Russel's Blog

I just received an email from one of my past military borrowers who has a loved one in Iraq.  I thought it was a fabulous idea worth sharing with all the good folks on Active Rain.

 Xerox is sponsoring a Thank You card drive for the men & women of our armed forces stationed overseas this holiday season.  It will only take a minute of your time, and will definitely brighten their day.  All you have to do is visit the Lets Say Thanks web site,  follow the 3 easy steps (give your name, pick a design, and choose a pre worded thank you message, or create your own), and Xerox will print and deliver the card to one of our troops.

 It does not matter what your stance is on our politics, or foreign policy, these people are serving our country, and deserve everyone's support.  From a completely selfish standpoint, this is a great way to get in front of your database in a positive way.  Who knows, you might just get some business out of being a nice person.

                                                                    IMPORTANT  RECALL

                                                       SAMSUNG OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVE

Go here for additional information: To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10031.html

                                                                  NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2009
Release # 10-031 

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 402-6974
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

                                      SamsungT Over-the-Range Microwaves Recalled Due to Shock Hazard

Please feel free to pass this on if you know someolne that may have this product

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Samsung Over-the-Range Microwave Ovens

                                                             Units: About 43,000

Importer: Samsung Electronics America Inc., of Ridgefield Park, N.J.

Hazard: If an installation bolt comes in contact with an electrical component inside the unit and the microwave is plugged into an ungrounded outlet, it could create a shock hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall involves Samsung 1000 watt over-the-range microwave ovens. The following model and serial numbers are included in this recall:

Affected production lots / Affected Serial Number Range (From serial number To serial number)

All SMH9151x produced from January through May 2009: / xxxxxxxS1xxxxxx to xxxxxxxS5xxxxxx
 
Some products produced in June were also affected:
SMH9151B / xxxxxxOS600001 to xxxxxxOS600100 and xxxxxxTS600001 to xxxxxxTS601100
SMH9151S / xxxxxxTS600001 to xxxxxxTS601386
SMH9151ST / xxxxxxTS600001 to xxxxxxTS600330
SMH9151STE / xxxxxxTS600001 to xxxxxxTS600330
SMH9151W / xxxxxxOS600001 to xxxxxxOS600200 and xxxxxxTS600001 to xxxxxxTS602055

Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from January 2009 through July 2009 for between $180 and $200.

Manufactured in: Malaysia

Remedy: Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the recalled product, and contact Samsung to schedule a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Samsung toll-free at (888) 402-6974 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET 7 days a week, or visit the firm's Web site at www.samsung.com/otrrecall

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10031.html

Blog Information for Localism New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, Bexar Counties November 6, 2009

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, #3630.Certified by Texas Real Estate Commission

Carl's Blogs: localism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com

                                                                

                Since 1994      *        Your Home Inspection Specialist       *        Serving the Texas Hill Country

                                          Complete Inspection Service

 

 

Riding home from the office today I heard about this brave young man who has been battling cancer for over 2 years. The doctors feel that he may not make it to celebrate Christmas, so Noah's family is going to celebrate early this year. Noah's last wish is to collect as many Christmas cards as he can. I check with snopes.com to verify the story and it is true. Here is a photo of Noah and his address. I know that I will have my card in the mail tomorrow. Please pass this on to everyone that you know and lets all make something special happen for Noah.

Christmas will come early for a five year old Michigan boy this year. Noah Biorkman is battling cancer and is not expected to live much longer. Noah is in the last stages of a 2 1/2 year battle with Neuroblastoma cancer.

Mrs. Biorkman is asking for Christmas cards for her son. If you would like to take time to send a card or letter, send it to:

Noah Biorkman
1141 Fountain View Circle
South Lyon Michigan, 48178.

 

There is a Seattle based animal rescue site that is in need of our help. It doesn't involve a donation, just the one thing that I know you Active Rainers are very good at - snooping the internet.

The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily so they can meet their quota of getting FREE FOOD donated every day to abused and neglected animals.

It takes about 30 seconds to go to their site and click on the purple box 'fund food for animals for free'. This doesn't cost you a thing.

Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising.

I did this myself, and thoroughly examined the site and background information of the organization prior to posting this blog.

Here's the web site!

www.theanimalrescuesite.com

Please pass it along to people you know.

With our numbers, if we make an effort, the Active Rain community as well as visitors to my dedicated blog site can make a real difference.

Thank you for your time with this,

The Ralphster

The ActiveRain Point System

ActiveRain awards members points based on participation and their individual involvement within the network and community.  While there is a much more complicated and technical explanation of how the point system works, this post is to provide you a general overview of how points are earned and distributed that to ALL ActiveRain members.

ActiveRain points are earned based on a members individual activities and efforts. Points are accumulated over the duration of the Calendar week which "Starts Monday morning at 12:00am Central Time, and Ends Sunday night at 11:59pm Central Time."

The following are some ways you can earn points and move up the "Featured Member" ladder in your Local Area.

• 200 Points for each Blog Post
  (Max 10 per Week) (50 Word Minimum Required)
  
  
• 25 Additional Points when Post is added to Channels with a Topic
  
  
• 400 Points for Featured Post on ActiveRain.com
  (Excludes Posts Featured in ActiveRain Groups)
  
  
• 25 Points For Each Comment
  (Max 10 Per Day) (Comments on Your Own Posts Excluded)
  
  
• 25 Points for Each Reblogged Post
  (Max 10 Per Week - These do not Include Your Own Posts)
  
  
• ActiveRain Profile Points
  (Building Your AR Profile will Build points)
  
  
• Received Comments on Blog Posts
  (No Blog Post to exceed 450 pts.)
  
  
• 100 Points - Logging In To ActiveRain Each Day
  (This applies 7 days a week)
  
  
• 250 Points When Someone Accepts Your AR Invitation
  (Must Sign Up under Members Invite Code)
  
  
• 10% of Total Points Earned By New Members Invited By You
  (IE: Invited Member Earns 1000 pts. - You Earn 100 Pts.)
  
  
• ActiveRain and Member Approved Contests - Points Will Vary
  (These show up as Bonus Points in your Point Summary)
  
  
• Staff Awarded Bonus Points - These are issued by the AR staff
  (Member Humanitarian, Paying It Forward, Helping Others etc.)
  

Weekly Point Scenario: The potential of points available per week, per member would be as follows: 1750 for max comments, 2000 for max Blog posts, 700 for logging in daily, 250 for adding to Channels/Topics, and 250 for max ReBlogged posts.  The Weekly potential of points would be 4950 (this does not include featured posts, comments received, invitation and percentage points, contests, and staff awarded bonus points.)

Point Disclaimer: The Points System created by the ActiveRain Network was developed and implemented to motivate, inspire, and reward members for their participation and involvement within the community. These points are subject to change at the discretion of the ActiveRain Mgmt. Team, with or without cause, warning, or notice.

                 

"RainMaker" Special - Signup Here and Get New Member Discount

HERE IS A LITTLE SOMETHING TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAPPY AT HALLOWEEN THIS YEAR.

HOPE EVERYONE ENJOYS TRICK-OR-TREATING 

 

Carving Pumpkins can be great fun, it can also be dangerous. Make sure children are supervised, and make sure they have no sharp objects. They make SAFE pumpkin carving kits.

 

TEN TOP SAFETY TIPS FOR HALLOWEEN:

1. Nobody goes alone, always make sure children are supervised.

2. Make sure to check all candy prior to letting children eat it.

3. Make sure that children's costumes fit correctly so that they can see.

4. Children get very excited for Halloween, so make sure you lay out a plan beforehand.

5. Make sure that children stay out of the middle of the street, and look always for traffic.

6. Make sure each child is actively seen: glowsticks, light colors, reflectors can all be used.

7. Make sure to watch the weather report before hand.

8. Be aware of pets: strange costumes can trigger a reaction.

9. Only go to homes that have lights on.

10. And most importantly follow your instincts.

Credit Card Act of 2009 - Were you aware there was one?!

Credit card debt is one of the reasons a lot of us get into trouble with our finances and our credit scores!  This summer the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act of 2009, (CARD) was signed into law.  The effective date will be February 2010, (just around the corner).  Here is a breakdown of what the law says:

Over credit limit fees will be prohibited, unless consumers specifically agree to allow the transaction to go through, (those can get pretty pricey).

No more late fee traps!  Institutions will have to give card holders a reasonable time to pay their bill, at least 21 days.  No more weekend deadlines or due dates that change each month or any deadlines that fall in the middle of the day.

Retroactive interest rate increases are banned.  No more rate increases on existing balances due to any time, any reason or a universal default.  It also restricts rate increases unless the payment is more than 60 days late, (good, interest rate increases hurt!).

Plain Language in Plain Sight Disclosures must identify how long it would take to pay off the balance if only the minimum payment is paid, (trust me, you would be shocked!). Clear disclosures will be required on the total cost in interest and principal payments if a cardholder makes only the minimum payment for 36 months, (more life altering aha moments!).  Did you know that with a balance of only $50.00, if you pay a minimum of 10 dollars each month with an interest rate of %12 it could take you 6 MONTHS to pay that off?!  Click HERE for some handy calculators.

College students will be required to receive permission from parents or guardians in order to increase credit limit on joint accounts they hold with those adults, (yeah mom and dad, no more of those surprises!)

People under the age of 21 will be protected from pre screened credit card offers, (very good news!).  This is where the trouble with those pesky credit cards start! 

For more detailed information on the CARD Act of 2009, click HERE.  Perhaps with this ACT, more Americans will find it easier to get out of debt, or better yet, not get into debt at all. 

 

Brenda Mullen

Home Team of America - Realtor®, ABR®

NEED AID IN BUYING OR SELLING A HOME IN SAN ANTONIO OR HER SURROUNDING AREAS?

CALL ME, THE SAN ANTONIO HOUSE MEDIC

HELPING YOU TO FIND HOME

Chili Cook-Off 
If you can read this whole story without laughing, then there's no hope 
for you. I was crying by the end. This is an actual account as relayed to 
paramedics at a chili cook-off in Texas . 
Note: Please take time to read this slowly.. If you pay attention to the 
first two judges, the reaction of the third judge is even better. For those 
of you who have lived in Texas , you know how true this is. They actually 
have a Chili Cook-off about the time Halloween comes around. It takes up a 
major portion of a parking lot at the San Antonio City Park . 
Judge #3 was an inexperienced Chili taster named Frank, who was visiting from Northbrook , IL . 
Frank: 'Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a chili 
cook-off. The original person called in sick at the last moment and I 
happened to be standing there at the judge's table, asking for directions 
to the Coors Light truck, when the call came in. I was assured by the other 2 
judges (Native Texans) that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy; and, 
besides, they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I 
accepted and became Judge 3.' 
Here are the scorecard notes from the event: 

CHILI # 1 - MIKE'S MANIAC MONSTER CHILI 
Judge # 1 -- A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick. 
Judge # 2 -- Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild. 
Judge # 3 (Frank) -- Oh crap, what the heck is this stuff? You could 
remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the flames 
out. I hope that's the worst one. These Texans are crazy. 

CHILI # 2 - AUSTIN 'S AFTERBURNER CHILI 
Judge # 1 -- Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight jalapeno tang. 
Judge # 2 -- Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken 
seriously. 
Judge # 3 -- Keep this out of the reach of children. I'm not sure what 
I'm supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush in more beer when they saw the look on my face.. 

CHILI # 3 - FRED'S FAMOUS BURN DOWN THE BARN CHILI 
Judge # 1 -- Excellent firehouse chili. Great kick. 
Judge # 2 -- A bit salty, good use of peppers. 
Judge # 3 -- Call the EPA. I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like 
I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Get me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting sh*t-faced from all of the beer. 

CHILI # 4 - BUBBA'S BLACK MAGIC 
Judge # 1 -- Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing. 
Judge # 2 -- Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or 
other mild foods, not much of a chili. 
Judge # 3 -- I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to 
taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Sally, the beer maid, was 
standing behind me with fresh refills. This 300 lb. woman is starting to 
look HOT .. just like this nuclear waste I'm eating! Is chili an aphrodisiac? 

CHILI # 5 - LISA'S LEGAL LIP REMOVER 
Judge # 1 -- Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground, adding 
considerable kick. Very impressive. 
Judge # 2 -- Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must admit 
the cayenne peppers make a strong statement. 
Judge # 3 -- My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead and I 
can no longer focus my eyes. I farted, and four people behind me needed 
paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili 
had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if I'm burning my lips off. It really ticks me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. 
Screw them. 

CHILI # 6 - VERA'S VERY VEGETARIAN VARIETY 
Judge # 1 -- Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili 
Good balance of spices and peppers. 
Judge # 2 -- The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, garlic. 
Superb. 
Judge # 3 -- My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, 
sulfuric flames. I crapped on myself when I farted, and I'm worried it will 
eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that 
Sally. Can't feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe my butt with a snow cone. 

CHILI # 7 - SUSAN'S SCREAMING SENSATION CHILI 
Judge # 1 -- A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers. 
Judge # 2 -- Ho hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili 
peppers at the last moment. **I should take note that I am worried about 
judge number 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is cursing 
uncontrollably. 
Judge # 3 -- You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I 
wouldn't feel a thing. I've lost sight in one eye, and the world sounds 
like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili, which slid 
unnoticed out of my mouth.. My pants are full of lava to match my shirt. At 
least during the autopsy, they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop 
breathing. It's too painful. Screw it; I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. 
If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4-inch hole in my stomach. 

CHILI # 8 - BIG TOM'S TOENAIL CURLING CHILI 
Judge #1 -- The perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili. Not too bold 
but spicy enough to declare its existence. 
Judge # 2 -- This final entry is a good, balanced chili.. Neither mild nor 
hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge #3 farted, passed out, 
fell over and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself.. Not sure if he's 
going to make it. Poor feller, wonder how he'd have reacted to really hot 
chili? 
Judge # 3 - No Repor

To reach us, call or text us at 904-673-2308 or e-mail - sharon@teamalters.com

Original Photography, All Rights Reserved. * *

You can also find us here!

When Robert Swetz asked me to help him out with his contest, Memories at Active Rain, I did not know what I was getting into!  Judging all these wonderful entries was very difficult for everyone.  I did love reading them all and learning more about the Active Rain members who posted.  Thank you so much to everyone who entered this contest.

The prizes are:

3000 for first
 2000 for second
 1000 for third

 200 for every entry (in addition to the points you got for posting the blog)

And my favorite:

In addition to the points that will be awarded to the winners starting with (fourth) place to (twenty fifth) place, these winners will be given a signed photograph print from Robert Swetz (11x14) in size and mailed directly to you.

That is a total of 21 photo prints for winners!  I'd trade my points for that any day.  I have a signed photo from Robert, it's truly a work of art.

So, the winners are:

First place: Marchel Peterson
Marchel's post tied her Active Rain points memories to real life events.  I remember her 300,000 points and our Son out of Iraq post and remember being so relieved for her family that her son was home and safe. 

Second place: Lori Cain
Lori's post was about a mistake that she made and shared here on Active Rain.  C Tann Starr featured her mistake in Club Chaos and hilarity ensued.  That's when Lori finally felt at home on Active Rain, the day her fellow rainers laughed WITH her.

Third Place: Clint Miller
Clint's post is very personal.  He shared with us his life's journey and was very open about choices he's made along the way.  Thank you Clint for reminding us to be thankful and to honor our paths.

In no particular order, the winners of a signed photograph from Robert Swetz (click their name to view their contest entry, they are all very good):

Jason Crouch
Donna Harris
Robin Rogers
Martha Brown
Russel Ray
Judi Barrett
Matt Stigliano
Steve Shatsky
Kevin and Monica Ray
Michael Thornton
Sheldon Neal
Tammy Lankford
Loreena Yeo
Maureen Megowan
Fernando Herboso
Lenn Harley
Matt Grohe
Norma Toering
Al and Peggy Cunningham
Chris Ann Cleland
Debra Walsh

Congratulations to all our winners and all our participants.  You ALL did a great job, you made it very difficult to choose only a few winning entries!

You can shop for your photographs by visiting www.SearchMyPics.com or visiting Robert's blog on Active Rain.  Have fun shopping!  I have one at my house and I LOVE it.  Be prepared to spend some time there, there is a lot of variety and so many to choose from. Then simply email Robert and he'll take care of the rest.

- offering website design, maintenance, hosting and virtual assistance

If you are coming to the 2009 Convention for the National Association of Realtors next month right here in San Diego, and you have a hotel room but would like a roommate, let me know.

If you don't have a room, but you want to come and think that staying with a roommate will solve your problems with trying to find a room at this late date, let me know that, too.

I just received my third inquiry as to whether or not I know anyone wanting roommates. I think the first two are going to be shacking up together.

Obviously we don't want the psycho spammers to know who we are and where we are, so send me a private email through the ActiveRain system and I'll try to play matchmaker here.

If you live in the San Diego area and would consider hosting someone, let me know.

If you have any other questions about San Diego -- tourist traps, restaurants, etc. -- let me know that, too, and I'll turn your questions into a blog post as well as answering them individually.

Russel and I would like to play docent for a day, morning, afternoon, or evening, so if you'd like to do something special while you're here -- Zoo, Cabrillo National Monument, Balboa Park museums, beaches, restaurants, etc. -- and would like a couple of wacky tour guides, let us know and we'll try to put something together for as many ActiveRainers as we can. Provide us with a date and time preference if you have one.

 

**********

If you're looking for a great condominium in Mission Valley,
the heart and soul of San Diego, please give me a call.

I'm available 24/7, so feel free to contact me by phone or email.

**********

Jim Frimmer, Realtor
Century 21 Award Mission Valley
California DRE License #01458572
619-729-5701
jimfrimmer@century21award.com
Mission Valley Condos Information

**********

15 recent blog posts:

1. Water conservation resources
2. News You Can't Use, Vol. II: What's your definition of financial ruin?
3. News You Can't Use: I don't want to be rich and famous....
4. A tour of Cancer Survivors Park in downtown San Diego
5. ATTENTION: Don't eat those pumpkin seeds!
6. Watch those square feet numbers!
7. Controversies? Or building people and businesses?
8. It's summer time!
9. 33rd Annual Fall Home Decorating & Remodeling Show coming up
10. Speechless Sunday: Sunset at the beach
11. If this is in your front yard, call The Orkin Man (before Halloween)!
12. Want a piece of sports memorabilia?
13. FHA puts new limits on reverse mortgages
14. How to appeal your property taxes
15. San Diego Zoo's "Name the Panda" contest starts Saturday

Join me in the following ActiveRain Groups:

1. Out and About - Share specific events, places, and things to do with your target audience.
2. NAR 2009 Convention San Diego - Coming to the Convention in November? Check in here.
3. Guerrilla Marketing Tactics - Marketing that requires mostly ingenuity, creativity, time, and energy.
4. Inspired By Nature - Where you can come to relax among Mother and Father Nature's fauna and flora.
5. Classical Music - Share classical music events with your target audience.
6. Active Rain Book Club - A great place to find information on books of all genres.