wrong blog, JfB

Posted by: cmu at November 6, 2009 1:20 PM in response to The Albemarle Renovation Blog Launches!

Rubbbish. You can get used rads for $100 or free on this site sometimes. So what's labor?

Posted by: cmu at November 6, 2009 1:08 PM in response to Leaking Radiator?

Park Slope Parents website...I got a half-dozen nibbles from there.

Make a website with good images. NYT is good.

What's the condo?

Posted by: cmu at November 6, 2009 1:07 PM in response to Where to Post to Sell Condo?

"he bridge of the future will have nine lanes instead of six (yay!)"

Nothing to yay about, quite the contrary. Add lanes and traffic increases.

Posted by: cmu at November 6, 2009 9:55 AM in response to New Kosciuszko Bridge Won't Come Cheap

Bp: thanks for the diligence. It's water under the bridge now; and, given that other bill, which I do remember and is quite OK, I will have to be a little more careful about crying "exorbitant"!

Posted by: cmu at November 5, 2009 1:35 PM in response to Cost of Plumbing for Washer?

5 mins to solder a separated pipe joint, $295, but that's from memory.

Now, maybe that's a "normal", "emergency" charge, in that case, I will withdraw the "royally overcharged" and just say I should've done it myself, since the pipe was completely accessible.

Posted by: cmu at November 5, 2009 10:59 AM in response to Cost of Plumbing for Washer?

No, most people who whine about traffic are wrong.

For instance, you think making it 1-way would be better??! That's completely the *wrong* thing to do...do your research. One-way streets with more than one lane (which this would be) are an invitation to speed. Two way streets always have slower traffic...partly psychological, narrow streets slow traffic. And double parking actually helps.

If you doubt all this, compare 7th Av in PS with 8th (or PPEW). Compare 7th and 5th (2-way) with Smith and Court (one way) in CG/CH. Which would you rather cross as a ped? Which has more speeders?

Posted by: cmu at November 4, 2009 11:15 PM in response to Closing Bell: Columbia Street Traffic Petition

I've been royally overcharged once by Alladin, assumed it was because of emergency call.

mopar, that's ridiculous! Should be 1/4 that price, if that. Next time get a handyman. And don't bother filing.

Posted by: cmu at November 4, 2009 11:04 PM in response to Cost of Plumbing for Washer?

New doors can be found on websites. If you paint, use glossy high-quality paint.

Posted by: cmu at November 4, 2009 10:59 PM in response to Kitchen Cabs repainting?

I did detailed estimates when I was working on a tenants-in-common.

Similar sized 4-st house, came to $17000/yr, including $4400 re tax, 3,400 insurance, all mechanical components & stoop and facade prorated (ex: furnace, 5000, 30 years), utilities (heat: 3300 mostly), garden, plus $2500/yr contingency.

Posted by: cmu at November 4, 2009 10:57 PM in response to Cost of Owning a Brownstone

Yeah, "chilling" if you're trying to get something for nothing.I think I've now lost any sympathy I had at all for OP.

Posted by: cmu at November 4, 2009 3:41 PM in response to Easement Audit Nightmare

"a program offered by an historic preservation organization"...ie not LPC? who?

Why does this sound unkosher to me...ie a dubious tax-shelter scheme?

Posted by: cmu at November 4, 2009 2:38 PM in response to Easement Audit Nightmare

dibs, what's the 'umborn' issue?

Do excessive payouts to executives figure into the problems at GM et al?...I mean, in addition to paying the union workers a good salary and bennies?

Posted by: cmu at November 4, 2009 11:14 AM in response to Open Thread

"BTW: I appreciate your dismissive tone"

vide comment last week

Posted by: cmu at November 4, 2009 11:11 AM in response to Open Thread

cobble, heat's been on for a month, but only came "on" rarely. Did this morning, definitely.

You can turn all 4 burners on the stove for 10-15 mins (don't believe all the crap about how dangerous it is, isn't it like cooking?) if you're nearby. Gas is typically paid for by LL and 4 burners=40kbtu, enough to nicely warm a 2-bed awhile.

Posted by: cmu at November 4, 2009 11:08 AM in response to Open Thread

Aah, benson, so predictable: "Frankly now that GM and Chrysler are owned by the UAW and the Federal government, I hope that they get run into the ground"

And when they were owned by the "capitalists" previously, they did SOOOO well they needed us to bail them out to the tune of billions.

Posted by: cmu at November 4, 2009 11:03 AM in response to Open Thread

Three choices simply not enough! How about:

Effing Ridiculous
Too Expensive
About Right
A Deal
What a Steal

though with the glacial pace of programming on this site I don't expect any changes.

Posted by: cmu at November 4, 2009 10:45 AM in response to Rate It: 513 MacDonough Street Sells for $420,000

See past posts on TIC in this site. I've been trying to do this (sell 1/2 my house) for a while, and not sure if I will succeed. Know anyone in the market for a duplex in PS?

TIC is easier than going LLC, but there's only a combined mortgage.

Posted by: cmu at November 3, 2009 2:11 PM in response to Buying a Multifamily House

rob, a true rain shower head system (not just a shower head) is an unconscionable waste of water as it delivers much more than the statutory 2.5gals/min of a loflow head. It is probably illegal; faucets for example are limited to 2-2.5gpm. And it needs larger valves and plumbing, hence OP's tale of woe. I think he should give 2 weeks rent to tenant for inhabitability.

bxgrl, so tenant is responsible? how? he just asked. LL did not have to do it.

Posted by: cmu at November 2, 2009 2:50 PM in response to Tenant Compensation?

A strange tale of naivety and irresponsibility. Most landlords would install low-flow fixtures to save water instead of spending thousands on a exorbitantly wasteful feature.

Posted by: cmu at November 1, 2009 6:04 PM in response to Tenant Compensation?

Don't let 'em lick the brick.

Seriously, tho', stop worrying about what's bad for kids. A little dirt, dust and other effluvia will ensure they have good immune systems.

Posted by: cmu at October 31, 2009 2:49 PM in response to Crumbling Brick

I think it's an excellent idea; it's a good-looking wood that should be great for planter boxes; what are your reservations?

Posted by: cmu at October 31, 2009 2:45 PM in response to Creative Use of Leftover Floor?

'""you don't care about that, don't you?". "

CMU, you're being disingenuous. Thats not a question, its an accusation."

Well, we non-American-born folk would consider that sound debating technique; I realize we're a little more thin-skinned in these parts, sorry.

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 5:33 PM in response to Open Thread

benson: "May I offer some advice to you, per Snappy's recommendations? Please politely speak your mind. Please DO NOT make statements like "you don't care about that , don't you?". In other words, don't speak for another person, which you consistently do, and you know we've been at this place before"

Aaah, that's called a "question", perhaps snarky in tone, but it's based on sound judgment of your statements and tone. If you disagree with it, say so but don't tell me what I can and cannot say. It's not polite.

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 4:58 PM in response to Open Thread

denton, I was scared I might somehow have my computer crashed if I said anything above 50, I would go for higher, say 70.

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 3:48 PM in response to Open Thread

I meant to add:

It's as rational as a childless person not wanting to pay school tax.

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 2:56 PM in response to Open Thread

'You're right CMU. I am a selfish, cold-hearted SOB. Thanks for pointing it out"

Did not say that. But your comment about how it's 'logical' for a healthy 25-yr old to NOT buy insurance shows that you buy into a laissez-faire capitalist viewpoint which might be characterized as over-rational at least.

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 2:53 PM in response to Open Thread

"I don't strive to change anyone's mind. I just want them to understand that I'm right."

Watch your back, dibs, m4l will get ya.

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 2:41 PM in response to Open Thread

m4l: "how about I sell you a big mirror so you can admire your own perfection?"

Maybe I could reciprocate so you could watch all those working harder than you about to catch up.

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 2:39 PM in response to Open Thread

Suppose you are a healthy 25 year old and as such, you wish to purchase only inexpensive, bare-bones catastrophic insurance. This is a logical move for many young people"

Precisely what is wrong!! It;s not logical for the rest of us. But then, you don't care about that, do you?

It should not be thought of as insurance...it's health care funds, and we all owe into it. It *should* come out of general revenue (that 50% tax on over-a-million income would fund it nicely)

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 2:37 PM in response to Open Thread

"An apartment building in Bed-Stuy went without running water for two months this summer. To make the situation worst, their landlord died and there was no one to take over the building. Residents at this building had to go above and beyond just to receive the necessities of life."

They just tried harder...and look...it worked! they survived.

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 2:28 PM in response to Open Thread

"I don't want a guillotine in Prospect park any more than you do"

No, not Park Slope neither...!! LOL

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 2:20 PM in response to Open Thread

m4l: "There are people, organizations, gov, etc that can help or block you from something but the one thing you have most control of is your own effort"

Got an idea: consider writing a self-help book. You got the phrases down pat.

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 2:18 PM in response to Open Thread

300 posts...enuf said...10-4

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 1:30 PM in response to Open Thread

"Some of you need to step up to the podium and accept some accountability"
"Some of the richest people in the world came from backgrounds of poverty and working class."
"and [people at] the most utter levels of poverty HAVE gotten the pie, and large pieces of it too"

I am collecting raise-yourselves-up-by-your-bootstraps cliches. Please send all future submissions to me at cmu-the-communist@aol.com

The above three receive 7, 8 and 8.5/10 respectively.

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 1:21 PM in response to Open Thread

"I do take offense at you suggesting that I am somehow lacking in "humanistic" qualities because I expect much of my fellow man. I do expect my fellow man to strive to make things better for himself and his family"

But the essence of humanism is empathizing with those less fortunate than ourselves (or at least my poor definition of it,) unlike, say, Randism with its extremist individualism. So when you and others here imply that the poor are poor because they don't just hitch up their britches and WORK, it's pretty telling. And galling.

I would contend that most of the "poor" work a lot harder than, say, me, or all of us posters who spend hours blathering on this site. Maybe even two jobs. Tell them that the reason they don't make a million is that they are lazy or un-ambitious.

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 1:05 PM in response to Open Thread

"do they get free medical care?"[implies yes]

I'm confused. Has Louisiana seceded? Or gone socialist? I'm moving there, can save $1090/month on my insurance.

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 12:56 PM in response to Open Thread

AAh, benson, reading comprehension 101 is needed. I implied that being "patriotic" might, just might, include trying to keep jobs here and/or preferring American-made goods. If you or others took that at a criticsim against their patriotism, just remember "[it's] the last refuge of scoundrels."

And *that* was meant to be funny.

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 12:54 PM in response to Open Thread

That's true, ditto. And as a immigrant from one of them, you've spiked my guns awhile.

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 12:14 PM in response to Open Thread

"I'm very happy. I just can't stand it when nutjobs like Stevie spin their own economic theories to support their political beliefs."

Oh, ok, now we get the ad hominen attacks. I guess sane, calm, rational, correct people like you and Legion should allowed to spout your apolitical, humanistic beliefs without retort.

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 12:12 PM in response to Open Thread

The problem with your statement, benson, is that it misses the point of job transfer abroad. You're right in that manufacturing transfer is inevitable, but we here could've mitigated its effects.

There was the opportunity to encourage the types of technological manufacturing here which would've given us a head start--say solar panels, high-speed rail, etc. And a little protectionism would've gone a long way. I guess "patriotism" is only a buzz-word for the political arenas.

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 12:08 PM in response to Open Thread

"if you are poor you can still get three meals a day and live in a brownstone just like the rich. tell me I'm wrong."

EH?? WRONG

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 11:51 AM in response to Open Thread

"Why is it that all they really want is a handout? Something for nothing"

And I suppose the rich don't?

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 11:49 AM in response to Open Thread

Legion: I'm NOT "treating the classes a set population,"...that would imply I'm using specific groups to prove my point.

It's an overall statistic: "the top 300000 earn more than the bottom 150 million" (NYT) for instance is a statistic. What's to argue with that? If you think it's OK, I can't argue with you, but I think income disparity of this nature, and which is increasing, is unacceptable.

And afa "overall improvement in standard of living" is concerned, that was true in every decade from the Depression until the 90's. I'm sure I can dig up a citation, but it has NOT happened since then. Indicators (except perhaps house size) shows a Lowering of the s-o-l.

"to foster discord between members of our society in order to advance political ideology"...I widh I could, if not discord, at least outrage. But only the Republican media-wonks are good at doing that, and falsely at that, not us lefties.

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 11:46 AM in response to Open Thread

Thanks, ch!

Have to take issue with your choice on "proving" schools are getting better, Legion. Son reading before 6? My son (and I'm a very proud parent) did not start until 6-3/4; one of his friends (a kindergarTen jock) was reading the Sports section of the NYT at 6. What does all that prove? Nothing. BrooklyisHome's point is well taken.

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 11:39 AM in response to Open Thread

What rubbish, Legion. If you don't believe statistics, there's no argument. The lower income group has been essentially static, the very high income earners have seen quite an increase in the last decade or so.

"The top 10 percent, roughly those earning more than $100,000, also reached a level of income share not seen since before the Depression"...NY Times Business section 5/7

Just because you can cite specific examples of upward social mobility it does not negate that fact. Of course there are examples of "poor immigrants" who "worked hard" and reached the "American dream." (sounds like a Zagat survey). What you need to see is the average and the trend, and the fact that unemployment has reached 10% may be significant.

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 11:31 AM in response to Open Thread

"If you are for wealth re-destribution just say it, now is your time with all the socialists coming out of the woodwork in the federal government, after all."

I'm all for it...in the right direction. The Rethugs in the last 8 years directed it upwards (and this is incontrovertible, just look at the income statistics).

I'm all for a VERY high marginal tax on, say 50% anything above a million. Then even if if the corps gave their execs highway-robbery salaries and bennies, at least society will (half) benefit from it. And we don't need a compensation czar.

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 10:58 AM in response to Open Thread

"To me it seems the more I make, the more taxes I pay" -dibs

I'm shocked, really shocked at this.

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 10:51 AM in response to Open Thread

Recessed lighting has its place, but is almost *always* overused. You see new condos with two rows of cans marching down each side of the room...looks institutional/ugly. Remember that lighting "standards" are way over the top, and are so seemingly to ensure the health of the lighting industry. In a typical living room, I might set (a few) eyeball wall washers to light pictures...flexible, fairly unobtrusive and good light.

A fan with overhead lighting is not ideal either, especially if you have a fussy multi-light fixture. Maybe a modern (Minka eg) fan with single dimmable halogen light.

Wall scones are a classic feature and again if not too many, work well.

What you really need is the ability to have *multiple* levels of ligthing, depending on the mood, which is why floor/table lamps with one or two ceiling/wall lamps is flexible.

Finally, unless you're planning to sell next year, do what you like, not what your hypothetical buyers may.

Posted by: cmu at October 29, 2009 9:34 AM in response to Thoughts on Recessed Lighting

Thanks, all. Off to 5th av pet shop to see what they carry.

Posted by: cmu at October 28, 2009 2:32 PM in response to Cats in the House

The website is a good idea. You can also advertise it on craigslist too.

Posted by: NYGuy7 at November 6, 2009 4:14 PM in response to Where to Post to Sell Condo?

your gc is taking advantage of you..a price of a few thousand is absurd at best...it sounds like a backpitched feed line

Posted by: eman1234 at November 6, 2009 7:45 PM in response to Leaking Radiator?

this is the sort of thing you should seek some political help from. Contact your congress(wo)man's constituent affairs office and point out that it's a common issue for people in brownstone brooklyn.

Posted by: slick at November 6, 2009 9:08 PM in response to Easement Audit Nightmare