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Crown Heights North House Tour

September 30, 2010 RH

The 4th annual Crown Heights North house tour is this Saturday, October 2nd. There are 8 houses and two churches this year. A St. Marks Avenue mansion that most people thought was unsalvageable will be included. It’s still a work in progress and the committee promises it is spectacular. Other fab homes include the double duplex Kinko house, an American classic Colonial Revival, a new house that rose in an old shell, plus more.

Meet at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, at 991 St. Johns Place, on the corner of Brooklyn Avenue. Representatives of various city agencies and local non-profit groups will be on hand to answer questions. There will also be local vendors selling crafts, art, books, and other products.

The Tour kicks off at 10:00 am with a welcoming ceremony. The self guided tour commences from 11-4pm, rain or shine.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Tickets will be on sale at Barbara’s Flowers, 615 Nostrand Avenue, Brownstone Books, 409 Lewis Avenue and online.

Bad Real Estate Photos

September 29, 2010 RH 2 Comments

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All of the shots on this $459k Bed Stuy home look as if they’ve been taken with a fish eye lens, but it’s obvious a guy took the photo. Because they don’t know how to PUT. THE. FRIGGIN. TOILET. SEAT. DOWN!

Wow, killer views of the parking lot on this Bronx apartment! The screen. The wire hanging down. But wait, there’s more…

WTF? Check out the listing. There’s an image of a hand taking money out of a mouse trap. I don’t get it. Can someone explain?

A 2600+ sq ft home in Ditmars Steinway, Queens. The realtor has 3 shots up on Trulia. All of the same bathroom.

New construction on Staten Island for $1,385,000. Ya think maybe for that price the agent might have gotten a few shots? No, this was it. It’s not making sense to me. Looks like two different staircases put together. And what’s the black business on the left side of the frame? Don’t tell me they snapped a shot from a video!

Rally for Sanity and Fear:DC Info

September 28, 2010 RH

Jon Stewart and Steve Colbert take Washington on October 30th and FYI, hotels are starting to book up already.

Any time I’ve visited DC in the past, I didn’t have to worry about finding my own way. It was all school trips or staying with friends and family. Yesterday, I spent waaay too much time figuring out where to stay for a single night. When I finally narrowed it down, the places I liked didn’t have vacancies.

I’ll pass on the few tidbits of information I came across.

It was originally announced that the rally was being held 8am-5pm. Now both sites say 12pm-3pm which makes more sense. There is still some confusion and I hope I’m not wrong because it’s a matter of going down the night before or the morning of.

Getting there. Amtrak is about $100 round trip. There are many bus companies leaving from NYC (and everywhere!) but that’s more hit or miss. Best thing to do is check Yelp. Apparently, some of those Chinatown buses are kind of gross, although some of these people may just be whiners.

There’s a carpool group on the Rally Facebook page.

There’s also a separate information page set up on FB for the rally. This has transportation and lodging links.

The Colbert Forum has some good Fear March info, including transportation.

Washingtonian and their “Best of” is really informative when it comes to getting a feel for the different neighborhoods. My original thought was that I wanted to stay within walking distance of the rally, but now I know that the Metro is King. Anywhere within walking distance to the train is golden, whether it be DC, MD or VA. Tip: According to Washingtonian, Silver Springs has lots of vintage shops and ethnic restaurants.

Lodging. Apart from the usual places to book hotels (Orbitz, Side Step, Hotels.com), don’t forget about vacation rentals and B&B’s. AirB&B lists people willing to share rooms or their entire apartments. And don’t forget Craigslist! If all else fails, people are willing to give up their bed or couch to earn a quick buck.

Now it’s your turn. If you’ve got any info…spill it!

Maker Faire Highlights

September 27, 2010 RH

The Maker Faire at NY Hall of Science was the big weekend to-do for tech geeks and crafters alike. Was it excellent? Well, it was really good, but this cheap beeatch can’t get around the fact that I had to pay a $25 entry fee. I happen to know this turned some people away. I mean, 25 bucks? So I can go in only to spend more money?

Apart from the vendors, there were free rides and demonstrations brought to us mostly(?) by The Madagascar Institute. Although they were extremely cool, these folks could have used some organizational skills. It was unclear who could actually partake. There were people hanging around and watching, but we weren’t sure if everyone actually got on the rides. My husband wanted to have a go at the Jet Ponies (video link)which took a good 20 minutes between rides, but it seems like it was an elite ride for friends and family only. That theory proved correct when it turns out that the guy I photographed was none other than publishing mogul Tim O’Reilly.

The tech geek buddy who was with us LOVED the faire! He was running around like a little boy. I’ll admit that most of the tech stuff was either was over my head or didn’t make sense for the real world. When I asked Tech Geek Buddy what the LED’s do, he told me that some make noise, some light up and I was like “Yeah, but WHY? Then what?” His wife (a.k.a. my bitching companion for the day) remarked that it seemed like vanity projects with no real use.

Well, the crafts were great! At least it’s something I can understand!

I bought myself a lovely recycled purse/bike messenger bag. $135 from Vaya Bags (not the one in the photo, but close). Hopefully it will last me longer than those $2 bags I’ve been buying. The strap is a seat belt, so if I break this, there is no hope for me.

The yarn crafts were amazing! Check out the Coney Island and NY scenes from Lion Brand Yarn.

I also loved the Princess Leia hat I saw. When I asked if it was for sale I was told that the pattern is online because “We’re all crafters here.” #1: No, we’re not ALL crafters. #2: I don’t knit. The pattern is sold on Etsy, but I found someone who makes similar hats on eBay.

Finally, we all learned to solder for $1. Now I’m the Solder Queen.

Oh Diane!

September 24, 2010 RH

Reclaimed Space

September 23, 2010 RH

A small house made an entirely from recycled materials. That’s what Reclaimed Space does. And they come pre-assembled too!

The Texas based company is the brainchild of rancher/construction guy Tracen Gardner. Kimber Reed is the design gal behind it all. Together, they build some super fab sustainable living quarters ranging from 336sf to 1240sf. Prices start at $38,460 for the smallest structure. That includes almost everything, but it looks like delivery is separate.

I totally would have done this back when I was thinking about my new garage that I never did. Too bad I can’t stick one of these babies in my Brooklyn backyard. Hmm…nah.

Upcoming Events

September 22, 2010 RH

Strut Your Mutt

Walk your pup for a good cause this Sunday, September 26th. This fundraising event raises money for animal organizations in the area. There’s a $30 registration fee, so even if you don’t get any sponsors, you’re donating while having fun. Doggie yoga and massages included!

Capture Brooklyn

Even though they overlooked the three old photos I pulled out of my arse, I’ll give them the plug anyway. The opening of this juried show is tomorrow night at the powerHouse Arena in Dumbo.

Maker Faire

This mega event takes place at the New York Hall of Science on September 25th and 26th. Little crafts people as well as large companies will be representin’. The fair is a potpourri of innovative ideas from inventors and artsy folks.

Blogger’s Soiree

Monday, September 27th. Join other bloggers at this Lower East Side event. Eat, drink, network, par-tay and keep in mind that 25% of the proceeds will go to Restore NYC.

Pet Rooms

September 21, 2010 RH

It’s no joke living in a multi pet household and our current situation is less than ideal. Oh, we’re working on it! But at the moment all of the pets are confined to one area.

Our lovely cats are scratching the molding and peeing on floors. The dogs are being terrorized by the crazy new feline rescue.

We took over the parlor floor (in addition to our garden apartment) four months ago but have yet to close in the stairway. This means the pets can’t go into the hallway because they’ll bother the neighbors on the 3rd floor. They would also need to go into the hallway for the backyard and basement. So, they are confined for now unless we escort them. Which is a pain in the arse.

The plan is to have them in the once-nice-but-now-destroyed room, plus basement and backyard. The basement will be a kitty paradise, as well as a human paradise for cleaning purposes. Cement floors with heavy duty epoxy and drains so we can just hose it down. There will be litterboxes galore and scratching posts and a cat door for them to go outside into the cat-fenced backyard.

Can’t wait! But for now, I’m just looking at some ideas. Hence the pics. Not mine. And to tell ya the truth, I thought I’d find way more ideas.

Free NYC: Governors Island

September 20, 2010 RH

Governors Island opened to the public in the early oughts while I was living upstate. I finally got a chance to visit over the weekend as there was an art fair I wanted to see.

The island, considered part of the borough of Manhattan, was referred to as Pagganck (“Nut Island”) by Native Americans. The Brits and Dutch each had control at one time or another. Starting with the Revolutionary War, Governors Island served as an American military base through just about every war until it switched over to the Coast Guard in the 1960’s.

So, who owns it now? Why, we do! In 2003 the federal government sold 150 acres of Governors Island to the people of New York, with the Island’s governance and funding jointly shared by the City of New York and State of New York. The remaining 22 acres was declared the Governors Island National Monument that is overseen by the National Park Service.

Enough history. What is there to do on Governors Island? Well, there’s a little somethin’ somethin’ for everyone. BTW, the art exhibit was excellent. Five four story buildings filled with some exceptional work.

I was impressed by the recycling effort on the island. Plenty o’ bins for trash AND recyclables which you don’t normally see enough in city parks. But not only that…some of the garden sculptures made from reclaimed materials are truly impressive.

You know what the leaves on this tree are made of? Joint compound lids!

Kiddie park built from pallets, reclaimed house materials and more! Mini-golf! Trampoline school! A beach! Historic house tours!

The ferry takes 5 minutes and it’s free. Word of advice. If you visit Governors Island, wear comfortable shoes. Lots of people bike around the island. Bikes are allowed on the ferry or you can rent one. There are also trams for less mobile folk. Enjoy!

Toto, I’ve a Feeling We’re Not in Brooklyn Anymore

September 17, 2010 RH

WTF is it with all of these Brooklyn tornadoes lately? So, I come out of my house last night, lock the door, turn around and “Oh shit!” A tree is down. Look up the block….”Oh shit!!!” Another tree. That sonbitch hit hard.

People are just waking up to the damage this morning. I’m hearing lots of shrieks on the block. That woman in the photo above was all like “Well, how do we know nobody ain’t in the car?! We can’t see!” She could have a point, but nobody checked because this is Bed Stuy where “do or die” may still hold true under these circumstance.

This gentleman ran over to the tree with his cane last night screaming “Take my picture! Take my picture! Put me on the internet!” So I did.

Our little tree in front of the house survived! Guess those shorties are pretty strong (and bendable).

Remember when Bay Ridge got hit in 2007? Well, now it was all (most of?) brownstone Brooklyn’s turn.

And to think Allstate dumped us because of flooding.

What’s the Story, Jerry?

September 16, 2010 RH

Hey, old school New Yorkers! Remember those 1970’s commercials “What’s the story, Jerry?” They were for Jamaica Gas & Electric, aka JGE. Couldn’t find an original, but did come across this….

Hump Day Linkorama

September 15, 2010 RH

NY’s Historic Garages. NY Times

The Stepford Homes. Hooked on Houses

Living in Harry Met Sally. Design Sponge

Twiggy Starburst Mirror. Brooklyn Limestone

Beacon Heats Up Just As We Leave

September 14, 2010 RH

It seems like the best thing that could have happened to Beacon was our move back to the city. Every time I go back up to sort things out with the house, a new place has popped up on Main Street.

Ah, but there are two huge projects in the works that have everyone in Beacon stoked.

The Beacon Theater went dark in the 1960’s and has remained that way ever since. Finally! 4th Wall Productions has purchased the 800-seat performance hall and has plans to restore it back to it’s original 1934 glory. It will be used as a performance space as well as a movie house.

The theater is raising funds to help with the restoration. There’s a concert coming up on September 18th featuring who-else-none-other-than-Pete Seeger. He probably played the original venue.

The Roundhouse at Beacon Falls sits on the east side of town overlooking the water fall. The cluster of factory buildings has been abandoned for years. Finally! Restoration of the land and buildings have begun. The Roundhouse will evolve into hotels, artist live/work spaces and a catering/event venue. All green development!

A House Full of History in Bay Ridge

September 13, 2010 RH

I managed to check out the Stowe house estate sale during the final hours of the final day. Apparently I missed quite a bit.

The house was filled with antiquities. Everything from the furniture to the dishes to that crazy Victorian bicycle. I scored some vintage jewelry and kitchen wares. Went for the tschotkes, but I really wanted to check out this historic home.

The Connecticut Stows purchased the home in 1906 for $8500. Harriet Beecher Stowe (the “e” was added in the early 1900’s) of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” fame wasn’t the only notable member of the family. There was also an American Revolution Captain and some dude who recast the Liberty Bell.

The house looks as if it hasn’t been touched since it was built. The woodwork is to die for! There are built in cabinets, a friggin’ gorgeous antique cast iron stove hidden in the corner of the servant’s kitchen and a few beautiful mantels. Untouched is a good thing, but the new owner (yes, it has been sold) will have lots of plastering to do as it looks like the wallpaper is the only thing holding up the walls. No bother, it will all be worth it!

So, take that other Brooklyn brownstone neighborhoods! Bay Ridge can have a seat at your table too. Who knew? (I didn’t.)

9/11 Budweiser Ad. Grab a Tissue.

September 10, 2010 RH 2 Comments

This Budweiser commercial aired only one time on the first anniversary of September 11th. Bud did this so they wouldn’t benefit financially from the event. It’s really touching.

Now if only their beer didn’t taste like piss water.

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