text:
East #14: Kristin's Cozy Village Studio
PLEASE NOTE: Due to yesterday's server crashes, we'll be extending the voting period of the previous entries commensurate with the outage time.
Name: Kristin
Location: West Village, NYC
Size: 525 sf
Rent/Own: Own
What is the advantage of SMALL? Small kind of forces you to be organized and to be more innovative with your space. But it also makes you appreciate space so much more. I love living in a studio because I like the open space and the flow of the rooms. When my friends come over we can spread throughout the place and it never feels cramped...
What's your favorite resource for your home?
I get a lot of my ideas from Domino magazine and (of course) apartmenttherapy.com. All my furniture are from different stores, but I love shopping for accessories at Anthropologie.
What is your one favorite element in your small, cool home?
I love my little dining nook. I can use my table as my work space or for eating. It's also right next to the kitchen which is convenient because I'm always cooking.
94 Comments
i love it! can i ask where you got your curtains?
My favorite one so far! The layout reminds me of Carrie's apartment in Sex and the City!
This is a total Carrie apartment! I love it.
you have a cool house.
I love the light, airy feeling in your bedroom, and I love the configuration of your photos. The placement of the sheepskin doesn't make much sense to me. Maybe it would look better at the foot of the blue chair?...
this is my favorite. what is your wall color? very serene.
Love it! I also love the curtains, and would love to know where they came from! I'm also always impressed when people manage to be successful with mixing and matching styles and colours and patterns - i think that's so much harder to do in a small space and still have the place look cohesive. I also like that this place looks really real and lived in.
Wonderful space! I especially adore the blue wing chair you have. It works so well with the otherwise fairly neutral palette of your apartment.
This is the first comment I've posted in the contest, but I wanted to let you know that you have a very sweet apartment. I love the mix-matchiness of it!
I am lovin' this place. It is also my favorite so far.
Fabulous! I want to pack my bags and move into this place.
it's beautiful. i especially love the deep blue in the dining nook. and the curtains. and the coffee table. and just the *feel* of it. and i'm glad that i'm not the only one who's reminded of carrie's apartment in sex and the city :)
LOVE LOVE LOVE! Thanks for sharing!
Put me down for loving the hell out of your unit. This is what I hope to see on this site. Great job.
To create an airy feel in a small space is a huge challenge. You completely nailed it. And I love the fact that's it's not completely barren. Absolutely beautiful and filled with personality!
Second the request for your wall color. Love it!
Love it, love it all! I've been searching for the "right" deep blue/navy paint...could you please share the color you used in your dining nook?
Someone was asking about the curtains...I believe they are from Anthropologie (I too love Anthro for home accessories...looks like Kristen does too...a number of her pieces are from there)
What a great place. I love your arm chair, and the collection and arrangement of pictures over your bed.
what color grey is that on the walls! it's perfect. as is everything in the apartment. i've wanted that blue pinstripe chair everytime I've seen it... please tell me it is NOT anthropologie (I'm not allowed to shop there.)
This is absolutely gorgeous!
I love this apartment. It looks cozy, lived in and not over done. Super Cool.
LOVE IT! I wish it was my own. Super cool vote for you!
Yes, the blue chair is also Anthro.
So full of light, just the right amount of furniture, it seems: not crowded, but not furniture-showroom.
You would think that given the L shape of the room & the arrangement of the furniture against the walls, that this would feel like a bowling alley- but it doesn't.
Out of curiosity, do you have a workspace/desk hidden in those cabinets someplace? Or next to the dining nook?
super cool.
This is great! I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks so. I love little touches like your jewelry incorporated into a LR display. Love the table and chairs. And wish my three-times-as-big bedroom was half that cool.
I love it! Definitely super cool.
Great inspiration for multipurpose spaces -- seems very cozy and inviting. I also love Anthropologie for accessories. :)
Some shots I LOVE.
Some shots don't hold together for me.
Nice. Is that some kind of flat-screen monitor in the kitchen, just through the doorway and to the right?
Really quaint. Love the layout with the bed in the alcove and the big chair. Not crazy about the set up of the TV and such, looks a bit cluttered but I votes Super Cool.
Super cool! Super cute! I adore your place. It was one of the few entries where I paused longer than normal to look at the photos. So much detail, and it melds together just perfectly. Job well done.
This is perfect - it is small and cool in every sense.
I love that it is not cluttered, yet there is enough to see that let you know a real person lives there and uses that small space well. Especially the little mirror and necklaces hanging, the robe hook, shelf as bedside table...etc.
Great entry!!!
Looks like you've got a few sweet things from Urban Outfitters as well. Nice apartment. For a studio that's a good layout.
Kristin, I think people like your apartment...
Sublime - in the biblical sense.
Very nice. I like how you managed to make your necklace storage into decoration.
Great space, I really like the first shot. The space looks inviting and relaxing but not overdone or stiff.
It's so beautifully composed! Clean but not sterile, stylish not too cutesy... I love it!
Everyone said it for me!
I love it so much! Any chance you want to switch apartments? Its just so great! Good job!
Wow! My favorite! Can you come decorate my place? :)
love it! did you reupholster your dining chairs yourself? love joel dewberry.
PERFECT. accessories, and right punch of color too. I <3 it.
love it. very welcoming and warm, great pieces without being obvious. Love the grey paint.
What a charming nest you've made for yourself! I gasped from the prettiness of the living room as it appeared.
I love it! This is my favorite (aside from mine of course!)
Great job!
I think this is my favorite too! Where did you get the dining table and the white chair?
I love your place. I would describe it as looking 'effortlessly stylish' (but I am sure it did take lots of love and care to get it looking so nice). Super cool.
WOW! I love it!!! Please tell me: is that the double dip lamp from CB2?
I want to live here. Stellar job!
for me, best entry so far.
Loved the bedroom. As for the living room, I desperately want to come and move your furniture around. I'm disturbed by the row of "black stuff" along one wall. It seems very unbalanced. Other than that, a great apartment!
I really like this one! I love how you mix styles, textures and patterns. Wonderful job!
This apartment is my favorite by far...so far. I love everything! Very inspiring.
I noticed your beautiful yellow retro step stool in the kitchen. By any chance, is it a remake or actual vintage? I've been looking for one just like it for what seems like forever.
Cozy and cute. Feels like home even though I've never been there!
Love the blue chair.
Really nice. I like the bedroom.
Very nice. I would do some editing, though.
Outstanding. Color palette is great, and just the right amount of accessories and texture variation.
Boy, I surely do not understand people's reactions on this site. I'm glad to see so many positive comments, though, instead of some of the nasty ones for other apartments.
I like this apartment a lot; I think you've set it up very nicely. I like that it's not white, I like that it doesn't feel sterile. I like that weird leaf accessory thing a lot, and the wall of pictures over your bed is a nice touch. I like many things about it, including the airy feel and calm colors.
Do you have any books? I cannot love an apartment without books, and I see none at all here. It feels like cheating, just a bit -- of course it's easy to set up a nice, airy-looking studio if you don't have any books! You've just eliminated one of the most difficult problems in decorating! There's plenty to like here, but, speaking about my own taste, some of my favorite things are missing.
Is this layout not similar to Carrie's in SATC?
i love it! please tell me where the coffee table is from!
love your apartment & the layout! and agree with all the SATC references. The chair in front of the window is exactly what I have been looking for - gorgeous.
My only suggestion would be that the entertainment system that your television is on seems to be a bit...bulky and doesn't really fit with the rest of your apartment to me. It kinda stands out. Other than that - love it and hope you make it to the next round so we can see more.
Your apartment is beautiful and well-balanced. It looks tidy but lived-in. I am not a big fan of baskets; however, they work nicely in your apartment. I'm also not a fan of the white bucket-looking thing next to your couch--is it a trash can? I am curious about what your interests are: reading, sewing, watching movies? I can't find anything to reflect your personality in your space.
How airy and bright and beautiful! I would love to wake up there to sunlight streaming in.
My one complaint would be that I think the side table next to the sofa needs to be moved over about two inches so it's not touching the couch.
one of the best!
Okay, I can vote Super Cool for this one. This is not only cool it also is actually what I consider small.
Kristin also did a great job of photographing all of her space, showing off the great angles but also showing the actual apartment. Great job Kristin and Good luck!!
zephy expressed my sentiments better than I could. It's a charming place, but "sublime"? Maybe by TV standards.
I am really surprised at how well this post has done... all of the furniture lined up on that one wall seems so weird to me. And the print of the puppy print over the bed means I can only vote cool.
Other then that I really like the space... I just think there is a better way to use the space. perhaps flipping the entertainment unit and the couch?
I love this apartment. I wish my studio had an alcove space. It's so spacious and uncluttered. Very nice. The sunshine is a great addition.
I must know where you purchased the lamp on top of your dresser (with all your jewelry on display). I have been looking all over for one just like it (they are very popular), but can't find one that's the right scale and not super over-priced.
The space looks nice and cozy. My favorite area is the bedroom - very light and airy yet homey. I also really like the brightness of the place. The only thing is that I don't think the look of your living area and bedroom looks cohesive. It is pretty much one space. One one side it's almost a solid wall of black furniture and the other side, there is no black at all and the furniture and fabrics are very light in color... just feels a bit odd.
Super cool - love it! Great use of space. Love the juxtaposition of textures in the living room rug, sofa and swooping lamp. Love the airiness of the curtains and light-colored bedding and that gorgeous navy blue armchair is a great link between the bedroom and living areas. Also love the armchairs in the dining area - you seem to have a great eye for fabrics.
I do agree there's a bit too much black along that one wall, but it's a minor nitpick because overall the space looks elegant and well put together, with a real mix of pieces and styles. Well done!
I agree that this place looks cozy and lived-in. But I don't think the layout does the space justice. I'd love to see how things would work with, say, the sofa rotated to 90 degrees - creating a seating bay, rather than a walk-through seating area; I'd love to see how the bed would look rotated 180 degrees, so that the headboard faces out, and maybe those black storage units placed back-to-back against it, creating a separation of space.
On the whole, while there are charming elements here, the place is not used as dynamically or inventively as possible.
Hey everyone, its me Kristin. I have been out of town and just came back today and saw everyones wonderful comments!! Thank you so much : )
I will try and answer everyones questions, but if I leave something out, I apologize.
First off, my paint is all Benjamin Moore. I don't remember the exact color names, but the dining room is Nantucket blue, and the rest of the place is called Silver Dollar Gray (I think!!).
Yes, the blue striped chair is from Anthropologie, and is only in my apt because I grabbed it while it was on sale. The curtains are from there as well. I love that store *sigh*.
That lamp on my dresser is a mix of an Urban Outfitters lamp base and another Anthro bought lamp shade. I agree there are so many that look like this and are so expensive!
Yes, I did reupholster my dining room chairs, and they are one of my other favorite elements. They are skandinavian teak chairs that my aunt and uncle bought for my grandma probably back in the 50's or 60's.(and I pretty much stole them from her apartment LOL). I love love love them because one has arms and the other doesn't, but they still go well together. I don't have a desk, but I use my white CB2 table as a desk when I'm not eating.
I definitely enjoy great design and testing out on my place, but I also need the comfort feeling because I love lounging, and everything needs to be functional. Everything in my place is not overly expensive. Most of it I found on sale anyway. I definitely am an amateur, so I am so grateful that everyone likes my space so much!! Thank you all again.
If I have left anything out, I will for sure post again ;)
I'm loving your pictures Kristin! I really like all the subtle accessories spread out across the apartment and also can't believe how well you have mixed and matched these unique pieces together.
In my opinion, Kristin's apartment epitamizes what this contest is about--a small, cozy space with a personal touch. While some of the other apartments posted here are nice, they are so ultra-modern and stiff and they seem to be lacking that "home-sweet-home" feel.
As many others have already stated, this is definitely my favorite entry so far. Good luck Kristin!
Just going back to a few other comments...
Yes, there is a small flatscreen on my kitchen wall. It's so convenient when I'm cooking so I don't have to keep running in an out of the kitchen.
The cosco retro stepstool is authentic, I think. I googled it and found a website that sold it and the box it came in had the vintage advertisement on it. (i also saw it on target.com but was sold out at the time i wanted it).
I also noticed someone commented on that weird plant pot next to my sofa (hehe). I put all my remotes in there, so I don't have a noticable "remote control holder". So I thought that was kinda neat : )
i love this place! the decorations and furnishings are tight! this pad should win...hands down. i think carrie b. and her sex in the city mates can learn a thing or two from kristin.
An oasis full of character. I love the bohemian vintage look along with the colors you've chosen that creates this airy - lived in feeling! It definitely one of my favorites. Good job on making it a cozy spot!
i really love this apartment too! like many others, especially love the blue chair! great job, it just looks so cozy...!
Nice Couch!!! Where'd you get it? Did you have a hard time getting it into your apartment??
hi kristin! thanks for revealing the paint color! because of all the apartments i have seen on this site using BM's Silver Dollar... I went out to get a sample and was heartbroken to find that with my apartment (cave-like in its lack of sunlight) it becomes super dark and purple-y. I like it but the BF did not... one of these days...
to saya,
Hmm maybe it is a different name then. I was choosing between so many I really don't remember the exact name. But it really is very close to white (shouldn't be a dark shade) when you look at it in the paint can (I thought the store made a mistake!). But it looks much better on the wall, obviously. On the color swatches it was on the lighter scale of the gradient... if that helps anything. good luck!
Where did you find that navy chair. I 'need' to have it.
This is probably the most liveable studio layout I have ever seen. The bed area is very serene and inviting.
I'd love to see more, such as the bathroom and kitchen.
What an airy and creative space! Thanks so much for the awesome idea of the multiple photos over the bed... I am going to try that!:)
hi! i love your coffee table!! where is it from?
I really loved your apartment! That said, it is so-soo-soo not me, and I liked it very much anyway! Iâll vote for you because I really think your place embodies what AT was/is originally intended to be aboutâsharing design ideas...and making our homes and spaces places we want to live in!!
If you recall a few days ago, a previous house visit to Clair (NYC loft with raised bedroom spaces) popped on the site, and I thought it was interesting that it garnered so much attention and so many negative comments from âATersâ regarding its design and probable cost. I also find it interesting that (in the spirit of AT) I am able to find ideas that I love in both your places, and can think about how to incorporate them into my own place! So much for budget!! I think we all design our homes according to our lives and how we want to live themâregardless of budget (because if it something is really important to your home lifestyle, then, somehow, you will probably spend minutes..hours... days... weeks, months...and yes, sometimes years! working out how to incorporate it into your life/home). So kudos to you for finding such a nice design sstyle for yourself and being brave enough to share itsâ elements with us!
That said, FYIâmy favorite element is the swing lamp over the couch in your LR. So (like anyone else here wondering), will share your source for it with us?
As well, I am wondering if you would share the dimensions of your studio with us; I am especially curious about the actual size of the alcove area, the height of the ceilings (what length are your curtains), and the size of the dining nook/foyer?
TIA, and good luck!! I hope we get to see more of your place in the future!
I'm tickled with the use of space, especially the generous use of the identical baskets throughout. I myself might have included a transluscent panel hung from the ceiling at the end of the sofa's end table, just for a bit more bedroom privacy, but that's just me. Great space, I only wish I could see the kitchen and bath as well.
- all-22
اظافر .. رووووعه
اظافر .. رووووعه
كيف تحصلين على
ورموش مذهله يوم زفافك
كيف تحصلين على ورموش مذهله يوم زفافك
أجمَل قَصَائِد
وَعِبارَات دعَواتِ الزفَاف
أجمَل قَصَائِد وَعِبارَات دعَواتِ الزفَاف
شنط فرزاتشي
شنط فرزاتشي
نظارات شمسية
نظارات شمسية
شنط لأحلا
شنط لأحلا البنوووووووتات..
اطقم الماس
اطقم الماس
اجمل الازيااااااااااااااء
فساتين لأحلى عالم
فساتين لأحلى عالم
فساتين سهرة باللون
الاحمر الناعم
فساتين سهرة باللون الاحمر الناعم
اناقة الاصفر
اناقة الاصفر
الاسود متالق دائما
الاسود متالق دائما
ازياء سهره جنان
ازياء سهره جنان
حركات كووول للبنات
موضة 2009
حركات كووول للبنات موضة 2009
فساتين بيجننو
فساتين بيجننو واااااو
انا اتحدى وهذى صوره
من الف صوره هذى ذوقى
انا اتحدى وهذى صوره من الف صوره هذى ذوقى
تشكيله كبيره من
فساتين السهره
تشكيله كبيره من فساتين السهره
ازياء صيف 2008
ازياء صيف 2008 روووووعه
واو تسريحات بنوتيه
للعيد والمدرسة
واو تسريحات بنوتيه للعيد والمدرسة
مكياج اخضر جنان (
شلة الحلا كله )
مكياج اخضر جنان ( شلة الحلا كله )
I love your home. I have an Anthro-inspired place myself.
Am in the market for a new couch and can't afford the Anthro choices. Can you tell me where you got your sofa?
Thanks, Heather
Your place is amazing. I love the natural palette, and I must say, your floor plan is my dream apartment layout.
Heather, sorry I haven't went back to this post in a while. The couch is mitchell gold and bob williams (mgandbw.com). they have so many different style couches that are pretty affordable. once in a while they have upholstery sales too.
Your apartment is such an inspiration to me. Having a small NYC apartment myself, I can really appreciate what you've done with your space. I especially love your coffee table. Can I ask where it's from?
Your apartment is such an inspiration to me,i very love it
like as wow gold
Hi Kristin!
Just today I was trolling Apt Therapy in search of bedroom inspiration when I came across a picture of your bedroom. When I clicked on the link to access your home tour, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was the very same apartment I had bookmarked back in 2008 after seeing your amazing small cool space entry.
I don't know if you check in with this post all that often being that it is 2 years old, but on the off chance that you do, I was just wondering if I could ask you about your bedding - in particular the coverlet/duvet and pillowcases (which appear to have a pink/grey color motif to them). Both are beautiful and I'd love to know more about them and where you found them.
Thanks in advance!


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KTeV (Kaons at the TeVatron) is a collaboration of experimental groups from Arizona, UCLA, UCSD, Chicago, Colorado, Elmhurst, Fermilab, Osaka, Rice, Rutgers, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The new experiment was constructed beginning in 1992 and took its first data beginning late in 1996. All institutions contributed to the measurement described below.
KTeV studies a large variety of very rare kaon decays and several results have already been reported. Its main purpose was to measure the quantity e'/e (epsilon prime divided by epsilon) which, if non-zero, would signal a new form of CP violation.
CP violation, a difference in the behaviour of matter and anti-matter, was first discovered in the famous experiment of 1964 for which Jim Cronin and Val Fitch received the Nobel Prize. The magnitude of this effect is parameterized by the parameter epsilon which is about 0.0023 . Other manifestations of CP violation have been seen in the intervening years but they all can be traced to coming from this original effect.
The Cronin-Fitch, or epsilon effect can be described as an asymmetry in the mixing of the neutral kaon with its anti-particle. Ever since the discovery of the Cronin-Fitch effect, scientists have attempted to observe an effect in the DECAY, rather than the mixing, of the neutral kaon. Such an effect is called "direct" CP violation. One theory proposed at the time, the Superweak theory of Lincoln Wolfenstein, would have only mixing effects and no effects in particle decays.
The original effect was established by observing the decay of the long-lived mixture of the neutral kaon to charged pions. To see the new effect, physicists had to study the decay to neutral as well as charged pions, a much more difficult prospect since the neutral pions decay to high energy photons which are difficult to precisely measure. It is necessary to study the decays of the two mixtures of the neutral kaons, called K-long and K-short, to both the charged and neutral pion final states.
CP violation in the decay of the neutral kaon has been parameterized by e'/e. The Standard Model, if it correctly accomodates CP violation, predicts such a non-zero effect. The most recent experiments up till now had not established such an effect. A previous experiment at CERN reported a significant effect of order 0.002 , 500 times smaller than epsilon with good precision (3.5 standard deviations) but not enough to definitively say it was non-zero. Furthermore, a previous Fermilab experiment saw an effect about three times smaller than the CERN experiment, not far enough away from zero to confirm the CERN effect.
Both groups learned from their earlier efforts and both launched new significantly better ones with improved strong points and corrected weak ones.
The strong point of the Fermilab experiment was that it employed a dual beam arrangement allowing simultaneous collection of K-long and K-short decays thereby reducing some important sources of systematic error. It also had an excellent charged particle spectrometer. Its neutral detector, however, did not have state-of-the-art resolution and its backgrounds were relatively high.
The CERN experiment excelled with its neutral calorimeter. In addition low background levels were obtained. But it had poorer charged particle identification and it used only a single beam.
For the purposes of this measurement, the key KTeV features were:
1. The electromagnetic calorimeter. Pure CsI crystals were used for this along with sophisticated read-out electronics and the result is the highest resolution device of its kind in the field. The main institutions contributing to this device were Chicago, Fermilab, and Osaka.
2. Reduction of backgrounds. KTeV uses a regenerator to make K-shorts and a much improved device which was able to reject background was built by Rutgers. Detectors for rejecting low-energy photons coming from unwanted decays were built by Colorado, UCLA, and Fermilab. And the beam itself, constructed by Fermilab, was significantly cleaner than before.
3. Event selection. To be able to collect data at high rates, sophisticated "triggers" using very high-speed electronic processors and computer systems were employed to select events. Colorado, Chicago, Osaka and Fermilab all played a major part here.
The first KTeV result on epsilon prime/epsilon was announced on 2/24/99. It uses about 20% of the data already collected. The analysis was done "blind" up until a week prior to the announcement. The scientists convinced themselves that the data was sufficiently well understood and the systematic uncertainty sufficiently small before "opening the box."
The result is 0.00280 with an error of 0.00041 . KTeV experimenters were shocked at the answer because a significantly smaller one was expected, based upon most of the theoretical predictions and upon the previous result from Fermilab.
The result is closer to the previous CERN one than to the Fermilab one. Intense scrutiny of the documentation for the previous Fermilab experiment over the past 4 years has failed to turn up anything that would account for the difference save fluctuations.
The result serves to establish, with nearly 7 standard deviations, this new CP violating effect: direct CP violation. It definitively rules out the Superweak Model as the sole source of CP violation. While the Standard Model predicts a non-zero effect, the size of the KTeV result is larger than many theorists would expect.
Averaging this new result with the recent previous ones gives a grand average of 0.00218 with an error of 0.00030, and the consistency between all four results is at the 4% level.
For the future, it will be intersting to see what result the full KTeV data set gives. Some of KTeV's sources of systematic uncertainty have been largely eliminated for its next run to begin later this year, in which they will double their data set.
It will be very intersting to see what result the new CERN experiment (called NA48) gets. They are expected to report very soon on a sample of data they have already collected. And the scientific community awaits the initial results of a completely different approach taken at Frascati (the KLOE experiment).
The KTeV result supports the Standard Model explanation of CP violation which means that other experiments in the future should be able to observe sizable CP violating effects, first in the mixing and then in the decays of B mesons.
A conference on Kaon physics is to be held at the University of Chicago in June and it is expected that the latest results and implications for theory will be a key element of that meeting.
The spokespersons for this effort are:
Dr. Bob Hsiung Prof. Bruce Winstein Fermilab The University of Chicago email@example.com email@example.com (630) 840-4007 (773) 702-7594
They can provide further information on the measurement and direct inquiries to experts on the beam, detector and analysis.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Of course he is set to preform in front of Obama, they have something in common – they hate America.
It is time to remove this little zipper-head bastard off of your kid's ipads.
AOL – In the past few months, Psy has become a household name associated with a light-hearted gallop-style dance. The South Korean pop star's "Gangnam Style" video has reached more than 900 million views, earning him some serious bank.
Many of the people singing (and "Gangnam Style"-dancing) his praises are American, including Madonna, Britney Spears and Justin Bieber. Unfortunately, it appears the love was not always reciprocal.
New York Magazine reports that during a 2004 protest attacking the U.S. presence in Iraq in the wake of the beheading of a Korean missionary, Psy was featured in a song called "Dear American." The group N.E.X.T. performed it, but Psy rapped some pretty controversial lines encouraging the killing of American soldiers and their families in retaliation.
The following are the lyrics he rapped in "Dear American:"
Kill those f–king Yankees who have been torturing Iraqi captives
Kill those f–king Yankees who ordered them to torture
Kill their daughters, mothers, daughters-in-law and fathers
Kill them all slowly and painfully.
As of now, the "Gangnam Style" dancer is still set to perform in front of President Obama… Keep Reading


text:
Well hello San Francisco…
Hig's Tumbls
a glimpse into the life of jeremy higgins
What's up with the fog LA? Pilots earned their keep on this landing. #novisibility (at Los Angeles International Airport- United Terminal 7)
at Dragon's Teeth
Good nite Long Beach. I gotta say it was a good day. (at La Palapa)
Rise & Shine Long Beach. Sunny & clear this AM. Snoop would be proud. (at Peterson House)
The lost art of hand painting billboard ads..still alive & kick'n here n LA! Amazing to talk to these guys today. What a talent!
It's almost time….
Aaah now that's better. Home sweet home.
…simply thankful…


text:
What is pysanky? Find out in Santa Fe! Southwest Egg Decorating Package with Artists for Hire / March 2012
DIY Santa Fe – 2012 Spring Break Package features exclusive lodging savings of 20% on the Inn's accommodations during the entire month of March, 2012.
Guests book their hotel accommodations directly with the Inn and Spa at Loretto at our Reservations Toll Free phone number: 866-582-1646 or online.
Guests reserve all DIY workshops and classes directly through the artist of interest. It is recommended that you contact the artist prior to booking your room reservation to ensure class availability.
Between the Cowboy, Native American, and Spanish culture, there is a rich history of shared symbols. Learn from one of the best egg painters in the country how to use those symbols to decorate a unique, Southwestern egg. With beeswax and candles, you will paint an egg using pysanky, a process that is 4,000 years old. In addition to having beautiful artwork you made, you will be educated about all the symbols you see in Santa Fe.
Fee: $142.00 + accommodations (The Inn and Spa at Loretto)
Dates available in March 2010:
- Saturday March 3rd, 2012
- Saturday March 10th, 2012
- Saturday March 17th, 2012
- Saturday March 24th, 2012
Time: 9:30 am- 12:00 pm
Max students for each class: 12
Phone: 505.795.8137
Address: Santa Fe, NM (TBA)
Note: People ages 7-12 must be accompanied by a parent.
[si-contact-form form='52']


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Lelystad readies for more bizav traffic
Efforts to establish Lelystad Airport as the main business aviation gateway for the Netherlands have received a boost as a result of a recent Dutch government decision to allow the main runway to be extended to almost 6,900 feet. Also, from early March, the airport has been able to nearly quadruple its annual traffic limits by aircraft weighing more than six metric tons (31,227 pounds) from the previous ceiling of 6,000 movements to 22,500.
Lelystad is owned by the same group that owns Amsterdam's main airport, Schiphol, and has sought to develop it as a way to ease congestion at the busy airline hub by providing an alternative for business aviation traffic. The runway extension work is awaiting budgetary approval from Schiphol, which, like most European airports, has suffered a dip in income during the downturn in air transport demand.
The existing runway at Lelystad is just over 3,900 feet long and it has an NDB approach for IFR operations. There are plans to activate an already-installed ILS by the end of this year and the airport has ICAO Category 5 emergency fire coverage. Standard opening hours at Lelystad are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, but they can be extended from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on request.
Lelystad is located about 25 miles northeast of Amsterdam. From a nearby rail station, the journey into the city center takes just 35 minutes and the drive can take as little as 30 minutes except during rush hours. Schiphol is actually closer to downtown but it is far more congested and business aircraft have to operate from a remote terminal on the east side of the airport. Lelystad also is conveniently located for cities in the east of the Netherlands and to several resorts on the North Sea coast.
The airport has a private terminal with lounges for passengers and crew. There is also a hotel and restaurant at the site.
Construction is now under way for a new large hangar that eventually will be able to take aircraft up to the size of the Boeing Business Jet. Other new hangars are being built to accommodate an aircraft painting operation run by the Dutch company Quality Aircraft Painting Services, which is part of the STTS group.
Handling services are provided by the airport itself or by independent company AIS. Airport managing director Lex Oude Weernink told AIN that he is keen to attract other business aviation service companies to Lelystad (Booth No. 597). oꆱ
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JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (AP) — A western Pennsylvania man has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and other charges in the death of a man that authorities said occurred as the defendant was robbing the victim.
The (Johnstown) Tribune-Democrat (http://bit.ly/19QDbQr ) says Thursday's plea agreement in Cambria County Court involving 20-year-old Keenan Snyder of Johnstown also includes charges of robbery and unrelated traffic offenses.
Snyder was charged in a November 2011 break-in targeting Robert Kuharcik (Koo-HAR'-chik), who authorities said died of a heart attack in the process.
District Attorney?Kelly Callihan said the victim's health problems made it difficult to pursue a conviction on more severe charges.
The judge rejected a defense request to allow Snyder to remain free pending sentencing to spend time with his family, saying his actions robbed others of a loved one.
Information from: The Tribune-Democrat, http://www.tribune-democrat.com


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Read more at Bake or Break.
Preheat oven to 350°. Line baking sheets with silicone liners or parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Using a handheld mixer, beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add peanut butter and mix just until blended. Add egg and vanilla, and mix just until blended. Do not overmix.
Gradually add flour mixture. Mix just until blended.
Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto prepared pans. Place a chocolate wafer in the center of each cookie and gently press down into the cookie. Bake 14-16 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Cool cookies on pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Makes about 40 cookies.


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Question: are the coasters only closed when the temperature drops below a certain degree or are they closed period?
Also, are indoor attractions like Curse of the DarKastle operating?
I am surprised that an amusement park that is trying to cater to everyone, chose to do a biblical retelling as one of the shows (even though it's a common part of the holiday season). I wonder what reaction the park gets to that. I don't think Disney or Universal would ever touch that.


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- You are here:
- Photos >
- peel p 50 and trident
World's smallest car headed back into production
by Zach Bowman (RSS feed) on Jan 22nd, 2012 at 12:03PM
We have a hard time imagining anyone would find the Smart ForTwo uncomfortably large or the Scion iQ too big for their needs, but a group of businessmen in the UK believe there's a market for even smaller transportation. The group has resurrected the Peel brand, and the manufacturer is now accepting orders for both the P50 and the Trident. Both models will launch with a 49 cc two-stroke gasoline engine making just 3.35 horsepower, but buyers will also be able to choose one of two electric motors as well. A brushless electric motor producing 1.6 horsepower and 2.5 pound-feet of torque can... Read More


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Everyone talks about the need for, or who is in the running for, the third receiver spot. I think we have the third in
Rowan: I wouldn't consider it one of the handful of glaring needs, but it also wouldn't be shocking to see the Cowboys pull the trigger on one if a player like Tavon Austin starts to fall. The problem with snagging a slot guy like that is the Cowboys like to use Miles in the spot, so that could become tricky. After seeing the Cowboys move so far up to grab
David: Depending on the mock draft you're looking at, people seem to think at least one of this draft's top receivers will be around when the Cowboys make their first pick. Guys like Austin, Cordarrelle Patterson and Keenan Allen are slated to go somewhere in the mid-to-late first round. So the possibility is certainly there. I personally think the team has more pressing needs at No. 18, but I wouldn't be surprised if they took a chance on a playmaker in the second round.
How will the signing of
Rowan:It shouldn't impact much. The Cowboys didn't invest a whole lot in Allen, so if he's a backup or special teams player, or even if he doesn't make the final 53-man roster, they wouldn't be losing a ton. The best players in training camp at safety will earn the starting spots. It could be any
combination of Church, Johnson, Allen or any other free agents or draft picks they settle on. His signing creates more competition a little bit of familiarity for the former Tampa Bay coaches.
David: The Cowboys should know better than anyone after 2012 that you can't have too many bodies. At the very least Allen should provide some depth to a defense that was decimated by injuries last fall, and he'll bring a veteran presence that should add to the competition. As Rowan pointed out, Allen wasn't a large investment, so anything the Cowboys get out of him would be a plus. If he happens to take away playing time from someone else, that's the nature of the business.


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Previous Story
Police Investigating Hit-and-run Incident
Posted On 07 Jan 2013 By Gant Team
CLEARFIELD – Clearfield Borough police are investigating a hit-and-run incident and requesting the public's assistance.
Police said the operator of a white Ford Ranger struck the fence at a Dorey Street residence. The pick-up truck was a single-cab and possibly a two-wheel drive. The operator fled upon seeing police presence.
A young Caucasian male was seen fleeing in the pick-up, which will have minor damage to the driver's side front corner, police said.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Clearfield Borough police at 814-765-7819.
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Written by:
A free country,authorities questioning our rights
no crime,no contest,a superseded street plight
peacefully discussing the right for your stance
self expressions,through a calm balance.
The road of life has many signs,riding the ruts
ethically speaking out loud,there is a few buts
when police intervene,trying their ways
to blind you with law,and you make them pay
With their own words,more indepthly sort
feeling a losing battle,will be bought
they mumble few warnings,then on their way
good afternoon officers,do have a nice day.
Paul Beadnall:
.Sponsor Brian Strand
Contest Name SEPTEMBER-YOUR CHOICE any theme/form max 14 lines


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Posted Jan 11, 2013By
Stars attend the 18th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards held at Barker Hangar on January 10, 2013 in Santa Monica, California.
Jerry Lewis, 88, is a comedian, actor, singer, screenwriter, film producer and film director.
The Gamble House unveils Machine Project's art installations, on September 18, 2014 as part of this year's
"Bewitched" was a sitcom about a beautiful, nose-twitching witch, Samantha Stephens, who is married to
A familiar face is taking over for a familiar voice at "Saturday Night Live." The show announced Thursday that
The Moth is a spoken word project that allows people to riff on a theme that relates to their life experiences.
Sherman Oaks-based natural builder Ray Cirino's bench and outdoor grill/oven made of cob: clay, sand and straw, s


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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
""I also have concerns that my children may have a pre-disposition to gaming addiction in the same way that the children of an alcoholic might.""
I facepalmed. Gaming addiction is hardly real imo as its not chemical dependency like alcohol can become or drugs. Yeah, I'm one of those people who dont believe in gaming addiction because theres no factual hard proof on the subject past some whacky therapists who run "anti-mmo-rehab centers" for thousands of dollars.
And it cannot go from father to son...How that would work anyway?
"Your father was gaming addict so you became one too on later age my son. Im sorry its ilness you can only cure by extensive therapy".


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fifty: the blog – A Brief History
It all began with a polo shirt. During an excursion to secure more of these wardrobe staples for my husband (Mr. fifty, if you will) at a local department store, it became apparent that while the price of these items continues to rise, the production continues to move further and further off-shore.
This realization hit us hard. Perhaps because both of us grew up in the Carolinas and remember an active textile community, we were devastated to think that among the 10 or more brand options the store offered none were produced in the United States.
We talked about it all the way home. Over the next few days and weeks, I scoured local stores and the web for American-made alternatives. I am happy to say that I did find several high-quality polo shirt options that are designed and produced in the states. We have purchased quite a few and have found them to wear as well as, if not better, than their off-shore counterparts. And you will love this — they are less expensive!
Having successfully found an American alternative for this one necessity, I became interested (ok – obsessed) with finding others. I did not know what I would find but I had a hunch there were other really well-made American products out there and that, like the shirts, they were worth finding.
So began my search. Luckily, I was right. It is amazing what is being made down the street, not to mention across the country. I began to share my findings with family and close friends who were as astonished and as excited as I was to learn about these great American companies. Based on their reactions, this blog was born.
The name fifty comes, of course, from the United States (50 at last count!). I could not think a better way to pay tribute to the people, places and products that inspired this search. It is my sincere hope that you enjoy the products discussed here. If you know of others, please share them!
- Ms. fifty
Please understand that this blog does not intend to be political. Buying American is a choice. The main impetus for my search was that that choice did not seem to exist in most stores.


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ATA board votes against detention time regs
The American Trucking Associations Board of Directors on May 18 called on policymakers to respect contracts between carriers and shippers and voted to oppose efforts at regulating detention time.
"ATA and its members value the time of our drivers," said Bill Graves, ATA president and chief executive officer. "However, federal intervention into this area would have significant impacts on the contractual agreements between carriers and shippers."
ATA Chairman Barbara Windsor, president and CEO of New Market, Md.-based Hahn Transportation, said the ability of carriers to negotiate rates, routes and service with shippers is important. "Federal regulation in this area would directly affect shipping rates and would significantly change the playing field for carriers and shippers," she said.
"No carrier wants to see our drivers' time wasted," said ATA First Vice Chairman Dan England, chairman and president of Salt Lake City-based C.R. England Inc. "However, this is not an issue that can be handled with a 'one-size-fits-all' regulation and as a result is best addressed in contractual agreements between carriers and shippers."
— Staff reports
Rest areas closing
Rest areas are closing nationwide, usually because of budget shortfalls. Missouri, however, is converting some rest areas to truck parking only.
The state's I-70 Mineola rest areas will be used for truck parking this summer. Buildings will be removed, restroom facilities will be installed and 17 new truck parking spaces will result from the change.
South Carolina is closing I-85 Northbound Rest Area at mile marker 88 on June 3. The annual savings will be about $220,000.
On Interstate 24, Illinois shut the Fort Massac Rest Area for six weeks for roof repairs and Illinois 164 Oquawka Rest Area will close Nov. 8 for improvements. Also, the I-57 Rend Lake Rest Area, southbound side, is closed and the I-74 KrisdalaBaka Rest Area near Woodhull was scheduled to be closed until July 1.
North Dakota has closed its Medina rest area on westbound I-94 because water is over the entrance ramp.
— Jill Dunn
OverdriveOnline.com strives to maintain an open forum for reader opinions. Click here to read our comment policy.
Top Stories
+25 percent: What double the liability insurance coverage will likely cost
One insurance rep cites a likely 25 percent increase in premiums for ...


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2462 Webster Ave has a Walk Score of 95 out of 100. This location is a Walker's Paradise so daily errands do not require a car.
2462 Webster Ave is a five minute walk from the Harlem, the New Canaan and the New Haven at the Fordham stop.
This location is in the Fordham neighborhood in New York. Nearby parks include Webster Memorial Playground, Flood Triangle and Bryan Park.
Nearby schools include PS 85 Great Expectations School, Our Lady Of Mercy School and Bronx Community Charter School.
The closest grocery stores are Mokola African Market Inc, Marion Deli Grocery and Cosme Grocery.
Nearby coffee shops include Dunkin' Donuts, Primavera Cafe and Dunkin' Donuts. There are 213 restaurants within a 15 minute walk including Three Way Restaurant, 3 WAY RESTAURANT and J D Caribbean Soul Fish-Chips.
2462 Webster Ave is near Fordham University, Monroe College and Yeshiva University.
There are excellent bike lanes and the terrain is mostly flat. 2462 Webster Ave is bikeable, there is some bike infrastructure.


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"I got a ton of feedback from family and friends that they loved the look and feel of this adorable address card. I absolutely loved the design! I would recommend it to my friends. The only thing you have to be careful about which is common when you're writing anything on this type of cardstock is smearing. I sometimes wrote an address and then accidentally smeared the ink. This has nothing to do with the card itself, its a user error just wanted to warn you to be careful of that! Loved it!"
"Perfect card- says it all, can add a note so I don't spent hours writing individual post cards! The only downside, the key itself wasn't as "glittery" as I had hoped for but overall a perfect card."
"Tiny Prints was easy to navigate as a web site. I was able to design my card easily and save it while I was away from my computer. Once I'd completed the design it was easy to order and the product was at my home even before the date they promised delivery. I wil definitely use Tiny Prints again. Thanks!"
"To those with discriminating taste or the love of an outstanding quality rich paper product, this is the product to purchase. The postcard comes as a rich matte black. Very impressive! I have purchased many items from Tiny Prints and never once been disappointed. Upon receiving this postcard, I realized why I shop here – I know that I am getting THE best! And as self-appointed royalty, wouldn't I know?"
"Easy to personalize, great colors, and was extremely satisfied with the overall look of the card. I was able to write a cute note to friends and family and still had room to put our new contact information. Family thought it was practical and "just darling"."


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Isabella Slater
F, #3151, b. 26 April 1869, d. 24 August 1871
Isabella Slater|b. 26 Apr 1869\nd. 24 Aug 1871|p3151.htm|William Sclater|b. 24 Jan 1832\nd. 27 Jan 1891|p2732.htm|Isabella Mair|b. 15 Nov 1839\nd. 20 Mar 1883|p1421.htm|George Sclater||p2733.htm|Anne Wood|b. 25 Dec 1800\nd. 11 Oct 1874|p2250.htm|Joseph Mair|b. 5 Jul 1806|p1379.htm|Catherine Mair|b. c 1811|p1418.htm|
Isabella Slater was born on 26 April 1869 at Parish of Seafield, Banffshire, Scotland.1 She was the daughter of William Sclater and Isabella Mair. Her family was known by the tee-name of "Wildie". Isabella died on 24 August 1871 at Portknockie, Banffshire, Scotland, at age 2.2,3
- Charts
- Chart (box): Descendants of James Mair "Bobbin" (b. 1755)
Chart (indented): Descendants of James Mair "Bobbin" (b. 1755)
Chart (box): Descendants of William Wood "King" (b. c1695)
Chart (indented): Descendants of William Wood "King" (b. c1695)
- [S2542] LDS Church, International Genealogical Index, "Isabella Slater, female. Birth: 26 APR 1869 Seafield, Banff, Scotland. Father: William Slater. Mother: Isabella Mair."
- [S3255] Isabella Slater, Register of Deaths in the District of Seafield in the County of Banff, "Isabella Slater (Single), died 1871, August Twenty-fourth 12h noon at Portknockie (Rathven), Female, 2 years. Father: William Slater Fisherman, Mother: Isabella Slater M.S. Mair. Cause of death: Pulmonary Phthisis - 6 months, As Cert. by William Birrell L.R.C.P.E. & L.R.C.S.E. Informant: Wm. Goodbrand, No Relation, Not present, Portknockie. Registered: 1871, August 24th at Farskane, Jas. Cumming, Registrar."
- [S773] Robert Mair, Neil Pirie, Information kindly supplied by Robert Mair of Durham, England.


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Sign up for Yardbarker's daily Top 10 newsletter, the Morning Bark! Customize to get news on your favorite sports and teams.
Found December 26, 2012 on Steel City Blitz:
PLAYERS: Heath Miller, Maurkice Pouncey
TEAMS: Pittsburgh Steelers
TEAMS: Pittsburgh Steelers
For the 12th year in a row the Steelers will send multiple players to represent the team in the annual Pro Bowl game. Now, multiple normally implies more than 2, at least in my mind but considering how this season as gone there really weren't many deserving on the team unfortunately so we'll take what we can get right? This is the fewest number the team has sent since 2000 when Jason Gildon was the only one. Heath Miller was selected to his 2nd career pro bowl, the first time in 2009, but will be unable to play in the game of course due to the pending surgery on his injured knee. The damage done is extensive and will require a long offseason of rehab for Miller but it's not anything career threatening, at least not that anyone has let on. If there is a silver lining to this, he'll have the entire time from now until September to get ready and hopefully be able to go. We saw as recently as last season that you can come back in 9 months and be effective after a torn ACL; both Max Star...
Original Story: http://www.steelcityblitz.com/2012/12...
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Steelers TE Heath Miller To Have Knee Surgery On Thursday
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Steelers Vote TE Heath Miller Team MVP
Heath Miller suffered a torn ACL & MCL
Steelers Make Several Roster Moves On Wednesday – Miller, Taylor, Batch To IR
Injured TE Miller, DB Taylor to miss Steelers' finale
Is Chief Award Casey's Parting Gift?
Heath Miller and Art of Humility Maintenance
Steelers place three players on IR
Steelers Offensive Line Breakdown – Cincinnati Bengals – Week 16
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Eileen, right, and Susan Schor, Chief Culture Officer/Facilitating Leader, join Irvington employees in toasting EF's award as one of the 50 Best Small & Medium Companies to Work for in America. EILEEN FISHER has appeared on the list every year, starting in 2004.
Benefits: Joyful Atmosphere
Clothing Allowance:
An annual clothing allowance is given to employees to purchase EILEEN FISHER clothing. The purpose of this allowance is to: encourage employees to wear the clothes while representing the company, both internally and externally; learn more about our clothes by "living" them; and, enjoy wearing our clothes and feel proud of our product. Generous merchandise discounts are also available to regular employees at our stores.
Sample Sales:
On-site sample sales are held periodically at our company offices, which allow employees to purchase samples at a greatly reduced cost.
Service Awards:
We recognize and value an employee's commitment and dedication for their years of service. Milestone anniversaries are commemorated with cash awards and other gifts, and honored at an annual luncheon.
Community Gatherings:
Employees have several opportunities throughout the year to celebrate their accomplishments and socialize among colleagues. Every season, we hold company meetings at our three company locations. Every month, employees gather to recognize birthdays and anniversaries of co-workers. We also organize an annual holiday party and summer barbeques.
Peer Partner Program:
New employees may be paired with a peer partner during their first three months with EILEEN FISHER. Peer partners connect with new employees to serve as their personal resource and share additional information about the company.
Summer Hours:
During the summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day), many departments participate in summer hours, where work schedules vary to allow for a longer weekend.


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Our Other Events
Russia & CIS Hotel Investment Conference
20-22 October 2014
Radisson Royal Hotel, Moscow, Russia
North America Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference
19 - 21 November 2014
Chicago, IL, USA
Asia Pacific Hotel Investment Conference
12-13 May 2015
Dusit Thani, Bangkok, Thailand
Turkey & Neighbours Hotel Investment Conference
Turkey 2015
Duncan Poole
Director - Hotels
The William Pears Group
Duncan Poole is a Director at The William Pears Group and leads the group's investment activity within the hospitality sector.
Previous to his recruitment by Pears in 2011 Duncan was Head of Hotels for West Register, the real estate work-out vehicle of The Royal Bank of Scotland. During his time with West Register Duncan led the acquisition of over 40 hotel properties including the restructuring and joint venture acquisition of the Jarvis Hotels group.
Prior to RBS Duncan part of the Capital Markets team at CBRE Hotels where he advised on around €3billion of hotel transactions across the EMEA region.


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New User
Novice Urban Cyclist Seeks Commute Advice
June 2, 2010
I'm going to start commuting to work by bike soon (some of the time, anyway). Help me with a few specific questions and give me general advice on making my commute by bike the kind of thing I'll want to stick with.
Specific questions:
1. My office has no showers or suchlike. So:
a. Where in Manhattan near 23rd Street and Broadway can I shower for free or cheap after my commute?
b. If no such places exist, what can I do to freshen up after a ride?
2. Gear:
a. What are the best bags for cycling? Will I be fine with a plain ol' L.L. Bean backpack, or do I need something else?
b. Where should I look to find helmets that are not ugly, don't cause horrible helmet hair, are fairly inexpensive, but actually do their job?
c. What gear do I probably need but don't know about yet? (My bike is an inexpensive folding model.)
I've previously asked about the best route, and have several options I'm going to test out.
posted by
Travel & Transportation
(44 answers total)
24 users marked this as a favorite
1. a. no idea but there's like a million smallish gyms around there
b. keep a towel at work. if you can pull off biking in and then changing into clean clothes, most people won't even notice.
2. a. that's fine
b. not ugly? doesn't exist. they all cause horrible helmet hair. fuck it man. like i tell all my friends "you're already biking--you look like a tool to 90% of the population, so what's a helmet anyway?"
c. you don't need any gear. learn to patch a flat, maybe some general maintenance and you're golden.
like eddy merckx always said "don't buy upgrades, ride up grades..."
posted by
on June 2, 2010 [
1 favorite
2. a. actually, i should say that commuting with panniers instead of a backpack/bag is really amazing and feels great, so go for it if you want.
posted by
on June 2, 2010
I recommend varying the route you take to work. Select routes that have less traffic or go through parks, even if this adds time to your commute.
As far as 'freshening up' goes, without a shower I would bring a change of clothes and bike in shorts and a t-shirt and change at the office.
Regarding specific equipment; start with a bike helmet and purchase more accessories only if you feel the need. I like biking with gloves and a hydration pack (3L), YYMV.
posted by
on June 2, 2010
- I strongly prefer panniers to backpacks. You don't sweat as much, the weight is much easier to carry, and the bags double as a splash-guard when it's wet. Also, it's easier to do some light shopping on the way home!
- I've found that a small
packing cube
is great for packing my work clothes on the commute. I don't have a place to freshen up either, except for the bathroom, so it's easier for me to bike and work in different clothes. Less stinky that way! Though usually I find that I'm fine on the commute in (it's cooler in the morning), and that it's the commute after work that I, ahem, you know.
- I keep a pair of work shoes at the office, since they are a pain to pack and commute with.
- A cheap "wet bag" is good in case you pack your lunch and it explodes, squishes, or oozes.
- Helmets
ugly, and they all cause helmet hair. It's probably more of a challenge for women, but I tell me barber that I bike commute & that I need an easy to manage haircut.
- Do you have an iPhone or something like that? The Map my Ride application is free and kind of fun. It overlays your route onto a map, and tells you the distance and time.
Have fun! It's liberating to not have to sit in rush hour traffic!
posted by
on June 2, 2010
For the bag, do you have a rack on your bike? Do you have to wear a suit to work? The bag you should use will mostly depend on the answer to those questions.
As for helmets, NYC was giving away
last year. I don't know if they are still doing it.
For other gear, you should definitely get front and rear lights.
posted by
on June 2, 2010 [
1 favorite
Before I had two bikes stolen I rode a lot in the Miami Metro Area. No shower available at my work, so on really gross days I would do the paper towel freshening before putting on my clean clothes. (extra care for armpits, and face, and if your thighs get sweaty, that crease between the thigh and the leg may need some attention.) I'm only here two days a week, and often I'm the only person in the store. But sometimes a customer would follow me in 10 minutes before opening. That was a little awkward.
Try to make the last few blocks of riding a cool down, rather than barreling through those last few lights. If you're late
and>/i> sweaty, it's much more noticeable than just being late. Or sweaty. Try not to get so pumped up that you're red in the face for 20 minutes after arriving. A cool water splash can help with that redness, but, ya know.
Gear wise, you might want a rear view mirror for your bike, but I never had one.
posted by
on June 2, 2010
I'll echo the recommendation for a pannier instead of backpack.
Velcro straps to bind your pant leg and keep it out of the chain can save a pair of pants.
If you'll be biking at dusk or after sundown (dusk is worse), you'll want a headlight and blinkies.
I wouldn't bike without the means of fixing a flat (patch kit and pump), but I suppose in Manhattan with a folder it'd be easy enough to fall back on the subway.
is the NYC cyclist's friend.
posted by
on June 2, 2010
C. If this is in NY and you plan on locking up outside you are going to need a
very good lock
& good locking strategy
posted by
on June 2, 2010
1b. I typically just bring a clean shirt and deodorant and a light towel; just splash water, wipe down the sweat, and I'm good to go.
2a. A backpack traps sweat on your back and gets uncomfortable on long rides. Panniers are really worth it. A messenger-style bag works as well.
2b. Cute helmets exist.
is a popular brand, if it suits your aesthetic.
2c. Lights, so you can ride at night; I like the silicone "frog lights" because I can take them on and off easily (so they don't get stolen) and there's no risk of them snapping, which always happens to cheap plastic lights eventually. Sunglasses for the summer. Straps for your pant cuffs so they don't get ripped in the gears (or you can just roll them up if they're casual pants). A really good lock. Gloves for when it's chilly or damp. Eventually, ear and face warmers, a rain coat, and rain pants, if you're hardccore enough. A bike pump at your home, so you can keep your tires at the right pressure without going to a bike shop -- having fully inflated tires makes a huge difference.
posted by
on June 2, 2010
Do you have, or are you willing to pay for a gym membership? I considered my bike ride the 'cardio' section of my workout, and would head straight to the gym (and showers) once I arrived. There are a few gyms within a couple of blocks of 23rd & Bway.
A good headlight and taillight are an absolute must - anything with 3+ LED bulbs will throw out enough light. And before you say "I don't need a headlight, everywhere I'll go is well-lit!", it's not for you to see - it's for you to *be* seen - I can't tell you how many times I've nearly hit/been hit by bicyclists zooming by in the dusk/dark, assuming I have super-x-ray-vision. A blinky headlight? You will be seen.
posted by
on June 2, 2010
I second the gym membership, I bike to the gym in the morning (near my office). Take a shower there and change into my work clothes. Then I bike the remaining few blocks to my office, wherein I towel off and drink a big glass of water and I am usually pretty good to go after that. After work I work out, then ride home, so hooray for extra exercise!
Also, helmets look stupid, looking cool isnt their job, protecting your cranial matter is their job and frankly it is the only thing I am concerned with as far as they go. Helmet hair looks stupid, but I vastly prefer it to the potential alternative of drooling and pooping myself for the rest of my short miserable life. (also I am a dude and I have a buzz cut, so take that with a grain of salt)
posted by
on June 2, 2010
I really like
Giro helmets
. I would recommend the Indicator model for only $40.
posted by
on June 2, 2010
As for gear, I'm very fond of my
Commuter Garment Pannier
from Nashbar. Allows me to keep ironable office clothes relatively wrinkle-free (and water free if I'm cycling in the rain as the bag is waterproof).
As for helmets, I think think the skater style ones are OK-looking, and while they are way too pricy for me,
Yakkay Helmets
are pretty stylish. All helmets cause helmet hair, that is why it's called helmet hair. Bring a comb with you to sort that out when you get to work.
Gear you might need and not know about: check the local laws in your city! For instance, I'm legally required to have a bell on my bike, even though I think they're obnoxious and I don't use it. (If I'm passing a pedestrian, I tell them I'm
on their left
which is a lot more helpful that hearing some stupid bell ringing at them.) Also, they're really cheap, so there's no reason not to have a blinker light on your back. This will make you much more visible to cars.
posted by
on June 2, 2010 [
2 favorites
1. Your morning commute may be cool enough to not really need a full-on shower, a lot of the time. You may be able to get away with wearing your nice work pants/skirt on the bike, plus a T-shirt, and just pack your nice work top. (I used to work with a guy who biked about 20 miles each way, and he packed a complete change of clothes every day because we didn't have a shower. He propped his bike in his cubicle, festooned with drying cycling clothes like a clothesline, but they never stank up the joint. It was sort of colorful and cheerful, in a way.)
If you can manage it, leave a few pairs of office dress shoes at work - the ones you wear most often. They're bulky to pack and if you leave them under your desk, or some other place with good ventilation, they won't stink up your cubicle because they will dry out quickly.
2a. Panniers, like everyone else says.
2b. Embrace the look. Sneer at the planet-trashing motorists who arrive with perfectly groomed coifs. (Serious answer: maybe you can keep a spray bottle of water at work and wet your hair down, then comb it back into place. May not work for your hair type and 'do, but it's worth a try.)
2c. Since it's a folder, I assume you'll stash the bike in your office somewhere. If not, ask other NYC cyclists what kind of lock they recommend.
posted by
on June 2, 2010
For the bag, do you have a rack on your bike? Do you have to wear a suit to work?
My bike has a small rack over the back wheel (the wheels are 20"). I don't have to wear a suit, but I often wear dresses.
Regarding panniers: I'm going to be folding and storing my bike in the office. Are there panniers that double as a bag that can be carried?
I'm not getting a gym membership. I can't afford one.
posted by
on June 2, 2010
There is this stuff called
Rocket Shower
that might work to keep you fresh without a shower, as long as you also bring a change of clothes.
It's pricey for what it is, but they list the
and I suspect you could whip up your own for minimal cost if you buy the ingredients at a natural food store and play around with the ratios until you get something acceptable.
posted by
slow graffiti
on June 2, 2010
1b. I've been using
Rocket Shower
lately. You spray it on when you're changing and wipe with a dry washcloth. I suppose diluted rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle would work too, although it might dry out your skin.
2b. Any bike helmet you can find in a bike shop will do the job it was meant to do.
2c. Clothing that wicks. Sweat-soaked cotton is no fun at all. A shirt is a must. My ride is long enough that if I don't have wicking underwear I get saddle sores. REI has good stuff, but there are probably cheaper options out there.
posted by
on June 2, 2010
Cute helmets exist. Nutcase is a popular brand, if it suits your aesthetic.
Agreed! I like Nutcase, and I personally have a helmet from Mace that people literally roll down their windows in cars and stop on their bikes or while walking to tell me is a great helmet - and frequently.
I may be delusional, but I also find that the hole arrangement on my helmet somehow helps me NOT have helmet hair - and even puffs things up a bit (I have hair that's prone to limpness). Look for a
"skate" style
for commuting, as they are way less dorktacular than regular sporty helmets. They are becoming much more widely available.
Also, if you can do it, keep work clothes at work. It's not necessary to bike in spandex bike gear (I don't - I typically wear jeans and whatever top I'm wearing to work), which is nice if you intend to go somewhere before or after work and still look like you could be a two-legged or steel-box-enclosed person.
posted by
on June 2, 2010
Have you given any thought to rain gear? I have a nice pair of rain pants I bought on sale 7-8 years ago for around $60 that I still use (can't remember the brand - but they weren't bike specific). When I rode in the winter in Chicago I wore them as a shell over my pants and they kept me pretty warm down to like 10F. The other nice thing is that they fold into a pouch that I just keep in my pannier.
For a jacket I just use a plain outdoorsy type rain shell that has ventalation. I found mine at a goodwill for like 8 bucks. It rolls up pretty small, so I can keep that in the pannier too.
Properly girded, you might fine that riding in the elements is kind of exhilarating.
posted by
on June 2, 2010
2a. What ever you find comfortable is best; like others, I prefer panniers, especially if being not-sweaty is important.
2b. I can't think of any at the moment, but maybe take a browse through the
Let's Go Ride a Bike blog
for cute helmets (and other girly biking things).
2c. I can't believe no one has mentioned fenders! The shape of your folding bike may make it less necessary, but I can't imagine riding w/out fenders. Gloves, not just in the winter, but fingerless for warmer weather. (Watching the nurse brush road gravel out of one's SOs palms will do a lot to make sure you always wear your gloves.) Also lights as others have recommended -- they are probably required by law, among other things. (Speaking of which,
Bicycling & the Law
is a fascinating read.)
And have fun! Bike commuting is fantastic fun, in my experience, and great exercise.
posted by
on June 2, 2010
Are there panniers that double as a bag that can be carried?
Yes, almost any pannier will have a carrying handle, and many have a shoulder strap. Look for panniers marketed to bike commuters (rather than long-haul touring) and you should find plenty of options.
posted by
on June 2, 2010
1. My office has no showers or suchlike. So:
a. No idea!
b. I can't shower at work either. I wear bike clothes (or any kind of fitness clothing that wick away sweat and breathe) on days I'm likely to sweat a lot, and change when I get to work. A towel, deodorant, and perfume is usually enough for me. Sometimes I'll just wear something lighter (like a dress) and ride slowly to avoid sweating.
2. Gear:
a. If you want to avoid sweaty back syndrome from backpacks, try a tote bag (this depends on your bike's geometry. It may not work if you are bent over, as it won't stay on your shoulder) or panniers.
b. Buy a helmet for its ventilation and safety features. Depending on how long your trip is, you may not even need to worry about helmet head. I have a black Specialized helmet which doesn't make me feel especially dorky. If you go for the cutesy full head helmets, expect to be stinkin' hot.
c. You need a bike shop with whom you are comfortable. I don't know what kind of folding bike you have, so I couldn't recommend the best tools for you.
I ride my bike to/from work 365 days a year. Rain, snow, hurricane winds, etc. If you have questions about all-weather riding, message me and I'd be happy to give you more specific advice.
posted by
on June 2, 2010
Rocket Shower
Nutcase Helmets
Brightest rear red blinky I've come across
. Also, the
flash-flash-BRIGHT FLASH
pattern is an attention getter.
These ones cycle through something like six or seven colors or solid red. They also sell one-color Spokelits. At night, the pattern they make visually really cries out "Bicycle Wheel", and the shifting colors every few seconds is an eye-catcher.
-BE VISIBLE! Motorist inattention and obliviousness is as dangerous as the outright hostility you're going to encounter, and probably more common. Always be thinking "How do I make myself noticeable and stand out so that a driver listening to the radio is going to notice me and run me over by accident".
-Get a hold of your local bike maps. Your local bike commuters association probably has one. They'll have the local bike routes mapped out, which streets have bike lanes, which ones aren't bike friendly, etc. The 'Frisco one shows which streets have
inclines. Also, get active with your local bike commuters union. Great way to meet people and find out about what the locals who've been doing it longer have figured out about biking in your area.
In 'Frisco there's
The Wiggle
that allows a pedaler to gain 120' in height while doing at most 6% grades. The first time you tell a local "You can bike from Market Street to Golden Gate and it barely feels like going uphill", they think you're crazy until you show them.
Find out what your local version of "The Wiggle" is. And srsly, once you get to know the local bike routes and make with the monkey-powered zoomity a block or two away from the thick traffic, you'll be brushing bugs out of your teeth form smiling.
-Two words:
. Absolutely, positively, beyond a shadow of a doubt the bicyclists best friend when it comes to lightweight warmth that breathes. And it's wool so it'll still keep you warm if it get's wet. Cotton wicks heat away from your body when it gets wet. If you stop somewhere with a bit of a sweat on and it's cool and breezy, you will want to be wearing Merino rather than cotton.
-I don't wear "bike shoes" because I don't want to go "click" when I walk or change my shoes every time I get on/off only transportation. I quite like my
Odyssey Twisted PCs
. Lightweight plastic, good horizontal gription, inexpensive, and you can wear just about any shoe at all with them I pedal in
Vibram Fivefingers
. But whatever your daily shoes, the Twisted will probably handle them just fine.
Re: bags, I live in the Bay Area and the fashion is for 1-shoulder
. But it's my experience that the main advantage of that style is the ability to rotate the bag from back to front easily without getting off your bike, an important feature for a messenger picking up/dropping off packages. But I find that a 1 shoulder bag, especially when walking, throws my alignment and posture so out of alignment as to be unworkable. I roll with
this backpack
posted by
on June 2, 2010 [
1 favorite
I've been commuting for years and I firmly believe that the most important non-obvious accessory you can purchase is a good pair of
. Now that particular pair are just an example; you should be able to find a number of alternatives at any quality bike store.
When my feet are dry and warm I feel like I can suffer through any sort of inclement conditions. Of course, YMMV.
Good luck with the bicycle commuting. It's so so worth it.
On preview: seconding merino wool clothing. Bike + Wool = Pure Awesome
posted by
on June 2, 2010
Also, lots of biking magazines are geared towards the
spandex Easter Egg
racing or BMX crowds. But good ones for commute/utility riders are:
Urban Velo
Bicycle Times
posted by
on June 2, 2010 [
1 favorite
The best thing you can to do make sure you feel confident about freshness is arrive to work ten minutes early. That's way easier to do consistently when biking than it is on the train.
That way, even if you're a sweaty mess you can fix things before anyone really sees you. I am a male and didn't have the hair/dress issues to worry about, but when I was biking from brooklyn to the office in midtown every day, a cool moist cloth across my forehead, cheeks, and neck would do wonders. I tried to dress in clothes that wouldn't show sweat, and in our super AC'd office environment, slightly damp clothes dry on the body in just about no time.
posted by
on June 2, 2010
I apologize for not reading all the answers, but please consider just cycling there with the gear you have, going slow, without showering etc. pp. Cycling is fun, go for it and see what comes up. This is not something that needs extensive planning.
posted by
on June 2, 2010 [
1 favorite
My bike has a small rack over the back wheel (the wheels are 20"). I don't have to wear a suit, but I often wear dresses.
Regarding panniers: I'm going to be folding and storing my bike in the office. Are there panniers that double as a bag that can be carried?
Sorry for the assumption there. Since you have a rack I double
recommendation on the Nashbar Commuter bag. I own one and I'm happy with it. IT keeps my work clothes reasonable wrinkle free and there is enough space to tote along extra deodorant and what not. The bag has a shoulder strap and there is a hook attachment, so you can hang it garment bag style on a cubicle or coat hook. Plus it's a lot cheaper than most other panniers designed to hold work clothes.
Echoing what others, even if you plan to take your bike into work with you, get a lock. Here's
a good video
on locking up your bike in an urban area.
Also, you may want to check out brianogilvie's excellent response
on a
previous thread on bike commuting
posted by
on June 2, 2010
I'm not sure if the four crosstown blocks each way is too far to be worthwhile, but the
Chelsea Rec Center
on 25th between 9th and 10th is probably the cheapest shower you can get, with a 1-year membership for
And pingpong tables!
posted by
on June 2, 2010
I keep a pack of baby wipes at work and wipe down with one while I'm changing if I'm sweaty enough to need it.
2nding the Planet Bike rear blinky Pirate-Bartender-Zombie-Monkey linked to -- it's definitely the brightest one on the market.
A backpack will make your back VERY, VERY sweaty -- like sweaty that soaks through your clothes and then soaks the parts of the backpack that are touching you. When I started bike commuting, it took less than two weeks for me to switch to panniers.
I carry a spare tube, a little pump, a wind-up emergency light, and a little swiss-army-knife-type set of bike tools with me and those have saved my butt on more than one occasion.
posted by
on June 2, 2010
That one-shoulder bag is only for actual messengers and the h-words. It looks cool, but is a real pain on any kind of real commute - you need to constantly shift and adjust your weight to keep it balanced. Go for a backpack if you can't fit panniers on your bike.
Are there panniers that double as a bag that can be carried?
I carry mine into work & toss them under the desk. It is not very stylish at all.
posted by
on June 2, 2010
Lights to be noticeable. Definitely.
Perhaps a mirror on your left side so you can look @ cars who might try to overtake you and make a right turn. I saw one once and it looked kind of cool.
Nth keeping a towel at work.
And as a pedestrian, remember this is New York. Most people commute via mass-transit and/or walk and do NOT drive. Ergo don't be a smug a**hole biker. Respect pedestrians, don't run through red lights. If you wouldn't do it on a motorcycle don't do it on a bike. We're greener than you!
vehicles, however, as much as you can get away with.
posted by
on June 2, 2010 [
1 favorite
For bathroom cleaning, you can go far with a couple of washcloths. Soak one in the sink and add a little bit of soap in one corner - use that corner for a bit of a scrub in the smelly bits, then rinse/wipe with the other corner. Dry with a second clean washcloth or pat dry with washroom paper towel. Then change your clothes and you should be no smellier than anyone who came over in a packed bus.
posted by
L'Estrange Fruit
on June 2, 2010
Similarly, on the east side is Asser Levy at 25th street near 1st Ave. Same $75 will allow you in there as well (and several other places around the city.)
posted by
Obscure Reference
on June 2, 2010
Here are some of my strategies from about 3 years of year-round bike commuting in the southwest:
- keep deodorant and a towel at work, rather than trying to find a shower, which just adds several steps to your commute and seems like it would be discouraging.
- wear a synthetic or wool shirt, rather than cotton, on the ride, so it'll wick up the sweat and you won't feel salty all day. You can just hang this in your cubicle until it's time to go home.
- can't recommend booties and pull-over rain pants enough.
- take a shower an hour and a half before the ride -- that way your hair is completely dry by the time you head out, and you won't get nearly the helmet hair.
- tame lingering helmet hair in the sink at work.
- I used panniers for a little over a year, but switched to a Timbuk2 bag last year, purely for aesthetics (didn't want to have to have a permanent rack on my bike). I actually prefer the bag, because I can carry it around all day and it feels safer for my laptop than a pannier, but I've pretty much gotten to the point where I ride in my work clothes so I don't need as much luggage space as people who need to carry shirts, ties, etc. This requires some lifestyle changes and may limit employment. I disagree with other posters' concerns that shoulder bags shift around a lot -- mine doesn't. But I do try to maintain some hipster cred despite being old and fat, so maybe I'm in denial.
- plastic clip-on fenders from Planet Bike or similar.
- what everyone else said about lights.
Additional thoughts on helmets:
- Nutcase helmets are based on a skateboarding design, and are not nearly as vented as bike-specific helmets. I have one for skateboarding, but it gets hot as hell, and most of the time I just use my bike helmet for that, too. They just work much better. A $40 Bell helmet is exactly as safe as a $200 helmet, but not as adjustable. I fall a lot and have to replace them, so I just get the cheapies.
posted by
M.C. Lo-Carb!
on June 2, 2010 [
1 favorite
Office also has no showers. Switching from a sports bra to a regular bra goes a long way in removing bike sweat. Basically the system is: Ride to work. Lock the bike up. Take a ten minute cool down stop sweating walk around the block. Go to bathroom and change into fresh bra and shirt. Deodorant and you're golden.
A backpack will make your back VERY, VERY sweaty -- like sweaty that soaks through your clothes and then soaks the parts of the backpack that are touching you.
Where should I look to find helmets that are not ugly, don't cause horrible helmet hair, are fairly inexpensive, but actually do their job?
Also, I realize you're being responsible and looking for helmets, but there's going to a nice Sunday afternoon that comes along where you want to go to a park and don't have to worry about cars and you're going to leave the helmet behind. AND that's when Bike Voldemort is going to come from behind run you over, ride off leaving you on the pavement where an off-duty homeland security guy who was riding his bike will call an ambulance and then you'll spend the next 6 hours* in a hospital waiting room full of children coughing in order to let a nice doctor give you 8 stitches, in your scalp. Where they can't anesthetize well. Don't listen to the you-look-dorky-voice, ever. It is wrong and bad at time and health management.
Most of this stuff will work itself out on its own as you bike, you'll sort of incrementally upgrade your system. I was super worried about the shower thing , but its barely even a thing.
*Hold this image in your head. 6 hours of your life gone never to return because of one simple choice. I've found it to be a much more effective motivator than the whole you're gonna die thing, because I'm convinced I'm totally invincible, so that's not a problem.
posted by
on June 2, 2010 [
1 favorite
I've been biking to work most days since early April and it feels fantastic! It's kind of addictive.
I don't have a shower at work either, so to keep fresh I try to leave earlier in the morning before it gets too warm, and when I get to work I wash my face, freshen up (neck, pits, etc.) with
(found a bunch of the grapefruit style cheap at Marshall's and the natural citrus oil smells and feels clean and delicious), and change to clean clothes--at least a clean shirt.
I agree that helmets are a necessary evil and look stupid (and itch and are hot) matter what kind you get you're going to look like
. I also agree you should try to avoid a backback--Too hot and sweaty. I have a front basket on my bike for my belongings, it looks corny but it works great. If your folding bike can't accommodate a rack or basket I'd use a simple canvas tote bag (wrapped around one handlegrip) before dealing with a backback.
Helmet hair? Yes, you'll get helmet hair. But in a few weeks of steady biking you might also drop a dress size and feel like you've got more energy than you've had since college. ...Buy yourself a book, cocktails or little treats with the Metro/cab money you'll save each week.
Good luck, have fun and be careful of cars AND ALWAYS ASSUME THAT THEY DO NOT SEE YOU (cabs are the worst--Do they ever use their turn signals??) Watch for people opening their car doors. A yell is faster then a bike bell. Don't forget the sunscreen.
posted by
on June 2, 2010
1b - I find I don't need a shower. The trick is to cycle at the speed of comfort. If it's hot, don't put as much effort into the pedals, so you don't get as hot. If it's cold, put more effort in. Something else that makes a huge difference is:
2a - no backpacks, they'll make your back sweaty. It might be difficult with your foldable bike, but install a pannier rack or some kind of frame to hold a bag. Most bike bags and pannier bags are designed to attach and detach quickly and easily, so the bike will still be foldable.
2c - Look to Denmark - the Danes are the kings of cycle-commuting, and one awesome piece of kit they have is
. These are frictionless-generator powered lights that can be installed on a bike. So whenever you're cycling (and for a few minutes after you stop), your lights are on. Day or night. If you have lights that must be turned on by hand, you won't turn them on during the day, switching them on and off is extra hassle when you just want to jump off your bike and go, and their batteries get run down, etc. Ree-lights means you never need to worry about lights - you're always covered, day and night, no action needed on your part. But they're not cheap.
(The Danes also have ranges of bike helmets designed to look like regular hats, bowler hats, etc. Their cycle technology is completely different to what is on offer here in the USA, and well worth a look, if only to see cycle commuting done differently.)
posted by
on June 2, 2010 [
1 favorite
Having cycled in London for years, I have a few suggestions:
1. Buy yourself a really,
dayglo vest with reflective strips
for wearing on top of other clothes (get a loose one that will fit over a waterproof). The mesh ones are best, so you don't get too hot. Car drivers just don't register bikes; taxis will ignore you. Get good lights for nighttime riding.
2. Assume that drivers will turn right across your path or suddenly swerve in, leaving you nowhere to ride. People will open car doors just as you get abreast of them. Ride defensively. You need to be able to get off the bike very fast sometimes. Do NOT use pedal clips, or if you need them for the hills, get ones that can be slipped out of VERY fast. (
On the other hand, people have been really nice when I was cycling: a huge city bus once stopped and hooted to let me now that I'd lost my dinner off the back rack!
3. A backpack will unbalance you (too top-heavy). You can get bike panniers pretty cheaply on eBay. Get a rear rack and use panniers. Take two face flannels (in a wet bag) to wash the sweaty bits in the bathroom at work; soap one when you arrive and use the other to rinse off. It is always worth taking a change of underwear (tops and bottoms)
a change of socks, as you'd be amazed how wet you can get until you are really fit!
4. Keep a hairdryer at work. Your head will get damp as well as helmet-hair strange ... :-)
5. It is worth having mudguards fitted if you don't have them. Mudguards fulfill their eponymous function in wet weather; well worth the cost.
5. Buy a LIGHTWEIGHT multi-tool bicycle spanner and a tire patch kit that includes tire levers (in extremis, you can use a couple of spoons - learn to fix a puncture before you do this regularly). Puncture resistant Kevlar tape, or "puncture-proof" tires, are a must if you are cycling in the city, but you can still be unlucky and get a puncture from unusual garbage in the road. As another woman, I've found that storekeepers can be very helpful in providing an emergency bowl of water to find the puncture ... it seems worth it for the amusement of watching you fix the problem ... :-)
posted by
on June 2, 2010 [
1 favorite
Thanks for all the suggestions. Consider yourselves all best answers. It looks like at the very least, beyond a helmet I legally need lights, a bell, and some sort of reflective material on my tires. I'm also going to get panniers. Beyond that, I'll just start biking and see what seems to be missing.
posted by
on June 3, 2010
Oh, and tools in my personal kit:
Crank Brothers multi-19 tool
. Ultra lightweight, compact, if it don't got it you don't need it*.
Crank Brothers Speedlever
for getting the tire on & off quickly.
Here's how it works
tire inflator
. This one does both Presta and Schrader valves and accepts both threaded and unthreaded CO
cartridges. The cartiridges are steel and recyclable, and the first time you hear the WHOOSH sound and see your tire up at pressure without having to spend 25 minutes pistoning away with the portable pump by the curb, you'll appreciate this.
Also, just about any patch kit, though I'm not big on the self-adhesive patches. The glue is not hard to learn to use, and patching/reinflating a blown tire by the roadside and getting back up in the saddle is all kinds of a WOWCOOLIROCK moment.
-A pair of nitrile gloves in your kit will help keep your hands from getting grubby while fixing a flat by the roadside.
-After exhaustive research, Lexica & I have decided that the
New Belgium Brewing Bike Bell
is the Aristotelian ideal DING-A-LING that announces "Bicyclist" in a friendly, pleasing tone.
-In general, regularly clean and lube your chain. Not only will it increase your zoomity, a dirty chain dies sooner and wears harder on your gears.
*Except if, like me, you ride a bike with a
uncommon gearing that has one important nut on it that the multi-19 (or just about any multi-tool out there) has.
posted by
on June 3, 2010
Looks like there are
upcoming helmet giveaways
tomorrow on Governor's Island and 6/19 in Queens.
posted by
on June 4, 2010
DUDE! i do this daily! you should just call me and we can chat about it :D what kind of bike did you get???
okay that aside, my answer (repeating some of what's posted above):
1. My office has no showers or suchlike. So:
a. no idea.
b. as someone else suggested, wicking clothes are the best. bring an entire change of clothes, including underwear, bra, socks. drink water on your ride, change in the bathroom, wash your face in the sink, bring makeup to put on AFTER and make sure you get to work early enough so you can let yourself cool down. don't let the sweat make you panic. putting your hair in a ponytail for the ride and after will keep it from getting too damp in back. you will sweat a lot - summers here do that and it's gross but cycling is so worth it! when i sit at my desk i pat it off with a paper towel or you bring a small towel of your own... also a little fan at your desk (if the a/c in your building is not sufficient) really helps. also it's good to have a spot in your office to hang any sweaty clothes to dry, like tucked away out of sight under your desk.
2. Gear:
a. i use a chrome bag. it's huge and holds everything i need, including a change of shoes. it does create a wet spot on my back, but that's why the change of clothes. a lot of commuters get panniers, but i don't know if that is be an option with a foldable bike? (my pannier knowledge is limited to what i have seen falling off of people's bikes when not secured properly.)
b. you're gunna get helmet hair. accept it in exchange for your life being saved. make sure it's snell certified and replace it regularly or if it gets cracked. look online for how to adjust straps and wear it properly - i see so many folks with it too high up off their forehead! also, i just have a haircut with lots of layers that i can shake out after a ride - it's SUPPOSED to look messy! one way to avoid limpness - part your hair over to the side you don't typically part it on, squish helmet on. then after your ride, part it back the way its supposed to go. rub your hair at the roots to rustle it up again.
c. kryptonite ulock (for going out and riding somewhere after work) and flashing lights are key. you don't really need to worry about carrying about patch repair kits or anything if you're riding in the city b/c there are so many shops within walking distance if your bike breaks down. i do recommend it if you're going out on long rides though and it's great to figure out how to do on your own to save $. i often buy clothes from running shoe stores b/c they have a good variety of wicking clothes for women. shops i recommend: bicycle habitat is a pretty cool shop in soho if you need to pick things up, as well as nyc velo in the east village. gotham bikes in tribeca is okay in a pinch but not all the guys there are friendly. oh, last thing - i also recommend a phone call to a fellow cycling friend (AHEM) that would love to ride with you. NUDGE NUDGE.
posted by
on June 9, 2010
err i meant to post the stores as links but forgot:
bicycle habitat
nyc velo
toga bikes/gotham bikes
(they have two manhattan locations, one in tribeca the other on the upper west side)
time's up!
bike co-op is a great place to learn about bikes and bike repair with their workshops. they have women and trans repair workshops @ 6:30pm every monday at their manhattan location.
posted by
on June 9, 2010
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