“We build futures one success story at a time” (Stanley Kaplan)
Stanley Kaplan started test preparation in 1938 in his Brooklyn home. The development of standardized testing in the 1960s and 1970s made the business boom. Today, it is called simply…
Archive for 03/2006
Hindoo or Hindu (handball term)
"Hindoo" or "hindu" was a popular New York City term for "do-over." It started in handball and was used for when the ball went out of play. It's believed to be…
“World’s Most Popular Hotel” (Hotel Pennsylvania)
The Hotel Pennsylvania has been right opposite Penn Station since 1919. The phone number (see under "songs" on this website) is still PENnsylvania 6-5000. "World's Most Popular…
Yankees of Chess (Hunter College Campus Schools & Murrow HS)
Several New York City schools are so successful in chess tournaments that they've been called "the Yankees of chess." New York magazineMay 23, 2005 issue of New York Magazine(...)By…
Corned Beef and Cabbage (Jiggs dinner)
"Corned beef and cabbage" is a popular Irish dinner, and it's often served on St. Patrick's Day. In 1925, "corned beef and cabbage" was voted to be the favorite dish…
“Wizard of Moving” (Oz Moving & Storage)
Avi Oz founded Oz Moving & Storage in 1993. Taking a cue from the film The Wizard of Oz, the company slogan is "Wizard of Moving." The slogan has not been trademarked. (Trademark)Word…
“We Know the Neighborhood!” & “The Meat Supermarket” (Western Beef)
Western Beef is a Queens-based chain of meat supermarkets. 'We know the neighborhood!" is its (apparently un-trademarked) slogan. http://www.westernbeef.com/ As part of an effective…
Orchid Show (New York Botanical Garden)
The annual Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a new event, but an increasingly popular one. http://www.nybg.org/plan_your_visit/event_detail.php?id_event=6402/25/2006 - 4/2/2006The…
“Supermarkets for Savings” (C-Town)
C-Town supermarkets calls itself "Supermarkets for Savings." (Trademark)Word Mark C TOWN Goods and Services IC 029. US 046. G & S: BACON AND EGGS. FIRST USE: 19750600. FIRST USE IN…
Wonder City of the World
"Wonder City" or "Wonder City of the World" has been applied to many cities and has, sometimes, been the nickname of New York City. The nickname was popular in the early 1900s…
Never let them see you sweat! (Dry Idea commercial)
"Never let them see you sweat!" was coined by a "Dry Idea" deodorant commercial, one of which featured New York-based designer Donna Karan. The phrase "no sweat" was…
“I will bring you down to Chinatown!”
"I will bring you down to Chinatown!" is what actor Robert De Niro said to Ben Stiller in the film comedy Meet the Parents (2000). De Niro meant that he would rough Stiller up (maybe with…
“Fitness for Women” (Lucille Roberts)
Lucille Roberts began operating health clubs in the 1970s. The company's slogan has been "Fitness for Women" or "Fitness for Women by Women."…
Patrolio (NY Fire Patrol)
"Patrolio" is a person in the New York Fire Patrol. The Fire Patrol dates to the early 1800s, but discussions were held in 2006 to disband the organization.…
Mr. Big
"Mr. Big" is any important person. The nickname was popularized by the HBO show Sex and the City, but "Mr. Big" was used much earlier than that. (Oxford English Dictionary)Mr…
“Pop. 208 Elev. 100 ft.” (Burritoville)
Burritoville is a Mexican food chain that began in 1992 on 78th Street and First Avenue. There is no town of Burritoville, but each Burritoville restuarant declares a population of 208 and an…
Yippie
A "yippie" is a member of the Youth International Party. The name was a take-off on "hippie" and was applied to New York figures such as Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin.…
“We’re the King of Beef” (Old Homestead)
The Old Homestead steakhouse is in the heart of the meatpacking district, at 56 Ninth Avenue. It claims to be New York's oldest steakhouse (since 1868). A steer over the entrance proclaims:…
“I’m not only the Hair Club president, I’m also a client” (Hair Club for Men)
Who can forget Sy Sperling's tv commercials confessing: "I'm not only the Hair Club president, I'm also a client!" http://www.hairclub.com/companyinfomens.htmBeforeFor much…
“First to Conquer Living Space” (Castro Convertibles)
Castro Convertibles is a New York City company that began on West 21st Street. It advertised heavily in a new medium called television, and it sold a product perfect for New York -- the…