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What's a washing machine? (My wife told me I should ask that question and everyone would understand)

A recent article I just read indicates what may be a critcal flaw in the ACA. In computing credits for those entitled the law was written indicating only those buying insurance through the STATE exchange would be receiving them. Apparently the drafters did not forsee the establishment of FEDERAL exchanges believing the punitive measures in the law were sufficient to force all states to set up an exchange. The Supreme Court killled this requirement so now they are scrambling to draft an IRS regulation to effect the credits on the federal exchanges. This is being challenged in federal court as the law clearly states STATE exchanges and says nothing about a FEDERAL exchange. I ordinarily would not take note of this but it was in the Barron's issue for this week.

I agree completely. Thanks for mentioning the "Donate" button Jack.

My Grand-daughter and her husband did extensive research. They purchased Electrolux front loaders and love them. All I know is that I thought an Electrolux was a Vacuum Cleaner. (Now, John, be sure to ask "What is a vacuum cleaner?) These young marrieds thoroughly research everything and then they go shopping with their facts and drive a hard bargain. I love it that we brought her up that way.

I don't think I have a choice with this new system....Win 8 is the only option....I will still have my XP system for use on prior year returns. I know "learning" Win 8 will be tough, but I feel its is a matter of when not if. I'd rather get the system now and have a few months to get used to it prior to tax season.

One never knows when tax preparers may be called upon to help restart the Space Shuttle program. It's good policy to be prepared.

Sh If you'd seen the expression on her face and heard the tone in her voice, you'd likely come to a different conclusion on this particular matter. Nevertheless, she is very understanding and I'm grateful to have a blessing like her.

Our top loaders just died recently (within the last few months) and we went with the Whirlpool Duet based on Consumer Reports ratings and price. We don't have treated town water, so if we were going to have a problem with musty smells, we would have by now, I think. We always bleach the whites, so that might have something to do with it. We never do an empty load after a bleached load, and haven't had any trouble with getting bleach on things in subsequent loads. The most we've done to clean the washer itself is to wipe dog hair out of the bottom of the rubber seal where it tends to collect. Our electricity bill was reduced by about $15 on average after the switch. We do a lot of laundry with a couple 2 year olds, but the new washer gets clothes a LOT dryer in the spin cycle than the old one did, and the dryer time is almost always less than half of what it was with our old set.

Thank you for all your comments. (Hubby also polled his church choir.) Comments and Consumer Reports and a patient salesman at Home Depot and hubby who had researched for longer than me led to our decisions. We went with an LG top loading washer with a very large capacity stainless drum and an LG gas dryer on a platform so my old back can bend less. We bought the cheapest color (white) and not a matched set as they are in an unfinished basement. I got my priority list of one of the best ratings on the repair/problems list, bleach dispenser, dryer platform, and some nice extras such as a platform for drying sneakers (I had that years ago on my first GE dryer) and a light in the drum so I can find that elusive sock. Home Depot will deliver by Friday and does free delivery, installation/set-up, and haul away of old appliances. Actually, we are coordinating the dryer installation with the propane tank installation for our new generator this week as the gas company needs to convert the gas dryer to propane (different nozzle) and make the actual connection. Thank you again for all your help.

SHE WALKED UP AND TIED HER OLD MULE TO THE HITCH RAIL. AS SHE STOOD THERE, BRUSHING SOME OF THE DUST FROM HER FACE AND CLOTHES........ A YOUNG GUNSLINGER STEPPED OUT OF THE SALOON.... WITH A GUN IN ONE HAND AND BOTTLE OF WHISKEY IN THE OTHER. The young gunslinger looked at the old woman and laughed, saying, "Hey Old WOMAN, have you ever danced?" THE OLD WOMAN LOOKED UP AT THE GUNSLINGER AND SAID, "NO, I NEVER DID DANCE... NEVER REALLY WANTED TO." A CROWD HAD GATHERED AS THE GUNSLINGER GRINNED AND SAID, "WELL, YOU OLD BAG, YOU'RE GONNA DANCE NOW," AND STARTED SHOOTING AT THE OLD WOMAN'S FEET. THE OLD WOMAN PROSPECTOR - NOT WANTING TO GET HER TOE BLOWN OFF - STARTED HOPPING AROUND. EVERYBODY WAS LAUGHING. WHEN HIS LAST BULLET HAD BEEN FIRED, THE YOUNG GUNSLINGER, STILL LAUGHING, HOLSTERED HIS GUN AND TURNED AROUND TO GO BACK INTO THE SALOON. THE OLD WOMAN TURNED TO HER PACK MULE, PULLED OUT A DOUBLE-BARRELED SHOTGUN, AND COCKED BOTH HAMMERS. THE LOUD CLICKS CARRIED CLEARLY THROUGH THE DESERT AIR. THE CROWD STOPPED LAUGHING IMMEDIATELY. THE YOUNG GUNSLINGER HEARD THE SOUNDS TOO, AND HE TURNED AROUND VERY SLOWLY. THE SILENCE WAS ALMOST DEAFENING. THE CROWD WATCHED AS THE YOUNG GUNMAN STARED AT THE OLD WOMAN AND THE LARGE GAPING HOLES OF THOSE TWIN BARRELS. THE BARRELS OF THE SHOTGUN NEVER WAVERED IN THE OLD WOMAN'S HANDS, AS SHE QUIETLY SAID, "SON, HAVE YOU EVER LICKED A MULE'S ASS?" THE GUNSLINGER SWALLOWED HARD AND SAID, "NO MAM... BUT... I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO." THERE ARE A FEW LESSONS FOR US ALL HERE: > 1 - NEVER BE ARROGANT. > 2 - Don't waste ammunition. > 3 - Whiskey makes you think you're smarter than you are. > 4 - Always, always make sure you know who has the power. > 5 - Don't mess with old women; they didn't get old by being stupid. I JUST LOVE A STORY WITH A HAPPY ENDING, DON'T YOU

I think the next sentence is equally important: In the all-cash, off-the-books sex industry, workers can be particularly high risk and insurance is often out of reach. I have to wonder both how much of their "all-cash, off-the-books" income they actually report, and also wonder how much these "high risk" individuals will actually contribute to keeping down the costs, as we are being told they would? Sounds like all this group, while young, is going to be getting major subsidies, not contributing to other's subsidies. And given their "high risk' occupation, are more likely to be needing health services themselves.

Great way to begin Friday, well, any day! Loved the photos and puns, KC and Catherine. Thanks a punch!

For those of you who missed "Trick-or-Treat".