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Summer Buzz

Posted on June 19th, 2011 by Richard. Categories: Nature

It’s just a few days away from the summer solstice, the official start of the season. Today started out kind of overcast but sun beams finally peaked through the earlier clouds, luring me to get out to one of my favorite spots, the IMA grounds and gardens. Sort of a Father’s Day present to myself. This image reminded me of summer and the kind of activities that happen only then. Most of the daisies I’ve encountered are white, but these were sun-colored…almost fluorescent. This seasonal worker took advantage of the nice afternoon too, industriously buzzing about their business.

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Blocking the Light

Posted on June 17th, 2011 by Richard. Categories: Architecture & Design

I was previewing someones home recently and snapped this inside photo through a glass-block window. I just liked the patterns, colors and the way the images outside were diffused and changed with a prism-like effect. These types of windows become a security feature though for the same reason. They especially make sense for some window spaces located on the ground or basement level and in bathroom windows. They still let the light in but they can’t be opened and they are strong and really thick, so they’re more secure. And you can’t really see clearly what’s inside if you are outside looking in.

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Market Watch – June 2011 edition

Posted on June 15th, 2011 by Richard. Categories: Market Watch

Understanding the market is similar to driving a car. To help get a feel for where you are now, it’s good to look in the rear-view mirror occasionally. A look back at last month’s residential real estate activity for the nine county greater Indianapolis metropolitan area, views a strengthening market. Compared to this same time period the year before, sales were up over 32 percent. Also, the total number of homes on the market declined, making further progress to a more stabilized and balanced market for both Sellers and Buyers. For more in-depth analysis including real numbers, comparative charts and graphs, take a look at my latest Market Watch Newsletter for this month.

So far in June, the number of listings shown is up dramatically over this same period last year. Showings are an indicator of market activity in general. The number of showings are directly related to the number of pending sales in the near future, which is a further reason for optimism.

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Flagged

Posted on June 14th, 2011 by Richard. Categories: Holidays

Today is Flag Day. With automatic population of national holidays and significant dates on computer and phone calendars, it’s hard to let it slip passed unnoticed. Cruising around town today, it seemed like there were a few more flags out than normal, especially in some neighborhoods. Sometimes it’s just one person that puts their flag up and when someone else notices it, the wheels start turning wondering why the flag is up, and then it clicks…”Oh yeah…it’s Flag Day”. Then the number of flags displayed grows exponentially down the street.

It’s not one of the big national holidays, so no one gets a day off because of it. But still, the idea is a good one. Growing up I had no idea what Flag Day was all about, and had to look it up. Isn’t Wikipedia great? On June 14th, 1777 the Continental Congress proposed that there be a new flag for our new country instead of the England’s Union Jack. It wasn’t until Harry Truman as president proclaimed that June 14th from then on would be observed as Flag Day that it was an official holiday. Of course Harry had no idea that some of us would remember to put up our flags because of a reminder on our cell phones. I’m sure he’d be fine with that though.

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Being Green

Posted on June 11th, 2011 by Richard. Categories: Food for Thought

I’ve been slow to get behind the Green movement. It’s not easy to break old patterns and habits, but that sounds kind of like an excuse doesn’t it? I’ve been a dedicated recycler for many years, and now drive vehicles that use less than half the gasoline as before, and switch-out any burned out incandescent light bulbs with compact-fluorescents, and do a number of other things that eliminate the use of chemicals, but there’s still more to do…much more. I suppose it’s better than before, but deep down I still feel like I’m more a part of the problem rather than the solution. I still leave a considerable footprint wherever I go. But I’m working on it.

As consumers, if there were better choices available to us, that would help. Industry has been slow to provide us with products that help to reduce or eliminate our footprint. But if they saw profits dwindling on harmful products, that would get their attention. And if they saw profits increasing on Green-minded products, they would make more. So, it all comes down to each one of us voting with our wallets. We can change things.