Archive for February, 2010



Is a sin tax the best tax?

Published on 2010/02/19

I think Christine Gregoire’s sin tax is a mediocre approach to an excellent idea. In addition to taxing poor consumption, the tax plan should also create incentives for healthy foods. With that in mind, I present the Washington State Health Improvement Tax.
Rather than a flat tax on products that are ’sin’ items, tax [...]


hat size

Published on 2010/02/17

head circumference is 22 1/4″


Walking desk – improved

Published on 2010/02/04

After 50 hours of walking at my desk, a few shortcomings compelled me to action. Most of the treadmill surface was under the desk and not available for walking, forcing a shortened stride. It was also unsuitable for jogging or running. We left the treadmill on sliders, so it could be slid out for running. [...]


panasonic, a friend to consumers

Published on 2010/02/02

Dear Panasonic,
Thank you for your consumer friendly web site. I was all ready to pull out my credit card and buy that camera. At the last minute, you intervened and saved me.
PS: Consider hiring someone to finish setting up your shopping cart. Making it work properly in standards compliant browsers would be welcome too. [...]