Open Thread Wednesday 1/19/11

we need to get a few prints framed. there are several framing stores, anyone have particular recommendations?

not necessarily looking for the cheapest place, but a balance of good quality and price, as I am well aware framing is harder than it seems.

Me and the Crossing Guard
Chapter LXXVXIV

So about two weeks ago I’m walking towards Henry on Middagh on a non-garbage-pickup day, and on the pavement, near the curb, I see a black plastic bag that looks like it contains garbage.

I start to pick it up, planning to throw it away in my building’s nearby garbage pails (located in a wooden shed), when I hear a shout:

“Hey-that’s mine! What you doing?”

Yes, it’s Ms, T., the crossing guard, screaming at me. I do and say nothing and leave the bag where it was.

Forward to last week. As I’m passing the garbage shed I see, stuck into the ground-floor guard of an adjacent window a rolled-up magazine. God, I think, why people can’t throw away their garbage? I begin to toss the magazine when I hear:

“Hey! That’s mine. What you doing! Leave it there!”

Many thoughts, and none of the pretty, whirl through my head. I scream, “It doesn’t belong there”!

“Mind you business!” says the crossing guard.

I am, to say the least, adrenalized. But I say or do nothing further, and try to figure out how to deal with what I see as an ongoing disrespect by Ms. T. of my building and the nabe.

(Some of you reading this may remember that Ms. T. and I have a history, involving her leaving her used coffee cups on the tops of my building’s garbage pails, plus her moving the public garbage pail from the corner to block cars from parking near the school, and not moving it back.)

When I return home that night the magazine has been removed from the window, but stuck under the lid of the garbage shed–not thrown away.

So, tell her that I will report her if she continues to leave her stuff around? Reason with her? Do nothing?

Yesterday morning, I see her standing in a side doorway, and I think, It’s now or never.

“Ms. T., ” says I, “I would like it if you would respect my building and not leave your personal property on it.”

“Who are you? What’s you name? Do you own the building?”

“No, I live here–but I still take responsibility for the building looking as good as possible.”

“You not the owner? I talk to the owner! I see him here all the time! ”

“Ms. T., may I ask you a question?”

“You not the owner, I not talking to you.”

“…do you think I should be responsible for throwing away your garbage? If the situation were reversed, would you feel that you should throw away mine?”

“You got a super….”

“No, there’s no super…”

She pauses. I have, unwittingly, found a key I didn’t know I’d need.

“Oh,” she says, “no super.”

“No, Ms. T, no super. So please, don’t leave your garbage around.”

I reach out a hand. She takes it. We shake. I thank her. And walk to the subway.

One small step for mankind? To be continued, I’m sure.

(And for those of you tempted to tell me to get a life–thanks, but as you can see, I already have dozens.)

SJF, call John Lonergan,

(c) 212 475-6100

(h) 718 875-6100.

He does superb work for a reasonable fee.

Paul — I know they don’t look like much from the outside, but the framing store (downstairs) on Montague has never disappointed me. I’ve had very and not-so expensive things framed there, and their recommendations and skill have invariably been great. Their prices are fair, too. Jubilee (on Henry near Clark) is also excellent, but they are VERY expensive.

SJF — as always, John Lonergan has been my go-to lighting/electrical guy forever. And he’s an absolute “font of fabulous” when it comes to Heights reminiscing!

Can someone help — I tried twice to post what I think are interesting comments regarding the Tobacco Warehouse and received a “Your comment is awaiting moderation.” comment. What gives?

Paul, I highly reccomend warren framing on Coney Island Ave. I have used them for years and have framed everything from $10000.00 artwork to $25.00 posters. You won’t be dissapointed!

Not that we need any more evidence of the disgrace that it is the Cobble Hill service station on Atlantic and Henry but:

I called AAA last night because my car, parked on Hicks, wouldn’t start. I explained when I called that the battery was fine, but the engine wouldn’t turn over.

A truck came within a reasonable time, from that station; the driver became irritated when I tried to start the car. “That’s not a battery problem,” he said. “You don’t need a jump.”

I explained that I knew that and I had made that clear when I called. “Well, I’m here to jump your car,” he said. “I’ll tow it to our station.”

Um, no thanks, I said. I’d like to go to Urban Classics.

“I’m here to jump your car,” he repeated. “I’ll tow you to our station. You want to go somewhere else, you have to call back.” And off he went.

I called AAA and filed a complaint; I then called again this morning because my car needed to be moved by 8 am, making clear that I did not want this station to provide the service.

Two hours later, the same guy shows up. By this point, mine was the only car on the street, as it was 8:30; three feet in front of my car was a pile of snow, about 3 1/2 feet high.

“What are you going to do about that snow?” he asked. I replied that getting rid of snow on the street wasn’t my job. “Not mine, either,” he replied. “I can’t tow your car with that there, and I’m not here to move snow.” And off he went.

I called an independent towing service, who showed up within 30 minutes and had no trouble towing my car from the spot. And yes, AAA will reimburse the cost.

What I’ve written here doesn’t begin to convey his attitude, or my outrage, but you get the point. Unbelievably, completely unacceptable.

Has anyone noticed the terrible smell of B.O. at the Key Foods on Montague Street? It seems to emanate from the dairy section and has been there for weeks. Also, why do they restock at 6 PM? Just curious – don’t think I can shop there anymore because it’s so disgusting and poorly run. Anyone else notice this?

Lordy! CB….I’ve noticed this aroma as well ….even walked back to make sure it was coming from the dairy section….it is…hmmmm
ah, Keyfood…how I won’t miss you when I’ve moved!

Mark, If you work in an office, ask around. The Girl Scouts have a year long rotation for selling cookies. I know one local troop sells cookies in the summer in BH. I don’t know if there is a way to contact the main office and ask for local sales.

CB, I have noticed the odor and just assumed it was a cashier. That is where I seem to notice it the most. I only shop for one or two general items there since a “grey meat” incident.

.

Mark — re Girl Scout cookies, I know several girls who are selling them, but the sale period ends this Friday!!

Homer — how can he get in touch with me? I know someone else’s daughter who might be able to help.

Re: Key Food Odorama — I have smelled it repeatedly while I debate which string cheese to put in the school lunches. It is truly repulsive. I feel very guilty about the evil looks I gave some people until I realized that the STORE must have B.O., not the customers. Yes, yes,TraderJoe’s — I know. But they don’t have a few things that, sadly, I must get at the Evil Key.

http://perezhilton.com/2011-01-19-paul-giamatti-charges-fans-to-take-pictures-with-him

Paul – It really depends on the kind of work you are looking to frame. I had good experience with the studio on Cranberry and Hicks although their prices are not cheap. The owner suggested a few options, including ones that are totally outside the box.
On a different piece I had good experience with Jubilee but that was not very recent.

I propose you rename the open thread “Whambulance Wednesdays”

This morning’s choppers are due to the fatal bicyclist struck on the BQE/Atlantic ramp.