Then there's this problem.

Press a button and it’s done. Single-serve coffee machines are delicious, easy, and a sure sign of your upward mobility. But The New York Times is blowing the foil lid off the terrible truth: those little plastic cups factor out to about $50 or more per pound. Apparently, single-serve coffee is one more devil spawn of Starbucks. The Times writes:

“Americans under the age of 40 are thinking about coffee pricing in cups,” said Ric Rhinehart, executive director of the Specialty Coffee Association of America. “If you asked my mother how much coffee cost, she would have told you that the red can was $5.25 a pound and the blue can was $4.25. If you ask people in their 20s and 30s, they’ll say coffee is $1.75 to $3.75 a cup.”

Of course, it follows that anyone charging $175 for a coffee maker will probably rip you off on the coffee itself, especially when they pack it in tiny, excessively wrapped, proprietary containers. Consider it the Gillette safety razor of coffee. Here’s the Times’ full story.

Photo via Sheepshead Bites

If there’s a DIY project that can be capitalized upon, it’ll eventually show up in Brooklyn, especially if it feeds an expensive addiction for barely $3. The borough’s first roll-your-own cigarettes store opened last week, Sheepshead Bites reports. Like Build-A-Bear for carcinogens, customers stuff empty cigarette tubes with rolling tobacco using on-site machines. This new concept store (which we first talked about here) circumvents federal and local taxes, offering customers a miraculous $3.25 pack of cigarettes, all without visiting the dodgy cheap-cigarette bodegas or driving out to a reservation. But is it legal?

City Smokes (not an obvious South Park reference) opened at 2695 Coney Island Ave., much to the consternation of the tax man. The city is currently suing two other RYO stores in the city for tax evasion. But until the courts determine the fate of this loophole, Brooklynites can enjoy cheap, “healthier” cigarettes (as a City Smokes employee told The Daily News).

Follow Conal: @ConalDarcy.

Prime Meats, the winner (again) at $20 a head

Thursday’s fast approaching, and somehow you find yourself still… unsecured for the big day. You don’t mind missing out on some of the homey cliché: the family, the football, the Tryptophan couch coma. But it’s the food and drink you covet, and your kitchen prowess still isn’t quite up to the task. Even though last year’s $25 prix-fixe has (mostly) gone the way of the dodo, that doesn’t mean you’ll have to resort to $90 or $150 bounties to get your fill. It just means, this year, $35′s the magic number. Here are Brooklyn’s turkey day dinners you can afford. If we missed a place, let us know.

Prime Meats, 465 Court St. at Luquer St., Carroll Gardens, 718-254-0327
Cost: $20 per person
Prime Meats returns as our cheapest prix-fixe this year with turkey, Brussels Sprouts, sweet potatoes and gravy. Unfortunately, mash potatoes, creamed spinach, and dessert are each an extra $6. Even then, it’s still a deal.

Mill Basin Deli, 5823 Avenue T at E. 59th St., Mill Basin, 718-241-4910
Cost: $26.95 per person ($8.95 sharing charge)
This Kosher place offers four courses with great options like pierogis, split pea soup, strudel and, of course, turkey. There’s also unlimited coleslaw and fountain drinks.

Chestnut, 271 Smith St. between Sackett and DeGraw Sts., Boerum Hill, 718-243-0049
Cost: $32.50 per person (up to two people)
Thanksgiving at Chestnut means four courses with options of quail, turkey, acorn squash, oysters, pumpkin pie, apple-pear cake and ice cream. Normally this will run you $65, but they’re offering what’s called the Orphans’ Thanksgiving: the normal prix-fixe menu at half-price for singles and couples from 1 to 9 p.m. Space is very limited so get there early.

Pane & Vino, 174 Smith St. between Wyckoff and Warren Sts., Cobble Hill, 718-501-1010
Cost: $35 per person
There’s not much selection here, but you can be sure the turkey and homemade stuffing is going to be awesome, and who doesn’t like split-pea and asparagus soup? Plus, you get a free glass of prosecco.

The Green House, 7717 Third Ave. between 77th and 78th Sts., Bay Ridge, 718-833-8200
Cost: $35 per person
If you’re south-bound in Brooklyn, enjoy The Green House’s exotic choices like Maryland Turkey with sausage-bagel stuffing, duckling in a blood orange cognac glaze, broiled salmon and steak. Add to that an appetizer and delicious desserts.

Foodswings, 295 Grand St. between Havemeyer and Roebling Sts., Williamsburg, 718-388-1919
Cost: $35 per person.
Foodswings is the only vegetarian option in our list and sadly won’t be open on Thanksgiving. They are, however, selling meat-free Thanksgiving meals for pick-up the night before. So if you and your veggie friends want to chow down on chick’n style seitan, mash potatoes, biscuits and lots of vegetable sides, then order now and have that party at home.

Marco Polo, 345 Court St. at Union St., Carroll Gardens, 718-852-5015
Cost: $35.95 per person (ok, almost $35)
You can opt for the traditional States-side Thanksgiving meal at Marco Polo, or you can dine on great old-world meals like Tilapia Oreganata, Suprema di Pollo al Grand Marnier, or Bistecca Alla Griglia, just like mama used to make.

If you’re lucky enough to enjoy Thanksgiving at a restaurant this year, remember there are lots of Brooklynites who can’t afford regular meals, let alone a full Thanksgiving dinner. Consider eating early and then volunteering at any of the many places that need help. Check out FoodBank NYC, TimeOut NY, the Greenpoint Church, and the New York Cares for some options. And even if you can’t get out to serve food to the needy, you can always bake them a pie.

Jon wants you there

The hype is building around this Saturday’s Rally to Restore Sanity in Washington, DC. You’ve been wanting to jump on the bandwagon, but you’ve been holding off because you’re just a little sick of all the Tea Party talk, heresy denials and non-political gatherings on the National Mall lately. Of course, now the day’s almost upon us, and you’re catching the fever… but your best friend gave your seat away before you made up your mind and you missed that Daily Show episode where Oprah gave everyone a free trip to the rallyyyyyyy. So how the heck are you supposed to get to DC to show your sanity in an insane election season? Your options are limited this late in the game, but all hope’s not lost. Here’s what it’ll take to get down to the Mall and back again in time for Halloween.

Your first thought, BoltBus, was everyone else’s first thought… last week. That’s why it’s completely booked both ways until well after the weekend (unless you’re content with getting in late Saturday to hit up an after-party or two). However, its less-flashy competitors still have some open seats in time for the rally. Megabus, Peter Pan and the Chinatown buses offer slightly more expensive fares—around $30 each way. Of course, seats are filling up fast there too. BoltBus’s parent company, Greyhound, also has lots of room. Tickets to DC are fairly inexpensive, but a ticket back in time for your Halloween party is going run you upwards of $70. Better prices can be found if you can take Monday off and come back then.

Amtrak is an option if you’ve got money to burn. The cheapest trains, round-trip, will cost you $150. The Acela commuter trains, $600. Like we said, Money. To. Burn. If you handle it, though,you’ll certainly be riding in style.

If you’re broke and desperate to impress that cute redhead you’ve had a crush on for a year who’s definitely going to be there this weekend, one option is ride-sharing. Craigslist has a few offers for one or two seats going south. Private ride-share websites, which you can read all about here, show a few open seats as well.

Or, if digital hitch-hiking isn’t your game, there’s on last choice: renting a car. You can find a car as cheap as $50 per day on carrentals.com. This may be your best bet if you split the cost with a few friends, even with $25 in tolls (both ways) and gas. But parking in DC is an expensive hassle even on quiet days, so the convenience of a car will lead to lots of work once you get there.

No matter what your means of getting down to D.C., you’ll need money for the Metro, food, water, and, of course, beer money for the after-parties in Adams Morgan. If you’re truly dedicated, this could be one of the coolest rallies you’ll ever brag about.

Rally to Restore Sanity, Oct. 30, Noon to 3 p.m., The National Mall, Washington, DC

The Shadow Monster, Saturday, Oct. 16

This weekend you can see lightning-strike victims, a corpse dumping ground, a half-naked Bushwickian and a battle for water rights in Michigan all in the same place. It’s the Red Hook International Film and Video Festival we’re talking about, a two-day showcase of shorts and features, Brooklyn-centric documentaries, fiction and experimental films hosted by Red Hook’s Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition. Best yet, it’s all free, and that includes the popcorn and Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie.

The fest begin Saturday, Oct. 16, at 1 p.m. with two films about the waterfront, followed by a block of documentaries about living spaces in BK. The day finishes with a run of fun fiction like the recent Twitter fave, Va Fa Napoli Hipster. And if that’s not enough, there’s a mid-fest fest at Sunny’s Bar (253 Conover St.) at 6 p.m. with live music and… more free food.

On Sunday, the films return with awesome animation and documentaries by first-time filmmakers. A block of short portraiture anchors the day with films about a Brooklyn repair shop proprietor, a pizzeria owner and a late-night taxi driver.

All screenings will be held at the screening room of the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition, 499 Van Brunt St. Visit their site for all the details on the festival, films and, of course, the free pie.

Help with the horses at GALLOP NYC

As the summer doldrums of un(der)employment run into fall, there’s only so much more you can take of casting letters into the job-market black hole while plugging away at the future Oscar-winning screenplay. Time to shake things up. Brooklyn’s full of volunteer gigs perfect for turning your routine on its under-used head, and for giving back to the borough a little bit too. Here are a few ideas that’ll beef up the resume (and get you out of the house) while you’re waiting for that big break.

DUMBO Arts Festival, 718-488-8588
For three days this month, the DUMBO Arts Festival will attract hundreds of cutting-edge international artists from the visual, performance, music, literary and digital fields. Volunteers are needed during the week prior to the fest (Sept. 17 to 23) and during the fest itself (Sept. 24 to 26). Jobs include setting up installations, guiding attendees and assisting in live performances. Sign up and get a foot backstage to one of the largest art events this side of the East River.

826NYC, 718-499-9884
Hidden in a “secret” room behind the Park Slope Superhero Supply Store lies the headquarters of 826NYC. Founded by writer Dave Eggers (of McSweeney’s fame), 826NYC is dedicated to helping children and teens improve their writing through one-on-one attention and tutoring in after-school programs and workshops. Use your writing skills to help students with assignments, teach English language skills and even staff the superhero storefront.

Fixers’ Collective, 718-243-1572
The Fixers’ Collective (which we’re big fans of) is a group of folks in Gowanus who fix anything from bikes to old clocks. They always need help working on dropped-off items, so if you’re particularly handy (or want to learn), then stop by and see how you can help. Get your hands dirty, meet new people, and help keep more stuff out of the trash!

GALLOP NYC, 646-413-0469
If you love animals and working with people, considering Brooklyn- and Queens-based GALLOP (Giving Alternative Learners UpLifting Opportunities). They are a non-profit dedicated to helping adults with developmental disabilities build confidence through horseback riding. Volunteers receive training in leading horses and working with people to create a fun therapeutic riding environment.

RightRides, 718-522-0822
Sure, you gave up your wheels when you moved to Brooklyn, but don’t let yourself get rusty on the road. With RightRides, you can help prevent harassment and sexual assault, and get back behind the wheel, by giving free, safe, late-night transport home for women, LGBTQ and “nonconforming” individuals. RightRides always needs drivers and navigators who know local neighborhoods. They provide the car and gas, you provide a valid driver’s license.

BRIC Arts Media, 718-855-7882
BRIC, a Brooklyn-based arts and media coalition, is the driving force behind the summer’s awesome concerts in Prospect Park. But they also produce other performing art, gallery shows and community television year-round. No matter what your artistic predilection, BRIC has tons of chances to rub elbows with Brooklyn artists while exposing the public to great work.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 718-623-7260
The BBG needs lots of help maintaining its 52 acres and numerous gardens, so why not get outside, get sunburnt and meet some people? Lead informational workshops. Teach children about plants and gardening. You can even put in some elbow grease by keeping plants trimmed and watered, paths clear and the grounds beautiful for visitors.

Prospect Park Zoo, 718-399-7339 Ext. 325
For something a little livelier than plants, consider becoming a docent at the Prospect Park Zoo. They offer an extensive training program that will prepare you to lead tours and man info stations. Being a docent means a long-term commitment, but you’ll be trained in conservation and biology and become well acquainted with other animal-lovers.

Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition (BARC), 718-486-7489
BARC is Brooklyn’s home-grown animal shelter with a menagerie of adorable dogs and cats, all mostly strays found in the borough. Volunteers are needed to socialize and care for the animals, especially walking (and cleaning up after!) dogs. The downside? You might wind up adopting dozens of irresistible fur-balls.

Brooklyn Greenway Initiative (BGI), 718-522-0193
The BGI is an ambitious project to create a 14-mile bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly path running along the waterfront from Greenpoint to Sunset Park. Four miles have already been opened, but there’s more to be done. Volunteers are needed for administrative duties, technical planning and just keeping the existing trail clean and well-maintained.

Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 718-735-4400
Remember how awesome children’s museums were when you were a kid? Why not help out with the oldest one in the country? The BCM is home to 30,000 artifacts and tons of cool exhibits. Fun role-playing, interactive exhibits and guided tours expose children to science, nature and history. You can help by greeting visitors, manning phones and running membership drives.

These ideas are only a springboard to get you giving back to Brooklyn and rounding-out your under-utilized self. Websites like Catchafire and CitizenSchool connect people with specialized training to the needs of non-profits and locals. Resources such as the Brooklyn Bureau of Community Service, the NYC government and New York Cares also offer centralized lists of long-term and one-off chances to volunteer, including tutoring children and even assisting emergency services.

And finally, local religious organizations constantly run events to help those in need (and need volunteers from any faith). Who knows? You might find a new life passion… or at least some fodder for your screenplay.

via num num chronicles