January 2, 2026
Thanks to the lamentable proofreading at the Post-Dispatch, I am getting reasonably adept at solving the Cryptoquip without having the key letter.
Friday, January 2, 2026
Your Gambling Losses Are Also My Losses
January 2, 2026
All I know about tax deductions for gambling losses comes from an episode of “The Odd Couple”, where Oscar is dinged for not paying enough taxes, and Felix comes to the rescue by finding the records of Oscar’s alimony payments in a box marked, “Gambling Losses.”
But I guess that’s a real thing: You can deduct 100% of your gambling losses from your taxes.
I found that out because there’s an article in today’s paper that says Vegas and other gambling sites are in an uproar because a new law will only allow 90% of losses to be deducted.
Heck, if I’d known I could write off my vices, I might have engaged in more. Do smokers get to write off cigarette taxes? Do drinkers get to write off alcohol taxes? CAN I WRITE OFF MY SUGAR ADDICTION?
But that’s not even the point of this post.
Derek Stevens, CEO of Circa Casino Resorts and also operator of a sports betting business, is concerned that U.S. casino customers might travel to Canadian casinos or gamble with illegal offshore betting sites to avoid the tax hit.
So, the real question for me (after, Why do people get to write off their gambling losses?) is, WHY DO PEOPLE WHO ARE BETTING OUTSIDE THE U.S., OR BETTING ILLEGALLY, GET TO WRITE OFF THE LOSSES AT ALL?
I think that THAT’S the part of the law that should be looked at.
Off to a Good Start
January 2, 2026
I started the year right by watching Gene Kelly’s “An Invitation to the Dance”. Wonderful ballet dancing, excellent storytelling, all without uttering a word.
A Familiar Scenario to “Doctor Who” Fans
January 2, 2026
Today’s headline: President Defends Energy, Health
It reminds me of how the Doctor caused the political downfall of Prime Minister Harriet Jones by uttering these words:
“Don’t you think she looks tired?”
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