How about a gate? The cat will be able to jump over it and the dog will stand there, drooling.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at April 22, 2009 2:58 PM in response to How to keep a door ajar???

The slideshow that accompanies the article is absolutely heartbreaking.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at April 10, 2009 11:43 AM in response to Foreclosures Are Their Palaces

Thanks Architerrorist!

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at April 7, 2009 4:18 PM in response to The Shifting School Equation

Architerrorist -- if you don't mind my asking, where did you relocate to? While my husband and I very much want to stay in NYC, we're slowly starting to consider moving elsewhere. I'm always interested to know where former New Yorkers landed.

Chicken -- thanks for the link to DonorsChoose.org. I'm heading there now to put my dollars where my mouth is.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at April 7, 2009 3:05 PM in response to The Shifting School Equation

My heroes have always been English teachers, gemini10. What a great story. That's some legacy.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at April 7, 2009 1:26 PM in response to The Shifting School Equation

Well said, bxgrl.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at April 7, 2009 1:21 PM in response to The Shifting School Equation

While I take exception to the term "crotchfruit," as a parent I WELCOME the interest and participation of the entire community to make all of our schools great.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at April 7, 2009 1:12 PM in response to The Shifting School Equation

Pretty close -- we're on Ocean Parkway at the very edge of Kensington (literally, you cross the street and you're in another neighborhood). We're zoned for 217. A friend of mine has her daughter in kindergarten there and they really like it. My girl is 3 and in Montessori school for now (1/2-day preschool). I've heard terrific things about 139 and would definitely send my girl there if she got in. We've probably bumped into one another at the Tot Lot. :)

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at April 7, 2009 1:10 PM in response to The Shifting School Equation

Beat me to it by a few seconds, chicken. ;) BTW, based on your zoned schools, I think we're neighbors.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at April 7, 2009 12:56 PM in response to The Shifting School Equation

lechacal -- Wishing your wife an easy labor. And warm wishes to you on this addition to your family.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at April 7, 2009 12:55 PM in response to The Shifting School Equation

Know what would be great? An In-and-Out Burger. I know they're only West Coast but that is some fine fast food there, and a company you can feel good about. Make mine animal style. Yum.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at March 12, 2009 5:53 PM in response to Confirmed: Arby's Planning to Take Gage & Tollner Space

Oh Brenda, I love Hodge. Thanks for sharing that story.

Hi Wasder. I've been trying very hard to stay employed (so far so good, knock wood) and have cut WAY back on my online dallying. Good luck with your mice!

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at February 12, 2009 4:38 PM in response to Exterminating Mice?

Hi Wasder. I can second the opinion about tuxedo cats. We have one now and I have had them before, and they all seem to have the same utterly adorable, mischievous personality and a hearty bloodlust for critters. Also, sweet as sugar with kids (the guy we have now does this thing we call "the hotdog" whenever someone in the house is sad, and when the baby would cry he would literally come on the run). Petfinder.com is a great place to look, and Animal Haven here in NYC is a humane, no-kill shelter where they know the personalities of their animals very well (I see some cuties: http://support.animalhavenshelter.org/site/PageServer?pagename=all_cats). Tell 'em you want a mouser who'll be sweet with kids. Just be prepared -- cats like to bring their owners the dead mice as "gifts" and you are sort of beholden to tell them what a good cat they are. Also, tell your wife I am a die-hard dog lover, but these tuxedo cats won me over. ;)

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at February 11, 2009 1:17 PM in response to Exterminating Mice?

I think it's a lovely gesture. I lived in a 4 story brownstone for 10 years -- garden & parlor were two old ladies (our sweet old lady landlord on the garden and her sweet slightly less old lady daughter in the parlor). We were on the 2nd floor and there were tenants above as well. Down the street lived the landlady's son. They gave us Holiday gifts, and a baby gift when our daughter was born, and also never raised the rent (in 10 years! I eventually gave MYSELF a rent increase because I felt awkward about it). In return, we tenants helped the sweet old ladies in any way we could (shoveling snow, gardening, decorating at the Holidays, dog walking, bringing the garbage pails to the curb and back, visiting with them). We also would put something extra in the rent envelope at wintertime, to help with the cost of heating the place-- basically we took care of things like it was our house, because they made it our home. And bitter we were not. :) So yes, I think it's a sweet practice between people who share a house. And Happy Holidays to you.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at December 23, 2008 3:26 PM in response to gift for tenant?

Congratulations Wasder! Wishing you and your family every happiness. Love, Auntie Two Toilets

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at December 22, 2008 3:54 PM in response to Open Thread

Townhouse Lady -- Thanks so much for the info, and Happy Holidays!

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at December 17, 2008 5:01 PM in response to has anyone ever had any luck with housing lotteries?

Oh my stars. I am so late to the party here, but this:

"Banker douche, banker douche, will you do the perp walk now?"

Made seltzer come out of my nose. Fantabulous. I salute you Snark!

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at December 17, 2008 4:02 PM in response to Open Thread Wednesday

Funny. Often in the Owner vs Renter debate, owners will raise the argument that a benefit of ownership is that their kids, when launching their careers or returning home from college on summer break, can move in and have a place to live. So ... it's ok for those people?

A buddy of mine is moving back with his folks (with his wife and daughter) because he can't find work and they can't live on her teacher's salary (and she is a full-time teacher with a Masters).

Tough times out there.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at December 17, 2008 3:43 PM in response to Owners and Renters Both Suckers, Says The Onion

Me too CHMomma. I have a 3 year old. Very curious to hear about schools in the JC area. Also, is a car required there? Adam -- enlighten us, please!

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at December 17, 2008 2:16 PM in response to has anyone ever had any luck with housing lotteries?

Cat.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at December 10, 2008 5:38 PM in response to Rat control

Rob, you crack me up. I want to change my user name to "Broker, please." OK with you if I steal it?

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at December 10, 2008 10:42 AM in response to Rent-to-Own at 360 Baltic

I moved to Kensington because I got priced out of Carroll Gardens, so I feel you. But whadda ya gonna do?

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at December 5, 2008 5:42 PM in response to Affordable rents in Carroll Gardens

Hi Rob. I used to train dogs, and I just wanted to give you some friendly advice. A choke collar can be an effective tool if used correctly, but most people don't know how. The choke is meant to give the dog a signal, but most people end up getting dragged down the street by a choking dog. More effective is the Halti, which is a head collar that uses the same principle as a horse bridle. It looks like a muzzle, although it won't stop your dog from biting. It will turn his head towards you when you make a lease correction, which is what you want (as the head goes, so goes the dog). If your dog won't tolerate a Halt, you can also use the Sen-sation Harness (www [dot] softouchconcepts [dot] com). This is a no-pull harness that attaches at the FRONT (rather than the back, as with traditional harnesses). The problem with a back attach harness is that dogs have something called an opposition reflex, which means they pull against tension. That's what makes them so great for pulling sleds and other work. However, that reflex means you get dragged down the street by a dog in a back attach harness. The front attach harness actually pops the dog around to face you when they run out of leash, which gives you the control you need. In addition, walk your dog on a relatively short NON-EXTENDING lead. If you are interested in training, I can recommend Renee at Walk This Way (www [dot] doggiecouch [dot] com) who is wonderful and powerful and very humane. Pit Bulls do get a bad rap (I had a Pit mix who was the gentlest sweetest animal you ever wanted to meet) but do not underestimate the unpredictable nature of an animal who was abused (which I gather your dog was, since you rescued him). You have no idea what his triggers may be, so the best thing to do is take all precautions. and love him.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at December 5, 2008 5:36 PM in response to Good Times in The Slope

Your apt is lovely and I would buy it in a second if I could afford it, but sadly I cannot. However, if you decide to rent, I would LOVE to be your tenant and I would treat your home as if it were my own (and would sign something to that effect). I lived at 25 2nd Place for 10 years and left the neighborhood only because my apartment was too small for my growing family (I moved in a single girl, moved out a married lady with a baby). My old landlords, who are your neighbors, would certainly vouch for my excellent tenancy. I miss Carroll Gardens terribly. If you get to the point where you are ready to rent, please contact me offline at persephone2669 at yahoo dot com. And good luck with your move to Seattle -- it's a wonderful city and you will LOVE living there I am sure.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at November 20, 2008 5:16 PM in response to Advice for a Freaked Out Apartment Seller

I believe douchewood, derwood, and the various iterations of the What just got served. Or in other words, slopefarm BROUGHT IT.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at November 13, 2008 10:46 AM in response to what the....

I love that old yellow house.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at November 11, 2008 1:37 PM in response to House of the Day: 72 Hicks Street

OK, I'll hang in there in my little lifeboat. At least I have my two (rented) toilets to feel good about.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at November 11, 2008 12:35 PM in response to Citigroup Puts the Kibosh on Foreclosures

Guys, talk me down, OK? As many of you know, I rent. I rent because I can't responsibly afford to buy in NYC, and for now, this is where I want to live (and also, my job is here, and I have one of those advertising jobs that's hard to come by elsewhere). And I pay all my credit cards, and contribute to my 401K, and live a good clean financial life that Suze Orman would be proud of. But I am feeling like I got played for a sucker, because what I should have done as bought a house I couldn't afford and then gotten "bailed out" or "restructured." And I further feel that the efforts to shore up the housing market will ensure that I will NEVER EVER be able to afford to buy anything. So, please, someone with a greater depth of understanding of this mess, help a girl out. I did everything I was supposed to do. Why do I feel so stupid?

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at November 11, 2008 11:39 AM in response to Citigroup Puts the Kibosh on Foreclosures

I'm so sorry cobblehiller.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at November 6, 2008 11:46 AM in response to NYC Police and Fire Fighters Next to Feel Budget Pinch

I voted at PS 62 on Cortelyou Road, and though it was chaotic and the lines were long, my District (80) was still asleep (or I live in an apathetic District) because I was in and out in 15 minutes.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at November 4, 2008 10:12 AM in response to Long Lines, Everywhere

Touche TD! In fact, I was putting away my Walkman back then (and all of my copied-from-the-radio cassette tapes)!

Also, things frequently got ugly over the smudging of pristine sneakers.

Cobblehiller -- You don't snitch because if you do, and you are outed as a snitcher, bad things happen to you. That's the message there. Like you get a beat down. Or, depending on the severity of the crime and the level of the person you snitched on, you get shot at.

Neighborhood Watch, people. Time to band together.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at November 3, 2008 2:04 PM in response to Mugging on St. John's Place

Preach it dittoburg.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at November 3, 2008 11:18 AM in response to Mugging on St. John's Place

Hey buckfire -- I'm a lady, not a mister. :)

Oh What, I do understand. Try not to work yourself into a froth.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at November 3, 2008 10:51 AM in response to Mugging on St. John's Place

Awww. Welcome back, Kotter (or whatever their name is).

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at November 3, 2008 10:37 AM in response to Back to Brooklyn (Thanks, in Part, to Brownstoner)

Let me dust off the lessons of my Bronx 1970s childhood and invite you all to:

Have your keys out and ready. Do not stand in front of your house fumbling.

Before exiting the subway, put away your phone, ipod, etc, and take your keys out.

Do not carry your keys and ID in the same bag. If someone snatches your bag, they'll have your ID. You don't want them to have your keys too. Carry your keys on your person (like in a coat pocket).

Xerox everything in your wallet and keep a copy in the house. That way, if your wallet gets snatched, you'll be able to call all of the credit cards etc and have your ID #s at the ready.

Lighten up what you carry. You don't ned to be toting your checkbook, passport, birth certificate, etc. Carry as little as possible. Basically, don't carry anything you wouldn't be "happy" to hand over to a mugger.

Carry "mugger money" and an extra metrocard on your body, like in your pants pocket or inner coat pocket. That way, if you have to hand everything over, you can still get home.

Tuck in neck chains and turn rings around. You may have to hand them over anyway, but don't flash them.

If some approaches you and you feel ill at ease, start yelling. Don't be polite about this stuff. Cross the street if someone makes you feel uncomfortable, go into a store or bar, just remove yourself. I know it goes against our polite instincts, but if you feel like something is up -- something is probably up.

If you have to run from gunshot, run in a zig zag pattern. It's hard to hit a moving target. (Actually, I learned that in a movie. My childhood wasn't that jacked up!)

Consider reading "The Gift of Fear" or taking a self-defense class.

And lastly, walk tall, try not to put yourself into dangerous situations, and hand over everything if you get into it. The watch, the ring, the money -- not worth nearly as much as you are.

And by the way What, and anyone else who would take pleasure in a return to a more crime-ridden city -- shame on you. I understand schadenfreude, but a dirtier, more dangerous New York is not something to to take any kind of pleasure in. It hurts us all.

Stay safe everyone.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at November 3, 2008 10:33 AM in response to Mugging on St. John's Place

I'm late to the party here, but congratulations Wasder! Wishing you and your family many years of happiness in your beautiful new home! Mazel Tov. :)

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at October 29, 2008 6:04 PM in response to Where is Wasder?

What a prince among men you are, Iron Balls. You must make your mom so proud.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at October 24, 2008 11:49 AM in response to Quote of the Day

Rob -- Should the day come you can't afford a meal, you are welcome to my house to eat some of the rice & beans and Mac & Cheese we're hoarding.

And you can come by for coffee cobblehiller.

Rich or poor, eventually we're going to have to take care of each other.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at October 23, 2008 11:51 AM in response to The prefect financial storm has hit land..

Checking in as still alive, still employed (knock wood), and still in possession of BOTH toilets.

We could never form a gang, as we'd kill each other over the appliances to have in our gang house.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at October 16, 2008 10:56 AM in response to End of the World (Or Maybe Not) Party

Happy Birthday!

Make my party hat an ASSHAT!

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at October 13, 2008 4:32 PM in response to Closing Bell: Brownstoner Turns 4

Hey Rob -- Carroll Gardens has a fun Halloween scene, particularly the "Place" blocks. Nice Christmas lights too. Take the F to Carroll Street and just start walking around. Are you dressing up? My kid is going as a mermaid and my husband and I are hotly debating either McCain & Palin (I'd be McCain, he'd be Palin) or Thing 1 & Thing 2 from Cat in the Hat.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at October 11, 2008 6:50 PM in response to what is halloween like in brownstone brooklyn?!

If I come, and I'm kind of feeling shy about it (particularly because TownHouse Lady won't be there and I think she and I are simpatico, and she is freaking hilarious), I will wear my "bitter renter" t-shirt (which you can purchase on Zazzle!)

What does anyone think of calling the guy who wrote the NY Mag article and asking him to come and cover the get-together?

Right? Right....
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at October 10, 2008 11:55 AM in response to End of the World (Or Maybe Not) Party

I'm so sorry Wasder! I had a crazy busy day yesterday at the office. All's well. Your house is so lovely -- I love the elegant bones and can see so much potential for beauty and comfort there! I'm looking forward to following the progress here, and particularly to seeing what your clever wife does with the space. :) Hope all is good with you guys.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at October 10, 2008 11:41 AM in response to new-ish poster here from park slope would like to say hi!

Welcome to Brooklyn, Rob!

Don't pick up any street mattresses dude -- bedbugs!

:)

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at October 10, 2008 11:32 AM in response to new-ish poster here from park slope would like to say hi!

Glad to hear it's all working out Wasder!

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at October 6, 2008 12:37 PM in response to The great experiment 2008

For what it's worth, there are A LOT of people who make judgements about spelling/grammar on professional websites. I wasn't snarking on her at all.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at October 3, 2008 2:24 PM in response to Details on the Brooklyn Take-Out Taxi

Not only does she have my support and admiration, I just e-mailed her and offered to copyedit both of her sites pro bono. Sisterhood is powerful (and more so when spelled and punctuated correctly)!

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at October 3, 2008 12:52 PM in response to Details on the Brooklyn Take-Out Taxi

Wasder -- if you think your garden apartment can accommodate me, my husband, my kid and our cat, I might be interested in renting your garden apartment. If you're serious, would you e-mail me at persephone2669 at yahoo dot com?

Thanks.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at October 1, 2008 4:31 PM in response to Close? Or Walk Away?

Thanks Biff. Hi Wasder (my teammate). I don't get the schadenfreude either. Last I checked, if the police force gets cut, it gets cut for us all, not just renters. If the F train stops running, it stops running for us all. As has been said, all boats rise and fall on the same wave. My boat is rented, but it'll sink just like all the others. No joy in watching the people who own their boats sink as I go down with them.

Anyhoo. I only weighed in because sebb's condescending tone has irritated me in the past, and I wanted to respond to it straight on. For myself, I'm keeping out of debt, saving what I can, hoping for the best, and signing a new lease when the time comes!

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at October 1, 2008 11:38 AM in response to Has the Bubble Finally Burst?

So sorry Elizabeth. Definitely talk to your landlord. As crownheights2007 says, cost are going up all around and I can understand them wanting to offset their expenses with a higher rent. And since they are within market, it s a good indicator that they are reasonable. If you are already walking the dog and watching the kid, maybe you can formalize those services and assign the value against the rent? Dog walkers and babysitters are well paid in this city. You should also think about signing a lease, whether you stay or move. A month-to-month arrangement puts you in a very vulnerable position. Good luck!

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at October 1, 2008 10:36 AM in response to Standard rent increase??

I keep a door slightly ajar with a covered brick & then have a hook on the door & in the wall of the basement that I put a small bungey (bungie?) cord on so door can't be opened farther.

Posted by: Arkady at April 22, 2009 3:04 PM in response to How to keep a door ajar???

Jam something into the hinge end of the door like a shim or a wedge that will prevent it from opening further.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at April 22, 2009 3:05 PM in response to How to keep a door ajar???

Is the dog the same size as the cat? What about a cat door that's too small for the dog to use?

Posted by: traditionalmod at April 22, 2009 3:58 PM in response to How to keep a door ajar???

We did it in my parents' house with a large hook and eye.

Something like this:

http://riccasarchitecturalsales.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=13&products_id=106

Posted by: phripley at April 22, 2009 3:59 PM in response to How to keep a door ajar???

dog is much bigger (a lab). But, we dont want to ruin the door (eg with a cat door). I guess we might have to go the latch route, but I would prefer not drilling into the door. But I cant think of another option (although I will try dave's idea).

Posted by: Splenda at April 22, 2009 4:11 PM in response to How to keep a door ajar???

You might want to look at: http://www.wedgeit.com/ which you can wedge into the top of your door (but you can do that with the shim Dave suggested, too).
Even a dog that's not too smart will eventually figure out how to defeat a bottom door wedge. You might also want to look at hinge-pin door stops or floor-mount door stops, both of which can be found at House of Antique Hardware (and probably corner hardware store). Hinge-pin is probably more workable for you. There are tons of reproduction or actual vintage door stops on the market, some very heavy. There's probably some travel store door wedge with alarm. Eventually, it's likely the dog will cause more damage to door by pawing at it, then that you will damage horribly by installing a hook and eye. Probably some way to rig a chain and hook
to the doorknob and door strike.

Posted by: vinca at April 22, 2009 5:00 PM in response to How to keep a door ajar???

Feed them less, more often. If they eat everything they are fed, not an issue.

Posted by: denton at April 22, 2009 5:47 PM in response to How to keep a door ajar???

Denton, your post made me laugh a bit. Our dog is a yellow lab, and like all other labs, she will eat as much food as possible. I used to have a Yorkie, and he would only eat when he was hungry. The lab, on the other hand, scarfs everything down and then still wants more! She is a total pig.

Vinca, i was sort of wondering if i could rig something along the lines of your suggestion using the doorknob and door strike, but have not come up with anyhting feasible.

Posted by: Splenda at April 22, 2009 6:01 PM in response to How to keep a door ajar???

Is your dog allowed in this area otherwise? Our pit is not allowed upstairs, so we put the cat food on the landing halfway up. She does not go up the stairs so she can't eat the food. We've never had to enforce this rule with gates or anything - I guess because she was NEVER allowed up there she knows it is totally forbidden. She is generally pretty good about not getting into her own food (lid of container could be just lifted off) so perhaps she is better in that area than a lab would be. Though she did once eat a bag of "textured vegetable protein" off a kitchen shelf, blow up like a cow that had been floating in a river for a week, and then fart poisonously for 4 days....

Posted by: mshook at April 22, 2009 7:30 PM in response to How to keep a door ajar???

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Posted by: planettech9 at April 22, 2009 7:50 PM in response to How to keep a door ajar???