Jill's Blog

Aloha Hawaii!

2008-07-27T17:08:43Z

I am sitting here on an Open House in beautiful sunny Southern California! Dana Point to be exact. I am watching the sailboats go by and enjoying the gentle ocean breezes. This fabuous 3 bedroom 3 full bath condo with sweeping views of the water crashing onto the white sandy beaches is to die for! The large spacious open floor plan is comfortable and makes others I have seen pale in comparison. A rare find at $874,500. well worth every penny. Let anyone you know looking to move here or buy an investment property this is the steal of the century! Aloha!

Safety Information that can save your life...

2008-06-20T13:22:15Z

My name is Doug Copp. I am the Rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of the American Rescue Team International (ARTI), the world's most experienced rescue team. The information in this article will save lives in an earthquake.

I have crawled inside 875 collapsed buildings, worked with rescue teams from 60 countries, founded rescue teams in several countries, and I am member of many rescue teams from many countries...

I was the United Nations expert in Disaster Mitigation for two years. I have worked at every major disaster in the world since 1985, except for simultaneous disasters.

The first building I ever crawled inside of was a school in Mexico City during the 1985 earthquake. Every child was under its desk. Every child was crushed to the thickness of their bones. They could have survived by lying down next to their desks in the aisles. It was obscene, unnecessary and I wondered why the children were not in the aisles. I didn't at the time know that the children were told to hide under something.

Simply stated, when buildings collapse, the weight of the ceilings falling upon the objects or furniture inside crushes these objects, leaving a space or void next to them. This space is what I call the 'triangle of life'. The larger the object, the stronger, the less it will compact. The less the object compacts, the larger the void, the greater the probability that the person who is using this void for safety will not be injured. The next time you watch collapsed buildings, on television, count the 'triangles' you see formed. They are everywhere. It is the most common shape, you will see, in a collapsed building.

TIPS FOR EARTHQUAKE SAFETY

1) Most everyone who simply 'ducks and covers' WHEN BUILDINGS COLLAPSE are crushed to death. People who get under objects, like desks or cars, are crushed.

2) Cats, dogs and babies often naturally curl up in the fetal position. You should too in an earthquake... It is a natural safety/survival instinct. You can survive in a smaller void. Get next to an object, next to a sofa, next to a large bulky object that will compress slightly but leave a void next to it.

3) Wooden buildings are the safest type of construction to be in during an earthquake. Wood is flexible and moves with the force of the earthquake. If the wooden building does collapse, large survival voids are created. Also, the wooden building has less concentrated, crushing weight. Brick buildings will break into individual bricks. Bricks will cause many injuries but less squashed bodies than concrete slabs.

4) If you are in bed during the night and an earthquake occurs, simply roll off the bed. A safe void will exist around the bed. Hotels can achieve a much greater survival rate in earthquakes, simply by posting a sign on the back of the door of every room telling occupants to lie down on the floor, next to the bottom of the bed during an earthquake.

5) If an earthquake happens and you cannot easily escape by getting out the door or window, then lie down and curl up in the fetal position next to a sofa, or large chair.

6) Most everyone who gets under a doorway when buildings collapse is killed. How? If you stand under a doorway and the doorjamb falls forward or backward you will be crushed by the ceiling above. If the door jamb falls sideways you will be cut in half by the doorway. In either case, you will be killed!

7) Never go to the stairs. The stairs have a different 'moment of frequency' (they swing separately from the main part of the building). The stairs and remainder of the building continuously bump into each other until structural failure of the stairs takes place. The people who get on stairs before they fail are chopped up by the stair treads - horribly mutilated. Even if the building doesn't collapse, stay away from the stairs. The stairs are a likely part of the building to be damaged. Even if the stairs are not collapsed by the earthquake, they may collapse later when overloaded by fleeing people. They should always be checked for safety, even when the rest of the building is not damaged.

8) Get Near the Outer Walls Of Buildings Or Outside Of Them If Possible - It is much better to be near the outside of the building rather than the interior. The farther inside you are from the outside perimeter of the building the greater the probability that your escape route will be blocked.

9) People inside of their vehicles are crushed when the road above falls in an earthquake and crushes their vehicles; which is exactly what happened with the slabs between the decks of the Nimitz Freeway... The victims of the San Francisco earthquake all stayed inside of their vehicles. They were all killed. They could have easily survived by getting out and sitting or laying next to their vehicles. Everyone killed would have survived if they had been able to get out of their cars and sit or lie next to them. All the crushed cars had voids 3 feet high next to them, except for the cars that had columns fall directly across them.

10) I discovered, while crawling inside of collapsed newspaper offices and other offices with a lot of paper that paper does not compact. Large voids are found surrounding stacks of paper.

Spread the word and save someone's life... The Entire world is experiencing natural calamities so be prepared!

'We are but angels with one wing, it takes two to fly'

In 1996 we made a film, which proved my survival methodology to be correct. The Turkish Federal Government, City of Istanbul, University of Istanbul Case Productions and ARTI cooperated to film this practical, scientific test. We collapsed a school and a home with 20 mannequins inside. Ten mannequins did 'duck and cover,' and ten mannequins I used in my 'triangle of life' survival method. After the simulated earthquake collapse we crawled through the rubble and entered the building to film and document the results. The film, in which I practiced my survival techniques under directly observable, scientific conditions, relevant to building collapse, showed there would have been zero percent survival for those doing duck and cover.

There would likely have been 100 percent survivability for people using my method of the 'triangle of life.' This film has been seen by millions of viewers on television in Turkey and the rest of Europe, and it was seen in the USA, Canada and Latin America on the TV program Real TV.

I am going to Jail...Good Cause...Bail me out???

2008-05-29T00:42:52Z

Jill McGovern believes in giving back where she can to the community and to charity. Jill McGovern will be arrested and taken to the executive jail on June 17th 2008. The only way to avoid this embarassing situation and keep Jill on the streets is to donate your dollars for Muscular Dystrophey. Your donation will aid in sending a child to a special camp or for a flu shot, or research! We who have the use of our arms and legs are so fortunate lets help those who aren't. Join me in raising the $1600 needed to avoid jail time and send a child to camp! Log onto this site or cut and paste this into your browser and follow the directions, its easy, its secure, and its for a great cause. Thanks, Jill McGovern

https://www.joinmda.org/sclockup2008/jill

Interest Rates Going Up

2008-05-29T00:28:30Z

Today the Feds increased the 10 year TBill to 4% up .75 basis points from just a few months ago. This is just the beginning of inreases to interest rates as a conforming loan at a 30 year amortization is just about 6% today. The TBill is what most mortgage interest rates is based on, the higher the TBill the higher the interest rates. I am advising my clients who are shopping for a home to LOCK their rates now and even pay for the extension if need be because I believe the market is just beginning to turn up the heat on interest rates as a way to stay in business. With oil at over $130 a barrel only time will tell where this will all end. Be a trusted advisor to your clients and get those loans locked!

Headlands Property for Sale

2008-05-29T00:19:23Z

Absolutely the most prestigious community money can buy! Ocean Front Estates in beautiful Dana Point, Monarch Beach area. Nearby Ritz Carlton and St. Regis hotels make this a world class destination a resort area where living the sophisticated lifestyle of the Rich and Famous is as common as the incoming surf. These phenomenal estate lots average sale price of $8 million dollars are being built with special architecture design. Custom estate homes featuring Grand Entrances to Open flowing Ocean views abound and the room list is endless, you will have the Great Room, libraries, wine cellars, private theater's, maids quarters, elevators, master retreats, exercise room, sun rooms, enclosed patios, and pools and spas, just to name a few. I currently have one available a 5 bedroom 8 baths, ocean front setting for sale at $16 million. Be first to live in this great new area with some of the best beaches, and surf in the world! Call me now for a private tour. Jill McGovern Your California and Hawaii Real Estate Broker

Happy Memorial Day All!

2008-05-25T21:30:16Z

One more blog...Happy Memorial Day a day that historically means the beginning of summer and BBQ and the real estate market going into full swing! Well I love all these things and more, I love the fact that we live in a Country where men and women for centuries now have laid their lives on the line that we may prosper, that we may walk the streets in freedom, enjoy open debates and the many other privileges that so many other countries don't have the luxury of experiencing.

On my recent trip to Washington DC I was given the Royal treatment by my Congressman by enjoying a private tour of the Capitol. Here i learned that each state in the Union was allowed to have two statues in the building. Hawaii had the most controversial of all statues! Seems that the ladies who first received King Kamehameha weren't too thrilled about having a Big Naked Hawaiian with no clothes on in the Capitol so they sent him back to Hawaii for some clothes where the artist put the now famous gold cloak over him. He was sent back again to the Capitol and was set in a corner where he sits today. I found him though, he had a few chairs and tables stacked behind him but there he was in all his glory! Seems he needs special re enforced floors beneath him as his weight of over 15,000 pounds would not be tolerated on most of the floors in the Capitol building! Well a proud time was experienced by myself as I toured the Historic sites of our Nations Capital. The laying of the wreath at Mt. Vernon on Washington's tomb was very sobering and a once in a lifetime experience. I pondered at what it must of been like to start this Country and the Rebel nature that has ensued. I love this Country and being an American is a God given right for those of us who were lucky enough to be born here, and I thank God for that every day. Happy Memorial Day don't let the hot dogs burn!

Good Morning Hawaii!

2008-02-02T13:53:37Z

Sitting in the rain again and glad it is Hawaiian rain for sure! Had a great time relaxing and getting caught up on internet blogging and returning phone calls but most of all spending time with my beautiful family, especially my daughter Brooke soon to be 16 on Valentines Day! I was sent this link by a friend and was impacted greatly and would encourage any one who has a teen or knows a teen to view this presentation, I usually never open these but this one I did and am glad i did so. I ended up talking directly with this mother. I encourage you to pass it on and share it well for it may save a life, you never know. The link is http://www.journeysafe.com/presentation

Here is my angel!

Scheduling your day!!!

2008-02-01T13:48:25Z

Time Try these seven tips to make more time in your day: A. Write it down. The pen really is mightier than the sword. By putting to do's and reminders on paper you will free up your mind to be more creative and you'll feel less stressed. B. Organize your work area. Neatness does NOT equal organization. Just make sure you have a place to put everything and items end up in those places. Keep like items together and put things where you use them. It really is that simple. C. Avoid perfectionism. Do something well enough. Perfectionism takes way too much time. D. Delegate more. You can delegate to children, co-workers, a local teen, even a computer. Watch for equipment and supplies that will free up some of your time--and use them. E. Plan your day. Each evening, make a list of what needs to be done tomorrow. Then prioritize. Place supplies for your first task on your desk or kitchen counter. You'll be off to a running start first thing in the morning. F. Organize your phone calls. Make a list of points you need to cover before you pick up the phone. Leave a detailed message for the other person so perhaps they can answer your questions(s) in their message, thus avoiding phone tag. G. Take care of yourself. Carve in time for exercise and eating right so you'll have more energy to do what needs to be done. Need More Time in 2008?
This website has some great organizational tips for both work & home: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001monbxu1vwtAuGI80uUlJ8cTy5gGYZ3_vqa1VOS9aQzfPiD13zzgDSQ0xNmCZTUshefw90q7HZAqgGKPMf6AeLwNYeA2TbH7q735zLaxHtu-qHsQqcfDn1w==.

Sphere of Influence Thoughts

2008-02-01T13:45:46Z

Sphere of Influence - SOI A major fear of beginning an SOI Seduction campaign is that your targets (that is, the people who know you) will see right through your attempts at friendship and know that you're trying to "seduce" them. So, let's talk about Seduction for a moment.

Even when I'm aware I'm being seduced, I certainly enjoy the ride. I mean, if my husband were to come home tonight and outright announce he was expecting some action, I might be put off by his approach. I might feel a little used. However, if he came home with roses, gave me a big hug and kiss, helped me clear the table and then took out the trash, his chances of getting lucky would dramatically increase, wouldn't they? So what if I know what he's up to?

Or imagine a young man takes a young woman out on a date. If he were to ask her up front if he's going to get lucky that night, she would probably be offended, even though it's likely she realizes it's in the back of his mind. So, the smart young man takes a different approach. He is charming. He is friendly. He is appreciative. He is attentive. He is complimentary. He is respectful. In short, he's good company and makes her feel special. He's fun to be around.

Will his seduction efforts pay off? Who knows? But he's sure a whole lot closer than if he had just announced his intentions up front. Again, the young woman probably knows she's being "seduced" but she's enjoying it.

So, let's compare a romantic seduction to the process of seducing your SOI. Fact is you want something from your SOI. You want their business and referrals. You want to be invited to their parties. You want to be their favorite real estate agent, don't you?

Well, you could always call up everyone you know and tell them, couldn't you? Remind them on the first Monday of each month that You {heart} Referrals? Ask them if they know of anyone buying or selling real estate? Maybe even ask them for an invitation to their next social gathering? But do you think they'd look forward to hearing from you? Do you think they'd appreciate your approach? Probably not; in fact, they might start avoiding your calls.

What if you were to call up your friends every month or two and ask how they're doing and really listen? Maybe even offer to help or send out periodic informative e-mails or newsletters of interest to them instead of all about you. What if you invited your friends to your Super Bowl party or sent them a postcard from your vacation in Cancun?

Would your friends realize you want their business and referrals? Maybe, but they won't care - you are making them feel special and cared about. Besides that, you're fun to be around!

Seduction works in a romantic arena; it also works in a prospecting one. If we are charming, friendly, appreciative, attentive, complimentary, respectful and fun to be around (and also reliable and competent), we'll get our friends' business and referrals. We don't have to beg for it; we really don't even need to ask for it. Give it some thought.

CRS Sellabration

2008-01-31T23:25:36Z

Well it was really nice being on Island with so many wonderful Realtors! I learned a lot and endured the rainy cold weather just barely. Sitting here on the North Shore on the beach at Chungs Reef and feeling like I don't want to go back to California! I love both places and find it hard to choose. I recently listened to something that pulled my heart strings and encourage anyone who has a teen driver to listen to this it will wake up the parent and hopefully impact your children. The link is http://www.journeysafe.com/presentation Take care everyone! Jill

Aloha Maui!

2007-10-26T00:27:56Z

Aloha and thank you so much for checking out my blog! I absolutely love HAWAII Maui in particular, I have travelled the Islands for years and found out I was pregnant with my first child at the clinic in Hana 26 years ago! It was a different world then. I recently went over there and the same shack on the beach, the same trees, many memories and many changes. Hawaii is the place to be...I know that it has been hard to see the changes over time, especially for the Locals that have lived there many have never left. Be respectful and the experience you have can be magical. There are many that I love deeply that live on the Island of Maui, yet all Islands are different and special in their own right. As a Broker with Re/Max Maui I have met many of the Local Agents and have attend some of the functions at the board. I have enjoyed most of my interactions in the business arena on the Island. I am looking forward to CRS upcoming convention and a long vacation. I am a Broker Owner of my own office in California and am one of the few International Property Specialists with listings in Belize, Cancun, Panama and New Zealand. I love meeting new people and will get this site up and running soon in the meantime please feel free to connect with me, become an associate or whatever it is called here. I am open and willing to help anyone and look forward to meeting many of you as we walk this path together. Mahalo and please let me know your thoughts. Jill Hawaii site is www.JillSellsMaui.com California www.JillMcGovern.com