It’s about that time of the month where folks are in a last-minute mad scramble for new living space. But you don’t have to negotiate with some scummy slumlord over whether or not the mice in your place should pay rent, ’cause we got a couple of listings for you right here. (more…)

Now with alcohol! via Facebook

So after learning that their neighborhood was facing a potential jogging stroller invasion, the people of Bay Ridge could probably use a pick-me-up. Some sweet news to salve the bitter taste. Fortunately for them, that news exists: Hinsch’s, the 86-year-old ice cream parlor that was slated to be replaced by a national burger chain, is back from the brink of death. And among some of the changes is a key one: you can bring booze with you now! (more…)

How did we ever live in a world of late fees? via the Bensonhurst Bean

If you thought there were no more Blockbusters in Brooklyn, or anywhere for that matter, no one would fault you for it. The video chain, once ubiquitous, fell on hard times thanks to competition from internet piracy, streaming movie services and if we’re being honest, kind of airless and boring stores. Blockbuster had one last outpost in Bensonhurst, but now the Bensonhurst Bean reports that location can’t hold out any longer. Driven out by bullies like Videology, no doubt. Blockbuster’s pain is your gain though, because the store is having a two-month fire sale on everything from the movies to the furniture.   (more…)

Sound Garden: Will the Lock Yard be too noisy for the neighborhood? Photo via The Brooklyn Paper.

Bay Ridge’s first beer garden is slated to open this June, and somewhat unsurprisingly, local residents are not happy about it. The Brooklyn Paper reports that the now-defunct Bridgeview Locksmith on Fifth Avenue and 92nd street will soon be converted into the Lock Yard, the latest watering hole brought to you by Tommy Casatelli, owner of the Kettle Black and Ho’Brah Taco Joint. And while Casatelli has expressed excitement over creating an Americana-themed outdoor microbrewery, Bay Ridge residents anticipate something far more sinister. And by sinister, they mean skinny, drunk and overeducated.

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Mad props and an extra slice of sweet spud pie tonight to the good people of Occupy Sandy, who coordinated the prep and delivery of 4,000 Thanksgiving meals to residents of Canarsie, Red Hook, the Rockaways and Coney Island. And what an effort it was: some 300 to 400 volunteers worked continuously from 9 am Wednesday chopping, cutting, packing and organizing at Occupy HQ, at St. John’s Parish Hall, 461 99th St. in Bay Ridge. The last Thanksgiving meals were going out today at 4, but Occupy’s work is far from done; coordinator Waldemar Albrecht-Lunn told us that volunteers will be needed to help prepare food at the church indefinitely, “until the need is met.” He said to show up starting at 9 am any day. Or see the Occupy site for more on how to help. More (sorry, iPhone) pics of the OSers in action after the jump. (more…)

• We begin today’s apartment hunt with a 3BR in Kensington for $2,500, which has a cute private balcony off the living room. Looks like the kitchen and bathroom were recently renovated with nice shiny new tiles and appliances. Parquet wood floors, ceiling fans, and at least one of the bedrooms has a double door closet… This place is a find for couples recently inducted into the stroller-pushing club but not fancy-pants enough for the Slope. (more…)

Everyone into the indie-rom-com-starring-BK-celebrity-couple pool!

I wouldn’t have surgery there, but the Bay Ridge Alpine Cinema has a special deal for an “I’m not really sure” amount of time (quoting the manager) where if you buy five movie tickets, it’s $30 all ages and shows. Pretty sure this is the cheapest way to see a first-run movie in Brooklyn, at least at night. Bay Ridge’s $6 tickets beat the $7 adult ticket deal at Cobble Hill Cinemas available every other morning before 9, only on movies whose title begins with vowels in at least three languages. (Actual restrictions here.) We know there’s all kinds of good food nearby in Bensonhurst so don’t eat too much popcorn. Plus, if Mayor Bloomberg sees you he might ban it.

You need to do this if you want a job at Acme Sales.

Knowing how to make a decent spreadsheet is one of the four computer skills that separates the office pros from the noobs. (The other three: PowerPoint, Photoshop, and being able to do more with Word than format term papers. Or whatever you add in the comments.) Maybe you learned Excel in college, or maybe you, like me, are shamed by people who whip their data into elegant color-keyed presentations while your shitty little black and white cells look more like pages from the phone book. You could noodle around until you figure it out, or you could take a free Excel class from the Brooklyn Public Library, which also offers classes here and there in Word and PowerPoint. Here are all the Excel classes we could find this summer: (more…)

This may be a first in our real estate listings: a one-bedroom apartment for $1,000. It’s at 48 Eldert St. (friend or foe, Bushwickians?), and there’s not much else about it in the listings, but it’s $1,000. For a one-bedroom that’s not a wreck. Even a tiny bit. Even the bathroom is decent: (more…)

Does this place put you in the mood for love?

There comes a time in a couple’s relationship — and for some of you people it’s about two weeks in — when it’s time to flee the 17 roommates and upgrade to a love nest. In today’s edition of Awesome Cheap Apartments, we look at inviting one-bedrooms that will leave you enough money for the couples therapy you will inevitably need after moving in just to save on rent. First up (above): a light-filled 1BR in Sunset Park for $1,150, on the second floor of a walkup. Even if you’re solo, a joint like this will help you find a rent buddy real fast. What other cozy shacks beckon from our apartment listings? (more…)