The first book I shared, The Tipping Point, was mailed to the winner, Jeff Gingerich, last week.
That book was shared from Zeek.com, but this book, Sex And Real Estate, simply MUST be given away here on Active Rain. Why? Because this is where I wrote the original reviews and posts about this very interesting book. These posts still get visits two years after the fact. And the content of the book will always be relevant, in my opinion.
"When you stop to think about it, buying and selling a house is a lot like dating," says Margorie Garber, "the same quickening of the pulse, the lingering around the phone, willing it to ring." Good markets or bad markets, that does not change.
If you'd like to read my thoughts on the book, here are a few links:
- Sex And Real Estate: Part 1
- Sex And Real Estate: The House As Beloved
- Sex And Real Estate: The House As Mother
- Sex And Real Estate: The Conclusion
So here's how this will work. Simply leave a comment here indicating that you'd like to read this book and tommorrow at noon, PST, I'll select a comment randomly and send the book to you. The catch, you have to read it, write your own review and then offer it up to someone else.
Sound fair?
Jeff Turner aka respres
Am I first? I'd like to play. Pick me, pick me!!!!
Pick me, pick me! I agree to all terms and conditions.
Jeff, I would like to read this, sounds very interesting. I am hoping I am selected!
You know I would love to add Sex and Real Estate to the books I am reading right now. ;-) I like to listen to Barry White when I read.
P.S. I live alone so I need it more. (The book.)
Like, I love it, I want some more of it! I"m in!
I'm in!
Susie, you're just bad. (I mean that in the best of ways.) :)
If I'm chosen I'll read the book by a warm fire with candles lit, soft music playing, and a glass of wine in hand.
I'm picking at random, Rick, but if mood were a criteria, you'd certainly win. :) So far... though Susie's Barry White comment comes with it's own built in mood elevation.
Susie...LOL! Thanks for the laugh this morning. You have opened a can of worms here Jeff for some interesting comments I see.
Nothing like a little Sex and Real Estate to start off your day. :)
I'd love to read your book..sounds interesting!
Sex and real estate are so much alike... it's all about Location, Location, Location.
LOL, Susie! Jeff, please consider me to receive the book and I will definitely read it, write a review and pass it along. I wonder if we should do that with the men in our lives too! ;-)
Oy, what have I unleashed. :)
Jeff - I just went back and read your reviews of this book, which were excellent in my opinion and somewhat of a Cliff's note for me. Absolutely love the title and I'm sure someone would probably stop me and ask me about this book in a coffee shop :) - It sure would make a conversation and perhaps bring in a new client - who knows
Jef..... I would like to read this book..sounds great..last night I was on zeek.com...It is cold in Dec in AC..::0)
:)
Jeff - I like this concept - giving away a book with the thought that the "winner" has to read and review it. With all the book recommendations out there from real estate agents, I think the concept could be its own beast. Unfortunately, I'm not giving up my autographed copy of Trust Agents.
Matt, I read a lot of books now on my iPhone. I like it, but the downside is that they're no longer easy to share. So, I'm thinking of doing the same thing when I read an ebook. I'll just buy it and give it away. :)
Jeff,
Don't you just love those post that have "legs" The title is one of the most important parts of a blog post. One of my early posts was titled "Do These Pants Make My Ass Look Fat"? I got lots of response to that one including being put out of one religious group here on active rain...lol.
Have a great day
Leander
Jeff - I like this concept - giving away a book with the thought that the "winner" has to read and review it. With all the book recommendations out there from real estate agents, I think the concept could be its own beast. Unfortunately, I'm not giving up my autographed copy of Trust Agents.
I'm intrigued!!! I agree with Matt's comment, love the concept!
LOL, Leander.
OK give my book to Susie. Just make sure it's a hard copy. I wouldn't want to dissapoint her.
Good to see you.
SVW Hubba...
Don't get me started on Sex and Real Estate again. Remember what happened last time? I do :)
By the way...You had better send me that book for Christmas. I want a new copy purchased by you and signed by you. Sound fair? SVW :)
TLW...ROAR!
P.S...
It better smell like you too :)
What line? What filter? Huh? :)
TLW...ROAR!
Hi Jeff, I want to throw my name in the hat. I'll have to hide the title from my wife!
Sounds fair to me. Count me in on this giveaway
OMG Jeff, didn't you see this coming??? LOL
I think you need to send Suzie one right away! She seems to be "ready"!
BTW, are there any pictures? ; )
I'm in, excuse the pun. I may be getting older but Sex and Real Estate is life, liberty and the pursuit of Property (Happiness).
Woo-hoo! Sex AND real estate! I'm in! Please? I want IT really, really bad :)
if it said "sex and the real estate agent" I might be tempted... but sex with Real Estate sounds a little dangerous.
Life, Liberty and Pursuit of HaPenis?
I think Alan has been in egg nog a bunch tonight. Touche, Alan.
Right now I'm involved with an IRL book club that coincidentally just finished The Tipping Point. Now we're reading Idea Spotting. I would enter this contest if the book came to me on your iPhone. Maybe next time?
Jeff - I like reading, and I like writing book reviews, too. Sign me up - I will be happy to pass it along to someone else when I'm finished.
Jeff,
give me a shot...I alway say that just about everything in life and business is like sex...thas why business partners get in bed with each other. Love to see what the book says...
John
Jeff, this is a great idea and if I don't get the chance from you, I'd like to get on the list. Right now, as late as I sometimes stay up working on the real estate end--- I probably need to read the sex and real estate book, so I can get some sleep! smile
For now, I am going to finish reading your reviews!
Pick me, pick me, pick me....
Hello Mr. Turner!
Your ideas are intriguing. Thank you for considering me for inclusion in your book club. If you chose me as one of your book recipients, you can count on me to keep that wave resonating:)
Hope your day is fabulous,
Debbie
Well, it sure sounds like an interesting read. And I have heard many folks say, in the last couple years especially, that they got screwed on their real estate sale/purchase ... so ... yeah ... sex and real estate. They do go together!
Pick me pick me pick me!
I'm in!!! I really want to read it....
No...pick me!
Jeff, what a GREAT idea. I would LOVE to read it and pass it along to someone else!!!
Jeff, The ONLY reason I stopped by, was because you said SEX. What other job allows you to take strange men and women into stranger's bedrooms? Of course, the pulse is racing. Sometimes, I can barely make it back out the front door without giving way to my flustered self. Hmmm...SEX and Real Estate...Nice.
By the way, does the book have pictures...? Alan (post 33) spelled happiness wrong-he should be eliminated from the contest. And Jason (post 36) may be passing it along, I will personally read it to others...raspy sighs included. And as far as BB(post 25) is concerned...of course, it would have to be a HARD copy...what other type would you be able to sign off on-without embarrassing yourself? I officially throw my thong in the ring...pick me!
I guess it would be OK to win.
What's it worth on Craigslist?
Me! Pick ME!
I always wanted to own my own home and dreamed of it since I was a child. As a young adult I dragged my husband around to every Open House. I was obsessed with owning a home. It wasn't until I was in my 30's that I could finally afford one. Even now, my house is "under water" and it would make the most financial sense to do a short sale and rent, but I can't bring myself to do that. It is a completely emotional decision devoid of rationality. I am that book, please choose me.
Okaaaay---- I'm a book freak and now I have to read this book.
Jeff,
I hadn't heard of this book but its sounds interesting. I have a PO BOX in San Antonio, Texas that you can send it to. If not Amazon has them in stock and I may order a copy after your contest is over.
Jeff,
Just send me the chapters on real estate. I'm not sure I can handle the rest.
Rich
sounds fair to me. i'd be interested to see how my two favorite things are related? is it tantric? *snicker*
Y'all are killin' me.
BTW none of the homes in the book are wearing clothes. FYI.
TLW [SVW]... I might have to do something special to for you. :)
I think Jane should win though there are lots of people I would like to share the book with.
I've read Jane's comment four times already.
woo hoo! i'm in. heading to your posts now!
I like that idea of the book club. How could Rick not win this one!
Sex is like real estate. You get to the end of the "relationship" (deal) and then when they (agent, buyer, seller, lender, etc) know it is coming to the end because of a "bump" in the relationship (hiccup in the deal) they retreat to acts of desperation that will either kill or save the deal.
I can't wait to see the others reviews ;)
Oh, Jeff. I read your original posts on this book. It is fascinating. I read the Tipping Point years ago and will have to reread it. It is near my elbow at the moment. I need the Sex and Real Estate book, if, for no other reason, just to carry around to start conversations....not that I need a prop to start a conversation with a total stranger...but I might find some more interesting ones to start...You are a helluva guy. And, you have my undying loyalty.
Jeff, Keep reading it, and maybe, just maybe, I will write a nice little private post, just for you. And, Russ, inasmuch as you mentioned my name, there may be a little (shall we say) gift in it for you as well... and for both of you...just keep it up. That's all I have to say about that :)
BTW - I can write a four-part essay, too. Not as well as you, but I am able to write a credible review, I think. Hint, hint.....
Jeff,
I am returning to your post for the comments only now :) So funny.
I am hoping you pick ME!
I love to read, and this sounds GREAT!!!
Hi Jeff - This does sound like a perfect analogy. I have to smile thinking about it because so many of my buyers after looking at a home will say something like: "It's a nice home and a good price, but I'm just not feeling a connection." I would definitely like to read this book.
"If you're selling my home, I want you to make sure you do everything in your power to make as many people as possible fall in love with my home. I understand that there may be dangers on the buyer side, but that's why they have their own representative."
I don't often quote myself, but I meant that. I thnk most sellers want the same thing.
And Jerry, I'm just coming for the comments as well. :)
I just read Jane's comment out loud to my wife. I enjoyed it too much.
I'll stick with the reviews 'cause I don't have time to read right now. But I'll leave my comment, 'cause it's worth some points. : )
Okay, I just read your other posts with all the great analysis, and now I want to read it even more. Just today I had a conversation with a buyer about how a home is a business investment, but so much more, because it has to be an emotional decision. It will be a home where you have happy moments, family events and memories, and you have to love it in order to buy it. He was apologizing for taking my time to show him more properties, and I wanted him to know that I understood - if you're not feeling it, it's not your home. We'll look until we find the right one. It IS like dating!
Hi Jeff, It makes sense to me. Sometimes when you walk into a house, you know it's the "one."
Jeff, It's been a stimulating read so far. It's time for me to grab Claude and drag him off to bed. It's great having my own strange man around the house. Signing off...will be dreaming of my hard copy.
I think I'm going to exercise the better side of myself and just say I'd love the opportunity to read and review it.
That was an excellent decision, Christine. :)
Do you have it on tape? I'm not much on reading but heck it sounds fair so yeah put my name in the hat. I'm feeling lucky.
I'm just parking for the comments. But I'll be happy to throw Jane's name into the hat again. Damn.
Hi Jeff. I have many books in my reading room that I am set to read. I would not mind adding to it LOL... ~ Lana
I'll be in trouble with this comment, but hey, I would like to get lucky.
And win the book.
What? ;)
With a title like that, I can imagine folks in a bookstore will be reading the inside and backside covers.
Coincidentally, I'm 70% of the way through The Tipping Point right now, and moving fast. Client recommended OUTLIERS and after that I picked up this. I must admit my first reaction to the book title is "cheap marketing ploy" and I have a real aversion to such things. Read a book on Canadian Socio-Demographic trends called Sex in the Snow. Some really good solid data - hated the book's name.
BUT hey! I can lighten up! I bet it makes some crazy interesting points! Do you ship to Canada? If not, send my copy to the next pick!
Fun post & idea...
I'd like to read this book. But don't pick me.
If I get the book I'll let Susie read it after I'm done!...I'll even deliver it, with my wife and kids, thank you very much!
wow ....you kind of hit the nail on the head with a title like that! ..haha
C-
Count me in, I'd like to read the book, and promise to pass it on.
Jeff- Sex sells but maybe the book should have the sub title of Seduction. It is alot like dating. (dont tell my wife)
Ok, Jeff, You've whipped the majority of those commenting into a tizzy with the title of the book alone.
Except, a few are too puritanical to actually enjoy it. Then there are those who are just too old. It would be like bringing back memories of long, long ago, never to return. For many of the women, it would be like reading one of those romance novels...except for the nymphs out there, who would take things to the nth degree (Jane??? LOL). Some of the guys are just as bad. Especially the ones with wives. Do we need to go there?
I'll definitely need to get around to reading the prior reviews. I wonder if all the freaks came out in those as well;-)?
I would really enjoy reading reviewing and also passing it on to the next person. I am throwing my name in the hat.
Jeff - what a fun way for someone to get their hands on this book. I started it quite some time ago but have gotten bogger down in too much other stuff and still have more to read.
Jeff
I'm too Sexy for that book. Just kidding, I hope it changes my life like "Your Erroneous Zones" by Wayne Dyer.
John from Benson Az
Is there anything else--other than the book's title--that would keep this many people lengthening your post??? And I ask with all sincerity. Have actually been pulled out of the street as a car approached because I was reading a book as I walked to school. Now THERE's dedication to the privileged task you've set before the WINNER! Bring it on Baby! and yes, I'd like to read the book, sir.
remember U said RANDOMLY..... so it should make no difference that I am the Realtor Dana Devine and not the porn star Dana Devine...if you Google my name
I was reading some of your old posts a while back.
I came across the one on this book and went to Amazon and ordered it.
Hubby said, "What are you reading.."
I think I got a used copy...for like a buck.
Merry Christmas, Jeff.
Real estate and my thongs are rip offs.
If you want to know how I will read the book, please refer to the header on my AR blog: Susie Blackmon....
(Great comment, BTW, Broker Bryant!!)
Very intriguing title. I may just buy the book on half.com and read it anyway.
I don't read, so don't pick me. But, I must say the comments here have left my side hurting.
Wow! There are a lot of intriguing comments with this post. I'd be up for reading it.
Hmmmm. I have no idea why that comment double posted Quite odd. I can promise I wasn't trying to stuff the ballot box.
Jeff - I'm still not sold on reading books electronically, whether on the iPhone or something larger such as a Kindle. I know my eyes suffer from strain enough from all the computer use through the years and I fear that might just put me over the edge.
Dear Cuz, I would read it for sure. Love the idea. I've thought about how I could share some of the great books I have as I don't like keeping them after I read them, except for maybe some special ones. This gives me some ideas. I think I will copy. Wondering though if we really are related does that mean I don't qualify for the contest?
Jeff:
I have always equated the process of looking for a house with looking for a mate. When someone finds the right house, they are usually smitten. So, I see definitely see the connection between sex and real estate.
This looks like a brain teaser!
Wow, apparently this is a popular topic. I've never even heard of the book. Guess I'll have to see if I can get a good deal on amazon or half.com...
Chanda panda
This is my kind of book club. My other book clubs have been all sex talk and no real estate . . . ugh.
Ok I will play. Sounds like a great read. Pick me Pick me!
Jeff,
I feel confident that I could work my voice well enough to help you produce the audio version of your sex book. (Take a listen to my voice on my blog sidebar video.) I'll put just the right level of enthusiasm in it for you...loud when it needs to be loud, soft when it should be...hmmm...a whisper. I know Claude wouldn't let me do an actual video of the book, but I can't imagine that he would take issue with a simple audio.
Jeff - well,since I drop and run for every real estate client...my husband says I am a real estate slut....so perhaps I need to read this one.
Jeff - I love your game, and I enjoyed the book when I read it a long time ago. If this comment comes up as the winner, draw a second one for someone who hasn't read it.
Sounds fair to me. I may read it anyway!
If selected, I promise that this will not be just another one-night stand. I won't cheat skim the book, I'll give it my full attention. I will call when I say I'm going to call write a kiss & tell review post, and if I end up hating the book things don't work out, I promise I won't post dirty pictures of you on AR blame you.
You have my number...
I would be a fun topic to bring up with clients.
LOL... I'm just trying to give away a book. :)
College taught me how to read, can I get my mitts on this book?
Sounds like a very interesting book! I use to be a reading teacher so I would LOVE to write a review for this one. I will prob. end up picking it up on Amazon anyway. Thanks!
Number #49, Richard's comment is the most priceless! If I win, I'd send it directly to him.
Who knew real estate could be this [s]exciting??!! I knew I joined AR for more than just real estate! LOL!! You can count me in!
Jeff - Great comments so far! I have not read the book, but I'm sure I will now because there is a direct connection between the two. I had to chuckle because I have used a sex analogy to some of my first-time homebuyer couples. When we are sitting down to write up the first contract, you can see and feel the tension in the air! I usually say something like: "This is so exciting! I know what you're feeling and it's natural. It's kind of like the first time you had sex with each other...you're feeling anxiety, excitement, apprehension and a little scared...right?" Laughter usually erupts so I guess it's true...sex (or the mention of it) releases tension! Ha! Should I be chosen at random, I'd be glad to do a review and send it along.
I am so random--
if that helps in your selection.
Great analogy!!!!
I'M IN.
Hi Jeff,
I totally "get it." When I prep my listings I try to get the seller to understand that we must "woo" the buyer. We do that by using all of our senses. We want our date to smell good, feel good, and look good. We also want to hear the "music playing" that will "put us in the mood." Think of when you are at a movie and feeling all emotional. Why is that? Usually it is the music that is doing it. I used to be a music editor for television and movies. Film scores work best when you don't notice them on a tangible level, but they are secretly making you "feel emotion." Same thing for staging a house. Staging a house should be like the best movie score ever. The one that causes you to try not to sniffle too loud so as not to make a fool of yourself as you are sitting in the theater. The big swell of the music that comes up when the lovers finally kiss is just like the buyer walking in on the open house and saying "where do I sign?"
Sue Eller
Dilbeck Real Estate (Real Estate specialist for entertainment industry clients)
La Canada CA
www.ellertheseller.com
"As a buyer or seller, count on Sue Eller"
I eat books for breakfast. I would love to read this book. Sharing it with others would be great too.
I would love to win this as I am breaking up with my current home. It was love at first sight, but we have unfortunately grown apart. I just realized, I've been living with my home for 7 years - boy am I itching!
Hey. I'm the guy who eats books for breakfast. Now that I'm logged in, sure. I would love to read this book.
Jeff, what good is 'sex" if you can't share it with someone you love?
I have forwarded the link to your post to the members of our IRL meetup group, hoping one of them will finally realize that "participating" is much more fun than "watching" (I'm talking about social media of course!) and then will be the luck winner.
Me too...I need to know as much about sex as possible! LOL
I'd read it. Sex like real estate can also leave you have a lot of regrets if you make a bad decision.
Sounds like a great read! Most recent RE read for me was Shift - time for a new one. Tipping Point, of course, was very interesting - as was Outliers.
I'm overdue to win someone's lottery...
Based upon your previous posts, it sounds like I should read this to improve the marketing of my listings. If this ends up being a picture book, I am going to be awfully embarrassed.
I NEED IT.
My motto is EVERYDAY should start with sex. And, who needs clothes? They just get in the way! This book sounds like fun. In fact, I am not a huge bookworm, but I do read one author religiously. Janet Evanovich writes books about a character who is a Nymphmaniac Bounty Hunter. Do I qualify? lol
I think I'm now going to go find a book on how to close a can of worms. :)
Hi Jeff,
This sounds like a great book!! I hope there are no regrets..would love a copy! I'll be happy to write a review..hope I'm not too late!
Personally, I've always been fasinated about the lustful elements that go into building a tankless water heater. I suspose it's Just part of being a Green Realtor and having a Sex Sense about those sort of things. Did I win????
Hey Jeff I will admit the title grabbed my attention and reading your first review hooked me!! If I don't win I'll be down at Barnes & Noble this afternoon to buy it!
Jeff,
I would love to read it, and by the way we would love to have you back in Virginia for a visit!
Well, some would say I'm addicted to both...so you better send it to me so I can get my fix! I'll be sure to write an insightful review!
OK, now that I've logged in maybe it will put my photo up
We've got about an hour left to get your name into the hat. Now I have to figure out how to do this randomly. :)
Let's see....I like sex....I like real estate....I think I'd be perfect to read this book.
Derek
Jeff, With a title like that no wonder you have attracted so much response. I'm in!!
wow what a lot of responses! I am intrigued and will read through your other posts. Maybe I'll find this book at the library.
When you offered The Tipping Point you got three comments (you would have had four if I'd seen it soon enough). You offer people "sex..." and I'm now comment 141. What does THAT say about our industry?! I hope it means that we're all very motivated by connections, and fostering deep relationships!
hmmmmnnn wow that sounds like an interesting title and some good reading ;-)
OK, commenting for getting the book is now closed. You, however, may certainly feel free to continue the "discussion." :)
I'm not sure that what the author is referring to isn't called a "fetish". I've been doing this for a while and I certainly don't get flushed and my nostrils don't flare when I sell real estate. Now a good book and a bottle of wine, that's different.
I wish I were making this up.
I found a random number generator here: http://www.psychicscience.org/random.aspx
And I set it to choose one number between 1 and 142.
I then hit "go." And this number came up.
Unfortunately, I was comment number 69, so I need to go run the generator again. :)
And the winner is:
Comment number 122 was Wayne Raulin.
Wayne, shall I send the book to the address listed on your AR profile?
I want to play....Pick Me, Pick Me. Please
I want to read the conclusion but shouldn't it be, the Climax!
I Won. Thank you very much. What do I have to do to get you my information so I can get the book in the mail?
Thank you again.
MAN! I missed the deadline!
When I first starting in Real Estate I actually felt a little guilty, meeting some single woman after she got off work to drive her across town and go into some strange house. It was weird.
Wayne, if the address in your AR profile is good then we're good to go.
There is no way you did this and 69 came up as the winner. Too funny. On many levels.
Congratulations Wayne. I like the transparency on Jeff's part with the random number generator!
Erica, I almost fell on the floor laughing when that came up as the number and it was even better that the comment was mine. :)
Thanks, Matt. :)
Yes Jeff. The address is fine. Thanks again.
Yes, that's what I mean. The reason it's so funny is it's your comment. Whatever else could I mean????
:)
Wayne, I'm off to put it in the mail now. :)
Wayne:
happy day, happy reading... enjoy....
Well of course I had to come read this, I mean really, sex was in the title. lol I will see if I can find a way to check it out around here.
You snooze you loose. I spent the last 20 hours on a plane and I lost the chance to win a book! Oh well, I'll try and order it
Ty
Holy Cow Batman! Exciting stuff, I am impressed on this one, 158 posts in one sitting, and 176 on the first time around. Way to go!
Jeff ~ I am a little late to this game but am already looking forward to the "book review" post! I am willing to bet that Jane will be the highest subscribed AR member this week, how about you?=)
Jeff,
A great analogy. Dating is so much like what we do. I just never put the two together. I'm sure I'll enjoy reading the book.
Jeff-
I may order several copies of this book for my team.
Jim, I think you would find that it would spark some very creative conversations.
Ohhhhhhh say can you read...SEX AND REAL ESTATE!!! Please pick me!!!!
You caught my attention wiht the title of the book have no clue what the blog is about didnt get past the title but I want to be a part of it :)
Jeff - Glad you posted this blog because I hadn't heard of this book before today.
Well, I'm way too late for the contest but not too late to read the book. I'm looking forward to it.
Hey Jeff. Thanks for sending me the book. I did enjoy it and could relate to much of her concepts.
I wrote my review and posted it yesterday. Check it out and let me know what you think. I am fairly new to blogging and would actually like some pointers on catching people's attention more.
I have been asked to head a social internet networking group at the office and ideas from you would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again for the book. It is being passed on to my Broker who is way up there in points on Active Rain and likes to read.
Be well.
Wayne Raulin RE/MAX Services Boca Raton, FL showing29@aol.com
I think you should write more often.
And I think you should be nice to me more often, but we both know neither are going to happen. :)
Jeff-As we know there is a certain rush that comes with sex, just the word alone warrants attention and hopefully happy results. Real estate provides a rush, yet in a different way. I guess it just depends on how you look at things all together. Interesting book, I might have to get a copy of it. Thanks for sharing.
Jeff - I have missed reading your posts on ActiveRain.
The Title? PERFECT
The post? OK
The comments? PRICELESS
War regards from chilly Ann Arbor
I have also used the analogy that buying or selling a house is like dating and you end up missing your clients; that is why I stay in touch with them; because I care about them.
The title is eye-catching and I have never heard of it, but I am an avid reader and I would be honored to be selected to read this book with a promise I would pass it on!
Vic Steele, Broker, CA DRE License No. 01349863
Valet Real Estate Services
571 N. Poplar, Suite H, Orange, CA 92868
I'm in, I will participate.
I'm in, I will participate.
Okay Jeff... this all happened in December...who won the Book and wrote a review :O))
okay I see Wayne Raulin Won...Now to go read his review :O))
Fred, comment #145 and 146 show who won. Comment 172 confirms Wayne wrote a post about it. :)
And I didn't see your second sentence. :)
Moms are indeed a force to be reckoned with. Our assistant music teacher got the axe in recent budget cuts and a group of us band mommies said NOT SO FAST...we're hiring him by the hour and paying for it with concession/bake sale money. OK, a LOT of concession and bake sale money. Moms ROCK!