Well, hopefully there won't be a next time...if you know what I mean. As for withholding, I usually have 0 exemptions on my W-4 for the first half of the year and then push it to 3 exemptions for 3 months and then 6 for the final 3 so that we can have more money for Xmas and come out even for the most part come tax time. If we get $4,000 back, I am happy (gotta love the Homestead Tax credit and tax-deductible mortgage interest).
As for the job search, believe me, everybody and their mother has been notified to keep an eye out for any jobs. I've taken a few "under-the-table" contract gigs helping a buddy setup home/small business networks...its been alright, but not what I would consider a great long-term solution. I have a few interviews next week...but considering I've already done 10 with 3 giving me call backs and then nothing, I am a little weary of it all. Anyway, thanks for the pep talk.
Sorry, I thought I clarified that I made a mistake in referring to tax rate instead of withholding rate. In any event, I paid proportionately more, that pisses me off, and I think the system sucks. Yay, I get it back next year...that doesn't help me NOW. You know, the unemployed sod that can't find work in this city because I'm over-qualified for the entry-level positions and don't have enough experience for the next level. I could always go work for FedEX, UPS, or a warehouse, but that's an industry I am not interested in working in (years of schooling and fighting my way into my chosen field of work have made me a little apprehensive to go backwords, which I sure anyone can understand). In the end, I am upset that instead of just withholding a flat rate based on a flat tax rate (which I know doesn't really exist, but whatever) and subsequently requiring a payment for any underages, we have fluctuating withholding rates based on a single payment and then waiting until the following year to get it back. While its nice to get a big tax refund, it also aggravates me to no end to know that I overpaid for something. Most people hate overpaying for consumer goods (be it food, gas, or a Plasma television), so why wouldn't I hate overpaying for taxes? Does that help clarify my stance?
Alright, there was a higher withholding...but regardless, its money lost. I don't care what system the IRS uses, it should be one flat tax rate, one flat withholding rate to match it...period. And since I'm feeling saucy about this whole layoff situation, I'll
For 2005 I cleared $37,843 before taxes. After pre-tax deductions, that total becomes $33,134. Total tax payments for the year with myself claiming 3 deductions for my wife and 2 kids came to $7,184. For my $19,000 severance, $4,824 were taken out for taxes. Going by this, 21% was withheld in 2005 while 25% was withheld for this lump sum. Its all a bunch of bunk to me.
Believe me, I understand your position. There was a time several years ago where I felt just as you do now. Work was work and that was all it was. I clock in, life turns off and work turns on. Clock out, the same in reverse. What changed was I became an asset to the area I worked in. I created several programs and systems that made life easier for my co-workers and increased our productivity by 85%. I made a decent living and, with the birth of my 2 beautiful children, felt that I was untouchable. But that is where hurt comes in. I was told time and time again how valuable I was to the company, I've rubbed shoulders with all the higher ups (and had even managed to become good friends with the senior vice president of my division), and when the talks of layoffs began, I was reassured 5 times that my job would not be affected. So the emotion and pain that came with my separation was justified. I became my job and my job became my life. Having it taken away is a horrible feeling. Sure, I will find another job. Sure, I'll make money. But the security of being with an employer for years, the comfort in being loyal and having the company reciprocate, and the ease-of-mind in knowing I have a paycheck is now gone. The trust of any company has been seriously tainted, and I will probably be scarred for the rest of my life because of this. Sure, its not debilitating, but it will haunt me. Now I know just how expendable I truly am in the corporate world.
Being the product of a recent major layoff, I can definitely add some thoughts to this. Had my employer of 8 years taking the b*tch way out and sent me an email letting me know I was one of the unfortunates who was being let go, I more than likely would have been angry and beligerant about the whole affair. Sure, they had meetings discussing their intentions, but still, its demeaning to have a souless company further prove that point by issuing a sterile, cold email letting you know that your life has just been flushed down the toilet. And yes, the severance is a nice gesture, but I'm gonna tell you right now...I got 27-weeks worth of severance when I was let go and while it is a nice chunk of change...it bites you in the a$$ in the long run as you're taxed higher for the lump amount, leaving me with $12,000 of my $19,000 severance. While this isn't the worst thing to do to someone, it still would be demoralizing to know you were the recipient of a form email that took someone 3 minutes to type and no emotion whatsoever. At least with my layoff my boss was there and I watched the man break down in tears. No matter what the circumstances, someone being let go needs compassion and encouragement...sending a "get out" email doesn't do the trick.
That's the babe from the Wench booth I was referring to a couple posts up. My one gripe is that she chose to wear a white thong under the getup...come on...you gotta rock the hot pink underneath black leather.
On a side note, I found myself looking through all the pics hoping to catch a glimpse of me somewhere in the crowd. Oh well.
Not that I am trying to defend his masculinity (or should I say "manhood"), but perhaps the reason the author didn't include pictures of hot booth babes because, in all honesty, there weren't that many. Sure, there were some cute girls handing out free swag (and the Wench booth had some smokin' women in leather get-ups) and what not, but in comparison to E3 booth babes...GenCon looked more like a Wal-Mart at 2AM. There were hotter attendees than booth operators.
"They didn't make enough through donations, despite their popularity."
And that's pathetic, considering the station I mentioned has a pledge drive daily and always manages to raise the $100 needed to run the station daily (they operate at least 8 servers to manage the load). I guess when it comes down to it, your target audience has to be of age/mindset to willingly offer their cash to your cause.
One thing internet radio stations might consider trying is the model Radio Free Colorado has done. They are listener supported by donations. Not only that, but they offer high quality streams (usually 192kbps, sometimes 256 and even 320) as well as 32 and 64kbps AAC+ streams for those with slower connections wanting decent sound. If more stations took to this route to cover their operating costs and offer high quality sound and a good selection of music, you'd see internet radio succeed instead of turning to paid subscriptions and royalty avoidance to stay online.
The switch from analog to digital does not mean you have to go out and buy a new TV. What it does mean is that, like satellite service, you'll have to have a digital converter box for every TV set. And considering most cable companies charge ~$8-$12/box, that'll add up real quick...unless they go the route of satellite and offer you up to 4 boxes with a yearly contract. My cable company is talking about going all digital this spring and we've already started receiving information on what will happen. Its not all bad...but its not all good either. Sure, now all the channels will look good on my HD set...but do I really need that sharp, crisp display on my daughters' 13-inch set in their bedroom?
If it was a rip, usually the program ripping the CD would query CDDB and grab the information. Considering this is a very popular song from The Who, the correct title would be available, unless the guy went on something like WinMX, Limewire, or Bearshare and typed in Teenage Wasteland because those are the only words he knows to the song. Sorry my joke (although more than likely reality) missed its mark with you people.
There is one slightly amusing thing in the screenshots though. He's chatting with someone named Ryan|Topside Porn
What's really amusing is that the user is listening to an illegal mp3. The song is not Teenage Wasteland, its Baba O'Reilly. No ID3 tag from a "reputable" music download service would have that as the name. Nice!
Exactly, with the Sith and the old Jedi order removed, all that is left is Luke, with his honest sensibilities that give him the power of the light side of the force as well as his lusts and desires that feed the dark side within. Anakin brought balance to the force, and Luke carries on with it, something you can read about in all the comics, books, etc that take place after the movies.
Their disinterest in Marvin's discovery wasn't really strange. I thought it was brilliant. When it came down to it, no one actually cared about the Ultimate Question being known, it was just an interesting story told to the group while they were on the hunt for Magrathea and all its "riches". In the end, no one cared about the reason why Earth was commissioned or what the final result of all its work was, especially Arthur. All anyone cared about was themselves. They were nothing but a bunch of self-absorbed wankers. Only Marvin owned up to this fact. But hey, loved the books and love this trailer...April 29th is gonna be a great day.
Yes, OLD GenCon. Yes, GenCon now resides in my beloved city, Indianapolis, but it is by far NOT the same GenCon that was held in Milwaukee for years. The convention has gone too commercial, throwing away traditional focus on pen-and-paper RPGs and other tools of the imagination and throwing in a weak computer gaming competition and way too much commercial endorsements. I attended the show on Thursday, partly to attend the D&D 30th Anniversary bash, but mainly to obtain free swag from the numerous booths. What I found was disheartening. Sure, its good that they moved the convention to a bigger location, but does bigger mean better? There were barely any pick-up games, where you could sit down and play chess, checkers, Magic, Euchre, etc, and joining in on the moderated games involved an elaborate registration system that borders on airline ticketing counters. Yes, the PR and online chatter should broaden themselves, but they should also point out the fact that what once was the premier event for traditional RPG-ers, has now become yet another money machine that is lining the wallets of those who sponsor the show. $27 for one day of walking around and staring at figurines, books, movies, cards that you will have to purchase separately...yeah, that sounds like a deal to me.
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Well, hopefully there won't be a next time...if you know what I mean. As for withholding, I usually have 0 exemptions on my W-4 for the first half of the year and then push it to 3 exemptions for 3 months and then 6 for the final 3 so that we can have more money for Xmas and come out even for the most part come tax time. If we get $4,000 back, I am happy (gotta love the Homestead Tax credit and tax-deductible mortgage interest). As for the job search, believe me, everybody and their mother has been notified to keep an eye out for any jobs. I've taken a few "under-the-table" contract gigs helping a buddy setup home/small business networks...its been alright, but not what I would consider a great long-term solution. I have a few interviews next week...but considering I've already done 10 with 3 giving me call backs and then nothing, I am a little weary of it all. Anyway, thanks for the pep talk.
Sorry, I thought I clarified that I made a mistake in referring to tax rate instead of withholding rate. In any event, I paid proportionately more, that pisses me off, and I think the system sucks. Yay, I get it back next year...that doesn't help me NOW. You know, the unemployed sod that can't find work in this city because I'm over-qualified for the entry-level positions and don't have enough experience for the next level. I could always go work for FedEX, UPS, or a warehouse, but that's an industry I am not interested in working in (years of schooling and fighting my way into my chosen field of work have made me a little apprehensive to go backwords, which I sure anyone can understand). In the end, I am upset that instead of just withholding a flat rate based on a flat tax rate (which I know doesn't really exist, but whatever) and subsequently requiring a payment for any underages, we have fluctuating withholding rates based on a single payment and then waiting until the following year to get it back. While its nice to get a big tax refund, it also aggravates me to no end to know that I overpaid for something. Most people hate overpaying for consumer goods (be it food, gas, or a Plasma television), so why wouldn't I hate overpaying for taxes? Does that help clarify my stance?
Alright, there was a higher withholding...but regardless, its money lost. I don't care what system the IRS uses, it should be one flat tax rate, one flat withholding rate to match it...period. And since I'm feeling saucy about this whole layoff situation, I'll For 2005 I cleared $37,843 before taxes. After pre-tax deductions, that total becomes $33,134. Total tax payments for the year with myself claiming 3 deductions for my wife and 2 kids came to $7,184. For my $19,000 severance, $4,824 were taken out for taxes. Going by this, 21% was withheld in 2005 while 25% was withheld for this lump sum. Its all a bunch of bunk to me.
Believe me, I understand your position. There was a time several years ago where I felt just as you do now. Work was work and that was all it was. I clock in, life turns off and work turns on. Clock out, the same in reverse. What changed was I became an asset to the area I worked in. I created several programs and systems that made life easier for my co-workers and increased our productivity by 85%. I made a decent living and, with the birth of my 2 beautiful children, felt that I was untouchable. But that is where hurt comes in. I was told time and time again how valuable I was to the company, I've rubbed shoulders with all the higher ups (and had even managed to become good friends with the senior vice president of my division), and when the talks of layoffs began, I was reassured 5 times that my job would not be affected. So the emotion and pain that came with my separation was justified. I became my job and my job became my life. Having it taken away is a horrible feeling. Sure, I will find another job. Sure, I'll make money. But the security of being with an employer for years, the comfort in being loyal and having the company reciprocate, and the ease-of-mind in knowing I have a paycheck is now gone. The trust of any company has been seriously tainted, and I will probably be scarred for the rest of my life because of this. Sure, its not debilitating, but it will haunt me. Now I know just how expendable I truly am in the corporate world.
Being the product of a recent major layoff, I can definitely add some thoughts to this. Had my employer of 8 years taking the b*tch way out and sent me an email letting me know I was one of the unfortunates who was being let go, I more than likely would have been angry and beligerant about the whole affair. Sure, they had meetings discussing their intentions, but still, its demeaning to have a souless company further prove that point by issuing a sterile, cold email letting you know that your life has just been flushed down the toilet. And yes, the severance is a nice gesture, but I'm gonna tell you right now...I got 27-weeks worth of severance when I was let go and while it is a nice chunk of change...it bites you in the a$$ in the long run as you're taxed higher for the lump amount, leaving me with $12,000 of my $19,000 severance. While this isn't the worst thing to do to someone, it still would be demoralizing to know you were the recipient of a form email that took someone 3 minutes to type and no emotion whatsoever. At least with my layoff my boss was there and I watched the man break down in tears. No matter what the circumstances, someone being let go needs compassion and encouragement...sending a "get out" email doesn't do the trick.
That's the babe from the Wench booth I was referring to a couple posts up. My one gripe is that she chose to wear a white thong under the getup...come on...you gotta rock the hot pink underneath black leather. On a side note, I found myself looking through all the pics hoping to catch a glimpse of me somewhere in the crowd. Oh well.
Not that I am trying to defend his masculinity (or should I say "manhood"), but perhaps the reason the author didn't include pictures of hot booth babes because, in all honesty, there weren't that many. Sure, there were some cute girls handing out free swag (and the Wench booth had some smokin' women in leather get-ups) and what not, but in comparison to E3 booth babes...GenCon looked more like a Wal-Mart at 2AM. There were hotter attendees than booth operators.
Possibly, but I do believe Mr. Fusion is a second cousin to Mr. Coffee on their father's side...you know...Fry Daddy.
"They didn't make enough through donations, despite their popularity." And that's pathetic, considering the station I mentioned has a pledge drive daily and always manages to raise the $100 needed to run the station daily (they operate at least 8 servers to manage the load). I guess when it comes down to it, your target audience has to be of age/mindset to willingly offer their cash to your cause.
One thing internet radio stations might consider trying is the model Radio Free Colorado has done. They are listener supported by donations. Not only that, but they offer high quality streams (usually 192kbps, sometimes 256 and even 320) as well as 32 and 64kbps AAC+ streams for those with slower connections wanting decent sound. If more stations took to this route to cover their operating costs and offer high quality sound and a good selection of music, you'd see internet radio succeed instead of turning to paid subscriptions and royalty avoidance to stay online.
The switch from analog to digital does not mean you have to go out and buy a new TV. What it does mean is that, like satellite service, you'll have to have a digital converter box for every TV set. And considering most cable companies charge ~$8-$12/box, that'll add up real quick...unless they go the route of satellite and offer you up to 4 boxes with a yearly contract. My cable company is talking about going all digital this spring and we've already started receiving information on what will happen. Its not all bad...but its not all good either. Sure, now all the channels will look good on my HD set...but do I really need that sharp, crisp display on my daughters' 13-inch set in their bedroom?
If it was a rip, usually the program ripping the CD would query CDDB and grab the information. Considering this is a very popular song from The Who, the correct title would be available, unless the guy went on something like WinMX, Limewire, or Bearshare and typed in Teenage Wasteland because those are the only words he knows to the song. Sorry my joke (although more than likely reality) missed its mark with you people.
There is one slightly amusing thing in the screenshots though. He's chatting with someone named Ryan|Topside Porn What's really amusing is that the user is listening to an illegal mp3. The song is not Teenage Wasteland, its Baba O'Reilly. No ID3 tag from a "reputable" music download service would have that as the name. Nice!
Exactly, with the Sith and the old Jedi order removed, all that is left is Luke, with his honest sensibilities that give him the power of the light side of the force as well as his lusts and desires that feed the dark side within. Anakin brought balance to the force, and Luke carries on with it, something you can read about in all the comics, books, etc that take place after the movies.
Their disinterest in Marvin's discovery wasn't really strange. I thought it was brilliant. When it came down to it, no one actually cared about the Ultimate Question being known, it was just an interesting story told to the group while they were on the hunt for Magrathea and all its "riches". In the end, no one cared about the reason why Earth was commissioned or what the final result of all its work was, especially Arthur. All anyone cared about was themselves. They were nothing but a bunch of self-absorbed wankers. Only Marvin owned up to this fact. But hey, loved the books and love this trailer...April 29th is gonna be a great day.
Yes, OLD GenCon. Yes, GenCon now resides in my beloved city, Indianapolis, but it is by far NOT the same GenCon that was held in Milwaukee for years. The convention has gone too commercial, throwing away traditional focus on pen-and-paper RPGs and other tools of the imagination and throwing in a weak computer gaming competition and way too much commercial endorsements. I attended the show on Thursday, partly to attend the D&D 30th Anniversary bash, but mainly to obtain free swag from the numerous booths. What I found was disheartening. Sure, its good that they moved the convention to a bigger location, but does bigger mean better? There were barely any pick-up games, where you could sit down and play chess, checkers, Magic, Euchre, etc, and joining in on the moderated games involved an elaborate registration system that borders on airline ticketing counters. Yes, the PR and online chatter should broaden themselves, but they should also point out the fact that what once was the premier event for traditional RPG-ers, has now become yet another money machine that is lining the wallets of those who sponsor the show. $27 for one day of walking around and staring at figurines, books, movies, cards that you will have to purchase separately...yeah, that sounds like a deal to me.