Living in Contra Costa County

Fahrenheit 451 - 2010

Fahrenheit 451 - 2010Burning Books

In the great book Fahrenheit 451 there are no books and people watch TV for information.  The fire departments job is to burn books that turn up.  A scary thought about censorship and knowledge.

However, a key concept in camouflage is hide things in plan site.  There is no need to burn books or destroy the written word if no one reads it.

I recently enrolled my son in a local high school and was given a list several pages long of approved videos that may be shown as part of the educational program.  I was not provided a list of books.  I assume there will be some reading.  Some of the videos are great videos and some are questionable as to educational value, but the point is they had a list of videos and not books.

I read a national news story recently and it quoted a former teacher (I did not know her) at my old high school talking about how the kids no longer read great books, they read excerpts from them and study portions of them.  This is sad.  When I was in high school I had a great exposure to a sampling of fine classic literature including 1984, Huck Finn, The Great Gatsby, Red Badge of Courage and more.  All of these are recognized classics with something to say about life and culture.  They inspired me to pick up more classics on my own to read.

This is not the only area I see this.  Twitter may be a great marketing tool, but it also reflects our cultural retreat into brevity and a certain lack of depth.  News is retreating into more and more of a sound bite culture (there are some good things happening in news too, but that is for another day) as is our politics.  In the days of Lincoln people would listen to speeches for hours, and enjoy it.   Now the message has to get out in seconds.  Debates are more about the big Zinger than facts. 

In some ways Television is becoming better.  The Sitcom is becoming faster and funnier.  Compare Seinfeld, Malcom in the Middle, The Simpsons, or others to some of the older sitcoms.  On the other hand the put down mentality of the sitcom has infected American culture.  Movies and dramas are more about action and big explosions than about plot and character.  I preferred the slower pace of Carson on the old Tonight Show, where it was like visiting with friends for a full hour and a half in your living room than the current one hour of people hawking books and movies. My kids are now giving up TV for YouTube!

This attitude has hit the church in America too.  And I say this with a proviso that I am not referring specifically to my own church, but the church in general in America.  It is also clear from the Bible that to some extent we need to meet people where they are at, hence the church reflects the pop culture.  The music has less depth and tends to be repetitive, worship is a multi-media experience, often the services can resemble a late night talk show.  Sermons are simpler with less context to them. 

One of the biggest complements I ever received was back when I was single some 20 years ago.  I had a large number of books and a guest commented on the fact and my roommate piped in, "Not only that he has read most of them too."

I feel lost sometimes.  I do not read as much as I used to.  This is due to being a busy father and just age.  But the speed and and lack of depth leaves me feeling lost at times.  Mind you not ignorant, in fact I have a lot of knowledge, but lost and unable to connect.  As we go through our lives people around us are absorbed in texting, talking on the cell phone, using the latest ap or using social media while not engaging in social life.

I have disengaged too, usually through the more passive option of television, although I have started reading for fun again too.  I could not get by without computers and cell phones, but I want them as tools not my primary social connection.

Homes for Sale in Discovery Bay

Homes for Sale in Discovery Bay

This report is on Homes for Sale in Discovery Bay. It compares current active Homes for Sale in Discovery Bay to sales for the last to months. The report is based on Single Family Homes.

Currently there are 69 Homes for Sale in Discovery Bay with an average asking price of $519,651.00 and a median asking price of $419,900.00. This is an average asking price of $187.00 per SF and an average or 64 days on the market.

In January 23 Homes for Sale in Discovery Bay sold for an average price of $292,815.00 and a median price of $278,250.00. This is an average price per SF of $104.00 and an average of 30 days on the market.

In February 24 Homes for Sale in Discovery Bay sold for an average price of $413,683.00 and a median price of $368,750.00. This is an average price per SF of $160.00 and an average of 30 days on the market.

Any one looking at this report would think that Discovery Bay Homes have all of a sudden become the hottest properties around, but there are a couple things going on.  Discovery Bay has an ecletic collection of homes and a relatively small number of sales, so a small change in some area can really effect the numbers.  The most prized Homes in Discovery Bay are Deep Water Dock Homes and Sales of Deep Water Dock Homes have accelerated with spring coming on. 

The number of homes on the market and sales have not changed much since last months report.

Please contact me directly for more information on Homes for Sale in Discovery Bay.

Homes for Sale in Brentwood California

Homes for Sale in Brentwood California

This report is on Homes for Sale in Brentwood California. It compares current active Homes for Sale in Brentwood California to sales for the last to months. The report is based on Single Family Homes.

Currently there are 158 Homes for Sale in Brentwood California with an average asking price of $434,263.00 and a median asking price of $347,500.00. This is an average asking price of $173.00 per SF and an average or 58 days on the market.  However, this includes 7 homes priced over $1,000,000.00 some way over that throws of the market numbers.  Remove those 7 homes and the average price is $361,759.00 and a median price of $339,500.00.  This is an averge price per SF of $155.00 and an average time on the market of only 55 days.

In January 69 Homes for Sale in Brentwood California sold for an average price of $317,735.00 and a median price of $300,000.00. This is an average price per SF of $142.00 and an average of 17 days on the market.

In February 60 Homes for Sale in Brentwood California sold for an average price of $298,856.00 and a median price of $287,000.00. This is an average price per SF of $129.00 and an average of 25 days on the market.

Sold prices down as are total sales. But there are more homes on the market compared to last months report. These numbers may not be a trend. Any discrepancies in the report numbers are due to late reporting on sales.

Please contact me directly for more information on Homes for Sale in Brentwood California.

Homes for Sale in Oakley California

Homes for Sale in Oakley California

This report is on Homes for Sale in Oakley California. It compares current active Homes for Sale in Oakley California to sales for the last to months. The report is based on Single Family Homes.

Currently there are 141 Homes for Sale in Oakley California with an average asking price of $276,995.00 and a median asking price of $270,000.00. This is an average asking price of $131.00 per SF and an average or 63 days on the market.

In January 41 Homes for Sale in Oakley California sold for an average price of $211,663.00 and a median price of $192,000.00. This is an average price per SF of $123.00 and an average of 35 days on the market.

In February 39 Homes for Sale in Oakley California sold for an average price of $240,176.00 and a median price of $220,000.00. This is an average price per SF of $111.00 and an average of 29 days on the market.

Sold prices are up slightly as are the number of homes on the market, but total sales are down compared to last months report. These numbers may not be a trend. Any discrepancies in the report numbers are due to late reporting on sales.

Please contact me directly for more information on Homes for Sale in Oakley California.

Homes for Sale in Antioch California

Homes for Sale in Antioch California

This report is on Homes for Sale in Antioch California. It compares current active Homes for Sale in Antioch California to sales for the last to months. The report is based on Single Family Homes.

Currently there are 222 Homes for Sale in Antioch California with an average asking price of $231,940.00 and a median asking price of $234,400.00. This is an average asking price of $115.00 per SF and an average or 43 days on the market.

In January 112 Homes for Sale in Antioch California sold for an average price of $212,103.00 and a median price of $210,000.00. This is an average price per SF of $113.00 and an average of 38 days on the market.

In February 88 Homes for Sale in Antioch California sold for an average price of $227,628.00 and a median price of $217,500.00. This is an average price per SF of $114.00 and an average of 22 days on the market.

Sold prices are up slightly as are the number of homes on the market, but total sales appear to be going down compared to last months report.  These numbers may not be a trend. Any discrepancies in the report numbers are due to late reporting on sales.

Please contact me directly for more information on Homes for Sale in Antioch California.

Homes for Sale in Pittsburg California

Homes for Sale in Pittsburg California

This report is on Homes for Sale in Pittsburg California.  It compares current active Homes for Sale in Pittsburg California to sales for the last to months.  The report is based on Single Family Homes.

Currently there are 136 Homes for Sale in Pittsburg California with an average asking price of $227,279.00 and a median asking price of $206,944.00.  This is an average asking price of $121.00 per SF and an average or 59 days on the market.

In January 66 Homes for Sale in Pittsburg California sold for an average price of $222,373.00 and a median price of $207,500.00.  This is an average price per SF of $123.00 and an average of 18 days on the market.

In February 62 Homes for Sale in Pittsburg California sold for an average price of $211,111.00 and a median price of $191,000.00. This is an average price per SF of $119.00 and an average of 25 days on the market.

Sold prices and sales appear to be going down somewhat compared to last months report, but the change is minor and may not be a trend.  Any discrepancies in the report numbers are due to late reporting on sales.

Please contact me directly for more information on Homes for Sale in Pittsburg California.

Deep Water Dock Homes in Discovery Bay

Deep Water Dock Homes in Discovery Bay

Deep Water Dock Homes are the most popular type of home in Discovery Bay.  The reason people move to Discovery Bay is to be on the water and there is nothing like a Deep Water Dock for enjoying the delta. 

Slide show includes all Discovery Bay Homes. Contact me directly for a list of just Deep Water Dock Homes in Discovery Bay.

As Spring approaches Deep Water Dock Homes in Discovery Bay are becoming a hot item.  Currently there are 25 Deep Water Dock Homes for sale in Discovery Bay with an average price of $816,981.00 and a median price of $659,000.00.  This is an average of $277.00 per SF and they have spent an average of 88 Days on the market.

In January no Deep Water Dock Homes in Discovery Bay Sold, but those numbers sure picked up in February as people anticpate the warm weather with seven Deep Water Dock Homes sold in Discovery Bay.  The average price of these homes was $622,000.00 and a median price of $565,000.00.  The average price per SF was $228.00 and the average days on market was 54.

Contact me directly for more information about buying or selling a Deep Water Dock Homes in Discovery Bay.

This is Janson!

This is Janson!

Janson wanted me to put a big picture of him up on the Internet.  So here it is.  He is wearing my classes and I think this might have been last fall after he had broke his arm.

Janson Riemenschneider

Janson will be 6 in June.  Janson will tell you that he is very tough. (note the band aide on the chin.)  He likes to tackle daddy.  He is also good at sneaking food. 

He also told me how smart he is now that he is 5 and in school, and then explained that George Washington invented the Microwave oven.  Normally I would blame this on the schools, but he is home schooled.

Janson is the 4th of my 6 boys.  Janson Peter Riemenschneider is his full name.  All my kids have family names.  By son 4 we felt we were running out.  However I am descended from a man named Peter Janson from around the American Revolution - hence Janson Peter. 

He is a handful and I love him.

It is Baseball Time Again

It's basball time again.

Pony Baseball

I love baseball, it is the most American of sports , stressing team and individual skills.  It is the only major team sport I can think of where the object is not to move the all into some kind of goal. 

My oldest son liked baseball but never excelled at it and has given it up to focus on wrestling and spring football to get ready for high school next year and that is fine with me.

Son # 2 is a star and at 11 years of age will play in the Little League Majors out in Walnut Creek where his mom lives.  He is a first basemen and will do some pitching this year.  He is left handed hence he plays first instead of his beloved short stop.  He is very fast and a great defensive play, and not bad with a bat.

Son 3 did t-ball in Little League last year and son 4 his getting ready for his first year.  But we have moved from Little League to Pony leage as it is closer to our home.  Son 3 gets coach pitching and son 4 will be in t-ball.  Although they are in different divisions they both ended up on the Angels which has lead to some confusion. 

I still have sons 5 and 6 just waiting to get old enough to play.

California - Get Out of Jail Free - Except for the Green Criminals

In California we are about to release thousands of prisoners to relieve over crowding and due to budget issues.  We have seen enough high profile crimes recently in California to know how good they are about selecting which prisoners to release. 

I have no problems with realistic reform, and I want to see people get out that are capable of putting an honest life together.  However, so far the we have not provin very good at this and these people are not being released for any reasons but budget and over crowding issues. 

There have been some good solutions to both the budget and over crowding issues, but Prison Guard and other government unions put off them limits and there is not enough time to implement them now even if we could get the politicians to stand up to the unions.

This is going to be a disaster and not save the state any money.  Crime will sky rocket and if the government cannot solve the issue I suspect people will deal with it directly.

Now I did notice one area where California is making strides in enforcing the law.  Apparently more and more snitches are coming forward and informing on their fellow citizens when those citizens dare to light the fireplace on a spare the air day.  These are days the Greenies have determined the pollution level is too high and we need to cut back on carbon emissions. 

Not only are the snitches coming forward but the state has the money to send these greenies out in the field to hunt you down on the ground and in the air.  Then honest citizens are fined by the state and threatened with imprisonment. (These greenies are the same people that put the Wonder Bread factory in Sacramento out of business because that smell of bread is Carbon.)

I do not like pollution and I do think we need common sense people oriented solutions.  Not government making war on honest people.  I honestly love to smell the fireplaces burning on a cold winter day.  In this day of "Global Warming" it seems many people are cold and in this socialist wonderland of high energy prices inspired by the left a few people would like to save some money on heating the home.

Yes these people want us to spend Christmas the winter shopping festivities in our home watching the Yule like on TV with the thermostats set at 65. 

I understand there are people with health problems (although I do not think it is as many claimed or as bad for most) and sometimes these smells make you huddle inside.  But now with the help of the State of California you can breath free in the open air as you are being mugged or other wise violated by the real criminals