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For the Sharks and their fans, the last five seasons have been the ultimate in sports frustration. They have been at or near the top of the NHL since 2003, had the best record in the league going into the 2009 playoffs, and have come up short every year.

The Giants may have coined the word “torture” to describe what they put their fans through during a season of close games and improbably comebacks, but Giants fans’ angst can’t compare to the torture of a team that annually seems to be among the elite in its league only to ultimately lose, often in embarrassing fashion.

They were swept out of the playoffs in the first round the year they had the league’s best record. Last year when they finally beat the Detroit Red Wings in the playoffs, thought by many to be the NHL’s gold standard, they were swept by Chicago one step short of the Stanley Cup Finals. Another year they won the first two games against Edmonton and then lost the next four. Three years ago they were eliminated in a four-overtime game (that’s seven periods of hockey) against Dallas. Since Barry Bonds left, Giants fans have either been completely out of the running or World Champions. Which fan base has suffered more?

So will this be the year for the Sharks? Will they team with the Giants to bring the Bay Area consecutive championships in different sports since the 49ers and A’s accomplished the feat in the late 1980s? Some signs indicate that it might be their turn.

Peaking at the Right Time: As this is written the Sharks are coming off a tremendous month of February. The team won 11 of 13 games despite only having three of those games at home. In previous years the Sharks would build insurmountable early season leads and coast into the playoffs, seemingly having trouble flipping the switch back on when the games counted most.

Better Balance: Since Joe Thornton arrived six seasons ago the Sharks have tended towards top-heavy scoring. Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Jonathan Cheechoo and Dany Heatley would provide the vast majority of goals, leading opponents to key on them at playoff time. Usually, the Sharks’ other lines couldn’t sufficiently pick up the slack. This year coach Todd McLellan has placed his stars on separate lines, which after a period of adjustment has served to spread out the scoring to more different players, particularly Logan Couture and Ryan Clowe, and make it more difficult for opponents to have their best defenders on the ice against the Sharks’ most likely scorers.

Playoff Tested Goaltending: For eight years the Sharks had Evgeni Nabokov in the nets. An all star, a rookie of the year winner, and a runner up for the league’s best goalie trophy in 2009, Nabokov would stand on his head in the regular season and fall on his face come playoff time, often giving up the inexplicable soft goal at the worst possible moment. When Nabokov’s contract expired at the end of last season the Sharks opted not to re-sign him. In his place they acquired Anti Niemi, the goaltender who helped Chicago win the Stanley Cup last season. He was available because the Black Hawks had salary cap problems. Niemi has been behind the Sharks’ late season surge and has had recent success in the playoffs.

As you follow the Sharks during the NHL playoffs keep in mind that their fans know the real torture of near misses, and only a Stanley Cup parade will bring them peace.

Spring is in the air; as are the hopes for warm dry days to help inspire a long country drive with family or friends. Living in Northern California; I can think of many locations that meet the bill, so the big question is not “where to go”, but rather “in which vehicle”, that would deliver the comfort, performance and yes – the image that we have style and class.

For this trip, the solution comes in the form of the new 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet. The E-Class Cabriolet essentially replaces the CLK convertible, but does so in a manner improving on every element of the vehicle from performance to style to a sheltered interior.

The 2011 E-Class Cabriolet comes in two trim levels: E350 ($56,850) and E550 ($64,800). Mercedes-Benz defines their trims by engine type and size. The E350 sports a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 268 horsepower and the better fuel ratings of the two. The E550 carries a 5.5-liter V8 creating 382 horses under the hood and delivering a blast of power and fun. Both models are rear-wheel drive and come standard with 7-Speed w/Overdrive & Touch Shift automatic transmission. Just a quick note, for 2011 the E-Class is also available in Coupe, Sedan, and Wagon variations.

The new demographic of luxury car owners have demanded a new set of rules. Square and boxy doesn’t play anymore. Exterior styling must reflect the image of wealth, good taste, and a youthful life in the form of sculptured lines, a powerful stance, and a sporty profile.

The new styling of the E-Class Cabriolet is more aggressive and deliberate than the CLK model it replaced. The bodylines flow in an upward motion creating the impression of movement even when standing still. The E-Class abandons the soft curves for a more masculine edge and cut image. From the pointed nose grille to the flexing rear shoulders, Mercedes integrated aggression into the DNA of this sport-luxury cabriolet.

The front of the E-Class begins with what they call a “cubist treatment of the trademark Mercedes-Benz twin-headlight face”. The dual headlamps are recessed into the front fenders bracketing the bold three-dimensional front grille. The convertible roof is sturdy and well insulated with a one-inch, three-layer fabric designed to keep exterior sounds out of the cabin. The profile with the top up is smooth and coupe-like. Mercedes opted for the soft-top verses a folding-metal hardtop; in which there are pros and cons. A positive feature is a lighter and more traditional vehicle with additional trunk/cargo space. On the flip side, a soft top is a bit less secure than a hard shell and when done right – a folding hardtop roof can be mistaken for a coupe giving you the best of both worlds.

The rear tail lamps wrap heavily into the rear quarter panels incorporating themselves into the shoulder lines. They follow through into the trunk lid, which carries a slight air spoiler. Big chrome-tipped exhaust completes the look.

The interior is dressed in leather and walnut. Just as the exterior is complex with angles; as is the interior. The dash is molded to come together creating a pointed center cluster. The hand polished burl walnut inlays were beautiful and extended across the front dash and into the doors. Another requirement of the new generation of luxury buyers is the need for technology and the E-Class is packed with the gadgets we want.

With a goal to keep the cabin area as uninterrupted as possible, Mercedes has incorporated a new featured called an AIRCAP system; an electronically activated spoiler that pops up from the windshield header to divert airflow over the cabin. The effectiveness was OK, but when you drive in a convertible you know you’re a slave to the wind.

A few of the gadgets available include Keyless Go Engine Start, heated and active ventilated front seats, Bluetooth®, telescoping steering wheel, audio system with Sirius Satellite Radio, input jacks for iPod/MP3 players, Command system with 40GB hard-drive, real-time traffic data, GPS voice activated Navigation system with Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 surround sound, HD Radio, power rear window sunshade and rear view camera. Note: many of these are available via the Premium Package; 2 for a cost of $6,450.

Standard on the E550 is what Mercedes calls “Agility Control Suspension” that includes a small piston that is connected to a bypass port in the hydraulic flow of each shock absorber. The result is it provides a softer, quieter ride on your everyday roads but retains full shock damping over dips and windy roads.

Room for improvement:

• Lack of a folding hardtop option

Cool Features:

• Voice Activated Navigation System
• Large Navigation Screen
• Integrated NECK-PRO active front head restraints

Mercedes-Benz says the new E-Class Cabriolet is loaded in the way of safety technology. Besides the added reinforcement supports throughout the vehicle which are needed with a convertible, it also includes pop-up rollbars, up to eleven airbags, (including those in the cabriolet), Distronic Plus cruise control, seatbelt pretensioners, anti-lock brakes, a tire pressure monitoring system, roll-over sensor, night security illumination and a 24-hour roadside assistance program.

In Summary – The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is a performance-driven luxury sports convertible that expresses the new aggressive, yet sleek look of Mercedes-Benz. It makes a statement in its styling and backs it up with tight handling and powerful engine options. The E-Class Cabriolet has taken the old CLK to a new level of refinement and performance. If you are looking for a luxury vehicle with sport DNA that will help you work on your tan, then you need to check out the all-new 2011 E550 Cabriolet.

Specifications
2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet

Base price: $64,800 as driven: $77,425 (including destination)
Engine: 5.5-Liter 8-cylinder
Horsepower: 382 @ 6000
Torque: 391 pound-feet @ 2800 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with Overdrive & Touch Shift
Drive: Rear Wheel-Drive
Seating: 5-passenger
Turning circle: 35.3 feet
Cargo space: 15.9 cubic feet
Curb weight: 3783 pounds
Fuel capacity: 17.4 gallons
EPA mileage: 23 highway, 15 city
Wheel Base: 108.7 inches
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper to bumper
Also consider: BMW 650i, BMW M3 Cabriolet, and Jaguar XK

A transformational shift is taking place within the U.S. economy. Our world has become a place where people, businesses and economies are increasing interconnected. The rapid growth in emerging markets has created an export boom for U.S. companies. These exports have made a historically high contribution to our current economic recovery. After every recession since World War II, the U.S. economy has relied on domestic consumer spending and housing to revive our economy. Not this time. During our current recovery, housing and consumer spending have not been the key economic drivers they usually are despite very accommodative monetary policy. Exports have led the way. This could represent a realigning of the U.S. economy that could bode well for the future. This could lead to a rebirth of the manufacturing sector that would fuel considerable investment and job creation. In my opinion an economy that is more focused on making things that the world wants to buy and less reliant on us going to the shopping mall and buying Mc Mansions is a good thing. Oh by the way, job and wealth creation of this sort will also benefit the traditional domestic growth engines of consumption and housing.

Certainly, many U.S. corporations are embracing these trends. Approximately one quarter of S&P 500 companies generate more than half of their income from outside of the U.S. – and for good reason: over the last 20 years, “more global” companies (those with more than 50% of their income outside the U.S.) have outperformed “less global” companies (those with less than 50% of their income outside the U.S.).1

So what does this all mean from an investment perspective? Get global. In the future, investors will need to recognize that U.S. companies that have a greater exposure to exports and manufacturing may prove to better investments that those focused on the domestic consumer. Think like a global U.S. company and go where the growth is. Asia has more consumers than Europe, North America, Latin America and Africa combined.1 Therefore, in addition to owning global U.S. companies, you should consider allocating a sizable portion of your portfolio outside the U.S. and particularly in the emerging markets. The majority of investments opportunities lie outside the U.S. At the end of 2009, the U.S. represented less than a third of the world’s equity investments.1 The world will continue to shrink and become more intertwined at every turn. This represents an enormous opportunity for global minded investors.

1.Franklin Templeton Investments, Global -The New Core, 2-2011

Damien helps individuals invest and manage risk. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a principal of Walnut Creek Wealth Management. These are the views of Damien Couture, CFP® and should not be construed as investment advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Your comments are welcome. Damien can be reached at 925-280-1800 x101 or Damien@WalnutCreekWealth.com.

One of the questions people ask me is, “How do I choose a Trustee of my Trust?” For some clients, it is very obvious to them who it should be, such as the oldest child, a brother or sister. But for many, it is not so obvious.

There are two qualities I consider the most important in choosing a Trustee. The first is integrity. A Trust is a written contract, and it’s not a coincidence that the word “trust” is used as a title. These days, it seems like Probate is a dirty word, but it is good to remember that the Probate Judge serves as watchdog to see that things are done correctly. Instead of having the Judge set the timetable and make sure that your wishes are carried out, you are relying on the honesty of the Trustee to manage and distribute your Trust according to your written document.

The second is an ability to get things done. If the Trustee is a procrastinator, it is a real problem. Many people do not like to deal with paperwork, but that is a big part of the job of Trustee. The Trustee has to figure out how to collect and manage the Trust assets, file taxes, and keep beneficiaries informed.

If a Trustee does not carry out his or her duties in an honest or timely way, then often the only thing that a beneficiary can do is to hire an attorney and take the Trustee to Probate Court. This is a heavy burden on a beneficiary, since it is costly to start litigation, especially if the beneficiary waiting for his or her inheritance. People set up Trusts to save time and money, so choosing the right Trustee is a crucial part of making it work.

Teddy Roosevelt was a real renaissance man – naturalist, politician, writer, explorer, soldier and cowboy. At home in the White House as well as in the Dakota Badlands or on African Safari, Roosevelt had a big personality and an uncommon zest for life.
Because of his bigger-than-life personality, many biographies have been written on him including the excellent Theodore Rex and The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris. But I discovered a book written on a little known part of T.R.’s life called The River of Doubt by Candice Millard. Part presidential history, part natural history and part adventure story, this is fact more thrilling than fiction.

After narrowly losing the 1912 election to Woodrow Wilson, Roosevelt embarks on an Indiana Jones-like trip to South America to ease his political heartbreak. The pinnacle of the trip for Roosevelt is an exploratory canoe ride down a recently discovered 600 mile tributary of the Amazon River called the River of Doubt. In a time where the Amazon jungle was largely undiscovered it was considered extremely dangerous.

Roosevelt, along with his sensitive son Kermit (who T.R. wants to toughen up), the famous Brazilian explorer Candido Rondon and others set off for the adventure of their lives. Quickly finding themselves woefully unprepared with boats too large and food that is too heavy and cumbersome, the party encounters terrible rapids, starvation, hostile Indians, disease, mutiny and drowning. At one point the famous tough guy Roosevelt is so riddled with fatigue and disease he wants the rest of the explorers to leave him for dead. The story is also about perseverance, sacrifice, team-work and survival.

The book is well-written and well-researched. Millard gives detailed explanations of rainforest ecology, the culture of the native Indians and the American political climate of the time, interspersed with a great adventure that zips the story along. It is exactly what I love in a good book: the ability to give the reader knowledge and entertain at the same time.

Period pieces are pretty much the kiss of death for mainstream moviegoers. Fortunately, my readers are anything but mainstream, so you are going to love Get Low. This is a movie set in 1930’s Tennessee. It’s a true tall tale based loosely on a bit of old American folklore. Get Low immediately hits you with dramatic images of a burning building, a man seeming to flee from the heart of the scene. It pulls you in.

Get Low is the story of Felix Bush, played by Robert Duvall. Felix has been a hermit for forty years. Stories abound about the man who strikes terror in the hearts of anyone, child or man, who dares set foot on his property. One day Felix shows up in town to ask Reverend Gus Horton (Gerald Raney) to give him a funeral, not just any funeral but a party for everyone who has a story to tell about him while he is alive to hear. Thinking this request is just too strange, Reverend Horton turns him down and Felix goes back to his isolation. Young Buddy Robinson (Lucas Black), the assistant funeral home director overhears Felix’ request. Buddy works for Frank Quinn, brilliantly played by Bill Murray, who owns Quinn’s Funeral Home. Frank and Buddy pile into the Funeral Coach and head out to see Felix. Upon arrival Frank sends a very nervous Buddy up to the front door. The next day Felix shows up at the Funeral Home asking for them to arrange the Party. This is just one of the places cheeky Murray shines, a dramatic role with incredibly funny dialogue.

The plans continue with an image clean up for Felix and a twist when he declares that his virgin timber property is worth a fortune and he wants to raffle it off at the funeral. They go on the radio asking everyone to send $5 to Quinn’s Funeral Home for a chance to win. The money comes rolling in and they hide it in the casket.

Get Low has an intriguing plot that is well executed by every member of the cast. The cinematography is beautiful and the directing is masterful, but then again newbie Director/Editor Aaron Schneider did win an Academy Award for a short film. Dean Zanuck, the producer whose family used to “own” Hollywood, took eight years bringing this art movie to the big screen and it is worth the wait.

Academy Award winner Sissy Spacek touches the ambiance of Get Low with her caring femininity and boisterous confrontations, refreshing us with a glistening performance. Bill Cobb adds much to the offbeat humor and Felix’s Mule, Gracie almost steals the show. Even newcomer, Lucas Black stands out by stepping back. I truly haven’t said enough about Robert Duvall. Felix Bush is an extremely complex character and Duvall absolutely nails it.

The very nature of the art film is a little slower but Get Low is paced just right. It keeps your interest with the plot and blossoms like a delicate flower with the performances. Let me know what you think! As always you can email me at chastings@rockcliff.com.

If you want to see what an organized Trivia Tournament looks like, drop by WPLJ in Walnut Creek on April 17 from 11AM to 7PM to see local wizards at work. If you would like to join a team, room will be made. If you want to watch a group of middle aged people do for laughs, come watch.

1. Who was the opening day pitcher for the SF Giants in their inaugural game in San Francisco against the Dodgers in 1958?
2. Who played Audrey Hepburn’s excitable upstairs neighbor in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s?”
3. Who played Edith Bunker on “All in the Family?”
4. Who sang the Lieber and Stoller classic “Is That All There Is?”
5. Who played Matt Dillon on the radio version of “Gunsmoke?”
6. Who was the original choice by Eugene McCarthy to run as his Vice-president in 1968?

Answers to March’s Trivial Matters:

1. Ray Milland
2. Ruben Gomez
3. “South Pacific”
4. Spring Byington
5. Warm Springs
6. George Plimpton

WIN LUNCH ON BEN!
The first person to email or mail, no calls please, the correct answers to all of the above questions will win a $25 gift certificate at The Uptown Cafe in downtown Danville, compliments of Ben Fernandez!
Entries must be received by April 20, 2011. In the event of a tie, the winner will be drawn at random. Please email your answers to info@aliveeastbay.com, or mail to ALIVE East Bay, 199 East Linda Mesa Avenue, Suite 10, Danville, CA 94526. Employees
and family members of employees of ALIVE East Bay are not eligible.
Restaurant may be changed without notice.

It is with utmost respect that we offer our sympathies and condolences to the people of Japan, as they struggle to cope in the aftermath of the recent devastating earthquake and tsunami. As is often rightfully said after events such as these, “the very best in human nature often appears.” By all accounts, the Japanese people can proudly claim this as an accurate description of their character, as they set a very high measure indeed—one that all people of the world should aspire to when faced with disaster.

In light of recognizing the immense suffering in Japan, we encountered a bit of a dilemma this month with regards to one of our stories. Bob Fish’s article entitled, Connecting with History commemorates the anniversary of the historic Doolittle Raid of 1942. We worried, would it be insensitive of us to run this story?

Our conclusion was, no, if considered in the correct context. In fact, in many ways, like the Japanese peoples’ reaction to their crisis, the Doolittle Raid was an example of some of the best of the human spirit when faced with a life-threatening challenge. Qualities of extraordinary creativity, commitment and a willingness to exert supreme effort were just as apparent (and vital) during America’s war effort by Doolittle and his team, as they are today in Japan.

At the risk of what might be considered poor judgment in running our Doolittle story, I would argue that the timing really could not be better for its contrast to Japan’s disaster elucidates other lessons the world might learn and internalize.

Certainly, one of those lessons is that human life is precious, and no effort should be spared to protect and preserve it. The other, as our Japanese allies today undoubtedly agree, is especially relevant in light of current world events. It is a basic truth well stated by a recent U.S. president, when he said, “Americans are a free people, who know that freedom is the right of every person and the future of every nation. The liberty we prize is not America’s gift to the world; it is God’s gift to humanity.”

Again, our hearts go out to the people of Japan. May this crisis, our conduct and our common history be used by both Japanese and Americans, united, as a light and example to a troubled, struggling world.

Years ago an experiment was tried using a professional orchestra without a conductor in a performance. The results were mixed, but the consensus was that the performance lacked cohesiveness, excitement and emotion and was not musically satisfying for both musicians and listeners.

The role of a conductor is multi-faceted. An experienced conductor will have an extensive knowledge of the musical literature that is appropriate to the ensemble. The conductor’s “instrument” is the ensemble.

Choosing Music:
The conductor must choose the repertory that will be prepared for performance. Research and score-study is vital to ensure the music is suitable and playable for the ensemble. A good conductor asks: Does the music have intrinsic worth? Will the listener both enjoy it and learn something from hearing the piece? (In other words, does the music have aesthetic value?) Will the players enjoy working on the piece and will it be of value in improving their own musicianship? Will the conductor, be able to impart meaning, emotion and sensitivity to the musicians through teaching and conducting? There are, of course, other factors involved but the above are paramount.

Rehearsing:
Basic and preliminary to rehearsing an ensemble is recruiting and assembling the ingredients of the band, orchestra or chorus. Once the proper instrumentation or voices are acquired rehearsing the music can begin. When it is appropriate to a certain era and style of performance a brief account of the cultural, historical and personal (composer) significance of the work to be studied is often helpful.

What a listener sees is a conductor waving his arms, using body language, facial expressions, gestures, etc. This is all designed to keep the ensemble together, indicate relative volume, set the tempo (pace) of the work, and a myriad of other intricacies that the music demands. A good conductor will set ground rules for rehearsing, including musicians being punctual, arriving prepared—having practiced the music at home, being focused ready to work and being responsive and attentive.

Education:
Almost always a conductor is a graduate of an accredited college or university or a music conservatory such as, Juilliard or the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester. The vast majority of school conductors are graduates of music departments from state and private universities.

The curriculum consists of a regular music major course of study including: theory, musicianship, history, literature and conducting courses. Usually the conducting candidate takes courses in both instrumental and choral conducting. It is very helpful for the instrumental conducting student to have a working knowledge of all the instruments in the band or orchestra ensemble.

The choral candidate should have an extensive knowledge of the vocal mechanism including the anatomy and physiology of vocal production. Study of proper diction and pronunciation of foreign languages is also essential.

Being a musical conductor is a very satisfying career, whether in a teaching/conducting position in all levels of education or with a professional band, orchestra or chorus. The main function of the conductor is to motivate and direct the musicians to play together, in tune, with proper blend, balance and emotion. We want more than correct notes and rhythms; we want the musicians and the listening audience to have an inspired and enjoyable musical experience.

Danville Community Band
Spring Concert June 12, Sunday, 3:00 p.m.
Community Presbyterian Church, Danville, CA

Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net
Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band.

Q. Tom, I bought a nice home in San Ramon near the top of the market in late 2006; due to the drop in prices and the minimal down payment at the time, I now owe much more money on the mortgage than what the home is worth. Would I be considered a good candidate for a short sale?

It depends. First of all, I’m happy to report that many more short sales are culminating in closed sales than was the case a year ago–that’s good news! However, to qualify the homeowner must still verify to their lender that making the mortgage payment constitutes a financial hardship. Other qualifying considerations are the number of outstanding loans you have (a 1st, a 2nd or more), which specific lenders hold the notes (some are more cooperative than others) and also the dollar difference between what you owe and the market value of the property—all of which factor into the probability of a successful short sale. If you are thinking of going the short sale route, I recommend that you take the time to consult the following three professionals:

1. A CPA and/or financial advisor to outline the tax consequences of a short sale.
2. A real estate attorney to explain the legal ramifications of a short sale and the other options available including foreclosure, a deed in lieu of foreclosure or loan modification.
3. A full-time Realtor® with solid short sale credentials. Keep in mind, you usually only have one shot at a successful short sale, so my best advice is to hire a qualified Realtor who has the resources you will no doubt need every step of the way.

Q. It’s April and the weather is beautiful yet I don’t see the usual number of for-sale signs around town. Isn’t this supposed to be one of the best times of the year to sell and buy a home?

Yes. Typically, here in the Diablo Valley, our springtime market from mid-February to the end of May is the most prolific time to buy and sell (the summer months are a close 2nd). However, this year the available home inventory which usually fuels the market and invigorates the buyer interest level has been lower than normal. What does that mean?

It means that for whatever reasons, sellers are not listing their homes and are not coming to market at the same rate as in previous years and buyers have little from which to choose.

I know personally that if I had 10 more listings of homes in above average condition and location, I could practically guarantee to the sellers multiple offers from qualified buyers on many of them. Does that mean prices may go up? No, it means that buyer demand here locally is steady and that the combination of a value-priced home in a highly regarded community with first-rate schools, parks & amenities coupled with attractive mortgage interest rates is still a winning formula. Going back to your initial question–hopefully, available home inventory will significantly increase soon and April & May will prove to be robust sales months to the delight of sellers, buyers and real estate agents alike!

Note: The Contra Costa Association of Realtors® Scholarship Foundation awards approximately $50,000 annually in college scholarships to eligible college students in the Diablo Valley; the 2011 application deadline is April 15th. For more information, email me at tom@tomhart.com or click on www.ccarscholarship.com.

Tom Hart is a practicing Real Estate Broker and a partner at Empire Realty Associates in Danville. He is a Certified Master Negotiator by the University of San Francisco and a Certified Master Strategist by HSM Harvard Program on Negotiation. He is past president of the Contra Costa Association of Realtors (2005) and past president of the Realtors’ Marketing Association of the San Ramon Valley. Tom is in high demand as a speaker & trainer inside & outside the real estate industry.