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In this newsletter you will find monthly updates and editorials concerning the issues of extreme importance and interest to the site's creator and owner James Stabile. These issues include - Family, Entertainment, Health & Fitness, Politics, Religion & Spiritualism and Tech Talk. Peruse the articles and if you desire, send comments, questions or join our mailing list. Feel absolutely free to email articles to include in the next month's edition. As always do not feel obligated to participate. And thank you for this opportunity.

Topics of Discussion:
Discussion of the Month
Entertainment
Health & Fitness
Politics
Religion & Spiritualism
Business and Technology

Discussion of the Month

December is here, the most wonderful time of the year. "Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring-ting-tingling, too. Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you. Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling "Yoo-hoo;" Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you." Yes, one of those all time favorite Christmas songs, Sleigh Bells. Click on the link for the lyrics of other favorite Christmas songs. Follow the links below for some of my holiday expressions.

Advent 2001 Preparing For Emmanuel
Out of the Darkness Comes the Light of the World
New Year's Eve 2001

Preparing for the holiday is almost as satisfying as enjoying the actual holiday. Driving to work on Federal Highway, US 1, I see the tents going up where real Christmas trees soon will be sold. The decorations on business and street corners are starting to appear. Soon the decorations on homes will be in full bloom. The holidays are here.

I love to walk down the Broadwalk on Hollywood Beach. The storefronts, motels, hotels condos and private residences are decked out in their holiday best. It never ceases to amaze me the feeling I get when I'm experiencing 80 degree weather and seeing snow scenes in windows of houses or businesses. The same Christmas scenes that are up north are the same scenes you find in South Florida. Some things are just universal.

Holiday time is a time for reminiscing. We remember Christmas' of years gone by. I remember Christmas Eve and Dad reading the Christmas story from the Bible. I remember Christmas Eve on Hadley Drive. We used to strike up the fireplace in the cellar, gather around, listen to Dad's readings and sing Christmas carols. I remember putting cookies out for Santa Claus. I remember not being able to sleep Christmas Eve because I was anticipating Santa's arrival. 

I must tell this short story, picture it, December 25, 1960, 2:30 in the morning. A 10 year old wide-eyed, chubby boy wakes up from a deep sleep. He runs over to the stair way, peers over the banister and catches a glimpse of that fat, right jolly, old elf. That's right, I remember actually seeing Santa Claus sitting on our couch in the living room at the house on Hadley Drive, looking at our Christmas tree, doing that Santa thing. I immediately ran back to my bed and slept all night with the covers over my head. That morning I awoke and couldn't believe what I had seen. I knew the truth about that elf, but I knew that I had seen him, too. I know I must have dreamed the whole thing, but to this day I swear that I saw Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. I will always remember that night.

Do you remember the Christmas trees Dad used to bring home from the mountains? Prior to 1977 Dad would bring a Christmas tree home with him from deer hunting at the mountains. The trees were just a couple of dollars at the mountains. They would fit fine with the bagged deer, you see most of the times there was no bagged deer. I didn't care. I didn't care for deer meat, but I sure liked the Christmas trees. I have to confess sometimes the Christmas trees resembled Charlie Brown's tree, but we made due. Come to think of it some of the trees we would buy from the local Christmas tree dealers weren't a whole lot better.

I remember the late Christmas Eve visits from Uncle Dan and how he managed to get into some mischief each and every Christmas Eve. One time he side swiped one of our cars in the driveway, one time he got struck in the snow, one time he backed his car right into the ditch on the side of our driveway on Downing Lane - a car, snow and driving always made Uncle Dan's Christmas Eve visits memorable for us and exasperating for Dad, who usually had to go out in the cold to help Uncle Dan out of his dilemma. . But that's why I loved Uncle Dan's visits, they were never dull and neither was he.

I remember Grandma and Kenneth's Christmas Eve visits. Late Christmas Eve afternoon they would load all their gifts in the car and start their gift giving rounds. I know that Ken must have had to return to his house and reload the car at least three or four times that night. We could hardly wait for them to arrive at our home. We knew that they would be dropping off their goodies. Our living room looked like a scene from a movie or from a Christmas ad in a magazine. After they had left our house, I remember Mom would always run to open the gift that they had given her. Dad would get so upset with her. "Can't you wait for morning?", he would ask her. Then she would look at one of us and say "can I open another one of my presents, c'mon Jimmy or Patti or Debbie, etc". We would never allow her to open any other gifts. 

I remember Christmas morning. I usually was the first one up and out of bed, even when I was in my 40's. I just couldn't wait. I would go around the house making noise so every one would wake up. Sometimes it wasn't appreciated, but no one ever got mad at me for waking them up. Each of the kids would stake out their spot to collect their presents. Mom would hand out the gifts. No, it wasn't a free for all, we did this orderly. Everyone would get one present and we would open that present and then Mom would give us another to open. The fun was opening our presents, but for me and for each of my siblings, the ones who were old enough to buy presents, would eagerly await the giving of their presents. We all hoped that each would like what we had given each other, and we always did. I particularly liked to watch Dad and especially Mom open their gifts. Dad was kind of matter of fact. He never needed anything, so it was hard to buy for him. But Mother, she loved anything and everything that she received. I figured for years my parents had showered all of us with many gifts even though they had to watch how they spent their money, now it was their turn. For years they had made our dreams come true, now it was their turn.

I remember Christmas Day, especially on Hadley drive. All the relatives would come to our house. Mom and Dad were the kind of people who enjoyed staying home and letting family and friends visit them at their home, they were not the kind of people to spend Christmas Day running from house to house visiting. Of course they had to go to the relatives' houses other times on a rotating basis, to keep everyone happy. Grandmas from both sides of the family would visit on Christmas Day. Aunt Babe would always be at our house sometime Christmas Day. We would see most of our extended family, both sides, sometime during the holidays. Holidays and family, what could be better?

To me Christmas is still the same, even in the 21st century. Of course situations have changed, but the feeling is the same. In recent years, I've missed going to Pennsylvania on Christmas Day. I think 2 years I didn't even leave Florida during the Christmas season. Once or twice I visited after Christmas Day. I haven't spent every Christmas in Pennsylvania, but my family was always with me, even if in my mind.

Out of sight out of mind, I think not. Enjoying memories and being with loved ones, if only in your mind, is kind of like what heaven must be like. Think about it, not being with your loved ones, but knowing that they are always present must be that same kind of feeling as thinking about people who have died. Maybe that's how we experience God. The feeling is just there, no physical presence, but just there. I don't know, but it's a great thought.

So, I'll see you this Christmas, one way or another. 

Condo Association Board of Director member, that's me. Yes, last week the Condo Association Board of Directors named me to the Board of Directors. In February 2005 at our annual Condo Association meeting, the election of officers will be held. I'll be a shoe in for the seat I now hold, no one else wants to do it. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, we the  Board of Directors met to discuss the agenda of our annual association meeting. The budget, special assessments, cash reserves, election of 2005 officers, among other things were discussed. Condo associations in the state of Florida are sanctioned by the state, hence paperwork and mindless protocol. It is unbelievable. All the rules and regulations. It's ridiculous. Well somebody has to do it. Why not me?

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Entertainment

Does anyone watch LAX, the television show about the day to day operations at a major American airport? I caught it for the first time last night, Wednesday, November 10. It was pretty good. I like airport shows. This one was a little sentimental and emotional. I thought it accurately portrayed life in a major airport. Also, in this episode anyway, it portrayed the "people" side of a major airport - people as in the employees as well as the "customers". Heather Locklear and Blair Underwood both were looking good. Heather Locklear is aging a bit, but she still looks terribly youthful. Blair Underwood looks the same as he did on L.A. Law. The supporting cast is made up of many talented actors and actresses. 

I'm still sticking with my favorite new drama this season, The Clubhouse. The episode on last Saturday, November 6 had to do with the loss of a job by a senior employee of the Empires, Lou (Christopher Lloyd) due to his computer illiteracy. Of course the star Pete saved the day and Lou was reinstated in his job. The show does tackle contemporary issues and portrays realistic and appropriate solutions to life's difficulties. It's been a few weeks now and I can't find the show anywhere. I think it was retired from the Fall lineup. 

Did you happen to see the Dallas reunion on CBS. They are re-broadcasting it tonight (Saturday, November 13). I guess it's not too bad, if you are a Dallas fan. I was never a big Dallas fan. Oh, I watched the show when I was home, but I didn't follow it religiously like many of my friends. I remember a Dallas movie a few years ago. I thought it was terrible. It was another of those bad TV decisions. Sometimes, rather often times, one should leave well enough alone when it comes to vintage TV shows. When one tries to re-do a popular series, most of the time it flops. In the case of the Dallas movie, the characters were the original characters, good, but they were so old, bad idea. Not that old is bad, but older actors in roles that were originally played by younger actors is definitely absurd. 

Tom Brokaw gave up his NBC anchor desk position in November and Dan Rather is leaving his CBS job in March, will Peter Jennings be next? I'm sure by now you have read or heard the stories about the exodus of the network anchors. Maybe it is time for a new look and a younger perspective. Dan Rather is 73 years old. If I was him, I would have retired years ago. He does love his job. Dan Rather will always be a reporter.

None of the past, present or future news anchors will ever measure up to the expertise of Walter Cronkite. Lately the 88 year old Cronkite has assumed a new role, a commentator. Instead of reporting the news, Walter Cronkite has started commenting on the news. The former news reporter has become the news. I don't know about you, but I prefer to observe the news and not be the subject for that evil empire.   

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Politics

Did you hear, Senator Kerry may run for president in 2008. That would be a mistake. If the Democratic party wants to capture the White House it must nominate a moderate Democrat. Preferably a southern candidate. The party will have to move to the center of the political spectrum. The American people are a centrist people. Collectively, I believe the majority of Americans are concerned about the rights of all people, including a woman's right to choose, gay rights including civil unions, not gay marriage, strong social programs including Social Security and Medicare, a strong defense and a fiscally sound economy. Democrats must nominate and support candidates who reflect the attitudes of most Americans. 

The secret to the success of the Republican Party to a great extent rests with the creation of a Republican view that is reflective of the attitudes of the majority of Americans. The Republicans have capture the American ideal - love of God and love of country. They have structured their party to reflect the American dream. The Republican party is becoming the dominate political party in America. Why? Because they have made it "American" to vote Republican.

Democrats must  adopt a new party platform. Similar to the Republican platform in the sense that it reflects the American dream, supports all Americans and pledges to emphasize the individual as opposed to government. We Democrats must put aside our individual differences. We must talk about the unifying force among all people. Concentrate on the positive, ignoring the negatives. We must stand for God and country, not for individual issues.

Why did George W. Bush win the 2004 presidential election? President Bush was re-elected because he has given the perception to the American people that he is one of them, an "every man". He has shown the American people that he stands for God and country. Of course he has issues he cares deeply about, but the way the American public perceives his stand on these issues is crucial in his relationship with the American public. 

Democrats must do the same. We must become one with the American public. We must give the American public the perception that we stand for God and country. Once we get their support, then we can deal with the issues of equal rights, freedom of choice, etc. That perception is all important in politics and in any area where public support is vitally required.

I believe there are 2 main reasons that Senator John Kerry lost the 2004 presidential election and why so many Democrats lost their seats in Congress. First-Gay issues, second-Choice. In a nutshell, Democrats lost support in the 2004 election because of the perception of the majority of Americans on these two vital issues. This perception was formed, clarified and magnified by the Republican Party. 

First for the Gay issues: The old fear and ignorance of the general public in regard to homosexuals was dramatized by the Republicans. The moral majority, the right wing of the Republican party led the attack on gay rights. Homosexuals were perceived as against God's plan and gay marriage was seen as an attack on the institution of marriage. Hog wash. God loves all people - gay, straight or what ever. I don't think God would want any of us to single out one group of people and chastise them. Didn't God say to let the good seed and the bad seed to coexist along side each another until the harvest and the good would be extracted from the bad. And isn't it God's job to chastise anyone needing chastised? I really don't have an objection to the moral majority disagreeing with the gay lifestyle. My objections comes when such groups attack any group and try to stripe them of there rights in the name of God's will. These people better enjoy this life because in the next God will be the one separating the good from the bad. No human being or group of human beings has the right to harm (physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually) any of God's children.

As far as the gay marriage issue: Gay marriage will not undermine the institution of marriage. Do you really think that gay and lesbian people are trying to destroy anything heterosexual, including marriage? It seems to me that any two people who love each other and want to pledge their love for each other are no subversives, they do not wish harm anyone and they are not trying to undermined any establishment.

Personally, I am against gay marriage, but I am in favor of legal unions. A committed couple, straight or gay, would be something that society should encourage. In any case, ignorance, fear and hatred are the main reasons why people of any group abhor any other group of people. We are all God's children. As Americans we all share in the promises of the Bill of Rights and the United States Constitution and above all others, God's law for salvation.

John Kerry lost Ohio because the Republicans were successful in preaching their sermon of hatred. The Democrats may have been successfully portrayed as evil doers and enemies of the family, but in the end God's Word will prevail. People taking part in American politics, especially the Republican party, right conservatives and moral majority are not above the natural law or God's law. In the end God will be the one to heal every wound and right every wrong. 

President Bush has come out in favor of legal unions. Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife are for legal unions. I feel that the second Bush administration will view these issues differently than the first Bush administration. In his second term in office, President Bush will not have to bow down to the conservative right. He will be able to accomplish his great plan. He will be able to be a person of conviction. He will be able to unite the political parties and do the work that the American people have re-elected him to do. I see great potential in the second Bush administration. God's speed President George W. Bush, but will you take the challenge.

As far as abortion and choice, I feel that this is a personal issue. The Republicans have made it a defining issue for the Bush administration. I feel abortion is wrong. I think Democrats must recognize the fact that many among their ranks are against abortion. The Democrats must do what the Republicans have done, accept the opinion of the members of their party - for or against abortion or the woman's right to choice. This is a difficult issue. All opinions must be accepted in both political parties.

It's a shame but the American people have been tricked into voting for one political party over another based on these two "non-political issues". The result, the truly politically important issues for the most part have been put aside and ignored because of the shrewd political play of the Republican party. However, even with these truly political issues - national security, Iraq, the economy, social security and Medicare President Bush still has the opportunity to successfully engage, discuss and solve these important issues.  

The Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, Arkansas opened in November. The library will be a complete display of former President Bill Clinton. By complete, I mean that it will contain the Impeachment proceedings and the Monica Lewinsky saga and the Paula Jones escapade. The former president's entire legacy will be on display. A deserving tribute to a deserving former president.

      
     Clinton Library                                       Present and past US presidents

Religion & Spiritualism

The Conference of Catholic Bishops was held in Washington D.C. the week before Thanksgiving. The main topic of conversation was the enormous amount of money dioceses are paying out because of the sex scandals. Many dioceses are filing for bankruptcy to protect their assets. Child abuse or sexual abuse is a major problem. Both are disgusting, but no amount of money is going to "heal" the wounds of abuse. I think the predators should be dealt with by the courts. Greedy lawyers and family members of the individuals involved should not be awarded such vulgar sums of money. That money is not hurting the person who committed the offense or the church, it is hurting the congregation of the church. That should be considered a crime.

I read an article  in the Sun-Sentinel today (11.20.04) about the Pope's consternation with the European Catholics in regards to the European feeling that the church should not be the central force in deciding public practices. Catholic European countries are going against Catholic teaching when it comes to same sex marriages and unions as well as stressing a more complete separation between church and state. I think that I agree with the European stand. I think Americans should put the hypercritic moral majority supporters on notice. Let's get back to the Constitution when it comes to the separation of church and state. 

In the same newspaper I read an article about the meaning of the gospel teaching, that the only way to God is through Jesus. Personally I believe that teaching, but what about the people who do not believe it. The people who have been born into non-Christian families. By no fault of their own, are these people damned to hell? I think not. I believe that all people are called to heaven. All people have a place in heaven. The path that they choose my be different depending on their religious beliefs. In any case, the government, or any group of people and certainly not me should be able to intimidate any religious group because of their beliefs. That's another of our rights outlined in the United States Bill of Rights.

The supreme deity is God Almighty. God is the one who will determine who, what, where, how and why of the justification of His law. God will determine who is "right" or "wrong". Simply put? Yes. And that's the way I believe it works. 

In this newsletter and previous newsletters I have been very critical of my church. Does that mean that I should not call myself a Roman Catholic? No. I do believe in the validity of the Catholic doctrine, but I also believe that each man or woman must decide for themselves the "Way" to eternal redemption. In the end, it's up to each person to become responsible for their own beliefs and actions. Actions speak louder than words.

I believe in the holy Bible. I believe that the message that comes from the Bible is from God, but the way in which it was written comes from human beings. I do not believe that the Bible is an history text. Rather, the Bible is a human being's interpretation of God's message.  I do not take the Bible literally, but I do take the message literally. In other words, the religious holiday that we are preparing to celebrate, the birth of Christ, may not have actually happened the way we think it happened. The manner in which it happened is not as important as the fact that it did happen. Every story in the Bible could have happened because God can make anything happen, but I don't think all of those stories actually happened the way they are portrayed. Once again, the message happened and message is from God's mouth, so to speak.

During Advent, the time of preparation, let us really prepare for the birth of the Christ child. The gospel tells us to "ready our hearts", let's do it. Let us see God in every other human being and every creation of God. One of the Epistles says "love is never boastful". Let us listen to the quietness of life. Many times people say more from the quietness of their actions than by the loudness of their voice. Let us receive the Christ child in the simplest, least of His brethren. At the end of the day, we will meet the Christ child in the most unlikely places and this will please the Lord and we will be called His.

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Wal-Mart why is it so successful? I read an article in the (Ft. Lauderdale) Sun-Sentinel November 1, 2004 issue which may shed some light on the subject. The article says that Wal-Mart is the envy of many other so-called discount stores as well as the mall type retail department stores. The article suggests that Wal-Mart has been so successful because it's founder Sam Walton was a "continuous learner" and a "servant-leader". The Wal-Mart legend is based on "learning from ones mistakes". Wal-Mart works with it's vendors, promotes from within, controls costs, demands creative displays and talent and offers impeccable service with complete customer satisfaction. The only problem I find with Wal-Mart in general, the size of their products in stock is not always the size that I desire. The size of it's products tend to be large or super large. I find that it is hard to find small or medium size products on the shelves at my neighborhood Wal-Mart. 

Target is my favorite discount store. I usually find what I'm looking for at Target. Target has a pleasant environment. Their merchandize ranges from cheap or inexpensive to moderately expensive. The quality of the merchandize is very acceptable to me.

I do have to admit, Wal-Mart is further away from me in distance and is located near the Inter-coastal in Hallandale Beach which is a very busy, congested traffic area. That may be the reason that I shop more frequently at Target. I do visit the big K, Kmart once in awhile. There are some favorite products of mine that I can not find at Target, Kmart carries them. I guess it's a buyer's market.

Speaking of buyer's market, I still have not visited my neighborhood mall (as of November 11, 2004). I was going to stop by today, Veteran's Day, but didn't have the time or desire. Remember in my November newsletter I said that I needed some cologne, Calvin Klein Eternity, well I found a sample size spray mist Calvin that was given to me when I purchased cologne some time ago. It will do until I muster up the desire to visit that mall. I am getting anxious about spending some time at the mall now that it's Christmas time.

Speaking of Christmas time, I wonder what kind of holiday season the merchants will experience. Will it be a bull or bear holiday season. We must remember, our economy and our financial outlook is dependent on the success of the merchant's holiday season. Good luck to all those entrepreneurs!

Kmart and Sears merge. What a coo. Rumor has it that this was quite a coo. It was a secret, highly secretive deal. I think it will be good for both ailing businesses. Kmart has the discount store aspect and Sears has the service appeal. It should be quite successful.

I never shop at Sears. I just don't care for it. I think there appliances are a bit overpriced, but then I really haven't been doing much comparison shopping. When I finally update my appliances, I will probably look to Best Buy or similar type stores. I just don't care for Sears.

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Thought For The Month

Dear Editor

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, If you see it in The Sun, it's so. Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
Virginia O'Hanlon
115 West Ninety-fifth Street

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no child-like faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.
--Calvin Coolidge
   Thirtieth President of the United States