Chit-Chat: What's On Your Mind Today?

[Bethany]

5 minutes ago, PRgal said:

Closing libraries on weekends means people who need access the most won't be able to do so.  What a dumb move.

Our local small town library moved to much shorter hours when allowed to reopen during the pandemic.  Predictably, I guess,  they never went back to their regular hours.  What this means is no evening hours - it closes at 6 when it used to be 8 and open only 4  hours on Saturday.  

[Browncoat]

My local library is closed on Sundays between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

[PRgal]

19 minutes ago, Elizabeth Anne said:

Our local small town library moved to much shorter hours when allowed to reopen during the pandemic.  Predictably, I guess,  they never went back to their regular hours.  What this means is no evening hours - it closes at 6 when it used to be 8 and open only 4  hours on Saturday.  

Sucks!  Our larger locations typically do 9-8:30 Mondays to Thursdays or Fridays and until 5:30 Fridays and Saturdays.  Some do four hours in the afternoon on Sundays, but not in the summer.  

[annzeepark914]

Yeah--why would you close a library on the weekend when people have time to come in, look for books, do research, get help at the reference desk, etc? Our libraries are closed on Monday & Tuesdays until 1:00PM,then stay open til 9:00, & are open all day the rest of the week. This sounds like someone's trying to make a point in your area  

[RealHousewife]

On a different note, I'm jealous of all you New Yorkers. I want Lavain cookies so bad right now. 

[Kitty Redstone]

@oliviabenson and @stewedsquash I also talked about missing Kmart on one of these threads recently. In the spring they always had a nice selection of interesting perennials and trees, and their indoor garden section always had nice pots at a reasonable price. Years ago I bought some tiny boxwoods from Kmart that are so lush and pretty now. Ditto with monarda and astilbe that are still going strong.

Our favorite pasta pot is from Kmart, too. The store that was closest to us had the same people working there for years, and I still wonder what happened to them. It's sad that two iconic businesses (Kmart and Sears) were mismanaged into the ground.

[annzeepark914]

I was thrilled to get some Martha Stewart stuff at Kmart. Still have her very pretty white eyelet shower curtain hanging in one of the bathrooms, & I use two eyelet-trimmed pillow case covered pillows on a bed for decoration. Her little timer still works for timing cooking/baking (had to change the little battery a few years ago). I read that she left Kmart because they kept trying to get her to keep the prices low (well, yeah). So she moved to Macy's.

Edited April 25, 2023 by annzeepark914

[oliviabenson]

I saw Martha Stewart cookware in Burlington (nyc)

[nokat]

13 hours ago, PRgal said:

Closing libraries on weekends means people who need access the most won't be able to do so.  What a dumb move.

That was me as a pre-teen and teenager. I had an hour long bus ride both ways, and after doing whatever homework I had I would read so many books. The weekend is when I could get to the public library and get my limit of books to check out. I didn't have any restrictions on what I could read and it was wonderful.

[peacheslatour]

11 hours ago, RealHousewife said:

On a different note, I'm jealous of all you New Yorkers. I want Lavain cookies so bad right now. 

My entire family is from PA. My parents grew up with many Italian kids so whenever we would visit, the neighbors would gift us with these wonderful cookies. That little touch of anise just MADE them.

 

 

 

[Bookworm 1979]

19 hours ago, Elizabeth Anne said:

I am so glad I am heading in to retirement.  I love being a librarian but I am so fed up with the eternal fight to prove that libraries are important.

I'm not a librarian, but a library technician and I worked at my town's public library for 6 years. Whenever the going got tough budget wise we'd always have a handful of yahoos coming out of the woodwork saying our town should shut down the library.  They never used the library themselves, of course.  🙄

Edited April 25, 2023 by Bookworm 1979

[peacheslatour]

14 minutes ago, Bookworm 1979 said:

I'm not a librarian, but a library technician and I worked at my town's public library for 6 years. Whenever the going got tough budget wise we'd always have a handful of yahoos coming out of the woodwork saying our town should shut down the library.  They never used the library themselves, of course.  🙄

I don't understand why people are so afraid of books.

[PRgal]

11 minutes ago, peacheslatour said:

I don't understand why people are so afraid of books.

The people who don't use libraries might still read.  Maybe they purchase.  Or read them on a Kindle or something.

[Bookworm 1979]

2 hours ago, peacheslatour said:

I don't understand why people are so afraid of books.

I live in an area where a few people have the mindset of, "If that person can't afford it, they shouldn't have it!"  This applies to healthcare, education and libraries.  They aren't afraid of books, they think that anyone who can't afford to buy books should not have access to them at all. 

[peacheslatour]

It's free expression. It's in the Constitution FFS.

[Annber03]

4 hours ago, peacheslatour said:

I don't understand why people are so afraid of books.

Alongside what @Bookworm 1979 said, there's also the fact that books educate people and allow them to learn things and expand their ability to understand and use their imaginations and so on. That's scary to those who want to keep everyone ignorant so they can have an easier time manipulating them to their particular outdated/backwards worldviews.

[Bookworm 1979]

17 minutes ago, Annber03 said:

Alongside what @Bookworm 1979 said, there's also the fact that books educate people and allow them to learn things and expand their ability to understand and use their imaginations and so on. That's scary to those who want to keep everyone ignorant so they can have an easier time manipulating them to their particular outdated/backwards worldviews.

I wish I could like your post a hundred times!  

[oliviabenson]

Library has free WiFi/computers/printers to use. Some people can’t afford internet at home and need the library to apply for jobs.

Hopefully they won’t close on weekends…

[partofme]

18 hours ago, RealHousewife said:

On a different note, I'm jealous of all you New Yorkers. I want Lavain cookies so bad right now. 

Is this something I should know about?   New Yorker but never heard of this.  

[oliviabenson]

7 minutes ago, partofme said:

Is this something I should know about?   New Yorker but never heard of this.  

I didn’t know about Them either. I googled, it’s $5 a cookie. A bunch of locations in NYC.

Edited April 25, 2023 by oliviabenson

[partofme]

Just now, oliviabenson said:

Library has free WiFi/computers/printers to use. Some people can’t afford internet at home and need the library to apply for jobs.

Hopefully they won’t close on weekends…

I remember when I was out of work I had to go to the library to print my resume because I didn’t own a printer, this was back in the early 2000’s, don’t know if I’d need a printed copy now. 

4 minutes ago, oliviabenson said:

I didn’t know about Them either. I googled $5 a cookie. A bunch of locations in NYC.

At that price I hope they’re the best cookie ever!

[oliviabenson]

5 minutes ago, partofme said:

I remember when I was out of work I had to go to the library to print my resume because I didn’t own a printer, this was back in the early 2000’s, don’t know if I’d need a printed copy now. 

At that price I hope they’re the best cookie ever!

I had insomnia cookies. Despite the hype I heard, they were basic cookies. $15 for 6. I mean they were not terrible but nothing special.

I don’t think lavain cookies would be anything extraordinary lol. If you go please let us know if the cookies are delicious!

[RealHousewife]

10 minutes ago, partofme said:

Is this something I should know about?   New Yorker but never heard of this.  

Levain is like one of my favorite NYC things after Broadway. :)

5 minutes ago, partofme said:

I remember when I was out of work I had to go to the library to print my resume because I didn’t own a printer, this was back in the early 2000’s, don’t know if I’d need a printed copy now. 

At that price I hope they’re the best cookie ever!

They're my favorite bakery. 

You may not be as impressed if a cookie is a cookie to you, or you're such a good baker yourself you've perfected the art of baking a cookie that's baked enough but still so gooey and delicious. I might try a copycat recipe soon, but not sure I want all that delicious temptation around the house if I can really copy cat Levain. 

[partofme]

1 minute ago, RealHousewife said:

Levain is like one of my favorite NYC things after Broadway. :)

They're my favorite bakery. 

You may not be as impressed if a cookie is a cookie to you, or you're such a good baker yourself you've perfected the art of baking a cookie that's baked enough but still so gooey and delicious. I might try a copycat recipe soon, but not sure I want all that delicious temptation around the house if I can really copy cat Levain. 

The pic does look good.  I genuinely never heard of it.  Their website says they’ve been on the UWS since 1995, I wonder if their expansion is relatively new?

[Bethany]

Libraries haven't "just" been books for years.  There are so many ways that they serve the public, and most especially the public that includes people who don't have access to the Internet.  In today's world this is such a handicap.   But with a public library people can create and access email, they can conduct job searches, they can print out documents they need for any multitude of reasons.  The list is endless.

The idea that people don't need libraries comes from such an elitist, entitled place.

[partofme]

10 minutes ago, oliviabenson said:

I had insomnia cookies. Despite the hype I heard, they were basic cookies. $15 for 6. I mean they were not terrible but nothing special.

I’ve read reviews that said they weren’t that great.  I used to live right around the corner from one but never tried it.

[theredhead77]

2 minutes ago, Elizabeth Anne said:

The idea that people don't need libraries comes from such an elitist, entitled place.

[Quof]

Levain now has several NYC locations, and has expanded to other cities.  They also ship and, at least for a time, had a frozen product in supermarkets.  I tried the new coconut caramel chocolate chip last week, but remain a fan of the OG pb chocolate chip.  I have a copycat recipe.

I'm also a big fan of Schmackarys.

Insomnia cookies are just scooped out of a bucket and baked. The selling point is that they are available, warm, in the middle of the night. Nobody's Nonna is in the back whipping them up from scratch.  

Edited April 25, 2023 by Quof

[kristen111]

I’m a New Yorker my whole life.  Never heard of a Levain cookie.  I looked them up.  They look the same as the Costco cookies that come three flavors in one box.  My favorite is the oatmeal raisin.  Anything in the City is more expensive than in the boroughs.  Years ago, it was the “Tate’s” chocolate chip cookie that was the rage.  Very thin and buttery.

[EtheltoTillie]

17 minutes ago, partofme said:

I’ve read reviews that said they weren’t that great.  I used to live right around the corner from one but never tried it.

I'm with you.  I'm not a big fan.  Too gooey.  I like Tate's chocolate chip.  They're crisp.

2 minutes ago, kristen111 said:

I’m a New Yorker my whole life.  Never heard of a Levain cookie.  I looked them up.  They look the same as the Costco cookies that come three flavors in one box.  My favorite is the oatmeal raisin.  Anything in the City is more expensive than in the boroughs.  Years ago, it was the “Tate’s” chocolate chip cookie that was the rage.  Very thin and buttery.

See above.  I love Tate's.  They're still popular.  The original small bakery expanded into wide production for retail stores all over. 

[kristen111]

25 minutes ago, Elizabeth Anne said:

Libraries haven't "just" been books for years.  There are so many ways that they serve the public, and most especially the public that includes people who don't have access to the Internet.  In today's world this is such a handicap.   But with a public library people can create and access email, they can conduct job searches, they can print out documents they need for any multitude of reasons.  The list is endless.

The idea that people don't need libraries comes from such an elitist, entitled place.

The Library is also social.  Before the pandemic, husband and I would frequent the library at least twice per week.  After awhile you get to know the people who go there, find a cozy corner and converse, plus read the mags and papers we don’t get.  I always call for a book.  When we go there, it’s already on the shelf waiting.

[PRgal]

3 hours ago, Bookworm 1979 said:

I live in an area where a few people have the mindset of, "If that person can't afford it, they shouldn't have it!"  This applies to healthcare, education and libraries.  They aren't afraid of books, they think that anyone who can't afford to buy books should not have access to them at all. 

This is an issue everywhere.  And regarding healthcare:  I live in a country where there's socialized healthcare and those in some areas have worse care than others.  Small town?  Good luck even finding a doctor.  Doctors don't want to work there.  Immigrant senior?  Even in a larger community where there's a lot of people from your background?  You might be okay getting a family doctor (if you can find one) who speaks your language, but you need a specialist?  Hope your English-speaking family member can take time off work to take you because you might not get someone who speaks your language.

[kristen111]

On 4/24/2023 at 1:28 PM, oliviabenson said:

I miss the giant Kmart in Herald Square/NYC. There used to be one in Ceasars Bay Brooklyn too. I liked shopping in Kmart. I’m so sad they are not around anymore.

Years ago, I worked near Union Square and took the train up to Macy’s on my lunch hour.  Loved that Macy’s.  Now, they film lots of movies in Union Square, and all over the City in general.  Haven’t been in a couple of years, and miss it.

 

[theredhead77]

13 minutes ago, PRgal said:

This is an issue everywhere.  And regarding healthcare:  I live in a country where there's socialized healthcare and those in some areas have worse care than others.  Small town?  Good luck even finding a doctor.  Doctors don't want to work there.  Immigrant senior?  Even in a larger community where there's a lot of people from your background?  You might be okay getting a family doctor (if you can find one) who speaks your language, but you need a specialist?  Hope your English-speaking family member can take time off work to take you because you might not get someone who speaks your language.

This is an issue in the States, too. Live in a rural area? Good luck finding a doctor or hospital. If the hospital isn't making a profit they are being closed. This means hospitals in rural and poor areas are being closed. They closed a major trauma center in Atlanta with next to no notice because it wasn't making money. I was lucky that I had some great doctors that were a part of the University system. My rheumatologist was part of the university hospital system and they changed their billing to go from just the doctor co-pay (standard) to a co-pay plus hospital charges, even though literally nothing changed in the care they were providing. 

I live just outside of Las Vegas now and healthcare here is pretty bad. I need to find a GP, a GYN, and a rheumatologist. I speak English and have what is considered really good insurance. But it has been difficult to find doctors. I may have to find doctors in CA and go see them when I go drive (woot!) to visit my parents every 6-8 weeks.

[RealHousewife]

Oh man, I don’t know if I should even get started on healthcare. It’s sad how expensive it can be just to stay alive in such a rich country. 

[kristen111]

Btw, while we are talking about books, anyone know of a good book?  I haven’t read in awhile as I’ve been on the threads a lot.  Nothing sad, gross, or violence.  I have a book app, but see nothing interesting.  

[annzeepark914]

36 minutes ago, kristen111 said:

Btw, while we are talking about books, anyone know of a good book?  I haven’t read in awhile as I’ve been on the threads a lot.  Nothing sad, gross, or violence.  I have a book app, but see nothing interesting.  

I looked up Kindle books & saw that Cybil Shepherd's memoir was 99 cents. I had credit for 99 cents so it was a freebie. I just wanted to read about her experiences in Hollywood (where she's supposed to name some names) so I slogged through her childhood last night & am now where she's out in LA. It's easy reading & I'm curious.

[theredhead77]

On the topic of books, some of you may find this hard-to-find book sub-forum to be a good time :) 

https://forums.primetimer.com/forum/56-books/

Edited April 26, 2023 by theredhead77

[peacheslatour]

2 hours ago, kristen111 said:

Btw, while we are talking about books, anyone know of a good book?  I haven’t read in awhile as I’ve been on the threads a lot.  Nothing sad, gross, or violence.  I have a book app, but see nothing interesting.  

Agatha Christie is my go to when I don't know what I feel like reading. You really can't go wrong. 

[Caoimhe]

6 hours ago, theredhead77 said:

On the topic of books, some of you may find this hard-to-find book sub-forum to be a good time :) 

https://forums.primetimer.com/forum/56-books/

It is hard to find!  It took me ages the other day, I really thought it was in Everything Else along with this topic. But no, it’s considered Pop Culture which isn’t a place I would normally venture. I used my expiring-soon Kindle Unlimited to download some Elizabeth Cadell books that are easy though rather old-fashioned reads. While I won’t renew it (my current subscription was free) I have plenty of unread books on my Kindle and a number of others I enjoy reading over and over.

[JTMacc99]

13 hours ago, partofme said:

At that price I hope they’re the best cookie ever!

My daughter was in NYC yesterday for a field trip. One of her comments to me after I picked her up was "I'm really hungry. I didn't eat anything for lunch because everything was SO expensive." 

Heh. Yep. I saw this the other day:

 

Overheard in New York City...

Person 1: $18 for a bagel with cream cheese and lox? This salmon better be life changing.

Person 2: If you think about it from the Salmon's perspective, it was.

[Quof]

I pay the $5 per cookie, plus airfare. Totally worth it.

[Bethany]

3 hours ago, Caoimhe said:

I used my expiring-soon Kindle Unlimited to download some Elizabeth Cadell books that are easy though rather old-fashioned reads.

I love Elizabeth Cadell and I did the same thing last week!  There are about 6 (?) titles of hers on Kindle unlimited and there were a few I had never read so win win for me!

[RealHousewife]

51 minutes ago, Quof said:

I pay the $5 per cookie, plus airfare. Totally worth it.

I’m glad I’m not the only fan! Give me gooey over crispy any day.

And now I want NYC bagels. 

[PRgal]

1 hour ago, JTMacc99 said:

My daughter was in NYC yesterday for a field trip. One of her comments to me after I picked her up was "I'm really hungry. I didn't eat anything for lunch because everything was SO expensive." 

Heh. Yep. I saw this the other day:

 

Overheard in New York City...

Person 1: $18 for a bagel with cream cheese and lox? This salmon better be life changing.

Person 2: If you think about it from the Salmon's perspective, it was.

Should have packed a lunch?

[JTMacc99]

Just now, PRgal said:

Should have packed a lunch?

She packed breakfast, which funny enough was a bagel. But that was gone by 8:00 AM. 

[stewedsquash]

Getting book deals from above post:

Someone here on this thread a couple years ago offered up 

Bookbub 

and I use it a lot since it doesn’t cost anything. Once you sign up you get a daily email of book deals, usually about 8-10. It accesses several places for nook and kindle also for epub and pdf versions. I open the email and then choose the download option and it connects to my amazon acct to download. Once you learn the two options- kindle unlimited/buy now(even for free option)it’s easy. 
I usually weed out the self publish mess. If I can’t find history of the author I usually pass. 

[partofme]

19 hours ago, EtheltoTillie said:

I'm with you.  I'm not a big fan.  Too gooey.  I like Tate's chocolate chip.  They're crisp.

See above.  I love Tate's.  They're still popular.  The original small bakery expanded into wide production for retail stores all over. 

I like gooey, but not sure about at $5 a cookie.  I don't like Tate's too thin and hard for me. 

19 hours ago, kristen111 said:

Years ago, I worked near Union Square and took the train up to Macy’s on my lunch hour.  Loved that Macy’s.  Now, they film lots of movies in Union Square, and all over the City in general.  Haven’t been in a couple of years, and miss it.

 

I used to work near Union Square.  It was a great area for shopping.  The Herald Square Macy's is nice, very big and can be intimidating.

5 hours ago, RealHousewife said:

I’m glad I’m not the only fan! Give me gooey over crispy any day.

And now I want NYC bagels. 

I had a bagel yesterday.  My favorite is Pick-A-Bagel.

[Bastet]

6 hours ago, RealHousewife said:

Give me gooey over crispy any day.

Same here.  I'm not a fan of crispy cookies in general, and when it comes to chocolate chip will pass rather than eating them that way.

Edited April 26, 2023 by Bastet

[ABay]

I will gladly accept all of your crispy or chewy chocolate chip cookies if you don't want them.