2008 January 03 | money news blog

03 01 2008

Champ d’Or Sold?

Posted by: in Real Estate News

Filed under: Estates

I received an interesting tip from reader randkris who stated that Champ D’Or, the palatial estate in Denton, Texas had been sold. This estate has been on the market for years with no one willing to take on the 48,000 square feet of space that includes a tearoom, garden room, bowling alley, ballroom and mini-theater (but only six bedrooms). The prices has zoomed up and down but the last time I checked it out it was sitting at $59.55 million. The home was built by a couple, the Goldfields, who created their dream home and then decided it was too large and put it on the market.

I contacted the listing agent Greg Cagle who was able to confirm that the home is under contract but can’t divulge any further details. Imagine celebrating the holidays in this home. Wow.

03 01 2008

15 Signs that You’ll be Fired

Posted by: in General work pimps

You see your position being advertised on JobStreet.com or the newspaper classifieds.
Your coworkers keep asking you “If, theoretically, you’ll resign or be fired for whatever reason, might I’ve your cubicle/chair/lamp/pencil holder?”
The IRS or the FBI come to your company building looking for you.
For some reason, your coworkers have stopped inviting you to staff meetings.
The person you’re dating, who happens to be the boss’ son or daughter, breaks up with you unexpectedly.
Your direct subordinate is running around your office with measuring tape and wallpaper samples.
The budget list for the following month has an increase for “office supplies” equal to your salary.
You receive an office memo with the subject “Re: Merger”
Your secretary is given more work than you.
All your friends in the workplace have already been fired.
The boss insists that you take an “indefinite” amount of time off as a “vacation”.
Your performance review, instead of verbal or written, comes in the form of a guy in a black cloak with a sickle.
Instead of your position, the text under your name on the office door reads “Dead Man Walking”.
The font color of your department profits is red.
Your new boss is 15 years younger than you. And you’re only 35.

Continue reading Fairfield Plantation, Estate of the Day

03 01 2008

Fairfield Plantation, Estate of the Day

Posted by: in Real Estate News

Filed under: Estates

Fairfield Plantation is a lovely 18th Century Georgian manor located in a small town near Columbia, SC. This one is an old beauty complete with a listing on the National Historic Register. The home is on 175 acres. The property is surrounded by a blue granite fence. The five-bedroom house has been well restored preserving most of its charm (perhaps the kitchen could use an upgrade). Like yesterday’s home in Washington D.C., this one has original chandeliers and fireplaces in nearly each room. The grounds include decorative fountains and a pool, a garden room and guest home, wine cellar ,carriage home, and gate home. This estate is listed at $4.3 million.

03 01 2008

15 Signs that You’ll be Fired

Posted by: in General work pimps

You see your position being advertised on JobStreet.com or the newspaper classifieds.
Your coworkers keep asking you “If, theoretically, you’ll resign or be fired for whatever reason, may I have your cubicle/chair/lamp/pencil holder?”
The IRS or the FBI come to your company building looking for you.
For some reason, your coworkers have stopped inviting you to staff meetings.
The person you’re dating, who happens to be the boss’ son or daughter, breaks up with you unexpectedly.
Your direct subordinate is running around your office with measuring tape and wallpaper samples.
The budget list for the following month has an increase for “office supplies” equal to your salary.
You receive an office memo with the subject “Re: Merger”
Your secretary is given more work than you.
All your friends in the workplace have already been fired.
The boss insists that you take an “indefinite” amount of time off as a “vacation”.
Your performance review, instead of verbal or written, comes in the form of a guy in a black cloak with a sickle.
Instead of your position, the text under your name on the office door reads “Dead Man Walking”.
The font color of your department profits is red.
Your new boss is 15 years younger than you. And you’re only 35.

03 01 2008

Cartoon Thursdays: Virtual Mess

Posted by: in General work pimps

Cartoon by Andy Singer

03 01 2008

Cartoon Thursdays: Virtual Mess

Posted by: in General work pimps

Cartoon by Andy Singer

03 01 2008

We have a winner!

Posted by: in General work pimps

Thank you to everyone who entered the Pimp Your Work New Year’s Resolution contest! Everyone came up with admirable goals. Some didn’t follow the contest rules, so they weren’t eligible to join. For those who joined via the comments, here are the entries:

“My New Year’s resolution is to start blogging in the new year and make at least $500 per month from it.” - ES

“My resolution is to eat healthier. More veggies and less refined carbs.” - Kitty

“My new year resolutions are: Not polluting the environment in any way. Conservative use of mobile phone. Being a very civilized and law abiding citizen. Being true to yourself as we are answerable to ourselves first of all.” - Parambir Kaur

Here were the eligible blog entries:

Bob Turek’s New Year’s Resolutions for Superior Project Control

Mary Emma Allen’s entry over at Home Biz Notes

Amritbir Kaur’s poetic entry at Literary Jewels

Darlene McDaniel’s post at Interview Chatter

Laura’s list of goals at Work from Home Momma

To make sure that the selection of the winner is fair, I used a list randomizer and picked the top entry of the randomized list as the winner. Here’s how I typed it in:

Continue reading Rockingham Estate, Estate of the Day

03 01 2008

Rockingham Estate, Estate of the Day

Posted by: in Real Estate News

Filed under: Estates

I spend a lot of time looking at San Francisco real estate but sometimes I forget to check out Oakland. This seven-bedroom modern home is full of great lines and huge windows. The home’s light-filled kitchen has all the expected names, Poggenpohl cabinets, Miele and Gaggeneau appliances. There are limestone floors and 18 zone radiant heat. The home is 9,000 square feet and it has a five bridge view. The home also has a home theater and a fitness room. A spiral staircase links three floors. There is also a separate two-bedroom apartment with two baths and a kitchen. The only thing missing is a lavish pool.

Maybe what’s most breathtaking about the house is that, according to Lydia over at the Women Building Wealth blog, the owners bought it in 2001 for $750,000. it is now listed at $6,388,000. I wonder how much money the owners put into this home.

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