text:
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
A fun read from Hong Kong!
Last night, friends had a strange experience at a swish new Bandra restaurant called 'Bungalow 9' , when they handed over their car keys to the valet who offered to park their car. When they finished dinner and emerged from the restaurant, they were told their keys were missing! One of the ladies from the small group is at an advanced stage of pregnancy.... twenty minutes of standing on the footpath later, it was decided she should be dropped home by cab and the spare set of keys to their car procured from the owner's flat in South Mumbai! It doesn't end here.... a stranger called 'Bungalow 9' much later to say someone else's car keys were in his car! How did they get there?? After all this inconvenience, the poor pregnant lady suffered some more and was sure she was going to deliver prematurely the same night ( turned out to be a mild case of food poisoning - to add further insult to injury). Am interested to know how someone in New York would have handled a similar situation. I'd say the aggrieved customers would have phoned their lawyers and sued the restaurant for mental and physical trauma. Justifiably so.
Seems like we have become a country of Lame Ducks! Don't worry, Manmohanji... you are not alone..... you have company! Lots of it!!!!
42 comments:
- Partha said...
Keep up the good work. Best of luck. From www.globalsaridelivery.com
- February 17, 2011 at 4:14 PM
When we are going to watch you on-screen?
- February 17, 2011 at 5:30 PM
- chennai said...
I liked this content/ article. I would certainly recommend the same to others as well. http://www.chennaiflowerplaza.com
- February 17, 2011 at 7:47 PM
- cmpershad said...
Oh! Now I understand why you euologised bollywood the other day saying they are spread all over mumbai, be it fashion show or any RUN.
- February 17, 2011 at 8:52 PM
- NAT said...
As you are aware that it is only after the horse has bolted, that the gate is closed..
We in India are so used to live and let live even at the cost of our own lives.
Another eating house in the Suburbs of Mumbai keeps between 8 to 12 gas cylinders in the society premises.
Sometime back there was a leakage in some of those cylinders and the smell had reached the 3rd floor flats. They had to rush down and inform the concerned person who got rid of the defective cylinders.
Most recently the same hotel kitchen caught fire. The fire brigade, police and concerned authorities were present. But your guess is as good as mine, as to how the case was squashed.
The residents are scared to open their mouth. One Dr. wrote to the Secretary about this danger, but it was put under the carpet. Yours truly has voiced his anger/protest, but with no support from the flat owners, nothing can be done.
They are waiting for a blast to happen, when innocent lives will be put in danger/lost.
The culprit has the audacity to say that there are gas pipe lines in the building, which could endanger the building. Even after explaining to him that these gas lines are official and for domestic use. This gas pressure is low and worst come worst can only catch fire, but not blow up. While his gas cylinders are illegal, with no permit from the fire brigade, nor any other authorized government body. These cylinders are liquifyed high pressure gas and highly combustible.
I informed the members to keep praying that their society does not hit the headlines any day in the future. Guess there are thousands of these cases, but no one to nip them in the bud. It is useless crying over spilt milk.
Prevention is always better than cure. Will we ever change?
- February 18, 2011 at 1:29 AM
- sunitha said...
Wow " lame ducks" ain't we all...yes the last para says it all about "we " the people in india.Loved your post as usual.
- February 18, 2011 at 2:54 AM
- Tsomo85 said...
@ Appu! We don't need to see her on screen or neither she would want to be on screen I bet. She is excellent & honest at what she does. So the question should be when is she going to script for any movies or daily soap. I mean, its been a very very long time since we had good & stylish tv show. We are waiting!!!!!!
- February 18, 2011 at 4:24 AM
- Tsomo85 said...
Back in days from the door/far away on top of (remote mountains) we used to see/ get darshan of (Bombay) through her scripted television show Swabhiman & love it. That too in (Doordarshan). What a combination. hehe
- February 18, 2011 at 4:38 AM
- Pooja Rathore said...
I read your interview(hongkong) it was fun , you look natural , beautiful ( you are not ageing at least your pictures show reverse ageing)in pics.
I liked the threesome picture of you( i love your smile) Radhika is simple yet beautiful and the Handsome Man(Amartya) and his confident smile!
- February 18, 2011 at 2:36 PM
- sudeshna said...
Very Good website. I like the contents. From www.expressgiftsindia.com
- February 18, 2011 at 5:46 PM
- sudeshna said...
The smiles of your loved ones, staying away from you brighten up when they receive your gifts. In no time, they start perceiving you are right among them. For details, visit www.expressgiftsindia.com
- February 18, 2011 at 5:47 PM
- ashwini said...
Hello, am new to your blog, but have been a fan for a long time. Loved all your blogs. Ma'm the success is all yours. We all love you as you tell things as they are and in your face.Lots to learn from your writing style.
- February 18, 2011 at 6:49 PM
- www.expressflowerssaopaulo.com said...
Gear up to celebrate this Valentine's Day in a sizzling manner to be with your soul mate. Out of the box and unique gift items are awaiting you. For details, visit www.rightflorist.in
- February 19, 2011 at 11:59 AM
- Shankar said...
After the festival and strong food if you liver suffers then visit www.khatorepharma.com for liver detoxification.
For strong liver, and Ayurvedic treatment of Hepatitis, Jaundice, Cirrhosis, please visit www.khatorepharma.com
- February 20, 2011 at 9:27 AM
- Satish Ashtaputre said...
Shobhaa Madam , your strange experience about 'lame ducks' is common in this country.Forget about lawyers & suing and all that; here local policeman or neta would come & advise u " Babano,bhandu naka! ek dusaryana sambhalun ghya.tumhi amchya bhavasarakhe,bahinisarkhe,apan marathi manase,ekmekana madat karyala nako?". and lastly he would ask hotel owner "kay te mandavali karun prakaran mitvun taka". Then; hotel malik would be kind enough to offer u a complimentary cup of ice-cream or a bottle of cold-drink. This is our incredible India & not New York or London.
- February 22, 2011 at 6:43 PM
- Neera said...
mrs. De i really like the way you share experiences.
- February 22, 2011 at 11:08 PM
- Kudrat Dutta Chaudhary said...
Your experience about LAME ducks is a daily routine of this country .
Its amazing to see how candidly you write and share your views ..
For more articles please viewe : kudratduttachaudhary.blogspot.com
- February 24, 2011 at 7:45 PM
- fernald said...
itz very good
- March 5, 2011 at 1:06 AM
Gifts to goa, Flowers to goa, Cakes to goa,Same Day delivery all over goa
- October 3, 2011 at 12:01 PM
- shenu said...
Gifts to India , Flowers to India, Cakes to India,Same Day delivery all over India
- October 4, 2011 at 12:30 PM
- gifts chennai said...
send gifts to chennai with www.giftschennai.com .You can order online gifts to Chennai delivery with us. Online Shopping of gifts for Chennai delivery is secured and assured with us. We are having local gifts shop at Chennai. Send Birthday gifts to Chennai and Wedding gifts to chennai with us.
- July 13, 2012 at 2:10 PM
- hyderabadgiftsflowers said...
Send Flowers to Hyderabad with www.hyderabadgiftsflowers.com .You can order online gifts to Hyderabad and all around India. Online Shopping of gifts for hyderabad delivery is secured and assured with us. Send Flowers to Hyderabad are online florists for flower delivery in India. Send Birthday gifts to Hyderabad and Wedding Gifts to Hyderabad with us
- August 17, 2012 at 11:37 AM
- Indian Gifts Center said...
Great to see your blog. It is really very interesting. Send Gifts & Flowers to India please visit.
Send Gifts to India
- August 18, 2012 at 4:09 PM
- Flowersbangalore said...
Send Flowers to Bangalore, Birthday gifts to Bangalore, Wedding Gifts to Bangalore, Anniversary Gifts to Bangalore with www.flowersbangalore.com . Now you can do hassle free shopping to send gifts to Bangalore . We have made gifts shopping easier. Buy directly from our florists gifts shop and rest assured for your orders. We take full responsibility for delivery of flowers gifts to Bangalore at all locations absolutely free.
- September 3, 2012 at 12:42 PM
- chennaicakesdelivery said...
send cakes to chennai, cakes to chennai, cakes to chennai delivery, cakes home delivery to Chennai with www.chennaicakesdelivery.com. Online Shopping of cake for chennai delivery is secured and assured with us. You can order online cakes to chennai and all around India. send birth day cake, wedding cake, anniversary cake with us. same day cake delivery to Chennai. our cakes are Delicious and freshly baked , made by the finest chefs in the country. Delight your loved ones with this simple and delicious combination.
- November 16, 2012 at 4:21 PM
- vadi said...
interesting blog. It would be great if you can provide more details about it. Thanks you
Gifts to India
- December 13, 2012 at 3:40 PM
- chennaicakesdelivery said...
send cakes to chennai, cakes to chennai, cakes to chennai delivery, cakes home delivery to Chennai with www.chennaicakesdelivery.com. Online Shopping of cake for chennai delivery is secured and assured with us. You can order online cakes to chennai and all around India. send birth day cake, wedding cake, anniversary cake with us. same day cake delivery to Chennai. our cakes are Delicious and freshly baked , made by the finest chefs in the country. Delight your loved ones with this simple and delicious combination.
- January 7, 2013 at 1:06 PM
- http://www.chennaiflowers.com said...
Flowers to Chennai delivery are free, safe and secured with www.chennaiflowers.com. We being Local Flower Shop are cheaper than other florists in Chennai. We deliver fresh Flowers, Cakes, Sweets and other gifts on door, you can order online to send flowers to Chennai .
- February 25, 2013 at 10:53 AM
- Puneflowersdelivery said...
Send flowers to Pune, flowers to Pune delivery,flowers to Pune, Pune flowers delivery, flowers Pune, Online flowers to Pune.
- April 3, 2013 at 11:37 AM
- Siva Cool said...
A truly motivational and life changing book
This book is really a good book which shows us right path. but i read
one more book named "ONE BOOK FOR LIFE SUCCESS" which is truly
motivational and life changing . .The writer has described in Plain English with lot of examples which is easy to understand...For More
Please watch the videohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biORjS8ngv0
- July 5, 2014 at 12:11 PM
- Return Gifts said...
I have read the blog and the information I got is very useful. I would like to appreciate the author for writing this informative blog
Navaratri Return Gifts Online | Wedding Return Gifts Chennai
- February 26, 2015 at 6:15 PM
- India Flower said...
Nice blog Chennai Online Florist
- March 23, 2015 at 11:30 AM
- Nandi Gifts said...
Nice blog post which gifts product of shopping site. It will be helpful to customer to purchase on Return Gifts | Indian Gift Shop Online
- April 15, 2015 at 12:05 PM
- India Flower said...
This is also a very good post which I really enjoyed reading. It is not everyday that I have the possibility to see something like this.
Send Flowers To Faridabad
- May 25, 2015 at 5:24 PM
- nandigifts said...
Excellent roundup with some really great information here
Return Gifts | Silver Plated Gifts
- February 22, 2016 at 4:49 PM
- Return Giftcart said...
I had always wondered this. Thanks for the post!
Wedding Return Gifts
- May 11, 2016 at 11:01 AM
- nortoncontact number said...
NiceNice blog, I like your blog you also see this topic blog, I like your blog you also see this topic
- September 23, 2016 at 2:11 PM
- nortoncontact number said...
nice blog thank for sharing this http://www.nortoncontactnumber.co/
- September 23, 2016 at 5:55 PM
- Babulak Kol said...
Web Design company in alipurduar
SEO Service in Siliguri
Website Design Company in Siliguri
Top 10 Hindi Blog
most popular hindi blogs
Happy Republic day
Happy New Year
Top 10 Tech Blog
Alipurduar Official Website
Alipurduar junction
- October 30, 2016 at 9:50 PM
- Wardrobe Treasures said...
great blog thanks for sharing us.
- December 14, 2016 at 5:00 PM
- Vaonline News said...
nice blog is this very intresting... i really big thanks for you..
- January 20, 2017 at 3:48 AM
- isiwal technologies said...
I Am Very Happy To See Your Blog It Is Very Helpful For Me And I Gathered Many Information From Your Blog Thanks For Sharing Your Blog With Us
- September 8, 2017 at 10:03 PM


text:
The truth about a complex built for veterans and the middle class and how it has evolved through the years to become one of the more interesting and controversial of New York stories.
Comment Policy
Management has two priorities: 1) Making sure money is made, hence upgrading and filling up apartments is their goal. "Amenities" are important in selling the place, though few residents use them. 2) If someone needs medical attention, Public Safety will be there, if alerted.
Quality of life issues are not that important, however. Things like the carpet rule or outsider dogs. These "rules" tend to be ignored, on purpose it seems. So you will see a lot that isn't taken care of properly, and complaints will be met with a creative excuse and a smile.
"Peace and quiet" must be a cruel joke, though this property is sold that way. There can be no peace and quiet as ALL apartments must be upgraded, which includes the installation of an AC unit below the window. Aside from the continual construction about the neighborhood, there is a new and noisy subway extension being built along East 14 st and the shut down of the L line. "Choosing" to live in NYC, now the newest mantra, is a fabrication when the talk is of ST and PCV, which was traditionally quiet, with no construction noise.
Though money was always important, it is now more important than ever. Money rules many things, as you will find.
About those "club cars" we see going this way and that way, and outside of Stuy Town or Peter Cooper Village:
Monday, April 16, 2012
Stuy Town Redo, Part 2 or... Wake up, TA!
CW Capital, meanwhile, has remained impassive toward these approaches and is forging ahead on a master plan. Take a look at what's happening around here to get a clue as to what this plan may be.
Along 1st Ave., store fronts are getting a do-over:
There's significant grounds work being done at this moment in the south-western part of Stuy Town, surely foretelling what's going to happen elsewhere:
A push is being made to promote the complex's official social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), and present a sunny outlook of ST/PCV for all the world to see:
And the Oval Essentials/Amenities are getting "refreshed".....
Oddly, many of these changes are being made on relatively recent changes...like when this property was being prepped for the auction block by MetLife. So this is Stuy Town/PCV Redo, Part 2. And if you think that CW Capital is putting all this money and effort into the property so that it can hand it over on a silver platter to the TA/Brookfield, I got all the bridges in New York to sell to you.
73 comments:
I prefer not to excuse them whilst they..."refresh."
As for the bridges, well...I think we already have been sold an interest in them!
Thanks, Dan...
- April 16, 2012 at 1:15 PM
I'm sure we'll be sold to another bunch of blood-sucking parasites who will continue to raise rents, reduce services and work hard at driving out the older, rent stabilized tenants.
- April 16, 2012 at 1:30 PM
EXACTLY what we've been saying all along. No offense to the TA, I'm sure they work hard and deserve credit, but this property is going to be sold to another Tischman- corporation. There are plenty of sharks circling out there and CWC has no interest in talking to us.
I'm betting on this.
- April 16, 2012 at 1:54 PM
I agree also with 1:30 pm. They are now on a rampage. There are many who know how to take full advantage of the situtaion. Look how nicely Tischman Speyer made out. Disgusting.
- April 16, 2012 at 3:06 PM
- Stuy Town Reporter said...
If the price is right, CW will talk, but the TA and Brookfield will just be one entity among others in the bidding war. What this probably means is that tenants will have to fork over more money than previously thought to be seriously considered or else an extra "partner" or two will have to join the TA/Brookfield team.
- April 16, 2012 at 3:09 PM
Meanwhile, the ice skating playground is still silent, under construction.
What's up with that?
- April 16, 2012 at 4:40 PM
- Stuy Town Reporter said...
The one thing I still not fully "get" is why CW Capital is spending money on upgrading things that have been relatively upgraded, or which were new, already. Why do the Oval Essentials need to be "refreshed"? Or the store fronts along 1st Ave changed? Even that south western area of ST, in back of the leasing office, has been looking very nice these past years (as it's the main viewing area for potential renters), but now it's getting considerable work done to it. Perhaps CW thinks it's worthwhile just for the bragging rights of "brand new."
- April 16, 2012 at 4:57 PM
- Stuy Town Reporter said...
>>Meanwhile, the ice skating playground is still silent, under construction.
What's up with that?<<
Yes, curious as to why it's not ready yet.
- April 16, 2012 at 5:32 PM
Meanwhile, the laundry rooms are less sanitary than the Ganges.
- April 16, 2012 at 6:05 PM
Why do the Oval Essentials need to be "refreshed"?
For one reason, so they can install a CAFE/COFFEE SHOP in Oval Lounge, according to a very reliable source.
CW Capital and Rose Management got so much sh-t (THANK YOU, STR!) for the noisy, air polluting, zoning-violating, commercial coffee/yogurt truck(s) they had on the Oval last year, that it seems they have now found a way around that pesky little problem. Or - who knows! - maybe they plan on having both and continuing to thumb their collective, snotty noses at the law and at tenants.
Anyone - especially the Building Department, which oversees the zoning regulations - who believes that any of these operations will ONLY be for the exclusive use of tenants and their guests and, thus, qualifies for "accessory use" is a willfuly ignorant fool.
- April 16, 2012 at 6:10 PM
Is covering 99% of Stuy Town in mulch considered landscaping? The whole proprty smells like horse shit.
- April 16, 2012 at 6:21 PM
- Stuy Town Reporter said...
>>For one reason, so they can install a CAFE/COFFEE SHOP in Oval Lounge, according to a very reliable source.<<
Hopefully a soda machine, too. Though perhaps that's going to go to Oval Study, where one finds students.
Don't forget we also have the mystery of what's going to go into the trunk rooms. I'm assuming vending machines, and perhaps a table or two with chairs where one relax and can get to know one's neighbors.
- April 16, 2012 at 6:44 PM
- Stuy Town Reporter said...
I think I may have once suggested, jokingly, a Starbucks at one of the Oval Essentials, so it's nice to see that become a bit of reality, if the rumor is true. Question is, how will the profits be made if Oval Lounge will remain open only for members. If the powers that be really want to crowd in the Lounge (which is considerably underused), they should open it up to everyone.
- April 16, 2012 at 6:49 PM
- Stuy Town Reporter said...
I hope readers realize that a couple of statements I made in the above posts ARE tongue-in-cheek. But I do not mind coffee/snacks for sale at the Lounge, if it means no food trucks at the Oval.
- April 16, 2012 at 6:52 PM
I don't mind coffee at the lounge either. Maybe, with the proceeds, they can lower our rents. Or at least, fix up our lameass laundry rooms.
- April 16, 2012 at 7:44 PM
@anon 321 They covered the small patch of land outside my apartment with 3,734 cubic feet of multch. The mulch must be 4, 5 inches deep in some spots. Someone started screaming at the workers by mid afternoon because they themselves were out there screaming at eachother starting at 7:30 am. Then two women started screaming and everyone shut their windows and put their ACs on. Another peaceful day in Stuy Town.
- April 16, 2012 at 7:47 PM
With rents in Manhattan at all time highs, it makes sense for CW to renovate apartments (which they are doing throughout the complex) and to rent to students since they know that students are short-term tenants and even under rent stabilization they can get an extra boost in rent in the form of vacancy decontrol when a student tenant moves out. Then when the rent rolls have been jacked up sufficiently they will be able to sell the complex for a lot more than the TA and its advisers were talking about last year.
- April 16, 2012 at 7:50 PM
I don't think anyone is thinking this property will be bought on the cheap. If it happens to be sold to tenants that's great - but everything good (tenant ownership) comes with a price. What concerns me, as someone who would most likely buy - is how quiet the TA/Brookfield has been during this process lately. The communication with tenants has been subpar at best. A bid was supposed to be placed in April; now it appears it will be "sometime this summer." no explanation as to why, etc. Communication with tenants is essential, and it's frustrating to see how lackluster it has turned out to be.
- April 16, 2012 at 8:48 PM
- Stuy Town Reporter said...
One would think the politicians would want to do something to stop this nefarious gaming of the RS system.
- April 16, 2012 at 8:52 PM
One would think the politicians would want to do something to stop this nefarious gaming of the RS system. .>>
Yes, one would think ... except that our politicians all sleep in the same Tammany bed with Bloomberg, Quinn and the RE cabal. The DHCR MUST know how the RS system is is being used and abused by these RE thugs and our corrupt politicians, but they are all part of the same gang. I have so totally lost faith in the honesty and integrity of politicians and the law enforcement of this city that I don't even want to go near a polling station ever again. Everything is so fixed and manipulated to benefit the few against the interests of the many.
- April 16, 2012 at 9:12 PM
"I don't think anyone is thinking this property will be bought on the cheap. If it happens to be sold to tenants that's great - but everything good (tenant ownership) comes with a price. What concerns me, as someone who would most likely buy - is how quiet the TA/Brookfield has been during this process lately. The communication with tenants has been subpar at best. A bid was supposed to be placed in April; now it appears it will be "sometime this summer." no explanation as to why, etc. Communication with tenants is essential, and it's frustrating to see how lackluster it has turned out to be."
Agreed, and well said. I think the silence on the part of Brookfield and the TA is pathetic. I get that it's a long, cumbersome, and in many ways an unprecedented undertaking, but how about some basic communication beyond the same inane droning that's been rehashed ad infinitum? As the prior poster mentioned, Blattman indicated that the bid would be submitted in April. I get that something could happen which may preclude that from happening but how about some communication? What's the status at any rate? Is he in communication with CW? How is that communication progressing? Also, if Brookfield was on the verge of a purchase, why would CW continue to rent apartments? Wouldn't Brookfield want as many apartments vacant as possible? It is becoming more and more difficult to stay positive regarding this conversion.
- April 17, 2012 at 12:13 AM
I want more information myself, and perhaps each of us should host our own apartment meeting. I may do that so I can find out more. I think all you do is ask the TA and invite your neighbors and voila. More info.
- April 17, 2012 at 9:16 AM
I think things are pretty crystal clear. Broofield and the TA, went all out to make a BID on a property not for sale. Not for sale TO US anyway. The landlord will most likely sell to a non tenant enterprise. That's how it goes in the RE world. They're all in bed together.
Now it's a bit embarrasing to B and TA, so there really is nothing for them to say to us. They'd just end up looking foolish again.
- April 17, 2012 at 10:56 AM
oh stuy town reporter, what are we going to do?! Thank you for keeping us updated - you're a gem.
- April 17, 2012 at 2:15 PM
"I want more information myself, and perhaps each of us should host our own apartment meeting. I may do that so I can find out more. I think all you do is ask the TA and invite your neighbors and voila. More info."
You mean more propaganda! The TA has no info to give out. At this point they are nothing more or less than the sales department at Brookfield. They shot their load and now they're limp. Nothing left for them to do but crawl back under the rock they crawled out from. I'd say they should go back to being a TA but that ship has sailed too. Eventually a whole new tenants group will need to be formed.
- April 17, 2012 at 4:26 PM
Does Goradnick have anything to say about this, as he was one of the loudest cheerleaders for a TA/Brookfield condo conversion? He is probably too busy with his campaign to become Comptroller to concern himself with us anymore.
- April 17, 2012 at 4:28 PM
Not much physical plant upgrade taking place at PCV. In fact, it's going to the dogs, literally and figuratively. Dogs and their walkers own the grass and walkways at PCV, and it seems like there's more and more of them every day.
Could CW be planning to market ST and PCV separately? Would the properties command a higher sale price if sold as a single complex or two individual lots?
- April 17, 2012 at 4:46 PM
- Stuy Town Reporter said...
I've seen lots of dogs everywhere! I'm sure there will be more and more as the months go by.
- April 17, 2012 at 6:06 PM
It's really quite embarrassing that no comments from either (TA or Brookfield) are being put out there. It never seemed to be a serious undertaking, in any case. It seemed like they were forcing themselves upon CWCapitol. Who probably never returned the call!
- April 17, 2012 at 7:36 PM
4:26 p.m. You're crass and gross. And there's no basis for that. Please, speak like a grownup. This is a serious discussion.
- April 17, 2012 at 8:28 PM
I think Dans cheer leading outfit is at the cleaners!
- April 17, 2012 at 9:29 PM
If the conversion does go through it will be interesting to see how brookfield will deal with this big dog toilet. How could they force dog owners to show decency and respect? Certainly under a condo scenario you couldn't have dog owners acting as they do now. Perhaps they could reverse the policy and grandfather in the existing dogs for the duration of their lives. I know, wishful thinking.
- April 17, 2012 at 11:58 PM
I for one am glad that Dan and the TA are doing what they're doing---what are we supposed to do, just throw up our hands and wait for another TS to swoop in? This is an unbelievably complex business deal --- anyone who's ever been involved in one knows how complicated they are and how long they can take.
- April 18, 2012 at 8:04 AM
Indeed, 8:04 is right. You don't just go around making public comments about the terms of the offer you'll be making on one of the most complex pieces of real estate in the country. It's extremely complicated--we have a GIANT Wall Street firm working for us who do deals that take YEARS. This is not a home mortgage situation.
- April 18, 2012 at 9:52 AM
"I for one am glad that Dan and the TA are doing what they're doing---what are we supposed to do, just throw up our hands and wait for another TS to swoop in? This is an unbelievably complex business deal --- anyone who's ever been involved in one knows how complicated they are and how long they can take."
Absolutely agree, just asking for more communication.
- April 18, 2012 at 11:14 AM
An individual on the TA'S facebook page was asking the question of whether or not it remains the intention of Brookfield to submit a bid by the second quarter (actually it was April)to CW. After being ignored for a while she was informed that the question will be addressed on the TA/Brookfield web page whereby it was indicated that indeed the intention was to submit the bid during the "second quarter" of 2012, sometime during the summer. How exactly is the second quarter of 2012 sometime during the summer? It took tooth pulling to get this info. I'm not saying it's not complex, but why can't these people be more forthright?
- April 18, 2012 at 1:05 PM
LOL. Are they calling summer the 2nd qtr?
And, why aren't they explaining what happened to the alledged MARCH bid?
Sounds like a 3 ring circus. embarrassing.
- April 18, 2012 at 1:17 PM
"what are we supposed to do, just throw up our hands and wait for another TS to swoop in?"
I hate to tell you but Brookfield is the new TS. The conversion is just a way for them to quietly buy the place--with the tenant's support!
Since the deal probably won't be affordable for or accepted by most residents, they will end up with 75% of the apartments. And if you think that they will treat us any differently than any of our previous overlords then I have a bridge to sell you (STR, I am happy to split the take on the bridge sales with you. After all, fair is fair...)
- April 18, 2012 at 4:15 PM
Summer begins on June 20th, and the second quarter of the year ends on June 30th. Christmas is December 25th... Santa's coming too.
- April 18, 2012 at 5:21 PM
Wish we could post a poll.......
Tenants that believe we place bid and it's accepted?
Tenants who think this charade a circus and will have status quo for the next 35 years?
- April 18, 2012 at 6:01 PM
The TA has a bad and ultimately inconsequential alliance with Brookfield. Many have been taken in by this for some reason. If Brookfield gets the nod deal (which I seriously doubt), you'll get the wake-up call when you see the price to buy your unit. Brookfield has been hedging around for one reason only....angling to maximize profit. Which they can do so long as they can limit buying to the levels they like. So they can sell all the rental apartments at market rate when they eventually vacate. An awful lot of people in this community really need to wake up.
- April 18, 2012 at 7:51 PM
Lovely quote from Dandy Dan the sellout in today's T&V.
Apparently, the illegal veggie market is okay with him as long as they put up signs that say it is only open to tenants...and their guests.
"Guests" are apparently defined as all persons other than tenants....
- April 19, 2012 at 7:49 PM
- Stuy Town Reporter said...
No surprise. I guess he isn't going to work with management, as he stated, to get the farmers market a new location.
- April 19, 2012 at 8:53 PM
Dan is such a wet lettuce himself and SO in the pockets of Management and the corrupt Bloomberg admin. I hope he isn't relying votes for his Comptroller aspirations from a lot of the tenants at ST. I will vote for ANYBODY but him! He is SO for sale to the highest bidder!
- April 19, 2012 at 9:31 PM
No. He is probably going to work with management to raise campaign funds.
- April 19, 2012 at 9:34 PM
So, according to the article in T&V about the Greenmarket coming back to its regular location and not being moved to a legal location, Management has admitted that what they have been perpetrating on the Oval for the past 4 years was not an accessory use, after all, but an illegal commercial activity. They are nothing but conniving liars and cheats. They knew what they were doing was illegal, but did it anyway. As usual. And now they are being rewarded for their abominable, illegal behavior by saying, "Oops, sorry" and being allowed to stay in place. SHAME ON GARODNICK for betraying tenants who - rightly - objected to the presence of the Greenmarket in its illegal location. I, for one am hugely pissed off and disappointed, and will never vote for Garodnick again for anything.
In no way is the Greenmarket going to be for tenants and their guests only. EVERYONE KNOWS THAT, INCLUDING AND ESPECIALLY DAN GARODNICK. Because of the many HUGE signs Management has had on the perimeter of the property touting the presence of the Greenmarket, everyone in the neighborhood knows that it is here and that there will be no one - no Security - to stop them from coming in here to shop, just like no one stops them from coming in here to walk their dogs, attend concerts or any other activity. So, really, what's next, a Walmart? If that's just for the use of tenants and guests, is that OK, too? Stay tuned for the next marketing trick that Adam Rose of Rose Management and Andrew MacArthur of CW Capital have up their sleeve, especially now that they were able to pull off this fast one.
- April 20, 2012 at 7:58 AM
ABD - Anyone But Dan.
I won't vote for him either. He has proven himself a mercenary, opportunist politician. I guess I shouldn't be surprised but I guess I am.
He has clearly turned his back on us at this point in favor of his future ambitions.
- April 20, 2012 at 11:30 AM
Dan Garodnick has lost my vote.
Typical weasel politician.
- April 20, 2012 at 12:55 PM
I am so totally on board with what Anony 7.58 AM and Anoy 11.30 AM said. Also, let's see if CW Capital will set up a barricade so that interns will check the Greenmarket customers for their building ID's. No wonder everyone hates politicians. I am going to vote, for Mayor, the current Mayor of 14th Street, Ramon! At least, when he hits me for a dollar, you know it's going for a good cause. "Hey Joe, give me dollar, my mother, she sick!" Meanwhile, I am going to open a Klingon restaurant in my apartment. It will be open only for "residents and their guests".
- April 20, 2012 at 3:22 PM
I wont vote for Garodnick either.
- April 20, 2012 at 4:18 PM
- Stuy Town Reporter said...
I'll try to post about the Green Market and Dan Garodnick tomorrow. And about the food trucks, which, according to T&V, will NOT be around except for special events.
- April 20, 2012 at 10:23 PM
The dogs bark but the caravan goes on.
- April 20, 2012 at 11:44 PM
Did you see the ugly "Dust Bowl" where the "Green market" is again to be?
A regular dog walk loaded with you know what in front of Playground 12. Hope that they don't put their greens on the trais organic ground.
Maybe green cement would be an answer to the problem?
Look the other way, Rose, and problems go away!
- April 21, 2012 at 7:52 AM
Seems like a lot of complaining regarding the grounds. I thought the ice rink this past winter was nice. It's nice to see older people walking about with their dogs, many first time owners. It seems with fencing going up around the SW portion, they are returning to the old chain links of yesteryear. When your about to complain, remember you were once young too! Please things are not that bad.
- April 21, 2012 at 8:33 AM
I"m with 8:33, I don't see how all this negativity is helping anything. We do need to be vigilant about the threat to our affordability, but you are all overly romanticizing the Stuytown of yore. It was a real dump there for a while and bordering on scary to walk through (when I lived nearby), dreary, run-down. I don't mind a bit of improvements as long as the LL follows the law. And I haven't seen anything to lead me to believe that Dan, a fellow resident with parents who live here as well, is some kind of traitor. I like the farmers market and the dogs and (some) of the younger people. I don't like some of the older grumpy people as much as I don't like some of the students.
- April 21, 2012 at 10:31 AM
- Stuy Town Reporter said...
I don't think people are over-romanticizing Stuy Town as it used to be under MetLife, aside from the usual patina of nostalgia that sets in to any memory. It was only a "real dump" when Tishman Speyer gave up on the property.
- April 21, 2012 at 12:26 PM
In mid-late 90s, it was a dump. Dreary, lots of muggings, people who had seen better days/times, marginal residents. Or at least from my passerby view when I'd walk through and from what I heard. It does seem nicer now, albeit, potentially too student-filled, but that is a relatively new tactic.
- April 21, 2012 at 12:33 PM
- Stuy Town Reporter said...
I was here in the 1990s. It wasn't what you describe.
- April 21, 2012 at 12:37 PM
- Stuy Town Reporter said...
I hope you're not considering working and middle class tenants as "marginal residents." LOL.
- April 21, 2012 at 12:39 PM
I absolutely agree about the place having gone downhill since Tishman-Speyer. Some of the landscaping decisions were really bad. All the attempts to have grass by laying down expensive sod failed. Now the grassy areas are patchy at best, filled with weeds or completely barren. Allowing dogs was a terrible decision. Originally, the rule was no dogs on the grass and no dogs over knee-high. Now there are dogs of all sizes and the very first place their owners take them is straight onto the grass where they do their do-dahs. So long as this keeps happening, the grass will always look bad. No amount of chemical lawn maintenance can change that. All I can say is that if this place goes condo, you're going to see a lot more of the same. There is no ability to enforce QOL standards under a condo arrangement. Under co-op rules you at least have some fighting chance.
- April 21, 2012 at 1:14 PM
Whatever was good about Stuy Town is long gone and will never be restored. It wasn't a dump in the 90s or any other time. It became a dump when Met Life sold it. What happened was criminal but real-estate people never have to own up to anything. They can and will do what they want and then when they're overwhelmed they can walk away. Garodnick is a two-faced weasel. He's out for himself and his personal greedy goals. "For residents and their guests" is bs. Look at the grounds. Look at the laundry rooms and carriage rooms. It's a horror.
- April 21, 2012 at 1:49 PM
- Stuy Town Reporter said...
There's something coming up that may alleviate dogs doing their "thing" in many areas of the complex. I may post on this tomorrow.
- April 21, 2012 at 1:50 PM
I've been here since 1980 and I assure you that Stuyvesant Town was never a dump until TS took over. The neighboring area was a dump, filled with drugs and lowlifes, but Stuyvesant Town was NOT part of that. In fact, it stood out as being most definitely NOT part of that. The "marginal" people you speak of probably did not live here because Management had certain standards for who they allowed to live here. You had to be a gainfully employed person with good credit record and the inspected the place you were leaving to see what kind of tenant you would be.
Also, since I first moved in (September 1980) Ramon has been hitting me up on a regular basis and his grandmother has died no end of times! LOL! He's a harmless pest left over from the old 'hood that bordered the development.
- April 21, 2012 at 2:03 PM
I like the dogs. Truly.
- April 21, 2012 at 4:11 PM
I think we continue to peak in terms of the pervasiveness of "marginal residents" and general property decay.
Anyone who thinks things were worse here in 1995 than today, didn't actually live here in 1995.
- April 21, 2012 at 4:41 PM
"I like the dogs. Truly."
I have to say that I do as well. They really add a wonderful character to the community. I also think that most of their owners do the right thing and clean up appropriately.
Some don't and they are the problem. They should be singled out and not the responsible owners. Most long time tenants know that there were secret dogs here for many years and there were no problem. Reason being their caretakers were appropriately careful.
- April 21, 2012 at 8:48 PM
I've lived here since 1978. In both Stuy Town and Peter Cooper. There is absolutely no question that since Met sold to Tishman-Speyer the appearance of the place has gone down.
- April 21, 2012 at 9:00 PM
"I like the dogs. Truly."
Now there's a germane comment. Do you also like crap and piss all over the lawn? Do you like getting woken up by barking at all hours of the night?
- April 22, 2012 at 8:13 PM
Dogs are all over this city, what are you talking about? You sound very silly.
- April 23, 2012 at 11:22 AM
My problem with dog owners beyond the pooh and pee issues is the noise the dog walkers make. Not the dogs but the dog walkers. They have no problem holding a 20 to 30 minute conversation about their little pooches right outside another tenants window. They bloviate for hours without any regard to the time of day or night or any consideration that there may be someone trying to sleep behind that window that is 5 feet away. I think management needs to stop this or buy air conditioners for all tenants on the ground floors and upgrade their apartments at the owners expense.
- April 23, 2012 at 12:49 PM
You really hate your fellow neighbors, don't you? It must be awful to leave your apartment and encounter the rest of us in the elevator and using your oval. I think the word misanthrope would apply here.
- April 24, 2012 at 7:27 AM
"Dogs are all over this city, what are you talking about? You sound very silly."
Since I have no reason to doubt you are a person of at least average intelligence, you must be relatively new here. Complaining about dogs at sty town would indeed be silly as there are in fact dogs all over the city. However, there was a time in the not so distant past that this wasn't the case. This was a quiet place, free from the barking, piss, and crap. This is the source of all the dog consternation. To the extent that this was the case I fail to see the relevance of your statement. Now, tell me "tough shit", or "deal with it", or "I don't really give a shit about your quality of life" and I could understand. I wouldn't expect anything more, but to say that dogs are all over the city and i sound silly because of that fact is simply inane.
- April 26, 2012 at 9:48 AM
As far as I can tell, the TA has already lost.
We lost our DHCR credit, no scintilla of communication has been made about the purchase, and again our inflated market (or even over market in some cases) rents are being used to renovate the just renovated areas of Stuytown while things like Laundry rooms and playgrounds lie in waste.
The longer this process takes, the stronger the NYC real estate market becomes, the more likely a big player would come in and scoop up the parcel for another round of insane rent hikes. If that happens, for me, it is BYE BYE to Stuytown. I knew ye well...
- June 27, 2012 at 1:54 AM

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Passing the buck...
Next week I am off to Colombo. The last time I was there, a few months ago, there was curfew every night, and bombs exploding every few metres. My daughter who was with me, got so spooked, she refused to leave the hotel . This time, I have another daughter accompanying me, and she is spooked before landing. Colombo happens to be one of my favourite destinations. And nothing will deter me from going there. Who says Mumbai is any safer? But it is the nightmare at Mumbai airport that scares me far more than rebel bombs going off in Sri Lanka. Each time I jump on a flight, it is with a small prayer on my lips. The security measures here are a joke. I met a Swiss lady who'd boarded the flight with her daughter with the wrong boarding cards that nobody had detected ! Yeh hai Mumbai, meri jaan.
Talking of cards, someone called me from Mantralaya yesterday to say, " Madam, last time your name was missing from the voter regstration system. Well, this time your name is there - but husband's is missing!" Wow!! Was I supposed to applaud? Call that progress?
30 comments:
- Serendipity said...
On one hand we have cricket matches in all their fanfare, and on the other turmoil and deaths in SL. Such is the sorry state of affairs.
And buck passing seems almost a required qualification of our politicans, everyone's a master at it. Even our (friendly?!!) neighbouring country who'se still trying to find some bakra to pass off the 26/11 blame to. Im disguested. AND HOW.
- February 12, 2009 at 12:36 PM
- Serendipity said...
err, disgusted i meant. Typo :)
- February 12, 2009 at 12:36 PM
- KimyaShafinaaz said...
Maybe I love Mumbai because I visit on occasion. I dnt live thru the service delivery issues. At the very worse, I have to be concerned about stepping into the foyer of the Marriott drenched from the kiss of monsoon rains - but looking like a drowned cat. So. Just maybe... thats the reason. Sigh.
- February 12, 2009 at 12:59 PM
- Bindu Nayar said...
tell me about it :-(
- February 12, 2009 at 2:22 PM
- sathish vasudevan said...
certain things happens only in india and donot know how long the word SAFE will be there in our country..
- February 12, 2009 at 2:39 PM
- Rahul said...
Look at Israel and stop cribbing...
well if u all are not very happy in India then perhaps sudan, uganda etc are there where u can really get settled eh....why even bangladesh and nigeria is also a good option.....
- February 12, 2009 at 3:02 PM
Why don't you call Raj (your "personal favourite") Thackeray and ask him to improve things for you :D?
I saw the Devil's Advocate interview (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/devils-advocate-shobhaa-de-on-mumbai-vs-bombay/76806-3.html)
which everybody is talking about.
And frankly, Shobhaaaaaaa, you stink.
- February 12, 2009 at 3:44 PM
ok guys enough is enough
I also saw that interview and did not agree with what she said which is my right and shobhaa has the right to say whatever she thinks.
Remember Fundamental Rights which Constitution gives us "Freedom of speech".
Its not necessary that each of us should agree with what she thinks but abuse is really LS.
- February 12, 2009 at 4:31 PM
People use certain expressions without thinking whether it actually means anything. "Enough is enough" is one of them. Shobhaa De uttered those words after the recent Mumbai attack and NDTV immediately picked it up and made it their punchline!
But it doesn't matter. Visitors to this blog hardly bother whether we mean anything at all, don't we :-)?
Ruchi, I agree to your point about freedom of expression.
But tell me: how can Shobhaa De pretend to take such high moral grounds after the Mangalore incident? Raj Thackeray is no different from Muthalik or Narendra Modi.
- February 12, 2009 at 5:52 PM
- Balvinder Singh said...
The Presidential choppers rubbing shoulders with a passenger aircraft racing up at a high speed really sends shivers down one's spine. And then there were two more near miss in the air incidents else where which closlely followed this one. I think our air space has also taken the shape of our roads which is becoming overcrowded by the day. My advice, be it rail, road or the air, keep your fingers crossed.
- February 12, 2009 at 6:31 PM
India is becoming a less safe place to live,be it our streets or airports.leave everything even our lives in god"s hand and live.
- February 12, 2009 at 6:48 PM
- Another Kiran In NYC said...
Ah seeni sambol and hoppers! Walking along Galle face in weak lemonade sunshine in the monsoon. The best beaches I have ever seen in Trinco. Attentions of a dashing very young Singhalese man in Naval whites. Memories, memories of teen years. So long ago. Aiyooo, I am feeling so middleaged now.
Have fun, but do be careful. Until they find Prabhakarans head somewhere things are still apt to be dangerous.
As for mid air collisions... IAF is never wrong. Not publicly anyway! Heck, we dont spend all this money at NDA and Secundrabad training schools for human error and poor navigation. Do we?
No helipad at Mumbai airport? Thats laughable.
- February 12, 2009 at 8:40 PM
- NANDINI said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- February 12, 2009 at 9:22 PM
- Nandini said...
Well, progress it is for you, & rightfully so...at least you have succeeded as far as getting your name on the list. I probably will have to stay content with filling the forms...cause there has been no response from the authorities till now. Surprise & disappointment will have no place in my dictionary from now on, because I've realized that everything is a game. Elaborating on the security measures taken at the Mumbai airport, let's say, u, I & everyone else share the same story. I find it absolutely ridiculous to whine or complain, it makes me feel stupid. Again, everything is a game. Strangely, in this game, there are no winners & there are no losers. I wonder if there is a consolation prize...
- February 12, 2009 at 9:32 PM
- -=A.R.N.=- said...
Two things:
1) I never knew you had a blog
2) I never knew this was your blog
Coming to the topic, you're right about Ms. Patil's popularity among the public.
And I guess this isn't the first time either.
- February 12, 2009 at 9:40 PM
- Sidhusaaheb said...
The queen should remain confined to her ivory tower er...Rashtrapati Bhawan...as far as possible, I would say, for the greater good of us, commoners.
- February 12, 2009 at 10:06 PM
- NAT said...
We all know that these misfits waste our precious money on running the Country.
Someone should make them understand that it is cruel, a waste to (besides the Carbon Print) spend so much sending the President, or for that matter any other VVIP all over the Country just to open/inaugurate some monuments visit her home town etc. Sure they have some better work to carry out in their own offices, rather than upset the locals daily schedule.
Using a Chopper also cost money.
They should send a representative for these sort of openings and oversee the same through the various visual techniques that are available in the Country.
They would avoid adding so much of misery for the Citizens, who are already upto their zenith with problems. And last but not the least, no security issues and no passing of the buck.
Guess we are all living on providence.
There are a lot of Good people in Mumbai.
- February 12, 2009 at 11:37 PM
- Mahadev Kapuskari said...
I always imagin about the secret of gracefullness and the shining of your personality.It is a god gift and you are very lucky for having this gift.U r really a cheerfull person and your writting is also same like you.GREAT....
- February 12, 2009 at 11:39 PM
- secondfiddle said...
Enough is Enough! lol
- February 13, 2009 at 1:34 AM
Pahn Chot!!
- February 13, 2009 at 2:12 AM
- Sanket Korgaonkar said...
Ma'am my apologies - for this comment has nothing to do with the existing post. I am writing here - for it is a means to communicate to you - You absolutely have to write an article on 'The Pink Chaddi' campaign.
I think it is time people realize India is changing.
- February 13, 2009 at 1:21 PM
- *Aham* said...
eventuality define processes and measures of the world. events define actions in india.. and events of a catastrophic kind. had the president died... how ever unpopular she is... there would be spotlights on the security system for a while...
I wonder do we wish that "small" disasters keep happening in india so that security personnel are on guard????
- February 13, 2009 at 3:03 PM
- Anand said...
Hi Shobha, I've listed ur blog link (with a thumbnail of ur blog homepage..yeeahhhh)in my blog as one of the popular blogs people like to visit and read.
Consider this my way of expressing the fact that U r liked by me.
Anand. :-)
- February 14, 2009 at 12:08 AM
Have a safe and lovely trip!
also, please consider taking the word verification off. it is a pain, because I have to type the word correctly nearly 4 or 5 times (!) before the system lets me through. I don't know if others are experiencing the same, there must be something faulty with this blogger function.
- February 14, 2009 at 5:22 AM
- A_N_Nanda said...
Quote "And frankly, Shobhaaaaaaa, you stink."
Well, Umashankarji, you've to really wait till madam Shobhaa De ji revisits her blog to favour you with a response on your comment.
- February 14, 2009 at 10:27 AM
- phr said...
Madam your article in today's deccan chronicle is very interesting.
Thank you
- February 14, 2009 at 3:37 PM
- ankur kakkar said...
nice one maam.... btw, happy valentine's day !!
- February 14, 2009 at 3:57 PM
- Soul Searcher said...
I cannot help but disagree. During my travels I have been in touch with Both Srilankan tamils and the Sinhalese.
The general consensus is that things are going to get worse once the army offensive in the North dies down. More suspicion on Tamil civilians, more suicide bombings, more suspicion, more funding from abroad and the vicious circle goes on. I wonder if these will ever end.
The only struggle I remember which came to an end was the Khalistan one. All others seem to carry on endlessly.
To compare the fears one feels while boarding a plane with a struggle that has spanned decades and claimed thousands of lives is not done.
Hope you have a safe trip
- February 15, 2009 at 12:49 PM
yeh hai Bombay meri jaaan!
I wish you'd do a little discuss of Mumbai/Bombay, why, what, etc.
I confess to liking Bombay, because while Mumbai is aamchi, Bombay is aapan chi. Yes?
- February 16, 2009 at 9:32 AM
- Siva Cool said...
A truly motivational and life changing book
This book is really a good book which shows us right path. but i read
one more book named "ONE BOOK FOR LIFE SUCCESS" which is truly
motivational and life changing . .The writer has described in Plain English with lot of examples which is easy to understand...For More
Please watch the videohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biORjS8ngv0
- July 4, 2014 at 12:37 PM


text:
So Valentine's Day is tomorrow and the boyfriend and I decided to be low-key this year and not be all crazy romantic (after all July will be our 3 year anniversary, and 5 years of being friends), so we are past the "impress" stage. LOL.
I was thinking about what I got him last year, and I made him an actual book about us and our family (hard cover, spine, the works) using a publishing company whose name I forgot,that published some stuff for me when I used to model so it was nice to have them handy for something more personal rather than business. (By the way, I am in the process of writing two books, one about makeup tips, beauty, etc, and the other just displaying my work as a photographer), they probably won't be out until later this year or next year.
Anyway, back to my story, so I made him a book, I designed it and created EVERY SINGLE page, it was a lot of fun, and he really LOVED IT, which was the best part because my boyfriend is hard to please since he has everything, lol.
The perfect cover...
The INSIDE sleeve of the book...
And no the bed on the left of this page isn't a freaky thing, lol...it's when he took me to Santa Barbara on our 2 year anniversary it was at a gorgeous B&B overlooking the ocean coast...
Him "reading" his book...haha
The BACK Cover..which essentially was a pic of OUR backs...
And what he got me...
Recent Posts
Popular Posts
Upcoming Posts
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Valentine's Day Gift Flashback
So Valentine's Day is tomorrow and the boyfriend and I decided to be low-key this year and not be all crazy romantic (after all July will be our 3 year anniversary, and 5 years of being friends), so we are past the "impress" stage. LOL.
46 comments
- christianadivine said...
hey! i remember you posting this on your xanga! i thought your gift was SOOO sweet and creative. :D
- February 13, 2008 at 3:28 AM
- christianadivine said...
p.s. i just looked at the date on the front flap of the book, is your anniversary july 17th? and you've been together for 3 years? if so, that's TOOO funny cause my anniversary is july 19th and we've been together for 3 years and friends for 6. :D hehe.
- February 13, 2008 at 3:30 AM
- Anonymous said...
hi vanessa, this is my first time to leave you a comment! but i've been reading your blog for a while and absolutely LOVE it. i'm very glad to see you guys had a wonderful valentine's day!=) and i LOVE your makeup on the right page your bfs reading on the bed. can you show us how to when you get a chance? =)
- February 13, 2008 at 3:54 AM
- carlamansi said...
Hi Vanessa,
Thanks for sharing and having us take a glimpse of the book you made for your bf, it was so nicely done and very very creative, I'm sure it took a lot of hardwork. Happy Valentines!!
- February 13, 2008 at 4:23 AM
- Nic Nic said...
wow you guys look so cute too together! and that book you made is soooo sweet! hope you guys have a blast on valentines day!!
aww, i see your busy right up to your neck with those pigment orders, hopefully ill can buy some next time when you have some in stock =)
- February 13, 2008 at 4:46 AM
- Emilee @ GMM said...
Oh my gosh, that book is the most incredible thing I've ever seen! It beats my ex-roommate's handwritten one! Haha. You're an amazing girlfriend! :P
- February 13, 2008 at 4:52 AM
- May said...
WOW. Your book is neato! I love it! Did you design the page layout in Publisher? You and your BF seem like a really fun couple :) You guys make funny faces like my and my BF, haha. I'm not exactly the sappiest/romantic girl in the world, but I think I'm going to have to do something like this one day because I know he would love it to death.
I told my BF to surprise me (actually, neither of us are really sappy/romantic, so it makes V-Day/anniversaries a little hard), but it's going to be really crazy at the restaurants tomorrow and I don't know if I want to deal with that. I'm thinking I'm going to ask if we can celebrate this weekend since he has a 4-day, lol. Our 1.67 was this past Monday!
- February 13, 2008 at 6:19 AM
- NeverLoseFaith said...
your book is the sweetest thing vanessa!!! I bought things last night to make a scrapbook/collage poster and then frame it, but I have to study for my exam, so I guess I won't make it til after =\. When in July is your anniversary??? Our 3 years is in July too heheh.
- February 13, 2008 at 6:58 AM
- missjaclynrose said...
wow, that book looks amazing. good job on gift! love it...
- February 13, 2008 at 7:03 AM
- missjaclynrose said...
wow, that book looks amazing. good job on gift! love it...
- February 13, 2008 at 7:03 AM
- Tiffany said...
What a cute book!!! How much did that cost? You guys are so cute together!! :-)
- February 13, 2008 at 7:07 AM
- Toya said...
Y'all are the cutest things ever! My husband and I are taking a weekend trip to Charlotte, NC. I am so looking forward to it - we're going to have a whole weekend of just being girlfriend and boyfriend.
- February 13, 2008 at 7:17 AM
- Xuanie said...
OMG Vanessa that book is just TOO CUTE!!! and wow your coming out with two of your own books?? impressive!! when it comes out i will def support you and get!!! hehe
- February 13, 2008 at 7:18 AM
- Tiffany said...
That is def the BEST valentine's gift I've ever seen! I want to do that next year for my man for OUR 3 year anniversary too! We just spent the last summer in Europe and I've been meaning to make a "book" of sorts to recap our memories. Where did you bind your book, might I ask? Is it open to the public or just special clients like yourself? Could you also tell us how much it cost you? Wow you've inspired me :D I better get a start on this!
- February 13, 2008 at 7:40 AM
- Moonstroke said...
Oh, the book are so sweet. Happy Valentine's day. Hope you guys enjoy the day. :)
- February 13, 2008 at 7:51 AM
- Cynthia said...
I LOVE THE BOOK!! It looks like you got it from borders!! LOVE IT!! lol..i read christiana's comment above and saw that her anniversay with her man was on july 19th..lol..so was mines!! haha..but would be together for 6 years!! anyways an early congrats on it..
if you ever think of the publishers name..let us know im very interested in making a book..well not necessarily for the boyfriend but for my gizmo (my dog!!) THANKS!!!
- February 13, 2008 at 8:17 AM
- NeverLoseFaith said...
mine's july 21! hahah, we all started dating our man around the same time :)
- February 13, 2008 at 8:26 AM
- Fei said...
That's a very cute idea. It feels like you and Jon have been together longer than V and I have, no? It'll be our third year ani later this month, albeit an on and off three years. lol.
- February 13, 2008 at 9:39 AM
- mayaari said...
wow - that's one of the most thoughtful and personal gifts I've ever seen! that's so great that you were able to make it a "real" book, it will last so much longer & have such nice memories whenever you look at it!
I'll be lucky if I get a card with a signature in it =P but that's just how my BF is - doesn't need a commercial holiday to say he loves me. I'm on the low-key theme as well, as long as I get to have dinner together.
Happy Valentine's day Nessa :)
- February 13, 2008 at 9:43 AM
- yummy411 said...
wow vanessa! how special. he's really lucky to have you! you gave him the best gift ever! i can't remember the publisher's name for the hard back book that they'll print up for you, but i saw the advertising a lot when i had the babyyums. i was going to make him a book, but i got lazy and just did the photo sleeves. i might still make one one day...
ok being semi single (what the hell does that mean? LOL) i'm on the darker side of the fence. my man will get that as a WEDDING anniversary gift! ;)
- February 13, 2008 at 10:02 AM
- d0rksta said...
awwww omg! That is soooo cute! I wanna do one! hehe. That is the sweetest thing ever!
- February 13, 2008 at 10:51 AM
- Ailene said...
I looooove the book idea!! I was actually thinking about doing something like it for our 2 yr. anniversary...a scrapbook, really, but this looks so much better!! I'm definitely going to keep this in mind...my bf is so hard to please!
- February 13, 2008 at 11:05 AM
- Syana said...
ooow that is the best gift i have ever seen !! SO CUTE!!
must have taken you a lot of time, but i can see the result is really WOW, looks so professional!
anywayz, u two guys look rlly cute together. So i guess love must exist ;)
- February 13, 2008 at 11:13 AM
- pink-bow said...
oohhh you guys are so cute, the book is so nice ^^
- February 13, 2008 at 11:19 AM
- Corrine said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- February 13, 2008 at 1:25 PM
- Linda said...
what a great idea! that would be lovely as a gift
- February 13, 2008 at 1:44 PM
- Anne said...
like i told you earlier.... you sure know how to make us look bad :) hahahah.
- February 13, 2008 at 2:20 PM
- nilla cookie said...
Hey Vanessa!
Happy Valentine's Day-eve! The book idea is SOO cute! The BF and I are just going to go out to dinner tomorrow night - pretty low key.
Hope you two have something fun planned too!
Have a good Wednesday!
- February 13, 2008 at 2:48 PM
- Sheila said...
HOW FLIPPIN CUTE IS THAT! AHHH! THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL IDEA! Very creative and personal Vanessa.
I think the hubby and I are just gonna chill and take a long drive on the coast... at least that's what he said. I would tell you girls what I got him but, this is the internet... and although this IS a makeup blog, a place I know he stays FARRR away from. I don't want to take any chances. =)
- February 13, 2008 at 3:25 PM
- xoxkissablexox said...
damn that was one of the most creative ideas i've seen..
thats really cool and unique..
i love it..ufortunately my bf wouldnt like something like that lol..
the only thing that would make him happy is getting him something from Guess..he loves that store
but ya..very creative..i'd like to do something like that for children's books or ideas..can u tell me how did u go about doing that?? and how much roughly would it cost..i mean u dont have to tell me exactly how much you paid..just an estimate or somethign so i can have an idea of how much would it cost and where can i make a book..
- February 13, 2008 at 3:25 PM
- RessaMakeup said...
that is an amazing valentine gift. sweeties thing ever well. Happy Valentines day! and I love you blog been hooked. take care.
- February 13, 2008 at 4:37 PM
- sweet tartx said...
Wow you're writing two books? I'm definately going to buy them all >:) Hehe.
- February 13, 2008 at 5:27 PM
- Ruby said...
That is so creative!
You are amazing!
!!! <3
xD I bet you get enough (!) in this post to last you for the rest of your life.
- February 13, 2008 at 6:15 PM
- Krystle said...
Girl, you are soooo creative! I would have never come up with something like that! Share some of the creativity vibes because I REALLY want to decorate by bf's office. It's bare and boring! LOL. You and your bf are soooo cute together. =)
- February 13, 2008 at 6:39 PM
- Aradani said...
oh my goodness that book is sweet! i wish i could do that but the bf hates to take pics
- February 13, 2008 at 7:37 PM
- (g)ezebel said...
wow!! that book was the most incredibly sweet and romantic gift ever..!
i loove photography books (national geographic is one of my faves). images of random things that provoke profound feelings and emotions. i would be first in line to buy your photography book. :0)
- February 13, 2008 at 8:05 PM
- Luna said...
hi vanessa!
that's an awesome v-day present, super creative!
by the way, do you have any advice for someone looking into modeling? i know it's harder for people who are asian to get into the business :[ i'm 5'7'' and 16 years old. thanks!
- February 13, 2008 at 8:19 PM
- MakeupByRenRen said...
oh my gosh that book looks so professional! i know he loved it! dang i wish i had more time...maybe for the anniversary....keep it up girlfriend of the year ;)
- February 13, 2008 at 8:27 PM
- middleminder said...
aww. that's such a clever and thoughtful gift!!
- February 13, 2008 at 10:01 PM
- Anna said...
SOoo cuuuute and very creative!
- February 13, 2008 at 10:02 PM
- Julie said...
Wow! That is such a wonderful and thoughtful gift.
Yay for you writing some books! I can't wait for them :)
- February 13, 2008 at 10:08 PM
- Elizabeth said...
That's so sweet! You really put a lot of effort into the book. You wrote in all those pages right? I've been wanting to make a book as well. I bookmarked mypublisher.com a while back for the future. I plan on making a book much later down the road since I don't have many pictures! We don't take many pictures. I just have some of when we actually do stuff like the zoo, Disneyland, etc. which isn't that often.
But anyway, I'm not doing anything this valentine's day :(. Just going to get my haircut and get some fafi. But I've got a long day on Friday. I'm going to go grocery shopping once I get out of school and I'm going to cook a large dinner with dessert, ready for when my boyfriend is finished at 10 from a long day of school and work :) It might not sound like much but I hardly cook nice meals and put this much thought into things. I'm excited!
- February 13, 2008 at 10:53 PM
- bgirldskco said...
hey vanessa! that is the CUTEST gift i've ever seen! you're sooo Girlfriend of the year, haha. I looked at the picutre of the program you used to design the book, and in the corner is says "Booksmart" and I typed that in and i think "Blurb" makes these books, so I think maybe i'l try this idea for the bf and I's anniversay, which is in Novemeber though. it'll be 4 years then!
- February 14, 2008 at 1:39 PM
- Anonymous said...
wow, the book looks so nice! i wish my fiance could make a book like that. hell, i wish I could do a book like that, hahaha.
i've been reading your blog for a while and i think you're so sweet!
btw, i was at camarillo last WE too, i went to the CCO, but it had nothing!
- February 14, 2008 at 8:57 PM
- lynn said...
I think it's really clever that you made the back cover of the book a picture of your backs! =) I love when people put cute little details like that into their work. It shows that you put a lot of thought into your gift. I don't think I'd have the patience to personalize a book for just one person. I think making a card would be as far as I would go. Btw, do you even read old blog comments or is it easier for you to receive comments via cbox?
- February 24, 2008 at 9:32 PM
- Vanessa said...
Hi Lynn! If there's a question a Cbox is usually better since it's a lot more organized for me, as sometimes they get lost in these comments!
- February 25, 2008 at 10:15 AM


text:
Configured Model Request
At times, Greenheck's product offering may seem quite complex. With that in mind, we have developed a series of smart families. The smart families will take out the guess work when integrating Greenheck products with any BIM Project. (At this time we are only creating configuration specific models for complex content.)
Greenheck is bridging the gaps between specification, selection (CAPS), facility modeling, quantity take off, and manufacturing. The goal is to be as specific and accurate as possible. Preventing errors in communication between each of these (any many other) critical steps is key to eliminating unforeseen construction costs.
For more information: Configuration Specific.pdf
Is the Revit family available, but you need a different 3D format?
Are you looking for a CAD drawing? At Greenheck, we respect that not all firms are using Revit and are happy to provide you a .dwg, .dgn, or .sat file format for any model that currently exists in our Revit� library. The 3D file formats can be used in most other product platforms, including but not limited to; Autodesk products, Bentley Microstation, CadDuct, ArchiCAD, etc.
For more information: Universal 3D Format.pdf
3D CAD Examples: CAD.zip
Contact options:
- Complete Form - All fields are required.
- Email us: email@example.com
- Contact your local Greenheck Representative
- Phone us at (715) 355-3962


text:
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Happy 56th, Papa Crunk!
It's almost as big as his head! I used the Big Top Cupcake silicone mold I got for Christmas. Since the top and bottom halves are made up of cake, it took three batches of chocolate cupcake batter to fill them up. I used two batches of peanut buttercream frosting for the top and to fill the inside of the cake.
When my parents and I visited New Orleans last October, we ate the world's best French Fry Po Boys from the Verti Mart Deli. My dad requested that my mom try to recreate the delicious "carb sandwich" (as we affectionately call them) for his birthday dinner. Here's mine deconstructed — steak fries, sauteed peppers & onions, ketchup, and melted Daiya vegan cheddar (an Easter gift from my parents):
We had our carb sandwiches with my mom's delicious homemade guacamole and blue corn chips:
We decided that my mom's version of the French Fry Po Boy was even better than the Verti Mart Deli's sandwich. Plus, when my mom makes 'em, I can add vegan cheese! I'm sure my dad gained a few pounds back on his birthday, but this meal was so delicious, it was totally worth it.
29 comments:
- radioactivegan said...
many happy returns to your dad! and congrats on his weightloss so far -- that is a great achievement. i hope this year is even better than the previous 56 :)
- April 4, 2010 at 11:19 PM
- Belle said...
Happy birthday to papa crunk!!
All of that food looks delicious.
- April 4, 2010 at 11:47 PM
- T.Allen-Mercado said...
Wow the food looks great! Happy birthday Papa Crunk!
- April 4, 2010 at 11:51 PM
So worth it!
- April 5, 2010 at 12:34 AM
- Vegan TV Presenter said...
That is a bloody lovely cake! Many Happy Returns to Pappa Crunk, looks like a nice birthday meal :)
- April 5, 2010 at 3:27 AM
- The Voracious Vegan said...
Best birthday meal EVER! That cupcake cake is AWESOME! Do you think you can come to Saudi and make me my next birthday cake? Even though it is gigantic it is still technically a cupcake and therefore just a single serving, meaning I can eat it all my myself.
That sandwich looks delicious too, and you can't beat guacamole and chips!
- April 5, 2010 at 4:47 AM
- Millie said...
Wow such a delightful Birthday surrounded by such great food. Happy Birthday Papa Crunk!
- April 5, 2010 at 7:01 AM
- The Shenandoah Vegan said...
Your parents are so cool. Happy Birthday to Papa Crunk!
- April 5, 2010 at 7:17 AM
- Eric said...
that cupcake looks wildly huge! :)
- April 5, 2010 at 7:41 AM
I'm lovin' the giant cupcake. I have yet to bust mine out and try it, inspired me! Thanks!
- April 5, 2010 at 7:57 AM
Happy birthday to your dad! What a beautiful cake you made him, and that's a great birthday dinner, too.
And good for you dad for knowing he can bend the rules from time to time on his diet!
- April 5, 2010 at 8:24 AM
That is the single most epic cupcake ever. I bow down before you.
Happy 56th PC!
- April 5, 2010 at 9:43 AM
- two vegan boys said...
Good to know about the Po' boys. We are stopping Nola on our way to Florida. And we were wondering where to get some awesome vegan cuisine. If you know of any other places. Shoot me an email.
The cupCAKE looks awesome. Happy birthday to your papa.
- April 5, 2010 at 10:05 AM
- Sheridanna said...
Wow! Yay! Happy Birthday David! Or should I say, Papa Crunk?! Ha! So cute! I love it and everything looks so delicious! Wish I could have been there!
- April 5, 2010 at 11:41 AM
- McKella said...
Cupcakezilla! You should come to Utah to make that for my birthday.
- April 5, 2010 at 12:24 PM
That is an awesome cake
- April 5, 2010 at 12:57 PM
- Carolyn said...
That cake is FANTASTIC!!!
- April 5, 2010 at 2:51 PM
- Leslie R. said...
Awesome birthday, all-around!
- April 5, 2010 at 2:56 PM
- Michal said...
That is one cool looking cake!
And happy birthday to Papa Crunk! :)
- April 5, 2010 at 2:57 PM
- The Bad Vegan said...
i am so impressed with your giant cupcake! wow
- April 5, 2010 at 3:53 PM
*drool* Amazing cupcake. I want to make one like that for my b-day.
How is the cupcake mold in your opinion? I read some reviews on Amazon and it said it was hard to deal with, as in, the cake would stick on the inside, or the cake would be undercooked on the inside and overcooked outside...blah blah...what's the truth?
And, of course, Happy Birthday!
- April 5, 2010 at 6:38 PM
- Tanya said...
OMG....that is the most amazing looking cupcake ever. I want it!!
- April 5, 2010 at 7:42 PM
GIRL that looks SOOOO GOOOD!!!! Happy bday Papa Crunk!
- April 5, 2010 at 8:25 PM
- Kelly said...
Yay birthday treats! That looks like a fantastic way to celebrate. The cupcake is blowing my mind...!
- April 5, 2010 at 9:23 PM
- Tiffany said...
Happy birthday, Papa Crunk! And what an amazing weightloss achievement!
Oh my, that food is looking sooo good. The absolutely gigantic cupcake looks like it might be the best thing EVER.
- April 5, 2010 at 10:40 PM
- Keri - I Eat Trees said...
Wow, now that is a cupcake!! Looks like a delicious birthday meal- Happy 56!! :)
- April 6, 2010 at 9:43 AM
- Erin said...
I'd like to dive into both the french fry sandwich AND the giant cupcake! Happy b-day to your dad!
- April 7, 2010 at 1:44 PM
- Sugar-Skull.com said...
oh man, I miss vertimart po boys! I need to go back to nola soon. maybe one day we'll run into each other there!
Happy birthday, papa crunk!
- April 12, 2010 at 7:07 PM
- Melisser; the Urban Housewife said...
French Fry Po Boy?! DANG! I'll take that giant cupcake too!
- April 13, 2010 at 2:07 PM


text: Embrace the season's bold color trend with this rich burgundy patent leather Chanel handbag. Pewter hardware and two chain-and-leather strap embellish the exterior, with an open pocket in back. Snap and turnlock closures secure the top flap. Inside zip pocket on the flap, with open pockets inside for cell phone and PDA. Dimensions: 10"L x 2"W x 8"H; 10" drop handle if doubled, 18" if single.


text:
* That would be me.
Moving on...
- Related Wreckage: The Literal Letter of the Law
I thought it was going to say "Adam with the blue..." something else that rhymes with walls.... I'm glad it didn't. Yikes.
WOW just horrid!!! Love your blog! xo
I'm a former tech support operator too! I'd suggest we start a support line, but that would probably just make it worse.
I D Ten T, haven't used that in a while, although now that I think about it, it could have come in handy lately.
Amanda is a young woman with Multiple personalites, it is also her stripper personality "Bubbles" birthday, so they didn't know who to make the cake to. That's the story right?
Hooray for Tech Support!!! hee hee
And a Vappy Birthday to Jim.
Those "edible" (quote marks intentional) paper designs kind of gross me out. But if you're gonna use them, at least smooth out the wrinkles and start over if you tear it!
wv: subste: These designs are no subste for artistic decorations.
I "love heart" this blog.
That creased "Amanda Happy Birthday Bubble" has a certain classical lyricism about it.
Oops, I should have said, "That creased AND TORN 'Amanda Happy Birthday Bubble'" ...
WV: eyboxyie. I'm trying to get yestarday's cake image out of my mind, but it seems to be stuck on my retinas with eyboxyie.
Here's a good one: It says to press any key, but The ID10T can't find the 'any' key! Lol when I did tech support, thank god I didn't get any real bad ones, cuz I wouldn't have contained the laughs...
Jen, we love heart you!
Ah, Adam With Blue Flowers -- Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds' lesser-known brother . . . She got a song, but at least he got a cake!
Ooooh, do I detect an old-school Homestar Runner reference? Can I love you guys even more than I already do? I do believe the answer is "AaAaAaAa! I'm forever your girl!"
Maybe the wreckorator thought he was Native American...Adam With-Blue-Flowers?
I bite my thumb at these cakes!
I love the manly blue flowers on the cake for Jim.
Found you through SoCalFruGal... so glad I did. Thanks for the laughs!
Bahaha, please tell me the CD tray as a cup holder was in reference to The IT Crowd!? Please! That would make me so happy. "I feel trapped, like a moth in a bath."-Moss (If only I had a "moth ladder!")
WV: Brapho: Brapho Wreckies, Brapho... you just keep making them worse! Quite the feat!
gotta love the literal minded and redundant.
poor Amanda. that looked like a really cool cake with the retro silhouette. too bad they mucked up the inscription. and the cake got a crack in the icing on the cute silhouette. and the screenprinted form apparently got wrinkled or didn't fit, because the blue bar on the side seems to be from another design that snuck onto this cake.
could a little white icing at least patched THAT up, decorator? and a little airbrushing fill in the white crack on the silhouette so the girl doesn't look like she's splitting in half or getting struck by lightning?
but you spelled bubble, and rewrote Happy Birthday. so I'm wasting my time here. lest I repeat myself.
Happy Birthday Adam With Blue Flowers is clearly your next t-shirt.
Maybe it's a cake for twins, Amanda, and Bubble, her stripper sister. or maybe she's just an airhead.
I like your theory though, Anon @ 9:38. of course the decorator also misspelled Bubbles name. but your theory fits the crack in the icing on the girl, as if her personality was split.
this isn't a wreck, it's a work of GENIUS!
Maybe Adam With Blue Flowers is just his Native American name.
I can beat your cup holder.
A guy calls because his computer is making a weird noise. When asked where the noise is coming from, he says the floppy drive. (Yes, floppies - you remember those, right?) When told to eject the disk, he says he can't. A few more questions get to the source of his trouble: he tried to use one of the REALLY old floppies (5 inch?) in the regular 3.5 inch floppy slot. He thought scissors would accomplish this.
I'm a technical writer, but part of my job is to review tech support requests to see what users are having problems with, and what could be improved in the documentation.
I think tech support requests give kind of a skewed picture of user intelligence. You have to figure that the users who are actually competent and/or able to read a manual generally don't need tech support. That leaves the really dumb ones, and the unhandled exceptions.
Here's another tech support acronym for you...
Problem In Chair, Not In Computer.
Ah the art of redundancy.
With blue flowers :)
True story from my call center days: I had a older gentleman who called because he was having problems entering his credit card into the computer. After a few minutes I realized he was inserting the physical credit card into the diskette drive. As if it was an ATM. I had to mute the call while I got my hysterical laughing under control.
You are hilarious, I can't believe someone else sees the world as I do. ahhh too funny, with an exclamation mark.
My grandma used to have a neighbor that every time she mentioned her she didn't just call her Oogie (her actual name!), but always called her Oogie Acrossthehall. Maybe Adam is like that. His name is Adam Withblueflowers. Could be a Native American name.
No, i'm convinced that the crack running down the middle of Amanda/Bubbles' silhouette isn't a mistake so much as an artistic choice.
You see, the decorator knows about amanda's secret double life and the late night performances as Bubbles, and as a deeply religious person, is morally offended by them. This wasn't just a job; it was an important opportunity to tell all of Amanda's friends the truth. So the decorator put on both names, Then changed the bubble into a storm cloud of truth, complete with lightning strike. It's a simple easy way to say, "Happy birthday Amanda! God knows about Bubbles, and will strike you down for your late night striping."
Adam with blue flowers would be a great band name.
But the keyboard is awe inspiring. All those teeny dot/keys...and somewhat accurate for a row or two.
Less than three
I less than three these wrecks!
Can't read your blog at work. Between you and your commenters, I laugh out loud too often. And double over unable to stop laughing. Doesn't make a good impression with the boss. "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds younger brother." OMG.
The literal ones are my favorite.
A-hahahahaha! After the PEBKAC thing I was thinking, "Hmmm, that's right up there with those ID10T errors so-and-so was telling me about..." LOVE that you put that in there! :)
(saw a cake case out of the corner of my eye yesterday, and if I hadn't been under the weather, I absolutely would have scouted for potential wrecks!)
Here is one that us hardware guys like to use when a computer is brought to us and nothing seems wrong with it physically.
SBKAC = Short Between Keyboard And Chair.
Dame Ruth: you stole my exact thought!
Some of those actually look like the cake was done correctly, then someone came along and wrecked 'em. For instance, Amanda's cake looked fine before Fred-the-decorator came over and wrote all the instructions. Adam's cake clearly has two different hands writing the words. I guess people can really be stupid.
Um ... why does the right side of Amanda's cake look like Bounty paper towels??? Enlarge it, and you will see exactly what I am talking about.
Before you post another cake like "Adam with Blue Flowers", would you please give us a warning. Something like ... "Projectile Beverage Warning. Protect hardware and chair."
Heh, we've had to invent a new term at work since everyone got wise to ID10T and PEBKAC so we came up with PICNIC errors.
Problem In Chair, Not In Computer
You are absolutely right. I didn't even notice it. Jen and I are sitting in the office and we both just opened it on our respective computers. And she has no clue either. Good catch.
Adam with the Blue Flowers sounds like some kind of hippie name or a Joni Mitchell song...Is anyone else concerned that Amanda seems to be cracking under the strain of embarrassment?
Is there a way to find out where these cakes have come from? If not the actual bakery names, possibly a city/state location?
As my dad likes to say, it's the Department of Redundancy Department. :P
It's just so hard to believe these are real! It frightens me a little :)
When my husband worked at a hardware store as a teen 30 years ago, they'd use the PA system, if they had an issue with a customer. "We need a manager on register one please. We have an ID Ten T". It cracked me up when I first heard him tell it, and I still get a kick out of it. :)
You know..that would make a really good cake! :D
I work in tech support now at a law firm. You know why they charge so much? ID10T error comes up a TON!!!
I just don't understand how many folks decorating cake would not understand the difference between instructions and the actual words on a cake. I am also scratching my head on how many of these cake claiming to be professionally done look like a child made them. I am scared for humanity...
I've never posted before, but have been a fan of this site for a while now. I couldn't help posting today. Jen, your comments are the best, and they absolutely make the cakes even funnier. "in italics" has me in a fit of giggles at the moment.
I was helping to maintain a password protected website and a user complained that she was receiving an error when creating her new account. It kept saying that her username was taken, but that couldn't be right because she's hadn't created an account for the site before and that was her name on the internet. I love users!
I love this web site. Working in a bakery i know things can go wrong sometimes but damn!!
The Adam one looks fake. The handwriting for Happy Birthday doesn't match the Adam blue flowers part at all. The angle and spacing are entirely different.
It would be about the best cake wreck ever if it were real.
Maybe Adam had pleuroses and needed to feel better.
Anon @ 4:26,
It's not. The handwriting is the same. When you decorate a cake and you start running out of room, you start cramming.
In Scotland, a ♥ is not called a heart, it's called a "love heart"... maybe that's what they wanted on Patti's cookie?
Love the computer cake. My hubby is a computer programmer and believe it or not, his name is Jim and today is his birthday.
The errors are also called PICNIC - Problem In Chair, Not In Computer (or in this case, "Cake"). I've heard the IDIOT error, but I've heard it called "One D Ten T"...same thing (1D10T).
These are so funny. Who knew you could find so much material from a cake.
My boyfriend is a tech support operator! It astounds me the sorts of things people call about.
I've heard the mouse as a foot pedal thing too. And a lot of "help, my tv menu is in spanish and I can't change it back because it's in spanish."
The one that really gets me though, is when he was working as a tech support operator for Cox Communications (cable, internet, phone) and was called by a man claiming his computer didn't work because the screen was black. While he was trying to explain to the man the monitor was off, the customer lost his temper and shot the screen with an actual gun.
"There, now it's really broken," he said, and hung up.
I am personally disturbed by the twine that seems to be holding Amanda's skull and spine together. Wouldn't a steel rod have been more suitable?
The written instruction wrecks are my all time favorites!!! No matter how many of these you post, I will laugh, chortle, and guffaw. Loudly.
I propose a law
Decorating Under the Influence
There can be no other explanation.
You could lose your license to bake.
Good call on the paper towel. Would that help apply in any way? And have you seen Amanda's foot? Small mishappen!!
What's the black X under Adam's spray? Chocolate...chips? A dead fly on the order form?
WV: scramet. "I can't fit the whole name on."
My 3 yr old saw me reading your blog and now wants a carrot with a baby on top on her next birthday cake!!
Whomever made the last cake...I'd love to see them do one for "Devil with a Blue Dress."
Ok remind me again why people pay for these things?? Is it to die of laughter when they get them home or is it because they fear the decorator may come and hunt them down for hating on their "work"? Dying of laughter just looking at some of those especially the Adam with blue flowers.. man poor guy..
"Adam with Blue Flowers"... Haha... Sometimes it just makes me wonder if some cake decorators understand english at all.
My sister put me onto your blog,I couldn't help myself and had to read all of it in one go!
I'm an icecream cake maker in Australia and see all kind of mistakes from the staff at work... this cracks me up and brightens my day.
I can definitely relate to quite a few of the wrecks...and cover ups, the girls will try anything!
My favourites are definitely the litteral translations of the messages on the cakes!
Keep up the great work and hope I never see any of my cakes on here!
This is positively fantastic! And I thought I had trouble with my name...
LOL the I.D.Ten T error message is officially one of my new favourite things! My husband used to be a software tester, he'll get a real kick out of it too!
I know Adam Withblueflowers. He's a very sweet man. Native American.
That is supposed to read Patti loves Heart, you? - her family sings "Barracuda" instead of "Happy Birthday" to her.
At least Adam got blue flowers on his cake. There have been some wrecks requesting a specific color that, aside from being spelled out in the inscription, was not found anywhere on the cake.
He should consider himself lucky. =)
The "Big-A$$ Cake" is actually kind of funny. Almost witty even. Assuming it was intentional, of course...
These decorators must have had some I.D. ten T. problems.
my dad works with computers at baosso america and they got a call from a guy wondering why his computer
wouldnt turn on when his electricity shut off.....all i could say was wow.
OOOH OOOH I got it! The Bubbles cake is actually a reference to a series of femisteries where the main character is called Bubbles Yablonsky. The silhouette is supposed to look like the cover of the books.
You know, I read your blog all the time (love it!) and I can totally understand the cakes that are just plain ugly (like the frogs you posted earlier in the week) because of people who just have an irrational perspective of their own talent (like on American Idol).
...But the cakes like this that say things like "Happy Birthday Adam With Blue Flowers"... I still can't figure out how that happens. I really can't. Do you have an answer? Or maybe you ask yourself the same thing every time you post.
Anyway, keep up the good work! You make me giggle every day! :)
♥ xtine
Every time I read this blog, the people I work with are alarmed. Apparently, it makes me laugh like a crazy person. Thank you!
Wow... and would ya look at the epic wrinkle in the edible paper on Amanda's cake!
For a glimpse of someone using a paper towel to smooth buttercream (and potentially leaving a paper towel imprint) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIJHpss5lLo
I'm almost surprised that they actually remembered the blue flowers on Adam's cake. A lot of cakes say something like "Happy Birthday in Red" but there isn't any red on the cake.
Adam With Blue Flowers!!! Ahahahaha! This has to be a joke, right? One that the decorator is in on?
Thanks for reminding me of one of the first mp3 files I ever had - it still makes me laugh: Jeffrey Hitchin's Tech Support (Transcript: http://baxil.livejournal.com/193207.html; audio file: http://www.prometheus-music.com/eli/virtual.html)
I agree that "Adam With Blue Flowers" would be a great shirt if you haven't already done it. :)
Barnes & Noble
Borders | IndieBound
A Cake Wreck is any cake that is unintentionally sad, silly, creepy, inappropriate - you name it. A Wreck is not necessarily a poorly-made cake; it's simply one I find funny, for any of a number of reasons. Anyone who has ever smeared frosting on a baked good has made a Wreck at one time or another, so I'm not here to vilify decorators: Cake Wrecks is just about finding the funny in unexpected, sugar-filled places.
Now, don't you have a photo you want to send me? ;)
We don't have any copies of Cake Wrecks for sale here, autographed or otherwise. We decided the shipping and handling costs would be too high to make it worth your while. So instead, buy your copies locally or online and then order personalized bookplates: it's cheaper, easier, and I think even looks a bit nicer.
Payments must be made through Paypal, which accepts all major credit cards. Sorry, but that means no checks or MOs or barter-based chickens.
We ship everything first class USPS, and will do our best to have your package in the mail within 2 days of your order.
Copyright 2008-, Cake Wrecks. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy
Endorsement Disclosure: Purchases made through Amazon affiliate links on this blog yield a small referral fee. Go here for more details.


text:
Re: The Dhamma Wheel Meditation Challenge
Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2013 11:01 am
Good work for being realistic! Even that small amount is nothing to be sneezed at. And good luck.Feathers wrote:Hi!
This is a pathetically small amount, but if I stick to it for a week it will be more discipline and consistency than I've ever managed before. I'm trying to be realistic.