Life, Etc.

Once you have found the home that meets your needs, it is time to make an offer. The offer is a legally binding document (sometimes called a purchase agreement) that tells the seller how much you are willing to pay for the home. The document is usually a standard form from which your agent can fill in the blanks with the details of your offer. Since this is a legally binding document you will want to know and understand what it says. Details of the purchase agreement can vary state by state but typically include:

Purchase Price – Your first step in making an offer is deciding on a purchase price. You can offer a price below, equal to or even above the seller’s asking price. Work with your agent to determine what is reasonable to offer. You should also keep in mind how much you have been pre-approved to borrow and how high of a mortgage payment you can comfortably afford.  Since your agent is paid a commission based on the selling price of the home, this gives your agent more of an incentive to encourage a higher offer.

Concessions – Your offer can also specify seller concessions which are things that you would like the seller to be financially responsible for such as the appraisal, inspection(s), closing costs, etc.

Contingencies – Even if your offer is accepted, there are likely to be several conditions that will need to be met before you are willing to complete the purchase of the home. Your financial institution will need an appraisal which confirms the value of the home. You will not want to purchase a home for more than it is worth and your lender will not approve a loan that exceeds the home’s value. You will want a free and clear title insuring there are no outstanding liens on the home. Your offer should also be contingent on financing. You may already be pre-approved, but you do not want to be bound to purchase a home if you cannot obtain financing. Another common contingency is based on the inspection outcome. A basic home inspection will let you know the physical condition of the home and alert you if repairs need to be negotiated. Your agent should be able to advise if there are any other special inspections required in your area.

Personal Property that Conveys – In your offer, you can list items that are not permanent fixtures of the home that you wish to stay, such as appliances or furniture. Permanent fixtures such as light fixtures and cabinetry must remain and need not be listed. If you are unsure about any particular items classification and you want it as part of the sale, list it.

Earnest Deposit – Submitted with your offer to the seller, the earnest deposit shows a commitment to purchasing the home. There is no specific amount that you must submit.  Your deposit will be held in escrow by your agent and is refundable to you if the seller does not accept your offer or all conditions of the offer are not met.  Your offer may also specify how long the seller has to respond and the expected closing date.

Before signing your offer, read the purchase agreement and understand your responsibilities as the buyer and the responsibilities of the seller. Be sure you want the home since the offer is legally binding. There may be a counter offer from the seller regarding price, costs, or other contingencies, so be prepared to negotiate. Try to avoid an emotional attachment to the home if possible since acceptance of your offer is not guaranteed. If the offer is accepted the seller will sign the purchase agreement and you are one step closer to owning a home.

If you follow me on Twitter you would know, I am an extreme dare devil and a part of an amazing adventure group that meets once a month to explore new and thrilling horizons. My BFF, who is a publicist and the organizer of these events, planned this amazing trip over the weekend. Seventeen adventurists met at 8am Saturday morning – some of whom I had never even met – to White Water Raft along the Delaware River. Of course during her planning I had to volunteer my services.

I mean, come on what’s an adventure without a good meal?

So I planned this great cold menu excluding ordinary lunch meat sandwiches and the team loved it all. One item in particular was my Summer Tuna with Cranberries and Apples, and it was the prize of our picnic.

This simple twist on an ordinary Tuna Sandwich is great for any event. You can put it on a fancy cracker for a cocktail party or put it in a roll or two slices of bread.

Ingredients

- 2 small cans of White Albacore Tuna in Water - 1/3 cup Dried Sweetened Cranberries - 2/3 cup Apples (chopped) - 2 stalks of celery (chopped) - 1/2 cup Mayonnaise - 1 teaspoon of brown sugar - salt and pepper for taste

Directions

Drain tuna and put into a small bowl. Gently mash with a fork so it is easier to mix with celery, apples and cranberries without mashing them. Add fruit and celery, then add mayonnaise, brown sugar, salt and pepper, and mix gently with a spoon.

This is a five minute dish that’s ready to eat immediately, however it’s better if it sits about 20 minutes in the refrigerator.

Also if you aren’t a mayo person like me, it’s okay to start light and add more as needed for moisture.

I’m sure my adventurous friends will all be very happy to see this article, since I was delivered death threats to give my recipe up. (I kid I kid!!! )

Buon appetito!!!!

Last week, we shared a heartfelt letter to you that was written in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell.  We had the opportunity to chat with the woman behind that letter, the beautiful Dawn Montgomery.  Dawn Montgomery is a professional model and writer that resides in the Atlanta area.  She has graced the pages of Black Men’s Magazine, a JET “Beauty of the Week,”  and J’Adore Magazine, as well as a few campaigns for Akoo Clothing, PZI Jeans, and Seagram’s Gin 2009.  Get to know Dawn as she discusses her personal fight with Bipolar Manic Disorder and how she has managed to keep it under control.

XI:  You were diagnosed with Bipolar Manic Disorder in high school. What symptoms were you experiencing that alerted you something was wrong?

I was very depressed and I really shut myself off from my friends. I began to think extremely negative & have suicidal thoughts. I began to have the weirdest suicidal ideations & I never shared them with anyone. It wasn’t until I felt numb all over that I knew there was something seriously wrong with me. XI:  Mental Illness is usually ignored in the African-American community. Whose idea was it to get you diagnosed?

It wasn’t until I had Viral Meningitis and I was hospitalized for almost 3 weeks. During that time, my doctor noticed my mood swings and the symptoms and he recommended that I see a therapist. My family supported me through this whole process and it was something that we needed to do in order to make sure I was going to be okay.

XI:  Why do you think the African-American community turns away from dealing with mental illnesses?

I think the severity of mental illnesses and how complex they may be, can turn our community away from dealing with it. Mental Illness is real and once we are able to recognize it and come together as a community to fight against it then we can overcome it.

XI:  After you were diagnosed, how long did it take you to come to terms and deal with living with Bipolar Manic Disorder?

Not long… I ignored it as long as I could, but then my episodes were more rapid and started happening at least 5 to 6 times in a year. I cannot ignore something that is a part of me so the older I get the more comfortable I am being me.

XI:  You have been modeling for a little while now…how have you managed to maintain success in such a stressful and competitive industry while battling Bipolar disorder?

I have been blessed to have a strong support system and a few key people around me that help keep my boat afloat. LOL! My agent, Jay Glover and my publicist Lila Brown have both stepped in and given my career some order. My family understands my struggle and so do those that work with me professionally.  I appreciate them all.

XI:  Last year, Saks sponsored a fashion show with proceeds going to Bipolar Manic Disorder research, have you been able to do anything similar or plan to?

SAKS, give me a call the next time you do that! LOL! I plan on working with NAMI.org and really just getting more awareness out about Mental Illnesses and how some of us overcome.

XI:  How do you feel about there now being a specific Mental Health Awareness Month for minorities?

I LOVE IT! Everyone else has their month and I really feel as if this helps bring about awareness. You cannot run from something that will continue to stare you in your face.

XI: I read that powerful letter you wrote in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell. Her daughter Maia Campbell has been battling this disorder for a long time now, but tends to have relapses due to not wanting to take her medication. Have there been moments for you where you were fed up and wanted to stop taking your medication?

I don’t take medication. I am sure therapists & psychiatrists will not like me stating that but it’s true. My episodes have been very extreme and I have found ways that I can deal with them. I stoppped taking medication, because they were not for my Bipolar Disorder. I was taking anti-depressants and if I missed a dose or two, I was worse off than I was before taking the medication. The older I get the more I am researching the new drugs that have been created for the disorder and I am debating on whether I should do a research study.

XI: After becoming a mother, which is truly a blessing, did you find yourself having as many bouts with your depression?

NO! My son came into my life right when he was supposed to. I had lost my grandmother to Breast Cancer and I thought my life was completely over.  When I found out I was pregnant I was so overjoyed.  God makes no mistake and he gave my son to me to help me continue on with my life and tell my testimony. There’s a lot of joy in that alone.

XI:  What are your future plans for spreading awareness of Bipolar Manic Disorder?

I would like to become a national spokesperson for NAMI and continue working in the community. I enjoy talking about my testimony and learning more about how people are dealing with their mental illnesses. XI:  What is your advice to young African-American women battling on how to deal with the disorder and refusing to treat it?

Please get help! I am blessed to have the support system that I have created around myself, and I have always educated myself on my disorder. It is tough to deal with this alone.

XI:  On a fabulous note…where will we see your beautiful face again?! What are some upcoming projects we can look forward to seeing you in?

I am so blessed to have a wonderful career as a professional model and writer so I have a few things up my sleeve. I will be working with Creme of Nature at the Bronner Bros. Hair Show in August. I have a hair commercial that will air next month and my first cover may be ready by then as well. My faith lies in God and He has truly taken care of me no matter what.

XI is very thankful to Dawn for taking the time to chat with us and can’t wait to see her in her upcoming projects! 

Dawn has overcome her disorder through the strong support system of her family and friends that truly love her.  Her story is so inspiring and is sure to touch someone that is facing the same battles as she has.  Pay attention to her story and if her symptoms sound familiar, check it out!  It can’t hurt.  Take Dawn’s advice and seek help!!

citiXIns, we are at the height of the wedding season and many celebs seem to be walking down the aisle this year, from LaLa Vazquez and Carmelo Anthony to Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky.  All of whom are sporting some serious ice on their left ring fingers specially designed by celebrity jewelers.  So fellas if you are looking for that perfect ring to propose with this upcoming holiday season, Kay Jewelers has designer rings for a more modest budget.

Neil Lane Bridal Ring Collection at Kay Jewelers (clockwise from top left): “Timeless” round diamond, “Essence” pear-shaped diamond, “Harmony” round diamond, and “Energy” cushion-cut diamond (Photos courtesy of Kay Jewelers).

From StyleList: Now even the most humble bachelor can give his intended an A-list-style proposal: Celebrity jeweler Neil Lane is collaborating with Kay Jewelers to bring beautiful bridal bling to the masses.

“I was inspired by 20 years of design for some of Hollywood’s most legendary stars to create a collection with Kay Jewelers that is authentic, glamorous, and romantic,” Lane said in a statement announcing his Neil Lane Bridal collection.

Lane is famous for creating romantic keepsakes for Hollywood brides including Jennifer Hudson, Emily Blunt, Portia de Rossi, and Nicole Richie.

He has also been the go-to jeweler for ABC’s The Bachelor and The Bachelorette franchises. Lane supplied the ice for the winter wedding of Bachelor Jason Mesnick and Molly Malaney and for the failed engagements of bride wannabes Vienna Girardi and Jillian Harris.

(In) happier nuptial news? These moderately priced Kay rings — which feature some of the same artful touches that have made Lane famous — don’t demand a blockbuster paycheck: The 36 Neil Lane Bridal styles, available at select Kay stores and on the company’s Web site, retail for between $2,999 and $7,999 — a fraction of what the jeweler’s red-carpet regulars pay!

We have now had nearly five months to live with most of the changes set forth by the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009. In an effort to increase consumer protection, due dates were stabilized, fees were regulated, disclosure requirements were increased, and the underhanded ways credit card companies keep card holders in debt were addressed. Most rules went in effect on or before February 22, 2010, but there is one more rule that will become active on August 22, 2010.

As of February, a credit card interest rate could not be increased for the first 12 months that the account is open except if (1) your rate is variable and tied to an index that increases, (2) your introductory rate expires, (3) you are more than 60 days late making your payments, or (4) you have a workout agreement and you did not make payments as agreed.

The August change adds an additional stipulation for interest rate increases incurred because of late payments. Not only must the card issuer give the reason for the increase, the issuer must also restore the interest rate to the previous, lower level after six months if the cardholder has made on-time payments during that six-month period.

This final phase of the Credit C.A.R.D. act gives the card holder a glimpse of hope should they fall temporarily on rough times. Being sixty days late will likely cause an increase in the interest rate, but only for a short time (six months) if you are able to get back on track. And for those cardholders that pay their credit card bills each month but not necessarily on the due date, you should still expect a late fee but if you can remember to pay your bill within 59 days of the due date, your interest rate will not increase.

The bottom line remains the same: as a consumer you must protect yourself. The best way to do that is with knowledge. Be aware of the rules so that you can play the game.

In January 2008, the US House of Representatives named July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.  In November 2006, we lost our beloved Bebe Moore Campbell.  She was a talented author, co-founder of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Urban Los Angeles and a national spokesperson on mental illness.

In 2005, she published 72-Hour Hold.  72-Hour Hold, Bebe Moore Campbell’s last published book, was about an adult daughter struggling with mental illness and how it affected her and her family.  72-Hour Hold was based on the experiences she faced as her daughter, Maia Campbell has been fighting her own battle with mental illness.   In September 2009, a disturbing video circulated throughout the internet of an apparent drug-induced Maia Campbell.  Day’s later; Maia Campbell’s father and grandmother sent a heartfelt letter to Essence Magazine asking for prayers and explaining Maia’s bout with mental illness and let everyone know she was currently getting help.  Read letter here.

As we acknowledge Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we will have the opportunity to chat with gorgeous model, Dawn Montgomery.  Dawn also battles mental illness and has been since she was in high school.    Below is a touching letter Dawn wrote to Bebe Moore Campbell, in her honor:

“Here I am. National Mental Health Awareness Month was in May and I am still at a loss for words. Some people in our community do not realize that they have mental illness and the number of mental illness cases continues to rise at an alarming rate every day. According to Mental Health America, most African-Americans with Bipolar Disorder are undiagnosed and untreated. Thanks to you, we have the opportunity to celebrate National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month during the month of July. You have inspired my life in so many ways and I would like to share my story with you. I have utilized my voice in sharing my battle with Bipolar Disorder on many of the social networking websites that have become very popular in this day and time. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder my sophomore year in high school and it was a traumatic experience. I embraced the knowledge of my condition at that time, but my peers could not. I dealt with a lot of harsh criticism but I was able to finish high school and move on to the next phase of my life. Your book, “Sometimes my Mommy gets Angry”, was published a year after I graduated from high school, but I did not get a chance to read it until after my uncle had passed away from AIDS during the fall semester of my freshman year of college. His death was very traumatic for me and your book helped me realize that I must talk more about the disorder in my community to help spread the word about mental illnesses. After my uncle’s death, I had a very difficult time coping and I became suicidal. This was not the first time, but it was the most significant. I was an out-of-state student, at a historically black college, and I had NO ONE to really talk too. Just because I was one of the most recognizable faces on campus did not mean that someone always wanted to lend an ear. It was then that I tried to take my own life. This was my seventh attempt on my life, and I was admitted into a mental ward. I was placed under a 72-hour hold and I was lucky and blessed that my family supported me throughout my commitment. Your book, “72 Hour Hold”, is my LIFE! I was the character Trina Whitmore when I first went into my 72-hour hold and my mother was character Keri Whitmore. My mother never denied my disorder and she tried to help me as best as she could. In the Black community, it is still taboo for someone to even mention the words Mental Illness, Depression, Schizophrenia, or Bipolar Disorder. WHY? If I had of known who I could have really talked to or trusted on campus, I would have spoken up. My 72-hour hold showed me that I did not need to be in a place that did not allow me to use my talents nor my voice. I was hiding behind traumatic experiences, my brain’s chemical imbalance, and shame. There was no need for that. When I finally dealt with that chapter of my life, my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She helped me fight against the negative stigmas of having a mental disorder and she allowed me to embrace myself more. I did not want to lose her. She was my saving grace. She also helped my mother understand the disorder and she helped me fight. Then, it was my turn to return the favor. I took two years out from school to care for my grandmother in her fight against breast cancer. When she eventually died from it, however, I felt like I failed her. Fortunately, I believe that God showed me otherwise. One month after my grandmother’s death, I found out that I was pregnant with my son. He gave me a reason to live and another reason to give Bipolar Disorder a face and a voice. My son was born in June 2005 and Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast where we lived in August 2005. There I was, yet again facing another traumatic experience, but I had a newborn son to take care of. I fought so many negative feelings, so many suicidal thoughts and I pulled myself together for him. My life has truly been a testament of what God has for me and neither man nor I can deny it. Even though there have been many ups and downs, I have been blessed to have the most amazing support system of family and close friends that truly care about my well-being. We made it through that tragedy together and I went back to school. According to Mental Health of America, one of the reasons why African-Americans are not receiving help for Bipolar Disorder and other mental illnesses is our reliance on family and religious community. I must admit that I also looked first to family and church during my bipolar episodes, but I realized that was not enough. I had to seek counseling, therapy options, and participate in research studies in order for me to receive consistent treatment for my disorder. At this point in my life, I see how my openness about my battle with Bipolar Disorder has helped many people – sufferers and supporters alike. Through blog posts, updated status messages and random articles I have given a new face and voice to the disorder and I pray more people hear me. Your life’s work is what I dream of accomplishing in my lifetime and I pray that God guides my path. You left us in November 2006 and almost four years later I find myself re-reading all of your mental illness themed books regularly. Your words remind me of how powerful one’s story can be and how I can really affect change if I just speak up. I am still going through treatment and I have learned more about myself through my battle with this disorder. Thank you Mrs. Bebe Moore Campbell. I owe this chapter in my life to you.”

Sincerely, Dawn Montgomery

We are excited about our interview with Dawn, we will learn about her struggle and how she has managed to cope with her illness while being a mother and obtaining success in the modeling industry.

Mental illness is usually ignored in our community but it’s time we become aware of such a serious illness.  If you know loved ones, or you, yourself are experiencing extreme mood changes and similar symptoms as Maia Campbell and Dawn Montgomery, Seek Treatment!! Do not feel like you’re crazy or embarrassed because the longer you go untreated, the worse your mental state will become.  We love all of you over here at XI Magazine, so we ask that you seek help, if not for you, then for your loved ones that have to witness you in a mental state of pain.  Check out NAMI and educate yourself on mental illness.  Also if you haven’t read 72-Hour Hold, please purchase a copy, it’s a powerful read!  Make sure you come back and visit us next week to catch our in-depth interview with Dawn Montgomery!

Image Source

XI Fly Chicks and Fellas, we must practice better skincare because these numbers are shocking!  We have to stop believing that “black (and brown) don’t crack.”  We are even more susceptible than our white counterparts.

From StyleList: Having darker skin does not exclude you from getting skin cancer.

If you have a darker complexion, you actually have a greater risk of dying from skin cancer than your light-skinned counterparts.

That’s the shocking news from a recent study of 41,072 melanoma patients in Florida that found advanced cases in 12% of Caucasians, 18% of Hispanics, and 26% of African Americans.

The culprit? Minorities are less likely to be diagnosed and treated for skin cancer in its early detection stages.

“There is a fairly common misconception among African Americans and Hispanics that we do not get skin cancer. Nothing could be further from the truth,” says Dr. Marcy Street, the first African-American female MOHS surgeon in the United States.

“Because light-skinned individuals are mentioned constantly, minority groups often surmise that the information somehow doesn’t apply to us since we don’t commonly burn or have the warning signs of having had too much sun — redness, tingling, sun burning, peeling,” adds Dr. Street.

Individuals with deeper skin tones should look for changing moles, a skin growth that doesn’t heal, and a dry, patchy rash that refuses to heal with lotion.

“Melanoma may occur commonly on the hands, feet, mucosal surfaces and in other hidden places such as the eyes. These are all areas of the body that need to be checked regularly,” advises Dr. Street.

Naturally bronzed beauties should never assume that skin color means you can skimp on the sunscreen. Look for light spray-on formulas with an SPF of at least 30 that blend in more seamlessly than chunkier white creams that may leave skin ashy or gray.

Your bedroom should be your sanctuary. Not a media room. Not an office. Not a rec room. Your bedroom — the most personal, private room in the house — should nurture your soul. If everything in your bedroom is beautiful, you will feel more beautiful when you’re there. Enjoy it! Here are some ideas:

Please do:

Make a statement in the bedroom with either the bed OR the custom bedding on it. If you have a stunning bed, use a solid fabric such as a quilted silk fabric to keep the bed frame your focal point. If your bed doesn’t have much presence, select a designer fabric that adds visual interest and complements the bed frame.

Choose soft fabrics and textured fabrics for your custom bedding — velvets, chenilles, soft silks, faux suedes, silky cottons, puffy matelassés and quilted textures.  Luxurious designer fabrics and great sheets make all the difference.

Add an upholstered bench or loveseat at the foot of the bed. It’s the perfect place to put on shoes, to place a duvet or bedspread at night, to put a pretty throw or extra pillows. It’s also a good spot for pets to rest or to pack a suitcase.

If space permits, create a sitting area with chairs and an ottoman, chaise or small sofa. Slipper chairs are a good choice for bedrooms because of their compact size.  It’s a nice spot to read — or for one spouse to sit while waiting for the other!

Add beautiful custom window treatments to balance the bed visually and soften the architecture of the room plus furnish privacy and light control.

If you favor a particular color in a bedroom, vary the hues to avoid a monochromatic room. If you love the look of an all-white bed, be sure there is a contrast with the wall-color — even if it’s a deep cream, a pale hyacinth blue or a café latte color. Add accessories in accent colors, such as raspberry pink pillows or a kiwi green chair in an oatmeal or spa blue room.

If you have a television in the room, disguise it. Use an armoire, a cabinet or recess it behind a hinged mirror.

Get rid of clutter. Buy fabric-covered boxes or baskets with lids for papers and things that have to be stored. Put a canvas bag in the closet to collect clothes for the drycleaner.

Remove unused exercise equipment. Move it along to a new home — or relocate it elsewhere.

Vary the levels of lighting in your bedroom — from low wattage lamps (or dimmers) to candles to lights appropriate for reading. Mirrors can reflect views and bring additional light into the room.

Add a personal touch. Showcase photos of family and friends, stacks of books to be read, favorite art and mementos.

But please:

Don’t sleep in the wrong bed. If the style of your present bed no longer suits you, change it!

Don’t over-do pillows. Moving twelve pillows each night is a chore you’ll soon resent. Have a smaller number of beautiful custom shams and pillows — four, five or six — and make them important.

Don’t live in a bed that’s too low. Buy bed risers that will boost the bed frame by six inches off the floor and take it to the height of an antique bed. Risers are available from any big-box linens store.

Don’t place a bed directly in line with the door. According to Feng Shui, a bed should be placed where you feel most secure.

Don’t put your office in your bedroom. It will remind you of all the work to be done.

Don’t live with bedding that leaves something to be desired — duvets that don’t meet the bedskirt, bedskirts that are too short or too long, faded pillow shams. You’ll spend one-third of your life in bed — it should be a pleasant experience!

Anyone who knows me knows I am addicted to few things in life – one being the Food Network and the other following some of my favorite chefs like Mario Batali and Bobby Flay.

So as you can imagine when I received a call from the managing editor of XI to attend an event for Hampton Magazine at MPD Restaurant where they would honor Bobby Flay, I was all over it. It’s funny because one of my other addictions – cooking – would have to go on the back burner so I could get face time with one of my friends in my head.

As I waited on the step and repeat with my Blackberry set up to record and my battery dying, I panicked not knowing what the heck I would ask him. What did I want people to know? What did I want to know? As I blanked out – there he was – Mr. Bobby Flay himself and I had no time to think. The questions just came to me and his polite welcoming demeanor was sincere and made it easy.

XI Magazine: I’ve followed your career and through it all: media, endorsements etc; what would you say has shaped your passion for the culinary world?

Bobby Flay: Mesa Grill. Definitely Mesa. That is my baby. Though I love being on the cover of Hampton Magazine and various Food Network series, the kitchen is where it is for me. In fact, I just took off my whites before coming here.

XI: So I overheard you say you and your family will soon move into your new home in the Hamptons. Can we expect a Mesa Grill or other venue nearby?

BF: NOT AT ALL!  If I open a restaurant in the Hamptons I will be working. I want to take that time to relax with the family.

XI: If you couldn’t work in the kitchen tomorrow and nothing pertaining to food was an option what would you do?

BF: Definitely politics. I love giving back to the community and doing something positive, so if I can’t cook that would be it.

XI: Ok, one last question. As a chef, what advice can you give those who are utterly and completely wrapped up in the industry, paid their dues, and really just love being in the kitchen, what can you say to inspire them further?

BF: Put your head down and keep working in the kitchen. It’s one thing to go to school and learn the technique, but another to get that raw hands on experience and really have a passion for it.

I could not have said it better myself. My interview with Bobby Flay got my taste buds going and I hope one of his original recipes can do the same for you.

Bon Appétit

Spicy Soft Shell Crab Spaghetti with White Wine & Garlic

Serves: 4

4 tablespoons canola oil 6 soft shell crabs, cleaned Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 cloves crushed garlic Half a bottle of dry white wine 3 plum tomatoes, halved seeded and chopped 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced ¾ pound spaghetti (#8 or #9) cooked al dente in salted water ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves ¼ cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley leaves

1. Heat 3 tablespoons of the oil in a large sauté pan over high heat. Season the crabs on both sides with salt and pepper and cook, in batches, until golden brown and just cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the crabs to a plate, tent to keep warm.

2. Add the remaining oil to the pan and add the garlic and cook until slightly soft, about 1 minute. Add the wine and cook until almost completely reduced. Stir in the tomatoes and red pepper flakes and cook, over high heat, until the tomatoes break down slightly and the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the cold butter and cook until thickened, about 1 minute.

3. Add the spaghetti, basil and parsley to the pan and toss until combined. Season with salt and pepper and transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl. Slice the crabs in half and place on top of the pasta. Garnish with more parsley leaves and basil, if desired.

Well, my dear XI Fly citiXIns, Steve Jobs has spoken and the word is in…

Apple is offering rubber cases to anyone who has purchased the new iPhone 4 and are experiencing signal loss due to its antenna placement.

When customers and the media brought the antenna issue to Apple’s attention shortly after its release, they were met with a swift “well, you’re holding it the wrong way” antidote.  Adding to this “solution,” Apple also placed blame on the iPhone’s only service provider, AT&T.  However it wasn’t until Tuesday that Apple found itself scrambling when the influential and consumer-friendly magazine, Consumer Reports, completed testing on the new Smartphone that did not meet their recommendations. Apple knew then that they had to resolve this issue promptly, especially when Consumer Reports suggested that iPhone 4 owners use duct tape to alleviate its reception issues.  Collectively Apple’s elite gasped, and somewhere Jobs was completely mortified at the mere thought and visual of his beloved iPhone encased in duct tape.  (Hey!  Duct tape fixes everything, right?)

So, Apple’s CEO ordered a press conference to be given this morning, where many had hoped he would offer some sort of apology to consumers on Apple’s behalf; however, his words were more half-hearted than heartfelt as he tried to appease the public and the media.

“We’re not perfect.  Phones aren’t perfect either, but we want to make all of our users happy…It’s hard to escape the conclusion that there is a problem, but that problem is affecting a very small percentage of our users,” Jobs told reporters.  He also cited that only 0.55% of new iPhone users had called Apple’s tech support, and only 1% more consumers had dropped calls reported to AT&T than its predecessor, the iPhone 3GS.

Jobs speech came after Apple’s opening bit of Jonathan Mann’s “The iPhone 4 Antenna Song” which includes the lyrics: “If you don’t want an iPhone 4 don’t buy it.  If you bought one and you don’t like it, bring it back…but you know you won’t.”  A jab seemingly directed towards the media’s overreaction to the antenna and reception issue.

Apple is now offering a free rubber “bumper” case, retailed at $30, to any customers experiencing these reception issues, or a refund will be given to those who have already purchase the case.  Yet, there was no promise of Apple fixing the hardware and design flaw, otherwise stating that it could possibly ruin the phone’s design aesthetic.

Apple’s To-Do List: Blame customers – check.  Blame AT&T – check.  Hope that the problem goes away – check.  Plan Friday press conference – check.  Make excuses – check.  Dare anyone to return the iPhone 4 – check.  Offer refund and free rubber case – check.  Actually fix hardware and reception issues…

Although Apple has sold 3 million phones in the past 3 weeks it has been on the shelves, Apple has been shifted on its pedestal some.  No, every phone is not perfect, and neither is Apple.  The iPhone is still the leading Smartphone on the market right now, and it will more than likely remain at that number one spot.  However, Apple rushing production on the next big thing in their repertoire will not keep them there.

Apple is a company that has become synonymous with perfected technology, grand style & production, great business savvy, and exemplary products.  Apple does not want to become known as some mediocre company that consumers cannot trust to repair their hardware and design defects (because technology will ALWAYS encounter mistakes and missteps). Nor do they want to become that company who points the finger at everyone and everything else with boastful arrogance.  In the future, Apple must take responsibility for their flaws or shield themselves better from these small blemishes and glitches before they begin to snowball and they indeed become THAT company.

Jobs and Apple should have given a humbling apology, offered a suitable solution that resolves the problem permanently, and began working feverishly on the iPhone 4GS.  But, so much for wishful thinking…

**I only have one question for Apple though… In addition to this new rubber “bumper,” will I still be able to showcase my style with a colorful pink and purple ifrogz case too?**