THE FIRST GREAT QUESTION QUIZ OF 2011

Scott Mandel and I have shared so many incredible memories over more decades than...well, you get the idea.  So many of those memories are built around music and I know there are many of you on here who, when you have a blood test, musical notes come out of your veins.  We thought it would be fun to start the new year with an outpouring of inspiration via music.

So, let's have a little fun and you can be as vague or truthful as you like.  Here it is: my personal top 5 albums of all time

Criteria:

1. take you back to a time in your life that was either very good or very bad. 2. you listened to it for years on end and never tired of it. 3. listening to it prompted a change in your life 4. you can never listen to without having a really visceral reaction.

On your mark, get ready, get set, GO!!

and onto the next bar...

A few doors down from the Exchange we came to The Falls.  I was taken in by the beauty of this place and it's evident how much time, thought and money was poured into this place.  They have a menu of specialty drinks and if you like, you can bring in food from one of the many purveyors on the block to enjoy with your libation.  Our next stop, again only a few doors down, is Spring Street.  Spring Street is a unique beer and wine establishment and you won't find Bud, Coors or Michelob on the menu.  These are all speciality beers on tap along with an assortment of interesting wines.  There is streetside seating as well should you select that option.
One of the oldest theaters downtown is the Orpheum on Broadway which has been painstakingly brought back (and updated) to it's orignal glory.  Unfortunately, the economy has relegated it to a venue for special performances, locations for TV shoots, etc.
Sometimes we just have to hold onto the past for the lessons it teaches and it is up to us to move forward with an enlightened perspective of how we got from there to here.
Have a delicious day everyone.

On we go...

The Ritz Carlton downtown LA is a magnificent property and as the name indicates, it comes with all the bells and whistles.  Living in that specific lap of luxury is only enhanced by having LA Live and the Staples Center right in your own back yard along with 14 movie theaters.  The residences are not quite complete but the tour was a great indicator of things to come.  The residences start somewhere around the 30th floor so you can only imagine the views.  Again, I am surprised at my own ignorance of how far along downtown has become since the time when no one would be caught dead there after dark!!!!  As the weekend is upon us should you find you way downtown searching for a cocktail make your first stop Spring Street.  On just one block you will find three different types of bars to satisfy everyones taste.  The first place we visited was The Exchange.  Here's a little history on this building.  Ground was broken on October 21, 1929 just 3 days before Black Thursday.  Designed by architect Samuel E. Lunden, the building was opened in January 1931.  The Los Angeles Stock Exchange merged with the Pacific Stock Exchange in 1956 and trading took place until 1986.  Since that time, the building has remained largely unoccupied.  TODAY, it's a party!  To be continued...

8th Annual Fall Downtown Los Angeles Tour

For those of us with a fear of downtown there is not just a glimmer of hope but a bonfire!!!  I had the privilege of attending the 8th Annual Fall Downtown Los Angeles Tour this morning and it was one of the most exciting things I've ever done.  Now, before you start feeling sorry for me because you think I have no life, I want you to know that there is a thriving environment just moments from your doorstep and I will tell you all about it and even throw in some pictures that I hope you will enjoy.

We started out with breakfast at the Sheraton Hotel and listened to a panel who gave us the most intriguing information about what's happening downtown.  After about an hour we all boarded several very luxurious busses to head off to our various destinations.

Our first stop was at First and Hope, a supper club.  This gem of a restaurant is located, if you can believe it, in a strip mall, right next door to a Subway sandwich shop.  Once you walk inside, you cannot believe your eyes.  It is a glittering throwback to an era long past but with every gorgeous element of today.  There is a back room called Fedora that has been painstakingly made to look like it came right out of the Art Deco period where you can either dine or simply sip your cocktail while listening to live music. The room even has the ability to create an illusion of smoke to make it look as though everyone is smoking. If you live in LA you must go and, if not, when you visit, make it a destination. I'll be back later with more of what I saw today.

Property Tax Calendar

Guide to Property Taxes

A Brand New Day

When the sun came up this morning I had no idea what the day had in store for me.  I certainly never expected to be starting a blog but, then again, what the heck was I waiting for.  My name is Arnie Smith and I am a Realtor.  That statement is not an admission of some deep sin but an offer to share what I know with anyone who would like information on the subject matter.  No one has to tell you that interest rates are at an all time low or that there are wonderful homes to be found.  All it will take is the willingness to be part of the process so, hit me with your questions or tell me how I might assist you.