Jennifer Ortman: Favorite Movies Starring Real Estate

As an avid movie buff who's also a real estate professional, Jennifer Ortman enjoys watching movies about real estate. Buying, selling and owning one's own home is the quintessential American dream. This is reflected in numerous films. The following list reflects Jennifer Ortman's favorite movies in which the real estate profession plays a starring role.

1. American Beauty: In this 1999 film drama, Annette Bening plays Carolyn Burnham, an extremely materialistic real estate broker. Carolyn is not a sympathetic character, nor is she a particularly accurate depiction of the average real estate broker. Most real estate brokers go into the profession because they are attracted by its flexible hours. If money is the object, there are many professions that promise higher rewards.

2. Mr. Blanding Builds His Dream House (1948): This screen comedy casts suave Cary Grant in an uncharacteristic role as a guy in over his head. The movie tells the tale of Jim Blandings who is tired of living with his family in a cramped New York apartment. Blandings contacts an unscrupulous real estate agent who unloads a dilapidated fixer-upper on him. The film recounts the troubles and setbacks the Blandings family experience as they prepare to move into their new home. It's an adventure in home owning that anyone who has ever bought or remodeled a home can relate to.

3. The Money Pit (1986): The Money Pit is not a remake of Mr. Blanding, but it's based on the same novel that inspired the earlier movie. Although it was a box office smash, the critics gave it mixed reviews. Everything that can possibly go wrong with the house Tom Hanks and Shelley Long purchase does go wrong. In the end, the sellers are revealed to be a pair of unscrupulous crooks.

4. Poltergeist (1982): Poltergeist is the quintessential haunted house movie. Though it's not about real estate sales per se, the Freeling family home definitely plays a starring role. The film was so popular that it inspired a prequel and a sequel. Many of the actors who starred in the Poltergeist Trilogy died untimely deaths. This gave rise to the legend of the Poltergeist Curse.

5. Life as a House (2001): The protagonist of Life as a House works in the real estate industry as a designer of architectural models. When he refused to switch to CAD computer programs to design these houses, he is summarily fired from his job. The motif of house as metaphor for a constrained life resonates powerfully throughout this moving film.

6. Duplex (2003): Duplex is a very black comedy about a young couple who rent a Brooklyn duplex. Unbeknownst to them when they move in, a disruptive neighbor lives upstairs. It was neither a box office nor a critical hit. Nevertheless, anyone who has ever been saddled with an impossible upstairs neighbor will find the Kendricks' misadventures amusing.

7. Open House (1987): Open House is a slasher movie about a serial killer who uses real estate open houses to find potential victims. While it's not a great movie, it has some inventive moments.

8. Pacific Heights (1990): This film is about a rental property owner's worst nightmare: a tenant who won't pay rent and refuses to vacate. The sinister tenant, played by Michael Keaton, takes these misdeeds one step farther, however. He tries to destroy the young property owners' lives. The film did not do well at the box office and only received mixed reviews from critics.

Of course, these movies don't paint an accurate picture of the real estate industry and home ownership. Jennifer Ortman understands that creative liberties are a part of all entertainment, and enjoys them anyway.

How To Truly Enjoy Classical Music

Getting the most enjoyment possible out of classical music is challenging. In some cases, the music is boring and lengthy, making it hard to enjoy. In other cases, you are not listening to the music in the right type of setting. In order to get the most enjoyment out of classical music, you have to experience it correctly. Here are some tips on how you can truly get the most enjoyment out of classical music.

Start With The Popular Classics

Beginning with the popular classics may give you a whole new appreciation for classical music. There is a reason why the most popular classical music is popular. The popular pieces are the pieces that are appealing to the widest range of people. This music was made with all the right choices in tempo, melody, harmony, and length. Once you have seen how great classical music is, you can begin exploring other classical musicians.

Focus In On The Music

The best way to listen to classical music is to focus in on the music. Some people like listening to classical music alone in a quiet room. Others like to attend concerts were everyone is focused on the all-encompassing music. Before you begin, you should clear your mind and prepare to really listen. Clearing your mind allows you to see where the music takes you.

Attend A Live Performance

If you really want to get the true effect of classical music, you should attend a live performance. In many cities, there are a wide variety of options available for listening to classical music live. Some musicians play concerts in the local parks and recreational areas. Others hold small indoor shows in event spaces and charge a fairly inexpensive ticket price. There are possibilities available regardless of the amount of your entertainment budget.

Look For Classical Music In Your Life

Once you have experienced classical music correctly, you can begin looking for classical music in your everyday life. Classical music is all around you every day. It is often used at weddings because of the beauty of the music. The music is also used in television shows and as background music in many retail locations. If you hear a song that you like, seek out more songs from that musician.

Over time, you will find that you like certain styles of classical music more than others. Exploring musicians that play the type of music you like will make it even more enjoyable for you. Allow yourself to feel the music and imagine the story it is telling you. There are thousands of classical music pieces to experience. Although you may not love it all, you will find some that you truly enjoy.

Classic Movies Starring Audrey Hepburn

Real estate professional Jennifer Ortman cheerfully confesses to being a classic movie buff. Her favorite films are ones produced in the 1950s and 1960s. Jennifer's favorite actress is the legendary screen beauty Audrey Hepburn. Jennifer has been known to stay up late to catch "Sabrina" or "Breakfast at Tiffany's" on her favorite TV network.

Audrey Hepburn

Growing up in Nazi-occupied Holland, young Audrey Kathleen Ruston couldn't guess she would become a film star one day. Audrey's parents were both titled aristocrats. Her father was of Belgian and British descent, and her mother was a Dutch Baroness.

Audrey spent the first years of her life living in Belgium and Britain. Her mother decided to relocate to the Netherlands at the beginning of World War II. She believed the Netherlands would remain neutral.

During the War, Audrey suffered from severe malnutrition and associated health problems such as anemia. At one point, Audrey and family were forced to grind tulip bulbs for flour. These wartime experiences are responsible for Audrey's dedication as an adult to the international relief foundation UNICEF.

Audrey's uncle was executed because he was a member of the Resistance. One of her brothers was deported to a German labor camp. Later in her life, Audrey recollected vividly the sight of Jews being taken away to concentration camps. Audrey studied ballet during this time, becoming a very talented dancer. She performed in secret recitals that raised funds for the Dutch resistance.

After the War, Audrey and her mother traveled to London so she could continue her ballet studies. Her ballet instructor told her though she was a talented dancer, she was too tall to become a prima ballerina. Audrey decided to pursue acting studies instead.

Audrey found some work in stage reviews and was cast in a few small roles in films. One day, the famous French novelist Colette visited the Monte Carlo set where Audrey was filming. Colette's most famous novel, "Gigi," was being turned into a Broadway play. Producers were having a hard time casting the title role. Colette took one look at Audrey and pronounced, "Voila! There's your Gigi."

Audrey Hepburn's role in the Broadway version of "Gigi" instantly made her a huge star. After the play closed, she embarked a film career, becoming one of the most beloved film actresses of all time.

The Films of Audrey Hepburn

During the course of her career, Audrey Hepburn appeared in 27 movies between 1953 and 1987. Twenty of those appearances were in starring roles. Many of the films in which Audrey Hepburn starred have become classics.

• Roman Holiday: Roman Holiday was Audrey Hepburn's first lead role in a film. Her performance as Princess Ann earned her an Academy Award as Best Actress. The role was originally written for Elizabeth Taylor. Originally, Audrey was not slated for star billing. Her costar Gregory Peck was so impressed by her performance, however, that he demanded her name be put above the title.

• Sabrina: During the filming of Sabrina, Audrey Hepburn fell in love with her costar William Holden. Audrey had major problems with Humphrey Bogart, however, who was her other costar in the film. The designer Hubert de Givenchy designed her costumes for the film. This was the beginning of a lifelong professional association in which Audrey frequently showcased Givenchy creations.

• Breakfast at Tiffany's: Audrey Hepburn's performance as Holly Golightly is probably her most iconic role. Audrey herself characterized it as her most challenging role. Holly Golightly was the prototypical extrovert, and Audrey Hepburn was introverted by nature. The film's signature song, "Moon River" was composed especially to disguise Audrey Hepburn's limited vocal range.

Jennifer Ortman

Jennifer Ortman balances her life between the demands of her real estate profession and her musical avocation. Jennifer Ortman earns her living as one of Chautauqua County, New York's most successful real estate agents. In addition to selling residential real estate, Jennifer also manages properties owned by the world-renowned Chautauqua Institute.

In her spare time, Jennifer is a musician. She studied the oboe and piano for many years, and gives lessons to a select group of students.

Jennifer Ortman's Musical Background

Jennifer Ortman discovered her love of music at a very young age. She attended a workshop at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York given by Richard Kilmer. This sparked her determination to become a performing artist.

Jennifer attended the University of Illinois where she majored in music performance. She also focused on music performance graduate studies at UCLA, before returning to the University of Illinois. At her alma mater once more, Jennifer earned a master's degree in music education.

After graduation, Jennifer began teaching music at the Victor Central School located near Rochester, New York. She felt as though something was missing from her life, though. Jennifer is a real people person, and she craved an opportunity to interact with adults in her professional life.

Becoming a Real Estate Agent

Jennifer decided to become a real estate agent. The flexibility of the profession attracted her. She wanted to have an occupation that still gave her enough time to pursue her musical dreams.

Today, Jennifer is one of the most successful agents with Chautauqua County's Maple Group Real Estate company. Because of the area's association with the historic Chautauqua Institute, the properties she sells attract national interest. Jennifer uses the Internet as part of her sales process. She also uses professional publications like "Home Magazine Real Estate Guides" to promote her listings.

In 2010, Jennifer was awarded the Chautauqua County Board of Realtors coveted Presidential Bronze Award. That same year, Jennifer closed almost $1.5 million in sales.

Classical Music

Jennifer is passionate about all types of music. She enjoys everything from pop music to jazz. There's a special place in her heart, though, for classical music. Classical music is entwined with many special memories in her youth. At Christmas time, as a young girl, she loved baking cookies to the strains of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite. As an older, more experienced musician, she appreciated the mastery behind Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony.

She is very grateful to her parents for encouraging her to learn the classical oboe. Early musical education has many positive benefits.

• Music develops language abilities. Scientists have found that the parts of the brain responsible for learning music are also implicated in language. Music and language both use the left side of the brain. Learning to play an instrument, then, enhances a child's ability to process language.

• Music develops spatial intelligence. Scientists have also discovered that there's a link between musical ability and the ability to visualize things in space. Scientists dub this ability spatial intelligence. Spatial intelligence is a necessary prerequisite to solving mathematical equations.

• Music helps students score better on standardized tests. It's true! Music students score significantly better on standardized exams like the SAT and the National Merit Scholarship exams.

• Music develops multicultural awareness. Classical composers come from a variety of different cultures. Their music often incorporates folk music and other cultural motifs. Music education therefore gives students insight into the ways very different people think and live.

• Music rewards hard work and diligence. In music, you either play the right note or you don't play the right note. There is no in-between. The great thing is that nearly anyone can learn to play the right note if they work at it hard enough.

• Music enhances team spirit. Like sports, orchestral music is a form of communication among players that takes place without words. If an orchestra is going to succeed in playing a piece well, all its players must work together toward a common goal. They must strive in harmony, both literally and figuratively.

• Music helps overcome performance fears and stage fright. At some point in every young musician's life, he or she will perform in a recital. Performing regularly can help young people overcome the fear of getting up in front of other people. This is a skill that will be invaluable when young people become adults.

Jennifer Ortman Talks About Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

One of Jennifer's favorite composers is the great Russian master Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Tchaikovsky was the first Russian composer to achieve wide acclaim outside his motherland. He was a brilliant and versatile musician whose works included symphonies, concertos, ballets, chamber music and operas.

Tchaikovsky, however, lived a very unhappy life. His mother, with whom he was very close, died at a young age. Tchaikovsky suffered from deep depression throughout much of his adult life. This depression found its way into much of his work.

He was born in 1840 into a family distinguished by a lengthy history of military service. Though he showed early musical promise, young Pyotr Ilyich was trained to become a civil servant. At the age of ten, he was sent away to boarding school. Four years later, his beloved mother died. His mother's death was the impetus behind Tchaikovsky's first serious composition, a waltz.

He continued to take music lessons throughout his tenure at boarding school. When he graduated at age 19, he became a minor official with the Ministry of Justice in St. Petersburg. He kept this position for three years, all the while continuing to study music. Eventually he enrolled at the St. Petersburg Conservatory of Music.

One of Tchaikovsky's first compositions was his now famous Piano Concerto No. 1, which he wrote in 1874. This concerto is one of the most beloved musical pieces in the world today, but it was not well received initially. During the next ten years, he also wrote his first four symphonies, and many operas including the masterpiece Eugene Onegin.

In 1877, he married one of his students from the Moscow Conservatory where he worked as a music teacher. The marriage was not a success and left him damaged emotionally.

By 1880, Tchaikovsky had become famous for his musical compositions, both within Russia and abroad. In March 1884, Tsar Alexander III conferred the Order of St. Vladimir upon Tchaikovsky, a position of hereditary nobility. Tchaikovsky was awarded an annual pension of 3,000 rubles and became the court composer in all but name. Tchaikovsky died of cholera in 1893 at the age of 54.

Tchaikovsky's composition style was fundamentally different from the cerebral style of masters like Brahms and Beethoven. Brahms and Beethoven looked at music almost as an intellectual exercise. Tchaikovsky, however, was primarily concerned with music's emotional effects upon listeners. Jennifer Ortman loves to listen to Tchaikovsky's music. Jennifer Ortman travels frequently to concerts in Cleveland, Chicago and Rochester when Tchaikovsky is on the program.