Are the Rich Just Lucky?

In the ongoing debate about growing income inequality in America — the top 10 percent of families grabbed 43 percent of income in 2004 vs. 33 percent in 1980 — some have argued that America needs a more progressive tax system, both to share the wealth and to help deal with the government's long-term budget woes. When the Bush tax cuts on income and investments end in 2010, plenty of liberals and budget hawks will surely argue that they should not be extended. (This is going to be a huge issue in the 2008 presidential campaign.)

But those who want a flatter, less-progressive system argue that wealth, to a great extent, reflects productivity, and so more productive people should face lower tax rates as an incentive to produce even more. A more productive economy will grow faster, and that's the best way to deal with fiscal problems.

Consider this: What if it's luck rather than ability that plays the greatest role inof people's success? Some studies have shown that inequality among family members, people who share genetic traits, is not much different from that of the general population. Why should we subsidize the lucky with lower taxes?

But a recent study from Harvard University's Graduate Business School found that skill is indeed an important factor in success. The study looked at entrepreneuers, a third of whom are in the top 1 percent of American earners.

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Americans Load Up on Empty Calories

HEALTH NEWS BYTE
Tuesday, January 30, 2007



According to a new study, the calories you suck down through a straw may play a bigger role in weight gain than the calories you bite off the end of a fork. Published as part of the national report "What America Drinks," the study's findings indicate that "liquid calories" make up 22% of the average U.S. adult's diet. A signification portion of those calories come in the form of refined sugar from sweetened fruit juices and sodas, which have been shown to contribute to the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. For those looking to curb their calorie intake in the new year, researchers recommended a simple fix: a cold, refreshing glass of water.

What This Means for You
For those who can't do without a little sweetness in their cup, many beverage makers are capitalizing on health concerns by offering sugar-free, zero-calorie or all-natural alternatives to sugary drinks. For those with simpler palates, there's also sparkling mineral water.

THEREFORE, SLIM FAST IS ACTUALLY SLIM SLOW!!

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Crime Area Map

I wanted to share a website with you that is a good idea to visit. It is FAMILY WATCH DOG When you visit this site you can enter your address and a map will pop up with your house as the small icon of a house and red, blue, green, dots surrounding your entire neighborhood.

When you click on these dots a picture of a person will appear with an address and the description of the crime he or she had committed. I was really shocked at how many of these people were in my neighborhood. The best thing is that you can show your children pictures and see how close these people live to your home or school. This site was developed by John Walsh from Americas Most Wanted. Another tool to help us keep our kids safe.

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Does anyone follow American Idol? I have been off and on. I like to usually wait until they make it to the final 8 then I start watching.





Well, I was talking with a co-worker and it appears that one of the Idols may be kicked off the show. Antonella Barba is accused of taking nude pictures and doing porn videos. Fox cable did a little excerpt on it and it had videos of her giving oral sex.

Well my personal opinion on it is that, "Yes. this IS scandalous." If you are going to be famous things like this WILL surface. It is just unfortunate for her since she is enjoying her Idol experience but this ride is just about over."

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I had a ton of laundry to do and I did not think I had enough soap. So as I entered the grocery store I saw the little girl scouts selling cookies. I remember when my daughter was a girl scout. I sold cookies too. Did I buy a box from these little girls??

Nope. I bought two boxes!! I bought two boxes of thin mints. I put them in the freezer and eat them cold. They are the BEST that way..

Hoorah for the GSA!!

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I am not going to do any advertising for apple. I just simply want to say that I love my apple tv. It is not like a TV but is like a little computer that is hooked up to your tv. I watch my itunes stuff on there. I can also surf wirelessly through you tube videos and watch them on my tv. I can watch all of the Naruto episodes on you tube and even catch up on American Idol! That's what makes it fun. It is my new toy and I love it.

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