Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with newyork

Best routes back to my roots

emelenjr — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:39:12 -0800

New Yorkers, help a former New Yorker out! How impractical would it be to take a taxi from LaGuardia Airport in New York out to Locust Valley, NY, versus renting a car for the weekend (not this weekend—no holiday rush implied.) I'll be staying with family and there will be cars aplenty at the house where we'll be, but no one is going to be able to pick me up at the airport on the night I'll arrive. I'm guessing it will be cheaper to take the LIRR out instead of a taxi, but that would also require getting picked up at the station, not to mention getting from LaGuardia to the LIRR first.

Looking for a good place to buy a new, reasonably-priced couch in NYC.

Afroblanco — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:23:05 -0800

Looking for a good place to buy a new, reasonably-priced couch in NYC. Generally, I'm looking to spend between $1500 and $2000 on a sectional couch or couch + loveseat combo. I prefer leather, but I'm not stuck on it. I don't mind buying online, but they must have a showroom that's reachable by public transportation

No idea what styling I'm looking for. My definition of good design is similar to the Supreme Court's definition of pornography - I'll know it when I see it.

What documents should a Canadian bring along when apartment-hunting in New York?

limon — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:58:24 -0800

Canadian moving to New York in September. Apartment-hunting in August. No credit history. Going to be a graduate student, so no fat salary either. But I can get a guarantor with ample funds, and I can pay several months in advance, if it's necessary. What documents should I bring with me to New York? Also, is this going to be impossible? How much time should I set aside for apartment hunting? (Is two-three weeks too little?) I'm looking for an affordable 1 bedroom in Washington Heights or Inwood. Any other relevant tips much appreciated.

Can anyone recommend a NYC criminal defense attorney for a disorderly conduct charge?

Anonymous — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:17:33 -0800

Can anyone recommend a good NYC criminal defense attorney to help me with a disorderly conduct charge? I am facing a disorderly conduct charge in NYC. I'm not going to elaborate on the details of the incident here for all of the obvious reasons. Suffice it to say that no blows were exchanged and that I was never handcuffed or formally arrested -- arrested in the sense of having the Miranda warning read to me or sent to Central Booking for processing.

I know that the charge is bogus and penny-ante, that I could probably resolve it by showing up, pleading guilty and paying a fine. But I don't want even this charge on my record; something that seems penny-ante at this point could become a more major deal down the road, perhaps impeding my ability to find work or travel to some countries. And more importantly, I don't think I was doing anything wrong. So I'm not going to plead out. I intend to fight this charge.

Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced defense lawyer in New York City who would be good for this? What sorts of rates would they typically charge?

Thanks in advance.

Good used bikes in NYC?

jeffsimmermonTWC — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:50:07 -0800

Where can I find good used bikes in NYC? My girlfriend lives in DC, comes to visit me in NYC a fair bit. We'd like to start biking together in the city ... she's looking for a used/good enough bike to keep up here for her use on the weekends. Price range tops out around 400 bucks or so. She doesn't need the fastest thing on 2 wheels, just something to use to get around and have some fun with this summer.

Barring the "dude on the corner" approach which is just karmically a bad idea, do you guys have any suggestions?

Cheap NYC fun

HotPatatta — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:43:20 -0800

The Staten Island Ferry is said to be "one of the best values in New York City" because it's free and offers great views of the city. What are other "best values" in NYC, including shopping, food, activities, and anything else that's surprisingly inexpensive. I'll be moving to the City later this summer I need to not blow my nestegg.

How can I officially get dibs on this NYC room share?

lxs — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:45:17 -0800

Getting an room in NYC question...with a twist. I'm currently deep in the throes of trying to find a room share situation in NYC while living in the midwest. I finally came across something that sounds really promising - the location is absolutely perfect, the price is right, the roommates are exactly the type of people I was hoping for, and the start date for the room's availability is exactly when I was hoping to move.

The bad news is that flights are freaking expensive right now and I really need my money for those first few months in New York. Also, I work long hours and many weekends and so it's really not going to be easy for me to take a trip to look at the place. I've seen a good number of pictures of it, however. I also have a good friend who lives in the neighborhood and knows it well, who is willing to go take a look at the apartment for me.

My question is this - the people living in the apt and I seem to have hit it off pretty well, and it seems like they want me there enough, based on our phone conversations, that they are willing to let me move in without interviewing in person. If this ends up working out, what is the safest way for me to send payment for a security deposit, guarantee that the room will be held for me, etc.? I would not be on the lease for the apartment. The people definitely seem trustworthy, but I want to cover all my bases and not put myself in a precarious situation financially.

Girls don't want to have fun?

Viola — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:30:19 -0800

Why are there so few lesbian bars in the NYC/Brooklyn area when compared to the high number of gay bars? Obviously NYC is no San Francisco or West Hollywood when it comes to bars for gay women. I know about Park Slope outposts like Cattyshack and Ginger's, but when you look at NYC's seemingly countless roster of gay clubs, gay bars, gay beer gardens, gay burger joints, it seems more than incongruous. I realize that lesbians aren't as well-known for the partying lifestyle as their male counterparts, but they can't all be at home fending off lesbian bed-death, right?

Where can I get cool photos of the numbers 1-20 around New York?

paul_smatatoes — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:38:19 -0800

NYC Wedding Filter: The future Ms. Smatatoes thinks numbered tables for our wedding would be too boring, but the current Mr. Smatatoes doesn't want cutesy names (ie, "Tribeca", "Red Hook"), either. So our compromise is getting nice photographs of numbers from around the city- ie, a shot of the front of a 1 train for table #1, and so on. Here's the question: what are some good, creative places to get a cool shot of the numbers 1-20 around NYC?

What to send to a person who has everything (within walking distance)

LittleMissCranky — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:36:20 -0800

Manhattan care package? My brother (single, late 20s) just moved to Manhattan a couple of weeks ago. I want to send him a care package. Anyone have any good ideas of what should go in it? I'll be sending baked goods, but any other ideas would be appreciated.

Want to grill; don't want to get burned

gettingpaidforthis — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:19:10 -0800

New York--is it illegal to barbecue on my building's rooftop? I rent an apartment in a 4-story building in Brooklyn. I have roof access, plenty of room, a beautiful view, and the whole setup is basically begging me to take my Weber upstairs and get grilling.

The question is, is this legal?

I know a guy who claims to have gotten a $600 ticket for doing this, but he is usually full of shit. I've definitely BBQ'd on BK rooftops before without police interference, but is that law or luck? I don't want someone to see a small plume of smoke coming from the rooftop and call the fire department (which I realize has nothing to do with whether or not rooftop grilling is actually legal).

The surface of the roof seems to be painted silver; I don't know what the paint is covering. I would purchase a fire extinguisher and bring it with me every time.

No one likes Cigna DMO. :o(

acorn1515 — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:39:28 -0800

Help me escape the clutches of my Russian dentist -- who do you recommend as a general dentist in midtown Manhattan? I've already checked out previous posts here recommending Dr. Lantner, Dr. Deidan and Dr. Wong, but none of them take Cigna DMO.

The last time I randomly selected a dentist from the provider list, the office ended up being a sketchy half dentist office/talent agency, where only after he started drilling (for what I was told was a routine filling) did the dentist inform me that he was putting on a temporary patch, and that I needed to get a root canal. And the dental hygienists only spoke Russian -- I felt like Elaine in that episode of "Seinfeld" where she's in the Korean nail salon.

Any recommendations in midtown? A search for dentist, of the 10036 zip (where my office is located), for CIGNA DHMO turned up Drs. Krasnov, Gulbenkian, and Klein,
as well as several docs with the Group Health Dental Facility, and the Ferreira Dental Group, among others.

Moving to NYC!

cklennon — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 05:31:26 -0800

Moving to New York City. Give me some advice you wish you had been given! I'm moving to Manhattan at the end of this month to start a new job (or, more accurately, first real job out of undergrad). I have an apartment already, UWS, so I don't really need any apartment-hunting advice (although if you have some nuggets for the future, feel free to share). I don't have any specific questions, but I figure there are lots of people on here who have moved to the city and wished they had done things a little--or a lot--differently, and I'm hoping to get some of that insight.

I'll take any advice, from the practical (how to get my stuff there, where to buy furniture) to the metaphysical (how to prepare my aura for Manhattan, what books to bring). Lay it on me.

Leaving New York, Never Easy... Car hire?

tomble — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:59:42 -0800

I'm currently in Astoria, NY, and planning to drive to DC tomorrow in a hired car. The question is - where should I hire a car to get a good rate? Is it worth it to travel to New Jersey as was suggested to me, or should I just go to La Guardia airport? Anything I should know about car hire? I'm from Australia, so the main thing is to remember to drive on the right side of the road.

How do I find a good mover in NYC?

Afroblanco — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:38:24 -0800

How do I find a good mover in NYC? I'm moving from one apartment to a different one in the East Village. I don't have a lot of stuff (think big bed, big TV, and a bunch of boxes) and would move it myself, except that I'm moving from a 6th floor apartment to a 5th floor one.

It seems impossible to find a good mover on the internet. All the reviews on Yelp and Citysearch seem like obvious astroturfing. Plus, lots of my friends have had issues with movers charging them more than they said they would.

So, AskMe, I turn to you. How do I find a good mover in this city? Also, if anybody knows - how much should I expect to pay, assuming that I do all the packing myself?

Is the Scientology of Psychiatrics?

zoomorphic — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:28:45 -0800

I need affordable therapy in the NYC area and came across this website. Has anyone had any luck with Object Relations Therapy? I need therapy, not urgently, but sooner rather than later. I don't have health insurance, am on a tight budget, and have seen the charitable but burnt-out social workers/counselors, to no avail. I felt like they were thinking, "Well, at least you're not a cracked-out schizoid homeless person like my last guy." I've been worried about the cost of bouncing around various therapists before I click with one, and this site appealed to me because they offer a free consultation before sending me off to someone within my price range who specializes in my needs.

But: object relations therapy? The info I found suggests it's very rooted in Freudianism, positing that our adult selves are determined by our very early years. I absolutely have some issues that stem from my childhood that I'd like to iron out, but I have other compelling problems in my life that are contemporary (as far as I can tell). I also don't want pay good money to just discuss mom and dad when I'm also considering a big move, am dissatisfied with my job, suffer from writer's block, etc.

Has anyone tried this kind of therapy? Is this a crazy off-shoot or a pretty standard practice? I'd really appreciate anyone's take on the issue.

Help me choose an apartment

sondrialiac — Fri, 30 May 2008 09:20:14 -0800

I am headed to law school in Brooklyn with a full ride and a great housing offer-- subsidized housing for 3 years. My partner and I can pick between two apartments, but we can't decide which we should take. One Bedroom
$1500/month
300 square feet
All but electricity included
Gorgeous historic brownstone building on beautiful residential street (Brooklyn Heights, trees, the works)
2nd floor of a 5 story walk-up
Laundry in basement
No A/C

Two Bedroom
$2040 a month
500 square feet
No utilities included
Great location, steps from subway and school, not particularly attractive street (bland, commercial, Downtown Brooklyn)
11th floor of an elevator building, GREAT view, Statue of Liberty, etc.
Laundry in basement
Central A/C

What would you do? Why? What factors should I be considering here? I can't view the actual apartments.

Thank you for any insight, opinions, anything that will help me brainstorm.

wall removal in NYC?

nanhey — Thu, 29 May 2008 08:27:16 -0800

how much should it cost to remove a wall in a NYC apartment? the apartment I am moving into has a wall built by the previous tenants that i don't want.

how much should this cost to remove and do you know any contractors I could call for an estimate?

Good Obstetrician in New York or North/Central Jersey.

skepticallypleased — Thu, 29 May 2008 07:20:35 -0800

I'll make it quick: does anyone have a recommendation for a good Obstetrician either in Manhattan or North/Central Jersey? The person I am asking for is insured. Thanks Mefi! (I know, friends have used people, but the collective wisdom of MeFi has proven useful to me on many occasions. -- I hope I return the favor now and then when I chime in also.)

Got my mirrahshades on.

griphus — Tue, 27 May 2008 08:05:27 -0800

Where can I find a pair of awesome sunglasses I saw on some guy walking down the street last month? I am looking for a pair of sunglasses I saw someone wearing the other day. Think Geordi LaForge's visor on Star Trek: The Next Generation, but going from just above the cheekbone to just above/on the eyebrows (three inches tall, maybe? not the skinny 80's-night ones); they're just a completely solid piece of reflective glass. The ear-holder parts seem to be plain glasses ones and I guess the nose supporter is built inside of the glasses.

My google-fu is seriously weak on this. Anyone know where they sell them, or even what they're called? I live in NYC, so I figure if I knew where to look, I could get them pretty easily. I spent yesterday in SoHo and checked out every sunglass-seller I could, but all they've got right now is stunners and the Kanye West/Daft Punk ones.

Hell, even a photo would be great.

Best Water Park in NY or NJ??

smartypanties — Mon, 26 May 2008 18:15:13 -0800

What is the very best water park for 30ish folks to enjoy in the NY/NJ area?

Give me the New York lake of my Texas youth!

youcancallmeal — Sun, 25 May 2008 13:52:38 -0800

Seeking swimming hole at lake around NYC like the ones I used to go to as a kid in Texas. I'm looking for the kind of lake where you drive up with a car full of food to a spot with a grill and a muddy-banked lake for swimming. Nothing fancy, just not one of these lakes-with-beaches things that seem so prevalent around here. A little hiking to get to the spot would be okay. Doesn't need to be near public transportation, would rather it not be super crowded. Preferably about an hour's drive from NYC.

Par-tay

Evangeline — Fri, 23 May 2008 09:59:40 -0800

Private party spaces in New York? I've decided to embrace my 40th birthday by throwing a bash for my friends. I've been searching the web for private party spaces, and so far I haven't found one that suits me. I was thinking of The Living Room, which is the private space in either Off the Wagon or Jake's Dilemna or, you know, one of those five frat bars that are all related. Not my type of place, but maybe I won't notice the drunken, hooting twenty-somethings if I'm not in the main room.

Here's my criteria: open bar, appetizers (preferably buffet-style, not passed), option for karaoke, nothing too "sleek" (I prefer pubby to modern), and not too big (I'll be inviting about 25 guests). If possible, I'd like to keep the cost under $800, but I'm willing to go higher.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance. If I were a billionaire I'd invite all of you. Well, maybe there are just a couple I'd leave out...

Places to play poker in Manhattan?

Malad — Fri, 23 May 2008 06:51:33 -0800

I'm looking for cool spaces (preferably bars) in Manhattan where they'd let you just sit and play poker with your own cards and chips -- just among friends, not against a casino. Would most bars not care? Any ideas? Thanks.

PhD in NYC, money?

spacefire — Sun, 18 May 2008 19:54:49 -0800

I'd like to do my PhD in a scientific field, full-time in the NY Metro area. How can I make it work money-wise? Cost of living is very high, of course, and assistantships pay very little: I've looked at teaching and research assistantships at Columbia and the range was 1000-2000/month for 20/hours of work per week.
I am willing to work part-time on the side, doing tutoring and hopefully some writing or programming gigs. Or whatever. I also hope to get some grants and/or scholarships to help out some more.

I have a Bachelor and Masters degree in Engineering.
I am married, so I can't bunk up with ten roommates. My wife doesn't make that money so I can't rely on her to support us both through this.
I'd say I need to make at least 50k a year, assuming tuition is paid.

Question is: Is this doable? Any resources out there? How do people actually do it?