Talk Bronx New York

This is the Bronx News Network’s 2,000th blog post. (Waiting for applause.)

Just to give you an idea of how we’ve grown over the last few years, consider this. In 2006, we posted just 32 times. The next year, 2007, we made a quantum leap to 329 posts. The following year, 2008, we ramped up our efforts again to the tune of 510 posts.

Then last year, we really hit our stride. Fueled by competitive Bronx Council races and the debate about development at the Kingsbridge Armory (which turned into one of the biggest stories in the city last December), we topped out at 877 posts. The Village Voice recognized us as one of the best blogs in a city teeming with them.

We’ve done this while continuing to produce quality, award-winning print journalism in all of our affiliated and associated papers. Sometimes, with all of our other responsibilities, it’s difficult to maintain a steady flow of stories and information in this space.

But, in the end, we believe in what we’re doing here and we’ve received a tremendous amount of feedback and support from all of you out there who read the blog and make it a part of your daily life. We want to thank you and encourage you to continue reading and commenting as we strive to create a dialogue about vital issues in the Bronx and beyond.

We would also like to hear from you about how we can make this site better, more enjoyable and more informative. What issues should we focus on? What kind of weekly or daily features would you like to see? What don’t you like about the site or our blog posts? Do you want more photos slide shows or more multimedia? We want to hear from you.

This is your blog as much as ours. (Applause from us.)

Stay tuned and come celebrate with us at the Bronx Ale House on Feb. 25. More details to come. Read more..

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Maynor Roches employee with just some of the tremendous variety of food and other items offered at Food Bazaar on Bruckner Blvd.

 The Bruckner Plaza is home to great deals. Located off the Bruckner Expressway, near the northbound entrance to the Bronx River Parkway, it’s a quick stop for many Soundview residents.

If you’re looking for foreign food or just want to pamper yourself, this is the place to shop. The plaza houses an array of shops, including Strauss discount auto, Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonald’s and Rent-a-Center to help you get a jump on your errands at the right price.

NAIL SALON: Magni Nails and Spa, 1636 Bruckner Blvd.; (718) 860-0652

Henry Phan’s customers come for the service. He has been manager of this impressive nail salon for 10 years.

Manicures start at $8, eyebrow waxing is $6 and acrylic sets start at $25. Phan’s specialty is gel manicures that dry in three minutes. The excellent work and friendly faces keep people coming back. Read more..

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                Alma Heaney gets coiffed at Aliano’s Salon on Westchester Ave.

A small shopping strip in Pelham Bay off the No. 6 subway line offers bargain shoppers a little bit of everything.

Whether you’re looking to get the new year off to a healthy start by stocking up on vitamins and supplements or ready to tackle a needed home repair, this retail spot has just the items shoppers are looking for - and all for the right price.

HEALTH – Health Bound, 1833 Hobart Ave. (718) 319-0662

This little health store strives to take care of all their customers’ diet and fitness needs.

It offers an assortment of salves and ointments, vegetarian supplements, detox cleansers, herbal teas, beauty aids, organic products, sports drinks and much more.

Vitamins and supplements are especially popular, including a 24-ounce bottle of flax seed for $3.99. Owner Maria Borrero is offering 10% off all products until the end of January. And she’s happy to order anything you can’t find on her shelves.

Health Bound also has homemade protein shakes with names like Bahamas mama and blackcherry blast for $7.

TANNING – Electric Paradise, 3221 Westchester Ave.      (347) 582-2662

This upbeat tanning salon is especially student-friendly. Specials include 30% off with student ID.

However, everyone can save with a 10% off tanning package special that is running through January.

A single lay down session starts at just $8, and unlimited monthly packages start at $65.

A variety of lotions also are on sale to enhance your tanning session.

Electric Paradise also offers custom airbrush tanning. Read more..

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 WHOSE ARMORY? Northwest Bronx residents rally outside the Kingsbridge Armory in October

Members of the Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment Alliance (KARA) watched in hushed suspense from the visitors gallery above the City Council chamber on Dec. 14.

After four years of building a grassroots movement to advocate responsible development in their community, they looked on as councilmembers voted on Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s plans to turn the Kingsbridge Armory, a 575,000-square-foot fortress-like structure in the northwest Bronx, into a lowwage shopping mall. When Council Majority Leader Joel Rivera (D-Bronx) finally announced the project’s defeat by a vote of 45-1, cheers rang throughout the chambers.

“This is a historic moment in the City Council,” said councilmember Charles Barron (D-Brooklyn). “I can’t remember any big project like this that the mayor initially wanted, that the council would go against in support of the people.” Read more..

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If you want to get a last-minute tax deduction in for 2009, or just want to get a jump on your 2010 return, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Bronx News Network by clicking here. After the jump is a letter we just mailed out to some of our friends and supporters. It lays out our accomplishments in 2009 and our plans for 2010 (including making this blog bigger and better!).
We’re trying to raise $15,000 from individuals by Jan. 30. If you value hyper-local Bronx news — if you’re reading this blog you obviously do — please make a donation today! We’ll keep a running daily count of how much we raise. So far, we’ve raised $500. Help us get to $1,000 today. Thanks! (If you’ve already responded to our e-mail appeal, thank you!!!)  — Jordan Moss Read more..

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