HAFA is another one of those terms thrown about in Short Sale discussions and pronounced Hoffa or Halfa. It has not been the most successful of the Short Sale program attempts but is far more successful than the loan modification programs. No matter how you choose to pronounce it, the letters stand for Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative. HAFA sets a structured time frame for the Short Sale process but does not always hit their own goals. None the less, the financial incentive to homeowner's is a powerful carrot to dangle as the journey is long and stressful to a successful closing. But when it does happen, it is sweet!

     This video speaks of love, sacrifice and bravery- both for those men and women in our armed forces and those they leave behind. Everyday those serving in our armed forces risk their lives to bring peace and stability to other regions of the world and to ensure that ours is kept here in the USA. They have marketable skills, they have training and educational backgrounds- they are employable- they could pursue an easier job back home, but they sacrifice for you and for me.  It costs them, it costs their families and I am so grateful that they willing go forth no matter what the cost. Their bravery and courage should be an example to us all.

     I want to say a thank you from my heart and know that I will do my small part to help the families in my area that bravely wait for their loved ones to come home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Name that photo ......... ?

 photograph by Robert Swetz (Vegas Bob) 2009

 

To my C-21 friends ~ my apologies!

Summer is winding down but the number of stinging insects, such as yellow jackets and wasps, flying through the air, have not. In my case getting stung results in a big ouch, temporary redness, swelling and itching at the site of the sting. Hoewever for a small number of people with severe venom allergy,  these stings may be life-threatening.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) and the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) urge people who suffer from a stinging insect allergy to take extra precautions and to carry epinephrine with them at all times.

"September through October is prime sting season; a nest that had a few dozen yellow jackets in July may have thousands in late September" said David B.K. Golden, MD, Fellow of the AAAAI and member of the AAAAI's Insect Allergy Committee. "Therefore, be careful when doing yard work or attending football games this fall."

Up to 5% of Americans are at risk for severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reactions from stinging insects. Unfortunately, most people are not aware that they are allergic to insect stings until after experiencing a reaction.

When an allergic person is stung, his or her body produces an antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). The venom reacts with the IgE antibodies which trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic reactions. Severe allergic reactions to insect stings can involve many body organs and may develop rapidly. This reaction is called anaphylaxis.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis are:

• Itching and hives over large areas of the body
• Swelling in the throat or tongue
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Diarrhea 
• In severe cases, a rapid fall in blood pressure may result in shock or loss of consciousness

The AAAAI's Insect Allergy Committee recommends the following tips to avoid insect stings:

• Stay out of the "territory" of stinging insects' nests
• Hire a trained exterminator to destroy nest and hives near your home
• Don't drink from a straw or can that you cannot see inside of, this is a favorite place for yellow jackets to hide
• Do not swat at stinging insects if encountered by them
• Avoid wearing heavy perfume and brightly colored clothing outdoors
• Keep all food covered outside until eaten

In my area of the Brainerd Lakes in Minnesota, ground nests are common and difficult to find until you disturb one ( then run like the wind). Yellowjackets also love piles of old hay or straw. They nest under stairs, in dark cavities and get particularly annoyed by vibrations.

Play safe , they do not play nice!

When the former President Boris Yeltsin of Russia was buried, he had a Russian Orthodox service.  This is the first time in over a century that in Russia a deceased head of state was bid a religious farewell.

The memorial service was held in central Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral and was attended by our former U.S. Presidents George H.W.Bush and Clinton along with dignitaries from many countries.

Was the name of Christ spoken-was the plan of Salvation talked through- did those in charge of the religious parts of this service speak truth to the living?

Funerals are for the living. At a funeral there is a somewhat captive audience that normally ,at least a few of which , wouldn't set foot in church on a Sunday. Don't waste this opportunity. Speak life to the living!

 

 

 

 

Photo by lyng883

 This is the first in the series of quotes to start out your New Year with wit.

                    
             
The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of the blessings. The inherent blessing of socialism is the equal sharing of misery.
     -Winston Churchill


                
The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin.
    -Mark  Twain

                       
The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools.   
-Herbert Spencer, English  Philosopher (1820-1903)


              
There is no distinctly Native American criminal class...save Congress. 
 -Mark  Twain 
    

                             
What this country needs are more unemployed politicians.
    -Edward Langley,  Artist (1928 -  1995) 

           
                   
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
    -Thomas  Jefferson