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June 22, 2009

Open Thread

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I am really sad about Lou Lou closing. :(

Posted by: brooklynfamily at June 22, 2009 9:25 AM

on dekalb? its their fault, food used to be good and then got really bad.

Posted by: randolph at June 22, 2009 9:26 AM

So there IS something sinister going on with the Grand St. HOTD!!!

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 22, 2009 10:32 AM

Lou Lou on Dekalb...I agree: started off good, got real bad. I stopped going after I got a microwaved meal there.

Posted by: Art Salt at June 22, 2009 10:34 AM

Dibs - What do you think it is?

Posted by: Arkady at June 22, 2009 10:37 AM

Re: Grand Avenue, there was too much incorrect information in both the initial post and the comments that we didn't feel comfortable leaving it up; also, the fact that the broker's number was disconnected along with some strange information we received via email about behind-the-scenes stuff with the sellers also made the whole thing seem sketchy enough to us that we didn't want to be party to publicizing it.

Posted by: brownstoner at June 22, 2009 10:40 AM

Thanks, Mr. B.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 22, 2009 10:43 AM

Wow - I never had a bad meal at Lou Lou. I'm really surprised to hear that.

Posted by: brooklynfamily at June 22, 2009 10:48 AM

Dang quiet day...where is everybody?

Posted by: the chicken at June 22, 2009 11:13 AM

I think PLUSAs are on strike. I am here but no one else seems to. Maybe Kensington is too far off from Brownstone Brooklyn and we didn't get the memo yet.

Posted by: Kensingtonian at June 22, 2009 11:26 AM

Everyone's gone to buy ice cream.

Posted by: Arkady at June 22, 2009 11:29 AM

Lou Lou used to be a good neighborhood place. I read the owners moved to NJ four years ago - once owners are no longer around all the time places start to slip. It was no longer any good and had the look of a place that was going out.

Posted by: jawbreaker at June 22, 2009 11:44 AM

Just busy with a short person's surprise visit, and various chores that need doing. Where the heck is everyone?!

Posted by: cobblehiller at June 22, 2009 12:09 PM

Asshat query: do your friends and families know you post? Do they know your nom de brownstoner? How much do you mix your real and cyber lives (to the extent you have real ones)?

For me, I've been keeping it somewhat separate. My wife knew I was active but didn't know my ID until the NYT published my exchange with Montrose. One friend who lurks figured me out (she actually busted me to my wife), and I disclosed to one other. Not sure yet why I keep the two so separate -- personality quirk or valid reason. Thought I would ask what you all are doing.

Posted by: slopefarm at June 22, 2009 12:09 PM

Not in Brooklyn
But...........

www.thehighline.org

S P E C T A C U L A R

There are several access points.
All ages will enjoy.
It's a must visit!!

Posted by: Expert Textpert at June 22, 2009 12:12 PM

slopefarm- that's so funny you ask- i was kidding M4L about just that and told him i was saving all his posts to show her if he annoyed me enough :-)

Posted by: bxgrl at June 22, 2009 12:14 PM

"Dang quiet day...where is everybody?"
See what happens when there is no FGVOTD! :-)

slopefarm, Mrs. Champion knows I post and knows my login ID. She's checked out the blog on very rare occasions but doesn't often lurk and never posts. A couple of friends also know I post (although I don't think they read the blog) - I told them, they didn't figure it out.

Posted by: Biff Champion at June 22, 2009 12:17 PM

Mrs Chicken knows about Brownstoner but I don't think she knows I post much. The Egg is complete oblivious...

Posted by: the chicken at June 22, 2009 12:20 PM

"Asshat query: do your friends and families know you post? Do they know your nom de brownstoner?"

what are these friends and families that you speak of? i have none.

Posted by: randolph at June 22, 2009 12:21 PM

Slopefarm,

1) "do your friends and families know you post?'
Yes, but don't think many, if any, of them are readers.

2) "Do they know your nom de brownstoner?"
family - yes (it is a reference to them!), friends no. But anyone that knew me well and read often enough would work it out. Which is fine.

3) "How much do you mix your real and cyber lives (to the extent you have real ones)?"
Very little, although always happy to grab drinks with fellow 'stoner posters!

Posted by: etson at June 22, 2009 12:22 PM

"www.thehighline.org"

Mmm, I get high with a little help from my friends.

Posted by: Biff Champion at June 22, 2009 12:23 PM

None of my friends know but older sis posts here too (and knows my ID) but she has one of those "important" jobs so she has no time for OT (thank god!).

Posted by: Kensingtonian at June 22, 2009 12:24 PM

slopey, BH obviously knows I post, and my login. He doesn't read unless I point something funny or interesting out to him. Several friends know I read/post here. Not sure they know how much/often, or that they really care!! And only one friend ever asked my login.

I suppose I keep it all pretty separate, except that BH comes to the gatherings.

Thanks Expert, definitely on my list of "Staycation" ideas of things to do this summer! : )

Posted by: cobblehiller at June 22, 2009 12:26 PM

"Mmm, I get high with a little help from my friends."

Expert, you are slipping! Biff gotcha on that one!

You're going to have to step it up!! : )

Posted by: cobblehiller at June 22, 2009 12:28 PM

Mr. B,
Re: Grand Avenue

Why did the HOTD post just disappear, making it seem more like something sinister going on? You could have edited the post, deleting the disconnected #, or whatever you felt appropriate, from your original post. Incorrect information in comments? If that was the basis for deleting entire threads, you'd have to take down half the site.

Just curious.

Slopefarm,

As for me, my real and cyber lives are 100% mixed. No distinction.

Sincerely,
Xinhua

Posted by: xinhua at June 22, 2009 12:30 PM

Thanks Cobble. I was also considering,

"I get high when I see you go by, my oh my" from It's Only Love. But I liked the one I went with better.

Posted by: Biff Champion at June 22, 2009 12:36 PM

I've tried to get friends to join in but no one seems to want to. They'd twig my ID in a minute if they did.

Posted by: Arkady at June 22, 2009 12:39 PM

Cobblehiller, The High Line is a great outdoor experience and they did a wonderful job with the design (it's award worthy).
Pack a lunch and head up the stairs to experience NYC from above among a sea of wonderful plantings.

> Expert, you are slipping! Biff gotcha on that one!

You'd think that people would have had enough of silly lyrics
But I look around me and I see, It isn't so
Some people want to fill the world with silly corny jokes
And what's wrong with that, I'd like to know
Cause here they go again.

Posted by: Expert Textpert at June 22, 2009 12:45 PM

Slopefarm: I got a call from an old friend and former co-worker a few weeks ago. He told me he knew I am lechacal. He wanted to talk about my group bid idea that I posted a few months back and asked about my views on a few specific properties.

Mrs Jackal knows I post here as lechacal.

Several other people do too. I have given enough details about myself for any of my friends to figure it out pretty easily. I'm not trying to hide my identity or anything. I don't say anything here that I wouldn't say in person. I don't use my real name because no one else does.

Posted by: lechacal at June 22, 2009 12:51 PM

I place the blame completely on Montrose who got me into brownstoner. I think my nephew knows, and some of my neighbors who lurk- but the Great EVLL watches like a hawk!

Posted by: bxgrl at June 22, 2009 1:10 PM

let me complain a little bit about my vacation i just got back from. being the loser that i am i stayed home and watched tv for most of it. and i watched a ton of those stupid home and decorating and buying and selling shows on HGTV and ive come to the conclusion that people are such tools.

everyone would always insist on the lamest features. there had to be a bathroom and a half for every bedroom, glass blacksplash, stainless steal, and carerre marble countertops and a home office even tho most of them dont NEED an office. and a bonus room. wtf is a bonus room. always the same old color choices picked, and the same furniture and wants. why are people such sheep!? it made me so angry but i kept watching show after show after show.

so many of the places they would look at were beautiful though. until they messed it all up with their cookie cutter crappy wants to make them look like cheesy hotels.

so for my of my vacation i sat in an overpriced apartment in an overpriced neighborhood in an overpriced city pouting, talking to the tv literally!!, and feeling rotten about my life.

:-/
*rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 22, 2009 1:17 PM

I originally came onto brownstoner for the Forum. Obviously the addiction of posting has been one that has been uncontrollable and for that I blame brownstoner itself. My colleagues know I post, as well as a few others. They, however, all have real lives and therefore could'nt care less.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 22, 2009 1:18 PM

Rob, in all seriousness, would you ever do the Peace Corps? You would be able to get out of NYC, check out another country, not need a car or money, and you could defer student loans.

Posted by: jessibaby at June 22, 2009 1:24 PM

He could also enlist. That's what I did.

Posted by: lechacal at June 22, 2009 1:29 PM

i dont know jessi. i actually wouldnt have anyone to take care of my dog really. and then no place or job to come back to when i came back. sounds a little too scary to me.

*rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 22, 2009 1:30 PM

rob- having done the same thing and come to pretty much the same conclusions on design shows I utterly sympathize. But don't feel rotten about your life- you've done so much to make it better- we talked about this the other night- and until you appreciate who you are ( and you should) and how far you've come, life won't get better.

Come over to Crown Heights on Saturday June 27th from 1 - 6. CNHA's having a bbq and art show in the bergen street garden. I'll buy your ticket- the food will be great and there'll be lots of good people.

It's Open to everyone- except the buying ticket part :-) I'd love to but can't afford all you people! But they're only $10.00

Posted by: bxgrl at June 22, 2009 1:33 PM

You get $5,500 as a resettlement allowance after your service. Also, there are a ton of scholarships for returned volunteers, so you could go to grad school when you were finished.

Posted by: jessibaby at June 22, 2009 1:34 PM

that's a great idea, jessibaby (and if I didn't say so before, it was a pleasure meeting you the other night!).

I know you worry about your dog rob- but he's old, right? Maybe you could plan for a year or two from now. But in hte meantime you could contact NYCares or find a place to do volunteer work, like an animal shelter. It would do you good.

Posted by: bxgrl at June 22, 2009 1:36 PM

"Asshat query: do your friends and families know you post? Do they know your nom de brownstoner? How much do you mix your real and cyber lives (to the extent you have real ones)?"

My husband knows I post and he knows my log-in name as it's the same one I use elsewhere. He'll read it if I ask him to check out something but usually he just rolls his eyes. His interests lie elsewhere.

I don't mix the two at all to the extent that you'll never see me at the gatherings. I prefer to remain anonymous to those of you I don't already know.

However, The person behind Townhouselady is real and is not a made up persona. Anything I say about myself is honest. I don't heighten or exaggerate. This is my real personality and anything I say here I'd say in the real world. Don't feel because you haven't met me in public you don't know me. You know me very well.

I had 2 people I know recognize me from the info (one from Bklyn and one from JC) I've given out about myself. They respect my desire to remain anonymous and would never let on to anyone that they know me personally.

Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 22, 2009 1:42 PM

Yes, bxgrl, it was great to meet you, too. And I second your endorsement of NY Cares.

Posted by: jessibaby at June 22, 2009 1:44 PM

"Asshat query: do your friends and families know you post? Do they know your nom de brownstoner? How much do you mix your real and cyber lives (to the extent you have real ones)?"

'I know you, you know me' via text. My persona is one that 'doesn't kave a point of view' and 'all these places have their moments' and will not be mixed.

'you know my name'

Posted by: Expert Textpert at June 22, 2009 1:56 PM

I talk to the TV as well Rob, all the time. It's a bad habit I picked up from my parents. Don't watch HGTV though.

Posted by: etson at June 22, 2009 2:03 PM

Talk to the t.v.!?! I sometimes scream at it.

Posted by: Arkady at June 22, 2009 2:18 PM

Okay - I have a VCSOTW (Very creepy story of the weekend)

I was walking back from random bar in the neighborhood Saturday night (Sunday morning)
So, walking up Union Avenue I saw three FILTHY women crawling up from the sewer (there is a weird grate that is open right near one of the condo construction sites - I think it might go down to the G train tunnel)

Now I recall hearing there was a book how there is a whole community of people who live in the subway tunnels - that is usually why the train you are will stop in between tunnels and sound the horn - but it was very alarming to see.

Posted by: dirty_hipster at June 22, 2009 2:23 PM

hmmm..... dirty hipster freaked by filthy women......:-)

Posted by: bxgrl at June 22, 2009 2:26 PM

Hahah bxgrl - in normal circumstances that's a good thing - but i draw the line at sewer dwelling!

Posted by: dirty_hipster at June 22, 2009 2:31 PM

My family and friends, when they either see me log in or when I mention Brownstoner, say "huh?" most of the time, except for a few instances of people who read it.

My coworkers may be able to figrue out my nom de Bstoner, but no one ever seems toointerested or asks about it.

My cyber life used to mostly consist of a blog I kept regularly, in 2002-2006. Since then I've cooled on the amount of effort it takes to keep a personal blog, and preferred to read and post on other ones.

Posted by: infinitejester at June 22, 2009 2:43 PM

Re the highline, been there already, great job. I'd like to go back when and if the sun ever comes out. Have some photos...
http://www.pbase.com/dentontay/high_line_2009

Also some pre-reno shots
http://www.pbase.com/dentontay/high_line

I use my real name when posting cuz I am who I am and don't care who knows. I don't work in a corporate environment so not like the VP of HR will complain that I called someone an Asshat online.

Mrs D is in the corporate world so she doesn't have time for these things. She knows I have an active online life and always have since before Al Gore invented the internet. Been involved since the days of GEnie and CompuServe.

I've met a lot of interesting people that I met online and which became real world friendships long before Stoner.

Speaking of that, Mopar, if you are around, can you email me? I wanted to continue our discussion. denton at speakeasy.net

Posted by: denton at June 22, 2009 3:02 PM

ha! genie and compuserver. i used to be on Prodigy back in the day (1991 or 1992)? good times. until i was banned from prodigy and they sent a letter home to my grandparents saying i was banned, and they listed a whole laundry list of offenses, that i swear i didnt do. it must have been a generic form letter. so annoying! after that i just dialed into local bulletin boards. those were fun :)

one sysop (systems operator) had a picnic bbq in his backyard for all the users every summer. there was a posting for people who didnt have a car or way to get to the picnic. it was way out in the boondocks, seriously, so i couldnt even take public transportation. well i put my name on the list, (i was like 16 at the time). and this guy was supposed to come pick me up at a park near my house, not my actual house (should have been a red flag!). so this guy shows up in this red sports car with like 2 other kids younger than me crammed in. i swear i got the worst pedophile vibes from him!!! i told him i didnt need a ride back home with him and wound up just getting a ride with a board friend's mom. (they were both vampires) :-/

sorry for that probably irrelevant tangent. but talking about compuserve and stuff got me reminsincing about the olden days.

*rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 22, 2009 3:11 PM

My wife knows I post, but she's not particularly interested in Brownstoner. None of the folks I work with are into the site, either. The stuff I post about myself is true, and I guess I do it to share my experiences and viewpoint. Since no one on the site actually knows me, I feel comfortable doing so. I do prefer to remain anonymous and will likely remain so. That's just me.

Posted by: East New York at June 22, 2009 3:11 PM

Re the High Line: Paris also has a rail "high line" called Promenade Plantéé. The Manhattan High Line is amazing. It's approval was "touch and go" for a long time.

DH: I read that when homeless people were moved from NY streets years ago (1980's?), many went underground.

Posted by: BklynSoFar at June 22, 2009 3:14 PM

ripster you are talking about the "mole people" it's kinda sorta just an urban legend. i didnt see the big documentary about it tho, so maybe they did exist. i doubt the three dirty chicks you saw were mole people, but the hell knows, they could be modern day mole people. i could see me and my dog as one of them one day! hahaha.

*rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 22, 2009 3:18 PM

denton, thanks for directing us to your pictures of the high line. Very nice. Looks like they did a great job with it, although I can't imagine it being that interesting a spot for young kids; not with all the other places for them to visit in the city.

Posted by: Biff Champion at June 22, 2009 3:19 PM

BklynSofar/Rob - wow, that's nuts. I can't believe people would live underground. I just can't process why anyone would think that's a good idea.

I have no idea what they were doing Rob - they definitely looked like they were living underground. I kinda got scared when they saw that I spotted them - they definitely looked like they were capable of attacking someone.

Posted by: dirty_hipster at June 22, 2009 3:28 PM

I agree - the High Line is amazing. Does anyone know what the hours are? That would definitely be a cool place to hang out at night.

Posted by: dirty_hipster at June 22, 2009 3:29 PM

the lights are amazing at night from the high line (from the pictures ive seen anyway) i havent gotten there yet. denton how many blocks does the open park of it extend? it's not fully finished yet, is it?

i was ready to hate on it badly, but decided to hold off til i see it first hand hahah

*rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 22, 2009 3:32 PM

Rob, this staying home and watching TV sounds indicative of possible mild depression. I would suggest activities, but if one is depressed activity suggestions don't seem to help. Sometimes rest is what is needed. I'd get you a mom if I could. Sorry you are sad.

I'd suggest going over to the Brooklyn Museum and spending a long time. But if tired or depressed, nothing sounds good -- dog responsibiities too large to figure out. (BTW, cost of BM entry is by donation. If you ask at BM, "would you accept 50 cents", or so, I believe they do not deny access.)

Posted by: BklynSoFar at June 22, 2009 3:42 PM

By the time I get over here to answer something, the whole subjects are changed!

Biff, au contaire! Kids would *love* the high line.

Brownstoner is peaceful today.

Posted by: BklynSoFar at June 22, 2009 3:46 PM

bklnsofar, no, youre totally right. ive been a deep funk the last couple of months. a few weeks ago i actually did some research for therapists in my area and got a bunch of names and numbers. i still have to get around to actually calling them and asking if they accept my insurance and stuff.

im a trooper though and if sitting around watching tv all night for a couple of months makes me happy, so be it. i don't feel like forcing myself to do much right now.

i am a little embarrassed to say ive never been to the brooklyn museum. :-/ even tho i clamor on and on about not liking cultural stuff, i still should experience it, especially if it's cheap and near free. i mean i definitely used to like that kind of stuff! :)

*rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 22, 2009 3:49 PM

rob- don't forget my invite for Saturday- think homemade bbq , desserts, wine and a look see at a great neighborhood (not to mention wonderful people such as MM and moi :-)

Posted by: bxgrl at June 22, 2009 3:49 PM

thanks bxgirl :)

*rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 22, 2009 3:52 PM

I hear ya Rob - sometimes I go through phases where I just fall off the map, and want to be left alone.

The weather as of late doesn't help either. This rain is depressing!

Posted by: dirty_hipster at June 22, 2009 4:06 PM

Is Expert Textpert = Mr. Bubble?

Posted by: cobblehiller at June 22, 2009 4:17 PM

Rob, I'm sorry your feeling down. I hope you will reach out to some of the resources you've looked into. It really can help quite a bit. : )

Posted by: cobblehiller at June 22, 2009 4:18 PM

if looking for couple of possible laughs tomorrow night, Rob, I got a mailing for some gay standup comedy fundraiser
(only $10) for some guy running for city council .
At Union Hall, 7pm.
I'm not necessarily supporting the guy, don't know much about him other than is gay and probably could find the info at www.zuckerman2009.com

Posted by: Petebklyn at June 22, 2009 4:20 PM

Rob, re Brooklyn Museum: it used to be completely free, now they want a fee of about bucks or something, but they also go by *donation*. Same thing,*by donation*, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on 5th Ave. (Manhattan not the Slope -haha).

The *donation* thing is not usually published, especially at the MMA, but when asked, donation has been their policy. The idea is that access to art and culture ought not be denied to anyone. They are great places to go when it rains and snows. Guess what, ya don't have to like the stuff, the experience can be in the going and in the building itself.

Rob, I am thinking about your therapy search. There ought to be something that is near free and healthier than some therapists one might encounter. Again, sorry you are sad.

Posted by: BklynSoFar at June 22, 2009 4:22 PM

Union Hall's comedy night are a lot of fun. Pay $7 bucks, get two PBRs, and have a bunch of laughs.

Posted by: infinitejester at June 22, 2009 4:28 PM

I didn't realize they had comedy stuff there. How great!

Do you have to drink PBR infinite? Or can I have a grown up drink?!

Posted by: cobblehiller at June 22, 2009 4:34 PM

NYCs comedy scene is great. You can see up and coming comics at several places in Brooklyn and Manhattan basically for free (and have a great time, many are VERY funny)

Posted by: dirty_hipster at June 22, 2009 4:46 PM

rob- try www.med.nyu.edu/nycfreeclinic- they're free.

Posted by: bxgrl at June 22, 2009 4:59 PM

I need more comedy in my life—in fact, I think we all do! I would think comedy would do really well right about now, with all the 'horror' in real life going on.

Posted by: cobblehiller at June 22, 2009 5:01 PM

No doubt CHiller - wasn't there a medical study that laughing on a regular basis is good for your health?

I would settle for some sunlight right about now - this weather is awful.

Posted by: dirty_hipster at June 22, 2009 5:08 PM

Yes, DH, apparently laughing releases all kinds of good hormones, and increases oxygen, etc. I can't remember all else it said, but it just reinforced what we already know here...Ya gotta laugh!

I'm done with the rain, too. I've had it.

BH travelled out west this weekend, and he called me when he landed out there...it was raining!! Fortunately, the sun did come out for the rest of the trip. But the damn rain just delayed his flight back, too. GRRRRRRR.

Posted by: cobblehiller at June 22, 2009 5:17 PM

Geez...hoping for some good humor at the end of a day of grading Regents exams (almost done!) and we haven't even reached triple digits yet here. Maybe less sunshine = less OT, although one would think the opposite.

Posted by: sixyearsandcounting at June 22, 2009 5:44 PM

dibs and what and biff, the hardcore plusa's were missing today. yes what. ur a plusa! deal!

thanks for the advice about stuff today guys. i do plan on attending them, especially on saturday at the event bxgrl mentioned. plus it's gay pride weekend and oddly i get upset during it. doing something will be great. fyi, it's not that i dont like gay people(i am one duh), or dont have pride. i just feel on the outskirts of a community that really does base most of their focus on certain things then scream when people dont understand. im so far from a prude it's not even funny, but i dont enjoy large gatherings that always revolve around sex and drugs.

it could be cuz hald the gay prides i was with my ex boyfriend i'd wind up with crabs a few days later. yeah i KNOW wtf?

i dont fit in the gay scene, i dont fit in the family scene, i dont fit in the cool art / music scene.. what else is there in nyc?

blarg. ill figure it out tho.

*rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 22, 2009 8:02 PM

You will figure it out Rob, you're a good guy and you have much to offer. Take it easy on yourself, and do the things you like, and want to do. You don't have to be arty, family-oriented or a huge music fan.

You just have to be good to yourself! [Sometimes this take a little time to figure out how to do, but you WILL get there!]

BIG hug for YOU!

Posted by: cobblehiller at June 22, 2009 8:41 PM

Rob, couldn't get back to the computer until now so if you are still reading-- from what I've read from you, you have a level-headed view of things. You seem culturally savvy without getting caught up in it and believing the hype. You, yourself, are a walking Work of Art. Don't expect a boyfriend to come along and notice that though. You will come into your own. There was a time when I didn't feel I fit, but all that changed. You just have the depression to deal with now.

Posted by: BklynSoFar at June 22, 2009 9:19 PM

Aw, I would have to second what Cobblehiller and Bxgirl have said.

Posted by: mopar at June 23, 2009 10:02 PM

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June 22, 2009

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