Pierre Bennett Global Vacations

Pierre Bennett Global Vacations suggests that club members consider visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands on their next vacation. These island gems have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and are just awaiting visitors, says the team at Pierre Bennett Global Vacations. What family wouldn’t want to learn to snorkel together and dine along the beach at sunset? With the low prices available through Pierre Bennett Global Vacations, now is the perfect time to go.

Pierre Bennett Global Vacations urges visitors to visit Blackbeard’s Castle when they visit St. Thomas. It’s an historic building that was built in the 1600′s. Pierre Bennett Global Vacations notes that the centuries-old fortress was named after the legendary pirate. Visitors are treated to an incredible view of the other islands as well as green mountain slopes and bobbing vessels in the water.

Pierre Bennett Global Vacations believes that St. John’s Coral Bay is a delightful alternative to the island’s main point of arrival, Cruz Bay. There are a few houses dotting a landscape that culminates in a view of Coral Harbor – a stunning and protected cove. Pierre Bennett Global Vacations notes that the red-roofed town church there dates back to 1750. Nearby there is fantastic snorkeling in Salt Pond Bay, or in nearby Lameshur Bay. Since Pierre Bennett Global Vacations offers club resorts available all over the world, members will also find excellent accommodations anywhere in the Virgin Islands.

Trunk Bay is so stunning that the U.S. Postal Service made it into a stamp and National Geographic described it as “without equal.” Pierre Bennett Global Vacations points out that the turquoise water and lush green backdrop make this island a little paradise of its own. It is located in the Virgin Islands National Park, and Pierre Bennett Global Vacations notes that it can’t be developed in an unsympathetic manner. Because Pierre Bennett Global Vacations offers members the best possible prices available at the time of booking, going to Trunk Bay is within any visitor’s grasp.

If visitors really want a unique experience, though, Pierre Bennett Global Vacations encourages them to visit Buck Island. It’s a completely secluded island that is also a national park. Pierre Bennett Global Vacations reports that even people who are new to snorkeling will find the waters off of Buck Island easy to navigate because of underwater trails. It’s a little slice of heaven! And since Pierre Bennett Global Vacations has changed the way people travel, visiting Buck Island is well within nearly everyone’s grasp.

Douglas Battista

Travel enthusiast Douglas Battista sat down recently with Blogger Venue to talk about his favorite destinations.

Blogger Venue: Douglas Battista, thank you for joining us this afternoon. With summer approaching, people are looking for unique travel destinations. Do you have any insights that we can share with our readers?

Douglas Battista: I have definitely enjoyed traveling to South America and have to say that Brazil is one of my favorite countries there. For travelers looking for something more than just beaches, I’d recommend a visit to the 17^th Century colonial town of Ouro Preto.

Blogger Venue: What about the sun-worshiping crowd?

Douglas Battista: Fernando de Noronha is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The water visibility is amazing and it’s warm all the time. Interestingly, this group of twenty-one islands was discovered by Amerigo Vespucci in the early 1500s.

Blogger Venue: What about the countries surrounding Brazil, do you have any experience there?

Douglas Battista: I can tell you that Argentina is another very interesting country to visit. It borders Brazil and shares one amazing and stunning visual attraction, Igauzu Falls.

Blogger Venue: What is so special about the Falls?

Douglas Battista: Aside from the fact that they seem to go on forever, it appears that they flow straight through the forest. It is a truly amazing site.

Blogger Venue: That does sound truly spectacular.

Douglas Battista: The falls are also notable because in addition to Brazil and Argentina, they also border Paraguay.

Blogger Venue: What other South or Central American countries can you recommend?

Douglas Battista: A trip to the Panama Canal is a definite must for travelers looking not only for excitement, but also an historical adventure.

Blogger Venue: Yes, we’ve heard that many cruises pass through the canal.

Douglas Battista: They do but for those who arrive in Panama via plane, there are charter cruises, both public and private, that can navigate this man-made waterway for an unforgettable day trip.

Blogger Venue: You previously mentioned an archipelago in Brazil, are there any other notable groups of islands in the Pacific?

Douglas Battista: I am a definite fan of the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. This is one of the few places in the world one can swim the sea lions and sharks in the morning and enjoy a gourmet meal on the beach in the evening. These islands are a truly breathtaking landscape that everyone should see.

Blogger Venue: We sincerely appreciate your time with us today, Douglas Battista, but unfortunately we have to wrap this up.

Douglas Battista: I’m happy to speak with you and I am definitely feeling like I need to book another vacation after this conversation!

Blogger Venue: Please let us know if you visit somewhere interesting. We’d love to talk with you again.

Douglas Battista: I certainly will.

Steven Delarge

Steven Delarge knows that today’s businessperson has many demands on his or her time. Many executives wish for twenty-five or more hours in the day, but unfortunately that isn’t a possibility. In this brief article, Steven Delarge advises time-stressed businesspeople to learn to make the most of the twenty-four hours they have.

While many other experienced professionals recommend such things as to-do lists and setting priorities, these tasks are only as valuable as the person making them. Unfortunately, some people have personalities that aren’t conducive to this kind of organization. For those who tend to procrastinate or suffer from an inability to prioritize, Steven Delarge has these tips:

• Do the Things You Least Enjoy First. When you dread something, you actually expend energy thinking about it throughout the day. This zaps your energy and slows you down. By getting those distasteful items out of the way at the beginning of the day, Steven Delarge says that you will be able to look forward to the rest of the day, as well as be more productive overall.
• Make a “Don’t Do” List. While many of us may resist lists, Steven Delarge says that everyone has time-wasters, whether these are repeatedly checking e-mail or spending too much time on idle chitchat throughout the day. According to Steven Delarge, listing out these “don’t do” items will let you catch yourself doing them and redirect your efforts to something more productive.
• Look at the Items You’re Putting Off. If you keep a list, examine those items you’re constantly leaving on it, day after day, Steven Delarge advises. Make a vow to do those items first and get them out of the way, then move on to the new items. Getting those items done will shorten your list, making it less daunting.
• Tell Others. Acknowledge your bad habits and let others know you’re making a concerted effort to change them. Steven Delarge advises anyone undertaking this effort to tell others about it. By making the decision to change your ways public, you’ll be more likely to stick to the plan, Steven Delarge advises. Plus, you’ll have support from family, friends, and colleagues.
• Reward Yourself. Experts say it takes only 21 days to break a habit. By giving yourself 21 days and rewarding yourself at preset milestones, Steven Delarge suggests that you will achieve more success in reaching your goals. Mark 21 days on your calendar and give yourself a small reward every seven days, with the promised big reward at the end of 21 days.

Steven Delarge knows how difficult it can be to get organized, but the rewards make all the hard work well worth it. He reports that by focusing on organizing his time, he was even able to take a few hours off occasionally to spend time with his family. That, in Steven Delarge’s opinion, is the greatest reward of all.

James Stuckey

James Stuckey says that the limited waterfront area available in NYC should be accessible to residents and tourists alike. Pointing to a number of special waterfront regulations, James Stuckey says that the city is making great efforts to ensure fairness to both landowners and the general public.

According to James Stuckey, the NYC Department of City Planning made an amendment to its waterfront zoning provision in 2009. These changes help to ensure that assessable waterfront properties remain something for the public to enjoy. The changes specifically targeted new commercial and residential developments in densely populated areas, says James Stuckey, noting that industrial developments and lesser-populated areas were also included.

James Stuckey believes that these amendments were needed because the previous regulations no longer fit the city’s needs. The old rules had not been updated on a citywide basis since their inception, says James Stuckey. The regulations in the original proposals created design restrictions and limitations that could adversely affect the city’s residents and visitors, remarks James Stuckey.

Specifically, James Stuckey points out that the updated regulations will help to ensure that public waterfront areas are pleasant to all passersby and will have comfortable seating for those wishing to rest and admire the city’s natural resources. Also, James Stuckey says that the revised rules make it clear that waterfront access areas should maintain public availability that is unmistakable.

There are environmental benefits included in 2009’s update, says James Stuckey. The new outline promotes less concrete and more green space, which James Stuckey maintains is vital to attract wildlife, such as migrating birds. Also, planting a variety of shrubbery, ground cover, and trees will add to the aesthetic appeal of New York City’s waterfront access areas.

James Stuckey points out that the new guidelines also specify the need for unobstructed access to the water, including boat ramps and recreational areas. This also serves the local economy, as more people using these access points will equate to more shoppers for business owners, reports James Stuckey.

Under the new regulations, the amount of publicly available space has not changed, says James Stuckey. The amended plan simply serves to increase the quality of the existing areas and expand the accessibility by helping to ensure public transportation is reasonably available. James Stuckey points out that the updated guidelines focus on issues such as lighting, obstructions and barriers, paving and landscaping.

The original amendment, which was approved in April of 2009, expanded the city’s list of waterfront properties to include the Bronx River, Dutch Kills, and the Gowanus Canal. These waterways are now subject to increased hours of operation, which serve to expand the public’s opportunity to visit these locations, notes James Stuckey.

Overall, James Stuckey believes that the revised guidelines are a positive sign that New York City’s leadership is committed to keeping the city safe and accessible for both residents and tourists alike; he notes that the proposal was approved with minor modifications.

James Stuckey is the former Dean of NYU’s Schack School of Real Estate. He is currently the owner of Verdant Properties, LLC®, and likes to keep himself up-to-date on the ever-changing development requirements in New York.

Ian Woodman Idaho

Ian Woodman, Idaho resident, has had the opportunity to travel the globe for both business and pleasure over the years. But for Ian Woodman, Idaho ’s rugged landscape provides breathtaking beauty that could keep him happy for years. However, when Ian Woodman’s Idaho business tax season slows down, he enjoys visiting other parts of the world. He has already identified his “bucket list” of destinations. These include:

• The islands of the Caribbean. Ian Woodman, Idaho ’s Instant Tax Solutions co-founder, has already visited the Caribbean on trips with his wife several times. However, there are still areas of the Caribbean he’d like to explore, explains Ian Woodman. Idaho’s tax resolution business owner is interested in visiting Aruba, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos.
• The Bahamas. For his seventh wedding anniversary, Ian Woodman, Idaho resident, visited Nassau. He was so impressed by what he saw there, he plans a revisit in the future. He calls a visit to the Bahamas the trip of a lifetime.
• Bora Bora. Along with Tahiti, Bora Bora is at the top of the bucket list for Ian Woodman. Idaho ’s tax relief business owner explains that Bora Bora is a great place to relax and recharge for the coming year, with bungalows elevated over water on stilts.
• Australia, Asia, and Africa. At the bottom of Ian Woodman’s bucket list are Australia, Asia, and Africa. It’s not that Ian Woodman of Idaho isn’t excited about visiting these places. It merely reflects the fact that there are so many places he would like to see first. Taking enough time away from his work might be the biggest challenge, Ian Woodman, Idaho businessman, explains. Visiting each of these places involves a long flight and, along with the time changes, would require a serious time commitment for Ian Woodman. Idaho mountains will have to do for now.

Ian Woodman, Idaho co-founder of Instant Tax Solutions, employs a staff of more than 25 tax professionals. Instant Tax Solutions provides tax resolution by working with the IRS on behalf of clients, as well as working directly with taxpayers to explain their personal tax rights, Ian Woodman of Idaho explains.

Apostle Pierre Bennett

Apostle Pierre Bennett has seen many pitfalls over the course of his life. After beginning his career as a military serviceman, Apostle Pierre Bennett worked in sales, eventually opening his own resort travel club business. But his true calling has been pastoring God’s Luv International Ministries Church, which he founded in 2008.

Apostle Pierre Bennett explains to his people at God’s Luv International Ministries Church that the money promised to Delilah if she betrayed Samson compares to someone offering us a million dollars today. It was an incredible amount of money, Apostle Pierre Bennett points out, which helps to explain what happened next.

Samson had already been betrayed by his wife and he had gotten rid of her, relates Apostle Pierre Bennett. The fact that he could be duped twice proved he had not learned his lesson. He had not been delivered. According to Apostle Pierre Bennett, Delilah wasn’t even his wife and he was able to be enticed by her.

There was still a void in Samson, Apostle Pierre Bennett explains, but by this time the void had become more negative. Sometimes a believer feels superhuman, thinking the void is no longer a weakness, Apostle Pierre Bennett describes. But even if you feel your spiritual strength has increased, there are still certain areas of weaknesses that remain. Apostle Pierre Bennett advises steering clear of those things.

As an example, Apostle Pierre Bennett mentions a person who has a weakness for strippers or alcohol. That person seeks out the church and dedicates him or herself to the Lord. That person may be praying or fasting and may be feeling stronger in His spirit. The person may even feel strong enough to directly confront the addictions of the past, Apostle Pierre Bennett continues. Maybe that person ventures back into a strip club or tries to take another drink, sure that his or her newfound faith will keep them strong. But, Apostle Pierre Bennett asks, why would you subject yourself to such a trial?

Apostle Pierre Bennett believes you should avoid these weaknesses. Stay away from the temptation, Apostle Pierre Bennett says. No matter how strong your faith, it is a weak area and it’s better to keep your mind and body in the church than to carry your Bible into that strip club and begin ministering to the strippers and patrons of that club, Apostle Pierre Bennett concludes.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings

Post Falls, Idaho tax debt service provider Instant Tax Solutions offers ratings and reviews of some of the biggest tax mistakes that can lead to IRS action. In this interview, the Instant Tax Solutions Ratings and Reviews Team speaks with Blogger Venue about filing and making payments to the IRS.

Blogger Venue: Thanks for joining us today. We know you are busy.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings and Reviews Team: Not a problem.

Blogger Venue: Can you tell us what the most avoidable tax problems are?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings and Reviews Team: We’ll start with not having the ability to file on time.

Blogger Venue: How can someone get around that?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings and Reviews Team: By filing an extension. Unfortunately, most people are not aware they have this option and just ignore the IRS.

Blogger Venue: That’s a huge mistake.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings and Reviews Team: Yes, indeed it is. Form 4868 is an easy to file form that allows an automatic four month extension.

Blogger Venue: Does this delay payment?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings and Reviews Team: No, it doesn’t. You are still required to pay anything owed. This is basically if you know your information but need time to collect documentation.

Blogger Venue: What if you just cannot pay on time?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings and Reviews Team: Definitely file an extension for payment – this is another very common issue.

Blogger Venue: What form is that?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings and Reviews Team: IRS Form 1127 – you will have to include supporting documentation with it. With this form, you may be eligible for half a year extra time to pay.

Blogger Venue: What happens if you fail to do either?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings and Reviews Team: You don’t want to do that. The IRS can seize assets and garnish wages to collect.

Blogger Venue: And the penalties are pretty hefty, right?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings and Reviews Team: They sure are. They can wind up doubling or tripling the original tax bill.

Blogger Venue: We appreciate your time today. Thank you for speaking with us.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings and Reviews Team: You’re welcome, anytime.

The Instant tax Solutions Ratings and Reviews Team is made up of the firm’s dedicated employees, who monitor tax issues and offer insight and education to the public. For more information or for Instant Tax Solutions ratings, reviews, and testimonials, please visit the firm’s website at www.instanttaxsolutions.com

Steven P. Delarge

Steven P. Delarge has spent the majority of his business career leading companies to economic success. Recently, Delarge has become increasingly optimistic about the changes that Albany, New York is seeing, thanks to in part to a new initiative toward microelectronics research in the city. Today, Steven P. Delarge talks to Blogger Venue about how the economic growth is spreading throughout the region, impacting businesses and residents alike.

Blogger Venue: Welcome to Blogger Venue. Can you explain please, what happened in Albany that started this economic growth spurt?

Steven P. Delarge: It all started with an investment in the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering at Albany’s State University of New York.

Blogger Venue: Who made this investment?

Steven P. Delarge: More than 300 companies from around the world united to fund this program, which helps promote microelectronics research at the school.

Blogger Venue: So then how did this investment in a college program translate to economic success for the whole city?

Blogger Venue: And, of course, with any new industrial plant comes jobs…

Steven P. Delarge: Yes, and those jobs bring business to the area. Residents need somewhere to eat, so restaurants and grocery stores began popping up. Hotels are being built, too.

Blogger Venue: And then there are the support facilities that have to be built to provide materials to the fabrication plant, correct?

Steven P. Delarge: Not only will manufacturing facilities have to be put in place in the area, but also the facility has been great news for local builders, who are being called upon to build homes and businesses to support the new residents coming to the area.

Blogger Venue: There’s more planned construction, too, as we understand.

Steven P. Delarge: Yes, thanks to local government. There will be an addition to the Nanotechnology facility, which will bring more work for builders, as well as bringing more students to the area. It’s an exciting time for Albany.

Blogger Venue: What can other cities learn from Albany’s success?

Steven P. Delarge: I think it’s quite telling that when business and government work together, positive economic change can be made.

Blogger Venue: Plus, one little change can feed additional changes.

Steven P. Delarge: Yes, absolutely! Economic growth multiplies. Once that initial leap is made, everything just falls into place around it.

Steven P. Delarge received his bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University. Beginning his career with GE Advanced Materials, Delarge was with GE Plastics when it was bought out by Momentive Performance Materials. Steven P. Delarge served as Momentive’s CFO and CEO.

Designing Spaces

The following segment aired on Lifetime Television. Joining the show was Dave Kady to discuss East Coast Moldings

Host 1: Well, when it comes to something like moldings homeowners can feel a bit overwhelmed.We are here to help. We’re going to show you how to pick out moldings for nearly any room of the house.  And really end up with an upscale look.

Host 2: I think you’ll like this!  Watch!

Tillis: A statement in style.  Moldings used in interior design contribute to a room’s personality.  And can even increase a home’s value.  In fact, anyone planning a remodeling project should seriously consider the use of moldings to give a home distinctive flair and your personal touch.  To help us learn more, we visited Smith and Deshields in Jupiter Florida to meet with an expert on moldings, Dave Kady from East Coast Moldings.  Hi, Dave!  Thank you so much for meeting me in this beautiful show room.

Kady: Thank you very much, Andi.

Tillis: So I understand that adding molding to your home can really increase the value.  Would you agree?

Kady: Yes I would agree.  For a small investment, you really enhance your home a lot.

Tillis: Now, as far as styles and selections go, what do we have to choose from?

Kady: There are so many.  You have different types of moldings in size from 2 1/4″ casing that goes around your doorways and openings.

Tillis: Now you mentioned casings.  Not to cut you off, but what is a casing?

Kady: A casing is what goes around your doorways, your door openings, or your door entryways—a transition from dining room to front room.  Chair rails, they break up the top and bottom of your walls.

Tillis (Designing Spaces): I think I’ve seen these in some dining rooms.

Kady: Correct.  Chair rail because your chairs actually sit up against it and actually protect your wall.  You have your base mold down here.  They range anywhere from 4″ to 5 1/4, 9″ whatever the room will fit.

Designing Spaces: You just brought up a good point.  How do I know what’s appropriate for what room?

Kady: Well we generally go by say a 10×10 with an 8′ ceiling we’ll stay with crown molds that are 4″ and less.  Casings are 2 1/4, 3 1/4.  Chair rails are generally 2 1/2 and your base molds should stay in the 3 1/4″ width with 3 1/2 for a small room.

Designing Spaces: Okay.

Kady: When you get into the larger room and the taller ceilings absolutely go with wider crowns; they help it kind of bring the room into focus.  Much like putting a frame around a picture it just kind of enhances those rooms and kind of gives you some value in that room.  It just off sets it or looks well.

Designing Spaces: It really does look nice.  I’m a big do-it-yourself.  Is this something I can install by myself or would I want to hire a professional?

Kady: You can do it yourself.  It’s not that it’s difficult, it’s just a trim carpenter does very well on the 45 degree angle like you have here on your casings.

Designing Spaces: Oh the corners.

Kady: And not all walls are square and 90 degrees so it makes it difficult for the homeowner to really miter into say a 60 degree angle.

Designing Spaces: Yea you’re right.  I didn’t think about that.

Kady: So it is easier if you have a good trim carpenter in your area to pick from.

Designing Spaces: As far as trends and what’s hot right now what are you seeing?

Kady: Bigger is better.  Such as the thickness on these types of cases that go around your door.  Everyone seems to want something that is bigger.  Up above you can see we have a crown molding that you can stack moldings like a base mold and the crown, which increased that to 9″ wide.  So a 10′, 12′ ceiling you go with wider bigger crowns.  They really want to embellish or enhance those areas of their home like around their doorways, their ceilings and their base mold.  We manufacture at East Coast base molds that are 9 1/4″ wide.

Designing Spaces: And finally, Dave, what should our viewers look for when they’re selecting a quality piece of molding?

Kady: Well, it’s like at East Coast Moldings we really concentrate on craftsmanship and having that molding made that the first piece, what we call a molder where it’s manufactured, is just like the last piece that comes off that machine.  Everything fits together exactly.

Designing Spaces: Well, I’m convinced, adding molding can really increase the looks and the value of our home.  Thanks so much for being on “Designing Spaces” with us today!

Kady: I enjoyed it!

About Designing Spaces on Lifetime Television

The show on Lifetime is a half-hour informative series that inspires viewers to make every space count.  “Designing Spaces” instructs them on the smartest ways to make their homes more beautiful and functional.  To view episodes of “Designing Spaces” online, just go to http://www.designingspaces.tv. If you have a great idea for a story, or want to be a part of the “Designing Spaces” show, please contact LysaLiemer at lysa@designingspaces.tv. If you have a great idea for a story, or want to be a part of the show please contact LysaLiemer at lysa@designingspaces.tv. You can also find us on Twitter at @DSpacesTV or on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/DSpacesTV!

Byron Pederson

According to Byron Pederson, on July 21^st, 2011 the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau began monitoring the fairness of consumer products that deal with finance. In the years leading up to the formation of this group, consumers had voiced concerns over many financial service providers, reports Byron Pederson. The jurisdiction of the CFPB includes credit unions, banks, payday lenders, securities firms, foreclosure relief and debt collecting services. According to Byron Pederson, the bureau’s foremost interest relate to credit cards, student loans, and mortgages.

The CFPB took suggestions from American consumers beginning in February of 2011, says Byron Pederson. The purpose of this exercise was to identify specific areas that needed improvement, what the problems were, and how citizens felt the issue should be addressed. The Bureau is located inside of the United States Federal Reserve, and affiliated with the US Treasury Department, although it is an independent branch of government, says Byron Pederson.

The Chief Enforcement Officer of the Bureau is former Ohio Atty. Gen. Richard Cordray, notes Byron Pederson. Elizabeth Warren, an expert in bankruptcy law and the 2012 Democratic Party candidate for the United States Senate (Massachusetts), conceptualized and initiated the establishment of the Bureau. According to Byron Pederson, the CFPB’s goal is helping consumers understand and navigate the often confusing and sometimes coercive legalese utilized by certain financial services firms.

Byron Pederson says that American consumers can visit the agency’s website at www.consumerfinance.gov to submit a complaint about their experiences with a financial services provider, share personal insights, and find information on specific issues, such as repaying student debt. Additionally, Byron Pederson notes that the website offers numerous reports, letters, and bulletins which serve to keep American consumers informed. Byron Pederson also notes that the agency aims to stay connected with the public via Twitter, Facebook, and newsletters.

One specific item that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau addresses is the Plain Writing Act of 2010, notes Byron Pederson. The Act states that the Bureau must use plain language in all documents which are necessary to obtain or provide information about government benefits, as well as publications that explain how to comply with the requirements set forth by the Federal Government, says Byron Pederson. The Bureau, according to Byron Pederson, puts a great emphasis on education and enforcement and is continually monitoring financial services providers and markets.

Byron Pederson is the cofounder of Instant Tax Solutions, a Post Falls, Idaho-based tax resolution specialist. For more information about ITS, visit the company online at www.instanttaxsolutions.com