James Stabile Info Blog November 2007

Discussion of The Month

November 2007 Yes, it is November. So what are you going to do about it? Do about it? Whatever do I mean by that statement? Think about it. In a few short weeks we will be immersed in preparations for the celebration of thanksgiving, the winter holidays and the new year. At that time many of you will be continually and a little selfishly lamenting about the fact that you have no time to prepare. You will be saying, "I have so much to do for the holidays and so little time. How did the time pass so fast". Well get with it, prioritize and plan now while you have the time. Use these early days to at least plan for your celebrations. It would be wise to make lists, plan activities and start the actual work at hand. Don't wait until the last minute. Take the initiative and strategize your preparations. Use the holidays to enjoy, enjoy the day, the season, the celebration and most importantly to enjoy those people in your life who are the reason for your celebrations.

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Entertainment

Good Luck Chuck Ah, so - so. Funny, not much of a plot. I could have lived without seeing it, but it was funny enough, I guess.

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The new TV season is very discouraging. However, I do enjoy Monday nights on CBS - How I Met Your Mother and The Big Bang Theory are probably my favorite shows on TV. Those smart guys do me in every time. This may be my only bright spot for the TV season, but the bright spot is dimming quickly.

On Tuesday, ABC's Cavemen and Carpoolers are so stupid that I actually enjoy watching them. Carpoolers is hilarious, but stupid at the same time. I hope I don't get too stupid out with those shows. I have a feeling that stupid will not make it for me like real soon.

CBS's Ghost Whisperer on Friday night is still one of my mainstays, but lately it has been tackling some really scary subjects. Recently I had to turn the channel because I was beginning to get so scared that I was starting to look around my dark house trying to see sprits in the mirrors. I just had to change the channel before my mind wondered too far in the occult direction.

All of those reality shows? Reality? Come on now, they are anything but reality. You call that entertainment? I sure don't. I hate those so-called reality shows.

I guess I can sum up the 2007-2008 TV season with these choice words - stupid, scary and anti-reality? Thank goodness for the 24 hour cable news channels and the presidential debates.

To be honest I really haven't given the TV season it's fair deal. I just can't stand to watch those silly, irrelevant portrayals of bad TV for more than 10 minutes at a time, except of course for CNN and MSNBC. I guess I'm not missing that much.

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Health, Fitness and Lifestyle

A dangerous germ is spreading around the world causing many more life threatening infections than health officials previously thought. This microbe is a strain of a once harmless staph bacterium which has mutated to an antibiotic resistant bacteria. The germ is killing thousands of people worldwide. As bacteria becomes immune to antibiotics especially penicillin, it will become harder and harder to fight these germs. The over use of antibiotics contributes to the increase level of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Good hygiene is the best way to avoid infection from a potentially antibiotic resistant germ.

To prevent the spread of these germs one should:

Keep hands clean by either washing them thoroughly with soap and water often or by using an alcohol-based hand cleaner.

Keep cuts and bruises clean and covered until healed.

Avoid contact with other people's wounds and bandages.

Avoid sharing personal items such as razors and towels.

In short, practice those simple words of care from your mother - wash your hands, stay away from people who are sick and do not share personal hygiene items.

I can not believe the number of adults who practice poor hygiene. Many people do not wash their hands enough - especially after using the restroom. I am appalled at the number of educated adults who do not practice good hygiene. Children are children, they need reminding of good hygiene, but adults should know better. There is no excuse. Good hygiene is important now more than ever. It could save your life.

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It's flu season. Have you gotten your flu shot? This is another real mystery to me. Why do so many people not get the flu shot? It is so easy and convenient to obtain the flu shot. I believe all people should be immunized against the influenza bug. People of all ages, from children to the aged, should get a flu shot. The flu can be deadly. At the very least it could give you days or weeks of suffering and missed work or play time. If you contract the flu, besides losing valuable work time or personal time you may just get extremely sick for an extended period of time or it may cause death in the extreme case. Why would anyone take that risk? Life is too important to risk an illness. We are too busy to senselessly risk losing valuable time that we may need to perform our required duties as adults. That's not even to mention the possibility of a related fatality.

Remember those old adages about the ills of getting a flu shot? Well, forget them. They are all false, all stupid and all just excuses. Flu immunizations are much more beneficial than they are detrimental to the individual. You should consult a doctor if you are weary about the alleged deadly affects of the flu shot. Avoid getting the shot if you are allergic to eggs. By all means discuss your unique individual situation with your primary care physician. In the high majority of situations a flu shot is just what the doctor will order and will prove many times over beneficial to the person receiving the immunization.

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Politics and the World

Is Vice President Al Gore back on top? He received the Nobel Peace Prize in partnership with the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Really? The Nobel Peace Prize? I really don't think that his work with informing the world about the effects of global warming, et. al. does a Nobel Peace Prize recipient make. Not that his work is not meaningful, serious and crucial to our survival as a people, but the peace prize? President Bush could have earned the prize if he would have captured bin Laden and squelched the al-Qaeda movement. This would have been an act worthy of the Peace Prize, but global warming and peace? I don't understand. In the President's case, he decided that invading a foreign country was more appropriate. Go figure.

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The 2008 Caucus and Primary schedule has been released. The 1st in the nation Iowa Caucuses and the 1st in the nation New Hampshire Primary have regained their historic status - first in the nation. I don't know if I remember the exact dates, but I believe Iowa is on January 3, 2008 and New Hampshire is on January 5, 2008. The next 4 or 5 decisions, Nevada, South Carolina, Michigan, Florida, etc. will take place after January 5. I just don't understand the confusion. Does it really matter "who" is first? I guess it does, not only for historic reasons but also political and financial reasons. Good public relations and financial windfall for the states of Iowa and New Hampshire are the prizes. Anything else? Other states want a share in the early decision making contests for the same reasons. Hence, a little shift in schedule.

I definitely appreciate the states' desires about making a difference in the selection process in the presidential candidate contest. Being part of the first decision making contests is good for business, so to speak, as well as good for national exposure. Candidates would be forced to campaign and campaign often in the early primary and caucus states. However, I think there could be a better and more fairer way in determining the placement of the calendar positioning of the states' contests. Perhaps regional primaries or caucuses?

Think about this solution - allow Iowa and New Hampshire their traditional and historic placement in the decision schedule, then schedule five regional decisions. Primaries or caucuses for the states that make up the northeast, southeast, mid-west, southwestern and northwestern regions of the United States would be scheduled on the Saturdays of February and perhaps one in March. The schedule would alternate every four years, following the presidential election cycle. Better yet, dispense with the special placement of Iowa and New Hampshire and include them in the regional contests. Makes sense? I think so and that is probably the reason it won't work among a lot of selfish reasons, too.

Anyway, it is the 2008 presidential decision cycle and January 3 is a very short time away. Let the games begin or maybe what should be said, let the games continue and intensify. And may the best man or woman win.

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The state of Florida has a new property tax law to offer Floridians on January 29, 2008. As you may remember from previous blogs, the state legislature was attempting to reform the property tax code for the state. An amendment was past by the legislature and was being presented to the people at the January 29 primary. A problem, the Florida State Supreme Court declared the original amendment unconstitutional. In October another special session of the state legislature was called to decide upon another, simpler and constitutional, property tax amendment. On October 29 with no time to spare a plan was passed. This new property tax proposal is actually better than the original misconstrued plan. This new plan is more fair and equitable but really does little for property tax relief. The highlights of the plan: increases the homestead exemption to $50,000, maintains the Save Our Homes law, makes the Save Our Homes provision portable and gives minimum tax relief to part-time residents and businesses. It offers some tax relief, it is more fair and it doesn't take away any previous benefits so it is a step in the right direction and I feel that it should be supported. It's about time. No, actually it's about public relations for the state office holders including the governor and legislators; they are shoring up their Floridian support for the next round of elections. The real losers - the people of Florida in the form of reductions in local and municipal services including fire, police, parks & recreations, health care, education etc., etc. So who really wins? Beats the crap out of me.

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Religion

I read an article in the daily paper about the Vatican suspending a monsignor over allegations of gay behavior. A monsignor was caught making sexual overtones to a young man in Italy. He was recorded by a hidden camera. During this "candid camera" the monsignor asserted that gay behavior was not wrong. The Vatican suspended the priest. The consequences befitting this member of the clergy is the responsibility of the Holy Sea. I just hope that the priest is disciplined in an appropriate manner. No, not because gay activity is wrong or sinful, but because unwanted solicitation is wrong in any sexual context and more importantly it is wrong when a Roman Catholic priest indulges in it. Furthermore any sexual practice by a priest is against his oath of celibacy. That oath of celibacy is the key to this dilemma. Priests do take an oath to remain celibate throughout their lives. Straight, gay or bi makes no difference. Until a change in church law is enacted, if ever, clergy must follow the oaths that they have made to God and their church.

This brings up a timely thought about gay life in the Catholic Church. Many, I dare say a majority of priest may be gay. In the old days the priesthood provided solace for a gay man. A priest can not have sexual relations with a woman, great for the gay priest. A priest can not marry a woman, another great thing for the gay priest. The life of a priest provides comfort, security and many times a secret life for the gay priest. However, my thinking suggests that the oath of celibacy applies to any type of sexual contact or relationship - opposite sex or same sex. In my view priests who practice gay sex should be defrocked because they have broken their priestly vows, not because they have entered into a gay, same sex relationship. The sin is one of breaking a vow not gay sex.

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Another priest from the Miami Diocese has been accused of sexual abuse of a young man. According to the news reports the abuse allegedly occurred 6 or so years ago when the victim was 17. Disgusting, yes, but why does it take so long for the allegations to surface. A seventeen year old boy is almost a man. I believe 18 years of age is the legal definition of an adult in the United States, so why does it take six years for an alleged sexual abuse incident involving a 17 year old boy to become public? In this particular case, I just wonder if the alleged abuse was truly abuse or was it consensual or was it fabricated for a varied of reasons? I do believe sexual misconduct and abuse is morally wrong and should be dealt with in a swift, appropriate and legal arena, but we must be careful not to accuse and destroy another person's life with false accusations. In any case, allegations involving any sexual abuse, especially on a child, must not be taken lightly. It must be taken seriously. The facts must be ascertained in a realistic, human and legal manner. If the alleged pervert is guilty, then the proper punishment should be applied to the abuser. However, if it is proven that the abuse allegations were unfounded or proven false, then the person making the accusations should receive the same punishment that the alleged abuser would have received if proven guilty. Sounds hard, you got it right. It is hard, but so is a false accusation about an innocent person. An innocent life is a terrible thing to destroy.

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Technology and Business

State of Florida asks drivers for emergency information. Florida drivers enter your emergency contact information on the drivers license web site immediately. Go to http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/ and enter your emergency contact information. I believe that this is a very valuable and proactive step that all Florida drivers should be required to complete. It gives the police officials the information needed in the event of a tragic if not deadly traffic accident. If you are unable to provide information to the police in such an unfortunate turn of events at least your next of kin and other love ones will be notified so they can take appropriate action for your welfare. This information will be used only by law enforcement officials to notify the designated contacts if a motorist is seriously injured or killed in a traffic accident. Do this for your own peace of mind and out of respect for your loved ones in case of a tragedy.

I think that this is an appropriate opportunity to urge all technology suave people to make a serious attempt to use technology for situations like the one described above. Technology should be used to make are lives easier. That should be one of the main objectives to the advances and proliferation of technology. Yes, we can use technology to peruse web sites, visit chat rooms and subscribe to blogs and the like, but an intelligent, practical and resourceful person will use computers and technology to make day to day life easier. Easier for oneself and others. To that end I think it is a great idea to update important information on secure sites for family and loved ones in the case of tragic events. Yes, this may be an uncomfortable subject, but if you perish where will your family turn to secure your last remaining intentions? Where will they turn to make those last preparations for you? Where will they turn to gather the financial, personal, medical etc. information needed for their own well being when you are no longer available? Be proactive and responsible, plan for the unexpected. Computers and technology can be a valuable tool in this objective.

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