Jimmy's Favorite Sites

By Jimmy R. Hammond, CPA

Here are a few sites I have discovered which are helpful, informative or interesting. These sites relate to Annapolis, to business or are just worth dropping in for a casual visit. Let's go surfing and take a look.

April 15, 2004, at 2:20 a.m. is the 92nd anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. At www.encyclopedia-titanica.org, a site active since September 1996, you'll find a living memorial to the ship and the 1,523 lives lost in that historic accident. This site is absolutely fascinating, and the depth of knowledge is overwhelming right down to the downloadable deck plans of the ship. It is definitely worth visiting from time to time or maybe just on April 15 to contemplate the dimensions of the epic tragedy.

I have created some very complex Microsoft Excel spreadsheets over time, but every now and then my limits are tested or I have to look realistically at the value of my time and the efficiency of my programming skills. This was the case when my brother decided to use an invoice I had created for him in Excel. However, when he asked if I could automatically generate an invoice number each time he used the form, I stopped and bought a macro from http://ukww.net/patools/. My $40 automated macro purchase saved the day and my reputation as Mr. Spreadsheet. Don't be stubborn or shy---PA Tools may have the perfect solution for that spreadsheet you have been laboring over or neglected to finish.

I am proud to say that I am one of the 2004 dieters who is still trying to lose weight. It is sad, but only a week of indulgence can still set me back weeks. Fortunately, there are sites like www.calorie-count.com that give you the facts about foods and their dietary contents. I can still remember when I found out that a cup of black coffee contains 9 calories and 0 fat grams and that a single blueberry pancake with nothing on it weighed in at 85 calories. I guess it's just part of the life of a dieter who intends to win the battle. For the record, after more exercise and less food, I am finally 12 pounds lighter, thank you very much. This light reading might get you back on track. Good luck.

Recently, I was trying to find the directions to a restaurant in the Bowie area for my wife when I came across www.uspeakout.com. This public criticism bulletin board is quite informative, interesting and amusing. If you want to let the world know about bad service, mistreatment or whatever your beef is, this is your site.

Have you gotten a parking ticket recently in New York City, Washington, D.C., or San Francisco? Until recently, your choices were limited to pay, appear in court or hide. Thanks to Glen Bolofsky, a New York CPA, you now have another alternative. Since 2001, Bolofsky's site www.parkingticket.com has been fighting and winning the parking ticket battle. Complete the "Fight My Ticket" questionnaire on line. If they believe you can win, proceed on, otherwise they will instruct you to "Pay Your Ticket." Check the FAQ link on the site for answers to most questions and watch for other cities he may target soon as he single-handedly tries to impede their collection rates. You go, Glen!