Dabo's Camp Tells Us He's the Coach

Click Banner For Dabo's (Clemson's) Football Camp.

As I was looking for pictures to put up tonight regarding the Clemson/Carolina game, I ran across Dabo Swinney's 2009 Football Camp website. Note... "2009."

Obviously, I'm not the greatest source to speak about this, but this is probably the best indication that I've seen, that Mr. Swinney has the job at Clemson.

On TV Saturday, it looked like Dabo Skywalker was slicing The Emporer with a big orange light saber. For more on this, I'll leave it to the pro's. >>Click Here For Article.

All I'm going to say is that at 7-5, the USC family is confused and reeling for answers. On the contrary, Clemson is 7-5 and ecstatic. Perhaps this signifies a turning point. I know it's not that easy, but still.

Congratulations Clemson fans. You have some real energy going into the '09 season.

Sharp Gregg Park Home Hits Market

Gregg Park; Best New Home Neighborhood in 29206

387 Alexander Circle boasts a whopping 3,726 sq.ft, and has 5 BR's with 3.1 baths.

This Forest Acres home features everything you would expect in a new house; Semi-open plan, hardwoods, ultra high ceilings, granite, stainless appliances, large master suite and a huge screened porch complete with a built-in hot tub. Nice!

Gregg Park is one of Columbia's newer "high end" neighborhoods (one of a very few). Located on popular Forest Drive, Gregg Park's location is about convenience. Within the popular Forest Acres, it's less than a minute from I-77 and less than 30 seconds from Trenholm Plaza (arguably Columbia's most successful retail centers). You read correctly.... Gregg Park is a stone's throw from Starbucks, The Fresh Market, Bonefish Grille and 5 Guys Burgers. Location?!

It's also worth mentioning that Gregg Park has a clubhouse, tennis courts and a huge pond that fisherman can paddle around day and night.

The home sits on a lot that's in the back of the neighborhood, which backs up to popular Shady Lane.

The home is offered for $574,900. At $154/ft., this home is listed below market value. Call/Email/Text to set up a visit.

Guns 'N' Roses; Axl Rose Returns

Chinese Democracy Is Finally Here.

Michael Jackson invented the "music video," and moved the body like we'd never seen before. Crockett and Tubs were the coolest characters on TV. Magic and Larry won hearts and championships in their "loin shorts," and Tyson acted as the world's soul ripper.

While everyone was wearing their "Members Only" jackets, the baddest ass oddest sounding voice in a generation was screaming at us from our car speakers and boom boxes. Guns and Roses arrived, and we loved it.

The lead singer had a voice like you'd here in a nightmare, while the lead guitar looked like the nightmare. All said, when they put it all together...they were the coolest music makers out there.

Forward almost two decades. The culprit that ruined the band (Axl Rose), has finally brought the G'n'R brand back with Chinese Democracy.

I hope it's a great album. Rolling Stone is said to have given a glowing review, while the New York Times had less than stellar things to write.

Good luck Axl. Maybe you can bring back the magic that you had in the 80's and 90's. Either way, it's about time.

Columbia's Updated Homes For Sale

>>Click Here; New Listings; Nov. 10 - 21, 2008

"Flip This House" Gets Flipped

Four Million Dollars; Not Bad Timing

Below is part of an article from The State, that speaks to the lawsuit Richard Davis won against the cable network A&E.

I'm not sure who's right or wrong here, but it seems to me that A&E got greedy with Mr. Davis's hit program, and decided to take the low road.

Richard Davis seems to be one of those fellows that can make things happen. I'm not saying this because he won a lawsuit. I'm giving him props for his ability to be able to "bob and weave" and "move and shake," to get in and out of a situation.

I'm not sure why the guy is compelling. Maybe it's because he doesn't seem like the sharpest tool in the shed, but still makes things happen. Maybe it was the way he made it look like anyone could turn a POS (piece of s&^%), into a desirable home in 5 days.

I have to admit, the show made Mr. Davis look like freegin MacGyver of flipping (you remember the guy who could make a hammock out of thumping a piece of Juicy Fruit hooked to a paper clip). The differnce between the two is that Davis had $50,000 worth of work, and a $7000 budget (or whatever).

Whatever happened to the Montelongo's and the other house Flippin' House teams?

I've certainly sold my share of "flips" around Columbia, which made the series even more fun to watch. FJ

The State; CHARLESTON — A federal jury awarded a South Carolina real estate investor more than $4 million Wednesday in a dispute over profits from the reality television show “Flip This House.”

Charleston jurors deliberated five hours before awarding the money to Richard C. Davis, who created the show and appeared on its first season, The (Charleston) Post and Courier reported.

Davis, who runs the Trademark Properties Inc. real estate firm on James Island, sued after he said the cable network broke an oral agreement to split profits from the show.

A federal jury awarded a South Carolina real estate investor Richard C. Davis more than $4 million Wednesday in a dispute over profits from the reality television show “Flip This House.”

Junior League's Preview Party Is Here

Two Days Left To Save On Tickets!

The ever popular Holiday Market Preview Party is about two weeks away. If you've been before, you know it's a great time and the official "kickoff" to the Christmas season in Columbia.

If you want to save a few bucks on tickets to the event, you need to purchase them before Nov. 15, 2008. Yes...that's Friday!

Whether you want to get discount pricing this week or pay at the door, I know I'll see most of you at the fairgrounds in a couple of weeks.

It's the "place to be" in early December. It's also everyone's best opportunity to support one of the (if not THE) hardest working, most philanthropic organizations in the midlands. I will certainly be there, and the now famous TEAMFRANKLIN wine cups (see above) will be floating around the building with pride.

The Holiday Market is the trademark event of The Junior League of Columbia. The hard working women of our community deserve our support the weekend of "The Market." Of all the fundraising opportunities in the midlands, this is my event of choice. Join me and support our Junior League.

I'll blog again as The Market approaches.

For info, go to http://www.jlcolumbia.org/?nd=holiday_market . Get your tickets now and save some $$$...

Columbia's Newest Residential Listings

>>Click Here for New Listings; Oct. 27 - Nov. 9, 2008

Shakeup in Local Real Estate Industry

Coldwell Banker United, Realtors Is Now The Largest Real Estate Firm In South Carolina

The State Newspaper - A mega-Midlands real estate firm is in the works as Coldwell Banker United, Realtors prepares to buy Century 21 Bob Capes.

The union announced this morning would create one of the largest real estate firms in the Columbia area. The deal should be completed by Friday.

Combined, the two companies will have with roughly 550 local real estate agents and eight local offices, the firms said. Coldwell and Century 21 managed to find positions for employees at both firms, but will consolidate eight offices that are near each other.

Columbia-based Russell & Jeffcoat has 571 local agents at 15 Midlands offices, CEO Ron Roe said.
Coldwell Banker is headquartered in College Station, Texas, but its chief of operations Jeff Wheeler is based in Columbia. The firm has offices throughout the Southeast.

Century 21 is owned locally and run by Jimmy Derrick.

S.C. says "NO" to McCain, 8 Years Ago

Ironcially, Palmetto State Factors Into McCains Fate

I know you're saying, "What is Franklin talking about!? McCain won South Carolina!!!" I realize this.

The American presidency is not only about great candidates. The best man (person) at the time, often doesn't win the office. The key word here, is "timing."

Eight years ago, George W. Bush decided to run for the highest office in the land. In 2000, South Carolina's republican party chose the governor of Texas, over Senator McCain. We voted for the man we could see ourselves in a fishing boat with, rather than the former POW. In a heated battle, South Carolina was the springboard for George W. Bush, which set the stage that John McCain would never stand on.

Forward eight years later. Love him or despise him, President Bush is the biggest reason Sen. McCain didn't win this election. Enter, Senator Obama.

As I go though my email and look at my Facebook page, I see all sorts of anti-Obama thoughts. That's the problem in itself. McCain never had the masses FOR him. Many voters just were AGAINST Obama, which wasn't enough.

If we're happy with our eight years of Bush, then great. Having said this, if we really wanted Sen. McCain to be our president, it's mirror time in South Carolina...eight years removed.

Stand in Line, and Be Proud

It's the Least You Can Do...

We're all busy. We all have to cruise Target, hang at Starbucks or get a dog fluffed (or whatever...you get the idea). Forget all of that. We ALL need to get in a line on Tuesday.

Being in a line Tuesday means something. It means that you at least care. It means that you've done your part, on election day. Whether you hate both candidates, or favor one with all your heart, it's your responsibility to vote.

If you're not standing in line for one of the candidates, stand there for George Washington. Stand there for Abraham Lincoln, or a great uncle who hid in a foxhole. Stand in line for college football. Stand there for the dirt that you have, or the small business you own. Stand there for freedom of religion, or womens rights. If you can't think of anything to stand in line for, stand there for your grandparents. They helped make the line possible.

Go get in line, and vote...

Reminder - Charge your cell phones!

Shakin' Head, and LOL

County "Officials" Disagree w/ Local Headlines

Below are excerpts from an article in The State Newspaper, concerning complaints from taxpayers that their property tax bills are too high.

I've read headline after headline in The State, that home sales and property values have plummeted. Many times, the articles aren't so damning, but the headlines are sensationally negative. Since property taxes are directly related to value, homeowners are citing the negative headlines as their best argument for a lower tax bill.

Interesting that the last line I pasted below, is pretty much what we've been saying all along.

What I'm getting at is...all the sudden now that it's time to collect, "Home values in the midlands, have largely held steady" is the argument the counties are using to battle the residents arguments.

Hmmm.... I'm not blaming the counties at all, but maybe the counties could join together and ask The State to print in what "officials say" on the front page. FJ

Complaints soar that tax bills are too high
By CLIF LeBLANC - cleblanc@thestate.com

As this year’s property tax bills head to homeowners, taxpayers in metropolitan Columbia are starting to grumble that their taxes are too high because of depressed home values.

Tax bills in Richland, Lexington and Kershaw counties are based on property values determined from 2003 to 2006, county assessors and treasurers said Friday.

David Whetsell, 64, of Lexington County has repeatedly complained to the county about taxes being too high.

“If house prices are dropping nationwide, doesn’t that mean the house is worth less, so it needs to be reassessed at a lower value?” he asked.

The Answer: Home values in the Midlands have largely held steady in the face of plummeting prices across the nation, officials say.

Shakin' head, and LOL! FJ