Posted on : By : admin Posted in : Uncategorized

Here Are Live Music Venues Everyone Should Visit 

Whether you realize it or not, music is the soundtrack to your life. The music you choose is going to determine your mood and some life decisions because you respect the artist and what they have accomplished. This makes music even more important than you might think. However, if you really want to take it to the next level, then you need to see your favorite artist(s) at a live music venue. 

 Since you’re not the type of person to go at anything half speed, if you’re going to see your favorite artist, then you might as well go all-in and make it one of the best live music venues in the country. The shortlist of six venues below will lead you in the right direction. This list is primarily based on acoustics and atmosphere. 

Red Rock Amphitheatre 

 Red Rock is magical. Unfortunately, it’s not something that can be explained through words. You have to be here to understand it. What’s really crazy is that you can feel this energy during the day when there’s no music. At that time, you will find people exercising on the stairs, reading a book, or kicking back and enjoying the scene. For the ones that are kicking back, it’s as though they’re enjoying a concert that isn’t taking place, but they can still feel it, see it, and hear it. 

 Maybe this has to with Red Rock being a natural venue. No other venue in the country gets closer to Mother Nature. To that point, Creation Rock and Ship Rock control acoustics. In fact, the acoustics are so good that U2, Incubus, Dave Matthews Band, and Neil Young all recorded music here. 

 Red Rock sits at an elevation of 6,450 feet and has a capacity of 9,450. Ironically, it opened in the 1940s but didn’t do well. Even The Beatles couldn’t sell it out in 1964–the only stop on a U.S. tour they didn’t sell out. And in 1971, a Jethro Tull concert led to a mini-riot over tickets, and Red Rock closed for five years. Red Rocks didn’t become what it is today until the 1980s, and U2’s 1983 performance had a lot to do with that.

Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

 Let’s just call it Jones Beach. This is an outdoor venue with a capacity of 15,000. Part of this venue’s appeal is the bay behind the stage and the ocean behind the seats. You can only see the ocean if your seats are high enough. And there is nothing wrong with the high seats because there is no bad seat in the house. Just dress warmly at night. Also, go early for good parking. Despite a decent-sized capacity, this venue has an intimate vibe. You might see acts like…

  • Stone Temple Pilots
  • Weezer
  • Alice Cooper
  • Lynryd Skynryd
  • Muse
  • The Cult

The Fillmore West

 You’re not likely to see your favorite artist here because this is where new performers get noticed. This was the case for Santana, The Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, and many more. 

 The Fillmore West in San Francisco opened in the 1960s but closed in 1971. It didn’t reopen–with a bang–until 1994 when 4 Non-Blondes and The Smashing Pumpkins tore the roof off—figuratively speaking. 

Bowery Ballroom 

 The Bowery Ballroom was originally built in the Roaring 1920s, and it only has a capacity of 550. This makes it difficult to score tickets. But if you do, you’re going to enjoy the best sound system in NYC. The balcony views are also epic. Popular artists like to play here and do unique things on stage, but not many get to see it. If you have a chance, go for it.

First Avenue

 First Avenue is located on the corner of 1st Avenue and Downtown Minneapolis and has a capacity of 1,500. It was originally a bus station in the 1930s. In the 1970s, it turned into a nightclub. When it became a music venue, it only took one act to put it on the map forever, which was a 1981 performance by Prince. This is now a legendary live music venue. 

See Them All 

 Not many people have accomplished this feat, but if you really want to maximize your life experiences, visit all of the venues above. If you can do that, you have lived. In fact, if you can do that, you can die tomorrow. But don’t die tomorrow because you need to tell others about your experiences.

Posted on : By : admin Posted in : Music|News

Five Fundamental Lessons From the COVID-19 Pandemic

EXPERIENCING THE PANDEMIC 

During the past year and a half, the world has been hit with a historic pandemic that has resulted in a lot of instability. With the pandemic, businesses had to close down temporarily, people had to avoid seeing each other in social situations, and many people lost their lives in the process. Over the past year, the world has learned a few lessons that will allow it to be better prepared for a future pandemic. 

1. AIRBORNE VIRUSES IN CLOSED SPACES IS A THREAT 

One of the most significant lessons that the world has learned from the pandemic is that viruses that are present in enclosed spaces is a major threat. An airborne virus is widely spread and can result in a very high infection rate. As a result, society needs to practice social distancing in order to limit the chances of future infections among the population. Examples include at shopping malls, sporting events and concerts (see ill emu for more on its effects in the music industry). In the future, audiences will need to be more aware of airborne viruses and take any necessary precautions to ensure the health of the population.  

2. MARGINALIZED GROUPS HIT HARDEST BY PANDEMIC 

During the past year, some groups of people have been harder hit than others. According to data from various sources, people who have been marginalized in the past have suffered the highest rates of infections and deaths. A considerable portion of black and Hispanic residents in the United States has suffered the worst of the pandemic (https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/five_lessons_to_remember_when_lockdown_ends). These two groups have attained the highest percentage of illness and death. As a result, nonwhite groups are more likely to suffer the devastating effects of a pandemic more than other groups of people.  

3. VIRUS CAN LAST LONGER THAN EXPECTED 

It has been realized that this virus can and will likely last longer than expected. Compared to other virus outbreaks, COVID 19 has lasted longer than any other pandemic during the last century. This proves that this pandemic will likely take at least 2 or 3 years to go away completely. In order to accelerate the end of this pandemic, people will need to socially distance themselves, wear masks and also take vaccines so that everyone can get back to normal life safely.  

4. WE CAN’T TEST OUT OF TAKING PRECAUTIONS 

Another key lesson about the recent pandemic is that testing alone will not put an end to the pandemic. Society needs to do more in order to ensure the health and safety of everyone. Since testing will not end the pandemic alone, the world will need to do a number of other tasks in order to take the proper amount of precautions. As stated earlier, following protocols such as protecting the face and staying about 6 feet from other people will enable everyone to minimize the chances of increasing the infection and death rate of this virus.  

5. USING MASKS PROVIDES PROTECTION FOR EVERYONE 

Over the course of the last several months, it has been realized that wearing a mask will provide protection for many people. Wearing a mask will protect an individual from getting infected. As well as protecting yourself, wearing a mask will also allow you to protect others from getting ill as well. By wearing masks, the population has been able to help reduce the rate of infection as well as save the lives of others as well. Therefore, masks have proven to be one of the most effective tools at addressing this recent pandemic.  

USING THESE LESSONS TO END THE PANDEMIC 

With the lessons that the world has recently learned, it will be in a position to make significant progress in overcoming the pandemic. In recent months, health professionals and officials have used these lessons to come up with a protocol to ensure the livelihoods of the population. With these valuable lessons, society has made significant progress in putting an eventual end to the pandemic. 

Posted on : By : admin Posted in : District Attorney|Lawyer

What Is The District Attorney’s Office (And Why You Need a Lawyer Who Understands Its Inner Workings)

The district attorney’s office works to prosecute felony criminal cases while representing the state. The prosecution includes investigation, apprehension, and even prosecution in court. A district attorney (D.A) is responsible for selecting the types of charges made against defendants or those charged with crimes after they’re arrested. They have the power to prosecute different cases, dismiss the case, or divert the individual to a treatment program or facility. They decide who to charge, if they want to offer a plea bargain, or whether to take it to trial. They control the majority of the decisions in the legal system, which impacts everyone across the state.

They often oversee other assistant district attorneys and are considered to be one of the most influential players in the criminal justice system. The position is an elected position with a four-year term and has the primary responsibility of pursuing justice to keep the community safe. Because they are elected, they work for the people. They’re also responsible for determining if any services are provided to survivors of crimes. They also decide if they’ll take your money, property, or personal belongings even if you haven’t been charged with the crime. They can also determine the length of time someone serves a sentence and whether the system treats someone differently based on their class or race.

Their influence isn’t just limited to the courtroom. D.A.s also influence reforms that can reduce over-incarceration and potentially save lives. Although their terms only last four years, they rarely face challengers or hold community forums where members of the public can question them. Without challengers, they can sometimes operate behind closed doors without accountability with their power.

When you’re looking for a law office to represent you and take on your case, it’s crucial to hire someone who understands a district attorney’s office’s inner workings. If they have extensive knowledge about the operations, they can know the right tactics to build a better defense. 

The lawyer will know what to expect with how the district attorney’s office attempts to present the evidence to the jury and judge while they try to prove their case. They often understand the pattern that the district attorney’s office has had in the past with prosecuting people for specific types of crime to ensure they build a more robust defense.

The lawyer you use can have extensive courtroom experience and be familiar with the district attorney’s office’s techniques to ensure they have a more competitive advantage. They’re capable of foreseeing different methods that are used against your case to ensure they have the right techniques that are ready to be used.

Hiring someone who is acquainted with the local courts will also allow you to have someone backing you who understands the judge’s actions and can predict how the jury is prone to ruling. They can use different techniques to sway the jury because they know how they’ve already been influenced by the D.A.’s office.

They’ll also have an idea of how law enforcement works as they prepare a case, which will allow them to monitor how you’re treated. They can guide you through the complicated process and offer insight into what to expect to avoid any surprises.

You can have a higher level of representation with a lawyer who has experience with the district attorney’s office and knows the approach they’ll take with your case to ensure you have a greater defense. They’ll examine the evidence used against you and can also determine if any of your constitutional rights were ever violated. They’ll also help you to negotiate plea deals and find witnesses to prove that you’re innocent or that there’s overcharging that has occurred.

Posted on : By : admin Posted in : DUI|Lawyer

What If You’ve Been Pulled Over For Driving High On Marijuana In Colorado? Do You Need A Lawyer?

While you are able to do so, impaired driving under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs, even legal ones, such as marijuana, is a crime in every state in the U.S. It is described under statute 42-4-1301, C.R.S. DUI. It is unsafe and illegal which is why if you’ve been caught driving while impaired, it can get you arrested. So to answer your question, yes, you do need a lawyer. Even though using marijuana is legal for adults in Colorado, police officers can still arrest you.

Let’s dig deeper into some questions that would help answer your question further if you do need a lawyer or not. What is the DUI of marijuana in Colorado?

DUI OF MARIJUANA IN COLORADO

Driving under the influence of cannabis is usually a misdemeanor. You are substantially incapable physically as well as mentally to safely operate a vehicle. There is no DUI test per se of marijuana, unlike alcohol, to prove that you were unable to drive safely.  There must be evidence which might include the following:

  • You were driving too slow or too fast.
  • The police officer was able to smell weed from you or the car.
  • There was marijuana or drug paraphernalia found in your car.
  • You violated the state’s traffic laws.
  • Your car was crisscrossing in & out of the lane.
  • You had slurred speech and bloodshot or stoned eyes.

COLORADO’S DWAI BY MARIJUANA

When weed affects you in the slightest, DWAI (driving while ability impaired) with marijuana makes you less able both mentally and physically to operate an automobile than you ordinarily would have been. It doesn’t take much impairment to be guilty of this crime. However, unlike alcohol, no test can prove that you are or are not high.

The THC amount in your blood while getting arrested by an officer who thinks you are DWAI will be one factor for the law court to consider. The state of Colorado has no set limit for how many drugs, specifically marijuana, you can take when you drive.

The effects of cannabis vary:

  • Experience with using drugs
  • Strength or effect of the weed
  • Strain of marijuana
  • Other substances in your system
  • If you have eaten or taken anything else
  • Mode of administration (vape, tincture, smoked or eaten)

PENALTIES FOR DWAI / DUI OF MARIJUANA

Penalties and consequences of DWAI marijuana are the same as driving while ability impaired of alcohol. Similar to this, the DUI of weed is the same as DUI of alcohol: pay a fine, increased insurance costs, loss of your driving privilege, and jail time.

It also includes the following:

  • Term of probation
  • Suspension of the license for ninety days to a year
  • Fine ($500 – $2,000)

However, laws vary from state to state that can influence sentencing. Defenses to this crime commonly depend on the facts of your case. These may include a blood test, or if there is no reasonable basis for suspecting you of drug use. Driving poorly could result from other reasons, such as being distracted, sick, tired, etc.

In Colorado, the driver needs to test positive for five nanograms of THC to be arrested for DUI of marijuana. If necessary, police can charge based on observed impairment. Don’t think that a prescription will keep you from getting cited for a DUI just because it’s medical marijuana. 

When you’re about to travel, there are things you need to remember: 

First, leaving Colorado with any federally illegal product is against the law. Second, since cannabis is still illegal under federal law, you can’t use marijuana on national parks and national forests or anywhere on federal land.

To sum it all up, you should definitely get a lawyer if you’ve been pulled over for driving high on weed in the centennial state. As stated above, it is a crime. Get help now and start looking for the right lawyer for your DUI Case. 

Posted on : By : admin Posted in : Criminal Lawyers|Lawyer

What do criminal lawyers do?

One of the jobs of lawyers is analyzing, researching and investigating a case and using the data collected from a trial to settle or negotiate a plea of the bargain for the defendant’s freedom. People who have been accused of committing crimes will have a criminal defense lawyer, also called criminal lawyers, to defend them. There’s a broad spectrum of cases that they work on, ranging from violent crimes, domestic violence, drug crimes, driving under the influence (DUI), sex crimes, fraud, theft, and embezzlement.

Criminal Defense Lawyers are public defenders, and many of them are assigned by the court’s case; however, they can be contacted directly by the defendant.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

We all know that studying to be a lawyer requires lots of patience and hard work. To be successful in this industry you need to have skills and assets which can be a great advantage for you in the long run. Public speaking skills are a must if you want to be a lawyer, but to succeed as a criminal defense lawyer you must possess a few other things.

  • Interpersonal Skills

A successful and effective lawyer has a strong relationship with the client. Building this connection requires excellent interpersonal skills. It is quite challenging on the defendant’s part to find a trustworthy and reliable lawyer. 

That’s why they go through many criminal defenders before choosing someone they’re comfortable to work with. Interpersonal skills are essential to thriving in criminal defense practice.

  • Investigative and Research Skills

Researching and investigating the case is necessary in building a strong defense.

  • Experience & Legal Knowledge

Experience is always important in whatever industry we are talking about. Simultaneously, it is efficient and competent to have an in-depth understanding of court procedures, state, federal, and local rules, evidentiary laws, and the criminal justice system.

  • Creative & Analytical Skills

To litigate complex cases, develop legal strategy, and analyze case laws you need ample creative thinking and analytical skills.

  • Writing & Speaking Skills

Last but certainly not least, writing and speaking skills are vital skills to have as a lawyer. They’ll be representing their clients in the trial court, persuading the jury, and using verbal skills to argue the defendant’s case based on the information they have. Just as important as speaking, writing skills are essential to being a successful lawyer.

CRIMINAL LAWYERS SALARY

Private lawyers get paid higher than most public defenders. Due to the referral process general criminal lawyers have a higher caseload and lower salary rates since they are paid by the public defender’s office and not from other clients.

Criminal lawyers’ salaries commonly range from $30,000 to $500,000 a year; of course, it usually varies on the scope of the firm’s experience, geographic location, and the clientele the firm serves. Defenders who represent wealthy and high-profile defendants tend to be the highest-paid lawyers. Experienced criminal attorneys who work in a law firm earn the highest salaries.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The criminal lawyer’s duties and responsibilities are many. They are very well trained to negotiate on behalf of their clients, including revocation hearings, trials, plea bargains, appeals, post-conviction remedies, and bail bond hearings. Part of their job also includes;

  • Filing to argue motions to dismiss, and suppress
  • Procedural law, statutes, crimes codes, and research case law
  • Plea bargain to negotiate to lesser charges
  • Investigate the case and interview witnesses
  • Argue appeals
  • Advocate for the defendant at trial

However, they can do a lot more than that if it will benefit the case and their client.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Some criminal lawyers work as public defenders for the government or non-profit agencies to maintain a local practice. For attorneys with a national convention, frequent travel is required. At the same time, most of them work in either solo firms or private law firms. They frequently meet with the clients outside of their offices in prisons, courthouses, hospitals, and other venues. Criminal attorneys often work irregular and long hours.

Criminal lawyers represent their clients in the court of justice and most of the time the trial takes a lot of time. It is also not a secret that working in this industry requires a lot of patience, hard work, as well as skills that will set them apart from other lawyers.

Posted on : By : admin Posted in : Real Estate|Refinance

When Should I Refinance My House And Things To Consider

Acquiring the finances to become a homeowner may be a bit challenging. You may consider taking a mortgage and purchase the home of your dream. However, you may need another loan when you’re in dire need of cash.

You may need the cash to pay off an existing mortgage. It may be a case where you need to apply for another mortgage with a lower interest rate. You never know when you may need the cash to deal with an emergency.

When to opt for Home Refinancing

You can apply for refinancing to secure another loan with a low-interest rate. However, you should keep in mind some of the considerations that come with home refinancing. Here are some reasons to consider home refinancing.

Build Equity

There are many ways that you can build your home equity and make a profit when you decide to sell. Although home refinancing may sound like lurking in heavy and unending debt, it may be a solution to your cash needs. You may need the cash to remodel your home when looking to sell.

Thus, you may apply for home refinancing and acquire the funds to increase your home’s value through remodeling or renovation. Home refinancing can be a way to consolidate your existing debts. It may come in handy when applying for a low-interest rate to cover the existing high-interest loan.

Reduce Loan Terms

In some cases, you can opt to refinance to cover an existing loan for another loan with short terms. You can apply for refinancing to opt for a loan with short repayment terms and won’t change much in your monthly repayments. Refinancing can help you cut down on your monthly terms while benefiting from another loan (https://www.valuepenguin.com/small-business/commercial-real-estate-loan).

This way, you can acquire the finances to cover your financial emergency. In the long run, you can cover your financial needs without changing your repayment plan and installments.

Factors to Consider When Refinancing Your Home

Before making the final decision on home refinancing, take time to go through some essential factors.

Do Your Math

Go through the state of your finances and know where you stand. This way, you can opt for other methods to finance your cash needs and avoid increasing your debt. Furthermore, you avoid losing your home should you be unfortunate with your repayment plan.

Is home refinancing your last option? How far behind are you on the existing loan that you need to consolidate? Consider your options and do your calculations. Determine how much it will change your monthly repayment installment.

Consult an expert to help you know your options and make the right decision. This way, you can plan on different ways to repay your new loan that comes with short terms.

Home Equity

It is imperative to know your home’s value based on the market value. Your home’s equity is one of the criteria used to determine whether you qualify for home equity. Know your home’s worth and consider some different ways to increase your home’s value.

Credit Score

Your credit rating also determines whether you qualify for home refinancing. It shows your ability to meet your repayment obligation and how much you can get for your second loan. Lenders are prone to change their loan approval terms, and you may miss out on a low-interest loan even with a good credit score.

You may still qualify for home refinancing with an unimpressive credit score. However, your options may be limited to mortgages with high-interest rates. This can toll heavily on your finances, and you may struggle to meet your repayments.

Consider your options and go through your needs to know what works out best for you. Don’t take a loan that you don’t need, and make sure you evaluate your books. This way, you can apply for a mortgage without breaking your bank.

Posted on : By : admin Posted in : Buying|Real Estate|Renting

A Broad Overview Of Renting Vs Buying

We’re all familiar with the American dream- a white picket fence, 2.5 kids, and being a homeowner…right? The older we get, the easier it is to see just how complicated it can be to own a home. In fact, in many instances, renting may be a much more practical option. So what is the right move for you? Let’s discuss the different aspects of buying vs renting a house. 

Predictability

 One of the most favorable parts of renting a home is that bills are predictable. Your rent will not change month to month, and most of your utilities will stay relatively the same. The same is not true, however, when it comes to owning a house. If something breaks or busts or bruises, you could have a hefty and unexpected bill on your hands. With renting, you can make a clear and easy budget and usually stick to it (within a few dollars here or there in the warm and cool seasons). If you are right out of college and new to the workforce, this may be the most practical option for you. 

You break it, you buy it!

 When something breaks in a rented property, it is usually the responsibility of the landlord to replace it. However, if something breaks in a home you own, you could be responsible for hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair or replace it. 

Money talks

 The financial breakdown of renting vs. buying a home can be confusing. On the one hand, renting a home can feel like essentially throwing money away every month as you have no equity in the property. You may also be surprised, in some areas, a mortgage (https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/what-is-a-mortgage) is more affordable than a monthly rent payment. When you own a property, you also have equity. Should something happens, you have an asset in your property. There are also other financial factors to consider, however. Things like property taxes, trash pickup, pest control, homeowners insurance, etc., can really add up! Another huge cost is the amount of interest on your mortgage. If you are paying long-term, there is a huge potential that you are paying way more than the property is even worth. 

Location, location, location

 Another thing to consider when it comes to renting vs. buying is how long you want to stay in the area that you’re in. As a renter, it is easy to pick up and move. If a new job opportunity comes your way, it isn’t hard to relocate with just a few month’s notice. Buying a home often ties you to one location (based on your financial situation), so if you’re not totally happy in the city that you’re in, buying may not be the best choice for you. While it’s true that you can practically sell your house at any time or maybe rent it out, these decisions take a lot of time and effort and are not choices to take lightly. 

Man-hours

 Another thing to consider is the time and effort that you need to put into a purchased property vs. one you are just renting. Will you have time to clean the gutters? Mow the lawn every week? Give it a fresh coat of paint every year? Houses are a lot of work, and it should not be underestimated how much time, effort, and energy they require. If you are someone who travels a lot or who works many nights and weekends, owning a home may not be the best option for you. Yes, you can always pay somebody to help with these pesky projects, but you will spend an arm and a leg over time if you primarily rely on delegation. 

 When it comes to renting vs. buying, only you know what is right for you! All of these factors, and many more, are ones you should consider while making such a big decision.