What is Patriotism?

July 1 is Canada Day, often referred to as “Canada’s Birthday,” and Canada’s main patriotic holiday. July 4 is Independence Day in the U.S., and the United States’ main patriotic holiday. The celebrations in both countries have their similarities and differences, with “patriotism” as the uniting link. But what is “patriotism”? Dictionary.com defines “patriotism” as “devoted love, support, and defense of one’s country.”

Here are some other definitions:

Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a
lifetime. – Adlai Stevenson

A man’s country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle; and patriotism is loyalty to that principle. – George William Curtis

We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls. – Robert J. McCracken

Patriotism is easy to understand; it means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country. – Calvin Coolidge

Do not regard the critics as questionable patriots. What were Washington and Jefferson and
Adams but profound critics of the colonial status quo? – Unknown

I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place
will be proud of him. – Abraham Lincoln

A real patriot is the fellow who gets a parking ticket and rejoices that the system works.
– Bill Vaughan

What’s your definition of patriotism?

Have you thought about the last time you showed your patriotism? Since the big rebirth of America following 9/11 it is not uncommon to see it as we state the pledge of allegiance and/or recite the national anthem. These are easy but I charge you with getting creative this July by showing it through your civic activities, being a responsible citizen and supporting our troops and their families.

Whatever your patriotism day involves, please be sure to be safe. Do not drink and drive, and if you are planning your own personal fireworks celebration, make sure to exercise caution for your sake and the sake of your loved ones.

Sincerely,
Tomika Bryant
Your Real Estate Consultant For Life

P.S. How are you celebrating this patriotic holiday? Please email me at
Tomika@TomikaBryant.com or call me at 610-975-3560.

Can being fooled be fun?

In honor of April Fool’s Day, here are three stories that show how we all get fooled now and then, from www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/aprilfool/index:

On April 1, 1957, the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) carried a story about the spaghetti crop in Switzerland. The program announcer reported on how the crop was larger than usual, due to a mild winter and the absence of the spaghetti weevil. Film footage of the spaghetti harvest was shown, with families picking strands of spaghetti off of trees and placing them into baskets. At the end, the workers were seen gathering around a table to enjoy their fresh-picked homegrown spaghetti. The BBC got hundreds of phone calls from people wanting to know more about spaghetti trees and how they might grow one. Operators advised them to “place a sprig of spaghetti in a can of tomato sauce and hope for the best.”

On April 1, 1996, readers of newspapers including the New York Times saw a full-page ad announcing that Taco Bell had purchased the Liberty Bell, which would henceforth be known as the Taco Liberty Bell. “While some may find this controversial,” the advertisement said, “we hope our move will prompt other corporations to take similar action to do their part to reduce the country’s debt.” The National Historic Park was flooded with angry phone calls, but even White House spokesperson Mike McCurry played along, saying that the government also planned to sell the Lincoln Memorial to a different corporation, which would rename it the Ford Lincoln-Mercury Memorial.

On April 1, 1998, Burger King placed a full-page ad in USA Today announcing a new product: Left-Handed Whoppers. These burgers, specially designed for left-handed people, were supposed to be the same as regular Whoppers, but with “all condiments rotated 180 degrees, thereby redistributing the weight of the sandwich so that the bulk of the condiments will skew to the left, thereby reducing the amount of lettuce and other toppings from spilling out the right side of the burger.” Thousands of customers requested the new product, while others asked if a “right-handed” version was available.

When done in the right spirit, being fooled can be fun!

Make no mistake this is not an April Fool's Joke. The government bought millions in mortgage backed securities which have resulted in the lowest interest rates in at least ten years-some say rates have not been this low since World War II. This is a huge step in the right direction to stimulate our economy yet again. Don't believe me?...

Ask the family, that was able to purchase a home with no money down and in fact received a refund at closing due to the "free money" they received from the government and various programs.


Sincerely,
Tomika Bryant
Your Real Estate Consultant For Life

P.S. Do you have a fun April Fool’s Day story? Please email me at Tomika@TomikaBryant.com or call me at 610-975-3560.

Excited about 2009

Something major is happening. After five great years as a real estate agent, I've made some major changes in my business....Changes will benefit you.

My Apologies

Before I share with you my great news, I realize that I need to apologize for not explaining just what a real estate consultant does. It has been my pleasure to help people reach their dream of owning their first home, moving to a larger home, and/or learning the business of real estate investing. Knowing that I am helping someone by being a real estate consultant is very gratifying and one of the reasons that I became licensed. Real estate consultants are very different from traditional real estate agents and that benefits everyone. Traditional agents spend the majority of their time looking for their next client, which leaves little time to see to their current clients needs.

As a real estate consultant, I am 100% focused on the needs of my clients, keeping their best interest foremost in my mind. My commitment is to make the home buying and/or selling experience the best that it can possibly be by providing a level of service that far exceeds their expectations. So please forgive me for not sharing this sooner.

The Exciting Change

In my five year career, I have seen too many people end up with less than desirable results when selling or buying a home. I never want this to happen to anyone I am connected to. My goal is to continue to build lifelong relationships, one person at a time. I want you to consider me your "Real Estate Consultant for Life" and over the next few months I will share with you wonderful stories about how I help you and/or anyone you refer to me.

Think about it- you have professionals in every area of your life that provide you with good services on a long -term basis, people like your doctor, financial advisor, accountant or trusted mechanic. Why do so many people look at buying and/or selling a house as a short-term relationship? When you consider that for most, buying a home is a BIG event, why do they settle for a real estate agent that they don't know or trust?

I promise that I will be there for you, your family, your friends and your associates by offering you more than any other real estate professional will give you. THIS IS MY PLEDGE...

I look forward to renewing my relationship with you.