Driving Thoughts

When I grew up, we drove for most vacations. In fact, that's more or less why I ended up in ATL! I remember road trips to Charleston, SC, with an overnight here in ATL, or just ATL as THE destination for us to eat and shop (a sport in my family :) Not much going on in the big O, so we took vacations to see some great things. DC was a long trip, but worth it, ditto for Detroit/Greenfield Village and Philly. New Orleans was a hit (oysters off Bourbon Street-yum!) and "Are we there yet?" never gets old (except to parents, me included). Even in college I was on the road (Lexington, VA was over 8 hours away, my sister (at the time) in Charleston was almost 11 hours-not fun driving straight through but I've done it). What I'm leading up to is my credentials for griping about "other" drivers. First off-I am agressive and Susie yells at me all the time, but overall I am safe (okay, I do take some risks, hopefully very calculated ones, but I do NOT put my family in danger). With that being said, I will now come to my point:

OTHER people just can't drive. No turn signals, no allowing someone to merge, no manners, and total impatience! Worse than that, I am really griping about our recent KY drive for Thanksgiving. Why is that such a trauma? It's the "non-professionals" out there--I call them the "OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS" drivers. Church folk make fun of people who show up for Easter, Mothers' Day and Christmas ONLY. I make fun of fools who don't have any sense but get on the highways of our fine nation and try to drive home for the holidays--and make a mess of everything! We're ALL trying to get somewhere (ditto for ATL traffic) and you can't get through a wall of traffic. But if we ALL learned to get OUT of the left lane unless you are passing someone, traffic would flow more smoothly and nerves would calm, etc. etc. etc. Don't gripe about riding in the left lane at "YOUR" speed--if someone comes up on you, get out of their way-as simple as that! When someone flies past you on the right, again, get out of their way! If you don't signal, I am not going to let you in (though I will not go out of my way or speed up to block you if you have the right of way). What about people who come flying off the on-ramp and cut into traffic instead of merging? How rude/stupid is that? Again, you are NOT more important than the person sitting next to you in traffic; wait with the rest of us! (Note to you all: it's Friday night, and I have yet to leave the office so this is BEFORE sitting in traffic : ) If any of you doubt my gripes, try merging onto I-75 South from HWY 5/Canton Road exit. I have seem some truly stupid moves-this week and every day!

Bottom line is this: We are Southerners, we are supposed to have manners--Act like it on the Interstates and surface streets, please! Change lanes? Signal. Someone asks you politely to allow them to merge? (also known as a turn signal) Make room. Don't ride bumpers (look in any collision shop-note that 95% of the wrecked vehicles are front/rear impacts from either hitting someone in front or being rear-ended). If the traffic is moving, move with it or move out of the way. Hopefully my fellow I-75 drivers see this post in the next few moments so I can get home quickly tonight : ) Y'all have a safe and happy weekend! Cheers, Bo

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's that time of year! What are YOU thankful for??? Here's a rambling mess that I'm happy about at this moment: my wife, my kids, my family, our dogs (more coming on that) cool weather, falling leaves, good food, new business ventures, old friends, new friends, roadtrips (over the river and all that..), Veterinarians (I will have to write a separate entry about how Spike ate a toy in AUGUST that caused emergency surgery earlier this month!), credit cards with high limits (try starting a new business in a Recession!), low interest rates (Time to REFINANCE, people!), low home prices (time to BUY A HOME!), loyal clients, good wine, good food, new phone systems, new copiers, people who say what they're going to do (and DO IT), love, memories, good books, emails to check, messages on your answering machine, a warm fire, digging out winter clothes and finding some 'old friends', wool suits, a nice cigar from time to time, ditto on single-malt Scotch, favorite restaurants, favorite movies, my iPod, photographs, champagne, old cars, new cars, Formula 1 racing, good deals, technology that works, newspapers, LP records, comics, smiles, my Dad playing piano, my wife's brownies (and all her cooking actually!), AFLAC duck (yes, I told you I was rambling), Coca Cola, Krispy Kremes, Ravenswood Zin, warm clothes from the dryer, coffee with yummy creamer flavors, Christmas, Christmas TV shows from your childhood, silly quotes from the past, black and white photographs, bunnies (I threw that in to see if you were still reading), Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness! God Bless America and you & yours this Thanksgiving weekend!

Workplace Romance-I'm all for it!

It's funny--I just had a ham and turkey sandwich a few minutes ago (I happened to forgot my cheese at home : ( It could have been lunch at the Ritz for all I care as I merely strolled down the hallway and asked my wife Susie if she was ready to eat. No, not the most gourmet meal, nor was it dining by candlelight. What it meant to me is that I was able to eat with my wife, best friend AND business partner (all of the above)! How cool is that???

Boo Y'all!

I meant to post this yesterday: Lillie and Spike say HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Cheers, Bo

It's a new day!

Yep, as noted in my last newsletter (email me at bo@harriswagnerlaw.com to join the fun) we have opened a new real estate law closing practice in the middle of the worst housing slump in years. Are we crazy? YEP! But I guess it's a bit of 'put your money where your mouth is' in that I have been a constant cheerleader for this business and I keep pushing people to continue to buy homes. Well, if I can push you (or friends/clients/countrymen) to spend money, we can too (my Amex now screams when I use it)!

Check out our provisional website to see where we will be, etc. I can't believe that we are about a week out from truly opening our doors! We ARE open for business TODAY, however, so if you've finally got that buyer/borrower off the fence, fax us that order right now!

Undecided? Read here!

Many of you know that I am a fan of Neal Boortz. Likewise, I know that many people think he's insensitive (yes Virginia, he is, and he's proud of it!). The thing I like about him is that he seems to be pretty balanced. Yes, he's a CONSERVATIVE talk show host (the horror!), but he really blasts the Republicans just as often--and he's on the record that they DESERVED getting voted out of office in the last election (and he's absolutely correct on that). He has written a very well-reasoned "dissertation" for undecided voters. Read it here and give me your thoughts!

The Wheels of Commerce are turning!

I chose the image of a solid office building because it looks "important" and "formidable", like it will be here for a long time. Don't you feel calmed? : ) Now that you are calm, let's have a reality check: The Economy is in the toilet, both in the US and across the globe. Gas prices are down (finally!) but many other household costs are still too high. Housing continues to be a mess and even though rates are STILL wonderful, it's not so simple to get a loan. So what can we do? What should we do? How about guessing what the most counterintuitive thing is to do? Why that's easy! How about opening a new Real Estate Law Firm? Yep, my wife and I are taking the plunge (hopefully not off a cliff) and have teamed up with old friends Jeff Harris and Will Herndon to open the Harris Wagner Law Group, LLC! I have wanted to join forces with Susie (a veteran paralegal/closer) for several years now and somehow all the planets have aligned. (now? yes, now. Um, okay! Let's go for it!). In all honesty, we had expected to do this in the future but forces beyond our control made it necessary to do it NOW. So what's next? Well, we hope to be in an "official" office in mid-November but we are going to be ready to close loans NEXT WEEK! So keep us in mind for your next closing (and keep us in your prayers while you're at it!). The address listed is correct but we aren't in yet (or have phone #'s), so just use the numbers as noted (To email Susie, use estait@earthlink.net). STAY TUNED!


It's been a great year and a half since I started working with the Belle Isle Law Group in Alpharetta and I really appreciate all their support. What a great staff! Likewise, I have been able to use Power Realty's "Imprev" system to send all these emails and it made for a much more professional email newsletter than I had previously. I will be using a new system down the road, so expect a 'new look' going forward.

Speaking of Alpharetta, I wanted to point out that our new office is ITP, more or less where I-85 and 400 meet. We fully expect to be able to handle mobile closings so don't rule us out for closings just because it "appears" that we are non-geographically desirable. We can come to you!

Our son Joey is driving now! As of last Friday, he is a terror on the streets (well, as much of a terror as you can be in a 1991 Mercedes diesel). Yes, he is driving "my baby", but it's the safest car we own and I'm sure he'll do fine. I learned a lot about insurance--while the rates were not horrible for him (since he is a B or above student), the company manages to 'spread the risk' over all our other vehicles so it really made the new premium painful!

Contact your Congressional "Leaders" (BoKnowsPolitics?)

I included the quotes around "leaders" as I have little respect for many of our elected officials. You've seen previous rants here or on my BoKnowsEconomics Blog but I'm fed up enough (and have had enough coffee) that I've emailed and want to further rant about it this morning.

SOAPBOX ALERT!
Do you feel powerless? I do! We've put people in power that may or may not care about the true needs of "the people". It's rough to complain, however, because everyone feels that their elected officials are fine. For example, I can't see how people continue to vote for Ted Kennedy! He seems like such an anachronism and so liberal. However, he brings the pork home to his district! If Congress is able to buy votes at home (normally at the expense of the entire US Taxpayer base) then they get to return to DC to wreak havoc again! Do I like my local guy (Tom Price)? Yes I do. I think he's pretty down-to-earth and uses common sense. I have not reviewed his entire voting record, but my gut feel is that he is trying to serve our District. Contrast that with Saxby in the Senate--I feel that the recent Agricultural Bill that passed was a bloated mess and I can't forgive him for that. What to do though? I think Mr. Martin is a nice guy, but I don't feel he's "my" guy (i.e. I think he's too liberal/big government--not that the Republicans haven't screwed up with their largess as well). It's been the same on Presidential elections of late. I still think Kerry and Gore are whack jobs. However, my disappointment in "W" is very deep, but again, what choice did I have? This year? Sheesh... We'll see! Anyway, RANT OVER....

Click on this link to sort out how to email your elected officials!

As noted, I emailed my Congressman, Rep. Tom Price after reading a press release that noted why he did NOT vote for the Bailout Plan. I actually agree with his reasoning! Here is my emailed comment:

"I was pleased to read your Press Release following your NO vote for the misguided Bailout Plan. Please vote NO again on the Senate version as I feel that a) the Plan has not been tweaked enough to be acceptable (e.g. your Press Release points were not addressed) and b) I understand that several 'pet provisions' have been added by the Senate. "We the people" are disgusted by Congress and our government and we have tired of the Partisan bickering. I do feel your comments are spot-on and I hope that some common sense will occur today as it relates to the Senate Bill. Dr. Price, I honestly feel that we are at a crossroads in our country. I can only hope that our government can rediscover what it means to truly serve "in the common good". I wonder how term limits would serve our Country? If Congressional "lifers" were limited to a shorter term/time, perhaps the focus would actually be on our Country versus self-serving actions to secure re-election. I apologize for the rant, but there are many members of Congress that have obviously placed "Self" above Country and it makes me sad. Good luck today and I hope that we can survive this (and other) issue(s) facing America. Thanks, Bo Wagner."

Final shot? Read this quote from Benjamin Franklin: “They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security.”

Fall has fallen!

I LOVE cool mornings like this! I can't wait for the JV Football game tonight! What's on your schedule?

For more ramblings on the Economy, since that's such an important topic these days-check out my other Blog on Economics to see what I think (or links to people who really know what's going on!). Likewise, you definitely need to check out a cool new tool that's on the bottom of my Wine Blog--you can search over 1,000 wines in a tiny space--right on my Blog!

Have fun, be safe and snuggle up! Cheers, Bo

(Oh yeah, don't forget to send me your next refinance or purchase transaction!)

Younger Generation to the resuce?

I put this post here as well as on my Economics blog because I think the article is that good... Thoughts?

I thought that this article made so much sense! I sometimes look at 'kids' (I can say that at 42, even if I act like a 12 year old!) and worry about our future... Well, here's a kid with (hopefully) a bright future! It really makes you think, eh? Take a look for yourself...

2 years and counting!

Two years ago on the first day of Fall, Susie and I were married at Barnsley Gardens, surrounded by both of our families. What a beautiful day and such a perfect place for the event! I have been truly blessed and remember that day as if it were yesterday! While we had both been 'down that road' in previous lives, it's as if we've been together from day one. I jumped into fatherhood with reckless abandon and I've had such a great role model/coach in Susie--of course it helps when the kids are as great as Joey (16 on the 29th) and Julia (8). It's been a great year, as Christy (24) bought her first house and our grandson Gavin (5) loves having a yard to play in. We share so much together and are rarely apart-we normally won't even go to the grocery without each other! I have ruined her in terms of wine-she didn't really drink much vino when we met. After a great trip to California (with stops in Sonoma, Napa and Paso Robles-even an outlet along the way!) she can sniff/swirl/taste with the best of them! I can't wait until this lovely real estate market calms down so we can get back out there! What's next? Who knows! Like anyone else, we have projects to complete and we're always busy with family, but we manage to take time for each other. Susie, I am proud to have you as my wife and I am blessed that you are in my life! I can only hope that all of you have or will have what we share!

Checking in...

Yes, I am actually still alive! While I may not be so prolific as to create a newsletter each week, I do need to get back to producing more than ONE per month! But I do post often--check out my Blogs (links at the bottom of the page).

Did you get 'raped' by high gas prices during Ike? Just remember who inflated their prices and NEVER go back! I'm one of those who keeps tabs on local gas stations when my gauge hits 1/4 tank. Just before the storm, the best diesel price was at a nearby Shell station, for $3.99. The Friday when Ike arrived in TX, I pulled in to find that they had jacked up their price by a full dollar! Yes, I understand supply and demand (and I am a capitalist) but they took advantage of the storm and gouged the public. I ended up at another station up the road (paid 'only' $4.28). Unreal!

As you know, we have 2 dogs now. Lillie and Spike have (to date) destroyed several loaves of bread, a bag of lemons (?), a pack of tortillas, 2 lap desks (yep, all those 'pellets' all over the house), tennis shoes, flip flops, headbands, and more. They also like to dig in plants and one even ate a small hole in the drywall. Sigh... Even though it's a daily 'surprise', I still couldn't imagine life w/o Lillie or knowing Spike was still stuck at the Vet's office waiting to be adopted!

It's football season and we're very busy! Our 10th Grader Joey plays JV for Sprayberry so we attend all JV games as well as Varsity since he dresses out. Fun every TH/FR! GO JACKETS!

Ahoy!

You know what? I almost missed out. It's time for "Talk like a Pirate day" again! Don't miss your chance, mateys! Arrrrrr!

Hey, I'm overdue for...

Hey, I'm overdue for a new newsletter. So be on the look out for that soon. Thanks. Bye. listen

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John Mayer anyone?

We purchased tickets for John Mayer's upcoming concert at Verizon/Encore Park here in Alpharetta but will be unable to attend (so don't look for any photos online : ) There will be other bands for the concert as it is Star 94's "Starfest". We have 2 great tickets (section 101, row P) and they're offered at $125. Let me know asap as I will be putting more info out there soon. Concert is 8/29/08

Of Love, Birthdays, Buddies and Elvis Presley!

Yep, we've done it now... After our border collie Lillie had a bout of "Separation Anxiety", the prescription seemed to be finding her a companion. You're looking at "Spike" a lovely "Boxador" (my word, as he favors a boxer and has some Lab "in the mix"). Sadly enough, Spike broke his leg when he was around 5 months old and his owners couldn't afford to pay his bill (they were probably in real estate!). He had 'hung out' at the vet's for almost 6 months. A recent 'play date' at our home with Lillie turned into a weekend and more--he's now one of the family. Lillie is less lonely, but she can certainly be hateful when Spike 'gallumps' into her personal space! He is curious about everything (especially some cake left on the counter yesterday morning which "mysteriously" landed in his lap...). If you are petless, think about adopting a buddy (or two!) of your own. No need to spend big bucks for a puppy mill puppy! Yes, you can expect to see Spike & Lillie in future emails ; )

It's funny to think about celebrating just 2 years since I proposed to my wife Susie (Jul 21st). She says I never actually asked her, but I think the whole ring thing may have been a clue? I dove in with reckless abandon and I've never looked back. Best move I ever made...

Speaking of which, There are many things you should do at least once in your life. If you happen to be a fan of "The King" (especially if your son shares his middle name), shouldn't you visit Graceland? Forget winning the World Series and heading to Disneyland; how about sharing your true love's interest in a man and his life? I was honored to take my wife to Memphis (with a stop in Tupelo to see where he was born) and was suitably moved. Yes, it was a home truly trapped in the '70's but to be honest, it was much less ostentatious than I expected (and much more 'down to earth' than many ATL McMansions!). Regardless, I think Susie enjoyed seeing it all and I know we had some great food along the way. I can say nothing but wonderful things about our overnight stop in Birmingham>>you simply MUST go to Highlands Grill! We had the most amazing meal (a tasting menu) perfectly paired with wines. You know I am a food/wine lover--but I have also 'ruined' my wife and am so proud of her. Perhaps I have a little more knowledge of different wine varietals, but her palate is actually much better than mine. No, she's not a wine snob, and is definitely adventurous and is open to new tastes. I love sharing 'my hobby' with her and was so pleased to see her face light up after one particular course (a lightly baked fig/cheese tart paired with a light, crisp white that escapes me...). I am pleased to have shared a trip, a moment, an adventure (and every day) with her.

50 years and counting!

June 28, 1958 is when the photo was taken... My Mom & Dad were married in Owensboro, KY by my Great-grandfather! We had the honor of having a party for them last weekend and it was truly a wonderful experience! Dad's old band from Louisville made the trip back to 'the big O' as we call it and we had a ball. I am so proud of them and so happy to be married to Susie, though we'd be in our 90's if we make it to our 50th (I'm sure you'll hear about our 2 year anniv. this Sept!).

Speaking of Fathers, I finally got an iPod for Father's day; I feel so modern now ; ) Loading songs takes a while, but 865 so far...

Rambles: Too Hot and Still Rocking!

Here's our view of rocker Eddie Money at the Mable House Amphitheatre in southwest Cobb County last month. He can still rock & roll but his voice is a bit weak these days... I had forgotten how many hit songs he has! Can you name more than 3? I bet you can! The venue is very cool; think very small Verizon/Encore Park (but you can take YOUR OWN FOOD/WINE in there so it is infinitely better!)

On that note, yes, he put on a great show, but what was burning up? MY WINE. I know better... MUCH better, but I managed to leave my wine in the trunk for most of the day. Results? Not vinegar, but the cork was leaking a tiny bit and the wine was actually lukewarm/hot when I poured it. Shame on me! Pull my 'wino' credentials right now! So let this be a lesson to you-don't do as I did! If you buy wine, keep it cool/keep it in the car (unopened :)

Random kudos: I like people who say what they will do.. and DO IT! I recently had 2 service appointments with Northwest Exterminating-not only were they within their time window-they were right on time/early! Thumbs up!

As I've noted before, I am somewhat 'green' and try do my part for the environment when I can. While we do need to conserve and find alternative energy sources (NOT Ethanol as you may guess!) we are held hostage by foreign oil producers. People, it is time to drill in ANWR as it was set aside years ago. Likewise, we can responsibly drill off our coasts--did you know China is set to drill off Cuba? SIGN THIS PETITION NOW!

Global Warming Rant

While I am already sick of 'summer' here in ATL, I have to add this link to my blog. While I am a closet tree-hugger (I recycle, use CFL lightbulbs, try to save water, gripe when my neighbors run their STUPID irrigation systems, etc...) I think we're going down the wrong path. Bottom line, we need to do our part to save the environment and preserve our wonderful Earth--but at the same time, it's not just us, people! I'm no scientist but the Earth goes through natural heating/cooling cycles; tell Mr. Elite (a/k/a Al Gore) to stay out of his private jet (yes, I am jealous : ) and hush a little! I bet that some facets of "Global Warming" are true, but let's get a grip!

Fact: we have no solid energy policy. That's W AND Congress' fault. It's time to drill in our country or off our coast. Ask Brazil-they are gearing up to tap into their newly-found resources off their coast... while China is chomping at the bit to drill off the coast of Cuba. Yep, WE can't drill in the Gulf, but China can! We don't have enough oil. A long-term fix hasn't been discovered/made economically viable as of yet. For the short-term, WE NEED OIL. It's time to drill in the USA! Click HERE and sign the petition today!

Musical Ramblings, etc.

No, that's not Condi Rice rocking to KISS, that's actually Alicia Keys belting out a tune at Philips Arena. We love going to concerts and will have had the opportunity to attend concerts at 3 different arenas this summer-Steve Miller at the new Verizon Amphitheater, Alicia as noted, good old Eddie Money at Cobb's Mable House Amphitheater (2 tickets to paradise, anyone?) and back to Verizon for Tom Petty. Phillips is always a treat (though $20 parking is crazy!) but Verizon was hit and miss for us. I don't know who supplies the camera people, but as you can see above, Philips does it righ-(i.e. while I can't see her face, the monitor shows it clearly-at Verizon, half the time I was looking at a local dignitary near the front or a DISTANCE shot of the stage. Gee, I am SITTING at a distance, I can see that view already?? Also I wasn't too pleased about their wine choices and just drank beer, C'est la vie!

Random data: GA is down to #7 in the U.S. for Foreclosures. Home prices have actually gone up for the short-term! Note: my lender friends are telling me that rates are going UP now! So (broken record alert!) GET OFF THE FENCE!

Anybody know how to get rid of critters in your attic?

Interesting Poll results: people are avoiding flying due to all the drama & delays & I don't blame them! If a 400 mile drive is around 5.5 hours-after getting to the airport early, going thru security, following the other lemmings on the plane, waiting for takeoff, bags, etc.-how long? Same!

Weekend Ramblings

What will you remember on Monday? Admittedly, I will hit the outlets on the way home from spending the weekend in the mountains, enjoying the unofficial start of Summer. I don't plan on buying much of anything but I do enjoy a bit of 'retail therapy' from time to time. So Summer, Sales, what else?? Take a moment to remember our fighting men and women and the sacrifices that have been made on our collective behalf. We live in a great country and we are blessed that we can freely drive/fly wherever we want this weekend, have the ability to enjoy whatever activities we choose and (as noted above) we are not limited in choices, but for how much we're willing (or able) to spend. God Bless America!

High gas prices? HA! It's funny how much bottled water we consume as Americans. We pay MUCH MORE than $4/gallon for the privilege of drinking water often bottled from some other random city's public source! Crazy!

I tried one of those $2.97 bottles of red from the grocery (not 2 Buck Chuck) the other day... Man, do you ever get what you pay for! (Though I will let you know about the similarly priced white that may show promise).

Remember: NO OUTDOOR WATERING dang it! 'Back in the day' it was popular for people to 'turf' people's yards (remember: I'm just a redneck from KY). That would entail either driving up/over someone's yard or just backing in and 'letting it rip'. While I never did that (esp. after a buddy got tossed in jail) I'd love to start now, by driving through my daily sprinkler neighbor's yard!

Miscellaneous Ramblings from recent email newsletter

Okay, so it's been since the end of March since my last newsletter (is this confessional??), I guess I had Spring Fever (more like Spring BREAK fever). I was happy to have been BUSY in April/early May as well! Thanks for those of you who entrusted your friends & clients to us!

Not going to do much economic news in this one to make wine lovers happy! Suffice it to say that I wish our politicians could understand how the laws of Supply and Demand work. And I could also go off on a rant about how ethanol subsidies have caused HUGE issues. Actually, click HERE--it's very important and you may learn something : ) Maybe I'll comment on that next time, or maybe I'll post a separate blog entry. Check out all 3 blogs; the info is on the bottom of this newsletter.

Why are people watering their lawns again? We are NOT out of drought conditions! In Cobb, you can water new landscaping for 10 weeks (with restrictions), but established lawns, etc. can ONLY be HAND WATERED for 25 minutes, from 5am-9am using an odd-even schedule. TURN OFF those silly irrigation systems! Check your local municipalities' website!

Random thoughts: Why do people wear those fleece/velour sweatsuits in public? They are NOT flattering. While I'm at it, men should not wear 'wife-beater' tank tops (yeah, like I'm the fashion police-I wear bowties and seersucker suits from time to time : ) While I am venting, I also hate tailgaters and left-lane interstate cruisers. My 2 cents : )

Artificial Sweetners can make you Fat?

Funny thing... Researchers recently fed a steady diet of sugar substitutes to lab rats and discovered that the rats were hungrier and gained more weight than rats who ate 'regular' sugars. Why? It seems the artificial sweetners confuse the body--sweet tastes are evidently associated with calories consumed. If we eat something sweet that provides no calories, that association is 'broken' so our confused bodies seek more food. Likewise, since they didn't have the typical metabolic increase after eating a meal, they burned fewer calories. So just a thought for you as you reach for a "Diet" drink! See, it's not all boring economics here...!

Miscellaneous Ramblings

I PROMISE to do more wine tips and fun stuff soon-I just felt that the $ info on my economics blog was too important. Don't delete this one--take a second to read it as we are at a critical time for our industry. To tide you over for now, Spring = Riesling. You can always check out my wine blog for more tips!

"Who is John Galt?" All I can say is that I wish I could get to Galt's Gulch before Dagny gives up the ghost...

My website notes (with tongue firmly in cheek) that an attorney is a commodity. That is true to a degree, but just remember-choose wisely as you need a 'team player' that can/will make it happen for you (like a friend who stayed at work 'til 8pm last night to kick out a necessary refi for a good client/friend-kudos to them; that's what you're supposed to do!). Reward those who take care of you-if you're not getting service, forget who "they" tell you to use! Choose wisely!

What a difference a ___ makes! Why the fill-in-the-blank? Add the phrase "a few years" to that blank. Does March 13, 1993 ring a bell? Yep, that was "The Snowstorm of 1993". I was moving to ATL that day, but I wisely waited for the storm to pass. The other blank could be for "a few weeks" as March 7, I learned that I can still drive in snow. A 5.5 hour drive turned into 7 hours plus as we took a quick trip to KY and ended up driving into 8 inches of the white stuff! My home town of Owensboro was under a beautiful white blanket so we got to enjoy the scenery and promptly return to the sunny South!

I just learned about...

I just learned about the coolest tool called jott.com. It's allowing me to blog from my cell phone right now. Check it out yourself. It's free.

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Newsletter Ramblings...

So this is fatherhood... A few weeks ago there was a limited run of "Hannah Montana in 3-D" (a concert film). Yep, our daughter is hooked and we were all in attendance for a show--try $16 per ticket and the only available tickets left were late at night OR at 8:15AM (yes, AM!) Our son was not too excited to attend but we survived. Had I attended an actual concert I would expect that my ears would STILL be ringing! (screaming little girls sound like a jet taking off, even in film!)

No space for vino this week, but note that there is some new wine-shipping legislation proposed. Not really what I want, but yet another baby step. Check out HB 1061 (link HERE) Suffice it to say that there are still high barriers to allowing vineyards to ship their products to GA. Sigh... Free trade, what a concept!

Vacation tip: Like horses? Want an awesome bed & breakfast experience? Head to Madison, GA and visit the Southern Cross Guest Ranch. We had a wonderful time celebrating Julia's 8th birthday (which was in January, but last weekend fit our schedule better). Bring your own wine/beer for meals & advil for sore muscles! We highly recommend the experience! Click HERE for the link!

Have you heard about Verizon Wireles/Encore Park Amphitheatre opening up in Alpharetta? What a great concert venue for North Fulton! Chastain atmosphere without having to drive too far. Looking forward to Tom Petty this summer : )

Thank goodness for the rain again, eh? Happy Friday!

Real Estate Corner: What's on YOUR title?

A lot of people don't understand what it means to hold title to their home (and how important details can be). How names are spelled, are both you and your spouse on the deed, who's on the loan, etc. I've had several recent conversations with people about different deeds formats. Here's the scoop-a Warranty Deed means that the person who sold you the property more or less "warrants" that you have a clean title (if not-that's why you have owner's title as well and it gives you a cause of action against them). Most builders use a Limited Warranty Deed, which cuts off their liability as of the date THEY received it. People ask about Quit-claim deeds all the time-that is a deed that gives 'whatever they own'. I can give you a Quit-claim to the Brooklyn Bridge-but I just gave you what I own-NOTHING! (If I ever became the owner of that Bridge, then yes, you'd own it). Think twice about signing ANY deed of ownership (any/all of the above) unless you are actually selling your home OR correcting an error. If you put someone ON title you may have difficulty getting them OFF title. The common story would be an engaged couple buying a house and their relationship goes sour-what if it wasn't an equitable purchase (she paid in more, etc.). If he wants 'something' to sign a deed ($$$!) she may have to pay him. Not fair? Sure, but she can't 'force' him to sign over his interest. Married? You should both be on title, but don't have to be on a loan. Lots of details here, call me w/Q's!

HOUSE FOR SALE: 1896 FOX CHAPEL DRIVE, SMYRNA, GA 30080

Need a house, click any of these links 1 2 3 4 to see my house for sale. It's a great deal and there has been a lot of traffic lately--but it's time to go! Chop chop! 5.5% interest rates? Great prices? What's holding you back? : ) Cheers, Bo

Love is in the air!

What moves you? What makes you happy? The word "Love" is bantered around quite a bit (I love my car, I love that dog, etc.) but what is really important to you? When I remarried I jumped in to being a parent with both feet--try being 41 with no kids, set in my ways and immediately being responsible for a 7 year-old daughter and a 14 year-old son? (not to mention the 22 year-old daughter that's on her own and you've seen photos of Gavin, our grandson!) Well, add another year (of marriage and in ages)--it's been a wonderful experience and more that I could have expected. Not that I am a joy to live with (ask any of them : ) and ask Susie about my 'infinite' knowledge of raising children ("And how many children have YOU had?" is a favorite quote from her). What am I saying? Suffice it to say that I fell in love with a wonderful woman, and I have the "added bonus" of a wonderful family (Susie was/is a great Mom!). THAT's what moves me, THAT's the Love of which I speak! Happy Valentine's Day-I hope you are blessed with family and happiness as well!

Don't forget-Chocolate reportedly is good for you (like wine or anything else, always in moderation!). Evidently wonderful antioxidents + mood-enhancing qualities. I concur! Great valentine's gift through the ages..

Time to VOTE

Want a win-win charity opportunity? Want to win a new Toyota FJ? Only 750 tickets are being sold (@ $100 each) to benefit 3D Life. Call 770.888.7653 to purchase yours TODAY!

I forgot to mention this earlier--Did you buy a home or change the way you hold title to your property in 2007? You need to make sure you file for your Homestead Tax Exemption with your local County Tax Commissioner soon so you can make sure you get that important tax break! Remind your clients as well; they'd love to hear from you!

While I'm on saving money (and yet another SOAPBOX alert!) if you want to pay extra on your monthly mortgage, DON'T use your mortgage company's bi-weekly plan or whatever they call it. They normally charge you monthly fees (along with a $300-500 "setup" fee) for this service! Why not do it yourself for FREE? If you're on a fixed loan, if you pay one extra payment per year (or add 1/12 extra each month) you will knock 6-8 years off a 30-year loan! Make sure to note that this extra is for PRINCIPAL reduction! FHA loan? Make sure they have it BY THE FIRST to count!

Not that Heritage.org is completely unbiased, but check out 'true' poverty statistics HERE

Another political Factoid-Obama was voted the #1 "most liberal" Senator, whatever that means... MORE HERE

CHOOSE A CANDIDATE! Click HERE for a great tool to figure out who has the same views you do! Please Vote next week!

Miscellaneous Ramblings for 1/18/08

Whoops! It's now January 17th and this is my FIRST email of the year! Other than our dog Lillie's well-wishing email, I hadn't set aside time to email as of yet. I do blog from time to time, however, so check out my blogs as outlined on the bottom of the page (They have different names, but all end the same, such as http://www.boknowsclosings.blogspot.com). Sometimes I have a random flash of brilliance (or not!) and share it with the world via the topic-relevant blog, so check it out! I split the blogs into the same topics as my newsletters- one for my Ramblings, Wine and Economics (not that I am an Economist by any stretch!).

I love the photo above--a friend let us stay in her cabin over the New Year's holiday. This was the view off the back deck as the sun was rising just before leaving to go to work on January 2nd.

Have you made any New Year's resolutions? Me neither, really, but I have been working on clarifying my goals for the year. We'll see how that works out... Suffice it to say that 2008 is going to be an awesome year for us all!

Who did NOT enjoy the snow? Shame on you! It was beautiful AND it has cut into our drought conditions! Guess Al may not be 100% right, eh? : )

Why aren't people buying homes? Rates are UNDER 6% (closer to 5.5% actually) so there is no valid reason! RENTERS ARE FOOLS--BUY NOW! : )

If you have anything to do with the mortgage industry (or even if you don't), you cannot miss the video attached here:

Happy 2008!

What are you happy about today? Day two, 2008... I was lucky enough to go to the North Georgia mountains to stay at a friend's place. Very cool view; beautiful scenery! Took a walk (ouch, steep hills!) and saw about 8 deer 'hanging out' and was so impressed with everything. It kind of sinks in (while looking out over the valleys below) how beautiful our lives are; how lucky I am to be alive and married to a wonderful woman. Think about it--how often is it just the two of you with 'nothing to do'. We cooked, drank champagne, watched movies and 'almost' completed a 750 piece puzzle (one of our only defeats but we'll get those last 40 or so in place next time! It was a blue sky... all the pieces looked the same!).

It was just the two of us and it was great to just be together and talk. I know that a lot of people who are married or otherwise 'together' cannot spend 2 solid days together without distractions as they don't have much in common. I am lucky to be married to my best friend!

With that said, I am so looking forward to 2008. Real estate is going to start to rebound; my house will either be sold or rented (sooner, rather than later!) and all will balance out financially. The kids are doing great, our dog is happy, what else can I say but I am truly blessed! May God bless you and yours in 2008!