Bill Gates

That hallowed group enjoyed 22% of the nation's adjusted gross income in 2006, and saw its average tax rate drop to an 18-year low. That's the latest from the IRS' income statistics division.

As election season heats up, the candidates' tax plans will garner more attention, and that statistic could prove an interesting point of departure for debate. Does it make more sense to raise taxes on the nation's wealthiest people or to keep tax rates low in an effort to fuel-inject the economic engine? Whether you are wealthy, poor, or in-between, your answer to that question will go a long way to revealing how you're likely to mark the ballot come November. -- Andrea Coombes, assistant personal finance editor

Ball Point Pen

Biro appreciated the fact that the ink used at the printing press dried quickly, eliminating the need for time-consuming drying processes. He also noticed that this thicker ink was smudge-free. Slow drying times and smudging were the two most significant problems experienced by people using fountain pens. The fountain variety also was in the middle of a long bout of research and development for an ink reservoir that didn't need to be filled constantly. Biro wanted to create a pen that used this printing press ink and have no need for continuous refilling.

Color Wheel

Take red, for instance. It is a powerful and warm colour. Fiery, romantic and passionate, red stimulates the appetite and inspires conversation. It is also associated with danger, war, and all things forbidden. In feng shui, red is the colour of wealth, motivation, courage, power and fame. In China, red is the wedding colour, symbolizing fertility. Some may feel energized by red while others may feel angered or irritated. Red is ideal for exercise rooms, kitchens and dining rooms, and makes a wonderful accent colour.