FORMER SOFTWARE DEVELOPER TURNS DRYER VENT WIZARD ENTREPRENEUR; PROVIDES DRYER FIRE PREVENTION AND MAINTENANCE "TIPS"

Columbus, OH, May 18 -- Rick Gutridge, 50, former software developer for AOL transitioned to owner/operator of a Dryer Vent Wizard, Safe Homes, Dry Clothes (DVW), franchise in Columbus.

"I found DVW provided much needed solutions to consumers' dryer and dryer vent problems," says Gutridge.

DVW services prevent dryer fires, keep dryers functioning properly and provide energy savings through dryer and dryer vent maintenance, cleaning, repair, replacement and alterations.

According to Gutridge, consumer response to DVW services has been positive. "When consumers find their dryer taking more than one cycle to dry a load, they assume it's mechanical when the real problem is lint accumulation in the dryer vent causing the dryer to work inefficiently and become susceptible to a dryer fire," says Gutridge.

A January 2007 report by the U.S. Fire Administration indicates that dryer fires account for an average of 15,000 fires with an approximate $88 Million in property damage, 15 deaths and 400 injuries annually. "Failure to clean" was citied as the leading factor contributing to clothes dryer fires in residential buildings.

In an effort to make consumers more aware, software developer turned Dryer Vent Wizard entrepreneur Gutridge shares these maintenance "tips" to prevent dryer fires and keep dryers running efficiently:

	Be sure that dryer vent systems are up to code with city, state and manufacturer.
	Replace any plastic or foil vent with semi-rigid or solid metal venting
	Clean screen lint trays before and after drying a load.
	Wash lint screens with soap and water every few months to remove residue left behind by fabric softeners.
	Don't leave the house or go to bed with the dryer running.
	Have dryer vents professionally cleaned and inspected annually.

Warning signs to look for:

	Clothes are taking more than one cycle to dry, especially jeans and towels.
	No lint visible on lint screen.
	Dryer repeatedly stops during a cycle
	Clothes have moldy smell after dry cycle

"Consumers who follow these guidelines," says Gutridge, "will create a safe environment in their home, prolong the life of their dryer and save money on energy bills."
Dryer Vent Wizard, Dry Clothes Safe Homes, is the largest chain of dryer vent specialists in the U.S. with 50 metro market locations servicing residential and commercial customers.

For more information call 866 498 7233, www.dryerventwizard.com.

"WAD" is meeting tonight, July 7, 2008 at the Columbus Library - Linden Branch...

The WAD blog  says:

"The Westerville to Arena District (WAD) Bikeway is an initiative to build a commuter bikeway on an abandoned rail grade running through northeast Columbus. The rail grade in question is commonly referred to as the old Mt Vernon Right-of-Way (ROW). It begins at Cooper Park on the southern edge of Westerville and continues south to 17th Ave in Columbus. From there the trail will continue along rail lines and end below the Convention Center in downtown Columbus."

The WAD website shows a map that follows the route of he "old Mt. Vernon Right-of-Way" shows the proposed bikepath connecting the Westerville area (Cooper Park is south of the City of Westerville)  to Minerva Park / Blendon Township  to  Northland to Linden to OSU to  Milo-Grogan to Italian Village East to Short North to the North Market to  Convention Center to the Nationwide Arena to the Arena District, all 11.5 miles of it...

By car here is a map representing what neighborhoods would be connected. WAD has maps on both their blog and their website which show the route along the abandoned rail road.

Map of the neighborhoods traveling by car. 

The photo from the 2008 Doo Dah Parade shows WAD bikers dragging an SUV up Neil Ave.

"GIVE ME LIBERTY or GIVE ME GAS" was the theme of one of the entries in this years Doo Dah Parade in Columbus's Short North. A lot of the Doo Dah Parade this year was about gas prices... not all of the parade was gas prices... but a lot of it was gas prices.

The Doo Dah Parade is not your ordinary 4th of July parade. The Doo Dah Parade is parody... the Doo Dah is living editorial cartoons.

Today's Columbus Dispatch editorial cartoon is about gas prices.... and about the state of the news. Jeff Stahler, Editorial cartoonist for The Columbus Dispatch - July 6, 2008, All gas prices, all of the time.

Using restraint Stahler only used editorial cartoons about gas prices twice in June 2008.

I like variety in the Doo Dah Parade but I really like it when the Doo Dah parade is very local... back in the days when Buck Rinehart was the mayor there was lots of fun local things to pick fun at... Rinehart was the 2008 Doo Dah Parade's "Less Than Grand Marshall. "

Rinehart was quoted in the Columbus Dispatch that this was the first year since leaving office (1992?) that he was at the parade. He said

" I went every year during office to see what they were going to do to me," he said. "They liked to make fun of me."

Even with all the crazyness the Doo Dah Parade has rules which include:

"NO FULL NUDITY!"

and all politician's have to wear a funny hat...

Of course there were perennial Doo Dah favorites like the Marching Fidels but the Doo Dah Parade 2008, had lots of pedicabs, bikes and mopeds. Bicyclists with WAD (Westerville to Arena District Bikeway) dragged an SUV up Neil Avenue. ;- )

The photo of WAD in the Columbus Dispatch in "Whoop-de Doo Dah!" is better

The 4th of July and barbecue go well together...

Only eight days to vote or the best barbecue (or do you say barbeque?) in Columbus on AOL City Guide.... the winner each year gets a great little plaque to put in foyer saying they have Columbus BEST (Asian Food, Barbecue, Pizza, Desert, Mexican Food, etc.)

Vote City's BEST - Columbus Barbecue

Who's in the competition for BEST Columbus BBQ (the lazy blogger's way to spell the word)?

Barley's Smokehouse - Dublin Road location

City Barbeque - Northwest Columbus

Flatiron Bar & Diner - Downtown

Hickory House Restaurant

Hoggy's - Gahanna location

J.P.'s Barbeque Ribs & Chicken

Smackies Smokehouse - Northeast Columbus (*Cleveland Avenue just north of 161)

Who's missing?

It's been years since I've been to the Flatiron Bar & Diner.... Barbecue? I guess so... the write up says that's what they're famous for.

*Take what you read on the AOL City Guide with a grain of salt... as it is not very local... for example Smackies ... click through to their own site, I thought there was a second restaurant on Thompson Rd. since that's the info on the vote, the AOL City Guide. Smackies moved over a year ago to Cleveland Ave.

A local food blogger did a review of Smackies on Bitchin in the Kitchen with Rosie over a year ago. BBQ is so personal... just from Rosie's review I don't think I"d like Smackes... I drive by it often. I just keep driving by. Sounds too "Southern" for me...

I voted for Hoggy's. I don't eat at the Hoggy's in Gahanna. I have... but not in years. I eat at the Hoggy's at Polaris. I fondly remember the Hoggy's in Linworth. I bet people who voted for City Barbeque are not all votiing for the northwest Columbus location on Henderson... and if they win all the City Barbque will take credit for having the BEST barbecue.

AOL City Guide will announce the winners on July 22, 2008.

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet?  Shakespeare...

Whetstone is a park in Clintonville.  Clintonville is on the northside of the City of Columbus.  More than one relocating client has asked me about the boundaries of Clintonville over the years.

On the Clintonville.org website hosted by the Clintonville Community Fund, Where does Clintonville end and Beechwold begin?  it says:

“It all depends on who you ask - but the truthful answer remains the same. Neither “Clintonville” nor “Beechwold” ever existed as political or formally recognized entities. Thus any answer as to where the boundaries are between the two areas is an answer based on myth.”

Another Clintonville myth? Or near myth? Clintonville is dry. I will never dare to say that Clintonville is dry again online... I did on ColumbusBestBlog.com There are NOT a lot of drinking establishments in the Clintonville Beechwold area may be a safer statement.

We went to the 2008 Columbus Rose Festival this year... I miss it most years... too busy with real estate in June.  If you like roses visit the Park of Roses at Whetstone Park

I go to Red, White & Boom most years… I have never taken my dog. I am surprised when I see dogs and babies at Red White & Boom… I don’t really know much about babies… but I would believe they would startle at loud noises. I know dogs do.

My dog Buddy has gone to the Doo Dah Parade some years to celebrate the 4th of July but he's never to Red White & Boom. I'd never take him.

From Channel 4 tips about dogs and the upcoming holiday.

Remember Red, White & Boom has moved this year. They are setting off the fire works at Vets Memorial.

Red White & Boom

Ooops wrong blog... Does Columbus Ohio have more than one Indonesian Restaurant? I tried Taste of Bali on Saturday night, it is the first Indonesian Restaurant I have ever eaten at.  It is definitely my favorite Indonesian restaurant... in or out of Central Ohio.

Authentic?  You got me...

2548 Bethel Road, Columbus OH 43220

I am no food blogger... no photos... I had a phone with a camera with me but never thought to snap a photo of my plate.... Spice Lover - Special Set 3.  With plenty of water I had an opportunity to try a rice plate (?)  that included:

telor belado, a hard boiled egg in chili sauce

sambal goreng kentang, potatoes in a HOT sauce

and

rendang daging, (my favorite) tender beef with spices, lots of them...

The spuds were the spiciest, the beef which has three astericks on the carry out menu got hotter the more I ate.  Apologies if any of the words should be capitalized, the Taste of Bali carry out menu is all in caps.

The April 2008 - Columbus Dispatch review of Taste of Bali - "Indonesian standout adds consistency to savory assets" by Jon Christensen has a photo of a chicken drumstick take by Shari Lewis... they're pros....

My leftovers are calling to me.... hey I could take a photo.... nah!

In the State of Ohio, there are no regulations requiring the licensing of Home Inspectors. Some are certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors or have a bunch of designations after their name. Many others continually update their knowledge and education regarding home inspecting. Then there is the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

The fact is, though, you or your mother could be a home inspector. All that may be changing though. . . . Last week, a bill requiring licensing of home inspectors finally cleared its first major hurdle in the legislative process. HB 257, sponsored by Rep. Michelle Schneider (R) Cincinnati, was passed by the Ohio House of Representatives and sent to the Senate.

If the legislation is passed by the Senate and signed into law by the Governor, Ohio will become the 31st state to enact a statute addressing the performance of home inspections. Among the provisions included in HB 257 are the following: criminal penalties for performing home inspections without a license. creation of the Ohio Home Inspection Board to regulate the industry. a requirement that all inspections be performed pursuant to a written contract. creation of standards for performing inspections. creation of a process for investigating complaints filed against inspectors.

The Superintendent of the Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing would have responsibility for administering the new law and providing staff support for the Home Inspection Board. Passage by the House was not unanimous. A handful of legislators disagreed with the bill for various reasons. Some felt it needed more teeth. More from OAR.

Gryphon USA Grows Auction Practice Group

Auctioneer Michael Hoffman To Head Gryphon Auction Group

Columbus, OH - May 3, 2008 Gryphon USA announces that auctioneer Michael Hoffman has joined the company to manage subsidiary Gryphon Realty Advisors - Gryphon Auction Group. Hoffman will focus on real estate and personal property auctions and appraisals, with special attention to clients in the corporate, banking and insolvency communities. He also will continue his efforts in real estate brokerage as a valued member of the Gryphon Realty professional staff.

"Michael's involvement with Gryphon will increase the companies capacity to undertake multiple auction opportunities at once throughout Ohio and, under his direction, Gryphon will soon be offering regional multi-property auctions through both live and online venues," stated Gryphon's president Richard Kruse.

Hoffman has been an auctioneer for more than six years, and has conducted hundreds of real estate and personal property in Ohio and Michigan. He has earned professional designations granted by the National Auctioneers Institute including Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI - one of 2,500 designees nationwide) Accredited Auctioneer of Real Estate (AARE - one of fewer than 350 designees nationwide), Certified Estate Specialist (CES) and Benefit Auction Specialist (BAS).

Hoffman also is an approved auctioneer for the Franklin and Licking counties probate courts, and is an approved auctioneer for the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Ohio. He has recently been elected to the Board of Directors of the Ohio Auctioneers Association and is an active member of the National Auctioneers Association.

About Gryphon

Columbus-based Gryphon USA, Ltd. and its subsidiary companies focus on the wind down and liquidation from single assets through and including entire companies. The company maintains a real estate brokerage practice, auction group, property management division and appraisal division. Co-founder Richard Kruse also regularly holds engagements as court appointed receiver.

For more information, contact Gryphon USA, Ltd at www.gryphonusa.com or by calling toll free at 1-877-5-GRYPHON.