Clipmarks | dataphool's clips

Blaise Pascal

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 20:21:29 GMT

clipped by: dataphool

Are All Charities Created Equal?

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 14:33:16 GMT

clipped by: jklugman
clipper's remarks: Robert Reich: Charitable tax deductions should be limited to donations to charities that directly benefit the poor. Donations to universities, museums, and other cultural institutions should lose their tax deductions. (I wonder what Reich would say about donations to medical research).

Via Mark Thoma at Economist's View, from whom I've stolen the title for this clip.

Clip Source: www.prospect.org

It's time we revise the tax code to limit the charitable deduction to actual charities.

By Robert B. Reich
Web Exclusive: 12.20.06

But lots of charitable dollars -- especially from the wealthy, who have the most to donate -- are going to culture palaces: to the operas, art museums, symphonies, and theaters where they spend much of their leisure time. They're also going to the universities they once attended and expect their children to attend, perhaps with the help of what's known as affirmative action for "legacies."

These aren't really charitable contributions. They're more like investments in the lifestyles the wealthy already enjoy and want their children to have, too. They’re also investments in prestige -- especially if they result in the family name engraved on the new wing of the art museum or symphony hall.

It's your business how you donate your money -- but not entirely. Charitable donations are deductible from income taxes. This year, the U.S. Treasury will be receiving about $40 billion less than it would if the tax code didn't allow charitable deductions. Like all tax deductions, that gap has to be filled by other tax revenues or by spending cuts, or else it just adds to the deficit. (Not incidentally, the government now spends some $40 billion a year on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, which is what remains of welfare.)

It turns out, in fact, that only an estimated 10 percent of all charitable deductions this year will be directed at the poor.

So here's a modest holiday proposal: At a time in our nation's history when the number of needy continue to rise, when government doesn't have the money to do what’s necessary, and when America's very rich are richer than ever, we should revise the tax code and limit the charitable deduction to real charities.

Tags: charity, politics

31 signs you’re addicted to coffee, brain

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 10:19:23 GMT

clipped by: benfm

Clip Source: funnybytes.net

1. You grind your coffee beans in your mouth.
2. You sleep with your eyes open.
3. You have to watch videos in fast-forward.
4. The only time you’re standing still is during an earthquake.
5. You can take a picture of yourself from ten feet away without using the timer.
6. You’ve worn out your third pair of tennis shoes this week.
7. Your eyes stay open when you sneeze.
8. You chew on other people’s fingernails.
9. The nurse needs a scientific calculator to take your pulse.
10. You’re so jittery that people use your hands to blend their margaritas.
11. You can type sixty words per minute with your feet.
12. You can jump-start your car without cables.
13. You don’t sweat, you percolate.
14. You walk twenty miles on your treadmill before you realize it’s not plugged in.
15. You forget to unwrap candy bars before eating them.
16. You’ve built a miniature city out of little plastic stirrers.
17. People get dizzy just watching you.
18. Instant coffee takes too long.
19. You channel surf faster without a remote.
20. You have a picture of your coffee mug on your coffee mug.
21. You can outlast the Energizer bunny.
22. You short out motion detectors.
23. You don’t even wait for the water to boil anymore.
24. Your nervous twitch registers on the Richter scale.
25. You help your dog chase its tail.
26. You soak your dentures in coffee overnight.
27. Your first-aid kit contains two pints of coffee with an I.V. hookup.
28. You ski uphill.
29. You get a speeding ticket even when you’re parked.
30. You answer the door before people knock.

31. You haven’t blinked since the last lunar eclipse.

Tags: humor, coffee

The Starving of Sudan

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 03:53:28 GMT

clipped by: HoneySweetie
clipper's remarks: A vulture seems to stalk a starving child in the southern Sudanese hamlet of Ayod, March 1993. This picture would win Kevin Carter the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography. Photo by Kevin Carter/Corbis Sygma. As the photographer chose to take a picture instead of caring for the kid's life, he suffered great pressure from public criticism and ended his life by suicide.

Clip Source: digitalfilmmaker.net

Tags: pulitzer feature photography morality

Politically Correct Seasons Greetings

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 03:33:22 GMT

clipped by: Dresdin
clipper's remarks: Funny Christmas card.

Clip Source: www.pcphrases.com

Politically Correct Seasons Greetings:
Christmas Thoughts

Please accept with no obligation,
implied or implicit our best wishes for
an environmentally conscious,
socially responsible, low stress,
non-addictive, gender neutral,
celebration of the winter solstice
holiday, practiced within the most
enjoyable traditions of the religious
persuasion of your choice, or secular
practices of your choice, with respect
for the religious/secular persuasions
and/or traditions of others, or their
choice not to practice religious or
secular traditions at all ...

and a fiscally successful,
personally fulfilling, and medically
uncomplicated recognition of the onset
of the generally accepted calendar
year _______, but not without due respect
for the calendars of choice of other
cultures whose contributions to
society have helped make America great,
(not to imply that America is necessarily
greater than any other country or is
the only "AMERICA" in the western
hemisphere), and without regard to the
race, creed, color, age, physical ability,
religious faith, choice of computer platform,
or sexual preference of the wishee.

- DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTABILITY -

(By accepting this greeting,
you are accepting these terms.
This greeting is subject to
clarification or withdrawal. It is freely
transferable with no alteration to the
original greeting. It implies no
promise by the wisher to actually
implement any of the wishes for
her/himself or others, and is
void where prohibited by law, and is
revocable at the sole discretion of
the wisher. This wish is warranted
to perform as expected within the
usual application of good tidings
for a period of one year, or until the
issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting,
whichever comes first, and warranty is
limited to replacement of this wish
or issuance of a new wish at the
sole discretion of the wisher.)

Tags: christmas, card, political

Solution to Airline Hijackings by Bill Clinton

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 23:36:52 GMT

clipped by: hipster
clipper's remarks: A truly ingenious method to stop hijackings of airplanes while boosting ticket sales at the same time.

Clip Source: members.tripod.com

Solution to Hijackings???

Dear Sirs:

I have the solution for the prevention of hijackings,
and at the same time getting our airline industry back
on its feet.

Since men of the Muslim religion are not allowed to
look at naked women we should replace all of our
female flight attendants with strippers.

Muslims would be afraid to get on the planes for fear
of seeing a naked woman, and of course, every
businessman in this country would start flying again in
hope of seeing a naked woman.

We would have no more hijackings, and the airline
industry would have record sales. Now why didn't
Congress think of this?

Sincerely,
Bill Clinton

Tags: happiness, health, healing, humor, joke, jokes., laugh, wellness

MY DAD'S FAVORITE SHORTBREAD COOKIE

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 20:38:55 GMT

clipped by: Socratoad

Clip Source: www.cooks.com

MY DAD'S FAVORITE SHORTBREAD COOKIE

3/4 c. butter
1/4 c. sugar
2 c. flour

Oven at 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugar. Work in flour. Roll dough 1/2-1/3 inch thick on lightly floured board. Cut into shapes. Place 1/2 inch apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 20 minutes. Immediately remove from baking sheet.

Tags: shortbread, recipes

Mark Twain on Politicians

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 19:15:07 GMT

clipped by: Caleythia

Clip Source: wordsmith.org

Thought of the Moment:

Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it. -Mark Twain, author and humorist (1835-1910)

Tags: humor, quotes

Claims from mothers to Child Support Agencies

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 17:56:22 GMT

clipped by: lisahayden1979
clipper's remarks: I like the one about immaculate conception.

Clip Source: www.snopes.com

Regarding the identity of the father of my twins, child A was fathered by John Smith. I am unsure as to the identity of the father of child B, but I believe that he was conceived on the same night.

I am unsure as to the identity of the father of my child as I was being sick out of a window when taken unexpectedly from behind. I can provide you with a list of names of men that I think were at the party if this helps.

I do not know the name of the father of my little girl. She was conceived at a party where I had unprotected sex with a man I met that night. I do remember that the sex was so good that I fainted. If you do manage to track down the father can you send me his phone number? Thanks

I don't know the identity of the father of my daughter. He drives a BMW that now has a hole made by my stiletto heel in one of the door panels. Perhaps you can contact BMW service stations in this area and see if he's had it replaced.

I have never had sex with a man. I am awaiting a letter from the Pope confirming that my son's conception was immaculate and that he is Christ risen again.

I cannot tell you the name of child A's dad as he informs me that to do so would blow his cover and that would have cataclysmic implications for the British economy. I am torn between doing right by you and right by my country. Please advise.

I do not know who the father of my child was as all squadies look the same to me. I can confirm that he was a Royal Green Jacket.

John Smith is the father of child A. If you do catch up with him can you ask him what he did with my AC/DC CDs?

From the dates it seems that my daughter was conceived at Euro Disney -- maybe it really is the Magic Kingdom.

So much about that night is a blur. The only thing that I remember for sure is Delia Smith did a programme about eggs earlier in the evening. If I'd have stayed in and watched more TV rather than going to a party, [my eggs] might have remained unfertilised.

Tags: humor

Funny Quotes

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 15:28:39 GMT

clipped by: Harrison
clipper's remarks: Why is it that people never listen to what you say until it's called a quote?

Enjoy.

Clip Source: www.indianchild.com

Always forgive your enemies - Nothing annoys them so much.

If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends?

If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something.

You know the speed of light, so what's the speed of dark?

Join The Army, Visit exotic places, meet strange people, then kill them.

Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening', and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.

When you're right, no one remembers. When you're wrong, no one forgets.

Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.

Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.

I like work. It fascinates me. I sit and look at it for hours.

Where there's a will, there are five hundred relatives.

Tags: funny, quotes

Exploring Google's Hidden Features

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 12:48:00 GMT

clipped by: mingkymomo

Clip Source: www.informit.com

Exploring Google's Hidden Features

Article Description

Google is a great search engine, but it's also more than that. Google has tons of hidden features, some of which are quite fun and most of which are extremely useful— if you know about them. How do you discover all these hidden features within the Google site? Read on to learn more.

$26.99 (Save 10%)

Google Is a Calculator

When you can’t be troubled to reach over and pick up the handheld calculator sitting on your desk, you can use Google as a high-tech web-based calculator. All you have to do is enter your equation or formula into the standard Google search box, and then click the Google Search button. The result of the calculation is displayed on the search results page; it’s that simple.

You can use the standard algebraic operators to construct your calculations—+, -, x, and / for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, accordingly. For example, to add 2 plus 3, enter 2 + 3 and press Enter. To divide 10 by 2, enter 10 / 2, and so on.

And Google’s calculator isn’t limited to basic addition and multiplication. It can also handle more advanced calculations, trigonometric functions, inverse trigonometric functions, hyperbolic functions, and logarithmic functions. Just enter the proper formula into the search box, and wait for Google to display the answer.

Tags: google, technology, internet, cool, tip, feature

George Bush Question time with Kids

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 08:31:39 GMT

clipped by: Deepti

Clip Source: www.avalon5.com

George Bush goes to a primary school to talk to the kids to get a little PR. After his talk he offers question time. One little boy puts up his hand and George asks him his name. “Stanley,” responds the little boy. “And what is your question, Stanley?” asks ol’ Dubya.

“I have 4 questions” the kid responds.

“First, why did the USA invade Iraq without the support of the UN?”
“Second, why are you President when Al Gore got more votes?”
“Third, whatever happened to Osama Bin Laden?”
“Fourth, why are we so worried about gay-marriage when 1/2 of all Americans don’t have health insurance?”

Just then, the bell rings for recess. George Bush informs the kiddies that they will continue after recess. When they resume George says, “OK, where were we? Oh, that’s right question time. Who has a question?”

Another little boy puts up his hand. George points him out and asks him his name. “Steve” the kid responds. “And what is your question, Steve?” el presidente asks.

“Actually, I have 6 questions” the kid responds.

“First, why did the USA invade Iraq without the support of the UN?”
“Second, why are you President when Al Gore got more votes?”
“Third, whatever happened to Osama Bin Laden?”
“Fourth, why are we so worried about gay marriage when 1/2 of all Americans don’t have health insurance?”
“Fifth, why did the recess bell go off 20 minutes early?”
“And sixth, what happened to Stanley?”

Tags: bush, w, george bush, dubya, humour, funny, humor

Naked ladies...

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 02:23:50 GMT

clipped by: pinkziab
clipper's remarks: Cute!

Clip Source: www.wowfunny.com

Tags: humor, baking

Pi Pie

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 02:21:27 GMT

clipped by: pinkziab

Clip Source: www.wowfunny.com

Tags: humor

Grilled Pork Skewers with Couscous

Tue, 19 Dec 2006 18:38:09 GMT

clipped by: Caleythia
clipper's remarks: Tasty and easy

Clip Source: food.yahoo.com

Grilled Pork Skewers with Couscous

1. Ingredients

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, plus more for garnish
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for grill
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/4 pounds pork tenderloin trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 medium red onion cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 small zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 red pepper, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 yellow pepper, seeded and cut into 1/4 inch dice
1 cup couscous

2. Cooking Directions

Mix mustard, honey, lemon juice, thyme, salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon oil, and half the garlic in a large bowl. Add pork; cover; let stand for at least 1/2 hour.
Heat remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add remaining garlic and the onion. Cook until translucent, about 4 minutes; add zucchini and peppers, raise heat, and cook until just soft, about 5 minutes more. Add couscous and 1 cup boiling water; stir well. Turn off heat, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat grill or grill pan to medium hot; brush with oil. Thread pork on skewers; season with salt and pepper. Grill on each side until done. Serve over couscous.

Yield: 4 servings (Serving size: 4 servings)

Tags: recipes

Clipmarks | dataphool's clips

Blaise Pascal

Are All Charities Created Equal?

31 signs you’re addicted to coffee, brain

The Starving of Sudan

Politically Correct Seasons Greetings

Solution to Airline Hijackings by Bill Clinton

MY DAD'S FAVORITE SHORTBREAD COOKIE

Mark Twain on Politicians

Claims from mothers to Child Support Agencies

Funny Quotes

Exploring Google's Hidden Features

Exploring Google's Hidden Features

Contents

Article Description

Related Book

Google Is a Calculator

George Bush Question time with Kids

Naked ladies...

Pi Pie

Grilled Pork Skewers with Couscous

Grilled Pork Skewers with Couscous

1. Ingredients

2. Cooking Directions