Limitless Yacht Owner
Real-time Fantasy Football Manager: Billionaires' Game
There's a saying: 'Money can't buy you happiness'. If you're a football club owner with the biggest budget on the market you can buy best players, that can make you happy. Now, if those players do not make you good profit, would that not make you happy? Not if you are a billionaire, what are millions in compare to billions.
With a net worth of $10, $20, $30 billion, are you to invest money and much of your time in something that may bring you profit over the years of no more than several hundreds of millions or losses in the same value? How could you spend a billion anyway?
You buy the most expensive cars, houses, yachts, airplanes, all that luxury still may not top $1 billion. Pleasure among machines, butlers, personnel, can make you feel like a saddened King from fairy-tales. There must be a more humanly joy.
You buy a media exposure, be in the spotlight where everybody are watching, you move masses of tens of thousands of people in the stadium as if they are marionettes and you are a wire-puller, you build your own fantasy world.
You make news headlines by being a super spender in the most watched sporting league in the world. Yes, you buy yourself a top football club and it wouldn't cost you more than a billion or so! You become a real-time Fantasy Football Manager.
Fantasy Football Manager is a football management simulation computer game first released in 1980s where you are the General Manager of your very own fantasy football team. Nowadays, most popular sports web-sites offer a chance for visitors to play the Fantasy Football League Management game.
In the real-time world, Chelsea FC was purchased by a billionaire in June 2003. Since then, the club is witnessing record losses, the billionaire's involvement with Chelsea is described by Wikipedia as 'to have distorted the football transfer market throughout Europe, as his wealth often allows the club to purchase players virtually at will (frequently at inflated prices), without regard for the effects on the club's financial outturn'.
How does this effect the reality of football? Football becomes a sub-real simulation of its own reality. With one club owner having limitless budget, his/her football knowledge, work and skills of managing a club do not effect his/her success in the business, billionaire can continue to bring in the expensive players, sack head-coaches upon his/her desire.
Even if the club suffers the biggest financial losses in football world, the club will not go to bankruptcy as the billionaire will add additional hundreds of millions since the football club's budget does not depend on its football performance.
How does this effect the game of football? There doesn't seem to be much sportsmanship for one club to buy world top players (so many that a half of them will be reserves) while many other clubs can't afford to pay one or two such players for their first team.
The beauty of the game suffers as well. In two and a half years with Portugal's FC Porto coach Jose Mourinho won 2 domestic titles, including the European Champions League title in May 2004 by eliminating clubs with far greater budgets. Several months later Mourinho, named the world's best coach in 2004, was brought to Chelsea.
In just 3 years he managed to win 2 league titles, including club's first championship in 50 years, 1 FA cup, 2 Carling Cups, along setting several Premier League records. Mourinho at Chelsea did more than simple buying world football super-stars like Real Madrid C.F. did at that time, he offered contracts to players who were to develop to some of the world's best team-players playing for Chelsea.
Chelsea as a sovereign ruler of England's football fields and a perfect football team was as if not offering enough excitement for the club's billionaire owner. After winning consecutive titles, Chelsea signed two major football super-stars, Shevchenko (for a British record transfer fee) and Ballack, both of which did not match Mourinho's concept of team play.
It was the beginning of one great football mind's end with Chelsea, Mourinho was fired as the most successful head-coach in club's history in the years of his success. Welcome to the real-time Fantasy Football Manager as a spectator, player or head-coach!
SPORTiana.com is the author of this text. None part of the text is copyrighted by the third parties. Feel free to published, broadcast, rewrite or redistribute the text in full or part and add a link to http://www.sportiana.com/ upon your wish.
About the Author
Dayan Smreca, Sport Press
Filed under Yachting by on Dec 1st, 2010. Comment. 
Antigua Yachts For Sale
The Tax Havens A to B
Tax havens are attractive destinations because you can live and make money while paying little or no taxes. However some tax havens are more attractive because they also offer an appealing lifestyle at low cost.
Here are some of the world's tax havens and a little information about their regulations and lifestyle.
Andorra
This gorgeous country nestled in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain is one of Europe's premier tax havens. The country imposes no taxes, it has a safe and unregulated banking system, free health care for everyone, a stable government and a huge expatriate population. This dazzling paradise is a thriving tax haven which also offers superb recreational activities.
Enjoy skiing at the world famous Pyrenees Alps which are just a hop, step and a jump from Andorra, or take a short drive to swim in the crystal clear waters of the French Riviera or the beaches of Barcelona.
Do you like to smoke and drink? Find these products in Andorra cheaper than anywhere else in Europe and enjoy no sales taxes.
Anguilla
Anguilla is a tiny country which is part of the Caribbean Islands. While this country is appealing to some as English is spoken, it differs from other tax havens as its regulatory bodies can share information with their overseas counterparts.
This therefore makes the country less appealing than other Caribbean tax havens as confidentiality isn't high priority. Lifestyle in Anguilla is also not as exciting as in other destinations, however if Lobster fishing tickles your fancy, this is one of the only things to do in this country.
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda are a business person's paradise. They have an excellent reputation for tax haven banking and are located in a convenient time zone which make it an extremely attractive international business haven.
Antigua and Barbuda boast first rate services including legal and financial services and excellent banking facilities. Tax haven companies benefit from minimal bank fees, as little as 3% on gross income and they can also be exempt from taxes in regard to international trade, investment or commercial activity.
Residents enjoy paying no personal income tax or tax on capital gains. Confidentiality is of key importance in Antigua and Barbuda and severe penalties are imposed for institutions leaking information, however criminals are by no means protected. The laws in Antigua and Barbuda make it secure tax havens of international repute.
If this doesn't sound as appealing as you would like, Antigua and Barbuda recreational facilities make them a one spot haven. Located just 17km from the equator means this is one of the sunniest spots in the Caribbean. This is a paradise for those who love water activities. Or if you are looking for something other than water activities the internet gaming business is thriving.
Antilles
The Netherlands Antilles is located in the Caribbean Islands. While it is under Netherlands' rule, it has an autonomous and highly stable government with strong international business. Of its 70 banks, 50 of them are internationally owned.
This tax haven imposes different tax rates and regulations depending on your business. In 1999 policy changed in Antilles resulting in there being no difference between onshore and tax haven companies.
The best way to relax in Antilles is to take a boat and explore the beautiful coral reefs which are home to Antilles. To do your bit for the environment and take part in the campaign for the protection of these natural wonders.
Aruba
Aruba is considered a dormant tax haven haven compared to other tax havens. Once a thriving haven, today not as much activity takes place on this island in the Caribbean, with only 4000 tax haven companies located in Aruba.
However the tax haven companies located in Aruba are exempt from tax as long as both their business and their shareholders are tax haven. It might not attract as much international business as other islands, however the tax laws are attractive and international banking is welcomed.Aruba offers a peaceful lifestyle with high quality of living.
Belize
Investing in Belize can be seen as a much easier process than other tax havens. In 1990 The International Business Companies (IBC) Act was created and allowed foreigners to invest in Belize with attractive benefits.
Some of these benefits include being exempt from all income taxes and stamp duties. As part of the IBC some of the regulations meant that foreign investors are not allowed to start a banking institution, nor are they allowed own real estate in Belize.
Despite the restrictions, the rules are still considered some of the easiest to follow with good tax benefits.
Belize is not only an attractive tax haven for general investors; it is also an appealing retirement haven. What adds to its appeal as a haven is English is the official language. This is appealing to older people who are looking to retire somewhere and they are at a stage in their life when learning a second language isn't high on their list of priorities.
Belize also offers the best scuba diving in the world as it is home to the Barrier Reef off the east coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. The Belize Barrier Reef is the longest of its kind in the northern hemisphere and second in the world and therefore the diving is superb.
Bermuda
Bermuda is one of the more expensive tax havens in the Caribbean. The annual government fee of $1680 can act as a deterrent, even though there are no double tax treaties. While it is a more expensive island if you are looking at relocating or retiring, the tax benefits are still attractive.
Some of the benefits include paying no capital duty, and no restriction imposed on where business meetings can take place.
Bermuda has a vast array of activities to partake in. If you want an excuse to visit your invested money in Bermuda, you can also relax on the beach, have a hit of golf, enjoy bird watching, horse riding and of course sail on the Caribbean.
British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands have a lower annual tax of $300, however the cost of living is still high compared to other tax havens. Registration for an account in the British Virgin Islands is relatively straight forward and can be issued quickly, thanks to the International Business Act of 1984. This act made it more enticing for foreign investors to include themselves in the British Virgin Islands.
Diving, yachting and cruising in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean are extremely popular in the British Virgin Islands. The turquoise water with sandy beaches and the tropical climate make the Virgin Islands an attractive spot for investing.
About the Author
Ramapati Singhania specializes in creating and managing web businesses. His latest website http://www.incorporation-offshore-saves-wealth.com focuses on helping you to incorporate offshore companies in Seychelles, a tax haven near Madagascar, Mauritius, and BVI.
Filed under Yachting by on Dec 1st, 2010. Comment.
Saugatuck Yacht Service
Planning ahead for a summer trip to Michigan? Here are our top beach choices for a great vacation every time.
1. Traverse City
Whether you are looking for a remote romantic beach or a great family-friendly getaway, Traverse City has got the beaches for you. With Jet Boat and Sea Do rentals right on the beach, you will have a variety of beach activities to choose from. If you have never been there, you are missing out on a cool little town and some fantastic beaches!
2. Grand Haven
With its' dunes, cool clear waters and breathtaking sunsets, Grand Haven is a ideal travel location. In fact, Good Morning America crowned Grand Haven one of the top five family beaches in America in 2005.
3. P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, Muskegon
If you want Michigan camping on your beach vacation, P.J. Hoffmaster State Park is the top choice! Camping sites are in forest-covered dunes just steps away from three miles of gorgeous Lake Michigan beach. It is almost like being on your own secluded beach with nature's most awesome landscape surrounding you.
4. Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Want adventure at the beach? Then grab your 4-wheeler or rent a jeep, because Silver Lake Sand Dunes are the one and only place to actually drive up on the dunes in Michigan. You can also hike the dunes, rent a pontoon boat, speedboat or a Jet Ski for fun on Silver Lake.
5. Ludington
Finally, Ludington, too, has some of the best beaches. With 18 miles of biking and hiking trails...you will find plenty of things to do besides relaxing in the sun. There are also some great boat charters to get out on Lake Michigan and enjoy it even more!
To learn more about other great Michigan vacation ideas and insider travel tips, visit Michigan Vacation Destination at http://www.michigan-vacation-destination.com
Filed under Yachting by on Dec 1st, 2010. Comment.
