IRS Launches the IRS2Go App for iPhone, Android; Taxpayers Can Check Refunds, Get Tax Information

The Internal Revenue Service today unveiled IRS2Go, its first Smartphone application that lets taxpayers check on their status of their tax refund and obtain helpful tax information.

"This new smart phone app reflects our commitment to modernizing the agency and engaging taxpayers where they want when they want it," said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. "As technology evolves and younger taxpayers get their information in new ways, we will keep innovating to make it easy for all taxpayers to access helpful information."

My Adventures at the Lee Strasberg Institute of Theater & Film

~ contributed by Sandra Costanzo, Social Media Intern

This week was my third week at the Lee Strasberg Institute of Theater and Film. In my first class, we continued to work on the same scripts from last week. We worked on them until they were perfect, and next week we will receive new scripts to work on.

Prevent Snow Shoveling and Snow Blowing Injuries

Cleaning up mounds of snow can cause more pain than just a headache. While this seasonal activity may seem mundane, it can also be dangerous.

According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission:

·      In 2007, more than 118,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms, doctors' offices, clinics and other medical settings for injuries that happened while shoveling or removing ice and snow manually.

10th Season of American Idol Premieres

~ contributed by Shannon Galaway, Social Media Intern
The brand new season of American Idol premiered Tuesday night at 8 p.m. This is the tenth season of American Idol and there have been many new changes since season nine. As some may remember, the always honest and beloved Simon Cowell left last season to work on another reality show. Ellen DeGeneres and Kara Dioguardi also left last season leaving the last original judge Randy Jackson.

Tough Times and Life Insurance: When is it Time to Cancel the Life Insurance?

Now is the Time to Increase the Amount of Your Life Insurance Benefit

When tough economical times come, many households find ways to cut expenses. Salary cuts and job losses are among the many reasons why expenses need cut, but when the question to cut life insurance arises, you may want to think twice before you choose to cancel your life insurance policy.

Winter Driving Tips

If you plan to drive on snowy, icy roads, follow these tips to stay in control behind the wheel:
 

Clear ice and snow from your car.  Turn on your defroster; then, brush or scrape as many surfaces as you can, including your windshield, windows, mirrors, headlights and taillights, as well as the top of your car, the trunk and hood. This prevents snow and ice from blocking your view.

Increase your following distance.  Give the car in front of you six seconds of lead time -- versus the three seconds recommended in good driving conditions -- to help prevent accidents.

Annual 68th Golden Globe Awards

~ contributed by Shannon Galaway, Social Media Intern

On January 16, 2011 the 68th Golden Globe Awards show aired on national television. It was hosted by Ricky Gervais. This star filled night began with the infamous red carpet walk. Some stars who arrived and looked amazing were  Angelina Jolie in an emerald glitter Atelier Versace gown, Carrie Underwood in a light pink sequined sweetheart dress by Badgley Mischka, and Lea Michele in a rose-colored, one shoulder Oscar de la Renta gown.

My Adventures at the Lee Strasberg Institute of Theater & Film - Week 2

~ contributed by Sandra Costanzo, Social Media Intern

This was my 2nd week and my 2nd class at the Lee Strasberg Institute of Theater and Film.  We worked on advancing our scenes and more of the method whereas in my first class of TV and Film, we jumped right into scene work.

How to Lower Your Electric Bill and Still Keep Warm?

Heating your home certainly is costing more and more each year. Not only is it a growing concern for the individual homeowner, but it quickly is becoming a global issue as well. The earth's natural resources are depleting; therefore, there is a need to find ways to improve the deficit, without dramatically affecting the consumer's wallet.

Whiplash And Vehicle Safety

Head and neck injuries (whiplash) that occur in auto accidents can be severe. Some cars provide much better protection than others for the occupants. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has conducted numerous safety tests over the years.

Lower Your HO Insurance Costs

Homeowners insurance premiums often take a substantial bite out of a family’s budget. You may, however, be paying too much for this coverage. The following are some approaches you can use to reduce your homeowners insurance costs.

My Adventures at the Lee Strasberg Institute of Theater & Film - Week 1

~ contributed by Sandra Costanzo, Social Media Intern

This past Saturday, 1/8/2011, I started the Lee Strasberg Institute of Theater And Film. Some of the actors and actresses that studied at this school include Alec Baldwin, Scarlett Johansson, Angelina Jolie, Marilyn Monroe, Al Pacino and many more.

Bonded & Insured Housecleaner

What does it mean if someone that cleans your home is "bonded and insured"?

Advertisements for home cleaning services often state that the cleaning company is "bonded and insured." "Bonding" in this context usually refers to the protection afforded to the cleaning company's customer if an employee steals from the customer. "Insured" should mean that the cleaner carries liability coverage for personal injuries and property damage, as well as workers' compensation insurance (you should verify that this is what the cleaning company means by "insured").

Year In Music 2010

 ~ contributed by Sandra Costanzo, Social Media Intern

As 2010 comes to an end many lists for the best of the year have been made. The top ten teen stars have been announced. This list includes Nick Jonas, Justin Bieber, Victoria Justice, Taylor Momsen, Cody Simpson, Dakota Fanning, Demi Lovato, Taylor Lautner, Selena Gomez and Miley Cyrus.

Box Office News: The Tourist

On December 10, 2010 the feature film The Tourist was released to theaters. This film had many major stars including Angelina Jolie playing the role of Elise and Johnny Dep playing the role of Frank. This film was catergorized as a Drama, thriller and a remake. This film was also rated as pg 13. The U.S box office on this film was $41,200,000 and filmed in Venice, Italy and Paris, France.

During an impromptu trip to Europe to mend a broken heart, Frank unexpectedly finds himself in a flirtatious encounter with Elise , an extraordinary woman who deliberately crosses his path. Taking place in Paris and Venice, their romance quickly evolves as they find themselves unwittingly thrust into a deadly game. ~ contributed by Sandra Costanzo, Social Media Intern