IRS E-FILE FOR FREE

We all know the IRS sucks, but that's one of the things we here in the USA have to deal with every new year. I was browsing the IRS Site and found this info:

A program for eligible taxpayers developed through a partnership between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Free File Alliance LLC, a group of private sector tax software companies. Since Free File’s debut in 2003, more than 15.4 million returns have been prepared and e-filed through the program. Free File allows taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $52,000 or less in 2006 to e-file their federal tax returns for free. That means 70 percent of all taxpayers – 95 million taxpayers – can take advantage of the Free File program.


The Program begins January 12th, 2007 and here are some of the changes from last year:

• Free File is a free service offered by companies for taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $52,000 or less.

• Before selecting a company link, review the tax software company’s criteria to confirm that you meet their eligibility for preparing and e-filing your federal return for free.

• Fees for state tax returns may apply. Some companies offer free state tax return preparation and e-filing. Check company websites for more details.

• Some companies offer extensions for free.

• Some companies offer free e-filing of the Form 1040EZ-T, Telephone Excise Tax Refund, for those who want to claim the refund credit and are not required to file a federal income tax return.

• You are under no obligation to buy any of the company’s other products or services.

What is The Tommy Fund ?

The Tommy Fund is my personal advertising program. I've read about the Million Dollar Homepage which was an awesome idea but it's been done and frankly, I don't think your ads stand out as well. If you are trying to increase readership of your blog or web site you could spend hours flipping through pages at any number of Blog exchanges or you can visit the Tommy Fund, a dollar donation (US ) and I will visit your web site/blog, write a posting about it and put your link on the Donor Roll on my sidebar for a month!!

For example: A very special blogger Marina, was the first person to ever comment on my blog. I visited her site MARINAMARBURG shortly after she commented. You'll find her site has some truly funny pictures and you will discover her great sense of humor. Currently she has been posting some great videos of Hugh Laurie and Steven Fry....We have commented and visited each others blogs ever since I started blogging and recently she contributed to The Tommy Fund before I ever conceived the Advertising idea and for that she will always be listed on my Honor Roll.

1/6/07

It's been one of those days where I just feel like blaaahhh. I cannot think of a posting so being the 6th day of the year I'll just list 6 things I've done today or have thought about.

1. The doorknob on my bedroom has been falling off repeatedly so I put it back on real tight today

2. I wrote in my journal today regarding my social life, it was a short entry

3. I had a bowl of cheerios, a bowl of raisin bran, grilled cheese, chicken fingers and a greek salad

4. I'm thinking about ice cream

5, I'm gonna watch the Dallas/ Seattle Football game tonight, Indy's beating KC,,DAMN!

6. checked email, sent some emails and surfed some blogs and left some comments.

What a crazzy idea...comments?

Dinner was great, Picasa and whatever

My Picture for the Day

She Insisted I Take Her Picture While Making A Goofy Face

DINNER
First, I must say, the meal I prepared and spoke of yesterday was a resounding success !! The Brisket was tender and all of the sides were perfect...7 of us enjoyed the meal and everyone was complimentary.....

BAD REVIEW
I bought a software program called PHOTO EXPLOSION to help me edit and organize my photos...I got what I paid for, the program sucks....please don't waste any money on it..

PICASA GOOD SO FAR
I downloaded Picasa Later and have found it easy to use and a big help in getting my photos off the hard drive and storing them online, and it's free! I have a link to it at the top of the page if you are interested.

WEIRD
Well again it must be over 60 degrees here in sunny Massachusetts, I like it but it is a bit disturbing. I am not gonna go off on a Climate Change rant or anything but....it's weird

What are you having for dinner?

Stock photo of Tom cooking something

Today I'm cooking and I'm sure everyone will be happy. I'm preparing a Texas Style Beef Brisket that should melt in your mouth...I've never cooked it before but I have high hopes.... along with the Brisket I've prepared a Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Salad with Fresh Basil and secret seasonings topped with Crisped Prosciutto bits. Also tender fresh Brussel Sprouts in a lemon butter sauce and finally, a Baked Potato.

Dinner will be at 6pm if anyone is interested.

Aside from dinner I put a storm window in at The Unit's house and have done a couple loads of laundry....

I know there's a good woman out there that would love to have me...anyone interested???

Some thoughts for the day

I was in Gloucester, Ma today where I .painted a basement floor and the steps. I drove down with Dad and returned via the train. I like riding trains and busses because it gives me time to read. I am reading the book "A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genius" by Dave Eggers" Whenever I read memoirs I start thinking why am I just sitting and watching things go by...if I don't start writing it down now, I'm gonna forget it. Hence the comitment to my daily journal/ New Year's Resolution.

With regard to Dave Eggers, not that he needs the plug or anything but he also founded a very cool website that I've been meaning to post a link to for some time, please visit if you have not already McSweeney's Internet Tendency

So now I getting ready for Ham and Cabbage dinner over at the Units house, that's Mom and Dad, the Parental Units. Getting ready consists of letting the clock tick and continue writing about the days events. I've been getting some interesting emails form my dear friend Gail who is in Tanzania working in the orphanages there for the next 6 months. Since I've known her she has always had a generous and caring spirit, but I have to say 6 months in Tanzania is over the top generous. She was headed to the Arusha Orphanage, and this hotel was off the side of the road, she also sent a pic of there newest orphan only 10 days old....see below:


Gail took many donations and gifts with her when she made her journey to Tanzania but the biggest gift she brought was herself. Her desire to help those who can be helped and are grateful of her help are very lucky to have her there. I will post some of her musings, her pictures and observations from time to time.

Year 2007 - Day 2

Today I have been sorting through a ton of digital pictures stored on the computer and began giving the filenames that make sense rather than looking at the generic DSCN0084.JPG. I began organizing them in folders and in some cases just deleted them. What's nice is that I found some I'd forgotten all about and will be posting them here or Hideaway Pictures very soon.
My Grandson Haven Alexander turns 1 this month!!

Now, regarding yesterdays post, where I mentioned who would most likely be playing my "paramour" in the future film based on the upcoming book about me and the " Brains " behind Toms' Hideaway. I thought it was a funny coincidence that when I was in the kitchen today roasting red and yellow peppers for my signature "Roasted Pepper Bake," a twist on the old standard " Stuffed Pepper." Anyway, I digress, I switched the TV on and low and behold a movie called " The Rich Man's Wife" imbd overview starring none other than "Halle Berry" was just coming on.

It's fate, I know it now! Halle will be perfect in her upcoming role as my yet to be named true love . I only hope she doesn't have to play a similar role as she did in this movie where she is not as sweet and innocent as she appears to be......Her husband, Lover and the resident psycho all end up dead....not an ending I'm looking for in the future , see it as it's written, my daily journal 2007.

Happy New Year

Well the first day of 2007 is here. My resolution for this year is to keep a journal and make an entry every day about my observations . I have tried this before and then find my journal later in the year missing huge gaps in time...I try to summarize and then just lose interest.. I went to see A Night At The Museum last night at the IMAX Theatre...I liked it and would say it is a go see movie. IMBD OVERVIEW

I went with my sister and her husband. We all liked it, I especially like the IMAX format and will definitely be putting one of those IMAX Theatres in my Family Compund...of course I'll have to get the journal done, publish it and hope that it is good enough for a movie....hhmmm I think I can be even more interesting than "Bridget Jones's Diary " I already know who will play me in the movie and of course if you have been reading this blog at all you know that Halle Berry will probably be my inamorata.

I guess I'll have to get my agent to call her agent and get that set up.....Well anyway, hope everyone will have as an exciting a New Year as I plan to...I have to go get an agent! LATER