Arrests from Social Networking Sites Growing

August 26th, 2010

More reports of arrests from Twitter and Facebook posts are surfacing. 

Among the recent arrests include an airline passenger who “tweeted” a bomb threat, a protestor who “tweeted” police squad locations, a couple who posted Facebook photos after eating a rare Iguana, and a woman who violated an Order of Protection with a Facebook “poke.”

On the flip side, social networking site posts by bystanders and citizens, and even the criminals themselves, have lead to the arrests of at-large criminals and suspects.

Hendrix’s Estate Sued by Former Bandmate

August 25th, 2010

Former Jimi Hendrix bandmate and saxophone player Lonnie Youngblood has sued Hendrix’s estate over the song “Georgia Blues.”  Georgia Blues was written and recorded in the 1960’s by Hendrix and Youngblood.

It is reported that the song appears on the Album Martin Scorcese Presents the Blues, which was released at the same time as the named TV Series.

Hendrix’s estate reportedly offered Youngblood $3,000 for use of the song, which Youngblood refused. Youngblood is seeking an undisclosed amount of lost-income damages.

You May be Sharing Your Social Security Number

August 17th, 2010

Reports are surfacing that your unique social security number may not be so “unique” after all. 

While the Social Security Administration has a system to assign social security numbers, your number may belong to one other person, or, even nine other people.  Reportsalso indicate that many Americans have multiple Social Security numbers, due to careless record-keeping, errors, mis-information, or identity theft.  The best way to protect your records is to keep yourself informed about your own credit score and credit history.  

Kagan Sworn in as Supreme Court Justice

August 9th, 2010

Elena Kagan, the 112th Supreme Court Justice and the fourth woman ever to serve on the Supreme Court was sworn in yesterday.  Kagan was nominated by President Obama to replace Justice John Paul Stevens.  Although the swearing-in ceremony already occurred, Kagan will be formally installed on October 1, 2010.

Tax Deed and Foreclosure Sales

July 28th, 2010

Florida Law: Unpaid tax certificates (after the auction) are guaranteed 18% notes from the government. Redeemable 2 years.

A tax certificate may be held for a minimum of two (2) years but not more than seven (7) years. At any time between the second and seventh year, the certificate holder may request the sale of the property to satisfy the certificate. The certificate holder must apply for the tax deed sale by presenting the original certificate to the Tax Collector. More information on Tax Deed sales here.

Short Term: If you own 2 years of the tax liens, you can file for a tax deed and become first position (Always get your money + interest owed). If during the redemption period seller does not repay the taxes TITLE is reverted to the government and all junior liens are ERASED. That means if you invest $7,000.00 in 3 years tax liens and acquire the property (not probable but it does happen, especially in Florida) and the property is worth $30,000.00, you will own outright this property for a total investment of $7,000.00 for 3 years.

Long Term – After 2 years: At a tax deed sale, the minimum bid is generally the amount of back taxes owed plus interest, as well as costs associated with selling the property. Bidding is done in increments from $10–$100 in most states. In the event the property is not purchased, title may revert to the county government. In most jurisdictions, the county transfers title in a tax deed sale through either a Tax Deed or a Sheriff’s Deed. The purchaser of a tax deed may transfer title through a quitclaim deed but would need a quiet title action to sell with a Warranty Deed (given that a Tax Deed, Sheriff’s Deed, or quitclaim deed are insufficient to acquire title insurance).

Author: Ruben Pizarro; Realtor – Plantation Realty; My Florida Investors – President; 5620 US Hwy 98 North, Lakeland, Florida 33809; 863-409-1734

Copyright Office OKs iPhone ‘Jailbreaking’

July 27th, 2010

What the iPhone jailbreaking ruling means – see the following list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Sales and Marketing Outsourcing Gaining Popularity

July 14th, 2010

There are several methods and benefits of outsourcing sales and marketing today.

We have all watched company after company, industry after industry, make decisions to outsource functions previously considered too proprietary or critical to ever trust with outsiders (IT, HR, Payroll, CRM, etc…).   So we shouldn’t be surprised that sales and marketing is rapidly moving up the list of business processes now receiving that same consideration.

Sale and marketing outsourcing (SMO) is fast gaining momentum, perhaps because of challenges resulting from the economic downturn, but more likely because business, competitive and specialization trends continue forcing companies to find ever more efficient, scalable and effective solutions to generating revenue.

When to Consider Sales and Marketing Outsourcing:

1. Entering a new market, geography or industry segment;

2. Launching a new company, division, services or products;

3. Supplementing internal sales, marketing or solution teams to gain a speed to market advantage

4. Mentoring existing sales and marketing leaders during transitional periods

5. Developing and launching new sales strategies, go to market models and pursuit processes.

These are excellent occasions to engage outside sales and marketing expertise and benefit from external perspective and experience.

Of all the challenges companies face in outsourcing sales and marketing, the most overlooked is committing to make decisions and execute quickly.

Remember, outsourcing should be viewed as a value as well as a time and budget saver.  Look for new and innovative ways like outsourcing to accomplish your goals and keep the momentum necessary to ensure your future survival.

Consider this, there are 2 types of companies – those that adapt to change and those that go out of business.

Authored by: Dana Carpenter; Kontor Business Solutions; www.YourKontor.com; dana@yourkontor.com,  (tel) 407-902-6642.

Men At Work Must Pay Royalties for “Down Under”

July 8th, 2010

Australian band Men At Work was recently ordered to pay 5% of its royalties from the 1983 hit song “Down Under” to the owner of a 76-year old folk song.  Down Under’s distinctive flute riff is reported to have been used from the folk song, “Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree.” It is also reported that the suit was initiated in Sydney Federal Court after a television quiz show suggested the similarity.

The owners of “Kookaburra,” Larrikin Music, reportedly asked for 60% royalties obtained from Down Under, which the Court found to be excessive, stating that the riff only appears in two bars of the song.  The Court seemed to disregard Men At Work’s argument that the copying was “unconscious.”

Oil from Gulf likely to reach South Florida waters study says

July 2nd, 2010

Oil from Gulf likely to reach South Florida waters study says – Sun Sentinel.

BP Assigns New Lead Man for Oil Disaster

June 23rd, 2010

BP announced Wednesday that it has assigned its managing director to be the president and chief executive officer of a new organization- BP’s Gulf Coast Restoration Organization.

Robert Dudley, the new lead man for the project, stated that the new Organization will collect and streamline resources to use for resolution and clean-up efforts. Dudley has stated that BP will still continue to pay out claims from the disaster. Reports state that this organization is permanent and will focus on the clean-up and aftermath in the upcoming years.