new home. //-- New

The California Endowment - Home Grant Finder | Contact Us The start of the New Year marks a new beginning for The California Endowment as we move our Woodland Hills administrative office and the Los Angeles Regional Program Office to a new facility in downtown Los Angeles. The new campus will also feature the Center for Healthy Communities , designed to mobilize leaders from the public, private and nonprofit sectors to collaborate in order to improve the health of California's underserved communities. The Center will open to the public on April 6, 2006. Beginning December 22, 2005, our new main mailing address is: 1000 North Alameda Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 Our phone number remains the same: 800.449.4149. Best wishes for the holiday season, and we look forward to welcoming you to our new home. //-- New Annual Report Breaking Ground Now Online The California Endowment's 2004-05 Annual Report, Breaking Ground, reflects a year in which the foundation launched new statewide initiatives while it literally broke ground on construction of a new multipurpose facility – to house administrative offices and its Center for Healthy Communities – in downtown Los Angeles. The report also presents information concerning The Endowment’s governance, grant making and resource management for the past fiscal year in an online format. View 2004-05 annual report View 2004-05 grants list Getting California's Kids Covered There is a growing movement among California counties to get all of the state’s children enrolled in public and private health coverage programs. These Children’s Health Initiatives (CHIs) serve as a single point of entry to enrolling kids in Medi-Cal; the state-run children's health insurance program Healthy Families; and Healthy Kids , a low-cost vision, dental and health insurance product. Healthy Kids covers children who don’t qualify for publicly-funded programs and whose family income does not exceed 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (about $56,000 for a family of four). The California Endowment today announced $7.5 million in premium subsidy support for 17 CHIs across the state. This funding will provide health coverage for about 8,000 uninsured California kids. Learn more about The Endowment’s funding to the counties of: Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside Bay Area counties of San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Napa and Sonoma Central Valley counties of Fresno, Tulare, San Joaquin, Yolo and Solano California’s coastal counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz Learn more about the movement to get all of California’s kids covered. New Report Dignity Denied: The Price of Imprisoning Older Women in California "Dignity Denied: The Price for Imprisoning Older Women in California," a report funded in part by The California Endowment, examines the conditions of confinement for older women imprisoned in California, their health and safety concerns as well as strategies to improve their health and well-being. View press release View report New Grant Application Guide Available The California Endowment is pleased to offer a new Grant Application Guide for prospective applicants. We have made several changes in application procedures to better focus our resources to make lasting improvements in the health of Californians. In conjunction with the launch, The Endowment is also hosting a series of information sessions throughout the state. View Guide Welcome to The Center for Healthy Communities A letter from Board Chair Cynthia Ann Telles, Ph.D., and President and CEO Robert K. Ross, M.D., announces The California Endowment's exciting development in Downtown Los Angeles – a multipurpose facility that will house the foundation's Los Angeles Program Office, administrative offices and the Center for Healthy Communities. Learn More Two reports, funded by The California Endowment, show that increasing health premiums are eroding dependent coverage nationwide. While job-based dependent coverage is falling for all income levels, the sharpest drops are in low and moderate-income families. View the press release Read 'Kids at Risk' Read 'Current Strategies to Expand Dependent Health Coverage' -- Currently, there are 800,000 kids in California without health insurance. Peter Long, a senior program officer for The California Endowment, was a recent guest on KNX 1070's Michael Jackson radio show in Los Angeles and discussed ways to cover all kids in the state. Listen to Part One Listen to Part Two //-- Print this page | Send to a friend | Sign Up for E-mail Updates | Create Your Profile Privacy | Terms of Use | Site Map | Help | Home | About the Foundation | Program Area | Grant Application Guide | Public Policy & Advocacy | | News & Information Bureau | Evaluation | Reference Library | Regional Offices | Careers | If you are having technical difficulties, please contact us at: webmaster@calendow.org .

Investment Property

Find a Property Investment Properties edition Buy to let, property development and investment opportunities Find a Property - Home Property Search Estate Agents Property News Specialist Properties Browse All Areas Find your ideal house, flat or apartment for sale or rent Find a Property - Moving made easy Find a Property - Specialist Properties - Investment Properties Investment Properties Property Edition Buy to let, property development and investment opportunities The Buy to Let market, one of the great success stories of the last ten years, has produced a growing band of happy investors buoyed up by the delights of solid capital growth and respectable rental incomes. It is, however, a cyclical market and one as subject to the laws of supply and demand as any other sector of the economy. Experts will advise that prospective investors should take pains to carefully research the local market and view the business as a medium to long term project. Viewed in that light, it remains a very solid bet and will continue as a popular option for a diverse cross-section of the population. This edition includes dozens of properties which should appeal to those motivated by high rental returns as well as those whose primary concern is capital growth. It also includes details of experienced agents who have made this sector a speciality. So if you're new to the market and need a reliable expert to lead you through the maze, if you're a seasoned player and know exactly what your looking for, or if you live overseas and need a professional all-in-one 'hands off' management service to take care of your portfolio this is the place to begin your search. Property in the Investment Properties edition London (North of Thames) London (South of Thames) Surrey & Middlesex Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire & Essex Hampshire, Sussex & Kent Rest of UK Rest of Europe Rest of World Today's featured property for the Investment Properties edition... Blyth Road, London, E17, London E17 "Blyth Road, E17. A first floor end of terrace flat located on this quiet street off Lea Bridge Road. The property would benefit from some modernisation and comprises two large bedrooms, bathroom." On the market for £ 147,995 through ludlowthompson.com Rental Returns Overestimated 22 Nov 2005: Recent research from Landlord Mortgages accuses some lettings agents of exaggerating rental returns...... Landlords Remain Upbeat 26 Oct 2005: Landlords are in a bullish mood and plan to buy more properties in the months ahead, says a new survey...... How To Invest In Property 20 Oct 2005: How clued-up are you when it comes to spotting a good property investment? If you feel you could use a helping hand, Ludlow Thomson has some tips...... Learning To Invest 20 Jul 2005: Thinking about investing in property but new to the business? Investment guru Simon Shinerock explains why it can pay to learn from the experts...... Fantastic Investment Opportunity In South Africa 12 May 2005: How does the prospect of investing in a brand new development at the heart of Cape Town sound? Appealing? Read on for more details...... From Coronation Street To Canary Wharf 24 Mar 2005: From the terraced houses of Coronation Street to the high-rise apartment blocks of Canary Wharf: actress Annie Hulley has become a serious player in London's buy-to-let market...... PIFS Unlikely To Conflict With Buy-To-Let 03 Mar 2005: The introduction of property investment funds (PIFs) in the UK would add value to the property market but would be unlikely to have much effect on the buy-to-let sector, says a new report...... Investors Keep Faith With Property 09 Feb 2005: Despite the recent slowdown in the housing market, investors believe that property still provides the safest home for their hard-earned money...... Buy-To-Let Confidence High 07 Jan 2005: Despite negative comment from some quarters, landlords and mortgage intermediaries remain optimistic about the investment market...... Buy-To-Let Looking Good 06 Jan 2005: Strong tenant demand is pushing up rents and boosting landlords' yields, says a new report...... Landlords Hold The Line 14 Dec 2004: Despite falling house prices, most landlords are determined to hang onto their investment properties, says a new survey...... One-bed Flats Do Well 25 Nov 2004: Landlords take note: rents on one-bed flats are outpacing the rest of the market...... Buy-To-Let To Boom 08 Nov 2004: Despite talk of a market slowdown, the coming decade should see a huge increase in the number of buy-to-let investors, says a new report...... Rents On The Rise 20 Oct 2004: Rents are on the up in many parts of the country as landlords pay more for investment properties, says Paragon Mortgages...... What Tenants Want 29 Sep 2004: Power shower or roll-top bath? Garden or trendy kitchen with mod cons? Which features will have tenants fighting over your property?...... Investors Fly To Let 20 Aug 2004: As the housing market cools in Britain, investors are starting to pack their bags and look for bargains overseas...... Landlords Stand Firm 06 Jul 2004: Buy-to-let investors are showing few signs of stress and a mere 2.7 per cent say they'll sell up if house prices start to fall...... Women Bet On Buy-To-Let 23 Jun 2004: The property industry has long been a case of jobs for the boys, but that hasn't stopped a new generation of women investors from getting a foot on the development ladder...... A Leg Up From Your Landlord 22 Sep 2003: It might sound improbable, but a clever new scheme aims to help landlords make a healthy profit while giving tenants the chance to save a deposit for their first home...... Rent: The Furniture 03 Apr 2002: If you've ever been let down by a removals company, are about to relocate to the UK with your family, or are a serious buy to let landlord, rented furniture could be just the ticket....... Tenants From Hell 16 Nov 2001: They don't come trailing sulphurous smoke in their wake and 666 is not emblazoned on their foreheads. So a new service which promises to help identify the tenants from Hell should prove very popular with landlords and letting agents...... Well Hammered 15 Oct 2001: Buy at auction, the pundits all declare, if you want to pick up a bargain. Fine if you have the confidence and expertise to bid with the best. But where do you go if you don't? Meet the man with the answer...... Local Authority 08 Dec 2000: Ex-council properties may be viewed with suspicion in some quarters but in an inflated London market they're still within reach for hard-pressed first-time buyers and an excellent prospect for canny buy-to-let investors...... All Over The Shop 17 Nov 2000: Once upon a time, high streets across the land had a butcher, a baker, a candlestick maker and people who lived contentedly above the shops...... Investment Properties Property Edition Buy to let, property development and investment opportunities This edition only includes specially selected properties. To search every property in an area select your local edition Top Top Find a Property - Home Property Search Estate Agents Property News Specialist Properties Browse All Areas Find a Property 2004 Advertise (estate agents only) Contact us (estate agents only) Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions

Real Estate Agent that

Hismove.com Christian Realtors Christian Real Estate Agents - a Realtor Referral Network. Member Login Looking for a Real Estate Agent that answers to a Higher Authority?? You've come to the right place! We can connect you with a Christian Real Estate Agent or Loan Officer anywhere in North America! Wouldn't you rather have a Christian agent that is more interested in YOU than in a commission??? Fill out one of our forms and a Network Member will contact you immediately. We have the best group of Christian Real Estate professionals in the country! They will handle your transaction with the utmost honesty and integrity. And best of all: THIS IS A FREE SERVICE!! Whether you're Buying or Selling, we understand the stresses involved. Since this is such an important decision in your life, wouldn't you rather have a Brother or Sister in Christ help guide you through the process? Each of our network members has gone through an extensive application process to provide you with the highest possible level of integrity and excellence. Our Pledge of Performance As committed believers, and as Real Estate Professionals, we Agree to provide a level of service to our clients which will glorify our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As we are commanded to love our neighbor as ourselves, we give thanks for the opportunity to serve our neighbors by helping them in the process of buying and selling real estate. It is our pledge to represent our clients as Christ would have us do, and to approach each transaction with a servant heart. To be placed on our mailing list to receive Newsletters and Network updates, please complete the form below: Email Address: Toll Free: (877)800-4300 Real Estate Agents & Christian real estate

home equity loan, ask

Shopping for a Home Equity Loan? -- Search: FTC Consumer Alert PDF Version Shopping for a Home Equity Loan? If you decide that the timing’s right for a home equity loan, ask your friends or family for recommendations of lenders. Then, comparison shop . Comparing loan plans will help you get a better deal. Contact several lenders, not just the ones that send you mail, call you, or knock on your door. Talk with banks, savings and loans, credit unions, mortgage companies, and mortgage brokers. Remember, brokers don’t lend money: they help arrange loans. Ask all the lenders you interview to explain the loan plans they have for you. If you don’t understand any loan terms and conditions, ask questions . They could mean higher costs. Knowing just the amount of the monthly payment or the interest rate is not enough. Pay close attention to fees , including: the application or loan processing fee, origination or underwriting fee, lender or funding fee, appraisal fee, document preparation and recording fees, and broker fees which may be quoted as points, origination fees, or interest rate add-on. If points and other fees are added to your loan amount, you’ll pay more to finance them. Also ask for your credit score . Credit scoring is a system creditors use to help determine whether to give you credit. Information about you and your credit experiences – like your bill-paying history, the number and type of accounts you have, late payments, collection actions, outstanding debt, and the age of your accounts — is collected from your credit application and your credit report . Creditors compare this information to the credit performance of consumers with similar profiles. A credit scoring system awards points for each factor that helps predict who is most likely to repay a debt. A total number of points — your credit score — helps predict how creditworthy you are, that is, how likely it is that you will repay a loan and make the payments when they’re due. Negotiate with more than one lender. Don’t be afraid to make lenders and brokers compete for your business by letting them know that you’re shopping for the best deal. Ask each lender to lower the points, fees or the interest rate. And ask each to meet — or beat — the terms of the other lenders. Before you sign, read the loan closing papers carefully . If the loan isn’t what you expected or wanted, don’t sign the loan. Either negotiate changes or walk away. You also generally have the right to cancel the deal for any reason — and without penalty — within three days after signing the loan papers. The lender must return any money you’ve paid to date. Your Credit Report Because your credit report is an important part of many credit scoring systems, it’s very important to make sure it’s accurate before you submit a credit application. To get copies of your report, contact the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax: (800) 685-1111 Experian (formerly TRW): (888) EXPERIAN (397-3742) Trans Union: (800) 916-8800 These agencies may charge you up to $9.00 for your credit report. To Learn More For more information about shopping for a home equity loan and a glossary of home loan terms, call the FTC’s Consumer Response Center toll-free at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Ask for a free copy of Looking for the Best Mortgage: Shop, Compare, Negotiate ; and Home Equity Loans: The Three-Day Cancellation Rule . Or visit us online at ftc.gov . Lender A Lender B Lender C What are the monthly payments? What is the Annual Percentage Rate (APR)? (the cost of credit expressed as a yearly rate; includes the interest rate, points, broker fees, and other credit charges) What is the interest rate? (the cost of borrowing money expressed as a percentage rate) Will the interest rate change? When? How often? By how much? What will you have to pay in points? What will you have to pay in fees? Application or loan processing fee Origination or underwriting fee Lender or funding fee Appraisal fee Document preparation and recording fees Broker fees Other fees Are any of the application fees refundable if you don't get the loan? How many years will you have to repay the loan? Is this an installment loan or a line of credit? Is there a balloon payment? What are the total closing costs? If you use a broker, how will he or she be paid? Does the loan include optional credit insurance? (You don't have to accept optional credit insurance to get your loan.) If you want optional credit insurance, can you pay for it monthly instead of financing the premiums as part of your loan? Did you get a copy of your credit score? Can you afford this loan? The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues , visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel , a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. January 2001

Buy House

Amazon.com: House of Sand and Fog: DVD Your Store DVD See All 32 Product Categories Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help | Advanced Search | Browse Genres | Top Sellers | New & Future Releases | Television Central | Life & Learning | DVD Essentials | Blowout DVDs | Movie Showtimes | Used DVDs Search Amazon.com DVD Web Search Join Amazon Prime and ship Two-Day for free and Overnight for $3.99. Already a member? Sign in . DVD Information Explore this item buying info editorial reviews customer reviews cast and crew fun facts Listmania! Ten best movies of 2003 : A list by Kalle Frm Add your List Ready to buy? Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering. A9.com users save 1.57% on Amazon. Learn how . MORE BUYING CHOICES 157 used & new from $3.85 Available for in-store pickup now from: $14.99 Price may vary based on availability Enter your ZIP Code Have one to sell? House of Sand and Fog (2003) Starring: Jennifer Connelly , Ben Kingsley Director: Vadim Perelman Rating: First Line: Officer at End: Are you Kathy Nicolo? Kathy: Yeah. Officer at End: Is this your house? See larger image Share your own customer images List Price: $14.99 Price: $10.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. See details You Save: $4.00 (27%) Availability: Usually ships within 24 hours. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Want it delivered Tuesday, January 3? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. See details 157 used & new available from $3.85 Edition: Other Versions and Languages Other Versions (DVD) List Price Price Other Offers: DVD House of Sand and Fog Other Versions (VHS Tape) VHS Tape House of Sand and Fog $9.98 $9.98 19 used & new from $1.45 Other Versions (Audio CD) Audio CD House of Sand and Fog $17.98 $17.98 62 used & new from $10.89 Better Together Buy this DVD with 21 Grams DVD ~ Sean Penn today! Total List Price: $29.97 Buy Together Today: $21.98 Customers who bought this DVD also bought 21 Grams DVD ~ Sean Penn Hotel Rwanda DVD ~ Xolani Mali Mystic River (Widescreen Edition) DVD ~ Sean Penn Collateral DVD ~ Tom Cruise Explore Similar Items : in DVD , in Books , and in Video Storyline Genres: Drama Tagline: Some dreams can't be shared. Plot Outline: An abandoned wife is evicted from her house and starts a tragic conflict with her home's new owners. Plot Synopsis: Massoud Amir Behrani, an Iranian immigrant, has spent most of his savings trying to enhance his daughter's chances of a good marriage. Once she is married, he spends the remaining funds on a house at an auction, unwittingly putting himself and his family in the middle of a legal tussle with the house's former owner. What begins as a legal struggle turns into a personal confrontation, with tragic results. Plot Keywords: Based On Novel | Bathtub Scene | Beach | Cigarette Smoking | Classified Ad | Compassion | Courier | Deputy Sheriff | Directorial Debut | Eviction | Father Daughter Dance | (Show all 90 plot keywords recommended by customers) Product Details Actors: Jennifer Connelly , Ben Kingsley , Ron Eldard , Frances Fisher , Kim Dickens , See more Directors: Vadim Perelman Format: Ac- , Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen, Ntsc, Widescreen Anamorphic Region: Region 1 ( U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats. ) Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Number of discs: 1 Rated: (Not for sale to persons under age 18.) Studio: Dreamworks Video DVD Release Date: March 30, 2004 Run Time: 126 minutes Average Customer Review: Based on 252 Reviews DVD Features: Available Subtitles: English, Spanish, French Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), French (Unknown Format) Commentary by: director Vadim Perelman, actor Ben Kingsley, novelist Andre Dubus III, costume designer Hala Bahmet, and production designer Maia Javan (Unknown Format) Deleted Scenes with commentary Behind the Scenes featurette Shohreh Aghdashloo Audition Archives Production Notes From IMDb: Quotes & Trivia ASIN: B0001DMVBC Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,512 in DVD Theatrical Release Information US Theatrical Release Date: December 26, 2003 MPAA: for some violence/disturbing images, language and a scene of sexuality. Production Company: DreamWorks SKG, Bisgrove Entertainment, Cobalt Media Group USA Box Office: $13 Million Budget Estimate: $16 Million Filming Locations: San Francisco, California, USA| Biltmore Hotel - 506 S. Grand Ave., Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA| Carpinteria, California, USA| Golden Valley Ranch, Santa Clarita, California, USA| Los Angeles, California, USA| Malibu, California, USA| San Mateo County, California, USA| Santa Clarita, California, USA Editorial Reviews Amazon.com Jennifer Connelly followed up her Academy Award for A Beautiful Mind with this dark but moving story of small mistakes that escalate, with tragic necessity, to disaster. In House of Sand and Fog , Kathy (Connelly) gets evicted from her house for failing to pay a tax she never should have been charged in the first place. The house is swiftly put up for auction and bought by a former military officer from Iran named Behrani (Ben Kingsley, Sexy Beast ). When legal efforts fail her, Kathy turns to a sympathetic cop (Ron Eldard, Bastard Out of Carolina ), who wants out of a loveless marriage and who's willing to step over legal boundaries if it might give him a fresh start. Topnotch performances by the entire cast make House of Sand and Fog a compelling psychological drama; your sympathies will be pulled in all directions. --Bret Fetzer Product Description: Academy Award winners Ben Kingsley (Gandhi) and Jennifer Connelly (A Beautiful Mind) deliver stunning performances as two strangers whose conflicting pursuits of the American Dream lead to a fight for their hopes at any cost. What begins as a struggle over a rundown bungalow spirals into a clash that propels everyone involved toward a shocking resolution. "The surprise ending will leave you breathless!" (Clay Smith, Access Hollywood) Customers who viewed this DVD also viewed Monster DVD ~ Charlize Theron Sideways (Widescreen Edition) DVD ~ Paul Giamatti Million Dollar Baby (Widescreen Edition) DVD ~ Jay Baruchel Closer (Superbit Edition) DVD ~ Natalie Portman Explore Similar Items : in DVD , in Books Spotlight Reviews Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. 149 of 160 people found the following review helpful: A Heartbreaking and Stunning "House" of Emotions! , March 6, 2004 Reviewer: Mark D. Cunningham (Austin, Texas United States) - See all my reviews With the exception of Niki Caro's sublime "Whale Rider," no movie moved me more this past year than Vadim Perelman's "House of Sand and Fog." This story of a broken and desperate young woman who loses her house because her depression won't allow her to simply open her mail and the determined and steadfast Iranian colonel who strives to secure a better life and future for his family is a cacophony of raw emotion and heartbreak. Further, it is a meditation on what is important in life and how easy it is--no matter the intentions--to forget that very thing. This is a movie that is well photographed, beautifully adapted from Andre Dubus III's Oprah-approved novel of the same name and stunningly helmed by first time feature director Perelman. But "House" is a film that is anchored by its performances. There is hardly a false note in the acting (Ron Eldard occasionally seems overwhelmed by the powerhouse actors who surround him, however his work is still convincing). Jennifer Connelly conveys Kathy Niccoli's despair wonderfully. You can feel the depression wholly consuming her. Ben Kingsley is superb! The scene in the hospital near the end of the film is a master class in acting. Kingsley's work is brave throughout the film--he allows the audience to see Colonel Behrani's flaws and hold him accountable for them while also helping us to understand that his ambition, his dreams and desires are to serve the needs of his family. It is among the most dynamic work by an actor in any year. As fine as Kingsley is, however, my favorite performance of last year and now one of my favorites of all time has to be the stunning work by the invaluable and flawless Shohreh Aghdashloo. In her role as Behrani's patient and loving wife Nadi, Aghdashloo is grace under pressure. I dare you to catch this marvelous actress acting. She is the heart and soul of this film. It is through her expressive eyes that we understand what is at stake and what a home and family truly means. In dialogue that blends Farsi and broken English, Aghdashloo's Nadi is heard loud and clear, there is no mistaking anything she is thinking or saying. Let's face it: the Academy screwed up royally by awarding Renee Zellweger the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her Granny Clampett-ish Ruby in "Cold Mountain" (I say this completely realizing that Zellweger singlehandedly saved "Cold Mountain" from its own pretention). The devastatingly beautiful Aghdashloo far and away claimed the prize with the superlative work she delivers in each and every scene she steals. Here is hoping that Hollywood keeps this major, major talent working for years and years to come. Buy/rent "House of Sand and Fog," which also boasts a very fine performance by young actor Jonathan Adbout as Kingsley and Aghdashloo's son, Esmail. Despite its heavy subject matter, it is a dynamic piece of filmmaking complete with some of the best performances of last year. This film haunted me for weeks after I saw it, and it has yet to release my thoughts completely. A job well done! Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 65 of 82 people found the following review helpful: American dream or American nightmare? , February 28, 2004 Reviewer: Michael J. Mazza (Pittsburgh, PA USA) - See all my reviews "House of Sand and Fog," directed by Vadim Perelman, is based on a novel by Andre Dubus III. The film stars Ben Kingsley as Col. Behrani, a former Iranian military officer under the Shah who now lives with his family in the United States. He buys a house from a government source, not knowing that the property was improperly seized from its prior owner (Jennifer Connelly). This bureaucratic nightmare sets up a personal conflict that drives the film. "House" is a beautifully crafted film, rich in detail and visual impact. But what really makes it shine are the excellent performances. Connelly makes her wounded character's pain palpable. As the colonel's wife, Shohreh Aghdashloo brings out both the inner lamb and lioness of the character. Frances Fisher brings a steely authority to her small but memorable role as an attorney. But it's Ben Kingsley who most impressed me. He gives a rich, multifaceted, full-bodied performance; he explores his character's aspects as husband, father, warrior, businessman, and immigrant in a way that creates a memorable and believable person. I found some plot points to seem a bit forced and hard to believe, but overall the superb craftsmanship of the film and its amazing performances really carry "House." This is a drama with moments of shocking intensity, as well as scenes of fierce anger and searing pain. But there are also scenes of real compassion and tenderness. It's a powerful story and a compelling use of the motif of the immigrant experience in America. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) Customer Reviews Average Customer Review: Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: Good Ben Kingsly movie , December 16, 2005 Reviewer: nopsman (east coast, USA) - See all my reviews Not a real fan of Jennifer Connelly but liked Ben Kingsly very much in the movie. A good film to settle in on the couch with the spouse and share some popcorn. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 3 of 3 people found the following review helpful: Beautifully photographed and well acted drama! , November 26, 2005 Reviewer: smoothjazzandmore (Clay, NY USA) - See all my reviews Oscar winners Jennifer Connelly and Ben Kingsley give solid performances as rivals who both want the same house to call their own. I enjoyed the way this film was photographed. This movie was based on the book by Andre Dubus III. Faithful readers will notice the difference as the film takes on a different perspective, concentrating on both rivals, rather than the family as a whole. Take a star away for that reason. Overall, its still a powerful movie to watch. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 4 of 7 people found the following review helpful: A brilliant masterpiece , October 18, 2005 Reviewer: JP - See all my reviews After this movie, all I thought was wow. WOW. That describes how unbelievably good this movie is. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King over this gem? Is that a joke? How didn't this even get nominated? Sean Penn over Ben Kingsley? Now that is pathetic! Sean Penn's accent is so thick you can barely even understand what he's saying! Ben Kingsley here has given one of those unforgettable performances you'll never see again. His performance is to me the 2nd best ever behind Billy Bob Thorton in the unforgettable Sling Blade. This gem is one of the most tragic ever and in the end, well, I was crying. I felt demolished and I was so sucked in by this masterpiece that I wanted to kill certain characters. This is the first movie that I've seen with Ben Kingsley and I can't belieeve how remarquable he is! Gene Hackman is nothing compared to this man. He put all of his emotions into this movie and made me feel for him. Hands done, this is the saddest and most tragic movie that I have EVER seen. Now for the plot. Kathy (Jennifer Collony) is a young lady living in California. She's got a nice house and a good life (or so we're led to believe). That soon changes though when her house gets reposessed because of not payed taxes. She is furious at these "false?" accusations. While she's trying to get it back, enter an Iraqui man, ex colonel and his wife and son. He buys the house at a very low price to make a huge profit. His family is living a wonderful and sweet life, and their tradtions are adorable. But, lil' Kathy here is still mad. And her wonderful body has attracted a police officer. And he's following here complete orders. What follows is a gem of a movie carried by Ben Kingsley's masterful perfomance. This is one of those rare movies that come along once in a decade. So, please tell your friends and everyone you know to watch this wonderful gem. Its box office is lousy, much like every masterpiece, besides Titanic of course. (I'm just joking, I hope you realized that, Titanic is horrid) Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 2 of 6 people found the following review helpful: Gandhi Does LA , October 13, 2005 Reviewer: R. A Rubin (Eastern, PA United States) - See all my reviews I'm beginning to believe that Ben Kingsley is from a desert kingdom. There's sand between my teeth from his recreations of Gandhi, or in this case, one of the Shah's men. He's very good, and so is Jennifer Connelly who I last saw in an overwrought film that the elitist scum of Hollywood liked, Requiem for a Dream. Don't bother with that one unless you enjoy dizzy spells and adult toys, but in HOSAF, based on a most un-Hollywood premise, Connelly's sad face is perfect. HOSAF is not a comedy and is not aimed at fifteen-year-olds. Kingsley is a proud ex-colonel from Iran used to wealth and prestige, but now he is in exile in California. He wears a suit to work, but changes in a restroom into workers garb, because he is reduced to working as a road-gang, ditch digger and a part-time gas station jockey. He's saving every penny he makes and wins a house in an auction. Unfortunately, the County made a mistake and they took the house away from Connelly, a depressed twenty-something, ex-drug abuser. She should have opened her mail and after eviction, her lawyer and new boyfriend start a campaign to evict the Iranian family. Neither Connelly nor Kingsley is portrayed unsympathetically. They are fleshed out with pathos. This is a parable about ethical business and the consequences of our actions. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) See all 252 customer reviews... Listmania! I name 25 films from 2003 you ... : by A. Fuller Ten best movies of 2003 : by Kalle Frm Independent Spirit Awards: Bes... : by mijacogeo22 "mijacogeo22" So You'd Like to... See Some Bleak/Poignant/Depressing/Paranoid/Thrilling : by Rukshan , Published Poet Of Sri Lanka watch some cult films : by superstarm2 , Movie critic/ obsessive but talented watcher Watch some hot actresses : by ZombieMan 5000 , Admirer of talented actresses Fun Facts from IMDb.com: Awards Click here to see more Awards Independent Spirit Awards: Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female Kansas City Film Critics Circle Awards: KCFCC Award for Best Actress Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards: LAFCA Award for Best Supporting Actress National Board of Review, USA: NBR Award for Best Debut Director New York Film Critics Circle Awards: NYFCC Award for Best Supporting Actress Online Film Critics Society Awards: OFCS Award for Best Supporting Actress Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards: PFCS Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role Nominations Click here to see more Nominations Academy Awards, USA: Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Music, Original Score, Best Actor in a Leading Role Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards: BFCA Award for Best Actress, Best Actor Casting Society of America, USA: Artios for Best Casting for Feature Film, Drama Golden Globes, USA: Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama Independent Spirit Awards: Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead, Best First Feature Online Film Critics Society Awards: OFCS Award for Best Actor Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards: PFCS Award for Breakout Performance - Behind the Camera Satellite Awards: Golden Satellite Award for Best Film Editing, Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama Screen Actors Guild Awards: Actor for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role Trivia Click here to see more Trivia Author Andre Dubus III received more than 100 offers from film studios who wanted to make his book into a feature. In the scene near the end of the movie where Kathy pulls into her driveway and tries to shoot herself, Jennifer Connelly accidentally put the car in "reverse" instead of "park", and almost severely damaged the camera positioned in the car door. After Connelly apologized profusely, she was urged by the director to continue the scene, and it ended up being one of the best takes. This is the take shown in the final print. Goofs Click here to see more Goofs When Behrani is shown working in the convenience store, the Snickers bar he is holding is alternately opened/unopened between shots. It seems clear from his entry in the ledger he keeps that he has only eaten one. Movie Connections Click here to see more Movie Connections References: The Searchers Referenced in: The Ring Two Featured in: Quotes Click here to see more Quotes Esmail : Why did that man say we would be deported? Behrani : I do not know. But we are American citizens. We own this house. They can do nothing to us now. Esmail : I feel bad for that lady, bawbaw-jahn. Behrani : The woman's house was taken from her because she did not pay her taxes. That happens when one is not responsible. [interjects in Persian] Esmail : Behrani : Do you understand? Do not feel bad. Americans they do not deserve what they have. They have the eyes of small children who are forever looking for the next source of distraction, entertainment, sweet taste in the mouth. We are not like them. We know rich opportunities when we see them and do not throw away God's blessing. [talking with Nadi] Kathy : I grew up in this house. It's the house that my father left to me and my brother when he died. The county evicted me from this house by mistake and your husband bought it and now, he won't sell it back for less than four times what he paid. Now, I don't want to argue with him. You know, I really don't. It's just that if this goes to court, it could take... [interrupting] Nadi : They want to deport us? Kathy : I don't know. Nadi : You must see... they will kill us. They will shoot my childen. [breaks down and crys] [comforting her] Kathy : Hey, hey. You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Nadi : Please, you are a very nice girl. [grabs a notepad and pen] Nadi : Please, you write for me everything. I want for to understand for discussing with my husband. OK? Kathy : OK. For more information about "House of Sand and Fog" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) Look for similar items by category Browse similar items in: DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( A ) > Aleong, Aki DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( C ) > Connelly, Jennifer DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( D ) > Dickens, Kim DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( E ) > Eldard, Ron DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( F ) > Fisher, Frances DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( K ) > Kingsley, Ben DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( R ) > Rodriguez, Marco DVD > Genres > Drama > By Theme > Down on Their Luck DVD > Genres > Drama > By Theme > Psychological Drama DVD > Genres > Drama > General DVD > Genres > Drama > Love & Romance > Crumbling Marriages Suggestion Box Your comments can help make our site better for everyone. If you've found something incorrect, broken, or frustrating on this page, let us know so that we can improve it. Please note that we are unable to respond directly to suggestions made via this form. 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