Gruesome, cold, windy February is coming to a close, which means… cold, windy March is just around the corner. Yeah, man! So what’s putting the gusto in your sails on this final BHB Open Thread Wednesday of the month? By all means, comment away! (Photo: Columbia Heights/CT)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/55677

Here on the 318th day of 2012, there are but 47 days remaining until the end of the year. That means BHB will offer only six more Open Thread Wednesdays before the turning of the calendar. You better hurry, huh? What’s on your mind? Comment away! (Photo: CT/red velvet cake at Lassen & Hennigs)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/51860

Boy, it’s been a news-packed past week-plus, huh? And now we potentially welcome the first winter storm of the season… Hurricane Sandy, Election Day drama, the charity of good people, light & dark, water, wind, garbage collection… That should be enough to keep BHB bursting with color on this Open Thread Wednesday. Comment away!

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/51413

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/50958

So, what’s new? Anything exciting happen to you this week? Still “having” Halloween? What’s on your mind? Comment away! (Photo: Mrs. Fink)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/50737

Mum’s the word! Or maybe not. It is, after all, Open Thread Wednesday for October 24, 2012… which also happens to be the same day in 1861 that the first Transcontinental Telegraph line was completed across the U.S., spelling the end of the Pony Express. And look at us now… using the Internets to blog with the ease of a hunt & peck and a couple clicks. So what’s on your mind today? Do tell… and comment away. (Photo: Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/49699

Last week’s “Best of the Heights” Open Thread on the ultimate spot to find solace in the neighborhood fostered enough responses to prove that folks would dare to share their favorite “private” spots. This week, we’re inquiring about a different kind of repose. A BHB reader wrote, “My wife and I are expecting our first child, and I was searching the blog for past threads on daycare. I could not find anything, other than preschool-related, so I’m wondering if you start a thread on the Best Daycare. I would love to get the opinions of our fellow neighbors.”

So there you have it: We’re now asking for your input on the Best Daycare Center In Brooklyn Heights. Please include who and where you send your kiddies in the nabe, along with the ages of your children and any other pertinent info you think would be helpful (hours, $$, activities, etc.).

If you’ve missed previous “Best Of” Open Threads, see them here: Best Spot To Go Aaaah, Most Beautiful Building, Best Burger, Best Dry Cleaner, Best Pizza Pie, Best Handyman, Best Car Service and Best Vet & Dog Walker.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/49404

On this date in 1915, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and Brooklyn Heights resident Arthur Miller was born (d: Feb. 10, 2005). He is best known for “Death of a Salesman” (1949), “The Crucible” (1953), and “A View from the Bridge” (1955/1956). As BHB readers well know, in June 1956, Miller left his first wife Mary Slattery and married Marilyn Monroe—who insisted the couple set up house in Manhattan. He probably should have stayed in Brooklyn Heights: The pair divorced in 1961.

So on this Open Thread Wednesday, what prize-winning ideas are on your agenda? Comment away! (Photo: Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/49314

Brooklyn Heights Blog’s 2012 series on the Best of the Heights this week is a suggestion from our Proprietor Homer Fink. He’d like to know your take on the Best Spot To Read the Paper, Relax, Ponder Life… and just go… aaaah.” The Promenade is an obvious choice, but we feel certain that BHB readers have numerous other precious sanctuaries for solace.

Please share where you most enjoy peaceful moments in the Heights, the time of day and/or day of the week and what makes it so special for you. Despite the natural inclination to fear that exposing your hallowed hideaway might compromise its tranquility, consider all the new neighborhood friends you might make, right?

If you’ve missed previous “Best Of” surveys, see them here: Most Beautiful Building, Best Burger, Best Dry Cleaner, Best Pizza Pie, Best Handyman, Best Car Service and Best Vet & Dog Walker. (Photo: Chuck Taylor/)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/49261

On this Wednesday following Monday’s Columbus Day, which celebrates the 1492 anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas, what’s blowing wind in your sails? Comment away, it’s Open Thread Wednesday on the Brooklyn Heights Blog. (Photo: Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/49098

It was on this day in 1951 that the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” occurred, when the New York Giants’ Bobby Thomson hit a game-winning home run in the bottom of the ninth off Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Ralph Branca, to win the National League pennant after being down 14 games. Mind you, four years later, the Dodgers would win the World Series against the Yankees, gathering afterward to celebrate in the lobby of Brooklyn Heights’ Hotel Bossert.

So on this BHB Open Thread Wednesday for October 4, 2012, what’s happening in your world? Comment away! (Photo: Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/48601

If you thought Best Burger in Brooklyn Heights was a tough choice, we continue the Brooklyn Heights Blog’s Best Of The Heights Open Thread with a category that I, for one, find next to impossible—thanks to an embarrassment of neighborhood riches…

What do you regard as the Most Beautiful Building in the Heights? Church, residential, commercial, whatever makes you swoon every time you walk by. As long as it’s made of wood, brick, concrete or masonry, has a door and windows, it’s up for consideration. Please include the address and why you believe it’s the consummate in architectural splendor.

If you’ve missed previous “Best Of” surveys, see them here: Best Burger, Best Dry Cleaner, Best Pizza Pie, Best Handyman, Best Car Service and Best Vet & Dog Walker. (Photo: Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/48578

Mercy… On this date in 1902, James D. Crichton, assistant librarian at Montague Street’s Brooklyn Library, was suddenly stricken blind on the job. “The trouble came very suddenly and strange to say, was accompanied by no pain. The afflicted man could not tell what ailed him,” reported the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. A doctor diagnosed that oxygen failed to “nourish” his optic nerves, creating atrophy. Crichton told the Eagle, “It is the most depressing, weakening feeling a man could have.” Thankfully, there’s a happy ending: By next morn, he was able to distinguish objects, hearkening a full recovery.

So, as we start the (eye)ball rolling on September, what see you on this Open Thread Wednesday? (Photo: C&C99/BHB Photo Club)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/47047

With pets front & center on the Brooklyn Heights Blog of late, what could be more appropriate for the fifth in our series of “Best of the Heights” Open Posts than to share the poop on a combo: Best Veterinarian and Best Dog Walker in the neighborhood? For the former, please share the name of the practice, the doc your pet sees and the address (as well as any info you’d like to reveal about $$). For the latter, name, contact info and rate, if you please. We’ll take on Best Pet Groomers in a future post.

If you’ve missed past recent Open Thread “Best Of” surveys, see them here: Best Dry Cleaner, Best Pizza Pie, Best Handyman, and Best Car Service. (Photo: Spencer!/Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/46943

It was on this date in 1922—some 90 years ago—that the first radio advertisement ever was broadcast on WEAF-AM New York. Clear Channel and CBS Radio must be very happy about that anniversary. So on this Open Thread Wednesday for August 29, 2012, what topics would you like to endorse? (Photo: Quartley/via Flickr BHB Photo Club)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/46519

Number four in the BHB “Best of Heights” Open Thread series is all about your threads… and where you prefer to have them laundered. First, we surveyed Best Car Service, then Best Handyman and Best Pizza Pie.

This week, please share your experiences for general everyday dry cleaning. Among so many options in the Heights, where do you find the best service, best prices, best damn spot cleaning and overall Best Dry Cleaner within the boundaries of Brooklyn Heights? Since there are so many, often with rather generic names, please add the address.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/46096

As the Summer of 2012 sadly edges toward its peak, the BHB Open Thread Wednesday remains as hot as ever. Drink in the joy of companionship with your fellow posters and share what’s on your mind today.

(Photo: Montague Street entrance to Brooklyn Heights Promenade/Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/46109

From Best Car Service to Best Handyman (which youse weren’t particularly willing to give up) to something a little more tasty…

What’s your bid for the Best Pizza in Brooklyn Heights? Digging the brand new Dellarocco’s of Brooklyn? Convinced that nothing beats Fascati Pizzeria? Wie-Pie on Remsen more to your tastes? Or do you swear by the culinary cardboard that is Jeno’s from the nabe Key Food? Taking all bids for the Best Pizza Pie in the Heights, BHB compatriots!

Please feel free to contribute ideas for future goods & services in this post.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/45424

It appears that our Brooklyn Heights neighbor on Sidney Place who has dedicatedly maintained an “Obama 08″ bumper sticker in his or her front window for five years is still a believer. Recently, the rez demonstrated ongoing support for the Prez with a 2012 sign placed beside the original. Obama, meanwhile, just celebrated his 51st birthday on August 4. On this Open Thread Wednesday, what’s your vote for topic of the day? (Photo: Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/45786

Last Thursday’s Open Thread on the Best Car Service serving Brooklyn Heights was an 8-cylinder success. We’ll keep this going every week from here on for as long as we—and you—come up with valuable goods & services that folks rely upon in the neighborhood.

Today: your recommendations for the Best Handyman… a guy (or gal) who can help out with those annoying little things that break in the apartment. Too small for a contractor, too big to DIY. Please share name, phone, where you found him and what he accomplished for you (and how much you paid, if you don’t mind).

My suggestion: Ed at 718 924 0265, who was recommended by a friend. Talkative fellow, but efficient and negotiable. I had him install a ceiling fan ($55) and then, on the fly, he realigned my shower door ($10), which had been off the track and driving me nuts for a month.

Coming soon: contractors, painters, locksmiths, dog walkers, veterinarians, dry cleaners… and your suggestions. Please feel free to contribute ideas in this post.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/45341

In light of Brooklyn Heights Blog’s sixth birthday, it seems appropriate to re-address some posts that provide service to the residents of this great neighborhood. Over the next several weeks, we’ll offer Open Threads for a number of goods & services that folks regularly rely upon in the Heights.

I recently took a vacation westward and Google-searched “Best Car Services in Brooklyn Heights,” and sure enough, a 2008 post from BHB came to my aid. Four years later, we’re due for an update…

As Homer Fink wrote then: Subways and buses are nice, but if you’re just not in the mood, a friendly neighborhood car service is but a phone call away. Which local livery service do you use? Have any stories negative or positive? Comment away!

For the record, I went with Arecibo (718-783-6465), which was on time, efficient and competitively priced. (Feel free to send suggestions for future posts… contractors, locksmiths, painters, dog walkers, etc.)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/45333

On August 8, 2007, an EF2 tornado—strong enough to foster winds of 111-135 mph—touched down in Kings County, New York, the most powerful tornado in New York to date and the first in Brooklyn since 1889. What’s putting the wind in your sails on this Open Thread Wednesday?
(Photo: Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/45218

What’s on your mind? Comment away!

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/45091

When well-traveled NYC graffiti “artist” Lewy BTM tagged the Brooklyn Bridge with his trademark squiggle design late last month, it was noted that the last time the national landmark was so adorned was during the Clinton era, in 1998. The same spot 199 feet above the East River was marred to great infamy in 1988 by brothers “Sane & Smith,” who scribbled 5-foot letters on the Manhattan tower of the iconic Bridge.

Meanwhile, in Brooklyn Heights, it appears graffiti vandalism is on the rise. BHB has reported on previous incidents, including April’s “NYPD Don’t Trust” spray painted on a Remsen Street sidewalk and along a Henry Street wall. Recent walks around the nabe are revealing more and more random sightings of defaced mailboxes, walls, light posts and commercial buildings. Are you seeing more graffiti in your area, as well? (See photos below the jump.)

For commercial properties, graffiti removal is the responsibility of the landlord; and for residential buildings, the owner or coop board—although NYC.gov says that New York’s Anti-Graffiti Task Force will remove the mess free of charge. In any case, there’s no good reason for the Heights to resemble the New York City of the 1970s again. Hopefully, we can keep it clean with tenacious calls to 311.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/45050

As the dog days of Summer 2012 continue, it’s time to bow(wow) another Open Thread Wednesday. What’s wagging your tail today? And remember, hounding your fellow posters is impolite, so keep the barking to a minimum. No bitching, please. (Photo: Glenn Bradie)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/44598

Good day, BHB minions. It’s Open Thread Wednesday for July 18, 2012. Feel free to beat the heat and exercise your right to express what’s on your mind. And despite the ongoing heatwave, please, let’s be cool. (Dude practicing Pilates on Promenade: Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/44339

Last Wednesday was the 4th of July, but let the festivities continue on this Open Thread Wednesday. Fire away!

FYI: Our bear friend pictured here lives in Palmetto Playground, located in the southwest tip of Brooklyn Heights, at State Street & Columbia Place, with the BQE behind it. According to NYC Parks, Palmetto Playground’s nomenclature was inspired by the names of its surrounding streets: Atlantic, Columbia & State. Columbia is the capitol of South Carolina, an Atlantic state, and the state tree is the Cabbage Palmetto, hence, Palmetto Playground. The park offers basketball courts, a kid’s playground and a small off-leash dog park. And, by golly, a working water fountain. (Photo: Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/44037

Enjoy America’s Independence Day, and the freedom of speech granted by BHB’s Open Thread Wednesday. Wave your banner and spill what’s on your mind. (Photos: Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/43585

Well, hot dog! It’s another Open Thread Wednesday. What’s cooking in your mind that you can’t wait to share with your Brooklyn Heights Blog brothers and sisters? (Photo: Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/43031

The new Brooklyn PetSmart mega-store at 238 Atlantic Avenue on the border of Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill and Downtown Brooklyn, is taking a bite out of the 20 or so mom-and-pop pet stores within a two-mile radius, according to a post on DNAInfo.com.

PetSmart opened last November to great fanfare, including a ribbon cutting by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. BHB readers have had plenty to say on the topic (see below), with the scale weighting toward the chain’s fair pricing, spotless interior and attentive service.

But DNA reports on the downside of the chain store, quoting such local owners as Kil Chung of the 12-year Smith Pet Food in Cobble Hill: “The day PetSmart opened, my business started to go down. They are killing me. Only money counts.” Chung claims he will soon be out of business, because he can’t afford to fill his store’s empty shelves.

Pet Boutique and Supplies on Sixth Avenue in Park Slope has also seen a decline. “Of course PetSmart is affecting us,” says staffer Mike Saadi. “We can’t compete with their prices.”

But there are, of course, two sides to every story. PetSmart manager Scott Marcus offers that the 15,000sf superstore employs 35, most of whom live in Brooklyn. In addition, he says his staff has passion for animals and “are no different than the people who own and work at smaller shops. We have worked hard to show that we care about animals and want the best for our customers.”

PetSmart has also partnered with the community, running an adoption and rescue center, hosting regular events for charities and welcoming kids from local schools to learn about animals. As BHB reported at the store’s opening, it also offers the full-service Banfield Pet Hospital, grooming, accredited training and prescription foods & medications.

She’s Crafty wrote in April on the BHB Open Thread, “I’m falling in love with the PetSmart on Atlantic Avenue. Their house brand low carb dry food is great for my cat who can’t tolerate grains, and super inexpensive (also there are a slew of coupons in each bag). They have great staff, who (are) knowledgeable and sweet with the children.”

Reader Van added on BHB, “We took our 130-pound Newfoundland to PetSmart for grooming. They were great and about $25 cheaper than the options in the Heights. They have a lot of stock, prices are very fair and it seems like a well-run store.”

And Lori W: “I would love to support local businesses as opposed to a chain, however, the discounts and deals that I get at PetSmart are far better. If local businesses had comparable prices and offered incentives, I would shop there, however, as someone who needs to save money, every little bit helps.”

So what say you, BHB readers? How should the pendulum swing: toward lower prices and wider selection or reverence to local Mom & Pop shops?

(Photo: Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/42490