Happy Birthday Grandson - Time To Search For Gifts

 

A 6-year-old grandson—perfect age for some fun and imaginative gifts! At this stage, kids are usually bursting with energy and curiosity, so here are some ideas that could light up his birthday:

• LEGO Sets: A classic that never fails. Something like a LEGO City Fire Truck or a simple Star Wars ship (if he’s into that) would let him build and play out his own adventures. Around $20–$40 depending on the set.
• Remote-Control Car: A sturdy, kid-friendly one that zips around the backyard or living room. Look for something with big buttons and bright colors—usually $15–$30.
• Art Kit: A set with crayons, markers, watercolors, and a sketchpad. Maybe even one themed around dinosaurs or superheroes if he’s got a favorite. Could be $10–$25 and keeps his creative side buzzing.
• Board Games: Something like “Candy Land” or “Chutes and Ladders” for fun family time, or “Zingo!” if you want a fast-paced word game. These are usually $10–$20 and great for his age.
• Outdoor Gear: A kite shaped like a dragon or a soccer ball with a mini goal net. Perfect for burning off that 6-year-old energy—around $15–$35 depending on what you pick.
• Storybook with a Twist: A personalized book where he’s the hero, like from Wonderbly or I See Me!. Costs about $30, but it’s a keepsake he’ll treasure.

If I knew what he’s obsessed with—trucks, animals, space, anything—I would be able to zero in even more. What’s he like to play with these days? I don't know because it's been awhile since I've seen him.

What do you thinks of the items I've found on Amazon for him?

Federal Government Retirement System Found Underground

Federal employee retirements are processed using paper, by hand, in an old limestone mine in Pennsylvania. 700+ mine workers operate 230 feet underground to process ~10,000 applications per month, which are stored in manila envelopes and cardboard boxes. The retirement process takes multiple months.

Can you believe that this kind of stuff is going? Nobody over the decades ever thought to streamline the federal government retirement process? Imagine a company running like this and not having any oversight to verify the process is going effectively. 

There will be even more defective processes found by the D.O.G.E. team and I'm hear to clearly sit in the audience and enjoy.

No Tax On Tips Is Growing

Arizona's HB2081 aims to exempt tips from state income taxes, highlighting a significant party line division with nearly all Republicans supporting and most Democrats opposing.

Federal legislation, S.4621, known as the No Tax on Tips Act, proposes an above-the-line tax deduction for cash tips, reducing the taxable income for those receiving tips.

Proposals to exempt tips from taxation have been discussed in various states and at the federal level, following endorsements by political figures during the 2024 presidential campaigns.

The debate includes concerns over potential revenue loss, with estimates suggesting a significant impact on federal and state budgets if tips are exempted from both income and payroll taxes.

Critics argue that exempting tips could lead to increased tax avoidance strategies and might not benefit the majority of workers as intended, potentially affecting long-term social security benefits for tipped workers.