Here’s a lighter look at taxes from Brighton, Mich., where Dr. Phil Kazakji’s tax bill is brightening his day.

According to the city’s finance director, as reported by The Associated Press, Kazakji paid only $158 on his bill of $158.48. Thus the city penalized him 3 cents and sent a bill for the additional payment.

That adds up to 51 cents the good doctor still owes. And his property tax bill is likely one we would all love to have. But here’s the kicker: It cost the city $5.21 to send the dun for 51 cents by certified mail.

The finance director, Dave Gajda, said no one associated with the city had the authority to waive the 51 cents, even though it would have saved the city $4.70 to have done so.

Kazakji has written a check for .51 cents and is delighted to do his part to enrich city coffers, but he won’t spend any money on a stamp.

He’ll drop it off personally.

Sure, but can your underwear do this>

Soon the ladies of the world may be able to make a real statement on the environment and keep a good charge on their cell phones at the same time.

Reuters reports that a Japanese lingerie maker has unveiled a solar-powered bra that will allow its wearers to “take your battle to the environment a little closer to your heart.” Triumph International’s newest undergarment is an environmentally friendly bra that naturally comes in only one color — green. It features a solar panel that generates electricity through light. Unfortunately, that means the garment cannot be worn under clothing to work properly. And in some communities, wearing one’s undies as outies would be frowned upon.

Therefore it isn’t in production yet, but does give the company yet another way to speak its mind environmentally. Other offerings include a bra that becomes a reusable shopping bag, and one that features metal chopsticks, Reuters reports, “to promote the use of reusable chopsticks.

The model who wore the solar bra for reporters said it was very comfortable. And, said Yuko Ishida, “I can really feel involved in eco-friendly efforts”

What, she can’t recycle and get the same warm and fuzzies?

But he had such nice manners

Reuters is also credited with telling the world about a man who may be the most polite robber of late.

Sydney, Australia, post office patrons weren’t disturbed by an ordinary thief who rudely pushed his way to the front, brandished a weapon and forced them to the floor.

He simply waited his turn, jumped the counter, took the money and ran away. He was chased by post office staff, said officials, but to no avail. Police are hunting the man, who was said to be in his late 20s.

At least his mama taught him some manners.

She is sick — but not how they thought

The Associated Press reports that theft charges have been filed against a former social worker who had not only her co-workers’ sympathies, but their donated sick leave.

Sandra Dee Martinez wasn’t really sick. Except, perhaps, of going to work at the Department of Social and Health Services in Arlington, Wash.

Investigators said she “presented fake letters (from a doctor) that said she had malignant brain tumors.” To date, she has received $21,000 in paid leave as well as sick days her co-workers had given her to show their support.

Martinez may have been bright enough to come up with the shameful scheme, but her lack of smarts caught her in the end. She used a neighbor’s computer to create one of the “doctor’s notes” and left a copy in the printer tray.

She was, however, smart enough to skip town.