Roy T's Blog

Power To Spare

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:52:34 -0600

Leadership: As Palin jousts with Biden on energy independence, the government reports that we lead the world in energy reserves. From oil to gas to coal, we are sitting on prosperity. So why are we importing anything?

One of the interesting sidelights of the NY-23 race was an exchange on energy independence between Vice President Joe Biden and the former governor of energy-rich Alaska, Sarah Palin. Biden, who came in to campaign for Democrat Bill Owens, was reminded of the issue of energy.

"The fact of the matter is that Sarah Palin thinks the answer to energy was 'Drill, baby, drill,'" Biden said at an Owens fundraiser, referring to Palin's own campaign slogan last year. "No, it's a lot more complicated, Sarah, than 'Drill, baby, drill.'"

Actually, it's not, according to a new report produced by the Congressional Research Service, hardly an outpost of the vast right-wing conspiracy or on the payroll of Big Oil. The report says that if all our energy resources are added up and converted to a barrels of oil equivalent (BOE), the U.S. has the largest reserves in the world.

According to the CRS, the U.S. has 1,321 billion barrels of oil (or barrels of oil equivalent for other sources of energy) if you combine its recoverable natural gas, oil and coal reserves. Russia is close behind with 1,248 billion barrels BOE. Other energy-producing nations, including many that export oil to the U.S., lag behind.

Of course, much of our world-leading reserves are off-limits by government edict. We recently commented on the federal government designation of 200,541 squares miles off the coast of Alaska as critical habitat for the abundant polar bear, effectively killing hopes to exploit the vast energy riches of the American Arctic.

Alaska's Chukchi Sea, part of the designated habitat, holds more oil and gas than anyone thought - 1,600 trillion cubic feet of undiscovered gas, or 30% of the world's supply and 83 billion barrels of undiscovered oil, 4% of the estimated global resources.

The CRS report also notes the U.S. has 28% of the world's coal reserves, with Russia again coming in second with 19%.

Biden, of course, is famous for his rope-line remark in the 2008 campaign in response to a question on energy: "We're not supporting 'clean coal,'" he said. "Guess what: China is building two every week - two dirty-coal plants. And it's polluting the United States. It's causing people to die." He went on to say, "No coal plants in America. Build them, if they're going to build them, over there."

Memo to Veep: We are dependent on fossil fuel energy and will be for some time. The folks at Peabody Energy say replacing coal would require 2,400 times more solar generation, 40 times more wind power, 250 new nuclear plants, almost double the U.S. production of natural gas, 500 hydro plants the size of the Hoover Dam or halving electricity consumption.

"Our overwhelming coal, natural gas and oil resources represent tens of trillions of dollars in wealth and millions of American jobs," said Sen. James Inhofe, R.-Okla., who released the CRS data.

In her Facebook response to Biden, Gov. Palin noted Biden "cast one of only five votes against the Alaskan pipeline that has produced more than 15 billion barrels of oil, supplied nearly 20% of the nation's oil, created tens of thousands of jobs (and) added hundreds of billions of dollars to the U.S. economy."

There's more out there not only in the Chukchi Sea, but also locked in Rocky Mountain shale and under the Outer Continental Shelf. Sadly, the report stated that the U.S. has tapped into only 13%, or 21 billion barrels of its oil reserves, with the other 87% still untouched. Drill, Joe, drill.

investors.com

Senate blocks census US-citizenship question

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:41:19 -0600

WASHINGTON - Senate Democrats have blocked a GOP attempt to require next year's census forms to ask people whether they are a U.S. citizen.

The proposal by Louisiana Republican Sen. David Vitter was aimed at excluding immigrants from the population totals that are used to figure the number of congressional representatives for each state. Critics said Vitter's plan would discourage immigrants from responding to the census and would be hugely expensive. They also said that it's long been settled law that the apportionment of congressional seats is determined by the number of people living in each state, regardless of whether they are citizens. A separate survey already collects the data.

The plan fell after a 60-39 procedural vote made it ineligible for attachment to a bill funding the census.

By ANDREW TAYLOR, Associated Press Writer Andrew Taylor, Associated Press Writer

Today Congress passed legislation that will extend and expand the $8,000....

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:19:47 -0600

...... first-time home buyer tax credit.

Upon concurrence by the President the new law will extend the $8,000 credit for first-time home buyers for sales contracts entered into by April 30, 2010 and closed by June 30. Further, it will expand to include a new $6,500 credit for owners of existing homes who are purchasing a new principal residence. An existing home owner can claim the $6,500 tax credit if they have been residing in their principal residence for five consecutive years out of the last eight. Additionally, the income eligibility limits to claim the full credit amount for both groups of home buyers have been raised to $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for married couples.

The legislation, which also extends unemployment insurance benefits and offers relief to cash-strapped firms by providing broader tax benefits for businesses with net operating losses (NOLs), is expected to be signed into law shortly by President Obama.

For a detailed overview of the provisions contained in this legislation click here.

Air Jordans cost UCF future deal with adidas

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:45:32 -0600

By ANTONIO GONZALEZ, AP

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - A fight over the shoes Michael Jordan's son will wear at the University of Central Florida has cost the school any future sponsorship with adidas.

``The University of Central Florida has chosen not to deliver on their contractual commitment to adidas,'' adidas spokeswoman Andrea Corso wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press. ``As a result we have chosen not to continue our relationship with them moving forward.''

Freshman guard Marcus Jordan wore a pair of white Air Jordans during UCF's 84-65 win in an exhibition game against Saint Leo on Wednesday night, the Orlando Sentinel reported on its Web site. Jordan has said he will only wear his father's Nike Air Jordan shoes because they hold special meaning to his family.

UCF is in the final year of a five-year contract with adidas that requires coaches and athletes to use the company's apparel and equipment.

``We are disappointed to learn that adidas has chosen to discontinue its relationship

PRIMETIME TV (8-11 PM/ET)

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:08:13 -0600

FOXNEWS: 4,043,000 viewers (1,130,000 in A25-54)

MSNBC: 974,000 viewers(308,000 in A25-54)

HEADLINE NEWS: 842,000 viewers(341,000 in A25-54)

CNN: 826,000 viewers (227,000 in A25-54)...

President make a Decision

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:05:19 -0600

by Chuck Norris

Let me see whether I have the facts straight.

In May, President Barack Obama removed Gen. David D. McKiernan as the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan and replaced him with Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal -- who, in September, issued a dire report warning that without as many as 40,000 more troops for the fight in Afghanistan, the mission "will likely result in failure."

President Obama responded by saying that he would make no quick decision but take as long as needed to do a broad study first on the issue.

Meanwhile, more U.S. troops died at the hands of our enemies.

Roughly a month after McChrystal's requests, White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel continued to blame the Bush administration for the chaos in the war. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs blamed former Vice President Dick Cheney. Vice President Joe Biden blamed the generals for a bad military plan. And presidential adviser David Axelrod blamed Fox News.

Meanwhile, more U.S. troops died at the hands of our enemies.

Two weeks ago, when asked about Obama's indecisiveness about McChrystal's requests, Gibbs rebuffed: "The president will make a decision in the next few weeks. ... I don't know when that decision will be. It could be before the runoff (election in Afghanistan on Nov. 7); it might be after the runoff."

Meanwhile, more U.S. troops died at the hands of our enemies.

Last Friday, the president met with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and discussed the Afghanistan-Pakistan situation some more and then said he wants another meeting.

It has been almost two months since Gen. McChrystal first warned the president of the dire situation in Afghanistan, yet our commander in chief continues to delay a response.

Meanwhile, record numbers of U.S. troop casualties mount in Afghanistan.

Is Obama's delay about genuine concern, or could it be simply a politically driven tactic for upcoming U.S. and Afghan elections? So much for Obama's campaign promise that he would "make the fight against al-Qaida and the Taliban the top priority that it should be."

President Obama, stop riding the fence!

While the White House procrastinates in protecting our troops, the least we can do as Americans is find a way to support them. I even read recently about Marine Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani -- who, for more than 20 years, has served his country honorably. He has done three tours in Iraq and also served in Panama and the Gulf War. Despite his commendable service, however, on Dec. 1, Lt. Col. Chessani will face a military board of inquiry to determine whether he is guilty of misconduct and should be demoted because of the "Haditha massacre" -- an event now known never to have occurred. You can read more about his military tribunal and donate to his case at the Thomas More Law Center's Web site (http://www.ThomasMore.org).

Whether it's donating to Lt. Col. Chessani's case, starting a campaign against the delays in Washington or preparing Christmas care packages for our troops, I want to encourage all Americans to find a way this holiday season to support our service members, particularly those in the Middle East.

There's nothing funny about war -- nothing. But if something puts a smile on the faces of our service members, then count me in. That is why I recently set up with the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization Give2TheTroops (http://www.Give2TheTroops.org) a way to bless the troops with copies of my fun and inspirational new book, "The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book," which contains 101 of my favorite Chuck Norris "facts" and related stories (many military). The book was released this week, and proceeds from it go to help http://www.KickStartKids.org. You can see samples, read and purchase "The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book" at Amazon.com for less than $10.

And should you want to bless our troops with a copy (or copies) of the book, during your online checkout for the book you can arrange to have it shipped directly to Give2TheTroops' national headquarters via the address below. Give2TheTroops will ensure that the books are included in their Christmas care packages, sent overseas and placed into the hands of our service members.

Please ship the books to: Give2TheTroops, 196 West St., Rocky Hill, CT 06067.

As a family member who has experienced the military sacrifice of a loved one (my brother Wieland in Vietnam in 1970) and as a veteran of the Air Force who was based in Korea, I, like many of you, understand the costs of fighting for freedom. So let's join together in extending a simple thank you, a letter or an outstretched hand of gratitude to our service members and their families. Thanking you in advance for your support.

President Obama ties George W Bush on golf

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:24:44 -0500

President Obama has already hit the links as much as President Bush did in over two years. | AP Close

President Barack Obama has only been in office for just over nine months, but he's already hit the links as much as President Bush did in over two years.

CBS' Mark Knoller - an unofficial documentarian and statistician of all things White House-related - wrote on his Twitter feed that, "Today - Obama ties Pres. Bush in the number of rounds of golf played in office: 24.

Took Bush 2 yrs & 10 months."

This news comes on the heels of today's news that Obama played golf with a woman - chief domestic policy adviser Melody Barnes - for the first time since taking office.

Sheer Nightgown......

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:56:05 -0500

........MEN SHOULD BITE THEIR TONGUE

A husband walks into Victoria's Secret to purchase a sheer negligee for his wife. He is shown several possibilities that range from $250 to $500 in price -- the more sheer, the higher the price. Naturally, he opts for the most sheer item, pays the $500, and takes it home. He presents it to his wife and asks her to go upstairs, put it on, and model it for him.

Upstairs the wife thinks (she's no dummy ), 'I have an idea. It's so sheer that it might as well be nothing. I won't put it on, but I'll do the modeling naked, return it tomorrow, and keep the $500 refund for myself.'

She appears naked on the balcony and strikes a pose. The husband says, 'Good Grief! You'd think for $500, they'd at least iron it!'

He never heard the shot.

Funeral on Thursday at Noon. Closed coffin.

"Keep the Doors Open" Campaign

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:35:42 -0500

The Hoogland Center for the Arts provides, a home for many different arts groups in Springfield, is in danger of not having the money to pay its mortgage in January. The Hoogland is home to Springfield Theater Center, the Springfield Ballet Company, the Prairie Art Alliance and many others. The Hoogland says it is just not receiving the same amount of donations as it did when it opened five years ago and it's in danger of not being able to pay its 27-thousand dollar mortgage. It currently owes 3.3 million on its mortgage. For more information on how to give, go to the Hoogland Center for the Arts.

Wild and wacky

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:16:36 -0500

By Anita Stienstra

This rock musical about a Transylvanian transvestite and a naive couple ensnared in his erotically evil web bore the cult classic movie. Some of the same interactive features scintillate this stage production. The Rocky Horror Show-themed costumes are encouraged. Though outside props are prohibited to protect the theater, prop bags will be available for $5. The show contains strong language, sexual content, adult themes and mild violence. Presented by The Hoogland Center for the Arts in association with ADHD Productions, Mac Warren directs.

The Rocky Horror Show
Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24, 30-31
9pm (additional 5pm shows on Oct 24 and 31)
Hoogland Center for the Arts
420 S. Sixth Street
523-2787
$16-$15

Mens Rules

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:58:01 -0500

OK, some of these even make sense to me!

At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down. Finally, the guys' side of the story. (I must admit, it's pretty good.)

These are our rules! Please note.... these are all numbered "1" ON PURPOSE!

1. Men are NOT mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl.. If it's up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.

1. Shopping is NOT a sport. And no, we are never going to think of it that way.

1.. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a Problem. See a doctor.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 Days.

1. If you won't dress like the Victoria 's Secret girls, don't Expect Us to act like soap opera guys.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of them makes you sad or angry, then we meant the other one.

1. You can either ask us to do something Or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials.

1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," We will act like nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle, besides we know you will bring it up again later.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, Expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine...Really.

1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball, the shotgun formation, or golf.

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

1. Thank you for reading this. Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight; but did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.

Halloween Short Story

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:47:36 -0500

Bob Hill and his new wife Betty were vacationing in Europe... as it happens, near Transylvania. They were driving in a rental car along a rather deserted highway. It was late and raining very hard. Bob could barely see the road in front of the car. Suddenly the car skids out of control! Bob attempts to control the car, but to no avail! The car swerves and smashes into a tree.

Moments later, Bob shakes his head to clear the fog. Dazed, he looks over at the passenger seat and sees his wife unconscious, with her head bleeding! Despite the rain and unfamiliar countryside, Bob knows he has to get her medical assistance.

Bob carefully picks his wife up and begins trudging down the road. After a short while, he sees a light. He heads towards the light, which is coming from a large, old house. He approaches the door and knocks.

A minute passes. A small, hunched man opens the door. Bob immediately blurts, "Hello, my name is Bob Hill, and this is my wife Betty. We've been in a terrible accident, and my wife has been seriously hurt. Can I please use your phone?"

"I'm sorry," replied the hunchback, "but we don't have a phone. My master is a doctor; come in and I will get him!"
Bob brings his wife in.

An older man comes down the stairs. "I'm afraid my assistant may have misled you. I am not a medical doctor; I am a scientist. However, it is many miles to the nearest clinic, and I have had a basic medical training. I will see what I can do. Igor, bring them down to the laboratory."

With that, Igor picks up Betty and carries her downstairs, with Bob following closely. Igor places Betty on a table in the lab. Bob collapses from exhaustion and his own injuries, so Igor places Bob on an adjoining table.

After a brief examination, Igor's master looks worried. "Things are serious, Igor. Prepare a transfusion." Igor and his master work feverishly, but to no avail. Bob and Betty Hill are no more.

The Hills' deaths upset Igor's master greatly. Wearily, he climbs the steps to his conservatory, which houses his grand piano. For it is here that he has always found solace. He begins to play, and a stirring, almost haunting melody fills the house.

Meanwhile, Igor is still in the lab tidying up. His eyes catch movement, and he notices the fingers on Betty's hand twitch, keeping time to the haunting piano music. Stunned, he watches as Bob's arm begins to rise, marking the beat! He is further amazed as Betty and Bob both sit up straight!

Unable to contain himself, he dashes up the stairs to the conservatory.

He bursts in and shouts to his master:

"Master, Master! ..... The Hills are alive with the sound of music!"

GEOGRAPHY FACTS

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:09:17 -0500

GEOGRAPHY FACTS

Alaska More than half of the coastline of the entire United States is in Alaska ..

Amazon

The Amazon rainforest produces more than 20% the world's oxygen supply. The Amazon River pushes so much water into the Atlantic Ocean that, more than one hundred miles at sea off the mouth of the river, one can dip fresh water out of the ocean. The volume of water in the Amazon river is greater than the next eight largest rivers in the world combined and three times the flow of all rivers in the United States ...

Antarctica

Antarctica is the only land on our planet that is not owned by any country. Ninety percent of the world's ice covers Antarctica . This ice also represents seventy percent of all the fresh water in the world. As strange as it sounds, however, Antarctica is essentially a desert. The average yearly total precipitation is about two inches Although covered with ice (all but 0.4% of it, ice.), Antarctica is the driest place on the planet, with an absolute humidity lower than the Gobi desert.

Brazil

Brazil got its name from the nut, not the other way around.

Canada

Canada has more lakes than the rest of the world combined. Canada is an Indian word meaning ' Big Village ...'

Chicago Next to Warsaw , Chicago has the largest Polish population in the world.

Detroit

Woodward Avenue in Detroit, Michigan, carries the designation M-1, so named because it was the first paved road anywhere.

Damascus, Syria

Damascus, Syria, was flourishing a couple of thousand years before Rome was founded in 753 BC, making it the oldest continuously inhabited city in existence.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey, is the only city in the world located on two continents.

Los Angeles

Los Angele's full name is El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles de Porciuncula -- and can be abbreviated to 3.63% of its size: L.A.

New York City The term 'The Big Apple' was coined by touring jazz musicians of the 1930's who used the slang expression 'apple' for any town or city. Therefore, to play New York City is to play the big time - The Big Apple.

There are more Irish in New York City than in Dublin , Ireland ; more Italians in New York City than in Rome, Italy ; and more Jews in New York City than in Tel Aviv, Israel .

Ohio

There are no natural lakes in the state of Ohio , everyone is manmade.

Pitcairn Island

The smallest island with country status is Pitcairn in Polynesia , at just 1.75 sq. miles/4,53 sq. km.

Rome

The first city to reach a population of 1 million people was Rome , Italy in 133 B.C. There is a city called Rome on every continent.

Siberia

Siberia contains more than 25% of the world's forests.

S.M.O.M .

The actual smallest sovereign entity in the world is the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (S.M.O.M). It is located in the city of Rome, Italy, has an area of two tennis courts, and as of 2001 has a population of 80, 20 less people than the Vatican. It is a sovereign entity under international law, just as the Vatican is.

Sahara Desert

In the Sahara Desert , there is a town named Tidikelt , Algeria , which did not receive a drop of rain for ten years. Technically though, the driest place on Earth is in the valleys of the Antarctic near Ross Island .. There has been no rainfall there for two million years.

Spain

Spain literally means 'the land of rabbits.'

St. Paul , Minnesota

St. Paul, Minnesota , was originally called Pig's Eye after a man named Pierre 'Pig's Eye' Parrant who set up the first business there.

Roads

Chances that a road is unpaved in the U.S.A : 1%, in Canada : 75%

Russia

The deepest hole ever drilled by man is the Kola Superdeep Borehole, in Russia . It reached a depth of 12,261 meters (about 40,226 feet or 7.62 miles). It was drilled for scientific research and gave up some unexpected discoveries, one of which was a huge deposit of hydrogen - so massive that the mud coming from the hole was â€œboilingâ€� with it.

United States

The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one-mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies.

Waterfalls

The water of Angel Falls (the World's highest) in Venezuela drops 3,212 feet (979 meters). They are 15 times higher than Niagara Falls ..

I have always said , you should learn something new every day. Unfortunately, many of us are at that age where what we learn today, we forget tomorrow. But, give it a shot anyway.

September Home Sales Increase 14.1 Percent

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:47:34 -0500

News Release

Capital Area Association of REALTORS®

The Voice for Real Estate^TM in the Capital Area

The median single-family home sale price and unit sales both increased in the Capital Area during September 2009, according to the Capital Area Association of REALTORS® (CAAR) Multiple Information Service.

Home sales in the Capital Area during the month of September amounted to 364 units, reflecting an increase of 14.1 percent over September of 2008. Year-to-date home sales through September of 2009 revealed 2,770 unit sales, down 0.9 percent from year-to-date through September of 2008.

For the month of September 2009, the median home sale price (for all single-family homes and condominiums) was $109,000, reflecting an increase of 7.9 percent from the $101,000 September 2008 median price. The median sale price for year-to-date through September 2009 was $110,000, reflecting an increase of 4.8 percent over the same period in 2008. The median is a typical market price where half the homes sold for more, half sold for less.

According to CAAR president, Linda Nelson, GRI, GREEN, e-PRO, "The Capital Area housing market is very robust right now which is illustrated by the fact that home sales have increased year-over-year in the month of September for the fourth straight month. September home sales were the best since 2004 and the third best on record. Overall, prices have been holding up fairly well also with the median home sale price having increased in six of the last nine months." said Nelson.

The inventory of homes for sale at the end of September was 1,611, reflecting a 28.2 percent decrease from the 2,065 homes for sale during the same time last year. Current inventory levels stand at 1,563 homes, which continues at a four year low. The current inventory level reflects a 5.4 month supply at the average monthly sales pace for the past twelve months.

The number of sales pending at the end of September was 328, reflecting a 3.8 percent increase over the 316 sales pending at the same time in 2008. The average cumulative days on market in September of 2009 was 83 days reflecting a decrease of 13 days from the same month in 2008 and a decrease of 15 days from August of 2009. The average cumulative days on market for year-to-date through August of 2009 was 110 days, reflecting an increase of 4 days from the same period in 2008.

"During the month of September the $80,000-119,999 range was the fastest moving price range. In terms of the sheer number of units sold the $80,000-$159,999 price range was the most active. The $200,000 to $259,999 price range was very strong as well, said Nelson.

"Those first-time homebuyers that have recently entered into a contract to purchase are now racing against the clock to get their transaction closed by November 30, 2009 in order to take advantage of the first-time homebuyer tax credit. For those who haven't entered into a sales contract already it would be very difficult at this point to make the deadline," said Nelson.

"Unless we have turned the corner and are on our way toward a self-sustaining recovery in the housing market we'll likely see sales decline when the tax credit expires. As a result, REALTORS have been working hard to urge Congress to extend the tax credit beyond the fast-approaching deadline of December 1 to enable more people to take advantage of it and to help sustain the housing recovery," said Nelson.

The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. reported that the national average commitment rate for 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgages was 5.06 percent in September 2009, down from the 6.04 average rate during September of 2008.

Keeping Your Home Energy Efficient/ Rodent and Insect Free

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:09:46 -0500

Via Eric Middleton (Closer Look Property Inspections Inc.):

Rodents, and insects, like us humans are preparing for the cold months ahead. During this time of year, rodents and insects are looking for a warm,dry place to stay and reproduce. Sometimes we unknowingly invite them into our homes, a perfect place for them to spend the winter - rent free. It's important to check around your home, or potential home to see if there are areas that these pest can enter and take up residence.

Where to Look

Exterior Walls - The first place to check is around the exterior walls. If cracks are found that does not appear to be a structural concern, you can seal them with hydraulic sealant from your local hardware store. Check all wall penetrations and make sure they are sealed. The pictures below shows openings around some plumbing penetrations found on a home inspection, easy access for the local pests, cold air, and moisture to enter and spread germs, as well as energy lost.

For openings like this, spray foam works really well, and easy to use even a caveman... you get the point. Check around the bottom of exterior doors which is another area where pest and cold air will enter your home.

Chimneys - Chimneys should have chimney caps installed which will help prevent rodents and birds from building their nest resulting in a backdraft into your home.

Attics - If you have an attic, check that screens are in place at the attic louvers. Attics are often dark, warm, and dry, which is a perfect place for rodents to raise a family.

Following these simple steps will help keep your home or potential home energy efficient and rodent and insect free.

Closer Look Property Inspections Inc.

For laughs and cutness

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:01:30 -0500

Saw this video on the Bonnie Hunt Show and some of you may like too.............

http://www.bonniehunt.com/videos/player/rightrail/index.html?mediaKey=6f71d1d0-b612-4bf4-a698-7273eaa3ad29&isShareURL=true

Investors lap up Apple's 47 percent profit jump

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:44:23 -0500

By JESSICA MINTZ, AP

SEATTLE - Wall Street knew Apple Inc.'s results for the most recent quarter would blow past the company's guidance, but investors clearly weren't prepared for the 47 percent jump in profit that Apple delivered.

Shares skyrocketed to an all-time high in after-hours trading Monday evening on news that Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple sold more iPhone and Mac computers than ever.

Apple's financial report "reinforces my view that Apple is hands down the best technology company on the planet," said Broadpoint AmTech analyst Brian Marshall in an interview.

Apple unveiled a faster iPhone in June and cut the price of the previous generation of the phone to $99. Those moves boosted iPhone sales from July through September to 7.4 million devices, half a million more than in the same period of 2008, despite shortages of the newest iPhones that persisted through the quarter.

Apple weathered the economic meltdown better than other computer companies, giving it a running start when PC sales grew in the quarter. Apple had also updated its Mac operating system and refreshed its MacBook Pro line. Apple sold 3.1 million Macs, a 19 percent rise from the same period a year ago.

As Apple's iPhone, which has iPod features built in, has grown in popularity, Apple's regular iPod music player business has suffered. The company sold 10.2 million iPods in the quarter, 8 percent fewer than last year, even though Apple unveiled a new iPod Nano with a video camera in September.

But even with the number of iPods dropping, iPod revenue rose in the quarter. That means people are trading up, Marshall said - buying a Nano to replace a Shuffle, or an iPod Touch to replace a Nano. Revenue for the iPod Touch, which is like an iPhone without the phone, doubled from a year ago, Apple Chief Financial Officer Peter Oppenheimer said.

Apple is rumored to be working on a tablet-style computer that's a cross between a laptop and an iPhone or iPod Touch, but the company is notoriously secretive about new products. On a conference call, Apple executives boasted vaguely about the company's "amazing" future offerings and dropped one tantalizing indication something new might be coming in time for holiday shopping.

Apple typically spends more on air freight in the current quarter in order to make sure stores are stocked with iPods and other gadgets for the holidays, but this year, the increase is more than usual.

"I'm sorry I can't be specific on the product, but it's, it's, it's an abnormal sequential increase," Apple's chief operating officer, Tim Cook, said in response to a question from an analyst.

Apple said it earned $1.7 billion, or $1.82 per share, in its fiscal fourth quarter, which ended Sept. 26. Revenue jumped 25 percent to $9.9 billion.

For all of fiscal 2009, Apple said its profit rose 18 percent to $5.7 billion, or $5.36 per share. Revenue climbed 13 percent to $36.5 billion.

For the current quarter, Apple said it expects to earn $1.70 to $1.78 per share, well below the $1.91 that analysts are expecting, though the company traditionally gives extremely conservative guidance. Apple predicted revenue of $11.3 billion to $11.6 billion, while analysts are looking for $11.4 billion, according to a Thomson Reuters poll.

Wall Street shrugged off the profit guidance and sent the company's shares up $12.54, or 6.6 percent, to $202.40 in extended trading. At one point in the after-hours trading the stock climbed past $203. Adjusted for splits, Apple's highest price had been $202.96, reached Dec. 27, 2007.

Investors also are anticipating even more growth for the iPhone. Apple is set to officially begin selling iPhones in China on Oct. 30 and has plans to launch in South Korea during this quarter as well.

But Apple could hit snags in those countries in the first few months. The company struggled to supply enough of the newest iPhone 3GS to store shelves around the world over the summer. Cook said most of the shortages had eased, but he added that he wishes more iPhones were ready for the China launch.v

A ton of lanterns

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:45:51 -0500

By Anita Stienstra

Experience the glowing artistry of 2,000 hand-carved, illuminated jack-o-lanterns featuring the carving talents of area residents, artists and District 186 students. The hollow pumpkin lanterns decorate the carillon and botanical garden areas Friday and Saturday night, hosted by the Springfield Park District, Rees Carillon Society and Rees Memorial Carillon. Food vendors will be available. Free bus service offered from Sacred Heart Griffin.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Friday and Saturday,
Oct. 16-17
6-10pm
Rees Memorial Carillon
Washington Park
753-6219
$3-$5

Love The Irish

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:44:57 -0500

Paddy was driving down the street in a sweat because he had an important meeting and couldn't find a parking place. Looking up to heaven he said, 'Lord take pity on me. If you find me a parking place I will go to Mass every Sunday for the rest of me life and give up me Irish Whiskey!'

Miraculously, a parking place appeared.

Paddy looked up again and said, 'Never mind, I found one.'

Father Murphy walks into a pub in Donegal, and asks the first man he meets, 'Do you want to go to heaven?'

The man said, 'I do, Father.'

The priest said, 'Then stand over there against the wall.'

Then the priest asked the second man, 'Do you want to go to heaven?'

'Certainly, Father,' the man replied.

'Then stand over there against the wall,' said the priest.

Then Father Murphy walked up to O'Toole and asked, 'Do you want to go to heaven?'

O'Toole said, 'No, I don't Father.'

The priest said, 'I don't believe this. You mean to tell me that when you die you don't want to go to heaven?'

O'Toole said, 'Oh, when I die , yes. I thought you were getting a group together to go right now.'

Paddy was in New York .

He was patiently waiting and watching the traffic cop on a busy street crossing. The cop stopped the flow of traffic and shouted, 'Okay, pedestrians.' Then he'd allow the traffic to pass.

He'd done this several times, and Paddy still stood on the sidewalk.

After the cop had shouted, 'Pedestrians!' for the tenth time, Paddy went over to him and said, 'Is it not about time ye let the Catholics across?'

Gallagher opened the morning newspaper and was dumbfounded to read in the obituary column that he had died. He quickly phoned his best friend, Finney.

'Did you see the paper?' asked Gallagher. 'They say I died!!'

'Yes, I saw it!' replied Finney. 'Where are ye callin' from?'

An Irish priest is driving down to New York and gets stopped for speeding in Connecticut . The state trooper smells alcohol on the priest's breath and then sees an empty wine bottle on the floor of the car.

He says, 'Sir, have you been drinking?'

'Just water,' says the priest.

The trooper says, 'Then why do I smell wine?'

The priest looks at the bottle and says, 'Good Lord! He's done it again!'

Walking into the bar, Mike said to Charlie the bartender, 'Pour me a stiff one - just had another fight with the little woman.'

'Oh yeah?' said Charlie, 'And how did this one end?'

'When it was over,' Mike replied, 'She came to me on her hands and knees.'

'Really,' said Charles, 'Now that's a switch! What did she say?'

She said, 'Come out from under the bed, you little chicken.'

Patton staggered home very late after another evening with his drinking buddy, Paddy. He took off his shoes to avoid waking his wife, Kathleen.

He tiptoed as quietly as he could toward the stairs leading to their upstairs bedroom, but misjudged the bottom step. As he caught himself by grabbing the banister, his body swung around and he landed heavily on his rump. A whiskey bottle in each back pocket broke and made the landing especially painful.

Managing not to yell, Patton sprung up, pulled down his pants, and looked in the hall mirror to see that his butt cheeks were cut and bleeding. He managed to quietly find a full box of Band-Aids and began putting a Band-Aid as best he could on each place he saw blood.

He then hid the now almost empty Band-Aid box and shuffled and stumbled his way to bed.

In the morning, Patton woke up with searing pain in both his head and butt and Kathleen staring at him from across the room.

She said, 'You were drunk again last night weren't you?'

Patton said, 'Why you say such a mean thing?'

'Well,' Kathleen said, 'it could be the open front door, it could be the broken glass at the bottom of the stairs, it could be the drops of blood trailing through the house, it could be your bloodshot eyes, but mostly ....... it's all those Band-Aids stuck on the hall mirror.

Dude Perfect.............

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:38:42 -0500

Some increditble clips of the Dude Perfect popularity

Summer Camp Edition

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4giMyqv0qc

Worlds Longest Basketball Shot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W77uk1ejcpY

Ranch Edition Amazing Basketball Shots

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJBmQsIJjx8

Ford color data reveals quirks

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:18:50 -0500

By DEE-ANN DURBIN, AP

In Philadelphia, they've got the blues. In Cincinnati, they've got - well - the reds.

Cincinnati is the top market for red cars in the U.S., while Philly buyers prefer blue, according to sales data released Tuesday by Ford Motor Co.

Sometimes, color preferences are logical. Buyers in hot cities, like Phoenix and Dallas, like white cars, while buyers in colder cities, like Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Detroit, are partial to red, according to Ford's internal data. No-nonsense New Yorkers like black and gray.

Sometimes, the preferences are a puzzle. Boston is the top market for both brown and green cars, for example, while San Franciscans like silver. In Florida, they like gold.

Silver remained the most popular color in the U.S. this year for the ninth year in a row, according to data released this month by Pittsburgh-based paint maker PPG Industries Inc. Twenty percent of U.S. cars are silver. White finished second and black was third.

Ford also found that Boston was the top market for its four-cylinder engines, while Houston, the top market for pickup trucks, gets its vroom from V8s. San Francisco, Seattle and Los Angeles are the top markets for hybrids.

It may seem trivial, but the information is critical to the company and its dealers. Ford said it analyzes the data carefully to figure out which vehicle configurations will be the top sellers in any region.

Ford said the correct vehicle mix results in better sales for dealers and better customer service, since customers can find the vehicles they want more quickly.

Norman Mattoon Thomas

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:09:22 -0500

"The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism. But, under the name of "liberalism," they will adopt every fragment of the socialist program, until one day America will be a socialist nation, without knowing how it happened."?

He went on to say: "I no longer need to run as a Presidential Candidate for the Socialist Party. The Democrat Party has adopted our platform." Norman Mattoon Thomas (November 20, 1884 - Decemb... He went on to say: "I no longer need to run as a Presidential Candidate for the Socialist Party. The Democrat Party has adopted our platform."

Norman Mattoon Thomas
(November 20, 1884 - December 19, 1968)
Was a leading American socialist, pacifist, and six-time presidential candidate for the Socialist Party of America.

Biography of N.M.Thomas;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Mattoon_Thomas
(more)

"CITGO" IS CHANGING ITS NAME

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:03:39 -0500

IN ORLANDO LAST WEEK, AT A CITGO STATION, REGULAR GAS WAS PRICED AT$2.82 PER GALLON, AND NO CUSTOMERS.

HOWEVER, ACROSS THE STREET FUEL WAS SEL LING FOR $2.85  PER GALLON AND ALL PUMPS THERE HAD CARS WAITINGTO FUEL UP. What's going on? Word is getting around!!!!! Read on:

Have you noticed how the CITGO signs have disappeared in the past 7-8 months? A very clever move by Chavez.. But guess what, "CITGO" IS CHANGING ITS NAME, too....
This is serious, Americans,...make sure you read this very carefully.

NEWS FLASH:
Chavez is NOW getting a Russian Weapons Factory built by Putin. The RUSSIANS are building an AK -4 7 Kalashnikov Assault Rifle factory inVenezuela , to give armament support to Communist Rebel groups throughout the Americas ..

Chavez NOW has IRANIANS operating his  oil refineries in   Venezuela  for him. It is likely only a matter of time, if not already, before Chavez has Iranian built LONG RANGE missiles, with a variety of warhead types aimed at: Guess Who?
CITGO is NOW in the process of Changing Its Name to "PETRO EXPRESS"due to the loss of gasoline sales in the USA ...due to the recent publicity of ownership by Chavez of Venezuela.

Every dollar you spend with ''CITGO" or "PETRO EXPRESS" gasoline will be used against you, your basic human rights, and your freedoms. He will start wars here in the Americas .

ANNOUNCED JUST RECENTLY: "CITGO", BEING AWARE THAT SALES ARE DOWN DUE TO U.S. CUSTOMERS NOT WANTING TO BUY FROM 'CITGO-CHAVEZ', HAVE STARTED TO CHANGE THE NAME OF SOME OF THEIR STORES TO: 'PETRO EXPRESS'.  DO NOT BUY FROM "PETRO EXPRESS" EITHER!!!  'PETRO EXPRESS' IS ALSO 100% OWNED BY "CHAVEZ."
KEEP THIS MEMO GOING SO THAT EVERYONE KNOWS WHAT IS HAPPENING.
BOTTOM LINE,-- BOYCOTT "CITGO"  & "PETRO EXPRESS"please!!

PLEASE MAKE SURE THIS IS PASSED ON TO EVERYONE IN YOUR E-MAIL LIST IN THE UNITED STATES AND OUTSIDE OF AMERICA

Bladeless electric fan

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:17:54 -0500

launched by Dyson

By Paul Taylor

First there was the bagless vacuum cleaner, then the towel-less hand dryer: Now James Dyson, the British inventor, has developed a bladeless electric fan which goes on sale on Tuesday in the US and Australia.

The Dyson Air Multiplier fan - which looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie - uses advancements in airflow engineering instead of traditional blades to ‘multiply' air 15 times and push out 119 gallons of smooth and uninterrupted air every second.

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Paul Taylor's Gadget Guru page - Oct-13

As a result, Dyson claims the bladeless fan, which works by forcing a jet of air out of a narrow circular slit and then over an aerofoil-shaped blade, is at least as efficient as its bladed counterpart, more comfortable and much safer.

Conventional electric fans have gone largely unchanged for years," notes Mr Dyson. "The fundamental problem has remained the same for more than 125 years - the blades ‘chop' the air creating an uneven airflow and unpleasant buffeting."

Mr Dyson and his team of fluid dynamics engineers developed the technology behind the bladeless fan after studying the performance of an earlier Dyson invention, the Dyson Airblade commercial hand dryer that uses sheets of clean air travelling at 400mph to dry hands far more quickly and efficiently than rivals.

A team of fluid dynamics engineers spent four years running hundreds of simulations to precisely measure and optimise the machine's circular aperture and airfoil-shaped ramp before perfecting Dyson's Air Multiplier technology.

"We realised that this inducement, or amplification, effect could be further enhanced by passing airflow over a ramp," says Mr Dyson. "And of course this was the point where the idea of a bladeless fan became a real possibility. Here was a way to create turbulent-free air ¬and finally do away with blades."

The new fan works by drawing air into the base of the machine. The air is forced up into the loop amplifier and accelerated through the 1.3mm annular aperture, creating a jet of air that hugs the airfoil-shaped ramp. While exiting the loop amplifier, the jet pulls air from behind the fan into the airflow (inducement). At the same time, the surrounding air from the front and sides of the machine are forced into the air stream (entrainment), amplifying it 15 times. The result is a constant uninterrupted flow of cooling air.

The Dyson Air Multiplier is powered by an energy efficient brushless motor and air speed can be precisely adjusted with a dimmer switch. It will be available in two sizes, a 10-inch model costing $300 and a 12-inch model costing $330.

Drop Dementia Risk with This Protein

Roy T Robinette (the Real Estate Firm) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:34:29 -0500

Imagine a brain so uncertain, you have to rely on others to tell you what to do and when to do it. Now imagine a protein source that helps you avoid that scenario.

The source? Fish. A recent study suggests that eating fish a few times a week may reduce dementia risk by as much as 19 percent!

Fish Fat Does You Favors
How does fish do it? It's not the protein. Credit those lovely omega-3 fatty acids found in our finned friends. Researchers believe these fats somehow protect cognitive function. And if you use fish to replace some of the red meat in your diet, all the better. Too much red meat may increase the risk of dementia, the same study suggests.

By RealAge