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The summer transfer window closed on Thursday for Premier League sides, and we can all breathe a sigh of relief that it's over, including the Chelsea powerbrokers.

The Blues ran the gauntlet this summer, waiting until deadline day to make some key signings. And even as the clock ticked down, we weren't sure they would get some deals over the line.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte may not have signed all of his targets, but Chelsea have emerged with a squad that looks fresher than it did this time last season. Regardless of whether it's only marginally, the Premier League champions have been able to regenerate a dressing room that's needed change for some time.

But how well have Chelsea performed in the transfer market? Did they do a good enough job with the players they bought and sold? Join us as we grade the Blues' transfer window activity.

Grading Chelsea's most significant signings

Chelsea signed six players this summer, with two coming on deadline day. We've graded them below based on squad requirements and the overall business decision.

Willy Caballero

Fee: Free

Grade: A+

To grade Caballero so highly will undoubtedly raise eyebrows. He arguably has the lowest profile of all Chelsea's summer signings, andBlues fans aren't expecting to see much from him in the club's colours as the back-up toThibautCourtois.

Here's the thing, though: Caballero was brought in as the replacement for Asmir Begovic, who was sold to Bournemouth for 10 million. In so doing, Chelsea got a like-for-like replacement and made a significant profit.

It wasn't a move to get overly excited about, but in terms of the whole package, it was excellent business. Uncharacteristically for the Blues, the deal for Caballero was announced in early July, too.

Tiemoue Bakayoko

Fee: 40 million

Grade: B

Chelsea have signed potential with Bakayoko. His exploits in a Monaco shirt last season suggested he has a fine career ahead of him, but it was just one standout season from the 22-year-old. He still has a lot to achieve if his transfer is to be regarded as shrewd business.

Still, 40 million in this summer's market for a player we're expecting to be a regular does outline some transfer acumen from the Chelsea board. At a time when fees are escalating beyond all sense of logic, Chelsea signing an up-and-coming talent gives them a strong possibility to make a dividend on their investment either in future transfer windows or on the pitch, where it's hoped Bakayoko will excel.

The early signs are promising after his debut against Tottenham Hotspur.

Alvaro Morata

Fee: 58 million

Grade: A

Two games at Stamford Bridge have brought two goals and two assists for Morata. From a personal perspective, it's been a great start for the Spaniard.

Morata has done exactly what all strikers must when they arrive at a new clubhe's made a big impact, and with that, he already has the momentum to suggest he can replace Diego Costa's goal threat.

The 24-year-old is now Chelsea's record signing, with the 58 million paid to Real Madrid surpassing the 50 million Liverpool raked in on the sale of Fernando Torres to the Blues in 2011.

It took Torres 14 games to open his Chelsea account and a full 19 for him to tally the two goals Morata already has to his name. Those early days came to define Torres' Chelsea career, andMorata seems to have overcome any hoodoo immediately.

Antonio Rudiger

Fee: 29 million

Grade: B

By the same token that we've applauded Chelsea for the fee paid to Monaco for Bakayoko, the 29 million invested in Rudiger represents good business in this transfer window.

Transfer fees have spiralled out of control, with the huge figures we're seeing for the most talented players hiking up prices for those below them. Rudiger may not arrive with the same hype as a Virgil van Dijk, for instance, but he cost Chelsea a fraction of the price they would've been expected to pay for the Dutchman.

Rudiger is already showing himself to be a good squad player, and over the course of the season, his attributes will benefit the Blues. He fits into the system Conte likes to play, meaning that, regardless of names and profile, he's an ideal signing.

Danny Drinkwater

Fee: 35 million

Grade: B

Talk about leaving things lateChelsea had to wait until a couple of hours after the transfer window had closed before they announced the capture of Drinkwater. They left fans waiting until the early hours to confirm a deal that had been rolling on for weeks.

It all seemed to be about the price, with the Blues hierarchy haggling with Leicester City, as reported by theTelegraph'sJohn Percy in the days leading up to deadline day. By hook or by crook, they got their man, though, and Conte's midfield looks stronger for it.

Drinkwater adds Premier League and Champions League experience and bolsters the homegrown quota in the Stamford Bridge dressing room. He's not a marquee signing, but he's certainly one of substance.

The only negative here is the fee, with the Blues paying much more than their initial valuation of the former Manchester United man.

Davide Zappacosta

Fee: 23 million

Grade: C

There will be a Costa in the Chelsea squad this season after all. Well, sort of, with Italian Zappacosta's surname giving us a hint of rock'n'roll royalty blended with Chelsea's bad boy frontman who remains in exile.

Zappacosta's signing was a big surprise, with his name only being linked with the Blues on transfer deadline day following their failure to land Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who signed for Liverpool. Chelsea fans won't be feeling too confident with his signing as he plans to compete at wing-back, but remember last season's deadline-day business?

Marcos Alonso came in under the radar, seemingly a move from left field that stunned many. And now look at him; the Spaniard has become an essential part of Conte's side, adding something to defence and attack.

Zappacosta has a reputation for being strong in attack and is a fine crosser of the ball. With Morata getting on the end of his crosses, he may well prove a fine asset himself.

We've given Zappacosta's signing a C grade, as it comes with a sense of the unknown and being knee-jerk. With nothing linking him to Chelsea until all else failed, he smacks of being a last resort.

But let's hope he can have an impact in the same way Alonso did.

Grading Chelsea's most significant departures

More players left Chelsea than came in this summer, but that isn't necessarily a negative thing. The Blues were able to offload some ageing stars and made good money from them in the process. We're only grading the most significant permanent transfers here, so this does not include the ever-growing loan army.

John Terry

Fee: Free

Grade: A+

All good things come to an end, and this summer Chelsea fans discovered that when Terry departed for Aston Villa on a free transfer. It's a sad moment when legends eventually have to leave, but Terry's departure should've come much earlier than it did.

There isn't a bigger hero in west London than the former Blues captain, yet his presence at Stamford Bridge held Chelsea back at times in recent seasons. It meant managers could only play one way with him at the back, so when he was injured in the early part of 2016/17, it was the ideal time for Conte to change things around.

The manager did, and it revolutionised the way his team performed. It made Chelsea Premier League champions and ended Terry's Blues career in the process.

Nemanja Matic

Fee: 40 million

Grade: A

Forget that Matic has joined Manchester United, a direct rival of Chelsea. The point with this transfer and why we've given it an A grade is simple economics. Chelsea sold a 29-year-old for 40 million; they made a 19 million profit on a player in decline.

Matic moving to United is a short-term answer to the club's midfield problems. But with the overall fee Chelsea were paid for him effectively bringing in Bakayoko from Monaco, it has provided a long-term solution to theirs.

We don't buy the notion that Matic will win United the title this season, either. Before he was sold, Matic was among the most criticised players at Chelsea for good reason; the Serb was seen as a weak link, with his presence in midfield overshadowed by team-mate N'Golo Kante in a defensive sense, while he failed to matchCesc Fabregas' effectiveness going forward.

The Matic Chelsea signed in January 2014 was a different player to the one United paid 40 million for. In the long term, Chelsea will be happy with the business they did here.

Nathan Ake

Fee: 20 million

Grade: B

It's a shame Ake has been sold, as he has more than hinted at having a bright future in the Premier League. But like an old gun-slinging western town from a Sergio Leone movie, Stamford Bridge isn't big enough for two outlaws or, in this case, a pair of up-and-coming defenders.

Ake's sale to Bournemouth for a healthy 20 million has meant Andreas Christensen has taken his spot in the Chelsea squad after returning from loan. So, with the addition of Rudiger, the Blues now have a solid-looking setup at the back that also includes David Luiz, Cesar Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill.

Without Christensen, it would have been disappointing for Ake to have been sold. But Chelsea seem to be putting their faith in the Dane, and that meant Ake was pushed out. And that's footballChelsea can't hoard every talented young player.

Bertrand Traore

Fee: 8.8 million

Grade: D

With Diego Costa's problems this summer and Chelsea also needing reinforcements in their attacking-midfield options, losing Traore was a disappointment.

Is he talented enough to be starting every week at Stamford Bridge? No. But that's not the point with Traore. His season on loan with Ajax proved he could play a supporting role for the Blues, earning more experience with the view to eventually becoming a regular.

He is just 21, and his age alone tells us he has so much more time to develop his game. Allowing him to join Lyon for an initial 8.8 million, regardless of buy-back clauses, is short-sighted from Chelsea at a time when they don't boast hordes of attacking stars.

Nathaniel Chalobah

Fee: 5 million

Grade: D

While Traore still has some developing to do, Chalobah was arguably ready for first-team football at Chelsea. Clearly, the player himself believed that and forced through his move to Watford.

Had the Blues signed a world-class player to take his place in the squad, Chalobah's sale wouldn't grate so much. The fact is they haven'talthough Drinkwater's capture was astute enough to hint at the Blues being a strong midfield unit.

Chalobah left at the wrong timethe time when Chelsea needed him most, as they faced the beginning stages of 2017/18 with just three central midfielders, and one of them was Cesc Fabregas, who is far from adept when it comes to competing physically.

Chelsea should've done more to keep Chalobah, as he has everything that hints at him being a star of the future. He's still young and has his career ahead of him.

Dominic Solanke

Fee: TBC by tribunal

Grade: B

How do you grade Solanke's move to Liverpool this summer? Do we applaud Chelsea for making a stand in refusing to give a young player a bumper contract when he'd made just one senior appearance? Or do we side with Solanke and suggest the Blues should've shown more faith in one of England's best prospects?

Continue reading here:
Grading Chelsea's Transfer Window Activity - Bleacher Report

Wilmington, NC (WWAY) More eyes and ears will help keep an eye on downtown Wilmington.

After nearly two year of planning, and several months afterWilmington City Council approved a new downtown Municipal Service District, new programs were unveiled to help grow the downtown area.

The MSD programs are being directed by Wilmington Downtown Incorporated (WDI).

One new service is an Ambassador team, which consists of a group of seven people. You will see them wearing bright orange shirts around downtown. They will walk around to give directions and referrals, escort workers, visitors, or residents to specific destinations, identify street light outages, address graffiti. According to a news release, the will provide a safety and security presence, along with additional cleaning for the area.

WDI contracted with Allied Universal to hire and manage the new Ambassador team and all members are certified through the North Carolina Private Protection Service Board.

The Ambassadors work Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Ambassadors can be reached by phone or text during operating hours at (910) 524.3600. They can also be found on the web at http://www.downtownambassador.com.

In addition to the Ambassador program, WDI also announced two new matching grant programs to help spur investment.

The Faade Improvement Grant program is designed to help renovate buildings and storefronts. Funds can be used for a range of improvements such as window repair or replacement, exterior painting, awnings, signs, lights and other similar work to the front of a building. The grant will award up to $2,500 of the total cost of the project on a matching basis. Funds will be awarded on a first come-first served basis and money is available for up to six projects.

The Landscaping Grant program is designed to encourage new planting areas to buffer or improve parking lots or vacant properties. This grant will provide up to $1,500 on a matching basis for irrigation, plants, fencing or other similar upgrades. Funds will also be awarded on a first come-first served basis and money is available to two projects.

Complete information and an application form for both the Faade Improvement Grant and the Landscaping Grant programs are available. Call the WDI office at (910) 763.7349 or visit http://www.wilmingtondowntown.com/msd.

The MSD has additional programs in the planning phase.

One project is examining physical enhancements with an emphasis on improving pedestrian safety and protecting the urban tree canopy. Another effort is underway to bolster marketing to better connect with area residents, workers, customers and visitors. WDI expects to announce additional MSD services in the coming months.

The programs announced today reflect the priorities of Downtown property owners, businesses and residents, said WDI Chair Tom Davis. The Ambassadors will be a resource and a re-assuring presence for people throughout the central business district and the new matching grant programs are designed to spur additional investment that can help property owners and small businesses within the MSD area, he said.

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New programs, including Ambassador team, launched in downtown Wilmington - WWAY NewsChannel 3

The Alexis Sanchez saga twisted and turned until it ultimately lost itself in the mess that is Arsenal Football Club in the transfer market.

The Chilean was on the brink of making the switch to Manchester City, where he would reunite with Pep Guardiola, play wonderful football and compete for major honours. All that needed to happen was Arsenal signing a replacement and thered be nothing in his way.

Whether it was a token effort or a genuine one, Arsenal tried to sign Monacos Thomas Lemar. A 92m offer was made. The bid was accepted. Then, when things seemed to be going along nicely, the deal came to an abrupt end. Arsenal didnt have enough time to complete the deal. Other reports suggested Lemar didnt want to join Arsenal. With just a couple of hours left in the window, Lemar wasnt joining Arsenal and, as a result, Alexis wasnt joining City.

The player will have been left understandably furious by the developments. Likewise, the fans of both clubs would be bemused and would like to know just who was responsible for the whole mess.

Its tempting to say this is entirely down to Arsenals own incompetence. Arsenal made the late decision to sell Alexis and gave themselves little time to find a replacement. With such limited time, it ended up being a case of Lemar or nothing. This was made all the more risky by Arsenal not even knowing if Lemar wanted to join them or not.

Arsenal may have wanted Alexis to stay but they absolutely must have been aware of the players desire to leave. A sensible club would scout out possibly replacements just in case, and ensure some groundwork was laid to make a quick signing. Arsenal didnt have to wait until the last minute to make that Lemar bid. Nor did they have to ignore the likes of Riyad Mahrez or Julian Draxler the whole time. Had the Lemar bid failed, say, three weeks ago, Arsenal would have had enough time to pursue other options.

On the other hand, Arsenal will rightfully point out that Citys plot to leave a bid right until the end of the window did them no favours. City would have known that Arsenal would want to sign a replacement its a fairly common practice in the transfer window yet gave Arsenal little time in which to do it. Had they made a serious offer last month, they would have gotten their man.

Theres another layer to all this: the year remaining on Alexis contract.

Alexis isnt a priority signing for City, which might explain why they left it so late. They knew full well that if they couldnt sign Alexis this summer, they could sign him for free next year. For them, this could have been a case of putting Arsenal in the most difficult position possible. Either they signed the player this window, leaving Arsenal little time to find a replacement, or they sign him for free next summer without giving Arsenal any money to buy a replacement with.

Its all conjecture, of course, but Arsenal are undoubtedly in a more awkward place than City are. Arsenal cannot complain if Alexis turns out to be disruptive, because it was their reluctance to sell that dragged the saga out for so long. We had our chance to get rid of the guy and didnt take it.

Ultimately, it may all work out for the best. Still, theres no denying that this whole could have been resolved much sooner and much more efficiently than it has been.

Read more:
Arsenal or Manchester City: Who is to blame over the Alexis debacle? - Daily Cannon (satire) (blog)

Window sticking? Chips on its exterior? If so, it is time that you contacted our professionals. At Mr. Handyman, we provide a variety of home window repair and window installation services that can get your windows working correctly in no time at all. In cases where the window needs a full replacement, we can work with you to remove your old ones and get the new ones installed correctly and quickly.

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Arsenal are preparing for a potential exodus of players in the finals days of the transfer window, with the club finalising the 7 million departure of Kieran Gibbs to Watford and prepared to sell Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez.

Major incoming signing are now unlikely but a combination of Oxlade-Chamberlains ongoing refusal to accept a huge new contract offer of 180,000-a-week and Wengers desire to reduce his squad has meant that there will still be significant transfer activity at Arsenal between now and Thursday.

Oxlade-Chamberlains participation against Liverpool today is in doubt following his failure to agree a new contract and, unlike their stance with Alexis Sanchez, Arsenals attitude is that they are ready to sell rather than potentially lose him for nothing next year if the valuation is met. Chelsea and Liverpool are interested and preparing to bid but, as of Saturday morning, Arsenal had not received the expected 35 million offer.

Follow this link:
Arsenal prepare for player exodus in finals days of transfer window - will Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain be one of them? - Telegraph.co.uk

Although the Express claims that the Italian media are reporting Arsenals openness to a Mustafi departure to Inter Milan, SportWitness point out that it doesnt actually say anywhere in the Gazzetta dello Sport article that Arsenal are open to it.

Other than that, the strongest evidence we have that the German defender might leave the Gunners is that Arsne Wenger hasnt completely ruled it out, just saying that the final days of the window are always unpredictable. Sky Italia say that the player has agreed to a move to Inter but the clubs havent agreed a deal. Thats called tapping up.

But taking a look at the other side, it would certainly be a strange move by Arsenal to sell the most expensive defender in their history a year after they bought him without bringing in a replacement. All in the same window that Gabriel leaves for Valencia.

There hasnt even been anything particularly reliable confirming that Mustafi even wants to go. Hes spent years in England before, with Everton, and only left when he couldnt get into the team.

Shkodran has also just welcomed his first child into the world, so moving to a completely new city (Milan) would be pretty disruptive.

If he does want to go, Arsenal have less than a week to negotiate a decent fee and spend it on a replacement.

Crazier things have happened in the transfer market and at this football club, I guess

Visit link:
Mustafi move may not be as close as you think - Daily Cannon (satire) (blog)

Window replacement grant opportunities exist for both home owners and business owners looking to renovate their property with window repair replacement. A window replacement grant is money that is given by government departments to those who qualify as part of the energy savings incentives. It will cover some or all of the costs of buying and installing windows. Installing new windows is a cost effective and energy efficient way to lower your heating and cooling costs and reduce your carbon footprint. In most instances, you will not have to pay back the money received from a window replacement grant.

One of the window replacement grant programs to look into is the Weatherization Assistance Program, sponsored by the Department of Energy. This program helps low-income families update their home and renovate their current windows. There are over 38 million homes eligible for weatherization services which includes repair of windows among other energy savings renovations. Applicants must be low-income families well below the poverty line to qualify for the grant money. The money is distributed by state and local governments.

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Replacement window costs aside, there are a number of other valid reasons to look into new windows apart from the grants and tax credit programs available. Replaced windows can make any home look like new again and can add several thousands of dollars to the resale value of your house. Even if you are not planning on selling your house anytime soon, you will be surprised at how any older home can be brought back to life with vinyl replacement windows. You will love coming home to a home that screams with style and aesthetic beauty.

New windows can also provide a sense of security and privacy to your home. With high quality and durable material, you can be sure that the only thing that is coming through your windows is natural light. You can stop intruders and poor weather from coming in all the while enjoying the beauty and natural light through your new windows. New windows come in all shapes, colors, styles, materials and designs. You can customize your own scheme or opt for some of the popular styles and sizes. Choose from materials such as vinyl, glass, wood and metal. Create a design that complements both the interior and exterior of your home. You can choose double hung or single hung windows, casement or awnings, sliders, picture or garden windows or bay and boy windows. Mix and match or use the same materials and designs for the entire home. The beauty of any new windows project is that the possibilities are endless.

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The clock is ticking, and as the transfer window edges closer to being shut, the sound of the minute arm ticking will ring louder in the ears of Premier League managers.

Antonio Conte is among those who will hear it most, as the Italian knows his Chelsea squad still needs additions before August is out.

The Blues have had to deal with a mini injury and suspension crisis in the opening exchanges of 2017/18, leaving the squad depleted. It's meant Conte filling his bench with inexperienced youngsters and makeshift formations, which isn't ideal as he considers the season from now to May.

What's clear is that Chelsea can't allow any more first-team players to leave Stamford Bridge. The club has conducted good business in offloading the likes of John Terry, but they haven't been efficient enough in replacing them.

As it standsin terms of numbers, at leastChelsea are worse off now than they were when being crowned Premier League champions in May. They have to address some key areas, notably in midfield and attack.

So what are the best and worst scenarios for the reigning Premier League champions between now and August 31? We take a closer look.

Best: Diego Costa's bad smell disappears

Diego Costa has never been so friendly with the media. Look at his activity this past month and you would think journalists were Costa's pals, with the Chelsea front man accepting interviews from all and sundry.

It hasn't always been that way. Costa has been an enigma in mixed zones, rarely stopping to speak with journalists to discuss his performances and the state of play at Chelsea.

Now, of course, he has a personal agenda to push, and he's not embarrassed in the slightest about it. He wants to join Atletico Madrid, and he isn't going to stop until he gets his wish.

Good headlines for him are bad headlines for Chelsea, and the hope now is that he is gone for good before the transfer window shuts.

The Blues' 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend was the perfect antidote to overcome their shocking opening-weekend loss to Burnley. It really has turned the tide, with the mood around Stamford Bridge significantly lifted.

No longer are we talking about a post-title collapse like we saw in 2015/16. Rather, Chelsea's season is looking all the better for it, reminding us why they are the reigning Premier League champions.

Costa still remains AWOL, however, and if he isn't sold by the end of August, the circus is going to roll on and on. No matter how many matches Chelsea win, they will never be able to deflect from a situation that Costa is eager to feed himself.

The bad odour is fermenting, and it will all the more with the window shut until January.

Worst: Chelsea spend 70 million Virgil van Dijk

From selling players to not signing them, Chelsea will do well to avoid a splurge on Virgil van Dijk this summer. That's exactly what they are being linked with by the Express (via the Sun), however.

For a player in such high demand, it's a statement that many will label as folly on the surface of it. But look beyond the glamour of a high-profile, mega-money signing and the logic is there.

Chelsea don't need Van Dijk. Yes, that's right, one of the hottest properties in the Premier League doesn't need to be added to the Chelsea back line.

Why? Because Chelsea have Andreas Christensen.

Signing Van Dijk may well work in the immediate future, but it will only serve to block Christensen's pathway to the first team. And that can't happen.

Chelsea already have David Luiz, Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger and Gary Cahill as the senior players to form their three-man defence. Three's company; four's a crowd, in that sensethrow Van Dijk into the mix and five becomes a headache.

Christensen's youth and comparative inexperience will make him sixth choice in that scenario, which will be a major blow to his development. He's long been hyped at Stamford Bridge, and in the opening two games of this season, he's backed up the belief that he is capable of becoming a Chelsea regular.

It's too soon to expect him to start every week, but Christensen is capable of playing 20 games or more throughout the season, functioning in the way we would expect any squad player. With more senior names in the pecking order, that number of appearances will drop significantly.

Too often Chelsea's transfer policy has been short-sighted. Moving for Van Dijk now, when Christensen is emerging, would be a step back.

And besides, there are other areas in Conte's squad that could do with a 70 million investment, notably midfield.

Best: Ryan Bertrand returns home

Chelsea should never have sold Ryan Bertrand when they did three years ago. The former academy graduate had been waiting in the wings to replace Ashley Cole at left-back, but he was never given the chance.

Instead, the Blues signed Filipe Luis in 2014, the same summer when Cole was eventually released by the club and Bertrand departed for Southampton. The Brazilian cost Chelsea 16 million and flopped, with the Blues spending a further 45 million on left-backs in an attempt to find Cole's long-term replacement.

Macros Alonso has been a resounding success story, but he needs back-up. As the only left-sided defender at Stamford Bridge, he isn't going to get through a full Premier League campaign with Champions League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup commitments.

Chelsea need a player who can challenge Alonso and strengthen their squad in the process. The Blues have been most successful when they could boast at least two talented players for every position, and bringing Bertrand into the fold would allow for that.

His three years at Southampton have made Bertrand a bona fide England international. He's shown himself to be one of the most capable left-sided players in the Premier League.

Now for the Blues to make good on the rumours from this weekend in the Express.

Worst: They miss out on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

We move from the left flank to the right flank now, where Chelsea can't afford to miss out on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer.

It's a story that has been rumbling on since the beginning stages of pre-season, and Chelsea have to get their man.

Alas, the Express is reporting that Arsenal are attempting to fend off Chelsea's interest by offering Oxlade-Chamberlain a new contract worth 125,000 a week. That's not good news given that a major reason for the England international running his contract to its last year was a desire for a bumper pay rise.

The debate will rage as to whether or not Oxlade-Chamberlain is the type of player Chelsea should be chasing to give Victor Moses competition at right-wing-back. Regardless, he's clearly been a transfer target for a long while and the Blues are making a habit of missing out on players they're chasing.

It happened with Romelu Lukaku this summer and John Stones 12 months ago. Chelsea need to show some muscle and bring Oxlade-Chamberlain to Stamford Bridge.

Added to that, without Oxlade-Chamberlain, where will Chelsea turn for the wing-back role? Like with Alonso, they can't leave it down to Moses alone to be the solution across all competitions this season.

Deploying wing-backs has been such a vital part of Conte's success in west London. As much as it is Chelsea's strength, with just Moses and Alonso to call upon, it's equally their weakness.

Best: They make a mega signing... like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Here's a transfer rumour that has reared its head once againChelsea may be in with a chance of signing Borussia Dortmund's hitman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The leading goalscorer in the Bundesliga last season, Aubameyang was linked with a move to Chelsea earlier this summer. With the capture of Alvaro Morata and Chelsea reportedly not meeting Dortmund's valuation or deadline for a move, it seemed the striker would remain in Germany.

But now Aubameyang has changed the narrative.

According to Radio Montecarlo Italy (per the Sun), Aubameyang has put himself back on the market, saying recently: "I am still reflecting on whether I should leave or not. This club and these fans are incredible, but if I want to grow, I feel I need to leave."

A strike trio of Morata, Aubameyang and Michy Batshuayi would make Chelsea one of the most lethal across Europe, let alone the Premier League. It would blow the title race wide open, with the Blues' fire power the envy of their rivals.

Most sides can boast one major goal threat, yet the addition of Aubameyang would mean Chelsea could blow teams away with both the Gabonese and Morata in tow.

It's the sort of move that gets fantasy football fans excited. And by that measure, it would be a massive boost to Chelsea fans who will be purring at the thought.

Link:
Best and Worst Scenarios for Chelsea in the Rest of the Transfer Window - Bleacher Report

The iconic Chicago Theater

I suspect it's only rained two times in Chicago sinceJan. 1(slight exaggeration?)and both of those times were nights I planned to go to Ravinia. I have big San Andreas Fault-type cracks in my lawn (seriously) because it's been so dry the last few weeks. But the 2nd time I pointed my car in that direction (last week) was exactly the second time it rained. But just long enough for me to turn around and make it home. Then the sun came out. For only a couple of hours before it was time to set. To mock me.

I might try ONE MORE TIME before the season is over. If I do I'll tell you the day so you can reschedule your wedding, cookout, parade or block party. The minute I pack my cooler is when the sky will open up and pour out a gardener's liquid blessing.

Even though nothing monumental happened to me this time, I did use the time to do what I have been meaning to do for a while--write to tell you about a great product I discovered in my curious wanderings as a property owner.

Delaware Building, 36 W. Randolph. Perhaps you've ducked into that McDonald's before.

I really, REALLY hate to do this to you. But I have to remind you that summer won't last forever. What better time for you to think about updating your windows? It's been a while since I've shared with you some cool product or service. The Condo Expo is around the corner so let me tell you about one of the great companies you might find there. I met Ryszard and Sebastian Borys of Signa System, Inc. (Scandinavian Insulated Glass of North America). On top of them both being pretty cool guys who were interesting to talk to, their company offers a really nice service I had never heard of.

What happens when older windows dont meet todays building standards (or even just the owners expectations) for energy efficiency, but changes to the faade of the structure might affect the architectural/aesthetic integrity? Meaning, you want your building to look as charming as when it was built 100 years ago but you dont want to lose the curb appeal or pay a fortune in energy bills.

Signa System, Inc. created a patented process of converting single-glazed windows to insulating glass by adding a custom sheet of extra glass to an existing window. It doesnt matter what type of framing surrounds the existing windows (wood, steel, aluminum). Clear or tinted film can be applied to the inside of the glass to reduce UV rays and to protect the film from scratches. A moisture absorbent spacer and a heating wire are placed in between and the whole thing is sealed with a hermetic bond.

We now feel safe to change the floor and discovered a surprising benefit. Our dog (Zeus) prefers to rest next to the windows. In the past, this required frequent mopping and towel drying. Zeus can now sleep in his favorite spot and not get soaked.--customer review

This makes the outside of the building remain unchanged while increasing the comfort level of the interior. Because of the hermetic seal, this reduces cleaning down to two surfaces as opposed to four or six with other methods of insulation. All this without interfering with the operation of the window. Plus it can be more cost-effective than a full window replacement. They do a lot of work with condo associations to help individual owners to improve the comfort of their units. This can also increase the re-sale value of a unit.

Customers write letters about the friendly and professional work crews. Existing windows are measured and the add-ons are custom cut offsite to eliminate noise and a messy worksite. Installation is quick, easy and clean--plus no demolition is required. And guess what? They can even add a THIRD sheet of glass if thats what you want. Whatever floats your boat. An amazing idea!

910 North Lake Shore, Chicago

Reduced cost, energy savings, environment-friendly considerations, noise abatement (traffic, wind, etc.), and frost-free panes to improve visibility are only some of the benefits of upgrading older, single-glazed windows. Some customers have shared glowing testimonials with the company about the unexpected benefits of this installation.

One condo owner noticed they were better able to regulate the humidity levels within their unit which in turn allowed their hardwood floors to stop curling at the edges during the coldest, driest months. Another customer found the new windows prevented condensation which would drip down the old panes and damage their hardwood floors.

All dogs love to sunbathe, not just Zeus

A different customer who wrote about how the windows ended years-worth of damage to the floors shared this story. The customer wrote, We now feel safe to change the floor and discovered a surprising benefit. Our dog (Zeus) prefers to rest next to the windows. In the past, this required frequent mopping and towel drying. Zeus can now sleep in his favorite spot and not get soaked. Yep, you heard right. These windows are even Zeus-endorsed.

Signa System worked on 200 S. Wells in Chicago (the school for IRS agents), 530 S. Clark in Chicago (the old FBI Building and office of Homeland Security), and the Commanders Building at the Great Lakes US Naval Training Center north of Chicago. Now you can bet these guys wouldnt be brave enough to hang around in those types of circles unless they had a product they could stand by. They even did work at the citys iconic Chicago Theater Building.

Chicago warehouse fire aftermath, truck and barrels covered in ice

There are installations around the Chicago area which have lasted over 36 years and they are still as effective as the day they were installed. With the crazy-cold, character-building winters we experience here in Chiberia, this is saying A LOT. The system works so well that Dirk Lohan, grandson of Chicago architecture legend Mies van der Rohe, hired Signa to improve the windows on one of his grandfathers historic landmarks in the early 1980s.

Yes, I blogged about window replacement and knickers a couple of weeks ago, but the type of service Signa System offers does not fit my current situation. So I'm not telling you about them for ulterior motives.*** I just believe they offer an excellent product and this info might be helpful to some landlord out there. And they were really nice guys.

Ryszard Borys in 1987 standing in front of one of his projects

Ryszard Borys was a young man raising a family in Scandinavia in the early 1970s. As a tall, solidly-built, dark-haired Polish man trying to make a living in a fair-haired, fair-skinned society, Ryszard told me he found it difficult to fit in sometimes. This also limited his business and employment opportunities. When no one would hire him despite his training as a highly-skilled architect, Ryszard got busy developing his own product and company. From these challenges a way cool new product was born. Being a person of color makes me admire someone who stays positive and gets creative in the face of adversity.

***I approached this company at an expo and I volunteered to blog about them because I think they have a service which would be helpful to readers. I have not received any endorsements or other benefits in exchange for this post.

For info, contact:Sebastian BorysSales & Marketing Manager(312) 877-8181Signa System, Inc.www.signasystem.net

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Filed under: Chicago-Specific Tips, City Life, General Tips, Real Estate, Uncategorized

Tags: Chicago theater, condo, condo expo, energy efficiency, hardwood floors, reducing energy costs, Ryszard Borys, Sebastian Borys, Signa System Inc, windows

Original post:
The best time of year for updating your windows - ChicagoNow (blog)

By JEFF MEEK / Managing editor

At the August meeting of the Hot Springs Village recreation committee meeting, members received and gave input on a variety of projects, including activities at Waypoint, Woodlands Auditorium, trails, the mini-golf area, Life Long Learning and a Spring Moonshine Festival.Recreation director Stacey Hoovers report noted the fitness center will be closed this week for annual maintenance and window replacement bids have been received. Also in the report was the fact that Waypoint will be transitioning to the food and beverage division of the POA on Sept. 2 and annual clean-up at Coronado Center is underway.Work also continues at the RV Park, with underbrush being removed to provide better drainage. An irrigation system has been installed at Grove Park and phase two of the Cortez Pavilion has been completed, with the installation of new picnic tables. The final phase will consist of working on the landscape beds.Events mentioned were a Rock Porch session on Sept. 2, a Sept. 8 Friends of Coronado Library Trivia Night and the Bike MS event on Sept. 9-10.Committee chair Donna Aylward said she was impressed with the now-beautiful location on the Lake DeSoto point near Waypoint. She said the night was gorgeous during the most recent Rock Porch session. Parking remains an issue there because of little available space. Aylward said she thinks plans could be improved in anticipation of a large turnout. Outdoor recreation director Charlie Brown said its not easy knowing what to expect in terms of number of attendees at a Waypoint event, and that traffic management and other issues are a real challenge.It was said by another committee member that she felt the stage on the point is too low for those in the audience near the back of the seating area to see the entertainers. Brown added that the space is not conducive to big crowds.Committee member Larry Wilson told everyone he was on hand at Woodlands Auditorium when the recent electrical work was done. There were 560 wires pulled out, said Wilson, who added that he learned much of what was put in back in 1992 was close-out items. There must have been half of a room full of old wiring, he said. Wilson videotapes many events for the Village and said the facility now has proper electrical systems in place for anything that comes down the road.Bags for pet waste were brought up and Aylward asked recreation assistant Valerie Mettler to inform the trails committee about the request.The pickleball proposal for new courts has been postponed, which was an obvious disappointment to pickleball enthusiasts. After CEO Leslie Nalley and COO Linda Mayhood look at the proposal, a recommendation will be made.Refurbishing the tennis courts is also on the committee radar and Brown said it was in the upcoming budget proposal.Questioning the status of the mini golf area took place; is it staying or going away? Aylward said no decision has yet been made.She then asked committee members for ideas for 2018 events. At this point Wilson said that Life Long Learning Institute (LLI) will be partnering with Henderson State University in January 2018. They were very excited that we approached them. We will have their marketing arm to market events, said Wilson. LLI will be working with Henderson on criteria for the organization. We will have National Park resources as well, Wilson added.As for ideas for 2018, a Moonshine Festival was mentioned, which would include a 5K, tasting event and dining on a beach.Another idea put forth was having a quilt show, perhaps with classes. The Quilt Guild is interested in such an event, which could possibly be part of the annual craft fair and draw people from other states.Great idea. Lets see how it may fit in, said Aylward.The recreation committee meets next at 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11 at Coronado Community Center.

Read more:
Ideas, feedback highlight recreation committee meeting - Van Buren Press Argus-Courier