SNAKES AS INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS

Serpents such as the snake have been symbols through eternity of fertility, immortality, eternal love, wisdom and much more.  At the Bruce Kodner Gallery Auction today, two exquisite reptile bangles will be sold.  One is a Victorian 22kt yellow gold 3 ct diamond snake bangle and the other is a 1970’s 18 kt yellow gold diamond and enamel snake bangle which appears menacing. The serpent looks on the alert, head raised, tongue out, and like it is hissing. 

Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs are pictured wearing sacred serpent pendants.  Aesculapius, the God of Medicine in ancient Greece, had a household snake wrapped around his staff, and even today that remains as the symbol of the medical profession.  Ancient Greeks and Romans revered the snake as a guardian spirit and symbol of wisdom.

Queen Victoria liked snakes and felt they were emblems of eternal love.  Her betrothal ring was an emerald-set serpent with its tail in its mouth.  The circular cold represented eternity and everlasting love.  She made snake jewelry fashionable in the 1890s, on rings, bracelets and necklaces.  From 1910 through 1930, Cartier’s sketchbooks pictured drawings of snake rings and bracelets and snake items are still popular at Cartier.  Lalique, the French glass and jewelry designer (1860-1945) was obsessed with snake and insect motifs and made such jewelry for Sarah Bernhardt.

In 2008 our local Palm Beach Zoo opened its 1000 sq ft Reptile House displaying a variety of venomous and non-venomous reptiles and amphibians found in the state of Florida.

PALM BEACH POETRY FESTIVAL

The Old School Square Cultural Arts Center in Delray Beach is the location for the 6^th Annual six days of readings, lectures and poetry workshops. from Monday, January 18^th through Saturday, January 23^rd.  Twelve award-winning international poets will be featured as fans from 25 different states listen to participating poets in readings, talks and panel discussions.  Nine of the events are ticket and there are two free poetry readings. 

The faculty includes critically acclaimed poets who teach in graduate and college level writing programs and include the New York Poet Laureate, winner of the National Book Awared and many other  staff have received outstanding awards and fellowships.

Tickets are available through the festival website and at the Crest Theatre Box Office at Old School Square, or by phone at 561-243-7922. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for students. Special student group rates are available.

Visit http://www.palmbeachpoetryfestival.org/ for more information and a complete list of events.

KEY WEST TRUMAN LITTLE WHITE HOUSE-A GREAT PLACE TO VISIT!

From 1946 to 1952, The Harry S. Truman Little White House was the winter White House of America, and subsequently used by later Presidents.  Fourteen American Presidents have vacationed in the Florida Keys and Key West.  This was a relaxing and restoring environment when dealing with the threats of the Cold War. Opened in 1991 as the only Florida Presidential Museum, almost 90% of the furnishings are original to the site, giving an intimate view of Truman’s personal life.  Restoration is ongoing to bring the property even closer to its 1949 appearance.  Public donations are accepted by the Harry S.Truman foundation.

Tour Guides offer glimpses into the Cold War politics, personal views of Truman, and the Naval History of Key West.  The tours are occasional closed for government functions.  The home can be used for Private Events as well.  Your can host your own private state dinner for two or for one hundred and have an extraordinary dinner party.  Weddings are held here too.  From February 1 to April 1, 2010, “With Love, Harry” will celebrate Bess Truman’s 125^th birthday.  Included will be a display of the thousands of letters sent between Harry and Bess over 50 years. Botanical Gardens tours reveal an acre of tropical foliage and trees surrounded by the original 1890 wrought iron fence.

Christmas is a special time here, with “Harry’s Girls” decorating the house.  There is a Museum Gift Shop featuring White House Ornaments dating back to 1999.  Recently Truman’s 125^th birthday was celebrated at the Little White House representing three of his most important decisions: recognition of the state of Israel, the berlin Airlift and desegregation of the military.  The birthday cake was served by  “Harry’s Girls.”

Thirty-five percent of Americans polled by Washington Whispers picked the Key West Little White House as the place they most would like to visit, topping all other seasonal White House locations.  Click here for TOUR INFORMATION.  You can call 305-294-9501 for information.

REPORT ON THE ECONOMY

The Washington Post reports that:

"There has been zero net job creation since December 1999. No previous decade going back to the 1940s had job growth of less than 20 percent. Economic output rose at its slowest rate of any decade since the 1930s as well.

"Middle-income households made less in 2008, when adjusted for inflation, than they did in 1999 -- and the number is sure to have declined further during a difficult 2009. The Aughts were the first decade of falling median incomes since figures were first compiled in the 1960s.

"And the net worth of American households -- the value of their houses, retirement funds and other assets minus debts -- has also declined when adjusted for inflation, compared with sharp gains in every previous decade since data were initially collected in the 1950s." (See: "Aughts were a lost decade for U.S. economy, workers," Jan. 2, 2010)

Translation: The economy was downsized during the past decade.

We're just not going to have a better real estate market, or much of anything else, until demand for labor increases in terms of both jobs and real income.

BROKEN SOUND 2009 PROPERTY SALES

The most expensive house sold in Broken Sound in 2009 was originally listed for $1,595,000 and sold in March for $1,400,000 after 160 days on the market.  This lushly landscaped courtyard house with new stat-of-the-art kitchen has 4 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, 4037 living sq ft.  It is in the Vintage Isles neighborhood.  Lot is .38 acre. Pool is 45’x20.

Least expensive home sold in 2009 in Broken Sound was a single family home in Laurel Point, with 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths 1912 living sq ft.  2-car garage.  Listed for $132,900 it sold in October after 69 days on the market for $124,000.

According to the MLS, 42 houses, townhomes and condos were sold in Broken Sound in 2009.

NEW YEARS GOOD NEWS: CHAMPAGNE KEEPS HEART DISEASE AT BAY

 Top British scientists tell us to start New Year with a “glass of bubbly,” to keep strokes and heart attacks away, like two glasses of red wine is recommended for as well.  According to Dr. Jeremy Spencer of Reading University, who asked the Daily Mail, “a couple of glasses a day has a beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels—which suggests champagne has the potential to reduce strokes and heart disease.”  Other types of sparkling wines can help, and perhaps a mug of hot cocoa, though Dr Spencer said, “While the benefit is the same, it doesn’t seem as much fun somehow.”  We leave the choice up to the readership!

STORY OF RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER... confirmed by SNOPES as true

A guy named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night. His 4-year-old daughter, Barbara, sat on his lap quietly sobbing. Bobs wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer. Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dads eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears. Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be different for Bob. Being small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often called names he'd rather not remember.

From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938. Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined a make one - a storybook!

Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling. Who was the character? What was the story all about? The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose.

Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there. The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph. That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book. In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller. Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter.

But the story doesn't end there either. Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore , it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas." The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing!

OLD SCHOOL SQUARE’S CREST THEATER PRESENTS 

WINTER WONDERLAND ON ICE            

With 3 performances coming up, you don’t want to miss the international cast of champion pairs an soloists, colorful costumes and exciting music, electrifying jumps, lifts and spins and enchanting vocals.  Olympic Bronze medalist and 2-time European Champion Jozef (“Jumpin’ Joe) Sabovcik will WOW us with his skating performance.  Performances are Friday, December 18^th at 8 pm; Saturday, December 19^th at 2pm and 8pm; Sunday, December 20^th at 2 pm and 7 pm.   

Tickets are $42 and can be ordered online at http://www.oldschool.org/ or by calling 561-243-7922, ext 1.  The Crest Theatre is located at Old School square, 51 No. Winton Avenue, Delray Beach.   

Come early with the elementary school (and pre-school) children who can ride the Carousel.  Carousel hours are 5-9 pm weekdays and 1-9 pm weekends and during school break.  Rides are $2 each.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

Visit the Panther Ridge Conservation Center in Wellington to see the lifetime home for abandoned, abused or unwanted captive, exotic felines.  Here you can learn about the challenges these animals face in the wild, medical care, nutrition and the problems related to private ownership.  The animals roam within a 3-acre pen.  

 The Center is located at 14755 Palm Beach Point Boulevard in Wellington, FL 33414 - Phone: 561-795-8914.  Group and Individual Tours can be arranged. 

The Center survives as a non-profit organization thanks to contributions from corporations, individual patrons and veterinary facilities.   

Come on over on December 13^th for hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, raffle prizes and take a photo with a baby jaguar at their fund raising event from 12-3 pm at LoLa Restaurant and Ultria Lounge, 16950 Jog Road, Delray Beach.  561-496-5652.

STAGING TO SELL… WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT

Robb & Stucky in Boca Raton will present ideas for anyone thinking of selling their residence on December 29^th at 2 pm.   Learn how to “prep” your home for a faster sale, and how you can make your property stand out from others on the market.   It could make the difference in this highly competitive market as to whether the house sells or not, and/or result in getting a faster sale.  Details also will be discussed on current real estate market trends.   

Robb & Stucky is located in Mizner Park at 200 Plaza Real.  You can also request a complimentary design consult.  Call 561-862-5597 to reserve a seat for this seminar which is free to the public.  Click here for a list of other seminars and events at the Boca Raton store.

WHAT TO DO AT GUMBO LIMBO NATURE CENTER in BOCA RATON

Founded in 1984, Gumbo Limbo’s mission is to increase public awareness of coastal and marine ecosystems through research, education, preservation and conservation.   Stroll through the butterfly garden, climb the observation tower located on the winding boardwalk through coastal hammock, sit in a Chiki hut, visit the saltwater tanks brimming with marine life, including sea turtles, fish, sharks and rays and take pictures in our sea turtle garden with 7 giant turtles. 

Marine and coastal environmental education for the community is provided through classes, workshops, lectures, field trips and research.  Programs are given for children, adults and families. Sea Turtle Research includes information on tracking them and observing their nests in the area.   Closed on Christmas and New Years Day, the Center is open 361 days a year, Monday thru Saturday from 9 am – 4 pm, Sunday from Noon to 4 pm.  For information, call 561-338-1473.

Mizner Park Mall Owner will exit bankruptcy by 2010

According to Reuters, General Growth Properties, the second-largest mall owner in the U.S., which operates Boca Raton's Mizner Park mall, has reached a deal with its lenders to extend loans, a move that will allow it to exit bankruptcy by 2010. Representatives from 70 of General Growth's loans, some of which exceeded $1 billion in value, agreed to extensions averaging six years. The Chicago-based company's financial woes, marking the biggest real estate failure in U.S. history, according to a report from Reuters, have underscored the nationwide retail crisis, as vacancies in the retail real estate sector have continued to mount as the holiday season approaches.

DEED FOR LEASE PROGRAM (DL-4)

New program announced by Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association) to keep mortgage-challenged borrowers in their homes.  Qualified borrowers relinquish the deed to their property and rent their home at market rate for 12 months.  To read more about it, see Chris Thorman’s informative blog.   Your comments are most welcome!

CAN LIFE SETTLEMENTS WORK FOR YOU AS A NEW SOURCE FOR FUNDS?

·        Your term policy can be evaluated in the Life Settlement Market if it can be converted to Universal Life; it would be converted during the closing process

o      If your health has deteriorated to the point where premiums on new life insurance would be cost prohibitive converting term to universal or whole life may be the only viable option

·        Have your whole life premiums escalated making you consider surrender or lapsing the policy perhaps for low cash payout?  A Life Settlement MAY BE THE BEST SOLUTION – cash out under performing insurance and use the proceeds to purchase more appropriate coverage.

·        Does your business hold life insurance that may no longer be necessary, and in need of reevaluation and change to life settlement or other solution, e.g.

o      due to retirement of key executive

o      partnership dissolution

o      executives who do not wish to keep a policy in a retirement package in force

o      change of business ownership

o      exit strategies for benefit programs

o      proper market asset valuation of business owned life insurance

·        Do you have life insurance providing a deferred benefit to a charity, and if so, would you prefer a solution that will make more immediate donations during your lifetime?  If yes, consider a life settlement solution.  The charities then will not have premium obligations when you pass on.

MORE INFORMATION

1st TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT EXTENDED TO APRIL 30, 2010

The $8000 tax break for first-time home buyers would require a signed purchase agreement contract, and will have a 60-day cushion beyond the end of April to complete the closing.

In addition, existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for at least 5 years but want to relocate to a new primary residence can use a $6,500 tax credit.

Income limits for both would be $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for couples.

The tax break would be offered on homes priced at $800,000 or less Recipients who sell the home or stop using it as their primary residence within 3 years would be required to repay the credit

ART REIGNS SUPREME
The New York Times reports that prices at Sotheby’s Auction far surpass estimates. A recent auction was well represented by buyers from the US, China, Latin America and Russia. A Derain, “Barque au Port de Collioure sold for $14MM recently, the highest price for one of the artists works at auction. It was estimated to sell for $8MM but there were 3 bidders and one was determined to win the painting.

TIME FOR A RETURN TO THE VICTORIAN ERA?

Are you interested in Victorian homes in Palm Beach or Broward County? Call Marilyn at 561-302-3388 for more information.

Meanwhile, mark your calendar now for a very interesting afternoon. Enjoy a “Harvest Tea” and treats with Victorian hostesses in costume and your personal butler, most elegantly done by The Mad Platter Catering and Befitting Just Your Style at Robb & Stucky at 200 Plaza Real in Mizner Park on Wednesday, November 23 at 2 pm. See a traditional Victorian Thanksgiving… and get new ideas for your own holiday. Tips will be offered on blending older furnishings with today’s lifestyle with your own distinctive touch. Reserve by calling 800-838-5931 for pricing and reservations.

Design Professionals: Did you know that Robb & Stucky offers CEU Classes for you? See http://www.robbstucky.com/CEU-Classes-for-Design-Professionals.aspx?Id=10 for list of classes.

For AUCTIONS: BEST BUYS IN TOWN and HISTORIC HOMES: WHAT'S OLD IS NEW AGAIN See The Examiner.

DELRAY BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY FEATURES EXHIBITS

Looking for a unique outfit? Cason Cottage, originally built in 1915, will feature a Vintage Clothing Exhibit and Sale and is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until November 27^th, from aa am to 3 pm. $4 per person; 10% of clothing sales will be donated to the Delray Beach Historical Society located at 3 NE 1st Street, Delray Beach.

“Ride and Remember” Quilting Exhibit – 5-7 pm Receiption at ESW Learning Center within Historical Society location.

Boooo… Halloween Fair, “Celebration of Generations includes candy hunt, face paintings, costume parade and more, Saturday Oct 31 from 11-3 within Historical Society location

For more details go to http://www.db-hs.org/ and http://www.museumsusa.org/museums/info/1160268 .

WEEK OF 10-12-09 PENDING SALES ROSE BY 2% IN SOUTH FLORIDA

Buyers are becoming aware that NOW is the BEST TIME EVER to buy in Florida, and the best properties are being bought up as you read this. Front runner Palm Beach County was up 3%. Have you been out looking for the best possible deal? Better hurry….

SEPTEMBER 2009 HOUSING NEWS

HOUSING INDUSTRY GROUPS WORKING ON APPRAISAL REFORMS

Things are looking up as this thorny appraisal vs.comparables problem is faced at last. Among the issues being discussed jointly by the NAR (National Association of Realtors), NAHB (National Association of Builders), MBA (Mortgage Bankers Association and appraisal groups are:

· Appraisers not using proper adjustments on comps (comparables) on foreclosed or other distressed properties

· The HVCC (Home Valuation Code of Conduct) impacting the ability to get quality appraisals in distressed markets

· Some appraisers for comps in area they are not familiar with and that impacts the appraisals, driving down home values

· Urging federal regulators to adopt and enforce more clear regulatory guidance on appraisals for distressed and foreclosed properties for realistic valuations and truly comparable sales

· Calling for immediate action to address these appraisal-related claims

· Sometimes appraisers do a “drive by,” only looking at the exteriors of homes as they do not have access, and distressed properties often have apparent problems inside as compared to new, updated, and “market-ready” homes.

Okay government, let’s get this fixed. It IS BROKE.

FOR THOSE WITH PROBLEMS PAYING THEIR MORTGAGES THESE LINKS MAY BE OF INTEREST

MAKING HOME AFFORDABLE PROGRAM

BUYING FORECLOSURES

FORECLOSURE PREVENTION

SHORT SALE GUIDE, ISSUES, PITFALLS AND MORE

Keep in mind: Marilyn's team includes CDPE Graduates (CERTIFIED DISTRESSED PROPERTY EXPERTS) and if you know someone who could use our help, please let us know who they are, or suggest they call us. We will do the best that we can to be of help. Call Marilyn at 561-988-0070 for more information.

DID YOUR PRELIMINARY PROPERTY TAX BILL GO UP?

While local headlines SCREAM that Florida properties were devalued even more this year (did I hear 18%?), the property taxes, inexplicably, are going UP UP AND AWAY. Appeals to the county’s Value Adjustment Board by angry taxpayers for their 2009 property tax bills are expected to climb, perhaps by over 20% up from 13,200 appeals in 2008, challenging property assessments and homestead and tax exemption classifications. Petitions can be file online or in person at 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, until September 14^th, and there is a $15 filing fee. For more information call the Clerk and Comptroller's office at (561) 355- 6289. The Clerks office says that while the increase in appeals may be due to the economic downturn, a state law has changed requiring the property appraisers office to prove their assessments are accurate. In the past the property owner had to prove the assessment was wrong. Special magistrates must be hired to settle disputes between property owners and the county property appraisers office. Responsibility for processing petitions and scheduling hearings lies with the Clerks office. Preliminary tax notices were mailed Friday to all county property owners

FIRST FLORIDA POPULATION DROP SINCE MILITARY PERSONNEL LEFT IN 1946

Blaming the recession and steep drop in new residents of 58,000 over the past year for plunging tax revenues jobs in construction, real estate and mortgage lending have disappeared. This has resulted in empty classroom seats, down about 10,000 statewide compared to the previous year. Current popular is about 18.3 million, says the US Census Bureau.

Florida’s unemployment rate in June was 10,6%, highest rate since 1975, one of the highest rates in the US. Estimates used data from residential electric hookups, building permits and homestead exemptions.

Another factor fewer people are moving to Florida is their inability to sell their homes elsewhere to be able to move here.

However, growth is expected to resume as the economy improves.

WANT TO SEE THE US NATIONAL DEBT AND PER CITIZEN LIABILITIES?
US DEBT CLOCK