Hi, how is your day going.

[mikeyank]

These are NOT my photos but something I saw this morning on a Facebook group. It is a picture of a block in DUMBO, a mile and a half from where I live, first in 1980 and then from a couple of years ago. When I first moved here the area along the waterfront was a pretty much deserted and desolate neighborhood filled with abandoned warehouses under the Brooklyn Bridge. I looked and saw that DUMBO is the #15 most expensive neighborhood in all of New York City,

15. DUMBO (Brooklyn) – $1.88 Million Median​

DUMBO rounds out the top 15 with a $1.88 million median sale price, representing Brooklyn’s premier luxury neighborhood with Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge proximity. This Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass area combines historic architecture with modern development and spectacular waterfront views.

The neighborhood’s real estate market features converted warehouse buildings, modern condominiums, and luxury rental buildings that offer residents industrial character with contemporary amenities. Properties often include exposed brick, high ceilings and oversized windows that maximize natural light and architectural character.

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What a difference 45 years can make!

 

[mikeyank]

Today is a warm day in New York City for the week before Thanksgiving, 53 degrees currently and with cloudy skies, but I was feeling cramped up in my apartment and decided to check out Washington Square Park in the Village, a 25 minute trip from my place including the fifteen minute subway ride. Not much was going on in the park until shortly before 2 PM when I heard a crowd with youthful laughter and chanting and I walked over to see what was going on.

I had no clue but apparently a few days ago a man named “Bob” posted a message on instagram. I found this article just now when I got back home.


“NEW YORK CITY — Sometimes you want some company during your smoke break and one man is taking it upon himself to make that happen, inviting New Yorkers to smoke a cigarette with him this Friday — more than 1,700 people have already answered the call.
Bob "the Cigarette Maestro" and Old Jewish Men Of New Yorkare hosting the event at the corner of Waverly Place and University Place outside of Washington Square Park on Friday at 2 p.m.

"Take a break and have a cigarette with me," Bob writes on the event page.

An Instagram video promoting the event shows Bob walking up to New Yorkers in Washington Square Park and handing out filers for the event, inviting them to have a cigarette with him.

"I notice you smoke," he's heard telling one person.

"This Friday, lets all light up together," Bob adds.

There is still time to RSVP for the event — those who do get a free cigarette from Bob himself. More information on the Nov. 21 event can be found here.

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It took me a few minutes to figure out what was going on but I found myself in the middle of hundreds of young college age kids all smoking cigarettes and climbing poles and laughing. A few offered me cigarettes but I don't smoke. But it was a blast being in the middle of a group of college kids including some very hot guys. Here are my pics of the event that I stumbled upon, having no clue it was going to happen.

 

[mikeyank]

Eventually a police car came and dispersed the crowd without incident. The crowd was just having fun and the cops were totally respectful. Apparently Bob handed his remaining bags of cigarettes to a couple of guys and they were handing them out until the supply was finished. But it was a totally unexpected very enjoyable Friday afternoon for me. I felt like a college kid in the group and everyone was friendly to me too as I was smiling and enjoying being in that environment. A very fortunate decision for me to go there today at that time too.

Here are the bags of cigarettes being handed out and one kid sitting on the bench across from me.

 

[mikeyank]

I forgot to post this yesterday from Thanksgiving morning on the quiet streets of Brooklyn Heights. We’re getting into the latter stages of fall with winter just a few weeks away. It truly all whizzes by.