Wisdom & Wit

The loss of a loved one is a very tramatic event and that is the time when we are most vulnerable.  There are people who prey on loss's and are there to scam you. The loss of a loved one is never an easy experience for a family, and people are often understandably distracted and overwhelmed with ...

Heating and air conditioning usually represent the biggest portion of home energy bills. As we head into the hottest part of the year, here are some ideas from author and home improvement expert Don Vandervort that will help you stay cool...and save money in the long run: Get 'In the Zone': Crea...

Summer time is one of the best times of year to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those that aren't available year-round. But recent salmonella outbreaks are an important reminder about handling food properly. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes that there is no way for consum...

Think about what lands in your mailbox...bank statements, credit card bills, and maybe even DVD's. Where do they all go when you're gone? If you've been asking a nosy neighbor to pick up your mail--or worse, letting your mail pile up in the box--there's a better option and it's easier than ever! ...

It seems once again our rules and reg's have changed here in California.  California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) announced this week. SELLER NEED NOT REVEAL SSN TO BUYER UNDER FIRPTA: Effective immediately, sellers are no longer required to provide to their buyers the Seller's Affidavit of N...

Today I received a letter from Barbara Boxer thanking me about my recent letter regarding the Economic Revovery Act.  Please find her letter and her take on the Act. Dear Pam Thank you for contacting me regarding the current foreclosure crisis. I appreciate hearing from you. I am pleased that the...

We still have a bit of summer ahead of us and keeping the cost of electricity down is important.  Instead of running an air conditioner at a cost of 16 cents per hour or 43 cents per hour for central air, use a ceiling fan. If you use an air conditioner, select an ENERGY STAR variety, which will ...

On Monday (7/28), the San Leandro City Council acted to send three parcel taxes to the voters in November.  Two of the ballot measures will ask for renewal of existing parcel taxes - one pays for 911 services and the other is a utility users tax.  The third measure will seek approval of a new pa...

Here are some of the new benefits: RENEGOTIATING MORTGAGES ~ Part of the bill is devoted to the creation of a program that may allow some people to cancel their old mortgage loans and replace them with new fixed-rate loans lasting at least 30 years. The amount of the new loans would be no more t...

Today I celebrated my birthday with Abba and Mama Mia!  I can't think of a better way to enjoy the day and dancing in the theatre. I had seen the stage play twice and was a bit hesitant about watching the movie "Mama Mia".  Much to my delight Meryl Streep did a fabulous job....she is one talented...