Jan. 25, 2009 - REALTOR_Tries_Out_For_Up_In_The_Sky

It all started about a month ago when the news about George Clooney coming to St. Louis to star in the film , Up In The Air. The buzz was amazing. They were looking to hire 2000 extras to be in the movie! In addition, some were to be speaking parts but only for members of the union. As you may know, the economy is not so hot now, so this will bring in some mega bucks for the St. Louis area. My mind (and others too, I suspect) was spinning. Why not apply, I wondered? This was an opportunity not to be missed. Add a little excitement to my life! Hours could be long, but it won’t last long either. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

I checked out the web site, mofilm.org and found the form to download and fill out. They also wanted a photo, so I headed for Target to copy a photo taken during the holidays. I proceeded to head for Talent Plus, Inc, located downtown and get the application submitted. Once there, I took the elevator to the 3rd floor and handed off the paperwork and photo. The receptionist said they’d been very busy and to check January 16 on the web site again for more information. Finally the day came and more instructions to download the paperwork and add another color photo. Applicants were to head to Crestwood Mall to appear in person for an interview. Specific times were set for Saturday & Sunday and I planned to be there and be early!

The 23rd finally arrived and it was a cold, frigid day but sunny. I headed out and was there by 8:30a.m. The start time was to be 10a.m. When I arrived, I found I was not the only one there and there was a pretty good line of people, both men and women. They were dressed in varied attire. They had specified European clothing and wanted to know acting experience, but it wasn’t required. Some folks brought luggage with them! Around 10:00a.m, we had queued up to the entrance of the interview room and it was my turn. We’d been 5-6 deep and the line went on forever.

You couldn’t see the beginning or the end of the line; there were so many people, and even more coming as I left. The interview was short, as the young woman and I discussed the availability and requirements.

Only 2000 lucky people were to be chosen. As we sat there, I thought of the movie Shrek, in the beginning, where the three little pigs, jump up and down, shouting, “Pick ME, Pick ME”!

We all wanted to be the ones getting picked, but if we didn’t, it was O.K. It was exciting to be a part of the crowd and meeting others standing in line. I met a woman that was originally from Venezuela and now living here, she’d been a stewardess, and her daughter and husband were trying out too! He has cancer and her daughter goes to Webster University and had acting experience. Another young woman was from Shiloh, IL and had a husband and 2 young kids. We all had something in common; we all wanted to be in the movie and see George Clooney, even if it was from a distance! My interview went well, and I handed over my paperwork and went on my way. The crowds had thickened and they had allowed them to wind their way further down the mall so they wouldn’t have to stand in the cold. It was all handled extremely well, and smoothly. The crowd was friendly and waited patiently for their turns.

O.K., George, if you happen to read this I only have this to say, “Pick ME, Pick ME!” They said there were 8000 people that turned in their applications! We may have to wait until April 20th to get a call, but I’m ready when you are, George!

Nov. 26, 2008 - HelpStLouisCountyFamilies

Here's a chance to Adopt A Family in the St. Louis County. Everyone needs help at times and you can make a difference in someones life. There are over 1,800 families in the area that need our help. They need food, clothing, toys, household items and help with utilities or rent. There are lots of groups that help, from businesses, faith-based and private citizens that endeavor to provide the needed services. The St. Louis County Department of Human Services (DHS) provides the support to organize distribution. They are in need of any donation, large or small, it's all appreciated. There is a special need for canned goods (no glass), grocery story certificates, cash and whatever can be used in a household. If you'd like to adopt a family or donate please call: Mike Nickel 314-615-4426 or Rose Terranova 314-615-2937. Blessings!

Nov. 17, 2008 - Fall_in_the_Saint_Louis_Area

This has been such a lovely fall here in Missouri. We have had beautiful vivid red, yellow, gold foliage here after having such a rainy spring. I missed seeing the Missouri Botanical Garden Fall Festival this time and just took some photos on my walks and one lovely tree in Kimmswick, MO.  A few were taken in Augusta, MO (wine country!) and on our way back from a trip to the winery at Mount Pleasant. That was just a quick trip out on a limo-bus that our brokerage RE/MAX Midwest Group had treated us to on a great fall day.  After wine samples and a great lunch with great and congenial agents we headed for home. We had a great time and if you move here or just come to visit, I know you will too! I hope you enjoy the photos!

Nov. 14, 2008 - StLouis MO_realestate_Statistics

Following are the Sales Statistics for St. Louis Area (from Realist)

May. 17, 2008 - StLouisRealEstateCampaign

Feb. 9, 2008 - KirkwoodMOTragedy

My feelings are sad and remorseful as I watched the T.V. newscasts here. We're about 15 minutes away from the City of Kirkwood. This is a great city, tree lined, with modest homes to elegant homes. It's has a typical small town feel to it. Loaded with history. It's a place where you know your neighbors and actually do like them and visit back and forth. It has a wonderful old train station (still functioning ) and lots of unique shops to visit and make it a day doing that. It's not to be missed at Christmas time when all the city lights up including the train station and City Hall.

What a terrible night Thursday evening the 7Th of February was, for so many unsuspecting people. People who try to do what's right for the city and the people in it. Of course, not everyone is going to be happy about the decisions to be made. That's their right and they get to express it.

On that fateful night, 6 people died some injured. Their outcome unsure. They were fathers, mothers, grandparents, someones child; people that other people cared about. Still do.

The community has drawn close now, supporting one another. I feel their pain. My feeling is that the shooter, Charles "Cookie" Thornton was not in a good mental state. No one really knew how strongly he felt until he killed 5 other people. People he knew. Some people were friends to him. Not a clue of what was to come. In an instant, lives have changed forever.  If it can happen here, it can happen any where.

I pray for peace for each of the families. My heart goes out to them. Kirkwood is a strong community and it will come out of this stronger.

Sep. 19, 2007 - Update on Yard Art

Well, here we go again! Our community paper WEST Newsmagazine had an article about Lewis Greenberg and his "Yard Art". Residents in the subdivision where Mr. Greenberg lives has filed complaints regarding "littering". The fuss is all about the quantity of twisted metal, decorated tree branches, rocks and what-nots strewn about the front/back/side yards/trees/porch. When I last spoke to him, he'd said he had lots more inside too. 

Only 9% of the residents didn't sign the petition demanding the artist remove the debris/art. Part of the problem is simply this; when a neighbor want to sell a home, most buyers do not look favorably on this property, which to my mind, looks cluttered. In addition, I would not like having lights turned on the property from dusk to dawn, lighting up the street!  I have to say this though, he does keep the grass cut. It makes you want to say...please, just try to be a good neighbor. This would not have been a problem, in my opinion, if the subdivision indentures had covered it in the first place.

This of course is not a finished story and I'll update you if any thing changes. But for now, Mr. Greenberg has been cited for littering.

Sep. 19, 2006 - An Overview of St. Louis County

St. Louis County consists of an area of 524 square miles. It has a year 2000 population of 1,016,315.

St. Louis Metro Statistical Area (MSA) consists of 7 counties in Missouri and 5 counties in Illinois.

Counties on the St. Louis side are: Lincoln, Monroe, Warren, St. Charles, Franklin, Jefferson, St. Louis. 

St. Louis County is the largest County in Missouri and has 91 municipalities and also an unincorporated area. The area contains appoximately 18% of the states population. One/half of the metro area's jobs are in Saint Louis County and account for almost 24% of the jobs in Missouri.

The county has 24 school districts , which are important to your home buying experience. More information regarding schools can be found by clicking here.

There are 23 fire protection districts, which share 20 municipality fire departments. A Special Services district provides sewer, library, junior college and cultural facilities within the County. Privately owned utilities provide electrical, natural gas, water and telephone service.

There are 39 municipalities in what is considered to be Mid-County, 21 in North County, 13 in South County and 18 in West County.  All of these areas are considered to be St. Louis County.