Only Two Weeks Left to Register to Vote!

Registering to vote is easy in Texas. It doesn't even require a stamp! Official applications to register to vote are postage-paid by the State of Texas.

You may obtain an application from the county Voter Registrar's office, the Secretary of State's Office, libraries, many post offices, or high schools.

You can also go to the website: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/pamphlets/largepamp.shtml and download an informal application, but you will be required to affix a stamp before mailing.

The application must be received in the Voter Registrar's office or postmarked 30 days before an election in order for you to be eligible to vote in that election.

Remember, voting is a right that everyone should exercise!

Anatomy of a Hot-Air Balloon

With the upcoming Plano Hot Air Balloon Festival this weekend some of you may be wondering what exactly is a hot air balloon.

Basically, the hot air balloon consists of three parts: envelope, basket, and burner system. It's a fairly simple piece of equipment, and for what it delivers, it is something of a bargain.

If you look at what is available in flying machines, for instance, you may be surprised to find that ballooning is less than half as expensive as the next class of aircraft, the sailplane.

Some recent studies have shown that the average price of a new hot air balloon system is about $9,000, but that of a sailplane is $22,000. A piston-driven single-engine airplane with fixed landing gear averages over $31,000, while the same type of plane with retractable gear costs over $64,000. Multi-engine airplanes are three times this price, and helicopters are eight times this price. Turbo-engine aircraft range in the millions.

But relatively inexpensive as it is, the hot air balloon is a carefully conceived and crafted flying machine.

EDS Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival September 19, 20, & 21, 2008

JOIN US FOR THE FASCINATION OF BALLOONS GRACEFULLY FLOATING ACROSS THE TEXAS SKY...

See it…as thousands of smiling faces are awestruck by the vision of hot air balloons filling the sky with LOFTY VISIONS of colors and shapes.

Hear it…Friday and Saturday evening as the roar of burners being ignited adds to the thrill of seeing special shapes and colorful balloons set against the back drop of the dark night sky. The balloon glow is a MUST see!

Feel it… as an overwhelming sense of delight spreads over you when 80,000+ attendees experience the wonders of the EDS Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival September 19, 20, & 21, 2008.

http://www.planoballoonfest.org/schedule.html

Festival Location:
Oak Point Park
2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway
Plano, Texas 75074

Dr. Seuss for President

The Oh My Godard Gallery at the Willow Bend Mall is hosting the exhibit “Dr. Seuss for President” featuring the political artwork of Dr. Seuss. Below one of the pieces is the quote “the politics of Dr. Seuss reveals his desire to advocate social change and to teach generations of children not only how to be better readers, but better people as well.”

This is a great opportunity to share an art gallery experience with the entire family.

For more information on the “Dr. Seuss for President” exhibit or about the Oh my Godard Gallery, visit www.ohmygodarddfw.com.

Market Improves

Don't blink ... you will miss something in the mortgage world that may impact your day to day business. Last Friday, after the markets closed and most folks were on their way home, the federal government announced they were in effect taking over FNMA and FHLMC (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). These are the entities that set many of the guidelines for the conventional home financing. While the impact of this change will shake out over the coming weeks and months, the short term impact is investors are more comfortable. Thus, interest rates improved, at least in the short term.

Now may be the time to consider real estate as part of your investment portfolio. If you would like more information feel free to contact me today donna@donnabthomas.com or call 214-629-7586.

Grocery Shopping Tips

Grocery Shopping Tips

With food prices still soaring, supermarkets are offering many deals and specials to lure in food shoppers. But sometimes, these good deals can actually cause people to spend more than they would have otherwise. Phil Lempert, author of Being the Shopper: Understanding the Buyer's Choice, offers these smart-shopping tips:

Limit Four Per Person: Scarcity can have a powerful impact on shoppers. A buying restriction can tempt people to buy more than they need, which could cause items to either spoil or sit in your pantry for a long time. Tip: In the long run, when you factor in the amount of products that spoil or are eventually thrown away, you will usually be better off financially if you only buy the amount you reasonably need and can use.

End of Aisle or Freestanding Displays: Often the "specials" displayed on the end caps of each aisle or on an island display aren't really the best deals that the store currently offers. These displays may also lead to impulse buys that you weren't intending to make. For instance, a display with graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows could make you think, "I'll make s'mores for dessert." Tip: While the location of these items is convenient, especially during busy shopping hours, you should only buy these items if they really are good deals.

Buy One, Get One Free: While these deals can make you feel like you are getting something for half price, if the cost is more than that of a similar item...or if you don't need a large quantity...than this may be one special worth passing on. Tip: Ask the manager if you can buy one item for half the price instead of buy one get one free. While stores don't always advertise this alternative, they often allow it.

Pre-Sliced Produce: While pre-sliced produce can feel like an easy choice, it can cost twice as much as whole produce, and can spoil faster than whole produce. Tip: Pay extra for prepared meals and produce only if the time and effort they save you is significant and really worth it.

For more great grocery shopping tips, visit http://www.supermarketguru.com/.