Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker

The FBI has verified, on their web site, that there is a "Jury Duty Scam". This is a phone related scam, so if you know anyone who doesn't use the Internet, especially older people, you should make sure they do not become a victim. The caller claims to be a court officer, and then accuses the victim of missing a jury duty appointment. After the victim is sufficiently worried about failing to report for jury duty, the caller then suggests that they verify if they have the correct person. It is at that point that they ask for ss number, birth date, and sometimes even credit information.

The caller works the conversation into a threat of a fine that can be paid over the phone by a credit card. What is amazing is that this has been going on in some form since early 2005! If you have one of these calls, or know someone who has, one thing to do is *69 after you hang up. This will give you the phone number that the call was made from. Then contact the FBI and report the incident.

You can also use *57 which records the phone call at the phone company as a "call trace". One web site says: "When you activate the Call Trace code (*57) immediately following the harassing call, the caller's phone number is recorded by the phone company." But *57 doesn't give you the phone number. The phone company has to get an authorization form before the harasser's phone number can be turned over to law enforcement and there may be a fee. Some phone companies charge you each time you use Call Trace and others have a monthly charge for an unlimited number of traces.

If the phone number is blocked, tracing the call may help the FBI or other law enforcement agencies gather enough information to go after the schemers even from the perspective of "Do Not Call" fines and penalties, especially if your phone is on the DNC list. In any case, don't get your identity stolen this way. Tell someone who might be a victim to be careful, too.

It was a peaceful morning on the Vineyard as I walked by this small fishing shack. It was a short trip to check on a house. There were a few ducks and birds still swimming around that had not gone south yet. The leaves on the Vineyard trees were still changing. They are probably peaking right now. I'll be back on the Vineyard for a class in the afternoon. It wil probably more busy.

This is just a joke folks. If it makes you uneasy, ask yourself why.

A pretty little girl named Suzy was standing on the sidewalk in front of her home. Next to her was a basket containing a number of new kittens. In her hand was a sign announcing FREE KITTENS. Suddenly a line of big black cars pulled up beside her. Out of the lead car stepped a tall, grinning man.

"Hi there, little girl, I'm representing President Obama. What do you have in the basket?" he asked.

"Kittens." little Suzy said.

"How old are they?" asked the spokesman.

Suzy replied, "They're so young, their eyes aren't even open yet."

"And what kind of kittens are they?"

"Democrats," answered Suzy with a smile.

The Obama rep was delighted. As soon as he returned to his car, he called the PR chief and told him about the little girl and the kittens. Recognizing a photo op, the two Obama-ites agreed that the president should "appear" the next day, and, in front of an assembled media, have the girl talk about her special kittens. It would be cute and sure to raise any approval rating!

So the next day, Suzy was again standing on the sidewalk with her basket of "FREE KITTENS" when another motorcade pulled up, this time followed by vans from ABC, NBC, CBS and CNN. Cameras and audio equipment were quickly set up, then Obama got out of his limo and walked over to little Suzy.. "Hello, again," he said, "I'd love it if you would tell all my friends out there what kind of kittens you're giving away." "

Yes sir," Suzy said. "They're Republicans."

Taken by surprise, the president stammered, "But... but.... yesterday, you said they were Democrats."

Little Suzy smiled and said, "Yes, of course. But today, they have their eyes open."

That afternoon the story was reported on FOX.

If you think real estate is not easy, watch this! The tv show Dirty Jobs has a YouTube that summarizes some of their episodes. When you're feeling overwhelmed, watch it and be grateful! Some people work in far more dificult jobs. I had a good laugh at some of them.

This is an amazing country. There are jobs that go on all the time that are beyond our imagination, until you see them on tv. Then you're kind of moved to comment like the guy on Dirty Jobs, "Well, I guess that does need to be done by someone." I am glad I do what I do though.

I have no affiliatiaon with nor have I benefitted from the producers, actors, reporters, cameramen, network, or workers in this video by placing this link in my blog. I just thought it was funny.

When asked what other businesses MA needs to support the studios at Plymouth Rock, he has more than a few suggestions. This is good news for the Massachusetts economy! There are about 2000 initial jobs being created by the construction of the studio. Other businesses have opportunity for growth and development similar to the growth and development of the studios themselves. (By the way, they use a question I contributed, in the interview!)

He mentions CGI, pre and post production companies, and even more sound stages in other parts of the state. The video below mentions Joe's background financial background with reputable organisations like the Boston Celtics (18 years) and his leadership of the 8,000+ member Financial executives international. The organizers and developers of Hollywood East all have very interesting backgrounds. The video below is just one of the videos in a group called "The Series" where the principles and the activities at the studios are being documented.