- Real Estate Update
- Buyers & Seller's Corner
- Home Improvement
- Trivia Challenge
- Health & Fitness
- Upcoming Movie Releases
- Recipe of the Month
- Cool/Free/Fun/Trendy
- Forward to a Friend

April 2008

1 -- April Fool's Day
1 -- Firefighter's Day
13 -- Thomas Jefferson Day
15 -- Tax Day
15 -- Leonardo da Vinci's B-day
20 -- Full Moon Day
23 -- Shakespeare's Birthday
25 -- Arbor Day

April 1. This is the day upon which we are reminded of what we are on the other three hundred and sixty-four.
-- Mark Twain

Existing-Homes Sales Show Improvement

According to a late-March report by the National Association of Realtors®, sales of existing homes increased in February and remain within a fairly stable range.

Single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops rose 2.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.03 million units in February from a pace of 4.89 million in January, but remain 23.8 percent below the 6.60 million-unit level in February 2007. The sales pace has been in a fairly narrow range since last September.

“We’re not expecting a notable gain in existing-home sales until the second half of this year, but the improvement is another sign that the market is stabilizing,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Buyers taking advantage of higher loan limits for both FHA and conventional mortgages will unleash some pent-up demand. As inventories are drawn down, prices in many markets should go positive later this year.”

The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $195,900 in February, down 8.2 percent from a year earlier. Because the slowdown in sales from a year ago is greater in high-cost areas, there is a downward pull to the national median with relatively fewer sales in higher priced markets, the report said.

Home prices in metropolitan areas indicate a positive trend. The most recent data shows roughly half of the metro areas experiencing price increases, with healthy gains in markets such as Oklahoma City and Trenton, N.J. “In other areas such as Sacramento, a rapid price decline has induced buyers to come into the market and sales are now rising,” said Yun. “The relationship between home prices, interest rates and income has improved to the point where buyers are more serious about making offers.”

The national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage rose to 5.92 percent in February from 5.76 percent in January, according to Freddie Mac.

TOP

It may be true ... that "you can’t fool all the people all the time," but you can fool enough of them to rule
a large country.
-- Will Durant

9 Tips to Improve a Home Showing

This article could easily be summed up as follows: Clean like you've never cleaned before. If you're not the cleaning type, it will pay off to hire someone to do it for you until the home is sold. For the do-it-yourselfer, here's where you should focus.

1. Clean, clean, clean. Cluttered rooms, dirty floors, dusty shelves and a sink full of dishes turns buyers off. Get out the Pledge and make your furniture shine. Pick up anything that doesn't belong on the floor. Polish or wax your floors. Clean your appliances. Organize your cabinets and drawers.
2. Fix dripping sinks, showers or running toilets. Make sure all the lights work, including the garage and closets. Eliminate anything that suggests plumbing or electrical problems.
3. Make sure all your doors open and close smoothly. Fix your cabinet doors as well. Little things add up to big things in a buyer's mind.
4. Organize your closets to make them appear bigger. Clean out the garage. You're going to be moving anyway, get a head start and improve your home's storage outlook.
5. Make your bathrooms shine. Yes, clean the toilets, tubs and sinks. Repair any caulking if needed. Put out your best towels and buy a new shower curtain.
6. Today's buyers want a master bedroom, so make it look like one. Get rid of all excess furniture, especially TV's and exercise equipment. Buy a new bedspread and window coverings. Hide away any personal items.
7. Open the blinds or curtains and turn on all the lights. Make your buyers feel welcome and let them know you have nothing to hide. If it's a nice, sunny day, open up a window or two to let some fresh air in.
8. Clean your screens and windows.
9. Disappear for the showing and let your agent give the tour. Buyers will rush the showing if they feel like you're watching them. If you want to sell your home, the buyers need to be relaxed and be able to take their time. If you have pets, take them with you.

TOP

The nice part about being a pessimist is that you are constantly being either proven right or pleasantly surprised.
-- George F. Will

5 Steps to Make Your Windows Sparkle

Have you ever noticed some homes have sparkling clean windows? It's not magic, just follow these steps.

1. Make a cleaning solution by mixing two teaspoons liquid dish soap with five gallons of lukewarm water. If the windows aren't too dirty, skip the soap and just use lukewarm water.
2. Remove the screen and brush the inside and outside surfaces with a household brush. You don't want to put dirty screens on clean windows.
3. Clean the windowsills and frames to prevent dirtying freshly-washed window panes. Vacuum and then wipe down with a solution of mild detergent and warm water.
4. Using a strip washer or a cellulose sponge, clean the entire window with your cleaning solution using a back-and-forth motion. Don't use too much solution, as there's no reason to wipe up more than you need to or create a dripping mess.
5. Squeegee the window dry by pulling it across the top of the window first, then down to nearly the bottom, wiping the squeegee dry between strokes. Continue doing this with overlapping strokes and finish by pulling the squeegee across the bottom of the window.

Other Tips:

• Water spots can be removed by scrubbing the pane gently with steel wool (fine grade) or using a razor blade. Wet the surface first, then scrape in one direction to avoid scratches.
• To clean mirrors, spray the cleaner on your cloth rather than directly on the mirror.
• To quickly clean a few indoor windows, use a tight-knit cloth that has been soaked in white vinegar or non-streaking ammonia.
• Newspaper is over-rated for drying windows. Use a squeegee or tight-knit towels that don't leave behind lint. Also, avoid paper towels, which create a static charge and attract dust.
• Wash the windows in the morning to help prevent streaking.

TOP

I saw the angel in the
marble and carved until I
set him free.
-- Michelangelo

Trivia Challenge

Question 1.) Lyndon Johnson had a famous pair of beagles. What were their names?
a.) Spot and Rover
b.) Commander and Chief
c.) Spot and Rover
d.) Him and Her

Question 2.) Under which Chinese dynasty were the Opium Wars fought?
a.) Yuan dynasty
b.) Liao dynasty
c.) Qing dynasty
d.) Ming dynasty

Question 3.) Which sea route runs along the southern tip of Chile, first navigated in 1520?
a.) The Panama Canal
b.) The English Channel
c.) The Strait of Magellan
d.) The Straits of Gibraltar

Question 4.) What was the name of John F. Kennedy's family cat?
a.) Tom Kitten
b.) Jackie
c.) Kitten Mitten
d.) Honey Fitz

Question 5.) Romance author Nora Roberts also writes mysteries that take place in the future under what pen name?
a.) Mary Roberts
b.) J.D. Robb
c.) Jane Higgins
d.) Nora Robb

TOP | ANSWERS

I had the blues because
I had no shoes until upon
the street, I met a man
who had no feet.
-- Ancient Persian Saying

No Pain, No Gain

We've all heard the mantra, "no pain, no gain." But is it true? Following are a few things to help you determine if your exercise program is working for you.

To be clear, most exercise should not hurt. If you are just beginning an exercise routine, there will be discomfort, but you should not feel pain. Discomfort and pain are not the same thing. If you feel pain, you have probably suffered an injury.

Soreness, on the other hand, is a part of exercising, especially for newbies. If you get so sore you can barely move, back off a bit the next few workouts; however, do not skip them. Soon your muscles will recover and you'll be able to increase the intensity of your workout. Conversely, you should be a little sore, or you aren't pushing yourself hard enough.

Another thing you may notice is a drop in energy, or an increase in appetite. This is expected as you have changed your activity level. Within a month or so your body will adapt and you should start to have more energy than you did before you started exercising. If your energy level does not improve after a few weeks, consult a health professional to help determine what changes should be made.

Lastly, you don't have to sweat like a horse to have a good workout, but not sweating at all may indicate you could be exercising harder and need to step it up a notch. A possible exception to this is resistance training where you're not as likely to work up a sweat.

TOP

April Movie Releases

• April 4
  • Leatherheads
  • Nim's Island
  • The Ruins
  • Shine a Light
• April 11
  • Street Kings
  • Prom Night
• April 18
  • 88 Minutes
  • Forgetting Sarah Marshall
  • Forbidden Kingdom
• April 25
  • Baby Mama
  • Deception

*Wide releases only. Opening dates subject to change.

TOP

It's never safe to be nostalgic about something until you're absolutely certain there's no chance of its coming back.
-- Bill Vaughn

Carnitas-Style Grilled Beef Tacos

As the weather warms up, it's time to break out the grill and spice up your evening with this classic Mexican meal.

Ingredients - Serves 6

• 4 beef shoulder top blade steaks -- about 8 oz. each
• 18 small corn tortillas -- 6 to 7 inch diameter

Marinade

• 1 cup prepared tomatillo salsa
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper

Avocado Salsa

• 1-1/2 cups prepared tomatillo salsa
• 1 large diced avocado
• 2/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup minced white onion
• 1 tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp. salt

Directions

1. Combine marinade ingredients in bowl. Place beef steaks and marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn steaks to coat. Marinate in refrigerator 30 to 120 minutes.
2. Remove steaks from marinade; discard marinade. Place steaks on grill over medium heat. Grill covered 10 to 14 minutes for medium rare to medium doneness, turning once.
3. Meanwhile combine avocado salsa ingredients in medium bowl. Set aside.
4. Place tortillas on grid. Grill until warm and slightly charred. Remove; keep warm.
5. Carve steaks into slices. Serve in tortillas with avocado salsa. Top with onion, cilantro and lime wedges, as desired.

Wine Pairing

• Château Tour de Goupin Red 2005

TOP

Anyone who stops
learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty.
-- Henry Ford

Cool/Free/Fun/Trendy: Expert Village

Expert Village claims to be the world's largest how-to video site with more than 80,000 videos on learning just about anything from cooking a turkey and self-defense techniques to playing the guitar and mastering your golf swing.

Learn more at: www.expertvillage.com.

TOP

Click here to unsubscribe.

This eNewsletter contains information, facts and opinions from various individuals and organizations. This eNewsletter is provided on an "as-is" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. I/We are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Consult with your doctor, fitness consultant, attorney, accountant, or other professional advisor when necessary. © 2008 eNewsletterSolutions.

- Real Estate Update
- Buyers & Seller's Corner
- Home Improvement
- Trivia Challenge
- Health & Fitness
- Upcoming Movie Releases
- Recipe of the Month
- Cool/Free/Fun/Trendy
- Forward to a Friend

March 2008

3 -- National Anthem Day
9 -- Daylight Savings Time Begins
17 -- St. Patrick's Day
21 -- Full Moon Day
21 -- Good Friday
23 -- Easter

May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.
-- Popular Irish Blessing

Home Prices Show Increases in Many Markets

According to a mid-February report from the National Association of Realtors®, approximately half of metropolitan areas continued to show rising home prices in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Last quarter, 73 out of 150 metropolitan statistical areas showed increases in median existing single-family home prices from a year earlier, including 11 areas with double-digit annual gains and another 12 metros showing increases of 6 percent or more; 77 had price declines including 16 with double-digit drops.

NAR President Richard Gaylord said he is encouraged with plans to increase conventional loan limits. “Higher limits for FHA loans, which go into effect March 14, will be a big help to first-time buyers in high-cost markets. Higher limits for conventional loans purchased by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae will take a bit longer – when they become available, high-income, creditworthy borrowers in high-cost areas will have access to affordable and safer financing, and that will help unleash pent-up demand,” he said.

Despite the annual decline in the fourth quarter median home price, the typical seller who purchased their home six years ago still saw a very healthy gain. The median increase in value for sellers who purchased that home in the fourth quarter of 2001 is 31.2 percent, and the median home equity accumulation is $49,000, the report said.

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate on a 30-year conventional fixed-rate mortgage fell to 6.23 percent in the fourth quarter from 6.55 percent in the third quarter. In recent weeks, Freddie Mac has been reporting the 30-year fixed rate to be under 5.7 percent.

TOP

When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer "Present" or "Not guilty."
-- Theodore Roosevelt

Does Your Home Have Curb Appeal?

To make a good first impression, your home should be visually appealing and in good condition. The following checklist will help you attract more potential buyers and yield a quicker and higher sales price.

• Your lawn, flowers and shrubs should be well maintained. Remember, a green lawn yields more green dollars.
• Any cracks on the driveway or sidewalk should be repaired.
• Oil and rust stains should be removed from the driveway and garage. If it's really bad, you should consider resurfacing it.
• The garage door should be closed.
• The gutters, chimney and walls should be in good repair. A power wash can do wonders.
• The window casings, shutters, siding and doors should look good. Touch up any areas that are dirty, chipping or fading.
• The garbage can should be out of sight (and smell), as well as the lawn mower, garden hose, bikes and toys.
• There should be no sign of pets, of any kind, anywhere. Take down the "beware of dog" sign and be sure your yard doesn't have any evidence of pets.
• Remove any newspapers or mail from the front entry.
• Replace your mailbox if it's worn, put up new house numbers, and lay down a new welcome mat at the front door.

TOP

When someone tells you something defies description, you can be pretty sure he's going to have a go at it anyway.
Clyde B. Aster

5 Tips for Electrical Home Improvement Projects

When it comes to home improvement projects, working with electricity ranks right up there with roofing, using a chainsaw and hooking up gas appliances as far as risk goes. Here are five tips to keep in mind to ensure a safe repair or installation.

1. Make sure you have permission. Check with your homeowner association and local electrical authority. The laws regarding permits vary from state to state, so be sure to check whether you are required to have a permit.
2. Turn off electrical power at the source, through a circuit breaker. Even if you flip a wall switch, the related appliance or socket will still be live. Keep in mind the diagram on the distribution panel may not be accurate, so the smart move is to turn off all power if possible. Check, and recheck, for yourself that the circuit is dead by using a voltage tester.
3. Make sure your work area is completely dry. Put down a rubber mat to stand on if the area is damp or wet.
4. Use tools with rubber- or plastic-coated handles and wear rubber-soled shoes.
5. After you have finished your work, turn the circuit breaker back on to restore power. Most lighting, receptacles and appliances use 120 volts of electricity. Air conditioners, electric ovens, water heaters, dishwashers and many larger appliances require 240 volts. Most doorbells and telephones use a transformer that converts standard power to a lower voltage (6-12 volts) for safety.

Keep your eye open for an electrical workshop at your local home improvement center. You can learn a lot by asking the instructor about your upcoming project. Remember, if you have any doubt about your ability or the safety of the situation, call in a professional.

TOP

If two men agree on everything, you may be sure that one of them is doing the thinking.
-- Lyndon B. Johnson

Trivia Challenge

Question 1.) A leprechaun is really an Irish what?
a.) Robber
b.) Shoemaker
c.) Magician
d.) Shop owner

Question 2.) A popular Irish dish made of shredded cabbage, minced onions, mashed potatoes and butter is known as?
a.) Shepherd's pie
b.) Colcannon
c.) Irish Stew
d.) Poorman's porridge

Question 3.) A whiskey made from potatoes is called what?
a.) Poteen
b.) Spudkey
c.) Dunken
d.) Potato ale

Question 4.) Kissing the Blarney Stone is supposed to give you what?
a.) The gift of being able to fabricate stories
b.) Longer life and more laughter
c.) Removes shyness and gives the gift of gab
d.) The ability to detect a lie

Question 5.) Harland and Wolf are famous in Ireland for what?
a.) Shipbuilders
b.) Explorers
c.) Folk singing
d.) Poetry

TOP | ANSWERS

The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend.
-- Henry David Thoreau

8 Tips to Control Psychological Food Cravings

With so many good things to eat -- and so many of them bad for you -- it's sometimes difficult to eat healthy. One of the keys to staying fit is to know when your cravings are psychological, and not physiological. Following are some tips to help you beat those cravings.

1. Eat Every Three Hours -- Eat something every few hours to keep your blood sugar levels steady.
2. Drink Water Frequently -- Avoid dehydration and cravings by drinking a small glass of water every hour. This will keep you full and hydrated.
3. Be Patient -- If you've been eating enough and drinking water, put off the decision to snack for 15 to 20 minutes. Then determine if you're really hungry.
4. Find a Distraction -- Change whatever it was you were doing to something else. It's easy to mistake boredom for hunger.
5. Get Some Exercise -- If your cravings are real, you won't be able to exercise; go get something healthy to eat. If it was a false alarm, you'll lose the cravings and enjoy the workout.
6. Keep Healthy Snacks Around -- Have some fruit, vegetables, beef jerky or nuts. If you're still having cravings, it's totally psychological.
7. Change Your Routine -- If you usually have chips and a soda while watching TV at night, try popcorn and tea. If you had a healthy dinner but feel cravings before bedtime, try reading as an alternative.
8. Feed the Craving -- Sometimes you have to give in, but do it within reason. Think portion control. Instead of a bowl of ice cream, try just a scoop. Rather than having a bag of popcorn, try just a cup or two. Instead of eating a chocolate bar, have a small piece or two. It's OK to enjoy life, just don't give in to those psychological cravings to easily.

TOP

March Movie Releases

• March 7
  • 10,000 B.C.
  • The Bank Job
  • College Road Trip
• March 14
  • Doomsday
  • Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who
  • Never Back Down
• March 21
  • Drillbit Taylor
  • Shutter
  • Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns
• March 28
  • 21
  • Run, Fat Boy, Run
  • Stop Loss
  • Superhero Movie

*Wide releases only. Opening dates subject to change.

TOP

Don't wreck a sublime chocolate experience by feeling guilty.
-- Lora Brody

Whiskey Glazed Ham

St. Patrick's Day often brings to mind traditional meals like corned beef and cabbage or Dublin coddle. Not a fan? Then try this other traditional Irish recipe the whole family will enjoy. Serve with a favorite side dish.

Ingredients

• 4 lbs. ham
• 1 large onion -- cut in half
• 2 carrots -- washed and scraped
• 2 small bay leaves
• 3-4 cloves
• 4 peppercorns
• 1 tbs. brown sugar
• 1/2 wine glass cider vinegar
• Cloves
• Whiskey glaze
• 5 tbs. Irish whiskey
• 6 level tbs. brown sugar
• 2 1/2 level tbs. colmans mustard

Directions

1. Place the ham, skin-side down, in a large saucepan and cover completely with cold water. Bring very slowly to a boil, discard the water and cover once again with fresh water.
2. Add the onion, carrots, bay leaves, cloves, peppercorns, sugar and vinegar. Bring back slowly to a boil and as soon as boiling point is reached, reduce to simmering. Cover and simmer until the ham is cooked.
3. Remove ham from water and let cool. Strip the rind and score the fat in diamonds. Place a clove in each diamond and place the ham on a rack in a small roasting tin. Brush the ham all over with whiskey. Mix the sugar, mustard and remaining whiskey together and spread on scored fat.
4. Bake at 400 degrees in a pre-heated oven for 20-30 minutes, basting two or three times, until the glaze is golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before carving.

Wine Pairing

• Domaine Parent Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2005

TOP

Anything not worth doing is worth not doing well. Think about it.
-- Elias Schwartz

Cool/Free/Fun/Trendy: Cell Number Blocking

There could be a number of reasons why you would want to block your cell phone number -- either permanently -- or just for the one call. Here's how you do it.

• Permanent Blocking -- To block your cell phone number to everyone, permanently, just call your carrier's customer service and request a "line block." Dial 611 from your cell phone to connect with them. If for some reason you want your number to show up, you'll need to dial *82 before dialing the number you are calling. By using this feature the number will show up just once for that specific call.
• One-Time Blocking -- If, for some reason you want to block your cell phone number for just the one call, simply dial *67 before dialing the number (example: *67 (800) 123-4567).

Now you have more control over who sees your number. Be sure to check with your carrier, as some companies charge fees for this feature.

TOP

Click here to unsubscribe.

This eNewsletter contains information, facts and opinions from various individuals and organizations. This eNewsletter is provided on an "as-is" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. I/We are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Consult with your doctor, fitness consultant, attorney, accountant, or other professional advisor when necessary. © 2008 eNewsletterSolutions.

- Real Estate Update
- Buyers & Seller's Corner
- Home Improvement
- Trivia Challenge
- Health & Fitness
- Upcoming Movie Releases
- Recipe of the Month
- Cool/Free/Fun/Trendy
- Forward to a Friend

March 2008

3 -- National Anthem Day
9 -- Daylight Savings Time Begins
17 -- St. Patrick's Day
21 -- Full Moon Day
21 -- Good Friday
23 -- Easter

May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.
-- Popular Irish Blessing

Home Prices Show Increases in Many Markets

According to a mid-February report from the National Association of Realtors®, approximately half of metropolitan areas continued to show rising home prices in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Last quarter, 73 out of 150 metropolitan statistical areas showed increases in median existing single-family home prices from a year earlier, including 11 areas with double-digit annual gains and another 12 metros showing increases of 6 percent or more; 77 had price declines including 16 with double-digit drops.

NAR President Richard Gaylord said he is encouraged with plans to increase conventional loan limits. “Higher limits for FHA loans, which go into effect March 14, will be a big help to first-time buyers in high-cost markets. Higher limits for conventional loans purchased by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae will take a bit longer – when they become available, high-income, creditworthy borrowers in high-cost areas will have access to affordable and safer financing, and that will help unleash pent-up demand,” he said.

Despite the annual decline in the fourth quarter median home price, the typical seller who purchased their home six years ago still saw a very healthy gain. The median increase in value for sellers who purchased that home in the fourth quarter of 2001 is 31.2 percent, and the median home equity accumulation is $49,000, the report said.

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate on a 30-year conventional fixed-rate mortgage fell to 6.23 percent in the fourth quarter from 6.55 percent in the third quarter. In recent weeks, Freddie Mac has been reporting the 30-year fixed rate to be under 5.7 percent.

TOP

When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer "Present" or "Not guilty."
-- Theodore Roosevelt

Does Your Home Have Curb Appeal?

To make a good first impression, your home should be visually appealing and in good condition. The following checklist will help you attract more potential buyers and yield a quicker and higher sales price.

• Your lawn, flowers and shrubs should be well maintained. Remember, a green lawn yields more green dollars.
• Any cracks on the driveway or sidewalk should be repaired.
• Oil and rust stains should be removed from the driveway and garage. If it's really bad, you should consider resurfacing it.
• The garage door should be closed.
• The gutters, chimney and walls should be in good repair. A power wash can do wonders.
• The window casings, shutters, siding and doors should look good. Touch up any areas that are dirty, chipping or fading.
• The garbage can should be out of sight (and smell), as well as the lawn mower, garden hose, bikes and toys.
• There should be no sign of pets, of any kind, anywhere. Take down the "beware of dog" sign and be sure your yard doesn't have any evidence of pets.
• Remove any newspapers or mail from the front entry.
• Replace your mailbox if it's worn, put up new house numbers, and lay down a new welcome mat at the front door.

TOP

When someone tells you something defies description, you can be pretty sure he's going to have a go at it anyway.
Clyde B. Aster

5 Tips for Electrical Home Improvement Projects

When it comes to home improvement projects, working with electricity ranks right up there with roofing, using a chainsaw and hooking up gas appliances as far as risk goes. Here are five tips to keep in mind to ensure a safe repair or installation.

1. Make sure you have permission. Check with your homeowner association and local electrical authority. The laws regarding permits vary from state to state, so be sure to check whether you are required to have a permit.
2. Turn off electrical power at the source, through a circuit breaker. Even if you flip a wall switch, the related appliance or socket will still be live. Keep in mind the diagram on the distribution panel may not be accurate, so the smart move is to turn off all power if possible. Check, and recheck, for yourself that the circuit is dead by using a voltage tester.
3. Make sure your work area is completely dry. Put down a rubber mat to stand on if the area is damp or wet.
4. Use tools with rubber- or plastic-coated handles and wear rubber-soled shoes.
5. After you have finished your work, turn the circuit breaker back on to restore power. Most lighting, receptacles and appliances use 120 volts of electricity. Air conditioners, electric ovens, water heaters, dishwashers and many larger appliances require 240 volts. Most doorbells and telephones use a transformer that converts standard power to a lower voltage (6-12 volts) for safety.

Keep your eye open for an electrical workshop at your local home improvement center. You can learn a lot by asking the instructor about your upcoming project. Remember, if you have any doubt about your ability or the safety of the situation, call in a professional.

TOP

If two men agree on everything, you may be sure that one of them is doing the thinking.
-- Lyndon B. Johnson

Trivia Challenge

Question 1.) A leprechaun is really an Irish what?
a.) Robber
b.) Shoemaker
c.) Magician
d.) Shop owner

Question 2.) A popular Irish dish made of shredded cabbage, minced onions, mashed potatoes and butter is known as?
a.) Shepherd's pie
b.) Colcannon
c.) Irish Stew
d.) Poorman's porridge

Question 3.) A whiskey made from potatoes is called what?
a.) Poteen
b.) Spudkey
c.) Dunken
d.) Potato ale

Question 4.) Kissing the Blarney Stone is supposed to give you what?
a.) The gift of being able to fabricate stories
b.) Longer life and more laughter
c.) Removes shyness and gives the gift of gab
d.) The ability to detect a lie

Question 5.) Harland and Wolf are famous in Ireland for what?
a.) Shipbuilders
b.) Explorers
c.) Folk singing
d.) Poetry

TOP | ANSWERS

The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend.
-- Henry David Thoreau

8 Tips to Control Psychological Food Cravings

With so many good things to eat -- and so many of them bad for you -- it's sometimes difficult to eat healthy. One of the keys to staying fit is to know when your cravings are psychological, and not physiological. Following are some tips to help you beat those cravings.

1. Eat Every Three Hours -- Eat something every few hours to keep your blood sugar levels steady.
2. Drink Water Frequently -- Avoid dehydration and cravings by drinking a small glass of water every hour. This will keep you full and hydrated.
3. Be Patient -- If you've been eating enough and drinking water, put off the decision to snack for 15 to 20 minutes. Then determine if you're really hungry.
4. Find a Distraction -- Change whatever it was you were doing to something else. It's easy to mistake boredom for hunger.
5. Get Some Exercise -- If your cravings are real, you won't be able to exercise; go get something healthy to eat. If it was a false alarm, you'll lose the cravings and enjoy the workout.
6. Keep Healthy Snacks Around -- Have some fruit, vegetables, beef jerky or nuts. If you're still having cravings, it's totally psychological.
7. Change Your Routine -- If you usually have chips and a soda while watching TV at night, try popcorn and tea. If you had a healthy dinner but feel cravings before bedtime, try reading as an alternative.
8. Feed the Craving -- Sometimes you have to give in, but do it within reason. Think portion control. Instead of a bowl of ice cream, try just a scoop. Rather than having a bag of popcorn, try just a cup or two. Instead of eating a chocolate bar, have a small piece or two. It's OK to enjoy life, just don't give in to those psychological cravings to easily.

TOP

March Movie Releases

• March 7
  • 10,000 B.C.
  • The Bank Job
  • College Road Trip
• March 14
  • Doomsday
  • Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who
  • Never Back Down
• March 21
  • Drillbit Taylor
  • Shutter
  • Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns
• March 28
  • 21
  • Run, Fat Boy, Run
  • Stop Loss
  • Superhero Movie

*Wide releases only. Opening dates subject to change.

TOP

Don't wreck a sublime chocolate experience by feeling guilty.
-- Lora Brody

Whiskey Glazed Ham

St. Patrick's Day often brings to mind traditional meals like corned beef and cabbage or Dublin coddle. Not a fan? Then try this other traditional Irish recipe the whole family will enjoy. Serve with a favorite side dish.

Ingredients

• 4 lbs. ham
• 1 large onion -- cut in half
• 2 carrots -- washed and scraped
• 2 small bay leaves
• 3-4 cloves
• 4 peppercorns
• 1 tbs. brown sugar
• 1/2 wine glass cider vinegar
• Cloves
• Whiskey glaze
• 5 tbs. Irish whiskey
• 6 level tbs. brown sugar
• 2 1/2 level tbs. colmans mustard

Directions

1. Place the ham, skin-side down, in a large saucepan and cover completely with cold water. Bring very slowly to a boil, discard the water and cover once again with fresh water.
2. Add the onion, carrots, bay leaves, cloves, peppercorns, sugar and vinegar. Bring back slowly to a boil and as soon as boiling point is reached, reduce to simmering. Cover and simmer until the ham is cooked.
3. Remove ham from water and let cool. Strip the rind and score the fat in diamonds. Place a clove in each diamond and place the ham on a rack in a small roasting tin. Brush the ham all over with whiskey. Mix the sugar, mustard and remaining whiskey together and spread on scored fat.
4. Bake at 400 degrees in a pre-heated oven for 20-30 minutes, basting two or three times, until the glaze is golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before carving.

Wine Pairing

• Domaine Parent Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2005

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Anything not worth doing is worth not doing well. Think about it.
-- Elias Schwartz

Cool/Free/Fun/Trendy: Cell Number Blocking

There could be a number of reasons why you would want to block your cell phone number -- either permanently -- or just for the one call. Here's how you do it.

• Permanent Blocking -- To block your cell phone number to everyone, permanently, just call your carrier's customer service and request a "line block." Dial 611 from your cell phone to connect with them. If for some reason you want your number to show up, you'll need to dial *82 before dialing the number you are calling. By using this feature the number will show up just once for that specific call.
• One-Time Blocking -- If, for some reason you want to block your cell phone number for just the one call, simply dial *67 before dialing the number (example: *67 (800) 123-4567).

Now you have more control over who sees your number. Be sure to check with your carrier, as some companies charge fees for this feature.

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March 2008

3 -- National Anthem Day
9 -- Daylight Savings Time Begins
17 -- St. Patrick's Day
21 -- Full Moon Day
21 -- Good Friday
23 -- Easter

May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.
-- Popular Irish Blessing

Home Prices Show Increases in Many Markets

According to a mid-February report from the National Association of Realtors®, approximately half of metropolitan areas continued to show rising home prices in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Last quarter, 73 out of 150 metropolitan statistical areas showed increases in median existing single-family home prices from a year earlier, including 11 areas with double-digit annual gains and another 12 metros showing increases of 6 percent or more; 77 had price declines including 16 with double-digit drops.

NAR President Richard Gaylord said he is encouraged with plans to increase conventional loan limits. “Higher limits for FHA loans, which go into effect March 14, will be a big help to first-time buyers in high-cost markets. Higher limits for conventional loans purchased by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae will take a bit longer – when they become available, high-income, creditworthy borrowers in high-cost areas will have access to affordable and safer financing, and that will help unleash pent-up demand,” he said.

Despite the annual decline in the fourth quarter median home price, the typical seller who purchased their home six years ago still saw a very healthy gain. The median increase in value for sellers who purchased that home in the fourth quarter of 2001 is 31.2 percent, and the median home equity accumulation is $49,000, the report said.

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate on a 30-year conventional fixed-rate mortgage fell to 6.23 percent in the fourth quarter from 6.55 percent in the third quarter. In recent weeks, Freddie Mac has been reporting the 30-year fixed rate to be under 5.7 percent.

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