Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with newyorkcity

Where Can I Find Logan's Run-Style "Life Clocks" in New York City?

Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:01:37 -0800

New York City/Logan's Run filter: Where in NYC can I obtain some cheapo blinking red jewels that resemble the "life clocks" from the movie Logan's Run (which hopefully can be affixed to the palm with some sort of adhesive)? Close-up pic here. Willing to cannibalize some other sort of trinket if it contains such a jewel. Thanks!

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.

Have to fly in July, but we'll adapt to anything else!

amicamentis — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:53:46 -0800

How to find the best NYC --> Europe flight deals when both day of week and destination are flexible. Caveat: flying out July 2010. My roommate and I are planning an extended European vacation beginning around the middle of July next year. I know that this is the absolute worst time to fly out, so we need some tips about how to cut down the price.

We are flying from NYC but would be willing to travel to Newark or even Philadelphia if there were significant savings. I have used RyanAir in the past and am familiar with inter-European travel, which is why we don't care much about the city that we first land in. So far, it looks like flying into Dublin is the least expensive. We would also be fine with Paris, London, Glasgow, Amsterdam, or Geneva.

What now? I've heard that if you're flying during peak season then you should just buy tickets as early as possible because they will never lower. However, with our flexibility it seems that there may be some deal, somewhere a bit closer to our flight date. Is this wishful thinking?

We would appreciate any website recommendations that would give fares on neighboring cities as well, or flexibility about the day of the week. I've tried Kayak and liked it - are there others?

In addition, our vacation will probably continue for several months. Will the customs agents give us any problems for having a return ticket for more than three months from the day we enter the country?

Thanks!

Things for math nerds to do in the big apple

Lucubrator — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:08:55 -0800

This is probably the zillionth question on things to do in New York. But are there any cool things that a complete math nerd can do in the city? I'm more interested in places I can visit than things I could do with people.

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. :)

Your name on this grain?

sub-culture — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:48:57 -0800

Looking for someone who can write on grains of rice in Manhattan. When I lived in San Francisco I'd occasionally see these guys set up as sidewalk vendors. Looking for someone in New York who'll provide the same service.

Can you help me find good movers in New York City?

papercake — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:31:40 -0800

Looking for good, reliable movers to take me from New York City to Glen Ridge, New Jersey. Yep, we're making the move to the suburbs. And it seems like every person I talk to who has used movers in NYC doesn't like them. Anybody have any recommendations they might could share?

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.

Is there a television historian in the room?

Felicity Rilke — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 08:48:04 -0800

When and what was the first television show broadcast from CBS studios in New York? Bonus points if you can name some guests.

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?

New York for the Young

ashaw — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:06:24 -0800

Help planning a 5 Day trip to NYC - Do you know of any secret delights that New York City has to offer? I need recommendations/advice on everything from where to stay to where to go. Much more details inside. Just to spark some ideas, I'm a twenty year old single british male traveller who has clichéd hipster young adult interests like: music (open mic, gigs, records), antique fairs, flea markets, good cheap vintage/secondhand clothes, coffee shops, cheap carnivorous food, literature, art, film as well as all the usual tourist traps (brooklyn bridge, statue of liberty, modern art museum etc).

I'm very much boggled by my research, NYC is huge and I don't know where to stay which is relatively cheap ($80 a night would be pushing it) and in a good location to get to all the areas. I know the US hasn't got the travellers mentality to hostels, so any recommendations would be excellent.

Would be great if someone could tell me if there is a sightseeing tour which can hit most of the tourist spots leaving more time to do the more unique, quirky stuff. I've been told the Lower East Side and Williamsburg are all good places to spend some time.

Remember the cheaper the better and bearing in mind I'm not of drinking age, so alternatives for night life would be really great.

Unpretentious jazz in New York City?

laze — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:50:37 -0800

What are some of the best and (most importantly) unpretentious jazz clubs in New York City? I'm headed to New York soon and would like to check out some live jazz some night while I'm there. But, I want a place I can go to in jeans and a t-shirt (or equivalent).

For reference, I loved the old Small's (haven't been to the new Small's).

A cover charge isn't a problem as long as it's not too much. Should be in Manhattan, preferably midtown, though I'd travel a bit for the right location.

In terms of styles of jazz, anything from bop to the freest of free. Just none of that silly "contemporary jazz." Recognizable names are not important.

How much do first year our GI docs make in NYC?

Davidissimo — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:08:06 -0800

Anyone know what the best way to find out what salaries are for Gastroenterologist docs in New York City? or just what is a good starting salary for a GI doc in NYC? All I get are averages when I search on the internet.

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.

JetBlueTracker JetBlueTracker JetBlueTracker

2bucksplus — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:48:08 -0800

I live in New York and my parents live in Sarasota, FL. There are two direct flights per day on JetBlue between JFK and SRQ. Is it possible to set up something up that would alert me whenever prices on these flights dropped below a certain amount? I'd like to see my family a few times a year and am in no way tied to certain dates of travel. Some travel sites offer flexible travel for major cities but not for a city this size.

I specifically asked about JetBlue because they are currently the only airline offering direct flights on this route. I am also a member of JetBlue's TrueBlue reward program.

Resources for buskers and street artists - the biggest events, festivals and communities, please.

omnigut — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 22:01:05 -0800

I'd like to find out about the biggest street performer events and communities and festivals and stages as possible. All and any links are welcome. What are the best online resources as far as busking/street performer/street art communities are concerned? I've already been to performers.net, where I'm posting this question as well. I'm in New York City, but anywhere is fine.

"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.