Have you ever wondered about working in real estate? Or would you simply like to learn more about the industry and how you could profit from it? Then there’s no time like the present to get an education from American Real Estate Academy in Waltham, Mass., who is one of my clients.

The Academy, or AREA for short, has been educating real estate professionals for over 35 years. They offer the courses to become a real estate salesperson, broker, mortgage lender, property appraiser and home inspector, as well as continuing education courses to maintain your salesperson and broker licenses. Thousands over the years have taken courses from AREA all across Massachusetts and New England and have enjoyed a successful real estate career.

Many people also take courses from AREA to learn more about the real estate industry, and use this knowledge for the purchase of their own home or to become a real estate investor.

Check out their Web site for more information and to register for their courses. AREA also offers a complete line of books, software, audio and accessories to compliment your real estate education.

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If there is a man on your gift list in the Chicago area, there’s no better gift than a visit to The 316 Club. I have written about them before as I am a member of this men’s spa in the Loop next to the Chicago Board of Trade.

As the “oasis with premium grooming services” for men, you can get a blade shave – even your head for bald guys like me – or a haircut, massage, etc. – check out their menu of services for complete details. They feature a bar with fine scotches, a pool table, WiFi and you can even get a shoe shine. Gift cards are available both at the Club or online, so you can treat someone to a single visit or a membership for a year of services.

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Not too long ago I found the photo blog of Thomas Laupstad of northern Norway. As I married into a family of Scandinavians who come from a land as beautiful as they are, his photos have been a great addition to my daily perusals in my feed reader, as I have commented before.

Thomas has put together and is selling a calendar of 12 of his amazing photos you can buy online. Here’s your chance to avoid those calendar stores in the mall and purchase an even better calendar right from the source!

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For many people, shopping is only part of the gift giving experience. Just as people came off a big weekend of traveling all over for Thanksgiving, their gifts for others will be doing the same.

If you want to ensure gifts will get to their destination in one piece, then visit my friends at The UPS Store on Clark Street in the Loop in Chicago. The friendly staff can pack your items and ship them based on your needs and your budget. Based on your needs, they can recommend the best shipping method for your items. They carry a full line of boxes and packing materials as well as greeting cards for all occasions and unique Chicago souvenirs. Try getting that kind of service at the post office!

In the holiday spirit, they are offering readers of The Hot Iron a special deal. You can get 5% off Ground shipping and 10% off any other service or product through December 31, 2007 – just tell them The Hot Iron sent you! Full details are available at the store, and this offer is only good at the Loop location at 230 S. Clark Street in Chicago. If you are not close to Chicago, check out The UPS Store in your neighborhood.

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