Surprising IRS Statistics on Tax Filing Through the Internet
The IRS tax statistics on filing have changed over the years. More people are filing their taxes from home using the free filing options. The grand total so far is that almost 19 million taxpayers have filed from home using computer tax software or free file (and e-file). That total brings the total amount of all taxpayers using computers to an all time high and a 6% increase compared to last year at this time of tax season!The IRS statistics show that between 2010 and 2011, (last year and this year’s tax filing season) the number of people who self prepared their taxes using computer software or internet forms that were e-filed increased from a total of 17,826,000 taxpayers for the year of 2010 (2009 tax return) to 18,885,000 taxpayers for the year of 2011 (for the 2010 tax return year). This was a 5.9% increase (rounded up to 6%) just for last year and this year alone! It seems that filing your IRS tax return from home on the computer with internet use is becoming the new trend as tax preparers and professionals are at a decline of -0.2% (out of roughly 28 million people who use a professional tax company or person).Everyone can file for free using the Free File to do their tax returns and e-file. The goal is to start using this service to make tax returns easier, faster, more secure, and paper free for everyone. Even taxpayers who make moderate to wealthy incomes can use the e-file to file taxes, which is free when using a tax program online.Being in the third year for free fillable forms, remember that these forms do not include question and answer format. These fillable forms are the same as completing a 1040, but they are online versions of it for faster tax return results. The free fillable forms do not support state tax income return forms so you would need to get separate forms for filing your state tax returns.The IRS has also reported that the total amount of tax returns that filed with the e-file option (including online computer use of the 19 million) is a grand total of 46.9 million. Thanks to the internet and computer tax software, many people are filing taxes online because it is safer, quicker, and easier than ever before. Soon, the trend with IRS tax filing will to become completely paperless and technologized through computer or cell phone apps for all taxpayers.
The Energy of Busy
Got a minute?Just about any human being I work with or have in one of my classes tells me that “busyness” and lack of time are to blame for much of their internal stress and churn.Not. So. Fast.I’m not going to spend a ton of time on this. You and I both know better than that. Let’s do this instead…”Busy” has an energy about it.Try it on. “I’m so busy.” “I’m so busy.” “OMG, I’m soooo busy.” Feel it. Say it. Be it. Notice what happens in your body. Ugh.Of course, you can insert any energy that doesn’t serve you here: “It’s hard” or “It won’t work” are two of my favorites for sabotage, letting ourselves off the hook, and/or retreating when we’re scared.Now take that energy to your colleague. To your kids. To your partner. Helpful?Probably not.It’s not your “fault”. It’s a default. A great place to rest. Awesome place to “check out”. But, back to busy…Busy is a farce.It makes us feel good. Important.It gives us an excuse to say “no”.It can hide our fear of confrontation or disappointing someone else.It is a hiding place. A cop out. A scape goat. A self-fulfilling energetic prophecy. A reflection of our inability to say “yes” and “no” to the right things.Busy is stressful. And it’s contagious.Try it on for yourself. Think of your version of “busy”. Think of the story you tell about it. How often you tell that story. Who you tell it to.The most dangerous person to tell that story to is of course… ourselves. The more we tell it, the more we believe it, the more we embody it. We become “busy”. Welcome to the swirl.I watch this time and time again. I get to witness people say that the thing between them and their dreams is “busy”. The thing between them and being a good leader, getting more sleep, working out, taking care of their body, even eating good food, having a better marriage, giving feedback that could change a life, bringing in new business, whatever… is busy.Busy has a lot of power. And what’s worst is that we feed it. We are our own worst enemies when it comes to “busy”.What if it’s simpler than that? What if we could make busy our… friend?What if busy was just a lack of presence, intention, and prioritization?What if, you’re not actually busy? But rather missing presence, right here, right now, in the moment.And what if this busyness and lack of presence is simply shading your clarity and wisdom for the right “yes’s” and “no’s”?Breathe and think about it.Presence and intention are the antidotes to busy.Breathing heals busy.A solid “yes” or “no” is worth a hundred foggy “yes’s”.Perspective, priorities, and values clarify and tame “busy”.When we actually befriend busy, we can take it apart and make it work for us.”Busy” and “lack of time” are here to stay. We have to get better at leading our energy through them, telling the truth, valuing our time, and partnering with them. We have to get better at being present and intentional in our lives. And we have to listen.I had a client years ago who was busy, busy, busy. So busy, people found it nerve racking to be around her. They didn’t want to engage with her. And they’d never ask her for direction or support – she had an energetic force field around her that said “Back off, I’m busy”.When we drilled down to what her relationship was with “busy” – she found it was a protector for her. Being busy all the time kept her off the hook for having to say “no” and disappoint people who she didn’t want to hang out with or work with. It also made her feel important in her job. The problem was that she so bought into her story that she had fully embodied it. She spoke faster, wasn’t fully present with people, was experienced as unapproachable, and she didn’t feel good. Busy actually manifested itself in her physiology.Once she got honest and clear about what busy was about for her, she was able to partner with it, instead of resisting it or using it as a “bat”. She did 3 things:
She made a conscious effort to breathe in the moment and pay attention to her physical body. This was key. She also, in the moment, checked in with the truth… Was she going to die? Was she truly running out of time? Was a tiger going to get her if she didn’t get it done? (Ironically, these are often the physiological responses we have to the story of busy.)
She made a conscious effort to be fully with someone when they were talking to her. Ironically it took the same amount of time, but without the resistance and internal chatter, it was easier and more enjoyable.
She made a conscious (though difficult) decision to say NO to people when she didn’t want to do something. She held it as a YES to herself. Ironically, as hard as it was, it was so much cleaner to navigate it this way, that she felt physically and mentally better. The mental energy she’d spent, holding busy to avoid disappointed, was hers again. For the better.
For you…
What is your relationship with busy? Be honest here. No one’s looking. This is for you.
What does it give you? What does it keep you from?
What are the three things – or even one – that you sense would help you create more space? (Intuition is good here, use it.)
What are the, unnecessary – even draining, things that you participate in that contribute to your energy of busy? (Gossip, not telling the truth, avoiding conflict, working around people, television, procrastination, and not taking care of ourselves are just a few common ones.)
Find a word that means something to your soul… If you were to replace the word or feeling of “busy” with this new word, how might that change things? For example: If you were “on purpose” instead of “busy” what would you do differently? If you were “engaged” instead of “busy” what would that do? There is gold in this question. Dig in.
What if you could tame your busy with some presence and intention? What if taking a step back, breathing, and being incredibly intentional with how you use your energy and time, were the solution to busy?What if? What might you lose?I’m not gonna lie and say that “busy” never creeps in for me, it does. But in those moments, when I get that visceral reaction, I’m quicker to turn to it, love on it a bit, get present, nurture what needs to be nurtured, say “no” where I need to say “no”, and step into intentional, delightful, full, and on purpose. By choice.Don’t get busy, get present, tell the truth, choose consciously, and go.
Tafe Fashion Design Course and Merchandiser
The fashion industry has undergone a complete change in the recent times and the distance certifications for same are required for achieving success in fashion world. Fashion technology is becoming the fastest and entrenched industry in today’s world. All budding designers are working hard to develop new designs and brands which help companies sell their clothes, jewellery and footwear. The fashion Industry is widespread and requires creative ideas along with dedication for work for any designer to be famous.Milan and Toronto are the famous Fashion Hotspots where the best designers and budding talents display their collections and perform shows. Today with various universities and institutes offering Fashion Designing courses which have facilities to teach the technical software’s of CAD and Patternmaker, are becoming increasing popular. Tafe fashion design course with the help of distance education help students reach them removing the barriers of countries. The courses available also offer specialization in Children / Menswear / Womenswear and even Bridal for designers to choose from. One such name in the education arena is TAFE.TAFETafe offers various courses which include the “Advanced Diploma of Fashion Design and Technology”. This course is specifically designed to train budding designers and help talented students develop their creativity through in specialized areas of Fashion Designing.Course DetailsTafe fashion design course offers the Fashion Designing Diploma for students who are willing to apply practical, creative and technical knowledge in the field. Various aspects like design application and product development for management level students are also covered in the Course. Complete research is done by students while studying this course on topics from garment realization, fine patternmaking, fitting, interior, construction, merchandising and sizing which shall be used in the Fashion Industry.Any successful and well equipped course for Fashion Designing shall include garment cutting and block construction which are the most essential aspects of garment design which are a part of the TAFE Diploma Course. The course consists of elective subjects like grading techniques, fashion development through patternmaking, fashion illustration, fabric manipulation, textile fibre, pattern draping, lingerie design, design elements, fabric sketching, swimwear design, sizing design, CAD and specialized software developed for computer fashion designing and selling concepts are available.Merchandiser concept is also increasing today which is resulting in extensive design research for better quality and designs. Besides the basic cloth, jewelry is also being designed by various designers which is giving the industry a new look and arena to showcase. Students from Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai which are hubs for fashion designing are aspiring to undergo the certification provided by TAFE. Delhi and Mumbai are two bog fashion centers in India. This course facilitates subject which shall help the student develop expertise in AQF5 level. Fashion production management and supply chain are vital components of the course curriculum which help in developing creative and critical thinking required for the fashion world and merchandiser concept. Applications.The course is industry specific and is much more proactive than various similar courses offered by universities worldwide. This full time course can be undergone for a period of 3 years which provides Certificate IV LMT41007. This is the Applied Fashion Design and Technology Certification which is recognized all over the world and has greater industry acceptance for employment. Various Managerial level positions can be easily acquired after this certification in the Fashion Industry. The information on tafe fashion design course can be availed online from the websites. The Certificate subjects and details regarding fees and locations are displayed on the website. Before entering the Fashion industry one must get quality certification from renowned institute and TAFE is the first name that comes to one’s mind.
5 Empowering Tracks From Female Icons To Make You Feel Inspired
Sometimes we all need a little lift. Whether you’ve had a recent knock to your confidence, have been going through stress in your personal or professional life, or have always struggled with your self-esteem, music is an essential tool for lifting your spirits and making you feel better about yourself.
According to a study by Heriot-Watt University, the type of music you listen to not only influences your mood, but also your personality, with indie and rock/heavy metal fans reporting the lowest levels of self-esteem, while fans of jazz, blues, opera, classical, pop, rap and soul all reported high levels of self-confidence.
So if you’re having a ‘down day’, why not boost your spirits by listening to some powerful, uplifting tracks? Here are five perfect confidence boosters.
Britney Spears – Toxic
Britney’s own struggles with her mental health and conservatorship have made her an inspiration for many people across the world.
This classic song is timelessly sensual, and the heavy beats throughout make it impossible not to dance to. A welcome blast of nostalgia, this tune has filled dance floors across the globe with fans old and new.
The video features Britney as a female spy playing the sexy flight attendant, seducing her passenger before she makes her escape on a motorbike and breaks into a high-security facility guarded by a laser security system.
This track and video is a guaranteed way to feel invincible, and deserves a place on your playlist no matter your mood.
Kelis – Milkshake
A cheesy classic that is guaranteed to make you feel all warm and gooey inside, Kelis pumps up the heat in this 00’s RnB track. Underpinned by intricate drum beats and electric elements, Kelis’ self-confidence is infectious, and it’s hard not to find yourself smiling at the lyrics.
This track is a great way to get into a flirtatious mindset, making it a great choice before going on a date or heading out for the evening.
And if you’re staying in? It’s a great mood lift. But beware! You may find yourself craving a sweet treat.
Eve (ft. Gwen Stefani) – Let Me Blow Your Mind
This RnB classic will capture your attention with its assertive rhythm and powerful vocals from 00’s icons Eve and Gwen Stefani. Featuring a laid-back – yet self-assured – beat, and catchy guitar riff, this is a great track for driving, and its empowering feel is sure to help you feel motivated.
Got a job interview lined up, or thinking of asking for a raise? This anthemic number is a quick way to feel positive and more assertive.
The video features Eve and Gwen Stefani crashing an exclusive event on quad bikes, causing a stir among the privileged attendants, and shoving the performer off stage to perform their own music, before finally being arrested and taken to the station in a police van.
This ‘baddie’ track helps you to tap into the hidden ‘bold’ side of your personality, and lifts your mood while keeping you feeling calm and cool.
Fergie – MILF$
If you have kids, it can be difficult to feel sexy. When you’re running around cleaning the house, changing nappies, or up to your elbows in dishwater, you can easily forget your sensual side – leaving you feeling frumpy and lacking in confidence and motivation.
Thankfully, Fergie’s comeback track is a quick remedy to your low mood and lethargy.
Featuring attractive mothers dressed in curve-hugging latex and silky lingerie going about their daily life in a dreamy, colourful suburbia, this track is a quick way to transform your self-esteem and transport you to a world where you are not just a mother, but a goddess too.
Why not shake off the day and tap into your feminine energy with Fergie, your sexiest PJs, and a bottle of your favourite wine?
Marina And The Diamonds – How To Be A Heartbreaker
Low confidence after a breakup? You’re not alone. Having your heart broken can leave you feeling depressed, undesirable, and unmotivated. So flip the tables on your ex and become a heartbreaker with Marina’s catchy club classic.
This empowering dance track will make you want to move your body and get in touch with your bad girl side, with its heavy beat and pounding rhythms.
Plus, if your libido has suffered as a result of your low mood, take a sneaky peek at the video – it will get your blood pumping with its steamy shower shots and smoking hot male models.