In a world that is defined by rapid change - particularly in technology - there are concerns that students today won't be prepared for the challenges of the future. Of all U.S. high school students who graduated last year, only 45 percent were ready for college-level math and 30 percent for science, according to ACT, a college-entrance testing agency. As jobs increasingly require proficiency or expertise in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and math), it's more important than ever that children are inspired to explore these subjects and understand their real impact on our everyday lives.
STEM drives an incredible number of the innovations we see today, from the fastest jet planes to the cars in our driveways to the televisions in our living rooms. Even the video and computer games that children and teenagers turn to for entertainment are based on STEM.
However, interest among students in these important subjects is lagging. And with the extraordinary number of careers and opportunities for growth in STEM fields, many organizations in both the private and public sectors are taking action to bolster student interest and enthusiasm in this area. Samsung, for example, is working to make STEM fun and exciting with their STEM education program called Solve for Tomorrow. It's a national contest that encourages teachers and students to creatively use STEM to explore and improve their local environment and community.
Our goal is to raise awareness and interest in STEM subjects, while providing teachers and students with the resources they need to innovate and grow, says David Steel, executive vice president of corporate strategy for Samsung Electronics North America.
We as a nation need to make STEM education a top priority, says Betsy Landers, President of the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), who joined as a program partner this year. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 15 of the 20 fastest growing occupations projected for 2014 require significant mathematics or science preparation. It is clear that making STEM education a priority is important, for our nation's short and long-term future. We commend Samsung for their efforts in making a difference in the education and lives of children.
As the world continues to change in unexpected ways, the demand for technological developments will only increase. By equipping students of today with knowledge and interest in STEM subjects, we're fostering the innovators of tomorrow.
Courtesy of BPT
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Driving student interest in STEM subjects helps foster innovation for the future
Tips to improve your indoor air quality
(BPT) - You pride yourself on keeping a clean home. The laundry is washed, the dishes are dry and the den where the children built their pillow fort has been restored to sanity. You've been vigilant about cleaning up the messes you can see, but what about the messes you can't? What are you doing to improve the air quality in your home?
You may not think about the air quality in your home because the problem isn't visible, but that doesn't stop dust, dander or chemicals from polluting your air. Everyday living generates up to 40 pounds of dust in a six-room house every year, according to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), the HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Association.
Taking steps to clean the air in your home will do more than just improve air quality; it will also save you money. Twenty-five to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted because contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work inefficiently, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
If you're interested in improving the air quality in your home and saving money while you do it, here are some tips to get you headed in the right direction.
Hire a professional to clean your most important asset
Your heating and cooling system is the lungs of your home. The system literally takes air in and breathes air out. Because of this, keeping your HVAC system and your ducts clean is the most important thing you can do to improve your home's air quality. "If your ducts look dirty, they probably are," is NADCA's advice to consumers.
Have your system serviced by a certified technician. This will not only improve the quality of the air in your home, it will allow your heating and cooling system to run more efficiently, saving you money on energy bills.
Make sure to hire a NADCA-certified technician. All members have certified Air Systems Cleaning Specialists (ASCS) on staff and they are required to further their education by attending seminars and to adhere to the NADCA code of ethics.
Encourage ventilation
Today's newer homes are built air tight, making ventilation difficult. The simplest way to encourage ventilation is to simply open windows. In the bathroom, turn on the exhaust fan to stop steam from collecting dirt and keeping it in the bathroom. In the kitchen, place any appliance that creates steam or oily vapor under the stove hood. Finally, make sure vents on the outside of your home are not blocked by leaves or snow as season dictates.
Prevent mold
Mold can be one of the most harmful contaminators of air quality. You'll find mold in areas where moisture and poor ventilation come together. Vacuum rear grills on appliances like your fridge and freezer to improve ventilation and empty and clean any drip trays to eliminate mold. If you have a leaky pipe in your home make sure it is addressed. Take a tour outside and trim any bushes or shrubs that have grown too close as that proximity can lead to mold and algae.
Replace filters and screens
In the warmer months, clean the area around your air conditioner and repair any vermin screens on your chimney flues that may be damaged. During the cooler months, remove screens from any window that may trap condensation and make sure to change your furnace filter monthly.
Keeping the air in your home clean is just as important as washing the dishes or cleaning the clothes. The first step is to have your heating and cooling systems serviced by a NADCA technician. Once that is complete, follow these tips to maintain your air quality. To learn more about NADCA and how you can benefit from an HVAC cleaning, visit nadca.com/en/faq.
Courtesy of BPT
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
What lies beneath your dream home? New homeowners skip sewer line inspections
In a buyer-friendly market, home shoppers can be pretty particular in their search for a dream home. Increasingly, buyers are seeking flawless, move-in ready homes, and while traditional home inspections are a must-have, something equally important lurking beneath homes often goes overlooked. A sewer line inspection is not included in the standard home inspection and is regularly waived in the purchasing process. Additionally, many buyers do not know that responsibility for the condition of the lateral sewer line leading from the street to the home lies with the homeowner, not a municipality. Buyers should reconsider including this important step before they sign a deal.
If a problem occurs, a sewer line replacement costs at least $4,500, but prices vary widely and costs increase dramatically by region, depending on depth and length of the underground pipes and if street repairs become part of the issue.
Experts at Roto-Rooter, North America's largest provider of plumbing repair and drain cleaning services, encounter this scenario far too often. Consumers, who just signed the dotted line on their dream home, soon find that they're trapped in an expensive plumbing nightmare.
"Just a couple of years after purchasing our home, we had a $15,000 sewer line disaster in our lap," says Jennifer Schappacher of Cincinnati. "The sewer line clogs began not long after we moved in, but as they became more frequent we had Roto-Rooter inspect the line with a video camera and only then did we realize the pipe had offset sections and a partial collapse that was causing sewage to back up into our house."
The Schappachers looked at only a few houses before deciding on one in a quiet shady neighborhood. It was charming with large, mature trees that shaded the entire street. But since the house was built in 1959, its concrete and clay underground sewer pipes were vulnerable to heavy root intrusion from the big trees. As those roots entered the pipe joints in search of water, they pushed the pipes apart and allowed surrounding soil to spill into the pipe, narrowing a 6 inch diameter pipe to just 1 inch in some sections.
Generally, a plumber can complete a sewer line camera inspection for $250 to $550, depending on the region. While not cheap, it's a relatively small price to pay when buying a home, especially if it helps a buyer avoid thousands of dollars in unforeseen repair bills.
To avoid unexpected and costly plumbing problems, the experts at Roto-Rooter recommend having a plumber conduct a video camera sewer line inspection, in addition to a standard home inspection, before buyers purchase a home. The process involves passing a waterproof fiber optic video camera through the pipe. The specialized cameras are equipped with bright LED lights so the inspection will reveal any cracks, breaks, offset or collapsed sections of pipe. The plumber will often provide a DVD copy of the inspection as part of the service.
"Sewer inspection camera equipment is expensive and often is only utilized by well-equipped plumbing companies, but the video inspection service itself is easy to complete and well worth the extra step," says Roto-Rooter master plumber Larry Rothman.
Root growth is the most common cause of sewer line damage and is often responsible for blockages and separated pipe sections. Outdated and eroding pipe materials are also a common culprit in sewer line deterioration. Older pipes are much more susceptible to root intrusion than new plastic pipe.
Inspections are especially important if:
* The home is 20 years or older.
* There are mature trees around the property.
* The home has been vacant for a period of time.
* The concrete surrounding the home is cracked or raised.
* There is considerable visible root growth in the yard.
Many homeowners, especially new homeowners, do not know or think about their home plumbing. For seasonal maintenance tips and general information, visit Roto-Rooter's plumbing basics section online at www.rotorooter.com/plumbing-basics.
Courtesy of BPT
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Real Estate in the Buff(ington Building): Clarksburg Area Supply and Demand Chart February 2011
Real Estate in the Buff(ington Building): Clarksburg Area Supply and Demand Chart February 2011
Clarksburg Area Supply and Demand Chart February 2011
Here is the Clarksburg Area supply and demand chart for February 2011. The Red lines are the active homes, blue under contract, and green are sold. The absorption rate is determined by the number of homes on the market and the number of homes selling that month.
Clarksburg's absorption rate for Feb 11 is inline with the Montgomery County numbers. Since this report only looks at resale home, the new home numbers need some attention as well. We are seeing the new home activity spike in recent weeks.
On February 19 and April 2 our New Home Info Center will be open from 10-2 at the RE/MAX Clarksburg Office (23214 Brewers Tavern Way Clarksburg MD). It is a great way to get ALL of the builder information in one spot.
Now is the time when savvy sellers and buyers make their moves.
Absorption Rates:
February 2011 12.7% absorption rate
February 2010 18.1% absorption rate
February 2009 5.7% absorption
Clarksburg Area Supply and Demand Chart February 2011
Here is the Clarksburg Area supply and demand chart for February 2011. The Red lines are the active homes, blue under contract, and green are sold. The absorption rate is determined by the number of homes on the market and the number of homes selling that month.
Clarksburg's absorption rate for Feb 11 is inline with the Montgomery County numbers. Since this report only looks at resale home, the new home numbers need some attention as well. We are seeing the new home activity spike in recent weeks.
On February 19 and April 2 our New Home Info Center will be open from 10-2 at the RE/MAX Clarksburg Office (23214 Brewers Tavern Way Clarksburg MD). It is a great way to get ALL of the builder information in one spot.
Now is the time when savvy sellers and buyers make their moves.
Absorption Rates:
February 2011 12.7% absorption rate
February 2010 18.1% absorption rate
February 2009 5.7% absorption
Monthly Supply of Inventory for Montgomery County Feb 2011
Monthly Supply of Inventory Chart
Here is MSI chart for Montgomery County MD for Feb 2011. MSI is Realtor lingo for "how big is the inventory of homes for sale". Look at it this way, if no other homes came on the market, how long will it take to sell all of the homes currently available. That is MSI.
Most experts say that 5 months is the equilibrium point. More than 5 months, its a sellers market, below 5 its a buyers market.
MSI for Montgomery Co Feb 11 is:
3.2 months
Here is MSI chart for Montgomery County MD for Feb 2011. MSI is Realtor lingo for "how big is the inventory of homes for sale". Look at it this way, if no other homes came on the market, how long will it take to sell all of the homes currently available. That is MSI.
Most experts say that 5 months is the equilibrium point. More than 5 months, its a sellers market, below 5 its a buyers market.
MSI for Montgomery Co Feb 11 is:
3.2 months
Thursday, January 20, 2011
What I Learned about My Real Estate Business from Running a Marathon
On Oct 31, 2010 a very large item was crossed off my "bucket list". I ran in the 35th Marine Corp Marathon, 2500 years after the legendary runner Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens. The experience taught me a lot of things, but most important it reinforced habits and characteristics in my business.
Coaching:
Marathon-Last year I would have said there weren't any sports more solitary and simple than running. I started training in June by myself. About a month in, I realized that I was lost. I wasn't sure how much to train, when to train, where to train, or what to train. It wasn't until I spoke to one of my wife's friends who has run several marathons (we will call her Coach) that I could wrap my mind around the task at hand.
Problem: I was never sure how long or often to run.
Solution: Coach gave me a weekly schedule of runs.
Problem: I could never carry enough water in a bottle for my long runs,
Solution: She told me to wear a Camelback water backpack.
Problem: I got tired on long runs.
Solution: Take Powerade Gel packets every 6 miles.
Problem: My feet would chafe against my socks.
Solution: Glide.
When it came time for the marathon, I went looking for more advice online. I was bombarded with advice (sometimes conflicting) about supplements, equipment, length of training runs...you name it. I got worried so I called Coach. Every question I posed, she repeated one question.
Me: Should I use an electrolyte patch?
Coach, "Did you use one in training?". No.
Me: Should I take Gel packets every 3 miles?
Coach: "Did you do that in training?" No.
I quickly began to realize that 4 months of training was to get your body ready for what to expect on race day. Therefore give your body exactly what it expects on race day. The advice was invaluable.
Real Estate -Real estate can be a very solitary profession. No one will go on the appointments for you. You also have so many options on how to run your business that it can be extremely complicated. The best advice is to get advice. Not just any advice. Find a trusted partner, who knows your business personality and is willing to listen. The right coach/mentor/manager can help your career.
Divide and conquer:
Marathon-No question about it running for 4 plus hours is hard work (mental and physical). An hour into the marathon I crossed the 6 mile mark, I was hurting, there was still 20 miles and 3 plus hours to go. At that moment, a runner behind me yelled, "Great! We only have 10 2mile runs left!". I instantly understood what he meant. This big task can be broken up into smaller more manageable parts. At the 13 mile marker, we were half way home. At mile 17, single digit miles left (9). During training, my wife and I did a 5 mile run along the Chesapeake Bay. It was an effortless scenic run. So at mile 21, I thought back to that run. "5 great miles". This enormous challenge (26.2 miles/4+ hours) became a handful of doable tasks.
Real estate-You too can break down a real estate career into daily activities. How do you sell 20 homes in one year in real estate? Its simple...Daily tasks. Make 3 phone calls, write 3 personal notes, mail one marketing piece to a client, and meet with one client for lunch. The daily tasks will accumulate into weekly appointments. Those weekly appointments will turn into monthly closings. We tend to complicate the business at hand. Keep it simple, but keep it consistent and success will follow.
Goals:
Marathon-Last year, if you told me to go run until I couldn't run anymore I would probably run for 30 minutes then quit. Without a bigger picture, it is hard to get mind and body in sync. 10 months ago I gave myself a goal. On Oct 31, 2010 I will run (not walk) 26.2 miles. I had a singular focus: finish the Marine Corp Marathon. Running 25 miles wasn't going to do it, nor would running 26.2 miles on November 1. One day, one distance. Throughout my training I was able to modify the time I thought I would finish the marathon. Initial I hoped to finish in 4 hours, a month later it was 4hours 30 minutes. The week before the marathon, I felt I could run it in 4:20. Then after I stubbed my toes and strained my calf, 4:50 was my new time. When the alarm clock rang at 5:30 am on Oct 31, I knew exactly what I had to do. At the beginning of the race when runners ran by me, I knew I had to set my own pace and not try to chase them. At mile 20, when it seemed like everyone around me began to walk, I knew I was not going to walk, no matter what. My goals became personal laws that I had to abide by and live within.
Real estate-Goals work hand in hand with your daily tasks. One is pointless without the other. Create goals and stick to them. We tend to give up on our goals too soon because they do not come to fruition immediately. Agents tell me they want to work with more listings next year, or more buyers, or relocation clients. You need to be prepared that your consistent efforts may not produce results for up to 18 mos.
Injury:
Marathon-I hurt my left calf the week leading up to the marathon. I was worried, anxious and somewhat depressed. 4 months of training, entry fees, time away from my family, weekends sacrificed...Was I NOT going to run? My wife answered the questioned succinctly, "You are going to run and finish this marathon." She had to say it a couple times during the week, but those simple words became my mantra. As soon as the race started, my calf began to hurt. I looked up and there was a US Marine running with a shirt that said "Pain is weakness leaving the body". I envisioned that the pain of my calf was actually making me stronger. It sounds crazy, but I got my mind to convince my body that the pain was actually making me run stronger.
Real estate-Bad things happen and they happed when we least expect it. Sometimes it seems like they happen at the worst time or they pile on. Many bad things are unavoidable. What is avoidable is focusing on those "injuries". Surround yourself with positive people, read a good book like Raving Fans or Energy Bus, find inspiration from others...
Days off:
Marathon-One of the most critical parts of training is NOT training. Your body needs time to recover. Muscles need to recoup as well as your mind. Training everyday without breaks can make you HATE running.
Real Estate -I hear fellow Realtors brag that they haven't had a vacation in 5 years. A rested body, mind and soul is a productive one. The opposite is true as well. An overworked, tired, and depressed Realtor is not one I would want to work with.
Fans/Support:
Marathon- I carried little inspirations from my children and wife with me. Before I left the hotel room the morning of the race, my 4 yr old son rolled over and kissed my arm. He said that it was a "running kiss". When I was hurt, I would think about those "running kisses". When I was tired I would think about my 2yr old riding in the jog stroller for some of my training runs. When I was uncertain about finishing, I would think about my 6yr old daughter wanting to run a marathon with me someday. The best part of the Marine Corp Marathon is the finish. There were thousands of screaming spectators, US Marines lining the road, and of course my family.
Real Estate-My business has been built almost exclusively on referral. When you do good work and earn the respect of your clients, they will want their loved ones, co-workers and friends to work with you. You need fans in your business too.
Life is all about perspective. It is not until we push the limits of what is possible that we uncover strengths and skills we never knew existed. Don't let arbitrary barriers stand in the way of your ambition, dreams and goals.
Coaching:
Marathon-Last year I would have said there weren't any sports more solitary and simple than running. I started training in June by myself. About a month in, I realized that I was lost. I wasn't sure how much to train, when to train, where to train, or what to train. It wasn't until I spoke to one of my wife's friends who has run several marathons (we will call her Coach) that I could wrap my mind around the task at hand.
Problem: I was never sure how long or often to run.
Solution: Coach gave me a weekly schedule of runs.
Problem: I could never carry enough water in a bottle for my long runs,
Solution: She told me to wear a Camelback water backpack.
Problem: I got tired on long runs.
Solution: Take Powerade Gel packets every 6 miles.
Problem: My feet would chafe against my socks.
Solution: Glide.
When it came time for the marathon, I went looking for more advice online. I was bombarded with advice (sometimes conflicting) about supplements, equipment, length of training runs...you name it. I got worried so I called Coach. Every question I posed, she repeated one question.
Me: Should I use an electrolyte patch?
Coach, "Did you use one in training?". No.
Me: Should I take Gel packets every 3 miles?
Coach: "Did you do that in training?" No.
I quickly began to realize that 4 months of training was to get your body ready for what to expect on race day. Therefore give your body exactly what it expects on race day. The advice was invaluable.
Real Estate -Real estate can be a very solitary profession. No one will go on the appointments for you. You also have so many options on how to run your business that it can be extremely complicated. The best advice is to get advice. Not just any advice. Find a trusted partner, who knows your business personality and is willing to listen. The right coach/mentor/manager can help your career.
Divide and conquer:
Marathon-No question about it running for 4 plus hours is hard work (mental and physical). An hour into the marathon I crossed the 6 mile mark, I was hurting, there was still 20 miles and 3 plus hours to go. At that moment, a runner behind me yelled, "Great! We only have 10 2mile runs left!". I instantly understood what he meant. This big task can be broken up into smaller more manageable parts. At the 13 mile marker, we were half way home. At mile 17, single digit miles left (9). During training, my wife and I did a 5 mile run along the Chesapeake Bay. It was an effortless scenic run. So at mile 21, I thought back to that run. "5 great miles". This enormous challenge (26.2 miles/4+ hours) became a handful of doable tasks.
Real estate-You too can break down a real estate career into daily activities. How do you sell 20 homes in one year in real estate? Its simple...Daily tasks. Make 3 phone calls, write 3 personal notes, mail one marketing piece to a client, and meet with one client for lunch. The daily tasks will accumulate into weekly appointments. Those weekly appointments will turn into monthly closings. We tend to complicate the business at hand. Keep it simple, but keep it consistent and success will follow.
Goals:
Marathon-Last year, if you told me to go run until I couldn't run anymore I would probably run for 30 minutes then quit. Without a bigger picture, it is hard to get mind and body in sync. 10 months ago I gave myself a goal. On Oct 31, 2010 I will run (not walk) 26.2 miles. I had a singular focus: finish the Marine Corp Marathon. Running 25 miles wasn't going to do it, nor would running 26.2 miles on November 1. One day, one distance. Throughout my training I was able to modify the time I thought I would finish the marathon. Initial I hoped to finish in 4 hours, a month later it was 4hours 30 minutes. The week before the marathon, I felt I could run it in 4:20. Then after I stubbed my toes and strained my calf, 4:50 was my new time. When the alarm clock rang at 5:30 am on Oct 31, I knew exactly what I had to do. At the beginning of the race when runners ran by me, I knew I had to set my own pace and not try to chase them. At mile 20, when it seemed like everyone around me began to walk, I knew I was not going to walk, no matter what. My goals became personal laws that I had to abide by and live within.
Real estate-Goals work hand in hand with your daily tasks. One is pointless without the other. Create goals and stick to them. We tend to give up on our goals too soon because they do not come to fruition immediately. Agents tell me they want to work with more listings next year, or more buyers, or relocation clients. You need to be prepared that your consistent efforts may not produce results for up to 18 mos.
Injury:
Marathon-I hurt my left calf the week leading up to the marathon. I was worried, anxious and somewhat depressed. 4 months of training, entry fees, time away from my family, weekends sacrificed...Was I NOT going to run? My wife answered the questioned succinctly, "You are going to run and finish this marathon." She had to say it a couple times during the week, but those simple words became my mantra. As soon as the race started, my calf began to hurt. I looked up and there was a US Marine running with a shirt that said "Pain is weakness leaving the body". I envisioned that the pain of my calf was actually making me stronger. It sounds crazy, but I got my mind to convince my body that the pain was actually making me run stronger.
Real estate-Bad things happen and they happed when we least expect it. Sometimes it seems like they happen at the worst time or they pile on. Many bad things are unavoidable. What is avoidable is focusing on those "injuries". Surround yourself with positive people, read a good book like Raving Fans or Energy Bus, find inspiration from others...
Days off:
Marathon-One of the most critical parts of training is NOT training. Your body needs time to recover. Muscles need to recoup as well as your mind. Training everyday without breaks can make you HATE running.
Real Estate -I hear fellow Realtors brag that they haven't had a vacation in 5 years. A rested body, mind and soul is a productive one. The opposite is true as well. An overworked, tired, and depressed Realtor is not one I would want to work with.
Fans/Support:
Marathon- I carried little inspirations from my children and wife with me. Before I left the hotel room the morning of the race, my 4 yr old son rolled over and kissed my arm. He said that it was a "running kiss". When I was hurt, I would think about those "running kisses". When I was tired I would think about my 2yr old riding in the jog stroller for some of my training runs. When I was uncertain about finishing, I would think about my 6yr old daughter wanting to run a marathon with me someday. The best part of the Marine Corp Marathon is the finish. There were thousands of screaming spectators, US Marines lining the road, and of course my family.
Real Estate-My business has been built almost exclusively on referral. When you do good work and earn the respect of your clients, they will want their loved ones, co-workers and friends to work with you. You need fans in your business too.
Life is all about perspective. It is not until we push the limits of what is possible that we uncover strengths and skills we never knew existed. Don't let arbitrary barriers stand in the way of your ambition, dreams and goals.
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