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This Hits Home

This Hits Home published on

The death count for Hurricane Irene is now up to 40. We joked that it was non-event here in the boroughs, but looking at the damage she caused elsewhere, we should thank our lucky stars it wasn’t worse.

This NY Times photo struck a chord. This poor woman was in the middle of restoring her 200+ year old house. You know she loved that house because she took the time to scrap the paint and brighten it up instead of slapping on some siding. I can sympathize with her loss because I know how I’d feel if I put in hours of work for nothing.

People’s homes and businesses are damaged all the time in natural disasters. As long as everyone survives (pets included), it’s just a building. And possessions. Hopefully, insurance covers enough so that people don’t end up with nothing. But you can’t replace the intangibles. The memories. The time spent working to make it yours.

Memories fade and time passes no matter what. Money comes back. It must hurt to have them stolen in a single day though.

The Morning After

The Morning After published on 3 Comments on The Morning After

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Tree down in Bed Stuy.

Hurricane Irene hit parts of the East Coast pretty hard and it caused some damage to the outskirts of the city. At least 21 deaths have been reported as a direct cause of the storm although some were caused by camping and surfing during a hurricane.  Still, for the most part, borough New Yorkers were disappointed in themselves for believing the hype.

Here we all were home on a Saturday night with nowhere to go, tweeting and facebooking about the damn hurricane. “Oh, tornado watch!” What’s with that? We woke up to some leaves on the ground and maybe wet basements, yet the media was still telling us to stay indoors. Urban dwellers called the hurricane boring and lame while everyone else in it’s path was relieved their power was only out for one day.

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On Sunday morning, we went to Coney Island to walk the dogs, thinking it was safer than the park because there are no trees on the beach. Coney was pretty tame. There were plenty of downed trees along the way and many that are now leaning in dangerous positions which will need to be seen to. So be careful out there. I’ll bet there is still some danger.

One thing is for sure, many people on the East Coast put on a few extra pounds this weekend after staying home eating and drinking. Wonder if the shops are taking returns on all the batteries and candles that won’t be needed?

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New York City vs. Lady Irene

New York City vs. Lady Irene published on 1 Comment on New York City vs. Lady Irene

Ready for downed trees in Prospect Park.

After all this fuss, it looks as if Irene will be a tropical storm by the time it hits New York. Not that it’s going to be pleasant. And not that I’m complaining. Still too soon to say, but perhaps people are freaking out over nothing more than wet basements.

The real problem here in the boroughs is that we’ll be without our precious amenities for most of the weekend. This will cause New Yorkers to become cranky, but at least we’ll be stuck in our homes only to take it out on our families and roommates.

Right now it’s raining. Public transit is shut down and many stores are closing shop early today. Outdoor activities have been canceled as well as some indoor events.

In Prospect Park this morning the doggie circle stayed until the rain started because we know our dogs may not have the option to go outside tomorrow. Make sure to give them a nice walk tomorrow morning. Speaking of pets, please do something nice for the strays in your neighborhood!

A Facebook friend posted that he experienced the longest line ever at his local Manhattan bagel shop this morning and the only bagels left were plain. What will New York become without the everything bagel?


Prospect Heights. Yeah, that’s gonna help. Have fun removing that duct tape from your car.

Brokelyn has an ongoing list of what’s opened and closed. You can send updates to them.

Just a last minute list of tips from Reclaimed Home….

If the power goes out, that means ATM’s are down. Get your cash out today as any shops that are open may not have credit card machines.

Got your alcohol? What better excuse than a hurricane to get drunk in the middle of the day?

Got birth control? What better excuse…..

Take in your garbage bins, outdoor plants and other stuff that can fly away.

You may not have to board your windows, but you probably don’t want to leave them wide open.

Move non-water-proof items out of the way on ground floors if flooding can occur. Not only the flood zones. There will be a lot of rain. Expect to get flooded everywhere.

Don’t forget to have extra water around. Fill pots and maybe the tub. If there’s a power outage, the water pumps and water heaters may not work…especially pumps in highrise buildings.

Do a laundry and your dishes today.

Charge your cell phones and laptops. God forbid we should be without Facebook and Twitter for a day!

Matches, candles, batteries, flashlight, blah, blah, blah.

Anything I forgot? What’s going on in your neighborhood? Add it to the comments.

Have fun and stay safe!

Weekend Events and Miss Irene

Weekend Events and Miss Irene published on

*UPDATE. Ok, so this was a stupid post. All outdoor events have been canceled.

Some of these events are outdoors, so please check to make sure they haven’t been canceled before venturing out. Even if it’s not dangerous, it may prove to be pretty unpleasant this weekend. Then again, less crowds to compete with.

Check with MTA before getting on the subway. If all hell breaks loose, subways will be shut down. If asked to evacuate and you don’t have a car…well, looks like you’re screwed. Enjoy!

The Afro-Punk Festival was supposed to be this Saturday and Sunday at Commodore Barry Park near the Brooklyn Navy Yard. A couple of bands this old lady has heard of…Fishbone and Janelle Monae, were to play on the 28th. Alas, the show is canceled according to Brooklyn Vegan.

Restaurant Week has been extended through September 5th. Get lunch for $24.07 and dinner for $35.00 at some of the finer dining establishments this city has to offer. Every day through the 5th except for Saturday.

Shop til you drop at Barney’s Warehouse Sale. Started yesterday. Ends September 5th.

Battle of Brooklyn Reenactment. Yup, you think those reenactors are only in the sticks? Saturday 12-3pm in Dumbo.

Free Opera Summer Festival at Lincoln Center. Seats are first come, first serve. For full schedule, click on link.

Monday Night Fever at Coney!

Monday Night Fever at Coney! published on

Coney Island Flicks on the Beach kicks off tonight with none other than the quintessential Brooklyn movie, Saturday Night Fever.

1970’s Brooklyn was a divided place between the Tony Manero types and the Disco Sucks burn outs. I was a kid who listened to disco but cringed at the “cuisines” who were taking over my borough. So much so, that I refused to see Saturday Night Fever until the mid eighties when it was on TV one night.

Now I love the movie! And I miss old Brooklyn so much that those Jersey Shore kids make me smile.

Anyhoo, the festivities start at 7pm and the film begins at 8:45.

Brooklyn Summer Concert Series!

Brooklyn Summer Concert Series! published on 1 Comment on Brooklyn Summer Concert Series!

I swear, I’ve been going on the seaside concert website almost every day, waiting for them to post the shows. Finally, it’s up!

Here’s what we’ve got. The new location is Surf Ave @ 21st St. because the kvetches at the synagogue across the street complained about the noise. Whatev.

July 14th. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

July 21st: The Monkees! Looks like only Davy, Mickey and Peter. Who cares about you, Mike? You were the uncutest anyway.

July 28th: Mary Wilson of the Supremes and The Spinners.

August 18th: Cheap Trick.

The Wingate Concerts open with Maze featuring Frankie Beverly on July 11th.

August 8th: Jeffrey Osborne/Peabo Bryson/Freddie Jackson for some smooth easy listening.

August 15th: Queen Latifah!

These are just my middle aged music picks. There are more dates and some still say “To Be Announced”, so keep your eyes and ears open for more info!

A Midwood Street. The Bruckner Way.

A Midwood Street. The Bruckner Way. published on 2 Comments on A Midwood Street. The Bruckner Way.

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It was about a year ago that Saul Bruckner passed away. If you’re not an Edward R Murrow alumni, that name probably doesn’t mean much to you. To anyone who spent time there as a student or teacher, the man is a legend.

Bruckner founded Murrow in 1974 and remained principal for thirty years until his retirement.

Yesterday, E. 17th Street was renamed “Saul Bruckner Way”. The ceremony was held outside the school with Mrs. Bruckner, Marty Markowitz (of course), current Principal Anthony Lodico, City Councilman Michael Nelson, Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz, HS Superintendent Aimee Horowitz and retired teacher Frieda Jones in attendance. Murrow’s chorus sang. The band played. And the street sign was unveiled. Senior Man La painted an oil portrait of Bruckner that was also unveiled in time for the opening. Being that she never met the man, it’s a pretty good likeness.

Refreshments were served in the school cafeteria afterward, so myself and about seven other alumni made our way inside. We walked every floor of the school. It was exactly as I remembered it. Kids hanging out on the floor. People dancing in the hall. A teacher reprimanding his students.

Ah, high school.

*Flickr images

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Weekend Events

Weekend Events published on

Tonight! Brooklyn Collective Spring Fling! 30 new collections on display from local artists. Drinks on the house and a performance by The Foo Fighters! (Ok, it just says “surprise musical performance”).

Friday, May 6th
212 Columbia Street
(between Union and Sackett)
6pm – 10pm

Bring yo mama along to to Film Biz Recycling and get 50% off your entire purchase! Damn my mother for moving down to Florida! This event is taking place alllllll weekend long.

Film Biz Recycling is now located at 540 President in Gowanus, Brooklyn. Open 12-7 on Saturday and Sunday.

Hester Street Fair (a weekly market) opens this Saturday. The vendors are of the vintage and crafty variety, so you can’t go wrong. Throw in some food and awesomely witty t-shirts and you got yourself a fab-o market! If you’re in the neighborhood, you can hit Katz’s Deli or Chinese Dim-Sum for lunch.

Hester Street Fair is located on the corner of Hester and Essex.

And for some non-shopping fun, there are two good Mother’s Day weekend family oriented events taking place on Saturday at The Highline. Artist Kim Beck leads a hands on Family Arts Workshop that explores New York’s “canopy”. It involves a scavenger hunt!

The Big Picture Bike Tour follows the original route of The Highline at street level. Tickets are $10.

Weekend Events

Weekend Events published on

Queens Peeps! The PS 101Q Earth Day Flea Market will take place on Saturday, April 30th from noon-4pm. Address is 2 Russell Place, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Take the E/F train to 71st/Continental. I’ll be set up right next to Ms. Peculiar Whimsy.

It’s here! The 30th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival is on this weekend at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Bring your Allegra!

Clinton Hill House Tour sponsored by the Society for Clinton Hill is this Sunday, May 1st from 12-5. Pick up tickets at various venues or get them online here.

Brooklyn Victims of Violence Program

Brooklyn Victims of Violence Program published on

Safe Horizon Brooklyn Rape and Sexual Assault Program is holding Brooklyn’s second annual SAYSO! (Sexual Assault Yearly Speak Out!). SAYSO! is dedicated to promoting healing and raising awareness about sexual assault and New York City’s specialized rape crisis services.

Safe Horizon is the nation’s leading victim assistance organization.  The Brooklyn Rape and Sexual Assault Program provides time-limited counseling and advocacy to survivors of sexual assault, along with their families and friends.  The program also raises awareness of sexual violence through presentations and outreach.

When?
April 13th 2011 from 3:00 to 7:30 pm

Where?
Cadman Plaza, outside of Brooklyn Borough Hall.

Carolines Night from Hell

Carolines Night from Hell published on 5 Comments on Carolines Night from Hell

Veteran comedian Richard Lewis played Carolines on Broadway over the weekend and I was lucky enough to grab tickets to the show. Never been to Carolines and guess what? Won’t be going back any time soon.

The tickets were close to $40 and there was a 2 drink minimum. No problem. Grab a drink at the bar. They “suggested” we check our coats for an extra 2 bucks. My husband was under the impression that the coat check was mandatory. Whatev. Another few bucks for the bathroom attendant. I hate when there’s a bathroom attendant and I’m guilted into tipping her. I can turn on my own water and take a paper towel, thanks.

Anyhoo, I digress. So, it’s a nice place. Not the dive bars or fast food joints I frequent (I kid. Haven’t in a good 20 years). I don’t have a problem with any of this so far, but it’s background for my story.

Here’s my beef….

After we were seated and before the show started, I left my table to relieve myself and have another awkward moment with the bathroom attendant. I fell down a step in the middle of the room and twisted my ankle. Yes, I’m a klutz, but the people who saw it and my own husband who knows how clumsy I am said that the step was in a dangerous spot. It was dark in the club and although there was a single fluorescent strip on the stair, there was no warning of it coming up. Especially as the sound system came up right before it.

So, my ankle swelled to the size of a plum. The manager and bartender gave me ice and helped me back to my seat. They were nice enough. I thoroughly enjoyed the show. Totally related to Richard Lewis’ old age shtick. Nearly peed my pants at his Shecky Greene reference!

End of the night, we get the bill. Nothing comped. Our dinner. Our 2 drink minimum. Really? I’m crippled for a week (or three) from your venue and you’re still sticking me with the 2 drinks per person?

I’m not litigious, but I’m not happy. The cab fare back to Brooklyn instead of a subway, the crutches, the Ace bandages, the week of sitting on my ass, the dog walker….it all adds up. And Carolines couldn’t even acknowledge I was hurt in their club?

So, that’s it. I’m adding Carolines to Walmart list of places to boycott. I’ll find my laughs elsewhere, thank you.

*PS: Fun Facts!

* Shecky Greene is still alive.

* Richard Lewis is credited with inventing “_____ from hell”.

Weekend Events

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Mmmm. I Want to Eat That Art.

334 Grand Avenue, Bklyn

Opening: Sunday, March 27. 4-6pm

Delicious works by Michael Sorgatz (pie photo), Robin Antar, Lisa Diller, Edie Nadelhaft, Douglas Newton and Tony Toscani.

Free Trees!

Green Fort Greene & Clinton Hill and FAB Alliance Tree Giveaway
March 26, 10:00 a.m. – noon
Putnam Triangle, Putnam Ave. and Fulton St., Brooklyn
300 TREES

Alley Pond Environmental Center Tree Giveaway
March 27, 10:00 a.m. – noon
228-06 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston, Queens
200 TREES


Triangle Fire 100th Anniversary Event

Sunday, March 27 • 3pm
Museum at Eldridge Street. $20

Afternoon of music and poetry inspired by the conditions of the sweatshops and the tragic fire with actors portraying the 146 people who perished

AIPAD Photography Show

AIPAD Photography Show published on

The Association of International Photography Art Dealers holds their photography exhibit, which is open to the public, in NYC around this time every year. Whether you’re an avid collector or just getting started or just have an interest in looking at pretty pictures, this is the place to be.

All of the galleries are under one roof, so you can shop price, ask questions and find your favorite new photographer (one represented by a participating gallery, of course). No schlepping across town to various galleries and no intimidation factor upon walking in.

The AIPAD show started yesterday and runs until March 20th at the Park Avenue Armory. Admission at the door is $25 and well worth it.

Weatherization Assistance Program

Weatherization Assistance Program published on 1 Comment on Weatherization Assistance Program

The WAP or Weatherization Assistance Program helps low income families reduce their energy consumption and bills. Mark your calendars for March 8th, kids, because Sustainable Flatbush will be hosting an event to provide information on this important program.

Here’s the deal:

WHAT:
How to Fix Your Home and Save on Energy Bills

WHERE:
Mt. Zion Church of God
203 East 37th Street (between Church Avenue and Linden Boulevard)
Brooklyn, NY

WHEN:
Tuesday, March 8th from 7-9pm

The workshop will cover heating systems, insulation, energy efficient appliances, water saving tips and a number of things you should already be doing.

If you’re abode isn’t 100% energy efficient, you can probably learn something from this. Plus, refreshments will be served.

It’s NYC Restaurant Week!

It’s NYC Restaurant Week! published on

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It’s that time of year again! Restaurant Week! Starting today until February 6th, you can get lunch for $24.07 and dinner for $35.00 at some of the top restaurants in three of the boroughs.

I started researching which restaurants are offering vegetarian options, then my dentist put me on no-alcohol antibiotics for a root canal infection. Now I don’t want to partake if I can’t enjoy a glass of wine with dinner. Am I being a baby? An alcoholic baby?

Anyway, I got as far as Aquavit. They are serving up a vegetarian entree and suggest that you can talk to your server about special dietary needs.

Other than Aquavit, there are tons of Indian and Mediterranean restaurants offering veggie dishes. Of course, if you’re a flesh eater…gosh, you have it really easy. You can go anywhere.

Enjoy!

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