Stephen m. h. braitman putting a value on your vinyl collection

The value of vinyl records is very subjective and certainly up for debate. There are many elements that go into ascertaining just how much a specific record or a whole collection may be worth. Do you use fair market value, replacement value or record price guide value? As I found out, it all depends on the circumstances, and the best way to achieve these objectives is to have your collection professionally appraised. I had the opportunity to speak with professional appraiser and music historian Stephen M. H. Braitman about the elements that go into putting a value on a record collection. But, first, let me introduce Stephen. He has been involved with records and music since the late 60's, writing and editing several entertainment and music publications. He also has been a dealer, buying and selling records, posters and related memorabilia throughout the years. His widely acknowledged expertise in the marketplace for music and memorabilia makes his appraisal services very important for estate planning, charitable contributions, expert testimony and for insurance and coverage claims. His many credentials include: passing the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) Principles of Practice and Code of Ethics exam in 2004, completing courses on such subjects as the Uniform Standards for Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) Personal Property Valuation, Methodology-Research and Analysis as well as the legal and commercial environment of appraisal. He is also a music analyst with Gracenote, the digital music management company. So what does all this mean? Stephen M. H. Braitman is a qualified, certified appraiser. Why is this unique service so important? As I discussed the details of his occupation with Mr. Braitman, let’s explore some of the details that go into a record collection appraisal and how a record collection should be appraised. “This is a new service, a new genre so to speak,” he said. “The service is being offered for those people who may have large or small collections and have really no idea their worth. Unfortunately, there are no legal requirements to qualify as an appraiser except in the real estate market, but the IRS and the Appraisal Foundation have led the way with the adoption of nationally recognized standards that reputable appraisers in all fields use. The IRS, for example, uses the concept of fair market value, meaning the agreed-upon price paid by a willing, knowledgeable buyer to a willing, knowledgeable seller. One of the reasons I entered this profession is, not only because of my love for music and music memorabilia, but because I felt that the industry needs certified appraisers to provide critical assistance in defining the values of collections for insurance purposes, estate planning, tax donation claims, personal disputes and investments. Part of the job is also being called upon as an expert witness to attest and back up the values set upon a collection. That’s where I enter the picture.” When asked what exactly goes into an appraisal, Stephen explained: “There are many variables that have to be recognized when placing a value on a collection. It also depends on the purpose of the appraisal. For instance, the IRS uses fair market value in determining the value of donated material. But, replacement value in insurance cases different; it’s higher because you’ll be paying a higher cost to recover certain collectibles, let’s say, that may have been lost in a fire. So, the intent of the appraisal must be taken into consideration as well.” “We research what are comparable items in the current marketplace. There are several aspects to research that include recent and relevant sales, trend analysis, professional consensus, retail stores, auction prices as well as record guide prices. The record price guides are a nice starting point, but they may not reflect true value because of the variables just mentioned.” “Our first order of business in an appraisal is generally to examine the physical items, if possible, and note the condition, edition or other key points of recognition. Then we conduct extensive research to ascertain the current marketability of the items. Our service concludes with a certified document that details the estimated retail value and the current wholesale value, depending on the type of appraisal. We also include a statement of the overall quality level of the item or collection, including condition, pressing edition or the cultural or historical desirability. This document exceeds the appraisal requirements of the IRS and the insurance companies.” We discussed one of the most confusing and subjective elements regarding vinyl records: grading the vinyl. I asked Stephen what method he uses. “It is actually a combination of many methods, including the Goldmine Standards that have been set up in their many publications, the ‘Good Rockin’ Tonight’-formula, and my own formula. I like to take it a step further and use a 100-point scale, and deduct points for every flaw, not only on the record, but the picture sleeve (if it is a 45rpm), LP jacket and cover. I would like to see a uniform standard set up sometime in the near future, something that everybody in the industry could agree on,” said Stephen. There are also a couple of ways to have your memorabilia or record collection documented and appraised, as Stephen details: “We actually offer two distinct services, the professional appraisal and a quick evaluation of your memorabilia or record collection. This entails you sending us a list of your items from which we provide a detailed document with a range of market values based on comparables. You’ll be able to tell whether you have something worth $1.00, $10, $100, or more. This process is quicker and less expensive that the formal appraisal and is most useful in estimating what a sale to a dealer might bring,” explained Stephen. “Our service includes, not only the appraisal of records and record collections, but posters, flyers, handbills, programs, CDs, promotional items, tour books and other music collectibles. (I don't handle musical instruments, which is a very different kind of specialty). It is important to have your items or collections appraised to gauge the potential replacement value, assist in estate planning goals, tax elements and other factors. I have much more information on my Website, MusicAppraisals. ” As we wrapped up our interview, we talked about our love for not only music, but the historical audio format of, vinyl records. I asked Stephen about one of his most memorable record collection appraisals. “I did an appraisal for a gentleman in Texas and he had a wonderful and superb record collection. But, when he put on an old 78rpm of Robert Johnson and played it on his professional sound equipment, and as the music filled the room, you could have swore that Mr. Robert Johnson himself was playing for you right then and there. It was a wonderful and enlightening experience, and one I will never forget,” recalled Stephen. So, not only does Stephen M. H. Braitman offer valuable and unique record appraisal services, he also gets to archive, appraise and handle important parts of audio history, and gets to hear them as well. And that is a reward that you can not put a value on. Stephen’s contact information: Website: MusicAppraisals Blog: NeedleScreech Email: braitman@mindspring Monthly Column: "The Picture Sleeve Archive" in Goldmine Magazine Phone: 925-679-3044

Poems web

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Decoupage tools and equipment

One of the advantages of decoupage is that it requires very little equipment, and it’s likely that you already possess the tools that you need to get started. However, there are items that can be helpful in your decoupage, if not strictly necessary. These will vary according to the exact work you plan to do. Let’s first look at the tools you can’t manage without. Scissors It’s best to have a pair of scissors put aside solely for decoupage. Certain things can gradually blunt scissors, and you want to keep yours as sharp and clean as possible. Embroidery scissors, which come to a very sharp point, are good for this sort of work. You can also buy curved scissors, which can be helpful in cutting out awkward shapes. You can keep your scissors sharp by cutting fine sandpaper. Glue White PVA glue makes an excellent medium, although you may want to dilute it a little with water before using it. This will give you a similar product to specially made decoupage medium. There are many brands of glues available, some made specifically for decoupage. They will have instructions for use on the bottle. For simple projects, you can mix two parts clear drying craft glue with one part water. Some glues may need to be diluted further. Wallpaper paste can be used for large areas. Decoupage mediums or glues may be used full strength, except on glass where they should be diluted. Decoupage glue has a slower drying time, which is useful if you’re inexperienced as it allows you to reposition items. There are a number of recipes available for making your own glue if you find it difficult to obtain decoupage glue. Glaze Mix together three parts PVA glue with one part water. Add more water if necessary. Add two tablespoons of varnish, for shine. Put into a screw top container. Glue ј cup of sugar ј cup of flour Ѕ teaspoon of powdered alum 1ѕ cups of water ј teaspoon of oil of cinnamon Mix the sugar, flour, and alum in a medium sized saucepan. Gradually add the one cup of water, stirring vigorously to break up any lumps. Boil until clear and smooth. Stir constantly. Remove from heat and add the remaining water and oil, stirring until thoroughly mixed. Put into a screw top container. Slow Drying Glue Add one part glycerin to four parts glue. Varnish The type of varnish you choose will depend on the use to which the item is to be put and how you want it to look. You can use a water-based varnish, which won't yellow, or oil based varnish to give a yellow tint for an aged look. Lacquer, which comes in spray-on cans, is easy to use for large objects. Water based varnish is less likely to run and dries quickly. It’s also heat resistant to a point and scuff resistant. Although it has a milky appearance, it dries clear. This varnish works well on wood and glass because it is thin and easy to apply. It’s available in gloss, matt and satin. You need to apply it smoothly and evenly and wash your brushes and applicators in soapy water immediately after use. As it dries clear, it works well on bright colors. Water based varnish is the best to use if you’re working in a small space owing to the fumes produced by oil based varnish. Remember that the final coat defines the finish so is you decide that you’d rather have a matte than gloss finish; use a matte varnish for your final coat. Cotton Swabs These are used to spread the glue around. They are a very inexpensive alternative to paint brushes. Damp Rag This will help you to wipe up any excess glue that leaks out, as you don't want the residue to lie on top.

Bring dreams to life at the disney store

Every little girl has dreamed of having her bedroom transformed into a Disney wonderland. Now, you can do this thanks to the Disney store online. This store has everything that you or your daughter could ever possibly want to put in her room. The part that you will love is that this web site actually has the best deals when it comes to these things. For instance, whenever you sign up for their credit card you can save $25 right away. If your daughter is like a lot of other little girls in this world, then she has probably been taken away with the beautiful princesses that Disney has created over the years. In fact, she probably cannot even decide which of these princesses that she likes the best and that is fine because the Disney online store has an awesome collection that would be perfect for her bedroom. This collection is sure to invite your little princess into a beautiful dream of happily ever afters. There are 6 wonderful pieces in this collection. They include a beautiful quilt set with pillow shams. Then for under the quilt set there is are sheets and pillow cases that you can purchase. If this is not enough items from the Disney online store, you can also purchase a throw pillow that is embroidered with your daughter's name upon it. Some of the other things that you can purchase for your daughter's room room include a throw rug that has a castle on it, a beautiful lamp and a pretty switch cover for over the light switch in her room. All of these things from the Disney store online will definitely thrill your daughter to no end. Of course, there are also lots of other great items that can be purchased from this web site as well.

Making a digital picture frame work

You’ve seen digital picture frame products on the market and you, like everyone else, want to have one in your home. But, how can you add these to your home? Do you have to redesign your entire home around this new medium of technology that will not display your photos? Don’t worry about the details, but enjoy the benefits that it can provide. A digital picture frame is an ideal way to bring your home together, not to cause you to have to redo it. First, take into consideration all that these picture frames can offer to you. They allow you to create a slide show of wonderful pictures that will bring back smiles and warm thoughts. Once you have it loaded with your memories, you need to pick the right place to put it. The digital picture frame can be mounted to a wall or many of them can be placed in a sitting position. In either case, you should be able to select a place of distinction for it. Instead of putting it surrounded by other pictures as you would a standard picture frame, decide to find a place for it to be placed solely. This allows you to keep other pictures elsewhere. Look for a location that you will walk towards often and for more than just one second. For example, at the end of the hallway would be a nice choice because as you walk, you can see the slideshow of pictures playing before you. Find a place in your home that allows you to easily view your pictures. A digital picture frame can be purchased in many different colors, styles and sizes depending on what you would like. You don’t have to have an ultra modern home to truly enjoy what they have to offer to you. Instead, you’ll want to consider the many benefits of placing these frames in locations to enjoy. Select the type that works the best for you and then make it a focal point.

Holiday crafts for the kids

Kids, young and the young at heart, love the holidays and there are an almost limitless number of crafts that can be made to keep the kids busy, especially when the weather gets bad and they are home from school. Many projects can be done with common items found around the house. Paper snowflakes are always a favorite and all you need is white paper, scissors and possibly glue and glitter. Fold the paper in half, half again and again, until you have a triangle. Cut small shapes, unfold carefully, you have beautiful one of a kind snowflakes. If you have glue and glitter, the kids may want to make them a bit fancier. They also make wonderful decorations to hang from the ceiling and windows for the holidays. Recycled cards - let the kids cut the message parts off the cards, and by gluing them to the front of either folded construction paper or lightweight card stock, they can create their own cards to send to friends and family. Ribbon, glitter and other items can make nice decorative touches. Ornaments/gift tags – by cutting out the pictures from the cards in different shapes (stars, circles, etc), maybe even using scrap booking edging scissors, some ribbon and glitter, they can make cute ornaments for the tree that can also be used as gift tags. Candy dish – cut a hexagon of plain cardstock and then six pieces from Christmas card fronts (trying to get the nicest part of the picture showing on the shape) that taper slightly wider at the top than the base for the sides. Cover all the pieces with clear contact paper and punch holes along all the edges, evenly spaced. Sew the pieces together using ribbon or yarn, and you have a one of a kind candy dish. Let the kids experiment with different shapes and sizes. Styrofoam ball snowmen are an easy project. Stack and glue together (use toothpicks to support the pieces) different sizes, and decorate with buttons, or scrap pieces of felt for the eyes and mouth and buttons. To make a cute hat for the snowman, place a standard size styrofoam coffee cup upside down on a foil lined baking pan. Place in the oven at a low temperature (adult supervision). Watch carefully as the cup begins to melt, shrink and reshape itself into a funny top hat. Remove carefully, let them cool, and they can be painted and decorated and glued onto the snowman’s head.