Michele

Uh, well, yes. I do do that. How'd you ever know? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I remember that day vividly, and I will never forget. Watching that brought back that day - and the days immediately following it - back in a way I wish it hadn't. It's not like I want to forget. Never that. It's not as if I want to think, "well, it's not so bad". Never that. I cannot forget. I hear their souls still screaming. And still, a healing has begun in my heart, a coming to terms with the murder of my civilian countrymen, the brutal attack on a populace that did not deserve this. An understanding that the world moves on - not to forget, but to rebuild, to live better, to create value from this horrendous event, somehow create a legacy which will honor and love those lost through eternity. To take those steps to protect ourselves, yes, and also to move forward to a place where we continue to thrive, continue to live free, continue to have the most amazing country in the world. I will always remember, always grieve those lost, and always look to the future. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I knew a guy once, who, upon waking, grabbed a beer as I grabbed coffee....Never understood that. He swore he didn't do it during the week, but it was still unsettling to see. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I am neither better off, nor worse off, from where I was when Bush was elected, in regards to that which the government provides. I am responsible for my own wealth. I am responsible for my own health. I am responsible for my own safety. I am responsible for my own happiness. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I add my thanks, Angela. Very soon I will need some meds, not to mention my daily medication. I suspect I will check out Costco (of which I am already a member...) and see what the price comparison is. I have no insurance. This is, for me, a total out of pocket pay, and I need to save money where I can - not for jump $$, but for rent... Thanks again! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOL!!!!!!!! Ditto! (and quite likely some of the same screennames!) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Jan, you and your sister-in-law are in my prayers. If you need to talk, you know how to find me. I send love, confidence, hope and faith to you all. Go to your Aunt's 90th - celebrate life in all it's phases and forms. Remember that not only can medicine do wonders, so can prayers. And you have all of mine. hugs - real ones, long ones, the kind you dream about - Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Let's turn it around for a second... What if the government - state or federal - said "you must have a genetic test. If it is found that there is a genetic defect that will place a burden on the welfare system, by law you must abort that fetus. You must have additional testing to determine if there is a congential defect which will place a burden on the welfare system, and, if so determined, you must abort that fetus." How would you feel then? (**YOU**, in this case, means anyone, on any side of the discussion...) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Meltdown, great advice. I guess I'm one of those realtors who take this stuff seriously. I have never had an inspection where my buyer was not present. I tell them to wear throw-away clothes so they can crawl after the inspector underground, in the attic, and everywhere else. I only use inspectors who I know will count nails, call things out irrespective of what they think I want, and so forth. I've been known to tell clients to not buy X house, or to back out of a deal if something is going on (hidden water damage, cracked foundation, and so on). And as for closing costs, I always set an appointment with my buyers and go over them with a fine toothed comb. If there is an issue, we don't close until it's gotten resolved. I always get involved with the mortgage funding, and have been able to prevent issues or correct them if they occur. When I've run into something I didn't know, I said that, and then went on and learned what I needed to know...and passed that to my client. I am hands on...there are realtors who aren't. I know what I'm dealing with - someone's home, his castle, his piece of the pie - and he is treated accordingly. I don't give a rat's ass if the price is $130,000 or $990,000 - they are treated the same because it is the same...because of the way I handle things, I get letters of commendation from all over - including the other realtors at times. The realtor you choose will make this an adventure, or a nightmare. It depends on communication, skill, and general overall competence. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOL...that was funny. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

What systems are in place for someone to find that equal property without a realtor? Yes, our markets are very different. However, I don't think they are all that different - people are people, and sellers are sellers. With the stabilization of interest rates so low, unless someone has boxed themselves into a corner, simply refinancing will create the ability to hang onto the property. Trust sales, foreclosures, and so on are generally pigs in pokes, without lots of room for negotiating in any direction. This does not always create value for the buyer, because they end up with something which can suck $$ out from under them - with NO recourse. None of the issues I brought up are negated by the market differences...there are still cloudy titles (especially in foreclosure/trust/tax sales). Misrepresentation is still going to be rampant. Inspections still need to be done. The only difference would be the amount of properties to choose from - and I wonder how you'd combat that if you don't have access to a realtor and an MLS system. Most buyers I work with are first timers (I love them best). They generally have no idea what goes into a transaction...and that's where my value is created. In taking the 60-75 hours of paperwork off their shoulders, location of property, and experience and industry contacts tend to save the buyer something like 4% - which, in a market where I have 10X the buyers as sellers, that's a value not to be misunderstood. I appreciate your feedback, as well. I simply disagree, and again point out that the seller pays the realtor fees...and bargains are not always that in the end. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Closing costs are all those things you will have to pay (usually out of pocket) to get the deal closed. They include: Title fees, escrow fees, inspection fees, points (if any), taxes, supplemental taxes, assessments, and all other incidental things. As a buyer, in my state, I generally advise about 3% of the sales price. If you are a seller, I advise between 7-8%, depending on commissions. Various types of financing is very vague - there are so many different kinds it would take about 3 hours to cover all of them. If you have a specific scenario, let me know, and I'll see what I can answer for you. If anyone has any questions about buying or selling a home, feel free to PM me. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Sorry. Not true. Here's the reality of FSBO's. When someome decides to sell their home themselves, they will price it at or above market value. They will do everything they can to dissuade a person to use a realtor. They will cite "you'll save $$"...but who's saving it? The SELLER! Why? Because the SELLER pays the realtors' fees. Both of them. The buyer will be paying the same price, or less, when working with a realtor. And unless he has someone advising him, he can run into some serious issues. But guess what? The seller doesn't save it, either. Because, in my state, 74 things must occur before a home can close escrow - and that's a simple, straightforward deal. Escrow companies are NOT allowed to give advice. Title companies are not allowed to give advice. So, after a screw up or two, and a delay in closing because certain paperwork is not in (but you don't know which peice of paper isn't there, because NO-One can tell you...), or the appraisal isn't ordered, or the inspection isn't done, or there are repair issues which need to be resolved, or there are issues with a cloudy title, someone usually heads off to a lawyer. By then, the deal is sooooo screwed up, the buyer usually tries to bail. And the seller is back at square one...or, if the seller gets a lawyer, the buyer gets a lawyer. And lawyers fees are far more, by the time everything is said and done, than any fee I've ever gotten. Additionally, who's going to supply the contracts/paperwork/messenger services? Hell, who's got E&O insurance (homeowners does NOT cover this...)...and so on. And lastly, the deals I can cut because I handle XX amount of transactions with a certain escrow, title, or mortgage co can amount to thousands of dollars. (Can you tell I've been hired to straighten stuff out??? Sigh...) By then, the market has changed, and the value it was when all this started (back 120 days ago) now is defunct. And the Seller is having to spend more $$, in the end, to buy his replacement property...thus no savings... And what about contingent sales - rentback? Or closing date difficulties? Termite reports? Earthquake statutory disclosures? And on and on and on... DJL, give me a pm with your area, what you want, how much you can spend, and all that jazz. I'll hook you up with a good realtor in your area, and you'll be fine. Your very first step, however, is to get prequalified by a real live lender, not an internet site. person to person. If you need help getting one in your area, again, let me know. I'll be happy to help. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Poor Jerry - we are sure giving you lots to work on!! How about pre-existing, non-disclosed medical conditions, ie hypertensivity, and who's liable if something goes wrong (or maybe this would fit into the liability waiver, as we state we are in good physical health...wouldn't lying void that, in part??) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Surgery date has been bumped, so....I have time. As Team 135 doesn't seem to be coming along, I'm not sure what to do. Show up at Elsinore and try to get on a team that would understand with me in tow there's no hope for winning, or go to the Peckerhead thing and try to bribe people with things (I am not sure how that works....but I'm good at begging, bribing, and overall evil antics)....OTOH, I could always just go to work. Suggestions? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

That leasves me out right now. I get lightheaded getting blood drawn at the moment! LOLsigh. But really, guys, go donate. It will save lives. (And Lori, it was great seeing you on Saturday! I just wish I had more time, you know?) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I am asking everybody! Anyone who wants a lot of "fun", yes, "FUN!!!" come play with me (hey, Bozo.....THAT MEANS YOU TOO!!!!).... I'm so bad, it will be fun just to be in the air with 10 other folks. FUNFUNFUNFunfunfun and then more funfunfunfunfunf. C'mon, kids, send me to surgery in great style!!! Let's make some memories so while I sit here whining about missing the blue, you all can remind me of it. Jim, it's only a one day event...you could get here, right? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOL! I just saw this. Impatient man, you!!! And we've lost Palmieri already....! O.K., here's the deal, folks. It looks like I will be having more surgery - fairly painful and complicated, and tentatively set for next week. I will be groundbound for at least 6 weeks, and perhaps longer (depending on what they find, need to reconstruct, et cetera...). So.... Keith managed to talk me into one last day of play in the sky, over at Elsinore this weekend. I would like to try my hand at the 10way speed star stuff. Keith's put out the tentative list of who we'd really like to ask, based on skill level, the fact that they can keep up with me (135 is there for a reason), and who I trust. I'm very bad. I pull on time, but that's about the only consistent thing I've managed so far (but it's the important one, right!!??) Come play with me in the sky. I can promise you nothing other than a lot of smiles and fun. I can almost guarantee you we will not win - but we'll try our hardest, and make it fun. Please, please, please....if you're not on the list, it's just because we were at coffee and I didn't recall you off the bat. Or if I did, I didn't think you'd be interested. If you're interested on being on "Team 135", please let me or Keith know. And I will bring some beer, as this will be my first speedstar. (hey, I went for the sympathy vote, now I'm trying the bribe thing....). Lemme know! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

How about this.... Since you seem to have read them, why not bring them to the DZ the next time we're at the same place at the same time, and I'll borrow them from you? Again, I don't tend to buy books like that...and you really shouldn't assume what is acceptable reading material, or which "slant" I tend to prefer. And why not include this book in it, as you seem to have already read it (you have read it, haven't you? If not, perhaps I shouldn't take you seriously either, as that seems to be your litmus test for opinions here....).... As to the thought about raw data, I was referring to the actual speeches rather than someone's opinion of them. Et cetera. If I cannot find raw data, I will use something (ala the numbers chart) which is about as clean as I can find. Newsie, sorry you can't find that article. I don't have the money to purchase that, so if you have the time, scan it in or something. It would be interesting. The chart did not contain November/December numbers.... Overall, my point remains. When Clinton and the 105 Congress had already adopted a regime change attitude, one can reasonably expect that the Bush administration inherited plans to invade. Thus, when one takes into account the author's history, the timing, and the flurry of media around it, I should think it's no more than a tempest in a tea pot, designed to ruffle the feathers of those who have a predetermined notion of Bush and his administration, cuase a media uproar, and create some issues. When one researchs the topic, it is apparent that something else went on. Based on that, a jump ticket and a pack job is not worth the book... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You're more than welcome to not take me seriously, Bill. You often don't. I'm used to it, so it's no issue...and no insult. My statement stands. When someone writes a book, and alleges there were plans to invade Iraq when Bush took office - but conveniently leaves out the 1998 Congressional Declaration and subsequent Clinton acceptance of said premise of regime change, then I do not think my hard earned $27 dollars should be spent on something like that. If it were based in truth, if it were based in reality, and if he weren't someone who is now being investigated for leaking secret documents on the 20/20 show, then I'd consider it. I do not have lots of money to spend on bookbuying. I am a cautious consumer...and a careful one. The last book I bought because of hype was "The Da Vinci Code", and found that to be a tripefest at best...and I don't like making mistakes like that. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOL, Newsie. Can you search/link it for me? It didn't come up when I ran my search earlier. I did not intentionally leave out November - I could only find the numbers as of October. That's the basis for my statement. Additionally, I did not include accidents as KIA, nor suicides (which seem to be higher). Further, the data did not count injuries in the place I linked. It was strictly KIA/KIA, Accident/Accident (death), I would be interested in seeing the numbers according to "battle" v. "insurgency attacks". Like in Viet Nam, one of the best ways to attack an organized force is via ambush, or IED. What I find interesting is the number of arrests, the slowing of insurgent attacks, and some sort of comparison between the "before/after" date of May 1. Should be interesting. It's very easy to say this is right, that is right, the other thing is right. I'd like to see numbers without spin; I can make my own mind up. I'd appreciate your linking the article you referenced. Thankfully, I don't have to type on a rock...you're welcome, GM. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I agree! Interesting.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

How ablout driving out and bringing her an ice cream, or a hot chocolate (or something comforting like that...), and sitting with her for a bit? Or, if it's too far away, a few phone calls might help alleviate her stress. I was robbed one night when I was about 17 working at Taco Bell. The guy went sideways, picked up the cash register, and threw it at me. I avoided it by backing into the steam cabinet. He came over the counter and started picking up the cash, but when he was bent over, somehow my foot caught him in the shoulder/chin (I kicked him...), and a tussle ensued. Customers realized something was up, and two burly guys came over the counter while someone else called the cops. Since it's Burbank, the cops were there within moments, while the customers were wrestling him, and my co-worker was holding a pot of that hot beef stuff; he was going to throw it on the bad guy if he could get a clear shot. Several years later, the same guy came back and shot the night manager in the head. I was no longer working there. It was really hard to keep working, but my brother came a few nights and did his homework, or Dad would come by and eat a burrito (he hated burritos)...just to keep me comfy. It helped. A lot. I remained there for the rest of the semester (it was a work study program), but I still don't like going there for a bite to eat. And I don't think Dad's had a burrito since I stopped working there... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

No, that was the jump I did at the end of the day on Saturday....man, that was funny!!! You didn't bother to look at the data, did you? Between the time I posted, and the time you responded, you had no time to consider what I posted. Since you've dismissed it out of hand, I shall do the same with your comment...."poof". Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Nope, I suspect it is so much hogwash based on the premise of the book, which I found to be factually incorrect. I also haven't read Pollack, can't stand Limbaugh, and haven't bothered with Coulter's, either. When I spend money on books, I am very careful on what I buy. Good stuff can generally be found as raw information somewhere on the web, and because there is no spin, it's easier for me to learn from it without having to purge it for political rhetoric (irrespective of party). Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~