I'm always talking about keeping your
gutters clean and free of debris. This is so important for the life of your roof and other things around the house such as the foundation and landscaping. An overflowing gutter causes rain water to bounce back up on the roof. Over time this will cause the shingles to prematurely deteriorate. Water gets under the shingles and will cause the roof decking to rot. Overflowing gutters will also prevent water from being directed away from your foundation, over time possibly causing seepage in the basement and can also damage your landscaping.
About a year ago we found a new product online, foam gutter filler. Basically a piece of foam that fills the gutter allowing for water to flow through while keeping out leaves, sticks and other debris. Great idea, unfortunately too pricey at $10 a foot. Last week while listening to WGN on the Mr. Fix-It show I learned the price had really come down. The host Lou Manfredini also owns an Ace hardware in the Northwest neighborhood of Edgebrook in Chicago. He said his store manager has had this product on his garage gutters for three years and is very satisfied. The foam comes in four foot lengths at $10 each. It is quite easy to install and a great DIY project for the weekend. We bought ours at the Edgebrook Ace but I would imagine it's available at other hardware stores.
We installed it first on our open back porch. We have a lot of problems with ice and icicles forming as the gutters fill with snow which freezes preventing melting snow from going down the downspout and freezes on the back porch like a skating rink. Every winter my husband is out with the torch trying to get the gutter flowing. We are hoping the foam will eliminate or at least help with this problem. The foam will keep the snow out and as it is black should suck the little warmth the sun gives in the winter.
I will report this winter as to our success or failure. I do think it will help.
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
Google announced last week that they are now offering free phone calls in the US and Canada from within their web-based Gmail service.
As long as you have a Gmail account, you also have the ability to not only perform online chats, but the system is set up for you to make free calls to land line phones. If you plan to call other countries Google will charge a fee. For example, a call to the UK, France or China will cost two cents per minute.
With Google voice features on your account, you'll have the ability to listen to someone leaving a message and then joining the call, to record phone calls, and to receive incoming ‘rings’ on both the browser and a separate phone.
Simply log into your Gmail account. When you go into the account, a message balloon will pop up for you to be able to install the service on your computer.
Happy Dialing.
CATHY MALLERS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
Buena Park, Chicago - Announcing another Price Reduction on 4250 North Marine Drive, #415, a 1,400 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bedroom "High Rise Condo". NOW
MLS® $224,000 - REDUCED!! A Must See!
Property information
This very well may be the last weekend of August, but you wouldn't know it by the gorgeous, sunny days - no rain (dare I even mention it) - being predicted. What more could you ask for here in Chicago where our weather is known to change in a minute? It's a "great time to be outdoors" and enjoy what the last of summer has to offer.
Taste of Greece 2010 takes place on Halsted Street between Van Buren and Monroe Streets in Greektown. Local restaurants such as Athena Greek Restaurant, Greek Islands, Pegasus Restaurant and Taverna, Parthenon and others will be offering their traditional fare. Live music and dance performances will be featured as well.
Lakeview Music Fest takes place at Sheffield Avenue and Addison Street in the Wrigleyville neighborhood right outside of Wrigley Field. This 9th annual fest features arts and craft vendors, food from area restaurants and live music. Too White Crew wraps up Saturday evening's musical entertainment while Infinity wraps up Sunday evening's.
Randolph Street Market Festival takes place on Randolph Street between Ada Street and Ogden Avenue in the West Loop neighborhood. This 7th annual European-style fair features themed mini-markets, food and beer vendors, a pet-friendly outdoor market, kids' activities and more. The theme for this weekend is "back to school" so college students can bring their parents for free! Also provided is a free trolley which runs hourly and departs from Water Tower Place.
Bucktown Arts Fest takes place at Senior Citizens Memorial Park at 2238 N. Oakley Avenue in the Bucktown/Wicker Park neighborhood. This 25th annual art celebration features, from 195 local and national artists, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, furniture, photography and sculpture along with film screenings curated by the Chicago Short Film Brigade, theater, dance, spoken word performances and live music on stages throughout the fest. Also on hand is a food court with a beer and sangria tent.
Mo' Rockin Fashion Fest takes place this Saturday (11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.) in the parking lot of Moonshine Brewing Company located at Division Street and Marion Court in the East Village/Ukrainian Village neighborhood. This 2nd annual fest features multiple fashion shows, a photo booth, 20 booths from local salons, designers and boutiques, as well as DJs, dancers and live music.
Taste of Armenia Festival takes place this Sunday (12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.) at 816 Clark Street in Evanston, a suburb north of Chicago. Needless to say, homemade Armenian fare, such as grilled kebabs, pastries and more will be featured at this annual picnic. Live music, games and kids' activities will be on hand as well.
Tall Ships Chicago 2010 sailed into Navy Pier at 600 E. Grand Avenue in the Streeterville neighborhood. Daily activities include deck tours, maritime displays, international music, crew challenges, sailing sessions and kids' activities. Treats being offered by vendors are cookies, French crepes, roasted nuts and Vienna hot dogs. Don't forget to stick around for the 9:00 p.m. fireworks display Saturday evening!
ChicagoBIGTEN Charity Bar Crawl takes place at 11 bars in the River North neighborhood this Saturday (10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.). Starting location is based on your school and includes drink deals. Nearly thousands of Big Ten alumni are expected to compete for a trip to Las Vegas and other prizes during this crawl!
Chicago Triathlon takes place this Sunday (6:00 a.m.) at Monroe Harbor located at 800 S. Lake Shore Drive. Now, I'm not by any means suggesting you participate, but rather be a spectator. Best spots for viewing are: swimmers, Monroe Harbor; bikers along Lake Shore Drive, north of Ohio Street Beach; and runners, south of the Chicago Yacht Club and near the Shedd Aquarium. Finish line is located at Columbus Drive just south of Balbo Drive. A post-race party takes place on Columbus Drive just north of the Finish Line from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and will feature food, beer, live music, an awards ceremony and more.
DON'T DELAY - There's No Place Like Chicago When It Comes To The Great Outdoors! Enjoy Your Fresh Summer Air While You Can!!
SUE MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
NORWOOD PARK This Friday is a great time to catch up on your Irish. The Irish American Heritage Center is hosting Seanachaí Theatre Company's presentation of The Weir. Tickets cost $10 through Ovation Tix for this premiere performance. Conor McPherson wrote the hauntingly beautiful and humorous play The Weir at the age of 26, winning the Olivier Award for Best New Play, and the Evening Standard Award for Most Promising Playwright.
LINCOLN PARK
One thing we Chicagoans know is food. We have so many flavors to choose from and then there are those unique situations when an old standby is turned into something new and exciting. Enter Nella Pizzeria Napoletana in Lincoln Park which has created a new twist on the calzone. With sweets like the Calzone con Nutella e Banana filled with Nutella, a creamy cocoa and hazelnut spread, and slices of fresh, ripe bananas, it's no wonder families keep coming back for more.
LOOP
Remember that even though you are a local Chicagoan, you can still enjoy the wonders that most tourists do. The Art Institute of Chicago currently has The Summer of Cartier-Bresson Visit exhibition in the Regenstein West wing. Don't miss the nearly 300 prints from the most influential photographer of the 20th century and the master of both the timely and the timeless.
RAVENSWOOD
Whether you know it or not, Koval Distillery, Chicago's first boutique distillery, is an award-winning, world class distiller which produces whiskey in the Austrian tradition. With it's an unassuming location right on Ravenswood Avenue in Andersonville, you can tour their facility and learn how whiskey is made. They are currently offering tours for $10 through September.
OAK PARK
Greenline Wheels is a new company which opened last Friday in Oak Park and is markedly different from other businesses because of its status as an L3C (low-profit limited liability company). Earlier this year, Illinois passed the L3C legislation, which allows foundations or other not-for-profit entities to partner with businesses if the primary purpose of the operation is a social mission. Greenline Wheels offers bike and electric car rental for getting around the village.
CATHY MALLERS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
Everyone who owns a house knows that there are various jobs that need doing regularly throughout the year. Now that we're heading for summer's end, make sure your house and yard are in good shape.
Clean and care for your deck. You can rent a pressure washer for this task. It can also be used to wash siding, driveways, etc.
Maintain the growth in your yard and garden. Trim bushes, pinch off veggies that have reached their vertical growth. Weed, weed and weed some more. Clean vegetable plants of any bad leaves and diseased or damaged parts, this will often spurt fruit production.
Check and lubricate your garage door. This is often neglected. Door lube can be found at the hardware store. Follow directions.
Change furnace filters. Yes, this needs to be done year round.
Remove rust on iron hand railings. Check all hand railings to make sure they are safe and sturdy.
Lubricate door hinges and hardware.
Check roof shingles. The roof should be checked frequently throughout the year. Even a relatively new roof could have a loose or missing shingle after a severe summer storm. Make sure gutters are debris free and flowing,
Every season test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Most people can survive a home fire with proper warning. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless and can kill you without a detector.
"Take care of your home and your home will take care of you"
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
I have to admit that I recently just purchased a Droid X so when I went looking for apps for my new phone, I found this app. At first I was disappointed because it won't work with my particular phone just yet, but the application itself is really helpful to those who have to run multiple errands on a given day and want to maximize their time in the car.
This application takes your existing mapping software on your iPhone and enhances its ability to create the shortest route to your destinations. Route4Me is able to take multiple addresses and calculate all the possible routes available to get to all your destinations. It will cluster your locations so that your trip time is cut down, saving you gas and money.
The program allows you to enter full street addresses, airport codes, names of well-known landmarks (e.g., Grand Canyon, Golden Gate Bridge, etc.) or even ZIP codes. What's better is that you have the option to edit the route you've been given using the built-in drag-and-drop Editor and your driving directions/map will be updated instantly.
Time to get on the road!
CATHY MALLERS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
Rob Roy Country Club Village, Prospect Heights - Announcing a Price Reduction on 501 Aberdeen Lane, #B, a 1,165 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bedroom "2nd Floor Unit". NOW MLS® $162,000 - REDUCED - GREAT VALUE!
Property information
Chicagoans may be "winding" down a bit with the start of a new school year right around the corner, but one wouldn't know it by this weekend's line-up!
The North Center neighborhood will be presenting its 4th annual Northside Summerfest at Lincoln and Belle Plaine Avenues (4050 N. Lincoln Avenue) featuring food and drink vendors, arts and crafts as well as live music.
The Edison Park neighborhood brings its annual neighborhood bash, the Edison Park Fest, to the Edison Park Metra station and surrounding streets with a parade at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday and a dog show at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Also featured at this year's fest are food vendors, a craft fair, carnival games, kids' activities, a beer garden and live music.
The West Town neighborhood will be hosting its 27th annual Ukrainian Days Festival 2010 in Smith Park located at 2526 W. Grand Avenue. On hand will be traditional cuisine, arts and crafts, and Ukrainian dance performances and music.
The Rogers Park neighborhood brings its 9th annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest to 6950 N. Glenwood Avenue showcasing over 100 local artists across all media. Live music, dance performances and theater will be taking place on three stages as local restaurants and bars such as The Glenwood and Moresland sell food and drinks, which include crepes and champagne slushies. Maps will be on hand if you wish to take a self-guided tour of artists' studios.
The Gold Coast neighborhood is holding its 53rd annual Gold Coast Art Fair at Butler Field in Grant Park (400 E. Monroe Street) rather than along neighborhood streets as in previous years. This event, billed as the third oldest of its kind in Chicago, will present more than 450 juried artists from around the world for your browsing pleasure. Food and drink vendors, kids' activities and live music from Cirrus Falcon will be featured as well.
The Mad Decent Block Party rolls into Chicago this Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. outside the Hideout located at 1354 W. Wabansia Avenue in the Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhood. This event, now in its third year, is taking over the Hideout's annual block party with a lineup that includes Kid Sister, Maluca, Freddie Gibbs, Po Po and others, who are signed to the Diplo-founded Mad Decent label. The block party will also feature carnival attractions, a dunking booth, and a "super secret headliner". Admission is free with an RSVP!
So, Are We Winding Down A Bit? It Appears So, But I Don't Think So - Do You?
SUE MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
THE CHICAGO IL REAL ESTATE MARKET, AND OTHER THINGS CHICAGO, FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A LITTLE WHITE DOG!
Hey, you dogs!
This troubled U.S. Economy - High Unemployment (10.7% here in IL and across the Chicago Area) - has it impacted you? Hard? Having trouble making ends meet? Putting bones in the dish, so to speak?
I am relieved to say I am still the Customer Service Department for Dean's Team Chicago. When anyone has a beef, or if some of our less-trusting clients fail to see the value in our candid advice - I step in, sometimes bark a bit, and, more often than not, I set things straight for them.
But in case things ever get too tight here for me and my lil' sister, Gracie Ella Moss, we might be able to find new work in the Real Estate Business - as "Detection Dogs"!
As reported in the Angie's List Blog, with photos by Sara Cozolino, many inspectors are now employing specially-trained canines, some like you and me, to sniff out things like termites, bed bugs (ooooh . . . disgusting), mold behind walls, and even defective drywall.
Training for us dogs is tough - often, as many as 2,000 hours until we get certified. Then, in many states, we have to get re-certified once a year to do our job.
That's a lot of hard work, and considerable studying up, you dogs! But, if one of us dogs, with our ultra-sophisticated sense of sniff, is able to detect otherwise-hidden defects in a property a homeowner is considering, the savings to that prospective buyer, not to mention the headache, could be immeasurable!
The Angie's List Post follows a couple of Property Inspectors who employ trained detection dogs as routine. As of this writing, we know of no Chicago Area Home Inspectors who have hired such specially-trained canines. But the concept is strong, and the need is there.
So, perhaps soon, you'll be able to find a Home Inspector with a Detection Dog here in Chicago. Will this Lil' White Dog be one of them?
Well, that depends, I guess, on if Gracie and I need any additional bones to keep us adequately treated in the coming months!
Enjoy the weekend, you dogs!
YOUR ACE REPORTER ON FOUR PAWS,
BUDDY HOLLY MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
PORTAGE PARK
Don't miss an opportunity to enjoy the Bank of America Cinema before it's due to close in December this year. The space's history for the past 33 years makes it a unique gem within the neighborhood. It was originally built when the bank was called LaSalle Bank and was then subsequently purchased by Bank of America. The screening-room is on the second floor where movie-lovers put on a year-round festival of interesting, carefully-curated fare for other movie-lovers.
LAKEVIEW
Next weekend is the Lake View Music Fest and they are still seeking volunteers for the event. Volunteers will work short commitments of one to two hours and receive a free t-shirt along with free admission to the event. If you can help by volunteering your time for an hour or two send an email to president@lakeviewcitizens.org so we can create a schedule and confirm your availability.
LOOP
This Saturday don't miss an opportunity to attend a free event with the cast of "Billy Elliot." The cast and Broadway in Chicago are hosting a morning of ballet and boxing at Pritzker Park. Anyone who attends can meet the cast members as well as have an opportunity to win prizes. Get your fists swinging and body moving on down to this great event.
OLD TOWN
Don't miss the opportunity to get free pizza today at the newly opened Homemade Pizza Company in Old Town. Come out to meet the owners, view dough tossing demos, play children's games or nosh on some pizza, salads or cookies. The event is from August 17-19 and lasts from 4-7pm.
EVANSTON
So you think you can text really fast? Well mark your calendar for next Wednesday when the U.S. Cellular $10,000 Speed Text Tournament is coming to Evanston. Participants compete individually or head-to-head using an HTC Touch Pro 2 handset with a grand prize of $10,000 and $500 gift cards for second through fifth place. Game on!
CATHY MALLERS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
Well, Chicago is experiencing the
hottest weather of the summer. It can certainly take a toll on your lawn and garden. It is even more important than ever to stick to long, deep soakings of the lawn and garden. Earlier in the summer once a week was sufficient, but with this extreme heat it may be necessary to water every four days, especially if rain is spotty. Around our area lately, rainfall is varied with some places getting inches and others barely a sprinkling. It is also a good idea to mulch around plants and trees to conserve water. Compost, hardwood chips, leaves, or peat mosses are all good choices.
Along with summer heat, normal use can take its toll on your lawn. A good pick-me up is a dose of topsoil. Spread all over the lawn and lightly rake it in. Give the lawn a good water. If we get some cooler weather and the lawn needs a bigger boost, spread a pound of grass seed with the topsoil. You can also use this mix to fill in bare spots. Add more grass seed and keep it moist!!! Most grass seed will germinate in 7-21 days. It must be kept moist until the grass is a least 2 inches.
It's been a brutal summer all around Chicago and the Midwest. Don't worry if the lawn and garden look a little ragged. I've had the best year in a long time for vegetables. Do your regular maintenance.
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
The Grove, Forest Park - Announcing a PRICE REDUCTION on 7753 West Van Buren Street, #413, a 850 sq. ft., 1 bath, 1 bedroom "4th Floor Unit". NOW MLS® $107,400 - REDUCED - Unheard of Value!!
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Buena Park, Chicago - Announcing a Price Reduction on 4250 North Marine Drive, #415, a 1,400 sq. ft., two bath, two bedroom "Condo, High Rise". Now MLS® $237,000 - REDUCED!
Property information
Facebook is one of the most popular social media engines on the Internet today. Just announced this morning was a new viral scam making the rounds.
Users receive a notice that asks if they want to install a "dislike" button, says the security firm Sophos. When a user gives the application permission to run, it will send a message to the user's friends and update their status spreading the virus to everyone in your list.
Running the application does not complete the process, however. You are then directed to an online survey which ultimately points you to an add-on for Firefox. The add-on comes from a company called FaceMod but it appears they are not associated with the scam.
Remember to be careful if you plan to add any applications to you Facebook and research them briefly before adding to your profile.
CATHY MALLERS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
