Saturday, January 31, 2009

Taxes...CRAP!

Just did my taxes for the year, and I'm PISSED! Turns out I fall into the "Highly Compensated Individual" category, and I'm capped at $5000 for my IRA. So I have to pay a freakin PENALTY for saving TOO MUCH! Then since I put it into a 401(k), if I take it out to get rid of the penalty, I get clobbered with a shitload of other taxes and penalties.
Yeah, I know, "Consult A Tax Expert before You Proceed", but you'd think your employer would make you aware of this shit before encouraging you to sign up for the max.
I dropped my contribution to the level that will contribute $5k, and I'll worry about it later.
Makes you want to just stuff it in a mattress.....
And yes, I count my blessings, and I'm extremely grateful I even have a job in this climate. I just wonder how much Dear Leader MAObama will be jacking up the taxes on people like me so he can "Spread The Wealth".....

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

A Night At The Range

Just got back from my first range trip with my Marlin 1894CB in 357......
Sweet little gun! Hardly any kick, and probably more accurate than I am. I kept reading about "The Marlin Jam", and ways to alleviate it, so last night I took it apart to check the cam on the lever. Seems some of them came out of Marlin with a sharp edge that will (after thousands of rounds) cut a groove into the carrier/lifter. Mine had a nicely radiused edge, so maybe they're being a little more careful at the factory.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Hellllo Radio.....

Just about finished electrically restoring my Drake R-4B receiver. Replaced all the non-ceramic, non-mica capacitors, and found three BAD tubes. Found a guy who makes exact replacement front panels, and scrubbed/polished/repainted the pointing lines on all the knobs. Still have to replace the two-wire line cord with a modern three-wire one, get the case shells redone, repaint the white dial-lamp reflector, install the "Kewl Blue" LED replacement lamps, and do the alignment.
Then I can start on the T-4XB and the MS-4 speaker. I've always wanted a set of the Drake Twins, and I'll finally have a nice set.
Now if I can just find the time to finish my TM-D700 installation in my Jeep......

Monday, January 26, 2009

OMFG!

I don't believe this.....I simply don't.......

http://www.historycompany.com/productdetails.php?p=128#

I should send this to Mike Church. IIRC, he's the guy that started the "Dear Leader Chairman MAObama" thing....

Thursday, January 22, 2009

YAAAWN!

No, I didn't watch the ascent and coronation of BHO.
Too busy doing things like rebuilding my weather server to be more power efficient, helping my gf clean out her garage, and doing some yearly antenna maintenance.
I *do* find it interesting that the satellite photos show that no where near "A MILLION MEN!" showed up. Again!
Gee....I wonder if I could come up with some "stats" that showed "A MILLION MEN!" viewed this blog?
I'd prefer a million WOMEN, though.....

Monday, January 12, 2009

Freedom Aint Free!

Yeah, I know, another 'Old Saw' that people like to banter about, and give lip service to.
Anywhoo....here's some of my favs to visit:
http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/index.html
http://www.mikechurch.com/joomla/
http://www.hannity.com/

And, of course, for all other things:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

Welcome to the New Year

And a new blog for me.
Hey, I've been on the Internet since the DARPA days, but some of this new-fangled stuff sure is neat!

Annnnd.....We Got Zip.....

 Total snow was about 6~8", but half o0f it melted as soon as it hit, and we never had more than 3" on the ground at any one time....