Medford Lakes teen is successful singer and songwriter By Celeste E. Whittaker

CC Miles of Medford Lakes sings and plays at her home recently. The 14-year-old released an album and video last year and has another album in the works.
(Photo: Jose F. Moreno/Staff Photographer)

Source: https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/2016/05/18/medford-lakes-teen-successful-singer--songwriter-taylor-swift/84550142/

May 18, 2016

CC Miles attends Shawnee High and had her first album and video released last year.

MEDFORD LAKES - CC Miles has a smashed guitar in her bedroom closet.

It’s crushed and unusable but she keeps it there as a reminder. She broke it when she fell onto it one day. She sleeps with her guitar.

CC's guitar, like her singing and her electric piano, is a part of her now. Music is a passion and the driving force for the 14-year-old singer, songwriter and musician who hopes it'll be part of her career as well.

“A lot of times I’m in my room and my guitar basically lives in my bed,” said the Shawnee High School freshman, as she sat on a stool in her home music studio on a recent rainy Tuesday afternoon. “It’s something that’s always here. Even if I don’t make it big, I’ll always have my guitar.”

One of her songs, “A guitar and a dream," captures that connection.

The teen with a smooth, melodic voice, started singing when she was 6 and took up piano lessons around the same time. But a few years ago, CC got really serious with piano and guitar lessons and now plays both during local appearances at bars, restaurants and coffee shops, performing original music and cover songs.

“I wanted to start playing instruments so I could accompany myself out while I was playing at bars and stuff,” CC explained. “I love listening to music. I love how other people inspire me and I feel like I just want to inspire other people through music, too.”

Her father Chris Miles, who is heavily involved with her career, takes her to gigs and oversees things. He said at one point she was doing more “karaoke” type things, “but she got tired and wanted to play it just on her own.”

Things have picked up since then for the Burlington County teen. A year ago, she released her first EP — “9th Street” — a six-song album available on iTunes and Spotify. The video “9th Street,” which was shot at Long Beach Island, was also released last summer and has over 5,000 views on YouTube. Another EP is in the works.

CC Miles of Medford Lakes plays the electric keyboard and sings at her home studio. The Shawnee High School freshman has an album under her belt and another in the works. (Photo: Jose F. Moreno/Staff Photographer)

In a typical week, CC stays busy with music lessons.

On Mondays there’s singing or guitar lessons with Sal Dupree in Linwood, Atlantic County. She's gone from 5:30 p.m. until about 11 p.m. with those lessons. On Tuesdays she records YouTube videos of cover songs. Wednesdays are for open mic night at the Flying W. Piano lessons with Ajodah Seenarine of Camden County are on Thursdays and Fridays are for live sets at Tir Na Nog Irish Pub in Cherry Hill, Coffee Works Too in Voorhees or the Java House in Collingswood. Saturdays and Sundays are for practice.

It’s a pretty heavy schedule for a young girl, but she loves every minute of it. The support of parents Cindi and Chris make a big difference, CC explained.

“Do I push you to do this?’’ her dad asked. “Who pushes you?”

“I do,” CC said. “He’ll tell me, ‘If you ever don’t want to do this just tell me.’ I’ve even gotten mad at him sometimes. Why would I be doing all this if I didn’t like it?”

This is the cover photo of CC Miles' first album entitled "9th Street", which was released last year. (Photo: Photo provided)

Chris Miles worked with his daughter on time management and teaching her to focus when she started taking music more serious. CC also has to balance that with her schoolwork and the need to be a teen.

“It definitely takes a lot of time,” she said. “It’s not really a thing where I say, 'I have to go practice for an hour.' It’s more like 'I want to learn this song or that song.'”

Miles explained the first time CC performed in public was when she was about 4 years old at a singing competition he organized to help raise money for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

“There were other kids competing,” said Miles, founder and CEO of Miles Technologies with headquarters in Moorestown. “CC happened to be there. She got up and sang a song. That was the first time she ever sang something in public.”

CC Miles of Medford Lakes plays the guitar at her home studio. The singer and songwriter has one album out and another she's working on now. (Photo: Jose F. Moreno/Staff Photographer)

Though her father dabbled with the guitar as a youngster, no one in her immediate family is musical, so CC's not sure where her drive to pursue it came from.

Meeting singer Taylor Swift at the star’s concert in East Rutherford in July of 2015 certainly didn’t hurt.

CC, a friend and a cousin wore all white clothing, then splattered themselves with paint. They held up a sign, which read “The rest of the world was black and white but we were in screaming color," lyrics from a Swift song. It all caught the attention of Swift’s mom, who selects concert goers in the crowd to meet Swift.

“She’s amazing; I don’t think I would be as far as I am today without her,” CC said of the ultra popular star. “She has helped me so much and inspired me so much.

“I can’t pinpoint my exact memory of when I decided this is what I wanted to be. I always remember I used to watch 'Hannah Montana' and I wanted to live a double life. I wanted to be like her. I thought it was so cool. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

Celeste E. Whittaker; (856) 486-2437; cwhittaker@gannettnj.com

Medford Lakes teen to release debut pop album

CC Miles, 17, of Medford Lakes, is a rising pop star who writes her own music and lyrics.
[NANCY ROKOS/ STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST]

Source: http://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/news/20180803/medford-lakes-teen-to-release-debut-pop-album

By Danielle DeSisto

Posted: August 3, 2018

CC Miles, 17, is preparing to release her debut album "Almost" on Aug. 17.

MEDFORD LAKES — CC Miles remembers falling in love with music at 6 years old.

There was something about the way she could express herself through music, whether it was singing, songwriting or playing piano or guitar.

CC Miles rehearses in her own music studio at home on Monday. {NANCY ROKOS/ STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST]

CC Miles' debut album "Almost" is to be released on Aug1 17. [NANCY ROKOS/ STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST]

“My parents started realizing, ‘Oh, she can actually sing!’” said CC, whose given name is Sierra. “I slowly started coming out of my shell.”

Now 17 years old, CC is preparing to self-release her debut album “Almost” on Aug. 17. The “confessional pop” album chronicles the last few years of Miles’ life.

“It’s a whole chapter of my life,” CC said of the album. “I’m young and I know I haven’t experienced a lot, but I’ve experienced enough to write about. I want to use my lyrics to help people.”

CC Miles rehearses songs from her upcoming album in her music studio. [NANCY ROKOS/ STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST]

CC Miles uses her smartphone to create lyrics for her music. [NANCY ROKOS/ STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST]

CC, who lives in Medford Lakes and is entering her senior year at Shawnee High School, often spends the bulk of her free time playing and writing music. It’s not uncommon for her to dash to the restroom during school to quickly write down a lyric or record a melody on her cell phone when inspiration strikes, or wake up in the middle of the night with an idea for a song.

She began writing music at 12 years old and released her first EP, “9th Street,” at 13. Her second EP, “From My Room,” was released two years later. Both are available on Spotify and iTunes.

CC Miles sings a selection from her upcoming debut album "Almost." [NANCY ROKOS/ STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST]

The young artist cites her family, friends and pop culture as her creative muses. But almost anything can inspire her; one track of her debut album was triggered by “The Vampire Diaries” television show.

“I just love how it’s like a story,” CC said of writing music. “You would never read your diary to someone, but I’d sing my songs to someone.”

CC will host a listening party for “Almost” at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia on Aug. 21 from 7 to 10 p.m. The album will be available on Spotify, iTunes and Apple Music.

For information, visit ccmiles.com.

How to streamline your digital life By Shannon Eblen

Source: https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/life/2016/05/18/streamline-your-digital-life/84068600/

May 18, 2016

Spring is a great time to clear out your digital clutter and make sure that you're adequately protected against hackers. USA TODAY

It seems spring may finally be here to stay, a season many welcome by deep-cleaning and sprucing up their home or office.

One thing that may be overlooked is the trusty computer.

“As tech keeps advancing and getting faster and faster, the more stuff people are juggling,” said Greg Gurev, the founder and “Head Sherpa” of MySherpa in Wilmington, Delaware.

Computers and other digital devices require care and attention to run smoothly. From email to computer updates to cyber security, most people could probably be doing more to streamline and protect their devices.

“One big thing right now is security,” said David Suleski, the president and founder of TechStarters in Cherry Hill. “You don’t want to be the low-hanging fruit.”

TechStarters supplies various IT services for businesses, and in his years of managing website and social media and maintaining computers, Suleski has seen it all.

One of their businesses in Haddonfield once complained a form on their website wasn’t working. Suleski went into the website to pinpoint the problem.

“Immediately, we saw there was a script that said, ‘If the IP address is within 100 miles of this location, show this site; if it’s outside, show this spam site.’ These people had no idea and wouldn’t have had any idea. That’s one form of a website hijack.”

One key thing, Gurev said, is to never let someone else use your computer.

“If you have a kid, don’t let your kids use your device,” he said. They could accidentally delete documents from a parent’s computer or expose the device to malware or a computer virus. He would rather see a child use their own gadgets, he said, with parental supervision.

Suleski and Gurev both recommended CCleaner to clear out old operating system files, downloads and cookies from computers to reduce vulnerability to malware.

Often, Suleski said, you don’t know the malware is there until it’s too late, and the system starts running slowly or malfunctioning.

Attorney Thomas B. Reynolds and David Suleski from Tech Starters chat in their Marlton office.

Reynolds & Horn P.C. in Marlton is one of TechStarters’ customers.

“From day one, as a busy litigation firm, we’ve needed computer assistance,” said attorney and partner Thomas Reynolds. “Everything we do in the office is run through the computer system and a lot of it is beyond my expertise.”

TechStarters helps them with website support, keeps their computers running smoothly and protects them from viruses. Problems go directly to TechStarters, saving the law firm time and energy while keeping their system secure.

“I, personally, am getting less junk mail than before,” Reynolds said.

Be wary of web hosting services that also offer email services, Suleski said. “Email should be on email servers and websites should be on web servers.”

To streamline your email, set up rules to automatically sort incoming messages. This will keep non-urgent messages from over-crowding your inbox.

Most email programs will automatically sort spam. If spam ends up in your inbox, be sure to mark it as spam, but be responsible and don't mark legitimate emails. If reputable businesses have their emails marked as spam too often, it can slow their servers and create other problems, Suleski said.

Avoid clicking on links in emails, especially if you don’t know the sender, Gurev said. Make sure your settings don’t automatically download images in your emails, a trick spammers use to verify email addresses, and don’t sign up for newsletters that could sell your information or be hacked. Mac or PC, computers are vulnerable to email viruses.

“They’re not hacking your computer, they’re hacking you,” he said.

Gurev compared it to driving. “You have to expect that everyone approaching you is going to do the wrong thing. That’s how the Internet is, you have to be a defensive driver.”

If you do click on a link and get a pop-up, Gurev recommended repeatedly pressing the Alt and F4 keys together to shut down computer programs without clicking on anything else, then running CCleaner, or Malwarebytes.

And with the threat or ransomware, which encrypts files and asks for hundreds – if not thousands – of dollars to decrypt them, it is smart to make sure all of your documents are backed up.

Gurev and Suleski recommend a cloud service like Carbonite. Unlike hard drives or USBs, the cloud storage can’t be stolen or destroyed in a house fire. Though Suleski still backs up files on both a hard drive and Carbonite, or another reputable cloud service.

“Redundancy is key,” he said.

Keep that cloud password — and all of your other passwords — safe with a password manager.

“You probably hear about less than one percent of security breaches,” Suleski said. A password managing program not only stores passwords for different sites, but helps to create stronger passwords, the kind that are difficult to remember.

It’s true, he said, that the most commonly used password is “password.”

Gurev recommended OnePass or Dashlane.

Just don’t forget the primary password that unlocks all other saved passwords, or you’ll be locked out of your own system.

Lastly, to keep your machine running smoothly, take on some of those updates you’ve been ignoring. For security-related programs, Gurev said, do the updates as required.

But if other programs are working well, don’t feel compelled to update the software, especially just for a few new features.

“It could be buggy, it could run slow,” Gurev said. “The installation may go afoul and it may gum up your machine.”

For programs and apps you don’t use, go ahead and get rid of them. Deleting those will feel good, Gurev said.

Just like taking out the last bag of trash from spring cleaning.

Shannon Eblen: (856) 486-2475; SEblen@gannettnj.com

For more information

MySherpa, visit mysherpa.com.

TechStarters, visit techstarters.com.

MORE CYBER SPRING CLEANING TIPS

1. Check (and change) your passwords

The more complicated and lengthy a password is, the harder it will be for hackers to guess. Long and random combinations of letters, numbers and other characters work best. Don't include your kids' names, birthdays or references to any other personal details that people might find on social media. Hackers routinely troll Facebook and Twitter looking for clues to passwords like these.

Obvious and default passwords such as "Password123" are also bad, though experts say it's surprising how often they get used.

Regardless of how tough your password is to crack, it's important to change it at least every few months. And don't be tempted to recycle an old one. The longer a password sits around, the more likely it is to fall into the wrong hands. You should also avoid using the same password for multiple sites, so that a break of your school's PTA site wouldn't lead hackers to your online banking account.

Multi-factor identification — which asks users to enter a second form of identification, such as a code texted to their phone — will provide additional protections at services that offer it.

Think that's too hard? Many experts recommend password-manager services such as LastPass or DashLane. They remember complex passwords for you — but you have to trust them. Last June, LastPass disclosed "suspicious activity" and told users to change their master passwords.

2. Back it up

There's a growing threat of ransomware, where a hacker locks down a computer and threatens to wipe the data if the owner doesn't pay up. The attacks often stem from malicious software, which can result from clicking on a link in a phishing email or fake online ads.

Because you have little recourse when this happen, it's more important than ever to back up your data.

You can automate this. Services such as Carbonite let you continuously back up your files to the Internet for a monthly fee. Mac and Windows PCs come with tools for backing up to external drives. It's called Time Machine on Macs. On Windows 10, look under "Update & security" in the settings. On Windows 7, try "System and Security" or "System and Maintenance." Make sure you unplug the drive after each backup, so that malware doesn't creep into those copies as well.

3. Keep your software up to date

Whether it's a new iPhone or an ancient PC, software updates are critical, as they fix flaws that could otherwise give hackers a way into your device. This applies not just to operating systems but to common apps like browsers and media players. Better yet, turn on the auto-updating feature that most software now comes with. Dump software that you no longer use or that's no longer updated. That includes Apple's QuickTime player for Windows, as Apple no longer supports it.

Don't forget about your wireless router and your assorted "Internet of things" devices such as smart TVs and thermostats. While some devices may automatically do this or let you do so through a phone app, consult your manufacturer's website for older devices.

4. The truth is out there, like it or not

Lock down your social media accounts by restricting your posts to just your actual friends. You can adjust that in the settings. Nonetheless, assume that everyone everywhere can see what you're posting — even if you restrict your audience.

As mentioned before, personal tidbits can help hackers crack easy passwords. They also can be used to answer supposedly personal questions to reset passwords for many services.

Beyond security, Facebook and Twitter are among the first places employers look when researching a job candidate. You don't want anything embarrassing to pop up.

Woe to those who attended college after the advent of social media. Bet you're regretting all those keg-stand selfies now.

Associated Press

Workers celebrate more money in paychecks after tax cuts By Lucia I. Suarez Sang

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/02/02/workers-celebrate-more-money-in-paychecks-after-tax-cuts.html

February 2, 2018

Many workers nationwide are noticing extra money in their pay checks this week after instructions from December's tax overhaul went into effect.

“I just checked my paycheck and I have $100 extra dollars! That money will go to my church and help pay a bill,” Michael Diaz, of Houston, Texas, tweeted on Friday. “Thank you @tedcruz and @POTUS for the #TaxCuts $200 extra per month is not crumbs in my house!”

I just checked my paycheck and I have $100 extra dollars! That money will go to my church and help pay a bill. Thank You @tedcruz and @POTUS for the #TaxCuts $200 dollars extra per month is not crumbs in my house! #WeCruzN #CruzCrew #KeepTexasRed #Cruz2018 #CruzCrew #MAGA pic.twitter.com/vSMcfguNmi

— Michael Diaz (@MikeDiaz285) February 2, 2018

The "crumbs" remark made by Diaz and others referred to a remark from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat who opposed the bill. Pelosi, in a widely mocked comment, said bonuses relating to the tax cut amounted to "crumbs" for workers.

The bigger paychecks started Feb. 1 as employers began implementing the new withholding guidelines from the IRS, which dictate how much employers withhold from pay for federal taxes.

However, those whose checks remained the same shouldn’t fret – employers have until Feb. 15 to make the changes.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has estimated the new rules will mean more take-home pay for about 90 percent of American workers.

Looked at my paycheck today, took home $130 more than last paycheck.#Ilikecrumbs @NancyPelosi

— rick lovett (@ritchielt) February 2, 2018

“Looked at my paycheck today, took home $130 more than last paycheck. #Ilikecrumbs @NancyPelosi,” Rick Lovett, a Marine veteran from New Hampshire, tweeted Friday.

Julia Ketchum, a secretary at a public high school in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, said she was pleasantly surprised her pay went up $1.50 a week. She didn't think her pay would go up at all, let alone this soon. That adds up to $78 a year, which she said will more than cover her Costco membership for the year.

Todd Anderson of Texas and his fiance, who are both educators, got an extra $200 in their paychecks combined that they plan to use to cover the costs of a second baby on its way.

Wayne Love, who works in managed care in Spring Hill, Florida, got an extra $200 in his paycheck last week, which he said will help offset a $300 increase in the cost of his health insurance.

"I have heard time and again that the middle class is getting crumbs, but I'll take it!" Love said by email.

According to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center, a middle-income household would on average get a tax cut of $930 this year, lifting their after-tax income by about 1.6 percent. That increase won't be perfectly reflected in their paycheck though.

That's because lower tax withholding on paychecks is just a piece of a complicated set of changes to tax law that the GOP pushed through in December. And what your employer withholds is based on an estimate of your tax obligation that includes many complex factors, but it's not a perfect measure.

As a result, taxpayers may find they are unintentionally over- or underwithholding for their taxes if they don't do some legwork.

Experts suggest that all taxpayers take a look the new IRS calculator when it becomes available later in February to ensure they are having the correct amount withheld. And they should update the information on their W-4 after the IRS releases a revised version later this year.

The IRS said the new withholding tables should produce an accurate withholding amount for people with simpler tax situations. But tax experts say those who will still itemize, have larger families or more complicated tax situations may want to take a closer look.

"If they haven't done it before, this is a really good year to talk to your tax professional," said Pete Isberg, vice president of government relations for ADP, a payroll provider.

President Trump,
My paycheck went up this week thanks to the tax cuts, adding over $500 annually to my wallet!! Thank you.🇺🇸@realDonaldTrump @POTUS @GOP #TaxCutsandJobsAct #MAGA

— Kelly G Winbigler (@kelly_kgw) February 2, 2018

IDC what you think about Trump, he decreased the Federal Income Tax and now I get an extra $45 bucks every paycheck. #MAGA

— sarah van ginkel (@sarah_vanginkel) February 2, 2018

@realDonaldTrump THANK YOU MR PRESIDENT! BECUZ OF UR #TAXCUTS, MY HUSBAND'S REGULAR TAKE HOME PAY IS $400 MORE EACH PAYCHECK! We are family of 5 living in Cali! #SOTU2018 #SOTU #TaxCutsandJobsAct #MAGA🇺🇸🇺🇸

— R (@thatzzwutzup) February 2, 2018

The IRS, payroll and tax professionals have been scrambling to react to the passage of the new tax law. And the IRS says it plans to make further changes involving withholding matters in 2019. Many in the industry say they expect the IRS to update the W-4 form in 2019 in a more dramatic fashion to fully reflect the scope of the law.

No worker should anticipate a negative impact from the new withholding table if their pay remained the same, said Joseph Rosenberg, a senior researcher at the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center.

SMALL BUSINESSES PLANNING PAY BOOSTS RISE TO 28-YEAR HIGH

"It's tough to be upset about more money in my pocket," said Jefferey Snively, an aerospace engineer who got a 4 percent bump in his last paycheck due to the lower tax rate.

Still, not everyone was pleased with the pay bump.

Everyone is talking about getting more money in their paycheck because of the tax bill and I got $7 more than usual. Reaping the benefits man, totally proportional to the cuts the top 1% got

— Matt (@kfaf24) February 2, 2018

"Everyone is talking about getting more money in their paycheck because of the tax bill and I got $7 more than usual. Reaping the benefits man, totally proportional to the cuts the top 1% got," a user named Matt tweeted.

In addition to the higher paychecks, the Labor Department said Friday that U.S. employers added a robust 200,000 jobs in January and that wages rose at the fastest pace in more than eight years.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.