Author: Writer guy

Abstract on Taxation

Writer guy

I hate taxes. Most everyone ( unless they are the bright spark that fomented the justification for revenue enhancement in the first place ) hates taxes. Lately I’ve been paying too much. And this time, the government is not at fault.

See, there is a self-inflicted tax–well beyond the influence of any legislature or collection agent. It’s a tax that has always been levied against people, and for some, will continue appearing as line item on the bill forever. The DWT, or the Double Worry Tax. What is the DWT?

I probably ( OK,  definitely ) spend too much time dwelling on the things I have little or no influence over. The more angles I consider such problems from, the more overwhelming the issue appears, the worse I feel about my life in general. That’s the first part of the tax. Worry part one.

See the WDT is a progressive tax, in that affects people relative to their ability to pay. Or in this case, the cost is the ability to worry. The more energy I spend worrying ( or paying the tax ), the more fantastical or negative the prognostications, the more of my life it consumes. Hence, the more DWT costs. And the meter charges keep running.

Let’s say what I’m worrying about doesn’t actually come to pass. I’ve just lost all that time and energy to an unfounded concern. I fell out of the moment and wrestled to get back to being productive.

Which brings me to the  second, and in fact, “worse” possibility. Perhaps the fear had a basis in reality and the very point I’m stressing about comes true. Now I’m not only spent from worrying about the problem, I have to deal with a big hairy situation. Except I’m exhausted.

Welcome the Double Worry Tax. Your party is waiting for you in baggage claim.

Starting today, I refuse to pay the Double Worry Tax any longer. When the world ends, then I’m worrying. Till then, I got books to write.

For Billy

Writer guy

Nothing wrecks a day more completely than a full blown ear infection. The puffing, the ringing, the aching. And one gadget that reduced the incessant ear infections I experienced between age six and, um, about five years ago, is the coolio Ear Dryer.

Like a tightly focused hair dryer, the tiny stream of hot air eradicates moisture inside the ear. Why exactly air blasted down the ear canal and tympanic membrane after a shower makes any difference, I have never understood. What I do know is since using it I’ve only had one ear infection, compared with about six ( or more ) a year every year for the last . . . mumble, mumble . . . years.

Recently, the Ear Dryer stopped holding its charge. Seconds after turning on the device, the once reliable motor whirred, sighed and gasped. A quick hunting trip on the Internets, a twelve dollar battery and viola!

Once again, I’m pumping myself with hot air.

This entry is dedicated to the memory of Billy Mays. Sell on, you Harbinger of Infotainment, you!

Photo courtesy Baybeh 9700.

After the Patty

Writer guy

If I ever wondered how much alcohol was enough in a single evening, well, now I have a conclusive answer. Gain noticeable weight over a weekend–that’s enough booze.

After dealing with a flood of epic proportions that killed power at work last weekend, and fried five-sixths of the Internet connection for several days, some post St. Patty festivities made for a smart end to Spring Break, albeit a pudgy one. Lesson learned.

Several positive reviews came in over the last few days. Much thanks to everyone for their kind posts. Apparently I’m the first author who netted multiple reviews at What A Book, which is an honor.

Going forward review excerpts will appear on the Reviews page, with some links to the full write-up. So rather than me mentioning new additions, if interested just check the page whenever.

Spring

Writer guy

Besides warm weather, long days and ungodly traffic jams, spring means the melting of the winter blubber. In fact, that might be the German root for spring. Or maybe the Croatian. Anyway, the point is, let the melting begin.

Now off to work . . .