Taxation despite representation seems to be becoming the American way. As of April 1st. we have the new tobacco tax. An additional however many more cents levied on a community in order to (a) pay for uninsured children, (b) change the behavior of a segment of the population thus lowering future health care costs. I think everyone’s heart is in the right place but their heads are way up their asses. Let’s get a look at this, shall we. I think we all know by now the dangers of smoking though it always seems to be a great place to start for new taxes and finger shaking at a portion of the population that doesn’t seem able to “help” themselves despite knowing the dangers and the possible health risks for the future not to mention the extra costs in healthcare.  Oh, really?!? What about a tax on a portion of consumerism that even more consumers participate in? What about a JunkFood Tax?  A “Twinkie Tax” if you will. It should include all those high fat, high sugar foods, drinks, treats that EVERYONE knows is bad for them. Don’t forget that this tax should also include anything fast food related. Because just as smoking has been linked to cancer and heart disease, junk foods (and their legion are many) has been directly linked to high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabeties, heart disease, obesity and more. All these will place a far greater strain on health care costs over a much broader portion of the population, affecting the very young to the very old. Now which sounds worse? In the end the only things certin are death and taxes so smoke ‘em if you got ‘em and  please super size my value meal.

At the age of 16 I have seen my fair share of tests. From classroom tests to state tests I’ve seen them all. I just recently moved and when I arrived the State that I moved to was doing it’s yearly testing. The thoughts that went through my head were, “Oh Joy, yet another test“, but to my surprise I found myself exempt from this yearly interlude of test torture. (some crazy technicality worked in my favor this time, not like OJ) Still, just thinking about State testing made me want to run and hide. I never really understood the complete reasoning behind State testing, because honestly in no way does it affect me, further my education or in any way brighten my future.

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but I suppose there is always just a little bit more you can go. Like the famous scene in Spinal Tap the movie where he’s explaining the amps to the interviewer, stating these are better because they go to “11″. Well how about “18″ as in 18 billion dollars paid out to Wall Street executives as “BONUSES”. Wow! That’s out of my pocket, your pocket , your neighbors pocket. Even the guy down the block who you can’t stands pocket. Not to mention that 4 billion of that was paid out by Merrill Lynch to it’s top execs just after gettin the boost from Uncle Sam. And Bank Of America knew nothing until it was too late. New curtains and golden toilets so that the elite of the financial world can dance, sing and take a dump on the rest of us. Well, I’ll tell you what I did… i closed my accounts with Bank Of America.

Yes it’s true… for one performer at least. And may I just say hat’s off and kudos to Kid Rock. That’s right this year’s People Choice Award winner for “Best ‘Rock’ Song”. In a nut shell this innovative artist has successfully glommed a hit record out of two already existing rock classics.  That’s right along with a slight tuning and refreshing of some lyrics written more than 2 decades ago. How about that for “goin’ green”. I’m sure that the whole world recalls the emblematic song by Lynyrd Skynyrd “Sweet Home Alabama” which was first released in 1976 which graces the song by Kid Rock but it also borrows, i mean samples from the classic “Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon released in 1978. Between these 2 songs the Kid has carved himself out a popular hit song. But he must have acted quickly and received the glom 2 get the third one free deal because the lyrics of his song are only slightly different from the song “Night Moves” recorded by Bob Seeger in 1976.

This begs the question of weather or not talent is a finite commodity? For those on the side of finite quantity the argument stems first from the fact that the are only so many notes and scales and combinations that can be achieved. Others would argue that the new interpretation of older material is in effect an expression or manifestation of talent. Whatever the reasons it appears to be a phenomenon that will endure. Sure, it’s easier than bangin’ out a tune of your own. Katy Perry did it with her song “I Kissed A Girl” another winner in this years People Choice Awards. (she uses a song made popular during sporting events as a fight song for that record…oh yea, that’s where i heard it before)

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A short scene taken from the 1954 cinematic classic “Godzilla vs. Mothra”. For those who might not remember or those who would prefer to forget, these now ancient depictions of post nuclear mankind vs. a radiation infected world out of control are almost more relevant now than during the period which they were produced. Although now it’s more difficult to distinguish who the characters represent. Could it be that the giant reptile responsible for thrashing Japan on so many occasions be in modern times be the equivalent of the economy? The government? Perhaps the predatory lenders? Maybe, just maybe it’s actually the youth pop culture gone wild? Did you happen to notice the look of surprise and utter confusion on the mug of Godzilla? Huh? What da…? As if the giant egg, spawn of the defunct Mothra, was somehow a shock, out of place, or could he get it “sunny side up”? How about the twins in the carry-on case. What was that all about? I see no happy ending. Just a very large exterminating bill. Ladies and Gents - Hide Your Sweaters.

my personal assets to be around $1473.00, more or less, after the holiday, and depending on whether or not the electric bill has cleared yet, thus allowing me to follow the example of my new super-heros, American Express and GMAC, and declare myself to be,(drum roll please)  a Bank Holding Company! Isn’t that great .Now i can go to the front of the line and get my share of the TARP funds(while they last).  I present for your consideration the following, please view, you’ll find that it’s relevance is to follow. \”who can help us?\”

That’s a line from the movie “Network”. I think that was the title anyhow, I’ve never seen the movie but the line was famous, as the newscaster told people to open up their windows and scream out and tell the world, :I’m mad as…” and now you know the rest. That seems to be a growing sentiment with all the bank, corporate, whatever bailouts going on. I follow the news pretty carefully. I get my news from a variety of sources, print, radio, Internet etc. As well as from all sides (left, right, center). The trend that i notice is the increasing amount of double standard that accompanies the ability to receive government aid. When the banks and wall street need a “hand” money could not be thrown their way fast enough. Presidential campaigns were halted, all bodies of the government worked through the weekend and the money was divvied up just in time so that the execs. from AIG wouldn’t miss their spa vacation. And when they needed more well… Now it’s the turn of the auto industry. They were turned away and chided on their first visit to DC for flying in on their corporate jets (not even “jet pooling”) and now are jumping through hoops in order to get the hand out, I mean bridge loans. Hooray for Ford, they said no thanks they didn’t need the help right now. When are all our governments, all around the world going to get it through their collective heads that it isn’t the banks or wall street or industry that drives the economy. The force that drives the economy is the consumer. Often forgotten at the bottom of the ladder of importance. If we don’t buy they (corporations,banks etc.) can’t exist. If we can’t buy  then throwing money at them is a lost cause. But as my husband suggests we could all just get naked and have hot monkey love. you decide. forgive my rant

One of the best things a credit card holder can do is to learn how to consolidate credit card debt. If you are trying to raise your credit score, a debt consolidation loan is the first step in the right direction. If you do decide to consolidate credit card debt, you might find yourself with better rates than what you had before. If you need to know what things should be considered before applying for a consolidation loan, read the tips that follow.

Why should I consolidate?

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