norwalk: Ruthman Real Estate - Norwalk Connecticut Current Market August 1, 2008 to August 15, 2008 - 08/16/08 09:24 AM
Click on the Logo for Connecticut's Best Home Buyer's Rebate
25% of the Buyer's Agent Commission Back at Closing
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norwalk: Mabel - Dog Walking Near Ash Creek- Fairfield, Connecticut - 08/10/08 05:32 PM
Click on the Logo. Receive 25% of the Buyer's Agent Commission Back At Closing. Get Details
Mabel is pointing to the sign. Today we hiked near Ash Creek.
Along the shoreline, the receding waters exposed mucky black mud, and thousands of little snails were out in
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norwalk: Residential Properties and Condos Available For Sale - 08/10/08 04:50 PM
CLICK ON LOGO FOR OUR BUYER'S INCENTIVE: 25% OF THE Buyer's Agent Commission Back At Closing. Get Details
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norwalk: A Couple of My Favorite Real Estate Memories? - 08/01/08 09:10 AM
What are your three favorite real estate memories?
I find myself taking a minute to reflect on real estate past. I suppose that is what keeps me going.... All those good memories. I am even grateful for the challenges that add spice to my chosen profession. A bad experience
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norwalk: When The Loan Officer is Also A Real Estate Agent... - 06/21/08 10:11 AM
A loan officer becoming a Buyer's Agent is interesting. I know that in a previous "One Stop Shop" company I worked for, the loan officer was also a real estate agent. The manager tried to keep that information on low-down. The loan officer was a good guy, but c'mon...
My questions are:
would you refer customer/clients to a
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norwalk: Connecticut News: A Glut of Foreclosures - 06/19/08 02:51 PM
So, what do you think? Is this is no longer the doldrums, but the calm before an economical Tsunami?
New Milford a Leader In Sad State Category
From the above linked article above:
"...Gary Passineau, a realtor with the New Milford office of William Raveis Real Estate and Home Services, ..."With the glut of
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norwalk: God Bless The Little Guy - 06/19/08 07:37 AM
I have a deep respect for the tenacious underdogs of the world. This lovely lady valued her home more than money. ---May she have a special place in heaven.
Edith Macefield and her house were symbols of Old Ballard
"...Edith died Sunday, at 86. She died in the tiny cottage she had
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norwalk: I Don't Like This Detour of Information - 05/04/08 12:50 PM
The information stated below is incorrect.
Ruthman Real Estate main office located at 32 Main Street, Noralk, CT.
Real estate profiles in Norwalk, Fairfield County, Connecticut (CT)
Taking a few seconds to "Google around", I found the above in a search for Ruthman Real Estate.
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norwalk: Second Life May Cause Parents to Get A Second Mortgage - 10/21/07 06:56 PM
I have been away from blogging, but always keep up with news. I thought I could take a second of my life and share with others this story about Second Life. Take from the story what you will, but if I were a parent, and my kid needed a make-believe couch, they would need to go get a
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norwalk: Is Sexual Orientation a Real Estate Niche? - 10/01/07 10:12 AM
Here is a portion of a spam letter that I FREQUENTLY receive: Market to the Gay Friendly Real Estate Community-One of the fastest growing market today.http://quogtron.com/080E111D1C06131106320007061A1F131C00175C111D1F0E4540444A0E434B4A4B46420E400E47444644470E08.aspx One of real estates fastest growing market segments today is our gay family communities. They are highly successful and very influential members of our American society. They have
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norwalk: Too Busy To Blog - We Chugging Along - We can do it! - 09/22/07 12:26 PM
I just checked to see how long it has been since I last made an entry on ActiveRain. Oh my gosh, just under a month! Where has the time gone? To customers! I suppose this is tooting our horn, but you can only imagine how delighted I am to report
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norwalk: Lead Generation Transparency - Beta "Disclose" - 08/15/07 12:58 PM
Lead Generation Transparency - It's Not Transparent, It Is Just Full of Holes Sorry AgentMatch, beta disclose. "...view local agents based on criteria such as location, marketing services offered, commission rate, and transaction experience." Reading through Jessica Swesey's article in Inman News, AgentMatch Aims to Add Transparency to Lead Generation, the word "agent" keeps appearing. This is
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norwalk: Being Laughed At - May Be A Good Idea - 08/11/07 03:25 PM
Darn! Someone else has beat me to the punch line and wrote a book with this in mind: Author: Scott Berkhun (website Essays and Advice) "...With innovations like the computer and the Internet, we tend to believe that they were accepted right away and that their innovators were lauded as bringers of the future. Most
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norwalk: Are You in the News? - Google Lets You Respond - 08/09/07 07:52 PM
There has been much said about online presence, reputations and public perception. Now Google is taking NEWS into the realm of conversation. Some may even want the PR (whether positive or negative) and keep a story going. There are benefits for being in the news. Things might get pretty interesting! "There is no such thing as bad publicity except
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norwalk: If The Real Estate Market Has Slowed Down, Have You? - 08/08/07 03:57 PM
Do you act like an EMPLOYEE or an ENTREPRENEUR? I have witnessed all too often agents just sitting there on floor-time waiting for the phone to ring without doing any other work. I have listened to agent complaints about "their creativity being stifled by their license holder." My thought: the only thing holding an agent back is "the agent". Agents should make
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norwalk: Marketing Placement Is Important - 08/05/07 08:16 AM
Glorious Sunday Morning to All! Before I head out to a family gathering today, I thought this link may entertain an agent stuck in an office on floortime. Take a few minutes from updating your files, grabbing another " old and bitter" coffee from the company Bunn Machine and enjoy something that is out of our control (for the
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norwalk: Sellsius - Misleading Description - Consumers Don't Believe Everything You Read - 07/27/07 11:03 AM
Note: This and the previous blog entry regarding is not showing up on the AR "Search" blogs. I have no clue why not? Now I have to email AR. <Update: Thanks, AR - it is there now!> Sellsius - Company Description Not Cool - Please Modify < First entry in regarding misleading
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norwalk: The Wheels On Hiring School Bus Drivers Go Round and Round - 07/18/07 12:21 PM
VIDEO Change In Law Could Bring Bus Driver Shortage There is a priceless value of having competent bus-drivers. Years ago, in Raleigh, North Carolina, I (and several children) came close to being killed when a "16 year old bus-driver" pulled out of a side street onto a four lane highway without
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norwalk: Part One - Consumer Shortcuts & Info: Cut Down the Telephone Tree - Talk to A Human - 07/17/07 11:48 AM
gethuman.com <Click Here> Since I am a consumer and want to be a "savvy consumer" just like everyone else, there are little bits of information (that have made my life easier),like the site "gethuman.com". It can be the most aggravating waste of time for the consumer to jump from branch to
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norwalk: Will Hugh MacLeod Still be There or Will There Be A Gapingvoid? - 07/08/07 11:17 AM
Real Estate Connect San Francisco 2007 Open Source. Open Data. Open Dialogue. August 1-3, 2007 has names of many well-known and diverse real estate company professionals speaking. The voice I feel is the most important is Hugh MacLeod's. He is a successful marketing strategist and NOT in the real estate biz AND THAT IS WHERE
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norwalk: Lazy Is The New Busy - I Don't Buy Referrals - 07/05/07 02:14 PM
No doubt in my (un) usual way I will say something to aggrevate someone. Sorry! But, I can't apologize. I have rarely bought referrals. That's a pretty honest statement. I have participated in a few things that have given leads and never paid a dime (or more) until closing. I have
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norwalk: Bright Green Site to Behold - 07/02/07 09:15 PM
MakeMeSustainable.com, Beta. A site to behold! An introduction from the Carbon Crusaders wordpress blog gives a great introduction to their hardwork and heartfelt efforts in creating a site could benefit the world. Not everyone cares about the future if it does not include them. My philosophy: "never leave a mess behind"
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norwalk: The Buzzmachine - Public Life - 06/27/07 04:56 PM
The public life, -June 27th, 2007. I just finished reading the Buzzmachine's, (Jeff Jarvis) article on the Public Life. It interested me because of what we do when we are not in "our suits" or "on our blogs". What is our demeanor in public life when we assume no one
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norwalk: Thank You Geni.com! - Great Marketing and Presentation! Wow! - 06/25/07 01:33 PM
Yessirree, geni.com has got the total package! Or should I say, "I got the package". After mentioning geni.com on Activerain, I received a friendly email from Joanne of geni.com. She thanked me for the mention and offered me a FREE tee-shirt. I was so impressed that this new internet venture
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norwalk: Finding Homes for Everyone! - 06/24/07 04:33 PM
Yes, in today's market they are moving slow to find a new home. Take for instance this afternoon, I was on my way home when I spotted someone searching for a new place to live. I assessed the area that they were at. The vertical rocks on the side of the
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norwalk: This Little Piggy is in Marketing - 06/24/07 09:29 AM
Finally, after years of passing this fanciful and distracting landmark I stopped to get a good look and take picture. I have always been tickled by this little piggy enduring the elements either "au natural", or dressed up for an occasion. The pig is a full figure sized fashionista. It has sported eye-catching theme outfits, hawaiian,
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norwalk: Don't Let Your Customers Get Scooped Up - 06/23/07 06:04 PM
Updating your customers on where you can be found is very important. If you have changed broker's or moved to another location, customers looking for you in the "old spot" may just find another agent ready and willing to assist them. I hope this link helps out fellow agents
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norwalk: Alternative Maintenance and Restoration Inc. Complaint 2702 - 06/23/07 09:11 AM
Yesterday, I visited my friend, Emily. She is fun and frisky 92 years young. When we get together we giggle like teenagers. But, there wasn't that much to laugh about yesterday. Someone scammed Emily. Boy, did that make me mad! Nothing gets my feathers ruffled like ingrates preying on the innocent.
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norwalk: Viral Sphere of Influence - Geni.com - 06/19/07 10:19 AM
Hey, we may even learn that AR members may be connected in a more personal way! Another fantastic find out on the web that I thought would be great to share. New (beta) website, geni.com. This has already been "viral" for many individuals. Geni.com may allow agents to connect to distant
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norwalk: Better Keyboards for Multi-Agent Office Computers - 06/14/07 11:29 AM
"... Florida computerware company, Seal Shield, advertises $50 keyboards that are dishwasher safe. The company sells mostly to hospitals, although their at-home client base is growing." The former real estate office I was an associate manager at had 10 computers available for 90+ agent use. When I came "onboard", I was a bit disgusted by
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norwalk: Batteries Never Included Again? What Will Happen to The Energizer Bunny - 06/08/07 02:58 PM
This is an interesting article on wireless power transmitor I thought I would share. I have my "ohm" reservations about powerful electromagnetic fields, I am not sure I would want one in the middle of my home. Would you consider this green or will it just turn you green? Would we will still need electricians? Innovation always
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norwalk: Geeks Gotta See - Interview Bill Gates, Microsoft and Steve Jobs, Apple - 06/02/07 10:05 AM
The Cult of Mac Video: Steve and Bill On-Stage Together By Pete Mortensen (May 31, 2007) I think that is important to add high-tech to old fashion high touch real estate. Tune into the minds that are forever looking into the future.
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norwalk: Real Estate Agent Found Dead In A Basement... - 05/27/07 08:36 AM
I thought it was important to share this eye-catching (and most distressing) news. It is so easy to let your guard down as you build a relationship with a stranger. As the real estate busy season gains momentum, remember to follow safety protocols. (AP) BOWIE, Md. Police in Prince George's County are investigating the
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norwalk: Listening to Customers - 05/22/07 04:23 PM
It is important to hear what customers have to say, whether you agree with them or not. For first class customer service, "The Customer is Always Right". I chose this customer "rant" from a website, The Best of Craigslist: Click on the house.
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norwalk: Following Up - Consumers want Action - 05/22/07 11:54 AM
Following up with agents and customers should be a number one priority. When an agent tells us that they will fax, call or send a letter by such a time, and it is not here (within a short while of the promised time), we call. If calls are not returned, we email. We also bcc (blind copy) to show that we
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norwalk: C'Mon, Someone is Going To Find Out - 05/16/07 08:07 PM
I am not a complaining, (well maybe a little). I agree that a listing agent should want the best possible price for the property they are representing, but do you really expect all agents NOT to do their homework.
We got a Buyer interested in a property. We start to do
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norwalk: A Phillipine Company is Looking for Bloggers - 05/07/07 02:35 PM
I was just on Craiglist.com looking for a graphic designer when I came across this ad. I thought it would fun to see Activerain's reaction to a company looking for bloggers/writers. http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/crs/326189940.html FROM THE AD: We are a wholesale writing and SEO provider operating out of the Philippines. We provide manpower for generating
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norwalk: Business Comes Before Blogging & Karma - 04/24/07 03:42 PM
I have not had a chance to blog lately. Too much to do and not enough time in the day. But, I am grateful for this blessing. Something tickled me today that I thought I would share real quick. "Real Estate Karma". We had a seller that got discouraged when their house
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norwalk: Buy Proven Million Dollar Schemes "Cheap" - 04/18/07 04:03 PM
Want to "buy" into a novel idea? Best deals for "self-help" and "get rich" books and other material is not at Amazon.com. Nope! Go to Salvation Army and Goodwill. (The link is to shopping Goodwill on-line) Check out your area second hand store. Why pay hundreds of dollars at 2am in the morning to infomercial megalamanics ? The
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norwalk: My Undefinable Blog - I Don't Live in a Bubble or Blog in a Bubble - 04/18/07 10:16 AM
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans". John Lennon quotes (English Singer, Songwriter and Political Activist.) My day is planned and organized in writing, yet it transitions into something different as my life is penciled in to other people's plans. The term blog from Wikipedia: blog (short for web log) is a user-generated website
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norwalk: Section 20-328-10(a) of the Connecticut Real Estate Code - Contacts & Address Books - 04/11/07 04:35 PM
Did you know that your former broker could request the return of all information and records of all files, address books, contact names, prospecting lists, etc, accumulated and pertaining to any business you conducted while engaging as an agent for their company. "Upon termination" of a licensee's employment or affiliation with
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norwalk: Celebrity FSBO: SOLD! - 04/10/07 09:06 AM
I just thought I would share: A very busy celebrity had a home on the market: For Sale By Owner. I actually spoke with this person a few days ago and their feedback about a know-name agent and know-name company was shared with me like a well-rehearsed speech. Long story short, the
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norwalk: Board of Realtors, MLS and Newspaper Make a Website - Possible Ground floor Adversiting Opportunity? - 04/09/07 03:06 PM
My usual quest for interesting news in real estate brought me to this (new?) website, MyCTHome.com. I believe it is in the early stages of development because there are no agents listed on the agent search. Using the property search, there is no mention of listing agent names or advertisements. Just a phone number to the broker's office, but no mention
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norwalk: ...and this just in: Disclose it! - 03/26/07 09:24 AM
Yesterday, I asked a question about LLC's owning listed property and the listing broker is the owner of the LLC. Should this be disclosed? I called the Connecticut Association of Realtors; Attorney Markoni responded quickly to my inquiry. The answer was simple. If a broker/agent has ANY INTEREST in a property
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norwalk: Hide The Medications - 03/21/07 11:16 AM
I just read Inman's Article on "Open House Don'ts". The only thing I saw missing from the recipe was "be sure the Seller hides their prescription medications". (Inman Article will self-destruct at mid-night.) Years ago, I held an open-house for an associate in a lovely upscale neighborhood. Every guest through the door
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norwalk: Building A Better Business - 03/20/07 10:44 PM
I love positive feedback. Everyone stands a little taller when they receive compliments. But, complaints are an opportunity to grow as well. Wishing away chronic negativity is not going make everything sunshine and roses. Removing "the negativity" (letting the complainer go) may help for a while. But, if the problem is still there, it is only a matter
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norwalk: Hey! Look at Me! - 03/18/07 08:53 PM
TITAN REAL ESTATE AGENT - MEDUSA knew the importance of eye contact I am not sure if I could be in real estate without my eyes. I know of many miracles performed by those with limited or no vision, and I tremendously respect these individuals. But, what would I do as a real estate professional without
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norwalk: "Running with Scissors" - 03/18/07 01:13 PM
My daughter is in theater and enjoys artsy films. She has introduced me to many indie movies that I might not have ever known about. Most of the time, I appreciate her talent for picking fantastic flicks. Since, Chris, my husband, is playing in an out-of-state racquet ball tournament this weekend, Kate and
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norwalk: Top of the Morning to You! Hey! Where's the Green? - 03/17/07 05:28 AM
This is outside one of my downstairs windows. I doubt that I will be making it out to any "pub" to celebrate my Irish heritage (The McIntyre's, The Twyford's and The Archer's). Today will be better spent enjoying some Irish Coffee, watching John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara in "The Quiet Man" and rescheduling appointments.
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norwalk: Company Selling Back Agent Created Leads - Is Pay Per Clicks That Expensive? - 03/15/07 06:44 PM
I don't think agents should be sold back their leads for a referral fee on top of all the other fees a company may charge to be an independent contractor in that firm. Do Ad clicks and (the debatable) company scrubbing cost 30% of the sale price of a property? It can get a
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norwalk: FREE Dialogue Coaching by Email - 03/13/07 07:37 PM
I am a fan of "FREE" information that can be helpful to further real estate careers. For that reason, I subscribe to "Script of the Day" from Pro Step Marketing . It is an automatic email with dialogue suggestions. This is a great tool for "newbies". Incorporating some of the scripts into your presentations may get you a "pass me
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norwalk: Thanking the Viewers - 03/12/07 08:22 PM
I am celebrating 2 months of blogging on Activerain. I would like thank anyone and everyone who took the to view my blog. Whether you liked them or not. Thank you!
For anyone who feels discouraged: Never give up --
"Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success
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norwalk: Radar and ESP - 03/05/07 07:15 PM
This "radar" is not for your automobile. (I am sure we all drive the speed limit on the way to appointments.) It isn't something that HP, Dell or Microsoft advertises in real estate magazines. It doesn't cost much; maybe a little time and effort. But, the value is priceless to customers. The
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norwalk: Prima Facie Evidence - How Do You Keep Things Organized? - 02/18/07 08:08 PM
Prima facie, in Latin meaning "at first sight" and refers to a fact which is presumed to be true or legally sufficient to establish that fact unless it is rebutted or disproved by evidence to the contrary. It is very important to keep all real estate paperwork organized not only for the well-being of customers,
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norwalk: New Office - New Friends - 02/17/07 05:13 PM
We are opening up a new office in Norwalk, Connecticut next to a yoga studio. I look forward to "stretching out" (pun intended) and mingle. We are in a high traffic corner with super view. There are so many businesses in the area; I can not wait to walk around and introduce myself. The people that I have already had the pleasure
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norwalk: Happy Valentine's Day to My Husband and Business Partner - 02/14/07 09:28 AM
While I was making a home-made Valentine's Day card for my husband, I noticed that Chris and St. Valentine look alike. Hmmmm.... would he appreciate the comparison? I guess sharing a few things I admire about my Valentine (and business partner) wouldn't hurt: Chris champions those who need him. He negotiated terms AGAIN on a contract right before closing
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norwalk: Norwalk Connecticut School Report Link - Public and Private - 02/08/07 04:21 PM
Click on Ruthman Real Estate to get up-to-date accurate market trends or school information. Education is an important part of family life. Parents should evaluate different school options. The journey of finding a school takes time and energy. Request information from various schools. Visit many high schools and read books on school
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norwalk: I Control My Happiness - Negativity is Like the Flu - 02/06/07 02:10 PM
For the most part I have a happy life. My time is precious to me, so I can't waste it on negativity. I control my own happiness. I have justifiable concerns and on occasion will state them, but I don't whine. No good can come of it. I am helpful to
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norwalk: 10 Things You Shouldn't Buy New - 02/05/07 04:41 PM
10 things you shouldn't buy new Why waste money on shiny packaging and a fancy store when you can find it online and 'pre-owned' for a fraction of the cost? Here are your best buys. By Liz Pulliam Weston Few people really enjoy wasting their hard-earned money, but many of us do it
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