Well, since May 30th 2004, rebelpeon.com’s main page has been viewed over 100k times (does not include RSS feeds for all you who never actually visit). Not too shabby for a personal site.
Taxing by the Mile
This isn’t really new news, as I’ve seen it around before, but I think it’s finally it graces these pages. Basically, Oregon is trying to implement a new road tax. Unlike previous road taxes which have been collected at the pump, Oregon thinks it’s about time we start taxing people per mile. This will be accomplished by throwing untold amounts of money at the problem via new technology to monitor your vehicle through a “black box”; a problem that never was a problem, you simple raise the gasoline tax to increase revenue.
Now, from another article, we find out that Oregon is “one of 10 states to have adopted a ‘clean cars program’”. Which then not intend to use in order to extort money out of people. It’s interesting how the government wants to have it’s cake and eat it too with this one: people buying fuel effecient vehicles, while still making money on gasoline tax.
As a high mileage vehicle owner, I am obviously not thrilled about this at all. One of the reasons that I purchased a high milage vehicle was to cut down on costs at the pump. This new billing mechanism completely ruins this. Plus, who does all the road damage? I can garauntee you my little Jetta does incredibly less road damage than a F150, Hummer, or anything else that gets less than 20 mpg.
Granted, I’m sure if this would go into effect, people would be disconnecting them or modifying them somehow, against the law of course, but just to be in defiance. Plus, I’m not all about the government knowing where I’m driving my car, nor should they care. However, I probably would save money on this in the long term, since I don’t drive my car that often.
The best quote from the above mentioned NY Times article though is
Mr. Whitty said he had heard of some drivers of fuel-efficient vehicles being upset. Others, though, were feeling guilt about having paid fewer taxes than most drivers, he said.
I would personally like to meet these people that feel guilty about paying less to fill up there cars. Because I’m positive that they don’t exist.
Just get responsible, save the tax payers millions of dollars on not testing this black box that they aren’t going to want, and raise the gasoline tax. Why change something that’s not broken?
Links 3/27
- Cool Cuff Links
- “Healthy” Bacon—Still not sure it’s “healthy”.
- Omega-3’s not that Healthy?—So much for the bacon!
- Tangle Tamers—Might work well for these stupid headphone cables.
Food of Summer
Yesterday Erin and I had some hamburgers made on the grill. Oh man were they tasty. And of course, if you’re having hamburgers, you have to have fries, so I made up some sweet potato fries.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have any blue cheese to stuff my burgers with, but they were nice and juicy none-the-less. It’s the egg and Worcestershire sauce that makes ‘em so good.
Kitchen Counters
Here at my apartment, we have black granite counter tops. When I get my own place about a year from now, I will not be getting black granite counter tops.
Now, don’t get me wrong, they look absolutely gorgeous. Well, at least right after you’ve cleaned them extensively. After that, they look absolutely horrible. The black color, much like with any other thing black, shows dirty very easily. It’s not even dirt either, if theres spot that’s not as polished, it’s very visible.
And streaks, don’t even get me started on streaks. You have to make sure that you towel dry them thoroughly, otherwise it’s streaks-a-plenty.
However, I love the granite countertops. Just not black.
Daily Humor
I was forwarded a hilarious link from Bud. It’s a little late for St. Patty’s day, but it’s well worth the watch. There are so many things wrong with this news clip, I don’t know where to begin.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Bree! You’re so old! ;-P
V for Vendetta
Last night Erin and I went to see “V for Vendetta” at Hollywood Blvd. The place was packed, but it was fun nonetheless. Nothing like getting served alcohol while at the movies to make it a little bit more fun than normal.
Anyways, the movie was quite good. The special effects weren’t over the top, ala “The Matrix”, but instead a good addition to the story. And the story was also good. Granted, it was ripped from a comic book, but it still fit the adaptation to the big screen adequately.
Speaking of story, talk about a great time to release the movie. With everything that’s happening in Guantanamo Bay, and the President’s approval rating being so low, I don’t think the timing of the movie could be any better for the Wachowski brothers.
Links 3/17
I think today’s link should be entitled the “who would have thought” links.
- Drinking Sugary Beverages Increases Body Fat—Wow, whoda thunkit, when your net caloric intake is more, your body converts more to fat, huh? I mean, come on, who are these “scientists” that do this sort of “research”? I was thinking maybe I should conduct a study to see if brain damage is increased by beating my head with a hammer.
- Atkins Diet Possible Health Risk—No Comment
New VW Commercials
I just can’t get enough of the new “Un-Pimp My Ride” commercials from VW. So much so, that I’ve linked them below for you viewing pleasure. Also, I was informed about the “Make Friends with Your Fast” commercials, which, while not quite as funny, are quality none-the-less.
Un-Pimp My Ride: Crate
Un-Pimp My Ride: Wrecking Ball
Un-Pimp My Ride: Trebuchet
Make Friends with Your Fast: Hair
Make Friends with Your Fast: Streamlined
Make Friends with Your Fast: Officer
Make Friends with Your Fast: Take-Out