Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with newyorkcity and nyc

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.

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.

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.

Shooting Range near NYC

2bucksplus — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:00:59 -0800

I'm looking for a gun range near New York City. I'm looking for a gun range within about an hour of New York City and accessible by public transportation (train, bus, subway).

I need to rent a gun, buy bullets and handle any paperwork in one visit or over the phone prior to arrival. I have fired a rifle before, my companion has not. We are in no way licensed to handle firearms.

Westside Pistol & Rifle Range is the most obvious choice, but we don't mind traveling to find something better.

I don't want to cuddle my pepperspray all night.

Ms. Saint — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:46:45 -0800

I need to go to a professional conference in New York City at the end of December. I'll be going alone. Where can I find a cheap, safe hotel? I've never been to NYC, and, really, I know more about the city through episodes of Law & Order more than anything else. I really don't want to end up staying in a bad part of town, or a sketchy part of town, but I also really need to find a really cheap hotel. And even though I already know that nothing bad would probably happen to me in sketchy areas, what I want is to feel safe while there. I don't care about size of the room, I don't care about any amenities at all (except internet access would be nice), mostly I just want a place where I can sleep without freaking myself out about being alone in a hotel in a giant, unfamiliar city. So I have some questions that someone more familiar with the town might be able to help with:

1) The hostels (Chocolat Hotel and Hostel, Candy Hostel, etc) look like really good deals, but I don't know anything about them. Does anyone have experience with them, able to tell me if they're good environments?

2) What general areas should I be looking at? I mean, I know the names ("SoHo," "Upper West Side," etc), but I know nothing about what types of neighborhoods those are. Where can I find something cheap, and what areas should I avoid (as being too shady)?

3) What can I expect from a hotel room with a shared bathroom? This whole concept is completely unfamiliar to me -- I've never had a shared bathroom in a hotel. I'm not against it, in theory, but I'd just like to know what to expect. Will I likely have to interact with anyone? Is it the sort of thing that often leads to frustration (the bathroom constantly being used, no hot water when you need it, etc), or is it really not a big deal?

4) Is there anything else I should know?

Thanks for any help you can provide. I looked through all the previous Ask.Me threads about NYC hotels, but: A) only one of them addressed the safety aspect, and it's three years old; B) most of the hotels that answers claimed were available for less than $200 are showing up in Expedia for way more than that.

Also, there's a chance I'll have to cancel my trip, so please don't suggest any discount webpages or anything where cancellations aren't accepted.

Again, thanks!

NYC on a Weekday

LolaGeek — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:35:33 -0800

NYC Filter: What's fun to do in New York City on a weekday? Three friends and I (two men, two women, all late-20s) will be in New York City as tourists on a weekday. This will be in the near future, so the weather will probably be chilly.

We are spending the previous night in a hotel just outside the city (a 30 minute bus ride away), so the first problem is getting into town during the morning rush hour. Should we take our time checking out of the hotel and leave in the late morning when traffic will presumably be lighter?

Once we get there, what's cool to do? We've all been to NYC before, but probably not on a weekday - is there something we should take advantage of doing while most people are at work? Free or inexpensive would be great, though we wouldn't be opposed to a museum or something with a reasonable admission price. But I'm sure there's tons of cool places to just go visit.

We'll be leaving the city probably just ahead of the evening rush hour, so suggestions for lunch are also welcome.

NYC not for tourists

HotPatatta — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 07:33:14 -0800

If you only had one year left before moving out of New York City, what would you make sure to see and do before leaving? I'm looking for tips on shows, shopping, music, tours, parades, expos, festivals, restaurants, exhibitions, food carts, bars, activities, green spaces, hidden gems--anything else that's unique to this city. Let's say prices are not a concern.

Please recommend a good gastroenterologist in NYC.

Anonymous — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:43:53 -0800

Can someone recommend a good gastroenterologist in NYC? I'm a 35-year-old male and I've had chronic stomach issues for most of my adult life -- diarrhea, cramps, gas. It doesn't seem to matter what I eat. It's possibly irritable bowel syndrome, but who knows. My primary care doc referred me to a gastroenterologist earlier this year, and I saw him, but I'm still having problems, and I didn't like him all that much anyway -- he didn't have very much bedside manner and didn't seem particularly interested in spending time discussing my issues with me. He did a blood test and found no food allergies. He did an upper endoscopy and said he detected minor acid reflux, which seemed odd, because I rarely burp acid. But he prescribed me omeprazole, an acid blocker. I take it daily but it doesn't seem to help.

I'd go back to this doctor if I thought he was terrific, but I'm open to seeing someone else. I'd love to find a great GI who's attentive and can help me. And again, I'm in NYC. (And I do have health insurance.) Thanks.

Sunrise in the New York City?

exhilaration — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 05:31:09 -0800

Where's the best place to watch the sunrise in New York City, preferably Manhattan? Since this is for my honeymoon, the more romantic the location, the better. :)

Ferris Bueller, you're my hero

Diagonalize — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:17:58 -0800

How can I channel my inner Ferris Bueller and have one great day, except in New York? It's my little brother's very first trip to the East Coast! He's coming to see me in Boston, but he also really wants to see New York while he's out here. I've gone looking through a ton of the old NYC touristfilter questions, but trying to combine all of those great suggestions with my limited understanding of New York and an extremely ambitious timeline is proving daunting.

Mostly because of limited funds, we were hoping to make this a one day affair; we take the Chinatown bus out there, see whatever sights we can manage, stay up all night, and then take the first bus back in the morning. I've never taken the Chinatown bus before, so please talk me out of this if it seems like a tremendously bad idea.

My brother is a lot like Cameron: sarcastic, funny, fairly disinterested in most things, but still an all-around good guy and generally more easy-going than Cameron. The only thing I know for sure he wants to see is Times Square (I know). We're both in our early- to mid-twenties, kinda square, but still adventurous, and this East Coast trip is supposed to be his big last hurrah before becoming a grown-up. “Life moves pretty fast”, so how can we have one great day in New York, on the cheap?

Karaoke in NYC

Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:54:22 -0800

NYC KaraokeFilter: Looking for a great karaoke place in Manhattan to hold a birthday party for about 20 or so people. We'd like to rent a private room. A big English songlist is a must, and the place should serve alcohol. Cool & loungey is a major plus. Thanks! Ideally, we'd like a somewhat "nicer" place which is conducive to lounging around, mingling, and drinking as well as singing. Some places we've done some research on which look like possibilities: Karaoke One 7, Karaoke Top Tunes and Sing Sing. Red Bar has a very cool front room, but they couldn't promise that the karaoke machine would be working. (Zuh?) We've been to spots like Duet 35, but I feel that the rooms there are heavily geared toward singing and not so much for just mingling.

Anyhow, if you have any comments on any of these places, or can suggest some other locations, that would be terrific. Thanks so much.

P.S. I found one helpful previous question on this subject, but it's three years old, and our needs are a bit different.

Where do the insiders go?

2bucksplus — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:37:23 -0800

What are the best "inside baseball" political blogs covering the upcoming New York City elections? I used to read the Politicker religiously when it was still part of the Observer and edited by Ben Smith, back when I worked with a campaign in the primary and general elections in 2005.

Are any of these blogs the obvious successor or is there something better?

What you call "free AMC access" was invented by guys like me to sell nylons.

zoomorphic — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:59:27 -0800

I am crazy-excited about Mad Men season 3 airing this week. Unfortunately, my friends and I are frugal New Yorkers who don't get extra channels like AMC. Are there any bars in NYC that play Mad Men where we could actually hear the show? Or are there places where we could rent a TV and a room without going broke? Last year I bought all the seasons on iTunes and watched (agape!) on my little laptop, but I'd love to see season 3 episodes a) the night they air, and b) on a larger teevee screen. This is mainly because I want to gather loads of friends together who are equally obsessed, and maybe have a dress-up theme party.

I know that Times Square is playing the first episode this Sunday, but that only takes care of the first episode. Bars often play certain shows if you request them, but the TVs are usually small and in loud areas.

This hope seems a little dim, but I thought I'd invoke the Hive before I resigned myself to my small, lonely laptop screen. If anyone figures out this conundrum, I will take your secret identity to the grave.

I forgot about the ticket because of all my drinking...

apetpsychic — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:53:50 -0800

So I probably have a warrant out for my arrest on a very old (3 years ) ticket for possible public consumption, in New York City. I want to take care of this, but what repercussions can I expect? Do I go to the courthouse and turn myself in? Will my fine be exorbitantly higher than the ticket? Additionally, I need to renew my license in Brooklyn before my upcoming birthday. Would I be able to do this if I do in fact have a bench warrant? This is my first "I screwed up" question, so please take it easy on me! Thanks!

What is a good place to learn how to dance in New York City?

Anonymous — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 19:58:00 -0800

What is a good place to learn how to dance in New York City? (Anon because I'm a weirdo and find this question very embarassing). I recently decided that I really like dancing, and mostly I don't do it more because I don't know how to do it well. Also, I think it would be fun to get better at it. I'm a guy. In my 20s. I'm single. I don't know what kind of dancing I want to learn how to do. All kinds? I'm not trying to meet girls or anything, but I also don't have anyone I can bring to a class or lessons. How does this work? I want to learn any kind of dancing people actually do in social situations, not like some crazy art dancing or tap dancing. So yeah, pretty broad, but I've only a vague ideal what I'm looking for: Social Dancing. Instruction. Solo students accomodated. In New York City. Thank you for your help.

I need health insurance (me and everyone else...)

greta simone — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:10:37 -0800

Ohshitfilter: Temporary health insurance options in NJ? I just moved from NC to NJ five weeks ago, after finishing a Masters program. My student health insurance ends on August 14, and since I have not been successful in finding employment (as I had hoped) I need to come up with a plan.

I have heard of COBRA, but I also heard that the State of New York does not accept COBRA. This is a problem for me, because my residence in NJ is temporary and I plan on moving to Manhattan or Brooklyn in the next few months. Secondly, I can not prove residency in NJ as I am not on the lease and have no bills in my name (staying with a friend). Am I screwed? I cannot seem to find the information online that I need.

I need the the cheapest health insurance I can get that will also cover prescriptions in some form (I have allergy and asthma and BC meds I must take).

What are my options? Please point me in the right direction or to a place where I can at least get more information.

Help!
Thanks.

"eVent" is a terrible name to Google

2bucksplus — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:56:00 -0800

Ok I'm convinced, I want an "eVent" waterproof jacket. The problem is I want to try it on (hopefully in New York City or surrounding area) and eVent is a terrible name to Google. I went hiking in New York state for a week in one of the wettest Junes in recent memory, and my "weatherproof" jacket left me soaked. "eVent" is supposed to be the best, right? Should I just get something with Gore-tex as that is everywhere? I would buy just the shell and would wear it primarily for hiking.

Where to play M:TG in NYC?

cyrusdogstar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:56:08 -0800

Where can I find folks to play Magic: the Gathering with in NYC? Haven't touched the game in well over a decade, got on a serious nostalgia trip this past weekend, and am considering seeking out some games -- provided I can find people to play with who aren't random 14 year olds.

Here's the skinny:

* I'm aware of the online version, but prefer the physical cards.
* I know there used to be a big store/gaming area in Manhattan called Neutral Grounds which closed recently and seems to have splintered things a bit.
* Jim Hanley's on 33rd hosts the official Friday night events (will likely stop by there sometime.)
* The Compleat Strategist, also in the mid 30s, may also host games at times (ditto.)
* There's another one or two spots in the outer boroughs (Queens, Staten) that are too far out for me, given I live in Jersey.

Are there any decent groups or locations other than these? Has anyone participated in events at Jim Hanley's or the Strategist and can tell me if it's worthwhile?

Finally, while this is sort of MetaTalky - are there any other Mefites in the region who would be willing to get together sometime?

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme in NYC?

webhund — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:54:32 -0800

What are some good New York City (and environs) culinary herb and spice shops? Midwestern Foodie looking for culinary herb and spice shops to visit in NYC during an upcoming trip. Places along the lines of The Spice House in Chicago are what I'm searching for. I'm aware of Penzey's (yes, I know there's a family connection with The Spice House) in Grand Central station. Particularly looking for places that grind, process, and mix their own herbs, spices, pepper, salt, etc.. on site. Google-fu turns up a lot of noise, including grocery stores and other places that don't really focus on herbs and spices as their specialty. NOT looking for holistic/new age/herbalist shops.

'Cause everyone's my friend in New York City

NoraReed — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:16:12 -0800

NYC-Filter: The ladyfriend and I will be in New York City from July 11 through the 13th (Friday through Monday). We have no plans, so far, for stuff to do, except going to a show on Saturday night. What should we do? Anything totally awesome happening that weekend? We're definitely going to be hitting MOMA and the Strand at some point, but we are open to suggestions for other stuff-- touristy and not. Recommendations for delicious food are good. We're not on a tight budget, but we don't have tons of money either, so nothing way pricey-- little neighborhood bistros and stuff are great.

I would, at some point, like to get a really good bagel with lox, since you can't exactly get that at high altitude. I also could definitely go for some good dim sum.

Suggestions for specific neighborhoods to wander around in are great too.

We love weird shit. Weird art galleries, restaurants with comic misspellings but delicious food, etc.

The ladyfriend is 20, so no 21 and over venues, please.

Rabbit meat in NYC?

soma lkzx — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:17:22 -0800

Where can I buy rabbit (for eating, not petting) in NYC? I've been calling around but haven't had any luck so far. I'll carve it up if I have to, but boned would be best. And it's for tonight, so anything involving special-ordering is sadly a no-go.

(I'm off of the F in Brooklyn, but willing to travel)

Not Quite the King of Queens

acorn1515 — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:06:31 -0800

NYC Filter - I'm moving to Queens in August, and on the hunt for both neighborhood/broker recommendations. Astoria appears to be out of the mix. My boyfriend's in law school out on Long Island, (waaay out) in Central Islip. I work in midtown Manhattan. We've decided to move in together at the end of July, and I've agreed to meet him halfway from where I'm at on the UES -- which puts us out in the Forest Hills/Kew Gardens area.

We discussed Astoria, but he will most likely be driving to school most days for 9 a.m. classes and is concerned about traffic. We discussed Bayside/Flushing but I don't have a car and am not big on giving up life with easy access to neighborhood stores as well as the Subway and all parts of Manhattan.

We're planning to drive out around Forest Hills and Kew Gardens this weekend and begin getting a sense for the neighborhood, but would be interested in hearing other suggestions for both where we might considering living, tips about apartment hunting in the neighborhoods, or any brokers you might recommend.

The dream is for a 2 bedroom around $1,500, but it's looking like a nice 1 bedroom (without a bus ride to the Subway) is more realistic.

Obscure Movie Rental in Manhattan?

maniabug — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 08:06:34 -0800

Calling all NYC know-it-all ninjas! Where can I rent an obscure movie from 1980 in Manhattan? I need it in my hands by 3pm today, will taxi or subway as necessary. Yes I know, Internet killed the video store. But this video does not seem to be available on the Internet, and Netflix ain't cuttin' it.

If you own a copy personally, I'll rent it from you.

Thanks!

Where in NYC can I buy an HP 12C Platinum calculator, today?

xiaolongbao — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:24:21 -0800

CFAfilter: Where in NYC to buy HP 12C Platinum, today? It's gotta be today. Need to start using it ASAP. It's just going to be a back-up for my BA II Plus Pro, but I want to program some functions as well. There must be some way it'll do the geo mean, I mean, really, TI, really? Sorry, anyone taking the CFA might be able to relate here, for the rest of you it's just crazy ol' me anyway.

I'm overnighting it via Amazon (could cancel that prior to preparing shipment if someone can [virtually] guarantee me I can get it at X store today sooooon =), but would like to have in hand today and will figure out returns later. I've done a search of Best Buy(no), CompUsa (no), B&H (no), Staples(no), not sure on J&R, any other suggestions, have I missed anything? I'll be callin' before I head out. I only want the Platinum.

So, Metafilter, start me on my quest for calculator. Where can I buy this computational beast in midtown, bklyn, queens -- maybe even jerz? Have bike, have raincoat, will travel. But there's still studying to be done, so it's a race against time :o)

Thanks in advance. And GL to anyone taking any level this Sat, June 6. *Fist pump*

Quick dental aesthetics-fix in NYC?

pearl228 — Fri, 29 May 2009 09:38:06 -0800

Top-notch dentist or prosthodontist in NYC to fix small chip on front tooth asap. In short, would you please recommend a top-notch dentist or prosthodontist (prosthodontist because I need to see one for a consult anyway) who gets aesthetics and is smart (i.e., sophisticated, would not ever be responsible for chiclet smiles)? An understanding of subtlety is an absolute must. Details below:

-----------------------------------------------
Chipped my left front tooth last night while kissing the boyfriend. It is a small chip, but about as big as the notch between the two front teeth - so, aesthetically upsetting to me.

I'm 23 and my smile has been basically perfect forever. The miniscule imperfections it shows have been, up til now, attractive net/net. But this one needs fixing right away.

I don't have a dentist in new york at the moment, and don't want to risk messing up my smile by going to someone who is going to file down the edge of the tooth or provide clunky bonding. (Bonding would be okay if it'd fix a blemish this small and be unnoticeable - I'm not sure what method is best to fix this, so any suggestions on the method/materials commonly used to repair a super fine, smooth edge of a front tooth (upper incisor I guess) would also be appreciated.) Thank you!! :)