apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

DC area ATers -
Can someone recomend a fabric shop in DC? I know there's supposed to be a G Street Fabrics in Alexandria on Jeff Davis Highway, but it's not where google maps says it is...I'm in the Downtown/West End area and looking for fabric for quilting and some other projects...Thanks!

Maxwell and other AT editors, MrGreen is doing more damage to this site than any other person you've banned in the past two years. Please look at the context of his posts. There has been an unmistakable shift to the unpleasant in nearly every post to which he's commented. At the very least, please remove his 'Necrothread' comments. He is polluting each of those re-posted threads, his tone is incredibly off-putting, many of his comments are needlessly provocative, and they are wearing people down and bring out the worst in them. A few have liked some of his posts, but more have been complaining. If you read through the archives you'll notice how very many he has offended.

Just wanted to say that I agree with Sea.

i have a poster that i ordered online from weworkforyou dot com.

i want to frame it - problem is - it's 23x36 and most frames only come in 24x36...

since i'm in dallas, anyone have online or local resources for this???

the whole "necrothread" thing is kinda creepy. he shakes up some posts - which I like..but the whole "necro" thing...

You really need to just ignore Mr.Green. I doubt Maxwell will ban him just for being negative. As much as I dislike his comments as well, it's simple enough to just skip over them. Complaining about him and talking back to him just add fuel to his fire.

Oops... "adds".

Just wanted to say that I disagree with Sea.

"Complaining about him and talking back to him just add fuel to his fire." I agree Sasha. I'm not going to be complaining again - just I wanted to bring this up for direct consideration. The site has become considerably less attractive for me since the addition of MrGreen. But, of course, I don't have to read or visit, and I'm more than happy to accept whatever the community wants, so disagree away....

MrGreen does sabatage the spirit and usefulness of many postings, such as yesterday's intended discussion to brain storm about ways to improve the 'green' status of older buildings in NYC. I do not think that "MrGreen" is a 'real' person. His statements are far too provocative and wide ranging to be the thoughts of a 'real' person. Lastly, if he is a 'real' person I feel sorry for him. What 'normal' person would write in the third person so much of the time?

Wow, lighten up. I think his posts are funny. You might find him less offensive if you didn't take things so seriously. His comments still don't prevent you or me from gleaning all the invaluable info on this site. If you don't like them, skip them.

Personally, I enjoy reading MrGreen's input, and feel he has every right to comment as much as he wants....so what if he hates Ikea? This is a place for a free exchange of design ideas. He often adds practical advice and I don't mind a devil's advocate. Hooray for the curmudgeon!

What I don't like is the overall community tendency to find one person to gang up on and focus on like a whipping boy...it seems some of you are starting to get personal instead of just seeing this as entertainment.

I see other posters who have consistently negative or "snotty" things to say and no one has attacked them for their opinions yet. But I'm sure if MrGreen wasn't getting the attention people would find someone else to pick on....it's like high school.

hey guys

anyone know who makes a coffee table with 2 glass pieces which lift to extend over your lap? I have a pictures of the exact piece, but I don't know how to upload it. It looks like a silver/metal rectangular base, glass frosted top pieces.
Thanks!

Question: Can anyone recommend a good (and affordable) painter in NYC who is equipped to take down wallpaper? I spoke with Jennifer, who's recommended on this site (and is incredibly nice), but she has no wallpaper experience, and if I'm going to pay someone, I'd rather it be someone who's done it before. I left messages for 3Fingers, but haven't heard back, so I'm assuming they're not interested or too busy (I need this done within the next two weeks). The job is to paint four rooms in a 600 sq ft Jr. 1; only one room has the wallpaper (they wallpapered the closet doors, too!).

I knew MrGreen would act like a dick when I first read the thread about IKEA in Redhook. His subsequent posts have proven that. Rarely he provides insightful commentary most of the time its more dickheadiness. I dont know what the threshold is for banning people. I admit to reading his posts and letting them get me riled up. At one point I was thinking "Ban the mf already. Ban him! Ban him!". At this point I just skip over his posts.

It might be useful for the AT editors to come up with some rules of etiquette for this community. Cause I have read through archival threads and have seen other people being rude and snotty. I notice this especially in the House Tours or on the Good Questions. People just rip into what they see. Its as if people never learned how to give a critique ( one good thing, one thing that needs to be improved upon ). It seems pretty basic but I think alot of people lack good communication skills and basic manners.This lack of social skills are amplified with the anonymity and lack of nuance of the internet. I dont think that one should ban MrGreen without thinking long and hard about setting a precedent. Will it be 3 strikes( or unprovoked attacks) and you are out? How will one determine what behavior crosses the line?

I don't like censorship and I don't like bad manners.

As for Mr. Green, I don't find him provocative; I find him pretentious. However, I do believe in learning from each fool the one thing he or she actually does know rather than wait for a wise man to tell me everything, so I do skim the posts.

Taracakes -- If you take out a free account at Flickr.com, it'll walk you through your first uploads. Then you just paste the URL for the photo into your message here, and it should become clickable so everyone can see exactly what table you mean.

I agree with tome. If you don't like them, skip them. Although I kinda wish you wouldn't because I like reading all the drama. It's all pretty entertaining.

thanks wende!

here it is:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9164918@N03/837601825/

JonathanB, I could not decide if I should describe him as "provocative" or as you said "pretentious". I think both work for him. In general, I do not like name calling but I do think Trumystique hit the nail on the head. Banning him from the site, I do not think is a great idea. It sure would be nice if he would make more positive contributions rather than inflammatory comments. He can be humoresque which would I would like to see more frequently from him....and others.

Taracakes

Bo Concept has something similar:
http://tinyurl.com/22bybv

Rosie, there's a G Street Fabrics in Seven Corners, Falls Church. It's at 6250 Arlington Blvd. There's another one in Potomac Mills. And there's a small Hancock Fabrics store on Rte 1 south of Old Town, in the Lowe's shopping center, but I'd recommend G Street for selection.

Big D, this online store based in Ohio allows you to order custome sized frames at good prices. I've ordered two frames from them and have been very satisfied.
http://www.americanframe.com/

This site has survived quite a few negative posters, both banned and unbanned, so as long as everyone keeps calm and carries on, we'll all be fine.

i have thought a lot on the MrGreen topic, as well.

i think i might have been one of the first to be like "hey, wait a minute, you didn't need to say that" (on the thread about refinishing a table purchased at Ikea) and was surprised and relieved that others felt similarly as i did in regard to his stir-the-pot-personality. it's funny, but it's really even entered into my off-line life (and i'm not saying this is a reason to ban him, mind you) - i was telling BF that he's like those people that when AOL became popular, they would go into chatrooms just to mess with people - like bullies in middle school. granted, i would love to see him go, but he's not like - who was it a few months ago that actually was banned? forbiddenfruit or some such? - those who are actually being directly derogatory to anyone (although i could have missed something).

i tried to be accepting and understanding of him but he is just constantly pushing buttons and testing limits - and not in a healthy sense. i liked how Telmen said it - he is an unhappy person. and we all know misery loves company. it is becoming more and more clear to me that he is not representing his point of view, but is here only to ruffle feathers - and although we do have a part in allowing useful or constructive to this site. still, i cannot wholeheartedly say that it would be right to ban him - albeit i would love it. the posts are much more enjoyable on the days when he must be bothering some other site and leaving us to share ideas, instead of shake fingers at those who think differntly.

so i feel for maxwell and the AT crew in having to decide on this - there is no easy answer and you cannot simply ask him to back off, that would be too much adult-like. i do think that having a link on the side that is an "about" link, or something of the such that says what the site is, what its goals are, and what guidelines you must follow in order to participate - it seems that fewer people are able to play nice when there is someone here solely to stick thorns in others' @$$es.

mrgreen mrgreen, your ears must be ringing...

i cant say i like him or dislike him. since i dont know him personally. do i enjoy reading his taunts...no. do i think he is funny sometimes...yes....
is he disruptive...sure but hey..noone is perfect.

YES it would be ideal if he curbed that sarcastic side of him just a tad. but im sure he is a grown man ( or not..im still not sure) and im sure he will do as he pleases.

yeah it blows to have to read his negativity and his whole "necrothread" comments.. but what can you do..censor him.
thats kind of foul i think....put yourself in his shoes ( as creppy as it may seem) if you made a few comments that the majority didnt agree on, would you like to be cast off into creative limbo?
no...

sure giving guidleines is a good starting point. but i have a feeling this mrgreen might not stop, and see that he is causing a commotion and further his antics.

i dunno....im 50/50 on this topic.

something in my second paragraph messed up - i meant "we have do have a part in allowing him to ruffle our feathers, but he is not contributing anything useful or consturctive to this site." i don't know what happened.

Mr. Green's not as bad as Jonathon was, but he's also not as funny as Jonathon. BTW, whatever happened to Jonathon after his initial ban was lifted?

Rosie, to get to the G Street Fabrics -- take Rte. 50 West (which is Arlington Boulevard at that point, as Shawn said). It's not very far from downtown, actually. Look out for the signs for Patrick Henry Drive -- you will get in the left lane but rather than turn left onto PH Drive you wiggle a little left & then straight ahead to get into the shopping center. G Street Fabrics is on the lower level -- if you drive around to the upper section there's also a Jo-Ann's Fabrics and a Michael's.

If you miss the turnoff for PH Drive you're better off going for several miles to a point where you can turn around and come back. The 7 Corners overpass-on&off ramp complex just past the center with G St. Fabrics is a black hole.

A tough call on the Mister Green debate... I hate the idea of anyone getting banned, unless they are truly profane, racist, homophobic, etc.

But I do think he was largely responsible for a negative downturn around here, with a toxic effect like swamp gas permeating every post that made many others feel like "half empty thinking" was indeed the AT voice. And it *was* contagious.

Polkadot--

I think an online community has the right to self-police. And I, personally *have* called others for being "snotty" without terrible escalation or personal attack like what happened with Mister What'shisname.

Does that make it "high school"? I think not. And instead of a playground analogy, I prefer the dogpark... everyone's allowed to run off the leash here, but when one dog gets too nippy, the community is allowed to weigh in. Yes, there are other "dog parks" and we all have the option of skipping over posts or finding other blogs. But we also have the right to speak up.

And tome, I have a sense of humor. Whether you like mine, or not, it's something I pride myself in. But I found no humor in his "necrothread/broken link/check your prices/holier than thou" constant criticism of the site and other readers, which FAR outweighed his contribution. And with his growing posts, if I were to skip over his comments, I'd be skipping almost 90% of the site.

I love lively discussion and thoughtful debate. I have debated people here on sticky issues, and have been swayed in my thinking and/or actually made good friends from those with whom I started out on rocky footing (See the great stroller debate, which yielded a nice friendship with the even-keeled and well-read jamie pup as an example). But Mister Green was not interested in "exchange" and that's what wore most thin for me.

Like sea above, I'll go with whatever the community decides/allows, and then I'll make my own choices about participating here (or not) based on what unfolds.

p(2)

well said...

Just to play devil's advocate, the much-debated MR GREEN did provide me with some helpful information about mounting shelves in my apartment on an open thread yesterday. Though the majority of his posts are decidedly unconcerned with the feelings of others, I don't think we can say that he never contributes anything constructive.

I find it telling that MrGreen, who I will bet is taking total delight in this, has remained silent.

i agree, mason.

perhaps instead a focus on posters whose comments we look forward to reading -- p(2) and wende for a start, alana, among others....

Thanks, Shawn and Deborah! That's a big help!

thanks Shawn! :)

Q:

im in the midst of renovating my studio basement apartment ..my landlord put down ceramic tiles when he gutted out the studio for me and rebuild it. sure they look nice * kinda sort of * but they are not my style. i thought of getting flor tiles...but here is the thing..i have a dog ( non shedding but from time to time get mad and will pee on things he isnt supposed to) and since its the basement i have to deal with humidity issues so rugging it up might not work.

do you guys have any suggestion?
i was thinking jute rugs..scattered around..but ugh im not sure. the only thing i am sure of is that these tiles are beige and boring. blah

help.

bellaknollie, I think you should look into Flor. They are good for people with pets, since they are easily removed for cleaning, and they're backed with rubber (or something rubbery), so moisture shouldn't be too much of a problem. I believe at Flor's website, or maybe in their print catalog, they specifically highlight which tiles are best for high-traffic areas and wet rooms.

i took a peek at their site..im thinking i should order samples and see. cause once all the painting and construction is done...the floor is going to be a thorn on my side. if i liked the beige boring look..then sure im good. but UGHHHH i can't stand it. i have dim lighting all around the house as to not focus on the floor..hahahha

Reading the announcement on Commentators and Banning on the front page, I feel bad now that I didn't just send an email to the editors about this. It sounds like others already had, anyway.

At the time (i.e., this morning), I thought it would be better to be as open as possible and let the community talk about it. But now I'm not sure. Oh well.... Anyway, Maxwell's decision was good timing for the new Green site, which is looking good - very upbeat, and inspiring.

sea - i think you did the best you knew how at the time. pat yourself on the back for being concerned. :)

Sea, I dont think there is anything wrong with an open letter. Sometimes its more above board to let things be aired out in the open. I was at that point last week but had decided to ignore those meany post.s

Bellaknollie, I dont think you want to use jute in the situation you are describing. Too damp and plant fibers will soak up animal urine. Maybe you or I should send in a question to AT about Flor tiles! Your situation might be great for Flor. I am thinking about Flor in my living room. Anyway the catalog lists which types of Flor are best suited to high traffic etc.

yeah i think i might go for flor. i mean luca brasi ( my dog) doesnt pee on a bare floor unless there is paper there, but on rare occasions he will tinkle in the kitchen area...out of spite.
i also thought maybe cork tiles..but since im doing cork mosaic tiles as a backsplash in the kitchen, i didn't want over kill on the cork.

well i will order samples and see what fits best. can't wait till all this is done so i can post pics ...

I haven't seen any house tours on basement apartments yet..so maybe mine will be one.

Luca Brasi- what an awesome name for a dog!!! What kind of dog is he? I want to imagine the face with the name.

elizabeth in al -

I read on an earlier thread that you're adopting pits. I have two that we raised from puppies. I may be able to offer some advice on crating, puppy-proofing etc. If you're interested or have specific questions, let me know here.

Swan

Luca Brasi is a portugesse water dog ( but alas he is the runt of the litter and a bit on the small size) i was going to get him a fish and name is fredo.
( yes i said him, cause luca is in denial that he is a dog)
hahahhaha

Well in anycase, this is him:

http://tinyurl.com/2wb3es

http://tinyurl.com/36s3uk

http://tinyurl.com/29zp9r

I call him chewbacca sometimes cause he is so furry...chewiieeee ...he also grunts like chewie , which is a porti trait.

So, I've been randomly wondering (maybe I should suggest this as a Reader Poll question), what's next for kitchen design after stainless steel appliances (and granite countertops, for that matter)? It seems like SS has just become shorthand for "oooh, look at this upgraded kitchen," but I can't help but think that within 5-10 years, stainless will seem kind of passe.

If so, what do y'all think (or hope) will be "next?" What about countertops? Does anyone agree with me that somehow these two elements seem almost less appealing now - whatever their merits - that they've had such overexposure? If you were designing a kitchen now, what would you try to do to make sure it stayed classic/timeless?

Anyhoo :)

im not a fan of stainless. stainless = fingerprints, doggie paws prints and wet nose, etc...

the constant cleaning had me up a wall at my last place.

hmmm next big thing...i like that icestone * did i say that right?*
that looks pretty cool.

as far as appliances...anything but stainless

OH MY GOSH SWAN!

woah whoops - sorry for the caps - we use them here at my work all the friggin time and i forget to take them off - but yes! i would love some tips! i am about to have a heart attack at the thought of doggy proofing! plus - i'm going to have two - brother and sister - and although we've had dogs most of my life, no one would train them, so when i try, it is all in vain. for real though, the closer it gets to taking them home, the more anxious i get.

Rosie,
There's a G St. Fabrics at 7 Corners in VA. I haven't been to it, but I believe it's on Route 50 just past the mall on the right with the Target and Petsmart and it's on the lefthand side.

I have been to the G St. Fabrics in Rockville and it's fantastic. Huge. It's accessible by metro too. I believe the one at 7 Corners may be even larger.

Here ya go:
http://www.gstreetfabrics.com/locations.shtml

When I think of fabrics around here, I definitely think of G St -it's the only decent one I found when I was looking for something.

Rosie/Shawn/Pixie -- when I lived at Dupont Circle & didn't have a car I used the Rockville store because of the Metro (White Flint) but now I'm in Virginia I combine as many errands as I can in that direction when I go to G Street. I actually remember when it was G Street Remnants and was on G Street downtown but that building is long long gone.

If you haven't done it, the Rockville store's annual antique/vintage button sale is worth the trip.

p(2) -
Point well taken--I guess I never took him too seriously. He reminds me of a grumpy uncle who always has something to say and often thinks he is being funny when he definitely is not. But then again, I was never the subject of his derisive comments. I understand your point of view and the many, many others who are tired of his diatribe. As I think more about it and re-read more recent threads, I see that many of us were beginning to sink to his level and it definitely changed the tone of the place. Let's all be friends again.

Do any DC AT'ers know of an upholstery furniture maker in the area that they can recommend? I would like to have a custom upholstered bed made. I have thought about making at least the headboard myself but I'm afraid it would turn out to be a "Design on a Dime" disaster. Thanks

Bellaknollie, what a face he has! Very cute and he looks like he's smiling. I bet thats not how he looks when he is peeing spitefully alas. I so want a puppy for myself ( well not a puppy really but a dog). My dog died 4 years ago and this is the longest stretch that I have had without a pet. I get my fix by watching Animal Planet, the Dog Whisperer and going to dog parks. I am waiting for the day that I have a job that would be dog friendly.

I think that instead of Green the AT staff should have a special site for cool pet design and tips. Just think of all the long threads when people start talking about pets in the home on ATNY. I really think the Green tips should be imbedded into all AT sites and not be ghettoized. I think a green post everyday at 3pm would work best. But I digress.

So is MrGreen banned then? Or is he just sitting in front of his monitor reading this and saying "Aha! My work here is done!"...?

anyone have a recommendation for a lumber store in manhattan? I heard there was a good one in the West 50s but can't remember where or what it was called. I just need a few custom-sized shelves for a closet. I went to Lowe's Brooklyn yesterday and their machine was down... : (
so frustrating. Thanks!

To all you AT fans in DC -- can any of you recommend a reupholsterer?

HELL YEAH im all for a Pet version of AT.
and yeah..he looks cute...but when he is mean those teeth are not so cute.

i trained him to not bark. so he walks around the house gruntting and makign noises all day..like a chewbacca who is annoyed.

but you know what i love that lil grover to death. i have had him 5 years and they have been awesome. EVEN though the first two i kept constantly asking myself why i got him ( see luca as a puppy eating expensive stuff, shoes, socks, chair legs, cables, purses..anything with in paws reach also pooping on pillows which he loved to do...bastard)

but i crate trained and also did a bit of tough love * no hitting* but countless hours saying the same thing over and over again as well as muzzle training * he sees the muzzle as a time out so when he does bad he gets the muzzle goes to time out*. and since my mom is his babysitter when i go away on business, he also knows spanish ...so he is biligual when it comes to commands. which is pretty funny.

Sorry, i only just got to the post about banning. Then I thought i was the other one oh no! But i'm not. Phew! Sea, well said on your original post. I think the whole thing has been handled very well by Maxwell et al. Elizabeth in AL - new dogs that's so exciting! Good luck!

If this is a community and people are going to be banned then I think people should know who these people are and why they were banned. If my neighbor went missing I would be concerned whether I liked him or not. If my neighbor went to jail because he flashed the neighbors or was constantly putting sticks in some kids' spokes I would understand that he was a menace to society and should be taken away.

But it's your house and you have your rules and honestly, you may have done Mr. Green a favor (if in fact he was banned) because you may have put him to rest and allowed the real Mr. behind the Mr. Green to participate. It must be challenging to keep up a character like that day after day.

oh my gosh, bellaknollie! i am adopting 2 puppies (TWO PUPPIES) in 2 1/2 weeks. and i am TERRIFIED! i looked at everything in my apt last night and felt my heart drop into my stomach as i realized i'm going to have to redo everything. recycling, cords, brushes, straightener, CAT BOX - is it impossible to get a dog to not enjoy cat poo? cuz my other dogs did - it was like nasty gross dog crack.

do they chew on rugs? oh man there is so much i need to know about raising pups - they are like children to me - i am being entrusted with this life so i need to do right by them!

I'm in for a AT: pet. Sounds like a good deal of ATers have these lovable little beasts that make an apartment a home.

@Louisa

Maybe you're thinking of Metropolitan Lumber on 11th, btwn 45/46th? On the east side of the street there's a lumberyard and they'll custom cut for you. Also in that area is Dyke's and a little farther south is Prince Lumber on 15th and 9th Ave.

Good luck with your closet, I just went all Container Store on mine and couldn't be more pleased!

tin_angel, how could you be the other one! i am starting to let my high school curiosity get the best of me here...

i'm also probably going to get fired for my AT addiction...

elizabeth in al-

well crate training worked wonders..also i gave up many social weekends to spend time with luca brasi and train him.
things that i kept high or didnt have out for the first year:

-throw pillows
-throws
-random paper ( ie magazine, newspaper, etc) on the floor
-all makeup was kept wayyyy up high
-purse was hung at all times ( he once puked in my bag and i didnt know until i got to work...)
-markers
-lipgloss tubes ( actually any sort of tube like object...i came home once and he had the mintiest fresh breathe. i realized he got into my gym bag and ate my toothpaste)

actually, just pretend they are real babies. if its not safe around a baby, its not safe around a puppy.

OH and have a first aid puppy kit. a must!

Deborah -
I've always thought it weird that it was named G Street, but not actually on G street. Living in Downtown DC I find it so annoying that I always have to go out to the suburbs to do any sort of shopping - other than Macy's there don't seem to be any department stores IN the city - and while I do happen to have a car, I can imagine how limiting that must be to people who don't - it's a real urban development problem, I think. Luckly it seems to be changing a little, with the Target coming in to the city, and a few more stores opening up (We're finally getting a hardware store in West End! Yay!).

I think it's a great tribute to the site that someone like MrGreen stood out so much for his negative influence. Most sites are filled with such horrid vitriol (I stopped reading Salon because of this--I just couldn't stand to think of my fellow readers as so brimming with hate) that he'd just be another hater in the crowd. Not that it's all love-n-light all the time here, but, well, there's a standard and it's the reason I'm so ridiculously obsessed with this "place" (that and all the delicious home porn, of course).

Also love the idea of a pet AT! Bellaknollie - Luca Brasi sounds fabulous! Elizabeth - well I dunno, my comment didn't come up straight away and I just thought Yikes!Its me! I'm sure your new pups will do great, like Bellaknollie says, you love 'em so much all the toothpaste-eating (bless!), chewing stuff, vet bills, etc in the world couldn't make you regret having them! (I try to tell my boyfriend this when my cat sleeps on his laundry and he has to go to work with cat hair on his suit but he doesn't believe me! Yet...!)

Hurray.

Elizabeth in AL, Bellaknollie suggestion is a good one. If its not safe for kids is proabably not safe for dogs. Except add in chocolate. Take it a step further and pet proof your home by crawling around on all fours- anything you can easily reach or looks interesting from that vantage point-- move somewhere else. You probably will need to constantly do this once the pups are there too. Doggy love is all worth it. Its a tough tough job (esp when they are under 2 years old )but completely worth it. Read up on the breed you are getting so you know what the breed was bred to do. Make sure you have a good vet. I suggest getting DVDs by Uncle Mattie as well as watching the Dog Whisperer. Also spend some money on basic obedience training.

I am so jonesin for my own pup. I cant get a pet cause I travel so much for work . I am really jealous of you Elizabeth and all the other dog owners out there. If anyone needs a petsitter in Prospect Heights or Clinton Hill, I'd be there.

So really? No one has a good rec for a painter? I'm desperate! (Sorry to post again, but in case my request got lost in the MrGreen debate...)

I tend to agree with patrick (the other one) on most issues, including this one. (By the way p2, you certainly do have the right to take pride in your humor, as you've brightened many a thread with it, and I've enjoyed your repartee.)

Yes, MrGreen can be pretentious and annoying (due in part part to his habit of speaking in the third person), but no more so than "snot" (her user name was accurately chosen, for sure). MrGreen does inject some constructive information.

People need to be a little more conscious of their tone with others, just as though we were all face to face. The fact that we can hide behind usernames doesn't make us any less responsible for what we contribute here.

elizabeth-

also...pet insurance...not a bad idea. i have saved money with it..

It's funny, I actually don't have a problem with rudeness in general. In all my time of reading here, there was only this one person -ever- whose spitefulness was so off the charts, and who had such a mastery of hook others into responding, that he was actually changing the tone of the place.
No one else, in my opinion, has come close; and being merely snotty or snobby or rude wouldn't do it. Hopefully, making a (merely) obnoxious comment or two won't get anyone banned. If you didn't hear what I'm talking about - almost a maliciousness - then reading over the comments won't help you to figure out the difference. In any case, they'd have to be read in context, and with an ear to what things were like earlier (and later, thank goodness!).

thanks sweet t! It might have been Metropolitan, I'll definitely try them and maybe post pics...

I know a lot of people just don't have pets or aren't into sharing a home with animals, but man i would enjoy some AT Pets! I have 2 whippets and a cat and like it or not they take up much of my time and are always factors in my design descisions. Plus there seems to be a surge in good pet-related design lately and it would be great to have a resource to help wade through the majority of the unsafe/ugly/low quality crap that's available for pets and owners. I rarely look through the Kitchen or Tech sub-blogs, (and since i don't have babies, never Nursery) but you can bet i'd favorite Pets.

I had some custom-size shelves cut at Gracious Home over on the East Side (3rd Ave & 70th). They also delivered when they were done (the next day, because I happened to catch them on a busy afternoon).

Rosie, I'm not aware of a single fabric store in the District and whole-heartedly agree that our shopping in general is taking baby steps but has a long way to go. From the West End, the Virginia store probably is the most convenient G Street Fabrics. Because my own occasional fabric needs are limited to materials for my daughter's Halloween costumes, I'm satisfied with Bruce Variety in Bethesda on Bradley Road. At least it's inside the Beltway and convenient to other businesses that might be of some use to me.

Re. department stores: The Neiman Marcus and Lord and Taylor stores in Friendship Heights are within the District limits, although the Bloomingdales coming in across the street is on the Maryland side. There is a very exciting proposal to remodel the Georgetown Park mall (to make it less mall-y, in fact) and include a Nordstrom's. Fingers crossed that it makes it through bitter local politics arguments. I happened upon a website in which people who grew up in my neighborhood, Kalorama Triangle (Adams Morgan), in the 40s and 50s shared reminiscences. Amazing what a normal, viable city they described, complete with an established ritual of going downtown to see Christmas windows at multiple department stores.

Probably enough of a provincial affairs bulletin for today :)

Rosie ... I hear there's a So Fine Fabric store in Old Town. I haven't been there yet so call first to make sure they have what you need.

I am looking forward to the Target store in Columbia Heights (and am glad it didn't turn out to be a Walmart or KMart) and like very much what's happening in Friendship Heights but worry about the influx of chain business in the District, especially in Adams Morgan.

The Foot Locker that took over when Comet closed down made me sad and I hear yet another bank ... and maybe even a Gap ... is scheduled to go into Pixies old building on Adams Mill Road. We need more creative and original shopping options in the District as well as the welcome Trader Joes, Targets and higher-end department stores.

just my opinion ...

I always pop in too late for discussions!

But Elizabeth, I second bellaknollie's recommendations with the hugely important addition of power cords--my dogs loved nothing better when they were little. Of course, not the cords for cheap lamps, but mostly for the laptops.

Also, I'm assuming your dogs will be *serious* chewers. Most chew toys that are meant to be eventually eaten (greenies, rawhides) are not meant to be inhaled all at once. We just can't let ours have things like that!

Sorry for the rambling, but when I start thinking of all the things our have eaten....(sigh).

oh yes...AVOID GREENIES...my friend had a huge vet bill cause of greenies.

luca has a few kong toys...and some toys meant for rotties and pitbulls..which he destorys..* my mom has a pitbull who carries a stuffed animal and its in perfect condition, give one to luca and its destroyed in 20 mins...odd lil man he is*

for treats i make my own for him. its cheaper and healthier too.

Challenge: Counter height to bar height...

I have a challenge... I have a studio (<300 sqft) with a cute little breakfast bar that I've yet to use for more than food prep due to lack of funds to buy bar stools (fab allegra dwr stools WAY out of my price range, and who know I'd actively hate so many of the common styles?).

I finally found two stools that aren't repulsive and the price was right (aka, free). However, the term "bar stool" was wildly optimistic or perhaps a result of fuzzy math, so now I either need to start over or try to convert counter height stools to bar height.

So that brings us to the challenge - ways to add a bit to the legs. Must be safe, simple, and inexpensive;p cannot ruin the line of the chair nor depend on duct tape for structural integrity. These are wooden stools with a back (no arms) and the legs angle out slightly for stability like the legs on this model at crate and barrel http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=900&f=2652

My best idea so far is to create risers out of rectangular blocks with casters on the bottom and a 2" well on the top for the leg to nest in and then stain it to match the chair. BUT, I can't think of how to make the well/nest - especially for an angled leg.

I've also thought of making a mold and using plaster of paris to make the same type of thing, but not sure it would hold up.

Any thoughts/ideas will be truly appreciated.

Rosie, back about 30 years ago, it WAS on G Street. I think they decamped in the early 90s.

For upholsterers, try Two Lions Antiques. I remember reading also about a reasonably priced guy somewhere on H Street NE.

Reupholstering or fabrication is beyond wildly expensive. I think I read about the H Street place in themail, the DC Watch listserv.

Finally, there is a small fabric store on K Street on the odd-numbered side. I don't remember the name, and as I recall, it is on one of the blocks between 17th and 21st. I know that's not so much help, but it's worth a shot before heading to the burbs.

It is:

Exquisite Fabrics
1775 K Street Northwest

Oh God Anastasia, danger! Danger! I cannot imagine a safe way to extend the height of the legs the way you are suggesting! Please, if they were free, let them be free again to someone else. Or, extend the height of the SEAT by putting some sort of big foam block or something. Bolstering one thing is easier than bolstering 4 things.

On the MrGreen thing:
I just realized what really really bugged me about those posts. It felt like the ONLY reason he was at AT was to be bitchy at people. As if he showed up JUST to tell people what horrible ideas they had, as opposed to getting something useful out of the site, or offering help. Judging people is not the same thing as giving advice.

Janbrady - see if you can get a hold of Kdkaboom here - her brother is a contractor, I believe (he did awesome work on their apartment) and they live in New York. If he can't help you, perhaps he can refer you to someone.
Perhaps it's possible for one of the editors to step in and get you in touch with her or her with you since you're in a time squeeze?

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Come on guys.. I think Mr. Green is funny!! Why do people have to take him seriously? I mean.. he's obviously trying to be provocative, but he does it in a very funny way and thrives on people taking him seriously and getting offended....
ok that's what I think :)

Jean- Good to know about the K St. fabric store. I must have passed it without noticing!

Leslie- I strongly agree, but as you know, attracting independent retail carries the challenge of high property costs in addition to the sluggish consumer base. Nordstrom is negotiating for tax perks and subsidies, Miss Pixie's (fun second-hand furniture store) can't realistically. Very sad about the Foot Locker. As you know, the building Miss Pixie's used to be in has been vacant a loooong time (at least the ground floor retail has), which I think is even worse for the neighborhood than a GAP. I hadn't heard that rumor-thanks for the tip. I'm not very interested, unless maybe it'll include a kid's section, but I won't mind having the storefront filled. I'll choose not to see it as a symbol of gentrification's homogenizing effect. La la la (fingers in ears).

The design-ish tie-in: So my personal prediction is that the West Elm opening in Penn Quarter soon will inspire more local interest in modern aesthetics. I think the large, prominent store with very accessible prices might eventually lead to increased District appetites for more updated design, but at higher quality and with more unique options. Somewhat stodgy local taste is a substantial hurdle to overcome before we can have more Apartment Zeros and Vastus.

Following up no SYB's comment...wouldn't it be great if we could have a store in downtown DC that hit the price point between Vastu/Apartment Zero and West Elm/Ikea that still welcomes independent sources? Anyone want to start up the business with me?

FYI--the K St fabric store is generally "meh" in terms of selection, so don't expect Mood Fabrics when you go. There used to be a hidden gem of a fabric store out by a giant World Market and Burlington Coat Factory strip mall in Virginia (My-An Fabrics I think) but it may not be there anymore--I haven't been in a long time.

Jean - thanks, that's actually walking distance for me, I'll definitly look for it - even if it's a small selection it'd be nice not to have to get my car out of the garage just to buy some thread!
Re: department stores/gentrification, etc: While I would much rather see original/local stores open up rather than chains, I think the fact that DC residents must be so dependent or the suburbs for any shopping needs is a real problem, and is really not the way a city is supposed to work.
One thing I've noticed that seems to be fairly unique to DC - CVS seems to be taking over the old "general store" niche - it carrys a bit of everything in addition to cosmetics and pharmisutical stuff - hardware, food, cleaning items, gardening stuff, office supplies (even a few sewing items!), and there's one every few blocks. I think it really must be filling the hole left by the corner general store when those all disappeared 50 (?) years ago.

My-An was there the last time I looked but that was at least 5 years ago.

There used to be a thriving downtown which died a slow lingering death with white flight, the riots, and eventually Reaganomics (Marion Barry approved tearing down most of the older buildings in the city in an effort to stimulate new construction and jobs, which was fostered by the hostile takeovers of the Reagan years, which killed our home grown department stores). Young professionals moving back in pushed up rents and house prices to astounding levels, thereby helping to kill the hardware stores and other local small businesses. There has been a cycle and a rhythm to this, and the city is much more of a theme park than it used to be.

For upholstery -- I just used Spicer's in Alexandria, on a friend's recommendation, and they were terrific -- efficient, professional, fast. Their prices are comparable with other good upholsterers (not cheap but also not way out of line).
http://www.checkbook.org/sitemap/Washington_DC/Ratings_And_Articles/Upholsterers/detail.cfm?uKey=7510320

Oh, Rosie, another thing -- since it's quilting fabric & supplies you want, Exquisite Fabrics and My-An are much more aimed at dress fabrics. G Street has a huge selection of quilting cottons. If you have a car, try Quilt Patch in Old Town Fairfax which is way way way out in far Fairfax but is a very benign place.

http://www.quiltpatchva.com/

Leslie in Adams Morgan - where did you hear about the Gap possibly occupying that space? I think that would be really terrible. BTW, Miss Pixie's (no relation) getting kicked out of that old location turned out to be a windfall - they're doing fabulously well in the new location (on 18th, just below Columbia Rd) and have greatly expanded their hours - they're only closed one day, Wed. I think, where they used to only be open 4 days a week.

I agree with d in dc about the K St. fabric store - I was hugely under-thrilled when I went and wouldn't even bother with it again. G St. Fabrics is so great and huge that it's worth the schlepp to get there if you're looking for something.

DC Folks: do you know about the new store on U St, just east of 16th? RCKNDY ("rock candy") http://www.rckndy.com/

B - I think you hit the nail on the head about one form of offensiveness being when the only reason people are on a site is to annoy, insult, incite, hurt, and/or enrage other people, and not really for the site itself.

Pixie, Thanks for the link to RCKNDY--I haven't seen that yet, and it looks cute.

While I agree that there are many kinds of businesses missing from DC, the U Street/14th Street area is really pretty great--between Millenium, Home Rule, Garden District, Pop, Nana's, and those thrift stores on 14th Street, I get a lot of my retail therapy done there.

Elizabeth -

Everyone has given you such good advice I have very little to offer. We went through our share of laptop cords, remotes and eyeglasses. If it can fit in their mouths, they will chew it. It's a good idea to always give them an alternative to your things and offer lots of praise. One of the first things we taught our dogs was the "leave it" command. We literally lined up things they should and shouldn't have, offering praise when they chose their toys and a correction when they didn't. It really worked wonders.

Kongs and Nylabones have served us well. We recently bought the galileo and it's great.

Socialize, socialize, socialize. While they're little, take them to the park, the pet store, anywhere they can interact with people and other dogs. If you see someone with a well behaved dog, ask if you can introduce your dogs. I can't stress how important it is for your dogs to be well socialized if you want friendly dogs.

Make them work for food. Our dogs sit or lie down for treats. When it's feeding time, they have to wait until we give them a free command. It's the same with the crate, they're not allowed out, even if the door is open, until we give the free command.

These dogs get such a bad rap because of some unsavory owners but they can be awesome, well-behaved dogs. There are specific laws about pit-breeds in my state but we've never had any problems. My husband and I love these dogs and try to remember that we are ambassadors for the breed every time we leave the house with them.

Good luck and have fun with them. Puppies are fantastic!

To janbrady

About removing wallpaper:
I know 2 good people in Yonkers, but I'll have to post their info tomorrow. (their cards are at home)

Oh, man! Thanks everyone for the awesome advice!

My mom has two dogs - Sophie and Honey. Sophie is the alpha dog - over my mother (I know, not a good thing, but she is just not willing to change it - it's very sad because that's not how things should be) and Sophie is a mix of dalmation and lab. Honey was a stray that ended up on our front porch and badly beaten - she is a complete mutt - no one can tell what kind she is. She has just recently started to be okay, and sometimes happy with humans.

I have had my fair share of..well...everything chewed up. I had a brand new pair of new balances sitting on the bed and my door got pushed open - came home to a never worn pair of shoes torn pretty much to shreds.

So I definitely understand the need to get all that stuff up - I have just been getting really overwhelmed because you just don't think about it until you get down there!

Bellaknollie - we plan to crate train - that's how my mom's dogs were house trained and it worked really well. BF works at Barnes & Noble and is trying to get all night shifts so he's there when I'm at work, but, honestly, I think we should crate train instead of their getting used to going potty every two hours (what do you think?). Where do you get doggy insurance? And what happened to make Greenies the cause of a high vet bill?

Tin_angel - That's so funny about the cat sleeping on the clothes - mine does, too! It doesn't bother me much becuase (even it it's not true) I like to think it's because it smells like us and she misses us during the day. Anyway, who cares because we have lint rollers.

We've been reading a few books - BF is reading one called The Dog Listener (it's actually two books in one - I forget the titles) and I'm reading The Perfect Puppy by Gwen Bailey.

I plan to have a box (with a lid) full of toys for them to chew on, and leave two out that are doggy play toys - that require no human interaction - and they only get the human interaction ones when we want to play. I have also been planning to make my own treats, as well. What all do you use? BF was wanting to get this box from the bargain section of B&N that was talking about using liver juice or powder (I don't remember but something of the sort) - which even if puppy likes it, it sounds nasty to me (but that does not mean that I won't make them for him if that's the way to do it).

Anway, thanks for all the help everyone!

Elizabeth in al-
greenies are known to get stuck in the dogs throat...some have even died ( i think dateline also covered this in one of their specials)

well when i got luca i trained him that in the morning, after i got home from work and before i went to bed was "outside" time.

aside from crate, when he got a bit older i got a child door fence thingy..which worked only for a lil bit cause he jumps super high.

but spending enough time with them and correcting bad behavior as soon as it happens ( not 5 hours later..haha) is good.

even now, if i come home and luca got into the trash ( OHHH yeah no matter how trained they are, they will sometimes slip back into puppy mode and go through the trash) he hides under the bed and all i see are two furry paws. so if i come home and see that, i know he did something bad. very predictable.

but you should be fine.

i like the idea that someone said earlier about crawling around and making sure things are not hanging loose etc.

they are babies...furry babies without diapers. pretty much sums it up for their first 2 years. and yes...dogs go through the "terrible two's".

ha! furry babies without diapers - sayumi pooped on me yesterday - yuck, but hilarious!

good to know about the greenies - i need to tell the ma that.

i was considering like a play pen type thing - or something to keep them in one room when they're older, but the jumping thing proposed a problem as well.

oh well - they'll be in a loving happy home and i'm sure you guys will hear (and soon see!) more about them

if you go to estoiles on flickr, some pics of them are there. i'd link to the site but flickr is blocked at work.

i got around the internet blockage:

these are my puppies: saito and sayumi

http://www.flickr.com/photos/71238833@N00/

and i uploaded some more.

OMG- can they be any cuter????
had the play pen fencing for luca when he was little too. but i got one for kids ( came out cheaper and it was huge).

and since i now have a side yard i have the outdoor doggie leash that screws into the ground so he can run around not run away. also i got him a waddling pool normally for kids.btu i placed his food and water in there...so when he is outside and is hot he can easily got in there and munch away while keeping cool.

oy! i realized...i pay too much attention to this dog..hahhaha

The puppies are really cute. Crate the puppies, it makes housebreaking much, much easier. It also makes it much easier to leave them home alone before they are old enough to understand that a large space is not theirs to destroy while you are away.

hey! i am of the belief that you can never pay too much attention to your amnimules! (i'm not down, however, with carrying your pup in a purse EVERYWHERE YOU GO a la paris hilton - puppies -like babies- do not belong in bars)

aren't they the CUTEST though?! i mean, when i go vist them (they are i think 3 or 4 weeks old - i forgot to write down the day they were born) i can't stop looking at them...and snuggling with them...and melting into a puddle on the floor. really, i never was that much of a cute-pet-person but when i get around these babies, i couldn't be more of one.