On the Mark: 6/25/2002

	Tuesday, June 25, 2002

I just sat in on a presentation about the college savings section 529 plans. These sound like great plans for those of us socking away money to fund college educations for our children. They are great plans. However, there seem to be some big differences between plans and the states that back them. College Illinois, for example provides guaranteed prepaid tuition (a guaranteed rate of return in essance) for any Illinois college. That is pretty nice - especially in the current market. However, the same plan does not allow withdrawals for Room & Board or Supplies. That offsets some of the niceness. The Bright Start plan, on the other hand, does allow these withdrawals, but does not provide any guarantee on the return.

How does one decide? I am just a country software developer! Saving For College seems to offer some help by offering state by state analyses of known 529 plans. I still feel the need for a financial advisor to help me determine what is best for my situation. Owning a home in the suburban Chicago means I have zero chance of getting any financial assistance. I can live with that, but want to make sure I am getting the most out of the money I am setting aside for my two kids.
2:38:58 PM Google It!

Batmobile Schmatmobile, The Preferred Tool of Terrorists is...

Adam writes: "I have actually driven the oscar meyer Weiner mobile...."

Well you can't drive it near the Pentagon anymore.

Sad to think now of all the security that surrounds the Weinermobile. But, at the same time, when I consider the sleek, high-tech aerodynamic chassis, and the tremendous payload that could be stuffed into the frame of this phallic symbol on wheels, I have to admit I understand why we can't let this thing near the Pentagon.

[Ernie the Attorney]
9:48:01 AM

I'm glad I'm not the Oscar Mayer wiener

"The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile was busted for getting too near the Pentagon on a highway closed to commercial traffic. The sharp eyes of Virginia state troopers spotted and pulled over the giant motorised sausage on Highway 110, which has been closed to vehicles with six wheels or more since the September 11 terrorist attacks." [kuro5hin.org]

We must remain vigilant. The terrorists are desperate, and who's to say they wouldn't try to hijack a national emblem like the Wienermobile and drive it into the Pentagon?

[Ernie the Attorney]
9:44:22 AM