Epicenter NYC Epicenter NYC

Not too long ago I was heading home after a trek through Forest Park and saw a swarm of black-colored birds — hundreds of them — in the sky, trees and power lines, on rooftops and lawns and on sidewalks across the street. Fascinated by the super-flock, I consulted a couple bird experts, sharing pictures and a video. 

Paul Sweet, a collection manager at the American Museum of Natural History’s ​​department of ornithology, was one of the experts who confirmed that these weren’t crows, but common grackles. Sweet, a Brooklyn resident, has worked at the museum for 32 years. One of the most common misconceptions he’s heard is the one I brought up.


https://epicenter-nyc.com/mistaking-blackbirds-with-hitchcocks-in-queens/ 

https://www.nycgovparks.org/places-to-go/birding

https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/birding

https://www.nycaudubon.org/events-birding/programs-and-events/local-trips-classes

https://www.feministbirdclub.org/

https://www.instagram.com/latinooutdoors_nyc/

https://www.meetup.com/outdoor-afro-ny/

https://www.amnh.org/research/vertebrate-zoology/ornithology
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On weekend nights, Puerto Viejo in Prospect Heights is packed with New Yorkers and visitors alike. Many stay for hours, sipping morir soñando and eating sancocho while chatting with friends or longtime restaurant staff. In this episode we sit down with Maritza Abreu, the daughter of founders Cristina and Eduardo Abreu. Maritza is now in charge of marketing and events for the family restaurant. And her parents' work has also inspired her to start a business of her own – a hot sauce company called “Pisqueya”. 


https://epicenter-nyc.com/resilience-on-the-menu-at-authentic-dominican-restaurant/

https://www.puertoviejony.com/

https://pisqueya.com/products/pisqueya-smoky-hot-sauce
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As Mets owner Steve Cohen’s proposal to build a casino and entertainment complex at Citi Field is in limbo, some community advocates are questioning whether the harms outweigh the benefits. And during the February casino town hall, several residents, some of whom are of East Asian descent, questioned the casino’s proximity to Flushing’s Asian American community. Two of  them argued that members of the community “tend to gamble a lot.” While some attendees cheered in agreement, others found the comments stereotypical and harmful.

In this episode we sit down with two experts to learn more about where the stereotype of the “Asian problem gambler” comes from, how casino marketing targets Asian Americans, and how communities can address this issue.


https://epicenter-nyc.com/the-truth-behind-the-asian-gambler-stereotype/

https://epicenter-nyc.com/why-critics-of-the-proposed-citi-field-casino-want-you-to-know-more-about-gambling-addiction/

https://nyproblemgambling.org/

https://www.minkwon.org/
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When Lolita Malone was growing up with three younger sisters and their baby brother in rural Jamaica, she and her siblings shared clothes, shoes, and pretty much everything. They had a tiny allowance but big fashion dreams, so they would hit up thrift shops and cut and upcycle clothes.

Now, decades later, Lolita and her daughter, Maui, have launched a Manhattan-based fashion brand of their own: Maui x Lolita. Their designs are for bold, daring women who want to take risks when it comes to what they wear. In this episode we sit down with Lolita to learn about the story behind Maui x Lolita and what’s next.


https://epicenter-nyc.com/a-mother-daughter-duo-creates-the-clothes-the-fashion-industrys-been-missing/ 

https://mauixlolita.com/ 
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In December, reggaeton legend Daddy Yankee announced his plan to dedicate himself to Christianity. He dropped the bombshell on a farewell tour while a drone depicted a giant cross and the message “Christ is coming.” Daddy Yankee’s move follows other icons like Farruko, Julio Voltio, El General. But that’s not the only thing they have in common. So why do reggaeton artists who’ve announced their devotion to religion happen to be middle-aged men? 

In this episode you’ll hear from historians, theologians and experts of the Puerto Rican experience as we answer this question.


https://epicenter-nyc.com/why-are-reggaeton-superstars-ditching-their-music-for-god/

https://twitter.com/jjrodv/status/1734797704146895134?s=46&t=0SNllaIm9HWHZqj9bMYvxA 
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Mirta Rinaldi was 61 years old when she launched her food business, Mendulcina. But her journey with food began long before. Growing up in Mendoza, Argentina, she spent a lot of time in the kitchen, surrounded by family. Cooking was their love language. Then, in 1975 Mirta moved to New York City, and after working a variety of jobs she decided to follow her passion and cook full time.

In this episode Epicenter-NYC’s Danielle Hyams sits down with Mirta and her daughter Paola, who helps run Mendulcina, to learn more about the inspiration behind the company.


https://epicenter-nyc.com/mendulcina-the-sweetness-of-pursuing-your-passion-at-any-age/

https://mendulcina.com/ 

https://www.leagueofkitchens.com/
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