Our kitchen sink gurgles, but only when there is flooding going on - water coming up into the laundry sink in our cellar (which we can stop with a faucet/block thingy)(and which we virtually stopped by getting rain barrels). During that really, really heavy rain water stopped going down the drain in our kitchen sink, but it eventually drains when the sewer catches up. It doesn't gurgle at any other time, would that still be a venting problem?

Posted by: mshook at August 27, 2010 1:02 PM in response to Sink Gurgles When it Rains

I have banked with Amalgamated since I moved here and they were the only ones who would take me (seems 15 years of banking with HSBC in the UK meant nothing to HSBC over here). They have at least 3 Manhattan branches, and one in BK. I have found them great; no obscene charges, competetive interest rates (checking gets better interest than any other I could find), very helpful people. I had to do some banking with Citi in order to build my credit rating and as soon as I got my mortgage everything came out of Citi and went right back to Amalgamated.

Posted by: mshook at August 20, 2010 11:19 AM in response to Socially Responsible Banking?

Exactly, slopenick. The Columbia St bike path is now a disaster of nannies and toddlers, nearly impossible to navigate on a bike.

Posted by: mshook at August 18, 2010 1:52 PM in response to Interim Bike Path for Brooklyn Bridge Park?

Me again... my friend has been looking for an apt. as well, which is why I am up on all this. The phone # for the Van Brunt/Commerce place is: 718 834 8675. My friend phoned the one above the Hope and Anchor and it still under renovation, but will be $1600 I think when it's done. Good luck!

Posted by: mshook at August 13, 2010 3:18 PM in response to Red Hook Apartments

There are a few apartments for rent that have signs in the window with phone numbers right now. One is on Van Brunt right after Commerce, another is above the Hope and Anchor. I assume those would be straight to the owner. The building next door to me has an apartment for rent, but I believe that goes through Frank Galeano. You could try coming and wandering around, and that way get a better idea of whether you wanted to live here, too.

Posted by: mshook at August 13, 2010 2:17 PM in response to Red Hook Apartments

Those bikes aren't crappy - brand new Treks, replaced every year, and tuned after every rental.

Posted by: mshook at August 2, 2010 5:54 PM in response to Closing Bell: Bicycle Rental on the GAP

I had my heart set on a farmhouse sink. Rather than spend $1000 on one, we got the double version from Ikea for $199. It has been great.

Posted by: mshook at July 30, 2010 1:04 PM in response to Kitchen Sinks?

I believe the natura is NO VOC, the aurora (?) is the low VOC option. We recently used lots of natura in both eggshell and matt and really liked it. There's no awful smell... and then the thing I really hate about new paint: the smell of diesel when you light the gas stove? None of that, either. I would read up online, but I don't think clearing out for days would be necessary if you use a no VOC paint.

Posted by: mshook at July 22, 2010 12:34 PM in response to Last Minute Painting Job

We admired our friend's flat one, and bought the curved. Both of them are doing fine years (3-4) later. No complaints at all, love this fridge.

Posted by: mshook at July 20, 2010 10:10 AM in response to Fisher & Paykel Refrigerators

My brother's ex wife had some kind of connection to GE and he warned me years ago never to buy GE appliances. I passed this warning on to a friend when she bought her house but she bought a GE fridge and dishwasher. Dishwasher lasted less than 2 years and fridge has been problematic. When I lived in England and had to try to fly back home even though I had a bad flying phobia, a plane having GE engines was always enough to send me into a nervous collapse. Got to love those BA Rolls Royce engines!

Posted by: mshook at July 20, 2010 10:06 AM in response to Interesting Water Heater Warranty Info

FWIW - I believe we have 2 60 gallon barrels. Bought them on line, about $90 each, just bog standard black plastic. Our roller composter makes us tea, DIBS. And I think the dog would like nothing better than to be showered in compost!

Posted by: mshook at July 15, 2010 1:54 PM in response to Advice on Rain Barrels?

We had the exact same problem (water backing up in our laundry sink resulting in flooded cellar), and solved it with rain barrels. We have 2 roofs - the main part of the (small) house, and a longer garage/extension - so presumably we have quite a bit of water coming off of them. We did one barrel and then added a second last year. We capped off the drain that leads through the house, and not once has our cellar flooded again. I agree that it possibly could be a blockage in that pipe somwhere, but we live in Red Hook, very near the water, the next intersection up floods every time there is heavy rain... so we figured it was more to do with the storm system just not being able to cope. Very occasionally, with a heavy rain, the barrels will fill. We have an overflow hose from the back up barrel and goes out into the far side of the yard. The yard does not flood, no damage to ours or our neighbor's property. We use the collected rain water to water the plants, play with the dog, etc. This past summer the barrels were both empty 2 weeks ago so we badly needed this rain. I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try - good for your water bill, good for the city system!

Posted by: mshook at July 15, 2010 1:08 PM in response to Advice on Rain Barrels?

I found "the awful green line" great, actually.

Posted by: mshook at July 9, 2010 12:44 PM in response to Rental Apt Painting Question

That's interesting, because there is ivy here from the previous inhabitants. We don't mind either way, but last year they cut a bunch down and threw it down on my veggies and killed our raspberry, so I'm already pissed at them. In any case, owner is coming over to discuss work and agree schedule, etc., and is supposedly bringing with him proof of insurance and written agreement to fix any roof damage (or damage from a leak) for up to one month after the job is done. Hopefully any leaks will show up by then.
Thanks to everyone for very helpful advice... here's hoping we can work it out without any (more) trouble.

Posted by: mshook at June 25, 2010 10:24 AM in response to Neighbors Repointing

Thanks, everyone. I feel somewhat emboldened.

Posted by: mshook at June 25, 2010 7:24 AM in response to Neighbors Repointing

I second Vinca's suggestion of Ceriello. I couldn't even get any other electrician to call me back, let alone come out and correctly wire up a ceiling fan. But they came and were great.

Posted by: mshook at June 15, 2010 10:00 AM in response to Electrician Needed for a VERY Small Job

UnprotectedWrecks - you mean your neighbor was playful, loving, goofy, and somewhat insecure? Because that describes my pit bull's personality.
ASPCA will only want to ensure that the dogs have shelter and water, I don't think they're the way to go.

Posted by: mshook at June 8, 2010 10:53 AM in response to Barking Dogs, Illegal Kennel

Why would anyone think a German was essential for riding their bike?

Posted by: mshook at May 21, 2010 10:43 AM in response to Bike to Work Day in Brooklyn

FWIW, Ikea have those doors on sale right now $5 a piece, so you could screw a few up and not lose much money....

Posted by: mshook at May 14, 2010 5:22 PM in response to Reconfigering an IKEA Cabinet

I can't believe you saw a flicker! Those things are HUGE!
A bit of oil in the water makes it mosquito proof.

Posted by: mshook at May 10, 2010 6:50 AM in response to Possibly Silly Bird Question

We are in the flood zone, and Max Pollack on Van Brunt St was the only broker who didn't laugh in my face when I called him! We have been insured through them for 3 years now.

Posted by: mshook at May 5, 2010 9:05 AM in response to Insurance in Flood Zone

A few down in Coffey Park. One big one crashed down on some benches and totally crushed them - lucky no one was sitting on them!

Posted by: mshook at April 30, 2010 1:50 PM in response to Close Call on Gold Street

The stuff we can't compost we stuff into those giant paper bags (bought from a hardware store) and put out with the trash. At least then we know it will biodegrade, instead of sitting in a black plastic bag for all eternity....

Posted by: mshook at April 16, 2010 9:39 AM in response to Yard Waste - Options?

You only need a car to get to Red Hook if you lack limbs or the ability to ride a bus.

Posted by: mshook at April 13, 2010 9:39 AM in response to Ferry Service to Governors Island Back on Table

Springhill are nice and cheap, but my experiences with their stuff have not bee that great. In general, everything comes absolutely tiny, often does not survive, and certainly will not give you much bang for your buck this season.

Posted by: mshook at April 4, 2010 11:34 AM in response to Planting Ideas

Well, nothing else was working, they were coming right back in through spackle. So I thought about what they were doing to get through and figured pepper might put them off. Worked in more than one house for me. I go for straight cayenne, actually.

Posted by: mshook at March 23, 2010 12:55 PM in response to Persistent Ants

I know it sounds crazy but the only thing I have had work at keeping ants out is filling the cracks they are using with spackle heavily dosed with chili powder. They do not like chewing through that!

Posted by: mshook at March 23, 2010 10:57 AM in response to Persistent Ants

Sweet house. It might be that deep, because it's kind of L-shaped, extra rooms out the back the right side. The garden is very small.

Posted by: mshook at March 15, 2010 1:32 PM in response to House of the Day: 122 Bond Street

So I'd only have to be half a hooker?

Posted by: mshook at March 12, 2010 9:25 AM in response to First Yards Tower To Be Half-Affordable

Mmm, DIBS, he's dreamy! Next olympics I bet he medals.

Posted by: mshook at March 11, 2010 10:39 AM in response to Today's The Big Day at Atlantic Yards

Ha, Mare! I was out walking the dog yesterday morning and saw the awning and got really excited. And then thought, "oh, it's probably some stupid 'installation' by that useless gallery" and crossed the street to peek in. Was VERY pleased to see actual counter and freezers in there.

Posted by: mshook at March 10, 2010 1:24 PM in response to Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up

We have a porcher bathroom sink. I had seen it used in some design magazine and finally found it at Home Depot Expo - was going for a more industrial/school look, and realised they just used the sink without the pedestal. Anyway, it is great and we have had no problems. I do dislike that it says "porcher" on it, but put the soap dish on top of the logo so it doesn't irritate me too much. It was certainly a reasonably priced alternative to some of the similar sinks I managed to find on Bowery.

Posted by: mshook at March 9, 2010 12:45 PM in response to Porcher Sinks and Toilets

Like the photo, Kara!

Posted by: mshook at March 8, 2010 10:57 AM in response to Monday Links

Oh, please! Living in a one bathroom house and having that bathroom redone. Hands down. 2 nights without toilet, 2 weeks without shower. Awful.

Posted by: mshook at March 3, 2010 8:57 AM in response to Renovation Poll

The Mare: I guess my hunch is correct, then. You were once invited to a party on Dikeman and spent the whole time standing alone in the kitchen. Or you went into Bait and Tackle and got their bullshit. I'm not going to argue with people who talk about Red Hook being unsafe, "fringe", or complain about the projects, because they clearly live in a different city from me. I have no problem with the projects, the very pleasant men who work in the "Spinning Window" store (seriously?), or the shape of my panties. I don't want to live in Dumbo, or anywhere else. I don't want Red Hook to change, and I do not live amongst these white folks you are so steamed about, nor do I let them bother me. The words "bitter" and "renter" are leaping ineluctably to mind right now.

Posted by: mshook at February 27, 2010 7:13 AM in response to A Red Hook Townhouse for $270,000? Yessiree Bob

PS, Ikea could come and take a big dump on my doorstep and I could not love them any less for the wonderful open waterfront space they have provided.

Posted by: mshook at February 26, 2010 3:31 PM in response to A Red Hook Townhouse for $270,000? Yessiree Bob

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! I finally measure up to The Mare's stereotypes, being the owner of at least one moleskin!
A swingle is a mini Steve's Key Lime pie dunked in dark chocolate, frozen, and eaten like a popsicle. Nuts.

Posted by: mshook at February 26, 2010 3:16 PM in response to A Red Hook Townhouse for $270,000? Yessiree Bob

Or, we're out enjoying our beautiful neighborhood and all the great waterfront access. I don't have a car, and I love, love, LOVE living in Red Hook. No trust fund, not hip, slightly bitter... better stop there. Buffleheads, swingles, great sunsets, bike paths... just a few examples of the things you get when you live here.

Posted by: mshook at February 26, 2010 12:43 PM in response to A Red Hook Townhouse for $270,000? Yessiree Bob

Pier 6 looks amzing - all kinds of windy hills and other cool stuff. I am constantly amazed by the progress they are making on this park, and how lovely it looks. If only it were going to include a sledding hill!

Posted by: mshook at February 26, 2010 9:30 AM in response to Those Recycled Pine Benches at Brooklyn Bridge Park

We went for no upper cabinets (in fact, no cabinets at all), and have open shelving only above our counters. I love being able to see my storage jars and to display special plates, etc. We have 2 old skylights in our kitchen and the dust/dirt has not been a problem at all. I do rinse out bowls which have been sitting for months before being used, but stuff that is used regularly is fine. I hate the claustrophobic upper cabinet feeling, but I also hate clutter. We have not had any problems with the shelves getting full of crap - there are some areas for crap to go, and we've managed to stick with it.

Posted by: mshook at February 23, 2010 10:10 AM in response to Kitchen Reno--No Upper Cabinets

I just read a feature on a local moving company on the wordoncolumbiastreet blog. They sounded like a good, responsible company, and are in the area. Sorry, can't remember the name....

Posted by: mshook at February 5, 2010 2:36 PM in response to Movers for Walk Ups

We live in Red Hook and I was beginning to panic about insurance when I found Max Pollack, whose office is on Van Brunt. Our insurance includes flood coverage and is very cheap. I highly recommend going with your local broker!

Posted by: mshook at February 5, 2010 12:40 PM in response to Hazard Insurance Question

Who on earth would mind tug boats working in their vicinity? I am IN LOVE with the tug boats, they make my day.

Posted by: mshook at February 4, 2010 1:40 PM in response to Sitt Reverses on Student Housing for Red Hook

Ecover powder bleach (it comes in a box) is the best thing for red wine stains. Make a paste and let it sit, but I have no idea how it will work on an old stain.

Posted by: mshook at January 28, 2010 2:30 PM in response to Old Wine Stain in Carpet

Atlantis closed down.

Posted by: mshook at November 6, 2009 3:39 PM in response to What's New This Weekend?

I agree with Miss Muffet... what I take away from this is that once again if the Democrats had had some balls and run a strong candidate and a real race it might have turned out differently.

Posted by: mshook at November 4, 2009 10:08 AM in response to Election 2009: No Big Surprises in Brooklyn

Bob, my girl likes the - as you so politely put it - undigested protein of many mammals, but she does also enjoy unadulterated World's Best, straight from the bag if she can.

Posted by: mshook at October 30, 2009 9:19 PM in response to Mice in Bed-Stuy

What kind of litter is it, Bob? As I posted yesterday, my dog is very partial to World's Best.

Posted by: mshook at October 30, 2009 3:54 PM in response to Mice in Bed-Stuy

home and stone in brooklyn. they also have an extensive website.

Posted by: electra at July 30, 2010 2:30 PM in response to Kitchen Sinks?

We got a $50 cast iron double sink from Green Demolitions. I highly recommend taking a look--it's an investment of time, because you really need to go there and see what they have in stock at the moment.

For faucets, I have had a very good experience dealing with Park Slope Plumbing Supply. Got two bathroom faucets and a tub drain through them. If you know roughly what you want, they can show you what's available and get you decent prices. Talk to Mark.

Posted by: parkplaced at July 30, 2010 9:29 PM in response to Kitchen Sinks?

I highly recommend going with an extra deep enameled cast iron sink. Stainless steel may match the appliances but is hell to keep looking good.

Posted by: MarionG at July 30, 2010 11:14 PM in response to Kitchen Sinks?

Build It Green- LIC...http://www.bignyc.org/hoursaddressdirections

It is a crap shoot- but when there are sinks- it is great. When we renovated our house by hand, we got a brand new Kohler kitchen sink with hardware for 80 bucks...

A great place and a great idea.

Posted by: abremus at August 1, 2010 3:18 PM in response to Kitchen Sinks?

The best way is to buy new cabinet that will fit to new fridge. Ikea isn't expensive furniture and its quality corresponds to price. So be careful changing your cabinets. Because you can be disappointed with results like all these people http://ikea.pissedconsumer.com/.

Posted by: MalGreen at August 6, 2010 2:28 AM in response to Reconfigering an IKEA Cabinet

For more information in getting rid of mice and other pests problem go to this website http://www.GetRidMice.com

Posted by: njguy at August 6, 2010 9:38 PM in response to Exterminating Mice?

Bad experience with them. Lots of flaking and peeling on walls & ceilings. Attempted redo's that didn't work and lied about when he would be there and finish. Uneven ceiling not properly sanded. Ugh!

Posted by: sandybeach77 at August 7, 2010 6:31 PM in response to Last Minute Painting Job

Me again... my friend has been looking for an apt. as well, which is why I am up on all this. The phone # for the Van Brunt/Commerce place is: 718 834 8675. My friend phoned the one above the Hope and Anchor and it still under renovation, but will be $1600 I think when it's done. Good luck!

Posted by: mshook at August 13, 2010 3:18 PM in response to Red Hook Apartments

You can find great silicone sealants for insulating glass skylights at Dow Corning. It's nice because they provide a detailed technical manual to help you out. I would suggest checking them out. http://www.dowcorning.com/content/construction/insulglass/

Posted by: Farout at August 17, 2010 5:48 PM in response to Skylight Question

Bushwick Cooperative Federal Credit Union Bank on Myrtle. I believe they may also have a branch in Bed Stuy, not sure.

Rather impractical if you don't live there. But call them up anyway and ask. They probably know a place near you.

Also I do believe they let you use anyone's ATM without charge -- but I believe the other bank will charge you, no?

But they are certainly ethical.

Posted by: mopar at August 21, 2010 9:51 PM in response to Socially Responsible Banking?