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                                          LIVING TRUSTS: FACT AND FICTION           

Living trusts are powerful estate planning tools that can help many people.  Living trusts provide certain advantages that are not available with other estate planning devices.  Living trusts are a way to manage and control property during life and distribute property at death.  They are not, however, a cure-all.  Disciples of the living trust abound today.  They tout the advantages of living trusts with the fervor of a television evangelist.  Let’s separate the facts about living trusts from some of the fiction that is being advocated.

First, it is necessary to understand the nature of a living trust.  Technically, living trusts are “revocable inter vivos” trusts.  If a trust is “revocable,” the person who establishes the trust can change all or any part of the trust, so long as that person is competent.  “Inter vivos” is Latin for “during life.”  At death, the living trust becomes irrevocable.  Assets owned by living trusts generally are not included as part of the probate process at death.  Probate is the court proceeding by which a deceased person’s assets are gathered and distributed to his or her beneficiaries.

Fact or fiction, avoiding probate is always desirable?  In a strict sense, this is fiction.  Probate can be an expensive and time consuming process.  However, many states have adopted the modern Uniform Probate Code that substantially streamlines the process.  Also, there are some situations in which a probate proceeding may be desirable. 

Fact or fiction, living trusts always save money during administration of the estate?  By avoiding the probate court, living trusts may save on the associated attorney fees and court costs.  However, there are still income and estate tax returns to file and legal, administrative and asset transfer work to do.  This claim is not fiction, although it is hyperbole.

Fact or fiction, living trusts save on estate taxes?  Fiction.  Living trusts do not necessarily save federal estate taxes.  Estate tax saving provisions can be incorporated into living trusts.  However, those same provisions can be incorporated into a will.  Therefore, living trusts do not offer any inherent tax saving advantages.

Fact or fiction, living trusts are private?  This is largely fact.  By avoiding the probate process, you can keep the distribution of your assets private.  Also, if the trust is funded (i.e. assets have been transferred into the trust before death) the size of the estate can be kept quiet.  Note, however, that some transfers, notably real estate, are always public.  Note also that the probate process in many states prohibits outsiders from learning what assets are part of the estate’s inventory.

Fact or fiction, a living trust can help in the event of incapacity? Fact, provided you have either placed assets in the trust before incapacity or a device exists to place your assets into the trust in the event of incapacity.  Another device, the durable power of attorney, can be used in some cases as a less expensive alternative to the living trust when planning for incapacity.

A trust is not appropriate for every individual.  You should discuss the advantages of a trust with your estate planning attorney if:  1.  you are the parent of minor children, 2.  you desire privacy, 3.  you own real property, 4. your estate is in excess of the applicable exclusion amount, and 5. you wish to avoid probate.

The living trust is an important tool that provides many advantages.  Living trusts are not, and never have been, a panacea.  It remains important to work with an experienced estate planning attorney and evaluate all alternatives before adopting an estate planning strategy.

This material was prepared by Raymond James for use by Kevin F. Duffy CFP® CRPC, Vice President, Investments of (Raymond James & Associates, Member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC or Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC).

Kevin joined the Financial Services Industry in 2001; he has acquired both the CFP® and the CRPC® designations. These designations are a testament to his integrity and commitment to his clients. Kevin views every client relationship as unique and develops individual solutions to address individual goals. In today’s challenging market Kevin uses his knowledge to help retirees and pre-retirees like you plan for lifetime income, while minimizing the devastating effects of market risk. When you meet Kevin, he will address some of the common financial mistakes made by investors and how to overcome them. You do not want to miss this opportunity with Mr. Duffy.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/wealth-building-articles/living-trusts-fact-and-fiction-1650177.html

Mike Tyson on Oprah was brought to tears in an hour of conversation with the most famous female talk show host. He looked relaxed and bright when they tackled the abusive relationship with his ex-wife Robin Givens. A very cool and apologetic Mike Tyson spoke candidly regarding his relationship with Robin Givens, his ex-wife and the controversial death of his daughter.

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Mike Tyson admitted in front of the shocked audience, his abusive relationship with his wife and laughs after, before he can add that he wanted is to punch Givens because of disappointment. It can be recalled that Givens’ interview with Barbara Walters was the trigger of publicizing that she was abused and he expressed to Oprah that he regretted keeping silent on the issue. Oprah continued to ask Tyson if he did punched Givens and Tyson reluctantly confirmed wanting to and that she had punched him too.

While Tyson seemed so unapologetic on that scene yet he told that that he is better now than before and that he wanted also to apologize with Evander Holyfield, whereas he had bit off the ear of the boxer. This time, he seemed so sincere and Mike Tyson on Oprah said that he would like to apologize and speak with Holyfiled personally; blaming his opponent’s aggression on the ring and the constant head butts as the trigger of that unexpected incident.

Mike Tyson on Oprah general a lot of emotions and bring up debates about past issues, but the fact remained that this boxer still can stir the crowd as well as a cool man who can show that he’s changed and he wants to make amends.

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I have always been impressed with Japanese cuisine and culture. This article will discuss on its aspects and why Singaporeans find it so familiar, so much so that aspects of their culture seem to resonate with us. Firstly, they are rice eaters, just like us. In Singapore the staple diet of all the major cultures is rice. It is the centre of our dining experience and side dishes are just used to complement the rice and make it more delicious. Japanese rice is short grain and usually sticky.

They normally do not do anything to the rice because they perceived that it was important for the diner to experience the taste of the rice. A typical Japanese meal would consist of rice, miso soup and some side complementing dishes to complete the fair. They are also not heavy on seasoning and salt, because the Japanese believe that they take away the authentic taste of the food. As you can see, Japanese culture and cuisine interplay one another, and the whole concept behind it is simplicity and purity. They believe that too much seasoning, too much condiments and spices and cooking, came in the way of one’s ability to truly enjoy the natural taste of the food. This is why they usually enjoyed their food raw and with minimal cooking. However, their simplicity did not prevent them from using soya sauce, which plays a very important role in the Japanese kitchen.

Usually, the clearer type of soya cause is used to enhance the flavour and used as a seasoning to improve the dining experience. The Japanese also use soup stock with either seaweed or dried bonito. If you are looking for a traditional approach to eating Japanese food, then look out for restaurants that have the ‘Kaiseki’ eating experience, with is a formal way to present Japanese cuisine. It is slightly different that the Chinese style in the fact that the sequence of the services are decided by the cooking methods.

In Japan, these sort of restaurants are accompanied by music and performances by traditional Geisha or Japanese dancers. I doubt you can find the same thing in Singapore, but there are many Japanese restaurants in this country that offer a slightly tweaked version of this eating experience, adding customisability to the food and making it less formal. If you need to know what foods to try, just as the house chef or cook – Japanese cooks are usually extremely friendly and will recommend easy to eat foods for first timers. In addition to the tête-à-tête with cook, what is good for answer is the proximity sandwiched between where food is made and where it is eaten. The less the time amid food preparation and eating, the better is the taste.

Once you find your favourite dishes you can try them in other restaurants and you will know whether they are of good quality or not. This will be your introduction to Japanese cuisine and culture – right in the heart of Singapore.

Singapore is a beautiful country located in South East Asia. Besides being well known for its Singapore Tourist Attractions. You must also try out Singapore local food whenever you visit Singapore. Visit Singapore Chinese restaurant to taste authentic Chinese food in Singapore.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/japanese-cuisine-and-culture-right-in-the-heart-of-singapore-1310696.html

This vegetarian food guide will try to describe to you two things. One of them is the typical vegetarian foods that people consume and what makes up a vegetarian food diet. The second part of this article will recommend to the vegans and partial vegetarians out there where to find good vegetarian food in Singapore. Vegetarian food is made up of several things. The first is whole grain foods, which come in the form of stuff like cereals, corn, wheat, oats, rice and products that include pasta, bread and even the Mexican tortilla. They also include legumes like beans and peas, soy’s and pinto, kidney beans and garbanzos. They can come in the form of soy products like drinks and perishable food, friend and naturally prepared tofu and protein foods and can be served as ‘mock meat’

The best examples of vegetables that taste like meat are soy products and brinjal – when carefully prepared, can give the meat taste to vegetarians. Other things include fruits, nuts and seeds, a whole host of monounsaturated and vegetable oils, dairy products, eggs and sweets. There are two types of vegetarians in the world today, those who conform to a strict vegetable diet only, which means they do not eat eggs and dairy products because they come from animals, and the more causal vegetarians who eat eggs and milk – with some of them even eating fish and white meat. Whatever the case, these vegetarians do what they do and eat what they eat based upon the fact that they have a belief and philosophy in life, or wish to pursue a healthy lifestyle.

Many Hindus and North Indians in Singapore are vegetarian, which explains the sheer amount of North Indian and South Indian vegetarian restaurants all over Singapore. There has also been an ‘organic food’ explosion, with many organic restaurants opening up in Singapore, touting products and food that is one hundred percent all natural with cooking methods that do not include any sort of use of oil or animal products. This clean and green eating style has been gaining massive popularity in Singapore of late and more and more people have been patronising these eating houses. Just a quick stroll through Orchard Road will reveal many such places.

Their prices range from affordable to fine dining prices, and some vegetarians shy away because of the price. But not to worry, the suburbs of Singapore and the small rural neighbourhoods have a collection of vegetarian eating houses of all ethnic and sometimes international influences that are sure to offer you something that appeals to you. From strictly all natural eating houses to casual vegetarian restaurants, there is something for everyone. Chinese, Malay, North Indian, Mediterranean and even European influenced eating houses are there are your disposal and the good thing is, they are very descriptive when it comes to cooking methods and ingredients used, because they recognise that vegetarians are very particular about what they eat. For those with alternative tastes and need a vegetarian food guide, look up online and you will find plenty of places to dine at.

Singapore is a beautiful country located in South East Asia. Besides being well known for its Singapore Tourist Attractions. You must also try out Singapore local food whenever you visit Singapore. Visit Singapore Chinese restaurant to taste authentic Chinese food in Singapore.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/alternative-tastes-vegetarian-food-guide-1310925.html

There are many golfers who when they play badly, blames every aspect of the game right from their swing, balance, posture and tempo. These players misses one vital aspect of the game while they are busy blaming. Even though they might have spent hours in practice sessions, they can never master the game of golf if they are using equipments that are not suited to their style of play. This is one point that every golfer should keep in mind, if you are using unsuitable equipment you will never know that you are playing the bad game due to it.

It is therefore most essential that you know the following tips so that you may ensure that you purchase the right golf equipments at the onset

Beginners and juniors who are starting to play this game usually play with a set of pre-owned clubs. Before playing they should check the golf clubs. They should check every aspect of the clubs such as the shaft, club heads, and grips before checking the other parts of the club. They should know that grips can be quite easily changed. But what is important is that they should check the price and then if there is any damage to the shaft or the club head. If there is any damage they should not buy the clubs. They should also consider buying new golf sets as sometimes the pre-owned sets may not be so much cheap considering the fact that they must replace the grip and rectify other faults before playing with them.

However if you have considered  to buy a set of pre-owned clubs or have a set of golf clubs which require re-gripping then you need to be careful. You should remember that the grip on the golf club is the only contact that you have with the club; therefore you need to be sure that they are gripped correctly. You can purchase sets whereby you can grip the kit yourself; you need to ensure that you align the grip correctly. If you are not comfortable with performing this yourself then your local golf store should be able to accommodate you. When choosing a grip ensure that your hand size is taken into consideration, having big grips with small hand or having small grips with big hands can be disastrous to your game. Always, always clean and change your grips regularly.

All golf players should avoid using golf clubs that are not well fitted and this may lead to wayward shots. All the players are different in many aspects. You should remember that golf clubs are manufactured and designed for average person of average size and features. Every golfer is different in a number of different aspects and golf clubs are manufactured and designed for the average person of average size and stature. So before making any purchase you should get your golf clubs checked, measurements are taken and the fitter should watch you take a few swings, normally with tape attached to the clubs and a swing plate on the floor. At impact the tape is marked by the club hitting the floor and the fitter is able to determine what lie angle is optimal for you. The shaft will also be checked to ensure that it is the correct length for you. Having a set of custom fit golf clubs is like having a brand new set of golf clubs and is probably one of the best investments you can make in this game, at the end of the process you will have a set of golf clubs which have been professionally modified for your individual requirements.

Another important point to watch out before buying  golf equipment is that the golf clubs match your skill as a golfer even though there may be wedges in it. There are varieties of golf clubs with different models.  Some of these clubs are designed for low handicappers, some are designed for middle/high handicappers and some are designed for all skill levels. If you are a high handicapper then playing with a set of clubs which are designed for low handicapper will not help you in your game.

Sanjay Kumar writes content about Golf Balls, Golf Equipment and Women’s Golf Clubs .for more information visit at: Golf Balls

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/golf-articles/things-to-ensure-before-buying-golf-equipment-1303204.html

Fascinating Fact
Cigar aficionado CHARLIE SHEEN has a vault entire of premium smokes at his Los Angeles home.
Read more on Hollywood.com

Martial Vivot, Barber to the Famous and Not-Quite
Among his clientele: the men behind the most famous men.
Read more on New York Times

Is all that really necessary?
I have frequently heard the old axiom that one must suffer for one’s art. The way I always interpret …
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Notice what is actually forming the shape of the vowels, and you will discover that the work is being done behind the lips and teeth. This doesn’t mean that the lips aren’t part of the singing process , but that they are often given too much credit. The lip-vowel formations clear up and specify the vowels. but do not actually form the vowels

Of course the lips are very important in making words understandable. Besides finishing the work started at the back of the throat, they produce the consonants, M, B, and P, and the front of the tongue makes the T, D and L. But, again, the first-string formation of the vowels is executed at the back of the mouth, at the entrance to the throat

Since this all crucial function is being originated at the throat (picture a second set of “lips” at the back of your mouth, regulating themselves to make the vowels in much the same way the existent lips do), it is alive that the throat openeding up (the back of the tongue and the gentle palate) be kept comfortably opened (a yawny feeling) at all times when singing. If this area closes even a little bit, the vowel formation is restricted back there. There must be room for the throat to shape itself to form the vowels well

Ees. Ehs and oos cause problems because there has to be some closed-shaping at the top of the throat to form them. If the “throat-lips” are stamped down by a slow throat opening up, they create vowels which are twinged and leaden. (too shut)

It’s important to understand that Oos are actually Ohs with a little modification. They should feel much like singing an Oh. To practice this, sing an Oh and slowly shape it into an Oo. Use your imagination as much as physically seeking to make this happen. The top of the throat shouldn’t change much at all. You shouldn’t finger it close as it shapes the vowel

Also, we are taught early that an Oo is to be phonated with a small pencil-shaped opening. This puts too much flesh (lips) and boney things (teeth) in the way, muffling and dulling the sound. The lip formation for an Oo should be more opened (cigar size) Imagine the sound of the Oo resiling off the front top of the inside of the mouth. Imagine the sound of the Oo being brilliant and brisk. Sing and Ee and slowly alter it into an Oo. Does the sound lax its brightness and energy? Keep seeking this until it doesn’t

Try speaking while you are yawning sometime. This is the feeling you should go for when you sing. Just make bound that the feeling is at ease and not sore or disagreeable.

Since its release in 1999, the Ashton VSG has been the most successful blend of Ashton cigars to date. This is a very full-bodied cigar known for having a smooth and deep draw and a rich, complex, intoxicating flavor.

The term VSG stands for Virgin Sun Grown in reference to the fact that all tobaccos used in these cigars are sun-grown by nature. This powerful line is the personal handiwork of Carlos Fuentes Jr. himself, who worked in partnership with Ashton for a total of two years.

Four to five year-old Dominican tobacco is hand-picked from the most fertile plants. The unique flavor of the Ashton VSG comes from a wrapper that is grown on a private estate in Ecuador owned by the Oliva family where it is grown for the Fuente Family exclusively for Ashton. The wrapper matures slowly by sunlight filtered through the region’s natural cloud covering.

This is a powerful cigar with an intoxicating flavor with a complex rich finish. It is blended by Carlos Fuente Jr. using 4 to 5 year old Dominican tobacco hand-picked from the most fertile plants. The unique flavor of the VSG comes from a wrapper that is grown on a private estate in Ecuador owned by the Oliva family where it is grown for the Fuente Family exclusively for Ashton. The wrapper matures slowly by sunlight filtered through the region’s natural cloud covering.

This complex blend of flavor and color are derived from a couple of things. The first is the Dominican filler and binder that make up the heart of each of these fine cigars.

Carlos Fuente Jr. himself blends this line, using 4-5 year old Dominican tobacco that is hand-picked from his very best plants. A more complex layering of flavor derives from the superb Ecuadorian wrapper. The Ecuadorian wrapper is matured very slowly in filtered sunlight that trickles down through the natural cloud covering hovering over the Oliva familys private estate where it is grown.

The Ashton VSG is considered a full body smoke. Generally, it is most appreciated by veteran cigar aficionados who appreciate complexity in flavor and aroma. It is also a good cigar for bold new smokers who want to try something more powerful simply for the sake of appreciating the virtues of strength. Those who do so find that it has a creamy flavor as well that makes the draw as pleasant as it is powerful.

In fact, many cigar reviews have described this cigar as having an elegant, intoxicating flavor. Just after lighting, it has floral notes and flavors that remind you of plum. It also tastes distinctively of natural tobacco. Hints of spice, clove, and cinnamon are also present.

The Ashton VSG becomes moister toward the middle. Many report a leathery component and cedar sweetness. Toward the end of the smoke, a note of raw peanuts can be tasted. It is also well-loved because it has a slow, even burn thanks to an even and firm construction.

The Ashton VSG is distinctively square in shape that it has become a known form. You can also buy these cigars in a round shape if that is your preference. The most popular size is the 55 ring-size Torpedo. Ashton also makes this blend in ring sizes of 44, 46, and 52.

Cigars have long been associated with the rich and powerful, with relaxation and rich flavor.  Cigar aficionados have created a culture around the art of smoking, assembling various theories and accessories to debate and facilitate smoking.  Much like wine tasting, cigar smoking has been seen as a diversion of the upper echelons of society.

It is believed that cigars were probably first produced in Spain, and then quickly caught on in other European countries.  Although many different countries manufacture cigars, Cuban cigars have long been highly regarded as one of the most flavorful and rich of all cigars.  This is due to regional microclimates that are said to produce the highest quality tobacco, as well as the skill of the country’s cigar makers.  Other countries that produce significant amounts of tobacco and cigars include Brazil, Mexico, Honduras, Ecuador, Cameroon, Dominican Republic, Indonesia, and the United States. Why have cigars long caught the attention of so many?  Many speculate that the cigar’s main attraction is in the way it is manufactured.  High quality cigars are always wrapped by hand.  Unlike cigarettes, cigars undergo a lengthy process of fermentation and aging (much like wine), resulting in subtle flavors and textures.  They are highly individual and the best cigars will provide no smoky aftertaste at all.  

The taste of cigars is much more complex than cigarettes.  The majority of all cigars are created by wrapping three different layers of tobacco leaves together.  High quality cigars usually contain long leaves of nicotine as the filler, although they may also contain a combination of scraps.  This results in subtle variations, different textures, and complex flavors. Cigarettes, on the other hand, are mass-produced and generally only contain one type of tobacco.  Cigars also come in an incredible variety of flavors. The dedicated cigar aficionado can find chocolate, vanilla, apple, and even coffee-flavored cigars!  

Although cigars have long been lauded for their smooth and complex flavors, they can also pose a great health risk. All tobacco contains nicotine.  We’ve all heard about the negative health risks of nicotine, but what does it do exactly?  Nicotine is a stimulant that produces a sense of euphoria. Even the casual smoker cannot escape the fact that nicotine is highly addictive and contains various toxins, carcinogens, and irritants.  Although most connoisseurs of cigars will avoid inhaling the smoke, they are still at risk of developing various types of oral and larynx cancers.

Ashton Maduro cigars are known for their full, sweet taste and complex aroma. Due to the fact that the Connecticut shade-grown wrapper used to make the Ashton Maduro is very limited in supply, this is considered something of a rare cigar.

The filler and binder are both of exceptional quality, and they are both grown in the Dominican Republic. The combination of Dominican filler and Connecticut shade-grown wrapper has made this a prized cigar the world over.

A large number of cigar reviews have noted that the Ashton Maduro is a fantastic example of how fullness is different from strength. When cigar smokers talk about fullness, they are referring to the pleasure a smoker derives from the taste and the smell of the cigar itself.

This is very different from strength. Cigar refers to the power of the nicotine content in the blend.

One of the hallmarks of a truly great cigar is one does not get a severe punch to the adrenalin that could ruin the essence of the moment. Instead, the smoker gets a smooth, relaxing feeling that goes down just like a neat scotchor, even better, is smoked with a neat scotch.

A full-flavor cigar like the Ashton Maduro is a sure win with both neophytes and veteran smokers for this reason.

When an Ashton Maduro is initially lit up, its taste is very sweet. As the cigar burns, the flavor turns into a very rich and nutty flavor. One begins to notice subtle hints of apple, and a finish that many cigar reviews have referred to as a detectable, very appealing, creamy taste.

This subtle shift of flavors is as smooth as the draw of the cigar, and is never a shock to ones palette. It is present thanks to the fermentation and aging process of the Connecticut-shade wrapper in Sherry-finished, French oak barrels.

Ashton ages these wrappers for a very good reason. The intent is the make the cigar wrapper as oily as possible. New smokers are often surprised to learn that an oily wrapper on a cigar is a not a bad thing. Contrary to the world outside the cigar lounge, an oily wrapper is highly sought after as a distinguishing characteristic of a premium cigar. This is because dry wrappers do not burn as evenly, nor do they taste as good.

Not only is the wrapper of an Ashton Maduro of exceptional quality, but the filler is as well. These cigars are carefully rolled by hand by only the very best torcedores at the Fuente factory. So expert is the constitution of these cigars that the final product always feels perfectly smooth and firm within the grip.

It is just tight enough to not fall apart while smoking. At the same time, however, it is not too tight. A cigar that is too tight has too hard of a draw, but with this premium blend, nothing can be easier than to draw a pleasing and exceptional flavor from within its truly impeccable constitution.