The Star-Spangled Banner - Super Bowl XLIV 
"The Star-Spangled Banner" is the national anthem of the United States of America. Star-Spangled Banner was made in Baltimore, Maryland, in July-August 1813 by flag maker Mary Pickersgill .
Carrie Underwood will sing the National Anthem The Star-Spangled Banner before this year's Super Bowl game between the Colts and Saints, making it the third year in a row that a a former "Idol" contestant will sing. The national anthem, always bring a chill or a tear. Here are some of the top Super Bowl national anthems. I had a hard time deciding who I liked best. I always loved Whitney Houston, especially "I Will Always Love You", and will have to say that among these clips, Whitney Houston is still my favorite. Mariah Carey, at Super Bowl XXXVI was a close second. I look forward to listening to Carrie Underwood, as I have her CD's too.
I hope this post inspires the great pride we have for our troops and our great country. A special thanks to all of you very courageous men and women out there are fighting for our freedom, risking your lives for ours and saving our country - GOD BLESS
Who is you favorite? If you have a clip of another Super Bowls anthem vocalist, please feel free to comment.
Whitney Houston sings the National Anthem -- Star Spangled Banner
Mariah Carey - The Star-Spangled Banner (SuperBowl 2002)
Faith Hill - Super Bowl XXXIV
Jordin Sparks National Anthem at Super Bowl XLII
Jennifer Hudson National Anthem "Super Bowl"
Super Bowl XLIV
Every year Hallmark makes millions, HERSHEY'S bombards every store with kisses and heart chocolates, Ty or any other toy company takes the initiative to get adults to by cutesy plush animals for their special someone. Movies come out with a tangle of love stories. Couples are a little more affectionate, sometimes crushes or secret admirers are revealed. but when we take away all the commercialism, all the chocolate, all the roses, the root of Valentines Day is LOVE. It is a day celebrating LOVE. We actually have a holiday dedicated to love. Weird huh? But how did this happen? What is Valentine's Day really about? Truth is, noone is really sure.
Let's start with St. Valentine. In Rome, he was a catholic priest. (as one theory goes) During his term, or whatever you call it, the Romans decided that men without wives and children made better soldiers. So, the decided to out law marriage for all young men. Valentine, being the hopeless romantic that he was, thought this was unfair. He defied his emperor and married young lovers anyway. When Emperor Claudius II found out, he sentenced poor Valentine to death.
The second story is that Valentine, still a priest, helped tortured and dying christian prisoners escape from Roman jail. (they were held due to their beliefs) Again, Valentine was caught. He had fallen in love with the jailer's blind daughter. He sent her the "World's First Valentine" before his execution. On the letter it said, from your Valentine. He was sainted because it is said, he cured the girl of her condition right before his execution.
Well, I guess love is in the air, and in honor of our martyr saint I found some love story's centered around Sout
hern Maryland.
Jane Deborah Vincent's Charming Novel based in our very own St. Mary's County!
It's a love story of a local and an aristocrat. Adorable: Hard Crabs and Cultured Pearls: A Southern Maryland Love Story
Here is another heart warming article about a widow and a widower who found comfort on the Chesapeake Bay: Chesapeake Bay; A love story
All the chocolate must be going to my head!
Well, here's another story about two local lovers. Ever heard of Indian Head, MD 20640? Wondered how it got the name? Legend has it that an Indian Princess of the Algonquin tribe, was set to be married to the Son of the Chief from a neighboring tribe. However, her heart told her no, and just before the marriage she fell in love with a young warrior from Virginia. They planned to escape, but were discovered. He was executed. It was to be a warning to all neighboring tribes. When the Europeans discovered it, they named the area Indian Head. So there you have it. I didn't say it was a happy love story. But interesting!
Oyster Bay! A waterfront community that is waiting for you! 
Oyster Bay is a waterfront community located on protected Back Creek. Private piers, deep protected water and minutes to Solomons Island Harbor which connect to The Chesapeake Bay and The Patuxent River. Four spacious open floor plans private balconies w/ covered parking. The community amenities include private boat slip, swimming pool, fitness center, clubroom for entertaining, tennis courts and a private pond. Oyster Bay is within walking distance to quaint downtown Solomons Island. Enjoy waterfront dining, shopping, stroll along the boardwalk and stop by the famous Tiki Bar. Try the Tiki's signature dink. "The Mai Tai". If you are interested in buying a home in Oyster Bay and would like to have all current properties emailed please let me know. If you have a condominium that you would like to sell or rent please feel free to contact me for a FREE market analysis:
Monique Hailer - CENTURY 21 New Millennium
Mobile: 443.532.5407 Email: moniquehailer@mris.com Web: Oyster Bay Community!
Intrepid Intrepid w/Loft
Constellation Constellation w/Loft
VALLEY LEE, MD 20692 - 357 Ft. of Waterfront on Herring Creek $799,900
Magnificent price for this elegant custom waterfront home with charming views on Herring Creek situated on 2.2 acres! Privacy & nature at its best! Owner's Suite w/sitting Rm, large open cook's KIT with granite, cook top, double oven, built-in microwave, icemaker. Stunning Family room with gas fireplace. Living room features large fireplace wood floors. , Hobby Room, huge Laundry, separate dining room, covered back porch. 2nd level features additional Bedrooms and baths and office. Huge 3rd level for future additional space. Above Grade Finished: 4000 and Above Grade Unfinished: 1500. Property sold As-is (brand new, never occupied), bank owned. If you are interested in viewing this bank owned waterfront home please feel free to contact Monique Hailer: Mobile: 443.532.5407 or Email: moniquehailer@mris.com
Since the dawn of man, people have been settling around the watering hole.
Truth is, the beauty and serenity of watching a sunset over the water, actually enhances human health. Living by the water is in such high demand, recent research has been trying to get to the bottom of the growing trend.
It simply makes people happier. Right?
A recent study in the UK discovered: "An overwhelming 75% felt that it helped them to have a less stressful lifestyle (important given that 85% of those sampled worked full time), with 63% saying that they thought it benefited their health and wellbeing. This is particularly the case amongst women and those aged 35 or over. PRNewswire
Not only do the stresses of this econmony and technological ridden world seem to float away with the breeze, but that very same breeze is, in fact, healthier. Allergies are cleared out by the salt and moisture of the coasts. Breathing in that moisture smooths the bronchial tracts and lessens irritaions for azma and allergy sufferers. Our sinus are invigorated, our sight and sound stimulated. The creation of ozone itself rejuvinates humans. In fact, exercising by the ocean or bay boosts your immune system and offers great meditation.
I guess the cavemen got it right!
The new HUD1 Settlement Statement and the new Good Faith Estimate
Are you considering the purchase of your next home?
Have you heard of all the changes that have occurred January 1st?
Are you a little confused and feel like you need more information?
You're not alone and that's why we've developed this quick 30 minute presentation outlining both, the new HUD1 Settlement Statement and the new Good Faith Estimate.
The new 3-page GFE that went into effect on January 1, 2010 certainly does its part to outline the costs involved in a loan transaction for buyers and sellers - but there is one important topical mention that it lacks ...suitability! We will demistify this. What's more...
You'll learn what the intention was for the GFE and the "why" behind it;
You'll learn how to quickly and effectively read both documents;
You'll learn how the GFE directly effects the HUD1 Settlement Statement in a side-by-side comparison ...and how to read it;
How the new GFE should be explained to you by your lender;
How to avoid unnessessary delays in going to settlement on time;
Why now more than ever, you need a trusted mortgage advisor.For an updated list of webinar events for Home Buyers, Home Owners, Home Sellers and Real Estate Professionals, please visit www.BuySOMD.com
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS EVENT: Mon, Jan 18, 2010 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM EST
Thanks for reading!
STEVE COMBS, REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT - FIRST COUNTY MORTGAGE, LLC
First County Mortgage, LLC is an affiliate of National City, now a part of PNC.
Maintaining your deck and preventing rot and promoting safety!
Here in the Pacific Northwest, or the Pacific Northwet as a friend of mine called it, we inspectors see many decks that have some decay present. If the structural lumber is pressure treated then often that will be okay. However the flat surface wood decking boards will frequently have a soft/decayed surface that can even be unsafe. I have known people to step on a deck and go right through -- one leg hanging lower than another.
The flat surfaces are the most exposed and, when rain hits, the water will soak into the wood. And, over time, that causes rot. Carefully cleaning as required, and treating the deck surface, can help prolong the decking boards. When you see vertical cracks in the decking, rain will soak in and that will cause rot quite rapidly. When you see moss and algae, that is a sign that rot will not be far behind.
Speaking of rot not being too far behind. Here are a couple photos that are typical.
Wood will rot at moisture levels of twenty percent and above so, needless to say, keeping exterior wood from rotting in the northwest takes careful planning and maintenance.
Thanks for stopping by,
Steven L. Smith
Southern Maryland Waterfront and Real Estate Services! Feel Free to subscribe to my blog to keep up to date with my latest posts about Southern Maryland Waterfront Properties and Real Estate for sale: Calvert County, St. Mary's County & Charles County Real Estate. Keep up to date on Community information & local events.
Websites: Southern Maryland Real Estate Southern Maryland Waterfront
Buying Southern MD Homes? Click on "VIP Buyer's Program"
Selling Southern Maryland Homes? Click on "Free Market Analysis
Avenue, MD 20609 - Waterfront in St. Mary's County $585,000
Excellent Condition! This waterfront brick rambler has awesome waterfront views and situated on 1.62 acres of level land !!! Deep water on Whites Neck Creek, large screened porch, Private pier with covered boat house, boat lift, jet-ski lift, electric and water on protected Whites Neck Creek in St. Mary's County - Avenue Maryland!. New kitchen with flat surface cook top Built-in microwave, cabinets. Four Bedrooms and 2 full baths on main level, approx 1624. Integral Garage is 600 sq. ft. and concrete driveway!
Basement features outside entrance and large recreation room, wood fireplace and new carpet, approx 1024 sq. ft. Large open living room with hardwood & fireplaceand leads to screened porch overlooking Whites Neck Creek! Spectacular views of the Creek and the Potomac River on The Virginia side. Approximately 8 miles to Virginia. If your interestd in buying St. Mary's County Waterfront or have a waterfront home and would like to receive a free market anaylis please feel free to give me a call or send an email with any questions. moniquehailer@mris.com M: 443.532.5407 Monique Hailer
Southern Maryland Real Estate & Waterfront Property
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