Because I knew you: Remembering Matt Boles

They buried Matt Boles today.

Matt was 18, a year older than Katherine, a year younger than Andrew, and someone whom the family has known for at least 10 years.

Even as an 8- or 9-year-old, this boy was “The Matt Boles.”

The connection comes through Scouting. Back in those days, I was a Scoutmaster, and I got drafted to join the staff of a series of Cub Scout weekend camps. Those are fun, and that’s where I met the Boles family, even before moving to Mt. Pleasant.

Val Boles, Matt’s mother, also was a staffer.For the next five years or so, I’d run the shooting range and Val would run the archery range about five times a summer at Camp Rotary and Paul Bunyan Scout Reservation. Our kids were part of what was called “Half Staff.”

The Half Staff did a lot of things – including being part of the Saturday night lakeshore campfires. These were amazing events, and a big reason was the way this charismatic kid could dominate the scene.

It seemed inborn. He had no fear of performance, and he was willing to do the most audacious things. Matt looked good in a dress – and that was guaranteed to bring down the house.

He loved it.

Matt didn’t appear to be afraid of anything. Fear usually is what holds people back, but that wasn’t part of his makeup. The stories at his wake Thursday night reminded me a lot of the way Tom Wolfe described test pilots in “The Right Stuff,” but applied to the arts and business.

I’ve been to larger funeral gatherings for young people, but only for soldiers and Marines killed in action. Many of the people who turn out for those events are there to honor their country more than honor the decedent. These people turned out for Matt Thursday night and Friday.

All three big rooms at Clark Funeral Chapel in Mt. Pleasant were filled to capacity. The Clarks ran out of chairs, and people sat on the floor. Friends that Matt had known at Mt. Pleasant High School, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and through Scouting told stories.

Matt could be arrogant, but it always was softened with humor. He could be persistent, but it was always gentle. Mostly, he was audacious and didn’t let himself get in his way.

The story was told about how he put together a group of kids who, late one night, knocked on a favorite teacher’s door unannounced and declared they would be camping in her back yard. She let them. Matt cooked pancakes in the morning.

Another story came out about how Matt had planned for weeks to surprise and “kidnap” a friend on her 17th birthday. He had it planned down to the last detail – except for the state trooper who wanted to know why he was carrying off a blindfolded teenage girl.

Matt often would call a girl and say “I’ll be there in 10 minutes. You have to come with me. Look cute.” Somehow, the girls said yes and their dads gave their blessing, at least most of the time.

People who are effective at getting things done often bend the rules, and Matt sometimes twisted them into knots. But he did it with such charm and effectiveness that few people were offended.

He was effective – that’s how he helped keep Mt. Pleasant High’s 2009 graduation in Rose Arena, despite a lack of school funding. That’s how he was named to the staff at the Scouts’ National Youth Leadership Training program. That’s how he convinced Mt. Pleasant High to present “Cannibal, the Musical” – “All Singing! All Dancing! All Flesh Eating!”

His goal had been to head to law school. After all, if you’re going to bend the rules, you need to know the rules.

But something freaky, bad and still unexplained stopped him in the middle of Hall’s Lake last weekend. He was following the rules – a boat was trailing him as he swam, the people got him out of the water when he got into trouble and got help fast.

It wasn’t enough.

So many people’s lives really start when they head to college, shed their childish fears, claim their dreams and remake themselves. Matt’s had already begun.

The tears flowed when the song “For Good” from “Wicked” was played:

“So much of me

Is made of what I learned from you

You'll be with me

Like a handprint on my heart

And now whatever way our stories end

I know you have re-written mine

By being my friend...

"Who can say if I've been changed for the better?

But because I knew you

Because I knew you

Because I knew you

I have been changed for good."

“I’m sure Matt’s looking down at us,” one speaker said, “and laughing. Ha-ha! Made you cry!”

The Mouse, the Frog and the Hawk

A Mouse who always lived on the land, by an unlucky chance, formed an intimate acquaintance with a Frog, who lived, for the most part, in the water.

One day, the Frog was intent on mischief. He tied the foot of the Mouse tightly to his own. Thus joined together, the Frog led his friend the Mouse to the meadow where they usually searched for food.

After this, he gradually led him towards the pond in which he lived, until reaching the banks of the water, he suddenly jumped in, dragging the Mouse with him. The Frog enjoyed the water amazingly, and swam croaking about, as if he had done a good deed.

The unhappy Mouse was soon sputtered and drowned in the water, and his poor dead body floating about on the surface.

A Hawk observed the floating Mouse from the sky, and dove down and grabbed it with his talons, carrying it back to his nest.

The Frog, being still fastened to the leg of the Mouse, was also carried off a prisoner, and was eaten by the Hawk.

MORAL : "Choose Your Allies Carefully"

K.C.Venugopal

Congratulation to My Friend:

"K.C.Venugopal", Mysore,

who secured 2nd in 'All India 2009 Medical Exam'.

Best Wishes from Me, My Brothers and My Parents.

Very Old Packaging

Revisiting: Old containers featuring beautiful and noteworthy designs

The effective branding of these early 20th century household products is evident in the unique logos, graphics and information on their packaging. How fortunate they've been saved and preserved, some with evidence of their original products, others as re-purposed.

Faultless Starch was a breakthrough product from its introduction in the 1890s for its simplicity of use and no need for lengthy boiling. It claimed to give a finished look to embroidery and lace, and was commonly used as baby and bath powder. Between 1895 and the 1920s the Kansas City company produced 36 illustrated booklets and attached them to the boxes. They included familiar stories for children with the added twist of always mentioning the product. In Little Red Riding Hood, for example, grandmother's starched apron is so pretty to the wolf that he stays for tea. The books also included riddles, games, helpful hints and useful facts.

Kingsford Silver Gloss Starch was started in 1848 in Oswego by Thomas Kingsford, a chemist. He developed it from corn and later improved and marketed it for culinary use as well. A tiny cookbook distributed by the company in 1876 boasted, “The experiment which first gave to the world this Laundry Starch made from Indian Corn, and the skill which perfected it, have been productive of still more notable success in furnishing this new article of food, which is adapted alike to the taste of the epicure and the wants of the invalid."

Not much to share on the Louse Killer to keep your poultry safe from lice. But it's a great looking design.

Writing Well

In a very old and shabby looking leather bound book as large as a 19th century family bible, I happened upon several curiosities I have to share with you, dear readers. Of course, I may need a gentle reminder to pen a note rather than send an email to someone special. But it's hard to resist, not to mention avoid, the subject of the article above when it appears in its large calligraphic letters and be-ribboned border followed by two subheads on points I should probably revisit before filling my fountain pen. My continuing education on social etiquette aside, I admit it wasn't just the subject matter that attracted me but the use of more than four type styles in as many lines of headings.

I'll continue to post more delicious excerpts from this wondrous book as I gently turn the pages back in time and manners.

The Blue Jackal

Once upon a time there lived a jackal who strayed into a city in search of food. He was hungry and was being chased by a group of dogs. He accidentally entered the house of a dyer and fell into a vat of indigo(blue), and was stained blue from head to toe. When he escaped from the house back into the forest, all animals were surprised at his appearance and could not place its identity. Taking advantage of the situation, the jackal decided to play the situation to his advantage. He proclaimed that he was Fierce Owl, sent by the king of Gods, Indra, to earth to gaurd the forest.

The gullible animals believed the jackal. The jackal then appointed the Lion as his Prime minister, tiger as his gaurdian of the bed chamber and the elephant was made the door keeper. He then drove all the jackals out of sight from the forest for fear of being recognized. The animals would hunt food and bring it to the self proclaimed king and the king would distribute the food to all equally just as a king would do. So he was leading a life of luxury.

One day a herd of jackals were passing by howling to their glory. Unable to control his natural instinct, Fierce Owl showed his natural voice and howled at the top of his voice. Hearing this howl, the animals realised that they had been fooled by a jackal and killed the jackal instantly.

MORAL: Excess of Greed is Harmful.

Panchatantra

The Vicar of Dr Pepper

Each June, the city of Dublin changes its name for a week to Dr Pepper to help celebrate the birthday of Dublin Dr Pepper. Each celebration has a theme as well; this year it was The Wizard of Oz.

Birbal Solves the Problem

Several Courtiers were vying to be the Royal Advisor of Emperor Akbar.

So one day, when they came to the court, they said to the Emperor, "We want to be your Royal Advisor." Akbar said, "No problem, but you will have to pass the test before you could be my Royal Advisor.

And whoever would pass the test will be appointed my Advisor." They agreed.

The King unfastened his waist cloth and lay down on the floor, and asked the candidates to cover him with that cloth from head to toe. Now everybody tried to cover him, but in vain. If one wanted to cover the head, then feet remained uncovered, or if the feet were covered, then his head remained open.

Just then Birbal entered the court, the king asked Birbal also, if he could cover him with that cloth from head to toe.
Birbal paused a moment, then asked the Emperor politely, "Huzoor, Could you pull up your knees a little bit?" The King did so, and Birbal could cover him from head to toe with that cloth.

Realizing that they failed the test, the courtiers left the court quietly and then they never thought about being the King's Advisor.

How many Crows

One day Akbar was strolling in his palace gardens with his dear minister Birbal. Many crows were flying around. The King enjoyed their flying. Just then he thought, that how many crows could be in his kingdom and immediately posed this question to Birbal.

Birbal thought a moment, then said, "They are ninety-five thousand, four hundred and sixty three (95, 463) crows in your kingdom, Huzoor." "How do you know that for sure?" the King asked. "You can get them counted, Huzoor." Birbal said.

The king again said, "If there will be less than that, then?" Birbal replied immediately, "That means that the rest of them have gone on vacation to some neighboring kingdoms." "Or if there were more than that, then?" "Then it means that other crows are visiting your kingdom, Huzoor."

Akbar was very pleased with this answer of his question.

Reclaiming Building Materials

I have a dream that someday I'll have a little dream hut in my garden. My dream hut will be built with reclaimed materials and salvaged supplies. The windows and doors, stylishly mismatched, will bring their own history and character to the eclectic little hideaway.

Beautiful dream house ideas and inspirations may be found in Thrifty Chic by Liz Bauwens and Alexandra Campbell with photography, as seen above and below, by Simon Brown.

Beat this Extreme RESUME

Education/Qualification:
Stood first in BA (Hons), Economics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 1952; Stood first in MA (Economics), Panjab University, Chandigarh, 1954; Wright's Prize for distinguished performance at St John's College, Cambridge, 1955 and 1957; Wrenbury scholar, University of Cambridge, 1957; DPhil (Oxford), DLitt (Honoris Causa); PhD thesis on India's export competitiveness.

Occupation/Teaching Experience:

Professor (Senior lecturer, Economics, 1957-59; Reader, Economics, 1959-63; Professor, Economics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 1963-65; Professor, International Trade, Delhi School of Economics,University of Delhi, 1969-71; Honorary professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University,New Delhi, 1976 and Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi,1996 and Civil Servant).

Working Experience/ Positions:

1971-72: Economic advisor, ministry of foreign trade

1972-76: Chief economic advisor, ministry of finance

1976-80: Director, Reserve Bank of India; Director, Industrial Development Bank of India; Alternate governor for India, Board of governors, Asian Development Bank; Alternate governor for India, Board of governors, IBRDNovember 1976 - April 1980: Secretary, ministry of finance (Department of economic affairs); Member, finance, Atomic Energy Commission; Member, finance, Space Commission April 1980 - September 15, 1982: Member-secretary, Planning Commission 1980-83: Chairman, India Committee of the Indo-Japan joint study committee September 16, 1982,
January 14, 1985: Governor, Reserve Bank of India.
1982-85: Alternate Governor for India, Board of governors, International Monetary Fund
1983-84: Member, economic advisory council to the Prime Minister

1985: President, Indian Economic Association

January 15, 1985 - July 31, 1987: Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission

August 1, 1987 - November 10, 1990: Secretary-general and commissioner, south commission, Geneva

December 10, 1990 - March 14, 1991: Advisor to the Prime Minister on economic affairs
March 15, 1991 - June 20, 1991: Chairman, UGC

June 21, 1991 - May 15, 1996: Union finance minister

October 1991: Elected to Rajya Sabha from Assam on Congress ticket

June 1995: Re-elected to Rajya Sabha

1996 onwards: Member, Consultative Committee for the ministry of finance

August 1, 1996 - December 4, 1997: Chairman, Parliamentary standing committee on commerce

March 21, 1998 onwards: Leader of the Opposition, Rajya Sabha

June 5, 1998 onwards: Member, committee on finance

August 13, 1998 onwards: Member, committee on rules

Aug 1998-2001: Member, committee of privileges 2000 onwards: Member, executive committee, Indian parliamentary group
June 2001: Re-elected to Rajya Sabha
Aug 2001 onwards: Member, general purposes committee

BOOKS:

India's Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth -Clarendon Press,
Oxford University, 1964; also published a large number of articles in various economic journals.


OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Adam Smith Prize, University of Cambridge, 1956

Padma Vibhushan, 1987

Euro money Award, Finance Minister of the Year, 1993;

Asia money Award, Finance Minister of the Year for Asia, 1993 and 1994


INTERNATIONAL ASSIGNMENTS:

1966: Economic Affairs Officer

1966-69: Chief, financing for trade section, UNCTAD

1972-74: Deputy for India in IMF Committee of Twenty on International Monetary Reform

1977-79: Indian delegation to Aid-India Consortium Meetings

1980-82: Indo-Soviet joint planning group meeting

1982: Indo-Soviet monitoring group meeting

1993: Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Cyprus 1993: Human Rights World Conference, Vienna

RECREATION:

Gymkhana Club, New Delhi; Life Member, India International Centre, New Delhi.


Name: Dr Manmohan Singh

DOB: September 26, 1932 at Gah (West Punjab)

Father: Sri. S. Gurmukh Singh

Mother: Mrs Amrit Kaur

Married on: September 14, 1958

Wife: Mrs Gursharan Kaur

Children: Three daughters

"Our Prime Minister seems to be the most Qualified PM all over the World".

A Tiger, a Goat and a Cabbage

In this Puzzle, a Man is traveling with a Tiger, a Goat and a Cabbage.
I have no idea why he would be travelling with such a strange assortment,
but there he is anyway.
At one point in his journey, he comes to a River which is too deep to wade across,
and too wide to swim across so he is in a quandry on how to continue.
He notices a small boat tied to the near shore, but the boat is too small to fit all his belongings into, but it is large enough so that he can safely row across with one belonging at a time.

The problem is that if he rows across with the tiger first, then the goat will eat the cabbage,
and if he rows across with the cabbage first, the tiger will eat the goat.

How can he safely cross the river with all his things intact?

Solution:
I. First a man will go with a goat.
II. Then go with a tiger and bring his goat back with him.
III. Then bring the cabbage with him leaving a goat at First side of river.
IV. Now Tiger and cabbage are on another side of river and now a man will go
to that of river with his goat.
This is the ideal solution from which he could cross the river with all his belongings intact.

A day in Abilene

Since we were in Abilene today, we swung by the Church of the Heavenly Rest, a beautiful gothic structure. Hopefully I can get some pictures of the inside the next time we're in town.

Katherine, the Drummer and Tahquamenon

On our way to Paradise, we stopped at Tahquamenon Falls. After a stop at the Upper Falls - always very impressive - we headed to the Lower Falls. Katherine and the Drummer kind of drifted ahead of the rest of us.

They couldn't stay out of the river.

The ledge above the falls is a perfect spot.

The sound of the water ...

Your friend nearby ...

... just to be together in a beautiful place.

Together ....
Even if they were with HER PARENTS!!!!

Union Budget 2009-10 vis-à-vis the Common Man

Personal taxation

There are several welcome measures on the personal taxation front. Although the increase in basic exemption limit is marginal i.e. by Rs.15,000 in case of senior citizens and Rs.10,000 for others, the abolition of surcharge of 10% would definitely benefit individuals whose income is over Rs.10 lakhs. The increase in deduction under section 80DD in respect of a dependent with severe disability from Rs.75,000 to Rs.1 lakh and expansion of scope of section 80E to cover all fields of study including vocational study are welcome measures.

Fillip to new pension scheme

The Budget has given a fillip to the new pension scheme of the Central Government, by exempting NPS Trust from income-tax, dividend distribution tax and securities transaction tax. However, it puts a heavy burden on the tax payer when the proceeds are taxable at the time of withdrawal. Therefore, in the absence of social security network as prevalent in advanced countries, the pension should be exempt from tax at the time of withdrawal.

ICAI suggestion accepted

The ICAI is happy to note that the Government has accepted the suggestion of the ICAI for the extension of scope of presumptive taxation to all small businesses with a turnover/ gross receipt of less than Rs.40 lakhs. The rate of presumptive tax would be 8% of turnover/gross receipts. Further, they would also be exempted from applicability of advance tax provisions.

TDS and advance tax

The provisions relating to tax deduction at source have been considerably rationalized. There would no surcharge or cess in respect of any TDS provision, with the exception of section 192, for which cess would be applicable. The reduction of rate of TDS under section 194-I from 10% to 2% in respect of rent for plant, machinery or equipment is welcome. The consequence of non-furnishing of PAN by the deductee would result in tax being deducted at a steeply enhanced rate of 20% or more. This would ensure better compliance.

There is some relief on the advance tax front also. Advance tax liability would arise only if the tax payable is more than Rs.10, 000.

Gifts-in-kind to attract income-tax

Charging of gifts-in-kind like property, including immovable property, may create practically difficulties for the common man and it may involve extensive litigations.

Wealth tax

The exemption limit for levy of wealth tax has been increased from Rs.15 lakhs to Rs.30 lakhs.

Service tax

Extension of service tax on legal and medical services, though for limited purpose, is certainly a good measure of rationalization. Regarding refund of services tax to the exporter of goods, honorable finance minister has given a welcome relief to the exporter of goods from the administrative difficulties. Now department has to grant refund of the basis of certificate by chartered accountants.

Root: www.icai.org

Union Budget 2009-10 vis-a-vis the Corporates

FBT and CTT abolished

The two most welcome proposals are the abolition of fringe benefit tax and the commodities transaction tax. These proposals would also considerably reduce the administrative burden of the tax department and increase the plough back of the corporates.

Minimum Alternate Tax

However, for the corporates, the benefit by way of abolition of these taxes has been offset by increase in the rate of MAT from 10% to 15%. This is likely to affect the plough back of profits by companies. The increase in the time-limit for set-off of MAT Credit from 7 to 10 years would only provide a marginal relief to companies.

Scope of deduction for in-house research expanded

However, on the positive front, the weighted deduction for in-house research is proposed to be extended to all manufacturing industries, with the exception of a negative list.

Exemption under section 10A and 10B to continue for one more year

The sunset clause for exemptions under section 10A and section 10B have been extended by one more year.

Investment linked tax incentives

Introduction of investment linked tax incentives to certain businesses like –

* setting-up and operating ‘cold chain’ facilities for specified products;
* setting-up and operating warehousing facilities for storing agricultural produce;
* laying and operating a cross-country natural gas or crude or petroleum oil pipeline network for distribution, including storage facilities being an integral part of such network.
The above is a step in the right direction.

TDS

The provisions relating to tax deduction at source have been considerably rationalized. There would no surcharge or cess in respect of any TDS provision, with the exception of section 192, for which cess would be applicable. The reduction of rate of TDS under section 194-I from 10% to 2% in respect of rent for plant, machinery or equipment is welcome. The consequence of non-furnishing of PAN by the deductee would result in tax being deducted at a steeply enhanced rate of 20% or more. This would ensure better compliance.

Indirect Taxes proposals

Regarding refund of services tax to the exporter of goods, Hon’ble Finance Minister has given a welcome relief to the exporter of goods from the administrative difficulties. Now, the Department has to grant refund on the basis of certificate issued by chartered accountants.

It is a welcome step to include chartered accountants for the purpose of conducting audit under sections 14A and 14AA of the Central Excise Act, 1944.

Root: www.icai.org

Union Budget Highlights 2009-10

Forward looking budget to tackle recession

The Union Budget 2009-10 has been presented in the backdrop of worldwide economic recession. Having got the mandate for stability and continuance of reforms, the Government has made a sincere attempt to put the rail of economic reforms back on track. The Budget contains bold reliefs like discontinuance of fringe benefits tax and surcharge on individuals and firms.

The ICAI is happy to note that the Government has accepted the suggestion of the ICAI for the extension of scope of presumptive taxation to all small businesses with a turnover/ gross receipt of less than Rs.40 lakhs. The rate of presumptive tax would be 8% of turnover/gross receipts. Further, they would also be exempted from applicability of advance tax provisions. Further, another important suggestion accepted by the Government is that the chartered accountants are now eligible to undertake audit under sections 14A and 14AA of the Central Excise Act.

The present budget has given special attention to the economic and social infrastructural sector. Introduction of ‘takeout financing scheme” would facilitate incremental lending to the infrastructure sector, refinancing upto 60% of commercial bank loans for public private partnership projects in infrastructure, removing regulatory and institutional bottlenecks for speedy implementation of infrastructural projects, enhanced allocation to highways by 23% over 2008-09 (B.E.), increased allocation to railways to 15,800 crores from 10,800 crores, enhanced allocation by 87% to the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, a 160 percent increase in the accumulated Power Development & Reforms Programmes will go a long way in strengthening the infrastructure sector.

Special impetus to the agricultural sector is a welcome step. Raising of agricultural credit to Rs 3.25 lakh crore, extending the period of loan repayment by farmers under Agricultural Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme (2008) by six months, increasing the allocation to the Accelerated Irrigation Scheme and Provision of direct fertilizer subsidy to farmers are welcome steps.

The budget is rightly concerned about the increasing fiscal deficit. Perhaps these are the results of fiscal initiatives taken by the Government to give boost to the economy. However, economic revival in the present scenario is perhaps more important than controlling fiscal deficit.

Last year, the farm loan wavier scheme could not address the issue of small and marginal farmers who had taken loans from private money lenders and hence the decision to set up a task force to address the issue is a step in the right direction.

There are several welcome measures on the personal taxation front. Although the increase in basic exemption limit is marginal i.e. by Rs.15,000 in case of senior citizens and Rs.10,000 for others, the abolition of surcharge of 10% would definitely benefit individuals whose income is over Rs.10 lakhs. The increase in deduction under section 80DD in respect of a dependent with severe disability from Rs.75,000 to Rs.1 lakh and expansion of scope of section 80E to cover all fields of study including vocational study are welcome measures.

The Budget has given a fillip to the new pension scheme of the Central Government, by exempting NPS Trust from income-tax, dividend distribution tax and securities transaction tax. However, it puts a heavy burden on the tax payer when the proceeds are taxable at the time of withdrawal. Therefore, in the absence of social security network as prevalent in advanced countries, the pension should be exempt from tax at the time of withdrawal.

The two most welcome proposals are the abolition of fringe benefit tax and the commodities transaction tax. These proposals would also considerably reduce the administrative burden of the tax department and increase the plough back of the corporates. However, the discontinuance of the Securities transaction tax would have boosted the capital markets.

For the corporates, the benefit by way of abolition of these taxes has been offset by increase in the rate of MAT from 10% to 15%. This is likely to affect the plough back of profits by companies. The increase in the time-limit for set-off of MAT Credit from 7 to 10 years would only provide a marginal relief to companies. However, on the positive front, the weighted deduction for in-house research is proposed to be extended to all manufacturing industries, with the exception of a negative list. The sunset clause for exemptions under section 10A and section 10B have been extended by one more year. Introduction of investment linked tax incentives to certain businesses like setting-up and operating ‘cold chain’ warehousing facilities for storing agricultural produce etc. is a right step to incentivise business.

Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP) have been included in the fold of partnership firms. However, the wide ranging suggestions of the ICAI in regard to various tax aspects of Limited Liability Partnerships have not found place in the Statute book.

The amendments in relation to allowing of remuneration of partners in the hands of firms are partially in tune with the suggestions of the ICAI. These amendments would benefit the professional firms also since they can pay higher remuneration to their partners.

The provisions relating to tax deduction at source have been considerably rationalized. There would no surcharge or cess in respect of any TDS provision, with the exception of section 192, for which cess would be applicable. The reduction of rate of TDS under section 194-I from 10% to 2% in respect of rent for plant, machinery or equipment is welcome. The consequence of non-furnishing of PAN by the deductee would result in tax being deducted at a steeply enhanced rate of 20% or more. This will result in better compliance.

There is some relief on the advance tax front also. Advance tax liability would arise only if the tax payable is more than Rs.10, 000.

The increase in exemption limit for levy of wealth tax from Rs.15 lakhs to Rs.30 lakhs is a welcome measure.

The initiative for improving efficiency in the direct tax system by setting up a Central Processing Centre at Bengaluru for processing of all electronically filed return is very commendable. However, the assesse should be permitted to file the acknowledgement in ITR-V with the jurisdictional Assessing Officer.

The assurance of the Finance Minister to introduce the new Direct Taxes Code within 45 days is widely welcome as it is hoped that the complexities of the existing Income-tax Act would be removed.

Indirect Taxes

The Hon’ble Finance Minister has said that there will be acceleration in the process for the smooth introduction of Goods and Services Tax with effect from 1st April, 2010. There has been an agreement on the basic structure of dual Goods and Services Tax comprising of a Central GST and State GST.

Service tax is introduced on legal and medical services. And very rightly, in respect of the legal services, service tax is not applicable in case the service provider or the service recipient is an individual. To rationalize this, the exclusion should be extended to chartered accountants, company secretaries, cost and works accountants and medical professionals.

Regarding refund of services tax to the exporter of goods, Hon’ble Finance Minister has given a welcome relief to the exporter of goods from the administrative difficulties. Now, the Department has to grant refund on the basis of certificate issued by chartered accountants.

It is a welcome step to include chartered accountants for the purpose of conducting audit under sections 14A and 14AA of the Central Excise Act, 1944.

On the whole the budget proposals can be expected to have a favorable effect on the economy, with the positive aspects outweighing the proposals perceived to be negative.

Root: www.icai.org

Rail Budget HighLights 2009-10

Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee presented the Railway Budget 2009-10 in the
LokSabha.
The following are some of the Highlights:

~ Passenger and freight rates left unchanged across the board.
~ Railways earn net revenue of Rs8,121 crore in 2008-09.
~ Railways to pay higher dividend of Rs5,479 crore to the Centre in FY 2010.
~ Tatkal charges reduced from Rs150 to Rs100.
~ Ladies' specials on suburban train routes during peak hours.
~ New coach factory at Kanchrapara in West Bengal.
~ Cold storage facilities for farmers to store vegetables and fruits.
~ Talks to take over ailing wagon manufacturing units.
~ 18,000 wagons to be acquired during the current year.
~ Railway medical colleges and rail hospitals on public-private partnership basis.
~ Student concession will cover madrassa students.
~ Special coaches for disabled and aged people.
~ 50 stations to be developed along world-class standards.
~ Availability of doctors on-board long-distance trains.
~ On-board infotainment services to be provided.
~ 6,560 staff quarters to be constructed in 2009-10.
~ High-capacity double-decker A/C trains to be introduced.
~ 57 new trains to be introduced.
~ 12 non-stop trains to be introduced.
~ Accredited journalists to get 50% rebate; also once a year with spouse.
~ 1,000 MW power plant proposed in tribal area Adra.
~ Cash surplus of Rs17,400 crore before dividend.
~ Railways have investible surplus of Rs12,681 crore.
~ Annual plan expenditure pegged at Rs36,336 crore.
~ Book stores, PCOs to be set up across stations
~ Infotainment services on Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains
~ 'Izzat' monthly tickets of Rs.25/- (for up to 100 km travel) for people from the
unorganised sector with an income of less than Rs 1,500/- per month.
~ 375 stations to be upgraded as 'Adarsh' stations, with basic facilities such as
drinking water, toilets and ladies' dormitories.

A U.P. Fourth

One thing that mid-Michigan doesn't have that da Eastern U.P. does is the truly off-the-wall Fourth of July parade. Every parade has the fire trucks - but how often do the volunteer firefighters get to douse the crowd as they go by?

These guys gets serious about it, ya know, eh?

Ya gotta be ready if you're gonna be standing along Newberry Avenue in Newberry.

At least these guys didn't take part in da tradition. Business is good, eh?

It wasn't just the firefighters and the honey dumpers. Nope, the Newberry High School Marching (Riding on a trailer?) band played at both the Newberry and Curtis parades.

There was a definite sense that it was the time to get dressed up and let loose, eh? After all, you let the Franklin stove finally go out on the Fourth of July, so let's celebrate!

It won't hurt us to go to Curtis! Young families make the scene!

Still can't figure out if the car's done in rust or camo. Doesn't matter - same effect, eh? Add the snowplow and the roadkill, and you get a true expression of da culture youse don't get nowhere else, eh?

Another day in Paradise

After Kissy Missy and I went to Hell, we just simply had to go to Paradise.

Paradise is on the shores of Whitefish Bay, part of Lake Superior, in the eastern Upper Peninsula. Whitefish Township School is located there, as are Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopal and Methodist churches. In the winter, Paradise regularly gets more than 20 feet of snow, so it truly is a paradise for snowmobilers. Robert, Katherine, the Drummer, Kissy Missy and I noted something truly interesting: There are biker bars in both Hell and Paradise.
In Paradise, the biker bar is the Yukon. The snow caved in the roof of this log cabin a few years back, but a new roof has been raised above the log walls. There's a grate on the floor where snowmobilers can knock the snow off their boots. Behind the bar, there are Christmas lights - made of illuminated shotgun shells. The men's room contains graffiti dating back to at least 1977. There are boards missing from the floor of the hallway leading to the lady's room.
And when NASCAR came on the tube, every TV in the place was tuned to it.

We went to Paradise on the Fourth of July, and the community put on a completely awesome fireworks show. It lasted about a half-hour, launched from a pair of barges out in the bay. It was one of the best shows that I've seen in a long time, as you can see in the composite image.
But it got chilly next to the big lake - right after sunset, we could see our breath.
Makes sense that Paradise would be a lot cooler than Hell.

Driver and Big John

One fine day, a Bus Driver went to the bus garage, started his bus, and drove off along the route.

No problems for the first few stops, a few people got on, a few got off, and things went generally well.

At the next stop, however, a big hulk of a Guy got on.

Six feet eight, built like a wrestler, arms hanging down to the ground.

He glared at the driver and said, "Big John doesn't pay!" and sat down at the back.

The driver was five feet three, thin, and basically meek...

Naturally, he didn't argue with Big John, but he wasn't happy about it.

The next day the same thing happened -Big John got on again, said "Big John doesn't pay!"
and sat down.

And the next day, and the one after that, and so forth.

This irritated the bus driver, who started losing sleep over the way Big John was taking advantage of his size.

Finally, he could stand it no longer. He signed up for body building program, karate, judo
and all that good stuff.

By the end of the summer, he had become quite strong;

So on the next Monday, when Big John got on the bus and said, "Big John doesn't pay!"

the driver stood up, glared back and screamed, "And why not?"

With a surprised look on his face, Big John replied, "Big John has a Bus pass."


Moral of the Story: "First Be Sure Is There A Problem Before Working Hard to Solve One".

General Informations

01. Turtles have no teeth.
02. Prehistoric turtles may have weighed as much as 5,000 pounds.
03. Only one out of a thousand baby sea turtles survives after hatching.
04. Sea turtles absorb a lot of salt from the sea water in which they live.
They excrete excess salt from their eyes, so it often looks as though they're crying.
05. Helium is a colorless, odorless, tasteless inert gas at room temperature and makes up about 0.0005% of the air we breathe.
06. Helium Balloon Gas makes balloons float. Helium is lighter than air and just as the heaviest things will tend to fall to the bottom, the lightest things will rise to the top.
07. More than 1,000 different languages are spoken on the continent of Africa.
08. Camels can spit.
09. An ostrich can run 43 miles per hour (70 kilometers per hour).
10. Pigs are the fourth most intelligent animal in the world.
11. Dinosaurs didn't eat grass? There was no grass in the days of the dinosaurs.
12. Dolphins can swim 37 miles per hour (60 kilometers per hour).
13. A crocodile's tongue is attached to the roof of its mouth? It cannot move. It cannot chew
but its Digestive juices are so strong that it can digest a steel nail, Glass pieces, etc.
14. Sharks are immune to disease i.e. they do not suffer from any Disease.
15. Animals are either right- or left-handed? Polar bears are always left-handed,
and so is Kermit the Frog.
16. Paris, France has more dogs than people.
17. New Zealand is home to 70 million sheep and only 40 million people.
18. Male polar bears weigh 1400 pounds and females only weight 550 pounds, on average.
19. Bison are excellent swimmers? Their head, hump and tail never go below the
surface of the water.
20. There are 6 to 14 frog's species in the world that have no tongues. One of these is the
African dwarf frog.
21. A frog named Santjie, who was in a frog derby in South Africa jumped 33 feet 5.5 inches.
22. The longest life span of a frog was 40 years.
23. The Persian invaders converted it into Hindu. The name `Hindustan' combines Sindhu
and Hindu and thus refers to the land of the Hindus.
24. The eyes of a frog flatten down when it swallows its prey.
25. The name `India' is derived from the River Indus.

Red, White and Blue

Have a safe and relaxing 4th of July holiday weekend.

Click here to make your own star medallions and for more holiday decorating ideas from Martha.

Make Your Own Pearl Necklace

Abby Larson at Style Me Pretty has featured a beautiful and talented bride wearing this fabulous multi-strand pearl necklace. The bride, Stephanie, made it herself with beads and claspy parts she got at Michael's. Click here to get all the info and be inspired to create your own.