Today's Number: 165 - Stores that Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, plans to add in 2003, while expanding or relocating about 170 U.S. properties, continuing its aggressive expansion.

        Today's Career Talk: One dull pencil is worth six sharp minds, Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler say in Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When the Stakes are High.

        “Write down the details of conclusions, decisions and assignments,” the authors suggest. “Remember to record who does what by when. Revisit your notes at key times - usually before the next meeting - and review assignments.”

        Today's Money Tip: Buy life, disability and health insurance when you are healthy and don't need the coverages. That insurance gets much more expensive - maybe even inaccessible 1/2ndash 3/4 if something happens. And, an insurance policy may be canceled if you lied when you bought it.

        Today's Mover: Thomas W. Breidenstein has joined Barrett & Weber, LPA as an associate. Mr. Breidenstein will concentrate his practice in planning, zoning and land use law, including related litigation. He graduated from Miami University with a bachelor's degree and received his law degree from Salmon P. Chase College of Law.

        Today's Company: Professional Pet Nanny Inc.

        FREE-RANGE SITTERS: Kyle Maushardt founded her pet sitting business in 1999, working out of her home downtown. Since then she has hired staff and expanded to service all neighborhoods within the 275 beltway. Business volume has grown 30 percent since June.

        POODLES TO PARROTS: Professional Pet Nanny takes care of all kinds of pets: snakes and lizards, rabbits and rodents, exotic birds and more conventional domestic animals. The sitters get medical waivers before pet owners leave town, to ensure that medical care can be obtained in their absence. Once it was needed: A dog in Ms. Maushardt's care had a grand mal seizure and was rushed to the vet.

        HOME IS NEVER ALONE: While taking care of clients' pets, Professional Pet Nanny can also take out the trash, switch lights on and off, and give the home a “lived-in“ look for increased security.

        Send tips and questions to Bill Ferguson at bferguson@enquirer.com

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