Passionately Urban

When: Saturday, February 20, 2010
Where: Denver Pavilions, Level 2, over Glenarm Place
Time: 9am-5pm

The Discovery Channel invites you to participate in an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In the second season of the critically acclaimed docu-reality series "The Colony," a group of eleven strangers must co-exist in a simulated, post-apocalyptic world.

The show's premise is as follows. The world as you know it is gone—there is no water, no food, no communication, no power. It's now up to you and eleven strangers to fend for yourselves as you rebuild society and reengineer the world as you once knew it.

If you understand the science of survival, if you have a skill that would help you and others survive after a catastrophe, if you are ambitious, motivated, resourceful under pressure and willing to un-tap your personal ingenuity, we are looking for you. Don't miss out on the chance to join the cast in this true test of the human spirit.

More downtown Pavilions scoop >

The X-Games are not exclusive to the mountains, Denver will be doing a stellar job of promoting the Apres Ski & Ride Party. Denver is jumping into the party with a 3-D chalk ski scene at the Pavilions (starting today thru Jan 31) and the X-Games broadcasted at Skyline park (1601 Arapahoe Street) Thursday thru Saturday evening (5-9 p.m.). Here's a calendar of events for the downtown area.

In conjunction with the X-Games, the SIA snow show is happening at the Colorado Convention Center from Jan 28 thru Jan 31. From the website, it's "the largest, most concentrated and authentic trade event in the snow sports industry. It is the first time globally that the styles, technologies, innovations, culture and energy of snow sports is presented. Close to 20,000 industry professionals will meet to engage in business, networking opportunities, parties, brand events and seminars to feel the true essence of snow sports." More info >

Get your snow on!

Happy Holidays! Click Here

In November, Congress passed legislation that:

• Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.
• Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?
• First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010. To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

• Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.

Which Properties Are Eligible?
The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

How Much Is Available?
The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000.

The maximum allowable credit for current homeowners is $6,500.

How is a Buyer's Credit Amount Determined?
Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by two additional factors:

1.The price of the home.
2.The buyer's income.

Price
Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.

Buyer Income
Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, which is effective on November 7, 2009, single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000—may receive the maximum tax credit.

These income limits have changed from the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit limits.

If the Buyer(s)’ Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?
Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.

The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income—over $145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Can a Buyer Still Qualify If He/She Closes After April 30, 2010?
Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?
No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount credit will be recouped on the sale.

Source: NAR

For tax forms and filing instructions, please refer to the IRS Website >

This is heavy on my heart while I'm thinking of close friends, and even myself, who have lost someone close to a tragic suicide. While we are not to blame for someone else taking h/is/er own life, this is just a nice reminder of how simple words, validation and appreciation can make a difference. Sieze the day and make every day count with those you love!

Make a difference by telling someone how much they mean to you, click here >