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Friday, 17 October 2008

Thursday, 09 October 2008

  • Election 2008 Questions

    Here in Massachusetts, as is the case for most of our 50 states, how I individually vote for in the Presidential election doesn't actually matter.  Our Commonwealth has decided long ago (i.e. since the beginning of America) where her 12 electoral votes will go.

    However, also on our ballot come November 4 are three interesting questions up for public determination.

    Question #1:  Reduction of State Income Tax in 2009, Elimination of State Income Tax in 2010
    Question #2:  Removal of Criminal Penalties for Possession of Marijuana
    Question #3:  Prohibition of Dog Racing in Massachusetts

    Here is a handy PDF voter's guide to the questions, w/ the exact wording of each of the questions, along w/ pro and con arguments for each side: Massachusetts Questions

    I have a good idea on which way I'm voting on Questions 2 & 3 - but I want to do more reading on #1.  There is a lot of information out there on this issue (more against the proposal than for it) - and like most issues, the claims of both sides are completely contradictory (i.e. whether or not voting to eliminate the state income tax will raise property taxes or lead to programs being cut).

    Any thoughts or links from folks on Question 1?

Thursday, 10 April 2008

  • Unaccustomed Earth




    Reading Jhumpa Lahiri's recently released, second collection of short stories now.  The first (title) story is a fabulous, flawless jewel of a story.  Just a beautifully crafted tale, well told.  I was blown away by her first collection - "Interpreter of Maladies" - but so far, this is just as brilliant.

    I'm finding that after finishing her stories, I need to set the book down and think about it for a little while.  In fact, I've read just the first two, but have been hesitating to read the third because - this is silly, but true - then I'll be that much closer to finishing it, which will be sad.  There's nothing like well written fiction. Except, perhaps, Babe: Pig in the City.  (thwarted you, happymeal98).

Tuesday, 08 April 2008

Wednesday, 02 April 2008