There’s an old quote that floats around about how statistics are one of the three kinds of lies. While it’s true that numbers can often be manipulated or interpreted to support nearly any viewpoint, an understanding of the basics of statistics can help you cut through the clutter to see what’s really being represented. By having better knowledge of the language used, you can view any statistic with a more critical eye and thus be better informed.

Average = a simple mathematical calculation that involves addition and division. Take your given set of numbers and add them together. Then divide that number by the amount of numbers you added together. Example: you have three home sale prices: $250,000, $175,000, and $260,000. Added together, they

 A guest blog post from George Pilkington, Universal Pest & Termite, Inc.

FACTS: Termites are on the move in Hampton Roads. Spring is the time of year when most insects come alive, and termites are no exception. It’s important to know the facts about termites, how to treat them, and what a termite inspection and warranty mean.

• Fact: Termites have been around since the time of the dinosaurs!
• Fact:  Termites cause more damage than fires and storms combined in the U.S. 
• Fact: The Hampton Roads region is consistently in the top 15 regions in the country for termite population and damage.
• Fact:  Termite colonies eat non-stop, 24 hours a day, seven days a week!
• Fact:  Termites have wings that they shed once they have found a good

As many of our readers probably saw on the news this past weekend, the central United States was hit very hard by multiple tornadoes that touched down this last week. Cities and towns across the country are reeling from the devastation and trying to pick up the pieces. Fortunately for many of those communities, the American Red Cross was quickly on the scene across the country, showing up mere minutes after the storms passed and immediately reaching out to victims with crucial assistance in the form of food, water, shelter, clothing, counseling, and more.

As you can see from the pictures a friend in southern Indiana took this weekend and shared with us, the destruction is massive. Those piles of siding, wood, and metal were once someone’s home and

Now that March is here, everyone is looking forward to spring, warmer weather, and getting outdoors. As you look forward, though, don’t forget to look back to February! February was Heart Month, and the lessons learned for good health during that time shouldn’t be forgotten as soon as we all turn the page on the calendar.

Here are some simple things to remember—and do—to help take care of your ticker and keep it in great shape for the long term:

1. Learn about good fats and bad fats. Fat is actually an important part of a healthy diet, but it’s all about the type of fat you take in. Try to reduce your intake of saturated fats (read nutrition labels to see how much saturated fat is in the foods you like, and be prepared to be surprised) and

A lot of eyes are on the real estate market right now, from economists to politicians, investors to homeowners. Everyone wants to know what’s next, where the market is headed, who’s buying, and what’s selling. The whirlwind of discussion about economic factors and national trends can often overshadow the fact that, quite simply, owning a home is still one of the best investments you can make, both financially and emotionally. There are a number of reasons that support this claim, which can be divided into two categories:

1. Reasons that have been proven, over time, why it’s good to own a home.
2. Reasons why now might a good time for you to take the step into home ownership.

Let’s start with several historically sound arguments about

We wanted to introduce one of our preferred vendors ACME Animal Control who specializes in the removal of Nuisance Animal- Wildlife Removal- Bee Control.  

Brian Fiske owner of ACME Animal Control has 11 years of zoo experience and after seeing him interact with the animals he is extremely knowledgeable and very calm when dealing with the wildlife.  

(Yes that is Brian with a rattlesnake)  

The also have reptile shows and can bring the animals to you.  It is a big part of what he loves is by educating everyone about how to handle and to deal with the animals.  

We want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas from Gary Lundholm and Santa Claus!  

"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree:  the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. " ~Burton Hillis

Norfolk Dominion Garden Of Lights : 

Norfolk Botanical Garden
6700 Azalea Garden Road
Norfolk, Virginia 23518
(757) 441-5830

Daily until January 1, 2011 from 5:30pm - 10pm

Price per car : Sun - Thurs $10, Frid & Sat $15 Cash only

This is a 2 mile synchronized light display fun for the entire family 

Support The American Red Cross in Hampton Roads during the holidays and give the gift of life.  

The American Red Cross is always looking for blood donations especially during the holiday season.   From December 19-31 2011 you will receive a Holiday "In Honor Of" card to give to a friend or loved one.  And while supplies last they will be giving donors a FREE soup bowl and spoon set & Chef Cat Cora Recipe Card.  

Here is a list of blood drive locations in Hampton Roads :

Patrick Henry Mall - 12300 Jefferson Ave, Newport News
December 20-24, 2011 2-7pm

Pembroke Mall - 4554 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA
December 20-23, 2011 2-7pm December 24 9:00am - 3pm

Gloucester County Moose Lodge - 6565 Moose Drive, Gloucester 
December

2011 Toys & Trees Event to benefit the Edmarc Hospice for Children was a huge success!  Thank you to everyone who participated!