Brooklyn

On Wednesday night, at the annual Sports Business Journal awards ceremony, Barclays Center was named the "Sports Facility of the Year" Accepting the award was Brett Yormark who thanked Bruce Ratner "for his vision and his passion." “It was quite a journey," said Yormark, adding that the Barclays Center has held 157 events, nearly one-third Nets games, attracting 1.7 million people since opening with a series of Jay-Z concerts on September 28. "This is a culmination of an incredible journey, and it really is quite humbling." The award marks quite a turnaround for the Nets. Only three years ago, IZOD Center was voted the worst sports facility in the country in a poll of SBJ readers. It's the third award for the arena in the last two weeks. On May 17, Architizer Magazine named Barclays Center its "building of the year" in architecture. Three days later, the billion dollar arena won top honors for economic development in the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s annual "Building Brooklyn" awards. "There isn’t a city in the world that wouldn’t beg for Barclays Center," Chamber President Carlo Scisurra said. "It’s in the hundreds of millions of dollars what that means to the borough annually." Barclays Center Wins Sports Facility Of The Year - Sports Business Daily Go Brooklyn: SHoP Architects’ Barclays Center Wins Architizer A+ Building Of the Year Award - Architizer Magazine Barclays Center among Brooklyn's newest architectural standouts honored by Chamber of Commerce - Jason Sheftell - New York Daily News

This week's WWE Main Event from the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Neb., featured some impressive names and thrilling performances. Not only did Alberto Del Rio and Big E Langston face off in an anticipated rematch, but Ryback also made an unexpected appearance.The company's hour-long show will continue to fly under the radar, but this week's event once again proved that it consistently boasts terrific in-ring performances and important moments in certain storylines.Let's take a look at the complete results. Alberto Del Rio defeats Big E LangstonThis, of course, served as a rematch of Monday night's contest when Langston was able to defeat the world heavyweight title's No. 1 contender:Del Rio got revenge on Main Event, however, securing the pinfall via rollup after an impressive, back-and-forth match that featured lots of offense. While this is an intriguing potential rivalry, Del Rio will undoubtedly go back to feuding with Dolph Ziggler once the champion returns from his concussion. The compelling question then becomes simple: what happens to Big E Langston?Judging by Langston's reaction after the match, however, he's not leaving Del Rio alone anytime soon:Whether he continues to battle Del Rio or moves on to someone else, most will just be happy to see the big man inside the ring as much as possible. Fans are beginning to take notice of his talent: As the Brooklyn Brawler pointed out, his unreal strength is unquestionably his most tantalizing trait:There's just something about watching him lift the 240-pound Del Rio straight over his head that makes for exciting entertainment, and you have to believe the WWE will continue to find plenty of important airtime for the up-and-comer. The Usos defeat Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre; Ryback "Ambulances" AnotherOn Monday night, it was Zack Ryder who was the unlucky recipient of a Ryback attack. On Main Event, it was Heath Slater's turn. During Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre's match with The Usos, Mr. Feed Me More appeared in an ambulance, tossed Slater into said ambulance and drove away. The WWE Universe then posed an important question:This is clearly building momentum for Ryback's potential Ambulance Match with John Cena at WWE Payback, but the big man's choice of victims is only creating material for jokes:On the flip side, The Usos went on to beat two-thirds of 3MB with another solid showing and appear to be gaining more momentum within the WWE world: If Kane and Daniel Bryan end up separating instead of getting their rematch, someone will have to take on Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns. The Usos, who have been receiving a slight push as of late, are an intriguing option.

The Charlotte Bobcats will have the fourth selection in the 2013 NBA Draft, which will be held Thursday, June 27, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Brooklyn rapper Zebra Katz readies the world for the release of DRKLNG – his forthcoming EP dropping June 4th on the Mad Decent spin-off label Jeffree’s. The sub-driven catalog full of quick wit and menacing melody was born from Katz’s cult smash, “IMA READ” – a post-boom bap ode to the art of reading, which was explained to the world by Ms. Dorian Corey in the legendary documentary Paris Is Burning. The track is covered on Katz’s debut project by Native Tongues veteran Busta Rhymes; his rework adjusts the title to “IMA LEAD”. Despite the fact that the production is just flat-out ill, Busta’s presence on the pulsing ball-ready anthem is an interesting development considering his well-documented homophobia. Aside from that very curious fray in the stitching, Zebra Katz delivers a sonically tight introduction to his beautifully brooding production style that melds melodrama with deep bass and cold MCing to create a cinematically vast soundtrack that is absolutely perfect for bad bitches in floor-length fur coats. Stream Zebra Katz’s forthcoming DRKLNG EP below. Scroll down for the DRKLNG tracklisting and Zebra Katz’s European tourdates. Look out for Zebra Katz out on the road with South African rap-ravers Die Antwoord. DRKLNG TRACK LIST Josephine Effect [Produced by Lenkemz] Pulla Stunt [Produced by Mike Dextro] Busta Rhymes – Ima Lead [Produced by Zebra Katz] Y I DO [Produced by Jepordise] Drk World [Produced by Triple Six Sound Club] Blk Wiccan [Produced by Paul Devro] Drk Binder [Produced by Triple Six Sound Club] LST CTRL [Produced by Mike Dextro] Alone Now (Cover) [Produced by Mike Dextro] W2TDS [Produced by Touch] 3rd Dgre [Produced by Deville] Last Name, Katz [Produced by Mike Dextro] The post Zebra Katz – DRKLNG [EP Stream] appeared first on Okayplayer.

Apr 2, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Phil Jackson looks on as the jersey of Los Angeles Lakers former player Shaquille O Just two days after Dwight Howard talked about the Lakers season, the one and only Zen Master was on “Mike & Mike In the Morning” today and he talked about the Lakers choosing Mike D’Antoni over himself. Jackson said when Mitch Kupchak told him the news, all he do was laugh. He also thought it was funny that Kupchak would pick Mike D’Antoni to coach the roster the Lakers had over himself. Phil did say he thought the hiring was the best for Steve Nash, but not for Dwight Howard. I think most of us can agree with this. The triangle wouldn’t utilize Nash to the best of his abilities, but it would sure work with Pau Gasol and Howard a heck of a lot better than it did and D’Antoni’s system. Jackson went on to say that he doesn’t see himself coaching again, despite all of the rumors that have come out recently. He has been linked to the Brooklyn Nets, the Toronto Raptors, and the Los Angeles Clippers. He has also been helping the Pistons in their search for a new head coach. I personally think Phil needs to stop talking about the Lakers because he isn’t part of the team, and hasn’t been for awhile now. All he is doing is creating drama — something the Lakers don’t need more of. What do YOU think about Phil’s comments? Let us know in the comment section down below! To fulfill all your Laker fan needs, don’t forget to LIKE our Lake Show Life Facebook page. Also, you can FOLLOW the website  and myself  on Twitter.

With the long-awaited Midnight Magic LP visible in the distance, Nemo Achida offloads his first single off the project in the form of “Nuffin”. A lot has changed for Nemo in the last year. With the release of Goodbye Brooklyn, his signing to 88-Keys’ Locksmith label and a national tour with Blu and Tiron & Ayomari, [...]

by Bill Pearis People Get Ready @ MHOW, 2/1/2013 (more by David Andrako) Art pop combo People Get Ready have a new EP, Zelda Maria, out now. The title track comes from last year's self-titled debut and a video for that song has just been released as well. Working with acclaimed choreographer Tere O'Connor and video artist Ty Flowers, the clip is retrofuturistic without relying on old VHS-style tropes. You can watch it below. The band, who are equally known for occasionally doing special, highly-choreographed lives shows (watch one below), recently played Crossing Brooklyn Ferry and are currently opening for The National (in more traditional rock band mode) on a few dates. While that does not include The National's show at Barclays Center, People Get Ready are also playing Tropfest in Prospect Park on June 22 with Chairlift and Bear in Heaven. Free tickets are still available. Tour dates are listed, along with videos, below... Continue reading "People Get Ready released new EP and video, opening for The National, playing Tropfest" at brooklynvegan

During the early days of the blog, when I was first trading through the mail, I would finish off team sets fairly quickly. When your want list includes 1990 Donruss Dodgers, people are lining up to fill your order.I remember Dan from Saints From the Cheap Seats being particularly good at this. There was also a guy named Eric -- he had a blog for awhile -- that did the same. I'd set up my want list stacks and they'd knock them down.That doesn't happen much anymore. It's not because those guys don't blog anymore, but because I have a lot more Dodgers than a few years ago.So when I received a card package from Nick of Dime Boxes last week, I couldn't believe my eyes. He actually completed three team sets for me in one swoop.2000 Stadium Club.2005 Topps Rookie Cup (yes, I know there are a zillion parallels. Let's not get ahead of ourselves).1991 Topps Archives (inspiration for the '53 set ... or maybe not).That's a successful package all by itself. But, of course, Nick didn't stop there, because he's surrounded by dime boxes and relatives who give him cards ... and money ... and money for cards. Oh, and he has the summer off. In short, I don't think he really lives on this planet.But that's a tangent about my lot in life. You don't want to hear that. Let's see more cards from Nick!While I'm still on Archives, here's one from the 2001 set. This is how you do Archives. Not that flimsy disappointment from last year. You're mimicking your own brand, Topps! Don't you want it to look nice?I think I'll stay with the Brooklyn era and then work my way into the future. Ed Roebuck is introducing Clem Labine to a baseball.A very cool-looking set. It helps you forget that there's a Brooklyn theme to both the photo and the back (Brooklyn logo), but the write-up mentions only his time in L.A. There's that old Upper Deck disconnect.Do I have this '71 card already? Yes, I have the whole set. But I will not turn away a '71 in this fine a shape. Jim's never looked so young.Nick sent me a handful of Upper Deck '70s Decade cards for the set completion task. I really enjoy seeing these in card packages. Here's the guy who gave up Hal McRae's first two major league hits. I found that out doing the '71 Topps blog.Fergie won 20 games for the Cubs six straight years. I'll let that sink in a little. Six straight seasons of 20 wins. For the Cubs. This will never happen again.BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!This is a terrific throw-in. It's an oddball, it's an Expo, it's from my era, the card back looks like the '82 Topps back except it's yellow. I'm entranced.Moving into the '90s, which means we'll see cards that are very unfamiliar to me. This is some sort of preview card of 1994 Bowman. Previewing cards was quite the rage in the mid-90s, but I have no idea which year to group this card with in my binder.National Packtime. Another rage of the mid-1990s. I have a couple of these Packtime cards (terrible name, by the way). I still know nothing about how they were issued.Evidence that Lance Parrish was a Dodger. Isn't that fun? Parrish was in contention for the Dodgers catching job in 1993, but lost out to a guy named Mike Piazza. Parrish was sent down and never played for L.A. But the LAPD D.A.R.E.'d to put him on a card. Get it? ... Sorry.Late '90s/early '00s stuff. This era makes me feel sad for the Dodgers. Let's move on.I'm supposed to like these more than I do. I haven't found a tribute/rip-off set that copies 1956 Topps that I like. Maybe I just consider it something you shouldn't duplicate.But floating heads? Duplicate away! Put them on every card!Last card. It's from 2004 Topps Total. I know how much Nick likes Topps Total. I do, too. So do a lot of bloggers. I'm part of the "Bring Back Topps Total" crowd. Unfortunately, it's never coming back.Topps has said so specifically.So, sorry, unless you want to take pictures of all the major leaguers and find some nifty card stock and make your own set of 990 players, you're not going to see Topp

All smiles and sporting a crisp suit-and-tie combination for his NBA studio work, Jerry Stackhouse didn't look like a guy with a history of violence when he joined ESPN's Dan Le Batard and Bomani Jones (and Papi) to discuss his reputation as the baddest old dude in the league.But a quick trip down memory lane proved that beneath the polish and generally engaging demeanor was a man with a frighteningly short fuse. Amazing Jerry stackhouse interview on highly questionable. He will fight you.— Al Toby (@AlTobyYahoo) May 22, 2013 Stackhouse, who has averaged 16.9 points per game during his 17-year career, has been hanging around for the past half-decade on the strength of his presence in the locker room. That's quite a change for a player who once called his own coach a "sucker" and wanted to fight him.So far as we know, that was the only run-in with a coach. But Stack definitely got into it with more than one player in his younger days.He threw a few haymakers at Jeff Hornacek, gave teammate Christian Laettner a black eye on a plane and even decked Allen Iverson when the two were playing together with the Philadelphia 76ers.This guy has been so tough throughout his career that he's now inspiring some Chuck Norris-like comparisons: Jerry Stackhouse doesn't make salads. He cooks them. RT @pflanns: The Stackhouse interview is so, so great: youtu.be/xJv4b6z8ZrU— Kelly Dwyer (@KDonhoops) May 22, 2013 The highlight of the interview was Stackhouse's recollection of perhaps his most infamous altercation, which involved Kirk Snyder, then of the Utah Jazz. Apparently, the two had been jawing during a game in 2005 and at some point, Snyder took a cheap shot at Stackhouse.Instead of taking care of business then and there like he did with Hornacek years earlier, Stackhouse decided to wait in the tunnel after the game, seeking to sort things out away from the glare of the bright lights and TV cameras.Nobody's totally sure what happened, but ancient Internet documents corroborate Stackhouse's position that it didn't end well for Snyder. That's all beside the point, though, as the very best part of the ESPN interview featured Stackhouse recounting the fallout of the fight, in which Snyder actually thanked him for the beating."He needed to bleed," Stack surmised, still smiling brightly in that suit and tie.Whoa.Something tells me that fellow talking heads won't be disagreeing with Stackhouse very often in his next career as an analyst. Although, it sure does seem that all of the violence hasn't swayed much of the media, which seems very much enamored with the smooth-talking beatdown artist: This interview on @dlhq perfectly illustrates why I enjoyed covering @jerrystackhouse so much this season. Great guy: bit.ly/12Nv1Z2— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) May 22, 2013 This is a guy who actually belted out the national anthem before a Brooklyn Nets playoff game earlier this postseason. So apparently, he's capable of both singing you to sleep and knocking you out cold.

This week I talked with Somer Bingham, the punk-edged musician whom we got to know last season on Showtime's hit reality TV series The Real L Word. Somer's gutsy performance style and authenticity led to her being cast on the show, where the lesbian community got to know her as relatable and uncompromising. Showtime then chose Somer to create a weekly video blog to accompany the series, calling it Somer Fridays. After 2 million views, its success has exceeded all expectations. Now she's started a new music project, Clinical Trials, inspired by the energy of Nirvana and Patti Smith. She lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., with her wife, Donna, and their two mini-wolves.I talked with Somer about life after The Real L Word and her spin on LGBT issues. When asked about her personal commitment to LGBT equality, Bingham stated:I think just by being out, that's the first step that anyone can take. I happened to be on the show, which was an exposure, and saying I'm a proud, out lesbian. But I actually put on a couple of shows that were just for youth who were questioning, or who were struggling or might have been bullied. There's an organization in Long Island, called Pride for Youth, that I went to one of their charity events, and I'm going back to just hang out with the girls. I want to be exposed, and I want to be out in that way that makes other people feel less lonely.LISTEN: Somer and Clinical Trials will be appearing as part of the "Female-Fronted Music Takeover" night at TT the Bear's Place in Cambridge, Mass., on May 30. Nothing quite compares to a night of incredible bands led by women of rock, and for music fans who also love supporting LGBTQ artists, each band happens to include queer and lesbian-identifying members. The other bands are Sugar Bomb!, a Boston-based alternative/pop-rock band spawned from the brain of frontwoman Kat Hamilton; the blues-influenced grunge band Slothrust; and Licious, largely inspired by Fiona Apple, Regina Spektor and Portishead.For more information on Clinical Trials, visit clinicaltrialsmusic.com.Listen to more interviews with LGBTQ leaders, allies, and celebrities at OUTTAKE VOICES™.Download interviews on iTunes.