I found out from Kay Bell that I’ve been tagged for a meme. According to Kay, I’m supposed to share seven random things about myself that y’all might not know. And you know, you don’t mess with taxes… so here goes.
1, I probably would never have gone into law except for two fictional people: Carson Drew (Nancy’s father) and Perry Mason. Perry Mason used to air on TBS, just before Atlanta Braves games. I am now not allowed to root for Atlanta because…
2, I live in Philadelphia. I live in the City, not in the suburbs. My house is full of one dog, one husband and three crafty little children…
3, One of my crafty little children has an imaginary friend who causes quite a bit of trouble in the house. “Mary” is a flat out trouble-maker. She has broken a lot of things and started many fights. My father believes that I am entitled to claim Mary as a tax deduction for my troubles.
4, Fortunately Mary requires neither food nor clothing. This is a good thing because the amount of food consumed in my household is crazy. We are up to about 3 gallons of milk per week. I am considering buying a cow for the backyard (lawn care and source of beverages at once) though I am not sure that my neighborhood is zoned for cows. If not, we may have to move to the country just to save money on milk.
5, If we did move to the country, I would want to open a winery or bed and breakfast or both. Again, I blame TV. Too much “Newhart” and “Fawlty Towers” growing up, I suppose.
6, Speaking of “Fawlty Towers”, my family is addicted to BBC programming. My oldest daughter – who is just 5 – considers “How Clean is Your House?” her favorite TV show. It is quite embarrassing as she does now go into people’s homes and tell them that it’s “filthy” a la Kim and Aggie. She does not do it with a British accent.
7, Children from Britain always sound smart to me, I don’t know why. When I lived in Britain, I assisted in an elementary school and thought the children there must be geniuses based on the way that they sounded. My youngest daughter sounds as though she’s from Boston – I am not sure why. Sorry folks, it is not a pretty accent. But at least Boston made it into the post-season so I guess they can sound however they want…
And now, I’m charged with tagging seven more people. I’m choosing some newbies at the Business Channel…
Tom
Ali
Kristen and Bridget
Dan
Celine
Shannon
It’s Getting to Know You Tuesday! Today’s guest is Kay Bell, of Don’t Mess With Taxes (which you have to read based on the title alone). Welcome, Kay!
1. Where are you now?
Austin, Texas
2. What’s your official title and what does it mean?
CIAO, Chief Information and Administrative Officer
Secondary title: Queen Tax Geek!
3. What books are on your night stand?
The Third Policeman by Flann O’Brien
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
4. If you weren’t working in the tax profession, what would your dream job be?
Actually, I have my dream job, since I don’t technically work in the tax profession. I get to write about taxes and hopefully help some folks with my articles, but I don’t have to actually file their returns!
5. What’s the last movie that you saw (DVD or in the theatre)?
Sneaked out to our local theater last week for a tax break to see The Lookout with Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the kid (who’s no longer a kid) from Third Rock from the Sun. A neo-noir bank robbery thriller.
6. Tax is a huge subject. What’s your area of special interest?
I personally like the “sausage making” component; i.e., how and why Congress makes the laws we all have to then deal with.
7. What’s the best tax or financial advice that anyone ever gave you?
Best tax advice: Follow the rules, regardless of how stupid they might seem.
Best financial advice: Save early, save often.
8. Coffee or tea?
Some coffee with my milk.
9. Name five artists on your iPod (or mp3 player).
The Dixie Chicks, Joe Ely, Marco Beltrami (soundtrack from The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada), Jane Monheit, Joan Osborne
10. What would I be surprised to know about you?
I enjoy bird watching
11. What college did you attend (in what subject)?
Texas Tech University , B.A. in journalism
12. If you had the opportunity to make one change in the tax code tomorrow – an extra credit, a disallowed deduction, whatever – what would it be?
Charitable contributions would be an above-the-line deduction so that everyone who gave to good causes could get a tax break.
13. What’s the best thing on TV right now?
The Shield
14. What do you think Congress will repeal first: estate tax or AMT?
AMT
15. If Uncle Sam handed you a huge refund check right now, what would you do with it?
Put it in my property tax savings account. We don’t have that escrowed with our monthly house payments, so we have to set aside the annual amount on our own.
16. Biggest tax newsmaker: KPMG, Jenkens Gilchrist or Richard Hatch?
Being a Texan, I have to go with Jenkens Gilchrist.
17. And, other than taxgirl , what’s your favorite tax related web site?
There are so many good ones. Can I have, other than taxgirl, two others? TaxProf for its sheer comprehensiveness and taxalicious for keeping the fun and absurdity in taxes.
