The Friendly Skies, Now With WiFi

Objects of desire
(The actual roses from the tale)

I promise you, dear reader, this is a true story.
It happened to a resident here in Carroll Gardens on Monday night.

At 9:45 Pm, the doorbell rings. A man in his mid-thirties is standing in front of the door of a brownstone. The homeowner opens:

" Can I help you?" inquires the owner.

" This might sound crazy," the man says " but I have been admiring those pretty pink roses in your yard. Today is my anniversary! I was wondering if you would give them to me so that I can bring them home to my wife."

The homeowner was stunned. Not believing what he had just heard, he said:
" You must be kidding me. I don't even cut those roses to bring them into the house."

The man looked disappointed but mumbled, " Oh, all right." and shuffled off into the night.

So pardon me for asking, dear reader, what do you think?
Was this the cheapest husband around or the most romantic one?


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The Friendly Skies, Now With WiFi

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To Battle Brooklyn Mosquitoes, Provide Bat Condos!

Pardon me for asking, dear reader, but doesn't it seem that there are more mosquitoes swarming around than ever before? Every time I have gone out lately, I have been attacked by swarms of those blood-sucking insects. The problem does not seem to be confined to dusk anymore, when mosquitoes usually come out to feast. The other day, I was in the garden in broad sunlight. Would you agree that the problem has become worse every summer? I know what you will ask me now, and the answer is: no. There is no standing water in my yard. Just little creatures buzzing 'bout my ankles.
So, I was pretty excited to see that someone in the neighborhood had installed a 'bat house' in their garden. Why? Well, bats eat lots of insects, including mosquitoes. Neat! I am all for it. The wooden 'condo' just went up, so I have not yet seen it being used by bats. If I do, I'll be sure to let you know. The bat homes are available for $45 at the Organization For Bat Conservation. That seems a lot cheaper than bug spray. Don't you think?

From the Organization For Bat Conservation

Bats are extremely important. Yet due to years of unwarranted human fear and persecution, bats are in alarming decline. By putting up a bat house you are helping by giving them a home. You will also benefit from having fewer yard and garden pests, and will enjoy learning about bats and sharing your knowledge with friends and family.

As the primary predators of night-flying insects, bats play a vital role in maintaining the balance of nature. And, as consumers of vast numbers of pests, they rank among humanity’s most valuable allies. A single little brown bat can catch hundreds of mosquito-sized insects an hour, and a typical colony of big brown bats can protect local farmers from the costly attacks of 18 million root-worms each summer.

Bats are not blind, and are actually very clean animals. They do not get caught in peoples’ hair or chew through the attic of your house. Bats will not interfere with feeding backyard birds, and they will not be disrupted by pets or children.

Throughout the northern two-thirds of the U.S. and Canada, the Little Brown Bat (Myotis launchings) and the Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) use bat houses. They can also inhabit the Southeast, but are generally replaced by the South-eastern Bat (Myotis Australia). Pallid Bats (Antrozous pallidus) are found in arid areas. The Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis), Eastern Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus subflavus), Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis) and the Mexican Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) will also use bat houses. Any bats that roost in crevices or under bridges and in buildings are likely tenants for bat houses.

Links To this Post:
New York Times: Same Bat Time, Same Bat Condo



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Let's Face It: Brooklynites Of Yesteryear Were Greener Than We Are

Please do not laugh now, dear reader, if I tell you that I miss seeing laundry hanging from the clothes lines in the back yards of Brownstone Brooklyn. When I first moved to Carroll Gardens more than twenty years ago, it was still a usual sight. If the front stoop was reserved for polite chatter with the neighbors, the back yard was for airing one's clean ( and of course, sometimes, dirty) laundry.
But, these days, the poles stand unused, the clothes lines themselves have frayed in the wind long ago. I cannot remember the last time I saw clothes hung out to dry. A pity, really. Air drying is not only economical but better for the environment. It always reminds me of my childhood in Europe. I used to help my mother by handing her the clothes pins as she carefully hung first the sheets, then the shirts and lastly, socks and underwear. Of course, I also remember dashing out to rip everything off the line when an unexpected shower threatened to undo the sun's work.
Now everyone has a dryer or goes to the laundromat. Yes, it is much more convenient, but letting the wind dry the laundry was so much better for the environment...so much greener.
I am not suggesting that we go back to the old ways, but sometimes, when the sun is shining and a breeze is gently flowing through the back yards, I regret that I don't have a cloth line anymore. Maybe, I'll stop at Winn Discount on Court and buy myself a few yards of rope. And some wooden clothes pins, too. Of course, it better not rain. I think we have had quite enough of that after this week-end.


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"Brooklyn Style" Container Gardening

Such planters are so nice in front of brownstones,
As long as the neighbors' doglets don't lift their legs!

So here in Brooklyn,
planters come complete with necessary reminders
to curb the pooch!

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The Stroller Moms Of Yesteryear!

photo credit: www.coachbuiltprams.org

photo credit: www.coachbuiltprams.org

Do you suppose, dear reader, there was a great "stroller mom" debate in our fair borough of Brooklyn in days past? Were there conflicts between the "have children," and the "have none"? Did people object to the stroller set blocking sidewalks with their double wides? Were there tales of mothers rolling over feet or blocking deli aisles? And did they say pretty please and thanks when doors were held open?

Oh, how I wish I knew... Because you see, the strollers were big as far back as back when. And block the sidewalk they did, of that I am sure. Just look at the photos and you will see: the double wide was a monster the same as today.

Which makes me wonder in all this debate, why the little stroller below, (there, you see?) did not become the standard of back then and today.







Related reading:
Stroller Gridlock On Court


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Not A Good Week For Marco Polo In Carroll Gardens

(photo credit: Erin on www.abrooklynlife.com)

It was not a good week for Joe Chirico, owner of Carroll Garden's Marco Polo and the new take-out joint next door. First, a car ran into the restaurant glass addition, now its owner is indicted in the Gambino investigation.

Thanks, reader Carrie, for bringing this to our attention.

From Time Out New York:

BREAKING: Brooklyn Restaurant Association president, Joseph Chirico indicted in Gambino investigation

Posted in Eat Out by Eat Out on February 8th, 2008 TONY has it that Joseph Chirico, president of the Brooklyn branch of the New York Restaurant Association, was included in yesterday’s mafia case—the largest such takedown in 20 years. A well-placed law-enforcement source confirms that Chirico, who also owns Marco Polo Ristorante in Carroll Gardens was named among the 62 mob soldiers indicted for crimes relating to the Gambino, Genovese and Bonanno families. The NYSRA claimed to be unaware of the indictment, and declined to comment. Calls to the restaurant placed Chirico “on vacation in Aruba.” Suffice to say this doesn’t bode well for Brooklyn Restaurant Week. Click through for documentation.

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A Story about The New St. Clair And The Two Dollar Special

A few days ago, I walked down Smith Street to Atlantic Avenue and was pleased to see that the old St.Clair diner is ready to be reopened as the "New" St.Clair. It is nice to welcome this neighborhood spot back.
As I was inspecting the new signs and taking pictures to share with you , dear reader, I found a small piece of paper taped to a side door on Smith. All it said was
$ 2.00 Special.
I was a bit confused. Was the diner already advertising? The place had not even opened yet and the notice looked a tiny bit unprofessional compared to the spiffy new neon lettering. I couldn't figure it out. Until today.



You see, today, I met Psychic Reader Bonnie. She was sitting right next to the St.Clair on a folding chair. The $2.00 special was not an egg sandwich advertised by the diner, but a reading from this local entrepreneur. She seemed a bit skeptical as I was taking pictures.
"Are you taking a picture of my sign?" she asked me angrily.
I hesitated for a moment before I lied.
"No, no. I am shooting a photo of the big new building across the street." I fibbed. " The area is changing so quickly."
"Yes" she replied. "Isn't it nice?"
I wasn't exactly going to get into a conversation about out-of-control development in downtown Brooklyn with a psychic. Before I could continue my walk, she said:
"Do you want me to read your aura?"
I declined and left Ms. Bonnie sitting there on the sidewalk, in front of her "establishment."
She called me back before I reached the curb.
"Here is my card, if you ever need my services." she told me.
With that, she put a business card into my hand. This is what was printed on it:

Psychic reading by Bonnie
One free question by phone
call 718 *** ****

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Happy New Year 2008

(Photo credit: Optical Illusion on flick)

(photo credit: Atif_65 on Flickr)

(Video Credit: Namoaproductions on YouTube)

Happy New Year 2008 From This
Carroll Garden Blogger To You!
I Love Even Years!

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Have A Merry Little Brooklyn Christmas, Ingrassia Family

So here is the scenario:
Someone named Vognniere posts an old family Christmas movie on YouTube and a family reunion of sorts seems to have taken place.
The clip is entitled:

The Ingrassia Family, Having Christmas Eve in a basement in Brooklyn, NY, circa 1939 or 1940"
What is truly funny are the comments underneath the clip. It indicates some kind of Ingrassia family reunion taking place right on the YouTube site. But what is even funnier is that nobody seems to know Jennifer, a.k.a. Viognniere, who posted the clip in the first place, or knows how she got a hold of the clip in the first place. Might she be an Ingrassia, too?

Here are the comments:

alex125: -Hi! This is Elizabeth Ingrassia Cuttitta. I am John and Betty Ingrassia's grandaughter. Who are you and do you have any more videos?

butwart: -Hey Liz, its Roe, (Uncle Sals daugher) it seems like all the Ingrassias know about this video, but no one knows who this Jennifer is that put it out here.

jrinet:- I think we are related to the people in this video. Is the house on Remsen Ave. in Canarsie?

butwart: - Hi, this is the Benigno and Ingrassia Christmas taken at house on Remsen ave. who is this?????

jrinet:- This is John Ingrassia from Maryland.

utwart: -Hey John, this is Rosanne Mannina(benigno) Sals daughter, we are trying to figure out the mystery here of how they got a hold of this video. No one seems to know.

mikeing159: -This video is at my Papas house. Amazing.


Hey, Jennifer and Ingrassia family, let us know what the scoop is. Its quite a nice Christmas Story

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10 Little Things I Am Grateful For This Thanksgiving

10 very little things for which I am thankful this Thanksgiving

• I get to sleep late tomorrow and for three days after that
• I only have to cook for my teeny family of four
• My kids are old enough to help with the cooking
• They are also old enough to clean up which is even more important
• I get to spend Thanksgiving right here in Brooklyn
• I don't have to travel
• College daughter lives in Manhattan, so getting her home only cost $2 for the subway
  
• I have 3 Netflix movies we can watch
• I can finally throw out the pumpkin that has been sitting on my stoop since Halloween
• All my loved ones are healthy and reasonably happy, which I guess is more than a little thing.

Happy Thanksgiving, dear readers! I will be back on Friday

Related Reading: A Happy Brooklyn Thanksgiving


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Holiday Craft Fair

(photo credit: sophiestansfield 1982)

Thank you to McBrookyn for sending this to me. I already put the date on my calendar. I love this kind of Holiday fair. It almost makes me forget that yet again, I am missing all the awesome Christmas fairs back in Germany. One year, friends, I will get back there to partake in the " Glühwein" ( hot spiced wine)

Biggest Holiday Craft Fair Ever at Brooklyn Friends School, Downtown Brooklyn

Save the date: Brooklyn Friends School's 28th Annual Holiday Craft Fair is taking place Saturday, December 1st, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 375 Pearl Street, Downtown Brooklyn near the Marriott.
Don't miss Brooklyn's premier holiday shopping opportunity, featuring hand-crafted items such as ceramics, sweaters, scarves and other wearables, musical instruments, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind items. This is shaping up to be the school's biggest and best Craft Fair to date, with more than 40 vendors.
Bring the kids – childcare will be provided, along with fun activities like a Moon Walk, Obstacle Course, face painting, carnival games and performance.
For more information, call 718-852-1029, or visit: www.brooklynfriends.org





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Traffic Madness On Smith!

Smith Street Traffic Through The Windshield Of Our Car

Madness? Insanity? Yes, indeed.

If you have ever found yourself on Smith Street in a traffic jam, you know how infuriating it is.
Moving at a snail's pace, one block at a time, until finally, Atlantic Avenue is reached...it's murder.
They are building more, you say? And more cars will be clogging this little stretch of Brooklyn? Heavens!
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Best Costume Award Goes To...!

Best Halloween Costume goes to ... this broken light post on Smith. This costume has it all: functionality, originality as well as that certain je-ne-sais-quoi. It's just fabulous!

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A Last Hurrah In My Brooklyn Garden

It got so cool overnight, that I took a look at my backyards this afternoon just to check on how the plants fared after weeks of drought and above average temperatures, followed by a drop of temperature. Well, I can report back, that the end of the blooming season is near, very near.
Most of my lovely annuals are looking sad. Some of the perennials are offering me their last blooms, before they too will retire for the year.
Here are some pictures of those very last, very tired flowers. The last hurrah!

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And So, The Music Ends!

On Second Place, standing alone, it was wondering how it could have gotten to this point. Did it not provide sweet tunes for decades? Is this really how it had to end? Thrown out like garbage?
No more sweet Sinatra, no more Frankie Valle, no more Elvis? Gasp!

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Picture Of The Day: A Glance Down Court

Court Street October 2007

My most traveled route: from Smith to Court, then down towards Atlantic. And back again. How many times in my 22 years in this neighborhood have I walked these streets? Too numerous to count. I think I could walk these streets blindfolded.

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Brooklyn, Forget The Vespa. The Velosolex Is Infinitely Cooler!

On Atlantic Avenue, an old French Solex

My own: from the 1960's

Steve McQueen even rode one!

Today's Velosolex

Forget those nerdy Vespa Scooters that are popping up everywhere here in Brooklyn. Those are so passé. What this Borough's coolest people need is the French VeloSolex. Now there is a true urban mode of transportation. Those babies look like ugly squat bicycles, but with a twist. Clever Frenchmen pimped it by attaching a little motor to the front wheel. Very high tech, n'est-ce-pas? Lift the motor manually and latch the lever on a hook, and you can ride it like a bike. When you need to get to your destination in a New York Minute, you can unhook the motor, press the gas lever, pedal hard and the little motor kicks in. Cool, no?

The Velosolex first made its appearance in France right after Word War II. It was the preferred transportation for students and factory workers alike: cheap to operate, cheap to buy and easy to park. Ugly? Yes, but so very practical. They were part of the French urban landscape, a part of every day life just as much as une bagette and les Gauloises cigarettes. Then in 1988, the company ceased production.

There are still some old ones to be found, like the one I spied right on Atlantic Avenue. My family still owns an old Solex, too. When we lived in France in the 70's, we used it at our farmhouse. It's still there, though my father gave it away at least two times because the brakes gave out. My mother, knowing how attached my sister, all our male cousins and I were to this thing, asked for it back. Thank goodness. That thing is a relic of my childhood.

The good news is that the company Magneti Marelli just bought the name Solex and started producing these bikes again. They are even available for purchase in the States. Boy, I sure would love one. I imagine myself zipping down Court, the wind in my face on my little motorized bike. Infinitely cooler then a Vespa, I say.

For info, click on Velosolex USA

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Fall Comes To Carroll Gardens

Nelson's deli On Court
Fall you say? Yes, fall, with blue, blue skies, gentle sunshine and cool wind. Perfect!

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Sad Bikes On President Street

These two bikes are chained to street signs on opposite sides of the President Street F train station right off Smith. They have been there for quite a while. I guess the owners have given up on these bicycle carcasses. The owners can't even be bothered to unchain them and to recycle them. The bikes sure look sad and mangled. But they do have a certain sculptural quality about them.
Want to bet on how long they will be there until they are removed?
I say till March! What's your guess?

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