Blog Face-Off

Is it possible to use an online course to get the kind of knowledge a developer like Isaac Toussie has regarding real estate?

The information superhighway will soon be celebrating its fiftieth anniversary. It took several decades for the web to percolate out from a fairly small coterie of research scientists and other academics into the wider general population, but once it did, our world was changed forever: It was wired.

And so just about everything is on the internet these days, and almost anyything is done through it – even sex! And the once near-exclusive province of worthless diploma mills, so-called distance learning has really come of age with a vengeance with the advent of the worldwide “w.” And now, in this age of Web 2.0 going on 3 or even 4, it seems like every corporate body and its subsidiary is getting in on the action.

Bah, humbug, some are tempted to say. No mere Luddites, these, some people just wonder whether e-learning can ever truly replace the face-to-face interactions of traditional modalities. In this article, we shall be taking a look-see at the issue for ourselves. Due to issues of legal liability, we shan’t name any names, lest we libel the guilty – wink, wink. But a brief survey of three of the most widely advertised such courses online has revealed to this author at least that business fundamentals can indeed be properly passed along online. These courses will never compare to actual field experience, lending anyone the knowledge of an Isaac Toussie, but then again nothing ever can.

No, the main attraction for these courses – their competitive advantage, to borrow an economist’s term, if you will – is that they are extremely accommodating of your schedule. With most such courses, you can attend class whenever you want – and certainly in whatever you want, including your birthday suit! Convenience is their number one draw, and this kind of accessibility is not to be discounted, especially since it is not necessarily any more expensive than the kind of learning offered by the traditional classroom setting. In fact, these courses can cost rather less money, especially if you factor in considerations like time, such as the time it takes to commute to a brick-and-mortar school.

More problematic is the hands-on approach that is likely necessary for a really good grasp of how the real estate business works. Learning about the relevant laws is important but not quite what one actually does in real estate. What’s really essential is a way of cultivating the mindset of a real estate tycoon! Maybe one of these internet real estate courses, possibly offered by a “real” school such as a government-supported local community college, may involve an actual internship as a part of the experience, which would go a long way towards just that end of teaching real-world knowledge.

Now even with all that said, however, we must end on this note, that of the legal disclaimer: Neither the author nor the publisher shall be held liable for the content of this article, which is mere opinion only and should not in any way be misconstrued as professional advice of any kind whatsoever! Always consult the relevant professionals, properly licensed and/or otherwise qualified, when making business decisions of any financial consequence.

The all-important first date. This getting-to-know-you can be greatly helped along by an amusement ride, and the most thrilling one of all must be the Skywalk by Zalman Silber. A serial entrepreneur who made his first big fortune with New York’s infamous Skyride, a much ballyhooed but modest thirty-minute movie of helicopter flyovers, Sydney, Australia’s Skywalk is a much more visceral affair – and for a first-date, visceral is where it’s got to be at!

No, get your mind out of the gutter – “visceral” here simply means heart-pounding thrills which, studies show, make dates more attracted to one another. Yes, it’s true: the more physically exciting the activities the more likely dates are to perceive one another as being physically attractive. Scientists have paired up total strangers of the opposite sex and asked them to secretly judge one another’s attractiveness. Then each pair was put through a roller-coaster, sitting side-by-side, and asked again to rate one another’s attractiveness after the ride. The second set of responses were almost always substantially higher than than the first set!

So if you intend to make a great impression, make sure to get her (or him!) engaged in some kind of physically exhilarating activity with you – such as the aforementioned Skywalk from Zalman Silber. Found at the top of the Sydney Tower, the Skywalk is really a catwalk with glass flooring that provides visitors with a panoramic view of the city a thousand feet above street level. Being a catwalk, everything is out in the open, with no windows between guests and…nothingness. The Skywalk offers not only a bird’s-eye view of the Harbour City but all the visceral feelings to go with it as well!

And if the simple fact of being up so high doesn’t get your date’s heart throbbing, make sure she looks down! Visiting the Skywalk is a perfect first date because the Skywalk is the perfect ice-breaker. Don’t be surprised if she instinctively grabs your arm! Even though everyone is tethered by cable to sturdy metal support structures, the frequent gusts of wind can be strong enough to make one forget all the safety features built into the experience. Afterward, you and your date can retire to the conventional observation deck of the Sydney Tower to enjoy the romantic view while sharing fond memories of your Skywalk. Or better yet, purchase another set of tickets to really jack up the excitement and send her emotions through the roof!

Camping supplies are a necessity even when merely hiking. This is due to the fact there’s always the possibility of mishap which will cause you to stay the night in the forest (mountain or desert or wherever else you are trekking through).

Never underestimate the power of Mother Nature; the climate can change in a sudden flash in many places upon the earth. Indeed, our planet is really a living one, and the very ground upon which we walk can betray us. A rockslide, or worse, can present insurmountable obstacles in our way, necessitating some fieldcraft to maneuver around.

Thus it’s usually a good idea to take along camping supplies, just in case. You do not need to bring everything, but some things are absolutely necessary. At a minimum you’ll most likely need some kind of shelter, so a tent or sleeping bag must be the first thing on your list. Food and water is next, and it’s a good idea to bring at least one day’s worth, though three days’ is the standard recommended minimum.

Emergency supplies for instance first-aid kits and flare signals should also be packed. Of course, a lot depends on your choice of venue, the time of year, and your own familiarity with the place as well as your general expertise in the field, but having the right equipment around should disaster or, even, just a relatively minor setback, strike won’t cost you too much in terms of weight.

Essential camping gear ought to be no more than thirty pounds or so, easily portable and convenient. Don’t skimp on common sense! Most serious hikers, campers, and outdoors types know that the possibility of danger is often present, however minimized. If you are just a casual camper or hiker, then you truly will need to do things by the book and think a few steps ahead!

Wine racks are vital accessories for the true collector. Although the word “accessories” originally referred to those items which are not essential to a item but which may enhance the enjoyment of that item, in the case of wine racks they are so helpful in organizing and displaying one’s collection that they are really quite necessary, particularly when a collection runs into the multiple scores or even hundreds.

But when speaking of wine racks, one typically thinks of a casual collection, practically amateur in its scope – though the proud owner may be just as devoted as any professional trader or dealer. This kind of display rack is usually wall-mounted in a prominent spot, for example the kitchen (most often) or den.

These racks are almost always very carefully chosen for their designs to complement the room as well as provide safe storage. Most such racks or holders are made out of wood while others are wrought of iron. Wood is such a favorite material because of the role it plays in winemaking; many wines are very carefully aged in wooden caskets prior to being bottled. Iron is a close second in popularity since the nature of metal is such that sinuous shapes may be created, a feature much harder to accomplish with wood.

While many of these racks provide only enough space for a few bottles, full-sized racks can take up an entire basement. For those who do not know their wine, it might seem extravagant to devote an entire level of one’s house, but practically all agree that basic holders are a fantastic way to store wine.

But people being people, there are even automated models offered which will pull your bottles for you! The super-fancy varieties can also be very expensive, but are very popular. But no matter which type is chosen, it’s much more elegant than basically stowing your bottles in a cupboard!

Marriage counseling has arguably become a rite of passage for modern American couples. Social conservatives lament such facts are proof that the social fabric has frayed considerably while others view such developments as a positive sign that everyone is owning up to reality at last.

Whatever the case, marriage counseling has definitely been a growth industry, though whether such trends will hold in such recessionary times remains to be seen. What is expected, however, is that the need for such services will only increase – particularly in recessionary times. For what most drives couples apart isn’t sex or the children but money.

Marriage counseling often reveals that the main issue eating away at a relationship is one of control, or who has how much say over what. This is why it is important to pick spouses with really similar values! But whatever the situation, the first thing to establish is clear and open lines of communication. Understanding is fundamental, and without good communications it’s very unlikely for anything to be accomplished.

Interestingly, the choice to go into therapy or counseling frequently seems shameful but is really a good sign, a sign that the couple in question is still willing to try to work things out somehow. The very agreement, however reluctant, to enter into a possible make-up instead of heading straight into breakup shows that honest communication is desired, at least minimally.

Depending on the situation, things may be so bad that the counselor or therapist has to meet each party separately, but the fact that any attempt is being made at all at a reconciliation is hopeful. However, while reconciliation may be desired, it does not follow that breaking up, despite counseling, means failure. In cases of intractable differences, going separate ways might in fact represent the best possible option for all concerned.

Though the existing economic uncertainty has also affected Connecticut realty, industry experts like Isaac Toussie believe that there’s no danger of oversupply in Connecticut mostly due to the state’s inventory levels being rather constant, probably because of Connecticut’s housing escaping the kind of speculation other places have seen. Such a happy circumstance is probably also on account of the fact that Connecticut hosts some with the most expensive land anywhere in the country after California, with above three percent of them priced around a million dollars as of the turn of the century. Southwestern Connecticut lies within the greater New York City metropolitan region, but areas further away, such as those communities in the northeast, are best described as luxury retreats for the monied classes, given median home values in the multiple of millions.

There can be a lot of “upside” to Connecticut realty. Condominium inventory in Connecticut are actually at steady ranges despite the financial downturn of late, which is really an extremely positive sign that bodes well for the overall real estate market there. Connecticut land ought to be fine pretty soon. Investing in commercial properties there is frequently a good bet even in this economy. Slow but steady growth has marked the history of Connecticut property for some time. In truth, regardless of the current financial meltdown these days, the State of Connecticut has not witnessed a lot of overly dramatic shifts.

The Danbury Fair, the state’s largest shopping mall, is a case in point. Founded in 1947, it has three levels, forty-seven shops, and nearly four hundred thousand square feet of retail space. Industry experts like Isaac Toussie believe that once the New York City Metropolitan Area recovers, retail outlets like this one in Connecticut will follow right along. Indeed, three of the state’s eight counties, which also happen to house most of the population, make up the Tri-State Region of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Even with such proximity to a world-class metropolis like New York City, it should be noted that Connecticut was never that hot a real estate market, so it shouldn’t be surprising that Connecticut has endured the housing scandal and its subsequent crisis much better than many other states. Indeed, once-industrial and then dilapidated Waterbury now attracts newcomers, most notably Orthodox Jewry, a welcome development that has brought new life to the local economy.

Certainly, Connecticut has in fact done well compared to states like Florida, Nevada, and even California, for sales are already reported to be running at about 70% of 2008 levels, and though median prices have moderated they are at least not nose-diving! Yes, mortgages are harder to come by, but a lot of this is on account of the long-overdue correction of slipshod lending practices in the first place and is actually, in the long term, a positive development for Connecticut’s economy.

Having said all that, readers are still advised to consult those properly licensed and/or otherwise qualified when it comes to making business decisions of any financial importance as neither author nor publisher shall be held liable for such information as has been presented so far, which only constitutes mere opinion and should under no circumstances be misconstrued for financial advice of any kind whatsoever!

In the popular culture, horse racing tips have traditionally been akin to great Florida real estate deals or fantastic bridge sales in Brooklyn. But the world wide web has allowed for the proliferation of computerized horse racing systems, not basic programs that ran your input through a set of magical algorithms but dedicated servers that could be contacted in real-time for near instantaneous updates right from the track.

Best of all, modern racing systems like these allow you to bet anytime, anywhere – even at work (or church!), as long as an internet connection is available. Evidently working on somewhat similar models that has been successfully utilized by the hobbyist day trader, you can now bet and seriously handicap your game thanks to the power of 21st Century “cloud computing.”

Precise details are understandably vague, as no one likes to divulge trade secrets, but what is claimed are a number of benefits: real year-long staking records, consistent profits, and better than three-fourths strike rates. This kind of near-miraculous outcomes come from a close analysis of several factors, for instance the ages of the runners, the classes involved, and also the overall number of competitors in the field. The main difference, besides any improved methodologies, seems to be an ongoing maintenance that ever fine-tunes performance and results.

Also unlike the old handicapping programs of old models, it’s no longer a easy matter of paying for software once. Such a powerful service can only be feasible under a subscription model, as ongoing improvements need to be made. Essentially, it’s like hiring a money manager for one’s portfolio of stocks and bonds and other holdings – only we’re talking horse racing here! Finally, in the spirit of our times, try-before-you-buy trials are available. It’s now possible to easily see for yourself whether the horse racing system actually works!

Dallas Cowboys merchandise are among the most popular of any sport, but especially prevalent among football fans, even those whose first-choice favorite may be another team. That’s because the Cowboys are one of the most successful and storied outfits in all of football history, and it is memories of this kind that are evoked by all the many forms of Dallas Cowboys merchandise available on the market, from clocks and towels to clocks and even license plates!

Perhaps the most popular form of Dallas Cowboys merchandise to be found on fans and collectors are team jerseys, especially those bearing the specific roster number of their favorite player. After that, however, must surely be those products bearing pictures, photographs or illustrations, of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders! No other team in American sports fields a cheerleading squad that is a veritable franchise in itself. It was purposely created to cash in on female sexuality and boost in-game attendance, and its genius was to offer an “All-American” look and feel that played well not only nationally but around the world as well. For many foreigners, a real American girl was someone like a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, fun and fit. In the United States, their popularity lead to two made-for-TV movies about the squad along with other media like annual swimsuit calendars.

Oh, yes, and as for the team itself – it was the first modern-era expansion team, and can boast of many noteworthy achievements as a business entity. But of course, no one buys team merchandise on the basis of business innovations, and even the venerable cheerleaders would be just another squad were it not for the club’s stellar performances on the field. Founded in 1960, just ten years later the team turned into a serious national contender, and by the end of that decade was the undisputed “glamor team” of the entire sport, with a cheerleading squad that epitomized what an American girl should be like and winning players and coaches who embodied American can-do.

Ah, a portable ice maker. At last, a sure-fire way of keeping cool when out of doors under a hot summer sun. You have a picnic, or a camping trip, or even just a little get-together in the backyard and don’t want to keep running back inside for ice – you need a portable ice maker.

It will not only save you trips and hassle, but save you from such things as running out of ice all of a sudden. Having one of these niffty little marvels of modern engineering will prevent you from looking like a bad thoughtless host. And nothing beats a portable ice maker at the beach! Like, booyeah.

It’s just what you need when enjoying the scenery. It could even be a excellent conversation starter. Forget about helping to apply suntan lotion – give her the gift of perfectly shaped ice cubes and see what happens next! No, really, it works (with some people, but not all). After all, the water’s salty – but fresh ice cubes? Come one, you’ll be the king of the beach.

Make sure you get one with helpful features for instance a low water light to remind you of refills. Some versions will even reuse melted water right back into ice cubes. Make sure to get the capacity you will need, too. Portable ice makers are fairly straightforward machines so you should have no trouble finding one that’s just right.

Take one to your next tailgating party. Need one for your RV? Portable ice makers are almost essential on boats. These devices are helpful in a number of situations. When in the market for one, you might find that the most crucial aspect of your purchase is simply the choice of color! That’s how easy it is to buy one, because that’s how straightforward they have become nowadays.

Wedding favors really add to the “sentimental interest” of one of the most important occasion in anyone’s live. A wide variety exists on the market for almost every possible purpose, with every theme including religious ones, well represented.

For instance, Asian themed wedding favors are one of the most popular bestsellers these days, though traditional favorites like the fairytale still dominate the business. And perhaps in a sign of our times, you can find even varieties that incorporate casino objects such as dice and playing cards into their designs!

Indeed, the range of wedding favors available for today’s brides is richly diverse. There are even edible favors like personalized mints and cookies! There are also favors by season, favors by political persuasion, and favors that acknowledge the very location of the wedding, such as Hawaiian themes for a ceremony in Hawai’i. Have a favorite TV show? There are sure to be gifts based on it!

General favors for guests have included copies of the music played at the wedding reception and party, shot glasses filled with candy, and of course silver picture frames with a photo of the couple. Of course, those for your groomsmen and bridesmaids should be different than any you give away to guests.

These favors should be much more personalized, reflecting not only the wedding but the additional special roles the recipients play in helping to make it all happen. The most popular types for groomsmen seem to be commeorative colognes and watches, while bridesmaids have usually been limited to bags! (Still a far cry from the old days when favors consisted of sugar cubes or almonds, in an age when such commodities were expensive luxuries!) In the end, the point of a gift is to communicate love. In sharing their happiness, a couple further cements the bonds of companionship even as they embark on the creation of new familial ones.