Question: How many city agencies get involved in the bidding process?

Answer: six

In June, the advocacy group New Yorkers for Parks released a critical report comparing the management of capital projects by the parks department with that of other public agencies. While Mr. Silver questioned the fairness of some of the comparisons, he nonetheless said that the slow pace of construction would be a chief focus of his first year as commissioner. Tupper Thomas, executive director of New Yorkers for Parks, called the changes “a great start.” Ms. Thomas previously served as the president of the Prospect Park Alliance and the Prospect Park administrator for the parks department. In both capacities, she saw how long it took to finish projects. She said she especially approved of the idea of standardizing design for certain things, like restrooms, rather than creating each one from scratch. “It totally makes sense,” she said. “You work with the guys in the technical shops who say, ‘Don’t use that flushometer; it doesn’t work.’ It saves time, and the plumbers know what valves to get.” Others, however, are waiting for more aggressive changes, particularly in the area of procurement. <hl> No fewer than six city agencies get involved in bidding. <hl> Matthew Marienthal, an organizer for East Brooklyn Congregations, a coalition of churches and nonprofit groups, said Mr. Silver should “take the lead” in reforming the procurement process, even if it meant “creating some tension” with the mayor. Last month, the group invited Mr. Silver to speak to 650 residents assembled at St. Barbara’s Church in Bushwick, Brooklyn. They had won pledges from the parks department last year to renovate two neighborhood spaces — Heckscher Playground and Green Central Knoll Park — and they wanted to know when the projects would be finished. Mr. Silver said that Heckscher would be done in spring 2017 and Green Central Knoll in October 2017. Work, however, has not started on either park. Adriane Williams, a leader of East Brooklyn Congregations, told Mr. Silver at the meeting, “We think a process where the most simple of fixes take three years is no process at all, just a mess.”

In June, the advocacy group New Yorkers for Parks released a critical report comparing the management of capital projects by the parks department with that of other public agencies. While Mr. Silver questioned the fairness of some of the comparisons, he nonetheless said that the slow pace of construction would be a chief focus of his first year as commissioner. Tupper Thomas, executive director of New Yorkers for Parks, called the changes “a great start.” Ms. Thomas previously served as the president of the Prospect Park Alliance and the Prospect Park administrator for the parks department. In both capacities, she saw how long it took to finish projects. She said she especially approved of the idea of standardizing design for certain things, like restrooms, rather than creating each one from scratch. “It totally makes sense,” she said. “You work with the guys in the technical shops who say, ‘Don’t use that flushometer; it doesn’t work.’ It saves time, and the plumbers know what valves to get.” Others, however, are waiting for more aggressive changes, particularly in the area of procurement. No fewer than <hl> six <hl> city agencies get involved in bidding. Matthew Marienthal, an organizer for East Brooklyn Congregations, a coalition of churches and nonprofit groups, said Mr. Silver should “take the lead” in reforming the procurement process, even if it meant “creating some tension” with the mayor. Last month, the group invited Mr. Silver to speak to 650 residents assembled at St. Barbara’s Church in Bushwick, Brooklyn. They had won pledges from the parks department last year to renovate two neighborhood spaces — Heckscher Playground and Green Central Knoll Park — and they wanted to know when the projects would be finished. Mr. Silver said that Heckscher would be done in spring 2017 and Green Central Knoll in October 2017. Work, however, has not started on either park. Adriane Williams, a leader of East Brooklyn Congregations, told Mr. Silver at the meeting, “We think a process where the most simple of fixes take three years is no process at all, just a mess.”


Question: Who is the commissioner of the parks department?

In June, the advocacy group New Yorkers for Parks released a critical report comparing the management of capital projects by the parks department with that of other public agencies. While Mr. Silver questioned the fairness of some of the comparisons, he nonetheless said that the slow pace of construction would be a chief focus of his first year as commissioner. Tupper Thomas, executive director of New Yorkers for Parks, called the changes “a great start.” Ms. Thomas previously served as the president of the Prospect Park Alliance and the Prospect Park administrator for the parks department. In both capacities, she saw how long it took to finish projects. She said she especially approved of the idea of standardizing design for certain things, like restrooms, rather than creating each one from scratch. “It totally makes sense,” she said. “You work with the guys in the technical shops who say, ‘Don’t use that flushometer; it doesn’t work.’ It saves time, and the plumbers know what valves to get.” Others, however, are waiting for more aggressive changes, particularly in the area of procurement. No fewer than six city agencies get involved in bidding. Matthew Marienthal, an organizer for East Brooklyn Congregations, a coalition of churches and nonprofit groups, said Mr. Silver should “take the lead” in reforming the procurement process, even if it meant “creating some tension” with the mayor. Last month, the group invited Mr. Silver to speak to 650 residents assembled at St. Barbara’s Church in Bushwick, Brooklyn. They had won pledges from the parks department last year to renovate two neighborhood spaces — Heckscher Playground and Green Central Knoll Park — and they wanted to know when the projects would be finished. Mr. Silver said that Heckscher would be done in spring 2017 and Green Central Knoll in October 2017. Work, however, has not started on either park. Adriane Williams, a leader of East Brooklyn Congregations, told Mr. Silver at the meeting, “We think a process where the most simple of fixes take three years is no process at all, just a mess.”

Answer: Mr. Silver

In June, the advocacy group New Yorkers for Parks released a critical report comparing the management of capital projects by the parks department with that of other public agencies. <hl> While Mr. Silver questioned the fairness of some of the comparisons, he nonetheless said that the slow pace of construction would be a chief focus of his first year as commissioner. <hl> Tupper Thomas, executive director of New Yorkers for Parks, called the changes “a great start.” Ms. Thomas previously served as the president of the Prospect Park Alliance and the Prospect Park administrator for the parks department. In both capacities, she saw how long it took to finish projects. She said she especially approved of the idea of standardizing design for certain things, like restrooms, rather than creating each one from scratch. “It totally makes sense,” she said. “You work with the guys in the technical shops who say, ‘Don’t use that flushometer; it doesn’t work.’ It saves time, and the plumbers know what valves to get.” Others, however, are waiting for more aggressive changes, particularly in the area of procurement. No fewer than six city agencies get involved in bidding. Matthew Marienthal, an organizer for East Brooklyn Congregations, a coalition of churches and nonprofit groups, said Mr. Silver should “take the lead” in reforming the procurement process, even if it meant “creating some tension” with the mayor. Last month, the group invited Mr. Silver to speak to 650 residents assembled at St. Barbara’s Church in Bushwick, Brooklyn. They had won pledges from the parks department last year to renovate two neighborhood spaces — Heckscher Playground and Green Central Knoll Park — and they wanted to know when the projects would be finished. Mr. Silver said that Heckscher would be done in spring 2017 and Green Central Knoll in October 2017. Work, however, has not started on either park. Adriane Williams, a leader of East Brooklyn Congregations, told Mr. Silver at the meeting, “We think a process where the most simple of fixes take three years is no process at all, just a mess.”

In June, the advocacy group New Yorkers for Parks released a critical report comparing the management of capital projects by the parks department with that of other public agencies. While <hl> Mr. Silver <hl> questioned the fairness of some of the comparisons, he nonetheless said that the slow pace of construction would be a chief focus of his first year as commissioner. Tupper Thomas, executive director of New Yorkers for Parks, called the changes “a great start.” Ms. Thomas previously served as the president of the Prospect Park Alliance and the Prospect Park administrator for the parks department. In both capacities, she saw how long it took to finish projects. She said she especially approved of the idea of standardizing design for certain things, like restrooms, rather than creating each one from scratch. “It totally makes sense,” she said. “You work with the guys in the technical shops who say, ‘Don’t use that flushometer; it doesn’t work.’ It saves time, and the plumbers know what valves to get.” Others, however, are waiting for more aggressive changes, particularly in the area of procurement. No fewer than six city agencies get involved in bidding. Matthew Marienthal, an organizer for East Brooklyn Congregations, a coalition of churches and nonprofit groups, said Mr. Silver should “take the lead” in reforming the procurement process, even if it meant “creating some tension” with the mayor. Last month, the group invited Mr. Silver to speak to 650 residents assembled at St. Barbara’s Church in Bushwick, Brooklyn. They had won pledges from the parks department last year to renovate two neighborhood spaces — Heckscher Playground and Green Central Knoll Park — and they wanted to know when the projects would be finished. Mr. Silver said that Heckscher would be done in spring 2017 and Green Central Knoll in October 2017. Work, however, has not started on either park. Adriane Williams, a leader of East Brooklyn Congregations, told Mr. Silver at the meeting, “We think a process where the most simple of fixes take three years is no process at all, just a mess.”


Question: Mr. Silver was invited to speak to how many residents at the St. Barbara's Church

Answer: 650

In June, the advocacy group New Yorkers for Parks released a critical report comparing the management of capital projects by the parks department with that of other public agencies. While Mr. Silver questioned the fairness of some of the comparisons, he nonetheless said that the slow pace of construction would be a chief focus of his first year as commissioner. Tupper Thomas, executive director of New Yorkers for Parks, called the changes “a great start.” Ms. Thomas previously served as the president of the Prospect Park Alliance and the Prospect Park administrator for the parks department. In both capacities, she saw how long it took to finish projects. She said she especially approved of the idea of standardizing design for certain things, like restrooms, rather than creating each one from scratch. “It totally makes sense,” she said. “You work with the guys in the technical shops who say, ‘Don’t use that flushometer; it doesn’t work.’ It saves time, and the plumbers know what valves to get.” Others, however, are waiting for more aggressive changes, particularly in the area of procurement. No fewer than six city agencies get involved in bidding. Matthew Marienthal, an organizer for East Brooklyn Congregations, a coalition of churches and nonprofit groups, said Mr. Silver should “take the lead” in reforming the procurement process, even if it meant “creating some tension” with the mayor. <hl> Last month, the group invited Mr. Silver to speak to 650 residents assembled at St. Barbara’s Church in Bushwick, Brooklyn. <hl> They had won pledges from the parks department last year to renovate two neighborhood spaces — Heckscher Playground and Green Central Knoll Park — and they wanted to know when the projects would be finished. Mr. Silver said that Heckscher would be done in spring 2017 and Green Central Knoll in October 2017. Work, however, has not started on either park. Adriane Williams, a leader of East Brooklyn Congregations, told Mr. Silver at the meeting, “We think a process where the most simple of fixes take three years is no process at all, just a mess.”

In June, the advocacy group New Yorkers for Parks released a critical report comparing the management of capital projects by the parks department with that of other public agencies. While Mr. Silver questioned the fairness of some of the comparisons, he nonetheless said that the slow pace of construction would be a chief focus of his first year as commissioner. Tupper Thomas, executive director of New Yorkers for Parks, called the changes “a great start.” Ms. Thomas previously served as the president of the Prospect Park Alliance and the Prospect Park administrator for the parks department. In both capacities, she saw how long it took to finish projects. She said she especially approved of the idea of standardizing design for certain things, like restrooms, rather than creating each one from scratch. “It totally makes sense,” she said. “You work with the guys in the technical shops who say, ‘Don’t use that flushometer; it doesn’t work.’ It saves time, and the plumbers know what valves to get.” Others, however, are waiting for more aggressive changes, particularly in the area of procurement. No fewer than six city agencies get involved in bidding. Matthew Marienthal, an organizer for East Brooklyn Congregations, a coalition of churches and nonprofit groups, said Mr. Silver should “take the lead” in reforming the procurement process, even if it meant “creating some tension” with the mayor. Last month, the group invited Mr. Silver to speak to <hl> 650 <hl> residents assembled at St. Barbara’s Church in Bushwick, Brooklyn. They had won pledges from the parks department last year to renovate two neighborhood spaces — Heckscher Playground and Green Central Knoll Park — and they wanted to know when the projects would be finished. Mr. Silver said that Heckscher would be done in spring 2017 and Green Central Knoll in October 2017. Work, however, has not started on either park. Adriane Williams, a leader of East Brooklyn Congregations, told Mr. Silver at the meeting, “We think a process where the most simple of fixes take three years is no process at all, just a mess.”


Question: Who is the executive director of New Yorkers for Parks?

Answer: Tupper Thomas

In June, the advocacy group New Yorkers for Parks released a critical report comparing the management of capital projects by the parks department with that of other public agencies. While Mr. Silver questioned the fairness of some of the comparisons, he nonetheless said that the slow pace of construction would be a chief focus of his first year as commissioner. <hl> Tupper Thomas , executive director of New Yorkers for Parks, called the changes “a great start.” <hl> Ms. Thomas previously served as the president of the Prospect Park Alliance and the Prospect Park administrator for the parks department. In both capacities, she saw how long it took to finish projects. She said she especially approved of the idea of standardizing design for certain things, like restrooms, rather than creating each one from scratch. “It totally makes sense,” she said. “You work with the guys in the technical shops who say, ‘Don’t use that flushometer; it doesn’t work.’ It saves time, and the plumbers know what valves to get.” Others, however, are waiting for more aggressive changes, particularly in the area of procurement. No fewer than six city agencies get involved in bidding. Matthew Marienthal, an organizer for East Brooklyn Congregations, a coalition of churches and nonprofit groups, said Mr. Silver should “take the lead” in reforming the procurement process, even if it meant “creating some tension” with the mayor. Last month, the group invited Mr. Silver to speak to 650 residents assembled at St. Barbara’s Church in Bushwick, Brooklyn. They had won pledges from the parks department last year to renovate two neighborhood spaces — Heckscher Playground and Green Central Knoll Park — and they wanted to know when the projects would be finished. Mr. Silver said that Heckscher would be done in spring 2017 and Green Central Knoll in October 2017. Work, however, has not started on either park. Adriane Williams, a leader of East Brooklyn Congregations, told Mr. Silver at the meeting, “We think a process where the most simple of fixes take three years is no process at all, just a mess.”

In June, the advocacy group New Yorkers for Parks released a critical report comparing the management of capital projects by the parks department with that of other public agencies. While Mr. Silver questioned the fairness of some of the comparisons, he nonetheless said that the slow pace of construction would be a chief focus of his first year as commissioner. <hl> Tupper Thomas <hl>, executive director of New Yorkers for Parks, called the changes “a great start.” Ms. Thomas previously served as the president of the Prospect Park Alliance and the Prospect Park administrator for the parks department. In both capacities, she saw how long it took to finish projects. She said she especially approved of the idea of standardizing design for certain things, like restrooms, rather than creating each one from scratch. “It totally makes sense,” she said. “You work with the guys in the technical shops who say, ‘Don’t use that flushometer; it doesn’t work.’ It saves time, and the plumbers know what valves to get.” Others, however, are waiting for more aggressive changes, particularly in the area of procurement. No fewer than six city agencies get involved in bidding. Matthew Marienthal, an organizer for East Brooklyn Congregations, a coalition of churches and nonprofit groups, said Mr. Silver should “take the lead” in reforming the procurement process, even if it meant “creating some tension” with the mayor. Last month, the group invited Mr. Silver to speak to 650 residents assembled at St. Barbara’s Church in Bushwick, Brooklyn. They had won pledges from the parks department last year to renovate two neighborhood spaces — Heckscher Playground and Green Central Knoll Park — and they wanted to know when the projects would be finished. Mr. Silver said that Heckscher would be done in spring 2017 and Green Central Knoll in October 2017. Work, however, has not started on either park. Adriane Williams, a leader of East Brooklyn Congregations, told Mr. Silver at the meeting, “We think a process where the most simple of fixes take three years is no process at all, just a mess.”

<hl> Tupper Thomas <hl> , executive director of New Yorkers for Parks, called the changes “a great start.”


Question: How much money was allotted towards the project in 2010?

“When we are unable to get a successful bid on a contract, that can delay a project six months to a year,” Mr. Silver said. Such was the case in Councilman Brad Lander’s district, in Brooklyn, where a dog run near DiMattina Playground limped along for years. Mr. Lander allotted $225,000 toward the project in 2010. When it went out to bid, however, there were no takers the first time around. The dog run, in Carroll Gardens, finally opened last summer, with new benches, fountains with spouts and a bone-shape dog pool. “It’s beautiful,” Mr. Lander said. Now he has his eye on another park project: the $2.75 million renovation of Dome Playground, on the border of Kensington and Borough Park. The parks department held a meeting to solicit ideas in early 2011; construction began last week — four years later. “This is another long saga,” said Mr. Lander, who allocated money from his discretionary fund toward the renovation. “But it has picked up pace as of late.”

Answer: 225,000

“When we are unable to get a successful bid on a contract, that can delay a project six months to a year,” Mr. Silver said. Such was the case in Councilman Brad Lander’s district, in Brooklyn, where a dog run near DiMattina Playground limped along for years. <hl> Mr. Lander allotted $ 225,000 toward the project in 2010. <hl> When it went out to bid, however, there were no takers the first time around. The dog run, in Carroll Gardens, finally opened last summer, with new benches, fountains with spouts and a bone-shape dog pool. “It’s beautiful,” Mr. Lander said. Now he has his eye on another park project: the $2.75 million renovation of Dome Playground, on the border of Kensington and Borough Park. The parks department held a meeting to solicit ideas in early 2011; construction began last week — four years later. “This is another long saga,” said Mr. Lander, who allocated money from his discretionary fund toward the renovation. “But it has picked up pace as of late.”

“When we are unable to get a successful bid on a contract, that can delay a project six months to a year,” Mr. Silver said. Such was the case in Councilman Brad Lander’s district, in Brooklyn, where a dog run near DiMattina Playground limped along for years. Mr. Lander allotted $<hl> 225,000 <hl> toward the project in 2010. When it went out to bid, however, there were no takers the first time around. The dog run, in Carroll Gardens, finally opened last summer, with new benches, fountains with spouts and a bone-shape dog pool. “It’s beautiful,” Mr. Lander said. Now he has his eye on another park project: the $2.75 million renovation of Dome Playground, on the border of Kensington and Borough Park. The parks department held a meeting to solicit ideas in early 2011; construction began last week — four years later. “This is another long saga,” said Mr. Lander, who allocated money from his discretionary fund toward the renovation. “But it has picked up pace as of late.”

Mr. Lander allotted $ <hl> 225,000 <hl> toward the project in 2010.


Question: The dog run that finally opened last summer was where?

Answer: Carroll Gardens

“When we are unable to get a successful bid on a contract, that can delay a project six months to a year,” Mr. Silver said. Such was the case in Councilman Brad Lander’s district, in Brooklyn, where a dog run near DiMattina Playground limped along for years. Mr. Lander allotted $225,000 toward the project in 2010. When it went out to bid, however, there were no takers the first time around. <hl> The dog run, in Carroll Gardens , finally opened last summer, with new benches, fountains with spouts and a bone-shape dog pool. <hl> “It’s beautiful,” Mr. Lander said. Now he has his eye on another park project: the $2.75 million renovation of Dome Playground, on the border of Kensington and Borough Park. The parks department held a meeting to solicit ideas in early 2011; construction began last week — four years later. “This is another long saga,” said Mr. Lander, who allocated money from his discretionary fund toward the renovation. “But it has picked up pace as of late.”

“When we are unable to get a successful bid on a contract, that can delay a project six months to a year,” Mr. Silver said. Such was the case in Councilman Brad Lander’s district, in Brooklyn, where a dog run near DiMattina Playground limped along for years. Mr. Lander allotted $225,000 toward the project in 2010. When it went out to bid, however, there were no takers the first time around. The dog run, in <hl> Carroll Gardens <hl>, finally opened last summer, with new benches, fountains with spouts and a bone-shape dog pool. “It’s beautiful,” Mr. Lander said. Now he has his eye on another park project: the $2.75 million renovation of Dome Playground, on the border of Kensington and Borough Park. The parks department held a meeting to solicit ideas in early 2011; construction began last week — four years later. “This is another long saga,” said Mr. Lander, who allocated money from his discretionary fund toward the renovation. “But it has picked up pace as of late.”

The dog run, in <hl> Carroll Gardens <hl> , finally opened last summer, with new benches, fountains with spouts and a bone-shape dog pool.


Question: What near DiMattina Playground limped along for years?

Answer: a dog run

“When we are unable to get a successful bid on a contract, that can delay a project six months to a year,” Mr. Silver said. <hl> Such was the case in Councilman Brad Lander’s district, in Brooklyn, where a dog run near DiMattina Playground limped along for years. <hl> Mr. Lander allotted $225,000 toward the project in 2010. When it went out to bid, however, there were no takers the first time around. The dog run, in Carroll Gardens, finally opened last summer, with new benches, fountains with spouts and a bone-shape dog pool. “It’s beautiful,” Mr. Lander said. Now he has his eye on another park project: the $2.75 million renovation of Dome Playground, on the border of Kensington and Borough Park. The parks department held a meeting to solicit ideas in early 2011; construction began last week — four years later. “This is another long saga,” said Mr. Lander, who allocated money from his discretionary fund toward the renovation. “But it has picked up pace as of late.”

“When we are unable to get a successful bid on a contract, that can delay a project six months to a year,” Mr. Silver said. Such was the case in Councilman Brad Lander’s district, in Brooklyn, where <hl> a dog run <hl> near DiMattina Playground limped along for years. Mr. Lander allotted $225,000 toward the project in 2010. When it went out to bid, however, there were no takers the first time around. The dog run, in Carroll Gardens, finally opened last summer, with new benches, fountains with spouts and a bone-shape dog pool. “It’s beautiful,” Mr. Lander said. Now he has his eye on another park project: the $2.75 million renovation of Dome Playground, on the border of Kensington and Borough Park. The parks department held a meeting to solicit ideas in early 2011; construction began last week — four years later. “This is another long saga,” said Mr. Lander, who allocated money from his discretionary fund toward the renovation. “But it has picked up pace as of late.”


Question: How much will the renovations of Dome Playground cost?

Answer: 2.75 million

“When we are unable to get a successful bid on a contract, that can delay a project six months to a year,” Mr. Silver said. Such was the case in Councilman Brad Lander’s district, in Brooklyn, where a dog run near DiMattina Playground limped along for years. Mr. Lander allotted $225,000 toward the project in 2010. When it went out to bid, however, there were no takers the first time around. The dog run, in Carroll Gardens, finally opened last summer, with new benches, fountains with spouts and a bone-shape dog pool. “It’s beautiful,” Mr. Lander said. <hl> Now he has his eye on another park project: the $ 2.75 million renovation of Dome Playground, on the border of Kensington and Borough Park. <hl> The parks department held a meeting to solicit ideas in early 2011; construction began last week — four years later. “This is another long saga,” said Mr. Lander, who allocated money from his discretionary fund toward the renovation. “But it has picked up pace as of late.”

“When we are unable to get a successful bid on a contract, that can delay a project six months to a year,” Mr. Silver said. Such was the case in Councilman Brad Lander’s district, in Brooklyn, where a dog run near DiMattina Playground limped along for years. Mr. Lander allotted $225,000 toward the project in 2010. When it went out to bid, however, there were no takers the first time around. The dog run, in Carroll Gardens, finally opened last summer, with new benches, fountains with spouts and a bone-shape dog pool. “It’s beautiful,” Mr. Lander said. Now he has his eye on another park project: the $<hl> 2.75 million <hl> renovation of Dome Playground, on the border of Kensington and Borough Park. The parks department held a meeting to solicit ideas in early 2011; construction began last week — four years later. “This is another long saga,” said Mr. Lander, who allocated money from his discretionary fund toward the renovation. “But it has picked up pace as of late.”

Now he has his eye on another park project: the $ <hl> 2.75 million <hl> renovation of Dome Playground, on the border of Kensington and Borough Park.


Question: What year did the parks department hold a meeting for ideas about the Dome Playground?

Answer: 2011

“When we are unable to get a successful bid on a contract, that can delay a project six months to a year,” Mr. Silver said. Such was the case in Councilman Brad Lander’s district, in Brooklyn, where a dog run near DiMattina Playground limped along for years. Mr. Lander allotted $225,000 toward the project in 2010. When it went out to bid, however, there were no takers the first time around. The dog run, in Carroll Gardens, finally opened last summer, with new benches, fountains with spouts and a bone-shape dog pool. “It’s beautiful,” Mr. Lander said. Now he has his eye on another park project: the $2.75 million renovation of Dome Playground, on the border of Kensington and Borough Park. <hl> The parks department held a meeting to solicit ideas in early 2011 ; construction began last week — four years later. <hl> “This is another long saga,” said Mr. Lander, who allocated money from his discretionary fund toward the renovation. “But it has picked up pace as of late.”

“When we are unable to get a successful bid on a contract, that can delay a project six months to a year,” Mr. Silver said. Such was the case in Councilman Brad Lander’s district, in Brooklyn, where a dog run near DiMattina Playground limped along for years. Mr. Lander allotted $225,000 toward the project in 2010. When it went out to bid, however, there were no takers the first time around. The dog run, in Carroll Gardens, finally opened last summer, with new benches, fountains with spouts and a bone-shape dog pool. “It’s beautiful,” Mr. Lander said. Now he has his eye on another park project: the $2.75 million renovation of Dome Playground, on the border of Kensington and Borough Park. The parks department held a meeting to solicit ideas in early <hl> 2011 <hl>; construction began last week — four years later. “This is another long saga,” said Mr. Lander, who allocated money from his discretionary fund toward the renovation. “But it has picked up pace as of late.”

The parks department held a meeting to solicit ideas in early <hl> 2011 <hl> ; construction began last week — four years later.


Question: What is the name of the terrorist group that struck across Nigeria's border into the Niger for the first time on Friday?

Answer: Boko Haram

<hl> DAKAR, Senegal — The Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram on Friday morning struck across Nigeria’s border into Niger for the first time, broadening the regional conflict to a fourth country in West Africa. <hl>

DAKAR, Senegal — The Islamist terrorist group <hl> Boko Haram <hl> on Friday morning struck across Nigeria’s border into Niger for the first time, broadening the regional conflict to a fourth country in West Africa.


Question: On what day of the week did the terrorist group Boko Haram strike across Nigeria's border into Niger for the first time?

Answer: Friday

<hl> DAKAR, Senegal — The Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram on Friday morning struck across Nigeria’s border into Niger for the first time, broadening the regional conflict to a fourth country in West Africa. <hl>

DAKAR, Senegal — The Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram on <hl> Friday <hl> morning struck across Nigeria’s border into Niger for the first time, broadening the regional conflict to a fourth country in West Africa.


Question: Where did the Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram strike?

Answer: across Nigeria’s border into Niger

<hl> DAKAR, Senegal — The Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram on Friday morning struck across Nigeria’s border into Niger for the first time, broadening the regional conflict to a fourth country in West Africa. <hl>

DAKAR, Senegal — The Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram on Friday morning struck <hl> across Nigeria’s border into Niger <hl> for the first time, broadening the regional conflict to a fourth country in West Africa.


Question: Where is Nigeria located?

Answer: West Africa

<hl> DAKAR, Senegal — The Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram on Friday morning struck across Nigeria’s border into Niger for the first time, broadening the regional conflict to a fourth country in West Africa . <hl>

DAKAR, Senegal — The Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram on Friday morning struck across Nigeria’s border into Niger for the first time, broadening the regional conflict to a fourth country in <hl> West Africa <hl>.

DAKAR, Senegal — The Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram on Friday morning struck across Nigeria’s border into Niger for the first time, broadening the regional conflict to a fourth country in <hl> West Africa <hl> .


Question: What religious group is the terrorist group Boko Haram associated with?

Answer: Islamist

<hl> DAKAR, Senegal — The Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram on Friday morning struck across Nigeria’s border into Niger for the first time, broadening the regional conflict to a fourth country in West Africa. <hl>

DAKAR, Senegal — The <hl> Islamist <hl> terrorist group Boko Haram on Friday morning struck across Nigeria’s border into Niger for the first time, broadening the regional conflict to a fourth country in West Africa.


Question: Which river did the Boko Haram fighters cross to attack Bosso?

Boko Haram fighters crossed the Komadougou River separating Nigeria from Niger and attacked Bosso, a remote town that is a local seat of government with an open-air market that has been sheltering thousands of refugees from the conflict. An army officer in Niger said the fighters were pushed back after at least three hours of combat. Speaking from Niamey, the capital, the officer said all the Boko Haram fighters who entered Bosso were killed. Other Niger government officials could not be reached on Friday afternoon, and phone lines to Bosso, on Niger’s eastern edge, were not working.

Answer: Komadougou River

<hl> Boko Haram fighters crossed the Komadougou River separating Nigeria from Niger and attacked Bosso, a remote town that is a local seat of government with an open-air market that has been sheltering thousands of refugees from the conflict. <hl> An army officer in Niger said the fighters were pushed back after at least three hours of combat. Speaking from Niamey, the capital, the officer said all the Boko Haram fighters who entered Bosso were killed. Other Niger government officials could not be reached on Friday afternoon, and phone lines to Bosso, on Niger’s eastern edge, were not working.

Boko Haram fighters crossed the <hl> Komadougou River <hl> separating Nigeria from Niger and attacked Bosso, a remote town that is a local seat of government with an open-air market that has been sheltering thousands of refugees from the conflict. An army officer in Niger said the fighters were pushed back after at least three hours of combat. Speaking from Niamey, the capital, the officer said all the Boko Haram fighters who entered Bosso were killed. Other Niger government officials could not be reached on Friday afternoon, and phone lines to Bosso, on Niger’s eastern edge, were not working.


Question: Which city did the Boko Haram attack after crossing the Komadougou River?

Answer: Bosso

<hl> Boko Haram fighters crossed the Komadougou River separating Nigeria from Niger and attacked Bosso , a remote town that is a local seat of government with an open-air market that has been sheltering thousands of refugees from the conflict. <hl> An army officer in Niger said the fighters were pushed back after at least three hours of combat. Speaking from Niamey, the capital, the officer said all the Boko Haram fighters who entered Bosso were killed. Other Niger government officials could not be reached on Friday afternoon, and phone lines to Bosso, on Niger’s eastern edge, were not working.

Boko Haram fighters crossed the Komadougou River separating Nigeria from Niger and attacked <hl> Bosso <hl>, a remote town that is a local seat of government with an open-air market that has been sheltering thousands of refugees from the conflict. An army officer in Niger said the fighters were pushed back after at least three hours of combat. Speaking from Niamey, the capital, the officer said all the Boko Haram fighters who entered Bosso were killed. Other Niger government officials could not be reached on Friday afternoon, and phone lines to Bosso, on Niger’s eastern edge, were not working.

Boko Haram fighters crossed the Komadougou River separating Nigeria from Niger and attacked <hl> Bosso <hl> , a remote town that is a local seat of government with an open-air market that has been sheltering thousands of refugees from the conflict.


Question: Where is the city of Bosso located?

Answer: Nigeria

<hl> Boko Haram fighters crossed the Komadougou River separating Nigeria from Niger and attacked Bosso, a remote town that is a local seat of government with an open-air market that has been sheltering thousands of refugees from the conflict. <hl> An army officer in Niger said the fighters were pushed back after at least three hours of combat. Speaking from Niamey, the capital, the officer said all the Boko Haram fighters who entered Bosso were killed. Other Niger government officials could not be reached on Friday afternoon, and phone lines to Bosso, on Niger’s eastern edge, were not working.

Boko Haram fighters crossed the Komadougou River separating <hl> Nigeria <hl> from Niger and attacked Bosso, a remote town that is a local seat of government with an open-air market that has been sheltering thousands of refugees from the conflict. An army officer in Niger said the fighters were pushed back after at least three hours of combat. Speaking from Niamey, the capital, the officer said all the Boko Haram fighters who entered Bosso were killed. Other Niger government officials could not be reached on Friday afternoon, and phone lines to Bosso, on Niger’s eastern edge, were not working.


Question: How long did it take to push the Boko Haram fighters back from Bosso?

Answer: three hours

Boko Haram fighters crossed the Komadougou River separating Nigeria from Niger and attacked Bosso, a remote town that is a local seat of government with an open-air market that has been sheltering thousands of refugees from the conflict. <hl> An army officer in Niger said the fighters were pushed back after at least three hours of combat. <hl> Speaking from Niamey, the capital, the officer said all the Boko Haram fighters who entered Bosso were killed. Other Niger government officials could not be reached on Friday afternoon, and phone lines to Bosso, on Niger’s eastern edge, were not working.

Boko Haram fighters crossed the Komadougou River separating Nigeria from Niger and attacked Bosso, a remote town that is a local seat of government with an open-air market that has been sheltering thousands of refugees from the conflict. An army officer in Niger said the fighters were pushed back after at least <hl> three hours <hl> of combat. Speaking from Niamey, the capital, the officer said all the Boko Haram fighters who entered Bosso were killed. Other Niger government officials could not be reached on Friday afternoon, and phone lines to Bosso, on Niger’s eastern edge, were not working.


Question: What happened to the Boko Haram fighters who attacked Bosso?

Answer: all the Boko Haram fighters who entered Bosso were killed

Boko Haram fighters crossed the Komadougou River separating Nigeria from Niger and attacked Bosso, a remote town that is a local seat of government with an open-air market that has been sheltering thousands of refugees from the conflict. An army officer in Niger said the fighters were pushed back after at least three hours of combat. <hl> Speaking from Niamey, the capital, the officer said all the Boko Haram fighters who entered Bosso were killed . <hl> Other Niger government officials could not be reached on Friday afternoon, and phone lines to Bosso, on Niger’s eastern edge, were not working.

Boko Haram fighters crossed the Komadougou River separating Nigeria from Niger and attacked Bosso, a remote town that is a local seat of government with an open-air market that has been sheltering thousands of refugees from the conflict. An army officer in Niger said the fighters were pushed back after at least three hours of combat. Speaking from Niamey, the capital, the officer said <hl> all the Boko Haram fighters who entered Bosso were killed <hl>. Other Niger government officials could not be reached on Friday afternoon, and phone lines to Bosso, on Niger’s eastern edge, were not working.

Speaking from Niamey, the capital, the officer said <hl> all the Boko Haram fighters who entered Bosso were killed <hl> .


Question: Was the army officer who described the Bosso attack authorized to speak publicly?

“We are in control of the situation,” said the army officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. “Anybody who entered the town, nobody came out alive,” the officer said. He would not say whether any troops or any civilians in Bosso had been killed. “People heard gunfire and went home.” Niger’s army has troops based in Bosso, at the edge of the area of recent fighting with Boko Haram. An army detachment is always posted at the river’s shallowest point, which can be easily crossed. Last week, officials in Bosso said they could hear Chadian planes bomb Boko Haram positions across the frontier. Niger’s Parliament is scheduled to vote Monday on whether the country’s troops will join those of Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad to take on the insurgents. Chad’s troops have had notable successes over the past week in confronting Boko Haram along the Cameroon border, retaking at least one Nigerian town. But the extension of the fighting to Niger is a new phase in the war on Boko Haram. Wary of being drawn into the fight, Niger’s government has been careful so far not to provoke the Islamists. Some analysts believe that the Islamists have heavily infiltrated Diffa, a regional capital in the country’s far east.

Answer: he was not authorized to speak publicly

<hl> “We are in control of the situation,” said the army officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly . <hl> “Anybody who entered the town, nobody came out alive,” the officer said. He would not say whether any troops or any civilians in Bosso had been killed. “People heard gunfire and went home.” Niger’s army has troops based in Bosso, at the edge of the area of recent fighting with Boko Haram. An army detachment is always posted at the river’s shallowest point, which can be easily crossed. Last week, officials in Bosso said they could hear Chadian planes bomb Boko Haram positions across the frontier. Niger’s Parliament is scheduled to vote Monday on whether the country’s troops will join those of Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad to take on the insurgents. Chad’s troops have had notable successes over the past week in confronting Boko Haram along the Cameroon border, retaking at least one Nigerian town. But the extension of the fighting to Niger is a new phase in the war on Boko Haram. Wary of being drawn into the fight, Niger’s government has been careful so far not to provoke the Islamists. Some analysts believe that the Islamists have heavily infiltrated Diffa, a regional capital in the country’s far east.

“We are in control of the situation,” said the army officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because <hl> he was not authorized to speak publicly <hl>. “Anybody who entered the town, nobody came out alive,” the officer said. He would not say whether any troops or any civilians in Bosso had been killed. “People heard gunfire and went home.” Niger’s army has troops based in Bosso, at the edge of the area of recent fighting with Boko Haram. An army detachment is always posted at the river’s shallowest point, which can be easily crossed. Last week, officials in Bosso said they could hear Chadian planes bomb Boko Haram positions across the frontier. Niger’s Parliament is scheduled to vote Monday on whether the country’s troops will join those of Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad to take on the insurgents. Chad’s troops have had notable successes over the past week in confronting Boko Haram along the Cameroon border, retaking at least one Nigerian town. But the extension of the fighting to Niger is a new phase in the war on Boko Haram. Wary of being drawn into the fight, Niger’s government has been careful so far not to provoke the Islamists. Some analysts believe that the Islamists have heavily infiltrated Diffa, a regional capital in the country’s far east.

“We are in control of the situation,” said the army officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because <hl> he was not authorized to speak publicly <hl> .


Question: What did the people of Bosso hear?

Answer: gunfire

“People heard gunfire and went home.”

“We are in control of the situation,” said the army officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. “Anybody who entered the town, nobody came out alive,” the officer said. He would not say whether any troops or any civilians in Bosso had been killed. <hl> “People heard gunfire and went home.” <hl> Niger’s army has troops based in Bosso, at the edge of the area of recent fighting with Boko Haram. An army detachment is always posted at the river’s shallowest point, which can be easily crossed. Last week, officials in Bosso said they could hear Chadian planes bomb Boko Haram positions across the frontier. Niger’s Parliament is scheduled to vote Monday on whether the country’s troops will join those of Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad to take on the insurgents. Chad’s troops have had notable successes over the past week in confronting Boko Haram along the Cameroon border, retaking at least one Nigerian town. But the extension of the fighting to Niger is a new phase in the war on Boko Haram. Wary of being drawn into the fight, Niger’s government has been careful so far not to provoke the Islamists. Some analysts believe that the Islamists have heavily infiltrated Diffa, a regional capital in the country’s far east.

“We are in control of the situation,” said the army officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. “Anybody who entered the town, nobody came out alive,” the officer said. He would not say whether any troops or any civilians in Bosso had been killed. “People heard <hl> gunfire <hl> and went home.” Niger’s army has troops based in Bosso, at the edge of the area of recent fighting with Boko Haram. An army detachment is always posted at the river’s shallowest point, which can be easily crossed. Last week, officials in Bosso said they could hear Chadian planes bomb Boko Haram positions across the frontier. Niger’s Parliament is scheduled to vote Monday on whether the country’s troops will join those of Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad to take on the insurgents. Chad’s troops have had notable successes over the past week in confronting Boko Haram along the Cameroon border, retaking at least one Nigerian town. But the extension of the fighting to Niger is a new phase in the war on Boko Haram. Wary of being drawn into the fight, Niger’s government has been careful so far not to provoke the Islamists. Some analysts believe that the Islamists have heavily infiltrated Diffa, a regional capital in the country’s far east.


Question: Did any of the Boko Haram who entered the town to attack Bosso survive?

Answer: nobody came out alive

“We are in control of the situation,” said the army officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. <hl> “Anybody who entered the town, nobody came out alive ,” the officer said. <hl> He would not say whether any troops or any civilians in Bosso had been killed. “People heard gunfire and went home.” Niger’s army has troops based in Bosso, at the edge of the area of recent fighting with Boko Haram. An army detachment is always posted at the river’s shallowest point, which can be easily crossed. Last week, officials in Bosso said they could hear Chadian planes bomb Boko Haram positions across the frontier. Niger’s Parliament is scheduled to vote Monday on whether the country’s troops will join those of Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad to take on the insurgents. Chad’s troops have had notable successes over the past week in confronting Boko Haram along the Cameroon border, retaking at least one Nigerian town. But the extension of the fighting to Niger is a new phase in the war on Boko Haram. Wary of being drawn into the fight, Niger’s government has been careful so far not to provoke the Islamists. Some analysts believe that the Islamists have heavily infiltrated Diffa, a regional capital in the country’s far east.

“We are in control of the situation,” said the army officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. “Anybody who entered the town, <hl> nobody came out alive <hl>,” the officer said. He would not say whether any troops or any civilians in Bosso had been killed. “People heard gunfire and went home.” Niger’s army has troops based in Bosso, at the edge of the area of recent fighting with Boko Haram. An army detachment is always posted at the river’s shallowest point, which can be easily crossed. Last week, officials in Bosso said they could hear Chadian planes bomb Boko Haram positions across the frontier. Niger’s Parliament is scheduled to vote Monday on whether the country’s troops will join those of Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad to take on the insurgents. Chad’s troops have had notable successes over the past week in confronting Boko Haram along the Cameroon border, retaking at least one Nigerian town. But the extension of the fighting to Niger is a new phase in the war on Boko Haram. Wary of being drawn into the fight, Niger’s government has been careful so far not to provoke the Islamists. Some analysts believe that the Islamists have heavily infiltrated Diffa, a regional capital in the country’s far east.

“Anybody who entered the town, <hl> nobody came out alive <hl> ,” the officer said.


Question: What did the people of Bosso do when they heard gunfire?

Answer: went home.

“We are in control of the situation,” said the army officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. “Anybody who entered the town, nobody came out alive,” the officer said. He would not say whether any troops or any civilians in Bosso had been killed. <hl> “People heard gunfire and went home. ” Niger’s army has troops based in Bosso, at the edge of the area of recent fighting with Boko Haram. <hl> An army detachment is always posted at the river’s shallowest point, which can be easily crossed. Last week, officials in Bosso said they could hear Chadian planes bomb Boko Haram positions across the frontier. Niger’s Parliament is scheduled to vote Monday on whether the country’s troops will join those of Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad to take on the insurgents. Chad’s troops have had notable successes over the past week in confronting Boko Haram along the Cameroon border, retaking at least one Nigerian town. But the extension of the fighting to Niger is a new phase in the war on Boko Haram. Wary of being drawn into the fight, Niger’s government has been careful so far not to provoke the Islamists. Some analysts believe that the Islamists have heavily infiltrated Diffa, a regional capital in the country’s far east.

“We are in control of the situation,” said the army officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. “Anybody who entered the town, nobody came out alive,” the officer said. He would not say whether any troops or any civilians in Bosso had been killed. “People heard gunfire and <hl> went home. <hl>” Niger’s army has troops based in Bosso, at the edge of the area of recent fighting with Boko Haram. An army detachment is always posted at the river’s shallowest point, which can be easily crossed. Last week, officials in Bosso said they could hear Chadian planes bomb Boko Haram positions across the frontier. Niger’s Parliament is scheduled to vote Monday on whether the country’s troops will join those of Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad to take on the insurgents. Chad’s troops have had notable successes over the past week in confronting Boko Haram along the Cameroon border, retaking at least one Nigerian town. But the extension of the fighting to Niger is a new phase in the war on Boko Haram. Wary of being drawn into the fight, Niger’s government has been careful so far not to provoke the Islamists. Some analysts believe that the Islamists have heavily infiltrated Diffa, a regional capital in the country’s far east.

“People heard gunfire and <hl> went home. <hl> ” Niger’s army has troops based in Bosso, at the edge of the area of recent fighting with Boko Haram.


Question: Where are Bosso army detachments posted?

Answer: at the river’s shallowest point,

“We are in control of the situation,” said the army officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. “Anybody who entered the town, nobody came out alive,” the officer said. He would not say whether any troops or any civilians in Bosso had been killed. “People heard gunfire and went home.” Niger’s army has troops based in Bosso, at the edge of the area of recent fighting with Boko Haram. <hl> An army detachment is always posted at the river’s shallowest point, which can be easily crossed. <hl> Last week, officials in Bosso said they could hear Chadian planes bomb Boko Haram positions across the frontier. Niger’s Parliament is scheduled to vote Monday on whether the country’s troops will join those of Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad to take on the insurgents. Chad’s troops have had notable successes over the past week in confronting Boko Haram along the Cameroon border, retaking at least one Nigerian town. But the extension of the fighting to Niger is a new phase in the war on Boko Haram. Wary of being drawn into the fight, Niger’s government has been careful so far not to provoke the Islamists. Some analysts believe that the Islamists have heavily infiltrated Diffa, a regional capital in the country’s far east.

“We are in control of the situation,” said the army officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. “Anybody who entered the town, nobody came out alive,” the officer said. He would not say whether any troops or any civilians in Bosso had been killed. “People heard gunfire and went home.” Niger’s army has troops based in Bosso, at the edge of the area of recent fighting with Boko Haram. An army detachment is always posted <hl> at the river’s shallowest point, <hl> which can be easily crossed. Last week, officials in Bosso said they could hear Chadian planes bomb Boko Haram positions across the frontier. Niger’s Parliament is scheduled to vote Monday on whether the country’s troops will join those of Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad to take on the insurgents. Chad’s troops have had notable successes over the past week in confronting Boko Haram along the Cameroon border, retaking at least one Nigerian town. But the extension of the fighting to Niger is a new phase in the war on Boko Haram. Wary of being drawn into the fight, Niger’s government has been careful so far not to provoke the Islamists. Some analysts believe that the Islamists have heavily infiltrated Diffa, a regional capital in the country’s far east.


Question: What do a lot of buyers prefer to use the extra mantel space for?

Q. Our fireplace surround is outdated brick. Should we replace it before selling? A. “Most people like the idea of a fireplace, even if they barely use it,” said Sandra Smith, a real estate salesperson at Compass, in Manhattan. So “a fireplace brings value to a property.” But whether it’s worth spending the time and money to update the surround on your fireplace depends on a number of factors, she said. If your whole home is in need of renovation, changing the surround is unlikely to make much of a difference in buyers’ eyes. And if the fireplace is nonfunctional, “you should take that into account in determining how much you want to invest,” Ms. Smith said, because some buyers may prefer to use the space for something else, like built-in bookshelves. However, if the rest of your home is in good shape and has an up-to-date look, and you have a working fireplace, an outdated surround needs attention. “The mantel serves as a center-point of the home, and you usually design a room around it,” said Joan Enger, owner of J. Patryce Design, in Hoboken, N.J. “So it has to be right.”

Answer: built-in bookshelves

Q. Our fireplace surround is outdated brick. Should we replace it before selling? A. “Most people like the idea of a fireplace, even if they barely use it,” said Sandra Smith, a real estate salesperson at Compass, in Manhattan. So “a fireplace brings value to a property.” But whether it’s worth spending the time and money to update the surround on your fireplace depends on a number of factors, she said. If your whole home is in need of renovation, changing the surround is unlikely to make much of a difference in buyers’ eyes. <hl> And if the fireplace is nonfunctional, “you should take that into account in determining how much you want to invest,” Ms. Smith said, because some buyers may prefer to use the space for something else, like built-in bookshelves . <hl> However, if the rest of your home is in good shape and has an up-to-date look, and you have a working fireplace, an outdated surround needs attention. “The mantel serves as a center-point of the home, and you usually design a room around it,” said Joan Enger, owner of J. Patryce Design, in Hoboken, N.J. “So it has to be right.”

Q. Our fireplace surround is outdated brick. Should we replace it before selling? A. “Most people like the idea of a fireplace, even if they barely use it,” said Sandra Smith, a real estate salesperson at Compass, in Manhattan. So “a fireplace brings value to a property.” But whether it’s worth spending the time and money to update the surround on your fireplace depends on a number of factors, she said. If your whole home is in need of renovation, changing the surround is unlikely to make much of a difference in buyers’ eyes. And if the fireplace is nonfunctional, “you should take that into account in determining how much you want to invest,” Ms. Smith said, because some buyers may prefer to use the space for something else, like <hl> built-in bookshelves <hl>. However, if the rest of your home is in good shape and has an up-to-date look, and you have a working fireplace, an outdated surround needs attention. “The mantel serves as a center-point of the home, and you usually design a room around it,” said Joan Enger, owner of J. Patryce Design, in Hoboken, N.J. “So it has to be right.”

And if the fireplace is nonfunctional, “you should take that into account in determining how much you want to invest,” Ms. Smith said, because some buyers may prefer to use the space for something else, like <hl> built-in bookshelves <hl> .


Question: What do you usually design a room around?

Answer: The mantel

Q. Our fireplace surround is outdated brick. Should we replace it before selling? A. “Most people like the idea of a fireplace, even if they barely use it,” said Sandra Smith, a real estate salesperson at Compass, in Manhattan. So “a fireplace brings value to a property.” But whether it’s worth spending the time and money to update the surround on your fireplace depends on a number of factors, she said. If your whole home is in need of renovation, changing the surround is unlikely to make much of a difference in buyers’ eyes. And if the fireplace is nonfunctional, “you should take that into account in determining how much you want to invest,” Ms. Smith said, because some buyers may prefer to use the space for something else, like built-in bookshelves. <hl> However, if the rest of your home is in good shape and has an up-to-date look, and you have a working fireplace, an outdated surround needs attention. “ The mantel serves as a center-point of the home, and you usually design a room around it,” said Joan Enger, owner of J. Patryce Design, in Hoboken, N.J. <hl> “So it has to be right.”

Q. Our fireplace surround is outdated brick. Should we replace it before selling? A. “Most people like the idea of a fireplace, even if they barely use it,” said Sandra Smith, a real estate salesperson at Compass, in Manhattan. So “a fireplace brings value to a property.” But whether it’s worth spending the time and money to update the surround on your fireplace depends on a number of factors, she said. If your whole home is in need of renovation, changing the surround is unlikely to make much of a difference in buyers’ eyes. And if the fireplace is nonfunctional, “you should take that into account in determining how much you want to invest,” Ms. Smith said, because some buyers may prefer to use the space for something else, like built-in bookshelves. However, if the rest of your home is in good shape and has an up-to-date look, and you have a working fireplace, an outdated surround needs attention. “<hl> The mantel <hl> serves as a center-point of the home, and you usually design a room around it,” said Joan Enger, owner of J. Patryce Design, in Hoboken, N.J. “So it has to be right.”

However, if the rest of your home is in good shape and has an up-to-date look, and you have a working fireplace, an outdated surround needs attention. “ <hl> The mantel <hl> serves as a center-point of the home, and you usually design a room around it,” said Joan Enger, owner of J. Patryce Design, in Hoboken, N.J.


Question: What business in Manhatten does Ms. Smith work for?

Answer: Compass

Q. Our fireplace surround is outdated brick. Should we replace it before selling? A. <hl> “Most people like the idea of a fireplace, even if they barely use it,” said Sandra Smith, a real estate salesperson at Compass , in Manhattan. <hl> So “a fireplace brings value to a property.” But whether it’s worth spending the time and money to update the surround on your fireplace depends on a number of factors, she said. If your whole home is in need of renovation, changing the surround is unlikely to make much of a difference in buyers’ eyes. And if the fireplace is nonfunctional, “you should take that into account in determining how much you want to invest,” Ms. Smith said, because some buyers may prefer to use the space for something else, like built-in bookshelves. However, if the rest of your home is in good shape and has an up-to-date look, and you have a working fireplace, an outdated surround needs attention. “The mantel serves as a center-point of the home, and you usually design a room around it,” said Joan Enger, owner of J. Patryce Design, in Hoboken, N.J. “So it has to be right.”

Q. Our fireplace surround is outdated brick. Should we replace it before selling? A. “Most people like the idea of a fireplace, even if they barely use it,” said Sandra Smith, a real estate salesperson at <hl> Compass <hl>, in Manhattan. So “a fireplace brings value to a property.” But whether it’s worth spending the time and money to update the surround on your fireplace depends on a number of factors, she said. If your whole home is in need of renovation, changing the surround is unlikely to make much of a difference in buyers’ eyes. And if the fireplace is nonfunctional, “you should take that into account in determining how much you want to invest,” Ms. Smith said, because some buyers may prefer to use the space for something else, like built-in bookshelves. However, if the rest of your home is in good shape and has an up-to-date look, and you have a working fireplace, an outdated surround needs attention. “The mantel serves as a center-point of the home, and you usually design a room around it,” said Joan Enger, owner of J. Patryce Design, in Hoboken, N.J. “So it has to be right.”

“Most people like the idea of a fireplace, even if they barely use it,” said Sandra Smith, a real estate salesperson at <hl> Compass <hl> , in Manhattan.


Question: What does Joan Enger have to do with J. Patryce Design?

Answer: owner

Q. Our fireplace surround is outdated brick. Should we replace it before selling? A. “Most people like the idea of a fireplace, even if they barely use it,” said Sandra Smith, a real estate salesperson at Compass, in Manhattan. So “a fireplace brings value to a property.” But whether it’s worth spending the time and money to update the surround on your fireplace depends on a number of factors, she said. If your whole home is in need of renovation, changing the surround is unlikely to make much of a difference in buyers’ eyes. And if the fireplace is nonfunctional, “you should take that into account in determining how much you want to invest,” Ms. Smith said, because some buyers may prefer to use the space for something else, like built-in bookshelves. However, if the rest of your home is in good shape and has an up-to-date look, and you have a working fireplace, an outdated surround needs attention. <hl> “The mantel serves as a center-point of the home, and you usually design a room around it,” said Joan Enger, owner of J. Patryce Design, in Hoboken, N.J. <hl> “So it has to be right.”

Q. Our fireplace surround is outdated brick. Should we replace it before selling? A. “Most people like the idea of a fireplace, even if they barely use it,” said Sandra Smith, a real estate salesperson at Compass, in Manhattan. So “a fireplace brings value to a property.” But whether it’s worth spending the time and money to update the surround on your fireplace depends on a number of factors, she said. If your whole home is in need of renovation, changing the surround is unlikely to make much of a difference in buyers’ eyes. And if the fireplace is nonfunctional, “you should take that into account in determining how much you want to invest,” Ms. Smith said, because some buyers may prefer to use the space for something else, like built-in bookshelves. However, if the rest of your home is in good shape and has an up-to-date look, and you have a working fireplace, an outdated surround needs attention. “The mantel serves as a center-point of the home, and you usually design a room around it,” said Joan Enger, <hl> owner <hl> of J. Patryce Design, in Hoboken, N.J. “So it has to be right.”


Question: What state is J. Patryce Design located in?

Answer: N.J.

Q. Our fireplace surround is outdated brick. Should we replace it before selling? A. “Most people like the idea of a fireplace, even if they barely use it,” said Sandra Smith, a real estate salesperson at Compass, in Manhattan. So “a fireplace brings value to a property.” But whether it’s worth spending the time and money to update the surround on your fireplace depends on a number of factors, she said. If your whole home is in need of renovation, changing the surround is unlikely to make much of a difference in buyers’ eyes. And if the fireplace is nonfunctional, “you should take that into account in determining how much you want to invest,” Ms. Smith said, because some buyers may prefer to use the space for something else, like built-in bookshelves. However, if the rest of your home is in good shape and has an up-to-date look, and you have a working fireplace, an outdated surround needs attention. <hl> “The mantel serves as a center-point of the home, and you usually design a room around it,” said Joan Enger, owner of J. Patryce Design, in Hoboken, N.J. “So it has to be right.” <hl>

Q. Our fireplace surround is outdated brick. Should we replace it before selling? A. “Most people like the idea of a fireplace, even if they barely use it,” said Sandra Smith, a real estate salesperson at Compass, in Manhattan. So “a fireplace brings value to a property.” But whether it’s worth spending the time and money to update the surround on your fireplace depends on a number of factors, she said. If your whole home is in need of renovation, changing the surround is unlikely to make much of a difference in buyers’ eyes. And if the fireplace is nonfunctional, “you should take that into account in determining how much you want to invest,” Ms. Smith said, because some buyers may prefer to use the space for something else, like built-in bookshelves. However, if the rest of your home is in good shape and has an up-to-date look, and you have a working fireplace, an outdated surround needs attention. “The mantel serves as a center-point of the home, and you usually design a room around it,” said Joan Enger, owner of J. Patryce Design, in Hoboken, <hl> N.J. <hl> “So it has to be right.”


Question: What month did the husband of Ms. Enger help sell the house?

Ms. Enger recommended using a “clean and simple” design that would appeal to both modern and traditional tastes. “Most people today don’t want anything too fussy,” she said. It’s also important to be aware of how the original surround was built. Many surrounds are made from brick veneer that is just stuck onto the wall, Ms. Enger said, and they can be removed relatively easily and replaced. But if the brick is an integral part of the wall, a cover-up job may be required. If you’re aiming for all-out luxury, you might consider installing a custom stone surround. Ms. Enger built a clean-lined limestone mantel for a spec house in Hoboken that she and her husband sold last May, she said, and it became one of the home’s most talked-about selling features. “It was something that everyone – realtors, potential buyers and friends – loved,” she said. Just be aware, she added, that “it’s definitely more pricey than wood or paint.”

Answer: May

Ms. Enger recommended using a “clean and simple” design that would appeal to both modern and traditional tastes. “Most people today don’t want anything too fussy,” she said. It’s also important to be aware of how the original surround was built. Many surrounds are made from brick veneer that is just stuck onto the wall, Ms. Enger said, and they can be removed relatively easily and replaced. But if the brick is an integral part of the wall, a cover-up job may be required. If you’re aiming for all-out luxury, you might consider installing a custom stone surround. <hl> Ms. Enger built a clean-lined limestone mantel for a spec house in Hoboken that she and her husband sold last May , she said, and it became one of the home’s most talked-about selling features. <hl> “It was something that everyone – realtors, potential buyers and friends – loved,” she said. Just be aware, she added, that “it’s definitely more pricey than wood or paint.”

Ms. Enger recommended using a “clean and simple” design that would appeal to both modern and traditional tastes. “Most people today don’t want anything too fussy,” she said. It’s also important to be aware of how the original surround was built. Many surrounds are made from brick veneer that is just stuck onto the wall, Ms. Enger said, and they can be removed relatively easily and replaced. But if the brick is an integral part of the wall, a cover-up job may be required. If you’re aiming for all-out luxury, you might consider installing a custom stone surround. Ms. Enger built a clean-lined limestone mantel for a spec house in Hoboken that she and her husband sold last <hl> May <hl>, she said, and it became one of the home’s most talked-about selling features. “It was something that everyone – realtors, potential buyers and friends – loved,” she said. Just be aware, she added, that “it’s definitely more pricey than wood or paint.”

Ms. Enger built a clean-lined limestone mantel for a spec house in Hoboken that she and her husband sold last <hl> May <hl> , she said, and it became one of the home’s most talked-about selling features.


Question: What material did Ms. Enger build a mantel out of?

Answer: limestone

Ms. Enger recommended using a “clean and simple” design that would appeal to both modern and traditional tastes. “Most people today don’t want anything too fussy,” she said. It’s also important to be aware of how the original surround was built. Many surrounds are made from brick veneer that is just stuck onto the wall, Ms. Enger said, and they can be removed relatively easily and replaced. But if the brick is an integral part of the wall, a cover-up job may be required. If you’re aiming for all-out luxury, you might consider installing a custom stone surround. <hl> Ms. Enger built a clean-lined limestone mantel for a spec house in Hoboken that she and her husband sold last May, she said, and it became one of the home’s most talked-about selling features. <hl> “It was something that everyone – realtors, potential buyers and friends – loved,” she said. Just be aware, she added, that “it’s definitely more pricey than wood or paint.”

Ms. Enger recommended using a “clean and simple” design that would appeal to both modern and traditional tastes. “Most people today don’t want anything too fussy,” she said. It’s also important to be aware of how the original surround was built. Many surrounds are made from brick veneer that is just stuck onto the wall, Ms. Enger said, and they can be removed relatively easily and replaced. But if the brick is an integral part of the wall, a cover-up job may be required. If you’re aiming for all-out luxury, you might consider installing a custom stone surround. Ms. Enger built a clean-lined <hl> limestone <hl> mantel for a spec house in Hoboken that she and her husband sold last May, she said, and it became one of the home’s most talked-about selling features. “It was something that everyone – realtors, potential buyers and friends – loved,” she said. Just be aware, she added, that “it’s definitely more pricey than wood or paint.”


Question: What material cost more than others when used to build a mantel?

Answer: limestone

Ms. Enger recommended using a “clean and simple” design that would appeal to both modern and traditional tastes. “Most people today don’t want anything too fussy,” she said. It’s also important to be aware of how the original surround was built. Many surrounds are made from brick veneer that is just stuck onto the wall, Ms. Enger said, and they can be removed relatively easily and replaced. But if the brick is an integral part of the wall, a cover-up job may be required. If you’re aiming for all-out luxury, you might consider installing a custom stone surround. <hl> Ms. Enger built a clean-lined limestone mantel for a spec house in Hoboken that she and her husband sold last May, she said, and it became one of the home’s most talked-about selling features. <hl> “It was something that everyone – realtors, potential buyers and friends – loved,” she said. Just be aware, she added, that “it’s definitely more pricey than wood or paint.”

Ms. Enger recommended using a “clean and simple” design that would appeal to both modern and traditional tastes. “Most people today don’t want anything too fussy,” she said. It’s also important to be aware of how the original surround was built. Many surrounds are made from brick veneer that is just stuck onto the wall, Ms. Enger said, and they can be removed relatively easily and replaced. But if the brick is an integral part of the wall, a cover-up job may be required. If you’re aiming for all-out luxury, you might consider installing a custom stone surround. Ms. Enger built a clean-lined <hl> limestone <hl> mantel for a spec house in Hoboken that she and her husband sold last May, she said, and it became one of the home’s most talked-about selling features. “It was something that everyone – realtors, potential buyers and friends – loved,” she said. Just be aware, she added, that “it’s definitely more pricey than wood or paint.”


Question: What might need to be done if brick is a large part of the wall?

Answer: a cover-up job may be required

Ms. Enger recommended using a “clean and simple” design that would appeal to both modern and traditional tastes. “Most people today don’t want anything too fussy,” she said. It’s also important to be aware of how the original surround was built. Many surrounds are made from brick veneer that is just stuck onto the wall, Ms. Enger said, and they can be removed relatively easily and replaced. <hl> But if the brick is an integral part of the wall, a cover-up job may be required . <hl> If you’re aiming for all-out luxury, you might consider installing a custom stone surround. Ms. Enger built a clean-lined limestone mantel for a spec house in Hoboken that she and her husband sold last May, she said, and it became one of the home’s most talked-about selling features. “It was something that everyone – realtors, potential buyers and friends – loved,” she said. Just be aware, she added, that “it’s definitely more pricey than wood or paint.”

Ms. Enger recommended using a “clean and simple” design that would appeal to both modern and traditional tastes. “Most people today don’t want anything too fussy,” she said. It’s also important to be aware of how the original surround was built. Many surrounds are made from brick veneer that is just stuck onto the wall, Ms. Enger said, and they can be removed relatively easily and replaced. But if the brick is an integral part of the wall, <hl> a cover-up job may be required <hl>. If you’re aiming for all-out luxury, you might consider installing a custom stone surround. Ms. Enger built a clean-lined limestone mantel for a spec house in Hoboken that she and her husband sold last May, she said, and it became one of the home’s most talked-about selling features. “It was something that everyone – realtors, potential buyers and friends – loved,” she said. Just be aware, she added, that “it’s definitely more pricey than wood or paint.”

But if the brick is an integral part of the wall, <hl> a cover-up job may be required <hl> .


Question: What's the best material to use for a surround when you want a lot of luxury?

Answer: custom stone

Ms. Enger recommended using a “clean and simple” design that would appeal to both modern and traditional tastes. “Most people today don’t want anything too fussy,” she said. It’s also important to be aware of how the original surround was built. Many surrounds are made from brick veneer that is just stuck onto the wall, Ms. Enger said, and they can be removed relatively easily and replaced. But if the brick is an integral part of the wall, a cover-up job may be required. <hl> If you’re aiming for all-out luxury, you might consider installing a custom stone surround. <hl> Ms. Enger built a clean-lined limestone mantel for a spec house in Hoboken that she and her husband sold last May, she said, and it became one of the home’s most talked-about selling features. “It was something that everyone – realtors, potential buyers and friends – loved,” she said. Just be aware, she added, that “it’s definitely more pricey than wood or paint.”

Ms. Enger recommended using a “clean and simple” design that would appeal to both modern and traditional tastes. “Most people today don’t want anything too fussy,” she said. It’s also important to be aware of how the original surround was built. Many surrounds are made from brick veneer that is just stuck onto the wall, Ms. Enger said, and they can be removed relatively easily and replaced. But if the brick is an integral part of the wall, a cover-up job may be required. If you’re aiming for all-out luxury, you might consider installing a <hl> custom stone <hl> surround. Ms. Enger built a clean-lined limestone mantel for a spec house in Hoboken that she and her husband sold last May, she said, and it became one of the home’s most talked-about selling features. “It was something that everyone – realtors, potential buyers and friends – loved,” she said. Just be aware, she added, that “it’s definitely more pricey than wood or paint.”


Question: What was stuffed with eggplant and pickled onion?

On a balmy September evening, the place was marked by the hushed whispers of diners trying to figure out their first dish, ourselves included. After a cursory, but necessary, explanation from one of the chefs, we all tucked into fresh tortellini stuffed with eggplant and pickled onion in an Iranian lemon bouillon with chunks of orange-hued Mimolette cheese. This was followed by a flavorful herb-marinated beef carpaccio sprinkled with crushed peanuts, pickled cucumber and veils of radishes, then a buttery-smooth monkfish tail with maki rice chips and ginger-sautéed broccoli purée. Sesame ice cream crowned with crumbled hazelnuts and fresh figs ended the meal. Going against the local grain, the wine offering is a careful edit of foreign producers. “The idea behind the wine was like our cooking: Make it as international as possible,” Mr. Lahaut said.

Answer: tortellini

On a balmy September evening, the place was marked by the hushed whispers of diners trying to figure out their first dish, ourselves included. <hl> After a cursory, but necessary, explanation from one of the chefs, we all tucked into fresh tortellini stuffed with eggplant and pickled onion in an Iranian lemon bouillon with chunks of orange-hued Mimolette cheese. <hl> This was followed by a flavorful herb-marinated beef carpaccio sprinkled with crushed peanuts, pickled cucumber and veils of radishes, then a buttery-smooth monkfish tail with maki rice chips and ginger-sautéed broccoli purée. Sesame ice cream crowned with crumbled hazelnuts and fresh figs ended the meal. Going against the local grain, the wine offering is a careful edit of foreign producers. “The idea behind the wine was like our cooking: Make it as international as possible,” Mr. Lahaut said.

On a balmy September evening, the place was marked by the hushed whispers of diners trying to figure out their first dish, ourselves included. After a cursory, but necessary, explanation from one of the chefs, we all tucked into fresh <hl> tortellini <hl> stuffed with eggplant and pickled onion in an Iranian lemon bouillon with chunks of orange-hued Mimolette cheese. This was followed by a flavorful herb-marinated beef carpaccio sprinkled with crushed peanuts, pickled cucumber and veils of radishes, then a buttery-smooth monkfish tail with maki rice chips and ginger-sautéed broccoli purée. Sesame ice cream crowned with crumbled hazelnuts and fresh figs ended the meal. Going against the local grain, the wine offering is a careful edit of foreign producers. “The idea behind the wine was like our cooking: Make it as international as possible,” Mr. Lahaut said.


Question: What type of fish was served?

Answer: monkfish tail

On a balmy September evening, the place was marked by the hushed whispers of diners trying to figure out their first dish, ourselves included. After a cursory, but necessary, explanation from one of the chefs, we all tucked into fresh tortellini stuffed with eggplant and pickled onion in an Iranian lemon bouillon with chunks of orange-hued Mimolette cheese. <hl> This was followed by a flavorful herb-marinated beef carpaccio sprinkled with crushed peanuts, pickled cucumber and veils of radishes, then a buttery-smooth monkfish tail with maki rice chips and ginger-sautéed broccoli purée. <hl> Sesame ice cream crowned with crumbled hazelnuts and fresh figs ended the meal. Going against the local grain, the wine offering is a careful edit of foreign producers. “The idea behind the wine was like our cooking: Make it as international as possible,” Mr. Lahaut said.

On a balmy September evening, the place was marked by the hushed whispers of diners trying to figure out their first dish, ourselves included. After a cursory, but necessary, explanation from one of the chefs, we all tucked into fresh tortellini stuffed with eggplant and pickled onion in an Iranian lemon bouillon with chunks of orange-hued Mimolette cheese. This was followed by a flavorful herb-marinated beef carpaccio sprinkled with crushed peanuts, pickled cucumber and veils of radishes, then a buttery-smooth <hl> monkfish tail <hl> with maki rice chips and ginger-sautéed broccoli purée. Sesame ice cream crowned with crumbled hazelnuts and fresh figs ended the meal. Going against the local grain, the wine offering is a careful edit of foreign producers. “The idea behind the wine was like our cooking: Make it as international as possible,” Mr. Lahaut said.


Question: What was flavorful?

Answer: herb-marinated beef carpaccio sprinkled with crushed peanuts, pickled cucumber and veils of radishes

On a balmy September evening, the place was marked by the hushed whispers of diners trying to figure out their first dish, ourselves included. After a cursory, but necessary, explanation from one of the chefs, we all tucked into fresh tortellini stuffed with eggplant and pickled onion in an Iranian lemon bouillon with chunks of orange-hued Mimolette cheese. <hl> This was followed by a flavorful herb-marinated beef carpaccio sprinkled with crushed peanuts, pickled cucumber and veils of radishes , then a buttery-smooth monkfish tail with maki rice chips and ginger-sautéed broccoli purée. <hl> Sesame ice cream crowned with crumbled hazelnuts and fresh figs ended the meal. Going against the local grain, the wine offering is a careful edit of foreign producers. “The idea behind the wine was like our cooking: Make it as international as possible,” Mr. Lahaut said.

On a balmy September evening, the place was marked by the hushed whispers of diners trying to figure out their first dish, ourselves included. After a cursory, but necessary, explanation from one of the chefs, we all tucked into fresh tortellini stuffed with eggplant and pickled onion in an Iranian lemon bouillon with chunks of orange-hued Mimolette cheese. This was followed by a flavorful <hl> herb-marinated beef carpaccio sprinkled with crushed peanuts, pickled cucumber and veils of radishes <hl>, then a buttery-smooth monkfish tail with maki rice chips and ginger-sautéed broccoli purée. Sesame ice cream crowned with crumbled hazelnuts and fresh figs ended the meal. Going against the local grain, the wine offering is a careful edit of foreign producers. “The idea behind the wine was like our cooking: Make it as international as possible,” Mr. Lahaut said.

This was followed by a flavorful <hl> herb-marinated beef carpaccio sprinkled with crushed peanuts, pickled cucumber and veils of radishes <hl> , then a buttery-smooth monkfish tail with maki rice chips and ginger-sautéed broccoli purée.


Question: What type of ice cream was on the menu?

Answer: Sesame

On a balmy September evening, the place was marked by the hushed whispers of diners trying to figure out their first dish, ourselves included. After a cursory, but necessary, explanation from one of the chefs, we all tucked into fresh tortellini stuffed with eggplant and pickled onion in an Iranian lemon bouillon with chunks of orange-hued Mimolette cheese. This was followed by a flavorful herb-marinated beef carpaccio sprinkled with crushed peanuts, pickled cucumber and veils of radishes, then a buttery-smooth monkfish tail with maki rice chips and ginger-sautéed broccoli purée. <hl> Sesame ice cream crowned with crumbled hazelnuts and fresh figs ended the meal. <hl> Going against the local grain, the wine offering is a careful edit of foreign producers. “The idea behind the wine was like our cooking: Make it as international as possible,” Mr. Lahaut said.

On a balmy September evening, the place was marked by the hushed whispers of diners trying to figure out their first dish, ourselves included. After a cursory, but necessary, explanation from one of the chefs, we all tucked into fresh tortellini stuffed with eggplant and pickled onion in an Iranian lemon bouillon with chunks of orange-hued Mimolette cheese. This was followed by a flavorful herb-marinated beef carpaccio sprinkled with crushed peanuts, pickled cucumber and veils of radishes, then a buttery-smooth monkfish tail with maki rice chips and ginger-sautéed broccoli purée. <hl> Sesame <hl> ice cream crowned with crumbled hazelnuts and fresh figs ended the meal. Going against the local grain, the wine offering is a careful edit of foreign producers. “The idea behind the wine was like our cooking: Make it as international as possible,” Mr. Lahaut said.


Question: Where was the wine made?

Answer: foreign producers

On a balmy September evening, the place was marked by the hushed whispers of diners trying to figure out their first dish, ourselves included. After a cursory, but necessary, explanation from one of the chefs, we all tucked into fresh tortellini stuffed with eggplant and pickled onion in an Iranian lemon bouillon with chunks of orange-hued Mimolette cheese. This was followed by a flavorful herb-marinated beef carpaccio sprinkled with crushed peanuts, pickled cucumber and veils of radishes, then a buttery-smooth monkfish tail with maki rice chips and ginger-sautéed broccoli purée. Sesame ice cream crowned with crumbled hazelnuts and fresh figs ended the meal. <hl> Going against the local grain, the wine offering is a careful edit of foreign producers . <hl> “The idea behind the wine was like our cooking: Make it as international as possible,” Mr. Lahaut said.

On a balmy September evening, the place was marked by the hushed whispers of diners trying to figure out their first dish, ourselves included. After a cursory, but necessary, explanation from one of the chefs, we all tucked into fresh tortellini stuffed with eggplant and pickled onion in an Iranian lemon bouillon with chunks of orange-hued Mimolette cheese. This was followed by a flavorful herb-marinated beef carpaccio sprinkled with crushed peanuts, pickled cucumber and veils of radishes, then a buttery-smooth monkfish tail with maki rice chips and ginger-sautéed broccoli purée. Sesame ice cream crowned with crumbled hazelnuts and fresh figs ended the meal. Going against the local grain, the wine offering is a careful edit of <hl> foreign producers <hl>. “The idea behind the wine was like our cooking: Make it as international as possible,” Mr. Lahaut said.

Going against the local grain, the wine offering is a careful edit of <hl> foreign producers <hl> .


Question: What did Madonna apologize for on Wednesday evening?

Madonna was perfectly turned out and running nearly an hour late for an interview at her Upper East Side home on Wednesday evening. She looked tense as she apologized. “I’m late for everything now,” she said. She added that she has been in a rush since December, when a hacker put unfinished songs online from her new album, “Rebel Heart”; a suspect has been indicted in Israel. Madonna’s immediate response was to release the finished, and much improved, versions of six songs for sale; they zoomed into the top 10 worldwide. She also worked frantically to finish the rest of the album, which arrives on Tuesday. It’s at once familiar — full of love, dancing, empowerment, blasphemy and raunch — and up-to-the-minute, made with a huge number of collaborators and tweaked by multiple hands under Madonna’s constant supervision. “I intended to think about things, choose things more slowly — the whole process,” she said. “Then I got forced into putting everything out, and now I’m trying to catch up with myself.”

Answer: running nearly an hour late for an interview at her Upper East Side home

<hl> Madonna was perfectly turned out and running nearly an hour late for an interview at her Upper East Side home on Wednesday evening. <hl> She looked tense as she apologized. “I’m late for everything now,” she said. She added that she has been in a rush since December, when a hacker put unfinished songs online from her new album, “Rebel Heart”; a suspect has been indicted in Israel. Madonna’s immediate response was to release the finished, and much improved, versions of six songs for sale; they zoomed into the top 10 worldwide. She also worked frantically to finish the rest of the album, which arrives on Tuesday. It’s at once familiar — full of love, dancing, empowerment, blasphemy and raunch — and up-to-the-minute, made with a huge number of collaborators and tweaked by multiple hands under Madonna’s constant supervision. “I intended to think about things, choose things more slowly — the whole process,” she said. “Then I got forced into putting everything out, and now I’m trying to catch up with myself.”

Madonna was perfectly turned out and <hl> running nearly an hour late for an interview at her Upper East Side home <hl> on Wednesday evening. She looked tense as she apologized. “I’m late for everything now,” she said. She added that she has been in a rush since December, when a hacker put unfinished songs online from her new album, “Rebel Heart”; a suspect has been indicted in Israel. Madonna’s immediate response was to release the finished, and much improved, versions of six songs for sale; they zoomed into the top 10 worldwide. She also worked frantically to finish the rest of the album, which arrives on Tuesday. It’s at once familiar — full of love, dancing, empowerment, blasphemy and raunch — and up-to-the-minute, made with a huge number of collaborators and tweaked by multiple hands under Madonna’s constant supervision. “I intended to think about things, choose things more slowly — the whole process,” she said. “Then I got forced into putting everything out, and now I’m trying to catch up with myself.”


Question: Where was the suspect from?

Answer: Israel

Madonna was perfectly turned out and running nearly an hour late for an interview at her Upper East Side home on Wednesday evening. She looked tense as she apologized. “I’m late for everything now,” she said. <hl> She added that she has been in a rush since December, when a hacker put unfinished songs online from her new album, “Rebel Heart”; a suspect has been indicted in Israel . <hl> Madonna’s immediate response was to release the finished, and much improved, versions of six songs for sale; they zoomed into the top 10 worldwide. She also worked frantically to finish the rest of the album, which arrives on Tuesday. It’s at once familiar — full of love, dancing, empowerment, blasphemy and raunch — and up-to-the-minute, made with a huge number of collaborators and tweaked by multiple hands under Madonna’s constant supervision. “I intended to think about things, choose things more slowly — the whole process,” she said. “Then I got forced into putting everything out, and now I’m trying to catch up with myself.”

Madonna was perfectly turned out and running nearly an hour late for an interview at her Upper East Side home on Wednesday evening. She looked tense as she apologized. “I’m late for everything now,” she said. She added that she has been in a rush since December, when a hacker put unfinished songs online from her new album, “Rebel Heart”; a suspect has been indicted in <hl> Israel <hl>. Madonna’s immediate response was to release the finished, and much improved, versions of six songs for sale; they zoomed into the top 10 worldwide. She also worked frantically to finish the rest of the album, which arrives on Tuesday. It’s at once familiar — full of love, dancing, empowerment, blasphemy and raunch — and up-to-the-minute, made with a huge number of collaborators and tweaked by multiple hands under Madonna’s constant supervision. “I intended to think about things, choose things more slowly — the whole process,” she said. “Then I got forced into putting everything out, and now I’m trying to catch up with myself.”

She added that she has been in a rush since December, when a hacker put unfinished songs online from her new album, “Rebel Heart”; a suspect has been indicted in <hl> Israel <hl> .


Question: What did Madonna mention happened in December that caused her to be later for everything?

Answer: a hacker put unfinished songs online from her new album, “Rebel Heart”

Madonna was perfectly turned out and running nearly an hour late for an interview at her Upper East Side home on Wednesday evening. She looked tense as she apologized. “I’m late for everything now,” she said. <hl> She added that she has been in a rush since December, when a hacker put unfinished songs online from her new album, “Rebel Heart” ; a suspect has been indicted in Israel. <hl> Madonna’s immediate response was to release the finished, and much improved, versions of six songs for sale; they zoomed into the top 10 worldwide. She also worked frantically to finish the rest of the album, which arrives on Tuesday. It’s at once familiar — full of love, dancing, empowerment, blasphemy and raunch — and up-to-the-minute, made with a huge number of collaborators and tweaked by multiple hands under Madonna’s constant supervision. “I intended to think about things, choose things more slowly — the whole process,” she said. “Then I got forced into putting everything out, and now I’m trying to catch up with myself.”

Madonna was perfectly turned out and running nearly an hour late for an interview at her Upper East Side home on Wednesday evening. She looked tense as she apologized. “I’m late for everything now,” she said. She added that she has been in a rush since December, when <hl> a hacker put unfinished songs online from her new album, “Rebel Heart” <hl>; a suspect has been indicted in Israel. Madonna’s immediate response was to release the finished, and much improved, versions of six songs for sale; they zoomed into the top 10 worldwide. She also worked frantically to finish the rest of the album, which arrives on Tuesday. It’s at once familiar — full of love, dancing, empowerment, blasphemy and raunch — and up-to-the-minute, made with a huge number of collaborators and tweaked by multiple hands under Madonna’s constant supervision. “I intended to think about things, choose things more slowly — the whole process,” she said. “Then I got forced into putting everything out, and now I’m trying to catch up with myself.”

She added that she has been in a rush since December, when <hl> a hacker put unfinished songs online from her new album, “Rebel Heart” <hl> ; a suspect has been indicted in Israel.