James Stabile Info News Blog September 2007

Discussion of The Month

September 2007. I'm glad you found me. For all those ardent readers of my blog, I've downsized a bit. In an effort to economize my resources, I combined my two web hosting accounts. The web hosting account of www.jamesstabile.com has been disbanded and files transferred to www.jds2.com . If you are reading this blog, then you must have discovered the obvious. Enough said.

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Entertainment

I Know Pronounce You Chuck and Larry The advertisements for this movie seemed to suggest that this was a really funny movie. Wrong. Adam Sandler and Kevin James were very funny during the first 15 minutes or so of the movie, but the movie moved into the unbelievably dull, boring and highly questionable. The last 30 minutes were funny, but more importantly, these last few minutes of the movie revealed the real themes of the movie - acceptance, real love and the important things in life. It ended on a positive note with much goodwill and brotherly and sisterly respect and admiration. These last 30 minutes saved the movie for me. I still think it was a wasted effort, but I did enjoy the message of the movie.

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Illegal Tender This wasn't the best movie that I had ever seen, but it wasn't the worse either. It was OK. A bit violent and centered on drug dealers and their shady ways, but it was entertaining. It did show the positive aspects of a dead drug dealer's family, namely his son. Once again it was a movie describing real life situations even though those real life situations were anything but real and familiar to me and I would suspect to many other people, too. The movie showed that rising above one's past and becoming a responsible and respected member of society is possible. It also showed that one can never escape his or her past; one must deal with it. And that dealing reveals the integrity and worth of the individual.

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Health, Fitness and Lifestyle

Stomach problems? As we age many of us will inevitable have some sort of stomach problem. It is so amazing to me that people who have had absolutely no digestive problems suddenly develop such problems sometime after their 50th birthday. Of course there are some people who suffer such ailments from childhood, but my point being that as we age our bodies change and all kinds of inconvenient and non-life threatening disorders arise. The secret, know your body and take proactive steps when a change occurs. Seek medical help and take the steps necessary to eliminate or at least deal with the situation.

Many of these problems stem from stress and abusive eating. A body that endures years of abusive eating most likely will develop abnormalities. Start when you are young and treat your body as they told me in Catholic School, as a temple. It may be corny, but true. The abuse that one gives one's body while young will intensify and explode into minor or major health situations in one's 50's, 60's and beyond. Eat the right foods, treat your body with an appropriate fitness plan and reduce stress from childhood through adulthood may be the key to a healthy senior life.

Sometimes no matter what we do, we will have health problems. When we do, as stated previously, be proactive and solve the problem.

Let's talk about one stomach concern of many adults and older Americans - gas. Releasing gas can be embarrassing, but not releasing it or ignoring the situation can be painful and costly in the long term. There are many non-prescriptive medicines on the market that offer relief - Gas-X, Beano and a host of other generic gas medicines. I think a doctor recommendation is prudent if the problem is severe or if one already suffers from other medical problems and on medication. A doctor should be consulted.

There are simple things one can do to alleviate the problem. First and foremost, make note of what you are eating and how you are eating. A relaxed and stress free meal time should be the goal of all people. The emotional and physical, including stress, levels of individuals while eating do affect this types of ailment. Calm down, slow down and chew for a more relaxing meal. Also, take note of what you eat when you develop symptoms. And simply avoid those foods causing problems.

Foods that affect digestive gas include carbohydrates, sugars and starches - breads, bagels, pasta, noodles, and potatoes. Vegetables that may cause problems are beans (beans, beans they're good for your heart but the more you eat the more fart - an old childhood jingle), Brussels sprouts, asparagus, onions, cabbage, broccoli and peas. If you eat fruits, do so in small amounts. Foods, drinks or gum that contain sorbitol will also cause that disgusting gas. Cut down on soft drinks, they cause gas.

Watch what you eat for about a week. Eliminate the foods that seem to cause you gas. Each person is different. The important point of this discussion, if you suffer from gas or any digestive problem, seek help and be proactive. Do not ignore a recurring, painful or inconvenient medical situation.

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Obesity, there is so much talk of obesity - in children, adults and every group know to mankind. They say the that obesity among children as well as adults is growing at epidemic levels. They have even looked at national state by state obesity statistics and have determined the fattest state, namely Mississippi and the leanest state which is Colorado. Now let me ask the question, "Does it really matter which states have the highest levels of obesity." I don't think so. I believe the problem is obesity, wherever it exists.

Another thought, "Why are we so surprised about the level of obesity." We all are becoming entangled in consumption of fast food. Parents bring home take out for meals due to their busy schedules. We purchase frozen or deli foods for the convenience. But all of these conveniences come with a hefty price tag - foods of poor nutrition and foods with an inordinate amount of the bad "stuff" - salt, cholesterol and the like. And I haven't even mentioned the low level of activity of our children and adults. In a nutshell these are the reasons for obesity - poor food choices and lack of activity. This is no secret. So let's do something about it.

Adults must set the example for children. Adults must eat more nutritious foods and become more active for optimum fitness. Children must eat more nutritious foods - this must be stressed and enforced by parents. Children must be forced to engage in more physical activity. It just has to be done. It's becoming a matter of life and death. Most importantly, it must be done individually and practiced throughout ones life. In the long term, for success it must become a personal decision.

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Politics and the World

The Democratic candidates address the first of it's kind Gay Debate on Logo. Can you believe it. Presidential candidates met with gay and lesbian Americans and answered their questions. Democrats in August; Republicans follow later in the Fall. Unbelievable. No, not because I'm opposed to such meetings, but because it's amazing that mainstream American society is finally admitting that gay and lesbians have political clout and more importantly, exist and matter.

Most all Democratic candidates are against Gay Marriage, but favor full Civil Unions. Most if not all Republican candidates are against any union of gays or lesbians. I can't wait to see the Republican candidates discuss the issues concerning homosexuals on Logo. I believe the only Republican candidate who has accepted the challenge is Senator John McCain. It will be interesting to see which Republican candidates accept the offer and what they have to say on the issues important to gays and lesbians.

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Speaking of homosexuals, did you hear about the battle between Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle and the Fort Lauderdale homosexual community? The mayor is very outspoken, to say the least, but this time he may have overstepped his bounds by entering into a combatant and derogatory stance on what most people regard as the dignity and respect of all human beings. I don't even want to get into it, it is so outlandish, let's just say that it involves rude, crude and uncaring remarks concerning gays and lesbians. Do a Google search and read all about it.

I can't believe the insensitive and demoralizing comments the mayor has made about gays and lesbians. This is America. The gay movement or more succinctly, the movement to recognize that all people are equal and subject to certain uniform rights under the American Constitution, has grown and matured in the United States. Most Americans believe that gays and lesbians are real people, no better or no worse than any other group of people, and are entitled to the same basic rights as all Americans. However, there are still some people in America who fear and denigrate any group of people who they do not agree. Mayor Naugle is one of these people. In the end, truth, justice and equality will prevail.

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Religion

Mother Teresa is well on her way to becoming a saint. I believe she is currently at the blessed stage and the church requires one more miracle on her behalf to declare Mother Teresa a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. Of course you may already know my stand on the saint thing. I believe that anyone who is in heaven is a saint. Although I do give credence to the historic doctrine involving the canonization of saints followed by the Catholic Church. Tradition is good, the pathway to sainthood as exhibited by the church is also good. But never forget, any person who has died and with God is a saint. The church teaches this belief, hence November 1 is "All Saints Day".

Recently letters written by Mother Teresa during the 1950's show evidence of her persisting doubts about God, Jesus and eternity. These private writings of Mother Teresa were made public probably to cast doubt on the spiritual state of Mother Teresa and to embarrass the church and all who remember her in the most selfless, dedicated and faithful manner. In these writings she express her doubt in God and her purpose on Earth. She wondered if God did exist and if she should be dedicating herself to His will. She doubted, she questioned and she lamented, but she never really gave up her faith. Throughout her life she remained dedicated to God and His will, she remained steadfast in her faith, but albeit questioning.

To me and to many theologians, these feelings of Mother Teresa were perfectly normal and human. We are permitted to doubt, but if we lose our faith due to this doubt we may lose our souls in the process. We are human beings. We all have human emotions. God expects us to embrace our human condition and rise above it. We live on Earth, this is not heaven. As human beings living in an imperfect world we do not have all the answers concerning existence and God's will. During these times of doubt we must keep steadfast our commitment of faith, hope and the greatest, love.

Some conservative moral majority followers will probably disagree with me. They may say that we should know God's will and we are saved by believing in the Bible, no questions asked. They even say that they are absolutely sure that they are saved and will enter God's kingdom at the hour of their death. To me this type of thinking is immature and naive. Human beings do not have the power to know anything for sure, let alone the working of our God. Our faith and dedication to God is strengthened by our doubt and frustration. Human beings will never realize the glory of God until they die and enter into His kingdom. Didn't Jesus tell His disciples on the night of His Resurrection, "You believe because you see. Happy are those who believe and do not see." In other words, faith is the key to believing. The physical "seeing" has nothing to do with accepting God's Word. Faith has everything to do with following God's will.

We may have doubts, frustrations and weakness concerning things of the spiritual nature. We may disagree and define God's church differently. We may see the existence of God and the spiritual world in different ways. We may express our worship differently. However, one thing must never falter and that is our faith, hope and the greatest, love for God and His creation.

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Technology and Business

Do Not Call List, remember that do not call list? In case you have not registered for it, go to www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 and register. Being registered does cut down on the number of unsolicited phone calls from marketing or business interests. However, there are still unsolicited calls that are exempt from the provisions of the law. Charitable organizations, political organizations, research or survey companies and collection agencies trying to locate a debtor are exempt. Also permitted are businesses that you currently have an account, any business or individual responding to your request for contact or anyone in connection with an existing debt or contract. The last few I can understand - calls in response to your inquiry or business account, but the charitable etc. calls I really don't understand. An unsolicited call is an unsolicited call regardless of the source or purpose. I think the law should apply to any unsolicited call by anyone at anytime. Now that would be a do not call list.

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How does one gain control over spending? Now I'm not talking about governmental spending; I'm talking about personal, household spending. The United States is headed for a real financial melt down. Mortgages are being defaulted and people are losing their homes and their investments. Credit is now tightening up a bit. Credit had been much too easy for people to obtain. Especially for people who were not financially able to pay back the credit. The day of reckoning is coming - sooner rather than later.

Americans must learn to live within their means. This may mean going without until you can afford the item or luxury. And many times these things are truly luxuries. Most people want everything right now. The old practice of waiting and saving for something seems to be a thing of the past. Today it's immediate gratification. You don't have the cash, charge it. Now many people are finding themselves in financial trouble. Many do not have the money to pay their outrageous bills. The purchases are probably long gone, but the charges for them are still on the books - they live. People are finding themselves unable to meet the demands of their extravagant lifestyles.

To gain financial control, the first thing to do is to determine what you earn and how you spend it. Review your income and spending habits for the last year. Compute the money coming in and the money going out. List all your expenses, all of them.

Next, prepare a plan to determine your monthly household expenses in a realistic manner. If your expenses exceed your income, then you have two choices - increase your income or decrease your expenses. This may mean that you may need to get a second job. Or your spouse may need to get a job. Your children may need to contribute to the family income, they are part of it. It also may mean that you may need to reevaluate your spending and cut out nonsense or extravagant spending. Maybe that means not going out to eat so often. Maybe taking a lunch to work or school. Maybe not buying an outfit or electronics etc. every week. You must develop a direct proportionate ratio between spending and income. You spending must not be more than your income.

Finally to really gain that financial control you must not only curb spending but you must start saving for emergencies and for tomorrow. Save a set amount of money monthly. Too many times we neglect to save for our futures. The amount of money you decide to save each month must be actually saved. Don't cheat yourself. In conjunction to these steps you must start paying down those debts - car, credit cards, etc. It will not get better unless you make it happen. And you can make it happen.

A couple of guidelines to the previous discussion: Seek professional help in a discriminatory manner. Be careful of people claiming to help you save or pay out large amounts of money in a small amount of time. Also, don't pay exorbitant fees for common sense, practical and self help information. Do your homework and try to devise a plan with your family members. Be wary of such slogans as, "Borrow money to get out of debt." Come on now, that doesn't even make sense. Remember your initial problem came from spending money in an irresponsible manner. Don't pay someone for something you can do.

Summarizing, you must be proactive in family spending. Determine your situation - income and expenses, cut spending and increase income. Devise a budget and stick to it. And finally, save money for emergencies and for the future. Hard work, determination and fortitude will do it. Good luck.

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