Overnight Open Thread. Are you Stimulated yet? (genghis)

(also any topic that crosses your troubled minds is fair game...bonus treat at the bottom)

I guess it’s a better question than the most ego-deflating question any guy can ever be asked: “Are you finished yet?” Not that any of us here have ever heard those words in person.

Correction #1: As mentioned in the comments, "Are you finished yet" isn't the most ego-deflating thing a guy can hear. #1 is "Is it in yet?" Not that any of us alpha males here would ever hear either of these things being said. Usually we get comments along the lines of "I've birthed children wider than that! Add more K-Y fer gawdsakes!" and "How the hell long is that thing anyway!? Does it have a termination point?" Then, sick of all that complaining, we go back to posing our Star Wars figurines in mock battles on our desktops. Who has time for the unappreciative ones?

So late Wednesday night homebuyers got a little tax break from the Senate. It’s table scraps, but once you’ve hit bottom, anything looks tasty.

”WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate voted Wednesday night to give a tax break of up to $15,000 to homebuyers in hopes of revitalizing the housing industry, a victory for Republicans eager to leave their mark on a mammoth economic stimulus bill at the heart of President Barack Obama's recovery plan.”

“The tax break was approved without dissent and came on a day in which Obama pushed back pointedly against Republican critics of the legislation even as he reached across party lines to consider a reduction in the spending it contains.”

It’s not all hugs and rainbows though:

”On another contentious issue, the Senate softened a labor-backed provision requiring that only U.S.-made iron or steel used in construction projects paid for in the bill. A move by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., to delete the so-called ”Buy American” requirement failed, 31-65.”

“Democrats also preserved a key priority for Obama, a break of up to $1,000 for couples who pay payroll taxes but whose earnings are so low they do not pay income tax.”

And if anyone can explain that second part about couples who pay payroll taxes, but don’t pay income tax, please do. I honestly don’t know the difference between the two. (Though I’m sure there is one.) Also, don’t forget to fill out your tax forms in crayon this year. The IRS always finds this delightfully amusing. Add some flowers and hearts in the margins too…it brightens up their day.

Update #2: Wes helpfully answers the question regarding the difference between payroll and income taxes at the second comment below.

A little something to cheer you up after slogging through that: The Thor Anti-Aircraft System.I have an appointment this weekend at the dealership to have one installed on top of my truck. Should make the commute go a little smoother. Or at least explodier.

Notice: Posted by permission of AceCorp LLC. Please e-mail overnight open thread tips to xgenghisx@gmail.com. Otherwise send tips to Ace.

posted by xgenghisx at 01:45 AM

| Access Comments