psst - Look Under Here

Prediction: 2011 Elections

Here is our predictions for the 2011 elections: ucalled.it/horizon2011

Mass Transit Changes

There are some changes to the local bus and subway routes to be aware of:

- The #34 bus on 34th Street is no longer stopping at Lexington Avenue. There are other terminated stops to be aware of.

- The #34 Bus is now "select service" which means paying prior to boarding and holding the receipt. You
   may board / exit through any door.

- The #16 Bus is now called the #34A bus with no change in route other than the same defunct stops as the #34

- The #7 train extension is well under way. When completed, the route will continue to the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

For Sale

lobbying in the lobby

Re-election letter with commentary from a neighbor

Below is a letter passed along from a neighbor who wishes to remain anonymous because he/she is afraid of retribution:


A re election letter received with some comments:
My name is XXXX XXXX and I am running for re-election to the board. Over the past three years I have served as Vice President for XXXX Board of Managers and the Chair of the Building Committee. (So what does this actually mean? Figure head??)
My tenure on the board has involved an on-going battle between old regimes and new visions (aren't we a little too old for high school bs? If you have to keep saying this bs then you are part of the problem) but I am proud to report that we were instrumental in making the following building improvements with a maintenance reduction in the 2nd year and no surcharges throughout the 3 years. (then there is the question of the illusive mortgage and where those funds came/went)

Completed the following building renovations and upgrades:

· Replaced 6 major air conditioning units on 4th and 44th floors (this was a major expense that was not an individual accomplishment - this is to the credit of the super who maintains these items)
· Renovated bike/storage room with a major clean up and a brand new look (also closed this off to the owners by implementing a fee to use the space - which is part of the common charges and against the by laws)
· Redesigned and upgraded front desk systems (needless to say way over budget)
· Replaced Compactor and repaired compactor room floor (this was something that is to the credit of the super who negotiated the pricing and is responsible for the mainatainance and just reports these items to the board)
· Upgraded the gym equipment with state of the art Cybex machines (at what costs since this is a lease and the building doesn't own it - it's a liability on the books)
· Purchased new beautiful out door furniture for 44th floor terraces and pool area (ummmm white cushions in soooty NY to be stained with tanning oil? really smart - not!)
· Created "teen room" with a pool table, ping pong and Wii equipment (she had nothing to do with this b/c she was not part of the Children's Committee. BTW the pool table and ping pong were already there. This was all passed with the previous board under a different pres)
· Started a new building tradition with very well attended holiday parties, Halloween parties and wine tastings (halloween parties and holiday parties were always part of the building not new with this board)
· Enhanced children’s playroom with new furniture and toys (this only recently happened in time for these elections - what happened during the other two years she was on the board???)
· Negotiated a new plant maintenance contract including the redesign of inside and outside plants on 44th, 4th floors and out door sections on 37th street and continuing the weekly front desk fresh flower arrangement at a reduced cost (also a reduced look of flowers - they look emaciated and barren - a single stalk for a flower is not a flower arrangement.)
· Identified a new on-site dry cleaning service and negotiated an improved contract with better prices and more services (the lease was up so contract negotiations were just par for the course)

Introduced the following process improvements to improve building management:

· Picked a new gym management company and negotiated a contract with improved hours, better classes, new social events and increased service (club traffic has increased by 40% the last 2 years)(what are the costs to the building for all of this? they also have really bad attitudes since they are all so young)
· Selected an independent accounting firm with condo/coop expertise to audit building financials (then why aren't the financials published for last year if they are so good??)
· Renewed the building management contract with Cooper Square at a 3 year favorable cost (was there a bidding process? what other vendors were reviewed?)
· Installed finger recognition system outside children's playroom to better monitor access and deter uninvited guests (which doesn't work all the time and porters have to be pulled from their jobs in order to open the door to residents)
· Improved communication between Cooper Square our building management and XXXXXX XXXXXX our super with bi-monthly meetings, invoice reviews (identifying to at least a dozen redundant invoices) and project updates (what about the scheduling of employees - who is responsible for this and why are there soo many new faces?)
· Created a capital improvement master plan to help prioritize and budget projects (why not share this with all of the owners so we know when we will get smacked with assessments)
· Changed the building's accounting approach to the accrual method to better manage building operating funds (as long as the reserve fund is fair game to use in the operating fund - and not be accountable)
· Increased efficiency and reduced employee overtime pay with standardized work shifts and improved work schedules (then why are there so many changing faces?)
· Defined roles and responsibilities for each of the employee roles - handy man, concierge, doorman and hallman
· Initiated employee yearly reviews, performance based bonuses and quarterly staff meetings (who determines this? How much is this costing us?)

Finally we are in the process of finishing the following projects hopefully before the end of the year:

· Upgrading 44th floor and lobby furniture upholstery with elegant and sturdy new fabrics. (at what costs and was this bid with multiple vendors)
· Installing a new package tracking system with a new screen in the mail room to increase timely delivery (this is a major security concern to be in a public area - what are we paying the doormen and conceirges for?)
· Providing Verizon FIOS access (we don't have this yet - so technically you are incorrect in saying this is provided)

During the past 3 years I have had the opportunity to renegotiate contracts (don't you mean letting the management company do this?), standardize processes and promote a more accountable management style (you mean the rudeness and unattentiveness to the owners from the management company unless you are on the board?) at the XXXX. In the process I fought to change old approaches, self-serving directives and dated thinking. My goal if re-elected will be to continue to identify and facilitate building development projects and make all the improvements in building management permanent and ingrained in the XXXX's culture. (how about improving your relationship with the staff instead of bossing them around - they are afraid of you)

IMO:
Do you think people who play on things of the past should be reelected? We are not in high school and this is our hard earned money. Having a select few run the building is not the way to go.
Our building needs fresh blood. Get new people in - this shouldn't be a career. Familiarity breeds contempt and corruption

I Ain't No Squealer

Veteran's Day

I want to extend my deepest appreciation and thanks to all of our nation's veterans and those who are currently serving for protecting our freedom and liberty.

And Now for Something Completely Different

Booze and a Massage c/o Cooper Square

By now I'm sure you've received your special "Exclusive Event at the Horizon" invitation.

Isn't this just FABULOUS?

Did the sponsor pay for the use of the 44th floor? What about an insurance rider for this event?

What these people won't do for votes....I know- take don't care of the building!

What ever happened to "a chicken in every pot"? Now they are offering free booze and a massage. The only "happy ending" will be to vote these people out.

National Emergency Broadcasting System Test

Please be advised that on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.(EST), the federal government will be conducting the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS).  The test will last up to three and a half minutes. During this period, regularly scheduled television, radio, cable, and satellite shows will be interrupted as the system is being tested. This event will be just a test, and not a real emergency alert.  

The national Emergency Alert System is an alert and warning system that can be activated by the president, if needed, to provide information to the American public during emergencies.  NOAA's National Weather Service, governors, and state and local emergency authorities also use parts of the system to issue more localized emergency alerts. The test is an important exercise in ensuring that the system is effective in communicating critical information to the public in the event of a real national emergency.  

Under the FCC's rules, radio and television broadcasters, cable operators, satellite digital audio radio service providers, direct broadcast satellite service providers and wire line video service providers are required to receive and transmit presidential EAS messages to the public. A national test will help federal partners and EAS participants determine the reliability of the system, as well as its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers both nationally and regionally.  The test will also provide the FCC and FEMA a chance to identify improvements that need to be made to build a modernized and fully accessible Emergency Alert System. 

For additional information about this test please visit:

FEMA: https://webmail.nypd.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=55722

FCC: https://webmail.nypd.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/emergency-alert-system-nationwide-test

Elections

Whether national, local or condo / co-op

Don't listen to me. A quick Google search (after bypassing CS's self-serving websites set up by CS) gives you the tip of the iceberg. The list goes on and on. This is just the 1st 2 pages!
http://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Employee-Review-Cooper-Square-Realty-RVW568500.htm
http://streeteasy.com/nyc/talk/discussion/19439-is-condo-board-allowed-to-censor-residents
http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2009/11/20/100m_rector_square_lawsuit_names_developer_manager_shvo.php
http://law.justia.com/cases/new-york/other-courts/2011/2011-50903.html
http://therealdeal.com/newyork/articles/45-rector-square-unit-owners-sue-yair-levy-michael-shvo-cooper-square-realty-for-100-million-at-225-rector-place
09/13/2011 Ridiculous application process, difficult management company

NO 3.0 The management company, Cooper Square, has the worst lease application procedures/process/customer service I've ever had to deal with. The leasing process has always been complicated in NYC, but Cooper Square has complicated it to a whole new level! Cooper Square ... moreRead more: http://www.apartmentratings.com/rate/NY-New-York-88-Greenwich.html#ixzz1cwzDAjgj

http://www.bossforcongress.com/complaint_being_heard_in_federal_court
http://galaxyfacts.com/

Horizon Condominium News Link

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Our-Condo/251198758266392?sk=wall

Remember:

"YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'T MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE DUCT TAPE."

- MC JackASS

also:

HORIZON ACCOUNTING UNDER INVESTIGATION

The Horizon accounting is under investigation by authorities including the Board of accountants (AICPA).

Financials distributed by the treasury are not approved by the Board or audited by any accountant. They have no integrity and no value.

No official Horizon financials are currently available. As banks need them to provide financing, selling apartment units has been a problem.

Financial records have been suppressed. Board members have had no access to them.

Horizon funds have been misappropriated by some Board members. $400,000 of the Horizon reserve fund have been unaccounted for. Financial fraud is unacceptable.

Fantasy made-up financials are misleading and irresponsible. The Horizon Condo deserves better than Greek-type of accounting. The Horizon deserves better than the economic fate of Greece.

Harry Potter Fans- Quiddich World Cup to be held in NYC Nov 12-13

http://www.geeksaresexy.net/2011/11/01/quidditch-world-cup-to-be-held-in-nyc-nov-12-13/

Driveway Repair- Horizon Condo

Here is a photo taken 15 minutes ago of the "repair" of the leaking pipe that took place last week as reported by our very lovely Lipstick on a Pig. 1 picture is worth 1000 words.

Tuesday November 2, 2011 at 2:45 PM

(There has been no rain or snow for the past 3 days)

Happy Halloween!!!!

The ghouls and gobblins of The Haunted Horizon Condominium are celebrating the most important holiday of the year. The Board President dressed in her formal attire for the evening while the Village Idiot / Treasurer terrorized the children as only he can.

Be certain to attend the exorcism in early December, unless they are successful in circumventing the rules as they typically do with their goon squad in tow.

Your voice and vote counts.

The Horizon Condominium - Where do we stand today?

I would like to have a serious conversation concerning our lives and investments at the Horizon Condominium in NYC as they stand today. I understand there are others here who don't live in the Horizon, were hoping for Friday funnies or Archie's specials. (Archie- I hope you are mending well)

There has been and will be a lot of information and misinformation pertaining to many aspects of our co-existance here.

I hope that whatever comes into our emails, various blogs, snail mail, shoved under our door and discussed by other means is evaluated by each one of us who have a vested interest in our properties.

The first consideration, and then I will let you all think about this is:

ARE WE BETTER OFF TODAY THAN WE WERE 3 YEARS AGO?

East River Greenway Update

Here is a link to the current status of the East River Greenway Project (East 38th-East 60th Streets)

The plan includes more than just the waterfront, but the Park on 1st Avenue, the dog run and even the Asser-Levy park on East 23rd-25th Streets.

http://www.dnainfo.com/20111012/murray-hill-gramercy/officials-already-moving-forward-on-plan-for-east-river-greenway?utm_content=luxuryliving%40hotmail.com&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=Officials%20Already%20Moving%20Forward%20on%20Plan%20for%20East%20River%20Greenway&utm_campaign=Officials%20Moving%20Forward%20on%20East%20River%20Greenway%20Plancontent#ixzz1aa1qaJVb

Voice of the People

Thank you for allowing me to join this forum. I'm tired of my concerns falling of deaf ears.

Board Elections

In December some of the current Horizon Condominium Board members, including the current President and Treasurer, will be up for re-election. I don't think we need them to do any more. They have done enough!

Child Policy Committee

I have been hearing of all sorts of policy issues from various people with their own grievances. Whether it is pets, or access to the gym and other common areas, storage facilities, laundry room, or Cooper Square or cable blah, blah, blah.

I have no pets. I don't use any of the facilities. I have no children. I work and I come home.

I want to address something important to me.

This is a comprehensive Child Policy.

I believe we need to have a policy at the Horizon that addresses this issue. Here are some of my suggestions:

1- All children must be photographed, fingerprinted and registered by the Managing Agent.
2- Children must use the freight elevator and must avoid common areas such as the lobby.
3- Immunizations must be kept up to date, a record of which is to be kept at the health club.
4- A strict limit of 2 children per household for all owners.
5- Renters may not have children.
6- Children must be on a leash and muzzled. They must always walk in a counter-clockwise direction upon entering or leaving the building, unless there is a blue moon during a leap year, in which case they must walk in a clockwise fashion. Children must walk through any doorway of the building right foot first regardless of the date.
7- Children with any disciplinary problems must be muzzled at the Board's discretion.
8- Fines will be imposed at the Board's sole discretion and applied according to whether the Board likes you or not.

The Board shall have the final word in all these matters, as the puppet of Cooper Square.

This is only an initial draft for the proposal. Please feel free to comment for "transparency". I really don't care what you think.

Let us ram this through before the elections in December. I would also like to start a committee to deal with the "old people" problem once we finalize the child policy.

Happenings in the neighborhood

Contact Information

Although I have been rather busy and there have been numerous attempts to remove this blog, as well as its previous incarnations, we and I remain.

As I previously posted, I only occassionally check the following email, the only one to use if you wish to be listed as an author on this blog. In doing so today, I noticed attempts to block me over the past few weeks or so. You, who are attempting this, are wasting your time.

If you wish to become an author, you may contact me at:

archiebald51@yahoo.com

I don't care what your position is on any subject. That is not the criteria for joining.

Helicopter Crash

A commercial helicopter crashed in the East River today at abou 3:30 this afternoon. Rescue operations are currently under way at this time as one woman seems to be missing. Four people, including the pilot, have been rescued. The helicopter appeared to have crashed on departure from the heliport. Please avoid this area to allow emergency vehicles and personel to do be able to do their jobs.

Solar Storm- Communication Disruptions- Auroras

A massive solar storm from a major sunspot turned flare turned storm has grazed the Earth yesterday. Communication disruptions as well as beautiful aurorae may occur locally over the next few days.

This may affect your electronic devices.

http://www.forextv.com/forex-news-story/sunspot-1302-tuned-into-solar-storm-now-became-glorious-aurora

Kips Bay Condo - Cooper Square

An email forwarded to me, although not confirmed at this time, is just a FYI purposes. Please, anyone with more information, provide additional information as it becomes available. Here it is. Take it for what it's worth:



Recent activities within my condominium have compelled me to write about this. I will try to be as concise as possible.

I purchased my condominium some years ago with the understanding that this is my home. I sold my home outside of the city when my children grew up and moved away. My husband passed away a number of years before, never quite recovering from the injuries he sustained as a child at the hands of the Nazis, but we had a comfortable and loving home and raised two incredible children.

My dream was to return to Manhattan and live uptown from my childhood home on the Lower East Side. My income is currently limited, but I've always made sure that I would have the ability to pay for maintenance and tax increases during my advancing years. I also wanted to make sure I was close to the best medical care in the world. We worked very hard in our youth for a reasonably comfortable retirement.

My husband and I also realized one was likely to survive the other.

To the point.

Our current management company, Cooper Square, has imposed fees that none of us could have ever foreseen. They charge us for handyman tasks which were previously included with our common charges. They now charge extra to hang blinds, to change a light bulb, and for a host of other basic services, to each owner, over and above the common charges. I always tip the staff when they help me out. Fortunately for me, I am in a position to absorb these extra costs when I need to. But I am disgusted by this stealing from us, especially when it comes to my neighbors who can't afford all these new charges that we never expected to have to fight.

Shame on you to our Board of Managers for allowing, encouraging, Cooper Square for making these changes.

Shame on you and to any other Board in any other building which allows such a thing to happen.

With warmest regards,

A Concerned Neighbor

Serial Subway Slasher

There appears to be a serial slasher who has attacked twice on the number 4 train over the past few days. Stay aware. Story:

http://gothamist.com/2011/09/22/subway_face_slasher_on_the_loose_in.php

1000 Words

UN Week

UN week is here.

UNsafe
UNable to park
UNable to drive
UNable to get around
UNmeaningful to MidEast Peace
UNAmerican

This is the week when many nations send their representatives to NY with their money and American taxpayer money in order to eat, drink and be merry while bashing their hosts.

But the good news is that drug dealers and prostitutes help pump money into the local economy.

Public Service Announcement:

When you drink Vodka over ice, it can give you kidney failure,

When you drink Rum over ice, it can give you liver failure,

When you drink whiskey over ice, it can give you heart problems,

When you drink Gin over ice, it can give you brain problems.

Apparently, ice is really bad for you.

Warn all your friends.

Building Info Meeting

Rescheduled from I don't know when until next Monday, maybe.

I guess this is instead of the semiannual meeting which now occurs as late as possible so PRAVDA can spin the disasters according to JackASS plans. It's no longer called the semi-annual meeting.

A little sign says that we haven't received the building financials only because someone (an evil troublemaker who wants to know the truth) has created difficulties for the loving, good and honest, leader...no dictator....no, that's not it,...uh, WE WILL TELL YOU THE TRUTH...just as soon as we can figure out what to tell you, DAMN IT.

They would most certainly have had the semiannual meeting on time if it wasn't for those pesky people who wanted facts instead of what the sphincter tells them.

It replaced the sad message about 9/11.

After all, they put up an American flag yesterday and we didn't.

You can all see it on your Verizon Fios. If you don't have it hooked up yet, go to stairwell "B" and stick your eye in the periscope.

Remember as We Look Ahead

Group Hug

My wife sand I will host our annual group hug this evening to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the saddest day for America during most of our lifetimes. This is a free event at our usual spot and time.

Keywords

Please add as you see fit

East Side news
Manhattan East Side News
Turtle Bay
Gramercy Park
Midtown Manhattan
Peter Cooper Village
Mango NYC
Whitney Condo
Churchill NYC
Murray Hill
Muray Hill News
Horizon
ourhorizoncondo.blogspot.com
Murray Hill Mews
Manhattan Place
Corinthian NYC

A26 Meeting

Agenda includes the season's last soft shell crabs, agave, and discussion. 10 days

Development of the Murray Hill Pier

Proposals for the fate of the Murray Hill Pier development (East 38-41 streets) from Liz Krueger's office:

http://www.lizkrueger.com/2011/07/residents-dream-of-green-future-for-derelict-murray-hill-pier/

Smart Meters

Coming soon to a home near you.

http://goldsilver.com/video/smart-meters/

New Street Lamps Update

Here is one of the two new street lamps on East 38th Street between First Ave and the FDR Dr.

Click on dot to see image.

Another (not so) Bright Idea

Banned for sale come January. The dimwits who decided to ban this item aren't very bright themselves. Now we'll be left without personal choice for our lighting. What will they think of next?

This Friday I'm Cooking

Come by for HH on Friday

Slow cooked Baby backs with a new dry rub and guava / habenero sauce
Sea scallops seared with bacon and Grand Marnier

Single Barrel Bourbon chocolate Brownies with peanut butter Ice cream

Live music

New Bike Lanes are Coming to First and Second Avenues

Updated photo:  

Current view of first avenue with the template of new lanes and constructution painted accordingly.

Construction has begun on new bike lanes on 1st and 2nd Avenues north of 34th street.

http://transportationnation.org/2011/07/06/construction-begins-to-extend-manhattans-first-and-second-avenue-bike-lanes-north-of-34th-street/

Who likes poker?

Check out the linked article on the post Freedom part 3. Anyone else find this to be at least a little creepy? http://averageuncommonsense.blogspot.com/

Restaurant Week Coming

Restaurant Week in NYC July 11-24

For some participatingt restaurants:

http://www.nycgo.com/restaurantweek

UN Plans Massive Expansion

The UN announced its plan to build an additional tower on the park adjacent to the current structures. This will eliminate the dog run as well as some of the other park area. Along with this expansion, they plan to create a plaza along the waterfront which will include a bike path contiguous with the one currently ending on East 37th Street.

All of this will have a huge impact on our everchanging neighborhood.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/07/08/un-eyes-prospect-another-nyc-high-rise/

Today's Verdict

I write this because for me it hits close to home and is why I am now retired. Today's verdict in the Anthony case sickens me as much as the original crime itself. I am not shocked. It's another travesty of justice. How long do you suppose it will be before there are book and movie deals?

New Streetlights?

Have you been wondering what the orange cones and cement blocks on East 38th Street between 1st Avenue and the FDR Drive are for? I have. I'm not sure as no one has said anything, but this is what my impression from seeing them. It appears that the 2 spots are wired bases for street lamps. This is an excellent idea for safety along that street. I was concerned that they may be for parking meters, but they don't look to be that way, and 2 would be overkill. Being on the south side of the street means the street gets the light, but we shouldn't be getting light coming into our apartments at night with this configuration. If anyone has any further information to share, please do so.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Fourth of July Fireworks

The Pegasus will be on the Hudson for the weekend and fireworks show. Friday specials will return this week and it will be a surprise. Hope to see you at the usual watering hole. I'll tell you what we bought on our trip. Come and celebrate with a fifth on the 4th!

My Take on Fios

I happen to like Fios. I think it's ahead of RCN and Time-Warner in technology. I don't care about the risers in the stairwells. Nobody uses the stairwells except during a blackout, and you won't see them then either. People use the elevator to even go one flight to use the stairmaster in the gym, so that is not a valid concern.

The moldings that are proposed for the hallways are no uglier than the wallpaper and carpets. It's another non-issue to me.

I understand I will need to rewire and hide the cables in my apartment. welcome to the club of having to fix things the building drops on us. I'm okay with more wires and/or moldings even if my family isn't.

The tradeoff could be more than worth it to me. I would like the updates to my home theater and stereo systems. Both of which I've put off in upgrading because our current technology can't handle what I want to upgrade to. We have excellent video capability, which is under-utilized, in our screens. But with the fiber-optics, we can bring the audio up to speed. 1000 megawatts per channel, with little distortion, if any, in midrange, could really make me feel as if we are at some live concerts or in the middle of the action, just as the commercials suggest, for just about the same price.

The computers will download much faster for work and play applications.

I hope our neighbors in Long Island City like my taste in music. I hope the windows will hold out.

When is this expected to be up and running? I, of course, will respect the noise levels of 42 decibals at 35 feet when not during the hours of not before 7AM or after 11PM, according to NYC guidelines for a residence.

I Can't Wait to Move into My New Habitrail!

Thank You Fios!!

Hugs and kisses!

Know what is happening

How long will it take before the Horizon's governing body uses this tool at its whim to selectively rid itself of dissenting opinions such as mine? Then they will tell my owner that I'm just a trouble maker and they should re-elect them. And I'm sure this will happen in all the other troubled buildings as well.

http://www.nyhtc.org/secured.php?page=recent_news&story_number=100414

Welcome Back DEP Trucks

Well......now that ourhorizoncondo.blogspot.com, a major force in curtailing the DEP, is defunct c/o your overlords, They are back and getting more and more brazen once again. Good job to the overlords!

In the Post

Today Is Flag Day

I've been hacked and now I'm back

Funnies

Passed along by a friend

http://www.texasrainmaker.com/2011/04/19/archie-bunker-has-a-few-words-for-barack-obama/

Hot, Hot, Hot!

The weather forecast for next 2 days is for extremely hot temperatures. Remember to drink plenty of fluids and check in on your elderly neighbors and others who might have health risks. Avoid staying out for long periods of time and only run essential errands.

D-Day June 6th, 1944

Today commemorates the 67th anniversary of the allied invasion of Europe marking a major turning point in WWII. Many lost their lives so we could be free. Thank a veteran for this gift.

Friday Funnies

Some Quotes:


FUNNY, SMART & CLEVER QUOTES

I believe in making the world safe for our children, but not our children's children, because I don't think children should be having sex.

- Jack Handey, "Deep Thoughts"If you ever crawl inside an old hollow log and go to sleep, and while you're in there some guys come and seal up both ends and then put it on a truck and take it to another city, boy, I don't know what to tell you.

- Jack Handey

I've developed a new philosophy...only dread one day at a time.

- Charlie Brown

I might be in the basement. I'll go upstairs and check.
We adore chaos because we love to produce order.
I don't use drugs; my dreams are frightening enough.
- M. C. Escher

Nobody can get the truth out of me because even I don't know what it is. I keep myself in a constant state of utter confusion.

- Colonel Flagg

There are no personal problems which cannot be solved through suitable application of high explosives.

- AnonMay we now all rise and sing the eternal school hymn: "Attack. Attack. Attack Attack Attack!"

- Danny Baker

I don't even butter my bread; I consider that cooking.

- Katherine CebrianWhatever is not nailed down is mine. What I can pry loose is not nailed down.
- Collis P. HuntingdonI don't think I'm alone when I say I'd like to see more and more planets fall under the ruthless domination of our solar system.

- Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey

It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.

- Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey

We tend to scoff at the beliefs of the ancients. But we can't scoff at them personally, to their faces, and this is what annoys me.

- Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey

If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think a cute thing to tell him is "God is crying." And if he asks why God is crying, another cute thing to tell him is "Probably because of something you did."

- Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey

If I ever get rich, I hope I'm not real mean to poor people, like I am now.

- Jack Handey

Sometimes I think you have to march right in and demand your rights, even if you don't know what your rights are, or who the person is you're talking to. Then, on the way out, slam the door.

- Jack Handey

The Cancer is Spreading

Our co-op board has announced that Cooper Square is taking over the management of our building. Some of you have experience with them which made me want to see what we are getting ourselves into. It does not bode well as we have an extremely well-managed building and some of us are afraid of the bait and switch coming our way. He is a link to what I have found with a quick search. I am preparing to address our board so that they are aware and make an informed decision, and leave us an out should it become necessary.

http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy&hl=en&source=hp&q=cooper+square+realty+complaints&aq=3&aqi=g5&aql=&oq=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=722585c5c9d55e44&biw=1112&bih=544

Memorial Day

We had a very lovely party here at the Horizon Condo last night. Thanks to those who put it togther! It was a nice way to start the summer season and to say "hi" to our friends and neighbors whom we may not otherwise run into often.

Please remember the meaning of Memorial Day, to those who sacrificed so much, that we may enjoy our lives, our families and our friends and neighbors!

Bless our troops who are away from their families and friends, keeping us safe here at home.

Ron and family

Events- Jones Beach Air Show

The Jones Beach Air Show will take place Memorial Day Weekend as follows:

Saturday 10AM- 3PM
Sunday 10 AM -3PM

http://www.nationalguard.com/forums/showthread.php/20692-Jones-Beach-Air-show-2011

Events- World Science Street Fair

Sunday June 5 / Washington Square Park

http://worldsciencefestival.com/events/street_fair

Events- Central Park Fishing

Catch and release fishing

http://www.centralparknyc.org/visit/things-to-do/sports/fishing.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ddd3a5dd4d132a4%2C0

Events- BargeMusic

Classical Music concert series-

http://www.bargemusic.org/calendar.html

World Trade Center Update

One World Trade Center breaks through the Manhattan skyline:

http://www.nyc-grid.com/snippets/2011/5/20/one-world-trade-breaks-through-the-skyline.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook

Fire Company Closings NYC

Attached is a report and link of fire company closings in NYC-

http://content.ny1.com/downloads/2011_FD_Closing_Draft.PDF

4th of July Fireworks

The Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks display will again be on the West Side this year.

http://www.macys.com/campaign/fireworks/index.jsp?cm_mmc=VanityUrl-_-fireworks-_-n-_-n

Regis HS Fire

Fire at Regis HS on Saturday, classes canceled today. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but there was significant fire and water damage.

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/121852704.html

Author Invites

An email has been set up for "Author Invites". If you wish to contribute as an author, write to me here.

ArchieBald51@yahoo.com

An invite will be sent to your email address from me. Follow the instructions. I will only check it occassionally.

As always, you can comment without signing up, sign or remain anonymous at your discretion.

Mirror site is being set up and activated

http://www.murrayhillspews.blogspot.com/

I will be sending invites for authorship to all those currently here, and set up an additional email for those who would like to participate in the near future.

I am doing this to expand viewership since most posts contain information useful to the entire community.

I intend to keep it an open forum as it was originally intended for here. I will not unduly censor, unless I feel the situation gets out of hand, or abusive. One habitual troublemaker found himself removed. I hope that need not happen again.

Blogs, as any news or commentary, enjoy First Amendment Rights. As a reminder, providing links, rather than copy / pasting, for reference when posting / commenting or sharing photos, unless originating from the poster, is proper protocol.

Both sites will remain open and active while this transition takes place, during which time some threads may be identical, similar, of completely different depending on the contributors.

Archie Welcomes You

We will be migrating and merging blogs over the next few weeks and months for simplicity sake.

Memorial Day

I salute my friends, colleagues and their families.

http://media.causes.com/1060527?p_id=175378540

Thank you for allowing me to contribute

I will do my best to adhere to the good naturedness of this group.

Friday Funnies / Open Thread

The Psychiatrist and the Proctologist

Best friends graduated from medical school at the same time and decided
that, in spite of two different specialties, they would open a practice
together to share office space and personnel.

Dr. Smith was the psychiatrist and Dr. Jones was the proctologist; they
put up a sign reading: "Dr. Smith and Dr. Jones: Hysterias and Posteriors."
The town council was livid and insisted they change it.

So, the docs changed it to read: "Schizoids and Hemorrhoids." This was
also not acceptable, so they again changed the sign. "Catatonics and High
Colonics"......No go.

Next, they tried "Manic Depressives and Anal Retentives"....thumbs down
again.
Then came "Minds and Behinds"....still no good.
Another attempt resulted in "Lost Souls and Butt Holes".......unacceptable
again!
So they tried "Analysis and Anal Cysts".....not a chance.
"Nuts and Butts".....no way.
"Freaks and Cheeks".....still no good. "Loons and Moons".....forget it.

Almost at their wit's end, the docs finally came up with:


"Dr. Smith and Dr. Jones--Odds and Ends"

Bubble Battle

The NYC pillow fight was a great success. June 18th NYC will have a Bubble Battle. Bubble machines of all sorts will go at it. Place and time TBD.

Emergency Alert System

Smart phone users in NYC will soon be able to receive targeted texts alerting individuals to local emergencies.

http://www.nybuff.org/2011/05/national-emergency-alert-system-set-to.html

Look What I Found....

....Floating by the boat while heading back up the coast:



Does this sandal belong to anyone you know?

Horse Sense

After 4 years of absence from NYC for riding, horses might be returning this summer. Plans are strongly being considered to house a stable in Central Park once again. It isn't a done deal, but it is BEING DISCUSSED OPENLY BEFORE A FINAL DECISION IS MADE.

http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-news/2011/05/06/horseback-riding-central-park.aspx

Picture of the Year

Friday Funnies

I hope you all got your issue of "PRAVDA" from the lobby kiosk. It was the first printed issue by the Board since I can't remember when. It was written by you-know-who who "doesn't read this blog".

All of the elements within this self-aggrandizing pulp fiction were brought up over here during the past many months, including the fact that we haven't received any newsletters. The exception is the prologue which sounds like the opening sequence of a very bad porn flick which she lifted elsewhere but gave credit. The visualization is ....nevermind.

Now they are finally going to address issues plaguing our building for which the were originally in denial. Election season must be coming and they can only hide their agenda for so long.

Now that the reserve fund has been squandered for unnecessary items, some of which we previously addressed, how are we going to pay for the real capital expenditures, such as the plumbing?

Okay...so it's Friday and that's not funny, but it's true.

Please comment with uplifting humor. We need it.

Friday is a day of Celebration

Isn't it wonderful?

A royal weeding!

Congratulations!

Springtime Reminders

Elementary school applications for fall 2011 are due or possibly late at this time. Consult with the schools of your choice public, private, and TAG programs for deadlines and extensions.

Summer Camps are just a couple of months away. Some may be running last minute deals. Again, it's certainly time to check.

Beaches and most beach clubs in the NYC and surrounding areas are open from Memorial Day thru Labor Day weekends. The city parks also open their sprinklers and water fountains during the same time. We will try to announce when St. Vartan Park has special events. Last year we were thrilled to have Peter Yallow, from Peter, Paul and Mary entertain kids and families for free.

Rafina puts out tables and chairs during good weather. Enjoy fine dining under the stars, or even just a glass of wine on a beautiful spring night!

The new ferry schedule is in effect. Contact the ferry terminal for routes and times.

The DEP has relocated most of their trucks and this should make for a more pleasant entry and exit for homeowners and visitors alike.

We intend to continue to bring you neighborly happenings in a timely fashion. If you wish to contribute, contact an administrator or just leave comments as before.

Don't contact me as I am no longer an active administrator, but have retained authorship privileges.

Happy Easter to all

Happy Easter and Passover to all my friends.

Where's Waldo

Or in our circumstances, our new doorman. Antonio retired 3 months ago and let it be known that he would be for over a year before that. Why do we have no new doorman? What are we paying in overtime to those who have to cover? What erratic schedules have been thrust upon the staff who has to take up the slack? What has Cooper Square and the Board been so busy with of grand importance for the past year or so that this hasn't been done?

All I can figure is that the Board wants to be re-elected and keep CS. Screw the rest of us.

Natasha

Holiday Cheers from "The Decision"

We had our friends celebrate the first 2 nights seders aboard the boat on our way to the Grenadines. We anchored in Port Elizabeth as per plan and our guests disembarked for the rest of their vacation. Later, our other guests are supposed to come aboard with the Easter provisions.

Life is good.

I can't say I can't wait to see you all. That would be a lie. Unless I happen to run into you here. I was reminded I should be saying "we". Just can't teach an old dog new tricks.

Is it springlike yet? Because we're not coming back until it is.

Again, best to all "our" friends.

Suggestion- Herb Garden

Many of us prefer to cook rather than to eat out or to order in most nights. Is it possible to utilize a small area on one of the terraces to have a few pots in order to have a communal herb garden? Nothing which takes much space, requires much care or interferes with other people's enjoyment of these common areas.

Items which can go a long way, such as fresh dill, basil, oregano, cilantro, parsley, etc....the things which the local groceries sell in too large bunches for too much money. Users could just snip a bit as they need it.

Just a neighborly suggestion.

PLC's

PLG's Update

We have received a pair of miniature giraffes, AKA "petite lap giraffes", AKA PLG's within the past 24 hours, much earlier than expected. I let it be known that they were to be arriving months from now and openly ordered weeks ago. As yet I have received neither direct written nor oral communication re: PLG's. All necessary paperwork and fees have been paid. They violate no statutes as they are not considered "wild" since they never existed in the wild, nor "beasts of burden", nor as "livestock for human consumption", nor for "breeding", nor for any "business" purpose other than "educational" or "entertainment". There is "0" chance of disease transfered to humans. They will unlikely be encountered in common areas, and if so, under physical control beyond what is necessary. They are very shy, please do not ask to see them; photos may be posted in the future.

Big Day Tomorrow

http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/laborunionreport/2011/04/14/video-atlas-is-shrugging-starring-barack-obama/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BigHollywood+%28Big+Hollywood%29&utm_content=FaceBook

Missing Teen Found

14 year old Friends Seminary student found unharrmed. http://www.dnainfo.com/20110413/lower-east-side-east-village/missing-east-village-teen-found-unharmed

Enterprise

It was announced today that the Space Shuttle "Enterprise" will find a new home at the Intrepid Air and Space Museum here in NYC

Tax Filing Deadline is Monday, April 18th

This will coincide somewhat nicely with one of my favorite books coming to the big screen this Friday, April 15th. Atlas Shrugged, Part 1 is finally being made into a movie.

Petite Lap Giraffes

If interested, we will be getting a breeding pair of petite lap giraffes. As we adopted early, we should be receiving them by the end of the year. If you wish to order directly from the breeder, here is the link. Let it be known that we are keeping these pets openly in accordance with NYC pet laws. http://www.petitelapgiraffe.com/index.php

NYC and Second Amendment

Some of you know that I am an advocate for the second Amendment: http://www.nysrpa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=336:nysrpa-a-saf-file-lawsuit-against-nyc&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50

Friday's Specials

Miss Marla is preparing mini Maryland crab cakes and crab corn chowder! Single barrel bourbon, free domestic chaser, 4-7

Waste

Dear Board: Please stop wasting our money during these trying economic times with frivilous projects when the important things need to be attended to. We DID NOT NEED new furniture on the 44th floor and at the pool at this time. We DID NOT NEED to spend all that money on the gym at the time it was spent. We did not need to spend all that money on the front desk, or for fingerprinting, or the bike room or for a ramp that is worse than ever, or for the holiday decorations that made the lobby look like a funeral home. If money needs to be spent, spend it on the aging structure!

Good vs. Evil

I feel like the "rock creature" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEDLI3baJpw Comments?

Ruffled Feathers?

The 6th annual pillow fight took place in Union Square yesterday as about 1000 participants enjoyed the good weather. Started in NYC, procedes from the pillow fight go to a no-kill animal shelter. Pillow Fight Day has now spread to other cities around the world. Not to worry, the mess used only synthetic pillows, no animals were hurt for this fun event for a worthy cause. http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/04/02/union-square-hosts-nycs-6th-annual-pillow-fight-day/

Happy April Fool's Day