Tips on How to Cope with the Heat

Stop Lebron!

First of all, I apologize to all NBA fans.  This is not an article regarding the defensive strategies of how to keep Lebron James and Dwayne Wade off the scoreboard.  The 2011 heatwave is upon us, and here are a few tips to keep yourself and your families cool.

It may not seem like much in some parts of the world, but 36 degrees Celsius is pretty darned hot to Canadians, and that is what weathermen are forecasting for Thursday.

For those without the luxury of air conditioning, or spend much of the time outdoors I have come up with a few ways to keep comfortable despite the humidity.

Mmmmmm, now I'm thirsty!

1.  Drink water and keep some nearby.  It may be tempting to grab a soft drink or a beer, but caffeine and alcohol actually promote dehydration.  Stay away!

2.  Exercise in the early morning or at night.  Just the thought of a mid-afternoon workout makes me feel exhausted.

3.  Don't use the stove/oven.  Why add extra heat to your home?  Salads and sandwiches will do just fine, thank you.

4.  Wear light coloured clothing.  Light colours reflect light and heat while darker colours attract it.

5.  Wear cotton and linen clothing.  Synthetic blends trap the heat inside and don't allow your clothing to breathe properly.

6.  Wear sunblock.  A sunburn heats up your body, so let's avoid it by wearing a sunscreen of at least SPF 30.

Thanks, Emma for the tip!

7.  Don't wear a hat!  Huh?  You might think this one is a strange entry on this list, however we lose most of our heat through the tops of our heads and by wearing a hat we trap the heat in.  That's why we wear toques in the wintertime.  Need to protect your eyes you say?  The best compromise:  the visor.

8.  Avoid mid-day showers.  The humidity from the shower will make your home feel even hotter than it is.

9.  Stay downstairs.  Heat rises.  Spending your time in the lower levels of your home or the basement can keep things naturally cool.

10.  Avoid big meals.  Eating large meals makes your body work super hard to break it down causing you to feel sluggish and uncomfortable.  More frequent, smaller meals is the answer.

11.  Eat spicy!  Yes, really!  Some of the hottest places on Earth (India, Central America) have some of the spiciest foods on the planet.  Spicy foods (which contain capsaicin) will cause you to sweat without raising your body temerature.  The sweat that it created will cool off your body.

12.  Find some AC.  Take the opportunity to shop in a mall, see a museum, or take in a movie.  There will be plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine when the heatwave subsides.

Coyote Attacks in Whitby

For the second time in as many months in the same area of Whitby, a dog was attacked and killed by coyotes.

The second incident happened on April 22, around 9 p.m., when Durham Regional Police were called to a home in the Thickson Road and Burns Street area. The complainant reported his small dog, described as a maltese-poodle cross, was attacked in the unfenced yard. The owner witnessed the incident and was able to retrieve the deceased dog from a nearby hydro easement property, where the coyotes were last seen running towards.  The dog owner wasn't physically hurt.

In March, a dog was snatched by coyotes in the Dundas Street and Nichol Avenue area.
For more information on coyotes, call the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) office at 905-713-7400, or your local animal services office.

The MNR website gives a number of safety tips regarding coyotes:

1)  Do not approach them. They're usually wary of humans, but they're wild and should not be approached.
2)  Do not feed them. It makes them less fearful of humans and habituates them to food provided by people. Plus, they may return to the area for more.
3)  If you encounter a coyote, don't turn your back on it or run from it. Back away from it while remaining calm. It's a good idea to use whistles and personal alarm devices to frighten them if they do approach or pose a threat.

4)  Secure garbage by properly storing it and maintaining garbage containers. Place trash bins inside an enclosed structure to prevent small rodents.
5)  Put garbage at the curb the morning of the pickup, rather than the night before.
6)  Use enclosed compost bins rather than exposed piles (NOTE:  coyotes are especially attracted to dog and cat waste, meat, milk and eggs).
7)  Keep bird feeders from overflowing as coyotes like fruit, nuts and seeds. Keep pet food indoors.
8)  Close off crawl spaces under porches, decks and sheds. Coyotes can use these areas to raise their young.

If you feel a coyote is posing an immediate threat or a danger to public safety, call 911.

MLS Zoning Realignment: How will it affect you?

It has just be announced that on July 5, 2011, the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) will restructure the existing districts as they currently are.  The idea, was to improve the search characteristics of the MLS system already set in place.  Gone will be the existing "coding" system and replaces by a "true geographical region" that Realtors and the public can better relate to.

Current TREB map
 (east)

The current system used by TREB divides regions two ways:

1. By one of four areas Central (C), North (N), West (W), and East (E). 
2. Numbered districts (1-21)



Snip of new TREB map (July 2011)



The new system to be used by TREB will implement "three tiers of address" and will include:

1. Area (Regions/Counties)
2. Municipality (City/Town)
3. Community (Neighbourhood)

As a professional real estate agent working in Durham region, I am extremely excited about these changes.  Instead of living in E16, I live in Durham-Oshawa-Lakeview.  Which one tells the better story?  For your convenience, I have posted maps of all the new Durham region communities on my website.

Sure there might be some growing pains, such as transitioning from the old system and educating the public of all the new AMCs (Area-Municipality-Community), but the bigger picture is that we will now be living in a "community"  and not living in a "code".  Now if only Canada Post would do something with LIJ7Z5.

If anyone wants to know what AMC they will be living in, email me and I will be happy to send you the information.

Stephen Young

10 Tips on How to Start a Flower Garden

Homeowners in Durham Region should be very proud of the beautiful gardens they produce each year.  As a professional real estate agent, I get the priviledge of showcasing some of these homes as they come up for sale.  Here are TEN starter tips on how to start a beautiful flower garden.

1.  The "Decision".

By reading this blog, you are likely already made the decision.  But have you?  Is a garden for you?  People are busier than ever before and gardens require at least some daily and weekly commitments.  Make sure you are committed to doing the work so you can reap the rewards.

  Bigger is not always better.

2.  Choose a Site.

Seems like a no-brainer but your flowers and plants require sunlight in order to grow.  Growing flowers in shaded areas of your property are possible, but you may limit your choices of flowers.  Also, remember that you will need to water your flowers and walking back and forth filling your watering can may be trying on your patience, and your tired feet.  Try to select a location that you will see the garden from the house.  It's difficult to neglect when you see it all the time.

3.  Start Small.

Many would-be gardeners fail because of over-ambition.  Start small.  20-25 square feet is a good start for your first year as a beginner.  At the end of the season, you can re-evaluate and add next spring.



Squirmish?



4.  Soil.



Now that you are committed, and chosen the perfect site, it's time to get down and dirty.  If the site you have chosen has sod, you will need to remove the sod.  Dig down about 18"-24" and remove and rocks that might be in the way.  Add a time-released fertilizer with the soil.  Rake until the soil is even and water.  Don't worry about earthworms.  They are great for your garden by aerating the earth and fertilizing the soil.

5.  Choose Your Flowers!

Finally, the reason you decided to start a garden, the flowers!  Take note of the decisons you made earlier regarding the size, location and your commitment level. This will determine the flowers you choose.  For smaller gardens, select three types of annuals (need to replaced every season), and one or two perennials (regrow each season).  There are thousands of types of flowers you can choose.  Too many to list here.  Go to your local nursery and ask an expert for what is best for your garden and commitment.

They WILL get bigger.  I promise.

6.  Planting/Seeding.

If you start early enough, you can seed, but for your first season I suggest you transplant your flowers from the cells they come in.  Select budding plants as opposed to already flowered.  When you get home, water your baby-buds, and head over to your garden with a trowel and a watering can.  Dig a small hole, pop out the plant from the cell, spread out their roots without breaking any, and carefully set them in the hole.  Cover and firm the soil surrounding it.  Water.  NOTE:  Make sure you give enough room between plants for them to grow without congestion.

7.  Label Your Plants/Keep Records.

As a beginner, I suggest keeping records.  You are going to make mistakes.  Some plants will die.  It is better to learn from our mistakes then to repeat them.

8.  Water Your Garden.

Make sure the soil surrounding your plants is kept moist and well-watered.  That being said, there is a fine line between well-watered and drowning. Use your own judgement.  Common sense will prevail.

9.  The FOUR letter word:  W-E-E-D.

Weeding is necessary, but let's not obsess with it.  A little bit of time each day or two is all that is usually necessary to maintain a healthy and beautiful garden.  Be careful not to get careless and pull out some of your plants or destroy their roots.

Patience for impatiens?  You don't need it.  They're tough to kill.

10.  Enjoy Your Garden.

Is this one obvious?  A garden should be something to be enjoyed on a daily basis, not feel like a chore.  Take pride in all that you have accomplished.  Share it with your loved ones.  Take time to smell the roses.  You might be surprised how simply Mother Nature can humble us.

How much Electricity do YOU use?

Discussing rising electricity rates in Durham Region is a common conversation these days.  While many of us complain and criticize to our governments for the increases, another way to lower our costs is just to use less electricity.  You may be surprised to learn how much power is actually consumed by even the smallest of household appliances. 

Only pennies a week to flash "12:00".

Small Appliances

Clock Radio:  1-2W

Electric Shaver:  15W

Sewing Machine 100W

Popcorn Maker:  200W

Vacuum Cleaner:  200-700W

Blender:  300-400W

Microwave Oven:  700-1500W

Toaster:  800-1500W

Coffee Maker:  900W

Iron:  1000W

Hair Dryer:  1000-1200W

Electric Kettle:  2000W

Large Appliances
Refrigerator:  200-700W (compressor running), 60-160W (passively)
Dishwasher:  1200-2000W

Electric Oven:  2000W (at 350 degrees)

Clothes Washer:  350-500W (Tip:  use COLD water!)

Clothes Dryer:  1800-5000W
Hot Water Heater (40 Gallon tank):  4500-5500W (that's why you use cold water to wash your clothes, hehe)



Almost 40X less power than CAC.



Cooling/Heating

Table Fan:  10-25W

Ceiling Fan:  55-90W (on high speed)

Air Conditioning:
    Window Units:  600W (small), 1000W (medium), 1400W (large)
    Central Air Conditioning:  3500W
Electric Blanket:  200W
Electric Space Heater:  600W (low setting), 900W (medium setting), 1440 (high setting)

TVs
DVD Player:  20-25W
HD Cable Box:  45W

CRT-Colour TV (19"):  70W

CRT-Colour TV (26"):  105W

LED TV (average):  101W

LCD TV (average):  111W

Plasma TV (average):  300W


iPad.  You might have heard of it.



Computers

Wireless Router:  5-10W

iPhone:  5W

iPad:  10W

Netbook Computer:  18-25W

Notebook/Laptop Computer:  20-50W

Desktop Computer:  80-200W (average is 150W)

Monitor for Dektop Computer: 

    LCD monitor 50W

    CRT monitor 80W

   

1/10th the power used
 of PS3 or XBOX360.

Gaming

XBOX:  70W

XBOX360:  187W

PS2:  30W

PS3:  197W

Nintendo Wii:  19W









Can the Oshawa Generals defeat the Niagara Ice Dogs?

On Thursday, our beloved Oshawa Generals will travel to Niagara Falls (actually, St. Catharines) for the first game of the second round of the OHL playoffs.  After defeating the Kingston Frontenacs four games to one, the Generals will take their momentum on the road, beginning this Thursday against one of the best home teams in the OHL in the Ice Dogs.

Some players of note:



Christian Thomas, RW 

-54 goals, 45 assists, 99 points

-2nd in the OHL in goals scored in 2010-2011

-acquired from the London Knights two seasons ago as part of the trade of John Tavares

-son of former Toronto Maple Leaf, Steve Thomas

Calvin de Haan, D

-6 goals, 42 assists, 48 points

-member of Team Canada last two seasons in the World Juniors





Andy Andreoff, LW

-33 goals, 42 assists, 75 points

-highest plus/minus on the team with a +34

Nicklas Jensen

-29 goals, 29 assists, 58 points

-Generals top scoring rookie in 2010-11

Tickets are still available for each of the home games played at the GM Centre in Oshawa, starting with Game 2 on Saturday night at 7:05pm.

Let's.
Go.
You.

Gennnieeeeeees!

How to Have a Successful Yard/Garage Sale



Early, early, early!



So.. you have started your spring cleaning and realized that you have more and more extra stuff accumulating in the garage or the spare room.  It has value, so you cannot just throw it away, so what to do?  Donate it?  Give it away?  Perhaps your best option is hosting a yard sale.



Here are a few tips that can assist you in holding a successful yard sale:

1.  Determine your goals.  Does the thought of lugging all your junk back into the garage or house drag you down?  Then keep your prices quite cheap.  Perhaps you are trying to earn enough for a new lawnmower.  Then make sure your prices are fair and have some bigger ticket items to sell. A general rule of thumb is to price items at 1/3 of the retail value when new.



Street sales can bring BIG crowds

2.  Pick the right date.  You'll likely want to choose a date when it is somewhat warm (May through September, in Ontario), a weekend, and a date that is not competing with any other major community function like Oshawa's Ribfest (unless you live by Lake Ontario).

3.  Encourage neighbours to participate.  What's better than a yard sale?  Five yard sales!  You will generate much more traffic to your sale if you have a "street sale" or "block sale".  Just make sure you have encorporated each of these tips so your buyers stop at your table.

What, when, and where.

4.  Advertsise and promote.  Post at your local supermarket.  Free ads on kijiji and craigslist.  Don't forget to promote it locally on this facebook group.

5.  Understand your location.  If your home is on a busy street and/or parking is difficult, consider moving your cars so people have a place to park.  Think like the customer.  Would you stop if it were inconvenient?  

Live in suburbia? Street signs become much important if you live on a secluded court or you are off the beaten path.  Make street signs crisp, clean, and clear, with an address, and directional arrows.



Making a presentation



6.  Early bird gets the worm. Open early!  Garage sale hunters know the best bargains are scooped up within the first hours, and these early birds are hawks.  Cater to them.  They'll likely be your best customers.  Have change ready, you don't take VISA.

 

7.  Make a presentation.  Spread out your items on tables so they are easily seen, and can be easily browsed.  Price items clearly so customers don't have to search.  If they cannot see a price, they might put it down, and move on.



Leave the junk to Fred Sanford



8.  Don't make it a full-time business.  Once or twice a year should suffice.  If you hold one every weekend, word will get out that you are essentially Fred Sanford and nothing of value.  In fact, your neighbours will likely not appreciate the new business on the block, and neither will the city.

-Stephen

http://www.getstephen.com/

407 Extension. Why is it important to Durham Region?

Coming soon to Durham Region?

If you ask most citizens of Durham Region, you will likely get a response in favour of the extension of the 407 to Highways 35 and 115. 

But why?  Do we just want to win the fight?  Do we just want the Provincial government to follow through on a promise signed in 2007?  Or are there real, substantial reasons to continue this major highway?

In 2007, the Federal and Provincial government signed the FLOW Agreement to extend the popular toll-highway eastward to Highways 35/115 complete by 2013.  Recently, many of us are already aware, that the Provincial government has broken this agreement by breaking the extension into phases.  The proposed plan has the 407 ending at Harmony Rd in 2015, and then finally to the 35/115 by the year 2020, seven years after what was initially signed in 2007.



Proposed map of Highway 407 extension east



According to the Toronto Board of Trade, traffic patterns and gridlock cost Toronto $6 billion dollars a year in lost production.  New York City and Los Angeles, two of North America's largest cities have an average commute time of  77 minutes and 57 minutes, respectively. GTA residents face commute times that average 79 minutes.  A completed 407 would immediately increase production and literally have paid for itself in the first year, not to mention the saving of  valuable commute times allowing us all more time to spend with our families.

How do you feel?  Is it worth the fight?

For more information, click on the following links:

RAMP it up! Hwy 407 Campaign

Oshawa City Hall

Stephen Young

March Break 2011, a guide for Durham Region parents.

Ok, ok, I know what you are thinking, it cannot be March Break already.  I am sorry to inform you that it is true.  March Break has arrived. But this messenger isn't about to be shot.  I have prepared for you a few ideas that might keep the little ones interested long enough for you to keep your sanity for the upcoming week.



Chew 20 times before swallowing



Purple Woods:  This might be a good idea after the kids have overheated the XBOX360.  Open from March 10th-20th, what's wrong with a little fresh air and exercise.  Purple Woods is hosting their annual Maple Syrup Festival.  $3.00 admission ($2.00 for children 12 and under) is a modest price for one of Durham Region's best family getaways.  They even have a Pancake Tent where you can sample some of their delicious flapjacks.  $5.00 for adults (3 pancakes and a drink) and $4.00 for children (2 pancakes and a drink).  Wagon rides are $2.00 per person.





Let's...Go...You...Gennies!  (oooh)



Oshawa Generals:  You'll have to save this one for last since the Gennies are on the road most of the week.  Home games, however are scheduled for March 19th against the Brampton Batallion and March 20th against our arch-rivals, the Peterborough Petes.  Tickets can be purchased here in advance.  Make sure you say hi to me, if you see me at the game.






And here's to you Mrs. Robinson...   

Oshawa Community Museum and Archives:  Do you know someone that lives in Oshawa?  If you don't, then how did you get this far in the blog?  Oshawa's history is much more than General Motors, and  S.M. McLaughlin and you can marvel in the three houses at Oshawa's waterfront which depict how life was lived so long ago.  Museum is open for tours from 12:00–3:30 p.m, and there is an interactive play stations for kids. Admission is $3.00.



52 lanes?  Really?!



Neb's Fun World:  Wii Bowling might be fun and all, but can Wii let you race a go-kart, ride the bumper cars and have a hot dog?  Neb's Fun World has been entertaining children of all ages since 1989 and has been growing in popularity ever since.  Located at 1300 Wilson Rd. N, it gets quite popular during March Break so arrive early, even earlier than the official opening time.  It is a first come, first serve basis.  BONUS:  Take advantage of their new early opening special where you can get ride tickets for HALF PRICE.



Ooooh DOUBLES!  Roll again!





Quality Family Time:  Who says that you have to go somewhere to find a good time?  Stay home, play a board game with the family (I like Monopoly, hmmmm...wonder why?), do a jigsaw puzzle, bake some cookies, even play charades.  Ok, ok, now I am dating myself.  March Break is supposed to be just that, a break.  So why not spend it with your loved ones and invest some time with your greatest assets, yourselves.

Stephen Young



http://www.getstephen.com/

P.S.  If you end up actually baking some cookies, my office is at 360 King St West, Oshawa.

8-)



And so it begins...

Welcome to the official blog of Stephen Young, Get Stephen.

As a professional real estate agent living in Oshawa, and serving the entire Durham Region, my goal is not just to post informative information regarding the real estate market, but also to contribute on all news items regarding our community.

Comments, thoughts, and opinions are ALWAYS welcome at Get Stephen as long as it meets one imperative criteria:  keep the posts respectful and clean.  Otherwise, comments will be deleted.

Blogging is new to me, so please be patient as I practise my writing and communication skills.  If you already know me, you likely agree that I have an opinion on almost anything, so if you have an idea for a topic, please don't be shy.

So, what do you think so far?
8-)

Stephen
GetStephen.com