Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with NYC

If I was there, I'd hit Times Square and take the pics myself. So this will have to do.

rileyray3000 — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:49:10 -0800

I'm looking for portraits of stereotypical New Yorkers but Getty, Flickr, Picasaweb are all failing me. Where do I find these iconic faces of the Big Apple I'm looking for shots of New Yorkers with attitude. Unfortunately the stereotype seems to have more exceptions than rules as far as my web searching goes. Is there a site of just, I dunno, NY faces? I'm sure it's a longshot but I need taxicab drivers, cops, pushcart vendors, tough chicks, extras from Jersey Shore and the like and so far I can't seem to find it.

good websites for part-time jobs in NYC

cotesdurhone — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:34:38 -0800

good websites for part-time jobs in NYC? What are some good websites for part-time jobs (or jobs in general) in NYC?

I'm moving back to NYC (brooklyn) at the end of the month, will be working on a personal project that requires 3-4 days free a week, and am looking for a part-time job to help pay the bills.

I haven't had to look for jobs in a while, so am a bit behind on the latest sites, so to speak.

I'd preferably like to find an office job in a capacity beneficial rather than detrimental to humankind, such as in the non-profit sector (where I was working before), but, ultimately-- any part-time job that helps pay the bills will do.

Idealist
Craigslist
what else?

thanks

The landlord's dog escapes and ruins everything.

millipede — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 23:53:09 -0800

Asking for a friend: Is there anything that can be done about a landlord who lives in the building and allows his dog to defecate throughout the building? My friend has a situation. A shituation. She lives in a rather nice, new (about 3 years old) small apartment building in Brooklyn. The landlord lives on the entire ground floor and has a 7 month-old rottweiler. The landlord, besides being a nice guy, is kind of a piece of work. He regularly leaves the door to his apartment wide open, as well as one or both doors to the building itself, and he's usually high and blasting music. A business-like landlord he is not.

While my friend enjoys her eccentric and friendly landlord for entertainment value, and asserts that when she asks him to fix something in her apartment he's really good about doing it, she is distraught about one thing: The landlord's aforementioned rottweiler, (which happens to be named after a major greek god) several times in the past few weeks has wandered out of the landlord's apartment, gone up the stairs to the other floors and landings between floors, and shat.

My friend does not want to move out of her apartment when her lease is up, but she is really disgusted with this new pattern, especially since the landlord seems lackadasical about cleaning up after the dog. The shit remains where it was shat for hours before it is (badly) cleaned up, and is not fully cleaned up unless someone specifically complains to the landlord. When my friend has mentioned the new problem to the landlord, he has chuckled as though he finds it funny and as though dog shit all over the building is just part of having a dog.

This is a weird situation because if this were another tenant, the answer would be "call the landlord." But this IS the landlord. Is there some sort of health code or guideline that prevents landlords from allowing this sort of environment? My friend has tried looking for health codes for NYC but hasn't found anything.

We are looking for advice regarding whether this is against some stated code, and for how to handle this with the landlord. She really likes her apartment and aside from the dog shit, the building. We don't see why the landlord can't just keep the dog in his apartment with the door closed, but since the guy owns the building, it's kind of hard to tell him what to do with his door.

recommendationfilter/ask.metafilter.com

2bucksplus — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:35:30 -0800

What's a good "Mom & Dad are in town and want to take us to dinner" restaurant in Manhattan, preferably by Union Square? I’m looking for a restaurant that is good without being pretentious or weird, nice but not too expensive, and not too crowded or noisy for my parents. I would also like to find a place that takes reservations, won't keep us waiting, and is within walking distance of Union Square. Last year we went to Rosa Mexicana, which was just right.

Can you legally get a car off a dead guy?

I-baLL — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:59:27 -0800

In New York City if somebody dies and they have no relatives is there some way to claim their car?

Becoming a teacher in NYC: UTR or TF program?

bengarland — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:00:04 -0800

NYC Teaching Fellows vs Urban Teacher Resident? Does anyone have experience with either of these programs? I'm considering the NYC Urban Teacher Resident program. It is similar to the NYC Teaching Fellows program (with a few key differences listed below).

Has anyone done either of these programs? Do you have any advice for the application process? How did you like the program? Would you do it again? Was teaching in NYC a total nightmare? Anything you can tell me would be helpful.

I have a BS in Horticulture and an MS in Crop Science. I am also a veteran. Will my advanced degree and experience help my application at all? I want to be a science teacher.

[I have read this article and have also found several blogs of NYC teachers, but none that are NYC TF specific. If you know of any, please post the links.]

FYI, as it was explained to me by the UTR people, the main differences between the UTR and NYCTF are:

- The UTR MS Ed. program is shorter (14 months vs 24 months)
- UTRs get a lower salary (~$23k vs ~$43k) during the program
- UTRs are guaranteed a job when finished (at "level 2" pay as well)
- UTRs get on-the-job training for 1 year (vs being thrown into a classroom)

Old murder records in NYC?

hermitosis — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 07:59:22 -0800

Looking for information about a murder committed in 1935 in New York City. Where to begin, and how to proceed? Asking for a friend. The victim was Frank (aka Francesco) Spano and he was shot on March 16, 1935 in New York City. My friend wants to find out everything she can about the crime -- who shot him, whether they served time, and if so, where? Was there a trial? Etc.

How does one go about finding out these sorts of details? Thanks everyone.

Party for a preggo?

defreckled — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 11:09:14 -0800

My husband and I are looking for New Year's Eve suggestions in Manhattan. Oh, and I'm 9 months pregnant. Thanks!

a small piece of space needed

beckish — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:55:28 -0800

Any suggestions for finding artists studio space in Queens, NY--either Long Island City or Sunnyside/Woodside? I'm looking for a small space 200 squ feet or so or a shared studio in Queens--I've looked at some of the big LIC artists spaces but am looking for something reasonably priced and hoping to get closer to Sunnyside than the city. I'm thinking I should just walk around and knock on doors but figured I'd see if anyone has any thoughts first?

What unique events are taking place in NYC on NYE in Brooklyn/Queens?

melodykramer — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:59:02 -0800

I'm going to be in NYC for New Year's Eve with a few friends and we would like to go to a local celebration/event in Queens or Brooklyn instead of Manhattan. Are there any that you recommend? We're most definitely avoiding the crowds in Midtown Manhattan but thought there must be some unique celebrations elsewhere in the city. Flushing? Brighton Beach? Where's the best spot to ring in the New Year?

We are all mid-20's, most live in NYC/Philly/Boston, and are extremely savvy with regards to navigation -- and we have access to a car. We don't really care if we see fireworks but would rather do something free/close to free than pay.

Find me a Santa!

pianohands — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 19:21:15 -0800

Who's the best Santa in NYC? I'm planning on taking my sister, 3 year old niece, and 9 month old niece into the city for a day trip for the holidays. The three year old is very much a believer in Santa, so I'd like to find out where the best Santa is in NYC. Bonus points for being close to the subway line or other fun things that a three year old would enjoy. Unless the department store ones are somehow phenomenal, I'd also like to avoid stores. The time line for this would be sometime this week, so if anyone can point me to an awesome Santa, I'd very much appreciate it!

Getting to Atlanta on the Chinatown bus

greta simone — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 07:11:08 -0800

Please tell me about your experience on the Chinatown bus from NYC to the southeast. Should I put my friend on it so she can get home? I have had a friend visiting me in NYC this weekend whose flight to Atlanta today got canceled. All the flights that the airline can reschedule her for will make her miss her Christmas plans.

So I looked up buses at gotobus.com and found a bus that leaves Chinatown run by Horse Run Tour. I am assuming this is the Chinatown bus, as it's the only bus leaving from Chinatown that I could find.

I have read previous threads about the Chinatown bus but they either seemed like they were from people who hadn't necessarily taken one or by people taking a different route (i.e. possibly run by a different carrier).

For what it's worth, we have already looks at tons of other options, and they are either too expensive or won't put her in Atlanta on the day she needs. Also, this trip says 14 hours to Greyhound's 23, so we figured it would be better.

Could you tell me if this bus is reasonably safe and reliable or any other experiences you have had?

Is it a scam, or a scam-not?

sandra_s — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:03:38 -0800

Thinking about using a "vacation rental" seen on craigslist for 4 days in NYC in January. Has anyone ever done this? I, along with three of my associates (four of us total), will be in NYC (SOHO area) for 5 business days in January. Its a working trip where after the work day meeting with clients, we will be working together late into the evenings preparing for presentations for the next day.

We initially looked at getting 4 hotel rooms ( 1 for each of us) and all meeting in one, but the price of 4 rooms is ri-dic-u-lous in manhattan. That, and they are small. 4 people meeting in one in the evenings just wont work.

We thought of getting 2 rooms which can accommodate 2 people each, which is more reasonable price wise, but even more cramped in space.

We then thought of maybe one suite in a hotel to basically fit all 4 of us, but those are prohibitively expensive, especially the ones where we can get work done.

The nature of our work, and discussions that will ensue, can not be performed in a public "office area"

Looking for options, a friend pointed me to the "Vacation Rental" section of craigslist. Lots of options there. Made a few inquiries.

One that responded is NOT a "too good to be true" situation. The price is comparable to getting a hotel for the 4 of us, but it does give us the space we need. They sent along the address, and a rental application/agreement, with pretty easy to understand terms. They accept payment only through PayPal, which actually made me feel better, since they weren't asking for a credit card number. The woman wrote in her message that they are local, and live in Connecticut, and included a fax number to fax the completed agreement to.

So, my question would be has anyone ever done this before, are there any questions I should be asking, and what would be red flags you can think of?

Thanks in advance!

Help her tell her story

shothotbot — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:11:34 -0800

What is a good screenwriting class in NYC? Mrs. HotBot has extensive storytelling experience (edited major comic books, done TV production work) and wants to write some screenplays. I think the thing she most wants is the structure of having to write on a weekly deadline. What are some good screenwriting classes in NYC? If I can sign her up as a Christmas present, all the better.

The ice is going to break!!! (in Christopher Walken voice)

cazoo — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:00:58 -0800

Ice Skating in NYC. Recommendations please? I am looking for an ice skating rink in NYC for a date. I'm trying to find one that is fun and not so crowded and you know...romantic and shit. So there are a few options I know of, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and Bryant Park. I'm looking for an outdoor rink so Chelsea Piers is out of the question. How about the one at the Museum of Natural History? Is the one in Prospect Park any good? I'm not discounting Brooklyn. (I am a native, therefore surprise surprise, I have not been to any of these places.)

Also, this is important, which one has good hot chocolate nearby?

Learning Php in New York City

chirico — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:20:23 -0800

I would like to learn Php & Web Development programming by taking courses in NYC. Any advice, suggestions?

Risk of a bogus address for school registration?

Anonymous — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:44:10 -0800

What are the risks, if any, for someone (and the actual address-holder) to falsify their address to register their child in a NYC school? Moving to NYC in the Spring, but in order to get a jump on middle school applications, you need a NYC address for them to even talk to you. I know exactly what neighborhood I'll be moving to, and have a friend in that area who will say that I live there. I want to make sure that I'm not putting either of us in obvious risk.

I'd be changing my payroll data at work, and putting their electric bill in my name. Is there much risk in that to my friend?

Alternative queer venues in NYC?

dontjumplarry — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:27:14 -0800

Off to NYC at the end of the month...looking for recommendations for alternative or quirky queer venues and performances to check out. Think: non-mainstream drag, burlesque shows, bars, one-off club nights, shows, concerts, all-leather-queen-productions-of-Sound-of-Music and other uncategorisable performance art strangeness.

Where are they hiding them?

jourman2 — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 15:53:20 -0800

H1N1 vaccine in NYC question. I'm looking to getting vaccinated for H1N1. I don't have a personal physician and none of the drug stores seem to have it (I was asked to call back in 2010) and I don't qualify for the free nyc clinics. Where else can I look? I've looked at Google Flu Shot and much of the data seems incomplete/completely incorrect. I'm looking for a shot either on the Upper West Side or in the Financial District. My work offered the regular flu shot and I took it, but don't have immediate plans to offer the H1N1 due to availability. Any ideas? Will doctors agree to see me just for the shot (i.e. without committing to becoming their patient?)

Where can I get Bendaroos at a retail store in NYC today?

Optimus Chyme — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 11:44:36 -0800

Where can I get Bendaroos at a retail store in Brooklyn or Manhattan (or Queens, if it comes to that) today? Our NYC Winter Wishes letter got shuffled around from forwarding addresses a bunch and we just got it yesterday, so I don't have time to order online.

Happy hams wanted

ch1x0r — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:59:57 -0800

Help me find a happy ham for Christmas! I am hosting Christmas this year and my family has requested ham. Being the yuppie that I am, I would like to get a ham from pigs raised humanely, no factory farming, allowed to walk around, etc. However, I also want a nice juicy spiral-cut ham, the kind that is slightly sweet and not too salted or smokey.
I live in NYC but I am happy to order one online to get exactly what I want. I tried the flying pigs farm already and they don't really seem to have what I want. So, can you point me to a farm you know that would meet my needs and has a way of accepting mail orders, or a place in NYC that is not totally out-of-the-way and will have a good ham of this sort? For reference, this place online looks pretty good. Thanks!

How do I build a balcony enclosure to reduce wind and noise yet preserve my awesome view of NYC?

jacquilinala — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 08:37:41 -0800

Help me make my noisy, windy city balcony more enjoyable. I recently moved into an awesome apartment in Brooklyn. It's on the 6th floor and has a balcony... which has an unobstructed, amazing view of the Manhattan skyline. However! My apartment faces the BQE and it's noisy. It's also freaking cold out now, and being on the 6th floor, it's very windy on the balcony.

I thought it would be a fun project to try to build a balcony enclosure of some sort. While I don't want to obstruct my view of the city, I would love to be able to go out there and not feel like I was going to blow away. Noise insulation of some sort would be great too.

I googled around and found this, and while that's the same idea, it's not what I'm looking for. I'm thinking more like going to a lumber yard, buying some kind of wood (?), and DIYing it. Some sort of noise insulation stuff. Maybe plexiglass on one side to preserve the view?

Of course, this would have to work in the summer too...

Ideas? Here are the dimensions... and a picture of the balcony.

129" wide (approx 126" within the railings)

49" deep (approx 46" within)

43" height of railing.

pic 1 and pic 2

Thanks!

48 hours in NYC, let's go to the...?

bengarland — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:22:12 -0800

My fiancé and I will be spending Dec 21 and 22 in NYC. What are some interesting things to do and see this time of year that don't cost much money? Our main interests are music, art, plants, museums, science, old stuff, and quirky things.

We're both vegan so we're planning on dining at Vegetarian Paradise 2. What other good restaurants should we hit up?

What are some interesting things to do, museums to go to, events to attend, etc that are cheap (less than $20 per person)? We're especially interested in things that are pertinent to this time of year (limited-run exhibits or shows, the cold weather, etc but NOT Christmas related).

Need a concept for holiday photo with a baby in the city

xo — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:35:25 -0800

I got stuck on my first idea and now I can't think of alternative Xmas/winter/holiday card photo ideas featuring a baby and NYC. Ideally I'd like the photo be unique and non-traditional... I want to move beyond the cute baby in front of a Christmas tree or on Santa's lap or dressed in fancy clothes.

My first idea was to put the baby in one of those hats that looks like the top half of a plush polar bear's head with paws hanging down, in a white fleece outfit, sitting on the ice on the rink in Bryant park, like a misplaced polar bear. But this idea is running into difficulty because the hat seller's baby-sized hats are stuck in customs and he doesn't know if they'll be in stock again soon, and also I'm nervous about carrying the baby out onto an ice rink without falling and breaking our heads.

Assuming I get the hat, where else could I put a misplaced polar bear? What about other ideas? I'm not opposed to referencing Christmas specifically, like if there's an empty manger in a nativity somewhere, I could put the baby in that. I guess I could also put the baby in a wrapped present box with the lid open and put him under one of the major holiday trees in the city. But these ideas aren't as good as the polar bear one, are they?

My vision, such as it is, is for the resulting image to be cute, funny and a little bit sad/poignant. Like the holidays themselves.

Pre-looking for a NYC apartment.

Jaltcoh — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:23:55 -0800

How to spend part of a short trip to NYC "looking" for an apartment when it's way, way too soon to sign a lease? Assuming I'm going to be working in the Bronx, I'm not sure what the best neighborhood would be (Upper East Side?). Details inside. OK, here's the situation. I live in upstate New York (a few hours away from the city), where I have a job that's scheduled to end next summer. Next week I'm going to NYC for a job interview. Let's assume for the sake of this thread that I'll get the job (which, to make a long story short, is pretty likely). I'll be scheduled to start in early fall of next year, after my current upstate job ends.

I have read lots of AskMe questions about finding an apartment in NYC, so I realize that it's impossible to find a place this early since you can't start looking earlier than 4-6 weeks in advance.

The job will be in the Bronx. Subway stop: 4/B/D at 161st St - Yankee Stadium. My salary will be at least 55k, which is their standard starting salary. However, it might be higher based on my previous work experience.

This is my basic question: I'll have a couple extra days of free time during the upcoming NYC trip, and I'd like to spend it in a way that's semi-productive in helping me think about where I should look for apartments once the time finally comes to do so. As someone who's pretty familiar with NYC overall but hasn't spent any time in the UES, where should I be looking? If you think UES is a good option, where would you recommend walking around to get a feel for the area?

Additional background info:

My goal is a 1-bedroom (maybe a studio if it's not tiny) with the potential for my girlfriend to move in eventually. I would not be interested in living with roommates. I hope to find a place for 1500 or less. Subway will be the main mode of transportation.

Brooklyn and Astoria are routinely recommended, and I'm familiar with these areas. If I were going to work in, say, midtown or lower Manhattan, I would love to live in Brooklyn and would happily live in Astoria. But I'm concerned that the distance to the Bronx job essentially rules them out. Even living in one of the more desirable Brooklyn neighborhoods (Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, etc.) would appear to mean at least 2 solid hours of commuting every workday -- not an appealing prospect.

Upper East Side: Commuting from just anywhere in the UES would be a dream come true. Based on past AskMe questions, the UES sounds like a pretty dull place to live, but more affordable than most places in Manhattan. Of course, I am still concerned about affordability. I've been checking CraigsList and there seem to be reasonable 1-bedrooms for 1500/mo. or less on a daily basis, though it's hard to judge a place without seeing it.

The Bronx: I'm not particularly interested in living here unless people strongly recommend it (with a more specific comment than "Why not live in the Bronx?"). My girlfriend would be nervous about the relatively high crime rate, etc.

Any tips?