The French Quarter should be one of the first stops on any trip to New Orleans, says the team at Pierre Bennett Global Vacations, and it’s the land of Creoles – the descendants of the first French and Spanish settlers. Pierre Bennett Global Vacations notes that the European legacy is everywhere with wrought-iron balconies, shutters, and etoffee perfuming the air. Pierre Bennett Global Vacations tells members that the French Quarter is unique and will be a dream vacation for anyone who visits there. Also, with the variety of Pierre Bennett Global Vacations club resorts available, members don’t need to worry about finding accommodations.

The team at Pierre Bennett Global Vacations also advises visitors to explore other places in New Orleans, and one of the best ways to do that is to hop on the St. Charles Streetcar. Pierre Bennett Global Vacations says that it’s worth spending a dollar for the ride – even if you have nowhere in particular to visit. The traveling National Historic Landmark runs from Canal Street, through the university district and ends up at Palmer Park. Pierre Bennett Global Vacations suggests that visitors stay on the streetcar to the end of the line – because the driver simply flips the seats in the opposite direction and heads to the other end of the car where the second set of controls are. It’s an ingenious maneuver.

Another popular New Orleans destination is the Garden District. Pierre Bennett Global Vacations suggests that members visit this historical part of town, noting that it has absolutely no French influence. The reason? When Americans arrived in New Orleans after the Louisiana Purchase, the local Creole population was not enthusiastic. Pierre Bennett Global Vacations says that the new residents set up their own encampment, which they called the “City of Lafayette.” Now known as the Garden District, it is named for the lush gardens the new residents planted. Pierre Bennett Global Vacations reports that Anne Rice owns two houses in the area – one with a dog statue on a balcony.

Pierre Bennett Global Vacations members receive the lowest price available at time of booking a trip. For more information, call (703) 395-1430.

The Churchill War Rooms

Located on King Charles Street, Douglas Battista reports that the Churchill War Rooms are not only an amazing historical find, honoring one of England’s most famous soldiers, but that this site’s proximity to St. James Park and other museums and parliamentary buildings makes it a great stop on an all-day London tour.

Hampton Court Palace

Want to step back in time? Douglas Battista notes that visitors can do just that at the Hampton Court Palace. This former home of King Henry XIII still hosts court where tourists can participate in a living anachronism, and may even have a chance to glimpse the King picking a midday snack off the world’s largest grapevine, which is located in the Gardens.

London Bridge Exhibition

According to Douglas Battista, a holiday in the nation’s capital is enhanced with a visit to the London Bridge Exhibition.  The landmark, which originated as a Roman pontoon military bridge in 50 AD, has been rebuilt at or near the same spot over the Thames numerous times in its 2000 year history. Douglas Battista also remarks that a unique and memorable restaurant, the Medieval Banquet, is close to the bridge, and is a must for hungry vacationers.

Thames River Cruise

The Tower Bridge may also be viewed from a cruise on the Thames, reports Douglas Battista. This cruise covers London in depth like no other tour in the area. Douglas Battista highlights the beauty of the River Boat itself with its large windows and open-air upper deck.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

According to Douglas Battista, this iconic figure of London’s skyline took 35 years to complete. It’s no wonder, when the amount of detail and quality of craftsmanship is considered. Douglas Battista claims that this attraction, in addition to its status as a mecca for Christians, is also a prime spot for those looking for a bit of a challenge. Five hundred and thirty steps lead to the top of the Golden Gallery, which boasts some of the best panoramic views of London’s core.

Windsor Castle

The home of a current British Royal, Her Majesty the Queen, Windsor Castle’s claim to fame is its continuous occupation for the last 900 years. The castle is purported as haunted by visitors, who claim the sound of Queen Elizabeth I’s heels are still heart wafting through this Gothic structure’s halls and passages, says Douglas Battista.

Douglas Battista is a travel enthusiast who says that London is among his favorite vacation destinations for its never-ending list of attractions and historical landmarks. He is the Vice President of the Jenny Craig Company, and resides in sunny California.

But even though it’s the “capital region” of New York, Steven Delarge  points out that Albany is also known as a university town. The State University of New York (SUNY) has a campus in Albany, one of more than twenty colleges and universities in Albany, Steven Delarge adds. This not only leads to campus-related jobs, but it also brings businesses to town to support the influx of students all these colleges bring.

All of these colleges have also brought technology to the town. Steven Delarge cites the nanotechnology program at SUNY as an innovator in the field. This has enticed many students to the campus, especially after Albany was a recipient of part of a government grant to build nanotechnology research centers throughout the state.

Steven Delarge notes that a deal by Tokyo Electron Ltd. sent chip manufacturing researchers to Albany and other technology researchers followed. Albany isn’t merely a technological marvel, however. Steven Delarge points out that the city is home to manufacturers of paper products, steel, cement, medical products, chemicals, and more.

In 2012, as the country gradually emerges from an economic downturn, Steven Delarge and other city businessmen are watching Albany’s economic development with great optimism. In early May, the nanoscience program at SUNY received national coverage on CBS Evening News, as the network used the jobs created by the program as an example of the recovering economy. Steven Delarge has watched, as others in Albany have, the multitude of press coverage both SUNY’s program and the nearby GlobalFoundries plant in Malta have gotten.

In a country that centers on technological innovation, Albany is working hard to stay at the top of the technology curve. Steven Delarge believes that by attracting students who will learn pioneering methodologies, the city will be prepared for a local workforce that is ahead of the rest of the country. This, says Delarge, will always have a positive impact on the local economy.

But the large governmental population cannot be ignored. Steven Delarge emphasizes that Albany will always have a large sector employed by state and local government. As such, the ability to competitively attract good employees and industry to provide support to the citizens of Albany will still be important, concludes Delarge.

According to James Stuckey, while the first step in any real estate project is to shape the idea, the next step is to develop a strategy to respond to those individuals who may bring lawsuits, why, and what can be done to ensure they are not successful. In the real estate realm, says James Stuckey, winning the lawsuits are the penultimate land use approvals.

James Stuckey points out that few members of the public, and an even smaller number of “decision-makers,” understand what the information in a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) tells them; and, those that do are given unreasonably short periods of time to analyze and respond to the data. According to James Stuckey, Environment Impact Statements and the EIS process have really become a tool to litigate, delay or stop a development. Unfortunately, laments James Stuckey, almost no one pays attention to the environmental impacts that are disclosed; and, in some instances, because some impacts can’t be mitigated, all that’s required is disclosure.  This is true for all land use approvals, as virtually any decision made by a public official or public body is subject to challenge in court, notes James Stuckey.

Other factors that may impact the pre-development phase, says James Stuckey, are blogs, the Internet, and instant access to information (including false information that project opponents or competitors can “create” on the web), and these have changed litigation strategies. There have also been instances where regions, states and municipalities have used litigation to block projects, steal or retain corporate tenants, and leverage infrastructure improvements, maintains James Stuckey.

During his three-decade long career, James Stuckey has seen countless lawsuits. For instance, there were dozens of suits initiated over the course of twenty years to litigate against and stop the Times Square Redevelopment. Lawsuits can focus on issues such as land use claims and environmental issues to eminent domain and first amendment rights, according to James Stuckey.

Nearly any person or group of people can bring a lawsuit to try to block a specific development, notes James Stuckey. Before Hamilton Plaza, a project in the Gowanus section of Brooklyn, a group of local merchants brought a federal suit that tried to block the addition of a large supermarket to the neighborhood.

A developer must wear many hats before he can get down to business, says James Stuckey. He must endeavor to foresee all issues that may arise, determine the best course of action to circumvent these issues, and make a convincing case as to why the proposed development should be allowed to proceed, concludes James Stuckey.

James Stuckey is not only a hands-on real estate developer; he is also an educator who has served as the Dean of the New York University Schack Institute of Real Estate.

While overdue tax filings and past-due payments are a common challenge for the company’s clients, says Ian Woodman of Idaho based Instant Tax Solutions, the staff at ITS also sees another issue. Taxpayers who do not seek assistance during tax time end up paying more than they should, says Ian Woodman. Idaho residents who seek tax assistance from ITS often learn that there are many ways they can save money each year.

One of the biggest problems, points out Ian Woodman of Idaho based Instant Tax Solutions, is that taxpayers are so afraid of an IRS audit they don’t claim all the deductions they are owed. While it is definitely wise to err on the safe side, Ian Woodman, notes Idaho taxpayers may be actually overpaying the IRS. A qualified tax professional can help them determine what rights they have, adds Woodman.

Claiming items like a home office are legitimate if done according to tax guidelines, Ian Woodman of Idaho based Instant Tax Solutions says. If you work from home, you may be entitled to claim a portion of your home costs, including your mortgage, Woodman reports. The key is to know the tax laws and the tax professionals at Ian Woodman ’s Idaho based Instant Tax Solutions can help you decipher them.

Another way taxpayers overpay, according to Ian Woodman of Idaho, is by having too much withdrawn throughout the year. While this overpayment may be small, the amount you could be saving each year can add up over time, notes Ian Woodman. Idaho ’s Instant Tax Solutions office regularly counsels taxpayers about having less withheld throughout the year and saving or investing that money. This ensures the taxpayer gets the interest instead of the IRS, explains Ian Woodman, Idaho Instant Tax Solutions co-owner.

While not everyone has the discipline to set that money aside, as experts like Ian Woodman in Idaho have seen, it can be done. Simply change your withholding and have an automatic transfer set up with your bank each paycheck in the amount you would have been paying to the IRS.

Instant Tax Solutions was co-founded by Ian Woodman, Idaho businessman, and his business partner Byron Pedersen. Ian Woodman’s Idaho Instant Tax Solutions office helps thousands of clients each year by providing insightful tax advice.

Apostle Pierre Bennett explains to his congregation that God wants soldiers. He wants followers who will be there for Him one hundred and ten percent. In return, God will be there for them a thousand percent, Apostle Pierre Bennett says.

You came to God to be saved, but over time, you may have lost your original intent, according to Apostle Pierre Bennett. Being saved is a great retirement plan, Apostle Pierre Bennett believes. It means you’ll have eternal life. There are certainly benefits that come with being saved, but you may find you still aren’t where you want to be in your earthly life, Apostle Pierre Bennett adds.

You may consistently be praying to God though you’ve discovered His greatness and you’re following His Word, but you aren’t yet receiving the blessings you desire the most in your life. Apostle Pierre Bennett knows you’re probably wondering what you can do to bring these blessings. You want to get to that place where you’re fully walking with Him and are ready to receive the blessings He has for you in this life, Apostle Pierre Bennett adds.

God says being truly blessed means abundance, Apostle Pierre Bennett relays. Not just financial prosperity, according to Apostle Pierre Bennett, but abundance in every area of your life – excellent health, loving people around you, healthy happy family, a nice home, good job or career or business. As Apostle Pierre Bennett puts it, there are so many ways to have abundance in your life.

You can think of some people who may seem happy and prosperous but if you look closely into their lives there are usually one or two components that are not complete because they are not walking in the fullness of God.  You can’t have the total package unless you’re walking with the Creator of the total package, teaches Apostle Pierre Bennett.

Zrylw: Thank you for joining us today. With tax season in full swing, we are lucky to have caught you.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: We are always glad to speak about taxes; it’s what we do!

Zrylw: We understand that Instant Tax Solutions’ ratings with the BBB have remained consistently an A+ – that is quite an achievement. We want to congratulate you for that honor.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: We thank you for that. We definitely couldn’t have done it without our service team.

Zrylw: What type of agents does your firm employ?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Only the best former IRS Auditors, Certified Public Accountants, Federally Licensed Enrolled Agents, and Legal Counsel.

Zrylw: Please tell our readers what services you provide.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: We offer Tax Resolution services; basically, when a taxpayer is behind with Uncle Sam, we help them understand why and sort through options they have for repayment.

Zrylw: There are options?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Yes, actually, the IRS has many programs available for those who cannot file on time, cannot pay on time, or who are already behind – even if they are years past due.

Zrylw: Very interesting. We didn’t know that.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Many good hard-working Americans don’t. The IRS isn’t just going to call everyone who is late and say, “We’ll catch you next year, when you are caught up on your personal obligations…”

Zrylw: So, what kinds of reductions are available?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: There are programs that allow for monthly payments and even reduced penalties.

Zrylw: Are all taxpayers eligible and guaranteed reduced taxes?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: No, that is a topic of discussion now among agencies like us. There have been a number of TV ads placed over the last few years that promise results – to everyone. The fact of the matter is, it isn’t possible to make those claims. The IRS has very specific guidelines, policies and safeguards in place to ensure proper use of the system.

Zrylw: That sounds very confusing. How does Instant tax Solutions keep up with it all?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Our staff is trained and re-trained constantly. We monitor the IRS’s regulations and ensure that our representatives are up-to-date on even the smallest changes.

Zrylw: Looking at your website, we can see you are different. It says that you offer direct support, flat fees, and that you are licensed in all 50 states. Is that right?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Yes, that is all correct. Also, as a value-added service to our clients, we offer a comprehensive evaluation of their tax situation before we accept their case or their payment. Our staff will advise if there does not appear to be an IRS program that can help, and why.

Zrylw: No wonder Instant Tax Solutions has earned such high marks from the Better Business Bureau.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: We take pride in each and every case that we present to the IRS and we are certainly honored to have the recognition of an A+ rated firm.

The Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team, a group of the firm’s employees who specialize in rating and accessing taxpayer information, offers a no obligation, no cost consultation. The group specializes in solutions and offers services without delay, without hidden charges, and without false promises. For more information, visit them online at www.InstantTaxSolutions.com or call 888.387.4071

Steven P. Delarge called upon all available resources to put his team together. To begin, Steven P. Delarge sought out other businesses in the field that had been through a similar experience. Steven P. Delarge was able to gather advice from portfolio companies who had also been sold by a parent company. These companies had also found it necessary to put together a standalone finance team, as well.

During this process, Steven P. Delarge called upon external audit partners who were invaluable in helping the company set up a finance team. Not only did they help Steven P. Delarge and the rest of the team get the financial books in order, they were able to provide the names of local recruiters who could put Steven P. Delarge in contact with local talent. This local talent, as it turned out, would be the key to building a successful standalone finance team.

Steven P. Delarge suggests businesses might find inspiration in Xerox Corporation, which deliberately made its finance team independent of all other organizations. In completely reorganizing the company’s accounting unit, CFO Lawrence Zimmerman created a process that offered measurable results, Steven P. Delarge points out. These operational results were geared specifically toward what a CFO needs to know about operations, Steven P. Delarge explains, not what the local operations manager needs. And that is exactly the way it should be, says Delarge.

As Steven P. Delarge explains, the finance team has external sources to which it answers regularly. Because of this, Steven P. Delarge believes the finance team should be accountable to itself first. A CEO may have his or her own demands for reporting, a good CEO understands that the finance team is also responsible for answering to external audits that may or may not coincide with the needs of the company, including SOX compliance, SEC requirements, and others.

By building a good standalone finance team and allowing them to independently operate to their best ability, Steven P. Delarge believes a CEO will set his team up for success. And if a finance team is successful, it reflects well on the rest of the company, concludes Delarge.

Designing Spaces: Next up on “Designing Spaces:” counter tops.  Now, if you like the look of marble but maybe it’s a bit out of your price range, we’ve got a great alternative for you! We went to Sanford, Florida to get the story.

Fasculo: Whether a new home or a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project, your choice for counter tops and wash basins is important to both the style and function.  With a natural appearance of stone becoming increasing popular, more counter tops are taking on the granite look.  With the beauty of granite come certain limitations.  Designers and manufactures have been developing new materials that capture that beauty of polished stone without the downside.  I’m here with Vince Albachiaro from Designs and Solid Surface, a Florida authorized pre-owned fabricator.  And, Vince, we need not look far around this kitchen to see what jumps out at us.

Albachiaro: We have a beautiful countertop here, don’t we?

Fasculo: We really, really do.  And I think most people who are watching at home would think that this is some sort of stone or quartz, but in fact it’s not!

Albachiaro: No, this is premier solid surfacing from Kanwa Surfaces.

Fasculo: Very nice.

Albachiaro: Yes, it’s a solid surface—the premier solid surface.  So it’s totally seamless, it is environmentally friendly, it’s durable, it’s stain, chemical-resistant, and resistant to heat also.

Fasculo: Wow!  You know, I find it unique that you said it’s environmentally friendly.  How do you make a countertop environmentally friendly?

Albachiaro: Well, we’re very concerned about the environment.  And that’s why we use 22% recycled materials in the beautiful countertop that we have here.

Fasculo: That is something we all need to concern ourselves with.

Albachiaro: Absolutely.

Fasculo: Also, I mean, when I look at this I think what it might cost for this to be a stone.  In fact, it’s seamless; it would be ten times what you would pay for this.

Albachiaro: Yes.  Solid surfacing allows you to have a seamless appearance in a continuous running surface, where you can have coal back-splashes, intricate sinks, and you can use it in many different areas.  Let’s talk about some of the different colors and applications that we have.  It comes in twelve beautiful colors.  This one, Tumo, is our color that we’re using here in the kitchen.  And again, because it’s a solid surface, it’s easy to clean and easy to maintain.

Fasculo (Designing Spaces): You know what?  I love some of the names of these.  I see Rhythmic Shine, and Orange Moon, Leche, Tiara, all across the board.  So literally, something for every kitchen!

Albachiaro: Absolutely.  Also, it’s great for use in bathrooms.  It has an NSF 51 Certification for food service applications.

Designing Spaces: And I also understand it’s very easy to clean.  Can you go ahead and give me a demonstration?

Albachiaro: It is really simple.  It’s simple soap and water—just a wiping on the surface and a wiping off.  Because it’s nonporous, nothing penetrates it.  Where, with natural stones and granites and quartzes, any of those products—they can absorb water.  And that’s where mold and mildew grows.  And that’s what you can’t get with the solid surfaces.

Designing Spaces: Especially great for us who have little kids.

Albachiaro: Absolutely.

Designing Spaces: Now, I also understand that there is a quality about Breon that most people probably wouldn’t understand.  Could you describe that to me?

Albachiaro: Well, they say this material actually admits far more infrared rays, which is supposed to have a soothing and calming effect on the people in the kitchen.

Designing Spaces: This is a good thing, especially around Thanksgiving so I can cook that turkey and be calm throughout the entire ordeal.

Albachiaro: That’s what they say. I prefer a glass of wine.  But that is what they say.

Designing Spaces: Well, that sounds great!  I’m calm already. Vince, thank you so much for inviting me into this lovely kitchen.  This Henwa Surfaces Breon line is fantastic.

Albachiaro: Thank you very much, Brian.

Designing Spaces: Feeling good in the kitchen, I’m Brian Fasculo!

About Designing Spaces on Lifetime Television

The “Designing Spaces” TV show on Lifetime is a half-hour informative series that inspires viewers to make every space count.  “Designing Spaces” instructs them on the smartest ways to make their homes more beautiful and functional.  To view episodes of “Designing Spaces” online, just go to http://www.designingspaces.tv. If you have a great idea for a story, or want to be a part of the “Designing Spaces” show, please contact LysaLiemer at lysa@designingspaces.tv. If you have a great idea for a story, or want to be a part of the show please contact LysaLiemer at lysa@designingspaces.tv. You can also find us on Twitter at @DSpacesTV or on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/DSpacesTV!

The conference is a two-day program. Byron Pederson says that on the first day group participants will be introduced to the potential Board of Directors and officers, and have an opportunity to vote on these nominations. Additionally, Byron Pederson notes that the group’s budget preparation, legislative development, and membership development programs will be discussed. Also on the agenda will be the development of standardized contracts in uniform disclosures.

Many industry leaders are scheduled to speak at the conference, including Karen Hawkins, the Director of the IRS’s Office of Professional Responsibility, says Byron Pederson. Ms. Hawkins is expected to address the IRS’s concerns and will stress the continued professionalism of industry agents who are authorized to appear before the Agency. Larry Lawler is also scheduled to discuss policies and procedures in place that will help tax debt resolution companies consistently remain compliant with IRS regulations, says Byron Pederson. As well, Byron Pederson notes that the group’s lobbyist, Mark Guimond, will offer a briefing as to the most recent status of proposals, including California’s Bill 708 and the Telemarketing Sales Rule, which is currently on hold.

Byron Pederson points out that participants will be offered a view of the tax resolution industry from the U.S. Senate. Also, says Byron Pederson, the issue of Internet Marketing and lead generation will be addressed. Most–if not all–forms of advertisement will be spoken about and include a discussion regarding how some firms intentionally mislead consumers, and how that has a negative impact on the industry as a whole, notes Byron Pederson.

Byron Pederson explains that the National Association of Tax Debt Resolution Companies was founded to help ensure fairness to both consumers as well as those serving in the industry. According to Byron Pederson, the American public needs to be aware of what services are available and how a reputable and honest firm can positively impact the lives of those afflicted with tax issues. Byron Pederson believes that the Association can offer both legislators and consumers information on why tax debt resolution firms are important to the economy. Additionally, the group will help educate people on how to differentiate the legitimate agencies from the scammers, concludes Byron Pederson.