First, I am not going to get all political or righteous or whatever regarding the census itself. I plan to fill out the basics of what is required and no more, and do my part. I also pay my taxes and obey laws (well, say 95% of them–I may do 5-7 miles over the speed limit from time to time). Wait. That’s not the point of this post.

The point of this post is to gripe. Yesterday, I received a letter in the mail regarding the census. In looking at the envelope, I figured it was the questionnaire that has been promised in oh-so-many TV commercial jingles. So, as I do all my mail, I open it. What do I find? A letter, printed on paper (of course) stating that in about a week I would receive my census document(s). Wait. What?

If I have this correct, I just received a letter that told me I was going to receive a letter. Does anyone else think this is completely freakin’ asinine?

How much (of my tax!) money was spent writing, producing, and shipping a letter to let me know that I would soon receive a letter? How much paper was used on the letter & envelope–presumably to hundreds of millions of people? According to the interwebs (which are never wrong, of course), 1 ream (500 sheets) of paper uses about 6% of a tree. So, somewhat conservatively, let’s says 100 million households in the US. 100m / 500 = 200,000 reams of paper. 200k * 6% of a tree = 12,000 trees. Really? This was necessary? I think it’s just plain stupid and ridiculously wasteful, and when it comes right down to it, sad for the repercussions imposed on future generations.

An original work of poetry for you:

Christmas Day is drawing oh-so-near,
It’s the most secretive time of year,
Planning and decorating,
Celebrating and scheming,
Hmm, I think it’s about time for beer.

Now, enjoy the pretty lights! (Make sure you have sound enabled.)

Once, there was a family of 5. Dad, Mom, 3 boys.

One day, Mom was in the back, giving a bath to the youngest boy. The other two boys were in the family room playing the Wii. Seemingly, out of nowhere, the middle boy starts wailing as though he has been the victim of the most unholy injustice known on this planet. This causes the youngest to comment: “Beanbaum hurt Yucas?”. This is not uncommon, it’s a regular thing for brothers to fight. We all know that. The older is bigger and not afraid to get physical with the middle brother.

Mom, pausing to get youngest boy out of the tub before launching the investigation, arrives a short time after the initial wailing has subsided. Unnoticed, she overhears part of the conversation between brothers:

Middle Boy: “I can make the sound whenever I want. I don’t have the face down yet though.”

Luckily, he hasn’t yet learned that only he should have that knowledge: 1. Once Parents realize it, he’ll lose that advantage, and 2. it’ll only get him pounded more often by older brother anyway.

the work, it won’t end.
financial independence
why so elusive?

My new favorite site, at least for awhile.

(no, I’m not dead or giving up “blogging”, just a bit lazy, and not much worth noting)

From time to time there are stories floating around about people who “found” money owed to them… just like there are hoaxes & scams about companies who will help you find lost or unclaimed money.

This is the real deal for anyone who may think they have “lost” money in Oregon. Check it out–hope you get yours.

• Unclaimed Property Name Search