Author Archive

May 28th, 2010

Teach your children to save and invest

How many times have you looked back on life and wished that you had started investing earlier?

By: Tina Stern

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Talk to your children or grandchildren about the value of saving money for specific purposes. Simple lesson: if you want something, you have to save your money for it.
Once they’ve learned to save to achieve their goals, it’s time to teach them how to earn money through interest accumulation. Learning the benefits of compound interest will help to encourage them to invest their money in income producing instruments.

It’s important to stay involved with them as they learn to build a secure financial future. Most children consider a parent or grandparent a primary source of financial information.

Be a good role model by demonstrating good financial habits yourself.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Tina Stern on May 28th, 2010

February 10th, 2010

Ringo Starr Walk of Fame Star Event

MONDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2010 Copy of Ringo Walk of Fame Ceremony 041

By: Tina Stern

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Hundreds of guests and press gathered at 7pm on Monday, February 8th as streets closed to see Ringo Starr receive his star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. It coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Walk of Fame.

Gathered beneath the towering Capital Records building on Vine, this Walk of Fame Ceremony was the first ever to be held at night.  Ringo commented, “It’s cool to get one at night. I don’t know about you, but where I live, the stars come out at night.”

With speeches from Joe Walsh of the Eagles, Mayor Villaraigosa, Don Was and Ben Harper, the ceremony was spectacular. The star was unveiled adjacent to George Harrison’s and John Lennon’s stars, in front of the Capitol Records building. Paul McCartney’s star will soon be added.Ringo Walk of Fame Ceremony 038

“I want to thank Capitol Records” Starr said to cheers, glancing up at the tower. “It’s nice to look at a building that you helped pay for.” As always, he passed on his message of peace and love to the crowd.

After the ceremony, Ringo’s guests were invited to a buffet dinner catered by the Hard Rock Cafe in Capitol’s Studio A. I had a fabulous time with my husband Keith Allison (formerly of Paul Revere and the Raiders).  It was a fun filled, happy and loving event and Ringo seemed genuinely moved.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Tina Stern on February 10th, 2010

February 2nd, 2010

Du-Par’s Restaurant in Studio City

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Studio City: (818) 766-4437
12036 Ventura Blvd.

By: Tina Stern

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Since 1938, Dupar’s has been is the only real landmark left on this part of Ventura Boulevard in Studio City.

With no preservatives in their food and everything cooked fresh, Du-Par’s Restaurant and bakery makes some fabulous pies.  With a huge assortment of whole pies that are baked everyday, this is just the spot to grab a pie 24 hours a day. They also serve breakfast, lunch and dinner so drop by to your local Du-Par’s in Studio City when you have a hankering.

Dupars Restaurant

Dupars Restaurant

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.


Posted by Tina Stern on February 2nd, 2010

January 26th, 2010

Hiking in Fryman Canyon

By: Tina Stern

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Wilacre Park or Fryman Canyon are Interchangable Names for the Area

Wilacre Park or Fryman Canyon are Interchangable Names for the Area

If you’re looking for a light hike in Fryman Canyon, here’s a suitable option.  A brief 3 miles loop in the Hollywood Hills will allow some fire roads and trail paths with plenty of vista points and benches.  You have access to Tree Peoples’ Coldwater Canyon Pavilion.  Although it is an urban trail, it’s not crowded.

The Basics:
- Distance: Just under 3 miles round trip.
- Elevation Gain: 463 feet
- Time: An easy 90 minutes.
- Trail Condition: Excellent. Well-maintained fire road for the majority of the trail, with clear signs and landmarks. The use-trails that parallel the fire road are not marked or maintained, but are heavily traveled and easy to spot.

Directions: From the Valley, head south on Laurel Canyon Blvd. from Studio City. 0.8 miles south of Ventura Blvd., turn right onto Fryman Road. The parking area is immediately visible. From the south, at Laurel Canyon (Crescent Heights) and Sunset in West Hollywood, head north on Laurel Canyon for 3.5 miles. Take a left onto Fryman Road and park in the lot. There is a $1 fee for parking.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Tina Stern on January 26th, 2010

September 21st, 2009

Home Buyer Tax Credit Extension?

Senate committee reviewing possibility of continuing tax credit.capitolflag

by Tina Stern

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On June 10, 2009, Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) introduced the “Home Buyer Tax Credit Act of 2009″ (S. 1230), which would increase the current credit which expires on November 30th, 2009 to up to $15,000, remove income eligibility limits, and expand it to include homebuyers purchasing homes other than their first. S. 1230 has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee. This seems to be heating up and close to getting out of committee for a vote. If passed, it would probably remain in effect through the middle of 2010. Please contact your Congressmen and Senators and urge them to approve this bill if it comes up for a vote, it is a great buyer’s incentive which will further boost the housing market in our area. This new version of the bill would be open to everyone, not just first time purchasers!

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Tina Stern on September 21st, 2009

September 16th, 2009

LA Times “Home of the Week”

Sept 20th-11524 Amanda Dr Studio City

By Tina Stern

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11524 Amanda Drive, Studio City will be the featured “Home of the Week” in the Sunday Sept. 20th, 2009 edition. Click here to go to the property website: http://11524amanda.com/3E2077C2-29F9-4009-AC4A-6EB46DC2A202-6_PMAS

There will be a public open house to coincide with this publication on Sunday September 20th, 2009 from 2 PM to 5 PM. This is particularly noteworthy as the Los Angeles Times only chooses one home per week to feature.

CE402988-856E-4CE0-9A60-3FD14693ABE2-6_PMASThe estate is a prime example of the best of the California one story mid-century custom designed home. It offers the ultimate indoor/outdoor living experience. The house has been completely rebuilt from studs to ceiling. The sellers were very sensitive to maintaining the integrity of the original footprint while adding all of the latest amenities available. From the minute you open the front door, you will be awestruck with the open floor plan leading out to the beautiful and expansive views of the canyons. To find out more about this incredible estate, be sure to look for the article in the LA Times newspaper or at http://www.latimes.com/classified/realestate/news/la-fi-home20-2009sep20,0,1424667.story

Posted by Tina Stern on September 16th, 2009

September 10th, 2009

California Legislation Voting To Renew $10,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit

The Vote Is Friday September 11

By Tina Sternimages

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The California legislature is voting on Friday September 11, 2009 to renew the California $10,000 home buyer tax. It is widely believed that an extension will be approved. The credit applies to newly constructed, previously unoccupied homes. Condominium conversions also qualify. Californians do not need to be first-time home buyers to take advantage of the credit; nor do they need to meet income requirements.

Requirements For The Credit

1. The home must be a “qualified principal residence” as defined under California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 17059(b)(1).   The home must:

  • Be a single-family residence, whether detached or attached.
  • Never have been previously occupied.
  • Be occupied by the taxpayer for a minimum of two years.
  • Be eligible for the property tax homeowner’s exemption under California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 218.

2. For over three successive taxable years, the total credit allocated among owners that occupy the home must not exceed $10,000. (Multiple qualified buyers that occupy the home will be allocated credit based on the amount paid and their percentage of ownership.)
3.  Any credit that reduced tax on a tax return must be repaid if the buyer does not occupy the home for at least two years immediately following the purchase date.

4.  FTB may request documentation to ensure buyers have complied with the requirements of the credit.

To learn more visit New_Home_Credit.shtml

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Tina Stern on September 10th, 2009