Saturday, December 3, 2011

Books, Houses, & Stupidy

The answer of yesterday's quote was Julie Krone.

I'm in my disappearing mode today. I plan on disappearing right after I take Mom to lunch. Disappearing to take care of some business related tax matters. I have to load the 2012 income tax program on my computer. Then I have to fill out this big IRS form that will allow me to be a certified by the IRS electronic filer. Once I fill out the form I will undergo a background check. I think I am fine there, I did once hold a top secret clearance nd I have a fair to middling reputation. Things are changing at the IRS. I don't really do that many tax returns, mostly relatives, but now if you do twelve returns you have to file all returns by electronic filing. I'm not at twelve yet but with the last year of my sales agreement coming up and with Mark and Paul separating I want to be prepared to help out. Yes you heard that right, the guys that bought my business are separating. It is a friendly split. Mark just wants to dial it down. His prostate cancer is in check and most likely in remission but he has been having heart signs. He did a stress test yesterday and the results will come by Tuesday. Mark wants me to help him. I really like Paul but Mark and I are really a match as accountants. I am keeping my seasonal job with Napier because it is fun, I am good at it, I like the people there, and it is a better income stream than Mark can provide. However, I want to be there for Mark and will help him weekends. When my agreement expires, who knows.

I've been doing a bit of reading late. I just finished Janet Evonovich's EXPLOSIVE EIGHTEEN. Here are some suggestions to but on your to be read list:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/02/fall-books-_n_1125198.html?ref=books&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl11%7Csec1_lnk2%7C117320

About the only one on their list that I am interested in is the one by Margaret Atwood so I will add a couple of suggestions. My favorite book that I have read this year is IN THE GARDEN OF BEASTS. It is a non-fiction book that reads like a novel, extremely well written, and historically accurate. Pick it up and read it. You won't be disappointed. I bought two books to read during an upcoming two day accounting seminar. LITIGATORS by John Grisham & Michael Connelly's THE DROP. That should keep me awake. What are your suggestions?

Moving on from creative writing to creative housing:

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/gallery/trippy-futuristic-homes/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec1_lnk2%7C117378

I like the Ensculptic house made of foam. If I run out of shaving cream, I can just use part of the house.

From creativity to stupidity. A dumb criminal story:

http://news.yahoo.com/burger-king-cashier-calls-cops-herb-smoker-212158342.html;_ylt=AqLii4f344B579xAPQieL_Ws0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTN2M2ZtYzB1BG1pdANPZGQgRnJvbnQgUGFnZQRwa2cDMDA2ZmI3NDgtNGY5MS0zZmY3LWE3MDUtNmVkMDFlOTgxZTRkBHBvcwMyBHNlYwNNZWRpYVNlY3Rpb25MaXN0BHZlcgNkMjMxNmZjMC0xZDJiLTExZTEtYjVmZC05ODA4YTVkNGEyYjc-;_ylg=X3oDMTI1cjk4NXJqBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QDY29udHJvbF9wcm9tbw--;_ylv=3

Comment Away.

4 comments:

Lady DR said...

Doesn't sound like much of a funa afternoon to me, but you know how I feel about taxes and accounting (wry s) Sorry to hear Mark and Paul are splitting, but can understand Mark's reasons. Gad you'll be there to help him, when needed.

Don't think I'll pick up any of the books, although The Hoarder looks kinda interesting. If you haven't discovered Stuart Wood, I highly recommend him for crime. He has four series and it's best to start at the beginning of each.

The houses didn't do it for me. The Aqua-Something was fun to see, but I'm afraid I'd get sea sick, walking across the floor.

The dumb criminals just get dumber and dumber. Sigh.

Pat said...

The IRS is sure getting persnickety! You HAVE to file everything electronically if you do 12 returns or more? While I'm fine with mine being filed that way, that seems more than a little bit highhanded.

LITIGATORS and THE DROP are also on my list to be read soon. I read IN THE GARDEN OF BEASTS and found it fascinating even though I already know a lot about that period in German history. I'm not familiar with that Atwood book, but she's a wonderful writer, and just about anything of hers is worth reading.

I like a lot of those houses, but I'll go with you on the foam one. Very interesting, that! I love the outside--not too sure I'd want to live with the inside. The 'Built Green' home looks more...well, homey.

Gotta love those stupid criminals! I guess drugs do something weird to their senses of humor.

William J. said...

Hi DR

It was a fun afternoon in a way. Not to be rushed and knocking things off of my to do list.

I've seen Stuart Wood and since often our reading tastes are the same I will check him out. You are the one that led me to Evonovich and you liked my referral of Jance. So next up after the seminar is a Wood book.

Most houses don't do it for me I just like looking at them and in this case I really liked the creativity.

Bill

William J. said...

Hi Pat

The IRS is getting persnickety. Now everyone that does tax returns has to be licensed by the IRS and pass a test. There are some exemptions but generally we get to pay the IRS a lot of money to be able to do tax returns. While on one end that will protect the consumer on the other end everyone will be paying quite a bit more to have their returns prepared.

I'm not a real Grisham fan but for a seminars his books are perfect because they are fast reading and don't cause laugh out loud moments like Evonovich. Connenly is one of my favorites and I like to savor his writing. IN THE GARDEN OF BEASTS help me understand a little more how Hitler ended up in power. The US was really clueless. I've heard good things about Larsen's DEVIL IN WHITE CITY. I like Atwood too and her writing regardless of the subject is a joy.

I just liked the creativity of the foam house.

Drugs must help them get in touch with their stupidity.

Bill