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[bk]

I think I'm happy with the 5th song I've written for the Eunice character in Nudie Musical - I like the tune very much, and I was able to keep about thirty percent of the lyrics from the last version (changing their scan and adding and subtracting words here and there), plus even putting back two lines that I always liked from the movie version of the song.

[bk]

Welcome sixteen GUESTS.

[bk]

Kevin mentioned some wish-list performers this morning, one idea of which was great (involving three people who've played the same part on B'way), and the minute I heard it, an entire number came to me, full-blown, and if we can get the people, we're doin' it.  I love when that happens.

[George]

I don't mean to sound ungrateful; I really don't.  My company allows Domestic Partners to tag onto the employee's health benefits, which is great and which is a luxury many are not afforded.

And yet...

The value of those benefits are taxed.  And they are not taxed for married couples.  And now that we're married, I feel they shouldn't be taxed for me, either.

So I'm filing an appeal within the system.

Maybe I should hire one of our illustrious HHW attorneys?

Did someone post a link to an article about this?  This sounds familiar.

[singdaw]

*And I also have a thing for Tyler Florence too.

You mean - If you were a salad, you know you'd be splashing your dressing?  

[singdaw]

Did someone post a link to an article about this?  This sounds familiar.

If they did, I should print it out and send it in with my appeal!

[FJL]

He had a hat

[FJL]

When elephants fly, we shouldn't blame them for not flying high enough.

(a Mary Tyler Moore Show reference)

[FJL]

singdaw, to whom is your appeal?  Is it to the IRS?  Or to the State of New York?

If it's about Federal taxes, remember taht the Federal government doesn't recognize your marriage.

If it's about state taxes, does the state now require your to file as married, with all the attendant plusses and minuses associated with that?  Or do you now have the option to file either as single or married in New York State, depending on what you choose?  I simply have no idea what the answer is, but I wonder if you would make inroads on the state level as long as NYS approving your marriage holds up.

[singdaw]

Thanks, DR FJL.  My "appeal" is just within my own company's hierarchy.  Though you have a good point in that there may be state and/or Federal laws which govern the taxability of the benefits in question.

[FJL]

singdaw - This is about three years old, but it may make interesting reading about the issues.

http://www.nysba.org/Content/ContentFolders20/TaxLawSection/TaxReports/1090rpt.pdf

[bk]

Must shower now, and then await our musical director and our first cast member.  I've allotted an hour for him, then Alet is in for thirty minutes (she's only got two numbers), and then half our ensemble is in at 2:30 for forty-five minutes, and then our leading man is in for an hour (he has the bulk of the songs), followed by Barry Pearl.

[Jane]

I don't mean to sound ungrateful; I really don't.  My company allows Domestic Partners to tag onto the employee's health benefits, which is great and which is a luxury many are not afforded.

And yet...

The value of those benefits are taxed.  And they are not taxed for married couples.  And now that we're married, I feel they shouldn't be taxed for me, either.

So I'm filing an appeal within the system.

Maybe I should hire one of our illustrious HHW attorneys?

I'm surprised to learn the benefits are taxed.  Good luck.

[Elan]

Back to TOD:

Thinking about chickens & skillets... try your hand at chicken under a brick. Basically, you're cooking the chicken with a little oil in a skillet, while weighing down the chicken to maximize surface contact area. Works best with whole chickens or thighs.

Basics:

1) If using whole chicken, butterfly it first.
2) Get your favorite herb mixture (really, anything works here; I'm partial to garlic, lemon, and rosemary), and spread it under the skin (don't bother seasoning the skin, it's all going to fall off. Salt & pepper liberally
3) heat oil in a skillet, add the chicken skin side down. Put a weighted pot on top of the chicken (fill the pot with water, or cover a brick with foil and put on top of the chicken). Cook for about 15 minutes, turn the chicken over, and replace the weight. Cook for another 10-20 minutes.a Remove skillet from heat, let chicken rest for 10 minutes, remove and serve. If you want to get fancy, stir up the pan drippings on high heat with 1/2 cup of your liquid of choice (wine, beer, water), reduce heat to simmer, and serve as sauce.

[singdaw]

Wow - thanks, DR FJL!  And I now promise to shut up about this on HHW.

[Ben]

I don't mean to sound ungrateful; I really don't.  My company allows Domestic Partners to tag onto the employee's health benefits, which is great and which is a luxury many are not afforded.

And yet...

The value of those benefits are taxed.  And they are not taxed for married couples.  And now that we're married, I feel they shouldn't be taxed for me, either.

So I'm filing an appeal within the system.

Maybe I should hire one of our illustrious HHW attorneys?

That's an issue for me also but I think now that you're legally married in California you actually have a case for the New York tax system. Since Governor Patterson issued the order recognizing SSM from out of state I think that applies across the board including in areas of taxation. There is nothing to be done on the federal level but I think it just requires adjustment of some figures by your accounting department on the state level.

I used to be able to pay my portion of my insurance premium out of "pre-tax" dollars but now that it's a family policy and it's a "domestic partnership" arrangement I can no longer do that. I am allowed a portion of the premium to be paid from pre-tax but the rest comes out of regular salary and (as Sing said) I'm taxed on that portion as well because it's considered a benefit! What part of unfair don't you understand Pat Robertson (you stupid toad)

[Jane]

I find it interesting & at least what to know if you are successful.

[MBarnum]

Go for it Singdaw!

[FJL]

singdaw - Please please please don't shut up about it on HHW unless you fear that some things you say here could jeopardize your situation.  This is a great issue, one about society growing.

[MBarnum]

Yard work is not all it is cracked up to be. I want to move into a condominium.

[MBarnum]

and now I must take a nap because I am exhausted.

[singdaw]

I want to move into a condominium.

Do Bosco and Freddie get a vote?    

[singdaw]

bk, here are some chicken casserole recipes!

[Jane]

As long as we have a dog I at least want a small yard or dog run.  I much prefer to open the door when the dog needs out & I want to stay comfortable.

[Jane]

I wasn't very comfortable hiking the trails today.  It is hot and a little muggy today.  Most of all the air is oppressive from smoke.  I stayed on the flattest trails possible to keep from breathing too deeply.  I can feel a heaviness in my lungs & I feel itchy inside as well as outside my skin.

Storms are expected tomorrow.  Rain without lighting will be much appreciated, however lighting is expected this week & there are warnings we are at risk for fires.

[singdaw]

And here's Chicken Mystery Hot Dish!!!        

[bk]

Nice recipes - I'm going to try a couple of them.

[bk]

I'm all purty and clean now and awaiting our first arrival.  I do hope everyone is on time so that we don't feel rushed and/or get backed up.

[singdaw]

get backed up.

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**REHEARSAL VIBES*** for bk and company!

[Matt H.]

Had a nice afternoon of viewing. I began with more of ANNE OF THE THOUSAND DAYS as I ate lunch. Naturally, I didn't finish it. I should be able to do that tonight.