New $3 Product Reduces Smoking $50/mo, Reduces Chances of Lung Cancer and Heart Failure, Hides Cigarettes from Children, and Creates New Positive Advertising space.

With more than 25 years of research into quitting smoking and the effects of cigarette packaging on children and the average smoker, Original Thought Inc. has released a product called The Sleeve, a protective, waterproof, reusable, printed polymer slip-on cover for cigarette packages.

April 25, 2013 , Original Thought Inc. has discovered that by covering a cigarette package with unrelated artwork, ads or photos, thus eliminating any reference to cigarettes, a smoker will on average smoke 20% less, which works out to about $50 per month for a pack a day smoker. OT Inc calls it "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" technology. They claim that The Sleeve works so well, that they give it a full 100% money back guarantee if it doesn't pay for itself in the first week of use.

Studies show http://www.medpagetoday.com/Cardiology/Prevention/17457 that heart attack survivors that reduce by just five cigarettes a day, decreases their chance of death by 18%, reducing can cut the chance of lung cancer by up to 27%. http://quitsmoking.about.com/od/lungcancer/a/lungcancerrisk.htm and reducing is quite often the first step to quit smoking.

OT Inc. claims, that their products most important job is hiding cigarette advertising from children. This point is so important that the US Government makes it a priority in the tobacco act http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-111publ31/html/PLAW-111publ31.htm and the Government of Canada has made it law to hide all cigarette advertising from the sight of children at the point of purchase.

OT Inc says that if cigarette advertising is that harmful to children at the point of purchase just imagine the harm of seeing it at home every day. It is for this reason that OT Inc claims that The Sleeve is the most important anti smoking product available today. A non-invasive tool that eliminates cigarette advertising, reduces smoking, protects children, and helps save lives.

OT Inc states that there is nothing more important than the future health and well being of our children, and it is all of our jobs to make sure that cigarette advertising is eliminated from their view, especially at home, it's easy to do and it pays in both money and health.

The cigarette package is the most vial piece of advertising there is, because it invades our homes and our lives all the while advertising cigarettes. So why not turn it into something positive.

OT Inc. says their mission is to eliminate cigarette advertising by replacing it with everyday advertising.that, along with the package goes everywhere, is pulled out 20 times a day (usually in a social situation), lasts months, puts money in the users pocket, helps their health, protects children and best of all advertises something useful. Advertising that helps people.

Original Thought Inc. is a manufacturer and looking to partner with any companies that can aid in overseas or domestic distribution of The Sleeve. There is 100 million smokers in North America and 1.5 billion world wide, so according to OT Inc. there is a big job to do.

Company Name: Original Thought Incorporated
Contact Person: Sean Ahearn
Email:Send Email
Phone: 705 649 5858
Country: United States
Website: http://www.thesleeve.com/
Source: www.abnewswire.com

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Jet Luxury Resorts Adds Grand Lucayan Resort To Burgeoning Roster

High-End Resort Management Company now to offer the Lanai Suites at the Grand Lucayan Resort in the Bahamas.

Jet Luxury Resorts, the national leader in the third party rental management space, is pleased to announce the addition of the Grand Lucayan Resort, Bahamas to its collection of 4 and 5 star luxury hotels and resorts.

Located on Grand Bahama Island, just 55 miles off the coast of Florida, Jet Luxury @ The Grand Lucayan, Bahamas offers some of the finest amenities in the Caribbean. Guests enjoy spacious accommodations, eight restaurants, three swimming pools, non-motorized water sports activities, four tennis courts - all offering Grand Slam surfaces, a 25,000 square-foot Senses Spa & Fitness Center, 18-hole championship golf course - The Reef Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., and 90,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space and a Las Vegas-style casino.

While staying at the Grand Lucayan Resort, guests can swim alongside dolphins, ride horseback down a white sand beach, spend the day bone fishing - or sit back and relax on an expansive 7.5-acre beach with views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea.

Within the Grand Lucayan Resort, Jet Luxury will represent the secluded Lanai Suites. These private 2 room, 900 square foot suites offer a balcony or patio, two full bathrooms each with a full bathtub, a king bed, a sitting area with a sleeper sofa, a desk and two phones with data ports. The Lanai Suites offer guests the perfect luxury amenities whether they're traveling for business or leisure and are a perfect choice for larger groups or families needing extra space.

"The Lanai Suites at the Grand Lucayan are truly one of a kind," states Steve Aylsworth, CEO of Jet Luxury Resorts. "We are very proud to be in partnership with this property and continuing our mission to provide the best deals for the best in luxury."

Although Jet Luxury offers a discount on inventory, guests that book through Jet Luxury Resorts receive all of the same amenities that a guest would receive when they book directly through the Grand Lucayan hotel: including concierge and room service, the use of pools and spas and check-in and check-out procedures. Jet Luxury is currently at resorts such as The Trump Waikiki, Trump SoHo NYC, Signature MGM, Vdara, Platinum, Palms Place in Las Vegas, and the Mondrian and Fontainebleau in South Beach Miami to name a few.

Jet VIP service goes another step by offering VIP's exclusive access to the Jet executive team and free download and use of the innovative new Jet mobile app R U Ready To Jet. Jet has touted this new app as its own Digital Butler, available to Jet guests 24/ 7.

To learn more about the newest addition to the Jet Luxury Resorts' family and to see the full inventory of Jet Luxury's 4 and 5 star hotels and resorts, click here.http://www.jetluxuryresorts.com/index.cfm

Rates and availability can be found at www.jetluxuryresorts.com Or by calling (877) 538-7389 for a real time quote.

About Jet Luxury Resorts:

Jet Luxury Resorts is the premiere international 4 and 5 star Resort Management Company that provides truly affordable luxury. Jet Luxury Resorts is able to offer exclusive, luxurious yet affordable inventory to the rental community through honest, lucrative and dedicated service to hotel, estate and fractional owners. Jet Luxury Resorts destinations can be found worldwide including New York, NY, Aspen and Telluride, CO, Las Vegas, NV, Malibu, CA, Mexico, Italy, Costa Rica, Miami, FL and Honolulu, HI. Find out more at http://www.jetluxuryresorts.com/

If you'd like more information about this topic or to schedule an interview with Richard Brosal, President of Jet Luxury Resorts, please contact Mandy Frangella at 877-538-7370 Ext. 132. Jet Luxury Resorts can be found on Twitter (Jetset9) and Facebook.

Company Name: Jet Luxury Resorts
Contact Person: Richard Brosal
Email:Send Email
Phone: 877-538-7370 Ext. 125
Address:6380 Valley View Blvd. Suite 114
City: Las Vegas
State: NV 89118
Country: United States
Website: http://www.jetluxuryresorts.com/
Source: www.abnewswire.com

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Maryland School Counselor Association Announces 2013 Professional Recognition Award Recipients

The Maryland School Counselor Association (MSCA) is proud to announce the 2013 Professional Recognition Award recipients for School Counselor of the Year and Advocate of the Year. The School Counselor of the Year award recognizes counselors who are successfully implementing innovative, comprehensive, and data driven counseling programs that support students' career, personal/social and academic development. These individuals are leaders who, in collaboration with other stakeholders in the educational community, promote equity and access to opportunities and rigorous educational experiences with the purpose of maximizing achievement for all students. The Advocate of the Year award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated belief in and support of school counseling programs that have had an impact on school counselors and students at the local or state or national level.

Elementary School Counselor of the Year: Ms. Jill Goodman, Whittier Elementary School, Frederick, Maryland. "Ms. Goodman's heart is truly with the children, families and staff she serves and comes in contact with on a daily basis." said Judith Michael, First Grade Teacher at Whittier Elementary School.

Middle School Counselor of the Year: Mr. William Marchione, Piccowaxen Middle School, Newburg, Maryland. "Mr. Marchione's passion for children is second to none." said Kenneth Schroeck, Principal of Piccowaxen Middle School. "He understands the importance of motivating students and is always a catalyst and positive influence that struggling learners need in their lives."

Counselor Advocate of the Year: Ms. Lisa Boarman, Coordinator of School Counseling And Related Services, Howard County Public Schools, Ellicott City, Maryland. Ms. Boarman has been an elementary and middle school counselor and is currently an associate professor in school counseling at Loyola University. She said, "I feel fortunate to spend my days supporting the 150 counselors in Howard County Public Schools." According to the counselors she serves, that feeling is mutual!

MSCA is proud to honor these award recipients at our Recognition Luncheon at the Maryland School Counselor Association Annual Conference, April 19, 2013 at Martin's Crosswinds in Greenbelt, MD.

The Maryland School Counselor Association (MSCA) is a chartered division of the American School Counselor Association and the Maryland Association of Counseling and Development. Our mission is to promote excellence in the profession of school counseling and to foster the full potential of all students regarding academic, career, and social-personal growth.

Company Name: MSCA
Contact Person: Jennifer Olden Jones
Email:Send Email
Phone: 240-423-3971
Address:1224 Irving Street NW
City: Washington
State: DC
Country: United States
Website: http://mscaonline.org/
Source: www.abnewswire.com

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World Renowned Yoga Instructor Caroline Klebl conducts Yoga Teacher Training Courses

Even noteworthy celebrities such as Madonna, Christy Turlington, David Beckham, Adam Levine and Ashton Kutcher enjoy the benefits of maintaining their health and youthfulness by practicing Yoga.

Caroline Klebl, founder of Source of Yoga, conducts Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City and in beautiful tropical retreat locations. Her Yoga Teacher Training is based on the Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga, which includes over 70 Yoga postures. This sequence of Yoga postures, quickly builds strength, increases flexibility and improves overall health.

Yoga Instructor, Caroline Klebl developed 200 and 500 hour Yoga Teacher Training Programs, which she conducts in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City and in beautiful tropical retreat locations around the world. Her certification courses are registered with the Yoga Alliance and surpass the international 200 and 500 hour Yoga Teacher Training standards. Graduates of her course have opened Yoga centers and teach Yoga all over the world.

Caroline Klebl's comprehensive Yoga Teacher Training programs are open to current and aspiring teachers and yoga practitioners all over the US and internationally. The combination of the high standard of practice of the Ashtanga Vinyasa System and the development of teaching skills are the fundamental components of this yoga teacher training. It introduces students to yoga practice safely and effectively. By learning the Ashtanga Yoga method, it is possible for participants to teach Vinyasa, Power and Ashtanga Yoga classes. For additional information please visit www.sourceofyoga.comC

Furthermore, each student is supplied with an Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training Manual specifically designed to give detailed information about Yoga Asanas and the Ashtanga Vinyasa System. To those who attend all scheduled classes, a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate will be issued at the end of the course.  Returning students and those who have already completed a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training, will receive a 200 hour Advanced Training Certificate toward 500 hour Certification. Beginners are welcome to attend the 200 hour program.

In addition to instruction in the practice and method of teaching of the over 70 yoga postures of the Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga, the training includes instruction in meditation, Ayurveda, Anatomy and Yoga Philosophy. The practice of Ashtanga Yoga quickly builds strength and increases flexibility. It eliminates toxins from the body, improves overall health and maintains youthfulness.

Reservation & additional Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Trainings:
To register, please visit www.sourceofyoga.com and check the schedule for Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Trainings with Caroline Klebl.

Caroline Klebl facilitates Yoga Teacher Training programs within the US and Internationally. She trained in Mysore, India with Ashtanga Yoga Guru Sri K Pattabhi Jois over the course of nine years and received a PhD in Yoga from the Indian University of Alternative Medicine. She has a background in Tibetan Buddhism, Iyengar and Viniyoga and studied Sanskrit, Yoga Philosophy and traditional Ayurveda in South India. She wrote a book on Ashtanga Yoga and produced an instructional Yoga DVD. For additional information please visit her website www.sourceofyoga.com

Company Name: Source of Yoga
Contact Person: Source of Yoga
Email:Send Email
Phone: 415-200-6794
City: Beverly Hills
State: CA
Country: United States
Website: http://www.sourceofyoga.com
Source: www.abnewswire.com

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Nice work if you can get it.. but fewer are getting it!

For those, like me, that have been bullish on the US economy, these less than stellar statistics should raise concerns about the strength of the US economic recovery. The unemployment numbers are skewed by several items. Job hunters that get discouraged and leave the workforce fall from the statistics, as such, the workforce numbers are falsely reduced.

Adding only 8,000 jobs in March, the US economy is showing definite cracks.

In further evidence that the US economy hit a speed bump, the US economy added just 88,000 jobs in March, the lowest increase for nine months.  This number was much weaker than the rise of approximately 200,000 predicted by many economists. 

“For those that have been bullish on the US economy, these less than stellar statistics should raise concerns about the strength of the US economic recovery” said Steve Picarillo in a statement.  “I have been concerned about economy for some time now" he continued. ”Given that most economists look at the addition of 90,000 jobs to the workforce as a benchmark that evidences growth of the workforce in excess of growth in the population.” 

“The unemployment numbers are skewed by several items, including discouraged job hunters” Steve remarked. “Job hunters that get discouraged and leave the workforce fall from the statistics, as such, the workforce numbers are falsely reduced.”  Indeed, due to this decline in the size of the workforce, the US jobless rate declined to 7.6% from 7.7% in February.

The retail sector, which lost 24,000 jobs in March, was the major factor behind the slow overall job creation. In a recent article, Mr. Picarillo expressed his concerns about the health of the retail sector. "Given the headlines on the sequester and the impact of increased payroll taxes, I have been concerned for a while about retail and other nongovernmental jobs ability to grow at a larger rate than the decline in governmental jobs.”  Consumer confidence continues to be negatively impacted by “a plethora of reasons, which hits retail spend and thereby retail employment patterns”, Steve added. 12,000 jobs were lost in the US Postal Service, owed to the staff reductions as it aims to cut losses. Other sectors of the economy performed better with 51,000 new professional and business services jobs being created, and 23,000 new healthcare positions. The total number of unemployment people in the US in March was 11.7 million.

There are many potential reasons that could explain the sudden slowdown in job creation. “Certainly the federal spending cuts, which took effect on March 1, had a negative impact on confidence, reducing hiring” Mr. Picarillo continued. It is also likely that the weakening job creation could be partly attributed to the increased cost of hiring an employee due to healthcare requirements and increased taxation.

“No matter what caused this weakness, we cannot allow certain statistics, that show positive momentum in the economy to be read in isolation. One needs to look at the bigger picture. The US economy is showing more and more cracks. Given the ongoing cuts in governmental spending and the weakness in retail, it is likely that these the statistics will continue to evidence weakness” Steve concluded.

 

Steve Picarillo is an internationally known financial analyst and author. Steve has spent most of his career on “Wall Street” as a lead analyst covering global financial institutions. Mr. Picarillo recently launched several businesses, including consulting services to large financial institutions and a cost savings consulting services focusing on small and mid-sized companies. Steve is also a branding and franchise expert, an expert on the global economic environment, and a motivational speaker.

To receive Steve’s newsletters and articles email steve@stevepicarillo.com. Company websites are www.stevepicarillo.com, www.creativeadvisorygroup.com and www.creativefranchisegroup.com.

Company Name: Creative Advisory Group, Inc.
Contact Person: Steve Picarillo
Email:Send Email
Phone: 212 810 2164 x 101
Address:132 East 43rd Street, MS 359
City: New York
State: NY
Country: United States
Website: www.stevepicarillo.com
Source: www.abnewswire.com

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Auto Dealerships Benefiting From Renovations with Increased Sales and, Yes, Lower Income Taxes

As a result of significant renovations, auto dealers are enjoying increased showroom traffic, increased sales, and a welcome increase in earnings. But this drive higher tax burdens. An engineering based cost segregation study, which applied tax compliant depreciation timelines to certain nonstructural components of the renovations may decrease tax burdens. Its worth a look at the benefits of these programs.

Many auto dealerships have implemented significant renovations as the industry continues to transform. The results are driving increased sales, increased earnings and higher taxes. To combat this, a number of dealerships are employing engineering based cost segregation studies to more quickly capitalize the tax benefits by applying tax compliant depreciation timelines to certain nonstructural components of the renovations.

Many auto dealerships in the US have implemented significant renovations as the industry continues to transform and the manufacturers rebrand themselves and recover from their financial woes of the past. There have been noticeable results; manufacturers and dealers are seeing increased showroom traffic, which is resulting in a recovery in sales.

With increased sales, comes an increase in earnings, which is a good thing. However, higher profits typically drive higher taxes. To combat this, a number of dealerships are employing engineering based cost segregation studies to more quickly capitalize the tax benefit associated with these renovations. Moreover, dealerships may be able to take advantage of bonus depreciation.

Engineering based cost recovery studies applies tax compliant depreciation timelines to certain nonstructural components of the renovations. For example, carpeting, which it is often depreciated over 39 years as if it was part of the structural item, could be depreciated over five years, which is more in line with its expected life.  Many other nonstructural building components can be depreciated in five, seven, and 15 years versus the more standard 39 years.

Furthermore, the tax benefits of properly depreciating current renovations can apply to the entire existing facility, including past renovations. Accelerated depreciation can result in increased cash flows in the early years after purchase, construction, or significant renovation of the property.  Indeed, our experience shows us that, in some cases, it is possiable to document as much as $200,000 of accelerated depreciation per $1 million of building. Assuming 35% tax rate, this will equate to a $70,000 improvement to the bottom line.

Moreover, dealerships may be able to benefit from bonus depreciation, which allows a business to make an additional deduction of 50% of the cost of qualifying property in the year in which it is put into service.  According to the IRS, this special "bonus depreciation" allowance is available to all businesses and applies to most types of tangible personal property and computer software acquired and placed in service in a particular year. It allows taxpayers to deduct 50 percent of the cost of qualifying property in addition to the regular depreciation allowance that is normally available.

In summary, cost segregation analysis, which dates back to 1959, may effectively lower a company's tax burden. Any dealership that has purchased, constructed, or renovated a property should look at the cost benefits of this type of study.

About the author – Steve Picarillo is a financial executive and consultant that focus on helping individuals and businesses achieve their business goals. Creative Advisory Group, Inc. is a consulting firm that, in addition to other services, offers cost saving solutions to small and midsize companies. For more information on cost-saving solution programs please visit www.creativeadvisorygroup.com or email steve@creativeadvisorygroup.com.

Company Name: Creative Advisory Group, Inc.
Contact Person: Steve Picarillo
Email:Send Email
Phone: 212 810 2164 x 101
Address:132 East 43rd Street, MS 359
City: New York
State: NY
Country: United States
Website: www.creativeadvisorygroup.com
Source: www.abnewswire.com

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Shopify Announces Winners of 3rd Build-A-Business Competition

10,084 participants sold over $55M in products. Winners awarded $50,000 investment for 5% equity stake.

Shopify, the industry-leading ecommerce platform used to create online stores, announced today the winners of its third “Build-A-Business Competition." During the 8-month competition period, over 10,000 entrepreneurs created new online businesses that sold over $55 million in products. Grand prizes are awarded to shops with the highest sales over a two-month period.

Shopify partnered with Timothy Ferriss (The 4-Hour Workweek), Daymond John (Shark Tank, FUBU), Tina Roth Eisenberg (swissmiss) and Eric Ries (The Lean Startup), to offer each of the winners a $50,000 US investment in exchange for a 5% equity stake in their company.

Participants were placed in one of four categories based on the type of product they sold, and assigned a mentor with specific industry experience: Electronics and Gadgets, mentored by Timothy Ferriss, Fashion & Apparel, mentored by Daymond John, Design, Art & Home, mentored by Tina Roth Eisenberg, and “Everything Else,” mentored by Eric Ries. The competition ran from July 10, 2012 to February 28, 2013, with each of the mentors providing advice and guidance along the way.

“A lot of people have a great business idea, they just need a little push to make it a reality,” said Shopify Co-Founder and CEO Tobias Lütke. “This competition helps turn ideas into profitable businesses. Participants create an online store with Shopify and start selling within days. Along the way, we give them access to advice about marketing and sales from their mentor – someone who has already made it big and knows the ropes.”

The competition winners are:

GameKlip (Electronics & Gadgets): Ryan French is an Applied Computational Math Science student at the University of Washington. He created GameKlip, a precision molded clip that connects android phones to a Sony DualShock3 controller, allowing for mobile game play with a full-sized controller.

Fresh-Tops (Fashion & Apparel): Spawned by an orgy of glitter, ice cream and electro pop, Fresh-Tops is an exciting fashion brand created by Nella Chunky. Nella produces limited edition women’s clothing and accessories based on requests and suggestions made by fans on Facebook.

GoldieBlox (Design, Art & Home): Debbie Sterling is an Engineer at Stanford University. She went on Kickstarter and raised $285,881 to create a construction toy that encourages young girls to get into engineering, develop spatial skills and hone problem-solving abilities.

SkinnyMe Tea (Everything Else): Gretta van Riel created this successful brand of tea to help people detoxify and lose weight. The teas, made from natural ingredients, are said to increase metabolism, remove unwanted toxins from the body, and even improve digestion, complexion, and sleep.

Canadian Icons (Canadian): Aron Slipacoff partnered with some of Canada’s most historically significant brands to offer “Canadiana” to people all over the world. His shop sells well-known Canada Goose down parkas and handmade mukluks and moccasins by Manitobah Mukluks. The Canadian Icons website also serves as a resource for Canadian history.

In addition to the grand prizes, Shopify is awarding each of the winners a VIP trip to New York City to meet with their mentors, along with $20,000 toward digital advertising, and a special one-hour media strategy training session with editors at Fast Company Magazine.

This is Shopify’s third “Build-A-Business Competition." In 2010, DODOcase, a handcrafted iPad, tablet and iPhone case company won the $100,000 grand prize. In 2011, Coffee Joulies, a company that manufactures polished stainless steel beans that regulates the temperature of coffee, won the $100,000 prize. Both companies have grown to become multi-million dollar businesses.

About Shopify
Shopify is an ecommerce platform that allows anybody to easily create an online store. Shopify currently powers over 50,000 active online retailers, including: Gatorade, Forbes, Tata Group, Tesla Motors, Amnesty International, Encyclopedia Britannica, LMFAO, CrossFit, and many more. Shopify was founded in 2006 and has received $22 million in Series A and B funding from Bessemer Venture Partners, FirstMark Capital, Felicis Ventures, and Georgian Partners.

Company Name: Shopify
Contact Person: Mark Hayes
Email:Send Email
Phone: +1-703-528-6552
Address:1901 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 405, Arlington, VA 22209,
Country: United States
Website: http://www.shopify.com/
Source: www.abnewswire.com

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