Congressional Salary over time

I don't why, but I was googling around the other day for some info on our wonderful, in-effective congress, and I stumbled upon the following:


I found the image here.

This graph got me wondering about the data outside the date range shown... specifically about the data since 2000. So, more googling revealed the following report which includes the data I was looking for. The following graph (which I created based on the data in the report) sums it up:

In case you're counting, that's about $175,000 a year for our elected representatives. It's no wonder they aren't in favor of term limits.

P.S. Here's a link to the raw data I used to create the updated chart which I compiled from the other CRS report. It shows the percentage increases.

Cell Phone Etiquette

For everyone's benefit, please leave the phone out of the bathroom. I won't talk to you if I'm in the bathroom, I don't want to talk to you if you're in the bathroom, and I don't want to listen to you talk to someone else if I'm in the bathroom. When did this become socially acceptable. Ladies, help me out here. Talk to your men.

Gifts

I just ran across this and had to share:

My relatives are always asking us what they can get us for birthdays and holidays, and I'm usually at a loss. After all, my son can only play with so many toys, and anything he really needs, we've probably already purchased. So they end up sending checks, which just drop unceremoniously into the bank account. The next time someone asks you about a gift, suggest a housekeeping gift certificate. Instead of spending hours at home cleaning and organizing, you can devote them to quality time with your family.