This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Coldwell Banker. All opinions are 100% mine.
I recently had a chat with a younger colleague of mine who has been house hunting for the last few weeks. He’s a first time home buyer and wants to take advantage of the 2010 Homebuyer Tax Credits that are being offered as part of stimulus package the Obama administration put into place last year. The deadline is fast approaching so my friend is scrambling to find just the right place. Apparently, as long as you have a contract by April 30th and close on the house by June 30th, it’ll qualify you for a tax credit of up to $8,000. It’s definitely a great time to buy especially with the low interest rates and the decline in home prices. According to news reports, the tax credit has successfully fueled a surge in existing home sales the last few months which is a good sign for our economy. I wasn’t aware of this but during our conversation, my colleague mentioned that there’s even a tax credit for existing homeowners seeking to “move up”. It applies to homeowners that have lived in their current home for 5 of the past 8 years and are in the process of purchasing another home. This particular tax credit can go up to $6,500 and the same deadlines apply as the first time home buyers tax credit. Income limits to qualify have increased to $125,000 for singles and $225,000 for married couples. I’ve been in my current house for approximately six years so I’d would qualify for the new tax credits except for the fact that I’m not ready to move on up to a bigger home just yet. There’s no indication that these incentives will be around next year so be sure to take advantage of them while you still can.
Nobody cared what we’d think, what we’d say, what we’d do… – Findlay Brown
Well, if they didn’t care about Findlay Brown before, I’m sure they care for him NOW! Brown’s recent U.S. release titled Love Will Find You is a superb sonic tribute to the classic pop sounds of the early 60’s. The new album is like unearthing a time capsule from that era and finding pop gems that hark back to the sounds of Phil Spector, Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley.
From a songwriting point of view, it’s no easy feat to conjure up new and memorable melodies and catchy refrains within the confines of early 60’s pop chord structures. But somehow Brown has come up with ten terrific tunes that successfully capture the feel and mood of that long gone era without overstepping the line into cheesy parody.
At the helm of this project is producer Bernard Butler who is pretty much the “go-to” guy for getting vintage sounds (i.e. Duffy’s 2008 album “Rockferry”). Highlights on the album include the ultra-catchy “Love Will Find You” (complete with Phil Spector’s “Be My Baby” drumbeat), the Roy Orbison-ish “Everybody Needs Love” and the dramatic album closer, “I Had A Dream”.
TrackList: 1 Love Will Find You (Brown) 3:18
2 Nobody Cared (Brown) 3:56
3 All That I Have (Brown) 2:40
4 Everybody Needs Love (Brown) 4:33
5 That’s Right (Brown, Hinkley) 2:27
6 Teardrops Lost in the Rain (Brown) 3:23
7 Holding Back the Night (Brown) 4:19
8 If I Could Do It Again (Brown) 2:37
9 I Still Want You (Brown) 2:04
10 I Had a Dream (Brown) 5:34
This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Eye-Fi. All opinions are 100% mine.
Like most people, I’ve amassed a number of digital cameras over the years. I still have an old Sony digicam that has been with me for what seems like forever. Even though it’s a bit outdated, it’s small and easy to carry around while on the go. And I also have a newer Kodak super zoom which takes great photos but is a bit bulkier and not as convenient to lug around everywhere. And then my 12 year old son has his own digital camera which he’s constantly using to capture candid photos of the family. He seems to have a knack for capturing the weirdest expressions on my face for some odd reason. go figure.
The obvious drawback of having so many cameras around the house is trying to keep track of all the different USB cables. As most of you know, camera manufacturers require specialized USB connectors for their own brand of cameras. So unfortunately you can’t just use a “universal” USB cable for all the different devices. Why can’t these companies keep things simple and agree to a standard USB connector? I don’t know the reason behind all the different connectors but what I DO know is that I always end up misplacing these cables at some point.
Having to keep around all these tangly cables just to upload photos to the computer is a big hassle. And like most folks, I tend to put off inconvenient tasks like this and I eventually end up with a massive amount of photos stored on a SD card that I have to sort through and organize which compounds the whole ordeal even more.
That’s why I love the new Eye-Fi wireless SD card. It works just like a normal SD card that you’d place in a camera but it also features built-in Wi-Fi capabilities that allows for it to automatically upload photos off the card and onto your computer. Once you configure the settings with the included software and USB card reader, the Eye-Fi card will transfer all your photos and organize them into date-based folders. You can also set up Eye-Fi to upload to your favorite social networking sites like Flickr and Facebook.
It’s simple, fast and easy. Plus, there’s no longer the need to search through desk drawers and closets for those elusive USB cables. The new Eye-Fi card is definitely a must-have for any digicam user. Just think how easy it’ll be to update Facebook now with something like Eye-Fi in your camera!
While my kids were watching Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs the other day, I was in the kitchen doing some cleaning when I heard a vaguely familiar intro during one of the scenes. I went over to the family room to listen more closely and I immediately recognized the artist – Trevor Rabin. For some reason, the music editors of the film chose to include the intro to a old song of his titled “Promises”. I’m not sure why but perhaps it’s a nod and a wink to Rabin since he does soundtrack work for big-time movie producer Jerry Bruckheimer. In any case, hearing that lil’ snippet of Rabin’s song made me pull out his 1989 album Can’t Look Away for a quick listen. It’s a phenomenal album by the way. I wish Rabin would take a timeout from the lucrative work in movie soundtracks and get back to rockin’ out on the guitar a bit more. It has been way too long Trevor!! It looks so easy to be walking close behind
And I found it easy to be near you all the time
I’m looking at you now as if you knew the way
But I can’t reach you, you’re far away
It doesn’t seem so easy like the river that flows upstream
Promises! Don’t give me promises
Don’t give me promises when all you do is lie
No promises when all I do is cry
Look for the questions from the minds of those who care
You’ll find them waiting and you’ll learn that we can share
Losing the love been looking out for freedom
Been losing our love along the way …
- Promises by Trevor Rabin (more…)
This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Heineken. All opinions are 100% mine.
When out bar-hopping with the guys it’s sometimes tough keeping alcohol consumption within reasonable limits. Who wants to be the “Debbie Downer” of the group while everyone’s in celebratory mode, right? No one wants to ruin anyone’s buzz but we need to realize that if we care about our friends, we need to take some responsibility here. We all know what can happen when excessive drinking is mixed with driving. But how do you bring up this sensitive issue during the evening’s conversation? Well, why not with an iPhone app? Heineken has come up with a fun little iPhone application called the Breathalyzer. Just start up the app and then get your friend to blow into the iPhone. The app will then characterize the person in question with one of seven profiles including “The Crier”, “The Sleeper”, “The Groper” and “The Stumbler”. Of course, it’s not a REAL breathalyzer but it’s definitely an effective conversation starter and helps remind everyone to provide transporation for those in no-condition to drive home.
You can Download the Heineken Breathalyzer iPhone app for free at the iTunes store. And to learn more, head on over to the The Heineken Know The Signs website. I think it’s great that Heineken is making an effort to be a more social responsible beer brand and the added humor in the app helps the message go down a bit easier.
Get Ready To Rock radio will be streaming a brand new Todd RundgrenAWATS interview on their website this weekend.
Todd recently spoke with Get Ready To Rock to celebrate the forthcoming London A Wizard A True Star concert at the HMV London Hammersmith Apollo on Friday February 6th!
Here’s the official announcement from Get Ready To Rock:
Hello and Happy New Year!
Have you checked out our radio channel?
We broadcast every day with a mix of continuous music sequences and feature programmes.
We are available in the radio section (iTunes), via the Reciva and Pure software that powers many wi-fi radio sets, or via the pop-up player at our dedicated website.
All music is hand-picked by specialists and you’ll always hear a healthy blend of the new, less familiar, and classic rock tracks.
This month TODD RUNDGREN is our featured artist, when we add more of his music to our playlists.
This Sunday (10 January, 20:00 GMT) Stuart Hamilton profiles Todd Rundgren’s music followed by a new interview with the man himself (21:00)
Todd talks about his forthcoming London show and his recent career…
More information:
Other weekend highlights include Tony Charles (Sunday 15:00), Joe Matera (Sunday 18:00) and Peter Muir (Sunday 19:00) with their choice of classic rock, melodic guitar-based rock and progressive.
More information: http://www.getreadytorockradio.com
This is your radio station, so do get in touch with your requests, suggestions, and comments.
And starting soon, our quest to find “Ten for 10″, ten bands we’ll support through the year and with a chance to vote for your own favourite.
With best wishes
The Get Ready to ROCK! Radio Team
I’m so glad I didn’t purchase one of those Flip HD video cameras over the holidays. I was really itching to get one of those little pocket sized cameras but none of ‘em were waterproof. The Kodak ZX1 was “water-resistant” but I wanted one that I could take along to the pool and stuff. Well, Kodak announced today that they’ll be releasing a brand new HD WATERPROOF video camera called PlaySport in March 2010. The Playsport looks to be an updated version of their popular Zi8 camera but can be taken down to 10 feet (3 m) under water. Kodak also claims that the camera is built to withstand some minor drops to the ground which is definitely a plus for me since I’m a bit on the clumsy side. The PlaySport records at full 1080p and also can take 5 MP still photos. The press release doesn’t really state what format the camera records in but if it’s like the previous kodak models, I believe its .MOV which is a bit of a bummer since MOV files don’t work with windows media player (without installing some additional codecs).
Anyway, unless Flip Video (or another competitor) comes out with their own pocket-sized waterproof video camera, this Kodak model is definitely the one to get. (more…)
so, I’ve ended up with a membership to both CostCo AND BJ’s wholesale club. I initially signed up for a CostCo membership a few months ago since I’ve been finding that my growing boys are becoming *eating machines*. my kids have pushed us over the threshold where buying in bulk becomes cost-effective. anyway, after coming and going to CostCo a good number of times we noticed a few negatives, at least from our point of view.
- CostCo isn’t located conveniently for us. It takes approximately 20 minutes for us to get there and it’s always through heavy traffic.
- No matter what time of day or whatever day of the week, the place is ALWAYS crowded. I’m amazed there are so many people out and about purchasing large ticket items there at the store. aren’t we in a recession, people?
- CostCo doesn’t take Visa or Mastercard. only american express or a debit card. definitely a negative in my book. but I guess you can take it as a good thing where it sort of limits your spending.
And that’s when BJ’s came into the picture. Before the holiday season began, we received a two-month free membership coupon for BJ’s so we went ahead and gave them a try. BJ’s overall isn’t as impressive as CostCo in terms of the scope and variety of items offered but we DID encounter some advantages over CostCo.
- BJ’s takes visa/mastercard.
- the BJ’s in our area is closer to us than CostCo which definitely makes things more convenient.
- I’m not sure if it’s the location or what but the BJ’s near us is rarely crowded. and I’m the type of person that HATES crowds so this is definitely a plus in my book.
- Over the holidays, I noticed that BJ’s had a better variety of gift basket items. you know those gift packs of chocolates or perfumes that you purchase when you have absolutely no idea what to get your co-worker or distant relative.
- they also offer self-checkout lanes which helps when the regular checkout lanes are full. CostCo (at least the one in our area) doesn’t have self-checkout lanes which sucks b/c there are always long lines when checking out at CostCo.
- membership is cheaper at BJ’s. With the free trial coupon, we were offered a full year membership for only $35 which is more enticing than Costco’s $50 a year fee.
anyway, it’s a tough call either way especially when you factor in those unique “warehouse only” items CostCo has that are pretty good bargains. But the crowd situation is the kicker for me as well as the long drive to and from CostCo. So, BJ’s Wholesale Club wins in my opinion. But I have the rest of the year before I have to decide on renewals so I’ve got time for CostCo to change my mind. (more…)
I’m still amazed that Paul McCartney’s little one-off ditty “Wonderful Christmastime” from 1979 continues to get substantial airplay each and every year around the holidays. I mean, it couldn’t have taken Sir Paul more than a couple minutes to come up with the whole song. Just take a look at the lyrics and it’s pretty obvious.
The mood is right, the spirits up
We’re here tonight and that’s enough
Simply having a wonderful christmastime
Simply having a wonderful christmastime
The party’s on the feelin’s here
That only comes this time of year
Simply having a wonderful christmastime
Simply having a wonderful christmastime
The choir of children sing their song
They practiced all year long
Ding dong, ding dong, ding dong, ding..
The word is out about the town
To lift a glass and don’t look down
Simply having a wonderful christmastime
Simply having a wonderful christmastime
The party’s on the spirits up
We’re here tonight and that’s enough…
Sir Paul seems to recognize the “won’t ever go away” aspect of the song and even included it in his live set in Cologne (16Dec09). Fans will most likely get to hear it again in Dublin (20Dec09) and in London (22Dec09).
Check out the live footage from Cologne on youtube:
There are some neat memorabilia up for auction to support the City of Hope cancer center. A good number of Universal Music artists are involved with this charity auction including Elton John, Bon Jovi and The Fray.
There’s an autographed Elton John DVD with a letter of authenticity from Universal Music. A stratocaster guitar pickguard signed by all four members of Bon Jovi. The Bon Jovi item also includes a letter of authenticity. And then there’s a neat little toy piano signed by members of the Fray. The ebay auctions end at 6 pm PST on Monday (December 21st). So far the Bon Jovi pickguard seems to be the most popular of the three. Be sure to check out these ebay auctions and get your bids in before the Dec 21st deadline.
When out bar-hopping with the guys it’s sometimes tough keeping alcohol consumption within reasonable limits. Who wants to be the “Debbie Downer” of the group while everyone’s in celebratory mode, right? No one wants to ruin anyone’s buzz but we need to realize that if we care about our friends, we need to take some responsibility here. We all know what can happen when excessive drinking is mixed with driving. But how do you bring up this sensitive issue during the evening’s conversation? Well, why not with an iPhone app? Heineken has come up with a fun little iPhone application called the Breathalyzer. Just start up the app and then get your friend to blow into the iPhone. The app will then characterize the person in question with one of seven profiles including “The Crier”, “The Sleeper”, “The Groper” and “The Stumbler”. Of course, it’s not a REAL breathalyzer but it’s definitely an effective conversation starter and helps remind everyone to provide transporation for those in no-condition to drive home.
