I don’t usually take a real break from work. For the past year-ish, I typically go out to the market two blocks away with coworkers who inevitably talk about work or work people. It’s 10 minutes of non-screen time, but it’s not a real break. Yesterday I went to the used art book store around the corner and it was an instant lift to my mood. I forgot how good it is for you to spend time in a world away from computers, email, URLs, etc. I’ve always had a lunch time retreat that was a real retreat, but I’d let that slide a bit in this recent job since, honestly, my job is pretty great. I highly recommend the P.S. Bookshop in Dumbo. They have a fantastic selection of artsy books and small sections about a wide variety of topics. I went in over the summer in search for an illustrated vintage book on how to grow herbs at home, and when the shop clerk referred me to the gardening section, I found exactly what I was looking for. It smells like a real bookstore, too.

Last night, outside.in co-sponsored a talk with Jeff Jarvis for his newly-released book, What Would Google Do? at the Daylife office. There was a large turnout, mostly of 30- and 40-something media men. Jarvis stood on a table to talk, and only mentioned Davos four times (while joking about it).
[where: 444 Broadway, New York, NY]

I voted today in Williamsburg. Had to wait in line outside of my polling place (a school on N. 5th Street), but once inside my district had no wait! GObama!

I was a little disappointed by Five Leaves. I had dinner last night at this lovely new spot. Don’t get me wrong, this space is gorgeous. Designed by the folks who did the interior for Moto, it’s rustic charm and decor in what would otherwise be an odd corner spot is a success. However, it is hard to walk from the front of the restaurant to the back without bumping into diners or folks seated at the bar (yes, its that narrow). We had a tasty fresh ricotta appetizer that was served with 3 half-slices of bread (we requested more and the server brought out a generous portion. I think he realized how silly it was to serve 2 people 3 little portions of bread for a huge bowl of a cheese you can’t really eat solo with your fingers). The drink menu is ok, if a bit pricey ($7-8 for eh white wine, and nothing that great on the beer list, $7 for bottle or tap). I ordered the soup of the day — butternut squash soup, vegan. It was tasty and better than average. I also had the mixed green salad. Also good. My dinner companion had the chicken with rice and greens. He seemed pleased. Overall, I think Five Leaves (also known as “the Heath Ledger bar” because of his investment prior to his death) is a lovely atmosphere, and probably a better bet for a drink and snack than a full dinner. Or maybe it’s just that it wasn’t Walter Foods that disappointed me…

My friend Jenni Wu did the cute illustrations that accompany my list of Brooklyn tailors today on Brooklyn Based. Have you signed up for the list yet?

Still not convinced that crime blotters should be witty. Thanks, Brooklyn Paper. Here’s this week’s writeup.

My latest post is up at Brooklyn Based now. A guide to shopping on Etsy.

Not included is my favorite Etsy store. Super cute felted iPod/camera/gadget cases and other craft goodies. If you don’t see something you like, you can always contact the seller to request something! Also, this dress. LOVE it! Want it!

My first attempt at crowdsourcing. Pipe in here.

photo by Melissa Sands

We all know about gentrification in Brooklyn, but how often do we hear from the people who actually live in these neighborhoods? Brooklyn Based talked to real life residents of the latest up-and-coming BK ‘hood, with great accompanying photos.

What’s it like in Crown Heights, Part I and Part II:

Update: Today, Brownstoner picked up the post and there’s an active comment thread!