It only takes a look at what is happening in Europe these days to understand why it’s crucial that the United States finds a solution to the debt ceiling issue. Not only have eight European banks recently failed a stress test, but last week there was news that Greek, Italian, Portuguese, and French "credit default swaps" (which are insurance policies against default) were trading at record levels. While the European Union is continuing to work to contain Europe’s debt problems and prevent a default in Greece (and elsewhere), these events bode a very important lesson for the US.
Why? Because solving our debt ceiling debate and finding a long-term plan for lowering our deficit and being fiscally sound will raise confidence in our debt and help the US keep its AAA credit rating from the various credit rating firms like Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s. This will help investors continue to see the US as the ultra safe haven for their money, which is a key aspect of our continued economic recovery.
Speaking of our economic recovery, there was some good news last week for the housing sector, as June Housing Starts and Building Permits were both reported better than expected.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Thought For The Day !!
Think Before You Speak.
Always contemplate your words. We sometimes tend to speak out of turn – which is entirely not a good thing to do.
“Self-disciplined begins with the mastery of your thoughts. If you don't control what you think, you can't control what you do. Simply, self-discipline enables you to think first and act afterward.”
Napoleon Hill
Before you speak, listen.
Before you write, think.
Before you spend, earn.
Before you invest, investigate.
Before you criticize, wait.
Before you pray, forgive.
Before you quit, try.
Before you retire, save.
Before you die, give.”
-William Arthur Ward
Always contemplate your words. We sometimes tend to speak out of turn – which is entirely not a good thing to do.
“Self-disciplined begins with the mastery of your thoughts. If you don't control what you think, you can't control what you do. Simply, self-discipline enables you to think first and act afterward.”
Napoleon Hill
Before you speak, listen.
Before you write, think.
Before you spend, earn.
Before you invest, investigate.
Before you criticize, wait.
Before you pray, forgive.
Before you quit, try.
Before you retire, save.
Before you die, give.”
-William Arthur Ward
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Thought For The Day !!
An excerpt from
The 100/0 Principle
by Al Ritter
What is the most effective way to create and sustain great relationships with others? It's The 100/0 Principle: You take full responsibility (the 100) for the relationship, expecting nothing (the 0) in return.
Implementing The 100/0 Principle is not natural for most of us. It takes real commitment to the relationship and a good dose of self-discipline to think, act and give 100 percent.
The 100/0 Principle applies to those people in your life where the relationships are too important to react automatically or judgmentally. Each of us must determine the relationships to which this principle should apply. For most of us, it applies to work associates, customers, suppliers, family and friends.
• STEP 1 - Determine what you can do to make the relationship work...then do it. Demonstrate respect and kindness to the other person, whether he/she deserves it or not.
• STEP 2 - Do not expect anything in return. Zero, zip, nada.
• STEP 3 - Do not allow anything the other person says or does (no matter how annoying!) to affect you. In other words, don't take the bait.
• STEP 4 - Be persistent with your graciousness and kindness. Often we give up too soon, especially when others don't respond in kind. Remember to expect nothing in return.
At times (usually few), the relationship can remain challenging, even toxic, despite your 100 percent commitment and self-discipline. When this occurs, you need to avoid being the "Knower" and shift to being the "Learner." Avoid Knower statements/ thoughts like "that won't work," "I'm right, you are wrong," "I know it and you don't," "I'll teach you," "that's just the way it is," "I need to tell you what I know," etc.
Instead use Learner statements/thoughts like "Let me find out what is going on and try to understand the situation," "I could be wrong," "I wonder if there is anything of value here," "I wonder if..." etc. In other words, as a Learner, be curious!
Principle Paradox
This may strike you as strange, but here's the paradox: When you take authentic responsibility for a relationship, more often than not the other person quickly chooses to take responsibility as well. Consequently, the 100/0 relationship quickly transforms into something approaching 100/100. When that occurs, true breakthroughs happen for the individuals involved, their teams, their organizations and their families
The 100/0 Principle
by Al Ritter
What is the most effective way to create and sustain great relationships with others? It's The 100/0 Principle: You take full responsibility (the 100) for the relationship, expecting nothing (the 0) in return.
Implementing The 100/0 Principle is not natural for most of us. It takes real commitment to the relationship and a good dose of self-discipline to think, act and give 100 percent.
The 100/0 Principle applies to those people in your life where the relationships are too important to react automatically or judgmentally. Each of us must determine the relationships to which this principle should apply. For most of us, it applies to work associates, customers, suppliers, family and friends.
• STEP 1 - Determine what you can do to make the relationship work...then do it. Demonstrate respect and kindness to the other person, whether he/she deserves it or not.
• STEP 2 - Do not expect anything in return. Zero, zip, nada.
• STEP 3 - Do not allow anything the other person says or does (no matter how annoying!) to affect you. In other words, don't take the bait.
• STEP 4 - Be persistent with your graciousness and kindness. Often we give up too soon, especially when others don't respond in kind. Remember to expect nothing in return.
At times (usually few), the relationship can remain challenging, even toxic, despite your 100 percent commitment and self-discipline. When this occurs, you need to avoid being the "Knower" and shift to being the "Learner." Avoid Knower statements/ thoughts like "that won't work," "I'm right, you are wrong," "I know it and you don't," "I'll teach you," "that's just the way it is," "I need to tell you what I know," etc.
Instead use Learner statements/thoughts like "Let me find out what is going on and try to understand the situation," "I could be wrong," "I wonder if there is anything of value here," "I wonder if..." etc. In other words, as a Learner, be curious!
Principle Paradox
This may strike you as strange, but here's the paradox: When you take authentic responsibility for a relationship, more often than not the other person quickly chooses to take responsibility as well. Consequently, the 100/0 relationship quickly transforms into something approaching 100/100. When that occurs, true breakthroughs happen for the individuals involved, their teams, their organizations and their families
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Press Release for Ross Bridge
For Immediate Release
July 12, 2011
Birmingham, Alabama
New Home Community
ROSS BRIDGE RANKS AMONG TOP 20 COMMUNITIES IN THE COUNTRY FOR NEW HOME SALES IN 2010.
2010 has been an extraordinary year for Ross Bridge. The new home community located in Hoover, Alabama ranks among the top 20 master-planned communities nationally for total home sales. Quite an achievement considering the Birmingham market size (49th nationally) relative to the other communities listed in the top 20 who are predominantly located within the largest metropolitan areas throughout the country including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Houston, Phoenix, Denver and Orlando.
John Burns Real Estate Consulting developed the national sales report. They are an independent research provider and consulting firm focused on the housing industry compiling and analyzing an unprecedented volume of information.
In addition to this sales achievement, Ross Bridge was also named winner of the 2010 Best in American Living Awards (BALA) by the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) receiving the platinum award in the category of best community.
In addition to this prestigious new home community award, Ross Bridge’s Dorothy Tayloe won the Silver Award for Best Sales Manager and the Community won the Gold Award for Best Signage.
Since 2005 Ross Bridge has been Birmingham Alabama’s hottest selling new home community with over 900 families. This past year is an accumulation of outstanding accomplishments and yet, the best has yet to come.
The latest community amenity – Shades Creek Park & Pool opened this past May.
The community features several neighborhoods with a variety of home styles for everyone from first-time homebuyers and basement-style homes to stunning custom homes. The very near future will bring new neighborhoods, new builders with new home styles and price points to meet the market’s demand for what is truly one of the nation’s hottest selling new home communities.
Ross Bridge is jointly developed by USS Real Estate and Daniel Corporation. Reflecting the latest design trends in Traditional Neighborhood Design (TND), Ross Bridge aptly demonstrates that coastal areas and the big cities of the Northeast are no longer the only domain for TND and mixed-use communities. It has taken the decades-old “planned unit development resort community” concept and infused it with the latest in traditional neighborhood development design, creating a walkable community with a unique sense of place and a vibrant community spirit.
The Award Winning Welcome Center and Models are open
Daily 9am-5pm, Sunday 1pm to 5pm
For more information, please contact Dorothy Tayloe at the Ross Bridge Sales Center at (205) 443-4663 or visit www.rossbridge.com. 2101 Grand Avenue, Hoover, Alabama 35336
The complete article from John Burns Real Estate Consulting is available online at:
http://www.realestateconsulting.com/blog/tim-sullivan/2010-best-selling-masterplans
July 12, 2011
Birmingham, Alabama
New Home Community
ROSS BRIDGE RANKS AMONG TOP 20 COMMUNITIES IN THE COUNTRY FOR NEW HOME SALES IN 2010.
2010 has been an extraordinary year for Ross Bridge. The new home community located in Hoover, Alabama ranks among the top 20 master-planned communities nationally for total home sales. Quite an achievement considering the Birmingham market size (49th nationally) relative to the other communities listed in the top 20 who are predominantly located within the largest metropolitan areas throughout the country including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Houston, Phoenix, Denver and Orlando.
John Burns Real Estate Consulting developed the national sales report. They are an independent research provider and consulting firm focused on the housing industry compiling and analyzing an unprecedented volume of information.
In addition to this sales achievement, Ross Bridge was also named winner of the 2010 Best in American Living Awards (BALA) by the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) receiving the platinum award in the category of best community.
In addition to this prestigious new home community award, Ross Bridge’s Dorothy Tayloe won the Silver Award for Best Sales Manager and the Community won the Gold Award for Best Signage.
Since 2005 Ross Bridge has been Birmingham Alabama’s hottest selling new home community with over 900 families. This past year is an accumulation of outstanding accomplishments and yet, the best has yet to come.
The latest community amenity – Shades Creek Park & Pool opened this past May.
The community features several neighborhoods with a variety of home styles for everyone from first-time homebuyers and basement-style homes to stunning custom homes. The very near future will bring new neighborhoods, new builders with new home styles and price points to meet the market’s demand for what is truly one of the nation’s hottest selling new home communities.
Ross Bridge is jointly developed by USS Real Estate and Daniel Corporation. Reflecting the latest design trends in Traditional Neighborhood Design (TND), Ross Bridge aptly demonstrates that coastal areas and the big cities of the Northeast are no longer the only domain for TND and mixed-use communities. It has taken the decades-old “planned unit development resort community” concept and infused it with the latest in traditional neighborhood development design, creating a walkable community with a unique sense of place and a vibrant community spirit.
The Award Winning Welcome Center and Models are open
Daily 9am-5pm, Sunday 1pm to 5pm
For more information, please contact Dorothy Tayloe at the Ross Bridge Sales Center at (205) 443-4663 or visit www.rossbridge.com. 2101 Grand Avenue, Hoover, Alabama 35336
The complete article from John Burns Real Estate Consulting is available online at:
http://www.realestateconsulting.com/blog/tim-sullivan/2010-best-selling-masterplans
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Don't be afraid to aim high when choosing your life's goal, for no matter how high you aim, your achievements may fall below it.
Many businesses today advocate “continuous improvement” as part of their quality programs. They have realized that to remain competitive in today’s global economy they must constantly strive to improve every aspect of the business, otherwise they will be overtaken by the competition. The same ethic applies to individuals. All of life is a continuous learning experience. Every success and every temporary setback only serve to prepare you for the time when you will eventually prevail. Your short- and medium-term goals should be realistic and achievable, but your long-term goals should always far exceed your present capabilities. As the Roman poet Virgil said, “Fortune sides with him who dares.”
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
NO ONE CAN SUCCEED AND REMAIN SUCCESSFUL WITHOUT THE FRIENDLY COOPERATION OF OTHERS.
In today’s interdependent society, it is virtually impossible in any business, profession, or occupation for an individual to achieve great heights of success without the help of others. The best way to get friendly cooperation is to give it. When you make it a practice to encourage others and to help them advance in their careers whenever possible, most will reciprocate when you need their help. Give generously, and you will benefit in kind.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Thought For The Day !!
Never tear down anything unless your are prepared to build something better in it's place.
This rule applies to both individuals and things. It’s easy to criticize other people thoughtlessly for their shortcomings, and equally easy to find fault in their work or in situations that are not to your liking. It is far more difficult to be a builder of people and to create works of art, useful products, or profitable businesses. Make sure you are a builder, not a destroyer of people and things. When you criticize the actions or work of others -- your children, your employees, or others for whom you are responsible -- make sure your criticisms are positive and directed at the act, or the opportunity for improvement, not the individual. Include specific suggestions for their application and focus on the potential for success.
This rule applies to both individuals and things. It’s easy to criticize other people thoughtlessly for their shortcomings, and equally easy to find fault in their work or in situations that are not to your liking. It is far more difficult to be a builder of people and to create works of art, useful products, or profitable businesses. Make sure you are a builder, not a destroyer of people and things. When you criticize the actions or work of others -- your children, your employees, or others for whom you are responsible -- make sure your criticisms are positive and directed at the act, or the opportunity for improvement, not the individual. Include specific suggestions for their application and focus on the potential for success.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Fun Facts - and Activities - for Father’s Day!
Father’s Day is this coming Sunday, June 19, 2011. To help mark the occasion, here are some fun facts and a list of activities that can help you give Dad the gift of family memories.
One in a Million? According to the US Census Bureau, there are 70.1 million fathers across the US. Although they all share the experience of fatherhood, each dad is unique. That means, your dad isn’t just one in a million; he’s one in 70.1 million!
Want to learn more fun facts about this special holiday for dads, check out the US Census Bureau’s Father’s Day Facts page.
Simple, Special, and Inexpensive Activities for Dad
Go for a hike - If your dad enjoys nature and relaxing walks, plan a hike on Father’s Day. Whether you make it an easy stroll or a more challenging climb, a hike is a great way to spend some quality time away from the chaos of everyday life. Here are some hiking tips and packing ideas that can make the day as safe as it is fun.
Visit a museum or history center - Whether your dad enjoys art or history, you’re sure to find a museum or history center in your area that will fit his interests. Plan the special day as a surprise and be sure to allow plenty of time to let Dad set the pace, so he can take his time. The American Association of Museums offers an online directory of museums near you. Try it today to search by city, state, and even the type of museum you want to visit.
Go fish - Take Dad to his favorite fishing spot for the afternoon. Of course, if Dad’s not much of a fisherman, consider pulling out a deck of cards and playing a game of Go Fish with the younger children. Take a few minutes to read the rules to Go Fish, as well as find other game ideas.
Play ball - There are plenty of baseball fields and open parks where the family can gather for a game of baseball with Dad. Whether you play a more competitive game of fastball or softball with older children or Wiffle ball with youngsters, it’ll be a day you all remember. Here’s a fun site with the official Wiffle Ball rules.
Hand over the remote - Father’s Day isn’t always sunny and warm. But even if the weather doesn’t cooperate this year, you can still make the day special for Dad. Consider curling up on the couch with your dad for a couple hours of his favorite shows or movies. You can even plan ahead by renting some of his favorite old movies as a surprise.
Fill the frames - You don’t need to spend a lot of money to give Dad the perfect gift. If you have some old picture frames around the house that are sitting in a closet or have out-of-date photos in them, consider giving them a new look. An inexpensive can of paint and some new photos of the kids can go a long way. If the children are older, consider reprinting some old photos of the kids when they were younger. Or you could even take some before and after photos of the kids by retaking photos of them today in the same place and pose of an old photo. Then combine the old and new photos using a photo editing software program or simply place the photos side-by-side in a frame. It’s a gift any dad will be sure to cherish.
Watch home movies - Don’t just limit your movie watching to Dad’s favorite Hollywood films. Instead, spend some time watching some of those home movies that feature Dad and the kids - or even older home movies of Dad when he was a kid. If you don’t have many home movies, put together a slideshow of photos; it’s easy to do and you can even add music on your computer. Of course, if technology isn’t your thing, there’s no need to worry - grab the family photo albums and gather around Dad for a couple hours of laughing and sharing.
Don’t forget Dad’s favorite meal - Whether it’s breakfast in bed or a favorite dinner, make sure you dedicate at least one meal to Dad.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads across the country - all 70.1 million of you. And may your special day be filled with memories as unique as each of you!
One in a Million? According to the US Census Bureau, there are 70.1 million fathers across the US. Although they all share the experience of fatherhood, each dad is unique. That means, your dad isn’t just one in a million; he’s one in 70.1 million!
Want to learn more fun facts about this special holiday for dads, check out the US Census Bureau’s Father’s Day Facts page.
Simple, Special, and Inexpensive Activities for Dad
Go for a hike - If your dad enjoys nature and relaxing walks, plan a hike on Father’s Day. Whether you make it an easy stroll or a more challenging climb, a hike is a great way to spend some quality time away from the chaos of everyday life. Here are some hiking tips and packing ideas that can make the day as safe as it is fun.
Visit a museum or history center - Whether your dad enjoys art or history, you’re sure to find a museum or history center in your area that will fit his interests. Plan the special day as a surprise and be sure to allow plenty of time to let Dad set the pace, so he can take his time. The American Association of Museums offers an online directory of museums near you. Try it today to search by city, state, and even the type of museum you want to visit.
Go fish - Take Dad to his favorite fishing spot for the afternoon. Of course, if Dad’s not much of a fisherman, consider pulling out a deck of cards and playing a game of Go Fish with the younger children. Take a few minutes to read the rules to Go Fish, as well as find other game ideas.
Play ball - There are plenty of baseball fields and open parks where the family can gather for a game of baseball with Dad. Whether you play a more competitive game of fastball or softball with older children or Wiffle ball with youngsters, it’ll be a day you all remember. Here’s a fun site with the official Wiffle Ball rules.
Hand over the remote - Father’s Day isn’t always sunny and warm. But even if the weather doesn’t cooperate this year, you can still make the day special for Dad. Consider curling up on the couch with your dad for a couple hours of his favorite shows or movies. You can even plan ahead by renting some of his favorite old movies as a surprise.
Fill the frames - You don’t need to spend a lot of money to give Dad the perfect gift. If you have some old picture frames around the house that are sitting in a closet or have out-of-date photos in them, consider giving them a new look. An inexpensive can of paint and some new photos of the kids can go a long way. If the children are older, consider reprinting some old photos of the kids when they were younger. Or you could even take some before and after photos of the kids by retaking photos of them today in the same place and pose of an old photo. Then combine the old and new photos using a photo editing software program or simply place the photos side-by-side in a frame. It’s a gift any dad will be sure to cherish.
Watch home movies - Don’t just limit your movie watching to Dad’s favorite Hollywood films. Instead, spend some time watching some of those home movies that feature Dad and the kids - or even older home movies of Dad when he was a kid. If you don’t have many home movies, put together a slideshow of photos; it’s easy to do and you can even add music on your computer. Of course, if technology isn’t your thing, there’s no need to worry - grab the family photo albums and gather around Dad for a couple hours of laughing and sharing.
Don’t forget Dad’s favorite meal - Whether it’s breakfast in bed or a favorite dinner, make sure you dedicate at least one meal to Dad.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads across the country - all 70.1 million of you. And may your special day be filled with memories as unique as each of you!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
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