Toledo Blade

Early one day this week, 54 people climbed aboard a chartered bus in a Secor Road parking lot and headed north.
Visions of Canadian currency were dancing in their heads as the llively group, mostly retired seniors, hit the highway about 8 a.m. My friend Dave and I were among the cheerful bunch on this monthly bus trip to one of the gambling spots in Detroit or Windsor, Canada. The destination this time was Caesars Windsor. Three casinos in Detroit will get their turns in months to come. Before climbing aboard, each person was greeted by smiling George, who arranges these trips, takes reservations, deals with border officials and generally acts as a jovial host. The driver, a portly, good-natured fellow named Mark, assisted the seniors who needed some support or a boost up the stairs into the bus. Waiting in the first seat of the bus was George’s wife, Mary, who collected $17 from each passenger and checked that each name was on the reservation list she held. The bus appeared fairly new, with comfortable seats and good air conditioning. Everybody quickly settled into a seat near someone they knew or into one saved for them by a buddy who got there earlier. Initially, the trip was to begin at 8:30 a.m., but George had called his passengers a day or two in advance and asked them to gather earlier so he could depart by 8. That extra half hour, everyone reasoned, meant more times at the slot machine, table games or incredible buffet. Before departing, Mary used the bus public address system to remind everyone that they needed to have with them a driver’s license or photo identification, plus a birth certificate or voter registration card if they had any plans to get back into the United States later that day. Our government is very picky about that. A passport would suffice on all counts. As we sped north on the interstate highway, the chatter intensified between seatmates, across the aisle and even among riders several rows apart. The bus ran silently enough for normal conversations to be heard easily. We weren’t yet out of the Toledo city limits before packages of crackers and other goodies were brought forth by some passengers to be shared with others, even riders they had just met. After all, seniors certainly require some sort of sustenance in a trip that would take all of about 75 minutes. Shortly after 9 a.m. we passed through the tunnel into Canada, George dealt with the border officials on the other side, and soon we pulled up in front of the Caesars Windsor casino. A friendly representative from the casino, calling everyone “sweetie” or “honey,” boarded the bus to give us each a voucher for the buffet or to cash in for gambling money. The voucher, probably not coincidentally, was worth what we paid for the bus trip. It was a point not lost on more than a few astute seniors, who found it necessary to point out that the bus trip was essentially free. As we prepared to keep Canada green with our money, Mary announced that we should all regroup at the bus dock at 3 p.m. so we could head home no later than 3:15 p.m. Figuring an hour for lunch and counting our morning winnings, about five hours remained for some serious gambling. That should be enough for one day, most of us felt. With a bit of grumbling about the terrible inconvenience, the seniors headed for the cashier cages in the casino to change their American dollars into Canadian funds. My $101 got me back $105 in Canadian money. I won’t go into great detail here, but about 40 minutes later, I was down about $60 at a poker slot machine. That $101 was my gambling budget for the day. Thinking that my chances were better at a poker machine, where the player is actually involved to some degree, I was reminded quickly why I am not a big gambling fan. Then, I thought I should try my luck at a table game I had never played but one that my pal Leo swears is a good one. I had 40 bucks left to blow, and so what if I blew it all in the first hour. I could always watch my friends or some of the other seniors. I also figured I could get even with the casino at the buffet. Boy, I’d show them some serious eating and cut into their food budget for the month. It’s a game called three-card poker. The minimum bet is $10, but a player usually places $10 on each of the first two squares. I expected that it was played the same as every other table game I ever tried. It usually goes like this: I put down my chips. The dealer makes some motions with the cards. The dealer takes my chips. So, at the three-card poker table, I put down my first $20 in chips. The dealer dealt me three cards, then three to himself. There were no other players at the table. I asked what I should do with my cards. If I had a pair, he said, I could put my cards on the third square with another $10 on top of them. He’s getting greedy for all my money in one hand, I thought. But I had a pair, so I put down the cards along with another $10 in chips. I don’t know what happened next, but suddenly I had a nice little stack of $5 chips. So I tried it again. The result was the same. A few hands later, he flipped me several $25 chips. Next, he slid over several $100 chips. It seemed I was getting a pair each time, or a three-card straight, or a three-card flush. Those are good things to get, I learned. The dealer mumbled, “You’re the luckiest beginner I have ever seen.” I thought then that if I was getting $100 chips occasionally with $20 bets, then a $75 bet would make me rich. I was ahead about $500. A couple minutes later I was ahead $350. I rose, thanked the dealer for his patience, and joined my friend who was keeping the casino coffers full at a nearby slot machine. We took time for lunch, where I didn’t have to overeat to get even with anyone. It was a buffet fit for a king, and I was wearing my crown as a winner. After a leisurely lunch, I wasn’t keen on giving all my largesse back to the casino at the tables, so I went off in search of a fun slot machine. I didn’t know 2-cent machines were available, but I found one. Lots of noise, bells, flashing lights, etc. It was a good way to pass some time without spending wildly. Then I learned that you had to play the maximum to win much. That meant 100 times the initial 2 cents, which cost $2 a spin. Suddenly, I won $160 on that 2-cent machine. My luck apparently hadn’t run out. I spent the rest of the afternoon contentedly betting small amounts at that cheapo machine, winning some, losing some, and finishing in the black. The 3 p.m. appointment with the bus came too quickly, it seemed, and soon we were all aboard again. Comparisons were being made of losses, winnings, and how many desserts were consumed at the buffet. Another friendly casino representative boarded the bus to pass out a chocolate coin to each passenger. It was the only coin a few of the gamblers would be taking home. About 3:15 the bus departed. We were cheerfully waved through by officials on the Canadian side who probably expect a return trip some day by gamblers who want to visit their money. At the American side, everyone pulled out their documentation when a border official came aboard. He walked swiftly up and down the aisle, checking the papers. He was satisfied and then waved us on our way. On the trip home, George passed around a sign-up sheet for the September gambling jaunt. Most of the passengers put down their names. Not surprisingly, with great expectations a thing of the past, the return ride was a little less boisterous than the morning’s journey. Spirits, however, were still high despite the fact that there were more losers than winners. These seniors are not careless with their money and usually budget for gambling no more than they can comfortably afford to lose. When they lose, they smile and chalk it off as a delightful ride, great meal, camaraderie and fun entertainment at a good price. A little more than an hour later, we were back at our cars at the Secor Road lot. A few of us were planning where to spend our winnings on something we don’t need.

I’ve been informed that BG football players Adrian Hodges, Willie Geter and Robert Lorenzi have all been suspended for one game. For Hodges and Geter, that game will be Saturday at Pittsburgh. Lorenzi, who is out for the season with a broken leg, will begin his suspension when deemed healthy to play.
*UPDATE* To make this simple, I am going to publish the police reports verbatim. The "I" in the report is Ptl. Mark Hanson, not me. On 8/26/08 around 11 a.m. Hodges came on station along with BGSU wide receiver’s coach, Troy Rothenbuhler, who requested to sit in on the interview, to which I agreed. I informed Hodges of his Miranda warnings to which he stated that he understood and agreed to speak with me, signing the written waiver. I asked Hodges if he took the credit card from purse, to which he stated “no,” then went on to explain that he had been with Lorenzi and the two had found it in the Circle K parking lot (next to Kamikazes). Hodges stated that Lorenzi picked it up off the ground and held on to it. I asked him if he or Lorenzi had used the card at Kamikaze’s or Ziggy’s, to which he stated, “no.” I asked him if he used it at Tim Horton’s, to which he stated that Lorenzi had used it at Tim Horton’s. He stated that Lorenzi had called Geter and after they went to Tim Horton’s they went to Geter’s residence at Haven House. He explained that all three were living at Haven House at the time. Hodges stated that Geter then drove to BP where he got gas for his car. He stated that he sat in the back seat while Geter drove and Lorenzi was in the front passenger seat. He stated both Geter and Lorenzi got out of the care while it was at the pump and he was unsure which one of them used the credit card. Hodges stated that they then went to Meijer. While in the Meijer store, Lorenzi gave Hodges the credit card where he purchased and Xbox 360, three packs of t-shirts, and some speakers. I asked him where the Xbox 360 was and he stated that it broke so he threw it away. He stated that he wasn’t sure who kept the other items. While Hodges filled out a written statement I spoke with ARAM from the W.C.P.O., who recommended charging Hodges with misuse of a credit card, but did not rule out charging him with forgery at a later time. (Hodges had signed the electronic pad for the transaction at Meijer.). I cited Hodges for misuse of a credit card, processed and released him. Again, this is Hanson ... I went to Tim Horton's and spoke with manager, Lance Brissette, who pulled up the video from 8/1/08. In the video I observed Hodges and Lorenzi enter the building at 3:46 a.m. The video shows Lorenzi pulling a credit card out of his right front pants pocket and handing it to the cashier. Brissett advised that he would put the video on DVD and bring it to the station. Here’s some bits and pieces of other parts of the report: I asked Lorenzi specifically if Geter knew that he had found the card on the ground, and he stated, “yea.” … I asked Lorenzi if Geter had used the card at BP. He initially stated that he did not know who used it, but then stated that he didn’t think Geter did. … I asked [Geter] if he used the stolen credit card to purchase gas and Geter refused to answer me, then when asked again, he stated “I don’t know … I just got gas.” … I informed Geter that if I found out that he used the credit card at BP that he would be criminally charged. There’s more, but this is the most important stuff. So in recap, Hodges was arrested for misuse of a credit card, Lorenzi was cited for misuse of a credit card, and as of now Geter has not been charged with anything. However, the city prosecutor has recommended that Geter be charged with Complicity. A few things here. -I know it was buried in there, but these incidents occured in the early morning of Aug. 1. -Good things never happen after midnight, or at least that's what my best friend's mother used to tell me. -I’d be stunned if these guys, especially Hodges and Lorenzi, aren’t suspended for more than one game. They’ll be in court Sept. 3, and I’m guessing the coaching staff will reevaluate the punishments after that date. Just a guess, but Hodges could be toast. -Whatever happened to, “Can I see your ID?” Seriously. The credit card belonged to a female. I know Hodges has long hair, but c’mon. -I’ve always been in favor of coach Brandon’s leniency when it comes to off-field matters. Good people do dumb things, and they need to be forgiven. That being said, Brandon needs to limit the amount of chances these guys receive. I don’t have an answer for what Brandon should do, but he needs to find one. This is simply grotesque. Hardwick, by all accounts, was always a knucklehead. He should have been dismissed from the program a long time ago. -Speaking of Brandon, it’s a good thing he got his contract extension out of the way BEFORE all of these incidents occurred.

A few notes from the first Monday press conference of the first season.
- Cornerback Robert Lorenzi broke his leg last week in practice and underwent season-ending surgery today. This is certainly significant as Lorenzi would have been on the two-deep heading into Saturday’s game at Pittsburgh. Instead it is freshman Adrien Spencer who will back up Kenny Lewis. Coach Brandon said Lorenzi, a JUCO transfer, will likely use a redshirt year. Also, Eric Ransom is done for the season. No real surprise there. Derek Brighton (ankle) has at least another month before he can return. - A couple of depth chart notes. Apparently Marques Parks has regained his starting spot at receiver after beating out Chris Wright. I can’t tell you if Parks had a really good camp or if Wright struggled, or whether it was a combination. Also, Anthony Turner will start ahead of Jermiah Kelley. I’m convinced AT could switch to defensive tackle and be starting within a week. The guy is an amazing talent. I’ve said it several times … do not read too much into the depth chart at receiver. We’re going to see a healthy dose of about nine guys. - More depth chart notes. Nick Davis is fully recovered from an ACL tear and will start on the defensive line along with Michael Ream. Joe Schaefer beat out Angelo Magnone at end, although I can’t be sure that there was ever a true battle. Lastly, Brady Minturn will start at left tackle. No surprise there as he has been running with the 1s for more than a week. - On the depth chart you’ll notice different letters for each receiver position. Z and X usually line up on the outside, E and H on the inside. - Passing game coordinator Troy Rothenbuhler will be upstairs Saturday, while running game coordinator Matt Campbell will be on the field. Quarterbacks coach Jim Hofher will also help call plays. - Freshman Chip Robinson is on the two-deep at guard. Brandon said Robinson has progressed most of the freshmen “blocks.” The plan is for the other three --- Marc Stevens, Tim German and Blaec Walker --- to redshirt. Walker has been out most of camp with what appears to be a knee injury. - Today was the first day of the fall semester. Shane Steffy is taking 15 credit hours, which amazes me because I rarely took more than 12 and I didn’t play football. - Brandon was asked how he’ll attempt to prepare for Pittsburgh running back LeSean McCoy. Brandon said: “I’ve been waiting for Jack [Carle of the BG Sentinel] to come out and make some moves.” Jack’s response was, “I may weigh as much as he does, but I’m not as fast.” Here’s your depth chart: OFFENSE: H Partridge Pronty Hodges LT Minturn Kent LG Steffy Robinson C Bojicic Lewis RG Curtis Albert RT Fink Donahue Z Parks Wright X Barnes Hutson E Turner Kelley QB Sheehan Beam FB Scheidler Rieke TB Geter Bullock DEFENSE E Briggs Baker DT Davis Alvarado NT Ream Torresso E Schaefer Magnone WLB Haneline Fells MLB Dozier Basler SLB Sanderson A. Davis CB Smith Williams SS Mahone Marshall FS Brown Morgan CB Lewis Spencer SPECIALISTS: Holder Partridge LS Dahlman Rutherford PR Partridge Smith KR Williams K. Lewis P Iovinelli K Vrvilo

During my first semester of college, I was awarded a $500 scholarship, but with one condition … I had to earn at least a 3.0 gpa. Naturally, I loaded up on the easiest courses imaginable, bowling being one of them. But I worked diligently for those fourth months, knowing that if I achieved my goals I could upgrade to buying mid-range beer for the second semester.
I pulled out a 3.5, was named to a list in honor of some guy named Dean, went on a shopping spree … and never had the incentive to excel again. No regrets though. I imagine Jason Rice won’t start slacking now that he’s been awarded a scholarship. As practice ended Friday evening, coach Brandon told Rice to stand up in front of his teammates and announced that the walk-on was being put on scholarship. It was cool to see Rice grinning from ear to ear as his teammates patted him on the back. Here’s the tale of the tape on Rice. He’s a redshirt sophomore from Dublin, Ohio and is currently on the two-deep at linebacker. Last year Rice was named the offensive scout team player of the year as a running back. Rice was at safety to start camp this year, so he’s obviously versatile. He was injured prior to fall camp of his freshman year, so instead of burning a year, he did not become a member of the team until that spring. Good story. In other walk-on news, running back Steven Dunlap has been getting some reps with the second team offense (but seemingly none have come at the expense of back-up Chris Bullock). Who knows if Dunlap will even travel to Pitt, but he has looked pretty good. At 5-8, 168 pounds, Dunlap is in the mold of a Willie Geter or Eric Ransom --- a slasher/burner type. “When you get him the ball out there in space he can make some guys miss,” Brandon said. The team was given an unscheduled day off Thursday. Corey Partridge relaxed at the cinema watching Tropic Thunder. He didn’t love it, but don’t let him fool you … it’s pretty good. Corey preferred the Will Ferrell movie Step Brothers, which I hated. ESPN.com’s Graham Watson (a female, believe it or not) wrote a story on the MAC’s quarterbacks. Tyler Sheehan plays prominently in the piece. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/preview08/news/story?id=3546042 BG graduate assistant Stan Watson has created a team blog, according to coach Brandon. I will share the link with you as soon as I get it. Brandon said there is still a competition for the starting left tackle position that is currently being occupied by Brady Minturn. That said Minturn has outplayed Aaron Kent during every practice I’ve attended.

Here’s how I think the depth chart will look when it is released Monday.
Offense: Quarterback Tyler Sheehan Andrew Beam Tail back Willie Geter Chris Bullock Steven Dunlap Receivers Freddie Barnes Corey Partridge Jermiah Kelley Chris Wright * Included in the rotation will likely be Marques Parks, Anthony Turner, Tyrone Pronty, Adrian Hodges, Ray Hutson, Calvin Wiley and Keston Cheathem. I don’t think the pecking order at receiver makes a big difference as all of these guys should see playing time. Parks, Turner and Pronty could be the first guys off the bench. Tight end/Fullback Jimmy Scheidler Lewis Parks Nick Rieke Left Tackle Brady Minturn Aaron Kent Casey McHugh * Minturn, previously a guard, has switched to tackle and is ahead of projected starter Kent. Left Guard Shane Steffy Chip Robinson Center Ben Bojicic Shane Steffy Right Guard Brandon Curtis Scott Albert Right Tackle Jeff Fink Tyler Donahue Kicker Sinisa Vrvilo Holder Corey Partridge Returners There are a slew of guys working here. Obviously, Roger Williams will be your main kick returner provided he’s healthy (he sat out yesterday’s practice with an apparent injury). Defense: Left End Diyral Briggs Adrian Baker Nick Tuminello Defensive Tackle Mike Ream Andrew Johnson Kevin Alvarado Defensive Tackle Nick Torresso Nick Davis Winston Etheridge Right End Joe Schaefer Angelo Magnone Brandon Jackson * The defensive line is the area I’m most unsure of. It seems like every guy has had reps with the first and second teams. Similar to the receiver position, expect to see a great deal of rotating. Middle Linebacker Erique Dozier Eugene Fells Weakside Linebacker John Haneline Cody Basler Strongside Linebacker Jerett Sanderson Aaron Davis *Admittedly, I’m not sure if the backups are behind the right guys at linebacker. Cornerback Antonio Smith Roger Williams Marquese Quiles Cornerback Kenny Lewis Robert Lorenzi Safety Jahmal Brown Keith Morgan Safety P.J. Mahone Jonathan Davis Calvin Marshall Punter Nick Iovinelli

The first thing I noticed was that WR Nick Moore, CB Desmond Marrow and FS Tyrrell Herbert were participating in practice on Tuesday, and that was on a full pads day. These three expected starters haven't been involved in many drills this camp because of injuries and it's a good sign for UT that they're back with time to spare before the first game. Marrow made a nice pass breakup on one play. He and Joe Bates were the first-team corners.
The team is still practicing on Carter Field. Coach Tom Amstutz said he doesn't have a date on when the FieldTurf will be finished at the Glass Bowl but hopes his team will be able to practice on it next week. He said he cooked a steak dinner for the turf workers on his balcony yesterday, “so they didn't have to take a lunch break,” he joked. Arizona has a grass field but UT's week 2 opponent, Eastern Michigan, has FieldTurf, and then obviously the home opener on Sept. 20 against Fresno State. When the quarterbacks and receivers were working on fade routes, new receiver Tyler Roby made a tough catch on a ball that he had to wrestle away. Amstutz said Roby (6-foot-2) played wide receiver in high school and defensive back in junior college. The Rockets recruited him as a DB but he should stay at WR for the foreseeable future.

At least one national writer thinks UT's first opponent, Arizona, will play in a bowl game for the first time in 10 years.
Bruce Feldman from ESPN.com said on his blog Monday, "I'm on the Arizona bandwagon this year. ("On it" means I think the Wildcats will go bowling and at some point this season crack the top 20, not win their conference.) As I've said a few times, I think the Cats have outstanding receivers and I expect [quarterback] Willie Tuitama to make big strides in Year 2 of Sonny Dykes' offense. That comfort level, his improved conditioning and Tuitama's maturation process, especially his understanding of becoming a better leader, will be key." Here's the link, but his blog is ESPN Insider only. Here's a (free) link to a Arizona Daily Star story on Tuitama, the Wildcats' senior QB. Feldman puts Tuitama in the upper echelon of Pac-10 QBs. Tuitama and the team might be faced with big loss for him and the team, though, as tight end Rob Gronkowski has strep throat and is awaiting the results of a mono test. Something to follow if you're bored this week while every other team has a game ... Arizona will have eight new starters on defense, which is one advantage UT sees in having fresh game tape to watch of them. The Rockets will be able to learn more about their personnel. Of course, a real game playing together will be very beneficial for all of UA's new starters.

(ARA) - Homeowners are embracing the green movement, not only opting for eco-friendly renovations when they improve existing homes, but choosing to go green from the ground up when they build a new house.
Green building not only helps the environment, it can put money back in your pocket in the long run, as well. While some options like solar energy panels and top-rated ENERGY STAR windows and doors may cost more initially, they pay for themselves with their ability to reduce energy costs. It's easy to learn more about green building practices. Experts are often generous with advice. Here are some secrets to embracing eco-friendly building: "Beginning with the design stage and carrying through to the building stage, the goals should be to increase efficiency, conserve resources, reduce costs and ultimately create a healthier environment," says Frank Redavide, president of Castalia Homes, an Indianapolis-based builder who is developing a green community. The builder gives homeowners the opportunity to learn the green building techniques that are being applied to the home, including green design, foundation products, lumber, framing practices and products, insulation, HVAC systems, plumbing and windows. To make your new home as environmentally responsible and cost efficient as possible, be sure your builder is following recognized standards for green building, such as LEED and NAHB standards. These standards address everything from the location of the site, to water and energy efficiency and the use of recycled materials. Incorporate eco-friendly appliances and fixtures. Look for manufacturers that are leaders in technology and check out the latest options on their Web sites. For example, Indianapolis-based Delta Faucet Company makes a range of Delta and Brizo water-efficient plumbing products, including lavatories, shower and kitchen sink faucets that incorporate electronics and other water-saving technologies. As a manufacturer partner of WaterSense, a program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Delta Faucet Company offers water-efficient products backed by independent testing and certification. Finally, investigate third-party certification programs that ensure you have made the optimal environmental choices. The LEED Green Building Rating System (LEED) was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance Green buildings. It encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable Green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria. Buildings are assessed on five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. The NAHB Green Building Standard is a voluntary education, verification and certification program that allows builders anywhere to build Green homes. The standard builds upon the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines developed by the NAHB Research Center in 2004. The guiding principles include: lot design, preparation and development, resource efficiency, energy efficiency, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, operation, maintenance and homeowner education, global impact, site planning and land development. These guidelines were created for mainstream home builders and are designed to highlight the ways a home builder can effectively weave environmental solutions holistically into a new home. Courtesy of ARAcontent

Based on observations at several practices this week, I think the University of Toledo football team has pretty much decided who its starters will be, with a few exceptions. I'll go through position by position.
Offense Offensive line: VanDerMeulen, DeWalt, Garrett, Kowalski, Gewont. Tight end: John Allen. Tom Burzine and Danny Noble seeing a lot of time too. Matt Fought is currently injured. Wide receivers: The first team this week has been Robin Bailey, Stephen Williams and Adonis Thomas. Nick Moore has not been practicing much but coach Amstutz said he will be ready to go by the opener. Kenny Stafford also gets some time with the 1's. Quarterbacks: Opelt, with Lenehan as backup Running back: Collins, with Morgan Williams as backup Defense Defensive line: Alexandre, Constant, Williamson, Summers. Everyone will get time and other key players will be Forestal, Westbrook, Hill and Martin. Linebackers: Archie Donald has one spot sewn up. Daris Quinn and Beau Brudzinski have rotated in the other spot, both figure to play. Today it was Quinn with the first team. Safeties: Church, Richmond for sure. Herbert has been in and out with true frosh Mark Singer playing in his spot. Cornerbacks: This is the one position on the team other than perhaps punter that is still up for grabs by several different players. Any two of Walter Atkins, Joe Bates, Greg Harris and Andreas Ashwood could start against Arizona. Desmond Marrow has been out this week but perhaps he'll be ready to go by gametime. Myshan Veasley-Pettis also figures to get some playing time but likely not as a starter. More on the cornerbacks in Sunday's Blade.

Harbor Bay Estates offers the lifestyle you’ve dreamed of
A sign on the patio of this week’s featured home sums up the entire experience: “If you’re lucky enough to live by the beach, you’re lucky enough.” The homes by the beach in Harbor Bay Estates in Marblehead, Ohio, offer more than your typical summer cottage. Much more. The attached villas in this gated, waterfront community offer every amenity. The home featured here is a prime example. The front door with sidelights welcomes visitors into a beautiful, soaring foyer; the door’s high transom admits beautiful natural light. To the left is a niche for your obets d’art, lighted to display them to perfection. A short hall to the left of the foyer leads to a guest closet and a powder room, the two-car garage and, behind a pocket door, the laundry room. The powder room is a jewel box, with an antique-look vanity with a granite top. Rising from the foyer is the grand staircase to the second floor. Wrought iron balustrades support an oak railing; decorative birdcage twists add flair. To the right of the foyer is the formal dining room. A 13-foot ceiling here is highlighted by a triple tray medallion from which hangs a beautiful chandelier. The kitchen features gorgeous cabinets with an antique bisque glaze. Granite countertops add a dark counterpoint, with a tumbled stone backsplash bringing it all together. A wide peninsula snack bar is perfect for informal dining and looks out to the great room. While stainless appliances are pictured here, the new homeowner may have the appliances of his choice: the developer provides an appliance allowance. The great room lives up to its name. A tall, two-story room, it is where the entertainment happens. A gas fireplace with a stone surround and raised hearth grace one wall. On another, a Juliet balcony looks down over the room. But the high point of this room has to be the view. The far wall features sliding doors topped by high transoms, making the wall seem nearly transparent and showing off that beautiful view of Sandusky Bay. Venture through the sliders onto the large, poured concrete patio. The sound of the waves instantly puts you in a better frame of mind. This, truly, is the life. Off the great room is the master suite. The ceiling of the master bedroom includes quoined ceiling corners and a tropical-looking fan set into a round medallion. The bedroom offers a spectacular view of the lake. The master bath is a showplace, with a double raised vanity with a black granite countertop. A jetted tub and step-in glass shower with tumbled tile add to the distinctiveness of this room. A private commode and a linen closet are situated behind a pocket door, and a large walk-in closet is nearby. A tile chair rail around the room adds to the ambiance.


Upstairs are three bedrooms and a full bath. The first bedroom, to the right as you come up the stairs, has a number of interesting features. First, the room includes two French doors that open to the aforementioned Juliet balcony. Leave these open to the view of the lake through those large transoms, or close them for privacy; this is, after all a bedroom, complete with its own built-in bed!
The other two bedrooms on this level each have ceiling fans and double closets. The far bedroom boasts a vaulted ceiling. All of them share a fabulous hall bath, including a slate tile floor, a double raised vanity, and exotic black granite countertop. While many of the home’s features described here are options, many are standard: tile floors in the kitchen and baths, the jetted tub in the master bath, and so much more. The Harbor Bay development offers so much to homeowners. A clubhouse with private pool has recently been completed, and a deep water marina accommodates vessels from 35 feet to 50 feet. Features 4 Bedrooms 2.5 Baths Waterfront Property Beautiful Standard Features

Whether you're buying a home or refinancing an existing home loan, you'll soon find out that lenders today are a picky and demanding bunch when it comes to loan approvals. Even well-qualified borrowers are expected to jump through some pretty high hoops to qualify for financing.
But fear not: These tips and suggestions can help you make the best possible impression on the lender of your choice. Just as job-hunters may wonder what top employers want to see on a resume, prospective borrowers may be curious about what lenders look for on a loan application. The answer may be summed up with a mnemonic called "The four C's," according to Greg Gwizdz, national sales manager for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in Des Moines, Iowa. The four C's: • Capacity, which refers to the adequacy of the borrower's income to pay the interest and principal due on the loan, plus property taxes and homeowners insurance. • Character, which refers to the borrower's track record of paying debts as evidenced by his or her credit history and credit score. • Capital, which refers to the borrower's down payment (or equity) as a percentage of the current value of the home. • Collateral, which refers to the safety and soundness of the home and the value of the home as determined by an appraisal relative to the agreed-upon purchase price. Mike Mueller, a mortgage broker with Patagonia Finance in San Francisco, uses a quadrant with "income," "credit," "assets" and "property" in the four corners, but his point is the same as the four C's: Neither a high income nor an exemplary credit report alone is enough to make your loan application stand out. What lenders like to see is strength and stability in all of the four corners. "If you're strong in all four corners, you're on a chair," Mueller says. "That's pretty stable. In theory, I can take away one of the corners -- maybe your credit score has some dings or you need a stated-income loan -- but the other corners are still pretty solid, so you have a tripod. That's not as stable as a chair, but it will still stand up. If you take away another corner, you have a ladder. Ladders don't work anymore." Borrowers who are qualified, but whose down payment will be less than 20 percent of the purchase price of the home, must withstand a second level of scrutiny. That's because mortgage insurers also have to approve such loans, and they have "completely different qualification ratios," Mueller says. Borrowers in this situation should discuss their options with a loan officer who is familiar with lenders' and insurers' guidelines. A Pile Of Paperwork Lenders rely not on the borrower's say-so, but on a pile of paperwork to verify and document the borrower's financial position. At a minimum, most borrowers are required to submit the following: • One month of paycheck stubs. • Two years of W-2 forms. • Three months of bank account statements. Note that this is just the minimum amount of paperwork required. Many times there is more paperwork that is needed to complete the loan process. Well-qualified borrowers can still knock themselves out of the loan process if they violate certain rules, the most important of which is: Don't make any substantive changes to your financial position after your loan application is submitted. Here Are Some Other Wise Precautions: Don't increase your debt burden. "The biggest error we see borrowers make is that they will file their application; they will be prequalified; they'll have picked out their home, and they'll be all excited, and they'll go and buy furniture, cars, boats and they will ramp up their debt. And since credit is often rerun before closing, that additional debt now causes them not to qualify," says Candis Duke, national operations officer at Metrocities Mortgage in Sherman Oaks, Calif. Don't open new credit accounts, even just to transfer a credit-card balance. "If you transfer a balance to a new zero-interest card, your FICO score will drop because all of a sudden you have more credit," Mueller says. Don't challenge the lender's requests for more documents. Asking, "Why do you want to know?" or refusing to provide certain documents may arouse suspicion that you have something to hide. Hand over as much documentation as possible upfront, so your application can be considered quickly, Gwizdz says. Don't float your interest rate unless you can afford higher monthly payments. "If your rate isn't locked and rates go up, your debt-to-income ratio will change," Mueller says. Depending on the lender's guidelines, higher payments could prevent you from qualifying for the loan for which you'd applied. Don't change your employment. "Right before closing, every lender verifies that the borrower is still employed in the same position," Duke says. A job change is less likely to derail your loan if you stay in the same industry, expect to earn at least as much income and don't have a gap between jobs. Don't delay payment of your bills or rent. Paying what you owe is important, but not enough. You also have to pay on time, Gwizdz says. Rent doesn't show up on your credit report, but most lenders will check with your landlord because rent payments are a good indication of how reliably you'll pay your mortgage. Don't skip your mortgage payment. Some homeowners don't bother to make what they believe will be their last payment on their existing mortgage because they know that loan will be paid off when they sell their home or refinance that loan. That's a huge mistake, Duke says, because a late payment can destroy your credit score. Don't overextend yourself. If your monthly rent is $1,000, but your new mortgage payment will be $3,000, that's a huge "payment shock," Gwizdz says. All else being equal, your loan is more likely to be approved if the increase in your monthly housing cost is more modest.

(NewsUSA) - By following proven principles of outdoor lighting design, homeowners can pursue one of the fastest-growing trends in home decorating, resulting in beautiful neighborhoods and safer, more secure homes.
Knowledgeable homeowners select outdoor lighting systems that use a series of energy-efficient, low-voltage lights strategically placed around a home. Positioning lights on the ground to shine up onto homes or landscaping is called "uplighting." Lights should be positioned no more than four feet away from the area they are lighting and positioned less than 30 degrees from vertical. This approach provides security because lights are placed in areas where an intruder might hide. Uplighting also allows homeowners to highlight the most attractive features of a home, such as the texture of brick or stucco or interesting architectural details. "Ten years ago, virtually no one was doing outdoor lighting in a pleasing, effective manner," said Winston Edwards, a lighting specialist with Outdoor Lighting Perspectives. "Today, the practice of outdoor lighting is more sophisticated and effective, resulting in systems that not only are practical but also add to the beauty of a home as seen at night." The most common error that homeowners make with outdoor lighting is emphasizing the use of floodlights. While floodlights may give a sense of well-being, they actually can create safety and security problems, limiting the ability to see intruders or blinding visitors who risk a fall. Floodlights with 500 watts of power also are unflattering to most home exteriors, making it difficult to appreciate texture or fine details. In addition to lighting home exteriors, low-voltage outdoor lighting also is ideal for landscaping, allowing homeowners to accent ornamental shrubs and trees. "For patios, consider using path lights around the perimeter, which will reflect light onto the patio," Edwards said. "With decks, use lights with a shielded light source underneath the handrails. These lights provide just the right light for conversation and are much more pleasant than typical deck lighting with a bright light shining from the side of a home." The newest generation of outdoor lights uses halogen bulbs, which are energy-efficient and brighter than traditional incandescent lights. Paired with stainless-steel sockets, quality outdoor lights provide years of carefree operation. "When it comes to creating beautiful outdoor lighting, homeowners should look for interesting architectural elements and distinctive landscaping, and they should never place lights so that anyone is looking directly into a bulb," Edwards said. "Follow these basic principles, and outdoor lighting will be an investment that you, and your neighbors, will enjoy for years to come."

(ARA) - Thinking of selling your home? Sprucing up your yard will help get buyers attention and can add up to 15 percent to its value. It may even be the difference between a potential buyer and a drive-away. Want to hear more?
Michelle Dawson, realtytimes.com, notes Mark S. Henry of the Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics at Clemson University found that excellent landscaping added 4 to 5 percent to the value of a good home. In addition, homes with poor landscaping in the same neighborhoods as those with excellent landscaping sold for 8 to 10 percent less. What tips can you follow to add value of your home? Several sources are available: ask a friend who has landscaping experience, visit your local nursery to discover what is popular in your area and look around your neighborhood to determine the style of landscape that is being used. Now, how do your proceed? * Fertilize your lawn so it has eye-popping deep, green color. * Clean up all debris. Cut down and remove tall weeds. * Trim trees and shrubs. Remove dead branches. Employ an arborist to safely trim trees that are beyond your capability. * When choosing new trees and shrubs, look for those that fit your property. Don't cover windows with shrubs. * Plant colorful annuals. How can you do all this in an environmentally green manner? According to Mike Archer, market development for Milorganite, "Use a fertilizer that gives you goof proof results. Milorganite fertilizers contain no salts; therefore they won't burn or streak your lawn. Plus, Milorganite's high iron gives you a deep, green, eye-catching color. This is without your lawn needing excessive water or mowing."
Several tips can help you decide what landscaping will work best. First, pick plants that are low maintenance. Plants that are native to your area will take weather extremes in stride. Pick shrubs and trees that physically fit the area. This will lessen the need for pruning. Pick plants that have interest for several seasons. One shrub that fits this requirement is the red twig dogwood. Red twig produces abundant flowers in late spring and bright red bark that contrasts with snow in the winter. Choose flowering shrubs that produce berries that birds enjoy. Adding value to your home is not difficult. You can also be green while doing so. In fact, being green in your yard care not only is good for the environment, but it also tends to be goof proof, which is important during the stressful time of selling your home. Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - In bath design, function has always come before form. But today's homeowners expect their hardworking bathrooms to go beyond hygienic and practical functions. For some, a bathroom should be wired to 21st-century technology for ready access to information and entertainment. For others, the dream bath is a home spa for a welcome spiritual and physical retreat. Other homeowners want their bathroom to do double duty as a personal gym or dressing area.
The good news about designing a bathroom: anything is possible. Whether you're building from the ground up or renovating your existing space, you have lots of products and storage options at your fingertips. You can also find practical conveniences that give a stylish, new twist to form and function. Functional Faucets Go High-Tech More manufacturers are incorporating the latest gadgetry into faucets to make them even handier - and smarter. JADO recently introduced a collection of lavatory, tub and shower faucets designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, who is making a splash in the United States with his minimalist building designs. Nouvel incorporated electronics into the faucets for temperature control and touch-sensitive operation. The chrome-finished faucets have thermostatic valves that deliver the water at just the right temperature, and you can program them to save your favorite volume and temperature settings. Small Conveniences, Big Luxury Manufacturers are also working at warp speed to create new bathroom luxuries and conveniences. Recent tubs, for example, tend to be larger and deeper. Some tubs help keep themselves clean and/or are bacteria resistant so you can spend more time enjoying them and less time cleaning them. Others offer heated walls and ergonomic backrests. Even the traditional bubble bath has gotten more sophisticated with manufacturers providing built-in aromatherapy, chromatherapy or hydrotherapy features. In the shower, you'll find products with multiple heads at multiple heights in multiple positions, body sprays, preset individual temperature controls, built-in seats, and steam and tanning units. Even floors and towel bars may be heated. Stylish Storage Solutions Homeowners who want to relax in peace -- away from everyday gadgetry -- can find low-tech yet high-impact designs. When it comes to storage solutions, new designs feature moveable parts to make the most of any space. For example, Porcher added a mirrored storage cabinet and vanity to its L'Expression Suite of Zen-inspired products and furniture. Like a revolving door, the suite's Totem Mirror System turns on a pivot to give you a full-length mirror on one side and storage compartments on the other. There's a central drawer for cosmetics (or whatever you like to keep handy and hidden), adjustable glass shelves, a side hook to hang a bathrobe, and a bottom drawer that opens to more storage. A wood-finished, matching vanity offers storage beneath the sink basin, along with a chrome towel bar. No matter how functional you want your bathroom -- from high-tech to low-maintenance and relaxing to fully-wired -- there's a design to fit your needs and style. Courtesy of ARA Content

(ARA) - So you've decided to tackle a painting project. Maybe it was the drab color in the kitchen that finally got to you, or the dated design in the bathroom that did nothing to brighten your mornings. A new coat of paint will freshen it up without breaking the budget, but do you have the right supplies? Getting the correct tools before you start can save you time, and, in the end, produce a higher-quality result.
"Painting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to give your home's interior a boost," says Anne Horst from Wooster Brush, a company dedicated to producing quality painting products. "By choosing the right supplies up front, you'll make your project look its best, even if you aren't a frequent painter." * Choosing a Paintbrush There are two things you need to know in order to select the right paintbrush for the job: the type of paint you'll be using and the surface you'll be painting. When it comes to choosing a brush, paint is divided into two categories. In the first category you have water-based coatings. Look for a combination of these words on the label: latex, acrylic, waterborne or water-based. The second category is oil-based coatings. Look for these words: alkyd, oil, solvent-borne or oil-based. For water-based coatings, choose a nylon/polyester synthetic brush. Nylon/polyester brushes are durable so they're great for painting rough surfaces, they maintain their shape to paint precisely in hot weather, and they clean the easiest. However, for oil-based coatings your best choice is natural bristle. Black and white bristle brushes have the softest tips to virtually eliminate brushmarks. To choose the right brush size, you should select the one you think will "fit" the surface nicely. Larger brushes carry more paint to provide maximum coverage with fewer dips to refill. Many people think smaller brushes are easier to control, but if you select a high-quality brush in a slightly larger size, you'll find the job goes much faster, and the finish will be smoother, too. * Using Rollers with Extension Poles
Try using an extension pole for painting walls as well as ceilings. Many pros use a short pole, one to four feet long, to paint walls with controlled, sweeping strokes. Horst points out, "It reduces fatigue because you can use two hands to hold the pole, instead of just one on a roller frame grip. Your stronger arm muscles do the work together." Invest in a pole that is durable, straight, and lightweight, and you'll use it for years. * Organizing Paint Containers Paint trays come in a variety of materials, most commonly metal or plastic. Choose one that is at least eleven inches wide with a sturdy, ribbed bottom to load the roller evenly. Also look for one that works with a liner. Form-fitting, disposable liners make cleaning fast and greatly extend the life of the tray. * Picking a Paint and Primer Use a primer on the surface if it is newly constructed, patched, stained by water or smoke, prone to mildew, rusted or aged. Your paint store can provide recommendations. Primer really helps to seal and even-out the surface. The paint will go on smoother, adhere better and last longer. Although it's tempting to buy the cheap paint to save a couple bucks, purchasing quality paint is really an investment that is worthwhile. More expensive paints have larger amounts of pigment and therefore provide better coverage and hiding properties. What takes four coats with a cheap paint might only take one with a higher-end paint, actually saving you time and money. Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - When rains rinse and refresh the outdoors, decks, patios and everything on them get a bath, too. But, once it's dry you see the remaining film that stays: dirt, bird droppings, sticky tree sap and buds, and whatever other debris that gets carried in the wind to land on your patio. These outdoor elements and others cause your furniture to stain, discolor and wear out much faster.
Keeping patio furniture looking like new for a long period of time is not difficult. Proper cleaning and maintenance will extend the life of your furniture. Here are some tips to caring for your outdoor patio furniture: Wash it with a good cleaner at the beginning of the season and then once a week squirt it off with a hose. Both dirt and chlorine will deteriorate patio furniture. When cleaning vinyl patio furniture, never use a harsh brush or bleach. The brush may create pores in the vinyl, damaging it and causing it to lose its shape. Plus, the bleach will deteriorate the vinyl. Check to make sure that none of the bolts holding the furniture together are rusty. Replace them if they are, and tighten them thoroughly. If the paint on aluminum furniture is in poor condition, rub it gently with a piece of fine steel wool or sandpaper to smooth it out. Next, take some standard car-wash polish to buff the furniture back to its original luster. Touch up wrought-iron furniture immediately if bare metal is exposed to prevent rusting. A rust-resistant primer on the spots will help the rust from spreading under the paint. Wicker furniture will stay looking its best if it is kept in the shade, as the sun tends to dry it out. If the wicker finish is damaged, bring it back to life by using a permanent marking pen that matches the color to blend away the exposed areas. To give a piece a whole new look, spray paint each piece with outdoor spray paint. Don't forget to clean your glass patio table. Remove the glass top carefully, over the grass (so it doesn't shatter if you drop it). Put furniture away for the winter by covering it with plastic, and storing in a dry basement or garage. If it must be kept outside, cover it with a tarp. Courtesy of ARAcontent

With modest gains in income outpaced by the rest of the country, the city of Toledo is now ranked among the nation's poorest, according to a report issued yesterday by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Toledo's median household income in 2007 was $35,216, which ranks it as the 10th lowest of U.S. cities with a population of over 250,000. Toledo's median income was $33,691 in 2006.
The median income for Lucas County, including Toledo, was $44,704 in 2007, up from $42,296 in 2006.
The rate of Lucas County residents living below the poverty line stayed about the same, 17 percent. Toledo joins Cincinnati, Cleveland, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh on the list. Detroit, with a median income of $28,097, was the lowest in the nation.
The data came from the census's American Community Survey Reports.
The city's poverty rate - 23 percent - stayed about the same, and the median income went up by about 4.5 percent compared to 2006.
But with the nation's median household income rising by 1.9 percent, Toledo's gains were outpaced by the rest of the country.
"I will say if Detroit, Cleveland, and Cincinnati are all part of the [bottom] 10, it clearly reflects upon the loss of manufacturing jobs to these cities in particular and the Midwest in general," Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner said.
Ohio's median household income rose from $45,664 to $46,597 in 2007, but Michigan's median income fell from $48,546 to $47,950 in the same period - the largest drop in any of the 50 states, both in percentage and dollar amount.
Youngstown had the lowest median household income of all cities with populations between 65,000 and 249,999 people.
The richest city in the country, in terms of household income, was Plano, Texas, which also had the lowest poverty rate.
Household income is the income of all people over 15 years old living in a single house - whether or not they are related to the owner.
All the figures are adjusted for inflation.
Mr. Finkbeiner said he was pleased the median income for Toledo had increased in 2007 over 2006.
"Our job in Toledo and northwest Ohio is to seek even greater improvements over the next several years," he said.
The mayor said there would be a "continued diversification of the northwest Ohio economy with things such as technology and alternative energy leading the way in improving the average income of a family of Toledo and northwest Ohio."
Mr. Finkbeiner questioned the census bureau's methodology in calculating the data released yesterday.
"My respect for the quality of the work by the census bureau is less that 100 percent," he said. "I know right now we are sitting on top of 10,000 to 17,000 more residents actually living in Toledo than the census bureau has reported."
Gary Lee, a sociology professor at Bowling Green State University, said the American Community Survey has the "best numbers around."
He also noted that while incomes have been stagnant, many costs of living - especially housing costs - have dropped in the past years.
"You need to take that into account," Mr. Lee said.
But the numbers show that regions that rely on manufacturing are continuing to drop.
"I don't see a sign of that turning around in the immediate future, although there may be some long-term hope," Mr. Lee said.
Bill Kitson, president and chief executive officer of the United Way of Greater Toledo, sighed heavily when told Toledo bottomed out in the top 10 list.
"This kind of news reinforces the work that we have ahead of us - families need jobs, they need financial stability, and obviously we have a lot of work," Mr. Kitson said.
Earlier this month, the United Way pledged to donate $250,000 to charity organizations.
Contact Alex M. Parker at:
aparker@theblade.com or 419-724-6107.

Toledo City Council last night set in motion construction of the long-awaited Marina District along the Maumee River on the city's east side with approval of a $3.9 million state loan and a new agreement with Perrysburg developer Larry Dillin.
"I have believed for many years the Marina District will reshape the face of Toledo," said Mr. Dillin, who was selected by Mayor Carty Finkbeiner to transform the waterfront property.
Council voted 10-2 on both measures - the first to approve the new development agreement with Mr. Dillin and the second to approve a $3.9 million loan from the State Infrastructure Bank.
That money will be used to help fund the main road through the Marina District's $20 million public park area along the river.
Councilmen Frank Szollosi and Michael Ashford voted no on both ordinances. Mr. Ashford initially voted yes on the ordinance approving the loan, but later asked for a re-vote and voted no.
Although council approved the loan amount up to $3.9 million for the nearly mile-long roadway along the river, only $3.5 million is called for under the financing plan devised by Mr. Dillin and the Finkbeiner administration.
"The loan agreement will reflect $3.5 million," Dave Am-stutz, the city's director of development, said after the meeting.
"The [correct] sources and uses of funds is reflected on the sheet we passed out to council, and it appears the ordinance was never changed," he said.
Mr. Dillin said the publicly funded roadway and park will be the catalyst for what eventually will be a $320 million private residential and commercial development.
Mr. Dillin, who offered a personal guarantee to repay loans for the Marina District, told council he would walk away from the project if his personal financial information was made public.
To shield his personal information, the Finkbeiner administration plans to arrange an independent review this week of Mr. Dillin's finances to ascertain if he can make good on the promise, said Adam Loukx, acting city law director.
Council wrangled for a time over whether to vote on the Marina District ordinances last night or hold a special meeting later this week after a report on Mr. Dillin's finances could be produced.
Councilman Mike Craig, whose district includes the Marina District, said construction bids for the road from Miller Bros. Construction Inc. expire on Saturday and there would be a greater expense if they waited.
"We are hemming and hawing … when we should be stepping up and saying we believe in this project enough and should be willing to move forward," Mr. Craig said.
Under the plan, $6.86 million will be assembled for construction of a Riverside Drive, extending along the river north from Main Street.
The money will come from a $1.5 million grant from the Ohio Department of Development, the $3.5 million loan from the State Infrastructure Bank to be repaid by Mr. Dillin, a $660,000 grant, and $1.2 million paid by Mr. Dillin for at least 14.66 acres in the southwest quadrant of the Marina District.
The remaining $11.3 million that will pay for the public park, which is to have fountains, a clock tower, performance space, and boat docks, will be funded with $5 million from the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission, $2.5 million in 20-year general obligation bonds from the city paid by special assessments on Mr. Dillin's property, the $2.4 million from the land purchase by Mr. Dillin, and an additional $1.4 million from Mr. Dillin.
The city already has spent $1.84 million for water and sewer infrastructure at the Marina District - bringing the total to $20 million.
In other business last night, council:
•Approved a $1.5 million U.S. Environmental Protection Agency brownfield loan to the owners of the vacant Southwyck Shopping Center for asbestos removal and to demolish it by the end of the year.
Mr. Dillin also is the city's developer for redevelopment of that property, which includes a mixed-use development of stores, offices, and residential space.
•Voted 9-3 to approve a special-use permit for Knight Academy, an all-boys junior high charter school affiliated with St. Francis de Sales High to open in the former Congregation B'nai Israel building in West Toledo.
Mr. Szollosi, Mr. Ashford, and Councilman Joe McNamara voted no.
Contact Ignazio Messina at:
imessina@theblade.com or 419-724-6171.