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February 5, 2009
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i totally wiped out on a patch of ice this morning and a bunch of people walked right by me and didnt ask if i was okay! hahahah. grrrrr. tho honestly sometimes it's more embarrassing when people do stop to ask if you are okay, so im giving them a free pass. this makes it the 5th time i've fallen down the hill in park slope in 6 months! is it just me or is the area just really dangerous? dont answer that.
*r*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at February 5, 2009 9:34 AM
They really should do something about that hill in Park Slope. It's extremely hazardous.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 5, 2009 9:37 AM
Were you in heels???
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 9:38 AM
you should just levitate down the street like the rest of the people in your neighborhood
Posted by: dittoburg at February 5, 2009 9:40 AM
Rob, you don't have any stroller marks across your back, do you?
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 5, 2009 9:43 AM
List of Bernie Madoff clients. Search for "Brooklyn." A bunch of names in the slope.
http://www.cbsnews.com/htdocs/pdf/madoffvictimslist.pdf
Posted by: lechacal at February 5, 2009 9:43 AM
You guys got to go to the Forum and read "An Issue For Our Co-op Board."
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 9:52 AM
do we get anything if our name is on that list? i was watching the PIX morning news this morning and they printed out the list and said it took 25 minutes! it was thicker than a bible!
*r*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at February 5, 2009 9:52 AM
Who alphebetizes things by first name???
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 9:55 AM
quote:
Who alphebetizes things by first name???
our 'tarded french database programmer did that. seriously
*r*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at February 5, 2009 9:57 AM
Pierre....care to comment on that one????
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 9:58 AM
Hey 11217 if you're monitoring this thread: That new 24 hr grocery on 7th is open now. It's nice inside. Good selection and good produce. Also lots of different brewed coffees. No deli counter, but it's a nice little shop.
I was going to take a pic and send it to brownstoner but I'm still waiting for my new camera to be delivered. :P
Posted by: cwbuecheler at February 5, 2009 10:32 AM
Rob, Sorry to hear about your spill.
I actually had a very bad fall in August. We were hiking in the Adirondacks, it had rained that morning but we decided to go hiking anyway (We've been out in all kinds of weather). We climbed the mountain (I forget which peak, but it was about 4,500 feet above sea), We like to hike a more rugged trail, some rock climbing / scrambling, on the edge, an escarpment. We started to make our way down from the peak, the rocks were still wet from the morning and I slipped, fell and slid a few feet. I grabbed onto some rocks. My feet were literally dangling off the mountain. A friend and hubby grabbed me and pulled me up. I was so rattled, my body was shaking. It took me a while to compose my self to eventually make it down the mountain.
I haven't been hiking / climbing since, and I usually go almost every other weekend.
So Rob, If you're that shaken up, tramatized. I would suggest you take some time off from that hill. Actually you might want to avoid the area all together. Slipping in Park Slope is like falling of the edge of the earth and nobody will be there to pull you up.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at February 5, 2009 10:48 AM
BRG - I'm a hiker too.
Wierrrrd
Posted by: dittoburg at February 5, 2009 10:50 AM
Walking in Park Slope = Hiking in the Adirondacks.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 10:51 AM
I hiked to the top of Mt. Marcy in college. Also did the John Muir trail in CA in the 80s on a three day hike. That was spectacular. Unfortunately I was living in Chicago then and didn't have the mountains of Park Slope to train on.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 10:54 AM
Ditto, maybe we can take a hike. And bring the Mrs.
Do you go locally? Where? I'm always looking for a new trail. Not too boring, please.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at February 5, 2009 11:09 AM
If you fall and start slipping down Mt. Slope, you don't have to worry about falling off a cliff. There's no cliff to fall off of until you reach the edge of the Brooklyn Heights escarpment. Just make sure you steer yourself sufficiently northward so you don't inadvertently slide into the gowanus.
Posted by: slopefarm at February 5, 2009 11:09 AM
Yeah, BRG, why don't you take a hike.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 11:13 AM
rob -- footing is horrible in the north slope. I'm pretty sure I should be arrested as an irresponsible parent for carrying my son while walking over these deathtrap sidewalks.
What is it with Brooklyn? There isn't a block I walk on without at least one property that doesn't clear its sidewalk.
It's making me think wistfully of Manhattan winters.
Posted by: northsloperenter at February 5, 2009 11:15 AM
Well its probably too boring for you with your death defying slips - Harriman State Park. Very close too. You really shouldn't wear pumps when hiking.
Posted by: dittoburg at February 5, 2009 11:15 AM
SNAP SNAP SNAP!!!
Posted by: cobblehiller at February 5, 2009 11:16 AM
Can anyone post a topographical map for Brooklyn? I'd like to see where the best hiking spots are. Are there any natural waterfalls?
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 11:17 AM
GMAP has a terrain option
Posted by: dittoburg at February 5, 2009 11:25 AM
DIBS,
We used to have a natural waterful because our GC didn't line up the spout correctly with the gutter. Portions of the pipe kept falling off. We eventually diverted this natural wonder by redoing this piece of the job properly. Nothing quite as catastrophic as the three Gorges Dam. We lost our special "view" but our neighbor sleeps better on rainy nights now.
PS, Ditto and BRG, I'm a big fan of Harriman (the park, not the railroad magnate, although he was quite a character). I grew up near the park. Great hikes start up the hill from the Tiorati parking lot, as well as from the visitor's center near Sloatsburg. Get a map and try to make it to the lemon squeezer. Also, good hikes on the Jersey side in Norvin Green and over in West Milford.
Posted by: slopefarm at February 5, 2009 11:31 AM
> "Are there any natural waterfalls?"
Does a broken fire hydrant count? I saw one of those this morning, and it was making a lovely spot for ice skating.
Posted by: SnarkSlope at February 5, 2009 11:32 AM
They don't call this Crown Heights for nothing, ya know.
From the top of the peaks here, you can see from the Valley of the Sloped Park, all the way down to the Village of William, across the liquid expanse to that blessed isle know as Manhattan. It literally takes your breath away. The awe, the majesty.
Posted by: Montrose Morris at February 5, 2009 11:34 AM
Hey Dumbasses check this out!
Fortunoff, Luxury Goods Seller, Files for Bankruptcy (Update1)
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aJVk3txhQd_M&refer=us
Feb. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Fortunoff Holdings LLC, the luxury goods chain that closed its flagship Manhattan store last month, filed for bankruptcy a year after it last sought Chapter 11 court protection.
The petition for Chapter 11 filed today in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Manhattan listed more than $100 million in assets and liabilities. NRDC Equity Partners LLC bought Uniondale, New York- based Fortunoff last March for $110 million, including $80 million in cash.
The Anti-Gravity is broken. The Mutant Asset Bubble is collapsing! This whole "experiment" is over. Rest in pieces ..
The What
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at February 5, 2009 11:35 AM
Ditto,
NOOOO Harriman, been a couple of times...eh, you're right, too boring for me. Unless, I didn't do the right trails.
If you want to head a little further north, there's some great trails in the Catskills (2.5 hrs from bklyn). One of my favorites is an escarpment trail with some rock scrambling. It's not too difficult and an average healthy person can do it, children also. At the foot of the mountain there's a gorgeous lake to have lunch / dinner.
I once climbed vertically between two cliffs, the opening was at it's widest about 3', using only my fingers and toes. That was the scariest thing I've ever done. One slip and I was a goner, straight down.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at February 5, 2009 11:36 AM
Having never shopped at Fortunoff, I have officially filed that under Don't Care.
Posted by: SnarkSlope at February 5, 2009 11:39 AM
Slope, I'll give Harriman another go on your recommendation.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at February 5, 2009 11:41 AM
What.....Fortunoff has technically been bankrupt since 2007. they filed in March, 2008 and were rejected but bought then by NRDC,the same firm that owns Lord & Taylor.
This is not new news and is probably the result of years of mismanagement.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 11:41 AM
I like rock scrambling and scree jumping too. I can't do the latter carrying my 2-yr old in my hiking-backpak-child carrier contraption.
Posted by: dittoburg at February 5, 2009 11:43 AM
BRG, it won't meet your thrillseeking sensibility. But if you get a trailmap, anything with a weird name is a big, strange rock formation. Claudius Smith's den is one (there really was a Claudius, a revolutionary war traitor and friend of Benedict) who hid out there for a while. Lemon Squeezer is good. Cascade of Slid is also pretty good (and it's got a waterfall for DIBS). There are others. You can build a nice loop around one or more of these. But hiking is on the more contemplative level than your normal fare. It's also much closer.
Posted by: slopefarm at February 5, 2009 11:50 AM
The view from black rock is pretty great too.
Posted by: dittoburg at February 5, 2009 11:55 AM
The view from One Brooklyn Bridge Park penthouses is spectacular too, I hear. But, you have to pay for it.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 11:59 AM
BRG, Have you been up to Slide Mt./Catskills?
Posted by: cobblehiller at February 5, 2009 12:00 PM
Have you been up Phil Collins Hill?
Posted by: dittoburg at February 5, 2009 12:04 PM
I think the problem with Fortunoff is bluenile.com.
That and the fact that they try to make you feel like a schmuck if you don't want to spend $10k 30 seconds after walking into one of their stores.
Posted by: northsloperenter at February 5, 2009 12:04 PM
Now you got me excited, Slope. Will def. go to Harriman again. I wrote down all you suggested.
Waterfall...I'm there!! I don't mind a mild hike if there's a reward (view, waterfall, etc.) at the end that I can plop my ass down in front of and lunch.
No Scree jumping for me! Believe it or not, I have a small fear of heights. But yet, I still hike on the edge....exhilarating.
We should have a B'stoner hiking shindig!
Maybe when the spring rolls around, Mr. B should do a weekend getaway thread and people can suggest different things near by.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at February 5, 2009 12:09 PM
I rarely visit Brownstoner's front pages, but home today in the midst of much construction (obviously taking a toll on my judgment). At the risk of much derision, both the BBG and Prospect Park have waterfalls:
http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/prospectpark/facilities/hikingtrails
http://www.prospectpark.org/visit/places/nature_trails
NYC's hidden parks and waterfalls:
http://islandwoo.com/2008/07/04/nycs-hidden-waterfalls/
http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/09/28/travel/28Weekend.html
Posted by: vinca at February 5, 2009 12:13 PM
I always thought Fortunoff was rather cheesy in a "Housewives of NYC" kind of way. Maybe even a Carmella Soprano kind of way.
Snark, thank you once again for a laugh out loud line. I needed that.
Posted by: Nokilissa at February 5, 2009 12:14 PM
BRG,
Check this out:
http://www.geocities.com/adkmike/trip_reports/ADK_20010922_Algonquin/ADK_20010922_Algonquin.htm
Posted by: Nokilissa at February 5, 2009 12:16 PM
ah, finally finished the month-end close. Did I miss any good snarky comments the past few days?
Posted by: dirty_hipster at February 5, 2009 12:41 PM
"i totally wiped out on a patch of ice this morning and a bunch of people walked right by me and didnt ask if i was okay!"
I'd have been laughing my ass off, Rob. Nothing personal - that's just funny (as long as you're not an old lady or something). Ask if you're OK???? HA!! This is NYC, man!
Montrose, I haven't forgotten you - the guy I mentioned is the head of our block association, and he might not only be willing to show his home, but also will know who else may be interested. He's away but I will catch up to him this weekend and let you know.
Posted by: East New York at February 5, 2009 12:42 PM
I can top all of you in regards to slipping/falling on ice in Brooklyn.
I was on my way to a job interview, slid and fell on a patch of ice, shattered my ankle. My foot was literally bent sideways to my leg. I now have a 5 inch metal plate and 8 screws holding my foot to my leg. I spent my "New Millennium" New Years Eve in surgery.
You may be wondering why I mentioned I was on my way to a job interview, well I was in between jobs and for the first time in my life I had no health insurance. It took 67K (out of my own pocket) worth of surgeries and physical re-hab to put humpty dumpty together again.
Morale of the story is, if you lose you job in this crap economy opt for COBRA insurance if it's at all financially possible. Oh yeah, and shoes with good traction aren't a bad idea either!
Posted by: TownhouseLady at February 5, 2009 12:54 PM
67,000 dollars for a broken foot!? jeez that is horrible :(
you could buy 4 hourses in buffalo for that!
*r*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at February 5, 2009 1:09 PM
'4 hourses'
That's like 240 minuteses.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at February 5, 2009 1:34 PM
THL...Wow, that's a story.
67K...that must have hurt more than the shattered ankle.
Are you one of those people now that can predict if it's going to rain cause your limb starts acting up.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at February 5, 2009 1:40 PM
In Bed Stuy people shovel their sidewalk so this is not likely to happen here, even in hiking through the treacherous terrain of Stuyvesant Heights. That said, I was almost buried in a landslide as I walked to Peaches one night.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 1:41 PM
Lot of retailers filed January earnings reports today. NYT says it's a disaster, but I thought the news looked hopeful. Low-cost stores such as TJX, Walmart, and Urban Outfitters are doing well. Nordstrom sales dropped only 11 percent despite some analyst late last year predicting their imminent demise because they weren't discounting enough in his opinion. Predictably, regular department stores and anything "luxury" is down dramatically.
On another topic, I saw the movie "Subprimed" last night, about East New York. The movie made it VERY clear the vast majority of homeowners in foreclosure were victims, not collaborators.
Posted by: mopar at February 5, 2009 1:42 PM
Aiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Townhouse Lady.
Posted by: mopar at February 5, 2009 1:45 PM
Peaches?
Posted by: Nokilissa at February 5, 2009 1:53 PM
Townhouse Lady, I feel for you. I also don't have health insurance, first time in a long time, and it's scary, since I'm reaching the age where everything needs to be checked on.
When it's icy and snowy out, I tiptoe down the street like a 85 year old grandmother. I don't care how unchic I look. I'll look less chic screaming in an overcrowded emergency room competing for the attention of overworked, sleep deprived residents.
Last time I had to go the ER, it was for an ear infection which was so painful, I thought I was going to die. I cabbed over to Brooklyn Hospital on DeKalb at 2AM and didn't see a doctor until 7am, who looked at it and gave me a perscription for antibiotics and sent me home, where I received a $400 hospital bill. Health care for the unisured in this country is a crime. Let's hope it gets fixed soon.
ENY, thanks, look forward to hearing from you!
Posted by: Montrose Morris at February 5, 2009 1:57 PM
Peaches is the restaurant on Lewis Ave run by the people from the Smoke Joint.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 1:58 PM
Breaking news!
Maple syrup smell mystery solved. I can't believe Brownstoner hasn't already posted about this.
http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2009/02/05/big-apples-maple-syrup-mystery-solved-fenugreek/
Posted by: mopar at February 5, 2009 2:04 PM
I was bent about the money for a while but, whatever. I can walk so, glass half full and all that hooey right? Yeah, rain and humidity are not my best friends.
Mopar, backing up what you mention about low-cost retailers I was in BJ's earlier today and I have to say since about Thanksgiving the volume of people shopping there has been skyrocketing. People who resisted bulk shopping seem to be giving in to the savings. Not sure if their actual earning reflect this but I'd be surprised if they weren't doing well.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at February 5, 2009 2:06 PM
"Health care for the uninsured in this country is a crime."
Indeed.
Inadequate health care + higher costs + wasting medical professionals time with stupid ass paperwork and somehow the propaganda machines have succeed in convincing a huge percentage of this country that if the big health care companies aren't allowed to skim money off the top and make up new rules every month we will all suffer the miseries of some mysterious boogeyman called "socialized medicine".
Posted by: northsloperenter at February 5, 2009 2:08 PM
Oh sure...it's always NEW JERSEY'S fault!
Posted by: TownhouseLady at February 5, 2009 2:11 PM
Maple Syrup is like molasses....
The Boston Molasses Disaster, also known as the Great Molasses Flood and the Great Boston Molasses Tragedy, occurred on January 15, 1919, in the North End neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts in the United States. A large molasses tank burst and a wave of molasses rushed through the streets at an estimated 35 mph (56 km/h), killing 21 and injuring 150. The event has entered local folklore, and residents claim that on hot summer days the area still smells of molasses.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 2:13 PM
Can you imagine being drowned in molasses????
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 2:14 PM
molasses moving at 35mph on a January day in Boston. Are you sure?
Posted by: dittoburg at February 5, 2009 2:16 PM
Look, it could be a lot worse than maple syrup and French toast. Yez knows?
Posted by: sam at February 5, 2009 2:17 PM
'molasses moving at 35mph'
Slow as molasses...huh?
Posted by: bayridgegirl at February 5, 2009 2:21 PM
MM and any other sole proprietors in arts/entertainment:
I'm not sure exactly what you do for a living but anyone out there who is a freelance and is also a member of some specific (see partial list on link) professional entertainment guilds or associations can obtain medical/dental coverage though TEIGIT (The Entertainment Industry Group Insurance Trust).
http://www.teigit.com/associations.cfm
Might be worth looking into.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at February 5, 2009 2:22 PM
It's not an urban myth, ditto. It actually happened. I assume that it would move rather quickly if a large tank burst and it all flowed out. Molasses and chowderheads don't mix. They were storing all that stuff to make Boston Baked Beans I guess.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 2:22 PM
Mmmmm, all that molasses talk makes me want shoo fly pie!
Posted by: TownhouseLady at February 5, 2009 2:22 PM
You're all a bunch of xenophobes knocking maple syrup and French Toast. What next, you'll demand Patriot Syrup and Freedom Toast?
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 5, 2009 2:28 PM
"Walking in Park Slope = Hiking in the Adirondacks. "
QOTD.
Re Fortunoff, they don't know what the hell they were. I wouldn't classify them as 'luxury'. Not sorry to see them go.
Posted by: denton at February 5, 2009 2:28 PM
Vermont maple syrup has it all over that cheap imported Canadian maple syrup. Sometimes there are valid reasons for xenophobia.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 2:37 PM
Slipping on a patch of ice is almost as hilarious as seeing a person walk into a subway door that was malfunctioning.
I just happened to see something like that on the V train heading into Queens.
Posted by: MaFo at February 5, 2009 2:37 PM
I think the point is not whether or not you like or shop at Fortunoff. I think the point is more to do with the fact that we have lost, and will continue to lose, well-known businesses in this city - one of which is Fortunoff. I don't shop at Tiffany's, but if the store on 5th Avenue went out of business, it would indicate the end of an era. I don't drink at the Ear Inn, but would feel a sense of loss if it went under as well. Shoot, some people were even distraught when the Howard Johnson's on 8th Avenue closed a few years back!
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 5, 2009 2:37 PM
Are you talking about the Manhattan HoJO? That was on the corner of 46th and Broadway...right around the corner from the Gaiety theatre which we discussed in a thread about 3 weeks ago.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 2:42 PM
DIBS, you're right. I looked it up - it was between Broadway and 8th but definitely on Broadway. As for your assessment of maple syrup...not so much.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 5, 2009 2:44 PM
Rent prices dropping and short sales on condos
Work sites gone dormant and condos turned nondos
Bankrupt retailers that sold useless bling
These are a few of my favorite things . . .
Posted by: SnarkSlope at February 5, 2009 2:45 PM
The HoJo's closing saddened me but not nearly as much as when Woolworth closed. I remember going there as a kid with my mom and picking out Butterick and McCalls Patterns, browsing the unending candy aisle, and eating the clam strips at the counter of the Herald Square location during my FIT days.
My mom still reminisces about Bonwit Teller.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at February 5, 2009 2:53 PM
snarky, when will you do a play on Spike Jones' Hello Mother, Hello Father?
Posted by: dittoburg at February 5, 2009 2:59 PM
Honey is so much better than maple syrup.
Where's Canada?
Posted by: bayridgegirl at February 5, 2009 3:01 PM
"Honey is so much better than maple syrup."
BRG....I really want to post the lyrics to a certain song from "Hair" after reading that but I dare now.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 3:04 PM
Canada is to the left of Yonkers.
Good maple syrup is a miracle.
Honey is just honey.
Posted by: sam at February 5, 2009 3:04 PM
Where's Yonkers?
Sam, then you haven't had a good honey. And I'm not talking about the one in the plastic teddy bear, or the plastic teddy or the teddy.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at February 5, 2009 3:13 PM
THL- Your mention of Woolworth's reminded me of many trips to the one on Fulton St in the 80's. It was the equivelant of Target for us when I was a kid.
Anyone remeber the May's store on Fulton St? I bought my first wooden Chess set there, which I still have (but no one to play with).
Posted by: Troy McClure at February 5, 2009 3:14 PM
Love the Ear Inn. Anyone ever been to the Subway Inn? (Across from Bloomingdale's.)
Years ago, my friend ordered a gin & tonic there. It came without a lime. (It also came with the alcohol in a little glass and the tonic on the side.)
She asked the bartender if she could have a lime. He said -- you have to imagine the caterwaul of the New York accent and the irritation) -- "Lady, if you want fruit in your drink, go to a fruitstand."
Of course, those days are gone. Now it's a real upscale dive.
Posted by: mopar at February 5, 2009 3:15 PM
"Where's Canada?"
- Sorry, I forgot that, in addition to excluding English from the cirriculum, the Bay Ridge Public Schools also saw no need to teach Geography.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 5, 2009 3:24 PM
honey on the teddy?
lol!
why is everything that BRG writes lascivious in some way?
Posted by: sam at February 5, 2009 3:26 PM
"Sorry, I forgot that, in addition to excluding English from the cirriculum, the Bay Ridge Public Schools also saw no need to teach Geography"
I think that when someone calls someone else out on her command of the English language, all of the spelling should be correct.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 3:28 PM
Mopar,
That line is classic!
Never been in Subway but always loved the sign. I love a good dive bar.
Ever go to Holland Bar?
Posted by: TownhouseLady at February 5, 2009 3:29 PM
DIBS, you say curriculum, I say cirriculum...it's the Queen's English, don't ya know?
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 5, 2009 3:31 PM
Maybe the Canadian School System should include teaching manners in their 'cirriculum'.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at February 5, 2009 3:33 PM
Biff, when in Rome....
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 3:33 PM
http://www.redgoldfish.co.uk/viewglossary.asp?gid=341
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 5, 2009 3:34 PM
DIBS, why does everything always come back to Gladiators with you?
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 5, 2009 3:35 PM
'honey on the teddy?'
Or
A Teddy on the Honey
Posted by: bayridgegirl at February 5, 2009 3:37 PM
I like gladiator movies. But I like Westerns more. Anybody know who Johnny Crawford was???
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 3:37 PM
Townhouse Lady, thanks, I'm going to check that out as soon as I write this. I've looked at Freelancer's Union, but was not impressed, and their better insurance plans were not cheap.
I remember both the 34th Street Woolworth's and the Fulton Street branch. I used to buy patterns there too. Speaking of which, there are few places around anymore that sell patterns. I remember when Macy's 34th St, and Gimbels both had extensive fabric departments, as did Bloomies. In Bklyn, Bridge St between Fulton and Willoughby was fabric/sewing heaven. All gone. I don't know where you can get patterns in Bklyn now. I still know a few places in Manhattan, but they are disappearing fast.
I grew up in maple syrup land, upstate. A sure sign of spring was seeing the galvanized pails nailed to the maple trees, which were tapped to allow the sap to run into the covered pails. End of Feb, beginning of March, if I remember correctly. Yum. There is no comparison to commercial corn syrups and real maple syrup.
Posted by: Montrose Morris at February 5, 2009 4:11 PM
Whenever I go to breakfast / brunch and I know I'm going to order pancakes, I bring my own maple syrup or honey.
Hey, I'm picky.
I learned (the hard way) to put the bottle in a plastic bag before putting it in my purse.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at February 5, 2009 4:23 PM
Just gave the health plans a quick go-over. Remember when Bush wanted to give everyone, what was it? $2500 a year tax credit to go out and buy your own health plan? That wouldn't cover more than 4 months of better coverage on the Oxford plan for me as a single person with no children. About 2 months, if you had a family. Who are they kidding? I know very few freelancers who could easily afford almost $900 a month for health insurance, and that's just for oneself.
So depressed.
Posted by: Montrose Morris at February 5, 2009 4:26 PM
there are lots of people these days who are just getting married in name only just to get on their friends health insurance plan. a lil shady yes, but it's still an option. it's like the old green card thingie. except now it's for health insurance.
*r*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at February 5, 2009 4:30 PM
As someone who has their own business and pays for health insurance; I probably could have gotten a couple of new legs for what we've paid in monthly costs over the years.
Besides the regular check-ups and some blood tests and x-rays; in the past 10 years I've only used the insurance once when I cut my hand washing a glass.
Health Insurance is a scam I tell you.
Help us Obama!
MM: NY state has a low cost health program for people that have income; but the level of income is very low in order to qualify. I forget what the program is called. I'm sure you can just google NY State health program. I'll try to find it.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at February 5, 2009 4:45 PM
MM, or you can just get pregnant and suck off the system.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at February 5, 2009 4:45 PM
I agree wholeheartedly MM. When McCain was touting the healthcare credit with that goofy "this makes all the sense in the world grin" I almost flew through the TV screen knowing just how ridiculously laughable it was.
Me personally, I would never get a high tiered plan unless I already treating a serious condition and was unwilling to switch physicians. I would go bare bones HMO b/c most HMO's have such huge networks of doctors you can always find someone pretty decent (decent enough at least). Then if and when a serious condition arises that you require a specific specialist for you upgrade your coverage (though another insurance carrier since you can't upgrade with your current carrier until the open enrollment period which is only month a year (usually the anniversary date of your plan). Example, major cancer for which you really need to go through Mem. Sloan Kettering for well, they ONLY take BCBS in-network so you buy one of their plans which are SUPER expensive. But, even if the coverage costs you a fortune it'd be nothing compared to the cost of the treatments out of pocket. Also, by having the low cost crappy HMO you avoid the "preexisting conditions" clause with the new carrier because you've had continuous coverage.
There are definitely ways to play it but you really need to know the ins and outs of plan restrictions vs. your personal care requirements.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at February 5, 2009 4:50 PM
MM, I remember Woolworth's! Didn't they have a popcorn machine right near the entrance. Wasn't there a May's too? Didn't May's have patterns or was it another place that I'm thinking of that used to be on Livingston?
My mom used to sew some our clothes, I remember going to get patterns and threads and .... rick rack! [She was crazy...she would sew all those little edging and border things on her little Singer. She also had pinking shears and some that had a scalloped edge - I still have no idea what that would be used for.
Posted by: cobblehiller at February 5, 2009 4:53 PM
BRG that's family Health Plus:
http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/fhplus/who_can_join.htm#familysizex
Posted by: TownhouseLady at February 5, 2009 4:53 PM
Look at the income restrictions on it though. You could barely afford toilet paper let alone insurance if your income fell within the qualifying range.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at February 5, 2009 4:57 PM
it's sad that for some people it's economically more advantageous to remain poor than to try to increase their incomes as best they can. hmmm let's see, if i make 20K a year i will get free healthcare (well only if you have kids tho) and possibly subsidized housing, but if i made 30K a year i can get neither of those. (im pulling those numbers out of my butt tho, but you get my gist)
*r*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at February 5, 2009 5:01 PM
There's also Healthy NY The qualifying income on this is more reasonable:
http://www.ins.state.ny.us/website2/hny/english/hnyec.htm
Posted by: TownhouseLady at February 5, 2009 5:02 PM
We used to shoplift from the Woolworth's on 125th Street off of Bway. Used to frequent the tool section.
Re Family Health Plus, it's run by the HMOs. Be careful which one you pick. My wife is an expert in the field, email me thru my profile if you need any help.
Posted by: denton at February 5, 2009 5:02 PM
thanks, THL...holy shmoley, that is low.
What do they expect people that have a modest income to do for health insurance?
Now, I'm getting pissed thinking about how much we pay for health insurance!
Posted by: bayridgegirl at February 5, 2009 5:04 PM
I used to be in the insurance industry ;)
Don't get upset about it BRG, not good for you blood pressure. Remember, all it takes is one patch of ice to get your money's worth and then some :)
Posted by: TownhouseLady at February 5, 2009 5:09 PM
*r* and Biff --
The Slope of the Prospect Park Glacier -- perhaps this accounts for some of the "dangerous" slipping and falling in Park Slope -- (ha).
In commenting about the following two posts, has anyone yet mentioned that there is a GLACIER under Prospect Park by the North Slope, and that this is the reason that Park Slope Slopes?
Oh, yes, I have lived there. Well the GLACIER is real and it is google-able. Sorry that I do not have the web site handy. It is part of the Wisconsin glacial system, and from one geological site I checked, has glacial "hills" going from north Prospect Park out Long Island probably all the way to Montauk.
Perhaps this is cause for some of the slipping and falling in "hazardous" Park Slope. (ha- ha, not that anyone fell, but that one slipped because of the sloping GLACIER.) Sorry for the silliness and hope the person who fell is recovering. Well, we answered it anyway.
* * *
this makes it the 5th time i've fallen down the hill in park slope in 6 months! is it just me or is the area just really dangerous? dont answer that.
*r*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at February 5, 2009 9:34 AM
They really should do something about that hill in Park Slope. It's extremely hazardous.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 5, 2009 9:37 AM
Posted by: BklynSoFar at February 5, 2009 5:10 PM
THL, have not been to Holland Tunnel bar, should I go?
Maybe more patterns would be available if they weren't so s****y, the main American pattern company digging its own grave by catering to an aging population of grandmothers in Oklahoma who want to make three-years-out-of-date styles for their grandchildren using polyester gabardine. Vintage patterns are so much better. Check out etsy and burdastyle for better options.
I'm engaged and we want to have a small wedding in six months to a year but will probably have to go to city hall before that for the health insurance. BF has catastrophic insurance but just spent $800 on a routine doctor visit and needs more. But it kind of messes up the wedding thing to do the legal part on one date and the social part on another.
Posted by: mopar at February 5, 2009 5:13 PM
"MM, or you can just get pregnant and suck off the system."
Sorry, BRG, but I think that ship just sailed. Although if you would like me to generate enough heat to melt snow, I may be able to help. :)
Posted by: Montrose Morris at February 5, 2009 5:19 PM
No shame in City Hall. We did City Hall then had a small party (23 people) in the private wine cellar of a restaurant on the LES. I even got my dress off the rack on sale at Nordstroms for less than $200!
You could always do the city hall thing, not tell a soul and then do it again in front of friends and family at a later date. A girl I worked with did that. Got "re-married" on the one year anniversary of the city hall wedding so there wouldn't be confusion as to their anniversary date.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at February 5, 2009 5:25 PM
and Mopar, I have to confess, I always thought you were a guy! Regardless, congrats on both the upcoming nuptials and the house (how's that going?).
Posted by: TownhouseLady at February 5, 2009 5:29 PM
THL, this is very helpful. Especially the part about using the same date a year later. Thanks for the congratulations! Um, house is as delayed by indecision as wedding. Attorney advises us much could go wrong. I practically had an anxiety attack about the whole thing at lunch today. (Not over the wedding -- that's clearly a good idea!)
Posted by: mopar at February 5, 2009 5:51 PM
P.S. Everyone does seem to assume I'm a man. I started using this screen name on a dating site. "Fuzzyprettykitten39" was already taken.
Posted by: mopar at February 5, 2009 5:55 PM
Mopar, Congrat's on the soon to be wedding!
Boo on the maybe not to be house!
"Fuzzyprettykitten39"
Depending on what site you use this screen name, some may still think your a guy.....prrrrrr.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at February 5, 2009 6:15 PM
The slippery slope of Park Slope, slipping and falling on ice:
"Why Park Slope Slopes"
Glacial deposits - Prospect Park and Long Island (Map)
http://3dparks.wr.usgs.gov/nyc/images/fig141.jpg
Posted by: BklynSoFar at February 5, 2009 6:17 PM
i know it's the end of the night but im sure none of you asses would have helped me up. hahaha. g'nite. grrrr.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at February 5, 2009 11:05 PM
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