By Michelle Carr Crowe, Silicon Valley real estate guide I enjoy learning interesting facts about history. Today’s collection was found at History Orb.While these interesting items pique my curiosity, they (usually) have nothing to do with my real estate business, which is helping people like you buy and sell homes in Silicon Valley, Calif. and beyond. I admit, learning new facts just adds fun and joy to my brain, soul and life.What happened in history on January 9?1799 - British Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger introduced income tax, at two shillings (10p) in the pound, to raise funds for the Napoleonic Wars. In my opinion, that man is the PITS! 1848 - The first commercial bank was established in San Francisco, Calif. 1902 - New York State introduced a bill to outlaw flirting in... 01/08/2019

by Silicon Valley REALTOR Michelle Carr CroweJust in time for the New Year, January 2 is "Run it Up the Flagpole and See if Anyone Salutes Day".The phrase loosely translates into throwing a bold idea out in public to see if gets people to notice (salute). The term is most commonly used in advertising and print media circles."Run it Up the Flagpole and See if Anyone Salutes Day" is a great time to test and try out new ideas and concepts in both business and personal life.For example, if a person always dresses in black, add some colorful flair, such as a red tie or patterned scarf.Also consider running up a specialty flag at the house, the U.S. flag, a seasonal one or even a sports team pennant. If you missed Jan. 2, remember early in the New Year is almost always a good time to try new ... 01/03/2019

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest reddit Google+ Fruitcake-people hate it or love it. My grandparents and father-in-law enjoyed making and eating fruitcake. Me? I'd rather toss it than taste it. I'm not theNational Fruitcake Toss Day is annually observed on January 3.Many people receive fruitcakes as gifts sometime during the holiday season. Some people eat the holiday bread. Others may re-gift them. There are those who sneakily throw them away and others who will do so openly. But on the third day of January, another type of fruitcake, ahem, person comes out of the woodwork. These are the characters who have hoarded them, stored them and hid them so they can celebrate National Fruitcake Toss Day.Compete with friends by seeing who can toss a fruitcake the farthest. Use #FruitcakeToss... 01/03/2019

It's said that "everything is better with becon", and "National Bacon Day" December 30 is the day to celebrate this fact.The founders of Bacon Day encourage folks to eat a variety of bacon while either watching Kevin Bacon movies, or movies with bacon in the title.  Giving and receiving gifts of bacon is also recommended. Use #BaconDay to post on social media.Danya “D” Goodman and Meff “Human Cannonball” Leonard founded Bacon Day in 1997 as one great day to bond everyone together.   Images courtesy of www.NationalDayCalendar.com. Thanks for reading "Enjoy Bacon Day December 30 Before New Year Diets". 12/30/2018

In reading and reflecting on the devotional for December 29 from Our Daily Bread, I agree that one of the hardest things to hear is when God says No. Who else can relate to this? Some people complain that God doesn't answer prayers. Yet God always answers prayers, just not always in the way we might prefer. God answers Yes, No or Wait. It is up to us to listen to the answer and talk with God through praise, prayer and reading of His Holy Word in the Bible. Then obey. December 29 | Readings for Bible in a Year: Zechariah 9-12; Revelation 20 When God Says NoIn perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1READ ISAIAH 25:1–5 When I was conscripted into the military at age eighteen, as all young Singaporean men are, I prayed desperately for an easy... 12/29/2018

One of my favorite Christmas movies is Elf. Comedian Will Farrell portrayed the title character in the 2003 movie Elf.It's the story of a human baby raised by elves who goes back to the human world as an adult to try to connect with his father, a cynical James Caan.A favorite scene is of Buddy the Elf "helping" his father in the office. The phone rings and Buddy beats his Dad to answer the phone cheerfully, "Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?" (Buddy is subsequently relegated to the mail room afterwards.)Not surprisingly, celebrating "Answer the Phone Like Buddy the Elf" Day is done by simply answering the phone with “(Insert your Name) the Elf, what’s your favorite color.”To share, use #AnswerThePhoneLikeBuddyTheElfDay to post on social media.Researching this holiday located no... 12/17/2018

Most people just feel friendlier during the holidays. Yet some feel depressed.A friendly hello and a smile can easily make a stranger's day brighter.November 21 is "World Hello Day", a day to specifically reach out and include a kind greeting of "hello" with a smile to people you encounter throughout the day.Images courtesy of www.pixabay.com and National Night Out.Thanks for reading "Say Hi to Everyone You Meet, Nov. 21 is World Hello Day". 11/21/2018

This year, my husband and I served as election officers. To ensure our votes were in, we both voted early for the first time. Prior to this year, I only knew about "vote by mail" for voting early. I wasn't aware there were "Early Voting Polls" available for over a week prior to Election Day, which is always the first Tuesday of November.The Early Voting Polls were an amazing production--and busier than I would have expected. They were popular with people, and extremely well organized with knowledgeable people.If you are ever considering using the early voting polls, I highly recommend it.Images courtesy of www.pixabay.com. Thanks for reading "I Voted Early for the First Time Ever". 11/07/2018

Does your Tuesday already look too crazy to fit in voting? Consider Voting Early Monday at 7 Locations in Santa Clara County. Check to verify you are registered to vote on the website, then choose one of these 7 locations to cast your ballot.​ EARLY VOTING CENTERS - Available to all registered voters to cast your ballot early!    REGISTRAR OF VOTERS’ OFFICE  1555 Berger Drive, Building 2   San Jose, CA 95112   Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Registrar of Voters’ Office beginning October 9 – November 5, 2018.Tuesday (November 6, 2018 – Election Day), 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Open October 27 – November 5, 2018  CAMBRIAN BRANCH LIBRARY 1780 Hillsdale Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124 Voting Hours:  10 a.m. to 6 p.m. JOYCE ELLINGTON BRANCH LIBRARY491 East Empire Street, San Jose, CA 95112 Votin... 11/04/2018

by Silicon Valley REALTOR Michelle Carr CroweOctober 29 is Internet Day. Have you heard of this before?How Will You Celebrate Internet Day October 29? By doubling your use of the Internet? Taking a break from using the Internet? Maybe using the Internet to ask others how they plan to acknowledge Internet Day?I can't believe I live in Silicon Valley and this is the first I've heard of Internet Day.Images courtesy of www.unsplash.com.Thanks for reading "How Will You Celebrate Internet Day October 29?" 10/28/2018

In response to my blog post on "Cat Music?" Who Knew Cats Have Preferred Music?", I became curious to know just what "cat music" sounds like.Unsurprisingly, cat music is comprised of sounds similar to purring and species-specific noises, such as birdsongs.Here's a 25-second sample of "cat music" via Smithsonian Magazine online. Be sure to mute after 25 seconds or you'll hear different music!https://soundcloud.com/io9/cozmos-air Cat Music can purportedly soothe and calm kitties to relax and sleep. This I'll need to test on our two active kittens!Images courtesy of author's and author's family collections.Thanks for reading "Curious to Hear What Cat Music Sounds Like?" 10/18/2018

Four Fascinating Facts You Don't Know About Labor Day by REALTOR Michelle Carr CroweEveryone is happy to enjoy a paid holiday on Labor Day, always held the first Monday in September.1. The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday again one year later, again on September 5th.2. But...Did you know that celebrants at that first Labor Day back in 1882 had to forego a either a half-day’s pay or full day’s pay to earn the right to participate? That makes today's holiday have a deeper meaning.3. Two different people with similar sounding names may have each helped "found" the holiday, leading to confusion. Some records show that Peter... 09/03/2018

Show Your Puppy Photos Sun. Aug. 26 Is National Dog Day by REALTOR Michelle Carr CroweIt's time to share photos of puppies and dogs, old and youngs as Sun., Aug. 26 is National Dog Day.Everyone's favorite canines deserve celebrating today. From our late Siberian Husky Saska to our late Italian greyhound Skylar (a rescue dog) to my brother's exuberant Golden Retriever Tornado, dogs have shared in our family lives and adventures throughout the years.Give the dogs some extra love and attention today.Thanks for reading "Show Your Puppy Photos Sun. Aug. 26 Is National Day Day". 08/26/2018

Played All Day at Boomerang Bay at Great America by Santa Clara County REALTOR Michelle Carr CroweWhen buying a season pass at Great America, I love that it includes the water park, Boomerang Bay, at no extra charge.Due to health issues, we rarely were able to use the water park this year. However, today we played all day (as in floated down the lazy river AKA Castaway Creek) for hours. We finally had to leave when they closed Boomerang Bay at 6 pm.A relaxing way to enjoy a rare day off.Images courtesy of author's collection.Thanks for reading "Played All Day at Boomerang Bay at Great America". 08/19/2018

National Night Out Celebrates 35 Years August 7, 2018by Silicon Valley REALTOR Michelle Carr CroweNATIONAL NIGHT OUT, the community, neighborhood and crime prevention event that seeks to engage neighbors, celebrates its 35 year anniversary this Tuesday, August 7, 2018. Events occur nationwide between 5pm and 9pm local time. The “35th Annual National Night Out” will involve over 17,000 communities from all 50 States, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. In all, over 38 million people are expected to participate in “America’s Night Out Against Crime”. National Night Out is a chance to meet and spend time with your neighbors as well as law enforcement, public safety and government officers and strengthen relationships. To  find nearby events, check with lo... 08/05/2018

Tacky the Penguin AKA 1 Friend Weirder Than Everyone Elseby Silicon Valley REALTOR Michelle Carr CroweWhen my children were young, we used to read a book called "Tacky the Penguin" by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn Munsigner.It's a humorous tale on an "odd duck" who's quite different from the rest of the penguins.Watch this hilarious It's Gone Viral video and you'll get an immediate visual of exactly how well the character "Tacky the Penguin" fit in with the other, more properly-behaved penguins.Without spoiling the ending, let's just say it turns out that "Tacky the Penguin" can be a good bird to have as a friend. Here's to all of those known as the "One Friend Weirder Than Everyone Else". And a big thank you to my friends and family who put up with this odd bird.Images courtesy of ... 08/01/2018

Will It Go Round in Circles? July 25 is Merry Go Round Dayby Silicon Valley REALTOR Michelle Carr CroweFortunately two of my favorite Merry Go Rounds are nearby in Silicon Valley-the Grand Carousel at California Great America and the Looff Carousel at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. I love the variety of animals on the Grand Carousel at California Great America-from the dragon to the rabbit to the dolphin.The Looff Carousel at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk still possesses the old-fashioned "grab the brass ring" feature. Once lucky enough to secure a ring, the rider must toss it into the mouth of the clown to win another ride on the carousel. See a video of it here at https://vimeo.com/164449148.Over the years, more riders prefer to keep the brass rings as keepsakes, necessitating repla... 07/25/2018

It's 10pm and I Just Now Learned July 21 is Junk Food Day! by Silicon Valley REALTOR Michelle Carr CroweMaybe this is one of those "God works in mysterious ways" to save me from myself moments. Did anyone else here realize that July 21st is National Junk Food Day?Hmm, maybe I secretly knew it already...I DID enjoy pizza for breakfast!Images courtesy of www.pixabay.com.Thanks for reading "It's 10pm and I Just Now Learned July 21 is Junk Food Day!". 07/21/2018

Surreal Is...Hearing Disney Music at Great Americaby Silicon Valley REALTOR Michelle Carr CroweFolks who know me, know we love Disneyland. Great America is closer, so we go there too. This evening it got surreal at Great America when we noticed the live musicians were playing song selections from Disney's "The Princess and the Frog" in Orleans Place.Thanks for reading "Surreal Is...Hearing Disney Music at Great America". 07/16/2018

Open Sa., Su! Updated 2 Br, 2.5 Ba Cupertino Schools End Unit for Rentby Cupertino Schools expert Michelle Carr Crowe Come see this beautiful Updated End Unit for Lease this Sat. & Sun. between 1:30-4:30 at 2788 Mauricia Avenue, Santa Clara near Kiely & Stevens Creek Featuring Santa Clara Address and Utilities with Desirable Cupertino Schools! This Auspicious North-Facing Home Features Lovely Front & Back Patios for Al Fresco Dining and Playtime. Attractive End Unit features updated kitchen with new stone countertops, stainless steel appliances and five burner gas range!Great Floor Plan with Separate Living and Dining/Family Kitchen includes New Laminate Flooring downstairs!Two Master Bedrooms Upstairs, Both with Soaring Ceilings and Separate Baths. Also, Convenient Guest Bath Downstair... 07/14/2018