brass Blog

In honor of American Independence Day, here are some fireworks numbers to amaze, a list of shows you want to catch at least once, and some links to get you in the spirit.

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Fire-working facts

• 16,000 fireworks shows will be held across the U.S. this year. 225 million pounds of fireworks are blown up across the U.S. on the 4th of July.
• $900 million–the value of the fireworks spectacle production industry in the U.S.
• $3,000 to over $75,000–the budget for a fireworks show produced by trained professionals.

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Shows to see

1. Washington DC: Half a million people, a huge parade, our capital, and all the history you could ask for.
2. NYC, NY: 3 million people come to watch 40,000 shells explode in 30 minutes at Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show.
3. Boston, MA: The 23-minute show is synchronized to a live performance by the Boston Pops Symphony Orchestra. Just loading and wiring the mortars takes two weeks of work.
4. Lake Tahoe, CA: The 10th-deepest lake in the world is the mirror for this 5,000 explosion show.
5. Seattle, WA: 10,000 effects, 2,300 shells, 21 minutes and the Space Needle.

Be safe
Get out and celebrate the founding of our country, but be smart about it. Stay safe and check out the laws in your state before you light anything .

– Jens

Here’s a question: when you get your fix of “The Daily Show” or “The Colbert Report,” are you tuning in on your TV… or are you clicking in to watch the episodes streaming online?

This is a massively huge question in the media industry right now. Increasingly, viewers are accessing streaming or downloadable content on their iPhones, Blackberries and laptops. This shift by users away from the boob tube to new devices has a term–The New TV Ecosystem. In this new environment, folks are now consuming mainstream media on-the-go and on-demand.

According to a report by MediaPost’s Online Video Insider, Internet advertising revenue–at $21 billion–outstripped both Cable and broadcast TV advertising in 2007. To illustrate the growth of the New TV Ecosystem even more, the amount of streaming content and podcasts online jumped 133 percent from June 2007 to March 2008. You can check out the full report here.

Here I go with connections again: a shift in user habits means a shift in the business landscape. It’s left some pretty big corporate players scrambling to readjust and stay in the black. As for now, most major networks are offering popular TV shows streaming online. The business model used by broadcast TV for decades is really being forced to adapt now. The trick is to figure out how to monetize all this stuff and survive in the age of YouTube.

It’s an exciting time, and a win-win situation for us viewers.

– Peter

Millions of stimulus checks and billions of dollars have been sent by the IRS to eager taxpayers. This infusion of funds is supposed to be helping out; but from an economic standpoint–given the current price of fuel and commodities–does this really spell stimulus, or does this simply spell relief?

The good news first; according to a CNN Money report, the Stimulus Plan was credited for a 1 percent jump in retail sales in May (that’s twice as much as what economists expected).

Now the not as good news: according to a survey by the American Bar Association, 73 percent of Americans have changed their spending habits because of the economy. Whether the changes to cut back are big or small, Americans have their mind on their money and their money on their mind.

I received my stimulus payment the other week and happily danced around the mailbox. But thinking more, I realized it wouldn’t really go to defray my recent camera investment as I’d hoped–rather, it’ll likely go toward gas because of rising fuel costs.

I asked around brass to see if folks have changed their habits and got about an even split between action and inaction. Some say they haven’t made any changes in spending habits, while others say they’ve definitely made efforts to cut back. Common moves for saving included: carpooling, eating out less, cutting back on entertainment (from vacations to movies) and taking time to map out the most economical route to run errands to save on gas.

So now I turn the question to you, brass Blog readers–what do you think? Are you going about things differently to save?

–Peter

Regular-grade gas stood at $4.27 a gallon in town this morning, and this past weekend I logged about 220 miles driving to different photography assignments. While I’m happy to have the business, these hits at the gas pump are having an impact on me. In fact, business owners everywhere from all fields are feeling the pinch. Some more than others.

Fortunately, partial relief for businesses (even little guys like me) comes in the form of tax write-offs. For business tax purposes, drivers are allowed to deduct 50.5 cents for every mile driven. The IRS increased the rate for 2008 from 48.5 cents per mile.

With this rate, that means I can write off up to $111 for this past weekend!

I did some research online, and it turns out there are other ways you can be compensated for mileage. According to the IRS, you can write off mileage costs for medical or moving purposes (19 cents per mile), and in service of charitable organizations (14 cents per mile).

If you have more specific questions about writing off mileage with these rates, check out this full IRS report.

So the next time you’re having to move, relocate for work, or are helping out your favorite charity, save your gas receipts. Every little bit helps you spend less money.

– Peter

Having a hard time finding a job this summer? Chances are you’re not alone. According to a CNN report, teen unemployment jumped up to 18.7 percent in May. To be fair, much of this increase could simply be related to the school year ending.

I don’t like being the bearer of bad news, so here are some resources to help you avoid becoming part of the statistic. You can start your search by checking out our article on seasonal jobs. From the article, you can link to a number of job search websites. Also, check out this brass article on how to turn a hobby (like photography) into a money-making venture.

You’ll want some cash in your pocket this summer to have fun with your friends and maybe catch a few movies like Kung Fu Panda or Get Smart. A little work at a part-time gig could be your ticket to fun times, and you just might pick up some valuable job experience while you’re at it too. Happy job hunting!

– Peter

Have you had your brass today? A recent survey from the Federal Reserve suggests that students don’t only need eight hours of shuteye and a big bowl of Wheaties everyday:

The survey of high school seniors reported that on average they only answered 48.3% of questions correct about personal finance and economics. This data is a drop from the 2006 survey when students answered 52.4% of questions correctly. In addition, college students’ financial literacy came out slightly higher, answering 62% of questions correctly.

Source: time.com

Going green is becoming increasingly popular in the public spotlight thanks to the fashion and entertainment industries, and there are simple, clear advantages to paperless bill pay in terms of the environment. According to NACHA–The Electronic Payments Association, for every 38,000 bills paid by direct electronic payment, one ton of paper is saved, 1,941 pounds of solid waste is avoided and 5,058 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions are never created.

Even if saving the world isn’t at the top of your to-do list, just think about how much easier it could be managing your bills with online documents instead of having paper envelopes piling up every month.

– Susie

Web surfing, sending personal email and using social networking sites like Facebook, and Myspace may feel pretty normal for us, but many employers are still coping with their use in the office. A recent study by the American Management Association on electronic monitoring and surveillance found more than half of all employers surveyed have fired workers for email and Internet abuse.

Some businesses are trying to block certain websites, and others monitor how much time employees spend online or if they’re using company email accounts for personal reasons. With so much content online and easy, high-speed access, it’s easy to forget ourselves and overuse our Internet privileges at work.

The study, released in February, states that 66 percent of employers monitored Internet connections. Viewing of inappropriate or explicit websites topped the list of concerns, followed next by game sites and then social-networking sites. While 84 percent of these employers inform employees of monitoring, only two states (Delaware and Connecticut) legally require employers to tell workers they’re being watched on the job. (Check out Fast Track to Fired:Are you a culprit? Avoid these 5 mistakes at work for more tips on job security. )

So, it’s a good idea to always think twice about checking your favorite blog or sending a quick email to your friends from work – it could protect your job in the long run.

- Susie

April 15th is looming — are you getting nervous? If you’re feeling a little behind, now is the time to buckle down and get organized. Remember: if your adjusted gross income was $54,000 or less last year, you can use FreeFile to file online. This outlet lets you file any time, day or night, and you can receive a refund sooner through Direct Deposit.

A more obvious reminder is the due date: Tuesday, April 15th. (Last year, the 15th landed on a Sunday so the day was bumped to the 17th.) While it’s never a good idea to wait to the last minute to file, your return is considered on time as long as it’s postmarked (electronically or snail mail) by the due date.

“Like mothers, taxes are often misunderstood, but seldom forgotten.” – Lord Bramwell, 19th Century English jurist

– Susie

Source: irs.gov

It happens most often during the fall, but college students can get hit just about any time by credit card companies on campus that are on the offensive. A recent report from U.S. Public Interest Research Group says students get an average of five mailings and four phone calls each month soliciting credit cards. I first heard about this on NPR.

The report focused on campus recruiting by companies, criticizing them for renting tables from campus groups and paying them fees and commission for completed applications.

Young people are getting more savvy every year in avoiding less than stellar deals, this means some credit card recruiters have adopted sneakier tactics. At my school, a common ploy comes from fliers for a free pizza – all you have to do is sign away for a credit card! Please, luring me with free food? I may be on a budget, but I know bait in the water when I see it — and I’m not biting.

Credit card companies habitually preying upon students is a serious issue for us as young adults, brass’s CEO. Bryan Sims sounded off about this in a recent Publisher’s 2 Cents article.

Not only is it extremely important to do your research when selecting a credit card, but you have to be wary of deals that sign you up for more than you bargained for. Don’t get duped by short term or immediate perks, look at the long term.

– Susie