| February 2008
I continue to be amazed at the evolvement of Huckleberries Online and the local blog community. HBO Blogfest '08 is another example of something happenin' different here. A wonderful mix of personalities and pseudonyms. It didn't start out that way. But I'm delighted that we've gotten to a place where we can set aside ideologies, religious doctrine, politics, disparate backgrounds, etc., to enjoy one another's company. Blogfest '08 was a special time. I'd like to see HBO and the SR sponsor a Dougfest (Doug Clark & Trailer Park Girls) this summer. It might happen. Who knows? HBO works because there's no agenda or much organization. Sorta like the Grateful Dead. If I don't screw things up at HBO Central, we'll get together for another blogfest about this time next year. Now, for your Wild Card ...
CC warehouse has AC units stolen twice
CORPUS CHRISTI Corpus Christi police are looking for persons who stole an air conditioning unit from the Plumber's Warehouse overnight on Wednesday and Thursday. The four-ton AC unit was striped of the copper tubing and most of the parts overnight Wednesday and police were called to the store on 3210 Gollihar at 2:40 p.m. Wednesday. Police were back on the scene Thursday when a second unit of damaged in the same manner. The damages are estimated at nearly $6000 for both units, which were the working units for the store. .
The Big Thirst: The Great American Water Crisis
Here in scenic southern Tennessee, the drought is adding to the problems of extreme rural poverty. At a highway rest stop for tourists - near a bridge named for Senator Albert Gore Sr, a Tennesseean and father of Nobel laureate Al Gore Jr - the toilets are closed for lack of water. In a nearby town, the mayor orders the grass regularly mown on the exposed banks of a reservoir that until recently was below water. From the air the impact of the drought is most obvious. The mighty Tennessee and Chattahoochee rivers have been reduced to narrow channels of muddy brown water. Sandbanks and islands have appeared and old tree stumps now poke out of lakes and reservoirs as the water level falls. The government's "drought monitor" says that 32 per cent of the region is in "exceptional drought", its most severe designation.
Taxing decisions: Finding the right tax preparer
April 15 may seem like a long way off, but for those who don't won't actually enjoy waiting until the last minute to file their 2007 tax return, it'll be here before you know it. And if you dread the prospect of tackling a 1040 on your own, you might want to consider enlisting the assistance of a certified public accountant. These calculator cowboys can be invaluable in navigating the impenetrable thicket of the tax code - all in the hope of avoiding an audit letter from the IRS, and perhaps getting a big refund check from Uncle Sam. Finding the right CPA is not all that different from seeking the best doctor, dentist or lawyer. Basically, it requires an interview. Here are 10 key questions that will help determine you find the accountant who will best help you survive this taxing tax season.
Take steps to protect computers, electronics
Consider purchasing protective equipment which can help against lethal storm and electrical conditions. These include: Surge suppressors designed to lower the momentary high voltage of a surge or spike.
Voltage regulators maintain voltage output within narrow limits.
Isolation transformers prevent noise on a circuit from being passed to your equipment.
Un-interruptible Power Supply (UPS) maintains power to critical loads during power outages.
Surge Protectors: Make sure the suppressor has 3-way protection and is UL (Underwriters Laboratory) listed for compliance with the 1449 TVSS (Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor) standard. Features of the plug-in type surge protector include multiple outlets, on/off switches, audible alarms, and indicator lights to let you know the suppressor is working, and connections for telephone or data cable lines.
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