For an audience of 300 at the New York Stock Exchange, including members of the New York Cosmos and New York Red Bulls, the America SCORES 7th Annual National Poetry SLAM! featured poetry performances by 27 elementary school children from 14 cities. Also in attendance were guests of honor football legend Shep Messing and soccer visionary, Joseph Tacopina. The event, a benefit for America SCORES, reached its $150,000 fundraising goal thanks largely to these honorees and their friends, including international soccer icon Pelé, who collectively matched the evening’s donations with $10,000. Funds will be used to continue delivering high-quality afterschool programs for 8,000 youth at no cost to their families. Donations can be made at: www.americascores.org/slamweek.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/61485-america-scores-7th-annual-national-poetry-slam-nyse-youth-afterschool
QROPS - Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes were introduced in 2006 as part of a major overhaul of Britain\'s pension framework, aimed at simplifying pension transfers to another country. New legislation was passed by the UK tax authority, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), in order to comply with an EU directive that pensions be free to move across Europe\'s borders. This ruling means that individuals, wishing to retire to countries such as France, Spain and Portugal can effectively take their UK pension funds with them: http://www.axis-finance.com/what-are-qrops.php
Who can apply for a QROPS?
A QROPS is specifically designed to allow anyone, not intending to retire in the UK, to transfer existing and frozen UK pension plans into a more appropriate retirement vehicle.
Individuals who are, or have been members of a UK registered pension fund and are currently living outside of the UK, or intending to leave the UK on a permanent basis, can consider transferring their retirement fund into a QROPS: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-living-in-France
Transfers to QROPS
The UK Government allows transfers to QROPS to be made free of UK tax. Their aim is to simplify the affairs of individuals leaving the UK on a permanent basis and to encourage them to continue saving in order to provide an income when they retire. There is no official limit to the amount of funds that may be transferred to a QROPS: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-France-pension-transfers
QROPS - HMRC Rules
What makes a scheme a QROPS?
In order to transfer your UK pension into a QROPS, it is necessary for the overseas pension scheme to be accepted by HMRC. The criteria outlined by HMRC for an overseas scheme to qualify as a QROPS include:
- The pension scheme must be established outside of the UK
- It must be recognised for tax purposes in the country where it is located
- It must be regulated in the country in which it is established
Age that benefits can be taken from a QROPS
The QROPS regime mirrors that of a regulated pension scheme in the UK. Benefits, including lump sum payments, from the transferred funds may not be distributed earlier than the normal retirement age of 55, if an individual has been a non-UK resident for less than five complete tax years: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-living-in-France-HMRC-Rules
QROPS Reporting requirements
HMRC should be notified if a payment is made within the first five tax years of a member becoming non-UK tax resident. Any benefits paid before five complete tax years of non-UK residency and not in accordance with UK Pension rules will be deemed an unauthorised payment.
The scheme manager does not have to notify HMRC if the payment is made 10 or more years after the day of the transfer that created the QROPS fund for the \'relevant member\', provided that the person is non UK resident for the duration of this period. This 10 year \'bracket\' for reporting payments took effect as of 6 April 2012.
QROPS List
When transferring your UK pension to a scheme overseas, it is important to check that the scheme meets the conditions to be a qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme (QROPS). Not all transfers to overseas or offshore schemes are QROPS transfers; it is therefore essential to verify that the scheme receiving your UK benefits is on the QROPS list published by HMRC, otherwise a transfer will be treated as a transfer to a non-qualifying overseas scheme and substantial penalties may be applied by HMRC at the time of transfer: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-list-living-in-France
How do I know if it is a legitimate QROPS scheme?
QROPS approved plans that agree to have their details published are listed on the HMRC website. A UK Pension administrator will confirm a QROPS listing before agreeing to a transfer. If not listed, the administrator will contact HMRC
On Thursday, March 21, 2013 the smash-hit show JERSEY BOYS celebrated its fifth anniversary in Las Vegas by presenting a star to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons on the “Las Vegas Walk of Stars” outside of the show’s home, Paris Las Vegas. Original Four Seasons group members Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio were at the event to receive the commemorative star. It was the 64th star to be unveiled on Las Vegas Boulevard.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/60864-jersey-boys-las-vegas-honors-frankie-valli-and-the-four-seasons
The egg has been associated with festivals celebrating spring for many centuries. Decorating eggs for Easter is a tradition that dates back to the 13th century or earlier. Eggs were formerly a forbidden food during the Lenten season, and there are rituals in many countries involving painting and decorating them to mark the end of the period of penance and fasting, and then eating them as a celebration of Easter.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54146-u-s-fda-playing-it-safe-with-eggs-food-safety-tips
It is time for a new New Testament. In February of 2012, a council of scholars and spiritual leaders, convened by religious scholar Hal Taussig, came together to discuss, debate, and reconsider which books belong in the New Testament. They talked about dozens of newly found texts, their lessons, and how they inform the previously bound books. Reading the existing New Testament alongside these new texts—The Gospel of Luke with The Gospel of Mary, Paul’s letters with The Letter of Peter to Philip, The Revelation to John with The Secret Revelation to John—offers the exciting possibility of understanding both—the new and the old—better. What were early Christians’ concerns? What was daily practice? What was a woman’s place? How was Jesus remembered and his message promoted? In this imaginative reframing, Taussig presents explanatory introductions and additional historical background alongside the traditional New Testament books and ten newly included scriptures, all bringing us closer to a full appreciation of these documents and their impact on spiritual life. Learn more at http://bit.ly/newnewtestament Religion
Celebrate New Year’s Eve onboard a spectacular fireworks cruise on Sydney Harbour. Sydney Showboats were specifically built for quality dining and entertaining on Sydney Harbour. These fabulous party cruises will ensure that you really bring in the New Year with a bang.
For more information please visit here newyearsevesydney.net.au
For the millions who suffer from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), a study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) provides clinical evidence of safety and effectiveness for a new, FDA-approved medical device. Torax Medical’s LINX® Reflux Management System was studied in a controlled, prospective, multicenter trial involving 14 U.S. and European medical centers as part of the FDA pre-market approval process. The patients were evaluated before and after treatment to determine the effect of the LINX System on their GERD using pre-defined success criteria, which included reduction of esophageal acid, improvement in quality of life and elimination of reflux medications.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/60077-torax-medical-linx-reflux-management-system-clinical-study-published
The number of safety incidents at processing plants has increased as the nation’s refineries have aged. During the first two weeks of 2013, a total of 27 process safety incidents, including fires, leaks and fugitive emissions were reported at U.S. refineries. This incident rate could climb even higher as the U.S. is expected to be the world’s top oil producer by 2017 and plants are pushed even harder. To further compound these risks, the industry is experiencing a “brain drain.” More than half of the most seasoned oil and gas professionals are set to retire in the next few years.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/60413-wika-instrument-full-audit-service-team-fast-processing-plant-safety
In the wake of recent tragedy, the Newtown community came together to show the nation the true meaning of “Newtown strong.” It was inspiring to see such overwhelming support for a small, quiet town in the face of such extreme adversity.
The Strides for Sandy Hook 5k memorial run/walk was created as a way for local residents to continue the healing process. The 5k took place on Saturday, January 19, 2013. The unofficial community run honored the lives of victims lost in the December 14, 2012 tragedy. While there was a suggested donation of $25 for participants, any amount was accepted—no matter how big or small. Strides for Sandy Hook attracted nearly 200 walkers and runners and raised over $3,600 on January 19 alone. All donations and proceeds were given towards a memorial fund established by Newtown Parks and Recreation, the Newtown Park Gift Fund.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/pages/59886-strides-for-sandy-hook-5k-memorial-run-newtown-ct
BACARDÍ, the world’s best-selling and most awarded rum, unveiled its latest addition to the brand’s flavored rum lineup, BACARDI® Pineapple FusionTM at last night’s NBA on TNT All-Star Saturday Night Party. The NBA on TNT party featured a performance by award-winning hip hop artist Flo Rida.
John Legend, Ali Larter, DJ Irie, Ellie Goulding, Samantha Harris, Gloria Reuben, Spencer Haywood, Dale Ellis, Cedric Ceballos, Bonzi Wells and others were among the celebrities and NBA Legends that turned out to toast NBA All-Star 2013 with TNT and the NBA in Houston, Texas last night.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/60302-bacardi-launches-pineapple-fusion-during-nba-all-star-weekend-flo-rida
Beginning today and airing throughout the week, NBC’s TODAY will debut a series of television public service ads, (PSAs) featuring TODAY’s anchors, on behalf of four social issues—fatherhood involvement, hunger prevention, emergency preparedness and shelter pet adoption. The ads were created pro bono by leading advertising agencies throughout the country in partnership with the Ad Council, a non-profit and leading producer of PSA campaigns for over 70 years. TODAY’s anchors personally selected the social issues they are supporting among the Ad Council’s 50 national campaigns, and participated in brainstorming sessions with the ad agencies to help inform the creative.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/60173-ad-council-nbc-today-show-anchors-lauer-guthrie-roker-morales-psas
