Welcome to the New Year! 2011

It is time for change, renewal, and celebration.
The great thing about today is that yesterday is gone.
You can't go back and undo things you have done, but you can embrace today and look toward the future with hope.

Build on yesterday's success and learn from yesterday's failures.
Live in today.

Have a "Great and Prosperous" New Year!

Birmingham area night owls can catch total lunar eclipse tonight

If the weather is clear tonight, the sky may turn spectacular after midnight as the moon sails through a total eclipse.

Total lunar eclipses are dramatic and visually compelling. Often the moon looks red-orange because sunlight, which is bent as it moves through the Earth's atmosphere, has its blue wavelengths scattered away, leaving only the warmer hues.

"Many people also find that the eclipsed moon looks much more three-dimensional, hanging in front of the background stars, than the dazzling full moon does," said Bill Keel, professor in the physics and astronomy department at the University of Alabama. "There is much more of a sense that this is a ball."

Depending on the amount of clouds and volcanic dust in the atmosphere where the sunlight is bent, the moon could also appear dark gray.

Keel will hold a public eclipse watch beginning at 11 tonight and continuing through 3 a.m. Since the moon doesn't begin to move into the Earth's shadow until 12:33 a.m., visitors will first have a chance to look at the massive planet Jupiter.

Total eclipse begins about 1:41 a.m. and lasts until about 2:53 a.m., according to the website MrEclipse.com.

If people stay late enough, they will also have the chance to see the massive ringed planet Saturn after it rises, Keel said.

"The eclipse is a chance to watch orbital motions play out," Keel said. "And lunar eclipses were the first evidence that the Earth is round, because the shadow of Earth is curved as it moves across the face of the moon."

Also tonight, University of Montevallo professors will photograph the moon at the James Wylie Shepherd Observatory, said Michael Patton, one of the professors. The observatory's 20-inch scope will be tied up with cameras, but public visitors can look at the eclipse through a smaller telescope and some very good binoculars, Patton said. The observatory is three miles from the main campus.

"Weather permitting, we will be there by 12:30 a.m. and will stay until the end or until we fall asleep," Patton said. "If it is cold, visitors should dress appropriately and consider bringing hot chocolate."

A lunar eclipse is a long event, and most people just view part of it, Patton said.

"The most exciting parts for most people are the very beginning and the end," he said, "along with the exact halfway point."

A BURNING DESIRE TO BE AND TO DO IS THE STARTING POINT FROM WHICH THE DREAMER MUST TAKE OFF.

Many years ago, the commencement speaker at a prestigious university asked all members of the graduating class who had a definite plan for their lives to hold up their hands. As he looked around the room, only three hands were raised. Twenty-five years later, when the class held a reunion, the combined net worth of those three individuals exceeded that of the remainder of the class. People who know where they are going always achieve far greater levels of success than those who merely drift through life, expecting circumstances to create opportunities for them. Successful people create their own opportunities by focusing on goals with an intensity that borders on obsession. In this way, every action moves them toward their goal.

Recipe for Christmas All Year Long!

Recipe for Christmas All Year Long


Take a heap of child-like wonder
That opens up our eyes
To the unexpected gifts in life—
Each day a sweet surprise.


Mix in fond appreciation
For the people whom we know;
Like festive Christmas candles,
Each one has a special glow.


Add some giggles and some laughter,
A dash of Christmas food,
(Amazing how a piece of pie
Improves our attitude!)


Stir it all with human kindness;
Wrap it up in love and peace,
Decorate with optimism, and
Our joy will never cease.


If we use this healthy recipe,
We know we will remember
To be in the Christmas spirit,
Even when it's not December.


By Joanna Fuchs

Have a Merry Christmas and a Outstanding New Year!

More Fun Reading....Poinsettia History...

What is the History of the Poinsettia Plant???

Click on this link to learn more about the interesting history.

Top Ten Skiing Resorts !!

Check out this weather.....Let's go Skiing !!!

Can You Believe...it's that time of year !!! It is so much fun to select and cut your own Christmas Tree !!!

Archivist Marvin Whiting remembered for making Birmingham's history accessible

Cyber Shopping??? Check out these "Top Toys for Christmas 2010"

Call, Click or Come By....visit us at The Custom Homes @ Ross Bridge !!

Fall Maintenance Tips from Home Warranty of America

Outdoor and Indoor Fall Home Maintenance Tips

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Fall Home Maintenance Tips from HWA
October 25, 2010 - Fall is, for many, the most enjoyable of all the seasons. One reason for this time of year's popularity is its short timespan. As the temperatures steadily decline and days get shorter, the cold winter days get closer and closer.
While you are out enjoying the fall colors, pumpkin farms and Halloween activities, take some time to prep your home - both indoor and outdoor - for winter with the below fall home maintenance tips!

Outdoor Fall Maintenance Tips
1.Clear debris out of you window wells, gutters, downspouts, and storm drains. This will allow the water to properly drain, minimizing standing water and stalling the freeze and thaw expansion process that often occurs during colder months.
2.Make sure the weather stripping on your windows and doors fit and is in good condition.
3.Clean your windows. Sparkling clean windows let in lots of sunlight that will help chase away winter's doldrums.
4.Look for broken or cracked glass and damaged screens or storm windows. Also, check for loose putty around glass panes.
5.Remove garden hoses from spouts, drain and store for the winter.
6.Check painted surfaces for water damage or mildew.
7.Insulate outdoor faucets, pipes in unheated garages, and pipes in crawl spaces with materials such as rags or newspapers.
8.Keep rodents out. In the winter months, all kinds of critters will be looking for a cozy spot. They don't need a lot of space to get into or under your home. Make sure all exterior vents are screened, and that there are no gaps underneath garage doors. Pet doors are another favorite access point for rodents.
9.Make sure your snow shovels and/or snow blower are in good shape. Check your shovel handle for possible cracks or breaks. Have the routine maintenance performed on your snow blower.
10.Fall is also the time to remove window screens and store in a safe place such as your basement or garage. Install storm windows to insure proper heating efficiency.
Indoor Maintenance Tips
1.Get your heating system checked by a professional.
2.Replace your furnace filter.
3.Clean out any dust that has accumulated in vents to reduce exposure to indoor pollutants and cut down on winter colds.
4.Make sure you have proper insulation in both your attic and basement. While checking your insulation, if you see any dark, dirty spots, it may indicate you have air leaks coming into your home.
5.Remove hair from drains in sinks, tubs, and showers.
6.Test all smoke alarms and clean dust from the covers. Replace batteries as necessary.
7.Test all ground-fault circuit interrupters, especially after electrical storms.
8.Check your home around windows and doors for air leaks. An easy way to check for leaks is to move a lighter around the window or door frame and see if the flame moves with a breeze. If you find a leak, you can caulk it or you may have to replace the wood frame. Repairing these leaks can save you money on your energy bill during the cold months.
9.Don't ignore your hose bibs and learn the location of your pipes as well as how to shut off the water. If your pipes end up freezing, you'll have a better chance of preventing a burst if you can quickly shut water off.
10.Clean and reverse ceiling fans. Reset fans for the winter routine by giving fan blades a thorough dusting, and then switch them to a clockwise spin in order to push warm air downward from the ceiling.

Meet one of our Custom Home Builders, Steve Oster !!

Call us to schedule your personal session with one of our Custom Home Builders, Steve Oster, to discuss building your dream home in Bellevue or Glasscott @ Ross Bridge !!!

As We Approach Thanksgiving.....

Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Featuring Custom Home Builder: Scott Masters

Call us to schedule your personal session with one of our Custom Home Builders, Scott Masters, to discuss building your dream home in Butler Springs or Glasscott @ Ross Bridge !!!

Today We Celebrate Our Veterans...

Thank you to our Veteran’s, past and present. We owe all of our veterans our thanks and respect on this day and everyday. We appreciate all you do and the sacrifices you make for our freedom. God Bless America!!

OPPORTUNITY NEVER SNEAKS UP ON THOSE WHO STRADDLE THE FENCE OF INDECISION

Successful people are decisive people. When opportunities come their way, they evaluate them carefully, make a decision, and take appropriate action. They know that indecision wastes time that could be spent on more productive tasks. They also avoid unnecessary risks by implementing their decisions gradually. They don’t attempt to make every decision at the beginning. Each action is contingent upon the success of the one that preceded it. Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s wisest men, is said to have used a simple method to make difficult decisions. He drew a line down the center of a sheet of paper, and on one side he listed the "pros" of the decision; on the other, he listed the "cons." In addition to simplifying the decision-making process, the list also served as a graphic illustration of the advantages and disadvantages of any decision, regardless of its complexity. The impact of the decision could then be quickly and easily assessed.

FAA approves use of $62 million toward Birmingham-Shuttlesworth airport renovations

Don't Forget To Change Your Clocks !!!

Today is Election Day....Don't Forget to Vote !!!!

Featuring One Of The Custom Home Builders @ Butler Springs & Glasscott - Kyle Murphy !!!

Call us to schedule your personal session with Kyle to discuss building your dream home !!

Beautiful Custom Home In Bellevue $399,900 WOW !!

If He Can Do It...So Can We...Great Exercise Video !!!

ABILITY IS GREATER THAN MONEY BECAUSE IT CAN BE NEITHER LOST NOR STOLEN

If you study the lives of very successful people, you will find that they rarely climb to the top of their business or profession and stay there. They often climb to the top and fall to the bottom several times during their careers, but they know that the one thing that got them where they are - their ability - is always there to help them reach the top again. Your ability is the one things that you own exclusively; no one can ever take it from you.

The Legendary Shots: Hot Air Balloon Shot at Birmingham Railroad Park & The World's Farthest Basketball Shot at Vulcan Park

The Law of Success - Enthusiasm by Nepoleon Hill

The Law of Success - Enthusiasm by Napoleon Hill

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: "Nothing great is ever achieved without enthusiasm."

And frequent repetition has not blemished the truth of the old statement that "nothing is so catching as enthusiasm." Enthusiasm is the "radio wave" by which you transmit your personality to other persons. It is more powerful than logic, reason or rhetoric in getting your ideas across and in winning others to your viewpoint.

A highly successful sales manager says enthusiasm is the single most important trait of a good sales man -- provided it is sincere and forthright. "When you shake hands, put something extra into it that will make the other fellow feel you are genuinely happy to see him," he says.

A word of caution is necessary. Nothing is quite so phony as false enthusiasm -- the excessively energetic, overwhelming display that bears its own stamp of falsity. An example of how your own enthusiasm can carry you to the heights of great success is afforded in the career of Jennings Randolph. After graduating from Salem College in West Virginia, Randolph went into politics and waged such a forceful campaign that he was elected, over an older and more experienced opponent, in a landslide. Because of his success in influencing fellow representatives, President Franklin D. Roosevelt chose him to steer special wartime legislation through the House.

In a private popularity survey conducted by a group of Washington professional men, Roosevelt and Randolph were voted unanimously as the most charming personalities in government service at the time - but Randolph took the lead over the president in connection with his capacity to influence others with his boundless enthusiasm. After 14 years in Congress, Randolph accepted one of the many offers he received from private industry.

He became assistant to the president of Capital Airlines, while the company was operating in the red, and within two years had helped, with his matchless energy, to lift it into first position as to earnings in the airline transportation field.

Speaking of Randolph's pleasing personality, the president of Capital Airlines recently said: "He more than earns his salary, not alone by the actual work he performs - but more especially for the enthusiasm he inspires among other members of the firm.

No one is "born enthusiastic." It is a trait that is acquired. You can acquire it, too. Remember that in almost every contact with others you are trying, in a sense, to sell them something. That's true in all except trivial relationships. First convince yourself of the value of your idea, your product, your service - or yourself. Examine it -- or yourself -- critically. Learn the flaws in whatever you are trying to sell -- and eliminate or correct them. Be thoroughly convinced of the "rightness" of your product or idea.

Armed with this conviction, cultivate the habit of thinking positively, forcefully, energetically and you will find enthusiasm developing of itself -- with the authoritative right of true sincerity to help you project it to others.

Source: Success Unlimited. Vol. VII, No. 7. July, 1960. Pgs. 36-37.

Pumpkin Chunkin Festival Schedule

Now that you have enjoyed the videos....take a look at the schedule of events and plan to attend !!!!

Pumpkin Chunkin

Ever been to the Pumpkin Chunkin Festival??? Check out these awesome videos..looks like FUN !!!

National Fire Prevention Week (Oct 3-9,2010)

Stay safe with these fire prevention tips.

Also join your children in checking out "Sparky the Fire Dog"...
http://www.sparky.org/#/Sparky

IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU WANT FROM LIFE, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WILL GET?

The great majority of people in the world drift through life, never realizing that their future will be the one they create for themselves. The minority who achieve great success are people who know what they want and have a plan for realizing their objectives. They know what they want and how they are going to get it. Your goals should be specific, they should be measurable, they should have a deadline for their achievement, and they should be divided into manageable pieces. Know exactly what you plan to achieve, when you plan to achieve it, and how. Review your progress regularly, correct your course when necessary, and never, never give up.

Forecast: Sunny skies, pleasant temperatures

Are you tired of the hot summer weather? Isn't this fall weather wonderful?

Fall has finally arrived, temperature-wise, in the Magic City. The National Weather Service is calling for sunny skies and highs mostly in the 70s, rising to the low 80s by the end of the week.

Fighting Back Against Identity Theft...check out this link

Relax in Style...Design Your Perfect Home Theater !!

Join Us Oct 9th "Ross Bridge Festival on the Green"

A Dream House After All

Please Join Us This Saturday 9/18 for The Ross Bridge Fresh Market on the Green !!!

Remember To Honor The Victims & Families Who Lost Loved Ones on 9/11

Helpful Household "Do's & Don'ts"

Down the Drain: Garbage Disposal Dos & Don'ts

If your kitchen has a garbage disposal, you know how easy it makes mealtime clean up. But what you may not realize is that your disposal comes with some pretty important rules. Here are some of the most vital:

Do:
• Insert food slowly. Stuffing it all into your disposal at once can cause clogs and shorten the life of your system.
• Grind hard materials. Many people think food like chicken bones or small fruit pits are a no-no, but they can actually help clean the walls of the disposal.
• Use cold water for at least 20 seconds. This will solidify grease so that it can be ground up. Also, make sure that all food particles are washed completely down the drain.
• Keep it clean. One good way to eliminate drain smells is by grinding citrus fruit peels. You can also add a few drops of dish soap and let the disposal run for a few minutes.

Don't:
• Use hot water. This will make grease liquefy and build up, which can clog the drain.
• Grind fibrous or expandable foods. The former, like celery stalks and onionskins, can tangle up the disposal. The latter, like pasta and rice, can clog it.
• Turn off the motor too quickly. You'll want to make sure all food particles are completely ground. Once done, continue to run the water for at least 15 seconds to flush out particles.
• Wash coffee grounds down the drain. While they won't harm the disposal itself, they can clog pipes and drains.
• Forget to use it. Lack of use can cause rusting and corrosion, which can lead to premature system replacement.

Happy Labor Day !!

Easy Home Updates; Tips at Your Local Pottery Barn

Your are invited to our 7th Fresh Market @ Ross Bridge

Your Home: Fall Season....It's Never Too Early To Start...

Thought For The Day

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy to a friend.”
-- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Creative Home Maintenance Tips !!!

Home Maintenance Tip -

Tennis, Anyone?

Do you have tennis balls just sitting around losing their bounce? Here are some creative ways to use them without ever setting foot on the court.


Cut an X in a tennis ball and slip it over the end of an old broom handle. Rub the ball over scuff marks on your wood or hard surface floors, and voila...they're gone...with no bending, stooping or scrubbing!
Got a light bulb that broke off in the socket? Carefully clear away any remaining shards of glass, then gently push a tennis ball against the light socket and twist to remove the bulb's embedded stem.
Cut an X in a tennis ball and slip it over the head of a hammer. Now you're less likely to ding up fragile or expensive wood.
Cut a tennis ball in half and use one of the sides to open those stubborn jars.
In the garage, hang a tennis ball on a string from the ceiling so that the ball touches the top left corner of your car's windshield. Now you have a marker and know exactly how far to pull the car in every time!

Fresh Market @ Ross Bridge

Juju: Job market still tough in Birmingham

Mortgage Co Items Checklist

Fresh Market @ Ross Bridge

Colonial Properties Trust to sell $100M in common shares

Paint Guide !!

Need a few tips to make your home pop? Check out the painting guide from HGTV.

YOU CAN DO IT IF YOU BELIEVE YOU CAN

It’s called a "self-fulfilling prophecy" when something occurs because we believe it will. The mind is constructed so that it constantly seeks to bring into physical reality the things it thinks about most. Most of us will never realize the tremendous potential we possess-because we are unwilling to believe that we can accomplish things that others believe are impossible. "Impossible" jobs require more effort and greater concentration, but when they are completed, the rewards-both financial and psychic-are commensurate with the effort required. You may not be able to achieve everything you’d like, but you won’t accomplish anything unless you believe you can.

Stairs vs Escalator....Which Will You Take???

The Sound of Music RMTC in Birmingham

I am very proud to share with you that my neice is Brooke Holloway...performing as Louisa Von Trapp in the Red Mountain Theatre Company's Production of The Sound of Music...Click on the link and check her out! Better yet, go see her perform!!!

4th Fresh Market 2010 @ Ross Bridge

CHARACTER IS ACCURATELY REFLECTED IN ONE’S MENTAL ATTITUDE

Without a strong foundation built on positive character traits, success will not long endure. It is virtually impossible to fake good character. Phonies are quickly spotted because they haven’t the substance and determination to maintain the charade. Developing good character begins with a positive attitude. Your desire to be a good, decent, honest, considerate person must first take place in your mind. When you make the decision to become a person of character, you will also find that you are much more willing to do the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do.

30-year mortgage rates fall again

Check out this article from the Birmingham Business Journal

YOU EITHER RIDE LIFE OR IT RIDES YOU. YOUR MENTAL ATTITUDE DETERMINES WHO IS "RIDER" AND WHO IS "HORSE."

There is no compromise or negotiation when it comes to who will run your life. Either you take charge and live a productive life of your choosing or you allow yourself to be ruled by circumstances. But there will inevitably be setbacks. In the old West, a cowboy expression went: "There never was a horse that couldn’t be rode, and there never was a rider that couldn’t be thrown." Like everyone else, you will have days when everything goes right and you are on top of the world. Relish those days, enjoy them, and remember them. Recall the euphoria that accompanied them when you need an extra measure of positive thinking to get back in the saddle after you’ve experienced an embarrassing and painful fall.

Come Join Us For Ross Bridge 3rd Fresh Market, July 3,10

America's Great Fourth of July Celebrations !!

America's great Fourth of July celebrations
Parades, fireworks and concerts await visitors in cities around the nation

iStock
Addison, Texas, boasts one of the biggest and best fireworks displays in the country. This year marks the 25th anniversary of its Kaboom Town! festivities, so it promises to be brighter than ever.
by Jamie Williams
Forbes
updated 7/1/2010 12:08:28 PM
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Americans really know how to throw a birthday party. Ever since John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail that the signing of the Declaration of Independence "ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more," Americans have heeded the call.
This Sunday cities across the United States will stage spectacular celebrations in honor of their nation's Independence Day, offering a variety of destinations for a patriotic holiday. From fireworks spectaculars to world-class concerts, these are some of the best places to enjoy your Fourth of July .
1.
1.
2. Forbes Guide To Worldwide Travel: Midsummer
3. America's Great Fourth Of July Celebrations
4. Chicago's Best Summer Festivals
John Adams' own hometown of Boston puts on a Fourth of July experience that never disappoints: The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular features the famous orchestra playing Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" on the banks of the Charles River — along with howitzer cannons, fireworks and church bells for added drama. Beantown's weekend's festivities will also include a performance by Toby Keith.
The East Coast is full of great places to enjoy the weekend. The fireworks will be bigger and better than ever this year in New York City, where 40,000 shells will be launched from six barges on the Hudson River during the 26-minute Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. Music will be provided by the New York Pops Orchestra and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Yi Xiang Yeng / iStock
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular features the famous orchestra playing Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" on the banks of the Charles River.
The nation's capital, Washington, D.C., offers a parade down Constitution Avenue, followed by the annual Capitol Fourth concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. This year it's hosted by Jimmy Smits and features musical performances from Reba McEntire, Gladys Knight and the National Symphony Orchestra. After the music, there'll be a pyrotechnic display over the National Mall.
They've got big plans in Philadelphia, the birthplace of American government: Attendees will attempt to break the world record for most high fives (more than 6,000) at a special event during the city's annual Independence Day parade. Judges from the Guinness Book of World Records will count as parade-goers touch the hand of Marine Colonel John Folsam of Nebraska, founder of the Wounded Warriors Project. Afterwards, the 10-day Wawa Welcome America celebration culminates with music from the Goo Goo Dolls and The Roots.
The people of Seattle have something extra to celebrate this year. In March organizers announced that the city's annual Family 4th at Lake Union would go on a one-year hiatus due to lack of corporate sponsorship. But two days after the announcement, the event was back on — thanks to $500,000 in donations from individuals, local businesses and large corporations in the area, including Microsoft and Starbucks. This spectacular event includes a full day's worth of family friendly activities in Gas Works Park, ending with an remarkable display of fireworks by Pyro Spectaculars.
Click for slideshow: Great Fourth of July celebrations
© 2010 Forbes.com

We Hope You Have a Great 4th of July!

GREAT VACATION TIPS!

Now that school is out for the summer, you will be thinking about vacationing and travel plans. Now is a great time to schedule any car maintenance such as oil changes and tune ups. Don't forget to have all hoses and belts inspected. ALWAYS CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE AND TIRE TREADS BEFORE AND AFTER ANY LONG DISTANCE TRIPS . With the warmer weather, air pressure changes, so it's always good to be sure before hitting the highway. Check all fluids, including your coolant levels, ask your mechanic about a coolant flush to keep your ac in top condition.. Also, it's a good idea to check your air filters and steam clean your engine after any long distance traveling. Dust and debris can accumulate forcing your engine to work harder during the warmer weather.

When traveling long distances, be prepared for any major road detours and have an alternate route just in case. A Garmin or other GPS system is always helpful, as well as having a printed copy of directions just in case. Remember to bring plenty of water for all family members including pets when traveling far.

Here are some tips for keeping that vacation feeling when you return home:


Make Destination Plans and Itinerary/Points of Interest One Week before Arriving

Have car serviced one week before trip

Pack Bug Repellent, First Aid Kit and Sunscreen in car

Car Emergency Kit (Flairs, Fix a Flat Can, Portable Battery Starter)

Pack clothes 3 days before trip

Do Laundry 2 days before trip

Clean house and change bedding 1 day before

One Day before buy a few frozen grocery items and non perishable items so that when you return there no mad dashes to the grocery store.

Prior to departing from your vacation destination, the day before you leave, clean your car and do laundry so that you won't come home to do more work.

By being organized, you will come home to a clean home and have an extended vacation feeling a day or two longer.

A BLIND BOY PAID HIS WAY TO A MASTER’S DEGREE AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY BY TAKING NOTES ON CLASS LECTURES IN BRAILLE, TYPING THEM, AND SELLING COPIES

One of the great mysteries of life is why some people who seem to have all the advantages-the right connections, education, and experience-never seem to amount to much while others who have had to struggle for everything they have reach incredible heights of success. It hinges on determination. If you have the will to succeed, you will somehow find a way, regardless of the obstacles you encounter. Do you use all of your assets to achieve your goals, or are you handicapped by your lack of ambition? No other person can create in you a desire to succeed. With enough motivation, you will see things all around you that will help you reach your objectives, things that you may have overlooked many times before.

Six Travel Scams to Avoid

All of these deals are too good to be true.
By Cameron Huddleston, Kiplinger.com

The summer travel season is almost here. If you're looking for deals, make sure you don't become the victim of a scam when trying to score a bargain. I spoke with SmarterTravel.com contributing editor Ed Perkins to find out which scams are most common and what you can do to avoid them. Here's his list:

1. Phony airline tickets

How it works: A Web site or travel agency offers a deal better than anyone else's, won't accept credit cards and instead demands direct transfer of funds. What you get is a plane ticket that's worthless.

How you can avoid this scam: Don't deal with an outfit you've never heard of. See our list of the 28 best travel sites for legitimate companies. Don't purchase airline tickets or any travel accommodations through a group that won't accept a credit card. If you have a dispute with a merchant -- for example, you were sold a phony plane ticket -- you may have an easier time working out a solution if you paid with a credit card.

2. Pay now for future travel

How it works: You're approached to enroll in a club that will enable you to take future vacations for an upfront fee of thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. After enrolling, you try to book a vacation but are told that the location or time period you want is unavailable. Then you might be asked for more money to gain access to more upscale spots that would be available.

How to avoid this scam: Unless you know someone who participates in a particular program and is happy with the service, stay away from these clubs. Even if your friend recommends a club, do some research of your own. See Resources to Help You Check Out a Company.

3. Travel like a travel agent

How it works: You receive a promotion in the mail or e-mail telling you that you can travel like a travel agent or sell travel from your home. The group purports to be a large travel agency that will provide back-office support while you sell travel packages. For a fee (usually $495 or $4,900), you'll receive training and a travel agent ID card that you can use when making reservations to get a special rate.

How to avoid this scam: "There's hardly an airline or hotel that doesn't know about these phony IDs," Perkins says. Even legitimate travel agents have a tough time getting discounts on airfare. Toss the promotion in the trash or hit "delete."

4. No-ticket event packages

How it works: A tour operator offers a package for a big event, such as the Super Bowl, but doesn't actually have tickets to the event.

How to avoid this scam: Ask the tour operator if it has event tickets in hand. Of course, the representative could lie. So it's best to buy through an organization you know.

5. Phony insurance

How it works: A travel agent sells you a "protection plan" that's supposed to reimburse you if you have to cancel your trip. The policy, however, is unlicensed and you won't get your money back.

How to avoid this scam: Make sure the product you're being sold really is a licensed insurance policy. You can see a list of licensed travel insurance companies at the U.S. Travel Insurance Association site. See The Case for Travel Insurance to learn more about what travel insurance covers. You can compare policies at InsureMyTrip.com.

6. "We will sell your timeshare"

How it works: Groups charge an upfront fee to sell your unwanted timeshare. "The bottom line is they don't," Perkins says.

How to avoid this scam: Avoid any group that promises to sell your timeshare for a fee (other than cheap listing fee). If you have a timeshare you just can't unload, consider posting on Craigslist with an offer to give away your timeshare for free to anyone who will take over the commitment.

Reprinted with permission. All Contents © 2010 The Kiplinger Washington Editors. www.kiplinger.com.

IF YOU HAVE SOUND CHARACTER, YOU WILL FIND THAT YOU GENERALLY DO NOT WORRY ABOUT YOUR REPUTATION

Thomas Jefferson once said that a majority is one man with the courage of his convictions. If you have the courage that comes from the sincere conviction that you are a person of sound character, an honest, dependable, kind, and caring person, you will never have to worry about what others think of you. If you know in your own heart that you are a good and decent person, you can meet life’s challenges head-on and without fear of what others think.

Glasscott Neighborhood Inventory

DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS ONE - GLASSCOTT @ ROSS BRIDGE

JUST REDUCED - WHAT A DEAL - BANK IS READY TO SELL!!!!!!!!!!!
RIGHT OF REDEMPTION ENDS SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

SOUND CHARACTER BEGINS WITH KEEN SELF-RESPECT

No one really knows for sure how we develop self-respect, but the experts believe it begins at a very early age. Parents who show their children that they love them unconditionally-just because they are who they are-build a foundation of healthy self-respect that will sustain the children for the rest of their lives. From this foundation comes the moral and ethical structure known as character. Healthy self-respect should not be confused with egotism. An egotist loves himself for the most superficial of reasons, while a self-respecting person takes pride in qualities of character that he or she has worked hard to develop.

Fresh Market @ Ross Bridge - BarkIT Market

Check Out This Link: "Top 10 High School Graduates Gifts" !!

CHARACTER IS ACCURATELY REFLECTED IN ONE'S MENTAL ATTITUDE

Without a strong foundation built on positive character traits, success will not long endure. It is virtually impossible to fake good character. Phonies are quickly spotted because they haven't the substance and determination to maintain the charade. Developing good character begins with a positive attitude. Your desire to be a good, decent, honest, considerate person must first take place in your mind. When you make the decision to become a person of character, you will also find that you are much more willing to do the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do.

Region's Classic Tournament @ Ross Bridge

TAYLOR HICKS TEEING OFF AT THE PRO-AM

BERNHARD LANGER POSING WITH KIDS



COME OUT TODAY...DON'T MISS OUT ON THE FUN!!!

Thought For The Day - May 7, 2010

DARE
If you think you dare not, you don't

TIPS ON MOLD - SHARE WITH FRIENDS THAT ARE FLOOD VICTIMS!

Glasscott Neighborhood Price Reductions

Last Week To Take Advantage Of The Federal Housing Tax Credit !!

Ross Bridge Community Yard Sale Date Change

Top 10 Tips for Staging a Home

Provided your home-for-sale has the curb appeal to get potential buyers inside, keeping them inside for a further look requires a staging strategy that sticks the deal.

HGTV's FrontDoor.com offers what it considers the Top 10 tips that can turn a languishing listing to a multiple offer attraction.

• Reclaim the yard. First impressions rule. Spruce up curb appeal by maintaining a clean yard, adding plants for a splash of color and applying a fresh coat of paint to the front door.

• Let the foyer flourish. The home portal sets the tone for the entire home. Make the space up-to-date, well-maintained and eye catching -- top to bottom.

• Back off beige. Don't let neutral colored walls dominate a room. Splashes of color liven up boring spaces. Throw pillows, artwork and fresh flowers add pops of color and personality.

• Cure kitchen craziness. Consistency pleases. All countertops and cabinets should match. New hardware, a new backsplash and a thorough cleaning can transform a bleak kitchen into one with smiles.

• Denude the dining room. De-cluttering and depersonalizing is the first rule of home staging. Homebuyers can have trouble envisioning themselves living in a home that's full of the seller's personal items.

• Avoid focal point faux-pas. Highlight the great features in a home by positioning furniture to highlight them. Windows, fireplaces and other architectural details will be noticed by a buyer if they are emphasized in the home correctly.

• Perk up the patio. The outdoor space is an extension of the home. Capture a higher selling price by cleaning and adding style to any outdoor space with furniture, lighting and accessories.

• Master the master suite. The best approach to staging is often working with existing accessories. Using what is already in the room and repositioning the furniture will highlight the room’s best features.

• Cure bathroom blues. Older vanities and dreadful wallpaper will make any bathroom feel outdated. Apply a fresh coat of neutral-hued paint and new hardware to modernize and brighten.

• Repurpose extra rooms. The value of a space decreases when homebuyers see a room without direction (think part office, part playroom, part home gym). Though almost every homeowner is guilty of having a "junk room," take sure to stage each room with a clear purpose before putting the home on the market.

Thought For The Day !!!

OPPORTUNITY WILL NOT INTEREST ITSELF IN THE PERSON WHO ISN’T INTERESTED IN IT.

In a free and democratic society, the number of opportunities for achievement is virtually limitless. In every business or profession, there are innumerable opportunities to invent new products, to improve manufacturing and administrative processes, and to offer better service than the competitor down the street. But every opportunity will soon drift away unless someone seizes it and puts it to work. Anytime you are faced with a difficult problem, stop for a moment and ask yourself: "What is the opportunity hidden in this problem?" When you find an opportunity, you will be far ahead of your competitors.

IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHY YOU FAILED, YOU ARE NO WISER THAN WHEN YOU BEGAN

There’s an old adage that those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. So it is with our failures. Unless we learn from our mistakes, we are likely to repeat them until we learn from such experiences and correct our course-or give up and accept temporary defeat as permanent failure. Every setback you encounter in life contains valuable information that, if you study it carefully, will eventually lead you to success. Without adversity, you would never develop wisdom, and without wisdom, success would be short lived indeed. When you make a mistake, say, "That’s good! I’ve gotten that out of the way. I will never do that again." You will no doubt make other mistakes, but they won’t bother you nearly as much when you treat them as learning experiences.

THOSE WHO CREATE GOOD FELLOWSHIP AMONG OTHERS WILL NEVER BE SHORT OF FRIENDS

If you have a friend who goes out of his way to help cement friendships between others, consider yourself fortunate indeed. In today’s frantic, mobile, throwaway society, such individuals are exceedingly rare. With the demands placed upon us by our careers, our families, and the hectic pace of daily life, most of us have little time for ourselves, and even less for our friends. Yet we know that friendship freely given and gratefully received is one of life’s greatest gifts.

Spring Home Tips

SUCCESS REQUIRES NO EXPLANATION; FAILURES MUST BE DOCTORED WITH ALIBIS

The surest way to achieve acceptance in any organization or in any line of work is to be successful. Unfortunately, life doesn’t work that way. No matter how carefully you study a subject, no matter how rationally you make decisions, no matter how well prepared you are, you will occasionally make mistakes. Human beings always do. The important thing is to realize that temporary setbacks are not permanent failures. Successful people recognize that we all experience temporary setbacks that require us to reevaluate our performance and take corrective action to achieve success. They know that adversity is never permanent.

Top Questions Home Buyers Have About the Tax Credit

Some of the more commonly-asked questions, and the answers, include:

How does a home buyer claim the tax credit?

The credit is claimed when the home buyer files or amends their federal income taxes. For qualifying homes purchased in 2009 or 2010, the taxpayer must complete IRS Form 5405 and attach a copy of the settlement statement. In most cases, the settlement statement is a properly executed Form HUD-1.

In circumstances where a HUD-1 is not provided, such as purchasing a mobile home or a newly constructed home, the IRS will accept an executed retail sales contract (mobile homes) or a copy of the certificate of occupancy (new homes).
Does the home buyer have to sell their current home in order to qualify for the $6,500 repeat home buyer tax credit?

A home buyer does not need to sell their current home in order to be eligible for the repeat buyer credit. They can continue to own both homes, and rent or use their former home for something else, as long as it no longer serves as their principal residence. The taxpayer is required to use the new home as their principal residence, and live in it for at least 36 months, or they will have to repay the credit.
Do married couples both have to meet the eligibility requirements in order to claim the credit, even if they file taxes separately?

Both spouses must fully meet all the eligibility requirements for either the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit or the $6,500 repeat buyer tax credit, regardless of if they file joint or separate tax returns. However, if an unmarried couple purchases a home and only one person qualifies, the eligible person may claim the full credit.
Do all home purchases need to be completed by April 30, 2010, in order to be eligible for the credit?

There are two exceptions to the April 30 deadline. If the buyer enters into a binding contract by the deadline, they have until June 30, 2010, to complete the purchase. The deadline has been extended a year, to April 30, 2011, for members of the uniformed services, Foreign Service or employees of the intelligence community who have been on qualified extended duty outside the United States for at least 90 days between January 1, 2009, and April 30, 2010.
NAHB's Web site www.FederalHousingTaxCredit.com provides information including eligibility requirements for the $8,000 first-time home buyer and $6,500 repeat buyer tax credits, detailed question and answer sections, and links to additional home-buying resources for consumers.



For more information on the federal housing tax credit, visit www.FederalHousingTaxCredit.com or NAHB's Home Buyer Tax Credit Toolkit.

Ross Bridge Community Yard Sale

THERE IS A VAST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FAILURE AND TEMPORARY DEFEAT

There is no such thing as failure, unless it is accepted as such. Every defeat is temporary unless you give up and allow it to become permanent. In fact, temporary defeat often makes us stronger and more capable. Each time we try and fail, we learn something that helps prepare us for eventual success. Only in the classroom is there a single correct answer for every problem. If you try an approach that doesn’t work, try something else. When you view adversity as nothing more than a learning experience, your successes in life will far outnumber your failures.

St Patrick's Day - March 17, 2010

Don't Forget Daylight Savings Time Begins 3/14/10

YOUR JOB WILL DO NO MORE FOR YOU THAN YOU DO FOR IT

Any job contains opportunities for personal growth if you approach it as a positive learning experience. Just as every business is required to adapt to new technologies, new competitors, and countless other changes that routinely occur, so is every individual. If you are not learning and advancing in your job, you are stagnating and falling behind. It is impossible to stand still. View each day as an opportunity to learn something new, to improve yourself, and then do one thing better than you have ever done it before. In a dynamic organization, it is impossible to master every task; just when you think you have everything figured out, things change. Accept such changes as a necessary aspect of business, one that makes life interesting and exciting. You will find your job much more enjoyable when you do, and you will indeed find that it does more for you than you do for it.

THOSE WHO DO MORE THAN THEY ARE PAID FOR WILL SOONER OR LATER BE WILLINGLY PAID FOR MORE THAN THEY DO.

If you consistently do more than you are paid to do-whether you are a professional, an executive, an hourly worker, or an entrepreneur-you will eventually be compensated for far more than you do. If you give more and better service than those around you, customers will beat a path to your door, and your boss will consider you irreplaceable. With the dearth of outstanding service that exists in the world today, you can instantly differentiate yourself from the competition simply by providing good service.

Rates May Be Headed Up Soon...But Why?

You've heard a lot over the last several months about historically low home loan rates...but lately, you've probably been hearing the buzz that interest rates may be heading up in the near future, due in part to the Fed ending their purchases of Mortgage Backed Securities.

All of this begs the question: How and why do rates move...and what is happening right now?

The answer involves a number of factors and can seem complex. But it doesn't have to be!

To help you understand how interest rates move, take a look at this easy to understand video. You'll learn what the Fed has been doing to keep rates low, as well as the connection between interest rates and Mortgage Backed Securities.

Take a look at the video now for an easy explanation: Just click on the title of this article and it will take you to the video...How Rates Move - and What it Means Right Now

ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE THE HABIT OF GOING THE SECOND MILE EVER FIND THE END OF THE RAINBOW

It is a fact of life that most of us try and fail many times before we ultimately achieve the level of success that we desire. You can expect to travel the extra mile many times only to find fool’s gold at the end of your rainbow. But you will most certainly miss out on the great riches that await you if you quit trying. A superficial commitment to doing more than expected based only on what you expect to receive will not sustain you in the long term. Great achievement results from a commitment to do the right thing regardless of the consequences, and that commitment will ultimately lead you to the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow.

REMEMBER THAT EVERY TIME YOU GO THE EXTRA MILE, YOU PLACE SOMEONE UNDER OBLIGATION TO YOU

When you do something to or for another, whether your deeds are good or bad, people feel compelled to "retaliate" in kind. If you are a kind and decent person, you can expect to be treated well in return. If you use others for your own advantage without giving anything in return, you will soon find that they have little use for you. People like working for and with positive, considerate people. Start now to develop the habit of going the extra mile.

Great Superbowl Commercials !!!

Cell Phone Directory Assistance Calling From ATT

As you know, directory assistance calls from your AT&T cell phone cost $1.99 each now and can add up fast. I imagine Verizon and other carriers have a similar fee,

Here's a toll free directory assistance number from AT&T. There is no fee per use like the 4-1-1 call on the cell phone, you only pay for minutes like you would for a call to any other land line. If you have Verizon or other service, I would imagine it would work the same way, but you could check with them.

Here's the 800 Number: 1-800-935-5697 (that's 1-800-YELLOWP ). I have put it in my phone, please put it in yours. Name it what you like, I named it '411' so it would show up at the beginning of the list. Feel free to give to your friends, too!

HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT

Update on the HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT:
The federal law that extends and expands the homebuyer tax credit continues to be the most important news we can share with buyers and sellers.
Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?
► First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
► To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.
► Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight
Which Properties Are Eligible?
The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.
How Much Is Available?
►The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000.
►The maximum allowable credit for current homeowners is $6,500.
How is a Buyer's Credit Amount Determined?
Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by two additional factors:
► The price of the home. ► The buyer's income.
PRICE OF THE HOME: Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.
BUYER’S INCOME: Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, which is effective on November 7, 2009, single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000—may receive the maximum tax credit. These income limits have changed from the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit limits.
If the Buyer(s)’ Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He or She Still Get a Credit?
Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.
The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income—over $145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.
Can a Buyer Still Qualify If He or She Closes After April 30, 2010?
Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.
Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?
No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount credit will be recouped on the sale. For answers to specific tax questions you may want to contact a tax professional or the IRS: 800-829-1040.
FOR MORE ONLINE: www.realtor.org

Chlorine in Tap Water - What You Should Know

EarthTalk: Chlorine in tap water
Dear EarthTalk: I am very concerned about the amount of chlorine in my tap water. I called my water company and they said it is safe just let the tap run for awhile to rid the smell of the chlorine. But that just gets rid of the smell, perhaps, not the chlorine? -- A.F.Thousands of American municipalities add chlorine to their drinking water to get rid of microbes like nitrates, arsenic and pesticides. But this inexpensive and highly effective disinfectant has a dark side. “Chlorine, added as an inexpensive and effective drinking water disinfectant, is also a known poison to the body,” says Vanessa Lausch of filter manufacturer Aquasana. “It is certainly no coincidence that chlorine gas was used with deadly effectiveness as a weapon in the First World War.” The gas would severely burn the lungs and other body tissues when inhaled, and is no less powerful when ingested by mouth.
Lausch adds that researchers have now linked chlorine in drinking water to higher incidences of bladder, rectal and breast cancers. Reportedly chlorine, once in water, interacts with organic compounds to create trihalomethanes (THMs)—which when ingested encourage the growth of free radicals that can destroy or damage vital cells in the body. “Because so much of the water we drink ends up in the bladder and/or rectum, ingestions of THMs in drinking water are particularly damaging to these organs,” says Lausch. The link between chlorine and bladder and rectal cancers has long been known, but only recently have researchers found a link between common chlorine disinfectant and breast cancer, which affects one out of every eight American women. A recent study conducted in Hartford, Connecticut found that women with breast cancer have 50-60 percent higher levels of organochlorines (chlorine by-products) in their breast tissue than cancer-free women.
But don't think that buying bottled water is any solution. Much of the bottled water for sale in the U.S. comes from public municipal water sources that are often treated with, you guessed it, chlorine. A few cities have switched over to other means of disinfecting their water supplies. Las Vegas, for example, has followed the lead of many European and Canadian cities in switching over to harmless ozone instead of chlorine to disinfect its municipal water supply.
As for getting rid of the chlorine that your city or town adds to its drinking water on your own, theories abound. Some swear by the method of letting their water sit for 24 hours so that the chlorine in the glass or pitcher will off-gas. Letting the tap run for a while is not likely to remove any sizable portion of chlorine, unless one were to then let the water sit overnight before consuming it. Another option is a product called WaterYouWant, which looks like sugar but actually is composed of tasteless antioxidants and plant extracts. The manufacturer claims that a quick shake of the stuff removes 100 percent of the chlorine (and its odor) from a glass a tap water. A year’s supply of WaterYouWant retails for under $30.
Of course, an easier way to get rid of chlorine from your tap water is by installing a carbon-based filter, which absorbs chlorine and other contaminants before they get into your glass or body. Tap-based filters from the likes of Paragon, Aquasana, Kenmore, Seagul and others remove most if not all of the chlorine in tap water, and are relatively inexpensive to boot.
CONTACTS: Aquasana, www.aquasana.com; WaterYouWant, www.wateryouwant.com.
SEND YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS TO: EarthTalk®, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; earthtalk@emagazine.com. Read past columns at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/archives.php.