Jan Jackson Presents... Charity Golf Tournament Benefitting Blue Star Mothers!

Jan Jackson & Associates, together with Jan Jackson, Skip Evans, and Kelley Jackson of Keller Williams Realty Northeast announce charity golf tournament.

The event will include 4 person scramble, long drive, closest to the pin contest and more! Dinner reception with awards following the golf tournament.

$125 Entry Fee or
$500 for a Team of Four
$100 for Active Military & Reserve Servicemen
(Free Beer!)

Entry Fee Includes: Breakfast, Dinner Reception & Awards, Four Person Scramble Tournament, Free Valet Parking for players, Free Replay Round & FREE BEER while playing!

A silent auction and prize drawings will also be held!


Monday, August 8th, 2001
Registration & Breakfast at 7am
Shotgun Start at 8:30am

To Be Held At:
Wildcat Golf Club
12000 Almeda Rd
Houston, TX 77045
713-413-3400
www.wildcatgolfclub.com


Benefiting Blue Star Mothers!

Blue Star Mothers is a nonprofit 501(c)3 service organization supporting each other and our children while promoting patriotism. The organization is open to Mothers & Fathers who have or have had children serving in the United States Armed Forces. We have an associated membership for any family member or for a friend of a military person also. Everyone is welcome!

All Proceeds From This Event Will Be Donated To Blue Star Mothers!

2103 SOUTHWOOD Dr

2103 SOUTHWOOD Dr

What Is Your Secret Formula?

What Is Your Secret Formula?

I was listening to This American Life a couple weeks ago and they did a story exploring the Original Recipe of Coca-Cola.

According to popular myth, the original recipe is locked in a vault in Atlanta. It’s highly guarded and supposedly impossible for anyone to recreate. Somehow, Ira Glass and the show’s producers came upon what appeared to be the Original Recipe for Coca-Cola. THE ORIGINAL RECIPE!!!! (Can you believe it?!)

In a funny chain of experiments and trials they attempted to make Coca-Cola. The ingredients were all there. They had expert chefs, expert soda makers, expert tasters. They had everything to make Coca-Cola. But, when it came down to it, the resulting soda did not taste like Coca-Cola. Something was missing. What was missing? No one could put their finger on it.
The remarkable thing is that the expert tasters noted that all the ingredients were correct. They adjusted quantities and sources. They got close in flavor, but nothing tasted like Coca-Cola. There was some magical ingredient missing. Was it an actual spice – or was it something intangible? Was it the lore, history, and the branding associate with Coca-Cola? Was it the ‘feeling’ of Coke that is ingrained into American culture? Was it the childhood memories that we associate with drinking Coca-Cola? What was missing?

What is the secret component in your business? In your service? In your product?
Creating a successful brand and business is not entirely about keeping your formula a secret. It is about having something that is impossible to recreate.

PS – if you wanna give the Coca-Cola recipe a try, the folks at This American Life have the formula here.

2011 Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency

NOTE: Tax credits that were 30% up to $1,500 EXPIRED on December 31, 2010. New tax credits were passed, but at lower levels.
Have the tax credits been extended for 2011?
On December 17, 2010, President Obama signed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010. This law extends the tax credits for energy efficiency into 2011, BUT at lower levels. The levels revert back to those in effect in 2006 and 2007, which were 10% of the cost of the improvement, up to $500, with a $200 max for windows, and several other set maximums.
Highlights:

· $500 lifetime limit. If you got over $500 in these tax credits from 2006 - 2010, you are not eligible for anything more.
· 10% up to $500 for insulation, roofs, and doors.
· Windows capped at $200, but qualification now ENERGY STAR
· Furnace and boilers capped at $150, and all furnaces and boilers must meet 95 AFUE
· $50 for advanced main air circulating fan
· $300 for air conditioners, air source heat pumps, water heaters, and biomass stoves
Can renters get the tax credit?
No, you can only get the tax credit if you own the home and you live in it.
You can not get the tax credit for rental properties either.
What is included in the Tax Credit?
Tax Credit:
10% of cost up to $500 or a specific amount from $50 - $300
Expires:
December 31, 2011
Details:
Must be an existing home & your principal residence. New construction and rentals do not qualify.
Biomass Stoves
Biomass stoves burn biomass fuel to heat a home or heat water. Biomass fuel includes agricultural crops and trees, wood and wood waste and residues (including wood pellets), plants (including aquatic plants), grasses, residues, and fibers.
Tax Credit Amount: $300
Requirements
Thermal efficiency rating of at least 75%
Air Source Heat Pumps
Heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners in moderate climates. Like your refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity to move heat from a cool space into a warm, making the cool space cooler and the warm space warmer. During the heating season, heat pumps move heat from the cool outdoors into your warm house; during the cooling season, heat pumps move heat from your cool house into the warm outdoors. Because they move heat rather than generate heat, heat pumps can provide up to 4 times the amount of energy they consume.
Tax Credit Amount: $300
Requirements
Split Systems:HSPF ≥ 8.5EER ≥ 12.5SEER ≥ 15
Package systems:HSPF ≥ 8 EER ≥ 12 SEER ≥ 14
Central Air Conditioning (CAC)
The best way to find tax credit eligible CACs is to ask your HVAC Contractor (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning). To verify tax credit eligibility, ask your HVAC contractor to provide the Manufacturer Certification Statement for the equipment you plan to purchase. Or, search the Manufacturer's website.
Tax Credit Amount: $300
Requirements
Split Systems: SEER ≥ 16 EER ≥ 13
Package systems:SEER ≥ 14 EER ≥ 12
See definitions.
More Information
How to apply
Gas, Propane, or Oil Hot Water Boiler
These are heating units that use water circulated throughout the home in a system of baseboard heating units, radiators, and/or in-floor radiant tubing.
Tax Credit Amount: $150
Requirements
AFUE ≥ 95
Tax Credit includes installation costs.
See definitions.
More Information
How to apply
Natural Gas, Propane or Oil Furnace
A furnace uses the combustion of fuel and air to create heat.
Tax Credit Amount: $150
Requirements
AFUE ≥ 95
Insulation
Adding adequate insulation is one of the most cost-effective home improvements that you can do.
Tax Credit Amount: 10% of the cost, up to $500
Requirements
Typical bulk insulation products can qualify, such as batts, rolls, blow-in fibers, rigid boards, expanding spray, and pour-in-place.
Products that air seal (reduce air leaks) can also qualify, as long as they come with a Manufacturers Certification Statement, including:
Weather stripping
Spray foam in a can, designed to air seal
Caulk designed to air seal
House wrap
Tax Credit does NOT include installation costs. But, you can install the insulation/home sealing yourself and get the credit.
See definitions.
Roofs (Metal & Asphalt)
Qualified roof products reflect more of the sun's rays, which can lower roof surface temperature by up to 100F, decreasing the amount of heat transferred into your home.
Tax Credit Amount: 10% of the cost, up to $500
Requirements
"Metal roofs with appropriate pigmented coatings" and "asphalt roofs with appropriate cooling granules" that also meet ENERGY STAR requirements.
Tax Credit does NOT include installation costs.
Water Heaters (non-solar)
Gas, Oil, Propane Water Heater
Water heating can account for 14%–25% of the energy consumed in your home.
Tax Credit Amount: $300
Requirements
Energy Factor ≥ 0.82 OR a thermal efficiency of at least 90%.
See definitions.
More Information
How to apply
Electric Heat Pump Water Heater
Water heating can account for 14%–25% of the energy consumed in your home.
Tax Credit Amount: $300
Requirements
Energy Factor ≥ 2.0
Tax Credit:30% of cost with no upper limitExpires:December 31, 2016Details:Existing homes & new construction qualify. Both principal residences and second homes qualify. Rentals do not qualify.
Windows, Doors, Skylights
Energy efficient windows, doors and skylights can reduce energy bills.
Tax Credit Amount: 10% of the cost, up to $500, but windows are capped at $200.
Requirements
Must be ENERGY STAR qualified.
You do not have to replace all the windows/doors/skylights in your home to qualify. And it doesn't need to be a replacement either - installing a new window where there wasn't one previously (like in an addition) qualifies.
Tax Credit does NOT include installation costs.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal heat pumps are similar to ordinary heat pumps, but use the ground instead of outside air to provide heating, air conditioning and, in most cases, hot water. Because they use the earth's natural heat, they are among the most efficient and comfortable heating and cooling technologies currently available.
Requirements
Closed Loop: EER ≥ 14.1 COP ≥ 3.3
Open Loop: EER ≥ 16.2 COP ≥ 3.6
Direct Expansion: EER ≥ 15 COP ≥ 3.5
Tax Credit includes installation costs.
See definitions.
Small Wind Turbines (Residential)
A wind turbine collects kinetic energy from the wind and converts it to electricity that is compatible with a home's electrical system.
Requirements
Must have a nameplate capacity of no more than 100 kilowatts.
Tax Credit includes installation costs.
Solar Energy Systems
Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters come in a wide variety of designs, all including a collector and storage tank, and all using the sun's thermal energy to heat water. Solar water heaters are typically described according to the type of collector and the circulation system.
Requirements
At least half of the energy generated by the "qualifying property" must come from the sun. The system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) or a comparable entity endorsed by the government of the state in which the property is installed.
Note: The credit is not available for expenses for swimming pools or hot tubs. The water must be used in the dwelling.
Photovoltaic systems must provide electricity for the residence, and must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirement.
Tax Credit includes installation costs.
More Information
How to apply
Solar Water Heater FAQ
All ENERGY STAR Qualified solar water heaters qualify for the tax credit.
Solar Panels (Photovoltaic Systems)
Solar Panels or Photovoltaic Systems are solar cells that capture light energy from the sun and convert it directly into electricity.
Requirements
Photovoltaic systems must provide electricity for the residence, and must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirement.
Tax Credit:Credit Details: 30% of the cost, up to $500 per .5 kW of power capacityExpires:December 31, 2016Details:Existing homes & new construction qualify. Must be your principal residence. Rentals and second homes do not qualify.
Fuel Cells (Residential Fuel Cell and Microturbine System)
Fuel cells are an important enabling technology for the hydrogen economy and have the potential to revolutionize the way we power our nation, offering cleaner, more-efficient alternatives to the combustion of gasoline and other fossil fuels.
Requirements
Efficiency of at least 30% and must have a capacity of at least 0.5 kW.
Tax Credit includes installation costs.

Preparing Your Home for Photographs

Preparing Your Home for Photographs
It is very important that the photographs of your home are of the highest quality. Since most potential home buyers start their search online, the online photographs of your home are often your first chance to make a great impression!

The following checklist will help you maximize your home’s online curb appeal

General:
- Remove seasonal decorations that might date the photos
- Move garbage cans, other trash from view
- Remove all pet-related items (i.e. fish bowls, litter boxes, cages, beds)
- Clean, Clean, Clean!

Outside:
- Move cars, boats, trailers, etc. from driveway
- Close garage doors
- Remove any patio furniture, grills, etc. in disrepair
- Uncover any outdoor kitchen items that will be photographed
- Make sure cushions in chairs are arranged neatly
- Remove any unattractive potted plants / hanging baskets
- Store hoses out of sight or roll-up neatly
- Turn on any pool water features, lights, etc.
- Remove all pool floats, toys, etc.
- Trim bushes and trees to maximize view of home
- Remove yard signs (i.e. campaign signs, school signs, sports signs)
- If patio umbrellas block nice view, they should be closed

Inside:
- Ensure all light fixtures and lamps are turned on and all light bulbs are working
- Turn ceiling fans off
- Open all curtains / blinds to allow light into house
- As much as possible, minimize electrical cords in view
- Organize or hide all mail, bills, paperwork, etc.
- Turn TV’s and computer screens off
- Close TV / stero cabinets

Bathrooms:
- Put toilet seats down
- Clean mirrors
- Minimize items on countertops
- Unless decorative, remove all towels, bathmats, rugs, etc. from view
- Remove shampoo / conditioner bottles, wash rags, etc. from showers and baths
- Remove robes, slippers, etc. from view

Kitchen:
- Minimize items on countertops
- Empty sink
- Take all magnets, notes, artwork, etc. off the refrigerator
- Unless decorative, remove all towels from view
- Remove sponges, cleaners, garbage cans, etc. from view
- Remove all food items from view

Bedrooms:
- Make sure beds are made and all pillows are arranged neatly
- Make certain that items stored under beds do not show
- Minimize items on bedside tables
- Store all clothing out of view

Living Areas:
- Make sure pillows are arranged neatly on sofas & chairs
- Arrange books and magazines neatly on tables

Personal Items:
- Certificates, diplomas, awards, photographs, decorative names in children’s room, etc. may show up in photos. If desired, remove before pictures are taken.

*** Remember, curb appeal starts on the internet, so it is very important to make the pictures of your home attractive. If the internet picture doesn’t sell your home, you might not ever get the buyers to actually do a physical drive-by and schedule an appointment to see inside your home.***

Energy Saving Tips for Your Home

- Air Conditioning -
Turn down the thermostat. Turning down your thermostat by 1°C can reduce your heating bills by up to 10%.

- Lighting -
Always turn off lights when you leave a room. Use energy efficient light bulbs. These can be up to 80% more efficient than standard light bulbs for the same amount of illumination. They can also last up to 12 times longer than standard bulbs. Placing lamps in the corners of your room will reflect more light so you will need less lamps.

- Appliances -
Don't leave appliances on stand-by. Leaving items on standby uses 85% of the total power. Also remember not to charge up appliances for longer than necessary

- Washer / Dryer / Dishwashers -
Use the half-load or economy programmer. If you're not filling up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher to full capacity, don’t forget to use the half-load programmer. Clean at low temperatures. Dishwashers and washing machines that heat their own water should be kept to low temperature settings. All modern detergents are designed to clean successfully at 40°C and some at 30°C. Only boil as much water as you need. Kettles use a lot of power so only boil as much as water as you really need. Also make sure the elements in your kettle are clean and free of lime scale. And while you are at it, check the elements of your washing machine too – white vinegar works a treat on removing limescale. Don't tumble dry - Whenever and wherever possible hang your clothes out to dry.


- Invest in ‘A’ or ‘A+’ rated appliances -
An old fridge freezer may cost you two and a half times more to power than a modern ‘A’ rated one. Also when buying a computer chose a laptop over a desktop as they use far less electricity to operate. You’ll also save space

- Insulate -
Insulating your house offers lots of opportunities to reduce your consumption. 50% of the total heat lost from our homes comes as a direct result of poor insulation, 25% goes through our roofs and a further 33% is lost through our walls. If building a new home or retro fitting your existing home, invest heavily in good insulation. Also go for the most energy efficient windows that are within your budget. Insulating your hot water tank can reduce costs, paying for itself after one year.

Back To School - Transition

Across the nation it’s time to go “back to school.” Some parents are waving to their 5 year old as she navigates, for the first time, the bus steps that are almost as tall as she is. Other parents are unloading the SUV into a 12 x 12 foot college dorm room which their son will be sharing with one or two strangers. Regardless of what stage in life you’re at, “back to school” probably evokes emotions and unique memories. It’s an American tradition! Because “back to school” is such a significant time for so many people, most prefer to make their moves during the summer so that they will be settled in their new homes before the academic school year begins. However, regardless of when a move takes place, most parents readily admit that the ease of transition for their children is utmost in their minds. Here are some ways to make a move easier for your child:Arrange to visit the new school before the move. If possible, ask for a tour from a student guide. Knowing something about the new school will help in the transition. Make sure they have an opportunity to say goodbye to their friends. Host a party or arrange for treats at school. Give your child pre-printed address cards for them to hand out to their friends and encourage them to keep in touch. The internet has made it easier than ever to stay in contact. Research extracurricular activities before you arrive at your new home. Moving during the school year often allows children to immediately become involved in extracurricular activities and to meet new friends. If you move during the summer see if there are town camps or library programs in which your child can participate. Involve your child in decision making and research concerning the new community. Just as planning for a vacation can be as exciting as taking one…preparing for and dreaming about a new home can be an adventure. Make sure your child is a part of the process and that his or her opinion matters. Consider having your child stay with friends or relatives while your household goods are being packed. Seeing your belongings put into boxes is stressful even for adults! Encourage your child to ask questions and express his or her feelings about the move.Children pick up on the feelings and emotions of their parents. If you are excited about your move your child will be, too! If you are stressed and worried, your child will probably mirror those feelings.