A subject that has been very high on my priority list is the inhumane treatment animals receive in High Kill Shelters.  North Carolina still gasses in a lot of counties.  I can not believe that gassing is still legal.  I am not even going to go into the horrors of gassing, but I am sure you can find plenty of information online.

As you well know, the market is flooded with foreclosures.  This is a reality.  A side effect of this phenomenon is that the homeless pet population has skyrocketed.  Pets that had been part of families for years are now dropped off at shelters because, in many cases, they have to go somewhere that does not allow pets.  The people think that the shelter is going to find their pet a nice home and everything will be alright.  The reality is very far from this.  Shelters can kill owner surrenders immediately.  Strays have to be there 3 days before they are killed because time is given in case their owners show up to claim them.  I know of a very prominent case where the 3 days were not given.  A golden retriever was spooked by a violent thunder storm and was caught by the local animal control.  The owners, upon coming home discovered the dog missing and called the shelter.  They told the owners that he was there but were getting ready to close and they could pick him up first thing in the morning.  The owner showed up first thing the next morning with her kids only to find that they had killed the dog the night before.  This is a GOLDEN RETREIVER.  Known for being a very good, adoptable pet. 

Another shelter buried puppies alive and used the kittens for target practice.  Another shelter did not use enough gas and put the suffering animals in garbage bags to suffocate.  I can go on and on but the real problem lies in the education of the public.  How do we get this out? 

If you have a place where you can foster, please do.  If you have a couple of hours on the weekends, there are transports all the time trying to get animals to safety.  Please volunteer.   The rewards are so great.  These animals only want love and they give so much more back.  There are also so many places you can help by donating money or supplies.  We need to get involved.  We are their voice and they need to be heard!

Senator Obama and his family have said that, win or lose, they’re going to add a dog to their family after the election this November.

That’s a great idea. But I hope they decide to adopt one from their local shelter. Why? Because as long as people still buy their pets from pet stores and commercial breeders, millions of abandoned pets are killed in shelters across the country every year.

So here’s one issue that’s truly bi-partisan – one that we can all agree on. Let’s ask our national leaders always to adopt their pets from shelters, rather than buying them from pet stores.

Members of Best Friends Animal Society have started a petition to invite the Obama family to do just that. Whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican, left-wing, right-wing or any other wing, you can make a bipartisan difference by signing our petition at ObamaFamilyDog.com, and encouraging all your friends and family to sign it, too.

Thanks for thinking about the nation’s homeless pets!

Sincerely,

by Brandon Cornett

Homeowners in the United States sell their homes and move, on everage, every five to seven years. That’s a lot of moving, and it can be a stressful time for anyone. But by preparing for your next move, you can greatly reduce the stress involved and simplify the entire process.

Here are some tips on how to do that:

1. Get the Right Materials

Some moving companies will come and pack up your belongings, if you pay for that service. But if you’ll be doing your own packing, you will need to obtain the following supplies:

• Boxes *
• Packing tape
• Black markers for labeling
• Scissors
• Newspaper or newsprint for cushioning
• Moving blankets (for high-value furniture items, mirrors, etc.)
• A pocketknife (they always come in “handy”)
• Some plastic storage bins (Rubbermaid, Sterilite, etc.)

* You may be able to get some boxes from your local supermarket, if you go in and ask the manager on duty. This works 90% of the time. You can also buy boxes (include specialty items like wardrobe boxes) from your nearest U-haul rental place.

2. Get Rid of Items You Aren’t Taking

A garage sale is one of the best things you can do before moving. It’s a way to purge your home of unwanted items you don’t plan to move with you. You can also donate unwanted items to your local Goodwill drop-off. The sooner you do this step, the easier your packing will be.

3. Label Boxes Appropriately

Many people think they can remember which items are in which boxes after they reach their move destination. But this rarely works. On the outside, a box is a box. So you should label each box with its contents, being as specific and thorough as possible. It’s also a good idea to put the room in big letters at the top (kitchen, master bedroom, etc.). That way, you or your movers will know where to put things on move-in day.

4. Back Up Computer Files

Before shutting down and packing up your computer, it’s a good idea to back up your files. In the unfortunate event that your computer was damaged during transit, you would at least have all of your important files.

Make back-ups of computer files and determine how you will move this delicate equipment.

5. Make Use of Luggage Items

Don’t just throw those suitcases in your car empty. Pack them with as many clothes as you possibly can. The same goes for duffel bags and other luggage items you might have. It will save space and reduce the number of trips when loading and unloading.

6. Segment Your Most Needed Items

Make a list of things you’ll need during your move — clothes, toiletries, medications, pet foods, etc. Pack these items separately into an “Open First” box (if you’re only moving locally). If you’re moving long distance, keep these items with you (as opposed to putting them onto the moving truck).

7. Choose a Reputable Mover

When researching moving companies, ask friends or family if they can refer a mover they have used. Check to see if the mover is a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Ask the moving company if they have any complaints filed against them, or just check their BBB record online.

8. Conduct a Room-by-Room Check

Before your final departure from the home you’ve leaving, give each room a final once-over for forgotten items. This is especially important for out-of-the-way areas like basements, tool sheds, attics, etc.

9. Unpack in Room-by-Room Fashion

Before you begin unpacking in your new home, be sure to move all of the boxes to their destination rooms (kitchen, master bedroom, etc.). You did label those boxes, right? Properly positioning boxes prior to unpacking will reduce confusion as well as clutter.

About the Author: Brandon Cornett writes for M&M Moving, an Austin mover that does both local and interstate moves from their headquarters in Austin, Texas. Learn more by visiting http://www.mmmoving.com

We have never tried our luck at a garden before, so our first attempt at growing herbs is quite interesting.  A good friend, knowing we were going to undertake this job, was so nice to get us started off in the right direction by giving us a very nice herb planter.  There are several layers to the planter and we were quite challenged at determining the correct placement.  After having more dirt on us than in the planter, we put our finishing touches together.  I have to say that it looks very nice.  Now we just keep our fingers crossed and hope for a successful season.   We would love to hear from anyone out there who has tips on growing herbs sucessfully. 

Cinco de Mayo is the Mexican holiday to commemorate the 1862 victory of Mexico over the French.  Americans love the celebratory atmosphere that comes with this independance, especially the all-out revelry with margaritas, beer and shots of tequila. Oh yeah, and some food. Charlotte has a range of Mexican eateries, from upscale to the infamous hole in the wall.

On the upscale end, Latorre’s, in conjunction with Hass Avocados from Mexico, is hosting a week-long celebration. Their special Cinco de Mayo menu will run from May 1 through May 5 and will feature innovative dishes made with Hass avocados. Featured on the lunch menu is a hot-pressed blue crab Cubano with queso blanco, avocados and tomatoes. A must have for the seafood lover!  On the dinner menu, you must try the cumin cured salmon empanaditas with red onion escabeche and Hass avocado whipped cream.  Or the ancho chile rubbed wahoo over roasted poblano and cream cheese empanadas with a red chile and tomato compote.  Remember to save room for the avocado ice cream!  YUMMM!  On Friday from 5pm to 8pm, Latorre’s will host an Open Hass Bar Party with free tastings and mojito drink specials. 

Latorre’s Restaurant and Bar, 118 West 5th St., 704-377-4448.

It’s hard to beat a cold Mexican beer and tableside guacamole at Cantina 1511.  On Saturday, May 3, from 4pm until 11pm they will feature a Mexican fiesta with DJ Eric Moriera and live music from Simplified.  A buffet of Cantina’s signature dishes as well as beer, wine and margarita stations.

Cantina 1511 1511 East Blvd., 704-331-9222.

Linares Mexican Restaurant is a small eatery on Central Avenue that caters mostly to families. Language outside of the menu can be an issue with the servers, but if you want authentic, this is the place. Munch on complimentary crispy made-in-house corn tortillas served with two sauces, one spicy, and the other spicier. Also available is the salsa bar with condiments from across Mexico. Try the quesadillas or the parrillada. You will not be disappointed!  This is strictly north Mexican comfort cuisine not TexMex.

Linares Mexican Restaurant, 4918 Central Ave., 704-535-6716

Maria Bonita is a more upscale Mexican eatery in the neighborhood shopping center at Rea and Colony. For CINCO DE MAYO, they plan to have a live band on their popular patio and drink specials.

Maria Bonita Mexican Grill, 7741 Colony Road Suite, 704-542-6165.

Azteca is a Charlotte favorite! They now make the guacamole tableside!  For Cinco de Mayo, Azteca, known for their generous portions, is planning $8.95 margaritas and giving away some T-shirts.

Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 116 E Woodlawn Road, 704-525-5110.

By Brandon Cornett

For most people, buying a home represents the largest and most significant investment they will ever make. So it only makes sense to prepare for that process.

Here are seven things you can do to prepare for the home buying process, before you even begin shopping for a home.

1. Learn the home buying steps in advance.

When you understand the basic steps to buying a home, you will make better decisions along the way. This will help ensure a smoother real estate transaction. Mortgage and home buying lingo is a big part of this, so be sure to read through a few real estate glossaries before you get deep into the home buying process. The last thing you want is to sign a document that uses terminology you don’t understand!

2. Review your debt-to-income ratio.

This ratio represents your amount of monthly payments (bills) compared to your average monthly income. Debt-to-income ratio is one of the things mortgage lenders will look at when qualifying you for a loan. Most lenders will prefer your debt not to exceed 20% of your net monthly income. If your debt is more than 20% of your income, it’s time to pay down some of those bills. You’ll have a much easier time qualifying for a loan if you do.

3. Set your home buying budget.

By using a mortgage calculator, you can get a pretty good idea of how much mortgage you can afford to pay each month. This directly corresponds to the amount of home you can afford to buy. Once you have an approximate budget in mind, you’ll be able to limit your home search to those homes that fall within your budget range. This will save you a lot of time and hassle, while keeping your home search financially feasible.

4. Start saving your cash.

Unless you’ve just won the lottery, there’s a very good chance you’ll need some cash reserves during the home buying process. For one thing, mortgage lenders like to see that you’ve got some money saved for your settlement / closing costs. Secondly, the additional cash will come in handy for moving expenses, furniture purchases, home insurance, and all the other compiling costs that go along with buying a home.

5. Review your credit report.

Order a copy of your credit report and look it over for errors, inaccuracies, or anything that just seems odd. This is one of the first things a mortgage lender will do when considering you for a loan, so it makes sense to conduct your own review first. The easiest way to obtain copies of all three reports at once (from Experian, TransUnion and Equifax) is to visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com.

6. Fix credit errors quickly.

If you review your credit report and find something that doesn’t seem right, go to the company’s website who produced the report (TransUnion, Equifax or Experian) to submit a correction request. These companies are required by law to examine any reported errors on credit reports, and to correct them if necessary. But the process can take time, so you want to stay on top of it to resolve it quickly.

7. Get pre-approved for a loan.

During pre-approval, a mortgage lender will review your credit report, income and overall debt to determine how much of a loan you qualify for. With a “pre-qual” letter in hand, you can be more confident about your buying power in the real estate market. It also shows sellers that you’re serious about (and capable of) buying a home. This can be an important factor if the seller receives offers from multiple buyers, as they will likely consider those who have been pre-qualified above those who have not.

About the Author

Brandon Cornett writes for Foust Asset Development, a team of real estate professionals in Orange County, California Learn more by visiting http://www.foustonline.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_Cornett http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Helpful-Home-Buying-Checklist-for-First-Time-Buyers&id=738402

Author: Joesph Frantz

Who hasn’t fantasized from time to time that one day they will live in a waterfront home with their own dock to walk out onto when they board their boat? The reality is that waterfront homes and property of this type is far too expensive for most peoples budgets and that particularly holds true if the home is on a large pristine lake.  

Now there is one more chance to live out your dreams in the best kept secret in North Carolina. You can easily find the Lake Norman waterfront home in the price range you are looking for, because there are so many of them available right now. 

Lake Norman is a sportsman’s paradise with year round fishing and boating due to the mild weather that North Carolina is so known for. Then there is the Lake Norman Yacht Club that offers even more entertainment possibilities. 

Unlike other areas of the country that have gone through explosive growth and value appreciation periods over the past few decades the greater Charlotte NC area including Lake Norman have yet to experience growth of that magnitude. 

This means that Lake Norman is still a great investment opportunity that is within reach of people willing to take a look. In fact the greater Charlotte area has experienced an average 6% appreciation rate on real estate during this past year and it is forcast to do the same this year as well. 

Slow steady growth means no downward adjustments that so many other real estate market areas are so prone to. The job market in the greater Charlotte NC area has also continued to expand as well, which is just one more reason that now is the time to start living out your dreams in a Lake Norman waterfront home.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/now-is-the-time-to-find-the-best-deal-on-a-lake-norman-waterfront-home-373357.html

About the Author:
Written by Joesph Frantz. Find the latest information on  Lake Norman Waterfront Home

Author: Joesph Frantz

The fact is that many people in the U.S are completely unaware that there are still real estate markets that are still expanding and growing. Manhattan commercial real estate is just one of these market niches that continues to experience phenomenal growth but the problem there is you have to have millions of dollars to get into that market.

However; one area that the average homeowner can find shelter from this decades real estate “perfect storm” is the Charlotte, NC real estate market. All one has to do is look at the numbers that are coming out of the Charlotte, NC real estate market to see that it holds fantastic opportunity for anyone that is tired of the “boom to bust” markets that seem to dominate the landscape of so many areas of the U.S.

The average home that goes up for sale in the greater Charlotte NC area now sells in 78 days on average and this same average home is still appreciating in value by 6%. Also, the average median home price in the Charlotte NC real estate market now stands at $225,000 which is only the average which means that there are homes there for much less than that as well as more.

So for young families looking for their first start up home as well as families looking to finally achieving their dream of owning and living in a custom 5,000 square foot dream home, its “pick and choose” in Charlotte NC right now.

Its the slow yet “steady” real estate appreciation that the Charlotte NC real estate market has experienced over the past few decades that shields it from “adjustment” periods that afflict so many other real estate markets in the U.S. This growth trend has been projected on into the future with no sign of slowing down, due the expanding and more diverse business climate in the greater Charlotte NC area.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/charlotte-nc-real-estate-market-bucks-national-trends-373325.html

About the Author:

Written by Joesph Frantz. Find the latest information on Charlotte NC Real Estate

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