fexleycb's Profile
- Chris Blake
- 1965
- 2005
- Brooklyn
- Fort Greene
- House
- non-profit fundraising
- Male
- 42
Author's Posts
October 30, 2008
Broadcast HDTV in Brooklyn
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
October 29, 2008
Backyard Turtle
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!
October 23, 2008
Coaxial Cable Grief
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!
October 16, 2008
Coaxial cable
Can anyone recommend someone who installs coaxial cable and is willing to handle a small job? I have several cables that need f connectors attached to them. Easy enough for someone with the skills and tools but beyond what I can handle myself. Thanks for any recommendations you might have. Normally a cable TV installer would do this sort of thing but I'm not having cable TV installed.
October 1, 2008
Cast Iron Radiator Finishing Advice
Hi,
I just had a few cast iron radiators sand blasted and I was all set to paint them. Stupidly I left them out on my deck this morning with the intention of spray painting them when I got home from work. Well - it rained and they got wet and despite my best efforts to dry them immediately they're covered with a thin film of rust. Can anyone tell me if I can go ahead and spray them now - after rubbing the rust off as best I can with a towel - or do I now have to thoroughly remove the rust somehow? Like maybe with some kind of rust converter or something. Also - should I use some kind of primer coat - and if so - what kind? I watched a This Old House video called How to Paint a Cast Iron radiator that specified that the radiator should be primed first - and they showed the guy priming it - but didn't specify what product they were using. So if anyone has any advice on what kind of primer to use I would love to hear it. Presumably it has to be a high heat product. Thanks for any relevant advice.
September 10, 2008
Upholsterer - Hector Morales
Does anyone know how to get in touch with Hector Morales of Fines Upholstery on Skillman? The number I have for him - 718-858-1201 - is no longer in service. I tried another number that I found on-line and its a fax. Maybe he's no longer in business or moved out of the area - but if he is around and still working I'd love to have him re-upholster a chair for me.
July 7, 2008
Daltile white subway tile for sale
Cleaning out after a big renovation. I've got 5 extra boxes of Daltile 3x6 white subway tile for sale. Each box contains 100 pieces and covers 12.5 square feet. Must pick up in Fort Greene. $100. Call Chris - 646-442-2894.
April 23, 2008
Varivalve for single pipe steam
Has anyone used this brand of vent on their single pipe steam radiators? I'm replacing some vents and was thinking that these look like the way to go -but I've never tried em.
And for you cynics - I'm not advertising them. I'm simply soliciting advice.
http://www.heat-timer.com/?page=varivalve
Author's Comments
I painted two of my stripped (sand-blasted)radiators with Rustoleum spray primer and then used a silver spray rustoleum over it. They look perfect. My contractor painted two of my stripped radiators with ONLY the silver rustoleum - and now rust is starting to show through. Do not skip the primer. Also - definitely do not paint risers or radiators while the heat is on.
Posted by: fexleycb at October 23, 2009 12:33 PM in response to Heat Riser Rusted After Painting
I've used Technical Innovations and am happy to recommend them. Please e-mail me privately if you'd like more information. fexleycb at yahoo
Posted by: fexleycb at September 15, 2009 12:30 PM in response to Contractor Rec. and Reviews
You can reach his brother Jose at 718-946-3132. I believe Antonio is in Spain. Jose just finished a job on South Elliott - beautiful work.
Posted by: fexleycb at June 30, 2009 1:31 PM in response to Antonio Costas, Facade?
Would make a great museum - a la Dia Beacon.
Posted by: fexleycb at April 16, 2009 4:04 PM in response to Inside the Red Hook Grain Terminal
Walentas buildings seem to be a cut above.
Posted by: fexleycb at April 14, 2009 3:30 PM in response to A well-built, well-run condo
I've got some bluestone pieces you are welcome to. Most are rather long and skinny. I'm in Fort Greene.
fexleycb at yahoo
Posted by: fexleycb at April 14, 2009 12:26 PM in response to looking 4 bricks bluestone rocks
I went with Valcucine and am very happy with the results. I believe they're less expensive than Poggenpohl and I know they're a lot less expensive than Balthaup. Its worth checking out their showroom on Crosby Street. Even if you don't go with them you might be able to get some good ideas that you could use if you decide to have custom cabinets fabricated.
Posted by: fexleycb at March 25, 2009 4:05 PM in response to Design Kitchen Co Versus Custom
Lets hope its Gristedes - the only supermarket in New York that carries Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers!
Posted by: fexleycb at March 20, 2009 4:37 PM in response to Development Watch: 202 Myrtle Halfway There
Get Greenberg and Hantz on the case!
http://www.modcinema.com/images/dvd_supercops.jpg
Posted by: fexleycb at March 18, 2009 11:09 AM in response to Drug Dealing Hotspot in Crown Heights?
Cobblehiller - There certainly was a reggae store on Smith Street. It was called Reggae World. In the front were a few dirty reggae albums in a rack. The back wall had a little hole in it - that you would slip five dollars through for your nickel bag. You probably walked by it many times without noticing.
Posted by: fexleycb at March 17, 2009 9:45 AM in response to Quote of the Day
I went there once with CYO Day Camp in 1974 and it seemed just fine.
Posted by: fexleycb at March 11, 2009 5:16 PM in response to owls' head park
Fuddruckers?
Posted by: fexleycb at March 6, 2009 10:22 AM in response to Another Rumor: Fast Food for Gage & Tollner Space
13 South Elliott needs $800,000 worth of work. Total cost for completely renovated brownstone - $1.6 million. Expensive I know but a relative bargain. That's with all new electricity, plumbing, roof, facade, windows, bathrooms, kitchens, mechanicals etc. For someone with lots of cash and a will to renovate it makes sense. Impossible for someone who wants to renovate over time while living in the building. Hey - you're better off installing new plumbing from the get go - than having your waste pipe burst and ruin your ceiling a few years down the road. Either way you're gonna pay the plumber.
Posted by: fexleycb at February 17, 2009 5:12 PM in response to Fort Greene: City's Best Nabe?
Pierre de Taille,
Call Fillmore about 13 South Elliott. I hear the accepted offer for $800K fell through. Needs lots of work but its an incredible bargain at that price.
Posted by: fexleycb at February 17, 2009 4:34 PM in response to Fort Greene: City's Best Nabe?
These sorts of rumors fly around all the time. Its urban legend at this point. No projects in New York have ever been turned into condos and there are no plans to do anything of the sort. Amazing how many people seem to believe otherwise though.
Posted by: fexleycb at January 21, 2009 4:45 PM in response to Red Hook public housing condo?
What about this place - South Elliott btw Dekalb and Lafayette for under $1 million.
http://www.fillmore.com/view_details.php?WebID=826027
Posted by: fexleycb at January 16, 2009 2:57 PM in response to Open House Picks
The middle school as proposed would accomodate 300 students - not 500+.
Posted by: fexleycb at January 15, 2009 9:49 AM in response to CB2 Gives Thumbs Up to Dock Street
The Atlantic Center Target is much better than the Pathmark across the street - which is truly a hell hole.
Posted by: fexleycb at January 6, 2009 4:41 PM in response to Closing Bell: FIPS Goes Undercover
I walked by the UGG store in Soho last Saturday and there was a huge long line out in front of people waiting to get in. This was at like 3:00 in the afternoon. I don't know if they were giving away free merchandise or what.
Posted by: fexleycb at December 18, 2008 10:46 AM in response to Streetlevel: New Blood on 5th Avenue
Pratt would be foolish to let this slip through their fingers if they are able to purchase it. In fact - Pratt should've acquired all those beautiful Civil War era warehouse buildings on Taffe Place when they could've gotten them for practically nothing.
Posted by: fexleycb at December 17, 2008 1:38 PM in response to Willoughby Avenue Convent Closing, Future Uncertain
On my way home from work this evening two males between 16 and 25 were being arrested on Dekalb near Fort Greene Place. Police officers had em up against the wall at gunpoint.
Posted by: fexleycb at December 8, 2008 9:36 PM in response to Violent Mugging on South Elliott Place
I found my brown garbage cans with wheels at Pintchik - about a year ago. And they were on sale for 13 bucks each.
Posted by: fexleycb at November 24, 2008 1:45 PM in response to Brown Garbage Cans Do Not Exist!!!
I used ever-nu metal to sand blast two radiators in 2006 and just had two more done by them last month. I learned of them on Brownstoner and I've recommended them on Brownstoner also. Talk to Frank (718.788.7915)
Chris
Posted by: fexleycb at November 6, 2008 5:33 PM in response to radiator stripping
If its any consolation, I've lived directly across the street from Brooklyn Tech for the past ten years and never witnessed the level of chaos and congestion that occurred on Saturday. It seemed clear from my perspective that the situation wasn't being handled well by the administration. It was really beyond the pale.
Posted by: fexleycb at October 30, 2008 1:25 PM in response to Specialized high school test at Brooklyn Tech
Iris - please find someone else to argue with. I'm simply not interested. Lost of people on this site seem to enjoy this sort of thing - but not me.
Posted by: fexleycb at October 30, 2008 10:10 AM in response to Backyard Turtle
Thanks for the interesting feedback Jimmy Legs. And Iris - I'm soliciting advice from someone who actually keeps a pet turtle in their backyard and may be able to offer advice. Not mean comments from someone who has nothing useful to offer. Please - direct your nastiness elsewhere.
Posted by: fexleycb at October 29, 2008 10:59 PM in response to Backyard Turtle
I used Ceriello Electric for some similar work just a few days ago and was happy with their service and pricing. They're electricians and not necessarily AV specialists but the fellow who helped me (Frank) seemed well versed in matters related to cable, satellite and home entertainment systems.
Posted by: fexleycb at October 29, 2008 12:02 PM in response to TV/Satellite/Cable Technician
OK - I bought a stripper and a crimper and will give it a shot. I'll also let everyone know how my antenna and digital HDTV tuner work. No more cable bills!
Posted by: fexleycb at October 20, 2008 10:35 AM in response to Coaxial cable
The M train. Don't laugh - Ridgewood is next.
Posted by: fexleycb at September 10, 2008 10:44 AM in response to Is the Q Train the New L?
I saw one of these in Boerum Hill months ago.
Posted by: fexleycb at September 4, 2008 12:26 PM in response to First Font Adopted in PLG
John Laidman would probably be able to do it. He's enormously talented.
http://www.laidman.com/index.php?display=architectural&key=image07
Posted by: fexleycb at August 7, 2008 9:22 AM in response to Fence Contractor
Try Mohawk brand stain. Its far superior to Minwax. Its available at a painting supply store in Sunset Park in the 40s off Third Avenue - sorry I forget the name of the place. A Google search on Mohawk stain will probably show it. I used Van Dyke Brown on my oak floors and am very happy with the results.
Posted by: fexleycb at August 4, 2008 11:42 AM in response to Is there a difference in floor stain brands?
This is the building that underwent a lengthy facade repair - and when the scaffolding came down it looked liked nothing had been done.
Posted by: fexleycb at July 7, 2008 1:10 PM in response to Muss Buy: 345 Adams Retail Floors
The tile has been sold!
Chris
Posted by: fexleycb at July 7, 2008 11:58 AM in response to Daltile white subway tile for sale
Thats $100 for all 5 boxes - or 20 bucks a box - or $1.60 psft.
Posted by: fexleycb at July 7, 2008 11:09 AM in response to Daltile white subway tile for sale
I had new flooring installed right over the old sub-floor on my entire parlor floor and its just fine - no creaking, dipping, sagging, buckling or anything. Totally solid. The contractor did put that red paper over the old sub floor first though - maybe thats what makes it so solid. I had actually suggested that maybe the thing to do was to replace the old sub floor and the contractor looked at me like I was crazy. Totally unnecessary he told me - and he was right.
Now on the other hand - on my garden level the old sub floor did have to be ripped out because the joists were all sagging and twisted. Some had to be replaced. Some had to be re-cemented into their pockets and some had to be shimmed. Then a new plywood sub-floor was installed - totally level. So as far as I can tell - it really depends on the shape the joists are in.
Posted by: fexleycb at June 18, 2008 5:13 PM in response to Replacing subfloors necessary?
Right on 4:06. I agree with everything you said.
As far as I can tell, the success of PS 8 is partially due to the fact that the school was under subscribed when the new principal came on board - which meant there was an opportunity to hire a lot of young energetic new teachers. It would have been much more difficult to turn the school around if it was already operating at capacity.
Posted by: fexleycb at June 18, 2008 4:36 PM in response to Chancellor Joel Klein Discusses Brooklyn Schools
If I were looking for a home in that price range I'd buy a whole house in Ridgewood (Queens.) The May 11th NY Times Real Estate section profiled a couple who did just that - though strangely there was no mention of it here on Brownstoner.
Posted by: fexleycb at May 30, 2008 10:16 AM in response to You Have $140K Down, Where Do You Buy?
Wasn't this featured in Domino Magazine?
Posted by: fexleycb at May 9, 2008 10:49 AM in response to Garden of the Day: Another Greenwood Heights Goodie
Oops - I see you already closed. Too late for a mortgage assignment.
Posted by: fexleycb at April 30, 2008 4:25 PM in response to Posting on Property Shark
The price I paid for my house doesn't show up on line because I did a mortgage assignment. Saved a bundle on mortgage origination taxes also. You may want to look into it. Don't know if its possible with coops though.
Posted by: fexleycb at April 30, 2008 4:24 PM in response to Posting on Property Shark
Thanks for the feedback. I think I'll buy a 10 pack and change the valve on every radiator in the house.
Posted by: fexleycb at April 24, 2008 4:02 PM in response to Varivalve for single pipe steam
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
I've used Mike Streaman of MRS, Inc. He's a good guy and did a great job on a park slope town house gut. You can see a picture of it on his web site (on the "about us" page: second from left) and has done some repeat business for the same client in his wine stores, also on the website.
He was also recently the featured contractor on This Old House, Brooklyn series, shortly after he completed our project. He doesn't try to be the least expensive, but he's worth his price, and then some.
I'd be happy to work with him again.
Jim Hill, RA, LEED AP
Urban Pioneering Architecture
Posted by: JimHill at September 17, 2009 10:45 AM in response to Contractor Rec. and Reviews
While this post is on the subject of stains, especially Minwax and Mohawk, has anyone done any custom mixing of Mohawk stains to duplicate Minwax colors? We have a client who has some wood pieces finished with a Minwax Dark Walnut 2716. They want us to do some additional finishing on new wood products. We prefer to use Mohawk M530 wiping stain, which dries quickly, but we can't seem to come up with a mix that duplicates the Minwax color mentioned above. Any suggestions?
Posted by: Charliemac at September 22, 2009 7:49 PM in response to Is there a difference in floor stain brands?
Thanks, Arkady!
Posted by: mopar at September 23, 2009 2:23 PM in response to Contractor Rec. and Reviews
I have several of these [peeling] in my apartment and I've often wondered if they can be wrapped in something that would not only protect the kids from heat but also look good and not easily torn or damaged by little fingers. Anyone have any ideas?
Posted by: CHMomma at October 23, 2009 1:04 PM in response to Heat Riser Rusted After Painting
I've seen them wrapped in jute rope but presumably that takes away from their ability to heat the room. Maybe wrapped to just above little finger reach would work.
Posted by: BHS at October 23, 2009 1:27 PM in response to Heat Riser Rusted After Painting
No experience with paint, but since it has come up ... here are some how tos on wrapping pipes in jute:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/how-to/how-to-wrap-your-hot-pipes-with-rope-015526
http://www.instructables.com/id/Handlebar-barwrapgrips---whipping-and-shellac-cov/
Posted by: serpentor at October 23, 2009 2:47 PM in response to Heat Riser Rusted After Painting
The paint I used was heat paint made for the purpose, in a solvent base, NOT latex.
If a primer is recommended, what brand primer???
Thanks for the Benjamin Moore recommendation, but I do not want a GLOSS paint. Do you know if that same paint is in this application in a flat or matte sheen?
Posted by: Oxygen at October 23, 2009 2:54 PM in response to Heat Riser Rusted After Painting
I wrapped the heat riser in my bathroom, which we kept hitting our butts on [ouch!], with plain old laundry line/rope, which I picked up at a hardware store. Cheap and simple to do, as long as the heat isn't on.
Posted by: cobblehiller at October 23, 2009 3:20 PM in response to Heat Riser Rusted After Painting
I've always used automobile manifold paint.
Posted by: PAL at October 23, 2009 6:24 PM in response to Heat Riser Rusted After Painting
Thanks for the jute/rope recommendations. I'll give it a try.
Posted by: CHMomma at October 26, 2009 2:16 PM in response to Heat Riser Rusted After Painting
The bollards look like tombs.
Posted by: fexleycb at November 18, 2009 1:16 PM in response to Atlantic Terminal Station: So Close!