Soak the Rich?

Yesterday, the Associated Press reported that millionaires are fleeing their luxury homes in New York to establish residency in less-taxing states. As a result, New York is receiving far less revenue than was expected from the wealthy since these wealth taxes were enacted last April.

Call it the law of unintended consequences.

To be fair, many of these losses come from scaled-back salaries and layoffs on Wall Street, but more than a few may be packing up and moving to more tax-friendly states such as Florida, Nevada and elsewhere–and are taking jobs with them. It is reported that billionaire Buffalo Sabres owner Tom Golisano who was paying $13000 a day in New York income taxes has moved to Florida. With him go 5000 jobs from Paychex, the Rochester, NY payroll processing company he owns. Rush Limbaugh has also given up his Manhattan home to escape excessive taxation.

Donald Trump tells Fox News that a number of his millionaire friends are also thinking of bailing from New York because of excessive taxation. Says AP:

“States also realized that having a higher tax rate than their neighbors would cost them talent, lose jobs and hinder economic growth, the foundation reported in May after Hawaii joined Maryland, New Jersey, California and New York to adopt a “millionaire’s tax.” New York, for example, has been careful not to raise its highest rates above New Jersey‘s, according to the foundation.”

In California, millionaires and job producers are already being heavily courted by Nevada, a state that is seeking to grow its employment base and fortunes with its minimal taxation and business-friendly environment: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pDKoX0uTwM[/youtube]

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I am still chuckling over the wit and common sense of Wanda Sykes as she rants at Jay Leno over a Government bailout plan that has most eyebrows raised:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXznKV7rw7k[/youtube]

The post Bailout for the Wealthy? appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.

Once upon a time, the lowly shower offered faint competition for the jetted bathtub.

The bathtub was where one went to luxuriate, while the shower was a functional cleanser.

Not any more.

These days the lowly shower is one of the hottest home luxuries in demand. The shower stall might contain a steam shower, a multi-headed storm of warm water, or simply a place to stand under a rainfall of ambient temperature.

More and more, as we tour San Diego luxury homes, we are seeing the shower stall (or room) overtake the once dominant bathtub. And even if the shower stall doesnt have a steam feature, discriminating home buyers will often stand back and scrutinize the possibilities of extending glass walls to the ceiling so that steam features and functionality can be installed.

What are these luxury buyers seeking? They want oversized shower rooms with a tiled seat and multiple shower heads. They also like the possibility of sharing the luxury shower with others.

Hence, dual shower heads are also popular. On busy mornings or playful evenings, it might be necessary, compelling, or just plain fun to shower in toto.

These days, the luxury bathroom is closer to a luxury spa than the tiled bath with sink, toilet and tub of the last century. Owners now want not only the jetted garden tub, but also a high-performance shower system that can deliver calming massage sprays as well as invigorating jets that might awaken the most sleep-starved soul.

And even if a complete shower overhaul is not possible, there are some alternatives and remedies to consider:

1. Consider installing a shower arm extension to raise the shower head. Most older homes assumed that nobody in the home stood over 5² 5³ tall.
2. If you are considering relining the shower stall, consider alternatives to the traditional tile. How about travertine or other stone products?
3. Is it possible to add a second shower head especially if there is a tub and water supply nearby?
4. Be sure to locate shower head products that accommodate your local water pressure. The higher the better.
5. Want a steam shower? When remodeling the bath, this might be an alternative to consider especially if the glass enclosure and door can be brought to the ceiling.

Other luxurious appointments:

The Snoring Room

The Self Service Spa (Do it at home?)

Long-Lasting Roses

Induction-Cooktop for the Luxury Kitchen

Ultimate Phone for the Luxury Bath

How to Hide the Bedroom TV

Switchable Mirror Glass Windows

SONOS: The Ultimate Sound System

Haute Refrigerators for Cool Kitchens?

The Overflowing Infinity Tub

Luxury Wine Storage for Oenophiles

The Illuminated Bathtub

Luxury Design Trends for 2008

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