"If prices come down by another 10% but interest rates increase by 1 percentage point, that would mean the same monthly payment today versus waiting."--New York Times 7/27/2009
"As the Fed begins to wind down its purchases in the next few months, rates will become less enticing. Analysts expect them to rise to at least 6 percent from the current 5 percent."--New York Times 10/24/2009
In 2009 the percent of total sales in the Winston-Salem, NC market were as follows
$0-100,000---30.0%
$100,000-250,000---54.2%
$250,000-500,000---12.3%
$500,000-750,000---2%
$750,000-1,000,000---.003%
$1,000,000-2,000,000---.002%
Should YOU wait until the market rebounds to sell? According to Housing Wire 9/21/2009 and Moody's analyst:
At least another decade will pass before housing prices return to peak 2006 levels, according to analyst Celia Chen at Moody's Economy.com. She wrote that housing prices will decline for another year bottoming out in the second quarter of 2010 before rebounding.
"The correction will be not only deep but also lengthy. The national price level will not regain its 2006 high until 2020."
Monday, January 25, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Free House? Depends on how you view the glass...
Well, there isn't such a thing and home ownership does come with a ton of responsibility, but nothing is more American than owning your own home. With the extension and expansion of the tax credit and the raising of the limit of how much money you can make in order to qualify (125k-singles**225K-couples), there has never been a time that felt more like, well, free!
If you take the notion of a borrower paying $900 in interest and property taxes each month, this would equate to a loan amount of $165,000. At this loan amount, the interest is around $690 and the property taxes, let's say are $210 for a total of $900--both of these items being normal tax write-offs.
So on this $900/month budget or $10,800 per year they are probably close to a 25% tax bracket with federal and state taxes, so they could potential recognize $2700 in income tax benefits PLUS the additional $8000 in credits from the stimulus!
WOW! They just got their home for $100 this year! Of course, back to the expenses...there is of course home owners insurance, which should be a little more than the renter's insurance they SHOULD be carrying and they will have to maintain their new home.
In this situation it is obviously one scenario and as I tell all of my clients, even those who look like they have "cut and dry" situations, that they need to consult their tax advisor. I also have to say that this novel idea was not mine, but passed on to me by a dear mortgage associate.
Bottom line is this...the tax credit was extended and expanded and if you are even remotely considering moving up or out, NOW IS THE TIME! Any financial advisor that you read in the WSJ or see on t.v preach that this is a historic time for buying real estate...imagine the value 20 years from now!
Make the credit work for you and give me a call so that I can help point you in the right direction so that you too can take your piece of the stimulus pie!
If you take the notion of a borrower paying $900 in interest and property taxes each month, this would equate to a loan amount of $165,000. At this loan amount, the interest is around $690 and the property taxes, let's say are $210 for a total of $900--both of these items being normal tax write-offs.
So on this $900/month budget or $10,800 per year they are probably close to a 25% tax bracket with federal and state taxes, so they could potential recognize $2700 in income tax benefits PLUS the additional $8000 in credits from the stimulus!
WOW! They just got their home for $100 this year! Of course, back to the expenses...there is of course home owners insurance, which should be a little more than the renter's insurance they SHOULD be carrying and they will have to maintain their new home.
In this situation it is obviously one scenario and as I tell all of my clients, even those who look like they have "cut and dry" situations, that they need to consult their tax advisor. I also have to say that this novel idea was not mine, but passed on to me by a dear mortgage associate.
Bottom line is this...the tax credit was extended and expanded and if you are even remotely considering moving up or out, NOW IS THE TIME! Any financial advisor that you read in the WSJ or see on t.v preach that this is a historic time for buying real estate...imagine the value 20 years from now!
Make the credit work for you and give me a call so that I can help point you in the right direction so that you too can take your piece of the stimulus pie!
Friday, January 08, 2010
Rules For Living
This has been hanging over our kitchenette at the office and I have enjoyed it, so i wanted to share these sentiments by Kent Keith.
RULES FOR LIVING
1-People are illogical, unreasonable and self-centered. Love them anyway.
2-If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway.
3-If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
4-The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
5-Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.
6-The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. Think big anyway.
7-People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
8-What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
9-People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anyway.
10-Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.
RULES FOR LIVING
1-People are illogical, unreasonable and self-centered. Love them anyway.
2-If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway.
3-If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
4-The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
5-Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.
6-The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. Think big anyway.
7-People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
8-What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
9-People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anyway.
10-Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.
Monday, January 04, 2010
X Marks the Spot...
Well, now the holidays are behind us and 2010 or the Year of X is now upon us. I have been super busy listing and consulting folks who are weeks away from listing, so there will be plenty to choose from if you are a first-timer or move-up buyer looking to take advantage of the extended and expanded tax credit before April 30, 2010.
The numbers show the "hot spots" in the market and I have some stats from November 09 I would like to share that demonstrate just that.
These stats are residential stats for Forsyth County-November 2009
Homes closed between 100,001 and 150,000---112 sold
Homes closed between 150,001 and 200,000---41 sold
Homes closed between 200,001 and 250,000---17 sold
Homes closed between 250,001 and 300,000---12 sold
TOTAL of home sold that were over 300,000---29 sold!
Hot market is definitely between 100-200K and those over the 300K mark are going to have to price aggressively, still be the shiniest apple in the bunch and be open to buyer incentives at least for the next quarter or three.
December and January's numbers will be very interesting since it is my opinion that these figures above from November 09 are artificially inflated due to the perception that the tax credit was ending on Nov 30...we'll see how we adjust to the new deadlines and where the market ends up after April 2010...As far as bottoming of the market, it is my hope that X will truly mark the spot as the bottom and we can go onward and upward from there.
Wishing you a healthy and prosperous New Year!
The numbers show the "hot spots" in the market and I have some stats from November 09 I would like to share that demonstrate just that.
These stats are residential stats for Forsyth County-November 2009
Homes closed between 100,001 and 150,000---112 sold
Homes closed between 150,001 and 200,000---41 sold
Homes closed between 200,001 and 250,000---17 sold
Homes closed between 250,001 and 300,000---12 sold
TOTAL of home sold that were over 300,000---29 sold!
Hot market is definitely between 100-200K and those over the 300K mark are going to have to price aggressively, still be the shiniest apple in the bunch and be open to buyer incentives at least for the next quarter or three.
December and January's numbers will be very interesting since it is my opinion that these figures above from November 09 are artificially inflated due to the perception that the tax credit was ending on Nov 30...we'll see how we adjust to the new deadlines and where the market ends up after April 2010...As far as bottoming of the market, it is my hope that X will truly mark the spot as the bottom and we can go onward and upward from there.
Wishing you a healthy and prosperous New Year!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Ways to Deal with the Enevitable Holiday Stress...
A great message arrived from the President of Allen Tate today, thought I would share it with you as you may be dealing with the tiny nuiances of holiday stress as we count down the days to Christmas...
* Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
*Always keep your words soft and sweet, in case you have to eat them.
*Always wear clothes that make you look good, in case you die in the middle of whatever you are doing.
*Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be "recalled" by their maker.
*If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
*If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
*May it be that your sole purpose in life is simply to be kind to others.
*Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because you won't have a leg to stand on.
*Nobody cares if you can't dance well...just get up and DANCE!
*Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird--sleep late!
*The second mouse gets the cheese.
*When everything is coming your way...you're in the WRONG lane!
*Birthdays are good for you...the more you have the longer you will live! :)
*You may be only one person in the world, but to one person you are the world!
*Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once!
*We could learn a lot from crayons...some are sharp, some are dull, some have weird names and are all different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
MY FAVORITE:
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour!
Merry Christmas!
Brooke
* Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
*Always keep your words soft and sweet, in case you have to eat them.
*Always wear clothes that make you look good, in case you die in the middle of whatever you are doing.
*Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be "recalled" by their maker.
*If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
*If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
*May it be that your sole purpose in life is simply to be kind to others.
*Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because you won't have a leg to stand on.
*Nobody cares if you can't dance well...just get up and DANCE!
*Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird--sleep late!
*The second mouse gets the cheese.
*When everything is coming your way...you're in the WRONG lane!
*Birthdays are good for you...the more you have the longer you will live! :)
*You may be only one person in the world, but to one person you are the world!
*Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once!
*We could learn a lot from crayons...some are sharp, some are dull, some have weird names and are all different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
MY FAVORITE:
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour!
Merry Christmas!
Brooke
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Shop Local!! Top 10 Reasons!
Ok, T Minus 8 days and counting!!
It's definitely crunch time and the race is on to get those last minute gifts. May I suggest 10 Reasons for BUYING LOCAL?
10. Nothing says Christmas like long lines of red tail lights in parking lots. Admit it, something would be missing if you didn't have to get into "some" traffic while jammin' to 99.5 and Christmas classics.
9. You DO need to touch, smell and see what you are purchasing...I can say from experience that a size online MAY NOT be what you receive just days, sometimes hours before Christmas.
8. Friendly, helpful service from folks in local stores who REALLY know what they are doing! Not script-prompted call centers that can't pronounce Kernersville or Mocksville, NO IT'S NOT KNOXVILLE!!
7. Local businesses need YOUR DOLLAR in this tough economy...why send your money to some off-shore account or to some corporation housed in Timbuktoo? Well over 50 cent of each dollar spent locally STAYS LOCALLY and supports our LOCAL ECONOMY! It's the economy stupid! :)
6. Unique gift ideas...go online or to a big box and you get what everyone is getting! These shop owners spend a ton of time trying to find items that set their stores apart...take advantage of their knowledge! Grab a cup of coffee from your local coffee shop or bakery and STROLL...see what nuggets you can pick out special for that special someone on your list!
5. Take time to remember that it's the thought that counts! Sure thoughts can be ill-fitting, ugly and sometimes embarrassing (me: thanks for the big red underwear mom!) but when you know that someone spent time shopping for you (mom: you like red Brooke and red brings good luck according to my reflexologist) you know that they really were thinking about you and what you like--not just clicking on a random sale item or ordering yet another thoughtless gift card.
4. Make it a social outing...remember the cup of coffee I suggested, well, turn it into lunch or dinner after a long, productive day out with the girls or guys...have fun, talk, search, discover your town!
3. Make history! Yep, you can do just that. Visit some of historic sites and older local shop owners for a bit of local flare! Buy Moravian cookies, tins, candles or send some North Carolina goodies to those friends far and wide...we have such a rich history, unlike so many other states, so share that NC pride!
2. Create a tradition! Yes, I know it might be hard to do everything locally, but it can be done. When we opened our office in downtown Kernersville in 2005, I did all of my Christmas shopping in downtown Kville. Now, it was challenging and especially then, when there weren't a great deal of shops open, but I did it! Now, the tradition in the Cashion family is to still enjoy a shopping trip to downtown Kernersville for gift purchases for ANY SEASON...we start there first! A book at Shakespeare and Co., a basket of NC goodies from Baskets and Beyond, jewelry at Splurges, and the list goes on and on.
1. Because you LIVE HERE! This is your town, city, village, etc. Take pride in knowing that you play an integral part in keeping small, local businesses alive. Your part will make all of the difference in this economy, so that everyone can have the Merriest Christmas possible!
Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!
It's definitely crunch time and the race is on to get those last minute gifts. May I suggest 10 Reasons for BUYING LOCAL?
10. Nothing says Christmas like long lines of red tail lights in parking lots. Admit it, something would be missing if you didn't have to get into "some" traffic while jammin' to 99.5 and Christmas classics.
9. You DO need to touch, smell and see what you are purchasing...I can say from experience that a size online MAY NOT be what you receive just days, sometimes hours before Christmas.
8. Friendly, helpful service from folks in local stores who REALLY know what they are doing! Not script-prompted call centers that can't pronounce Kernersville or Mocksville, NO IT'S NOT KNOXVILLE!!
7. Local businesses need YOUR DOLLAR in this tough economy...why send your money to some off-shore account or to some corporation housed in Timbuktoo? Well over 50 cent of each dollar spent locally STAYS LOCALLY and supports our LOCAL ECONOMY! It's the economy stupid! :)
6. Unique gift ideas...go online or to a big box and you get what everyone is getting! These shop owners spend a ton of time trying to find items that set their stores apart...take advantage of their knowledge! Grab a cup of coffee from your local coffee shop or bakery and STROLL...see what nuggets you can pick out special for that special someone on your list!
5. Take time to remember that it's the thought that counts! Sure thoughts can be ill-fitting, ugly and sometimes embarrassing (me: thanks for the big red underwear mom!) but when you know that someone spent time shopping for you (mom: you like red Brooke and red brings good luck according to my reflexologist) you know that they really were thinking about you and what you like--not just clicking on a random sale item or ordering yet another thoughtless gift card.
4. Make it a social outing...remember the cup of coffee I suggested, well, turn it into lunch or dinner after a long, productive day out with the girls or guys...have fun, talk, search, discover your town!
3. Make history! Yep, you can do just that. Visit some of historic sites and older local shop owners for a bit of local flare! Buy Moravian cookies, tins, candles or send some North Carolina goodies to those friends far and wide...we have such a rich history, unlike so many other states, so share that NC pride!
2. Create a tradition! Yes, I know it might be hard to do everything locally, but it can be done. When we opened our office in downtown Kernersville in 2005, I did all of my Christmas shopping in downtown Kville. Now, it was challenging and especially then, when there weren't a great deal of shops open, but I did it! Now, the tradition in the Cashion family is to still enjoy a shopping trip to downtown Kernersville for gift purchases for ANY SEASON...we start there first! A book at Shakespeare and Co., a basket of NC goodies from Baskets and Beyond, jewelry at Splurges, and the list goes on and on.
1. Because you LIVE HERE! This is your town, city, village, etc. Take pride in knowing that you play an integral part in keeping small, local businesses alive. Your part will make all of the difference in this economy, so that everyone can have the Merriest Christmas possible!
Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!
Monday, December 07, 2009
Changes to Good Faith Estimate Just Around the Corner...
At our office meeting last week our Allen Tate mortgage VP spoke to our group about the changes on the horizon for Good Faith Estimates (GFE). For those of you out there who haven't purchased a home in a while, you may not remember that a GFE is required from the lender prior to loan commitment. Due to so many recent lending changes and loan defaults, the government has stepped in to simplify the process--thanks!
What was once a one page form has grown to three pages and is a basically a hand-holding, step by step worksheet for buyers to compare and contrast lenders and the loans they have to offer.
There are still caveats...dates are important to pay attention to because rates change, programs are eliminated and funds for certain programs can be limited.
It is still crucial to go with a reputable lender who can explain your options and make sure you are comparing "apples to apples" so to speak. Meaning that origination fees, points, transaction fees, estimates of expenses and escrows are broken out but can vary widely.
The one thing that jumps out at me and some of my colleagues is the fact that the lenders must disclose up front fees for services by third-party vendors. These fees cannot change but a certain percent from the overall cost. This means that your lender may say that they have an average price for legal services (closing attorney), but you want to choose someone you know. If the person you choose costs significantly more, bundled with other items that are variable, and your lender is basing their estimates on folks they have historically used, this may upset that proverbial "apple cart". If it does it could mean essentially limiting your choices because by using someone not in the "pool" could throw the estimates on the GFE out of whack, thus delaying the closing.
How, you say, if I am ok with the fees and the possible change can this delay my closing? Well, another change is that if these amounts charged change outside of the allowed percentage...the lender has to draw up another GFE and make sure that the closing occurs no sooner than three days from receipt.
There will definitely be "tweaking" of this document and though lenders are required to use the new GFE now, they are also in a transitional period to allow for instruction and adjustment.
Bottom line is that as a consumer of real estate it is necessary to find a means of understanding the cost of borrowing money and transacting real estate. Find a professional lender that understands the various programs and their ups, downs, ins and outs. Once you have several GFEs from various mortgage lenders, share them with your professional REALTOR so that you can talk about the programs and how they may effect what kind, what price and what location of the home you are going to purchase. That way everyone, most importantly yourself, is on the same page regarding your strategic plan to buy a home or investment property and that my friend, will bode for a smooth and professionally executed transaction!
Feel free to post questions or your own experiences with this new Good Faith Estimate or any other questions or comments you have regarding the real estate process!
What was once a one page form has grown to three pages and is a basically a hand-holding, step by step worksheet for buyers to compare and contrast lenders and the loans they have to offer.
There are still caveats...dates are important to pay attention to because rates change, programs are eliminated and funds for certain programs can be limited.
It is still crucial to go with a reputable lender who can explain your options and make sure you are comparing "apples to apples" so to speak. Meaning that origination fees, points, transaction fees, estimates of expenses and escrows are broken out but can vary widely.
The one thing that jumps out at me and some of my colleagues is the fact that the lenders must disclose up front fees for services by third-party vendors. These fees cannot change but a certain percent from the overall cost. This means that your lender may say that they have an average price for legal services (closing attorney), but you want to choose someone you know. If the person you choose costs significantly more, bundled with other items that are variable, and your lender is basing their estimates on folks they have historically used, this may upset that proverbial "apple cart". If it does it could mean essentially limiting your choices because by using someone not in the "pool" could throw the estimates on the GFE out of whack, thus delaying the closing.
How, you say, if I am ok with the fees and the possible change can this delay my closing? Well, another change is that if these amounts charged change outside of the allowed percentage...the lender has to draw up another GFE and make sure that the closing occurs no sooner than three days from receipt.
There will definitely be "tweaking" of this document and though lenders are required to use the new GFE now, they are also in a transitional period to allow for instruction and adjustment.
Bottom line is that as a consumer of real estate it is necessary to find a means of understanding the cost of borrowing money and transacting real estate. Find a professional lender that understands the various programs and their ups, downs, ins and outs. Once you have several GFEs from various mortgage lenders, share them with your professional REALTOR so that you can talk about the programs and how they may effect what kind, what price and what location of the home you are going to purchase. That way everyone, most importantly yourself, is on the same page regarding your strategic plan to buy a home or investment property and that my friend, will bode for a smooth and professionally executed transaction!
Feel free to post questions or your own experiences with this new Good Faith Estimate or any other questions or comments you have regarding the real estate process!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Winston-Salem Area In Economic Recovery?
Interesting post from MSN-Money...thoughts, comments?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33934229/ns/business_eye_on_the_economy/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33934229/ns/business_eye_on_the_economy/
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Triad Area: Buy Local This Holiday Season!
Great public service annoucement as to why YOU should buy LOCAL this holiday season and EVERY season! Check it out and see if you can find your hometown! Kernersville is representing! :)
Triad Area: Buy Local This Holiday Season!
Triad Area: Buy Local This Holiday Season!
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Update on Tax Credit Extension...
This is an excerpt from an email that my lender-friend, LuAnn Davis sent just a few minutes ago...
November 5, 2009
Senate has passed legislation making if virtually certain President Obama will sign the
Homebuyer Tax Credit Benefits Extension and Expansion!!
If signed into law . . . . .
* The first time homebuyer tax credit of $8000, due to expire at the end of November would be
extended through April, 2010.
* Legislation is expanded to allow qualified move-up buyers to be eligible for a credit of up to $6500.
* Income limits have been expanded for first time homebuyers with incomes up to $225,000 for a married
couple now being eligible.
* Existing homebuyers will have income limits and must have lived in their current residence for 5 of the prior 8 years.
* Primary residences only qualify.
I am here to provide unsurpassed service when helping your buyers take advantage of this tax credit. Rates are still incredibly low and our common sense approach to underwriting will create a positive experience for you and your client. Please call me!
LuAnn DavisSr. Loan Officer
WR Starkey Mortgage
November 5, 2009
Senate has passed legislation making if virtually certain President Obama will sign the
Homebuyer Tax Credit Benefits Extension and Expansion!!
If signed into law . . . . .
* The first time homebuyer tax credit of $8000, due to expire at the end of November would be
extended through April, 2010.
* Legislation is expanded to allow qualified move-up buyers to be eligible for a credit of up to $6500.
* Income limits have been expanded for first time homebuyers with incomes up to $225,000 for a married
couple now being eligible.
* Existing homebuyers will have income limits and must have lived in their current residence for 5 of the prior 8 years.
* Primary residences only qualify.
I am here to provide unsurpassed service when helping your buyers take advantage of this tax credit. Rates are still incredibly low and our common sense approach to underwriting will create a positive experience for you and your client. Please call me!
LuAnn DavisSr. Loan Officer
WR Starkey Mortgage
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
For The Record...NC Real Estate Update
Per Issue 6, November/December 2009 North Carolina Realtors Association:
Just some quick factoids regarding the current state of NC real estate. We hear so much nationwide news, I thought it would be beneficial to share some state numbers with you. Keep in mind, all real estate is local and even though these are state numbers, numbers specific to your area and/or neighborhood can be obtained by contacting me, Brooke Cashion at 336-817-3598 or brooke.cashion@allentate.com
*First-time buyers continue to fuel the housing rebound. Most are between the ages of 25-45 and they have accounted for nearly 50% of the homes sales in the first 7 months of 2009!!
*NC existing homes sales posted its fourth consecutive month of improvement in September, the longest period of gain in 5 years. **My commentary** This may be attributed to prices adjusting to more "normal" levels**
*NC ranks as the 6th most popular state in the nation when it comes to where people want to love, according to a recent Harris interactive poll.
*National foreclosure rates soared in the 3rd quarter with 1 in every 136 homes going into foreclosure...HOWEVER in NC, we had the 14th lowest rate of foreclosure with only 1 in every 417 homes going into foreclosure.
Please feel free to post commentary on your observations of these facts and figures and contribute any additional pertinent information you may have, including references and links.
Just some quick factoids regarding the current state of NC real estate. We hear so much nationwide news, I thought it would be beneficial to share some state numbers with you. Keep in mind, all real estate is local and even though these are state numbers, numbers specific to your area and/or neighborhood can be obtained by contacting me, Brooke Cashion at 336-817-3598 or brooke.cashion@allentate.com
*First-time buyers continue to fuel the housing rebound. Most are between the ages of 25-45 and they have accounted for nearly 50% of the homes sales in the first 7 months of 2009!!
*NC existing homes sales posted its fourth consecutive month of improvement in September, the longest period of gain in 5 years. **My commentary** This may be attributed to prices adjusting to more "normal" levels**
*NC ranks as the 6th most popular state in the nation when it comes to where people want to love, according to a recent Harris interactive poll.
*National foreclosure rates soared in the 3rd quarter with 1 in every 136 homes going into foreclosure...HOWEVER in NC, we had the 14th lowest rate of foreclosure with only 1 in every 417 homes going into foreclosure.
Please feel free to post commentary on your observations of these facts and figures and contribute any additional pertinent information you may have, including references and links.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Great Tips for Preventing the Flu or other Viral Maladies...
I SWEAR by the Neti pot...a cheaper version, which is just as effective, is to take a 3" bulb syringe (pharmacy supply store) and warm water mixed 3 parts salt 1 part baking soda and gently flush your nasal cavities. Best performed in the shower or over the sink, because it unless you are good, water goes everywhere!
This message is from Dr. Vinay Goyal a renowned doctor who visited last week to lecture on the topic H1N1 (SWINE FLU), its origin and precautions. He is an MBBS, DRM, DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital , Bombay Hospital ,Saifee Hospital , Tata Memorial etc. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).
Thanks to media hype about H1N1, several people who trust me have either approached or called me to advice. The hype in media about the utility of face masks and N95 respirators as a tool for g eneral protection against H1N1 can't be deplored enough. Yesterday, a friend who listened wanted me to write down briefly what I advised so that he could tell others in similar words. Hence this short email to friends whom I have advised recently (and others whom I haven't yet). Please realize that this is not an official advice, especially the one about face masks or N95.
Most N95 respirators are designed to filter 95% particulates of 0.3µ, while the s ize of H1N1 virus is about 0.1µ. Hence, dependence on N95 to protect against H1N1 is like protecting against rain with an umbrella made of mosquito net.
Tamiflu does not kill but prevents H1N1 from further proliferation till the virus limits itself in about 1-2 weeks (its natural cycle). H1N1, like other Influenza A viruses, only infects the upper respiratory tract and proliferates (only) there. The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/ throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as prol iferation is. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps not fully highlighted in most official communications - can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face
3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*
5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6.* Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
All these are simple ways to prevent, within means of most households, and certainly much less painful than to wait in long queues outside public hospitals.
This message is from Dr. Vinay Goyal a renowned doctor who visited last week to lecture on the topic H1N1 (SWINE FLU), its origin and precautions. He is an MBBS, DRM, DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital , Bombay Hospital ,Saifee Hospital , Tata Memorial etc. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).
Thanks to media hype about H1N1, several people who trust me have either approached or called me to advice. The hype in media about the utility of face masks and N95 respirators as a tool for g eneral protection against H1N1 can't be deplored enough. Yesterday, a friend who listened wanted me to write down briefly what I advised so that he could tell others in similar words. Hence this short email to friends whom I have advised recently (and others whom I haven't yet). Please realize that this is not an official advice, especially the one about face masks or N95.
Most N95 respirators are designed to filter 95% particulates of 0.3µ, while the s ize of H1N1 virus is about 0.1µ. Hence, dependence on N95 to protect against H1N1 is like protecting against rain with an umbrella made of mosquito net.
Tamiflu does not kill but prevents H1N1 from further proliferation till the virus limits itself in about 1-2 weeks (its natural cycle). H1N1, like other Influenza A viruses, only infects the upper respiratory tract and proliferates (only) there. The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/ throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as prol iferation is. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps not fully highlighted in most official communications - can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face
3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*
5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6.* Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
All these are simple ways to prevent, within means of most households, and certainly much less painful than to wait in long queues outside public hospitals.
Hard Work and Relaxation Shouldn't Be a Thing of the Past...
Ok, it's Friday, a day to start winding down-right? Sorry to burden you with a heavy blog before the weekend, but it's the first time recently I have had the chance to really sit down and write.
Jake and I were talking last night about how Christmas was only 65 days away and I brought up how different it was going to be this year for Thanksgiving and Christmas without Nanny around. Most of you who read regularly, know that my grandmother, fondly called, Nanny, passed away in July. I have been saying that I want to write about that experience, but time, like everything else, has been limited for me to feel like I could do justice to the subject.
A little background...Nanny was a worker. From the time she was a child, on her family farm in Kernersville, just off of Pisgah Church Road, Nanny worked. She had several siblings that died as infants and two sisters who she enjoyed for many years to come. Nanny was no stranger to difficult times as her family survived the Great Depression and continued to live on meager income farming tobacco. However, to hear Nanny describe her life, you never would know that they ever wanted for anything. Days were occupied by hard work and hard work paid off. During the depression, Nanny talked about having plenty to eat, most of it being provided on their farm, from home-grown vegetables, slaughtered animals, eggs, milk and the like. They didn't go hungry like the folks who relied on the "business-world", the stock market or "easy" money...barely a ripple was felt according to her recollections.
When the family wasn't chipping in to keep the place running, they enjoyed each others company. In a time pre-television and radio, the Bible was a mainstay of family gatherings and church and the work-free Sunday afternoon were a welcome respite to the weekly grind. These Sunday afternoons were literally without running around, shopping, cooking, cleaning or anything that resembled work. The family would gather on the front porch, visit near-by family and friends or take moments to reflect on the upcoming or bygone week. Even the food was pre-made for Sunday dinner and it was fresh, scratch-made and plentiful!
Though this is only a snippet into the inner-workings of most families that grew up in this era and only a small glance at my grandmother's childhood, I challenge you to look at your own situation and how we define work and relaxation. I too, am guilty of working non-stop both at home and in the office, running myself into a place where I am neither pleasant to be around and have a hard time coming down from. This pattern makes it almost impossible to stop, enjoy family or take a "breather" without feelings of guilt or anxiety.
Take a lesson from Nanny...work hard when it's time to work but enjoy the fruits of your labor and the company of those you love most when the opportunities present themselves. Because of her and her family's hard work and limited reliance on outside sources, they had an independence that allowed them to dictate when they relaxed, what their lifestyle looked like and provided time for friends and family without outside distractions. I understand that times have changed and they continue to change. In order for us to maintain a resemblance of sanity during these times, we must breathe and take personal responsibility, working hard and rewarding ourselves for time well spent. Turn off the t.v, the blackberry, the ipod, the radio and reflect on your family, your friends and what exactly it is that you are spinning your wheels for.
WOW! Deep thoughts by Brooke Cashion...sorry if I bored you to tears, but brace yourself, because more "Nanny" installations are to follow. Have a great weekend and please feel free to contribute your thoughts on hard work, self-sufficiency, family members as role models and anything else you would like to share...
Jake and I were talking last night about how Christmas was only 65 days away and I brought up how different it was going to be this year for Thanksgiving and Christmas without Nanny around. Most of you who read regularly, know that my grandmother, fondly called, Nanny, passed away in July. I have been saying that I want to write about that experience, but time, like everything else, has been limited for me to feel like I could do justice to the subject.
A little background...Nanny was a worker. From the time she was a child, on her family farm in Kernersville, just off of Pisgah Church Road, Nanny worked. She had several siblings that died as infants and two sisters who she enjoyed for many years to come. Nanny was no stranger to difficult times as her family survived the Great Depression and continued to live on meager income farming tobacco. However, to hear Nanny describe her life, you never would know that they ever wanted for anything. Days were occupied by hard work and hard work paid off. During the depression, Nanny talked about having plenty to eat, most of it being provided on their farm, from home-grown vegetables, slaughtered animals, eggs, milk and the like. They didn't go hungry like the folks who relied on the "business-world", the stock market or "easy" money...barely a ripple was felt according to her recollections.
When the family wasn't chipping in to keep the place running, they enjoyed each others company. In a time pre-television and radio, the Bible was a mainstay of family gatherings and church and the work-free Sunday afternoon were a welcome respite to the weekly grind. These Sunday afternoons were literally without running around, shopping, cooking, cleaning or anything that resembled work. The family would gather on the front porch, visit near-by family and friends or take moments to reflect on the upcoming or bygone week. Even the food was pre-made for Sunday dinner and it was fresh, scratch-made and plentiful!
Though this is only a snippet into the inner-workings of most families that grew up in this era and only a small glance at my grandmother's childhood, I challenge you to look at your own situation and how we define work and relaxation. I too, am guilty of working non-stop both at home and in the office, running myself into a place where I am neither pleasant to be around and have a hard time coming down from. This pattern makes it almost impossible to stop, enjoy family or take a "breather" without feelings of guilt or anxiety.
Take a lesson from Nanny...work hard when it's time to work but enjoy the fruits of your labor and the company of those you love most when the opportunities present themselves. Because of her and her family's hard work and limited reliance on outside sources, they had an independence that allowed them to dictate when they relaxed, what their lifestyle looked like and provided time for friends and family without outside distractions. I understand that times have changed and they continue to change. In order for us to maintain a resemblance of sanity during these times, we must breathe and take personal responsibility, working hard and rewarding ourselves for time well spent. Turn off the t.v, the blackberry, the ipod, the radio and reflect on your family, your friends and what exactly it is that you are spinning your wheels for.
WOW! Deep thoughts by Brooke Cashion...sorry if I bored you to tears, but brace yourself, because more "Nanny" installations are to follow. Have a great weekend and please feel free to contribute your thoughts on hard work, self-sufficiency, family members as role models and anything else you would like to share...
Thursday, October 22, 2009
New Housing Prop on the Horizon....
Courtesy of the NC Realtor newsletter...
Yet Another Housing Bailout on the WayJust as federal officials seek to wind down many bailout programs, the Obama administration announced earlier this week another initiative to prop up the housing market. http://money.cnn.com/2009/10/19/news/economy/housing_finance_agency_bailout/index.htm?postversion=2009101918
Yet Another Housing Bailout on the WayJust as federal officials seek to wind down many bailout programs, the Obama administration announced earlier this week another initiative to prop up the housing market. http://money.cnn.com/2009/10/19/news/economy/housing_finance_agency_bailout/index.htm?postversion=2009101918
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Feds Hedging on Extension of Tax Credit....
This article appeared today. What are your thoughts on whether or not the tax credit should be extended or revamped to include "move-up" buyers?
HUD Secretary Hedges on Extension of Homebuyer Tax CreditOct 20, 2009 11:30 AM
By Richard Rubin,
CQ StaffHousing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan equivocated Tuesday on whether Congress should extend an expiring tax credit for first-time homebuyers.“I can assure you that the administration will work with Congress to fashion appropriate and effective homebuyer incentives, mindful of both their benefits to stimulating new demand and their costs to the American taxpayer,” he said in prepared testimony for a Tuesday morning hearing of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. Donovan acknowledged congressional support for an extension, but he did not endorse it himself.The current $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, created in the economic stimulus package (PL 111-5) enacted early this year, expires Nov. 30. Housing and real estate interests and their allies on Capitol Hill are pushing hard for an extension. Some also want to make the credit available to all home purchasers, not just first-time buyers, and to loosen the income eligibility limits.Various extension proposals have drawn support from lawmakers in both parties, including Senate Banking Chairman Christopher J. Dodd, D-Conn.“The credit is set to expire in five weeks,” Dodd said in his prepared opening statement. “But the work of stabilizing the housing market won’t be done. We still need to use every tool at our disposal to fix this problem.”The intensified focus on the tax credit’s looming expiration came as the Commerce Department said Tuesday that while construction of new homes and apartments rose 0.5 percent in September, new applications for building permits fell 1.2 percent. That was the sharpest decline since a 2.5 percent drop in April and may have reflected uncertainty about the tax credit.Under questioning from Dodd, Donovan said there was “clear evidence” that the tax credit has helped housing markets, but he added that the administration wants to do more research on the costs.“We understand the urgency of this situation,” Donovan said. “And we believe that within the next few weeks, we will have additional data that will allow us to sit down with you” and discuss whether and how to extend the credit.Donovan downplayed the potential impact of allowing the tax credit to expire as scheduled next month. “The end of the tax credit would have some negative implications for the market,” he conceded, “but I do not believe based on all of the other actions that we’re taking . . . I do not believe that a catastrophic decline would be the result of the end of the tax credit.”The lead Senate supporter of an extension, Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., also testified at the hearing.Under a plan he is trying to attach to legislation extending unemployment benefits (H.R. 3548), the tax credit would be available to all purchasers of a primary residence. His proposal would double the allowable income of homebuyers eligible for the tax credit, to $150,000 per year for individuals and $300,000 for married couples. The credit would be available through June 30, and the Joint Committee on Taxation estimates it would cost $16.7 billion, according to Isakson’s office.“It brings a lot of Americans to the market that are sitting on the sidelines today,” Isakson said of his plan to broaden the credit, pointing in particular to the “move-up” market among people who already own homes.Isakson said that based on his conversations with administration officials and his Senate colleagues, he did not think there was support for boosting the maximum credit to $15,000, as he originally proposed, or extending it beyond June 30, 2010.“It’s the art of the doable and the art of the possible,” he said.Many economists have criticized the tax credit, saying that it would subsidize people who would buy houses anyway.Sen. Richard C. Shelby of Alabama, the committee’s ranking Republican, echoed those concerns and said “some basic questions need to be answered” before the credit is extended. He also said that a credit offset by a reduction in government spending would have a much different impact from an extension offset by higher taxes elsewhere.Supporters of the bill have varying ideas on whether and how any extension should be offset. Isakson and Dodd said they are looking for offsets.“If we can find a pay-for, I’m all for it,” said Dodd.
Source: CQ Today Online News
HUD Secretary Hedges on Extension of Homebuyer Tax CreditOct 20, 2009 11:30 AM
By Richard Rubin,
CQ StaffHousing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan equivocated Tuesday on whether Congress should extend an expiring tax credit for first-time homebuyers.“I can assure you that the administration will work with Congress to fashion appropriate and effective homebuyer incentives, mindful of both their benefits to stimulating new demand and their costs to the American taxpayer,” he said in prepared testimony for a Tuesday morning hearing of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. Donovan acknowledged congressional support for an extension, but he did not endorse it himself.The current $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, created in the economic stimulus package (PL 111-5) enacted early this year, expires Nov. 30. Housing and real estate interests and their allies on Capitol Hill are pushing hard for an extension. Some also want to make the credit available to all home purchasers, not just first-time buyers, and to loosen the income eligibility limits.Various extension proposals have drawn support from lawmakers in both parties, including Senate Banking Chairman Christopher J. Dodd, D-Conn.“The credit is set to expire in five weeks,” Dodd said in his prepared opening statement. “But the work of stabilizing the housing market won’t be done. We still need to use every tool at our disposal to fix this problem.”The intensified focus on the tax credit’s looming expiration came as the Commerce Department said Tuesday that while construction of new homes and apartments rose 0.5 percent in September, new applications for building permits fell 1.2 percent. That was the sharpest decline since a 2.5 percent drop in April and may have reflected uncertainty about the tax credit.Under questioning from Dodd, Donovan said there was “clear evidence” that the tax credit has helped housing markets, but he added that the administration wants to do more research on the costs.“We understand the urgency of this situation,” Donovan said. “And we believe that within the next few weeks, we will have additional data that will allow us to sit down with you” and discuss whether and how to extend the credit.Donovan downplayed the potential impact of allowing the tax credit to expire as scheduled next month. “The end of the tax credit would have some negative implications for the market,” he conceded, “but I do not believe based on all of the other actions that we’re taking . . . I do not believe that a catastrophic decline would be the result of the end of the tax credit.”The lead Senate supporter of an extension, Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., also testified at the hearing.Under a plan he is trying to attach to legislation extending unemployment benefits (H.R. 3548), the tax credit would be available to all purchasers of a primary residence. His proposal would double the allowable income of homebuyers eligible for the tax credit, to $150,000 per year for individuals and $300,000 for married couples. The credit would be available through June 30, and the Joint Committee on Taxation estimates it would cost $16.7 billion, according to Isakson’s office.“It brings a lot of Americans to the market that are sitting on the sidelines today,” Isakson said of his plan to broaden the credit, pointing in particular to the “move-up” market among people who already own homes.Isakson said that based on his conversations with administration officials and his Senate colleagues, he did not think there was support for boosting the maximum credit to $15,000, as he originally proposed, or extending it beyond June 30, 2010.“It’s the art of the doable and the art of the possible,” he said.Many economists have criticized the tax credit, saying that it would subsidize people who would buy houses anyway.Sen. Richard C. Shelby of Alabama, the committee’s ranking Republican, echoed those concerns and said “some basic questions need to be answered” before the credit is extended. He also said that a credit offset by a reduction in government spending would have a much different impact from an extension offset by higher taxes elsewhere.Supporters of the bill have varying ideas on whether and how any extension should be offset. Isakson and Dodd said they are looking for offsets.“If we can find a pay-for, I’m all for it,” said Dodd.
Source: CQ Today Online News
Monday, October 19, 2009
I'm Baaaack....
Goodness Gracious! I am back, refreshed and ready to go! Jake and I celebrated 10 years of marriage in the Dominican Republic. It was beautiful and relaxing, but definitely not the United States!
While I was gone real estate was hoppin'! Thank God that Beth and Marianne were able to continue to work and keep our group moving forward.
Because, we are swamped with catching up, I didn't want to leave you too awfully long without some interesting information.
Just before I left, I attend our Kernersville Economic Development Council meeting, with the Kernersville Chamber. The speaker presented great information on the 2008 Forsyth County Trends. I thought I would share the link with you.
http://www.cityofws.org/Home/Departments/Planning/NewInPlanning/Articles/WhatsNew
More great info to come from the Allen Tate Advance that I attended in Charleston, SC for the top 100 Tate agents in the Carolinas! Great info moving forward.
While I was gone real estate was hoppin'! Thank God that Beth and Marianne were able to continue to work and keep our group moving forward.
Because, we are swamped with catching up, I didn't want to leave you too awfully long without some interesting information.
Just before I left, I attend our Kernersville Economic Development Council meeting, with the Kernersville Chamber. The speaker presented great information on the 2008 Forsyth County Trends. I thought I would share the link with you.
http://www.cityofws.org/Home/Departments/Planning/NewInPlanning/Articles/WhatsNew
More great info to come from the Allen Tate Advance that I attended in Charleston, SC for the top 100 Tate agents in the Carolinas! Great info moving forward.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Mini-Farm in Lewisville...NEW LISTING!
www.allentate.com/brookecashion/558186
Tranquil 4.98 acre tract with country cottage in Lewisville! Possibility to combine with other acreage tracts around the property that are currently for sale to make a large, working farm. Home is in great condition, has a deck, fenced area, trees, storage buildings and a ton of charm! Under tax value and priced to sell at $179,900! Check it out...
Friday, October 02, 2009
The Fountainhead...my latest EXCELLENT read...
It's been awhile since I wrote anything on what I read...and for any of you who know me-I LOVE TO READ! My friends Beth and Dave turned me on to The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, a couple of weeks ago. I won't go into an actual review and synopsis of the book, as I could go on forever on the varying themes and topics of interest. I would, however, encourage each of you to read this amazing work which is by the same author, who penned Atlas Shrugged.
Jake and I were talking about the book and came to the conclusion that what we liked most, is that she put into, amazing words, the thoughts and frustrations, that those concerned with mediocrity have felt. She speaks of "second-handers"--folks who glean ideas and prestige from society and have no thoughts of their own. Rand shows a world where the man that stands alone and works towards "greatness" is ostracized as a threat to the general good and where mediocrity is not only accepted but encouraged and propped up by the mainstream media-to use a modern term.
One of the statements from Wikipedia sums it up best.
("A world where the thought of each man will not be his own, but an attempt to guess the thought of his neighbor (...) Men will not work for money, but for prestige, the approval of their fellows - not judgment, but public polls") Toohey makes no mention of any overt dictatorship or coercive apparatus. Rather, Toohey's methods throughout the book suggest that such a regime might be able to retain the forms of democracy, multi-party elections and a free press, with actual power held by Toohey-like "informal advisers".
We see so many of our struggles today and the ridiculous nature of these ideals in the text of this book. One of my favorite pieces of dialogue in the book is one between Howard Roark (the protagonist) and Gail Wynand (tragic character with second-hander tendencies toward power) in which Roark has no interest in Wynand's propping him up financially or making social/political connections for him. Roark does not want a hand-out but goes on to say that he only wants the ability to see that success is possible, happiness and contentment are possible and that is enough to encourage his work and life.
As I said, I could go on and on, but don't want to bore you with my words when the author is so brilliant with her plots and verbiage. Anyone who is interested in the current state of our society, country and world should pick up this book and digest it's premises so that they can open their own eyes and minds to current situations, notions and trends--
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand c. 1942
**If you have read this book, please post comments and future recommendations--I would love to hear from you**
Brooke
Jake and I were talking about the book and came to the conclusion that what we liked most, is that she put into, amazing words, the thoughts and frustrations, that those concerned with mediocrity have felt. She speaks of "second-handers"--folks who glean ideas and prestige from society and have no thoughts of their own. Rand shows a world where the man that stands alone and works towards "greatness" is ostracized as a threat to the general good and where mediocrity is not only accepted but encouraged and propped up by the mainstream media-to use a modern term.
One of the statements from Wikipedia sums it up best.
("A world where the thought of each man will not be his own, but an attempt to guess the thought of his neighbor (...) Men will not work for money, but for prestige, the approval of their fellows - not judgment, but public polls") Toohey makes no mention of any overt dictatorship or coercive apparatus. Rather, Toohey's methods throughout the book suggest that such a regime might be able to retain the forms of democracy, multi-party elections and a free press, with actual power held by Toohey-like "informal advisers".
We see so many of our struggles today and the ridiculous nature of these ideals in the text of this book. One of my favorite pieces of dialogue in the book is one between Howard Roark (the protagonist) and Gail Wynand (tragic character with second-hander tendencies toward power) in which Roark has no interest in Wynand's propping him up financially or making social/political connections for him. Roark does not want a hand-out but goes on to say that he only wants the ability to see that success is possible, happiness and contentment are possible and that is enough to encourage his work and life.
As I said, I could go on and on, but don't want to bore you with my words when the author is so brilliant with her plots and verbiage. Anyone who is interested in the current state of our society, country and world should pick up this book and digest it's premises so that they can open their own eyes and minds to current situations, notions and trends--
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand c. 1942
**If you have read this book, please post comments and future recommendations--I would love to hear from you**
Brooke
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Fabulous New Listing for First-Time Buyers! Kernersville Under 150K!!
Check out this great new listing at 431 Overbrook Meadow Court, Kernersville. Click on the link for 21 photo tour, specs and community info! Priced to sell at $145,000!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)