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Leveling the Playing Field

admin — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:28:27 +0000

You know, sometimes I wonder just how our new economy can last. Don’t get me wrong – as a consumer I love the new way of doing business and shopping. Just the other day I went over to Dealtime for an LCD TV and saw they had over 2,000 items I can choose from and hundreds of stores competing for my business. For me this is truly amazing. But then I wonder with such advanced tools that allow you to compare prices – how do businesses who don’t offer the lowest price survive? On the other hand, services like Dealtime, other than being super consumer-friendly also help small businesses gain global exposure just like the big players so I guess the playing field gets leveled after all.

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The GPS System

admin — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 09:32:04 +0000

The GPS space segment made up of 24 satellites orbits the earth about 12,000 miles above us. They make two complete orbits in less than 24 hours and are constantly moving. They travel at speeds of roughly 7,000 miles an hour.

Powered primarily by solar energy, the GPS satellites have back-up batteries on board to keep them running when there is no solar power such as in a solar eclipse. They are kept flying in the right path by small rocket boosters on each satellite. Officially, the U.S. Department of Defense calls the GPS satellites NAVSTAR. Each satellite is built to last about 10 years while replacements are constantly being built and launched into orbit. It weighs approximately 2,000 pounds and is about 17 feet across with the solar panels extended. The GPS transmitter power is only 50 watts or less.

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Section 1031

admin — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:03:35 +0000

I know there are a lot of people out there who really don’t want to hear any more about anything related to real estate. After all, the recent market turmoil has left many in a very difficult position. But learning to know the market and understand what is happening can actually help people take advantage of the current situation which still offers some possibilities for profit.

Just like with the stock market, when things go bad and homes are dumped on the market, this means bad news for many but with careful consideration can also indicate a buying point for others. Keep in mind thought that there are many factors that one must consider when getting into the real estate market that go well beyond supply and demand. There are heavy tax issues to consider among others. For instance, did you know that under the Under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 1031, an owner can sell a real estate property and then go about reinvesting the proceeds in ownership of like-kind property thus deferring the capital gains taxes. This is commonly known as the 1031 exchange and can make a huge difference on the long run. If this is something that is relevant to you, be sure to check out 1031exchangealliance.com. They provide extensive information on the section 1031 act and provide answers to questions from property owners and prospected buyers.

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Technology VS. Technology

admin — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:32:17 +0000

On the bid to stop money counterfeiters from taking advantage of technological advancements, several weapons in the technological arsenal are being used to fight it as well. Specific office copiers have a chip installed that will recognize currency and print out a black sheet if money is copied. This would require a technician’s visit for resetting.

Another embeds a microscopic serial number on every copy it makes so that the secret service can trace a fake directly to its source. Authorities welcome any technological assistance that facilitates counterfeit seizure since preventing a counterfeit bill from being placed into circulation is very important. Damage is done once it is passed. It is not only the person who is left holding the counterfeit bill who takes in a loss because ultimately, all will bear the cost of counterfeiting in the form of higher prices for goods and services of banks and others who must recover their losses.

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