Absolute!

Please forward this on if you are in agreement - get those "privileged so-and-so's" to live like the rest of us!!!

And when was the last time your congressman or senator asked you what you thought?

This is non-partisan... and an idea whose time may have come in order to be discussed more openly by more American voters.

"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people; it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government - lest it come to dominate our lives and interests". - Patrick Henry -

The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 year-olds) took only 3 months & 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple! The people demanded it. That was in 1971... before computers, before e-mail, before cell phones, etc.

Of all the amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year or less to become the law of the land... all because of public pressure.

I'm asking each addressee to forward this email to a minimum of twenty people on their address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.

Congressional Reform Act of 2011

1. No Tenure / No Pension. A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.

2. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security. All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for any other purpose.

3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.

4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.

7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/12. The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen. Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to work.

If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will only take three days for most people (in the U.S.) to receive the message. Maybe it is time.

THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!

If you agree with the above, pass it on. If not, just delete.

You are one of my 20+. Please keep it going.

Change begins with you.

.

"Live as though everything is a miracle..."

Thank you,
Bruce Weaver
Realtor, GRI
RE/MAX Classic
Phone:
205-352-4229
Fax:
866-822-3730

Real Estate Advisor: May

----- Forwarded message -----
From: "Bruce Weaver" <a55023@real-estate-mail.net>
Date: Mon, Apr 25, 2011 11:05 am
Subject: Real Estate Advisor: May
To: "b weaver" <pellcity@gmail.com>

Real Estate Advisor: May 2011 Getting Through the Big Move Cut Back - Moving can be a difficult task. Don't make it more work than necessary by moving furniture, clothing, art or other belongings that you don't actually want or need anymore. Look for opportunities to de-clutter your life and get rid of excess possessions. Hand it Down: Tell your friends and family you're paring down possessions. You'll feel better, and it'll be easier giving up that expensive couch or antique bureau if you know your best friend will make good use of it. Yard Sale: The tried and true yard sale can help you can get rid of things you don't use and avoid paying to move them. As a bonus, you'll make some extra cash that you can spend on new things in your next home. Donate: Consider donating unwanted or unsold items to charity. Many charitable causes have free pickup services for donations that make giving your unwanted furniture and items as easy as picking up the phone and scheduling a pickup time. Packing- The thought of organizing and packing up a house's worth of clothing, kitchenware, and other items can be daunting to say the least. Even if you are using professional movers, you likely will want to pack and organize certain items yourself. By having a packing strategy, you can make it through the first stage of the move with your sanity intact and avoid last minute panic as the moving trucks pull up. Inventory: Taking a rough inventory of your stuff will give you a general idea of how many moving boxes you will need. If you will be using a moving company, it's not a bad idea to make a written or photographic inventory to make sure you don't lose anything during the move. Box Right: Make use of suitcases and plastic storage tubs you already own before searching out moving boxes. You can re-use old cardboard moving boxes, but make sure the cardboard is still in good shape rather than risk damaging any of your items. Purchase frame boxes to protect your pictures and mirrors. Other Supplies: Purchase high-quality packing tape and plenty of bubble wrap to help safeguard your belongings during the move. Specialty packing paper or packing fill can be used for box fill instead of newspaper to remove the risk of scratching fragile items. If you will be moving on your own, you should rent furniture pads, straps and furniture dollies from the rental truck company. Have a Packing Plan: Begin by packing the items you use least often. Pack one room at a time, making sure to clearly label the contents and which room they are intended for. You can also use a numbering or color coded system to help indicate which boxes have the most frequently used items. Pack Smart: Large boxes should be filled with lighter items such as clothing. Save heavy items like books and dishes for smaller boxes that for easy lifting. Make sure each box is packed full, but also check the weight of packed boxes before sealing. "Essentials" Box: Pack one box to keep close at hand (i.e., not buried in the back of the moving truck). The idea is to have easy access to items you may need during the move or immediately after your arrival at the new home. ID Your wallet, checkbook and/or ATM card Bottled water Toothbrush, toothpaste and soap Any prescription medications Aspirin Snacks that don't require refrigeration or cooking (granola bars, nuts, bread, PB, etc) Paper cups, paper plates and plastic utensils Towels Sheets Scissors and tape Closing documents if you're buying a new home Important files Medical records Pet food and pet littler, if applicable Before Moving Day - Keep People Updated: Contact or visit your local Post Office to obtain a Change of Address form. You can also obtain this form online at http://www.usps.com. Give a change of address to the following: Banks, schools, friends & family, insurance companies, doctors and specialists, cell phone providers, credit card companies and magazine and newspaper subscriptions. Clean in Waves: Trying to clean your whole house at once (either before or after moving day) can be an overwhelming prospect. Instead, begin cleaning any rooms in your house that have been emptied such as closets, basements or attics. Get Help- One of the most important moving tips: you don't have to do it alone. Move with the Pros: A professional moving company can take the care of all the hard work, leaving you to kick back and supervise. If you feel like avoiding the packing stage as well, most companies will pack your items for an additional fee. Prices and reliability can vary widely between companies, so compare quotes from at least three local companies before choosing a moving company. Don't rely on over-the-phone price quotes from the moving company you select: make sure the moving company comes to your home to accurately assess the space and approximate weight of your shipment. Make sure to check their history with the Better Business Bureau or American Moving & Storage Association. Moving Consultant: If the mere sight of a cardboard box leaves you feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring someone to handle the nitty-gritty of your move. These consultants are the relocation industry's answer to wedding planners and travel agents -- they can arrange for movers, pack your stuff, switch over your utilities, and transfer school and medical records. If you can swing the price tag, or if your company is covering relocation costs, a consultant can make your move relatively stress-free. Portable storage: Companies like PODS, U Haul and 1-800-PACKRAT will deliver a portable storage unit right outside your door. Before making the call, make sure you have enough parking on your property to accommodate the size of the temporary storage unit. Fill the storage space at your own pace. When you're finally ready to move, give the service a call and they will deliver the storage pod to your new home. Portable storage units still force you to do all the work, but they are a low cost solution and can serve as an alternative if there is a gap between the time you need to leave your old home and can access the new property. Rental trucks: Renting a box truck can be a cost-effective alternative to hiring a moving company -- as long as you plan ahead. A 10-foot moving truck will generally hold an apartment's worth of stuff; while a 24-foot truck can accommodate a three-bedroom house. It's best to choose a larger truck; you won't have to cram items into a smaller space, and for cross-town moves you will avoid wasting time on multiple trips. Read the fine print about mileage allowances and fuel surcharges, and make sure you know the rules regarding when and where you can return the truck. Depending on the size of the truck and length of the move, you may consider adding supplemental insurance through the rental company in the event of dings or dents to the truck. Friends and family: Free labor is great, but you'll likely still need to rent a moving truck (unless everyone in your family has a super duty pickup). Make sure you have every possible detail taken care of before your volunteer labor force shows up; the last thing you want is to leave your friends and family waiting while you pack the last boxes or run to go pick up the rental truck. Ask friends and family to help with packing and loading to a reasonable degree, and expect to return the favor when it's their turn to move. And common courtesy calls for you to provide lunch and refreshments for your friendly work crew. After the Truck is Loaded - Once you have everything packed away into the trucks, you'll want to pass through your house and check off a few final items before getting on to your new home. Damage Control: Check for any damages to walls, doors or frames caused by furniture being moved. The last hassle you need is to lose part of your security deposit or have any issues with the homebuyers because your furniture dinged a door frame or left a scratch in the wall. Leave Behinds: Re-check the house for anything you might have accidently forgotten. Look through the attic all closets, the garage, any crawl spaces, the medicine cabinet, and the drawer under your oven. Back To Top Bruce Weaver Phone Number: Direct: 205-965-6761 Business: 205-352-4229 Toll-Free: 877-829-7653 Office: 205-408-1306 Email Address pellcity@gmail.com Web Site www.bweaver.remax-alabama.com Mobile Search bweaver.m.remax-alabama.com Mailing Address RE/MAX Classic 6801 Cahaba Valley Road, Suite 210 Birmingham AL 35242

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Real Estate Advisor: April

----- Forwarded message -----
From: "Bruce Weaver" <a55023@real-estate-mail.net>
Date: Fri, Mar 25, 2011 1:05 pm
Subject: Real Estate Advisor: April
To: "b weaver" <pellcity@gmail.com>

Real Estate Advisor: April 2011 Water-Saving Landscaping Tips As signs of sunshine start to peek through the fog of winter, we grow nearer to the season marked by the hum of lawnmowers and the smell of freshly churned soil. Spring, and the joys (or chores) of landscaping, are nearly upon us. Depending on your point of view, gardening and yard work can either be a necessary evil or a cherished escape into the fresh air. But whether you're a minimalist landscaper or have the greenest of thumbs, the added expense of landscaping water bills can be an unpleasant reality every spring and summer. The tips below are just a few ways you can responsibly make it rain without draining your wallet dry. Harvest the Downpours - Setting up your own rain barrel is an easy way to save a significant amount of money each season. For every inch of rain that falls on 750 sq ft of roof, you can collect 450 gallons of water. That means many areas can gather upwards of a thousand gallons of water every year. That's water you can use to hydrate your houseplants, flowers, vegetable garden or lawn. In addition to saving you money on water bills, using natural water is environmentally sustainable (cities spend a lot of money and energy treating and pumping water into homes). Plants will also grow better with rainwater compared to chlorinated and fluoridated tap water. Rain barrels can be fairly easily constructed out of old garbage cans, a few washers, a spigot, caulking, and a hose clamp. By connecting one of your home's downspouts to the barrel, you will harness some of the rain collecting power of your roof. If Do-It-Yourself is not your cup of tea, premade rain barrels can be purchased at most home improvement stores, usually ranging from $100-$200. When setting up your rain barrel, make sure to place it on a platform (bricks, etc.) roughly a foot or so off of the ground to make it easier to fill up watering cans and also to give more pressure if you decide to hook it up to a hose. Mulch Ado - Adding a layer of mulch to landscaped areas doesn't just serve as an aesthetic touch; it's also one of the most effective and environmentally-friendly defenses against weeds that threaten to steal moisture from your plants. Mulch layers are air and water permeable, making them easy to plant into. Organic mulches such as hay, grass clippings, leaves and shredded bark will also improve the soil quality as they decay over time. Rubber, plastic or rock/gravel mulch layers can also be used with positive results. Clamp Down - Nothing wastes water quite as much as a needlessly running hose. Attach spray nozzles to all garden hoses to avoid leaving the water running. Spray nozzles also provide you with a little extra "oomph" of water pressure for watering hard to reach plants. Hold the Sprinklers - Using sprinklers can be a hassle-free way to water your lawn and plants, but if left on too long they can cost you a bundle while over-saturating your landscaping. Some sprinklers nowadays are equipped with built-in timing mechanisms and routines. As an alternative, you can install a simple faucet-mounted timer that remembers to shut off the water supply so that you don't have to. Pay Attention to the Weather - Overwatering your plants and lawn costs you money, isn't good for the plants and results in a great deal of water runoff. Keep in tune with just how much rainfall (roughly speaking) your yard is soaking in. This can be accomplished either by monitoring local weather sites or by setting up a simple rain gauge in your yard. Typically, plants need about an inch of water per week during the growing season. If you have sprinklers set on an automatic timer, make sure to adjust it as needed during periods of seasonal rainfall. Let it All Soak In - Unlike traditional sprinklers, soaker hoses aren't susceptible to water loss through evaporation. Soaker hoses slowly drip water into the soil. When covered over with mulch, they have proven to be an extremely efficient watering method. Back To Top Bruce Weaver Phone Number: Direct: 205-965-6761 Business: 205-352-4229 Toll-Free: 877-829-7653 Office: 205-408-1306 Email Address pellcity@gmail.com Web Site www.bweaver.remax-alabama.com Mobile Search bweaver.m.remax-alabama.com Mailing Address RE/MAX Classic 6801 Cahaba Valley Road, Suite 210 Birmingham AL 35242

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Shaun and Haley Jernigan

New homeowners in Aspen Ridge!

Thank you,
Bruce Weaver
RE/MAX Classic
Direct: 205-352-4229
Fax: 866-822-3730

WWW.all-info.bweaver.com

WWW.msearch.bweaver.com

March Update 2011

Subject: Real Estate Advisor - March 2011

Real Estate Advisor: March 2011 Architectural Styles at a Glance When beginning your home search, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the onslaught of both real estate terminology and architectural descriptions. For the uninitiated, phrases like "French Colonial" or "post-war bungalow" seem like another layer of jargon designed to confuse the average buyer. The overview below will help you familiarize yourself with the basic characteristics of some of the most common residential architectural styles in the U.S. Victorian Style Victorian architecture refers to several styles developed during the reign of Queen Victoria. The Victorian styles evolved largely from the Victorian idea that architecture (along with fashion, furnishings, among other things) should be beautiful rather than practical. The last true Victorians were constructed in the early 1900s, but contemporary builders often borrow Victorian ideas, designing eclectic "neo-Victorians." These homes combine modern materials with 19th century details, such as curved towers and spindled porches. Common Elements: Any and all exterior finishes, from brick to shingles to terra cotta Different exterior wall textures or materials on the same facade Asymetrical facade with extensive wood or brick patterning or detailing Extensive ornamental and decorative accents, usually in one of the following themes: delicate posts and spindles, raised classical columns, fancy half-timbering, or intricately patterned stone or brick Front entryway and significant part (or all) of front facade covered by a porch Bungalow The name "bungalow" originates from India, where it indicated a small, thatched home. In the United States what we call bungalows became popular during the 1880's in California, in part as a reaction to the elaborate nature of Victorian style. The style grew in popularity throughout the early 20th century. Common Elements: One or one-and-a-half stories Wood, brick or stone exterior finishes Rectangular building with low profile Simple facade with few decorative details Projecting, covered front porch with entryway set off to one side Interior Characteristics: Kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms laid around central living room Craftsman A descendent of the bungalow style, the craftsman gained popularity at the turn of the 20th century. Often called the "California bungalow", these homes feature overhanging eaves, a low-slung gabled roof, and wide front porches supported by columns. Common Elements: Exterior or natural materials, like wood or stone Asymetrical facade Large porch with square pillars or columns holding up the corners Ornamental braces Stone chimney One story Relatively low-pitched (flat) roof Interior Characteristics: Built-in china cabinets, nooks, desks, etc. Exposed beams. The beams on the porch and inside the house are often exposed. Open floor plan. The Arts and Crafts Movement rejected the small, boxy rooms like those in Victorian houses. Ranch Style The ranch style home emerged in the 1930s and grew in popularity during the 1950s and 1960s, coinciding with the growing role of the automobile in American lifestyle. The style draws on elements of Spanish Colonial and Prairie and Craftsman homes, and is characterized by its one-story, pitched-roof construction, built-in garage, wood or brick exterior walls, sliding and picture windows, and sliding doors leading to patios. Common Elements: Exterior finished in stucco, wood, brick or some combination thereof Low-pitched roof with medium to wide overhanging eaves Side or rear glass doors which slide open to a porch or patio area Attached garage Cape Cod Many of the first homes built in the United States were Cape Cod-style homes constructed in the New England colonies. Many of the Cape Cod homes on the market today were built after World War II, when thousands of returning soldiers and their young families needed inexpensive housing. A 20th-century Cape Cod is square or rectangular with one or one-and-a-half stories and steeply pitched, gabled roofs. It may have dormers and shutters. The siding is usually clapboard or brick. Common Elements: Large, central chimney. The large, central chimney is located directly behind the front door, with the rooms clustered around it in a rectangular shape. Steep roof. Cape Cods have steep roofs to quickly shed rain and snow, and a shallow roof overhang. Windows and dormers. Two windows on each side of the door, and often a dormer on each side of the chimney to open up the attic. Captain's stairway. "The second floor, often kept for boarders or 'seafaring' men, was accessed by a narrow stair, or 'captain's stairway,' which has incredibly steep risers and shallow treads to minimize the use of the first-floor space," explains David Karam, an architect and builder from Brewster, Mass. Shingle siding. Weathered gray shingles are one of the most recognizable elements of a classic Cape Cod, but newer homes are built of brick, stucco and stone. Colonial As the nations of Europe settled the new world, they brought their unique architectural styles to the Americas, building their new homes in styles that reminded them of, well, home. "Colonial architecture" encompasses a number of individual styles including Georgian Colonial, Spanish Colonial, French Colonial, Dutch Colonial, and Federal - although Georgian is often the style referred to in the colloquial sense of "colonial". Georgian homes find their roots in both Italian Renaissance and the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. These homes are often marked by a centrally located front door, evenly spaced double-hung windows and simple side-gabled roof. Traditional Colonial homes have paired chimneys, decorative doorways and plain, symmetrical fronts along with a generally rectangular and formal style. Common Elements: Brick or wood exterior Small front porch with white rectangular columns topped by a triangular gable or pediment leading up to the front door Rectangular building Symmetrical facade -- same number of windows on either side of the front door, etc. Two or more stories Relatively steep roof pitch Interior Characteristics: Living rooms on first floor and bedrooms on higher floors Spanish/Mediterranean Spanish Colonial homes date back to the original Spanish colonies and missions throughout the American Southwest, and are characterized by stucco walls, tile roofs and enclosed courtyards. Today the term Spanish Colonial Revival is used to describe homes built in the early 20th century that incorporate various elements of Mediterranean architecture. The stucco siding and small windows of the Spanish Colonial style make the homes very energy efficient. Common Elements: Stucco exterior finish (usually in earthy, cream, or pinkish tones) Flat, red-tiled roof Small, circular accent windows Wide, square pillars on front facade Arches over doors, large windows and porch Square or polygonal towers Interior Characteristics: Tile floors, arches, wrought iron light fixtures Tudor Built mostly in the first half of the 20th century, Tudor homes can be found in established communities in practically every region of the country. Tudors have half-timbering on bay windows and upper floors, and facades dominated by steep cross gables. While this highly recognizable style was often the choice of the wealthy for grand mansions, modest interpretations of the style are prevalent as well. Common Elements: Steeply pitched roof, sometimes with mock thatch Large rectangular chimney with an ornate, cylindrical pipe-or "chimney pot"-on top Patterned brick or stone exterior, or plaster with half-timbers Decorative exposed wood framing known as "half-timbered" construction Asymmetrical façade Entryways are often arched and outlined with decorative brick or stonework. Windows placed in groups of two, three or four. Tall or narrow windows, multi-paned, with panes sometimes arranged in a diamond pattern. Front door of vertical wood planks Modern Modern architecture refers to designs influenced and inspired by the modernism movement in art and literature. Modern architecture was a rebellion against classical architectural tradition, and as a broad movement that spanned many decades, it incorporated elements of art deco, arts and crafts, and ranch home design. Common Elements: Open living spaces - Modernist homes usually feature open floor plans that combine spaces for dining, relaxing and entertaining. Clean, geometric lines - modernist homes emphasize spare geometric forms. Technologically advanced materials - Rather than traditional wood and plaster, modernism advanced the use of new materials like iron, concrete, steel and glass. Back To Top RE/MAX Classic Bruce Weaver Address RE/MAX Classic 6801 Cahaba Valley Road, Suite 210 Birmingham AL 35242 Phone Number Direct: 205-965-6761 Business: 205-352-4229 Toll-Free: 877-829-7653 Office: 205-408-1306 Email Address pellcity@gmail.com Web Site www.bweaver.remax-alabama.com Mobile Search bweaver.m.remax-alabama.com

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