A Little Something On The Side

In today's economy, I fully understand the need for somebody to have a part time job.  I have had part time jobs in addition to my full time positions for most of my adult life.  So I do not begrudge Amber Carter of Ohio for having a part time job to supplement her income as a 4th grade teacher.  After all, we all know that teaching is not the most lucrative career.

Ms. Carter's choice of a part time job has gotten her into a little bit of hot water.  Ms. Carter was arrested and charged with prostitution.  In addition, she is accused of using the school's computer to arrange for her "dates," and using a half day of sick leave to go meet her potential client.

In all seriousness though, I do not have a problem with Ms. Carter's alleged part time activities.  I think there are far more serious offenses in the world for the police to use their resources.  In my opinion, as long as the parties are willingly participating in the activity, that it should be regulated and taxed for the safety of those involved.  About the only problem I really have with the Amber Carter case is using the school computer for her activities and letting her part time job interfere with her ability to perform her full time vocation. 

Top 5 Things That Irked Me Today

Maybe I am just getting old, but I seem to be getting more cranky and little things seem to irk me more and more.  Today was just one of those days that seemed to really irk me, so here are the top 5 things that more or less pissed me off today.  Some of these (OK most of them) are pretty petty, but so be it.

1. I got in the elevator this morning from our parking garage.  There was nobody else in the elevator with me.  However, a previous passenger had so much perfume on that she left her scent in the elevator for the next person.  Perfume/after shave is supposed to be subtle, not overpowering.
2. If you work in a cubicle farm like I do, for God's sake try to keep the volume level down in consideration of others around you.  I should not hear every word you say in every phone conversation you have during the day.
3. People who cut me off in stop and go traffic.  I mean really.  None of the lanes are moving very quickly.  Why do you have to cut me off to move forward an extra two car lengths.  Are you really going to get there any more quickly?
4. I have always viewed walking down the hallway the same as I view driving on the road.  This is America and we drive on the right hand side of the road.  Consequently, I think we should walk on the right hand side of the hallway.  Why are there so many people in my office that walk on the wrong side of the hall causing me to have to move to the side to avoid running into them?
5. I needed to stop at the grocery store on the way home tonight.  As is typical, there were not enough cashiers manning the registers.  No big deal.  I do not mind using the self checkout that is available.  However, one of the items I wanted to purchase could not be purchased at self checkout.  So, Mr. Retailer, either have enough cashiers to handle the customers, or allow me to make all of my purchases at the self checkout without having to make another stop at customer service.  

Music Monday-Jim Croce "Operator"

When I was playing guitar on a regular basis, this was one of the songs that I used to like to play.  I loved Jim Croce's music.  He died way too young.  

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.

FairTax-Part 1

Earlier this week, I finally received the last tax form I needed to complete my taxes.  Fortunately, I am getting both a state and federal tax refund.  

While it is nice to get a refund on my taxes, I would rather have all the money I earn in my pocket.  The FairTax accomplishes that.  I first heard about the FairTaxwhen I read Neal Boortz's book "Somebody's Gotta Say It."

I wanted to see if I would really benefit by the FairTax, so I used the FairTax Calculator.  According to the calculator, if the FairTax were implemented, I would have 4.34% more spendable income, $1763 more purchasing power, and $2198 less in Federal Taxes.  

I would encourage you to try out the FairTax Calculator.  If you find like I did that you would benefit from the FairTax, write your Congressman and ask them to support the FairTax.    

The Day the Music Died

February 3, 1959.  It has been 50 years since the day the music died.  Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Vallens, three of rock-n-rolls biggest stars at that time died in an airplane crash.  It was a little more than two years before I was born.  As a kid, I remember being home while my parents listened to these oldies.  At the time, there was no way you could admit you liked this stuff.  The folks listened to these guys as well as Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and others.  Over the years, I have come to appreciate more and the music that was made before I was born.  Not only the old rock, but also the old bluesmen like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters, and old country stars like Hank Williams, Sr.

Here are Buddy Holly with "Peggy Sue," the Big Bopper with "Chantilly Lace," and Ritchie Valens with "Oh Donna."

Music Monday-Jimmy Buffett "Margaritaville"

It's February.  It's cold.  And I want to be at the beach.

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.

Glad Force Flex vs Hefty Ultra Flex

Several months ago, my wife came home with our first box of Glad Force Flex Kitchen trash bags.  We have been using them ever since.  I was very impressed with the way you could put a lot more garbage into the bag without the bag breaking.  We have been through about 10 or 12 boxes of them.  In that time, we have had maybe two bags get a tear in them, and at most it was a small puncture.

About 2-3 weeks ago I was doing my grocery shopping and knew we needed trash bags.  I was going to get my usual Glad Force Flex, but noticed that the store had Hefty Ultraflex bags on sale.  I figured with Hefty being a well established national brand, and the picture on the box looking like the Glad bags, I would be safe in buying the Hefty and saving a couple bucks.  Big mistake.

We are still going through that box of Hefty Ultraflex bags.  I have had as many bags rip in that one box as I had in 10 boxes of Glad Force Flex bags.  One of the tears was a hole about 4 inches across and led to old coffee grounds spilling on the kitchen floor.  I had to put that bag in a second bag to keep the garbage from spilling all over the place.

Needless to say, when doing my shopping today, when I saw that the Hefty bags were reduced 33%, I picked up the Glad.