THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 13, 2011 A brendan@weirs.com


inNEW HAMP SHI R E DOING MY PART


FOOL * Live Free *A FLATLANDER’S OBSERVATIONS ON LIFE or Die.


by Brendan Smith Weirs Times Editor


The last time I was this


excited I wrote all about it right here in the Weirs Times.


So, why not again? If you’re a working stiff


like me you might have an inking about what I’m all worked up over. It’s not quite as big a


deal as the last time, but it’s still pretty darned good. Of course, I’m talking about the extra mon- ey now in my paycheck each week as part of the tax cut compromise that took place in Washington a few weeks back. It seems, that the gov-


ernment, in its dubious kindness has seen to it that we taxpayers are allowed to keep more of our hard-earned dollars for ourselves. The last time this hap-


pened, way back when George W. was in charge, I was thrilled to open my paycheck and see that I was to receive twelve dollars more each week to spend as I wanted, something to kick-start the economy. I had a hard time try-


ing to figure out how to spend this windfall. I could have saved it up each week ( think by now I would have had about $1200) but that would have gone against the whole point. The govern- ment has entrusted me with that twelve dollars to spend like a maniac and save the country. I don’t think everyone


thought like me and a lot of people held on to their twelve dollars each week, selfishly squirreling it away for a rainy day. Of course the economy suf- fered because of it and we haven’t rebounded since.


But now, a second


chance is upon us. A chance to redeem our- selves and get the mo- tor of this great country roaring again. I know I’ll do my part again. I hope you’ll do yours. I was pretty excited as I


opened my first paycheck of the new year. I knew I was in for a pleasant sur- prise. A little something that I could use to help right this great nation. I tore open the pay en-


velope and there it was. A new number embossed inside that tiny box on the right hand side. I would now have an ex-


tra seven dollars a week to spend lavishly. I couldn’t wait for the weekend. First, I needed to gas


up my car. With my sev- en dollars I was able to squeeze in a couple of extra gallons. Okay, we’ll wait till next


week to start “shopping like mad.” Maybe I could buy a


new refrigerator. Seven times four is twenty-eight. So, if I use my seven bucks to finance a new fridge it will only take me about seven years to pay it off. Six years if I forgo the ice maker. I see a lot of paperback


books are now $7.95. I’ll have to wait on one of those. Even the “quick- ie” car wash costs eight bucks. I’ll have to be more creative. I could buy seven com-


pletely di f ferent items at the dollar store. That would help stimulate the economy for sure. I might be able to squeeze


in a movie, but forget about the popcorn. I could even buy a tuna


sub down at the local con- venience store. I’d have to scrape together a few extra cents for a bag of chips. Hey, anything to get this great country back on track. The euphoria of getting


the extra seven dollars is still kicking in. I know


Why Not Have A F.O.O.L.* At Your Next Group Outing??


Weirs Times columnist Brendan Smith loves to share his experiences on how he has adjusted to life in New Hampshire after moving here from New York in 1985.


His widely read “FOOL in New Hampshire” columns in the


Weirs Times have been delighting readers for 15 years. He has


also been amusing live audiences with his “Flatlander” stories.


Brendan’s ½-hour presentation is available for groups and organizations at a modest fee.


For more information, or to book an appearance, email to Brendan@weirs.com


A brendan@weirs.com inNEW HAMP SHI R E FOOL * Live Free *A FLATLANDER’S OBSERVATIONS ON LIFE or Die.


MEREDITH, NH 279-7463 • WOLFEBORO 569-3560 NORTH CONWAY, NH 356-7818 • LACONIA, NH 524-1276


once I settle down I’ll be able to come up with a lot more ways to spend my seven extra dollars a week. In the meantime,


I’m feeling pretty good knowing that the state


5


of our economy rests on our shoulders. I’ll do my part. I hope you’ll do yours.


Brendan Smith wel-


comes your comments at brendan@weirs.com


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