A blast from my past -- drive-in movie theaters! What a great night!


Tonight we did something a little different to start off our holiday weekend.  We went to see Ice Age 3 at a drive-in movie theater in Warwick, New York.  Here in New Jersey, drive-in movies are extinct although I've been told that the one in Vineland, New Jersey (farther south from where I am located) is still operating.  

However, Warwick, New York is a lot closer to me than Vineland, New Jersey so we packed up the kids in the car, grabbed some snacks and juice boxes, made a pit-stop at dunkin donuts for coffee for my husband and me and we took a ride to the movies.....A DRIVE-IN!   The price was pretty reasonable too!  Adults were $8 and children aged 4-11 were only $5 and that included a double feature!!  We didn't stay for the second movie...my little guy was too tired but it was still a great deal. amboys movie theater

Just like old times...reminded me of when I was little! Back then we used to go to the Amboy Drive-In Theater in Sayerville, NJ.  You could see it right from the Garden State Parkway.  I remember driving home from my grandma or aunt's house in Toms River and my sister and I used to watch it out the window (especially if were were sitting in summertime traffic and if you are familiar with summertime and the GSP...there was always traffic...LOL). 

NY drive in movie theater

Anyway, it was well worth the two hour (roundtrip) drive.  It was something different for a change to do with the kids and the price was right too!  We will definitely go back.

YOUR RESOURCE FOR NEW JERSEY REAL ESTATE

Gina Chirico Livingston

 

Gina Chirico, Sales Associate

50 E. Mt. Pleasant Avenue

Livingston, New Jersey  07039

973-715-1158 cell

973-992-6363 ext 116

Gina.Chirico@PrudentialNewJersey.com

www.GinaChiricoRealEstate.com

http://www.ginachiricorealestate/Blog

****With deep roots in the Essex County, I service buyers and sellers throughout many Essex County communities and neighboring Morris, Passaic and Union Counties, specializing in the entire West Essex Area (including Fairfield, Caldwell, West Caldwell, North Caldwell, Roseland, Essex Fells, Verona and Cedar Grove) and my hometown areas of Belleville, Bloomfield, Nutley and Little Falls.****

 


How can there be success without failure?


It is an easy question, but I think it is VERY appropriate as we meander into the 4th of July holiday. 

How can there be success without failure?

Our forefathers built a country that changed the world.  On these shores, anyone could succeed.  The Horatio Alger story could be real.  A poor man could rise to be an industrial or political magnate.  A black man from humble roots, raised largely by his grandmother could become President of the United States.  The son of a patent medicine huckster in New York could grow up to be one of the richest men in the history of the world... whose name is on hundreds of libraries because of his philanthopy. 

But, how could success like this exist without failure?  How could sweetness exist without sourness?  If all things were sweet, we couldn't recognize sweetness as a rare commodity.  If success were guaranteed in all pursuits, who would cook the fries? 

The thing is...

Freedom carries risk and requires responsibility.  Freedom to succeed carries the risk to fail and the responsibility to take care of one's self. 

Little things like making sure the family is fed... keeping up with your own health care... yearning to better one's self through growth and learning.  Those all go into being free responsibly.  And for most of our 233 years as a nation, most citizens did these things.  But in the last few decades, many have ceded those responsibilities to society... they feel that they are owed "the basic necessities" of food, shelter and medical care.  Instead of caring for themselves and their families, they are content to let the government do it... 

They aren't free, and they don't yearn to be free... they are slaves to the government and will give away any liberty in order to secure a few more "rights" at the expense of others. 

When I was a manager of a business, I had an employee that "couldn't afford" the company subsidized health plan.  It was too much of a hardship for her to be expected on her "meager" salary to be expected to pay the princely sum of $19.50 each two weeks to have health coverage.  She justified it by mentioning that she couldn't afford a car and had to ride the bus to work each day.  And yet... she had TWO cell phones with a combined bill of over $400/mo.  At the time, my wife and I had two cell phones with a combined bill of under $100/mo.  There was a flat rate company that had just started operations and offered unlimited air time for $49/mo...  So, she got a car.  I fired her because she still couldn't get to work on time and constantly needed to leave early... 

At the same time, I knew of an employee in a different location.  Her husband had been a medical doctor in a foreign country.  When they came here, his license wasn't honored... he knew that before he came.  He took a job in a car wash and she worked in a photo lab.  But they had the opportunity to be free... and the possibility to succeed far beyond what they could have elsewhere. 

We see it over and over...

People leave countries with "free" health care, "free" housing and everything else that would be "basic necessities".  Cubans strap together inner-tubes to try to reach South Florida.  Canadians and Britons and Swedes and overstay their visas.  Central and South Americans stream across the border.  All of them are in search of a better life and this is where they see that life. 

They want to opportunity that we hold up... and they are willing to risk it all to have any chance.  Meanwhile, those that have to risk nothing to be here only want someone else to take care of them. 

So...

As you lay waste to some hot dogs, apple pie and watermelon at the 4th of July picnic... ask yourself, What have I done to deserve this?


Just Reduced In Suffolk VA!


4542 ELLINGTON AVE, SUFFOLK, VA 23435
Main Photo
Location: Pughsville
Just Reduced! Pughsville
Beautiful 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath, 2-story colonial, with first floor bonus room. This floor plan features a gracious foyer entry, great room with fireplace, eat-in kitchen with butlers pantry, formal dining room, family room, movie room, and laundry room.This home is move-in ready! Huge fenced yard and patio deck. Large master suite includes a full bath with separate garden tub and shower. Short Sale subject to bank approval.

Value Priced at $340,000.00. Contact Quiana Riddick at (757)581-3501 to set up an appointment for showing. Bring all offers!

Directions: I-664N TO EXIT 10 PUGHSVILLE RD. TURN LEFT ONTO A-659 S PUGHSVILLE RD. RIGHT ON WISE ST. LEFT ON ELLINGTON.
Information
Pricing
Price: $340,000.00
Flexibility: Negotiable
Property Location
4542 Ellington Ave
Suffolk, VA 23435
View Map
Features
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Parking Spaces: DRIVEWAY
Year Built: 2005
Subdivision: PUGHSVILLE
Lot Size: .37
School District: Nansemond River
Square Footage: 3209
Agent Name: Quiana Riddick
Broker: Wainwright Real Estate
MLS #: 0924691
Attributes
Appliances
Range/Oven
Dishwasher
Sink Disposal
Microwave
Interior Amenities
Fireplace
Vaulted Ceilings
Attic
Exterior Amenities
Patio
Fenced Yard
Grass Lawn
Secluded setting
Tool Shed
Photo Gallery

Countrywide Financial (Bank of America) Program


 FREE Lowes 10% Coupon and Termite Reports at www.JasonKardos.com

Countrywide Financial (Bank of America) Program

What is the Countrywide Financial (Bank of America) Program?

The Homeownership Retention Program for Countrywide Customers Program will systematically modify troubled mortgages with up to $8.4 billion in interest rate and principle reductions for nearly 400,000 Countrywide customers nationwide.

When does it Begin?

The program begins Dec. 1, 2008, and has no end date specified.

  

  

Who is eligible?

Borrowers eligible for loan modifications under this program must have received a qualifying subprime mortgage or a pay-option adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) prior to Dec. 31, 2007, and the property must be a one- to four-unit owner-occupied residential property. In addition, certain other requirements are set out in the program:

•l  The borrower is 60 days or more delinquent, and the current loan-to-value ratio is 75 percent or greater;

•l  The borrower is current today but becomes 60 days or more delinquent at any time prior to June 30, 2012, and the loan-to-value ratio at the time of the modification is 75 percent or greater;

•l  The borrower has a subprime hybrid ARM and the borrower is current but reasonably likely to become 60 days or more delinquent as a consequence of a rate reset, and the loan-to-value ratio at the time of the modification is 75 percent or greater;

•l  The borrower has a pay-option ARM and the borrower is current but reasonably likely to become 60 days or more delinquent as a consequence of a rate reset or payment recast based on negative amortization, and the loan-to-value ratio at the time of the modification is 75 percent or greater.

•l  Modifications would be designed to achieve sustainable payments at a 34 percent debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of principal, interest, taxes and insurance.

In addition, customers may be eligible for the early payment default benefit of this program if: The customer has a Countrywide-originated first lien loan; the loan was funded on or prior to Dec. 31, 2007; the customer's primary residence is the property that secures the loan; the customer has made three or fewer payments over the life of the loan (the borrower's state may expand eligibility); and the customer has either lost his home to foreclosure or is at least 120 days in arrears on mortgage payments.

Who should I contact?

Countrywide will begin its proactive outreach to eligible borrowers on Dec. 1, 2008.  You can reach the Homeownership Retention Division at (800) 669-6650.

What costs do I have to pay?

•l  Countrywide will waive late/delinquency fees for missed payments when modifying loans and will not charge modification fees to borrowers in the participating states.

•l  When possible, Countrywide will waive prepayment penalties in connection with any workout or refinance, whether or not the new loan is originated with Countrywide.

What options does the Homeownership Retention Program offer?

Countrywide will first offer eligible borrowers an FHA refinance under the HOPE for Homeowners Program. If not eligible for that program, Countrywide will offer these specific programs based on product type.

Subprime 2-, 3- 5-, 7- and 10-Year Hybrid ARM borrowers will receive an unsolicited extension/restoration of the introductory rate for five years and an invitation to contact Countrywide for additional relief if affordability concerns persist. Borrowers who cannot afford the introductory rate will be considered on a streamlined basis for a five-year interest rate reduction to as low as 3.5 percent (based on the affordability equation) and a conversion to a fixed-rate mortgage at the end of five years.

Pay-option ARM borrowers accepting a streamlined loan modification option will have the negative amortization feature eliminated from their loan. The mortgage interest rate will be reduced to as low as 2.5 percent, and the loan will be converted into either a fixed-rate mortgage or a ten-year interest-only loan. For single property owners who currently have no equity in their homes, Countrywide will write-down the principal balance to as low as 95 percent of the current value of the property to restore an equity position.

Subprime Fixed-Rate borrowers will receive a streamlined loan modification, by reducing the mortgage interest rate to as low as 2.5 percent and converting the loan into a fixed-rate or 10-year interest only loan with affordable step rate increases and lifetime cap.

Additional programs available to California residents:

Relocation Assistance Program: Countrywide borrowers facing foreclosure who agree to voluntarily leave the premises at the time of the foreclosure sale will be provided with a cash payment. Countrywide anticipates payments to 35,000 borrowers in a total amount of more than $70 million to assist with relocation costs.

Foreclosure Relief Program: Countrywide will allocate up to $150 million nationally under a foreclosure relief program to provide relief for borrowers whose loans were originated directly by Countrywide (or through brokers) with owner-occupied properties who have either experienced a foreclosure sale or are 120 days or more delinquent as of the date of this agreement. These borrowers will be eligible for the payment if they made three or fewer payments over the life of the loan (or meet more inclusive criteria determined by each state). The funds will be allocated for each state through a pro-rata formula based on the number of eligible borrowers with a Countrywide-originated first mortgage.

How can I learn more about the program and start the application process?

  

The Homeownership Retention Program is not available until Dec. 1, 2008.  Please visit the Countrywide Financial Web site for more information at  http://my.countrywide.com/media/FinancialAssistance1.html

 


Musical-Pyro Fireworks Show Philadelphia Park Bensalem Pa


Here is a wonderful and a very tradition way to spend the Fourth of July!

In the city where Independence all started The City of Brotherly Love here is a list of two sites of spectacular firework displays for your enjoyment. Special thanks to our local peacock TV channel

Pyro-Musical Fireworks Show

Saturday, July 4 9:30p at Philadelphia Park, Bensalem, PA

Come join Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment Inc. and Bensalem officials as they host the largest family friendly Independence Day fireworks display on the east coast. The new casino name will be announced in the Grand Finale in lights!

Age Suitability: All Ages Tags: 4th of july, fireworks, day, independence

 

 

Philadelphia Museum of Art

26th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA, 19130 (215) 235-3200 - Venue Website

Overlooking one of the nation's most culturally vibrant cities, the Philadelphia Museum of Art welcomes about a million visitors each year and entices them to embark upon a walk through time that extends across two millennium and six continents.

  Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow's fresh, updated spin on classic roots rock made her one of the most popular mainstream rockers of the '90s. Her albums were loose and eclectic on the surface, yet were generally tied ... 7/4, 8:00p

 

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Affordable La Jolla Walk to The Village and Beach $499,995 - $539,995 not REO or Short Sale


Gary | Keller Williams Realty | 858-401-0204
7557 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla, CA
Beautiful Roof Deck with Ocean Views to the West and Eastern Village Views!
2BR/2BA Condo
offered at $499,995
Year Built 1990
Sq Footage 899
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial
Floors 1
Parking 2 Car garage
Lot Size Unspecified
HOA/Maint $370 per month

DESCRIPTION

Freshly remodeled with high end fixtures, in kitchen, both bathrooms, pergo floors and carpet in bedrooms. Beautiful roof deck with ocean view to the West and village views to the East. Two parking spaces in garage, both with storage lockers. Great Village Location! Walk to Beach, Shopping, Farmers Market and more! Immaculate condition with paneled doors, recessed lighting, mirrored wardrobes, marble entry & FP surround. Price includes refrigerator & stacked washer/dryer.

see additional photos below
PROPERTY FEATURES

• Central A/C • Central heat • Fireplace
• Walk-in closet • Hardwood floor • Living room
• Dishwasher • Refrigerator • Stove/Oven
• Microwave • Stainless steel appliances • Washer
• Laundry area - inside • Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

• Garage parking • Gated property


ADDITIONAL PHOTOS


Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3
Contact info:
Gary
Keller Williams Realty
858-401-0204
For sale by agent/broker

powered by postlets Equal Opportunity Housing
Posted: Jul 1, 2009, 12:38pm PDT

Just Listed


637 SE Majestic Ter                                priced at                                 $79,900

- build in 1990, frame stucco construction, oversized lot, hurricane shutters, 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car garage, sprinkler system, screened porch

- laminate flooring,  decorative glass walls, plant shelving, french doors, dual sinks in master bathroom, custom paint and window treatments

- alarm, air purification system, reverse osmosis system..................and more...........

  

Presented by Anna Chroscicki. For more information go to www.annacrealestate.com.  To search for listings like an agent go to  www.annacrealestate.listingbook.com


PDD-NOS strikes again: Stephen the Minion Blur drowned my Sprint Rant in the toilet...


Carolyn Tann-Starr 2009

Stephen the Minion Blur in one of his infamous PDD-NOS moments drowned my Sprint Rant in the family toilet. Look at him. Napping all innocent with Mike and Noah as if the death of my electronics never crossed his tiny little PDD-NOS mind. I have said it before and I will say it again. They may look innocent but don't let 'em fool you. Living with Autism and PDD-NOS is a trip (LOL).

I can't believe I don't have a friggin' cell phone again... That really whomps because I live on my cell phone. My mind just short circuited with the thought (LOL). I'm trying to blog but the distraction of hunting down telephone numbers is too great. Late night with the CA crew just got ruined. Oh well... guess I'll have to go jack a blog later if I want to be entertained... If I ever calm down long enough to pick a victim post (LOL).

That freakin' kid killing the electronics makes me wanna dive into the ice cream. Seriously... Ooooo NO BonBons. This is bad. Very bad... I am also out of Hagen Daz. WTF? When did that happen!?! Breyers is good but shorty left his DNA in it. That's HIS container now. (LOL) ;-)

I can't believe all my info just went poof begone. Mikey discovered my phone decorating the bowl while I was minding my business working on my fan page search engine optimization project. I have to confess this is freaking me out because I have a lot of appointments to keep on Sunday.

Bummer... I was wondering why it was so friggin' quiet. That thing routinely rings past midnight (LOL). That's what happens when your friends are in different time zones. I am going to be in voice message hell for the next couple of days... Oh well... This should be very interesting. At least Step didn't try to toast it like he did last time. Remember that bit of mischief? (LMAO) I don't think I will ever forget that. Even when I have a senior moment. That bit of mischief will stick (LOL).  I have soooo got to bring you guys up to speed on my wee people. Your virtual nephews have been quite busy. :-D

Look at him... How can someone so innocent looking be sooooooo devious? At least my three year old is consistent (LMAO). I could have sworn pumpkin was sleeping in his room in the crib when I started serial commenting. My guy pie and I are going to have a loooooong talk tomorrow. Seriously! Then again... well... um... maybe not too seriously. After all, he is speech delayed and the conversation may be just a wee bit one sided (LOL).

Maybe I should just be grateful he didn't decide to spill his drink in my shoes again and should stop whining because he could have thrown it out the window like last time. Is that a toddler sport? I am beginning to think so... At least I can do CPR with a hair drier and try to get this puppy to live. ;-)

So - any suggestions for my next upgrade? Feel free to post some links for me to check out your phone models. A user review would be very nice, most appreciated and MAD USEFUL. Time to go borrow a hair dryer and see what I can do with this puppy. Maybe it isn't dead and will wake from an electronic coma. After all, hope springs eternal. I am going to be an optimist. We shall see. Will update you all in the morning (LOL). Last thought of the gentle mini-rant as blog post therapy once again comes to an end:

Life with wee people can be very interesting... BTW, that may be an understatement.

Business Blog Fan me. It will make my Outside Blog Minion Report Facebook morning (LOL).

Wanna write on my personal FB wall? http://www.facebook.com/CTannStarr

Got Real Estate or Autism / PDD-NOS questions?  DM me in Twitter. Feel free to make me your tweet-peep: @ctannstarr. ;-)

 


Yahoo...Home Staging Is On A Roll In Northwest Arkansas!


A little over a year ago I was here on AR asking questions and advice on how to get my name out and grow my business. I was so busy in the month of June that I didn't even have time to think about how many homes I was working on. I stopped last night to make a count. Ready, Set, Stage! worked on 9 homes in Northwest Arkansas last month, and we have two more scheduled for next week! It looks like Home Staging is on a roll in Northwest Arkansas!

It's funny but when I first started I was only getting calls for vacant homes, that has now shifted. Out of the 9 homes only one was a vacant, the remaining have been owner occupied. Three of those homes have been from homeowners being transferred to other states. Being Walmart country and having several Walmart vendors, transfers are very common for our area. Maybe I've found a niche!

 


Shelby Township Farmers Market Open


Did you know Shelby Township had a Farmers Market?

Well last Saturday Ed and I decided to visit the Farmers Market and took some photos so we could share it with others. The market is located on Van Dyke just south of 23 Mile in Shelby Township. Admission is Free but part of the proceeds go to the Packard Proving Grounds Foundation, to help with restoration of this historic site.

So how many times have you driven by the Packard Proving Grounds? Did you know that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Something you should really visit and while there stop at the farmers market and buy from some of our local farmers and business owners.

We purchased some vegetables that were really quite tasty. Biggby Coffee is there if you get an early start and need a pick me up, along with a tent with honey, maple syrup, bakery goods, some crafters, our local farmers and more.

Here is a Tour we did of our visit