For many, Walt Disney World Resort is a destination vacation spot. Pierre Bennett Global Vacations notes that the resort is made up of four theme parks: Magic Kingdom; Epcot Center; Disney’s Hollywood Studios; and Animal Kingdom. There are also two water parks in the resort. Pierre Bennett Global Vacations suggests that members get a “hopper” pass instead of just a pass to one park. The hopper pass offers access to all four parks. And Pierre Bennett Global Vacations club members are assured of finding fantastic lodging at Disney.

Pierre Bennett Global Vacations also encourages members to visit La Nouba – Cirque du Soleil. The spectacular performances are filled with lavish sets, playful costumes, exciting choreography, and astonishing lighting. Pierre Bennett Global Vacations notes that the artists of La Nouba hail from over 15 countries and are masterful athletes and acrobats.

Universal Orlando is another “must see” destination for Pierre Bennett Global Vacations member families visiting Orlando. Universal Orlando is made up of two theme parks: Universal Islands of  Adventure and Universal Studios – and it’s an action-filled place, reports Pierre Bennett Global Vacations. Families will enjoy their favorite movies, comic books and cartoons, along with edge-of-the-seat thrill rides. With Pierre Bennett Global Vacations offering the lowest price available at time of booking, families can definitely save money while visiting Orlando.

The team at Pierre Bennett Global Vacations suggests a visit to Discovery Cove. It’s home to the tropics and families can float down a scenic river and see tropical birds. Pierre Bennett Global Vacations notes that for braver members, the opportunity to snorkel with stingrays is also available.

Pierre Bennett Global Vacations offers club member low prices on cruises, hotels, condos, popular attractions and destinations. It’s easier than ever to visit Orlando!

Along with his father, Douglas Battista devotedly watched the Pirates during their strong run of the late 80s and early 1990s. This time, also known as the Leyland Era since they were managed by Jim Leyland starting in 1986, saw the Pirates advanced to three consecutive playoffs with major names like Barry Bonds and Bobby Bonilla leading the way, recalls Douglas Battista. There were down times during this era too, admits Douglas Battista, as multiple players were injured during the 1989 season. And after a few decent years, things took a terrible turn for Douglas Battista’s beloved team. After a heartbreaking loss in game seven on the 1992 playoff series, the Pittsburgh Pirates set a course for what is today a nearly 20 year-long losing streak, says Douglas Battista.

Douglas Battista remembers that in 2001, the Pirates opened their season in an extraordinary new baseball park on the North Shore of Pittsburgh. PNC Park is often touted as the most well planned design in stadium history, notes Douglas Battista, because of its simplistic design and ingenious positioning, which showcases Pittsburgh’s downtown skyline. The park, which has a capacity of 38,362 baseball fans, cost $216 million and was built over the course of two years, says Douglas Battista. PNC Park is the fifth home of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Douglas Battista hasn’t missed an opening day with his father since he was a teenager, and has no plans to break the streak anytime soon. He has proven his devotion to this family tradition time and again despite moving to Connecticut, Texas, and now California. According to Douglas Battista, regardless of the team’s performance, they have always offered something more valuable than even watching them win the World Series. They have given Douglas Battista and his father a time to bond and a time to connect, and have given the Battista men memories that will last a lifetime.

But Steven Delarge has come up with his own unique approach. The business executive has found that “not do” lists are actually more effective in organizing his life. Anyone who feels overwhelmed by daily tasks can benefit from making these lists. By making a decision, once and for all, to let go of certain duties, you can then free up time to focus on those things that matter most to you, Steven Delarge advises.

It was a lesson Steven Delarge had to learn early in his career. The former president of Silicones & Quartz for Momentive Performance Materials found that he was taking on too many responsibilities. While this isn’t unique to those who have initiative and ambition, Steven Delarge wondered how much more effective he could be in his job if he learned to let go of things that were taking up large chunks of his day.

There are several steps to beginning a “not do” list, says Steven Delarge, including:

- List your daily responsibilities. This may require logging everything you do for a few days. While you may resist this with the excuse that you don’t have time, Steven Delarge discovered that by taking a few days to do this, he saved massive amounts of time in the long-term.

- Underline those items that are essential to your job. Steven Delarge recommends being conservative with this. Just because you don’t underline an item, don’t assume it will be on your not do list. This is just an initial draft.

- Learn to delegate. You can’t do everything. Whether you hand some of your responsibilities over to a subordinate or a colleague, Steven Delarge has found there are others who are capable of taking some of your workload. Handing these items off ensures they get done as well as freeing up your own time. Everyone wins.

- Identify things that can absolutely go. Go down your list and place a star next to the items that can definitely be cut, Steven Delarge advises. Like any ambitious person, you probably have a hard time saying ‘no.’ Cut out unnecessary committees and meetings in favor of working to grow your business or help your chances for a promotion. Put networking first, Steven Delarge advises, and de-emphasize those meetings that aren’t necessary to your career advancement.

Steven Delarge has successfully incorporated a “not do” list into his day and has found it frees up time for doing some of the activities he loves. This includes spending time with his family.

James Stuckey says that any real estate developer gets a little nervous at the onset of a recession. In a down economy, individuals, businesses, and cities dramatically cut building. According to James Stuckey, for a developer to remain successful during such a time, he must know his strengths and weaknesses and be willing to play off each. James Stuckey points out that effective company branding and positive PR are also crucial.

The first step in remaining successful, asserts James Stuckey, is familiarity with a location.. James Stuckey also suggests that knowing the current market state within a 5-mile radius of a proposed project can help a developer determine if a specific project carries inherent value. James Stuckey stresses the importance of learning to read trends, recognizing when a market is at a plateau and striking before it bounces back.

James Stuckey maintains that, although some risk is always associated with a new development initiative, financial responsibility is paramount to success. By setting a budget, James Stuckey has found that project goals can more realistically take shape in the initial planning and design process. When the market is extremely competitive, it is important to maintain a reserve of funds for any upgrades or unexpected design changes later, says James Stuckey.

For any given project, James Stuckey asserts that knowing the target demographic of end users is another aspect of a fruitful development. Obviously, a major renovation or redevelopment effort in a low-income area will probably not be successful if the developer is planning to build luxury condos, says James Stuckey – the residents of the area can’t afford the units. James Stuckey does acknowledge, however, that revitalizing these areas is a viable option versus new construction. Many developers have found great success in doing so and often with “green” and responsible building practices, which helps increase the area’s overall value, reports James Stuckey.

Finally, James Stuckey emphasizes the importance of establishing a mutually beneficial relationship with a Realtor who is emerging in the target market. Real estate professionals are a great source of information about who is looking for what and what kind of budget they have, says James Stuckey. The agent can point out the specific property features that potential tenants will desire. For instance, James Stuckey says that some regions may require more parking while other locations will rely on largely public transportation.

According to James Stuckey, time and experience are the most important aspects of finding success. He advises future developers to prepare themselves for many challenges, and encourages them to persevere through the tough times. The real estate market is a never ending series of ups and downs and James Stuckey believes that in order for a developer to make it through the down-times, he must conduct himself with integrity and take pride in each aspect of every project.

As Ian Woodman, Idaho Instant Tax Solutions co-owner, explains, navigating the volumes of IRS tax laws can be daunting. Taxpayers don’t have to go it alone, states Ian Woodman. Idaho taxpayers have an Instant Tax Solutions office nearby in Post Falls. Staffed with legal counsel, CPAs, and former IRS agents, Ian Woodman ’s Idaho office has a hundred years of combined experience in tax laws to help you resolve even your most difficult tax dilemmas. Here, Ian Woodman of Idaho explains some of the reasons a taxpayer should hire a tax prep firm:

• - Expertise—As Ian Woodman, Idaho business owner explains, tax experts spend all year preparing for tax season, fully researching the tax laws and changes that might impact you. By hiring a tax prep firm, like Ian Woodman ’s Idaho Instant Tax Solutions, you’ll have all the latest tax information available to you without having to spend months studying tax laws.
• - More timely resolution—Ian Woodman of Idaho ’s Instant Tax Solutions, recalls taxpayers who have gotten themselves into trouble with the IRS. When a client is facing an outstanding tax debt Woodman’s tax prep firm can walk them through what they’ll need to do to satisfy the IRS’s requirements. Additionally, Ian Woodman ’s Idaho based office of tax experts can negotiate with the IRS on your behalf, sometimes lowering or eradicating the debt altogether, depending on the situation.
• - Understanding IRS notices—For the average taxpayer, an official notice from the IRS can be intimidating, explains Ian Woodman. Idaho taxpayers can bring that notice—whether it’s a notice of a lien or simply a bill for past due taxes—into Instant Tax Solutions and the experts on staff will explain what steps to take next.

If you’re struggling with any tax problem, Instant Tax Solutions can help, says Ian Woodman. His Idaho office is staffed with qualified professionals who will work with the IRS to provide relief for you and your family.

Ian Woodman, Idaho based tax relief business owner, is a former custom homebuilder who received specialized tax training. Ian Woodman’s Idaho based Instant Tax Solutions has grown from a two-person business to a thriving tax resolution firm that helps both businesses and individuals take control of their finances.

Apostle Pierre Bennett tells the people of God’s Luv International Ministries Church that the phrase “son of man” means “human one.” God only used the term in the Bible with three people, and one of those people was Jesus, Apostle Pierre Bennett points out. So while Jesus was blessed, Apostle Pierre Bennett continues, God acknowledged that Jesus was still part of this mortal dimension, while being elevated above the rest of mankind.

That’s how God feels about all his followers, Apostle Pierre Bennett believes. When you’re close enough for Him to speak to you man-to-man, you are blessed just as Jesus was. You are elevated, while still being a part of this dimension.

And, according to Apostle Pierre Bennett, you are blessed in so many ways. God blesses you so that you can preach His Word to others. For this reason, Apostle Pierre Bennett explains that you are blessed with both the gifts of revelation and evangelism. If you are on the street, Apostle Pierre Bennett emphasizes, and you suddenly feel overwhelmed with the urge to preach His Word to others, don’t deny that urge. Apostle Pierre Bennett says that this is His way of inspiring you to use the gifts He’s given you.

Too many times, we humans let shyness keep us from speaking out in God’s name, Apostle Pierre Bennett states. We may rationalize to ourselves that the other person will reject our message or that he or she has a not-so-friendly expression. Apostle Pierre Bennett stresses that if God is telling you to speak to that person, do it. Sadly, because many of us are still stuck at our earthly level, we don’t.

Fortunately, God is elevating many of His avid believers to a higher level. This level allows them to get past these fears and see clearly what needs to be done. Apostle Pierre Bennett says in this sense, many of God’s followers are prophetic, knowing instinctively what needs to be done.

The important thing to note is that the more you use the gifts He has given you, the stronger they become, Apostle Pierre Bennett states. Apostle Pierre Bennett recommends thinking of yourself as a vessel. God shows you these things so you will then share them with others. And when you share God’s word, it is for his glory, concludes Apostle Pierre Bennett.

According to the Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team – who handle case file reviews and rate relevant topics for client education purposes – the Tax Problem Resolution Services Coalition has recently proposed legislation that would not only protect consumers but also make the market more difficult for scam artist to infiltrate. The Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team says that tax law is a series of complex rules and regulations and praises the TPRSC for its efforts.

The purpose for the TPRSC’s proposal is to protect taxpayer rights against deceptive practices used by fraudulent service providers, says the Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team. The group outlines a list of practices they say should be prohibited, according to the Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team. The Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team also notes that providers should be barred from offering misleading information or engaging in marketing practices that insinuate a relationship with any government agency.

The Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team notes that legitimate tax service providers have long followed these “unspoken” rules, which can now be found in Section 17 of the TPRSC’s proposal documents. Section 17 states that service providers shall not use verbiage in their marketing materials that can be misconstrued as indicating they are affiliated with a government program. The Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team notes that specific phrases that are prohibited include “stimulus” and “bailout.” Additionally, the Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team says the outline of prohibited practices touches on graphic design, stating that no marketing material shall contain images of any government building or US landmark.

Other items specified in Section 17 include emphatically stating that all service providers use their true and legal name on all marketing materials and correspondence, reports the Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team. As well, service providers are prohibited from intentionally misrepresenting that their clients’ IRS liabilities can be reduced to a specific monetary sum or monthly installment payment amount, adds the Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team.

Under the proposed rules, tax service providers may not guarantee any sort of specific qualification in an IRS liability modification program without performing a thorough good-faith analysis of the taxpayer’s financial situation. The Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team also says that providers would be prohibited from compensating their employees based solely on the number of signed agreements they acquire. The Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team points out that the TPRSC specifies that service providers may not imply or explicitly state that they hold a beneficial relationship with the IRS or any of its officers.

The Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team, serving the clients of Instant Tax Solutions – one of the nation’s premiere providers of tax resolution services, says that the TPRSC’s mission to protect the American public comes at a time when many taxpayers are facing dire circumstances, and praised the group for their dedication to transparency in the industry.

For more information: Instant Tax Solutions | 888.387.4074 | www.instanttaxsolutions.com

Aicube: Can job seekers learn from “how-to” articles on getting the job of their dreams?

Steven P. Delarge: They can be very helpful, to tell you the truth. But many of them focus solely on how to handle the questions asked during the job interview.

Aicube: I’ve noticed that, too.

Steven P. Delarge: The fact is that many interviewees are unprepared for what happens after the interviewer stops asking questions and lets the interviewee talk.

Aicube: Are you speaking about the ever-present question, ‘Do you have any questions for us?’

Steven P. Delarge: Yes. That’s one of the biggest missed opportunities in an interview. I’ve noticed many job seekers come in ready to sell the interviewer on hiring them.

Aicube: They also need to make sure the job is something they’re interested in, right?

Steven P. Delarge: Exactly! It needs to be a fit on both sides. The interviewee needs to ask some questions about what the company can do for him or her.

Aicube: Are you talking about salary expectations?

Steven P. Delarge: No. Salary shouldn’t even enter into the conversation during an initial interview. What the interviewee needs to focus on are potential earnings, as well as opportunities for advancement from within the company.

Aicube: The employee needs to sound pretty well versed in that particular industry, right?

Steven P. Delarge: Yes, and that involves quite a bit of research before the interview even takes place. The more you know about a company, the more interested and detail-oriented you’ll appear.

Aicube: Should the employee research the company’s profitability before the interview?

Steven P. Delarge: Yes, and not just for the purpose of showing off during the interview. Before going in for the interview, a prospective employee should be doing whatever he or she can to make sure this company is a good investment of his or her time and effort.

Steven P. Delarge is a respected executive in the chemical and energy fields. With an emphasis on finance, Delarge has led many successful teams over his years in the business. Steven P. Delarge has learned many of life’s lessons through hard work and a willingness to take on new challenges, which is Delarge’s mission in everything he does.

Host 1: You know what looks great?

Host 2: Oh, me?  Thanks!

Host 1: Yeah, speaking of vanity, how about a vanity in the master bathroom?

Yes, Lee had a chance to check out some really interesting designs to add character and style to a bathroom.  Check out what one home owner did with an ordinary bathroom to make a personal statement.

Tillis: A favorite remodeling project for homeowners is the bathroom.  And the focal point of the bathroom is generally the vanity.  Now, choosing a vanity can involve several things.  Should I hire an interior decorator?  Or a designer?  And is it going to cost a bundle?  Well, not according to my next guest, Rob Tremel from Magick Woods.  Magick Woods has a huge selection of vanities to choose from.  Hey, Rob!  Welcome!

Tremel: Thanks for having me on the show!

Tillis: My pleasure!  So, when we’re deciding that it’s time to get a new vanity, where should we start?

Tremel: Well, the first thing we need to take into consideration is our available space.  The vanity sets the entire tone and feel of the whole room, so it’s definitely a key choice.  From there we’re going to think about any special requirements that you have, such as wheelchair accessibility or height.  And then you need to consider any special plumbing requirements, as well as what do you want on the wall.  Do you want just a mirror, or do you want something with a little more storage?

Tillis: And I guess the lighting also would be critical.

Tremel: For sure.  You want to know lighting, as far as what you’re going to put on the walls as far as do you want any extra storage on the walls, do you just want a mirror, are you looking for primary lighting or is there primary lighting already?

Tillis: There’s a lot of things to consider!  Now, what are some of the trends we are seeing in the vanities?

Tremel: We’re seeing a lot of contemporary designs with smooth, sleek lines.  A variety of different counter surfaces are being used—granite, glass, solid surface.  And then people are either putting an under-mount sink, an integral sink, or a vessel sink.

Tillis: Now I hear that a lot—vessel sinks.  What is a vessel sink?

Tremel: A vessel sink is a bowl that sits on top of the vanity.  They come in granite, glass, porcelain, a variety of different shapes, styles, colors…

Tillis:And one way to go about getting a new vanity is to actually have it made from scratch.  But that’s got to be the most expensive way!

Tremel: But it’s definitely not necessary.  You can go to any of your local home centers.  We offer our products through Lowes, Expo, as well as a variety of independent retailers.  Purchase a product right off the shelf, bring it home and install it, and you have that complete custom look.

Tillis:And what types of categories of styles does Magick Woods offer?

Tremel: Well, we have our contemporary collections, we have our traditional and then we have our signature series as well.

Tillis (Designing Spaces): And what can we do to make them more of our own?  Is there a way to customize them?

Tremel: Absolutely.  Magick Woods offers a design for everyone with distinct details and a variety of finishes.  You can personalize your vanity by choosing different sizes, door styles, colors and stains, and hardware to accent and complete an image of elegance and quality.  You can also choose from auxiliary cabinets, medicine cabinets, linen towers, mirrors, and light valences.  Magick Woods also provides solutions for unique applications—wheelchair accessibility, corners, and space saving designs.

Designing Spaces: Wow!  That’s great!  So all I have to do is go to the store, pick out the vanity of my choice, it’s already assembled, and I can pick any details like finishing or colors to make it my own?

Tremel: Exactly. And then it comes fully assembled the way you want it, ready to install when delivered.

Designing Spaces: That’s great! Now, I saw the homeowner’s choice for this vanity and it’s beautiful!  Is it going to be long lasting?

Tremel: It sure will, because at Magick Woods we take great care in building our product.  The climate control spray booth ensures that no dust or excess moisture taints the satiny smooth finish.  During manufacturing, the cabinets’ drying process allows an even application, avoiding dripping or rough finishes associated with air-dry lacquers.  The 8-stage Magick Guard finish is applied in a layered format, producing a hard-wearing and easy to clean surface.  Magick Woods bath furniture is tested under stringent lab standards.  We build our furniture to last and support our confidence with a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.

Designing Spaces: And are your prices comparable with a custom built vanity?

Tremel: Our prices are very competitive.  In fact, you’ll probably spend much less on a Magick Woods vanity.

Designing Spaces: That’s great!  Well, I’m really excited to see the finished product, so I’m going to go talk to the homeowner and I’m going to let you and your crew get to work on the bathroom!

Tremel: Sounds great, Andi!

Designing Spaces: So the guys have gotten started on the bathroom, you must be so excited!

Robin: I truly am! I can’t wait to see it!

Designing Spaces: So, what didn’t you like about your old bathroom?

Robin: Actually, it was the vanity.  The vanity was old fashioned.  It’s the one that came with the house when I bought it, and it was time for an update!

Designing Spaces: So how did you go about selecting your new vanity?

Robin: There were a lot of choices to choose from.  And this one actually fit in the space perfectly!

Designing Spaces: Really?  Now did you get any accessories with it?

Robin: I chose sconces, and a mirror, and a great faucet!  I can’t wait to see it in!

Designing Spaces: You want to see how far they’ve gotten?

Robin: Can we?

Designing Spaces: Let’s go! Ok, Robin, what do you think?

Robin: Oh, my gosh!  This is gorgeous!  Look at this!  This is better than I expected!

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 online, just go to http://www.designingspaces.tv. If you have a great idea for a story, or want to be a part of our 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!

In this brief article, Byron Pederson answers a few questions about a group now in place to regulate financial services and products. Byron Pederson comes to us with years of experience in working with taxpayers and the IRS and he relates how this new regulation will affect the industry.

Q: Byron Pederson, please explain how this regulation came about.

Byron Pederson: Many of us have been concerned for years over the complaints filed against those in our industry. We’ve struggled to get past the damage that some companies do to the reputation of the industry as a whole.

Q: So that was the thought behind the formation of the Tax Problem Resolution Services Coalition. Are tax relief providers the prime target of this new regulatory group?

Byron Pederson: The group is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). It is primarily concerned with regulating credit cards, student loans, and mortgages, although it will be regulating financial institutions, payday lenders, foreclosure relief, and debt collectors.

Q: Is there a place consumers can go to file complaints against specific providers?

Byron Pederson: By going to www.consumerfinance.gov, a consumer can file a complaint, get information, or obtain advice on repaying a debt.

Q: Where is this regulatory agency located?

Byron Pederson: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is inside the U.S. Federal Reserve, but it is an independent government branch. It is closely linked to the U.S. Treasury Department, though.

Q: Will this change things for tax problem resolution services like Instant Tax Solutions?

Byron Pederson: For those operating honestly and above-board, nothing should change, although all financial service providers should be aware of the CFPB’s regulations. Hopefully, it will force those tax relief firms operating unfairly to either close or begin following the same industry standards the rest of us follow. We want the industry to be a safe, trusted place for consumers.

Q: I’d like to thank Byron Pederson for taking the time to talk to us today about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Byron Pederson: You’re certainly welcome.

Byron Pederson is co-founder of Instant Tax Solutions, a tax problem resolution service that seeks to help consumers with tax issues. With Byron Pederson’s staff of legal counsel, CPAs, and IRS enrolled agents, Instant Tax Solutions upholds a mission to provide reliable services that put the customer first. By working with the Tax Problem Resolution Services Coalition, Byron Pederson hopes to protect taxpayers by eradicating unscrupulous behavior in the industry.