apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Joe Colombo

jamie pup,

what's the reference?

mechanically different paradigms

Hmmm. It's not working is it Chris?

my "good question" about fluorescent lighting was posted on Fri. when I was out of town. I just now saw all of the helpful replies and wanted to thank everyone who reponded for their suggestions. So interesting to learn about CRI, color temperature, etc!

wende in SF--Was it you who bought a Sears mattress in the $300-400 range after reading a Consumer Reports article that said mattresses aren't that different and to get what feels right? If so, how are you liking that mattress?

al, I was trying to accomplish two things:
1. Let ppl know about about Joe Colombo, whose bio and designes are both easily found by googling
2. See if the goolgle ads would change with the first post.

The reason I got interested in Joe Colombo is because a writer from the NYT mentioned him and his clever, ahead of their time solutions to compact living when she went to see the Jade apts in Chelsea. Those apts, which were also linked to here on AT featured pods that contained the kitchen and bathroom in a self contained unit.

This reminded me also of the abito solutions which were very similar and to which I have linked to in the past:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/open-threads/open-thread-113-005697
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/slinks/slinks-002125
http://mocoloco.com/archives/000872.php#more
http://www.landliving.com/articles/0000000270.aspx

Hello creative folk. I have used this thread before and value your input very much. I am looking for a piece (maybe taxidermy, hanging clock, etc) to put over a dark brown couch with baby blue walls. Sorry no pic. I would like to keep the cost under $200. Any ideas for an odd pieces?

jamie pup,

I was thinking of the other Joe Colombo.....

Matt - How about a map?

You mention taxedermy -- did you see that on the LA version of AT a few weeks ago they a DIY project where they bought a fake deer head and they painted it white? I think there was a source for the fake deer head. That project looked cool and yet it was nice that it fake, so it was just interesting and sculptural.

But if you DID want something kind of odd in that direction, there are skulls and skeletons of various kinds at Maxilla and Mandible on Columbus between 81st and 82nd Street.

Fake white deer heads? How about guns and knives too?
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/gallery/album133/HOUSE_1

From this thread:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/small-cool-2005/extra-apartment-marlons-green-pad-002652

He mentioned quirky and taxidermy; kind of thought it might be a notch below taxidermy in the creepy department, while staying with the quirky idea.

A friend of mine used to have a vintage anatomical map showing the digestive tract in his kitchen. I gotta say... it looked kind of cool.

Matt--

In the fantasy yet-to-be-purchased starck white modern condo I frequently furnish in my head, one wall features a large stuffed (taxidermied?) sailfish/marlin. I love that look, and people are less squeamish about stuffed fish.

I JUST passed a place with really cool old botanical school charts, but for the life of me cannot remember where. I'll keep thinking...

Another thing to consider is vinatge signage, either in its entirety, or random dimensional letters.

Or, cube shelves with 3-d items on them.

Hey curtis, I wasn't judging or voicing an opinion. I was trying to seque into that link.

I actually think the guns as inert art, either on the wall as Marlon did or as a vase as has been linked to in the past here, is pretty cool.

Okay, a little shameless [family] promotion here... but this stuff is great, large, detailed, and striking for those w/ an unorthodox aesthetic.

Artist: Bill Amundson- graphite on paper... debut at the Morgan Lehman gallery in Chelsea, September 2005.

http://www.morganlehmangallery.com/dynamic/artist_artwork.asp?ArtistID=24

-kellen

I also have a mattress question. Does anyone know of a Manhattan showroom with organic mattresses cheaper than the $1500 at Pure Rest? That's all I see in the AT archive. I need only the mattress, not box spring, but would go conventional before I would pay that much and the question is complicated by the fact that I would never order one online without trying it. $700- $800 would be my upper upper limit.

Pixie -- Yes, I'm the proud owner of the cheap Sears mattress, thanks to the kindly ministrations of Consumer Reports. It arrived last Thursday. So far, I'm totally pleased.

We ended up in our price range partly because I loathe the feel of the mattresses that have the layer of memory foam right at the surface, and those were the more expensive ones.

Bear in mind, though, that the husband and I are very, very easy-going about sleeping conditions. Someone who is more sensitive to the environment might have a different reaction.

Matt, I like the map idea. I'm a map freak and I found a nice site thru Ebay that has cool maps.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-YORK-CITY-OLD-FARMS-NY-LANDOWNER-MAP-1831-MOTP_W0QQitemZ7386958894QQcategoryZ63608QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks Wende. I haven't looked at that Consumer Reports article yet, but I will. I really, really need a new mattress, but don't want to spend the big bucks (who's going to buy the other stuff I should have bought for my place, like yesterday?) And that article was intriguing--not that Consumer Reports hasn't been wrong before, though. I too am not all that sensitive to mattresses (other than the ones that make you too warm), but I also don't want something that's going to be awful. Not to start another mattress discussion.

jamie pup -
The "guns" thing must have kicked off a bit of projecting on my part, since I'm kind of allergic to guns even as imagery, which may not make sense with my OK-ness with fake taxidermy, but feels to me like makes sense.

Basically, I do like Marlon's place WAY MUCH more than I don't.

and if you like the map thing - there are a few map-related art projects in this month's canadian House & Home magazine (weekend decorating feature) http://www.canadianhouseandhome.com/magView.php

For any of you waiting on my report of my new silk-filled comforter from Garnet Hill, this *may* be the weekend I do a bedding overhaul, so I'll keep you posted. But I do like the weight of it when I finally took it out of the shipping box!

Drat! I'd love to see the map article (as we have skads we are waiting to hang on one wall) but it's not clickable, and I don't think I can find that magazine here.

Fiona--
They usually have Canadian House & Home at the Barnes & Noble in Time-Warner.

If not, I'll lend you my copy, since I subscribe. It's my fave, by far!!!

ps: If anyone's looking for some framed maps (not vintage, but huge ones from National Geographic) someone in my building is selling several framed ones.

I've actually been looking for a some sort of over-sized exploded diagram of a gun to hang as art. I think that would be pretty cool. So far I've had little luck finding good diagrams online that could be made large enough.

P2-

This is in reference to your comment on my "always leave a place better than you found it" from the apt renovation thread...

I agree with you that in regards to interior design or decorating, things ARE highly subjective.

But the point I was making (my mom's point) is about stewardship for space. Even if it is a rental - having respect for the place, keeping it clean, keeping the appliances in good working order, caring for the place as if it were your own.

Lori 2--
No argument here on that... I am a landlord!!

And living in a rental in NYC has changed my opinion about what you can/can't do in a rental... but I rent in a huge building from a leasing agent. My opinion would probably be different if I knew my landlord by name.

Hey everyone! I finally have a question worth some salt here, even though it's not decorating related, it's definitely apartment related.

How do you tell a roommate that really hasn't done anything wrong that you're moving out and expect her to be out at such and such a date without stomping on all of her feelings?

Why does she have to go too? Why can't she get a roommate to take your place?

Max,

Try looking on the Library of Congress' website. I know you can find some old diagrams and architectural drawings there. Most anything in the Library can be ordered as a high resolution image on CD. With that you could take your gun diagram to a printer and get it printed large format.

An ancestor of mine had a huge estate in Washington DC and I was able to find original architectural drawings of it and get those blown up.

For Maxwell and AT staffers
---------------------------


I understand you are moving to a new server. Is it possible that you can utilize the google search facility on the web ?

A point to consider- A suggestion
The current Search facility does not do its job as it is supposed to. AT has covered large no of issues but one does not come across with the search log when one puts the text on search. A better search facility would prevent the writers than simply echoing the same question again and again.

Thanks

This is not an icecream question not a food question - but a kind neighbourly apartment question.

My neighbour ( an Indian) loves to give me food. She cooks delicious food.
It used to happen very ocassionally when I moved in first but now it has become a regular feature. 2 or 3 times in a week. I have requested her that I do appreciate her food but she need not.

She is not a person who takes No very easily.and would take offense if I use stronger words. I do not want to put her off. she is my next door neighbour.

How do I put forth to her not to give me food.

whips - that's pretty tough as a gift of food is such a caring thing and would maybe be really nice if it were more infrequent. Do you know why she gives it to you so frequently? Does she think you don't eat well or something and wants to look after you? Maybe you could try to explain why you don't want it (e.g. I just don't have space in my fridge for extra food, I love cooking for myself, I eat out a lot and don't want it to go to waste). If all else fails, use a diet or allergy (even if made up) as an excuse. You might also try refusing it when she tries to give it to you by saying something like "oh, I've already eaten" or "I already have plans for supper tonight".

Sharon --
About organic mattresses -- the organic mattresses we buy (they make 'em just a few miles from here) are pretty reasonably priced. They last time we were buying something there last year, they said that ABC Carpet and Home were selling their product. You should try and check them out (you can buy them over the internet too):

http://www.obasan.ca/frames_facts.htm

Frankie Lee -- if you are out there -- I posted something on your club chair question on post 239 (pretty late, I know).

Whips, I re-read your post and don't see a reason WHY you don't want your neighbor's delicious free food. Is her cooking too spicy, do you not want her knocking on your door 2-3 times a week, is she a neighbor that lingers, etc...?

I once visited relatives in Northern Wales and took some tea sandwiches and pastries with me to give to them. They were MAJORLY offended by that. They thought I was saying to them that I didn't think they could afford to feed me. Nothing could have been further from the truth and yet it was the first thing that entered their minds.

All I'm saying is, there may be some sort of custom or something behind the gesture that is part of their culture (single person needs good eats). If you are really put off by the great food she shares with you then maybe telling her that unfortunately your stomach has become too sensitive for her delicious food or you're on a special diet that won't allow ____ (fill in the blank).

Anyone see the Miled Redd designed apt in the NYT this weekend? Im beginning to get really sick of zebra rugs but the kitchen positively emanated Dorothy Draper rays (as was intended, of course).

p2- how much are they selling the maps for? and how big are they?

muchas gracias!

P2,

Thanks for the tip. And if it's one of your favorite magazines, I better go hunt it down! :)

anne, allison et al,

I have tried whatever you have said ..

diets, allergies, spicy ( she does not make it spicy) .. health, i have had food ( she says you can have it tomorrow)...

My dilemma is I just do NOT want free food. I even told her that I can not reciprocate in the same manner and I guess she understands that too. she does not like the way I cook because I make my food very bland. I am not even a "recipe" cook.

Yes she is one of those neighbours that lingers. Her 5 year old son comes to my place sometimes but that is fine. she has the answer to all domestic problems. So I do not even have to run around researching the answers for anything. she become a prime source.

I guess when I am going to return the dishes I am going to put diplomatically straigtforth and I will come back and write what happened.

whips - she sounds like an overall excellent neighbour, so I would try to word it very carefully. For example, "I value your friendship, but I find gifts of food really disruptive. Please know you are as welcome as always to come over, but I would prefer if you did not bring me food." Maybe you could redirect her kitchen kindness to an elderly neighbour who would value a special homemade meal?

jamie pup wrote:
> Joe Colombo

al wrote:
> jamie pup,
> what's the reference?

chris (nyc) wrote:
> mechanically different paradigms

jamie pup wrote:
> Hmmm. It's not working is it Chris?

-----

I tried my best.

whipped:

since you asked for help...

maybe you can ask her to get on a feeding schedule so you know when to expect these meals. that way, you can invite over a date or a friend and let them enjoy it with you. :) kidding. sorta. but if you notice a pattern you can either go to the gym on those nights or when she comes over, always have something on the stove that you're in the midst of preparing. this is of course if you think she is a total pain and you can't handle it anymore. if this is not the case, read on...

i wouldn't deny her of this very kind offering. let her bring you these meals. who knows, perhaps she is new here and lonely for her family back home. i worked with a ton of indians in my past life and know all to well how lonely their families are when they come to america, leaving behind grandparents, aunts, uncles. indians are very tight knit. often they all live together in the same home, parents, grandparents... who knows, maybe you are an adopted family member now. :)

it may be an act of kindness on your part to accept her meals and show appreciation by returning the gesture with something you made, some flowers, even something from the bakery if you don't cook. sometimes we give to charity and buy eco friendly cleaning solution, but forget that often it's our neighbor that we have the opportunity to make a difference and a real contribution.

often, we forget as americans that not every culture is running crazy with no time and not everyone has a cell phone attached to their hip. Sometimes, we go for months without seeing our own parents. Watch the movie Click to get my point. I think that sometimes others can teach us things we may need to learn.

My neighbor brings me flowers, soup when I'm sick, veggies from the farmers market, you name it - they are amazing. Both are deaf. I wouldn't refuse them because their world is very different from mine. I know they care about me and my husband. I am so grateful of this. At first, I was put off and a little upset by the knocking, but then I sat down and thought about it and gosh, not even my close friends give me soup when I'm sick, so I started to appreciate it. Now, I accept everything they give to me. They gave us a $50 gift certificate to two restaurants on our anniversary. In return, I slip them sweet little things too. It's actually a nice reminder for me to slow down, smell the roses (or in your case the curry) and be grateful.

just a little thought. love thy neighbor, if we all practiced it, would actually create a lot of goodness in the world. besides, having a neighbor that adores you is never a bad thing.

holly

whip,

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I sense there is something more between the lines here. She cooks good food, she is a nice person, she has the answers to all domestic problems, so you say. But you don't like accepting her gifts of free food. Might you be concerned that an acceptance of her offerings of food may send a wrong signal in some other way as well? Do you fear there may be other intentions behind her generosity? Maybe you don't want to hurt her feelings in some other way?

Maybe I'm reading too much between the lines, but if this is the case, and while I'm sure it's none of my business to ask, do you have some other romantic interest in your life? If not, and if you don't seek one from her, perhaps you need to find one, or at least invent one to guage her reaction. Or, maybe you're just shy, and need encouragement! It is often said that the path to a man's heart is through his stomach. Hmm...

That's all I'll contribute.

Holly,

What a sweet story. Sounds like you have a nice arrangement with your neighbors! I also agree that it may just be a cultural thing, and that if you are a single person, she may think that you need someone to take care of you (in a non-romantic way).

You may just want to find out her rationale before deciding either way. You know, "Is it common to give neighbors food in India?" to see what she says. If she doesn't like your food, she may think you are starving without her!

I say continue to take the food graciously. Take it to work if you don't want to eat it.

It's so rare for people to be so overtly sweet and caring that I agree that it's a VERY tricky thing to figure out how to make the food stop, and still salvage the caring part.

Y'know, unless the woman is trying to crawl into bed with you or take over your life, I'd say accept the food and find something you can do for her so it feels like more of a fair exchange. There are worse fates than feeling a connection with one's neighbors.

Max wrote:
"I've actually been looking for a some sort of over-sized exploded diagram of a gun to hang as art. I think that would be pretty cool. So far I've had little luck finding good diagrams online that could be made large enough."

Max, if you're serious about this and need a hand, drop me a note; I could certainly help you with it. Basically, if I were you, I would do it in a (vector) drawing program like Illustrator and take it to a service bureau. Would look cool output onto vellum.

C

ali--

Whoops! Keep forgetting to check. Will do so tonight.

wende, curtis, patrick, allison, ann, holly et al...

i returned the dishes and quoted allison, "I value your friendship, but I find gifts of food really disruptive. Please know you are as welcome as always to come over, but I would prefer if you did not bring me food."

She smiled at me. so did her husband.

And she returned in the evening at 8'o clock with fish. ( caught by another friend of theirs from the river). I gratefully said " Thank You" What else can you tell