It appears that as we get closer to November 4th, people (by people I mean the WSJ) all across the country are beginning to look closer at Obama’s proposed “tax cuts” and other tenants of his campaign. One of the most startling things people are finding is that while he promises to cut taxes on 95% of families (40% of which do not pay taxes) he’s “proposing one of the largest tax increases ever on the other 5%”. Something hardly anyone was talking about a week ago.

Now MSM (main stream media) and Others are finally taking note. So yes, while he would “cut” taxes, the truth is that just like other democrats before him who promised lower taxes, he’s actually raising them. In fact, according to the WSJ article:

Some families with an income of $40,000 could lose up to 40 cents in vanishing credits for every additional dollar earned from working overtime or taking a new job. As public policy, this is contradictory. The tax credits are sold in the name of “making work pay,” but in practice they can be a disincentive to working harder, especially if you’re a lower-income couple getting raises of $1,000 or $2,000 a year.

Thats something you won’t hear any of the talking heads on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN or any other MSM outlet mention or ask him about. Its only a wonder why we haven’t heard that from the McCain Camp yet.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Managing email lists and sending out weekly recaps of your posts can be like managing a zoo at times. Thats where Zookoda comes in to play, making email marketing easy as, well, sending an email. The idea behind zookoda is great, especially for blogs that regularly post how-tos or other advice/tips. Allow your readers to subscribe to your email list, send out daily, weekly, monthly emails or reminders about posts. You can select how much to include in your emails as well.

One of the other nice features about zookoda is the fact that it come with some pretty good boiler plate letting the end user know that they signed up to receive the email. The only downside for me at the moment is that I have not received the verification email required to complete my registration (its been two hours since I registered). I’m used to signup, verify, play. Usually its a quick process, not this time. I’m not sure if its related to an influx of traffic and signups or just general wonkiness on the system.

If it works right (eventually) I’m looking to use the zookoda system on LinuxTracker.org in place of the current email system. I like the idea of having it setup so that my users can opt in to a weekly digest of site updates as it makes it easier to communicate, and zookoda looks like it will do the trick. For the less savvy webmaster (for who setting up a mail list server could be a problem) this is an easy out. One other thing that concerns me is that its “free”. I don’t know if it will be free for if they plan to subsidize it with ads, something we will have to see.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Every so often I come across a site that I like, not because its pretty (though this one is) but because its functional. Radar.net is just that. A good, convient way for me to share my cell phone photos with friends. I send it to one email instead of 5 people and they can all see it. Comment on it. Whatever.

If you like taking photos with your cell phone, check out radar.net. If you want to see my photos, leave a comment here and I’ll send you an invite to be my friend.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Well, the stove and the Dishwasher were delivered yesterday morning and I managed to get them installed last night. The dishwasher has ran two successful wash cycles with out leaking so I believe that its working correctly (which is an amazing thing) and the stove passed the bubble test (spritz a mixture of soap and water on the connections to check for gas leaks, it bubbles up) and actually fires up correctly.

As you can see, the new stove is huge! It barely fits in the hole for it and it almost comes up to the microwave (its nice in that it gives it the look of one whole unit). All thats left to do in the kitchen now is finish retiling it and then put it back together again… anyone want to help?

Popularity: 2% [?]

Its happened before. We got in too deep. Over extended on credit and loans, working two jobs each, trying to make the payments. Its a familiar story these days and one that happens to too many people. You hear about foreclosures, defaulting on loans and even bankruptcy every day, yet people do little to prevent it. When Amy and I found ourselves in that situation, we consulted Consumer Credit Counseling Services and they were able to work with us to prepare a plan of action and work with our creditors to come up with livable payoff solutions.

If you find yourself in a situation like that its easier these days to getfree debt help. You just need to make sure that you go with a credible organization. One of the nice things about debt help is that they have the information that we, as consumers need in order to make good choices regarding our credit and what we do with it. In a world where its way too easy to over extend and dig yourself a hole you can’t get out of, they offer a good tool in preventing that.

The first place you should look for credit counseling advice is Debthelp.com.

Please note, I am not a financial planner, nor am I a credit counselor, just speaking from experience. You should always seek professional help…

Popularity: 3% [?]

Ever wonder what its like to be a stay at home mom who cleans and runs a business out of her house? To be honest I haven’t but after reading some of the posts over at Confessions of a Housewife I’m glad I’m a dad with a full time job. Eve over at CoaH talks about daily struggles with trying to earn money and keep a house together and she does it in a fun way (still, glad its not my job). The site is clean and laid out really, really well (I love the bg image of the housewife, too funny!) and she covers some really good topics (guys, need FREE JEWELRY for your SO?). If you have a moment and you want a peek at the workings of a stay at home housewife, check out Confessions of a Housewife, you’ll be glad you did!

Popularity: 4% [?]

Linuxtracker.org is pleased to announce the availability of Smoothwall Express 3.0 i386 on the linuxtracker bittorrent network. For faster downloads, more accurate statistics and to see all of the available torrents, please visit http://linuxtracker.org.

read more | digg story

Popularity: 2% [?]