5 
7 | § ¶On KLM 591 Again
-- On The Road Again
Little more than three months ago I was returning from South Africa on a KLM Airlines flight. I thought that such trip was my last intercontinental/international trip on my current job. I was grateful for a nice career, happy to have completed the list of all the continents where business could be made (all except Antarctica), and worried about the future of my job.
Fortunately, I am feeling better today. Let me tell you why. Continue Reading The Article...
11 8 | § ¶Mortgage Deduction
-- Not Anymore?
Most homeowners enjoy a Federal Income Tax deduction every year due to their home mortgage. In the next decade, most middle class families will start paying the Federal Alternative Minimum Tax - a higher tax liability than the one they calculate using their allowed deductions. There is a proposed legislation to eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax (wich many high income earners avoid by taking large mortgages up to $1,000,000). In order to do so, other tax exemptions would have to be curtailed. The home mortgage deduction is a candidate according to USA Today.
"Homeowners can now deduct interest on mortgages up to $1 million. The panel likely will suggest a threshold of around $300,000 when it makes a final report on broad tax code changes Nov. 1. The mortgage and health care trims are intended to help pay for repeal of the alternative minimum tax, which will affect 20 million taxpayers next year." -- USA Today, 10/12/2005
So far, I do se benefits in this idea. Let me explain them to you.
Continue Reading The Article... 6 8 | § ¶Film
-- Still Takes Good Pictures
I still use 35mm film. Not entirely by choice, but due to a restrained use of resources that helps me avoid debt.
Nonetheless, the desire to switch to digital, and the inconveniences offered by film, as well as its incremental cost is always on the back of my mind: specially after a couple of weekends ago, where I spent $45 on 10 rolls developing, plus around $20 on the cost of the film (not counting my time scanning).