Could the Center for Disease Control and Preventions blog post, "Preparedness 101- Zombie Apocalypse" be the best blog post of 2011?
Just before Christmas, I was at a BierWerks, a pub in Woodland Park listening to the Mike Maddux Band.All of the people in my group loved to run and we talked a lot about running. Then, one of the ladies in my group, an engineer, started talking about the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) article about preparing for a zombie apocalypse. She wondered could a zombie apocalypse really occur.Now, a lot of the Army guys I work with LOVE talking about zombies and how they would fight them.They get so excited about it that you would think that zombies are real.Generally, I’ve always just kind of tuned them out.Zombies aren’t really real.Are they?Anyway, the engineer’s comments about the CDC peaked my curiosity.
The next day I did a Google search.Sure enough there really was a blog post last May about preparing for a Zombie Apocalypse.The post was so popular that at one point that the blog's server crashed.And…..7 months later people are sitting in a bar talking about a Center for Disease Control blog post.
The blog, released just before hurricane season on May 16 by Dr. Ali Khan, was designed to be a “tongue in cheek campaign to engage new audiences in disaster preparation. See: Preparedness-101 ZombieApocalypse, It turned out to be a wildly successful.As of today, thepost had 700 comments.Prior to the blog post, the CDC reportedly had 12,000 followers on Twitter.Two days after the post, they had 1.2 million followers.As of today, the CDC has over 1.325 million Twitter followers.http://twitter.com/CDCemergency
Why has this blog post been so popular?The pictures?The great disaster preparedness checklist?The zombie history?The humor behind it?
How can this post help us in the real estate community?
2. Do you know who the target audience is that you are trying to reach with your blog?Are your blog posts geared towards that audience? Be willing to think out of the box.
Hi, I see you are staring at my boots. Yeah…they are kind of worn, but they still look good with a skirt.Lol.You see….I’m a Realtor and these boots have covered a lot of miles helping buyers find their dream property.They’ve dodged a lot of cow patties, they’ve walked through many barns and stables, they’ve helped me jump over cattle guards and creeks.They’ve been relegated to the front porch while I’ve been inside the homes.They’ve been covered with dew while I was trying to get the best photographs of properties – which is frequently VERY early in the morning.
You know, I bought these boots after I sold a house with a few acres within four months that other Realtor’s thought would end up in a foreclosure rather than at a closing. So, these boots are pretty special. Granted, it is just more than the boots.I’ve been fortunate to work with sellers that trusted my advice.In many ways, sellers and their Realtor are working as partners.
Why do I wear my boots with a skirt?Well, I always try to dress like the professional that I am.There have been times in the past that I’ve been teaching real estate classes, doing financial consultingor showing property in town where boots and jeans really aren’t appropriate.But, I will bend over backwards to help sellers get their homes sold.If that means meeting a buyer’s Realtor out a property on short notice to point out the property lines, the septic tank, or whatever, I’ll do what I need to.Stepping in a cow patty in boots is a LOT better than stepping in a cow patty in sandles or dress shoes. I choose boots.
I’m Sondra Meyer with Century 21 Curbow Realty. You know, enthusiasm is contagious. If you or a friend are planning to sell or buy a country property....I highly recommend you choose someone that knows and loves country properties. Even if they are wearing a trusty pair of old boots.
P.S. I can't remember the last time that I actually, inadvertently stepped in a cow patty. However, the memory of the mushy stuff going between my toes is enough to remind me to put on my boots every single time I walk out in a pasture...just in case.
Yesterday, an October snow storm swept through the Colorado Springs area. Fortunately, I did not have to deal with any crises since my water pipes had been wrapped and the tender plants were in. After having lived in College Station, Texas, where it rarely snows, I thought the snow was pretty exciting.
Granted, I was disappointed that I had to work. I would rather have been able to enjoy the snowy day at home with a cup of hot chocolate and a toasty fire. I still managed to take a few photos.
The snow and the cold weather makes me look forward to catching up on some of the indoor chores that I've put off.
It makes me look forward to the rapidly approaching holidays. It makes me look forward to planning for next year. The first snow makes me realize that winter has arrived.
What does the first snow mean to you?
This "Rearing Horse" sculpture, by Don Green, is one of my favorite sculptures that I have found in the Colorado Springs area. It is located between Centennial Hall and the Pikes Peak Fine Arts Center in downtown Colorado Springs.
I know the economy has been tough, but that doesn't mean that you have to stop planning and dreaming. Could your home simply benefit from a little updating or new landscaping? Is your house or apartment allowing you to live each day to the fullest or is it cramping your style? If you have children, is your home located in a good school district?
Do you have enough room to entertain family and friends? Is it too big or too small? Do you spend too much time commuting? Or, are you ready to get away from the city? Are you dreaming of a quiet place in the country or in the mountains?
Take time to dream. Take time to plan for the future.
This morning, I took this photograph from my porch at the Cactus Creek Ranch. The Cactus Creek Ranch is located midway between Colorado Springs and Pueblo. The ranch offers a horse motel and full care horse boarding.
Despite all the doom and gloom that you hear on the news, land IS selling in the Colorado Springs area.In fact, 7 more land transactions closed this year between June 1 and Sept. 29 as compared to the same time period last year.Over the last four months, 34 land transactions closed as compared to 27 last year.Additionally, more expensive tracts have been selling this year.
The source of my data is from the Pikes Peak MLS.It may not include all transactions that occurred.For a sale to qualify to be listed in this particular snapshot, the land had to be in El Paso County and be a minimum of two acres.
Land values in the Colorado Springs area vary GREATLY based on location and whether or not the property is in a subdivision.For example, the rolling plains properties sell for significantly less per acre than the mountain properties.
Other factors that affect price include the quality of road access, fencing and the availability of water and utilities.
Land Sales June 1 – Sept 29, 2011
Sold Date
MLS #
City/Town
Acres
List Price
Sold Price
Cumulative
DOM
6/1/2011
551006
Yoder
33.45
24,000
20,000
429
6/3/2011
619974
Colorado Springs
2.5
95,000
85,000
277
6/7/2011
757687
Colorado Springs
2.23
650,000
650,000
326
6/8/2011
649500
Monument
5.36
149,000
138,000
7
6/15/2011
763137
Peyton
2.51
57,000
57,000
45
6/16/2011
437488
Colorado Springs
6.64
175,000
167,500
723
6/16/2011
673066
Monument
2.5
75,000
70,000
210
6/17/2011
660409
Colorado Springs
5.01
100,000
92,000
373
6/20/2011
638439
Colorado Springs
2.5
175,000
150,000
95
6/27/2011
657928
Colorado Springs
35.07
378,000
300,000
511
6/29/2011
651031
Colorado Springs
2.5
95,000
75,000
277
6/29/2011
668060
Fountain
4.85
137,900
122,000
321
6/30/2011
622179
Monument
2.5
180,000
180,000
1428
7/5/2011
648884
Peyton
39.31
85,000
167,000
54
7/6/2011
665712
Colorado Springs
4.53
200,000
185,000
312
7/28/2011
664961
Colorado Springs
3.61
88,000
80,000
78
7/28/2011
744789
Peyton
5.11
150,000
130,000
20
7/28/2011
674534
Peyton
5
60,000
60,000
279
7/29/2011
679322
Chipita Park
35
300,000
300,000
259
8/11/2011
666154
Colorado Springs
2.5
99,000
75,000
538
8/15/2011
780829
Peyton
5.49
69,000
60,000
7
8/16/2011
663820
Black Forest
5.16
210,000
190,000
145
8/18/2011
640862
Monument
2.51
190,000
130,000
127
8/19/2011
619580
Monument
2.84
82,500
65,000
274
8/26/2011
504853
Colorado Springs
160
1,040,000
1,000,000
188
8/26/2011
602346
Yoder
35.52
19,500
16,000
184
8/30/2011
522860
Colorado Springs
23.52
385,000
350,000
306
8/31/2011
566743
Monument
3.28
212,000
212,000
1149
9/2/2011
670596
Colorado Springs
40
27,995
22,500
44
9/7/2011
497838
Colorado Springs
2.64
385,000
230,000
1145
9/23/2011
620072
Colorado Springs
5.06
89,900
78,000
189
9/28/2011
742432
Peyton
5
69,900
62,000
10
9/29/2011
784163
Monument
2.78
169,000
150,000
74
9/29/2011
666726
Peyton
5.01
87,500
75,000
120
The property that sold for the most per acre was in the highly sought after area of the Broadmoor Hotel.
The 160 acre tract was in El Paso County. However, it had to be accessed via Rampart Range Rd in Woodland Park, Teller County. It is a very nice property. The photograph above was taken on that property.(No, my client was not the buyer.)
The source of this data is from the Pikes Peak MLS.It may not include all transactions that occurred.For a sale to qualify to be listed in this snapshot, the land had to be in El Paso County and be a minimum of two acres.
For more detailed information, please contact your Realtor. If you are not working with a Realtor, do not hesitate to call or email me. I'll be glad to help you however I can.
The Royal Gorge is Colorado’s equivalent of the Grand Canyon. Not only is it a breath taking sight, it also boasts the world's highest suspension bridge at a height of 1,053 feet. The Arkansas River runs through the canyon. The Royal Gorge, in Canon, is about 45 minutes to the south-west of Colorado Springs.
This Saturday, October 1, 2011, is the second annual 5K/10K race at the Royal Gorge . It is called the Rim to Rim - Royal Gorge Run.All proceeds from the race will go Star Point. This group provides essential services to children and adults with cognitive and physical challenges. Starpoint serves Fremont, Chaffee, Custer, Denver and Jefferson Counties. The proceeds from this race are going to a very worthy cause.
Both the 5K and 10K races will cover a challenging and scenic course.The downhill finish concludes with runners racing across the Royal Gorge Bridge. Check out the race website for more information: Rim to Rim - Royal Gorge Run.
The picture below shows some of cables on the suspension bridge.
If you are not into running, consider seeing the Royal Gorge area on the back of a sure footed mule. Watts Mule Company, which is located at the Royal Gorge, offers rides.
I'm VERY, VERY disappointed that I'm not going to be able to run this race due to the broken big toe. However, I'm still planning on going out and visiting Watts Mule Company.
Palmer Lake, Co, is a quaint little town located to the north of Colorado Springs at the northern edge of El Paso County.Palmer Lake is an easy commute to both Colorado Springs and Denver.There is usually a decent selection of homes for sale to include a horse properties.
The homes in Palmer Lake allow you to truly feel like you are living the Colorado experience.
In Palmer Lake, you have mountains and rock formations.You have lots of trees and lots of views.Deer walk down the street going from yard to yard.While living in Palmer Lake, I saw my first fox.I also saw my first chipmunks.
The area has trails that are popular with cyclists, long distance runners, and horse back riders. Motorcycle riders also enjoy the scenic drive though Palmer Lake.
There are a few award winning restaurants in Palmer Lake that are very worthy of the drive even if you don’t live in Palmer Lake. Those will be featured in future posts. Well, I will admitt that O'Malley's Steak Pub is my favorite.
The story goes something like this: The Realtor and the potential home buyers are walking through a home. They walk into a spacious room that has a refrigerator, a stove, an oven, and a sink.
The Realtor says, “This is the kitchen.” As they proceed through the house, similar statements are made about other rooms.
Now really, how much value does that add to the showing?
Are some Realtors stating an obvious fact as a way to kill the silence? Silence is not a bad thing when a buyer prospect is looking at homes.It allows their minds and imaginations to process what they are seeing.
Instead, why not engage the buyer prospect and listen to what they say? For example, as you walk into the kitchen you immediately notice avocado green appliances.You could say, “Look!….This kitchen has avocado green appliances just like your current home!What do you think about that?” (The more you know about your clients, the easier this will be.)
Their response will help you determine how you can best help them. Maybe they love the retro look.Maybe you will need to help them negotiate an allowance for new appliances if they like the rest of the house. Maybe this just isn’t going to be the home for them.
New agents: practice showing homes.Pay attention to what is coming out of your mouth.Work on engaging the client. Listen to the client.
Experienced agents:Don’t be afraid of silence. Work on listening to your client.
I’ve noticed that people love talking about their past real estate experiences. The most common complaint I hear is that one or more Realtors wouldn’t listen to them.
As a Texas Aggie, class of 1994, that is currently living in Colorado Springs, how could I not re-blog this?
There is so much pride and tradition that goes along with Texas A&M and Texas A&M football. The video clip that Russel chose does a good job of reflecting some of that pride - at least from an Aggie's point of view. Plus, Russel included a lot of history in this post.
Thanks Russel for such a wonderful post. I"m glad that I've got the opportunity to re-blog it.
In recognition of yesterday's unanimous confirmation by the Presidents and Chancellors of the 12 universities of the Southeastern Conference that Texas A&M University would become a full member as of July 1, 2012, competing in all sports, I present the Fighting Texas Aggie Band performing the Texas Aggie War Hymn:
Hullabaloo Caneck Caneck, also knows as The Aggie War Hymn, was written in by J.V. "Pinky" Wilson, one of many hundreds of Aggies who interrupted their college education to fight in World War I. Wilson combined several Aggie yells into a song titled "Good-bye to Texas University." Wilson's quartet sang it frequently around campus and Bryan/College Station.
In 1920 Wilson was convinced by several Aggie Yell Leaders to submit it as an entry in a contest for a new fight song. The song was officially adopted that fall, after Wilson had graduated.
Those familiar with the military will recognize the war hymn as beginning with Recall, an old military bugle call, in two different keys. Those two keys were used by the U.S. Army during World War I, the M1894 Field Trumpet in B-flat (aka, the "Trench Bugle") and the M1896 Field Trumpet in G, which is the "bugle" still in use today.
Texas A&M was founded as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, although it was a full military school, maintaining that status until 1963. As with many schools in the South, it was also a segregated male school. The name was changed to Texas A&M University in 1963, and women and African-Americans were admitted shortly afterwards.
The original song is actually the second verse of the hymn; in 1928, Wilson wrote another verse at the request of several Aggie students who thought the original was too focused on the Aggies' rivalry with the University of Texas. The additional lyrics comprise what is now the first verse of the song. However, the first verse has never caught on, in part because many felt it sounded too much like an Ivy League song, and Texas A&M is everything except Ivy League. In practice, the second verse is usually sung twice.
The second verse opens with "Goodbye to texas university," a reference to the University of Texas, more popular known among Aggies as "texas university", or "t.u." After all, the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas was established in 1871 as the first public institution of higher education in the state of Texas. Doors opened for classes on October 4, 1876. Texas University had its first classes in 1883.
In 1997, The Aggie War Hymn was rated as the No. 1 college fight song by USA Today. It was also used by Gerry Griffin, NASA Flight Director and head of the Johnson Space Center in Houston, to wake up astronauts in space from 1983 to 1995. Griffin is a Texas Aggie, Class of 1956. The song was also used as a wakeup call on Day 11 of the space shuttle Discovery's mission to the International Space Station in 2006, specificaly for Texas A&M former student and mission specialist Mike Fossum, Texas A&M Class of 1980.
Texas A&M University is the sixth-largest university in the United States in terms of enrollment with 50,050 students for Fall 2011. It is one of only a few universities that have land grand, sea grant, and space grant status and ranks in the top 20 American research institutes in terms of funding. The main campus is one of the largest in America with 5,500 acres. The George H. W. Bush Presidential Library is located on campus.
Texas A&M University is a Senior Military College and one of only three public universities with a full-time, volunteer Corpos of Cadets. The Corps currently number about 2,400 students and provides more commissioned officers to the United States Armed Forces than any other school outside of the five service academies.
Colorado Springs is located between the front range of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains.
Initially, the plains are not as breath takingly beautiful or as awe inspiring as the Rocky Mountains, Pikes Peak or Garden of the Gods.
(The picture above is of the Fountain Valley School, a private college preparatory school founded in 1929 that lies south east of Colorado Springs. The school has both an English and Western equestrian program. The school is nestled in the trees. Their horse facilities are VERY nice. )
Yet when the sun goes down, the sky that can be seen from the Great Plains steals the show.
The nice thing about Colorado Springs is that you can enjoy both the mountains, the city and the plains....all in the same day.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
see….I’m a Realtor and these boots have covered a lot of miles helping buyers find their dream property. They’ve dodged a lot of cow patties, they’ve walked through many barns and stables, they’ve helped me jump over cattle guards and creeks.
Why do I wear my boots with a skirt?
The homes in Palmer Lake allow you to truly feel like you are living the Colorado experience.
The story goes something like this: The Realtor and the potential home buyers are walking through a home. They walk into a spacious room that has a refrigerator, a stove, an oven, and a sink.
Posted by 
Hullabaloo Caneck Caneck, also knows as The Aggie War Hymn, was written in by J.V. "Pinky" Wilson, one of many hundreds of Aggies who interrupted their college education to fight in World War I. Wilson combined several Aggie yells into a song titled "Good-bye to Texas University." Wilson's quartet sang it frequently around campus and Bryan/College Station.
Texas A&M was founded as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, although it was a full military school, maintaining that status until 1963. As with many schools in the South, it was also a segregated male school. The name was changed to Texas A&M University in 1963, and women and African-Americans were admitted shortly afterwards.
In 1997, The Aggie War Hymn was rated as the No. 1 college fight song by USA Today. It was also used by Gerry Griffin, NASA Flight Director and head of the Johnson Space Center in Houston, to wake up astronauts in space from 1983 to 1995. Griffin is a Texas Aggie, Class of 1956. The song was also used as a wakeup call on Day 11 of the space shuttle Discovery's mission to the International Space Station in 2006, specificaly for Texas A&M former student and mission specialist Mike Fossum, Texas A&M Class of 1980.
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