Latest news with #Knull
The Guardian
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Has Marvel shot itself in the foot by bringing superfreak Sentry into Thunderbolts*?
Is there ever a right time to introduce into your superhero universe a psychologically unstable god-being with the potential to sneeze a continent off the map? It is probably not when – 17 years in – you are being accused of having lost half your audience to superhero fatigue. But that's exactly what Marvel is doing this weekend as Thunderbolts* brings us Sentry, quite possibly the freakiest superhero to ever grace the comic book publisher's hallowed pages. You thought Rocket Raccoon was weird and unhinged? Reckon Moon Knight is a bit of a handful? This guy makes them look like well-adjusted professionals with decent pensions. Sentry first appeared in 2000 in The Sentry miniseries which offered a sort of meta-commentary on superhero mythology; the character was initially presented as a forgotten Silver Age icon, retconned into Marvel history via an elaborate in-universe memory wipe that made everyone forget he existed – including himself. A glowing, golden powerhouse with the 'power of a million exploding suns' he suffers from crippling anxiety, addiction, and the inconvenient tendency to transform into a malevolent entity known as the Void, a living embodiment of all his worst fears and impulses. Imagine Superman, if he cried after every rescue, kept forgetting he had a dog, and occasionally blacked out and levelled entire cities. In Thunderbolts*, he's initially known as Bob, a dishevelled, twitchy presence who, soon enough, finds himself plunged into the middle of Marvel's latest motley crew of antiheroes, reformed villains and government-sanctioned liabilities. Without giving too much away, it's fair to say that Sentry may end up playing a far larger role in the next phase of Marvel's cinematic sprawl than any of his teammates, if only because he has more raw power in the tip of his fingernail than the rest of them do in their combined emotional baggage. At a time when Disney would probably pay good money to stick the entire multiverse in a box and relaunch with just Iron Man and a really good trailer, Marvel has chosen instead to hand us a deity-level eccentric with apocalypse issues. For that, you have to give the studio credit, even if it's a bit like a tightrope walker setting the rope on fire just as the insurance team shows up with a clipboard. The real question here is how this is going to pan out long-term, though the smart money is on Sentry being depowered just enough to ensure he doesn't completely overwhelm the narrative of every Marvel episode he appears in. This has happened in the comics: in World War Hulk, the superhero's battle with the not-so-jolly green giant was so intense that Sentry ended up reverting to his frail human form; in King in Black, he swooped in like a golden deus ex machina, only to be torn in half mid-monologue by Knull, a symbiote god with the vibe of a heavy metal album cover. To add insult to evisceration, the Void (Sentry's destructive dark side) was absorbed into Knull's own symbiote arsenal. Will Sentry end up playing a huge part in the twin Avengers movies, Doomsday and Secret Wars, now due in 2026 and 2027? Could it even be he who decides to rip all our superheroes from their own realities and send them to Battleworld in the latter – a role originally taken in the comics by the Beyonder, and later by Doctor Doom? The superhero otherwise known as Bob Reynolds certainly has the power to shape Marvel's reality in his own image if he really wants to.
Washington Post
19-04-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
How much do you know about home inspections?
One of the most important steps home buyers can take — especially first-timers — is to have a thorough inspection before they finalize their purchase. Whether you have plenty of experience from owning a home and understanding its systems, or you've always relied on your landlord to fix any issues, it's best to know the quirks and potential problems of any property to avoid starring in your own version of the 1980s movie 'The Money Pit.' Take this quiz to see if you know what to do before, during and after a home inspection. No. 'The home inspection is an opportunity for the buyer to gain valuable insight into the condition of the home from their home inspector,' said Anslie Stokes, a Realtor with Corcoran McEnearney in Washington. 'Having the seller hovering around will not help the process. But a seller should make accessing the roof, main water shut off, break panel, etc. as clear as possible. And both the seller and listing agent should be readily available by phone for questions.' No. 'Don't be silly,' said Morgan Knull, an associate broker with RE/Max Gateway in Washington. 'A home inspection is not a license to renovate at a seller's expense.' However, Stokes said it depends on what your contract says. 'If your inspection contingency allows you to request repairs or credits in lieu of repairs then you can certainly ask, but you should likely expect pushback if the dishwasher is still functioning properly,' Stokes said. Yes 'There is generally no prohibition on asking for repair records but also generally no obligation on a seller's part to provide them,' Stokes said. 'That being said, transparency builds trust so ideally the seller would be open to providing any information that can help alleviate concerns.' Knull recommended asking the inspector to use a moisture meter to detect any active moisture presence under the sink. No 'Sometimes accessing a roof isn't a possibility for an inspector — weather, roofing types and association rules prevent us from walking many roofs,' said Andrew 'Drew' McNeill, owner of D.C. Home Authority, a home inspection service in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. 'However, that doesn't mean an inspector can't assess the roof and give valuable information as to age, type and average life expectancy.' Knull suggested that the inspector buy a drone. 'Or borrow one from a teenager,' he said. Although it may not be necessary, if your contract allows for it and you're worried about the roof, you can hire a roofing inspector or company for an additional assessment, Stokes said. No 'A good home inspection will include a review of the electrical system and note any visible defects or concerns,' Stokes said. 'It cannot, however, provide a guarantee that the house is safe to live in because the scope of the inspection is largely limited to what the inspector can visually see or test with limited tools.' On the other hand, McNeill said inspectors can get a general idea about the quality of the electrical system. 'Home inspectors cannot see through walls any better than you can, however by looking at the main panel and the sub-panels to assess wiring types and workmanship — and by testing the system — we can generate a pretty good idea as to whether the system has been updated,' McNeill said. No 'Cracks in foundations can be concerning, or not that big of a deal,' McNeill said. 'It depends upon the size and type of the crack. If it is one of concern, generally inspectors will suggest a structural engineer to come for further investigation and evaluation.' What you do next depends on how much you like the house, Knull said. 'The next step for buyers is a costly structural analysis to determine the cause and correction of the crack,' he said. No 'It's not a 'problem'; it's a discretionary home improvement that a buyer can make after a purchase,' Knull said. But, as with most home inspection issues, what you do depends on your contract. 'If your inspection contingency allows you to request repairs or credits in lieu of repairs, then you can certainly ask for the seller to insulate these pipes,' Stokes said. 'But all repairs or credits for repairs are generally negotiable between the buyer and the seller. It's unlikely that the seller 'must' make this repair unless they want to satisfy the buyer so the contract does not become void.' No 'Windows not latching are something that we come across all the time, particularly in homes with historic windows, but what is or is not a dealbreaker for anyone is a highly personal issue,' McNeill said. Stokes said whether it's a dealbreaker depends on the circumstances. 'Is the house a complete fixer-upper and the buyer is planning to replace all the windows anyway? If so then no, this is not likely to be a dealbreaker,' she said. 'Is the house in a historic district where window replacements or repairs must be approved by a historic commission? If so, then the cost of repairing or replacing the windows could be extremely expensive and the buyer might think twice about proceeding with the contract.' Yes 'Buyers are responsible for all inspection costs,' Knull said. 'But instead of a sewer scope, why not propose a home inspection deliverable for the seller that says, 'Laundry room sink to drain properly at time of closing.'' Stokes recommends asking the seller to investigate and clear the blockage, which could be something as simple as a clog. If it's an older house without an obvious clog, then a sewer scope might be required to see if the main waste line for the house needs to be replaced. 'These kinds of situations are when it is absolutely critical to have knowledgeable agents representing both parties so the issue can be negotiated fairly and fully resolved so that no litigation issues arise post-settlement,' Stokes said. No 'Permit information is largely public information in D.C., so the buyer can see what records exist online through the Department of Buildings portal,' Stokes said. 'That being said, just because a permit was issued does not mean the deck is 'legal' or 'up to code.'' However, Knull said, if there's a code violation citation that is active and unresolved, that is treated as a title issue that must be addressed.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
6 Benefits To Filing Taxes Early for Retirees
Filing taxes isn't most people's idea of fun, but it's usually better to file early. After all, filing late can lead to some hefty penalties. The failure-to-file penalty is 5% of the taxes owed per month the payment is late (25% maximum). The failure-to-pay penalty is up to 25% of the unpaid taxes. Read More: Find Out: 3 Sneaky Things You Didn't Realize Your Tax Software Was Doing — And How to Stop Them This Year Even retirees should still file a tax return since many types of income are taxable at the federal — and in some cases — state level. And while it's possible to request an extension, as the IRS predicts 19 million taxpayers will do this year, it's generally best to get it out of the way. If you need further convincing, here are the top benefits of filing taxes early as a retiree. Anyone can be the target of fraud or identity theft, with many bad actors specifically going after retirees. Unfortunately, this may become even more prevalent of an issue going forward due in no small part to the National Public Data breach that occurred in 2024. 'In the summer of 2024, the National Public Data (NPD) breach exposed 272 million taxpayer identification numbers (TINs) and 2.9 billion records, including Social Security numbers. It was one of the largest data breaches in history,' said Kevin Knull, CFP and president at TaxStatus. Discover Next: 'One of the most severe consequences of identity theft in the aftermath of the NPD breach is the increased probability of fraudulent tax returns,' Knull continued. 'Criminals can use stolen TINs to file fake and fraudulent returns, often claiming large refunds long before the legitimate taxpayer files and is aware of an issue.' Filing early can help protect you in the face of tax-related fraud and identity theft. 'With this level of threat, the earlier a legitimate return is filed, the less opportunity there is for criminals to submit a fraudulent one in its place,' said Knull. 'It has never been more vital for taxpayers to file taxes as early as possible this year.' Waiting to file also means having to deal with plenty of people with the same idea. If you want to avoid the tax rush, and the headache that often entails, file early. 'One of the things I would say about filing taxes earlier is avoiding the madness of the tax rush,' said John Adams, CPA and fractional CFO expert at Bridgewater Tax and Financial Consulting. 'It is easier for a paid preparer to focus on your taxes earlier in the tax season rather than the rush.' Simply put, filing early gives you more time to figure out what might be missing from your tax return. 'Filing early gives you more time to identify and collect any missing information needed to file your return,' said Mark Luscombe, principal analyst for Wolters Kluwer's Tax and Accounting Division North America. It also gives you the chance to figure out how you're going to pay the taxes you owe, if any. 'Preparing your tax return early gives you more time to calculate the taxes that you owe and to make sure you have the funds available to pay any remaining tax due with the tax return,' said Luscombe. Whether you're living on a fixed income as a retiree, or you have a complicated portfolio, having more time is rarely a bad thing. According to the IRS, the average refund amount is $3,138. But setting the amount itself aside, filing early could mean getting that refund sooner than expected. For retirees who rely on this refund as a part of their regular income, this can be huge. 'If you file your taxes earlier, you are likely to get your refund earlier,' said Jay Zigmont, PhD, CFP and founder of Childfree Wealth. 'Refunds are generally processed in the order received. As we get closer to April 15th, there ends up being a backlog, and refund times tend to lengthen.' Handling your financials in retirement can be complicated. Once you reach a certain age (typically 73 years old), you must also start taking the required minimum distributions from your accounts. Accounts subject to RMDs include traditional IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and SEP accounts. 'If you are in the first year of having to make a Required Minimum Distribution, [filing early] will give you more time to plan which accounts to take the money out of and when,' said Adams. When you retire, the last thing you need is more stress of hassle. Filing your taxes early gets them off your plate so you can focus on other things that matter to you. 'Many people, including myself, file their taxes early just to get them out of the way,' said Zigmont. 'No one likes doing their taxes, so why wait and have to worry about it for a longer time?' More From GOBankingRates 4 Low-Risk Ways To Build Your Savings in 2025 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 This article originally appeared on 6 Benefits To Filing Taxes Early for Retirees Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
6 Benefits To Filing Taxes Early for Retirees
Filing taxes isn't most people's idea of fun, but it's usually better to file early. After all, filing late can lead to some hefty penalties. The failure-to-file penalty is 5% of the taxes owed per month the payment is late (25% maximum). The failure-to-pay penalty is up to 25% of the unpaid taxes. Read More: Find Out: 3 Sneaky Things You Didn't Realize Your Tax Software Was Doing — And How to Stop Them This Year Even retirees should still file a tax return since many types of income are taxable at the federal — and in some cases — state level. And while it's possible to request an extension, as the IRS predicts 19 million taxpayers will do this year, it's generally best to get it out of the way. If you need further convincing, here are the top benefits of filing taxes early as a retiree. Anyone can be the target of fraud or identity theft, with many bad actors specifically going after retirees. Unfortunately, this may become even more prevalent of an issue going forward due in no small part to the National Public Data breach that occurred in 2024. 'In the summer of 2024, the National Public Data (NPD) breach exposed 272 million taxpayer identification numbers (TINs) and 2.9 billion records, including Social Security numbers. It was one of the largest data breaches in history,' said Kevin Knull, CFP and president at TaxStatus. Discover Next: 'One of the most severe consequences of identity theft in the aftermath of the NPD breach is the increased probability of fraudulent tax returns,' Knull continued. 'Criminals can use stolen TINs to file fake and fraudulent returns, often claiming large refunds long before the legitimate taxpayer files and is aware of an issue.' Filing early can help protect you in the face of tax-related fraud and identity theft. 'With this level of threat, the earlier a legitimate return is filed, the less opportunity there is for criminals to submit a fraudulent one in its place,' said Knull. 'It has never been more vital for taxpayers to file taxes as early as possible this year.' Waiting to file also means having to deal with plenty of people with the same idea. If you want to avoid the tax rush, and the headache that often entails, file early. 'One of the things I would say about filing taxes earlier is avoiding the madness of the tax rush,' said John Adams, CPA and fractional CFO expert at Bridgewater Tax and Financial Consulting. 'It is easier for a paid preparer to focus on your taxes earlier in the tax season rather than the rush.' Simply put, filing early gives you more time to figure out what might be missing from your tax return. 'Filing early gives you more time to identify and collect any missing information needed to file your return,' said Mark Luscombe, principal analyst for Wolters Kluwer's Tax and Accounting Division North America. It also gives you the chance to figure out how you're going to pay the taxes you owe, if any. 'Preparing your tax return early gives you more time to calculate the taxes that you owe and to make sure you have the funds available to pay any remaining tax due with the tax return,' said Luscombe. Whether you're living on a fixed income as a retiree, or you have a complicated portfolio, having more time is rarely a bad thing. According to the IRS, the average refund amount is $3,138. But setting the amount itself aside, filing early could mean getting that refund sooner than expected. For retirees who rely on this refund as a part of their regular income, this can be huge. 'If you file your taxes earlier, you are likely to get your refund earlier,' said Jay Zigmont, PhD, CFP and founder of Childfree Wealth. 'Refunds are generally processed in the order received. As we get closer to April 15th, there ends up being a backlog, and refund times tend to lengthen.' Handling your financials in retirement can be complicated. Once you reach a certain age (typically 73 years old), you must also start taking the required minimum distributions from your accounts. Accounts subject to RMDs include traditional IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and SEP accounts. 'If you are in the first year of having to make a Required Minimum Distribution, [filing early] will give you more time to plan which accounts to take the money out of and when,' said Adams. When you retire, the last thing you need is more stress of hassle. Filing your taxes early gets them off your plate so you can focus on other things that matter to you. 'Many people, including myself, file their taxes early just to get them out of the way,' said Zigmont. 'No one likes doing their taxes, so why wait and have to worry about it for a longer time?' More From GOBankingRates 4 Low-Risk Ways To Build Your Savings in 2025 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 This article originally appeared on 6 Benefits To Filing Taxes Early for Retirees
