Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Happy New Year!

The BoogieDowners will not be in the BoogieDown for a few days... and we won't have computer access.

So this will be the last post until Thursday.

Have a great time ringing in 2009!

~ErLu

Monday, December 29, 2008

Listing of the Day: Clock Tower Rental

112 Lincoln Ave. at Bruckner Blvd, 2 bedrooms - $1375/month

Ever want to live in an old piano factory in the South Bronx? Well now is your time. This is a two bedroom apartment in the Clock Tower down in Mott Haven.

This is actually a pretty steep discount from back when BoogieDowner first profiled a unit in the Clock Tower. That was back in August during the last gasps of real estate lunacy and a similar unit was pimped to artist types for $1800/month.

It's hard to get much closer to the city in the Bronx and this small area of Mott Haven has a little art scene and some decent eating establishments like Bruckner Bar and Grill, Alexander's, Pio Pio (a little father away), and Santa Clarita (also a 5-10 minute walk away).

So cheap rent, a relatively cool hood, and close proximity to the City combine to make this a pretty decent apartment option.

And for those who take the word of the gray lady as Gospel, there is a passing mention of the Clock Tower on the second page of this Times article about lofts from November.



~ErLu

Photo of the Day

Super

Submitted by Somebody Shouted McIntrye via Flickr

Remember to keep uploading your pics to Flickr and tag them with "boogiedowner" to have one of your photos appear as a Photo of the Day.

~ErLu

Parking Wars

In honor of one of BoogieDowner's favorite A&E shows, Parking Wars, we have decided to drop some choice parking options on our readers.

Today's pick?
$100/month, outdoor
Wissmann Ave, near Edgewater, Throgg's Neck

~ErLu

Listing of the Day: Bronx Beauty

1107 Hoe Avenue, 3 family, 10 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms - $499,000
A really great looking building from the outside. It does make one nervous when there are no interior pictures, and for less than $50K a bedroom methinks there might be some work to be done.

Nevertheless, this house comes with a two bedroom, a living room, a bathroom, and a kitchen on the first floor; a four bedroom, a living room, a bathroom, and a kitchen on the second floor; and a four bedroom, a living room, a bathroom, and a kitchen on the third floor.

I guess you would call this hood Morrisania, although I am sure some call it Longwood. There is decent shopping on Westchester Avenue and transportation two blocks away at 2/5 station at Simpson Street and Westchester Avenue.

I just hope the avenue this property is located on doesn't get its name from any type of prevalent freelance vendors who populate the nabe's streets.


~ErLu

Round'em Up

Here are some Bronx-related stories we've rounded up you, our lovely readers, while trolling the interweb with our horse and lasso this fine morning:

The Daily News' Bronx Borough team takes a look back at the good, the bad, and the ugly Bronx stories of 2008 [Daily News]

Morris Park Patrol goes up against the NYPD in war over logo [New York Times]

~ErLu

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Introducing...

With a new year upon us, BoogieDowner would like to announce our new venture...

Practical tips and news for Bronx parents,
sprinkled with some parental venting.

The idea for Little BoogieDowner was sparked the day we were interviewed by Tiziana Rinaldi, a reporter for Bronx Family magazine (we'll be in the upcoming January edition). She asked us if we would ever consider branching out and doing a site geared towards parents. Oddly enough, we had been discussing the very same thing earlier that day.

So if you have a little one and are always looking for kid-friendly events, restaurants, or cultural sites in or around the Bronx, check out Little BoogieDowner.

The first post is up, and it's about the insanely frustrating process of losing baby weight. Sorry, a very cliche post that only the ladies will really relate to, but it's been heavy on my mind lately.

Thanks for reading!

~ErLu

If You're Bored With the Little Ones Today...

The Kidz Disco (1854 Westchester Avenue at Leland Avenue) is hosting their "Christmas Extravaganza" today from 1 to 4pm.

There will be a DJ, a Coloring Center, and play tents and tunnels for the kids. The rents can get a massage or mini-makeover, or check out the Giants game on wall projection.

Cost is $10 for kids, and $5 for adults.

~ErLu

Photo of the Day

Joyce Kilmer Park/Old Yankee StadiumPhoto by ErLu

Event Reminders

Bobby Sanabria Big Band @ The Village Gate
Check out the Bronx's own Bobby Sanabria as he plays "Salsa Meets Jazz" (with special guests Candido on congas and Frank London on jazz trumpet) tomorrow night, 12/29, at 7:30pm and 9:30pm at The Village Gate at Le Poisson Rouge (158 Bleecker Street at Thompson). Tickets are $25. Call (212) 505-3474 for reservations. Click here for more info.

Staying Healthy in Mind, Body, and Spirit @ Methodist Church Home
There will be a free workshop, "Staying Health in Body, Mind and Spirit," given by Dr. Solomon Reuben, PHD, Clinical Psychologist at Methodist Church Home (4499 Manhattan College Parkway) tomorrow night, 12/29, at 6:30pm. The workshop is designed to help individuals make life style changes in areas such as nutrition, exercise, emotional/psychological growth, stress management, relaxation/meditation and spirituality. Free parking! Reservations are required. Please call 718-548-5100 Ext.231.

~ErLu

Saturday, December 27, 2008

More on the Stella D'Oro Strike

The New York Times' Marc Santora takes an up-close look at the now over four month long Stella D'Oro strike over in Kingsbridge.

Click here to check it out.
*Photo courtesy of Hiroko Masuike for The New York Times*
~ErLu

Friday, December 26, 2008

Photo of the Day

sunrise over drawbridge (pelham bay park)
Photo courtesy of bxjon via Flickr

Garabedians in the Times

I guess even the Gray Lady is hip to the Christmas House on Pelham Parkway.
Susan Dominus wrote a story for today's Times in which she tries to uncover the Christmas miracle that engendered the Garabedians' saints and celebrities display that alights Westervelt and Pelham Parkway every year.  Gary Garabedian was rather tight lipped.


To see more great pics from this display click here for BoogieDowner's recent "12 Days of Christmas House."

You can also read New York Magazine's take on BoogieDowner's original post about this holiday spectacle.

~ErLu

Parking Wars

In honor of one of BoogieDowner's favorite A&E shows, Parking Wars, we have decided to drop some choice parking options on our readers.

Today's pick?
$100/month, outdoor
Mosholu Avenue near Broadway- Northern Riverdale


~ErLu

Crown Acquisitions Scooping up Westchester Ave. Properties

Crown Acquisitions just purchased another store front at 1553 Westchester Avenue in the Soundview section of the Bronx.

"The purchase represents the second retail property space Crown Acquisitions has acquired on Westchester Avenue, the other being 1593 Westchester Avenue. That building is fully leased to tenants including Duane Reade and Dunkin Donuts, and was purchased by Crown Acquisitions about five years ago. Chera feels that the lease to AT&T validates the market’s obvious growth in Soundview." [Patrick Rocchio, Yournabe.com]

It's nice to see people still investing in the Bronx, despite the overall economic meltdown.

*photo courtesy of www.yournabe.com*
~ErLu

Smallest 'Round'em Up' Ever

Well, there certainly aren't enough Bronx-related stories floating around the interweb today to really warrant a round up, but we did find this one New York Times article to be quite interesting...

Franciscan Friars at St. Crispin's in the South Bronx sleep on the floor and pray at least four hours a day... and they love every minute of it. [New York Times]
~ErLu

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Photo of the Day: '12 Days of Christmas House'

On the 12th Day of Christmas,
The Garabedian Family Gave to Me:
A very Merry Christmas!


Photo by ErLu

Merry Christmas BoogieDowner readers!

Hope you enjoyed the photos of the Garabedian Christmas House on Pelham Parkway.

We know the "12 Days of Christmas" are actually just beginning today and we did this feature in reverse, but thanks for humoring us!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Photo of the Day: '12 Days of Christmas House'

On the 11th Day of Christmas,
The Garabedian Family Gave to Me:
Diamonds baby, diamonds.

Photo by ErLu

Keep checking back each day until Christmas as we feature photos of individual elements of the insanity that is the Garabedian Christmas House on Pelham Parkway. Only one day left!

And yes, we know the "12 Days of Christmas" actually run from Christmas Day through the Epiphany, but please just humor us with this one.

Round'em Up

Here are some Bronx-related stories we've rounded up you, our lovely readers, while trolling the interweb with our horse and lasso this fine Christmas Eve morning:

Tom Robbins takes an in-depth look at Bronx 'attorney and powerbroker' Stanley Schlein [Village Voice]

Bronx 'Sports Person of the Year' goes to Fordham Prep wrestler [Daily News]

Working Families Party hitting the streets of the Bronx to ensure Democrats lead the Senate [West Bronx Blog]

Bronx church aiding the unemployed, one job at a time [Daily News]

Ho, ho, ho! It's... Cardinal Egan? [Daily News]

Parks Dept. gives East Bronx residents an update on Ferry Point Park and Golf Course [Daily News]

Kappy reports on Dancer and Prancer's real-life woes [Daily News]

Federal bailout for Hunts Point Market? [Daily News]

~ErLu

Listing of the Day: A Christmas Wish

Douglas & Independence, 4 Bedroom, 6.5 Bath, -$12,500,000

All I want for Christmas is this four bedroom mansion.

This beauty is in Fieldston. Fieldston is one of the wealthiest enclaves, bot just in the Bronx, but in all of New York City.

I promise I've been a good BoogieDowner, Santa. I swear!

The pics speak for themselves.
FULL LISTING
~ErLu


Tuesday, December 23, 2008

The Pasta Factory: Your Borgatti's Alternative

So, we are complete idiots and waited until the day before Christmas Eve to head over to Arthur Avenue and 187th to shop for all of our Christmas meal ingredients. Seriously, we live 10 minutes away, and we chose to go on a day when tourists from all over the NYC metro area flock to the hood and take up all the parking - the municipal lot was at least a 45 minute wait.

After lucking out with a non-metered spot (yahoo!) on Hoffman Avenue, we walked over to Borgatti's with the intention of picking up ravioli. Easier said than done. The line was (not surprisingly) out the door... but we waited anyway. About 30 minutes into the wait when we were finally pretty close to getting inside, an employee came out and announced that anyone waiting for ravioli or manicotti could form a shorter line to the left of the pasta line.

Pandomium of course ensued, and everyone behind us ended up in front of us because we're not nearly as aggressive as all the Westchester morons we were waiting with. We gave up and walked away all huffy without any fresh pasta to show for all our shivering.

We headed down the street to check out a much more reasonable alternative: The Pasta Factory, which is on 187th between Crescent and Beaumont Avenues. There was literally no line there, and the employees were super friendly. A dozen of fresh stuffed shells was $7.50 and almost a pound of frozen tortellini is only $5. I don't have any official price comps for Borgatti's (we usually just get ravioli there, which is $12 per box), but I'm willing to make an educated guess that The Pasta Factory is cheaper.

We've mentioned this before, but don't forget to check out Calandra's Cheese on Arthur Avenue all the way down near Crescent Avenue as an alternative to the famous (and always insanely crowded) Casa della Mozzarella on 187th...

Another hot tip for you: if you do decide to wait in line for pasta at Borgatti's and hypothermia is setting in, step into Roma Luncheonette right on the corner of 187th and Belmont for hot chocolate. I have no idea what they put in the stuff, but I'm addicted to it. Their food is good as well, just don't expect 5-star service or ambiance... it's just a cute little neighborhood spot, made even cuter by the fact that it was the site of ErLu's first date back in college. Nothing like some greasy bacon and eggs to cure a hangover. Goddamn, we were romantic back then!

~ErLu

Photo of the Day: '12 Days of Christmas House'

On the 10th Day of Christmas,
The Garabedian Family Gave to Me:

Old-School Cher Serenading Holy Family and Entourage

Photo by ErLu

Keep checking back each day until Christmas as we feature photos of individual elements of the insanity that is the
Garabedian Christmas House on Pelham Parkway.
And yes, we know the "12 Days of Christmas" actually run from Christmas Day through the Epiphany, but please just humor us with this one.

WNYC Catches Up with Adolfo Carrion Jr.

Click here to check out the interview...

~ErLu

A $3 Subway Ride?

The MTA has released its maximum fare hike schedule. Mind you this doesn't mean they will go up that much, but that they can go up that much.

Here's the rundown:
  • $3 base fare for subways and buses, up from $2
  • $105 for a monthly Metro Card, up from $81
  • $7 toll on East River crossings, up from $5 on the Whitestone and Throgg's Neck

How do you all feel about this?  Is this inevitable in such a terrible economic climate?  Or, is this just going to squeeze those of us who need efficient and cheap public transportation the most? Let us know what you think in the comments and in the poll.

"Are You Ready for the $3 Subway Ride?" [William Neuman, City Room]

~ErLu

Parking Wars

In honor of one of BoogieDowner's favorite A&E shows, Parking Wars, we have decided to drop some choice parking options on our readers. 

Today's pick?
950 Westchester Ave, - Morrisania
$90.60 plus tax per month

Is It Creepy to Have a Crush on the Prez Elect?

I haven't felt these butterflies since Bubba played his sax...
Photo courtesy of Bauer Griffin Online via Celebuzz

~ErLu

Round'em Up

Here are some Bronx-related stories we've rounded up you, our lovely readers, while trolling the interweb with our horse and lasso this fine morning:

Kappy reports on who's been naughty or nice (and who's been a little of both and deserves some snowman poop) in the world of Bronx politics this year [Daily News]

Bronx born and raised 'Doubt' writer John Patrick Shanley stops by NY1 for a little one-on-one [NY1]

Some Bronx public housing developments' community centers are on the chopping block [Daily News]

Nurses and doctors at Calvary Hospital raise money and organize holiday party to honor brave kids who've lost loved ones [Daily News]

Lillo acquitted [New York Times] (BoogieDowner Note: What a joke this verdict is.)

~ErLu

Listing of the Day: Fordham Road Rental

Fordham Road, 2 Bedrooms - $995/month
The listing does not provide much detail as to where on Fordham Road this unit is, but $995 for a two bedroom?  This thing could be on Fordham Road and al Asad Boulevard in Baghdad and it would be cheap. 

Taking this rent and chopping it in two, then pro-rating for a per diem rent comes out to $16.58 per day, per person.  Some people in this city pay more than that for their daily lunch at the falafel cart.

If BoogieDowner had to guess where a two bedroom would fetch a mere $995 a month on the Fordham Road stretch, methinks it would be further west in University Heights.  Probably south of Fordham Road proper.  Not the best hood in the world, 
but if your looking for a super-cheap share this is your pad.

The pictures show a decent apartment and with hardwood floors.  The pics also show a bathroom, which seems to indicate the existence of running water - not to be taken for granted in a unit this cheap.

Anywhere along Fordham Road the transportation would be good.  If you are where I think this is, the 4 at Jerome and Fordham Road would be pretty close.  If you're farther east, the B/D at the Concourse and Fordham Road would do the trick.


~ErLu

Monday, December 22, 2008

FINALLY, a Blanket With Sleeves (aka "a robe")

Please note, this post has nothing to do with the Bronx.  

We were just watching tv and came across a really funny commercial we wanted to share with you.  

It's called the Snuggie, "the blanket with sleeves!"  (Otherwise known as a robe.)  Finally, BoogieDowner will be able to blog the day away without our hands trapped inside a blanket that slips and slides away... 

Best parts to look out for are the couple sitting on the floor in matching Snuggies playing Backgammon, and the kid cheering at the sporting event whose Snuggie doesn't fit... poor little guy can't even clap his hands!

Click here to watch it.  (We had it embedded before, but the damn thing kept starting up everytime we reloaded the page... we didn't want to drive everyone nuts.)

~ErLu

Photo of the Day: '12 Days of Christmas House'

On the 9th Day of Christmas, 
The Garabedian Family Gave to Me:

Two adorable (yet strong) little angels 
with impressive balancing skills
Photo by ErLu

Keep checking back each day until Christmas as we feature photos of individual elements of the insanity that is the Garabedian Christmas House on Pelham Parkway.
And yes, we know the "12 Days of Christmas" actually run from Christmas Day through the Epiphany, but please just humor us with this one.

Round'em Up

File this one under 'better late than never.' This holiday week has us feeling a bit sloooooow...

Here are some Bronx-related stories we've rounded up you, our lovely readers, while trolling the interweb with our horse and lasso this fine afternoon:

Some Bronx businesses sharing space to cut costs [Daily News]

Councilman Oliver Koppell works with Stella D'oro strikers to ensure their comfort as temperatures plummet [Riverdale Ramblings]

~ErLu

Parking Wars

In honor of one of BoogieDowner's favorite A&E shows, Parking Wars, we have decided to drop some choice parking options on our readers.

Today's pick?

167th and Ogden - Highbridge
$100/month, fenced in.

MORE DETAILS

*image courtesy of http://www.goatload.com/serendipity/uploads/parking_wars.jpg*
~ErLu

Listing of the Day: Woodlawn for Less Than $80k

Vireo Avenue corner of McLean Avenue, Studio - $79,000

BoogieDowner brings to you a bargain of bargains... a 450 square foot studio in Woodlawn for only $79K. That's only about $177 a square foot. When we hit the ole mortgage abacus, and taking into account the crazy low interest rates of this lunatic economy, your monthly would be $353 before maintenance.

Woodlawn obviously has lots of pub grub and libations. McCLean Avenue (technically in Yonkers) is a great strip of store. restaurants, and bars. Katonah Avenue heading north-south from the cemetery also has lots of bars and an Irish bakery.

You'd also have proximity to Cousin Tommy, which is an amenity without a price tag.


Also, did I mention the lobby of this building has a fountain?

The transportation I think can be a little iffy when you're this far east in the hood. The 4 train is over east and down south near the other edge of the cemetery. You'd be close to the Metro North on this side of the nabe, but that gets a little pricey on an everyday commuting basis. I guess you'd take a bus to the train.

~ErLu

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Photo of the Day: '12 Days of Garabedian House'

On the 8th Day of Christmas, 
The Garabedian Family Gave to Me:

Diana Ross partying in front of The Nativity 
with equally glamorous mannequin friend
Photo by ErLu
Keep checking back each day until Christmas as we feature photos of individual elements of the insanity that is the Garabedian Christmas House on Pelham Parkway.
And yes, we know the "12 Days of Christmas" actually run from Christmas Day through the Epiphany, but please just humor us with this one.

Round'em Up

Here are some Bronx-related stories we've rounded up you, our lovely readers, while trolling the interweb with our horse and lasso this fine morning:

Alleged heroin dealing at Bronx Board of Elections goes univestigated [New York Post]

A report on 'cohabitation' of schools around NYC [New York Times]

Majora Carter green high school proposal rejected by DOE [Hunts Point Express]

~ErLu


Saturday, December 20, 2008

South Bronx Igloo Project

Yes, you read the title of this post properly.  There was an igloo on the rooftop of a South Bronx apartment building... made entirely out of cardboard boxes, household paint, and duct and packing tape. Only in the Bronx kids, only in the Bronx.

A BoogieDowner reader sent us a tip about the two artists, John Mascaro and Leo Morand, who developed the Igloo Project.  They have established a collective, MUT Architecture, working between the South Bronx and Paris.  

For more information (as well as great photos) on Mascaro and Morand's work, click here and here.  

I will let the pictures below speak for themselves.  

All photos courtesy of John Mascaro.


~ErLu

Theatre Mania Gets Hip to Lehman Center

Theatre Mania has a post up about all the upcoming shows at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts...

We'll of course include all of the shows in "Event Reminders," but the rundown will be helpful to mark your calendars in advance with any performances that catch your eye...

Click here to check out the rundown.

We are totally digging the fact that Theatre Mania gave Lehman Center the good press it deserves and is thinking outside the realm of Manhattan/Brooklyn.  Kudos!  

~ErLu  

Photo of the Day: '12 Days of Christmas House'

On the 7th Day of Christmas,
The Garabedian Family Gave to Me:
 
Jesus, Three Different Marys, and archangel Michael
Photo by ErLu
Keep checking back each day until Christmas as we feature photos of individual elements of the insanity that is the Garabedian Christmas House on Pelham Parkway.
And yes, we know the "12 Days of Christmas" actually run from Christmas Day through the Epiphany, but please just humor us with this one.

Mo'Gridders's Pierces the Foodie Blogosophere

The otherwise Bronx-phobic foodie blogosphere has given a new (or really not so new) Bronx establishment some love.  Eater NY, the sister venture of Curbed NY, has done a write up about Mo'Gridder's new spot.

Mo'Gridder's is a BBQ place for serious BBQ heads.  Wings, ribs, burgers,
anything.  Mo's started as a lunch truck down in Hunt's Point.  And Mo's was at the Point way before the Daily News called it the BoogieDown's most improved hood, or before the Bank Note Building, or even before Majora Carter set up a consulting firm

Well, Mo'Gridder's has decided to start another, more conventional venture further north in the Bronx.  Right in the heart of BoogieDown foodie heaven: Belmont.  More particularly in the old Roberto's on 186th street across from Antonio's Trattoria (worth the trip itself for brick oven pizza, but that's fodder for another post). 

ErLu actually was able to sample some of the grub from Mo's at last weekend's Taste of the Bronx event.  There's no hype here;  Mo's is the truth.  The owner did tell us that Mo's doesn't yet have a liquor licence, so its BYOB for now, but that a licence is forthcoming.  

Mo's is open for business are here are the vitals:  632 E. 186th St., Belmont; 347-270-9850.


~ErLu

Bronx Nostalgia Mania... But It Will Cost You

Have you always dreamed of being the proud owner of a Bronx Chess Set?  How about a Bronx "Time Machine" Watch?  

Then Back to THE BRONX is the website for you.  Back in THE BRONX is a magazine and website developed by an old-time Bronx couple, Stephen and Susan Samtur (pictured left).  They describe Back in THE BRONX as "...more than rekindling the past. It's also a way of finding lost neighborhood friends and school chums and creating new friendships, a path back home to some wonderful times."  Yes, they used the word "chums."  Ain't they cute?  

The site just came on our radar because the Samtur's recently announced a "virtual drive system" which will allow Bronxites who've moved far and wide to take a "drive" through their old neighbor to see how it's changed, and then browse through old archived photographs of the BoogieDown. Basically, they've simply implemented Google Earth on their site.  

The catch?  The Samtur's didn't develop this website and magazine strictly out of their love for the Bronx... To access anything on the site, you must be a paid subscriber.  A subscription for one year costs almost $25.  The other slightly annoying fact that we'd like to point out is that the Samtur's seem to now live in Elmsford, NY, so I guess they didn't love the Bronx that much, did they?

Also, not sure if the Samtur's realize that with the click of a mouse anyone can download and access Google Earth for free.      

~ErLu

Round'em Up

Here are some Bronx-related stories we've rounded up you, our lovely readers, while trolling the interweb with our horse and lasso this fine morning:

Katie Bindley gives us more on Councilman James Vacca's proposed 'photo finish' for ticket-writers [New York Times]

Landmarks Preservation Commission gets hip to the BoogieDown's architectural treasures [amNY]

Gift donation program at PS 55 in Morrisania is a huge success [wcbstv.com]

~ErLu

Friday, December 19, 2008

From One Interweb Geek to Another

Yowzas...

We just downloaded Google Chrome as our web browser and just wanted to share how much it rocks with our readers. No, we are not getting paid for this endorsement (although that'd be great if you're reading Google). It's just that good that we felt the need to post about it.   

The lightening fast web surfing speed it delivers certainly isn't going to help curb our interweb addiction though...

If you'd like to take it for a spin, click here to download it.  It takes just a few seconds, and we've noticed even BoogieDowner is loading in the blink of an eye now... It took a few seconds for the BD to download we when were using Internet Explorer before.  

~ErLu

Photo of the Day: '12 Days of Christmas House'

On the 6th Day of Christmas,
the Garabedian Family Gave to Me:
Cindarella's Evil Looking Horses

Photo by ErLu


Keep checking back each day until Christmas as we feature photos of individual elements of the insanity that is the
Garabedian Christmas House on Pelham Parkway.
And yes, we know the "12 Days of Christmas" actually run from Christmas Day through the Epiphany, but please just humor us with this one.

Event Reminders: TGIF!

Family Art Project @ Wave Hill
Make one-of-a-kind wrapping paper by printing repeated patterns inspired by Wave Hill's stately evergreens and other natural elements of the season at this weekend's 'Family Art Project' on Saturday and Sunday, 12/20 and 12/21, from 1 to 4pm. Click here for more info.


Bronx Symphony Orchestra Performance @ Bronx Library Center
Bronx Library Center will host a concert by a 15-piece string orchestra comprising of members from the Bronx Symphony Orchestra and some talented young string instrument players from the Bronx — including students and former students of Celia Cruz High School of Music and High School for Violin and Dance. Selections include excepts from Handel's Messiah and Bach's Orchestral Suite #2, Corelli's Christmas Concerto for two violins and cello with orchestra, familiar carols and classic American Christmas songs. This concert will take place tomorrow, 12/20, at 2:30pm. Click here for more info.


A Holiday Musical Misadventure @ Amalgamated Houses
What happens when you put several fiery artistic temperaments together? Sometimes they combust. In this musical, 'Hey... You're In My Light! A Holiday Misadventure for the Family,'presented by the Children’s Theater Company of Lehman College and the Bronx Arts Ensemble, a company of actors arrives to put on a holiday show; the problem is that the members can’t stand one another. Expect comedy (and even eventual cheer). Show is tomorrow, 12/20, at 1 p.m., Vladeck Hall, Amalgamated Houses, 74 Van Cortlandt Park South, at Hillman Avenue, Kingsbridge, the Bronx, (718) 601-7399, bronxartsensemble.org; $7. [Event listing courtesy of nytimes.com]


RENT: School Edition @ Riverdale YM-TWCA
The Riverdale Rising Stars are one of the first teen theater groups in the country to perform this newly-released version of the incredibly popular musical, which recently closed after many years entertaining audiences on Broadway. The Rising Stars were granted special rights, as the first licensing applications were being granted to high schools only. Remaining show dates are: Saturday, December 20 at 8pm and Sunday, December 21 at 7:30pm. Ticket Prices are: $18 and $12 (student/senior) if purchased online and $20 and $14 (student/senior) if purchased at the door. Click here for more info.


A Holiday Hurrah @ Lehman
Piano soloist Yumi Suehiro '08 will perform Gerhwin's Rhapsody in Blue at Lehman's Lovinger Theatre this Sunday, 12/21, at 2pm. The concert will include additional festive selections by Anderson, Porter, Jutras, Sparke, Goldman and others. Admission is free. Click here for more info.


Solstice Boats @ Van Cortlandt Park
A celebration of life, light, and reflection... Visit Van Cortlandt Lake Sunday, 12/21, (shortest day of the year) from 5-7pm to light a candle, make a wish, and sip hot drinks. Event is free. Call 718.430.1890 or click here for more info.


'The Bronx Goes Borscht Belt' @ Bronx County Courthouse
For a one-day limited engagement only, the Borough President is planning to bring the “Borscht Belt” back to The Bronx. This celebration will include a stand-up act by the well-known comedian Freddie Roman: a famous Borscht Belt performer, creator and lead performer in Catskills on Broadway; and a headliner at major venues in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Additionally, it will feature an exhibit with photographs and mementos entitled, “Borscht Belt Memories: Reflections of Vacations in the Catskills by Bronx Residents.” The event will also feature a special performance by the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale Choir. Event takes place Monday, 12/22, at Bronx County Courthouse's Veterans Hall from 12:30 to 2:30pm. Click here for more info.


Know of anything else happening this weekend in the BoogieDown?
Send us a tip at boogiedowner@gmail.com.


*Our favorite photo of classy ladies holding TGIF sign courtesy of region17online.com*


~ErLu

Round'em Up

Here are some Bronx-related stories we've rounded up you, our lovely readers, while trolling the interweb with our horse and lasso this fine morning:

A fitting final farewell to Avery Cardinal Dulles [New York Times]

South Bronx coalition, Community In Action, takes to the steps of City Hall to protest possible new jail [Epoch Times]

A profile of one 'Teach for America' Bronx teacher [New York Times]

Recycling in the BoogieDown [iabolish.com]
More on the tricky arithmetic behind Yankee Stadium assessment [Village Voice]

Councilman James Vacca pushes for new policy forcing traffic enforcement agents to snap pics of ticketed offenses [New York Post]

An up-close look at the elite Kenyan runners you've all seen training at Van Cortlandt Park and Mosholu Parkway [Village Voice]
~ErLu

Listing of the Day: Riverdale for less than $100K

6291 Broadway, #A1, Studio - $89,000

BoogieDowner usually doesn't have many Riverdale Listings of the Day, but not because we don't love you, Riverdale. Really, we do. It's just that it's often difficult to find the BoogieDowner troika of criteria for a Listing of the Day in Riverdale: cheap, big, and great transportation. Well one and a half aint bad, right?

This unit is a 400 square foot studio in the northern section of Riverdale for only $89,000. What really attracted BoogieDowner's weary real estate scouring eye was the price tag. I have never seen a studio in Riverdale for this low of an asking price. The maintenance is a bit high at $455, which works out to over $1 a square foot, but hey it's Riverdale.

In terms of amenities, you'd be close to the famous Wave Hill and across the street from Van Cortlandt Park. And if you walk south and further into Riverdale, you'd have access to Liebman's Deli, which ErLu, a decidedly Gentile couple, fell in love with at the Taste of the Bronx event this past Sunday at Lehman College.

Transportation is reasonable, at least by Riverdale terms. You are maybe a 15 minute walk north of the last stop on the 1 train at 242nd Street and Broadway.

~ErLu