Posts from — May 2003

This has to be one of the best kept secrets of the tax reforms passed last year and (again) this year. I suspect that it will not survive into next year, mainly because people keep taking advantage of the "loophole" that has all the Democrats mad as hornets. The two California Senators tried to limit the exemption to "ag" vehicles this year, so –if you're considering a qualifying purchase — move quick.

Basically, it works like this: Congress wanted to boost business investment for small business owners and the self-employed and (at the same time) prod the economy into a period of recovery. So, Congress increased the limit on capital purchases to include vehicles in excess of 6,000 lbs and changed the single year deduction from $25,000 to $75,000. This year, that deduction is even sweeter: $100,000.

So, let me break that down for you: If you're self-employed or a small-business, you could go out and purchase any vehicle over 6,000 lbs and immediately credit $100,000 of the purchase cost against your taxes. So, if you need a delivery truck, heavy farm truck, Hummer H2, Lincoln Navigator, Mercedes M Class, or something like that - it's pretty much free this year. Consult your local car dealer and tax professional, of course.

How great would that client feel when his real estate agent picks him up in a new Cadillac Escalade? Probably not near as great as the agent that bought it for free.

At last count, there are 38 or so SUVs and heavy trucks that qualify. As best I can, here's the list and more links:
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This post is dedicated to my dear ol' Dad, who spent about a trillion hours on the phone with Compaq & Linksys trying to get this problem fixed so my dear ol' Mom would have wireless.
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Ah, the big 3-0. In the words of the St. Jimmy: "I'm growing older, but not up!"

Well, my 30th birthday is finally here! I've now hit the big XXX. Thank you so much to everyone who sent cards and emails. I really truly appreciate it. Thank you to my family for a great week in FL and –most of all– thank you to my wife. I love you, Merrin.

Finally, a warning to those of you flying from Tampa to D/FW today. I just might be on your flight and –since it's my birthday– I think American Airlines is probably going to let me either fly or do the welcome announcement. I think they would do that, don't you?!

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Robyn thinks it might be a good idea to torment America by find a song that I can get stuck in your head. Some of you already know my prowess with this (including my knack for marital terrorism!)

Some of you know this one as "Banana Woman" and some are more familiar with the poem, but I offer up The Bee Gees - "More Than a Woman":

More than a woman, more than a woman to me
more than a woman, more than a woman to me
more than a woman, oh, oh, oh.

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Happy Birthday, Merrin!

I love you so much and I wish you the happiest day! I'm sorry that you kinda have to share your birthday (even more than usual!) this year. When we get home, we'll get your cake and go out someplace special just for you.

I love you so much! Happy Birthday!

My love always,

PS - For the record, I am the bad-ass husband because I remembered the brand of perfume you used to wear and haven't had for years! Who loves you?! I DO!

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Collecting a few new links and websites from some friends and family. This one is great if you're planning a trip. It's a website that can tell you what's at every interstate exit in the country. It can plan your trip and scope your favorite restaurants along the way.

It also offers some great roadside extras and in car games for the "When are we going to be there?" crowd. AWESOME!

http://www.interstate4u.com/

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So we’re three days into the vacation and this is my first legitimate opportunity to spend some quality time with high-speed access. I’m in such withdrawal! I’m not even kidding. Merrin is worse – she gets the shakes sometimes if I even mention “comput…” – just to be safe I won’t finish that word.
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For all the ones who've made us so proud, for all the ones we've never met, and for all the ones that never asked for a thank you, we honor your sacrifices today. For all the families that are apart and the families that will never be whole again, you are in our prayers.

Thank you and may God continue to bless America with heroes like you.

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The vacation is FINALLY here and I need a little help. (Being a guy, that's very hard to admit!)

Merrin and I need someone to show us how to turn off the computers. I heard you can do this…somehow. Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?

The dogs are on holiday with Granny and we're off to the land of Orange Juice & Mickey to get some new T-shirts for the upcoming season! There's even a rumored greet & meet with some of Tampa's rico y famoso.

More from the road!

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Merrin & I donned the covert ops team gear last night (sans night vision goggles) and conducted a raid on the suspected bunny nest. We were able to snatch three babies and relocate them - along with the momma - to a wooded area across the street.

We're hoping that's the last we see of the little buggers.

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Warning: You probably shouldn't read this.
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Some days I love my clients. Some days I hate my clients.

Today is one of those days.

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Dear The Rabbit that lives under my Storage Shed,

The new house is nice. I can understand why you too have taken up residence at Chez Kev. But I must warn you, this is a dog (and this and even this!) Sometimes they are very alert and other times - not so much. And (clearly) they are not cheetahs, jaguars, or even greyhounds, but if they catch you doing the bunny hop in the yard, don't come whining to me. You're on your own.

I know they look slow and old, but they almost caught you this morning. I would strongly suggest that you and any of your bunny friends relocate before it's too late. And, in the words of Forrest Gump, that's all I have to say about that.

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I forgot how to color code my messages in Outlook, so I thought I should jot it down for next time.

HOW TO COLOR CODE EMAIL IN OUTLOOK:

1. On the Tools menu, click Organize to display the
   Ways to Organize Inbox pane.
2. Click Using Colors.
3. Click an e-mail message in your Inbox, and you will find the name of the
   sender displayed in the Color messages box. Alternatively, you can type
   the name in the Color messages box yourself.
4. Select a color from the list.
5. Click Apply Color.
6. To color-code e-mail messages sent to you only, choose a color from the
   Show messages sent only to me in list. Click Turn on to set the
   color. To undo, click Turn off.

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This one looks like it's going to spread, folks.

There is a new email virus making the rounds. It is disguised with several different subject lines, but –so far– the "From" address seems to be consistent.

The I-Worm.Palyh appears as a message from support@microsoft.com. I received the email (which AVG caught) three times this morning. The subject lines for the emails I received were "Cool screensaver" and "Re: My details". There are a lot of other potential subject titles, it appears.

Let's review Big Kev's Anti-Virus Strategies one more time while we're at it:

Rule #1: DO NOT OPEN ATTACHMENTS.
Rule #2: DO NOT OPEN ATTACHMENTS.
Rule #3: If rule #1 and #2 do not apply, DO NOT OPEN ATTACHMENTS.

Update your scanners, especially if you're on Windows Systems. Supposedly, this worm is to destruct and stop spreading at the end of the month - but no one knows for certain. So, go update your virus scanners and DO NOT OPEN ATTACHMENTS.

For more info on this virus, please read this information. It documents all of the potential subject lines and other key info.

And, just one more plug for AVG Antivirus. It's one of the best (and it's free!) and auto-updates frequently!

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