TOP DRAWER INK NEWSLETTER

 

Here's the latest issue of Top Drawer Ink, the newsletter written by author HL Carpenter that's chock full of humor and common sense information.

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February 2, 2008
Volume 6, Number 3
ISSN 1554-6330

In this issue:

1. Carpenter Country Essay

2. Top Drawer Article

3. Top Drawer Tips

4. Top Drawer Satire

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CARPENTER COUNTRY

What's Happening in Our Neck of the Human Experience

The holidays are over and here in Carpenter Country the short one has already celebrated this year’s birthday. Now it’s on to other things.

But what - paint a room, plant a garden, host a get-together? Or how about a trip to Arizona for Super Bowl XLII?

Front row seats at the University of Phoenix stadium on Sunday to watch the Giants and Patriots kick the ball around would be - pardon the pun - super!

Also super would be listening to Jordin Sparks sing our national anthem, Alicia Keys provide pre-game entertainment and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers liven up the stage at halftime.

True, there are plenty of security restrictions and the crowds would be horrendous. On top of that, the cost of a ticket would be out of sight.

That is if we could get a ticket.

Being novices, we failed to realize our names had to be entered into a random drawing a year ahead of time - and only if we got lucky would we be eligible to buy Super Bowl tickets.

After that dismaying discovery there was talk about trying to book a flight to Phoenix to attend some of the great events that happen during game week. Unfortunately, by the time discussion turned into action most of the notable programs were over.

It’s too bad because we’d have liked to join the fun at the Downtown End Zone Party, check out the NFL Experience built by Home Depot and see the fireworks at the first ever Super Bowl Saturday Night celebration.

Good thing the game will be televised.

And good thing we have a new big screen TV.

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TOP DRAWER ARTICLE

Governmental Accountability

by
HL Carpenter

Expect more from your government – more accountability, more transparency, more and better performance. What a sensible thought. Someone should set up a web site designed to help you meet those expectations.

Read the entire article here

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TOP DRAWER TIPS
Topics and Tidbits

Tip: In addition to performance measurements, the ExpectMore web site contains descriptions of government programs – including some you may not have known existed. For instance, the Internal Revenue Service has a program called the Health Care Tax Credit Administration. The program administers the Health Insurance Tax Credit which helps displaced workers and retirees afford health insurance. Its purpose is to benefit workers who lost jobs due to trade with countries which participate in free trade agreements such as the North America Free Trade Agreement). Never heard of it? It’s been in effect since 2003, but apparently lots of others – like those eligible for the credit – haven’t heard of it either. According to the data, the program is not performing.

Investment Term: Program. A system of services, opportunities, or projects, usually designed to meet a social need.

Financial Horoscope: How is your personal savings program performing? Like the weather-predicting groundhog, come out of your burrow and review what’s happening in the financial world. Those shadows you see may mean more chilly days lie ahead. Formulate a plan to carry you through until the sunshine returns.

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TOP DRAWER SATIRE

Or Your Money Back

by
HL Carpenter

In a daring move, the US government has decided to give you your money back.

Read the rest here