Debate Grows in GOP Over Tax Stance [WSJ]
[S]ome Senate Republicans have been talking about an alternative path that would allow passage of legislation extending current tax rates for income up to $250,000, while allowing the top rates to rise to Clinton-era levels. "We're realists from the standpoint that we realize we don't have any real negotiating leverage in this process," said Sen. Ron Johnson (R., Wis.). "We may be forced to acknowledge reality and say all we can do is limit the damage."
Arnold Schwarzenegger: 'I love paying my taxes!' [Politico]
“I always tell my accountant, If you’re in doubt about taxes, pay more."
FYI.
The 1040 has been the primary American tax form since the introduction of the personal income tax in 1913. That’s even been the form’s name since the very beginning. But what started as a simple document with 27 lines of information to fill out has grown ever more complex: the current 1040 has 77 line items—plus a 189-page appendix of instructions.
Vodka Saves Elephants: Circus Trainers Claim Alcohol Protected Animals From Deadly Siberian Cold [AP]
Emergency ministry spokesman Alexander Davydov said Friday that the elephants were in a trailer that caught fire Thursday outside the city of Novosibirsk, forcing trainers to take them out into the bitter cold before another truck arrived to deliver them to a warm gym at a local community college.The Komsomolskaya Pravda daily reported that trainer Leonid Labo had the animals, aged 45 and 48, drink 10 liters (2.6 gallons) of vodka diluted in warm water – and a veterinarian said later that only the tips of their ears were frostbitten. Although scientists say that alcohol can make humans feel warmer but actually lowers their core body temperature, Novosibisk zoo director Rostislav Shilo told the daily that the vodka saved the animals from frostbite and pneumonia, without harming or even intoxicating them.
