Forum Archive: Posts by: fexleycb

Collection Balance Pressure Tub and Shower Valve and Trim Set in polished chrome for sale. New in box. Bought it for a bath renovation and didn’t use it. $350. See image (and regular price) on restoration Hardware website. fexleycb at yahoo.com. Pick up in Fort Greene.

Since we’re on the topic of odors – perhaps someone can help me with my issue. I bought a memory foam mattress in October from a store in Manhattan called Dixie Foam. This is an excellent store that I’ve done business with before. In fact – I got a bed there when I was in high school that served me well for many years. I’m in my mid 40s now – so that’s an indication of how long they’ve been around. The memory foam mattress is a deluxe model – and undoubtedly the most comfortable bed I’ve ever had. Problem is – it had an absolutely horrible chemical smell. I mean – so bad that it was stinking up my whole house. I had bought it for a guest bedroom and my guests felt as though they were being asphyxiated. At first I thought the smell would dissipate over time – like a new carpet that out gasses. But after a month the odor hadn’t diminished at all. I contacted the store and they came and took the bed away with assurances that they’d replace it with one that doesn’t smell. I finally got the new one (after waiting a bit) and it smells just as bad. I’m hoping the smell will go away – but so far it doesn’t seem to dissipating at all. Has anyone else had this problem with a memory foam bed? Is it normal that it smells so horrible? Will the smell eventually dissipate? I’m on the verge of sending the second bed back – but if someone can assure me that the smell will go away I’d be willing to stick it out as the bed is so darn comfy. Any insight or advice from people with memory foam beds out there?

Hi – Just a follow-up on a previous post in which I promised to share my experience with getting free broadcast digital HDTV in Brooklyn. I installed a UHF antenna on the roof (this one: http://www.antennasdirect.com/DB2_Indoor_antenna.html). Fortunately there was already an old antenna pole bolted to my chimney – which made installing the antenna very easy. The antenna is connected to a Samsung HDTV tuner that I bought on Amazon for about $150. If you’ve got a television with a built in digital tuner you don’t need to buy one. I’ve got the tuner hooked up to an Optoma HD70 projector – so there’s no TV involved. I seem to be getting a strong signal and am able to pull in all the major broadcast channels – CBS, NBC, ABC, plus WPIX, WOR, FOX and several others including a few Spanish language stations. I’m not getting PBS. Apparently WNET will start broadcasting a strong digital signal on February 17th – so I hope to start getting it at that point. Its notable that all of the HD channels broadcast in New York are in the UHF spectrum – so you have to purchase a UHF antenna to pull them in. The old VHF ones won’t do it. Also – its best to get a multi-directional antenna. Most of the broadcast towers serving New York are clustered together but a multi-directional antenna is definitely recommended. I live right across the street from Brooklyn Tech and was worried that the school might block the signals – but they’re not coming from that direction so its not an issue. Note that WNET will not be broadcasting its digital signal in UHF. Per the Antennas Direct website though, UHF antennas should be able to pick it up as they pull in UHF signals as well as signals in the upper VHF spectrum – and that’s where the PBS signal will be. If come Feb 17th I don’t start getting PBS – I’ll probably have to purchase a different antenna. We’ll see what happens. For the uninitiated, digital TV is nothing like the old analog television. For one thing, you either get it or you don’t – meaning it comes in crystal clear or not at all. No shadowy or grainy pictures. Also – much of it is broadcast in a 16:9 aspect ratio – so the picture is wider than what you’d see on your old analog set. The stations that come in in 720P or 1080i are stunning. I watched the World Series last night and the Phillies fans twirling those white handkerchiefs was so vivid it was psychedelic. The picture is shockingly clear. And best of all its free. So if you’re trying to economize, you can start by canceling your cable or satellite subscription and installing an HD antenna. I hear indoor antennas work well also by the way. Lastly – I did have to hire someone to install some f connectors to the ends of coaxial cable. They’re the screw things on the ends. It may be possible to do it yourself – but without the proper specialized tools and some experience you may want to save yourself some trouble and hire a pro. I used A Ceriello Electric on Carroll Street and felt their service and prices were both very good. Please let me know if you have any questions. I like to share information – not argue with strangers over a blog – so if you have anything constructive to add to this post – please do so. If for some reason you’ve decided I’m an “Asshat” or some such thing – please keep it to yourself.

Chris

When I was a kid my parent’s next door neighbors in Carroll Garens had a pet turtle that lived in the backyard. It was pretty darn old – so it must’ve been getting along fine with not a tremendous amount of care. I’m wondering if any Brownstoner readers out there have a backyard pet turtle and can give me some tips and pointers as I’m thinking of getting one. I’ve done some web research and based on what I’ve read it seems that its not a great idea. But I know there are people in Brooklyn who have kept them for many years with no problem. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I posted a few days ago about attaching F connectors to the ends of coaxial cable. Someone said it was easy – so I went out and got the tools and tried it myself. It ain’t easy. Maybe if someone shows you the ins and outs and you have a bit of practice its easy – but for a novice – its not exactly a no brainer. I can’t seem to make a good connection after many tries. Maybe the crimper I bought is a piece of junk – who knows. In any case – Computerguy – you offered to do the job if you have some time. If you’re still willing – shoot me an e-mail fexleycb@yahoo.com. I’m in Fort Greene. Thanks alot!