Random Topics Archives

Classic Car Commercials — The Heartbeat of America. Indeed!

March 12, 2011 by Thom Abbott

Classic Car Commercials — The Heartbeat of America. Indeed!

In college (ah geeez, there I go dating myself) my parents were about to “come into some money” with a sale of a portion of our family ranch in Montana. The sale never happened. (Well it did, just a few years later and for ALOT less money!)

But my Dad had said he would buy me one of these! I lived in Houston attending the Univeristy of Houston, and I even went and test drove one.

Heavy sigh! But memories are wonderful aren’t they? Now I could just see me touring Midtown Atlanta Real Estate in one of these babies!

A Dog’s Philosophy. Perhaps We Humans Could Learn Something?

March 12, 2011 by Thom Abbott

A Dog’s Philosophy. Perhaps We Humans Could Learn Something?

Nero 1. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
3. When loved ones come home, always run and greet them.
4. When it’s in your best interest, always practice obedience.
5. Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
6.Take naps and always stretch before rising.

7. Run, romp and play daily.
8. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
9. Be loyal.
Canine For A Cause 10. Never pretend to be something you’re not.
11. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
12. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
13. Delight in the simple joys of a long walk.
14. Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
15. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
16. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
17. When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
18. No matter how often you are criticized, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.

I could not get this video to embed, so please click on this link from Dogwork.com and enjoy a few moments of special time….

Drop Dead Diva Begins Filming New Season

March 6, 2011 by Thom Abbott

Thom Abbott as Police Officer on Drop Dead Diva

“Drop Dead Diva,” the Lifetime drama series has begun work on their new season which will premiere this summer. The show films in Peachtree City and starts Margaret Cho along with Brooke Elliott, who plays the main character, Jane.

You might recall that last December, I posted that Margaret Cho had moved from uber-suburbiaville Peachtree City to Midtown Atlanta. The show will feature more “dancing dream” sequences with Paula Abdul, Wendy Williams and Margaret who competed on Dancing With The Stars.

I had the pleasure of working on this set numerous times last year, so Mr. Casting Director…I’m waiting for my call!!

Photo Courtesy of PopWrap/New York Post and Michelle Sisco

Midtown Ponce Security Alliance Introduces Twitter Alert

February 27, 2011 by Thom Abbott

Midtown Ponce Security Alliance (MPSA) has started a Twitter account @MidtownAlert for neighbors and the organization to quickly communicate information about neighborhood issues that might pose a security risk to the residents of Historic Midtown. This new service helps residents immediately send out info about a situation without waiting for the MPSA patrol officer to arrive and assess the situation.

Midtown Ponce Security Alliance

If you are a resident of Historic Midtown, this service might be just what you need to report that hit and run drive that hit a parked car, or some other situation.

Keep in mind that MPSA services ONLY the portion of Midtown Atlanta where most of the single family homes are. The map at the right shows their patrol area.

The MPSA Patrol serves as the primary strategy in reducing crime and undesirable activity in the neighborhood. The MPSA Patrol was launched in 2003 to stabilize the neighborhood from the effects of increasing criminal and undesirable activity on our streets. Surrounding areas all had patrols, thereby creating a drainage effect on what later became the MPSA service area.

Let’s hope that the recent Twitter stream on the MPSA account is an indication that crime has reduced! If you are not following @MidtownAlert, now would be a good time to do so.

Use It Up, Wear It Out – Consumers Hold On to Stuff Longer

February 26, 2011 by Thom Abbott

Consumer spending has picked up, but for some Americans the recession has left something behind: a greater interest in making stuff last.

Consumers Save Products Longer?

For a number of products — cars, phones, computers, even shampoo and toothpaste — the data shows a slowing of product life cycles and consumption. In many cases the difference is mere months, but economists and consumers say the approach just may outlast a full recovery and the return of easy credit, because of the strong impression the downturn made on consumers.

It is hardly the stuff of generations past, those stung by the Great Depression, who held onto antediluvian dishware and stored canned goods until rust formed on the lids. But for the moment, many citizens of a throwaway society are making fewer visits to the trash and recycling bins.

Read the rest of the story at The New York Times.

Don't Stop Believing….Hold On To That Feeling!

February 23, 2011 by Thom Abbott

Don’t Stop Believing…..It WILL Get Better.

I’m a relative “newbie” when it comes to real estate. I’ve had my license for 6 years now. I know there are many of you that have been selling for 3 or 4 times that long. And you’ve seen times like this. Or as I have heard the statement many times before, “We still sold houses when the interest rates were 12 and 15 percent.”

Money Out of Pocket So, the challenges of today are somewhat new to me. The last time we had economic challenges, I was firmly seated in a Corporate job, knowing my immediate boss would defend my position (job) at all costs, so I was not to worried. I didn’t have lots of money mind you, but I seemed to be able to hit may favorite local watering hole (a.k.a. club) 3-4 nights a week, the beach on the weekends when I was not working, and had a pretty hot new car! (Let’s see, I miss….ALL those things. Ah, but the past is the past, right?

Well, yes and no. If we were not to learn from our past, why would they teach us history in school? So we can understand where we were, where we are now, and perhaps, where we will be going……enter crystal ball. Oh, wait, I dropped that darn thing cleaning out the basement a few years ago…

Anyways, life is kinda of a struggle right now. I work way more hours than I did in my corporate job (and I never thought THAT could be possible.) Mind you, they are MY hours in MY business for MY gain! Not some corporate giant! But, some days I think, UGH, how much longer must all this craziness last?

I showed a couple condos a couple weeks ago, one of them being a foreclosure. (Imagine that!) And to walk in and find the kitchen sink gone gave new meaning to that old saying “Everything but the kitchen sink.” Remember that one?

The Thom And Ray Team But, I know that things will be bumpy for a bit longer. It’s like that airplane flight where the captain comes on and says, “Ladies and Gentlemen, we’ve tried several different altitudes, but it looks like we going to be in this for awhile, so I’m going to keep the Fasten Seat Belt Sign on and ask you to remain in your seats. At this time we are also asking the flight crew to stop cabin service. Thank you.” Ah…wait, my row is next…Please….Please…..(You know with new security you can’t slip your OWN on anymore!)

Anyways, I thought this video would help all of us to remember, Don’t Stop Believing.

Midtown Ponce Security Alliance

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