Tuesday, January 31, 2006
my favorite MBE fact pattern
"Bill was walking along an unpaved road on his way to work. Suddenly, a school bus coming in the opposite direction began to careen toward him. This was due to the fact that the bus driver, Wally, had momentarily lost control of the bus while attempting to light a cigarette.
To avoid being hit by the bus, Bill jumped off the road into Carol's yard. Unfortunately, he landed in a bed of prize-winning zinnias and damaged them extensively."
Ah, the benefits of cigarette smoking.
To avoid being hit by the bus, Bill jumped off the road into Carol's yard. Unfortunately, he landed in a bed of prize-winning zinnias and damaged them extensively."
Ah, the benefits of cigarette smoking.
Tis the season for taxes
Internal Revenue Service
And if you are going to use an online service to file your taxes, and your adjusted gross income is less than $50,000, make sure you go through the IRS's website to file for free.
You want to start at the IRS. They will take you to the professional site's free service. Even if you end up being over the amount, they will still complete your taxes (for a fee, see below). If you start at the business end, and try to go back and get the service for free, you might be out of luck. Not all of the companies will allow you to reenter through the IRS site, and then you end up reentering everything on another site. (thanks HRBlock)
The free offer is for Federal preparation and e-filing only. You're gonna pay $20-25 for state filing no matter what. Be careful, some of the sites make you pay for the state preparation whether you want them to do your state taxes or not. They will also charge you money to take their fee out of your refund, usually $25. If your AGI is over $50,000, you'll pay $25 for a basic filing (no professional assistance). Don't let them charge you for direct depositing your money into your account. This is a free service from the Feds and Oregon. You can get it done for about $44 if you play your cards right, and know what you are doing. On that note:
If you can't find information under theIRS's individals site, go to the tax professionals site. The information is well organized for those of you that are a bit tax savvy. Better yet, go to the Code, for the WORD. But be careful with that one, unless you have a handle on statutory interpretation. Google search is also a good avenue for your questions, and you will likely find articles explaining your issue in a more understandable language.
Better yet, just do those taxes on paper (or fillable PDF form) unless they are really complicated. And no, don't call me to help you, at least not until after Feb. 23rd. I have done our house's taxes though, yeay.
Oregon forms.
Lastly, don't forget the Multnomah County ITAX. You can file and pay online. Last year, this. Or better yet, don't pay. Perhaps then I can work for the County again and take you to court. I could use the job. Oh and for you 'Couvs, I'll find a way, someday, don't worry.
And if you are going to use an online service to file your taxes, and your adjusted gross income is less than $50,000, make sure you go through the IRS's website to file for free.
You want to start at the IRS. They will take you to the professional site's free service. Even if you end up being over the amount, they will still complete your taxes (for a fee, see below). If you start at the business end, and try to go back and get the service for free, you might be out of luck. Not all of the companies will allow you to reenter through the IRS site, and then you end up reentering everything on another site. (thanks HRBlock)
The free offer is for Federal preparation and e-filing only. You're gonna pay $20-25 for state filing no matter what. Be careful, some of the sites make you pay for the state preparation whether you want them to do your state taxes or not. They will also charge you money to take their fee out of your refund, usually $25. If your AGI is over $50,000, you'll pay $25 for a basic filing (no professional assistance). Don't let them charge you for direct depositing your money into your account. This is a free service from the Feds and Oregon. You can get it done for about $44 if you play your cards right, and know what you are doing. On that note:
If you can't find information under theIRS's individals site, go to the tax professionals site. The information is well organized for those of you that are a bit tax savvy. Better yet, go to the Code, for the WORD. But be careful with that one, unless you have a handle on statutory interpretation. Google search is also a good avenue for your questions, and you will likely find articles explaining your issue in a more understandable language.
Better yet, just do those taxes on paper (or fillable PDF form) unless they are really complicated. And no, don't call me to help you, at least not until after Feb. 23rd. I have done our house's taxes though, yeay.
Oregon forms.
Lastly, don't forget the Multnomah County ITAX. You can file and pay online. Last year, this. Or better yet, don't pay. Perhaps then I can work for the County again and take you to court. I could use the job. Oh and for you 'Couvs, I'll find a way, someday, don't worry.
Timely revenge
With the neighbor being a complete and total douchebag, Web Zen has found several lovely sites dedicated to the pursuit of revenge.
Concern over 'spare part' babies
Ohhh, just like The Island. Or just an excuse for Ewan to visit.
BBC NEWS | Health | Concern over 'spare part' babies: "It warns that once a child has been created to save a sibling, there could be a temptation to view them as a spare parts bank."
Monday, January 30, 2006
Sounds like this could be our plm's potential
Oddly Enough News Article | Reuters.com: "A former female wrestler, accused of killing 11 elderly women in the Mexican capital, had an altar to the skeletal, scythe-wielding Santa Muerte, death cult figure in her home, newspapers said on Saturday."
Saturday, January 28, 2006
And a proper news source, mere hours after the fact
OregonLive.com: NewsFlash - Minor quake reported in Portland
If Cascadia ever happens, I wonder what chance any of us have. Though I think we might be ok in PDX.
If Cascadia ever happens, I wonder what chance any of us have. Though I think we might be ok in PDX.
Update on the earthquake
Info for Eq uw01290200: "A micro earthquake occurred at 6:00:53 PM (PST) on Saturday, January 28, 2006.
The magnitude 2.8 event occurred 2 km (1 miles) SW of Portland, OR ."
My first! How very exciting!
Thanks to Technorati and the ability they have given me to search blogs for news. This is the first time that I've realized the full potential of blogs to get helpful information.
The magnitude 2.8 event occurred 2 km (1 miles) SW of Portland, OR ."
My first! How very exciting!
Thanks to Technorati and the ability they have given me to search blogs for news. This is the first time that I've realized the full potential of blogs to get helpful information.
Breaking news!
I think I just felt an Earthquake, here in Portland, Oregon, at about 6:00
And darn it if I can find any news on the internet.
At first I thought perhaps the neighbors were bombing us. S got into a yelling match with them today. Yikes! I think the line of communication might get better from here. In the aftermath, I fully realized that I'm a gentrificator. More on that theory later.
And darn it if I can find any news on the internet.
At first I thought perhaps the neighbors were bombing us. S got into a yelling match with them today. Yikes! I think the line of communication might get better from here. In the aftermath, I fully realized that I'm a gentrificator. More on that theory later.
calling all former bird watchers
If anyone has a bird feeder that they are no longer using, please drop it off at our house. We need as many as we can get our hands on. Also, if anyone has an easy and cheap design for a bird feeder, I'd love to hear about it. My intent is purely to start discovering the wonders of urban birds.
On a completely unrelated note, I am again watching my neighbors powerwash and shopvac their swimming pool, with the extension cord dangling dangerously close to falling into the water. I'm on the edge of my seat and just cannot focus on my Evidence MBE questions. Will it happen today? The best part is that the whole damn family is in the pool. Driving me crazy.
Hey Thug/Crap/GS/plm/StCarl, when we having that concert in my backyard? I'll supply the beer.
Btw, gotta watch The Life of Birds by David Attenborough (Blue Planet series).
And another David that also had me dropping my jaw in amazement, this time in incredulity, David Hasslehoff singing "Hooked on a feeling". You must watch this video, it is possibly the worst ever, by anyone, which is sad, because he's not that bad a singer.
On a completely unrelated note, I am again watching my neighbors powerwash and shopvac their swimming pool, with the extension cord dangling dangerously close to falling into the water. I'm on the edge of my seat and just cannot focus on my Evidence MBE questions. Will it happen today? The best part is that the whole damn family is in the pool. Driving me crazy.
Hey Thug/Crap/GS/plm/StCarl, when we having that concert in my backyard? I'll supply the beer.
Btw, gotta watch The Life of Birds by David Attenborough (Blue Planet series).
And another David that also had me dropping my jaw in amazement, this time in incredulity, David Hasslehoff singing "Hooked on a feeling". You must watch this video, it is possibly the worst ever, by anyone, which is sad, because he's not that bad a singer.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
end of the day rant
I just paid $125 for the ability to take the bar exam on my laptop. The difference will likely allow me to pass the exam. Typing my law school exams after writing them for two semesters increased my grades at least one full grade. This program is exactly like word. I know there were be functions such as spell-check that may not be available on the day of the exam, but having a backspace is all I really need. Incredible program.
The rant? $125! That's like paying to pass. I've already paid $700 to apply for this bar exam. OUCH! What a racket. I understand there is a lot to organize, but the software is something that if allowed, I could likely download for free.
I better find a job when all this is done, or I've really made some serious mistakes in my life choices. Ah well, at least I've had a three year break from painting.
The rant? $125! That's like paying to pass. I've already paid $700 to apply for this bar exam. OUCH! What a racket. I understand there is a lot to organize, but the software is something that if allowed, I could likely download for free.
I better find a job when all this is done, or I've really made some serious mistakes in my life choices. Ah well, at least I've had a three year break from painting.
How I spent my morning
Making a new blog.
Please note the new handy features: technorati "search this blog" box; archive pull down menu with an easy to find link to this month (January) in the header; a lovely "syndicate this site" heading in the sidebar (so you don't have to check back unless there is something new); and my profile may be reached by clicking on the picture.
I've deleted the random photo blog, cuz it was pretty silly, even I rarely used it. Three I think is enough here.
New picture is up, and no more buttons. I'm going simplistic and subtle this time. Enjoy.
I had a dream last night, and this is what I dreamt. There are a few bugs to work out, but I'm done working on it today (gotta get back to work).
Constructive criticism welcome.
Please note the new handy features: technorati "search this blog" box; archive pull down menu with an easy to find link to this month (January) in the header; a lovely "syndicate this site" heading in the sidebar (so you don't have to check back unless there is something new); and my profile may be reached by clicking on the picture.
I've deleted the random photo blog, cuz it was pretty silly, even I rarely used it. Three I think is enough here.
New picture is up, and no more buttons. I'm going simplistic and subtle this time. Enjoy.
I had a dream last night, and this is what I dreamt. There are a few bugs to work out, but I'm done working on it today (gotta get back to work).
Constructive criticism welcome.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Speaking of spa treatment
Here's Sam....chillin' out. Click on the pic for his Flickr set.
Here's a past post, with newly born pic. (which makes me rant at blogger. I tried the top search button and it came up with nothing. So I went to Technorati, downloaded the search bar on the lower left of your screen. When I typed in "Sam" I was instantly taken to this former post. Poo on blogger for making me have a useless header.)
Here's a past post, with newly born pic. (which makes me rant at blogger. I tried the top search button and it came up with nothing. So I went to Technorati, downloaded the search bar on the lower left of your screen. When I typed in "Sam" I was instantly taken to this former post. Poo on blogger for making me have a useless header.)
Doggie bathrobe
So, I finally washed the dog, in the bathtub, with the handsprayer attachment that was kinda the excuse for the new bathtub/shower fixture (washing the dog was the excuse).
It was a lot easier than I thought, but since we don't have an industrial hair dryer for him, besides he hates the noise, on a whim, I googled "dog bathrobe."
Check this shiz out, they have several kinds. Sooooooooo cool.
It was a lot easier than I thought, but since we don't have an industrial hair dryer for him, besides he hates the noise, on a whim, I googled "dog bathrobe."
Check this shiz out, they have several kinds. Sooooooooo cool.
Update: in the groove
Ok, it's all falling into place, but first:
Skiing on Sunday kinda sucked. We went back to the first place that I had skied, Snow Bunny at Mt. Hood. Sadly, it was earlier in the day, and thus there were millions more people, including two couples with rabid dogs. Rabid dogs have to be put on leashes. Anyone with a dog knows that factors of dominance change greatly when one dog is put on a leash. They become much more defensive while the unleashed dog (Fife) becomes more aggressive. Fife normally will roll over for just about any dog (except dogs that are too close to mom or dad, he's a pretty damn fine dog). So, add skis into the mix and there was a lot of Three Stooges action going on. Besides all the obnoxious people, the snow was pretty sticky, and we didn't have any spray wax, so the entire uphill was tougher than usual (even worse, I tried thicker socks and tighter lacing, which I thought would fix the sloppy feeling I had the week before. It only made me have blisters). The downhill wasn't nearly as fast and exciting as it could have been. It was, however, exercise.
With my switching to Firefox, I've decided to go all open source. OpenOffice is downloading and Linux will soon follow. Even better, Steve has been learning how to run servers, thus my website might soon be up, and since I'm sure the hits won't be that many, we'll be able to run it off our own server. Sweet.
And what did I do before I discovered widgets? And I'm not talking about the legal fiction. These things are what make a computer friendly. Now, well after the bar, I'll start making my own, so that I can have the perfect computer. Between that and all this open source stuff, I'll finally be able to manipulate the computer to my exact liking. The thought gives me chills.
And, studying for the bar. Today I'm shifting into 4th gear. I have 4 weeks before the bar exam. I have a detailed plan which consists entirely of practice exams. 3 hour shifts, 3 shifts per day. Two shifts are writing essays and one is multiple choice for the multi-state. I have to do some research as to whether I'm typing the exam on my laptop or writing the exam, it all depends on the editing features of the program I have to use.
I no longer have the need to sleep. I go to bed with my civil procedure notes and fall asleep at 2:00, only to wake at 4:00, then sleep from 5-6 and lie awake until I realize I should make use of the time, out of bed at 7:00. Should be one hella interesting four weeks. No smoking, drinking, or sleeping. I am, however, eating rather well, and am making sure to only work one three hour shift on Sunday.
Other than that, I know Steve and I are looking forward to this being over and the job search getting started. Those student loan bills are HUGE! Not to mention the consumer debt, which is getting larger by the minute.
I wanted a challenge, so I went to law school. I got what I asked for and then some.
Update to the update: OpenOffice may not be happening just yet. I have made an initial attempt, and realized that I have had 3 years of heavy Word use that has created a highly tuned and finely crafted setup (and that's just law school. I did have 5 years as an undergrad don't you forget) . OpenOffice looks like chaos, and most importantly, will not easily allow my blue background that has saved my vision from degenerating below -4.25.
I'll not be using OO anytime soon, perhaps not until I hang my shingle out there for the world (don't worry, won't be anytime soon).
Skiing on Sunday kinda sucked. We went back to the first place that I had skied, Snow Bunny at Mt. Hood. Sadly, it was earlier in the day, and thus there were millions more people, including two couples with rabid dogs. Rabid dogs have to be put on leashes. Anyone with a dog knows that factors of dominance change greatly when one dog is put on a leash. They become much more defensive while the unleashed dog (Fife) becomes more aggressive. Fife normally will roll over for just about any dog (except dogs that are too close to mom or dad, he's a pretty damn fine dog). So, add skis into the mix and there was a lot of Three Stooges action going on. Besides all the obnoxious people, the snow was pretty sticky, and we didn't have any spray wax, so the entire uphill was tougher than usual (even worse, I tried thicker socks and tighter lacing, which I thought would fix the sloppy feeling I had the week before. It only made me have blisters). The downhill wasn't nearly as fast and exciting as it could have been. It was, however, exercise.
With my switching to Firefox, I've decided to go all open source. OpenOffice is downloading and Linux will soon follow. Even better, Steve has been learning how to run servers, thus my website might soon be up, and since I'm sure the hits won't be that many, we'll be able to run it off our own server. Sweet.
And what did I do before I discovered widgets? And I'm not talking about the legal fiction. These things are what make a computer friendly. Now, well after the bar, I'll start making my own, so that I can have the perfect computer. Between that and all this open source stuff, I'll finally be able to manipulate the computer to my exact liking. The thought gives me chills.
And, studying for the bar. Today I'm shifting into 4th gear. I have 4 weeks before the bar exam. I have a detailed plan which consists entirely of practice exams. 3 hour shifts, 3 shifts per day. Two shifts are writing essays and one is multiple choice for the multi-state. I have to do some research as to whether I'm typing the exam on my laptop or writing the exam, it all depends on the editing features of the program I have to use.
I no longer have the need to sleep. I go to bed with my civil procedure notes and fall asleep at 2:00, only to wake at 4:00, then sleep from 5-6 and lie awake until I realize I should make use of the time, out of bed at 7:00. Should be one hella interesting four weeks. No smoking, drinking, or sleeping. I am, however, eating rather well, and am making sure to only work one three hour shift on Sunday.
Other than that, I know Steve and I are looking forward to this being over and the job search getting started. Those student loan bills are HUGE! Not to mention the consumer debt, which is getting larger by the minute.
I wanted a challenge, so I went to law school. I got what I asked for and then some.
Update to the update: OpenOffice may not be happening just yet. I have made an initial attempt, and realized that I have had 3 years of heavy Word use that has created a highly tuned and finely crafted setup (and that's just law school. I did have 5 years as an undergrad don't you forget) . OpenOffice looks like chaos, and most importantly, will not easily allow my blue background that has saved my vision from degenerating below -4.25.
I'll not be using OO anytime soon, perhaps not until I hang my shingle out there for the world (don't worry, won't be anytime soon).
Saturday, January 21, 2006
The treehouse photos
For those of you that do not know this story, my boyfriend, in his youth, decided the money his parents gave him for living expenses would be best spent on a trip to India.
How did he live in the meantime, you ask? He and his friends built a treehouse in the woods near his college. They also did it just because well, its funny. They were found out, but it took the authorities quite a while.
For those of you that were there, please add to the story if you'd like. I recall something about folks being kicked off campus, and other craziness, but the story changes depending on the person who is telling it. Regardless, here, finally, are the pictures, posted on the internet for all to see. I don't even know who the people are, except Stephen and Steve. If you don't like my titles, get your own Flickr account, beyotches.
Enjoy.
P.S. the Barn (?) in NE PDX has a wonderful band that plays on Friday and Saturday night. Just make sure and get that bluing rinse in before you go. I felt like I was back in WI for the night. You certainly missed a good time, Omega.
How did he live in the meantime, you ask? He and his friends built a treehouse in the woods near his college. They also did it just because well, its funny. They were found out, but it took the authorities quite a while.
For those of you that were there, please add to the story if you'd like. I recall something about folks being kicked off campus, and other craziness, but the story changes depending on the person who is telling it. Regardless, here, finally, are the pictures, posted on the internet for all to see. I don't even know who the people are, except Stephen and Steve. If you don't like my titles, get your own Flickr account, beyotches.
Enjoy.
P.S. the Barn (?) in NE PDX has a wonderful band that plays on Friday and Saturday night. Just make sure and get that bluing rinse in before you go. I felt like I was back in WI for the night. You certainly missed a good time, Omega.
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