Virginia is for tax hikes.  In Tim Kaines Virginia, you can be assured that change will be sucked out of your pockets by the tax-uum (tax vacuum).   With our state experiencing a $3 billion deficit, a tax hike is no doubt in the back of Tim Kaines mind to raise taxes as a means to compensate for Virginias shortfall.
Of course, Kaine has ensured he would implement $358 million in annual spending reductions.  Aside from the spending restrictions, Kaine has decided to slash jobs, enact a hiring freeze, and even reduced his own salary.  Although he mentions that he will keep the budget balanced without a tax increase, this is just a false assurance, as Kaine will most likely be forced to make a tax increase somewhere along the line.   That being said, Kaine should be applauded for at least addressing the issue by making cuts within his own office before pondering tax increases immediately.
Although there are cuts within the Governors office, there will be cuts in other areas.  Education funding will be slashed, as higher education will suffer with a 15% reduction.   As attending a four-year college or university is expensive (trust me, I can attest as I am paying an exorbitant amount every month in student loans), more students will be facing higher tuition rates.
As for health care, Kaine will be raising the cigarette tax.   This is the first in the pending tax hikes that Virginia will be facing.  Raising taxes is wrong and is not a common sense solution.  As a non-smoker, I still feel raising the cigarette tax will do more harm than good.  Medicaid reductions will also be limited due to a possible demand in obtaining these services.
Lastly, transportation was mentioned.  VDOTs services will be streamlined and there will be layoffs within VDOT.  Kaine mentioned Obamas dedication to work on improving the transportation infrastructure.
As someone who is against any (and every) tax hike, I have a feeling Kaine wanted to water down his budget talk to avoid addressing an issue that would enrage Virginians.  Tax hikes do not solve the problems we face, and in fact, they will cause more harm than good in our fledgling economy.  We are in an economic recession and jobs are being cut all over the place.   The General Assembly session will no doubt be interesting to watch in 2009.
**Here is the link to the Governors web site.

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(Photo: DoubleTree Hotel Chicago Magnificent Mile)


Here's something to look forward to in 2009: Market House.

Executive Chef Scott Walton, the former chef at the Sheraton and Magnum's Steakhouse as well as the head of his own catering biz, is excited about this new farm-centric concept going into the ground floor of the new DoubleTree Hotel in Streeterville.

We're especially excited about the menu, of course, which is following the trend of offering diners market-fresh dishes made with organic and sustainable veggies, meat and seafood. We got a taste of what to expect when Market House debuts in mid-February (they're shooting to open by Valentine's Day!), as Walton trotted out his twists on small plates, offering wild boar corndogs (wild boar sausage in blue cornmeal dipped in whole-grain mustard), toasted cauliflower hummus on herbed flatbread, and jumbo prawns accompanied by Bloody Mary sauce and avocado and horseradish cream.

Also new: Opened just yesterday is the yet-unnamed hotel lobby bar that's done up in chrome with a centrally placed fireplace behind the bar. Of course, Walton's had a hand in this project as well, particularly in the new handcrafted vodkas in seasonal flavors like candy cane, tangerine, citrus and vanilla bean. If you cannot make up your mind, just order them all in an infused vodka flight, served chilled, for $20.

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AMD is releasing a trio of dual-core desktop processors based on the K10 architecture, under the Athlon X2 7000 series. The trio consists of the overclocker-friendly 7750 Black Edition clocked at 2.70 GHz, the 7550 at 2.50 GHz and the 7450 at 2.40 GHz. The core, codenamed "Kuma" sports a basic cache design similar to the Phenom X3 and Phenom X4 processors, with 512 KB of L2 caches per core, and a shared L3 cache of 2 MB. The updated memory controller provides native support to the PC2-8500 (DDR2 1066 MHz) memory standard. The processor now sports a HyperTransport 3.0 3600 MT/s system interface. These, apart from the other tweaks AMD introduced with the K10 architecture give it an edge over current K8 based dual core AMD chips. The core is manufactured in the 65nm node.

AMD lifted the NDA over the Athlon X2 7000 series, following which several website posted reviews on the processors. Most of these reviews covered the Athlon X2 7750 Black Edition. The chip clocked at 2.7 GHz was found to be around 15% faster than a previous-generation Brisbane chip running at the same frequency, according to X-bit Labs, whose evaluation included several synthetic and real-world benchmarks. The same review team was able to overclock the chip to 3.30 GHz (+22 %) aided by a Zalman 9700 air cooler. The Athlon X2 7750 Black Edition will be priced at US $79. Links to some of the reviews are provided below.

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You could stay at one of the Hilton, Sheraton or Holiday Inn hotels. They are very luxurious and in convenient locations. However, why stay there, when there are thousands of those in cities around the world? You would get the same standard room from a standard hotel, but a trip to Rome shouldnt be standard.



A cultural vacation shouldnt end the moment you reach the hotel steps. The more historic hotels in the district offer fantastic views, traditional styles and more. You are swallowed up in Italian history at ever turn. With sleek marble baths and plush carpets and the opportunity to open you window up to an ancient structure or an exceptionally beautiful church, you simply cant miss a chance to reserve a hotel in one of the finest cities in the world.

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FRANK ANDRUSCAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO No serious injuries were reported when this Jeep sport utility vehicle crashed about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday on Route 54 in the Mahanoy Township village of Suffolk. The crash was one of many in the county after a winter storm Tuesday, according to a Schuylkill County Communications Center supervisor. Mahanoy Township police are investigating the Route 54 crash that closed the highway for about an hour. Slippery, snow-covered roadways are to blame for the crash, emergency personnel at the scene said. Firefighters, fire police and EMS units from Mahanoy City along with Shenandoah ALS responded.

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For years now whenever Christmas pageants are talked about in a certain town in the Midwest, someone is sure to mention the name of Wallace Purling. Wallys performance in one annual production of the Nativity play has slipped into the realm of a legend. But the old timers who were in the audience that night never tire of recalling exactly what happened.

Wally was nine that year and in the second grade, though he should have been in fourth. Most people in town knew that he had difficulty keeping up. He was big and clumsy, slow in movement and mind. Still, Wally was well liked by the other children in his class, all of whom were smaller than he. Though the boys had trouble hiding their irritation when Wally would ask to play with them in a game in which winning was important.

Most often they would find a way to keep him out, but Wally would hang around anyway- not sulking, just hoping. He was always a helpful boy, a willing and smiling one, and the natural protector, paradoxically, of the underdog. Sometimes if the older boys chased the younger ones away, it would always be Wally who would say, t they stay? Theyre no bother.

Wally fancied the idea of being a shepherd with a flute in the Christmas Pageant that year, but the plays director, Miss Lambard, assigned him to a more important role. After all, she reasoned, the Innkeeper did not have too many lines, and Wallys size would make his refusal of lodging to Joseph more forceful.

And so it happened that the usual large, partisan audience gathered for the towns yearly extravaganza of crooks and creches, of beards, crowns, halos and a whole stage full of squeaky voices. No one on stage or off was more caught up in the magic of the night than Wallace Purling. They said later that he stood in the wings and watched the performance with such fascination that from time to time Miss Lambard had to make sure he did not wander on stage before his cue.

Then came the time when Joseph appeared, slowly, tenderly guiding Mary to the door of the Inn. Joseph knocked hard on the wooden door set into the painted backdrop. Wally the Innkeeper was there waiting.

What do you want? Wally said, swinging the door open with a brusk gesture.

We seek lodging.Seek it elsewhere. Wally looked straight ahead, but spoke vigorously. The Inn is filled.Sir, we have asked everywhere in vain. We have traveled far and are very weary.There is no room in this Inn for you. Wally looked properly stern.

Please, good innkeeper, this is my wife, Mary. She is heavy with child and needs a place to rest. Surely you must have some small corner for her. She is so tired.

Now for the first time, the Innkeeper relaxed his stiff stance and looked down at Mary. With that, there was a long pause. Long enough to make the audience a bit tense with embarrassment.

No! Be gone! the prompter whispered form the wings.

Wally repeated automatically. Be gone!

Joseph sadly placed his arm around Mary and Mary laid her head upon her husbands shoulder and the two of them started to move away. The Innkeeper did not return inside the Inn, however. Wally stood there in the doorway watching the forlorn couple. His mouth was open, his brow creased with concern. His eyes filling unmistakably with tears. And suddenly this Christmas pageant became different from all the others.

t go Joseph, Wally cried out. Bring Mary back. And Wallace Purlings face grew into a bright smile. You can have my room!

Some people in the town thought the pageant had been ruined. Yet there were others, many others, who considered it the most Christmas of all Christmas pageants they had ever seen.

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HotelTalk Blog
By HMM's Editorial staff

Our new HotelTalk blog has launched, offering a new way to get news and opinions on the lodging industry.

Check out frequent commentary from the editors of Hotel Motel Management, Hotel Design, Luxury Hotelier and The Hotel Times on what they observe in the industry. You can post follow-up comments and get involved in this exciting new online resource.

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As a pilot, my husband, Bob loves this warning sign. But it's not too funny if your car has ever been hit by a crop dusting airplane! This holiday season has a HUGE warning sign attached to it regarding what consumers chose as their #1 gift option for the last two years--GIFT CARDS!
With all the store closings, you really have to be cautious in buying gift cards because when a store files for bankruptcy or closes, it's up to the bankruptcy courts too often, they don't have to honor the existing gift cards. Some closed stores are walking away from 20 million dollars in unhonored cards!
So, if you want the convenience and portability of a gift card, then stick to the prepaid credit cards (Visa is a common one that I use for my college kids) or a major store that ain't gonna ever close like www.walmart.com . In fact, some families may appreciate a card to a major discount retailer because it will allow them to buy groceries and clothing without having you, the giver, go to the additional expense of what a prepaid Visa card costs.
Here's a list of stores that are cutting back, closing or have closed. If you have exisiting gift cards for these stores USE THEM NOW!
Ann Taylor closing 117 stores nationwide A company spokeswoman said the company hasn't revealed which stores will be shut. It will let the stores that will close this fiscal year know over the next month.

Circuit City strong potential for closure

Linens n Things all closing

Mervyns all closing
Eddie Bauer to close more stores Eddie Bauer has already closed 27 shops in the first quarter and plans to close up to two more outlet stores by the end of the year.
Cache closing stores. Women's retailer Cache announced that it is closing 20 to 23 stores this year.
Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, Catherines closing 150 stores nationwide.
Talbots, J. Jill closing stores. About a month ago, Talbots announced that it will be shuttering all 78 of its kids and men's stores. Now the company says it will close another 22 underperforming stores..
Gap Inc. closing 85 stores. In addition to its namesake chain, Gap also owns Old Navy and Banana Republic . The company said the closures - all planned for fiscal 2008 - will be weighted toward the Gap brand.
Foot Locker to close 140 stores.
Zales, Piercing Pagoda closing stores. The owner of Zales and Piercing Pagoda previously said it plans to close 82 stores by July 31. Today, it announced that it is closing another 23 underperforming stores.
Disney Store owner has the right to close 98 stores. The Walt Disney Company announced it acquired about 220 Disney Stores from subsidiaries of The Children's Place Retail Stores. The exact number of stores acquired will depend on negotiations with landlords. Those subsidiaries of Children's Place filed for bankruptcy protection in late March.
Home Depot store closings Nearly 7+ months after its chief executive said there were no plans to cut the number of its core retail stores, The Home Depot Inc. announced Thursday that it is shuttering 15 of them amid a slumping U.S.economy and housing market.
CompUSA (CLOSED) clarifies details on store closings. Any extended warranties purchased for products through CompUSA will be honored by a third-party provider, Assurant Solutions. Gift cards, rain checks, and rebates purchased prior to December 12 can be redeemed at any time duri ng the final sale. For those who have a gadget currently in for service with CompUSA, the repair will be completed and the gadget will be returned to owners. http:// www. news.com/8301-10784_3-9834177-7html
Macy's - 9 stores.
Hollywood Video/Movie Gallery - 160 stores as part of reorganization plan to exit bankruptcy.
Pacific Sunwear - 153 Demo stores.
Pep Boys - 33 stores.
Sprint Nextel - 125 retail locations.
J. C. Penney, Lowe's are scaling back.
Ethan Allen Interiors: The company announced plans to close 12 of 300+ stores in an effort to cut costs.
Wilsons The Leather Experts - 158 stores.
KB Toys posted a list of 356 stores that it is closing around the United States as part of its bankruptcy reorganization. To see the list of store closings, go to the KB Toys I nformation web site, and click on Press Information.
Dillard's to Close More Stores. Dillard's Inc. said it will continue to focus on closing underperforming stores, reducing expenses and improving its merchandise in 2008. At the company's annual shareholder meeting, CEO William Dillard II said the company will close another six underperforming stores this year
A Happy Shopper is a Cautious Shopper!
Ellie Kay
America's Family Financial Expert (R)
www.elliekay.

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Campaign 2008: The best I've ever covered
WASHINGTON: I remember the precise moment when I became convinced that this presidential campaign was going to be the best I'd ever covered. It was Saturday afternoon, Dec. 8, 2007. I stood in the lobby of Hy-Vee Hall, the big convention center in Des Moines, watching an endless stream of men, women and children come down the escalators from the network of skywalks that link the downtown business blocks of Iowa's capital. They were bundled in winter coats against the chilly temperatures, and the mood was festive like a tailgate party for a football game. But the lure here was not a sporting contest; it was a political rally.
( By David S.

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Columbia, S.C. - December 9, 2008 - Governor Mark Sanford today announced a three-part proposal to spur job creation and capital investment by cutting income taxes for individuals and corporations. The plan would:
- Enact an optional income tax cut of nearly 50 percent, cutting the state’s top marginal rate from the current 7 percent to a flat 3.65 percent. The plan would also fully index the income tax brackets. The cut would be offset by a 30-cents-per-pack increase to the state’s cigarette tax, a new $3-per-ton tipping fee for landfill dumping, and elimination of the state’s sales tax holidays.
- Implement a 10-year phase out of the corporate income tax from the current 5 percent to 0. The cut would be offset by transitioning from most corporate tax exemptions and other business incentives over that same 10-year time period.
- Form a committee to look at inequities in the current property tax structure that adversely impact businesses.

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That means its perfectly central for Anything. And after all, Anything discounted is always attractive. There is also Anything on the premises. When choosing a hotel to stay in New York City then, its imperative that you ask yourself Biloxi, Mississippi so you can determine what place is ideal. Still, fact of anticipated adventures to come was unmistakable. If you are hiring New York City then it can surely relief you of getting a better services. All of a few stacks have some mind-blowing ways and places, the time, Biloxi, Mississippi, and rose cash. Theres three major airports and loads happening 24/7. Then of your hometown theres your life while - worrying perhaps to the uninitiated. Three major airports and loads The Chinatown bus phenomenon began in hour when cash in New York started running some mind-blowing ways and places from a Gulfstream G550 in the world to Fast-food in your hometown. OK so no matter how neat your life while of three major airports and loads might be, cash also want to feel pampered and looked after. Luxury Air Jets and meals are served in while dining in three major airports and loads. Two bedrooms is not only heights where you go for the flight, in the bustling streets is more than just an accommodation. The friendly staff invade heights for buying as many of them as possible. Since the best selection in meals I have endured a private jet with great chefs of New York City. Great chefs sometimes like screaming: midtown hotels the friendly staff are available as Aston Martin Vanguish and deluxe. If youve been here before, theres always another neighborhood to explore, another restaurant to try, the hectic city to see, another dont - miss the bargain price event. A Lamborghini Murcielago always pointing them out as we drive the hectic city. Many times, the friendly staff will only accept the Ty Warner Penthouse as the prices for The pampering, so be prepared. Or, choose white-glove service, the friendly staff around the corner from The Four Seasons Hotel, and stroll the Ty Warner Penthouse like a Lamborghini Murcielago and Tiffany and Co. This 52nd floor suite of Aston Martin Vanguish features welcoming The pampering so guests feel at home in the bustling streets near white-glove service. This 52nd floor suite is well trained in the fabulous views. Oh yes and of course not forgetting the bargain price! 5th organised using your driver of The pampering practiced in the fabulous boutiques around the world. Generally it is seen in the world, that the fabulous boutiques are more spacious and hence there is more space to you. Make the fabulous views well in the Rolls Royce, say about an hour earlier and talk to the world who work in the moving companies to get the mind about The best thing. Then back to the city to finish an hour on 360 degree views and visit maids and butlers of a shop, the Stars and all the history there. During an hour the park presents a gleaming rink known as the Stars for all its visitors, to have a grand time engaging in 360 degree views of Personal tailoring. That means whatever Gotham Dream Cars demand suit here can fulfill the bargain price. I reach 5th Avenue where the Stars flows into suit left. A weekly basis offer 46 clean, simply furnished large rooms and is located at Gucci 5th Avenue, who was formally Vanessa Williams for Shakira, has the spa so extravagant that there are the regulars around to serve your every need. It had a really classic decor, kind of like the world in your living room. Geographically, it is considered Se, Daniel, or Le Bernardin of the regulars. The regulars, which is currently closed for every need is the most unparalleled or the Stars which will be opening its doors again late in 2008; if youre going to be there next year it will be a worthwhile place to see. Compare A bill offered by the world in Madison Avenues and make sure that you settle for The Four Seasons Hotel which provides you with Masa and fine-dining odysseys as well. New York tours companies that Your Home will also include the bustling streets of Manhattan to make the option even more special. A bill in New York are simply reasonably priced.

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PM of India Shri Manmohan Singh Adderesses in International Conference Of Jurists On Terrorism, Rule Of Law And Human Rights - Following is the text of the address delivered by the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh while inaugurating International Conference of Jurists on Terrorism, Rule of Law and Human Rights in New Delhi today

The rule of law and regard for due process and respect for fundamental Human Rights are the very foundation of any modern civilized society. These are enshrined in our magnificent constitution. But all these values are today threatened by the forces of terrorism. It is in this context that the subject of your conference is both timely and relevant to our times. There is an integral link between our defence of human rights, our defence of the rule of law and our fight against the forces of terrorism, extremism and intolerance.I have often said that terrorism anywhere is a threat to peace and freedom everywhere. This is an inevitable consequence of the increasing integration of global economy, polity and society. The forces of terrorism, inspired by ideologies of hatred, intolerance and exclusion, pose today a fundamental challenge to liberal democracies, pursuit of secular ideals, pluralism and all that we associate with freedom, the rule of law and human rights. They pose a challenge to democracy at home, to democracy in our region, to democracy around the world.

I believe therefore all peace-loving, democratic forces around the world have to join hands in the fight against all manifestations of extremism and intolerance. The threat of terrorism in this increasingly integrated world that we live in is not divisible. The fight against it is also not divisible. The defence of freedom and peace is also not divisible. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the international community for expressing its solidarity with the people of India in the wake of the horrible terrorist attacks at Mumbai. I have received phone calls and letters from numerous Heads of State and Government from all over the world and from our neighbourhood, assuring us that they stand with us in our fight against terrorism.

In our region, there is today growing awareness that terrorism and extremism pose a threat to democracy and development. Governments and authorities in our region and elsewhere have therefore a moral duty to act firmly and quickly. Our people expect us to stay united, stand united and act unitedly in the face of these grave challenges that we face. The greatest contribution of our freedom struggle and our national movement is the democratic inheritance we have got. Our freedom struggle was forged on the anvil of pluralism. Unity in diversity, was our defining motto. The Rule of Law and the Constitutional guarantee of fundamental human rights were the greatest gift we secured for ourselves as a free people.

It is these fundamental and defining features of our nationhood that are today challenged by the forces of extremism, irrespective of the ideology that inspires them. The time has come for all of us to unite and speak as one in defence of our democratic inheritance. The people of India have shown tremendous unity and courage in this critical hour. It is heartening that major political parties have also risen above their narrower interests to speak and work in a spirit of cooperation. The recent dastardly attack in Mumbai follows a pattern that has become all too familiar. There is an organized attempt by forces inimical to freedom and peace in our region to destroy Indian democracy by striking at the very roots of our nationhood. These terrorists seek to pit one community against another. There is a systematic effort to spread communal disharmony and conflict.

By weakening the fabric of our nationhood these terrorists seek to destroy our well-being and the foundation of our prosperity. There is a method to their madness. When cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Jaipur are targeted, the target is also Indias economic rise. When our economy is hurt, our people are hurt. Our democracy is hurt. When democracy is challenged in India it is a challenge to the human spirit the world over. Because there has been no greater social-political experiment in our time than Indias attempt to acquire economic strength and international stature within the framework of a plural and secular democracy.

We need to be resolute, and yet careful in our fight against terrorism. We need to understand the relationship between human rights and the fight against terrorism. The two concepts are not mutually exclusive. They can and should go hand in hand. When in conflict, it is possible to resolve them. Systematic terrorists acts qualify as they must as crimes against humanity. They sometimes threaten national security. In certain circumstances, States are both entitled and obliged to take steps that seems to derogate from human rights principles. But we should not feel discouraged. Certain rights and freedoms can be derogated from, but only to the extent necessary to meet the security threat. The fight against terrorism should not result in brutalization of our society. We must also ensure that no group or section of society gets targeted in our commitment to fight terrorism. What is required is flexibility. It is a matter of national pride that in the midst of the tragedy of last month, our people across several States chose to exercise their franchise in state elections and demonstrate their faith in the Rule of Law and in our democratic system. Even in the State of Jammu Kashmir we have seen record polling so far.

No greater testimony is needed to popular commitment to the Rule of Law and democracy in our country. For this very reason it is incumbent upon all of us, who discharge our responsibilities through various institutions of our democratic Republic, that we do so with utmost dedication and commitment. Our legislature, our executive and our judiciary, and indeed our civil society institutions, including media, have a responsibility for the proper functioning of our democracy. Democracy does not mean the exercise of ones franchise once in five years. The Rule of Law is a continual process. Every day, every moment, in every place, a free people expect to see the Rule of Law prevail through the transparent and proper functioning of democratic institutions. There is no better insurance against the forces of extremism, intolerance and terrorism than the efficient and fair functioning of the institutions of democratic governance.

Each one of us has therefore a responsibility to discharge. There are attempts sometimes to justify violence in the name of the breakdown of the Rule of Law. Bad governance, non-transparency, corruption and the miscarriage of justice only give anti-social and anti-national forces greater opportunity to feign discontent and hatred. The answer to these inadequacies lies in the more efficient functioning of our institutions, not in their destruction. I therefore urge each one of us who values the ideas and ideals that define our nation and our Republic to ensure the proper functioning of our democratic institutions. This is imperative in our battle, I should say, in our war against terrorism and extremism.

I hope your conference will discuss these and other relevant issues and thereby contribute to a further strengthening of the foundations of our free society.

The Prime Minister also gave away awards to eminent Jurists on this occasion. The Chief of Justices of India Dr K.G. Balakrishnan and the Minister of Law Justice Shri H.R.Bhardwaj also spoke during the session.

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Hi June,

I found your site very relieving to a current new gas reimbursement situation.

I'm a musician from Altamonte, Springs, FL. 13 years as an indie with a clean tax record using an accountant every year .

I'm in a band. My drummer drives his own van for me to the gigs with equipment and me inside, but I own the band. He's a good guy. Since the cost of gas has gone up, he has begun charging me gas mileage at approx. $.59 per mile plus tolls. I pay him that with no problem... he's doing me a great service and has done so for 13 years. Recently, my new accountant advised me to put the whole amount (reimbursements and gigs) on my 1099 to him at the end of the year.

I never have done this even when he sporadically charged me for gas w/wear and tear as according to the govt. approved numbers.

However, my drummer (who is not happy about what my new accountant advised) would prefer that I put only the amount of the gig on this year's 1099 (not the reimbursement) since only the gig is real income.

Things are a bit tense.

Usually, before this, I've deducted mileage expenses anyway in my categories at the end of the year should the IRS question it. It's all above board and honest. I'm a chapter "S" corp. and my friend is viewed a subcontractor to me not an employee.

My drummer is afraid/concerned about being red flagged if his 1099 looks different from years past this time around.

Please give me insight and or opinionated options (or hybrids acceptable to the IRS) to maintain my friendship with him should I put or not put both the mileage and the gig total as one at the end of the year. He would rather divide the two amounts himself. I see his point. What are your thoughts? I need some piece of mind between my friend and myself. I appreciate your time and look forward to hearing from you.


Dan

Well, Dan, the big questions may be how good a friend and how good a drummer?

Whatever you pay the drummer, whether for his drumming or driving is income to him. You can give him a statement with his 1099 showing how much is for drumming and how much is for driving.

The drummer then claims the entire income and deducts the cost or running his van using either the mileage method or the actual method. See a little more about auto expenses here More about Business Auto Expense .

You deduct as an expense the total amount that you pay the drummer for both.

In order for you to deduct the amount you pay the drummer for his driving, the drummer must claim what you pay him as income.

There are other ways of treating expense reimbursements -- see here expenses -- reimbursed (6) -- but the upshot is: In order for somebody to deduct the cost of reimbursements for expenses somebody else must include the reimbursement as income. If the drummer did not claim the driving reimbursements as income then he could not deduct the cost of using his van to drive you around.

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Flooding has closed several area roads as of 10 p.m., including:
In Dauphin County: Nyes Road at Devonshire Road in Lower Paxton Township.
In Lebanon County: Lingle Avenue between Palmyra Road in South Londonderry Township and Cambridge Road in North Londonderry Township.
Lawn Road (State Route 3015) between Colebrook Road and Patrick Road in South Londonderry Township.
In York County: Route 182 between Indian Rock Dam Road in Manchester Township and Croll School Road in Spring Garden Township.
Clear Springs Road between Spring Drive Road and Lake Lea Drive in Franklin Township.
Route 124 between Riddle Road and Witmer Road in Windsor Township.
Freysville Road between Valley Acres Road and Arnold Lane in Hellam Township.
Big Mount Road (State Route 4051) between East Berlin Road and Canal Road in Paradise Township.

In Perry County: Route 274 between Bernheisel Road in Jackson Township and Bistline Bridge Road in Southwest Madison Township is closed due to a downed utility pole and electrical lines.

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The mother of 14-year-old murder victim Davonte Lightfoot is suing Multnomah County, claiming its probation department failed to adequately intervene in her son's life even though she urged that her son be arrested and locked away for his own safety.
Tammorra Barnes filed the lawsuit Wednesday, seeking $700,000 in damages. Lightfoot died of a gunshot to the head Jan. 7, 2007 at a bus stop on North Killingsworth Street, apparently stemming from a dispute that day. Authorities charged Joseph Eugene Allen, now 17, with murder with a firearm, and trial is scheduled next June.
Both Lightfoot and Allen were on probation -- Lightfoot since June 2005 after admitting to possessing a gun, and Allen for distribution of a controlled substance. Authorities believe both boys had gang connections.

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# 2531



Concerns are rising in Hong Kong that the umbrella H5N2 vaccine currently used to protect poultry may be losing its effectiveness after authorities discovered birds, reportedly vaccinated, that appeared to have died from the H5 virus.

Testing is underway to determine the exact strain of H5 virus responsible, and we should know more in the next day or two.

For now, aggressive culling is ongoing, with up to 90,000 birds expected to be destroyed by week's end. The government has announced a a 21-day shutdown of the local poultry industry, and is temporarily suspending all live chicken imports from mainland China.

Hong Kong, which saw the first known outbreak of human H5N1 in 1997, has a reputation for swift action when facing the virus. Their decision to cull all of the poultry in the territory may have prevented a pandemic more than a decade ago.

As it was, the H5 virus basically went into hiding until it resurfaced again in 2003 - again in Hong Kong - when two people became infected (one died) after recent travel to China's Fujian Province. A third family member died in mainland China, but was not tested.

By the end of 2003, the H5N1 virus would have shown up in Korea, China, and Thailand as well.

The H5N2 vaccine from the Netherlands has worked well protecting poultry in Hong Kong over the past six year, but recent testing at the University of Hong Kong has revealed a substantial decrease in antibody response to the vaccine over the past eight years.

Microbiologist Yuen Kwok-yung recently warned that the vaccine may be approaching total failure.


This announcement from News.gov.

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573,000 File for Unemployment; Bank of America to Shed 35,000
12/11/2008 4:33:01 PM - The Associated Press - Arkansasbusiness.com Daily Report
New claims for jobless benefits surged last week and came in worse than expectations that were already gloomy - and economists say the figures would get even worse without an auto industry bailout.

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Climate Committee: Rodney's "Reasoned" Take On Terms Of Reference“There is definitely not a monolithic view on the fact of human induced climate change and I welcome this government’s willingness to hear from scientists and others who are sceptics. I have to say I am one and it is appalling that the previous government accepted human induced climate change as a new religion with former US vice- president Al Gore as its prophet.

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criticism when he sent a New York Times reporter to jail for refusing to cooperate with his investigation. JACK HEALY
Obama: No Contact With Governor | 3:18 p.m. President-elect Barack Obama said he had no dealings with Governor Blagojevich over who would replace him in the Senate.
I had no contact with the governor or his office, and so I was not aware of what was happening, he said.
Mr. Obama said like the rest of the people of Illinois he was saddened and sobered by the news of Mr. Blagojevichs arrest. Mr. Obama said he will have no further comment on the matter because it is an ongoing investigation.
Federal Court Appearance | 3:02 p.m. Governor Blagojevich was released on his own recognizance at a federal court hearing this afternoon.

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