Biff Champion's Profile
- Biff Champion
- 2007
- 2007
- Brooklyn
- Brooklyn Heights
- Jedi Warrior at the Death Star
- Male
Author's Posts
February 9, 2010
Appliance Stores in Brooklyn
Two Questions:
1) Can anyone recommend a good store in Brooklyn at which to purchase a refridgerator?
2) Does anybody have experience with the Electrolux brands? I believe they are relatively new in the States. Are they decent?
Thank you in advance for any insight you have.
February 1, 2010
Need Neighbourhood Suggestions
Friends who are considering moving back to New York were asking me about places to live in Brooklyn. They have three large dogs (all over 50 pounds) and, as such, need to have outdoor space. They would also like to find a place with decent access to subways. They are looking to spend anywhere from $500k to $900k and would like at least two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Can anyone suggest a nice (preferably brownstone filled) neighbourhood where they can get at least a garden level apartment with access to the backyard that is also relatively close to subways?
If they decide they want a full home, what are other nice neighbourhoods where they would have subway access and be able to purchase something without spending what they would in Brooklyn Heights or Park Slope?
Thanks!
October 28, 2009
Bathroom Reno - Any Opinions?
Getting one relatively small full bathroom renovated. It's in bad shape and needs a total redo. Does this estimate seem reasonable for an average (meaning not low or high end) reno like this?
Labor:
Prep:
Cover floors, walls, stairs down to exit door, enclose bath hall door, cover furniture in bedroom daily
Demo:
drain, remove, secure toilet, shut off water, remove vanity – cabinets, remove tile(s) in the tub surround, remove shower body, remove floor tiles – 1-2 layers?, remove wallboard from tub – back wall (durock) side wall, remove closet shelving in bath, remove wall studs to open space into small closet/hall, remove cleats/shelves from closet, remove crown molding from hallway, re-route electric, remove tub, remove portion of ceiling (skylight), salvage floor boards in hallway floor outside bathroom, evaluate wall framing and sub-floor, disposal will be set up on an as needed basis
Plumbing:
remove drop down drain, replace drain line, lower lead bend, re-route hot and cold water supply for toilet and vanity, solder in new hot and cold water lines for shower body, install shower body, rough in drains for tub and sink
Finish Work:
re-frame tub surround to accommodate 60 inch tub, install skylight (trim out ceiling), install tub and drain, replace wall board throughout, install sub-strate to floor, install tile around tub, install tile on floor, install saddle, tape and compound walls – (3x), grout tub surround, grout floor, rebuild closets, enclose pipe (heat riser), sand, prime and paint, install sinks, install toilet, install shower rod, install finished plumbing trim, caulk around tub and sinks, install baseboard, install light fixture and GFCI outlet
Total Labor Costs
Total Cost - $17,250.00 (Length of job 4 – 6 weeks)
Estimated Materials:
$4,700 – this includes the three most expensive items which are: 60” vanity (approximately $1,600), disposal of debris (approximately $1,200), skylight (approximately $400)
GRAND TOTAL = $21,950
October 15, 2009
PARTY TONIGHT!
Final call for TONIGHT'S Second Annual End of the World (Or Maybe Not) Party for Friends of Brownstoner.
It will be held this evening at Union Hall in Park Slope.
The gathering starts at 6pm. From 7pm on, we will have our own dedicated space at the back of the bar. Hope to see you there!
Below are directions to the venue and the website for Union Hall:
Directions
http://tinyurl.com/ybvkfd5
Website
http://www.unionhallny.com/home.php
October 14, 2009
Annual End of the World Party
The Second Annual End of the World Party for Friends of Brownstoner will be held Thursday, October 15 at Union Hall in Park Slope. The gathering starts at 6pm. From 7pm on, we will have our own dedicated space at the back of the bar. Hope to see you there!
Everyone is welcome, especially those of you who post regularly but have not had a chance to join us at one of our fabulous gatherings before.
Also, a special invitation goes out to the winners of the recent Poster You Would Most Like to Meet Contest:
east_new_york, 11217, What, Snark/snarkslope/ditmasnark, Dittoburg, tyburg, Townhouselady, gemini10, Nomi, Minard Lafever, Brendafromflatbush, legion, bowl of dicks, Nostalgic on Park, fsrq, randi, brooklyn greene, chicken.
Finally, we would love to see a return of those who were at the First Annual End of The World Party last October whom we have not seen recently:
Johnife, cmu, rh, Bob Marvin, 11233, MacD, Turtlejam19, Lisa, masterplvmber, smokeychimp and Gab
Directions
http://tinyurl.com/ybvkfd5
Union Hall Website
http://www.unionhallny.com/home.php
October 13, 2009
It's Time to Party!!!
The Second Annual End of the World Party for Friends of Brownstoner IS ONLY TWO DAYS AWAY!
It will be held Thursday, October 15 at Union Hall in Park Slope. The gathering starts at 6pm. From 7pm on, we will have our own dedicated space at the back of the bar. Hope to see you there!
Below are directions to the venue and the website for Union Hall:
Directions
http://tinyurl.com/ybvkfd5
Website
http://www.unionhallny.com/home.php
June 17, 2009
Friends of Brownstoner Gathering
Fellow Brownstoner fans, tonight is our gathering for all fans of this blog at Rope, Inc. on the edge of Clinton Hill / Fort Greene at 415 Myrtle Avenue (between Vanderbilt Ave & Clinton Ave).
We will start around 6pm, but please feel free to drop in whenever you can. We plan on being there for at least a few hours.
Here is a map:
http://tinyurl.com/n9rqcr
June 16, 2009
Friends of Brownstoner Gathering
Fellow Brownstoner fans, our next big gathering will be this Wednesday, June 17 at Rope, Inc. on the edge of Clinton Hill / Fort Greene at 415 Myrtle Avenue (between Vanderbilt Ave & Clinton Ave).
We will start around 6pm, but please feel free to drop in whenever you can. We plan on being there for at least a few hours.
Here are the directions and reviews:
http://tinyurl.com/n9rqcr
June 12, 2009
Tribute to Brownstoner - June 17
Fellow Brownstoner fans, our next big gathering will be on Wednesday, June 17 at Rope, Inc. in Clinton Hill at 415 Myrtle Avenue (between Vanderbilt Ave & Clinton Ave).
We will start around 6pm, but please feel free to drop in whenever you can. We plan on being there for at least a few hours.
The number of the bar is (718) 522-2899 and here are directions and reviews:
http://tinyurl.com/n9rqcr
June 8, 2009
Tribute to Brownstoner - June 17
Fellow Brownstoner fans, our next big gathering will be on Wednesday, June 17 at Rope, Inc. in Clinton Hill at 415 Myrtle Avenue (between Vanderbilt Ave & Clinton Ave).
We will start around 6pm, but please feel free to drop in whenever you can. We plan on being there for at least a few hours. The number of the bar is (718) 522-2899 and here are directions and reviews:
http://tinyurl.com/n9rqcr
Author's Comments
I think you might need to give Jessi some jewelry to get her to review that shit.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 4:09 PM in response to Open Thread
At this point, I would be thrilled to get a 2-way going.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 4:06 PM in response to Open Thread
Who's right up Dave's alley?
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 4:03 PM in response to Open Thread
Noki, check your email. You and CGar can bring yourselves and your puppies over to Chez Champion after the drinkup and roast marshmallows in my fireplace if they don't have one at the social place.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 3:29 PM in response to Open Thread
"where's sam champion when you need him!"
He's out of town but I'll see him soon at the next family reunion.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 3:22 PM in response to Open Thread
"dh, can barometric pressure effect joints?"
Depends how tightly they're rolled.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 3:16 PM in response to Open Thread
DIBS, I think you mean "poll". Or maybe not.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 3:07 PM in response to Open Thread
"Yes, there's a BIMBO inside me."
That's no way to talk about one's partner.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 3:06 PM in response to Open Thread
"Biff, you're not that Jewish if you are looking for a retail source for major appliances."
LMAO! Maybe I should ask Cobble for her wholesale connections.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 2:20 PM in response to Open Thread
"Ahem, Biff! Or a single person and his dog."
CGar, I thought you considered the CDog your child!
Better not let him hear you talk like this.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 1:32 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 224 Henry Street, #2AB
Absolutely beautiful apartment in a primo location. Looks wonderful for a couple / a couple with a child.
I've been veering much more towards Team Bear over the last couple of years but definitely wouldn't be surprised to see this place go for ask or close to it.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 1:22 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 224 Henry Street, #2AB
Thanks to everyone who has commented up to now. This is all excellent and very useful information. It's much appreciated.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 1:09 PM in response to Appliance Stores in Brooklyn
"Do you want me to make snarky comments about fat Italians who check-in people at hotels?"
SNAP
SNAP
SNAP
Or is that POP, POP, POP? Pass the popcorn, please.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 11:13 AM in response to Open Thread
"I guess the rest of us inglorious bastards should be offended."
Not at all. I am as honoured to implicitly be called an inglorious bastard by Joe as I was to be called a creep by DIBS.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 11:09 AM in response to Open Thread
"do they have pills that will make someone get less boners?"
LMFAO!!
Or even better: pills that take away boners when you don't need them and reschedule them to times when you do (especially after a night of heavy drinking)!!
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 11:03 AM in response to Open Thread
So this is what it's come down to: DH and G10 talking about the latest hip hop artists and DIBS and I talking about pills for erectile dysfunction.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 10:58 AM in response to Open Thread
DIBS, so if one gets the 100mg pill, one only needs to bite off one-tenth of it? That's some strong stuff!
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 10:56 AM in response to Open Thread
DIBS, I heard those little blue pills and the C pill are around $20 each. Does that sound right? It's a lot more than all those spam emails I get promising them for $2 a pop online.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 10:45 AM in response to Open Thread
"And, Biffers, how did your post go up so quickly?"
I owe it all to the little blue pill.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 10:34 AM in response to Open Thread
Thanks Arkady.
I guess I have some pull around here [TWSS].
Actually, I submitted the post awhile ago. I just mentioned it here once I saw it appear there. I did it three times thinking I did something wrong until I noticed the new update that says all Forum posts are reviewed before they go up.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 10:31 AM in response to Open Thread
Pac Man is a classic.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 10:25 AM in response to Open Thread
I just put up a Forum post. If anyone can assist, that would be great.
Danke.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 10:22 AM in response to Open Thread
I also know I'm old when people talk about a band that sold out and I STILL have never heard of that band!
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 10:21 AM in response to Open Thread
I know I'm old when people start referring to Nas' stuff as "the classics".
To me, the classics are Zeppelin, Lou Reed, Bob Marley and the Clash.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 10:20 AM in response to Open Thread
Without the Beatles, there never would have been a Raekwon.
:-)
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 10:08 AM in response to Open Thread
I'm so sick of Carol Channing.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 10:01 AM in response to Open Thread
Great version of the song:
Alicia Keys w/ Jay-Z "Empire State of Mind " Live!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDYpqdHO0LI&feature=fvst
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 9:59 AM in response to Open Thread
560 State Street
We Check Out Jay-Z’s Old ‘Stash Spot’ (should be stash box)
http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2009/09/we_check_out_jay-zs_old_stash.html
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 9:54 AM in response to Open Thread
I got lucky #18.
L'Chaim!!
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 9:35 AM in response to Open Thread
Damn, I forgot how good Cap'n Crunch is. Why was I wasting my time with all that healthy crap?
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 9:35 AM in response to Open Thread
"I have to go cook us up some dinner, and cram some more crap in my bags."
You don't mean your jelly bags, do you?
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 8, 2010 5:51 PM in response to Open Thread
"We ALREADY know everything about DIBS sex life!!
Posted by: cobblehiller at February 8, 2010 5:39 PM"
"Ooooh! Yes...please do post photos!"
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at February 8, 2010 5:42 PM
Please tell me these two posts are completely unrelated.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 8, 2010 5:45 PM in response to Open Thread
Snappy, you just described DIBS' #1 fantasy.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 8, 2010 5:13 PM in response to Open Thread
"Biff, i ate chocolate all night once."
White chocolate or dark chocolate?
Oh never mind...silly question.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 8, 2010 5:12 PM in response to Open Thread
I've been eating chocolate all afternoon.
Does that make me a bad person?
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 8, 2010 5:09 PM in response to Open Thread
Kens, are you trying to goad (or is that "goat") Jessy on?
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 8, 2010 2:14 PM in response to Open Thread
"I know many parents who own 3 million dollar brownstones who send their kids to PS. 321."
Absolutely true. Not everyone who can afford to send their kids to private schools does so, especially not when a well reputed public school is an option. Some parents have reasons other than money for why they choose public over private school.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 8, 2010 2:12 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 75 Prospect Park West, #2B
I gained 5 pounds just reading the comments made in the last 20 minutes here.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 8, 2010 2:07 PM in response to Open Thread
"Mr. B is hardly the source of her exposure on this."
True, I blame the windows for that.
:-)
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 8, 2010 1:56 PM in response to Norah Jones' Windows Coming In
"If you have over a million dollars to spend on an apartment, you are not sending your kids to 321."
That's a pretty odd and factually incorrect statement. PS 8 in Brooklyn Heights, PS 21 in Cobble Hill, PS 321 in Park Slope and many other public schools (think about Manhattan too) are filled with parents who own apartments in excess of $1MM.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 8, 2010 1:51 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 75 Prospect Park West, #2B
DIBS I just called that number and got the Customer Service Department at silverdaddies.com.
:-)
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 8, 2010 1:16 PM in response to Norah Jones' Windows Coming In
"The interest in it isn't because of who it belongs to, it's because of the Landmarks & DOB issues - recent projects that have had massive problems are a concern to anyone living next to an ambitious construction job."
I agree with this completely, so why is the name of the owner necessary to be part of the story?
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 8, 2010 1:15 PM in response to Norah Jones' Windows Coming In
The difference to me here is not only that it's "outing" where a celebrity lives (there's a lot more interest in a celeb's address and there is a lot more potential for celebs to be harassed and stalked) but also the names of the owners of the other properties discussed here are almost never mentioned. Sure, the property records are likely available and one can find out where celebs live, but I don't think it needs to be made so blatant as it is in this case.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 8, 2010 1:11 PM in response to Norah Jones' Windows Coming In
11217, I definitely would be surprised if it goes for much lower than the mansion tax avoiding $999K mark.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 8, 2010 12:47 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 75 Prospect Park West, #2B
This is so odd. I was going to post this listing in the OT for comments. I think it's a rare listing from Corcoran that is reasonably priced. I would guess it will go close to ask. Nice apartment; great location.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 8, 2010 12:45 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 75 Prospect Park West, #2B
I agree that this is kind of star stalkerish, but I think DIBS might be one of the few justified in commenting since he's put up many pics of his own place to be critiqued.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 8, 2010 12:40 PM in response to Norah Jones' Windows Coming In
"It was inside the wheel well."
Is that an even less expensive alternative to flying coach?
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 8, 2010 11:58 AM in response to Open Thread
And I mean Canada and Russia combined.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 8, 2010 11:23 AM in response to Open Thread
Sure M4L, as long as we also bet that China will win more medals in total than Canada and Russia at the Winter Olympics.
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 8, 2010 11:23 AM in response to Open Thread
How can a marriage contract be one page and a lease be 50 pages when a lease is so much easier to break?
Posted by: Biff Champion at February 9, 2010 4:10 PM in response to Open Thread