Realtors: Home sales near all-time peak

After having fun for last night's poker night (finally I won after couple of series losing) I am feeling much better.We start playing in late 2002.It has been on and off,We tried to bring couple of people in,however we got to this point ,only when 4 of us playing ,we really really enjoy.Specially when Shai is on mode,and Maher loses money !( This is the guy wanted to win 7 million $ poker series, who ends up losing to some amateurs such as Houman and Shai!!!!!
BTW thanks for Shai for yummy home made pizza and beers, Thanks Houman again for taking most of poker nights at his place.


Hours after Iran broke U.N. seals at a uranium processing plant on Wednesday Oil Prices Rise to $65 a Barrel, a New High, Though Analysts Say Supply Fears Are Overblown

Google dropped $5.89 today, while Dow and Nasdaq both were down again today.
Mortgage Rates rose again today, Few lenders borrow for 5.625% for 30 years fixed rate!


Realtors: Home sales near all-time peak

Economist for realtors' group says existing home sales should rise 2.9% to 6.98 million this year.U.S. home sales are close to peaking but should hold historically high levels into next year, the National Association of Realtors' top economist said Tuesday.Chief Economist David Lereah, in a monthly forecast, nudged his estimates higher for sales of previously owned and new homes in 2005.He said existing home sales should rise 2.9 percent to 6.98 million this year, up from his previous forecast of 6.97 million and higher than the 2004 record of 6.78 million.Sales of new homes should climb 4.8 percent to 1.26 million in 2005, which also would be a record high, the realtors' economist said.Housing, now in a boom of more than four years, has defied economists' expectations for a slowdown this year as long-term mortgage rates remain stubbornly low. That has led economists over the past two months to boost their 2005 targets and forecast another record year for sales and construction.But fixed 30-year mortgage rates have begun to trend higher over the past five weeks, according to mortgage finance company Freddie Mac. Industry analysts also have begun to point to anecdotal evidence of slowing sales and rising inventory of homes available for sale in some of the priciest areas.Lereah said home sales should begin to ease off record levels during the second half of the year."The housing market is probably close to a peak right now in terms of sales activity, but there is tremendous momentum," he said.

Infiniti M35 rated 'Best luxury sedan'Consumer Reports magazine calls the sporty car from Nissan a "surprise."
To be honest,if you are about to spend this much for a car I prefer either Acura RL or BMW 5 series.Don't tell me I am anti Infiniti, I like this car, but I prefer RL and 5 Series !




Meeting the parents! Tips?

Be polite and respectful, try not to swear in front of them. Most of all just relax and be yourself.

Dress decently (jeans are fine, just make sure they're clean and don't have any holes). Be polite. Be interested in their lives (ask about their jobs or their recent trip to Florida or whatever). Offer to help clear the table or clean up after dinner!

If you listen my dentist Uncle in Montreal,(Bizhan)

Bring flowers for her mom, talk to the florist they will be able to give you advice on what to bring. If your doing dinner, jeans are out, business casual at the very least.


My Businessman uncle in Tehran,(Mario)

Be engaging but let them talk. No one ever got in trouble because they were too quiet. Tons of people get in trouble because they don't know when to shut up.

My Youngest Uncle(Payam)
Be polite. Dress nicely. If at your house--serve wonderful food (even if you have to cater it, but serve it on special plates, etc)... if at their house, bring a great bottle of wine (if you're over 21, if not a great bottle of sparking cider). Compliment something about each of them. Know the details before you meet them--ie. what daddy does, what mommy likes... that way you can study up and have a little background info. Treat their daughter like a queen. Talk about how great your g/f is--like she's not in the room... great in the virginal, pious princess sort of way. Laugh. Smile. ! Be yourself, tell them all of your wonderful qualities and BS your future plans.

If you listen to my best Friend( Sam )
be yourself because mothers can almost always tell when you are full of it but make sure you are a gentleman (includes: open car door, pull out chairs, offer to help set tables, kisses on the cheek, and not to touchy)for the father but don't over do it. Laugh at her dads stupid jokes, even if you don't get them.