Complaining - Power Quotes Series - 02/29/08 08:23 AM
Have you ever met the constant complainer. The one that nothing is good for them. Their world is always doom and gloom. The glass is always half empty. Negativity oozes from their very being. Day in and day out I meet people like this.
There is always one way to counter their strife and that is with Positive Affirmations. I read the quotes below and everything that is said is something that I want to tell people that complain all the time.
I hope that today's quotes carry some inspiration that will help you through your day. As always, the pictures … (18 comments)

ActiveRain, I Quit You - 02/28/08 06:37 AM
I can not believe this place. It is unreal how things are done here. I am treated so bad. I can not believe that I ever joined this place. I must have been crazy. The people that run this place are idiots. Why can't I get my way. I am over this and I am going to take my toys and go play elsewhere.
Oh my god, I can not believe all these different things that I hear daily. Oh, Wait. You thought that was me? You thought that I was leaving ActiveRain? Please! It would take an army to take … (30 comments)

Spend the time Now - 02/27/08 05:52 PM
I was going to write a blog about some jokes to make everyone smile. I got to reading one that was sent to me that was not a joke. I almost made me cry. Now, I am not out to make you cry. But, if this can touch one soul, then it was worth it all. If not, then you are cold.
A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door.  SON: 'Daddy, may I ask you a question?' DAD: 'Yeah sure, what it is?' replied the man. SON: 'Daddy, how much do … (30 comments)

Crank - Movie Review - 02/27/08 03:09 PM
Buckle your seat belts as this one is fast and furious from the start. It gets the blood pumping and keeps it going.
One of the things that I will tell you about this movie is do not expect any drama to this movie. And for that matter, not much acting. it is more fighting, shooting, bleeding. and a little sex all thrown into one plot and then called a movie.
Professional assassin Chev Chelios, played by Jason Statham, learns his rival Verona, played by Jose Pablo Cantillo, has injected him with a poison that will kill him if his heart … (13 comments)

Choices - Power Quotes Series - 02/27/08 07:43 AM
Choice is one of the things that we have control of. We can choose between good and evil, we can choose between chocolate and vanilla, we can even choose our hair color. With that said, it seems the hardest choice that people make is between right and wrong. I made that choice a long time ago. I do not want to put a customer into something that they might not be able to afford 6 months or a year down the road. I need more piece of mind than that.
Hopefully you will find something below that will help you find inspiration … (13 comments)

Veterinarian - Things that make you laugh. - 02/26/08 12:58 PM
OK, I have fallen down on my civic duties so I thought that I would put together a few jokes from my collection to lighten the mood. With all that has been going on I have neglected this side of my post.
So, I hope that this can get a smile out of you.
One Sunday, in counting the money in the weekly offering, the pastor of a small Florida church found a pink envelope containing $1,000.  It happened again the next week.  The following Sunday, he watched as the offering was collected and saw a little old lady put the … (35 comments)

I have been rejected - A RSS Feeds story. - 02/26/08 10:19 AM
Yesterday I wrote a post entitled Are you a Social Butterfly. Now, mind you my rejection did not come from this post. Where it came from was a RSS feed website. Now, for you that do not know what a RSS feed website does, go back and click on one of the links or on the pictures of the RSS Feeds as I have attached a few pages that will help you out. So, you want to know how RSS feeds can reject a person. Well, it is quiet simple really. Once you upload your personal RS feed to one of … (10 comments)

Are you a Social Butterfly - 02/25/08 05:02 PM
Recently I have started joining groups outside of ActiveRain that are social networks. Now, that does not mean that I am leaving the Rain. What it means is I am looking for more and more ways to drive traffic to my money maker. And no, I will not get on the stage and dance. ActiveRain is my main stay and I love them. But I need to drive more and more people here to get the potential customers that I am looking for. Or to even build the current referral base that I want to build. To continue to do this, … (20 comments)

The Departed - Movie Review - 02/25/08 02:32 PM

OK, if you have not rented this movie yet, or even bought it, then it is time to get out of the cellar and go get this move. The top 3 pictures are linked and will take you to 3 different places for this movie.
Sunday was my second time seeing this awesome movie. I could watch this again tonight and it would not bore me. It is packed with drama, action, suspense, and even some comedy.
Not only that but this movie is packed with stars in it from Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Ray … (11 comments)

Change - Power Quotes Series - 02/25/08 07:44 AM
*Disclaimer* Pics are active. If you click on them you will be transported ot another link.
For those of you that follow me, you know that CHANGE is a topic that I have been talking about for some time now. The biggest reason for this is because our industry is ever changing and we need to adapt to it. Back when I use to work as a branch manager for a big mortgage company and underwriting guidelines were changing daily, I use to field questions from loan officers that would stated that we were able to do that a week ago. These … (17 comments)

Suburban Atlanta Series - Norcross, GA - 02/24/08 12:17 PM
Norcross, Georgia is a small suburban city that is located 16.6 miles northeast of Atlanta in Gwinnett County. It's population is 9,887 people.
Even though Norcross is a smaller community in the Suburbs, there are many things to do in this city. With Atlanta only a short drive away, it is not far fetched to go and do things in the big city.
If driving is not on the agenda, you can still find things to do keep you busy in Norcross.
 
Norcross was founded in 1866 by John Thrasher. Thrasher named the town after his good friend Jonathan Norcross, the … (15 comments)

Baseball highlights - version 2.24 - 02/24/08 10:30 AM
With all the controversy surrounding baseball about the use of steroids and human growth hormones, this is one fan that is glad to see spring training to get under full swing. With the likely hood of Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds not stepping foot on a major league field to play this year, it is time to turn our attention to those that are going to contribute.  If you click on any of the three pictures in this segment, you will be transported to another dimension . Enjoy the ride. Now, it is time to take the stroll through the headlines … (19 comments)

"Pick your Player" Debate - 02/23/08 08:33 AM
It is Saturday morning and I am in a mood to strike up a debate here on ActiveRain. Baseball is in the air and I want to know one thing. So, I reaching out to the "experts" out there and asking your opinion this morning. The debate will take place in the comment zone below and all that want can chime in. 
This is for people inside ActiveRain and outside. Who knows, maybe someone will join because of it. 
*Disclaimer* Just remember, no need for name calling. These are people's opinions that I am soliciting. If you do not agree with them, that … (20 comments)

Challenge - Power Quote Series - 02/22/08 07:01 AM
Challenges can make or break a person dependent on how they handle them. In our industry we are faced with them daily. The successful people find a way through them while some stumble and fall trying to get around them. The best advice that I can give anyone is to always face your challenges head on.
I hope that there is one quote below that will give you some inspirations on today's challenges.
As usual, you can click on the picture for a larger readable image and some more inspiration.
"If you compared your troubles, or challenges, with those of … (16 comments)

Funnies Recap: version 2.21 - 02/21/08 12:34 PM
As each week, I go out seeking who is funny on ActiveRain. It does not take long to find things to laugh out around here. This week is no different. There is some new talent on here and some that I have featured before. All in all, you are sure to find a laugh here. If not, maybe you need to have your funny bone looked at.

Remember to click on the pictures above to check out the other links.
Carol Smith brings humor to us in her post entitled
VODKA - It's Valuable!Linda Futral tells it like a southern lady … (11 comments)

Love your Pet Week - 02/20/08 11:06 PM
My good friend, Linda Futral told me that I needed to write a blog about my dogs because it was love your pet week. So, since my baby penny p got a haircut today, I decide to have a picture made with her and get a new picture posted. I thought that I would share the blow up version with everyone. Penelope is a Lhasa that is going on 3. She is one member of our family of 5 dogs. They are quiet the treat as all of them are different breeds. If you are anything like me. you love on … (42 comments)

UltraVoilet - Movie Review - 02/20/08 12:51 PM
Last weekend was movie weekend if you can guess. With the lack of shows to watch due to the Writer's Guild Strike, it was time to go to the movie vault in our basement. Also, I guess you can blame it on a lack of professional football and that Major League Baseball has yet to get underway. As usual, you can click on the 2 pictures here to be transported to different websites about this movie. This movie was inspired by John Cassavetes' "Gloria". The movie is set in the late 21st century. The human race as we know it has … (8 comments)

Character - Power Quote Series - 02/20/08 07:44 AM
After yesterday's rant, I could not think of a more fitting post that this one. Character is so important in today's society. And the people that lack it, fall to the wayside eventually.
I hope that you can find inspiration in one of these quotes.
 
*DISCLAIMER* As always, click the pictures to enlarge.
"Sow an act and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny." Charles Reade
"Character is what we are when we are alone and in the dark." M.K. Soni
"I look to a day when people … (10 comments)

Aeon Flux - Movie Review - 02/19/08 01:49 PM
Aeon Flux is an action packed movie from the start. It is science fiction at its best. The movie takes place more than 400 years in the year 2415. Aeon Flux is a mysterious assassin for the Monicans, a group of rebels trying to overthrow the government. Aeon , played by Charlize Theron, is sent to kill Trevor Goodchild, played by Marton Csokas, who is the ruler of the city. The story takes place 400 years after a deadly disease kills all but 500 people and has also kept women from giving birth. Once the fighting starts, it does not stop. … (30 comments)

Blame - Power Quotes Series - 02/18/08 07:03 AM
Too many times in life do we find it easy to place blame instead of accepting responsibility or looking for the fix to the issue. Spencer Johnson once wrote a book called the "One Minute Manager". In the book, the Manager in question had this saying: "I do not hire people to bring me problems. Instead, I hire them to bring me solutions." This is the same with blame.
Way too often when a closing goes bad, we are too quick to point the finger. I wonder what the outcome would be if instead we jumped in to help be part … (17 comments)

Baseball Highlights Review - First edition - 02/17/08 01:53 PM
As promised when I created Baseball Talk 101, this is the first post of Baseball Highlights Review. It is similar to This Week In Baseball, but of course we all know that name has been taken. With that said, let's dive in.
Pitchers and catchers have reported to camp and it looks as though all is underway.
For the Cubs fans, it looks as though Kerry Wood will be coming out of the pen as he is in a 3 way struggle for the closers roll. Wood, Bob Howry and Carlos Marmol all are competing for the job. You can read the … (35 comments)

Believe - Power Quotes Series - 02/15/08 08:10 AM
Recently I decide to search out some new groups to start posting this series in in an attempt to get better traffice. Yesterday, my colleague Rich Dansereau found 2 groups dedicated to quotes, so I m hoping that this will be more suitable for them.
Belief - what does it really mean. It is quiet simple. The power of belief will take you through any obstacle that may stand in your way.
I hope that you can find something in these quotes that will inspire you.
"The reason man may become the master of his own destiny is because he has the … (10 comments)

My Valentine Wish to you - 02/14/08 10:20 AM
Ok, so I figured this morning there was no way to send out a Valentine card to 71,475 people. So, I went looking for one today. Now, here is my wish for you all.
I hope that you find the love of your life
I hope that they bring you no strife
The day will come when they will be your husband or wife.


… (19 comments)

Funnies Recap version 2.14 - 02/14/08 08:18 AM
First off, let me wish all a . I hope that you have a day full of and find with that someone special. This weeks edition of the funnies has to be one of the best yet. I am continuing to find new ones weekly, so keep those jokes, funnies, and humorous stories coming.
Now, lets expose some people. while we have a
James Downing tells us all about the Dough Boy in
Friday HumorJennifer Dahl-Mansfield gets in the Valentine spirit with
Funny Love Quotes...Just in Time for Valentine's DayMichael Pierce shares a video with us in
Wiggle Room?Lawrence Bland brings … (14 comments)

Behavior - Power Quotes Series - 02/13/08 07:13 AM
Our behavior is a direct reflection on the person that we are. So many times I have seen people do themselves in because of the way they act. People only believe that their behavior in public is what matters and so they put up a facade in order to fit in socially. The problem with that is sooner or later, your true behavior is exposed.
Hopefully you will find something in today's quotes that will inspire you.

"Believing in yourself is not for you; it's for every person who has touched your life in a significant way and for every person … (20 comments)

If tomorrow never comes. - 02/12/08 11:52 AM
I was reading a blog written by Colleen Fischesser. The blog was titled Would you be Missed? and it was thought provoking. In hers, she talks about if you would be missed if you left.
But here is the question I have for you to ponder. If something happened to you today, and there was no tomorrow, do people really know how you feel.
Does your co-workers know? Does your friends know. Does your clients know? Does your business partners know? Does your kids know? Does your family know? Does your spouse or significant other know? Do you even know.
My question is … (10 comments)

Is your Life Tried or Merely Survived. - 02/12/08 07:40 AM
Several years ago, Garth Brooks did a song called "Standing Outside the Fire". As the video is more to do with a child's desire to try out for the track team as opposed to Special Olympics, it has a lot to do with us.
Too many times have I witnessed people that would not take a chance. Too many times have I witnessed people that would rather sit on the sidelines instead of getting out and pushing themselves to the next level. Too many times do people give up and want to merely survive instead or living their life tried.
My good friend … (2 comments)

Marriage: What is it all About (today's funny) - 02/12/08 07:22 AM
All my friends here have ben all over me recently because I have not been sharing any jokes with anyone lately. So, I decided that every Tuesday, I would do at least one for everyone to enjoy. Now I am sure that I will put out a few more than that, but at least for those of you that follow me, you can not count on getting a laugh every Tuesday morning.
Marriage; what is it really about. Well, it is explained to us all below by this interview.
The Fourth MarriageThe local news station was interviewing an 80-year-old lady because … (17 comments)

The Best of Times - My trek to 100,000 points - 02/11/08 03:05 PM
As I started thinking about achieving this goal last week, I decided that I would simply write a blog about what I accomplished on ActiveRain. I was going to go on and on about the groups I created, the people I invited, the comments I received, the comments I have made, how many times my profile has been view, and on and on. Then, as I started to write this, all that seemed to fade away or lose meaning for this post. And, I thought that this song would be fitting for the celebration. Tonight, we will make history.

Yes, … (43 comments)

Balance - Power Quotes Series - 02/11/08 07:37 AM
Balance. What does it mean to you? One f the questions I have always asked in an interview before hiring someone is "What is your take on a balanced life". YZou will be surprised at some of the answers that I got. Hopefully, there is something below that will strike a cord in you.
Let the words of wisdom in these balance quotes inspire and motivate you to keep a balance in your life!
"We have overstretched our personal boundaries and forgotten that true happiness comes from living an authentic life fueled with a sense of purpose and balance." Dr. Kathleen … (12 comments)

Open Invitation - If you love Baseball, you need to check this out. - 02/10/08 04:21 PM
Last month, I decided to create a new group in ActiveRain along with my team partner, Rich Dansereau. The group is called Baseball Talk 101 and was created as a place to discuss baseball and things relating to baseball, such as movies and jokes. When I initially created the group, it quickly obtained is first 41 members and then stalled.
Recently, Linda Futral wrote a post promoting the group. She did this and the memberships started to flow again. Now, we are up to 90 members and currently are running our second contest.
If you would love to join, All you have … (8 comments)

Suburban Atlanta Series - Sandy Springs, GA - 02/10/08 12:29 PM
Sandy Springs, GA is a quaint little city that actually just recently became it's own city. It lays just outside the Atlanta border and straddles I285. Sandy Springs is where I go to work daily. It is truly a business mecca for outside of Atlanta.
Sandy Springs is accessible through Roswell Road or through GA 400 if you do not like all the lights. In my case, I travel south from my home and take GA 400 down to my exit and get off. It is anywhere from a 15 to 30 minute commute according to what time I leave. So, … (13 comments)

Friendships: At what cost? - 02/10/08 10:42 AM
Sometimes I wonder if people place a price tag on FRIENDSHIP. Since becoming a member of ActiveRain, I have forged some strong friendships here. But not just here. Over the years I have made some strong friendships in life and they have withstood the test of time and distance. You see, I have moved 5 times since 2001. It is funny though that in every place that I have moved, I have kept in touch with at least one person from that place.
The story below is a touching one. But first, here are two quotes about what a friend really … (23 comments)

Take me out to the Ball Game - Baseball Jokes & Humor - 02/09/08 10:51 AM
So, I have fallen off a bit on making people laugh and I got called on it today. Well, not just today. I have been called on it a few times. I have just been so busy that I have not had time to do anything about it. And, since Football is over and Baseball has not yet started its SWING, I figured now with be a great time to get back on the horse.
So, LET'S PLAY BALL.
12-year-old Jeff Maier reached out and caught a fly ball at the Yankees-Orioles game, causing Baltimore to lose the first game of the playoffs. … (27 comments)

Do you Flourish in ActiveRain or do you just get by? - 02/08/08 10:16 PM

Lately, I have been writing a lot about the success that ActiveRain has brought me and my team. Rich Dansereau and I have been swamped for about 2 weeks now and it looks like it is going to continue for quiet a while. And frankly, I am not said about that. With that said, I have been hindered a bit to get on ActiveRain. You have seen post and comments coming from me at all hours of the day as I have to now fit it around my busy schedule.
ActiveRain and the relationships that I have built from it is … (42 comments)

Amazing things that you can do with your vegetables. - 02/08/08 03:04 PM
Lately, it has been hard for me to be amazed. With that said, when I got this, I knew that I had to share this will all of my friends. It is truly amazing what they did with these vegetables. So, if you want you kids to eat theirs, maybe you should use some of these tricks. Hope that you enjoy them.

Somebody has an exceptional imagination! Any one for a Fish Story? A Frog for the Princess. Happy Feet has nothing on these Pinguens Anybody up for counting Sheep? Wilbur never looked better. Donald Duck's new counsin, Cabbage Duck The … (31 comments)

Attitude - Power Quote Series - 02/08/08 01:48 AM
It is 2:42 in the morning here in Atlanta, GA and I am publishing my quotes quiet early. You ask why. Well, I have a closing to attend at 9 am and I made a promise to all of you to get this out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I plan on keeping that promise.
Today's topic is all about Attitude. Every day I get going, I have to check my attitude and make sure that it is in the right place. I know that I am going to be successful because of it.
Most of these sayings will hit home … (21 comments)

Hidden Gem in the Rain - Rebecca Levinson - 02/07/08 06:53 PM
Here we go again. Ryan Martin, as much an avid sports lover as myself, tagged me in the "Hidden Gems in the Rain" series. I just got hit with one of these last week, but in the spirit of promoting other people, I told Ryan I was all over this one. If you have not been tagged to either do one of these or been listed as a "Hidden Gem", then you should check out this concept created by Melissa Grant. Melissa and Ryan, thank you for another opportunity to bring out a rising star. And if you have not read … (19 comments)

My Bloody Valentine - A movie review - 02/07/08 01:29 PM
In honor of a Valentine's day coming up, I figured I would do a review of this classic slashers movie. It was released way back in 1981 and it is still very vivid in my mind. If you are anything like me and love the slasher movies, this is a must see.
For you movie trivia nuts, there is a caption near the beginning that states Thursday, February 12th that indicates there is too be a dance on Saturday February the 14th. Now the reason why I state this is because this movie is along the lines of Friday the 13th. … (24 comments)

Funny Recap: Version 2.7 - 02/07/08 12:56 PM
Today, I figured that I would do this a little different. With that said, it took me a little longer to put this together. I truly hope that all of you find some joy in these post. I know I did.
Also, click on the pictures for a treat. And remember to
Brande Bradford shares some humor with us. Both made me laugh uncontrollably. Check them out.
HUMOR: Finally...A Smart Millionaire!Real Estate Humor: Your Rival Gets Double!Kathleen Elim writes a very funny post.
A Must Read for Pet LoversJennifer Dahl shared some funny quotes for all of us in
More Funny Quotes....These are good!!!Dick … (8 comments)

Today, the mailman came again bearing gifts. - 02/06/08 04:51 PM
Two days in a row. Yesterday I get a card with a gift of quotes in it. Today, when I get home, the mailman had left a box contain a bag of goodies from my good friend Debbie Malone. Debbie had wrote a post on these great pepperoni bread rolls. I made a wise crack that she needed to send me some, and low and behold, she sent me some in the mail.
Now, why am I telling you this? Because this is what ActiveRain is all about. It is the friendships that we build that leads to the partnerships that … (41 comments)

Age - Power Quotes Series - 02/06/08 07:54 AM
So many times I hear people complain about their age. To me, it is a number. Something that is determined to tell people how long you been on this planet. The only way it can be an obstacle to you is if you allow it too. The greatest saying that I can remember and I do not know the author of this would be "You are only as old as you feel".
Well, how old do you feel today?
"How old would you be if you didn't know how old you was." Satchel Paige
"Age may wrinkle the face, but … (25 comments)

Climbing a Mountain or a Mole Hill: my time in ActiveRain - 02/05/08 10:26 AM
Since joining ActiveRain, I have often wondered if I was climbing a mountain or if I was stepping over a molehill. It did not take me long to figure out which it was. When I first came to ActiveRain, I was overwhelmed at what I wanted to accomplish. I had joined groups in the past only to loose interest in what they could do for me or for my business. Not with ActiveRain. The people here began to suck me in deeper and deeper until I soon became a Pioneer for the Rain. I went looking for my own recruits and … (14 comments)

Changes - What do they hold for you? - 02/04/08 06:43 PM
I have been thinking about this for a long time. Changes can be good, changes can be bad, but changes are inevitable. It is how you deal with those changes that will make or break the person.
When I was a branch manager for Countrywide, we were required to read a book a month. The one that stuck with me the most is WHO MOVED MY CHEESE by Spencer Johnson, MD and Kenneth Blanchard. It is to the point and I would recommend it to anyone that is in sales. In this book, it discusses the inevitable changes and the different ways … (75 comments)

Appreciation - Power Quote Series - 02/04/08 10:02 AM
Sorry guys and gals for this getting out this late. I am kind of dragging today. Last night was a great Super Bowl Party and I appreciate all my friends and neighbors that came over to watch.
In today's time, I see so many people that are all about change and nothing about appreciation. In some cases, it is the right thing to do when you consider change. In most cases, it is a fact that people do not appreciate what they have.
Take a moment today and reflect on what you have and appreciate it.'
"Feeling appreciated is one of the … (13 comments)

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS - 02/03/08 10:20 PM

For all of the people that believed in the BIG BLUE, this song is for you. For all you that remained faithful to your Patriots, it was a great game. For all the haters, you are the losers in this Super Bowl.
What a game it was. it was a defensive struggle for both teams. And, in the end, it was the Giants that played the better game and it is time for Eli to shine.
Now, for all that hated on Eli all year long, I hope that you find some respect. And, look at it this way, a Manning has … (37 comments)

SuperBowl Sunday - 02/03/08 07:57 AM

The time has arrived. It is Super Bowl Sunday. No matter which team you pull for, please remember this: Be Safe. If you are going to drink, either be responsible or take a cab or have a designated driver. We all care about what happens to you.
This has been a public service announcement and lets hope that we have a good game.




About the Author
If you are in the market to purchase a home or even refinance an existing loan and you want a loan officer that will walk with you every step of the way, … (23 comments)

Rates are Falling; Is this a misconception? - 02/02/08 08:39 AM
In the finance world of Real Estate, there are changes to rates that happen daily. I want to take a minute to break down some misconceptions. Some of this is my opinion and some is sourced. I will identify both so that you can make your own assessments to what I am saying.
First and foremost, I hear customers stating, "The Fed cut the rate again, why did my qualifying rate not go down?" This was addressed in an article produced by CNBC by contributing editor Barry Habib. Barry discusses the effect of the rates that the Fed is cutting. People hear … (10 comments)

Hidden Gem in the Rain - The movie Critic - 02/01/08 11:14 AM
Linda Futral tagged me in her post Hidden Gem in the Rain; Meet the Fish Girl! and challenged me to find a Hidden Gem. This was an original concept by Melissa Grant and can be found on her post Hidden Gems In the Rain...Are you up for a challenge ?. Both os these women are extraordinary and you can get to their blogs by just clicking on their pictures.
If you love reading me, you will find both of these women are Gems in their own right.
 
My hidden gem in the rain is none other than Nicholas Goglucci of Re/Max in … (20 comments)

Action - Power Quote Series - 02/01/08 07:14 AM
Action is a way of life. Those that choose to not take action, so get eaten up by the competition. Think of a football center that hikes the ball to the quarterback and then just stands there. What happens but the nose tackle breaks though the line to sack the quarterback or rushes the pass and cause him to miscue.
I hope that in the quotes below you can find the inspiration that you need for today.

<!-- HTML Markup startspan --> "Thought is action in rehearsal." Sigmund Freud
"We all find ourselves in situations that at times seem … (5 comments)