What if the ASPCA earned a penny every time you searched the Internet? - 08/31/07 10:07 AM
Well, they do, thanks to GoodSearch.com, a search engine powered by Yahoo! that donates half of its revenues to charities. Simply visit GoodSearch.com to start making a difference and check out how the numbers add up. If 500 people search four times a day, roughly $7,300 will be raised in a year-without anyone spending a dime. So far over $4,200 has been raised for the ASPCA in 2007 alone. So be sure to visit GoodSearch.com and add your two cents (or three or four) to animal welfare!
P.S. If you can, be sure to visit on Friday, August 31-that's today-when … (8 comments)
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Pamela's book MEME---The short list. - 08/30/07 09:57 AM
This is my first AR MEME and I've decided to limit myself to posting 5 books otherwise we'd be here all day. :)
I'm someone who would, without prodding, read mostly "feel good books" and while those are worthy reading material it is nice to sometimes read something that challenges or confuses.....making us change how we perceive something or re-evaluate a past opinion. Be it ever so humble here is my book MEME for today. :)
My first book is The Tao of Pooh.
The basic principle of the book is this: basic Taoism is simply a particular way of … (9 comments)
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Japanese Festival 2007 on Labor Day Weekend at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St.Louis. - 08/29/07 01:02 PM
Photo credit: Jack Jennings
JAPANESE FESTIVAL 2007
Learn about the fascinating, mysterious world of geisha from a woman who knows it firsthand. Experience the thrilling action of a sumo wrestling bout. Listen to the thunderous pounding rhythms of taiko drums. It will be a Midwest matsuri (celebration) when the Japanese Festival returns to the Missouri Botanical Garden on Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-3, 2007!
Labor Day weekend, September 1, 2, and 3It will be a Midwest matsuri (celebration) when the Japanese Festival returns to the Garden on Labor Day weekend 2007. Learn about the fascinating, mysterious world of geisha from a woman who … (4 comments)
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LAUMEIER SCULPTURE PARK in St.Louis, Missouri - 08/29/07 12:08 PM
Laumeier sculpture park is different from a traditional museum in that it is outside. Teamed with the wonders of nature are sculptures with depth and soul. It is their mission to encourage creativity through nature and the arts combined.
Upcoming events:
September 10,17,25 Architect lecture series at Washington University College of Architecture
June 8-- September 2, 2007 Thad Duhigg exhibition
May 6 through October 14th 2007--Free docent-led tours the first and third Sundays of the month.
October 5th 2007---The Park's great big BIRTHDAY bash
October 6th---January 13th 2008---Tony Tasset exhibition
February 8th 2008---May 11th 2008-----Deborah Aschheim
DESCRIPTION: Laumeier … (0 comments)
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Upcoming events in Lafayette Square in St.Louis, Missouri. - 08/28/07 07:48 PM
Photo taken by Lisa Johnston and used with permission. Please visit her website.
I've had some friends and colleagues express their disappointment over missing the June house tour in Lafayette. I used to rent an apartment in that area....right across from the park and I LOVED it. :) For those who missed it there's always the seasonal tour. It's a gorgeous neighborhood and I'm so glad it has been restored.
Below are some events coming up so don't miss out!! :)
August 31 - Tour de Lafayette Criterium Bike Race The first event in the four-day Gateway Cup … (2 comments)
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Your house has been on the market since...when?? - 08/27/07 10:41 PM
I was looking on the MLS tonight and my daughter came in and proposed we look at the homes over $1 million and see what beauty they contain on the inside....so I agreed!! Fun, right? A lot of fun and we saw some houses that were breathtaking on the outside...beautiful columns, landscaped yards and then when you saw the inside....it stopped you cold. Red carpet and purple walls (yes, really) another one we saw looked like something out of the Jetson's, but....really bad. Purple carpet and lime green walls. What?!?
Oh how I wish I could post pictures's....you would not … (51 comments)
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You haven't heard of Activerain? - 08/27/07 06:57 PM
Today I talked to three different agents who I've never talked to before and to each one I mentioned Activerain. Noone out of the three had ever heard of it, but they sounded VERY interested after I explained what it was and what they could get from it and contribute. :)
I have told so many realtors, brokers, appraisers, title companies about AR and most don't take the time to check it out or sign up. I'm curious to see if any of these people do because, the truth of the matter is, if they had an inkling of … (6 comments)
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Current State of Mortgage Financing---What's going on? Part 3. - 08/27/07 01:22 PM
continued from part 2
Written by guest blogger John Russo, Mortgage Specialist with Fairway Independent Mortgage. office
If you have a loan against a stock that is losing value, you will get a "margin call" and need to pay down the loan, as the underlying stock is losing too much value to be considered adequate collateral any longer. So for the big lenders, as their portfolio is losing value due to increased premiums and losses....the margin calls start coming in, and they are required to pay down their balances. In turn, this means that they have less availability to fund … (1 comments)
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Current State of Mortgage Financing---What's going on? Part 2. - 08/26/07 08:02 PM
continued from Part 1
Written by guest blogger John Russo, Mortgage Specialist with Fairway Independent Mortgage. office
MOST NON-CONFORMING LOAN PRODUCT RATES POPPED SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER RECENTLY. HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED.
The end investor for Subprime or Alt-A loans will charge a premium for taking on a pool of these loans, because they know that traditionally, they might have a higher rate of default and delinquent payments within that risky pool.
But lately, default and foreclosure has been on the rise---partly due to the fact that with credit tightening and a soft real estate market, many troubled homeowner's are unable to refinance … (0 comments)
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Current State of Mortgage Financing---What's going on? - 08/26/07 02:53 PM
Written by guest blogger John Russo, Mortgage Specialist with Fairway Independent Mortgage.
Anyone watching or reading the financial news over the last few weeks has seen a lot of angst and consternation over the state of the mortgage industry. In fact, one of the larger lenders in the US, American Home Mortgage, was forced to shut down operations recently. But why? What is happening, what does all this mean to you and most importantly...what should you be doing right now to make sure you are protected?
Here's the scoop.
Over the past several years, many loans were made to homeowner's … (0 comments)
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See the Circus in St.Louis at the City Museum. - 08/26/07 01:28 PM
picture used with City Museums permission
SNEAK PEEK!!!
Invites you to a **** receptionFeaturing strolling circus performers, live music,drinks and hors d'ouervesAt Café Belas Artes1854 Russell BlvdSunday September 9From 4 to 7 p.m.$50 per personComplimentary Valet Parking
DRESS EXPRESSIVELY!-preview acts and purchase tickets to upcomingCircus Harmony: Espressivo-hear stories about the Arches' peace building journey to Israel-enjoy the display of photos both of the recent trip to Israeland Circus Teaches the Art of Life photos by Jeane Vogel-experience the multicultural ambiance of the unique Cafe Belas ArtesPurchase of tickets supports the work of the Circus Day Foundationinspiring individuals and connecting … (0 comments)
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Cleaning Permanent Marker off Walls. - 08/24/07 02:41 PM
One of my past clients just called me because one of her little boys decided to make "art" on the kitchen wall with a permanent marker and some crayons. They have recently remodeled their home and had it painted. Yes, painted. My first question for her was what paint was used when they repainted your kitchen? Behr? Great!! And here's why. When you use Behr that paint is less likely to come off with the marker and crayon. Good to know. :)
I've heard of a lot of different ways to get the job done. Here's are a few:
… (3 comments)
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Blogs about local businesses and events. - 08/24/07 12:55 PM
I have started writing blogs about local businesses and making posts on my blogs about concerts, events at the city museum, and the zoo. I was doing this because I want people to be aware of the wonderful things there are to do in St.Louis for locals and tourists.
What is happening is that I am getting emails and phone calls from people asking me to help them find a house because of some of those blogs. Business from a blog that has nothing to do with real estate?? Wow! I am also getting emails and calls from those businesses … (0 comments)
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Ideas worth sharing. - 08/23/07 06:12 PM
My daughter has a knack for finding the best websites on the internet. Video lectures, new bands, silly games, the most beautiful pictures, anything you could think or want to find online. I can't count the number of times I've come home and discovered her watching something I wished I had seen from the beginning. She studies astronomy, science, and history in her spare time. She loves to learn and it's become contagious. Not only just to me, but to other family member's and friend's. She told me about a great website called www.ted.com.
So many wonderful video's about … (0 comments)
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A good old fashioned root beer float. - 08/23/07 01:30 AM
There used to be an A&W in St.Charles that I would go to every chance I got, but alas, no more. They have closed it. Yes, closed it. I always assumed it would be around forever, but it wasn't to be. My daughter and friends love to come over and watch a classic movie and drink a good old fashioned root beer float.
This past weekend it was The Haunting (original) and we mixed it up a bit. We tried a cream soda with cookie dough ice cream float....very good! We also made some cookies and squished some ice cream … (6 comments)
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Home Eco presents Pets at the Market in St.Louis, Missouri on August 25th 2007 9-11 a.m. - 08/22/07 03:14 PM
Home Eco 4611 Macklind Ave.
St.Louis, Missouri 63109
Six blocks south of Chippewa between Devonshire & Murdoch.
314-351-2000
Pets at the Market
Meet Cheryl Hoard of Cheryl's herbs and Dr.Theresa Garden of animal health and healing and learn about the many alternative products--some you can make yourself--that can benefit your dog and cat. Here what's new in the natural pet care world and find out how you can reduce your furry friend's exposure to man's toxic world.
Home eco presents the sustainable living speakers series at Tower Grove Farmer's market on the 4th Saturday of the month from 9-11 a.m. … (0 comments)
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The Viking store in St.Louis, Missouri. A cook's wonderland. - 08/21/07 12:38 PM
I love to cook, bake, and saute.For me it's just another way to express my artistic side. The aroma's and color's and the oooh's and ahhhh's your friend's and family exclaim when you unveil your delectable dish. It's all worth it.
One of the thing's I figured out early on is that with the right tools cooking can be great fun! With a dull blade it can not only seem like a chore, but you can cut yourself instead of the food in front of you! Not good.
Words like food processor, blender, Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker, … (4 comments)
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Supporting art in St.Louis, Missouri. - 08/20/07 10:22 PM
What does art mean to you? Does it inspire you, move you, or just bore you? I've always loved painting, drawing, sculpting, and molding clay. There's something liberating about expressing one's self so individually. I have many friends who can wander around the St.Louis art museum or The Sheldon art galleries with me for hours on end and lose track of time, but I also have friends that after five or ten minutes are ready to leave.
I've always loved Monet and Van Gogh. So much emotion infused into their work. I like to imagine what was going … (2 comments)
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Health food markets in St.Louis, Missouri. - 08/20/07 05:39 PM
I love healthy food! If I could I would eat organic all the time, but because of my schedule it's just not feasible. However, when I am home it's all about fish and vegetables. Here are some great local places to find wonderful fruits and vegetables and organic fare anytime of the year.
River city natural food market: 833 S Kirkwood Rd, Kirkwood 314) 822-1406
Whole foods market: 1601 S Brentwood Blvd, St Louis (314) 968-7744
Wild Oats: 8823 Ladue Road (314) 721-8004
Natural Way: 8110 Big Bend (314) 961-3541
New Dawn: 3536 Arsenal St, St Louis, … (2 comments)
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Satellite and cable providers for St.Louis, Missouri. - 08/20/07 05:20 PM
I always have a lot of clients asking which satellite company is the best in this area. Here are some options so you can decide for yourself! :)
My favorite and the one I recommend is Directv.
I have never had a problem with my tv going out in the many storms we have here in St.Louis. The quality of the picture is wonderful! And when I had it initially installed in my house they were prompt and very courteous during and after the installation. They also have some specials and incentives right now. Check out their packages to see … (0 comments)
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Looking for a new book to read this summer - 08/16/07 11:32 AM
This is why I love the world wide web so much. All of this incredible information at our fingertips. Want to learn about html? There are websites with tutorials that will help you do that. Low on cash and can't afford that Stephen Hawking's book you've been wanting to read? See if it's online or maybe you can swap one of your books for that book with someone else online. Amazing.
With today's technology people are reading books in new ways. You no longer need to carry around a book because you can now download them to your PDA, … (6 comments)
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Redefining the dream. Uplifting video. - 08/16/07 12:32 AM
… (3 comments)
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Information for the animal lover in St.Louis, Missouri. - 08/16/07 12:12 AM
Isabella
I love animals and always have! And as an animal lover and owner I know how important it is to know where dog parks are, pet sitters, and pet food stores especially if you're new to the area. So here are some of my favorites.
I have always been concerned about what my animals consume. but when the pet food scare happened I decided to only feed them organic food and to make the dog biscuits myself. If you'd rather not bake them and would like a place to get them here are a couple. There's Three Dog Bakery in Clayton. … (0 comments)
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Is that a goose on your porch? Is it wearing clothes?? - 08/15/07 10:55 PM
I have noticed a new trend in some neighborhoods here in St.Louis city. A duck or a goose (plastic/porcelain/?) prominently displayed on the porch wearing............clothes. Yes, I said clothes. I was going to try and get some pictures, but there was no place to park or pull over and there were cars coming up behind me. I'll try tomorrow!! Of course, I've been trying for days! I've seen these around before...here and there, but now they are popping up everywhere. I did a google search and found nothing about it. I thought maybe it was for charity or something, but I can't … (6 comments)
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Is your home a tiny, cozy cottage or condo? - 08/15/07 09:40 PM
There are so many wonderful companies now that have dual functioning furniture. Meaning that nice ottoman you have also sides as storage for books, magazines, or even your remote!
I've been thinking about this for weeks after I saw a rerun on the Oprah show about this very thing. My daughter's friend just bought an 850 square foot condo. Yes, very small, but my daughter told her to go to Ikea first and see what could be found there and her friend found a lot.
Great coffee tables that can side as a desk when the top is pulled … (4 comments)
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Leaving your house empty, but the fridge full of food! - 08/15/07 09:03 PM
There's nothing like going to a seller's house to see what needs to be taken care of. Carpet needs cleaned.....kitchen needs to be painted....broken tile needs to be replaced. Oven needs to be cleaned and the sink is leaking.
Open the fridge and almost pass out from the odor!! Wait...is that a new species that has evolved inside the fridge. CLOSE THE DOOR!!
Wow! Looks like the seller forgot to clean out the fridge and at the very least...throw out the food they didn't want to take. We're talking weeks here! Very unhealthy and a little scary. Now to … (2 comments)
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Staying cool in the St.Louis heatwave. - 08/15/07 03:10 PM
Per the weather channel it's another scorching day so please be careful! I think everyone's electricity is back on, but it is 102 degrees outside and it feels like 106 degrees. Keep inside or make sure you have plenty of shade and WATER!!! Don't get dehydrated in this weather and as most of you know the public pools are closed now.
Tired of being inside? There are a lot of things to do around town. There's the City Museum, Art Museum, Museum of Natural History, The Butterfly House, The Magic house and so many more. We also have an abundance of … (4 comments)
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Writing resources to help you become a better blogger. - 08/15/07 02:31 PM
I found this great article a few weeks ago and forgot about it..till today. :)
150 Resources to Help You Write Better, Faster, and More Persuasively
It gives you a wonderful list of resources for research and software. I Love this! It divides them into categories such as almanacs, business and legal matters, and citation styles. It also gives at least one website to get pictures from---yes, for free. They just ask that you give the artist acknowledgement. That website is here.
I've also got a profile on Localpitch. Has anyone else used this? It's free and seems … (1 comments)
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Still reading blogs, setting goals, and having fun! - 08/15/07 01:42 PM
A few weeks ago I gave myself the task of reading blogs to learn and increase my blogging knowledge. There are many great bloggers on here that conduct themselves with the utmost professionalism and I have made them my mentors....they don't know that, but I don't think they mind. :)
My first task was to read all of Brad Andersohn's blog's which I finished today! WOW!! So much information. There are quite a few that I will go back and read again or reference again and again. :) Big smile Brad!!
Another blogger I have always admired and learned … (15 comments)
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Picture posting---I've been taken advantage of. - 08/14/07 06:12 PM
This is NOT easy for me to admit, but I think some of the pictures I've posted that I had permission to use or even PAID for....wasn't that person's image to begin with. Which means I asked permission from someone who took that picture from someone else!!! Or I paid to use an image and maybe it wasn't theirs.......now I have to go check all my images. Someone mentioned they can attach a virus to a picture. I suppose thats to make sure people aren't stealing them. Well I am now going to read everything I can about this subject, but … (12 comments)
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Open houses. To do or not to do. - 08/14/07 12:04 PM
Lately I've heard a lot of agents bashing the open house and asking why? To me the answer is why wouldn't you! Yes, there are times that noone shows up, but that isn't the norm! Most of the time people show up and you get a buyer or two out of the process (not necessarily for that home)...sometimes more. It's a great way to meet the seller's neighbors and show your seller you are actively selling their house. I don't see any downsides to open houses, but then again I usually have people show up. Do I do them every weekend? … (2 comments)
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Why do I need a pre-listing inspection? - 08/05/07 09:36 PM
This post was written by guest blogger Patrick Foster of CBinspect
CENTRAL BUILDING INSPECTION SERVICES Inspections & consulting
WHY DO I NEED A PRE-LISTING INSPECTION?
Central Building Inspection understands the amount of hard work a seller is faced with to get to the final step in the sale of the property.
WHAT DOES A PRE-LISTING INSPECTION GAIN?
Our pre-listing inspection makes the home inspection process proactive instead of reactive. A pre-listing inspection can be a powerful component in your marketing plan by helping to establish a realistic basis for pricing while heading off fears from prospective buyers. CENTRAL BUILDING … (2 comments)
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Websites that are helpful and fun to those in real estate. - 08/02/07 03:53 PM
This is a great website that helps you think of easy to remember things your phone number spells...unfortunately mine doesn't really spell anything fun. :)
Phonespell
Free online graph paper
Virtual Tour company
Map multiple locations
Get directions
These are a great help!
Learning center--free online classes
I'm really interested in Jott, but haven't tried it yet.
Jott
GPS on mobile phone
Great website with an amazing amount of blog ideas!
RSS pieces
That's all for now....more to come at a later date. Enjoy!
… (5 comments)
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Another great place for your articles and blogs to get exposure. - 08/02/07 03:00 PM
I discovered a site called Helium and hadn't done anything with it, but since my activerain blog is messed up I've been looking at other websites to post on. This is great!! So many different topics being discussed with so many interesting and informative points of view. In my opinion, there aren't enough informative real estate articles over there so go over and give it a try! We all know of the wealth of information there is here so why not give consumer's another place to see your musings and helpful, expert writing.
Image courtesy of
+Maco+
… (0 comments)
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Urge Your Representative to Vote YES on a Stronger Energy Bill. - 08/02/07 12:52 PM
The House of Representatives is about to vote on legislation that would pave the way to a cleaner energy future. But if Congress is serious about reducing global warming pollution and slashing our dependence on oil and other fossil fuels, then it needs to make the energy bill even greener.Please send an online message right now urging your Representative to vote Yes on the energy bill (H.R. 3220) and to make it even stronger.
Stronger energy bill.
Image courtesy of
Moe
… (0 comments)
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