And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
Free Slurpee Day!!!
•July 11, 2009 • Leave a Comment
FREE Slurpee Day 2009!! Saturday, July 11th. Grab your free slurpee at your local 7-eleven and enjoy one of the yummy slushy slurpee treats in flavors like cola, pina colada, blue raspberry, root beer and green apple. I hear 7-11 has a new slurpee flavor I must try out called “Liquid Artillery”, which is a combination of strawberry/pineapple and lime flavors.
Free Slurpee Day starts at 7 a.m. and ends at 11 p.m. (while supplies last) at all participating 7-11 locations, in celebration of 7-Eleven’s annual birthday. This year marks the 82nd birthday for 7-11 convenience stores, so what could be better than to celebrate with a delicious, and don’t forget FREE, brain-freeze induced Slurpee?!
At 7-11, you will receive a free 7.11 ounce Slurpee in the flavor or your choice, or mixed flavors if that’s your thing.
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI 2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
Friday Funny
•July 10, 2009 • Leave a Comment
Came across this picture on the Internet today and could not get over it ha ha.
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
Thirsty Thursday!
•July 9, 2009 • Leave a Comment
Thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
Why Online College is Rocking
•July 8, 2009 • Leave a Comment1) Convenient
2) Some employers pay tuition
3) Higher salary with higher degree
It’s amazing how many people have put classroom time aside and have achieved their goals online. Whether you’re seeking an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree these are all possibilities over online learning. Today’s college students range from the fresh out of high school young adult to the grandparent who wants to boost their education level into today’s market. This is crucial for students with children and jobs because of the flexible schedules and the ability to work at your own pace. The ability to attend college outside of typical school hours is the top reason students choose online schools.
Here are some of the top 5 online colleges:
-University of Phoenix
-American InterContinental University
-The Art Institute Online
-Capella University
-Colorado Tech Online
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
11 Simple Ways To Improve Your Memory
•July 7, 2009 • Leave a CommentHere are 11 effective methods you can integrate into your life to maintain a great memory for as long as possible:
1. Sleep Well
Consistently sleeping 7-8 hours a night will drastically increase your memory. During sleep, the brain appears to firm up memories of newly acquired information. The most effective “sleepers” experience the full spectrum of nocturnal cycles, and relaxation techniques before bed time can help really help your cognitive (and memory) capacity. During the day, a quick nap can be the impetus for a solution to a problem you have been working.
2. Cross-pollinate Your Interests
Having diverse interests, and constantly trying new things, is a fantastic way to keep the mind sharp and fertile. Neurons that connect to existing neurons give you fresh perspective and ability to use knowledge in a variety of new ways.
3. Teach Others
Teaching implants knowledge in your brain in a different manner than regular learning, and is excellent practice for increasing memory (it also helps if you are genuinely motivated to share the knowledge)!
4. Use Acronyms and Other Mnemonic Devices
Mnemonics are essentially tricks for remembering information. Some tricks are so effective that proper application will let you recall loads of mundane information years later. This one recommendation can vastly improve your memory and effectiveness!
5. Write About It
An effective way to increase memory capacity is to write about the things you want to remember. This will create oxygenated blood flow to the areas of your brain that are responsible for your memories and literally exercises them! Keep a journal, write detailed emails, or start a blog to improve your capacity to memorize.
6. Take a Break
Changing physical or mental perspective is a wonderful way to lighten the invisible stress that occurs when you sit in one place too long. Taking a 5-15 minute break every hour during work sessions is more beneficial than non-stop study. It gives your mind time to relax and absorb information.
7. Listen to Music
Researchers have long shown that certain types of music are instrumental in recalling memories. Information learned while listening to a particular song or collection can often be recalled simply by “playing” the songs mentally.
8. Eat Brain “Superfoods”
Roughly 50-60% of the brain’s overall weight is pure fat, which is used as insulation for its billions of nerve cells. The better insulated a cell, the faster it sends messages and the speedier your thinking. Therefore eating foods with a healthy mix of fats is essential for long-term memory. Fish (wild salmon, mackerel, anchovies especially) and dark leafy green vegetables are excellent choices.
9. Try Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a natural supplement that has been used in China and other countries for centuries and has been reputed to reverse memory loss. It’s also suggested by some health practitioners to be a highly effective mood enhancer and is worth trying if you experience memory problems.
10. Stretch
The brain accounts for only 2% of the body’s weight, but accounts for 15% of its blood flow, and regular stretching (and exercise) keeps the brain’s arteries open and unclogged. Making a habit of stretching can also lead to increased energy, greater flexibility and a more relaxed attitude which all lead to better long-term memory!
11. Collaborate
Interaction with other humans fires a different set of neurons than working alone, and collaboration can vastly increase your memory. Make a habit of joining forces at work and in your personal life to keep the brain fruitful!
I know that at some point in time we will all experience a level of memory loss as we get older. By opening up and trying a few of the practices described in this article, you can reduce the decline in memory loss.
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI 2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
This Season’s Best Sellers
•July 7, 2009 • Leave a CommentIf you are interested in reading some great books this summer, here are the top 10 bestsellers…
New Moon
Book two in the Twilight Saga finds Edward separating from Bella for her safety. Heartbroken, Bella finds solace with dangerous new friends. The film hits theaters this winter.
My Sister’s Keeper
This 2004 novel hits screens this summer. Conceived specifically to serve as a genetic match for her leukemia-stricken sister, teen Anna sues her parents to avoid donating her kidney.
Renegade: The Making of a President
Veteran Newsweek columnist Richard Wolffe follows President Obama on his dazzling two-year journey to the White House.
Outliers
New Yorker columnist Malcolm Gladwell examines the seemingly random factors that caused some people–e.g. Bill Gates, the Beatles–to attain success while others didn’t.
Skin Trade
The 17th adventure of vampire hunter Anita Blake tracks a vampire serial killer to Vegas, where high stakes leads to a high bodycount.
Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man
Comedian Steve Harvey dives headlong into the literary world, delivering a witty dating guide for women looking to gain insight on how and what men think.
Cook Yourself Thin
The charming Lifetime Network show hits the pages in a cookbook with 80 easy-to-make, waist-trimming recipes that don’t skimp on taste.
The Shack
A father overcomes his grief over the murder of his young daughter to find God in the most unlikely place–in the shack where she was killed.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
An epistolary novel tells the story of the residents of the island of Guernsey, who suffered through occupation by Nazi forces during WWII.
Three Cups of Tea
Co-founder of the Central Asia Institute Greg Mortensen recalls his inspirational experiences bringing humanitarian aid to Pakistan and Afghanistan.
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
96th Tour de France
•July 6, 2009 • Leave a CommentTour de France 2009
Running from Saturday July 4th to Sunday July 26th 2009, the 96th Tour de France will be made up of 21 stages and will cover a total distance of 3,500 kilometers.
These 21 stages have the following profiles:
•· 10 flat stages,
•· 7 mountain stages,
•· 1 medium mountain stage,
•· 2 individual time-trial stages,
•· 1 team time-trial stage.
Just to keep you updated on the standings so far it’s…
1.
CANCELLARA F. SAX 9h 50′ 58″
2.
MARTIN T. THR 00′ 33″
3.
ARMSTRONG L. AST 00′ 40″
4.
CONTADOR A. AST 00′ 59″
5.
WIGGINS B. GRM 01′ 00″
6.KLÖDEN A. AST 01′ 03″
7.GERDEMANN L. MRM 01′ 03″
8.
EVANS C. SIL 01′ 04″
9.
MONFORT M. THR 01′ 10″
10.LEIPHEIMER L. AST 01′ 11″
You can also follow Lance Armstrong on Twitter… http://twitter.com/Lancearmstrong
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
The first death ever on Disney’s Monorail
•July 6, 2009 • Leave a CommentDisney World is often called the happiest place on earth, but after the fatal collision of two monorails this weekend it got a little sadder.
On Sunday morning near the Magic Kingdom area of the park two monorails reportedly collided head-on. Austin Wuennenberg, the operator of one of the monorails, died, while a few others were injured in the Disney monorail accident.
The monorail system has been running year round for 38 years and typically carries 150,000 people every day. It’s the first monorail death at Disney World, and the first on a ride or rail since 2004, when a visitor was killed on the Big Thunder Mountain Roller Coaster.
Investigators are still trying to figure out why the Disney monorail accident occurred in the first place
“Today, we mourn the loss of our fellow cast member,” said Mike Griffin, Walt Disney World vice president of public affairs said in a released statement.
Griffin: “Our hearts go out to his family and to those who have lost a friend and co-worker. The safety of our guests and cast members is always our top priority. The monorail is out of service and we will continue to work closely with law enforcement to determine what happened and the approximate next steps.”
Comparisons are being made to the DC train crashes a couple weeks ago, suggesting a major overhaul of long-running rail systems is needed.
Thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
4th of July Family Fun
•July 2, 2009 • Leave a Comment
Celebrate the 4th, In Orange County
No plans on the 4th yet? If you want to take in a parade and some spectacular fireworks, here are some great local options:
Dana Point: Fireworks at Doheny State Beach beginning at 9 p.m. (949) 248-3530
Huntington Beach: The 105th Fourth of July Parade begins at 10 a.m. at 8th St. and Pacific Coast Highway. Fireworks off the pier begin at 9 p.m. (714) 374-1535
Irvine: Festival begins at 3 p.m. and features live bands performing throughout the day. Irvine High School, 4321 Walnut. (949) 724-0488
Laguna Beach: Fireworks begin at dusk from Monument Point at Heisler Park, Cliff Drive. Best viewing locations located at Main Beach.
Laguna Hills: Community Center and Sports Complex, 25555 Alicia Parkway. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. (949)707-2680
Laguna Niguel: All-Day festivities conclude with fireworks at 9 p.m. Laguna Niguel Regional Park, 28241 La Paz Road. (949)425-5100
Newport Beach: 37th Annual Independence Day Celebration sponsored by the City of Newport Beach & the Mariners Elementary School Foundation. Activities include a bike parade, free live entertainment by Barnaby the Entertainer. Mariner’s Park, 1300 Irvine Ave. www.marinersfoundation.com
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
