Kathleen Lordbock 's Top Minnesota Home Stager blog

Miss Brainerd Lakes Pageant Fast Approaching

2008-06-21T11:40:38Z

The field of eight contestants for the title of Miss Brainerd Lakes will soon be narrowed down to "the one". Competing for this year's title are: Antje Anderson, Caitlin Cross, Katie Ritter, Heather Erickson, Breanna Sinner, Jacqui Cavalier, Mary Petersen and Emily Wyman.

The pageant is on Saturday, June 28th, 2008 at the Tornstrom Auditorium in Brainerd, Minnesota. It starts at 7:00 P.M. and tickets will be sold for $10.00 at the door. Brainerd always puts on a fabulous pageant and this year will be no different.

Tier level sponsors of this year's pageant are : Caribbean Beach Tanning Salon, Wendy's, Shooting Star Casino, Riddle's Jewelry,Susan G. Komen for the Cure- Brainerd Lakes. The official photographer is Woody's Photography.

Special guest appearances and performances by the new Miss Minnesota - Angie McDermott , the former Miss Brainerd Lakes 2005 - Allison Lordbock and Elizabeth Neaton - the outgoing title holder.

Black adds Elegance and Interest

2008-06-16T13:40:56Z

To create drama and dress up any room, consider adding touches of black. It works in virtually any color scheme and with any decorating style.
If you are going for major drama, inject even larger doses of this dynamic color in your window treatments, upholstered furniture, bedding, flooring or floor coverings, decorative wall moldings, shelving, cabinets, or your wooden furniture pieces.
Lime green, white, orange, red, yellow and aqua all pop when positioned on or near black pieces.
Paint artwork frames, mirrors, or add black painted pinstripes. Decorative boxes hung on the wall or open shelving to hold accessories in black are striking.
Paint the legs of a coffee table or dining table black -leaving the top in a wood tone. To give painted black objects an aged worn look; sand the edges, details, around handles and legs, or anywhere that might have natural wear.
IT IS BACK!

Photo taken in IKEA of Black & White Bedroom and Closet Display

Kathleen Lordbock

Re$ale Design & Home Staging

Home Staging, Property Presentation, & Interior Redesign Services

Minnesota Home Stager Report - I Smell A Skunk

2008-06-16T13:32:30Z

With two large German Shepherds and a lovable but nosy mutt "it" could happen soon. One of these days, while checking under a wood pile or shed , at least one of the dogs will encounter a peppermint kitty and he will let them have "it". Skunk spray , one of the most obnoxious smells, works quite well for the sprayer. The sprayed upon however have burning eyes, nausea, and owners who no longer want them as close companions.

There are a number of commercial preparations, none of which I have found to be worth their price. So grab a glass of tomato juice and drink that as you prepare the following recipe:

ONE QUART OF 3 PERCENT HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
1 CUP BAKING SODA
1 TEASPOON OF LIQUID SOAP

This needs to be used shortly after mixing and should not be stored, as it gives off oxygen gas, which could case a closed container to burst. For large or long haired dogs, you will need more batches. Don't hesitate to repeat the process if odors linger.

Accoding to Wikipedia:

Skunks have two glands, on either side of the anus, that produce a mixture of sulfur-containing chemicals (methyl and butyl thiols) that has a highly offensive smell that most people describe as a combination of the odors of rotten eggs, garlic and burnt rubber. The odor of the fluid is strong enough to ward off bears and other potential attackers, and can be difficult to remove from clothing. Muscles located next to the scent glands allow them to spray with high accuracy as far as 2 to 3 metres (7 to 10 ft).

The singular musk-spraying ability of the skunk has not escaped the attention of biologists: the names of the family and the most common genus (Mephitidae, Mephitis) mean "stench", and Spilogale putorius means "stinking spotted weasel". The word skunk is a corruption of an Abenaki name for them, segongw or segonku, which means "one who squirts" in the Algonquian dialect

Keep in mind that skunks go into inactivity during our long Minnesota winters and winter is always just around the corner.

ENJOY!

Kathleen Lordbock- Home Staging and Interior Redesign in the Brainerd Lakes area

Re$ale Design & Home Staging

Brainerd Hosting Public Meeting on K-12 Education

2008-06-11T12:21:58Z

The Washington Educational Services Building at 804 Oak Street in Brainerd will be the site of the Minnesota House K-12 Education Finance Division meeting. The public Brainerd meeting on June 16, 2008, co-chaired by Representative John Ward will include a K-12 education finance update.

Representative Mindy Greiling, chair of the K-12 Education Finance Division stated her pleasure at the short term relief that has been slated by the Legislature The Brainerd school system, like many others in the state, has seen a number of reductions in staff and programming. Various efforts are underway to raise funds to keep some music programs and sports in place.

Flag Day Program - Elks Lodge # 615

2008-06-09T22:16:34Z

The All Veterans Memorial next to the Crow Wing County Courthouse is the site of the June 14th annual Flag Day Program. Hosted by the Brainerd Elks Lodge Number 615, the program starts at 5 P.M. The public is invited to come and see the various flags and learn more about the history of the flags of the United States.

A proper burning of old flags will be conducted starting at 6 P.M. Anyone needing to dispose of old flags may bring them to the Brainerd Elks Lodge at 915 South Ninth Street.

Food will be available following the disposal ceremony.

Call 218-829-2643 for more information.

Stuff Swap

2008-05-25T22:51:33Z

It is Spring time here in Northern Minnesota, although you may not be able to tell by the weather. With Spring comes Spring cleaning, as we let in the fresh air, go through the clothes and rid ourselves of the outgrown, outdated, unused and duplicates.

What to do with your stuff:

Have a garage sale. Sometimes a fun social event trading your stuff for pennies. I love going to them but will not be hosting one myself. Been there and not doing that again!

Throw it - Not such a good idea in our current waste conscious way of thinking. But it is fast and final!

Donate - also fast and final and way more people and environmentally friendly (provided it is not broken, stained, torn, etc) Those items of clothing may make for good cleaning rags - cut them up and wash after using.

Swap with friends - a party with a cause. What is old for you may be new for them. Clothes, games, DVDs , CD's, purses, belts, & tools. What doesn't find a new home can be packed up and donated.

School Days 1957 vs 2007

2008-05-20T12:27:04Z

School Days 1957 vs 2007

Scenario

: Jack goes quail hunting before school, pulls into school parking lot with shotgun in gun rack.

1957 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.

2007 - School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.

Scenario
: Johnny and Mark get into a fistfight after school.
1957 -
Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.
2007 -
Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it.
Scenario
: Jeffrey won't be still in class, disrupts other students.
1957 -
Jeffrey sent to office and given a good paddling by the Principal. Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.
2007 -
Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADD. School gets extra money from state because Jeffrey has a disability.
Scenario
: Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.
1957 -
Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.
2007 -
Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. State psychologist tells Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has affair with psychologist.
Scenario
: Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school .
1957 -
Mark shares aspirin with Principal out on the smoking dock.
2007 -
Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons.
Scenario
: Pedro fails high school English.
1957 -
Pedro goes to summer school, passes English, goes to college.
2007 -
Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English banned from core curriculum. Pedro given diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.
Scenario
: Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, blows up a red ant bed.
1957 -
Ants die.
2007 -
BATF, Homeland Security, FBI called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, FBI investigates parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated, Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.
Scenario
: Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.
1957 -
In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.
2007 -
Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy

Those were the Good Ole Days!

House Not Selling?

Call Re$ale Design & Home Staging for a consultation on preparing your property for the market.

218-829-4664

It is Tornado Time Again!

2008-05-16T13:30:51Z

Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Every state is at some risk from this hazard.

Some tornadoes are clearly visible, while rain or nearby low-hanging clouds obscure others. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that little, if any, advance warning is possible.

Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. A cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.

The following are facts about tornadoes:

They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 MPH, but may vary from stationary to 70 MPH.
Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.
Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months.
Peak tornado season in the southern states is March through May; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer.
Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can occur at any time.
Do not take shelter in your vehicle

According to data from the National Weather Sevice's Storm Prediction Center, 49 of the 705 deaths - about 7% - attributed to tomadoes from 1997 to 2007 were people who were in vehicles when the storm struck.

"They can cover more ground that you can in your car, so unless you know you are moving away from the tornado the best thing you can do is find a strong structure," said weather service meteorologist Andy Foster. Nothing in sight, then hit the ditch or lowest spot you can find and get face down.

Kathleen Lordbock, Re$ale Design & Home Staging, changing the way real estate is sold in the Brainerd Lakes Area

Global Warming? Not in Minnesota!

2008-05-13T23:09:29Z

We are now in our fourth month in a row of below average temperatures. It is still entirely possible that we may even get more snow. There are still a few banks of snow left and some patches in low areas in the heavily forested regions around the Brainerd Lakes. At least, the lakes had no ice remaining for our Governor's fishing opener.

I am taking a week off soon to go warm up in Florida, enough is enough. I will be bringing my staging partner back with me, after another long year of college in the sunny state.

For help preparing your home for this competitive market call Re$ale Design & Home Staging. Why leave money on the table?

Looking For A Good Man

2008-05-07T10:11:56Z

This has to be one of the best singles ads ever printed. It is reported to have been listed in the Atlanta Journal.

SINGLE BLACK FEMALE seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I'm a very good girl who LOVES to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me. Call (404) 875-6420 and ask for Daisy, I'll be waiting. ....

Keep scrolling down, please .

Over 15,000 men found themselves talking to the Atlanta Humane Society

Now that is what I call creative advertising. I hope that Daisy and all her lovely friends found homes. Looking for a pet? Check out your local Humane Society - there is one there waiting to be your new best friend. We have adopted many and they have all been wonderful additions to our family.

In the Brainerd, Minnesota area - check out the Heartland Animal Rescue.

Don't Fool With Minnesotans

2008-05-03T00:10:56Z

DON'T FOOL WITH MINNESOTANS

After having dug to a depth of 10 meters last year, New York

scientists found traces of copper wire dating back 100 years and

came to the conclusion that their ancestors already had a telephone

network more than 100 years ago.

Not to be outdone by the New Yorkers, in the weeks that followed, California

scientists dug to a depth of 20 meters, and shortly after, headlines in the

California newspapers read: "California archaeologists have found traces of

200 year old copper wire and have concluded that their ancestors already had

an advanced high-tech communications network a hundred years earlier than the New Yorkers."

One week later, "The Aitkin Age", a local newspaper in Aitkin,

Minnesota reported the following: "After digging as deep as 30

meters in peat fields just north of Palisade, Ole Johnson, a self taught archaeologist,

reported that he found absolutely nothing (he had help digging from his buddy Sven).

Ole has therefore concluded that 300 years ago, Minnesota had already gone wireless.

Christian Motto: Be Prepared - part 2

2008-04-26T10:00:33Z

In part 1, we covered the verse I Peter 3:15 and learned about being prepared to

talk about our faith and to have answers ready for other's questions. I often ask

others about their beliefs and some will reply that they are "private - just between

them and God". Clearly, Peter did not advocate such a response!

Questions may come from a stranger on a long airplane flight or a relative at a

funeral. A student of God's word will always be ready to explain the hope that others

see in their life. Think about it and perhaps write it out - so you will be prepared.

We should enjoy talking about our Lord and Savior. After all, he suffered and died,

so that we could live.

What love!

Christian Motto: Be Prepared - part 1

2008-04-26T09:07:51Z

I Peter 3:15

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."

What do you say to someone who asks you about your Christian Faith? Can you explain clearly and completely, who Jesus is and why your relationship with him gives you eternal hope and freedom?

Peter encouraged believers to live in such a way that others would be drawn to them and ask questions. He stressed that they should have an answer ready for everyone who asked.

Minnesota Home Stager Report - Ride Safe, Minnesota

2008-04-22T10:00:34Z

According to a recent Minnesota DNR survey, the typical ATV rider is a Caucasian male in his mid-40's with some college or technical training. This man is most often employed full time, with an income of more that $50,000 and an average family size of 2.8. In most cases he has not completed a DNR ATV safety course.

The DNR Enforcement Education Program Coordinator, Capt. Mike Hammer, said "Recent DNR statistics show a decline in youth-involved incidents, largely due to safety training requirements for those age 16 and under. It's the adults who have not completed training who are most at risk."

Most adults think that because they can drive a car, they are in possession of the skills necessary to handle a powerful 600-pound ATV. But ATVs handle much differently than other vehicles and rollovers occur quickly.

Adults also shun the use of helmets (mess up their hair).

Hammer "ATVs are dangerous if you don't respect them. You have to be trained and know what you are doing."

Ride safe, Minnesota!!

photo by daveynin

Sweet Potato Fries at Home

2008-04-22T09:43:00Z

We often order Sweet Potato Fries when we are out, but haven't tried them at home. So I immediately jumped on this recipe when it was posted in our local newspaper.

SWEET POTATO FRIES

2 tablespoons coriander

1 tablespoon oregano

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

2 tablespoon salt

6 sweet potatoes

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Peel and cut sweet potatoes into fries about the size of Burger King fries. Place into a large bowl and sprinkle with a vegetable oil (could try olive). Next sprinkle seasoning over fries - you can alway add more later. Next, lay out on a pan. Make sure that they are spread out and not touching or they will not become crispy. Bake for 30-40 minutes and turn halfway through. These are good hot from the oven or cold.

Now I have to find a recipe for the sauce like the one our local restaurant serves with them for dipping.

P.S.~ There is another version of the recipe if you click on the photo.

Rock Against Drugs Concert

2008-04-19T22:35:44Z

April 25th, Friday, from 7-10 P.M. at the Aitkin, Minnesota V.F.W. will be a night of classic rock music. This is a free event sponsored by the Kinship of Aitkin County youth leaders.

These young people are taking a stand against drugs and are bringing community awareness to the dangerous effects of drugs and alcohol.

The feature band for this community event will be Halvorson McNabb, a local band from the Crosby area. Root beer and snacks will be served.

Please show your support for these youth leaders and their program; encourage attendance at this event.

photo by Dan Zen

Karla's Casserole

2008-04-15T21:11:29Z

Now if you are baking a ham or just ready to try something different for a side complement or even as a breakfast brunch dish - this is the one. Of course, you have to be a pineapple lover and we at the Lordbock house are. Our favorite pizza is sausage and pineapple. It is delicious and I found the recipe in our local newspaper.

1 large can crushed pineapple, drained, save the juice

1 cup milk

1 stick butter

2 cups sugar

8 to 10 slices fresh bread, cubed

2 eggs

Cube bread;put in a 9x13 inch pan. Slice one stick of butter into small pieces and layer over bread. Combine the milk. sugar and eggs. Pour over bread. Cover with drained pineapple. Drizzle 2 tablespoons juice over the top. Refrigerate overnight and baked the next day at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes, or until the eggs are set.

Tribute to Minnesota Native-Actor Richard Widmark

2008-04-12T09:20:58Z

Actor Richard Widmark,93, born in Sunrise, MN has died at his home in Roxbury. Connecticut after

a fall which fractured vertebrae last year lead to other complications. Widmark had a film career of more that 70

movies, starting in the 40's and continuing on into the 90's in True Colors. His characters ranged

from heroes to bad guys and he played them all equally well.

Probably he is remembered best as Tommy Udo, the New York City gangster from "Kiss of

Death", a Henry Hathaway 1947 crime classic. Other film highlights were: "No Way Out" 1950,

"Judgment at Nuremberg" 1961, The "Bedford Incident" 1965 and "Madigan" 1968.

In a totally different sort of film - The Western - in which Widmark rode horses ( very

important to me)- he starred in "Yellow Sky", "Cheyenne Autumn", "Two Rode Together" "The

Alamo" and the big western epic "How the West Was Won", with John Wayne. We are going to rent that for the

evening and just remember some of the greats.

Watch for the goofs in the filming.

From This - To This

2008-04-11T12:10:36Z

When I wrote Go Away - Snow, I was thinking that this was my ode to winter weather. However, we are experiencing a storm of blizzard proportions. The high winds, combined with the snow, are causing the problems. Trees and limbs (trees again, not human) are coming down and anything not tightly fastened (this could be human) is tumbling.

It was quite a challenge getting winter blankets on the horses in the wind. By the time I had one end secured, the other end was coming up to meet me. I brought most of them into the stalls for the night as it simplified my life and made them very happy. I am a pet pleaser, after all.

Area schools are closed and the trails are being groomed for what might be one last cross country ski jaunt.

Easter was early this year, so I suppose we should have been expecting more snow - plus it is Minnesota - the weather can change in an instant.

We did some design work on one of the homes in this weekend's Builder's Home tour. It doesn't have a lawn or landscaping in - this will be perfect, no one will even notice!

Go Away - Snow!

2008-04-07T16:10:40Z

Just when I think that I will be able to soon see green blades of green peeking out of the white fluffy stuff - it snows. Not just a dusting, or a mere frosty blanket, no! I am talking about two feet of the white stuff. Now being a born and bred in Minnesota gal, I know that it will eventually disappear and Spring will come. It just is not going to happen any time in the near future.

We usually try to make the most of our lovely and yet unpredictable

Minnesota weather and so here is a snowman for you. He portrays

the best of our talented Minnesota Niceness.

Minnesota Home Stager Report - Governor's Fishing Opener in The Brainerd Lakes

2008-04-07T13:58:18Z

     Lisa Paxton, Brainerd Lakes Chamber CEO thinks that hosting the Governor’s Fishing Opener will give the Brainerd Lakes Area a long term pay off. "The governor's fishing opener will be a real boost," Paxton said "It's really an opportunity to capture a couple hundred media for an entire Brainerd lakes experience."

     Carol Altepeter, governor fishing opener event coordinator and regional manager at the Minnesota Office of Tourism in Brainerd, said from past experiences the opener brings in $600,000 conservatively from immediate media exposure. The boost to the area's economy through a strong tourism season is expected as media representatives - typically between 150 and 175 people - attend the three-day event.

     Paxton said the media exposure, which will be part of the Twin Cities for the extended weekend, is something the lakes area couldn't afford to buy. A dozen radio stations are expected to broadcast live from the opener and Gov. Tim Pawlenty's hour-long radio show will take place in the Breezy Point area with the public invited. While the majority of media personnel will be from Minnesota many will be traveling from Iowa, Illinois, North Dakota, South Dakota, Canada and Texas. Media tours will include the Paul Bunyan Scenic By-Way, area sporting businesses, and golf facilities. They will be eating in area restaurants, shopping in our stores and sleeping in our motels. I am sure they will not enjoy our high gas prices, though!

About 110 fishing hosts each take two or three people out in their boats, to experience our wonderful Minnesota lakes. Hopefully, the loons will be calling to them, as well. About 325 people are expected to attend the event between media and sponsors, not counting the general public. The free, public community picnic and program at the Trailside Park in Pequot Lakes on May 9^th, has been planned for 2500 to 3000.

Stop on in , drop in a line and visit – we are Minnesota Nice.

Minnesota Principal Whimps Out and Cancels National Heroes Tour

2008-04-05T11:58:01Z

A national tour featuring decorated veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan didn't stop at Forest Lake Area High School as planned, after school leaders abruptly canceled the visit. According to the Veterans for Freedom website, the National Heroes Tour "is about supporting our troops, honoring their commitment and rallying the country to complete the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan." Forest Lake High School principal Steve Massey says he canceled the planned appearance by the Vets for Freedom tour at the school because he didn't want politics in the classroom. But the cancellation itself was apparently a response to political pressure. He said the school had received several phone calls from parents and others, some of whom indicated that they may stage a protest if the event took place. The tour was moved to American Legion Post 225 in Forest Lake.

Pete Hegseth, a Forest Lake High grad and the director of Vets for Freedom, told the Star Tribune that he had talked with school officials during the planning process, and made clear that presenters would not make political statements. "It's Iraq and Afghan veterans talking about what they saw and what they did there, and about what it means to put on the uniform of your country," he said.

Pete told the crowd that since the venue was moved off school grounds he no longer felt constrained about talking about "progress in Iraq.""It's unfortunate circumstances that we're here, but I think our message remains the same: That we believe that the veterans of this conflict, guys who have walked the ground, seen the enemy first hand, understand what's at stake, should have a voice and be a part of the public discourse as it pertains to the war and what's actually happening."We weren't going to talk about this at Forest Lake High School but we can talk about this here -- the incredible progress that's been made in Iraq over the last year because of the surge and the counterinsurgency strategy."

The veterans who spoke were Marine Sgt. Jeremiah Workman, who served as a squad leader in the Battle of Fallujah and received the Navy Cross; Chief Warrant Officer Tom Parks of the Marines, who received the Silver Star; and former Army Staff Sgt. David Bellavia, who received the Bronze Star and Silver Star for valor and is the author of "House to House: An Epic Memoir of War."

Of the people in Iraq, Workman said, "These people know they're up over that hump and they can see the horizon." He added: "People ask me all the time: Do you think we can win the war? I shake my head and say, 'You're damn right we can win this war.' "

Katherine Kersten, Star Tribune metro columnist put it best. "Shame on Forest Lake High administrators for caving to political pressure under the guise of preventing political pressure. Apparently, they only understand the sort of political pressure exerted by left-wing anti-war groups."

From the Women Against Military Madness site:

“Principal Massey has responded this afternoon to pressure from the voices of peace in our community, the conference and protest are canceled. Principal Massey is commended for refusing to allow the misuse of his public high school for pro-war propaganda.”

From Michelle Malkin:

“The National Heroes Tour is in Minneapolis today for a number of events however we will not be visiting Forest Lake High School, because the right of whiny left-wing buttheads to censor the troops out weighs the right of American students to hear from and meet the folks who have risked their lives for the freedoms we all enjoy. This is Pete Hegseth’s High School and he had personally arranged for a non-partisan event where students could hear from the vets and ask them questions about their service. This so offended the delicate sensibilities of the usual suspects that they began hassling the Principal and threatening protests.”

Who Is Barack - really?

2008-03-30T18:42:29Z

While America has some experience with the Clinton's and Hillary specifically during her turn as First Lady and then later as New York Senator , we do not seem to be that familiar with Barack Obama. As many are now considering where to line up their loyalties and hence ultimately their vote - I have been doing some research. People who are telling me that they are considering voting for Barack for President, say it is because they view him as a candidate who will make changes.

Are the changes that Barack wants to make in line with your ideas for this county and yes, even the way that you want to live your life? When questioned, Barack's supporters insist that he is a Christian. What does that mean? In looking into the doctrine of the church that Barack claims as his own, I see that there are some major issues that would lead me to question whether they adhere to Christian principles and serve Jesus as Lord and Savior. That is what Christians do. It isn't a term for good people or nice people or people who believe that there is a God. Nope!! It is used for the followers of Christ - period. People of whatever color who have placed their very lives and eternal future in Jesus' hands and follow Him as closely as they can.

While Obama has portrayed himself as a candidate for all Americans, his closeness to his minister, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, tells a different story. For more than two decades, Wright has been Obama’s friend and sounding board, a man he consults before making important decisions like whether to run for president.

In December, Wright praised Louis Farrakhan as a man who epitomizes greatness. Farrakhan has blamed blacks’ troubles on Jews, America, and whites, whom he calls “blue-eyed devils.”

Obama’s Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago espouses what it calls the Black Value System. While the Black Value System encourages commitment to God, education, and self-discipline, it refers to “our racist competitive society” and includes the disavowal of the pursuit of “middle-classness” and a pledge of allegiance to “all black leadership who espouse and embrace the Black Value System.”

The Black Value System defines “middle-classness” as a way for American society to “snare” blacks rather than “killing them off directly” or “placing them in concentration camps,” just as the country structures “an economic environment that induces captive youth to fill the jails and prisons.”

Do we want a white President who puts down blacks or other ethnic groups and maintains that the White man is supreme? Do we want a black President who maintains that the black people are?

Beyond these troubling thoughts are those in which he wants immediate withdrawal from Iraq, leaving them ripe for the picking by the terrorist groups that maintain strength in the region. Just like children need some hand holding and training before they launch out independently , so do these people. This independence and self governing stuff is new to them. They need mentoring, protection, training of their forces - you know the attacks will come. We need to help them to be ready.

Lighting Up a Sale

2008-03-28T18:55:15Z

As stagers, we have all dealt with the cheap fake brass lighting fixtures that seemed to be so popular a few years back and are - shockingly- still being installed in houses today. Do these add to the ambiance of a home? Are they admired by visitors or ignored? Sometimes being ignored is a good thing in staging, but this is not a place to cut corners if you have a home in the middle to upper price points. Buying quality made light fixtures that match one another - in finish and style - can actually increase the resale value of your residence. Lighting fixtures, such as a chandelier or a hanging pendant, play a prominent role in determining how much a prospective buyer is willing to pay for a home. Placing a spectacular lighting fixture in the foyer, which is hopefully the first room viewed, gives a great first impression to prospective buyers. While plain or inexpensive light fixtures and lamps may not subtract from the resale value, they will definitely not add to it. A coordinated lighting scheme with the wall sconces, lamps, and pendants contributing to the decor can only increase the resale value of your home. The home should always be considered a sanctuary for the homeowner and investing in quality lighting fixtures is a means of ensuring that your house is portrayed as a warm and welcoming place. As Martha would say, this is a "good thing" in home staging.

Beat It - Then Eat It

2008-03-22T23:17:34Z

You prepare this the night before and all you have to do is put it in the oven.

Scrambled Egg Casserole

2 tablespoons butter

2 1/2 tablespoons flour

2 cups milk

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 cup American cheese,shredded

1 cup cubed ham

1/4 cup green onion, chopped

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1 dozen eggs, beaten

1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

1/4 cup butter, melted

2 1/4 cups soft bread crumbs

To make the cheese sauce, melt butter, blend in flour and cook for one minute. Gradually stir in milk; cook until thick. Add salt, pepper, and cheese; stir until cheese melts. Set aside. Saute ham, mushrooms and green onion in three tablespoons butter until onion is tender. Add eggs and cook over medium heat until eggs are set; stir in the mushrooms and cheese sauce. Spoon eggs into greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Combine topping ingredients; spread evenly over egg mixture. Cover; chill overnight. Uncover; bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Serve with Canadian bacon, bacon or sausage on the side, fresh fruit, and a homemade muffin.