I am not sure why I found it so amusing, but while browsing around the IRS website looking for information on business tax procedure I stumbled upon a frequently asked questions page that discussed if you have not filed your taxes in some time. The last question answered is as follows:

Will I Go To Jail?

Our long-standing practice has been not to recommend criminal prosecution of individuals for failure to file tax returns- provided they voluntarily file, or make arrangements to file, before being notified they are under criminal investigation. The taxpayer must make an honest effort to file a correct return and have income from legal sources. A letter from your IRS Service Center concerning your taxes is not a notice that you are under criminal investigation.

Our effort to get people back into the system is part of a long-term plan to improve tax compliance. We want to get people back into the system, not prosecute ordinary people who made a mistake. However, we will continue to investigate flagrant cases involving criminal violations of tax laws.

For a film like Alien, no introduction or commentary is required. Go now and see it while the special edition "director's cut" version is in theatres. I am glad to have had the experience.

While going through folders of previously saved, but no longer necessary computer files I came across the beginnings of a letter I started to write while living in Jacksonville. Last saved at 02:47:56, I stopped and went to sleep to continue writing and send it the next day. It was never completed or edited though, for obvious reasons. And it likely never will.

Monday, 10 September 2001
8136 Patou Drive South
Jacksonville, Florida 32210-2448
407.252.8972

Captain Maurice S. Joyce, Commanding Officer
C/O Public Affairs Officer
USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)
FPO AA 34095-2800

Dear Captain:

First, I appreciate your taking time out of your busy schedule to address the correspondence. As a citizen of the United States, I can appreciate the time and energy required by our Military forces to ensure the security of our democracy.

The purpose of this letter is to request, at the your and the services convenience and availability, a tour of your vessel when docked at the Naval Station Mayport. I have had an interest in Navy vessels for a very long time and even had the opportunity to tour, while docked at the Naval Station Alameda, my father's old Coast Guard ship, the Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WHEC-726). I recently relocated into the Jacksonville area to accept a great employment opportunity and thought it would also serve as an excellent opportunity to make this request.

After meeting a friend and enjoying a few rounds of beverages, one of which included two shots and drink, it was decided some late night feeding was in order. A nearby Steak 'n Shake would fit the evening's fare quite nicely and so we were off, greasy goodness ho!

As I was accessing my current cash situation in order to determine if using my credit card would be necessary in order to facilitate payment, I discovered I had a sum more cash than I thought I should. I returned to the table and proceeded to ask my friend if it made any sense to him or if I had simply made an error. Turns out I was not incorrect at all. The last round I purchased (one vodka tonic and two "red death" shots) came out to $13.25. I supplied $20.00 for this purchase and ended up receiving $17.00 in change! So technically speaking even after having left the bartender a good tip, all the while oblivious to the fact I was either not charged fully or a mistake in change distribution was made, the club paid for my post-club dinner.

No complaint here, especially considering another bartender gave me a free round tonight because he seemed to forget about it and simply blew it off when I pointed this out to him. I guess it was a good night to go out, after all.