The Berghoff Memorial Blog

Apps for Commercial Painters

2017-01-29T21:05:00.002-08:00

Apps have been making life easier for everyone. The saying "there's an app for that" runs true in all kinds of areas of life. There have been many apps create for those in the commercial painting business. Listed below are three to four apps that can help with different tasks of a job. These apps can help with anything like creating color palettes, ordering products for painting, and even creating credible estimates for customers.

Houzz

Houzz is an app that can be used for inspiration for desingers, painters, and even customers. The app features over 300,000 images that are all shown in high resolution. There is a section of the app that is reserved for saving pictures so that you can look at them later for ideas. The photos are easy to browse through because they are sorted by color, style, and even are that they were taken. The app can be beautifully displayed on phones as well as an iPad. The app is available through both Apple and Android.

Paint Calculator Pro

Paint Calculator Pro makes it easy to make an estimate for how much your paint project will cost altogether. The app takes into account every detail of your project. These details are even as specific as multiple coats of paint and primers that you might need. The app is also great for figuring out complicated math within the project such as converting the square footage to different materials that will be needed for your project. As of now, this app is only available on the Android platform.

JobFLEX

Job flex is not only an app, but it also is a very useful website for putting together estimates for your customer. This painting estimating software will make it much easier to run your busy. JobFLEX boasts that it's software is able to get a quote together in a matter of minutes. The software can help business users with their paperwork which will saves hours of work a week. Because the software is so quick, painters can organize their estimates quicker which will enable them to close more deals. The software is user-friendly, and very easy to use. There is also an option to view how your business is doing. Users can view any past jobs they sold, performance with their marketing, and any quotes that are open. As of now, the app is only available on Google Play. There is also a Pro option which will give more features for the user.

House Painter Free and Pro

This app makes it easy to view what your rooms will look like in different hues. You can take pictures of different parts of the building you are painting, and then see what the room will look like in different colors. After you have experimented with different colors, you can send the pictures off to those involved in the project.

Hiking Tray Mountain in Georgia

2016-10-21T08:33:00.001-07:00

One of the best hikes in Georgia is the Tray Mountain hike. This is one of the most popular hikes in the state thanks to the gorgeous views that hikers are rewarded with when they get to the summit. The following is a guide to what visitors need to know about hiking Tray Mountain.

Getting There
The trailhead is at the Indian Grave Gap Road parking area. You can park your car there, and then follow the white blazes of the Appalachian Trail as you hike along the trail.

Enjoying the Hike
This is a hike that is quite challenging. You need to be in decent shape to complete the five-mile roundtrip. There is so much natural beauty that you will enjoy during this hike. The trail is surrounded by the splendor of the North Georgia mountains. Moss and ferns are everywhere you turn in the beautiful Chattahoochee National Forest. Spring and early summer are the best times to go as the area comes alive with wildflowers blooming.

Pace Yourself
As previously mentioned, this is not an easy hike. You will climb 1,250 vertical feet as you work your way from Indian Grave Gap Road up to the summit of Tray Mountain. It is best to have some experience with hiking in elevation before you tackle this challenging hike. Make sure that you give yourself at least half a day to cover the five-mile round-trip.

Stunning Views
The natural beauty along the trail is reason enough to make the trek, but the views from the summit of Tray Mountain are the real reward for hikers. From the top of the mountain, you will see panoramic views of the Chattahoochee National Forest. You can also see the Blue Ridge Mountains off in the distance.

What to Bring
Make sure that you bring plenty of water. The rugged nature of the hike will leave you very dehydrated if you don’t have water with you. You should also bring some snacks or even a meal. There are some nice spots along the trail to have a picnic lunch.

Even if you go in the middle of summer, you should bring along warm clothes. You never know when a storm will blow through, and the elevation on the hike climbs above 4,000 feet. Even summer storms can be quite chilly and dangerous if you do not have warm, waterproof clothing to put on.

Hiking Tray Mountain is a wonderful experience that everyone should experience. If you are planning a vacation to North Georgia and looking for a place to stay near Tray Mountain consider staying at Pinnacle Cabin Rentals. They offer beautiful cabin rentals that feature views of the mountains and are close to many attractions in North Georgia.

Family Fun in Durango, CO

2016-03-18T07:06:00.000-07:00

Durango is a historic railroad town that gained traction after the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad pulled into town in 1881. Since then, Durango has become an excellent vacation spot hosting a wide variety of family-friendly activities. Below are the top five things to do when visiting Durango.

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the last remnants of the narrow gauge Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. The authentic, coal-fired steam locomotives chug through the scenic San Juan National Forest, over cascading rivers and canyons, and ending in the historic mining town of Silverton. In Silverton, your family can walk the streets, shop, and enjoy lunch before returning to the train. The train has bathroom facilities and a snack car to grab food or a drink while on the train. Book your reservations here: Durango And Silverton Train.

Mesa Verde National Park

Take a step back into time at Mesa Verde National Park. Mesa Verde, meaning green table, is in the southwest corner of Colorado about 40 minutes west of Durango. Mesa Verde is a World Heritage Site preserving some of the most incredible Anasazi ruins in the American Southwest. These Native Americans made their home here for 700 years and left over 600 dwellings and 5,000 archaeological sites. The park offers lodgings, guided tours, and exciting hikes to enjoy in the summer. For more information, visit http://www.visitmesaverde.com/.

Colorado Trails Ranch

This dude ranch has a wide variety of activities for families with children of all ages. Guests can enjoy swimming, fishing, horseback riding, and other exciting activities while staying at the ranch. The ranch offers several different options when choosing a cabin, and dining at the ranch is guaranteed to be a great experience. Visit ColoradoTrails.com for more info.

Durango Zipline Tours

Zip lining has never been more fun than flying through the aspen trees high in the Rocky Mountains. Durango has several different zip lining companies to choose from with options to combine a Jeep tour with your zip lining adventure. To find your perfect package, visit the Durango website here.

Camping and Fishing

Durango is a paradise for those who love the outdoors. If your family enjoys camping and fishing, Durango has an assortment of different campgrounds and RV parks. These campgrounds offer a relaxing experience with nearby hiking trails and fishing areas for you and your family to enjoy during the summer months. Find the perfect Durango campground for your trip.

This is a guest post contributed by Durango Colorado Vacations, offering vacation rentals and cabin rentals in Durango, Colorado.

Five Surprising Facts about California

2016-01-18T09:50:00.002-08:00

Known as 'The Golden State', California is revered for its excellent weather, tourism and world-renown beaches. Most people who've been to California can attest to its allure as a veritable dreamland of warm sunshine and breathtaking natural scenery. But there are some lesser-known facts about California that may surprise you.

Fact #1: For every 8 United States residents, one of them lives in California. While it is only one of the fifty United States, California is the physical home of 12.5% of the entire US population. How many of your own friends and family currently reside in California?

Fact #2: There are roughly 500,000 seismic disturbances - also known as tremors - that occur in California every year. Because of the sheer land mass and location of California in relation to known fault lines, the earthquake activity the state registers on an annual basis is quite staggering. Many lifelong California residents can remember a time when they experienced an earthquake, themselves.

Fact #3: California contains the country's largest county - San Bernadino County. California ranks third in the nation for size, behind Texas at number two and Alaska at number one. However, California has the largest single county in the entire United States, coming in at a whopping three million acres. That's 20,105 square miles. If you're measuring size by population, California still wins with Los Angeles county totaling over ten million residents.

Fact #4: California contains the hottest and driest place in the country, Death Valley. That's an appropriate name for a place that routinely sees summer temperatures in excess of 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Death Valley also happens to be the largest national park in the country, covering 3.4 million acres. Also, Death Valley has been the backdrop for dozens of scenes from the hugely successful Star Wars movies.

Fact #5: California holds the record for being the first United State to achieve a Gross State Product of a trillion dollars. In fact, if the economy of California alone were to be measured against the economies of whole countries elsewhere in the world, it would be the 7th largest economy on the planet.

About the Author: Chuck is a guest contributor from Honor Mansion, a beautiful Healdsburg hotel.

The best bars in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

2015-11-30T10:21:00.001-08:00

Nothing goes together like bars and beaches, and visitors to North Myrtle Beach will find there is no shortage of happening hangouts. From waterfront tiki bars that serve up steel guitar and suds, to upscale clubs that thump DJ spins, the North Myrtle Beach nightlife offers something for everyone. Happy Hours are the norm, and live music is common, so it isn't hard to find a venue to host your next night out in North Myrtle Beach.

Joe’s Bar & Grill

Historic watering hole in North Myrtle Beach with a great menu and a casual barroom ambience. Daily Happy Hours. Located in the Windy Hill section of the city. Located on Conway Street just off the main strip.

Fat Harold’s Beach Club

One of the best music venues in North Myrtle Beach, with live bands and DJs keeping the party rolling. Located on Main Street just a block from the ocean strip.

39th Avenue Bar & Grill

A Happy Hour haven with a wide range of exciting drinks and food menu of delicious appetizers. Located on Highway 17 with luscious views of the Atlantic.

Flynn’s Irish Tavern

A favorite haunt of Myrtle Beach locals, and a must-visit bar for first-time visitors to the area. Located on Main Street and just a short walk from beaches and first-class resorts.

Deckerz

Good food, cold drinks and fantastic entertainment; 2014 CBMA Show Club of the Year. Located on Hillside Drive South, a short walk from the beautiful beaches of the Atlantic Ocean.

Molly Darcy’s Irish Pub

A lively waterfront tavern with traditional pub grub. Located on South Ocean Boulevard.

Rockefeller’s Raw Bar

Feast on a wide variety of crawfish, scallops, mussels, oysters, crab legs, shrimp, tuna and more. Located on Highway 17.

Coconuts Tiki Bar

Enjoy great drinks and sprawling ocean views in this classic seaside gem located on Ocean Boulevard North in the heart of North Myrtle Beach.

Fishtails Beach Bar

A hopping seaside club that serves up a great menu of traditional dishes, wonderful drinks and a party atmosphere that lasts all evening. Located on Ocean Boulevard South inside the Bay Watch Resort and Conference Center.

About the Author: Seneca is a guest contributor from Seaside Vacations, a company that offers premium North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals.

Things You Think You Need For Your Wedding, But Don’t Really Need

2015-10-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

The average cost of a wedding in the United States is now over $30,000 according to the latest study by The Knot. The majority of this a wedding budget is attributed to the venue, catering and rentals, which makes sense. Having a venue to fit your guests and food to feed those said guests are important aspects of a wedding. A photographer is another pricey cost of a wedding, but rightfully so since you want to document your special day. But in recent years, there are a lot of unnecessary items that couples spend money on. Here are a few things to skip because you will look silly using them after your wedding or honeymoon.

Videographer

The photographer is already costing you a pretty penny. Do you really need a videographer too? Ask yourself, will you ever go back and watch the wedding video after your one year anniversary? Have a friend video the two of you walking down the aisle for the first time as a married couple and skip the $1,700 (average) cost of a videographer. If they are a really good friend, ask them to capture the best man doing the worm toward the end of the night too; then you’ll be set.

A Big Fancy Cake

Don’t skip the cake completely. The open bar is what gets some people to a wedding, for others it is the cake. The point is that there are plenty of way to save money on the cake. For example, have a small cake that you and your significant other cut into so you can feed each other the first bite, but have sheet cakes in the back for your guests. Depending on the bakery, cupcakes are another option that could save you a decent chunk of change. Some couples are picking more unique choices too, such as donuts and pies instead of cake too! Explore all the options when it comes to dessert!

Mr. & Mrs. Passport Cases

The idea is adorable, but really? Won’t you feel silly using them after the honeymoon? With a quick search on Etsy, I found out that these passport cases can cost from $10 to $88.50. That is a large range, but even at the low end, you can get an extra bottle of (cheap) booze for your open bar.

…Along with that…Bride & Groom Luggage Tags

Once again, are you going to use these after the honeymoon? If you continue to use them and people are constantly congratulating you on your marriage, won’t you feel a little odd when you have to tell them you got married X amount of months ago? While they don’t cost much based on my Etsy research, save yourself the little bit of money because it all adds up in the end.

Your wedding should be beautiful and special, but at some point you have to draw the line and keep it practical. Many couples come back and say they spent money on all of these extravagant things for their wedding that didn't even get noticed. When planning your wedding, one of the questions you should ask over and over again is, "Will this detail/thing/etc. even be noticed?" If the answer is no and it doesn't mean a lot to you, then it probably isn't worth paying for.

About the Author: Sophie is a guest contributor from The Perfect Card Box, provider of locking wedding card boxes. Visit their website to learn more theperfectcardbox.com.

How to Cater Your Wedding For Less

2015-09-22T08:05:00.000-07:00

Don't let the pre-populated 'chicken or fish' question on your invitation template determine your wedding menu. Here are a few ways to get creative about catering your wedding without breaking the bank:

1. Shop Around for the Best Deal

When choosing the venue for your reception, ask up front if you will be required to use the in-house caterer, or if you are allowed to bring in your own caterer, bartender, and cake. Though packaged deals may be more convenient for planning purposes, you are paying for that convenience. Bringing in your own vendors will allow you to shop around for the best deals. If your venue does not have an in-house caterer, ask for a list of recommended vendors. These vendors are likely to give you a cheaper rate because of a negotiated deal with the venue.

2. Think Outside the Catering Box

Many traditional catering companies tack on service fees for weddings that can add up to the equivalent of the cost of the meal. Instead, think about reaching out to the restaurant where you had your first date, or your favorite local food truck. Be sure to communicate up front what your expectations are for set up, meal service, and clean up, and don't be derailed if they can't offer all the same amenities as a full service catering company. You can hire your own bartenders, waiters, and general staff.

3. Reconsider the Passed Apps

At $3-$8 per bacon-wrapped bite, your guests may just munch their way through half your catering budget during cocktail hour. Instead, opt for a seasonal fruit and cheese display, or get creative with a build-your-own nacho bar.

4. Embrace the Buffet Line

Buffets are more cost effective than plated meals, require fewer servers, and provide multiple options for guests to fill their plate with what they want. Because food does not need to be perfectly portioned out per guest, there is less waste from uneaten green beans and untouched side salads. The same rule applies to the cake- not everyone will want a piece, so allow guests to take however much they want instead of serving individual slices to each person.

5. Use your Network

Have a friend who loves to bake? Offer to pay for the ingredients and ask them to make your cake. Task your groomsmen with picking up the alcohol on the day of the wedding to save on the delivery fee. Share the cost of buying table linens with a friend who is getting married in the same season. Don't be afraid to ask around- you never know what people may offer!

About the Author: Dania is a guest contributor from Castle Marne Bed & Breakfast, a beautiful Denver wedding venue option.

What Your Dentist Can Detect

2015-04-09T10:31:00.001-07:00

We all know it’s important to make those annual dental appoints to clean your teeth. But what a lot of people don’t realize is that your dentist can tell a lot more about your overall health by checking your mouth than just cavities. I recently spoke with Dr. Dan Derksen about the topic and here are some of the most important things your dentist checks for:

Dementia
Dementia is the gradual loss of a person’s cognitive function. Its symptoms include confusion, loss of memory, disorganized tendencies, and poor oral hygiene! The Journal of American Geriatric Society recently published a study that followed 5,000 elderly people for 18 years and saw that the people who brushed their teeth less than once a day were up to 65% more likely to develop dementia than people who brushed their teeth once of more.
Diabetes
Diabetes can cause dry mouth, increase your chances for plaque build-up, and cause acute gum bleeding. Often a patient who shows these characteristics will be sent for further testing to try and detect the disease. A dentist will be able to decipher the difference between just cavities, and serious oral issues.
Oral Cancer
The first sign of oral cancer is a white or red sore in the mouth. Every time you schedule a routine cleaning, your dentist will perform an exam to check for the disease. The scary thing about this disease is that these sores are usually towards the back of the mouth and don’t have any physical symptoms. It can go left undetected if you don’t see your dentist regularly.
Heart Disease
Inflamed gums, loss of teeth, and enamel break down can all be signs of heart disease. If you have a gum disease like periodontis, that bacteria could easily travel to your heart and cause clots, restricted blood flow, and overall artery issues. It’s imperative that you keep up on your oral health to keep the rest of your body functioning without stress.
Stress/Anxiety
When a person is stressed, a lot of the time they take it out subconsciously on their teeth. Grinding, chewing on harder objects, and clenching can all be signs that a person is experiencing stress. Grinding can cause significant damage to teeth, the first sign being worn away enamel and heightened sensitivity to colder foods. If left untreated, grinding can ultimately cause bone loss. A dentist will usually provide a mouth guard when these symptoms occur.

Next time you think about brushing off your next dental appointment, remember that a dentist can detect the early signs of many diseases from a routine cleaning. Good dental health is a good reflection of overall health

Fun Railroad Tours of the Great Smoky Mountains

2014-01-13T10:54:00.000-08:00

Sightseeing and appreciating the Great Smoky Mountains can become a whole new experience, thanks to train rides on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. What better way to see Western North Carolina from a unique point of view! Sit back and relax as you enjoy the amazing views of the charming countryside and mountain rivers through these special train tours.

PEANUTS^™ Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown

If you still haven’t decided where to spend Valentine’s Day, how about taking the PEANUTS™ Valentine Express? The train will travel along the Tuckasegee River to Dillsboro, and you get to tour around the quaint town of Dillsboro for an hour and a half. Train festivities include the PEANUTS™ characters, Charlie Brown, Lucy and Snoopy as they take you for an old-fashioned Valentine’s Day fun. Children will also have fun creating their own Valentine’s for their loved ones, so there’s everything for everyone in the family!

Raft & Rail Wildwater

From April to October, the Raft & Rail Wildwater becomes a great summer getaway for the whole family who loves the outdoors. Train departs from Bryson City Depot and takes you to Nantahala River for an eight-mile breathtaking adventure on a raft. Everything is included: transportation, BBQ lunch and even the guided tour.

Zip & Rail

On a two-hour train ride from Bryson City, you get to see an exhilarating view of the Smoky Mountains and Fontana Lake until you get to the Nantahala Gorge. From there, you will disembark and have lunch at Nantahala River, then take on the canopy tour of the Nantahala Gorge. The tour consists of 13 ziplines and 8 sky-bridges, which will award you with unforgettable views of the mountains and Fontana Lake.

Rail & Trail

A seven-hour trip that will get you acquainted with the Great Smoky Mountains is Rail & Trail, a combination of a train and Jeep tour. From Bryson City, you will arrive at the Nantahala Gorge and take the Jeep for a personal exploration of the mountains, waterfalls, and lakes.

If you’re taking a three-day trip to the Smoky Mountains, why not go for a trip around Asheville as well? The city is known for its historic downtown surrounded by beautiful mountains. Go for a relaxing spa after your active railroad trip and stay at a quiet mountain bed and breakfast.

Benefits of “Factory” Extended-Auto-Warranties

2013-12-06T13:07:00.001-08:00

Warranty Void if Seal Broken (Photo credit: eirikso)

For many years, car manufacturers such as Chrysler, GM and Ford have sold factory-backed auto extended warranty plans through their dealership network. For these companies, their factory extended warranties have been widely supported by their dealerships for many years, and the majority of their service departments preferred them any aftermarket extended warranty plans.

Apart from that, many dealerships across the U.S. find the level of customer service highest at these factory programs due to their familiarity. The main reason that most car dealerships prefer this extended auto insurance is that it provides several benefits for both vehicle owners and the car manufacturer.

Fewer Surprises

Unlike a third party auto extended warranty plan, these policies do not contain surprises that many people run into after they have purchased one. At the same time, they provide comprehensive coverage that only a number of third party auto extended warranties can give to their clients. They also provide a number of benefits such as trip interruption, alternate transportation and roadside assistance.

Make Payments Easier

Apart from having fewer surprises, people who have a factory-based extended auto warranty can also obtain another advantage. Their vehicle can be repaired anywhere across the U.S. by highly specialized mechanics who know how to get the job done right. This is not the case for owners who have third party auto-extended insurance.

Many third party extended auto warranties are not accepted nationwide. Because of this, people have to pay the full bill every time they have their vehicle repaired at a car dealership other than the one where they have purchased their extended warranty plan.

What is worse is that they also have to submit a claim to their insurance company to get back what they have spent. If their claim is denied, they will get nothing.

Easy to Use

Another reason why many people now prefer to purchase factory-backed extended auto warranties is that they are quite easy to use. Any car dealership across the country will instantly recognized their extended auto warranty and start repairing covered vehicles without any further delay.

Aside from that, dealership service mechanics frequently prefer working with a vehicle that has a manufacturer-extended auto warranty. This is because they are familiar with the factory procedures used to produce the vehicle. In addition, dealerships hate the slow payment procedure that a number of aftermarket extended auto warranties provide. The familiarity and ease of the vehicle repair process also gets the car owner back on the road much sooner. This is good news for both the repair facility and the vehicle owner.

Easily Transferable

Another advantage of obtaining a factory-backed insurance policy is that it can be transferred easily if the vehicle’s owner chooses to sell their car. However, they should make sure that the warranty is still within its coverage period prior to the transfer.

Additionally, a vehicle that has a factory-based extended warranty has a much higher perceived value than one that does not. This enables the owner to sell it at a much higher price than others found on the market. It also provides the buyer with peace of mind knowing that they are free from any financial obligations in case a major repair is needed.

Identifying Hydrocephalus Symptoms

2013-10-14T13:40:00.000-07:00

Most commonly known as "water on the brain", hydrocephalus is what happens when cerebrospinal fluid builds up when it does not properly drain from the brain's ventricles. As the pressure builds all sorts of problems can arise from someone suffering hydrocephalus. This can include enlargement of the head, convulsions and even brain damage as the brain tissue is exposed to this increasing pressure. Here are some of the common symptoms that come with "water on the brain" as they are developed later in life (congenital hydrocephalus comes with a different set of symptoms):

Frequent disorientation
Lethargy
Nausea
Problems with eyesight
Frequent headaches

For a full list of symptoms, go here http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/181727.php

How to treat hydrocephalus?
Shunts are the most common treatment. These are plastic tubes that divert the fluid buildup into another area of the body where it will be absorbed and not cause issues, often into the abdominal cavity or around the lungs. Alternately, in a few instances a ventriculostomy allows a doctor to createa small hole and bypass the obstruction so the drainage occurs more naturally, without the need for shunts.

Additional resources:
http://www.lansingneurosurgery.com/conditions/brain-vascular-conditions/hydrocephalus
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/hydrocephalus/detail_hydrocephalus.htm

Childhood Life Lessons That Can Help You to Become a Great Business Leader

2013-08-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Remember those cheesy life lessons, one-liners your mom and teachers always used to say that would drive you crazy? Well, maybe they had a point. After looking at what makes some of the most successful business leaders so successful, those annoying one-liners may just be the key to becoming a great business leader! If you want to master the skills it takes be a great leader in business, here are three of those life lessons you will want to remember and implement in your leadership style, but don't forget to thank your mom first!

1. Treat those like you want to be treated.

Well, more like lead those like you would want to be lead, you get what we mean. Your responsibility as a leader is to lead your team to achieve results that are going to better your company. To do this, you have to set examples and empower your team to reach the goals of the company instead of using the power you have toward your own benefit. You should be a role model to those you are leading; you want your team to look up to you just as you would want to be able to look up to your leader.

2. Honesty is the best policy.

Just like mom always said: honesty is the best policy. And for good reason! Honesty is directly correlated to trust; you want your employees to be able to trust you just as you want to be able to trust them. Trust is crucial when working with a team and the best way to build that trust is through honesty. Losing the trust of your employees can quickly lead to you losing control of the company, so take mom’s advice and just be honest!

3. Mean what you say and say what you mean.

As a leader, you want to keep your credibility intact. If you make promises to your team, you have to make sure you can follow through. A disappointed team doesn’t make for good, hard working employees, which is why you have to mean what you say and say what you mean! Think thoroughly before committing to something and make sure you are going to be able to follow through in the long run. You want to keep your team happy, your credibility up, and positivity in the work place. Let your employees know that what you tell them and promise them is true and then show them by following through with your word. You will earn the respect of your team and be a great leader.

This article is by a contributor for MSU Executive Education, who aim to expand the knowledge of business leaders and professionals through their programs and workshops.

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How to Add a Touch of Rustic Decor to Your Home

2013-05-23T08:39:00.003-07:00

Gone are the days of only being able to find log siding on a cabin tucked away in the woods. Instead of being hidden among beautiful trees and flowers, log siding is starting to pop up on homes in not so rural areas. Many want the feeling of a rustic log cabin year round so they are opting for a log home in a more urban setting. Despite the increasing popularity of log home siding, not everyone can afford to remodel or build the rustic home of their dreams. Luckily, there are other ways to enhance your home to give it more of a rustic feel without draining your bank account. From simple DIY crafts to log furniture to small upgrades around your home, there are a variety of options that will give your home the touch of rustic you're looking for. Here are a couple of DIY crafts to bring the outdoors indoors:

Stick Framed Photo or Mirror

If you have a photo or mirror in your home that you want to give a facelift, then this super easy project is for you! Gather an assortment of twigs and sticks from your yard or woods that are an appropriate size for the object you are going to frame. Be sure to gather enough materials to make the stick frame the width and depth you desire. Once you have done this, simply use tacky glue or hot glue depending on the weight of the sticks to the photo or mirror. Remember that there is no wrong way to hot glue the sticks to the photo or mirror; you can overlap the sticks, lay them side by side, stack the sticks, weave them- whatever you wish!

Rustic Candle Holder

Add a rustic touch to a candle holder or glass container by using yarn. Wrap the yarn around the item you are decorating and use tacky glue to make it adhere to the surface. A yarn wrapped candle holder is a great way to add a pop of color to your home as well as give it more of a rustic feel. Another option for a rustic candle holder is to use twigs and sticks, similar to the stick framed photo or mirror. Again, use tacky glue to add the materials to the outside of the candle holder or container. For more of a rustic effect, use twigs and sticks in various lengths and knot a piece of yarn around the candle holder for the finishing touch!

Pinecone Garland

Pinecone garland is a simple way to add a tad of rustic to your home. All you need is pinecones, twine or yarn, and spray paint if you want to make the pinecones another color. Simply tie the pinecones on the twine or yarn you're using and you've got yourself rustic garland for your home! If you choose to paint the pinecones, be sure to let them dry first.

If you're not much of a crafter or want a more drastic rustic feel, consider using white cedar products to update items around your home such as doors, window trim, or baseboards. To give your home more of a rustic exterior, consider adding or redoing the posts and fencing on a porch or deck with white cedar materials. Whether you're looking to add a bit of rustic or a lot of rustic, there are many different ways to do it, you just have to be visionary and find what is best for your home!

About the Author

Jill Miller is a DIY/craft enthusiast and contributing blogger for Michigan Cedar Products, a manufacturer and supplier of white cedar siding and paneling. View their log siding products here.

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Advertising in Transition

2013-03-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

Over the past few decades, our world has become increasingly interconnected through the advancement of technology and our large-scale economy. People are finding themselves scattered across the U.S. and globe more than ever before for a variety of reasons often including job-related opportunities. A husband may find himself commuting several hours each day from the suburbs into a major city for an innovative technology company. A 25 year old may move from one coast where their family lives to the other to be with a romantic partner, or to take a job at the organization of their dreams.

It is clear that the average Americans' life has expanded far beyond their hometown city and state, leading to an increase in time spent traveling for business and personal purposes. Due to the large size of the U.S. and typical Americans' preference for cars over mass transit, many people now spend a significant part of their days on the road getting from point A to point B. The average American drives a total of 230 miles each week and wastes approximately 36 hours per year stuck in traffic. The Federal Highway Administration predicts this travel trend will continue- with notable increases in the number of trips and amount of time spent in personal vehicles in the coming years.

The implications of a society constantly on the move have been fascinating areas of study for psychology, sociologists, and even advertisers. With routine travel as common as it is for modern Americans, outdoor advertising can be a huge asset to companies looking for a cost-effective way to reach a diverse audience with minimal effort. Outdoor advertising can be broken down into four main categories including billboards, street furniture, transit and alternative spaces. While all forms of outdoor advertising have their merits, mobile advertising offers a variety of unique benefits over traditional advertising. Vehicle wraps are the most cost-effective and most efficent form of advertising available, reaching more consumers at a lower cost per thousand impressions (CPM) than all other forms of advertising. A single car wrap can result in anywhere from 30,000 and 70,000 views per day. Because drivers are conditioned to be alert to salient objects while driving, the large size, unconventional shape, and often color of car wrap advertisements easily stand out among traditional style cars on the road. Studies have shown that vehicle advertising has the ability to boost name recognition 15 times more than other forms of advertising simply through exposure.

Aside from the financial reasons for mobile advertising, vehicle wraps provide a number of other perks. Due to their mobility, companies can position wrapped automobiles in an endless number of places seen by a diverse target audience. Whether companies want to reach people via cruising down a major city street, parking in a busy corner lot, or stationed at a community event, vehicle wraps offer a flexibility that cannot be matched. For example, imagine a popcorn company with a van vehicle wrap. They could drive to several music festivals, film fests, and community events and sell popcorn out of the van they are advertising from. Not only will the company easily increase exposure by driving from place to place, but they will also have a temporary, cost-effective "shop" to operate out of away from their main business.

Vehicle wraps are particularly useful for selling products and services that appeal to the masses by acting as portable billboards that reach pedestrians, drivers, and passengers of all ages and backgrounds all at once. Aside from general demographics, there is no crucial need to gauge specificity when using vehicle wraps. Vehicle wraps do the work for companies by targeting anyone and everyone in proximity with the vehicle. Finally, unlike home mailers and other forms of print or online marketing, vehicle wraps do not allow for side-by-side comparisons with competitors. This can be a huge asset for businesses with generic products by driving sales with unique advertisements when pricing and placement are hard to compete with from other companies.

As our world continues to diversify in scope, so must the advertising efforts of companies trying to gain consumers' attention. The average city American is exposed to an average of 5,000 advertisements a day. With so much clutter, companies that use unconventional forms of advertising will be those that are most successful. Will vehicle wraps become the preferred form of outdoor advertising in the coming years? Research would indicate they're worth the test drive to find out.

Getting all the Neighbors Together

2013-02-16T08:32:00.000-08:00

When is the last time you went to a happy hour, or neighborhood get-together? What did you talk about while you were there? Was it the normal conversations, or was it about something deeper and more meaningful? Around here, a bunch of neighbors often gather in our cul-de-sac for drinks and light dinner fare on Friday evenings in the Spring. Its a great chance to see neighbors that haven't been seen much during the cold winter months. We catch up on what everyone has been up to; how their kids are doing; summer vacation and camp plans; and happenings in the region.

Last night was somewhat unusual in that one of our neighbors had a sister visiting her from afar. Her sister had a 20-year career with a Fortune 50 company and has since gone into consulting. Her career was in the Human Resources field and her consulting practice revolves around Leadership Training, Conflict Resolution, and what I like to call the touchy-feely management issues ( I in no way mean that as a derogatory manner!) Also unusual was that, for a visitor, she exerted great control over the direction and topics of our discussions.

In honor of tomorrow being Mother's Day, she thought it would be interesting if we talked about the relationships we have, as adults, with our mothers. We all ended up sharing our thoughts on whether our mothers were too critical; too involved; not involved or supportive; etc. etc. We talked about things that were not at all superficial, but about which we felt quite deeply.

I talked about how my mother had been very resistant to my choosing to stay at home with my daughters rather than continue my successful career as a working professional. About how I receive nearly no support from my parents with watching my daughters. Although my Mom did rush down to help out on Thursday when I wanted to attend an event that would be good for networking to prepare for re-entering the job market! I talked about the lack of at-home-Dads in our area, and we talked about ways to find some. Apparently she knows more of them than I do, but they all live out-of-state. Three different neighboring families offered to watch my daughters for a weekend so that my wife and I could get away (we have not done that in 11 years, since my oldest was 3 months old).

I considered it a wonderful enjoyable evening. It was full of openness, honesty, sharing, and community bonding. My wife thought otherwise!

She was on call last night and came home around 7:30 to an empty house; we were all having fun in the cul-de-sac. Rather than join us, she did her nails. When we returned, I told her much of what I wrote above. Her response was to ask how much the visitor had shared about herself. And what was the visitor getting out of all this? And why should she feel compelled to share such details with a nearly complete stranger? And on and on about how inappropriate the whole thing seemed and how she was really glad she had decided not to join us.

And all I could think was what a big difference there is between how my wife and I approach certain things. How much more open I am to people, believing that if I am open with them, they will be open to me, and we will be closer. Isn't that how you make friends, but sharing who you are with them? For me, after the night, I never felt closer to some of my neighbors. They shared things about their lives that they never had before.

Manitou's Legacy with the Third Pontoon

2013-02-11T10:50:00.002-08:00

Despite its bad-boy image, Manitou's Legacy puts performance within reach of the average boater.

It’s a stereotype to be sure, but the image that immediately springs to mind when someone mentions a “performance” boat is a brightly painted water rocket piloted by a guy with three obvious needs: speed, babes in bikinis and roughly four pounds of gold jewelry around his neck. If you spend any time at all in south Florida, you know where the stereotype got started. But there are performance boaters all across the country ready to rumble across any open stretch of water they can find — babes and bullion optional. That’s the kind of boater the Manitou Legacy was made for.

Just like all the boats Manitou makes, it’s an attention-getter. Even sitting at the dock being gently bounced by the wake of marina traffic, the Legacy looks like it could take off at any second. The combination of a low-profile foredeck, flat transom and racy flame paint give you a sense of motion and excitement that builds as you walk closer. Casting off the lines and idling toward Sarasota Bay, all eyes are on the boat. Particularly since you’ve left the Captain’s Call exhaust option open to announce your presence with a deep, throaty growl.

Everyone in the marina is also checking out the bright four-color graphics package. One of the distinguishing options for Manitou is that you can personalize the look of your boat by choosing from four different multicolor graphics packages with matching upholstery accents. By the way, the graphics are actually set into the gel coat, not slapped on after the fact.

But this boat wasn’t meant for idle zones, so once you’re free to create a little wake, you seize the opportunity to be in a hurry. You soon discover one thing the boat is missing: a windshield. With the wind in your hair, it’s hard to conceal the fun you’re having at the helm of this ride. Not that you’d have any reason to. After all, a crisp, sunny March morning on the water is about as good as it gets anyway. But having the throttle of a 260-hp, 5.0L MerCruiser MPI at your disposal makes it that much better. Might as well feed your need for speed, right? So it’s straight to the good stuff. With a top end of just over 40 mph, the boat feels even faster than that with a face full of fresh air. Slamming the throttle down delivers a respectable holeshot, getting you to 30 mph in just under nine seconds. That’s not exactly a whiplash-inducing launch, but performance designs tend to build up a little anticipation before they take off. Time to plane, with Manitou's unique third pontoon that makes planning easier, is close to six seconds.

There’s no doubt whatsoever that the Legacy pontoon boat is built specifically for velocity. When you’re wide open, it makes for a happy boat. Even when you’re cranked up, however, you have a complete sense of control and stability. A good bit of that is due to the construction methods Manitou uses in all its products. A bonded fiberglass stringer system and end-grain balsa core makes for a strong package you can feel even when you finally get around to giving the wheel a few hard spins.

The Legacy turns predictably and precisely no matter what speed you take it. The combination of a super-grip steering wheel and power steering gives you a fine sense of control. But, you would be right to wonder, especially in rougher water, why an optional trim tab setup is not available. Also, the lower-unit tilt drive is a bit of a challenge to use underway because it’s a dashboard switch rather than on the throttle control (available as an option).

But while all that whipping around is a blast for the driver, sometimes your passengers are forced to endure a rough ride. To address that potential problem, Manitou has strategically placed grab handles in all the right places. As expected, the adjustable, twin bucket seats up front make for a comfortable place to sit, but the rear seat is a pleasant surprise. The bench features a large roll just under your knees that really gives you a sense of control and security. There are also two molded rear passenger footrests so you can brace yourself when needed.

You can’t live by top-end alone, however, so there will inevitably be a time when the standard Clarion radio/CD player is the only thing being cranked up while you’re sprawled out on the large rear sun pad. You've got plenty of storage under the seats for a day’s worth of provisions, and there’s a bit of room under the seats for larger items. While the engine’s shut down, you’ll be glad you went for the optional fiberglass swim platform with a ladder. While you’re writing the check, go ahead and pony up for the snap-in Sunbrella cockpit cover as well.

There are a number of features on the Legacy that bear mentioning as well, such as stainless-steel hardware, a watertight glove box, a passenger-side 12V receptacle, a ski-tow eye and an assisted-lift engine hatch cover.

Even though you may not fit the stereotype of a performance boater, the Manitou Legacy has the punch and personality to satisfy your need for speed while putting a high-quality performance boat within your reach.

Workplace alumni reunion

2013-01-13T08:31:00.000-08:00

Its been 7 years or so since I worked in an office. When I left, I felt I had made many many friends at my workplace. I was a boss, and I thought I was a good one. And I believe that my employees enjoyed working for me. I anticipated staying in touch with many of them. I was mistaken.

Over the years I have maintained contact with exactly two people from my working days. One was a fellow chemical engineer who worked for me, and with whom I became good friends. Another was a younger employee with whom I shared an interest in music and high-end stereo equipment. But I never heard from any others, even those I was very close to.

Last Thursday the owner of the company I worked at organized the second reunion event for former employees. He has since sold the company and moved onto other business ventures. But we all remember our days working at that company with fondness. It was a special mix of people and culture that for many years made it a great place to work. As with most companies, the culture changed as it grew. By the time it was sold, and certainly since then, it became quite a different place at which to work.

The reunion benefited a local charity, and included admission and a silent auction, where people paid entirely too much for homemade deserts. But was great was how many people were there that I knew and had not seen in 7 years.

There was my boss, who is also currently unemployed, but not because he wants to be. After 10 months of an unproductive job search, he is thinking about starting his own consulting practice. And he has one contact that has promised him approximately 1000 hours of consulting work, which would be a nice start.

There was the woman who hired me to work at the company back in 1990. She is recently remarried, and has backed off her demanding work schedule to spend more time with her two sons and the son of her new husband. She looked great, but had definitely aged. She had always been quite thin and young looking, but now her face had more than its fair share of lines and she has gained a lot of weight. But her energy levels were still high and infectious. And she joked about still being intimidated by the owners of the company.

I wasn't intimidated any longer. I too had been cautious and nervous around the owners when I worked for them. But now they are just successful people that I know. It was fun changing the topic of discussion with B from his new business ventures to something else: "OK, B, but what are you DRIVING these days!" He always had a spectacular ride, and some things have not changed. He recently bought a Bentley Flying Spur!

The night was full of great stories, and learning what my former colleagues were doing. Most of them remain in the industry, albeit with other companies. Many have started up companies similar to our old one within other large corporations. And most of them didn't even know I lived in the area anymore. Most had heard I relocated out-of-state about 6 months after quitting, but almost nobody knew I came back after 7 months.

I exchanged some business cards. I had some disappointments that some people I hoped to see weren't there. Some people I was looking forward to seeing weren't as happy to see me ;-) But overall it was a great chance to get out of the house and network.

Look out world! Here I come!

Music to my Ears

2012-12-24T08:22:00.000-08:00

I listen to some pretty aggressive music when I work out. But most of my life, I'm not in the gym. Here are some recent purchases that I also recommend for less intense times:

Surprise Paul Simon's latest is easily his best in many years. The lyrics are poignant in a way that few less-seasoned artists produce.
Back to Bedlam James Blunt is an amazing singer/songwriter from the UK. I play a lot of acoustic guitar these days, and would love to be able to play like James.
Black Cadillac This album by Rosanne Cash was composed after a two year period during which she lost her mother, her step-mother and her father (Johnny). I have been a Rosanne fan for years, having seen her play at the Houston Rodeo back in 1981! The lyrics clearly relate to this period of loss in her life, and can be quite moving at times.
Taking the Long Way Home On their latest, the Dixie Chicks are unapologetic for the remarks that turned many of their traditional country fans against them. They have added an extra spoonful of rock into the ingredients list, and this one has received a lot of playing, especially in my car :-)
Suitcase Keb Mo is often lumped in with the blues, but its really more pop than blues. Sure, he plays acoustic guitar, and has played with some blues greats over the years. I saw him several years ago as opening act for B.B.King. But his music is more pop, and often has a good sense of humor about it. Highly recommended.

Story of the Night

2012-11-20T11:07:00.001-08:00

Last night I managed to send my wife into a "get me a glass of wine" tizzy. A "retreat to the basement until bedtime" upset. And it happened so easily!

My wife spent three hours at the hairdresser in the morning, having her hairdresser repair a botched coloring job she received just prior to her last business trip. After coming home, she made herself lunch, put away her dirty dishes, and then retreated to the basement for several hours to do beading projects. When she came back up, it was 4:00 and she inquired if I would like her to get something for dinner.

Since she was post-call, I had not made any major plans for dinner. I welcomed the idea that she would take some initiative about our dinner, so I accepted her offer. The offer was made because she had already agreed to take YD shopping for more fruit to add to YD's fruit salad, and the fish store is right next door. Still, it was a nice offer and I accepted.

They were gone for an hour. I think I could have done the trip in 30 minutes, but that's just me. Unfortunately, by the time they returned it was 5:00 and I was pretty hungry. I get grouchy when I'm hungry. I have also had to cut back on my carbohydrate intake, and that also makes me grouchy. But I was still happy that my wife was taking some initiative about dinner. So I asked how she was planning to make the fish.

"I don't know. How about you look up a recipe for us?" I could immediately hear the bones in her teeth grind.

Wrong answer. Wrong approach. At 5:00, I don't want to be wondering how to cook something. And I don't want to be finding a bunch of recipes for which we don't have all the ingredients. But I tried anyway. I tried four likely cookbooks, including a Williams-Sonoma book entitled "Fish". None of the books had recipes. I checked on line, and found several delicious recipes for Striped bass, but we didn't have all the ingredients required for any of them (Kale?)

So with some disgust, I told her she was on her own. And I expressed some dissatisfaction with the idea that she would buy fish without having any idea how she (we) would cook it.

And then she got upset. Upset that I was criticizing her. That she and I had different ways of handling things, and I was always so critical of her way. Eventually, she improvised something, as she often does, and I can't, and it included using white wine with some seasonings. And then she got to drink some white wine before/during/after dinner. And immediately after dinner she retreated again to the basement. We exchanged hardly any words the remainder of the night.

I felt a bit awkward since most of this occurred in the presence of our daughters. I tried to make the best of it, pointing out to my girls that everybody disagrees about some things once in awhile. And it was a civilized disagreement, with no raised voices or thrown objects. But my daughters knew my wife was in a fowl mood, and it was my fault.

I'm still not sure what I could have done to avoid this from happening. I don't think her approach was a wise one. And turning something I was appreciating (her handling dinner) into a problem for me to fix (how should we cook it?) isn't a good way to do things, whether at home or work. And during our dinner table discussion, when she mentioned that I was critical much more frequently than I compliment her on how well she handled a situation, I admit I was speechless. Part of me acknowledges the truth of the statement. But I also know that the main reason for that is that she doesn't handle situations around me, she either leaves them to me while she does her own thing, or she's not around (even if she's in our house). But that was definitely something that I didn't want to raise in front of our daughters at the dinner table. And while I was thinking about raising it later that night, neither one of us appeared to be in a mood for further discussions.

Hiking the Big Hike

2012-10-15T12:07:00.002-07:00

After a gruelling eight plus hours, I finally made it to the top of Mt. Fuji, a few weeks ago. The way up was treacherously difficult only because I foolishly overestimated my strength. Sure, it's no big deal that I woke up at six a.m. the day of, headed off to work and was a busy drone until mid-afternoon. After which, I met my hiking partners and we took the last bus for Fuji san.

It was around eight p.m. when we began the hike and almost immediately I felt the weight in my legs and the weakness of my lungs. However, I took things at an evenly measured pace and still felt strong. For about the first four hours, I felt fine. It was around midnight that the darkness seemed to whisper to me, coddling me, telling me that it was time to sleep. We rested at the numerous huts for brief intervals and I would feel my alertness return, but as soon as we started walking again, the fatigue rushed back. There were moments where all I could concentrate on was taking that next step and not completely closing my eyes for longer than a few seconds to prevent misstepping over the edge.

In between the eighth and ninth station, after refusing to move for about half an hour, I got up with the kind encouragement from my friends. As we started out again, I felt this tightness in my chest, just where I believe my heart should be. It shocked me, but I kept silent; I needed to first muddle over what it could be. After ruling out a heart attack, I concluded that my heart was working too hard. The air is not noticeably thinner, until you realize you are breathing too quickly and just hiking ten feet makes you feel like you sprinted it instead.

At around four thirty, the sun began to rise, but we were still about half an hour from the top. Rather than miss it, we did as what everyone else was doing, we found a spot and waited. It was a beautiful sunrise, unlike any I have ever seen; incredible and humbling all at once.

We began the climb again shortly, mostly due to the brutally cold winds that numbed our exposed extremities. I was glad of my goretex MEC jacket that kept me snugly warm.

Was it the brilliance of the sun, which revealed to me the harsh and barren rocks that was Mt. Fuji, or was it that I saw the top and fifth gear kicked in? One moment, I was sluggishly crawling to the top with countless others, the next, I side-stepped everyone as I did a Peter Parker up and across the rocks to the summit. What would have taken the tired-me likely forty minutes to complete, revitalized me accomplished in fifteen minutes. Get that!

I am glad I did the climb. At only 3776 meters Fuji is not a difficult climb. It is not difficult, if you are prepared. For those like me who do not regularly exercise, a full day of rest and an oxygen canister is needed. Those more fit, acclimatized easily and were like a blur as they passed me. But, regardless of who and how many you go with, climb at your leisure since you'll likely only ever want to climb it once. Frankly, it was the most boring climb I have ever done. The monotonous route and Mars-like scenery drove me to mild madness in my moments of fatigued delirium.

Overall, I am glad the weather stayed clear that night and the following day when we descended. At high altitudes, weather conditions are unpredictable; we were lucky, others have encountered rain and snow (in summer).

For sure, if I had climbed during the day and used the oxygen can properly, I would have smoked it and came in under the average six hours...right.

Medical Makeover Starts With Attitude

2012-08-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

Eat healthy. Stay away from processed food. Don't eat eggs. Do eat eggs. Don't drink your calories. Drink Red Wine - good for your heart. Burn fat with a pill. cut out sugar. Count your calories. Do not count your calories. Eat more fruits & veggies....and on and on and on...

We are over loaded these days with food advice, fad diets, quick fix cures, and weight loss promises that come in the form of pills and shakes. All ways for us to get into better medical shape, so we don't need a medical manufacturer to rebuild our bodies later in life. However, we can trash all of this and get back to one simple rule to live by - Eat healthy and exercise. The problem is that simple advice takes effort, discipline, and hard work and some people want the results without the effort.

I think it comes down to one simple question when it comes to making food decisions. You need to ask yourself each time - Is this healthy fuel for my body or an unhealthy want? It is best to try and treat food as fuel for your body. The food that you consume affects your body in so many ways especially your energy levels. You are in charge of what you put in your body. Therefore, if you indulge in a large pizza and a slice of cake don't blame how you feel afterwards on anything or anyone else but yourself. Now, I like a good piece of cake every once in awhile so by no means am I suggesting that you deprive yourself of foods that you love. Pizza, cake, beer, cookies - yes, they may not be the healthiest, but if consumed in moderation then I say go for it! But, be prepared to work it off with some exercise and get out and break a sweat!

If you do make a bad decision concerning food - get to the Why? For example, I want a fast food cheeseburger and fries. Why? Because it is fast and easy. Why? Because I am hungry and don't want to cook. Why? Because I don't have anything to make at the house. Why? Because I didn't go to the grocery over the weekend. By continuing to ask why you can get to the root of the cause. I could have prevented going to the fast food place and eating an unhealthy meal if I would have planned my meals and went to the grocery over the weekend.

Start getting into the habit of questioning what you are eating. Ask yourself - Is this healthyfuel for my body or an unhealthy want? Get to the why if you make a bad decision. And last but, not least - Get up, get moving, and exercise!

auf wiedersehen, Delicatessen Meyer...?!

2012-05-17T10:46:00.000-07:00

As if the closing of The Berghoff wasn't enough... I was surprised and concerned to see a "CLOSED until further notice" sign posted in the window of the Delicatessen Meyer in Lincoln Square yesterday. Chicagoist confirms that this one-of-a-kind specialty grocery has actually closed its doors after over 50 years in business...

A Good German to the End: The closing of Delicatessen Meyer should have been a story we weighed in on earlier in the week and not relegated to the Buffet. To that end, Chicagoist extends a sincere mea culpa. Anyhoo, for those who haven't heard, the Lincoln Square mainstay, one of the last places to hark back to the neighborhood's German heritage, shuttered its doors after 53 years. To be fair, the quality of selection at Meyer had decreased dramatically in the ten years since the Koetke family sold Meyer to Hans Liebl, and Liebl had even borrowed money from the Koetkes in order to keep the doors open as long as he did. But it still held a certain charm for folks who wax nostalgic about what Lincoln Square was like before the Old Town School of Folk Music transformed the neighborhood (talk about gentrification). Foreclosure proceedings for Delicatessen Meyer are currently underway. If there is justice in the cosmos, it'll be bought by another German family who knows how to run a deli.

And here's the Sun-Times article... a sad moment indeed...

German deli closes doors after 53 years
Was one of last ethnic treasures in Lincoln Square
Catherine Zimo drove 400 miles from Park Falls, Wis., to Chicago to spend time with her son and grandkids, browsing the shops in Lincoln Square, her old neighborhood.

She had only one item on her to-do list Tuesday: Visit the Delicatessen Meyer, the old German deli at 4750 N. Lincoln, to buy chocolates and other goodies for Easter.

"Especially for the holidays, this was definitely the place to go," said Zimo, 53.

But instead of being greeted by the shop's friendly German-speaking butchers, Zimo faced a locked-up storefront behind an iron gate.

To the disappointment of customers and area business owners, the Delicatessen Meyer -- one of Chicago's oldest German delis and one of the last vestiges of the historically German enclave -- has closed.

Foreclosure proceedings are underway, according to the Cook County clerk's office.

Owner Hans Liebl could not be reached for comment.

Residents say the shop was open for a last-ditch clearance sale on Sunday.

"It's the charm of the neighborhood," said Joy Mollet, 33, a mother of three who lives next door.

Ownership change in '04
Mollet bought a tub of potato salad there on Sunday, even though she and her husband stopped eating potatoes months ago.

The deli has been around since 1954. It carried all sorts of German foodstuffs -- bratwursts, brandy-filled pralines and leberkase, a Bavarian specialty resembling a flat meatloaf.

Since 1956, it was owned by the Koetke family.

The Koetkes sold it in 2004 to Liebl, who told them of his plans to expand the shop.

Strip has gentrified
Business owners along the street, now lined with trendy boutiques and restaurants, say they weren't surprised by the closing. Inventory seemed to be shrinking ever since Liebl took it over, they say.

Klaus and Renate Koetke, who loaned Liebl $55,000, say he still owes them and others money.

"It's a sad moment, that's for darn sure," Klaus Koetke said.

This link originally appeared here

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