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Engage Your Teen in Behind the Wheel Safety

Ensure your teen buckles up every trip, whether driving or riding.

By: Tina Stern

Ensure your teen buckles up every trip, whether driving or riding.
Law or no law limit the number of passengers they are allowed to transport.
(With every added passenger the crash risk of your young driver increases significantly)
Restrict the use of any type of cell phone and discuss the dangers of other distractions.
Encourage them to go to www.oprah.com and sign up for a no texting contract. It’s a great program and gaining huge support.

Be a good role model and show your teen that you follow safe driving rules too.

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.

Tags: Buckle up, oprah, Tina Stern

Top 10 Highest-Paid Cities in the World

By: Tina Stern

Swiss bank UBS recently released its tri-annual Prices and Earnings report revealing which of the 73 surveyed cities in the world had the most purchasing power (in terms of the local costs of goods) after taxes were deducted from the average hourly pay. Forbes Magazine further analyzed the data and listed the top 100 highest-Paid cities in the world. While this data isn’t all that useful in practical terms, it’s always interesting to see the facts and figures and how we fit into the global picture. Here are the top ten cities according to this data.

1. Zurich, Switzerland: Net pay per hour: $22.60 (Gross pay per hour: $30.30).
2. Geneva, Switzerland: Net pay per hour: $20.40 (Gross pay per hour: $29.20).
3. New York City: Net pay per hour: $19 (Gross pay per hour: $26.10).
4. Dublin, Ireland: Net pay per hour: $18.70 (Gross pay per hour: $22).
5. Luxembourg City: Net pay per hour: $18.20 (Gross pay per hour: $22.40).
6. Copenhagen, Denmark: Net pay per hour: $17.70 (Gross pay per hour: $32.80).
7. Los Angeles: Net pay per hour: $17.40 (Gross pay per hour: $23.90).
8. Oslo, Norway: Net pay per hour: $15.80 (Gross pay per hour: $24.40).
9. Helsinki, Finland: Net pay per hour: $15.70 (Gross pay per hour: $21.30).
10. Miami: Net pay per hour: $15.70 (Gross pay per hour: $21.10).

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.

Tags: highest paid cities, Tina Stern

A Follow Up to the Home Buyer Tax Credit

As I talked about this on Monday March 22, here is a follow up to the California home buyer tax credit…

By: Tina Stern

On Monday, the legislature passed AB 183 (Caballero & Ashburn) which would provide $200 million for home buyer tax credits. The Governor is expected to sign AB 183 into law before the end of the week.

AB 183 is designed to help stimulate the economy and create jobs.  The bill allocates $100 million for qualified first time home buyers of existing homes and $100 million for purchasers of new, or previously unoccupied, homes. The eligible taxpayer who closes escrow on a qualified principal residence between May 1, 2010 and December, 31, 2010, or who closes escrow on a qualified principal residence on and after December 31, 2010 and before August 1, 2011, pursuant to an enforceable contract executed on or before December 31, 2010, will be able to take the allowed tax credit. This credit is equal to the lesser of 5% of the purchase price or $10,000, taken in equal installments over three consecutive years. Under AB 183 purchasers will be required to live in the home as their principal residence for at least two years or forfeit the credit (i.e. repay it to the state).

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.

Tags: California home buyer tax credit, Sherman Oaks Homes, Tina Stern

Du-Par’s Restaurant in Studio City

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

By: Tina Stern

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.

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.

Tags: Du-Par's Restaurant, Tina Stern

Hiking in Fryman Canyon

By: Tina Stern

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.

Tags: Coldwater Canyon Pavilion, Hiking in Fryman Canyon, Tina Stern

The War against Clutter

“A cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind.”

By: Tina Stern

For those that live in clutter, consider the demeanor you portray to clients.  Lets say you’re selling a home and your client is interested in you as an agent.  In most cases, the potential buyer will at some point get a glance or even a hard look at your desk.  If your desk abundantly overflows with hoards of scattered papers, this lack of organization may project a negative image.  So, consider that a few basic steps to alter the appearance of that clutter.

1. If you have an assistant, delegate some of your responsibilities to free up some of your time.

2. If you work alone, then you must handle every facet of your business. Schedule a consistent time each day for opening both mail delivered by the post office and email, and respond immediately whenever possible to get it off your plate.

3. Do not to feel obligated to say “yes” to everyone who asks for a favor. In other words, don’t over-commit.

4. Be selective when it comes to volunteering time and energy. You can offer to assist with a small portion of a project, but don’t agree to organize the entire event.

Clearing some clutter could help your own business as well your own peace of mind.

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.

Tags: ewing and sotheby's, The War against Clutter, Tina Stern