Sep. 18, 2008 - Your email and hackers

Protecting yourself and online accounts

With news that Alaskan Governor and GOP vice-presidential nominee, Sarah Palin's yahoo email account was hacked, it could be the perfect time to determine just how safe is your email account(s).  I find it a little disturbing that the Governor was conducting state business using a Yahoo account, but that's another story.

In order to better protect yourself and your online accounts the areas that need special attention are 1. Password Security Questions and 2. Secure Passwords.

Lifhacker.com provides a quick tutorial on protecting your email from hackers.  Be careful out there, folks.

Sep. 6, 2008 - Stepping up my Web 2.0 tool chest

Staying ahead of the pack

Well, at least I'm trying.  In the effort to better serve you and other potential clients; over the last year I've been incorporating new tools to keep pace with new real estate technologies.  I'm still learning all that the Blackberry can do.  But I keep up with my emails easily.  

Most recently, I have signed onto Twitter.  What is Twitter?  Twitter is a service to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?  This is a great tool to let potential buyers of a new listing or price reduction.  You are welcome to follow me at: http://twitter.com/somerset08873

Another tool added to my box is recently discovered Retaggr.  What is Retaggr?  Retaggr is an interactive web 2.0 social and business card.  It appears with your comment made on other sites, if you wish.  You can take a look at mine at: http://www.retaggr.com/card/mjAdamsSellsHomes

And of course I maintain a presence on MySpace, FaceBook, YouTube, Outside.In  and ActiveRain.

Jun. 12, 2008 - That unwanted painting

A little research could reward you with cash

Q: What can be done with original art, the kind we buy at a local art fair, when a person grows tired of it and is ready for something else?

Is there a shop that handles watercolors, oils, etc.? I hate to donate these to thrift shops, as they often go unappreciated.

A: First, find out if the artwork has increased in value, advised Stewart Turnquist, with the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

“One of the things that can happen over the years is that the artist has gained further recognition and the painting is worth more,” Turnquist said. You can check that using Internet search engines such as Google.

Many artists now have websites, or they might show their work as part of an exhibit. In addition, certain galleries in town represent certain artists. Contact the appropriate gallery and explain that you’d like to sell a piece.

Read more...

Source: Star Tribune (Minneapolis)

Apr. 22, 2008 - A Green Guide at a Glance

10 Easy Earth Day tips that saves money too

In 1962, Gaylord Nelson decided something needed to be done to protect the environment. The work that he began led to what we now know as Earth Day. Nelson wrote in a 1962 article, "that the state of the environment is simply a non-issue in the politics of our country."  Nelson hoped to convince President John F. Kennedy to take a stand on environmental issues. The President set out on a five-day, 11-state conservation tour in September 1963. Although Kennedy's high-profile tour was not a success, Nelson was not ready to give up.

It was September of 1969, at a conference in Seattle, when Nelson announced that he would stage a nationwide grassroots demonstration on behalf of the environment the next spring. He invited everyone in the audience to attend.  On April 22, 1970, more than 20 million demonstrators and thousands of schools and local communities participated in Nelson's demonstration. The occasion made people sit up and pay attention to environmental issues. Word about the environment began to spread.

10) When it comes to toilets, we've seen a lot of gadgets: dual-flush handles, controllable-flush handles, alternative toilets, the UnBathroom emergency toilet, a water recycling toilet and reviews of the best low-flow toilets. They're all valuable in their own way, but rather than rushing out to buy one of them, there's an even easier way to save lots of water: make your own frugal flusher. Just place a brick or similarly voluminous object in the tank of your toilet; by displacing some of the water, there's less of it to flush each time, and less valuable wet stuff goes down the drain.                        
9) We can't emphasize this one enough: replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents. They're more energy efficient, last longer, and can even help clean the air in your home. There are too many other good things about them to list here, but, trust us, they're worth it.                            
8) Even though there are some good things going on in the bottled water industry, like biodegradable water bottles and this bottled water with a cause, you can't beat filtered tap water in a reusable bottle. Same goes for other widely-consumed beverages, like coffee, and if you're stuck on the aesthetics of the disposable cup, check out TreeHugger founder and fearless leader's ceramic solution.                                                                                                                                    
7) Cut flowers are pretty and smell good, but are ultimately disposable after just a few days. The next time you're in the market for some, go for a potted version instead. They last longer, improve indoor air quality and can even be self-watering. If cut flowers are a must, go for organic and look for the Veliflora sustainable floral label.                                                                                             
6) A low-flow showerhead can save you gallons of water each time you use it. We've seen 'em as low as a half-gallon per minute, and for as little as $12 US.

April 22, 2008    · Earth Day Tips 2008 · Shareholder Shout-out · Mutual Interests: Finding Your Way To a Greener Retirement · Green Living 101: Smart Eco-nomics · Household Tips to Keep Your Health and Your Savings Intact · Mommy Greenest: The Cost of Being Conscientious · The Lowdown: Drugging Our Drinking Water · Lighten Up: Dim and Dimmer · Fresh Finds: How to Green Your Lip Service

5) Instead of buying bottled water, use a water filter instead. There are some pretty strange options for filtration out there, but they can be very simple and easy to use, so get one, use it to replenish your precious bodily fluids, and you'll never buy bottled water again.                                               
4) To go the extra mile, get a rainwater storage tank; you don't even have to dig a huge hole in the yard to have one (we got all the facts at a rainwater harvesting conference). You won't be able to drink it (unless you do what this guy did, and bottle it), but your flowers, plants and garden will sure enjoy it. This will save the potable water your utility provides just for household use, and you'll use less of it.                                                                                                                                   
3) Use "Tupperware"-style reusable food containers for leftovers and lunches; you'll save miles of plastic wrap and tons of plastic bags. While you're at it, get reusable versions of other stuff, like grocery bags, gift bags and (why not?) muffin cups.                                                                      
2) Draft excluders at the base of your doors can save vast amounts of cold from getting in and heat from getting out. Your wallet will thank you, and you can do it with other doors around the house, like your fridge door, too.                                                                                                            
1) Finally, a programmable thermostat will help efficiently regulate your indoor climate; it's like TiVo for your house. Warm it up and cool it down only when you want to, live more comfortably and cheaply. Isn't that what we all want?

Source:Nationalgeographic, treehugger.com

Feb. 23, 2008 - Getting your finances together

The Mint.com can help

"We all need to know more about money and we need to absorb as much information as possible. That includes more than the top 10 lists that most blogs create. We then need to teach these lessons to our kids because at last check there was no Personal Finance 101 in high school (where it is desperately needed)." - Jay White of Dumb Little Man

Having said that, an excellent posting can be found on Mint.com.  It includes 30 free eBooks on personal finance that can be downloaded to your computer.

For those unfamiliar with the Mint site, it is an online money management tool.  This is how it works:  Mint is a secure web-based solution for managing your finances. And it’s free. You register anonymously using any valid email address, and then add the log-in information for the online bank, credit union and credit card accounts you want to consolidate in Mint. 

Even if you don't use all of the online tools, it is a great resource for gaining financial knowledge. 
Thanks to DumbLittleMan.com for the head's up!

Feb. 18, 2008 - Straight to the point

Secrets of a Gen X'er with no shades of gray

I came across the talents of Daniel Rothamel of Real Estate Zebra a few months ago and was quite impressed with his Blog and what he had to say.  Just this morning, I "discovered" the musings of Mariana Wagner and her Colorado Springs Blog.

Daniel's video, "How To Sell Your House In Black & White", should be required veiwing for anyone even contemplating the idea of selling a home in a buyers' market. It will definitely become a part of my listing presentation.  It appears from positive reaction, it has garnered a second black & white video; this one on honesty.  I love the simple straight forward message, not to mention the great background music.

After reading Mariana's "The Secret Life of a “Generation X” Consumer … My Story.", it seems that although I'm a baby boomer I might very well also be a Generation X'er...with 27 years experience. Ha!  Here are a few traits that Mariana and I have in common:

• Show me what you offer and let me make my own decisions.
• I am more apt to support a business or business person that shares my point of view.
• We like facts – clear, precise, to-the-point, no-frills facts.
• We will go online for everything first. Your job is not to capture us and only give us your information. (If you missed it, take a look at 1000wattblog's video.)

I suppose this is all a result of spending time with multi-generational family, colleagues and friends, especially over the past 10 years. I've adopted some of the younger qualities that mesh with my own core beliefs and values.   I also learned a little about Echo Boomers; a term new to me, until now. A big thanks to both Daniel and Mariana for your fresh (at least to me) insights that help to keep me on track.  Ol' dogs really can learn new tricks!

Jan. 2, 2008 - Supercharge your motivation

Tips to help get you on your way

Happy New Year everyone!

Jay White gives us tips to jumpstart our motivation on DumbLittleMan.com

Benefits. Get real clear about why you plan to do certain things.

Baby Steps. Begin each day with a small step towards your goal.

Plan Your Day Everyday. It only takes about 5-10 minutes.

Click here for all of his tips.

If like me, you are motivated to lose a few pounds this year, here is a free website to help you achieve your goals.  It is called SparkPeople.com.  Here you will find tools to help you:

with meal plans; a fitness tracker; calorie counter; a program to track any type of goal and  much more.

Oct. 27, 2007 - It's free and feels good too

Help to provide free mammograms

That's right, it's free and feels good too. You can help to provide free mammograms to underprivileged women at absolutely no cost to you through the efforts of the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

By clicking the pink "It's Free" button your click is paid for by the sponsors on breastcancersite.com. It takes only seconds.

The button above will take you the site where you will click on another pink button.

You can also help the cause by passing along this information to friends, neighbors, family and co-workers. I feel better already!

Oct. 14, 2007 - Get automatic updates

How to use the RSS feed

For those who regularly read my Blog postings and might want an easier method of getting them, there is the RSS feed. Not familaiar with RSS? RSS delivers content to you without cluttering your e-mail inbox. Hector Virgen, a web developer responsible for RealTown.com, writes an excellent FAQ on the subject and how best to utilize this terriffic tool.

You can find the RSS icon on Somerset 08873 just above "Categories" located on the right side of your screen.

Read Hector's Guide to RSS and start getting Somerset 08873 postings delivered directly to you. Thanks for a great article, Hector.

Jul. 5, 2007 - News you can use

July Highlights

1. Americans with Disabilities Act Anniversary—July 26

Did you know that 18 percent of Americans have some kind of disability and that, after the age of 80, that number jumps to 72 percent? Check out USA.gov’s link to the U.S. Census Bureau to see more statistics about Americans with disabilities.

Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act—signed into law on July 26, 1990—those with disabilities are guaranteed equal opportunities in employment, public services and accommodations, and telecommunications. Visit DisabilityInfo.gov, the federal government’s one-stop web site for people with disabilities.

Visit USA.gov’s new page, Blogs from the U.S. Government, to find a list of active and archived blogs from federal agencies. You can read about the National Endowment for the Arts’ Big Read initiative; follow the observations of a scientist from Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE); keep up with anti-drug efforts from the Office of National Drug Control Policy; and more.

USA.gov will continue to update this page as new federal blogs emerge.

Until September 30, 2007, citizens can re-enter the U.S. by air using a government-issued photo ID and official proof that they’ve submitted a passport application. Visit USA.gov’s link to the U.S. State Department for additional information on passport processing times.

4. How Warm Are Coastal Waters?

Before you go to the beach this summer, check out the National Oceanographic Data Center’s Coastal Water Temperature Guide. Average water temperatures were calculated over long periods, ranging from several years to several decades.

Ocean conditions are less variable than air temperatures, but knowing the water temperature ahead of time may help you to select a location or plan your beach activities. Monthly averages are presented for the Gulf Coast and two-week averages are presented for the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, where there is more variation in water temperatures. 

Some general water safety rules include:

• Learning to swim
• Knowing the potential hazards of your water environment
• Staying out of the water in bad weather
• Swimming with others—not alone
• Avoiding alcohol while swimming, diving, or boating

Jul. 5, 2007 - Check your Buget Pulse

Online help to track personal finances

I discovered a terriffic online tool for tracking your personal finances.  It is called Budget Pulse.  The site allows you to manage all of your income and expenses.  You can set several finanacial goals with set timelines, such as saving for your downpayment for that first home, retirement or a child's college education. 

One downside is that it won't intergrate with your online bank.  However, that little fact also provides an added layer of security for you.  Best of all, it free!  Now there is no reason not to gain control of your bills.

Jun. 4, 2007 - News you can use

June Highlights

1. Summer Travel Resources

Before you plan your summer getaway, visit the Travel, Transportation, and Recreation page.

Whether you’re taking a road trip, seeing the country by train, or flying overseas, you’ll find valuable resources, including:

• Where to find the cheapest gas prices
• Airport status
• Currency exchange rates
• Maps and road conditions
• NJ Tourism

For other state-specific tourism sites, check out the State Travel and Tourism page.

 2. Home Safety Month – Is Your Home Safe?

Did you know that approximately 20,000 Americans die each year from unintended accidents in their homes and more than 20 million seek medical treatment for home injuries? The home is the second most common location for accidental fatal injuries in the U.S. (autos rank first).

During Home Safety Month, take a few minutes to run a quick home safety checklist. A few tips for staying safe in your home include:

• Using night lights near stairs and in hallways
• Installing grab bars and non-slip mats in the bathroom
• Setting your water heater at 120 degrees or less
• Installing smoke alarms near bedrooms and testing them monthly
• Locking up poisonous items

  3. Father’s Day – June 17

Americans celebrate fathers on Sunday, June 17! Visit the Father’s Day page to find:

• Facts about Father’s Day
• Fun activities for girls and dads
• A look at father and son presidents
• Prescription drug help for dads
• Information about outdoor recreation
• And more!

To find some gift ideas for Father’s Day, check out shopping pages.

 4. Homeownership Month – Nine-Step Homebuying Guide

National Homeownership Month—celebrated in June—is a time to encourage more Americans to consider the benefits of owning their own home.

Visit the link to Buying a Home for guidance on taking this important step. At a glance, check out HUD’s nine homebuying steps:

   1. Figure out how much you can afford
   2. Know your rights
   3. Shop for a loan
   4. Learn about homebuying programs
   5. Shop for a home
   6. Make an offer
   7. Get a home inspection
   8. Shop for homeowners insurance
   9. Sign papers

5. Flag Day – 230th Anniversary of the Stars and Stripes

Flag Day celebrates the American flag, which dates to June 14, 1777. The first national recognition of Flag Day occurred on June 14, 1877, but Congress didn’t make the observance permanent until 1949. June 14 is designated as the national observance of Flag Day.

Visit Flag Facts to learn about the flag’s history; get information on the proper way to present, fold, and care for the flag; and find out how to obtain a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol.

May. 13, 2007 - First-class stamp price incease

The Forever stamp

Touted as the Forever stamp, this US postage stamp bought at 41 cents will remain a valid first-class stamp...well, forever!  The stamp will ease the transition for mailing letters when prices change by reducing the need to buy one and two cent stamps.

Once prices change May 14, the Forever stamp will remain on sale at the 41 cent first-class one-ounce letter price until the next price change. Then the Forever stamp will be available at the new price.  The new stamp is available now in booklets of 20 through www.usps.com, by calling 1-800-STAMP-24 and in Post Office lobbies nationwide.

May. 9, 2007 - News you can use

May Highlights

1. Older Americans Month

In 1963, President John F. Kennedy designated May as a month to pay tribute to older Americans.

Check out some interesting facts about the 65-and-older set, which totals 36.8 million Americans:

• It is estimated that 9 million are military veterans.
• At 3.9 million, California has the highest number of 65-and-older residents (Florida is the runner-up with 3 million).
• Between 2000 and 2050, the 65-and-older population is expected to increase by 147% (in comparison, the population as a whole is expected to increase by 49%).
• For additional facts on older Americans, visit USA.gov's link to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Visit USA.gov’s Senior Citizens’ Resources for a range of government information and services, including consumer protection, health, housing, money, and travel.

© 2007 USPS. All Rights Reserved.

2. Postage Rates and Forever Stamp

Starting on May 14, 2007, U.S. postage will cost 41 cents for a First-Class letter and 26 cents for a First-Class postcard.

Another change at the U.S. Postal Service is the introduction of the Forever Stamp, featuring the Liberty Bell. The Forever Stamp will reduce the need to buy 1- and 2-cent stamps because it will be good for mailing one-ounce First-Class letters anytime in the future—even if postage rates further increase.

Visit USA.gov's link to the United States Postal Service for information about new rates for various types of domestic and international mail for both consumers and businesses.

Check out some facts about mothers in the United States:

• 2.1: average number of children women have in their lifetime
• July: most popular month to have a baby
• 55%: percentage of 15- to 44-year-olds who are mothers
• 1 in 31: odds of having twins

For additional Mother’s Day facts, visit USA.gov’s link to the U.S. Census Bureau.

• Meaning of Memorial Day
• Patriotic Melodies
• Veterans Stories
• Barbecue Food Safety
• And much more!  

You can read the publication online or order a FREE copy today.

Apr. 22, 2007 - Happy Earth Day

Easy tips to conserve energy and help save our planet.

• Buy compact fluorescent light bulbs. You'll find more on energy-efficient products and practices at Energy Star. Turn off lights and electronics when you leave the room. Unplug your cell phone charger from the wall when not using it. Turn off energy strips and surge protectors when not in use (especially overnight).
• Lower your thermostat. Buy a programmable thermostat.
• Get off junk mail lists. GreenDimes can get you started. They’ll even plant a tree for you!
• Bring your own bags to the grocery store. Given a choice between plastic and paper, opt for paper.  If you do use plastic grocery bags, recycle them for doggie poop bags or for small trashcan liners.
• Shop smart. Choose eco-smart products. 
• To learn more about making every day Earth Day go to: Earth 911.org

Save 10% on light bulbs, thermostats, appliances and more at Lowes Home Improvement stores.  Register for your coupon.

Apr. 9, 2007 - Getting Cozi on Grand Central

Get connected and organized this spring

Surfing the net, I discovered two pretty cool applications that might help to keep my busy life (and yours) just a little more organized. The first can be found at GrandCentral.com  You sign up and get a new phone number. When people call this new number, the system takes their name (the first time they call; after that, it remembers), and rings all of your telephones for you at the same time--your desk, your mobile, your home--and lets you pick up the call from any of them. It get’s better; it can even send a voicemail to your email inbox. There is one drawback in its Beta format.  At present, there are no local numbers for area code 732, but 908 and 609 area codes are available.  Best of all…it’s FREE.

The second find is a program that’s easy to use, accessible wherever you are, and offers a shared calendar, lists, quick messages, and a dynamic photo collage.  You can get this one at CoziCentral.com.  The Wall Street Journal said, “Cozi just works. It looks clean, organized and uncluttered, regardless of hectic schedules. It's also easy enough for anyone to use, and Cozi Group Inc. is constantly working to improve the program, which is a good sign. But even its smaller faults can be overlooked for usability. Cozi makes kitchen computers, or family computers anywhere in the house, more useful.”  Oh yeah…it, too, is FREE.

Apr. 7, 2007 - Christianity's Holiest Holiday

Apr. 3, 2007 - News you can use

April Highlights

1. Order 2007 Consumer Action Handbook

If you would like to be a savvy consumer--or take action after being ripped off--order a free copy of the 2007 Consumer Action Handbook. Inside, you'll find:

 2. Government May Owe You Money

Does the government have any of your unclaimed money? Visit USA.gov’s Government May Owe You Money page to:

• Check the status of your income tax refund.
• Replace lost, stolen, or destroyed bonds.
• Search for unclaimed pension money from former employers.
• Exchange damaged currency.
• And more!

3. Find Important Travel Tips

Visit USA.gov’s Travel, Transportation, and Recreation page for links on domestic and international travel, air travel, road and train travel, and more.

A recent addition to USA.gov’s International Travel page provides a link to Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens Traveling to Foreign Countries. You’ll find information on passports, visas, immunizations, HIV testing, and fees you may need to be aware of when traveling abroad on tourism or business.

If you plan to enjoy the great American outdoors, visit USA.gov’s Recreation and Tourism page. For fishing trips, be sure to check out the link to Fish and Wildlife Agencies, by State and apply for any necessary licenses before your vacation begins.

4. Compare Car Safety

If you’re buying a car, check out USA.gov’s link to Compare Car Safety. This resource from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides safety ratings for vehicles dating back to 1990. You can also use the site to look up defects and recalls and find safety information on child safety seats, air bags, tires, and more.

 5. First Saturday of the Month Drop-off

The next drop-off for the First Saturday of the Month program will be Saturday, April 14, at the Somerset County Recycling Center, located at 40 Polhemus Lane.  In deference to the holiday weekend, this drop-off date is scheduled on the second Saturday of the month.  The Recycling Center is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on First Saturday of the Month drop-off dates.   

The Recycling Center will accept VCRs, TVs, typewriters, radios, stereo equipment, modems, fax machines, cell phones, computers, CPUs, monitors, CRTs, printers, CDs, DVDs, computer disks, diskettes, videotapes, cassette tapes, tires, scrap metals, used motor oil, anti-freeze, used oil filters, microwave ovens and the usual curbside materials. 

6. Recycling Tours Sscheduled for Earth Day

The Somerset County Recycling Center, located at 40 Polhemus Lane, will hold an open house in celebration of Earth Day on Friday, April 20.   The public is invited to schedule a guided tour of the Recycling Center between 9:30 and 11 a.m. or 1 and 2 p.m.  Registration for tours is requested by Monday, April 16. Tours will take about 40 minutes. To register, call Recycling Coordinator Stacy Grillo at (908) 231-7109.

Mar. 21, 2007 - New uses for household items

Common items with new uses

Think you need a slew of different home and beauty products?  Think again.  Real Simple magazine has come up with great, new uses for common items you probably already have in a cabinet or drawer at home.

Pam Cooking Spray
Old Use: Nonstick cooking and baking
New Use: Finishes, dries nail polish

When you get your nails done in a salon, the manicurist applies a finishing coat after the polish is applied. It's a protective coating that stops dust and such from drying on the polish. Pam works the same way — it "seals" the polish, protecting it from those dings and dust that happen before the polish dries. It also dries the polish faster, because the oil helps dissolve the polish's solvent, which keeps it damp.

Transparent Tape
Old Use: Sticking things together
New Use: Cleaning computer keyboard

Everyone with a computer has a problem with dust and crumbs gathering in the keyboard. The solution is simple: Slip strips of transparent tape between rows of keys, picking up the unwanted debris. The tape is thin enough to slide between the keys, and the adhesive picks up crumbs without risking any damage to the keyboard.

Cut Lemon
Old Use: Flavor
New Use: Clean cheese grater

A cut lemon can help clean a cheese grater with stuff stuck in it. Simply rub the grater with the pulp side of a lemon and watch the cheese residue come out.

Rice
Old Use: Side dish
New Use: Clean coffee grinder

Rice is a natural absorbing agent — when you cook it, it absorbs water and quadruples in size. The absorbent nature of rice makes it clean coffee grinders. It soaks up the oils that coffee beans leave behind. Also, many coffee grinders can be used for spices — flavors and smells that you don't want mixed with your coffee. Rice will absorb the odors as well. Grind a handful of rice through the grinder and you're good to go.

Chalk
Old Use: Writing on blackboard
New Use: Preventing silver tarnish

Tarnish is caused by moisture, and chalk absorbs moisture. Wrap chalk in cheesecloth and slip it in with your silverware — cheesecloth prevents the chalk from scuffing the silver — and you won't be stuck polishing your silverware the next time company pays a visit.

Powdered Lemonade
Old Use: Refreshment
New Use: Clean dishwasher

Buildup in the dishwasher is caused by minerals in the water. Lemons are great natural cleaners — they are acidic, so they cut through the deposits and can provide some antibacterial and antiseptic properties for cleaning. Also, the lemony fragrance says "clean." Put the powdered lemonade in the dishwasher dispenser cup and run a cycle while dishwasher is empty.

Mar. 5, 2007 - News You can Use

March Highlights

1. Clocks Go Forward on March 11

Remember to set your clocks forward one hour on Sunday, March 11. The starting and ending dates of Daylight Saving Time (DST) changed this year as a result of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. DST now begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. Visit USA.gov for more information about Daylight Saving Time.

 

---

2. Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month. This observance provides a special opportunity to honor the achievements and contributions of American women in the home, in law, in medicine, in the arts, and in all walks of life. Visit USA.gov’s page on Women’s History Month to find links on upcoming events, educational resources, and statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau.

 

---

3. Federal Tax Filing Deadline Is April 17

Taxpayers have until Tuesday, April 17, 2007 to file their federal returns with the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Federal tax returns are typically due on April 15, but in 2007, April 15 falls on a Sunday and April 16 is Emancipation Day, a legal holiday in the District of Columbia.

Some printed IRS forms may incorrectly show April 16, 2007 as the deadline for federal filing--the actual deadline is April 17, 2007. Visit USA.gov’s link to the IRS for additional information.

---

4. Tax Refund Available on Long-Distance Phone Service

A one-time telephone tax refund is available on 2006 tax returns. Anyone who paid tax for long distance or bundled service that was billed between February 28, 2003 and August 1, 2006 is eligible to request the refund. The refund will range from $30 to $60, depending on the number of exemptions you claim. Visit USA.gov’s link to the IRS for additional information.

 

---

5. Presidential $1 Coins Now in Circulation

The United States Mint is now issuing $1 coins that feature America’s presidents. Each year, the Mint will release four new coins in the order in which the presidents served. The 2007 coins feature George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, with a rendering of the Statue of Liberty on the reverse side. Visit USA.gov’s link to the U.S. Mint for further details.

 

---

6. National Kidney Month

Did you know that diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney disease? Many people with these conditions aren’t aware of their risk. National Kidney Month (March) is the time to recognize the 20 million Americans living with chronic kidney disease and to encourage those at risk to get tested. Visit USA.gov's link to the National Kidney Disease Education Program to read about the risk factors and review the steps you can take to protect your kidneys.