Monday Links

Thats interesting DIBS. The Greenpoint terminal warehouse burnt down by the honorable Mr. Guttamn had a portion of sidewalk in front of it that was 4×4″ wooden blocks. They were placed so that the direction of the grain was perpendicular to the sidewalk surface and still seemed in very good condition. I have no idea how old they were.

Uggh… I got a twinge there. I found myself agreeing with Benson. A proper Belgian block street could be appropriate for the right reasons — durability. If it’s just for aesthetics, then someone should be slapped.

Did they replace the sewer lines on this stretch of road to modern (i.e., mid-20th century) split lines…. or will they have to tear up this expensive pavement to do that… if they ever decide to do that?

There’s a street in Philadelphia still paved with those 4″ x 4″ hardwood blocks. When I bought my house in Chicago, the garage was paved with them.

“I feel it gives a real texture to the urban experience, and it puts you back in history,” Ms. Hulser said. “You have something under your feet that may in fact have been the very same stones that the patriots ran over.”

Please shoot me.

How idiotic are we becoming? Yes, that’s the way to increase our knowledge and appreciation for history: creating so-called “historical” streetscapes, akin to a Disney or a Hollywood soundstage. Do so at great expense, at a time when the city cannot keep with maintaining and expanding its vital infrastucture, such as subways and sewers.

Yes, this is so much better than actually reading history.

And on the wubject of word association, I had Belgian fries this weekend from Pommes Frites on Second Ave. in the East Village. At only 2,000 calories per portion too.