Translation from English

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Enjoy those flowers while you can...in a couple of months we will be wondering where the summer went

Actually, at the moment all I can think of is that summer meant having to remember to put on sun block when I went out all the time, and the horrendous electric bill I have for keeping the place reasonably cool during that LONG July heat wave..

I wonder if there is a psychological twist to summer I may have missed...this from Psychology Today from a year ago


Summertime Sadness

Don't ruminate in the rain
Jubilee rain in the UK
"Oh the English, they go on about the weather all the time"—well so would you if you had weather like ours. Faced with the wettest summer since records began I, along with many of my fellow countrypersons, went through all the usual stages of loss.I was in denial: surely this couldn’t last. I was angry: this was a personal injury and attack on my well-being. I bargained: If I could get work out of the way while it rained then I would truly deserve a sunny break. Finally, I got depressed and accepted that there would be no summer this year.
My husband will confirm that dull, cold, wet weather does not bring out the best in me. But is it just the lack of sunshine or is the rain adding insult to injury?
Research on seasonal affective disorder (SAD) tends to concentrate on the effect of low sunlight and Denissen et al’s analysis of the effect of weather on the daily mood of over 1200 Germans found temperature and sunlight to have the greatest effect on low mood (but no effect on those already in a good mood). The effect of rain was mainly accounted for by the associated lack of sunshine.
A similar effect was found in a study of 33 Canadian pre-schoolers: sunshine increased prosocial and helping behaviour in those children who tended to be more anxious and/or depressed. Yet one more reason to hope for sunny school holidays.

But apart from lack of sunlight, it has always seemed to me that rainy weather, associated with low atmospheric pressure, could bring on a bad mood—and it seems I am not alone. Forget lunar cycles, when those isobars on the weather map start crowding together and the pressure drops, people go crazy. Violence and emergency psychiatric visits can soar as barometric pressure goes down.

Mizoguchi and Fukaya were able to control climate conditions to show that low atmospheric pressure alone can make rats depressed—they become increasingly immobile when forced to swim, which is thought to indicate helplessness and despair. If you are not convinced that we can tell when a rat is depressed, bear in mind that this effect was counteracted by giving the rats an antidepressant, imipramine, and they also returned to normal under natural atmospheric pressure.

Denissen’s study found that individuals varied a great deal in their response to the weather. Maybe there is something about me that makes me susceptible to cold, dark and rain. In fact, I think I may have found the key psychological factor in Sigmon et al’s study: they found that "rumination" (or "thinking" as I prefer to call it) combined with weather conditions predicted depression in a group of moderately SAD women.

Well, at long last the sun is shining and astonishingly, it hasn’t rained for three days. But for all my fellow moderately SAD people out there, when you see the clouds rolling in again and the barometer drop—stop ruminating and get busy!

"A change in the weather is sufficient to recreate the world and ourselves." Marcel Proust

“For the sight of the angry weather saddens my soul and the sight of the town, sitting like a bereaved mother beneath layers of ice, oppresses my heart.” Khalil Gibran

WHAT is the Translational Research Building?

All these big hospitals around here keep spilling over into new spaces and some of them, I have not a clue as to what they are about..

The health field is still a booming field for some, despite the demise of St. Vincent's and Cabrini... 

I am not sure what follows is a totally adequate answer, but there you have it

Translational Research Building – 227 East 30th Street

 
This 70,000 square-foot condominium space, comprising three full floors plus ground-floor space, houses the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, as well as a number of dry research programs in population sciences, community health, epidemiology and bioinformatics. The facility will also help accommodate growth in research activity, and addresses the objective of the Medical Center's Campus Transformation of moving non-clinical functions off campus.

Fit-out of the 7th floor was completed in December 2010. Fit-out of the ground floor plus 6 and 8 was completed in late summer 2011.


   Dry research workspaces


   Waiting areas and offices


   Conference room with multimedia capability

Maybe I can find some more...

Translational Research and Novel Technologies

The “Translational Research and Novel Technologies” component of the NYU-HHC CTSI provides a framework for the development of collaborative research aimed at the identification of new therapies and the better understanding of disease mechanisms. It does this in many ways, notably through a Pilot Project program, in addition to support for research programs that utilize key core resources and the creation of collaborative research networks that leverage the transitional potential of basic and clinical research endeavors. We are available to consult with investigators at all stages of their careers who are interested in developing innovative projects that cross traditional lines across the spectrum of biomedical research, from bench to bedside.

Pilot projects: The NYU-HHC CTSI Translational Research Pilot Project Awards support collaborative scientific studies to enable the development of a preliminary data set that will form the foundation for submitting translational research grant applications to the NIH. Letters of intent for support are generally required annually and the awards run through the subsequent calendar year. Additional information about the application process can be found in the Funding Opportunities section. Projects supported in the past can provide a guide to new applicants and can be found on the CTSI Highlights page.

Utilization of new cores: As the institution’s research capabilities grow, new cores are created to support investigators whose goals are to meet translational science challenges. The NYU-HHC CTSI is the entity that coordinates supplemental funding that can enable proper utilization of these cores.
Research Studios: Both clinical investigators and basic science faculty members often need an opportunity to present their ideas for translational projects, their clinical protocols and their manuscripts in development for review and critique prior to submission to funding agencies or to journals. The CTSI provides "Research Studios" to assist these investigators. Additional information can be found in the CTSI Research Studios page.

Mario Delmar, Program Director
Mario.Delmar@nyumc.org
(212) 263 9492
Rosa Hsieh, Program Coordinator – Translational Research
Rosa.Hsieh@nyumc.org
(212) 263 7492
 
Investigators must credit the NYU-HHC CTSI grant in all publications or media resulting from the utilization of its resources and must comply with the NIH Public Access Policy. The following manuscript citation is suggested: “Supported in part by grant UL1 TR000038 from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health.”
 

Dos Toros-- pleasant surprise

Despite my fear we have shown too many Mexican places , this seems to be another good small one on Fourth Avenue in the near East Village.

On with the reviews.. No big thrill here, but naysayers just say some other place is better, while those who like it think THIS place is special

Dos Toros Taqueria

4.0 star rating
850 reviews Rating Details
Category: Mexican  [Edit]
137 4th Ave
(between 12th St & 14th St)
New York, NY 10003
Neighborhoods: Greenwich Village, Union Square, East Village
(212) 677-7300
Nearest Transit Station:
14 St - Union Sq (4, 5, 6, 6X)
Union Sq - 14 St (L)
14 St - Union Sq (N, Q, R)
Hours:
Mon 11:30 am - 10:30 pm
Tue-Fri 11:30 am - 11 pm
Sat 12 pm - 11 pm
Sun 12 pm - 10:30 pm
Parking:
Street
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Price Range:
$
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
No
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Outdoor Seating:
No
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Lunch, Dinner
Alcohol:
Beer & Wine Only
Noise Level:
Average
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
No
Caters:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
About This Business:
French Vegetarian Bistro

Review Highlights   What's this?

  • "My burrito was great as well - everything tasted very FRESH." In 407 reviews
  • "The best carne asada burrito I've had in NYC so far." In 132 reviews
  • "definitely the best taco place in union square." In 79 reviews
Show more review highlights
Rating Distribution | Trend
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846 reviews in English

  • Review from

    New York, NY
    7/21/2013 1 check-in here
    The bf and I were craving tacos and ended up here on a scorching hot late Saturday afternoon. I've been wanting to try this branch of Dos Toros Taqueria because I like eating at hole-in-the-wall joints.

    We ate our order of guac and chips, carne asada taco, and carnitas burrito on the ledge by the open face window. The sun was burning down on us but it felt good and our cold lemonade cooled us down.

    My taco was small but very meaty. The steak was juicy and I struggled taking bites without dripping meat juice down my wrists. teeheehee.

    The burrito was HUGE. I took a few bites of it. I liked the ratio of rice, beans, shredded pork, and tomatoes. Tortilla was nice and chewy, and the cheese was steamed on before toppings were added.

    After we gobbled up our taco and burrito, we ate our slightly toasted tortilla chips with guac. The guac was good but I would have enjoyed it more if it had more acidity and spice.

    As we ate our chips, one of the workers sat down next to us to eat his chicken burrito. The bf started up a conversation with him about the ingredients and we learned that they use all local ingredients (which was apparent in the flavor of our meal).

    I'll be back to try other items the next time I'm in the area (or craving tacos)!
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 107 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    7/22/2013
    3.5 stars at best. I got the veggie tacos.

    Good things - they are well stuffed with rice, beans, grilled veggies, cheese, pico, sour ream, and salsa (a medium and a hot). Everything tastes good overall. Also the hot salsa is actually hot.

    Bad things:
    1. They used sliced cheese and melt it on the tortilla. I don't want that at all. That's so weird! I just want my shredded cheese on top. The girl said, "but this way you get more." Well no. You can just put on the same amount of shredded cheese.
    2. Guacamole is extra even on a veggie taco
    3. They only have corn tortillas for tacos - they do have flour tortillas for quesadillas and burritos
    4. It's more expensive than other places and there isn't anything special about this place.

    If I go back, and I might at some point if I'm around, I would tell them not to use sliced cheese on my taco. Or I would try a burrito bowl.
  • Review from

    • 76 friends
    • 54 reviews
    Port Washington, NY
    7/16/2013
    3 1/2 stars

    skimping portion compared to competitors.

    fresh ingredients for sure. tastes certainly good. but is there really a huge difference in quality and taste with, for example, Chipotle? not really.

    sad that i went out of my way to get this.
  • Review from

    New York, NY
    7/14/2013 1 check-in here
    It's kinda like Chipotle, except Chipotle doesn't put on the fake authentic Mexican façade. I think it was a little pricier, too. The seating is almost nonexistent.

    It was tasty, but nothing I would go out of my way for. If Chipotle and Dos Toros were next to each other, I would probably split up my visits equally.
  • Review from

    New York, NY
    7/24/2013 1 check-in here
    Tried their carne asada with guacamole. I expected this place to be better than if not at par with Chipotle, but this place was just okay. The steak wasn't marinated as well, and the taco wrap is just like any other. Although the steak is pretty fresh, and I would actually come back to try their other meats.
  • Review from

    • 22 friends
    • 3 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    7/15/2013
    This place USED to be good...

    It's crazy how big these two brothers have gotten over the past few years! I used to love this place, and literally went at least once a week back in college where I lived right around the corner. I love how short and simple the menu is. However, I get the same thing every time because I fell in love with my first bite of their chicken burrito back in 2009. Chicken burrito w/ black beans, rice, pico de gallo ("salsa"), sour cream, and salsa verde - can't go wrong!

    You know a burrito is done right when you have the perfect charred meat! And that's what Dos Toros had, the chicken was AMAZING. I've brought so many of my friends here and according to Foursquare, I've checked in here 51x which is probably less than the number of times I've actually gone.

    Over the past two years, the quality of the meat has gone down and is just not as good as it used to be! Leo and Oliver, you need to fix your chicken! It doesn't bring me the same level of satisfaction that I used to get. Maybe because they've been too busy focusing on expanding and lost that touch of magic...
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    7/31/2013
    My friend at work is part Mexican and when he told me this was better than Chipotle and Qdoba i didn't believe him, but man was i wrong. Their beans are great, the steak is the best, and the cheese in their burritos and quesadillas is well-distributed. Unlike other burrito places, DT does a great job at making sure every bite has every ingredient you asked for. Again, STEAK BURRITO.
  • Review from

    • 11 friends
    • 26 reviews
    Brooklyn, NY
    7/10/2013
    Like Chipotle...but better!

    My friend (who grew up between Puerto Rico and Mexico) can't get enough of this place. Before I even tried it, it was recommended to me by three completely separate people, so I had really high expectations. I wasn't crazy impressed, but it was very good.

    The food was delicious. Everything was fresh, and the servers are not skimpy with the ingredients. The prices aren't any better than Chipotle, though. As Mexican food goes, I wouldn't say there's anything super special about it. Essentially, my take is: If you're craving Chipotle, come here instead. If you're craving good, authentic Mexican food, there are better options out there.

    Tip: Don't go there planning to dine-in. It's best to grab it to go and eat at home or in the park or something.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews
    New York, NY
    7/8/2013
    A bit overrated. I like the tacos but I feel its the same as Chiptole.

    Pros:

    -a range of combinations for food choices

    Cons:

    -Difficult to dine in because seats are limited.
  • Review from

    Newark, NJ
    Updated - 7/17/2013 1 check-in here
    Came here for lunch during my work break with a few coworkers.  I absolutely love the food here.  We got one of everything and it was worth it.  My favorite was the steak tacos! So good!! If you're not big on spiciness then i suggest avoiding the red sauce.  I will be coming back to this establishment more often!
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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 6/22/2013
      I came by for lunch from Midtown to get here.. thank god for subways.  I ordered the pork taco,… Read more »
  • Review from

    New York, NY
    6/17/2013 1 check-in here
    Stopped by here on a Sunday evening for dinner. The place was packed (there's probably only enough room to seat fifteen max) so I ended up ordering my food to go.

    I'm not sure what the hubbub is that surrounds this place. Maybe it's just because it's a Mexican-style fast-food restaurant that offers quesadillas (unlike Chiptole) or that it's just situated around Union Square so reviews are going to be easier to come by.

    Either way, I tried their Carnitas burrito with guac. Good and filling, but not that much distinguishable from standard Chipotle fare. The pork was also pretty salty.

    Solid food, but nothing to write home about here.
  • Review from

    • 3 friends
    • 128 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    6/23/2013
    This is a taco / burrito stand with indoor / outdoor tables.  It's counter service only - no waiters.  If that is all you seek, you should be satisfied.  I will come back here for a quick bite but I won't bring friends / family from the southwest.

    Pros:

    Simple range of menu options - burritos, taco, quesadillas and a bowl version
    Basic meats - carnitas, pollo, carne
    An assortment of additions - guacamole, salsas, rice, beans
    Outdoor seating

    Cons:

    It has a chain restaurant feel that applies a successful formula but lacks authenticity that I love with the taco trucks

    If seeking Chile Verde, Chile Rellenos, Mole Poblano, or Enchiladas with a margarita then search my other reviews for a place on Downing (nearby)
  • Review from

    • 5 friends
    • 9 reviews
    JACKSON HTS, NY
    6/19/2013
    First thing I'd say about this place is that the line moves quick.  Don't walk away if you see the wait to order snaking out the door onto the street.

    The carne asada and carnitas burritos are killer.  Best in this town I believe.  Nine bucks for a good-sized cylinder filled with freshness.  You can pass on the guac (extra dollar) because they don't put enough of it on there.

    One can't really count on a seat or table to dine-in so I usually either take it home or over to the park.

    You have a choice of pinto vs. black on the burrito.

    The history of the place is well documented.  Two brothers from San Francisco who saw a serious burrito gap in NYC and worked to fill it.  They seem to emphasize quality and now have four stores here.
    Was

Ibiza Kids are Lucky Kids

This sounds like a store for grandparents who dote on their grandchildren, or the Village mother who has decided " Nothing too good for my little Mary, even in the casual things."

Well, I do not want to be a spoilsport about this kind of thing...I doubt it hurts the kids any

Ibiza Kidz

4.0 star rating
8 reviews Rating Details
830 Broadway
(between 12th St & 13th St)
New York, NY 10003
Neighborhoods: Greenwich Village, Union Square, East Village
(212) 228-7990
Nearest Transit Station:
Union Sq - 14 St (L)
14 St - Union Sq (4, 5, 6, 6X)
14 St - Union Sq (N, Q, R)
Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 7 pm
Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
Price Range:
$$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
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8 reviews in English

  • Review from

    • 5 friends
    • 51 reviews
    Honolulu, HI
    10/20/2011 2 check-ins here
    Lets start with the negative - It's very very very expensive.  Clothes are pricey, shoes are pricey and toys are pricey.

    With that out of the way, if you have kids, live in the neighborhood, and/or frequently need presents for your friends kids or relatives, then you will come here a lot.

    Initially, like a couple of the early reviewers, I was put off by the high prices.  Yes, t-shirts are $20-$40, which strikes me as kind of crazy for a baby or toddler.    But, there are many reasons to come here.

    First, they have super nice items.  If I am getting a gift for a friend's kid's birthday, then I come here and not Babies R Us.  They have high quality items that your friends will appreciate and that people don't typically splurge on for themselves (and you can tell the difference in the quality).  And they gift wrap them very nicely.

    Second, there are usually numerous helpful sales staff members who are very knowledgeable about the merchandise.  If you were like me and know nothing about what shoes are good for your kid and how to get a good fit when they started walking, then this was the best place to come.  Sure you can come here and try on some shoes, find the right fit, and then order it from Amazon and save a few bucks, but really it's not worth the savings.  The mark up is not that much (these are high end shoes).

    Third, the kids love it here.  There are so many toys to play with - it's like a giant nursery.  The whole store is spacious and carpeted and uncrowded, so your little ones can sit and play (or run around play, as the case may be).  I have on multiple occasions came here to give my kid a nice place to play because the weather was bad and couldn't think of other places to go (a common problem for NYC parents).  They don't pressure you to buy anything.

    Fourth, it is a great place to test out different toys and baby gear to see if your kid likes them.  Walkers, toy strollers, trucks -- it's a great place to test it out and buy only what your kid likes rather than buying stuff that he/she won't use.

    Finally, if you are savvy, you actually can find some deals.  They sometimes have decent sales and bargain bins where you can find some nice stuff.
  • Review from

    • 97 friends
    • 252 reviews
    New York, NY
    5/29/2007 First to Review
    I love this place.  I'm not ashamed to say it.  I shop here even without the pretense of buying something for my niece and nephew.  I bought myself an Uglydoll there the other day and didn't even PRETEND it was for someone prepubescent.  AND I asked them to wrap it.  OK, that I am a little embarrassed about, but whatever.  PLUS, they don't mind if you bring in your dog.

    This place is a wonderland of things you always wanted and never got to have, always wanted, had, and threw away, or never knew existed, and must have.  Right now I am jonesing for the glowinthedark ant farm, complete with ants.

    Bring your inner child here.  You can easily drop a million dollars on things like toys, books and games.  Not to mention the rain boots with the ladybugs on them, although those do only come in kid's sizes.

    FOR NOW...
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 10 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    12/16/2012
    Super Excellent customer service!!!! Great selection!!!  Super Friendly staff!!!!  The friendliness seems too good to be true!!!  Gift wrapping was free and completed in 4 minutes!!!!
  • Review from

    • 14 friends
    • 81 reviews
    New York, NY
    5/8/2010
    Reservations required?

    After browsing for about 10 minutes with only one other customer in the store, I asked a member of the store's sales staff to see a few pairs of shoes.  She told me that I had not come in early enough for a shoe fitting, and it was a store policy that shoe fittings were done only prior to 6pm.  She offered to tell me about the shoes generally.

    I understand that fittings can take time; however, I do not see why this would mean we were not allowed to purchase shoes after 6pm!  Also, there was no notice posted regarding this policy (not at the store nor on their website).  This situation was very disappointing.
  • Review from

    Manhattan, NY
    11/28/2010 2 check-ins here
    This store has great toys that are interesting so it feels like you're getting something special here. They also carry fun and comfortable clothes that are cool and a great selection of shoes. Many of their clothes are organic and items can be pricey, but it's hard to resist buying something. The staff has always been very friendly and helpful in making recommendations.

    The new location on Broadway is bigger than the old place on 4th Ave. This is my go-to place when I'm shopping for a gift for my niece.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    7/27/2012
    LOVE LOVE LOVE Ibiza Kids!
    Their assortment of headbands and hair clips are adorable! Especially LOVE the Erika Rae hair accessories perfectly glittery and girly... I couldn't resist them while checking out at the front register... had to grab some for my girls! and they went WILD over them too :)
    The staff is beyond lovely, sweet, and helpful!
    Next time I will bring my girls in ... it's a girly girls dream :)
  • Review from

    • 9 friends
    • 27 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    8/29/2012
    Basically this is the only kids store I go to in my neighborhood. All of my friends have children, and no matter when I walk in, I always find the cutest clothes ever. I know my friends kids will be the best dressed in their Splendid or Ella Moss outfits. If your in the neighborhood definitely check out the store.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 33 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    8/18/2011
    In a sentance, way over priced. I bought a stuffed animal for my daughter from this store, 32 bucks. Checked on the manufactures website 15bucks. On amazon, 7.95. I wanted to buy her a dress, I couldnt find one for less than $50. I'm not a shopoholic, I dont go shopping so I feel good or that you have friendly store staff. I love a great deal and folks,  in here you seldom find one. Lastly but not leastly, like to add that I used GROUPON NOW and thot I was saving $20, instead I ending up spending an additional $35 Gave it 2 stars only because they had some stuff on sale for smart shoppers.
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