For many snowbirds lured to Florida, the biggest attraction is not the presence of sunshine.  It's the absence of Florida estate taxes.

Many snowbirds who own homes in both New York and Florida are changing their domicile to Florida according to Attorney Allan R. Lipman who is licensed both in New York and Florida.

These not only include individuals who have been stung by the recent increases in New York income taxes but also retirees with more modest incomes who want to avoid estate taxes. Lipman cites the example of two hypothetical brothers, Sam and Larry.

Sam and Larry both died in 2009.  Sam's children paid estate taxes of $16,364; Larry's children paid estate taxes of $212,835, yet they both lived in condos in Florida and New York valued at $250,000 each.  Sam's other assets consisted of a securities portfolio of $3 Million.  Coincidentally, Larry's other assets also consisted of securities of the same value. They both stayed in Florida about half the year and spent the other half in New York.

Why the difference in estate taxes?  The answer: Sam changed his domicile to Florida that has no estate tax and his children only paid a New York estate tax on the New York condo.  Larry remained domiciled in New York and his children paid New York estate taxes on all of his assets except the Florida condo.

In any calendar year where Sam did not stay in New York more than six months, he was able to avoid New York income taxes.  This often happened because Sam liked to travel during part of the summer.  Since Florida has no state income tax, he only paid Federal income taxes. Larry paid New York income taxes on the interest, dividends and gains from his securities even though he also went on trips and during some years was in New York less than six months.  As an additional bonus, Sam was able to cap the real estate taxes on his Florida condo which was his homestead while Larry was not able to do so because his Florida condo was not his homestead.

Lipman, who has written a book on the subject, conducts a seminar on his website for snowbirds who have changed their domicile to Florida or are contemplating doing so. To listen, go to www.snowbirdguide.com.  At the website, Lipman has also made available the entire updated contents of his book which is no longer in print.  

For further information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Allan R. Lipman at arl@lbfirm.com.

SOURCE Allan R. Lipman

RELATED LINKS
http://www.snowbirdguide.com

InFocus® Corporation, the industry pioneer in digital projection technology, today announced a major enhancement to its wireless solution that eliminates the need to have wired connections between laptops and select InFocus projectors, with support for Mac OS and audio.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100208/SF51089)

Based on wireless technology from Wisair, a leading provider of single-chip based UWB and Wireless USB solutions, the InFocus DisplayLink™ Wireless system, allows presenters to easily connect to InFocus DisplayLink-enabled projectors and share HD content on the big screen without wires.

Successfully launched in August 2009 with initial support for Windows OS platforms, the system is now made available for MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air platforms with audio support. These enhancements enable broader deployment of the InFocus DisplayLink Wireless system to educational and additional markets, where Mac platforms are widely used.

MacBook platforms do not have VGA or HDMI connectors, which are the most common connectors in Projectors. For a complete audio-video experience today, Mac users need to connect at least 3 cable adapters: (1) a mini-DisplayPort or mini-DVI to VGA adapter cable (2) a VGA cable that connects to the projector for the video and (3) yet another cable  for the audio.

The new InFocus wireless solution allows Mac users to transfer video, audio and also the projector's control, via a single wireless link with a single adapter that connects to a USB port, available in ALL MacBook platforms.

The system will be available with Mac OS support at the end of March 2010.

User's Benefits:  

• Convenience - travelling salespeople, teachers and lecturers using Mac mobile platforms are no longer bound to projectors by cables and no longer require a bunch of wires for audio and video connectivity – this along with the projector control are transferred over the wireless link with an adapter that connects to a USB port on the Mac platform.
• Simplicity - the Wireless DisplayLink adapter contains all the necessary software in an onboard Flash driver, supporting a true plug and project experience. Both Wireless DisplayLink adapters are powered via the USB connectors so no external power is required.
• Flexibility - Because they are about the size of your average USB thumb drive, they'll fit into any briefcase, laptop bag or accessory pouch. Both male and female adapters are designed to connect and rotate to three different positions for maximum flexibility in tight spaces.
• Performance - with a one-to-one connection between any MacBook and InFocus DisplayLink enabled projector, the Wireless DisplayLink adapters provide crisp and clear images delivered with fast and reliable Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology.
• Complete - enjoy presentations, video and online content projection with audio playback on the projector's built-in speakers for complete audio visual experience. In addition, the system supports the InFocus laptop control application, enabling users to control the projector over the wireless link without the need to physically access the projector.
• Security - the USB compliant adapters have a proprietary relationship and are factory pre-paired to ensure secure transmissions over a 128 bit encryption protocol - project seamlessly and securely.

Wireless System's key features:  

• Point to point wireless connectivity based on reliable UWB radio link
• Universal solution for MacBook platforms with an adapter that connects to a USB port for audio, video and control
• Connectivity from anywhere in the boardroom, classroom or lecture hall, from distances of up to 30 ft
• Pre-paired adapters (MacBook Adapter and projector are already associated with each other upon purchase) for hassle-free, plug and project operation
• Onboard Flash driver in the MacBook Adapter contains all the required drivers and speeds up software installation
• High speed connectivity that does not load the WiFi network in the office or at home and does not degrade its performance, for simultaneous operation and projection of Internet content
• Wireless audio and video (wireless system supports up to 2048x1152 and 720p video, actual resolution depends on the projector model)
• Mac Leopard (10.5) and Snow Leopard (10.6) OS support

Supporting Quotes

Stephen John, Product Manager at InFocus:

"We are excited to offer our Wireless DisplayLink system to Mac platforms users and reach additional market segments in which MacBooks are so popular. Since the product launched in August 2009 we've seen a clear demand to support Mac OS and we are pleased that Wisair enhanced its wireless solution to enable it. The additional audio support, together with the ability to control the projector over the wireless link, provides presenters and their audience with a complete audio-visual-control experience, enabled by the UWB wireless technology. To get this experience today users have to use two or three cables and now they can simply plug an adapter into a USB port and get audio, video and control wirelessly. InFocus is determined to continue adding features and capabilities to our Wireless DisplayLink system and intends to closely work with Wisair to define and implement such capabilities as a software update. This will allow our current customers as well as future customers to benefit from those future enhancements."

David Yaish, Wisair President and CEO

"Wisair is committed to continue providing the best and most complete wireless laptop to projector solution. UWB is the most suitable technology for such solutions, enabling video, audio and control transmission with high performance and very low latency.  Adding Mac OS support as a software was a natural step to allow InFocus to increase its market share. The solution provides Mac users with a new experience of simple and convenient wireless connectivity that does not exist today even in wired connectivity, for audio, video and control. We are very pleased to work with an innovative leading partner such as InFocus and get clear visibility to the projector market requirements."

Wisair @ MacWorld 2010

At the coming Mac World (February 9th - 13th in San Francisco), Wisair will demonstrate its wireless solutions for MacBook and MacBook Pro platforms including the InFocus Wireless System (booth #885). To schedule a meeting at Mac World please send a meeting request to:  macw2010@wisair.com

About InFocus

InFocus is the industry pioneer and a global leader in the digital projection market. The company's digital projectors make bright ideas brilliant everywhere people gather to communicate and be entertained - in meetings, presentations, classrooms and living rooms around the world. Backed by more than 20 years of experience and innovation in digital projections, and over 245 patents, InFocus is dedicated to setting the industry standard for large format visual display. The company is based in Portland, Oregon with operations in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit the company's website at www.InFocus.com.

About Wisair

Wisair is a fabless semiconductor company providing Ultra Wideband (UWB) and Wireless USB solutions based on its CMOS single chip. Wisair's solutions offer the best combination of performance, price, and power consumption for UWB and Wireless USB products. For more information about Wisair and about products based on our technology visit: http://www.wisair.com/shop/.

Wisair is a registered trademark of Wisair. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE Wisair

RELATED LINKS
http://www.wisair.com
http://www.InFocus.com

Wedding Paper Divas (www.weddingpaperdivas.com), a leading online retailer of premium, personalized wedding stationery, announced today the launch of an exclusive wedding stationery collection designed by internationally acclaimed celebrity wedding designer, Diann Valentine. Valentine is the creative mastermind behind the weddings of Usher, Toni Braxton, Kelis, Lela Rochon and Boyz II Men's Shawn Stockman.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100208/SF47777)

"Given the plethora of wedding trends and traditions, I have chosen to speak for the woman who embraces her individuality in every aspect of her life – especially on her wedding day," said Valentine. "My new line of invitations from Wedding Paper Divas gives this bride-to-be permission to express her love through a printed ensemble that will be remembered long after the first dance and the cutting of the cake."

The stationery designs from Valentine reflect her distinct aesthetic, which includes the use of bold colors and modern motifs inspired by her love for natural wonders of the world. In addition to featuring traditional pieces, such as wedding invitations and save the date cards, the collection will also feature a new product conceived by Valentine called "rainy day cards." These rainy day cards are small note cards given to guests so they can write words of encouragement for the couple to save and read on a "rainy day" when they need to be reminded of why they chose to commit their lives to one another.

Valentine's designs will be available exclusively through Wedding Paper Divas, where customers can use the site's etiquette and personalization tools to select from suggested wording and layout options, or write their own verses using a variety of font types, sizes and colors.

For more information on this collection, or to see the exclusive design inspired by Valentine's own wedding invitation, visit www.weddingpaperdivas.com/diannvalentine.

About Wedding Paper Divas

Wedding Paper Divas offers premium, personalized wedding stationery. Wedding Paper Divas works with well-known, as well as up-and-coming, artists who design wedding invitations, bridal shower invitations and save the date cards that fit today's trends and romantic inspirations. Every design from Wedding Paper Divas is exclusive, which means it cannot be found anywhere else online or offline. Additionally, all Wedding Paper Divas products are printed on the highest quality paper and are completed in a fraction of the time for a fraction of the cost of most local wedding retailers. Wedding Paper Divas is a part of the Tiny Prints, Inc. family.

About Diann Valentine

Diann Valentine is the founder and creative force behind D. R. Valentine & Associates, Inc. a full-service wedding, event and interior design and production firm based in Los Angeles, California. Valentine is the author of Weddings Valentine Style: Rich Inspiration For Every Woman's Dream Day and the host of TNT's Wedding Day. Valentine's approach to design navigates the thin line between being unique and creative without appearing outrageous. A native of Oakland, California, Valentine lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter.  

SOURCE Wedding Paper Divas

RELATED LINKS
http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com

Autometrics' Pulse™, the first predictive demand indicator for new vehicle sales, has forecasted that Toyota demand has declined 28 percent (seasonally adjusted) in the U.S. since Toyota announced sales suspension and a recall of many of its models.  Autometrics says that practically all Toyota models have seen demand decline, not only the eight models subject to accelerator pedal issue.

"The initial beneficiary of the decline in demand for Toyota vehicles are the General Motors brands following the launch of GM's $1000 incentive to Toyota owners to terminate their lease," said Stephen Shaw, Autometrics CEO.  "GM's boost has come off its initial peak since it first targeted Toyota owners on January 27 but is still quite dramatic."

As of February 3, GM brands had increased their share as follows: Chevrolet (+9 percent), Buick (+17 percent), Cadillac (+10 percent) and GMC (+19 percent).  In recent days, Ford Motor Company has become a new beneficiary, with an increase in demand of 10 percent.   Other brands showed little or no change after the data was seasonally adjusted. 

Toyota's luxury brand Lexus, which was not involved in the sales suspension but is recalling some models due to a separate floor mat issue, appears to have been more insulated from Toyota's decline.  Lexus demand was down 8 percent as of February 3, while Scion was off 6 percent. 

Only the Toyota 4-Runner SUV showed an increase in demand. Toyota models declined as follows: 

    
    
    RAV-4             -53%
    Avalon            -45%
    Corolla           -44%
    Camry             -42%
    Tundra            -39%
    Highlander        -34%
    Sequoia           -34%
    Matrix            -33%
    Sienna            -26%
    Yaris             -21%
    Venza             -21%
    Tacoma            -12%
    Land Cruiser       -9%
    Prius              -8%
    FJ Cruiser         -2%
    4Runner           +18%
    

How Autometrics' Pulse™ is Calculated

• Pulse™ is driven by more than 100 data sources including major automotive sites, the car buying sections of major portals, automotive enthusiast sites etc.
• Pulse™ is updated nightly, with yesterday's results released "real time" the very next day.
• Pulse™ is the largest demand data set available anywhere with over 300,000 data points tracked daily.
• Pulse™ captures demand for all makes and models down to the zip code level.
• Pulse™ has been proven by automotive manufacturers and academics to be highly predictive of new vehicles sales even at the local level.

Pulse data is updated on a regular basis at www.autometrics.com

About Autometrics

Autometrics was founded in the United Kingdom in 2000, is privately owned with offices in London, New York, Los Angeles and Detroit. It is focused on helping clients make "better decisions faster" through actionable data and analytics technology with a strong focus on the automotive industry.  Autometrics pioneered the concept of hosted business intelligence software in 2003 (according to Forrester) and manages client data for web analytics, ad spend, paid search, sales leads, sales transactions, customer records, order banks, surveys, stock levels, third party competitive analysis, call centers, etc.  

The Autometrics Platform offers an integrated hosted Business Intelligence application for advanced data quality profiling, business intelligence, query and analytics, dashboards and predictive modeling.  Autometrics has built up a strong track record and reputation in high client data quality standards and meeting delivery schedules.

SOURCE Autometrics

RELATED LINKS
http://www.autometrics.com