Thought of the Day #260 - Variable pricing

We would never put up with variable pricing on electricity or gas, so
why should we accept variations in the charges for cable television from
household to household? We don't really have options to choose the cable
provider due to contracts with municipalities. (Don't bother suggesting
satellite which I had a few years ago and had horrible connectivity.)
So, the cost should not vary from home to home in the same area since
there is absolutely no applicable competition.

Thought of the Day #217 - Rural Trash

Driving on the rural highways (not the main interstates) in Utah, you
see a LOT of trash along the side of the road. You'd think that it's
legal or even encoraged, but it's not. It's sooooo bad in some areas
that you can't see grass. It's just flippin' nutz. If you're drinking a
soda and driving, keep your flippin' can/bottle with you until you get
home or to a service station, numbnutz.

I recently remembered a trash collection idea that was used for
innertubers on the Apple River in Wisconsin. They had random point
graded bullseyes that were 6ft tall. The idea was to encourage the
innertubers to toss their trash as a sport/entertainment diversion. So,
I was thinking that the same idea could be used along rural highways.
Small little turn outs with trash collecting targets that would
encourage the typical trash tosser to toss "responsibly" and have a
little fun, too.
Volunteers could go to the targets on a regular basis to take the trash
to the recyclers in the area.

Thought of the Day #187 - Noise

Why is it that motorcycles can go around blasting engine noises seemingly without mufflers, but cars are limited to a certain decibel before getting pulled over by the police. I CAN'T stand how loud they are! Grrr.

Thought of the Day #179 - Freedom

The US celebrates Independence Day on the 4th and with that "freedom" as
a concept is often rolled. I was wondering, though, how *free* we really
are here in the US.

There are laws that keep us in line, some of which are based on morality
judgements; there are regulations that limit with whom and what we can
buy/trade and sell; there are social constructs (religion, fashion,
etc) that tell us what is appropriate to say and wear where, again much
of it based upon moral belief systems; there are corporations attempting
to model our behavior to suit their greed; there are citizens
demoralizing each other because they don't agree; there are unwanted
and unplanned children abused every day; there are citizens attacking
citizens for the color of their skin; I could go on and on and on.

The only thing really, truly free is individual thought. Today I am able
to share my thoughts in this, a public forum. I am grateful. Not
everyone on Earth is as lucky.

Thought of the Day #141 - Economic Recovery?

Listened to a few economic theorists tonight on CNN, and they briefly
mentioned that the recovered economy may not ever return to "normal"
and that consumer spending habits may forever be changed.

It made me think that there has been shifts to this change for quite
some time prior to the full market tumble. The movement to buy away
from the major corporations or make it yourself -- the "crafting
revolution" that was born online and supported through sites like
Etsy.com; the "buy local" movement; and the CSA (Community Supported
Agriculture) blossom -- all happened long before the crash. I foresee
that these once small trickles in the economy will be more of a driving
force as part of the economic recovery or in lieu of a recovery. I, for
one, see this as a huge positive in the often dark predictions.

Thought of the Day #126 - Progress

I'm in Ogden today near about 100 homes which are abandoned and slated
for demolition. I'm torn between the idea that these little, old, often
delapitated homes should be left to find owners again...to have love
again. With so many people not being able afford housing, little homes
like these could help a lot of people.

Then I think, yeah, these houses are long past their prime. Let them get
torn down and replaced by a huge development along this river. Put in a
giant parking lot, too.

I really don't know which side should win. It's a good thing I don't
work in city planning -- nothing would ever be decided.

Thought of the Day #103 - Simplify Taxes

On this, the US income tax filing deadline day, I wish to plead for simplification, standardization and equalization in tax. You know, a truly, honest flat tax. No deductions for "farm hand tools" (actual deduction on Utah's forms). I think Utah was trying for a flat tax this year...they put "The Utah tax rate for 2008 is a single rate of 5 percent". If that was really the case, there wouldn't be a 20 page instruction booklet for the basic form and an additional deduction form specficially for mining expenses. STOP the specialized deductions for your buds in particular industries. Seriously (or srsly as they kids say 'cuz they don't have money for a proper education ;-) ). Just make it simple and fair. Ahem. Back to your tax forms, everyone.

Thought of the Day #98 - Sexting

I don't believe sending nude or explicit photos via phone text aka
"sexting" should be illegal for teens nor adults. Espescially if it's
the individual sending their own picture. Seriously, how *dirty* is a
nipple at 5 pixels wide or a penis at 20 pixels long??

What should be illegal -- the sh*tty quality photos that are taken with
phone cameras. Grainy, blurry and nearly colorless...*that* is
criminal.

Thought of the Day #93 - Wind Power and Salt Flats

I don't recall if I've mentioned this before or not, but I think Utah
has the potential to become a super power in electricity production.
There are hundreds of miles of salt flats where plant/animal life
cannot exist. To me, a perfect place to build thousands and thousands
of wind power generators. No negative impact on the environment, no
neighbors complaining of the noise, and nothing to block the wind that
the mills would capture. All in all an ideal situation. The only trick
is figuring out how to build on the corrosive salt. There's gotta be a
way.

Thought of the Day #55

I got called to jury duty again! I don't have grand hopes for this court, though. I looked up the SLC Justice Court and apparently they typically handle only Class B & C misdemeanors and other low level crimes. This will not pan out into a week long civics display, unfortunately. At best, it'll be a quick DUI issue or domestic violence debacle. Looking at their calendar/docket for tomorrow, out of the hundreds items being handled, only three are full jury issues. Ah, well, after years of whining it's kind of cool to get called three times in just two years. Woot!

Moonlighting

I feel like a jack of all trades these days. First, I'm up late tonight moonlighting for a non-profit legal association. Just working on a few brochures for them in InDesign. I'm no Adobe InDesign expert, but I do find it fun to work in. It makes me think of all the fun brochure-sy things I could do if I ran my own company or organization. It's also another dandy skill to have if I lose my day job.

Secondly, I've been getting quite a few orders on Etsy. I've sold 31 jars so far. Yahooo! I haven't received my Crippy Crafts back from Minneapolis, yet, but I have high hopes that they will sell ~ok~ on there too. There's one Estsian who sells similar goods for ~$130/a pop. I don't have plans to charge nearly that much, so hopefully my wee papery art will move on there.

Finally, it's a beeeyatch to pay taxes on contracting gigs...especially if they're digitally based. I did a significant amount of graphic design work for a company in Oregon last year. I have VERY little I can "write-off" as business expenses. My software and internet connection is all paid for by my day job. My office isn't solely an office for work, so no go on that write-off. I ended up writing off some blank CDs, paper and mailing supplies. WooF'ingHoo. Here Governement, have some more money. I know we've got a war to pay for, so why can't I chip in a bit more? What? Bend over? Oh, ok...sure I can help....

Repost for Martin Luther King, Jr Day

I set this (linky!) little Flash presentation up up seven years ago to honor the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr.
I get chills every time I hear the snippet used in this piece. Still as valid today as it was in 1968. While we're a smidge closer to equality now, there's a looooong road stil left to travel. Racism still exists in our country and what makes it even more disturbing to me is that it's hidden. You never *really* know where it is anymore until you witness it. Maybe it's in a side comment about how, "You know how *they* are." Or you get a smile when you're getting service at the oil change place, and the man behind you doesn't get nary a curved lip. Nothing is overt. It's there, but ya have to be acutely aware to see it. Yeah, well, don't get me started on the whole "hidden hatred" that is so pervasive in our society. Today is meant to celebrate and reflect upon the positive changes from the dream...
Repost from January 2006, 'cept I changed the first sentence.

I've Got a Political Itch

...and I need to scratch it. Just a couple of thoughts, really. Things that could make a huge difference in our so-called democracy, umm, or not. You be the judge.

1. State legislatures and the US Congress should only meet once every three years. Too many laws are created from reactionary politics. "Ban baggy pants -- they're obscene," "People died on a school campus -- let's enact a law that states ______". I just feel that laws should only really be created after a thorough, non-emotional review. Laws that are created immediately after tragedy are not necessarily in the best interest long term.

2. Elminate unrelated amendments to bills. No hidden goodie packages nor political bombs should be attached to valid legislation. That sort of crap is WAAAY overdone.

3. Elminate access to Congress members and legislators by industry lobbyists. I know, I'm dreaming, but c'mon, how much evil can one country contain? I think we've probably overdue on this one.

4. Flat tax for individuals and companies. Eliminate itemized deductions. Elminate corporate welfare. I really want to elminate deductions for children, too, but that might be a little harsh. A flat tax base would remove the need for the IRS, by and large. Employers can take 25%-30% (although it would probably be much less) straight from your check and send it to the government. No need to file come April 15....it's already done. The only thing that the IRS will need to do is verify that companies aren't lying about income levels...and you know they will try, bastards. Make the punishment for cheating be prison time. No questions. Let's see - also, it would mean less wasted paper; less wondering on April 15th if the potential 50 thousand deductions apply to you.

I better stop there. You know, I don't wanna scare ya'll away, rather just make you think.

Birth Certificates for Stillborns?

As you've probably heard, there are many states trying to pass legislation which would allow parents to request birth certificates for stillborn babies. I'm torn on this. Probably because it is such an emotionally charged issue -- how horrible would it be to carry a baby to full term only to have it born dead? From the statistics I reviewed, about 25,000 babies a year are born dead. A much larger number than I would have imagined.

Currently, from what I've read, parents receive a death certificate, but not a birth certificate. Here's where I can see the line is already being crossed. If the parents receive a death certificate, they should certainly receive a birth certificate, too, as the implication of the death certificate is that the baby was alive.

Removing the emotional constraints, I would say that there are two realistic options: 1. a birth & death certificate issued 2. Neither certificate should be issued.

This brings to mind also at what point should the birth/death certificate be issued? Most of the states are considering 20 weeks. Why not less? When I had a miscarriage several years ago, the fetus developed to 8 weeks. It was the size of a lima bean when I passed it. It had two eyes...granted they were on oposite sides of the head, but still. It was living tissue prior to coming out of me, right? What if it's only 1 week along, and I pass it just as a heavy period? Should I get a certificate then? Oh, and you know if fetuses prior to full term will be allowed to have birth certificates there will be HUGE issues opened up with regard to abortion rights. I don't need to go there. I'm guessing they are picking 20 weeks because there are fetuses that have survived being born prematurely at 21 weeks. Of course that's not a common thing. Most fetuses need to be older in order to be viable, so I think they're dreamin' up that number.

In my bean, I'm guessing that to be a viable fetus, they would need to be 30 weeks old for the majority to surivive with today's technology. So, going back to my conclusion -- again removing the emotional constraints -- I would say that there are two realistic options: 1. a birth & death certificate issued for fetuses older than 30 weeks OR 2. Neither certificate should be issued.

What do you think?

Time for a Little Tax Fun!

I've spent the last 5 or so hours finishing up my 2006 taxes. Woohoo! I'm happy to say they're done and none-to-soon. I do have until Monday, so I'm not a ~complete~ procrastinator. Anyway, here's a couple of photos of my tax forms. For those of you who are either 1. not in Utah or 2. using a printer that understands PDF english, these may be foreign to you.

First up my Form 1040 as interpreted by my computer. I'm not sure, but this *may* qualify me for a foreign tax credit.

Finally, to help you see the happy light at the end of the tunnel. Straight from the Utah tax form where the red-state's tax commission is obviously disobeying the LDS "word of wisdom" by smokin' some weed:

I really wish their digital version used moving GIFs with a smiley yellow face with arms "wooo-hoooing" in the air to punctuate the fact that a refund is on the way!!! There's always hope for next year.

Jury Duty

I just stopped over at Fatshadow.com. I read her blog from time to time. She's an excellent writer and has lead an interesting existance. Anyway, on this visit, she talks about her call to jury duty. (insert whine) I never get called to jury duty. Am I the only one that would like to go, but never gets called? Darn it. I'm even a registered voter. Do you think they somehow know that I'd like to serve and that's why they don't call? (end whine) Most people I know that have been called have gone through pretty much the same thing as fatshadow.com's experience, but someday...someday I hope to actually do the active juror gig. Hey, I'd even be making my regular salary (it pays to work for a lawfirm), so I wouldn't mind if it was a 6 month trial. Do you hear me out there? Just call me, I'll be there.