Happy Birthday, Universe!

Yet another revolution of this planet, around Sol, and back to its initial starting location - for those of us (realistically, it's probably not plural) who hold to the theory that the universe's existence, prior to this day some twenty-six years ago, was largely unnecessary. So, if this is not actually the initial starting location, at least it is the effective starting location.

Every year I celebrate this most joyous of occasions by lightly charring a fine cut of mammal flesh, and racing to the Department of Motor Vehicle's Tag Office to pre-pay homage for the privilege of Owning A Car* during the following year. Around this same time I also send my contribution to help further fund the immense success which is the Georgia Public School System. And by "success" I mean "failure". But to the average graduate, I expect the rather subtle distinction is probably lost.

At least I can take comfort in knowing that the older, more educated and voting citizenry is intelligent enough to decline our noble leader's pleas for additional tax dollars. Oh wait; my mistake; they approved it because, "it's for a good cause", and "people in other counties pay most of it", and "they'll just raise property taxes if we don't". I am endlessly amazed that these people were even capable of working the voting machines.

So, yeah, last thing I remember, I was writing about my birthday. I guess I feel better now, though. Happy Birthday, Universe!

* They don't even try to hide the fact that the tax is almost entirely based on the assessed value of the vehicle in question. Welcome to the People's Republic of Georgia. And my favorite part is this wonderful gem, "Ad valorem taxes are also due on inoperative vehicles...." No, thank YOU, government schools.