Real Talk!

'Cheshire Puss,' she began, rather timidly, as she did not at all know whether it would like the name: however, it only grinned a little wider. `Come, it's pleased so far,' thought Alice, and she went on. `Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?'

'That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,' said the Cat.

`I don't much care where--' said Alice.

`Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat.

`So long as I get SOMEWHERE,' Alice added as an explanation.

`Oh, you're sure to do that,' said the Cat, `if you only walk long enough.'

(From the Adventures of Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll)

Kind of reminds me of the John Lennon lyrics “Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.”

I used to think it was really important to be “goal-oriented”. It was intellect driven and full of thought and reason and usually it amounted to NOWT, nada, and diddlysquat. How is it that I bought into that age-old trap, calculating my future through an attribute of systems specified by a preferred future state or behaviour? Sounds a little unreal.

Can you really plan something definitively? Is anything that calculable? Must be, otherwise, people wouldn’t go around announcing they are resolved to one plan or another. It seems to me that people are very hard on themselves, setting unobtainable sights and resolutions are usually something that pinpoints a negative and that’s hardly the stuff to inspire.

It's like people always give up something really great at lent... why not give up something horrid. Instead of giving up ice-cream why don't they give up gossip or nose-picking... all this resolution stuff... Why do we do it?

George Eliot said, "It's never too late to be who you might have been."

Now that’s more like it….

New Year’s festivities go back to Ancient Babylon (doesn’t everything?) Only it was celebrated at the Vernal Equinox (first day of Spring) and lasted 11 days. Imagine that party! The Romans are the ones who switched the date over to January 1st.

Apparently, the early Catholic Church squelched the New Years partying as they felt it was a Pagan custom and it has only slid back into favour for about 400 years, now. However, the tradition of making a New Year’s resolution goes all the way back to those Babylonians- however, their resolutions were less about smoking or weight and more about returning borrowed items.

I’ve never announced a serious resolution and I don’t know if I can start now… but I have been giving it some serious thought…

so far I just keep thinking of George Eliot… and I try not to think about it too much, or I just start analyzing and intellectualizing the quote… trying to apply a context…

“It’s never too late to be who you might have been”…

could be really inspirational… on a visceral level it really is!

BUT (there's always a big BUT)... and that's a whole nuther resolution...

could be something quite different… when you stop and think about it... George Eliot being the pen name of Mary Anne Evans… oh well…

I could resolve to stop thinking about it.

Okay, so I spent about two hours this morning reading up on “predictions”. Yes, it’s that time of year again. It’s remarkable how many of us wonder, “What’s going to happen?”… And it’s not anything new. Since ancient times people have believed that it is possible to predict the future

In 10 A.D., Roman Engineer, Julius Sextus Frontinus said, “Inventions have long since reached their limit, and I see no hope for future developments.” Ooops, tilt… so, we’ve known for a very long time that predictions are not necessarily correct.

Ancient Babylonians believed that studying planetary movements could help them predict the future and at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, a priestess presided over the most important oracle of ancient Greece, known as The Pythia. The Pythia is said to have given prophesies dating from the 8th century BCE. In both Old and New Testaments of the Bible we read of people whose dreams foretold the future and would influence the decisions of kings or pharaohs.

There are two theories about the history of the Chinese I Ching, one being mythological and the other more academic in nature. The I Ching is credited to the first Chinese Emperor, a rather mythic figure (half man and half dragon) who lived some 5000 years ago. In the 5th century Kung Fu-tze (Confucius) studied the work- known as Chou I and then it was incorporated into the Confucian cannon as the I Ching - the Book (or Classic) of Changes. Future Chinese emperors would consult the I Ching as a basis for their decrees.

The right honourable William Lyon Mackenzie King consulted his psychic advisors on serious decisions. President Abraham Lincoln held séances in the White House…. But I digress (as usual…)

Here are some of my favourite predictions that other people have made for 2007:

A major shipwreck will be discovered near India between March and May. It will contain a treasure trove of coins and jewels.

The Tri State area will suffer a 5.7 earthquake, profoundly affecting New York City and Long Island.

The Liberals, led by Dion will win a minority government.

Cell phones are the choice of technology and other mobile tech devices will spin-off, including more of the tracking devices. Podcasts will be popular.

Malware (computer virus and trackers etc) will become a very serious issue.

Computer prices will fall.

Corporations will take more social responsibility for content in their IT.

The Buffalo Sabres will win their 1st Stanley Cup.

A Comet will impact the Earth in February.

There will be mass disruption of services Europe.

A roller coaster of under sea earthquakes, in the North Pacific- new land will rise from the sea.

Tsunami activity will affect Papua New Guinea, Australia and Indonesia.

Earthquakes will rock Turkey, Afghanistan, China, Alaska and other parts of America. There will be three major earthquakes in the Tokyo area of Japan.

A new category of hurricane will devastate Florida.

More volcanic activity will occur simultaneously than ever recorded before.

Uranium prices will soar by mid-year and continue to rise.

Canadian Oil Sands predict average production of 260-270,000 barrels per day.

The Baltimore Ravens will win their second Super Bowl.

Great new inventions will emerge from the west coast of the U.S.

Serious flooding will affect northern areas in Russia and Canada.

Automakers will convert to more hybrid and alternative fuels.

It will be a better year for the Canadian economy and interests will stay low.

There will be a lot of accidents in mountain areas.

There will be increasing problems surrounding our burial practices.

One forecast, based totally on the I Ching provided these predictions:

It will be a good year for economic recovery.

Women will continue to overshadow men in power positions.

There will be opportunity for middle-aged women to climb corporate ladders.

Watch for worldwide wild fires.

Some pharmaceuticals that have long been accepted will be found to be seriously flawed and dangerous.

There will be monumental political changes globally.

Lots of accidents will occur involving height: i.e./ satellite malfunctions, space mishaps, bridge collapses, high-rise instability, and airplanes.

New illnesses will emerge connected to food. More illnesses will be connected to birds.

There will be an increase in the number of cult suicides.

There will be more marriages between older women and younger men.

A friend a mine predicts that Canada may see an NDP government… or a very near miss. Another friend predicts that we are being prepared for the truth about ETs, which very well could emerge in the next year.

My own predictions:

Peer-based mentoring will come back into fashion.

Shopping malls will experience another dramatic shift as consumers separate into two groups: those expecting a higher quality of products and services, generating a return to smaller, boutique-style providers- and those who are happy with one stop, low priced, mega-box super-stores.

It will be more desirable to live outside of large urban centers, but less convenient.

The truth will emerge about global climate changes and industry will provide new and significant elements essential to the remedy...

but then, I have to remember that Julius Sextus Frontinus once said, “Inventions have long since reached their limit, and I see no hope for future developments.”

I read reports today on some significant, observable changes in the Canadian landscape.

Apparently, a giant ice shelf broke clear off the coast of Canada’s Ellesmere Island, some 800 kms from the North Pole, with such gusto that it registered on earthquake monitors some 250 kms away.

Scientists are pointing their fingers at global warming and suggesting that Canada is losing valuable ecosystems and microscopic organisms whose habitat is the 3000 year old ice.

Also mentioned was the fear that the island of ice boulders created by the release could drift, interfere with shipping lanes in the near future… and significant oil and gas development in the area would have to be monitored….

Another news story discussing Herschel Island, in the Yukon, blamed global warming for the rising seawater that threatens artifacts, historic buildings and gravesites. There is concern that the island could be completely obliterated in 50-100 years.

Yesterday, U.S. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne on Wednesday proposed listing polar bears as a "threatened" species on the government list. Recent studies describe a decline in the survival rate of polar bear cubs and a reduction in the size of adults. Citing rapid climate changes and global warming as the most significant cause of concern
(and also over-hunting and pollution), Kempthorne said a final decision is a year away.

The U.S. Interior Secretary also said that his department supports the ongoing coastal and offshore oil and gas exploration that has been strongly promoted by the Bush administration.

"It's very clear that the oil and gas activity in that area does not pose a threat to the polar bears," he said.

I have to mention that I recently saw pictures on t.v. showing very skinny polar bears, in the wild. It was horrible.

I just don't know if we can fix "global" problems in time.

I wondered why we haven't figured out how to make our own ice shelves... we have snow-making machines for ski hills. There must be other alternatives... like creating artificial ice floats. Something to stop the extinction before it is too late.

The world has gone crazy. Just this past ten days or so:

A tornado struck in the US state of Florida on Christmas Day, damaging at least 78 homes

A tornado hit the Maldives

Dukono Volcano on Halmahera, Indonesia, released a plume

Fears are growing that another typhoon is forming in the Philippines, which has been ravaged by four successive strong typhoons during the last three months.

A tornado struck the Atlantic islands of the Azores

The Seychelles Islands, North of Madagascar, were on alert for a very intense tropical cyclone

Storms lashed the Pacific coast of Japan for two days and a lightning strike has caused a nuclear reactor in Japan to shut down

Winds and rain have lashed across Turkey, causing massive travel disruption

A dust storm from Saudi Arabia crossed the Red Sea toward Sudan.

Parts of Tasmania have experienced their driest year since records began and bush fires have destroyed houses

Oregon and Washington State suffered the worst windstorm in a decade

Heavy snowfall has led to the closure of several roads in Spain
A powerful Pacific storm is moving towards the British Columbia coast

Electron 2MeV Integral Flux exceeded 1000pfu

A dust storm blew out of the Bodele Depression

Germany is reporting a large number of crop circles

Sheveluch Volcano, in Eastern Russia, released a plume

Dense fog hugged the ground around London...........

all very interesting, indeed... but then:

The hottest day in Shanghai was July 3, 1934, at 38.2 degrees centigrade.

December of 1934 was the only green Christmas in the 100-year weather record of Fairbanks, with all-time high temperatures in Anchorage and Nome.

During a wild April storm in 1934, a wind gust of 231 miles per hour (372 kilometers per hour) was measured at the summit of Mount Washington

The great storm of 1958 in Sussex produced the biggest hailstones experienced in Britain. (the size of cricket balls... which is not to be confused with entomology... it is a sport and in men's cricket, the ball must weigh between 5.5 and 5.75 ounces (155.9 and 163.0 g) and measure between 8 13/16 and 9 in (224 and 229 mm) in circumference.)

During the storm of June 1983 in Dorset, coal fell out of the sky.

During a thunderstorm in 1939 in Wiltshire, the heavens opened, spilling frogs.

In 1968, southern England was covered by a shower of red sand blown over 1,000 miles inside a massive high-pressure system from the Sahara desert in Africa.

I want to make it perfectly clear that I am not minimizing the threats we face from global warming…I believe it’s gone on long enough and now, clearly the planet is telling us that we’re on “thin ice”…. pardon the pun!

I think it might be interesting to look at military activity in relation to these strange occurrences. Has anyone measured how much pollution comes out of military aircraft? Ships? Imagine what it takes to maneuver an aircraft carrier? And how about all those firearms? Something to research for future blogs.

Hey, I hear they could hang Saddam Hussein as early as Saturday.

I have a wonder of the unusual. I admit it. I am drawn to strange stories. Weird news. I subscribe online to many of the polling companies; I like to read their studies. I AM an information junkie!

So, after yesterday’s ramblings, I thought I’d share some of my favourite stories and bits of useless trivia, from the most recent few years….

* a 65 year-old Dutch woman died next to her own grave. Yup. Doctors say the woman suffered a heart attack while visiting the family plot. Discovered laying beside a tombstone that bore her name, the woman’s purse contained a copy of her will in which all arrangements for her funeral had been made.

* a Miami home was invaded by 3 million bees that left 66lbs of honey behind.

* an Australian plumber was called to investigate a blocked septic and was greeted by a seven foot python peeking its head out of the toilet.

* women's ring fingers have shorter or same length as that of the index finger, while in men the ring finger is generally longer.

* Chinese law does not define an individual's sex life as a protected right… so discovered 31-year-old Wei Suying. She filed a suit in a Shanghai court because her husband, Zhang Chengxiang, stumbled and hit his genitals on the corner of some audio equipment while working in the shopping center in 2003 and she has not been able to enjoy her sexual life since.

This year, 37 year-old Dave Carter was named Britain’s top Avon Lady.

McDonald’s announced a modification in its McFlurry container: "The smaller aperture of the lid has been designed to prevent hedgehogs from entering the McFlurry container in the unfortunate incidence that a lid is littered and is then accessible to wildlife."

A ring engraved "Lisa Marie Certain, Class of '84" was found by fisherman Wayne Nickerson while he was collecting bait; in north-central Kentucky. The ring had been stolen in 1991 from a High School in Columbus.

A London artist collected mucus from his nose for two years and displayed the resulting ball at several art exhibitions then, the snot ball was offered for sale last year, at 10,000 British Pounds.

A couple of years ago, a 44 year old Missouri guy (formerly known as Andrew Wilson ) changed his name to “They” because of a family joke about "Who is the 'they' that people mean when they say 'They say this' and 'They say that?'"

Milwaukee is home to the Clown Hall of Fame.

The Zippo lighter company celebrated a milestone Sept. 3, 2003 when the 400 millionth lighter rolled off the assembly line.

Over 50% of Americans surveyed in 2003 named their cars. 48% thought their cars were female. 28% thought their cars were male. The remaining 24 % believed their cars genderless.

70 percent of married couples sleep in separate bedrooms and 15 percent of marriages break up- all because of snoring. Scientists believe snoring was considered a desirable trait in a mate back in pre-historic times, they expect that the racket kept animals away.

A spokesman for the Academy of General Dentistry says some seniors occasionally swallow their dentures during sleep, which is why its important to take out any removable teeth before going to bed.

Also from 2003- 49 percent of Americans spend at least 40 minutes a week just deleting spam -- and 14 percent spend at least 3.5 hours at their terminal terminating the unwanted e-mails. The average person deletes their spam about 30 times a week -- but are lucky to have sex two times every seven days. Sex-oriented spam only constitutes 27 percent of the messages, while 57 percent deal with credit counseling or refinancing.

A 2002 study of people under 35 years of age indicated that the average person falls in love when they are 9-and-a-half years old. By comparison, boomers between the ages of 35 and 44 said they didn't have their first crush until they were 10-and-a-half and the over 55-ers waited until they were 11 before falling in love. American Consumer Opinion (who conducted the research poll) felt that the reason people were falling in love earlier was that nobody was saying that they couldn’t.

Definition of an Arm’s Length Deal:

A transaction between two related or affiliated parties that is conducted as if they were unrelated, so that there is no question of a conflict of interest. Or sometimes, a transaction between two otherwise unrelated or affiliated parties.

The "arm's length principle" (ALP) is the condition or the fact that the parties to a transaction are independent and on an equal footing.

Okay, I thought I could write a serious blog today and I was inspired by this morning’s news item about an aquarium in North-East China that imported a herdsman from Mongolia to help them retrieve some foreign objects. Bao Xishun (the Mongolian), at 7’8” is currently listed as the world’s tallest man. With a 1.06m long arm, Mr Xishun was able to reach into the stomachs of two of the aquarium's ailing dolphins and recover pieces of the plastic that veterinarians had been unable to access.

Wow.

This then got me thinking about tall animals helping people. Giraffes are the world’s tallest animals,at an average of 5.49m or 18 ft. There is at least one organization that gives out Giraffe awards to people who have taken a significant risk for the common good. (aka- stuck out their necks). I didn't find any feel-good stories about Giraffe's getting stuff out of people's stomachs- thank goodness- but I did discover...

that the people of the Netherlands are considered the tallest people in the world, these days (the average Dutch man being 184cm, just over 6 feet and the average Dutch woman, 179.8 cms or just over 5’7”).

Okay... so anyway, this morning I googled a little (about arms) and found several articles about Jon Sanford, a guy who grew his arm hair to 4.1 inches, to achieve a Guiness record. His mother thought it was “gross”. No kidding. But then, it’s gross to think of dolphins snarfling down parts of their swimming pool and nearly dying!

In 1982, the Miami Seaquarium lost a perfoming dolphin to intestinal failure. A veterinary autopsy indicated that Poncho’s stomach contained: 2 deflated footballs (used in Poncho’s “act”), 31 coins, 21 stones, 1 Trainer’s whistle, 1 ten penny nail, 2 screws, 1 metal tag, 1 piece of wire, 1 metal staple and several other “unidentifiable objects”. YUCK. A former dolphin trainer explained the cause as: dolphins "get bored in captivity". REALLY?????

I suppose people eat weird stuff when they’re bored too…. Like “cheese food”… processed cheese… you have to wonder about stuff that they can’t call real cheese and have to tell you it's a "food".

In June of ’06, Australian officials arrested a woman at the Sydney Airport, she had 320 condoms of heroin in her stomach. Yummy.

Supposedly, in April of 1936 a shark was caught off the coast of Cuba and was discovered to be carrying a copy of Spanish novel, in its stomach.

Antron Singleton aka "Big Lurch," an up-and-coming rapper from Texas, was charged with murdering a Los Angeles woman in April of 2002, after medical examiners found flesh in Singleton's stomach that wasn't his own.

In March 2005, Trappers in Florida found the arm of a man reported missing for several days inside the stomach of a 2.7-metre alligator.

Villagers in Indonesia, just last week, found a crocodile with two human hands, a leg, a pair of shorts, strands of hair, and pieces of skull, in his belly.

Mmmm, cheese food is sounding better all the time!

I was recently in Toronto at the Sutton Place hotel for the Ontario Real Estate Political Action Committee sessions (PAC days). I wish I could use this an excuse for not blogging in forever, but I did have my laptop with me.

I find it is always a catch-22 to travel. Although I find the networking and information extremely useful in keeping me up-to-date in the industry, getting out my suitcase seems to be a cue for buyers to suddenly feel the urge to call in droves!

I am beginning to think that a suitcase is my lucky charm.

I’m not one for travel any more. These days, I prefer my own bed and the company of my pets. I don’t like loud, stuffy places and I’m not much of a social animal in my "off" time. The 2-3 hour drive from Bancroft is tiring, too.

I used to feel like I was going “home” when I went to Toronto. I don’t feel that way, anymore. It’s not that it isn’t familiar and it’s not that I dislike the city… it’s just that I’ve really become accustomed to the more civilized lifestyle we live in the country.

It feels strange to walk in the city, where hundreds of people scurry, seldom acknowledging each other and horns blaring seems the preferred mode of communication.

The city is darker than the country. Big buildings block the light and form wind tunnels that can make a warmish day feel downright bone chilling. The tallest building we have in Bancroft has 3 or 4 floors.

I think there are 2 elevators in town and this year; we did graduate from 2 traffic lights, to four. They do not make the sounds that the city lights make for the visually impaired- I’m not sure why.

Here, it’s movement and the changing sound of birds that send messages. It is amazing how much you learn from them. In the country, there are some seasons in which you can tell the time of day by frog-sounds.

Still, it’s always fascinating to spend time at a conference with Realtors ® from all over the province- these are usually the cream of the crop… I always find it inspiring to spend time among the most ethical, caring and honest in the profession…

and, in spite of the geographical & cultural differences, Realtors ® are Realtors ® - our success and our challenges; remarkably similar.

Real Estate Council of Ontario
RULE #1 for all Members:

Ethical Behaviour

A Member shall:

1. endeavour to protect and promote the best interests of the Member’s Client,

2. endeaveour to protect the public from fraud, misrepresentation or unethical practice in connection with real estate Transactions,

3. maintain and enhance the Member’s degree of skill and competence,

4. render services, including giving advice and opinions, based on the Member’s knowledge, training, qualifications and expertise,

5. deal fairly, honestly and with integrity with the public, other Members and third parties,

6. cooperate with the Council in fulfilling its duty to serve and protect the public interest,

7. comply with the Real Estate and Business Broker Act and the regulations under and the by-laws of the Council.

I was thinking about what it must have been like, before Real Estate professionals and my mind wandered to the Louisiana Purchase- as you know, that is when the United States purchased a whole whack of property in it’s own neighbourhood (far more than simply the state of Louisiana) at 3 cents per acre (7¢ per hectare), from France.

Although they had some help with the negotiations, President Jefferson and Napoleon Bonaparte are credited with making the "deal". It was probably one of the largest FSBO (for sale by owner) transactions, ever. The land included in the purchase comprises 22.3% of the territory of the modern United States.

I wonder if anyone will ever sell the whole of the Bancroft, Combermere, Haliburton, Barry’s Bay, Renfrew Area. If it sold at the same rate and if you visit http://eh.net/hmit/- a site that neatly helps you to sift through approximate inflation- it would be about $2000 a hectare (2.471 acres). Close.

I started writing my blog, this morning… it was full of explanations about “Common Law” and precedents… escheat, eminent domain… all kinds of serious important stuff… because I’m in a serious mood…

I’ve been experiencing a personal dilemma… it has to do with passion, I think. Some might think it borders on excessive compulsive disorder… I’m always blaming my brain injury… (All stuff for later blogs….)

I’m in a serious mood because it’s election time in Real Estate Land, Ontario…

And I’ve been a member of the Board of Directors in this area for many years… I served as Immediate Past President, this year… and the year before…. and I was President for more than a term… not because I’m popular… it’s just that….

We, like most organizations, find it’s difficult to get serious, committed volunteers… and it seems like it’s always the same people who offer their service… while an endless number of others feel little (if any) responsibility for membership in the club… and

As someone who has spent her life someplace between aspiring to leap tall buildings… and having a nap… I’ve usually landed comfortably somewhere around “accountable”… and I can live with that… without lowering my bar….

So… the thing is… when I’m being the Real Estate Lady… and even writing these blogs… I feel an obligation and responsibility to the Codes of Ethics, the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, the Competition Act, The Privacy Act, Standards of Business Practice…Rules & Regulations and laws and by-laws and …. I could go on… but you get the drift.

With everything I do in life… not just real estate… I try to do things “right”… “ethically”… “fairly”… “responsibly”…. And I like to think of myself as “professional”, as well as being a real and caring person… I try to balance nature & intellect… and I’m big on being socially polite … and all of that… PLUS, I expect to remain personally accountable infinitesimally…

My mother warned me that “no one ever said life would be fair”… I know that life evolves… and there has to be flexibility… new knowledge surfaces and valuable, fresh, ideas do come along and if the country operates in an environment where the bulk of governance is by virtue of “Common Law”… (In which decisions are made by ethical, reasonable, learned, experienced, men and women called judges)… and based on precedents…

(which kinda means the prosecution of people who have pushed the boundaries… entered the “grey area”… the part that is open to interpretation… and if they have a valid, respectable, acceptable, reasonable explanation… they just might not be found guilty… and they create another guiding principle for the interpretation of boundaries…)

Wow… so many of life’s lessons are about boundaries.

I also know that, since the dirty 30s, organized real estate has worked to raise the standards of the Real Estate biz… and while there’s always room for improvement… there are a whole lot of good things that a number of ethical, reasonable, learned, experienced men and women have put together… and they based their decisions on the backs of the decisions of other ethical, reasonable, learned, experienced men and women… and those things need to be protected and nurtured…

You see... Obviously, I DON'T take things to extreme… I’m just a small, but proud, part of three-quarters of a century of passion… and that’s because I’m grateful and respectful AND, because I believe it is my duty.

Samhain (also spelled samain, samuin or samhuinn) is a Gaelic word signifying the end of summer. (Pronounced saw-in or sow-in),
Halloween means All Hallows Eve, (the night before 'All Hallows day' or 'All Souls Day' or 'All Saints Day').

There are many stories about how we have come to celebrate Halloween, today. Many of them point back to the ancient Druids who apparently had a sun/fire festival called Samhain, closely associated with faeries and spirits.

Druids held the belief that wicked people were reincarnated into cats or became ghosts, spirits, witches or elves as punishment for evil deeds. Pagans exorcised these ghosts by setting out food and providing shelter for them. It was the Celts, supposedly, who chose the date October 31st as their celebration of the New Year by honouring everything wicked, dead or evil.

When the Romans came along and conquered the Celts (about 43 AD) they added a ceremony honouring their goddess of fruit and trees-, which is supposedly why we now bob for apples.

The lighted pumpkin face (Jack-O-Lantern) is said to be an ancient symbol of a damned soul named Jack. The poor fellow was doomed to wander in darkness with his lantern, unable to enter either Heaven or Hell.

In my family, Halloween is right up there in the list of festivities. It is a time when my brother, Matthew and his partner (Sue Darroch) celebrate their celebrity (see www.psican.org or www.torontoghosts.org among their many sites) and my sister (Jennifer) decorates her home with more fervour than she does at Christmas!

The Heebie-Jeebies

By Chik J Duncan

When it's night time, when it's dark,
When you take that short-cut through the park
Where tall trees sway and branches creak
And shadows play at hide-and-seek
While an ill wind howls like something scary
And you think you've just seen something hairy
And you want to run but your legs won't let you...
That's when the Heebie-Jeebies get you.

Or maybe late on Hallowe'en -
That haunted night when ghosts are seen
And witches, aye and goblins who
Would love a taste of roasted you -
You lie pretending that you're sleeping
With one eye closed but one eye peeping
Making sure no big bad beasties
Mince you up to make their feasties.
The curtains start to blow and billow
And you leave teeth marks on your pillow.
There could be hubble-bubble brewing.
Is that the duvet that you're chewing?
It isn't that you're frightened but
You hope you've locked the window shut.
There comes a rattling window sound.
You can't hide now, you'll soon be found
And you hear the hour of midnight chime...
That's right, it's Heebie-Jeebies time.

Way back when...many moons ago, as they say... in my youth and into high school... and, I suppose, for a while beyond... I was quite a Jock-ette.

I loved sports. I swam competetively, took karate lessons, skiing lessons, figure skating lessons, ballet lessons and, in high school... I enjoyed basketball, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, water polo, synchronized swimming, diving, field hockey, swimming, volleyball, gymnastics and numerous other team sports.

Summers were spent sailing (yes, I took lessons), archery, swimming, horseback riding, throwing horseshoes, rowing, card-playing, dirt-biking, climbing, kayaking, snorkelling, bicycling, badminton,canoeing, fishing, croquet and water-skiing.

When I wasn't playing, I was involved in sports in other ways. I studied rules and regulations and became a referee for things like basketball, wrestling and many of the track and field events.

Okay, this wasn't entirely out of love of the sport, it was also a clever strategy: it was kind of about boys! You see, as an "official", I could attend games and meets all over the place- plus, I often got to travel with the teams on their bus! I got time off from school to go hang out with physically fit boys!

I read sports illustrated- not chatelaine. I wore Adidas and while other girls wore those horrible blue bloomers in gym class, I wore a track suit and somehow got away with it... One summer, I worked for the Board of Education, supervising sports for children at a local school.

You might think I was a tomboy, but I really wasn't... in junior high, I did take a basic modelling course to learn how to walk like a "lady" and sit like a "lady" and properly apply cosmetics. Yup, I was in good shape back then... in fact, my hairdresser offered to sponsor me in the Miss Canada Pagent. It didn't appeal to me.

Most of my early boyfriends were Jocks. For many of my high school years, I dated the quarterback... he also played Jr. Hockey. His father had played both professional hockey and professional football. I learned a lot about those sports, too! My own father had been a pretty good baseball player and had tried out for the pros, he organized and coached baseball tournaments for the gals in his offices- baseball was a big part of my life.

At 15, I got a finger in my eye, playing water polo and had to wear an eye-patch for a few weeks and at 17, I fractured verterbrae in my back, tobogganing... those were my only real sports injuries.

In later years, I learned to appreciate other sports, like boxing, table tennis, billiards, aerobic training, curling, bowling, ice-fishing, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, jet-skiing, weight training, squash, tennis, cycling and golf. I even took fencing lessons. I've re-discovered poker, taken a course on officiating luge and learned a bit more about moto-cross and car racing. For a while, I got into dog shows.

You see, what I learned- way back then- and it stuck with me...is, that sports are social... and it's easier to particpate and enjoy sports when you know what the rules are... when you understand what is happening; you can appreciate the strategy and scoring.

GRINS

We’ve all heard the term Top Producer… Real Estate Sales Reps love running around, broadcasting that they are #1… what does that really mean?

In spite of the fact that there are stringent rules and guidelines, many Real Estate Registrants either ignore or are ignorant of them. This is no defense… and these people can and should be taken to task over violations.

The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) has a website. On that website is a list of Registrants who have been found in violation of regulations. www.reco.on.ca

Frankly, the real estate market has been very active in the last few years and it seems like every Tom, Dick and Harriet is getting licensed. Many, very new Real Estate Reps have been doing a land-office business… (Pardon the play on words)… with very limited skill.

More experienced sales people have been heard grumbling about how these “newbies” are jumping in and skimming the “cream off the top” of the business. Let’s face it; it has been a little like shooting fish in a barrel!

Recent trends indicate a downturn in the real estate industry. This isn’t the best news for the skimmers… but for those of us with a little more experience under their belts, it’s not a bad thing. Even in poor markets, real estate sells. It just takes a little more finesse!
When the market is tough, simply having a license to sell doesn’t mean that you can and will sell.

Sellers may expect to pay a little more for service; when the market is slower… but bear in mind that a good sales rep will earn their fees. Top Producers are well educated, up to date and tend to have made a living in the industry, even in the worst market. There really is a difference between fishing in a stocked pond and going out into the wild.

There isn’t a lot on television in the autumn… a lot of crime scene investigation shows… which often prompts Fabian to say something like, “If I’d committed a crime 40 years ago, I’d be freaking out with worry… because of the advances in forensics… some people may have thought they’d gotten away with something….”

Now, I’m not saying that I believe he is making some sort of cryptic confession- especially since he wasn’t born 40 years ago… but he’s quite right… the advances in DNA testing are phenomenal.

The origins of forensic science became particularly interesting to me, in the past couple of years. During one of my regular “family tree” surname searches, I surfed upon a number of sites that included information on a murder trial, in the mid 1800s, in Cobourg, Ontario… and the first recorded use of science for something other than medicine, in Canada... the early beginnings of forensics.

Since the late 1800s, scientists have known that all living things have a characteristic set of chromosomes in the nucleus of each cell in their body. A different sort of chromosome is found in the mitochondria (organelles found in the cytoplasm of cells). As Human Beings, our genetic information is stored in 23 pairs of chromosomes that vary widely in size and shape. Chromosomes are made of DNA, and genes are special units of chromosomal DNA.

Chromosome 1 contains over 3000 genes and over 240 million base pairs (90% have been determined). Chromosome 2 contains over 2500 genes and over 240 million base pairs (95% have been determined). Chromosome 2 has some 1900 genes and about 200 million base pairs (95% determined). Chromosome 4 has 1500 genes and 190 million base pairs (95% determined). 5 has 1700 genes and approximately 180 million base pairs (95% determined)…. They didn’t tell me anything THAT specific in my high school biology classes.

Let’s just say that Chromosome 1 is the largest and it is over three times bigger than chromosome 22. and the 23rd pair of chromosomes are two special chromosomes, X and Y that determine our gender. Females have a pair of X chromosomes and males have one X and one Y chromosome. THAT, I know, we learned in the primary grades.

So, anyway, in that trial in Cobourg… an XY Doctor, poisoned his XX wife, because he was enchanted with an XX girl… the wife died… he was hung… and the XX girl (who was quite innocent of ANY wrong-doing) … just might have shared some of my more specific DNA.

There is an ancient Hopi Indian prophecy, "When the Blue Star Kachina makes its appearance in the heavens, the Fifth World will emerge". This will be the Day of Purification. The Blue Star Kachina is the Hopi name for the star we know as Sirius.

Some say that reality is a metaphor in which we quest to find answers to the greater truth of who we are and why we are here. They believe that something in our souls tells us that change is happening on a global consciousness level and the blue frequency is part of that.

Sirius is Isis - Return to the feminine of higher frequency energies - Rebirth of Consciousness. Blue links to higher/future frequencies of consciousness as we spiral up through the patterns of Sacred Geometry. Blue - electricity - our reality as an electromagnetic energy grid program.

There are all kinds of beliefs surrounding “blue”: Indigo children, the blue alien lady, Isis, the Pleiades, Sirius, blue galaxies, blue chakra, blue ray and ascended master, and much more will come 'out of the blue'.

On the Isle of Skye near Ireland, is a chapel dedicated to St. Columbus, and on the altar is a round crystalline blue stone held sacred to weather and health. In 1992 a University of Ireland Professor announced that he had located a enormous underground temple at Tara, dating from about 2300 to 2500 BC.

Tara was considered the Mountain of God and from the earliest dawn of Irish folklore, Celtic rites were performed there. The ancient Sumerians called the culture that lived there, Annunaki and the Irish called them, Lords of the Light. There bodies were said to be iridescent, opalescent and shining. The Sumerian god, Enki is said to have brought supernatural blue stones (that opened star-gates and enlightenment) to the area.

Wessex is one of the most significant spiritual and historical places to visit is rich with ancient historical knowledge as well as myth and legend that dates back almost to the beginning of time. The landscape is still considered sacred even to this day. The energy that flows through it brings people from all over the world, to these sacred sites - many with an interest in ancient history, others to just absorb the rich atmosphere.

Probably the most famous henge in the world, Stonehenge continues to amaze and inspire the many thousands of visitors who come to see it for themselves. The stones, as we see them today, were erected some 4000 years ago and they include a circle or semi-circle of blue stones.

Yup! Blue stones crop up everywhere!

The blue stones of the Onondaga Escarpment resist normal weathering. There are said to be blue stones, in shallow water, off the coast of Bimini- some believe to be part of the lost civilization of Atlantis.

We have blue stone called sodalite in Bancroft.

Blue stones are used to work on the “throat chakra”. Blue stones, including aquamarine, azurite, blue lace agate, sodalite, lapis lazuli, sapphire, topaz, zircon, boulder opal, chalcedony are said to enhance independence, sooth emotions, promote truth, devotion, sincerity. They are calming; promote peace, faith, and creativity. As the element of water, pacifying, healing, patience, happiness.

The Ancient Egyptians are said to have pulverized lapis lazuli (a blue mineral) to make a poultice which, when applied to the crown of the head, drew out spiritual impurities.

Although blue pigment appears on their paintings, the Egyptian language had no basic colour term in Old Egyptian for "blue." Blue, or irtiu and khshdj, could represent the heavens as well as the primeval flood and it functioned as a symbol of life and rebirth. Blue could also represent the Nile, crops and fertility. The phoenix, (benu-heron), was often painted in bright blue and the sacred baboon was also depicted as being blue.

Blue pigment was introduced at about 2550 BCE, based on grinding lapis lazuli, a deep blue stone flecked with golden impurities. Lapis lazuli was the blue stone that figures prominently in jewelry. The stone and the color were associated with the night sky and the primordial waters. The rising sun was sometimes called the "child of lapis lazuli."

Actually, it wasn’t until the 19th century when scientists began to measure colour on the basis of wavelengths of light.

According to the those versed in the Talmud, the tables of law that Moses received from God on Mount Sinai where made of sapphire. In the Bible, (Exodus & Ezekiel) there are references to God’s throne resting on the dark blue firmament which some translate into sapphires.

There are liturgical uses of blue found in the Bible, including ‘...thou shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue” (Exodus, 28:31). The Hebrew original uses the word ‘tchelet’, which means hyacinth blue.

To the ancient Jews, blue was a chief religious color - the High Priest has a blue robe, and one of the veils in the tabernacle was of a blue color (implying perfection). It is said that in ancient days the most solemn oaths were sworn on blue altars.

Numerous legends in the area of Wu Tai Shan, (in the Shanxi Province) China, speak of apparitions of the Bodhisattva riding a blue lion in the high mountains above the monasteries. Masjid al-Haram is a sacred mosque in the city of Mecca. The whole building is constructed out of layers of gray-blue stone from the hills.

The shade of blue to be used by Masonic Grand Lodge officers has been described as ‘Garter Blue’.

Southwestern Minnesota’s Indian history is marked by arrow-scratched and sacred rocks and stone. A 400-year-old quarry serves as a sacred source for ceremonial pipestone. There, a slope of exposed quartzite holds 2,000 carved and chiseled images dating back 5,000 years. A mysterious quarter-mile trail of hand-laid stone lines up with the sun on the equinoxes.

The 1,800-acre Blue Mounds State Park is edged on the eastern end by its namesake, a mile-long, 90-foot-high outcropping of Sioux quartzite which appears blue.

Standing proud and tall in Australia, overlooking Melbourne, are the spires of St. Patrick's Cathedral (also known as the blue stone basilica). A great blue-stone Irish Catholic Cathedral; St Patrick's is said to typify the type of sacred place that anchored immigrant communities in new lands.

I am beginning to think that the real meaning of blue stones is one of life’s enigmas, much like Monatomic Gold and Alchemical Formulas.

For Thanksgiving, I tried out a new recipe with yams and apples- it was called “scalloped yams”. Every time I hear or think of the word “scallop” I can’t help but think of the bivalve mollusks that live at various depths, on the ocean floor, worldwide, feeding on microorganisms that they filter from sea water.

There are over 300 species of scallops. They are fascinating creatures. The thing that I can’t get past, is the image of about sixty-four primitive tiny bright blue eyes that a scallop has along its mantle edge… and the fact that a scallop can easily regrow any lost or injured eyes.

Also, scallops can swim although most other bivalves lack the ability. They can propel themselves forwards, move backwards, make turns, right themselves or escape from danger by contracting their powerful muscles and opening & closing their shells, forcing water out through openings on both sides of their hinges.

It’s adductor muscles that give scallops the ability to swim- these are, also, the very part of scallop meat we are served in North America- apparently, the Europeans eat the entire creature…

At any rate, these mollusks really have absolutely nothing at all to do with the Scalloped Yams with Apple dish that I made for Thanksgiving… which was deemed delicious by all and sundry... I'm sure to make them again.

My close friends know that I am very serious about family tree research. It drives my dear mother quite mad. I grew up on stories of my mother’s Grandma… they are so real and so true and always the same, that I feel like I knew her… and Grandma was NEVER one for looking back… Mom says she would say something like, “Oh, Pat, dear… why would you want to look at things that have already happened, when the world has so much in store for you?”

Somehow, I believe this translates into a strange message that I decode, emanating from my Mother. Genealogy is evil. It may not be that she really feels this way… it’s just that she makes ME feel as though she feels this way.

(and my cold is almost better, so I can't blame the cough drops!)

Recently, while surfing hundreds of thousands of websites, again… I discovered a new site, which lead me to correspondence with a previously un-introduced relative, living in Wales. I know this isn’t a remarkable feat, however, I shall have you know that it is quite exciting when it happens to you… and especially when there is mystery surrounding the family.

Now, this “new” relative, isn’t all that new… in fact, we are of similar age. He is not related to “Grandma” who was on my mother’s maternal side… he is related on my mother’s father’s side. We share a great-grandfather who was born in England around 1856 or 1858… and from there, we have many ancestors-in-common.

My “new-found” relative has been able to fill-in some gaps for me and I have been able to verify many things… including the fact that the family history is totally unbelievable and bizarre…. But then, I’m sure everyone’s is…. Isn’t it?

If I said “flying trapeze” and “ventriloquists”, “conjurers” and “magicians”… “writers” “political activists”… oh never mind…. this is all stuff for other blogs and message boards…

However, some of the information that my SECOND COUSIN (Second cousins are related to each other by descending from the same great grandfather or great grandmother.) was research that had been done by his grandfather.

Really, the most revealing bit of information came from a very interesting narrative, first person that was sent to me. This narrative, was the transcript of a tape recording that was narrated by my second cousin’s grandfather in 1978… and that narrative contained these words…

“in 1973, a niece contacted me, as senior sole surviving member of her father’s family…”

Note: it was kind of sad to know that my grandfather was still very much living at this time and my grandfather was “that” niece’s brother. However, the family seems to have had a knack for being private, perhaps remote, unavailable?

The narrative goes on, “ I thus, rashly, set about the task of researching and creating a family genealogical table of descent. Rashly, yes, I had for the moment forgotten my guiding principle in life and that is “Dictis teneor numquam revertor”, “My word is my bond, I shall never turn back”. Thus having once commenced on a task, I will see it through to the end no matter what the cost in finance or time, within my capabilities.:

Oh my, I thought… this sounds like me! This sounds like my grandfather! This is freakin’ weird…

There’s so much more that I would love to share with you… his narration contains such purple prose! The words are moving, you do not need to be a blood relation to the narrator, to feel the sentiment; both sweet and bemused….

Suffice it to say, with hardly a stone unturned, the narrator had (and here, I will quote) “By the winter of 1973-74 I had completed the Herculean task of recording and tabling no fewer than 500 names of our relatives scattered over four of the five continents and included eight countries…..” and

“In January 22nd 1975 I was 82 years of age and I work up one morning and found that I was living in a thick fog and was unable even to sere May in her bed alongside my own and after many an exhausting test by the specialist it was that I was nearly blind.” And “12 months later, a worse disaster befell. My wife, my close companion since we were young teenagers, before the first world war, and for 56 years my adored wife, died age 80.”

Apparently it was until a year later, that the narrator sat down to do some sorting… and in the course of attempting to do what he could, he accidentally destroyed and erased his notes… and so, in 1978, this man of 85 years, who’s dictum said he must never give up… gave it his best shot from what was left with what was left of his notes and from his memory.

What is so sweet, is that this man’s father had made a dying bequest, that all of his personal papers, collections and memorabilia be destroyed... and for the most part, it was destroyed, by one of his sons. Yet, I could sense in reading that pdf file copy of the narrative, that it was urgent in his mind, that my great-uncle, record some history and some fascinating anecdotal information…

And I thank him... and my newfound Second Cousin, for the things for whatever reason (be it vanity, secrecy, pomposity, anger, fear… or anything else) might have otherwise been held from those of us, who feel it as somewhat of their birthright and bequest.

So I share with my blog today, something from my own experience… and from these special relatives across the pond…

Share stories with your children and grandchildren, reminisce, be curious and thoughtful about the lessons and values passed down to you… respect the mistakes and the wisdom of your fore bearers... they were no different from you… save a little of your history… for it does become a treasure to some and the others are free to ignore it...

And on a more serious note…

Some things that I find helpful for genealogical research are:

· use family group sheets and pedigree charts or a computer program
· contact all living relatives for assistance
· reach out to anyone researching a similar line
· get maps of areas that your ancestors lived in
· get to know the history of the area you are researching
· use common sense when you read information on family history
· make a note and be cautious about information not supported by
dependable sources
· if you have an uncommon name, gather information on anyone, from
anywhere, with that surname
· use solid primary sources, land records, probate, church
records, county records
· make a master copy of all information and print yourself a copy
when you go traveling
· organize your records
· pay attention to little clues your ancestors may have left- this
could mean “family stories” or special family songs,
photographs, diaries, letters… names
· always search surnames with a variety of spellings- many names
slightly change over time and some change quite dramatically
· never give up… take a rest… but never give up

Dictis teneor numquam revertor

I am reminded today, again, of Uncle Frank and his love of numbers. From an early age, Butch played games with numbers. He was especially fond of asking the streetcar drivers for extra transfer stubs. These stubs each had a sequence of numbers stamped on them and provided endless hours of number play. As a young child, Frank had a fascination that all of the multiples of 9 added to nine. For example 2X9=18 1+8=9 or 9X8=72 7+2=9.

People are always fascinated with number games. I remember one from 2001 that made the circuit by email:

CHOCOLATE MATHEMATICS
This is pretty neat how it works out.
This is cool chocolate math!!!!!!!
DON'T CHEAT BY SCROLLING DOWN FIRST!
It only takes about a minute.......
Work this out as you read.
Be sure you don't read the bottom until
you've
worked it out!
This is not one of those waste of time
things,
it's fun.
1. First of all, pick the number of times
a week that you would like
to have chocolate. (try for more than once
but
less than 10)
2. Multiply this number by 2 (Just to be
bold)

3. Add 5. (for Sunday)
4. Multiply it by 50 (being a bit stupid)
I'll wait while you get the
calculator................
5. If you have already had your birthday
this year
add 1751....
If you haven't, add 1750 ..........
6. Now subtract the four-digit year that
you were
born. (If you
remember
you should have a three-digit
number.....
The first digit of this was your original
number
(i.e., how many times
you want to have chocolate each week).
The next two numbers are your age.
IMPRESSIVE ISN'T IT?

THIS IS THE ONLY YEAR (2001) IT WILL EVER
WORK, SO
SPREAD IT AROUND

And then….

CHOCOLATE MATHEMATICS
(THIS IS KIND OF AMAZING)

This really works... try it out. You will need a calculator, or a pencil and paper to do the math, unless of course you can do it in your head.
CHOCOLATE MATHEMATICS
DON'T CHEAT BY SCROLLING DOWN FIRST!
It takes less than a minute.......
Work this out as you read.
Be sure you don't read the bottom until you've worked it out!
This is not one of those waste of time things, it's fun.

1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to have chocolate. (Try for more than once but less than 10)
2. Multiply this number by 2 (Just to be bold)
3. Add 5. (For Sunday)
4. Multiply it by 50 I'll wait while you get the
calculator................
5. If you have already had your birthday this year add
1752... If you haven't, add 1751.
6. Now subtract the four-digit year that you were born.
You should have a three-digit number...
The first digit of this was your original number (i.e., how many times you want to have chocolate each week).
The next two numbers are ...........
YOUR AGE! (OH YES, IT IS!!!!!)
THIS IS THE ONLY YEAR (2002) IT WILL EVER WORK, SO SPREAD IT AROUND WHILE IT LASTS
AND THEN!

CHOCOLATE MATHEMATICS
This is pretty neat how it works out.
This is cool chocolate math!!!!!!!

DON'T CHEAT BY SCROLLING DOWN FIRST!
It takes less than a minute...

Work this out as you read.
Be sure you don't read the bottom until you've worked it out! This is not
one of those waste of time things,
it's fun.
1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to
have chocolate. (Try for more than once but less than 10)
2. Multiply this number by 2 (Just to be bold)
3. Add 5. (For Sunday)
4. Multiply it by 50 I'll wait while you get the calculator................
5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1754.... If you
haven't, add 1753 ...
6. Now subtract the four-digit year that you were born. You should have a three-digit number.
The first digit of this was your original number (i.e., how many times
you want to have chocolate each week).
The next two numbers are .........
YOUR AGE! (Oh YES, it IS!!!!!)
THIS IS THE ONLY YEAR (2004) IT WILL EVER WORK, SO SPREAD IT AROUND WHILE IT
LASTS.

Hmmmm… I’d say it’s a mathematical marvel… it only works in that year, unless you add another 1 to 1754 or 1753. Hmmmm… now, I’m no Einstein but….

How many times have you heard someone say that? I’m no Einstein… how about one year out of Albert Einstein’s career?

In 1905, Einstein is 26, a patent examiner, working on physics on his own. After hours, he creates the special theory of relativity, in which he demonstrates that measurements of time and distance vary systematically as anything moves relative to anything else. Which means that Newton was wrong. Space and time are not absolute, and the relativistic universe we inhabit is not the one Newton "discovered."

In March, Einstein creates the quantum theory of light; the idea that light exists as tiny packets, or particles, that we now call photons. Alongside Max Planck's work on quanta of heat, and Niels Bohr's later work on quanta of matter, Einstein's work anchors the most shocking idea in 20th-century physics: we live in a quantum universe, one built out of tiny, discrete chunks of energy and matter.

Next, in April and May, Einstein publishes two papers. In one he invents a new method of counting and determining the size of the atoms or molecules in a given space, and in the other he explains the phenomenon of Brownian motion. The net result is a proof that atoms actually exist—still an issue at that time—and the end to a millennia-old debate on the fundamental nature of the chemical elements.

And then, in June, Einstein completes special relativity, which adds a twist to the story: Einstein's March paper treated light as particles, but special relativity sees light as a continuous field of waves. Alice's Red Queen can accept many impossible things before breakfast, but it takes a supremely confident mind to do so. Einstein, age 26, sees light as wave and particle, picking the attribute he needs to confront each problem in turn.

And, of course, Einstein isn't finished. Later in 1905 comes an extension of special relativity in which Einstein proves that energy and matter are linked in the most famous relationship in physics: E = mc2. (The energy content of a body is equal to the mass of the body times the speed of light squared.) At first, even Einstein does not grasp the full implications of his formula, but even then he suggests that the heat produced by radium could mark the conversion of tiny amounts of the mass of the radium salts into energy.

Sigh… I feel suddenly inadequate!

On Tuesday, September 26th, 2006, my beloved Uncle Frank slipped suddenly and quietly from this world. James Franklin St Clair-Hughes, in his 68th year, was a member of the Professional Engineer’s of Ontario, the Penetanguishene Legion Euchre Club, St. Margaret’s Bridge Club and the Swinging Seniors. He was an excellent bridge player!

Frankie, or Butch (as he was called when a young boy) was wonderful, adventurous and eccentric his entire life. As we drove to the memorial service, my mother (his eldest sister) recalled some interesting stories of him, as a child. Apparently, even as a lad Butch was serious a lot of the time, he was delighted with spiders and snakes and numbers.

Mom remembers a time when her mother went to put something out in the garbage can and upon lifting the lid, discovered it was chalk full of snakes. Naturally she went squealing to Butch, asking why the snakes were in the can. Butch explained, he didn’t know where else to put them.

Young Frank was a tow-headed cutie and he had the instinctive ability to work a crowd. Mom recalls him winking at women on the streetcar in Toronto, he said it made the women give him such lovely warm smiles. He used to woo an elderly woman on the street. As a toddler, he would inform the family that he had to go visit his “old-lady”. Evidently, she always had some of his favourite cookies.

Frank had a beautiful singing voice, as has most of Mom’s family. He often sang a la Satchmo. Frank adored music, learning a handful of songs on the piano and, more often strumming a banjo or ukulele. He loved to perform!

Frank told jokes and pontificated at almost every opportunity. Sometimes it was difficult to discern the jokes. Other times, he would laugh a most contagious laugh and he would laugh until he cried, wiping tears from the corners of his eyes.

At the memorial service, long time friends called him an “intellectual”, an “entertainer”, a “garage sale junkie” and most knew of his love for animals, children and people with character. For many years, his dog “Rommel” (a miniature daschund) was his constant companion- through business and personal moments, alike. At one time, he had dreamed of being a veterinarian.

He enjoyed time away, in Shawinigan or at his cottage, miles from anywhere- no phones, no electricity, no roads. He says that he once dove off the point and woke up on the beach four days later. The thing is- with Frank, it’s completely possible.

As is the case with a lot of crazy, fun people, Frank’s life had more than its share of heartbreak and sadness. Among other fiascos- he struggled through a number of relationships and marriages, until into his 40s, when he met Madeline. “Maddy” and Frank were together for nearly 24 years.

Frank’s dear friend, Don, reminisced about the difficult time that Frank had, saying goodbye. He remembers Frank standing at his car, with just one more point or just one more joke. I can visualize that, so clearly.

My Uncle Bob (Frank’s little brother), talked about Frank performing back-flips in a condominium hallway while accompanying departing guests to the elevator. He’d often wave huge towels or sheets from the windows or balcony gesturing farewell, too.

Frank was awful that way, on the phone, as well. You’d hang up and then pick up the phone and he’d still be connected, blathering away or laughing hysterically. There is no doubt, this was a man from whom you could expect the unexpected, believe the unbelievable and never doubt the doubtable.

One of my personal and favourite “Frank” stories is about the day that I came home from work, to the apartment I shared with my 1st husband (at Yonge and Steeles, Toronto) and as the elevator door opened, I was greeted by Rommel.

I peeked out into the hall and saw, a bicycle, draped with a dripping jacket and toque… a series of drafting sheets laid out the length of the hallway and Uncle Frank laying on his tummy, a drafting light in front of him, working away. He turned to me and nonchalantly said “hi”. He had dropped in, to visit me… with Rommel and drafting work, on his bicycle from Brampton, in a snowstorm!

You had to love that man.

On January 31st, 1957, Canadian Parliament proclaimed:

"A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed ... to be observed on the 2nd Monday in October."

Canadian Thanksgiving has little to do with the American custom observing Thanksgiving as a remembrance of the Pilgrims. Celebrated as more of a "thanks for successful harvest", the earliest Canadian Thanksgiving holidays have been derived from several sources.

In the late 1500's (about 1578) Samuel de Champlain held feasts, sharing food with the native Indian neighbours. The English explorer Frobisher (later knighted & having an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean named Frobisher Bay, after him) visited what is now known as Newfoundland- he was actually searching for a northern route to the Orient.

While Frobisher didn't find a passage to the East, he was so grateful for having survived the long journey, that he held a formal ceremony of thanks. Future settlers to the area continued this practice and it eventually became part of the culture.

The Seven Years War which began in Europe, spread to the North American Colonies. In 1758, the British launched an attack on New France, taking Cape Breton. By September of 1759, the dying General Wolfe gave orders for 5000 British troops to assemble at the Plains of Abraham (along the side of the St. Lawrence River). They found themselves between two French armies: Montcalm's main army and de Bourganville's force of 2000.

Before Montcalm could attack, the British came under fire from Canadian militia and Indian Snipers from Quebec. Then,apparently, a lack of coordination on the part of the French, caused them to offer retreat after only 15 minutes of horrendously bloody battle which killed or wounded some 1300 men.

The British flag was hoisted over Quebec and by 1760 most of French America came under British rule. In 1763, the French attacked St. John's Newfoundland in their final attempt to strengthen their hold on the colonies, they were unsuccessful. Halifax held a very special Thanksgiving ceremony, that year, to celebrate.

After the Seven Years' War, the reorganization of the colonies was one of the triggers of the American Revolutionary war.United Empire Loyalists who moved up into Canada during this time, brought with them the customs of Thanksgiving cornucopia and pumpkin pie.

In 1879, Canadian Parliament declared November 6th a national holiday of thanksgiving. Over the years, the holiday has been moved to other dates, the most popular being the 3rd Monday in October. After WWI, Armistace Day and Thanksgiving were held on the Monday that fell in the week of November 11th.

In 1931, Armistice day became a separate holiday, renamed Remembrance Day and celebrated on November 11th. It wasn't until 1957 that Parliament proclaimed the day we now celebrate as Thanksgiving Day.

The Ontario Real Estate Board has been actively investigating, among many other issues, the growing concern of property owners in the Province over infringements of their property rights by mineral and mining prospectors under the OMA.

Mining rights are the rights to minerals located in, on or under the land. Surface Rights refer to any rights of the land that are not mining rights. You can look at this stuff online www.mndm.gov.on.ca/MNDM/MINES/LANDS/bulbrd/surface_rights/mrvssr_e.asp or by calling 1-800-667-1940. Please note: I highly recommend that the information provided on the maps and links to that site are to be used as guide (the information may be out of date) and that you should seek professional advice with regard to a specific property. The site itself warns: “Ownership of the various rights in land is a legal question that can only be determined through a “title search,” which usually commences at the appropriate Registry Office.”

Another interesting bit of information has to do with: File No. MA 013-98 as it is published at publicdocs.mnr.gov.on.ca

“L. Kamerman
Mining and Lands Commissioner
Monday, the 1st day of March, 1999.
THE MINING ACT
IN THE MATTER OF
Mining Lands Patents KRL-13521 to 13526, both inclusive, 14115 to 14127, both inclusive, 14109,
14110, 14534 to 14543, both inclusive and 15908, located on Parcels 5976 and 5977, respectively,
in the District of Kenora (Patricia Mining Division) comprising surveyed Mining Claims KRL-19096,
19097, 19107 to 19112, both inclusive, 29054, 29055, 29059 to 29076, both inclusive, 30055 to
30058, both inclusive, 31823 to 31832, both inclusive and 33200, situate in the District of Kenora
(Patricia Mining Division) hereinafter referred to as the "Mining Lands";
AND IN THE MATTER OF
An application under section 79 of the Mining Act in respect of the surface rights located on Werner
Lake Property (hereinafter referred to as the "Surface Rights").
B E T W E E N:
WERNER LAKE DEVELOPMENTS LTD. AND ROBERT W. HOPLEY
Applicants
- and -
AEC WEST LTD.
AQUAFOR BEECH LIMITED
Respondents
(Amended November 25, 1998) “

You really need to check out:
www.environmentprobe.org

here, they talk about:

“The growth-rate of a tree slows as it reaches maturity until it no longer uses the full growth potential of the land it stands on. When this occurs the tree should be cut, since it is preventing the realization of the full growth potential of the site.
Ontario Department of Lands and Forests, 1967(1)
We agree with the [Ontario government's] Green Paper that land should not be allowed to lie idle.
The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, 1989(2) “

Have I got your attention?

How about this one:

http://publicdocs.mnr.gov.on.ca/View.asp?Document_ID=11347&Attachment_ID=21836

“INTRODUCTION
A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason;
if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect.
Sir Walter Scott, Guy Mannering, ch. 37, 1815
In 1992, when I was first appointed as Mining and Lands Commissioner, there was no single publication in existence which provided any sort of overview to explain the current nature of this old and important function. Even tracking down the actual jurisdiction for me or anyone wishing to deal with the Office was a challenge, with responsibilities found not only in statute and regulation but even in an Order in Council, something which was not readily accessible or widely known.“

UPDATE: It’s 2006 and I’m googling my head off… and still having trouble finding an explanation.

This, I do know… with relative certainty:

In Ontario, property rights come from the English common law. Common law is made- up by judges, during court cases- as a decision is made; it is recorded and used as a basis for the determination of future court cases. Under common law, people have the right to use and enjoy their property- they also have an obligation to NOT interfere with their neighbour’s use and enjoyment of THEIR property.

Now, from the perspective of environmental issues… for instance, polluting… it means that nobody can disturb anyone else’s property; during the use of their own property.

Anyone who is harmed this way may seek a remedy in the form of an injunction and reimbursement for damages. The amount of reimbursement is decreed by the courts- this means the court allows this to happen and then decides for how much you just sold your property rights.

The most common violations are: 1) trespass: any invasion of someone’s property, placing anything on someone else’s property. The Ontario Mining Act supercedes the laws against trespass. 2) nuisance: an indirect invasion of someone’s property, doing something intangible that interferes with someone else’s property. Neither a prospector nor the ministry is required to inform a landowner that a claim has been staked on his or her land, and a landowner has only one year to dispute a claim. 3) riparian rights: a property owner whose property is beside a lake or river is entitled to having it flow freely without obstruction or corruption or diversion. The Mining Act supercedes the authority of municipalities in many cases, undermining municipal planning exercises.

How many property owners get the whole story on what their rights are? How many citizens know this stuff? Under the OMA you could find someone digging up your yard and as long as they’ve given you notice and as long as they fix up any damage, they might be allowed to do it! You’d have to appear before the Commissioner of Lands and Mines and provide proof of the damages. Get in line!

Environment Probe has been telling us (for a long time) that “government policies that harm not only Canada's forests, fisheries, waterways, and other natural resources but also the economy.”

Since 2001, the Federation of Ontario Cottager’s Associations has been fighting for changes to Ontario mining regulations. After incidents in and around the Sharbot Lake area, the group has advocated that potential purchasers should be informed, and ready to ask appropriate questions of their lawyer regarding mineral versus surface rights. They have a website, too!

Now, let’s back up to:

http://publicdocs.mnr.gov.on.ca/View.asp?Document_ID=8313

“Findings… There is a common law right to those holding an interest in property, which includes an unpatented mining claim holder, to be notified of activities which may affect their rights. Therefore, it would be expected, in the normal course of events, a mining claim holder, or in this case Mr. McCombe, should have been notified of the Application for Provisional Certificate of Approval and had the opportunity afforded by that process to raise any environmental concerns. “

So wait a minute, does that mean that mining claims holders have to be told… but the property owner doesn’t?

And

:”Evidence and Submissions… Barry McCombe or his agents to be given right to cut for profit or personal use and without cost any timber including pine on the surrendered surface rights."

Huh, timber rights? You mean that the property owner doesn’t always own the right to cut down trees?

AND

“Surface Rights and Mining Rights Under the Mining Act…As we have noticed, minerals are the only resource that can be appropriated and exploited under a title that is obtained from the Crown as the result of one's own acts. Timber rights, oil and gas rights, fishing rights and trapline and outfitting rights are all issued by government only after a discretionary decision to do so.”

Oil rights, gas rights, fishing rights, trapline, outfitting?????? What are people buying?

How many urban dwellers are sitting on property that has some archaic but active limitation to what the owner believes to be his or her rights? How many of them even think about mining in their back yard?

Let me reiterate: Potential purchasers should ask appropriate questions of their lawyer to determine the specific rights that are included in every transaction.

Today’s blog isn’t about www.giftsforyourwife.com although that is a really cool site.

I was reading about the Oil Sands economy and something about how it is causing an extreme labour shortage out west and has increased homelessness in the area by over 30% in the past two years.

The workforce has had to shack up in hotels and motels or RVs or tents, which is turning the area around Calgary into shantytowns. Money isn’t the problem, it’s finding space. In the past year, the area’s population has grown by some 25,000 and the supply of housing is sparse. The old laws of supply and demand apply and presto, prices are way up!

10 years ago, in Fort McMurray, the average first time buyer was looking at a 1000 square foot, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home at an average cost of $46,000 (about $42 per square foot). Today, in that market, the average first time buyer is looking at an average cost of $285,000 (about $237 per square foot).

Most cities are up. The stats for Calgary show that 10 years ago, the average first time buyer was looking at a 1300 square foot bungalow with 2 bedrooms and 1.5 baths and an average cost of $90,000 (about $69 per square foot) and now, a 1200 square foot, 2 bedroom and 2.5 baths for $180,000 (about $150 per square foot).

In Toronto, the 1200 square foot bungalow or condo (a bit smaller), with 2 or 3 bedrooms that was popular 10 years ago and cost about $220,000 (approximately $183 per square foot) is now offering a 700 square foot, 2 bedrooms with 1.5 baths for $196,000 (approximately $280 per square foot) to the same market group.

Montreal: a 1500 square foot duplex or condo with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths goes for about $265,000 ($177 per square foot) when ten years ago, the market was looking at a 1200 square foot townhouse with 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms for $125,000 ($104 per square foot).

Vancouver: That 1 bedroom condo with 1.5 baths and a den in the west end was going for $150,000 ($240 per square foot) and now a 650 sq foot, 1 bedroom with 1 bathroom in Yaletown will run $250,000 (about $385 per square foot).

Yikes.

CBC Marketplace reported (Dec/05) that the estimated increase in home prices for the past decade was 50%. They also suggested that Buyers needed to be well informed and should select an agent that they felt they could trust and develop a good working relationship with- NOT necessarily an agent with the most fabulous sales record.

Good advice!

Scotiabank Group economist Adrienne Warren says household wealth "has reached unprecedented highs, thanks to years of solid, uninterrupted economic growth accompanied by falling unemployment and rising home and stock prices." She says that slower growth is coming and may require households to start saving more money, but that "by current metrics, the finances of Canadian households are in good shape."

Craig Alexander, VP and deputy chief economist for TD Bank Financial Group predicts that Toronto and Vancouver will see larger than average price gains because of their attraction to immigrants. Calgary and Edmonton are also expected to "break away" from their historic performance, he says. Benefiting from high oil prices, a low provincial tax rate and a younger population.

London-St. Thomas board president Costa Poulopoulos said a prolonged strong market tends to exhaust the inventory of available homes and drives up prices, leading to an inevitable collapse as homes become unaffordable. He also said that although the housing market in the United States has seen a sharp downturn, he is expecting a "soft landing" in Canada.

Lawrence Yun, a senior economist for NAR (National Association of Realtors), is more optimistic. He claims that the market has returned to more earthly figures after a period of unsustainable growth. "Any decline will be very short-lived," he said. "By the spring of 2007, the market will begin to see increased sales and strengthening in home prices."

Others are less willing to prognosticate an end date for the slowdown, due to a host of unknowns, including future interest rates and job markets. One reason for the holdup is a disconnect between buyers and sellers, said director of the UCLA Anderson Forecast, Edward Leamer.

Many property owners are reluctant to cut their prices. Unlike builders, who are so desperate to sell their properties that some are throwing in extras like upgraded countertops and one-week vacations, many sellers are willing to wait. Their logic is simple, Leamer explained: "A lot of owners figure, 'My idiot neighbor sold his home for $1 million, and I'm not taking a penny less.' "

On the other side of the equation are the buyers, equally strong-willed. Unwilling to fork over those sums in a wavering market, they are watching from the sidelines, waiting for prices to drop. "Buyers are holding back currently to see how long and far this cooling will go," said NAR's Yun.

What's more, two key sources of housing demand are locked out of the market- the first-time home buyer, who can't afford to buy given the mix of rising interest rates and still-high home prices and speculators, who can no longer benefit from dramatic appreciation by flipping real estate.

Of course, real estate is a highly fragmented market and what happens in one area, may be completely different from what is taking place in another. Not everyone benefited equally from the boom, and not everyone will suffer the same in a bust. And in Alberta, there may not be one… not for a very long time!

A drunken Chinese tourist bit a 6-year-old Panda, named Gu Gu, at the Beijing Zoo yesterday. Apparently, he was just biting it back. Zhang Xinyan said that he had only wanted to cuddle the sleeping Panda but roused it from sleep, causing a scuffle.

Pandas are such a symbol of the People's Republic of China that pro-Beijing Americans are called "panda-huggers" by their critics. In March of 2005, there was pandamania when China offered Taiwan a cuddly pair of Giant Pandas. The Pandas went through a stringent vetting process, judged by cuteness, psychological compatibility and genetic composition to help ensure that they'll mate and have attractive, healthy offspring.

Turns out that the one-year-olds earmarked included a male offspring from the Pandas that American President Nixon received when he visited the communist country in 1972. Taiwan, dubbed “Chinese America”, reacted with cynicism- seeing the gift as a Trojan horse of sorts. The media saw the gesture as a charming effort to trick Taiwan into trading away its freedom.

Tensions between Taiwan and China began in 1949, when Communists (led by Chairman Mao) took control of the mainland. In 1950 U.S. President, Harry Truman, ordered a fleet of ships into the Taiwan Strait to defend possible Chinese attacks on the island. Over the years, politic changes have caused issues of independence to flair and subside.

Beijing has found that its proposed unification on the basis of 'one country two systems' has increasingly less appeal to people in Taiwan. As a consequence, some believe that Beijing has used coercive tactics to prevent separation.

Now, the gifting of Pandas (sometimes referred to as “Panda Diplomacy”) dates back to the Tang Dynasty (624-705 AD), when the Chinese Empress gave a pair of pandas to Japan’s Emperor as a goodwill gesture.

While Pandas spend most of their lives asleep, they are known to bite and to be extremely inept at sex. But in the realm of diplomacy, giant pandas have few rivals. The pandas' role in the recent dispute was not merely symbolic. On the contrary, accepting the pandas as a gift could be interpreted as accepting Beijing's claim that Taiwan belongs to mainland China.

According to the 1975 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, Beijing can make an outright gift of pandas to any zoo it likes within China. Foreign zoos are different: they can get the animals only on loan, in the form of a scientific exchange.

The Chinese argue that Pandas symbolize peace and friendship and the gesture has had nothing to do with politics. Skeptics see the animals as a perfect symbol for Beijing as no matter how friendly they look, watch out for their claws. Perhaps Pandas are being trained for combat?

Maybe Mr. Xinyan could shed a little light on that possibility?

Has anyone noticed the recent television commercials, featuring Charo? You know… the over-the-top Spanish blonde who could talk faster than you can think and was a regular on Hollywood Squares? She was married to Xavier Cugat from 66-78. The woman was born in 1941. I think she looks amazing. She still has the legs of a thirty year old!

My grandfather (who was the Executive Chef at the Royal York Hotel for a number of years) counted her among his favourites of all the celebrities he had met. He said that Charo was charming and delightful, sweet to everyone- no matter their position in the hotel.

In 1982, she had a son (named Shel) with her second husband, Kjell Rasten. During the 80s and 90s she focused on her role as mother and settled in Hawaii. When her son started in college, she went back to work in Vegas. She had a platinum album in 1995.

Speaking of platinum, how about Beth Chapman- Duane (the Dog) Chapman’s wife? She is another bold, beautiful blonde!

Am I rambling? I have a horrible cold, courtesy of my darling daughter and I’ve been a sloth for the past two days. Last night, I curled up in a blanket and watched the glorious tribute to Steve Irwin, the crocodile hunter and fought back tears when his daughter Bindi spoke. He was insane and he was intoxicating. I will never forget him, “Crikey”!

Then, I watched the Family Speaks. Beth Chapman explaining how Duane had been arrested on charges stemming from his 2003 capture of the notorious Andrew Luster (who had run to Mexico and was guilty of poisoning and raping a number of women in the United States). Apparently, the posse had neglected to get the Mexican Judge’s permission and bounty hunting is against the law, in Mexico.

Dog has offered to capture Bin Laden, but there are some people that worry about his rough and wild, hero-cowboy persona and think that he is a liability at the least and an embarrassment to the professional bondsman. I dunno. I do think Ozzie Osbourne wrote a kicking theme song for the Dog’s TV show.

Now he’s on house arrest until this Mexican mess gets sorted. There are people that think Dog should’ve known better. There are people that believe Dog thinks he’s above the law. As much as their bios read like something from a Jerry Springer episode, the extended Chapman family conveys a sense of reality that is palpable. Anyone who wants to help the cause can check out the official home page www.dogthebountyhunter.com.

I’ve caught Gene Simmons’ Family Jewels a few times, too. There’s another idiosyncratic family that seems to border on the pleasantly, mundanely, normal, too.
It must be the decongestants.

Have you ever noticed that “Nonchalant” is a word that almost everyone has slipped into conversation at some time or other? My question is: Have you ever heard any say they were chalant? In fact, if I type chalant into my Microsoft Word, it quickly gets underlined in red and a spell check offers to change it to “chalet”. Nonchalant doesn’t set off any alarms. Hmmm… not really all that ironic.

The going definition of language includes symbols, gestures, voice sounds and just about any other system used to convey information- and it seems that language is constantly evolving.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard someone say “irregardless”- which is, a huge redundancy! However, I know a lot of people that de-thaw their food, too. Sometimes you have to accept it and move on.

I don’t claim to be an expert on grammar or anything even close! Although, I was raised in a house where slips were immediately corrected and vocabulary was a much-respected trove- and no, Pirates didn’t raise me.

Although I must admit that I have always enjoyed a good Swashbuckler flick. How about that Errol Flynn? I sometimes wanted to be Maureen O’Hara, when I grew up!
I kind of liked Gladiator films, as a child, as well. Of course, in my teens, I graduated to foreign films, adored subtitles and the Toronto Film Festival…. And who didn’t love B Monster movies?

Count Dracula was probably my first introduction to sexuality in film! Bela Legosi swooped into my heart with over-the-top facial contortions and he certainly didn’t have to speak to get his message across. Then later, came Lon Chaney Jr.- he was okay but sadly, not as good as Abbot and Costello meet Frankenstein but Gary Oldman really nailed it, in the 1992 Bram Stoker’s film directed by Francis Ford Coppola.

It’s funny how certain movies, books or plays stick make an impression. Everyone has their own, most memorable. I had a real fixation on film noir in my early teens. Mystery was never sexier than Phyllis Deitrichson (Barbara Stanwyck) with her fatal charm and clicking stiletto heels- man, she could handle a lipstick!

Lauren Bacall is another classic gorgeous, cool, sultry, wonderful actress. Her films with Bogart are extraordinary. I wanted to be her, too!

I remember being totally excited and absolutely mad about Topal, after seeing Fiddler on the Roof, in the early seventies. I fell for Giancarlo Giannini after “Swept Away” and Kris Kristofferson after “The Sailor Who Fell from Grace” in the early 70s. I began to be very conscious of film making, beyond the acting, from the mid-seventies and I am, to this day.

I was seriously into reading science fiction, during my teens. Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Arthur C Clark, Robert Heinlein, Frank Herbert and others. Sometimes, I would take a break and read a biography, on some celebrity or person of historical significance.

In my teens, I was fortunate to have a friend whose mom had some affiliation with the Toronto Ballet and I saw many performances at what was then called “The O’Keefe Centre”. It’s now called the Hummingbird Centre for the Performing Arts.

I also remember concerts at Massey Hall, Maple Leaf Gardens and many productions at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. Among my favourites were Debbie Reynolds in Irene and Yul Brynner in the King and I- even from the last balcony; both of these performers seemed to look straight at me and I chalantly hung on their every word.

Here it is… only the 18th of September and the leaves are already changed and falling! Seems like some great winter conspiracy is nearly upon us. This weekend is Studio Tour time in the area. Many of the local artists and artisans will be opening the doors of their studios and homes. Ironwork, multi-media painting, fashion, stained glass, leather goods , weaving and more will be on display at various designated points, dotted throughout the region.

In the spring of 1912, a young lad named Tom Thompson (who was employed with Grip Ltd, in Toronto as a commercial painter) went on a trip into Algonquin Park with some friends from work. They spoke about it, at the Arts & Letters Club (a private club for people involved in the arts) and their enthusiasm soon spread and soon, a number of the other artists from the club soon began visiting the Algonquin Park region to relax and paint the extraordinary landscape. This would be the early beginning of the Group of Seven.

It is fun to visit the areas immortalized by Franklin Carmichael, A.J. Casson, L.L. Fitzgerald, Lawren Harris, Edwin Holgate, A.Y. Jackson, Frank Johnston, Arthur Lismer, J.E.H. MacDonald and Frederick Varley. Much of the group’s work is on display at the McMichael Gallery in Kleinburg, Ontario.

I have a friend who sends me regular “horoscope” readings. I have to admit that I read them… and I do look at the horoscopes, sometimes, in the newspaper. I have always had a little interest in the spiritual, metaphysical, paranormal… etc.

I have friends who have visited Sedona. I have friends who do astrological charting and others who do trance channeling. I have friends who do “readings” of all sorts. My brother is really into ghosts and unidentified flying objects (among other things). I admit to having a bit of intuition, myself. I guess I come by it honestly- a glimpse at my family tree would explain a lot. (I’ll save that for another rant).

I’ve always hated to admit that I’m an Aries… I wasn’t supposed to be an Aries… My mother’s “due date” was late January and she even had X-rays on Ground Hog Day and they told her to go home and rest- the baby’s head was engaged and birth was imminent. HA!

Somehow, I waited until the 16th of April! Dad was back and forth between hospitals visiting my mother (and me) and also visiting his grandfather, Richard (Dick) Hynes, who was gravely ill and passed away the same morning (more on that, in the family tree, later).

And so it was, I was born under the constellation “Aries”. The ancient Babylonians, Egyptians, Persians and Greeks all called this group of stars "The Ram." The early Egyptians associated Aries with Amon-Re, the ram-headed supreme Sun God who symbolized power and fertility. Also, this faint and tiny cluster of stars is believed by some to have been the stellar pattern that the Magi and other astrologers looked to in their search for the Star of Bethlehem, which was foretold in biblical prophesies and promised to be a sign of the imminent birth of a king. Some people think Jesus was a Capricorn, but I’ve also heard he was actually born in July.

In spite of my denials, I’ve been told that I am the epitome of an Aries woman. I used to take offence until I did some research:

Aries is the First Sign of the Zodiac, the point where it begins its cycle on the Vernal Equinox. Thus, it is the herald of the Astrological New Year. Symbolized by an animal of great courage, Aries is related to dawn, the Season of Spring, and the beginning of life. Much like the Spirit of Spring, those born under Aries are forever looking forward, never backward. In essence, Aries governs leadership and initiative, as well as using energy to make things happen. Aries subjects are vital, instinctual and forever young. They are the perpetual Children of the Zodiac, are constantly in search of identity. These are joyful, dynamic, assertive, outspoken and brave individuals who celebrate life.

Aries natives will most likely be drawn to pursuits of an intellectual nature. They possess excellent business ability and are prolific moneymakers, particularly successful in all commercial areas. Being extremely generous, Aries is continually seeking to do well to others but tends to be careless in discriminating between worthy and unworthy objects of charity.

Aries can be intolerant, impatient, impulsive and overly emotional. Despite their apparent mean-looking features, most Aries subjects are rather attractive, especially in the face (which is, indeed, their strong point).

Also known as the Sign of the Pioneer or Warrior, Aries is Positive in polarity.
The general characteristics of Positive Signs broadly match those for the extrovert personality and such individuals are naturally impulsive, buoyant, communicative and sociable.

Since there is an inherent desire to rule and command, Aries natives are noble, charming and despite apparent mean-looking features, most Aries subjects are rather attractive, especially in the face (which is, indeed, their strong point).

Ruled as she is by the planet Mars, the female Aries loves nothing more than a good battle (verbal or physical) and is always ready to meet any challenge. The trouble is that, while she can forget about the whole thing within ten seconds, the offended party is liable to take a little longer to get over the confrontation. The spiritual Fire burning within these individuals consumes emotion and allows the ability to move on...to forgive and forget.

They are also sympathetic, tender and warm-hearted, as well as being magnetic and progressive. Fond of music and dancing, those governed by Aries love harmony, order and beauty in all things. Their tastes are likely to be luxurious and they will be at their best in the midst of elegant surroundings and, if leaders, also in social functions. Aries people are often considered to be wealthier than they actually are...possibly because they dress well and tend to possess a commanding appearance. It is a mistake, however, to think that the Aries female wants to be spoiled. This is actually the last thing she desires. This woman adores nothing more than a challenge and boredom is something she is unable to tolerate.

A vast majority of them will be deeply interested in the occult and metaphysical studies.

Aries individuals have high ideals and a broad vision, coupled with passion and assertiveness. Theirs is an inspirational and contagious "can-do" attitude that lacks nothing in the way of courage and initiative. It has been said that Fire Signs rule the spirit and primal life force. They are prone to have strong egos, so being the center of attention comes naturally to those governed by Fire.

Aries women make excellent designers and good writers. They are highly capable of holding positions of authority, trust and responsibility. However, the Aries female will become impatient and irritable under restraint and it would be best if she were left alone to carry out any duties once she has a thorough understanding of what is required.

Positive Signs tend to crave excitement and thus, are inclined to direct their energies outward into the world around them. Aries is the most flagrantly extrovert of the Positive Signs. Aries is ruled by fire, governed by the Planet Mars. Fire individuals are impulsive, energetic, active and inspired.

Those ruled by Fire can appear brusque and hurried. They tend to rush through conversations in order to reach the heart of the matter. They are easily bored with the same people and ideas, and constantly search for more with which to feed their fiery souls. They often feel compelled by some higher force to take off on a personal quest or adventure.

Positive Traits: pioneering, adventurous, energetic, courageous, enterprising, confident, dynamic, quick-witted and freedom-loving
Negative Traits: selfish, quick-tempered, impulsive, impatient and foolhardy
Fire is prone to deliberately and openly do things that will irritate others to the point of anger. Fire is straightforward and has no reservations about hurting the feelings of others...prone to inflict both physical and mental pain.
Likes: action, challenge, spontaneity, championing causes and coming in first
The lucky number for Aries is nine (also known as the Novena). The Hebrews referred to the number nine as representing immutable truth. In Buddhist tradition, nine is the supreme spiritual power.
The lucky day for those who fall under the jurisdiction of Aries is Tuesday.
Colour: Crimson Red
Dislikes: waiting, tyranny, failure, lack of opposition and the advice of others
Apostle: Peter
Prophet: Malachi
Anatomy: Rules the head, face, brain and upper teeth
Corresponding Tarot Card: The Emperor
Animals: Ram, Sheep and Owl
Watchword: Action
Keynote: Hope
Physical Manifestation: Impetus
Mental Manifestation: Enterprise
Motto: Never Defeated
Quote: I Am

The most fascinating thing I have ever read about an Aries is: Since Fire subjects are generally warm, enthusiastic and outgoing, they require an abundance of "fuel" and are constantly seeking for something new upon which to "feed." Those who fall under the jurisdiction of Fire, however, are not truly to blame for they are usually quite oblivious to the effects of their massive energy.

A look at a list of notable Arians explains even more…. If I truly share any characteristics with most of these people, whatever it is- it really can’t be my fault! So maybe, just maybe, it isn’t so bad being an Aries!

A
Hans Christian Andersen, Desi Arnaz, Herb Alpert, Alan Arkin, Louie Anderson, Roscoe (Fatty) Arbuckle, John Astin, Albert Gore, Patricia Arquette, Don Adams, Maya Angelou, Alexander the Great, Louis Armstrong, Jann Arden, Dante Alighieri, John James Audubon, Madeline Albright
B
Anita Bryant, Marlon Brando, Bismarck, Chaeli Layne Boken, Jerry Brown, Pearl Bailey, Wernher von Braun, Warren Beatty, Matthew Broderick, Alec Baldwin, Ellen Barkin, Victoria (Posh Spice) Beckham, Johann Sebastian Bach, George Benson, Roger Bannister, Joseph Barbera, Clyde Barrow, Dirk Bogarde, August Anheuser Busch Jr., Elmer Bernstein, Guatama Buddha, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Samuel Beckett, Jonathon Brandis, Richie Blackmore, Lucrezia Borgia, Lauren Bacall, Joan Baez, Joan Blondell, Lloyd Bridges, Alexander Graham Bell, Carol Burnett, Antonio Banderas, James Brown, Jack Black, Robert Browning, Charlotte Bronte, Irving Berlin, Tony Blair, Robert the Bruce, May Britt
C
Julie Christie, Charles Chaplin, Terry-Anne Moore-Davis-Hughes-Cramer, Casanova, Theodore Chapman, Joan Crawford, Stuart Cramer III, Karen Chinatti, James Caan, Mariah Carey, Eric Clapton, Richard Chamberlain, Francis Ford Coppola, David Cassidy, Roy Clark, Russell Crowe, Glen Campbell, Billy Carter, Lon Chaney, Dana Carvey, Charlemagne, Walter Percy Chrysler, Butch Cassidy, Jackie Chan, Russell Crowe, Chuck Connors, Oleg Cassini, Maria Callas, Tom Clancy, Jack Cassidy, Claudia Cardinale, Tim Curry, Jamie Lee Curtis, Howard Cosell, James Coburn, Joe Cocker, Bill Cosby, Deepak Chopra, George Clooney, John Coltrane, Johnny Cash, Frank Capra, David Carradine, Tracy Chapman, Bing Crosby, Marcia Cross,
D
Bette Davis, Denmark, Doris Chase Doane, Thomas E. Dewey, Doris Day, Clarence Darrow, Timothy Dalton, Robert Downey Jr, Claire Danes, Celine Dion, Francisco Jose de Goya, Rene Descartes, Catherine De Medici, Tony Dow, Leonardo Da Vinci, Ellen Degeneres, Robert de Niro, Bo Derek, Isadora Duncan, Laura Dern, Phil Donahue, Christen Dunst,
E
Wally Eckert, Buddy Ebsen, Carmen Electra, Queen Elizabeth II
F
Gene Fortunato, Robert Frost, David Frost, Aretha Franklin, Sir John Franklin, Norman Fell, Betty Ford, W.C. Fields, Mia Farrow, Geraldine Ferraro, Errol Flynn, Sigmund Freud.
G
Alec Guinness, Danny Griffith, Vincent van Gogh, Germany, Susanna Goldman, Jennie Rebecca Goldman, Gus Grissom, James Garner, Sarah Michelle Geller, Jennifer Grey, Leeza Gibbons, King George 1st of England, Maxim Gorky, Marvin Gaye, Jane Goodall, Frank Gorshin, Shecky Greene, Joel Grey, Andy Garcia, Vince Gill, Al Green, John Gielgud, BobCat Goldthwait, Billy Graham, Dick Gregory, Che Guevera, Jennifer Garner, Ulysses S Grant, Bill Gates, Martha Graham
H
Merle Haggard, Harry Houdini, Mary Ann Henson, William Holden, Billie Holiday, William Hurt, Holly Hunter, A.E. Housman, Hammer. Arthur Hailey, Hugh Hefner, Kate Hudson, Ken Howard, Franz Joseph Haydn, William Harvey, Emmylou Harris, Marilu Henner, Walter Huston, Sonja Henie, Lionel Hampton, Herbie Hancock, Olivia Hussey, Melissa Joan Hart, Adolph Hitler, Clint Howard, Margaux Hemingway, Barbara Hershey, Lena Horne, Ron Howard, Dorothy Hamill, Whitney Huston, Tommy Hilfiger, Gordie Howe, David Hume, William Randolph Hearst,
I
Eric Idle, Washington Irving, Janice Ian, Henrik Ibsen,
J
Henry James, William Lester Jacobs, Linda Janklow, George Jessel, Thomas Jefferson, Elton John, Shirley Jones, David Janssen, Ashley Judd, Erica Jong, Grace Jones, Jesse Jackson, Michael Jordan
K
Cheryl Keast, James Keener, Nikita Khrushchev, William E. Kemery III, Ethel Kennedy, Gabe Kaplan, Chaka Khan, Will Keith Kellog, Gary Kasparaov, Howard Keel, Martin Luther King, Robert Kennedy, Madeline Khan, Helmut Khol, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, Karen Kain, Soren Kierkegaard
L
Henry Luce, Clare Boothe Luce, James Lovell, David Letterman, Loretta Lynn, John Lennon, Vicki Lawrence, Lucy Lawless, Frankie Laine, Christine Lahti, Heath Ledger, Julian Lennon, Vladmir Ilich Lenin, Louise Lasser, Jessica Lange, Harold Loyd, Spike Lee, Jennifer Lopez, Heather Locklear, Bela Lugosi, Liberace, William Lilly, Joe Lewis
M
Edmund Muskie, Marsha Mason, Steve McQueen, Ali McGraw, Jim Minow, Myke Minow, Wayne Mackin, Gail Mannina, Terry-Anne Moore , Marcel Marceau, Elizabeth Montgomery, Henry Mansini, Dudley Moore, Ewan McGregor, Eddie Murphy, Eddie Money, Karl Malden, Leonard (Chico) Marx, Matthew Modine, Reba McIntyre, Elle MacPherson, John Major, Oscar Mayer, Peter Marshall, Henry Morgan, Nancy McKeon, Arthur Murray, Mandy Moore, Ann Miller, Hayley Mills, Jayne Mansfield, Gordon MacRea, Joe McCarthy, Bette Midler, Henry Miller, Dean Martin, Demi Moore, Mary Tyler-Moore, Karl Marx,
N
Alfred E. Neuman, Wayne Newton, Leonard Nimoy, Craig T Nelson, Eliot Ness, Napoleon III, Martina Navratilova, Stevie Nicks, Jack Nicholson,
O
Fr. Anselm Ober O.S.B., Scarlett O'Hara, Tony Orlando, Rosie O’Donnell, Conan O’Brien, Gary Oldman, Sandra Day O’Connor, Ryan O’Neal, Jackie Kennedy Onassis,
P
Andre Previn, Gen. George S. Patton, Anthony Perkins, Norman Porter, Gregory Peck , Princess Eugenie, Rea Perlman, Sarah Jessica Parker, David Hyde Pierce, Robin Wright Penn, Teddy Pendergrass, Colin Powell, Michelle Phillips, Mary Pickford, Pauline Porizkova, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Commodore Matthew Perry, Joseph Pulitzer, Paloma Picasso, Gwyneth Paltrow, Vincent Price, Richard Pryor, Eva Peron, Valerie Perrine, Luciano Pavrotti, General Patton, Camile Paglia,
Q
Dennis Quaid, Karen Ann Quinlan,
R
Wilhelm Reich, Dane Rudhyar, Harry Reasoner, Debbie Reynolds, Paul Robeson, Carol Roberts, Diana Ross, Giovanni Ribisi, Paul Reiser, Sergei Rachmaninov, John Ratzenberger, Wayne Rogers, Pete Rose, Anne Rice, Hirundo Rivera, Robert Redford, Chris Rock, Joan Rivers
S
Gloria Swanson, William Shakespeare, Gari Lou Cook Schwab, Robert Slatzer, Rod Steiger, Leoplod Stokowski, Daniel Schorr Allison Saul, Omar Sharif, Bessie Smith, Simone Signoret, Gloria Steinham , Omar Sharif, Steven Seagal, William Shatner, Elvis Stojko, Simone Signoret, Martin Short, Julia Stiles, John Cameron Swayze, Ravi Shankar, Avery Schreiber, Rick Schroder, Serpico, Christian Slater, Dick Seargant, Stephen Sondheim, Ringo Starr, Barbra Striesand, Joss Stone, Kevin Spacey, Jerry Springer, David Suzuki,
T
Spencer Tracy, Lowell Thomas, Evelyn Tucker, Arturo Toscanini, Emma Thompson, Steven Tyler, Quentin Tarantino, Meshach Taylor, Tiny Tim, Uma Thurman, Mike Tyson, Harry Truman,
U
Peter Ustinov
V
Bobby Vinton, Wilbur Wright, F.W. Woolworth, World War I, Thelma Williams, Debbie Williams, Kim Weis, Walter Winchell, Tennessee Williams, Christian Williams, Vincent Van Gough, Vince Vaughn, Sarah Vaughan, Otto von Bismarck, Max von Sydow, Jon Voight, Rudlolph Valentino
W
William Wordsworth, Christopher Walken, James Woods, Reese Witherspoon, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tennesse Williams, Bob Woodward, Jack Webb, Muddy Waters, Booker T Washington, Billy Dee Williams, Walter Winchell, William Wordsworth, Lyle Waggoner, Frank W. Woolworth, Thornton Wilder, Irving Wallace, Mike Wallace, Walt Whitman, Richard Widmark, Andy Warhol, Wilbur Wright, Robbie Williams, John Wayne
Y
Julie Yarbrough, Michael York, Cy Young
Z
Fred Zopfi, Florence Zigfield,

As a Realtor, it’s important to keep up with decorating and style trends. I’ve often got my nose stuck in a magazine or newspaper and I do read polls and google constantly. It seems that currently “Old World” styles are the rage. Be it French, English, Tuscan or Spanish, homes with stone or stucco walls, tile roofs, iron fixtures, heavy beams and rustic floors are in demand. A sense of historic connection resonates with buyers today. I must admit, I am a fan.

The Craftsman style, built in the early 1900's, is back, too. Features of this style include cobblestones, deep eaves, tapered columns and wide trim. This style favours the handmade look over mass production.
Farmhouses and country homes are perfect reno candidates and even new home construction now mirrors their style. Updates include a lot of the more natural materials like bamboo floors, wood windows, simple floor plans, and warm colors connect with nature and earlier times.

The retro look is in. Ranch styles and split levels built in the 1950's are being updated with sleek details and fit with fashionable furniture styles. Urban modern is everywhere, making use of open plans, splashy colour, tile, glass, plastic and metal.

Current Buyers prefer a ceiling height of 9’-11'. Two-story ceilings are out in small rooms where they feel like turrets. Lots of floor level changes are not desirable anymore, with the predominant Buyers being retirement age or thinking ahead to retirement. Even in small families, most buyers today want four bedrooms, and at least two living areas. Formal dining rooms are still in high demand.

Formal living rooms are often converted to studies, libraries, or guest rooms and media rooms are a sought after feature. Buyers enjoy a visual and spatial connection between kitchen and family room. The television is still a major component of family life and Buyers will look for built-in cabinet space to hide large televisions and wall space appropriate for the newer flat screens.

Three car garages are in, especially in homes without basements. A utility basement is old news, but a walkout basement set up for entertaining is still a selling point. Buyers today want structured wiring. It’s important to have for internet, phone, cable and sound. Desk space for computers is must have.

Lots of storage is needed for today's lifestyle. People have lots of stuff. Huge master closets, pantries, laundry rooms, and extra storage closets are expected. On the other hand, there are more and more “minimalists” who enjoy very spare living, as simplified spaces seem to be antidote to today's complex lifestyle.

They say that kitchens and bathrooms will make or break a deal and most buyers are savvy about kitchen design. Buyers appreciate good workspaces with easy access to stovetop, refrigerators and sink. Lots of counter space, deep drawers, two sinks, a nearby extra refrigerator and a butler's pantry are all desirable features.

These days, the kitchen is absolutely the place to use more colour. It is a place where people gather and naturally an area that is more apt to have mixing and matching. Stainless appliances are going strong. In urban modern styles, white or colored appliances are back. With the use of white appliances, there is an inherent need for something colourful whether it is in the bowls or the toaster. House wares have now embraced colour trends.

New home designers love to conceal some appliances as cabinetry. Eat-in kitchens continue to be a basic requirement for most buyers. Instant hot water is a perk that buyers like, as are drinking water filters.

Jewel tones are predominantly popular for kitchen accessorizing. Add some zip to counter tops with coloured accessories or small appliances. Complement them with new tea towels and potholders. The same (or similar) wall color through adjoining spaces creates a more spacious feeling

Although blue continues to be the favourite, yellow is coming on strong, especially in the kitchen because of its bright association with the sun and grandma’s old kitchen. Other predictions for 2009 are a relaxed palette of colour with fabrics in rich, earthy tones and textures. Colours will be bolder and reflect multi-cultural hues.

Colours are in, but soft is the word. Soft greens, yellows, earth tones and creams create a serene background that fits many styles. Complex colors, with more colors in the mix, are sought after. Deeply saturated colors, such as plums and reds, are used in moderation.

A new look is a feature wall painted in a completely different colour from the rest of the room. This is a good way to create some vibrancy and a focal point in the room. You can use a feature wall to define a particular space, particularly in an open concept area. It is easy to change the colour of a feature wall, if the mood strikes.

To choose a feature wall, stand in the middle of the room and select a dominant wall may have a fireplace, interesting angles or may be a very plain expanse of space that is crying out for some attention. Try not to select a space with window or door openings, as these will detract attention away from the impact of a single colour.

Flat paint on walls hides flaws and creates a designer look. Use a fluffy roller if you are using a flat paint. Shiny is out. Soft whites are safe for trim. Faux finishes are out. Wallpaper is problematic and harder to change than paint and too often it does not fit the buyer's taste. Heavily textured walls and popcorn ceilings are totally out.

Orange is the new red. Warm, yellow-based reds will be popular and we will begin to see the brighter and bluer Asian reds become popular, as well. Yellow greens will continue to bring sophisticated, botanical coolness to rooms while deep olive and celery greens will gain popularity.

Blue tones include sea-blue, watery, spa-like colours and rich botanical and intense shades as splashes. Teal and turquoise blues are featured in retro-style decorating.

Purple is being featured in a new brighter, purer hue. This is supposed to be the hot colour for 2007. Browns continue to get earthier, muddier and are now considered as much as neutral as black. Brown can be paired with any colour from dazzling blue to tone-on-tones with mocha and almond.

Antique tables or cabinets are being refurbished and used as bath cabinets. Kitchen cabinets that look like furniture are a great look. Granite, marble or stone counters are popular. However, granite tops added to 1980's cabinets do not go over well. You must consider the architectural style of a room before adding features.

Rustic finishes on hardware, such as brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, weathered brass, and other non-shiny finishes are also popular choices. Rustic wood beams or wood covered ceilings can create that same, primitive look that buyers like.

Concrete countertops are perfect for ultra modern, but it is a new look and Buyers are still unfamiliar with them and a little nervous. Large rustic tiles, stone, concrete or wood is in for flooring, while subway tile (3" x 6") is popular in bathrooms and on kitchen backsplashes.
Patterned cultured marble and laminate are out. Pure white is considered too clinical and shiny, slippery flooring has lost its appeal.

Distressed wood floors that look old are valued. Simple wood boards are sometimes laid down with cracks exposed. Re-claimed wood is very desirable. Bamboo floors are popular; especially in modern style homes where light colored floors are desired.

Concrete floors - often stained and scored are popular. These go well with the modern look, and are used in Craftsman and rustic European styles too. Colourful laminate floors are a good fit with mid-century modern. Laminate floors that look like wood are out. Parquet floors are out, unless hand crafted.

Wide, baseboards (6"+) and door and window trim (4"+) are key features in “Old” style while Craftsman style doors - simple square frames with flat panels - work well with both old and modern looks. Industrial metal fixtures are in. The un-decorated, industrial look of metal or stainless steel is in.

Bath fixtures finished in rustic bronze, nickel, or chrome are all wow. Old style two-handled faucets and farmhouse sinks are in style. Bath sinks may be glass bowls, granite, and stone, stainless or traditional china. Cultured marble is out. Freestanding tubs are in. Pedestal and wall hung lavatories are in, too.

Framed or hung mirrors are preferred, although plate glass works in ultra modern styles. Mirrors used on walls or ceilings are a turn off and they don’t fool anyone into thinking there is more light.
People today are more discriminating about the quality of light. Windows on two sides of the room balance the lighting and reduce glare. Some people insist on full-spectrum lighting, considered a healthy choice. No matter the style, one light in the middle of the room will not do.

Light fixtures are a decorative element in all styles. Clean, modern fixtures, such as pendant lights, recessed cans, and wire string lights compliment the urban look. Retro fixtures are interesting decorative features in 1930's craftsman and 1950's ranch styles.

Under cabinet task lighting is appreciated. Security lighting is important. Wall sconces offer soft ambient lighting. Recessed cans provide area light. Dimmers help to create different moods but above all Buyers want more windows, natural light, and a greater connection with the outdoors. Light is in demand. Don't close blinds. Do remove solar screens when they are not needed, such as under patio roofs, porches or shade trees.

Wrought iron gates, stair rails and light fixtures compliment the rustic style while ultra modern homes may have components made of wire, pipe or painted metal.

Heavy drapes are out. They are too pretentious, and, well, heavy. Light cotton, linen or silk drapes are in. Or, wood blinds. Or nothing. And- no one wants foil on windows or stick-on window film. Woven wood blinds have made a comeback. Mini blinds are very yesterday.

Historic paint colors such as sage greens, beiges, muted yellows, and grays work well on the exterior. Bold or harsh colors can be a turn-off to most buyers. Iron or heavy wood entry doors make strong statements that buyers love. Good access to the outdoors is something buyers look for. French doors are “it”; they provide a perfect combination of access and light.

Front porches and covered patios are always a strong selling point. Outdoor fireplaces and barbeques are coming back into style. Screened porches are back. They create a multi purpose space that is both indoors and outdoors, and keep mosquitoes away. Sliding glass doors have lost favour.

Energy efficiency is definitely in. Buyers want high efficiency furnaces, appliances, central air-conditioning, good insulation, low-e glass, programmable thermostats, double pane windows, and ceiling fans. Heat pumps and effective passive solar orientation are considered more environmentally friendly and now.

Moving?

Start with the rooms you use the least. In most family homes there are rooms that are not used on a daily basis, guest bedrooms, basements, or living rooms. Start the sorting process in these rooms and avoid cluttering the areas of the home used regularly.

Start with large items. In order to feel you are making progress, in each room start with the largest items and move towards the smallest. For example, identify what you will do with the furniture before you start on the knick-knacks. That way you can label the box for its home at the other end. Remember, you pack the small things on top of the big things. The big things go in the bottom of the box!

Have a sorting system. Sort items by making piles, or making detailed lists of what will be kept, what will be given away and to where, and what is still undecided.

Write down family history. Take the time to write down special memories or any family history that is connected to special items. This information will be cherished for generations to come and will contribute to the value of family heirlooms (don't we all watch the Antique Roadshow? They call it provenance.)

Work in scheduled blocks of time. Plan to sort items for periods of no more than two hours at a time. The process of revisiting memories and making decisions about items you have lived with for many years can be emotionally difficult. You will feel less overwhelmed and make better decisions if you take regular breaks and allow yourself time to digest what is happening.

Start early and don’t rush yourself: Be sure to plan plenty of time for the sifting and sorting process. Take moments to laugh at old pictures, read old letters, and grieve for losses. If you can’t decide what to do with an item, set it aside and return to it later. Work at a pace that is comfortable for you and your situation.

Keep the items that you treasure the most. Make a list of items you refuse to part with and keep that list in sight as you sort through other possessions. If you don't love it, why does it live with you?

Get rid of things you no longer need.

Consider having a garage sale or home auction. If you have enough items that are likely to net a profit (furniture, antiques, electronics) it may make the effort of having a garage sale worthwhile.

Have the kids remove their “stuff”. Especially the adult children- tell them it is time to collect their childhood belongings and store their own mementos. Give them a deadline that works with your schedule and warn them that anything leftover will be donated to charity.

Leaving a family home can be a bittersweet event that involves revisiting many painful and joyful memories.

During the process of downsizing we may be surprised at how attached we have become to our possessions and how difficult it might seem to part with them.

Visit your local newspaper, purchase a roll of newsprint, it's inexpensive and perfect for wrapping stuff- PLUS you won't need to wash it all at the new place!

I have take one or two courses in psychology and I know that human beings can't avoid being anxious or fearful or worried at various times in their lives. Moving is ranked among life's most stressful events. Research shows that moving house is one of the greatest stresses we face in our lives. In its capacity to cause psychological distress it is right up there, with losing a close relative and illness, loss of employment and divorce, in terms of severity. Of course planned and managed well, stress is not necessarily a requirement.

The stresses of buying and selling a home often make many people feel overwhelmed. Taking care of yourself in the process, making sure you understand what's going on, and increasing your sense of control can reduce your stress and helps keep the relocation process sane. To understand relocation stress let's examine the two kinds of needs that people have when moving: Your transactional needs, like finding the home that is just right for you, finding a seller who is realistic, negotiating the price, completing the paperwork, handling the escrow, and arranging for the physical move. Your emotional needs which carry with them the largest amount of stress.

While moving certainly holds the potential for stress, overwhelm, and, conflict, this potential has become so firmly embedded in our collective belief system that it feels like an unavoidable truth. A thought, repeated enough times by enough people for long enough, becomes a collective thought pattern. Eventually, these patterns become so ingrained in our way of life that they become a part of our collective belief system.

Our physical reality is filled with collective beliefs - "Moving is stressful." "You have to work hard to get ahead." These collective beliefs hold great power and most of the time we allow these beliefs to determine the tone of our creative energy. Because of that, we usually create by default. We continue to get what we have always gotten because that is what we believe we are going to get. Human beings can't avoid being anxious or fearful or worried at various times in their lives.

Known by a number of names - Tropophobia, Fear of Moving, and Fear Making Changes being the most common - the problem often significantly impacts the quality of life. It can cause panic attacks and keep people apart from loved ones and business associates. Symptoms typically include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and overall feelings of dread, although everyone experiences moving phobia in their own way and may have different symptoms.

Although not everyone admits to having a phobia of some sort, many people, and conscious or not, tend to share the most common fear of all: the fear of change. Change acts as a threat toward those who are comfortable and set in a current way of living. People who do not accept change are often looked upon as narrow minded. However, those who cannot cope with a change in life can sometimes become mentally ill, diminishing life’s better qualities.

Though a variety of potent drugs are often prescribed for moving phobia, side effects and/or withdrawal symptoms can be severe. Moreover, drugs do not "cure" moving phobia or any other phobia. At best they temporarily suppress the symptoms through chemical interaction.

The Law of Attraction tells us that the thoughts, emotions and energy that we send out into the world are what create our experience. In theory, we have the ability to control our thoughts, emotions and energy Simple right? Simple perhaps, but not always easy. This law encourages us to stop believing that what we have always gotten is what we will always get. Instead, we are encouraged to start creating a new experience. Write a new script. Design a new set.
You must take creative control, otherwise, you will suffer with the feeling of uncomfortable tension that comes from holding two conflicting thoughts in the mind at the same time. This is known as cognitive dissonance.

Dissonance increases with:
The importance of the subject to us. How strongly the dissonant thoughts conflict.

Our inability to rationalize and explain away the conflict.

Dissonance is often strong when we believe something about ourselves and then do something against that belief. If I believe I am good but do something bad, then the discomfort I feel as a result is cognitive dissonance.

Cognitive dissonance is a very powerful motivator that will often lead us to change one or other of the conflicting belief or action. The discomfort often feels like a tension between the two opposing thoughts. To release the tension we can take one of three actions: Change our behavior or Justify our behavior by changing the conflicting cognition or Justify our behavior by adding new cognitions.

Dissonance is most powerful when it is about our self-image. Feelings of foolishness, immorality and so on (including internal projections during decision-making) are dissonance in action. If an action has been completed and cannot be undone, then the after-the-fact dissonance compels us to change our beliefs. If beliefs are moved, then the dissonance appears during decision-making, forcing us to take actions we would not have taken before.

Cognitive dissonance appears in virtually all evaluations and decisions and is the central mechanism by which we experience new differences in the world. When we see other people behave differently to our images of them, when we hold any conflicting thoughts, we experience dissonance.

Dissonance increases with the importance and impact of the decision, along with the difficulty of reversing it. Discomfort about making the wrong choice of car is bigger than when choosing a lamp. Almost all major purchases result in cognitive dissonance, also known as buyer's remorse.

Frequently, the anxiety has its roots in the individual's failure to accept or acknowledge the simple fact that most purchases are either reversible or that any item of significant value may be resold, albeit with some degree of discount.

Buyer's remorse may also stem from the fact that before the act of purchasing both possibilities are open, and that after having done so, one option (not purchasing) has been closed off (unless one tries to obtain a refund). Psychologically, in the phase before purchasing, the prospective buyer feels the positive emotions associated with the purchase (desire, a sense of heightened possibilities, and an intimation of the enjoyment that will accompany using the product, for example): afterwards, having made the purchase, he or she is able more fully to experience the negative aspects.

In other words, before purchasing, one experiences oneself as acting in a virile way, creating a situation; while afterwards the time of acting has passed: one is deflated and experiences oneself as having been acted on by the former virile self; one feels bound by one's remaining limited choices.

This is a unique idiosyncrasy of human nature, but it is even worse when we are reaching some major milestone, something we may have dreamt of for years. Our first new car, our first home, our last car, our last home. In spite of the fact that you can only do your best; make your selection and then make the best of it; often the immedicate result may be a state of stress, remorse and unhappiness. It may be further characterized by feelings of regret, self-hatred and a strong desire to make things right.

There is value in learning from the experience, but little in using the clarity of hindsight to berate yourself over possibly not making the exactly optimal choice.

“Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others.”( Robert Louis Stevenson). Let’s not waste our time wondering whether or not it’s fair. Let’s accept the fact that change is here, and it’s our task to deal with it.

Caveat Venditor! We don’t often hear that one, but it is Latin for “Seller Beware”! Yes, even Sellers can be taken advantage of, in the Real Estate Market.

Constantly revising and reviewing adherence to regulations, the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) is responsible for regulating the trading of Real Estate and sustaining public trust in the marketplace. RECO works with the government, consumers and registered Real Estate practitioners to create a solid foundation for the industry.

One of the key words, today, is DISCLOSURE. The regulations regarding disclosure are stringent! Among other things, Real Estate professionals are required (by law) to disclose their role to all parties of the transaction. This must take place at the earliest opportunity and be done in writing. Real Estate professionals also have to disclose how they will benefit from the transaction- essentially: who is paying them and why.

Sellers must disclose any known defects of the property, even though it is the Buyer or the Buyer’s Agent’s responsibility to be diligent in discovering defects in the property. Deliberate avoidance of providing pertinent information may be considered fraud and could result in prosecution.

Being a Seller is difficult. Usually there is some personal reason that prompts the sale of a home. Perhaps there has been a transfer through employment, children have grown up and moved on, the family is growing, a lottery was won, a job has been lost… there are too many reasons to list… trust me, there is usually some kind of emotional, personal link.

I ask Sellers to try to disconnect their emotional attachment and try to think of it as selling a marketable item of great value… to think of it as more of a house, than their home. In this way, they can step back and evaluate it from a more objective perspective.
The Ontario Real Estate Association provides Realtors with a “Seller Property Information Statement”, a form that assists Sellers to be sure that Buyers are given accurate information about their property. While this provides a super outline, it is not a warranty and it is still up to the Buyers to make their own inquiries.

Real Estate “listing forms” contain a lot of information about disclosures. A good Realtor will go over every clause in the listing agreement and the Seller signs it, below the pre-printed phrase “THIS AGREEMENT HAS BEEN READ AND FULLY UNDERSTOOD BY ME….”

There are forms titled “Confirmation of Co-Operation and Representation” that put in writing, the nature of the roles of the parties in a transaction and provides an opportunity for any further disclosures. Here, a Realtor may disclose their own interest or relationship to the parties or any knowledge that they may have and wish to disclose.

Three key words have often been attributed to real estate: “location, location, location” and now we can add “disclose, disclose, disclose”.

As I’ve said before, a good Realtor gets to know their client… extremely well. In many cases, it is the only way to help them make a well-informed decision. Realtors spend a great deal of time with their clients, especially with Buyers.

Here, in cottage country, we explore hundreds of kilometers of landscape and lakes, together. Often, the children and family pets are along for the ride. Realtors and Clients build close relationships and ties, during the intense process of locating the right property and there is every good intention of continuing the connection…

It’s just that the next bunch of clients comes along and then, time is eaten up with exploring hundreds of kilometers and getting acquainted… then, spare time is taken up with bookkeeping, paperwork, advertising, conferring with Seller clients and many other administrative functions… and, hopefully, hobbies and family time… maybe even a little housework. In my experience, Realtors often have untidy, unkempt homes. I suppose it is a case of the shoemaker’s children going barefoot!

I recently came across an article that made me giggle- although it is a little over the top (as most humour can be), it reminded me of how badly I feel that I do not have the time to put into the newly developed friendships and nurture the closeness I have felt with past clients. Anyway, I wrote to the author to ask if I could include it on GetReal… he was delighted. So, with a big thank-you to DAN ST. YVES, here it is:

Realtor Withdrawal Syndrome
By Dan St. Yves

Dear Mr. And Mrs. Jones ,

It was indeed a pleasure to hear from you both again yesterday. I am thrilled that you are settling into your new home, and that your relocation went so smoothly.

I also appreciate hearing how you have acquainted yourself with the local mall, restaurants, and various other amenities located so close to your new home. I appreciate that my advice regarding those latent features of your new neighborhood has been helpful.

However, I believe the time has come to discuss something that I feel you, like many of my past clients, have become an unknowing victim of. In the real estate business, we call it Realtor Withdrawal Syndrome…

Now, please do not take offense to this comment! It is not unusual to develop strong bonds with someone, especially when you’ve spent the last three months looking at homes, day and night, night and day. I enjoyed every minute, as did both of you, and wish that we could spend more time together now that you have moved into the home we were successful in offering on. However, I have more friends that need my attention, as did you when we were out looking for this beautiful home that you now own.

Don’t get me wrong. We won’t be going cold turkey here - I will be in contact regularly. I have a terrific monthly newsletter and time permitting, I promise to stop by for a visit at least during the holiday season. I have a lovely poinsettia that I bring around to all my valued friends, and family.

Who knows? We may be getting together sooner than either of us expect. Should there be any problems at all with your new home, do not hesitate to give my assistants or myself a call, and I will immediately clear my plate, to be at your assistance. We certainly hope that this will not be the case, however I thought you should now that while we may not continue speaking every day from here on out, I am still just a call away. For emergencies…

As I feel that we should implement this withdrawal as soon as possible, I will need to cancel our golf tee-off time for Thursday, the potluck BBQ on Friday, and please consider this my notice to be replaced on the Monday night bowling team…

Folks, I hope that I have explained this to your satisfaction. You aren’t the first clients to fall victim to Realtor Withdrawal Syndrome, and you likely won’t be the last. I hope you’ll find that as time passes, and you become better acquainted with your neighbors, you’ll be just fine without me constantly underfoot.

But if you ever think about selling…!

Back in 1995, I became a huge fan of the Internet. That is when I arranged for my first Real Estate Website. I just knew that the web would become a major part of the industry.
Many of my local colleagues thought I was crazy- most of them did not own a computer.

In 1996, Bancroft Real Estate Board was the first Board in Ontario to go with a web-based system. We are a relatively small board and often “cutting-edge”. The success of the system soon brought other Boards to the table and within a short time; the Canadian Real Estate Association (owners of the MLS trademark) began working on a countrywide site.

Website providers have flocked to provide razzle-dazzle to Realtors for their websites. I found that a lot of the bells and whistles made the website sluggish and distracting. With the help of a fabulous web-designer (and a wonderful brother), Matthew Didier, we have developed the GetRealinOntario site, with the market in mind.

A recent edition of “REM” (a publication about Real Estate Marketing, News, Mortgages, Technology & Opinions- provided to Realtors) had an article titled “Internet is overvalued, says Re/Max founder”. I was shocked. The article goes on to quote “… the internet has taken hold. But its impacts on the industry have not been as dramatic as one might expect….” And “The Internet has not affected Re/Max growth, profitability, share or whatever.” And almost remorsefully, “Gone are the days of real estate… warm friendly faces, shaking hands and a dog running around the yard.”

Oddly enough the article also quotes Re/Max International Founder and chairman David Liniger as saying “the Internet is still an important tool to reach consumers” and that “Re/Max plans to promote its website to consumers through extensive advertising”.

TILT

I believe the Internet is undervalued by many Real Estate professionals, I believe that the Internet has affected my personal growth; I believe that Internet can convey the warmth and sincerity I possess.

I am a research-aholic. A google-holic. I check out all kinds of websites; EVERY DAY.
I know that not everything on the Internet is accurate and true, some is opinion based, but I also find the Internet is the most quick, convenient, cost-effective and comprehensive source of information available to me. The Internet is my friend. The Internet provides solutions. The Internet keeps me connected to the pulse of the Industry, to friends, family and news.

Having a website makes sense to me. I don’t believe that a Real Estate website has anything to do with increasing market share- for GetRealinOntario it is about sharing knowledge and good information with Buyers and Sellers.

I think most of us have heard the quote “Work like you don’t need the money, love like you’ve never been hurt, dance like nobody’s watching”. It really does resonate similarities to my own personal mantra.

Once I had a little Real Estate experience under my belt, I began yearning for an, at least internally, “non-competitive” office place. This is a very difficult beast to locate, because usually the sort of “driven” personality that can handle a competitive industry isn’t easily able to shut-off the “compete” button. Big egos and big personalities can clash and cause the sort of environment that creates the “vulture” or “snake pit” feeling that Buyers and Sellers shun… some of us Realtors do, too.

With much virtue in mind, I set about writing a “Mission Statement” and once I had the opportunity to manage my own office, I set about finding people who could relate to my optimistic vision. There have been times that I have felt undermined and misunderstood and at those times, I always revisit my mission statement… it reads:

“To focus on offering our talents, energy and knowledge to serve others. To operate with authentic intention, honesty and integrity. To empower others to live extraordinary inspired lives.”

I have never changed the original draft of my Mission Statement, because it reminds me that I can find my way, through any landmines in the Real Estate world, by holding on to the very essence of providing “service” and giving it my all, while preserving my individual identity.

I have always tried to be authentic. Authentically me, of course, which means that I may not necessarily take the popular stance. It’s interesting to note that among the various descriptions for the definition of the adjective “authentic” is: “conforming to fact and therefore worthy of trust, reliance and belief.”

I make my way in life, decisively- with good intentions and I can always defend my own position and yet, I am always interested in hearing the “other guy’s” viewpoint, doing more research and I have been known to change my mind… but not the “Mission Statement”. For those of us connected with “GetRealinOntario” the Mission Statement is the glue.

Any decent Realtor keeps informed and will read anything they can get their hands on, with regard to politics, market trends, strategies, marketing etc etc… and I have a particular interest in the “business” aspects of Real Estate.

A recent “Harris Poll” (2006) surveyed American adults and asked them to rate the level of trust that they place in the advice and guidance of certain professionals from a variety of business areas. The survey included 11 distinctly different professions. Real Estate agents placed tenth.

Information like this is not big news, really. Unfortunately, not all Real Estate reps are created alike. When I started in this business, I thought that I was well prepared for the competitive environment… and I was, when it came to being informed, educated, energetic and well-connected in complimentary industries… however, after a few short months, I began to recognize some attributes in my colleagues that bent my perspective as they nagged at my own personal morality.

I was immediately comforted that I had chosen to be a part of “organized Real Estate” and soon made it my own personal strategy; to be up-to-date on the rules & regulations, laws & legislations, policies and procedures applicable to being a Realtor. I have volunteered a lot of time to the organization of various Boards within Canadian Real Estate and I have studied much about the history of Real Estate, as well.

I suppose it is what I do, in order to maintain a sense of pride about my work. It isn’t always easy working in a small town, having your photo in the paper every week and trying to please all of the people, all of the time… and I AM my own worst critic. On the other hand, the ridiculously high expectation that I place on myself, ensure that I am (at the very least) a little more informed than the industry standard. I am always pleased when I am consulted for my opinion on matters of ethics and interpretation and I am even more excited when I have an opportunity to learn something new.

Often, I find that I am well ahead of the pack, with insight into coming pitfalls and/or changes in the business. Other Realtors, who know me, soon learn that I write pretty good offer clauses and I have a good handle on the rules and local by-laws….

I would never, however, by any means wish to imply that I am an expert, especially when there is no real criteria to objectively define an expert. I’m just pretty confident that I know how to make sure that I when I don’t know something, I’ll consult someone who knows. If that makes any sense…. Besides which, the Real Estate Council of Ontario, Code of Ethics, principle #21-5 says (among other verbiage). “A member should not use a term, title, or designation, implying that the Member is a specialist or expert in the profession, or a term, title or designation restricted by the Council, unless the Member satisfies the criteria established by the Council for its use.”

I don’t have an Expert license, I just have the duty to perform within my own areas of expertise… and with any luck at all, the areas of my own expertise will keep on growing!