Pre-Owned 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 Coupe Annapolis MD Thursday, September 30, 2010

We are proud to present this 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK320. Please visit our website at www.automotivedirectusa.com and ifyou have any questions you can always call us at (800) 501-2938. We've been honored to serve the Annapolis, MD area, we promise that your experience at our dealership will exceed your expectations! Year 1998 Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: CLK320 Engine: 3.2L SOHC SFI 18-valve aluminum-alloy V6 engine Trans.: Automatic Exterior: Green Miles: 103042 Interior: Other Automotive Direct USA (800) 501-2938 www.automotivedirectusa.com 240 West Street Annapolis, MD 21401 AUTOMOTIVE DIRECT USA, LLC. SELLS CARS, TRUCKS, and SUV'S... We are a WEB BASED INDEPENDENT DEALERSHIP, LOW IN OVERHEAD, LOWER IN COST!!!! We represent MULTIPLE DEALERSHIPS at several LOCATIONS in the WASHINGTON DC, NORTHERN VIRGINIA AND MARYLAND AREA!!!!! PLUS our NEWEST LOCATION in the SOUTHEAST located in BESSEMER AL. just outside of BIRMINGHAM. We have all TYPES of CARS. TRUCKS, and SUV'S ranging from CERTIFIED LUXURY to BASIC TRANSPORTATION and everything in BETWEEN!!!! The majority of our VEHICLES are PRICED somewhere between KELLEY BLUE BOOK TRADE-IN and KELLY BLUE BOOK PRIVATE PARTY. AUTOMOTIVE DIRECT USA, LLC. not only services our LOCAL COMMUNITIES but we have a VAST AMOUNT OF EXPERIENCE at SHIPPING both NATIONALLY and INTERNATIONALLY. OUR HOMEBASE LOCATION IS 240 WEST ST. ANNAPOLIS MD. 21401 in MARYLAND'S STATE CAPITAL and JUST 30 MINUTES FROM EITHER DOWNTOWN WASHINGTON DC. or BALTIMORE MD ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEZFgJCwJcM&hl=en

Downtown St. Paul Minnesota - Fun Things to Do in Saint Paul MN

Visiting downtown St. Paul? If so, there are many fun things that you can do, no matter what season you decide to visit the area. You'll find that there are excellent St. Paul event no matter the time of year, and you'll be sure to find fun activities that the entire family can enjoy all year long. From the St. Paul Winter Carnival, going to see the Minnesota Wild, or even participating in Grand Old Days, in downtown St. Paul, MN there is no lack of great things to do. Here are just a few of the fun things to do in the city of St. Paul that you are sure to enjoy.

St. Paul Winter Carnival
If you happen to enjoy getting involved in winter events, St. Paul is the place to be. When it comes to St. Paul events, the St. Paul Winter Carnival is one of the most well known events. The very first Winter Carnival was held back in 1886, and since then they have had this celebration each year. At the first Carnival they had, there was a huge ice castle and they included ice horse racing and bobsledding as just a few of the fun activities that were held during the event. Today the St. Paul Winter Carnival is bigger and better than ever. A royal family is elected to be in the parade, and some of the great activities that are available for kids include the Grand Day Parade, the Royal Coronation, a Pow Wow, ice sculpture carving, and Klondike Kate Caberets to name a few. Since 1952, there has also been a Treasure Hunt held each year during the carnival as well. The search is for a medallion, and the ones who find it usually get a cash prize.

See the Minnesota Wild
In downtown St. Paul, you also have the option to go see the Minnesota Wild play when they are in season. They are the professional ice hockey team and they are based right out of St. Paul. The Minnesota Wild first began to play back in 2000 and since their beginning, every home game has been sold out at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Just a few of the players on the team include Eric Belanger, Andrew Brunette, Marian Gaborik, Josh Harding, Kim Johnsson, Nick Schultz, Eric Reitz, Thomas Mojzis, and Marek Zidlicky.

Grand Old Days
When it comes to St. Paul events, another one that you won't want to miss is the Grand Old Days. The Grand Old Days event is an event that celebrates the first rites of spring in downtown St. Paul. There is a parade that occurs on Grand Avenue that is full of great floats and much more. You'll also find that there is live music during the event as well as art cars that you can enjoy seeing as well. Sporting events occur during this time as well dog competitions, competitions for the strongest woman and man, street performances, and many other great events as well. The restaurants and stores that are located on Grand Avenue are open during the big event, so you can do some shopping, and get food and drink if you need it as well. Parking can be difficult to find during the Grand Old Days, so you may want to park a ways away and then ride a bus into the city for the event.

Visit the Summit Brewery
The Summit Brewery is an excellent place to visit in downtown St. Paul, MN. For more than 150 years, there has always been some kind of a brewery in the city of St. Paul and today it is the Summer Beer Brewery that is there. The brewery is fully functional and you can easily get a free tour of the brewery. This is a great adventure for the entire family.

Check Out St. Paul Cathedral
You'll definitely want to check out the St. Paul Cathedral if you are visiting downtown st. Paul. Whether you are Catholic or not, you'll definitely want to take the time to see and explore the incredible architecture of this magnificent building. No doubt you'll appreciate and enjoy seeing the design of the building, especially the domes. One of the domes of the cathedral actually is covered with a variety of murals that were painted about 150+ years ago by hand. People from across the world have come to see this beautiful cathedral, and they have never been disappointed. Since the cathedral is also located on a high hill, it gives you a great view of the entire city. You won't have to pay a thing to tour the St. Paul Cathedral either, so it is a free place for you and the family to visit.

The Children's Museum
For those who have children, visiting the Children's Museum, located in downtown St. Paul, MN is an excellent idea. There are great activities for children available that help kids learn more about nature and science as well. One area of the museum even teaches kids about a variety of careers. The fee to visit the museum is reasonable, and it is a great outing for the entire family.

http://www.StPaulHomes.net is the place to start when beginning your home search for homes in Saint Paul Minnesota. John Mazzara is involved with financial services in the Twin Cities, MN. Officing out of Edina, Minnesota-John is centrally located within the 7 county MN metropolitan area. John owns three separate businesses-a licensed real estate broker associate selling Minnesota real estate since 1986-affiliated with RE/MAX Associates Plus http://www.MinneapolisStPaulHomes.com, an independent CFP-certified financial planner since 1989 with an independent Minnesota financial planning firm-Financial Planning Associates and the owner of a Minnesota mortgage broker firm-Venture Development Inc-specializing in residential, commercial and investment mortgages for purchases of single family homes, investment properties and commercial property. Venture brokers FHA, VA, Conventional loans and lines of credit. If you are looking for someone to help you in the areas of real estate sales/purchase, mortgages, or and/or financial planning and insurance you should call John for a free 1 hour consultation to see if he can meet your needs. 952-929-2577. RE/MAX Associates Plus and Venture Development are located at 7300 France Ave S, Suite 410, Edina, MN 55435

Sweet Escape - 5 Ideal Locations For the Perfect Caribbean Honeymoon - Part 4 Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic - A great place for a Caribbean honeymoon

One of the Caribbean's most entertaining, and all-encompassing islands, Dominican Republic is a great option for a Caribbean Honeymoon. Infused with a vivacious spirit that touches every visitor, this island is blessed with natural beauty. Emerald Water, palm shaded beaches, and resorts dedicated to luxurious indulgence.

Caribbean Honeymoon Vacations - Dominican Republic Resorts

4.5 star resort- Excellence Punta Cana, is an adults only all-inclusive resort surrounded by coconut palms, pristine beaches, and the Caribbean sea. Ideal for couples seeking a secluded romantic honeymoon. Coconut palm trees line the pastel Colonial style villas, and lagoon pool. The 452 suites are equipped with private balconies, and spa tubs. Enjoy a full-service spa, or lounge in the large pools with swim up bars.

4.5 star resort- Casa Colonial Beach & Spa is located directly on the water of Dominican republics north coast. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the world, this colonial style mansion fuses both old world elegance, and contemporary style. This Intimate resort has 50 lavish suites with chic contemporary furnishings. Casa Colonial boasts of a secluded private beach, view of the mangrove jungle, Plush Bagua spa, and infinity rooftop pool.

4 star resort- Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort, is a luxurious all inclusive beachfront resort perfect for an Amorous honeymoon. There are romantic balconies, double Jacuzzi's, and majestic rooms. Dine on the finest cuisine from Asian, Brazilian, Italian, Mexican, American, and authentic Caribbean. Receive extra pampering from one of the spa 54 treatment rooms.

3.5 star resort-Gran Ventana Beach Resort, is an all inclusive, picturesque resort is spread out among 247 acres. The spacious rooms with mahogany furnishings, and balconies with sea side views helps discover a new level of relaxation.

3 star resort- Bavaro Princess All Suites Resort & Spa, enjoy the view of the crystal blue ocean from your suites furnished balcony. A romantic stroll along the winding paths will lead you to a natural rainforest on the grounds. There is a nearby shopping center, a Nightclub, Lighted Tennis Courts, 6 pools, and 7 restaurants in this all inclusive resort.

Private Caribbean Villa - Dominican Republic Rentals

Dominican Republic has many diverse vacation rental options. Luxury Villas, Cottage Resorts, Condos.

For less than you would pay for a hotel you can enjoy the luxury of a beautiful private Caribbean villa with air-conditioned bedrooms, spacious living and dining areas with large terraces, a lush tropical garden with your own private swimming pool and full-time staff such as a well-trained cook, maids, spa therapists, gardeners, etc. to pamper you around the clock. Your mate will enjoy truly enjoy Dominican Republic villas.

How to find a perfect Dominican Republic villa? Well, first you have to decide what type of villa you want. You have to determine your desired location in Dominican Republic first, which depends on what type of activities you want to do while you are there. Once you have decided that, you determine how long your stay will be, and then how many bedrooms you will be needing. Then decide your budget. Once you have the specifics it is easier to look for your perfect villa. While searching the Internet is handy, you do not know if the picture shown is really what you will get. You should speak directly to the owner, so you can ask any question you might have. You should also take reviews into account

Dominican Republic Vacations - Local Attractions

-Sail aboard the Tropical Eden Catamaran for an enchanting ride to Saona Island, enjoy open bar cocktails, a buffet lunch, and dancing.

-Visit the expansive 600 acre Ecological park , Indigenous eyes. Explore the Natural wonders and enjoy twelve clear blue lagoons for a quick dip.

-Go Back in Time at the Altos de Chavon, a recreation of a 16 century Mediterranean village filled with restaurants, shops, museum, art gallery, and amphitheater.

If you find this information helpful, and you would like to read more, Visit http://www.destinationscaribbean.com. T. Sandy is an experienced Caribbean traveler with alot of knowledge to share.

Creating Photography Packages That Work Monday, September 27, 2010

In order to set your prices to provide value to the client and profit for your business you have to know what the collection will cost you to produce. I know most photographers do not enjoy doing the accounting work that comes with pricing so I will make this as simple as possible for you. I am asking you to answer two questions when choosing the price for your collection.

What's your package cost you?

To answer this question you will need to know the cost of the products. This includes anything that you outsource or purchase to complete the clients order. This is everything from the prints that you order all the way through the process to the packaging used to deliver the prints. If you leave anything out of this figure, the end result is lost profits.

In addition to knowing the monetary cost to produce the products in your collection you also need to know your time investment. Your time is more valuable than your money. You can make more money, but you'll never get more time. Unfortunate many small business owners do not pay as close attention to their time as they do their money. Your time investment is a critical factor to making your collection work. Each product you include comes with a time cost. You can estimate this cost but be warned, most task take longer than expected. Estimations are okay if you are careful and realistic. A better strategy is to time the actually process you go through for each product.

With an accurate idea of your time and money investment you are ready to tackle the next step.

How much profit do you need?

How much is too much? There is a multitude of ways to answer this question. You must figure what your cost should be for the collections you produce. If left up to chance or a wild guess, your clients will get less value and you lose profit.

Okay, let's get to it. Here is a formula you can use to figure the price the client should pay for the collection.

• Your Collection Price = (Cost x 3) + Minutes

Let's walk through this formula. At this point you know how much your collection will cost you in dollars and time. We are going to use these two numbers to ensure that you are allowing for enough profit to keep your business in the black. Staying profitable is one thing that will always serve you well.

The formula is actually very simple. We are taking your production cost and multiplying this by 3 then adding a dollar per minute you are working. This will allow for enough profit to cover your cost, your paycheck, and your overhead. This number may be much higher or much lower than you originally intended, and it's okay if this number is a bit of a shock. It's okay, because it's probably not our final collection price.

Adjust the collection to add value

Now we need to add value to your collection. If you feel that your final price is much to high, then don't worry. We can lower the cost and provide additional value for your clients. High priced products are fine as long as they provide even higher value to the client. We are going to adjust the price by removing products that are too costly in time or money and adding products that are high in value.

Let's imagine that you are including the following framed 3 image panel that is intended to hang in the clients home.

The framed piece cost you $99 and 30 minutes of time to produce. This means that your package price raises $327 because of this one piece. If this price is too high, then you have three choices.

1. 
   Remove the product - If we remove the product we will likely need to add an additional product to add value to the collection. This is the least desirable choice because the product was included because clients want the product.


2. 
   Add low cost products - We can offset high cost products by adding other products that are seen as extremely valuable even though they have a low cost. An example of a high value, low cost product is digital images. The cost is basically nonexistent, while the value is extremely high.


3. 
   Change the product - Our final option is to change the product to lower the cost. By choosing a slightly thinner frame and printing the mat & photographs as one print (instead of three prints and a mat) we are able to drop our time investment to 10 minutes and reduce the cost to $30. This keeps the perceived value high while lowering the price of the product from $327 to $100. With this drop in price, the product adds value to the package rather than taking it away from the package.

But do I even need packages?

Yes and no. Yes, you need packages. They will increase your sales and profit if they are properly created. However, if you are not putting your packages together in a strategic manner, they will cost you profit and keep your clients from being thrilled with the value they receive. A portrait package that's just thrown together is often worse that having no packages at all. Follow these steps and you can make your next package profitable.

What's next?

Next you need to take a long hard look at your products, cost and time investment. A realistic look at those numbers will be your starting point for successful packages that create happy clients and profitable photographers.

Jason H. Crowe is a MBA graduate from William Woods University, a small business owner, and the CEO of Photography Marketing Guide.

Visit http://www.photographymarketingguide.com for more photography business articles and tips.

Fired After A Workers' Compensation Accident In Virginia - Five Tips You Can Use Thursday, September 23, 2010

You have been "fired" by your employer. You had an accident on the job. You feel this is not right. This is the basic knowledge you need to know.

1. If you fired as a retaliation for filing an injury claim, you have a right under Virginia Law (Section 65.2-308 of the Code of Virginia) to sue your employer. You can recover actual damages and attorney's fees in this type of lawsuit. You may have to contact a "wrongful discharge attorney" who specializes in employment law.

2. If you are fired because you tested positive for drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident, you need to contact an experienced workers compensation attorney. The employer may have a right to fire you for a violation of its anti-drug policy but you still may be able to receive workers' compensation if the drugs or alcohol did not "cause" the accident. The attorney may be able to show by a pathologist your drug or alcohol level was not the "cause" of the accident.

3. If you are fired after you return to work after an accident and are placed on light duty, you may lose your workers' compensation benefits if the employer can show you were fired for misconduct such as violation of a drug policy, absenteeism, insubordination, fighting, etc.

4. If you return to work with the same employer where you suffered your work injury, the employer may look for an excuse to fire you. Thus, you must be aware the employer may look for an legitimate reason to fire you when you return. Therefore, you must be extra careful that you do not give the employer a legitimate reason to terminate your employment such as absenteeism, tardiness, insubordination, fighting, etc.

5. If you are fired from your job and you still have work restrictions as a result of your on the job accident, you can file with the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission to go back on workers' compensation benefits provided the termination of employment was not due to your own misconduct and provided you are within two (2) years of the last date you received workers' compensation benefits.

Summary, it is bad enough to be injured on the job. It can add "insult to your injury" if you are also fired as a result of your accident. There are certain things you need to know if this happens.
I have listed some "tips" about this scenario. The main thing to know if this happens is you should first consult an experienced workers' compensation attorney and then perhaps a wrongful discharge attorney.

This may be considered AN ADVERTISEMENT or Advertising Material under the Rules of Professional Conduct governing lawyers in Virginia. This note is designed for general information only. The information presented in this note should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

Jerry Lutkenhaus is a practitioner of Workers' Compensation law in the Richmond, Virginia area for over 30 years. He was given an "AV" rating by Martindale Hubbell in 2003. Lexis Nexis listed him in the 2005 Bar Register of Preeminent Attorneys. For more information, see http://www.geraldlutkenhaus.com and http://www.virginiadisabilitylawyer.com You can call Jerry Lutkenhaus now at 804-358-4766 for a free consultation about your disability case.

Begining of Third Day Tuesday, September 21, 2010

The start of Third Day at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9YeNutLTDQ&hl=en

Project Arrow Leads The Way For The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve

The Boy Scouts of America plan for the development of a 10600 acre high adventure base in Fayette County, West Virginia. Jack Furst, Chairman of Project Arrow, explains the logistics surrounding The Summit and the importance of the project to the BSA. The site will also host the National Jamboree in 2013, serve as a summer camp, high adventure base, and national leadership center.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJX1Vzbhn7I&hl=en

081104 Departing KJYO Saturday, September 18, 2010

I needed to get in some approaches and the weather cooperated by providing a nice stable pattern of overcast clouds in the area with ceilings low enough to force real approaches while providing enough of a ceiling to have plenty of maneuvering room to get into a number of airports in the area. I was able to get in six approaches (ILS 3 CHO, GPS 8 OMH, GPS FRR, ILS 32 OKV, GPS 14 OKV, GPS 17 JYO) with a course reversal hold at FRR. It was a good rust-knocking flight with some interesting false horizons above the deck. This video captures my clearance and takeoff from Leesburg, VA (KJYO) on my way to Charlottesville, VA (KCHO) for the first approach of the night. More info on my blog at sage1solutions.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea0UNLzLNTA&hl=en

Antique Car Museum Guide - Virginia Car Museums Friday, September 17, 2010

You don't have to go far in the state of Virginia to find an antique car museum. Virginia is home to at least eight (or nine, if you stretch your definition of "car" to include tanks!). Here is a listing of all the vintage car collections I can find information on in Virginia.

The Car and Carriage Caravan Museum at the Luray Caverns traces the history of transportation in America. Items on display include horse-drawn carriages, coaches, wagons, and early automobiles. The automotive collection includes an 1892 Benz, a 1908 Baker Electric, a 1913 Stanley Steamer, and Rudolph Valentino's 1925 Rolls Royce. You must purchase an admission to the Luray Caverns to get in to the museum. (540) 743 - 6551

The Roaring Twenties Antique Car Museum in Hood features 32 vintage cars on display, mostly from the 1920s and 1930s. The collection includes examples from Carter, Star, Stephen, Cleveland, Hupmobile, Paige, Nash, Essex, Packard and Cadillac. There are also horse-drawn carriages, old farm implements, and period advertising on display. (540) 948 - 6290

The Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke has cars and other vehicles from nearly every decade of the twentieth century. The museum focuses primarily on the railroad industry, but also has an aviation and aerospace section. (540) 342 - 5670

Fred's Car Museum in Appomattox holds more than sixty five antique cars, dating from 1906 up to 1980. Highlights of the collection include a 1906 Schacht, a 1914 Saxton, a 1920 Piano Box Buggy, a 1936 Packard, and a very rare 1939 Lincoln V-12 limo. (434) 352-0606

The Accomack-Northampton Antique Car Museum in Parksley features a 1922 Durant, a 1935 Auburn, a 1956 Thunderbird, and lots of automobilia. (757) 665 - 6161

Eavers Classic Cars and Collectibles Museum in Staunton has over twenty classic cars on display, including a genuine 1965 Shelby AC Cobra, Elvis Presley's last Cadillac, and a 1959 Devin sports car. (540) 337 - 1126

Old Cranks Motor Car Museum in Galax has a unique assortment of antique cars including a one-cylinder Orient Buckboard, a Detroit Electric and a Stanley Steamer. (276) 236 - 5114.

The Wood Brothers Racing Museum in Stuart covers 58 years of racing history. You can view the 1971 Purolator Mercury Cyclone, a 1989 Neil Bonnet Thunderbird, and a 1937 Glen Wood Ford Coach. There are also trophies, racing suits and helmets, and tons of other racing memorabilia. (276) 694 - 2121

The AAF Tank Museum in Danville doesn't have antique cars, but I couldn't leave them out! Their collection includes 117 tanks and artillery pieces, plus over twenty thousand other military related artifacts dating all the way back to 1509! (434) 836-5323

Quite a variety for the automotive enthusiast to choose from if you are passing through Virginia, or live nearby. As always, call ahead for information on hours and holiday schedules before making the trip.

If antique cars are your thing, you may be interested in my Classic Car Financing Directory. If you own a classic car, you should also take a look at American Classic Car Insurance to learn what to look for when choosing a classic car insurance policy. Keith Farren is an ASE certified Master Technician with a Bachelors degree in Business, an Associate degree in Automotive Technology, and over twenty years experience in the automotive industry.

An Estate Executors' To-Do List Wednesday, September 15, 2010

I just got off the phone with Nancy. She is feeling a bit overwhelmed. Her mother has just died, and Nancy has been appointed executor of her mothers' estate. Nancy has a full time job and a family of her own. Her mom lives in a different state. Nancy doesn't see how she will have time to be an executor, but her sense of loyalty to her mother and responsibility to her family compels her to step up to the plate and get the job done.

Nancy is in for some tough times. While still dealing with the emotional loss of her mother, she will have to empty her mothers house of forty-five years of accumulated memories. Everything in the house will have to be inventoried and values assigned. Her mothers doll collection and her fathers coin collection will have to be appraised. The inventory and appraisals will have to be submitted to the Probate Court. Property will have to be distributed to the heirs according to the Will. Then, the entire contents of the house, the furniture, appliances, bedding, pots & pans, clothing, car, even the lawn tools will have to be sold so that the house can be readied for sale. When both the titled and non-titled property are liquidated, the debts and taxes will have to be paid to settle the estate.

My purpose here is to help executors like Nancy understand the big picture of what must be done to settle an estate. Keep in mind that I am not a lawyer or an accountant, and I am not offering legal or accounting advice. The information I am offering is based on my experience as an Estate Property Specialist. If you have questions or concerns, my recommendation is to seek legal advice. A good Estate Attorney is an asset.

Let's start with an overview of an Executors' responsibilities. As executor, your first duty is to initiate probate, which is the formal process of proving the Will and confirming your appointment as executor. The Clerk of your county Probate Court can provide you with the forms that are appropriate for your county. My experience with probate court clerks is that they are very helpful and responsive to your requests. Many of the forms you will need can be downloaded over the internet at your state or county website.

The details and deadlines in settling an estate will vary from state to state. In general, there are 16 items that will be on your to-do list.

They are:

1. Locate the will
2. Apply to appear before the Probate Court
3. Notify the beneficiaries named in the Will
4. Determine the debts of the deceased
5. Arrange for publication of "Notice to Creditors" and mail a notice to each known creditor
6. Send notices of the persons death to post office, utilities, banks, and credit card companies
7. Collect any money owed to the deceased
8. Inventory the assets, assign values, and have appraisals done if necessary
9. Check with the deceased's employer for unpaid salary, insurance, and other employee benefits.
10. file for Social Security, civil service or veterans benefits
11. File for life insurance and other benefits
12. File federal and state tax returns
13. Pay valid claims against the estate
14. Distribute assets and obtain receipts from beneficiaries
15. File papers to finalize the estate 16. Obtain a lawyer or accountant, if necessary.

Do you need a lawyer or accountant? Technically, no. There is no law in place that says you must have an attorney, or that estate taxes must be done by an accountant. But, remember this: taxes and probate can be complicated issues. Mistakes will delay the closure of the estate and the distribution of inheritances. A good lawyer and/or accountant is an asset. Legal and accounting fees are paid by the estate. My advice is to shop around for an experienced probate attorney. Fees vary widely, so be sure to find out what the estate will be charged for legal services before making a commitment.

I'll give you the same advice I gave Nancy: Stay organized, and you will be able to get through this. Find out what your deadlines are, and make a check list with to be done by dates. Prioritize your tasks, and dig in. Having a checklist will help you maintain control and minimize the effect on your personal life.

Wayne Jordan is a Virginia licensed Auctioneer, Certified Personal Property Appraiser, and Accredited Business Broker. He specializes in the Valuation and Liquidation of Estate and Business assets. Learn more at his website http://www.waynejordanauctions.com or his blog http://www.wayne-jordan.blogspot.com

Balance Your Portfolio With Forex Investing

If you've been involved in investing for any length of time you've surely traded stocks. You may have also experimented with options a bit and you may even have invested in real estate. In other words, you probably have a very well-rounded portfolio. If you're like most investors though, you're always on the lookout for an additional hedge against volatility. What could you possibly add to the mix to increase your diversity? You might want to consider the Forex.

The Forex is not as confusing as its name sounds. It is simply a contraction of Foreign Exchange Market. It is also known as the currency market. Basically, it's just a large, centralized exchange for the currencies of different nations.

The reason the currency market exists is to allow for the easy exchange of money between businesses in different nations. For example, if an American consumer electronics store wanted to buy MP3 players from a Japanese manufacturer, the Forex allows the store to pay in dollars and the manufacturer will receive yen. The Forex allows for the smooth transfer of international funds.

Trading the Forex has become very popular in recent years and for good reason. The Forex is highly liquid with a high trading volume. Also, the market is open 24 hours a day (except on weekends), enabling nearly constant trading, unlike the stock market. It is very easy to open a Forex trading account and positions can be entered and closed nearly instantaneously.

Even though the Forex was created to allow for the smooth transfer of funds between nations, the majority of people who trade in the Forex don't use it for its intended purpose. Like the commodities market, most people enter currency trades with the intent of earning a profit on the currency's movement.

Although trading in the Forex is not difficult, the same trading risks exist in the Forex market as do in the stock and commodities markets. Be sure you have a full understanding of the Forex market before you enter any trade positions. The book "How to Make a Living Trading Foreign Exchange," by Courtney Smith is an excellent introduction to this highly liquid market.

A Few Reasons to Visit Riviera Nayarit Thursday, September 9, 2010

Mexico is one of the leading vacation destinations. With its sandy beaches, world class resorts, and lush cultural setting, Mexico is a prime travel hot spot for anyone looking to get away and get some sun. Riviera Nayarit, located on the pacific coastline of Mexico, offers everything a vacationing tourist would want out of a Mexican getaway and more.

Quality resort packages are available at destination Riviera Nayarit, from pampering at one of their first-rate spas, to golf on their lush greens. World renowned hotels dot Riviera Nayarit and provide unique and exceptional indulgences for visitors. Receive a massage while listening to the soothing waves of the ocean, or play a few holes while enjoying the freshwater breeze.

Riviera Nayarit also offers a visual aesthetic like no other destination. From the clear blue ocean waters, to the breathtaking mountains, to the luxurious foliage, Riviera Nayarit provides a spectacular landscape for visitors to enjoy.

Lounge on the gorgeous beaches and soak up some sun, or enjoy some beach activities such as water-skiing or snorkeling. If you would like a more exploratory view, rent a topless jeep and explore it for yourself. Riviera Nayarit offers whale watching, sailing, an aquatic park, and swimming with dolphins and sea lions opportunities. For the adventure enthusiast, the area also offers ATV excursions and breathtaking canopy tours of the tropical rainforest!

Riviera Nayarit provides visitors with an unmatched cultural atmosphere. Tourists can enjoy interactions with the Huichol, one of the groups of indigenous people who survived the Spanish conquest, and who exhibit warmth toward new guests. Visit their marketplace and purchase some of their beautifully handmade artwork and crafts.

Nightlife is also prominent as guests can either take a moonlit stroll along the shoreline, or enjoy one of the 500 restaurants available. Neighboring Puerto Vallarta provides clubs for a more social atmosphere.

Riviera Nayarit provides an eclectic tourist destination for anyone wanting the most out of his or her Mexican vacation experience. More information can be found at their website

Sarah Reece writes for Ciniva Systems, an award winning Virginia web design company. Ciniva specializes in web design and SEO. Sarah Reece is an SEO Specialist with Ciniva. Ciniva Systems is in charge of SEO for Riviera Nayarit.

Protect Your S Corporation With an LLC Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Protect Your Shares. In our last blog, we showed how to Protect your Corporation with an LLC if you operate your business as a regular C corporation. One of these methods is to have an LLC own all of your shares in your C Corporation; such LLCs can have more than one member. You benefit from this because there is no real protection against a creditor getting a court order to seize your shares in a Corporation. In contrast, your membership interest in certain LLCs in Virginia, Delaware and some other states and countries should be protected against court seizure and sale.

S. Corporation. The S Corporation is designed for the small business where the owners want to avoid the double tax of the C Corporation. Under normal circumstances, an S Corporation pays no tax. Instead, all of the income and most of the deductions usually flow though to the owners of the S Corporation. This means an annual savings of 15% or more of federal taxes on each dollar earned.

Real People Are Owners. The S Corporation comes with a lot of restrictions. The government does not want large corporations to use S Corporations to avoid paying corporate taxes. This means that the shares in S Corporations can only be owned by a human being or certain trusts for human beings. Shares in S Corporations can not be owned by C Corporations or partnerships or by many LLCs. So how can we use an LLC to protect your S Corporation stock?

Vanishing LLCs. Current tax regulations allow you to "check the box" as to whether you want your new business to be taxed under the partnership or the corporate rules. A partnership means there are two or more partners. You can not have a partnership with only one owner. You can have a Corporation and also an LLC with only one owner. IRS regulations say that where you have only one owner, called a single member LLC, the "LLC" is a "disregarded entity" for tax purposes. This means that as far as the tax man is concerned, the single member LLC does not exist for tax purposes even though it exists as a legal entity under state law.

Single Member LLC. Well then, could you have a single member LLC own the shares in an S Corporation, have the LLC disregarded, and treat the human being who owns 100% of the LLC shares as a human being that owns the S shares? The IRS has said yes in several private letter rulings. A private letter ruling is where someone writes to the IRS for a ruling on their situation. The ruling protects the persons who got the IRS blessing, but no one else. However, this has been a consistent position in several of these rulings and the logic of this is very sound. So check with your tax advisor, but one way you could increase the protections of your shares in your S Corporation is to have them owned by a single member LLC. One letter ruling even approved of a limited partnership owning S shares where the general partner was a single member LLC owned by X and X was the only limited partner. For tax purposes, the limited partnership was ignored, but should be treated as a limited partnership under state law.

Cautions. Single member LLCs may offer less protection than multimember LLCs. Also, if you forget and bring in another person (who is not a spouse) as a member of the LLC, you will immediately blow your S election because now a real partnership owns the S Corporation.

IRS Circular 230 Disclosure. IRS rules impose requirements concerning any written federal tax advice from attorneys. To ensure compliance with those rules, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under federal tax laws, specifically including the Internal Revenue Code, or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.

Roger J. McClure is a practicing business and estate planning attorney with over 30 years of experience.

Griffon Roller Coaster in Busch Gardens Virginia Beach Saturday, September 4, 2010

Breathtaking shooting by Tan from the front seat of the griffin at Busch Gardens Prises de vue à couper le souffle captées par Tan dans le manège Le Griffon à Busch Gardens, Virginia Beach.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vl1M4gSAq0&hl=en

Virginia Beach Vacations - 5 Things You Need to Know Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Virginia Beach is a popular destination for both business conferences and family vacations.

Where Is It & How To Get There

Virginia Beach is on the Atlantic coast in the south of Virginia, just north of the North Carolina border and a short distance from Norfolk and Chesapeake.

Driving

To drive there, the easiest routes from the west are Interstate 64, U.S. 460 or U.S. 58. If you're coming from the north Interstate 95 or US 13 and from the south, Interstates 85 or 95 and U.S. 17. These Interstates connect to Interstate 64, which links through to the Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway, Interstate 264. This will take you directly to the Virginia Beach beachfront.

Flying

Norfolk International Airport is the gateway to Virginia Beach and an easy 30-minute drive. There are more than 200 daily connecting flights from major hubs and cities.

The Climate & Weather

The best beach months are June through September when the average temperatures are pleasantly high.

Jun Air 74 Water 67

Jul Air 79 Water 73

Aug Air 78 Water 76

Sep Air 79 Water 73

Through Dec, Jan and Feb the average air temperatures are 43, 40 and 41 respectively.

The Beach

The main part of the beach is approximately 10 miles long and faces slightly north of due east straight out into the Atlantic ocean. It runs from North Virginia Beach past Virginia Beach itself and then onto Sandbridge Beach, which is about 10 miles south of Virginia Beach. If you keep heading south, you come to the Back Bay wildlife refuge about another 12 miles further south of Sandbridge Beach.

Accommodation

If you want a room with an ocean view, the oceanfront streets are Atlantic Ave in Virginia Beach itself which becomes Oceanfront Ave as you head north. Pacific Ave is the next street back from the Atlantic Ave i.e.one block back from the oceanfront.
There are also several creeks and lakes a short distance inland.
There is a wide choice of hotels including:

Best Western Oceanfront

1101 Atlantic Avenue

Best Western Beach Quarters Inn

301 Atlantic Avenue

Clarion Resort & Conference Center

501 Atlantic Avenue

Colonial Inn

2809 Atlantic Avenue

Comfort Inn

2015 Atlantic Avenue

Courtyard by Marriott North

3737 Atlantic Avenue

Courtyard Virginia Beach Oceanfront

2501 Atlantic Avenue

Days Inn

Oceanfront & 32nd Street

Days Inn at the Beach

1000 Atlantic Avenue

Econo Lodge

2109 Atlantic Avenue

Econo Lodge on the Ocean

2707 Atlantic Avenue

Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort

3900 Atlantic Avenue

Howard Johnson Hotel

1801 Atlantic Avenue,

Quality Inn & Suites

705 Atlantic Avenue

Ramada Inn on the Beach

615 Atlantic Avenue

Ramada Limited Atlantic Avenue

3108 Atlantic Avenue

Ramada Plaza Resort

57th & Oceanfront

Best Western Oceanfront

1101 Atlantic Avenue

Best Western Beach Quarters Inn

301 Atlantic Avenue

Clarion Resort & Conference Center

501 Atlantic Avenue

Colonial Inn

2809 Atlantic Avenue

Comfort Inn

2015 Atlantic Avenue

Courtyard by Marriott North

3737 Atlantic Avenue

Courtyard Virginia Beach Oceanfront

2501 Atlantic Avenue

Days Inn

Oceanfront & 32nd Street

Days Inn at the Beach

1000 Atlantic Avenue

Econo Lodge

2109 Atlantic Avenue

Econo Lodge on the Ocean

2707 Atlantic Avenue

Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort

3900 Atlantic Avenue

Howard Johnson Hotel

1801 Atlantic Avenue

Quality Inn & Suite

705 Atlantic Avenue

Ramada Inn on the Beach

615 Atlantic Avenue

Ramada Limited Atlantic Avenue

3108 Atlantic Avenue

Ramada Plaza Resort

57th & Oceanfront

Sheraton Hotel

Oceanfront & 36th Street

Thunderbird Motor Lodge

3410 Atlantic Avenue

Turtle Cay Resort

600 Atlantic Avenue

Main Attractions & Things To Do

There are several Amusement Parks including Paramount Kings Dominion, Busch Gardens and Ocean Breeze Water Park.

Museums include the Virginia Marine Science Museum, the Children's Museum of Virginia and The Mariners' Museum. Other attractions are the Virginia Zoological, Motorworld, Beach Street USA and whale and dolphin watching.

Chris Galloway is a life-long beach lover. From the North Sea to the Mediterranean, the West Indies to Australia & New Zealand, read about his favourite beach vacation destinations at http://www.beachvacationportal.com