July 30. 2009 by admin.

In this day in age we can’t take enough precaution in protecting ourselves and our assets (no matter how much you have). Here’s an e-mail I received (thanks Mom!) called “Free Advice” informing the general population on keeping what’s yours:

1. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put ‘PHOTO ID REQUIRED.’ 
2. When you are writing checks to pay your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the ‘For’ line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the numbers, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won’t have access to it.
3. Put your work phone number on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a P.O. Box, use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a P.O. Box, use your work address.
4. Run the contents of your wallet thru a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel in the event it gets lost or stolen. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad. We’ve all heard horror stories about fraud that’s committed on us- whether it’s stealing a name, address, social security number, credit cards, etc.
5. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately, but the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.
6. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one). But here’s what’s perhaps most important of all (I never even thought to do this):
7. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the internet in my name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had already been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves’ purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks. Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, if it has been stolen:

• Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 
• Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
• Trans Union : 1-800-680 7289
• Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

 Be blessed…KuTs

Posted in Not random, but random | 6 Comments »

July 29. 2009 by admin.

Photo Credit: AGM|newyork Photography

Check it! Our boyee, DRE.B.EZ was recently profiled on the weekly Fashion Hurtz Q+A Showoff Series. Click here to read his responses to 10 of the most random questions EVER and feel free to leave some commentary on there when you’re done, too! But before you click out of the site, check out the Fashion Hurtz Store and cop a couple tees while you’re at it. Special BKBOYEEZ shout out to Fresh & Ones. Keep doin’ what you’re doin’, fellas. Make Brooklyn proud & thanks for the love!

Posted in Special Features | 2 Comments »

July 28. 2009 by admin.

Finally, I made it to the to 27th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Summer Concert Series at Wingate Park in non-other than Brooklyn, New York. Having had already missed two concerts, I was uberly determined not to have this concert meet the same fate- especially because my all time favorite artist EVER Anita Baker was headlining along with (don’t sleep on this dude at all)- Charlie Wilson. I remember being really young and my mom always having the radio on WBLS- at that time Anita Baker ruled the airwaves. Her jazzy, melodic, piercingly clear tonation that made her stick out like a red door knob in a black room also made her a household name and one of the greatest voices of her time. She took me back to my younger years- whether good or bad, I was always comforted by the sounds of Anita Baker. Last night, Anita Baker was my chicken soup, and I had more than my fill. Wearing her signature look, from beginning to end I was caught up in the rapture as she belted out “Angel”, “Fairy Tale”, and “You Bring Me Joy”. I am still on a high and cannot go any further without first mentioning that I am officially a Charlie Wilson fan. With his rendition of “Let’s Chill”, “Baby I’m a Star”, and a Gap Band track or two from his previous days with them- he took the crowd from grooving in their seats to dancing on top of them. With three costume changes all involving something reflective, he proved that he came to give Brooklyn a good show and we received him with open arms. They were classic, left Brooklyn drunken with satisfaction and me thirsty for more.

Be Blessed…KuTTy

Posted in Only in BK | 1 Comment »

July 23. 2009 by admin.

I’m kinda tight because weather forecasters have predicted rain today, tomorrow AND this weekend, but you know what- who the HELL cares?!?! Be sure to check out these events as I’m sure they’ll still happen rain or shine!

• Cinema Under the Stars at Narrows Botanical Garden [Shore Rd bet. 69th & 72nd in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn] will be showing “Toy Story” TONIGHT at 8:30pm. Call 718-748-9848 for more details. [Film]
• Celebrate Brooklyn at the Prospect Park Bandshell [Prospect Park West & 9th Street] TONIGHT with the Stephen Petronio Company. [Dance]
• Seaside Summer Concert Series at Asser Levy/Seaside Park [West 5th Street & Surf Ave- opposite the New York Aquarium] will have Gladys Knight & The O’Jays performing TONIGHT at 7:30pm. [Music]
• BAM MetroTech R&B Festival at Commons Lawn [Flatbush & Myrtle]. Be there on Thursdays thru Aug 6th from 12 noon – 2pm.
• Baked Summer Concerts in Red Hook [359 Van Brunt St]. Be there on Fridays thru Aug 14th from 7pm – 9pm. Call 718-858-3550 for more details.
• Herbert Von King Park Theatre [Tompkins Ave- Lafayette & Greene]  is in full effect this weekend! There will be performance of Chisa Hutchinson’s Dirt Rich [7/23] and William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream [7/24 & 7/25]. The shows are scheduled to begin at 8pm, but feel free to call 212-360-8290 for more details. [Theatre]
• Plant & Play Time for Kids at Umoja Garden [Broadway & Putnam]. Plant flowers, dig in soil, harvest fruits & veggies, play games! Be there on Saturdays thru Aug 15th from 1pm – 4pm. [Kids]
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Summer Concert Series this Monday- July 27th and EVERY MONDAY thru Aug 24th at Wingate Park [Brooklyn Avenue between Rutland & Winthrop]. Performance start at 7:30pm and ALL SHOW ARE FREE!This week’s line-up includes: Anita Baker & Charlie Wilson. [Music]

Let me know if I forgot anything. Ohhh… I know this one’s not a weekend event, but check out Wayne Wonder at Brower Park [Brooklyn Ave & Prospect Place] next Wednesday, July 29th at 7pm. Call 212-360-8290 for more details.

DRE.B.EZ

Posted in Bored? Check this! | 3 Comments »

July 23. 2009 by admin.

As a youngin’ I always heard the phrase “Black don’t Crack”- well I am here to inform you for the most part the statement is true, but it’s not the the “black” parts of our skin that people of color have to worry about. Since the Summer has begun a lot of my friends have been going tanning to enhance the richness of their beautiful natural brown complexion without wearing some form of sunscreen. Totally dangerous people! Although it is rare that a person of color will get a cancerous growth on the darker parts of their skin, the palm side of the hand, bottom of the feet, and periungial (the area around your fingernails and toenails) are high risk areas for skin cancer. So when you’re laying out on the beach, please do yourself a favor and protect yourself with anyone of the SPF’s (if your going in the water they have waterproof sunscreens available, too). Skin cancer is real, even for us!

Be blessed…KuTs

Posted in Health & Beauty | 2 Comments »

July 22. 2009 by admin.

“PRIORITIES - is what creates reaction.”
-KuTs

Posted in Not random, but random | No Comments »

July 21. 2009 by admin.

Yo, this weather has been crazy! I don’t know what Mother Nature is going through… Well actually, I do know.  We’ve been consistently destroying our ozone layer, but I digress. We got a piece of summer sun last week, and I believe it caught a lot of us off guard. I was hot as hell! In the event summer wants to swing by again, here are a few ways to beat the summer heat and avoid unflattering beads of perspiration that we pretend people can’t really see.

1.  A cold can of soda on the back of the neck is a sure fire way to cool down. The neck is one of the most exposed and easily overheated areas of the skin.
2. Run cold water on the insides of your wrists or dip your elbows in cool water. These are pulse points and will help constrict the blood vessels that dilate when you overheat.
3. Take off your shoes and socks. The body releases heat through the feet. By airing out your feet you lower your body temperature.
4. Carry some cooling peppermint oil with you. A few drops at the temples will cool you in seconds.
5. Get a glass of ice- no water! Holding the cup to your face, blow gently into it. The ice will cool the air and it will blow cold air back at you.

Stay up and catch my swag
FaBid

Posted in Health & Beauty | 1 Comment »

July 18. 2009 by admin.

This week has been a rather light one here at BKBOYEEZ.com, but that doesn’t mean we’re not brewing up some future initiatives here at the headquarters either. Although we’ve been out enjoying the Summer (as we hope you’ve also been doing), we’ve made it our duty to keep you up to date with what’s going on around Brooklyn. If you’ve been reading, you’ll already know that Keyshia Cole & Lyfe Jennings made guest performances at Wingate Park earlier this week, our Boyee KuTTy has been getting reacquainted with his good ‘ole friend- ”Free” (we absolutely LOVE that guy!) all while on his quest to upgrade the fung shui in his bedroom. Be sure you keep up with him on his journey, and we urge you to continue checking out the weekend Summer events that’s happening throughout the borough as well.

We want to thank each and every one of our readers for supporting the BKBOYEEZ movement and if there’s anything you would like to see on the site or if you have any ideas you think we should try- feel free to contact us via email: b.k.boyeez@gmail.com or on hit us on Twitter @BKBOYEEZ. Thank you for riding with us!

-the BKBOYEEZ

Posted in Sincerely, BKBOYEEZ | No Comments »

July 17. 2009 by admin.

I made the transition from Mom’s house to Independence 9 months ago, and I’ve been living as though I just moved in the whole time! For almost 2 months I’ve been trying to organize and give my room some swagger, but honestly- it hasn’t been going too well. My room has swine flu! Clothes, sneakers, shoes, and hats are everywhere. I have the blueprint of what my room will look like when everything is done, but my mind is being cluttered by my space clutter- which is producing an unsuccessful plan toward getting the blueprint from idea to reality. Now, I have an approximate 3 week deadline to have my room at least half way to the design of the blueprint. I’m going to document my progress for you guys for motivation and of course WHATEVER tips you might have. Will I be telling tales of victory or hanging my head low in defeat? Keep BKBOYEEZ.COM bookmarked to find out.

Be blessed…KuTs

Posted in Not random, but random | 1 Comment »

July 16. 2009 by admin.

Can’t believe we’re still in a recession, BUT there’s no point in basking in its gloom. With that said, let’s hope you’ve been enjoying the Summer FREENESS! If not, get out with the family, close friends, a new acquaintance or rock solo to any of these FREE to low cost events happening this weekend in Brooklyn.

• City Parks Foundation Concert Series featuring Chico Debarge TONIGHT at Von King Park [Tompkins Ave – Lafayette & Greene]. Performance generally starts at 7pm unless otherwise noted. Call 212-360-8290 for more details.
• SIRENS MUSIC FESTIVAL this Saturday, July 18th in Coney Island. From 12 noon - 9 pm, come scope out an array of budding artists and live bands bringing to Brooklyn the true meaning of free of expression thru music (…there’s 2 different stages, so see line-up below). While you’re there, you can also check out Brooklyn’s historical wonderland- Coney Island and hop a ride on the Cyclone if you’ve got $8 to spare… if not, cruise the Boardwalk for everything in food, family, and fashion (not always “good” fashion, but a good laugh here & there will keep you youthful… *wink*).

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Summer Concert Series this Monday- July 20th and EVERY MONDAY thru Aug 24th at Wingate Park [Brooklyn Avenue between Rutland & Winthrop]. Performance start at 7:30pm and ALL SHOW ARE FREE! Meaning, don’t be like us last week waiting among droves of Keyshia Cole fans itching to get into the park to no avail. Don’t get caught out there- get there by 4pm if you can! This week Brooklyn has a CLASSIC line-up including: The O’Jays, Jerry Butler, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, and Russell Thompkins, Jr. and the New Stylistics. That’s REAL MUSIC Brooklyn- don’t miss out! We learned our lesson.

DRE.B.EZ

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July 15. 2009 by admin.

Look what I came across one night as my sister and I walked around the Upper West Side- just weeks after the passing of the King of Pop! I wish we saw it in the daytime (it would be A LOT brighter), but isn’t this DOPE? … and it looks just like him! This is the Michael I remember wanting to be just like! Can’t say this enough… R.I.P. Michael. …Oh, and special shout out to the artist- Hani Shihada- who’s known for drawing some of the most breathtaking works of art directly on the sidewalks of NYC!

Artist: Hani Shihada

DRE.B.EZ

Posted in Not random, but random | 4 Comments »

July 14. 2009 by admin.

I was  walking to the train yesterday down Ocean Aveune right beside Prospect Park when I looked to my left and realized what a great day Brooklyn was having at 11am. I walk down this route to the train almost everyday but I’ve been seriously taking it for granted. Brooklyn isn’t know for its glitz, so take a deep breath in and enjoy the view.

Be blessed…KuTs

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July 13. 2009 by admin.

Monday night popped off the Summer Concert Series at Brooklyn’s own- Wingate Park. First on the roster was Keyshia Cole and Lyfe Jennings- both dope artists, so you know the BKBOYEEZ had to be up in there.  Unfortunately, so was all of Brooklyn and there was no getting in. When I tell you people were lining up at 4:30pm- I’m serious! The cops had the streets blocked off all the way from New York & Winthrop to at least 5-6 blocks north and had the same treatment on Albany & Winthrop doing the same. That’s crazy! So Dre and I decided to dip out after making our rounds through the crowd. Left with nothing to do, we decided to have cocktails downtown while we figured out the gameplan for the rest of our evening. It just so happens that I have a friend that works at Scopello’s in Ft. Greene.  Although I heard Keyshia was “good with her three costume changes and all”, my girl Catherine (who happens to be slightly heavy-handed behind the bar) definitely showed us that we made the better choice. I love a bartender who can relate to her clientele all while whipping up great Mojitos & Caipirinas “with love”! Scopello’s is actually one of Brooklyn’s small gems. It has a intimate, yet social atmosphere and the Happy Hour specials there is off the hook! We ended the night at Rockwells “I Hate Mondays” party, which turned out to be a dope finish to an impromptu evening. Yo! I was twisted off the mojitos and worn out from the spade games. I believe I have found my new Monday night hangouts, so definitely swing thru and catch me at the bar.

The BKBOYEEZ go to Scopellos for the friendly bartenders! Love you, Catherine.

Stay up and catch my swag.
FaBid

Posted in Not random, but random | No Comments »

July 12. 2009 by admin.

This weekend was undoubtedly eventful and all thanks to one of my favorite friends. You may already know “Free”… (and no, not the female who first hosted BET’s 106 & Park) but the worthless kind. The friend you don’t have to come out of pocket for. We started off by making a stop at a Brooklyn backyard alley BBQ (Yardie Caribbean style) full of drinks, food, and some of the wickedest tunes (Bend Ovah Gal!…) FREE was all over “Free’s agenda” and that was just Friday night. Saturday was all about work and recovery, which left Sunday to start in no other place but church. Bad planning moves got me to the last leg and the last hour of fun and House tracks at the Afro-Punk Block Party in Clinton Hills, Brooklyn. Dre and FaBid were there early taking it all in for me, so look out for more details and pics on the block party to come… We hit up Fort Greene Park afterwards, that hosts an event called Soul Summit every Sunday in the Summer, of non-stop rhythmic drum beats and DJ’s. There were hundreds of people housin’, loving, creating and in my opinion, it was one the best feel good atmospheres in Brooklyn and the best part- my friend “Free” was all over that event, too. Then we hit up Moe’s, Habana Outpost, my homie R****, and definitely had a happy ending (Ooooo weeee!). Dope meeting you Tiff (Shout out to B-more); Mel loved running into you (still glad I got the original & still can’t believe you’re back in BK!)

Be Blessed…KuTTy

Posted in Only in BK | 4 Comments »

July 11. 2009 by admin.

Have you ever been on the train with no iPod, magazine, book or one of your Boyeez for mindless travel conversation. I know, I been there. I always find myself looking around aimlessly trying to find something to occupy me for my 30 minute ride into the city. Ten of those minutes are usually dedicated to getting into how crazy everyone looks on the train. Nothing like a rush hour train ride to show you just how many Brooklynites still haven’t gotten on the fashion bandwagon. The next 15 minutes I’m usually b!*chin’ about how slow the train is going- making me much later than I already am (…’cuz I’m never on time). The last 5 mins I’m usually trying to prep myself for the mad dash I’m gonna have to make as soon as the doors opens.

Today something caught my eye that totally sidetracked me from my regular travel routine. Now I’m sure there’s a title for these things and with a little more research I probably could have gotten the name of it, but whatever! You know that part at the top of the train where they have the advertisements for everything from GED programs to cosmetic surgery? Well, they also have that series of poems and quotes. Although they often provide a reversion to my boring train ride (they mainly confuse me- I just don’t get them sometimes), but today’s quote had my full 30 minute attention. This quote occupied my mind all day. Here’s the quote… tell me what you think.

“To doubt everything or to believe everything are two equally convenient solutions; both dispense with the need for thought.” -Henri Poincaré.

Posted in Not random, but random | 1 Comment »

July 10. 2009 by admin.

• The son of Brooklyn’s late Godfather of Gospel, Rev. Timothy Wright, will take over at his father’s church starting Saturday. David Wright, 30, will be officially named pastor of Grace Tabernacle Christian Center in Crown Heights during an afternoon service on Friday.
• Frank Mickens, the cigar-chomping educator, whose tough love transformed Brooklyn’s Boys and Girls High School from one of the city’s worst to a place of pride died in his sleep yesterday at age 63.
• Brooklyn played host this week to the Little People of America National Convention and the attendees found borough residents to be more accepting than in other cities the convention has been held.
• Government lawyers are seeking a court order to shut down an unsanitary Williamsburg cheese factory which has produced cheese products contaminated with Listeria bacteria. A civil complaint filed in Brooklyn Federal Court charges that the owners of Peregrina Cheese, Inc. have failed to correct numerous violations found by inspectors at its factory since 2004.
• Roxroy Salmon, a Brooklyn father of five and community leader, is fighting deportation. His is not the first case and, unfortunately, it won’t be the last. A recent study by the Homeland Security Department conducted at the request of Rep. José Serrano (D-Bronx) showed a terrible reality: From 1998 to 2007, immigration authorities deported at least 108,434 parents of U.S.-citizen children. Salmon, though, is not alone in his struggle to remain with his U.S. citizen wife and children.
• Marty Markowitz loves being Brooklyn’s biggest booster. He’s just not that into being big. The borough president - whose robust personality is matched by his appetite - has packed on the pounds despite leading a public campaign to get his borough slim and healthy.The 64-year-old Markowitz had a heart attack several years ago, inspiring him to lose weight and up his exercise routine. He admitted yesterday he’s slipped and gained back most of what he lost.

Stay tuned to your local news channel for in depth coverage.

Stay up an catch my swag
FaBid

Posted in BK&BEYOND | No Comments »