What’s the opposite of “tax”

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “What’s the opposite of “tax”?, my temple friend Richard explained, "The opposite of “tax” is when Congress is in recess.  This, of course, brings to mind the old question:  If 'pro' is the opposite of 'con,' what is the opposite of “progress”?"

My business development friend Ray observed, "More disposable income," to which my dad's beach buddy Bob provided an example when he wrote, "A new car."

My sailing friend Mike concluded, "The opposite of tax is of course spend," while my social media friend Mark lamented, "I think it is nothing.”

My sailing friend Norm shared his financial advisor experience, "Tax Free is the opposite of Tax. It is amazing how much "tax" ordinary folks actually pay these days. When you add up income tax, social security and medicare payroll tax, capital gains tax, ad valorem taxes, sales taxes, the average middle income person is paying close to 50% or more of their cash flow in taxes of one sort or another. Our politicians always want more and always claim they need more.  Then when you retire, most pay tax on some or most of their social security that has already been taxed !!  Funny thing about taxing, though, whenever the government takes too much, the economy stalls and government revenue falls at higher tax rates."

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

     How do you know if a word is misspelled in the dictionary or dictionary.com?
        from my friend Bob J

Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile!

Hal

It's matzah and chocolate weekend.  OK, being more spiritual, wishing you a Happy Passover and Happy Easter.  May your holiday provide you with insight, wisdom, calmness.....and not too many calories.

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.

     

Is breathing optional?

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “Is breathing optional?," my disc golf friend Blake replied, "Depends on how long you wish to live."

My social media friend Mark pointed out, "Yes, but not breathing is not."

My equestrian friend Royce advised, "It would depend upon where you are and the circumstances," to which my biz dev friend Ray stated succinctly, "Depends upon your end game.

My production management friend Ray Hughes surmised, "Yes, as long as you think you will look good in that shade of blue!"

My dad's beach buddy Bob observed, "Not when you are under water and not wearing a scuba outfit," to which my sailing friend Norm concurred, "Normally, yes, if you want to live.  But not when you are snorkeling and want to dive down below the surface of the water to see a fish or a lobster."  

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

     What’s the opposite of “tax”?

Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile!

Hal

It's matzah and chocolate weekend.  OK, being more spiritual, wishing you a Happy Passover and Happy Easter.  May your holiday provide you with insight, wisdom, calmness.....and not too many calories.

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.

Is a foot-long shoe always the right size?

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “Is a foot-long shoe always the right size?," my birthday bud Jon observed, "Not at Subway."

My dad's beach buddy Bob pointed out, "Not if you wear a size 13" while my social media friend Mark replied, "Yes, it’s not always the right foot though," 

My equestrian friend Royce called out that ,"According to the Euclidean theory of mathematics, naaaaa"

And my cycling friend Ted responded, "I never really gave it much thought that 12 inches could be a variable distance! The real issue here is that we use an average male foot to define 12 inches of distance, so that the fundamental conclusion is that the world is just intensely Sexist!! Good luck to all the power girls out there trying to make it in a world measured by Men!!  How's that for a rambling Rant!"

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

     Is breathing optional?  from my friend Paul T

Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile!

Hal

I was listening to a TED Talk about altruism and appreciation. While the majority of people are very good at either, I'd like to think that this blog's readership are "all above average."  Continuing this line of thinking, if you find that these weekly email or blog post provide a little happiness or joy, I'm asking that you find one person to share it with -- and if they are OK with it, I'll add them to the email list.  To spread the joy, simply reply with their name and email address.

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.