madison_st's Profile
Author's Posts
February 4, 2008
Railing, Newel Post for sale
I'm selling a 12' stair railing, 2 straight sections of 40" and 47", the turn around section at the top of the staircase, and a newel post. All are in good condition. The paint is chipped but the wood underneath is in great shape. I don't know if they're mahogany or dark walnut. I posted this on Saturday, but wanted to re-post with a better photo. I don't know how much this sort of things sells for, so please email offers to frankrause@hotmail.com
February 2, 2008
Rail for Sale
I have an old railing, probably 1880's, solid African mahogany, in very good shape. About 12 feet long. I also have the newel post, some extra balusters, overeasing, and a few straight sections of railings. Make an offer at frankrause at hotmail dot com . Thanks!
January 3, 2008
Getting Someome Off My Mortgage
My brother and I bought a house together three years ago, and he moved out, on good terms, about two years ago. We'd like to get his name off the paperwork so that I'd be the official owner / mortgage payer of the house. We know it's probably going to be a headache - do any of you know what's involved? Have any of you been through this process before?
Author's Comments
I forgot to mention the big box o' ballusters.
Posted by: madison_st at February 4, 2008 10:00 AM in response to Railing, Newel Post for sale
It took two years for the city to plant a tree in front of my house in bedstuy.
Posted by: madison_st at February 17, 2008 5:11 PM in response to Where to buy a street tree?
I ride down this street every day on my way to work. The third building is actually pretty nice - trim and details are rare in new buildings in this neighborhood. I think it will look okay in the end.
As far as the porches, I think it's part of the religion. There's a festival every year where everyone has to set up an outdoor hut. For a weekend, all the porches are built up with temporary shelters. Therefore, every apartment needs a little outdoor space, even if it's only a 2x4' porch.
As someone who really likes looking at graceful architecture, I cringe and get sad every time I bike through this neighborhood. It's pretty depressing. It's just not a culture that puts much value into aesthetics.
Posted by: madison_st at February 22, 2008 11:57 AM in response to Catching Up on the Bedford Avenue Building Boom
Yeah, I think certain sects of Judaism really avoid adornment. With the exception of meticulously combed fur hats. It really varies by the group. I don't know the specific sect that's in Williamsburg / Bedstuy. According to Wikipedia, they're from the Satmar sect.
I teach animation, and once had a young orthodox Jew sit in on one of my classes. He really wanted to get into animation, but his religion wouldn't allow him to draw figural art. I had to tell him that it would be pretty tough to animate without drawing figural things. Quite a sad moment. I think drawing non-realistic cartoon characters might be a grey area? Anyways, yes, there are definite rules about art and design for some sects of Judaism.
Posted by: madison_st at February 22, 2008 12:11 PM in response to Catching Up on the Bedford Avenue Building Boom
I was just thinking about genocide, wondering if it could ever happen in the US. It occurred to me that, if it does, it would probably be launched by anonymous comment pages on blogs. This place brings out the worst part of human nature. I'm going to go read about plaster repair techniques... from a book.
Posted by: madison_st at February 22, 2008 4:13 PM in response to Catching Up on the Bedford Avenue Building Boom
Hooray! Let's complain!
Posted by: madison_st at March 4, 2008 10:05 AM in response to Brooklyn Post Offices: Endless Bummer?
I like the not-swearing trend.
Posted by: madison_st at March 26, 2008 10:33 AM in response to Market Update: Bad News For Subprime-Stunned Nabes
All parking laws break down when you get anywhere near a police office or a government office. Police officers don't ticket government employees or other cops. I'd like to stay positive, but it's really hard not to dislike the police in this town.
Posted by: madison_st at March 28, 2008 11:21 AM in response to Adams Street Bike Lane Shenanigans Continue
The BAM building is one of the most beautiful in the city. This awning looks like a suburban bus shelter. At least it's only bolted on.
Posted by: madison_st at April 1, 2008 12:19 PM in response to Latest Addition to BAM Complete
I've been in this neighborhood for a few years now, used to walk by this house and think it was a lost cause. I can't believe how much work they've done to it. The details, which were crumbling and rusting, have all been replaced and restored. It's a great looking building.
Posted by: madison_st at January 3, 2008 11:05 AM in response to Lottery for 420 Classon Avenue Kicks Off