Monday, November 30, 2009

New York Electrician Represented by Block O'Toole & Murphy Awarded $5.5 Million

A New York electrician represented by Block O'Toole & Murphy was awarded $5.5 million after falling from a ladder and suffering a brain injury.

New York, NY (PRWEB) November 30, 2009 -- A New York electrician who suffered a brain injury after falling from a ladder was awarded a $5.5 million pretrial settlement. The plaintiff was represented by attorneys Stephen J. Murphy & David L. Scher of Block O'Toole & Murphy, a New York construction accident law firm.

The plaintiff, a 40-year-old electrician, was repairing a high bay lighting fixture when he received an electric shock and fell approximately 14-16 feet from an aluminum extension ladder. The accident took place in a Federal Express warehouse in Brooklyn. As a result of the fall, the plaintiff suffered numerous serious injuries, including skull fractures and brain hemorrhaging. This brain injury has resulted in severe cognitive deficits, including memory loss, confusion, and depression. In addition, the plaintiff has been totally and permanently disabled from employment as a result of his injuries.

The plaintiff claimed that the defendant violated New York Labor Law by failing to provide him with any type of protection when he climbed the 28-foot ladder. The court granted the plaintiff's motion for summary judgment on liability, and the parties negotiated a $5.5 million pretrial settlement. Astro Electrical's carrier contributed $5 million and FedEx contributed $500,000.

The court of record for this case was Kings County Court in New York, Index No. 1643/2006.

If you or a loved one has suffered a construction accident injury in New York, visit http://www.constructionaccidentsny.com today. Block O’Toole & Murphy offers a Free Consultation to all potential clients and welcomes the opportunity to discuss your case with you. The construction injury attorneys at Block O’Toole & Murphy have successfully recovered numerous multimillion dollar verdicts and settlements for injured clients, and they have the knowledge and experience to fight for justice on your behalf.

About Block O'Toole & Murphy

Block O'Toole & Murphy is one of the premier personal injury law firms in New York City. The construction accident attorneys at Block O'Toole & Murphy, LLP have a long and proud tradition of representing laborers of all kinds who have been injured on the job. They are well versed in New York's Labor Law and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of injured construction workers. Visit http://www.constructionaccidentsny.com/ for a Free Case Evaluation and information about your legal rights.

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Residence Inn Dallas Arlington South Hotel Celebrates 6 Months of Operation in Arlington, Texas

The Residence Inn Extended Stay Hotel in Arlington, Texas, has been open since April, 2009

Arlington, TX (PRWEB) November 30, 2009 -- The Residence Inn by Marriott extended stay hotel in Arlington, Texas, celebrates six months of successful operation serving the Dallas and Arlington, Texas, markets. This 96-room, all suite hotel in Arlington, Texas, originally opened in late April, 2009. Located at 801 Highlander Boulevard, the Residence Inn Dallas Arlington South hotel operates as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Chase Hospitality of Irving, Texas. Chase Hospitality also recently opened a Courtyard property next door.

Residence Inn Dallas Arlington South
Residence Inn Dallas Arlington South
Centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth, 10 minutes from downtown Arlington and 13 miles from the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, the Residence Inn Dallas Arlington South offers its guests spacious hotel suites in Arlington, Texas, providing convenient access to Six Flags Over Texas, Ameriquest Field and the Dallas Cowboys new stadium. Rates vary depending on length of stay, with special discounts given to extended stay guests.

“We are pleased with the continued growth of Residence Inn hotels in the Arlington area,” said Tim Sheldon, executive vice president, brand management, extended stay for Marriott International. “This new hotel was designed to be a home away from home and provides a residential atmosphere and spacious accommodations for guest comfort.”

Residence Inn hotels are designed as extended stay hotels that offer studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites. Designed for stays of five nights or more, each suite has a fully-equipped kitchen with coffee maker, microwave oven, full-sized appliances and free high-speed Internet access. The Arlington, Texas, extended stay hotel offers daily housekeeping, complimentary grocery shopping services and same-day dry cleaning.

A complimentary hot breakfast buffet, HomeTouch™ is available each morning in the lobby area. Other hotel facilities and services include an indoor swimming pool, exercise room/SportCourt®, a social room, weeknight social hour and faxing/copying/printing. The four-story extended stay hotel in Arlington, TX, also offers 1,100 square feet of meeting space to accommodate small meetings and functions of up to 75 people.

About Residence Inn Dallas Arlington South

A leader in extended-stay lodging, Residence Inn offers more than 550 hotels in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and Mexico. Residence Inn participates in the company’s award-winning Marriott Rewards® program, which enables members to earn their choice of points toward free vacations or frequent flyer mileage in their preferred airline program for dollars spent at more than 3,000 Marriott hotels in 56 countries.

For more information or reservations, call the Residence Inn Dallas Arlington South hotel directly at 817-465-2244, the Residence Inn toll-free number at 800-331-3131, a travel agent or visit the Arlington, TX, extended stay hotel on the web at: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dalag-residence-inn-dallas-arlington-south/

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Posted by prolink at 7:45 AM 0 comments

California Study Gives BI Incorporated Fresno Day Reporting Center High Mark

Study finds program is 'highly effective.'

Boulder, CO (PRWEB) November 30, 2009 -- The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation released results of a comprehensive study of many of its community-based programs, and BI Incorporated’s Fresno Day Reporting Center (DRC) was awarded a “highly effective” rating, the highest mark attainable. Located at 1466 Van Ness Ave., the Fresno DRC is a unique community-based supervision, treatment and training program for at-risk parolees. Today, the center supports CDCR to supervise more than 100 parolees daily. BI also operates centers for the CDCR in San Diego and Stockton.

BI Incorporated, the nation’s largest provider of technology, treatment, training and supervision for correctional agencies, was very pleased with the results. “In today’s tough economic climate, correctional agencies need to know the programs they fund work,” said John Thurston, BI Vice President of Reentry and Supervision Services. “We are always trying to improve our cognitive behavioral programs and incorporate evidence-based techniques and practices so costly recidivism can be reduced and lives restored. We’ve had great success in Fresno and at the other DRCs we operate nationwide.”

As part of its training for certification by the University of Cincinnati, a team of CDCR researchers evaluated the Fresno DRC using the Correctional Program Checklist (CPC), a widely respected correctional assessment tool. The CPC evaluates how effectively offender intervention programs reduce the likelihood that participants recidivate and return to prison or jail. The CPC assesses five areas: program leadership and development, staff characteristics, offender assessment, treatment characteristics and quality assurance.

More than 400 community correctional programs have been assessed using the CPC, and only 7 percent nationally have attained the “highly effective” rating BI achieved in Fresno.

For information on the CPC and highlights from the report, see http://bi.com/sites/all/themes/BI/pdf/FresnoDRC_report.pdf.

BI has operated the Fresno DRC since 2005. The center was opened to serve offenders who had proven resistant to treatment or had previously violated parole. Parolees participate in a four-phase program that combines supervision, counseling, treatment and educational and vocational classes. BI closely monitors the behavior of parolees referred to the Fresno DRC with daily check-ins, drug testing techniques and intensive case management. While in the program, parolees receive ongoing treatment and training to help break cycles of criminal behavior. Parolees attend at least 20 hours of programming weekly, including classes for substance abuse education and treatment; adult basic education; Life Skills development; cognitive behavioral therapy; parenting; domestic violence; anger management; employment skills building and career development counseling; and aftercare.

The center also houses an Employability Resource Center, including computer workstations for parolees to access job information. Parolees can earn a Work Readiness Certificate, a credential useful for gaining employment. In addition, BI delivers a program called Community Connections, which links parolees to valuable local resources for housing, health services and additional counseling services.

If parolees reporting to the center are non-compliant to conditions of release and program guidelines, they may be moved to a more intensive phase of the program, with tighter curfews and more frequent reporting. If non-compliance continues, participants can be placed in a “violator’s track,” which may include the use of home electronic monitoring technologies.

Parolees may report to the center for more than six months; the state saves money long term if these individuals stay out of the correctional system once they exit the program. The center sets a very high goal of 100 percent employment or full-time enrollment in school upon exit from the program. More than 1,100 parolees have been served by the Fresno DRC since it opened in 2005.

About BI Incorporated (www.bi.com)
Established in 1978, BI Incorporated is the leading technology, treatment and supervision company in community corrections today. BI contracts with approximately 900 governmental agencies nationwide, supporting them with a full continuum of intensive supervision technologies and community-based cognitive behavioral reentry programs for adult and juvenile offenders. BI’s ISO-certified national monitoring center, owned and operated by BI, provides 24/7 expert support supervision services exclusively for governmental agencies. BI works closely with local public corrections officials to cost effectively reduce recidivism, promote public safety, and strengthen the communities it serves using evidence-based practices in a community setting.

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LeTip International Executive Director, Sy Schaefer, NY | NJ Semi-Retires

Schaefer takes on new role as Special Advisor to LeTip, the premier business leads organization.

(Vocus/PRWEB ) November 30, 2009 -- LeTip International, the premier B2B referral organization, has announced that Sy Schaefer, esteemed Executive Director of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut has semi-retired. Schaefer will be continuing his relationship with LeTip as a Special Advisor.

"Mr. LeTip," Sy Schaefer, Special Advisor to LeTip International
"Mr. LeTip," Sy Schaefer, Special Advisor to LeTip International

"Sy has been a stalwart supporter and a major contributor to the success of LeTip since 1991. His guidance, loyalty and care for the members in his region is legendary," said Kim Marie Branch-Pettid, President and CEO of LeTip International. In his semi-retirement, Sy, also known as “Mr. LeTip,” will continue as a Special Advisor to LeTip International. This new opportunity will allow us to continue to grow and learn from Sy’s exceptional and productive knowledge of the inner workings of LeTip.

Schaefer, now a resident of Boynton Beach, Florida, will continue to serve LeTip in his own unique, positive, and professional way. Schaefer's New Jersey and NYC chapters will be managed by LeTip's newest Regional Director, Paul Della Valle, who hails from Verona, New Jersey. Long Island chapters will be under the watchful eye of Ken Rubinetti, Long Island Regional Senior Ambassador. "With both of these professional networkers on board, we look forward to ongoing success for our LeTip members throughout the Empire and Garden States," said Branch-Pettid.

About LeTip

LeTip International is the world's largest, privately-owned, professional business leads organization. Since 1978, LeTip programs have helped over 50,000 members, throughout the United States and Canada, build business success through personal referrals.

LeTip International's structure set the standard in the word-of-mouth referral industry. Members are known for their professionalism, dedication, and loyalty to one another, and to the LeTip Program.

LeTip Chapters meet weekly to exchange qualified leads, build solid business relationships, develop strong presentation skills and become proficient networkers. Only one representative of any given profession is accepted into a chapter, and members are chosen for their occupational expertise. For more information on how to join a LeTip Chapter in your area, visit www.letip.com

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The UK Digital Economy Bill is Deeply Flawed, Says Don Tapscott

Downloading music is not stealing. File-sharing is a business model issue, and should not be a legal issue.

Downloading music is not stealing. File-sharing is a business model issue, and should not be a legal issue.

London (PRWeb UK/PRWEB ) November 30, 2009 -- “As the person who coined the term The Digital Economy in my 1995 book of that title I do feel obliged to comment on the UK government’s recently unveiled Digital Economy Bill. The bill is fundamentally flawed because it punishes Internet users who share songs. File-sharing a classic example of a disruptive technology, and we’ve got to get over this mindset that peer-to-peer sharing of music is stealing. The government should help the recording industry find a new business model that encourages music fans to enjoy a wide variety of music and compensates artists fairly for their talents. Sadly, obsession with control, piracy, and proprietary standards on the part of large industry players will only serve to further alienate and anger music listeners.

“The solution is to stop trying to sell songs at a set price. The music industry needs to think Wikinomics. Music should be a service, not a product. Here’s one scenario: instead of purchasing tunes, you would pay a small monthly fee for access to all the songs in the world – say 4 Euros per month. Recordings would be streamed to you when you want to any appliance – your laptop, mobile device, car, home stereo, via the Internet. Call it Everywhere Internet Audio. Every customer has the Me Channel and could slice and dice the massive musical database anyway you like – by artist, by genre, by year, by songwriter, by popularity, and so on. The Me Channel would know what you like, based on what you've chosen in the past. You could even ask your Everywhere Internet Audio service to suggest new artists that resemble my known favorites or to create a new playlist called “Mick Jagger’s current favorites.”

“Musicians, songwriters and even their labels would be compensated through systems that track their popularity. All the music would be pooled and using actuarial economics the total pie would be divided up according to the number of times the songs of a given artist were streamed. Technologies and companies already exist that can do this.

“Everywhere Internet Audio would make the problem of copyright protection vanish. No one would ever ‘steal’ music. Why would you take possession of a song when you can listen to any song at any time on any device? But rather than build bold new approaches for digital entertainment, the industry persists in a business model that turns their customers into criminals. And the industry that brought us the Beatles is now hated by its customers and is collapsing.”

About Don Tapscott: Tapscott is the author or co-author of 13 books on new technology in society, most recently Grown Up Digital and Wikinomics. He is Chairman of the think tank nGenera Insight and an Adjunct Professor at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. His upcoming book (Spring 2010) is co-authored with Anthony D. Williams and is entitled “Rebuilding the World.”

About nGenera: nGenera markets software that creates, aggregates and manages an enterprise’s collaborative and social business activities, applying their collective power to drive business outcomes. nGenera is also the world’s thought leader in enterprise collaboration, providing hundreds of global corporations with key insight and senior advisory services focused on collaboration strategy, enterprise engagement and enabling technologies.

For more information contact:
Jody Stevens
jstevens(at)ngenera.com
416-863-8802
www.DonTapscott.com

See the original story at: http://uk.prweb.com/releases/DonTapscott/Digital_Economy_Bill/prweb3274514.htm

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Cook County Jury Awards a Gross Verdict of $8.1 Million to Victim of Swimming Pool Accident

Lawyers from The Healy Law Firm secure the highest pool-related accident verdict in Illinois on behalf of man rendered an incomplete quadriplegic.

Chicago, IL (Lexis Nexis/PRWEB ) November 30, 2009 -- A Cook County jury has entered an $8.1 million verdict in favor of an Irish immigrant carpenter, 22 years old at the time, who dove into a swimming pool and was rendered an incomplete quadriplegic. The verdict, which was reduced to $4,051,200 for the plaintiff's assumption of risk, is the highest pool-related accident verdict in Illinois.

The case, Duffy v. Togher, et. al., had previously been dismissed on the defendant's motion for summary judgment, based on the contention that the pool was an open and obvious hazard. However, the appellate court, in a 2-1 opinion (382 Ill.App.3d 1 (1st Dist. 2008), reversed the summary judgment order, finding that the open and obvious hazard is not a complete defense against a products liability recovery. The Illinois Supreme Court denied the defendant's petition for leave to appeal.

The plaintiff was represented by Martin Healy, Jr., founding partner of The Healy Law Firm and Immediate Past Chair of the Products Liability Section of American Association for Justice (AAJ), and Jack Cannon and Dennis Lynch, members of the firm.

On July 15, 2001, after closing a 4 a.m. bar, Don Duffy was invited by a friend to go for a swim in an in-ground pool at a south suburban home. He had never been in a pool in the U.S., but was familiar with the typical deep end/shallow end pool from experiences in Ireland and elsewhere. He entered the south shallow end of the pool through full width stairs and felt the slope of the bottom giving downward toward the north end of the pool. There weren't any stairs at the other end, but there was what might be considered a "deep end" ladder at the other end. From all that, he concluded that the pool had a typical shallow end/deep end configuration. He got out of the shallow end and walked toward the other end of the pool and dove toward the north end. Unfortunately, where he dove, instead of being the deep end was actually 3½ feet deep. Rather than being a typical deep end/shallow end pool, the pool in fact had two shallow ends and a deep middle.

The trial proceeded on a strict product liability claim against the installer of the pool, Black Oak Pool & Supply, and the manufacturer of the pool liner, Latham Plastics. At trial, the Defendants argued that the pool was not unusual but rather a somewhat popular "sports pool" and was safe. Defendants also argued that Plaintiff should recover nothing because diving into an admittedly unknown depth of water assumed the risk of injury and doing so while allegedly intoxicated was the sole proximate cause of the injury. The trial before Judge Susan Zwick lasted almost four weeks. After three days of deliberations, the jury found in favor of Duffy against Black Oak, but found in favor of Latham Plastics, the liner manufacturer and also found that Plaintiff was 50% at fault.

The Duffy verdict is the third record multimillion-dollar verdict secured this year by The Healy Law Firm in Illinois. In September, Martin Healy, Jr. and Dave Huber of the firm obtained a $25 million verdict in favor of a local resident who was seriously injured in a violent 2004 truck/automobile accident in Schaumburg, Illinois. That was a record high verdict for a paraplegic, which surpassed the old verdict of $24 million in a products liability case also held by Martin Healy, Jr. and John Scanlon of The Healy Law Firm. In March, Martin Healy, Jr. with Jack Cannon secured a $23.7 million verdict, the largest in Will County, for three plaintiffs who sought compensation for two deaths and one injury that resulted from a vehicle accident near Plainfield, Ill.

For more information about The Healy Law Firm, please go to www.healylawfirm.com or call 877.767.4591.

See the original story at: http://lexisnexis.prweb.com/releases/2009/11/prweb3263854.htm

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Raphaelson & Levine Secures $1.1 Million Verdict for Victim of New York Construction Accident

Firm uses Staten Island courtroom to recreate scene of accident, persuades jury that defendants were 100% responsible for client’s accident.

“New York State laws have consistently upheld the rights of those who build and modernize the general infrastructure of our city, and these rights are recognized in labor laws that protect those injured during construction,” explained Raphaelson.

New York (Lexis Nexis/PRWEB ) November 30, 2009 -- A Staten Island, N.Y. jury awarded a verdict of $1,140,000 to a career union paperhanger who was injured at a New York City construction site in 2004.

The case, Sigismondi v. J.T. Magen Construction Company et al (Index No. 102557/05, Cal. No. 74046), centered around an accident that occurred when Mr. Sigismondi was carrying a large roll of wallpaper in an area of a construction site that was supposed to have been made safe for the many contractors working at the site. Mr. Sigismondi tripped on materials that should have been removed or safeguarded, suffering trauma to both knees that required arthroscopic surgery and knee replacements.

The plaintiff was represented by Howard Raphaelson, founder of The Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm and a highly regarded attorney who has successfully represented thousands of clients in various personal injury lawsuits.

According to Raphaelson, the defendant’s attorneys refused to consider settlement and insisted that a jury would hold Mr. Sigismondi at fault for the accident. Raphaelson’s legal team pressed on with the case to a jury trial, confident they could bring to bear their firm’s extensive resources and vast experience in personal injury litigation to prevail in the case.

“New York State laws have consistently upheld the rights of those who build, repair, restore and modernize the general infrastructure of our city, and these rights are recognized in labor laws that protect those injured during construction,” explained Raphaelson, who founded his New York City law firm in 1992. “In this case, we were able to use the courtroom to recreate the scene on the morning of the accident, visually illustrating how the contractors on the job site had failed to maintain a safe working environment. The jury agreed and held the defendants 100% responsible for our client’s accident.”

For more information about Raphaelson & Levine, please call 1-800-LAWS-WORK or go to www.raphaelsonlaw.com.

See the original story at: http://lexisnexis.prweb.com/releases/2009/11/prweb3256224.htm

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Sunday, November 29, 2009

Keeping People Sane in The Crazy World Of Child Custody Disputes

Child Custody Coach releases the E-Book How to Win Child Custody, in order to arm consumers with exclusive child custody information, tips and strategies.

(Vocus/PRWEB ) November 29, 2009 -- Steven Carlson, The Custody Coach, is the founder of Child Custody Coach and author of the newly released e-book, How to Win Child Custody, is a Certified Parenting Instructor with extensive experience and training from the foremost professionals in the field of parenting techniques, co-parenting, child custody, attorney billing disputes, and the family court system.

News Image

While Carlson takes a nonjudgmental approach and is compassionate in helping parents involved in child custody disputes, he advocates that parents stay together for the benefit of their children and consider divorce or separation only as a last alternative when reconciliation is unachievable. However, he realizes that not all relationships will remain in tact; therefore his desire is to minimize the collateral damage that the breakdown of the relationship will have on the family and children.

Ultimately, post-divorce is about restructuring the family and coming up with a parenting plan that is in the best interest of the children. Not every child custody battle has to wind up in court, and oftentimes there are alternative dispute resolution options that don't involve inordinately high legal fees and family upheaval. Parents need to put in time and effort to research the process and different outcomes that can be achieved for their specific cases, while not losing sight of what's best for the children. It's important for parents to not rely solely on an attorney for information and solutions. Child Custody Coach provides services tailored to help consumers get a handle on child custody issues, divorce, child custody evaluations, parenting, and attorney fee disputes.

Child Custody Coach is a fast and affordable way to learn about the family court system and the best steps they can take to remedy a particular child custody situation regardless of the stage of the custody dispute. Attorneys can often make clients feel neglected and uninformed, and fees will quickly incur even for simple questions. Therefore, Child Custody Coach empowers clients by providing information and strategies tailored to their specific case, that will ultimately help reduce legal fees and get their cases moving forward.

Some of the common coaching topics include parenting plans, child custody evaluations, initial custody determination, custody modifications, best interest of the child, move-aways or relocations and unwed parents and custody. Not every conflict between mom and dad has to end in divorce or a custody struggle. Child Custody Coach also offers guidance on non-legal disputes such as parenting skills and techniques, ongoing parental conflict, and parenting plans, so families can hopefully work out their problems without winding up in court.

The Custody Coach’s book How To Win Child Custody is a helpful tool loaded with proven strategies for resolving custody cases and saving clients thousands in attorney fees. The downloadable book comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, making it a risk free way to get answers to simple questions and a jump on research into this sphere of law. If clients have more questions or would prefer to speak with a real person, they can sign up for individualized coaching sessions over the phone, or meet in person in the Mission Viejo or Costa Mesa area in South Orange County California or Carlsbad area in North San Diego.

Steven Carlson, The Custody Coach, is the founder of Child Custody Coach and author of How to Win Child Custody, is a Certified Parenting Instructor with extensive experience and training from the foremost professionals in the field of child custody, co-parenting, parenting techniques, attorney billing disputes, and the family court system. He has applied his training and education to help parents across the nation with child custody related matters. He has been requested to speak on NPR, at school parent seminars, and was a featured divorce expert on a Newsday feature about the Christie Brinkley divorce.

For additional information or questions about Child Custody Coach or their services, contact thecustodycoach@childcustodycoach.com.

Steven Carlson
Child Custody Coach
http://www.childcustodycoach.com/

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Saturday, November 28, 2009

Ann Arbor Real Estate Buyer Brokerage Offers Credit Repair With Home Purchase

The Home Buyer's Agent, an exclusive buyer's agency real estate company helping real estate purchasers in the Ann Arbor Michigan area, has started offering to reimburse buyers for the cost of attorney facilitated credit repair when they purchase a home through the company. An improved credit score can save home buyers thousands of dollars per year on their mortgage payment.

Ann Arbor, Michigan (PRWEB) November 29, 2009 -- The Home Buyer's Agent, an exclusive buyer's agency real estate company helping real estate purchasers in Washtenaw County, has started offering to reimburse buyers for the cost of attorney facilitated credit repair when they purchase a home through the company.

"There are many families who have recently come through financial difficulties and are now back on a stable financial basis but who have damaged credit profiles that could keep them from buying a home for many years." said Jon Boyd, broker/manager for the company. "The new service we offer helps buyers restore their credit record in six to eight months via attorney facilitated credit repair, then when they buy a home through our office we reimburse the attorney fees for their credit repair efforts."

"The new service we offer helps buyers restore their credit record in six to eight months via attorney facilitated credit repair, then when they buy a home through our office we reimburse the attorney fees for their credit repair efforts."
Negative credit score information can often remain on a credit file at credit bureaus for seven to ten years. However, negative information is routinely removed through the processes required by fair credit laws. The laws can be somewhat complicated and anti-intuitive so often a law firm is more successful than an individual would be with the credit score repair process.

The Home Buyer's Agent real estate company serves Ann Arbor Michigan and the surrounding areas including, Ypsilanti, Brighton, Belleville, Howell, Hartland, Saline, South Lyon, Novi, and Farmington Hills. They help a broad variety of real estate purchasers from first time condominium buyers to luxury home buyers, and they measure their success in dollars saved, not dollars sold.

"There are two big benefits to home buyers to use attorney facilitated credit repair: First, even though the process can take half a year, it is dramatically faster than waiting for the negative items to be removed on their own. Second, even if a buyer has reasonable credit scores to start with, an improved credit score can save a buyer thousands of dollars a year." concluded Boyd.

The term "exclusive buyer agency" is defined by the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents as: A company who only represents home buyers. The company never represents sellers and the company never lists property.

The Home Buyer's Agent of Ann Arbor is one of Michigan's largest buyer's real estate companies and is the oldest Exclusive Buyer's Agency in the state of Michigan. It has helped thousands of home buyers save millions of dollars on their home purchases. Since Exclusive Buyer Agents only represent home buyers and never sellers, these companies avoid the conflicts of interest of traditional real estate companies and offer home buyers 100% loyalty.

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Pre-budget Report: Predictions from Allen & Overy's UK Tax Partners

Allen & Overy's UK tax partners predict the contents of this year’s pre-budget report

(PRWEB) November 29, 2009 -- On Wednesday 9 December at 12.30pm the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP, will present his 2009 Pre-Budget Report (PBR) statement.

This year's report will be made in unique circumstances. There is a large fiscal hole for the UK Exchequer to manage; increased tax revenues will be needed. A general election will take place within the next six months, so some of the possible measures mentioned below may fall by the wayside.

What could come out of this year's PBR?

Allen & Overy's UK tax partners have provided their thoughts on what we might see:

1. There could be a VAT rise to 20% as a one step increase from the temporary 15% rate – there is a not insignificant cost to business associated with VAT rate changes even though VAT may largely be a "pass through" tax for those businesses.

2. There is some talk of a curtailment of the generous corporation tax carry forward of losses rules with a time limit on carry forward losses (with refreshing of the losses anti-avoidance provisions).   

3. The new dividend exemption has given rise to some uncertainty as to what amounts to a dividend, especially in relation to overseas entities. It may be that there will be an initial move to bring some clarity to this issue.

4. One element of the foreign profits changes that has not yet been dealt with (other than the issue of CFCs, which has been postponed until later) is the current taxation of foreign branches, which is out of line with the concept of dividend exemption. There may be a further announcement on this, perhaps the start of a further consultation.

5. It will be a rare year if there are no proposed changes to the rules relating to the sale of leasing companies. And draft legislation in relation to rules relating to latent capital allowances (announced earlier this year) is expected.

6. One element in the past of trying to boost the economy has been to give enhanced capital allowances, either across the board, or in relation to SMEs or in relation to certain asset classes. This could be combined with a payable credit facility to assist those with current or carry-forward losses.

7. If the Chancellor intends to address taxpayer behaviour and/or the relationship between HMRC and taxpayers, then we may see an update on the proposed Banking Code and the first public indication that Alternative Dispute Resolution may be used to reduce the current HMRC/taxpayer dispute mountain. One approach to the Code would be to make it less onerous, so as to encourage more banks to sign up to it. Alternatively, there could be an attempt to make it mandatory for banks to adhere to it.

8. Following the decision in the HSBC case that the 1.5% SDRT season ticket charge is unlawful, there is likely to be a further announcement about how the issue of shares into clearing systems and depositaries is to be taxed.

9. The new 50% income tax rate makes the 18% CGT rate look particularly attractive. There is a danger that the new rate will lead to a reduction of tax on certain profits from 40% to 18% rather an increase from 40% to 50% – this suggests either an increase in the general rate of CGT or the introduction of a higher CGT rate for "short term" gains.

10. We may see some anti-avoidance rules relating to the introduction of the 50% tax rate.

11. The recasting of the rules relating to MPs' expenses could give rise to some change in the rules relating to the principal private residence relief.

Further information

http://www.allenovery.com/tax

Please contact Avnee Vyas, tel +44 (0)20 3088 2540

Notes for Editors:

1. Allen & Overy is an international legal practice with approximately 5,000 staff, including some 450 partners, working in 31 major centres worldwide.

2. In this press release 'Allen & Overy' means Allen & Overy LLP and/or its affiliated undertakings.

3. The term 'partner' is used to refer to a member of Allen & Overy LLP or to an employee or consultant with equivalent standing and qualifications or to an individual with equivalent status in one of Allen & Overy LLP's affiliated undertakings.

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Friday, November 27, 2009

Ken Rubinetti, Sr., Named LeTip International Senior Ambassador, Long Island Region

Business networking professional to support Long Island’s growing membership.

(Vocus/PRWEB ) November 28, 2009 -- LeTip International, Inc., the premier B2B networking organization, has announced the appointment of Ken Rubinetti, Sr., to the position of Senior Ambassador for Long Island, NY.

Ken Rubinetti, LeTip International Senior Ambassador
Ken Rubinetti, LeTip International Senior Ambassador

Rubinetti joined LeTip in 1997 as a member of Suffolk East Chapter. He has held many Board Member and committee positions throughout his association with LeTip, including President and Past President. In 2001, under the leadership of former Executive Director Sy Schaefer, Rubinetti took on the role of LeTip Ambassador. Today, as a Senior Ambassador, Rubinetti’s responsibilities will now include training, directing and mentoring new and existing LeTip Chapters throughout Long Island.

“Ken Rubinetti’s professionalism, enthusiasm, and dedication are an invaluable asset for our L.I. members,” said Kim Marie Branch-Pettid, President and CEO of LeTip International. “As a member, Ambassador, and now Senior Ambassador, Ken has always had his finger on the pulse of Long Island's business networking. I am extremely happy that he has taken on this new post.”

Rubinetti is the owner of Frontier Exterminating Company, established in 1976 and located in Selden, NY. A United States Army Veteran (1966-1968), Rubinetti served in Viet Nam during the Tet Offensive.

A proud father and grandfather, Rubinetti is committed to his family and community and lives by the words, "Don't look at what you have accomplished, rather look at what you need to accomplish." He has been a steadfast member of the Selden Fire Department since 1976, held the position of Captain of Heavy Rescue Co. 4, and is presently the Lieutenant of Senior Active Co. 6. Other fraternal groups of which he is a member include The Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

About LeTip

LeTip International is the world's largest, privately-owned, professional business leads organization. Since 1978, LeTip programs have helped over 50,000 members, throughout the United States and Canada, build business success through personal referrals.

LeTip International's structure set the standard in the word-of-mouth referral industry. Members are known for their professionalism, dedication, and loyalty to one another, and to the LeTip Program.

LeTip Chapters meet weekly to exchange qualified leads, build solid business relationships, develop strong presentation skills and become proficient networkers. Only one representative of any given profession is accepted into a chapter, and members are chosen for their occupational expertise. For more information on how to join a LeTip Chapter in your area, visit www.letip.com

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[Via Legal / Law]

Posted by prolink at 11:45 PM 0 comments

Arizona DUI Attorney Opens New Website

A DUI defense firm in Phoenix, Arizona, has released a new website at http://www.duiattorneyarizona.com/ which provides detailed information regarding the civil and criminal aspects of an Arizona DUI arrest. The information provided in this website will assist Arizona drivers in navigating through the laws concerning keeping their driving privileges valid. Additionally, information is given to describe the court hearing process during a AZ DUI case.

Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) November 27, 2009 -- Weintraub & Weintraub, a DUI defense firm in Phoenix, Arizona, has released a new website at http://www.duiattorneyarizona.com/ which provides detailed information regarding the civil and criminal aspects of an Arizona DUI arrest. Their Phoenix DUI lawyers have established this website to inform the public of Arizona DUI defense strategies and to assist them in overcoming a DUI charge.

The website gives great insight to what can happen when you are charged with a DUI in Arizona. Your driving privileges can be suspended within fifteen days of an arrest for DUI and your initial arraignment date in Court is normally scheduled within thirty days. The information provided in this site will assist Arizona drivers in navigating through the laws concerning keeping their driving privileges valid. Additionally, information is given to describe the court hearing process during a AZ DUI case.

Arizona has some of the toughest DUI laws in the nation, making a strong, knowledgeable defense absolutely imperative. Arizona drivers visiting this website can obtain information on the minimum penalties associated with a DUI conviction. The philosophy at Weintraub & Weintraub is to develop a strong list of defenses to challenge a DUI charge. The website will explain the possibility of incarceration, fines and assessments, alcohol screening and counseling, suspension or revocation of your driving privileges and ignition interlock requirements following a DUI conviction.

Arizona drivers visiting the website can obtain valuable information regarding the Arizona Department of Transportation procedures regarding license hearings and suspensions, Arizona drunk driving laws defined, Arizona DUI penalties, Extreme DUI, DUI frequently asked questions, ignition interlock devices, and vehicle impoundments. Additional information is provided regarding field sobriety, blood, breath, and urine tests.

Maricopa County information is provided at http://www.duiattorneyarizona.com/ in regards to DUI enforcement. Maricopa County law enforcement agencies and Court information can be found on the website. The website is an excellent resource for Arizona drivers charged with DUI in Arizona.

The Arizona DUI Lawyers at Weintraub & Weintraub represent clients throughout Maricopa County (Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert, Glendale, Chandler, Peoria, Carefree, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, Buckeye, El Mirage, Goodyear, Guadalupe, Litchfield Park, Paradise Valley, Surprise, Tolleson and Avondale City Courts). An alleged DUI defendant requires a Phoenix DUI attorney who knows the varying and complex legal guidelines and procedures utilized by each of the separate Prosecutor’s Offices.

The Phoenix DUI Attorneys at Weintraub & Weintraub concentrate their practice solely on the representation of criminal defendants accused of alleged Arizona DUI law violations. Their experienced and aggressive Arizona DUI attorneys will personally handle every aspect of your case. Don't let an arrest for an Arizona DUI lead to a conviction. A thorough investigation and analysis by their DUI lawyers of your specific case facts and a strong DUI defense utilizing current Arizona DUI law will provide you with the best chance of a favorable outcome following a DUI in Arizona. Arizona DUI Law is constantly evolving with stringent statutes and case law precedent, which pertain to the Arizona drunk driver. There knowledgeable Arizona DUI attorneys can fight for your rights in a court of law to avoid or minimize the effect of a DUI conviction in Arizona.

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[Via Legal / Law]

Posted by prolink at 12:45 AM 2 comments

“Top Ten Must-Have Toys for Christmas" List: “Zhu Zhu Hamsters” To “My Pet Lawyers”

With up to 180 million shoppers hitting the stores on Black Friday, an inventor’s Website helps out with a list of hot and innovative Christmas toys!

Most shoppers are looking for that gift-giver's edge to finding perfect presents as painlessly as possible.

West Hollywood, CA (PRWEB) November 27, 2009 -- While every year around this time there are a ton of Top Ten lists covering everything from the best ways to cook a Tom Turkey to the best ways of breaking up with that turkey named Tom, most Americans are on the hunt for the ones that really matter - those Top Ten “Must-Have” Christmas Gift Lists that can save them a ton of precious time at the mall. Let’s face it, with up to 180 million people projected to shop until they drop this Black Friday, most shoppers are looking for that gift-giver's edge to finding perfect presents as painlessly as possible.

Top Ten Must-Have Toys for Christmas
Top Ten Must-Have Toys for Christmas

Inventors Know What’s Hot And What’s Not

If there’s one thing inventors have in common it’s that they’re all, well, really inventive. But inventors also share a creative driving force that gives them a special appreciation for what’s innovative as well as an eye for what’s exciting. Especially during this time of year, they can help shoppers plow through the multitudes of new toys that fill the stores and help point them toward those worthy of their time and money. That’s why when a friend emailed this writer about a “Top Ten Must-Have Toys for Christmas” list for kids of all ages posted at InventorSpot.com, he was all over that link like fleas on a reindeer.

A Horde Of Hamsters Or A Herd Of Elephants?

InventorSpot’s slogan is “Serious Fun for the Inventor in All of Us” and that’s what they deliver. Even fans of David Letterman’s Top Ten List would agree that Dave’s “Top Ten Pick Up Lines of Elves” pales when compared to what they'll find on InventorSpots Top Ten Christmas Toy List. Not only does it give some great gift ideas but a few of their toys could definitely out-do Dave’s best “Stupid Pet Tricks” and probably even handle a few guest interviews with a little help.

For example, take number nine on their “Must-Have” list, in fact, take five of number nine (known as a horde in hamster circles) because “Zhu Zhu Hamsters” (from Zhu Zhu Pets) are cute little robot rodents that come in five different characters. With a whole range of pet accessories from hamster-mobiles to spiral slides, InventorSpot says this cuddly line of robotic rodentia are “scurrying from store shelves as fast as retailers can stock them.” At Number Four and safe from being scared by the hamster horde is Electronic Pet’s robotic elephant, “Fureal Zambi,” a playful pachyderm packed with the latest animatronics so he can wiggle his ears, curl his trunk around a finger and even blow kisses.

Less Fur, More GRRRRR

For people with wish lists that call for robots with less fur and more “grrrrrr” then Number Eight, “Rocky the Robot Truck” (Matchbox Toys) could rock their gift world. A truck and a robot, Rocky tells jokes, dances and even snores when he goes to sleep. Snoring may be a big plus for a toy truck but what if Rocky falls asleep and accidently dumps his load on one of Zhu Zhu’s hamsters as it hotrods by in its hamster-mobile? That’s the perfect reason to definitely check out this next toy - a retainable robotic ambulance-chaser named “My Pet Lawyer” from Billable Hours Unlimited, Ltd.

According to InventorSpot, Los Angeles entrepreneur Nancy Gershwin invented this remote-controlled shark-pit-bull-barrister after discovering "she couldn’t make a move without talking to one of her lawyers." “My Pet Lawyer’s” eyes and mouth flash as he growls out up to nine preprogrammed phrases. Or he can be programmed to say or sing whatever a person wants – solo, or in a choir of attorneys. He can be retained as a private practitioner or in a 6-pack of lawyers (known as a firm in legal circles). After being called a “must-have toy” by the “American Bar Association Journal” and then chosen Best Creative Holiday Gift and Best Office Gift by “Baltimore Magazine,” featured in "Gotham" Magazine's "Perfect Presents" and on CNBC, “My Pet Lawyer” is anchoring the “Top Ten Must-Have Toys for Christmas” list at Number Ten along with other star toys including Star Wars Force Trainer” (#1) (Uncle Milton Industries), Disney’s New Buzz Lightyear (#2), Hasbro’s Nerf-N-Strike (#3), Nintento’s Wii Sports Resort (#5) and Hasbro’s Transformer Devastator (#6).

Ho-Ho-Hold On A Second. Something Is Missing.

As the song says, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and it’s also the busiest as shoppers deck the halls at super packed malls while working their Santa-playing time in around some sanity-restoring relaxation time. That’s why InventorSpot has definitely hit the G-spot (known as Gift Spot in gift-giver circles) with such a helpful list this year. Maybe this article is “one toy short of a full shelf” but most would agree that this is a season of loving and giving all wrapped in Christmas miracles including the “miracle” of a well-planned surprise gift on Christmas morning. Because surprises are fun, there's even one planted in this article which really is “one toy short of a full shelf.” A toy listed in InventorSpot’s Top Ten List has.intentionally been left out. Any reader who clicks over to InventorSpot’s “Top Ten Must-Have Toys for Christmas” list can find that mystery toy, have fun reading about the others and start having themselves a merry little Christmas today!

(And just for record, if “My Pet Lawyer” were here right now he’d probably say “All company and product names mentioned in the above article are the registered trademarks of their respective holders, so watch it, shark bait!”)

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[Via Legal / Law]

Posted by prolink at 12:45 AM 0 comments

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Brings Renewed Hope to Job Seekers

As the holiday season approaches in the midst of the current economic downturn, Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Gregory Caplan is providing hope by resolving warrants and expunging criminal records for clients dilligently searching for gainful employment. Gregory Caplan, a former criminal prosecutor, focuses significant efforts helping clients clear bench warrant skeletons from their closets and expunging criminal records in Los Angeles area courts, to help facilitate clients regaining meaningful employment.

“I find that most judges and prosecutors are open to resolving these cases, giving my clients opportunities to obtain gainful employment in this challenging job market.”

Northridge, CA (PRWEB) November 27, 2009 -- Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Gregory Caplan explained that “earlier this year, I noticed an increase in clients seeking immediate help to clear old bench warrants, such as traffic tickets and low-level misdemeanor warrants. Although a case may be 10 to 20 years old, the bench warrant will appear on most pre-employment criminal background checks because it is still ‘active’ in the police warrant system. Many employers will revoke a job offer upon discovery of an active bench warrant in a background check.”

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Gregory Caplan
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Gregory Caplan
Criminal Defense Attorney Gregory Caplan further noted that “my clients needed help to quickly have the warrants quashed and recalled so that they could be considered for prospective employment. And they were rightfully concerned about walking into court without an attorney, to attempt to resolve a warrant on their own, not understanding the courtroom procedures, and potential repercussions.”

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Gregory Caplan found a way to help these job seekers resolve their cases. He promptly brings the warrant cases into court and emphasizes the importance of clearing them out of the system. “I find that most judges and prosecutors are open to resolving these cases, giving my clients opportunities to obtain gainful employment in this challenging job market.”

Once a warrant is resolved, Caplan begins the next step of the process by preparing a motion to expunge the criminal charges. “Expungement” is a legal process through which an arrest and conviction may be cleared from a person's criminal record. While in many cases, a judge has discretion whether or not to grant an expungement request, Mr. Caplan’s strategy is to emphasize his clients’ positive characteristics and meaningful efforts to regain good standing in the community, providing a valid basis for a judge to expunge the record. Once an expungement is granted, in most cases, a California job applicant can truthfully answer “No” as to the expunged conviction when asked, “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?” Further, California law prohibits most employers from asking about expunged convictions in the hiring process.

In a recent Los Angeles Superior Court case, Mr. Caplan persuaded a judge to terminate a probation order two years early, and then grant an immediate expungement. This allowed the client to immediately be considered for meaningful employment. In other similar cases, Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer Gregory Caplan quickly responded to clients’ requests to resolve Los Angeles Bench Warrants; he was able to clear two cases where the clients’ serious charges were dismissed, and the charges were resolved for minor, infraction-level violations, which the clients did not have to disclose on job applications asking about misdemeanor and felony convictions.

In many instances, Mr. Caplan has seen that his clients, who had been concerned about returning to court because of potential repercussions from the warrants, were pleasantly surprised with the efficient and effective outcomes he was able to achieve. While no attorney can guarantee the outcome of a criminal case, Los Angeles Criminal Attorney Gregory Caplan substantially prepares his clients’ cases for court, and provides experience and professional guidance along the way, to help resolve these charges. People seeking to resolve bench warrants, expunge criminal records, or determine their employment rights, should seek legal counsel from a local attorney.

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[Via Legal / Law]

Posted by prolink at 12:45 AM 0 comments

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