlines. Marty is sniping, and it’s getting raw, angry, weird and awkward. I like it.Aaron Short
OK, I’ve given up tweeting the @MartyMarkowitz #sotb Variety Show. No way my twitter stream can match the reality. pic.twitter.com/p5BlM1JXlcBrad Lander
A highlight of @MartyMarkowitz state of the borough address. Brooklyn’s Clown Price headline immortalized pic.twitter.com/GjLkd72m2aRich Calder
@DaleTalde & @sunnyanderson representing Brooklyn’s diverse culinary scene at #SOTB. Now currently craving Talde’s halo halo.BK Independent TV
@MartyMarkowitz just shot off fireworks in @BarclaysCenter and Nets championship banners shockingly survived pic.twitter.com/bxkdoI3yUNRich Calder
Stopped by the @barclayscenter earlier this evening to hear @martymarkowitz give his State of the Borough address. What a beautiful buildingAdolfo Carrion, Jr
Look who I’m seated next to at @martymarkowitz’s State of the Boro address! @StephenLevin33 & I are comparing tweets. campl.us/oA2JDavid G. Greenfield
Thank you @MartyMarkowitz for your many shout outs to @BrooklynChamber At the sotb @barclayscenterCarlo Scissura
@MartyMarkowitz talk show schtick at Borough Address tonight could land him a steady BCAT gig if he’s lucky pic.twitter.com/9iy8Ymx0evRich Calder
Omg @martymarkowitz has a spoof film reel w/Do the Right Thing in it! #hilarious! #StateofTheBrooklynBoroughAddress Bourough #BarclaysCenterJanell Hazelwood
At the amazing State of Boro address by #MartyMarkowitz Makes me wonder why Mom and Dad ever left #BrooklynMark S. Weprin
Just helped Brooklyn Borough prez @MartyMarkowitz do his last State of the Borough address turned talk show! #honored pic.twitter.com/4z0ssp8RjPSunny Anderson
#Absolove creative #sotb address @ #BarclaysCenter. If u live or from #BK #getinvolved. Don’t c many #youngprofessionals here. Learned alot!Janell Hazelwood
Ok, I’ll give @MartyMarkowitz props on the pre-filmed Tony Manero Saturday Night Fever routine strutting 86th St. pic.twitter.com/NENPapsAXBRich Calder
Parachute Jump gets $2 million lighting upgrade soa.li/Q2xVxkh Pimp my Parachute Jump!! Thanks @MartyMarkowitz it looks incredible!Dirty Martini
state of the borough #brooklyn via @martymarkowitz #sotb #live vine.co/v/btUdEuLx3PBSarkis Kalashian
Journalist and author @ayanamathis just left the stage. Special greeting from @larryking #media #powerwomen #icons #sotb #BK #martymarkowitzJanell Hazelwood
@kingsthings gives @MartyMarkowitz tips on being a talk show host – suspenders. #SOTBBK Independent TV
And now @MartyMarkowitz has me crying #brooklynL. Joy Williams
"To every Brooklynite, you are the mustard on a Nathan’s hotdog.. you make Brooklyn Brooklyn!" @MartyMarkowitz #sotbAmira Ibrahim
Eric Adams with @martymarkowitz counting down the days left in the borough presidency #SOTB2013 pic.twitter.com/TAuBLIusF3Brian Vines
wow #sotb “@aaronshortstory: Tony Danza is now going to rap for @MartyMarkowitz”The Brooklyn Bugle
“Everything I did was out of love for Brooklyn.” -@MartyMarkowitz, a great final State of the Borough Address. Thanks for watching! #SOTBBK Independent TV
Happy trails to you, Mr. Borough President! @martymarkowitz pic.twitter.com/NGKAswgUanStephen Levin
Brief video of tonight’s @MartyMarkowitz State of the Borough Address for those who can’t be there live. #sotb youtube.com/watch?v=nIId8L…Brooklyn Spoke
@MartyMarkowitz #sotb 1hr+ speech, 1hr talk show, some entertaining, heartfelt moments but profoundly self-indulgent 2 #HungryFolkLeftEarlyNorman Oder
@MartyMarkowitz really knows how to throw an after party… #Barclays #Brooklyn w @pearlgabel pic.twitter.com/kv9CXHchJGChelsia Rose Marcius

From the Web

Brooklyn Heights, Events, Food, News

Tale of the Tweets: Red Hook Fairway Re-Opens

March 3, 2013

Red Hook’s Fairway Market reopened with a celebration that began at 7:30 a.m. on Friday with a foodie event to remember,” with food and product demos, giveaways and appearances from Miss America Mallory Hytes (who lives in Brooklyn) and Borough Prez Marty Markowitz.

Among improvements to the grocery post-Sandy—which decimated the 52,000sf waterfront store with 5 feet of water—are wider aisles, no dead ends in produce, entire store is easier to navigate, bakery is three times larger, a new cafe with enhanced offerings, meat & seafood easier to shop and a self-serve meat aisle across from the butcher counter.

In addition, a new expanded bulk section now comprises 198 items, including granola, nuts & seeds, grains & beans, natural candy and more.

The store was packed all weekend, here’s the Tale of the Tweets from opening day onward:


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/55734

From the Web

Events, Food

Miss America & Markowitz To Celebrate Fairway’s Reopening On 3/1

February 21, 2013

The reopening of Red Hook’s Fairway Market March 1 is be treated as a celebration for the local community, complete with guest “stars” and lots of hoopla. Racked reports that the grand reopening at 8 a.m. Friday will include demos and giveaways—and an appearance from Miss America Mallory Hytes (who lives in Brooklyn) and Borough Prez Marty Markowitz.

As previously reported, 5 feet of water filled the 52,000sf waterfront grocery store. Owners have invested $10 million to install a new bake area and larger cafe, wider aisles and all-new equipment.


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/55543

From the Web

News

Markowitz on LICH Closing: “A Serious Mistake”

February 8, 2013

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz testified before the Assembly Health Committee at Brooklyn Borough Hall today. Here’s the transcript of his testimony:

This morning’s unanimous vote by the board of SUNY Downstate to shut down LICH is simply unacceptable. Closing LICH jeopardizes the health and well-being of thousands of Brooklynites and will have serious effects on our economy.

LICH provides essential medical treatment for thousands of Brooklynites with chronic conditions and those seeking emergency care—without it, they will lose their lifeline.

Comptroller DiNapoli’s audit claims that LICH is underutilized, yet according to several reports, including a study by the New York Nurses Association, LICH averaged a 90 percent occupancy rate. And in 2010, LICH delivered more than 3,000 babies, and treated over 4,000 infants in its neo-natal unit and nearly 2,000 heart patients.

The statistics clearly show that LICH is not underutilized.

Furthermore, the New York Nurses Association also found that in 2012 there were well over 120,000 patient visits to LICH. Roughly 20 percent of those were emergency room visits, meaning without LICH, one out of every five patients would have had to go elsewhere, losing valuable time in the process. And in life threatening situations, every second counts.

And the hospital’s hard working staff has clearly proven their capabilities and dedication as they are essentially operating with half the required resources. The facility has been staffed and budgeted for no more than 250 beds, yet the hospital has more than 500 beds!

Sadly, these 2,000 dedicated doctors, nurses, and hospital staff are in danger of losing their jobs. Many of these employees live in Brooklyn, so closing LICH would have devastating economic consequences that would ripple across Brooklyn. And right now, the last thing we want to do is hurt our already fragile economy.

In the debate on LICH’s future, we cannot ignore the simple fact that the real estate value of the LICH property is estimated at $500 million dollars. It raises the serious concern that this hospital may be viewed more valuable closed than open. But whatever profits SUNY might gain from real estate will be more than offset by the loss in jobs and valuable medical service to our community.

It’s plain to see that closing LICH would be a serious mistake, so I call on SUNY’s board to rethink this rash decision and continue working to find alternative solutions that would ensure that Brooklynites do not lose critical medical services.

BHB file photo by Claude Scales



Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/55136

From the Web

Events

Lighting Of The Borough Hall Christmas Tree: December 6

December 4, 2012

On Thursday, December 6, at 5:30 p.m. Brooklyn Borough Prez Marty Markowitz will emcee the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Borough Hall Plaza. A lucky kid from the audience will be chosen to flip the switch and illuminate the 40-foot-tall balsam fir, which Time Out New York hailed as one of the city’s holiday trees “worth seeking out on a cold winter’s night.” The tree will sparkle with holiday colors each night through the holiday season. Brooklynite Adriana Louise of NBC’s “The Voice” will provide entertainment and sing her favorite Christmas song. Free holiday refreshments will be served, and Santa is also rumored to be stopping by. (Photo: Downtown Brooklyn Partnership)


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/52551

From the Web

Brooklyn Heights, Events, News, Sports

BBP Prez Marty Markowitz Weighs In On Nix Of NYC Marathon

November 3, 2012

Brooklyn Borough Prez Marty Markowitz has issued a statement on the cancellation of Sunday’s NYC Marathon, which would have grazed Brooklyn Heights in Downtown Brooklyn…

I applaud Mayor Bloomberg and New York Road Runners for doing the right thing for New York City and the Marathon after considering everyone’s opinion as well as logistical information. I spoke with the Mayor’s Office and Road Runners President Mary Wittenberg—a woman for whom I have great respect—and shared my personal concerns, and those expressed by Brooklynites. Mayor Bloomberg and his staff have done an outstanding job of leading our city through these challenging times, and this decision had to be among the most difficult they’ve had to make over the last week. Let’s continue the recovery process and make every effort to return normalcy to our city.


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/51101

From the Web

Brooklyn Heights, Events, News, Sports

BBP Prez Markowitz Weighs In On Nix Of NYC Marathon

November 3, 2012

Brooklyn Borough Prez Marty Markowitz has issued a statement on the cancellation of Sunday’s NYC Marathon, which would have grazed Brooklyn Heights in Downtown Brooklyn…

I applaud Mayor Bloomberg and New York Road Runners for doing the right thing for New York City and the Marathon after considering everyone’s opinion as well as logistical information. I spoke with the Mayor’s Office and Road Runners President Mary Wittenberg—a woman for whom I have great respect—and shared my personal concerns, and those expressed by Brooklynites. Mayor Bloomberg and his staff have done an outstanding job of leading our city through these challenging times, and this decision had to be among the most difficult they’ve had to make over the last week. Let’s continue the recovery process and make every effort to return normalcy to our city.


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/51101

From the Web

Brooklyn Heights, News

Brooklyn Borough Prez Markowitz Weighs In On Hurricane Sandy

October 29, 2012

Brooklyn Borough Prez Marty Markowitz has posted a statement for Brooklyn residents regarding Hurricane Sandy. See his full statement here. He advises, “Forecasters expect Sandy to have more far-reaching impacts than Irene, so residents need to remain vigilant, follow directives of the city and emergency officials, and remain home if not under an evacuation order. Brooklynites are tough but it’s important to use common sense and err on the side of caution. I know our borough and city will band together, help our neighbors, and weather the storm.” See the link for webbie, Facebook and Twitter resources, as well. (Graphic: CT)


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/50105

From the Web

Brooklyn Heights, Real Estate

It Pays To Live In Brooklyn: We’re The Second Most-Expensive City In The Nation

September 6, 2012

This isn’t necessarily the kind of statistic that fosters a giddy smile. According to a story in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Brooklyn is the second most expensive city in the nation, topped only by our sister to the west: Manhattan. The Washington-based Council for Community & Economic Research based its survey primarily on housing. There is no neighborhood breakdown, but past studies would obviously place Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO and Williamsburg at the peak of the borough’s hierarchy.

Behind Brooklyn are: Honolulu, San Francisco, San Jose, Queens and Stamford. Conn. The Council’s evaluation ranked 300 American cities based on other factors, as well, including utilities, transportation, grocery prices (damn you, Gristedes!) and prescription drug prices.

Using the number 100 to represent the national average, Brooklyn ranked at 183.4 overall: 129.9 in groceries, 126.4 in utilities, 104 in transportation costs and 111.1 in healthcare—along with a whopping 344.7 in housing. Manhattan’s average was 233.5. The Eagle points out that this means housing costs in Brooklyn are more than three times the average American city, like Erie, Pa., or Charlottesville, Va.

Borough President Marty Markowitz told the Eagle, “Brooklyn is thrilled that so many successful men and women, particularly in professional fields, have chosen to live here, adding to our economic diversity and making it one of the most desirable places on the planet to live, work and play. But we are also mindful that Brooklyn must never be a place of only the very rich or the very poor.”

Carlo Scissura, president of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, added, “As Brooklynites, we want to be No. 1 in everything, but I don’t think we want to be Number 1 or 2 in this survey. We want to keep the middle class here. We don’t want them to leave.”

(Graphic: Chuck Taylor)


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/47235

From the Web

Brooklyn Heights, News

Brooklyn Borough Prez Markowitz Weighs In On Bloomberg’s Soda Ban Proposal

July 26, 2012

NYC Mayor Bloomberg’s intent to ban 16+-ounce sodas in movie theaters, sports arenas, food carts, restaurants and delis met with plenty of opposition at a NYC Board of Health hearing in Long Island City Tuesday, which drew such a crowd that an overflow room was needed. Among those testifying that the proposed policy is sour grapes was Brooklyn Borough president Marty Markowitz, who offered a dollop of humor, alongside a much-needed common sense message.

The hotly contested issue—which would be the first such ban in the nation—has fostered public rallies, petitions and an advocacy group, New Yorkers for Beverage Choices, which relayed its message at the Brooklyn Heights Regal/United Artists movie theater earlier this month with a sign on the marquee proclaiming: “Say No to the NYC Ban.”

In his address at the hearing, Markowtiz said, “Despite the city’s many positive health programs, I do not support the proposed ban, because consumers should have the ultimate say. The way to approach obesity is through education, advocacy, counseling, group support and efforts to raise self-esteem—not a punitive policy that forcibly limits consumer choices.”

He added, “I’m overweight not because I drink Big Gulp sodas, but because I eat too much pasta, pastrami sandwiches, pizza, bagels with cream cheese and lox, red velvet cake and cheesecake, don’t exercise as much as I should, and my genes are working against me. Someone who exercises regularly, eats right and has the right DNA can drink an entire two liter bottle of soda and not gain a pound.

“When it comes to a personal decision like what I put on my dinner table, the government can educate, inform, advocate and inspire, but should not be the final decision maker when it comes down to what is best for me. Ultimately, it should be the consumer that decides,” Markowitz said.

Unfortunately, despite the best intentions of Brooklyn’s Borough Prez, his testimony will likely ring hollow with the NYC Board of Health. All 11 members were personally appointed by Nanny Bloomberg himself, all but insuring rubber stamp approval when the legislation goes up for a vote in September. Next up: Prohibition!

Markowitz’s full statement:

Although I am here in disagreement on this particular policy, I fully support and commend this administration’s commitment to improving the health of all New Yorkers.

From expanding smoke-free zones to healthier school meals, banning trans fats to increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and reducing sodium in foods to labeling calories at fast food chains, this administration’s health initiatives have proven to be enormously successful.

But despite the city’s many positive health programs, I do not support the proposed ban on sugary drinks—or what I used to know as soda—larger than 16 ounces because consumers should have the ultimate say.

The way to approach the obesity epidemic is through education, advocacy, counseling, group support, and I believe most importantly, efforts to raise self-esteem, not a punitive policy that forcibly limits consumer choices.

When it comes to what we eat or drink, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Someone who exercises regularly, eats right, and has the right DNA can drink an entire two liter bottle of soda and not gain a pound. But if someone like me did that—I would be twice the size I am now.

Let me be clear: I’m overweight not because I drink Big Gulp sodas, but frankly because I eat too much pasta, pastrami sandwiches, pizza, bagels with cream cheese and lox, red velvet cake and cheesecake, don’t exercise as much as I should, and my genes are working against me. I was an overweight kid and I’m an overweight adult.

There’s an absolute truth that I want to share with you. Nobody wants to be obese, but for whatever reason, whether it’s genetics—which plays a big part in this—overeating, or a lack of exercise, for many of us, what we eat really sticks to us.

Don’t get me wrong. For those with this problem, I know large sodas, fast food, fatty foods, too much sodium, and super-sized portions, as well as “white” products—breads, pasta, rice, and baked goods—are a direct cause of the obesity epidemic. But the key is limiting them from our diets, not banning them.

So to really tackle the obesity epidemic head on, I urge the Department of Health to launch a citywide campaign to promote group exercise in the neighborhoods with particularly high rates of obesity.

And let’s get the private sector involved. If the city is really serious about knocking pounds off the scale, we should create an “exercise stamp” program like “food stamps” that subsidizes the cost of gym membership, spin studios, or group exercise classes for the city’s youth and low-income families. After all, you’re more likely to get in shape and stay that way when you’re working out with others who are facing the same challenges.

With kids glued to their computer screens, iPhones, iPads, or other electronic devices all day, only their fingers are getting a workout and not their bodies. So getting kids to be active and in shape is more important than ever. Unfortunately, right now roughly 20 percent of high school students in New York City have no physical education classes in an average week and far too many don’t even have space to exercise.

That is unacceptable. When I was a kid, we had gym class every day. So let’s not combat obesity by banning large sodas; let’s do it with a policy that requires students to exercise every day in middle school and high school.

And in neighborhoods struggling with obesity, we should be setting up physical fitness programs and outdoor group exercise clinics led by physical trainers. In addition, we should be ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to fresh fruits and vegetables by providing incentives to developers to rent to full-service supermarkets rather than another bank or drug chain, and open up our schools so that they can educate not only children, but parents on how to cook healthier and smarter meals with an emphasis on smaller portions.

As one of the most diverse places in the world, we should be sharing the best practices from our many ethnic groups to educate residents on how to prepare tasty, exciting, and healthy dishes. For instance, Asian American cuisine is delicious and also emphasizes more vegetables, smaller portions of meat, and less starch.

And with the same gusto that the city has poured into its anti-smoking ads, let’s send a clear message that obesity leads to heart attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure, other deadly health risks—and lowers the quality of life—but with the caveat that the goal is not to idolize being razor-thin. It’s about being fit and increasing self-esteem, because beauty comes in every size and shape. How sweet it is!

So when it comes to a personal decision like what I put on my dinner table, the government can educate, inform, advocate, and inspire, but should not be the final decision maker when it comes down to what is best for me. Ultimately, it should be the consumer that decides.

It’s as simple as this: the better you look, the better you feel. And the better you feel, the better you want to look and the more you’ll be conscious of what you eat and drink. I said it before and I’ll say it again: nobody willingly wants to be obese.

Photo via Brooklyn Borough President’s Facebook Page


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/44851

From the Web