
ART REIGNS SUPREME
The New York Times reports that prices at Sotheby’s Auction far surpass estimates. A recent auction was well represented by buyers from the US, China, Latin America and Russia. A Derain, “Barque au Port de Collioure sold for $14MM recently, the highest price for one of the artists works at auction. It was estimated to sell for $8MM but there were 3 bidders and one was determined to win the painting.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Sunday, November 01, 2009
TIME FOR A RETURN TO THE VICTORIAN ERA?
Are you interested in Victorian homes in Palm Beach or Broward County? Call Marilyn at 561-302-3388 for more information.
Meanwhile, mark your calendar now for a very interesting afternoon. Enjoy a “Harvest Tea” and treats with Victorian hostesses in costume and your personal butler, most elegantly done by The Mad Platter Catering and Befitting Just Your Style at Robb & Stucky at 200 Plaza Real in Mizner Park on Wednesday, November 23 at 2 pm. See a traditional Victorian Thanksgiving… and get new ideas for your own holiday. Tips will be offered on blending older furnishings with today’s lifestyle with your own distinctive touch. Reserve by calling 800-838-5931 for pricing and reservations.
Friday, October 23, 2009

For AUCTIONS: BEST BUYS IN TOWN and HISTORIC HOMES: WHAT'S OLD IS NEW AGAIN See The Examiner.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
DELRAY BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY FEATURES EXHIBITS
Looking for a unique outfit? Cason Cottage, originally built in 1915, will feature a Vintage Clothing Exhibit and Sale and is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until November 27th, from 11 am to 3 pm. $4 per person; 10% of clothing sales will be donated to the Delray Beach Historical Society located at 3 NE 1st Street, Delray Beach.
“Ride and Remember” Quilting Exhibit – 5-7 pm Receiption at ESW Learning Center within Historical Society location.
Boooo… Halloween Fair, “Celebration of Generations includes candy hunt, face paintings, costume parade and more, Saturday Oct 31 from 11-3 within Historical Society location
Sunday, October 18, 2009
WEEK OF 10-12-09 PENDING SALES ROSE BY 2% IN SOUTH FLORIDA
Buyers are becoming aware that NOW is the BEST TIME EVER to buy in Florida, and the best properties are being bought up as you read this. Front runner Palm Beach County was up 3%. Have you been out looking for the best possible deal? Better hurry….
Saturday, October 03, 2009


HOW LONG WILL FOOD STAY OKAY IN YOUR HOUSE?
Keep it or toss it? Head over to http://www.stilltasty.com, and find out shelf life, and length of time it’s ok in the refrigerator or freezer. Search for the foods you want to know about. You might find some surprises!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
HOUSING INDUSTRY GROUPS WORKING ON APPRAISAL REFORMS
Things are looking up as this thorny appraisal vs.comparables problem is faced at last. Among the issues being discussed jointly by the NAR (National Association of Realtors), NAHB (National Association of Builders), MBA (Mortgage Bankers Association and appraisal groups are:
· Appraisers not using proper adjustments on comps (comparables) on foreclosed or other distressed properties
· The HVCC (Home Valuation Code of Conduct) impacting the ability to get quality appraisals in distressed markets
· Some appraisers for comps in area they are not familiar with and that impacts the appraisals, driving down home values
· Urging federal regulators to adopt and enforce more clear regulatory guidance on appraisals for distressed and foreclosed properties for realistic valuations and truly comparable sales
· Calling for immediate action to address these appraisal-related claims
· Sometimes appraisers do a “drive by,” only looking at the exteriors of homes as they do not have access, and distressed properties often have apparent problems inside as compared to new, updated, and “market-ready” homes.
Okay government, let’s get this fixed. It IS BROKE.
Friday, September 18, 2009
FOR THOSE WITH PROBLEMS PAYING THEIR MORTGAGES THESE LINKS MAY BE OF INTEREST
MAKING HOME AFFORDABLE PROGRAM
BUYING FORECLOSURES
FORECLOSURE PREVENTION
Keep in mind: Marilyn's team includes CDPE Graduates (CERTIFIED DISTRESSED PROPERTY EXPERTS) and if you know someone who could use help, please let us know who they are, or suggest they call us. We will do the best that we can to be of help. Call Marilyn at 561-988-0070 for more information.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
JOINT COMMISSION FOR PRIMARY STROKE CENTERS GIVES BOCA RATON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL GOLD SEAL OF APPROVAL
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
GREATER BOCA RATON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AFTER-HOURS NETWORKING
Friday, August 28, 2009
DID YOUR PRELIMINARY PROPERTY TAX BILL GO UP?
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
FIRST FLORIDA POPULATION DROP SINCE MILITARY PERSONNEL LEFT IN1946
Blaming the recession and steep drop in new residents of 58,000 over the past year for plunging tax revenues jobs in construction, real estate and mortgage lending have disappeared. This has resulted in empty classroom seats, down about 10,000 statewide compared to the previous year. Current popular is about 18.3 million, says the US Census Bureau.
Florida’s unemployment rate in June was 10,6%, highest rate since 1975, one of the highest rates in the US. Estimates used data from residential electric hookups, building permits and homestead exemptions.
Another factor fewer people are moving to Florida is their inability to sell their homes elsewhere to be able to move here.
Friday, August 14, 2009
STIMULUS PACKAGE’S FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS TAX CREDIT MAY BE EXPANDED
The $8000 tax credit for new buyers using FHA-insured loans can be used for additional down payment funds or towards closing costs, and is set to expire November 30th. It has been very popular among first time home buyers to the extent of recent home sales to 1st time home buyers are estimated to be 40% of the market. There is talk from Senate and Congress of:
· extending the tax credit by the end of the year
· raising the tax credit to 15% or 10% of the home’s purchase price, whichever is lower
· removing income restrictions (currently available only to households making $75,000 or less)
· extending tax credit to ALL home purchasers, not just first-timers
· Estimates are that just upping the credit to $15000 would lead to 400,000 more home sales
Friday, July 31, 2009
WANT TO SEE THE US DEBT & CITIZEN LIABILITIES?
US DEBT CLOCK
Thursday, July 30, 2009
CASE-SHILLER HOME PRICE INDEX RISES
A May 2009 increase of 0.5% in the closely watched Case-Shiller home price index indicates that the US housing recovery is seen possible now. Prices tumbled more than 32% from their peak in 2Q 2006. Case said that prices may be at the bottom now.
· Preventative risk--management must be a priority going forward, according to Shiller.
· He also stated that the mortgage contract structure must be made to protect home-buyers in case of a downturn. “The new standard for mortgage should be a continuous work-out mortgage,” so that “if home prices fall then your mortgage payment will go down.”
· Shiller cautioned that recent bank bailouts were “extraordinary events that we should want to prevent as much as possible in the future.”
· In June new home sales jumped 11%, the biggest monthly gain in 8 years according the US Commerce Department.
· National association of Realtors said existing home sales rose for the 3rd straight month in June.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
REPORTS SHOWING HOUSING MARKET ON THE MEND
With sales up in all four regions of the United States, and the number of previously occupied homes sold in June being the third month in a row to go up, this kind of expansion has not been seen in almost 5 years.
Sales roses 3.6% according to the National Association of Realtors. The foreclosure market is shrinking. It is meaningful that about on third of homes sold in June were foreclosure related, down from nearly half of those sold earlier this year. See the Federal Housing Finance Agency report showing home prices rose almost 1% in May.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
NEW PLAN BEING DISCUSSED FOR HOUSES IN FORECLOSURE
According to the Florida Association of Realtors, a plan being developed by both Obama and Congress will allow homeowners to rent their foreclosed home for at least 5 years, maybe as long as 10 years. Motivated by the thought that Florida doesn’t need any more vacant homes, and that the modification plans have not been as successful as Congress hoped, the overall economy as well as the real estate situation in Florida could change for the better with this plan. Florida’s foreclosure rate remains third highest in the nation. One in every 33 households received a default notice, auction notice or bank repossession. One plan is for lenders selling foreclosed homes to approved professional landlords. Another idea is for lenders to sell to private investors, or keep the home and hire a management firm to handle the rental. However, some warn of banks wanting to shed properties rather than become landlords and selling to low-balling investors, which would knock prices farther down.Monday, July 20, 2009
YOUR ART COULD BE EXHIBITED… AND SOLD… IN PUBLIC PLACES
Your work can be exhibited and sold at the 4-month long Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach. Those waiting for flights could keep busy with looking at the art exhibit that will be held from September 17, 2009 to December 17, 2009. The theme is “Solar Abstrations” and will feature works that explore the power and brilliance of the sun’s splendor here in Palm Beach County. Sponsored by “Art in Public Places.” Go to http://pbcgov.com/fdo/art/calls.htm or email esinger@pbcgov.org for more details. Entry deadline is August 20th. Entry fee is $10. Pick up your paint brush NOW… and GO FOR IT!Friday, July 10, 2009
LET IT SNOW… LET IT SNOW… and BRING YOUR MITTENS to a “COOL” EVENT
The last time your editor saw snow in Palm Beach County was when visiting during the winter of 1976, when snow briefly fell in Palm Beach near the water. Palm Beach County will have it’s own winter wonderland this weekend at the Palm Beach Zoo in Dreher Park, Southern Boulevard just east of I-95, for “little kids” and “big kids”. “Winter in July” will be held from 10 am to 4 pm both days. Forty… yes FORTY TONS of snow will fall. Many ice-age fossils will be on display. You can go on a fossil dig, make a fossil shark-tooth necklace, enjoy children’s entertainment, have animal encounters, visit the “sand box” to create your own cool treat, relax in the Florida Pioneer House and hear Arctic-themed stories, meet the “Snow Queen” and learn about sun safety. Go “ice-fishing” and see what prize you can reel in. Admission for adults is $12.95, Seniors 60 and up $9.95, Children 3-12 $8.95, children under 3 and zoo embers are free. The purpose is to educate children about the importance of sun safety and let them experience the wonders of winter without leaving Palm Beach County. The event is co-sponsored by South Florida Parenting Magazine and Panera Bread Company. Sun Safety materials are provided by the Skin Cancer Foundation and Armchem. Daily events at The Zoo include an interactive “Wings Over Water” show with 20 trained birds, 11-3 weekdays and 11-2 weekends This is sponsored by AirTran. The “Wild Things Show’ includes New Guinea Singing Dogs Mic and Sidney, Scooter the South Asian binturong, Xena the African pygmy hedgehog and Boris the Scarlet Macaw and a Brazilian rainbow boa. Come visit and enjoy seeing all the animals!
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
THE USUALLY GLOOMY CASE-SHILLER INDEX STARTING TO REPORT REAL ESTATE GAINS
Saturday, July 04, 2009
According to an article in the July issue of Insurance News Net Magazine, “After Americans lost their shirts in the federally regulated equities market, they were able to find refuge with the guarantees afforded by indexed annuities… Americans who placed over $150 billion in these secure products since 1995 have been sleeping easier at night because of the guarantees.”
Seeking a flight to safety for their reduced holdings, and this includes families who now have one income instead of two, many are placing funds in affordable term insurance, applications for which have climbed steadily over the years.
Marilyn can tell you about term policies that can be converted to cash value universal or whole life policies when you are ready to increase premiums as the economy improves. Meanwhile, your family will be protected. For example Marilyn just wrote an application for a 47 year old male, non-smoker, preferred status, for $750,000. Term is 15 years; convertible. Premium: under $72/month. Premiums will vary with age, tobacco usage and health status. It is predicted that in the future longer term policies will not be available or will be disproportionally more expensive.
Marilyn Farber Jacobs (561-988-0070) is a Licensed Advisor / Insurance Agent with American Life & Health Group, Inc.
Friday, July 03, 2009




WHAT TO LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN PALM BEACH COUNTY
- Beautiful white, sandy beaches
- Miles of scenic parks and nature preserves
- Oceans, rivers and lakes offering boating, fishing, swimming and other water recreation
- A rich and varied history, which includes the city of St. Augustine, the oldest permanent European settlement in the mainland United States
- Unique family-friendly attractions
- World Class Entertainment Facilities, Museums, Theatres
- Cultural activities offer residents and visitors music, dance and arts events
- Florida’s climate featuring an average annual high of 81 degrees Fahrenheit and an average annual low of 60 degrees
- The state’s homeownership rate currently stands at about 70 percent, well above the national average
- In many ways, Florida’s cost of living is below that of other states with similar economic growth and in-migration rates
Monday, June 29, 2009
REMEMBER THE GOOD OLE DAYS?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
PALM BEACH DINING OPPORTUNITIES DURING JUNE 2009
Lunch for $20.09 or have dinner for $35 per person for a 3-course meal – appetizer, main course, dessert. Beverages, tax and gratuity are additional. Here are the restaurants, addresses and phone number for reservations in alphabetical order:
· Bice, 313 ½ Worth Avenue, 561-835-1600
· Café Boulud at Brazllian Court, 301 Australian Ave, 561-655-6060
· Café L’Europe, 331 So County Rd, 561-655-4020
· Charley’s Crab, 456 So Ocean Blvd, 561-659-1500
· Leopard Lounge and Restaurant at Chesterfield Hotel, 363 Cocoanut Row, 561-659-5800
· Coco Palm Beach, Bradley Park Hotel, 290 Sunset Ave, 561-832-3734
· Flagler Steakhouse at Breakers, One South County Road, 561-659-8488
· Italian Restaurant at Breakers, One South County Road, 561-659-8488
· Seafood Bar at Breakers, One South County Road (reservations not accepted)
· Ocean Bistro at Four Seasons, 2800 So Ocean Blvd, 561-582-2800
· Renato’s, 87 Via Mizner off Worth Avenue, 561-655-9752
· Temple Orange at Ritz-Carlton, 100 So Ocean Blvd, 561-533-6000
· Ta-Boo, 221 Worth Avenue, 561-835-3500
- Trevini, 150 Worth Ave, 561-833-3883
DELRAY BEACH FACTS UPDATE
Saturday, June 13, 2009
SUPERBOWL CHAMP ALAN VEINGRAD SPEAKS AT DOWNTOWN CHABAD TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 11:55-1:30
Alan Veingrad is a professional motivational speaker, a member of the national speakers association, and ”just happens to wear a Superbowl ring”. The event is sponsored by the Downtown Boca Jewish Business Network, Chabad of East Boca, and J.A.C.O.B. ( Jewish American Chamber of Business) Investment of $20. at the door is all inclusive for food, beverages, tax, tip, etc...
Business Introductions
Card Networking
Kosher Meal
Door Prizes
Celebrity Speaker
Former offensive lineman with the Dallas Cowboys & Green Bay Packers, and a member of the Super Bowl XXVII World Champion Dallas Cowboy Team in 1992, Alan Veingrad uses sports metaphors to characterize his journey, and vividly relates the discipline of being a professional football player to success in life. For information on the even go to http://bocaratonbusinessnetworking-rss.eventbrite.com/. For details about Alan, go to http://www.alanveingrad.com/. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime business luncheon! Address: 120 NE 1st Avenue, just south of Mizner Park.Thursday, June 11, 2009
NOT SITTING ON THEIR HANDS, THE HOUSING WORKING GROUP OF BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE HAS PROPOSALS TO STIMULATE THE HOUSING MARKET
The Housing Working Group of Business Roundtable is an association of leading US corporation CEOs and, applauded by the National Association of Realtors, they are concerned about returning stability and growth to the US housing market. Their recommendations include
Keeping 30-year mortgage rates at historically low levels for the nest 12 months
Expand current first-time homebuyer tax credit to 10% of the purchase price of the home or $15,000 for all homebuyers and remove current income restrictions and includle all primary residence purchases for the next 12 months
Thoroughly review current foreclosure mitigation and loan-modification programs which are currently showing rising loan-modification re-default rates
Make current temporary conforming loan limits permanent
Review and strengthen government efforts to review and refine mortgage lending practices.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
BUDGET CUTS AFFECT FAU… BUT THEY MAY HAVE A SOLUTION
Florida Atlantic University In Boca Raton is hoping to get by with a 13% tuition raise, but will ask for 15% when the board of trustees meets June 10th. The additional 2% will be dedicated to need-based financial aid and will increased this funding by nearly a half-million dollars.. This increase will generate about $900,000. The state increased base tuition by 8%, and each state university is now allowed to levy an additional 7% differential tuition on top of that. This equates to about $500 more per year for instate students. Thirty employees will be laid off and 45 courses will be discontinued to meet legislative-mandated funding cuts. Many of the deleted positions are in the administration and staff categories. One solution FAU has come up with: additional courses may be added to online and distance learning making it very easy for you to learn-at-home.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
NO NEED TO LOSE YOUR SERVERS AND DATA IN A HURRICANE
As hurricane season fast approaches, you may be worried about your office continuing to operate when problems arise as a result of a hurricane. No need to worry; now there is a solution that others are using. Talked with Senior Global Account Manager, Don Sabol recently. His 1Vault Networks (www.1Vault.net) true CAT 5 Rated & SAS 70 type II Data Center in Ft. Lauderdale has created a full suite of Business Continuity Planning. The company offers a Co-location center where data communications and media converge and interconnected, servicing multiple high end IT solutions customers. Each client can locate network, server and storage equipment there and interconnect to a variety of telecommunications and other True Tier 1 network service providers. Co-location is provided on a massive scale for needs ranging from modest-sized racks to custom cages with 22,000 sq ft of raised floor. Hardware and software installation, maintenance, managed and unmanaged servers and IT consulting are offered. If you are a Co-location client at 1 Vault, DR Seats and DR Suites are available, so your entire businesses can temporarily relocate to ensure continuity to customers in spite of outside conditions. They also provide and full range of Managed Security, Managed Backup and Disaster Recovery solutions. Check this out! Contact Don Sabol, Office # 954-736-2725 or dsabol@1vault.net. CALM YOUR WORRIES NOW, folks! Remember that old saying, "AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE."Sunday, May 31, 2009
- Over 2000 years ago, during Roman times, buyers, in return for a lump sum, received a fixed annual payment for life or a period certain. The first Life Expectancy Table was created by The Roman Domitius Ulpianus
- The wars during the Middle Ages were funded by tontines, annuity pools in which participants purchased a share and received a life annuity. Their survivors received a larger payment with the last survivor receiving the remaining principal, a veritable jackpot.
- European Governments, during the 18th C., sold annuities that were state-guaranteed for lifetime income. Hundreds of laws were passed by the English Parliament to fund wars and provide a stipend to the Royal Family., the first issued was the State Tontine of 1963 costing 100£ per share with the buyer receiving income during the lifetime of their designated person, often a child. They could be assigned by will or deed or passed on to next of kin at death.
- In the United States annuities were not heavily purchased at first, mostly bought by attorneys or executors of estates to provide income to a beneficiary as describe in a last will and testament. A Pennsylvania company was formed in 1759 to benefit Presbyterian ministers and their families, and in 1912, the Pennsylvania Company for Insurance on Lives and Granting Annuities was the first American company to offer annuities to the general public.
- In the United States as multi-generational households began to fade, and especially during the Depression, investors turned to annuities as reliable investments.
- During the “New Deal” period, when FDR encouraged saving for retirement, group annuities for corporate pension plans developed. Tax deferred status was attractive.
- In 1952, the variable annuity was introduced, with a choice of vehicles to invest in, such as mutual funds.
- During the current difficult economic times annuities have become extremely popular and right now some companies have put a temporary hold on issuing annuities until they catch up with what they have in-house.
- Estimated annual annuity sales amount to over $200BB. Even though annuity contracts may have higher fees and commissions than some other investments, many have found the annuity structure to be beneficial in growing their retirement portfolios.
Blog Manager Marilyn Farber Jacobs is a License Advisor/Independent Insurance Agent and offers FREE Community Service appointments to let you know what others in your position are doing to protect, preserve and grow their retirement portfolios using annuities and/or life insurance.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
$8000 NEW HOME BUYER CREDIT: THE RULES OF THE GAME HAVE CHANGED
The most significant change involves the amount of down payment required by qualified first-time homebuyers. FHA mortgages require a 3.5 percent down payment, and the $8,000 tax credit cannot be used to override that requirement. Once the 3.5 percent down payment requirement has been met, however, the tax credit can be applied to additional costs, including a higher down payment, paying points to lower the mortgage rate, and/or closing costs. Lenders will treat the tax credit money as a second lien on the home until it’s paid back.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
FREEBEES
ED W. “TOO TALL FREEMAN”, CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT
When Ed applied to become a pilot after receiving a battlefield commission, he was hoping to fulfill a childhood dream. However, he was told that at 6’4” he was “too tall” for pilot duty, and “Too Tall” became his nickname. In 1955 the height limit was raised, and he was accepted into flying school. Following is an email I received, source is http://www.herobracelets.org/?p=553, and it tells the story: You're a 19-year old kid. You're critically wounded, and dying in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley , 11-14-1965, LZ X-ray, Vietnam . Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8 - 1, and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to stop coming in. You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know you're not getting out.. Your family is 1/2 way around the world, 12,000 miles away, and you'll never see them again. As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day. Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter, and you look up to see an un-armed Huey, but it doesn't seem real, because no Medi-Vac markings are on it. Ed Freeman is coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac, so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire, after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come. He's coming anyway. And he drops it in, and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of you on board. Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire, to the Doctors and Nurses. And, he kept coming back.... 13 more times... and took about 30 of you and your buddies out, who would never have gotten out. Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, Ed Freeman, cited for numerous acts of conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary intrepidity, died last in August 2008 at the age of 80, in Boise , ID... May God rest his soul. Thanks to John Davis, Real Estate Broker in Nebraska and a long-time friend, for sending me this information.
On May 12, 2009 HUD announced permission for lenders to allow first time home buyers to use the $8000 tax credit
as a down payment
If you are a FIRST TIME HOME BUYER
(have not purchased or owned a home in 3 prior years)
And are looking for a Home
This will make it easier to buy
Let us tell you the whole story
And pre-approve you same day
HOW TO FIND FUNDS YOU DIDN'T KNOW WERE COMING TO YOU
Search www.unclaimed.org and missingmoney.com. Look for savings bonds in your name at publicdebt.treas.gov . For IRAs and pensions search search.pbgc.gov.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
BOMB DETECTING ROBOT IN BOCA RATON
Perhaps you have a robotic vacuum cleaner or mechanized pool sweeping apparatus in your home. In 2007, Boca Raton submitted a grant application to the Department of Homeland Security to acquire a large bomb robot, which will pick up an diffuse large bombs. A grant was received last September for $192,500, no local match of funds required. Other necessary applications were filed. Police Chief Dan Alexander explained that buildings in Boca are “vulnerable to both IED and vehicle-borne improved explosive devices which would be driven by vehicles and parked adjacent to the building… capable of exploding and defeating the exterior walls of the building, disrupting or destroying the operation of the facility.” This robot provides humans with camera-angle views from above and can enter physically restricted areas, breach light barriers and tear mechanical connections. It can also tow vehicles. The purpose is to develop effective preventative measures that mitigate terrorists from launching attacks targeting critical infrastructure and key assets. WE ARE PREPARED!
LOCAL HOSPITALS LISTED BY AARP AS AMONG THE BEST 125 IN THE US
Monday, May 04, 2009
FREEBEES
Head over to www.JustFreeStuff.com, and www.TheFreeSite.com . These are sites featuring free products. For groceries, go to www.GetGroceriesFree.com, and www.CoolSavings.com. Take advantage of these offers that fit what you are looking for. We all could use a “free lunch” once in a while! You might want to tell your neighbors about these sites!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
FREE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FOR MEDICARE PATIENTS-DIABETES, MOBILITY, ARTHRITIS
Medicare will pay for your supplies. Delivery will be made directly to your home. Your claims will be filed for you. No waiting in line, no trips to the pharmacy, NO COST TO YOU. For diabetics, we have a brand new state-of-the-art testing meter, virtually pain free – never prick your fingers again! With free blood pressure monitor on first reorder, you get a free cookbook. No cost scooter or power wheelchair, delivered to your home with free in-home setup – choose from a variety of brands. Equipment provided for relief from arthritis, back ache, elbow, ankle or knee pain, swelling, soreness, stiff joints-relieves pain, increases mobility, reduces swelling, long-term wearer comfort, increases circulation, promotes healing. VitalWrap System delivers targeted relief through hot, cold, contrast and compression therapies with precision and comfort. Sizing guide included. Email marilynfjacobs@gmail.com for free Community Service Medical Equipment Brochure or call Marilyn to receive brochure in person or by mail at 561-988-0070. Marilyn is a Licensed Advisor/Independent Insurance Agent and will be happy to discuss with you Medicare Supplements, Life and Health Insurance, Annuities, Long Term Care, and Life Settlements. If you know someone who might be able to use this information, Marilyn will be happy to mail or email it to them.Sunday, April 19, 2009
MICHAEL EDWIN THORNTON AWARDED CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR
Michael Edwin Thornton was born in Greenville, South Carolina and raised on the family farm near Spartanburg. Thornton joined the Navy upon graduating from high school in 1967 and completed the rigorous training to join the SEALs, the Navy's elite sea-air-land special operations force. As overall American conventional forces were gradually withdrawn from Vietnam in the early 1970s, the "unconventional warfare" role of Navy SEALs grew. In the spring of 1972, Petty Officer Thornton was assigned to a mission under the command of Lt. Thomas Norris. Thornton and Norris accompanied a three-man South Vietnamese Navy team which included Kiet Nguyen, South Vietnam Navy, LDNN, (Lien Doc Nguoi Nhia, literally "soldiers who fight under the sea") on an intelligence gathering mission in enemy-held territory. Launched from a Vietnamese Navy junk in a rubber boat, the patrol reached land and found themselves farther behind enemy lines than they had planned. Continuing on foot toward their objective, they came under heavy fire from a far larger force and were in danger of being surrounded. While inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy, they headed for the shore, in hopes of escaping by sea. On learning that Lt. Norris had been hit by enemy fire and was believed to be dead, Thornton & Kiet Nguyen returned through a hail of fire to the lieutenant's last position and found him severely wounded and unconscious, but alive. The two other members of the LDNN team refused to go to the aid of Lt. Norris. They were never seen again. When Thornton & Nguyen found Lt. Norris his was alive but unconscious from a severe head wound.
Thornton slung Norris over his shoulder and dashed for life over 400 yards of open beach, returning enemy fire as he ran. He carried Norris and wounded comrade, Kiet Nguyen, out to sea, beyond the range of enemy fire. The three men floated for approximately two hours before being retrieved by the same South Vietnamese Navy junk that had brought them into the operation. Michael Thornton was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on October 15, 1973. He is the first person in more than a century to receive that honor for saving the life of another Medal of Honor recipient. Now retired after a distinguished Navy career that continued through Operation Desert Storm, he resides near Houston, Texas. For his gallantry, Kiet Nguyen, Petty Officer, received the Navy Cross, the second highest Navy honor. He was the only Vietnamese to receive the Navy Cross. Kiet now lives in Southern Louisiana. Their story can be seen on the Military and History Channels.
This is the 3rd and last article in the series on Congressional Medal of Honor Winners. Thank you again to Author Gary Gosnell, Southwest Airlines Pilot (Ret).
Friday, April 17, 2009
WORLD’S
MOST
ETHICAL
COMPANIES
Names you may recognize on this list include American Express, HSBC, Nike, Honda Motor Company, Sun Microsystems, FPl Group, General Electric, General Mills, Kellog, Pepsi, Caterpillar, AFLAC, International Paper, Allianz, Google, Kiplinger, Marriott, Time Warner, McDonalds, Starbucks, Gap, Ikea, Trader Joes, Vodaphone and United Parcel. For a complete list, and how they were chosen, see http://www.ethisphere.org/wme2009.Friday, April 03, 2009
THE GOOD, BAD AND BETTER NEWS ON HOUSING AND MORTGAGES
Neighborhood Stabilization Programs are reaching heavily into foreclosed areas. $4BB of federal monies authorized by Congress in 2008 and another $2BB dollars in the 2009 economic stimulus package are being distributed to dozens of cities, towns and counties in the United States. These are aimed at purchasing blocks of distressed properties to create “land banks” for future redevelopers. Private investors can work jointly with nonprofits to assemble and prepare real estate for government purchase. Sidelined by the recession, now local builders and developers may be able to help reconstruct damaged houses and manage them until they are ready for resale. Contact local housing and community development agencies that are making Neighborhood Stabilization proposals to the federal government. If local officials have not yet prepared proposals for HUD, you may be able to talk to them and get the process started. Tamarac in Broward County, the closest area to Palm Beach County receiving initially distributed funds for this plan, will get almost $5MM. For Further information. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that 2 weeks ago US mortgage applications soared 32% as record low interest rates spurred home refi loans, accounting for 78.5% of all applications. Zillow.com reports that in 2008 the housing market lost an estimated $3.3 trillion in value. Credit Suisse Group AG estimates that a total of 16% of all US households (8.1MM homes) with mortgages could fall into foreclosure by 2012. The Mortgage Bankers Association estimates that at the end of 2008, a little more than 9% of all US home loans were either in arrears or foreclosure. The $75BB incentive plan for lenders applies when they lower interest rates so that a borrowers monthly mortgage payment is no more than 38% of his or her pre-tax income. Then the government program would match the amount reduced by the lender to bring payments down to 31% of their pre-tax income, or to lower the principal owed on the mortgage, according to Market Watch. Part of the initiative provides for servicers to receive $1000 for each loan modification, and government funding for each month the borrower stays current on the loan. Homeowners can also receive $1000 annually for 5 years as long as they stay current on loan payments – this comes from the Trouble Asset Relief Program (TARP) and from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. A plan allowing judges to rewrite mortgage terms for homeowners in bankruptcy court is under consideration so that rather than force people into foreclosure they can make at least some of the payments. There is a fear, however, that this “cram down” law, if passed, would stop investors from buying mortgage-backed securities, fearing judges could unilaterally change the terms of the deal the securities were created around, according to MSNBC, thereby destabilizing the marketplace.
DELRAY ART LEAGUE PRESENTS “ARTISTS IN THE PARK”
On Saturday, April 4thth and Sunday, April 5 from 10 am to 4 pm in Veterans Park (downtown Delray Beach near the ICW) come and relax and walk around to view the local artists showcase of fine art. This includes watercolors, oil and acrylic paintings, photography, sculpture and mixed media. Admission is free; artwork is for sale with a portion of the receipts going to the Leagues Art Education Fund. This past season the Delray Art League awarded scholarships to several FAU art students and made contributions to the Milagro Center, Old School Square, Atlantic High School Art Department and Delray Beach Sister Cities young art competition. There are more than 240 artists in the nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization.








































