Friday, April 30, 2010

Georgetown's Halcyon House for Sale


The Halcyon House, one of Washington D.C.'s most historic properties, is on the market and listed for $19.5 million.

Built in 1787 by the first Secretary of the Navy, Benjamin Stoddard, the Halcyon House in the heart of Georgetown was the center of much of Washington's social life in the early 1800's.

Stoddard eventually transferred ownership to his daughter, Elizabeth Ewell, who with her husband Thomas had a child. Richard S. Ewell later became a noted Confederate General in the American Civil War under Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee.

Over the years the house has had many renovation and many owners including Albert Clemens (Mark Twain's nephew), Dorothy W. Sterling (wife of a U.S. Ambassador to Sweden), Georgetown Univesity (used the building as dormitory), and John Dreyfuss (sculptor).

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Amazing Ride Cap'd by Dissappointing Defeat

The number one seed Washington Capitals were beaten 2-1 last night by eighth seed Montreal Canadiens in game seven of the Stanley Cup first round series and now how the rest of the offseason to ponder what could have been.

The Caps team that won the Presidents Trophy after collecting the most points in the regular season and were hyped as the top contender for the Cup in 2010 gave up a 3-1 series lead on the "Habs", an original six franchise that is probably the most decorated in league history but hasn't won hockey's biggest prize since 1993.

The Capitals were plagued in the postseason by star player Alexandre Semin's vanishing act (0 goals and 2 assists while leading the NHL in the playoffs with 44 shots), an ineffectual power play (1 for 33 in the series), and in the last three games, a brick wall of a goaltender by the name of Jaroslav Halak (131 saves on 134 shots in that span).

The Canadiens move on to play Capitals' rival Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. The Capitals will have to decide what direction to take the franchise in the offseason. Do they dismantle and overhaul the roster? Fire coach Bruce Boudreau?

In my opinion, they shouldn't do either of these things. These players are still young and have several great years of hockey ahead. Coach Boudreau has coached many of them up from the minor leagues as coach of the Hershey Bears so they already know his system and how to execute it. This team seems to have great chemistry and could probably use only minor tweaks to the roster at this point.

The first thing they must do is resign Nicklas Backstrom. The talented 22 year old Swedish center is a restricted free agent this offseason. The second thing General Manager George McPhee must do is find a defensive veteran leader in free agency. Adding a player like Scott Niedermayer or Sergei Gonchar, both of whom are available, could go a long way in helping to develop youngsters Mike Green and John Carlson. Finally, the team needs to figure out what their plan is for next year at the goalie position. They can resign free agent Jose Theodore but would probably be better off letting him go in order to free up salary cap space. If that's the case they can opt to bring in another free agent on the cheap or decide to rely on prospect Michal Neuvirth. Either way, Semyon Valamov should start next year.

It was a great year for the Washington Capitals with a tremendously disappointing finish for the team and fans. But after the initial pain wears away and the media frenzy over the next couple weeks quiets down, looking ahead to next season is going to seem pretty bright I think.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

March Sales Date in Northern Virginia

From Northern Virginia Association of Realtors:

March Sales Data

Look How Far We Have Come in One Year: 2010 is On Solid Ground So Far: We Are Headed Out of the Danger Zone, the Statistics Show

News outlets have been reporting that our economy is expanding, inventories have been restocked, and a growth pattern is quantifiable.

So how is the local housing market doing now that the first quarter of 2010 is complete? The snapshot results in mostly good news:

March 2010 realized a net increase in homes sold of about 5 percent. We can conclude that the tax credit, housing affordability and the continued low interest rates fueled this gain.
Interestingly, First Quarter home sales in 2010 are on par
with last year's number, with only a .12 percent increase (12/100 of 1 percent). Statistically speaking that is a push.

The big dip came in days on the market, which dropped 42 percent. Such a negative number in March this year means an average house sold in 52 days, rather than the 89 days it took to sell last year. Months supply dropped too. We now have a five-month supply compared to last March’s six-month supply: statistical evidence that houses are selling.

Average March sales prices rose 10 percent compared to last year, with a nearly 12 percent year-to-date average sales boost.

Casting a wider net across the Greater Northern Virginia market, the average sale price in March rose 18 percent. For the first quarter, sales prices rose almost 19 percent. The overall year-to-date homes sold dropped almost 12 percent, which means sales activity has been slower in the western and southern surrounding counties.
Days on market numbers declined about 43 percent, in a similar trend as Northern Virginia. Adding in days on the market for Greater NoVA, homes sold in 55 days in March, rather than the 95 days it took one year ago.

CNN Money.Com Reports That People Have Growing Confidence

Consumer behavior shows recession is over
By Chris Isidore CNN Money.Com April 7, 2010

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Economists have been saying for a while that the Great Recession has ended. Now, there are signs that the general public is finally starting to agree.

Though still pitifully low, consumer confidence is improving.

But some of the positive economic news of recent weeks, like the best job gains in three years, the continued stock market
rally and early signs of a turnaround in home values, is starting to make people more hopeful.
It's a growing optimism that can best be seen in consumers'
actions, not their answers to various polls.

"If you look at what they're saying, they're still very nervous," said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Economy.com. "But if you look at what they're doing, they're more convinced that things have turned the corner."

Voting with their wallets Consumer spending is improving at a faster pace than many had expected at this stage in the recovery.

March 2010 Regional Home Sales

Northern Virginia: March 2010

The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors® reports on March 2010 home sales activity for Fairfax and Arlington counties, the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church and the towns of Vienna, Herndon and Clifton.

A total of 1,448 homes sold in March 2010, an increase of almost 5 percent above March 2009 home sales of 1,384.

Active listings decreased by about 10 percent from last year, with 7,232 active listings in March, compared with 8,069 homes available in March 2009. The average days on market (DOM) for homes in March 2010 decreased by around 42
percent to 52 days, compared with 89 days in March 2009.

Sales prices rose compared with those realized last year. The average sales price in March increased by 10 percent from March 2009, to $435,359, compared with last March’s
average of $395,512.

The median price of homes sold in Northern Virginia in March was $372,500, which is an increase of 11 percent compared with March 2009’s median price of $335,000.
The number of pending home sales in Northern Virginia in March was up 12 percent at 2,594 compared to 2,306 contracts pending in March 2009.

Greater Northern Virginia: March 2010

Sales activity in Greater Northern Virginia (NVAR jurisdictions plus Prince William, Loudoun and the Greater Piedmont counties) for March 2010 also shows a slight decrease from March 2009, although average sales prices continue to remain higher.

The number of Greater Northern Virginia region homes sold
in March was 2,656, just under a 4 percent decrease from March 2009’s total of 2,755 sales. Pending home sales remained constant with 4,584 in March 2009 compared with 4,561 in March 2010, a difference of less than one percent.
The average sales price of $373,592 in March 2010 increased by about 18 percent over March 2009’s average sales price of $317,158.

Across Greater Northern Virginia, the number of listings continues to decrease, with 13,831 listings active, which is around 11 percent less than this time last year, when 15,508 homes were available. The average DOM for a home sold in March 2010 was 55 compared with last year’s 95 DOM, a decrease of around 42 percent.



Tuesday, April 27, 2010


Take a look at this slideshow from the New York Times that depicts residential homes with uncoventional architecture. The homes that are highlighted in this piece include a renovated church, a design inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright crafted with the use of seven shipping containers, a residence in a cave, a house made out of materials salvaged from Boston's "Big Dig" construction project, and a converted water tower.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Washington Redskins Draft Analysis

The Washington Redskins draft analysis from NFL.com's Draft Tracker.

Round 1, Pick 4: Trent Williams, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma (6'5", 315 lbs.)
Pick Analysis: The Redskins opt to take the ultra-athletic Trent Williams over Russell Okung. Williams, who logged starts at both tackle spots and center during his collegiate career, gives the team a nimble athlete to play left tackle in their zone-based blocking scheme. Although there were some concerns about his work ethic, his ability to cutoff blockers on the backside on running plays made him a better fit for Washington.

Round 4, Pick 5 (103): Perry Riley, Linebacker, LSU (6'1", 239 lbs.)
Pick Analysis: The Redskins pick up a stout linebacker in Perry Riley to add depth to their linebacker corps. As an instinctive player with good awareness, Riley gives Jim Haslett a versatile player to line at one of the inside linebacker spots in their new 3-4.

Round 6, Pick 5 (174): Dennis Morris, Tight End, Louisiana Tech (6'2", 265 lbs.)
Pick Analysis: Morris is a tight end that the Redskins will play at fullback. He's a blocking tight end that will be their lead blocker in the zone running scheme that Mike Shanahan implements. He figures to compete with Mike Sellers for playing time.

Round 7, Pick 12 (219): Terrance Austin, Wide Reciever, UCLA (5'11", 172 lbs.)
Pick Analysis: The Redskins made clear before the draft they were interested in acquiring some more depth at the receiver position, and Austin helped himself during the pre-draft process with an impressive pro day. Austin does not have the size typically preferred by Mike Shanahan, and is extremely thin, but he can potentially earn a roster spot if he shines as a slot receiver or returner in training camp.

Round 7, Pick 22 (229): Erik Cook, Center, New Mexico (6'6", 318 lbs.)
Pick Analysis: The Redskins grab an interior offensive linemen that has good size and is a natural knee bender. Unlikely to make an immediate impact, Cook has the ability to develop into a versatile contributor in the future for coach Mike Shanahan.

Round 7, Pick 24 (231): Selvish Capers, Offensive Tackle, West Virginia (6'4", 308 lbs.)
Pick Analysis: The Redskins came into the draft looking for help at offensive tackle, and after drafting Trent Williams fourth overall, they add Capers in the seventh round. Capers is a great value in the seventh round, and will compete for a spot at an area in which Washington is very thin -- right tackle.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

The 2010 NFL Draft takes place today at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. It offers a chance for teams to retool their rosters with the addition of college footballs best players. The Washington Redskins have the 4th overall pick this year after a disappointing 4-12 season. With a front office overhaul and the help of new coach Mike Shanahan and new general manager Bruce Allen the 'Skins are expected to wheel and deal, with defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, quarterback Jason Campbell, and linebacker Rocky McIntosh on the trading block, to add the four alloted selections they currently have.

David's Mock Draft:
1. St. Louis Rams - QB Sam Bradford (Oklahoma)
2. Detroit Lions - DT Ndamakah Suh (Nebraska)
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DT Gerald McCoy (Oklahoma)
4. Washington Redskins - OT Russell Okung (Oklahoma State)
5. Kansas City Chiefs - OT Trent Williams (Oklahoma)
6. Seattle Seahawks - OT Bryan Bulaga (Iowa)
7. Cleveland Browns - S Eric Berry (Tennessee)
8. Oakland Raiders - OT Bruce Campbell (Maryland)
9. Buffalo Bills - QB Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame)
10. Jacksonville Jaguars - LB Rolando McClain (Alabama)
11. Denver Broncos - WR Dez Bryant (Oklahoma State)
12. Miami Dolphins - LB Sergio Kindle (Texas)
13. San Francisco 49ers - CB Joe Haden (Florida)
14. Seattle Seahawks - RB C.J. Spiller (Clemson)
15. New York Giants - DT Dan Williams (Tennessee)
16. Tennessee Titans - LB Derrick Morgan (Georgia Tech)
17. San Francisco 49ers - OG Mike Iupati (Idaho)
18. Pittsburgh Steelers - WR Demaryius Thomas (Georgia Tech)
19. Atlanta Falcons - LB Sean Weatherspoon (Missouri)
20. Houston Texans - S Earl Thomas (Texas)
21. Cincinnati Bengals - TE Jermaine Gresham (Oklahoma)
22. New England Patriots - DE/LB Jason Pierre-Paul (South Florida)
23. Green Bay Packers - S Taylor Mays (Southern Cal)
24. Philadelphia Eagles - CB Kyle Wilson (Boise State)
25. Baltimore Ravens - DT Jared Odrick (Penn State)
26. Arizona Cardinals - DE Brandon Graham (Michigan)
27. Dallas Cowboys - OT Anthony Davis (Rutgers)
28. San Diego Chargers - RB Ryan Matthews (Fresno State)
29. New York Jets - DE Everson Griffin (Southern Cal)
30. Minnesota Vikings - CB Devin McCourty (Rutgers)
31. Indianapolis Colts - C Maurkice Pouncey (Florida)
32. New Orleans Saints - DE Jerry Hughes (Texas Christian)

Monday, April 19, 2010

New EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rules

On April 22nd, 2010 all residential renovations and/or remodeling in the United States will have to be done by EPA certified contractors. This includes interior, exterior, large, and small projects on any home built before 1978 that may contain lead based paint. Fines for neglect of the law may be up to $37,500 per violation.

Known as the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule requires the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. This new law affects a wide range of people including contractors, homeowners, property managers (landlords), Realtors, and training providers. For more information, view the EPA website.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Regional Groups Launch New Foreclosure Network

Article from the Washington Business Journal:
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and the Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington launched on Wednesday the Capital Area Foreclosure Network, a group funded by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that will work to prevent foreclosures in the Washington area.

The group, comprised of local governments and nonprofits, as well as larger organizations such as NeighborWorks America, plans to conduct marketing and outreach campaigns and support existing nonprofits and coalitions that work with residents at risk of foreclosure.

CAFN released preliminary data from the Urban Institute that found a 2.9 percent foreclosure rate in the region, where foreclosure rates range from 1 percent in Arlington to 6 percent in Prince George’s County.

The institute found that 9.5 percent of all area mortgages were 30 days delinquent or more.

The Urban Institute plans to conduct further research of legal services, housing counseling and social services in the area to help the CAFN better connect at-risk residents to services.

The group will co-host an event May 6 with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and Fannie Mae about new federal protections for renters whose landlords have gone into foreclosure.

It also plans to host an event with Freddie Mac about working with loan servicers.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Redskins Update

Do not try to call Washington Redskins General Manager Bruce Allen this week. After trading picks to the Eagles for star quarterback Donovan McNabb less than a fortnight ago he can't rest and wait for the NFL Draft to arrive. He's still got plenty of work to do.

Last year's starting quarterback in Washington, Jason Campbell, has signed a $3.1 tender with the 'Skins, taking him off the market as a restricted free agent but opening up the possibility (or probability) of a trade. He has stopped attending voluntary workouts with the team. Other franchises that are rumored to be interested include the Oakland Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, and Buffalo Bills.

The Redskins are also exploring opportunities to trade highly paid defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. The former Titan signed a huge contract with the Redskins as an unrestricted free agent last year but has not seen eye to eye with coach Mike Shanahan and his staff. Albert has made public his disappointment with the teams decision to tranform into a 3-4 defense, as he has always played in a 4-3 scheme, and has also refused to show up for voluntary work outs with the team.

Though it is believed he would report to mandatory camps, the situation seems to have built up too much tension to be resolved soon. Shanahan is trying to change the culture of players being too empowered at Redskins Park. Haynesworth is also said to have a strained relationship with many of his teammates and removing him would endear the head coach to his new squad and spread positive chemistry throughout the locker room.

The only team likely to be a suitable trade destination would be his former team, the Tennessee Titans. However, the Redskins would probably want some return on the $21 million bonus they paid to Haynesworth last month. The Titans are not historically the kind of team to throw around money and that may be too rich for their blood, but something might be able to be worked out since Shanahan has a good relationship with Titans coach Jeff Fisher.

The NFL Draft is April 22 and the Redskins biggest needs are an offensive tackle, developmental quarterback, and nose tackle.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Going Green? 10 Tax Break for 2010

From Urban Trekker:

Looking to fix up your house? Here are the 10 tax breaks for going green,
via Forbes.

1. If you fix up your house. $1,500 off your tax bill - a 30% credit for the first $5,000 you spend in 2009 or 2010 for improvements to your house energy efficiency. (for further reading: Energy Efficiency Home and Vehicle Tax Credits)

2. Buy a new refrigerator. States are rolling out $300 million worth of rebates for home owners who replaced their clunker apps with new energy-efficient models.(check out Department of Energy approved Energy Efficiency Rebates)

3. Get hot water from the sun. Solar hot water system to heat your shower or radiators (not hot tub or pool) qualify for a 30% federal credit with no dollar cap.

4. Install a solar energy system. Uncle Sam will give you a tax credit equal to 30% of the price of a solar system you install to generate electricity in your home. For a $60,000 system, that's a whopping $18,000 off your taxes.

5. Take the bus. Bus, train, subway, and van-pool commuters can now get equal tax benefits with those who drive solo to work an pay to park. (up to pre-tax $230 for employers sponsor plans).

6. Buy a Ford hybrid. Taxpayers stuck paying the AMT can finally claim the credit for hybrid cars purchased in 2009 or 2010, but only if they buy Ford motor hybrids. (FYI: Honda and Toyota no longer qualify). Check out Alliance to Save Energy for Vehicle Tax Credits for more info.

7. Plug In a Chevy Volt... slated later for showrooms in November with projected price of $40,000, qualifies for federal tax credit of $7,500. Nissan Leaf coming out in December, should also qualify for the credit.

8. Bike to work. A new law lets your employer reimburse you $20 a month for bicyle commuting as tax-free fringe benefits. Can't take both with train, it's one of the other.

9. Dig for heat. Uncle Sam will give you a tax credit for 30% of the cost of geothermal heat pump system that feeds off the warmth in the ground to heat your home.

10. Put a windmill in your yard. A basic residential windmill runs $40,000, but you can get a federal tax credit equal to a full 30% of your windmill cost.More on tax tips "How to Save Money on Going Green" and watch video on 'Tax Tips for 2010.'

For further reading you can check out few sites:
Alliance to Save Energy: Energy Efficiency Home and Vehicle Tax Credits
Energy Savers Rebates, Tax Credits, Financing: Approved Energy Efficient Appliance Rebates
Virginia Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program
Maryland: Residential Incentives and FY 2010 Comprehensive Program Guide
Green DC: Energy Star Appliance Rebates
DSIRE: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency

Monday, April 12, 2010

Caps v Habs in Round 1 of Cup Playoffs

The Washington Capitols now know that the first stop on the road to the Stanley Cup is in Montreal. The number 1 seeded Caps will meed the eighth seeded Habs in a best of seven series in the first round of the NHL Playoffs.

Coach Bruce Boudreau and his squad have learned over the past two seasons what the playoffs are about. And after playing back-to-back seven game series last year, eventually going out at the hands of the eventual champion Pittsburgh Penguins, they know how important a good start is in order to stay fresh and have some gas in the tank in the later rounds. They will want to smother the Canadiens early.

First Round Schedule (Home Team, Date, Time, TV Network):
Game 1:
@ Washington, Thu. 4/15, 7 p.m., TSN & Versus
Game 2: @ Washington, Sat. 4/17, 7 p.m., TSN & Versus
Game 3: @ Montreal, Mon. 4/19, 7 p.m., TSN
Game 4: @ Montreal, Wed. 4/21, 7 p.m., TSN
Game 5*: @ Washington, Fri 4/23, 7 p.m., TSN & Versus
Game 6*: @ Montreal, Mon. 4/26, 7 p.m., TSN & Versus
Game 7*: @ Washington, Wed. 4/28, TBD, TSN
* = if necessary

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Arlington Market Trends

Arlington, Virginia
2010 Home Sales = 383 (-17.5% from Mar. 2009)
2010 Median Sales Price = $413,500 (+$6,000 or +1.5% from Mar. 2009)

Homes on the Market = 835
Foreclosures on the Market = 168
Average Listing Price = $632,518 (-$5,469 or -.09% from last week)
Average Price per Sq. Foot = $381 (+2.4% from Mar. 2009)

Popular Neighborhoods = Highland Park - Overlee Knolls, Yorktown, High View Park, Donaldson Run, Cherrydale, and Rock Spring

Statistics found on Trulia Real Estate Search

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

NHL Awards Predictions

With the 2009-2010 NHL season wrapping up this weekend, here are my predictions of award winner at the NHL Awards Night in Las Vegas on June 18th.

Stanley Cup
Awarded to: NHL Playoff Champion
Holder: Pittsburgh Penguins
Prediction: Chicago Blackhawks

Prince of Wales Trophy
Awarded to: Eastern Conference Playoff Champion
Holder: Pittsburgh Penguins
Prediction: Washington Capitols

Clarence S. Campbell Bowl
Awarded to: Western Conference Playoff Champion
Holder: Detroit Red Wings
Prediction: Chicago Blackhawks

President's Trophy
Awarded to: Most Points in Regular Season
Holder: San Jose Sharks
Winner: Washington Capitols

Hart Memorial Trophy
Awarded to: League MVP
Holder: Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitols)
Prediction: Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitols)
Also Running: Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins), Ryan Miller (Buffalo Sabres), Henrik Sedin (Vancouver Canucks)

Vezina Trophy
Awarded to: Best Goalie
Holder: Tim Thomas (Boston Bruins)
Prediction: Ryan Miller (Buffalo Sabres)
Also Running: Ilya Bryzgalov (Phoenix Coyotes), Martin Broeduer (New Jersey Devils), Craig Anderson (Colorado Avalanche)

James Norris Memorial Trophy
Awarded to: Best Defenseman
Holder: Zdeno Chara (Boston Bruins)
Prediction: Mike Green (Washington Capitols)
Also Running: Duncan Keith (Chicago Blackhawks), Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings), Chris Pronger (Philadelphia Flyers)

Calder Memorial Trophy
Awarded to: Best Rookie
Holder: Steve Mason (Columbus Blue Jackets)
Prediction: Tyler Myers (Buffalo Sabres)
Also Running: Matt Duchene (Los Angeles Kings), John Tavares (New York Islanders), Jimmy Howard (Detroit Red Wings)

Jack Adams Award
Awarded to: Best Coach
Holder: Claude Julien (Boston Bruins)
Prediction: Dave Tippett (Phoenix Coyotes)
Also Running: Joe Sacco (Colorado Avalanche), Terry Murray (Los Angeles Kings), Cory Clouston (Ottawa Senators)

Lady Bing Memorial Trophy
Awarded for: Sportsmanship
Holder: Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit Redwings)
Prediction: Brad Richards (Dallas Stars)
Also Running: Martin St. Louis (Tampa Bay Lightning), Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks), Patrick Marleau (San Jose Sharks)

Conn Smyth Trophy
Awarded to: Playoff MVP
Holder: Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Prediction: Jonathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks)

Art Ross Trophy
Awarded to: Points Leader
Holder: Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Leaders: Henrik Sedin - 107 (Vancouver Canucks) and Alex Ovechkin - 106 (Washington Capitols)

Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy
Award to: Most Goals
Holder: Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitols)
Leaders: Alex Ovechkin - 48 (Washington Capitols), Sidney Crosby - 48 (Pittsburgh Penguins), Steve Stamkos - 47 (Tampa Bay Lightning)

NHL Plus-Minus Award
Awarded to: Highest +/-
Holder: David Krejci (Boston Bruins)
Leaders: Jeff Schultz - +44 (Washington Capitols) and Alex Ovechkin - +43 (Washington Capitols)

Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award
Awarded to: Highest Save Percentage
Holder: Tim Thomas (Boston Bruins)
Leaders: Tuukka Rask - .930 (Boston Bruins), Ryan Miller - .928 (Buffalo Sabres)

William M. Jennings Trophy
Awarded to: Team Least Goals Against
Holders: Tim Thomas and Manny Fernandez (Boston Bruins)
Leaders: Martin Brodeur - 186 (New Jersey Devils) and Tim Thomas and Tuukka Rask - 194(Boston Bruins)

Not Listed: Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy (Perseverance, Sportsmanship, Dedication), Lester B. Pearson Award (Outstanding Player as voted by Players Association), Frank J. Selke Trophy (Best Defensive Forward), King Clancy Memorial Trophy (Humanitarian Leadership), NHL Foundation Player Award (Community Service), Mark Messier Leadership Award (Leadership), NHL Lifetime Achievement Award, Scotiabank Fan Fav Award (Fans' Favorite Player)

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Arlington Home Show & Expo

The 4th annual Arlington Home Show & Expo will be held Saturday, April 10 at the Walter Reed Community Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This event will offer one-stop shopping for a wide variety of home improvements. Admission is free as well the parking and shuttle at Arlington Career Center just minutes away.

You can learn a lot about remodeling kitchens and baths, finishing or waterproofing basements, replacing windows and doors, as well as flooring, siding, gutter, and paving solutions, security systems, insulation, landscaping, shelving, decks, and more. There will be information on how to make your home more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

There will be more than 50 exhibitors offering advice and services to add beauty and value to your home, as well as Realtors, local banks, Master Gardeners and Tree Stewerds, and Arlington County representatives to answer questions regarding permits, zoning, and inspections. There will also be free classes available on a variety of subjects that would be of interest to homeowners.

Look on the Arlington Home Show & Expo website for more information.

Monday, April 5, 2010

McNabb Traded to 'Skins

Donovan McNabb became the newest Washington Redskin on Easter Sunday. The Philadelphia Eagles traded the Pro Bowl quarterback to their NFC East rivals for a second round pick in the upcoming 2010 NFL Draft and a third or fourth round selection next year.


McNabb, the number two overall selection by the Eagles in the 1999 NFL Draft, had a very successful career in Philadelphia; playing in five NFC Championships and one Super Bowl in 11 years, while being named to six Pro Bowls.


McNabb joins a crowded Redskins team under center, who already have three year incumbent Jason Campbell and Rex Grossman; another quarterback with Super Bowl credentials, formerly of the Chicago Bears. The Redskins have also been scouting quarterbacks before next month's draft, where they sit at number four overall, including Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen and Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, who is scheduled to visit with the team on Tuesday.


It's reported the McNabb chose the Redskins over the Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills, who also made offers. The Eagles also rejected an earlier offer of highly paid defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth from Washington.


The Eagles were disappointed in McNabb's performance last year after he missed several weeks early in the season due to a cracked rib and poor displays in losses to the Dallas Cowboys in both Week 17 and the Wild Card playoff game. Philadelphia seem to be comfortable going with youngster Kevin Kolb, drafted out of Houston in 2007, and the electrifying former Atlanta Falcon, Michael Vick, who is attempting to revive his career after a conviction on charges related to dog fighting and his subsequent prison stint.


Donovan McNabb leaves as the franchise leader in yards passing (32,873), completions (2,801), attemps (4,746), and completion percentage (59.0) and with a 92-49-1 record as a starter. He has the third highest winning percentage among active quarterbacks behind the Indianapolis Colts' Peyton Manning and the New England Patriots' Tom Brady. He holds many other NFL and franchise records. He will now hope to help coach Mike Shanahan lead the Washington Redskins back to the playoffs and beyond.

Friday, April 2, 2010

National Cherry Blossom Festival Events

Earlier in the week I wrote about the Cherry Blossom Festival. Below is a list of coming signature events:

April 2: Cherry Blast: A Night of Comtemporary Art + Music

April 3: Fireworks Show

April 4: Lantern Lighting Ceremony

April 8: Gala Dinner and Cruise aboard the Odyssey

April 10: National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

April 10: Sakura Matsuri - Japanese Street Festival

April 11: Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run


You can find out more about these events here or view a more exhaustive list of events here.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Making Home Affordable Program

The Obama Administration's Making Home Affordable Program includes opportunities to modify or refinance your mortgage to make your monthly payments more affordable.

In February 2009, the Obama Administration introduced a comprehensive Financial Stability Plan to address the key problems at the heart of the current crisis to get our economy back on track. A critical piece of that effort is Making Home Affordable, a plan to stabilize the housing market and help struggling homeowners get relief and avoid foreclosure.

The Home Affordable Modification Program provides eligible homeowners the opportunity to modify their mortgages to make them more affordable. Over one million homeowners have already gotten help under the program. The program is on track to help 3 to 4 million homeowners by 2012.

On March 26, the Obama Administration announced expanded flexibility for mortgage servicers to assist more unemployed homeowners and homeowners who are underwater through the program.

The Second Lien Modification Program (2MP) offers homeowners a way to modify their second mortgages to make them more affordable when their first mortgage is modified under the Home Affordable Modification Program.

The Home Affordable Refinance Program gives homeowners with loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac an opportunity to refinance into more affordable monthly payments.

The Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program provides opportunities for homeowners who can no longer afford to stay in their home but want to avoid foreclosure to transition to more affordable housing through a short sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.

For more information visit www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov.