Dr. Seuss’s Original Lorax Tree in San Diego

Dr Seuss, Lorax Tree, La Jolla, Smithsonian

The lone Lorax tree in Scripps Park, La Jolla. (Courtesy of San Diego Tourism)

In 1937, a long line of publishers rejected a children’s book that would later become a classic. Penned by Theodore Geisel, And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street immortalized a street in the author’s hometown, Springfield, Massachusetts. The book was eventually picked up by a publisher, the first in a long line of classics penned by Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss.

His first book may have Massachusetts roots, but after World War II Geisel made his way to San Diego, California and moved into an observation tower in ritzy La Jolla. His newly adopted hometown became part of literary history, too. In this home and his studio on Mt. Soledad, Seuss wrote more than 40 children’s books—including the immortal The Cat in the Hat. And though he died in 1991, his legacy still looms large in both San Diego and the history of literature for kids.

“Seuss is the best selling and most influential children’s author in the United States,” Dr. Philip Nel, director of the children’s literature program at Kansas State University, tells Smithsonian.com. “He teaches children not only how to read but why and how to think. He wants children to take an interest in their world and make a better world.” … read more –>  http://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/…

SAN DIEGO FEB, 2016 FUN EVENTS

February 1 – 28, Museum Month: Half-Off Admission

Leap into 45 museums in San Diego this February. Presented by Macy’s, this popular event allows participants to enjoy half-off entry fees at 45 San Diego Museum Council membership museums.

Time: refer to website

Price: Museum admission prices vary

Location: refer to website

For more info:  www.sandiegomuseumcouncil.org

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February 1 – 29, Romantic Valentines Winery Chauffeured Tour

Spoil your sweetheart with a Romantic Valentines tour of San Diego’s beautiful wineries. Enjoy romantic, panoramic vineyard views as you and your loved one taste superb local wines (about 18 pours!), paired with gourmet food, and lots of FUN!

Time: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Price: $149 per person

Location: call for more information

For more info:  858.551.5115 or www.sdbeerwine.com

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February 1 – 29, Beer My Valentine Beer & Food Walking Tour

SHOW THE LOVE! Take your Valentine out for some local and international craft beers and brew up some love on this ROMANTIC Valentine’s Beer and Food Walking Tour.On this exciting 3-hr guided walking tour you’ll enjoy three tour stops for award-winning beer tastings, including local craft beers, along with VIP food pairings.

Time: 2:15 PM to 5:15 PM

Price: $89 per person

Location: call for more information

For more info:  858.551.5115 or www.sdbeerwine.com

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February 3, First Wednesdays: Euphoria Brass Band

Euphoria Brass Band is a San Diego-based musical collective that serves up a contemporary mix of old school New Orleans brass band jazz, funky street beats, and new school edginess with a West Coast feeling! Their incendiary, high energy shows are guaranteed to get a crowd smiling, dancing, and having a good time. Euphoria Brass Band always leaves ‘em wanting more!

Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Price: General Admission – Free

Location: 340 N Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA 92025

For more info:  800.988.4253 or artcenter.org

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February 4 – 14, San Diego Jewish Film Festival

This year the festival will showcase a total of 60 films of the best contemporary Jewish-themed films from around the world celebrating life, human rights, and freedom of expression. The mission of the Film Festival is to offer outstanding world cinema that promotes awareness, appreciation and pride in the diversity of the Jewish people to attendees of the community at large.

Time: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Price: $13.75

Location:  4126 Executive Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037

For more info: 858.362.1347 or www.sdcjc.org/sdjff

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February 5 – 7, Chocolate Lover’s Weekend

Whether you are a couple looking for a romantic get-away or a family of chocolate fanatics looking for a memorable weekend, join us for an indulgent stay filled with chocolate!

Time: call for more information

Price: call for more information

Location: 111 N Second Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910

For more info: 619.427.3601 or koa.com

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February 5 – 14, SDJT Presents: Pinocchio

Carlo Collodi’s classic tale is told through a clever new interpretation — a story within a story. While refurbishing an unfinished stage, a group of Italian construction workers happen upon an audience patiently awaiting the next performance of “Pinocchio.”

Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Price: $13-$15

Location: 3366 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92103

For more info: 619.239.8355 or visit juniortheatre.com

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February 5, San Diego Brazil Carnival Mardi Gras

This spectacular brazilian mardi gras ball will feature pulsating samba beats, beautiful & sexy samba dancers, electrifying capoeira performances, and nonstop brazilian music. There will be fun, feathers, fantasy and much, much more… So come have the time of your life at one of the best brazilian carnivals on the west coast!

Time: 9:00 PM to 11:45 PM

Price: $22-$99

Location: 360 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101

For more info: 619.224.4684 or www.brazilcarnival.com

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February 11, International Guitar Night

International Guitar Night (IGN) is a fiery acoustic extravaganza featuring master performer Brian Gore along with a celebrated cast of guitar luminaries including German guitar virtuoso Andre Krengel, world-renowned fingerstyle innovator Mike Dawes, and Gypsy guitar prodigy Lulo Reinhardt.

Time: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Price: $30-$40

Location: 340 N Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA 92025

For more info: 800.988.4253 or artcenter.org

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February 12 – 14, Valentine’s Day Weekend Cruises

Find romance between the sea and sky with San Diego Valentine’s dinner and brunch cruises from Hornblower. You’ll enjoy spectacular Bay views with famous San Diego landmarks, wonderful food to choose from with our special Valentine’s Day menus and music for dancing.

Time: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Price: $67.95 per adult

Location: 1800 North Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101

For more info:  619.686.8715 or  www.hornblower.com

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February 13, Monster Energy AMA Supercross

Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, is the world’s premier stadium motorcycle circuit, comprised of 17 races of heart-stopping racing action in some of the largest venues in North America.

Time: 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM

Price:  $20-$70

Location: 100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101

For more info: 619.795.5555 or  sandiego.padres.mlb.com

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February 14, Jump Start Your Heart 5K

Join us for the 5th Annual Jump Start Your Heart 5K where you can walk, run and celebrate as you support the Children’s Heart Foundation.

Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Price: $40-$45

Location: 2688 E Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, CA 92109

For more info:  631.875.9895 or  www.jumpstartyourheartsd.com

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February 14, Valentine’s Day Sweetheart’s Dinner Cruise

Snuggle on deck under the stars as you float by San Diego’s sparkling nighttime skyline on this 2 1/2-hour bay cruise, and see your Valentine’s eyes sparkle back.

Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Price: Adult – $99.50 Children – $59.70

Location: 1990 N Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101

For more info: 800.442.7847 or www.flagshipsd.com

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February 19, Atomic Groove Happy Hour

Come get your dance on with Atomic Groove Happy Hour and the Atomic Groove Fly Girlz! One of North County’s best happy hour, featuring fun dance hits from the 60s to today!

Time: 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Price: $7

Location: 143 S Cedros, Suite T, Solana Beach, CA 92075

For more info:  858.481.8140 or bellyup.com

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February 22 – 28, San Diego Theatre Week

Over 30 San Diego performing arts organizations have come together to collaborate on and promote the first annual San Diego Theatre Week, a week-long celebration of performing arts that will serve to promote the vast array of performing arts in the city.

Time: call for more information

Price: Prices and discounts vary by theatre

Location: 1317 Horton Plaza (7th Floor), San Diego, CA 92101

For more info: 858.381.5595 or  www.sandiegotheatreweek.com

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February 24 – March 20, Now You See It

The United States premiere of an outrageously funny farce by the French master of the form, Georges Feydeau, in a brilliant translation by British playwright Kenneth McLeish. Now You See It takes audiences on a dizzying escapade fueled by jealousy bordering on paranoia, a philandering husband, hypnotism, a spurned lover and a scandalous discovery. Furiously fast and clever, this visual and verbal treat is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone.

Time: call for more information

Price: $34

Location: 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach, CA 92075

For more info:  858.481.1055 or northcoastrep.org

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February 26, Rihanna

It’s hard to believe that Rihanna is only 27 years old. Yet within the 9 years since the start of her musical career, she’s become the youngest solo artist to score 13 no. 1 singles on the Billboard hot 100 – the fastest to do so – she’s sold more than 54 million albums and 210 million tracks worldwide.

Time: 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM

Price: $35-$165

Location: 5500 Canyon Crest Dr., San Diego, CA 92182-4210

For more info: as.sdsu.edu

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courtesy of:  

IVAN SOLIS, JR.  / Sr. Sales ExecutiveIvan.Solis@Title365.com  / (619) 804-9000

KRISTINE COSTA / Sales Executive / Kristine.Costa@Title365.com

Title 365 / 8880 Rio San Diego Drive / Suite 1100 / San Diego, CA 92108 / (619) 857-6347

SAN DIEGO JAN, 2016 FUN EVENTS

January 1, New Year’s Day Brunch Cruise

Toast to the New Year with a delicious Champagne brunch, free-flowing champagne, and amazing San Diego Bay views.

Time: 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM

Price: Starting at $62.95 per person (Price Subject to Change)

Location: 1800 North Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101

For more info:  888.467.6256 or visit www.hornblower.com

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January 2, Pajama Jam: New Year’s Family Night Out

Celebrate the New Year at an after-hours party at The New Children’s Museum! Jump into your jammies and join us for delicious dinner, New Year’s theme art activities, games, music, entertainment and our famous countdown balloon drop! Adults will enjoy one drink token with ticket and the chance to win amazing prizes in an opportunity drawing.

Time: 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Price: $15-$35

Location: 200 W Island Ave., San Diego, CA 92101

For more info:  619.233.8792 or visit www.thinkplaycreate.org/fundraising-events

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 January 6, First Wednesdays: Besos de Coco

Besos de Coco is stirring up a great deal of excitement with their fresh and intense sound that maintains its roots in the romantic music of the old-world Mediterranean, Latin American, and Jazz traditions. Tap-dancer Claudia Gomez Vorce, double-bassist Evona Wascinski, and classical guitarist / vocalist Lorraine Castellanos make up this musically magnetic trio.

Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Price: General Admission – Free

Location: 340 N Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA 92025

For more info:  800.988.4253 or visit artcenter.org/event/besos-de-coco

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January 9 – 24, SDJT Presents: Ivy+Bean the Musical

Pancake Court is no ordinary cul-de-sac! Start with two completely opposite 8-year olds: Ivy, the quiet reader who loves magic and wants to be a witch, and Bean, the outgoing, rambunctious and often devious counterpart who has never been shy.

Time: 11:00 AM

Price: $11-$15

Location: 1650 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

For more info:  619.239.8355 or visit juniortheatre.com

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January 10, 2014 – January 29, 2016 Gaslamp Ghosts Walking Tour

Take a stroll through the Gaslamp’s haunted history with Davis House historian, Sandee Wilhoit, who will recount ghostly happenings of the past…and of the present. Visit hotels, saloons, brothels and a long-ago funeral parlor, and end your tour inside the Gaslamp’s most haunted edifice – the William Heath Davis House.

Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM

Price: Adults – $20

Location: 410 Island Ave., San Diego, CA 92101

For more info:  619.233.4692 or visit www.gaslampquarter.org

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January 14 – 16, Cristela Alonzo

Cristela Alonzo made TV history in 2014, by being the first Latina to create, produce and star in a network TV sitcom, “Cristela,” an achievement which caps a whirlwind year. She released “Some of the Hits,” her first stand-up CD through Comedy Central and will be making her feature film debut in the upcoming Angry Birds movie.

Time: 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Price: $18

Location: 818 B 6th Ave., San Diego, CA 92101

For more info:  619.795.3858 or visit  americancomedyco.com

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January 15, Quicksilver

“Fantasticus: Extravagant and Virtuosic Music from 17th-century Germany” Led by violinists Robert Mealy and Julie Andrijeski, Quicksilver brings together some of the leading historically informed performers in America today.

Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Price: General – $30-$35

Location: 743 Prospect street, La Jolla, CA 92037

For more info:  619.291.8246 or visit www.sdems.org

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January 15, Jerry Seinfeld

America’s premier comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, will be performing his signature stand-up routine. Seinfeld has been hailed for his uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere.

Time: 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM

Price: Starting at $46.50

Location: 3666 Fourth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103

For more info:  www.broadwaysd.com/jerry-seinfeld.htm

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January 16, Kids Marathon Mile at LEGOLAND California

LEGOLAND® California is host to a special, 1-mile fun run for kids of all ages and abilities.  Before the doors open to the public, they’re opened for us to enjoy the sights and sounds of LEGOLAND®! Participants can run, walk, skip or stroll, or even be pushed in a stroller or carried on a back as they wind through the park, making their way to an exciting, spectator-filled finish line. Each finisher is presented with a shiny finisher’s medal and treated to a fun post-event party with a DJ, activities, light refreshments and booths. The event concludes at 10 a.m. with the opening of LEGOLAND® and SEA LIFE™ Aquarium where registered participants age 12 & under can enter the park for free and moms and dads can enter for 50% off admission.

Timeline:

  • 6:30 AM: LEGOLAND parking lot opens (parking is free at this time with no reentry)
  • 7:00 AM: Event day registration
  • 8:00 AM: Mile races start

Time: 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Price: $10-$30

Location: One LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92008

For more info:  619.291.8246 or visit www.carlsbadmarathon.com

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January 16 – March 6, The History and the Hair Story

The History and the Hair Story: 400 Years Without a Comb is a journey through the history of the African American hair industry and its role in our present culture. From its origins in the seat of civilization to the epicenter of the civil rights movement, the comb’s untold story takes the spotlight in this exhibition by way of 400 years’ worth of artifacts, photography, historical accounts, propaganda, and much more.

Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Price: General Admission – $8, Kids 12 & Under – Free

Location: 340 N Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA 92025

For more info:  800.988.4253 or visit artcenter.org

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January 24, Nordic Landscapes | Mingle @ the Mingei

Music of Scandinavia: Edvard Grieg, Jean Sibelius, Carl Nielsen, Christian Sinding & Kaveli Aho woodwind quintet, violin, cello, piano.

Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Price: General – $30

Location: 1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

For more info:  619.231.3702 or visit www.classicalmusicsandiego.com

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January 29, The Opening Night: Ed Ruscha Then & Now

Celebrate MCASD’s latest exhibition at The Opening Night with cocktails, live music, food trucks, guided tours, and more! The iconic artist Ed Ruscha first gained attention in the 1960s for work that combines text and image with deadpan takes on American vernacular culture. An innovator of West-Coast Pop and Conceptual Art, Ruscha’s work defies and exceeds both categories, drawing upon popular media, commercial culture, and the landscape of Los Angeles.

Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Price: Included with admission

Location: 700 Prospect St., La Jolla, CA 92037

For more info:  858.454.3541 or visit www.mcasd.org

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January 31, 2015- June 17, 2016 San Diego Invites the World: The 1915 Expo

The definitive commemorative exhibition of the 1915 Exposition is set in a framework of innovation as an event and as a showcase of innovations in commerce, industry, agriculture and arts/culture during that era.

Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Price: Included with admission

Location: 1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

For more info:  619.232.6203 or visit www.sandiegohistory.org/The1915Expo

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courtesy of:  

IVAN SOLIS, JR.  / Sr. Sales ExecutiveIvan.Solis@Title365.com  / (619) 804-9000

KRISTINE COSTA / Sales Executive / Kristine.Costa@Title365.com

Title 365 / 8880 Rio San Diego Drive / Suite 1100 / San Diego, CA 92108 / (619) 857-6347

$3.4M Federal Grant to Improve Health and Safety for Young Children

Standing outside a City Heights home recently upgraded to make it safer, Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer today announced the City of San Diego has received a $3.4 million grant from the federal government to help improve the lives of residents in neighborhoods throughout the city.

The city has an estimated 310,000 homes built before 1978, the year lead-based paint was banned for residential use throughout the country. The grant will be used to eliminate lead paint and other hazards in those homes … The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and will be used by the City’s Lead Safety and Healthy Homes Program, which prioritizes homes in which children under the age of six reside or frequently visit … Lead-based paint can become a hazard if it is peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking or heat-damaged because that allows the toxic lead to be released into the home environment … Children under the age of six are at higher risk for lead poisoning because their bodies absorb more lead and their hand-to-mouth activities increase exposure. Even small amounts of lead can have severe effects on a child’s nervous system and can also cause brain damage, learning disabilities, hearing loss, and reduced muscle and bone growth … Grants ranging from $4,500 to $10,000 per unit will be available for owner-occupied residences and rental housing. Eligibility for the program is based on family size and income … For more information, please contact the City’s Lead Safety & Healthy Homes Program at (858) 694-7000 or lead-safe@sandiego.gov or go to sdhealthyhomes.org.

read more —> http://sdvoice.info/faulconer-announces-3-4m-federal-grant-to-improve-health-and-safety-for-young-children/ 

7 Reasons Rentals Are Rocking The Housing Market

Home sales have finally begun to slow after a red-hot summer that saw prices soaring so quickly that some began to worry about the return of a housing bubble.

But despite the recent housing gains, the country’s home ownership rate has continued to fall. Just 65 percent of households in the first half of this year owned their homes, the lowest level in 18 years, and a significant decline from the record high rate of more than 69 percent reached at the height of the housing boom in 2004.

Even though buying a home is 35 percent cheaper than renting in the long term, an increasing percentage of Americans are choosing to sign a lease rather than a deed. Experts predict home ownership will fall even further in the next few years. “We could see levels we haven’t seen since the 1960s,” says Patrick Newport.

Although home ownership rates are likely to rebound a few years from now, the gains will be slow, and housing economists don’t see them ever again reaching the unhealthy “bubble” levels hit in the early 2000s. Here’s why:

1. There’s a lingering impact from the foreclosure crisis Foreclosure activity peaked in 2010, and August foreclosure starts were at the lowest level since December 2005. Just because the worst of the foreclosure crisis that led to the housing bust is behind us, it’s not so far in the rear view that it’s no longer impacting the market. Many of those who have lost a home to foreclosure have no desire to be a home owner again; but even those who do will have to wait years before they can purchase another property. Foreclosures remain on a credit report for seven years, which can make it extremely difficult for those consumers who have been through one to get favorable terms on another mortgage.

2. Lending conditions remain tight Potential buyers without a foreclosure on their credit report are finding it tough to get a mortgage. Even with a down payment of 15 percent to 25 percent, nearly a third of Americans will not qualify for a mortgage under today’s lending standards, according to a study by Zillow.

3. Investors have reshaped the market Cash-rich institutional investors jumped into the market when homes were at their cheapest and built up massive real estate holdings that they’ve since turned into rental properties. In addition, many people who were underwater on their homes but needed to move became “accidental landlords” renting out their first home so that they could move to a second. The result: Four million more single-family homes are available for rent than there were prior to the recession, meaning potential renters have far more options.

4. Boomerang kids are going to rent first Thanks to high unemployment rates and heavy student debt loads, an increasing number of millennials have moved back into their parents’ homes after college. Last year, 36 percent of the country’s 18- to 36-year olds lived with their parents — the highest share in at least 40 years, according to a Pew Research study released in August.

Experts believe those millennials will eventually move out, but they’re not going to jump straight from mom and dad’s couch into home ownership. “Those young people are probably going to rent before they buy,” says Jed Kolko, a housing economist with Trulia. That could push the home ownership rate down even further.

5. Fewer people are married with children Just 21 percent of current households are married with children, a decline from 24 percent in 2000. Meanwhile, the number of single households has reached 27 percent, more than double the percentage of a few decades ago, according to the Census Bureau. “There’s less of a need now for people to stay put and buy a house with space for all their kids,” says Jim Lapides, a spokesman for the National Multi-Housing Council. “They’re more interested in living close to work and being able to walk places.”

6. Potential buyers are worried about mortgage rates Nearly two-thirds of potential buyers told real estate brokerage Redfin that rising mortgage rates have negatively impacted their ability to buy a home. A fifth of buyers said they had slowed the pace of their home search in response to rising rates. Currently mortgage rates are about 4.5 percent, but the Mortgage Bankers Association predicts they’ll reach 4.9 percent by next year.

7. Buying isn’t the “American Dream” anymore The American Dream used to be synonymous in the American psyche with home ownership. Not so anymore. Today, the most popular definition of the American Dream is retiring with financial security, followed by being debt-free, according released in September by Credit.com. Just 18 percent said that buying a home was the American dream.

courtesy of:  http://theweek.com/