It's hard to believe that the previous three set visits happened in one day, not to mention the three panels. The next day we were up at the crack of dawn and ready to embark on the last stop of our tour, the set of the new Flash Gordon series. We'd also be seeing some footage and artwork from the new Sci Fi miniseries and "re-imagining" of The Wizard of Oz, Tin Man.

A tour of the sets of Flash GordonWhen we arrived at the Langley studios for the set visit and panel, it felt like we were walking onto a horse ranch rather than a film studio. In fact, there were horse stables around the perimeter of the main building, so this wasn't at all far from the truth. There were pigeons flying around inside and squawking, which we were told does interfere with filming "a bit." I sort of felt bad for this newbie show, having to be staged so far out of the city like it had to prove itself first.After the panel interview we were brought over to check out some of the costumes for Flash Gordon, which were set up on mannequins through a hall that also served as a small set for the show.

Stainless steel, concrete partner in modern designs

A few years ago, commercial materials began to make an appearance in residential interiors. It began in the kitchen with a surge of orders for industrial stoves and stainless-steel fridges, and in converted lofts where owners chose to incorporate the existing concrete floors into their design style.

When I was asked to update a '70s kitchen, the white laminate center island jumped out as a focal feature that would require a completely different look. I had painted laminate many times, and this could have been a good solution, but I wanted to go a step or two further.

.

Real estate house stripping

WTVG--July 24, 2007 - One house was stripped three times! Tonight a Toledo real estate investor is outraged and wants help from the city. The windows are boarded up and the kitchen cabinets are completely destroyed. The owner says no one seems to care. Pipes swiped, windows shattered, appliances and metal missing! That is all gone from Lois Baker's investment property in central Toledo. Also on 13abc.com:
Send a tip to the I-team | 13abc podcast | Sign up for our e-mail newsletter Baker owns 50 properties in the Toledo area and she says 7 of them have been stripped this year.

Last summer Mayor Carty Finkbeiner passed a city ordinance requiring scrap yards to check IDs and permits from repeat scrap sellers, but somehow it hasn't deterred thieves from making a quick buck.

When police do catch thieves, they face misdemeanor charges and some say the punishment is not severe enough.