The NAR recently released the 2007 NAR Legal Scan, which it claims is it's most comprehensive study to date of legal issues and trends in the real estate industry.
The historial data is based on research of court documents, states, regulations and jury verdict reports, involving 655 court cases and 112 statutes and regulations. The study contains an appendix listing each case, statute and regulation with full legal citation by issue and jurisdiction.
The complete study has been published electronically on NAR's member Web site and is available at no charge to NAR members.
NOTE: The "Legal Scan" is available in two parts: an NAR Scan (about issues facing real estate brokers) and an IREM Scan (real estate management issues).
Key finding from the "Scans", include:
* Agency issues are among the most common issues of legal disputes. Another major area is property condition disclosre, especially mold and structural defects.
* Technology issues are growing in importance, especially privacy, spam and other forms of electronic solicitation.
* Subject areas where future training will be vital include agency, disclosure, technology, antitrust, and real estate settlement procedures.
Source: NAR Press Release - Realtors® Release Latest Legal Liability Survey
For real estate resources, help and support services in acquiring or selling properties in New Jersey, Visit my web site: LawrenceYerkes.com
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.
NAR Study: Legal Liability Issues
1 comment • Lawrence Yerkes - Broker Associate, Southern New Jersey Real Estate Services • June 24 2007 05:43AMBeige Book Released By Federal Reserve For June
The Federal Reserve recently published their latest issue of the Beige Book. It is available online. |
0 comments • Lawrence Yerkes - Broker Associate, Southern New Jersey Real Estate Services • June 23 2007 01:53PMSupporting Disabled Veterans: Sentinels of Freedom Foundation
Their creed is, "We Shall Never Leave You, We Shall Never Forsake You." The organization was originally started by a local, grassroots group of community leaders in Danville, California. It's leader, Mike Conklin, is a father of three Army Ranger sons and was inspired to help severely wounded soldiers after one of his sons was injured in Iraq. 
After seeing the impressive level of care his son received in military hospitals and wanting to do something that provided tangible support to disabled troops, Mike, along with some friends and business associates formed the Sentinels of Freedom Foundation to "accept responsibility for the well-being of severely injured men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who are returning to civilian life and show promise for bright and productive futures. It affords them the time to adapt to their new physical challenges and surroundings, and ease back into a life of complete self-sufficiency."
In support of that objective, they developed a four year scholarship program to aid veterans with severe service-related injuries (amputation, blindness, deafness, paraplegia, severe burns). The recipients are call "Sentinels", in "honor of their sacrifice and commitment to guarding our freedoms."
Their first "Sentinel" was crushed by an tank while serving in Germany and at first not expected to live. After 29 operations and hospital rehabilitation, he faced return with no friend nor family support in his hometown. Sentinel volunteers and the community welcomed him home and provided the support structure, including a rent-free home, to allow him to adjust to his new life situation. He is now employed by UPS, has received two promotions and is on the Dean's List at his college.
The organization has also expanded it's mission to include helping other communities to provide similar support for the hundreds of severly wounded now being discharged from military hospitals -- allowing them the opportunity to return to a productive civilian life and regain their independence.
Click here for more information about the Sentinels of Freedom Foundation, their program and information resources for disbled veterans.
The foundations welcomes individual, community and corporate sponsors, volunteers and donations. For example, RE/AX International recently announced it's support by providing funding for the four year scholarship program that helps disabled veterans obtain housing, education, employment and transportation.
For real estate resources, military help and support services in acquiring or selling properties in New Jersey, including McGuire AFB and Fort Dix areas, visit my web site: LawrenceYerkes.com
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.
2 comments • Lawrence Yerkes - Broker Associate, Southern New Jersey Real Estate Services • June 23 2007 10:03AMFederal Reserve Board Public Hearing: Encouraging Responsible Mortgage Lending
A public hearing by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System is being held today to help determine what steps the Board should take to curb abuse in the home mortgage market, especially the sub-prime lenders, without hurting the incentives in place to encourage responsible lenders to provide credit to borrowers.
Click here for the published opening remarks of the meeting.
Previous press release announcing meeting
It will be interesting to see and hear what comes out of this meeting and what their recommendations going forward.
For real estate resources, help and support services in acquiring or selling properties in New Jersey, Visit my web site: LawrenceYerkes.com
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.
1 comment • Lawrence Yerkes - Broker Associate, Southern New Jersey Real Estate Services • June 14 2007 12:50PMCowtown Rodeo - Enjoy Professional Rodeo in South Jersey
If you don't already know about it, Cowtown Rodeo, located in Pilesgrove, NJ in Salem County, South Jersey, offers professional rodeo "in the true tradition of the old west" each Saturday night at 7:30pm from May through the end of September each year.
It is currently in it's 52nd year of rodeo performances, providing events for Bareback Bronc Riding, Calf Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Brahama Bull Riding, Team Roping and Girls Barrel Racing. It is a professional stop on the professional rodeo ciruit for hundreds of cowboys and cowgirls from the east coast and the nation.
Cowtown Rodeo is the only sanctioned weekly professional rodeo east of the Mississippi and the longest continuous running regular Saturday night rodeo in the United States!
The Cowtown Rodeo is one of three weekly ongoing rodeos sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). The others are in Mesquite, TX. and Steamboat Springs, CO. It is part of the First Frontier Rodeo Circuit.
While it officially got it's start in the 1950's, it's history can by traced back to 1929 involving Howard "Stoney" Harris when he put on a rodeo for the county fair in Woodstown,NJ. Eventually, he established Cowtown Rodeo in 1955. Several generations later, the Harris family still owns and has actively participated in the rodeo. During the later part of the 50's and the 60's Cowtown Rodeo had it's own TV show, which I can remember watching while growing up with my family.
Insider Note: The regular program lasts from 7:30 to 10:00pm, but usually there are more contestants for the competition than can fit on the first program. As a result, if you stick around after the first show you will often see national caliber contestants in the second show.
Cowtown rodeo is within easy reach from anywhere in the Delaware Valley, including Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE. Food, including snacks and hot and cold refreshments are available. The arena seats 4000, with box seats and season tickets available. (Click here for rates.) Parking is free.
Don't miss out on this exciting attraction for the whole family to experience and enjoy.
Also on site: Cowtown Flea Market (Tuesdays and Saturdays, 8am-4pm, year round); Cowtown Livestock Auction (Tuesday at noon, year round).
Picture Gallery:
Kevin Black - Photo Gallery - Cowtown 2007
Joseph Sorrentino - Photography - Cowtown Rodeo
Cowtown Rodeo in Woodstown
Videos:
Bucking Bronco at Cowtown
Cowtown Rodeo: real | mp4
Rodeo Associations:
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)
Womens Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA)
Rodeo related:
ProRodeo Online
New Jersey Barrel Racing
RodeoAttitude.com - Rodeo News
World of Rodeo
Wikipedia: Rodeo
For real estate resources, help and support services in acquiring or selling properties in New Jersey, Visit my web site: LawrenceYerkes.com
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.
0 comments • Lawrence Yerkes - Broker Associate, Southern New Jersey Real Estate Services • June 13 2007 11:52AMAffordable Housing Near Jobs A Problem for Employers and Employees
"Concern is apparent within the business community-particularly among larger employers-about the lack of affordable housing for employees, with companies reporting the shortage as being problematic in hiring and retaining entry- and mid-level workers, according to a new survey released by the Urban Land Institute (ULI). The same survey showed interest by moderate-income workers in moving closer to work if affordable housing were available."
The survey consisted of an employer portion and a consumer (commuter) portion, conducted recently by Harris Interactive. It was presented on June 2 at the National Association of Real Estate Editors (NAREE) annual conference in Philadelphia.
The survey indicates the need for those planning, developing, using and managing commercial properties to consider providing improved access to local employee resources and to work with community planners and developers in designing communities that better address both sides of the employer-employee equation.
Some highlights from the employer survey:
- Fifty-five percent of larger companies (those with 100-plus employees) reported a lack of affordable housing near their location.
- Sixty-seven percent of the larger companies that acknowledged a lack of affordable housing believe that it is having a negative impact on retaining qualified entry-level and mid-level employees.
- Fifty-eight percent of the larger companies that acknowledged a lack of affordable housing reported having lost employees at least in part to long commute times.
- Sixty-nine percent of the larger companies believe a long commute increases employee stress; 63 percent believe it triggers negative emotion among employees; 48 percent said it causes more absenteeism; and 46 percent said it contributes to employee turnover/attrition.
- Thirty-six percent of the larger companies believe it is important to be actively involved in providing employee access to affordable housing.
- Awareness among larger companies regarding corporate and government housing programs remains relatively low (25 percent were aware of corporate programs and 34 percent were aware of government programs); but 42 percent of larger companies said they would participate in a government program.
- Forty-five percent of the larger companies offer flextime to reduce commuting time; 21 percent offer telecommuting.
Some highlights from the consumer survey:
- Sixty-seven percent of those with annual household incomes of less than $50,000 would be at least somewhat likely to move closer to work if more affordable housing were available.
- Sixty-four percent of those earning less than $50,000 would be at least somewhat likely to make a lateral employment move in exchange for a shorter commute; compared to 60 percent earning more than $50,000.
- Seventy-six percent of those aged 18-34 would be at least somewhat likely to make a lateral employment move in exchange for a shorter commute; and 76 percent in that age group would be at least somewhat likely to move closer to work if affordable housing were available.
- Fifty-seven percent of all commuters surveyed said they would be at least somewhat likely to move closer to work if affordable housing were available.
- Eighty-five percent of respondents who commute more than 90 minutes daily said they would be at least somewhat likely to make a lateral job switch to cut their commute in half.
- Forty-seven percent who work in suburbs prefer to live closer to work even though it may mean higher housing prices and less disposable income; while 53 percent of suburban workers prefer to live in an area with affordable housing opportunities and more disposable income, even if it means living further away from work and having a longer commute.
The main aim of the ULI, as a result of the survey, is to increase the supply of affordable housing.
Source: ULI
Click here for the full ULI news release about the survey
See details of the survey here.
Visit my web site for our additional services and experienced support: LawrenceYerkes.com
and visit BestProperties-NJ.com to learn more about our commercial services and resources.
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.
1 comment • Lawrence Yerkes - Broker Associate, Southern New Jersey Real Estate Services • June 13 2007 08:23AMFederal Reserve Board: Banking Agencies Issue Host State Loan-to-Deposit Ratios
Source: FRB Press Release 6/12/2007
Click here for full news release, with downloadable loan-to-deposit ratios (listed by state)
Visit my web site for our additional services and experienced support: LawrenceYerkes.com
and visit BestProperties-NJ.com to learn more about our commercial services and resources.
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.
0 comments • Lawrence Yerkes - Broker Associate, Southern New Jersey Real Estate Services • June 12 2007 05:16PMHUD: New PATH Concept Home Introduced - Efficient, Sustainable, Flexible, Affordable
HUD UNVEILS AMERICA'S FIRST EFFICIENT, SUSTAINABLE, AFFORDABLE CONCEPT HOME PATH.
Concept Home represents the New American Dream during National Homeownership Month.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced the completion of America's first PATH Concept Home featuring more than 60 efficient, sustainable and flexible products and systems all in one affordable home.
"With the PATH Concept Home, HUD has created a blueprint for the future of the American Dream by using innovative housing technologies that support our goals of sustainability, efficiency and flexibility in an affordable home," said HUD Assistant Secretary Darlene F. Williams. "June is National Homeownership Month and we are excited to showcase a home that is affordable to purchase, maintain and renovate as families and their needs change over time."
The PATH program - the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing - is a public private partnership between the U.S. government and America's housing industry that works together to advance the use of technology in the housing infrastructure throughout the country.
Torti Gallas and Partners, an award-winning architecture firm, created the PATH Concept Home Omaha (Nebraska) design. It meets the requirements for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Homes, Environments For Living®, ENERGY STAR TM and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Green Building Guidelines [see also: Alternate NAHB Page Link; Consensus Committee; NABH ToolBase]
The Concept Home plans are available at http://www.pathnet.org/ (blueprints downloadable as PDF files).
Also check out PATH's online videos and additional online resources for concept homes and neighborhoods.
Source: HUD No. 07-082
Click here for the full HUD Press Release about the PATH Concept Home
For real estate resources, help and support services in acquiring or selling properties in New Jersey, Visit my web site: LawrenceYerkes.com
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.
2 comments • Lawrence Yerkes - Broker Associate, Southern New Jersey Real Estate Services • June 12 2007 04:46PMCommercial Real Estate Buffeting Residential Slowdown
STUDY SHOWS: COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT KEEPS ECONOMY FROM STALLING DESPITE HOUSING SLOWDOWN
According to a recently publish report based on analysis conducted by the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University (CRA) and sponsored by the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) Research Foundation, in 2005 -- the latest comprehensive data available -- commercial real estate spending (Office, Industrial and Retail Development) added $498.4 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which was $11.9 trillion that year. By comparison, the federal government contributed $498.8 billion to the 2005 GDP (Ref: www.bea.gov).
The basis of commercial real estate's on-going sustainability lies in its three phases of development:
* Soft costs (such as architects, engineering, marketing, legal, management), site development, and tenant improvements
* Hard costs (actual construction costs)
* Building operations (such as maintenance, repair, custodial services, utilities, and management)
And recently, according to Census Bureau data as of April, 2007, an increase in the "hard costs" of construction of 2.4% more than makes up for the 1% drop in commercial construction.
Click here for full press release by the NAIOP about the report.
Visit my web site for our additional services and experienced support: LawrenceYerkes.com
and visit BestProperties-NJ.com to learn more about our commercial services and resources.
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.
0 comments • Lawrence Yerkes - Broker Associate, Southern New Jersey Real Estate Services • June 11 2007 05:25PMRealty Reality - Blog Posts - Highlights - May 2007
Here are some of the Realty Reality blog articles that appeared during the month of May:
Life Expectancy of Home Components
By any reckoning, a home is expected to last many years and serve several successive generations. But what about the individual components that comprise the house? How many years of service can a home owner reasonably expect from a roof or a door, a window or ...?
IRS: Estate and Gift Taxes
If you give someone money or property during your life, you may be subject to federal gift tax. The money and property you own when you die (your estate) may be subject to federal estate tax. The purpose of this web page is to give you a general understanding of when these taxes apply and when they do not...
Celebrate: Memorial Day
Celebrated in most states on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day is a time to remember the U.S. men and woman who lost their lives serving their country...
Redfin and 60 Minutes - Alternate View
The recent CBS news magainze show, 60 Minutes, had a report by Leslie Stahl about Redfin and the real estate industry. Besides being a brilliant free advertisement by Redfin for Redfin, it contained many factual errors, sloppy research and reporting. Here is a parody by Point2 that provides an alternate view that we thought was hilarious yet profound...
Tips For Green Bathrooms
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers offers this guide of typical appliances and fixtures -- and their lifespans -- so you can make smart choices for that next bathroom project. "Homeowners can easily transform their bathrooms with these simple energy and water efficient upgrade..."
U.S. Still A Top Tourism Destination For The World
U.S. Commerce recently announced that tourism-related sales totaled a record $1.2 trillion in 2006. In addition, 2.9 million international visitors traveled to the United States in February, an increase of nine percent over February 2006. International visitors also spent $9.2 billion during the month, up eight percent. "The United States remains a popular tourist destination for international visitors and the industry is breaking records..."
Leading the Corporate Green Charge -- What Company Comes to Mind?
When you hear the words "green business," what company comes to mind?...
Clean Coal Allocation Requests Deadline Remains June 30
Applications for the 2007 allocation for clean coal projects are due to the Department of Energy (DOE) on or before June 30, 2007. Contrary to the expectation in an earlier information release (IR-2006-184), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) no longer expects to change the deadline to June 1...
Damaged Lawn Repair
The important thing in repairing a lawn is to match the new, with what you already have in place so it's a nice blend. For example...
Radon In Homes Linked To Lung Cancer
Two studies show definitive evidence of an association between residential radon exposure and lung cancer...
Keep Your Eye on Google Experimental
Google is actively working on changing and improving how we search and the ways that search results can be organized and presented. It will be important to us as a user of their service, but is it very important to you if you are marketing a product or service through Google...
IRS: Nisson Hybrid Still Gets Tax Credit
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that purchasers of qualified Nissan North America Inc. vehicles may continue to claim the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit...
Healthy Eating: Enjoy Almonds and Their Benefits
Almonds are classified as a "super food" because of their nutritional value, health benefits and flexibility in preparation and use. Almonds are high in...
Urban Infrastructure - Invest or Ignore?
A new report from the Urban Land Institute (ULI), in conjunction with Ernst & Young, looks at "Evolving Market for Infrastructure Funding, Development, Management". According to the ULI, "The United States' relatively low investment in virtually all aspects of mobility-related infrastructure-airports, public transit, railway systems, roads and bridges-is an "emerging crisis" that will...
Negotiating the Right Protection
During the home-buying process, there's more to negotiation than just price and terms. In the market of the past, buyers had nothing to go for except the highest price possible. Now, the buyer has more leverage...
Recalls.gov - Site for U.S. Government Recalls
"To provide better service in alerting the American people to unsafe, hazardous or defective products, six federal agencies with vastly different jurisdictions have joined together..."
For real estate resources, help and support services in acquiring or selling properties in New Jersey, Visit my web site: LawrenceYerkes.com
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.
0 comments • Lawrence Yerkes - Broker Associate, Southern New Jersey Real Estate Services • June 09 2007 10:39AMTony Bennett - In Concert at Ceaser's Palace in Atlantic City on August 24 and 25
For more information about what you can expect at the concert, see my other article talking about my experience when Tony Bennett recently appeared at Wolf Trap in Washington, D.C.:
Tony Bennett: The Best Is Yet To Come
There are many more opportunities for concerts and entertainment in our area all year long.
Click here for more area attractions.
For real estate resources, help and support services in acquiring or selling properties in New Jersey, Visit my web site: LawrenceYerkes.com
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.
0 comments • Lawrence Yerkes - Broker Associate, Southern New Jersey Real Estate Services • June 09 2007 09:44AMMedford Community Events: Annual Art, Music and Antiques Festival
The past Sunday was the annual Arts, Music and Antiques Festival hosted by the Medford Village Historical Society. This year we had the threat of rain hovering over the event. The rains did come, but they held off with just a few sprinkles until later in the afternoon, so we we able to successfully hold the event while only shortening it by about an hour when the rains began coming steadily and gradually increasing in intensity.For those of you who attended and stopped by our booth, we thank you. If you missed it, then plan for next year as the discussion was already underway about making the next year's festival even bigger and better.
For real estate resources, help and support services in acquiring or selling properties in New Jersey, Visit my web site: LawrenceYerkes.com
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.
0 comments • Lawrence Yerkes - Broker Associate, Southern New Jersey Real Estate Services • June 08 2007 09:26AMMedford Lakes Community Events: Memorial Day
This past Memorial Day, Medford Lakes celebrated with it's traditional Memorial Day Parade lead off by the Shawnee marching band, following by the herd of kids in their decorated bikes and then follow by local officials and a huge line of police, fire and emergency vehicles from Medford Lakes and the surrounding communities of Medford, Southampton, Shamong, Evesham and Tabernacle townships and the Forest Service. It was a surprisingly long and impressive line.
The highlight of this event is when the parade ends up for memorial ceremonies at the Borough's municipal building (currently temporarily location while construction on the new log municipal building is being completed.). The national anthem, playing of Taps, offering of words and a time of silent prayer in memory of those who gave their lives and the sacrifices of their families was made and the lowering of the flags to half-mast was carried out by local officials, VFW veterans and the local Boy Scouts. It was a very solemn and heart felt time for all observing the event.
(Note: Prior to the parade, there was the annual marathon run.)
For real estate resources, help and support services in acquiring or selling properties in New Jersey, Visit my web site: LawrenceYerkes.com
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.
0 comments • Lawrence Yerkes - Broker Associate, Southern New Jersey Real Estate Services • June 08 2007 08:58AMBreakTime: Top Trumpet Virtuosos During My Lifetime
A comment I made in a prior article about "Fly Me To The Moon" by Tony Bennett got me started on this subject as I jumped to my favorite trumpet version by Al Hirt and then it took off from there...
Anyway, here are resource links to information about the trumpet and some of the best and most popular virtuoso trumpet players I experienced via recordings during my lifetime.
My opinion isn't worth much, but below are my selections for the best, most popular North American virtuoso trumpeters of the later half of the 20th Century and first part of the 21st Century...in order of appearance...
* Louis Armstrong: Jazz, Blues, Dixieland, Popular [trumpeter, vocalist]
* Raphael Mendez: (originally from Mexico, became a U.S. citizen): Classical, light classical, Mexican folk [trumpeter, composer, arranger, educator] [article]
* Harry James: Big Band, Swing, Jazz
* Al Hirt: Popular, Jazz, Dixieland
* Maynard Ferguson: Big Band, Jazz (Canadian)
* Allen Vizzutti: Classical, jazz [trumpeter, composer, studio musician, educator]
* Doc Severinsen: Big Band, Jazz, Symphonic [trumpeter, arranger, band director] [interview]
* Winton Marsalis: Classical, Jazz [trumpeter, educator]
As you can see, my choices tend toward the classical, popular and big band. I know many will demand that Miles Davis, Chet Baker, etc. etc. are included, but this is my list of virtuoso players I have listened to repeatedly and have enjoyed. I enjoyed Davis' earlier "Cool" and "Blue" periods, but not his later more experimental periods. I'm not implying it wasn't good, just not my taste or style. Neither Davis nor Baker, while extremely talented and skilled musicians, were known primarily as "virtuoso" players.
I originally had Don Ellis (jazz, avant-garde, electronic [trumpeter, drummer, composer, innovator, band leader]) as part of the group. Ellis always had interesting and challenging music, but he is not someone I turn to when I want to just relax. I could not include trumpeters such as Herb Albert, even though he was a good musician with a talent for arranging, promotion, development and producing, and who created the popular "Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass", which I also enjoyed, but not in the same way as those on my list.
This list does not include Brass groups, with excellent trumpet players as members, such as The Canadian Brass or the Empire Brass.
A couple of younger International contenders:
Allison Balsom: Classical (British, up and coming - very good tone, clean technique, light touch without being weak).
Sergei Nakariakov: Classical (excellent technical skill and good clear tone, also plays flugelhorn).
What would be your choices ?
Online Resources for the Trumpet:
Trumpet-Stuff - all about trumpet players: audio, video clips, links, interviews, pictures and more.
The Trumpet Herald: The Trumpet Herald strives to bring trumpet performers of all ages and skill levels together in a meaningful and constructive way. (Forum, Marketplace, Schedules, Jobs, Registry)
International Trumpet Guild: The International Trumpet Guild is a non-profit organization, founded in 1974 to promote communications among trumpet players around the world and to improve the artistic level of performance, teaching, and literature associated with the trumpet.
Trumpet Lecture: History of the trumpet
The Trumpet Gearhead: FAQs about the trumpet.
Trumpet Page: Links to other trumpet resources and information.
Trumpet Think: Trumpet playing thoughts, FAQs, How-tos, instructional video.
National Trumpet Competition: official site.
The Trumpet: the physics of the trumpet.
Trumpet Home Pages: Information and links to some of the world's greatest trumpet players.
Roddy's Trumpet Web Site: Training, tools, resources.
Dictionary: Trumpet - picture view, parts of the trumpet labeled.
Virtual Trumpet Studio: History, training, resources.
Trumpet Center: A site for trumpet players, teachers, students and more.
Trumpets Website: a jazz trumpeter resource originating from New Jersey.
Classic Encyclopedia: Trumpet.
Trumpet Catalog: Sheet Music for the trumpet.
How A Trumpet Is Made: the manufacturing process of trumpet making.
Brass Instrument Samples: Trumpets
RawBrass: information gateway for trumpet players.
Bach Trumpet Page: information about Bach trumpets.
Conn-Selmer: manufacturer, including subdivisions LeBlanc (Holton) and Bach.
David G. Monette Corporation: manufacturer of trumpets and mouthpieces.
Getzen Trumpets: manufacturer.
Trumpet Master: Resources and communications for trumpet performers.
Pops Trumpet College: training for trumpet players by Clint 'Pops' McLaughlin, including embouchure.
BrassReview: a players guide to information about brass instruments, including trumpets.
Cornet Compendium: online history of the 19th century cornet.
Click here for more music education and enjoyment resources provided in previous blog articles.
Click here for more BreakTime articles
For real estate resources, help and support services in acquiring or selling properties in New Jersey, Visit my web site: LawrenceYerkes.com
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.
0 comments • Lawrence Yerkes - Broker Associate, Southern New Jersey Real Estate Services • June 08 2007 08:23AMBreakTime: Tony Bennett - The Best Is Yet To Come
One of the many advantages of living in the South Jersey / Delaware Valley area is the ability to attend events and visit sights in the Washington - Baltimore - Philadelphia - New York metropolitan region, that can easily be done in a day or evening trip. In our situation, we had never been to Wolf Trap (in Vienna, VA just outside Washington, D.C.) as that was the closest Bennett would be on dates that I could attend, so we scheduled it as a time to be together and experience Tony Bennett at Wolf Trap.
On the day of the concert we left home mid-afternoon for our destination, arriving in time to park, grab something quick to eat, and settle in for the concert starting at 8 p.m.
If you've never been to Wolf Trap, I can now vouch that it is a great venue on a nice warm summer evening, which is how we experienced it. You have the choice of sitting under cover or outside on the lawn. While the stage looks small from the lawn, the sound is excellent. People come and eat at the open air restaurant on the grounds, order a box lunch or bring their own dinners and drinks and eat on the park picnic tables or right on the lawn where they will watch the show. 
We sat about halfway back, under cover, in regular seats so we did not have to worry about weather, since we had to order tickets well in advance. From where we sat, it appeared that we had close to a capacity audience both under cover and out on the lawn.The concert started with the musicians taking their positions, an announcer quickly introducing Tony Bennett, then Tony entering the stage in a sharp-looking pale yellow sport jacket and blue tie to a standing ovation which he graciously acknowledged. Then were we off and running for a non-stop 90 minutes of great music, with minimal patter, from the "American Song Book" and great musicianship, including in the starting set the song, "The Best Is Yet To Come", the theme for Tony's concert tour.
Because of the traffic conditions in the Washington Area, there were still people become coming in and taking their seats after Tony started to sing. At one point, when a group of latecomers were taking their seats in the very front rows, Tony Bennett joked, "You don't know what you missed!" And the rest of us in the audience laughingly agreed and applauded.
Tony Bennett performs with a quartet of excellent jazz musicians: Bruce Barth on piano, bassist Paul Langosch, Gray Sargent on guitar and Harold Jones on drums, about whom Tony shares that Count Basie said he was the best drummer he ever knew. They are all some of the best in the business and he provides them with many opportunities during the concert to prove themselves, and they deliver.
For a man over 80 years old, Tony Bennett still has the chops of many singers 20 or 30 years younger. While he doesn't have the endurance he used to have -- he takes frequent breaks while letting the musicians take solos and his voice has some raspy-ness that's more apparent during the quieter/softer moments of a song -- he was still hitting high (and low) notes with force. A couple of times he moved the mike away for a few bars and you could amazingly hear him just as loud without it as you could with it! (In the past, I have heard that he has sung Fly Me To The Moon a capella to demonstrate this ability, but did not do so this evening.) Apparently, he is skilled at projecting he voice and blessed with pipes and good training (bel canto) that keeps him from damaging his voice. While he certainly gives you your money's worth for the concert, and though he had a standing ovation with several curtain calls, he did not do any encores. I'm sure that's to protect his voice.
His American songs list included slow, moving ballads and exciting swing numbers such as "Steppin Out" during which he even did a little choreography or a little samba-like action with "The Shadow of Your Smile". During one of the songs he broke out into scat singing. He introduced, "If I Ruled The World," as his political song. He of course does several of his hits, including "I Left My Heart In San Francisco", but the version he did in concert is softer, warmer and more intimate than the standard recorded version everyone knows. He does end it strongly as in the original. He sang most of the songs with his phenomenal quartet. However, on several he was accompanied just by the guitarist, creating an even more intimate, mood with beautiful cord progressions that complemented Bennett's rendering of a song.. 
Other songs he sang included, "Once Upon a Time", "All the Things You Are", "I Got Rhythm", "The Way You Look Tonight", "Its a Sin to Tell a Lie" and "I Wanna Be Around". He shared briefly, before singing "For Once In My Life", that it was presented to him by it's author, Ron Miller, when he was performing in Detroit and he immediately recognized it as a great song and recorded it. It was later offered to a then 15-year old Stevie Wonder who had a big hit with it (#2 in 1968). Later he and Stevie recorded a duet of the song which recently won a Grammy. Toward the end of the concert Tony did a great swinging tribute to Duke Ellington.Tony's appeal is not just his ability to sing notes well at 80. He is a master at phrasing, bringing out the story in the lyrics, and in creating emotional dynamics that impact the listener. While every song he sang was exceptional, they are songs that most have heard many times before by other singers. When he was singing the songs live on stage, you heard every word as if it was an emotional conversation between you and him and he held your attention. And it was if I was hearing many of them for the first time -- which in a sense I was. I thoroughly enjoyed ever moment of that experience.
Tony shared during the concert that at 80 years of age, he was celebrating over 50 years in show business, then in mock surprise raising his hand to his head, he exclaims that he just realized that it's actually been over 60 years, to the laugh and applause of the audience.
While I wish him another 60 years of singing excellence, I encourage you to hear him now while you have the chance and he is still in top condition for his age.
Tony covered a lot of music in 90 minutes, but it eventually came to an end. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the concert on many levels, the best aspect of the evening was being able to share the time and experience with my daughter, who also enjoyed the concert.
If you live in Southern New Jersey or the Delaware Valley Area, or plan on vacationing at on Jersey Shore, you can hear Tony Bennett live, in concert, when his tour stops over in Atlantic City for two shows on August 24th and 25th.
Additional Online References:
NPR Jazz Profiles: Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett -- Official Site
Tony Bennett's Art website (Anthony Benedetto) [Art Biography]
IcebergRadio: Tony Bennett Interview (including Audio and Video)
Tony Bennett: Impeccable Standards (On Stage 2002 Interview -- interesting information about his training, practice, methods, etc. He also talks about Ralph Sharon, then his piano player, who later retired from touring.)
AARP: Interview with Tony Bennett about his daughter Antonia Bennett (2003)
PBS: Great American Songbook
American Songbook Preservation Society
Modern Drummer: Harold Jones
DrummerWorld: Harold Jones
BassTalk: Tony's Bassist - Paul Langosch
BruceBarth.com
Jazz Review: Bruce Barth - Going Where The Music Takes Him
Yamaha Press Release: Gary Sargent (2001)
Interview: Gary Sargent
NPR - Marion McPartland's Piano Jazz: Lee Musiker (not in concert, worked with him on records)
Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts
For real estate resources, help and support services in acquiring or selling properties in New Jersey, Visit my web site: LawrenceYerkes.com
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.
1 comment • Lawrence Yerkes - Broker Associate, Southern New Jersey Real Estate Services • June 07 2007 11:52AMWelcome to the Business-to-Business Group
Welcome to the ActiveRain Business to Business Group!
The purpose of this group is to be a source of guidance, support, information and resources for businesses, whether startup or established.
Coverage will be local, regional, national and global.
This business group is open to all business owners, corporate managers and those involved with business support services including commercial real estate and business brokerage.
Please feel free to contribute and to make any comments and suggestions about the direction this group should take and the topics for discussion.
LawrenceYerkes.com
1 comment • Lawrence Yerkes - Broker Associate, Southern New Jersey Real Estate Services • June 03 2007 02:12AMNew Jersey Municipalities - Explained
Your Guide to Understanding New Jersey Municipality Types and Forms.
The State of New Jersey has established 5 official types of local governing municipalities that it recognizes within it's counties: Township, City, Borough, Town and Village. They all control well defined geographical areas and have the same legal standing within the state and their respective counties. There are no lower level or subordinate municipalities through which they have to share power. This differs from the concept of a township outside of New Jersey. Although many people equate towns with townships, in New Jersey, when referring to governing municipalities, they are not the same.
The New Jersey concept of a municipality can be confusing to those living in New Jersey, let alone those moving into New Jersey or outside firms planning to conduct business in the state. But it's important that you understand how the state government is structured at the local level. Let's examine it in more detail...
To continue with a detailed discussion of New Jersey municipalities click here for the full article posted on my web site.
For real estate resources, help and support services in acquiring or selling properties in New Jersey, Visit my web site: LawrenceYerkes.com
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.
0 comments • Lawrence Yerkes - Broker Associate, Southern New Jersey Real Estate Services • June 03 2007 12:44AMRealty Reality - Blog Posts - Highlights - April 2007
Here are some of the Realty Reality blog articles that appeared during the month of April:
New USPS Postage Rates Become Effective May 14, 2007
Effective May 14th, the price for a First Class Letter will go from 39 cents to 41 cents. There will also be rate increases and new standards most postage classes, including periodicals and domestic and international mailing services. Note: There is also a First Class "Forever" Stamp that you can purchase which will allow you to use it any time, even if the rate increases in the future...
Avoiding Scams and Fraud on the Internet
The Internet has offers tremendous potential for the advertising of our products and services. It also has it's risks when engaging in any transaction involving money for scams and fraud...
Buying Land
In the past half century, the emphasis in home storage has moved from freestanding furniture to built-in closets, and closet design has evolved accordingly. Once little more than shallow cupboards, closets have grown more generous in size and sophisticated in design. Over the last quarter century, custom-built closets have become one of the most popular trends in home remodeling...
Eldercare Locator - Online Government Resource
The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging (AOA). The Eldercare Locator connects older Americans and their caregivers with sources of information on senior services. The service links those who need assistance with state and local area agencies on aging and community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers...
Custom Closets
In the past half century, the emphasis in home storage has moved from freestanding furniture to built-in closets, and closet design has evolved accordingly. Once little more than shallow cupboards, closets have grown more generous in size and sophisticated in design. Over the last quarter century, custom-built closets have become one of the most popular trends in home remodeling...
Federal Reserve Beige Book April 2007 Report
Most Federal Reserve Districts noted only modest or moderate expansions in economic activity since the previous report, however two--New York and Minneapolis--reported steady and firm growth, respectively, and Dallas characterized growth as moderately strong...
Ten Most Lethal Mistakes For Real Estate Investors
As the market starts to show signs of a rebound, investing in real property also becomes a more appealing idea -- either as a career or a great side job. Like any other endeavor, though, there's a right way and a wrong way to go about it. Bankrate spoke with established, full-time real estate investors and with professionals, such as bankers, to identify the 10 types of traps into which real estate investors most often fall...
Where The Growth Is and Is Not
Of the 100 biggest housing markets by population, there are still plenty slated to show price gains from April 2007 to April 2008. Here are the top 5 and the bottom 5...
Getting Out of Deliquency Tough On Buyers
As mortgage delinquencies climb, lenders say they are taking new steps to work with homeowners in financial trouble. But many borrowers say red tape and other obstacles are keeping them from resolving their problems...
National Housing Information To be Updated By Census Bureau
Beginning April 23, Census Bureau field representatives will interview 76,000 housing units to conduct the American Housing Survey (AHS), the most comprehensive survey of U.S. housing between decennial censuses...
Small Business Phone Forum: Solutions for A Healthy Business
The Internal Revenue Service is presenting another free conference call forum on April 11, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. This forum, entitled "Solutions for a Healthy Business," will feature speakers from SBDC, SCORE, NJ Division of Taxation and the IRS, introducing various resources and services available to small business owners...
Hydrogen Becoming A Viable Energy Source
According to a recent CNet article, Las Vegas' success with establishing Hydrogen as one of it
s primary sources of energy is allowing other communities to take a serious look at doing the same thing within their own areas...
State Bar Associations
For those that may need to find legal information or representation in another area of the country, here is a list of state bar associations for your convenience...
Determining Cost of Living Adjustments When Relocating
Before you move, use these handy resources to see how your current standard of living will compare to your new location...
Avoid Common Tax Mistakes
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) today urged taxpayers to review their tax returns for common errors that could delay the processing of their return and refund. Here are some ways to avoid common tax return errors...
Termites, Cockroaches and Rats! Oh My!
The presence of any one of the pests listed in the title, or any of the other numerous pests that we can bring to mind, is enough to generate an "Oh My!" from most of us. They, and a host of other pests, are engaged in an ongoing battle for access, use (habitation and/or destruction) and control of your property...
Selecting A Contractor: How To
Do your need a contractor? Here's a guide...
For real estate resources, help and support services in acquiring or selling properties in New Jersey, Visit my web site: LawrenceYerkes.com
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.
0 comments • Lawrence Yerkes - Broker Associate, Southern New Jersey Real Estate Services • June 02 2007 10:38PMNew Contingency Indicators for Listings Still Being Shown With An Agreement of Sale
Starting in June 24, 2007, that status will be replaced by what is being called "contingency indicators" to better reflect the situations when an agreement of sale is involved and the property is to continue to be allowed to have showings.
The new contingency indicators will show as:
In addition, additional questions will be asked to further qualify status updates to help determine when a listed changes from active to pending.
NOTE: Realtors should consult their TREND Info Center for more information.
For real estate resources, help and support services in acquiring or selling properties in New Jersey, Visit my web site: LawrenceYerkes.com
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.
0 comments • Lawrence Yerkes - Broker Associate, Southern New Jersey Real Estate Services • June 02 2007 08:51PMMedford NJ: Arts, Music & Antiques Festival - Sunday June 3rd
For a great time out with friends or family, join us at the annual Medford, New Jersey Arts, Music and Antiques Festival, hosted by the Historic Medford Village Association. It will start at 10 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 3rd. (Rain date will be, Sunday June 10th, the following week.)
This event turns the main streets of Medford Village into a big outdoor exhibit with multiple stages. There is plenty to see and hear and eat!
For last year's event, "The Historic Medford Village Association enjoyed a perfect day for the 14th Annual Festival of Art & Music, which was held on June 5th. No rain-date was necessary because the sun smiled on Main Street! Traditionally, this Festival is the premier spring event in the Delaware Valley and offers a full day of free family entertainment. The festival features over 30 musical acts, 75 local and regionallyrenowned artist, jugglers, stilt walkers, face painters, magicians, complimentary Victorian Trolley rides, juried art, and lots more ! There is something for everyone ... art and entertainment for everyone and every age. Musical venues feature four staging areas with strolling entertainment along Medford's Main Street (Rt. 541), which is closed to vehicular traffic." This year's promises to be even better.
While your there, please stop by our RE/MAX Suburban booth and say hello, pick up some of our free gifts. Also, register for a free T-short and drawings for free beverage cooler knapsack or sport carry-all bags. Looking forward to seeing you there.
We are also helping sponsor the free Victorian Trolly rides within the festival area.
Click here for more information, maps and pictures from previous festivals
For real estate resources, help and support services in acquiring or selling properties in New Jersey, Visit my web site: LawrenceYerkes.com
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.
0 comments • Lawrence Yerkes - Broker Associate, Southern New Jersey Real Estate Services • June 02 2007 04:33PMContent © 2009 'Frequent Contributors'. Design © 2009 ActiveRain Corp.
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