The Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

By: Charise Mitchell

With more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, and nearly 10 million more serving as caregivers, it’s time to fight against one of our most devastating diseases. So here is your chance. The Memory Walk donations will benefit The Alzheimer’s Association, a leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. The mission for the Association is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research.

Here’s how to help:

First, form a team. Participating in Memory Walk is even more fun with a group. Ask your co-workers, family and friends to walk as a team. You’ll be amazed at how many people want to help.

Second, fundraise. Every Memory Walk participant is asked to raise money for the fight against Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s Association staff are ready to support you every step of the way with tips, tools and advice.

Next, get creative. Raise money with the online tools, hold fundraising events or ask for a donation when you’re face-to-face.

Last, walk. Memory Walk is a unique experience. See the difference you can make as we walk to change the course of Alzheimer’s together

Memory Walk is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. Since 1989, Memory Walk has raised more than $300 million for the cause.

Here’s how it went down in 2008:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P90zsXqujz4[/youtube]

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.

Charise Mitchell

Searching for a new home or selling your current home can be a complicated and exhausting experience. It is absolutely essential to find a real estate agent that is deeply involved in the business and loves what they do to show you the way.

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A Vacation from Stress

By: Lisa Stanley

How about taking a vacation day from worry and stress? Just one day. Tell yourself, “today, I am on vacation from all of the things that raise my blood pressure.”

When you see someone walking down the street talking to him or herself, you think they are crazy, right? Does it occur to you that we do the exact same thing, but not out loud? So take a break from crazy and give yourself the luxury of a day off from it. Free your mind up for more productive things.

Have a wonderful, stress-free day!

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.

Lisa Stanley

Some Los Angeles Halloween ideas

By: Deena Nissley

Drink: A Dark Carnival at Villains Tavern
Our favorite new bar brings together freak and magic shows, a tarot card reader, and mix & match beer and shot combos for $9.
Fri & Sat Oct 29-30, 7p-2a. Villains Tavern, 1356 Palmetto St., Downtown (213-613-0766).

Karaoke: Rockstar
A seriously cool idea that prevents a room full of dueling Lady Gagas in meat dresses: You need to RSVP to claim your costume of choice. If no one else is already going as whichever musician you picked, you’re gold. Email them now, or you’re doomed to go as a one-hit wonder.
Sat Oct 30, 9:30p-2a. M Bar, 1253 Vine St., Hollywood (323-856-0036). RSVP to rockstarhalloween@yahoo.com for $10 entry fee.

Stay: SLS Halloween Package
The best way to do the WeHo parade? You get a free shuttle ride between Santa Monica Blvd. and the hotel, a make-up removal kit and complimentary cocktail back at the room, and a foot massage the next morning.
$329 per night, Fri Oct 29 thru Sun Oct 31. SLS Hotel, 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills. Call (866-716-8136) and mention rate plan HALWPKG.

Listen: KCRW Masquerade
The music fan’s choice. The notorious Cut Chemist and 13 KCRW DJs, from Jason Bentley to Henry Rollins, spin everything from darkwave to punk. Live band Gram Rabbit (like Devo meets No Doubt) drop in to keep it funky.
Sat Oct 30, 9p-2a. Park Plaza, 607 S. Park View St., Downtown. $75 here; $85 at door.

Shop: Emily The Strange Pop-Up Shop
The skateboard deck icon — she’s basically a goth Hello Kitty — gets her own store stocked with comic books, guitars, and cupcakes. Fun fact: the girl in Kick-Ass is playing her in the upcoming movie.
Thru Nov 11. Royal/T, 8910 Washington Blvd., Culver City (310-559-6300).

Game: Original Haunted Hollywood Scavenger Hunt
Explore America’s fifth most haunted city (seriously, this is how they bill it) with a six-person team. You don’t need any prior knowledge of Manson family hangouts, but honestly, it couldn’t hurt.
Oct 22-24, 29 & 30, 6-8:30p. Starting location revealed upon registration. (323-799-1374). $25 per person here.

Dance: Thriller Night
Michael Jackson and zombie costumes are guaranteed to terrify anyone, but the live drummer helping out the DJ will keep them on the dancefloor. $10 more gets you VIP access to the upstairs, so you can scope the action.
Sat Oct 30, 8p-2a. Wokcano Santa Monica, 1413 5th St. (310-458-3080). $10-20 here; $15 at the door.

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.

Deena Nissley

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Some great news on loans

By: Cynthia Sparagna

I’m pleased to see that the Obama administration recognizes the need to extend the current conforming loan limit of $727,750, which he passed this week. The same limits will also be extended to loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

Without the needed extension, which was set to expire at the end of 2010, FHA limits would have dropped by as much as 50 percent in some areas. This would have dropped the conforming loan limit to roughly 40% – bad news for the housing market. The recent actions effectively extend the higher conforming loan limits for Fannie, Freddie, and FHA loans through Sept. 30, 2011.

I applaud our congressional representatives for their actions to extend the higher loan limits through 2011. Making these higher loan limits permanent would be the next step we are advocating for.

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.

Cynthia Sparagna

Cynthia Sparagna, estate agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in representing buyers and sellers throughout the San Fernando Valley. Cynthia was raised on the East Coast and was the middle of seven children.

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The top 3 spots you must keep a secret

By: Deena Nissley

Malibu: The Old Place
Tough guys like Steve McQueen came to this rustic, country store-turned restaurant for a hearty meal of steak, clam, and potatoes. And that’s exactly what you’ll get, because the menu hasn’t really changed in more than 100 years. Stop by the Cornell Winery Tasting Room next door and pick a bottle to bring in with you. (Make reservations — they only take them for three seatings.)
29983 Mulholland Hwy. (818-706-9001)

Downtown: The Bootleg Theater
“Pay what you can” pricing is typical for indie rock shows and film screenings at this Depression-era warehouse. Get back in touch with your artistic side (the one you forgot about after you got tired of eating Top Ramen six nights a week) at this unpretentious, d-bag attitude-free hang for young directors, photographers, and musicians.
2220 Beverly Blvd. (213-389-3856)

Hollywood: The Hungry Cat
The best raw bar selections in LA are at a signless spot hidden away at this modern seafood haunt in the back of the Sunset & Vine complex (it’s across from the north entrance to Borders). Order up straight-from-the-ocean shellfish, from the Pacific and the Atlantic. Don’t like fish? Covered with bacon, blue cheese, and avocado, the Pug Burger is the only thing on the menu that can’t swim. High-concept cocktails mean you’re cabbing it home.
1535 Vine St. (323-462-2155)

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.

Deena Nissley

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"Space and Joy"

Artwork in North Hollywood

By: Linda Cardoso

My friends and neighbors, Candee Corliss and Gary Wilson, are showcasing their art at the Eclectic Wine Bar and Grille in the NoHo Arts district. If you missed their show at the Judith Kaufman Gallery at El Portal Theater earlier this year please stop by The Eclectic in NoHo to see Candee and Gary’s work. Grab a bite to eat and instead of desert do something REALLY decadent – buy an original piece of art – there’s little that I find quite as exciting and it’s a…thrill that lasts – longer than Louboutin’s and in L.A … longer than love.

The artwork just went up this month and no decision has been made as to when it will be replaced. Visit the Eclectic Wine Bar and Grill on 5156 Lankershim Boulevard for an evening of fine wine, food and art!

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.

Linda Cardoso

Despite extremely low interest rates, housing sales remain anemic

By: Cynthia Sparagna

Although home sales still remain subpar, there is a some good news in today’s real estate market. Existing home sales rose in August 2010 following a substantial correction in July, said the National Association of Realtors. Completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, increased 7.6% to a seasonally adjusted rate of 4.13 million in August. Sales, however, still remain 19% below the 5.10 milllion-unit pace in August 2009.

Freddie Mac recently reported that the average commitment rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 4.43% in August, down from 5.19% in August 2009. The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $178,600 in August, up 0.8% from a year ago. Distressed homes rose to 34% of sales in August from 32% in July; they were 31% in August 2009.

Overall, NAR President Vicki Cox Golder, sympathizes with consumers. “People understand the good affordability conditions with stable home prices in most areas, but they’re concerned about the economy and speculation on Wall Street,” she said. “We need to stick with the facts about the long-term value of home ownership and avoid unrealistic assessments. Tight credit and slow short sales are ongoing problems—expediting short sales will help the market recover more quickly.”

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.

Cynthia Sparagna

Cynthia Sparagna, estate agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in representing buyers and sellers throughout the San Fernando Valley. Cynthia was raised on the East Coast and was the middle of seven children.

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The Oldest liquor store in Sherman Oaks

By: Charise Mitchell

Tony’s Liqour in Sherman Oaks has been provide the San Fernando Valley with liquor, deli sandwiches and snacks since 1947. Sitting on 13368 Ventura Blv, owner Tony Trafecanty open this old Midwestern charmed spot to service the needs of Sherman Oaks residents.

The building’s expressionless corner facade says nothing about the inside, but once within, you will find an array of wines on wood racks, liquors behind the counter and regulars eating at the deli. The deli and grill offer the regular American fare: dogs, burgers, tacos and sandwiches — just consistent comfortable nosh. Breakfast and Lunch is served until 4 p.m. and people from all over flock to this relic.

I’ve been going for sandwiches and the occasional wine for years now and it’s a joy to see this place still going strong.

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.

Charise Mitchell

Searching for a new home or selling your current home can be a complicated and exhausting experience. It is absolutely essential to find a real estate agent that is deeply involved in the business and loves what they do to show you the way.

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Know your Wines

By: Linda Cardoso

If you have ever found yourself at a loss when staring at the Wine List in your favorite restaurant then I have just the cure….. Flask Fine Wines in Studio City offers Wine Tasting every Thursday and Friday from 4:30 to 8:30.  The cost is about $20.00 per person and reservations are required for groups of four or more. You’re a Californian…order your wine with confidence. It’s not a privilege, it’s a responsibility!

The Flask is located at:

12194 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA  91604
Phone: 818-761-5373
Fax: 818-763-0251

Flask Wine Tasting Schedule

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.

Linda Cardoso

Hollywood’s newest bar inspired by Ernest

By: Deena Nissley

Hollywood has always looked to books for inspiration. Some of which were not even written by Stephenie Meyer.

And now Johnny Zander, the nightlife superhero who brought you Teddy’s and Green Door, has turned books into… cocktails.

Introducing Hemingway’s, a showstopping new bar with the potential to be the city’s next great hangout, officially opening Tuesday on Hollywood Boulevard.

Basically, this place looks like a party spot disguised as a library—just where you’d find Hemingway if he were still around today and socializing with TV actresses instead of expats. (You’ll settle for the actresses, though—Zander and film-producer partners Elie Samaha and Donald Kushner will put you in industry-heavy company.)

So on those nights when you want a well-mixed drink and a bit of a scene, you’ll step past the Hollywood Boulevard grunge and through the indoor-outdoor foyer, and come to a large room with comfortable old couches, thousands of books in the walls and pillars, and a whole wall covered with vintage typewriters. And a DJ booth.

As you bask in the upscale Dead Poets Society of it all, you’ll want to order a Moveable Feast (rye whiskey, sage, lemon, honey and berries). Or for something a bit more Keys-y, there’s the Old Man and the Sea, which is sort of a thinking person’s mojito.

We don’t recommend the Ketchum, Idaho.

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.

Deena Nissley

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