Refinance before June 3rd to avoid FHA rule changes

Thursday, May 02, 2013

by Alexandra Zega

Thinking about refinancing your existing mortgage, or taking out a new one? Don't delay, or it could cost you. Some Federal Housing Administration (FHA) changes involving tighter lending standards and higher mortgage insurance premiums already took effect on April 1st, while others are on the way - and these changes could make a dent in your wallet.

So what's prompting these changes? They come in the wake of the FHA's Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund - which is used to fund homeowner programs - announcing a deficit of over $16.3 billion for fiscal year 2013.

"All these changes that the FHA is implementing are not surprising considering the struggle to maintain their mandated reserve requirement," says Irene Moustakas, a California mortgage broker with Granite Financial. "But it translates to loans and payments that are more expensive for consumers."

Keep reading to learn about more FHA changes that will take effect on June 3rd, and how it'll affect your home purchase or refinancing opportunities.

You Might Have to Pay Mortgage Insurance for the Life of the Loan

After the FHA changes come into effect on June 3rd, most homebuyers with a case number after this date will have to pay mortgage insurance for the life of the loan - unless they put a down payment of more than 10 percent, according to Mortgagee Letter 2013-04 issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on January 31, 2013.

This means you'll have to either put down more money upfront, or you'll face paying mortgage insurance over the life of your loan.

"If you wait until after June 3rd, then you must pay [mortgage insurance] for either 11 years, or the life of the loan, depending on how much you finance," Moustakas says. "If you put down 10 percent or more, then the annual mortgage premium can be eliminated after 11 years. So if your loan amount is $400,000, with this 10 percent down payment scenario, that's an additional $31,200 you will be paying for insurance [over the life of the loan]."

If, however, you get a case number for a mortgage or refinance before June 3rd, you can stop paying mortgage insurance once you reach 22 percent equity in your home - and the savings can be significant.

The bottom-line benefit is savings in your pocket, according to Moustakas. The trick is to secure an FHA case number prior to June 3rd.

There Will Be Minimum Equity Increase for Jumbo Mortgages (over $625,500)

Do you have at least 5 percent equity in your home, or for a down payment?

If you are considering refinancing or getting a mortgage over $625,500, the required down payment (or equity in the home if it's a refinance) will rise from 3.5 percent to 5 percent of the home value, according to a FHA Federal Register Notice dated February 6, 2013. This means that your mortgage amount cannot exceed 95 percent of the home value.

"On that sort of loan amount and purchase price, that's a lot of money," says Moustakas - almost $33K you'll have to come up with on a $650,000 loan, for example.

Moustakas says the combination of the impending increased down payment requirements, and the annual insurance premium increase from April 1st, mean people considering taking on or refinancing a big mortgage should act today.

"Right now you would be able to get into a home with FHA financing for less money down than what will be required in the future."

Mortgage Interest Rates are Increasing - Regardless of the Loan You Have

If the upcoming FHA changes don't seem like much to be concerned about, consider this: According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), mortgage interest rates are predicted to reach a whopping 4.3 percent by the fourth quarter of 2013.* And that could be a reason in itself to refinance now - regardless of if you'll be affected by the FHA changes.
Let's take a look at how much of an impact this can have on your wallet. Below is a comparison of a $400,000, 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with an interest rate of 3.76 percent (the March 29, 2013 average according to the MBA), and the predicted 4.3 percent:

	3.76 percent	4.3 percent
Monthly Payment:	$1,854.73	$1,979.49
Total Interest Paid:	$267,703.83	$312,614.88

With just an increase of a little over half a percent in interest rates, the monthly payment is $124.76 higher, with almost $45,000 extra paid over the life of the loan in interest. Now that sounds like a good reason to refinance.

* Interest rate predictions are as of March 22, 2013.

By Sarita Harbour | Yahoo! Homes – Mon, Apr 29, 2013

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The Rolls-Royce of riding mowers

Saturday, April 27, 2013

by Alexandra Zega

With the grass beginning to grow in many parts of the country, a little weekend yard work may be in order. But why settle for a labor-intensive push mower when you can ride around on the Rolls-Royce of lawn tractors? That’s pretty much how John Deere bills its X758 Signature Series Tractor – and at around $17,000 for the fully decked-out version (with the snow-blower attachment and an extended-service plan), it’s one of the most expensive of its kind.

But what do you get for a tractor that costs as much as a Honda Civic? Well, you get a lot of car-like features: Think four-wheel drive, cruise control, tilt steering and a powerful 3-cylinder diesel engine that provides “extra torque and durability,” according to Deere. Oh, and you also get cup holders and a port to plug in your cell phone (just in case you need you need to talk to your stock broker in the midst of your mowing, a cynic might suggest). But perhaps the key element, say Deere execs, is an auto-connect feature that makes it extra-easy to snap on the all-important mower deck (the part that actually cuts the grass).

The reality:

Sure, it might be fun to drive, but it won’t necessarily make your yard look that much better, say lawn pros. For starters, unless you have at least half an acre of yard to maintain, you can probably get away with a standard motorized push mower, which can cost well under $500. But even if you have a large lawn, you need no more than a basic lawn tractor — the sweet spot for models that can do the job and last through several seasons of mowing is between $2,000 and $4,500, pros suggest. And they recommend any number of manufacturers that offer models in that price range, including Husqvarna, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt and, yes, John Deere. Pros also says the snow-blowing, gardening and other accessories can make a lawn tractor an extra-essential purchase. Simply put, it is a machine “designed to do more than mow,” says Hank Will, editor in chief of GRIT, a rural lifestyle magazine.

But what to look for in a lawn tractor? The key is a solid engine, but experts suggest that the X758 one, which has 24-horsepower, could be overkill. Carl Eickenberg of Power Equipment Plus, a New England-based retailer that also sells online, suggests that for the average suburbanite, 20 to 22 horsepower “might be all that’s needed.” And while a diesel engine indeed provides plenty of torque, “no homeowner needs a diesel,” says Mark Sodja, outdoor equipment specialist for eReplacementParts.com.

Still, there’s more to a mower than the engine. Pros say it’s a good idea to look for a hydrostatic transmission, which makes it easier to shift speeds. And, yes, that’s the very type of transmission found on the X758, but it can also be found on much cheaper models. As for some of the other features on the X758, they’re more about the show-off factor than the mow factor, pros say. You buy an X758 “because you want your neighbor to watch you mow your lawn,” says Mark Sodja.

And to a great extent, John Deere officials don’t dispute that, when it comes to their top-of-the-line model. “It’s not about, ‘Do I need it?’ It’s about, ‘Do I want it?’” says Greg Weekes, a Deere marketing manager. But that’s why Deere has lawn tractors at all price points: For a quality tractor at a lower cost, Weekes suggests consumers consider their 300 series models, which start at $3,000.

(c) Charles Passy@DowJones.com

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Five Ways to Beat Flu Season - from Dr. Oz & Dr. Roizen

Monday, January 07, 2013

by Alexandra Zega

ThinkstockThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report earlier this month, warning that flu season has come early-and it's coming on strong. While in most years, incidence of flu picks up in January and peaks in February, the latest numbers from the last few weeks of November show that flu season has officially arrived. Get your tissues and hand sanitizers ready, troops, it's going to be a long winter.

Lab tests in 48 states have confirmed cases of influenza, and flulike illness in some areas has already topped last season's totals. Google has a cool tool called Flu Trends where you can see where in the world people are searching most for flu-related information, an indication of who's getting hit hardest. The U.S. is already at "High," especially in the Southeast region. Not counting the infamous swine flu outbreak, we're looking at what could be the worst flu season in nearly a decade.

The flu is no fun (as if you needed us to tell you that!). Symptoms range from sniffles and chills to a high fever that keeps you home from work all week, or worse-flu lands 200,000 people in the hospital each year and kills more than 30 thousand in this country alone. There are antiviral drugs that can make you feel a little better and shorten the illness's duration. But of course your best bet is to not get the flu in the first place! Fortunately there are several simple and smart ways to defend yourself this flu season. And none of them requires full body armor or hiding in a bunker until April.

1. Get a flu shot. This one seems obvious, but it's amazing how many people don't get their flu shots. Only 37 percent of Americans got them last year, and it's looking the same this year. There's no guarantee that it will prevent your getting sick; the flu shot has been 60 to 70 percent effective in recent years. But it's definitely worth a shot! Go to your doctor, a local clinic or one of many drug store chains that offer walk-in vaccination. It takes all of five minutes, kicks in after two weeks and will keep you flu-free through spring.

2. Wash your hands … and your keyboard. And your phone. And doorknobs, faucets, the door to the fridge-any surface you use a lot and share with others. If the people around you are carrying the virus, they can spread it easily by touching or breathing on the stuff you use every day. And they might not even realize what they're doing: You can start spreading the flu a full day before you even get that I'm-coming-down-with-something feeling.

3. Keep moving. Regular exercise isn't just great for the parts of your body you can see. It might also help keep your immune system in tip-top condition. There's a clear connection between physical activity and immune function and researchers are trying to identify the specific effects. One early study found that women over 60 who kept active had more responsive immune reactions than their sedentary peers. Don't let the cold weather keep you huddled on the sofa. Get your body in fighting shape-inside and out!

4. Get plenty of sleep. If you do come into contact with the dreaded flu virus, it's important that your body is ready to put up its dukes to fight it off. Your immune system needs all the energy it can get to successfully battle viral invaders. The hours you spend sleeping are when your body can focus on rest and replenishment. Fewer hours in bed means less energy and a weakened immune state.

5. Supplement your diet.  There are several foods you can eat or supplements you can take to give your immune system some added power. Vitamin D3 helps your immune system. It's hard to get enough from the winter sun, so consider taking supplements. You can also try chicken soup, large doses of vitamin C (500 mg every 4 hours), zinc lozenges, or anti-viral elderberry extract, all of which have been shown in studies to shorten the duration of colds or flus by 50 percent.

(c) Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen

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All items in '12 Days of Christmas' now top $107K

Monday, November 26, 2012

by Alexandra Zega

(c) Kevin Begos | Associated Press

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Add seven swans, six geese and five golden rings to the list of Christmas gifts that cost more than they did a year ago.

And if you get all 364 items repeated throughout "The Twelve Days of Christmas" carol, you'll pay 6.1 percent more this year, according to the so-called Christmas Price Index that PNC Wealth Management updates annually.

That comes to $107,300.

"The rise is larger than expected considering the modest economic growth we've had," said Jim Dunigan, managing executive of investments for PNC. He noted the government's Consumer Price Index has risen just 2 percent in the 12 months before September.

Thrifty shoppers may find some reasons for cheer. Six items mentioned in the song haven't gone up in price: maids-a-milking, ladies dancing, lords-a-leaping, calling birds, turtle doves and the partridge. The eight maids-a-milking still cost just $58 because the minimum wage hasn't risen.

Twelve drummers drumming ($2,775.50) and eleven pipers piping ($2,562) might also be considered relative bargains compared to seven swans, which will set you back $7,000. Nine ladies dancing will cost you $6,294.03.

Dunigan said the 2011 drought caused the prices of some birds to soar, partly because of corn and other feed costs.

"The geese were up 29.6 percent, and swans were up 11 percent," Dunigan said, adding that none of the gifts in the song went down in price this year.

The price of a pear tree is $189.99, an 11.8 percent jump from last year's $169.99. Five gold rings jumped 16.3 percent this year, to $750, and three French hens are now $165, instead of $150.

The $15 partridge is the cheapest item, and swans the most expensive, at $1,000 each.

Last-minute shoppers who turn to the Internet will pay a bit more for the gifts. Buying one set of the core items in each verse costs $24,431 in traditional stores this year, but $40,440 online. Part of that difference is the extra expense of shipping live birds, Dunigan said, adding that Internet costs rose 1.5 percent compared to last year.

PNC Financial Services Group Inc. checks jewelry stores, dance companies, pet stores and other sources to compile the list. Some of its sources this year include the National Aviary in Pittsburgh and the Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Ballet Company.

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Pumpkin Carving Tips from the Pros

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

by Alexandra Zega

By Sarah B. Weir, Yahoo! blogger | Halloween – Thu, Oct 25, 2012

Maniac Pumpkin Carvers "Starry Night"Is your Jack-o-lantern's face comprised of three triangles and a lopsided grin? Welcome to the lame pumpkin club. Both professional carvers and talented amateurs are doing some pretty cool things with pumpkins these days like etching out layers to create intricate patterns of light and cutting elaborate silhouettes that go far beyond traditional kitty faces and ghouls. Shine quizzed two experts on how they achieve their magical results

Choosing a pumpkin

Marc Evan is one-half of Maniac Pumpkin Carvers, a Brooklyn-based custom carving business that turns out more than 300 pumpkins during their autumn rush. Although Halloween is especially busy, Evan says there is also a big demand for harvest themed pumpkins and fall wedding decorations.

Different pumpkins are suited for different projects. "For a classic lantern style, we look for a lighter pumpkin that's free of defects," says Evan. "For something sculptural we're want something misshapen and heavy for its size."

Look for a healthy stem that isn't completely dried out. The pumpkin will last longer.

Avoid pumpkins with bruising or soft spots. They will also rot faste

Storing a pumpkin

Wash and dry your pumpkin when you bring it home to get rid of dirt and microorganisms.

Both before and after carving, pumpkins should be kept below 60 degrees. Evan says to store in the refrigerator if possible.

Rub some lemon juice diluted with a little water onto the cut edges to prevent browning and then coat lightly with petroleum jelly.

Wrap with cellophane until ready to display.

Pumpkins begin to deteriorate after about 24 hours so carve as close as possible to the time you plan on displaying.

Carving a pumpkin

Scrape out the inside so its very clean, smooth, and dry.

If the pumpkin is wobbly, slice the bottom off for a secure base.

Have a sketch or photo to work from. "We don't like to wing it," says Evan. There are also lots of free design templates available online.

Use a soft pencil to draw your design on the pumpkin.

Experiment with tools. Evan thinks pumpkin carving sets are good for beginners, but as your skills improve, you can play with other tools. "We're always looking for stuff at a kitchen store or hardware store that might solve problems."

Cut small areas first. If you carve out big chunks, it will leave the face of the pumpkin weak and may cause it to break when you are doing finer work.

Create dimension by scraping layers into the outside of the shell like a block of wood.

As you are carving, occasionally turn off the lights, put a light source in your pumpkin, and check your progress.

Try up-lighting your pumpkin from the outside or cutting a hole the back instead of the traditional lid top. "We like to cut an opening in the back and leave the top intact," says Evan.

Battery operated lights are safer than traditional flame candles. If you do use a traditional candle, use a votive in a glass holder and make sure the flame doesn't touch the pumpkin's flesh. Cut a tiny chimney hole in the upper back area to let smoke escape.

Never leave a lit pumpkin unattended.

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Three Hot Cinnamon Cocktails You Have to Try This Fall

Thursday, October 04, 2012

by Alexandra Zega

(C) Zester Daily | Shine Food - Virginie Boone

The Autumn Kiss features cinnamon-spiced whiskey, maple syrup, lemon, and more cinnamon.

When summer turns to fall and we feel compelled to relinquish our margaritas and mojitos in favor of drinks that will nurture and warm us, it's still good to think about what's in season. Fall is when apples, pears, pomegranates and grapes are at their peak, among many other flavors and ingredients. The flavor of cinnamon symbolizes the changing season, able to magically ignite the senses into feeling warm and calm. It can be the basis of a cocktail or a garnish, a perfect companion to anything apple, and just as effective as a kick-in-the-pants hot hit of spice.

From the bark of a tropical tree, cinnamon is most often ground into powder and used to season stews, rolls and apple pies. In the form of cinnamon sticks, it adds a flavorful twist to apple cider.

In either form, cinnamon has been gaining serious ground in cocktail culture, with Kahlua making Cinnamon Spice versions of its coffee liqueur. There are several varieties of cinnamon schnapps, from Goldschlager (the one with actual gold floating around in the bottle), to one called Firewater.

Whiskey producers add to cinnamon cocktail trend

But cinnamon and whiskey seems to be a particularly popular combination. Early Times last year released Fire Eater, a hot-cinnamon flavored whiskey. Red Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whisky from Canada even comes with a warning.

Spicebox Spiced Whiskey, another from Canada, features a blend of differently aged whiskeys, infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, three types of vanilla beans and other spices.

Two whiskey producers have even rumbled legally about the names for their cinnamon-inspired bottlings, with Sazerac Inc., who produces a whiskey called Fireball (with the tagline, "Tastes like Heaven. Burns in Hell") disliking the name of Hood River Distillers' SinFire (a "sinful spirit.").

Staying away from the notion of heaven and hell is the otherwise provocatively named Füchen (pronounced the way you think it would be), a small-batch, savory herbal liqueur made in Denver that tastes of vanilla and cinnamon that can be blended with pineapple juice and grenadine (aka "Füchen Till Dawn") or Coca-Cola (aka "Sid and Nancy").

On the rum side is Dancing Pines Distillery's Spice Rum, infused with whole nutmeg, vanilla bean and cinnamon stick; and Sea Island Spice Rum, made by Firefly Distillery, best enjoyed on the rocks with a splash of lime juice and ginger ale.

Because of autumn's one-day hot, one-day cold indecisiveness (and our own), we offer several options for optimizing cinnamon's sometimes sweet, sometimes savory complexion of flavor.

Autumn Kiss

Serves 1

Created by Kyle Ford of Cointreau

Ingredients

1 ounce Cointreau

1 ounce Mount Gay Extra Old Rum

1 ounce whole milk or heavy cream

1-2 dashes angostura bitters

Dash of cinnamon for garnish

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.

2. Heat like you would a cup of coffee, medium heat for one minute, and stir.

3. Serve hot in a tall martini glass.

4. Sprinkle cinnamon on top.

Black Spice

Serves 1

Created by Evan Faber of SALT Bistro, Boulder, Colo.

Ingredients

1½ ounces spiced rum

¾ ounce black walnut liqueur, such as Dancing Pines

¾ ounce grapefruit juice

dash of Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur

Directions

1. Stir all ingredients with ice.

2. Strain into a coupe glass.

Spiceboxer

Serves 1

Created by Ali Tahsini of Bourbon & Branch, San Francisco. Averna Amaro is a traditional Sicilian liqueur.

Ingredients

2 ounces cinnamon-spiced whiskey, preferably Spicebox

¼ ounce Averna Amaro

¾ ounce fresh lemon juice

½ ounce maple syrup

½ ounce egg white

grated cinnamon

Directions

1. In a mixing glass, combine all ingredients.

2. Dry shake (no ice) to emulsify the egg white.

3. Add ice and shake again to chill.

4. Strain into a large cocktail glass and garnish with freshly grated cinnamon

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Stay in The Loop - Newburyport

Sunday, July 29, 2012

by Alexandra Zega

what to do · where to eat · where to stay · where to shop

Newburyport Yankee Homecoming

Sunday, July 29 - Sunday, August 5

The 55th year of a great Newburyport Tradition!
Come and enjoy this week-long celebration featuring events such as: free waterfront concerts, downtown entertainment, craft fair, kid's talent show, Family Day at Maudlsay, The Brewfest, Old Fashioned Sunday, Fireworks and the YH parade!

For a CALENDAR OF EVENTS visit: www.yankeehomecoming.com

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Old Fashioned Sidewalk Sales

Thursday, August 2 - Saturday, August 4

Enjoy old fashioned, outdoor shopping throughout downtown Newburyport, The Tannery, and Port Plaza. A great opportunity to support our unique local merchants, shop for some great deals, and enjoy Newburyport during the Yankee Homecoming Celebration!

Click here for more information.

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Circus Smirkus

Friday & Saturday, August 3 & 4

Theater in the Open proudly presents the Circus Smirkus 25th Anniversary Big Top Tour!
Enjoy a blast from the past and fun from the future as the acclaimed traveling youth circus invites you to take a tantalizing trip through time with Topsy Turvy Time Travel! Enjoy a split-second spectacle and arc through the ages with acrobats, soar the centuries with aerialists, jump decades with jugglers and discover preposterous, playful, pre-HYSTERIC clowns! It's high time to join Circus Smirkus for cuckoo, clockwork adventures as we travel from time to time, to present a show for the ages!

Click here for more information.

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Coast Guard Dedication

Saturday, August 4

Newburyport has been designated by the US Coast Guard as a Coast Guard City, one of 14 in the country.
Join the Mayor on Saturday, August 4 at 11am, where she will be presented with the declaration. This will take place on the waterfront behind the Custom House Maritime Museum; the public is welcome to attend.
In celebration of this special designation, the US Coast Guard will be honored at a maritime ball which is invitation only. The US Coast Guard marching band, the US Coast Guard Honor Guard, a 13 man platoon and a US Coast Guard float will all take part in the Homecoming Parade on Sunday, August 5.
US Coast Guard tours will run from 11am-2pm at the US Coast Guard station on Water Street.

Click here for more information.

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Atlantic Paddle Battle Race Series

Saturday, August 4

Catch "SUP" fever! The nonprofit Atlantic Paddle Boarding Association (APBA) presents the 2nd annual Atlantic Paddle Battle Race Series at Salisbury Beach. Participants in this summer-long standup paddle board (SUP) race series compete to win a $20,000 cash purse and The REVO Cup. The series continues August 4, with the Finals on Sept. 1, both at Salisbury Beach. Elite races start at 10:15am, Adult Recreational and Youth under 17 races follow; visit the website for registration info. Come participate or cheer on the racers from shore and stay for fun on the deck at SurfSide5.

SUP Surf contests will also take place on race days following the paddle battle with judges awarding $500 in cash prizes to the "best of the best" in this paddle surfing competition. Series presenting sponsors are Revo Sunglasses and Bud Light.

Click here for more information.

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Waterfront MOVIE Series

Wednesday Nights, August 8, 15 & 22

(raindate August 29)

Movies begin at dusk on Waterfront Park

August 8 - The Muppets
August 15 - Hairspray
August 22 - Madagascar

What could be better than watching a movie OUTSIDE on Waterfront Park on a warm summer night? Grab a blanket and your family & friends and join us! Movies will be shown on a 40-foot inflatable screen with an HD Blue Ray Projector and BOSE professional sound system. You don't want to miss this! FREE TO ALL!

Click here for more information.

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Newburyport Chamber Music Festival

August 11 through August 18

Season 11 of New England's most intimate festival from Brahms to Schoenberg.

5 concerts, 4 open rehearsals, 3 lectures, 2 receptions - 1 week only!

Click here for the schedule!

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Vintage Base Ball Games at the Farm

Saturday, August 11 and Sundays, August 12 & 26

Three chances in August to see the Essex Base Ball Association battle local and regional teams! The wide open fields at the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm are a perfect setting for a unique sports experience. All games are $5, free for Historic New England members and children under 3.
Using baseball rules from 1861, games feature underhand pitching, no gloves allowed. Hot dogs, snacks, baseballs, and cards are available for purchase. Grass field seating: bring blankets and lawn chairs, no reserved seating. Weather permitting.

Click here for more information.

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Cruisin' the 50's

Thursday, August 16

5-8pm

Join us in historic downtown Newburyport as we celebrate the fabulous 50's! The Downtown will be transformed into a summer night set in the era. Visit our renowned restaurants, unique shops and historic sites featuring special events and 50's pricing. Music of the era will fill the downtown streets and classic cars will be displayed on State, Pleasant and Inn Streets.

THE LEGENDS - WNBP Radio will be broadcasting on the air and on www.WNBP.com

"LEE LEWIS & THE DOO WOP ALL STARS" will be performing in Market Square

at 7:30pm!

Click here for more information.

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Newburyport ArtWalk

Saturday & Sunday, August 18 & 19

ArtWalk features an array of activites at participating galleries and studios including music, demonstrations, artist receptions, refreshments and more. Please confirm hours with individual galleries. Gallery walking tours include Saturdays 3-7pm and Sundays 1-5pm.

Click here for more information.

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Maudslay Arts Center

95 Curzon Mill Road

Maudslay State Park, Newburyport

978-499-0500 www.maudslayartscenter.org

Whether you're sitting under the stars on a moonlit evening, or lounging on a blanket on a Sunday afternoon, the Maudslay Summer Concert Series provides the perfect setting for your entertainment pleasure. Now in its 20th season, the MAC performance schedule offers something for everyone. Visit our website to view the 2012 Summer Season line-up.

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Blue Ocean Music Hall

4 Oceanfront North, Salisbury Beach

978-462-5888 www.blueoceanhall.com

Real Music. Real Close. Come to the beach and enjoy top national acts in an intimate setting where most seats are within 50 feet of the stage. Blue Ocean Music Hall offers affordable tickets, ocean views, food and a full bar, and nearby parking. Box Office open Tues-Sun.

Don't miss these upcoming shows:

Jul 27 - GARY HOEY - One of the top 100 greatest guitarists of all time
Aug 2 - STEPHEN KELLOGG AND THE SIXERS with NATIVE RUN - American

rock & roll legacy meets the present day
Aug 3 - COMEDIAN BOB MARLEY - Blue Ocean's favorite funny man from

Maine returns
Aug 10 - THE POUSETTE-DART BAND Singer/songwriter, arranger, guitarist

and all-around musical adventurer
Aug 12 - LITTLE FEAT Hear Dixie Chicken, Oh Atlanta and more, plus hits

from their new CD Rooster Rag
Aug 24 - FARREN BUTCHER INC. presents FARRENHEIT - the 1980s

mega-band re-unites!
Sep 7 - BELLEVUE CADILLAC and ROOMFUL OF BLUES New England's

best home-grown blues bands

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The Firehouse Center for the Arts

Market Square, Newburyport

978-462-7336 www.firehouse.org

The Firehouse Center for the Arts is a 195-seat intimate theater on the waterfront of beautiful downtown historical Newburyport. This vibrant cultural center offers national, regional and local live performances at affordable prices.

Upcoming Shows/Events:

Jul 29 - The Maiden Voyage of Meagham O'Dell
Aug 9-19 - The Gin Game

Aug 20-24 - Firehouse Glee Club!
Aug 26 - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

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>>for more events: click here!

Please note businesses featured in STAY in the LOOP are participants in an optional Marketing Program with The Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce. This newsletter does not reflect our full membership.

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Lesser known truths about Fourth of July

Wednesday, July 04, 2012

by Alexandra Zega

A divided nation? How very American of us.

As we commemorate the 236th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence, revisiting our history helps remind us how far we've come — and just what still makes up the American character. For one thing, not all the 18th-century colonialists were keen on this whole independence thing: A good half-million were Loyalists to the British crown, and hung on to their royal connections in places like New York City, Long Island, and northern Georgia through the 1780s.

The Fourth of July is also a good time to give credit where credit's due, stamp out a few myths, and find out lesser-known truths that are even juicier than the folklore.

Neglected forefather? No argument -- founding fathers Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams have name recognition (it helps that two became president). Lost in historical footnotes are the remaining members of the so-called Committee of Five in charge of drafting the Declaration: Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. And, even more neglected, is the man who first proposed the motion for a breakout from Britain.

Richard Henry Lee of Virginia was the classical yeoman farmer and a justice of the peace. The Virginia-born aristocrat benefited from an English private school education. At first an "indifferent figure," he later rose to the radical occasion and became an admired orator who, according to Patrick Henry, "reasoned well, and declaimed freely and splendidly" with a "deep and melodious" voice. At the second Continental Congress, he put forth the motion to cut maternal ties with Britain.

"That these united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown; and that all political connexion between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved... Let this happy day give birth to an American republic." ("Lives of the Signers to the Declaration of Independence," 1856, via Colonial Hall)

As it was his proposal, Lee would have been chair of the Committee of Five and its likely scribe, but his wife's illness called him away. His sub: Jefferson.

Forget firecrackers -- let's burn some effigies: Pyrotechnics and pies are nice, but real Independence Day sticklers would fire off some muskets, burn some effigies of English royalty (sorry, Kate and William fans), ration out some rum, and declare war on England. Over the last 236 years, Americans have found extravagant ways to celebrate (many details courtesy of James R. Heintze, Librarian Emeritus of American University and author of "The Fourth of July Encyclopedia"):

—Pequoad Indians did a "wardance at their wigwam" in 1831 Virginia.

—Teetotalers threw a "Grand Total Abstinence Celebration" to commemorate temperance in 1842.

—An all-time record of 10,471 flags flew over the nation's capital for the 1976 Bicentennial.

—The shuttle Columbia unfurled the flag in space in 1992, but NASA outdid that in 2005 by deliberately crashing spacecraft Deep Impact into a comet.

—"The Star-Spangled Banner" is the acknowledged go-to tune but, as the Houston Chronicle points out, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" has become part of the musical salute. The ditty is actually about Russian forces vanquishing over Napoleon's at the Battle of Borodino. Credit the esteemed Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops for making the overture an adopted American anthem in their 1974 televised concert. Who's going to say no to 16 cannon blasts?

The occasion to fight for rights: Independence Day took on new meaning during the abolitionist fight: New York emancipated its slaves in 1827. Twenty-five years later, Frederick Douglass delivered his speech, "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?" In 1876, the 100th anniversary, the likes of Susan B. Anthony read the Declaration of Rights for Women at the Centennial Celebration.

During World War I, celebrations took on an international theme: In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson spoke of an "international Fourth of July celebration" and in New York, 40 nationalities were represented in the "pageant parade." That same year, about 100 ships launched to help Allied forces. Other fights for rights included the 1989 flag faceoffs, as Americans protested the Bush administration's proposal to ban flag burning.

Off by two days? Not that we Americans didn't wait for a government resolution as a reason to party since 1776. John Adams sent a letter to his wife extolling the "great anniversary Festival" that generations would celebrate with "Pomp and Parade...Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other." Except he had July 2 in mind, the date when the Continental Congress approved Lee's resolution. (And this year, July 2 would've fallen on a Monday and we wouldn't have all this should-we-take-a-vacation dithering.)

Other Fourth of July myths and truths:

— King George III did not write on July 4, 1776: "Dear Diary, Nothing of importance happened today."

—Adams and Jefferson did die July 4, 1826, the Declaration's 50th anniversary. James Monroe died on July 4, 1831, and Calvin Coolidge was born July 4, 1872.

—Paperwork took a lot longer in those days: The Declaration's signing didn't begin until August 2 and finished sometime in November.

—No, Nicolas Cage didn't find a map on the back of the Declaration of Independence, because if he did, he could pay off his debts and go back to doing good movies. The only thing on the back of the parchment is "Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776." There are, however, 26 copies (aka Dunlap broadsides) that do exist — all publicly owned saved one.

—Okay, if you really want a conspiracy coda, how's this: The Declaration's signatures are signed according to geography.

"John Hancock, the President of the Congress, was the first to sign the sheet of parchment measuring 24¼ by 29¾ inches. He used a bold signature centered below the text. In accordance with prevailing custom, the other delegates began to sign at the right below the text, their signatures arranged according to the geographic location of the states they represented. New Hampshire, the northernmost state, began the list, and Georgia, the southernmost, ended it." (National Archives)

(c) Vera H-C Chan | Yahoo! News

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4 Foods to avoid before going to sleep

Monday, June 25, 2012

by Alexandra Zega

Everyone likes to snack a little at night before going to sleep. However, research shows that late-night dining can have an adverse effect on our sleep. Granted some foods do help us get to sleep, but some foods should be avoided at night.

Below are 4 foods that you should avoid if you want to have a peaceful night’s sleep:

Pasta -A bowl of pasta might be easy to make, but it’s not the best thing to eat before going to sleep. Pasta is full of carbohydrates. If you go to sleep right after eating pasta, all the carbohydrates will be turned into fat. The other ingredients in pasta such as oil, cheese, tomato sauce and, etc. will only add more fat to your body. In addition, addition, pasta contains a high glycemic index meaning that it has high-sugar content. The high amount of sugar affects the blood-sugar levels in our body. Therefore, disrupting our sleep patterns.

Ice Cream -A scoop of ice cream at night might be the most delicious bedtime treat; however, it is not as soothing as people may think. Ice cream is full of fat. Eating it at night will allow the body to burn all the fat before you get to bed. Furthermore, the sugar content will give you an energy boost which will keep you awake throughout the night.

Some research studies show a correlation between eating food with high-sugar content and nightmares.

Pizza – If you feel like staying up all night, have a slice of greasy pizza. Pizza is not a light meal. Just one slice can cause your stomach to go into overdrive. The tomato sauce contains a high concentration of acidity, which causes acid reflux and heartburn. High-fat and acid content will leave you tossing and turning all night long.

Alcohol – Some people believe that alcohol leads to a good night’s sleep; however, this is not entirely accurate. Alcohol does somewhat get people to sleep; however, its effects do not last unusually long. Research shows that alcohol disrupts the restorative ability of the body during sleep leading to several wake-up calls.

In addition, people that drink alcohol to fall asleep tend to develop a dependency on it, which ultimately causes a serious addiction problem.

If you want to ensure a good night’s sleep, then these four foods should be avoided before going to bed.

(c) June 8, 2012 by Quick Easy Fit.com - staff

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9 Health Risks that Aren't Worth Taking

Friday, June 01, 2012

by Alexandra Zega

1. Holding your cell phone up to your ear.

Although the overall risk is still very low, research suggests that people who have spent the past decade or more frequently talking on their cell phones in the traditional way are more likely to develop brain tumors. John Walls, a spokesperson for industry trade group CTIA: The Wireless Association, points out that no major American health organization has said that wireless devices are a public health risk. (The World Health Organization, though, has expressed concern.) And texting or talking while driving--which boosts your chances of having a car wreck by a factor of four--poses a far bigger risk than the radiation may. But considering that you can get an earbud-type hands-free set for as little as five bucks, why not take the safest tack? "I think the data are strong enough that using a hands-free set with your cell makes a lot of sense," says public health expert Ted Schettler, M.D., science director of the Science and Environmental Health Network.

2. PVC shower curtains.

That funky, chemical-y smell of new polyvinyl chloride (PVC) shower curtains comes from volatile organic compounds, which may be carcinogenic over time and can cause nausea and headaches in the short term, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. "I always recommend the good old-fashioned fabric curtains," says preventive-medicine expert Suzanne Pham, M.D. Want something waterproof? Look for vinyl acetate, which is safer, she says.

3. Microwaving in plastic.

Heat releases some of the chemical building blocks in plastic, sending them into whatever food or drink you're warming up. One such chemical, bisphenol A (BPA), "can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body, potentially leading to issues like premature puberty and breast or testicular cancer," says Pham. Even BPA-free plastics could release substances that can have negative effects, so it's best to avoid microwaving any plastic container, says Jennifer Lowry, M.D., a medical toxicologist at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics in Kansas City, MO. All of our experts agree: Heat food or drink in glass or ceramic.

4. Flea and tick collars.

Adults who play with a cat or dog while it's wearing a flea and tick collar are exposed to up to 500 times the Environmental Protection Agency's safe level of pesticides, according to a first-of-its-kind study by scientists at the Natural Resources Defense Council. For children, the levels can be 1,000 times higher than what's safe. The worst are collars containing chemicals called (get ready for a mouthful) propoxur or tetrachlorvinphos, which kill pests by disrupting their nerve pathways. Four out of five top-selling brands we shopped for contained one of these, so check labels. Luckily there are other effective pest-killing options. "Pills that pets take internally seem to be safer," says Jerome Paulson, M.D., chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics council on environmental health. Two common brands are Capstar and Program, which you can get for between $20 and $60 online or from your vet. (For other--cheaper!--suggestions, go to greenpaws.org.)

5. Constantly running a humidifier.

Those little steam machines can be a life saver for parents with a stuffed-up kid who can't sleep, but using them too often might make things worse. A study by the New York State Department of Health found that one of the biggest predictors of whether children developed asthma was the frequent use of a humidifier at home. "Too much moisture promotes mold and dust mite growth," which could be a problem for the whole family, explains Morris Nejat, M.D., a pediatrician and allergist in New York City.

6. Certain antibacterial soaps and toothpastes.

Triclosan is a germ killer found in a lot of antibacterial hand soaps, body washes, and even some brand-name cavity-control toothpastes. But the American Medical Association recommends against the use of triclosan in our homes, because it may encourage the development of scary bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. "Studies have shown that these triclosan products don't work any better than regular cleansers or toothpastes, but they damage the environment and potentially place our long-term health at risk," says Susan Shaw, Ph.D., an environmental scientist at the State University of New York, Albany. Not sure whether triclosan lurks in your favorite products? Just check the labels.

7. X-ray airport scanners.

You know those "backscatter" full-body X-ray machines at airport security gates? Europe banned them several months ago because of health concerns, but the machines are still in use in some airports in the States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says the amount of radiation emitted by each scan is minuscule, but independent research suggests the dose to some parts of the body is at least 45 times higher than the TSA claims and may even increase cancer risk, particularly for the elderly and women predisposed to breast cancer. Since you're already going to be exposed to radiation by flying, avoid the extra rays and ask for a pat-down, says John Sedat, Ph.D., a professor emeritus at the University of California, San Francisco.

8. Colon "cleansing."

Celebs may swear by this kind of thing, but colonics and colon-cleansing pills could be dangerous, our experts said. The intestines are self-cleaning, so unless you're getting a colonoscopy, there's no reason to sweep the whole thing out, says gastroenterologist Lisa Ganjhu. The pills are poorly regulated and could make you laxative-dependent, she says; colonic enemas carry a risk of intestinal perforation, which requires surgery to fix. To keep your digestive system working smoothly, says Ganjhu, stay hydrated; eat lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains; and exercise. If you regularly have gas or constipation, a probiotic supplement may help by adding more healthy bacteria to your gut.

9. Ready-to-feed canned baby formula.

Bisphenol A (BPA) isn't only found in plastic--it's also used to line the inside of cans to keep bacteria out. And according to tests conducted by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, one of the foods that ends up most contaminated with BPA is canned liquid infant formula. (Powdered formula, on the other hand, contains almost no traces of BPA from its packaging.) If you must use liquid canned or bottled formula, make sure not to warm it up in its original container, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends.

(c) Redbook | Healthy Living – Tue, May 29,2012 - (c) Melinda Wenner Moyer, REDBOOK