Entertainment

National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007), another super hero treasure hunter movie? Not really. In the words of the star himself, Nicolas Cage, the only reason the main character, treasure hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates is a super hero is because he has read a few books. That has a lot of truth to it, but Dr. Gates is still somewhat of a super hero - breaks into Buckingham Palace and the Oval Office, then kidnaps the president of the Unites States, climbs Mount Rushmore and then finds the treasure of the century - sounds like a super hero to me. As with many of these semi-action movies, the action came in the last 30 minutes of the movie. A lot of stupid jokes came at the beginning and stayed for the entire length of the movie. And they weren't even that funny, more corny than anything else. The characters were divine - in particular, Nicolas Cage, Justin Bartha, Diane Kruger, Jon Voight, Helen Mirren and Ed Harris.

*****

**********

Health, Fitness and Lifestyle

If you read this blog regularly, then you know that a pet peeve of mine is the fact that diets don't work. I am so glad to see that a well know nationwide weight loss program, Weight Watchers, is finally preaching that same belief. Recently I saw an advertisement for Weight Watches on TV and I heard those memorable words, "Diets don't work". Weight Watchers maintains that we live in the real world and in order to survive in the real world we must eat in the real world. Finally a weight loss program that stresses the real world and real food consumption. They say that we can "go out and eat", if we do it responsible. We must make choices and eat healthy and proactively. If we lose weight on this type of weight loss plan and when we have reached our goal, then we will be able to continue to eat in the real world and not gain the weight back. How simple and so profound.

I have been not only preaching this type of weight loss plan, but I have been living it since 1975. It works! I am proof. Yes, I still must watch what I eat; rather I must eat healthy and proactively each and every day of my life. Do I fail periodically? I sure do, but I don't beat myself up psychologically and return to emotionally motivated eating habits. Instead I review my actions, discover why I overate or why I have the feeling to overeat and then I forgive myself and devise a recovery plan. Discovering the reasons for our overeating is very important and must happen before success can be achieved. Next we must devise a plan or plans to deal with our temptations. Finally, at those times when we fail or overeat, we must forgive ourselves. We can not punish ourselves. We must accept, motivate and recover. 

It is that time of year when most people make resolutions to "loose weight". Well, how many resolutions have you made? That's what I thought, many, too many. Then what is wrong with this picture -  resolutions involving weight loss are made and we never achieve the loss of any weight or we loose the weight only to gain it back, many times - tenfold. The we make the same old resolutions again. Stop the madness, a weight loss guru, can't remember her name, used to say this - Stop the madness. Well, stop the madness, get off the treadmill and do something proactive. As a start, just review the Health, Fitness and Lifestyle section of my last 50 or 60 monthly blogs and you will have the first steps needed in changing your concept of eating, weight management and fitness.

Since it is the start of a New Year, let me briefly describe my fitness plan. For me fitness is the total integration of one's physical, personal, emotional and spiritual aspects of life. Fitness is more than losing weight or exercising or thinking good thoughts, fitness is all of these working in harmony producing a happy, healthy and productive individual. The first step in true, personal and realistic fitness is knowledge - both self-knowledge and out of self knowledge. In other worlds, one must know himself or herself completely and know or seek the outer-knowledge involved in developing an appropriate fitness level. Simply, find the resources that you need to learn and develop the person that you truly are meant to be in terms of fitness. Once the knowledge is achieved then the realistic and personalized living takes place and fitness is achieved

One important aspect in this development is our perception of food. To be successful in fitness or weight loss we must redefine food and our need for it. Food is sustenance, it is not our reason for living. I know this sounds trite and simple, but it is not either, but it is basic to our success. We must discover the reasons "why" we overeat. This may require counseling or at least professional help. Feel free to avail yourself of such services. Many people will be able to discover this truth on their own, some will need help. For me, I read the literature and basically healed myself, to the extent that we are really ever healed. We are never really cured. This is a process a way of life and it must be viewed that way for success.

In 1975 I secured a weight loss pamphlet from my family doctor. He also wanted to give me medication for help. I politely refused the diet pills. I read the booklet. I used the calorie charts as a bible and started to change my eating habits. I did lose 90 lbs from December 1974 to June 1975. Not bad, I had transformed my life. Wow, what a feeling, but I continued to educate myself in the area of fitness and soon discovered that in order to keep the weight off I had to expand my plan. I had to add exercise to my ongoing daily plan. I learned about exercise, physical activity and the relationship to caloric intake. To make a long story short, how does one make a 33 year story short, but anyway, I used caloric intake, physical activity and a realigned attitude towards food to change my conception of weight loss and fitness. I practiced it everyday for the next 33 years and counting.

Now wait a damn minute, as Trina would sing in her latest hit, "Single again", Trina on YouTube. ..."Back on the prowl, thought it was perfect, I don't know how"... or something like that, but it's a great female rap-ish song. I like it when someone learns from their mistakes, oh well let's get back on point. I don't want you to think that in 1974 I had an epiphany about weight loss and fitness and everything was just miraculous since then. No, not by a long shot. Over the years I've had my ups and downs, but I've learned that I am human, I make mistakes and I forgive myself. Presently I am at the weight that I feel is good for me, regardless of what the scales says. To set the record straight, so to speak, everyday is a struggle. At least now I know what I'm struggling with and I have the power to deal with it and win. 

Politics and the World

January 2008 starts the 2008 presidential caucus and primary season. Talk about good TV viewing, this is it. Of course it makes for good TV viewing only if one enjoys the political shenanigans that take place during this presidential selection cycle. I for one do enjoy this type of activity. In fact to me presidential politics is one of the most enjoyable contact sports in the public domain. I enjoy watching the presidential candidates in action. Watching each debate, speech and whatever by each or the candidates regardless of party or importance. This political campaign process may not be perfect and it can become predictable and hurtful, but it is the American political system at work. Yes, there are many ways in which the system could be improved upon, but that is highly unlikely to take place, at least for now. Currently, it is the only game in town and it is the method by which we as Americans choose our president. So, let the games begin.

If you have been following the 2008 presidential political season, you are aware of the changes that have occurred among the candidates both Republican and Democrat in the primary and caucus polls taken by the usual well established and respected pollsters. At first it seemed that Senator Clinton and former Mayor Giuliani had sizable leads in the Democratic and Republican, respectively, presidential contests. Now that has changed significantly - there are no outright predicted winners in either contest. In each political party 3 or 4 leading candidates have an almost equal chance of capturing their parties nomination. All of this is exciting to me. Of course, the American political system is always exciting to me. The winners and losers are important, but to me the process is the important and the exciting aspect of the political campaigns.

Let me give you my humble impressions of the leading candidates in each of the parties. These are my, the webmaster, owner and creator of this blog, own personal impressions of the candidates. I am reflecting my thoughts on the subject. These thoughts may be correct or incorrect in the opinion of others, but they are my thoughts irrespective of the opinions of others.

On the Democrat side:

Senator Clinton is currently trying every tactic known to the political world to maintain her standing in the top tier of candidates in the Democratic Party. She has had her problems, but she is still my choice for the nomination. On January 29, if nothing major changes among the candidates, I will be choosing Senator Clinton as my choice for the Democrat presidential nominee. Why? Because I respect, admire and value her political strength, wisdom and realism. She will be a great president for the middle class and the senior citizens both of which I am a member.

Senator Obama lacks the political experience to be president of the United States. He is naive and untested, plus he takes too long to express himself. He seems confused, shaken and unsure of himself when dealing with issues and people's questions. He means well and in a couple of election cycles he may be ready to be the nominee for president, but for now, he should quietly bow out and endorse Senator Clinton.

Former Senator Edwards probable has the best statistical chance of defeating the Republican nominee, whoever that may be, but he is old news. He has been running for president for the past 5 or 6 years and has never made it, not even the status of party nominee. He has the right motivation, he truly cares about the middle class and the poor, but he will not be effective if he were to become president. He has offended too many of the establishment, the people who make things happen in the United States. Yes, these are the same people that he complains about, the big and influential corporate and political leaders, but these people must be satisfied in order for things to change and then happen. He will not be able to to the job.

Senators Biden and Dodd would be great presidents, but they don't have the "right stuff" to be president. Dodd is just plain boring and unappealing. Biden does not have the right temperament to be president, although I do respect him for the obstacles that he has overcome throughout his life to get to the point her finds himself at today, but president - forget it.

The other candidates are simple losers, politically speaking. They lack the support and backing of enough Democrats to even capture the nomination. Each of these men has positive points in their campaigns, but they will never be heard by enough people and given the chance of succeeding. 

On the Republican side of the aisle:

Former Governor Huckabee seems to have the momentum, and he may very well be the Republican nominee but he is in the wrong election. He thinks it's the 2000 election when the moral majority and the conservative right had control over the Republican Party and successfully pedaled their lies to the American electorate. The American electorate is no longer interested in the moral majority, the conservative right or the battle between good and bad as perceived by the conservative evangelical right. Americans have many problems on their plates right now, mostly financial. Also, the evangelical right has run it's course for the time being. Americans have realized that the "old time religion" may not be the answer for everyone and may not be the only answer for everyone. Religious freedom of belief and action is unique and private for each person. Bigotry, self-righteousness and ignorance is passé in American culture, at least among the majority of Americans. President Huckabee? Never, not again, not ever.

Former Mayor Giuliani and Former Governor Romney have serious problems. I don't think that either has the potential to regain their support among Republicans. Both seem to have succumb to their own self-destruction. But are grasping at straws, trying to regain that lead and support that was theirs at one time although at different times in the campaign. Of the two, maybe Giulliani will survive until February 5, Super Tuesday, but I doubt if he will end up victorious. Romney, the epitaph is currently being written for him. It may be delivered after the Iowa Caucuses or after the New Hampshire primary, he should be gone from the race by the Florida primary, January 29. 

Senator McCain can still be the 2008 come back kid. He never politically dies. He is a fighter and a highly respected and admired American hero. Senator McCain would be a great president, a president truly of the people and for the people, but he probably will never get the opportunity. 

As far as the other candidates, may their political careers rest in peace. They never really had a chance.

Of course everything that I have discussed concerning the presidential candidates is tenuous and may change tomorrow or even later today. The 2008 presidential campaign is so close and so unpredictable that anything, and I do mean anything, can happen. For proof one just has to review the political standings at the same time, respectively, in the 2004, 2000, 1996, 1992, etc. presidential caucus and primary campaigns. All of the predictions made by political experts are done so by the results of polls, scientific or otherwise. As been said so many times, the only poll that counts is the one on election day. At the very best, we will be better able to gauge the success of the campaigns and make predictions after each of the early decisions. At the least, who knows what will happen. In the end the American people will determine the outcome of these contests. 

*****

**********

Technology and Business

The piper needs to be paid and it's time to face the music. Of course I'm referring to the 2007 income tax time. The end of 2007 may be welcomed news to the financial establishment, but it is unwelcome news to thousands of Americans who have not planned for their 2007 tax burden. No matter how you feel about income tax, everyone who earns a paycheck, one way or another, must ante up and pay Uncle Sam.

Many people feel that the IRS and income tax structure should be changed. I agree, it should be changed. Personally I favor a flat tax, no exemptions. That structure would be fair and just to most people - the more money you make the more you pay. Actually you wouldn't pay more, the percent of income would be the same for all taxpayer, maybe 17%. However, a person making $50,000 a year would pay less income tax than someone making $300,000 a year. For you math challenged people 17% of $50,000 is way less than 17% of 300,000 per our example. This method of computing income tax would be simple, efficient and fair. There would be no need for an elaborate IRS. It could be much, much smaller and the money saved by a leaner, meaner IRS could be used for other federal budget items such as education and universal health care. There is one concession that I would want to make in this tax structure - people making under $30,000 a year would be exempt from paying any income tax at all. The poor must be protected in order to compete in an economy where unfair, bias and discriminatory factors are in play. In any case, income tax preparation would be extremely easy to complete for every person in the United States.

The prospect of amending the IRS tax structure is remote to say the least. True and fair tax reform much like education reform, health care reform, etc. is highly unlikely due to the corrupt or corruptible, selfish or self-interest minded, corporate big wheels in our government, business and society. These people make their living and thrive on the destruction of the middle class. The powers that be will never give up control over the financial, political and governmental factors that would make America truly the land of the free and the home of the brave.

In the interest of self-preservation we must work within the system, prepare and act in a self-survival mode. We as Americans must take care of ourselves and those less fortunate, we must meet the challenges of living in such an America and be successful in meeting our goals and objectives.

In order to achieve our goals and objectives related to tax time, we must prepare for the tax man or woman. January is a little too late to prepare for the 2007 tax season. However, let's make a promise to start now and prepare for the 2008 tax season. Throughout the next 11 months, read my blog, especially this Technology and Business section and I will intermittently offer techniques that will help you prepare for the 2008 tax season. In the meantime you can simple review this section of my previous blogs and get basically the same kind of tax time tips. 

The immediate task at hand, determining and paying your 2007 tax burden. First there are some things to do now in January 2008. Gather together all of records from the 2007 calendar that are income tax related. Compile your income information. Make sure you have complete and accurate records concerning your income relative to the income tax year 2007. This includes all income - wages, interests, rents and royalties, part time self-business receipts, stock dividends, etc. Next compile appropriate income tax deductible expenses - mortgage related, property tax, state sales tax (if applicable), medical, moving expenses, etc. This may seem to be a haphazard, ineffective and crisis mode manner in preparing your financial records for the 2007 income tax  filing and it is. If you had been doing this preparation throughout the 2007 calendar year, then you would have the necessary and needed records.

Before we go any further I strongly recommend that you seek additional resources in assisting in your income tax preparation and filling. Some of you, particularly people who have extremely complicated financial situations, should seek the advise of an income tax professional. There are many tax professionals who would be eager to assist you and also eager to accept your preparation fee that would be required of you for their services. Sometimes you have to pay for help. If this is your situation, then seek professional help and pay, but do so intelligently. 

There are a variety of tax software programs available for individual as well as business tax filing. Personally, I've been using TurboTax for the last 9 or 10 years. By the way, you can deduct the cost of the software, as well as any tax professional fee, from that year's income tax. These tax software programs are relatively easy to use. As with any computer software, read the directions for installing, adjust for security issues and follow the rules. TurboTax, for example, goes through a step-by-step approach in the preparation of your tax return. It also provides several checks for accuracy and errors in your preparation. By the way, these tax software programs come in levels as related to your level of financial complicatedness of your tax situation - Basic, Deluxe, Premier and Home & Business, for an example. I suggest you research these options before your purchase a program. Don't be afraid to read the directions and seek advice. 

Income tax is a personal matter. People have the right to file their returns in the manner that they wish. However, remember we are talking about money here - the use of your hard earned money. Should you be proactive, direct and knowledgeable in the execution of any personal financial matter? I think so. 

*****