Tax Time

"Wow. That sucked." Those were the only three words I can use to describe the experience of filing taxes with the government.  I got lucky last year when I had all of my taxes done by a tax accountant, avoiding the angst that is unavoidable when doing your taxes yourself, but I wasn't as fortunate this year.  After countless hours staring at a blank 1040 Form and wondering what to do next, I was pleasantly surprised to find an online instruction manual to help me decipher every figure, deduction, payment, and empty space. Yet, I was shocked to find that the instructional booklet for a 2 page form was over 100 pages long. Gosh, you gotta love government efficiency at its finest.

Now, I am not complaining about paying my taxes, but it is rather irksome.  At least I have managed to find comfort in the fact that I am not the only American dreading every second of this ordeal. After all, paying taxes is one of those things that everyone, at least in theory, has to do (but we obviously know that's not really the case).  The simple fact that we have to do it or else the IRS can fine us or just slightly worse, put us in jail is a very scary thought. Though, I've heard you don't have to work or pay any taxes in prison...Just a thought...  But for most levelheaded individuals that provides more than enough motivation to file their taxes and do it on time, despite it being one of the most displeasing obligations we have as citizens.  

When you finally finish decoding the jumble of incompetence that is the United States tax code the feeling is one not of accomplishment, rather a feeling of rest.  I use the word rest for one reason. Tonight, when I go to sleep, I can rest well knowing that our government spends $1.56 for every $1 they take in...Seems like a pretty good return on investment. 

It is Everywhere

Before this morning, I had never really realized the prominence alcohol has in our American society. Obviously, I have seen TV advertisements by beer companies, driven by a liquor store, and strolled down the snack and alcohol isle at the grocery store, but I had neglected to realize the farreaching impact these companies, and their beverages, have in our everyday life.  There were two experiences this morning that provided the clearest insight into this overreach.

Experience One:  As I hopped on the stationary bike this morning for a quick cardio workout, ESPN was on the TV.  It was just like any other time I had ever watched ESPN. They were playing highlights from the most recent games, talking about the NCAA Tournament, and playing video of the the ex-Rutgers University coach, Mike Rice.  But, I noticed something in the bottom right of the screen I hadn't ever seen before: There was a Captain Morgan picture advertisement.  The picture wasn't just a quick, passing marketing ad, but rather, it held its place on the screen until my workout was over.  

Experience Two:  Later in the morning, as I was leaving John's Hall, I picked up a copy of today's New York Times.  As I started reading through an article on the front page I noticed the only advertisement that was on the entire page. This time, the advertisement wasn't for Captain Morgan, but for Johnnie Walker Blue Label.  I have never heard of "Blue Label" before, but judging from the bolded words at the bottom of the picture that read "Please Drink Responsibly" I think it's safe to assume it is another alcoholic drink. 

I am still slightly intrigued by the fact that alcoholic advertisements were displayed on the front page of The New York Times and for a period on ESPN.  But I really shouldn't be so surprised by the prevalence alcohol has.  The global alcoholic drink industry is expected to exceed $1 trillion in 2014. And, as long as people continue to consume alcohol, which they will, the companies that make it will continue to pour millions of dollars into advertising to bring in new customers, promote their beverage, and build brand loyalty. As you go through the rest of your day, look around at the things that seem most basic, and you might be surprised to find an advertisement for a bottle of whiskey right in front of you. 

This Chapter: First Year of College

The end of the year is five short weeks away, and I cannot believe it.  My first year as a college freshman has  come and gone faster than I could have ever imagined. I don't necessarily like using cliches but I think this one time it is appropriate: Time flies when you're having fun. 

I still remember, as if it was yesterday, the drive down to Furman University on Move-In Day, unpacking the family car, implanting myself into a new place, and saying goodbyes to my mom, dad, and sister, and it is hard for me to believe that was more 8 months ago. As I look back at this year it is amazing all the things I have done, materials I have learned, people I have met, and organizations I have become involved with. 

The first year of college is unlike any other chapter in the book of my life.  You can't really prepare yourself for this chapter, but it is certainly one of the best. There have been times that I've struggled in classes and stayed up all night studying for tests the next day, but there have also been times where I lived vicariously, enjoying every moment for what it was.  As the end of this chapter comes to an end, it is not with sadness that I go through these last few weeks, only joy and hope, because I can only imagine what the next chapter is going to be like.  

The Madness

And then there were four.  Though the month of March is now over, the madness that consumes March isn't over yet.  With only four of the original 64 teams remaining in the NCAA Tournament it's nearly finished, and the victor crowned. But this years tournament hasn't passed without a few defining moments. In the beginning there was the upset of New Mexico by Harvard. Then, it was the unexpected rise to fame by Florida Gulf Coast. And most recently, Louisville's Kevin Ware's horrific leg break. No one knows what the future holds for the last three games, but it is surly going to be a good show.  But when the dust finally settles and the last baskets are scored many of us will be left looking at our brackets and wonder what just happened?

For all the hoopla that surrounds March Madness I can't quite understand it.  To me, a non-sports fan, the month of March actually looks like a month where people actually go mad.  I can hardly walk past a TV, laptop, or iPad screen on my college campus that isn't streaming one of the games. It could be that I am just not that into it, but I have a hard time believe so many people are into it just for the sake of being into it.  Maybe it's the lure of winning of the big office pool that draws people to college basketball craze. But maybe it is deeper than that. Could it be that March Madness is the one time a year to let your inner-fan free, to join in a celebration that reminds you of your days at a  particular college, with the excitement of your friends, joys a new relationship, remembrance of classes, and aspirations for the future? I certainly think that is a possibility...and if it's not, maybe it is just a bunch of people acting crazy, for no reason, during the month of March.