April 1, 2007
RIP AND READ. That’s what they called it back when I was a rookie disc jockey. “Rip and read” was when the announcer would dash for the wire service machine at the very last minute, grab a wad of news releases, and dive for the chair in front of the control board just as the intro for the news was ending. I can tell you from personal experience that often you’d start a news story only to find yourself embarrassed halfway through it when the type degenerated into gibberish or the story zigged in a unexpected way.
RIP AND PASTE. I think that’s what they call it when newspapers do it. Local Realtor Tad Platt and I shared a laugh about last Tuesday’s article with the headline, “SALES OF NEW HOMES FALL SHARPLY”. Both the Stockton Record and our very own News Sentinel “filled the news hole” with an AP piece datelined Washington, apparently without noticing that buried halfway through the gloom and doom article was: “Sales were down in every region of the country except the West.” But wait, there’s more: “By regions of the country, sales were up 24.6 percent in the West, a rebound after a 25.8 percent plunge in January.” Now, wouldn’t that make a happier and more accurate headline for our area?
ONE WAG of a speaker, commenting on the propensity for news types to accentuate the negative, observed, “If the Lord Himself returned to earth and walked on water, the newspaper headlines across the country would read, “JESUS CAN’T SWIM”.
I SPOKE with a representative of a local subdivision this past week who told me they’re wrapping up their current phase and starting several more new homes to keep up with increased demand. Personally, my observation is that yes, the market has changed, but no, the sky is NOT falling. Not newsworthy, I guess, but that’s what LOCAL new-home sellers are experiencing.
JUST LISTED…and gorgeous, if I do say so: 2420 Rockingham Drive. Upgrades abound in this four-bedroom home. Remodeled kitchen with granite counters!, white-on-white appliances and more! Central heat and air replaced in 2003. Vinyl-clad dual-pane windows in 2001 (except the two bathrooms). Six-year-old composition roof! Wired for Surround Sound in Living Room, wired for sound to covered stamped-concrete patio! Newer ten-by-ten shed! There’s more to enjoy here, but that will give you a taste. At $399,950, this place has been getting a LOT of showings in a short time! Transferred Sellers have priced this home to SELL! There’s an offer on the way as I write this. Going, going…
DUCKS IN THE POOL! Julie called me yesterday to tell me that a colorful mallard and his hen were enjoying our pool! Pokey the Dog was going a little crazy (he doesn’t play well with ducks), so she called him inside and watched as the two lovebirds swam and splashed. Julie was about to offer them some iced tea and sandwiches when they up and flew away. First time we’ve entertained ducks. in EIGHT YEARS of living here! Possums? Yup. Raccoons? Sure. Lions and tigers and bears? Oh, my. Have a happy week! See you next Sat.
RIP AND PASTE. I think that’s what they call it when newspapers do it. Local Realtor Tad Platt and I shared a laugh about last Tuesday’s article with the headline, “SALES OF NEW HOMES FALL SHARPLY”. Both the Stockton Record and our very own News Sentinel “filled the news hole” with an AP piece datelined Washington, apparently without noticing that buried halfway through the gloom and doom article was: “Sales were down in every region of the country except the West.” But wait, there’s more: “By regions of the country, sales were up 24.6 percent in the West, a rebound after a 25.8 percent plunge in January.” Now, wouldn’t that make a happier and more accurate headline for our area?
ONE WAG of a speaker, commenting on the propensity for news types to accentuate the negative, observed, “If the Lord Himself returned to earth and walked on water, the newspaper headlines across the country would read, “JESUS CAN’T SWIM”.
I SPOKE with a representative of a local subdivision this past week who told me they’re wrapping up their current phase and starting several more new homes to keep up with increased demand. Personally, my observation is that yes, the market has changed, but no, the sky is NOT falling. Not newsworthy, I guess, but that’s what LOCAL new-home sellers are experiencing.
JUST LISTED…and gorgeous, if I do say so: 2420 Rockingham Drive. Upgrades abound in this four-bedroom home. Remodeled kitchen with granite counters!, white-on-white appliances and more! Central heat and air replaced in 2003. Vinyl-clad dual-pane windows in 2001 (except the two bathrooms). Six-year-old composition roof! Wired for Surround Sound in Living Room, wired for sound to covered stamped-concrete patio! Newer ten-by-ten shed! There’s more to enjoy here, but that will give you a taste. At $399,950, this place has been getting a LOT of showings in a short time! Transferred Sellers have priced this home to SELL! There’s an offer on the way as I write this. Going, going…
DUCKS IN THE POOL! Julie called me yesterday to tell me that a colorful mallard and his hen were enjoying our pool! Pokey the Dog was going a little crazy (he doesn’t play well with ducks), so she called him inside and watched as the two lovebirds swam and splashed. Julie was about to offer them some iced tea and sandwiches when they up and flew away. First time we’ve entertained ducks. in EIGHT YEARS of living here! Possums? Yup. Raccoons? Sure. Lions and tigers and bears? Oh, my. Have a happy week! See you next Sat.
posted by Larry Underhill at 09:26
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