|
25th November 2008
When writing creatively, it is rather ironic that as writers we often put ourselves in a box and then refuse to think outside of it. It is hardly creative! This is particularly true when it comes to developing the story line for your work. We pick a plot ... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo23rd July 2008
It’s that time of the year again. As we move into the middle of the hot summer months, the surf and turf is rolling again in Del Mar. Yep, the horse races have started again.
Del Mar is a beautiful little coast town located in the North County area ... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo07th April 2008
Whether you are hooked on bird watching or just like to know what you are looking at, knowing your birds is important. In this article, we take a look at Purple Martins.
As the name suggests, Purple Martins are a colorful bunch. Only the males actuall... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo12th February 2008
Death and taxes are those two things you can never escape. When forming a corporation, making your tax year designation is a fundamental step you need to take carefully.
Taxes are defined by something magical known as the fiscal year. It is a 365 day ... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo31st January 2008
If you are just getting into fishing, you can quickly become confused by some of the quarks in the terminology used. Here are some of the oddities that reveal you shouldn’t take everything as it seems.
Oddly, the first area of odd terminology is in ... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo31st January 2008
As an angler, your fishing rod is obviously a valuable tool that needs to be maintained and protected. This means keeping it from the clutches of the predator known as your vehicle.
Long ago in a parallel universe, a war was instigated between two gro... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo30th January 2008
Yes, it is cold and dreary outside in much of the country, but that doesn’t mean you can’t mentally escape to the warmth of summer and a vacation. Start planning now and you’ll be on your way mentally!
When looking at a blanket of snow, it can be... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo23rd January 2008
When you start rock climbing, you’ll most likely just be playing around on surfaces that aren’t too high. Once you decide to get serious, it will be time to get technical and that means carabiners.
What is a carabiner? It is a metal loop that has ... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo21st January 2008
It happens every year. You forget to file some tax form and get into a panic trying to find the correct form, fill it out and slam it into the mail before the relevant deadline. This madness may be coming to an end.
The efforts of the IRS to update its... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo07th November 2007
As most know, you have been able to obtain an EIN online through the IRS for new businesses. The process was fairly confusing, however, because the IRS essentially just put a form online. That has all changed.Just so we are clear, EIN stands for employee ... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo13th August 2007
Conversation with BenjamÃn Ochavano, Peru 2002
Howard G Charing & Peter Cloudsley interviewed Shipibo Ayahuasca Shaman Benjamin Ochavano in the Amazon Rainforest of Peru, who is in his mid seventies to discuss how Ayahuasca can help those Westerners w... Read >
Author: Howard G Charing12th March 2007
For all the complaining about taxes, it is rather amazing that taxpayers leave so much money on the table each year. The IRS recently announced that 2.2 billion dollars in refunds are about to expire unclaimed.
April 17, 2007 represents Christmas for ... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo15th February 2007
If you are going to explore exciting and interesting foreign lands, you have to get there. This almost always means sitting on a long flight.
It is rather ironic that sitting for long periods of time can wear you out. It isn’t the exertion that gets... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo12th February 2007
Nothing can be more annoying than trying to cut high utility bills. Many people just give up and assume there isn’t much they can do about it. In truth, a couple of trees can make a big difference.
Whether you realize it or not, you home is taking a... Read >
Author: Rick Chapo12th February 2007
The early bird gets the worm, a cliché that rings true in nature. If you are going to head off for some bird watching, you need to go early and stay comfortable.
The old saying is the early bird gets the worm, a suggestion that this is true for all a... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo08th February 2007
If you itemize your deductions, you may be in for a windfall on this years tax. Yep, Congress has renewed the optional sales tax deduction. Of course, you have to figure it out.
If you itemize your tax deductions, you already know that you can claim a... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo06th February 2007
When forming a business, it is often difficult to come up with a name. Many people just use their personal name, but a fictitious business name filing provides other opportunities.
When naming your business, it is often smart to assign your own name t... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo31st January 2007
The tax code and regulations are incredibly complex, but you are assumed to know and understand them all. How scary is that? Unless you have a very simple tax situation, professional help is the way to go.
Finding someone to prepare your taxes might s... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo26th January 2007
Like Pavlov’s dogs, we all habitually collect the mail each day. Ah, but what if you get a notice letter from the IRS contesting the math on your tax return?
Ask most people what they fear and an IRS audit is usually somewhere on the list. The storie... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo26th January 2007
When it comes to downloading music on the web in a legal fashion, Itunes is the undisputed leader. Well, maybe not in Norway.
Norway has a unique set of laws related to technology, particularly as it applies to the web. One set of laws tries to create... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo24th January 2007
2006 may have been a momentous year for those of you involved in relationships. If you married or divorced during the year, your tax situation changed whether you know it or not.
Relationships and love are two of those great mysteries in life. If you f... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo18th January 2007
We are from the government and we are here to help you. Most people would run screaming at this point. In this case, it is good news. The IRS is offer free tax help
The tax code is huge. Throw in the regulations interpreting the code and it is gargantu... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo18th January 2007
The IRS is offering a new split tax refund option this year for parties that choose direct deposit for their tax refunds. Why? The agency wants to promote savings.
Let’s be honest. What is the first thing you do when you get a tax refund? Do you pay ... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo09th November 2006
In a world full of video games and little together time, it is hard for families to find time together. Bird watching with your kids is one way to get some fresh air and spend time together.
Try Bird Watching With Your Kids
Bird watching has a lot ... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo09th November 2006
Writing is incredibly enjoyable, but also perplexing. Inevitably, you get the best ideas or breakthroughs when you are nowhere near your computer or pad and paper.
Writing and Focus
If you are a writer, you will inevitably run into that moment when... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo09th November 2006
Finding inspiration when you are writing is often a haphazard affair. When you are physically ready to write, nothing comes. When you are pumping gas, an epiphany!
Writing on the Hoof
It happens to me all the time. I work all day writing a wide vari... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo25th July 2006
No, I didn't misspell the word sweet. Suet is a particular food that birds just can't resist, to wit, a great way to attract them to your bird house.
A Suet Way To Attract Birds To Your Yard
Make no mistake about it, Suet is some nasty stuff. It is... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo28th May 2006
The IRS has decided to give up the fight on an ongoing legal issue regarding taxes it has collected on long distance telephone services. Here is the scoop.
The IRS Owes You Money If You Have Paid Long Distance Phone Taxes
Every one of us pays for s... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo26th May 2006
Fountains are a popular addition to most landscaped yards. Solar fountains give you the benefit of traditional fountains without running up your electrical bill every month.
Sprucing Up Your Garden With Solar
Mention solar power and people get an ... Read >
Author: Rick Chapo20th May 2006
Developing an energy efficient, yet ample, heating system for your property can be complex. Retaining a professional is a smart way to make sure you get it right.
Should You Get Help With Your Home Heating Plans?
It gets chilly in the winter in mos... Read >
Author: Rick Chapo27th April 2006
If you live and work outside of the United States, I may have some very good news for you. Although Americans are taxes on their worldwide income, you may be able to claim a huge deduction.
Dealing With Taxes If You Live and Work Outside The United Sta... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo27th April 2006
Many people understand the concept of passive solar for heating a home. Fewer realize it can be used in to cook food and sterilize water.
Cooking With The Power of the Sun
A solar oven is pretty much what it sounds like. It is used to cook food and ... Read >
Author: Rick Chapo27th April 2006
The magic tax date of April 15th has passed. If you did not file a tax return or extension request, you need to consider the following.
Didn't File Anything with the IRS on April 15th?
The Internal Revenue Service is a bit touchy about filing tax r... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo25th April 2006
Whitewater rafting is simply a blast, pun intended. This brings us to the river of no return, an excellent challenge in Idaho.
Rafting The River of No Return
Idaho is an incredibly beautiful state, a place with no massive cities or the resulting ur... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo20th April 2006
Undoubtedly, you are aware of Dear John letters. Often a young lady sent them to men in the military, often containing bad news. Well, the IRS sends them to taxpayers as well.
Dear John Letters From The IRS
The Internal Revenue Service sends out mil... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo01st April 2006
Madrid is a city almost without equal in Europe. If you need a break from it, you can take a day trip to Avila to catch a bit of fresh air and see some amazing sites.
Avila, Spain
Madrid has so much going on it is often hard to drag yourself away fr... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo28th March 2006
It has been claimed that our nation is infatuated with a variety of things from civil rights to freedom. Bah! If we are honest, we will admit we are infatuated with gadgets.
Solar Gadgets – Gotta Love Them
Forget the oil addiction, our biggest weak... Read >
Author: Rick Chapo25th March 2006
Give me convenience or give me death. When this cliché is applied to water in a home, we are talking about water heaters that produce hot water immediately.
I Want Hot Water and I Want It Now!
There are certain types of water heaters that provide h... Read >
Author: Rick Chapo11th March 2006
Ratings for the Oscars were down a whopping 10 percent compared to 2005. Well, at least the Internal Revenue Service was watching.
Goodie Bags – Not So Goodie
Actors that get nominated for an Oscar are might happy indeed. Praise rains down upon the... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo05th March 2006
Jumping in your RV and leaving the rat race for the weekend is an American tradition. Did you know you can provide power to your RV with the sun while getting away from it all?
The Sun is Everywhere!
One of the biggest misconceptions regarding solar... Read >
Author: Rick Chapo25th February 2006
American's love rebates. Whether rebates are offered on computers, software, cars or whatever, we snatch them up. If your considering going solar, you'll be happy to hear rebates are available.
Solar Rebates
As most people know, a rebate is a give ... Read >
Author: Rick Chapo23rd February 2006
Every year, the IRS announces that it is holding unclaimed tax refunds. Taxpayers have a limited time to claim the $2 billion dollars the IRS is currently holding.
Three years is a magical number when it comes to tax returns. It refers to the statute o... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo21st February 2006
If you work in a service where you get tips, guess what? The IRS expects you to report them and pay taxes on them.
Your Tip Earnings and Taxes
The internal revenue service takes a very simple approach to tips. It views all tips you make in your job... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo14th February 2006
Like death, paying taxes is inevitable. In the case of most Americans, tax season is just around the corner. If only paying taxes was so easy.
As you begin pulling out those receipts, the eraser and reading plain English tax instructions that Einstein ... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo05th February 2006
Using the inherent heat in the ground, geothermal, is being pushed by many experts as a great energy source. While this is generally true, there are some negatives as well.
There is no disputing that we need to wean ourselves off of fossil fuels. While... Read >
Author: Rick Chapo01st February 2006
If you love the color green, Olympic National Park is for you. Located in the State of Washington, this park is simply beautiful.
With plenty of rain throughout the year, the park is in a constant state of insanely beautiful green. Much bigger than i... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo28th January 2006
If you're a history buff, Antietam National Battlefield is a national park you have to see. Antietam, of course, is a major civil war site.
Antietam National Battlefield is simply huge. Located in the middle of Maryland, the national park is made up of... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo10th December 2005
Any points that you pay in the refinancing of your residence are tax deductible over the length of the loan in question. The deduction is allowable only if the residence is your primary home and the new mortgage replaces a previous one and/or is used to i... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo10th December 2005
On September 23, 2005, the Internal Revenue Service began sending notices to tax payers in thirteen states that there may be a problem with their tax payments. Here is the scoop.
Traffic School?
It seems one of the trucks carrying the payments was i... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo10th December 2005
Hit a big one? With more and more gambling establishments, keep in mind the IRS requires people to report all gambling winnings as income on their tax return.
Gambling income includes, but is not limited to, winnings from lotteries, raffles, horse and ... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo10th December 2005
Newlyweds and the recently divorced should make sure that names on their tax returns match those registered with the Social Security Administration (SSA). A mismatch between a name on the tax return and a Social Security number (SSN) could unexpectedly in... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo10th December 2005
Taxpayers have two easy and convenient options for getting copies of their federal tax return information — tax return transcripts and tax account transcripts — by phone or by mail.
A tax return transcript shows most line items from the tax return (For... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo10th December 2005
"Depreciation." For business owners, this word is the one most likely to inspire headaches and fits of cussing. The expanded provisions of Section 179 are just the medicine you need to cure the depreciation blues.
Depreciation
Traditionally, if your... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo06th December 2005
If you're in business, you're interested in the IRS mileage deduction rates. The 2005 rates fluctuated because of high gas prices and now the 2006 rates have been released.
Standard Mileage Deduction – 2005
In a move not seen for some time, the IRS... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo06th December 2005
The IRS has issued a warning regarding a phishing email scam. The scam claims you are due a tax refund, but is really designed to obtain your personal information.
Tax Refund Email Scam
Phishing scams are designed to swindle you into providing priv... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo29th November 2005
If you're think getting a visa to travel to Russia is difficult, you should try getting one to travel around the country. Living in Russia, I needed just such a Russia travel visa to go to a human rights conference. Ironic, eh?
Russia Travel Visa
Un... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo23rd November 2005
The holidays are a great time to gather the family. Alas, your holiday experiences can fade with time. The best way to prevent this is to keep a journal for your holidays.
Holiday Writing Journals
Take a minute to give some consideration to the holi... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo16th November 2005
It seems a day doesn't go by without a company announcing it has lost or had customer data stolen. TransUnion Credit Agency has now joined the parade of identity theft.
TransUnion Credit Agency
In late summer, TransUnion discovered that over 3,600 ... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo11th November 2005
Athens is known for archeological sites and history. If you want a break from history, Athens has much more to offer travelers.
Athens
You've seen the Acropolis, you've hit the museums and you're trying to figure out if it is time to head to the isl... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo09th November 2005
Fly fishing is all about finding a great location, preferably in the middle of a hatch. The Green River in Utah was one such place, but is it still?
The Secret Is Out
No less than five years ago, it seemed like you head to the Green River and see fe... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo04th November 2005
Often consider "Rome Light", Florence is the city of the Medici and art galore. Despite this, there is an odd modern influence in this hallowed city.
Florence
When it came to the Renaissance, Florence was definitely one of the places to be. The cit... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo04th November 2005
When visiting Italy, it seems every destination has enough historical sites to keep you busy for a month. Oddly, Milan and Pisa don't fall into this category.
Milan
Milan is a thoroughly modern city and I would hazard to guess a wealthy one. This i... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo04th November 2005
Italy is really two countries in one with the wealthy, historic north dominating. To get a taste of the south, Naples and Sorrento are your destinations.
Naples
If ever there was a city with a reputation, it is Naples. Dirty, nasty, crime infested ... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo01st November 2005
Calcutta, India is a city known for having a serious poverty problem. While this is true, there is much more to the place.
Calcutta
Calcutta is a colonial city organized during the period of British rule, which means a great majority of it is only ... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo01st November 2005
The Oregon Trail holds a unique place in the history of the United States. Thousands of pioneers used the trail to populate the middle and western parts of the country in the 19th century.
Oregon Trail
In the eighteen hundreds, the east coast of th... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo01st November 2005
Held in Cordova, Alaska, the Copper River Delta Shorebirds Festival is a bird watcher's dream come true. Hundreds of thousands birds migrate to the delta for your sighting pleasure.
Copper River Delta Shorebirds Festival
Held every May, the Copper ... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo29th October 2005
Traveling can be a humbling experience, particularly when you travel to a foreign country. Such experiences, of course, give rise to travel jokes.
Travel Jokes
1. Three brothers are sitting at the bar in a Moscow establishment. An older man is sitt... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo29th October 2005
With shores on two oceans, Mexico is a beach lover's paradise. Here's a primer on three of the beach areas, Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada.
Puerto Vallarta
Considered a poor man's Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta lies in the middle of the Bahia de Banderas,... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo28th October 2005
Thailand is known as the land of smiles, which is amazing considering the traffic jams in Bangkok. For budget travelers, Thailand simply can't beat on price alone.
Thailand
Thailand is an odd mix of contrasts. It can be extremely stressful while tr... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo27th October 2005
Following jam bands is a blast because of the music, places you see and cool people you meet. Jam band journals are great ways to keep track of your shows.
Jam Band Journals
Undoubtedly, the Grateful Dead was the greatest jam band in history, but ot... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo25th October 2005
Live in another country and you'll start to experience serious cultural differences. This is particularly true as I discovered with Halloween in Siberia.
Russian Holidays
I loved living in Russia and the primary reason was people. Russians love to ... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo25th October 2005
No bird watcher is complete without his or her bird watching journals. When you go bird watching, you need to keep your life list.
The Life List
If you are or become an avid bird watching enthusiast, you're going to need to keep records. The reason... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo22nd October 2005
When visiting Hungary, it is easy to fall in love with Budapest and never venture beyond the city. If this happens, you'll rue the day you missed a chance to visit Lake Balaton, Visegrad and Szentendre.
Lake Balaton
Lake Balaton is located in the wi... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo22nd October 2005
The Danube River runs through the center of Budapest in Hungary. In the middle of the city chaos lays an oasis of tranquility, Margaret Island.
Margaret Island
Margaret Island is one of the unique elements of Budapest. The island is located in the m... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo19th October 2005
Madrid and the attractions of southern Spain tend to get all of the attention. In the northern part of the country, Santander, Zargoza and Vigo are hidden gems.
Santander
Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Santander is a city going about i... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo19th October 2005
France and Paris, Paris and France. You'll have a great time exploring Paris, but you'll miss places like Bordeaux and St. Tropez if you don't get out of the city.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is both a city and the center of the wine region in France. As a c... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo01st October 2005
In 1999, I moved to Chita, a city in Siberia, Russia to teach for a year. After seven days of planes, trains and, well, more trains, I was ready to experience Chita in all its glory.
Day 1 – Lenin's Revenge
Riding on a train for three plus days does... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo01st October 2005
Located in Southeastern Europe, Albania is a country off of the beaten travel road. Of course, this makes Albania a great place to visit.
Albania – History
Albania is a Mediterranean country sitting on the coast of the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo20th September 2005
The Riviera Maya on the Caribbean coast was a secret getaway to paradise for many years. No longer. Now it is considered one of the finest beach areas in the world.
Riviera Maya
Located on the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, the Riv... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo20th September 2005
A sleepy island area in the 1970s, Cancun has been transformed into a mega tourist destination. Located on the Caribbean side of Mexico, this resort area has something for everyone.
Cancun
Make no mistake, Cancun is a very tourist friendly destina... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo20th September 2005
Isla Mujeres in Mexico is a great way to escape the tourist crush in Cancun. Roughly 9 miles offshore, the island contains the Mexican beach culture of a bygone era. Oh, and the name translates to "The Island of Women."
Isla Mujeres
First things fir... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo20th September 2005
Xcaret is located roughly 45 minutes south of Cancun, Mexico. The park is advertised as an ecological and archaeological Disneyland. While there is a definite back to nature feel to the place, it is expensive and crowded with more than a slight overtone o... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo08th September 2005
Obviously, the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina has had a major impact on fuel supplies. The IRS is temporarily waiving regulations that ban the sale of certain diesel fuels to address shortages.
Dyed Diesel Fuel No Longer Banned
Diesel fuel ... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo08th September 2005
With the massive losses caused by Katrina, the economy of the Gulf Coast region is in extremely bad shape. Fortunately, there is a quirk in the tax code that can help you generate a large refund from your 2004 taxes.
Apply Losses to 2004 Taxes
When... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo08th September 2005
Located in the Andeas, Ecuador is a land of intrigue for travelers. Travel to Ecuador and you can trek the Amazon, climb volcanoes, or loaf on beautiful beaches. Perhaps the biggest reason to travel to Ecuador is a visit to the famous Galapagos Islands. R... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo08th September 2005
Travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada will be required to have a passport to enter or re-enter the United States. This is a change from prior travel requirements and will affect all United States citizens entering the Uni... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo08th September 2005
The legal protection known has "copyright" has come front and center over the past few years with major legal rulings regarding peer-to-peer networks on the Internet. Copyright protection, however, can be a confusing area of the law. This article details ... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo08th September 2005
If your business has employees, you must pay employment taxes. The payment system can be a bit confusing, so this article discusses how to go about depositing employment taxes with the IRS.
Depositing Employment Taxes
To pay employment taxes, you mu... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo08th September 2005
As an employer, you must pay employment taxes if you have employees. Fail to pay and the IRS will rain all over your parade.
Penalties
If you have employees, you absolutely must deduct and withhold various taxes from the paychecks of your employees... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo08th September 2005
Over 50% of marriages end in divorce in the United States. Many divorce decrees include provisions for the payment of alimony. The IRS takes the position that such payments constitute a form of income and create an alimony tax deduction for the person mak... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo08th September 2005
Marketing is a necessary expense in running practically any business and the IRS acknowledges as much. You may run advertisements on or in the Internet, radio, television, magazines, newspapers and other media to sell your products or services. You should... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo08th September 2005
Hit a big one? With more and more gambling establishments, keep in mind the IRS requires people to report all gambling winnings as income on their tax return.
Gambling income includes, but is not limited to, winnings from lotteries, raffles, horse and ... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo26th August 2005
Picking a fly fishing rod is a tricky endeavor. Do you go with your ego, expected fishing environment or something else? While length is a factor, the bend or action of the rod is a key factor.
Flexibility
Fly fishing rods are often defined by their... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo22nd August 2005
As teachers and students head back to school following a glorious summer, it's time to remind teachers to organize 2004 school expenses. Under a temporary tax code change, teachers can deduct certain school-related expenses from adjusted gross income.
... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo21st August 2005
If you're a birder, you want to keep a list of sightings when you bird watch. Your life lists should be kept in a bird watching journal.
Life List
A life list is a record of the species of birds you've sighted over time. Typically, the list is kept... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo10th August 2005
Many people are surprised to learn that the LLC business entity is a fairly recent phenomenon. Wyoming was the first state to legislate the creation of LLCs in 1977. Most states didn't jump on the LLC bandwagon until 1988 when the IRS classified the LLC a... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo14th July 2005
Millions of people file tax return extensions every year. The tax filing deadlines can rush up on your quickly. Fortunately, filing an extension isn't particularly difficult. For individuals, there are two available extensions.
Automatic Extension
W... Read >
Author: Richard Chapo
|
