Music Corner World

Talented Smooth Jazz artist Steve Cole has released his most recent CD on the Warner Bros. Records recording label, entitled NY LA.

Steve Cole has been a super star in the Smooth Jazz genre for quite a while now and NY LA is an excellent illustration as to why.

These days it's a very rare CD on which every single song is good or better than the one before it. This CD is certainly one of those rare CDs.

Overall NY LA is excellent from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched into your memory. A must have for the Smooth Jazz fan. Really spectacular from beginning to end.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 8, Missing You. This is a great track!

NY LA Release Notes:

Steve Cole originally released NY LA on Mar 25, 2003 on the Warner Bros. Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. NY-LA


2. Everyday


3. Tonight It's On - (featuring Mauli B./Charlean Hines)


4. Love Letter


5. Off Broadway


6. Interlude IV


7. Every Little Thing - (featuring Mauli B.)


8. Missing You


9. Close Your Eyes, Free Your Mind


10. Keep It Live - (featuring Brevi/Aloe Blacc)

Personnel: Steve Cole (soprano, alto & tenor saxophones, keyboards, synthesizer); Charlean Hines, Mauli B, Brevi (vocals); Aloe Blacc (rap vocals); David Mann (tenor saxophone, keyboards); Barry Danielian (trumpet, flugelhorn); Brian Culbertson (piano, keyboards, synthesizer); Daron Johnson (Wurlitzer piano, Hammond B-3 organ); Otmaro Ruiz (Fender Rhodes piano, keyboards); Marquis "Hami" Dair (keyboards, guitar); Paul Jackson, Jr., Tony Maiden, Bernd Schoenhart (guitar); Alex Al, Will Lee (bass); Reggie Hamilton (upright bass); Michael White, Kahari Parker, Ralph Rolle (drums); Lenny Castro (percussion); Walter Lee (turntables). Producers: Brian Culbertson, Marquis "Hami" Dair, Susan Youngblood, David Mann.

What can you do to stay motivated as you practice on your guitar? How can you increase and maintain the joy of playing? Here are some tips on how to keep that joy that made you start playing the guitar in the first place!

What can you do before setting goals?

The reason why we don't keep our guitar playing goals might be that we haven't been honest with ourselves before the goal setting process.

Before actually setting goals you have to decide why you want to play guitar or want to be a better player. Make an honest survey of your assets and wishes in the area of guitar playing.

Your inner wishes will probably conquer your goals if they are not the same.

How to set goals

In order to set goals that you will actually work towards you might ask yourself:

Do I really want to accomplish these goals?

Will I really feel good when I reach my goals?

I guess you will agree with me that the only goals that are really meaningful are the ones that will take you in that direction that leads to a place you want to be at!

I think that a part of your guitar playing goals should be focused practicing melodies you want to play in front of other people.

One common reason for starting to play the guitar is to be able to play the pieces of music you like.

This means that as you learn to play guitar, a goal might be to learn a number of songs or melodies by heart so you can play them in any setting.

These songs or melodies are to be learned so well that you don't have to worry if you are asked to play.

One reason for having a repertoire with guitar pieces thoroughly rehearsed is that you can feel that you perform at the top of your ability when asked to play.

Remember, it should be guitar pieces you like to play.

If you do not like what you play you run the risk of memorizing these feelings together with the material you play.

When you practice a guitar piece you will memorize much more than the melody. At least these things will be memorized:

1. Hopefully the melody

2. Your attitude

3. Your level of body tension as you play

4. Your posture

5. The pressure you apply when pressing down the strings or holding your pick

If you like what you practice this joy will probably be transmitted to the audience when you perform.

In order to keep your motivation to practice on top and be able to stick with your guitar playing goals I suggest that you consider the following tips:

1. Ask yourself these questions to evaluate your future ability to stick with your goals:

Why do I want to be a better guitar player?

Is it because I like to play guitar?

Is it because I am "forced to"?

Is it because I want to impress my friends?

What things do I like to play on the guitar?

2. Set goals that take into consideration what motivated you to play in the first place. If you like strumming chords and sing your favorite songs your goals should probably be in that area.

3. Learn pieces that you feel good about and let other people listen to them and feel good too.

Perfect Moment is the latest release from Smooth Jazz Artist Peter White, and I can only think of one word to describe it… AWESOME!

It's a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I'm more than happy to announce that's exactly what I must say about this one. There simply is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all.

Perfect Moment is a pleasantly varied, mix of 10 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly outstanding artist. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Clearly drawing from what I can only imagine are his own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard.

The nice thing about a CD like this is when the talent is this rich even if Smooth Jazz isn't your favorite genre you still can't help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.

If you're even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you'll enjoy this CD. Overall Perfect Moment is an outstanding release. I give it my double thumbs up. You will not be disappointed with one single track.

While this entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2, Kinda Sweet, track 5, Don't Want To Be A Foo, track 9, The View From Your Window

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 3, Midnight In Manhattan. Wow!

Perfect Moment Release Notes:

Peter White originally released Perfect Moment on Oct 20, 1998 on the Columbia label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. San Diego


2. Kinda Sweet


3. Midnight In Manhattan


4. Perfect Moment


5. Don't Want To Be A Fool


6. Autumn Day


7. My Prayer


8. Another Rainy Day


9. The View From Your Window


10. Windy City

Personnel : Peter White (acoustic guitar, keyboards); Greg Vail (soprano saxophone); Grover Washington, Jr., Gerald Albright (tenor saxophone); Rick Braun (trumpet); Brian Culbertson, Greg Karukas (keyboards, synthesizer, drum programming); Mike Egizi (keyboards, drum programming); Tim Heintz (keyboards); Mike Sims (electric guitar); Alex Al, Larry Kimpel, John Menzano (bass); Lil' John Roberts (drums); Lenny Castro (percussion); Steven Dubin, Paul Brown (drum programming). Producers: Steven Dubin, Paul Brown, Peter White. Engineers include: Dave Rideau, Paul Brown, Peter White.

During the last 3 years, we have experienced a tremendous appreciation in the priced of homes in Palm Beach County, with a 30% increase in the last 12 months. This has created a situation where the average wage earner is not able to afford a home.

The average price for a condo is $155,000, townhouse $185,000 and single family home is $327,000. While these are still affordable to many, there are added costs. For condo's and town homes, the monthly maintenance is on an average $200 a month. For a single family home, the association fees average $150 a month.

The next factor is the tax rate. The rate is approximately 2% of the purchase price. Furthermore, insurance is also an additional factor.

If a buyer purchased a $200,000 town home, he would incur the following monthly expenses. The mortgage would be $1200 a month at a 6% rate, maintenance of $175 and taxes of $330. This results in a total monthly payment of $1705, which is beyond the means of the average consumer.

The major problem the consumer faces, when trying to locate affordable housing is that the cost of a home is a higher percentage of their take home pay then many can afford. From my personal experience, I have had many clients searching for months for homes to no avail.

The county has recently developed a plan to build affordable housing in a section of Boynton Beach Florida for people who make under $38,000 a year. This is hopefully the start of trend to provide affordable housing for a large portion of the population, who has been unable to find a place to call home.

So you’re interested in going into business as a property manager? Have you given any thought yet to you’ll enter this potentially profitable market? Reality check-unless you’ve just inherited a large sum of money from a relative or are otherwise independently wealthy you’re going to find someone to borrow from. This is where an apartment loan comes in.

Before you visit the local bank or other lending institution, it may be wise to ask yourself how long you plan to own the apartment building or complex. Are you investing for the long-term? Answering this question will significantly influence the type apartment loan you should get.

If you are planning to own the property for two years or less, most experts agree that an apartment loan with an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) will be your best bet. Like the name suggests, an ARM is a loan will an interest rate that may change with time in accordance with various factors. ARM apartment loans usually offer a better initial interest rate than other loans to offset the risk of future interest rate changes. An interest rate ceiling that may be reset annually also protects the mortgage holder.

If you plan to stay in the property management business for the long-term, you may want to look at getting a fixed rate apartment loan. A fixed rate loan guarantees the same interest rate over the life of the mortgage.

Supposing interest rates are historically low at the time you secure the apartment loan, this type of loan will lock you in at the best rate possible. On the other hand however, if interest rates are historically high at the time of the loan, you might be stuck paying interest at a higher rate than you would have with another type of apartment loan.

Another important question to answer before seeking an apartment loan source is the approximate cost of the property. This may seem like a no-brainer when looking for an apartment loan, but too many first-time investors just take the interest rates they’re given without question. If the apartment building you’re interested in is selling for over $500,000, a direct lending source or investment company can usually give you a better interest rate than most banks or credit unions. However, if you’re looking at a smaller apartment building selling for less than $500,000, you may want to check interest rates at the local bank.

With banks and other lending institutions anxious to provide you with an apartment loan, new loan options have emerged in recent years. Generally speaking, smaller banks and other lending sources like direct lenders have a greater degree of flexibility in what they can offer borrowers. In order to attract larger numbers of borrowers, many lenders now offer non-recourse.

A traditional recourse loan means that the lender has claim on personal or corporate assets in the event of a default by the borrower. On the other hand, a non-recourse apartment loan means the lender cannot hold you personally liable if you fail to repay the debt as promised. The only recourse for compensation to the lender is to take the property you’ve pledged as security for your loan, but he cannot claim any other assets or money from you if you default.

Whichever apartment loan option you decide on, it’s important to be certain you understand the details. It’s vitally important that you choose a lender that has both the experience and inclination to take the time to sit down with you and answer your questions clearly. Getting your apartment loan from a source you can trust will go a long way in helping you find success and enjoyment in the exciting world of property investing and management.

For the past several years housing prices have risen dramatically. With interest rates continuously moving up, and more and more people being priced out of the market, all signs point to an imminent housing market correction. So should you sell your home now before prices drop or should you stick it out and see what happens? It really depends on your individual situation.

Let’s face it, we all need a place to live and the world and United States population continues to grow. Any correction in the housing market will inevitably be short lived, relatively speaking. Historically it is not uncommon to see house prices drop 10-20% during a correction cycle and for these cycles to last several years. Inevitably, however, the housing market recovers and prices continue to rise over the long run.

Before a homeowner decides to sell out to beat the housing market, he or she should first decide what their 5 and 10 year plans are and what their home needs will be. If the plan is to stay in the same community and that the current home will meet their long term needs, e.g. enough bedrooms for a growing young family, then there should be no real reason to sell out. Unless of course your feeling lucky and want to gamble. However, if you sell out too early you may find yourself priced out of a new home and stuck in an apartment for much longer than you planned. As most financial investors will advise, it is not wise to time the market. Instead invest on a regular basis that suits your long term financial goals. Your home will probably be your biggest investment, so as with other financial investments, attempting to time the market is ill-advised.

On the other hand, if your medium or long range plan includes moving to another community and/or requiring a change in housing needs then it may be wise to take advantage of a sellers market. For example, if the children have all grown up and left the nest and you have been contemplating downsizing it probably is wise to take advantage of a sellers market.

Whatever the market conditions are, when deciding to buy or sell a house, first evaluate your own specific goals and plans, and then assess the market conditions. If the current housing market condition is favorable with your goals, then certainly take advantage of it. If it is not, then reassess your plans and see if your timeline can be stretched out to await better market conditions. If they can not, then indeed, you may need to make a less than favorable housing decision to meet you longer term goals.

What is a loft apartment? At the most basic level a loft apartment differs from a regular apartment because of the open layout. Lofts are open floor plans with few if any walls separating the living, dining, living and sleeping areas. The open floor plan of a loft gives it a stylish look that many residents enjoy.

In general loft apartments are older buildings that were once commercial properties. In the last 5-10 years many historic and industrial buildings that were once vacant, have now been converted into upscale loft apartments. The development of loft apartments has been a boost to local economies, revitalized downtown areas, and brought new life to historic districts.

Lofts are normally 4 to 12 story buildings, with sometimes higher than average ceilings. Large windows are often a feature of lofts and the interiors are designed to provide the occupants maximum access to exterior light.

Interior layout and design are usually a important key feature of loft apartments. Many lofts have hardwood floors, natural brick walls and exposed ceiling beams. Particular attention is also paid to hardware details such as fixtures and lighting.

Many loft apartments are located near business, nightlife and entertainment areas. Because of the urban locations loft apartments are often favored by young professionals and business people. The luxury of loft apartments also appeals to the style conscious and art enthusiasts.

In New York City there are many lofts in the Soho, Tribeca and Chelsea districts. Some lofts especially in arts districts have tenancy regulations such as status as a full-time artist. There are also many loft apartments of other major US Cities, such as Chicago, St. Louis, Houston and Dallas.

The Federal Soldier budget shortage is large and getting bigger. As you may be aware, our political leadership in both political parties is not affectionate of cutting disbursement despite what they may state to electors from clip to time. Since raising taxes is not popular, a determination have been made to get tough on the taxes that are owed to Uncle Sam. The Internal Revenue Service is now getting very tough on collecting tax debts. Enforcement Action is up and Offer-in-Compromise settlements are manner down over the last few years.

If you or a client of yours owes delinquent Federal Soldier taxes, be prepared for a financial proctology if you desire to put up a payment program or settle down with Internal Revenue Service for less than what is owed. An Internal Revenue Service Form 433A or 433F may be required for people and a 433B for business taxpayers. Many disbursals claimed are subject to bounds known as the "IRS National Standards." Get the current Internal Revenue Service criteria from their website.

If more than than $25K is due, the following documented cogent evidence may be required by Internal Revenue Service to put up a payment plan:

1. Three calendar months of all bank account statements the taxpayer have in their name;
2. 401k Statements;
3. Three calendar months of wage stubs or cogent evidence of year-to-date earnings and deductions;
4. Proof of monthly measures (rent, mortgage, utilities, childcare, etc.);
5. Paid medical measures and prescription drugs; and
6. Car note, car valuation, mortgage balance, insurance costs.

If you have property, Internal Revenue Service may necessitate that you apply for a loan before they will allow you an Installment Agreement or Temporary Hardship. A loan denial missive might be required to be submitted to the Gross Officer (RO) or to the Automated Collection System (ACS) representative workings the case.

The best thing that you can make if you desire to avoid being put option through the ringer on providing financial information is to pay your balance in full or get it below $25,000 before it gets to an Internal Revenue Service collector. If you can get it below $25K, opportunities are you can get a “streamlined” installment understanding and only have got to ran into demands to pay off the debt in less than 60 months.

Don’t disregard any letters you get from IRS! Wishing the Internal Revenue Service will travel away won’t make it so. The good intelligence is that Internal Revenue Service is still allowing folks a 120 twenty-four hours saving grace time period to full pay. You must inquire for it and all delinquent tax tax returns must be filed. In addition, no enforcement action can be in topographic point at the clip you do the request.

Ignoring the Internal Revenue Service or lacking an Internal Revenue Service deadline will likely ensue in enforcement action. If the Internal Revenue Service garnishes your wages, the levy will likely not be released until a full financial statement is given, all delinquent tax returns are filed, and a declaration is agreed to by the Ro or ACS. If your bank account is seized: barring an utmost hardship that tin be proven…kiss the money good bye.

If you owe a large tax debt, get professional help. Hire a Certified Populace Accountant (CPA), Enrolled Agent (EA), or a Tax Attorney who is familiar with aggregation cases. Don’t hire some company that promises you that they can “wipe out” all your taxes, penalty, and interest just by sign language their Power-of-Attorney. Brand certain whomever you engage takes a complete financial statement from you. Without it, assures of what sort of Internal Revenue Service deal they can get you are probably bogus.

The Internal Revenue Service have a programme to settle down tax debts for less than what is owed, but only for those people who qualify. It is called the Offer-in-Compromise. Very few volition ever measure up for an OIC. Internal Revenue Service is currently rejecting over 80% of the OICs it is getting. Even getting a payment program is hard if you have got a large tax debt.

If you are dealing with a serious Internal Revenue Service problem, stay focused and don't get depressed. If you allow a tax problem overpower you, then you are doing a disservice to yourself and your family. After all, it is only money. Before you name IRS: get your certification together; set up an Internal Revenue Service Form 433A, 433B or 433F and dual check your figures. When dealing with Internal Revenue Service employees, stay composure and polite no matter how cold they might be to you. They have got got a tough occupation to make and have to follow the processes they are given by Internal Revenue Service management. They are not bad people and neither are you. Good luck!

You can happen aid at the following websites:

www.irs.gov (Internal Gross service)
www.naea.org (National Association of Enrolled Agents)
www.ascpa.com (American Society of CPAs)
www.nsacct.org (National Society of Accountants)

If you are planning on moving and don’t have anywhere to live yet you may realize that it isn’t very fun. But if you do enough research you can find the apartment of your dreams may not be as expensive as you think.
If you put time and effort into finding a new place you will be successful. We have included helpful tip to make you more efficient and have a better eye for your new home:

• You can be wasting time if you are just searching with search engine for apartment in your area. You need to find sites that cater to many locations and within them you can find many good rentals.

• Once you determine where you want to live look scour the area for local listings. Look at the rate and find out what place are going for. This will give you an idea on what to budget for. You want to stay as close as possible to your budget. Don’t just find the first one you like and lock yourself into a payment you can’t make. There are many apartments out there and you should look at 6-10 before you get into a lease.

• Internet Apartment services - should be a great way to start looking. You will be able to search through many apartments in no time at all. The most important thing to remember when looking online is be aggressive. When you find a place you are interested in talk to the owner. Don’t just look at the listed price, that is just the starting spot before negations. You can get a lot of information quickly through the use of internet listings

• If you are going to be moving furniture into your new place make sure you weigh the cost of moving it into the new place versus buying new.

• When you do get a list of apartments that you are interested in make sure you go see them. This is the only way you’ll know which one is right for you. Things to ask yourself, is the place within your budget, is it in the area you wanted to live in, is the house owner reasonable. They will be the one that could make or break an apartment.

• Make sure you take as much time as you can when looking for a place. Unless you have a deadline you can save some money by holding out for one within your means.

How to buy an apartment building? You could start with a look in the newspaper, a visit to a broker, or a search online - all good ways. Of course, since you're looking at the same properties as every other investor, it's not always easy to beat the competition to the great deals. Is there a better way?

Why not look for properties that aren't yet for sale, and make an offer? This is how I bought my first home. An ad in the paper stating what I was looking for, brought a call from an old couple that had been thinking about selling. I got a good price, and they saved a real estate agent's commission. Trying to buy an apartment building this way may be even more likely to succeed.

Buying apartment buildings that aren't for sale starts with a three step search process. you first decide what you're looking for. Do you want duplexes and four-plexes, or larger apartment buildings? The second step is to start looking for properties that fit your criteria. Finally, you contact the owners.

How To Buy An Apartment Building From Non-Sellers

First of all, don't limit yourself to "fixer-uppers" or other "problem" properties that seem more likely to have owners willing to sell. Probably most owners of rental properties have thought of selling, so you can start with almost any building. How can you tell when or why a landlord is ready to call it quits? By asking.

Of course, tact is necessary. When you call the owner, tell him you're an investor, not a broker. Tell him you like what you see, and you can have an offer ready in a week if he's interested. What if he's not interested? Thank him politely and hang up, but send him your card or a letter. Investors often buy from owners that change their minds.

If the owner is interested, explain that you are an investor, so your offer will have to be based on your return on investment. That means you'll need to see the books, specifically the rent roll, listing the units and what they rent for, plus current occupancy. You'll also need the total income and operating expenses for the last year.

Pepare a confidentiality agreement ready before you call, and let the owner know you'll sign it and deliver it before you see the books. It's possibble he doesn't want the tenants to know he's thinking of selling. If so, inspecting the units may have to wait until you make an offer. Just make an acceptable inspection a contingency in the offer.

Why should you buy income properties this way? Because having no competition and no sales commission can mean a better price. Because instead of waiting for that perfect property to be listed for sale, you just find it now. Look for it, find it, and make an offer. That's how to buy an apartment building.