1900 Glen Oak Drive, Glenview: $2,050,000 | Listed April 4, 2020
This 7,800-square-foot Glenview mansion has six bedrooms, five bathrooms and sits on a half-acre. The family room opens to the kitchen, which is equipped with an island and overlooks the backyard. The home also features a sunroom and a dining room with a built-in bar. The lower level offers a recreation room, a bar, a glass-and-stone wine cellar, and an exercise room. A porch wraps around the front and side of the home, which also includes an attached garage.
Agent: Jeannie Kurtzhalts of @properties, 847-881-0200
On Wisconsin, On Wisconsin, plunge right through that line. Run the ball clear down the field, a touchdown sure this time. On Wisconsin, On Wisconsin, fight on for her fame. Fight, fellows, fight, fight, fight, we’ll win this game.
In the fight against Covid-19, Wisconsin was doing pretty good. They were under a stay at home order which seemed to be working well. Their Governor, Tony Evers extended it until May 26. The Wisconsin legislature couldn’t deal with it. Two more weeks under those conditions was too much for them. Or maybe it’s because the legislature is run by Republicans while they Governor is a Democrat. Ummm…no maybe about that!
They filed suit to end the order. On Wednesday, the state Supreme Court made their ruling. The Governor had overstepped his rights. It was time to open up the state…..IMMEDIATELY! And not a slow re-opening, either. No masks required. Social distancing…pfffft! As many people as could fit in a business worked.
It took a few minutes for bars to open for business. It took only a few minutes for them to be filled with people. PARTY TIME!!!
In a matter of minutes, Wisconsin became what the Governor called the wild west! Donald Trump’s response to the ruling and the scenes from the bar:
“It’s a win for the state. The people want to get on with their lives. The place is bustling!”
Just a few miles down the road is the state of Illinois. The scene is totally different. Bars are closed. Restaurants have only delivery or pick-up service. The only businesses that are open are ones that are considered essential. Illinois will be under these conditions through May 29. It’s looking like there may be a break at that time. Provided that the numbers keep trending in a positive way, Illinois will then start to reopen slowly….very slowly. If you think you’re going to relive that Wisconsin bar scene of Wednesday, think again. Places that do reopen will be limited to ten or less people at a time. And keep those masks Illinoisans, you’ll still need them. You’ll still hear a lot about social distancing…a real, real lot!!
So what is the right way to go?
We’ve seen what happens when states open too soon. Statistics show that there’s a spike in Covid-19 cases and deaths. We’ve also seen what happens when states are closed for too long. Businesses suffer and die. People who have put their entire life into their work are losing everything.
Is there a meeting point between the pandemic policies of Wisconsin and Illinois? Is there a fine line somewhere near the border?
Honestly, I don’t know the answers to my questions. While I may side ninety-five per cent with science and safety, there’s that small five per cent that feels for the people suffering financial ruin. I wish there was a way to work it out so both sides are somewhat happy. I wish the people in charge, who are supposed to be smarter about things like this, could put the politics aside and find the compromises to make it happen.
Sadly, it looks like that will never happen. I guess we’ll have to see which state is right. Hopefully, for the physical, emotional and financial health of its citizens, both sides aren’t wrong.
On Wisconsin, On Wisconsin, stand up Badgers sing. “Forward” is our driving spirit, loyal voices ring. On Wisconsin, On Wisconsin, raise her glowing flame. Stand, fellows, let us now salute her name.
My so called friends think it’s time to edit this section. After four years, they may be right, but don’t tell them that. I’ll deny it until they die!
I can’t believe I’ve been writing this blog for four years.
It started as a health/wellness thing and over the years has morphed to include so many things that I don’t know how to describe it anymore.
I really thought this was going to be the final year of the blog but then Donald Trump came along. It looks like we’re good for four more years..God help us all!
Oh yeah…the biographical stuff. I’m not 60 anymore. The rest you can read about in the blog.
There is no doubt in my mind that you have heard the work of record producer, arranger and songwriter Shel Talmy. The producer of early sessions for the likes of The Kinks, The Who, The Creation, and The Easybeats, that is indeed his production on rock classics like “My Generation,” “You Really Got Me,” “All Day And All Of The Night,” and “Tired Of Waiting For You.” Talmy’s discography also includes work with Manfred Mann, The Small Faces (the precursor to the Rod Stewart-fronted The Faces), The Damned, Lee Hazlewood, The Fuzztones, and Davy Jones & The Mannish Boys; said Davy Jones was an early moniker for none other than David Bowie.
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Talmy may be primarily associated with British recording artists, but he is originally from Chicago, where he lived until his teenage years. We spoke about this and more within our May 13, 2020 chat by phone, as embedded below; apologies for some of the rough audio quality, as Skype was not having a great day in these parts. These days, Talmy keeps busy with Shel Talmy Productions, which continues to license out selections from his extensive catalog. Those following him on Facebook will also notice that the Los Angeles resident regularly posts rock-related memories.
More on Shel Talmy can be found online by visiting his website.
Home crafts have never been so uplifting for everyone. From art to work and everything in between, check out these DIY solutions to the challenges of transforming your apartment from drab to fab!
Photo Credit: M.J. via Classic Play
Art-werk
Let your right-brain rock to the beat of its own creative drum!
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Wall Art
Is that a Van Goh? It could be…
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Masking Tape Decal Art
You can create nearly ANY design with masking tape. From abstract geometric shapes to origami cranes and airplanes, you can create a decal for any room with a touch of imagination and tape!
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You can even use washi tape to showcase a wall’s pictures!
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T-Shirt Wall Art
You haven’t worn that shirt since college but you still love all the memories… Don’t retire it — transform it! With stretched canvas, a pair of scissors, and a tacks or hot glue gun, you can relive your memories and showcase them.
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You can even use a scarf instead of a shirt for an abstract take on up-cycled wall art.
From household items! Yellow and white paper, Q-tips, and yellow food dye complete the look for welcoming spring. If you want to form these paper flowers into a wreath, you can do so by hot-gluing them to cardboard or sticking them into a styrofoam circle.
Magnetic knife strips are easily transformed for cosmetic items (such as bobby pins, tweezers, or nail clippers)!
Kitchen
Come here often? Yes. Everyday. In that case, give it a good organizational start.
Here are two common organizational nightmares and how to fix them:
Spices: what do you even do with all of them? Move them to a drawer with a rounded organizing rack (like this one from IKEA) so that they are visible — but not too visible.
Plastic containers take over the world, but they don’t have to take over your drawer. Using drawer dividers (like these from Amazon) or even a drawer peg organizer, you’re sure to see the light-er way of living with your to-go containers!
Papers in Your Desk
You know that sticky note from college? Or what’s that book doing from grade school at the bottom of your drawer? Check out these desk hacks!
Memo boards with magnets
Create a magnetic memo board with galvanized metal and an older frame, and you’ll be good to go in no time. Hang up above your desk with a command hook and you have your very own magnetic inspiration wall.
Use magnetic clothespins to serve as reminders at the ready — but also off your desk.
Otherwise, you can use a metal grid from Amazon and binder clips to give a modern yet functional look to your space.
Transforming Small Into Big
From work to workouts and everything in between, you’ll love these ideas for transforming your small space into a fully functioning space that works for you.
Closet + Office = Clofice
Working from the kitchen table is so high school and working from your bed is so college. All the cool kids are raving about the clofice (i.e., closet + office). Turning your closet into an office is not only the rage but also ingenuity at its finest! Considering that studies suggest you separate your work from your play, you’ll love the seemingly simple yet overwhelmingly positive effects of physical reminder of your office space.
You’ll want to explore your available closets keeping in mind your specific needs.
Be sure to decorate so you don’t feel like you’re holed up in a closet all day… (maybe try some up-cycled DIY art ideas???)!
Ample light is a must — but hard to come by these days. Try increasing your focus with a happy light!
Twerk-out Gym
Peloton ain’t got nothin’ on your at-home gym. Creating a gym-space can be extremely daunting, especially for those in a studio or small space. In times like these, though, you’ll be eternally grateful for some movement (beyond the couch) in your life!
Where Oh Where
Find some space near a window for natural light. If your window faces a wall or an unsightly trash can, consider hanging a curtain or decal to focus and inspire your movements. As a general rule of thumb, coordinate your environment so it is conducive to your habits, i.e., if you like a certain candle for yoga, light it for the ambiance. If you need a certain diffuser to counteract your sweat-smell, fire it up.
Equipment Must-haves
If you’re in the position to do so, you can consider these minimal equipment ideas for your at-home gym space. From a jump rope to ankle weights, you’ll be surprised how a little addition to your routine can affect your workout!
The Space
Consider items that would inspire you to come into your at-home gym space and give it your best! Be it speakers, a playlist, or a quote, try to incorporate any of the above (and more). On a serious note, a full-length mirror is ideal for any at-home gym. Even pros need to see their form and make tiny adjustments as needed — invest in a mirror (even if it’s one from your college days on the back of a door!).
Spring Into Spring Cleaning
The time is ripe to clean — even if it doesn’t feel like spring.
White Shirt Cleaning
It’s like an eraser for those pit stains!
Picture this: your favorite white shirt has those unsightly (but in sight) sweat stains. Your shirt looks yellow (especially around the collar or under the armpits). In anticipation of your next (at-home) White Party or (at-home) Memorial Day plans, be sure to follow this simple recipe for removing the dingy stains.
Soak
Combine 2 cups of warm water with 1 cup of vinegar in a small bowl. Submerge and soak your item in this solution for a minimum of 20 minutes.
Be Bill Nye
While your item is soaking, make a paste from the following household items. You’ll feel like a scientist in no time!
– ½ cup of baking soda
– 1 tablespoon of salt
– 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide
Pat the Paste
After approximately 20 minutes of soaking your item, gently ring and twist the vinegar solution out of it until damp. Lay the item flat and apply the paste to the stains (you can use a spoon for a thick application). Allow the paste to do its magic for at least another 20 minutes.
Wash With Whites
Throw that item in a load with your other white items for laundry day. You’ll be amazed by how pristine your white items look!
DIY Dry Cleaning
Save money! Save the earth!
You most likely have a pile of your prettiest clothes that you’ve worn as many times as you can — before quarantine. In light of isolation, you can dry-clean these items in anticipation of their debut (post-quarantine)!!
It’s in the (Mesh) Bag
Mesh bags are ideal for clothing that needs a lighter touch. For your wool, silk, rayon, or other dry-clean items, mesh bags and an express cycle with warm water make up the ideal combination. First, mesh bags mitigate the friction your clothes would otherwise experience in the washer. Remember to wash the item inside out and then place inside the mesh bag!
Soapy Suds = No Residue
Now invest the money you would have spent on dry cleaning one item and put it towards a premium/top-shelf laundry product. Don’t skimp on the detergent — especially if you want a soft touch and no residue.
Squash Those Stains
Now for those items that have stains and happen to be dry clean only — there’s a solution!
Spot-treat with a stain product (similar to that of the detergent you used — top-shelf preferable!) and a toothbrush or, if you’re super bougie, you can spot-treat with a horsehair brush and stain product.
Spot-treat for cotton items with a spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol.
Smooth Those Wrinkles
Wrinkles cramp your style — but with your at-home can-do attitude, they won’t stand a chance!
If you don’t have a steamer lying around, use a wet towel between the clothing item and an iron.
Sniff, Sniff, Super!
If you are craving that clean, fresh scent, look into Ironing Water as you iron. Sure, it’s a little extra BUT you legit just cleaned your own wardrobe! Treat yo’ self.
Otherwise, if your clothes just need to smell “fresh,” pour some vodka in a spray bottle and light spray your clothing item. It’s a trick from the theater world — thanks, Shakespeare!
Truth is that those pretty clothes are pretty demanding. When you’re in a pinch for money (or in need of a sense of accomplishment), you can dry-clean your items at home and feel like a pro!
Cleaning Your Couch
Your couch has gotten a lot of one-on-one time with you. Give it the clean it deserves!
Dirt is Dirty
Equipped with a vacuum or brush extension from your vacuum, you’re fully prepared to get into all the nooks and crannies of your couch. Is that an Oreo? Is that my left AirPod? Sure is. Treasures lie within the depths of your couch!
If you want to deodorize your couch cushions, stick around near the end after cleaning the stains.
Non-fabric Embellishments
Be ready to mix a solution of water and a gentle soap (liquid dish soap is good!) in a spray bottle. Spray down the non-fabric (i.e. wood or metal) parts of your couch and wipe down with a soft towel. This may seem tedious – but it’s so necessary for a complete look and feel.
Upholstery Cleaning
Ask the right questions. What fabric are you dealing with?
Find that tag with a bunch of symbols, text, and letters. Find it? Good! Let’s decipher those hieroglyphics – together.
WS: dry-cleaning detergent or mild cleaning product and steam vacuum.
S: ONLY dry cleaning detergent (!!)
X: No water. No dry cleaning detergent. Just a vacuum.
W: Water is A-OK (i.e. this is the friendliest for cleaning!)!
Upholstery Cleaning
Second, see a stain? Spot-treat it! This, is of course, all dependent on your previous hieroglyphic reading. Be careful!
Fabric (W and, most likely, WS): Make a solution of vinegar (¼ cup), warm water (¾ cup), and dish soap (1 tablespoon) in a spray bottle. Spray the stain and scrub it out with a soft cloth. Once the stain is out (or lifted), be sure to remove the soap with a second cloth (preferably, moistened with water). Finally, pat-dry the wet area with another towel.
Leather (Most likely X): Make a solution of olive oil (¼ cup) and vinegar (¾ cup) in a spray bottle. Once you’ve sprayed the stain, buff it out with your elbow grease (i.e. a soft towel).
Synthetic (W and, most likely, WS): Make a solution of vinegar, warm water, and dish soap in a spray bottle. After spraying the stain, scrub it out with a soft towel until it lifts.
Avoid sitting on your newly discovered and squeaky-clean couch! Set up a fan or let the air dry the cushions! And you’ll be cozy in your fresh feeling couch!
If you’ve already taken care of stains (or you didn’t have stains…), you’ll want to vacuum the nooks and crannies of your cushions and couch. Next, you’ll sprinkle the cushions with baking soda. Not too much — just a light dusting. Let the baking soda sit for 15 minutes (that’s enough time to meditate!). And then vacuum the couch and all of its crevices to remove the baking soda.
You have the know-how and imagination to transform your space. From cleaning and artwork to organization and exercising, you’re sure to have a renewed sense of appreciation for your space!
Are you craving more varied and interesting views to spice up your work-from-home routine? Are you going to lose it if your co-worker comments on your messy room one more time? Get the critics off your back and check out some of these Zoom backgrounds featuring the people and places of the Windy City.
Thunderstorms are expected this weekend, and with restaurants, movie theaters, bars, and all other public spaces still closed, that means another weekend spent inside at home. If you are struggling with new and fun things to do on Saturday and Sunday, here are 12 things to do inside this weekend!
The online film festival has been going on for the past month, but ends this weekend! Check out past recordings of films or the live showing of “Delete Beach,” a film directed by Phil Collins that dives into a world where carbon-based energy is prohibited.
Impress your friends with your newfound culinary skills learned in this virtual cook along. You’ll get to watch an experienced chef as she prepares and explains each step of the process. This Saturday, you’ll be learning how to make profiteroles and cream puffs. A recipe list will be sent to you once you sign up for the class.
Join Inside Chicago Walking Tours on a one-hour virtual tour of the Chicago River architecture. She’ll showcase photos, Google street view, and drawings to bring the architecture into your living room.
Tired of the same old cocktails? Learn how to make boozy brandy cocktails that highlight its fruit base. You can either pick up ingredients from Rhine Hall beforehand or substitute the ingredients from your own liquor cabinet.
DJ Mel will be hosting a Living Room Dance Party this weekend. He will be playing some of his favorite tracks to inspire you to get up and dance at home.
This virtual concert series will feature folk singer Anne Heaton and musical artist, Edie Carey, as they perform for one hour online. The event is free, but donations are suggested.
If you need any help troubleshooting your new quarantine sewing project, join to ask the AIBI team. You can also show off your projects or get inspiration for future projects at the virtual hangout!
This class includes a demonstration of the process of growing microgreens at home as well as a Q&A session. Some of the covered topics will include lighting options, germination, grow space requirements, and how to use your microgreens.
Bloom Yoga is offering online classes to help you find your zen in the middle of a pandemic. They have yoga classes for every level throughout the weekend.
Check out the impressive lineup that will feature artists like Bill MacKay, Lia Kohl and Katinka Klejn, and Spectralina. Each evening, you can check out short sets of local artists.
Every day this weekend, you can check out One City, a virtual festival that allows you to scroll through various musicians and artists. If you are missing the festival season, this is the perfect way to fill that void.
Featured Image Credit: Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
ChicagoBears (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Now that we have had some time to digest the 2020 NFL schedule, we have some theories about three games the Chicago Bears will most likely lose.
The coming NFL season is a difficult one to try and predict for many reasons. Obviously, we have the issue of COVID-19 happening in our world right now, and fans are simply hoping we have a football season in general. But, for the Chicago Bears, there are still some questions.
The biggest answer we need to this Bears team, as it stands, is who will wind up starting at quarterback. The difference between Nick Foles and Mitchell Trubisky could be monumental, or it could end up being miniscule. At this stage, we don’t really know.
The offseason program is cut short, as it is, so Foles will have a more difficult time adjusting to his new teammates than someone normally would in his situation. It certainly helps that he knows the coaching staff he’ll be working with on offense. Having prior relationships with Matt Nagy, Bill Lazor and John DeFilippo will aid in his adjustment.
Still, trying to predict anything in the NFL is usually a tall task. There are only a few certainties. For instance, Christian McCaffrey is going to be dynamite. Patrick Mahomes will be a top-5 quarterback. Those things are foregone conclusions and are all but guaranteed.
Each year, though, there are surprises. So, attempting to place three games in stone, this far in advance, is nearly impossible. However, looking at the Bears’ schedule, I think I have pegged a trio of games which will unfortunately result in a loss.
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For the record, I have them ending the season at 11-5 and making the playoffs. I think this is a great Bears team which only needs decent play from their quarterback in order to make a run. Three of those losses, though, seem like destiny
I bet most people could come up with at least ONE thing they have enjoyed during the stay at home order. Perhaps working in your PJs. Day drinking (I’m not complaining about cracking open a beer on my patio before 5 PM). Not fighting traffic to get to work. For me, I have enjoyed the discovery of new artists and excited to share their talents on this platform.
A woman in the Hello South Loop group shared a photo of the neighborhood asking people what they thought was different. It was essentially a photo of personal bike racks and I noticed each rack had something to keep them a little warmer. The post got many pondering who had been busy decorating the bike racks. Turns out that someone is Valerie Sherman, local crocheter and knitter who wants to take Chicago by storm, one yarn bomb at a time.
Cup holder for the win!
How Valerie got inspired
“My mom taught me how to crochet when I was a kid, and it’s always been a big part of my life. For over 5 years, I taught knitting and crochet to detainees in the Cook County Jail through an organization called Committed Knitters. I’ve always wanted to do a yarn bomb, and when we moved to the South Loop area last August, I saw some trees that had been covered with knitted panels, so I figured this was a neighborhood that would appreciate funky, cozy kind of street art like that. I started with a bike rack in November. I’ve done almost 20 pieces now; it’s a great way to use up scrap yarn and brighten up the neighborhood a bit.”
Trees need to keep warm too
Creativity runs in the family
“I think what first made me think this kind of thing was possible was my dad’s creative side. He was a blue-collar kind of guy but welded these elaborate, weird sculptures all over our house growing up. One time he pulled this rusted part from abandoned farm equipment in the woods behind our house, welded spoons, and forks onto it, and it became a scorpion. When he got inspired, he would feel compelled to keep going until it was done. When he saw that piece of rusted metal, he saw a scorpion. I feel the same way when I see a nice, unadorned bike rack. I’ve just got to keep going.”
She can make anything look cute
The interrogation begins
I have always wondered – are crochet and knitting the same? If not, what is the difference between the two?
Common question! Crochet is done with one loop at a time and one short hook. Knitting is done with a bunch of loops on two long, pointed sticks. You can yarn bomb with either one, although I tend to crochet because it’s faster and easier to create free-form shapes.
I find it fascinating that you taught detainees at the Cook County Jail how to crochet and knit. That sounds like a wonderful program. Did you teach women, men, or both? Were they receptive to learn? How did being involved in this program change you as an artist (if at all)?
Right now, Committed Knitters teaches only women in jail and hosts some programs on the “outside.” It is a hugely popular class – there is typically a months-long waiting list. It’s sometimes the only chance of normalcy that these women have each week, and it builds self-esteem and patience. Everyone walks into the class with a difficult past, but the main thing that differentiates those who learn quickly from those who struggle is the strugglers always say, “I can’t do this. You won’t be able to teach me.” You have to turn that mindset around before they can learn because the negativity and fear are so limiting. I felt afraid to yarn bomb for years, but like my jail students, I eventually realized the people who did it weren’t more creative or skilled than me, just braver.
On my travels, I have seen yarn bombs in various cities, mainly on trees and bike racks. It adds color to a neighborhood and appears environmentally friendly. Do yarn artists need a permit to do this?
Not in Chicago, but it depends on the city. It’s a gray area, as the installations are not permanent and aren’t generally damaging to surfaces. I have asked police if they would stop someone installing one, and they all looked at me like I was crazy. I think they have bigger things going on. The whole thing does require a certain amount of zen because some pieces are a lot of work only to be taken down or stolen, and you have to be OK with that or you’ll drive yourself crazy.
I love hearing about families who have a creative side and inspire one another. Did you and your dad ever collaborate?
He and I did collaborate a few times; he helped me achieve an idea I had for random puzzle art. He and my mom also let my sister and I paint murals on our basement walls. Like the jail students, he taught me if you can imagine it, you can make it happen. Dream big, get weird. He passed away in 2012 and his artwork is a real gift to our family.
You mentioned June 11 is Yarn Bombing Day. Are any events underway in Chicago to celebrate this? What types of installations do you have planned?
I haven’t heard of any yet, but so far I’m planning to suggest ways to participate, even if you stay home. I’d love people to make sleeves for bike racks that we can install around town (and in that case, I’d like to find a local business to serve as a drop off point). Here’s the Facebook event I’m working on. Also, I’ve met the woman who put together the other pieces in the area and we’re going to collaborate.
What is the best way for people to contact you if they are interested in your work?
I’m on Instagram pretty frequently: @valerieplz
Who else wants to learn?
I have always wanted to learn to knit and it’s never too late, right? Valerie has influenced my yearning even more. I look forward to the yarn bombing event on June 11 and hope to see Valerie in action.
My greatest passion is street art. I’m constantly pounding the pavement in search of murals with eyes wide open, so follow me on my colorful journey. View all my findings on Instagram @sherhuntsmurals.
Another passion is beer. I consider myself a beer snob with a preference given to stouts and porters. I’m always willing to try new styles because beer is life. Prost!
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