POLITICS: Kristen Davis - Candidate for NY Governor...QUALIFICATIONS

You have to hand it to this candidate for NYS Governor. During last night's debate we heard from a little-known candidate, KRISTEN DAVIS, who certainly has the qualifications to take on Albany: ....former madam Kristen Davis, running on the Anti Prohibition Party line and who wants to legalize marijuana and gambling, made no secret of her former line of work running an escort service business.“The career politicians in Albany are the biggest whores in this state, ” said Davis. “I might be the only person sitting on this stage with the right experience to deal with them. And Ms. Davis suggested that her experience running an escort service made her the candidate best prepared to reform the NYCity Metropolitan Transportation Authority. “The key difference between the M.T.A. and my former escort agency is I operated one set of books and I offered on-time and reliable service,” Ms. Davis said to laughter and applause. “Businesses will leave the state,” she added, “faster than Carl Paladino at a gay bar.”.... ...Got to admit....she calls 'em as she sees 'em. Coverage from NYTimes...

A Little-Known Loan Program for Fixer-Uppers

There’s a way to make essential repairs and add other upgrades without dipping into savings or taking out a home-equity loan. The Federal Housing Administration’s 203(k) rehabilitation program provides for loans covering renovation costs as well as the purchase price of a primary residence — investors excluded — and it allows for just a 3.5 percent down payment. Although the program has been around since 1978, it is not well publicized, and many borrowers mistakenly think they have to buy a wreck in order to qualify. “It just has to appraise below market value and then at market value with the repairs.” The program also applies to many historic and older houses as well as short sales and bank-owned homes. HUD outlines the rules on its Web site. Home buyers must put down at least 3.5 percent of the current value of the property and use a HUD-approved lender, appraiser and a contractor approved by the lender for the repairs. See NY TIMES: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/17/realestate/mortgages/17mort.html?hpw

HISTORY HITLER Exhibit A Cautionary Reminder

Below is a link to an interesting NYT's article on the controversial HITLER Exhibit sponsored by the German Historical Museum. 'The recently opened exhibit explains the early appeal of the Nazis, who demonstrated a keen appreciation for the politics of populism’s creating a sense of unity and purpose. They also promoted the union of church, state and party.....a cautionary exhibit, particularly with the continued conflict between German citizens and Muslim immigrants. Definitely worth a read. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/16/world/europe/16hitler.html?src=me&ref=general

Norwich Farm Scores NYC Food Deal

The Norwich Sun reported (10/16/10) that customers of NYC gourmet food chain, Dean & Deluca, will be enjoying produce grown in Chenango County as a result of a deal between the food retailer and Norwich Meadows Farm. Norwich Meadows currently sells more than 99 percent of its produce through greenmarkets, community supported agriculture (CSAs) and directly to restaurants in New York City. The agreement should prove to be a lucrative one for the organic farming operation. If the relationship works out, there may also be an opportunity to provide fresh vegetables and herbs to the seven cafés the company also operates in New York City. Link to article: http://www.evesun.com/news/stories/2010-10-15/10698/Norwich-Meadows-Farm-lands-Dean-Deluca-deal/

Loan Program for FIXER-UPPERS

There’s a way to make essential repairs and add other upgrades without dipping into savings or taking out a home-equity loan. The Federal Housing Administration’s 203(k) rehabilitation program provides for loans covering renovation costs as well as the purchase price of a primary residence — investors excluded — and it allows for just a 3.5 percent down payment. Although the program has been around since 1978, it is not well publicized, and many borrowers mistakenly think they have to buy a wreck in order to qualify. “It just has to appraise below market value and then at market value with the repairs.” The program also applies to many historic and older houses as well as short sales and bank-owned homes. HUD outlines the rules on its Web site. Home buyers must put down at least 3.5 percent of the current value of the property and use a HUD-approved lender, appraiser and a contractor approved by the lender for the repairs. See NY TIMES: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/17/realestate/mortgages/17mort.html?hpw

BUSINESS: Former Welch's Auction Barn to Reopen

Good News Article in the ONEONTA Star....re: opening of the former WELCH's LIVESTOCK AUCTION house on Route 8....First auction scheduled for this Monday - 12:30 PM -October 18 and every Monday thereafter. They will be selling a registered Holstein milking herd from Willow Mill Stock Farm, as well as other Holsteins, bred heifers, calves, sheep, lambs, pigs, goats and horses. Tom and Brenda Hosking of Nichols will be reopening the auction barn. They have a farm in Nichols and operate an auction business in Athens, Pa. Hosking worked for Welch’s about 30 years ago while going to (SUNY) Cobleskill. Here is a link to the full article "THE CLATTER OF HOOVES"..... http://thedailystar.com/localnews/x935813380/Clatter-of-hooves-to-be-heard-again-at-auction-house