Celebrities Face Financial Woes

Posted on May 17, 2013 by admin Leave a comment

Little children dream of being celebrities for two reasons: fame and fortune.  In the digital age where fame can come to cat videos, dreams of making a fortune gain traction.  Unfortunately, celebrity alone doesn’t guarantee a good head for money, leaving many celebrities facing financial problems.

Lauryn Hill

Accomplished singer/songwriter Lauryn Hill is now in the spotlight for her financial problems due to tax evasion.  Hill owes over $1 million in state and federal taxes.  After pleading guilty in 2012 to failure to file taxes, Hill was recently sentenced to three months in federal prison and a $60,000 fine.  Following her incarceration, Hill will spend three months confined to her home as part of a year-long supervised release program.

Mary J. Blige

Another popular singer with monetary problems is Mary J. Blige whose problems include defaulting on bank loans, tax liens, and several lawsuits.  Blige is being sued by Bank of America for defaulting on a half million dollar bank loan and by Signature Bank for failure to pay a $2.2 million loan.  There is also an outstanding tax lien against Blige in New Jersey for over $900,000. In addition, The Mary J Blige and Steve Stoute Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now is facing a lawsuit for defaulting on a loan of $250,000.

Annie Leibovitz

Celebrated photographer Annie Leibovitz is proof that even famous people can get buried by life events. Leibovitz’s partner Susan Sontag and both her parents died in 2005, the same year that she gave birth to twins.  Poor financial management led to unpaid bills for a renovation project, missed tax payments, and an abandoned book deal.  On top of that probate laws kept Leibovitz from inheriting Sontag’s estate without paying massive estate taxes. The result of all these circumstances was over $24 million in debt that Leibovitz is working with creditors to pay.

Nicolas Cage

An Academy Award is also not proof against financial problems.  Nicholas Cage has both. Cage at one time owed $14 million in taxes to the IRS.  After years of flirting with bankruptcy and jail time, Cage has scaled back his life and worked with the IRS to pay back his debt.  After making a payment of $600,000 in 2012, Cage’s overall debt has been reduced to $6 million.

Other stars facing tax problems include Dionne Warwick who filed for bankruptcy in March over $10.7 million in state and federal taxes.  Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne have paid $700,000 toward unpaid taxes, but still owe over $2 million. Pamela Anderson owes California and the IRS almost $400,000 and Gary Busey owes over $450,000 in taxes against personal assets of around $26,000.

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Celebrity

Tennis Star John McEnroe Gained Media Attention On and Off Court

Posted on May 13, 2013 by admin Leave a comment

tennisTennis is a sport that has gained a lot of attention and increased in popularity in recent years. More people are interested in watching professional tennis now than ever before and there are also greater numbers of people playing the sport for their own pleasure as well as a form of exercise. On the professional level, fans are not only interested in the sport itself but have a particular fascination with the players. Professional tennis players are well known for their dynamic personalities and they have often been the subject of media exploitation. Famous personalities of the past like John McEnroe were well known for their turbulent emotions and temperamental natures.

During his career McEnroe made some famous, and impressive rivalries with other professional players. Of course this is a common aspect of sports and is always seen between teams and individual players. With McEnroe, the rivalries had the ingredients of media sensations. Some of this most prominent rivals included Bjorn Borg, Ivan Lendl and Jimmy Connors.

McEnroe won seven different Grand Slam singles titles during his career and though he was internationally known for his on, and off, court behaviors, he was also internationally respected for his skill as a player. Unfortunately, for much of the mainstream, who were not specifically tennis fans or enthusiasts, it was his unconventional behaviors that gained him his greatest attention, and it wasn’t positive. However, the seven titles he won, four at the US Open and three at Wimbledon speak volumes about his talent and skill. In addition to the singles titles, McEnroe earned nine men’s doubles titles, yes he could find people to play with him, and one mixed double title. One of the most famous remarks from his Wimbledon highlights days, was his incredulous questioning of the umpire and his sarcastic implication that call was less than sincere. In 1999 he was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Article provided by Scott Tucker

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photo by: Viewmaker
People

Celebrity Car Enthusiasm

Posted on May 12, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

Everyone loves their car, truck or other automobile. Okay, so we’ll back that up a bit and not make it a blanket statement in absolutes. Many, if not most, people love their automobiles. And with that, another obsession for a lot of people is the type of cars that their favorite celebrities drive. Jesse James is well known for his costume made motorcycles and has enjoyed success with realty television. His West Coast Choppers is now internationally known, though he actually started the company in his mother’s garage in 1992. Meanwhile, he has managed to garner as much notoriety for his relationship, and lack of fidelity, with Sandra Bullock as he has for his work. Most recently, James’ reputation has suffered severely for his lack of fidelity, as well as discretion. However, his career with bikes, cars and trucks is what many people recognize and respect him for, and if he stays out of trouble, it is his work that is likely going to remain with him as his career continues.

by Mike Baird

Chrome wheels are just one of the features that specialized cars, trucks and motorcycles are known for. What many people seem to overlook is the absolute detail needs of cars, which is one of the things James is known for. It’s much like putting together a fashion model, every little detail counts, and the wheels, which might compare to shoes, are an essential aspect of any well designed vehicle. And as every professional knows, if you’re going to detail your auto, you must go all the way.

Of course for the pros like Jesse James, they take their vehicle passion and incorporate it into their lifestyle. No one is likely to forget the image of James pulling up in a pick up truck to his wedding with Bullock, and while the truck tires might be overlooked or even completely forgotten, you can be sure the truck was customized, down to the last detail. Not everyone has to go to such extremes, or turn their passion for their vehicle into a lifestyle, but many people do put an exorbitant amount of effort and money into the look of their car. And for those few of us who consider their vehicle for its functional element only, it makes little to no sense why some people would put as much money into the appearance and exterior of their auto as what they do to its maintenance. But then, to those that do, we don’t really even exist, except maybe as a potential fix up project or diamond in the rough.

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Arizona Could Be Facing More Restrictions

Posted on April 27, 2013 by admin Leave a comment

Getting a payday loan for emergency expenses or quick cash is becoming an increasingly popular method of money management. And as the number of payday lenders and stores increases, so too do the restrictions on them. Though there are some federal regulations on payday loans most of it is regulated at a state level. As a result there is great diversity between each of the states. Arizona is one state that has begun making changes to their regulations.

The current status of payday loans in Arizona is rather precarious. In an effort to make the situation more permanent, they developed a bill to be put on the 2008 elections that would give them the regulations that state laws require to allow them to be in the state permanently. However, the bill did not pass. So for the past year and a half they have been under somewhat of a probationary period.

This spring the Arizona state senate will attempt to rectify the situation. There are several bills currently in the works. The regulations vary in their strength from caps on the amount and number of loans that can be taken at a single time to caps on the interest rate. If these regulations are passed than that will allow the payday loan stores to stay in the Valley permanently.

Across the country, states are making changes in their in their laws concerning payday loans . Most are moving toward increased regulations and more strict laws. And while you would think that this would lead to a decline in the number of payday loans quite the opposite has occurred. The uncertain economy and job loss has led to a record number of payday loans. Even if there are no payday lenders in your town, you can find them on online at this site .

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Money

The Way to Success

Posted on April 26, 2013 by admin Leave a comment

Customer service software is more than just a new trend in the business world, it is the means for survival. In the world economy today, businesses are discovering that they must pay attention to every detail. Perhaps this has always been the case for the well motivated and successful companies, however in current times, all business owners are finding out that in order to become and to maintain competitive, customer service is a must.

Tracking customer service in the “old days” meant a tremendous amount of paperwork and man hours. While this could be considered to be an inexpensive option to tracking quality management, it is not considered to be a very accurate nor efficient way of keeping track. This paper-based way of analyzing data was time consuming. Not only in the moment, but in regards with the future ideas a company may wish to expand upon as well.

Computer technology has changed many aspects of daily life, and this includes the aspects of customer service. Software is now available, software that will track not only the future market trends, but the day to day workings of any business. These programs provide business owners with the ability and the means to create centralized systems, systems wherein the data is received quickly and accurately. This has resulted in quicker response times, from everything to customer complaints to product reviews.

These web-based programs have resulted in more accurate collection of data, in time saved instead of time spent, and in ensuring that one’s business will become, and remain, competitive and ahead of the game. While some training is required, employees will find that once they know the system, their jobs will become much easier, allowing them to become more productive and more secure in the future that lies ahead, not only for their own lives but for the life and the success of the company. Customer complaint management software ensures that every aspect of running a business will be enhanced, from customer comments to an overall organization that was before, not so simple to achieve. In sum, the businesses of today have found that this software makes the difference between success and failure, and provides the means to a profitable and productive venture in the competitive market of today.

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Business

Golf Professionals

Posted on April 15, 2013 by admin Leave a comment

TigerwgolferPart of the American Dream is the notion that one can turn a passion into a career. Instead of having to dread going to work, people can take an activity or other interest that they love and find a way to make a living around it. That way they can look forward with eager anticipation to each day’s work.

For many people the thing that they love most is golf. It may seem that the only way to make money around golf is to become a professional athlete, but that’s not true. Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer aren’t the only people who have created golf careers for themselves, they’re just a few of the most famous ones. In fact, there are thousands upon thousands of jobs available for golf lovers — and there are even golf degrees for those who are serious about preparing for a successful career.

The average golf program will focus jointly on golf skills and management. Degrees prepare students to become golf professionals, such as coaches, teachers, and, yes, professional players. However, they also provide the knowledge and skills necessary for students to step into management, marketing, and other positions at golf clubs, courses, and in tour organization. Graduates can become golf journalists, organize tournaments, or work for companies that develop and manufacture golf equipment and paraphernalia. The possibilities for a golf career are truly limited only by the imagination.

Provided by Virginia Beach AC.  Click here for further information

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Education

The Boss and the Car

Posted on April 15, 2013 by admin Leave a comment

It’s kind of an old joke these days about how every Springsteen song is really about a car. It’s still a good one, and has a lot of currency in the circles that really know his work. It might be said that he’s drifted away from that theme in favor of more existential ideas of life in the world right now. But looking closer at the body of work as a whole, there really is no big existential shift. The same kinds of alienation and longing that exist in the songs about folk heros and villains are also present in the earlier work.

carIt is car-centered stuff, though, especially in the Born to Run days. It’s a sentiment that appeals to the teenage memories of every gearhead, but also inspires us to fix up our cars with new rims today. They maintain a kind of raw power, then, and seem to even be based on his early capabilities to write great songs with a lot of passion. But the power is also certainly in his own inarticulateness, where some of the notions he explores later, in great depth and directness, are only touched on here.

The early songs seem to be written with the car as a metaphor, but he was writing as if he wasn’t sure what the metaphor is for. It’s a pleasure to listen to Springsteen, in all of his work, then and now. There’s something utilitarian about hearing the descriptions of Chevrolets, the engines and the wheels , that can make the die hard fans look at the machine in the garage with a longing that we sometimes only have for a love that’s turned sour. There’s also something we recognize here, somewhere deep in the lyrics, about a search, and about the impossibility of that search. We set out to find something, and we’re still looking, too, and we’re all at the edges of a desert with our cars, sensing that the great joy of anticipation that we sometimes feel, is actually the real joy.

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Celebrity, Music

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival – 2013

Posted on February 15, 2013 by admin 6 Comments

Jazz music is an essential aspect of the culture in New Orleans.  The 2013 festival runs from April 26th to May the 5th.   This is no surprise and the city is well known for having some of the greatest jazz clubs and musicians in the world. It was also fundamental in the development of this music genre and establishing it as a major musical force. It is only natural that the city continues to celebrate and honor this great tradition in more ways than support of the clubs. There is an annual festival that attracts the nation’s interest and support and some of the greatest performers in the world. In addition to celebrating jazz music itself, the festival recognizes the importance of music, and in this case jazz music to society and the development of New Orleans culture.

The historic hotels are full many times throughout the year. With events like Mardi Gras and major festivals and events occurring in and around the city, it’s always a great idea to check for French Quarter Deals in advance and to be sure to make Hotel reservations as early as possible.  Once you have set up your accomodation and scouted for your restaurants , you can kick back, relax and enjoy the great music and delicious food found at this incredible festival.

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival began in 1970 with the return of Mahalia Jackson to her hometown. She was often regarded as the best gospel singer in existence and this initial festival was a celebration of excellence as much as it was the heritage relevance. This is a tradition that has remained with the festival throughout the decades and each year prominent musicians and bands are featured in the spring event. With great music, from the local and international pool, being performed all day and into the night and fabulous food available, this is one of the main events in New Orleans every year. To check out this years headliners and get all the information on the festival check out http://www.nojazzfest.com/.  Tickets are already on sale.

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Music, Travel , ,

Hollywood is Ruled by Accountants

Posted on January 28, 2013 by admin 6 Comments

Though it appears that the stars who walk the red carpet during award season are the rulers of Hollywood, we will just say that looks are deceiving. It is not the powerful producers either. No, the ruling class of Hollywood is the accountants.

Hollywood accountants are akin to financial magicians, making millions of dollars in profits vanish into lines of numbers, piles of paperwork, and complicated contracts that would make the average worker’s head spin.

Take for example one of the most popular movies of all time – The Return of the Jedi. The budget for the film was $32 million and the movie grossed $475 million. Basic arithmetic would lead one to believe the movie made $443 million.

Like the sets, makeup, and costumes though, profits are deceiving. On paper, this epic movie has grossed $0.

Zero Profit Cult Classics

Studios create a cDarth Vaderorporation for a movie, then charge the corporation a massive fee that is sure to overshadow sales. Therefore the movie is a loss on paper, giving stakeholders massive tax write-offs. Essentially studios, directors, producers, actors, and production companies make complex arrangements to split the revenues to ensure there is no profit.

They bicker over net profits, gross profits, and flat fees when creating the corporation, causing a headache for accountants. Money becomes complicated when it has to be essentially laundered through a chain of businesses set up by the studios, talent, unions, and production companies.

Profits are written off through exorbitant expenses including

  • Talent
  • Sets
  • Travel Expenses
  • Special Effects
  • Crew
  • Equipment
  • Cost of getting a movie to the theaters
  • Promotions
  • Fees charged by studios

Talent takes a hefty chunk of money out of the taxable equation. Some actors work only for a flat salary. Others work for a piece of the gross receipts. A few foolishly agree to a piece of net profits as compensation and are left out in the cold, such as the actor who played Darth Vader at the end of Return of the Jedi.

The tricky part is that all of the people behind the money are buddies, sheltering each other’s money  through complex accounting and slick business arrangements. When deals go bad, accountants are called in to review everything for the courts; audits that can take months. Hollywood accounting is confusing at best, and shockingly abusive of the tax code at worst.

Without savvy accountants working to keep money flowing from one production to another, movies would cease to exist on the grand scale we have come to know and love. Hollywood is America’s favorite tax sham, and the accountants are the ones that make it all possible.

Learn more about accounting at the Veriti website.

 photo courtesy of Ron Riccio under Creative Commons License

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Entertainment , ,

Scott Tucker & Other Top Auto Racers are Celebrities

Posted on January 23, 2013 by admin 10 Comments

Celebrity culture in the US usually focuses on actors, musicians and TV stars.  The occasional sports figure may rise to the level of celebrity along with socialites, models and artists.  However, those athletes usually come from the big 4: football, baseball, basketball and hockey.  The idea that auto racers could achieve celebrity status seems a long shot, yet, over the years a number of racers have risen to the very heights of their sport to become household names — something up and coming racers like Scott Tucker and Sloane Henderson can strive to reach.

Mario AndrettiMario Andretti

This legendary racer is perhaps the most famous America driver in history.  He is one of only two racers who has won in IndyCar, NASCAR, Formula One and World Sportscar Championship. He’s the only driver to have one the Formula One World Championship, the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500.  He holds numerous other distinctions, earned 109 career wins on major circuits and was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, and the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame. He was also named Driver of the Century by RACER magazine and the Associated Press.

Dale Earnhardt Sr

Named Winston Cup Series Rookie of the Year for 1970, Earnhardt went on to a distinguished career in NASCAR — winning a total of 76 races, including a record tying seven Winston Cup Series Championships and four IROC Championships.  He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. Nicknamed the Intimidator, Earnhardt was killed in a crash during the 2001 Daytona 500.  Amongst other recognitions, Earnhardt has been the subject of a documentary, has a scholarship at Clemson University named after him and even inspired a roller coaster, the Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion.

Dale Earnhardt Jr

Son of Earnhardt Sr and part of the Earnhardt racing family, Dale Jr races stock cars in NASCAR and owns the JR Motorsports teams. In addition to winning the 2004 Daytona 500, he won two consecutive Busch Series Championships and four consecutive wins at Talladega.  He has be named the Spring Cup Series Most Popular Driver for each of the last 10 years and has (to date) won 42 races and has had 261 top 10 finishes.  He is reported worth $300 million.

Danica PatrickDanika Patrick

Patrick is considered to be the most successful women in American open-wheel racing. She also holds the distinction of being the only women (so far) to win a race in the IndyCar series as well as the highest finish for a woman in the Indianapolis 500 (placing 3rd in 2009). Patrick got her start racing Formula Ford in England before tackling IndyCars and now NASCAR.  She was named 2005 Rookie of the Year for the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500. She holds the record for most consecutive races running at the finish (50, with the next highest finisher completing 32). In 2012 she was named NASCAR Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver. She is also a famous spokesperson and model.

Aspiring celebrity drivers should note that it takes more than just championships to make a top athlete into a true celebrity. The ability to earn endorsements, attract media attention, and earn the hearts and loyalty of millions of fans in today’s cyber-dominated culture demands that they have an active social media presence with twitter accounts like twitter.com/TheScottTucker, youtube videos of races, and pinterest boards showing off their cars.

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