SEA BREEZE

When spending a day at the beach, I generally tote a towel, lotion, a book and a lacy hand knit shawl. I like to travel light, so why a shawl?

It's in case I want to stay and watch the sunset over the water. In late afternoon when cool breezes begins to blow off of the water a shawl comes in mighty handy.

This wind, officially known as "sea breeze," occurs in response to differences in temperature between a body of water and neighboring land. While any old sweatshirt would do, one of my hand-knit shawls feel more romantic for sunset viewing.

Today, I came across a shawl pin for beach-loving knitters (or shawl wearers).

It's from Knit Picks and I couldn't wait to share my find... after I ordered one for myself, of course! It also comes in a Cat Lovers version or with knitting or nature charms.

TAX DAY

In the past, Tax Day has inspired me to say many things. Most of them are unprintable.

Today, however, Tax Day 2011, has me shouting yippee!

And it's NOT because I got a refund.

This year I anxiously awaited April 18th because today is the day the Grand Prize Winner of Google's Data Viz Challenge would be announced.


The competition was created by Eyebeam Art + Technology Center in partnership with Google and WhatWePayFor.com. The challenge was for web developers to create a web program that helped average taxpayers discover how our taxes are being spent.

Last week, my son Fred Jacksier-Chasen was named one of six finalists.

His program is called 'Every Day Is Tax Day'.

(You can click on the link and if you like Fred's program, it's not too late to click on the right- most star to give the program Five stars!)

'Where Did My Tax Dollars Go', 'Budget Climber', 'Tax Mapper', 'What Do You Work For' and 'Visualize Your Taxes' are the names of the other finalists' programs.

Eyebeam hosted a party in NYC for the finalists on Wednesday April 13th.Each finalist's program was showcased on a computer screen.

Since Fred lives in California and couldn't be there, my husband Everett and I went instead.

It was fascinating listening to all of the comments about the programs.

This morning the winners were announced. Fred's program came in second.
He was awarded $3,000. Hurray for Tax Day!

Fred designed my web site, www.watersidestyles.com, too!