We have been recently overwhelmed with mice in our apartment (we're renters). We've done everything that we can, but they are relentless and increasing quickly. We have a cat so we fear using any sort of poison.

Any suggestions?

Posted by: gwbrubaker at March 20, 2009 4:00 PM in response to Exterminator Pricing?

Real unemployment and underemployment is 14.9%.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at March 6, 2009 1:36 PM in response to Unemployment Rate Hits 25-Year High

Real unemployment and underemployment is really 14.9%.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at March 6, 2009 1:36 PM in response to Unemployment Rate Hits 25-Year High

Cracker Barrel?

Posted by: gwbrubaker at March 6, 2009 1:34 PM in response to Another Rumor: Fast Food for Gage & Tollner Space

I suggest renaming it to "Foreplay". It will sell like hotcakes.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at March 6, 2009 1:33 PM in response to Forte Marketing Effort Gets a Makeover

I just recovered from the tummy flu-feel better, mate!

Posted by: gwbrubaker at March 1, 2009 2:20 PM in response to A Little Help

I concur, 1842 & dittoburg.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at February 26, 2009 2:17 PM in response to Julius Liebman Mansion Hits the Market

dittoburg that is spot on. You gave me a good laugh. Thanks.

I had a semi-detached years ago in Shepherd's Bush, but beggar can't be choosers, eh?

Posted by: gwbrubaker at February 26, 2009 12:17 PM in response to Julius Liebman Mansion Hits the Market

Actually, Sam, this is the women's residence. The men's is between Greene & Gates.

There is a wonderful veranda on the back end of it.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at February 26, 2009 12:11 PM in response to Julius Liebman Mansion Hits the Market

I'm English and I'll take it! Please, Sir, may I have this one, please!

It has some institutionalised attributes to it, but there is still some gold in this one. I live next door to it, and just want this to be mine, restored to its former glory, and let me and my brother take care of the garden!

And I sincerely hope that it is not broken up into apartments.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at February 26, 2009 12:07 PM in response to Julius Liebman Mansion Hits the Market

The owner was given the property by the previous, for whom he was their caretaker. He is a very quiet man, given the rather nasty piece of NY Times article a few years back.

To the new owners:

Please, please, please restore it and not break it up into small units. It was the residence for the last Mayor of Brooklyn.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at February 24, 2009 12:29 PM in response to Clinton Avenue 'Haunted House' in Contract

I like it. It's so much better than the PoMo-styling that NYC has predominantly created for the past 30 years.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at February 19, 2009 1:40 PM in response to Toren All Glassed Over

I remember when that was Teddy's. I still would love to open up again Cellars.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at January 8, 2009 11:04 AM in response to Streetlevel: Casual Bistro Coming to 247 Dekalb Avenue

It is a very beautiful piece. I wish I had the finances to buy it for my dream bar.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at December 30, 2008 11:24 AM in response to Antique Back Bar for Sale

It does look like that almost all of the time. The only area that seems to be clean is their restrooms, but the rest of the Atlantic Terminal store can give the shelves of Zimbabwe a good run for their money.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at December 29, 2008 6:06 PM in response to No Recession at Target

Wasder-congrats. I'm happy that all is well with your newborn.

I have seen on this thread some great options if NYC wasn't predicting further job losses with 165K or more on the table. And when times are good for you, life looks grand. But there are others out there. I would actually place the real figures of unemployment and underemployment around 15-17%. Clearly this makes for difficult job searching and the rest.

I would love to get back to work, but I can't. A year ago I was struck down with a neurological disorder that has no cure at this time (Dystonia). I made sure that I had LTD, and I also received my Notice of Award for SSDI just last week, and I'm just giving cards to friends to let them know how much I appreciate their support and concerns. I can't do much more than that. I have been humbled.

So I just want to suggest that we please be nicer to each other, whether it is with affluent friends, working poor, unemployed or just taking it day-by-day.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at December 10, 2008 2:49 PM in response to Recovery Sooner Than Later?

I will do everything I can to see that cuts and reductions to the G train does not happen. This train is vital to all of us along its path. I have an idea-get some of that $700B and put it to transit and not to corporate bonuses.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at November 18, 2008 5:13 PM in response to 50% Less G Service Coming Our Way

Trust me when I say that paying for your own healthcare, whether it be COBRA or otherwise, is near impossible on what they most likely make.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at November 3, 2008 11:20 AM in response to Strong Words for Magic Johnson

Thanks, Two Toilets-great advice for any time.

I also would add one thing, just as a suggestion: close up your handbags ladies and sling them across your neck (and not just on your shoulder)! I know these pretty $1,800 Balanciaga handbags are wonderful, but any person can either snag something from it without your knowing, or even worse will just take the whole load, whatever the cost. Everyone knows what high-end looks like and can tell them apart from the knock-offs.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at November 3, 2008 11:14 AM in response to Mugging on St. John's Place

Well said, Nokilisa.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at November 3, 2008 11:06 AM in response to One Arrested in Fort Greene Shootings

I would love to have this building. My partner has been dreaming of it for 15 years. And if we were blessed by sudden fortune I would maintain it as a single-family dwelling. I have spoken to the owner, and he is a very nice guy but very shy. After that NY Times article I wouldn't blame him.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at November 3, 2008 10:55 AM in response to Clinton Avenue Haunted Mansion Now 25% Cheaper

Re: Urban Outfitters-

Nice shoppe but poorly located and pricey.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at October 17, 2008 4:36 PM in response to Commercial Klutch: October Edition

I like Trader Joe's. Reasonable prices, and if you can go during off-peak hours you can get in and out of there quickly (especially compared to the 14th Street store). And their staff are very friendly and polite.

Yes, Whole Paycheck or Fairways would be nice downtown, but WF is very pricey and there is a Fairways down in Red Hook.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at October 17, 2008 4:35 PM in response to Commercial Klutch: October Edition

I like Trader Joe's. Reasonable prices, and if you can go during off-peak hours you can get in and out of there quickly (especially compared to the 14th Street store). And their staff has very friendly and polite.

Yes, Whole Paycheck or Fairways would be nice downtown, but WF is very pricey and there is a Fairways down in Red Hook.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at October 17, 2008 4:35 PM in response to Commercial Klutch: October Edition

If the Republicans can't handle their responsibility for its failure, why run for office?

The What is right. Just wait until Hong Kong opens in a few hours.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at September 29, 2008 4:44 PM in response to Quote of the Day

The person that wanting to take over Cellars for years is me.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at September 17, 2008 3:55 PM in response to It's Official: L'Epicerie Est Morte

I"ve been wanting to open a gay bar here in CH for years...it's a better bet than hedging on the Stock Market!

Posted by: gwbrubaker at September 17, 2008 3:53 PM in response to It's Official: L'Epicerie Est Morte

I don't think the housing crisis will end for a while. NYC has been fortunate due to foreign buyers (like London, which my friends call it 'Moscow-on-Thames'). And the i-bankers are still in trouble. We will just have to 'bear' with this for a while.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at September 12, 2008 12:21 PM in response to Housing Crisis Will End on June 30, 2009

It's going to be a very long time before Fulton Street gentrifies. That mall has extremely high rents, and does very well, in spite of its repetitive stores and pawn shops.

I'm not liking Oro at all. That yellow brick is not going to hold up to the vehicular exhaust, and it is rather boring in design.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at September 12, 2008 12:12 PM in response to Oro Closings Becoming a Reality

I go there occasionally just to admire the design. It is really beautiful. I do wish they would fix the clock on the front of the building.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at August 26, 2008 12:44 PM in response to Dime Savings Bank's Exterior Restoration a Wrap

I like the carousel as well. I was disappointed that no one gets to ride it, but the restoration was done very well.

Something should be done with the Empire Stores. With Galapagos opening soon next door this would generate more interest in the area.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at July 18, 2008 12:35 PM in response to AMNY Spotlights a Couple Fading Brooklyn Beauts

I haven't seen the plans for this site yet, but I will miss Gardell's Garden shoppe. I bought many things there over the years. Does anyone have a link that can show us what this place will look like, please?

Posted by: gwbrubaker at July 13, 2008 12:52 PM in response to Bracing For The Worst on South Portland Avenue

Thanks, this will definitely help your website. Now what should be implemented next is a removal of commenting privileges if someone just comes into the discussions just to get a rise out of others. It's counter-productive and childish.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at July 10, 2008 12:06 PM in response to Moving Forward

That is a very cute dog, but wouldn't Grand Avenue be considered Bed-Stuy?

Posted by: gwbrubaker at June 27, 2008 4:35 PM in response to Wednesday Blogwrap

All bickering aside-

I'm just disappointed that our transit system's long-overdue repairs are being shelved, instead of increasing them at a time when it would create further incentive to bring people out of their cars. Imagine what progress could've been done if the tax breaks given to Goldman Sachs/Yankee Stadium/Citi Stadium/Atlantic Yards et al were instead placed into our transit infrastructure.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at June 24, 2008 10:33 AM in response to MTA Postponing Rehabs of Many Brooklyn Stations

Thanks again. Your sentiments bring me much encouragement.

I, too, hope that they can get me back to form soon. I am waiting for some results from tests that will hopefully find a treatment for me and get me back to work soon. Until then I try to find solace and focus on my healing.

It has been a heartbreaking year, and I really want to get back to work soon. I'm in a wonderful city and yet feel very isolated because of this. And when I'm better I'll be back doing my best to make positive changes and make NYC a better place to live. And hopefully I will meet kind people like you.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at June 20, 2008 11:16 AM in response to Rent-Stabilization Hike: Lose-Lose?

Thanks, 11:00. I appreciate your kindness.

Unfortunately I was not disabled when I first moved into this apartment. My disability occurred in the past year, and before that I was working at a non-profit for a civil rights advocacy organization. The pay was low but in order to make positive changes you have to live in expensive cities such as NYC. That is where they are based.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at June 20, 2008 11:06 AM in response to Rent-Stabilization Hike: Lose-Lose?

This is going to hit me hard. I'm on disability. Out of my paltry disability I have to pay $600 a month (plus big deductibles) for my insurance so I can get treatment. And now with this I will see a 16.4% increase in my rent. After this I will have about $300 a month to live on.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at June 20, 2008 10:56 AM in response to Rent-Stabilization Hike: Lose-Lose?

Another item that is used throughout the rest of the world but not yet here is the electric shower. This cuts down on hot water energy consumption. I'm sure we'll be seeing more of these in the near future.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at June 19, 2008 7:42 PM in response to Inside Third & Bond: Week 42

I have used the Dualmax toilets in NZ, Denmark and the UK, and they are excellent. I think they should expand to the US market as soon as possible.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at June 19, 2008 7:39 PM in response to Inside Third & Bond: Week 42

very good suggestions from the guest at 1:13. Thank you for this information.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at June 13, 2008 1:17 PM in response to Pratt Community Alerted to Rise in Violent Muggings

'guest' at 1:06-

It was around 3:15pm early last week (I do not have my mobile records on immediate hand to give you the specific time-sorry), yes I called 911 on my mobile and gave pertinent information to the police (as best I could-I'm with a vocal palsy that makes it very difficult to speak.)

Could you please direct me to the Tish James website, please? I would be more than happy to assist her with this.

I've not witnessed any regular pattern here.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at June 13, 2008 1:13 PM in response to Pratt Community Alerted to Rise in Violent Muggings

I don't know about the asking price. To me-a bit steep.

One of the challenges would be: what could you really do with it? Converting it into housing would be very pricey. It's the same thing with the other nearby Elliman property at 372 Clinton Avenue. They are both currently 'institutionalized' and would take a gut renovation to convert. And neither property has anything in them that makes it an enticing buy.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at June 13, 2008 12:37 PM in response to Former Union HQ on the Block

I agree with you, Gidget, that this thread gets ugly at times. Sorry about that-it is one of the unfortunate results of guest comments.

Don't automatically assume that every person of color is out to get you. There are tell-tale signs when these incidents occur, no matter what their background. I think of it as a 'swarm-attack'-where they will act strangely and then surround you for the assault. That is why you should just keep your eyes and ears open.

Other than that I would recommend a self-defense class. That might help, but during incidents when it is a large group of individuals the sheer number would be quite intimidating.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at June 13, 2008 12:29 PM in response to Pratt Community Alerted to Rise in Violent Muggings

Gidget-

Just keep a look around you when you're walking around. Be aware of your surroundings, and limit your use of the iPod while walking around. This keeps you from hearing people coming from behind you. And if you see a group of people you don't feel comfortable with, cross the street. If you're being attacked, SCREAM and try to get out of the incident as best you can.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at June 13, 2008 12:23 PM in response to Pratt Community Alerted to Rise in Violent Muggings

11:45

This kind of violence has been going on for far longer than the Depression. The reason is slowed down during the Depression was that no one had anything to take.

It's not a license to justify asbo-behavior. It's just an unfortunate reality.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at June 13, 2008 12:01 PM in response to Pratt Community Alerted to Rise in Violent Muggings

11:22-

Could you please tell me where you retrieved this information? I would like to read more about what is going on in my precinct.

Thank you.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at June 13, 2008 11:39 AM in response to Pratt Community Alerted to Rise in Violent Muggings

To the 'guests':

Please do not turn this into a racist generalization or oversensitivity about Clinton Hill and our wonderful diversity. There are great people here, too. We have lived here for 15 years and love it here. There just happens to be an issue which is in the 88th, and our overstretched police force can not be everywhere all of the time.

Remember that there was a time when we all had to use our street smarts. With a downturn in the economy and frustrated kids you will unfortunately see these things happen again. And it is not exclusive to Clinton Hill. It's happening in a lot of areas.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at June 13, 2008 11:27 AM in response to Pratt Community Alerted to Rise in Violent Muggings

I live on Clinton Avenue and have personally witnessed one of the attacks happening about a week and a half ago. The warning is not being racist-I saw the perpetrators (about 15 young kids that were African-American) and they surrounded a couple and then without warning started beating them violently. They then grabbed anything that they could from them and then scattered in different directions, and the group of men that seem to be out in front of their building at Clinton and Greene were signaling to the kids where to run to.

I'm disabled so I wasn't able to do much to stop it, but it has been on the increase, and it is not a racist issue. There just happens to be a group of kids that are causing a lot of trouble in the neighborhood.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at June 13, 2008 11:17 AM in response to Pratt Community Alerted to Rise in Violent Muggings

I have many friends that live in this building (I live two doors down from it.) It is a very nice building, and the neighbours are very nice. They are currently wrapping up a huge re-bricking of sections of the building. In spite of the walking into your kitchen I think these apartments are lovely. The maintenance fee is higher because of the recent work, but overall I would have to say that it is a great building. I wish we would've had the money to buy into this place years ago.

Posted by: gwbrubaker at June 12, 2008 11:08 AM in response to Co-op of the Day: 360 Clinton Avenue

We tried the traps approach (only $60 setup from Empire Pest Control on Court Street), but only one squirrel caught in two weeks. AND, the same squirrels can come back from as far away as ten miles. See this link for loads of squirrel info: http://unexco.com/SQ1.html.

We cancelled the trapping and went with exclusion -- Kingsway Exterminators -- the set up a one-way door on the hole in the cornice and the squirrels were gone within two days. The exterminators then remove the one-way door and place mesh over the entry hole to keep the squirrels out. $495 I think is their usual fee.

Downside is numerous screws holes in the cornice and unsightly metal mesh over the ends of the cornice, so a genuine repair is still in order, and it will be more extensive than it would have been with trapping.

Posted by: rcw66 at May 27, 2009 1:48 PM in response to Exterminator Pricing?

is the bar still available? i have a new place opening this september.

thanks...ds

Posted by: diamonddistrictfishco at June 24, 2009 3:22 PM in response to Antique Back Bar for Sale