Now, I’m not really saying I’m for or against this bill, but my point is this.  If they already voted on it and our ELECTED OFFICIALS voted it down based on what ‘us’, the constituents told them, then why in the world would they insult our intelligence by throwing in a bunch of other provisions to try and squeeze this thing through?  I just don’t get it.

Yes, I do believe that something needs to be done.  But why does it always start at the top and work it’s way down to the bottom?  This is the problem with policitians.  They’ve forgotten that they were elected to represent the people in their respective states.  To look out for us to ensure government doesn’t overstep it’s bounds.  Hmmmmmm, seems to me like there’s a little bit of that overstepping going on right now.

I guess we’ll just have to wait to see what the results of tonight’s votes are to determine if our beloved politicians have once again taken on the role of telling us what’s best for us.

The pundits and know-it-all talking heads are pretty mixed up when it comes to where the Panthers will finish this season as the predictions are all over the board.  I for one think they’ve underestimating them.  I’ll go out on a limb and say they win 10 games, win the division, and make it to the NFC Championship game.  Again.

Of course I could be totally wrong and they could fall flat on their faces, which of course would mean John Fox would probably get the boot.  I like him so I’m really hoping that doesn’t happen.

Anyway, the long, dreadful wait is finally over as the Panthers kick off on Sunday against the favored San Diego Chargers at 4:15pm ET.

Go Panthers!

Unfortunately, he lost out to 25 year old culinary student Christina, and in my opinion, the right man didn’t win this one.

Petrozza was just as good a chef, had just as much control of his kitchen as did his counterpart, but what really set him apart was the fact that he’s just a nicer person.

Now, in Hell’s Kitchen one might argue that nice doesn’t have a place, but in reality, people want to work for and with people they like.  Sure Gordon Ramsey has the potty mouth of all potty mouths and can be a sorely ol’ SOB, but I’m sure part of that is the act he puts on to drive TV ratings.

At the end of the day, yes, you must demand a certain quality, but I think Petrozza could have done that with class and dignity.

Oh well.  As life’s proven time and again for many, many people, you can’t win ‘em all.  But in this case, even though our own Rock Hill celebrity didn’t win this one, I think we did in the fact he gets to stick around here and doesn’t have to move out to the bright lights and fake tans of LA and Hollywood.

Lucky us.

After months of both sides saying contract details would be worked out, Okafor unexpectedly turned down the Bobcats latest offer for an extension of his rookie contract.  That means he’ll become a restricted free agent next summer, giving other teams the opportunity to bid on the services of ‘meka. 

Fortunately for the Bobcats, because he is a restricted free agent, it means they’ll have an opportunity to match any offers that come his way.  With the progress the team has made the past few seasons, it would be a gigantic shame to see such a great player AND citizen of Charlotte move on.

And even though the situation is anything but precarious, at least Okafor’s come out and said he really does want to remain in Charlotte.

“I definitely want to be here long-term, and the Bobcats want me to be here long-term,” Okafor said after the workout. “It’s just the way things go sometimes. Everyone is in a great mood. Everybody is cool.”

-  via ESPN.com

Let’s just hope the Bobcats have enough sense to realize we’re better off with ‘Meka in the middle!

1. Choices, Choices, Choices. No matter what your price range is, this is a time where there are plenty of houses to choose from. Only a few years ago, the buyer was forced to make compromises in a very selective market, not always finding the home of their dreams. With the home inventory growing, this is the buyer’s time to buy and be selective.

2. Love, Not War. When you find the house you love, the last thing you want to happen is a bidding war. The buyer has more negotiating power when they are the only bidder, and time, money and sanity is saved. Bidding wars can cause complicated clauses and can drive up the properties listing price.

3. You can make an offer. Today the sell price list vs. price ration is about 96%. A seller will not be insulted if you ‘make them an offer they can’t refuse’.

4. Take Your Time. In the hot seller’s market that existed everything was rushed. Find a house before other buyers did. Hurry up and make the offer. Today a buyer can take their time. Look at several homes and think about your decision for a few hours.

5. Do Your Due diligence. In this market a buyer is encouraged to obtain a home inspection, termite inspection, and appraisal. In 2005 many buyers waived these contingencies in order gain an advantage with multiple offers.

6. There are plenty of specs. Now that the market has turned, there are several specs sitting on inventory. Builders offer incentives, and are now more flexible.

7. Repair requests are welcomed. After a buyer completes a home inspection, they are allowed to submit a repair request to the seller. In the past a seller might insist the home was sold ‘as is’. Many times, there were back-up buyers waiting for a primary buyer to upset the seller whose home was increasing in value almost daily.

8. Few Investors. It is estimated that one third of all sales in 2005 were to investors. These non-owner occupied buyer caused the market to inflate and affordability to decline. Mortgage fraud became commonplace. It’s a great time to buy without having to compete with hundreds of prospective landlords.

9. Real Financing is available. The ‘wink, wink’ zero down, no doc, adjustable, sub-prime loans are gone. Fixed rates are back. FHA financing, first time homeowner bond programs, special loans for teachers, and police officers are back in business. It’s a great time to buy real estate!

10. Location, Location, Location. Today’s buyers can find homes closer to work. In this market, reasonably priced homes are within biking or walking distance to schools, rapid transit lines, and relatives.

Source: Paul Pastore: Broker Agent News