Forget the Tea Party. The IRS Should Target Whole Foods Customers

12 people the taxman should chase.

I am so angry! I was reading this week how the Internal Revenue Service was found to be targeting certain conservative groups. C’mon guys, you’ve got some serious power at your disposal. You can make people’s lives miserable just by putting them on a list, and you’re wasting your time targeting the Tea Party? Really? Those guys don’t have any real influence. But feel free to continue your targeting! We know you’ve been doing it for years now, so why hide anymore? Tell the public you’re providing a service and target the following.

5 Scary Things About Obamacare

From a business owner’s perspective.

In her recent preview of Philadelphia magazine’s (excellent, by the way) new cover story, "The Ultimate Guide to Obamacare," editor Sandy Hingston urged readers to “not let Republicans scare you about healthcare.” I’m a fan of Sandy’s but … ouch! I’m one of those “fear-mongering” Republicans. Worse, I’m a Republican business owner who’s also a certified public accountant. Please don’t hate me. I like puppies. Really, I do! I think Barbra Streisand is a great singer and Rachel Maddow is really smart (and kind of cute too). I went to an Earth Day event back in 2010, and I even wore...

Richard Branson Should Buy SEPTA

A privatized railway system would be a better railway system.

So SEPTA needs money. Lots of it. In fact, a recent report said that unless SEPTA gets more money, the system “... will be forced to gradually truncate its system and eliminate services … ."

Why Philadelphia Should Just Go Bankrupt Already

Mayor Nutter would be doing the city—and the country—a favor by declaring bankruptcy.

Last week, as Philadelphia’s Mayor Nutter held an unprecedented closed-door session with a number of investors looking to raise money to help fix the city’s troubled finances, popular economist and blogger Michael Shedlock predicted that Philadelphia is effectively bankrupt.

It does not take a genius to figure out what is going on here. Philadelphia is bankrupt. Without even seeing the details, it is safe to assume untenable union wages and pension benefits are at the heart of it all. A 47.6% funded pension is rather telling in and of itself.

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8 Shark Tank Ideas Perfect for Philly

What Philadelphia entrepreneurs should pitch when the show comes to town.

Attention Philadelphia entrepreneurs! Shark Tank is coming to town and holding open auditions on May 11th. Don’t you want to be the next startup sensation? Gain national attention? Become rich and famous? Meet Mark Cuban? Of course you do. Well, you better get working. Here, some ideas to inspire you. 

Stop Complaining About Your Last “Horrible” Flight

In defense of U.S. airlines, pilots and flight attendants.

A client was very upset with me. We had sold him software a few weeks ago, and he called because he needed help. When I explained to him that all of our services are offered at an hourly rate, he was shocked. “You mean I have to pay you to help me with this lousy software?” he yelled. “I’ve never heard of such a thing before! This is outrageous!” I get this infrequently from “shocked” clients who’ve “never heard of this thing before.” And each time this happens I know exactly how the airline industry feels.

9 Totally Ridiculous Personal Questions Your Employer Might Ask You One Day

Penn Health, CVS start new trend in employee monitoring.

Are you an employee? Is it 2013? Then welcome to the new reality! Because it’s a great time to be an employer. Those in the workforce just have to bend to a company's demands. So forget about working from home. And toss away your online privacy, too; bosses want to see everything you’re doing, saying and tweeting. Oh, and ladies, don’t even think about having a baby unless you’ve cleared it with your employer first.

The City’s Sick Leave Bill Is an Insult to Employers and Employees

In this case, it’s the 99 percent who really suffer.

James is a client of mine who runs a 30-person roofing company in Northeast Philadelphia. Last week, one of the people in his office wasn’t feeling well and called in sick. It was no big deal. She got paid for the day. The next day she was back at work. Just like she’s been for the past 10 years. This is typical of most of the clients I work with. People get sick. They take time off to get better (which is better for everyone in the office). They come back to work.

22 Great Pickup Lines for the Philadelphia Airport

Get your thrills among the rocking chairs at PHL.

Philadelphia Airport was recently named one of the top five best places in the country for hooking up by MeetAtTheAirport.com. Why PHL? According to the survey, “There are 16 bars, seven lounges, 57 restaurants, and one magic shop. Sixty-five percent of respondents said Philadelphia had their favorite airport to meet people because of delayed flights, its large size, its proximity to the tri-state region, and its friendly locals.” I travel through the Philadelphia airport for business anywhere from three to five times a month so you could say I’m somewhat of a PHL expert. I’m also a very happily married man and am all business when I get there: Park. Security. Coffee from Dunkin' Donuts. Gate. Board. No monkeying around. But if you are looking for an airport hookup, I guess PHL is as good a place as any. In fact, I can think of many secret (and not-so-secret) places where you can succeed. But only if you’ve got the right opening line. Here are my recommended best pickup lines to consider. I’ve never used these openings, and I haven’t asked a girl out on a date in 25 years. But these lines are killer.