A woman was saved from a tragic death on the New York City Subway tracks yesterday after falling off the platform. The incident happened on the G Brooklyn–Queens Crosstown Local line heading north through Brooklyn, before the Hoyt-Schermerhorn Station.

According to an eyewitness, the unidentified woman had a seizure on the subway platform and fell on the tracks. An incoming train was entering the station when an operator noticed the woman on the tracks and immediately slammed on the brakes.

A passenger at the station captured a photo of the incident, which was then shot by local photography project Humans of New York.

Brandon Stanton, the photographer behind Humans of New York, was on board the incoming train and stated on his Facebook, “The conductor shut down the power of the train and held us there for about 20 minutes.” The woman was attended by members of the public with medical crews arriving on the scene soon after.

Following the recent bout of subway related incidents, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) has been urging their motormen to be more aware of their surroundings. They have also been encouraged to reduce their speed to about 10 miles per hour when entering the stations to avoid hitting someone who might be on the tracks. Trains are known to enter a station at a speed of 30 to 35 miles per hour.

According to John Samuelsen, President of Transport Workers Union Local 100, “The union’s motives are to save riders’ lives – and save motormen from the emotional trauma of running someone over.”

This latest effort was put in place after several recent high-profile accidents involving New York subway trains. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), however, believes that this latest message of caution from the TWU is an effort to stage a work slowdown, and any operators found to be slowing down their train without the MTA’s permission will be charged with taking part in an illegal job action which could lead to a job suspension.

While the public has urged the MTA to install platform doors or barriers to prevent further unwanted mishaps, an MTA spokesman said that platform doors would be expensive to install because it would require upgrades of the train signal system.

Despite debates surrounding ways of tackling subway safety issues, one theme has been consistent: due to the vigilance of a train operator, a life was saved. With the photograph now circulating the web, many believe that yesterday’s incident was nothing short of a miracle.

Image Courtesy : Brandon Stanton of Humans of New York

The article Woman Cheats Death on Subway Tracks appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Culver City, U.S.A – In ‘Men in Black 3′, Agents J (Will Smith) and K (Tommy Lee Jones) are back … in time. J has seen some inexplicable things in his 15 years with the Men in Black, but nothing, not even aliens, perplexes him as much as his wry, reticent partner.

But when K’s life and the fate of the planet are put at stake, Agent J will have to travel back in time to put things right. J discovers that there are secrets to the universe that K never told him — secrets that will reveal themselves as he teams up with the young Agent K (Josh Brolin) to save his partner, the agency, and the future of humankind.

Ken Ralston explains that though several sequences in the film represented exciting VFX challenges – from building a prison on the moon to re-creating the Apollo 11 launch – the biggest challenge of all was to achieve a look that meshed with the film Barry Sonnenfeld was directing. “Barry has a very distinct style,” says Ralston. “It’s very graphic, very distinctive to his movies. Our designs had to be stylized, they had to live within his world, but at the same time, it had to feel believable – even when something unbelievable was happening.”

“Even though technology has changed a lot since the last Men in Black came out, we wanted to make sure we were firmly in the MIB world, and Barry allowed and encouraged us to play and bend the rules inside what is expected to be real. It’s not every day you get to design and create such a wide, wacky, and challenging variety of effects and creatures, and have fun doing it. This, in no small part, is thanks to Barry’s direction and whimsical take on the material and the artists who made it all come alive,” says Jay Redd.

With a mix of humor and style, the visual effects in ‘Men in Black 3′ take us back to the year 1969 with a digital creation of the Apollo 11 Rocket Launch and New York’s Shea Stadium, a chronology shifting time jump, and an action-packed monocycle chase through the streets of Brooklyn.

Men in Black films are known for their unusual and extraordinary alien characters and this film is no exception. Among the digital characters created for ‘Men In Black 3′ are the giant alien fish, the weasel alien, the villain alien Boris, the bowling ball headed alien known as Tony, and a return of the popular Worm Guys.

Imageworks also created digital doubles for Agent J (Will Smith), Young Agent K (Josh Brolin) and Griffin (Michael Stuhlbarg). Imageworks worked closely with Oscar-winning special effects make-up artist Rick Baker, digitally extending and recreating physical characteristics in the digital world.

Image Courtesy of   Men in Black 3

The article Men in Black 3 Benefits from New VFX Challenges appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

The trade deadline has come and gone and not a single meaningful shot was fired. In fact, the shot not heard meant the most to the league and to those who followed every word anticipating big changes in Orlando.

Dwight Howard, the big fish in the small pond chose to stay and opt-in the early termination clause of his contract. The process says more about the perennial all-star than the eventual outcome but what matters more is the impact his decision will have on free agency after the 12-13 season.

The team that Howard had been linked to for the last two years had been the New Jersey Nets, soon to be the Brooklyn Nets. A lot was expected from the Nets but things have not gone according to plan since the Russian billionaire took over — Mikhail Prokhorov came in and raised expectations for the franchise but it was clear things wouldn’t be as easy as he might have expected.

From Carmelo to Lebron, the Nets have swung and missed and now with Dwight choosing to stay because of his loyalty (as he puts it), the Nets are wandering through the NBA without a great amount of options.

Derron Williams will not follow Howard and sign his early termination clause, instead opting to test free agency in the off season and most likely leave to another franchise. The biggest competition at this early stage in the process is the Dallas Mavericks.

The Mavericks will be without Jason Kidd who at this point is keeping the seat warm for a younger more dynamic guard in the mold of Williams. They will be in a great position given their cap situation to acquire the 26-year-old guard leaving the Nets without a marque star in Brooklyn.

The Nets will have the financial advantage in that they will be in the position to offer Williams twenty eight million more than any other team can offer. However; something tells me money won’t be the determining factor in his decision. The Nets can add pieces via free agency and the draft but it remains to be seen if it will match a potential Dirk Nowitzki/Williams combo. Not to mention the many other teams who will throw their hats in the ring for his services.

There was much excitement early on but that feeling has been replaced by disappointment and maybe even panic. The stadium is already making its presence felt in downtown Brooklyn and the people of Brooklyn are excited about having a team again but things are not looking good in terms of star power in the big city.

With the Knicks struggling at times, the opportunity is there or at least was there for the Nets to make an impact and at least become part of the conversation. The names are drying up and all that money won’t mean nothing if no one wants to come and play.

At this point it doesn’t really matter what Howard does two years from now in free agency — if it even gets to that point, chances are Williams will be gone and coming to Brooklyn to play by himself for Howard wouldn’t make much sense. Sure other big names will become available but given the track record of the Nets under Prokhorov, fans of the team should prepare for a lot more swings with many more misses.

Image Courtesy of    https://www.facebook.com/NetsBasketball

The article NBA Trade Deadline Leaves Nets In Limbo appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Like many of the outer boroughs of New York City, Brooklyn once stood in the shadow of its much more popular neighbor, Manhattan. In recent years, Brooklyn has gathered up steam as a center for arts, culture, nightlife and historical centerpieces that make the borough unique.

Exploring the distinct neighborhoods of Brooklyn is a magnificent way to understand how locals outside of Manhattan live, and to get a feel of a part of New York City that is no longer overlooked. Coney Island embraces its historical past and eccentric present. The neighborhood sits at the southern edge of Brooklyn and boasts a famous boardwalk and beach along the Atlantic Ocean.

Coney Island was once a popular vacation destination for New Yorkers in the 1800’s and early 1900’s, with many amusement parks and hotels established in the sea side neighborhood. Although much of the original rides and games are no longer standing, a few legendary rides still remain.

The Cyclone is a cherished Brooklyn icon and is one of the only remaining wooden roller coasters still be used in the United States. Along with the legendary Cyclone, the Wonder Wheel and Parachute Jump are both Coney Island treasures that people can still visit today. Taking a walk along the boardwalk and getting a hot dog at the original Nathan’s is sure to bring a sense of nostalgia in this Brooklyn area.

Located on the opposite end of the borough is one of Brooklyn’s most lively neighborhoods, Williamsburg. Just minutes away from Manhattan, Williamsburg is the epicenter of hip and trendy restaurants and bars. This neighborhood is popular among artists and musicians, creating an area rich with nightlife, concerts, and art.

Dozens of restaurants line the main drag of Bedford Avenue, as well as many of the side streets. Famous restaurants in the area include Fatty Cue where Malaysian cuisine is served and Fette Sau BBQ, a popular spot for delicious food. Nightlife in Williamsburg is nothing short of exciting as a plethora of bars have opened over recent years.

Anything from outdoor bars to venues with live music are constantly buzzing with Brooklyn adrenaline. For those who want a bit of history while having some drinks, visit Brooklyn Brewery for local beer and a tour of the brewhouse. In the heart of Brooklyn lies Park Slope, often considered one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the borough for its brownstone lined streets.

An old world charm can be seen strolling through this neighborhood because of its abundance in architectural details dating from the 1800’s. Brownstones are widely seen throughout other neighborhoods as well, including Brooklyn Heights, Bedford Stuyvesant, Fort Greene and Cobble Hill.

Brooklyn’s largest park, Prospect Park, is located in the Park Slope neighborhood. It is a great spot to enjoy a relaxing day away from hectic city life and often hosts a variety of concerts throughout the summer. Park Slope also has a large selection of fine dining, including popular restaurants such as Applewood, Al Di La and Blue Ribbon. 5^th and 7^th Avenues are lined with restaurants, bars, and boutiques that showcase the lifestyle in this neighborhood.

Millions of people call Brooklyn home, including celebrities such as Woody Allen, Barbara Streisand, Jay-Z and Eddie Murphy who all once lived in Brooklyn. Many international countries have created their own vibrant communities throughout Brooklyn. Brighton Beach is a thriving Russian community, while people from Latin American countries make Sunset Park unique.

Rich Italian history can be seen in Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst. A large Chinese population has settled in areas of Bensonhurst and near Sunset Park as well. The combination of these communities has made Brooklyn a diverse home to many where their cultures and cuisine are easily accessible.

It comes as no surprise that Manhattan’s neighboring borough has stepped into its own spotlight. With its ever growing popularity and distinct neighborhoods, visiting Brooklyn is like diving into international cultures and centuries of history just by crossing over the Brooklyn Bridge.
littleny / Shutterstock.com

The article Spotlight on Brooklyn appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Although New York City is known internationally as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, there are many beautiful parks scattered across the city for people to enjoy. In between the soaring skyscrapers and continuous hustle and bustle of the city, New Yorkers are able to find some solace in relaxing parks.

Outdoor spaces can be found throughout all five boroughs of the city and are great places to get away from the city lifestyle. One of the most famous parks in New York City is Central Park. Located in Manhattan, Central Park can be accessed from Midtown, the Upper East Side and the Upper West Side.

The park originally opened in 1857 and has been a main attraction for tourists and residents ever since. More than 30 million people visit Central Park each year but the massive 843 acre park is also one of the best ways to enjoy outdoor space in New York City. Tucked inside the park are a wide variety of recreational activities for all ages to enjoy.

There are miles of trails for joggers, walkers, and bicyclists to explore. Expansive fields stretch across the park where people can play an array of sports, including football, baseball and soccer. During the winter season, two ice skating rinks open in Central Park, a highlight for children and adults.

The famous Central Park Zoo is also an exciting destination within the park to catch glimpses of anything from seals to polar bears. Central Park is New York City’s playground, especially during the summer. The annual Summer Stage is one of the most anticipated outdoor concert series in New York City.

International superstars in music, dance and theater have performed at Summer Stage. Central Park offers an enormous amount of activities and is one of the most beautiful spots throughout New York City. Across the East River in Brooklyn is another famous park. Prospect Park sits at the heart of Brooklyn and is a smaller version of Central Park.

Frederick Law Olmsted created both parks and has given both Manhattan and Brooklyn similar outdoor spaces to enjoy. Built in 1867, Prospect Park is 585 acres of green space where people can relax in isolation from the busy city streets. Located within Prospect Park is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a magnificent spot to learn about wild plants and flowers.

Similarly to Central Park, Prospect Park also has a zoo and an ice skating rink inside its boundaries. Horseback riding can be seen on certain paths throughout the park, along with sports enthusiasts enjoying the track and fields spread across the park. A unique outdoor space in Queens is the Socrates Sculpture Garden.

It has been designed specifically to showcase art and sculptures. Located in the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens, the Socrates Sculpture Garden is a wonderful spot in New York City to spend time outdoors while taking in some artwork from the city’s talented artists.

The outdoor area was once an abandoned piece of land that has now become a beautiful park. Creativity and expression are the main focus of the park and an artist residency program is now offered. Another park that transforms a former abandoned area into one of the most popular parks in New York City is the High Line.

This park was created on elevated train tracks that are no longer in use. The High Line runs north to south along the west side of Manhattan, cutting through the trendy neighborhoods of the Meat Packing District and Chelsea. The narrow park offers views of the Hudson River and is a distinct outdoor space in New York City.

The High Line is popular for its progressive design and conscious measures to preserve the history of the elevated train tracks. Public art and local food vendors are often seen during a stroll through the High Line. New York City has plenty of unique parks throughout its boroughs. When the city lifestyle gets too hectic, there’s always an outdoor area to relax just around the corner
Marcio Jose Bastos Silva / Shutterstock.com

The article Relax in the Parks of New York City appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

As Labor Day Weekend marked the unofficial end of summer, millions of participant and spectators celebrated in Brooklyn during the annual West Indian American Parade & Carnival. The Labor Day Carnival Parade is an outdoor festival that highlights the cultures of nations across the West Indies.

The 2011 West Indian American Parade & Carnival took place on September 5 and showcased a day packed with music, dance, and international cuisine The show stopping performances during this year’s 43^rd annual parade was one of the biggest ever seen in Brooklyn. The parade route ran along busy Eastern Parkway.

With a combination of many Caribbean cultures coming together for the parade, this yearly festivity is one of the largest cultural events in all of New York City. The celebrations began in Brooklyn a few days prior to the main parade that took place on Labor Day. Countries including Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados were represented, along with a variety of other Caribbean nations.

The original West Indian American Parade & Carnival started in Harlem in the 1940’s, but was then moved to its current home in Brooklyn in the 1960’s. Remaining on the same route, Eastern Parkway annually lights up with the sights and sounds of the Caribbean.

The parade gets its foundation from the traditions of carnivals throughout the Caribbean, where bright costumes and days of exciting music fill up the streets in preparation for Lent. Although this custom has been redirected towards the time around Labor Day, the beauty of these cultures are still a yearly tradition in Brooklyn.

The parade’s signature theme is to bring out the unique cultural traditions of each country through ornately colorful floats that make their way down Eastern Parkway. Thousands of participants dressed up in vibrant costumes and danced atop the decorated floats. The colors of the rainbow were displayed on Caribbean influenced designs, and often included large headpieces flanked with feathers.

Months of preparation go into the designs of the f loats and costumes to make the West Indian American Parade & Carnival one of the most detailed and radiant festival throughout New York City. Along with the sights of the parade were the distinct sounds of the festival. Caribbean music was played throughout the duration of the parade.

Everything from Jamaican reggae to Trinidadian calypso could be heard along Eastern Parkway. One of the highlights of the parade was the abundance of steel drums. Many groups skillfully playing the steel drums performed and competed for the title of the best steel drum band of the year.

The energetic music from guitars, drums, congas, and other instruments got the massive crowds dancing their way through the parade. The tastes of Caribbean cuisine were also a main event during the parade. As is true for many cultures around the world, food is one of the main examples of how uniquely different these countries can be.

Local cooks and chefs came together to serve plates of delicious food from their home countries. Vendors lined the street selling dishes of oxtail, jerk chicken, coconut bread and fried plantains, among many other choices. The array of cultural cuisine was astounding and was a great display of the local food in the Caribbean.

Over three million people enjoyed this year’s West Indian American Parade & Carnival. A large population of New York City inhabitants comes from Caribbean nations. The parade was bursting at the seams with excitement and pride in their distinct cultures.

The annual parade brought participants and onlookers dressed in costumes and with painted faces to Eastern Parkway, and enjoyed a weekend long celebration of the Caribbean.

The article The West Indian American Parade Marches Through Brooklyn appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

A 27-year-old man living in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn was charged Friday for providing monetary support to terrorists. Agron Hasbajrami, an Albanian citizen, assisted terrorists and planned to join their radical efforts abroad, according to the New York Times.

Prosecutors reported Friday that Hasbajrami was arrested Tuesday as he attempted to board a flight to Istanbul using a one-way ticket at Kennedy International Airport. His destination was Pakistan, where Hasbajrami intended to join a jihadist organization.

According to The New York Times, Hasbajrami, who had been living legally in Brooklyn since 2008, send more than $1,000 to Pakistan over the past year with the intention that the money be used to support terrorist activity. Hasbajrami told his contact in Pakistan that he wanted to “marry with the girls in paradise,” a common reference to dying as a martyr while fighting jihad.

After his arrest, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents found several handwritten notes in his residence, including one that said, “Do not wait for invasion, the time is martyrdom time,” prosecutors said. On Thursday Hasbajrami was by a grand jury. He was to be arraigned before Judge Lois Bloom of United States District Court in Brooklyn on Friday afternoon.

A defense lawyer had not yet been assigned, reported the New York Times. “The vigilance of law enforcement has resulted in the capture of another alleged aspiring terrorist bent on traveling overseas for violent jihad,” said Loretta Lynch, U.S. Attorney in Brooklyn. “We will spare no effort in stopping terrorists before they strike.”

According to the detention order, e-mails intercepted by the F.B.I. revealed that Hasbarjami had planned to leave the country in August but cancelled the flight because he thought he might be caught. In other e-mails, Hasbarjami’s contact in Pakistan instructed him to bring money for food and a weapon.

According to The Wall Street Journal, if Hasbajrami is convicted of the change of providing material support to terrorists, he faces up to 15 years in prison. Prosecutors are expected to ask that he be held without bail.

The article Brooklyn Man Arrested For Supporting Terrorists appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

New York City is known for its fast paced lifestyle. New Yorkers have become accustomed to what seems like never ending traffic noise and construction sites. New Yorkers find places to unwind in relaxing and tranquil spaces. Brooklyn Bridge Park is a beautiful outdoor area on the edge of Brooklyn with a direct view of lower Manhattan’s skyline.

Located right on the East River, the newly opened Brooklyn Bridge Park is a perfect waterfront destination and a quiet location in New York City. Originally created in 1642 as the first ferry port that connected Brooklyn to Manhattan, the park has gone through extensive renovation in recent years to create an outdoor oasis for New Yorkers.

Pier 1 of the park is now open to the public and includes acres of grass to enjoy sporting activities or a lazy day out in the sun. Its location is away from busy streets. Brooklyn Bridge Park is a quieter area where all you’ll hear is children playing in the playground and the sounds of the East River lapping against the park’s foundation.

In upcoming years, the park will expand and will have a skating rink, waterfront areas for kayaking, as well as lacrosse, soccer, baseball, and football fields. The park offers stunning views of skyscrapers and the famous Brooklyn Bridge. It is a wonderful spot in New York City to relax and take in the beautiful city’s skyline.

In the heart of Manhattan is one of the largest and quietest areas throughout the city. Located at the crossroads of 42^nd Street and 5^th Avenue is the landmark New York Public Library. The library opened its doors in 1911 and is rich in history. Walking through the massive building is like stepping back in time as the intricate architectural details of the structure allow people to get lost in its old world style.

Over one million books sat on the library’s shelves on opening day and this library is still one of the most tranquil spots in the city. There are now over 65 million items in the library that are available to the public, including books, DVDs, and CDs. The New York Public Library is a perfect place to read a favorite book in one of its many reading rooms.

One of the most famous reading rooms in the library is the grand Rose Main Reading Room. This reading room is about the size of two city blocks, and offers people plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the overall peacefulness of the building. Heading uptown to the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City is the location of an often overlooked museum.

In the depths of Fort Tyron Park is the Cloisters Museum & Garden, which is a branch of the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art. The museum houses works of art from the medieval period, dating back from the 12^th to 15^th centuries. Located high atop the Hudson River, the Cloisters has an outdoor area with wonderful views of the river.

It is a spot where not many people go and is often quiet and relaxing. The courtyard garden is another highlight of the museum and allows visitors to forget they are in the middle of New York City.

Although New York City is often synonymous with being a loud and busy cosmopolitan area, there are plenty of beautiful and relaxing places throughout the five boroughs where people can get away from it all. Whether at the foot of panoramic waterfront views or tucked away behind a book in the legendary New York Public Library, quiet spots around the city are just waiting to be found.

The article Quiet Places in New York City appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

New York City has joined in dining from food trucks as the popularity of the dining style has skyrocketed across many cosmopolitan cities.

Food truck festivals have sprouted up across New York City over the weekend of August 20th and 21st, bringing tasty treats to Manhattan and Brooklyn. Specialty food trucks serving anything from kimchee tacos to lobster have ushered in a new wave of fast food. They are generating loyal customers with hearty appetites.

More than 30 food trucks gathered in the heart of South Street Seaport on August 20th to share their individual cuisine. With the appropriately named PARKED festival, food trucks lined Water Street and Fulton Street as customers sampled an array of food.

The trucks were open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., which gave people plenty of time to enjoy the outdoor atmosphere of hopping from one food truck to another. Each truck provided customers with their regular menu, along with $5 and $8 meal options specifically for the festival.

The PARKED festival started just four years ago with a handful of food trucks gathering together to share a love of the culinary art. It has now expanded to a much larger festival, showcasing cuisine from around the world.

A crowd favorite at the festival was Korilla Korean taco truck, which serves the familiarity of Korean barbeque in new forms. Making tacos, burritos, and chosun bowls, people stood in long lines to taste some food from this Korean food truck. The popularity of the Korilla Korean taco truck has landed it on the second season of Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race,” where eight food trucks compete for a prize of $100,000.

Jumping over towards Middle Eastern cuisine, the Taim food truck cooked up their signature falafel sandwiches, along with hummus, Israeli salad and a wide selection of homemade drinks and smoothies. This Middle Eastern truck is an extension of Taim’s permanent location in the West Village, where lines are always equally long.

The popular falafel and the chef behind the creation, Einat Admony, have appeared on Food Network’s “Throwdown with Bobby Flay,” generating buzz for the cuisine.

Yet another food truck that has had Food Network exposure is Wafels & Dinges, a Belgian waffle truck that is known throughout New York City. Customers can choose between the Brussels Wafel or liege wafel, and add toppings, which are called dinges. Nutella, Belgian chocolate, and walnuts are just some options for the tasty wafels.

Wafels & Dinges also has a distinct barbeque pulled pork wafel, and their signature “de Throwdown wafel” which was highlighted on an episode of Food Network’s “Throwdown with Bobby Flay.”

Other food trucks that participated in the PARKED festival included Coolhaus Ice Cream with thick ice cream sandwiches, Kelvin Natural Slush Co, serving up shaved ice, and Red Hook Lobster Pound.  Consumers were also able to enjoy dishes from Mexicue Food Truck, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, the Treats Truck, and Schnitzel and Things, among many others.

Along with the large selection of food, the PARKED festival also offered live music on a a main stage in South Street Seaport. Diners were able to listen to music from Two Man Gentleman Band, Soul 2 Seoul, Anais Mitchell, Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens, and Mikey Palms. A beer garden was created for the day as well.

Face painting was available for children, while cooking demonstrations were open for adults. The event offered plenty of free options for anyone wanting to spend some time outdoors.

Just over the bridge in Brooklyn, food trucks gathered once again on August 21st in Grand Army Plaza. The Prospect Park Alliance hosted the Food Truck Rally, which happens every third Sunday from June to October. Many of the same food trucks showed up at the Food Truck Rally and were met with equal enthusiasm from Brooklyn patrons.

Diners were able to eat grilled cheese sandwiches from Gorilla Cheese NYC, dumplings from Rickshaw Dumpling Truck and drink coffee from Mud Truck, along with other cuisines. Many chose to bring their meals into Prospect Park, just steps away from the Food Truck Rally.

The popularity of food trucks has become a staple in the New York City dining experience. Festivals like PARKED and the Food Truck Rally showcased these favorite meals on wheels throughout the weekend.

Image Courtesy of  bernardoh

The article A Weekend of Food Trucks in New York City appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Jflo was ranked number one at the 2011 American Beatbox Championship, which was held in New York City on August 13 and 14. It was a two day event that spanned Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Brooklyn’s Nova Bar Garden & Lounge was the location for the August 13 event and the Grand Finals were held on August 14 in the heart of New York City.

Le Poisson Rouge, a venue in the West Village, hosted the evening as it turned into a beatbox extravaganza. The annual event showcased rising stars in the beatboxing world, who are able to use their own vocal percussionist talents to energize the audience.

The Grand Finals featured legendary musicians and world renowned beatboxers, including Swiss Chris, KRNFX, Colin Dean’s Roots and Grooves, and DJ Johnny Juice of Public Enemy. Rahzel from The Roots and Rakaa Iriscience of Dilated Peoples were two popular icons who headlined a post celebration concert.

Lovers of music and the art form of beatboxing gathered in Le Poisson Rouge for a night of vocal wonderment, as the top beatboxers from around the United States battled for the title of 2011 American Beatbox Champion.

Beatboxing is a type of percussion that is heavily influenced by hip hop culture. As in the majority of hip hop music, the strong presence of drums, rhythms, and beats, are characteristic of the music. Beatboxers are able to make the sounds of the heavy drums and bass by only using their vocals.

Aside from mimicking the sounds of beats, many beatboxers also sing and create the distinct sounds of other instruments in their performances. The founders of the World Beatbox Association, including Chesney Snow, Kenny Muhammad, and Jim Wilde, are all prominent figures in the beatboxing world.

With their passion and dedication to the art in mind, they created an organization where beatboxers on the international level can come together to share their talents through battles and performances.

The unique talents of beatboxers can be seen through the first three rounds of the competition, which were all done by video submission. The national scale of the competition allowed beatboxers from around the country to upload their videos onto the internet for judging. The categories for the online video submission were solo performance, covers, and backing a vocal.

The different types of beatboxing highlights the competitors skills in various ways. The judges were able to score the contestants based on their technical skill, musicality, creativity, and how original each performance was.

Judges of the online rounds included the three founders of the World Beatbox Association, along with guest judges and world renowned beatboxers Masai Electro for the solo round, Tim Barsky for the backing a vocal round, and Fat Tony for the covers round.

Out of all the competitors vying for the title, only the top 16 were invited to New York City for the Grand Finals.

The top 16 online scores were unveiled in May 2011, sending front runners like sYgYzY, FriScO, and HeaveN to the championship round. Other favorites like Beat Rhino, The Orthobox, and Fitz were invited to New York City, along with Brian Bernstein, Jflo, SwiZZ, CWEST, audiotrak, DrC, Sung Lee, Musical Mammal, Track IX, and Von3s.

The Grand Finals compromised of one on one battles between the selected finalists, which produced an awe inspiring night of music with intense rhythms and beats.

Hailing from New York and winning the title in his home state, Jflo ranked in the middle of the leader board during the initial three online rounds, but jumped to the top of the finals with rhythmic beats and creativity. After rounds of battles and eliminations, Jflo was crowned the the 2011 American Beatbox Champion.

Image Courtesy of  http://www.americanbeatboxchampionships.com

The article Jflo Wins 2011 American Beatbox Championship appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Celebrate Brooklyn continued its successful series with a sold out concert by popular Bon Iver, on August 10.

The annual summer performing arts festival hosts a variety of outdoor music concerts, dance performances, and movies, all taking place in the Prospect Park Bandshell.  Fans lined up in the late afternoon hours to catch Bon Iver’s performance.

While ticket holders filled up the packed concert area, hundreds of others brought blankets and picnicked in the park while listening to Bon Iver’s music. New Yorkers waited patiently for the Wisconsin band to begin the night of outdoor music.

Front man Justin Vernon, known for his folk sound, created the band in 2007. The band’s first album, entitled For Emma, Forever Ago, was created while Vernon spent months in seclusion, tucked away in a log cabin in Wisconsin. The rise of this first album has brought international recognition for the indie band, certifying the album to be gold in Denmark, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Just released in June of 2011, Bon Iver’s second album is a self-titled compilation of 10 songs that move their music in a new direction while still holding claim to their famous indie flavor.

Kicking off the evening of music was opening band The Rosebuds.  Sharing in Bon Iver’s indie style, the Raleigh, North Carolina band was welcomed to Brooklyn with much appreciation. The band has a close relationship with Bon Iver that has grown since 2007.

Justin Vernon, close friend of The Rosebuds, helped record their latest album and made an appearance during their set, accompanying them on vocals and guitar. The Rosebuds were able to energize the crowd with catchy songs and were a solid start to the main event.

As Vernon and the band walked onto the stage, fans erupted in applause as the atmosphere of the park turned to excitement. The Prospect Park Bandshell lit up with orchestrated lighting as the nine member band began serenading concert goers throughout the evening hours.

Bon Iver dived into their first song, “Perth”, capturing the attention of music lovers in the park. The band went into other popular songs such as “Minnesota, WI,” “Towers,” and “Creature Fear.” When it was time for them to perform “Beach Baby,” Justin Vernon explained that the song was for the memories of having a crush on someone and wanting to kiss them on the beach, but never having the chance to.

During the concert, Vernon took time to show his appreciation to the audience. The band gathered up large applause from the viewers when Vernon said that this concert was by far the biggest show they had ever played. With a cloudless sky and the moon shining down on the Brooklyn stage, Bon Iver produced a captivating and meaningful performance for fans to enjoy.

As audience members watched the performance, some danced to the beats of the music, while others scattered in groups across the grass, dining with homemade dinners and enjoying the outdoors.

For one night, the often hectic lifestyle in Brooklyn slowed down for a relaxing evening under the stars, listening to the indie songs of Bon Iver. The melodic tunes of the set list continued as the band played “Blood Bank”, “Flume”, and ending with “Beth/Rest”.

As the show wrapped up, concert goers cheered and brought back Bon Iver for an encore. The band performed “Skinny Love”, as well as a cover of the Bjork song “Who Is It”. After the encore finished groups of audience members filed out of the park.

But for the loyal fans that stayed just a bit longer, Bon Iver came back on stage for a second encore, where they performed their last song, “For Emma”. The remnants of a good concert lingered in the atmosphere as people packed up their picnics and headed home, leaving memories of a summer night in Brooklyn spent with the Rosebuds and Bon Iver.

Christopher Halloran / Shutterstock.com

The article Bon Iver Sings to Brooklyn appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

If you build it, they will come… as a Brooklyn resident without a team, I hope that’s the case.  No one remembers Ebbets Field or what it meant to Brooklyn during its golden era.  No one remembers that its absence left Brooklyn without something to root for.

Maybe that will change in the summer of 2012.

The New Jersey Nets will be moving to Brooklyn after what seemed like numerous law suits and setbacks that left many wondering if this would actually happen.  Now as you walk along the grounds near Atlantic Yards, it is clear that this stadium will in fact be built and basketball will be played in Brooklyn.

Ironically, the grounds where this stadium is being built is not too far from where the owner of the Dodgers wanted to build the replacement for Ebbets Field; which as we all know never materialized due to powerful opposition.

Barclays Center, as it will be called is an 800 million dollar stadium set as the center piece in a billion dollar development project bringing a new face to the area.

Mikhail Prokhorov became the majority owner and a key investor in the development of the arena; he is what Brooklyn needs in an owner…as we have seen, he is not afraid to make controversial statements and therefore becoming a major personality in sports.

He bought the deal home after constant back and forth that left many wondering when this deal would get done…if ever.

In anticipation of this stadium being completed, I now wonder whether players will in fact want to play here.  Prokhorov attempted to make this transition a lot smoother by acquiring a big name to play here before the stadium was complete. The problem is that remaining year in jersey, no player wanted to go lose on a bad team with no stadium even if one was being built.  Players like everyone else need guarantees and there would be none; at least not yet.

After all the drama of the offseason and players taking their talents to south beach and the countless yet hilarious references, the Nets acquired Derron Williams from the Utah Jazz.  Not Lebron or Wade, Bosh or even Carmelo but a good young point guard who might end up leaving anyway in free agency…a risky move to say the least.

Let’s just hope the gamble pays off and Williams decides to stay in Brooklyn and help this team stay somewhat relevant during the inaugural seasons.

The article The Brooklyn Nets? A Team Grows in Brooklyn appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

The smell of marijuana lingers in the air and makes it impossible to breathe in the unkempt elevator.  It’s hard to believe that great men once stood here.

The entrances are marked by broken glass and blood stains that serve as permanent decoration to an already decorated landmark.  Yesterday children waved and cheered as their heroes entered the place that held the community together, now the roar of crowds is replaced by the sounds of onlookers as young kids partake in violent acts towards one another.

Ebbets field is not what it once was, “I would have loved to have seen what it looked like, and now I have to see this mess every day,” says one Brooklyn resident.

A field that once housed great men now has an extraordinarily small plaque in remembrance of the legendary Jackie Robinson, a plaque that no one ever takes a moment to acknowledge.  It makes sense because it represents what happens over time to everything of substance.

The wall that stood strong on a slanted piece of land and held up the borough of Brooklyn now slides into obscurity while barely being held up by scaffolding and time.

The enormous apartment complex stands tall, yet it is overlooked by the sport which it once represented with great summers.  In the past, the summer air was calm and exciting; the grandness of its players made the minuscule state of the field itself insignificant.

Brooklyn never had such a place, a place where time stood still for what seemed like forever and grown men were once again allowed to be kids; a place where innocence yet again made its presence felt in the midst of chaos.

Now the air tells a different story, a story that screams for what it once was. A story in which the characters are lost in search of who they are and most importantly who they were.

As you walk along the path that leads away from one of its many entrances, the smell of hotdogs is no longer there.  It is instead the smell of urine and beer that smacks the senses; the smell of the homeless, who sit on top of cardboard boxes that sit on top of broken glass never to be removed.

This is what has become of history.

A rich history that was cut short by greed and opportunity; this is what has become of Ebbets field.

There are those who speak about Jackie Robinson and compare the Brooklyn Dodgers to the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan.  A comparison the legendary Michael Jordan could never hope to merit as a basketball player nor as a black athlete.

The tragedy that is Ebbets Field is made worse by those who are not even aware of the greatness that once stood on this slanted hill on Flatbush in our beloved Brooklyn.

55 Sullivan Place was once as famous as the old Yankee Stadium, the place where a retired Babe Ruth coached, even if only for one year of his hall of fame life.  Now impoverished African American along with others pile up on top of one another due to the high rent all over the city that has officially made its impact on Brooklyn residents.

Baseball has forgotten about Ebbets Field and so has the rest of the world. Now, at a place where great ballplayers once lived for 4 hours at a time, the sign “No Ball Playing Allowed” is visible for the whole community to see.

The article Ebbets Field: Past and Present appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.