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Gems and jewellery sector worried over changes in Direct Taxes Code
Jan 22nd
Faced with severe margin pressures, members of the gems and jewellery industry (GJI) are tiffany now concerned about the proposed changes in the Direct Taxes Code, including provisions relating to search and seizure, tax deduction at source (TDS) and minimum alternate tax (MAT).
The All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF), an apex body representing the trade feels that since the proposed changes are in the draft bill now under circulation, the Finance Ministry could reconsider these provisions. If the Code gets cleared in the present form to be applicable from April 1, 2011, the industry would be adversely hit.
The Director of All-India Gems and Jewellery Federation, Mr Mohanlal Jain, said, “if these changes are not brought about before enacting the Direct Taxes Code Bill, 2009, the provisions relating to seizure of any stock in trade of bullion, precious and semi-precious stones or jewellery, is draconian and discriminatory against the GJF trade.” The seizure of entire stock in trade when there is any difference during raids is not acceptable. The GJF has also objected to 2 per cent tax on gross assets since the industry operates on small margins with high inventory valentines jewelry levels. There is a discrepancy in this as a company earning 2 per cent net profit will require to pay the same tax as a company earning 8 per cent net profit, Mr Jain said.
The GJI in India contributes to approximately 3 per cent of the gross domestic product of the country and is a key player in the economy. Therefore, it would be in the interest of the Government to ensure that it remains healthy and the trading community are not subjected to these proposed provisions.
“As a representative of the industry trade body, we are taking up the matter with the Finance Ministry and apex silver bangles chambers and hope that the changes are brought about before it is finally enacted,” he said.
Turn Your Old Wireless Phone Into a Gift of Hope This Valentine’s Day
Dec 28th
For most couples, Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate relationships. However, some relationships may also include abuse. Studies show 23.6 percent of women and 11.5 percent of men reported at least one lifetime episode of intimate-partner violence. That is why Verizon Wireless’ long-standing HopeLine program puts the nation’s most reliable wireless network to work by turning unused wireless phones into support for individuals who have experienced unhealthy relationships (see also <http://www.newsrx.com/library/topics/Verizon-Wireless.html> Verizon Wireless).
Customers can join with Verizon Wireless to help make a difference this Valentine’s Day tiffany jewellery and year-round by donating their no-longer-used wireless phones to HopeLine. For survivors of domestic violence, a wireless phone can be a vital link to emergency or support services in a time of crisis or a reliable, safe connection to employers, family and friends.
HopeLine accepts no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any service provider. Phones that can be refurbished are sold for reuse and those without value are disposed of in an environmentally sound way. Proceeds from the HopeLine program are used to provide wireless phones and cash grants to local shelters and non-profit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention and awareness.
Since the October 2001 launch of Verizon Wireless’ national recycling program, the company has collected more silver bangles than 5.6 million phones, preventing those phones from being deposited in landfills. HopeLine has also distributed more than 76,000 phones with more than 228 million minutes of free wireless service to victims of domestic violence and awarded cash grants of more than $6.3 million to organizations working to prevent and end domestic violence.
For additional information on Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine program and store locations, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.
W-B drug ring boss gets 12 years
Dec 10th
The leader of a major drug ring that operated in the Wilkes-Barre area tiffany jewelry was sentenced Monday to 12 years in federal prison.
The sentence imposed against Gregory Woods comes more than four years after he and 30 other people, including Woods’ son and wife, were charged in connection with the “Operation Main Street” drug bust.
Woods, 48, formerly of Academy Street, Wilkes-Barre, pleaded guilty in January to a single count of intent to silver bracelets distribute more than 50 grams of crack cocaine. He later sought to withdraw the plea, arguing his defense counsel had not properly represented him. U.S. District Judge A. Richard Caputo denied the motion in October.
Federal prosecutors allege Woods was the leader of a drug ring that sold up to $200,000 worth of crack cocaine, powder cocaine and marijuana per week in Luzerne County. Agents with a drug task force broke up the ring in October 2005.
At his sentencing Monday, Woods disputed that he was the leader of the ring. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert O’Hara said investigators had audiotapes of phone conversations in which Woods discussed pricing with others involved in the ring. That proves he held a supervisory role, O’Hara said.
The sentence was part of a negotiated plea in which prosecutors agreed to drop numerous silver bangles other charges. Caputo was not obligated to accept the plea, however.
Woods’ attorney, Carl Poveromo, asked Caputo to consider Woods’ troubled upbringing in considering whether to accept the plea and negotiated sentence.
Poveromo said Woods was one of 11 children. Both his parents were dead by the time he was age 7 and he was raised primarily by his sisters.
“He’s the product of very tragic circumstances,” Poveromo said. “He developed a drug problem at an early age and was drug dependent his entire life.”
Caputo acknowledged Woods had a troubled life and that it likely played a role in his criminal conduct silver rings. The judge said he felt the 12-year sentence was appropriate given the seriousness of the case and Woods’ background, which included three prior drug convictions.
The majority of defendants in the case were prosecuted by state authorities. Woods, his wife, Carmen Tinson, and their son, Bashir Woods, were among five defendants whose cases were taken over by federal authorities.
Bashir Woods was sentenced in August to six years and eight months in federal prison. Two other co-defendants who were charged federally, David Savage and Dominic Wilkins, also pleaded guilty. Savage was sentenced in August to eight years and four months in prison; Wilkins was sentenced in June to 11 years and eight months.
Tinson was scheduled to go on trial today, but her attorney sought a continuance,silver cufflinks saying she is negotiating with prosecutors and might enter a guilty plea.
Terrie Morgan-Besecker, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 570-829-7179.
STATE’S 2009 CHRISTMAS TREE DELIVERY LIGHTS WAY TO CAPITOL
Nov 23rd
The California Department of General Services issued the following press release:
WHAT: Cutting & Delivery of the State’s Official Christmas silver jewelry Tree
WHEN: 9:30 a.m. November 16, 2009 and 10:00 a.m. November 17, 2009
WHERE: U.S. Forest Service Placerville Ranger Station Camino, California -11/16/09
California State Capitol Building West Lawn 1400 Tenth St., Sacramento, CA, 95814 11/17/09
SUMMARY: Monday November 16, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. marks the beginning of the silver bangles holiday season when the states’ official Christmas tree is cut from its home on U.S. Forest Service property in Camino and prepared for transport. Adorning the west lawn of the Capital this year is a majestic, 55-foot white fir tree donated by the U.S. Forest Service Institute of Genetics.
Department of General Services’ employees will raise the festive fir at 10:00 a.m. November 17, 2009, following its delivery by CAL FIRE.
Once set up is complete, the tree will be trimmed and bedecked with 1,500 hand-crafted ornaments donated from the Department of Developmental Services. The ornaments are created by children and adults with developmental disabilities who receive services and support from the state’s development centers and 21 nonprofit regional centers.
This richly celebrated tradition began 27 years ago and is part of the Governor and First Lady’s annual silver rings tree lighting ceremony which is expected to take place on December 10, 2009.
Continuing Gov. Schwarzenegger’s energy efficiency and conservation initiatives, 14,000 ultra-low-wattage, light-emitting diode bulbs will illuminate the tree, resulting in a 95 percent energy savings compared to incandescent bulbs.For more information please contact: Sarabjit Jagirdar, Email:- htsyndication@hindustantimes.com.
Friends help man with cancer keep Christmas promise
Nov 18th
Dave Parmeter admits he was the ultimate Ebenezer Scrooge when it came to the bling of Christmas.
“My wife has always loved all the decorations and lights that surround Christmas, but I really tiffany jewellery was a scrooge about it all and would never decorate the house for her,” Parmeter said. “She had to put them up herself.”
That all changed last year.
“I really can’t remember what happened that made me change my mind,” he said. “I’m sure it had something to do with seeing her face light up whenever she saw holiday decorations.”
Deb Parmeter remembers the story a little differently.
“Last year I decided to show him what a (Scrooge’s) Christmas was really like,” she said. “I didn’t put up any decorations, no tree, no kids around, nothing so he would see what it was like. I think that really made an impact on him.”
So Parmeter, 55, started buying up discounted decorations after Christmas last year so that he could make this Tiffany Accessories Christmas extra special for his wife.
Then he got some sobering news: Cancer had attacked his esophagus, then metastasized to his liver.
Chemotherapy at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center has sapped his strength, leaving him with an uncertain future and a broken promise to his beloved wife. Or so he thought.
A slew of friends and acquaintances, numbering nearly 200, got together Saturday at the Parmeters’ Kennewick home in Rancho Reata and put up a plethora of decorations.
By day’s end, there was holiday bling on the front porch, back porch, around the trim of the house, along the border of the property, as well as lights, decorated trees and wreaths all over the inside of the home.
Parmeter had to stay indoors and rest in his easy chair while the workers did their thing. He was overwhelmed by the generosity and wished more than anything he could have been a part of the decorating party.
“With a constitution of friends like this, what more do I need?” he said.
Deb Parmeter couldn’t hide tears as she watched friends adorn her home in holiday cheer. They were tears of joy for Tiffany Keys the festive spirit the decorations evoked. But there was a sadness in those tears as well because of the unknown future her husband faces.
He has started a blog, www.davestory.org, chronicling what he calls “a journey with cancer.”
Friends also plan a tribute and fundraiser for him at 6 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Country Gentleman Restaurant, 9221 W. Clearwater, Kennewick. Those interested in attending “Dave’s Duck Roast” are asked to RSVP by Thursday; more information is available by contacting Claude Oliver at claudeoliver@aol.com. An account for Parmeter also has been set up at Washington Trust Bank.
Parmeter moved to the Tri-Cities nine years ago. He owns Autobahn Auto Care Center and Car Wash in Kennewick and has long been involved in local civic organizations, including Rotary. He also is vice president of the Benton-Franklin Humane Society Board of Trustees.
“Dave loves the Tri-Cities,” said friend and Rotarian Skip Novakovich of Kennewick.
Novakovich and his wife Shannon were part of the decorating crew Saturday.
“Dave told me once he was called to the Tri-Cities and wanted to make an impact while he was here,” Novakovich said silver bangles. “Well, I can tell you that he certainly has made an impact. He’s simply a great guy with a good heart.”
The Parmeters planned to take a ride after the sun went down Saturday, eager to return to their home at the corner of Bermuda and Clover roads to see the lights on.
“It’s like magic has been happening all through the house today,” Deb Parmeter said. “And tonight we’re going to see that magic all lit up. I can’t wait.”
M Resort Spa Casino to Welcome Nation’s Tallest Christmas Tree on December 12
Nov 18th
The tree will be placed in the M Resort’s Villaggio Del Sole Outdoor Entertainment and Events Piazza on December 2. It is expected to take up to a week to decorate with thousands of lights and ornaments. The M Resort will host a special Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 12 at 5 p.m. Hot chocolate, carolers, christmas gift cookies and more will be available in the resort’s piazza.
Open just eight months, the M Resort is the newest resort destination in Las Vegas. With just 390 rooms and suites, the boutique resort caters to both Las Vegas residents and out-of-town guests. It is the first property travelers from Southern California encounter when driving in to Las Vegas.
“We want travelers to choose Las Vegas for the holidays. We’re happy that the M Resort can add to the destination’s silver bangles offerings by bringing the nation’s tallest Christmas tree to our backyard. It will be an amazing sight to see and we’re hoping it spreads a bit of holiday cheer around the country,” said Anthony A. Marnell III, Chairman & CEO, M Resort.
Visitors to the M Resort can expect to not only see a majestic Christmas Tree, but whimsical decor, entertainment for the entire family, seasonal holiday menus and special promotions throughout the month of December. The resort is offering a special Fa La La package for the holidays with rates starting at $110 night and a $75 dining credit. Guests can call 1-877-673-7678 and mention Group Code HMFALA9 or visit themresort.com to book.
To spread holiday cheer, the resort has also partnered with local charities Toys for Tots, Three Square and Catholic Charities silver rings of Southern Nevada to be a drop-off location for toys, canned food and coats. People coming to view the tree are also encouraged to drop off supplies beginning December 12 through December 23 at the resort.
ABOUT M RESORT SPA CASINO
M Resort Spa Casino is located on over 90 acres at 12300 Las Vegas Blvd. S. on the southeast corner of St. Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Boulevard. Situated higher in elevation than other resort-casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, the M Resort provides optimal views of the world-famous Las Vegas skyline from its guest rooms, suites, conference center and restaurants. The resort silver bracelets offers 390 guest rooms and suites, over 92,000 square feet of gaming, nine restaurant and five destination bars, more than 60,000 square feet of meeting and conference space, a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center and a 100,000 square foot events piazza. The M Resort will include up to one million square feet of retail, a partnership with Taubman Centers Inc. and a 14-screen digital movie entertainment complex. For more information, visit www.theMresort.com.
SOURCE M Resort Spa Casino
Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy
Nov 13th
Research and Markets has announced the addition of John Wiley and Sons Ltd’s new report “Cavity christmas gift-Down Spectroscopy: Techniques and Applications” to its offerings.
In a release, Research and Markets noted that report highlights include:
Cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) is a simple, highly sensitive necklaces direct absorption technique based on the rate of absorption of light circulating in an optical cavity. CRDS can be used to study atoms and molecules in the gas and condensed phase, and is especially powerful for measuring strong absorptions of species present in trace amounts or weak absorptions of abundant species. The technique can be applied in physical, atmospheric, environmental and analytical chemistry, also combustion science, physics, medical diagnostics and biology Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy: Techniques and Applications provides a practical overview of this valuable analytical tool, explaining the fundamental concepts and experimental methods, and illustrating important applications.
The book presents a complete and methodical approach to the topic and describes:
- Introductory concepts and basic experimental techniques
- Useful variants such as continuous wave, phase shift, and broadband silver bangles CRDS
- Recent developments in the field, and key applications, for example, spectroscopic studies of transient molecules, monitoring trace amounts of atmospheric species, analysis of exhaled breath in clinical diagnostics, and CRDS under extreme conditions.
Designed as both an introductory text and a reference source, this book is relevant for scientists silver rings unfamiliar with CRDS who are interested in using the technique in their research, as well as experienced users.
Life in the Ring of Fire
Nov 12th
Brutal and deadly as they often are, earthquakes are a fact of life for tiffany sale Indonesia.
Indeed the country owes its very shape and the extraordinary fertility of much of its land to the same seismic forces that cause earthquakes.
Straddling the so-called Ring of Fire that encircles the Pacific, the islands of the Indonesian archipelago closely follow the border between some of the most active tectonic plates that make up the Earth’s crust.
It is the collision between these plates, floating on a subterranean pool of molten rock or magma, that has shaped and continues to shape the country, most visibly in the string of active volcanoes that line the archipelago.
From time to time, those volcanoes erupt, often with spectacular and sometimes deadly results.
But years of study and monitoring have made predicting eruptions more accurate and helped minimise casualties.
Earthquakes, however, remain far harder to predict and often cause far greater loss of life.
The deadliest quake of recent years was the December 26, 2004 event tiffany bracelets off the coast of Sumatra that spawned a region-wide tsunami killing more than 240,000 people across Asia — 170,000 in Indonesia alone.
Pressure released
That undersea quake had a magnitude of 9.3, one of the most powerful in recent memory, and has been followed by a series of unusually strong quakes in the same region.
Clive Collins, a senior seismologist with Geoscience Australia, says it is likely the increase in seismic activity can be traced back to the forces unleashed by the giant 2004 earthquake.
“We don’t know exactly how often extremely large earthquakes do occur, but because of the 2004 event it has obviously modified some of the stresses and pressures in that region and they’re being released now in these larger earthquakes,” he told Al Jazeera.
Possibly there may be more to come, Collins said, but the understanding of where and tiffany rings when those may occur is extremely limited.
“The plate margins tend to slip within restricted regions, so you get a large earthquake and then you might get the adjacent region slipping and breaking causing another large earthquake,” he said.
“Whether they all unzip at the same time though is the question.”
However, Collins said he doubted that the recent spate of powerful quakes showed the region was building up to a cataclysmic event, as some have suggested.
History has shown, he said, that seismic activity in the so-called subduction zone off Sumatra — where one plate slips beneath another- has occurred in “fits and starts”.
“If these stresses are being released in these large earthquakes, that takes the pressure off along that whole margin silver bangles– it’s unlikely that the whole of that subduction zone will link up and move all at once.”