Do You HULU?
To this question, a friend replied, “I don’t know, what is HULU? ” According to Wikipedia ” Hulu is a website, and over-the-top (OTT) subscription service offering ad-supported on-demand streaming video of TV shows, & movies. They go on to explain several other categories of digital media that HULU offers such as movie trailers, and behind the scenes footage. If that does not clear things up for you, what they mean is that HULU provides a library of video content that you can view on your computer, or television, anytime you want.
Under this model, digital content is fed, or “streamed, ” over the Internet in real time to be displayed on your computer, smart phone, or web enabled device such as a smart blu-ray player. There are several other players in this market, Netflix to name just one. Netflix used to be known for sending out digital media by mail, in the form of a DVD. Much of Netflix delivered content is now provided “on-demand” using a similar method of “streaming.” The streaming method of content delivery offers obvious advantages in terms of convenience and cost savings.
One significant difference between a Netflix and a HULU business model involves the way you pay for the service. While Netflix is paid for by subscription fees, HULU bases their revenue primarily the old fashion way with advertising dollars from commercials incorporated into the programming. Of course there is a HULU Pro plan available that involves a subscription fee in addition to advertising, along with a broader selection of content, and other bells and whistles.
Of course with any new method of delivering a product, there are ripples which affect the product itself and those who produce the product. Streaming services like HULU and Netflix are indeed creating ripples in the pond. If money is being generated by new ways of distribution of their products, they want to make sure they are getting their share of the new pie. Content producers are reevaluating their fee schedule, and raising prices wherever possible. In response, larger players like Netflix are experimenting with the production of their own original content as an alternative to paying higher fees for the content they distribute.
Regardless of the tug ‘o’ war going on over entertainment content, the cost to consumers for these services is still relatively low. These services provide the consumer another possible solution in the age old challenge of “over 500 channels and nothing good to watch. ” If you wish to try out a demonstration of the free level of the HULU system, follow this link to view episodes of the Dave Ramsey Show.
http://www.hulu.com/the-dave-ramsey-show
This information about hulu is brought to you by the accounting firm of DiSalvo and Co. DiSalvo & Company, with offices in Vero Beach, Titusville, and Melbourne, FL, is endorsed by Dave Ramsey to provide tax preparation, and accounting services for individuals and small businesses in the Indian River and Brevard County areas. We are dedicated to meeting the accounting and tax planning needs of small business and individuals throughout the Space Coast and Treasure Coast, with clients from Titusville to West Palm Beach.
http://www.hulu.com/the-dave-ramsey-show
Simple Solution to Common Office Problem.
Crazy simple solution to common office problem.
So for the fourth time this week you go to the refrigerator in the break room and find that someone has snagged your lunch. This simple invention might be just the ticket to keep this common problem from afflicting you ever again. The idea is simple. the inventor of this solution has simply added some clever graphics to the inside of the baggie to make it look as if your sandwich has become a moldy science experiment. This may be just enough to cause the surreptitious sandwich-napper to move on to the next lunch bag.
What to you think? Clever, or pointless?
This invention is brought to you by DiSalvo, CPA, with offices in Vero Beach, Melbourne, and Titusville, FL. For more clever solutions to common business problems of the accounting variety please call Pete DiSalvo for a free consultation.
To schedule your free consultation contact Pete DiSalvo, CPA, at 772-770-6008
| VERO BEACH OFFICE 900 20th Place Suite B Vero Beach, FL 32960 map and directions |
MELBOURNE OFFICE 2815 W New Haven Ave. Suite 7201 Melbourne, FL 32904 map and directions |
TITUSVILLE OFFICE 1061 Cheney Highway Titusville, FL 32780 |
TeleTech to Add 300 Sales and Service Jobs in Melbourne, Fl.
TeleTech is a leading global provider of analytics driven, Technology enabled, customer experience solutions. As near as I can tell that is a very fancy way of saying they supply “computerized customer service.”
They could be selling door knob polishing kits for all I care, as long as business is good enough to bring 300 new jobs into a job market that badly needs stimulation.
As it turns out, business at TeleTech must be quite good these days because Melbourne is one of several parts of the country where TeleTech is gearing up. A quick Google search reveals that TeleTech is also expanding rapidly in Arkansas, Kentucky, Texas, and Mexico. Subsidiaries of the company are hiring in other parts of the country as well.
According to the TeleTech website, they apply their special “customer experience” skills across many different industries but it is the healthcare industry that brings them to Melbourne. The expansion is primarily in support of two major players in the rapidly changing healthcare market. I can’t think of an industry more in need of a better customer experience.
We welcome the news for Melbourne. More jobs means a stronger economy which will benefit all of our customers in the Melbourne area.
DiSalvo and Company CPA, with offices in Melbourne, and Titusville Florida, specializes in providing book keeping, accounting, and tax preparation services for local merchants so we are pleased to hear any news that may help to make our clients more profitable. If you own a business in Melbourne, or Titusville, and you would like a free consultation with DiSalvo and Company about your business needs, please contact us at 321-269-0450, or 772-770-6008.
Northrup Grumman Set to Bring Jobs to Brevard CO.
Brevard County, Florida (May 8, 2014) – The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast has announced that Northrop Grumman Corporation has selected Brevard County for a sizeable expansion that could add up to 1,800 jobs at full program capacity with an average salary of $100,000 per year.
The effort, known as Project Magellan , is the largest economic development project in the country in terms of job creation numbers and average wage associated with employment. Northrop Grumman plans to invest approximately $500 million in new capital investments at the Melbourne International Airport.
This is a huge victory for families on the Space Coast, “We are excited that Northrop Grumman has decided to expand here in Florida, which could bring up to 1,800 new jobs to Brevard County. We’ve worked to grow jobs and opportunities for Florida families by cutting taxes, paying down debt and cutting government waste – and this announcement is a testament to our success in creating an opportunity economy. This is a huge win, and we’ll continue to build on this success with our recently completed legislative session where we cut $500 million in taxes and fees and made higher education more affordable for every family. These victories will attract more-and-more businesses to the Sunshine State. We must continue to grow our opportunity economy so that companies like Northrop Grumman can continue to create jobs for Florida families.”
~ Rick Scott, ” Governor of Florida
The project will roll out in two phases. Phase One will consist of the construction of an approximately 220,000 square foot building and the addition of 300 jobs by the end of 2015. If phase one business objectives are achieved, the company will move on to Phase Two with the construction of an additional approximately 500,000 square foot facility and 1,500 more jobs.
Large scale projects like this one often bring much more positive economic impact to an area like Brevard County than just the direct employment alone. Each high salary job brings with it a ripple effect because employees have the resources to buy homes, and consume products and services offered by local merchants of all types and sizes.
We at Di Salvo, and Company CPA firm are very happy to hear this news. DiSalvo and Company CPA, with offices in Melbourne, and Titusville Florida, specializes in providing book keeping, accounting, and tax preparation services for local merchants so we are pleased to hear any news that may help to make our clients more profitable. If you own a business in Melbourne, or Titusville, and you would like a free consultation with DiSalvo and Company about your business needs, please contact us at 321-269-0450, or 772-770-6008.
Fast Food Servers Walk Out for $15 Hr. Minimum Wage
The Space Coast Daily reports today from Brevard County, Florida, that the Service Employees International Union is soliciting backing for a hike in minimum wages for Fast Food Servers, to $15 per hour. The video below depicts Florida Union members joining other fast food workers around the nation in demonstrations to garner public support.
Supporters of a raise in the minimum wage argue that it is impossible to raise a family on the current minimum wages paid for work of this type. Opponents counter that these jobs are entry level positions intended for students, and singles, that were never meant to meet the needs of couple raising a family.
The team at DiSalvo and Company would love to find a way for everyone to have a good job, that is enjoyable and rewarding, and will cover their financial needs (like being a CPA.) But we are also firm believers in the free enterprise system. All too often attempts by the government to legislate a bigger piece of the pie to one group of citizens, cause unintended consequences that end up limiting opportunity for other groups. If entry level jobs are legislated to become living wage jobs, what is the effect on the job market for the entry level employee?
Rather then fight for better pay for entry level jobs, we believe the unions might be better served fighting for better educational opportunities for its members to rise beyond the entry level job to earn a living wage. Where do you come down on the subject of raising the minimum wage? If you support a $15 wage for Burger King employees, will you also support the $9 Whopper that will come along with it?
This analysis brought to you by DiSalvo & Company, CPA with offices in Melbourne, Titusville, and Vero Beach, Florida. If you would like an analysis of your personal, or business finances, please Call DiSalvo & Company, CPA at (772)770-6008.
Vero Beach Air Show Coming in May
“Six blue aircraft aligned in perfect formation, flashing over the crowd of thousands of upturned faces, people gasping in astonishment, aiming for a pre-established “center point” on the ground, appearing to come together for a split second, then angling off in gut-wrenching climbs, trailing white smoke to mark their paths.”
That is how they describe a performance of the Blue Angels at the Naval Aviation News .
The Blue Angels will be a featured attraction at the Vero Beach Air Show scheduled for Mother’s Day Weekend, May 10th & 11th. If all goes according to plan, the Blue Angels will perform for 35,000 to 45,000 air show attendees. Also scheduled to perform during the 2 day show will be Shockwave Jet Truck cruising down the runway at 400 mph; Patty Wagstaff, Olympic Gold Medalist in aerobatics; Skip Stewart and Prometheus; Rob Holland, winner of three U.S. National Aerobatic Championships; Dave Folk F4U-5N Corsair, flying the famed WWII aircraft; the Lucas Oil Skydivers, Julie Clark and the Juice Plus T-34 Mentor; and Gene Soucy and Teresa Stokes Wing Walking aero stunt pilots.
Be sure to save the date, in fact save both dates because you won’t want to miss the Blue Angels, or any of the other exciting performances at the Vero Beach Air Show. Ticket prices are 20 in advance, $25 at the gate for adults, juniors 12-15 years are $10 in advance, $15 at the gate, children 5-11 years are $8 in advance, $10 at the gate, and children 4 and under are free. Tickets are available at Seacoast Bank.
This information about the Vero Beach Air Show is brought to you by Vero Beach CPA firm of DiSalvo and Company, with offices in Vero Beach, Melbourne and Titusville. DiSalvo and Company, CPA specializes in offering expert tax services for small to medium size businesses Indian River County. DiSalvo & Company is the Dave Ramsey Endorsed Local Provider for tax services in Vero Beach, Titusville, and Melbourne, Florida.
1800 New High Paying Jobs for Melbourne, FL?
A large aerospace company is planning an operation at Melbourne International Airport that could mean 1,800 new jobs paying an average of $100,000 a year, according to documents filed Wednesday with Brevard County.
If a new project known as “project Magellan” goes through, it will bolster the Melbourne Airport’s image as a growing aerospace and aviation industrial power in Florida and the United States. This project would be in addition to major projects already announced by Embraer Executive Jets and Northrop Grumman Corp..
Greg Weiner, senior director of business development for the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast has stated that “It is potentially one of the largest economic-development projects in the United States.”
The project is contingent upon some economic concessions by both the county, and the state of Florida.
Documents provided to county commissioners indicate that if Project Magellan is approved, it will involve “aircraft development work,” and would be broken down into two phases:
• Phase 1 would consist of construction of a 216,000-square-foot building and creating 600 jobs by the end of 2015.
• Phase 2 would include construction of an additional 500,000-square-foot building and an additional 1,200 jobs.
We encourage our readers to learn more about the proposed project and make your feelings know to your local representatives in Brevard County, and the state of Florida.
This news is brought to you by the CPA firm of DiSalvo And Company,P.A. DiSalvo And Company, CPA provides the highest quality tax planning and accounting services to businesses in Vero Beach and maintains offices in Titusville, and Melbourne, Florida. Our clients trust our professional advice and can be certain that the numbers we provide are always accurate and timely throughout not just the tax season but the entire year.
Send us an e-mail or call us today at 772-770-6008 to discuss your business needs with an experienced local CPA.
Invest in a Six Figure Supercar?
According to a recent article in Business Week magazine, it has never been easier to sell six figure supercars such as the $181,000 Huracan by Lamborghini, or the $205,000 California T model Ferrari, or even the Porsche 918 Spyder with a price tag of $845,000.
It has never been more profitable either. Business Week reports that the Fiat group of companies, which also includes Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati brands, produced a 12.3 percent margin in its Ferrari, and Maserati lines compared to a 3.3 percent spread on its more pedestrian offerings. Porsche products produced a staggering 18.2% margin.
The Six Figure Supercar
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- Porsche 918 Spyder
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- Ferrari California T
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- Porsche 918 Spyder
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- Lamborghini Hurican
So who is buying these cars and why? The bottom dropped out of the supercar market in 2009, but since 2010, the pace of sales of these supercars has outstripped more conventional inventory by a significant margin. With a rapidly expanding market, there comes a perception of value and worth. Among those who can afford this kind of ride without blinking an eye, a perception of value and worth is all that it takes sometimes.
As to the question of who, when you stack up the cost of these vehicles next to the multi-year salary of a star athlete, or the year end bonus of a Fortune 500 C-level executive, or Wall Street Mega-trader, the numbers don’t seem all that large anymore.
Huge income, and net worth alone however don’t tell the full story. Even though the Treasure Coast of Florida is known for some of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the country per capita, you don’t seem to see as many six figure supercars in a year in Indian River County, as you may see in Newport Beach, California, on an a typical Sunday afternoon.
Perhaps the ideal buyer for a six figure super car is an individual who has not only made it, but also feels a need to let the whole world know it.
This information is brought to you by DiSalvo And Company, P.A. DiSalvo And Company, P.A is a Vero Beach CPA firm that provides a wide variety of accounting, tax and financial management services. Our clients are located in towns like Vero Beach, Port St. Lucie, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Fort Pierce, Sebastian, Micco, Fellsmere, Titusville, Merritt Island, Cocoa, Viera and Rockledge, and more. We service clients in Indian River County, St. Lucie County, Martin County and Brevard County.
Do You Remember Vinyl?
I may be about to give away my age here, but I noticed a small shop in Vero Beach that buys and sells vinyl records. Seeing this shop brought back memories of all the time I spent saving for, and shopping for, my favorite music on vinyl record albums. There was something almost ceremonial about listening to a new album for the first time. First you would remove the cellophane wrapper, and then carefully slip the shiny black disc out of the protective paper sleeve before placing it carefully on the platter of your turntable. Then I would wipe the 
surface with a special brush before lowering the tonearm into the outer grove for the first time. Once the music began to fill the room, I would of course study the wealth of information, art, and images on the album cover.
Bedroom walls of the 60s and 70s were frequently lined with record albums.
I listened to vinyl records long after the compact disc came along promising the world “perfect sound forever.” I stayed with vinyl largely because much of my favorite music was off the beaten path, and did not have a large enough of an audience to warrant re-release on the new digital format. Others however stayed with vinyl because they were convinced vinyl just sounds better. I must confess, I did not miss the pops and ticks that I could never eliminate from my vinyl rig, but I do believe that vinyl records were able to reproduce a degree of warmth and depth that was lacking in the new compact disc.
There is definitely basis in fact for the theory that vinyl sounds better. Real music consists of sound waves that are continuous, and ever changing in frequency. The groove in a vinyl record is able to reproduce those continuous waves. Digital on the other hand samples the continuous waves at a fixed interval and only presents the value of the waveforms at those sample points in time.
Think of it like a connect the dots drawing. If you take a drawing of a beach ball. At every half inch along the round ball you put a dot with the next number. If you replace the curved line of the original beach ball drawing with straight lines from dot to dot, you will end up with a shape that looks a little like a beach ball, but not as much as the original drawing. In our analogy, the music is the original drawing of the beach ball, and the digital recording is the connect the dots representation of the music.
After moving all those albums a few times, I finally decided that digital music was probably good enough for me, but believe it or not, the market for vinyl never died. There are dedicated enthusiast still who keep vinyl alive. Some of the more hip recording artists today are choosing to have their new work released on high quality “180 gram” vinyl albums. Audio manufacturers exist who are dedicating much effort to perfecting playback for the vinyl purist. You might not even recognize some of the more esoteric turntables for what they are.
This state of the art turntable retails for $35,950. The tone arm pictured adds $9,500. A suitable cartridge may add as much as $15,000.
It seems the major focus on music reproduction is now all about convenience rather than fidelity. With each new medium, the music is compressed a little more, and loses some quality in the process. Now that even the compact disc seems dated, I think it is quite cool that the nostalgic record player, and the vinyl record has survived.
DiSalvo And Company, P.A. is a Treasure Coast CPA firm, with offices in Vero Beach, Titusville, and Melbourne, providing comprehensive accounting and tax services for businesses in the Treasure Coast and Space Coast area of Central Florida. We are the Dave Ramsey endorsed local provider of Tax Services in your area.
Sebastian – Vero Beach Metro Area Ranks #1 in Income Inequality.
According to 24/7 Wall Street website, the Sebastian – Vero Beach metro area, ranks number one in the country for wealth inequality as measured by the governments Gini Index.
Gini Index: 0.5610
Median income: $40,413
Poverty rate: 17.2%
Pct. with income over $200,000: 7.1%
Statistics from 2012 show that while 7.1% of households earned more than $200,000 last year, among the higher rates in the nation, no metro area had a greater degree of income inequality than the Sebastian-Vero Beach metro area. In 2012, 33.8% of all household income earned belonged to the wealthiest 5% of households, a higher percentage than any other metro area in the United States. At the same time, the median household income in the area was just over $40,000, versus slightly more than $51,000 nationwide. Further, more than 19% of residents do not have health insurance, well above the national rate of 14.8%.
To learn more about this interesting local statistic, please see the article at http://247wallst.com.
DiSalvo And Company, P.A. is a Vero Beach CPA firm providing comprehensive accounting and tax services for businesses in the Vero Beach area. We are a well-respected firm with a reputation for expertise and integrity. We also maintain offices in Melbourne, and Titusville, FL.
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