And you are here why?

The Atlantic  has an article about the nations that drink the most coffee . Its nice, and its cute, but it brings up one really, really  important question How does this correlate with alcohol consumption? And the answer, sadly, is - "no correlation". If you cross-reference Teh Voice Of Authoriteh , you basically get this The Czechs  are No. 2 on the alcohol list, and Slovenians  are No. 9 . None of the others come even remotely close.  Sigh...

Herewith Paolo Costagli 's " Sterling Silver and 18K Gold Vermeil Bell Pepper Salt Cellar Set With Diamonds " (Because lord knows they would suck without Diamonds) Mind you, as a bonus, they Revisit Paolo Costagli's childhood treasure hunts for the most uniquely shaped fruits and vegetables at his family villa in the Tuscan countryside. Come the revolution, I suspect at least one jeweller stands an even chance at being first in line... Incidentally, I wonder if Paolo hunted for this uniquely shaped lemon at his family villa, and if so, when they'll show up as precious jewellry...

Bruce Bartlett (Heritage foundation, Reagan/Bush Sr. administrations, etc.) has a new book out " The Benefit and the Burden - Tax Reform - Why We Need It and What It Will Take ".  Its a great (if short) read, and one that I couldn't recommend higher. I know, I know, why would I be recommending what could very well be partisan hackery? Because it isn't. Really, surprisingly, and shockingly, it isn't. But I'm not here to talk about the solution(s) in the book, as much to discuss the recent history of taxation in this country, one that has for all intents been completely forgotten by all and sundry. But fear not - I'm here to remind y'all. Consider your income, wherever it might come from, and whatever it might be. And no I'm not talking about your salary, i'm referring to all your income in every possible form.  Salary, gifts, inheritance, tips, quarter on the sidewalk, ill-gotten gains from mugging strangers, whatever. There are ba...