Lifestyle Columns
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On the road: Take a Robie House tourMay 06, 2012 6:00 am - Chicago Water under the bridge Of course everyone knows about Chicago's great museums like the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium, but perhaps you aren't acquainted with ...
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Traveling doesn't have to be a pet peeve for ownersMay 06, 2012 6:00 am - Did you hear about the Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy who was dogging it on the tarmac at New York's LaGuardia Airport last week? Apparently he escaped from his crate and led...
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Under the hood: Replace parts in pairsMay 06, 2012 5:56 am - Have I ever written about the importance of maintenance? Just kidding; it seems that’s probably my favorite topic. I am writing this column from Camp Paradise in the Upp...
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Home repair: There’s no clear winner when choosing floor varnishMay 06, 2012 5:35 am - Q. We are planning to hire professionals to refinish our hardwood floors. They were originally finished long ago with an oil-based polyurethane varnish. Now we are havin...
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$ensible home: Tips on choosing a skylightMay 06, 2012 5:30 am - Q. I want to reduce my electric bills, especially with the upcoming summer’s air-conditioning costs. I thought about installing a skylight or tubular skylight so I need ...
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Law talk: Deed in lieu of foreclosure usually releases owner from debtMay 06, 2012 5:00 am - Q. I enjoyed your article regarding how to get out of a bad mortgage. I was a victim of a mortgage fraud perpetration and got stuck holding the bag with four homes in 20...
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Stormy waters rocks both spouses; seek outside helpMay 06, 2012 4:00 am - Q. I'm depressed about the direction my professional life has taken. I feel like I could cry at any moment. I need a warm word or a hug. I get this kind of support from ...
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CondoTalk: An association should invest reserve fundsMay 05, 2012 5:55 am - Q. Our association’s reserve fund is in a checking account that does not yield any interest. Can an association invest reserve funds and, if so, are there any restrictio...
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Mortgage professor: Good luck trying to negotiate mortgage broker’s feeMay 05, 2012 5:32 am - Q. I refinanced last year and negotiated the fee I paid the mortgage broker. Now, I want to refinance again to take advantage of lower rates, but my broker tells me the ...
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On homes and real estate: First-timer is franticMay 05, 2012 5:27 am - Q. I am a first-time homebuyer. Two months ago, I put in an offer on a house, which after a day or two of counter offers was accepted. Since then, I have been completing...