Wanted: Vintage Pavers/ Tiles for Garden


We have a small yard whose garden has gotten more elaborate each year. I’ve just installed 2 wonderful new planting beds I built (cedar, treated with linseed oil, simply gorgeous.) I would like to keep mud from splattering up on the sides when it rains. I have a few random old paving tiles (at least that’s what I think they are.) They’re rather thick, perhaps 3/4″, and patterned, and roughly 4″x4″ to 6”x6” (see photo). They were in the apartment above mine years ago when I lived in the East Village and the tenant snuck out in the middle of the night, dodging past-due rent, and the grumpy super said I could take whatever I wanted (in addition to the swell tiles, some great old vinyl (a My Bloody Valentine 12″!), and a terrific Griswold cast iron skillet.) But the tiles only get me part of the way there, and as such I am keen to track more of them down. These are not bricks or masonry pavers, but tiles. I would be happy to find any lovely vintage garden tiles. I’m not looking for a matched set, just want lovely. Any suggestions?

Categories: Garden
By r1b2 | 04/12/2011 12:11 PM | Comment

Rocketship Comics, Closed?


Rocketship Comics on Smith has been closed for the last week or so with some cryptic, hand-scrawled sign on the door indicating they’d be reopening shortly. We assumed there was some emergency to which they needed attend and that they’d be back. Last night saw that the sign had changed to simply say “Closed.” This would be a pity. Any news?

Categories: Stores
By r1b2 | 07/19/2010 1:29 PM | Comment

Planing a Hollow-Core Door


Our house, gut-renovated before our arrival, has these crap hollow-core doors, the panels of which appear to be some pressed-fiberboard or such, almost like a plastic. We recently bought a new area rug for our son’s bedroom (the rug is gorgeous and feels great and he loves to lay on it to read) but now the door won’t close because the rug is so plush. What’s the best way to trim some material off the bottom of the door? How much can I remove without risking exposing the void in the door? Thanks.

Categories: Doors
By r1b2 | 05/11/2010 12:02 PM | Comment

Ductless A/C


We are going to install a Mr. Slim system, well, pay a contractor to do so. Finalists are Iceberg or Arnica. Iceberg provided quote which includes electrical work and only requires one compressor on our roof for 4 heads (one in each bedroom, one in living room.) Arnica suggests 2 compressors as they believe one won’t be powerful enough on high-demand days. Also suggest compressor attached to living room be installed downstairs to avoid need to install pumps for condensation back up to roof unit. Further, their quote requires outside electrical contractor, one of whom they’ve recommended. Anyone with experience with either, please chime in. Thanks.

Categories: A/C
By r1b2 | 05/06/2010 2:41 PM | Comment

Ductless or Split A/C recs?


Looking to add ductless or split A/C to our single-family frame home. 2-story, 3-bedroom, + basement (maybe a small unit there to reduce humidity?) We had Sam (Sam’s A/C, often recommended herein) come in. We liked him, but then he flaked and didn’t return any calls or texts when it was time to provide a quote. Can someone please recommend a good contractor? Also, what do you think cost would be? Again, 3-bedrooms, kitchen, living room, maybe small head in cellar. Want to go Mitsubishi, Mr. Slim. One other point: frame construction. This seems to mean we can’t put the unit on the roof. Any ideas how to get it onto the roof safely?

Thanks.

Categories: A/C
By r1b2 | 01/19/2010 5:33 PM | Comment