Consumer Reports

As a relatively new resident to the state of Maryland, last week I had the less-than-enjoyable task of getting a new driver’s license and changing the registration on my car. The whole process started back in March when I started researching what exactly was required to get a new license and registration. It’s different in each state , but in Maryland, I found out I would need a state safety inspection, proof of ownership of the car, proof of insurance and a standard application form to get Maryland license plates . To get a Maryland license , the Web site said I would need my birth certificate , another form of identification (such as a passport) and two examples of proof that I lived at the address I was claiming was my home. I started rounding up documents, had my mom mail me my birth certificate, asked the leasing office for a copy of my lease, scrounged around for a piece of mail from a government agency. So far I hadn’t spent a dime. Then I took my car for inspection. Turns out my baby needed two new tires and the rear cylinders replaced to the tune of $530-ish. Ouch. But once that was done, I had everything I needed to go to the MVA last week. I was secretly dreading this trip, fearing that I would be stuck waiting forever and that I’d be told I was missing something even though I did my research. Long story short, the actual MVA process went pretty smoothly. I probably only waited about 15 or 20 minutes even though the place was packed. And now I can say I’m the owner of a new license with a pretty decent picture (much better than my passport !) and my car’s sporting new plates. Do you have any DMV success or horror stories? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments!

Now that you’ve filed your taxes and maybe cut a check to your dear Uncle Sam, why don’t you try to make the best of it and enjoy some free food ? In the current economic climate, the restaurant industry is suffering as more people are choosing to eat at home. To try and get people out of the house and back into the restaurant, many places are offering discounts and free offers on tax day . McCormick & Schmick’s: Offers today’s diners $10.40 certificate for future use. Many entrees are also discounted. P.F. Chang’s: 15% discount for those who eat there today. MaggieMoo’s Ice Cream: free single-scoop servings in their “e-cone-omic ice cream stimulus package” at participating treateries. Cinnabon: free bite-size cinnamon rolls from 5-8 p.m. Taco Del Mar: has a promotion titled, “Taxes Suck. Tacos Don’t.” Register on their website for a free taco coupon. T.G.I. Friday’s: $10 gift card for those who spend more than $25. Do you know of any other tax day deals or promotions you can share? *Also of note on income tax day —it’s my sister’s birthday! Happy Birthday, Karilynn!*

I love it when the government does something a little fun. That’s why I was surprised and delighted to see the Simpsons , my favorite residents of Springfield, on a government website . I spend so much of my time looking at government websites and I see all the important, far reaching, serious issues and policies that the government deals with every day. I often wish that there was a way we could occasionally lighten up a little. I take my work seriously, but I like a good laugh too, you know? So if you need a break, why not do something just for the silly fun of it. Hop over to the U.S. Postal Service website, and vote for your favorite 44 cent Simpsons stamp . I love to vote for things online like NASA’s space station node (yes, I voted Colbert ) or when the National Zoo let us name the panda cub . It’s nice to be included, and even better if we can all have a little fun with it.