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Happy New Years – The Oldest of All Holidays

Posted on: December 28th, 2023 | By Cliff Keith | Blog, Holidays | No Comments

Happy New Years – The Oldest of All Holidays

The History of New Years which happens to be the oldest of all our holidays . It was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4000 years ago. In the years around 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon (actually the first visible crescent) after the Vernal Equinox (first day of spring). The beginning of spring is a logical time to start a new year. After all, it is the season of rebirth, of planting new crops, and of blossoming. January 1, however, has no astronomical or agricultural significance. It is purely arbitrary. January 1 a holiday celebrated by Western nations for only about the past 400 years

Traditions

Traditions of the season include the making of New Year’s resolutions: That tradition also dates back to the early Babylonians. Popular modern resolutions might include the promise to lose weight or quit smoking. The early Babylonian’s most popular resolution was to return borrowed farm equipment. New Years Day The Tournament of Roses Parade dates back to 1886. In that year, members of the Valley Hunt Club decorated their carriages with flowers. It celebrated the ripening of the orange crop in California.

Although the Rose Bowl football game was first played as a part of the Tournament of Roses in 1902, Roman chariot races replaced it the following year. In 1916, the football game returned as the sports centerpiece of the festival. The song, Auld Lang Syne, in almost every English-speaking country is what everyone sings at the stroke of midnight . At least partly written by Robert Burns in the 1700’s, it was first published in 1796 after Burns’ death. Early variations of the song before 1700 inspired Burns to produce the modern rendition.

The Song

An old Scottish tune, “Auld Lang Syne” literally means “old long ago,” or simply, “the good old days.” In my home my family celebrates Hogmanay (hog-mah-NAY), which is a Scottish New Year’s celebration. In my home a tradition “first footing” is performed after midnight. What happens is after midnight my wife sweeps the floor from the front of the house to the back door and sweeps out all the bad spirits from the previous year. The family then runs to the front of the house clamoring upon the side of the house to scare away all evil spirits.

Once in front of the house we all enter the front door with a gift of a piece of coal or some short breads, which brings good luck for the coming year. This is especially true if a tall, dark, handsome man is the first to enter the house or “first footing”.

My Best Wishes for YOU

I would like to wish you a Very Happy New Years! May you prosper and have good health throughout 2018. Thank you for your friendship over the years. I appreciate it very much. Cliff

What to do next?

Pick up your cell phone and call me immediately, 650-346-7366. When you we will discuss I can help you or any of your friends who have mentioned they are going to be selling their home. We will discuss the easiest way for you to introduce them to me. After all you want what is best for them don’t you? Call today.

The Chronicle of Christmas

Posted on: December 21st, 2023 | By Cliff Keith | Featured Posts, Holidays | No Comments

The Chronicle of Christmas

I want to wish each and every one of you the best of your Holiday Season and a very Merry Christmas. This is always a time of year when we all treat each other like we should all the time. The spirit of the Holidays warms my heart and I hope it does yours too. Enjoy! The Chronicle of Christmas

Starting in the 1600’s

The Chronicle of Christmas In America - A Lesson — The Chronicle of Christmas In America – A Lesson Happy Holidays To All

1600’s: The Puritans made it illegal to mention St. Nicolas’ name. Therefore it was also illegal to exchange gifts, light a candle, or sing Christmas carols.

17th century: Dutch immigrants brought with them the legend of Sinter Klaas.

1773: Santa first appeared in the media as St. A Claus.

Christmas Presents

1804: The New York Historical Society was founded with St. Nicolas as its patron saint. And then members engaged in the Dutch practice of gift-giving at Christmas.

1809: Washington Irving, writing under the pseudonym Diedrich Knickerbocker, included Saint Nicolas in his book “A History of New York.” Nicolas after that is described as riding into town on a horse.

1812: Irving, revised his book to include Nicolas riding over the trees in a wagon.

1821: William Gilley printed a poem about “Santeclaus” who was dressed in fur and drove a sleigh drawn by a single reindeer.

1822: Dentist Clement Clarke Moore is believed by many to have written a poem “An Account of a Visit from Saint Nicolas,” which became better known as “The Night before Christmas”. In other words Santa is portrayed as an elf with a miniature sleigh equipped with eight reindeer. They were named in the poem as Blitzem, Comet, Cupid, Dancer, Dasher, Donder, Prancer, and Vixen. Others attribute the poem to a contemporary, Henry Livingston, Jr.

The start of Santa

1841: J.W. Parkinson, a Philadelphia merchant, hired a man to dress up in a “Criscringle” outfit and climb the chimney of his store.

1863: Above all illustrator Thomas Nast created images of Santa for the Christmas editions of Harper’s Magazine. These continued through the 1890’s.

1860s: President Abraham Lincoln asked Nast to create a drawing of Santa with some Union soldiers. After that this image of Santa supporting the enemy had a demoralizing influence on the Confederate army. Maybe an early example of psychological warfare.

1897: Francis P Church, Editor of the New York Sun, wrote an editorial in response to a letter from an eight year-old girl, Virginia O’Hanlon. She had written the paper asking whether there really was a Santa Claus. Therefore It has become known as the “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” letter

After the 1900’s

1920’s: The image of Santa became so well known as a bearded, over-weight, jolly man dressed in a red suit with white trim.

1931: Haddon Sundblom, illustrator for The Coca-Cola ™ company drew a series of Santa images. Until 1964 Coca-Cola used their Santa images in their Christmas advertisements. The company holds the trademark for the Coca-Cola Santa design. Christmas ads including Santa continue to the present day.

1939 Copywriter Robert L. May of the Montgomery Ward Company created a poem titled Rudolph, the ninth reindeer. He created an ostracized reindeer with a shiny red nose. The Chronicle of Christmas. Rudolph became a hero one foggy Christmas eve. Santa was part-way through deliveries when the visibility started to degenerate. Because of the foggy Christmas Eve Santa added Rudolph to his team of reindeer to help illuminate the path.

1949 famous song

1949: Johnny Marks wrote the song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”. Rudolph was rejected by the other reindeer therefore Santa relocated him to the North Pole. They wouldn’t let him play in their reindeer games because of his strange looking nose. Gene Autry recorded his all time best seller. Next to “White Christmas” it is the most popular song of all time.

1993: In addition an urban folk tale began to circulate about a Japanese department store. The Japanese department store supposedly displayed a life-sized Santa Claus crucified on a cross. It never happened.

1997: In conclusion Artist Robert Cenedella drew a painting of a crucified Santa Claus. First showed up in a window of the New York’s Art Students League. The painting received intense criticism from some religious groups. However, his drawing was a protest. He was trying to show how Santa Claus had replaced Jesus Christ as the most important personality at Christmas time.

References:

References: Barbara G. Walker, “The Woman’s Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets.” Harper & Row, (1983) Pages 725 to 726. “St. Nicholas of Myra,” The Catholic Encyclopedia, at: www.newadvent.org/cathen/11063b.htm “Father Frost,” at: www.bobandbabs.com/ “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” at: www.stormfax.com/virginia.htm “The Claus that Refreshes,” at: www.snopes.com/cokelore/santa.htm “Rudolph,” at: www.snopes.com/holidays/xmas/ “R Cendella Gallery – Theme: Commentary,” at www.rcenedellagallery.com “St. Nicholas of Bari (Fourth Century),” Catholic Information Network, at: www.cin.org/nichbari.html

#santa #christmas #clause #reindeer #merry

Shortest Time To Sell Your Home In The SF Bay Area

Posted on: November 22nd, 2023 | By Cliff Keith | Blog, Sellers Tips | No Comments

Shortest Time To Sell Your Home In The SF Bay Area

Homeowners lately who have housing in Redwood City CA, are asking me…Cliff what is the Shortest Time in SF Bay Area to Sell Property? The answer has many possibilities. In selling homes there are always two major terms, which determines the time it takes to sell a home. Those are Price and Terms.

Price and Terms are found in both the Listing Agreement and the Purchase Agreement. Both impact how much money one gets for their home, and the amount of time their homes sell. Make sure you fully understand both aspect of your agreement before you sign anything.

Pre-Listing

In today’s real estate market in Redwood City CA home sales are brisk and usually sell for asking price or more. The current standard of practice by real estate brokers is to list the home and prepare it for the open market. During that period various inspections and report are performed. Additionally, trades people can fix any issues with the home found during the inspections. One repairs are completed ,staging the home is ordered. Staging will show the home in its finest light and will bring the homeowner more money.

At the same time marketing starts in the form of hiring a photographer crew to take pictures of the home. Seaming together photos taken for a virtual tour and writing content for a color flyer to give to all prospective buyers is a marketing technique used that works.

All of these aspect of marketing a home usually take 30 days. The current state of repairs of the home may need extensive repair work and then that time frame could be longer. Every community shows a different number of days for a home to sell. Housing in Redwood City CA has an average days on market before a home sales is between 10-20 days. This is historically low for nation-wide real estate markets, but not for property for sale in Redwood City CA.

Escrow period: (When the money changes hands)

Once the home sells there is an escrow period. Currently, the shortest I have seen for an escrow is 7 days with the average being 21 days. Appraisers, title officers, loan officers and wiring of funds take time and need time to complete their various tasks. The 7 day close usually happens because the buyer is an all cash buyer, meaning there is no loan just a bank transfer of funds. The Shortest Time in SF Bay Area to Sell Property then for a normal transaction is 61 days. This is from the signing of the listing agreement to the close of escrow.

Can I sell home faster than 21 days?

On the other hand if you are a seller who wants out of his home today under any conditions that time period shortens to 21 days or sooner. You will not receive the highest price for your home, nor the most favorable terms, but you will have a fast close of escrow.

The two scenario of a normal sale vs quick close of escrow are what a SF Bay Homeowner can expect when selling their home. In both cases choosing the correct Realtor that you want in your corner is utmost importance. Cliff Keith and Team has been helping homeowner in the SF Bay Area for the past 42+ years. Call or text, (650) 346-7366, us today to find out how we can help you too.

No need to worry.

Cliff Keith and Team dba SF Bay Homes are not a HARD SALE team. We want to educate our clients so their decisions for selling a home is based on knowledge and not emotion. You our business model is based on referrals from our past clients so we have to do a great job for our clients in order to stay in business. Do it now. Call Cliff Keith and Team and let’s see how we can help you. You’ll be glad you did. (650) 346-7366 or cliff@sfbayhomes.com

Shortest Time in SF Bay Area to Sell Property is a choice a property seller can make by using the information provided above

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The 1st Thanksgiving Was Celebrated In 1621!

Posted on: November 22nd, 2023 | By Cliff Keith | Blog, Featured Posts, Holidays | No Comments

The 1st Thanksgiving Was Celebrated In 1621!

The 1st Thanksgiving Was Celebrated In 1621! The first Thanksgiving challenged early Americans and the American Indians. Because of its outcome of this important day it became an important part in our history. Thanksgiving from those early days in Plymouth is a day still enjoyed by all on this thankful Fall day.

What happened?

When early autumn of 1621 there was only around 53 of the surviving Pilgrims from over 200 who started the first colony. The Pilgrims celebrated their old English custom of acknowledging their successful harvest.

The Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans, work together forming a new bond as equals and friends.

Do remember William Bradford?

William Bradford was the Governor of Plymouth the first colony in the new frontier know as King George’s America. Everyone loved their new Country and the religious freedom it provided them. As the colony began to grow all its colonists went about their lives as they saw fit Some farmed, some continued skills they had learned in their early life. Unfortunately, there were some who believed doing nothing was productive enough. Come harvest time everyone started to realize there wasn’t enough food to survive the winter. The yield produced by those that farmed was low. There was not enough food for everyone.

American Indians to the rescue

Seeing the suffering of the Colonist, Indian Chief, Massasoit brought 90 of his Braves to the Colonist’s Thanksgiving celebrate with food in hand. Massasoit was a teacher who showed the Colonists how to grow their plants. He did this with an example of adding fish head under the seed. Collaboration between the American Indians and the Colonists provided the opportunity for the success of Plymouth and the establishment of the beginning of the United States of America.

The Free Enterprise System

William Bradford realized the method of governance used in Plymouth did not work for the best of all. He proclaimed that in the if the citizens of Plymouth did not produce something to barter or trade with others in the future would not be help by others.

What US President started the tradition?

In 1863, Abraham Lincoln was the President. Lincoln began the now National tradition of Thanksgiving. This was a time in history Lincoln was looking for a way to ease the tension between the North and South. A sad time in US history

Happy Thanksgiving

I would like to wish you and your family-loved ones the best Thanksgiving ever this year. Being thankful only one day out the year doesn’t seem to be enough. Enjoy!

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SF Bay Homes

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Phone: 650 346-7366
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The first thanksgiving was a celebration in 1621 #Thanksgiving #plymouth #william bradford #abe lincoln #firstcolonists

Veterans Day A Brief History

Posted on: November 8th, 2023 | By Cliff Keith | Holidays | No Comments

Veterans Day A Brief History

Veterans Day; Americans know on November 11, 1918 was the day at the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, in the eleventh month, was the end of the “The Great War” WWI. It was the date the fighting ceased between the Allied Forces and Germany. November 11, 1918 was the end of War I. Furthermore, it was the location of signing the Treaty of Versailles between the Allied Forces and Germany. The Treaty was signed June 28, 1919, almost 8 months later after the fighting stopped.

Who was the leading supporters?

In 1919, US President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11^th as the first Armistice Day. “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride. For the heroism of those who died in the country’s service. And with gratitude for the victory” President Woodrow said this to his fellow Americans.

The Plan

Most noteworthy, the day was design to be one of celebrations. Originally there were parades and patriotic public meetings. Armistice Day surrounded itself with the feelings of thanks and good will towards others. Traditionally the United States outwardly displayed a spirit of peace and good relations with other nations. Americans believed they had fought the last war they would ever have to fight. No American wanted to experience the severe realities of war, which they had just gone through!

What did Congress do?

Congress officially recognized the end of World War I on June 4, 1926. Congress at that time passed a resolution using these words:

“Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far-reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed.”

“Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations.”

And, “Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday:

Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11.”

Thus “inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other people.”

May 13, 1938, Congress made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday. After WWII in 1954 Congress Amended the Act, at the request of veterans service organization. “Armistice” and replaced it with “Veterans”. June 1, 1954. November 11th became the day to honor American veterans for all wars.

Here’s a video of my unit in Vietnam

Do You Remember President Dwight D. Eisenhower?

October 8, 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation.

Content of the Veterans Day Proclamation states: “In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.”

“Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which, will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance.”

In conclusion, President Eisenhower went on to say because: “I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.” We have President Eisenhower to thank because he was the one who organized the modern-day legislation for Veterans. It stands to reason with President Eisenhower being a 5 Star General in the US Army during WWII. He was also the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe.

Making it simple

Though simplifying National Holidays, by making them a standard 3 day weekends, was the accepted solution. Congress on June 28, 1968 standardized National Holidays. Congress’s simple plan was to combine and celebrate 4 National Holidays. Mondays would be the day for these National Holidays. Here’s the designated holidays Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day.

In 1971 there was an outcry by Americans. Because they wanted Congress to fix the current abstract holiday schedule. They were worried about a standard 3-day holidays for all holiday suggested by Congress. President Gerald R. Ford, on September 20th, 1975, signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date. As you may recall that was November 11^th.

Preserving the historical significance of the original meaning of the Armistice Day. Keeping the Veterans in the forefront of this legal federal holiday. Please don’t forget the American Veteran for all they have done for our great country. Because some served, and some gave the ultimate sacrifice, for their country.

Today, please help me by saying thank you to all the Veterans you may know or have known. They deserve your recognition and praise. Therefore, please do your part as an American and simply say thank you.

We Can – We Will

#VeteransDay #ArmisticeDay #Historyofasoldier

Don’t Confuse Veterans Day With Other Days

Posted on: November 6th, 2023 | By Cliff Keith | Holidays, Video | No Comments

Don’t Confuse Veterans Day With Other Days

Veterans Day: Some Americans know that on November 11, 1918 at the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, in the eleventh month, was the end of the “The Great War” WWI. November 11th was when the fighting stopped between the Allied Forces and Germany. It was the end of the The Great War. The Treaty of Versailles is the location the Allied Forces and Germany signed their Treaty. However, it was not signed until June 28, 1919 almost 8 months later after the fighting completely stopped.

Who was the leading supporters?

In 1919, US President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11^th as the first Armistice Day. “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with pride because of the heroism of those who died in their country’s service. And with gratitude for the victory” President Woodrow said this to his fellow Americans.

The Plan.

Most noteworthy, the day was design to be one of celebrations. Originally there were parades and patriotic public meetings. Armistice Day had the feelings of thanks and good-will towards others. Traditionally the United States additionally displayed a spirit of peace and good relations with all other nations. Americans believed they had fought their last war in history with any other Country. No American wanted to experience the severe realities of war, which they had just gone through!

What did Congress do?

Congress officially recognized the end of World War I on June 4, 1926. Congress at that time passed a resolution using these words:

And, “Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday:

May 13, 1938, Congress made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday. After WWII in 1954 Congress Amended the Act, at the request of veterans service organization. “Armistice” and replaced it with “Veterans”. June 1, 1954, November 11th became the day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Remember President Dwight D. Eisenhower?

October 8, 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation.

Content of the Veterans Day Proclamation states:“In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.”

In conclusion, President Eisenhower went on to say because: “I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.” We have President Eisenhower to thank because he was the one who organized the modern-day legislation for Veterans.

Making it simple

Though simplifying National Holidays by making them a standard 3 day weekends was the accepted solution. Congress on June 28, 1968 standardized National Holidays. Congress’s simple plan was to combine and celebrate 4 National Holidays. Mondays would be the day for these National Holidays. Here’s those holidays Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day.

In 1971 there was an outcry by Americans to fix the current abstract holiday schedule. A standard 3-day holidays for all holiday was suggested by politicians. President Gerald R. Ford, on September 20th, 1975, signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date. As you may recall that was November 11^th . Standard 3-day national holidays was scheduled to begin starting in 1978.

Today, please help me by saying thank you to all the Veterans you may know or have known. They deserve your recognition and praise. If nothing else, do your part as an American and simply say thank you.

We Can – We Will

#VeterensDay #realestate #sfbayhomes #sellmyhouse