King Tut Comes to US

With wide eyed wonder that only a child could have, I read and re-read my grandfathers King Tutankhamen issue of National Geographic. I wished with every fiber of my being to travel to Egypt and set my eyes (and chocolate smeared hands) upon the beautiful treasures of a long forgotten boy pharaoh. Now, many years later, I need only travel as far as the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, PA to view these priceless artifacts.

I am not a patient person by nature, and normally will not “do” lines, but this exhibit is special. I will pay my $27.50 entrance fee, and wait (with the restraint comparable to that of an 8 year old) for my visit with the boy pharaoh.

Kelly

We Don't Have an Immigration Problem

We don't have an immigration problem, as I understand it. What we have is a tax evasion problem. Too many U.S. employers are willing to break the law by not withholding and paying the employment taxes associated with those that they hire.

The answer is not in the building of fences, because the problem is not that people are crossing the borders. The problem is with our own citizens and employers in building a culture in which it is acceptable to not pay taxes. And the problem is with the misallocation of resources.

When we apply the resources to fix the real problem, and when we clean up our culture of crime, we can improve the situation. Until then, we are just serving pork.

Delaware Stays on the cutting edge of corporate law, with State Constitutional Amendment

In a continuing effort to improve and develop Delaware's corporate governance laws, Delaware has implemented a Constitutional Amendment to speed up SEC inquiries. Delaware Online Reports.

Now, the SEC can certify questions of law directly to the Delaware Supreme Court. Here is some of the amended text (relative to the jurisdiction of the Delaware Supreme Court):

(8) To hear and determine questions of law certified to it by other Delaware courts, the Supreme Court of the United States, a Court of Appeals of the United States, a United States District Court, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or the highest appellate court of any other state, where it appears to the Supreme Court that there are important and urgent reasons for an immediate determination of such questions by it. The Supreme Court may, by rules, define generally the conditions under which questions may be certified to it and prescribe methods of certification.

The State is Giving Back $5,000,000.00!

It doesn't happen often, but sometimes the government does give back the extra money that was taken from people. Superior Court is now supervising the return of 5 Million Dollars in excess forclosure sale proceeds which have accumulated over the last 5 years. And this was from people who could scarely afford it in the first place!

The project is called.... Rightful Owner. The Court has set up a site to help us track this process, and gather information. Go ahead and check for your name on the list, if you were involved in a mortgage forclosure.

I remember when I supervised a project in Family Court to track down missing restitution payees. It was great fun, and it was very appreciated by the folks who were due the funds. I suspect that the folks involved in this Superior Court process will feel the same. After they jump through the procedural hoops though.

For cases where there is more than $1,000 involved, the filing fee is $75 and a title search (about $100 cost) is among the prerequisites to filing a claim. There is no filing fee for the cases of less than $1000.

The Forever Stamp

As of May 14, the U.S. Post Office will be again raising the price of stamps. This time the price will go from 39 cents to 41 cents.

Also, which I though was kind of neat, they are introducing a "forever" stamp. It can be purchased for 41 cents, and even if the prices raise again, it will still valid:
"In 2007, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the Forever stamp, which will always be valid as First-Class postage on standard envelopes weighing one ounce or less, regardless of any subsequent increases in the First-Class rate.

The stamp art depicts the Liberty Bell, which is perhaps the most prominent and recognizable symbol associated with American independence. Over the years, the historic significance of the bell's message has transcended our national borders, and today the Liberty Bell is an international icon of freedom. Replicas of the Liberty Bell exist in all fifty states and the District of Columbia."

by: Christine Orzechowski

Walk for a Cure

As the JDRF Walk Chair Person, I would like to extend an invitation to be a part of finding a cure, in our life time, for Juvenile Diabetes.

What is Juvenile Diabetes? Type 1 Diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a disorder of the body's immune system—that is, its system for protecting itself from viruses, bacteria or any "foreign" substances. What is JDRF? JDRF is the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research worldwide.

In June, Alan and Ellen Levin of Happy Harry's will sponsor our Annual Gala for a Cure. This is a wonderful opportunity to not only donate to a wonderful cause, but also to promote your business and sense of community commitment.

JDRF is accepting donations of cash as well as auction items. If you would like to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity, please contact either Stephanie Bucksner at JDRF at 302-888-1117 or Christine Pavlik at 410-398-0110. To learn more about JDRF in Delaware, please visit our website.


Posted by Christine Pavlik, CPA
cpavlik@pavassoc.com

Elvis Memorabilia Battle in Delaware Chancery Court

There's an airport hangar somewhere in Nevada, filled with Elvis memories, and a couple of 18-wheelers ready to take them on tour for the children of America, at $20 per head. They aren't leaving the hangar until a battle over their ownership takes place.

The fight over them is brewing in Delaware's Chancery Court. These memorabilia were used by Elvis Presley, and by his Doctor George Nichopoulos, and it sounds like it could be an entertaining time in Court.

The tug of war involves such things as:

Doctor's bag: "Black doctor's bag used by Dr. Nichopoulos for making house calls to Graceland and touring with Elvis Presley."

Stuffed dog: "Elvis had this dog in his suite at the Las Vegas Hilton . . . Elvis jokingly used dog as a pillow. Just as they were leaving to go on stage, Elvis threw the dog at Dr. Nick and said, 'This dog is for you!' Framed notarized letter of authenticity."

Laryngeal scope: "Used to examine Elvis' chronic sore throat and tonsils . . . Dr. Nick had to take additional schooling to learn how to use this."

A Delaware Limited Liability Company was formed with three members, Businessman Richard S. Long, Entertainer Bobby Freeman, aka Robert G. Gallagher, and Betty Franklin are in a fight over ownership, and Gallagher and Franklin are asking the Court to dissolve the limited liabilty company that was set up to own the collectibles, and be responsible for touring them across the countryside.

Robert G. Gallagher didn't show up in Court for the first day of proceedings.

Earlier articles:

The King . . . and the courts

Singer, businessman battle over Elvis memorabilia