To the editor,
I just read about the theft of Gersh Kuntzman’s bike (“Bastards! Someone stole my bike — for the second time this year!” March 28) and I have to say that sucks.
I had my bike stolen about a month ago from in front of our house, sometime between 2 and 7:30 pm. And that was after my lights had been swiped two days earlier at the same location, and my replacement headlight stolen on Fifth Avenue the same day that they came back for the whole bike. They snipped my U-lock like it was a twig.
I found a pretty decent hybrid on Craigslist for just $50 (cheaper than my new Kryptonite chain lock!), and also bought a fairly fancy new Trek that I’m afraid to take out of the basement.
I’m sure recovery isn’t in the cards, but let’s hope the charm won’t be a third time.
Eric McClure, Park Slope
• • •
To the editor,
You’ve endured my worst nightmare not once, but twice, inside of a year! My heart goes out to you, although with fares rising and the recession deepening, I doubt that any bike is safe any longer.
Ken Coughlin, Manhattan
The writer is on the board of Transportation Alternatives, a bicycle advocacy group.
In a box
To the editor,
I am a retired nurse of 40-plus years and have been living in Brooklyn Heights for all those years. I have witnessed many accidents and trauma in the emergency room.
As such, I am responding to the recent picture on front page (“Metrognome,” March 14) of an 11-year-old boy enclosed in a newsbox. I don’t think this picture was appropriate or prudent for you to run. I question the responsibility of the person who allowed him to get in the newsbox, have the door closed and the picture taken.
This photo was a very dangerous and an unsafe message to send to others. Accidents among children are the leading cause of mortality in this country. I am sure you would not have posted a child in an empty refridgerator, stove or other unsafe situation. I can’t imagine the company who owns these boxes would be pleased with this photo.
Jean Torell Hughes,
Brooklyn Heights
No third term
To the editor,
I read your story about Mayor Bloomberg’s new Brooklyn campaign office (“Billionaire Bloomy needs you to volunteer for his campaign,” online, March 30) and thought, “Isn’t it wonderful that this man loves New York City so much he wants another term?”
But voters have already said “no” twice before, in term-limit referendums. With all his money and talent, might one not charitably suggest that Bloomberg search out other projects where his skills could make a greater impact.
His act is getting a little stale as it gets more autocratic. And as a Republican! After Rudy and Bushie, I would rather cut off my whatever.
In two words, “No, thanks.”
William Harris, Boerum Hill
‘Star’ power
To the editor,
Add Enrique Norten’s Carroll Street building to the list of modernist monstrosities destroying the visual feel of Brownstone Brooklyn (“Starchitect Enrique Norten builds his dream house in Slope,” online, March 26).
What idiot is responsible for that green monstrosity on Eastern Parkway opposite the library? I can just see it when people actually move in. With those floor to ceiling windows, occupants will have to put up various shade/blind treatments, making the building look like those Modernist apartment towers they put up in Harlem a generation ago! At least they called that Urban Renewal. What term does that fool Richard Meier have for his glass tower?
Let’s hope that other idiot Gehry doesn’t grace historic Brooklyn with his architectural follies!S. Paul, Park Slope
Cooler heads
To the editor,
Like many Americans, I wanted to string up some Wall Street guy after reading about the latest excesses — the collapse of the economy, followed by bailouts with my money, followed by bonuses given to the very guys who collapsed the economy!
But then I read your story about Rep. Mike McMahon’s vote against the House of Representatives’ bill to tax AIG bonuses at 90 percent (“The ‘mob’ is angry, but Ridge Rep. votes for cooler heads,” McMahon on Line 1, March 31).
Now, don’t misunderstand — I’m still angry. But McMahon made a clear case that this bill — and, indeed, most of the “grab-the-pitchforks” outrage that the media has been whipping up — was a completely exaggerated reaction.
Hearing that McMahon was one of only six Democrats in the country to stand up against this demogoguery — however justified it may have been against those Wall Street jerks! — made me proud to be one of his constituents.
Monty Alagash, Bay Ridge
More Bob love
To the editor,
I write this a few days before the April 4 memorial service for Bob Guskind (“Memorial service set for beloved blogger Guskind,” online, March 20).
On behalf of the Red Hook Food Vendors, I’d like to express my sadness and send my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
Bob was an amazing person who often visited our stalls and wrote amazing articles about the vendors and their foods. He was also one of our staunchest advocates when our group faced its darkest moments. Thanks in great part to Bob’s support via his Gowanus Lounge blog, we were able to gather popular support to survive and continue our 35-year tradition as one of the neighborhood’s favorite culinary institutions.
Bob will always be dearly remembered in our hearts.
Cesar Fuentes, Red Hook
The writer is executive director of the food vendors committee of Red Hook Park.
•••
To the editor,
I deeply regret not having had the opportunity to get to know Bob better. He was a great asset to blogging, to Brooklyn, and to all whose lives he touched.
Claude Scales,
Brooklyn Heights
Editor’s note: For details about the Guskind Memorial service, see our Civic Calendar on page 7, our longer story on page 16, or visit BrooklynPaper.com.
