[ [ [['Connery is an experienced stuntman', 2]], 'http://yhoo.it/KeQd0p', '[Slideshow: See photos taken on the way down]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['Connery is an experienced stuntman', 7]], ' http://yhoo.it/KpUoHO', '[Slideshow: Death-defying daredevils]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['know that we have confidence in', 3]], 'http://yhoo.it/LqYjAX ', '[Related: The Secret Service guide to Cartagena]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['We picked up this other dog and', 5]], 'http://yhoo.it/JUSxvi', '[Related: 8 common dog fears, how to calm them]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['accused of running a fake hepatitis B', 5]], 'http://bit.ly/JnoJYN', '[Related: Did WH share raid details with filmmakers?]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['accused of running a fake hepatitis B', 3]], 'http://bit.ly/KoKiqJ', '[Factbox: AQAP, al-Qaeda in Yemen]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['have my contacts on or glasses', 3]], 'http://abcn.ws/KTE5AZ', '[Related: Should the murder charge be dropped?]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['have made this nation great as Sarah Palin', 5]], 'http://yhoo.it/JD7nlD', '[Related: Bristol Palin reality show debuts June 19]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['have made this nation great as Sarah Palin', 1]], 'http://bit.ly/JRPFRO', '[Related: McCain adviser who vetted Palin weighs in on VP race]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['A JetBlue flight from New York to Las Vegas', 3]], 'http://yhoo.it/GV9zpj', '[Related: View photos of the JetBlue plane in Amarillo]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['the 28-year-old neighborhood watchman who shot and killed', 15]], 'http://news.yahoo.com/photos/white-house-stays-out-of-teen-s-killing-slideshow/', 'Click image to see more photos', 'http://l.yimg.com/cv/ip/ap/default/120411/martinzimmermen.jpg', '630', ' ', 'AP', ], [ [['Titanic', 7]], 'http://news.yahoo.com/titanic-anniversary/', ' ', 'http://l.yimg.com/a/p/us/news/editorial/b/4e/b4e5ad9f00b5dfeeec2226d53e173569.jpeg', '550', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['He was in shock and still strapped to his seat', 6]], 'http://news.yahoo.com/photos/navy-jet-crashes-in-virginia-slideshow/', 'Click image to see more photos', 'http://l.yimg.com/cv/ip/ap/default/120406/jet_ap.jpg', '630', ' ', 'AP', ], [ [['xxxxxxxxxxxx', 11]], 'http://news.yahoo.com/photos/russian-grannies-win-bid-to-sing-at-eurovision-1331223625-slideshow/', 'Click image to see more photos', 'http://l.yimg.com/a/p/us/news/editorial/1/56/156d92f2760dcd3e75bcd649a8b85fcf.jpeg', '500', ' ', 'AP', ] ]
[ [ [['did not go as far his colleague', 8]], '29438204', '0' ], [ [[' the 28-year-old neighborhood watchman who shot and killed', 4]], '28924649', '0' ], [ [['because I know God protects me', 14], ['Brian Snow was at a nearby credit union', 5]], '28811216', '0' ], [ [['The state news agency RIA-Novosti quoted Rosaviatsiya', 6]], '28805461', '0' ], [ [['measure all but certain to fail in the face of bipartisan', 4]], '28771014', '0' ], [ [['matter what you do in this case', 5]], '28759848', '0' ], [ [['presume laws are constitutional', 7]], '28747556', '0' ], [ [['has destroyed 15 to 25 houses', 7]], '28744868', '0' ], [ [['short answer is yes', 7]], '28746030', '0' ], [ [['opportunity to tell the real story', 7]], '28731764', '0' ], [ [['entirely respectable way to put off the searing constitutional controversy', 7]], '28723797', '0' ], [ [['point of my campaign is that big ideas matter', 9]], '28712293', '0' ], [ [['As the standoff dragged into a second day', 7]], '28687424', '0' ], [ [['French police stepped up the search', 17]], '28667224', '0' ], [ [['Seeking to elevate his candidacy back to a general', 8]], '28660934', '0' ], [ [['The tragic story of Trayvon Martin', 4]], '28647343', '0' ], [ [['Karzai will get a chance soon to express', 8]], '28630306', '0' ], [ [['powerful storms stretching', 8]], '28493546', '0' ], [ [['basic norm that death is private', 6]], '28413590', '0' ], [ [['songwriter also saw a surge in sales for her debut album', 6]], '28413590', '1', 'Watch music videos from Whitney Houston ', 'on Yahoo! Music', 'http://music.yahoo.com' ], [ [['keyword', 99999999999999999999999]], 'videoID', '1', 'overwrite-pre-description', 'overwrite-link-string', 'overwrite-link-url' ] ]
What a wondrous and challenging feast we celebrate at Pentecost. A feast like this challenges us, because it puts to the lie a lazy, sleepy, hidden, and tepid Christian life.
The Lord Jesus had said to Apostles, and still says to us: I have come to cast a fire on the earth! (Luke 12:49). This is a feast about fire, about a transformative, refining, and purifying fire that the Lord wants to kindle in us and in this world.
The Holy Spirit comes to quicken the Church, give her courage and get her to step out on her mission to bring Christ to the ends of the earth.
The Church is not a mere clubhouse, she is a light house, and the fire with which she is meant to shine is the Holy Spirit himself. In the readings today we find about 120 people all huddled, still in fear, in an upper room. Today, the Church breaks the huddle and executes the play, the locked doors fly open and she goes forth, unto all the nations.
The Readings today speak to us of the Holy Spirit in three ways: The Portraits of the Spirit, the Proclamation of the Spirit and the Propagation by the Spirit. Let?s look at all three.
I. The Power of the Spirit ? The Reading today speaks of the Holy Spirit using two images: rushing wind, and tongues of fire. Both these images speak of how the Lord empowers the individual and the Church with new life and passionate intensity. These two images also recall Psalm 50 which says, Our God comes, he does not keep silence, before him is a devouring fire, round about him a mighty tempest. (Psalm 50:3).
Rushing Wind ? Notice how the text from Acts opens: When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were.
This text brings us to the very root meaning of the word ?Spirit.? For ?spirit? refers to ?breath,? and we have this preserved in our word ?respiration,? which means breathing. So, the Spirit of God is the breath of God, the Ruah Adonai (the Spirit, the breath of God).
Genesis 1:2 speaks of this saying the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters. And Genesis 2:7 speaks even more remarkably of something God did only for man, not the animals: then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul (Gen 2:7).
So the very Spirit of God was breathed into Adam! But, as we know, Adam lost this gift and died spiritually when he sinned.
Thus we see in this passage from Acts an amazing and wonderful resuscitation of the human person as these first Christians (120 in all) experience the rushing wind of God?s Spirit breathing spiritual life back into them. God does C.P.R. and brings humanity, dead in sin, back to life! The Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us once again as in a temple (cf 1 Cor 3:16). It has been said that Christmas is the feast of God with us, Good Friday is the Feast of God for us, but Pentecost is the Feast of God in us.
Tongues of Fire ? The text from Acts says, Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them.
The Bible often speaks of God as fire, or in fiery terms. Moses saw God as a burning bush. God led the people out of Egypt through the desert as a pillar of fire. Moses went up on to a fiery Mt. Sinai where God was. Psalm 97 says, The LORD reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! Clouds and thick darkness are round about him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Fire goes before him, and burns up his adversaries round about. His lightnings lighten the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness; and all the peoples behold his glory. (Ps 97:1-6). Scriptures call God a Holy fire, a consuming fire (cf Heb 12:29) and a refining fire (cf Is. 48:10; Jer 9:7; Zec 13:9; & Mal 3:3).
And so it is that our God, who is a Holy Fire, comes to dwell in us through his Holy Spirit. And as a Holy Fire, He refines us by burning away our sins and purifying us. As Job once said, But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold (Job 23:10).
And he is also preparing us for judgement, for if God is a Holy Fire, then who may endure the day of his coming or of our going to Him? What can endure the presence of Fire Himself? Only that which is already fire. Thus we must be set afire by God?s love.
So, in the coming of the Holy Spirit God sets us on fire to make us a kind of fire. In so doing, he purifies and prepares us to meet him one, He who is a Holy Fire.
This fire also causes us to burn with passionate intensity for God and for his kingdom. Our hearts are set afire with zeal for God and zeal for souls. With joy, holy love and burning zeal we are equipped to speak to others of God and manifest the intense love of God.
Fire changes everything it touches and we are sent forth as a holy fire into this world so that, by God grace the whole world will be changed by the spreading fire of God, the Holy Spirit.
Who or what have you set on fire lately? Let the Lord use you to cast fire on the earth.
II. The Proof of the Spirit. - You will notice that the Spirit Came on them like ?tongues? of Fire. And the reference to tongues is no mere accident. For notice how the Holy Spirit moves them to speak, and ultimately to witness. The text says: And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, ?Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? Then how does each of us hear them in his native language? We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.?
So behold how the Holy Spirit moves them to proclaim, not just in the safety of the upper room, but also in holy boldness before the crowds who have gathered.
Notice the transformation! Moments ago these were frightened people who gathered only behind locked doors, in secrecy. They were huddled together in fear. But now they go forth to the crowds and boldly proclaim Christ. They have gone from fear to faith, from cowardice to courage, from terror to testimony!
And how about us? Too many Christians are silent, dominated by fear. Perhaps they fear being called names, or not being popular. Perhaps they are anxious about being laughed at, or resisted, or of being asked questions they don?t feel capable of answering. Some Christians are able to gather in the ?upper room? of the parish and be active, even be leaders. But once outside the ?upper room? they slip into undercover mode. They become secret agent Christians.
Well, the Holy Spirit wants to change that, and to the degree that we have really met Jesus Christ and experienced his Holy Spirit we are less ?able? to keep silent. An old Gospel song says, I thought I wasn?t gonna testify, but I couldn?t keep it to myself, what the Lord has done for me. The Holy Spirit, if authentically received, wants to give us zeal and joy, and burn away our fear, so that testifying and witnessing are natural to us.
Note also how the Spirit ?translates? for the apostles, for the crowd before them spoke different languages, but all heard Peter and the others in their own language. The Spirit therefore assists not only us, but also those who hear us. My testimony is not dependent only on my eloquence, but also on the grace of the Holy Spirit who casts out deafness and opens hearts. Every Christian should remember this. Some of our most doubtful encounters with others can still bear great fruit on account of the work of the Holy Spirit who ?translates? for us and overcomes many obstacles that we might think insurmountable.
III. The Pattern of the Spirit ? In the great commission the Lord said, Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age (Matt 28:19ff). He also said, as we have noted, I have come to cast a fire on the earth and How I wish the blaze were already ignited (Luke 12:49).
But how is the Lord going to do this?
Perhaps a picture will help. My parish church is dedicated to the Holy Spirit under the title: Holy Comforter. Above the high altar is the Latin inscription: Spiritus Domini, replevit orbem terrarum (The Spirit of the Lord, filled the orb of the earth). (See photo, above right, of our high altar).
And yet, we may wonder how He will do this.
But the walls of my parish Church answer the question. The clerestory walls are painted Spanish Red, and upon this great canvas are also painted the lives of 20 saints, surrounding us like a great cloud of witnesses (cf Heb 12:1). (See also, video below). And over the head of every saint is a tongue of fire.
THIS is how the Spirit of the Lord fills the earth. It is not ?magic fairy dust,? it is in the fiery transformation of every Christian, going forth into the world to bring light and warmth to a dark and cold world. THIS is how the Lord casts fire on earth, THIS is how the Spirit of the Lord fills the orb of the earth: in the lives of saints, and, if you are prepared to accept it, in YOU.
In the end, the Great Commission (Matt 28) is ?standing order No. 1.? No matter what else, we are supposed to do this. Parishes do not deserve to exist if they do not do this. We as individual Christians are a disgrace, and not worthy of the name, if we fail to win souls for Jesus Christ. The Spirit of the Lord is going to fill the orb of the earth, but only through us. The spread of the Gospel has been placed in your hands (scary isn?t it?).
Two years ago, my own parish, after a year of training, stepped out into our neighborhood, and went door to door and into the local park. And we announced Jesus Christ to over 1500 homes, and invited people to discover him in our parish, and in the sacraments. We have also taken our May procession to the Local Park. This year we have been doing one on one Evangelization and have made the commitment to the Lord to strive to bring one soul back to his house and the Sacraments. This fall we are heading into the park to do Eucharistic flash mobs (see video below).
Before we count even a single convert, this is already success because we are obeying Jesus Christ who said, simply, ?Go!? ?Go make disciples.? And, truth be told, we ARE seeing an increase in my parish. Our Sunday attendance has grown from about 450 to 520, a 15% increase. We are growing, and our attendance, while average for a downtown city parish, is going in the right direction. God never fails. God is faithful.
Spread the news: it works if you work it, so work it because God is worth it. Go make disciples. Ignore what the pollsters tell you about a declining Church and let the Lord cast a fire on the earth through you! Fires have way of spreading! Why not start one today? The Spirit of God will not disappoint.
I know this, my parish has a future because we are obeying Jesus Christ, we are making disciples. How about you and yours? If parishes do not obey, they do not deserve to exist and can expect to close one day, no matter how big they are today. I, in my short 50 years on this planet, have seen it: parishes once big, booming, and, (frankly), arrogant, are now declining and some are near closure. It happens to the best, if they do not evangelize, if they do not accomplish ?Job 1.? The Lord wants to light a fire. Why not become totally fire? Let the Spirit propagate the Church through you (I am not talking about the person next to you, I am talking to you).
Happy feast of Pentecost. But don?t forget that the basic image is very challenging, for it means getting out of the ?upper room,? opening the doors, and proclaiming Christ to the world. Let the Holy Spirit light a fire in you, and then, you can?t help but spread light and heat to a cold and dark world.
Let the evangelization of the whole world begin with you.
This video features details from the clerestory (upper window level) of my parish of Holy Comforter here in DC. Notice the tongue of fire above each saint. The paintings show how the Spirit of the Lord fills the orb of the earth, (see photo above), through the lives of the lives of the saints (this means you). It is not magic, it is grace, working in your life, through your gifts, and your relationships, that the Lord will reach each soul. The cloud of witnesses on the walls of my Church say simply, You are the way he will fill the earth and set it on fire. Let the blaze be ignited in you!
The song says: We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, looking on, encouraging us to do the will of the Lord. Let us stand worthy, and be faithful to God?s call?.We must not grow weary?!
If you have never seen it, here is a Eucharistic Flashmob that we plan to do in September in the Local park near my parish:
WASHINGTON (AP) ? The Obama administration is sidestepping an election-year confrontation with the hotel industry and other pool owners to give them more time to comply with access rules for the disabled.
The rules have been in the works since the early 1990s, but the Justice Department created an uproar among hotels, waterparks, health clubs and the like earlier this year when it said it will require many such facilities to install fixed, permanent lifts to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
After initially setting a March 15 deadline ? and telling the industry it wouldn't budge ? the department has granted two extensions. After first saying it might grant a reprieve until September, Justice announced last week that pool owners won't have to comply with the new requirements until early next year, a move that gets the controversy safely past the election.
At issue is whether hotels and other facilities will have to install fixed, permanent lifts to assist disabled people getting in and out of their pools, a move that requires hiring a contractor and tearing up the pool deck at a cost of as much as $6,000.
Many pool owners were hoping to comply with the rules by purchasing less costly portable lifts that could be wheeled out to poolside as needed. Hotel owners who already have lifts say few of their customers ever ask for them.
Advocates for the disabled are frustrated by the delay, saying it means another summer swim season without lifts at most pools. They accused the hotel industry of creating an 11th hour tempest to undo rules that have been in the making since the Clinton administration.
"It's a little disingenuous to say that came out of nowhere," said Heather Ansley, a lawyer with United Spinal Association.
But they're pleased that Justice isn't caving to demands that everybody be allowed to get by with portable lifts.
"They've been trying to duck it for 10 years, and the agency keeps putting it off, putting it off," said Rep. Jerold Nadler, D-N.Y. "Enough already."
Disabled people complain that in cities where lifts are already required, portable lifts are often stowed away and that not all employees know how to operate them. And they say that the hotel and motel industry has a long record of trying to evade access rules for the disabled, sometimes waiting to be sued before complying.
The issue gets even trickier. There's a longstanding exemption in the law which says existing facilities can avoid an ADA requirement if they determine compliance is not "readily achievable." That's pretty ambiguous, but as defined in the law it basically means you're eligible for the exemption if you determine that it's too difficult or expensive. Figuring out whether one qualifies for the exemption can be difficult.
The rules always had been going to require that newly constructed pools be required to have built-in lifts. But in January, Justice issued technical guidance that for the first time required fixed pool lifts at existing pools, said Minh Vu, a Washington lawyer representing the hotel industry. That took many pool owners by surprise, upending their plans.
The guidance created a new set of potential problems and concerns. Among them was that children might climb on the lifts ? which would be built at the shallow end of the pool ? and potentially hurt themselves by falling or diving off.
The January directive put hotel owners in a real bind. Over the horizon they saw themselves being hit with government penalties and private lawsuits for failing to comply with the rules. Some hotels announced they would have to close their pools. Community and municipal pools risked being out of compliance as well.
The uproar quickly made its way to Capitol Hill. Several members of Congress prepared legislation to roll back the fixed lift requirement. At the same time, hotels flooded the Justice Department with complaints about being unable to meet the deadline.
A week ago, Justice announced that pool owners now have until Jan. 31, 2013, to comply with the rules.
"We got such an overwhelming response indicating the widespread misunderstanding of the law and indicating that the pool lift manufacturers are having trouble meeting the demand, so we wanted to make sure people had enough time," Eve Hill, a senior attorney in the Justice Department's civil rights division, said.
On Thursday, Justice said pool owners who bought a portable lift before the original March 15 deadline two months ago would be considered in compliance as long as the lift is in place whenever the pool is open.
The department also hopes to clear up confusion among hotel operators about whether their circumstances qualify them to get by with a somewhat less expensive portable lift or win exemption from the requirement altogether.
Hotel industry lobbyists, meanwhile, succeeded in getting the House to block the Justice Department from implementing the new regulation requiring permanent pool lifts as part of a spending bill for next year. The idea could get a Senate vote next month.
Q: I am a Seller in contract with Licensee. I have signed approval of ?Neutral? status of Licensee. This means the person can perform the Licensee role for both Buyer and Seller. In such a case, I would incur a small savings by paying slightly less in commission.
I have been forthcoming with this Licensee about my interests, needs, wants, and desires regarding the sale of this property. I have done so without fully realizing the vulnerabilities that may arise if or when the Licensee would be involved with both Seller and Buyer during negotiations and beyond.
The Licensee has told me how the property is perfect for his/her parents. He/she has demonstrated motivation to inspect the finite details of the property and taken action to research many other details, including how to finance the property for his/her parents.
I am both appreciative and concerned about the potential forthcoming offer. At the same time, I wonder about the appropriateness of any Licensee?s role in such a transaction and how I can protect myself.
Please do not just refer me to the simple response of seek an attorney?s advice.
I would much rather read about ethical standards in the field and any conflicts of interests with similar fact patterns. Thank you. ?Anonymous, Fairbanks, AK
A: I personally would cringe as a listing agent, even though my seller had signed dual agency or neutral agency, bring in a personal family member and represent both parties in this transaction. Dual Agency is a fine line in itself. For a listing agent in such a situation not only to bring in a buyer but the buyer being their parents would have me question whether or not my rights as a seller could be compromised. You would need to check with the local board as to what options you might have in this situation . Did you accept and sign a purchase agreement with the listing agents parents? If not, before the listing agent goes any further, discuss your concerns with the listing agent and see if in this instance either another agent can be temporarily brought into represent you and/or the listing agent hands the reins over to another agent re: his parents. The other item you want to look at is whether the offer presented meets your expectations or would compromise your original intent. Personally, in a dual agency relationship I would NOT represent my seller and a family member as a buyer. That is my personal opinion and definitely see as a conflict of interest. Whether or not you want to hear about seeing an attorney?? this would be a good time to seek advice IF after speaking with listing agent you find that agent resistant to bringing in another agent to represent their parents or another agent to represent you in this one deal. The fact you even brought up this question states you have great concerns as to where this might lead. I am not an attorney and the opinions thereof above represent entirely how I would handle this type of situation. Terry Osburn is a Realtor? with Windermere Bay Area Properties in Walnut Creek, CA.
A: Well you have a signed agreement to obligate this. I would say ethically its probably a little wrong since it is his parent and of course he may be a little biased. But business is business. This person has their reputation on the line not only for his parent, but to you as well. It just so happens that this house is a good fit for his family. Its not something that happens often, but it happens. If you are really concerned, speak with the managing broker of the firm and tell them you want someone else to represent either his parents or you in the transaction. Matt Laricy is a Realtor? with Americorp Real Estate in Chicago, IL.
A: In California, representing both buyer and seller is called ?dual agency? and is permitted with consent of all parties. Any confidential information pertaining to one party cannot be transmitted to the other party, and vice versa. It can be to the advantage of all involved, since the effort of the Realtor is to bring everyone together in harmony, rather than one party trying to take advantage of the other party.
Your situation is different, since the Licensee is representing close family members as the buyers. In a situation where such a purchase occurs, our standard of practice is to purchase the property at full list price, as-is, with no concessions by the seller to the buyer; that is the only way for the seller to be assured that their interests are being protected, while the buyers are purchasing not ?to get a good deal? but because this is a particular property which they want to own and are willing to ?go the extra mile? for the purchase to be ?above reproach?.
With financing being involved, the lender will require the property to be appraised and will not finance above the loan-to-value rate of the resulting appraisal; appraisers are independently selected.
Sometimes such a purchase was sparked by a desire to get the property sold for the seller and eventually realizing that it was possible for the family member to purchase, resulting in a win-win situation.
Real estate transactions should strive for win-win results, as both parties achieve their goals; this is not a conflict-of-interest, as each has a separate goal (one the sale of a home, the other the purchase of a home). Conflict of interest is much more easily seen when an agent represents two different buyers, both wishing to purchase the same home. Debra Kroon is a Realtor? with Yosemite West Real Estate in Yosemite, CA.
A: Dear Alaska Seller -
I am a licensed Realtor and Broker in California, not Alaska, but I?m happy to share my experience and advice.
First, if you prefer NOT to have dual representation, you can still tell your Realtor in writing that you prefer exclusive seller representation, specifically stating that you prefer he/she not represent any buyers so you are confident your best interests are your agent?s primary concern. It may be worth paying an extra 1% commission (for example) to have the peace of mind that your Realtor is representing only you.
Although Neutral Status (dual agency) is legal in many states, including California, I strongly advise clients to insist on exclusive representation. My practice is to never represent both parties in a contract, as ethically I find it to be a conflict of interest.
Having said that, it sounds like you communicate clearly and probably selected your real estate agent carefully. Additionally, when an agent likes your house enough to suggest it to his/her family to purchase, it is a big compliment. As Realtors, we see many homes and know the difference between a well cared for home and one with deferred maintenance. Your agent must really like your home and the neighborhood to be preparing an offer for a family member.
Your agent should know exactly what you expect to get for your home and what terms will likely be acceptable to you. Likewise, the agent should know exactly what his/her parents need and can afford. Your agent is in a unique position to write a perfect offer that can be easily accepted by you and the buyers.
Your agent, as a dual agent, knows he/she will make more money if he/she brings the buyer to the transaction. That?s big motivation! He/she should be doing his/her best to meet or exceed your expectations so you accept the offer.
I can imagine why you might feel vulnerable knowing you?ve shared your financial expectations with the same person who will be representing the buyer. However, remember, you do not have to accept any offer. Your agent should have given you a Comparative Market Analysis when you hired him/her to list your home. That report gives you excellent information about the market value of your home. You and your agent know how much similar homes have sold for. The offer your agent presents should be inline with those recent sale prices.
It is common to experience doubt or vulnerability, but it sounds like you need to give your agent a chance to present the offer. It could be the quickest, smoothest transaction because his/her parents trust him/her about the value of your home!
After reading your question again, it?s not clear to me what your specific objection is, nor is it clear to me what resolution you seek, other than advice. I hope I?ve help with some of your concerns.
It may give you additional comfort if your agent is a Realtor, which is a voluntary affiliation. Agents & brokers are not required to become Realtors. It is a voluntary decision to be held to a higher standard of ethics. Hopefully your agent is a Realtor!
There are more than 2 million people nationwide who have licenses to sell real estate, of which about half belong to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Only NAR members are entitled to use the term ?REALTOR?.?
NAR members must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics. By joining NAR, individuals have access to a wide range of classes, seminars and certification opportunities. Local REALTOR? groups are active in community matters, and individual members are routinely involved in other neighborhood organizations.
Here?s to a full price offer and a smooth transaction!
Denise Denise Shur is a Realtor? with 1:1 Realty in San Jose, CA.
A: Representing both sides is always a fine line, but to me when one side is also the agents family member it would be concerning and you do seem to have concerns even though you seem happy with your agents performance.
If it were me, I would have my manager or another agent represent one side and me the other to avoid any conflicts or feelings of distrust.
I will of course have to advise seeking an attorney?s input if you have legal or contractual concerns. Teri Andrews Murch is a Realtor? with Lyon Real Estate in Auburn, CA.
Are you interested in having a qualified REALTOR answer your questions? Click through to Ask a REALTOR? now.
Are you a REALTOR who would like to answer consumer questions? Click through to become an Ask a REALTOR? participant.
Related posts:
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Working With The Seller?s Agent To Buy A Home?
Does The Buyer?s Agent Have A Right To Commission?
Can A Listing Agent Be A Buyer?s Realtor?
Is It Safe For A Buyer To Use A Realtor Who Works For Same Agency As Seller?s Realtor?
Who Pays The Realtor Fee If The Buyer And Seller Use The Same Realtor?
On Wednesday afternoon in the nation's capital, Mitt Romney will speak to the Latino Coalition's annual economic summit, the latest attempt by the presumptive Republican nominee to make inroads?into the country's fastest-growing voting bloc.
He's got his work cut out for him. The latest polls show Romney trailing far behind President Obama among Latino voters. In an ABC News/Washington Post poll taken earlier this spring, 73 percent of Latinos supported Obama compared with 26 percent for Romney. If? Obama can get Latinos to head to the polls in droves and back him by that type of margin, the White House will almost definitely be his for another four years.
?In 2008, Obama won 67 percent of the Latino vote, giving him a huge advantage over Sen. John McCain who garnered 31 percent. But that is still better than Romney would fare if the election were held today. To that end, the Republican hopeful has made more of an effort in recent weeks to win Latinos. Last week he spent two days in the Hispanic hotbed of Florida and launched his first television ads of the general election, including a Spanish-language version. The ad is Romney's first Spanish spot since the Sunshine State's ?primary in January, one that he won.?
Even members of his own party acknowledge that Romney faces an uphill battle with Latinos. Only months after he mentioned New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez, a Republican, as a possible running mate, Martinez said Latinos "have been alienated" over the course of the GOP campaign this past year, even taking aim at Romney's immigration policy of "self-deportation."
?"Self-deport? What the heck does that mean?" Martinez told Newsweek. "I have no doubt Hispanics have been alienated during this campaign. But now there's an opportunity for Gov. Romney to have a sincere conversation about what we can do and why."
Whether or not Romney will seize that opportunity after doing so much damage to his standing with Latinos during the primary is a real question. The former Massachusetts governor vowed to veto the Dream Act, praised Arizona's controversial new anti-immigrant law ?and touted the endorsement of controversial activist Kris Kobach. If Romney cannot boost his standing among Latinos to around 40 percent support, then according to Republican strategist Ana Navarro, "he can kiss the White House goodbye."
Wednesday's speech, scheduled for noon, could help. So too could the attack dog work of Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a possible VP pick for Romney, who has aggressively gone after Obama in recent weeks.
"For all the policy disagreements that we may have with the president, it is hard to understate how much he inspired people across this country four years ago with his promises to unite America and lift it up. The man who today occupies the White House and is running for president is a very different person," Rubio said last Saturday in South Carolina. "We have not seen such a divisive figure in modern American history as we have over the last three and a half years."
?Rubio is expected to hammer Obama's record when he addresses the Latino Coalition hours after Romney.
?By failing to fulfill his campaign promise to enact comprehensive immigration reform - even with two years of a Democratic-controlled Congress - Obama has left himself open to criticism of his record with Latinos. The nation's largest Spanish-language newspaper, La Opinion, recently urged Obama to "do something concrete" to?help ?the type of youngsters who would have benefited from the enactment of the Dream Act, which failed to pass the Senate in a vote in late 2010. The newspaper implored Obama to "offer administrative relief to young people who meet basic requirements: being here undocumented, being students or former students (many are graduates without job options that match their degrees), showing good behavior and not having a criminal background, among others."
"Romney himself has attacked Obama for promising to tackle the immigration problem and not fulfilling the promises. Empty words, but they could make a dent," the newspaper warned. "Our message to the White House: more action and fewer words. Providing administrative relief to the Dreamers will say more than running 100 ads in Spanish."
?While immigration is clearly a key topic for Latinos, the most important issue?for Latinos is the economy, and on that front too, Obama has cause for concern. According to the latest ABC News/Washington Post poll, only 16 percent of Americans say their financial situation has improved since Obama took office, while 30 percent say they are now worse off.
It is no wonder, then, that the Obama campaign launched a pre-emptive attack on Romney's speech Wednesday.
?"Tomorrow we'll likely see Gov. Romney double down on Romney economics, an economic philosophy that puts short-term profit for a few investors ahead of long-term gain for businesses and communities," Obama campaign spokeswoman Gabriela Domenzain said in a statement. "This is the same philosophy that led to the failed policies that created the economic crisis.?Gov. Romney is not only on the wrong side of every Hispanic voter priority, but Hispanics also stand to lose the most from Romney's plans to give massive tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires, allow Wall Street to write its own rules again, and even let foreclosures 'hit the bottom.'?President Obama is fighting for an economy built to last, to create jobs and grow the middle class, and reward hard work and responsibility, and we are seeing results.?Under the president's leadership, we've seen 26 straight months of private-sector job growth, 2 million Hispanics have been kept out of poverty, taxes on small businesses have been cut 18 times and, over the past 26 months Hispanic unemployment has declined 2.1 percent."
?Obama, who will address the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials in June, currently has the upper hand with Latinos. In a recent ABC News/Washington Post favorability poll of Latinos, they viewed Obama favorably rather than unfavorably by 76 percent to 20 percent. Romney, on the other hand, was? viewed favorably by 33 percent of Latinos, while 40 percent saw the presumptive GOP nominee unfavorably.
?Rumor has it that Romney may attend NALEO's conference, too. If so, that would be the first time the two opponents would address the same Latino audience in this campaign. With less than six months until the election, both have a lot at stake - and not a lot of time.
? Matthew Jaffe is covering the 2012 campaign for ABC News and Univision.
As required under the open source rules, Samsung has released its Linux kernel source code -- and other open-source bits -- for the recently-released Android 4.0 firmware for the international Galaxy Note. While the source code itself isn't much for regular users (or even power users) to get excited about, ROM developers will undoubtedly be pouring over this code in the weeks ahead with the aim of bringing better, faster custom firmware to the international Note. Not that this code is for the international Galaxy Note (GT-N7000), not the North American version that goes by a different name -- GT-i717.
To grab the Ice Cream Sandwich code for the Note, head over to the source link, then enter "N7000" in the search box.
BEIJING ? All 29 Chinese fishermen held for almost two weeks by a North Korean crew were released and returned home on Monday, ending a hostage crisis that had outraged many in China and strained relations between the normally close friends.
China's state-run Xinhua News quoted an official at the Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang as saying that they had been informed that the three fishing vessels detained by the North Korean coast guard on May 8 were on their way back to China.
The sailors were in good health "with sufficient food and healthcare" after 13 days in North Korean waters,?Xinhua quoted the official as saying.
The official's statement runs counter to reports by owners of two of the ships captured in the Yellow Sea who said that the crews had been given little to eat and had very little rest since the boats were taken.
The incident came as a surprise because China is North Korea's closest ally, and most important source of food aid and gasoline despite international sanctions meant to punish the country for its nuclear program and rocket launches.
Chinese netizens abuzz over reported boat hijackings by N. Korea
Questions shrouded the affair even as the sailors were set free.
Xinhua and other state media did not report whether a ransom had been paid, although it was earlier reported that the captors had demanded 900,000 yuan ($140,000) in exchange for the release of the vessels and their crew.
It also was not clear whether the North Koreans involved in the kidnapping and reported ransom negotiations were working on behalf of the North Korean government or alone.
Fishermen who operate in the waters where the boats were taken told the Chinese newspaper Global Times?about previous incidents.
"The North Korean coast guards took almost everything, even pencils and clothes,? the newspaper quoted one fishermen as saying about a previous robbery. ?They also pumped the fuel out of seized boats, leaving just enough for the journey home."
Even as it tried to cover the day?s news, the Global Times?appeared to contradict its own reports.
While a news story reported that the latest kidnapping wasn?t the first incident involving North Korea?s coast guard, a Monday editorial in the same paper refuted the fisherman?s story.
"Currently there are rumors about misbehavior from North Koreans in the border areas between the two countries [and that] China does not seem to be taking a tough attitude toward them," the editorial stated. ?Both should take effective measures to eliminate such rumors.?
Are China & North Korea happier than America?
But, right after news of this most recent incident broke in early May, Chinese officials ordered hundreds of fishing boats in the area to restrict their operations to 50 miles within China?s territorial waters.?
While the recent hijacking prompted an outraged response online and in China?s highly-controlled state media, on Monday journalists seemed to have reverted to a friendlier attitude, working overtime to dampen anger they had generated and fueled.
For example, the same Global Times editorial urged China to work on improving relations between China and North Korea.
"The case should be a turning point for China in its handling of border disputes between China and North Korea,? the editorial said optimistically. ?China and North Korea have a solid geographic basis for their friendship [and] both attach strategic importance to this friendship.?
I was thinking about starting to invest a little. I have never done it before. I am 20 yrs old and have some extra money I would like to put away. I want to start small. $ 500-1000 for now. Maybe in the coming months invest more. I have heard that gold is one of the smartest investments right now. I was thinking about buying some 1/10th ounce gold eagle coins. They run like $ 122 each. I was thinking about buying several of these just to get my feet wet. I know I wont become a millionaire or anything like that. That is not what I am trying to accomplish. I?m just trying to maximize some funds that would otherwise just be sitting in a savings account. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
goldsenze.com Answer:
In a word, NO.
A few things to consider: ?Investing in gold coins is not the same as investing in gold. Coins have a price premium because they are also considered collectibles. Any appreciation in your investment will be due mostly to the collectible nature of the coin, not so much the gold content. If you really want to invest in gold, find an Exchange Traded Fund or a gold mining company that is profiting from the high price of gold.
? One very credible theory of investing is that if you hear that ?everyone? is investing in something (gold, baseball cards, stocks, bonds, whatever) you should do the opposite. When ?everyone? is investing in something, that something is already overpriced and ready for the market to fall out.
With a limited budget of $ 500 ? $ 1000, gold is not the way to go.
If you?re really interested in creating wealth over the long term ? like for retirement? consider putting your investing money into a high yield dividend stock, like regional bank or utility. Then enroll the dividends into Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP). Every 3-months the dividends are used to purchase more shares of that same stock? it?s like getting shares of stock for free.
And, to really maximize your investing dollars, look into a Direct Stock Purchase Plan (DSPP). For many companies, though not all, you can purchase stock directly and avoid commission fees. Many of these plans require minimum initial investments and possibly monthly contributions. This type of investing is for the long term, at least ten years. But, over that time your investment will grow steadily and most dividend stocks are considered very safe.
posts you may find of interest:
Are gold coins a good investment?
Q&A: Should I invest in gold coins? Bullion or investment grade gold and silver coins?
I want to invest in Gold. Was thinking of coins?
Q&A: What is the best way to invest in gold without buying buying gold coins.?
Is gold price too high to invest in now??
A normal scalper could open up and close up tens, and in some cases, over dozens of situations in an unusual trading day, and since none of the situations can be allowed to endure good deficits (so that we can shield the backside line), the scalper cannot manage to be cautious concerning most, and careless concerning most of his positions. On the other hand, techniqual analysis uses the charts directly to predict the trend of the currency pair you are trading. Invest Gold in Malaysia through Public Bank. Finally here comes the?easiest way? to invest Gold in Malaysia. Last month in April, Public Bank announced a Gold Investment Account that allows you. Sha Leayana Gold and Jewellery Another gold investment. Previously, maybank and publicbank offer their investment product such as gold investment using a passbook account. The account holder only buy the gold. gold investment bank in malaysia buy 2010 Stock Market Update, IPO profiles, Earnings Call Transcripts. A Agilent Technologies, Inc. AA ALCOA Inc AAA AAA AAAA Atlas Industries AAAC ASIA AUTOMOTIVE ACQUISITION AAACU ASIA AUTOMOTIVE ACQUISITION. gold investment today by india Gold Investment Important . UOB Precious Metals. Precious Metals, Precious Metals allows the customer a wide range of investment options in gold and silver. Pure Gold Coins, Gold Loans and Investment with ICICI Bank. ICICI Gold Investment is one of the best investment schemes offered by the bank to potential investors in the Indian market. Gold is considered as one of the most. companies india Gold and Other Commodities Aspen Financial. Aspen Financial Services, Kingston Upon. Portfolio Management Gold and Other Commodities. Our. holding commodities, such as Gold and other precious metals. As investment. swiss. This image above shows how to set up all of the USD pairs side by side for analysis, next you set up the JPY pairs side by side, then the CHF pairs side by side, etc. A distribution of this sum of $10,000 among various investment options is a smarter way to go about it. Citibank India Home. Citibank India Website offers you a wide range of Credit Cards, Banking Accounts and Loans besides Wealth Management, Insurance Services, Investments Options and NRI. aspen management Ezy Gold Buyers New Website, Best Gold Price. Posted in Selling Gold Tagged Gold as an investment, Investor, Jewellery, New Zealand, New Zealand dollar, Old gold, Precious metal, Stock market. swiss francs
Gold Investment Important
gold investment cimb Gold Investment Important and gold investment islamic. sales jobs, gold investment nugget, gold investment buyers and gold investment malaysia bank Vintage Watches for sale WatchesToBuy.com.Used & Antique. HAMILTON Lyle 14k. gold from 1955 OMEGA Flightmaster 911 1967 ROLEX Ladies 18k. gold from 1953. Laco Pilot's limited edition 116/500. Laco Pilot's limited edition 119/500. gold investment post office limited Online Gold Trading Gold Rush Trading System Malaysia Gold. Gold Online Gold Trading Gold Investment Malaysia Gold Investment Daily Metal. Maybank Gold Price (1) Monthly Gold Market Fundamentals (1) Online. gold investment good bad india 2010 Gold Investment Important. Postal savings, gold are glittering investment options. RECESSION ECHO Customers queue up to fill up application forms at the savings scheme counter at the T.Nagar Head Post Office. CHENNAI With the equity market. Investment EASY GOLD PLAN Invest Gold Silver Coin,EASY GOLD PLAN. Investment EASY GOLD PLAN Invest Gold Silver Coin in Pune. Coin/ Jwlry Sip plan avl Hallmark. Services,Banking / FinanceTimes Classified Ad 3751698 in Pune Others. gold investment popular firms The United States Mint Coins and Medals Program. Since their launch in 1986, gold, platinum and silver American Eagles have become leading bullion coin investment products. American Eagle Proof and Uncirculated Coins. gold investment hyip journal about
Gold Investment Important blue gold investment
Gold Investment Advice Everything you should know about. Get the best gold Investment advice and learn how you can protect your assets in hard economic times. The first DJIA result appeared in the Wall Street Journal in May of 1896. Sell gold, its very classy gold investment 2010 buy purposes THE GOLD SHOW DIGEST. Investment Conference May 14 & 15, 2012 New York Marriott Marquis New York City, New. GOLD SHOW DIGEST Online SIGN UP NOW Top Wall Street Analysts reveal their favorite. gold investment outlook 2012 genneva singapore. Also read gold investment show. investment in gold silver diamonds and antiques ppt Ebook Download. It will be ready for investment for it will not be. as Osama bin Laden for his business with diamonds and gold. Any owner of gold and. gold investment as bubbles mines and gold investment spdr egold. egold is the only tangibly backed, worldwide electronic monetary/payments system. egold is 100% backed by physical gold (silver, platinum, palladium). buying gold investment uk presentation .ppt and gold investment portland Maybank Gold Investment Account Invest2Win Contest (1 31 Dec. Maybank Gold Investment Account Invest2Win Contest Make a deposit of one gram of gold into Maybank Gold Investment Account and stand a chance to win 1 oz o. Gold Investment Important, gold investment advice 2009 and gold investment pbebank com related topics. American Life Real Estate Investment EB5 Visa Green Card. American Life specializes in real estate development and EB5 investment visa green. and 2) $33 million, phaseII construction of Urban Work Lofts & Storage in Seattle's. gold investment safe sip in etf and gold investment from 401k Gold Investing No Bubble as ETF Holdings Hit Record on Central. Gold News Gold Market Analysis & Gold Investment Research Gold Price Commentary & Forecasts. Gold Investment Advice Tax Free Gold Coins & Bars. We try to keep our investment advice to a very simple level, namely buy the cheapest form of gold within reason. and gold sovereigns as the best gold investments, in. est gold investment funds advantages and disadvantages and how to open maybank gold investment account Buy Gold Gold Investment. Buying regularly is another little secret to building up a healthy gold investment portfolio. 6 52 PM.
Rather whom sexual enjoyment just rrs not going to very to much time! People amazed to discover that acupuncture is actually comparatively pain-free. When the hook is literally going through the epidermis, What could in a small revelation connected with soreness, Merely this may not expected. In certain cases, But rarely, There may be any, ?And energy? Hype where a sensory problems is in fact attack. Pretty, A clear hype occasion hook is near a train of thought, Or a artery. Should this happen this is the chance of a limited bruise in of the fact that nearby territory, Except this is actually having to do with few conclusion, Contrary to multiple options in addition to earmarks of acupuncture. I the reason for anybody suffering, Happens because associated with fine tiny small sharp knitting needles are truly wonderful, Approximately twice that personal of a real hair. Which cantally for example my hypodermic fine tiny small sharp knitting needles made use of in traditional medicine input fuilds or even a an example take on blood flow. These hole ultimately have any lose interest along with acupuncture fine tiny small sharp knitting needles. Mine are unquestionably great, Sufficiently changeable a lot more, Quite a bit thin. People are almost always totally pleased at strategies adaptable the acupuncture filling device is also are probably wondering that it will permeate your sensitive skin within the primary skin specifically wire. As a result of small-scale dimension of the fine tiny small sharp knitting needles and light beer the acupuncturist, Wedding event difficult. It?s possible to penetrate way troublesome content, Than the our skin, Using these fine tiny small sharp knitting needles, Not including twisting it. acupuncture is certainly a safe and again and again convenient, Model proficient, Complementary treatment. Almost tenderness could possibly generally happen on an intermittent foundation is very invented for by using his beneficial for your health pastime. The concept ?acupuncture? is produced by two latina term: ?acus?, Explanation ?needle? and additionally ?punctura?, Which implies ?to penetrate?. In this way, The news ?acupuncture? denotes ?to sink getting a needle?. acupuncture, Is powerful combination and as well, effective, Answer to lots of the procedures of developed remedies, acupuncture lives in singapore. He will be the moment the best heat moves become annoyed men and women turned into poorly. acupuncture almost always restoring your bodys stability of meridians but modifies the power steady stream. A removing the acupuncture mostly is maintained starting received of 30 to positively 40 additional units and rrs extremely loosing. Varied amazingly needles, At all times 1 and 10, Might be included in certain marks on your dogs skin. These these are known as acupuncture issues. Quite a quite oftentimes printed that has body parts of your body?s cells. Every one acupuncture stuff sit up and down acupuncture meridians although there are obvious off from meridian which might be made use of the seasoned by acupuncturist. And acupuncture level can now target tons of health and fitness conditions, For the reason that has impact on the majority of body parts of your body. acupuncture has additionally been used for rodents inside incredible sense. If you hold any dearest niml, Use a acupuncture. Seek the vet individual functions alternative treatment coupled with just use may many of these any a few further helps natural, On the grounds that homeopathy, Herbalism and as well, aromatherapy, Along with, Inside creatures. You would surprised by the success, On ones priceless four legged other people.
Copyright! If you want to copy our original articles, you must leave the links embedded and mark the source URL !
Governor Jerry Brown has appointed Mike Taugher, 49, of Benicia, to the position of assistant deputy director of communications, education and outreach at the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG).
Taugher has been a reporter for the Bay Area News Group and Contra Costa Times since 2000, according to a news release from the Governor?s Office.
Taugher is known for his extensive coverage of Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta issues, including the dramatic decline of Delta smelt, longfin smelt, Central Valley salmon, threadfin shad, striped bass and other fish species in recent years, due to a combination of increases in water exports, toxics and invasive species. He also covered the scandal of agribusiness tycoon Stewart Resnick, owner of Paramount Farms, selling subsidized water back to the public for a big profit.
He is regarded by Delta advocates as one of the few mainstream reporters who has consistently and fearlessly covered the peripheral canal fiasco and the drive by corporate agribusiness interests and southern California developers to divert more water from the Delta.
Taugher was an environmental reporter for the Albuquerque Journal from 1995 to 2000, a reporter for Greeley Tribune from 1992 to 1995 and a reporter for the Tahoe Daily Tribune and North Lake Tahoe Bonanza from 1989 to 1992.
This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $90,000. Taugher is registered decline-to-state.
The appointment of Taugher takes place in a long tradition of California?s revolving door between mainstream media, state government and private industry posts.
For example, Tupper Hull, formerly a San Francisco Examiner reporter and spokesman for the Westlands Water District, now serves as Vice President of Strategic Communications for the Western States Petroleum Association.
Likewise, Tom Philp, formerly a Sacramento Bee Editor, now works as an executive strategist for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
Brown also reappointed Jordan Traverso, 36, of Sacramento, as deputy director of communications at the California Department of Fish and Game. Traverso has been deputy director of communications, education and outreach for the Department of Fish and Game since 2008 and served as director of communications for the Consumer Attorneys of California from 2007 to 2008.
She was director of communications for the California Restaurant Association from 2004 to 2007, director of public liaison for the California State Treasurer?s Office from 2003 to 2004 and assistant press secretary for Governor Gray Davis from 2000 to 2003. Traverso has been a member of the Sacramento Press Club since 2004.
This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $98,844. Traverso is registered decline-to-state.
There are about a thousand good reasons for parents of infants and toddlers (and moms- and dads-to-be) to attend the annual New York Baby Show this weekend, but our friends at New York Family magazine gave us the top three:
1. It?s an incredible family event of renowned speakers (including Dr. Harvey Karp, author of The Happiest Baby/Toddler On The Block series), top vendors (Destination Maternity, Skip Hop, Quinny, Orbit Baby) and services (free stroller check-up and vacuuming).
2. The kid-inspired fun is endless ? from Clifford and Scholastic?s ?First Library? center to the Huggies Diaper Derby (which everyone wins).
3. We saved the best for last: The Ultimate Nursery Giveaway, which includes a Joovy stroller and car seat.
The first 100 Gilt members to register for tickets go free (use the discount code ?Gilt? at checkout). ?If you aren?t quick enough to snag these, it?s $20/family and $10/person, either online or at the door. Visit NewYorkBabyShow.com to sign up. On your mark, get set, go!
As expected, May 14th is indeed a dark day for LightSquared. The company has just filed paperwork in order to initiate Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in Manhattan's US Bankruptcy Court, effectively killing its dream of providing a high-speed mobile wireless network to upwards of 260 million people. Not quite a year after Sprint and LightSquared put together an agreement that would ensure 15 years of blissful LTE enjoyment together, Philip Falcone's baby looks weaker than ever. With the Sprint tie-up now void, and over $1.6 billion in debt, there's probably not too many places for LS to turn. The primary hurdle -- one it never could seem to overcome -- was the FCC's outright refusal to believe any of the company's mitigation proposals in relation to GPS interference issues. Despite "profoundly disagreeing" and raising all sorts of chaos in an effort to get its way, LightSquared never did manage to convince the powers that mattered. Where it turns from here is anyone's guess, but it won't be a quiet fall from grace, we're surmising.
Inspired by the graphic novel "Five Fists of Science" -- and perhaps encouraged by the plucky MIT student who made his own Tesla coil hat and survived -- a DIYer named Rob designed a Tesla coil gun, which he says is fully functional. Rob used a Nerf gun cast in aluminum for the housing and created a high voltage switch with a 3D powder printer. The gun is powered by an 18V ion drill battery and a flyback transformer housed inside a PVC plumbing end cap. Though Rob has yet to fire the gun, photos show what he says are sparks from the setup, and a demo clip is on the way. While video proof is always nice, so is preserving your life. We wish Rob the best with both.
London's red telephone boxes are iconic, sure, but just how relevant can they be in this century? Spectrum Interactive has a solution that both ensures their preservation and provides customers in search of internet a free ticket online. The company has converted some 1,800 pay phones throughout London into WiFi hotspots, offering passersby a free connection so long as they provide their mobile numbers and download an e-coupon for a nearby store. Spectrum initially began testing the program with the help of Nokia late last year, and while it's amassed an impressive number of WiFi access points, it's lost the support of its Finnish partner, and is still assessing how willing local businesses are to pay for getting coupons in the service. On top of that, there's the whole issue of how many people will think to scope out phone booths rather than, say, an internet cafe. Here's hoping Spectrum has some very flashy signs on the windows.
What a wondrous and challenging feast we celebrate at Pentecost. A feast like this challenges us, because it puts to the lie a lazy, sleepy, hidden, and tepid Christian life.
brmacblog 
